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 Chinese foreign minister meets Turkmen deputy prime minister Xinhua) 08:57, December 02, 2024 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, who is here to attend the fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting, in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) CHENGDU, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday met with Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov in the city of Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Noting that Turkmenistan is China's good brother and partner, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the two sides should continue the traditional friendship, implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests, explore new ideas in expanding all-around mutually beneficial cooperation, make new breakthroughs in promoting energy cooperation, and take new steps in strengthening people-to-people exchanges. China is willing to further expand the scale of trade and investment cooperation with Turkmenistan and will encourage more Chinese-funded enterprises to invest in Turkmenistan, Wang said. Meredov, who is here to attend the fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting, said Turkmenistan adheres to permanent friendship with China and is willing to keep close high-level exchanges with China, give full play to the role of the Turkmenistan-China Cooperation Committee and promote mutually beneficial cooperation on the flagship project of natural gas trade between the two sides. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Bamboo Capital founder brings Vietnamese values to global stage By Minh Hue Mon, December 2, 2024 | 4:31 pm GMT+7 Nguyen Ho Nam, founder of Vietnams private conglomerate Bamboo Capital Group, stands out as a model entrepreneur, pioneering the promotion of ESG (environmental, social and governance) values that are deeply rooted in the Vietnamese culture while meeting international standards. Through his leadership, Bamboo Capital, listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange as BCG, has made significant contributions to Vietnams economy, ranking among the 100 largest private taxpayers in Vietnam in 2024. The company is also a leader in corporate social responsibility initiatives. Regarding personal achievements, Nam was elected vice president of the Swiss-Vietnam Economic Forum (SVEF), an international organization fostering economic relations between Vietnam and Switzerland under the World Economic Forum (WEF). Building a business group for the nation, society When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country in 2020, Bamboo Capital, under Nams guidance, embraced the mission of creating a business that serves both the nation and society. While ESG was still a relatively new concept in Vietnams business landscape, he laid the first bricks in building corporate values in line with global ESG standards. The company underwent comprehensive restructuring to strengthen its commitment to all three pillars of ESG: environment, social and governance. Under the leadership of founder Nguyen Ho Nam, Bamboo Capital has integrated a philosophy of social service into its business operations, making significant strides in all three ESG areas: environment, social and governance. Photo courtesy of the group. As Vietnam is engaged deeply in international institutions like the UN Climate Change Conference (COP), Bamboo Capital made specific commitments to shift its investment structure by focusing on renewable energy development. It successfully connected large-scale solar energy projects to the grid. Currently, Bamboo Capital is one of the top three renewable energy developers in Vietnam. The group operates many solar power plants such as the 40.6 MW BCG Long An 1 and the 100.5 MW BCG Long An 2 solar power plants in Long An province; and the 49.3 MW BCG Vinh Long in Vinh Long province. Notably, the 330 MW Phu My plant in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province is BCG Energys largest solar power facility, generating around 520 million kWh per year. It meets the consumption of approximately 200,000 households, while helping to reduce CO2 emissions by hundreds of thousands of tons annually. BCG Energy is also developing rooftop solar projects at industrial parks and residential areas, providing clean and cost-saving energy to households and businesses. In July 2024, the company marked a milestone by officially launching the Tam Sinh Nghia waste-to-energy plant in Ho Chi Minh City a project with significant social impact, helping to address urban waste issues. The project is expected to be operational at the end of 2025. Its first phase, with an investment of VND6.4 trillion ($252.7 million), will enable the plant to incinerate 2,000-2,600 tons of waste per day, equivalent to an electricity generation capacity of 60 MW. The plant will generate 365 million kWh annually, meeting the electricity needs of about 100,000 households and reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 257,000 tons per year. The second phase will increase its capacity to 8,000 tons of waste per day, positioning it as one of the largest waste-to-energy facilities globally. The groups environment-related projects, in line with Vietnams Net Zero roadmap, have earned international recognition, as evidenced by a partnership with Singapore Power and funding from DBS Bank, one of Singapores leading financial institutions. Bamboo Capital has also formed collaborations with major global companies such as Sembcorp Industries, Hanwha Energy, SK Ecoplant, and Sudokwon Landfill Site Management Corp. Nams vision goes beyond business profits. He emphasized that every project must also contribute to the social well-being of the locality where it is located. This commitment is reflected in Bamboo Capitals annual contributions to local socio-economic development, transport infrastructure, poverty reduction, and employment creation. Under Nams direction, Bamboo Capital established BCG Foundation, a charitable organization that supports education, infrastructure development, and community welfare. The company also set up a life board to take care of employees mental and physical health, thus fostering a positive and dynamic work environment. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the life board and BCG Foundation worked closely to support the families of employees and the broader community. Bamboo Capital contributed over VND100 billion ($3.95 billion) to the national Covid-19 Vaccine Fund and provided essential supplies like food, medicines, medical equipment, and emergency vehicles for localities nationwide. Bamboo Capitals commitment to social welfare extends to disaster relief efforts as well. In September 2024, when typhoon Yagi devastated northern Vietnam, the group donated medical supplies and functional foods worth VND1.2 billion ($47,344) to affected people via the Ministry of Health. It also delivered VND2 billion ($78,900) to help 33 families in Bac Kan province rebuild homes damaged by the storm. Bamboo Capital has long prioritized governance, having sustainable development content in its annual reports in line with international standards. Its construction-infrastructure arm Tracodi is listed on the HoSE as TCD, while Tipharco Pharmaceuticals on the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX) as DTG, demonstrating their business efficiency and transparent governance. In 2023-2024, Bamboo Capital successfully registered two additional subsidiaries - BCG Land and BCG Energy - on the Unlisted Public Companies Market (UPCoM) as BCR and BGE, respectively. Spreading Vietnamese values globally Under Nams leadership, Bamboo Capital has become widely recognized by international organizations and the global business community as one of the pioneers among Vietnamese businesses in implementing ESG standards. He has also actively worked to promote Vietnamese values on the international stage, particularly through his role as vice president of the Swiss-Vietnam Economic Forum (SVEF). In this capacity, he has facilitated economic cooperation between Vietnam and Switzerland in various sectors, including trade, investment, finance, innovation, and education. In June 2024, the SVEF successfully organized its annual economic forum, attracting major global business leaders and investors and creating opportunities for sustainable cooperation. In September 2024, the SVEF and Nam co-hosted an investment seminar in Zurich, promoting Nam Dinh provinces investment potential to European partners. Bamboo Capital Group founder Nguyen Ho Nam delivers a speech titled Vietnam A Trusted Friend in a Turbulent World, at the 25th World Knowledge Forum (WKF) 2024 in Incheon, South Korea in September 2024. Photo courtesy of the group. He also delivered a speech titled Vietnam A Trusted Friend in a Turbulent World, at the 25th World Knowledge Forum (WKF) 2024 in Incheon, South Korea in September. Addressing hundreds of delegates, including politicians, business leaders, economists, and investors from around the world, Nam shared insights on Vietnams strategic position in the region, its stable business environment, open policies, and strong potential for cooperation across various sectors. Through his speech, he helped amplify the image of Vietnam as a dynamic and innovative nation that is ready to collaborate with international partners. At the 2024 Vietnam Innovation Summit in mid-November, he said: "In the past, many businesses followed a win-lose philosophy, but today, to progress and create sustainable value, this must be replaced with a win-win philosophy, where both sides benefit and support each others growth." The deep business philosophy, the spirit of "win-win" cooperation, and a desire to serve the nation have earned Nam and Bamboo Capital the reputation of being a trusted Vietnamese partner for collaboration in investing in large-scale projects. (TBTCO) - Ngay 27/11, Dien an M&A Viet Nam nam 2024 a dien ra soi noi voi chu e Nhon nhip thuong vu. La mot trong cac dien gia chinh tai su kien, CEO Luu Thi Thanh Mau nhan manh: Cac du an cua Phuc Khang van ang tiep tuc uoc doanh nghiep nuoc ngoai quan tam, xuc tien au tu. Boi vi khi lien doanh, hop tac, chung toi lam viec voi triet ly kinh doanh an toan, ben vung, co trach nhiem va huong en dai han. (TBTCO) - Ngay 15/3, tai Tru so Trung uong ang, Tong Bi thu To Lam, Truong Tieu ban Van kien ai hoi XIV cua ang a chu tri hop Tieu ban Van kien, cho y kien vao du thao Bao cao Chinh tri do To Bien tap xay dung tren co so tiep thu y kien cua Hoi nghi Trung uong 10 va y kien chi ao cua ong chi Tong Bi thu tai cac cuoc hop voi Thuong truc cac Tieu ban ai hoi XIV cua ang, e trinh Bo Chinh tri, Ban Chap hanh Trung uong ang tai Hoi nghi Trung uong 11. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Ritchie Bros Dubai will be holding its last auction of the year on December 10 and 11 as part of the 'Finish Strong, Start Stronger' campaign. It will feature an extensive selection of 1,000+ of heavy equipment and trucks for sale at its facilities in Jebel Ali Free Zone. Buyers worldwide will have access to a broad selection of equipment across industries that cater to the needs for sourcing machinery to kick off new projects in 2025. This diverse range includes construction equipment, transportation vehicles, mining machinery and much more, from industry-leading brands, all available with unreserved price. Ritchie Bros Dubai said the buyers will be able to participate online through its official website or mobile app. The equipment up for grabs are 87 excavators, 53 wheel loaders, 47 backhoe loaders, 21 asphalt pavers, 23 SUVs and 19 articulated dump trucks. "With our upcoming online auction in Dubai on December 10-11, buyers have a rare opportunity to acquire high-quality machinery from top brands at unreserved prices," said Aneel Jacob, the Regional Sales Manager for Ritchie Bros Middle East. On offer will be heavy machinery and equipment like 2023 Cat 352 tracked excavator (Unused); 2019 Hitachi EX1200-7 tracked excavator; 2020 Komatsu D155A-6 crawler dozer; 2021 Cat 740GC articulated dumptruck and 2019 Sany STC1000C 100 ton 10x6x6 hydraulic truck crane. "This auction, the last of the year, promises exceptional value, featuring a diverse selection of premium equipment. For buyers, its a chance to secure the machinery they need without reserve pricing, while sellers benefit from Ritchie Bros global reach and seamless online auction platform, connecting them with a vast audience of motivated buyers worldwide," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Bahrains Labour Fund (Tamkeen) has announced its support for the expansion of Trafco Group, a leading company in food trading, distribution, and storage, through its Business Growth and Financing Support Programmes. This initiative will increase the companys frozen storage capacity by 30%, equivalent to 3,940 storage units. Tamkeen also supported the wage increase of about 34 Bahraini employees within the group through the Wage Increment Programme. The support for Trafco Group aligns with Tamkeens strategic priorities for 2024 under three pillars: increasing economic participation through employment opportunities for new market entrants, expanding career development opportunities available to the Bahraini workforce, and further developing the private sector by supporting enterprises to drive impact and sustainable development in the economy. Growing demand for storage facilities Khalid Al-Bayat, Chief Growth Officer of Tamkeen, stated: The support provided to Trafco Group aims to meet the growing demand for storage facilities and services in Bahrain, contributing to the sustainability of enterprises reliant on storage. Supporting companies in the logistics centre will significantly enhance Bahrains position as a major regional logistics hub tied which positively impacts the national economy, with this sector contributing 7.4% to the GDP. It also aligns with the country's food security policies, as frozen storage facilities help ensure longer food supply stability. Trafcos Group CEO Azzam Moutragi, added: The ongoing collaboration with Tamkeen enables Trafco Group to achieve its objectives of positively impacting the national economy through various logistics projects that increase food storage capacity. Through the Business Growth and Financing Support Programmes, we successfully expanded the groups storage facilities, increasing current capacity by 30%. Additionally, we increased the wages of approximately 34 Bahraini employees to encourage and motivate our staff while supporting their career growth. Trafco is one of the largest FMCG distributors in the kingdom, offering a wide range of products, including canned, frozen, and dry foods, non-food items, general goods, and imported meats from countries such as Australia, Brazil, Europe, India, as well as the Gulf and Middle East regions.--TradeArabia News Service Sarooj Construction Company has secured two major road construction contracts worth RO90.22 million ($233 million) from the Oman Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT). A leading player in Omans construction and infrastructure sector, Sarooj said the first contract, worth RO70.03 million, involves the construction of a 120-km dual carriageway linking Adam to Thumrait. This comes as part of the Oman government's plan to boost regional connectivity as well as bolster economic integration and improve transportation efficiency across the sultanate. The second contract, valued at RO20 million, is for road construction work at Jabal Shams in mountainous terrains. The single carriageway will establish a vital link in one of Omans most iconic and remote regions, promoting accessibility and sustainable development, said the company in a statement. Together, these projects, valued at a combined total of RO90.22mn, underscore Saroojs capability to execute large-scale, high-impact developments that contribute to the countrys long-term progress, it added. According to Sarooj, the Adam-Thumrait dual carriageway project is being implemented in multiple phases. Earlier this month, Omans Tender Board, acting on behalf of MTCIT, awarded contracts for three sections of the highway, including Part 4 for RO118.37 million; Part 3 was awarded for RO70.03 million, while Part 5 was valued at RO69.79 million. Galfar Engineering and Contracting Company was awarded the contract for Part 4 of the Adam-Thumrait dual-carriageway project, with a value of RO118 million. On the project, Engineer Yousef bin Abdullah Al Mujaini, Director General of Roads and Land Transport at MTCIT, said the work on the Adam-Thumrait dual-carriageway project is expected to begin early next year. "Once completed, the dualisation of the Adam-Thumrait road will be one of the longest infrastructure projects undertaken by the ministry," he added.-TradeArabia News Service APM Terminals Bahrain, on Bahraini Womens Day on December 1, acknowledged the vital role played by Bahraini women, who have transitioned from empowerment to becoming indispensable partners in the kingdoms development. APM Terminals extended its congratulations and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain; His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister; and Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women. In line with this years theme, Women: Reliable Partners in Nation-Building, APM Terminals Bahrain celebrates the invaluable contributions of all the women who operate Khalifa Bin Salman Port, recognising their essential role as contributors to the maritime industry, and all its interrelated segments. Their dedication and resilience have been pivotal to the KBSPs success in achieving operational excellence and sustaining it. Unique perspectives Matthew Luckhurst, Managing Director of APM Terminals Bahrain, stated: On Bahraini Womens Day, we proudly respect and recognise the dedication of all our female colleagues, who bring unique perspectives and professional resilience and innovation for all. Womens contributions are vital to the success of Khalifa Bin Salman Port and Lifting Bahrains Global Trade and we will continue to grow and upskill our female employees to create more outstanding women to support the kingdom. Aligned with Bahrains National Strategy for the advancement of Bahraini Women, APM Terminals Bahrain continues to implement initiatives that promote inclusivity and provide all female staff with additional benefits to support a healthy work-life balance, a safe working environment, education, training & development. Women have played a significant role in advancing the ports growth; from cargo operations to infrastructure and our ambitious automation and modernisation initiatives, reinforcing KBSPs position as a hub of excellence in the region for maritime, technology, safety, and the uniquely tailored operational and marine services.--TradeArabia News Service The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its partners have launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership on the opening day of the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) as part of its ongoing efforts to combat the impact of drought globally. In partnership with UNCCD, countries, international organizations and other stakeholders, the initiative will work to deliver a transformative shift in how drought is tackled around the world. Harnessing the collective impact of major global institutions, it will move drought management beyond reactive crisis response, through enhancing early warning systems, financing, vulnerability assessments, and drought risk mitigation. The COP16 conference will run until December 13 at Boulevard Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia under the theme 'Our Land. Our Future.' It will mark the 30th anniversary of UNCCD and aims to secure multilateral action on critical issues such as land restoration, drought resilience, land tenure, and sand and dust storms. "The Riyadh Drought Resilience Partnership will serve as a global facilitator, a one-stop shop for drought resilience, promoting the shift from reactive relief response after drought hits to proactive preparedness," said Dr Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency. "We also seek to amplify global resources to save lives and livelihoods around the world," stated Faqeeha. "We are calling on countries, companies, organizations, scientists, NGOs, financial institutions and communities to join this pivotal partnership and become part of a global movement to build a drought-resilient future. This is an environmental and economic imperative; it is far more cost-effective to take a proactive approach to drought resilience than a reactive one," he added. According to UNCCD, the partnership will be operated by a permanent office, under the oversight of contributing members, to connect vulnerable countries and communities with existing resources, whilst synergizing with ongoing initiatives to maximize impact. The Riyadh Partnership will also prioritize unlocking new funding mechanisms for drought resilience, increasing access to credit, equity financing, insurance products and grants. To ensure sustained operational support and long-term impact, Saudi Arabia will cover the expenses of the Partnership office for at least 10 years, it stated. Ibrahim Thiaw, the UNCCD Executive Secretary, said: "While no nation is immune to drought, 85% of the people impacted by it live in low- and middle-income countries. In a globalized world, it is our collective responsibility, and our shared interest, to liberate everybody, everywhere, from the worst impacts of drought." "I trust the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership will play an important role in mobilizing finance and political will for a more resilient future," he added. Droughts impact almost every corner of the planet with 1.84 billion people affected in 2022, and over 55 countries declaring drought emergencies between 2020 and 2023, according to UNCCD. Meanwhile, their impact appears to only be worsening. In Africa, 38% of reported land area was affected by drought between 2016 and 2019, and Latin America and the Caribbean experienced similar devastation, with 37.9% of reported land area affected during the same period, based on UNCCD findings. Drought is a driving cause of food and water insecurity, displacing millions, and exacting a devastating economic toll on impacted countries.-TradeArabia News Service Bolt, one of the leading international ride-hailing platforms present currently in over 600 cities across 50 countries, is launching its operations on December 2 in the UAE. The launch of the e-hailing platform coincides with UAEs Eid Al Etihad (UAEs 53rd National Day) marking the nations commitment to progress, unity and providing world-class services to its residents and visitors. Accessible, affordable rides for everyone Bolt's debut into the UAE market supports the Dubai governments directives to transition 80% of taxi trips to e-hailing in the coming years. Using the user-friendly Bolt app, consumers can easily book rides, track their driver, and make payments through their smartphones. Bolt's core offering is designed to meet the various needs of both residents and visitors. Initially, users will have access to Bolt standard rides, Bolt XL for bigger groups, and Bolt Premium for Premium rides. This initial offering will be further expanded with taxi services in the next stage, enhancing its diverse and accessible mobility ecosystem. Supporting urban development Bolt is on a mission to help people give up privately owned vehicles and start using shared mobility more. This will help tackle issues such as congestion, traffic and air pollution and will redefine the public space by reducing car-centric infrastructure. The platform envisions becoming an integral part of the UAEs urban transport network, offering seamless connectivity and sustainable solutions. Mansoor Alfalasi, CEO, Dubai Taxi Company expressing his delight, said: Since the announcement of the launch of Bolt in October this year, we are pleased to see its operations come to fruition. Dubai has always experienced an influx of visitors creating an unprecedented demand for transportation. Bolts arrival adds a valuable choice for our community, ensuring that getting around UAE is easier and more accessible than ever through cross-functional mobility that integrates cars, taxis, micro mobility solutions, and more. The initial fleet will consist of limousines listed by reputed fleet partners on the Bolt platform including DTC vehicles. The fleet is set to meet Dubais rising demand by offering affordable and luxury transport options. The next phase of expansion will include the introduction of taxi services on the app, creating a versatile and sustainable mobility ecosystem in Dubai. The vision is to ultimately explore the potential of expanding to other emirates and across varied verticals which include delivery services, e-scooters and car rentals in the near future, he added. Eduard Suchanek, Regional Manager Middle East & North Africa, said: Launching Bolt in the UAE on such a momentous occasion as the 53rd National Day is a testament to our commitment to the countrys vision of progress and innovation. It marks another milestone for the company as it expands across the Middle East after successfully establishing its presence in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Dubais strategic location makes it an ideal destination for visitors from around the world creating an exemplary platform for Bolt to capitalise on the increasing market demand. Bolts mission to help build cities for people, not cars, is at the centre of everything we do. For decades, cities have been built for cars, not people, leading to unsustainable traffic, pollution and creating more parking spaces instead of parks. We are thrilled to bring in our innovative customer-centric approach to the region with transparent pricing, reduced wait times, and a high level of app safety features. Committed to customer service and well-being Bolt is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and secure experience for riders and drivers alike. All drivers undergo rigorous background checks and training to deliver professional and reliable services. Additionally, the app incorporates advanced safety features, including in-app emergency assistance, trip anomaly detection, trip sharing, driver/rider unmatching, speech to text and incident reporting, among others.--TradeArabia News Service To commemorate Bahraini Womens Day, Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the worlds largest smelter on one site, held a special event to honour its female employees on Bahraini Womens Day (December 1). A global aluminium leader, Alba boasts one of the largest female workforces in Bahrains industrial sector. The event, held at Albas Oasis Hall, was attended by CEO Ali Al Baqali as well as the senior management and officials from Supreme Council for Women led by its Director of Women Information Center Maha Sabt and members of local media outlets were among the distinguished guests at the celebration. The celebration highlighted the significant contributions of Albas female workforce to Alba's success. With one of the largest female workforces in Bahrains industrial sector, Alba is committed to empowering women and providing them with opportunities for growth and development, it stated. This dedication was shown by each female employee averaging 152 hours of training and development this year. Moreover, nearly 45% of Albas female workforce now holds supervisory or higher-level positions, said a company spokesman. Through various initiatives and programs, Alba strives to create a supportive and inclusive work environment for all employees, regardless of gender, he noted. Alba believes that empowering women is not only a moral responsibility but also a strategic imperative to drive innovation, productivity, and overall success, he added.-TradeArabia News Service Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the ultra-low-fare national airline of the UAE, is celebrating the UAE National Day with an exclusive promotion of up to 20 per cent off on bookings made for travel between 2 December 2024 and 30 June 2025. The national airline's enhanced Winter schedule enables passengers to take advantage of the celebration with discounts to customise their winter holidays or plan their well-deserved summer getaway effortlessly, and save even more. Tickets are already on sale on the WIZZ APP, available in the Arabic language, with fares starting as low as 89 AED ($24.23). The enhanced schedule allows passengers to choose their next flight with ease and enjoy the flexibility and convenience of an incredible 40 per cent increase in seat capacity on the most popular routes. Travel enthusiasts can now add Varna, an exciting new destination, to their 2025 bucket list. Starting operations on 31 March 2025, it is perfect for a summer holiday, offering a unique blend of rich culture and beautiful beaches. Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: We are thrilled to celebrate the National Day with our passengers by offering an exclusive up to 20 per cent discount promotion. We would like to celebrate unity and express our gratitude to the community we serve by allowing travellers to benefit from our incredibly low fares with a convenient and tailored product. Now all passengers can plan their Winter holidays with peace of mind thanks to our expanded schedule of 40 percent additional capacity on our most popular routes or already secure their spots for the summer. Wizz Air remains committed to opening the skies for everyone and unlocking new destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. We look forward to seeing you on board our aircraft and sharing our love of travel soon. The national airline has expanded the boundaries of WIZZ MultiPass, an innovative and unprecedented flight membership service that allows frequent travellers to fly to or from the UAE every month and explore multiple destinations while saving more. WIZZ MultiPass enables passengers to lock in a fixed price for tickets and baggage, unaffected by seasonality, for an entire year. Travelers can save up to 40 per cent on tickets to the most popular destinations by choosing the ticket-only fare. Passengers can enjoy greater flexibility and a peace of mind with WIZZ Flex. This service allows passengers to change their flight up to three hours before departure without any fee and receive 100 per cent of the fare immediately reimbursed in airline credit. Located in the UAE, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi offers affordable fares and hassle-free travel options to Alexandria (Egypt), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Amman (Jordan), Aqaba (Jordan), Baku (Azerbaijan), Belgrade (Serbia), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Cairo (Egypt), Cluj (Romania) and Dammam (Saudi Arabia). As well as routes to Kutaisi (Georgia), Larnaca (Cyprus), Male (Maldives), Madinah (Saudi Arabia), Nur Sultan (Kazakhstan), Samarkand (Uzbekistan), Sarajevo (Bosnia), Sohag (Egypt), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Turkistan (Kazakhstan), Tirana (Albania), now available Varna (Bulgaria), and Yerevan (Armenia) among others. -TradeArabia News Service Villa Resorts has announced the appointment of Mohamed Al Geziry Consultancy as Sales Representative in the GCC Region reflecting Villa Resorts ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships with travel trade partners and further engaging travelers from the GCC who seek exceptional luxury experiences. The Villa Resorts portfolio includes Villa Nautica, an exclusive retreat that embraces the seafarer lifestyle; Villa Park, an adventure-filled destination offering a unique blend of luxury and excitement; Royal Island, a boutique luxury resort in Baa Atoll, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and proximity to Hanifaru Bay; and Villa Haven, a tranquil and serene escape that sets a new standard for quiet luxury and indulgence in the Maldives. To support its expansion in the GCC, Villa Resorts has partnered with Mohamed Al Geziry Consultancy, a leading hospitality and tourism firm based in Dubai. The consultancys expertise and established network will play a key role in helping Villa Resorts build stronger connections with both travel trade partners and luxury travelers in the region. Mohamed Azmeel, Cluster Director of Sales for Villa Resorts, shared, Partnering with Mohamed Al Geziry Consultancy allows us to tap into their unparalleled expertise and established networks across the GCC region. We are excited to connect more deeply with travelers from this market who value personalized, high-end hospitality Ahmed Fathallah, General Manager Destination Marketing at Mohamed Al Geziry Consultancy, also expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership: We are thrilled to represent Villa Resorts in the GCC, a region with a strong appetite for luxury travel and unique experiences. With Villa Resorts diverse portfolio, we are confident in elevating their brand visibility and driving impactful engagements in this dynamic market. -TradeArabia News Service WHITE candles were yesterday placed on the side of the road in Sennon Village Number Three, Siparia, where the severed head of 59-year-old Joanne Estick was found in a bag on Thursday. Estick, a mother of one and grandmother of three, was last seen in the village earlier this week. A senior police officer of the South Western Police Division said they are yet to officially confirm that the head is that of Estick without the rest of the human remains. Three Christians in Iran were tortured before their release on bail on Nov. 17 amid charges of propagating religion contrary to Islam, a religious rights group reported. Jahangir Alikhani, Hamed Malamiri, and Gholam Eshaghi, were arrested by agents from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in September and detained for nearly two months before their release, according to rights group Article 18. Jahangir, Hamed and Gholam were reportedly subjected to physical as well as psychological torture during prolonged interrogations and asked to write letters renouncing their Christian faith and expressing remorse for their actions in order to secure their release, Article 18 reported. The three Christians originally had been arrested last Christmas, along with 17 others, by Ministry of Intelligence agents in Noshahr and nearby Chalus, the group stated. Later released, the three Christians were re-arrested in September and in October were summoned to the prosecutors office along with nine others to face charges of propagating a religion contrary to Islam and collaborating with foreign governments, according to Article 18. They were then summoned to appear at the 1st Branch of the Revolutionary Court of Nowshahr on 10 November, but the hearing was adjourned as not every defendant including the three detained was present, the group reported. The indictment stated that the Christians were charged under amended Article 500 of the penal code that already has resulted in long prison sentences for several Christians; the law has been labelled a full-on attack on religious freedom, according to Article 18. They have identified themselves as Christian during their defense, Prosecutor Mohammad Reza-Ebrahimi wrote in the indictment, according to Article 18. And this is supported by the messages exchanged in their phones, as well as through the gospels and other Christian literature found in their possession. The prosecutor stated that the 12 were criminally liable for having set up groups to teach the Christian religion, the group reported. The Islamic Republic of Iran claims to protect the rights of Christians as one of three recognized religious minorities, but converts are not treated as Christians and continue to be arrested on account of their religious identity, as clearly shown in this latest indictment, Article 18 stated. One of the 12 Christians charged in October with propagating a religion contrary to Islam and collaborating with foreign governments, 40-year-old Javad Amini, was arrested by IRGC agents on the same day that the three others won bail, Nov. 17, the rights group stated. Amini was arrested along with his uncle, who is not believed to be connected to the case. Sources told Article18 that IRGC vehicles surrounded Aminis car and eventually too him and his uncle to a detention center in Sari. The agents confiscated Javads keys from him and let themselves into his home, without knocking, terrifying his wife and 10-year-old daughter, Article 18 reported. His wife was also later interrogated. The UN last week passed a resolution calling on Iran to cease monitoring people based on religion and to release all religious practitioners imprisoned for their membership in or activities on behalf of a minority religious group and to ensure that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, including the freedom to have, to change or to adopt a religion or belief of their choice, in accordance with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 18 reported. The widespread and rampant persecution of Christians and other religious minorities was noted this month by the son of the former Shah of Iran, deposed in 1979. Saying his country was once a bastion of religious liberty before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Reza Pahlavi said in a Nov. 19 post on X that Iranian Christians, along with Jews and the Bahai, have seen their leaders detained, forced to flee the country and sometimes killed. Today the persecution continues, and Iranian Christians, especially Christian converts, are deprived of even the most basic rights, including access to churches, Pahlavi wrote. Christians are routinely imprisoned for their beliefs, facing absurd charges of acts against national security and collaboration and espionage for enemy states. Despite such daunting challenges, Pahlavi said Christians remain resilient in faith and courage, though their struggle is far from over, and they need the support of the global Christian community more than ever. Pahlavi, who founded the Iranian exile umbrella group National Council of Iran and is now based in Great Falls, Virginia, stated that he had hope that an end to the regime in Iran would result in a new era of religious freedom in Iran. A free and democratic Iran will once again embrace the diversity of faiths and beliefs that have been a part of our nations rich history for millennia, he stated. Christians, Jews, Bahais, Zoroastrians and Muslims can once again live together in harmony, free to practice their religions without fear of persecution. Pahlavi was writing following his interview with EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) Global Catholic Network, where he commented on religious minorities lack of opportunities and discrimination in Iran. He called for establishment of a secular democracy that would embrace separation of religion and state. Iran ranked ninth on Christian support organization Open Doors 2024 World Watch List (WWL) of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. The WWL report noted the growing involvement of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in conducting raids on house churches, and a higher incidence of acts of violence committed during arrests and interrogations. A 46-year-old Tucson man has been indicted on federal child-sex charges in connection with alleged international sex shows performed for him over the internet, authorities say. David Berry Garmarnik faces 20 counts of attempted child-pornography production, 20 counts of attempted enticement and coercion of a minor and five counts of receiving child pornography. In July, Garmarnik was implicated in a federal child exploitation investigation, federal prosecutors said in a court filing Monday. Prosecutors say Garmarnik was using Skype to conduct live streaming shows of child sexual abuse being committed in the Philippines. On Oct. 22, agents from Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at Garmarniks home in Tucson, a federal criminal complaint says. Garmarnik acknowledged sending money to about 100 different traffickers over time, the complaint says. It was payment, agents alleged, for the traffickers to force children to have sex on video in ways that he requested. Garmarnik allegedly participated in dozens of shows since 2017, directing traffickers on how to sexually abuse children, a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office says. In Mondays court filing, prosecutors alleged, Here, the defendant participated in, and directed, the rape of dozens of children over a span of nearly a decade. Garmarnik plans to plead not guilty to the charges, said his attorney, Joshua Hamilton. Garmarnik was ordered released by U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Aguilera on Nov. 20, but she put a stay on that order pending an appeal by the U.S. Attorneys Office. So, Garmarnik remains detained for now, though Hamilton plans to argue that it is unnecessary. If released, the conditions will be very restrictive, he said. They include: Wearing an ankle brace, virtual house arrest except for a few specific activities and restriction and monitoring of internet use. Attempted child-porn production carries a prison sentence of between 15 and 30 years for each count; attempted enticement and coercion carries a prison sentence between 10 years to life; and receiving child pornography carries a sentence of between 5 and 20 years in prison for each count, the release said. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 and at least five years to life of supervised release, the news release said. The case against Garmarnik was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Go to www.justice.gov/psc to learn more about the initiative. The investigation described herein is part of an expansive case that has led to the infiltration and dismantlement of numerous international child sex trafficking organizations and criminal rings, federal prosecutors said in Mondays court filing. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe The desire to bring Vietnamese literature into the global spotlight united acclaimed writer Nguyen Phan Que Mai with two enthusiastic young visionaries, Pascal Tam and Thien Kim. Together, they co-founded Major Books, an international publishing house committed to translating and sharing Vietnamese literary works with the world. One morning, Mai, a prominent Vietnamese contemporary novelist and poet, unexpectedly received a letter from Major Books, a recently established publisher in the UK. The letter invited her to write introductions for several upcoming publications. When she reviewed the list of works, she was surprised to see titles she deeply cherished: Bien Su Nuoc (Water: A Chronicle) by Nguyen Ngoc Tu, Lam i (Making a Whore) by Vu Trong Phung, Truyen Kieu (The Tale of Kieu) by Nguyen Du, Song Song (Parallel) by Vu inh Giang, Nhung ua Tre Chet Gia (The Young Die Old) by Nguyen Binh Phuong, and the first volume of Kho Tang Truyen Co Tich Viet Nam (The Treasure of Vietnamese Folk Tales) by Nguyen ong Chi. At the time, she felt the excitement and curiosity surging through her veins -- wondering who was behind Major Books and why they had chosen these titles? "Could this be a turning point for Vietnamese literature to go global?" she thought. The mission to be seen During her many international book tours, Mai frequently heard readers lament the lack of Vietnamese literature on their bookshelves. Meanwhile, Korean and Japanese works were thriving, with best-sellers translated into multiple languages. "Where does the true potential of Vietnamese literature lie? What must we do to share our stories with the world?" She then wondered. Determined to find the answers, Mai reached out to the team behind Major Books and arranged a meeting with them. At a small cafe in London, Mai met Kim and Tam, two young individuals brimming with enthusiasm, recounting their conversation. Kim shared their vision with a sparkle in her eyes, We realized that beyond Korea and Japan, Asian literature holds an immense, untapped treasure trove, including works from Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. "However, these have not been adequately explored. "The global appetite for translated literature continues to grow as the world becomes more attuned to cultural diversity. International literary awards such as the Booker and Nobel Prizes are increasingly recognizing Asian authors, like Shehan Karunatilaka from Sri Lanka and Geetanjali Shree from India. "This demonstrates that Asian literature possesses world-class quality. The problem lies in the lack of translated works. "We aim to change that, starting with Vietnamese literature. A screenshot of the website of the Major Books company Tam shared his motivation, Born and raised in France in a Vietnamese family, I've always felt disconnected from my ancestors. "When I searched for Vietnamese literary works in England, I found access to them extremely limited. "That realization inspired me and Thien Kim to establish Major Books -- not only for me but for many others seeking to reconnect with Vietnamese culture. Mai sensed an instant resonance with their passion, understanding that Major Books is not merely a business venture but a cultural mission -- a journey to rediscover ones roots and share them with the world. Building cultural bridges Major Books is headquartered in London and provides direct access to a global readership. The company enjoys support from University College London, opening doors to connections with students, professors, and literary enthusiasts. Explaining the selection criteria for their publications, Kim emphasized, We have just one criterion: literary quality. We aim to offer readers a comprehensive view of Vietnamese literature -- classical and contemporary, novels, short stories, and poetry. "By diversifying periods and genres, we help readers better understand Vietnams culture and history. 'The Tale of Kieu' by Nguyen Du, translated by Nguyen Binh However, translating and publishing Vietnamese literature come with challenges, especially since Vietnam, unlike other countries, lacks a translation support fund. Weve worked hard to secure support from international organizations," Kim said. "The English PEN Award for Bien Su Nuoc is a significant milestone. This recognition not only provides financial assistance but also boosts credibility with international readers and bookstores. Collaboration with skilled translators is key to their success, as Major Books works with talented individuals like Nguyen An Ly on Bien Su Nuoc, Nguyen Binh on Truyen Kieu, Ngoc Mai inh on Lam i, and Khai Nguyen on Song Song as well as Nhung ua Tre Chet Gia. Sensitivity to language and deep cultural understanding is crucial. We prioritize working with Vietnamese translators, for they best capture the essence of the original works, Kim noted. To foster a new generation of skilled translators, Kim suggested, We need more opportunities -- not just for translating but also for professional development. "Vietnam would benefit from more training programs led by experienced professionals. "Strengthening English-to-Vietnamese translation skills will ultimately improve Vietnamese-to-English capabilities. Tam outlined their global outreach strategy, Our goal is to bring Vietnamese literature to bookstores worldwide and make it accessible to curious readers everywhere. "Initially, we are focusing on the UK but plan to expand to the U.S., Europe, and beyond. "Weve partnered with distributors and reputable bookstores, some with international networks. "Many stores are already accepting pre-orders for upcoming titles. 'Water: A Chronicle' by Nguyen Ngoc Tu, translated by Nguyen An Ly Hope and expectations With dedication and a clear strategy, Major Books can usher in a new era for Vietnamese literature on the global stage," Mai said. "What matters most is faith and perseverance. Kim eyed broader support, saying, We hope to gain assistance from the Vietnamese government, in both media and funding. Promoting Vietnamese literature worldwide requires a collective effort. Pascal Tam concluded, Our ultimate goal is not profit but to bring Vietnams precious narratives to more readers. "When the global audience gains a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and people through literature, it creates bridges that bring the world closer together. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! BUSAN, South Korea -- Countries negotiating a global treaty to curb plastic pollution failed to reach agreement on Monday, with more than 100 nations wanting to cap production while a handful of oil-producers were prepared only to target plastic waste. The fifth U.N. Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting intended to yield a legally binding global treaty in Busan, South Korea, was meant to be the final one. However, countries remained far apart on the basic scope of a treaty and could agree only to postpone key decisions and resume talks, dubbed INC 5.2, to a later date. "It is clear that there is still persisting divergence," said Inger Andersen, executive director of the U.N. Environment Programme. The most divisive issues included capping plastic production, managing plastic products and chemicals of concern, and financing to help developing countries implement the treaty. An option proposed by Panama, backed by more than 100 countries, would have created a path for a global plastic production reduction target, while another proposal did not include production caps. The fault lines were apparent in a revised document released on Sunday by the meeting's chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso, which may form the basis of a treaty, but remained riddled with options on the most sensitive issues. "A treaty that ... only relies on voluntary measures would not be acceptable," said Juliet Kabera, director general of Rwanda's Environment Management Authority. "It is time we take it seriously and negotiate a treaty that is fit for purpose and not built to fail." A small number of petrochemical-producing nations, such as Saudi Arabia, have strongly opposed efforts to reduce plastic production and have tried to use procedural tactics to delay negotiations. "There was never any consensus," said Saudi Arabian delegate Abdulrahman Al Gwaiz. "There are a couple of articles that somehow seem to make it (into the document) despite our continued insistence that they are not within the scope." China, the United States, India, South Korea and Saudi Arabia were the top five primary polymer-producing nations in 2023, according to data provider Eunomia. Maccarese beach, Italy, November 21, 2018. Photo: Reuters Entrenched divisions Had such divisions been overcome, the treaty would have been one of the most significant deals relating to environmental protection since the 2015 Paris Agreement. The postponement comes just days after the turbulent conclusion of the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. At Baku, countries set a new global target for mobilizing $300 billion annually in climate finance, a deal deemed woefully insufficient by small island states and many developing countries. The climate talks were also slowed by procedural manoeuvres by Saudi Arabia who objected to the inclusion of language that reaffirmed a previous commitment to transition away from fossil fuels. Some negotiators said a few countries held the proceedings hostage, avoiding compromises needed by using the U.N.'s consensus process. Senegal's National Delegate Cheikh Ndiaye Sylla called it "a big mistake" to exclude voting during the entire negotiations, an agreement made last year during the second round of talks in Paris. "This outcome underscores the complexity of addressing plastic pollution on a global scale and the need for further deliberations to achieve an effective, inclusive and workable treaty," said Chris Jahn, council secretary of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), representing plastic makers. "There is little assurance that the next INC will succeed where INC-5 did not," environmental group GAIA said. Plastic production is on track to triple by 2050, and microplastics have been found in the air, fresh produce and even human breast milk. Chemicals found to be of concern in plastics include more than 3,200 according to a 2023 U.N. Environment Programme report, which said women and children were particularly susceptible to their toxicity. Despite the postponement, several negotiators expressed urgency to get back into talks. "Every day of delay is a day against humanity. Postponing negotiations does not postpone the crisis," said Panama's delegation head Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez on Sunday. "When we reconvene, the stakes will be higher." The rapid increase in satellites and space junk will make low Earth orbit unusable unless companies and countries cooperate and share the data needed to manage that most accessible region of space, experts and industry insiders said. A United Nations panel on space traffic coordination in late October determined that urgent action was necessary and called for a comprehensive shared database of orbital objects as well as an international framework to track and manage them. More than 14,000 satellites including some 3,500 inactive surround the globe in low Earth orbit, showed data from U.S.-based Slingshot Aerospace. Alongside those are about 120 million pieces of debris from launches, collisions and wear-and-tear of which only a few thousand are large enough to track. "There's no time to lose on space traffic coordination. With so many objects being launched into space, we have to do everything we can to ensure space safety, and that means facilitating the sharing of information between operators, be they public or private, in order to avoid collisions," said panel co-chair Aarti Holla-Maini, director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. Low Earth orbit must remain safe to prevent costly disruption to the technology behind global communication, navigation and scientific exploration, she said. A satellite model is placed on a picture of Earth in this illustration taken November 25, 2024. Photo: Reuters Yet there is no centralised system that all space-faring nations can leverage and even persuading them to use such a system has many obstacles. Whereas some countries are willing to share data, others fear compromising security, particularly as satellites are often dual-use and include defence purposes. Moreover, enterprises are keen to guard commercial secrets. In the meantime, the mess multiplies. A Chinese rocket stage exploded in August, adding thousands of fragments of debris to low Earth orbit. In June, a defunct Russian satellite exploded, scattering thousands of shards which forced astronauts on the International Space Station to take shelter for an hour. Low Earth orbit is the region most congested with human-made objects as it offers a balance between cost and proximity, making it a prime target for the rapidly growing commercial space sector. It has also seen a 17% rise in close approaches per satellite over the past year, Slingshot data showed. Projections point, opens new tab to tens of thousands more satellites entering orbit in the coming years. The potential financial risk of collisions is likely to be $556 million over five years, based on a modelled scenario with a 3.13% annual collision probability and $111 million in yearly damages, said Montreal-based NorthStar Earth & Space. "We are at a critical point with respect to putting regulations and structure in space to monitor and manage the growing congestion. With Starlink launching thousands of satellites per year, China and others preparing to follow, we will soon push the bearing capacity of prime orbits," said NorthStar CEO Stewart Bain. An area chart that shows the staggering increase in satellites and other payloads being launched into space over the last five years compared with data from 1960. Risky business Low Earth orbit is densely packed, with bands such as the one for satellite internet service Starlink from commercial space company SpaceX - at an altitude of 540570 km (336-354 miles). As of Nov. 27, Starlink had 6,764 satellites in orbit, Jonathan's Space Report showed. SpaceX data showed Starlink satellites performed nearly 50,000 collision-avoidance manoeuvres in the first half of 2024, about double the previous six months. SpaceX did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. The European Space Agency, which has fewer spacecraft than SpaceX, said in 2021 its manoeuvres have increased to three or four times per craft versus a historical average of one. The 800900 km band contains fewer satellites but has 3,114 objects - including operational and non-operational payloads, rocket bodies and fragments - which make up 20% of the total mass of objects in low Earth orbit, posing significant collision risk, LeoLabs data showed. Expired satellites add to the clutter as they stay in orbit until they fall into - and burn up in - Earth's atmosphere years later or are flown to a "graveyard orbit" some 36,000 km away. Russia drew global criticism in November 2021 when it test fired a missile at a defunct satellite in orbit, creating thousands of fragments of debris. Russia attacked Ukraine three months after the test. "The potential for conflicts between states has been on a steep rise in the recent past. If these extend to space it could complicate the outer space environment. We urgently need common global rules for coordination," said Anirudh Sharma, CEO of Bengaluru-based Digantara, which specialises in space situational awareness. Final frontier The U.N.'s Holla-Maini, whose office serves as secretariat for the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, said the October panel aimed to bring together public- and private-sector experts to outline steps needed to start work on coordination. It will present its findings at a committee meeting next year. Global cooperation is essential to developing enforceable rules akin to those used by the International Civil Aviation Organization for air traffic, industry experts told Reuters. Such effort would involve the use of existing tools, such as databases, telescopes, radars and other sensors to track objects while improving coverage, early detection and data precision. Yet geopolitical tension and reluctance to share data with nations deemed unfriendly as well as commercial concerns over protecting proprietary information and competitive advantages remain significant barriers. That leaves operators of orbital equipment relying on informal or semi-formal methods of avoiding collisions, such as drawing on data from the U.S. Space Force or groups like the Space Data Association. However, this can involve issues such as accountability and inconsistent data standards. "The top challenges are speed - as consensus-building takes time - and trust," Holla-Maini said. "Some countries simply can't communicate with others, but the U.N. can facilitate this process. Speed is our biggest enemy, but there's no alternative. It must be done." Once known as the city of churches with 90 church buildings listed in the inner zone during the year 1893, the Canadian city of Toronto today has become known as a multicultural metropolis with diverse faiths and beliefs. While nowadays only just under half of the population identify as Christian, a new initiative highlighted the historical and contemporary importance of Christianity for the city leading the Toronto City Council to proclaim December as Christian Heritage Month. On Nov. 13, Cllr Nick Mantas put forward the motion, seconded by Cllr Frances Nunziata, which was passed with 11 votes in favor and 4 against. In a summary, the two councillors pointed out that Christianity remains the most followed religion in Canada, with more than half of Canadians identifying with the faith. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms even mentions God in its very first sentence, they pointed out. Since the month of December celebrates the birth of Jesus at Christmas, the councillors successfully argued that it would be an appropriate month to laud the citys Christian heritage. During this time, Christian faith groups utilize literature, art, music, gastronomy, and architecture to tell the stories of Jesus and his compassion, love, acceptance and the good news of the gospel he brought. December is associated with the tradition of gift giving and gathering of family, friends, and people of all faiths. Christian organizations and places of worship offer religious services, unique events, and initiatives that highlight a strong Christian heritage during the month of December. Furthermore, the councillors pointed out that other religions and heritages are given recognition in Canada but there is a lack of such dedicated commemorations for Christianity in the country. As proud citizens of this diverse and culturally rich nation, we believe it is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all religious and cultural groups, the councillors added. Statistics Canada lists 669,320 Catholics in Toronto, according to data from 2021, 24.2 percent of the citys total population. An additional 10.7 percent are other Christians, representing 294,190 people. Several smaller denominations and groups add up to 11.6 percent, bringing the total to 46.5 percent identifying as Christian. These figures compare to 845,615 or 30.6 percent of the population declaring no religion and secular perspectives. The vote to officially mark December as Christian Heritage Month in Toronto has been hailed a significant milestone by Molly Banerjei, who came up with the idea six months ago alongside husband Jay and impassioned volunteers from Christian Music Festival, a multi-denominational organization celebrating the contributions of Canadian Christians. Banerjei, the chief executive officer for the Christian Heritage Month Initiative, told Christian Daily International that the debate leading up to the city council decision was spirited and, at times, intense. Banerjei reported no particular resistance from others, in getting the city council to support the initiative. While there were differing opinions during the council debate, there has been no significant opposition to the event itself, she said. The proclamation has been widely welcomed and celebrated within the community. The reasoning behind the months dedication recognized the values of love, service, and compassion that define the Christian community, according to Banerjei. Our vision is to honor the incredible diversity within Canadas Christian communityrepresenting First Nations, Africans, Latin Americans, Asians, Middle Easterners, Europeans, and people from every continentthrough meaningful events that foster unity, build deeper connections, and celebrate the contributions that have enriched Canadas cultural fabric, she added. The Christian Heritage Month Initiative is a dynamic, multi-denominational movement dedicated to celebrating the vibrant cultural, social, and artistic contributions of Canadas Christian community. Toronto churches have absolutely supported the initiative, alongside fellowships from other municipalities, added Banerjei. A celebratory event for the heritage month decision was held on Nov. 21. This is the Holy Spirits idea that has been entrusted to my husband Jay and me, Banerjei said. I have the privilege of leading the charge for this campaign, ensuring that its vision and mission are fulfilled. This initiative has fostered a sense of unity and celebration among Christians in the city. Banerjei pointed out the momentum for Christian Heritage Month being recognised in December by 35 Canadian municipalities so far. These include Ajax, Aurora, Bradford, Caledon, Clarington, Durham Region, Markham, Brampton, Milton, Mississippi Mills, Orillia, Ottawa, Pickering, Rideau Lakes, Sudbury, Wainfleet, Welland, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Prince George, Whistler, Red Deer and Okotos. This growing movement unites diverse voices and fosters a sense of belonging, enriching our nations identity and promoting inclusivity for all Canadians, Banerjei said. The team led by Banerjei and her husband Jay are calling on other Canadians to support the declaration of December as Christian Heritage Month for Canada as a whole. A petition has been set up for those wanting to see this happen. Together, we can celebrate Canadas diverse Christian heritage and the incredible contributions that have shaped our country, added Banerjei.Your voice matters! At a Tokyo brewery dating back to the days of the samurai, Koichi Maesako drops a 3-metre-long wooden paddle into a giant, jade-coloured tank and gently stirs the white mixture that will turn into sake in a week's time. The sweet-and-sour-smelling brew - of rice, yeast starter, the culinary mould known as koji and water - has been fermenting for 20 days in what is part of an ancient technique that UNESCO is set to list as Intangible Cultural Heritage this week. For Maesako, the 40-year-old chief brewer of Ishikawa Shuzou, or Ishikawa Brewery, the UN agency's endorsement would be welcome news after a difficult couple of years. A brewer using a long paddle stirs the mixture of rice, Koji, water and yeast starter inside a giant tank as a part of the fermentation process to brew sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, at Ishikawa Shuzou, or Ishikawa Brewery, in Fussa, western portion of Tokyo, Japan November 25, 2024. Photo: Reuters Unseasonably warm weather has hit the rice harvest, not only affecting the quality of the grain but also raising procurement costs, he said. Traditional sake brewers had already been contending with decades of falling sales at home as consumers acquired a taste for cocktails like highballs and other alcoholic drinks. "The situation is much tougher compared to previous years," Maesako told Reuters last week. "It's still quite warm, even though it's almost December. The price of rice is high and the harvest is poor, which has made sake-brewing (this year) very challenging." Brewers prepare rice on a table to make Koji mold, an important ingredient used in brewing sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, at Ishikawa Shuzou, or Ishikawa Brewery, in Fussa, western portion of Tokyo, Japan November 25, 2024. Photo: Reuters Maesako hopes the UN body's recognition of the traditional brewing technique will turn things around by igniting demand overseas, where sake has slowly gained popularity alongside Japanese cuisine, also in part thanks to UNESCO's endorsement of "washoku" as living heritage in 2013. "After being listed by UNESCO, Japanese traditional cuisine (washoku) has spread all over the world," Maesako said. "I hope that the same thing will happen with sake. Our brewery is seeing a rise in exports, and we hope the UNESCO listing will accelerate this trend." The centuries-old method of making sake is unique for its three-step preparation, or "San-Dan-Jikomi", of allowing multiple fermentation processes to progress simultaneously in a single container. Brewers cover rice on a table with a sheet to make Koji mold, an important ingredient used in brewing sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, inside the Koji-making room at Ishikawa Shuzou, or Ishikawa Brewery, in Fussa, western portion of Tokyo, Japan November 25, 2024. Photo: Reuters "It's really cool just seeing and understanding how it all comes together," said Robert Brown, an American visitor at the brewery. "Taking a lot of Japan's history and then turning it into a cultural heritage seems really cool to me." While sake has lost ground as a regular drink, Maesako said it remains impossible to separate from Japanese culture. "We have sake at celebrations, at New Year's, and also on sad occasions, like funerals," he said. "The culture of Japanese sake is the culture of Japan itself." The brewing technique is expected to be formally endorsed at a UNESCO committee session in Paraguay this week. It will be Japan's 23rd entry on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Read what is in the news in Vietnam today: Politics -- Vietnams National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga, along with a high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese legislature, met with the staff members of Vietnamese representative agencies and the representatives of the Vietnamese community in Singapore on Sunday evening, as part of their official visit to the city-state. Society -- Prices for rooms and houses for rent near Ho Chi Minh Citys first metro line are rising quickly ahead of its commercial launch on December 22. -- Childrens Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City has signed a memorandum of understanding with Alder Hey Childrens Hospital from Liverpool to collaborate on training, AI and technology, hospital management, and research. -- The Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Binh Phuoc Province in southern Vietnam has identified the source of the unpleasant odor in Dong Xoai City, which has recently disturbed local residents, as the latex production process of a company. The department has instructed the company to immediately halt the latex processing line responsible for the smell and to take measures to eliminate the odor, without specifying any fines. Business -- The Kien Giang Department of Tourism announced on Sunday that from January to November, the Mekong Delta province welcomed over 9.8 million visitors, including nearly one million international tourists. Estimated revenue for the period exceeded VND25 trillion (US$986.33 million). Lifestyle -- The Vietnam Business Queen 2024 competition concluded in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, southern Vietnam on Sunday night, with Anh Thu claiming the top position. Sports -- Liverpool piled on the pain for Manchester City with a 2-0 victory at Anfield to open up a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League on Sunday after Manchester Uniteds new manager Ruben Amorim enjoyed an emphatic first league win, Reuters reported. -- Fans of German sides FC Carl Zeiss Jena and BSG Chemie Leipzig clashed after a fourth-tier match, resulting in 79 injuries, Reuters quoted the clubs as saying on Sunday. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Observational series First on Scene premieres in a (very) late slot tonight on Nine. Produced by Australias WTFN, the 20 part series captures jaw-dropping accidents, and outrageous moments of life after dark in Los Angeles, Houston, San Diego and Chicago. Each half-hour episode features eight thrilling news items car pursuits, hit and runs, head-on collisions, out-of-control flooding, animals on the loose, massive blazes, urban shootings, highspeed freeway occurrences, backyard infernos, plane crashes, wild weather. Each story is retold and dissected through master interviews with a cast of returning on-scene experts camera journalists, ex-Los Angeles police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, and crime reporters. Jimmy Elkington from distributor Fred Media said, First on Scene is a fast-paced, absorbing and bingeable series that brilliantly both documents and deconstructs a wide range of impactful moments. WTFN has used its expertise in producing emergency and blue-light programming to craft a hugely exciting show that never fails to put viewers front and centre with the action. These pre-sale commitments are testament to the undeniable appeal that broadcasters and platforms see for their audiences, and we look forward to sharing this series more widely in the international marketplace over the coming months. 11:25pm Monday December 2 on Nine. Brisbane based A Current Affair reporters Dan Nolan and Ben Stivala took out the top award at Queenslands Clarion Awards on the weekend. Both were jointly named Journalist of the Year, following their report on systemic issues in child care in Queensland. They also won Investigative Journalism and the Television Award for Current Affairs, Feature, Documentary, or Special Broadcast. In a joint statement, Nolan and Stivala said: This was one of the hardest investigations weve ever undertaken. The trauma experienced by these families is beyond comprehension, but sharing the failures in the handling of this case is vital to drive change. While these awards are a tremendous honour, the real reward is knowing our work has sparked a national dialogue on the systems failures and the urgent need for reform. The fight for justice and accountability must continue. Queensland Bureau Chief of A Current Affair, Kate Donnison, said: Reporting on this story was incredibly difficult. The pain of these families has been gut-wrenching, and telling these stories has been one of our toughest challenges. But exceptional journalism deserves recognition, and this award reflects Dan and Ben and the teams tireless commitment to driving important conversations on accountability and reform. Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism went to Peter McCutcheon, an ABC journalist for more than 35 years, a mentor to dozens of journalists, and a union leader through roles as Branch President of the MEAA and on the ABC House Committee. TV and related categories: winners in bold. Major Awards Journalist of the Year 2024 Dan Nolan and Ben Stivala, Nine, A Current Affair, Childcare Failures Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism Peter McCutcheon Investigative Journalism Eden Gillespie, Guardian Australia, Gaps in the system fail alleged sexual assault victims Kate Kyriacou, Greg Stolz, Rhylea Millar, Melanie Pilling and Natalie Gregg, The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail, Prayed Upon: A real life handmaids tale Dan Nolan and Ben Stivala, Nine A Current Affair, Childcare Failures Broadcast Interview Dan Nolan, Nine A Current Affair, Childcare Whistleblower Adam Stephen, ABC Radio, Incredible FNQ Flood Rescue Interview Mark Willacy and Caitlin Shea, ABC Television, Nemesis Business Journalism Michael Atkin and Loretta Florance, ABC News Online and ABC 7.30, Dirty Money: How criminals are getting away with laundering stolen cash through Australian companies Kathleen Skene, Gold Coast Bulletin, Descon Debt Bomb Liam Walsh and Jenny Wiggins, The Australian Financial Review, Insurers Behaving Badly Health And Science Reporting Rory Callinan and Ninah Kopel, ABC News Stateline, Babies at Risk Jackie Sinnerton, The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail, Taking on the IVF giants Jacquelin Robson, 7NEWS, Baby Weston Indigenous Issues Reporting Michael Atkin, Emily Laurence, Loretta Florance and Andrew Seabourne, ABC News Online, ABC AM and ABC 7.30, Exposing alleged misconduct of major corporations against First Nations consumers Laura Lavelle, ABC News Online and ABC TV News, The Price of Freedom Michael Rennie, ABC Landline, Kgari fire management program Innovation Marian Faa, ABC News Online, The Price of Taboos Emma Pollard, Janelle Miles, Curtis Rodda, Kym Agius and Arruna-Thutha Lawrie, ABC News Online and ABC TV News, Happy Hour Cristen Tilley, Julian Fell, Ashley Kyd, Teresa Tan and Tim Leslie, ABC News Online and ABC RN Future Tense, Inside TikToks Money Machine Multicultural Reporting Marian Faa, ABC News Online, ABC TV The Pacific and ABC RN AM, The Price of Taboos Dan Nolan, Nine A Current Affair, African Youth Frances Whiting, Qweekend and The Courier-Mail, Triumph against all odds: Jasmina Joldics story New Journalist Of The Year Julian Fell, ABC, Body of Work Abbey Geran, Nine, Body of Work Bailey Kenzie, Nine, Body of Work Rural Journalism Philippa Courtney, ABC Landline, Underground Fight Beef TV Team, Beef TV, Beef 2024 Charlie Peel, The Australian, End of the line for Inland Rail? Social Issues Reporting, Alexandra Blucher, Alex McDonald, Carla Hildebrandt and Joshua Robertson, ABC Four Corners, ABC 7.30 and ABC News Online, Trapped: An investigation into the systemic mistreatment of people with disabilities Josh Robertson, ABC 7.30 and ABC News Online, The cult growing rich from the NDIS Ben Smee, Guardian Australia, In the box: conditions in Queensland police watch houses Sports Journalism Peter Badel, Brent Read and Michael Carayannis, The Courier-Mail and News Corp Australia, NRL Expansion: PMs $600m Plan to Protect PNG Jessica Stewart, ABC TV News and ABC News Online, The child gymnasts battling age discrimination by SIA Kyle Pollard, ABC News Online, From St Kilda to Stones Corner: The rise of the Reclink Community Cup Television/Audio Visual Current Affairs, Feature, Documentary or Special Broadcast Kate Kyriacou, Greg Stolz, Rhylea Millar, Natalie Gregg and Melanie Pilling, The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail, Prayed Upon: a real life handmaids tale Dan Nolan and Ben Stivala, Nine A Current Affair, Childcare Failures Mark Willacy, Caitlin Shea, Kyle Taylor, Morag Ramsay and Ryan Sheridan, ABC Television, Nemesis News Report Rachel Baxter and Gordon Fuad, 7NEWS, Tara Bushfires Melissa Downes, Andrew Lofthouse and the Nine News Team, 9News, Queensland Bushfire Emergency Peter Fegan, 9News, The Death of Wayne Irving The John Bean Memorial Award for Television Camerawork Matt Billett, 9News, Tara Bushfires Brendan Mounter, ABC TV News, Record Floods from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper Devastate Far North Queensland Regional and Community Broadcast Report Tobi Loftus, ABC AM and ABC TV News, Two by Twos exposed Adam Stephen, Jessica Naunton and Chris Calcino, ABC Radio, FNQ Flood Disaster Emergency Broadcast Kristy Sexton-McGrath, ABC TV News, Cairns Flood Crisis Could James Glenday be the next host for ABCs News Breakfast? Glenday is the newsreader at ABC Canberra. He has previously filled in as a presenter on News Breakfast. He spent five years as a foreign correspondent based in Europe and North America and six years as a political reporter in the press gallery at Parliament House in Canberra, which included a stint as National Affairs Editor. In late October ABC announced Greg Jennett to read 7pm Canberra news and teased Current ACT 7PM presenter James Glenday will be going on to an exciting new project next year. Michael Rowland announced his departure today, with his final show on Friday December 13. He follows Lisa Millar and Tony Armstrong who all departed this year, but at a much longer 15 year run. Joe Biden has drawn criticism from Democrats over his decision to pardon son Hunter, following his gun and tax convictions, reversing past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family. The Democratic president had previously said he would not pardon his son or commute his sentence after convictions in the two federal cases in Delaware and California. The move comes weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges, and less than two months before President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to the White House. It caps a long-running legal saga for the younger Biden, who publicly disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 - a month after his fathers 2020 victory - and casts a pall over the elder Bidens legacy. Mr Biden, who time and again pledged to Americans that he would restore norms and respect for the rule of law after Trumps first term in office, ultimately used his position to help his son, breaking his public pledge to Americans that he would do no such thing. ADVERTISEMENT Representative Greg Landsman, an Ohio Democrat, said on X: As a father, I get it. But as someone who wants people to believe in public service again, its a setback. Fellow Democrat Michael Bennet, Colorado Senator, said Mr Bidens decision placed personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all. In a statement released Sunday evening, President Biden said: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre on Monday defended the president's action and said Mr Biden believed Hunter faced further persecution from his adversaries, who she did not name. "One of the reasons the president did the pardon is because they didn't seem like - his political ... opponents - would let go of it. It didn't seem like they would move on," she told reporters on Air Force One during a trip to Angola. "They would continue to go after his son. That's what he believed." US President Joe Biden (second right) arriving in Angola (AFP via Getty Images) The presidents sweeping pardon covers not just the gun and tax offences against the younger Biden, but also any other offences against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. ADVERTISEMENT In June, Mr Biden categorically ruled out a pardon or commutation for his son, telling reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case: I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him. As recently as November 8, days after Trumps victory, Ms Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying: Weve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no. President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to dramatically overhaul and install loyalists across the Justice Department after he was prosecuted for his role in trying to subvert the 2020 presidential election, said in a social media post on Sunday that Hunter Bidens pardon was such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice. Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Trump asked, referring to those convicted in the violent Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. Hunter Biden said in an emailed statement that he will never take for granted the relief granted to him and vowed to devote the life he has rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. ADVERTISEMENT I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction - mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport, the younger Biden said. Joe Biden arrives at Amilcar Cabral international airport on Sal island, Cape Verde Monday, on his way to Angola (AP) Hunter Bidens legal team filed Sunday night in both Los Angeles and Delaware asking the judges handling his gun and tax cases to immediately dismiss them, citing the pardon. The elder Biden has publicly stood by his only living son as Hunter descended into serious drug addiction and threw his family life into turmoil before getting back on track in recent years. The presidents political rivals have long used Hunter Bidens myriad mistakes as a political cudgel against his father: In one hearing, lawmakers displayed photos of the drug-addled presidents son half-naked in a seedy hotel. House Republicans also sought to use the younger Bidens years of questionable overseas business ventures in a since-abandoned attempt to impeach his father, who has long denied involvement in his sons dealings or benefiting from them in any way. ADVERTISEMENT The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election, Mr Biden said in his statement. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision, Mr Biden added, claiming he made the decision this weekend. The president had spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts, with Hunter and his family, and departed for Angola later Sunday on what may be his last foreign trip as president before leaving office on January 20, 2025. The US President is making his long-promised visit to Africa to showcase a US-backed railway project in Zambia, Congo and Angola that he has pushed as a new approach in countering some of China's global influence. He was pictured on Monday stopping off in the Atlantic Ocean island of Cape Verde. Hunter Biden was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when, prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. Joe Biden with his son Hunter (REUTERS) He had been set to stand trial in September in the California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. David Weiss, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in Delaware who negotiated the plea deal, was subsequently named a special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland to have more autonomy over the prosecution of the presidents son. Hunter Biden said he was pleading guilty in that case to spare his family more pain and embarrassment after the gun trial aired salacious details about his struggles with a crack cocaine addiction. The tax charges carry up to 17 years behind bars and the gun charges are punishable by up to 25 years in prison, though federal sentencing guidelines were expected to call for far less time and it was possible he would have avoided prison time entirely. Hunter Biden was supposed to be sentenced this month in the two federal cases, which the special counsel brought after a plea deal with prosecutors that likely would have spared him prison time fell apart under scrutiny by a judge. Under the original deal, Hunter was supposed to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax offenses and and would have avoided prosecution in the gun case as long as he stayed out of trouble for two years. But the plea hearing quickly unraveled last year when the judge raised concerns about unusual aspects of the deal. The younger Biden was subsequently indicted in the two cases. Hunter Bidens legal team this weekend released a 52-page white paper titled The political prosecutions of Hunter Biden, describing the presidents son as a surrogate to attack and injure his father, both as a candidate in 2020 and later as president. The younger Bidens lawyers have long argued that prosecutors bowed to political pressure to indict the presidents son amid heavy criticism by Trump and other Republicans of what they called the sweetheart plea deal. Mr Biden is hardly the first president to deploy his pardon powers to benefit those close to him. In his final weeks in office, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in law, Jared Kushner, as well as multiple allies convicted in special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Trump over the weekend announced plans to nominate the elder Kushner to be the US envoy to France in his next administration. Mr Biden arrived in Angola on Monday for his long-awaited first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa and will use the three-day trip to counter China's influence by highlighting an ambitious US-backed railway project. The Lobito Corridor railway redevelopment in Zambia, Congo and Angola aims to advance U.S. presence in a region rich in the critical minerals used in batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices and clean energy technologies. Mr Biden first stopped in the Atlantic Ocean island nation of Cape Verde for a brief, closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva. In Angola, Mr Biden plans to meet with Angolan President Joao Lourenco, visit the National Slavery Museum and travel to the port city of Lobito for a look at the rail project. Mr Biden promised to visit Africa last year after reviving the US-Africa Summit in December 2022. The trip was pushed back to 2024 and delayed again this October because of Hurricane Milton, reinforcing a sentiment among Africans that their continent is still low priority for Washington. The last US president to visit sub-Saharan Africa was Barack Obama in 2015. Mr Biden did attend a United Nations climate summit in Egypt in North Africa in 2022. According to the plan approved by the Hanoi Peoples Committee on November 26, the project will covers an area of over 44 hectares across the Quang An and Tu Lien Wards in Tay Ho District. It will be transformed into a complex of cultural and artistic parks, a municipal opera house, spiritual facilities, recreational areas and commercial hotel services. At the heart of this complex, the Hanoi Opera Theatre will be located on Dam Tri Lake, adjacent to West Lake. It represents a monumental cultural project aimed at attracting international visitors to Hanoi and becoming a symbol of the citys aesthetic. The Tay Ho District Peoples Committee revealed that the opera house will have an estimated social investment fund of about VND10 trillion (US$394.5 million). The project will be executed under the citys oversight throughout the design, construction and operational phases. Notably, the opera house is designed by Renzo Piano, the 87-year-old architectural legend, with 65 years of professional experience, who has chosen to dedicate his expertise to creating the Hanoi Opera Theatre. The Hanoi Opera Theatres dome design is inspired by the waves of West Lake. Its dome is coated with a pearl-effect ceramic layer, which reflects light and captures the dynamic interplay of space and time with varying shades of sky and water. This ensures that the dome will reflect distinctive hues at every moment of the day, including dawn, dusk and night. The Hanoi Opera Theatre intergrates cutting-edge technologies and design techniques. The walls of the main auditorium are equipped with a system of mechanically acoustic panels, enabling precise control of sound reflection, absorption and reverberation time to suit the requirements of each artistic performance. This advanced system is rarely found in theatres worldwide. Renzo Piano meticulously planned the opera houses primary functional spaces, icluding the grand lobby, opera auditorium, multipurpose hall and auxiliary areas. He once shared with the press that the opera house, refferred to as an Island of Music, is more than just a performance venue. It is a cultural, recreational and experiential destination for residents and tourists. With the Hanoi Opera Theatre, he expressed a desire to create an iconic theatre for Vietnam, positioning it among the worlds greatest opera houses, such as those in Paris, Milan, Berlin, London, New York and Los Angeles. The Hanoi Opera Theatre is set to become a timeless and globally influential landmark in the capital, standing as a premier global attraction for Vietnam. Designed as a venue for large-scale, world-class performances, the Hanoi Opera Theatre aims to attract internationally renowned artists and solidify Vietnams position as a leading global opera destination. This ambitious cultural landmark is expected to elevate the stature of Hanoi and Vietnam on the international stage while offering the Vietnamese public greater access to the quintessence of human culture. HCM CITY The UK Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement is one of the key drivers boosting the growth of Viet Nams timber and wood product exports to the UK, industry experts have said. According to the Viet Nam Timber and Forest Products Association (VIFORES), exports to the UK are expected to be worth US$230 million this year, up from $195 million last year. In the first 10 months this year, they were worth $182.1 million. The association said the trade deal, which took effect in 2021, has positively impacted the wood industry due to preferential tax rates that will move towards zero per cent in five years for all wood products. Viet Nam's timber and wood products hold a competitive advantage over those from other countries exported to the UK, it said. Ngo Sy Hoai, VIFORES deputy chairman and general secretary, said while exports to the UK are modest compared to overall exports (estimated at $16 billion this year), the UK is an important export market of Viet Nams wooden products in Europe, accounting for 40 per cent of the countrys exports to the EU27. "We view the UK market as a gateway to Europe. If we can export extensively to the UK, we can confidently enter other markets, as the UK has stringent requirements regarding quality, design, and environmental standards. Vietnamese businesses have met these requirements successfully, with no safety warnings from this market." According to the Ministry of Industry and Trades import-export department, more than 90 per cent of wood products exported to the UK were furniture, a high-value item for the industry. Increasing furniture exports to the UK could significantly contribute to the industry's growth in the coming years, it said. The department underscored that globally, the UK ranks among the top five importers of wooden furniture. However, Vietnamese furniture products have a very small share of that market, meaning considerable opportunities remain for Vietnamese exporters. The UKs accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2024 would pave the way for even more opportunities, it said. Strict requirements Despite these opportunities, the department and Hoai caution about challenges when exporting to the market since it has strict environmental and quality requirements. To overcome them and grab opportunities arising due to the UKVFTA, the department said Vietnamese wood exporters should adopt appropriate strategies and understand the UK market. They should focus on quality and design and on improving production technologies to meet the stringent requirements there. They need to embrace a comprehensive transition towards sustainability, adopt digital marketing tools to enhance promotion and participate in trade fairs, particularly in the UK, to showcase their products and find new customers, it added. According to Hoai, to further leverage the trade deal, Vietnamese businesses need to focus on product design and developing their brands. Exports of wooden products with proprietary designs account for less than 10 per cent, he said. This has disadvantages and added value remained modest, he pointed out, saying businesses should promote products with their own designs to improve value. Encouragingly, some leading firms have invested in design and marketing, taking advantage of technological advancements in the digital era, he said. While the UK is no longer part of the EU, many of the blocs regulations still apply in the UK. For instance, the EU Deforestation Regulation is expected to be enforced similarly in the UK. Businesses must prepare to meet traceability and accountability requirements to ensure their products do not cause deforestation or forest degradation, he said. At a recent seminar, Vu Viet Thanh of the Ministry of Industry and Trade's European-American market department advised Vietnamese businesses exporting to the UK to thoroughly research market information and their potential partners to avoid fraud and scams. They themselves need to ensure supply chain transparency and product traceability, he warned. According to experts, British businesses look for diverse and reliable sources for furniture supply. By continuing to leverage the benefits of the UKVFTA, Vietnamese manufacturers could solidify their market position in the UK, they added. Thanh said, to help Vietnamese businesses effectively leverage free trade agreements, the European-American market department would strengthen dissemination of information and training to raise awareness among the business community of sustainable development, green production and brand building. The department would persuade trade partners to remove barriers to market access, provide support and guidance to businesses for adapting quickly and effectively to changes in market requirements and standards and intensify trade promotion, particularly by leveraging distribution channels, to take Vietnamese goods to sourcing groups worldwide. VNS HA NOI Property prices have been on the rise, causing economists and industry insiders to support stronger tax measures to keep prices in check while urging caution in their implementation. Last week, the Vietnam Association of Real Estate Brokers (VARS) called for additional taxes on second properties and unused land lots, especially on apartments. According to the association, apartment prices in the second quarter increased by nearly 60 per cent in Ha Noi and 27 per cent in HCM City, compared to 2019. In addition, mid-range products have largely disappeared with over 80 per cent of new apartments priced at VND50 million or US$2,000 per square metre (sqm) or higher. In some extreme cases, new apartments were listed for tens of thousands of dollars per sqm. Older apartments experienced a price surge with decades-old units listed at two and three times their original prices. Price increases for villas, townhouses and suburban lands, while less outrageous, have also been reported. Industry insiders attributed recent price surges to market speculators and manipulators having painstakingly created artificial supply-demand imbalances for profit. Nguyen Van inh, the associations chairman, said Viet Nam currently lacked a legal framework to monitor and prevent speculative activities and land hoarding, both of which were major contributing factors to price hikes. It has been common for speculators to purchase lands, only to leave them vacant for years, even decades, creating sporadic and isolated supply shortages to drive prices up. We identify the lack of deterrents against speculative activities and land hoarding as an urgent problem that must be addressed, despite the numerous foreseeable difficulties, he said. Economists said Viet Nam should learn from policies implemented by its Southeast Asian neighbours to curb land hoarding and speculation, including imposing heavy taxes on properties based on the duration of holding and if the properties were undeveloped. For example, Singapore imposes a 16 per cent tax on properties purchased and sold within the last 12 months. The tax rate decreases to 12 per cent in the second year and 8 per cent in the third year. Selling the properties after 36 months from the date of purchase will be free of tax. Meanwhile, taxes in the island nation go up to 20 per cent and 30 per cent for the second and third properties, respectively. Buyers who fail to develop their lands should also be subject to a 5 per cent tax, which would increase in subsequent years if the land remains undeveloped, a model employed by the South Korea government. In France, vacant properties face a 17 per cent tax during the first year and double to 34 per cent in the next year. Such taxes should force owners of vacant lands and properties to rent or sell, boosting market supply. This is the second round for second-property tax, which was discussed back in 2017 but later dismissed out of concerns for its feasibility and timing. Since then, the Ministry of Finance has been working on a series of policy changes to the countrys Property Law to improve land utilisation. Implementation will likely face numerous obstacles, said economist inh Trong Thinh. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive and transparent database to track owners holdings. He also warned the government of legal loopholes that could allow owners to circumvent the laws through proxies and emphasised the risk of overtaxing, which could burden businesses and consumers. Every policy must ensure its gains will likely outweigh its damage, he added. Economist inh The Hien from the Institute of Information and Business Research said a tax on second properties could hurt the markets confidence, drive prices up and lead to market contraction. Taxes are double-edged swords that can either stimulate or hinder growth," he said. "In principle, taxes should promote market transparency and growth, which can also be accomplished by starting a comprehensive land database and evaluation." Taxes and regulations do not always effectively counter land hoarding and speculation. For example, strict rules in purchasing second properties in large cities such as Beijing and Shanghai have significantly put a damper on the market, with some experts saying the financial losses have been crippling: a $18 trillion decrease in household wealth, 18 million jobs lost and plummeting demand for construction materials. The rules have since been relaxed, allowing easier purchases of second properties. Hien said Viet Nam, with limited resources compared to China, must tread the water with extreme caution, as a rash decision could send the property market, a major driver of socio-economic growth, into a downward spiral, hurting the economy as a whole. VNS SINGAPORE National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man on Monday received Lee Ark Boon, CEO of Singapores Sembcorp Development and Chairman of VSIP Group, as part of the top legislators ongoing official visit to Singapore. The Vietnamese NA hailed Sembcorps investment in 18 Viet Nam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) projects across 13 provinces and cities, which have created jobs for over 300,000 workers in Viet Nam. He described VSIP as an exemplary model of combining modern infrastructure development with effective foreign investment attraction. Man expressed his pleasure at the strong growth of the Viet Nam-Singapore strategic partnership with strengthened bilateral political trust and cooperation, particularly in economy and trade. He affirmed that Viet Nam highly values the presence of Singaporean businesses and showed his hope to continue cooperating with Sembcorp Group, focusing on projects involving the development of smart, modern, and sustainable industrial park infrastructure and the implementation of clean energy projects. For his part, Lee said that Sembcorp has been operating in Viet Nam for 28 years and that VSIP has become a symbol of successful cooperation between Singapore and Viet Nam. As a firm that is active Southeast Asia, Sembcorp found that the Vietnamese Government has created favourable conditions for businesses to invest and operate in the country, said Lee. He committed to continued strong investment in VSIP and other projects in different Vietnamese localities, with a focus on green and high-tech projects. He said he hopes for further support from Viet Nam, especially in developing new value chains for the group. Welcoming Sembcorpss plans to expand investment and develop low-carbon and high-tech industrial park models in Viet Nam, Man emphasised that this initiative aligns with Viet Nam's growth model shift toward industries with high added value and sustainability. The Vietnamese NA Chairman noted that Sembcorps investment expansion is in line with the priorities of both nations, pledging that Viet Nam will continue removing obstacles facing foreign investors, ensuring common development and contributing to Viet Nam's economic growth. The Vietnamese NA will give optimal legal conditions for Singaporean investors, Man said, noting that it has recently adopted several new laws and amendments related to land, real estate business, investment, finance, and budget regulations, aiming to remove bottlenecks and create a favourable environment for foreign investment attraction. He vowed that the Vietnamese legislature will continue to accompany and back foreign investors and international groups to operate effectively and successfully in Viet Nam. VNA/VNS HA NOI ak Lak Province-based EDE Farm Trade Services Limited Liability Company (MISS EDE) on Sunday hosted a ceremony to celebrate the brand's first container of roasted and ground coffee to be exported to the US. The exported container, measuring 20 feet, contains 18,000 packages of roasted and ground coffee. These are fully processed coffee products packaged in Viet Nam, rather than raw coffee beans. The raw coffee is sourced from sustainable farming areas that do not encroach on natural forests and are certified under the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The coffee beans underwent fermentation processing that meets US FDA standards. The supply chain is managed by Simexco ak Lak, a strategic partner and MISS EDEs authorised exporter. The importing company, based in Illinois (the US), will distribute the products through local supermarket systems. This first export will create opportunities for Vietnamese coffee to access US consumers and enhance its global brand image. Director of the ak Lak Department of Industry and Trade Luu Van Khoi said that agricultural products from the province have already reached over 70 countries and territories worldwide. However, Khoi said the export of instant coffee and other processed coffee products remains low, contributing little added value to ak Laks coffee sector. Thus, the export of the first container of roasted and ground coffee under the MISS EDE brand to the US holds significant importance as a way to promote processed products and add value to ak Laks coffee industry. Hoang Danh Huu, Founder and CEO of MISS EDE, said that the ceremony marks a critical milestone for his company. To convince US partners to import deeply processed products, MISS EDE had to meet all food safety and hygiene standards. Additionally, we have pioneered sourcing coffee from farming areas that comply with all sustainable development criteria, he shared. He further explained that over the past five years, MISS EDE has organised promotional activities both domestically and internationally. VNS HA NOI Phenikaa Group and its subsidiary, Vicostone Joint Stock Company, have been honoured as two of the country's top 100 sustainable businesses in 2024. This is the seventh consecutive year Phenikaa has been named on the list, the consecutive eighth time for Vicostone. The Corporate Sustainability Index Programme (CSI 100), organised by the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development under the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, is renowned as one of the top prestigious awards to applaud sustainable development of businesses in Viet Nam since 2016. Via a thorough assessment covering four areas; sustainable development, administration, environment and labour, the programme seeks to honour pioneering enterprises who undertake work responsibly. It encourages the firms to apply the Sustainable Business Index (CSI) in corporate governance as leverage to foster sustainable development. A representative from Phenikaa said that the group and its affiliates have recognised the challenges brought by climate change and their responsibilities in ensuring their business growth and environmental protection. Thus top priority has been given to environmental, social and governance issues. With a direction towards sustainable development and a firm foundation in science and technology, especially in the industrial sector, Phenikaa has not only complied with international standards of manufacturing, quality, and environment but also facilitated its machinery and technical innovation to minimise the impact on the environment and improve business performance. The group has also made greater efforts to research and develop new solutions to solve environmental and social challenges, typically green technology products such as AMR pallet mover robots and autonomous UAV solutions. That has helped increase labour capacities, minimise carbon commissions to the environment and make a contribution to the country's net zero goal. It has also developed a system of educational institutions qualified for international standards from primary to secondary education (Phenikaa School) and higher education (Phenikaa University) while spending billions of ong in implementing social corporate responsibility programmes. VNS HA NOI The Viet Nam-Asia Smart City Conference 2024, held on Monday in Ha Noi, opened with the theme 'Smart City - Digital Economy - Sustainable Development.' The event gathered over 2,000 participants, including leaders from Ha Noi, representatives from various ministries, and experts in technology, urban innovation and sustainability. The conference provided a platform to discuss the future of urban development in Viet Nam and Asia, with an emphasis on digital transformation, smart city solutions and sustainable growth. Vice Chairman of the Ha Noi People's Committee Ha Minh Hai said the conference played a significant role as part of Viet Nam's broader digital transformation efforts. The event was a key milestone in the capital's development and in responding to National Digital Transformation Day 2024. Ha Noi, alongside other cities in Viet Nam, is striving toward creating smart, modern and sustainable urban environments. Nguyen Van Khoa, Vice Chairman of the Viet Nam Information and Communications Technology Association (VINASA), said Ha Noi has made progress in developing digital infrastructure, including the deployment of 12,000 5G stations and fibre-optic connections to 100 per cent of households. The city has also launched the iHanoi platform with over 1.1 million accounts and integrated more than 5.4 million health records into the national database. These efforts have enhanced public services and connectivity, which are essential components of smart city development. Other localities have also made great strides in building smart cities, as 48 out of 63 provinces and cities have initiated smart city projects. Furthermore, more than 50 localities have established provincial Integrated Operation Centres (IOCs), with nearly 200 district-level IOCs deployed. These projects are helping local governments improve urban management, service delivery and public safety, using data-driven solutions. However, as the country moves forward, the challenge remains to find new drivers of growth, especially in light of rapid political, economic and technological changes. The answer lies in focusing on the digital economy, green technologies and innovation in sectors like semiconductors, AI and automotive industries, Khoa said. Building smart cities with data Nguyen Viet Hung, Director of the Ha Noi Department of Information and Communications, said the citys data strategy will be key to transforming Ha Noi into a smart, modern city by 2030. Data plays a crucial role in the development of digital government, digital economy and digital society. It is a core resource for enhancing economic growth, improving public service efficiency and increasing the citys global competitiveness. The development of a smart city is inherently tied to data-driven decision-making. Ha Nois strategy focuses on creating a unified, safe and efficient data infrastructure, ensuring that data systems are interoperable, secure and accessible. This will allow the city to optimise urban management, improve services and enhance citizens' quality of life. He said that the citys data-driven approach is also crucial for ensuring transparency, accountability and effective governance. Ha Nois efforts are guided by a clear vision of integrating data into all aspects of urban planning and service delivery. As part of its long-term strategy, it will prioritise areas such as urban traffic management, heritage conservation and environmental protection, using data to inform policies and ensure sustainable development. The conference also featured insights from various experts and businesses on the status of smart city development in Viet Nam and other countries. Topics ranged from the role of AI and big data in smart city solutions to strategies for fostering digital economies and promoting sustainable urban development. Experts shared valuable experiences on implementing digital technologies, building resilient infrastructure and ensuring sustainable practices in urban management. Ha Nois plan to build a smart city by 2025 is outlined in several key documents, including Resolution No 18-NQ/TU and Programme No 07-CTr-TU. These plans emphasise the digital transformation, technological innovation, and the creation of a modern, connected urban infrastructure. Ha Noi aims to integrate global best practises while addressing local needs, ensuring that its growth is inclusive, sustainable and aligned with the evolving demands of urbanisation. VNS HA NOI As the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday is approaching, the Vietnamese aviation market has experienced intense pressure with airfares soaring and seat availability becoming increasingly scarce. Two months ahead of the nations biggest and longest holiday, many seats on flights have been already 90-100 per cent booked while the number of operational aircraft has decreased by nearly 50 as compared to the same time last year. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) said the occupancy rate on the HCM City Hue and HCM City Chu Lai routes is 90 per cent while tickets have been already sold out on those connecting the southern economic hub and Pleiku, Tuy Hoa, Quy Nhon, and Quang Binh. Airlines estimated a 10 per cent increase in travel demand for the holiday, complicated by ongoing fleet challenges, with Bamboo Airways and Pacific Airlines undergoing restructuring and Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet having to ground 20-25 planes for maintenance due to engine issues. As a result, families are facing financial challenges since ticket prices nearly double during the peak travel season. Flying from HCM City to Hai Phong City could cost around VN3.7 million (US$145.76) per pax while airfares on the route during normal day range from VN1.8 to VN1.9 million. Vietnamese carriers have leased aircraft in preparation for the travel boom during the holiday. Bamboo Airways added a narrow-body Airbus plane last month, increasing its fleet to eight. Earlier, Vietravel Airlines received a plane it wet-leased from Avion Express, a Lithuania based lessor. In the meantime, Vietnam Airlines has carried out its plan to lease four Airbus A320/A321 planes, each of which is expected to operate 180 flights during peak time. CAAV Director inh Viet Thang said ticket price increases are typical during peak periods due to high demand and a rise in the operational costs, including fuel prices and currency fluctuations. The aviation authority has directed airport management agencies to optimise flight schedules and increase the number of night flights to meet demand amidst an aircraft shortage, he said, adding competent authorities are monitoring ticket prices closely, asking businesses to list the airfares in accordance with regulations. Airlines have warned consumers about a growing wave of fraudulent websites deceiving customers by requesting payments through personal accounts while failing to provide legitimate tickets or actual services, effectively stealing money from passengers. Vietnam Airlines has specifically identified multiple fake domain names designed to mislead consumers, including variants such as vietnamairslines.com, vietnamaairlines.com, vietnamairlinesvn.com, and vemaybayvietnam.com. These fraudulent sites aggressively market tickets at prices that are 40-60 per cent lower than official rates, attempting to lure customers with seemingly attractive deals. Other carriers like Vietjet and Vietravel Airlines have also alerted the public about sophisticated scam tactics. These include fake prize notification schemes and fraudulent cheap ticket offers that typically involve sending deceptive links and pressuring customers to disclose personal and credit card information with the intent of financial theft. VNS Khanh Linh HAI PHONG Most coral reef conservation areas in Cat Ba Archipelago, located within the Cat Ba National Park in Hai Phong City, lack an adequate mooring buoy system. Activities such as fishing, aquaculture and tourism services directly affect the coral reefs, leading to significant ecosystem degradation. Experts emphasise the urgent need for a comprehensive buoy system. Nguyen Van Thiu, Director of Cat Ba National Park, said that the park was established on March 31, 1986, covering approximately 17,362 hectares, including 10,912 hectares of islands and 6,450 hectares of sea. The national park holds significant value for its natural landscapes, biodiversity and diverse ecosystems. It serves as the core area of the Cat Ba Archipelago World Biosphere Reserve and the core zone of the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago World Natural Heritage Site. The Cat Ba Archipelago, in particular, serves as a breeding ground for marine life in northern Viet Nam, and its coral reef ecosystems play a crucial role for humans and the marine environment. Coral reefs not only provide habitats for diverse marine species but also offer organic materials, shelter and nurseries for aquatic organisms, forming a vital ecosystem that sustains and regenerates marine resources. However, economic development, unregulated tourism activities, and rampant, unplanned aquaculture have placed enormous pressure on the environment and coral ecosystems in the region, he said. Overexploitation and destructive practices such as using explosives and electric fishing methods have significantly reduced natural resources," Thiu said. "These factors have caused a continuous decline in coral reefs over the past 15 years in coverage, area and species diversity. Additionally, natural environmental factors and slow recovery rates have further diminished their distribution, The first buoys To better manage and protect coral reefs at Cat Ba National Park, the Vietnam Business for the Environment (VB4E) Alliance, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Cat Ba National Park initiated a coral reef monitoring programme between 2021 and 2022. The programme aimed to propose effective management strategies for coral reef conservation. Over two years, monitoring was conducted in three areas of Van Ta, Ba inh and Gio Cung. The monitoring revealed that coral reef health in Cat Ba was moderate, with slow coral growth and low species diversity. Indicator species, especially fish, showed low densities, and sporadic coral bleaching was observed in some areas. Based on these findings, the national park proposed measures to enhance coral reef conservation, including installing mooring buoys in key areas. In 2023-2024, IUCN, through VB4E, supported Cat Ba in deploying buoys in areas with healthy coral reefs that require protection, such as Van Ta, Ba inh and Gio Cung. Over two years, 23 buoys were deployed, covering nearly 34 hectares of coral reef areas. The buoys, imported and made from composite materials, cost approximately VN10 million (US$394) each, including floating components, chains and anchoring systems. These buoys clearly demarcate coral reef areas, helping fishing and tourism boats steer clear and aiding patrol and enforcement efforts. This initiative marks a significant step towards preserving the invaluable coral reef ecosystems of Cat Ba National Park. The deployment of buoys is of immense importance, said Thiu, The buoys effectively raise awareness among fishermen, boat operators, and tourists about coral reef areas, encouraging them to avoid these zones. "They also aid park staff and rangers by facilitating more focused and frequent patrols in these areas, enabling the detection and handling of violations. This effort helps enhance community awareness, encouraging locals to work alongside authorities in protecting and conserving marine ecosystems and coral reefs. To ensure the buoys are effective, Cat Ba National Park staff have conducted extensive research and consulted with marine scientists. This approach aims to address challenges posed by the marine environment, such as saltwater corrosion and biofouling by organisms like oysters and barnacles, which can weaken buoy ropes or puncture the floats. The buoy system requires maintenance at least once a year, according to Thiu. Storms and tropical depressions present significant challenges to maintaining the buoy system. During Typhoon Yagi in September 2024, the national park lost all 40 buoys deployed since 2013 as part of the ecological zoning system. Additionally, five of the 12 buoys released in 2023 were also lost. In a collaborative effort to protect coral reefs and preserve the marine environment, the Food Chain Joint Stock Company (THFC), a member of TH Group, donated five buoys and accompanying equipment to the national park on Friday. Through our partnership with VB4E, the company has come to understand the financial challenges faced by conservation organisations, said Nguyen The Phuong, a representative of TH Group. This is why private sector involvement, like ours, is crucial to inspire and encourage other businesses to join the mission of conserving the nations rich biodiversity resources. More buoys needed Following Typhoon Yagi, the park staff reinforced the buoy system, repairing chains and float components to prevent parasitic organisms from causing further damage. Thiu acknowledged that the current number of buoys is insufficient to cover the coral reef areas needing protection. However, he emphasised their value as an educational and awareness-raising tool for the community, fostering recognition of the importance of coral reef conservation. In addition to deploying buoys, the park is intensifying patrols, inspections and legal education efforts targeting both tourists and local residents. These combined measures aim to build a collective effort toward the protection and preservation of coral reef ecosystems, he added. Nguyen ang Ngai, Deputy Director of the Institute of Marine Environment and Resources, highlighted that one of the most effective strategies for coral reef conservation is zoning for protection and coral restoration in degraded areas. These efforts aim to increase coral reef coverage and species diversity, ultimately restoring balance and health to coral reef ecosystems. The institute employs local coral fragments for restoration by harvesting and transplanting them. After two years, the transplanted corals achieved a survival rate of approximately 9 per cent, laying a foundation for natural reef recovery. Ngai noted that Cat Ba National Park carefully selects buoy releasing sites, targeting areas with dense coral populations or locations where reefs are particularly vulnerable to threats from fishing, aquaculture or marine tourism. However, he emphasised the need for rigorous monitoring of these reefs to implement supplementary measures that ensure their recovery and development. He also suggested increasing fundraising efforts to secure additional buoys for key areas of the Cat Ba Archipelago. Experts emphasise the need for sustained conservation efforts to restore coral reefs. They warn that economic exploitation could further damage these fragile ecosystems. VNS By Le Huong* A market can often be described as the beating heart of a city. And ong Xuan Market in the centre of Ha Noi is exactly that. Mornings are typically a hive of activity as shoppers pile in and traders show off their goods. The market was first established in 1804 at the eastern gate of Thang Long Citadel. This current structure was built in 1980 by the French. With over 2,000 booths, goods at the market vary from food and clothes, to souvenirs and daily utensils. Many shop owners have been here for dozens of years. My family has been selling at this market for several generations, Giang Thi Thu Thuy, a shop owner told Viet Nam News. Im proud to do this job and follow my family's trade. Im proud to be a shop owner here. Nguyen Huyen Anh, who has sold dresses at the market for over 20 years said: I like this job as I love designing. For a long time, the goods here have been of the best quality. I think that I will engage with this job till I get old. I love everything here. My trading is good, the same as my income. Many sellers are boosting their sales by using online platforms and livestreams. My nieces film goods and post online to sell on Zalo and Facebook, Thuy said. We are old but my children and nieces help me to use modern technology, to go online. So my income is secure. Thuy said through the internet, people who live far from Ha Noi can learn more about ong Xuan Market and buy things online. Huyen Anh said she has applied digital transformation. I often use Facebook and Zalo to sell clothes, she said. I film whenever I have new items. I post clips online every one or two days. She said livestreaming helps her improve her sales. Now people can stay at home, search on Zalo and Facebook and make transactions online, she said. Vu Ha Thanh, Deputy Director of ong Xuan Joinstock Company the market's managing board, said they have lots of plans for the market with the first one setting up an e-commerce trading platform. We have discussed it with shop owners and will implement it if it is supported, he said. Yet due to the markets characteristic as a wholesale market, most of the shop owners havent got any demands for the platform yet. Maybe we should wait a bit longer for more advances in the markets transactions and the shop owners way of thinking. People come here to shop, exchange, to experience the local lifestyle and even just to capture a very Vietnamese moment. "I just arrived here," said Kerry King, an Australian tourist "It's busy. Lots of lovely, friendly, happy people wanting to make a living and sell their wares to lots of tourists. For me personally, it's a little bit crowded but that's how it works and that's how it is." "It's full on. It attacks the senses as soon as you walk in," said visitor Malc Reddaway. "It's just case of trying to discover what's what because all the areas are different, obviously themed in different ways, some more interesting than others." "And it seems that it is for wholesale. There are some signs saying no retail, it's only wholesale, so it's difficult to know what you can buy, what you can't buy." Nguyen Thi Thanh, a frequent shopper at the market said she often buys things here as the market offers good clothes and family utensils at reasonable prices. "ong Xuan Market is good for tourists as the shop owners are friendly, and charge reasonable prices," she said. "They charge the same prices to both locals and tourists." Tourists are also catered for by the markets managing board. "Under the guidelines: safety, civilisation and effectiveness, we warmly welcome tourists and hope to receive their cooperation when visiting the market," Thanh said."We are sure that the market is absolutely safe." So stop by the market if you take a tour in the Old Quarter to experience truly Vietnamese culture. VNS *with an additional interview by Hai Anh TOKYO A ceremony was held at the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan on November 30 to establish the Vietnamese traditional culture and arts association in the country (Betoraku). The association was formed in response to the increasing desire among Vietnamese families in Japan to preserve and promote Vietnamese cultural traditions for the next generations that are born and raised in the host country. Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu called the establishment of the association a crucial piece in the ongoing development of the Vietnamese community in Japan, expressing his hope that the association will bring Vietnamese there together, towards the homeland, through cultural values. The diplomat urged the association to expand its membership which, he said, should also include Japanese artists and cultural figures, helping deepen the relationship between the two countries and enrich Viet Nam's cultural treasure. Professor Tran Van Tho, Honorary President of the association, said its time to establish such association to inherit and promote the beauty of the Vietnamese culture while providing opportunities for people to understand their historical and cultural roots, thereby connecting them to their homeland and enriching their spiritual lives. o Khanh Han, President of the association, said the association has set the three major goals of preserving, honouring, and spreading the beauty of Vietnamese culture and arts within the community and in Japan; maximising resources to effectively achieve these goals; and striving to become a bridge for Vietnamese cultural and artistic groups in Japan, and a reliable and quality partner of cultural and artistic institutions in both countries, contributing to promoting Viet Nam-Japan cultural exchanges. VNA/VNS Looking at the structural problems of Canadian conservatism at the end of 2024 (Part Three) By Mark Wegierski web posted December 2, 2024 The impact of the so-called right-wing blogosphere is certainly far less in Canada than in the United States. The impact of various personal blogs (such as those of Kate McMillan, the late Kathy Shaidle, or Richard Klagsbrun) is difficult to accurately gauge. There are as well the party-based Blogging Tories. The website conservativeforum.org is only an archive site. Free Dominion could be called a "self-posting forum" where commentary is not formally structured. Unfortunately, Free Dominion has been recently subjected to vicious "lawfare" and its situation is highly tenuous. Enter Stage Right is an independent, formally structured, consistently edited, frequently updated, conservative Canadian e-zine. There is also Judi McLeod's Canada Free Press. In the wake of the failure of the Sun News Network, Ezra Levant has launched a major website, called The Rebel (or The Rebel Media) with dozens of bloggers regularly contributing to it. Another substantial media initiative is Candice Malcolm's True North Canada, as well as The Post-Millennial website. Another substantial website is The Hub ( thehub.ca ). Three websites of the "culturalist opposition" were actforcanada.ca, capforcanada.com and eurocanadian.ca. However, the last of these now appears to be defunct. Representing Western Canada, there is the new Western Standard website. In July 2013, there arose with great fanfare, the daily webzine, Freedom Press Canada Journal, but it was forced to greatly reduce the frequency of its postings as of November 30, 2013, and, in subsequent months, appears to have been completely removed from the Internet. Since mid-2014, short article postings began to very sporadically appear on the website but, as of this writing, the website is no longer extant. Freedom Press Canada has also published, over the last several years, a number of hard-hitting conservative books, but its publishing endeavours appear to have ended by now. It is also commonly considered that mass-circulation newspapers like The National Post, Calgary Herald, Ottawa Citizen, and The Toronto Sun are heavily right-wing. However, that is not really the case. There are also a considerable number of blogs of varying political complexion now associated with major newspapers and magazines, such as that, for example, of Colby Cosh who had previously had a long-running personal blog. There had also arisen, in April 2011, a right-leaning cable-based news station Sun News Network. However, it completely shut down on February 13, 2015. A boutique cable service called The News Forum has arisen around October 2020. Their tagline is "where all voices matter". In the U.S., there are hundreds of private, frequently religiously affiliated colleges, which may constitute the basis for a network of conservative dissent. There is clearly some conservative presence in much of the U.S. academy. In Canada, conservative professors are few and far between; perhaps the University of Calgary is the only public university with a significant conservative presence (in its department of political science). And, there are only a few private colleges, notably, Trinity Western University in British Columbia, and Redeemer University College in Ontario. Trinity Western University has recently faced strong opposition when it endeavoured to launch a law school. The pretext was the university's strict Christian-based code of conduct, which (among a broad variety of other rules) limited sexual activity for students as well as faculty to the intimacy of heterosexual marriage. The law school was rejected as legitimate by the Ontario and Nova Scotia bar associations, meaning that its graduates would be unable to practice law in those provinces. There was also agitation continuing against its earlier recognition by the British Columbia bar association. On October 30, 2014, the result of a binding referendum of the B.C. bar association members was to instruct the bar association's benchers to withdraw the recognition of Trinity Western's law school. There was indeed a highly orchestrated campaign against the recognition of the law school. This culminated in the 2018 decision of the Supreme Court of Canada that the provincial bar associations were justified in forbidding Trinity Western University law school graduates from practicing law in their provinces. Given these developments, Trinity Western University cancelled its plans to establish a law school. Taking into account the disparity in resources as between "small-c conservatives" and left-liberals in Canada which is clearly astronomical the situation of conservatism in Canada may indeed be seen as rather difficult. One supposes that one of the few possible reassurances for so-called "small-c conservatives" is that they, after all, have human nature and commonsense on their side. However, what traditionalists call "human nature" is considered merely a fiction by most left-liberals who believe that human beings are almost entirely determined by their immediate environment, and can indeed be shaped in any direction left-liberalism chooses. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home HA NOI The Asia Tourism Development Institute (ATI) and the Korea Tourism Management Association have organised a conference in Ha Noi to promote tourism, trade, and education cooperation between Viet Nam and the Republic of Korea (RoK). Speaking at the event on November 30, head of the tourism promotion division at the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Nguyen Quy Phuong said that in 2024, the RoK is the largest source of international tourists for Viet Nam. In the first ten months of this year, the Southeast Asian nation welcomed 3.7 million Korean visitors, accounting for 26.4 per cent of total international arrivals. Meanwhile, the Notheast Asian country is also a favourite destination of many Vietnamese travellers. Phuong called on the Korean side to enhance tourism exchanges by implementing digital marketing campaigns that highlight the unique attractions of both countries. He also recommended improving aviation connectivity to foster bilateral tourism, simplifying visa granting procedures, exploring new forms of tourism, and boosting educational and youth exchange programmes between the two countries. Ruy In Pyong, President of the Korean association, emphasised the necessity of collaboration between tourism entities and academic institutions to foster domestic and international tourism, and that his association is committed to actively supporting Viet Nam's tourism sector through this cooperation. He added the RoK will actively introduce Viet Nam's attractive tourism resources to both domestic and international travellers while seeking further collaboration to enhance cultural exchanges and tourism. Kim Hyun, Director of the Tourism Department of the RoK's Chungbuk province, noted Viet Nam ranks first in Southeast Asia and fourth globally in terms of the number of international visitors to Chungbuk. He said his department will continue to strengthen partnerships with Vietnamese tourism units by developing joint tourism products, organising international conferences, and facilitating cultural and artistic exchanges. At the conference, the ATI signed memoranda of understanding on cooperation with the Korea Tourism Management Association, the Chungbuk provincial Tourism Department, and the Tourism Department of Sunchang county of the RoK's North Jeolla province. VNA/VNS NEW DELHI Famous rock band Buc Tuong (The Wall) represented Viet Nam at the ASEAN - India Music Festival 2024 that took place in New Delhi last weekend. The festival was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs of India on the occasion of 10 years of India's "Act East" policy. It brought together 10 bands from the 10 ASEAN member states and five others from host India. As the first to perform, the Vietnamese band rocked the outdoor stage at Purana Qila, one of the oldest forts in Delhi, with its famous songs. Opening the event on November 29, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita affirmed that music is a common language that inspires, heals and connects people. This festival highlighted the cultural bond that India and ASEAN have built over the years. It is a celebration of how music transcends borders and strengthens the ties between ASEAN and India in their shared journey of development, he said. The ASEAN-India Music Festival 2024 gives the audience a rare opportunity to experience the rich and diverse sounds of both regions at one location. VNA/VNS Deputy director of the National Department of Remote Sensing (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) Le Quoc Hung talks about how this technology is a key tool for monitoring natural resources and the environment. Could you please explain the role of remote sensing technology in meeting the countrys development goals in the era of Industry 4.0? Currently, remote sensing data has become a vital source of information for various fields, including mapping, natural resource investigation and management, environmental monitoring and protection, disaster prevention, urban and regional planning, scientific research and technology development. In fact, remote sensing imagery can be obtained through multiple techniques, providing crucial information for numerous areas. In recent years, remote sensing technology has developed rapidly. Data collected from Earth observation satellites now features higher levels of detail and improved frequency. Integrating remote sensing technology with traditional environmental monitoring methods has significantly enhanced the accuracy of monitoring information. Remote sensing technology enables rapid data acquisition across large areas, including nationwide and regional scopes, even in places that are difficult for human access. It ensures up-to-date, real-time imagery and allows data collection to be repeated in various cycles: daily, every few weeks, seasonally or yearly. By using remote sensing data, continuous and automated monitoring of changes in various environments and phenomena is possible without requiring human presence on-site. Remote sensing is one of the key tools for monitoring natural resources and the environment. How is this technology currently being applied in Viet Nam? So far, remote sensing technology has been actively applied in natural resource management, focusing primarily on land, water, minerals and forest resources, as well as environmental monitoring. Additionally, the natural resources and environment sector is gradually expanding the application of remote sensing technology for unified management and monitoring of natural resources and the environment across the country. While there are still challenges with remote sensing technology for environmental observation and monitoring, the general trend of the era, coupled with the visionary leadership of the Party and State and the determination of the natural resources and environment sector to protect the environment, suggests that remote sensing technology will increasingly be utilised in managing and protecting the environment in the country. Could you share some significant achievements of remote sensing technology since its implementation in Viet Nam? In recent years, numerous projects implemented by the National Remote Sensing Department have delivered positive results. For example, the project titled 'Using Remote Sensing and GIS Technology to Develop a Database and Create Maps of Pollution and Wastewater Regions in Industrial Zones and Urban Areas to Warn High-Risk Areas in Key Economic Regions of Central Viet Nam' was a notable success. Another project 'Monitoring Key Offshore Islands and Marine Regions Using Remote Sensing Technology to Support Socio-Economic Development and National Security', as well as the 'Monitoring Coastal Erosion in Key Areas in Central Viet Nam Using Remote Sensing Technology', yielded crucial outcomes. Notably, the project 'Monitoring Marine and Island Resources Using Remote Sensing Technology' allowed Viet Nam, for the first time, to create a comprehensive and detailed map of the nation's maritime and island resources. The project used modern remote sensing technology to generate information across large areas, in multiple timeframes, with exceptional speed and accuracy. Additionally, several other key projects within the natural resources and environment sector have applied remote sensing technology effectively, such as the project 'Using Remote Sensing Technology to Assess Drought and Saltwater Intrusion and Locate Water Sources in the South-Central and Central Highlands Regions' and the 'Development of Monitoring and Warning Systems for Water and Air Environmental Factors in Viet Nam's Coastal Regions Using Remote Sensing Technology'. A significant responsibility of the National Remote Sensing Department is to provide Spot 6/7 satellite imagery to support, guide and establish legal frameworks for enhancing State management activities across ministries, departments and local authorities, promoting the application of remote sensing technology in natural resource and environmental management activities. In the context of rapidly evolving modern technologies, what plans and strategies does the department have to further develop and effectively apply remote sensing technology in the future? The current and future development trends of global remote sensing technology could differ significantly from the technologies we are using now. This requires us to analyse, forecast and grasp these trends to establish suitable strategies for developing science and technology. By 'leapfrogging' technologies, we can harness global knowledge and reduce technological gaps through research collaboration, technology transfer, and remote sensing technology development. It is essential to prioritise key technological groups in remote sensing, focusing research and development on these areas. The department is continuing to propose targeted research initiatives, focusing on providing a scientific basis, improving policy mechanisms, and developing legal frameworks to support state management of remote sensing activities. Efforts are also being made to automate technological processes for the application of remote sensing in resource and environmental monitoring, perfecting satellite remote sensing systems, enhancing networks of remote sensing data reception stations, and upgrading storage and processing systems. From now until 2030, Viet Nam aims to master the technology for manufacturing remote sensing satellites, systems for receiving and processing satellite data, satellite control stations, and aerial Earth imagery systems using drones and balloons. The goal is to develop a national satellite imagery database and data processing system to meet socio-economic, defence and security needs. Additionally, Viet Nam emphasises the widespread application of remote sensing technology, using its products and data in key areas such as basic surveys, resource and environmental monitoring, disaster response, climate change adaptation, and search and rescue operations. International cooperation in remote sensing is also being actively promoted. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Sunday signed an official dispatch demanding ministries, sectors, and localities to promote thrift practice and wastefulness combat. In the dispatch, the PM requested ministers, heads of ministry-level and governmental agencies, and chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities strongly carry out certain tasks and measures to continue enhancing the efficient and effective implementation of policies and law on thrift practice and wastefulness prevention. Among those tasks and measures, he asked for seriously and fruitfully implementing the Politburos Directive No. 27-CT/TW on strengthening the Partys leadership over thrift practice and wastefulness prevention, Party General Secretary To Lams directions on the issue, the Governments Resolution No. 98/NQ-CP launching an action plan to carry out the Politburos Directive No. 27-CT/TW, and the Governments Resolution No. 53/NQ-CP on implementing the National Assemblys Resolution No. 74/2022/QH15 on stepping up the enforcement of policies and law on thrift practice and wastefulness prevention. PM Chinh ordered them to boost leadership and directions over the work; minimise administrative procedures as well as compliance cost and provide the best possible conditions for people and enterprises; eradicate the mechanism of asking - giving; increase power decentralisation for agencies and localities; and augment the monitoring, assessment, and accountability of state agencies, cadres, civil servants, and public employees. Another task is to fine-tune relevant legal regulations so as to ensure the legal systems consistency, address overlaps and contradictions, and improve the efficient management and use of state-owned resources. The PM requested increasing the dissemination of legal regulations along with the Party and States guidelines and policies on the issue among agencies, enterprises, organisations, individuals, and the entire society. Besides, thrift practice and wastefulness prevention should be developed into a culture and a voluntary activity. He demanded that the work focus on such fields as state budget management; public investment capital management and use; public asset management and use; the management of natural resources and minerals, especially land; the management of state capital and assets invested in enterprises; along with apparatus organisation and labour management. In addition, examination and inspection should be ramped up while violations of the rules on thrift practice and wastefulness prevention be stringently handled, according to the dispatch. VNA/VNS BUDAPEST Hungary's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has held a ceremony to present Hungarian Officers Cross of Merit to Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Thi Bich Thao in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the development of comprehensive relations between Hungary and Viet Nam. On behalf of the Hungarian President, State Secretary for Bilateral Relations at the ministry Illes Boglarka presented the honour to Thao, praising her as an experienced, passionate, and highly respected diplomat in Hungary. Over her more than three years as the Vietnamese Ambassador, she has played an instrumental role in advancing the partnership between Hungary and Viet Nam to new heights, she said. The Hungarian official reviewed a number of important milestones in the Viet Nam-Hungary diplomatic and economic relations with Ambassador Thaos contributions, noting that during her working tenure, the diplomat has also maintained strong relationships with Hungarys Parliament, ministries, and local authorities, especially in education, culture, and justice. She has actively promoted both nations culture and literature through events such as the ceremony to honour Vietnamese and Hungarian translators in August 2023. He also acknowledged the Vietnamese ambassadors dedication to fostering cultural and educational exchanges, and her contributions to a greater understanding of Vietnams rich history and culture among the Hungarian people. Meanwhile, Daniel Lorincz, head of the ministry's Department of Regional Integration and International Trade praised Thaos contributions to the growth of the comprehensive partnership between the two countries, expressing his hope that the diplomat will continue to exert more efforts for fostering the bilateral friendship and all-round collaboration. For her part, the Vietnamese ambassador expressed her deep gratitude to the Hungarian State, ministries and localities for their support during her tenure. She pledged to continue dedicating herself to the further strengthening and development of the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Viet Nam and Hungary. VNA/VNS NEW YORK A delegation of Vietnamese representative offices in New York, led by Ambassador ang Hoang Giang, head of Viet Nam's Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN), has visited the Lao Permanent Mission to the UN to offer congratulations on the occasion of Laos 49th National Day (December 2, 1975 2024). Ambassador Giang took the occasion to praise the significant achievements of the Lao Party, State, and people in socio-economic development and international integration, and its successful tenure as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2024, despite global and regional uncertainties. The chairmanship has helped reinforce the blocs unity and centrality, while enhancing Laos international position and reputation, Giang said. The diplomat affirmed that Viet Nam hopes to continue fostering the close, reliable coordination between the two delegations at the UN, contributing to implementing each countrys foreign policies of independence and self-reliance, promoting their roles in multilateral forums, and further strengthening their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation. With appreciation, Ambassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo, head of the Lao Permanent Mission, acknowledged the Vietnamese counterparts close collaboration and effective assistance, especially during Laos chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in New York (ANYC). He said he believes that Viet Nam's recent diplomatic accomplishments, including contributions by its Permanent Mission to the UN, lay a strong foundation for the country to embark on a new era of national rise with support and companionship from Laos. VNA/VNS SINGAPORE Viet Nam and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties, with a focus on enhancing parliamentary cooperation and exploring new areas of collaboration in a meeting between National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and Singapore's Speaker of the Parliament Seah Kian Peng on Monday. Both Man and Seah discussed elevating their bilateral relationship under the Viet Nam-Singapore Strategic Partnership framework, which has marked over a decade of robust development. Speaker Seah expressed his delight in hosting Chairman Man on his first official visit in this capacity, highlighting the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two nations. He underscored the deep connections across various sectors, including political trust, economic links and people-to-people exchanges, which are reinforced by shared strategic visions and close ties between their leaders. Man, in turn, extended greetings from Viet Nam's Party and State leaders and praised Singapore for its remarkable achievements. He reaffirmed Viet Nam's view of Singapore as a key regional partner and noted the shared aspirations for sustainable development and prosperity. The two leaders agreed on the pivotal role of political and diplomatic cooperation as a cornerstone for broader bilateral relations. They committed to fostering high-level exchanges and supporting the training of Viet Nams strategic personnel, including officials preparing for future leadership roles. Economic and trade cooperation continues to serve as a critical pillar of the partnership. Both sides emphasised the importance of creating favourable legal frameworks to advance joint projects in emerging fields such as green economy, digital transformation, clean energy, cybersecurity and innovation. They also pledged to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors like infrastructure development, tourism, and transportation. In the defence and security arena, the leaders identified potential for further cooperation, including military dialogues, naval exchanges, cybersecurity, maritime protection and disaster response. The discussions also explored advancing maritime connectivity and protecting marine ecosystems through innovative technologies. To deepen parliamentary cooperation, the two sides resolved to implement their bilateral parliamentary cooperation agreement effectively. This includes fostering information exchanges, sharing legislative expertise and supporting initiatives involving young and female parliamentarians. Chairman Man also urged Singapore's Parliament to facilitate conditions for Vietnamese enterprises, investors, and residents in Singapore. Internationally, both countries committed to working closely in multilateral forums, such as the United Nations, ASEAN and inter-parliamentary bodies, to elevate their global standing and jointly contribute to regional peace and stability. They reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and freedom of navigation in the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea), advocating for the resolution of disputes based on international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Chairman concluded the meeting by inviting Speaker Seah Kian Peng and his wife to visit Viet Nam, an invitation warmly accepted by the Singaporean leader. Earlier in the day, the Vietnamese delegation paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his statue in the Asian Civilisations Museum complex, a gesture symbolising the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations. VNS HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, while receiving a delegation of Japanese experts operating in hydrometeorological forecasting in Ha Noi on Monday, suggested the Japanese side implement more specific cooperation projects in this field, laying a foundation for the two governments to propose cooperation priorities in the coming time. Delighted to meet former Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Hiroshi Fukada, who led the delegation, Deputy PM Ha affirmed that the Viet Nam-Japan relationship has seen a flourishing development and is currently at its best stage, marked by high-level political trust. The two countries have engaged in extensive bilateral and multilateral cooperation related to just transition, particularly through the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative, which operates on the premise of carbon neutrality. They have outlined numerous orientations and areas for collaboration, actively implemented initiatives, and achieved positive outcomes. Japan has shown considerable interest and expertise in climate change adaptation, particularly in hydrometeorological forecasting and early warning for natural disasters - challenges that Viet Nam faces annually. The Vietnamese official said Viet Nam seeks Japan's support in transferring technology, solutions, and applications for climate change adaptation, particularly in hydrometeorology, landslide, and flash flood forecasting. Applauding the collaborative and pilot projects undertaken in Viet Nam in these areas, Ha urged the former ambassador, experts, and businesses of Japan to explore and implement more concrete initiatives within the framework of bilateral cooperation in the coming time. These initiatives could then be proposed by the two governments as priorities for future collaboration, he noted. Viet Nam's hydrometeorological sector has established a strong position in Southeast Asia, as evidenced by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) designating it as the Regional Forecast Support Centre (RFSC Ha Noi) for hazardous weather and flash flood warnings in the region, he stated. He requested the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to collaborate with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Weathernews Inc. to pilot the installation of additional radar systems in Viet Nam. The plan is to advance technical research and establish cooperative mechanisms to further strengthen hydrometeorological partnership between the two sides. For his part, Fukada expressed his condolences over great human and property losses caused by Super Typhoon Yagi this year. Pointing out common natural disaster challenges that both Viet Nam and Japan face annually, Fukada stressed that, alongside building strong infrastructure, it is essential to implement measures to respond to climate change, especially the work of forecasting and early warning. A representative from Weathernews Inc. stated that, through the World Meteorological Organisation's voluntary cooperation programme, the Japanese government, in collaboration with the company, has provided an Eagle X-band radar system for Viet Nam to help improve the countrys capacity for monitoring, forecasting, and issuing early warnings for natural disasters, especially typhoons, heavy rains, and floods. Weathernews Inc. said it hopes to continue strengthening cooperation and developing content based on radar data in Viet Nam, contributing to improving the forecast accuracy. VNS HUNG YEN - Party General Secretary To Lam and a delegation of National Assembly deputies from the northern province of Hung Yen met with voters in Hung Yen City on Monday following conclusion of the 15th NAs eighth session. At the meeting, voters of Hung Yen highly valued the legislative body's activities in recent times, noting its creativity, improvements, effectiveness, and flexibility. They spoke highly of the NAs supreme supervision activities as well as question and answer (Q&A) sessions that have focused on the key issues. Lam briefed the voters on the countrys political and socio-economic development, stressing the need to implement comprehensive solutions and strive to achieve and exceed the GDP growth targets for 2024 and 2025, aiming for double-digit growth. He expressed his pleasure at the province's recent progress, saying that many development indicators have met and exceeded the set targets. He applauded the local authorities efforts to develop infrastructure facilities and maintain national defence and political security. Lam urged the local authorities to continuously implement solutions to accelerate the new-style rural building programme; uphold the spirit of solidarity, self-reliance, and resilience; seize opportunities and overcome difficulties to further promote socio-economic development, working together to achieve the set socio-economic development goals. Addressing concerns raised by voters, he emphasised Party building, administrative reform, wastefulness prevention, efforts to ensure social security, reduce poverty, solutions to environmental pollution, investment in transport infrastructure development, investment attraction in industrial parks and clusters, building of advanced and model new-style rural areas, and development of high-quality human resources. Regarding the streamlining of the apparatus, Lam stated that all levels and sectors from the Central to the grassroots level must demonstrate the highest political determination in urgently implementing this policy. In response to voters concerns regarding the policy to restart the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, Lam said that the policy to restart the project and continue to research the nuclear power programme in Viet Nam aims to ensure national energy security, meeting the socio-economic development goals. On the same day afternoon, the Party leader visited and presented gifts to the family of war invalid war Mai Van Vinh, and the family of Bui Thi Kieng, whose household has made efforts to overcome difficulties in life, in Hung Yen City. VNS BA RIA-VUNG TAU Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who is also Chairman of the Coordinating Council for the Southeast Region, urged more solutions and stronger efforts to reach double-digit growth for the region in 2025 and beyond, while chairing the 5th meeting of the council in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province on Monday. The meeting, themed "Southeast region's double-digit economic growth for 2025: Challenges, opportunities, and solutions", reviewed the socio-economic situation of the region in 2024, focusing on the implementation of regional driving projects; mechanisms and the mobilisation of investment resources for infrastructure construction and inter-regional transport connectivity projects; and the development of high-quality human resources in high-tech sectors. Solutions to challenges in implementing key programmes and projects were also put on the table. PM Chinh acknowledged and commended efforts and significant results of the entire region and its localities in recent times, saying those have importantly contributed to the country's achievements. However, he also frankly pointed out limitations, including a slowing GRDP growth rate, underwhelming public investment disbursement, and the lack of sustainable industrial development, along with roadblocks to transportation infrastructure and shortcomings in logistics services. He also noted that the implementation of the council's tasks remains sluggish with many projects yet to be carried out. The Government leader requested the council, its members, and ministries, agencies, and localities in the region to continue to perfect institutions and remove bottlenecks to pave the way for development. He underlined the need to revitalise three traditional growth drivers investment, export, and consumption while promoting new engines such as digital economy, green economy, circular economy, sharing economy, knowledge economy, and nighttime economy. It is also necessary to concentrate on training high-quality human resources, particularly in emerging sectors; restructuring governance in a smarter fashion, using digital technologies; enhancing security and order management, and combating corruption and wastefulness; and researching and proposing mechanisms and policies to address challenges to development, he said. He demanded greater efforts to speed up the implementation of key regional projects, including Ring Road No 4, the Can Gio International Container Transhipment Port, a flood-control project, and an international financial hub in Ho Chi Minh City; and a free trade zone and an offshore wind power industrial centre in Ba Ria Vung Tau. He also asked relevant ministries and sectors to coordinate with localities to review and push ahead with the construction of regional connectivity projects, including one connecting Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Long Thanh International Airport, to complete necessary procedures for the Binh Phuoc - ak Nong and HCM City - Tay Ninh expressway projects in the first quarter of 2025 to soon begin their construction, and consider the building of the HCM City - Bien Hoa railway linked with Thi Vai - Cai Mep and Can Gio ports. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is tasked with addressing land and environmental issues in a timely manner. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Science and Technology will handle matters related to developing hi-tech zones. The PM requested council members to be more proactive in implementing tasks and solutions to strongly and effectively promote regional coordination activities, especially regional and inter-regional projects, focusing on resolving difficulties and obstacles to ensure projects are completed as scheduled. VNS Obama once gave Trump's new border czar an award for mass deportation of illegal aliens By Deroy Murdock web posted December 2, 2024 The gnashing of teeth and tearing of hair have begun. Trump-haters in newsrooms are sounding the alarm about the anticipated separation of families under "Operation Aurora," the mass-deportation of illegal aliens that President-elect Donald Trump promises and which 58% of Americans support, according to an Oct. 16 Marquette University survey. "If Trump gets his way, his deportation program threatens to rip families apart," Nicole Narea warns in a Nov. 8 Vox column. A Denver Post editorial went so far as to compare Trump's plan to FDR's effort "to round up foreign-born Japanese Americans during World War II" and called it "a clear nod to the white supremacists backing his campaign." Here is my free advice to foreign citizens who want both the American dream and family cohesion: Enter legally. My sainted parents wed in 1960. Two years later, they arrived with U.S. visas in their Costa Rican passports. I hatched in Los Angeles in 1963, and my sisters followed in 1965 and 1967. So far, no one has threatened to send us anywhere. My mother's parents, sister, and younger brother arrived in 1965. They all landed legally. My grandparentsAguelo and Aguela, as we called themare gone, but my aunt and uncle are in L.A.alive, well, and grandparents in their own right. Lesson: To avoid family separation, come to America legally. If you invadeas Kamala Harris and Joe Biden have let 8.4 million illegal immigrants doyou instantly violate 8 U.S. Code 1325: "Improper entry by alien." Henceforth, you are a lawbreaker, and America owes you less than nothing. The argument that illegal immigrants "just want better lives" is vacuous, hollow, and infinitely meaningless. Who doesn't want a better life? I want a better life. So, may I barge into Elon Musk's mansion and drain his wine cellar? Even with his $303 billion checking account, Musk must long for something that would afford him a better life. Regardless, that grants him no license to breach the French-Monaco frontier and occupy a 345-foot yacht or $79 million, sun-splashed palace. Illegal alien supporters now focus their rage on the incoming border czar. "Tom Homan is skilled at using public safety rhetoric to justify vicious tactics that tear families apart," Heidi Altman, director of the National Immigration Law Center, said in a statement to Fox5. Arash Azizzada, co-director of a group called Afghans for a Better Tomorrow, told Al Jazeera that Homan's appointment confirms Trump's dedication to keeping his "most cruel and racist policy promises." Such hyperbolic twits should dismount their unicorns and fill hard chairs before absorbing this news: Homan received a Presidential Rank Award for serving Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He scored that honor in January 2016from Barack Obama, one of six Democrat and Republican presidents whom Homan served between 1984 and 2018. (In July 2016, by the way, The Associated Press reported that Obama had deported "more than 2.4 million people, nearly as many as his two predecessors combined.") That's right. Obama saluted Homan's performance as executive associate director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. According to ICE's press release trumpeting Homan's trophy, this distinction"the nation's highest civil service award"is "bestowed to leaders who've achieved sustained extraordinary results" for "consistently demonstrating strength, integrity, and commitment to public service." ICE described Homan's "extensive accomplishments" as "impressive and wide-reaching in scope." In fiscal year 2013, Homan deployed a "federal biometric information sharing capability that resulted in the removal of more than 325,000 criminal aliens." "In FY 2014, ERO [Enforcement and Removal Operations] removed nearly 316,000 individuals from the United States," according to ICE. "Nearly 56%, or 177,960 of those removed, were convicted criminal aliens. The amount of criminal aliens removed from U.S. communities in FY 2014 would fill the Dallas Cowboys' Stadium to capacity more than two times over." (Note the liberal use of the proper legal term "aliens" rather than today's gratingly woke euphemism: "migrants.") "In the three years that ICE's Executive Associate Director Homan has been at the helm, ERO has removed more than 920,000 aliens from the United States. In that same time frame, ERO arrested and removed 534,000 criminal aliens. These accomplishments have a direct impact on national security and public safety." "Homan successfully led expedited efforts to expand family detention capacity from 96 to more than 3,000 beds, an increase of more than 3,000%." (In short: Tom Homan, thank you for locking up illegal aliens.) "And finally," ICE concluded, "a record 98% of FY 2015 removals met one or more of the civil immigration enforcement priorities, which constitutes a near perfect execution of the stated mission." Democrats who foam at the mouth at this news should relax, wipe their frothy chins, and read this: "I think the American people appreciate and believe in immigration. But they can't have a situation where you just have half a million people pouring over the border without any kind of mechanism to control it." Thus spoke Barack Obama in 2009. His words were as true then as they are true today. And Tom Homan, Trump's new border czar, has Obama's Presidential Rank Award to prove it. Deroy Murdock, a member of the Project 21 black leadership network, is a Manhattan-based Fox News contributor, a contributing editor with National Review Online, and a senior fellow with the London Center for Policy Research. This first appeared at The Daily Signal. HCM CITY HCM City is subsiding by about two to five centimetres annually, doubling the rate of sea level rise. According to a report by the citys Department of Natural Resources and Environment, citywide ground sinking has been ongoing since the 1990s. A Japan International Cooperation Agency survey showed that the citys subsidence rate varies from two to five centimetres annually, with some commercial zones sinking by seven to eight centimetres yearly. In 2013, the Vietnamese government tasked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment with assessing national elevation benchmarks and flood prevention projects in the city. Data comparisons between 2005 and 2014 indicated an average subsidence rate of 10 centimetres over 10 years, with some areas sinking even more. Subsidence has hit various areas across the city, including the districts of Binh Chanh, Binh Tan, Nha Be, 8, 7, 12, and parts of Thu uc city, with nearly 240 square kilometres of land being affected. Binh Chanhs medical centre subsided by 44cm in the 10-year period. In Binh Tan, the cultural centre recorded 73.3cm of subsidence over 10 years, and Tan Tao Industrial Park sank 73.2cm. The ministry continued to monitor the phenomenon of land subsidence in the city after 2014, with results showing that the subsidence rates in Binh Chanh and Binh Tan have risen to 48.8cm and 81.8cm, respectively. Experts said the citys land subsidence is due to four main causes that are both natural and human-induced, including weak geological foundations, high traffic volumes, construction projects, and excessive groundwater extraction. Research findings indicated that in areas with weak geological foundations, soil naturally subsides over time, even without human activity. Commenting on the remaining three human-induced causes, the experts argued that areas with heavy traffic, especially trucks, experienced faster subsidence. Temporary sinking took place during the implementation of civil construction projects, but the ground would stabilise or experience minimal subsidence afterward. Before 2010, groundwater extraction contributed significantly to subsidence, particularly in districts of Go Vap, Tan Binh, Cu Chi, Hoc Mon and 12. The city has since restricted groundwater extraction to prevent further land subsidence. Associate Professor Huynh Quyen, the principal of the HCM City University of Natural Resources and Environment, said the gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth's surface coupled with high tides and rising sea levels will put the city at a heightened risk of sinking. This situation poses significant challenges to the city's long-term development, particularly amid the increasingly complex development of climate change, she said. Furthermore, subsidence leads to considerable damage and adversely impacts the lives of residents. Many experts agreed that given the rapid pace of climate change, more extreme weather, rising tides, and land subsidence in the city heighten the risk of widespread flooding. To mitigate this subsidence, the city must adopt a range of coordinated solutions, including better urban planning and reducing groundwater extraction, they said. Investment in a comprehensive monitoring and forecasting system for land subsidence is also needed to enable decision-making capable of aligning with natural conditions and supports sustainable socio-economic development. According to the citys Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the combination of subsidence, high tides, and rising sea levels has put the city at risk of further widespread flooding that could disrupt its socio-economic growth and daily life. VNS HA NOI Cancer was becoming a major burden in countries around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries, said Minister of Health ao Hong Lan at an art performance to raise support fund for poor cancer patients. The meaningful programme was held on Sunday evening in Ha Noi by the Bright Tomorrow Fund under the Ministry of Health. In Viet Nam, more than 180,000 new cancer cases are reported per year, of which more than 120,000 die from cancer. Minister Lan informed that in recent years, the cancer sector in Viet Nam had made remarkable progress, contributing to the cause of protecting, caring for and improving the people's health. "Currently, the cure rate of some cancer types in domestic hospitals is on par with advanced countries in the region and the world, she said. Another great advantage for cancer patients is that most tests, chemicals, radiotherapy and surgeries are fully or partially covered by health insurance, said Lan. With extremely expensive costs, poor cancer patients face a lot of difficulties, and many cannot access or afford advanced treatments without timely financial support. In some cases, medical staff have to call for funds to provide cancer patients with money for medicines, food, accommodation, and travel. "As those who are directly responsible for protecting, caring for and improving people's health, we are truly heartbroken to see many children permanently leaving their studies and unable to continue treatment due to their difficult family circumstances," said Minister Lan. The Bright Tomorrow Fund was established to help poor cancer patients. Up to now, the fund has become a trusted address, a great source of motivation to help the patients continue treatment, and continue to live and live healthily. With the desire to spread humane ideas, the Bright Tomorrow Fund has built effective connections, creating great influence in the community. The Vietnamese health minister emphasised that the activities and programmes worth more than VN2 trillion (US$78.8 million) for poor cancer patients and children over the past 13 years are impressive and meaningful, and also affirm the very correct and accurate direction of the health sector when founding the fund. In 2024 alone, the fund received more than VN17 billion ($669,200) in donations from people, organisations and enterprises, as well as with medicine support worth more than VN810 billion ($31.8 million). All have brought invaluable spiritual medicine, helping poor patients gain more hope, determination and faith, have more conditions for treatment and return to a healthy life with their families, said Lan. The art performance and fund-raising programme for poor cancer patients encouraged the spirit, help patients have confidence in their treatment journey, and share the difficulties they face. The programme called for cooperation and spreading love in the community. At the event, touching stories about the resilient journey of the "cancer warriors" were told, demonstrating the strong spirit and will of the patients, deeply inspiring, bringing faith and strength to those who are bearing the challenge of cancer. Speaking at the event, o Van Chien, Politburo member, Chairman of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, highly appreciated the health ministry for understanding and sympathising with cancer patients with prestige and love. The Bright Tomorrow Fund has shown humanity of the Vietnamese people. As we all see, many cancer patients are poor and need support from the community and society. I hope that individuals and organisations in the country and abroad, foreigners living and working in Viet Nam, to take action to help poor cancer patients, so that they will have more faith in life, he said. The QR code to give support to the fund is available on the website ngaymaituoisang.vn. VNS BA RIA - VUNG TAU The Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command under the Viet Nam Coast Guard (VCG) in collaboration with other forces have completed 17 drug-related criminal cases this year. The unit on November 29 held a conference in the southern province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau to review the work in 2024 and deploy tasks for the new year. Speaking at the conference, Major General Tran Van Xuan, deputy political commissar of Viet Nam Coast Guard, acknowledged and commended the achievements of the Coast Guard Region 3 Command in 2024. He asked the unit to strengthen coordination and close co-operation with relevant forces, agencies and departments of coastal provinces and cities in patrolling, controlling, searching, rescuing and overcoming the consequences of natural disasters, supporting people and fishermen in economic development associated with protecting sovereignty in seas and islands. The unit also needs to promote innovation within educational work and the dissemination of legal regulations to cadres, soldiers, people and fishermen, he said. Major General Ngo Binh Minh, Commander of the Viet Nam Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, said that out of the 17 drug-related cases, 22 people were apprehended, and about 21 kilogrammes of cocaine and 3,225 grammes of synthetic drugs were seized. In 2024, the unit directly arrested and handled 20 violation cases, including 24 vehicles, with a total of administrative fines and auctions of seized goods of nearly VN12 billion (US$471,475). It received, verified and processed 110 information requests on search, rescue and maritime security. The regional coast guard also handled nine cases, rescued 13 crew members, recovered one body, provided first aid to two fishermen, and towed two vehicles. The unit also coordinated with the people's mobilisation committees of nine provinces and cities to organise the mass mobilisation programme called "Coast Guard accompanies fishermen, with many activities. Via the programme, the coast guard officers updated the local people and fishermen on the current situation of the country's seas and islands, the Law on Viet Nam Coast Guard, the Fisheries Law, and efforts in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities; and disseminated the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's policies and laws on the sea and islands in the new context. It also distributed more than 10,000 leaflets; presented 1,520 gifts, 8,000 notebooks, 3,000 national flags and 1,100 personal life jackets and 160 lifebuoys, 1,200 cubic metres of water and 3,000 water bottles; and provided free health check-ups and medicine to 300 people. Two new houses were built for disadvantaged households in Phu Yen and Binh Thuan provinces. Nine contests called I love my homelands sea and islands were organised for 91 secondary schools, attracting more than 73,300 students. A total of 560 scholarships and 155 bicycles were presented to poor students who overcame difficulties to excel in their studies. The Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command in collaboration with Squadron 3, Anti-smuggling and Investigation Department, and Vung Tau Citys police forces caught red-handed a fisherman illegally storing about five grammes of methamphetamine at around 5pm on November 27 in the citys ward 12. The subject P.V.N, 31, of An Giang Province, stored the drugs for the purpose of reselling to addicts who are crew members on fishing boats and cargo ships in the port area. The cases were handed over to the functional forces for further investigation. On this occasion, the Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command commended 31 collectives and 229 individuals for outstanding achievements in this years emulation movement. The unit also launched a campaign to fight against all types of crime at sea, including drug-related crimes and human trafficking, as well as smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods in the period ahead of the upcoming Tet (Lunar New Year), running from November 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025. VNS SEOUL A search and rescue operation is under way in the sea off South Korean's southeastern county of Uljin on Monday after a leisure boat with three people on board went missing the previous day, local police said. The Uljin Coast Guard said families of the sailors reported around 8 pm Sunday that contact with the 0.6-ton boat had been lost. The boat reportedly departed from Uljin's Jiksan Port, about 230km from Seoul, at 1 pm on the same day to go fishing. The Coast Guard mobilised 13 patrol ships and two helicopters to search for the boat. YONHAP How will the ACCA collaborate with Vietnam to achieve the goals outlined in the state audit development strategy, especially in advancing green workforce and technology integration? This period is crucial for developing strategies aligned with the legal framework, high-quality personnel, and technology, as outlined in the strategy towards 2030. To Quoc Hung, country director at ACCA Vietnam The ACCA and the State Audit Office of Vietnam are actively collaborating, focusing on sharing international experiences and enhancing human resource training to create strategic directions that suit Vietnams realities while aligning with global standards. In October, the ACCA organised a discussion in London with a delegation led by State Auditor General Ngo Van Tuan. During the meeting, both sides explored new and emerging topics, particularly environmental auditing. The ACCA aims to continue sharing international experiences and practices from countries already implementing such measures to lay a solid foundation for the three pillars in the coming phase. Does the ACCA view accounting and auditing as tools that can lead businesses sustainable development strategies, or do they primarily serve as record-keeping and oversight functions? According to ACCA research about the future of CFOs, the roles of accounting and auditing have undergone significant transformation recently and are expected to evolve even further in the near future. The primary driver of this change is the advancement of technology, particularly big data and AI, which have substantially reduced the focus on traditional tasks such as recording and monitoring within these fields. Auditing, however, has become increasingly vital, necessitating a more strategic and impactful contribution from the profession. The traditional aspects of accounting and auditing are anticipated to diminish, while strategic decision-making, governance consultation, and providing actionable insights will gain prominence. This indicates that accountants and auditors will play an essential role in shaping organisational strategies moving forward. Furthermore, accounting and auditing are poised to be central to sustainable development. Their contributions extend to two key areas: strategic involvement in decision-making processes and active participation in implementation. Data from the ACCA in 2023 shows that out of 3,000 new accounting and auditing job listings on the ACCA Careers, 95 per cent are linked to sustainability in accounting, auditing, and finance. What specific initiatives does the ACCA plan to implement through collaborations to build a globally competent workforce in sustainable reporting practices? Vietnam, like many countries worldwide, is focusing heavily on digital transformation and the green transition - two interconnected pillars essential for sustainable development. While digital transformation in Vietnam has seen considerable progress, particularly in higher education, where the country has produced a significant number of trained tech professionals, challenges remain. Vietnam is soon projected to face a shortage of 500,000 digital transformation professionals. Green transformation even remains underdeveloped in Vietnams educational and professional landscape. Training programmes on green practices and sustainable development are scarce at the university level, leading to an even greater shortage of green workforce expertise compared to digital transformation. This is a global challenge, not just limited to Vietnam. Recognising this critical gap, the ACCA has launched a Professional Diploma in Sustainability, which will be available across 180 countries by the end of this year. This initiative aims to disseminate professional knowledge on sustainable development to businesses worldwide, including in Vietnam. To address the shortage of green talent, does the ACCA plan to expand its programmes related to sustainability to meet the markets growing demands? The ACCA has recognised this issue and developed several strategies to expand its programmes and add courses related to sustainable development, and has introduced various courses and certifications on sustainability, such as those focused within the finance sector. The aforementioned Professional Diploma in Sustainability, launched in September, represents the highest level of professional certification in the field. This qualification provides businesses with immediate access to sustainability experts within their industries. As a non-profit global organisation and the largest body for accounting and auditing professionals, the ACCA recognises its role in supporting and promoting sustainable development worldwide. Some of its key strategies include enhancing personnel and sharing international best practices, along with helping countries adopt global standards. These are long-term, core strategies. Does the ACCA intend to incorporate standardised knowledge on green and sustainable factors into curricula to foster a well-informed, green-oriented mindset among students? This is a crucial direction for the future. The ACCA is actively working with universities to introduce green awareness to students, ensuring they gain a solid understanding of both the concept of sustainability and international standards. Based on our experience in other countries, most universities have already integrated green transition knowledge into the curriculum for students in finance, accounting, and auditing. While this is still a relatively new area in Vietnam, the ACCA is committed to promoting green awareness and skills within the industry for Vietnamese students in the long term. Globally, the ACCA has partnered with more than 900 universities and education institutes, and in Vietnam, it has collaborated with around 50 universities. Over the past 22 years in Vietnam, it has trained more than 10,000 professionals in accounting, auditing, and finance. At present, the ACCA continues to expand its partnerships. As a non-profit organisation, our goal is to disseminate international knowledge and standards so that local businesses can meet global standards and contribute to future global collaborations. ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue raises conversations on a sustainable future The ACCA Asia Pacific Dialogue 2024 held in Hanoi on May 28-29 aims to foster a platform for innovative thinking and strategic dialogue among key stakeholders in the accounting and finance sector, focusing on sustainable finance, digital transformation, and regulatory developments, reflecting the most pressing trends and challenges in the region. ACCA and vocational colleges to enhance business training The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) signed MoUs with Hanoi Vocational College of Technolgy, and Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism on May 29. The November trip was a chance for Carlsberg Vietnam management to meet with provincial leaders and reaffirm the brewing giant's support for the region through sustainable development and community-focused initiatives. The central region holds a special significance for Carlsberg Vietnam as it is the birthplace of Huda beer, a brand that has become deeply connected to the local people and their identity for more than 30 years. Huda has become synonymous with the region, representing local pride and a sense of community, brand recognition that Carlsberg Vietnam cherishes. Carlsberg Vietnams representatives meeting with leaders from Thua Thien - Hue and Quang Tri province The visit served to deepen the relationship between Carlsberg and the central region, and was evidence of the companys long-term vision for sustainable development there. Meeting with provincial leaders, Khan, who moved to Vietnam after several years working at Carlsbergs headquarters in Copenhagen, expressed his profound gratitude for their ongoing support and emphasised Carlsberg Vietnams dedication to creating lasting value for the communities it serves. "Carlsberg Vietnam is more than just a business, we are an integral part of the communities we serve," he said during a meeting with the leadership of Thua Thien Hue province. "Our mission goes beyond producing high-quality beer and providing an outstanding consumer experience. We are committed to creating lasting value that supports the regions long-term growth and prosperity." Carlsberg Vietnams commitment to the central region extends far beyond its brewing operations. The companys Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives reflect its dedication to the regions welfare and growth. From providing a fresh drinking water scheme to bringing joy to underprivileged families during Lunar New Year celebrations, Carlsberg Vietnam is working to address community issues. These initiatives arent just charity, theyre investments in the communitys wellbeing, and a testament to Carlsbergs broader mission of creating lasting social value wherever it operates. The company is also committed to environmental sustainability, with efforts such as preserving the central regions beautiful coastline. The company has supported various beach clean-up initiatives, contributing to the regions natural beauty while encouraging responsible tourism. Beyond these meaningful CSR programmes, Carlsberg Vietnam, along with the Huda brand, has become an integral part of the cultural landscape of central Vietnam. The company supports a wide range of cultural and sporting events, recognising their importance in enriching the spiritual lives of the people and fostering a sense of unity and pride. From music festivals to local sporting competitions, Carlsberg Vietnams presence is felt throughout the region, demonstrating its commitment to being a true partner in the social and cultural development of central Vietnam. Carlsberg Vietnam representatives in a discussion with the leaders of Quang Binh and Nghe An province "We believe in celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage of central Vietnam and empowering its communities to thrive. We are dedicated to not only preserving their rich traditions, but also fostering a sense of community and creating opportunities for growth and prosperity," added Khan. The companys vision for the future is not just about business growth but about fostering sustainable development, long-term partnerships, and a deeper connection with the local communities. As Carlsberg Vietnam continues to grow and evolve, its dedication to the central region remains unchanged. With continued investment, the company is poised to drive positive change in the region. Carlsberg Vietnams journey is not just about brewing beer; its about progress through nurturing sustainable growth and empowering communities in ways that go far beyond business. The provincial leaders also expressed their appreciation for Carlsberg Vietnams ongoing contributions to the regions development. There is great confidence that the central region will continue to progress both economically and socially with the support of the company. The journey ahead for Carlsberg Vietnam is one of shared growth, a journey that will continue to build on its legacy of trust, commitment, and partnership with the people of central Vietnam. Andrew Khan appointed as new managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam Andrew Khan has been appointed the new managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam. Carlsberg continues journey to bring fresh water to Central Vietnam Huda, a brand of the Carlsberg Group, has announced five new fresh water projects serving the community in Vietnam's central provinces of Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue, showing its contribution to the region. At the report launch event themed Promoting financial inclusion in Vietnam and the role of fintech in collaboration with credit institutions, hosted by Ernst & Young Vietnam (EY Vietnam) on November 28, Vietnams progress in financial inclusion was highlighted. The country ranks third in ASEAN, behind Singapore and Thailand, and 14th globally in the Principal Financial Groups 2024 Global Financial Inclusion Index. Nguyen Thuy Duong, chairwoman of the board at EY Vietnam, presented detailed data, noting that over 87 per cent of adults in Vietnam now have payment accounts, up from 31 per cent in 2015-2017. Between 2021 and 2023, mobile payment transactions grew by an average of 103.3 per cent annually, while internet payment transactions increased by 52 per cent annually. Payments via QR codes experienced growth exceeding 170 per cent in both volume and value. Nguyen Thuy Duong, chairwoman of the board at EY Vietnam sharing insights at the event. Photo: EY Vietnam These figures are remarkable, considering global advancements in financial inclusion over the past decade. Efforts by policymakers have reduced the number of unbanked adults from 2.5 billion in 2011 to 1.4 billion in 2021, Duong said, referencing the World Banks September 2022 Financial Inclusion report. However, Duong also pointed out ongoing challenges, stating, These challenges stem from gaps in financial infrastructure, limited access to formal credit channels, difficulties in credit scoring for micro-enterprises and household businesses, insufficient financial literacy among certain users, and gender inequality in financial access. Nguyen Xuan Hoang, vice chairman of the board at IT company MISA said,Customers without bank accounts or those with limited usage of banking products often fail to meet approval criteria. This makes it difficult for them to access products and services offered by traditional financial institutions. Do Quang Thuan, vice president at MoMo, underlined the role of fintech as a bridge between financial institutions and underserved users. MoMo focuses on leveraging technology to develop financial and banking products tailored to users diverse needs. This approach drives financial inclusion by enabling easier and safer access to financial services, he said. Products must align with customer needs to seamlessly integrate into payment ecosystems. Do Quang Thuan, vice president at MoMo speech at the event. Photo: EY Vietnam Based on its findings, EY Vietnam proposed several recommendations. For regulators, the report emphasised the importance of advancing the legal framework to support digital transformation in banking and enhancing technological infrastructure. It also suggested fintech companies expand their focus beyond payment services to include other areas of fintech. For credit institutions, EY Vietnam recommended fostering collaboration, promoting financial literacy and education, and developing open banking mechanisms. Fintech firms were urged to simplify financial services and cater to the digitalisation needs of micro, small, and medium enterprises. Participating in controlled testing mechanisms allows fintech firms to trial and refine emerging technologies. This approach not only addresses evolving user and business needs but also ensures user safety and advances financial inclusion, Duong said. The collaboration between banks and fintech companies is especially critical for applying financial technologies within the current regulatory framework, ensuring that financial innovation benefits all citizens. Overview of the panel discussion. Photo: EY Vietnam To prepare the report, EY conducted an extensive survey involving nearly 1,500 users and over 1,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises, as well as household businesses in Vietnam. Additionally, EY carried out in-depth research on industry reports, academic studies, and policy documents to provide a comprehensive perspective on the financial inclusion landscape. Financial inclusion, as defined by the World Bank, refers to: "The ability of individuals and businesses to access useful and affordable financial products and services, such as transactions, payments, savings, credit, and insurance that meet their needs and are delivered in a responsible and sustainable manner." 2024 sees $1.41 billion in fintech funding so far ASEAN fintech funding totalled $1.41 billion in the first three quarters of this year, constituting four per cent of global fintech funding. Malaysia's Solarvest and Finhero launch first solar financing fintech solution in Vietnam Solarvest Holdings Berhad, a Malaysian clean energy solutions provider, has launched its Powervest solar financing programme in Vietnam to support the clean energy transition. Investors old and new take on M&As, Photo: Le Toan Last week, Thai renewable energy company BCPG Public Co., Ltd. announced that it signed a share purchase agreement worth nearly $130 million to invest in two wind power projects in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. Niwat Adirek, president and CEO of BCPG, said, The transaction is slated to be completed in the first quarter of 2025. Following the deal, the two wind power plants will be put into commercial operations immediately to generate cash flow for the company. On November 21, Japans Summit Agro International, a member company of Sumitomo Corporation, announced that it has scooped up a 49 per cent stake in Hop Tri Investment Corporation, a Vietnamese crop protection firm. The deal will enable Summit Agro International and its local subsidiary Summit Agro Vietnam to expand their products and services. The previous month, Singapore telecommunications provider M1 Limited signed an agreement to acquire 70 per cent in ADG National Investment and Technology Development Corp, a prominent IT solutions provider based in Vietnam. Meanwhile, South Korean conglomerate SK Group has acquired a Vietnam-based semiconductor company, Iscvina Manufacturing, in a deal worth $300 million. Despite occasional fluctuations in position from year to year, investors from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore are expected to maintain a strong and enduring presence in Vietnams M&A landscape, said Vo Ha Duyen, chairperson of VILAF. Its geographic proximity, high growth potential, young workforce, and increasing demand for infrastructure align well with the investment strategies of ASEAN neighbours and East Asian powerhouses. According to data by FiinGroup, investments from Thailand to Vietnam have shown significant momentum via M&A transactions in the first nine months of 2024, with Thailand reclaiming its leading investor in inbound activities with a mega deal worth $870 million between SCBX Group and Home Credit. Singaporean investors remained in second position in terms of inbound such activities in Q1-Q3, contributing to 11 per cent of total inbound deal value, with a major concentration on the renewable energy sector. Particularly, Sembcorp is the largest investor in the period, accounting for 53 per cent of the total inbound deal value from Singaporean investors. Baker McKenzie findings reveal that South Korea remains one of the top investors in Vietnam. In the first half of 2024 alone, South Korean investors contributed approximately $1.4 billion to the Vietnamese market, marking a 16 per cent on-year increase. Meanwhile, Japan is among the most active foreign investors in Vietnams M&A market. In the first nine months of 2024, there were 14 publicly disclosed transactions between both nations, up from 12 in the same period in 2023, according to RECOF. Besides strategic investors, there are more new players joining the scene. In March, liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and downstream infrastructure company AG&P, a subsidiary of Nebula Energy, announced that it acquired 49 per cent of Cai Mep LNG Terminal, located in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Likewise, Chinese investors are also stepping up their dealmaking activities in Vietnam, such as CDH Investments backing of Bach Hoa Xanh. Seck Yee Chung, partner of Baker McKenzie, said that increased competition from investors from the UAE, China, and other jurisdictions may create more competitive bidding scenarios, particularly in high-value sectors like energy, logistics, and infrastructure. These emerging investors bring significant capital, technology, and expertise, thereby pressuring traditional investors to offer more competitive deal terms and develop innovative investment strategies. As of 2024, China now ranks as the fifth-largest investor in Vietnam by deal size for the first time since 2021, whereas Japan has slipped out from the list, Chung said. Nevertheless, even as the yen depreciates, Japanese enterprises still continue to invest abroad, with Vietnam being a highly attractive option given its growth potential and opportunities, which is a trend that is likely to continue. Despite Chinas extensive investment in Vietnam in 2024, Chinese backing is somewhat limited toward acquiring Vietnamese entities that have strong business relationships and customer portfolios in the USs and Europe, Chung added. Meanwhile, the UAE and Vietnam recently signed a bilateral comprehensive economic partnership agreement. Of note under the agreement, the two governments call on the private sector of both countries to continue promoting and expanding trade and investment cooperation in the energy sector, including green and renewable energy, LNG, oil and gas production, refining, and petrochemicals. Moving forward, Chung said, in 2025 Japan is expected to continue to invest in real estate, whereas China may explore opportunities in the financial services sector. The US is likely to pursue investments in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, and Singapore should remain strong across consumer-driven industries, he added. Titled Startup Expansion Canada Startup Visa & USA EB2 NIW Startup R&D Programmes, the event explored opportunities for startups to expand into North America. Participants gained insights from seasoned professionals in immigration law, business consulting, and government policy. The seminar also served as a platform for networking, fostering collaboration between Vietnamese entrepreneurs and North American stakeholders. The expert panel featured Paul Girodo, co-founder of Empowered Startups; Chris Lennon, president and chief advisor; Jasmin Wahhab, senior trade commissioner and consulate general of Canada in Ho Chi Minh City; and representatives from the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) Startup R&D programme and the Canada Start-up Visa programme. Networking and knowledge sharing at the "Startup Expansion Canada Startup Visa & USA EB2 NIW Startup R&D Programmes" seminar. Photo: Empowered Startups Businesses interested in entering the US or Canadian markets had the opportunity to engage directly with Empowered Startups representatives, government officials, and startup consulting organisations. The event addressed questions about investment policies and startup support in these markets. One-on-one consultations with Empowered Startups experts provided tailored roadmaps for attendees. Paul Girodo expressed optimism about 2024 and 2025. With the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the United States, and the strong relationship between Vietnam and Canada, more Vietnamese businesses are seeking to expand internationally with creative business ideas. I look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Vietnamese business community to promote innovative startups and foster a sustainable ecosystem between Vietnam and global markets, he said. Paul Girodo, co-founder of Empowered Startups at the event. Photo: Empowered Startups Shawn Olson, vice president of business development at Empowered Startups said, The EB-2 National Interest Waiver R&D programme not only has a higher approval rate but also shorter processing times. This underscores the US commitment to enabling startups to contribute to economic development. Many Vietnamese entrepreneurs have shown growing interest in this opportunity. Experts highlighted recent positive changes in immigration policies, making the EB-2 NIW an increasingly attractive option for Vietnamese entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth in the US. The rising interest reflects the Vietnamese business communitys shift towards exploring flexible and long-term investment opportunities in international markets. Beyond legal and market insights, the seminar created an open forum for Vietnamese entrepreneurs to share experiences in establishing businesses overseas. Empowered Startups, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with offices in the US and Portugal, focuses on transnational innovation and entrepreneurship. The incubator provides training and advisory services to help entrepreneurs successfully launch innovative projects in diverse markets, contributing to sustainable local economic development. Funding in SEA fintech startups fell 28 per cent in Q3 Funding into Southeast Asian fintech startups fell 28 per cent in the third quarter of 2024,to $322 million from $447.5 million, according to the latest data released by Tracxn on October 17. Growth beckons for GenAI startups in Vietnam With specialised technology solutions, Vietnamese startups are attracting increasing interest amid Southeast Asias generative AI growth wave. As an experienced partner in evaluating corporate governance for both the Listed Companies Voting and ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) over several years, Vietnam Institute of Directors (VIOD) has initiated the creation of the VNCG50 Scorecard, which has been supported by the State Securities Commission of Vietnam and the Vietnam Exchange. The VNCG50 scorecard is based on the evaluation indicators of ACGS, following best practices, while also considering the corporate governance realities in Vietnam. Phan Le Thanh Long, CEO of the VIOD, emphasised that in the context of Vietnams weak corporate governance foundation, it is necessary to develop a corporate governance criteria to improve and align with the average corporate governance score in Southeast Asia. This is a crucial foundation for building the VNCG50 index and advancing the strategic goal of developing Vietnam's stock market. This criteria evaluates corporate governance practices for listed companies, mainly based on regional best practices, and identifies 50 leading Vietnamese companies committed to ensuring good corporate governance practices, he said. The VNCG50 scorecard aims to help listed companies in Vietnam improve their corporate governance practices according to the stock market development strategy for 2030. This will help bridge the corporate governance gap between Vietnam and Southeast Asia, raise the ACGS score to the regional average, improve the quality of market assets, enhance transparency, and attract investors. Phan Le Thanh Long, CEO of VIOD. Photo: Dung Minh Explaining why the number 50 was chosen for the VNCG50, VIOD's CEO stated that according to regulations, Vietnam needs to select 100 companies for ACGS evaluation. However, only 69 companies were chosen this year due to the requirement for companies to publish information, especially annual reports in English. Not all companies met this requirement, and even those that did, often had low governance quality. Including such companies would lower Vietnams average score. On the other hand, selecting fewer than 50 companies for the VNCG scorecard would not be sufficient to raise Vietnams ACGS score to the ASEAN average. After analysing the data and ACGS evaluation results, the VNCG council agreed to choose 50, Long said. He emphasised that improving corporate governance is crucial not only for attracting international investment funds but also for creating a sustainable foundation for the Vietnamese stock market, especially as Vietnam strives to upgrade from a frontier market to an emerging market. This year, the VNCG50 is announced as an initiative and will be upgraded to the VNCG50 index in the 2025-2026 period. This index will become a reference for investment activities, and companies listed on it will benefit greatly as they attract investment funds, Long added. Emphasising the significance of governance-focused indices, Nguyen Khac Hai, managing director of Legal and Compliance at SSI Securities Corporation, highlighted that the market was increasingly shifting towards the development of governance-based indices driven by growing investor demand. Vietnams financial landscape is shaped by various factors, with liquidity and network strength of individual stocks within indices being among the most critical. However, beyond traditional financial metrics, indices like the VNSI, a sustainability index developed collaboratively by the domestic stock exchange, and the State Securities Commission, highlight the growing importance of governance-linked metrics. This stems from both institutional and retail investors, especially as institutional funds often pool resources from diverse investors. Nguyen Khac Hai, managing director of Legal and Compliance at SSI Securities Corporation. Photo: Dung Minh SSI, as a key capital connector with its investment banking arm, has worked extensively with foreign investors. Their experience reveals a clear trend that beyond financial metrics, ESG and corporate governance are becoming essential considerations. While ESG and corporate governance may seem distinct, they are deeply interconnected. Companies with strong governance practices inherently enhance long-term sustainability and performance, Hai said. Good corporate governance, manifested through a strong board, competent leadership, and transparent disclosures, ultimately leads to better business results. These practices contribute not only to financial efficiency but also to broader social impacts for Vietnams listed companies, embracing such principles is vital. The VNCG50 initiative and its future governance index aim to elevate corporate governance standards. By helping listed companies achieve these benchmarks, we can attract greater investment, indirectly benefiting the funds these investors represent, Hai said. This dual focus on governance and sustainability is key to positioning Vietnam as an attractive destination for responsible and growth-oriented investments. Ha Thu Thanh, chairwoman of the board at the Vietnam Institute of Directors (VIOD). Photo: Dung Minh Vietnam currently has over 70 enterprises producing financial reports in English, but few meet the governance standards required to compete among ASEANs top 100. To address this, the initial goal is to establish a group of 50 Vietnamese enterprises that achieve international governance benchmarks. This top 50 will serve as trailblazers, exemplifying the commitment to improved governance and transparency, while inspiring others to follow suit, said Ha Thu Thanh, chairwoman of the board at the VIOD. The VNCG50 initiative prioritises governance over financial metrics, positioning corporate governance as the foundation for sustainable growth. By adopting these standards, Vietnamese enterprises can not only access international funding more effectively but also enhance their competitiveness in the ASEAN region, paving the way for long-term success. Corporate governance foundation for sustainable development goals Corporate governance is increasingly recognised as the cornerstone for achieving sustainable development goals, particularly amid the challenges posed by political instability, geopolitical tensions, climate change, and rapid technological advancements. Governance playing part in ESG goal Experts have underscored the critical role of solid corporate governance, ethical leadership, and sustainability adherence in fostering sustainable growth and resilience in todays dynamic business environment. VIOD holds corporate governance and market upgrade event amid new AGM season With support from the State Securities Commission (SSC) and in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HSX) and Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX), the Vietnam Institute of Directors (VIOD) on March 1st organised a seminar titled "Towards a Season of Innovative and Effective Shareholder Meetings". A Trump win has Iran recalculating its war with Israel By Aviram Bellaishe web posted December 2, 2024 Three days before the U.S. presidential elections, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave a Nov. 2 speech to students. One of them, invited in advance, asked him to alter his fatwa ("religious decree") that forbids the production of nuclear weapons. Khamenei responded that Iran will do all that is necessary regarding warfare and armament. In the Iranian propaganda sphere, Khamenei's statements quickly turned into declarations by military officials. The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps., Gen. Hossein Salami, warned the United States and Israel that Iran will arm itself with whatever it needs to achieve victory. If Salami was hinting at Iran's nuclear capabilities, Kamal Kharrazi, a senior adviser and head of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, stated openly that Iran is capable of producing nuclear weapons and "the only barrier is Khamenei's fatwa, which forbids [their] production." In the days leading up to the U.S. elections, the Iranian regime built a narrative of "nuclear threshold deterrence" based on the assumption among Iranian analysts that this was what had restrained Israel militarily. No less important, the narrative claimed, this deterrence had given Tehran the confidence to carry out two direct attacks on Israel. Alongside the Biden administration's admonitions, it had prevented Israel from attacking Iran's nuclear facilities in its Oct. 26 counterstrike. When it turned out former President Donald Trump had won the elections, Iran realized that it would have to reassess its strategy. In particular, when Trump's high-level appointments were announced, the regime recalculated its moves out of fear that any provocation could turn the incoming president into a more dangerous adversary and could give Israel the green light to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities. The Iranians now understand that the order of the day is to maintain the status quo. That means they need to establish a communication channel for a nuclear agreement, primarily with the Trump administration. This would allow them to buy time, preserve the nuclear threshold status they have reachedand above all, forestall an Israeli attack on their nuclear program. The danger lies in the "new Israel" that has emerged. Iranian analysts have concluded that Israel no longer sees itself as fighting an "existential war" and will not repeat its past behaviors. They now feel that they misjudged Jerusalem's capabilities in the past. Israel, it turns out, is capable of enduring a prolonged war. Israel, in Tehran's view, had the audacity to target and kill Hamas senior leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and was prepared to attack inside Lebanon, including successfully assassinating Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. This revised outlook on Israel reinforces Iran's belief that Israel will eventually attack Iran's nuclear facilities once the opportunity arises. Amid the threat of such an Israeli attack, Iran decided to alter its messaging both internally and externally. In recent days, residents of various Iranian cities, particularly Tehran, have been experiencing intentional power outages caused by the stoppage of electricity production. Simultaneously, regime-affiliated outlets began circulating Khamenei's declarations from seven years ago that "nuclear energy is essential for Iran's future, which requires the production of 20,00030,000 megawatts of nuclear-generated electricity in the coming years." This looks suspiciously like an Iranian attempt to signal to the world that: "We need nuclear energy for electricity and energy independence, and so we need nuclear facilities in the country." According to supporters of Iran's regime, the visit to Tehran on Nov. 14 by International Atomic Energy Agency director Rafael Grossi offered an opportunity to undermine Israel's media campaign about the urgency of the Iranian nuclear threat and the need to attack it amid the current tensions. Iran has warned the agency and countries of the region that an Israeli attack coupled with an Iranian response would expose the region to a significant nuclear threat involving extensive radiation. At the same time, Iran is aware of the complexity of dealing with the IAEA, since it does not want or is not yet in a position to make concessions to the agency before reaching an understanding with Washington. Iran views concessions to the IAEA at this stage as weakening its negotiating stance with the main party holding sway over sanctions reliefDonald Trump. Trump, commentators say, does not trust international institutions and would prefer that all disputes and resolutions be directly handled. He is likely to view any agreement with the IAEA as resulting from fears about his election, and that could influence his stance towards Iran and the nuclear issue in the near future. This perspective aligns with a recent report in The New York Times that Trump's close ally, Elon Musk, met with Iran's ambassador to the United Nations in New York City for exploratory talks. Iranian analysts believe that the meeting was coordinated with Trump and marked an attempt to create a direct negotiation channel with Tehran. By choosing a prominent businessman like Musk for this task instead of a political or military figure, Trump, they say, is signaling his readiness for negotiations and an agreement. Assuming that the leakers were Iranian, as the Times claims, their main objective was to lower the anxiety level in Iran over Trump's victory. Similarly, Iran's denial of the meeting is viewed as a "negotiation game" aimed at emphasizing its internal constraints amid opposition to dialogue with the United States, so that Washington will not present tough demands at the outset. Iran's fear of an Israeli attack is driving the need to stall for time and recalibrate. Iran understands that, from the start, it must avert an Israeli strike on its nuclear facilities. In Iran's view, the Trump administration may allow such an attack, especially considering the recent pro-Israel appointments and the backdrop of the ongoing war with Hamas, Hezbollah and other Iranian-supported terror proxies. In light of these developments and the primacy of energy concerns, Iran seeks to undermine the "nuclear threshold" narrative and portray nuclear power as a solution to its energy crisis. Tehran understands that, at this point, it is better to project a willingness for dialogue and work toward an agreement that will provide immunity from an Israeli strike while preserving its nuclear capabilities for a future date. Iran's ultimate goal of destroying Israel is seen as immutable and extending beyond Trump's administration, so a temporary delaya new "poisoned chalice"is a necessity. Israel must act in concert with the Trump administration to damage or destroy Iran's nuclear facilities and set back its arms race for years. Only after that can Iran present a "plan" for an agreement and oversight. Aviram Bellaishe is VP, Strategy, Security, and Communications at the Jerusalem Center. For over twenty-five years, Aviram Bellaishe served in senior government positions as a business intelligence and Middle East specialist, negotiation expert, and international cooperation manager. Aviram was an Israeli director in a regional initiative for business and economic cooperation dialogue in the regions of the Middle East and North Africa, and is presently a member of the executive committee of MENA 2050. Home CPS Energys Braunig Power Station seen from the air in late July. The state grid operator's board is set to vote Tuesday on a pitch that would stop the planned shutdown a Braunig generating unit. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer CPS Energy is likely to be told this week it must keep operating the largest of three aging gas-powered units at its Braunig Power Station past its scheduled retirement in the spring. The future of the other two units is uncertain as the state grid operator considers deploying mobile generators to replace their capacity. For now, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas plans to ask its board Tuesday to approve an agreement with the city-owned utility to keep Braunig Unit 3 cranking in a bid to stave off grid emergencies next summer and beyond. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We will continue to work with ERCOT with whichever path they choose, CPS said in a statement. If the statewide grid operators board approves the plan, the 400-megawatt unit is expected to be temporarily shut down in early March for inspection and what are expected to be costly repairs. ERCOT General Counsel Chad Seely told state utility regulators that ERCOT is trying to get the unit back before the summer of 2025 when the risk of power overloading San Antonio transmission lines intensifies. In March, CPS told ERCOT which must approve any generation source going offline that it planned to retire all three of the roughly 60-year-old Braunig units by March 2025 because keeping them running would be too costly. The San Antonio utility has excess capacity and the units arent needed for its local market. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the power station is situated near a trouble spot for the states transmission infrastructure. ERCOT says the loss of the 849 megawatts generated by the plants would heighten the risks of cascading outages to the entire grid. CPS has put the cost to keep all three units running at as much as $200 million which would be paid by utility customers across Texas if ERCOT requires CPS to keep them running. CenterPoint generators Braunigs generation helps reduce the amount of power that must be sent through a circuit that forms a ring around San Antonio. The circuits operation is at risk when the plentiful supply of power from South Texas wind farms and batteries is needed in North Texas, where capacity hasnt kept pace with increasing demand. When the lines get overloaded, sweeping outages across the grid can result. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While ERCOT makes its pitch to keep Unit 3 operating, it says it will ask its board to defer any decisions about the other two Braunig units as it researches the feasibility of deploying mobile generators in their place. The generators in question are leased by Houston-based CenterPoint. They got a lot of attention after Hurricane Beryl caused power outages across Houston and its surroundings. CenterPoint had touted the $800 million fleet as a means to prevent blackouts like those from Winter Storm Uri in 2021. But it wasnt able to use most of the units in wake of the recent hurricane drawing heavy criticism from regulators and customers alike. Fifteen of the 20 units arent easily mobile they take several days to assemble and require a special permit to be set up. That can make it difficult to use them in a storm scenario. But members of the Public Utility Commission have raised the possibility that they could be used to help ERCOT with its San Antonio-area transmission challenges. ERCOT told commissioners last month that while using the generators would work from a technical standpoint, it was still examining costs and regulatory challenges of relocating the fleet. Advertisement Article continues below this ad State leadership is aware that were working on this initiative, Seely said, referring to PUC Chairman Thomas Gleesons recent meeting with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. They are supportive of us looking at this as a better, reliable solution that we need for the next couple years. Long-term fixes CPS is in the midst of a transmission line expansion project that will permanently solve the chokepoint issue, but its unlikely to be completed before 2027. ERCOT asked industry earlier this year to pitch projects to replace Braunigs output but got little response. Only one project, a 200-megawatt battery site, applied. Seely said the project did not meet ERCOTs criteria. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thats why attention has shifted to CenterPoints generator fleet. We have been in discussions with ERCOT and other stakeholders to help address the impact of rising energy demand in key locations outside Houston and the need for a reliable solution to support the state while also prioritizing mitigating the financial impact on our customers, CenterPoint said in a statement. We are optimistic that we will find a constructive solution that best serves our customers and Texas as we continue to work closely with our regulator, ERCOT, elected leaders, and other stakeholders. ERCOT has to consider how the costs of using the generators would compare to the costs of repairing and running the remaining two Braunig Units. I think this is an elegant solution to the issues we are facing, Gleeson said during a recent commission meeting. It would be a good outcome if we could figure out how to make this work for everybody. Chinese foreign minister meets Kyrgyz counterpart Xinhua) 08:57, December 02, 2024 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Kulubaev Zheenbek Moldokanovich, who is here to attend the fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting, in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) CHENGDU, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday met with Kulubaev Zheenbek Moldokanovich, Kyrgyzstan's minister of foreign affairs, in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the fresh outcomes of bilateral practical cooperation fully demonstrate the huge potential of bilateral cooperation. Wang called on the two sides to carry forward the fine tradition of mutual respect and support, deepen strategic mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and take the China-Kyrgyzstan comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era to a new level. Kulubaev, who is here to attend the fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting, said Kyrgyzstan looks forward to preparing for the next stage of high-level exchanges with China, establishing a high-level strategic dialogue mechanism, and expanding cooperation in various fields. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Annasofia Scheve covers trending news for the Express-News. She can be reached at Annasofia.Scheve@express-news.net. Annasofia has bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Missouri. She is an Ohio native, and wrote for Cincinnati Magazine and the Cincinnati Enquirer before joining the Express-News in 2023. This article is old - Published: Monday, Dec 2nd, 2024 Wrexham.com has invited local Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in their respective Parliaments and closer to home you can find them all here. In his monthly column for Wrexham.com, Wrexhams MP Andrew Ranger writes: The start of this month began with marking remembrance Sunday where I was honoured to lay a wreath at Royal Welch Fusiliers War Memorial. It is always a privilege to pause and remember those who gave their lives for our tomorrow. Afterwards I joined up with the Wrexham War Memorial Club to talk with veterans about their experiences and how they can be supported. It was great to also catch up with the crew of HMS Dragon, who enjoyed seeing more of Wrexham and I look forward to seeing more of them in the New Year when they return. Here in Wrexham, the council have recently announced a consultation on the libraries and resource centres. Our libraries and resource centre are vital to our communities, and they need preserving. Libraries are not just places where we simply pick up a book but provide a range of vital services to our community, from educational sessions to leisure groups, I welcome the Have Your Say consultation currently ongoing and urge everyone in Wrexham to get involved, either online or via paper forms that can be picked up at each Library. I was also delighted to be able to nominate the Wrexham Monthly Street Market for an award in the Great British Market Awards. The Wrexham Monthly Street Market is a testament to our local traders and small business owners, with people coming into town every month to visit the market and shop from the vendors. Wrexham has always been a market town, and I enjoy seeing the tradition endure. Voting will shortly open, and I encourage everyone to get behind our market! Earlier this month I headed up to Llandudno for Welsh Labour Conference and I was glad to hear both Prime Minister Keir Starmer and First Minister Eluned Morgan talk about the importance of the two Labour governments working hand in hand and delivering for Wales. Since July, both governments in Westminster and Cardiff have wasted no time in implementing measures to improve the lives of working people and with 21billion announced for the 2025/2026 devolution settlement and confirmation that the Wrexham and Flintshire Investment Zone will go ahead, I believe it is an optimistic time for our city and what lies ahead. I continue to hold weekly surgeries with Wrexham residents to discuss their issues and assist where I can, along with getting out to speak to people on their doorsteps on the local problems. If you wish to book an appointment to speak with me, please do get in touch with me at Andrew.ranger.mp@parliament.uk Health board facing tough savings challenge to secure 82m from Welsh Government This article is old - Published: Monday, Dec 2nd, 2024 Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board will unlock 82m of annual funding from the Welsh Government if it can save an additional 20m before April. Russell Caldicott, the boards Interim Executive Director of Finance, said the Welsh Government had pledged to make this years 82m Strategic Support Fund payment an annual contribution to the North Wales health authoritys funding moving forward. But the board will only unlock that funding if it can reduce its budget deficit to 20m and make 48m of cost savings by April. Mr Caldicott revealed to the board on Thursday that it has already hit one of those targets, having reduced spending by 49.4m. But to secure the additional funding long-term it needs to achieve both savings and deficit reduction. Currently the boards budget deficit is 21.4m. Based on projected spending between now and April, it will need to reduce costs by another 20m before the end of the financial year. Failure to reach that milestone will mean mean the 82m extra funding package will not be renewed. Operations and leadership teams from across the BCUHB will be meeting over the coming weeks to establish exactly where additional savings can be made. Welsh Government have confirmed that if we can deliver our plans this year, the 82m can be included in the 2025/26 year and all of our future years so theres a really big prize at the end, he said. A key component was reaching 48m of savings. Weve actually got to 49.4m as a running total. Thats really positive and theres an awful lot of work gone on with my team and the wider organisation so a massive thanks. From a standing start weve got to a position where weve hit plan in terms of savings. The deficit remains the issue. While the board has stated it will achieve a 19.8m shortfall by April, in reality it currently stands at 21.4m. To secure the additional finding in the table, the board must reduce spending by 20m more this financial year. In order to get our deficit down to target we need to spend 20m less than planned in the next four months, said Mr Caldicott. Weve had those conversations with leadership and operational teams and they are going away to work on revised forecasts. We have a number of upcoming meetings to see how we get there and hopefully we will know by Christmas whether we can. If we can get there then that 82m is our and we can have start having conversations about those funds. By Alec Doyle BBC Local Democracy Reporter Elon Musk attends the Met Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in May 2022. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue/TNS DOVER, Del. A Delaware judge has reaffirmed her ruling that Tesla Inc. must revoke Elon Musks multibillion-dollar pay package. On Monday, Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick turned aside a request from Musks lawyers to reverse a ruling she announced in January that had thrown out the compensation plan. The judge ruled then that Musk, the Texas-based EV makers CEO, effectively controlled Teslas board and engineered the outsize pay package during sham negotiations. Lawyers for a Tesla shareholder who sued to block the pay package contended that shareholders who voted for the 10-year plan in 2018 had been given misleading and incomplete information. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In their defense, Teslas board members asserted that the shareholders who ratified the pay plan a second time in June had done so after receiving full disclosures, thereby curing all the problems the judge had cited in her January ruling. As a result, they argued, Musk deserved the pay package for having raised Teslas market value by billions of dollars. McCormick rejected that argument. In her 103-page opinion, she ruled that under Delaware law, Teslas lawyers had no grounds to reverse her January ruling based on evidence they created after trial. The large and talented group of defense firms got creative with the ratification argument, but their unprecedented theories go against multiple strains of settled law, she wrote. The judge noted, among other things, that a stockholder vote standing alone cannot ratify a conflicted-controller transaction. Even if a stockholder vote could have a ratifying effect, it could not do so here due to multiple, material misstatements in the proxy statement, she added. Advertisement Article continues below this ad McCormick also rejected an equally unprecedented and massive fee request by plaintiff attorneys, who argued they were entitled to legal fees in the form of Tesla stock valued at more than $5 billion. The judge said the attorneys were entitled to a fee award of $345 million. In a case about excessive compensation, that was a bold ask, she wrote. Whos right? On Monday night, Tesla posted on the X social media platform also owned by Musk that the company will appeal. The appeal would be filed with the Delaware Supreme Court, the only state appellate court Tesla can pursue. Experts say a ruling would likely come in less than a year. The ruling, if not overturned, means that judges and plaintiffs lawyers run Delaware companies rather than their rightful owners the shareholders, Tesla said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Later, on X, Musk unleashed a blistering attack on the judge, asserting McCormick is a radical far left activist cosplaying as a judge. Legal authorities generally suggest that McCormicks ruling was sound and followed the law. Charles Elson, founding director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware, said McCormick was right to rule that after Tesla lost its case in the original trial, it created improper new evidence by asking shareholders to ratify the pay package a second time. Had she allowed such a claim, he said, it would cause a major shift in Delawares laws against conflicts of interest given the unusually close relationship between Musk and Teslas board. Delaware protects investors thats what she did, said Elson, who has followed the court for more than three decades. Just because youre a superstar CEO doesnt put you in a separate category. Elson said he thinks investors would be reluctant to put money into Delaware companies if there were exceptions to the law for special people like Musk, who is the worlds richest person and is playing a role in the new Trump administration. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Elson said the Delaware Supreme Court is likely to uphold McCormicks ruling. That may be the end of the court battle, experts said. Because rulings on state laws are usually left to state courts, Tesla and Musk have no federal court avenue of appeal. Brian Dunn, program director for the Institute of Compensation Studies at Cornell University, said its been his experience that Tesla has no choice but to stay in the Delaware courts for this compensation package. What about Texas? The company could try to reconstitute the pay package and seek approval in Texas, where it may expect more friendlier judges. But Dunn, who has spent 40 years as an executive compensation consultant, said its likely some other shareholder would challenge the award in Texas because its excessive compared with other CEOs pay plans. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If they just want to turn around and deliver him $56 billion, I cant believe somebody wouldnt want to litigate it, Dunn said. Its an unconscionable amount of money. And a new pay package would almost certainly be larger. Tesla stock is trading at 15 times the exercise price of stock options in the current package in Delaware, Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas wrote in a note to investors. Teslas share price has doubled in the past six months, Jonas wrote. At Mondays closing stock price, the Musk package is now worth $101.4 billion, according to Equilar, an executive data firm. Massive 757k museum payoff criticised in Senedd and call for better rigorous audits of public bodies This article is old - Published: Monday, Dec 2nd, 2024 A damning report on Amgueddfa Cymru / Museum Wales governance and financial practices has sparked fresh scrutiny of Welsh Government oversight of public bodies, with concerns mounting over public trust and accountability. The Public Accounts and Public Administration Committees investigation into Amgueddfa Cymrus 2021-22 accounts revealed significant governance failures, costly settlements, and poor grievance management, costing taxpayers over 750,000. Chair Mark Isherwood MS criticised systemic issues, including a prolonged leadership breakdown and weak accountability structures. Echoing broader governance concerns, MSs called for urgent reforms across public sector bodies to prevent similar crises. Culture Minister Jack Sargeant MS assured lessons are being learned, with reforms underway, but scrutiny of public bodies remains a priority. The Senedd was being asked to note the report (PDF here) of the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee into Amgueddfa Cymru / Museum Wales accounts for 2021-22. They are a Welsh Government sponsored body that comprises several museums in Wales. The reports foreword explains, The Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee scrutinised Amgueddfa Cymrus Financial Reports in response to widely publicised issues at the organisation, which exposed serious governance issues that led to significant costs for the public purse, as part of a novel and contentious settlement. Speaking in the Senedd last week, Committee Chair Mark Isherwood MS said, The committee was extremely concerned that the arrangements for dealing with complaints and grievances proved wholly unsatisfactory. The breakdown of relationships at a senior level was a foreseeable risk that should have been reflected in their policies and procedures. Whilst the committee were satisfied that seeking a settlement was preferable to proceeding to an employment tribunal, having reviewed the private legal advice shared with the committee, we were not satisfied with the rationale for the settlement figure arrived at, which was based on a notice period of 22 months, when the former director generals contract of employment specified only a 12-month notice period. Indeed, the Auditor General for Wales concludes that the amgueddfa had not been able to demonstrate that it acted in the best interests of the public purse. At the time of the auditor generals public interest report into this matter, the total potential costs of the payment to the former director general were 325,698, with further external legal and professional costs of 419,915, meaning a total settlement of 757,613. This includes a payment made to the former chief operating officer, who retired on grounds of ill health. This is especially troubling in the current financial climate, when these costs could have been avoided had stronger governance arrangements been in place. The committee was saddened to hear about the financial pressures facing Amgueddfa Cymru, with around 90 jobs to be lost and a voluntary severance scheme in place. The payments to, or in relation to, the former director general included salary and oncosts totalling 225,698 for the period between 17 November 2022, being the effective date the former director general ceased to discharge his duties save for six prior engagements, and 30 September 2024. It was also concerning that the framework of governance at the amgueddfa appeared to stall completely, with regular in-person meetings of the board of trustees not taking place between September 2021 and May 2022, and business being conducted by e-mail, in contravention of the rules governing the amgueddfa. Mr Isherwood also stressed that the Committee was concerned that the Welsh Government decided to appoint the former President of the Amgueddfa to lead a review of Cadw, operating in the same heritage and culture sector as the Amgueddfa. Mr Isherwood expressed concern that the Welsh Government rejected one of the Committees recommendations relating to a review of the grievance policies at other similar organisations. Winding up his speech Mr Isherwood challenged other committees to be as probing in light of the report, The committee will be scrutinising the Welsh Governances oversight of its arms-length and public bodies with interest. We encourage our equivalent policy committees to do likewise, given our concerns. Diolch yn fawr. Adam Price MS then spoke, Ithas to be said that what weve just heard from the chair of the PAPA committee, I think, is a great cause for concern because it raises some serious questions about systemic failure, both within the national museums, but also, I think, in terms of the Welsh Governments wider responsibilities. But it does raise broader questions, which I think are relevant to the governance of the public sector and all arms-length bodies. The picture that has just been painted for usits a pretty dire one, isnt it, really? We had here, essentially, a prolonged internal dispute, persistent conflict, serious disagreement between senior management and trustees, which resulted in the paralysis, over many years, of decision-making processes. We had the delegation of critical decisions such as financial settlements to a limited subset of trustees. We had the use of e-mail only for decision making, board meetings without minutes, et cetera. This had a pretty negative impact. Weve heard the 750,000 it actually cost directly, but think of the thousands of hours, probably, that went into this situation. We had delayed financial reporting. The fact that were discussing here, in November 2024, the accounts from 2021-22 in itself, I think, captures that. We had obviously weak systems for dealing with internal grievances and whistleblowing, which reflect a wider problem in terms of organisational dysfunction at the heart of the institution. Mr Price added some history, Remember the leadership crisis in 2017 in Sport Wales and the dysfunctionality that was shown there; the financial mismanagement and the repeated audit qualifications that led to the resignation of the chair of NRW in 2018; the issues in terms of the forced resignation of Betsi Cadwaladrs board; the auditor generals review of the fire authorities in Wales, showing the weak accountability structures there. We have a general problem, I think, in terms of governance in the public sector, and that is eroding public trust, which means that public services cannot be delivered in the way that they should be, and so we need to strengthen the governance frameworks. We need not a system of self-assessment, but we need more rigorous audit from the Welsh Governments public bodies unit. Natasha Asghar MS then spoke, As we know, the auditor generals report delves into detail, highlighting firstly that Museum Wales did not have adequate policies in place to deal with concerns raised by senior officers; secondly, that the employment dispute adversely affected their governance arrangements between September 2021 and November 2022; and thirdly, the legal costs were just shy of 420,000 to simply resolve a dispute. That figure does not take into account the amount spent on a settlement agreement, the cost of which the auditor general referred to as, and I quote, novel, contentious and repercussive. It is therefore shocking to me that the Welsh Government rejected recommendation 3 of the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee report, which advised the implementation of a system to review grievance procedures at arms-length and sponsored bodies to ensure that they are robust and fit for purpose. The new Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant MS, responded, The events outlined in this report do represent an extremely challenging time in its history. Whilst I was not directly involved during this difficult time, I am confident that lessons have been learned and that the work undertaken by the committee, as well as the report published by the Auditor General for Wales, have played an important part in this process. I was pleased that the committee was satisfied that the decision to attempt to achieve a settlement instead of proceeding to a tribunal was the right course of action, noting the Chairs and the committees response to the settlement. However, I understand that the decisions were made to resolve matters and enable all parties to move forward whilst avoiding greater cost to the public purse. The Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip provided a response to the committees report back in August. She noted that the committee had highlighted areas we had identified as priorities and where progress was already being made. As the Chair pointed out, of the eight recommendations for the Welsh Government, we accepted five in full and two in principle. Last month I had the opportunity to meet with them to discuss their vision for Amgueddfa Cymrus future and the role that it can play in supporting the priorities for culture and the Prif Weinidogs priorities. We continue to work in partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru in responding to the 77 recommendations made by the tailored review. Sixty of those recommendations are now either requiring no further action or are incorporated into plans as business as usual. The remaining 17 recommendationsthe majority of those will be completed or in plans as business as usual by March 2025. Governance reform is a priority for Amgueddfa Cymrus chair as she continues to respond to the tailored review and build a strong foundation for the future. This includes introducing a new committee structure for the board and reviewing key governance documentation. I do take on board, Chair, the points raised by Heledd, Adam and others around the diversity of boards, and this is an area that we could all do more on and we are all committed to doing so.295 The committee also referenced in its report the budgetary pressures that faced Amgueddfa Cymru during this financial year in particular. As we know, this has been a very tough year for all of our cultural organisations and there is no simple solution to fix their current financial challenges. Since the committees report, Llywydd, we have made a further 940,000 investment in terms of revenue funding available to Amgueddfa Cymru, which it is using to rebuild following the recent restructure, to help it become more sustainable for the future and to strengthen its governance arrangements. We have also made funding available for critical works at the National Museum Cardiff, and once the Welsh Governments draft budget for 2025-26 has been agreed, well be liaising with the museum regarding its budget for the next financial year. Mr Isherwood reiterated his challenge to his colleagues in Cardiff Bay, The committee will be scrutinising the Welsh Governments oversight of its arms-length and public bodies with interest, and we encourage all other equivalent policy committees to do likewise The Human League join Live at Llangollen Pavilion summer line-up! This article is old - Published: Monday, Dec 2nd, 2024 British synth-pop pioneers The Human League will bring their iconic electronic sound to North Wales next summer when they headline Live at Llangollen Pavilion. The BRIT Award-winners will make their highly anticipated debut at the north east Wales town on Saturday July 5. The Human League led by Philip Oakey, Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley have shaped the sound of electronic pop for more than four decades and continue to reach a new generation through the innovative sounds and songs they created in the 1980s. Their influence on both music and culture remains undeniable, with timeless anthems like Dont You Want Me, (Keep Feeling) Fascination, Love Action (I Believe in Love) and Mirror Man continuing to resonate with fans worldwide. With nine studio albums, including the multi-platinum DARE, The Human League has sold more than 25 million records worldwide. Their legacy is further solidified by numerous accolades, including a BRIT Award for Best British Breakthrough Act in 1982 and three Ivor Novello Award nominations. The group has inspired new generations of artists, written some of the all-time classic pop songs, had Number 1 singles and albums across the world and yet, as they look to their fifth decade, they remain fiercely independent and true to their roots. With a legacy approaching 50 years, fans can expect a night of timeless classics and the very best of 80s pop. Supporting The Human League will be The Christians and Altered Images. Formed in Liverpool in the 1980s, The Christians became known for their soulful sound, rich harmonies and socially aware lyrics. Led by Garry Christian, the band found success with hits like Ideal World, Harvest for the World and Forgotten Town. With their unique blend of soul and pop, The Christians continue to captivate audiences, bringing timeless songs that continue to stand the test of time. Altered Images burst onto the 1980s music scene with their vibrant mix of post-punk energy, led by the charismatic Clare Grogan. Known for hits like Happy Birthday, I Could Be Happy, and Dont Talk to Me About Love, the band captured the spirit of the era and continue to delight fans with performances that bring the magic of 80s pop to life. The announcement is the latest reveal for summer 2025 which will also see James, RagnBone Man, Olly Murs, Texas, The Script and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell headline the iconic Welsh venue. The headline concerts are presented in a partnership between Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor said: Were incredibly excited to announce that The Human League will be headlining Live at Llangollen Pavilion next summer. For more than four decades, their synth-pop sound and unforgettable hits have captivated audiences around the world. Were looking forward to an unforgettable night filled with the anthems that defined a generation. Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod Dave Danford added: The Human League have a legendary catalogue of hits that continue to resonate with fans of all ages. We cant wait to welcome them to Llangollen next summer, for whats set to be an incredible night of live music. Tickets go on general sale at 10am Friday from llangollen.net and ticketmaster.co.uk Thousands of food parcels handed out to households in need across Wrexham This article is old - Published: Monday, Dec 2nd, 2024 Thousands of emergency food parcels were handed out in Wrexham to households in need during a six-month period. Figures released by the Trussell Trust show that between April and September of this year 5,032 food parcels were distributed by Wrexhams network of food banks. This is slightly lower than the 5,152 which were handed out in the same period in 2023. A breakdown of the Trussell Trusts data also reveals that 3,466 emergency food parcels were given to adults while 1,566 were distributed to children. The figures show the persistent demand being faced by food banks across the Wales with more than 80,000 emergency food parcels distributed to people facing hunger across Wales during the six-month period. This includes 29,000 parcels provided for children facing hunger. While the Trussell Trust has reported a seven per cent dip on number of parcels provided last year, however it remains 42 per cent higher than the same period five years ago. The majority of food parcels were distributed to families with children, with 62 per cent of the total number of parcels going to households with children aged 016 between April and September, the charity reports. In addition, 19,000 people visited a food bank for the first time between April and September. According to the charity there are many possible reasons for this recent drop, including an increase in food aid providers across the country, a gradual slowdown in price hikes on food and bills in recent years, and a 6.7 per cent uprating in social security payments from April 2024. However, Trussell says its difficult to say if there has been an actual drop in hunger and hardship. Winter is often the busiest time for food banks and Trussell is calling on the public to continue to play their part and support their local food banks to meet this urgent need, by volunteering, donating, fundraising or campaigning to help end hunger in Wales. Trussell says the evidence is clear, hunger in Wales isnt a food problem, its an income problem. People are being forced to turn to food banks because incomes from work, and social security payments, do not cover the cost of the essentials, such as food, bills, and toiletries. It is now calling on the UK and Welsh Governments to set out a clear plan for how it will meet its manifesto commitment to end the need for food banks, prioritising investment in social security as a bedrock for peoples financial security. The charity is also urging the Welsh Government to: Commit to ending the need for food banks in Wales and introduce a plan to reduce the need for emergency food, focusing on reducing the number of people trapped in the deepest forms of poverty. Increase the Discretionary Assistance Fund to ensure everyone needing crisis support is able to access the scheme Accelerate efforts to make it easier for people to access Welsh benefits and deliver on the commitments in the Welsh Benefits Charter Jo Harry, Network lead for Wales at Trussell, said: As both the Welsh and UK governments hold back from more decisive action to ensure everyone can afford the essentials, the sheer numbers of people still facing hunger and hardship across Wales is heartbreaking. This cannot go on and we refuse to stand by while so many of us are pushed to the brink, left without enough money to live on. The UK Government was elected with a manifesto pledge to end the need for emergency food and the time to act is now. The Welsh Government can also act on areas such as housing, crisis support and mental health services to help reduce hunger and hardship in Wales. Thats why we are urgently calling on both to plan urgent and decisive action to end hunger once and for all. To find out more about how you can support food banks and Trussell please visit: https://www.trussell.org.uk/ Wales Deputy First Minister commits to disqualifying lying politicians by 2026 This article is old - Published: Monday, Dec 2nd, 2024 The deputy first minister reiterated a promise to introduce legislation disqualifying lying politicians amid concerns about vexatious complaints and politicisation of the courts. Huw Irranca-Davies restated the pledge as he appeared before the Senedds standards committee to give evidence to an inquiry about accountability on December 2. Labours Lee Waters questioned if the commitment, to a bill on disqualifying politicians found guilty of deception through an independent judicial process, will be kept by 2026. Mr Irranca-Davies told the committee: Come what may, that commitment stands. But he warned of practical complexity in disqualifying candidates and Senedd members, raising further concerns about politicisation of the courts and vexatious complaints. Self-regulation Mr Irranca-Daves said any new legislation would need to be cognisant of freedom of expression, under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. He stated proportionality will be the key test of compliance with human rights law. The standards committee is weighing up recommendations including creating a criminal offence of deception, a civil offence, or strengthening the existing self-regulation system. Mick Antoniw, a former minister who gave the initial commitment to legislation to avert defeat in a Senedd vote, argued the standards committee sits as a quasi-judicial body. But Plaid Cymrus Adam Price disagreed, drawing a distinction between self-regulation and an independent judicial process through a tribunal or criminal court. Injustice Jane Dodds, the Liberal Democrats leader in Wales, called for clarity on the timetable. Mr Irranca-Davies reiterated the commitment to bringing a bill forward before the 2026 Senedd election, saying the Welsh Government has set aside a slot for the legislation. Turning to parliamentary privilege, which affords MPs immunity from legal challenge, Mr Irranca-Davies said the precious principle allows politicians to speak freely. In the Senedd, privilege is limited to defamation and contempt rather than absolute but moves are afoot to provide parity across the four nations. We have to make sure we dont trespass on that essential right of parliamentarians to speak freely on behalf of their constituents and against injustice, Mr Irranca-Davies said. Recall Calling for the standards process as a whole to be strengthened, he backed the introduction of a system of recall, which would allow voters to boot out Senedd members between elections He said: It is very important, we believe, as a point of principle where members are found to have fallen well short of expected standards of behaviour that the electorate do have the opportunity to remove them. He described the triggers used in Westminster: a custodial sentence for 12 months or less, a suspension of at least ten days or an expenses offence conviction: as a useful starting point. But the former MP said Wales could diverge, raising concerns a ten-day suspension could tie the committees hands and suggesting discretion for suspensions of 30 days or less. Mr Irranca-Davies cautioned that bringing forward a bill before the next Senedd election would require rapid manoeuvring, with implications for the legislative programme. Undermine From 2026, people will vote for parties rather than individuals as the Senedd ditches the first-past-the-post system in favour of a full form of proportional representation. The next candidate on the political partys list would be elected, with the public having no further say on who would replace a recalled Senedd member. Mr Irranca-Davies said: The [Welsh] Government remains firmly of the view that there isnt a form of by-election, that you would see under the first-past-the-post system, that would work within this new system. The fit isnt there. He argued individuals rather than parties should be punished, warning recall could otherwise undermine the proportionality of the Senedd as decided at an election. The deputy first minister advocated a simple yes-no public vote on whether a politician should stay in office following a recommendation of recall from the standards committee. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter The Douglas County Sheriff's Office released more details on a deadly police shooting that happened November 8th in Gardnerville. During Tuesday's press conference, Sheriff Dan Coverley showed bodycam video of events leading up to the deadly shooting. Deputies say they interacted with the suspect, 16-year-old John Brown 18 times prior to the incident, for various reasons including drug charges, saying the interactions were 'Nothing major, nothing super significant." Deputies say previously they were initially called to a home on Pit Road for a report of a mother whose son, John Brown had assaulted her with a gun and then fled. The mother also told authorities that he tried to steal a car, on the same road. Police say when Brown and a second person he was with, failed to steal the car, the duo ran away toward Tillman Lane. Eventually, officers say they found Brown with a gun on his lap, inside a car on Short Court. When they ordered Brown to get out of the car, they refused and that's when Brown and deputies exchanged gunfire - Brown was killed while one unidentified deputy was shot in the hand, suffering non-life-threatening injuries. Sheriff Coverely later said that the deputy was shot by a fellow deputy, not Brown. Deputies say the second person, a 16-year-old was arrested and booked into the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center on robbery charges. During the press conference, Sheriff Coverely confirmed that the gun that Brown used was not real but because deputies did not know that, they responded as if that weapon was real. The deputy that was hit in the hand has since had surgery with the eventual goal of returning to duty. The Carson City Sheriff's Office and Nevada State Police are handling the investigation Sheriff Coverley went on to say that this is the only police shooting in Douglas County this year. ***** WARNING: THIS VIDEO MAY BE INAPPROPRIATE FOR SOME AUDIENCES. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED ***** ORIGINAL STORY: A Douglas County deputy is recovering after being shot in the hand by a suspect who was also killed in the same police shooting, in Gardnerville early Friday morning. Deputies say they were initially called to a home on Pit Road for a report of a mother whose son, John Brown had assaulted her with a gun and then fled. The mother also told authorities that he tried to steal a car, on the same road. Police say when Brown and a second person he was with, failed to steal the car, the duo ran away toward Tillman Lane. Eventually, officers say they found Brown with a gun on his lap, inside a car on Short Court. When they ordered Brown to get out of the car, they refused and that's when Brown and deputies exchanged gunfire - Brown was killed while one unidentified deputy was shot in the hand, suffering non-life-threatening injuries. Deputies say the second person, a 16-year-old was arrested and booked into the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center on robbery charges. The Carson City Sheriff's Office and Nevada State Police are handling the investigation. All deputies involved in the shooting have been put on administrative leave, pending a review. ORIGINAL STORY: A Douglas County deputy suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a shooting with a suspect in Gardnerville early Friday morning. Deputies say it happened near Short Court and Pit Road in Gardnerville. Deputies say the suspect is dead and there's no threat to the community. We have a crew on scene right now getting more details. A Southwest Airlines jet approaches the runway for a landing at Hobby Airport in late September. A policy change this week will end cabin service earlier in a bid to reduce injuries to passengers and crew ahead of landings. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Passengers board a Southwest Airlines flight to San Antonio from Houston in early 2023. The airlines landing procedures will be changing this week, with cabin service ending earlier. Staff file photo Rows of seats are shown on a retrofitted Southwest Airlines jet at Love Field in Dallas. Redesigned cabins with more comfortable seats are among changes the airline is promising. Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press Southwest Airlines is about to hit passengers with another change. The carrier the largest by passenger traffic at San Antonio International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is ending cabin service earlier on all flights, requiring passengers to do the usual pre-landing procedures such as ensuring seat belts are fastened and returning their seats to an upright position earlier. The move will also allow flight attendants to return to their seats and get buckled in sooner. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The change in procedures is designed to reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries for our crew members and customers, the airline said in a statement. Effective Wednesday, flight attendants will begin preparing the cabin for landing at an altitude of 18,000 feet instead of 10,000 feet, as has long been Southwest policy. The airline told flight crews in a memo the decision was the result of collaboration with its labor partners and a robust approach to safety management. Airline officials estimate that allowing flight attendants to be seated earlier will reduce injuries by at least 20%, according to the memo. However, if the new procedures dont address the issue, officials plan to look for other solutions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While turbulence-related fatalities are rare, injuries have piled up over the years. More than one-third of all airline incidents in the United States from 2009 through 2018 were related to turbulence and most of them resulted in one or more serious injuries but no damage to the plane, the National Transportation Safety Board reported. READ NEXT: Southwest Airlines shakes up its board under pressure from a big shareholder In May, a 73-year-old man died on board a Singapore Airlines flight when the plane hit severe turbulence over the Indian Ocean. And in August, a passenger on a Southwest flight from Manchester, N.H., to Baltimore was seriously injured when the plane encountered turbulence. The shift in landing procedures comes after Southwests surprising announcement over the summer that its tossing out a half-century tradition of open seating passengers picking their own seats after boarding the plane next year. The change is intended to speed up boarding. The Dallas-based airline has promised additional changes including faster Wi-Fi, more in-seat power supplies, larger overhead bins and a cabin redesign featuring more comfortable seats. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The tide of change comes amid Southwests continuing financial struggles. Through the first nine months of this year, the company reported a profit of $204 million, far less than Delta Air Lines $2.6 billion and United Airlines $2.2 billion. Southwests lackluster financial performance made it a target of the hedge fund Elliott Management, which revealed this summer it had amassed a 10% stake in the company. 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 The holidays are officially in full swing. Now that youve had your fill of turkey, get ready for holiday markets, cocktails, meals, fun runs, and shows. 'Tis also the time for givingsupport artists at a quirky Dogpatch ball, a small press fest at SFMOMA, and on a gallery walk through the Tenderloin. To keep you sane, this is a week for tasting all the wine. Cheers! You don't need to celebrate Hanukkah to appreciate the spread of fried potato pancakes at One Market this month. (Courtest of @onemarketsf) Go all out at One Markets Latke Festival with varieties like swiss latkes with raclette and bresaola, onion soup latkes with gruyere, steak tartares latke with egg yolk for lunch, dinner, or heck, dessert; begins Tuesday at 11:30am. // One Market, 1 Market St. (Embarcadero); reservations at onemarket.com Catch feats and beats at Troupe Vertigos spellbinding performance with the San Francisco Symphony. It will be a night of circus, dance, theater, and holiday cheer; Monday at 7:30pm. // Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. (Civic Center); tickets at sfsymphony.org Take a long lunch break at Che Fico Pizzeria, which is now serving up their pies in the daytime; Mondays through Fridays, 11am to 2pm. // Che Fico Pizzeria, 1 Warriors Way, Suite #300 (Mission Bay); reservations at opentable.com Celebrate the holidays on high with Kaiyos Nikkei Navidad. The rooftop digs are transformed with festive decor and a special drink menu of hot cocktails like Peruvian hot toddies and boozy cocoa; Tuesday at 4pm through December 30. // Kaiyo Rooftop, 701 3rd St, Floor 12 (SoMa); reservations at kaiyosf.com Ball out for local artists. The Minnesota Street Project Foundation is hosting a ball, a two-part event to support their artist studios and new residency program. Join for cocktails and hors doeuvres in part one, or stay the night for more amusements; Wednesday, 6:30pm to 9:30pm. // Minnesota Street Project Foundation, 1201 Minnesota St. (Dogpatch); tickets eventbrite.com Taste all the wine at Wineluvs latest event, where more than 30 wines are available for unlimited sampling. Mingle with fellow wine lovers, nosh on light bites, and take in the views; Wednesday, 5pm to 8pm. // Amador Club, 550 Montgomery St. Flr. 10 (FiDi); tickets at eventbrite.com Visit Tasting House for two great events. On Wednesday, Celebrate International Cabernet Franc Day with a flight and small bite pairings prepared by executive chef Julian Silvera. On Thursday, sit down for a six-course formal dinner (with wine pairings, of course) with iconic Napa Valley winemaker Cathy Corison. // Tasting House, 368 Village Ln. (Los Gatos); register at tastinghouse.com Thank you to our partners at Tasting House. Shop small (press), including artist books, zines, posters, T-shirts, and mixtapes from local presses, zine publishers, and artists at the Small Press Book Bazaar; Thursday, 1pm to 8pm. // SFMOMA, 151 Third St. (SoMa); details at sfmoma.org Raise a Champagne flute. Enjoy dozens of bubblies from grower-producers and take home your favorites at a discount; Thursday, 5:30pm to 8pm. // Arlequin Wine Merchant, 384 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley); tickets at arlequinwinemerchant.com See the TL in a new light during the First Thursday Art Walk. These self-guided tours take you through some of the neighborhoods galleries, performance spaces, and businesses, all open late; Thursday, 6pm to 10pm. // Location details at sffirstthursday.org Let John Legend serenade you with the sounds of his legendary Christmas album; Thursday at 7pm. // Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave. (Oakland); tickets at thefoxoakland.com Put techies in the hot seat. The Tech Roast Show is back and just as merciless in its assessment of LLMs, pitches, and the people who make them; Thursday, 8pm to 9:30pm. // SFJAZZ, 201 Franklin St. (Civic Center); tickets at eventbrite.com Revisit the mall for a huge holiday market celebrating small business. More than 70 vendors will take over the fourth floor for two days of shopping, live music, and DIY stations; Friday, 1pm to 5pm and Saturday, 11am to 4pm. // San Francisco Centre, 865 Market St. (SoMa); details at sf.gov Witness the glory of Lets Glow SF, an arts festival showcasing holiday projections that are larger than life from 16 artists across seven locations. Kick it all off with a party at the Ferry Building on Friday night, with live performances and free hot cocoa; Friday, 5pm to 7pm. // 1 Ferry Building (Embarcadero); details at eventbrite.com Feast on crab for a good cause. The Guardsman help support at-risk youth and throw a heck of a party. Join them on their Christmas tree lot for cocktails, a fresh crab and pasta dinner, and a dancing-filled after party; Friday at 6pm. // Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Boulevard Ste. 260 (Fort Mason); tickets at eventbrite.com Pop over to Berkeley for a merry maker pop-up. Enjoy good eats, live music, photo booths and, of course, lots of local shopping; Saturday, 11am to 4pm. // 1919 Fourth St. (Berkeley); details at eventbrite.com Thank you to our partners at Fourth Street Maker's Row. Enjoy some local wine with a slice. Osa Major Wine is popping up at Il Parco. Meet the winemaker Emily Fernwood, and taste some of Osa Majors best blends; Saturday, 11:30am to 3pm. // Il Parco, 215 Lincoln Blvd. (Presidio); ilparcosf.com Support Black entrepreneurs at an open air holiday market filled with good food and handcrafted finds from more than 15 local designers and food makers; Saturday, 9am to 2pm. // Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, 1 (Embarcadero); details at foodwise.org Get in the tiki spirit. The nation-wide Sippin Santa pop-up sensation has arrived in Santa Rosa for kitschy cocktail fun; through January 6. // Flamingo Lazeaway Club, 2777 4th St. (Santa Rosa); reservations at flamingoresort.com Build something itty bitty. Crafting is adorably scaled down in a workshop with miniaturist Tammie Knight, who will show you how to build your own holiday cafe; Saturday, 2pm to 5pm. // Letterform Archive, 2325 3rd St. (Dogpatch); tickets at eventbrite.com Be part of an art experiment and salon-style party. Meet artists, indulge your creativity, and see what happens at Free*Party; Saturday at 7pm. // Oakland; RSVP for location at partiful.com Show off at the Santa Skivvies run in support of San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Don your red underwear and get ready to run (or walk) down the streets of Castro for this festive fundraiser; Sunday at 11:15am. // Register at santaskivvies.donordrive.com ; get 50% off when you use the code 7X7. Thank you to our partners at SF AIDS Foundation. Sample wines from a dozen small Bay Area wineries for free. Find and shop your new favorite blend at a festive celebration of fine local wine; Sunday, 12pm to 4pm. // Mansfield-Dunne Winery, 495 Barneveld Ave. (Bayview); RSVP at eventbrite.com The unseen hand of a single interior designer has guided the look of virtually every restaurant thats opened or reopened in SF in the last few months. From Mission Bays Thrive City to North Beachs Washington Square, Jon de la Cruz is on fire. De la Cruz is hardly new on the scene. His flame has been burning brightly for almost 25 years. Hes worked on multiple high profile projects, been the design director for Ken Fulk, and been nominated for a James Beard Award. In 2017, he crafted House Beautifuls Kitchen of the Year. Jon de la Cruz, interior designer extraordinaire and founder of DLC-ID. (September Days Photography) So when restaurant and hospitality work came back with a vengeance at the close of the pandemic, de la Cruzs eponymous firm De la Cruz Interior Design (DLC-ID) , which he founded in 2015, was perfectly poised to make a splash. Now those projects are almost simultaneously coming to fruition. De la Cruz is known for marrying modern design and functionality with vintage pieces, bespoke furniture, and custom wallpaper. He doesnt follow restaurant design trends, he sets them. Im tired of seeing a rectangular subway tile, says de la Cruz. Reclaimed wood anything is always just a trap. I personally dont like looking at bare exposed Edison bulbs. Communal tables, no one wants those anymore. But even his own signature moves are continuously evolving. Wallpaper, Im trying to use it less and less and focus more on natural finishes like plaster and stone and other shapes of tile that arent rectangular, he says. Harsh overhead lighting is something Im trying to avoid now, [instead using] eye-level lighting and lighting the actual tables with LED rechargeable lamps. The view at Che Fico Pizzeria. (Courtesy of @cheficopizzeria) No two restaurants are created equal, however. Each has a unique vibe that de la Cruz works to capture. At Thrive City Chase Center (1725 3rd St., Mission Bay), for example, the bayside location lent marine undertones to two recent high-profile projects, Che Fico Pizzeria and Kayah , a new bar concept from the team behind Burma Love . Che Fico is at the top of Thrive City, facing the East Bay and overlooking the new park on the shore, says de la Cruz. Having worked on the restaurants earlier iterations, he knew exactly how to play with their aesthetic to combine known elements with new ones. We still have some of the Che Fico familiarities with patterned tile and fig wallpaper but we used regatta stripes for a little more of a marine feeling, and it feels a little sporty, too. At Kayah, the objective was to bring the vibrancy of Southeast Asia to life. The design immerses guests in lush landscapes with deep blues, warm earth tones, and spice-inspired hues accented by woven rattan, bamboo lighting, and murals that reflect Burmas maritime heritage, says Desmond Tan, owner of the Burma Food Group. Kayah vibes. (Christopher Stark) Part of the trick there was to find a way to teach people about Burmese culture without being too on the nose with its representation, says de la Cruz. We still wanted it to be contemporary and modern, to be just a little bit nicer than casual without feeling too stuffy and formal. Across the Bay, DLC-ID gave Oaklands Odin (444 Oak St.) a cool Mexico City vibe that plays off the idea of a church dedicated to the countrys homegrown agave elixir, mezcal. We created this sexy space and an altar basically to display the mezcal with a back lit onyx bar at the center. They sourced church pews for seating and lined the walls with art the owner collected in Oaxaca and Mexico City. Odin, an homage to mezcal. (Jose Manuel Alorda) Reopening Park Tavern in North Beach (1652 Stockton St.) was more of a restoration process than it was creating a fresh design (chef Jonathan Waxman knew exactly what he wanted, so we just helped them put it all together, says de la Cruz), but when Tyler Florences Wayfare Tavern (currently at 558 Sacramento St., FiDi) makes its big move to a new location in early 2025, it will be gift wrapped in a look de la Cruz has been hashing out with the team for two years. My unofficial concept for that, whenever I get to work on a project with multiple rooms, I always think of the house in Clue, you know, like Colonel Mustard in the dining room with a lead pipe? Downstairs theres a huge dining room and a great bar and a special chefs kitchen with a group of tables that face the hotline. Its going to be everything that we know and love about Wayfare Tavern but a little bit fresher. A new look for Wayfare Tavern. (Courtesy of DCL-ID) Regardless of the restaurant, says the designer, theres no place in San Francisco for spaces that are too polished or pretty. Here, unlike Vegas or L.A., people dont trust places that are overly designed. As long as the food is good, people will stand in a parking lot or a garage. If its over-designed, they start to smell rotten fish like, oh, youre trying to distract me from the quality of the food. When he begins work with a chef-owner, one of the first things he tells them is, just do your job well and you dont need me. Nevertheless, de la Cruz tries to walk the line between the vision and needs of the restaurants staff and its diners. The clean-lined, minimalist, Japanese-influenced atmosphere that dominated pre-Covid has transitioned into a look thats more of a visual feast in which seat count is no longer as important as comfort and space, both at the table, and around it. Were going back towards more design, says de la Cruz, and we cant wait to see what he comes up with next. // Learn more at dlcid.com. Methodist Healthcare has 10 hospitals in San Antonio, all of which are located on the citys far West Side, North Side and Northeast Side, according to its website. Methodist Healthcare/Courtesy Methodist Healthcare has purchased about 9.1 acres of vacant land at the southwest corner of the Loop 410 access road and South Zarzamora Street, deed records show. The property is at the corner of the intersection, shown here in the center, and a different company owns the vacant land to the west of it. Google Earth Methodist Healthcare has purchased about 9.1 acres of vacant land at the southwest corner of the Loop 410 access road and South Zarzamora Street, deed records show. The property is at the corner of the intersection, shown here in the center, and a different company owns the vacant land to the west of it. Google Earth Methodist Healthcare, the largest health care system in South Texas, has purchased about 9 acres of vacant land on San Antonios South Side, where there are few hospitals or other medical facilities. A limited liability partnership affiliated with Methodist bought the property at the southwest corner of South Zarzamora Street and the Loop 410 access road in mid-November from Zarzamora Properties LLC. Its unclear from deed records what Methodist paid for the land, which the Bexar Appraisal District values at $2.5 million. Its also unclear what the health care system plans to do with the property. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We continuously evaluate market areas to identify community needs for healthcare services, Methodist said in a statement Monday. Residential and retail development on the South Side has escalated in recent years, in part because of the areas swelling workforce and lower land and housing prices compared with other parts of the city. The property Methodist bought is just north of Texas A&M University-San Antonio, which is expanding, and near Southstars Vida community, which includes single-family homes, apartments, commercial space and a University Health hospital. University Healths facility, dubbed Palo Alto Hospital, will have 166 inpatient beds initially and can be expanded to 286 beds. It also will have an emergency department, labor and delivery unit, neonatal intensive care unit and other departments and is scheduled to open in 2027. Construction on a health care center and headquarters for the University Health Institute for Public Health is also underway and is expected to be finished in 2026. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A San Antonio Express-News investigation on health inequities showed that medical facilities in San Antonio are heavily concentrated in the northern parts of the city, in places where patients generally are healthier and wealthier and providers can collect higher reimbursements from insurance companies. In the southern part of the city, residents have limited access to hospitals, medical specialists and surgical centers. Until University Healths hospital opens, Baptist Health Systems Mission Trail Baptist Hospital at Brooks remains the only full-service hospital on the South Side. Texas Vista Medical Center, a 327-bed facility, closed in 2023. Methodist has 10 hospitals in San Antonio, all of which are located on the citys far West Side, North Side and Northeast Side. Last month, the health care system opened an acute care hospital in the booming Westover Hills area on land it bought in 2006. It purchased more land there in 2017. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Methodist also has a variety of specialty care facilities, freestanding emergency rooms and other operations in the city. Deborah Martin has covered arts and entertainment writer for the San Antonio Express-News since 1999. You can reach Deborah at dlmartin@express-news.net. She studied journalism at the University of Texas at El Paso and began her career covering a night shift at the El Paso Herald-Post. She has been writing about the arts for more than 35 years, including a year-long stint at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times before moving to San Antonio. She was a fellow in the NEA Arts Journalism Institute in Theater and Musical Theater at the University of Southern California in 2007. A lack of conversations about inheritance planning is creating significant tension between family members, according to new research as part of Canada Lifes Life100+ programme. One in five (18%) UK adults have had a dispute within their family due to a lack of conversations about inheritance planning, and a quarter (24%) agree that avoiding conversations about inheritance planning may lead to future disputes. The research explores the reasons why people do not want to discuss their inheritance plans with their family. The most common explanations are that people arent planning to leave an inheritance to a family member or loved one (19%), or the fact that they have not started inheritance planning yet (19%). The research also found that one in ten (10%) people said they do not talk about finances as a family, rising to one in six (13%) for those 55 or over. Others (5%) said they tried to have a conversation about their inheritance plans, but their relatives or loved ones did not want to discuss it. Those expecting to receive an inheritance are similarly tight-lipped. The main reason for avoiding discussions is that the possibility of receiving an inheritance is too far in the future (29%). Other respondents said that they prefer not to think about it (26%), consider it their business and no one elses (21%), or find it simply too difficult to discuss (14%). With so many avoiding these essential conversations, its unsurprising that nearly two-fifths (37%) feel previous generations have been closed regarding family inheritance planning. However, Canada Lifes research indicates that younger generations are shaped by their family experiences, with more than two-fifths (43%) planning to discuss inheritance more openly than their older family members. Regardless of intergenerational differences, many UK adults believe there would be positive impacts from having more open discussions about inheritance. Three-fifths (60%) believe that more transparency would help family members understand where they stand with inheritance, while four in 10 (41%) said it would minimise legal complications in the future. Respondents also said that more transparent conversations about inheritance would have a positive impact in: Fairer distribution of assets - 35% Reduced misunderstandings or conflicts among family members - 34% Improved ability for family members to plan their financial futures - 34% Stronger family relationships - 26% Although we are often hesitant to engage in these conversations, a third (31%) of those who have lost their parents wish they had, but found the discussions too difficult, leaving a lingering sense of regret. Stacey Love, tax and estate planning specialist at Canada Life, comments: Discussing inheritance can be challenging for many families, with some believing that avoiding it may help maintain harmony in the short term. However, our Life100+ research reveals that avoiding these conversations often leads, or has the potential to lead, to conflicts within families. To prevent these issues, we need a shift toward transparency. Its encouraging to see that more than two-fifths of people plan to discuss inheritance more openly than previous generations, breaking the taboo around inheritance and later-life planning. Open conversations can ensure intentions are clear, reduce potential conflicts, and better prepare loved ones for the future. By fostering a more openminded approach, families can build stronger relationships and reduce misunderstandings over time, as well as feel more in control and satisfied with outcomes. Working proactively with a financial advisor can be an essential step, as they can provide valuable guidance and advice in an often-complex situations, to make inheritance planning smoother, more manageable, and easier to communicate to loved ones. The Life100+ report is the first in a series of in-depth research papers exploring the different aspects of our lives that will be affected by increasing longevity. Download a copy of the full report here: In a significant step toward bridging the gap between academia and the advertising industry, Advertising Club Madras has expanded its Student Chapter Initiative to include more colleges and universities across Tamil Nadu. Recent additions to the program include MEPCO School of Management Studies, Sivakasi, and the Department of Communication, Madurai Kamaraj University, alongside previously enrolled institutions such as Trichy Government Arts College and Apollo Institute of Hospital Management and Allied Science. This initiative aims to provide students with hands-on exposure to the advertising and media sectors through workshops, guest lectures, internships, and interactive sessions. As part of the expansion, 159 students from MEPCO School of Management Studies have joined the Advertising Club Madras Student Membership Program, highlighting the growing interest in the initiative. The program's structured curriculum includes tailored workshops and sessions by industry leaders, such as: " What is PR?" by Mr. Ramkumar Singaram , Co-founder & Director, Catalyst Public Relations Pvt. Ltd. , Co-founder & Director, Catalyst Public Relations Pvt. Ltd. "Ideas and Advertising" by Mr. Ravindran Solomon , Founder & CEO, Soloverse. , Founder & CEO, Soloverse. "Career Counselling" by Team Ad Club Madras. These sessions are designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the advertising, media, and communication fields. Balasubramanian, President, Advertising Club Madras, emphasized:"Our Student Chapter program connects students with the vibrant world of advertising and media. It not only fosters talent but also inspires young minds to explore rewarding careers in this field through interaction with experts and immersive learning opportunities." Surej Salim Kumar, Secretary, Advertising Club Madras, added: "This initiative bridges theory and practice, offering students hands-on exposure through workshops and real-world engagement. Its a platform for students to learn and for the industry to nurture fresh talent." Dr. Balamurugan, Sr. Professor & Director, MEPCO School of Management Studies, remarked: "This collaboration enriches our students with creative thinking, practical learning, and invaluable industry connections." Dr. Nagarathinam, Professor & HoD, Dept. of Communication, Madurai Kamaraj University, noted: "This partnership allows our students to gain unique insights and develop critical skills for the modern communication landscape." The initiative offers a blend of academic and industry-oriented opportunities, including: Workshops & Webinars on topics like advertising, PR, and digital marketing. on topics like advertising, PR, and digital marketing. Guest Lectures & Panel Discussions with industry veterans. with industry veterans. Internship Opportunities for hands-on experience. for hands-on experience. Competitions & Networking Events to foster creativity and connections. Also Read: Ad Club Inspiration Room brings the Cannes Lions Experience to Bangalore As Indias wedding season continues to flourish with over 10 million weddings each year, Federal Bank is tapping into this festive spirit with the launch of its new campaign, #RishtaBhiPakkaFutureBhiPakka (www.federalbank.co.in/rishtabhipakka-futurebhipakka). The initiative goes beyond the traditional celebration of marriage by empowering couples to also secure their financial futures together. Federal Bank understands that marriage is a lifelong commitment, and it wants to ensure that couples start this journey on a firm financial footing. With this in mind, the campaign brings together the Banks savings and deposit products to offer couples essential financial tools designed to help them build a stable and secure future. The campaigns product suite includes high-yield savings accounts combined with flexible deposit schemes that make it easy for newlyweds to start planning for the years ahead. To mark the launch, Federal Bank is hosting a unique wedding-themed celebration at Omaxe Mall, near Chandni Chowk, New Delhi. The event, which runs from November 29 to December 13, 2024, features a bell-ringing ceremony for brides and grooms, family photo opportunities in wedding attire, and live performances by dancers and a guitarist dedicating songs to couples. The wedding stage setup captures the essence of Indian wedding traditions, where every promise is cherished and every bond built to last. MVS Murthy, Chief Marketing Officer of Federal Bank, shared: Marriage in India is not just about two people coming together; its about trust, love, and shared dreams. With #RishtaBhiPakkaFutureBhiPakka, we celebrate this sacred bond and provide newlyweds with the financial tools they need to create a secure future together. Our research shows that the first year of marriage is crucial for establishing strong financial habits, and we want to guide couples through that journey. Just as relationships need care, a secure financial future requires planning, and Federal Bank is proud to be a partner in both. In addition, the campaign will be celebrated at 18 Federal Bank branches across the city. Federal Bank invites all to join in the festivities and take steps towards securing a Pakka future while making their Rishta just as strong. L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC), is proud to announce the completion of 30 years of trusted excellence. It was started in 1994; the Company has established itself as a diversified retail NBFC. LTF was publicly listed on BSE and NSE in 2011. LTF leads in three product segments namely, Rural Business Finance, Farm Equipment Finance, and Two-wheeler Finance. This success is attributed to the Companys strong pan-India retail franchise, with a distribution network reaching around 2 lakh villages through more than 1,900 rural meeting centers and over 167 urban branches, supported by over 13,200 distribution points developed over the last decade. LTF serves a substantial customer base of over 2.5 crore individuals, employing effective cross-selling and up-selling strategies to enhance customer engagement and deliver tailored financial solutions. As of the second quarter of the current financial year, its customer portfolio is evenly split, with 47% in rural areas and 53% in urban areas. LTF has more than 35,000 employees and is present in 20 states and two union territories. LTF offers 100% paperless journey and digital loan disbursals across urban and rural areas. Speaking on the occasion,Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO at LTF said, At LTF we have leveraged digital transformation to create seamless and accessible financial solutions for our customers, whether they reside in urban centres or remote villages. As we look forward, our focus will be more granular, refreshing the product category, enhancing compliance structure, operations, culture building, etc. We are excited to continue our mission of enhancing financial accessibility and literacy while consistently pushing the boundaries of customer experience. As of the second quarter, LTF recorded a Profit After Tax of Rs. 696 Crore (Consolidated), up 17% Year-on-Year (YoY). The retail book stood at Rs. 88,975 Crore, reflecting a YoY growth of 28%. Also, the Company has recorded quarterly retail disbursements of Rs. 15,092 Crore, up 12% YoY. LTF holds an AAA rating from CRISIL, ICRA, CARE, and India Ratings, highlighting its strong financial stability and creditworthiness. Additionally, it is classified as an upper-layer NBFC according to the RBI classification. LTF has also been honoured as a Great Place to Work in 2024. Through its CSR initiatives focused on Digital and Financial Inclusion, LTF has reached over 46 lakh community members through more than 2,000 Digital Sakhis. As workplace burnout continues to rise and more people look for ways to unwind, international travel has become a popular choice for those seeking a meaningful break. In response to this, Vinay Bagri, CEO of Niyo (a travel enthusiast who has traveled to more than 60 countries) is promoting taking a break culture #NiyoTravelBreak and offering sponsored international travel to lucky winners. Through this initiative, Niyo aims to help individuals escape the pressures of daily life and embark on a journey that nurtures their mental health and well-being. The #NiyoTravelBreak campaign invites participants to share why they deserve a break, with lucky winners receiving fully sponsored flights, visas, and a complimentary Niyo card for seamless international spending. Destinations include Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Laos, Burma, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Sri Lanka, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Nepal, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrghztan, Maldives, Mauritius. To participate in the campaign, individuals can like and comment on Bagris LinkedIn post with #NiyoTravelBreak and filling out a short form explaining why they deserve a break. Niyo is committed to making international travel more accessible and stress-free, and with the complimentary Niyo card, winners will have a smooth, cost-effective experience during their travels. As more people turn to international travel to disconnect and unwind, Niyos initiative aligns with the growing shift towards experiences that foster personal growth and mental wellness. By offering a chance to explore new destinations, the #NiyoTravelBreak campaign is encouraging individuals to embrace self-care and start 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose. Also Read: Niyo doubles CTR & improves customer retention with CleverTap Publicis OOH India, part of Publicis Groupe India, has launched a transformative green initiative, FlexForward, aimed at revolutionising the lifecycle of vinyl flexes used in the Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising industry. This programme addresses the pressing environmental challenges of billboard waste, offering an innovative, first-of-its-kind solution that benefits both communities and the planet. Flex is a printable plastic material used to create banners, hoardings, and other promotional materials. In partnership with leading NGOs such as Goonj, FlexForward collects post-campaign flexes and repurposes them into eco-friendly utility items, including rain tarps, tote bags, and women's utility pouches. These items are then distributed among marginalised communities, promoting sustainability while creating a positive social impact. The creative strategy behind FlexForward revolves around the concept of superhero flexes, symbolising transformation, and change. The initiative highlights the community's active role in workshops where the collected flexes are cleaned, cut, and transformed into practical products. How FlexForward Creates Change The initiative has already made significant strides in reducing waste and promoting sustainability: Waste Repurposing: Over 7 lakh sq. ft. of flex in Mumbai and 5 lakh sq. ft. in Delhi have been collected and transformed, preventing tonnes of waste from reaching landfills. Carbon Footprint Reduction: By repurposing these materials, FlexForward has substantially decreased emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment Community Empowerment: The initiative engages local communities in the collection, transformation, and distribution process, creating awareness and fostering collective action. Sejal Shah, Managing Director, PMX India, said, FlexForward brings in sustainability through reuse of the materials for billboards and blends innovation with social responsibility. At the core of our business matrix and goals, is an unwavering commitment to environmental protection, sustainability, positive social change and progress. FlexForward is yet another manifestation of this commitment, taking a bold step in redefining sustainability in advertising. Its not just about reducing waste; its about creating a green movement and empowering communities. This initiative is a testament to the transformative impact of collective action in making a meaningful difference. The programmes impact has been further amplified through robust social media campaigns, showcasing the transformational journey of repurposed flexes and highlighting the stories of the people and communities it has touched. Also Read: Publicis India launches heartwarming "Thank You TV" campaign for ZEE TV Sebamed, the German skincare expert brand marketed by USV Pvt. Ltd - a leader in cardio- diabetic healthcare in India, unveils its transformative new campaign, Project Skin Deep. A Vision Beneath the Surface In a world where beauty campaigns are content to stop at the mirror, Sebamed dares to venture further - 3mm further, to be exact. Project Skin Deep is no ordinary skincare campaign, its a paradigm shift. The campaign begins where few dare to look: under the microscope, zooming into the layers of skin to question if beauty really is skin deep. The answer, as it turns out, is a rather satisfying yes. The campaign reveals a series of breathtaking images: vivid, microscopic landscapes of healthy skin before and after Sebameds products. Captured in striking, almost celestial hues, these microscopic images are testimonies of what healthy skin looks like when science works. For decades, beauty campaigns have relied on glamour shots, clever lighting, and cleverer editing. Sebamed flips the script. This is beauty without makeup, both figuratively and literally. Because, as Sebamed seems to remind us, skin doesnt lie - even under a microscope. Where Science Becomes Art While some might say science and art live in separate worlds, Sebamed begs to differ. The campaign is where science becomes art. Every microscopic detail is proof of Sebameds pH-balanced formulations in action, repairing and protecting skin at its very foundation. Spanning platforms from digital screens to billboards, Sebameds call resounds across mediums, even your subconscious, sparking a movement in consumers to demand better from their skincare. Produced in collaboration with Leo Burnett, the campaign marries creativity with scientific precision, crafting a narrative that redefines beauty standards. Karan Goel, Marketing Head, Sebamed India (USV Pvt. Ltd.), shares: Too often, skincare campaigns focus solely on immediate visible results. At Sebamed, we believe true beauty stems from healthy skin - inside and out. This campaign empowers consumers with the knowledge that long-term skin health is the foundation of lasting beauty. Project Skin Deep underscores our unwavering commitment to science-backed skincare and informed choices. Sachin Kamble, Co. Chief Creative Officer, Leo Burnett - South Asia, adds: With Project Skin Deep we took the bold step of doing an actual biopsy of a skin cell before and after using Sebamed products and then went on to integrate it into the visual narrative of the campaign. Each image is a glimpse into how beautiful, complex yet intriguing each skin cell is and the profound impact of Sebamed. At Burnett we believe in the power of authenticity in storytelling and this campaign is the best example integrating science, design, technology and creativity. Tata Consumer Products, a premier FMCG company, is pleased to announce the re-appointment of Wavemaker as its media agency partner starting financial year 2025. The agency was awarded the account in a multi-agency pitch. This partnership will cover the strategic planning and execution of Tata Consumer Products media mandate in India, for the upcoming financial year. This strategic partnership reflects the companys commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, enhancing consumer connections, and delivering impactful, innovative, purpose-driven communication that resonates with modern audiences. Wavemaker is the incumbent media agency for Tata Consumer Products and will continue to spearhead dynamic media planning and execution across TV, Print, Radio and Digital channels for brands across Businesses in India like Packaged Beverages, Foods, Ready to Drink, Tata Soulfull and Organic India, spread across Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi. Commenting on the announcement, Puneet Das, President - Packaged Beverages, India & South Asia, Tata Consumer Products, said, " Tata Consumer Products has been at the forefront of delivering hyper-local, hyper-personalized and technology-driven marketing initiatives, achieving exceptional impact across diverse markets. We are excited to continue on this journey and our partnership with Wavemaker as our media partner. The media mandate includes end-to-end management of traditional and digital media planning and buying, aimed at driving greater synergies across Tata Consumer Products diverse brands, including Tata Tea and variants, Tata Salt and premium salts, Tata Sampann, Tata Coffee Grand, Tetley Green Tea, Tata Soulfull, Himalayan water, Tata Gluco plus, among others. Speaking about the win, Ajay Gupte, CEO South Asia, Wavemaker said, We are honoured to be re-appointed as the media partner for Tata Consumer Products. Collaborating with such a respected brand presents a significant responsibility. Tata Consumer Products' strong emotional connections with its audience inspire us to leverage our expertise in media and consumer engagement. Continuing on our long standing partnership, we are dedicated to crafting innovative campaigns that align with their brand mission, sparking meaningful conversations and excitement. Together, we aim to enhance Tata Consumer Products' legacy as an industry leader and create impactful experiences that resonate with consumers. Also Read: Tata Soulfull launches protein-packed Masala Oats + Dal Shakti snack Umwelt.Ai , an all-in-one intelligent employee experience platform announced partnership with PeopleStrong , Asias Choice of HR Tech to elevate employee experience and streamline HR processes. This collaboration will enable Umwelt.Ai's AI-driven engagement solution to use PeopleStrongs modern, comprehensive platform and expertise in HR transformations. This strategic partnership represents a pivotal step in reshaping innovation, efficiency, and agility in workforce management. By combining forces, Umwelt.AI will bring its cutting-edge AI, ML, and NLP-powered employee engagement platform to deliver real-time actionable insights and deep sentiment analysis, tailored to meet the unique needs of organizations. Focused on empowering CEOs and CHROs, the platform equips leaders with the tools to proactively tackle workforce challenges, driving measurable improvements in employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity. Augmented by PeopleStrongs expertise in HCM, this collaboration enhances Umwelt.AI's people analytics and engagement solutions, enabling enterprises to seamlessly navigate complex HR transformations and foster a thriving workplace culture. Delighted with the partnership, Vishal Chopra Founder and CEO of Umwelt.Ai said, "This partnership with PeopleStrong marks a significant milestone in our commitment to redefine the employee experience. By combining Umwelt.Ais AI-driven engagement insights with PeopleStrongs robust Human Capital Management capabilities, we aim to empower organizations to foster a culture of productivity, inclusivity, and employee satisfaction. Together, we look forward to transforming workplaces into dynamic environments where employees thrive. With our current presence in the US, India, and the Philippines, this collaboration will further solidify Umwelt.Ai's foothold in the Asia-Pacific region, aligning with its rapid global expansion strategy." Commenting about the partnership, Prakash Rao, President Customer Success, PeopleStrong said, "Through this strategic partnership, we are pushing the boundaries of innovation in HR functionalities and employee experience. Umwelt.AIs cutting-edge people analytics and engagement solutions will enable our customers to harness their employee data and build an engaged workforce. With the employee engagement software market in India valued at USD 21.98 million in 2024 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 21.6%, this collaboration positions us to meet the dynamic demands of modern workplaces effectively. Trusted by over 2 million employees and leading enterprises across India and the Middle East, our constant focus on innovation in HR tech continues to set us apart. This partnership reinforces our commitment to delivering seamless, tech-enabled solutions that enhance efficiency while fostering positive, engaging workplaces. What does it take to bring Indias two biggest food delivery aggregators, Swiggy and Zomato, together? The answer lies in their shared confidence in UrbanPiper's commitment to empowering the restaurant industry through smarter technology. UrbanPiper's expansion reflects its commitment to simplifying restaurant operations on a global scale. Following its acquisition of U.S.-based Ordermark in 2023, UrbanPiper has successfully completed its global brand unification. The rebranding of "Ordermark by UrbanPiper" to "UrbanPiper" marks a pivotal step in launching the UrbanPiper platform in the regions of the USA and Canada. Since its inception in 2016, this Bangalore-based start-up has grown to support over 45,000 restaurants across 30+ countries. Its clientele includes global chains like McDonalds, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Subway, as well as Indian favourites such as Curefoods, Wow! Momo, Theobroma, and Haldirams. In 2022, the company raised $24 million in Series B funding led by Peak XV (then Sequoia Capital), Tiger Global, Swiggy, and Zomato. These funds were used to expand to global markets, enhance platform capabilities, and broaden its service offerings for restaurants. UrbanPipers all-in-one restaurant management platform simplifies operations and drives growth for restaurants. A key feature is seamless integration with delivery platforms, enabling efficient management of all online channels from a single interface. In India alone, UrbanPiper processes around 8 lakh food delivery orders daily, accounting for over 20% of all online orders in the country. As UrbanPiper expands its global footprint, it aims to grow its presence in the U.S. by 10x, targeting an increase from 5,000 to 50,000 restaurants by 2027. At the helm of their ambitious journey is Ashish Saxena, the companys President. A visionary leader with over 24 years of experience, Ashish brings a unique ability to understand and solve the challenges faced by restaurateurs, drawing on his firsthand experience of running a restaurant. "UrbanPiper is built by a team that truly cares about the unique challenges faced by restaurant owners," said Ashish Saxena, President of UrbanPiper. "With the official launch of the UrbanPiper platform in the U.S., which is one of our key focus markets, we are aiming for 10x growth over the next three years. As a homegrown company, it fills me with immense pride to see our vision make an impact on the global stage, empowering restaurants to scale and thrive in an ever-evolving industry." Existing Ordermark customers are being upgraded to the UrbanPiper platform at no additional cost and without any service disruptions. The UrbanPiper platform integrates with over 50 delivery platforms and over 350 POS systems through official integrations, ensuring 99.99% API uptime, a testament to its global reliability. With enhanced operational control, detailed analytics for smarter decision-making, and tools to grow revenue, the UrbanPiper platform is designed by restaurateurs to help restaurant owners tackle their unique operational challenges and run their businesses successfully. Fadnavis' Name Approved as Maharashtra Chief Minister, Claims Senior BJP Leader 2 The name of Devendra Fadnavis has been finalised as the new chief minister of Maharashtra who will be elected as the legislature party leader in a meeting to be held either on December 2 or 3, a senior BJP leader said on Sunday night. Earlier in the day, outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said he would support the BJPs decision to pick the new chief minister. The name of Devendra Fadnavis has been finalised as the new chief minister of Maharashtra. The meeting to elect the new BJP legislature party meeting will be held on either December 2 or 3, a senior BJP leader told PTI. Amid speculation that his son Shrikant Shinde might get the deputy CMs post and Shiv Sena is keen on the Home portfolio, Eknath Shinde said the Mahayuti allies- BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena- will decide the government formation through consensus after sitting together. More than a week after the Mahayuti clinched a massive victory in Maharashtra polls with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 132 seats, the new government is yet to be sworn in. The oath-taking ceremony of the new Mahayuti government is scheduled for December 5 evening at the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend it. The BJP is moving cautiously as aspirations of its allies, especially Shiv Sena, grew after the massive poll victory. Despite Shindes insistence on Mahayuti unity, some leaders of allies spoke in different voices. Former Union minister and BJP leader Raosaheb Danve said if the undivided Sena and BJP had contested the elections together, they would have won more seats. Separately, Shiv Sena MLA Gulabrao Patil claimed that the Eknath Shinde-led party would have won 90-100 seats in polls had Ajit Pawars NCP not been part of the alliance, drawing a sharp reaction from the Ajit Pawar-led party. The BJP legislature party meeting to elect the leader, who will be the partys chief ministerial pick, is yet to be held even though Shiv Sena and NCP have elected Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as their legislature party leaders, respectively. A senior Mahayuti leader said the allies will jointly decide whether only the chief minister and deputy CMs will take oath on December 5 or ministers will also be sworn in. Shinde had left for his native village in Satara district on Friday amid speculation that he was not happy with the way the new government was shaping up. He developed a high fever in his village. Talking to reporters in his village on Sunday before leaving for Mumbai, Shinde said, I have already said the decision on CMs post taken by the BJP leadership will be acceptable to me and Shiv Sena and will have my full backing. On speculation that Shrikant Shinde will be made a Deputy CM in the new government and whether Shiv Sena has staked the claim for the home portfolio, Shinde replied, Talks were on. A meeting took place in Delhi last week with (Union home minister) Amit Shah, and now we three alliance partners will discuss the nitty-gritty of government formation after sitting together, he said. Responding to a query on his health, the Shiv Sena leader said he was fine now and had come to his native village to get some rest. Shinde reiterated that there are no differences among Mahayuti allies and pointed out that the BJP is yet to announce its legislature party leader. There are no ifs and buts. My health is fine now. The work of our government will be written in golden words in the history, he said. Shinde landed in Thane on the late Sunday afternoon. Though the oath-taking ceremony of the new government just four days away, there seems no clarity on the schedule of the much-awaited BJP legislature party meeting. A BJP leader claimed the partys MLAs have not been informed yet regarding the timing of the legislature party meeting. A day earlier, BJP leaders confirmed that the meeting will be held on December 2. Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare said,We will sit together and decide whether only chief minister and deputy chief ministers will take oath or ministers will also be sworn in. Differences among Mahayuti allies, meanwhile, came out in the open on Sunday. Had Shiv Sena not split into two, and contested assembly elections with the BJP, our victory would have been bigger than what we achieved today. We had also won comfortably in the 2019 assembly elections, Raosaheb Danve said. He claimed the Shiv Sena split because of Sanjay Raut, a close aide of Uddhav Thackeray. You wait for six months, and Raut will cause a rift between Uddhav and his son Aaditya as well, he added. Separately, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Gaikwad, who won the Buldana constituency by a wafer-thin margin against Shiv Sena (UBT) nominee Jayashree Shelke, levelled serious allegations. Local MP and Union minister Prataprao Jadhav of Shiv Sena called Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and confidante of Uddhav Thackeray to field Jayashree Shelke. BJPs Sanjay Kute passed on the same message to Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab to field Shelke against me, he claimed. The Mahayuti won 230 of the 288 assembly seats. The BJP led with 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena got 57 and NCP 41. We contested only 85 seats. Without Ajitdada, we could have won 90-100 seats. Shinde never asked why Ajit Pawar-led NCP was inducted in his government, Gulabrao Patil, a minister in the outgoing government, told a regional news channel. NCP spokesperson Amol Mitkari hit back, asking Patil to not shoot off his loose tongue. Protesters read in the middle of the Texas Capitol rotunda as The Texas Freedom Network holds a "read-in" to protest HB 900 Wednesday, April 19, 2023. The bill would ban sexually explicit materials from library books in schools. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman via AP) Mikala Compton/Associated Press A new bill would give the State Board of Education the power to ban books from Texas public schools that board members deem sexually explicit. The idea would revive a portion of a state law, known as the READER Act, that required bookstores to review and rate the sexual content of all titles sold to public schools but was struck down by federal courts as unconstitutional. Advertisement Article continues below this ad State Rep. Jared Patterson, a Frisco Republican, filed the bill ahead of the Legislatures next session in January. At their November meetings, a majority of the Republican-controlled state board voted to endorse this new policy. The proposal, if passed by the GOP-led Legislature and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, could give the board sweeping new power over what children can find in their public school libraries as Republicans have ramped up efforts in recent years to take certain titles off the shelves. Last year, a federal court said requirements for private booksellers to enforce the READER Act violated their freedom of speech and would be too costly for the businesses to comply. Some of the 2023 law was allowed to take effect, including a section that empowered the state board to draft new library standards, which the board used to instruct school districts not to stock sexually explicit books. Currently, its up to school districts to comply with those standards. But under the new bill, parents could ask the state board to review certain titles, and if the board decided they were "sexually explicit," the books would have to be pulled from shelves statewide. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The board, which is composed of 15 elected officials from around the state, has long been majority-Republican. But in recent years with the election of hard-right members boosted by large donors in the state it has grown even more conservative and active in its stance toward controlling books and lesson plans in Texas public schools. Democrats on the board spoke out against the idea in November, saying the change would invite a mountain of new work for the unpaid board members and decisions about filling library shelves should be made by local school boards. Books have emerged as a flash point in recent years as Republican legislators and parent groups have rallied to take certain titles off the shelves, including many exploring LGBTQ themes such as Gender Queer: A Memoir, a graphic novel that inspired Pattersons bill in the first place. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Massive Jams at Delhi-Noida Border as Police Set Up Barricades to Stop Farmers' March 2 Massive traffic snarls caused inconvenience to commuters crossing the Delhi-Noida border on Monday as police set up multiple barricades and deployed heavy security in view of a farmers protest march towards the national capital. Farmers gathered at the Mahamaya flyover on the Dadri-Noida link road and began their march around 11.30 am to press their demands for land allocation and increased compensation for their lands acquired by the government, among other things. The protest call was given by the Bharatiya Kisan Parishad (BKP). According to the BKP, farmers from 20 districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Aligarh and Agra, took part in the march. Carrying banners and flags of various farmer groups, hundreds of protesters crossed the initial barricades erected by Noida Police. While some climbed over the barricades, others pushed them. They were finally stopped by police near Dalit Prerna Sthal on Noida Link Road, around 1 km from the Chilla border, an entry point to Delhi. Senior police officers tried to pacify the protesting farmers. Due to the farmers protest and checking by police, commuters travelling via Chilla border, DND flyway, Delhi Gate and Kalindi Kunj faced heavy traffic for hours. Aprajita Singh, a resident of Greater Noida, said the barricades put up at the Chilla border were causing major inconvenience to commuters. It took me about an hour to get through that stretch. Police have set up barricades on both sides of the Delhi-Noida border, causing significant traffic congestion, especially on the carriageway from Noida to Delhi, she said. Another commuter, Amit Thakur of Noida, said due to the heavy traffic, he ditched his car and took the metro to get to work. When I checked the traffic situation before leaving for my office in central Delhi, it showed heavy congestion near the Chilla border, adding an hour to the travel time. So, I decided to take the metro instead, he said. On Sunday, Noida Police issued a traffic advisory informing commuters about route closures and diversions. Delhi Police also put up multiple barricades and deployed security personnel at the Chilla border on Noida link road, DND flyway and Kalindi Kunj border. A senior Delhi Police officer said checking was underway at border points and drones were being used for surveillance. Additional Commissioner of Police (East) Sagar Singh Kalsi said, We have made adequate arrangements at east Delhi borders and have taken all precautionary measures, including anti-riot equipment. We are using drones for vigilance and are also coordinating with traffic police for smooth vehicular movement in the area. Joint Commissioner of Police (Southern Range) S K Jain said police are also coordinating with their Noida counterparts. We have two key borders in southeast district DND border and Kalindi Kunj. Since Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is imposed in the New Delhi area and Parliament is in session, protests without permission are strictly prohibited. To manage this, we have increased security at both borders. Proper barricades, jersey barriers and hydra cranes have been deployed. We will stop those who will try to forcibly enter the city, he stated. Currently, the situation at the border is normal, Jain said. A group of farmers from Punjab, led by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), has called for a march towards Delhi on December 6. The group has been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13. The shooting of a 3-year-old boy Sunday in a Birmingham apartment appears to be self-inflicted, police said Monday. Birmingham police initially reported that it appeared shots fired from outside the residence at Forest Hills Village entered the bedroom of the child and struck him in the leg. Sgt. LaQuitta Wade on Monday said investigators now believe the child accidentally shot himself. Just before 8 a.m., West Precinct officers responded to the apartment complex on Tempest Drive on a report of a shooting. Once inside the apartment, they found the child with a gunshot wound to his leg. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service rushed him to Childrens of Alabama. His injury was not life-threatening, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald. Family members told police they were inside the apartment when someone fired shots into the unit from outside. They heard shots and noticed that their 3-year-old child was screaming, he said. It was then they realized he had been shot. There were bullet holes in the walls of the apartment, Fitzgerald said. Officers arriving at the complex saw a man running away and they gave chase. That man was detained trying to climb over a fence. A second man was then taken into custody. Fitzgerald said officers found a gun near a vehicle. Wade on Monday said both men taken into custody were questioned and released. The investigation is ongoing. Wade said its unclear if charges will be filed. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said that rape allegations against President-elect Donald Trumps defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth were a thing of the past. The thing about Pete is hes well-spoken, its all out there, people can look at it, Tuberville said in a conversation with FOX Business Network host Larry Kudlow. Tuberville was speaking in reference to Hegseths partially autobiographical book, The War on Warriors. A lot of this stuff was years ago. Now again, youve got to be responsible for your actions, but Pete has done everything he possibly can do to get it out there, to talk to people. "A lot of this stuff was years ago" -- Tommy Tuberville downplays a rape allegation against Pete Hegseth from 2017 pic.twitter.com/h2DlWb6yb0 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 2, 2024 Hegseth has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017. His lawyer previously said Hegseth paid the woman in 2023 to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit. But Tuberville said these allegations will not come into play during Hegseths confirmation hearing in January, adding that senators will not listen to the fake Bureau of Investigation vetting nominees. When we get to the hearings, probably somewhere around Jan. 9. or 10 Larry, its going to be about the military. Its not going to be about his past references. Now the Democrats are going to do everything to destroy probably one of the better people that weve ever had as a possible appointee to Secretary of Defense. But thats all they have. Theyre going to try to destroy him, its not going to work. Hegseth and Tuberville met in the Alabama Republicans office as reporters tried in vain to get Hegseth to address accusations. A staffer ushered the press out as one asked if Hegseth had an alcohol problem, according to a video tweeted by C-SPAN. The New Yorker has reported that Hegseth is accused of drunkenly trying to dance on stage at a Louisiana strip club. The report also states he had to step down from a pair of nonprofit veterans groups he headed after workers filed allegations of mismanagement and sexual misconduct. This is not the first time Tuberville has defended Hegseth against the allegations. All of them will have some kind of rumor when it comes down to it, Tuberville said on Fox News last month. But weve got to look at facts. Weve got to help President Trump. Hes not going to pick somebody thats a criminal; hes not going to do that. Alabama politicians quickly took to social media Sunday night to call out President Joe Biden for pardoning his son, Hunter, despite previously promising that he would not do so. The president said Sunday that he would clear years of legal troubles and a federal conviction for illegally buying a gun and for tax evasion. In June, Biden said he would not pardon or commute his sons sentence on federal gun charges. I said Id abide by the jury decision, he said. I will do that. President Biden said he would not pardon his son. But I think we all knew he ultimately would. And we were right, Rep. Robert Aderholt, who represents parts of North Alabama, wrote on X. President Biden said he would not pardon his son. But I think we all knew he ultimately would. And we were right. Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) December 2, 2024 Rep. Dale Strong posted, Its no surprise Biden would pardon his son Hunter. The Biden family, the Democrat Party, and the deep state have never gone by the same rules as the rest of America. Once again, Bidens repeated promises not to pardon his son were just more lies to the American people, in response to the younger Bidens pardon. Rep. Gary Palmer, a member of the House Oversight Committee, which led an effort to impeach the president over claims that the Bidens were involved in corruption in Ukraine, resurfaced those allegations. Unlike the Democrats baseless pursuit against President Trump, our investigation into Hunter Biden was not politically motivated. This sweeping pardon proves there is something to hide, he wrote. Joe Biden promised he would not pardon his son, but that was just another empty promise. Unlike the Democrats baseless pursuit against President Trump, our investigation into Hunter Biden was not politically motivated. This sweeping pardon proves there is something to hide. Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) December 2, 2024 Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth also weighed in. Biden promised he wouldnt pardon his son, Hunter, for tax evasion and gun crimes related to his crack cocaine addiction, but just did it. He sics his DOJ on Trump with bogus lawfare but shields Hunter from facing his crimes. Its time to send Ol Joe packing and drain the Swamp, he wrote. In a statement, Joe Biden wrote that no reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. Hunter issued a statement of his own. I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport, he said. I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. An Ohio hiker who vanished in Alabama months ago was found dead by hunters in a hammock in a remote wooded area where she is believed to have set up camp. While authorities still wait for confirmation that the body is that of Vendula Wendy Rose, investigators feel confident that the remains are those of the 41-year-old wife and mother. We consider this very likely to be her, said Cleburne County Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy Patrick Nolen at a Monday news conference. The cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy and further investigation. Nothing indicates foul play at this time, Nolen said. We still have a lot of puzzle pieces were trying to put together. The search for Rose, a seasoned hiker, began in early October when she went on a camping trip to Alabama and failed to return home Oct. 2 as planned. The Cleburne County Sheriffs Office said her car - silver Honda Accord with the Ohio tag CHKSFLY - was found at the Pinhoti trail head near Cheaha State Park. Investigators found notes in her vehicle that were deemed abnormal unless she was having a mental health crisis, and found a box of ammunition missing seven rounds inside her vehicle. They released a timeline gathered by using the limited technology and resources available to track data from photographs, tag readers, cell phone, and vehicle data. Prior to Sept. 20, Rose spoke with family and friends about taking a hiking trip to Alabama. She also spoke with family about leaving some personal belongings in a safe deposit box at her bank. She also left her work keys with her employer, which was abnormal for her prior to her leaving for the trip, authorities said. Rose left Ohio for the trip to Alabama on Sept. 20, and later that day arrived in the Dugger Mountain area of Cleburne/Calhoun County and hiked that portion of the Pinhoti Trail. Three days later, she traveled to South Carolina and returned to Alabama later that night. Nolen said investigators still dont know what she did in South Carolina. Once back in Alabama, investigators confirmed Rose was seen on camera making a purchase at an ABC store. She was alone in the business, and still alone when she left in her vehicle. The digital trail went cold with no more activity on Roses electronic devices. A missing persons report was filed in Ohio on Oct. 4 when Rose failed to return to work. On Oct. 5, the Cleburne County Sheriffs Department was notified that the vehicle belonging to Rose was confirmed to have been found. Units responded and with the assistance of the Cheaha State Park Ranger, an immediate search of the park was conducted. A coordinated ground search was conducted covering around 36 plus trail miles with volunteers from various law enforcement agencies, rescue squads, fire departments, tracking dogs, search horses and aviation. Roses vehicle was processed to search for any type of evidence to assist with the investigation. The contents of the vehicle did produce multiple notes that were deemed as abnormal for Rose unless she was having a mental health crisis. A magazine as well as a box of ammunition missing seven rounds of ammunition was also located in the vehicle. The data from the vehicle GPS was recovered to assist with confirming dates and locations of travel. Vendula "Wendy" Rose's hammockCleburne County Sheriff On Saturday, Nolen said, a hunter called 911 from an area on Cheaha Mountain that is open to deer hunters at this time of the year. The caller said he believed he and a friend had found a body. The location was about five miles from where Roses vehicle was found, and about 75 yards from a roadbed. Nolen described the terrain as rough, and said it was secluded from any nearby trails Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including the U.S. Forestry Service and Alabama Game and Fish. Investigators found what is believed to be Roses campsite Nolen said the body was in a hammock that was covered, and that a canopy covered the entire campsite. The canopy was the same colors as the woods and would have been tough to spot from the air searches. Items found in the campsite including Roses ID and other cards led them to believe the body was that of Rose. Without witnesses and electronic devices, we really dont know how she got to the point, Nolen said. Its something were still working on. The remains have been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science in Huntsville for autopsy, said Cleburne County Coroner Adam Downs. It is with great sadness that we report that Wendy was found deceased today. Although this was not the outcome we were hoping for we realize that having closure is a blessing. I want to thank the hunter that found her and immediately reported it so that she could be recovered, Sarah Rose, who said she was Wendys sister-in-law, wrote in a Saturday Facebook post dedicated to the search. Downs said hes been in constant contact with Roses husband since Saturdays discovery. They do seem happy to maybe be heading into the direction of having closure, Downs said. Anyone with information is asked to call the Cleburne County Investigator Sims at 256-463-2277 ext. 110. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at 256-463-2277, Option 4 Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., has joined several other Alabama lawmakers on social media to share her thoughts on President Joe Bidens recent pardon of his son Hunter. Biden has broken another promise to the American people, Britt posted to X on Monday afternoon. He promised he would keep us safe but opened our borders. He promised things would be affordable, but prices have risen higher. He promised he wouldnt pardon his son, but he did. Jan. 20th cant come fast enough. Biden has broken another promise to the American people. He promised he would keep us safe, but opened our borders. He promised things would be affordable, but prices have risen higher. He promised he wouldnt pardon his son, but he did. Jan. 20th cant come fast enough. Katie Britt (@KatieBrittforAL) December 2, 2024 On Sunday, Biden announced that he would clear years of legal troubles and a federal conviction for illegally buying a gun and for tax evasion for Hunter. The president previously said he would not pardon his son or commute his sentence after his convictions in the two cases in Delaware and California, according to AP News. But as of this week, he seems to have changed his mind. In a statement, Biden wrote that no reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. The move comes weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges, and less than two months before President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to the White House. Following Sundays announcement, several other Alabama congressmen also took to X to call out Biden. Its no surprise Biden would pardon his son Hunter, Rep. Dale Strong posted. The Biden family, the Democrat Party, and the deep state have never gone by the same rules as the rest of America. Once again, Bidens repeated promises not to pardon his son were just more lies to the American people. Britts office later issued a statement reiterating her view on Hunter Bidens pardon: This is yet another blatant broken promise by President Biden and exemplifies why he has been the most unpopular president in modern U.S. history. From concerned parents at school board meetings to President Trump, the Biden Administration has spent four years weaponizing the justice system to target its political adversaries. But President Biden sees one victim of lawfare: his own family. This blanket pardon is a self-serving slap in the face to everyday Americans and is an example of the type of two-tiered justice that the American people are sick of. The incoming Trump Administration has an electoral mandate to get politics out of the DOJ and restore blind justice under the law. President Trump has nominated a cabinet that is eager to fulfill that mandate and transparently deliver the change that hardworking American families want. I look forward to ensuring the Trump Administration can hit the ground running to accomplish these goals. January 20 cant come soon enough. The United States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Wednesday in a case on whether states can ban gender-affirming surgeries for minors. Alabama filed a brief in support of the Tennessee law banning sex-change procedures for children challenged in the case. Gender-affirming care for transgender minors has been banned in 26 Republican-led states. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall filed an amicus brief in the case in October. When the Biden-Harris administration sued Alabama and demanded that the state allow sex-change procedures on children, we fought back, Marshall said in a press release in October. In 2023 the Department of Justice challenged the Tennessee law that banned affirming care. Alabamas law banning gender-affirming care is in effect after an appeals court ruled in favor of the state earlier this year. Marshalls office said that the Biden-Harris administration was inappropriately represented medical guidelines to challenge the bans, for the purpose of convincing courts to abolish age limits for sterilizing chemical treatments and surgeries for kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics, which includes 67,000 pediatricians, reaffirmed its support for gender-affirming care in 2023. Alabamas brief in the Tennessee case argues that legislatures, not courts, should be the institutions to decide about whether minors can obtain sex changes. By granting power to these expert groups, courts risk turning them into tools for political agendas, which is exactly what has happened here, said Marshalls office. According to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, about 113,900 transgender youth live in states that ban affirming care. Another 123,600 youth live in states with such a ban pending. Japanese electronics manufacturer JST will build a 300,000-square-foot factory in Guntersville, with initial plans to hire 80 people. The facility, described as a manufacturing and design center, will be located at Conners Island Business Park, near Lake Guntersville and the Guntersville Municipal Airport. JST currently has a production facility in the city, employing about 30 full-time employees, which opened back in 2003. With the project, JST is looking to expand its footprint in the states auto manufacturing industry. Phillip Mosley, division manager for JST, said the factory will be a showcase for both the company and the state, combining our AI-driven automation with Alabamas natural beauty in a unique facility. The company plans to build a factory with design by Ryuichi Ashizawa of Osaka, known for combining design, landscaping and natural resource preservation. In a statement, JST said the 250-acre site is ideal for the companys tradition of making unique architectural statements with its global facilities. Guntersville Mayor Leigh Dollar said the project shows the value of patience in economic development. We have been very intentional about the right kinds of tenants for Conners Island Business Park, Dollar said. It is a real honor for a global leader like JST to validate our long relationship with such a marquee facility. JST is planning an engineering and production facility in Guntersville.(City of Guntersville) Headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, JST works with companies such as Whirlpool, Electrolux, Ford, Tesla, Lucid Motors, Stellanis, General Motors and Bose. It makes components for cable assemblies, airbag deployment pyrotechnics, refrigerators, electric and gas ranges, commercial washers and dryers, LCD monitors and televisions, and DSLR cameras. JST also has factories in Illinois, Michigan, California and Pennsylvania. Over at Quillette our friend Heather Mac Donald is having fun with academic David W. Blight of Yale and his piece in the New York Times: Academia must grapple with its blind spots, he argues, in order to understand why blue-collar workers voted for an authoritarian in a red tie in the recent US presidential election. But Blight, a scholar of American race relations and the Civil War, believes that MAGA enthusiasts are the equivalent of the 1850s Slave Power who seek to spread a deadly poison of authoritarianism throughout the body politic. He should know. Blight is the author of a 350-page report on Yale and Slavery. Blight is shocked that Yales 1915 Civil War memorial honored students on both sides of the war. But why should academics care about the moral turpitude of Yalies a century ago? Mac Donald does not tell us. But I will. It arises out of the peculiar institution of modern government and the ruling class that runs it. Back in the day, Frederick the Great of Prussia conquered Silesia, a fruitful valley that straddles the Oder River. The victors of World War I gave it back to Poland. Why did Frederick conquer Silesia? Because he could. We are no longer ruled by feudal monarchs, but by the educated class that rose to power after the invention of the printing press by goldsmith Johannes Gutenberg. Really, Gutenberg ought to be the patron saint of the educated class, because his technology enabled educated people to write books and have them published all over the world. Pretty soon experts agreed that literate, educated people ought to rule instead of uneducated, semi-literate feudal lords. Now, I will tell you a mystery. Back in the day, feudal lords ruled because they had the swords and the plate armor and an army to defend their domain, and the peasants didnt. But what about the Society of the Sons of Gutenberg? It took a while, but pretty soon, rising educated philosophers started writing manifestos. In 1776 our glorious Founders declared that the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitled them to declare their independence from mad King George. In 1789 the French got in on the act and declared against Louis XVI that liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression are the rights of man. Hey, its obvious! The only people in the world that can save us from oppression and servitude are educated people determined to defend the oppressed against the oppressors! In our day, activists have codified this into the notion of Allyship. Heres how David W. Blight of Yale and fellow wokey congregants probably recite the Creed at faculty meetings today: We Yalies are the Allies of the Oppressed Peoples in their fight against the White Oppressors. Of course, it was not possible for the white settler-colonialists of olden time to develop immediately todays sophisticated Allyship definition, corrupted as they were by sexism and racism and colonialism. So Allyship developed in stages. Allyship Stage One: Intellectuals fight for the Rights of Man against King George and King Louis Allyship Stage Two: Socialists and communists fight with the workers against the capitalists. Allyship Stage Three: Feminist allies fight with suffragettes for the right to vote against the patriarchs. Allyship Stage Four: Civil rights activists fight with blacks against white Southern racists. Allyship Stage Five: Straight allies fight with LGBTs against the homophobes. Allship Universalized: Allies fight with the Oppressed Peoples against the White Oppressors. Do you see the point? If you are an Ally -- for instance a Yale scholar of race relations and the Civil War -- you are the good guy, because you are fighting for the Oppressed Peoples against the White Oppressors. You vote Democrat and it stands to reason that far-right MAGA insurrectionists that vote Republican are the Enemy and the dupes of an authoritarian in a red tie. Case closed. But I say the opposite is true. I say that chaps like Frederick the Great -- did you know he was gay? -- were rather modest in the use of power. A few more rich acres were all that they fought for. But with the rise of the educated class things got nasty. They made us fight the Civil War because slavery is evil. About 800,000 died. They made us fight World War I to make the world safe for democracy. About 40 million died. They made us fight World War II because Nazis were evil. About 70 million died. They made us fight the Cold War because communism was evil. About 100 million communists died. And now politics has exploded into a thousand moral crusades, to make us fight racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, climate deniers. Against this, the authoritarian in a red tie just wants an America where people can afford to get married, buy houses, raise children, and maybe live to spoil their grandchildren. Christopher Chantrill @chrischantrill blogs at The Commoner Manifesto and runs the go-to site on US government finances, usgovernmentspending.com. Also get his American Manifesto and his Road to the Middle Class. Image: Library of Congress President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday night reacted to the announcement of President Joe Biden's pardon of his son Hunter Biden, who faced sentencing this month on gun crime and tax convictions. "Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!" Trump wrote on Truth Social, referencing some of the January 6 rioters, whom he has suggested could be pardoned. Biden's decision comes just weeks before Hunter is scheduled for sentencing, and less than two months before President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House. "Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter," the president said in a statement. It is a "full and unconditional pardon," according to a copy of the executive grant of clemency. By pardoning his son, Joe Biden has gone back on a public promise he made repeatedly before and after exiting the 2024 presidential race. Both the president and his top White House spokesperson had stated unequivocally, even after Trump's 2024 election victory, that Hunter would not receive a pardon or a commutation of his sentence. The pardon spares Hunter from sentencing for his crimes and eliminates the possibility of imprisonment. Judges overseeing his cases are now expected to cancel the sentencing hearings scheduled for December 12 for the gun case and December 16 for the tax case. The president said his political opponents "instigated" the charges placed against Hunter "to attack me and oppose my election." He said in his statement on Sunday, "I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice. ... I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision." Hunter Biden was convicted by a jury in June of illegally purchasing and possessing a firearm, following a harrowing trial that exposed his struggles with drug addiction and family turmoil. In September, he pleaded guilty to nine tax offenses related to $1.4 million in unpaid taxes, which he failed to settle while spending on escorts, strippers, luxury cars, and drugs. The investigation into Hunter Biden began in 2018 under special counsel David Weiss, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney for Delaware, who filed both indictments in 2023. Despite having the presidential authority to intervene by halting the investigation or dismissing the charges, Joe Biden said at the time that he will remain uninvolved in the legal proceedings. America is about to go to war over whether the government has the power to deport entire families of illegal aliens. That question involves birthright citizenshipthat is, whether a child born in the U.S. to illegal alien parents is automatically a U.S. citizen and, thus, an anchor baby? The answer, by any fair reading of the Constitution and history, is No. Our nation must have complete control of our borders. No illegal alien should be able to circumvent the laws of our nation. English common law, the basis for U.S. law, did not allow such people, the children of hostile occupiers, to become citizens by virtue of birth. Moreover, the 14th Amendment, which was passed to cure the ill of slavery, establishes a two-part test for citizenship that seemingly codifies English common law and is clearly meant to apply to those who came here against their will and their descendants, not to criminal invaders. The anchor baby problem is significant. Donald Trump recently said that the Biden administration has abolished what remained of Americas borders and turned the United States into a dumping ground for illegal aliens from all over the world. A lowball guess is that Bidens lawless conduct allowed in at eight least million illegal aliens, although the number could easily be twice that. This influx is causing havoc throughout the U.S.and even gave rise to a bit of dark musical humor from The Kiffness: Trump has promised mass deportationssomething Americans supportand Tom Homan will be the man accomplishing it. Homan has gone on the record stating the he will deport entire families: 60 minutes: Is there a way to carry out mass deportation without separating families? Tom Homan: "Of course there is. Families can be deported together." Put Tom Homan in charge of ICE! pic.twitter.com/fcS48fKu41 Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) November 6, 2024 Democrats, however, will immediately challenge that plan in the federal court (aided by the fact that Americans are squeamish about separating families). The argument will be based on the legal theory that you cant deport families when they include an American citizen. The question revolves around birthright citizenship: Does a child born of alien parents, especially those here illegally, automatically becomes an American citizen if that child is born inside Americas borders? A history of birthright citizenship English Common Law Because the U.S. was formed on the Anglo legal tradition, the Supreme Court regularly holds that British law before 1776 is the basis of and starting point for American law. That means turning to pre-1776 English citizenship law. In 1608, the English Exchequer decided Calvins Case, which asked whether a Scotsman had the legal right to own land in England. The cases facts are irrelevant today, but the legal holding is not. As later summarized by Lord Chief Justice Cockburn, two factors can block a child born on English soil from being an English citizenthe children of ambassadors and the children of foreign invaders during a hostile takeover of British territory: By the common law of England, every person born within the dominions of the crown, no matter whether of English or of foreign parents, and, in the latter case, whether the parents were settled, or merely temporarily sojourning, in the country, was an English subject, save only the children of foreign ambassadors (who were excepted because their fathers carried their own nationality with them), or a child born to a foreigner during the hostile occupation of any part of the territories of England. (Emphasis added.) The emphasized clause aptly describes the children of illegal aliens who unlawfully invade U.S. lands. Slavery and Citizenship Slavery muddled the clarity of U.S. citizenship law, coming to a head in 1857 with the Supreme Courts Dred Scott decision. Scott was a slave who had sued for his freedom in lower courts. By the time the case reached the Supreme Court, the sole question was, Can a negro, whose ancestors were imported into this country, and sold as slaves, become a...citizen? The Court ruled that Africans and their descendants could not become citizens under federal law because of the interplay between state and federal law and because the federal government lacked the power to outlaw slavery in both the states and the territories. As Prof. Sean Wilentz deftly dissects in his exceptional book, No Property in Man, both holdings boldly misread the Founders original intention when drafting the Constitution. Not long after the Dred Scott decision, the Civil War began. In 1865, when the Confederacy was vanquished, Congress ratified the Reconstruction Amendments. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th Amendment gave former slaves and freemen equal legal rights, and the 15th Amendment gave former slaves and black freemen the right to vote. To cure the citizenship question that the Dred Scott case created for former slaves and black freemen, the 14th Amendment created a two-part citizenship test: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. (Emphasis added.) Unfortunately, little of the debate and legislative history regarding the drafting of this clause was recorded. Additionally, while this formulation seems to restate the law of Calvins Case, it is not definitive. What is clear is that mere birth inside of our borders is insufficient to impart citizenship. Birthright Citizenship and the 14th Amendment In 1898, the Supreme Court addressed the 14th Amendments citizenship clause in United States v. Wong Kim Ark. Wong Kim Arks parents were Chinese citizens doing business in America. The government gave them permission to reside lawfully and permanently in the U.S. Because Wong Kim Arks parents were legally domiciled in America, the Supreme Court held that their child was entitled to American citizenship when he was born. That holding is consistent with Calvins Case and does not create a precedent for citizenship by illegal aliens exercising a veto over American laws. The only other case of note happened 90 years later. In 1985s INS v. Rios-Pineda, Supreme Court Justice Byron White wrote in his recitation of facts that Deportation proceedings were then instituted against respondents, who by that time had a child, who, being born in the United States, was a United States citizen. That bare assertion can be safely ignored. This was mere dicta and did not establish new constitutional law. The childs citizenship was not at issue in the case, and was not argued before the Court. Summary The 14th Amendment must be interpreted in light of its time and place. Its ludicrous to believe that the same Congress that adopted the 14th Amendment to benefit former slavespeople forcibly brought to America and their descendantsmeant to change fundamentally the ancient English principle that children born to hostile invaders on English soil (or, in our case, American soil) cannot become citizens. This interpretation would also run directly counter to the maxim that it is the inherent right of every independent nation to determine for itself, and according to its own constitution and laws, what classes of persons shall be entitled to its citizenship. When progressives screams about birthright citizenship for illegal aliens children reach a fever pitch in the coming weeks and months, know that they are lying to you. Showing an 1808 drawing of how Africans were transported across the Atlantic and a YouTube screen grab of Latin American men (and a few women) voluntarily invading America. They are not the same. Vile Jew hatred has reared its ugly head in Montreal which has endured the most anti-Semitic hate crimes of any city in North America. Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre in Israel, anti-Semitic incidents in Canada have increased by an astounding 670%. Fueled by a progressive leftist agenda, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has done next to nothing to stem the anti-Semitism. Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney had remarked that in the wake of the Holocaust firewalls were thrown up, and the bonfires of antisemitism were for a time reduced to flickering embers. But those firewalls, weakened by the passage of time and willful neglect, have been breached. Cloaked in the armour of free speech, fuelled by hate and stoked by the oxygen of the internet and social media, those fires now burn out of control. Schools in Montreal have become cesspools of anti-Jewish harassment. Like its southern neighbor, Canada has opened its borders to immigrants who hail from countries where hatred of Jews is endemic. Clearly these people are indifferent to the Montreal-based statue of Raoul Wallenberg created by Paul Lancz, one of North Americas most famed and illustrious sculptors. His son Peter Lancz is head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign against Jew hatred and asserts that the bronze bust of Wallenberg represents the quintessential educational tool to combat totalitarianism in all its forms. Lancz emphatically explains that anti-Semitism is the cancer of the human soul and to this end, his mission is to fight this scourge. In the annals of Righteous Gentiles, Raoul Wallenberg stands as a shining example of courage. However, with the resurgence of anti-Semitism on campuses among the most credentialed and least educated students, it is time to reacquaint them with the meaning of genuine valor. Consequently it is not only dead Jews we need to commemorate but we must protect living Jews from a similar fate. Peter Lancz looks to Dennis Prager who has asserted that we cannot make a good society without the arduous task of making good individuals. The most uncommon of all good human traits is courage. But without courage, goodness is not possible. Wallenberg was a Swedish diplomat and businessman who saved tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews during World War II by leading a rescue operation and negotiating with the Nazis. In Ingrid Carlbergs book, one learns about the appointment of Wallenberg as Swedens Special Envoy to Budapest in 1944 as the systematic annihilation of Jews was ongoing. Wallenberg arrived in the Hungarian capital on 9 July 1944 with a list of Jews whom he was to help and 650 protective passports for Jews who had some connection with Sweden. However, he soon widened the scope of his work and began to issue thousands of protective letters and to purchase houses which he put under the Swedish flag thus making them ex-territorial, and where he housed Jews for extra protection. The protective letter authorized its holder to travel to Sweden or to any of the other countr[ies] Sweden represented. About 4,500 Jews had these papers, which protected them from forced labor and exempted them from wearing the yellow star. In October 1944, however, the situation in Budapest worsened. The fascist Arrow Cross seized power and established a reign of terror. Jews were being killed in the streets; others were dragged to the Danube River where they were shot or drowned in the freezing water. The number of Jews with protective papers quickly rose. Wallenberg used unconventional methods, including bribery and blackmail, in order to finance and run his huge rescue operation. He soon employed approximately 340 people in his office. In view of the grave situation, he began to issue protective papers without distinction, and had 32 buildings protected by Sweden, with two hospitals, and a soup kitchen. Wallenberg together with other legations and international organizations set up the international ghetto, protected by the neutral countries. Adolf Eichmann returned to Budapest on October 17, 1944, and immediately ordered the deportation of the citys Jews. Consequently, the protective letters were declared null and void. Eichmann ordered a death march of tens of thousands of persons to the Austrian border. Wallenberg and representatives of other neutral countries followed the marchers in their vehicles, and distributed food, clothing and medications. He was able to extricate many Jews from the death march by claiming that they were his protected Jews. He continued to distribute passes even when the Arrow Cross guards threatened him with their guns. Wallenbergs bold methods put him in great danger, but he never thought of stopping. In fact, before the Soviets entered the city, he told Per Anger, his colleague in the Swedish legation: Ive taken on this assignment, and I will never be able to go back to Stockholm without knowing inside myself that Id done all a man could do to save as many Jews as possible. When the Soviets entered the city, Wallenberg was taken away by Russian soldiers supposedly to meet with the top Soviet General Malinovsky. This was on 17 January 1945. He must have felt danger, because as he was led to the Russian vehicle he said: I dont know whether I am being taken as a guest of the Soviets or as their prisoner. Wallenberg, who was 32 years old at the time, was never seen again. In the first years after his disappearance, the Soviets claimed that they had no knowledge of a person named Wallenberg. Nevertheless, people who were incarcerated in Soviet prisons claimed that they had met him in various prisons. In 1956, the Soviets finally stated that he had died in prison in 1947. Few Swedes have received as much international acclaim and attention as Raoul Wallenberg. Around the world there are monuments, statues, and other works of art that honor Wallenberg. His memory is preserved through books, music, and films, and many buildings, squares, streets, schools and other institutions bear his name. Raoul Wallenberg is a heroic role model whose bravery stands in stark contrast to the satanic evil of anti-Semitism. On November 26, 1963, Yad Vashem recognized Raoul Wallenberg as Righteous Among the Nations. His mother had asked not to receive the honors in his name, believing that her son would one day return. In fact, [i]t was only after her death, in 1979, [that] a tree was planted in Wallenbergs honor in the Avenue of the Righteous at Yad Vashem. In 1987 Wallenberg was awarded honorary Israeli citizenship. He was also awarded honorary American citizenship by the United States Congress. This motion was promoted by Congressman Tom Lantos, whose life was saved by Wallenberg. In his address, delivered by his daughter at the UN Holocaust remembrance events in January 2008, Lantos paid tribute to Wallenberg: During the Nazi occupation, this heroic young diplomat left behind the comfort and safety of Stockholm to rescue his fellow human beings in the hell that was wartime Budapest. He had little in common with them: he was a Lutheran, they were Jewish; he was a Swede, they were Hungarians. And yet with inspired courage and creativity he saved the lives of tens of thousands of men, women and children by placing them under the protection of the Swedish crown. So while the Jew haters in Montreal defined by their ubiquitous Jew hatred spew their vileness, Wallenbergs humanitarian achievements are a beacon to decent people worldwide. His stance against evil serves as a continuing reminder that every individual has a responsibility in the fight against racism. They show the importance of personal courage and of taking a stand -- because one individual can make a difference. May his name be a blessing for eternity and may the evil ones be irrevocably stopped. Eileen can be reached at middlemarch18@gmail.com Image: Daderot Emo, Ontario is a tiny Canadian town on the Minnesota border, so small in fact that it doesnt even have a municipal flag polebut now the town finds itself on the hook for a $10,000 fine (among other penalties) for declining to fly the pervert banner (Pride flag) in violation of the provinces human rights codes. According to a report by Allan Stratton at Canadas National Post, the whole debacle began when a platoon of LGBTQ++ nutjobs organized as Borderland Pride petitioned Emo to proclaim Pride Month and fly the Pride flag. The city council voted down the request, so the queers ran off and tattled to the Ontario Human Rights Commission; the tribunal process began, and just two weeks back, committee arbiter Karen Dawson made her ruling: She [Dawson] ordered the township to pay the organization $10,000. Further, the mayor was ordered to pay Borderland Pride $5,000 and, along with the townships chief administrative officer, to take the Ontario Human Rights Commissions Human Rights 101 course. Dawson also condemned the township and the mayor for having discriminated against the groupbut since no groups receive special month-long recognition, and no political statement flags get hoisted up a non-existent town mast, we can only surmise that Dawson is a useful idiot. Since when is equal treatment before the law considered discrimination? Now, its worth noting that Stratton himself is a gay man, and judging by his personal position that the LGBTQ++ people deserve civic acknowledgment because its Straight Pride Day 365 days a year, hes not exactly conservative, yet even he finds the reasoning for Dawsons decision confounding. Back when the township was voting on whether to make a Pride proclamation, the mayor told council, Theres no flag being flown for the other side of the coin theres no flags being flown for the straight people. The tribunal found that this factually accurate statement was discriminatory because it demonstrated a lack of understanding of the Pride flags importance and was demeaning and disparaging of the LGBTQ2 community of which Borderland Pride is a member. Stratton rightfully acknowledges the case is evident that unelected, unaccountable and quasi-judicial powers are meting out Orwellian judgements to compel speech. It started with tolerance, which led to celebration, but now, we see the worship of what is obviously an all-out cult, full of religious zealots, a requisite for civic acceptance. But what else did tolerance bring? Well hefty fines and reeducation seminars, but I have the sneaking suspicion it doesnt stop there. Image generated by AI. As if Eric Holders actions as one of the most notorious arms-traffickers in government (never forget Operation Fast and Furious) didnt already suggest that law and order were contemptuous obstacles that didnt apply to progressive Democrats, hes come out of the woodwork to justify the Hunter Biden pardon, arguing that ATF Form 4473 is irrelevant and the explicit felony that accompanies any false oral or written statements with respect to [the] transaction isnt really a chargeable offense: Hunter Heres the reality. No USAtty would have charged this case given the underlying facts. After a 5 year investigation the facts as discovered only made that clear. Had his name been Joe Smith the resolution would have been - fundamentally and more fairly - a Eric Holder (@EricHolder) December 2, 2024 As a reminder, ATF Form 4473 is the form that every person is required to fill out when purchasing a firearm from an FFL, one which Hunter admittedly lied on when he checked the no box next to this question: Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance? If Hunters laptop is any indicator, hes quite the expert on every one of those vices, so theres no real latitude or benefit of the doubt on this; he lied, and it was no doubt intentional. Then, we see Biden concurred with Holder, writing in his White House statement that, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Au contraire though Joethe truth would beg to differ. In January 2023, the Department of Justice, under Bidens own Merrick Garland, issued a press release stating this: Federal Prosecutors Aggressively Pursuing Those Who Lie in Connection With Firearm Transactions. The announcement also included a list of individuals who had been sentenced or had pleaded guilty to lying in connection with firearms transactions specifically on Form 4473. Another instance, from 2019: A local man has been sentenced to federal prison for making false statements on an ATF Federal Background Check Form [4473] while attempting to purchase a firearm, and for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence in the lie-and-try case today. Who knew that the legal system had caveats for members of the Obama-Biden-Democrat cartel? Just kidding, the Hunter Biden pardon is just one more datum point in a long trend of corruption. Image: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr, unaltered. Many people are angry that because Joe Biden pardoned Hunter Biden, who engaged in a seemingly endless laundry list of manifestly illegal activity (illicit drugs, prostitution, lying on a gun application, laundering money to hide it from the IRS, underpaying his taxes, etc.), means Hunter will walk on all current and future federal convictions and charges. However, Anony Mee believes that justice may yet come for Hunter. The icing on the cake is that Joe Biden may have been too smart for his own good. For Joe, the pardon may prove to be a case of hoist by his own petard. In an admirably concise tweet, Anony Mee points out that Hunters wrongdoing wasnt limited to America. Instead, it took place in Ukraine. Indeed, thats what Trumps first impeachment was aboutBurismas and Hunters corrupt conduct in Ukraine: Only applies to crimes being prosecuted here Trump takes office Peace in Ukraine Zelensky retires Elections are held New UA leadership could prosecute Hunter for fraud?sex with a minor? failing to register as a foreign agent there? conspiracy to undermine ROL?@TonySeruga 1/2 Anony Mee (@oh_yeahMee) December 2, 2024 At the end of the day, Hunter may wish that he were still safe in an American prison rather than finding himself moldering in a Ukrainian prison on a sex crime conviction. Its not just Hunter who may regret this pardon. Because Hunter Biden has a full federal pardon, when hes asked questions about his criminal acts, he may no longer plead the Fifth. Thats because the Fifth Amendment protects a person from being forced to incriminate himself. With the pardon at his back, incrimination is no longer an issue for Hunter. Mike Davis warned Joe Biden about this before Biden even issued the pardon: If Biden pardons someone--like, say, Hunter or Jack Smith--they can no longer invoke the Fifth Amendment's right against self-incrimination to avoid testifying before Congress or grand juries. If those pardoned refuse to testify, they can face new charges for criminal contempt. Mike Davis (@mrddmia) November 26, 2024 What this means is that Hunter can be called before Congress to testify as to every single detail of his acts on behalf of the Biden family business. His choice will be to implicate his dad or to go to prison for contemptand I dont see Pam Bondi being squeamish about those contempt charges. My guess is that Hunter, whose hard drive showed him to be a seething mass of anger, resentment, and entitlement, wont mind shivving his father if it means keeping himself safe. Theres an old saying that the mills of God grind slow, but they grind exceedingly small. Joe and Hunter, both of whom (to use another old saying) were too clever by half, may still find themselves facing justice, not just in the hereafter, but in the here and now. Image by AI. We all know that Democrats are obsessed with deviant sexand by deviant, I mean non-heterosexual sex, especially sex outside of the confines of a committed, preferably marital, relationship. However, leftists are also obsessed with excretory matter, a trend that goes back at least as far as the 1980s. Now, with Hunter Bidens pardon in the headlines, a former landlord explains that Hunter is probably the modern poster boy for what I call the Party of Poop. Heres just a brief timeline of the leftist obsession with human excretion. A couple of items are from abroad, but theyre part of the whole leftists love excretion concept, so they also belong on the list: Im pretty sure that Freud would have had a field day with the Democrats poop obsession. Certainly, they seem stuck in the anal stage, which characterizes children between one and three. In other words, theyre emotionally immature. Theres also probably a lot of sexual perversion tied up with the obsession. In my growing up in San Francisco experience, gay men, because of their sexual practices, are often obsessed with excretory functions. Emotionally immature, sexually perverse, and leftist are all apt descriptions for Hunter Biden. Thats why I found it perfect that, thanks to the attention hes getting because of his fathers decision to pardon him (despite all promises to the contrary), a man claiming to be Hunters former landlord has spoken up about a debt Hunter allegedly once owed him. As a prelude to this story, you must remember that we were told that Hunter was an artistan artist so great and talented that, immediately after he began to practice the craft...and immediately after his father entered the White House...his paintings suddenly sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars each, netting a grand total of $1.5 million. The paintings sold for those vast sums probably included the pretty ones, which he made by blowing into little pipes (perhaps reconfigured crack pipes?). However, Hunter apparently was experimenting with other art styles. Perhaps influenced by the elephant-dung festooned Holy Virgin Mary, or just because hes a sick guy, Hunter allegedly decided that his own fecal matter would be an appropriate medium. Oils are just so pedestrian, right? And thats how we got these tweets, which have not been independently confirmed. However, until theyre definitely denied (which hasnt happened yet), Im ready to say theyre either true or, as the Democrats once said of George Bushs National Guard reports, are either fake but accurate or examples of truthiness. So what happens to the $300k+ in back pay rent that Hunter Biden owes my family from 2019-2020? Is that pardoned now? Thanks Joe (This is a true story) Shaun Maguire (@shaunmmaguire) December 2, 2024 Yup. True story. Hunter was our tenant in Venice, CA. Didn't pay rent for over a year. Tried to pay w/ art made from his own feces. Absolute shit bag. Shaun Maguire (@shaunmmaguire) December 2, 2024 Lots of proof. Shaun Maguire (@shaunmmaguire) December 2, 2024 I hope that Trumps upcoming ascension to the White House will finally allow America to flush away this unhealthy fecal obsession. Image by AI. It's not easy being George Clooney these days. The realization has finally hit him that Obama, his best friend forever, used him for a patsy in the recent election. First, he had him hold a fundraiser for Joe Biden, where he could clearly see Joe's senility, and then he had Clooney write the editorial for the New York Times calling on Democrats to get that guy out of there. Now that the electoral disaster has happened for the Democrats as a result, Obama has left Clooney holding the bag. Nick Arama at Red State writes: According to a new report from Radar Online, Clooney "is furious with Obama for disappearing after the election disaster and leaving him holding the bag for pushing the plan with his Hollywood pals," a showbiz insider said. A "political mole" told Radar it was Barack Obama who asked Clooney to call for Biden to step aside, "fearing fallout if he did it himself." "Obama and Clooney have been tight for years, and George became Barack's surrogate in leading the charge for Joe to step away", explained the source. "Barack knew he would look like a traitor if he publicly called for Joe to be cut loose. And now, he's trying to walk away from it all. "George feels duped and vows he's not going to be anyone's political water boy anymore." Doesn't matter, George. You're still the waterboy. Obama is the hands-off, grand old man of the Democrat party who got you to be the public dupe; his hands are clean, can't trace a thing to him. But you, Clooney? You'll always do as you're told because that's what you did for Obama. You're Obama's designated dupe now, and with the disaster for Democrats as a result, too bad about your reputation. Which is to say that the hatched-plot to get rid of Joe Biden, spearheaded at Obama's behest with George the water carrier, didn't work out the way they thought it would work out. Sure, they got Joe Biden out as a presidential candidate. But Joe, who appointed Kamala Harris his vice president as his "insurance" against the 25th Amendment, recognized that she was equally useful as his designated stand-in, Biden knowing very well that she'd lose as badly as he would. If Democrats weren't going to allow him to run, and Obama could connive with Nancy Pelosi to dangle the 25th Amendment over his head to get him out, he was just wily enough to return fire to them by putting Harris in the presidential nomination spot before they knew what hit them. Obama, being a coward and all, didn't speak up against Biden's decision to name Harris as his stand-in and hand over the billion-dollar electoral purse to her for her use. He could have, and he might have been happier with the result if he did, but he wanted to stay the grand old man and plot behind the scenes instead. That cowardice roughly parallels his cowardice in having Clooney do the dirty work to call on Joe Biden to step down, as he did in his New York Times editorial instead of doing it himself. Go on, Beav, as Eddie Haskell would say. Clooney now realizes he could have been smart and stayed out of it, but he was so starstruck by Obama. He really thought Obama was his friend. Now Obama has hot footed it out of the public eye, leaving poor old George to take the flak for ousting Biden and replacing him with the even more insipid Harris. That's a heckuva record to have, Clooney, plotting with these sharks when he should have been memorizing his lines for his next movie or trying to get his wife off the antisemitic, anti-Bibi merry-go-round at the International Criminal Court. Now he's the goat, and not in the capital-letter kind of way, the goat, the b****, the dupe. That's some friend he had in Obama. Maybe he will wise up now and recognize that that is how Democrats roll, with their enemies, with their constituents, and even their friends. They are a nasty bunch, yet George is the one left holding the bag. What he ought to be doing now is speaking out about Democrat loyalty practices and climbing aboard the Trump train, where loyalty is a virtue. Not likely, though. Clooney has never been the brightest bulb in the box. Image: Courtney Csztova, via Flickr // CC BY 2.0 Deed The pardon by President Biden of his son Hunter is likely to be met with cynicism and even contempt. The pardon extends not only to the gun and tax offenses to which the younger Biden had pled guilty but also to any crimes that he committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024. President Biden should not expect the benefit of the doubt when the public entertains the suspicion that the pardon resulted from corruption and the use of a constitutional power as a personal privilege rather than sound executive governance. There is no question that President Biden had the constitutional authority to pardon his son. Granting a pardon for unspecified offenses, however, would seem to violate the spirit of the pardon power and consequently legitimize suspicions of improper motives. The prerogative of a government executive to grant pardons is part of a civilized system of justice. The pardon power has two primary justifications: To mitigate harsh sentences that are out of proportion to the actions of the defendant or which do not adequately account for unique circumstances and to allow the executive to grant pardons in the larger public interest. The constitutional power of the president to grant pardons is derived from the English and British Royal Prerogative of Mercy. In discussing the pardon power in Federalist 69, Alexander Hamilton noted: ...the power of the President will resemble equally that of the king of Great Britain and of the governor of New York. The United States Supreme Court formally recognized this provenance in the 1833 case of United States v. Wilson. Hamilton went on to explain, in Federalist 74, that one of the rationales for the pardon power was that The criminal code of every country partakes so much of necessary severity, that without an easy access to exceptions in favor of unfortunate guilt, justice would wear a countenance too sanguinary and cruel. Hamilton was mindful of the possibility of hard cases in which strict adherence to the criminal law might itself be an injustice. The reality is that any law, being enacted in the abstract on general principles, will not be comprehensive enough to account for poignant exceptions. Hard cases have always illustrated the inadequacy of general laws and the harsh and seemingly unjust results that they prescribe. Nonetheless, these types of laws were found, by long experience and sober reflection, to be preferable to the alternatives: either no laws, laws passed for specific cases, or laws that were weak and fragile because they consisted of practically nothing but exceptions. The common law of England addressed this issue with the Royal Prerogative of Mercy. This gave the monarch the authority to mitigate the harsh consequences in specific cases without abrogating the law and its usefulness in the vast majority of cases. This concept continues in the pardon power granted to the executives of the relevant political entities in the United States. This first category of rationales for the pardon power, i.e., the prospect of unjust punishment for cases involving hard facts and defendants confronted with impossible circumstances, does not seem to apply to cases in which the defendant was neither charged nor sentenced. The prospect of unjust punishment in such cases is inchoate. In the case of Hunter Biden, the pardons for any crimes that he may have committed or taken part in would seem to provide no rational reference to determine if the pardon power was exercised according to its original purposes. It is impossible to say that a sentence that has not been passed for a crime that has not been charged will result in justice too sanguinary and cruel. At least when President Clinton pardoned his brother for drug offenses, it was for a known crime with a known sentence. The first rationale for the pardon power, to avoid unjustly harsh sentences for crimes involving special circumstances, does not seem to apply to Hunter Biden. The other class of rationales for pardons contains those that are sometimes referred to as pre-emptive pardons and are usually justified with reference to some important interest other than that of the person who is pardoned. They are pre-emptive in the sense that they are granted before a sentence is imposed or even before a crime is charged. The most obvious examples of such pardons are those of Richard Nixon by President Ford and Caspar Weinberger and CIA officer Duane Clarridge by President George H. W. Bush. Occasions of pre-emptive pardon need not involve the prospect of unjust criminal penalties. The person pardoned may face only those sanctions that are appropriate to the contemplated charges and the attendant circumstances. In such cases, pardons are justified by reference to the public welfare or political tranquility. In the case of President Nixon, President Ford claimed that the motive was to avoid the deepening political polarization that would have accompanied a prolonged trial related to the Watergate scandal. Mr. Ford may have had personal motives for his actions, but nonetheless, he at least made an argument that the pardon was for the benefit of the country. There appears to be no analogous argument available to President Biden. The pardon of Hunter Biden naturally elicits calls for President Trump to make robust use of the pardon power, particularly in the case of persons convicted of activities at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. The exercise of such power by President Trump, however, does not require Mr. Bidens precedent as justification. Pardoning January 6 protesters would be proper under either of the two rationales that underlie the pardon power. Many of the defendants whom the Justice Department prosecuted received sentences and endured pre-trial deprivations that could reasonably be considered unconscionable by civilized standards. Likewise, President Trump could determine that broad and conspicuous pardons are in the best interests of the United States, particularly given the suspicions of political biases that accompanied many of the prosecutions. It is unnecessary to suggest that the January 6 defendants should be pardoned because President Biden pardoned his son. Those defendants can be considered for pardons simply because such would be consistent with the reasons underlying the pardon power. It may even be unfair to the January 6 defendants to link considerations of pardon in any way to the pardon of Hunter Biden. They have rational and legitimate appeals to justice in their own right. The crimes for which they were charged and the sentences they received are matters of record and can be considered with reason and a sense of probity. The same cannot be said of the son of a president who has been pardoned for crimes that he may have committed or taken part in. The pardon of Hunter Biden is now part of President Bidens legacy. How it influences that legacy is for posterity to determine, but it does not seem unreasonable to suspect that it may imbue it with the suspicion of corruption. Image from X. Most of us didnt even notice the fall of Aleppo, a Syrian city that is both strategic and historic. This is the domino effect in action. Principal sponsors of Syrias Assad dynasty have been Russia (for about 60 years), Iran (for about 45 years) and Hezballah. All three have recently been spending enormous resources, fighting and dying against enemies outside Syria. So Aleppo, which Assads forces recaptured from ISIS (at great cost) eight years ago, has fallen once more, to a tiny terrorist group that few people outside the Middle East have even heard about: Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Every nation and faction mentioned so far is on the wrong side of history. Theyre all going to lose in the long run. But they think theyre going to win. Most of them even think Allah is on their side. One of the best things about facing an Axis of Evil is that they have a strong tendency to turn against one another. The most famous example in history is Hitler turning against Stalin in 1941. Just 21 months earlier, theyd been the best of friends: carving up Poland in a lightning campaign and then, under a secret protocol to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, carving up the rest of Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. If theyd stuck together, theres little doubt they would have conquered the world. Now we see nations and factions fighting each other in Syria for years that, if theyd united from the start, could have created enormous problems for Israel. From Israels perspective, the fall of Aleppo is cause for celebration. Both sides in the Syrian Civil War hate Israel passionately. But Russia is being bled dry in the Ukraine War, Iran faces the Israeli Air Force, and Hezballah (until the recent cease-fire) was being ground to hamburger by the Israeli army. A combination of exploding pagers and walkie-talkies, air strikes, and assassinations by Israeli forces has been fiendishly clever and effective. The entire leadership of Hamas, Hezballah, and its sponsor (the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps) has been virtually wiped out, starting many years earlier with Trump eliminating IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani. Thus the Syrian army had to face HTS alone. As a researcher on Syria Navvar Saban told Daily Wire: Though there were [Syrian] regime forces located in Aleppo, they were not trained, they lacked military discipline, they lacked tactics and even their retreat plan was a disaster. Think of it as a chessboard. The cumulative result is that Israels position continues to improve, and Israels many friends around the world have more and more to celebrate this holiday season. The Hitler/Stalin alliance and betrayal in 1939-41 ended with a stalemate for the Good Guys in 1945. The Nazis had been completely destroyed. Hitler was dead. The Soviet Union -- scraping the bottom of its resource barrel due to four years of brutal war, and with most of the Good Guys armies and air forces in place along its new frontier -- was unable to follow through on Stalins plan to expand even farther into Western Europe. The fall of Aleppo signals that Israel will achieve at least a stalemate on the current chessboard. As part of its campaign to screw everything up in its final weeks in power, the Democratic Party Deep State has slow-walked aid to Israel, trying to force Israel into a cease-fire in Gaza. By pinning Irans knight (Hezballah) on this chessboard with a 60-day ceasefire -- expiring six days after Trump is sworn in -- Israel can now capture Irans queen (Hamas). Anyone thinking the 60-day ceasefire length is a coincidence should be reminded of the key line from V for Vendetta: There are no coincidences, my dear Delia. There is only the illusion of coincidence. By the ceasefires end, Hamas will be history. Trump, hopefully, will spend the ceasefires final days airlifting ammo to Israel, for a February offensive to destroy Hezballah. Jim Davis is an IT specialist and paralegal, working for a well-connected Democratic Party law firm in Chicago. He lives far out in the suburbs: far enough to avoid being sucked into the whirling cesspool of corruption, but close enough to smell the stench when the wind blows in off Lake Michigan. You can find him as RealProfessor219 on Rumble. Image: Pexels/Ahmed akacha Heres a cool word for you: Neologism. Its component parts are from the Greek word for new (neo) and word (logos). In other words, its a brand-new word in a language. At one time, of course, every word had its day as a neologism, but we tend to think of them as words created to respond to new inventions. My favorite neologism is the acoustic guitar. It used to be that there were simply guitars. However, when electric guitars came along, the wordsmiths decided it wasnt simply enough to have guitars and electric guitars. The non-electric versions needed their own name, so acoustic guitars were born. The thing about both electric and acoustic guitars is that they really exist. Things get hairy when youre trying to integrate reality and fantasy to pretend that both are real. Thats whats been happening with the so-called transgender movement. Image AI and an X screen grab. The transgender activists have taken something thats either a mental illness (thats when its pathetic), a hormonal imbalance (which I suspect occurs when pregnant women still have the Pill circulating in their bodies), or a sexual perversion (when its disgusting or criminal) and argued, instead, that it's a biological realitythat is, there really are people who are born in the wrong body when it comes to their sex. In fact, as Ive been documenting for several years, theres not a scintilla of evidence backing up the idea that human sexual biology is anything but binary. When a persons sex is not binary, as with the very rare condition known as intersex, thats a birth defect, not a new or mixed-up gender. Trying to get a fix on the amorphous nature of fantasy has led to some interesting linguistic feats. Because of the hundreds of genders and orientations that activists have thought up, we no longer have men and women, which is the biological norm and needs no further introduction. Instead, we have a neologism: Cisgender. What does cisgender purportedly mean? Per Oxford Languages, the online version of the venerable and once sane Oxford England Dictionary (and the dictionary on which Google relies), cisgender is defined as denoting or relating to a person whose gender identity corresponds with the sex registered for them at birth; not transgender. This neologism means that so-called transgenderism and all the other 64 billion genders are no longer deviant, non-biological identities. They are on a cultural, moral, and biological par with cisgender. Needless to say, leftists have embraced this nonsense. Thus, in a New York Times article about using a single dose of an antibiotic after sex to reduce syphilis and chlamydia cases, we find this nonsense: The evidence so far supports the case for doxycycline use only in gay and bisexual men and transgender women. Previous studies have shown that a single dose of doxycycline taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex substantially cuts the risk of S.T.I.s in these groups. The majority of S.T.I.s in the United States occur in cisgender women, said Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the National Center for H.I.V., Viral Hepatitis, S.T.D. and TB Prevention at the C.D.C. Studies of whether doxy-PEP works in cisgender women should be implemented as quickly as possible, he said. (Emphasis mine.) Cisgender women show up in the essay three more times, so its not just the CDC embracing the pretense that mentally ill, hormonally imbalanced, or perverted men can announce that they are women and relegate real women to a neologism. The Times is right there with the CDC. (Interestingly, the article also never mentions that abuse of antibiotics can render them ineffective when really bad diseases come along, nor does it counsel abstinence or safe sex.) It turns out, though, that when women refuse to accept that theyre being neologized (a neologism of mine!) right out of existence as one of the two biological sexes, the New York Times must bring out bigger guns than cisgender. Thats how we get to the Timess report about a brave handful of women on the San Jose State University volleyball team who didnt want a man in the locker room. Along with members of teams that play against San Jose State, they sued. So far, and typically, a California judge has sided with the fake woman. This will undoubtedly go on for a while. However, I dont want to talk about the facts of the case. I want to talk about the New York Timess continued degradation of language and reality. It turns out that when the transgender rubber hits the reality road, the term cisgender is no longer good enough. Thats how we get this: On its website, the N.C.A.A. says trans volleyball players are eligible to play if their testosterone level is less than 10 nanomoles per liter thats at least four times more than what many experts say is the top of the range for non-transgender women, and in the typical range for adult men. (Emphasis mine.) The phrasing is subtle, but its gone beyond the pretend parity of transgender and cisgender. Now, transgender women (i.e., mentally ill, hormonally imbalanced, or perverted men) are the standard against which everything must be judged. This is a 180-degree inversion of reality. Expect to see more of this doubling-down on sexual fantasies in the coming months. You might find that counterintuitive, given that its pretty clear that part of why Trump won is because Americans hate the whole transgender madness. They know that there are only two sexes and they especially want their kids protected from the crazy. However, the political left has invested itself in the fantasy for over a decade, while its been inculcating this madness in young people for much longer than that through academia. This is their reality, fake though it may be. People dont suddenly abandon their beliefs because of an election. Instead, they double down to validate their prior positions. Or, as W.S. Gilbert might have said, they work even harder to give artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative. Billy Bob Thornton in "Landman." Paramount+ Texas oil country is in the limelight as Paramount+s new show, Landman, features a foul-mouthed Billy Bob Thornton playing oilfield MacGyver Tommy Norris. The shows mastermind is Taylor Sheridan, the Texas director-producer-writer behind Yellowstone, who filmed the show entirely in his home state. Sheridan is from the Waco area and owns the Bosque Ranch in Weatherford and the 6666 Ranch in Guthrie. Pump jacks working in the Permian Basin near Odessa on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer A rig explodes in the debut episode of "Landman." Emerson Miller/Paramount+ Billy Bob Thornton is one of the stars of "Landman," the latest series created by Taylor Sheridan. Emerson Miller/Paramount+ Billy Bob Thornton plays a put-upon oil company worker in "Landman." Emerson Miller/Paramount+ Billy Bob Thornton and Ali Larter in "Landman." James Minchin/Paramount+ Demi Moore (left) and Jon Hamm (second from right) play members of a wealthy family in "Landman." San Antonian Rylie Rodriguez, right, also stars as does Dani Raen (second from left). Emerson Miller/Paramount+ Landman is also based on Texas Monthlys 11-part 2019 podcast Boomtown, which the magazine describes as telling the story of the billionaire wildcatters and roughnecks fueling the modern Texas oil boom. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An industry as dangerous and volatile as the oil business lends itself naturally to television its a constant crisis interrupted by brief periods of intense success, as Jon Hamms character says in the show so its no surprise to see show makers catching on. But just how much of it is fact versus fiction? Heres what industry professionals and experts say (some spoilers ahead): Does a landman really do all that? The short answer? No. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thornton plays Tommy, an oilfield jack-of-all-trades whose role takes artistic liberties with the scope of a landmans work. A landman notoriously spends most of his time scouring small-town court records, tracing mineral and land rights through decades of dusty documents and using those records to do one of the dirtiest parts of the job: reaching lease agreements with the people who own those rights. The series opens with such a deal. Tommy, with a burlap sack over his head and his hands tied, tells a cartel boss his oil company wants to drill on his land. If the cartel boss doesnt agree to the deal, the oil companies will put a Drug Enforcement Agency office across the street, Tommy tells him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Russell Smith, a landman whose company, WFX Oil and Gas, brokers Texas land deals, says he hasnt dealt with cartels in his West Texas work. Its Hollywood, so I understand why they gotta throw some drama and things like that into the mix, Smith said. Landowners, however, have threatened him with guns. Are there really bikini-wearing baristas? The show features a bikini-wearing barista, accurately capturing the predominantly male dynamic of the oil patch. Advertisement Article continues below this ad West Texas oil country is no stranger to the breastaurant, a restaurant or bar known for its scantily clad female staff. While these tend to be nighttime establishments, Hooters is open for lunch, and there are coffee shops in Midland and Odessa advertising great coffee with an even better view. Pump jacks operate next to large wind turbines Friday, July 8, 2022, near Midland. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Is wind energy really that dirty? Thorntons character schools a young anti-oil attorney on the dirtier sides of wind energy, a scene that scratches an itch for oil industry folks. He tells her that a wind turbine isnt as clean as she might expect, gesturing at the massive feat of engineering powered by fossil fuels. In its 20-year lifespan, it wont offset the carbon footprint of making it, Tommy tells her. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While it is true that petrochemicals are used to make wind turbines and fossil fuels are burned to make and transport its parts, its false to say a wind turbine wont offset its carbon footprint in its 20-year lifespan, according to energy researchers. Joshua Rhodes, an energy researcher at the University of Texas in Austin, said his own research shows wind energy is among the cleanest forms of energy. He estimated a wind turbine would offset the carbon spent to make it within one year. Smith likened oil and gas production to hunting; many people decry it as cruel even while eating meat every day. Thats why Tommys rant is so satisfying, he said. People are going to be naive about where their phone comes from, where their pills come from, and where every article of their clothing pretty much comes from, he said. Michael Pena as Armando in "Landman." Emerson Miller/Paramount+ How powerful is OSHA in the oil field? The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration plays a crucial role in the plot line in the wake of a deadly explosion, when attorneys for Tommys company learn the well that exploded was not compliant with OSHA standards. However, OSHA doesnt have as much power over the oil field as you might expect. The increase in battery capacity has been considerable this year, for some phones. Thanks mainly due to silicon-carbon batteries becoming more widespread. Well, in 2025, Android flagships could actually start using 8,000mAh battery packs. Android flagships could start using 8,000mAh batteries next year According to Digital Chat Station, one of the best-known Chinese tipsters, it will happen. He said that the Realme GT8 Pro is currently being tested in three different configurations. The first configuration includes a 7,000mAh battery, while it supports 120W wired charging. That one can charge in 42 minutes from 0-100%. The second configuration includes a 7,500mAh battery, supports 100W wired charging, and charges in 55 minutes. The last configuration comes with an 8,000mAh battery, supports 80W wired charging, and can be fully charged in 70 minutes. If the last one ends up being chosen, the Realme GT8 Pro will feature an 8,000mAh battery. Its easily possible that some other smartphones will do something similar next year. Weve recently seen some smartphones with rather large battery packs, thanks to silicon-carbon batteries. A number of smartphones have seen battery capacity increases this year The OnePlus 13, for example, got an increased capacity from 5,400mAh in OnePlus 12, to 6,000mAh. The OPPO Find X8 Pro includes a 5,910mAh battery, while the RedMagic 10 Pro+ has a whopping 7,050mAh battery on the inside. No, the phone is not thicker or heavier because of it. Once the global OnePlus 13 model arrives, it will have the largest battery in the US market. That will be a 6,000mAh battery, in case you missed that detail earlier in the article. Its also expected to offer 80W charging in the US, 100W in Europe, plus 50W wireless charging, and it will support reverse wireless charging, of course. It will be interesting to see how many smartphones will go over the 7,000mAh mark in 2025, as some will apparently jump over to the 8,000mAh mark. Google Assistants Quick Phrases is an exclusive feature available on the Pixel 6 and newer models, including the Pixel Fold. You can say Stop or Snooze when you want alarms or timers to go off. Besides, you can use voice commands like Answer, Decline, and Silence for an incoming call. But, it seems some Pixel owners are reportedly facing a persistent Quick Phrases glitch leaving them with annoying toast notifications on their screen. The Quick Phrases feature is troubling Pixel phone owners with an annoying glitch Folks over at 9to5Google recently spotted multiple Reddit posts with Pixel owners complaining about the Quick Phrases glitch. Most users associated this issue with the Google Assistants Say Stop prompt. The publication notes that the toast notification refuses to disappear even after a user turns off the alarm or timers. Whats worse is that the prompt is also visible even on the lock screen. A Reddit user spotted this glitch on Googe Pixel 8 running Android 15. Its worth noting that the persistent issue isnt related to a specific device or software version. The Pixel phone users on stable and beta versions of Android 15 are reportedly facing this problem. Not to forget, similar issues were recently reported on one of the models from the Google Pixel 9 series. The Pixel 9 Pro XL owners are reportedly experiencing this issue post answering calls. The Say Answer prompt which is supposed to disappear after ending a call apparently sticks around and covers up that area of the screen. Thats not all, it even covers caller ID sometimes making it hard to see whos calling. Some possible workarounds to resolve the issue The Google app is likely the source of the issue because it powers the Google Assistant. That said, some Reddit users have suggested a few quick workarounds to resolve the issue. The persistent toast notification glitch appears to be fixed after restarting the latest Google Pixel 9 Pro or other models. Some users also hinted that they could resolve the issue by disabling certain toggles by going to the Quick Phrases menu. You can also try force-stopping the Google app and opening it again to see if it helps. If nothing helps, you can stop using the Quick Phrases feature until Google rolls out a fix. Deputy Constable Omar Ursin Courtesy Ahsim Taylor, Jr., is brought into the courtroom, followed by Jayland Womack, for a bail hearing in front of visiting Judge Denise Collins in the 263rd District Court on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, in Houston. Taylor and Womack are accused in the death of a Harris County constables deputy with Precinct 3. The pair are being held without bond. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Police are searching for the accused shooter in 2022 potential road rage killing of an off-duty constable's deputy in Atascocita more than two years after the arrest of two others. Douglas Wooten, 22, was charged Nov. 25 with murder in the Aug. 28, 2022, death of Precinct 3 deputy Omar Ursin after having spent years outside of Texas. A witness to the shooting accused Wooten of wielding the gun used to shoot Ursin. Authorities earlier arrested two other defendants, Ahsim Taylor Jr. and Jayland Womack, both 22, on murder charges. Both men remain jailed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The three men and a fourth person, who was not charged, were in a vehicle together after a trip to The Galleria shopping center when Ursin was shot and killed while picking up food for his family, according to court documents. Authorities suspected the shooting took place during a potential road rage clash. In the months after the shooting, police gleaned accounts of what happened from other people in the car with the accused shooter. The fourth person told authorities in January 2023, that Wooten, one of the passengers, lowered his window and opened fire on Ursin. He said Wooten believed the other driver pointed a gun at him. Taylor, meanwhile, said Womack, the driver, ran a red light that caught Ursins attention. He heard gunshots immediately afterward. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another witness to the shooting saw a vehicle driving alongside Ursins car in the moments before Ursin was shot, losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a tree. The other vehicle with the alleged shooter drove off, officials said. Prosecutors said Taylor and Womack were out on bond on unrelated offenses at the time of Ursin's death and wearing GPS monitors that showed them in the vicinity of the shooting. Wooten had no pending cases at the time. He was previously charged with four misdemeanors that were dismissed months before Ursin's death. Prosecutors characterized Wooten as a flight risk, alleging that he fled the Houston area for Georgia and has since been tracked to Florida, Minnesota and Iowa, according to court documents. The same record indicates law enforcement in Atlanta made contact with Wooten at some point after the shooting but it was not known why. England bring their 2024 programme to a close with Tuesday nights friendly against Switzerland at Bramall Lane. Sarina Wiegmans Lionesses, who drew 0-0 with the United States at Wembley on Saturday, will have a last chance to prepare for next years competitive fixtures against the Euro 2025 finals hosts. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points surrounding the game. Going out with a bang England boss Sarina Wiegman (centre) is looking for a more expansive approach against Switzerland (Zac Goodwin/PA) England found the going tough against the USA FIFAs top-ranked side having to defend for long periods before enjoying a better share of the ball in the second half. While Wiegman, whose side is currently ranked second in the world, was satisfied with much of what she saw at Wembley, she will be looking for a more enterprising display against the Swiss, despite an injury list which has robbed her of the likes of Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby. No pain, no gain Skipper Leah Williamson admitted the last two England camps had been uncomfortable (John Walton/PA) Englands Dutch boss was unapologetic after Euro 2022-winning captain Leah Williamson admitted the last two camps had been uncomfortable in the wake of Saturdays game. Wiegman used the three friendlies in October and November a 4-3 defeat by Germany, a 2-1 win over South Africa and the US draw to test the depth of her squad and wants her young pretenders to push the established stars. Several could get a chance to do just that as she rotates in Sheffield. Debut day? Ruby Mace (left) could make her senior England debut against Switzerland (Jacob King/PA) Leicester defender Ruby Mace and Manchester City midfielder Laura Blindkilde Brown will hope their time has come in South Yorkshire. Asked at her pre-match press conference if the two 21-year-olds were ready to make senior international debuts, Wiegman replied: The players just promised me they will all be ready to play. They dont come here to just be training players, they are ready. Steel City memories Alessia Russo (second left) scored an audacious back-heeled shot during Englands 4-0 Euro 2022 semi-final win over Sweden (Danny Lawson/PA) For those who were there, the memories of one day at Bramall Lane will live long in Lionesses folklore. It was there that they surged to a 4-0 Euro 2022 semi-final victory over Sweden in which substitute Alessio Russos outrageous back-heeled goal captured the headlines and eased England towards their showdown with Germany at Wembley. Swiss role Klare Niederlage vor 17'306 Zuschauern Defaite devant 17'306 spectateursSconfitta di fronte a 17'306 spettatori pic.twitter.com/KzAOPcLGga Nati (@nati_sfv_asf) November 29, 2024 Switzerland arrived in England on the back of a bruising 6-0 friendly defeat by Germany in Zurich on Friday evening. Pia Sundhages side, however, was severely depleted Arsenal midfielder Lia Walti was among the significant absentees and while they are the lowest-ranked of the pot one seeds for the Euro finals draw, Wiegman insisted she would not under-estimate them after Octobers friendly victory over France and draw with Australia. Gregg Wallaces comment that accusations of inappropriate behaviour against him came from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age has prompted an angry backlash. The MasterChef presenter faces various allegations of making inappropriate sexual jokes, asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff, and undressing in front of and standing too close to women working on his shows. Ulrika Jonsson, who competed on Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, said she was seething while Kirstie Allsopp described his response as unacceptable. In a post on Instagram on Sunday, 60-year-old Wallace said: Ive been doing MasterChef for 20 years, amateur, celebrity and professional MasterChef, and I think, in that time, I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life. Apparently now, Im reading in the paper, theres been 13 complaints in that time. I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isnt right. In 20 years, over 20 years of television, can you imagine how many women, female contestants on MasterChef, have made sexual remarks, or sexual innuendo? Can you imagine? In a third video, Wallace claimed absolutely none of the people he had worked with on his shows had made a complaint about him. Jonsson, who competed on Celebrity MasterChef in 2017 and claimed Wallace had been forced to apologise for one comment, told the Telegraph: When he made reference to women of a certain age I was just seething I was just absolutely wild. Allsopp, who alleged Wallace once made a comment to her about his sex life which left her so embarrassed she thought she might cry, said she was angered by the video. Gregg Wallace is to step away from the BBC cooking show Masterchef while complaints are reviewed (PA) That is unacceptable. Because he is essentially saying this is a class issue and middle-class women dont understand the type of things he says because hes working-class. Well Im sorry, but hes doing an incredible disservice to men, she told BBC Radio 4s The World This Weekend. Whats he saying? That working-class men do this kind of thing, embarrass their wives and girlfriends and sisters and mothers? Thats unacceptable, of course, thats not the case. Actress Emma Kennedy, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2012, told BBC News it doesnt matter what the age of any woman is. She added: Playing the theyre having a go at me because Im working class card is ridiculous. Kennedy, who returned to Celebrity MasterChef as a guest judge on three occasions in 2016, 2017 and 2018, said she had told a number of people at MasterChef about one incident which concerned her but had no idea what happened next. The Sunday Times reported that BBC executive Kate Phillips raised concerns that Wallaces behaviour was unacceptable and cannot continue after broadcaster and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Aasmah Mir complained about inappropriate comments during filming. The newspaper claimed Wallace received another warning the following year after a complaint was raised about his behaviour on the quiz show Impossible Celebrities. Gregg Wallace has stepped back from his role on MasterChef (Andrew Matthews/PA) The Sunday Telegraph reported producer Georgia Harding, who worked on MasterChef between 2014 and 2015 and later Eat Well For Less, claimed she raised concerns about inappropriate behaviour from him while working on the show. She alleged the presenter undressed in front of colleagues and made inappropriate sexual jokes in front of the crew and people appearing on the shows, and said nothing was done about concerns raised, claiming there was an acceptance of his behaviour. In response to reports in the Times and Telegraph, a BBC source said: While we are not going to comment on individuals or any internal HR processes, particularly when there is an ongoing process in place being run by Banijay who have the direct contractual relationship with Gregg Wallace. It would be wrong to report the BBC has done nothing if or when matters have been raised with us not least because it is already being widely reported there were interventions in both 2017 and 2018 where action was taken. We continue to urge caution about pre-judging any of this, particularly the involvement of BBC staff members and any inference they have not acted appropriately. The former greengrocer was also accused of making lewd comments and asking for the personal phone numbers of female production staff in a letter that Dawn Elrick, a producer and director, claimed to have sent to the BBC in 2022. Elrick told the Observer, the letter had been submitted with the support of industry union Bectu, and added she also submitted the allegations to the corporation via Navex Global, an external whistleblowing service. She claimed the BBC suggested each individual would have to make their own, direct complaint to the corporation, and said she had received no further contact with regard to the report. Wallaces lawyers say it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. In response to the letter, a BBC spokesperson said it had robust processes to deal with complaints swiftly and appropriately and added it will always listen if people want to make us aware of something directly. Allegations were also raised by staff members about Wallaces behaviour on Channel 5s Gregg Wallaces Big Weekends to BBC News, with producer Rumpus Media saying it would be investigating allegations of inappropriate behaviour. It comes after it was announced Wallace is to step away from the BBC cooking show while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by MasterChef producer Banijay UK. He also 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. The production company confirmed it has appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead an investigation into Wallaces alleged behaviour. An award-winning actress has been made a patron of a prestigious arts conservatoire for her achievements in the film and TV industry. Kate Dickie, who has starred in Game Of Thrones, the Star Wars Franchise, Prometheus and Filth, has been announced as a patron of the Junior Conservatoire of Drama, Production and Film of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). She hopes to be a champion and positive force for the next generation of actors, filmmakers and production artists, aged 11 to 18, training at Scotlands national conservatoire. Kate Dickie meets students from the Junior Conservatoire of Drama, Production and Film (RCS/John Young/PA) She said: Its so exciting and a huge honour to be named a patron of the Junior Conservatoire of Drama, Production and Film and work with all these brilliant young people and be part of their journey, even in a small way. I cant wait to get to know everyone and to be there to elevate and support them. Im to be a sounding board if they need advice or want to ask about some of my experiences in the industry. Id like them to see me as someone like them, who they can relate to and have a laugh with I dont want to be a formal figure. Dickie, of East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, graduated from the RCS in 1993, and received an honorary doctorate last year for her services to drama. Marc Silberschatz, director of drama, production and film at the RCS, said: With an extensive and critically acclaimed career in film, theatre and television, Kate Dickie will offer a wealth of experience as patron of our Junior Conservatoire of Drama, Production and Film. Kate Dickie works with students at the conservatoire (RCS/John Young/PA) It is an honour to welcome an artist of her calibre to this role. Her expertise and insights, combined with her warmth and approachability, will inspire young artists to explore their creativity. We are confident her guidance will profoundly impact their artistic journeys. Dickie said the arts play an important role in society. She added: The arts are so important and have so many layers from the straightforward to the more complex. It might be a fun thing to do, a hobby to express yourself and explore characters right down to a more private layer where you get to escape reality because maybe life isnt that pleasant. If you have young people exploring other peoples stories and lives, it helps build a generation that has empathy and understanding for scenarios that arent their own. And that can only be a good thing. I remember coming to the academy and suddenly I was in a community of people who all loved the same thing as me, which allowed us to build friendships quickly. It was brilliant and life-affirming. I liked the feeling of being part of something bigger than just me, made my dream seem a bit more realistic rather than just a pipe dream, and that it was something that could be possible, particularly as a working-class person. In a word of advice to up-and-coming actors and actresses, she added: Id encourage them to own their space, to set boundaries and trust their instincts. And dont be fearful. There might be different tastes, opinions and interpretations but there really is no wrong way of doing anything. I lived in fear of being wrong and being found out that I was awful. I wasted so much time worrying, and I wish I could have been a bit more in the present. Bee-killing pesticides have been found in 85% of tested rivers in England, an analysis of Government figures has found. Green groups looked at Environment Agency data on neonicotinoid pesticides in river sites tested between 2023 to 2024. They also found that the proportion of rivers affected appears to have increased from 79% during the testing period of 2020 to 2022. Neonicotinoids destroy bees nervous systems and are banned in Europe, but have been authorised for use every year in the UK since 2021. Research has found that aquatic insects and mayflies are also vulnerable to neonicotinoids, with potential follow-on implications for fish and bird populations in the wider food chain. The Government is currently thinking of allowing the use of a neonicotinoid on sugar beet crops despite promising to ban it when campaigning for the general election, the Guardian reported. The Rivers Trust and Wildlife and Countryside Link, which carried out the analysis, found that areas where sugar beet farming and processing is concentrated, particularly the East Midlands and East of England, had some of the highest detection rates of neonicotinoids in tested river samples. Many of the rivers in these regions also had the highest number of detected pesticides. The South West and South East, meanwhile, had the highest overall neonic detection rate, in 54% and 41% of samples respectively, the analysis showed. The largest numbers were found at single sites on the River Waveney and River Wensum in the East Midlands, where all five of the neonicotinoids analysed for were detected. Other sites that had high numbers detected included the River Nene in the East of England, River Lugg, the River Tame in the West Midlands, Sincil Dyke in the East Midlands, River Ouse in Yorkshire, River Test in the South East, River Chelt in the South West and the River Douglas in the North West. But the campaigners also noted that only 27 river sites across the whole of England were tested for the pesticides in 2023-24, down from 43 sites in 2020-2022. This marked a fall of more than a third (37%) in the number of sites tested. Combine harvesters gather in crops in Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA) They warned that this is an indicative sign of the worsening resources of the Environment Agency and the resulting decline in river monitoring by the regulator. During this summers election campaign, Sir Keir Starmer said: The new government will ban neonicotinoid pesticides imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam due to their impact on bees. But British Sugar and the National Farmers Union (NFU) applied to be allowed to use neonicotinoid Cruiser SB on sugar beet, which tackles a plant disease known as virus yellows. If approved, it will mark the fifth year in a row of emergency use of neonicotinoids. Richard Benwell, WCL chief executive, said: The Government must surely deny the request and redouble farming reforms to offer generous support for farmers who cut right down on chemical use. The extensive presence of potent pesticides in rivers is another smoking gun in the hands of intensive agriculture and the decline of nature, he said. Barnaby Coupe, senior land use policy manager at the Wildlife Trusts, said: The UK Governments pledge to end the emergency use of these bee-killing pesticides must be signed into law. Pollinating insects like bees are the foundation of a healthy ecosystem and essential for pollinating crops. These chemicals are banned because they are extremely harmful for soils, water, wildlife and human health. The evidence is clear that the environmental risks from neonicotinoids are far too great there is no place in modern society for them to be used. Dr Rob Collins, director of policy and science at the Rivers Trust, said: The widespread presence of neonicotinoid pesticides in rivers raises alarm bells for the health of our freshwater ecosystems and contributes to the huge cocktail of chemicals afflicting rivers, derived from agriculture, industry, transport and our homes and businesses. We need to see greater resources made available to monitor chemicals in the environment and systemic change that delivers a much more sustainable approach to their use, right across society. A Defra spokesperson said: We are committed to tackling all sources of pollution to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas. This government has been clear that we will change existing policies to ban the use of neonicotinoid pesticides that threaten bees and other vital pollinators. The Queen is to miss the ceremonial welcome during the Qatari state visit after suffering significantly diminished reserves of energy following her chest infection. Doctors have urged Camilla, 77, to take time to rest and recover fully because of the lingering effects of the illness, which she contracted a month ago following her long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa. The King and the Prince and Princess of Wales are set to welcome the Emir of Qatar and his wife to the UK on Tuesday during the traditional formal welcome outdoors on Horse Guards Parade. The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Sheikha Jawaher, arrive at Stansted Airport in Essex, for a state visit hosted by the King (Joe Giddens/PA) Kate is taking part in her first state visit since her cancer diagnosis as part of her gradual return to public duties. The princess will meet Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, with William in London, and accompany them to the parade ground to be greeted by the waiting King and senior government figures. Charles, Kate, William and their guests will afterwards take part in a carriage ride back to Buckingham Palace, attend a lunch and visit a Picture Gallery exhibition in the royal residence. The Princess of Wales at the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance in November (Chris J Ratcliffe/PA) The Palace said Camillas programme had been tweaked, meaning she would miss both the ceremonial welcome and the carriage ride. But she will join the Emir and his wife for the lunch and was hoping to be able to view the display in the gallery. Camilla will still be present at the glittering state banquet in the evening and will pose for a group photo at the start. But she will take a short break before dinner while guests are being met in a receiving line. The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Sheikha Jawaher, arrive at Stansted Airport on Monday ahead of the state visit hosted by the King (Joe Giddens/PA) Kate will not be attending the banquet, but William will be there. Camilla has pulled out of a number of engagements over the past few weeks including the Royal Variety Performance, the Gladiator II premiere and the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph. With temperatures expected to hover around 7C in London tomorrow, it is likely royal doctors were keen for Camilla to miss the ceremonial welcome to avoid her standing in the chill December air for an extended period of time. The ceremony, which sees the royal party gather on a royal dais, involves the King inspecting a Guard of Honour with his visiting head of state. The King and Emperor Naruhito of Japan inspect the guard of honour formed of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in June (Chris Jackson/PA) Royal sources said there had been no alteration in any diagnosis or treatment Camilla was receiving, and that the Queen needs time to rest and recover fully, which was more challenging with a back-to back diary programme such as the state visit. No major changes are expected to her diary for the rest of the week, but the Queen has been advised by her medical team to take each day as it comes. Meanwhile, the occasion marks the start of a busier week for Kate, who is slowly increasing her public appearances after finishing her chemotherapy treatment in the summer. The princess will be hosting her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday, when she is expected to be joined by her children and husband for the event. The Wales family at the Together at Christmas Carol Service last year (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Sheikh Tamim, 44, was educated in Britain, attending public schools Sherborne and Harrow, before graduating from Sandhurst military academy. He set up Qatar Sports Investments in 2005, which owns the French football team Paris Saint-Germain. On Wednesday, the final day of the two-day visit, the Emir will visit Sandhurst before travelling to the Palace to bid farewell formally to the King and Queen, with Camilla expected to be there. Sheikh Tamim will also travel to Downing Street for bilateral talks with Sir Keir Starmer. The scene in the Buckingham Palace ballroom during a state visit (Aaron Chown/PA) Qatar, one of the richest Gulf states, is a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas war, and there are reports the Government is hoping to seal a free-trade deal with the Gulf Co-operation Council. But the country has faced criticism over its human rights record, in particular its criminalisation of same-sex relationships. Here are some of the key statistics for people who have arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel in small boats: How many migrants have arrived so far this year? A total of 33,684 people have been detected crossing the Channel in small boats since the start of 2024, according to provisional figures from the Home Office. This is 18% higher than the 28,453 people who had arrived at this point (up to December 1) last year, but 24% lower than the 44,174 arrivals at this stage in 2022. Some 45,774 arrivals were reported across the whole of 2022: the highest for a calendar year since data on Channel crossings began in 2018. The total for 2023, 29,437, was more than a third (36%) lower. More than 20,000 migrants have now crossed the Channel since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister. Some 122 migrants were detected making the crossing on Sunday, which means 20,110 have arrived since Labour won the general election on July 5. The 20,000 figure was passed on the 150th day of Sir Keirs premiership. By contrast, 11,309 migrants arrived during the first 150 days of Rishi Sunaks premiership, with 20,000 not reached until Mr Sunaks 257th day in office. Cumulative arrivals of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats (PA Graphics) How many people are making the crossing per boat? The average has been on an upwards trend since the start of 2021. In 2018 there were fewer than 10 people per boat while in 2019 and 2020 the figure tended to fluctuate between single figures and the high teens. From 2021, the average started to increase, reaching 20 in March and passing 30 in August. It reached 40 people per boat in June 2022, passed 50 per boat in July 2023 and climbed as high as 59 per boat in July 2024. The figure has since fallen slightly to 55 per boat in August, September and October of this year, and 54 in November. Where have the people come from? Afghan migrants accounted for the single largest group of arrivals in the first nine months of this year, at 17% of the total. This is followed by people from Vietnam (13%), Iran (12%) and Syria (12%). These are the latest figures available for the nationality of arrivals. The breakdown of nationalities this year is different to that for 2023. Vietnamese migrants accounted for only 5% of last years total, well below this years figure of 13%. Afghan was the leading nationality in 2023, responsible for 19% of all arrivals, slightly higher than this years figure of 17%. In 2022, Vietnam accounted for just 1% of arrivals and Afghanistan was responsible for 20%, while the main nationality was Albanian, which accounted for 28% of the total. By contrast, only 2% of arrivals in January to September this year were Albanian. Migrants detected crossing the English Channel, by nationality (PA Graphics) Why has the mix of nationalities changed? Following the spike in summer 2022 in the number of Albanians arriving in the UK on small boats, the governments of both countries struck an agreement to work together to prevent people from making the journey. This included placing UK Border Force staff in Tirana airport in the capital of Albania, an exchange of senior police officers and the creation of a joint migration task force. It is likely this contributed to the large drop in Albanians arriving by small boats, down from 12,658 in 2022 to 927 in 2023: a fall of 93%. In response to this years jump in arrivals of Vietnamese nationals, in April 2024 the then Conservative government signed an agreement with Vietnam to step up efforts to discourage illegal travel to the UK. The two countries committed to develop a joint action plan to tackle human trafficking, as well as increase intelligence-sharing and raise awareness of legal routes for migration. The mix of nationalities of people arriving on small boats has varied from year to year. For example, Iranians and Iraqis together accounted for more than half of arrivals in 2021 (30% and 22% respectively). But since then the proportion of arrivals who are from Iran has dropped sharply, to 13% in 2022 and 2023 and 12% in January to September 2024. The proportion of arrivals from Iraq has fallen even lower, dropping to 10% in 2022, 9% in 2023 and 7% in the first nine months of this year. All figures are based on the total number of arrivals where nationality has been recorded by the Home Office. How many have applied for asylum? The latest available Home Office data for asylum claims by small boat arrivals runs to September 2024. It shows that in the year to September 30 2024, almost all arrivals (99%) made an asylum claim, either as a main applicant or dependant. Small boat arrivals accounted for nearly three in 10 (28%) of the total number of people claiming asylum in the UK in this period. There were 128,503 asylum applications from small boat arrivals between January 2018 and June 2024, of which 48% (62,313) had received an initial decision as of October 11 2024. Of these, 43,464 had been granted asylum or some other protection status, while 18,849 were refused. The asylum grant rate for the year to September 2024 varied considerably for different nationalities. Among the top 10 most common nationalities, the grant rate was highest for applications from Syrians and Sudanese (both 99%) and Eritreans (93%), and lowest for Albanians (2%) and Turks (23%). How many have been returned to their country of origin? Some 4,420 migrants who arrived by small boat were returned between January 2018 and September 2024, 3% of the total number of arrivals. In the year to September 2024, 2,376 arrivals were returned, up from 1,551 in the previous 12 months. Nearly nine in 10 (87%) of small boat returns in the year to September were Albanian nationals. Enforced/voluntary returns of migrants who arrived in UK by small boats (PA Graphics) How many migrants have died while trying to cross the Channel? Some 50 deaths have been recorded so far this year by French coastguard authorities. These are people who are believed to have died while attempting to cross the Channel in a small boat. A further 22 migrants believed to be heading for the UK have died in northern France and Belgium, according to the UN International Organisation for Migration. The Home Secretary has pledged to restore order to the migration system as the number of migrants arriving in the UK after crossing the Channel topped 20,000 since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister. Yvette Cooper blamed the Tories for failures in the migration system over the past five years as she made a statement in the Commons. It comes after Home Office figures showed 122 people made the journey on Sunday in two boats Sir Keirs 150th day in office which means 20,110 crossings have been recorded since the Labour leader walked into Number 10 in July after his party won the general election. (PA Graphics) Speaking in the Commons on Monday afternoon, Ms Cooper said many people had understandably lost faith in the entire system, but sought to blame the Conservatives for a collapse in controls. She claimed illegal and legal migration had both substantially increased under the Tories, while the asylum backlog soared and enforcement of basic rules fell apart. The scale of failure and loss of control has badly undermined trust in the entire system and it will take time to turn things around, the Home Secretary added. Ms Cooper said Labour would enforce new visa rules put in place when Rishi Sunak was prime minister, and would go further by tackling exploitation in the legal migration system. She also said the new Border Security Command and a landmark deal with Iraq signed last week and intended to crack down on people smuggling would help stem the number of illegal migrants coming to the UK. The Home Secretary told the Commons: We have the chance now to turn that around, to fix the chaos, to bring net migration down, to tackle the criminal gangs and prevent dangerous boat crossings, to restore order, control and fair rules properly enforced, not through gimmicks but through hard graft and serious international partnerships. Ms Cooper also announced a detailed breakdown of the costs of the now-scrapped Rwanda deal would be published. The scheme was aimed at deterring migrants with the threat they could be flown to Kigali, but the Home Secretary said: The result of that massive commitment of time and money was 84,000 crossed the Channel from the day the deal was signed to the day it was scrapped. This so-called deterrent did not result in a single deportation or stop a single boat crossing the Channel. Downing Street has insisted fresh efforts to tackle Channel crossings are starting to show results, but ministers have so far been reluctant to set any targets. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp urged ministers to introduce a hard limit on migrant numbers, telling the Commons: If they are really serious about reducing net migration as we are, what we really need is a hard cap on the numbers, proposed by the leader of the opposition and I last week. He added: Behind all the bluster and all the chat about previous governments, we see her record and her Governments record. A 64% increase in small boat crossings since the same period before the election, 6,000 extra people in hotels, the asylum backlog up by 11,000, all since the July 4. 2024 saw a record number of crossings in the first three months of the year, as did the period between January and June. Labour sources said the weather played a significant part in the numbers, citing Home Office analysis they claimed showed that October 11 to November 10 saw the highest ever ratio of so-called red days in a month-long period when weather conditions are considered to make crossings likely or very likely. This saw 26 out of the 31 days classed as likely to see Channel crossings compared to three red days for the same dates last year. Some 6,288 migrants crossed the Channel between those dates, compared to 768 in the same period last year. More than 20,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel since Labour won the election (Gareth Fuller/PA) During Mr Sunaks 20-month premiership, he saw 11,309 migrant Channel crossings within his first 150 days of being in charge of the country. It took around eight-and-a-half months for migrant crossings to top 20,000 after Mr Sunak became prime minister, and this number was reached on his 257th day in office. His tenure began in the autumn, meaning his first few months in power coincided with winter weather conditions when typically fewer crossings take place. By contrast, Sir Keir took on the role in the middle of the summer period when crossing numbers are usually at their highest and most frequent amid spells of better weather. The latest crossings are the first since November 16, marking a 14-day hiatus in activity amid bad weather. That was the longest period without crossings so far this year and means November saw the lowest monthly total for arrivals since Sir Keir became Prime Minister. The first arrivals in December take the provisional total for the year so far to 33,684, PA news agency analysis of the figures shows. This is up 18% on this time last year (28,453) but down 24% on 2022 (44,174), which was a record high year for crossings. Building owners who fail to remove dangerous cladding have been warned they could face jail, as ministers were urged to act quickly to prevent another Grenfell. The Government acknowledged there could be up to 7,000 buildings with dangerous materials that have not yet been identified, while progress on remediation work on high-rises with known issues has been too slow. The Remediation Acceleration Plan means that, by the end of 2029, all buildings over 59ft (18m) tall with unsafe cladding that are on a Government scheme will have been remediated. @UKLabour has announced its Cladding Remediation Acceleration Plan. The "plan" looks extremely disappointing. Innocent leaseholders and residents across the country need and deserve much more. Our statement #EndOurCladdingScandal pic.twitter.com/l2LwNA7lNf End Our Cladding Scandal (@EOCS_Official) December 2, 2024 By then, buildings over 36ft (11m) tall with unsafe cladding will either have been remediated or have a date for completion, with landlords liable for tough penalties if they fail to comply. Building safety minister Alex Norris told Sky News: I would want people who own buildings that are watching this, who have not been remediating them, to know we are on them, we are after them, and we want those buildings remediated. And if they dont, they will feel the force of the law. We have a range of powers already, ranging from fines to prison sentences, that can be used in health and safety cases. We will use that basket of tools in whatever way with each building to get it resolved. We have committed that that will be the case by the end of this decade. Mr Norris acknowledged there are an estimated 4,000-7,000 buildings with flammable cladding that have not yet been identified, more than seven years after the Grenfell Tower disaster, which killed 72 people. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the pace of remediation has been far too slow for far too long (Chris Furlong/PA) On Monday evening, MPs used a House of Commons debate on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry to urge the Government to press on with action. Conservative MP Sir Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) argued that a building safety investigation body should be set up to address systematic failures. He added: I regret to have to warn the House if we do not get this right, if we do not finish working on what the inquiry has presented to us and fill in the gaps, there will one day be another Grenfell, just as Grenfell was a repeat of earlier safety failures. Labour MP Joe Powell, whose Kensington and Bayswater constituency includes Grenfell Tower, said justice will only truly be served when there are criminal prosecutions. He said: The path to justice is long and we are far from the end. In recent meetings with the courts minister and the Metropolitan Police, Ive been clear that our community is watching and waiting, and I urge all involved to remain focused on expediting the process as much as possible. Campaigners labelled the Governments plans as extremely disappointing proposals that will only make a horribly complicated process worse. The inquiry into the 2017 Grenfell Tower blaze found that victims, bereaved and survivors were badly failed. The west London tower block was covered in combustible products because of the systematic dishonesty of firms that made and sold the cladding and insulation, inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick said in Septembers report. End Our Cladding Scandal, a group representing leaseholders affected by unsafe buildings, said they are still far from a comprehensive solution on building safety. The group said in a statement: Labours Remediation Acceleration Plan is extremely disappointing. These proposals will only make a horribly complicated process worse with further layers of bureaucracy. The Government may be patting itself on the back by announcing a target date for all high-rise buildings in government-funded schemes to have been remediated; however, the Building Safety Fund first opened for registrations in June 2020, so a target date of nine years from then is underwhelming. The group added: We are still far from a comprehensive solution that will bring about the change innocent leaseholders and residents across the country need and deserve to see. There is still far too much uncertainty. Severe penalties will be meaningless without leaseholders and residents knowing for sure when homes will be made fully safe. This plan will do little to change that. And councils said extra cash could be needed to carry out the work on local government-owned blocks. Cllr Heather Kidd, chairwoman of the Local Government Associations safer and stronger communities board, said: Councils are committed to keeping tenants and residents safe, and are keen to work with Government to drive the pace of remediation. However, for local government to carry out enforcement and addressing cladding issues as effectively and quickly as possible, multi-year funding arrangements are needed. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: The pace of remediation has been far too slow for far too long. We are taking decisive action to right this wrong and make homes safe. An MP has apologised for failing to declare a paid-for overseas trip when tabling a parliamentary question. The DUPs Sammy Wilson was under investigation for breaching the code of conduct in relation to the need for MPs to always be open and frank in declaring any relevant interest in any proceedings in the House. Making a point of order, the MP for East Antrim said: I wish to apologise to the House for my failure to declare an interest when tabling a parliamentary question to the secretary of state for business and trade on January 26 2024. When I tabled the question I inadvertently neglected to declare my interest of a fact-finding trip to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, paid for by the Turkish chamber of commerce, which was in breach of the rules. I apologise to the House for this error and Im grateful for the parliamentary commissioner for standards for his time and care in rectifying this matter. Mr Wilsons registered interests show the trip include subsistence valued at 180, flights valued at 690 and accommodation, food, drink and other subsistence valued at 370. He visited Northern Cyprus from January 3 to January 6 this year, with the purpose listed as: Parliamentary fact-finding delegation to learn about the countrys political system, history, culture, and economy. In the written question tabled on January 26, Mr Wilson asked whether the business department plans to produce a trade and investment factsheet for trade with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Then-business minister Greg Hands, in his reply, said the UK does not recognised the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as an independent state. Wudang Mountain attracts global enthusiasts as Tai Chi flourishes Xinhua) 09:16, December 02, 2024 An aerial drone photo shows a view of "golden peak" on the Wudang Mountain in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 29, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) Jake Pinnick practices martial arts at Yuxu Gong Temple in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 29, 2024. An American who traveled to the Wudang Mountain to study martial arts in 2010, Jake Pinnick now serves as an instructor, imparting knowledge of Tai Chi and Chinese culture to a global audience. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) Students practice Tai Chi at a martial arts school in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 28, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) An aerial drone photo shows students practicing Tai Chi at a martial arts school in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 28, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) Jake Pinnick practices martial arts at Yuxu Gong Temple in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 29, 2024. An American who traveled to the Wudang Mountain to study martial arts in 2010, Jake Pinnick now serves as an instructor, imparting knowledge of Tai Chi and Chinese culture to a global audience. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen) An aerial drone photo shows Taoist priests practicing martial arts at "golden peak" on the Wudang Mountain in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 29, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) Residents do morning exercises at Yuxu Gong Temple in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 29, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) Students practice Tai Chi at a martial arts school in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 28, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen) Students practice Tai Chi at a martial arts school in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 28, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo) Taoist priests practice martial arts at "golden peak" on the Wudang Mountain in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 29, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo) Jake Pinnick practices martial arts at Yuxu Gong Temple in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 29, 2024. An American who traveled to the Wudang Mountain to study martial arts in 2010, Jake Pinnick now serves as an instructor, imparting knowledge of Tai Chi and Chinese culture to a global audience. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo) Jake Pinnick practices martial arts at Yuxu Gong Temple in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 29, 2024. An American who traveled to the Wudang Mountain to study martial arts in 2010, Jake Pinnick now serves as an instructor, imparting knowledge of Tai Chi and Chinese culture to a global audience. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo) Students practice Tai Chi at a martial arts school in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 28, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) A Taoist priest practices martial arts at "golden peak" on the Wudang Mountain in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 29, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo) Students practice Tai Chi at a martial arts school in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 28, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) A Taoist priest practices martial arts at "golden peak" on the Wudang Mountain in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 29, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) Jake Pinnick practices martial arts at Yuxu Gong Temple in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 29, 2024. An American who traveled to the Wudang Mountain to study martial arts in 2010, Jake Pinnick now serves as an instructor, imparting knowledge of Tai Chi and Chinese culture to a global audience. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) A Taoist priest practices martial arts at "golden peak" on the Wudang Mountain in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 29, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo) Students practice Tai Chi at a martial arts school in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 28, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) A Taoist priest practices martial arts at "golden peak" on the Wudang Mountain in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 29, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) An aerial drone photo shows a view of "golden peak" on the Wudang Mountain in Shiyan City in central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 29, 2024. Tai Chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art focusing on both internal and external practices, involves a series of slow, gentle movements and physical postures, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Statistics show that over 100 million people across more than 150 countries and regions practice Tai Chi, with about 30,000 foreigners traveling to the Wudang Mountain annually to learn and experience it. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Breaking news Houston Chronicle After an hourslong standoff, Pearland police arrested a man who allegedly shot at officers and barricaded himself inside of his apartment, according to the agency. Around 8:45 a.m., officers were called to an apartment complex at 2701 Old Alvin Road in Pearland, after someone saw damage done to one of the doors at the complex, a release by the agency states. Upon arrival, officers determined the damage was caused by bullet holes, the release states. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The officers approached the door using a ballistic shield for protection and were allegedly met with gunfire from inside the unit. No officers were injured. The man, who authorities identified as Jorge Arturo Pineda, had barricaded himself inside his apartment, causing SWAT units to respond. Pineda was arrested nearly three hours later around 11:50 a.m. on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a public servant. Paul Watson has spent four months in Greenlands Anstalten prison since his arrest in July. Photograph: Inesa Matuliauskaite/The Observer The anti-whaling activist Paul Watson will learn within 14 days whether he will be extradited to Japan, a court has been told, as his four-month imprisonment in Greenland was extended. At a hearing in Nuuk, the capital of the autonomous territory of Denmark, the judge Lars-Christian Sinkbk said that Watson, who turned 74 on Monday, would continue to be detained in a high security prison pending a decision from the Danish government. Watsons legal team immediately submitted an appeal to Greenlands high court. Addressing the hearing, Watson, one of the early pioneers behind the environmental campaign group Greenpeace, said: In July, I had no idea that I would be sitting here in court in Greenland on my birthday today. It is a political case being run against me. It is a minimal case that has been run up. Denmark is known as a very trustworthy legal society, but look what it has become. Related: If Im sent to Japan, Im not coming home: jailed anti-whaler defiant in face of extradition threat Watson has been in Greenlands prison, known as the Anstalten, since his arrest on 21 July by a dozen police officers while refuelling his ship, MV John Paul DeJoria. The police were acting on an Interpol red notice issued by Japan. Tokyo is seeking his extradition on charges of stopping a lawful business, trespass, damage to property and assault relating to the alleged boarding of the Japanese whaling ship Shonan Maru 2 in the Southern Ocean in February 2010. The charges carry a sentence of up to 15 years in jail. It is accepted by the prosecution that Watson, who has been involved in thwarting whalers for five decades, was not present at the time of the alleged crime. It is instead claimed that he was party to the decision by the activist Peter Bethune to board the vessel and throw a stink bomb on to its deck. The bombs chemical components allegedly lightly injured a member of crew. Watsons defence disputes that this would be possible. Bethune was seized by the whalers at the time and given a two-year sentence, suspended for five years. As part of that sentence, he named Watson as a co-conspirator. On his release, Bethune signed an affidavit in which he claimed to have named Watson in order to get a reduced sentence. Watsons legal team argue that their client was not involved in the crime and that the charges are insufficiently serious for him to be extradited. In response, the prosecution told the court on Monday that the charges would probably lead to a one-year prison sentence under Danish law. The court was informed by Greenlands chief prosecutor, Mariam Khalil, that the ministry of justice is gathering the final information from Japan to be able to make a decision on extradition. She added: The Ministry of Justice has confirmed by email on 30 November 2024 that a final decision is expected within 14 days. The prosecution sought an extra 28 days of detention but the court gave leave for Watson to be detained until 18 December. Should the Danish government grant Japans extradition request within the next two weeks, Watson would be able to appeal against that decision, opening up the potential for a lengthy legal tussle and further time in jail. The defence had also claimed that Watsons regular travels without disturbance since 2012 when the Interpol red notice was issued, including a visit to Monaco to see Prince Albert, illustrated that the decision to request 14 years after the alleged crime was politically motivated. Khalil said that the Japanese arrest warrant, on which the Interpol red notice was based, had been renewed 28 times since it was first issued in 2010. At the time of his arrest in Greenland, Watson had been on his way with a 32-strong crew to practise his decades-long policy of non-violent aggression by intercepting a new Japanese whaling mothership, the 7.5bn (39.4m) Kangei Maru. In an interview with the Guardian from a prison cell, Watson, who has two sons, aged three and eight, as well as a 44-year-old daughter, said he did not believe he would survive a spell in a Japanese prison should he be extradited. He said: I know that if I get sent to Japan, Im not coming home. The Japanese embassy in the UK and the Danish ministry of justice did not respond to a request for comment. Bears are leaving their natural habitats in Japan in search of food. Photograph: Town of Shibecha/AFP/Getty Images A bear that attacked a supermarket employee in northern Japan at the weekend before apparently holing up inside for three days has been exterminated after being found in a trap local authorities had laid near the stores entrance. A 47-year-old man was taken to hospital suffering from facial and other injuries after the attack in the northern prefecture of Akita on Saturday morning. His injuries are not life-threatening, according to local media. Police called in licensed hunters to kill the animal, which is said to be about a metre in length, but they were initially unable to locate it, the Kyodo news agency said. Traps were laid at entrances to the supermarket, where the bear appeared to have eaten large quantities of meat. A drone had also been deployed to establish its whereabouts. Police said the bear had been found in a trap, where honey, apples and bread had been placed, set between an entrance and a storage area after the government informed them the traps sensor had been activated early on Monday morning. The bear was put to sleep before being killed, the Kyodo news agency said. Authorities in parts of northern Japan are struggling to address the rising number of encounters between humans and bears that have left their natural habitat in search of food. Residents have been told to remain vigilant, including those in urban areas, as the animals prepare to go into hibernation, while some have warned that the scarcity of food means that some hungry animals will continue to forage during the colder months. Authorities reported 219 casualties, including six deaths, from bear attacks across 19 of Japans 47 prefectures in the 12 months to March this year the highest figure since nationwide data became available. Fluctuating harvests of bears staple foods and rural depopulation have been cited as factors in the rise in ursine encounters, while experts believe a steady fall in the number of children, whose noisier behaviour helps keeps bears away, is another factor behind the rise in incidents in country towns and villages. The injured man in Akita was attacked while working near the supermarkets delicatessen section before the store opened early on Saturday. Another worker helped him to the safety of a storage area before calling police, Kyodo said. The store was closed and there were no shoppers inside at the time. Several bear sightings had been reported in the neighbourhood, located near the centre of Akita city, in recent days. The prefecture was the scene of two high-profile incidents last year, including one in which a man lost part of an ear after finding a bear in his garage, and another in which several people were mauled at a bus stop. Japans bear population is growing, with one estimate putting the number of black bears at 44,000 compared with 15,000 estimated in 2012. That figure does not include Hokkaido, thought to be home to just under 12,000 Ussuri brown bears, whose population has more than doubled since 1990. Cladding being removed from Bradstowe House in Harrow, north London. Photograph: James Veysey/Rex/Shutterstock Dangerous cladding on all high-rise buildings in government-funded schemes in England will be fixed by the end of 2029, Angela Rayner has pledged. Criticising the pace of remediation, more than seven years after the Grenfell Tower fire killed 72 people, the deputy prime minister announced an acceleration plan on Monday for buildings of 18 metres and over, which will include severe penalties for freeholders who fail to act. She also said that by the end of 2029, every building of 11 metres and over with unsafe cladding would either have been fixed or have a completion date for remedial work, otherwise landlords would face hefty fines. Ministers claimed it was the first time a target date had been set to make buildings safe. But the End Our Cladding Scandal campaign coalition said it was not the meaningful change it was hoping for, which the government had pledged in opposition, and just added more layers of bureaucracy. Rayner said: More than seven years on from the Grenfell tragedy, thousands of people have been left living in homes across this country with dangerous cladding. The pace of remediation has been far too slow for far too long. We are taking decisive action to right this wrong and make homes safe. Our remediation acceleration plan will ensure those responsible for making buildings safe deliver the change residents need and deserve. Related: The Grenfell inquiry is exposing a culture of contempt that has run deep in Britain for decades | Rowan Moore The announcement of the plan follows letters sent by Rayner, the secretary of state for housing, to organisations responsible for fixing residential buildings with unsafe cladding, setting out new deadlines for the commencement of works and telling them they must act now or face the consequences. The government said it has been engaging with mayors, local enforcement agencies and developers since July to address the unacceptably slow pace of remediation. As well as identifying all unsafe buildings the government hopes to have reviewed more than 95% of buildings 11 metres and over by the end of next year and fixing them faster, the other main objective of the joint action plan is to protect residents from the financial burden of remediation. Developers will double the rate at which they fix the buildings they are responsible for under the plan, which will be backed by investment in enforcement so that councils, fire and rescue authorities and the building safety regulator have the capacity to tackle hundreds of cases a year. The government said that only 30% of buildings in England identified to be at risk have been remediated, with potentially thousands more yet to be identified. As well as living in fear, residents have been hit with higher insurance and service charges and stuck with flats they cannot sell. End Our Cladding Scandal believes that as many as 11,000 buildings taller than 11 metres may still be at risk from combustible cladding. Giles Grover, from the campaign, said of the announcement: Its not really going to make much of a difference on the ground, its just making an already complicated approach even more complicated. And to be honest, at this stage, it all feels a bit performative, really. It doesnt look like theres any oversight, youve got too many funding schemes rather than a properly joined-up approach. It just looks like theyve just added further layers of bureaucracy, its all still too vague. He said Labour should do what it proposed in 2021 and create a government-funded building works agency to decide what works are necessary, then commission and pay for them. Grover added that there were issues that hadnt been considered, including buildings under 11 metres and leaseholders who did not qualify to be protected from remediation costs. The governments announcement comes on the same day as MPs will debate the findings of the Grenfell Tower inquirys final report in parliament. Published in September, it blamed decades of government failure and systematic dishonesty of companies for the tragedy. Bags of plastic bottles at a junk shop in Quezon City in the Philippines. Photograph: Eloisa Lopez/Reuters Binding global targets to cut plastic production must be at the centre of any continuing negotiations to secure the worlds first treaty to tackle plastic waste, a group of 85 countries has said. Talks in Busan, South Korea, attempting to secure agreement between more than 200 countries on the details of a plastic pollution treaty ended in failure over the weekend. Graham Forbes, the lead delegate for Greenpeace at the talks, said on Monday: We stand at a historic crossroads. The opportunity to secure an impactful plastics treaty that protects our health, biodiversity and climate remains within reach. The week-long talks, known as INC-5, which were supposed to be the last before the first treaty to cut plastic pollution was signed, ended without agreement in the early hours of Monday in a deadlock over the inclusion of cuts to plastic production between so-called ambition countries and fossil fuel states, which object to any reductions in production. More than 100 countries supported a draft text that included legally binding global reductions in plastic production and phasing out certain chemicals and single-use plastic products. But the resistance of countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran and Russia to production reductions, according to statements in their submissions to the treaty talks, led negotiators to concede defeat. They acknowledged they had failed to bridge serious divisions over the aims of the treaty. Abdulrahman al-Gwaiz, the Saudi Arabian delegate, indicated that production cuts remained a red line for many countries. If you address plastic pollution, there should be no problem with producing plastics, because the problem is the pollution, not the plastics themselves, he said. In response to the failure of the talks, countries pushing for production cuts continued to call for legally binding reductions. Eighty-five countries and political blocs including the UK, the EU, Spain, Germany, Mexico and Greece signed a declaration committing to stand up for ambition in the treaty. Juliet Kabera, the director general of Rwandas environment management authority, said in a statement on behalf of the high-ambition countries: We voice our strong concerns about ongoing calls by a small group of countries to remove binding provisions from the text that are indispensable for the treaty to be effective. The ambition countries said the treaty must contain binding provisions for a global target to reduce the production of primary plastic polymers to sustainable levels. The US, which had spoken of support for voluntary reductions in production, was accused of failing to use its influence to push for legally binding measures. Rachel Radvany, a campaigner for the environmental law group CIEL, said: Despite maintaining in the lead-up to and during the INC that production and chemicals were important measures for the treaty, they refused to answer the call to join more than 100 countries calling for legally binding measures. Hugo Schally, the director general for the environment at the European Commission, said: The EU is disappointed by the outcome of INC-5; we didnt get what we came here for, a binding treaty with decisive action against plastic pollution but we feel encouraged and empowered by a growing number of countries sharing the same ambitions. Another meeting is planned but the UN environment chief, Inger Andersen, acknowledged that deep differences remained and some significant conversations were needed first. I do believe that theres no point in meeting unless we can see a pathway from Busan to the treaty text being gavelled, she said. Andersen said it was clear that theres a group of countries that give voice to an economic sector but she said finding a way forward was possible. Thats how negotiations work. Countries have different interests, they present them and the conversations then have to take place seeking to find that common ground. No date or location has been set for resumed talks. Saudi Arabia and other countries are trying to ensure that they start no sooner than mid-2025. Record numbers of plastic industry lobbyists attended the talks in Busan, with 220 fossil fuel and chemical industry representatives present. Taken as a group, they were the biggest delegation at the talks, with more plastic industry lobbyists than representatives from the EU and each of its member states (191) or the host country, South Korea (140), according to a CIEL analysis. Sixteen lobbyists from the plastics industry attended the talks as part of country delegations. China, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Finland, Iran, Kazakhstan and Malaysia had industry representatives in their delegations, the analysis showed. Joshua Alexander wrote song lyrics about the murder while in custody. Photograph: Metropolitan police/PA A dangerous teenager who shot a woman in the head through the front door of her home in east London has been handed a life sentence. Joshua Alexander, 17, was handed a minimum jail term of 29 years after being found guilty of murdering Lianne Gordon, 42, almost a year ago. Gordon had just returned from a holiday in Jamaica when she was attacked in Hackney on 5 December 2023. Wearing a balaclava, Alexander shot Gordon through her front door as she tried to shut it in an attempt to protect her children. When he returned home, Alexander made 65 searches on news sites and social media in relation to the shooting, searching the words fatal shooting in Hackney and Lianne Gordon. Alexander was arrested at his home address on 8 December 2023. Officers found class A drugs, a machete, a burner phone and drug paraphernalia. A glove seized from the property also had his DNA and firearm residue on it, linking him to the fatal shooting. While in custody, officers found lyrics in Alexanders cell that were a self-congratulating outline of the murder and the shootings. DCI Joanna Yorke, who led the investigation, said: Alexander is a dangerous individual, who at just 16 years old had no qualms about carrying and using a deadly weapon. We are pleased he has been brought to justice and that he will now spend a significant period behind bars. Our thoughts of course remain with the loved ones of Lianne Gordon, a mother of two who was shot dead for reasons we may never fully understand. We know this has been an extremely difficult time and we will continue to offer them our full support. Additionally, Alexander was sentenced to 28 years on two counts of attempted murder for shooting at two men as he entered Gordons estate. He was also sentenced to 16 years for a separate attempted murder charge, two years for possession of a blade, three years for possession of a firearm and 60 months for two counts of possession with intent to supply cocaine. Gordons 16-year-old daughter previously told the trial that she thought the gunshots that killed her mother were fireworks. She said: Mum had her hand on door handle and looked like she was trying to close it. I could see gun tip through the open door. I saw her drop. I went to her. As soon as my mum took her last breath and I was still hearing gunshots and that, I opened the front door and I was screaming at him and he stared me directly in my face. He did not say anything. Everything happened in slow motion. We were face on for a few seconds, maybe five, before he ran off. The federal government has accepted 104 of the 122 recommendations of the defence and veterans suicide royal commission. Photograph: Dave Hunt/AAP The federal government will establish an independent inquiry into sexual violence in the Australian military and ensure serving personnel convicted of sex offences in either criminal or military courts face mandatory discharge. But soldiers wounded on operations will continue to receive greater compensation than those with the same injuries inflicted in training, under the formal response to the defence and veterans suicide royal commission. The chief commissioner, Nick Kaldas, welcomed the governments response on Monday, just three months after the commission published its final report. I hope to look on as the positive outcomes are achieved from all the recommendations for veterans and serving members who have waited a long time for this, Kaldas told Guardian Australia. The government has agreed that sex offences including stalking and abusively distributing intimate images should result in an automatic discharge, subject to appeal. It has also committed to adding emotional intelligence to the key criteria considered for leadership selection and promotion. As part of an overhaul of the way Australias military and bureaucracy trains and treats serving and former defence personnel, the government will establish a new statutory body by September to oversee reform aimed at preventing suicide within the defence and veterans community. The new defence and veterans services commission will also provide evidence-based advice, with an interim head to be appointed as soon as possible. A special taskforce within the prime ministers department will lead the implementation of the royal commissions recommendations. I do want to say that we have the deepest respect for every Australian who wears our nations uniform and serves selflessly to keep us safe, Anthony Albanese told a news conference on Monday. Now we will work tirelessly to improve the system and keep them safe too. The opposition said the governments response was another step towards systemic change. While appointing an interim head is a start, the Albanese government must work at best speed to commence public consultation and any legislation required to ensure this new body is implemented expeditiously, opposition frontbenchers on defence and veterans affairs Andrew Hastie, Barnaby Joyce and Phil Thompson said in a joint statement. Endorsing the addition of an emotional intelligence consideration for leadership, the defence minister, Richard Marles, rejected the suggestion that military service involved acting without emotion. Those who are commanding need to have more emotional intelligence, rather than less, Marles said. It is a really important part of how we understand command and how we understand the kinds of abilities and attributes that our commanders need. Albanese acknowledged that the royal commission ended up with a greater focus on sexual misconduct than it had anticipated at the outset, because of the extent of evidence presented to it. Clearly, we need to do better, the prime minister said. He praised those veterans and their families whose persistence led to the royal commission and whose evidence led to its findings, also singling out independent senator Jacqui Lambie for her advocacy. Personnel found to have engaged in sexual and related offences including harassment, unwanted touching and prejudicial or obscene conduct whether through Defences disciplinary or administrative processes will need to demonstrate why they too should not be discharged. Those facing mandatory discharge would be able to challenge the ruling in a formal process triggered by the conviction. Sexual misconduct and unacceptable behaviour have no place in Defence, the governments published response to the royal commission said. The rates of sexual violence being reported in the ADF are completely unacceptable. The government has vowed to work to change the defence culture to more actively encourage reporting of unacceptable behaviour. There were few details available immediately as to how the foreshadowed independent inquiry into sexual misconduct in the Australian defence force would operate or the power it would have. Some in government are suggesting the new statutory body may be tasked with undertaking it. The royal commission found that between 1985 and 2021, there had been 2,007 confirmed suicide deaths of former or serving ADF personnel an average of at least three every fortnight. Of the royal commissions 122 recommendations, the government has accepted 104 fully or in-principle. It gave only in-principle and not yet outright support to establishing a brain injury program to examine blast impact, saying the new taskforce would consider this. It has rejected the commissions recommendation to change the compensation system that now compensates injuries sustained on warlike operations at a higher rate than those sustained in training. The royal commission recommended standardising the compensation rate based on the severity of injury, not the circumstances. But there was significant pushback in the veterans community and the government has opted to leave the current system in place to acknowledge the extra commitment reflected in serving on operations. This part of a recommendation is the only proposal that has been rejected outright. It is also not proceeding with aligning the Department of Veterans Affairs fee schedule with that of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, arguing more work needs to be done across government to ensure consistency on what is covered, as well as how much is paid. In relation to sexual misconduct, agreed measures include ensuring the Australian defence force has a complete and reliable record of all serving personnel convicted in civilian courts of serious crimes and recording military convictions for sex-related offences in civilian criminal records. The government will expressly require military tribunals to consider the impact on the victim of a sexual offence when sentencing an offender. Where an offender outranks a victim, this will be considered an aggravating factor potentially attracting a higher sentence. Sentencing will involve victim impact statements, with their authors able to choose to read them aloud in open or closed court. It will also publish annual anonymised data on the outcomes of all incidents of sexual misconduct. All changes relating to being forced out of the ADF for sexual and related offences will require legislation. Related: Australia treats its armed forces veterans with a perversely shabby contempt | Paul Daley Among the 17 recommendations it has only noted, without promising action, is the proposal that future inspectors general of the ADF should be civilians who have never served in the ADF. However, it will publish guidance to increase the inspector generals transparency and accountability. The government has also instructed the inspector general to immediately establish an inquiry into commanders abuse and weaponisation of the military justice system and has agreed to establish a new military justice system assurance branch from next month, to better oversee the systems operation. Veteran and advocate lawyer Glenn Kolomeitz now a NSW Senate candidate for the Jacqui Lambie Network welcomed the governments response but warned that the ADFs administrative processes need fixing before linking the presumption of discharge to administrative findings. The devils in the detail of course, Kolomeitz told Guardian Australia of the governments measures. I want to make sure the government doesnt allow a return to business as usual by Defence. There will be changes to new-recruit training to address stress factors sooner and for career managers to respond to trauma. The government has agreed to review its respite policies to help members returning from deployment to decompress and reintegrate and to do more to help defence families manage domestic postings. It has also agreed to: publish better procedural fairness guidance those deciding on job classifications; more thoroughly consider the impact of mental health before recommending administrative termination; trial a model outside the chain of command for supporting members involved in the military justice system; and directly address the risk factors for suicide and report on progress. Support for veterans and their families is available 24 hours a day from Open Arms on 1800 011 046 and Safe Zone Support on 1800 142 072. Hayat Line is a free and confidential crisis support line for Muslims on 1300 993 398. Gregg Wallace stepped away from MasterChef last week after The Telegraph published allegations made against him - Instagram Gregg Wallaces comments about middle-class women were inappropriate and misogynistic, No 10 has said. The former MasterChef presenter, 60, claimed allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour made against him came from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age. On Monday afternoon, Wallace apologised for his comments. In a video posted to Instagram, he said: I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people. I wasnt in a good head space when I posted it. Ive been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion. I felt very alone, under siege yesterday when I posted it. Its obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is under way. I hope you understand, and I do hope that you will accept this apology. Credit: Instagram/greggawallace Wallace stepped away from the cooking show last week in the wake of allegations published by The Telegraph as part of a four-month investigation into his alleged behaviour. Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, met BBC bosses over the weekend amid the row surrounding Wallace, Downing Street also said. Asked whether MasterChef should be pulled off air, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said: On this, as we said last week, these allegations are obviously deeply concerning. Its right that a thorough investigation is conducted. Obviously thats for the BBC and the production company, but I would add that the Culture Secretary spoke with the BBC leadership at the end of last week on this matter and wider workplace culture issues to seek assurances that there are robust processes in place to deal with the complaints. And as you know, clearly the comments that weve seen from the individual over the weekend were completely inappropriate and misogynistic. The spokesman added: As you know, the BBC is conducting an independent review into workplace culture, which must deliver clear and timely recommendations, and its essential that staff and the wider public have confidence that the BBC takes these issues seriously. Asked whether Sir Keir believed the BBC represented good value for taxpayer cash after another scandal involving one of its presenters, the spokesman said: As I say, its important that the public have got confidence that the BBC are taking these issues seriously. Its right that the BBC are conducting this independent review, and the public would expect to see clear and timely recommendations followed up on as result of this review. The 17th series of MasterChef: The Professionals is due to air at 9pm on Monday, with the competition at the semi-final stage. But Dr Rupa Huq, the Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton, said although Wallace has stepped back, it would make no difference as he would still be dangled on our screens. Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Dr Huq said: I think possibly there is an argument for pausing while this investigation takes its course and maybe not airing it tonight. It could be massively triggering for the women involved in fact, any woman involved in any type of similar incidents. Because otherwise I know youre saying hes stopped presenting but to the casual viewer theres not going to be any difference if its on TV tonight. It looks like he got away with it, and I think the BBC should send a strong signal. We need to let the investigation do its work, but at the same time if hes being dangled on our screens when all this is going on I just think at the moment, maybe pause it. I feel that if you let this programme go out, it kind of sends the signal that it is ok. If it was taken off for now, it would send a strong signal that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable. On Monday, Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, described Wallaces behaviour as boorish. He told Talk TV: He perhaps had a way of talking and behaving that we would call outdated to say the very least, but his pushback strikes me as being somewhat catastrophic. It does show a certain arrogance, a certain incomprehension that he might have behaved badly, so I think hes dug himself an even deeper hole than he was in before. What is surprising is that the BBC didnt step in earlier and say, look, this is inappropriate, out of date and it really is actually genuinely upsetting some people, please change your behaviour and it seems that no one did that which I do find, particularly in the modern world, a bit odd. Last week, Banijay UK, the production company that makes MasterChef for the BBC, said it was conducting an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate. Arda Konstantine says they had to sign up to a traineeship to get their job at Grilld. It meant they earned $3.38 less than the hourly national minimum for their age. Photograph: Ellen Smith/The Guardian Ada Konstantine could vote, drink and drive a car. But as they were 19 years old, their employer, Grilld, was legally able to pay them just $16.50 an hour $3.38 less than the hourly national minimum for their age. If Konstantine worked at the fast food chains airport store, their rate bumped up an extra $2. While employed at Grilld, Konstantine never got weekend or public holiday rates. So the most I ever got paid to work at Grilld was $18.50 an hour, and I was living out of home, paying rent, paying bills, Konstantine says. Related: Guardian Essential poll: election warning signs for Labor as voters flunk government on housing costs and wages The reason Konstantine got paid less than minimum wage was simple: their employment at Grilld was contingent on completing a certificate three in hospitality. Grilld, a nationwide burger chain, and other employers are legally allowed to use government-subsided training to pay these workers less than minimum wage. Unions are calling for the abolishment of junior rates (often known as a training wage) for over-18s and want an end to traineeships because the schemes exploit young workers, they claim. They also want the minimum wage for people aged 18 to 21 raised in line with the $24.10 adult wage. But business groups argue that paying young workers more would cut their employment opportunities. Konstantine says they had to sign up to the traineeship to get the job at Grilld. They were very insistent upon it, Konstantine says. I asked if I could opt out of it, and they said, Unfortunately not. So it was either I took the [traineeship] or I didnt have a job at Grilld. Because Konstantine didnt get penalty rates on weekends or public holidays, they supplemented their wage with the youth allowance. I ate a lot of pasta and a shit tonne of rice, they said. I dont want to exaggerate anything, it truly was pure misery. It really sucked. A Grilld spokesperson said its traineeship program provides foundational training. Grilld would like to clarify that all team members have a choice regarding their employment pathway and team members will be recruited in different ways depending upon their skills and experience, the spokesperson said in a statement. Grilld is committed to the ongoing development of trainees and supporting them through their learning journey. This year Konstantine started a new job. The higher casual rate has meant they can afford to eat and live better and start studying at university. Under current laws, workers younger than 21 get a percentage of the $24.10 hourly adult minimum wage: 20-year-olds are paid $23.55, 19-year-olds receive $19.88 and 18-year-olds get $16.46. Backed by the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the SDA one of the unions for retail, fast food and warehouse workers has lodged an application at the Fair Work Commission seeking to remove junior rates for employees aged 18 and older, lifting all ages to $24.10 an hour. The SDA also want rates for 16-year-olds lifted to 50% of the minimum wage, up from 47.3%, and 75% for 17-year-olds, up from 57.8%. Felicity Sowerbutts, the director at the Youth Workers Centre, points to a 2022 report from the McKell Institute which showed young workers were earning $3.5bn less compared with what they would earn on the adult rates. She said the majority of that was going into the pockets of big businesses including Coles, Woolworths and McDonalds, who could afford to pay workers properly. They are large companies worldwide companies, they can afford to pay young workers a living wage, Sowerbutts says. The United Workers Union wants an overhaul of the traineeship system. Tim Kennedy, the UWUs national secretary, accused employers of exploiting a loophole in workplace laws to pay people well below whats needed to get by. Those systems, he says, were forcing people on to traineeships and relying on the disparity thats created with junior rates. Zahra is a manager on a part-time contract at Hungry Jacks in regional Victoria. This month, after turning 18, her pay went up 10% to $19 an hour. We are one of the best-paid fast food [businesses] and we still dont get paid that much, she says. Zahra is saving and wants to buy a house by the time she turns 23. But without an adult wage saving is difficult, she says. If youre working full-time, youd be getting [about] 30% less than an adult would, she says. The difference over a year could be thousands of dollars. A spokesperson for Hungry Jacks says it is transparent in its workplace agreements and complies with relevant legislation. Bran Black, the chief executive of the Business Council, which represents employers, says raising the minimum rate would disincentive businesses to employ younger, less-experienced staff. Related: How can News Corp call its gas splash an exclusive and a special report when its paid for by industry? | Adam Morton Weve already seen such a huge amount of industrial relations change over the last two years that businesses are saying we just cant take any more, he told the ABC. Kerry Brown, a professor of employment and industry at Edith Cowan University, says the youth rate was established to boost employment. Youth unemployment in October was 9.3%, more than double the 4.1% for adults. Employing young people helps them to gather experience and fosters mentoring in the workplace, she says. As you gather that experience, you work towards the adult rate. Without the lower rates, Brown says youth unemployment will go higher. But Konstantine, who can now afford to live in a rental with their partner instead of a rundown share house, says the low rates of pay held them back. There was no way they would have been able to enrol at university while working at Grilld, they say. It just wouldnt have been feasible. Judge lifted reporting restrictions after Joshua Alexandar, 17, was sentenced for murder - Metropolitan Police A teenage gangster who murdered a woman as she tried to protect her children during a turf war between rivals should be hanged, the victims mother told a court. Joshua Alexander, 17, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 29 years at the Old Bailey on Monday. Lianne Gordon, 42, had only just returned from a holiday in Jamaica when she was attacked in her home in Hackney, east London, on Dec 5 2023. She was the unintended victim of a gang feud between rivals in the neighbourhood, jurors heard. Alexander had denied being the gunman but was found guilty in October of Ms Gordons murder following a trial at the Old Bailey. A jury found him guilty of attempting to kill a 17-year-old boy and 21-year-old man who were shot in the street during the same incident. Alexander was also convicted of affray, having a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a bladed article, and possession of class A drugs with intent to supply. On Monday, a judge lifted a reporting restriction on naming Alexander, who turns 18 in February. Judge David Aubrey KC said the background to the case was sadly all too familiar. Delivering his sentencing remarks, he said: It is one of turf wars, territory, violence between rival gangs and consequential tragedy and grief. In a victim impact statement, Ms Gordons mother Ella Leatham said that Alexander should be hanged. She said: Dec 5 2023, will be with me for the rest of my days. I now know how other families who have had a family member killed feel. I am angry and upset at losing Lianne, this is no joke. Lianne Gordon was shot in her own home in Hackney, east London - UNPIXS Addressing Alexander in the dock, Judge Aubrey told the killer: You murdered an innocent woman who was behind her front door in her own home. Her home should have been a sanctuary, a place of safety. It was, however, where she met her death at your hands while you were in possession of a firearm. The judge said Alexander, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was on a mission that night to execute members of your opposing gang. He told Alexander: You have shown no remorse whatsoever. Notwithstanding that you have murdered an innocent person in her own home who was not the intended target. The judge said this was illustrated by rap lyrics found in his prison cell glorifying his crimes. The trial was told that rap lyrics were recovered from Alexanders cell in January referring to the shooting saying that Ms Gordon was wigged. Judge Aubrey said Alexander, who was linked to the murder by DNA and phone evidence, had devastated Ms Gordons family and caused them unimaginable grief. Ms Gordons twin sister, Louise, described her as a force of nature and said everything has been destroyed, shattered and broken since her death. In a victim impact statement, she told the court: I feel like I have lost my other half. She had nothing but love for me, as she did for everyone who was lucky enough to be in her circle. Ms Gordons sister added: I feel like Im underwater most days trying to stay afloat. My mind is still in constant turmoil. She said her twin was shot like a gangster in her own home, adding: This gun crime has ripped a hole in my family and there is nothing we can do about it. Family cheered Family members in court cheered and said yes as the sentence was passed down by the judge, while another person in the public gallery shouted rot in hell. At the time of the shooting, Alexander had been on bail, with conditions not to enter Hackney, for attempted murder relating to a separate incident last March. On the evening of Dec 5, Ms Gordons son Kaymound was in the shower and her daughter came out of her room when she heard what she thought were fireworks. Ms Gordon died at the scene from a single gunshot wound to the head while the two victims outside were treated in hospital. Det Ch Insp Joanna Yorke, who led the investigation, said: Alexander is a dangerous individual, who at just 16 years old had no qualms about carrying and using a deadly weapon. We are pleased he has been brought to justice and that he will now spend a significant period behind bars. Jurors had heard the shooting was the culmination of a series of incidents. Prosecutor Mark Fenhalls KC said the incidents resulted from a dispute between two Hackney gangs, including the Pembury Gang with which Alexander was associated. Alexander had a series of previous convictions dating back to when he was 15 years old, including a conviction for attempted murder after he acted as a lookout when a man was shot and stabbed at Hackney Central station on March 1 2023. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said this so-called deterrent did not result in a single deportation - ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP/Getty The Home Office spent 50 million on an airfield and planes for its Rwanda scheme, without a single deportation flight taking off. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, published a breakdown of the 715 million spent by the previous government on its scheme to detain and deport illegal migrants to Rwanda. It showed the bulk included 290 million in annual payments to support economic development and a further 280 million on digital, IT and data systems, legal costs and the deployment of 1,000 Home Office staff to work on the policy. But it also included 50 million to secure flights, prepare the airfield, pay for police officers to secure the area and train staff to escort the migrants onto the plane. The cost of the Rwanda scheme included 50m to secure flights and prepare the airfield - Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images It included hiring an aircraft hangar and a fuselage to enable security officials to practise forcibly placing migrants onto planes in preparation for Rwanda deportation flights. Officials planned for three minders for every migrant who would get them onto the plane and then escort them to Rwanda. As part of preparations for the first flights, the guards underwent training to deal with disruptive people. Staff mimicked different scenarios that the Home Office expected them to encounter. Detailing the costs in a Commons statement, Ms Cooper said four migrants had gone voluntarily to Rwanda at a cost of more than 700 million. The result of that massive commitment of time and money was 84,000 crossed the Channel from the day the deal was signed to the day it was scrapped, she told MPs. This so-called deterrent did not result in a single deportation or stop a single boat crossing the Channel. For the British taxpayer, it was a grotesque waste of money. Her comments came as it was confirmed that more than 20,000 migrants have crossed the Channel since Labour came to power at the beginning of July. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: It has been 150 days up to yesterday since July 4, and in that time a staggering 20,110 people have made the dangerous, illegal and unnecessary crossing, over 20,000 since this Government was elected. That is an 18 per cent increase on the same 150 days last year, and it is a staggering 64 per cent increase on the 150 days immediately prior to the election. He blamed Labours decision to scrap the Rwanda scheme for the surge in crossings, noting that the National Crime Agency had said no amount of funding or action would stop the crossings without an effective removals deterrence. Now the Labour Government, after it was elected, cancelled that deterrent, he said. Chris Philp called on the Government to introduce a hard cap on immigration numbers - Ben Whitley/PA He said the Government should introduce a hard cap on immigration numbers: If theyre really serious about reducing net migration as we are, what we really need is a hard cap on the numbers, proposed by the leader of the opposition and I last week. So will they follow our suggestion and introduce that hard cap? Ms Cooper also revealed that there had been a surge of thousands of asylum claims from Colombians and Jordanians after the previous Government lifted visa restrictions, meaning they could travel to the UK as tourists without any additional paperwork. After the visa regime on Colombia was lifted in the final quarter of 2022, there were 3,300 asylum claims from the country, more applications per quarter than in the entire previous 10 years. By the end of this Parliament, the Home Office projected at least 7,200 claims, costing 128 million, equivalent to opening eight hotels to house Colombians alone. Both routes have now been closed, with travellers from Jordan and Colombia both now requiring visas to come to the UK. Octavia Johnson is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Bluesky (@octaviajnews.bsky.social), TikTok (@octaviaj_news) and Facebook (Octavia R. Johnson). Before joining the Chronicle, Octavia worked as a digital content producer at WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tenn., where she became a leader in producing fast-paced, audience-focused content. Octavia graduated from UNC Pembroke with a bachelor's degree in journalism before earning her master's degree in media and communications at Norfolk State University. Donald Trump will probably also enrage the establishment with many pardons of his own - Justin Lane-Pool/Getty Images Donald Trump has big plans to shake up what he calls the deep state. Joe Bidens pardon of his son Hunter may just have given him a gift that will help him do that. Trump has spent years clashing with the federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies, as well as the foreign policy establishment. In Trumps telling, American politics is a cynical racket, and the permanent denizens of the swamp the civil service in DC and the bureaucracies they populate serve as a kind of Praetorian Guard to protect that racket rather than keep it honest. Theres a two-tiered system of justice, where the favoured insiders get kid-glove treatment, while disruptive outsiders such as Trump dont just get the book thrown at them they also face draining lawfare. That includes secret spying, seemingly never-ending investigations, and anonymously-sourced leaks. This prevents anyone from deviating too far from the civil services consensus centre-Left views on foreign affairs or the law, even if the voters elect them to do precisely that. Its an exaggerated portrait, and one thats unfair to a lot of diligent public servants doing necessary work to keep Americans safe. But there is more than enough truth to it to cry out for reform. Trump first won the presidency in part due to accumulated public revulsion at a quarter-century of Bill and Hillary Clinton getting away with all manner of sins personal, political, and financial. The capper was Mrs Clinton skating on mishandling of national security information with an off-the-books home email server while she was secretary of state. When it came out later that both Trump and Biden had stored national secret documents at their homes, Trump was charged with dozens of felonies and Biden walked. The pattern continued as Trump spent two years under investigation for the non-existent crime of collusion in 2017-18 and faced a blizzard of criminal and civil charges in 2023-24. His first choice for national security advisor got charged in a sting operation that started before Trump even took office. When Hunter got a shady gig on the board of a Ukrainian gas company in 2014 and Biden bragged publicly about getting the Ukrainians to fire a prosecutor looking into the company, the only charge that got brought was the House impeaching Trump. When Biden needed to claim during the 2020 campaign that a laptop belonging to his son and full of incriminating information was a Russian plant, luminaries from across the intelligence agencies lined up to sign a public letter giving credibility to the lie. The Biden family got rich over Joes half a century in public service, and congressional investigators could get only part way to the bottom of all the foreign money lining their coffers. When IRS agents tried to dig further, they got shut down by their superiors. When prosecutors tried to bury the whole story in a sweetheart plea deal that would prevent anyone from prosecuting Hunter in the future, a judge called it out and humiliated them into bringing him to trial. He had to plead guilty to more limited tax charges after a jury found him guilty on federal gun charges. Now, Joe has handed down a presidential pardon of staggering breadth, releasing Hunter not only from being sentenced for the gun and tax charges but for any crimes committed since January 1 2014 conveniently, far enough back to cover his whole time on the Ukrainian gas company board. For Trump, this may make it harder to bring a revenge prosecution against the Biden family. But after chasing Joe out of the presidential race and defeating his vice-president at the polls, Trumps real targets are the deep state agencies and the people who brought the charges against him. The furore over this blatantly self-serving pardon will help fortify his case for root and branch reforms to drain the swamp and end the two-tiered system of justice. Trump has already shown some of his cards in this direction with personnel choices. Matt Gaetz, the bomb-throwing Congressman harshly critical of the Justice Department, was Trumps first pick to run the place. Kash Patel, his choice to run the FBI, has said that he wants to expel the bureaus entire Washington staff from DC and turn its headquarters into a museum of government abuses. Tulsi Gabbard, a critic of the national security establishment, is his pick for director of national intelligence. Trump will probably also enrage the establishment with many pardons of his own, including a great many participants in the Capitol riot of January 6, 2021. Judging by his first-term pardons, hell probably also give clemency to personal cronies, ideological allies, and crooked politicians of both parties. But there, too, the Hunter pardon will hamper Democrats in convincing the voters that this is anything but fair payback. Dan McLaughlin is a senior writer at National Review A wave of airstrikes has pummelled hospitals and neighbourhoods in the rebel-held region of Idlib in northern Syria as Islamist insurgents continued to battle forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad after the militants lightning assault on Aleppo. White Helmets civil defence forces based in Idlib, from where the insurgents had launched their attack, said Russian airstrikes had struck five healthcare facilities including a maternity hospital. At least 18 people were killed and 35 injured, they said, adding that they feared numbers could rise. Russia, along with Iran, is a key backer of Assad and entered the Syrian civil war nearly a decade ago in support of his regime. Irans foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaeil told reporters on Monday that Tehran would continue to deploy military personnel to support Damascus in accordance with the wishes of the government. Video from Idlib showed plumes of smoke rising over the city, streets covered in ash and cars on fire in a residential neighbourhood. In a photo shared by the White Helmets, a pile of rubble and cement was visible in a crater in a hospital courtyard. No one was prepared for bombardments on this scale over such a large area, said Ismail Alabdullah, of the White Helmets. Just now there was an attack on the city hospital in Idlib. Two people died as it caused the oxygen supply to the hospital to break down. Earlier on Monday, Iranian-backed Iraqi militias reportedly crossed into eastern Syria in an attempt to shore up struggling forces loyal to Damascus, battling an insurgency that has swept much of the countrys north-west as Islamist militants seized control of Aleppo. The defence ministry in Damascus said it had deployed military reinforcements to Hama where fierce fighting was reported to the citys north and other flashpoints as they attempted to mount a counterattack. An officer with the Syrian army told Reuters that the Iraqi militia forces crossing the border were fresh reinforcements being sent to aid our comrades on the frontlines in the north. The Iraqi militants, which include fighters from Kataib Hezbollah and Fatemiyoun groups, arrived near the eastern Syrian town of Bukamal overnight to join units already deployed within Syria. Muqdad Miri, a spokesperson for the Iraqi interior ministry, denied that any units from the Iraqi militias had crossed into Syria, calling reports fabricated talk that had spread on social media. Related: Why did Syrian militants HTS seize Aleppo and how did they do it so quickly? Forces loyal to Assad were unexpectedly swept from Syrias second city over the weekend after an offensive spearheaded by Islamist militants from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who claimed swaths of new territory across northern Syria alongside rebel groups backed by Turkey. The rout of Syrian army forces from Aleppo, amid reports their defensive lines crumbled in the face of the advance, undermined Assads already fractured control of the country, which has relied heavily on support from Moscow and Tehran. As battles flared across north-western Syria with insurgents attempting to move south, Assads allies attempted to shore up support for Damascus, fuelling an already years-long proxy war. The Syrian president moved to crush a popular uprising against him in 2011, which quickly spiralled into a bloody civil war. Damascus employed air support from Russia during a prolonged battle to retake Aleppo that ended in 2016, while Assad also deployed chemical weapons and siege tactics against his own people. Damascus has remained dependent on Iranian ground troops as well as backing from Iranian-allied Iraqi militias to support flagging Syrian army forces in its attempt to keep control of the country. The sudden loss of Aleppo left Assad and his regional partners, as well as their opponents, scrambling to adjust. After a meeting with Assad in Damascus on Sunday evening, the Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, labelled their talks a useful, frank and friendly discussion, adding that the Syrian president had admirable courage and spirit. The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, on Monday pledged unconditional support for Assads control of Syria during a phone conversation. The US and the United Arab Emirates meanwhile held talks to discuss lifting sanctions on Assad if he were to cut ties with Iran and stop the flow of weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to five sources that spoke to Reuters. The sources said the insurgents sweeping advance had shown a weakness in Assads partnership with Iran that could be exploited, although this could be undermined should Assad look to Tehran for further assistance in the mounting counteroffensive. Nearly 50,000 people have been displaced in Syria in recent days, with the situation remaining highly fluid, the UNs humanitarian agency said Monday. The US state department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said in a briefing on Monday that Assad was a brutal dictator with blood on his hands, the blood of innocent civilians and that Washingtons stance on his rule had not changed. He said the US wanted to see a de-escalation of fighting, and negotiations between the government in Damascus and opposition forces to end the civil war. US sanctions on Syria remained fully in effect, he added, despite a looming potential expiry date later this month. The Syrian regime has shown no change in behaviour that would indicate that our sanctions should change, he said. The Iraqi prime minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, also discussed the sudden changes in Syria with Jordans King Abdullah II, telling him that Syrias security and stability are closely linked to Iraqs national security and play a crucial role in regional security, according to his office. Araghchi arrived in Ankara for talks with the Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, early on Monday morning. Ankara had previously made public overtures towards Damascus while backing rebel groups along Syrias northern border. We do not want to see an escalation of the civil war in Syria, said Fidan after their meeting, and called for Damascus to reconcile with its own people and legitimate opposition. Related: Syria crisis due to Assads refusal to engage with opposition, says Turkish minister With Islamist opposition militants in control of Aleppo, the White Helmets said they had expanded their rescue efforts there after Syrian and Russian strikes on the city. An airstrike targeted a central neighbourhood of Aleppo for the second day in a row, causing material damage and sparking fears about further reprisals by Damascus. Alabdullah said: We have a team in Aleppo and were doing everything we can to respond, but the regime is still bombing so we know we are going to face more difficulties. The situation is very difficult. Fuad, a university lecturer living in western Aleppo who requested a pseudonym for his own safety, said Aleppos new rulers had asked people to remain at home for their safety, and to protect their property people were allowed to go out to get food and necessities. I heard they gave reassurances to residents that they will be safe, which is really important at this stage as people are scared, he said. The White Helmets said they had also broadened their operations to try to assist tens of thousands of displaced people to return to their homes across north-western Syria. Supporting the return of forcibly displaced Syrians to their homes is one of our top priorities, they said in a statement. Oubadah Alwan, a spokesperson for the White Helmets, said it advocated caution in their returns because of unexploded ordnance. Our teams are working to clear and secure areas after attacks, but of course with so many attacks happening they are spread thin, he said. Rebel fighters posed on an aircraft after they gained control of Aleppos military airport - ANAS ALKHARBOUTLI/AVALON Iran has sent militia groups into Syria to prop up Bashar al-Assad, as China also gave its backing to the regime. At least 300 fighters crossed from Iraq as Tehran said it would provide full support to the beleaguered dictator after rebel groups seized the city of Aleppo and charged south toward Hama and Damascus. Fighters crossed from outposts in Iraq late on Sunday using a dirt road to avoid the official border crossing, security sources said. On Monday, Russia again joined Syrian regime forces in bombing rebel-held cities, killing at least 25 people. Meanwhile, China said it supports Syrias efforts to maintain national security and stability in its first comments on the reignited civil war. It is unlikely to lend military support however. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed terrorist group, also refused to deploy units to Syria to help Assad, after being badly mauled by Israels air and land campaign in Lebanon. Rebel fighters pictured on Monday at an airport in Aleppo after they seized control of the city - AAREF WATAD/AFP The Kremlin said on Monday that Vladimir Putin had held a phone call with Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian president, about the renewed fighting in Syria, and made his first public statement since rebels captured Aleppo last week. Unconditional support was expressed for the actions of the legitimate authorities of Syria to restore constitutional order and to restore the political, economic and social stability of the Syrian state. the Kremlin said. Russia has backed Syria since intervening in the civil war in 2015. It has also become a firm ally of Iran during its war in Ukraine, relying on Iranian missiles and drones to supply its forces on the front line. It has also grown closer to China. Syrian government troops were on Monday reported to be building a fortified defensive line in northern Hama in an attempt to stall an offensive that has reignited the Syrian civil war after years of stagnant front lines. The militiamen were expected to support the Syrian armys push back against the insurgents. The Assad regime has for years been heavily reliant on support from Iran and Russia to maintain its grip on power, after 2011 pro-democracy protests escalated into a brutal civil war. Tehran has poured in billions of dollars, as well as troops, arms, equipment and advisers to keep Assad in government. Abbas Araghchi, Irans foreign minister, said on Monday that Syrias military was capable of confronting the rebels but, resistance groups will help and Iran will provide any support needed. Washington and the United Arab Emirates have reportedly been discussing driving a wedge into the Tehran-Damascus alliance by lifting sanctions on Assad if he peels himself away from Iran and cuts off weapons routes to Lebanons Hezbollah. Credit: X/@FHomse Hezbollah has been a key bulwark for Assad, having fought for his regime since 2012. However, the groups leadership and infrastructure have been hammered by an intense Israeli assault in southern Lebanon over recent weeks, and it is not currently planning to send troops to help Assad. Hezbollah forces fought for years in Syria, before pulling back as the group came under attack from Israel in October. The groups fighters had not yet been asked by Assad to intervene, but were not ready to send forces because of the war in Lebanon, sources said. Assad said the offensive led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadist group and its allies was an attempt to redraw the map of the region, in remarks during a call with Iran on Monday. Residents try to extinguish fires following an air strike on the rebel-held city of Idlib - OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP A statement from the government said Assad had told Iran: The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redraw the map in line with the objectives of the United States and the West. Inside rebel-held territory, Russia continued air strikes and was accused of hitting five hospitals and three schools within Aleppo and Idlib. The speed of Syrian regime troop withdrawal had shocked Aleppos inhabitants, residents told the Telegraph, who now face aerial bombardment and an uncertain future under rebel control. Commanders of the HTS group, which had its roots with al-Qaeda before turning on the extremists, have tried to assure Aleppos minorities that they will be safe. The rebels have released a statement urging Aleppos Kurds not to flee the city and declaring that diversity is a strength. The aftermath of a Syrian government attack in Idlib on Monday - Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets A Syrian Christian from inside Aleppo, who gave his name as George, said: After the rebels took control, we thought we would be in danger, but that did not happen. However, we were very surprised by the withdrawal of the Syrian army and its allies. I think that was agreed upon by the major countries. We are in our homes and praying to be safe. Some neighbourhoods were subjected to air strikes and that must stop immediately. There are civilians and they should not be bombed. Mohammad Malah, another resident, said: Suddenly, the Syrian army and its allies withdrew. We thought that they would resist more, but that did not happen. So far, we are fine, but the situation is very complicated and we do not know what to do or what will happen in the future. Dr Abu Aboida, another Aleppo resident, said the rebel forces who had captured the city had treated residents well. He said: We dont feel afraid of the anti-government military, but we are afraid of the air strikes. The strikes are attacking everywhere. Yesterday, we had five or six strikes and a lot of civilian people died. Exiled Iranians show their support for the rapper Toomaj Salehi at a protest in Oslo, July 2023. Photograph: NTB/Alamy The Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, who was sentenced to death in April for his support of anti-regime protests, has been released from prison by the Iranian authorities. Salehi was sentenced by a revolutionary court in April for backing the Woman, Life, Freedom protests in September 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman who died in police custody. He was arrested in October 2022 for making public statements in support of public protests. The popular rappers songs also condemned oppression and executions in Iran. During his detention, Salehi claimed he had been subjected to torture, which included beatings that caused fractures to his hands and leg, and prolonged periods of solitary confinement. In June 2024, Irans supreme court overturned his death sentence after sustained pressure for him to be freed, yet refused to release him. Related: Iran announces treatment clinic for women who defy strict hijab laws Negin Niknaam, a spokesperson for the rapper, told the Guardian that neither Salehi nor his family had been told that he was to be freed. Toomaj himself didnt know he was going to be released. They told him at 23.30 that he is to be released right away. His father was asleep and they took him home discreetly at 12am because they feared due to his popularity people would gather outside the prison. According to Arezou Eghbali Babadi, Salehis cousin, who is based in Belgium, news of his release had been greeted with cautious optimism by his family and supporters. While we celebrate his freedom, we will never forget that he should have never spent even a moment in prison for simply demanding freedom and humanity, she said. We will not forget the brutal torture he endured or the immense pressure the regime placed on all of us. We must absolutely remain vigilant to ensure Toomaj stays safe. And we will not forget the countless other freedom seekers still unjustly imprisoned, waiting for us to be their voice and to continue the fight for a free Iran. Anti-immigration protesters are stopped at a police barrier near the Irish parliament - Paul Faith /AFP The horrifying toll exacted by the Irish election process was shockingly visible over the last stretch in the heavily-lined face of 37 year old Taoiseach Simon Harris, who was swept into office last April on a wave of enthusiasm to replace Leo Varadkar as leader of Fine Gael when he unexpectedly resigned. Where the 45-year-old bored and demoralised Varadkar had seemed exhausted, though prematurely grey, this 37-year-old speedily christened the TikTok Taoiseach exuded confidence, youth and mastery of social media. Sure, he had Crohns disease, but it seemed to make no inroads into his boundless energy. His main coalition partner, 65 year old Micheal Martin, who had put in eleven years at the helm of Fianna Fail, looked tired by comparison, as did 54 year old Mary Lou McDonald, president of Sinn Fein since 2018, leader of the parliamentary opposition since 2020 and still recovering from a major operation. Harris criss-crossed Ireland introducing himself to his troops and the nation, polls reflected the Harris bounce and few were surprised when he called an early election Still, by that time there were serious worries. He was skilled in domestic politics but his essential shallowness was becoming evident. There didnt seem to be much vision beyond perpetual motion, and in his failure to pace himself, he betrayed his inexperience. As a Fianna Fail observer remarked: When the whole proposition is your leader, hes your USP, your golden ticket, thats got to last the course. Instead, the new energy is gone. It didnt last the three weeks. More seriously, nor did his good humour. He had a clash in a County Cork supermarket with an unhappy disability carer which hit the airwaves and the headlines and was as damaging to him as was Gordon Browns dismissal of Gillian Duffy during the 2010 general election as bigoted. Grovelling did not work. And meanwhile McDonald had recovered her mojo and Martin was exhibiting his customary calm. Like the British electorate, the Irish were looking for change. But since Sinn Fein are cultish and inspire little trust, neither major competitor wants to go into coalition with it. The only chance was for Sinn Fein to have a major breakthrough and form a government with small parties and renegades. Ireland is a rich country, but rattled by uncontrolled immigration and fear that tariffs and tax threats imposed by Donald Trump might disastrously reduce Irelands tax haul from American-based multinationals the electorate played safe, resisted the temptation to give protest votes to the likes of the popular Gerry The Monk Hutch (the reputed head of a crime family think Ronnie Biggs with a Dublin accent), contained the Sinn Fein threat, and, as a coalition wit put it, We stagnated ourselves to victory. Sinn Fein will be spurned again by Harris and Martin and have stopped predicting the imminent enthronement of McDonald as the first female Taoiseach. They have, however, done well enough to stymie a two-party government. The Greens, down to one member of the Dail, will no longer be a coalition partner and smaller parties like Labour and the Social Democrats are reluctant to go down that fatal path, so there could be weeks of haggling with independents. A solid government should emerge. As history shows, independents can be bought relatively cheaply. And they treasure their seats. When theyre bought, theyre bought. Joe and Hunter Biden in Nantucket, Massachusetts, on Friday. Photograph: Craig Hudson/Reuters Joe Biden has issued a full and unconditional pardon to his son Hunter Biden covering convictions on federal gun and tax charges, the US president said in a statement released by the White House on Sunday. The decision marks a reversal for the president, who had repeatedly said he would not use his executive authority to pardon his son or commute his sentence. Hunter Biden was scheduled to be sentenced for his conviction on federal gun charges on 12 December. He was scheduled to be sentenced in the tax case four days later. Related: Hunter Biden pleads guilty in federal tax case after day of back-and-forth In the statement, Joe Biden said that he had long maintained that he would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. But, he argued, it is clear that Hunter was treated differently, adding that the charges in the case came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Hunter Biden was found guilty in Delaware in June on three felony counts relating to his purchase of a handgun in 2018. He had written on his gun-purchase form, falsely, that he was not a user of illicit drugs. He pleaded guilty to nine federal tax charges in Los Angeles in September, opting for an open plea, where a defendant pleads guilty to the charges and leaves his sentencing fate in the hands of the judge. The tax charges carried up to 17 years behind bars and the gun charges were punishable by up to 25 years, though federal sentencing guidelines were expected to call for far less time and it was possible the presidents son would have avoided prison time entirely. The pardon covers all offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024, including but not limited to all offenses charged or prosecuted. Joe Biden said on Sunday evening that his son had been prosecuted when without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. He noted in the statement that those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. Biden accused his political opponents of singling out his 54-year-old son. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, he said. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. Biden departed for Angola later on Sunday evening for what may be his last foreign trip as president before leaving office. Speculation had been mounting that the president would issue a pardon since Hunter was seen with his father in Nantucket over the Thanksgiving break. Donald Trump had said in October that he would not be surprised if Hunter Biden were to receive a pardon. I wouldnt take it off the books, Trump said. See, unlike Joe Biden, despite what theyve done to me, where theyve gone after me so viciously And Hunters a bad boy. On Sunday, Trump reacted with outrage, writing on his social network: Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! Just one day earlier, though, Trump had reminded Americans that he himself had previously used the pardon power to wipe away convictions of those close to him. In his final weeks in office, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in law, Jared Kushner, as well as multiple allies convicted in special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. On Saturday, Trump announced plans to nominate the elder Kushner to be the US ambassador to France. Republicans have long zeroed in on Hunter Bidens difficulties questions around lucrative foreign consultancies, broken relationships and a crack cocaine addiction in an effort to politically damage his father. A laptop Hunter Biden left in a Delaware repair shop that made its way into Republican hands formed a scandal in the closing days of the 2020 election. Republicans claimed that the so-called laptop from hell, which featured images of Hunter posing with guns, sex workers and crack cocaine, was suppressed by media favorable to Democrats. Hunter Biden later published a book, Beautiful Things: a Memoir, that detailed his struggles as a drug addict. The Biden family denied more serious accusations that Hunters profitable financial arrangements with businesspeople in Ukraine and China amounted to graft using the family name. James Comer, one of the Republicans leading congressional investigations into Bidens family, denounced the pardon. The charges Hunter faced were just the tip of the iceberg in the blatant corruption that President Biden and the Biden Crime Family have lied about to the American people, Comer wrote on X. Its unfortunate that, rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability. I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport, Hunter Biden said in a statement on Sunday, adding he had remained sober for more than five years. In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. Hunter Bidens legal team filed Sunday night in both Los Angeles and Delaware asking the judges handling his gun and tax cases to immediately dismiss them, citing the pardon. In the statement announcing the pardon, Joe Biden said that for his entire career he had followed a simple principle: to tell the truth to the American people. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a president would come to this decision. Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. Joe Biden pictured with his son Hunter in Nantucket, Massachusetts, over the Thanksgiving holiday - Reuters Joe Biden has pardoned his son Hunter despite repeatedly denying he would do so before leaving office in the broadest clemency agreement since Richard Nixon. The US presidents son, 54, was due to be sentenced on firearms charges in early December. In a statement, Mr Biden said he was making the decision because his son had been unfairly prosecuted. As recently as Nov 7, the White House insisted Mr Biden had no plans to pardon Hunter. But in a statement on Sunday night, the US president said: Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. The decree breaks with the standard practice of presidential pardons, whereby the person being granted clemency has typically served at least part of their sentence. Credit: ABC News The full and unconditional pardon is believed to be the broadest since the pardoning of Richard Nixon by Gerald Ford in 1974. Like Nixon, Biden Jr has been pardoned not only for the crimes he has been convicted of but for any potential crime he may have committed in the last decade. Margaret Love, who served as the US pardon attorney from 1990 to 1997, told Politico: I have never seen language like this in a pardon document that purports to pardon offences that have not apparently even been charged, with the exception of the Nixon pardon. In his statement on Sunday night, Mr Biden went on to suggest his son was treated differently because of his fathers status. He said: The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unravelled in the courtroom with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases. Hunter Biden was due to be sentenced on firearms charges in early December - KEVIN LAMARQUE Under the plea deal, Hunter would have been spared jail in return for pleading guilty to two minor tax offences. However, in July last year, a judge rejected the proposal which had been branded a sweetheart deal by Republicans. In his statement on Sunday, the president said: No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. He said his political opponents had tried to break Hunter who has been five-and-a-half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. Hunter Bidens gun trial aired details about his struggles with a crack cocaine addiction Prosecutors say he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs Attempting to explain the about-turn, Mr Biden continued: For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a president would come to this decision. Mr Biden said he had made the decision over the weekend. The president, his wife, Jill Biden, and their family including Hunter, spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts and returned to Washington on Saturday night. Hunter was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when, prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He was set to stand trial in September in the California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. Hunter said he was pleading guilty in that case to spare his family more pain and embarrassment after the gun trial aired salacious details about his struggles with a crack cocaine addiction. The Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver that led to the charges Hunter Biden and his wife Melissa Cohen pictured arriving at federal court in September - AP The tax charges carry up to 17 years behind bars and the gun charges are punishable by up to 25 years in prison, though federal sentencing guidelines were expected to call for far less time and it was possible he would avoid prison time entirely. Hunter said in an emailed statement that he will never take for granted the relief granted to him and vowed to devote the life he has rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport, he said. A spokesman for special counsel David Weiss, who brought the cases, did not respond to messages seeking comment on Sunday night. Pardon met with backlash Republicans slammed the presidents pardon late on Sunday night, including Donald Trump. Mr Trump, who has pledged to dramatically overhaul and install loyalists across the Justice Department after he was prosecuted for his role in trying to subvert the 2020 presidential election, said on Truth Social that the pardon was such an abuse and miscarriage of justice. C-SPAN Does the pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Mr Trump asked, referring to those convicted in the Jan 6 2021 riot at the Capitol. James Comer, one of the Republican chairmen leading congressional investigations into Mr Bidens family, said the evidence against Hunter was just the tip of the iceberg. Its unfortunate that, rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability, Mr Comer said on X. Chris Wormald has spent eight years as permanent secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care. Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA Keir Starmer has appointed Chris Wormald, a career civil servant who heads the health department, to become the new cabinet secretary, prompting criticism from Covid bereaved families over his record during the pandemic. In what will be seen by some as a surprise choice, Wormald, who has spent eight years as permanent secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care, will take over from Simon Case on 16 December as the most senior official in the country, an official announcement said. Wormald was viewed as arguably the most traditional and low-key of the four-strong shortlist, and was the least tipped of the group to take over from Case in a role that includes being head of the civil service. Olly Robbins, who oversaw Brexit negotiations under Theresa May before leaving the civil service, was seen as a possible favourite. Also in the frame were Antonia Romeo, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Justice, and Tamara Finkelstein, who holds the same role in the environment department. Wormald will, however, arrive with some baggage and residual controversy, connected mainly to his role in the health department at the start of the Covid pandemic. Some evidence from the official inquiry into Covid has linked Wormald, who gave evidence in November last year, to what was seen as a wider prevailing complacency that the UK was well prepared for any pandemic, with a knock-on effect for NHS and care services. In evidence later that month, Patrick Vallance, who was the UK governments chief scientific adviser at the time, said he had been reprimanded by Wormald, as well as Mark Sedwill, then cabinet secretary, for calling for more urgent action to be taken against the virus in mid-March 2020. Vallance said Wormald had been incandescent with anger at his actions, because he had not raised the idea through more formal channels. Barbara Herbert from the Covid 19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK group said it was unbelievably frustrating and worrisome to see Wormald promoted. Time and again, Christopher Wormald has refused in the UK Covid Inquiry to accept failures on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care, despite irrefutable evidence to the contrary, backed up by the experiences of everyone in the UK during the pandemic, she said. He had, Herbert added, failed to prepare the Department for Health and Social Care for the pandemic, despite a pandemic being entirely foreseeable. However, Sajid Javid, who was health secretary after the peak of the pandemic, called the appointment of Wormald a smart choice. He said: Having worked closely with him during my time at Health and Social Care, I saw just how brilliant and dedicated he is. Hes got a sharp mind, a deep understanding of how government works, and he delivers results, even in tough situations. Wormald also previously headed the Department for Education. He had stints in the Cabinet Office and the communities department, and as principal private secretary to Blair-era Labour ministers Estelle Morris and Charles Clarke. Case announced in September that he would step down on health grounds after four years in the job, after undergoing medical treatment for a neurological condition. He had also been linked to controversies over leaks and internal rows during the first months of the Starmer government. Announcing the decision, Starmer thanked Case for his service to our country and for the invaluable support he has given to me personally during my first months as prime minister, adding: He has been a remarkable public servant over many years, and our best wishes go to him and his family as he now takes time to focus on his health. I am delighted that Chris Wormald has agreed to become the next cabinet secretary. He brings a wealth of experience to this role at a critical moment in the work of change this new government has begun. The federal court found in November that Pauline Hanson (pictured last week in parliament) engaged in racial discrimination against Mehreen Faruqi. Hanson is appealing against the finding. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian Senator Lidia Thorpe has apologised to Pauline Hanson for describing her as a convicted racist, clarifying she was mistaken about a civil finding of racial discrimination. Last week Hanson threatened to sue Thorpe for defamation after Thorpe described the One Nation leader as a convicted racist in an interview with Channel Nines Today. Senator Hanson is a convicted racist, she has worn a burqa in the chamber, she baits me regularly with racial taunts, Thorpe had said. Thorpe was referring to a federal court finding that Hanson had breached the Racial Discrimination Act by telling the Greens deputy leader, Mehreen Faruqi, to pack your bags and piss off back to Pakistan. Justice Angus Stewart found that Hansons comment to Faruqi was a variant of the slogan go back to from where you came from, which he said was a racist trope and a strong form of racism. Hanson is appealing against the federal court finding. On Monday, Thorpe posted to X: To clarify, I was mistaken that she was convicted because it was a civil case. In a reply to the post she then added: Sorry about that Pauline! Nine also reportedly issued a statement that it wishes to clarify that Senator Hanson has not been criminally convicted of racism, and any suggestion to the contrary is unequivocally withdrawn. Thorpe was suspended from the Senate on Wednesday for making inappropriate and sometimes abusive comments, after she appeared to throw paper at Pauline Hanson during a tense parliamentary debate. Thorpe angrily interjected during a debate sparked by Hanson unsuccessfully attempting to have the former Labor senator Fatima Payman investigated for an alleged section 44 citizenship issue. Hanson had alleged Payman had not provided enough documents to prove she had revoked her Afghan citizenship and was therefore ineligible to sit in parliament. Ms Haigh admitted pleading guilty to misleading the police a decade ago - Ben Whitley/PA Louise Haigh will receive thousands of pounds in severance pay after her resignation as transport secretary, No 10 has confirmed. Ms Haigh quit Sir Keir Starmers Cabinet last Thursday after she admitted pleading guilty to misleading the police a decade ago. All departing ministers aged 65 or under are entitled to a quarter of their annual salary, no matter how long they are in their post or the circumstances in which they leave. The only requirement to give back severance pay is if they are appointed to another ministerial role within three weeks. A research briefing by the House of Commons Library states that a Cabinet minister whose ministerial salary is 67,505 would be entitled to severance pay of 16,876. Michelle Donelan, the former Tory education secretary, was in line for a payment of the same size in 2022 despite resigning after only one full day in the role. She asked not to receive the cash and promised to give the entire amount to charity if she did. Departing ministers aged 65 or under are entitled to a quarter of their annual salary, no matter how long they are in their post - Peter Nicholls/Getty Asked whether Ms Haigh would receive severance pay in the usual way, Sir Keirs official spokesman said: There are rules set out in legislation on severance pay, so I would just refer you to that rather than commenting on specific individuals. Severance pay rules are set out online, and that remains the case. Before the general election, Labour promised to reduce severance pay to a quarter of ministers actual earnings during their previous year as a minister. Any minister who left their job while under investigation for misconduct allegations would also have had their severance pay suspended under the proposed reforms. Asked whether Labour still planned to reform the severance pay system, the spokesman said: Id have to take that away. I cant recall the specific pledge youre referring to. Houston skies on Sunday were cloud-free, much as the rest of Texas, as seen in this weather satellite photo taken of the state Sunday afternoon. Rain chances increase this week as warm air surges in from the Gulf of Mexico. GOES /NOAA/National Weather Service Houston can enjoy another day of sunshine and mild winter temperatures on Monday before we see start to see increasing chances of rain later this week, according to the National Weather Service. The forecast for Monday in Houston calls for predawn temperatures starting at 49 degrees, which is close to normal for Dec. 2. Daytime temperatures rise quickly, peaking at a near-average 67 degrees by 1 p.m. under sunny skies. Northeast winds of 5 to 10 mph will make the day breezy and theyll persist into the evening as more clouds roll in. Although a surge of drier air that pushed in earlier will help keep humidity on Monday to a minimum, the chance of rain near the coast increases by Monday evening/night, thanks to the presence of a coastal trough (of low atmospheric pressure), the weather service said in a forecast bulletin Sunday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The coastal trough (of low pressure) will be making its way up the western Gulf on Tuesday, bringing increased cloud cover and PWATs to the area, weather service meteorologist Jimmy Fowler wrote. The term PWATs refers to precipitable water or how much liquid water could be squeezed from water vapor in a column of air at a given spot. There will be a sharp gradient in the PWATs from north to south of around 0.5 inch in Houston County to 1.5 inches down near Matagorda Bay, Fowler added. While there will be scattered showers near the coast where the higher moisture remains, there wont be much rainfall inland, thanks to the lower PWATs and weak ridging aloft. PROJECT 2025 AND WEATHER: With Trump, is privatizing the National Weather Service more likely? The National Weather Services extended hourly forecast includes higher rain chances this week. National Weather Service Tuesdays forecast for Houston includes partly sunny skies but no daytime rain. Breezy northeast winds at around 10 mph will make the afternoon high temperatures of 64 or 65 degrees feel slightly cooler. Although we have a slight chance of showers under mostly cloudy skies Tuesday night, the strongest chances for rain, around 50%, will come after midnight. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A warm front will move up through the region late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning ushering in those higher PWATs across the region meaning increased rain chances, according to Fowler. Overnight temperatures into early Wednesday will stay above the lower 50s. Houston temperatures return to the 70s on Wednesday, but it should be only a brief taste of unseasonably warm weather in December. Rain that arises late Tuesday will linger into Wednesday, as storm chances climb to 80% under overcast skies. Temperatures that started before dawn in the upper 50s will peak in the low 70s in the afternoon. Rain chances persist at 70% through Wednesday night, while temperatures stay above a balmy 61 degrees under cloudy skies. Thursdays rain chances in Houston ease back to 50% under cloudy skies, but temperatures remain a few degrees above normal with a high near 72. At night, clouds stick around, providing a 40% chance of showers and keeping the overnight temperatures above 55 degrees. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rain totals will be generally around 1 to 2 inches through Thursday with isolated higher amounts possible, Fowler said in his long-term forecast. Could see some ponding in areas of poor drainage, but this rain should mostly be a nice soaking rain after a few weeks of dry conditions. U.S. Drought Monitor data for Texas, as of Nov. 26, 2024. U.S. Drought Monitor Harris County, according to the latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, is largely abnormally dry, which is a precursor condition for drought. Beaumont and its surrounding region is considered to be in moderate drought, the lowest level on the drought monitors dryness scale. Waller County and other areas along the Interstate 10 corridor also are in moderate drought. A weak cold front will move through the region late Thursday, pushing the majority of the rainfall offshore, but this break wont last long as onshore flow returns Friday, bringing continued rain chances through Saturday, Fowler said. British troops training with Nato in Poland recently - Jeff Gilbert The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is to war game how the military will maintain weapon supplies during a conflict. The first of its kind simulation will be conducted with defence companies on Monday in an attempt to better understand how resilient Britains supply chains would be in periods of combat. It comes after the Defence Secretary and former military chiefs raised doubts about whether the Armed Forces are sufficiently prepared for war if one breaks out. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, admitted in October that the Armed Forces were not ready to fight a war and said Britain had to be more effective in deterring Russian aggression. His comments came after Gen Sir Roland Walker, the head of the Army, said Britain needs to be ready to fight a major war in three years and must double its ability to kill the enemy by 2027 and triple it by the end of the decade. Meanwhile Gen Sir Patrick Sanders, a former head of the Army, was to warn that civilians would be called up to fight in the event of war because the Army was too small. The Government is under pressure to deliver its ambition to increase defence spending from 2.3 to 2.5 per cent of GDP but has not yet set out a timetable for when this will be achieved. The first of its kind war games will focus on the Armed Forces supply chains - Jeff Gilbert Decisions on spending are expected to be unveiled next spring after a strategic defence review has been completed by the MoD. Mr Healey will launch the Governments defence industrial strategy, which aims at enhancing the UKs home-grown defence sector, on Monday. The strategy is expected to focus on trying to boost wider UK economic growth and strengthening domestic supply chains in critical areas, such as semiconductors and steel. Mr Healey is expected to tell the London Defence Conference: Our defence sector should be an engine for jobs and growth, strengthening our security and economy. That requires a defence industry that is better and more integrated one that can keep our Armed Forces equipped, innovating at a wartime pace, and ahead of our adversaries. We will develop this new defence industrial strategy with industry, with innovators and with workers. We will mobilise the private sector to help face down global threats, direct more public investment to British businesses and create jobs and growth in every nation and region of the UK. National security is the foundation for national stability and growth. We are sending a signal to the market and to our adversaries: with a strong UK defence sector we will make Britain secure at home and strong abroad. A government spokesman said: In a sign of the Governments commitment to develop a faster, more resilient supply chain, a first-of-its-kind war game will begin [on Monday] with the UK defence industry. The war game will explore how industry and the MoD could sustain personnel on the front line when faced with constant supply chain disruption and intense fighting. Kevin Craven, the chief executive of ADS Group, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sector, welcomed the strategy. Mr Craven said: The Government underlining the importance of the defence sector to the UK economy is hugely welcomed, particularly the sectors inclusion as a high priority area for growth. ADS has consistently convened meaningful engagement between our members, MoD and wider stakeholders, and we look forward to continuing this in the latest phase. Industry greatly appreciates the opportunity for deep involvement with these processes. To deliver the right capability to support the UKs ability to deter, it is pivotal that we continue to contribute to military planning activities. Mr Farage says the Government should ask the Chagossians who should have sovereignty over the islands - GETTY Nigel Farage has demanded a referendum on Sir Keir Starmers rotten Chagos Islands deal. The Reform UK leader called on ministers to allow the Chagossian people to decide the future of their homeland as he joined other opposition MPs in raising concerns over the agreement to give up British sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius. He also used his strong ties with Donald Trump to highlight doubts among the president-elects camp about the Governments deal in a statement to the House of Commons. It comes after Navin Ramgoolam, the new prime minister of Mauritius, asked for an independent review of the draft agreement. Luke Pollard, the defence minister, responding to a Commons urgent question on Monday, claimed the deal was strongly supported by the US and protected the long-term future of the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia. He added necessary safeguards would be in place to prevent China gaining a foothold in the area. Keir Starmer says his deal has secured the future of the US-UK military base - IAN VOGLER Mr Farage told the Chamber: The presentation of what the American administration believes is a fantasy. Joe Biden is going, in fact many think hes gone already. Ive been contacted by very senior officials and advisers from the incoming Republican administration and every single one of them is appalled at this deal, they know the leasehold agreement will not survive, just as the deal with China over Hong Kong didnt survive. Hasnt the time come for the Government to admit this is a rotten deal for the UK, a rotten deal for America and an even worse deal for the Chagossians? And if you care so much about the sovereignty of the Falklands being in the hands of the Falkland Islanders, why not have a referendum of the Chagossians and ask them to settle who should have sovereignty over those islands? Mr Pollard said whipping up uncertainty over the future of the Falklands is not helpful, adding: The Falklands are British for as long as the people of the Falkland Islands want to be British. Chagos Islanders protest over the planned ceding of sovereignty of the islands in London - REUTERS He added he is certain that MPs, the US and other allies will see the deal secures the future of the military base well into the next century. Earlier, the defence minister had said: The agreement secures the effective operation on a joint facility on Diego Garcia well into the next century, the agreement is strongly supported by our closest friends and allies, including the United States. It has been supported by all relevant US departments and agencies following a rigorous scrutiny process There will be clear commitment in the treaty to robust security arrangements, including arrangements preventing the presence of foreign security forces on the outer islands so that the base can continue to operate securely and effectively. The operation of the base will continue unchanged, with strong protections from malign influence. For the first time in 50 years, the base will be undisputed and legally secure. Mr Farages close ties to Donald Trump give him unique insight in the Commons - LEON NEAL Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis asked what there is in the agreement to prevent China putting listening outposts on other islands that could compromise the security of Diego Garcia. Mr Pollard replied: They are very specific arrangements in the treaty that prevent any foreign power putting security apparatus, security forces on any of the (outer) islands. Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge called on the Government to pause the deal until Mr Trumps inauguration. He said: Whilst we would prefer the Government to cancel the whole deal, at the very least will he pause any further ratification until the new US administrations in place, and the Mauritius government have concluded their review? Chagossians were forced to leave the central Indian Ocean territory by 1973 to make way for the military base. The expulsions are regarded as one of the most shameful parts of Britains modern colonial history and Chagossians have spent decades fighting to return to the islands. The United Nations highest court, the International Court of Justice, previously ruled the UKs administration of the territory was unlawful and must end. New black coral species have been found in the deep sea of the northern Pacific region. Photograph: NOAA/Reuters The Norwegian government has paused its plans to mine the deep sea in the Arctic, after pressure from a small leftwing party. The agreement was reached after the Socialist Left (SV) party said it would not support the governments budget unless it halted the first round of licences for deep-sea mining exploration, planned for the first half of 2025. This puts a stop to the plans to start deep-sea mining until the end of the governments term, said Kirsti Bergst, the leader of the SV party. In January, Norway became the first country in the world to give the go-ahead to commercial deep-sea mining, after parliamentary approval. The coalition government said that while the licences had been suspended preparatory work would still continue, including carrying out an environmental impact assessment and setting regulations. This will be a postponement, the prime minister, Jonas Gahr Stre, from the Labour party, told the private broadcaster TV2 on Sunday. Environmental groups described the news as a historic win for ocean protection. Oslo had planned to let companies apply to mine 280,000 sq km (108,000 sq miles) of its waters, an area greater than the UK, for deep-sea minerals. After hard work from activists, environmentalists, scientists and fishermen, we have secured a historic win for ocean protection, as the opening process for deep-sea mining in Norway has been stopped, said Haldis Tjeldflaat Helle, a deep-sea mining campaigner at Greenpeace Nordic. Norway is being sued by one of the worlds largest environmental groups, WWF, over its move to open up the seabed for mining. WWF claims it has failed to properly investigate the consequences. The Norwegian Environment Agency, which advises the government, has also said the impact assessment does not provide a sufficient scientific or legal basis for deep-sea mining. The plans have also met international opposition. In February, the European parliament expressed its concern over Norways decision, and called on member states to support a moratorium. The government has said an official study showed that substantial accumulations of metals and minerals, ranging from copper to rare earth elements, had been found on its continental shelf. It argues such metals are needed for the green transition to fossil fuels. A coalition of 32 countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Canada and Brazil, has called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining in international waters. In pardoning his son, Joe Biden said Hunter had been treated differently because of his family name - Reuters/Anna Rose Layden Lawfare involves the targeting of defendants based primarily on who they are rather than what they have done. It is a violation of the oldest prohibition that dates back to the book of Deuteronomy, in which God directs law enforcement officials not to recognise faces in administering justice. Hence the blindfold on the statue of justice. But throughout the centuries, prosecutors have selectively prosecuted defendants based on their faces, names, political affiliations and ideologies. Infamously, the head of the notorious Soviet KGB told Stalin: Show me the man, and I will find the crime. Similarly, a South American dictator bragged: For my friends, everything; for my enemies, the law. The great American jurist Robert Jackson described lawfare without naming it as such in the following way: With the law books filled with a great assortment of crimes, a prosecutor stands a fair chance of finding at least a technical violation of some act on the part of almost anyone. In such a case, it is not a question of discovering the commission of a crime and then looking for the man who has committed it, it is a question of picking the man and then searching the law books, or putting investigators to work, to pin some offense on him. In the 1970s, I began to use the term guerrilla warfare. Now the word lawfare has become common parlance. President Joe Biden has now accused his own Justice Department of employing lawfare against his son. This is what he said when issuing a pardon for his son Hunter: Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. President Biden is certainly correct in his observations: Hunter would never have been prosecuted if his name werent Biden. Yes, he did violate the law, but few if any defendants who do what Hunter did are criminally prosecuted, absent special circumstances. Three felonies a day As my friend and colleague Harvey Silverglate put it in his masterful book on the subject, Three Felonies A Day: Every Soviet citizen committed at least three felonies a day, because the criminal statutes were written so broadly as to cover ordinary day-to-day activities. The Communist Party decided whom to prosecute from among the millions of possible criminals. Bidens very human decision, arrived at reluctantly and in contradiction to an earlier commitment not to interfere, now gives President-Elect Trump a green light not that he needed it as a matter of constitutional authority to pardon those defendants whom he believes were prosecuted selectively based on their political affiliations, loyalty to him or other invidious considerations. President Biden now is also obliged, by considerations of fairness, during his remaining weeks in office to review other applications for pardons and commutations that are comparable to the one he gave Hunter. It would be unfair for this to be a one-off that ends with his son. The response to lawfare may thus now become pardonfare. The shoe is on the other foot. Whats good for the goose Tit-for-tat pardons may produce short-term justice, or at least equality, but there must be a more systematic way of minimising the misuses of lawfare by all sides. So long as there is prosecutorial discretion, there will be abuses based on partisan, personal and other considerations. There is a defence, recognised by law in certain limited situations, of selective prosecution. If a defendant is selected for prosecution from other similarly situated potential defendants, based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religion, he or she can seek dismissal. But it is rarely granted, even in those situations. Nor does this limited defence extend to political, ideological, or partisan selectivity. The law can be changed to put the burden on prosecutors to justify selective prosecutions if the defendant can make a preliminary showing that other potential defendants whose alleged crimes are indistinguishable from his are not being prosecuted. This will not be easy to show in practice but the law, in theory, should prohibit the kind of selective lawfare that was directed against Hunter Biden, Donald Trump and other controversial political figures. Alan Dershowitz is an emeritus professor at Harvard Law School, and author of The Ten Big Anti-Israel Lies Gregg Wallace stepped away from MasterChef last week - Production/BBC The BBC refused on Monday night to pull programmes featuring Gregg Wallace off air, despite Downing Street describing his comments about middle-class women as inappropriate and misogynistic. The first of the semi-finals of the current series of MasterChef: The Professionals aired as planned on Monday night despite calls for it to be withdrawn from the schedule amid growing allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour against the presenter. Wallace stepped away from the cooking show last week after claims first emerged. The backlash against the 60-year-old presenter grew on Sunday after he said in an Instagram video that the complaints had come from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age. The comment was roundly condemned, with a Downing Street spokesman saying that clearly the comments we have seen from the individual over the weekend were completely inappropriate and misogynistic. Among those calling for the programme to be taken off air, the MP Rupa Huq warned that the BBC continuing to broadcast MasterChef would send the wrong signs. However, the rest of the series is still due to run through December as planned, with the BBC schedules also showing planned repeats of Christmas specials of MasterChef and Inside the Factory featuring Wallace. A BBC spokesman said: MasterChef is life-changing for the chefs that take part, and the show is about more than one individual. It came as Melanie Sykes, a former TV presenter, released a YouTube video describing her experience on Celebrity MasterChef, in which she said that every time Gregg came over to the desk I didnt really like him being around really because its all about vibrations and energy. In her autobiography, published last year, she wrote that the experience led her to quit her screen career. Writing for The Telegraph, the broadcaster Aasmah Mir, who appeared on the 12th series of Celebrity MasterChef and complained about inappropriate comments Wallace made during filming, said: The BBC made me feel that things would be fixed; I naively believed they would sort this. Subsequent allegations, not just on MasterChef but on two other shows, would suggest I was a fool. Episodes of MasterChef: The Professionals are filmed well in advance of broadcast, and five episodes are to go out between Dec 2 and Dec 20, when the grand final will be aired. Some have already been uploaded to iPlayer. Banijay UK, the programmes producer, has suggested the show is not under threat, saying the production schedule would be unaffected by recent events. The BBC has faced accusations of not doing enough to act on complaints about Wallaces alleged past behaviour on Celebrity Masterchef made by Emma Kennedy, the author, in 2012, and by Mir in 2017. Insiders have complained that the BBC had a habit of mitigating risk rather than tackling problems head on. One source said: The issue is whether they have the will to pull them up on their behaviour, and whether theres ever any will in these cases where theres big name talent or senior leaders involved. Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, met BBC bosses over the weekend amid the row surrounding Wallace, Downing Street also said. A spokesman said she spoke about this matter and wider workplace culture issues to seek assurances that there are robust processes in place to deal with complaints. Wallaces lawyers have said the claims against him have no basis, while the presenter used Instagram on Monday to apologise for his comments about middle-class women. In a video, he said: I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday and any upset I may have caused to a lot of people. I wasnt in a good head space when I posted it. Ive been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion. I felt very alone, under siege yesterday when I posted it. Its obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is under way. I hope you understand, and I do hope that you will accept this apology. Credit: Instagram/greggawallace Dr Huq, the Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton, in west London, said that although Wallace has stepped back that would make no difference because he would still be dangled on our screens. Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, she said: I think possibly there is an argument for pausing while this investigation takes its course and maybe not airing it tonight. It could be massively triggering for the women involved in fact, any woman involved in any type of similar incidents. Because otherwise I know youre saying hes stopped presenting but to the casual viewer theres not going to be any difference if its on TV tonight. It looks like he got away with it, and I think the BBC should send a strong signal. We need to let the investigation do its work but at the same time if hes being dangled on our screens when all this is going on I just think at the moment maybe pause it. Last week, Banijay UK said it was conducting an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate. But Dr Huq said the BBC should not hide behind the production company, adding: It does beg the question, when these BBC investigations have happened, what were the consequences? I dont think this is what people pay the licence fee for. People expect higher standards. I feel that if you let this programme go out, it kind of sends the signal that it is ok. If it was taken off for now it would send a strong signal that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable. Bectu, the TV workers union, has said the airing of MasterChef as normal could be inappropriate, and asked the BBC to rethink. Philippa Childs, who heads the union, said: The mental and emotional toll of witnessing or being the target of sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour at work as well as dealing with extreme power dynamics and a very real fear of being blacklisted can be immense. Coverage of the Gregg Wallace allegations and wider issues will be very upsetting for many film and TV workers. His interventions over the last few days have compounded the stress and anger felt by many Bectu members and other industry workers, and seeing MasterChef broadcast as normal in this environment feels incongruous. The BBC should consider whether it is appropriate to air episodes of MasterChef at this time. Musk could use the UK arm of X to donate or become a UK citizen. Composite: Anthony Harvey/Rex/Shutterstock & Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters In its manifesto, Labour promised to tighten the rules around political donations. Officials are now examining a slate of ideas including donation caps and further restrictions on foreign cash. Change will take time, as the plans are still at an early stage and ministers are not due to bring forward proposals until at least 2026. But speculation that Elon Musk could donate $100m to Nigel Farages party, Reform UK, will trigger a fresh clamour for stricter rules. What are the current rules on political donations? The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 stipulates that all donations and loans to political parties worth more than 500 must come from permissible sources. The key requirement for donors to be permissible, according to the Electoral Commission, is that they must be registered in the UK either by being a voter on the electoral register or a UK company, trade union or LLP. They can also be unincorporated associations in the UK. How could Musk make a donation to Reform? Two potential avenues have been floated: either through the UK arm of the social media company X or by securing UK citizenship, which his father Errol has said he is eligible for because his grandmother was British. What has Labour said in the past? Labour has been critical of a reform ushered in by the Conservatives in 2022, which extended the franchise to overseas voters who have been away from the UK for more than 15 years. The change, which came after a protracted legal battle by the second world war veteran Harry Shindler, allowed Britons living abroad for more than 15 years to vote and donate to political parties. In opposition, Labour warned that this would allow those with tenuous links to the UK, who have spent most of their lives in states that may even be openly hostile to our aims, the right to massively influence our system. Labour has also previously called on the election watchdog to look into instances where the Tories appeared to have received donations from shell companies and firms that had ceased to exist. How much can donors give? There are no limits, but campaigners have argued for them to be introduced for decades. What are some of the biggest political donations? Labour received millions during the last parliament from Gary Lubner, the former Autoglass boss; Dale Vince, the founder of gas and electricity supplier Ecotricity; David Sainsbury, the former chair of Sainsburys supermarkets; and his daughter, Fran Perrin. The Conservatives benefited from a series of big donations from the controversial businessman Frank Hester, who gave the party 20m between the start of 2023 and the 2024 general election. Mohamed Mansour, who served as a minister under former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, gave the party 5m. One of the heftiest donations in recent history was 8m from Sainsbury to the Liberal Democrats in the run-up to the 2019 election. How does the UK compare to the US? Political funding in the US dwarfs that in the UK. Independent fundraising and campaigning groups called super political action committees (Super Pacs) can raise unlimited amounts of cash for presidential candidates as long as they do not coordinate with candidates campaigns and disclose their donors. Musks Super Pac reportedly spent about $200m to help elect Donald Trump this year. There are concerns that the UK political donations system, which campaigners say is already not fit for purpose, is unprepared for the prospect of involvement from US billionaires such as Musk. Nicola Thorp has been working with ministers on the plans to protect stalking victims - LUCY NORTH/PA Stalking victims are to be granted a legal right to know the identity of the person who is targeting them under a new law. Police will be placed under a statutory duty to tell a stalking victim who is pursuing them at the earliest opportunity. The right to know rules will be enshrined in law after police were lambasted by official watchdogs for failing to protect stalking victims by not identifying, investigating or prosecuting those who were plaguing their lives. Around one in seven people aged 16 and over in England and Wales has been a victim of stalking at least once, but only five per cent of reports made to police result in a charge by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Police dropped their investigations in 30,000 cases a quarter of the total because of evidential difficulties, even though the victim supported action against the perpetrator. The new statutory guidance for police was inspired by the experience of broadcaster Nicola Thorp, a former Coronation Street actor who was stalked and abused online in a two-year ordeal. She was told by police they could not reveal the identity of the offender even after he was arrested, despite the perpetrator once saying he had come so close to Ms Thorp on a train that he could smell her. He also set up almost 30 social media accounts to send her a stream of violent misogynistic messages. The man, who called himself The Grim Reaper, is serving a 30-month prison sentence and was handed a lifetime restraining order after his appearance in court which was the first time Ms Thorp learned of his true identity. Victims at mercy of failed justice system Ms Thorp, who has been working with ministers on the plans, said: For too long, stalking victims have been at the mercy not only of their stalker, but a justice system that failed to protect them. These new measures will empower victims to regain some much-needed control of their lives and police to bring abusers to justice. Stalking victims will also be able to secure protection orders against the person targeting them more easily, meaning they would be barred from coming within a certain distance of them or making contact. They will be extended to allow victims to seek orders from the courts through their lawyers even in cases where their suspected stalker was acquitted provided there is enough evidence to suggest they still pose a risk to the victim. Courts will also be given the power to impose restrictions on perpetrators after they have been convicted, even if there was no protection order in place before they went on trial. This could stop offenders contacting their victims from prison, for example. The orders can also stipulate that offenders must attend behaviour programmes and carry a maximum five years jail sentence if they are breached. A horrendous crime Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said: Stalking is a horrendous crime. For far too long, victims of stalking have been subject to debilitating and vicious abuse at the hands of stalkers who use any means necessary to monitor and control their victims lives. Let us be clear we will use every tool available to us to give more power to victims and take it away from the hands of their abusers. This starts with empowering police to give women the right to know the identity of their online stalkers, strengthening stalking protection orders and ensuring that the police work with all support services to give victims the protection they deserve. Todays measures are an important part of our cross-Government mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade. Other measures include defining stalking in statutory guidance and setting out a framework in law to help support services, including the police, education and health services, to work together. It could also enable them to share intelligence, national standards on perpetrator behaviour programmes and new data on offences to better track the crime. Sir Keir Starmer gave a major foreign policy speech during the annual Lord Mayors Banquet at the Guildhall in central London - Yui Mok/PA Sir Keir Starmer warned Donald Trump on Monday night that he would not side with America against the EU, despite calls from the president-elects allies to choose between Brussels and Washington. In a major foreign policy speech, the Prime Minister said it was plain wrong to suggest that Mr Trumps return to the White House meant Britain had to get closer either to Europe or the US. He vowed instead to build bridges to both, promising to invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends, and to rebuild our ties with Europe too. The speech included overtures to Mr Trump, with the Prime Minister stressing the need to prepare Ukraine for peace negotiations and calling on Europe to spend more on defence. Sir Keir rejected the either/or choice between the US and Europe in his speech to the Lord Mayors Banquet - Jason Alden/Bloomberg Since Mr Trumps resounding victory in the US presidential election last month, there has been debate about whether Sir Keir must now embrace America or Europe. Some of the Republicans allies have waded into the argument, with Stephen Moore, his senior economic adviser, saying the UK must reject the EUs socialist model. Sir Keir has faced pressure from within his own party to reject Mr Trump and rebuild ties with the EU. However, in his speech to the Lord Mayors Banquet in London on Monday evening, the Prime Minister rejected the either/or choice. The Prime Minister was joined at the banquet by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, the Attorney General and the Bishop of London - Carl Court/Getty Images He said: Against the backdrop of these dangerous times, the idea that we must choose between our allies that somehow were with either America or Europe is plain wrong. I reject it utterly. [Clement] Attlee did not choose between allies. [Winston] Churchill did not choose. The national interest demands that we work with both. Our relationship with the United States has been the cornerstone of our security and our prosperity for over a century. We will never turn away from that. We call it the special relationship for a reason. It is written not in some dry, dusty treaty, but in the ink of shared sacrifice. He added on Europe: And we will rebuild our ties with Europe too. Because Im sorry to say the shocking legacy this Government inherited in so many areas from the nations finances to the state of the NHS extends beyond our shores. They turned their back on the world, took vital relationships for granted, neglected some allies and spurned others. Our reputation as a trusted, stable, dependable partner was replaced too often with an image of disarray governed by short-term political concerns, veering from one extreme to another. Downing Street insiders hope Mr Trump will overlook fierce criticism of him in the past by many Labour Cabinet ministers, including David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, who previously called him a tyrant and a sociopath. Labour will try to rebuild relationships with Donald Trump after several ministers made previous disparaging remarks about the president-elect - Jeff Bottari/Zuffa Sir Keir said it was time for Ukraine to prepare for peace talks. Since Russias invasion in February 2022, successive British prime ministers have argued that Ukraine must be supported militarily to fully defeat Vladimir Putins forces. But in the speech, he said allies should now be focused on strengthening Kyiv for negotiations. He said: We must continue to back Ukraine and do what it takes to support their self-defence for as long as it takes. To put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations so they can secure a just and lasting peace on their terms that guarantees their security, independence and right to choose their own future. Mr Trump has vowed to bring both sides of the conflict together to end the war swiftly, and his impending return to the White House has led Kyiv and European capitals to shift their position on how the war will end. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, talked openly for the first time on Friday about the possibility that land occupied by Russian forces may have to be given up in peace talks. The Prime Minister echoed Mr Trumps calls for European allies to increase defence spending, saying it was time for them to step up. He re-committed to laying out how he plans to raise UK defence spending from 2.3 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent, although the target date remains unclear. Sir Keir also voiced what was at stake for the West if Putin was seen to have won the war a message he is likely to stress to Mr Trump at their first meeting, expected early next year. He said: The future of freedom in Europe is being decided today. We face a near and present danger with Russia as an erratic, increasingly desperate aggressor, on our continent, marshalling all its resources along with North Korean troops and Iranian missiles aiming to kill and to conquer. So theres no question its right we support Ukraine. But we must also be clear that it is deeply in our self-interest. I would encourage everyone here to stop and think for a moment about what it would mean to us, to our continent, to the world, if Russia wins. What would it mean for our values for democracy, commerce and liberty? It means they are weakened. Last night, the new secretary general of Nato warned Mr Trump that the US would face a dire threat from China, Iran and North Korea if Ukraine was forced into concessions to end the war with Russia. Mark Rutte cautioned against the president-elects plans for a peace deal, which he said would lead to the Wests enemies high-fiving and plotting their own attacks. He told the Financial Times there must be a good deal for Ukraine when the time came to negotiate with Russia, and called for the US to continue military support in the meantime. Sir Keirs speech made it clear that Sir Keir will push ahead with his reset in relations with the EU, which is expected to include negotiations on a defence and security pact next year. Sir Keirs ministers and European diplomats have also held conversations about letting more young Europeans move to the UK and vice-versa in a youth mobility deal. However, the Prime Minister insisted there would be no return to freedom of movement, no return to the customs union and no return to the single market. The speech also included a defence of international courts after the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, and following criticism of the European Convention on Human Rights. Sir Keir accused the previous Conservative government of demonising international courts, which Britain helped to create, as foreign, and said he was committed to international law, [and] the UN Charter. He also warned that unsustainable migration levels had led to a feeling among many that the system isnt working for them. It came as it was confirmed that more than 20,000 migrants have crossed the Channel since Labour came to power at the beginning of July. Testing found that a total of 17 products sold by major UK and German retailers are likely to contain some Chinese tomatoes Waitrose is among a number of supermarkets selling own-brand Italian tomato puree that contains tomatoes from China, an investigation has claimed. The supermarket is one of a number in the UK that advertise their own brand tomato puree as Italian but that have been alleged to contain tomatoes grown in China and Italy, a BBC Eye investigation found. Testing commissioned by BBC World Service found that a total of 17 products sold by major UK and German retailers, including Waitrose, Tesco, Morrisons and Asda, are likely to contain some Chinese tomatoes. The products tested include a selection from Essential Waitrose Tomato Puree, Asdas Organic Tomato Puree, Tescos Italian Tomato Puree and Morrisons Tomato Puree which have Italian either in their name or description. China produces a third of the worlds tomatoes, most of which come from the Xinjiang province. By piecing together shipping data from around the world, BBC Eye found that Italian company Antonio Petti, part of the Petti group, was a major recipient of tomatoes from Xinjiang. The Petti group produces tomato goods under its own name, but also supplies others to supermarkets across Europe which sell them under their own brand name. BBC Eye commissioned Source Certain, an origin verification firm based in Australia, to test 64 different tomato purees sold in the UK, Germany and the US, to assess whether the origin claims on the purees labels were accurate. Testing showed that 17 of the tomato purees appeared to contain Chinese tomatoes, 10 of which were made by Petti. There is no suggestion in the BBC investigation that the supermarkets were aware the products allegedly contained Chinese tomatoes. The supermarkets have all said they take these allegations very seriously and have carried out internal investigations which found no evidence of Chinese tomatoes. China produces a third of the worlds tomatoes, most of which come from the Xinjiang province - VCG/Getty Images Tesco suspended supply and Rewe, a German supermarket chain, immediately withdrew the products. Waitrose, Morrisons, Edeka and Rewe said they had run their own tests, and that the results contradicted BBC Eyes and did not show the presence of Chinese tomatoes in the products. Production in Xinjiang is often linked to forced labour of Uyghur and other largely Muslim minorities where the UN has also reported torture and abuse. BBC Eye, the investigation unit of the BBC World Service, spoke to 14 people who said they endured or witnessed forced labour in Xinjiangs tomato fields over the past 16 years. Some claimed they were forced to pick 450kg of tomatoes a day. The forced labour uncovered in the investigation is believed to be linked to the region rather than the supply affecting UK supermarkets. The supermarkets have carried out internal investigations which they say found no evidence of tomatoes from China - VCG/Getty Images As part of the investigation, an undercover reporter posed as a businessman wanting to place a large order. On a tour of the company factory in Tuscany, Pasquale Petti, the general manager of Italian Food, part of the Petti group, said they used Chinese tomatoes and labelled barrels were pictured confirming this. Petti group said it had not bought from Xinjiang Guannong since that company was sanctioned by the US for using forced labour in 2020, instead purchasing tomato paste from another Chinese company, Bazhou Red Fruit. Shoppers want to make an informed choice Martyn James, a consumer rights expert, told The Telegraph that people will always vote with their wallets, adding: If its not Italian, people are going to want to know that. The public are increasingly becoming aware of what is in their food and whether its from a certain place. Increasingly shoppers are becoming more and more aware that the goods they are buying might not be advertised in the most honest way. People want to know where goods are produced so they can make an informed choice about what it is they are buying. That is virtually impossible with most foods, particularly if it is imported. A spokesman for the UK Department for Business and Trade said: We are clear that no company in the UK should have forced labour in its supply chain. We keep our approach to how the UK can best tackle forced labour and environmental harms in supply chains under continual review and work internationally to enhance global labour standards. A Waitrose spokesman said: We were appalled to hear these serious allegations, and launched an immediate investigation, sending a team of food auditors to the site in Italy. Weve now conducted isotope testing at a leading, independent lab - along with a detailed traceability audit on our puree - neither of which showed evidence of Chinese tomatoes. If we identify any evidence that our puree was not produced in line with our strict specification, we will take urgent action. Islamist rebels patrol in the vicinity of the airport in Aleppo, 2 December 2024. Fighters seized territory in Syrias second city at the weekend. Photograph: Omar Haj Kadour/AFP/Getty Images The crisis in Syria is the result of President Bashar al-Assads refusal to engage in political dialogue with the opposition, and not external interventions, the Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, said after meeting his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, for emergency talks in Ankara. Araghchi, by contrast, blamed intervention by Israel for the crisis. But the two sides appeared to agree on the need to convene an urgent summit between Turkey, Iran and Russia, the three main external powers inside Syria. These three powers have been meeting to discuss Syrias political future as part of the Astana process since January 2017. A total of 22 meetings have been held in that format, but Turkey believes Syrian intransigence has led to a lack of progress. Related: Iran-backed Iraqi militias join fight in Syria after militants seize Aleppo Araghchi said he wanted the Astana process to be revived as quickly as possible, reflecting the need on all sides to reassess their diplomatic positions due to the Syrian Islamist militia the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Syrian National Army (SNA) the coalition of Turkey-linked rebels formerly called the Free Syrian Army seizing swathes of territory from the control of Assad, including Syrias second city of Aleppo. Turkey supports the SNA, and is refusing to call for any withdrawal from Aleppo. Iran and Russia, Assads key backers, are urging Turkey to persuade the forces it supports to end the offensive before it leads to the breakup of Syria, the fall of Assad, or the country falling into the hands of extremist Islamists. It is not clear what Turkeys ultimate objectives in Syria will be, but it is striking how many other regional actors, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, do not want Assad to fall even if they would like Iranian influence to be reduced. Most Gulf states have normalised relations with Syria but received little in return. Fidan said at the joint press conference: It would be wrong to explain recent developments in Syria with foreign intervention. The latest developments show the need for Damascus to reconcile with its people and the legitimate opposition. Calling on the Assad government to come to the negotiating table, he added: We dont want to see cities falling into ruin; we dont want to see people displaced. Stopping refugee flow and having people returning to their homes is essential. But he also warned against excessive external interventions, and said Turkey could act as a mediator between the armed opposition groups and Assad. Araghchi said terrorist groups in Syria had connections to the United States and Israel, and this caused mistrust in Syria. He was referring to the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, a mainly Kurdish group operating in eastern Syria that Ankara insists is linked with the PKK, a Kurdish group operating inside Turkey. Fidan said Turkey and Iran had agreed to coordinate their actions against the SDF, but it was unclear if this was more than rhetoric. Araghchi who had been in Damascus the day before said his talks with Fidan were very direct, transparent, constructive and friendly. Discussing Syrias political future, Araghchi did not directly criticise Assads intransigence, instead saying: Necessary measures must also be taken for good governance in Syria. Iran is concerned that its position inside Syria, including its supply routes into Lebanon and into Syria, will be weakened by the unexpected surge of the largely Turkish-backed forces that have seized Aleppo and moved towards Hama, farther south. Irans position has already been weakened inside Gaza and Lebanon, and Tehran cannot afford to see its influence reduced further by Assad being toppled. The Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, expressed their unconditional support for Assad and restoring constitutional order after speaking by phone on Monday. Iran and Russia have been working together to prop up Assad since the surprise Russian military intervention to protect Assad in 2015. Related: Assault on Aleppo: who are the Syrian rebels HTS and why are they advancing? It is widely assumed Turkey broadly approved of the HTS-led offensive in advance, but Turkey denies this, and at minimum insists it did not expect to see Syrian army defences collapse as fully they have. In the hurriedly arranged talks in Ankara, Fidan said he did not want the crisis to escalate or the territorial integrity of Syria challenged. But Turkey has a motive to back the offensive, since it feels for months Assad has rebuffed its efforts to secure a political settlement inside Syria. Such a deal would open the way for hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees inside Turkey to return to their homeland. More than 2 million people fled to Turkey during the civil war in 2011. But Turkey feels Assad has spurned talks by setting preconditions such as demanding Turkish troops leave Syria or Ankara end its support for groups such as the Syrian National Army. Instead, Assad had continued to target Idlib, the stronghold of the opposition inside Syria, pushing thousands of people toward the border with Turkey. This in turn had only deepened Ankaras fears regarding the acute refugee crisis in Turkey, which has cost the president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and his party significant political support. The danger for the Syrian opposition groups is that they find themselves marginalised by the three great powers. Critics say the Astana process has become a mechanism for normalising the military presence of its three sponsors, while minimising interstate friction, and leaving the opposition out in the cold. The last meeting of the Astana process in Kazakhstan in November, for instance, made no progress over the basic issues of the composition of a committee to draw up a new Syrian constitution or even the venue where the committee would meet. DEAN has finally made his return to the K-pop scene with his newest tracks, prompting enthusiastic reactions from fans who have patiently waited for the R&B icon's much-anticipated release. On November 29, DEAN officially released the music video for his song "NASA (feat. FKJ)." The song serenades fans with DEAN's mesmerizing vocals, as well as the instrumental's calming sound and sincere lyrics. Aside from "NASA," DEAN also treated fans with another track, titled "Ctrl," which was also released on streaming platforms. Fans were quick to react to the music video for "NASA," with many commending DEAN's performance and the comeback's production quality. Meanwhile, some mentioned that DEAN's team-up with FKJ was indeed the "dream collab." Others were simply happy with DEAN now active in the Korean music scene and dropping new releases after laying low for a year. See their reactions here: "This king's voice is always so unique and beautiful, I missed him creating new music." "The lyrics, music video, ballerinas, vocals, piano, and all, everything was beautiful." "DEAN and FKJ together is a dream come true. The song sounds like heaven." "DEAN and FKJ worked on two songs, like what? This is simply the collab of my dreams, I don't deserve this." WE ARE SO BACK GUYS https://t.co/IgAtD3Gmrp pic.twitter.com/V5eteH1HTh n u y (@nympshs) November 29, 2024 DEAN COMEBACK I PRAYED FOR DAYS LIKE THESE https://t.co/4BT3nNo6nP bambi .*: (@bambiseoki) November 29, 2024 WE ARE SO BACKKKK https://t.co/BeXtciOg9K ash is seeing mcr (@neopinkzone) November 29, 2024 Earlier on November 26, numerous outlets confirmed that DEAN would be releasing new music this November. The singer-songwriter then uploaded a mysterious post on his official Instagram account. Despite the singer's exciting announcement, some fans took this opportunity to lightheartedly "troll" the singer due to his time away from K-pop. People try to extinguish fires following an airstrike that targeted Syrias rebel-held northern city of Idlib - OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AF In a bizarre twist of fate, it is possible that the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) may be inadvertently coming to the aid of the West and more importantly, Ukraine by disrupting Putins southern flank. Exactly eight years ago, in December 2016, Aleppo eventually fell to Assad and the Russians when the Syrian regime rained down chlorine barrel bombs for 17 days. This led to the surrender of 300,000 civilians, and the rebel fighters disappeared into Idlib province. Many of the civilians were later tortured and murdered by Assads brutal regime. Since I last visited north-west Syria in 2020, things seem to have been relatively quiet there, and certainly since 2022 all eyes have been on Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine. But it appears that the various rebel factions, especially the Free Syrian Army and HTS, have been regrouping, rearming and most importantly training. These rebels we see today in Aleppo are not the ragtag fighters that I saw in Idlib province between 2013 and 2020, but well-equipped outfits who seem to know what they are doing. There are rumours that Turkey is behind the resurgence of the Syrian opposition, but perhaps others have also helped. The Russian playbook used in Ukraine was developed in Syria, and I saw at first-hand how Assad and Putin attacked hospitals, destroyed the power infrastructure and razed most of Idlib province to the ground. This scorched earth policy was intended to destroy the populations will to resist and it worked in Syria, but not yet, thank God, in Ukraine. This was also the purpose of the chemical weapon attacks, which Putin is also using to great effect in Ukraine. In my opinion Assad is still in power because he used chemical weapons, and this has not gone unnoticed by Putin. Meanwhile, just as the Battle of Kursk was Hitlers fatal over-extension in 1943, so Syria could be a dangerous case of overreach for Putin in 2024. The modern tyrant similarly wants to rule Europe and its environs. Syria is Putins southern flank and it has the strategically important port of Tartus, which he must fight to save. But Iran is now a much-diminished ally following the defeat of Hezbollah. There are few other Iranian militias who can gallop to Assads aid, and no doubt Israel will also look for opportunities to further weaken the Damascus regime, which has been involved in many attacks on Israel. On the face of it, this is potentially a difficult time for the West, as HTS is proscribed as a terrorist group by the UN and de facto by Washington and Westminster. But in the cloak-and-dagger world of strategic geopolitics, anything which hastens the end of hostilities in Ukraine is probably to be supported. HTS shunned Al Qaeda and Isis in 2016 and, unlike those jihadists, it appears to be only interested in ousting Assad from power. HTS does not seek to establish the caliphate which undid Isis, nor a Taliban-type government of the sort that is ruining Afghanistan. According to my old contacts in Syria, there appear to be moderate groups alongside HTS, most especially the Free Syria Army, who are trying to create a new Arab Spring for the civilians in Syria who have suffered so much. This is not a perfect world. But if the situation in Syria can hasten a ceasefire on Zelenskys terms in Ukraine, and even perhaps lead to a fairer Syria, then I will whisper what I expect many Western governments are thinking: that this is probably a positive development. Farmers real problem seems to be supermarkets, and they should go after them rather than the government. Photograph: Jon Lewis/Alamy Clare Wises emotional representation of the family farm offers an excellent insight into the importance of maintaining generational continuity (My family has grown Britains food for 140 years. Heres what politicians dont understand about farming, 27 November). She rightly condemns the potentially devastating effects that inheritance tax (IHT) on farmland will have on many family farms. Enforced sales will accelerate the break-up and loss of smaller and medium-sized farms, favouring accumulation of land owned as investments and for tax avoidance. I support IHT and other forms of tax on wealthy estates, investment properties and farmland sold off for development. But this tax is misplaced, introduced without due consultation and pays no attention to the effects it will have on many farming families who will be unable to afford to pay it from farm income. The government needs to listen to the many voices of protest and have the courage to review this tax. The current rollover tax relief does need reform. It is a nonsense that vast areas of our farmland are being bought up by wealthy individuals as forms of investment and for tax avoidance. It is wrong that, under rollover relief, farmland can be sold for development at hugely inflated values, free of tax, with the profit to be reinvested in buying new farmland. Although introduced to protect the continuity of the family farm, this is simply inflating the price of land well beyond its true farming value. As a result, farmers and new entrants cannot afford to buy farmland on the basis of a return from farm income, and many families affected by the burden of IHT when they sell property priced over 1m will be forced to sell land, contributing to the demise of the family farm. Reform of the land tax system is needed, but must be based on evidence and developed through proper consultation. Philip Holt Former farmer, Hornton, Oxfordshire Clare Wise makes an impassioned plea. Like most small farmers, she works harder than most of the rest of us with no respite and deserves better. There are those wealthy individuals, however, who are buying agricultural land solely for tax avoidance and using it for other purposes than food production. This is not ideal, given our increasing population and geopolitical pressures. It is important that we all begin to recognise the essential nature of viable, long-term and sustainable local food production, and start accepting that we need to pay more for good, nutritious food. The IHT threshold has, it seems to me, been set too low. However, if we were all prepared to pay farmers reasonable prices for food production, the tax might become manageable. The Labour government is promising to take action on this issue, which is long overdue. The supermarkets need to be held to account, and where we can we should buy direct from the farmers. Dr Sheila Shaw Wigan, Greater Manchester Clare Wises article is touching, but doesnt explain why farmers should be treated differently than other small family businesses, which also require sacrifices and commitment. It would also be interesting to know how her farm was passed down many generations before 1984, when IHT relief came in. Farmers real problem seems to be supermarkets, and they should go after them rather than the government. Frank Martin London Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section. The stock of pies was intended for sale at York Christmas Market - TOMMY BANKS/PA Thieves stole 2,500 pies from a Michelin-starred chef after driving away with his van. Tommy Banks, who owns two restaurants and a pub in North Yorkshire, posted on Instagram on Monday to say his van with 25,000 of stock in the back had been taken from just outside Ripon. Mr Banks said in the video that the stock including steak and ale, turkey, and butternut squash pies, as well as gravy and custard was for York Christmas Market. He urged the thieves to drop the pies somewhere, such as a community centre, adding: I know youre a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because its Christmas and maybe we can feed a few thousand people with these pies that youve stolen, do the right thing. tommybanks/Instagram Mr Banks also asked anyone who was offered the pies to report them to the police. North Yorkshire Police said it had been informed of the theft and asked anyone with information to get in touch, the BBC reported. Mr Bankss video contained the caption: So @matthewalockwood went into @madeinoldstead this morning to pick up the van and it has been stolen. These guys had loaded up the van with stock for @tommyspieshop today and left plugged in overnight. Im guessing the thieves didnt realise they were stealing 2,500 pies along with the van! The pies are all in boxes with my name on so not very easy to sell. If you are the thieves and read this I urge you to drop the pies off somewhere. So we can at least give them to people who need food and they are not wasted. Mr Banks has two Michelin stars, one each for his two restaurants The Black Swan, at Oldstead, and Roots, in York. He is a veteran judge on BBCs The Great British Menu, having won the competition in 2016, 2017 and 2020. Tommy Banks posted a picture of the missing van on his Instagram story Mr Banks told the PA news agency: What was really making me sad this morning, I thought suddenly theyre going to realise whats in the back and ditch the food. We talk about zero waste and when youve got just short of a tonne of food thats probably been ditched, it would be good if it could find its way to people who need it. He added that his team were much less bothered about the van as theyre bothered about the pies as it was a weeks worth of stock. The chef said they are planning to create a chicken pie this week and one of his team came up with the name bandit butter chicken pie, as he said the situation was all a bit Home Alone at Christmas with the pie bandit stealing our pies. Banks joked on his Instagram story that he should have had one of the pictured stickers on his van Mr Banks said he hoped the van which was packed with meat, mince and custard pies, as well as 100 litres of gravy would be found so the food wouldnt go to waste and people could be fed. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Im trying to find a bit of humour in it. Im just imagining these guys just thieved a van and they have opened up the back and found 2,500 pies, custard and gravy how on earth are they going to move that? Theyve got my name all over them, so theyre not very sellable objects. He added that although it was horrible being robbed, the van was insured and his main concern was the pies going to waste or being dumped somewhere. The thing I find really galling is, its so much waste, he continued. Thats the biggest part of the crime, all the waste that has come from it. Credit: Instagram/tommybanks Mr Banks said the pies could last a few days if stored correctly, but time is against us in his bid to use them to feed people. If we find it today, we could actually feed some people, he said. North Yorkshire Police said they had found the van abandoned with false plates in the Hemlington area of Middlesbrough over the weekend. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, says that the UK has to show its enemies it can still scale up at wartime pace - REUTERS/Annegret Hilse The UK must transform its Armed Forces at a wartime pace, the Defence Secretary has said. John Healey said Britains enemies needed to be aware that the country could innovate quickly. He made the comments as he launched the defence industrial strategy, which aims to enhance the UKs defence sector. He announced that the Ministry of Defence would war game how the military would maintain weapon supplies during a conflict. Defence companies will be involved in the exercises for the first time. Mr Healey told journalists during a visit to the Honourable Artillery Company to see drone technology: The reason behind this is that we need together government and industry to be capable of innovation at a wartime pace. He said that the Government needed to take to heart lessons from Ukraine, which showed that a nations armed forces are only as strong as the industry that stands behind them. Gifting 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine last year left the cupboard a little bare, military experts claimed - Serhii Mykhalchuk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images Adversaries must know that we have an industry: with the capacity to generate and regenerate the equipment our forces need; that we have a science and tech base to ensure that we can deliver leading edge capabilities; and that we have the ability to innovate at a wartime pace, if faced with conflict, he said. Concerns have been mounting over how many supplies the UK has left in its store cupboards, having given so much military equipment to Kyiv. In September, Luke Pollard, the minister for the Armed Forces, warned that Western forces had almost nothing left in their stockpiles after helping Ukraine fight Russia for over two years. He said the UK had depleted our own stocks in order to keep arming Ukraine. When the UK announced it would give 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine last year, Gen Sir Patrick Sanders, the former head of the Army, said it would leave the British Army temporarily weaker. However, the head of QinetiQ, a defence technology company, said earlier this year that Western nations were taking steps to put their armed forces on a war footing for the first time in decades because of Ukraine, concerns about Chinas ambitions in the Pacific and escalations in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Speaking on Monday, Mr Healey said: We need industry working together with [the] Government, and that is at the heart of the new defence industrial strategy. He added that the Government was staging war games with key companies in the defence industry sphere in order to be able to sustain our war fighters on the front line when supply chains are disrupted, or when we may be faced with extended conflict. In the face of rising global threats, we need public and private together, investors, industry innovators, and my message is this, invest in defence and send a strong signal to Putin and other adversaries that would do us harm, he said. The war games will test how the military and industry deal with scenarios such as a conflict where protracted fighting disrupts supply chains and processes. Earlier this year, Mr Healey admitted the British military was not ready to fight a war against Russia. The consensus is Ukraines war with Russia will help dictate defence strategy in the UK - Ethan Swope/Getty Images However, when asked on Monday whether Britain is war ready, he said: What Im doing is recognising that our forces need to be better equipped. Behind them needs to be an industry that is better able to produce what they need and innovate at the pace of wartime pressures. Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at Royal United Services Institute, a defence and security think tank, said Mr Healeys announcement was a recognition that the current model of minimal holdings and just in time production have been seen to be inadequate when you consider how much gets expended in full-scale war. We need to understand how much capacity we actually have and how quickly we can respond under pressure, Mr Savill said. The lesson from the first two years of Ukraine was that we simply couldnt get new contracts sorted at anywhere near the scale that would be needed in war. Warren A Stephens is a banker in Arkansas, where he has long supported Mike Huckabee, Donald Trumps nominee for ambassador to Israel - Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg Donald Trump has announced Warren Stephens, an investment banker, as his pick for the next US ambassador to the UK. Mr Stephens, 67, is a Republican donor who previously campaigned against Mr Trump, before financially backing him at this years election. He will replace Jane Hartley, the current ambassador to the UK appointed by Joe Biden, after Mr Trumps inauguration in January. Mr Stephens is a career investment banker in Arkansas, where he has long supported Mike Huckabee, the former state governor who has been appointed as Mr Trumps ambassador to Israel. He has not served in any government role, and is currently the CEO and president of the family business, Stephens Inc. Writing on Truth Social, Mr Trump said: I am pleased to announce that Warren A Stephens, one of the most successful businessmen in the country, has been nominated to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Court of St Jamess, a role in which he will act as our representative to the United Kingdom. Over the last 38 years, while serving as the president, chairman, and CEO of his company, Stephens Inc, Warren has built a wonderful financial services firm, while selflessly giving back to his community as a philanthropist. Warren has always dreamed of serving the United States full time. I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top diplomat, representing the USA to one of Americas most cherished and beloved allies. Jane Hartley, the current ambassador to the UK appointed by Joe Biden, will be replaced by Warren Stephens in January - Aaron Chown/PA His appointment comes at a time for delicate relations between Mr Trump and Sir Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister who was accused by the president-elects allies of interfering in the presidential election when Labour activists campaigned for Kamala Harris. The two men spoke after Mr Trumps election victory last month, and have pledged to work together on the special relationship. Mr Trump has also pledged to impose blanket tariffs of up to 20 per cent on all foreign imports, including from the UK. British ministers have said they will attempt to persuade him to offer the UK access to American markets. Mr Stephens donated to the Stop Trump movement in 2016, when Mr Trump first ran for president. He then gave more than $3 million to super PACs supporting Mr Trump in 2020, before backing the primary campaigns of Asa Hutchinson and Nikki Haley in the Republican primary earlier this year. He has also donated to Maga Inc, another Trump-supporting Super PAC. In 2001, Mr Stephenss firm bailed out a British company, Huntingdon Life Sciences, which had been targeted by the animal rights terror group SHAC. His firm was then targeted by the group with a campaign of harassment. Mr Stephens said at the time his staff had been aware of the activists, but did not understand exactly what lengths they would go to. Mark Ruttes intervention suggests Nato is trying to convince Donald Trump that US support for Ukraine is in its own best interests - Costas Baltas/Anadolu via Getty Images The US would face a dire threat from China, Iran and North Korea if Ukraine is forced into concessions to end its war with Russia, Natos secretary-general has warned Donald Trump. Mark Rutte cautioned against the president-elects plans for a peace deal, which he said would lead to the Wests enemies high fiving and plotting their own attacks. He told the Financial Times there must be a good deal for Ukraine when the time comes to negotiate with Russia, and he called for the US to continue military support in the meantime. Mr Trump has promised to bring a swift end to the war in Ukraine, and his allies have suggested he may lean on Kyiv to offer territory to Russia in exchange for a ceasefire. However, supporters of Ukraine including Sir Keir Starmer have argued that the West must continue to supply arms. New aid package On Monday night, Sir Keir acknowledged for the first time that the war would end in a negotiated settlement. His speech at the Lord Mayors banquet came hours after Joe Biden authorised a further package of military aid. Mr Rutte, who met Mr Trump and his foreign policy team on Nov 23 to discuss a range of global security issues facing the alliance, said he had warned the president-elect about a sharp end to the war during their discussion. We cannot have a situation where we have Kim Jong-un and the Russian leader and Xi Jinping and Iran high-fiving because we came to a deal which is not good for Ukraine, he told the FT. Long-term, that will be a dire security threat not only to Europe but also to the US. The alliance chief, who took office in October, added that there were deep military and economic ties between Russia, China, North Korea and Iran with money and weapons changing hands, fuelling the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. The fact that Iran, North Korea, China and Russia are working so closely together[means] these various parts of the world where conflict isare more and more getting connected, he said. Mr Ruttes intervention suggests Nato and other Western countries may try to convince Mr Trump to continue US support for Ukraine by arguing that it is in Americas interests to do so. Several of Mr Trumps top team have said they believe Ukraine is a European problem, and that the USs focus should be on China and Iran. Mr Ruttes attempt to connect global issues may prove persuasive, despite opposition to high levels of military spending on Ukraine within the Republican Party. Mr Trump has already called on Nato members to increase domestic military spending to 3 per cent of GDP, a 50 per cent boost from its current level. The guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin and cargo ship USNS Washington Chambers. The US only has about 20 vessels able to sustain themselves at sea indefinitely - Charlotte Dudenhoeffer The US Navy is trialling a new system for reloading warships at sea because of the increasing threat posed by China. While a vessel can fire off dozens of missiles in minutes, it often takes two months to reload and get it war-ready again. Those delays could prove fatal in a war with China because the fighting could be thousands of miles from the nearest US naval base. The ability to rearm at sea will be critical to any future conflict in the Pacific, Carlos Del Toro, the Navy secretary, told the Wall Street Journal. Any war with China, likely sparked by an attempt by Beijing to invade Taiwan, would be fought in the Western Pacific. This would leave US warships at risk of running out of ammunition potentially in days while being up to 5,000 miles from their closest military base. Because of the concerns, naval engineers have adapted a 30-year-old crane and fitted it to a warship to enable ship-to-ship missile transfers from a container vessel. The crane allows vessels to be resupplied ship-to-ship - Bill Mesta In a recent test of the prototype system, naval logisticians zip-wired dummy missile containers between the USNS Washington Chambers, a supply ship, and USS Chosin, a missile cruiser. The so-called Transferable Reload At-sea Method (Tram) could be included on all warships being modernised if the tests continue to be successful. The US Navy only has about 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and nine smaller assault ships that are able to sustain themselves at sea indefinitely. By upgrading older warships, the navy believes it could increase that number five-fold to around 100. While the system is being developed, US military chiefs are on the hunt for more allied bases that could be used to reduce the time it takes to re-arm vessels. One option under consideration is a port in Darwin, Australia, which is around a four-and-a-half-day sail to the South China Sea, compared with three weeks back to the US. The USS Dewey was re-armed at the port for the first time in September. The usual ports of Japan and Guam would be likely targeted by Chinese missile attacks in a war, prompting another reason for US military chiefs to find more friendly facilities. Rebels pose for a picture after capturing a military airport in the Syrian city of Aleppo on Monday - AAREF WATAD/AFP The US has discussed lifting sanctions on Syria if it cuts ties with Iran and blocks weapons smuggling routes to Hezbollah. Multiple sources told news agency Reuters that American officials had entered talks with the UAE about joint action to relax restrictions on Bashar al-Assads regime. The conversations have intensified in recent months, driven by the possible expiry on Dec 20 of sweeping US sanctions on Syria and by Israels campaign against Tehrans regional network, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and Iranian assets in Syria. The discussions took place before anti-Assad rebels swept into Aleppo last week in their biggest offensive in Syria for years. According to the sources, the new rebel advance is a signal of precisely the sort of weakness in Assads alliance with Iran that the Emirati and US initiative aims to exploit. However, if Assad embraces Iranian help for a counter-offensive, that could complicate efforts to drive a wedge between them. Abbas Araghchi, Irans foreign minister, visited Syria on Sunday in a show of support for Assad. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE president, also spoke to the Syrian leader by phone about the latest developments at the weekend. Reuters spoke to two US sources, four Syrian and Lebanese interlocutors, and two foreign diplomats who said the US and UAE see a window to drive a wedge between Assad and Iran, which helped him recapture swathes of his country during the civil war that erupted in 2011. Lebanese media have reported that Israel had suggested lifting US sanctions on Syria. However, the UAE initiative with the US has not previously been reported. All of the sources spoke on condition of anonymity. Syrias government and the White House did not respond to questions, while the UAE referred Reuters to its statement on bin Zayeds call with Assad. The UAE has taken a leading role in rehabilitating Assad among the mainly Sunni Muslim Arab states that shunned him after he accepted help from Shiite, non-Arab Iran to put down the Sunni-led rebellion against him. The Emirates hosted Assad in 2022, his first visit to an Arab country since the start of the war, before the Arab League reinstated Syrias membership. The UAE has long hoped to distance Assad from Iran and wants to build business ties with Syria, but US sanctions have hampered those efforts, the sources said. Bashar al-Assad has described the sanctions as economic warfare - ATPImages/Getty Images Europe A senior regional diplomat briefed by Tehran told Reuters Iran had been informed about behind-the-scenes efforts by some Arab countries to isolate Iran ... by distancing Syria from Tehran. The diplomat said those efforts were linked to offers of possible sanctions relief by Washington. Hezbollah and its patron Iran have intervened in Syria since 2012 to protect Assad against Sunni rebels but their bases and weapons shipments through Syria have been repeatedly hit by Israel, which has sought to weaken Iran across the region. In recent months, Hezbollah has withdrawn fighters from Syria, including in the north, to focus on battling Israel in southern Lebanon. The rebels who recently swept into Aleppo pointed to the Hezbollah withdrawal as one of the reasons why they faced little resistance from government forces. A US source familiar with the matter said White House officials discussed an overture with Emirati officials, citing the UAEs interest in financing Syrias reconstruction and Assads weakened position after Israels offensive against Hezbollah. The possibility of sanctions relief for Assad, while Israel was hitting Irans allies, created an opportunity to apply a carrot-and-stick approach to fracture Syrias alliance with Iran and Hezbollah, the source said. The US placed sanctions on Syria after Assad attempted to suppress anti-government protests in 2011, and the sanctions were repeatedly tightened in the years of war that followed. The toughest, known as the Caesar Act, passed Congress in 2019. The Caesar sanctions apply across Syrian business sectors, to anyone dealing with Syria, regardless of nationality, and to those dealing with Russian and Iranian entities in the country. Assad said the measures amounted to economic warfare, blaming them for the Syrian currencys collapse and a drop in living standards. The sanctions will expire on Dec 20 unless they are renewed by US politicians. Part of the recent American-Emirati discussions centred on allowing the Caesar sanctions to expire, said the US source and three of the Syrian interlocutors. Rebel fighters pose for a picture with a regime helicopter at the Nayrab military airport in Aleppo on Dec 2 - AAREF WATAD/AFP X/ @MintelWorld Dozens of Syrian government troops have been filmed surrendering to rebels after they were abandoned by their comrades at a town south of Aleppo. The men are filmed being led at gunpoint by rebel fighters who shout at the prisoners and chant, Allahu Akbar. The prisoners, who are not wearing military uniforms, run across sand dunes towards a group of buildings with their hands behind their heads. They were captured after being left behind by retreating Assad forces near the town of Khanaser, some 50 miles southeast of Aleppo, which was seized by rebels on Saturday. Since the shock rebel offensive began last week, several videos have circulated showing government troops being taken prisoner by rebel forces. One unverified video shows a Syrian rebel executing a group of government troops at the side of the road, while another shows a detainee being forced to bark like a dog. 06:29 PM GMT Todays live coverage has ended Todays live coverage has ended. Heres a roundup of the days events: A suspected Russian air strike hit a hospital in the rebel stronghold-city of Idlib, which rescuers said killed three people. Vladimir Putin and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian pledged unconditional support for Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. Washington has discussed with the United Arab Emirates the possibility of lifting sanctions on Assad if he peels himself away from Iran, it was revealed. Hundreds of Iran-backed fighters entered Syria from Iraq overnight to help Assads forces fight against rebels. China backed Assad in his fight against the uprising, saying it supports Syrias efforts to maintain national security and stability. 05:44 PM GMT Turkey urges Assad to talk to Syrian opposition Turkey has called on Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to talk to the opposition and reconcile with his own people. Recent developments show once again that Damascus must reconcile with its own people and the legitimate opposition, Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan said on Monday. Turkey is ready to make all the necessary contribution toward this, Mr Fidan added. Mr Fidan, whose country has backed forces opposed to Assad, blamed the recent flare-up of the war on the Syrian governments refusal to enter a dialogue with groups that Turkey supports. 05:24 PM GMT Watch: Moment strike hits Idlib hospital We previously reported that a hospital in the rebel stronghold-city of Idlib was hit by a suspected Russian air strike on Monday (see out post at 3.56pm). Footage has emerged from inside the building of the moment the hospital was hit. Another video showed the aftermath of the strike outside the hospital: The White Helmets 05:14 PM GMT UK, US, France and Germany issue joint statement on events in Syria The UK, the US, France and Germany have issued a joint statement on the situation in Syria. It reads: We are closely monitoring developments in Syria and urge de-escalation by all parties and the protection of civilians and infrastructure to prevent further displacement and disruption of humanitarian access. The current escalation only underscores the urgent need for a Syrian-led political solution to the conflict, in line with UNSCR 2254. The statement did not specify whether de-scalation would involve rebels retreating from territory captured since they launched last weeks offensive. 04:51 PM GMT Picture: Rebels pose for picture in front of captured helicopter Rebels pose for a picture at the Nayrab military airport in Aleppo, Dec 2 - AAREF WATAD/AFP 04:49 PM GMT China backs Assad in fight with rebels China has backed Bashar al-Assads regime in fighting a rebel uprising in Syria, after Russian jets bombed rebel-held cities and Iranian-backed militias entered the country overnight. Anti-regime fighters launched a surprise attack on Wednesday, stunning the Syrian government and reigniting a conflict that has largely been stagnant for years. China said it supports Syrias efforts to maintain national security and stability, while the Kremlin reiterated its support as Russian jets continued to strike rebel-held cities. On Monday, videos circulated online of a strike near Aleppo University Hospital. It was not immediately clear if Russian warplanes were responsible. Last year, Chinas ministry of foreign affairs announced a strategic partnership with Syria, ending more than a decade of sanctions-induced isolation for the middle Eastern nation. Iranian-backed militias have entered Syria overnight from Iraq, as Irans foreign ministry reassured al-Assad that it would support the government in its counteroffensive. Turkish-backed forces have also appeared to attack the Kurdish YPG group in northern Syria, prompting the US-backed coalition in the north to conduct evacuations amid fears of massacres of Kurds. 03:56 PM GMT Idlib hospital hit by air strike A hospital in the Syrian rebel stronghold-city of Idlib has been hit by an apparent air strike. Geolocated footage shows a huge smoke cloud billowing above the Idlib University Hospital as people attempted to put out fires on the street outside. Rescuers were filmed rushing into the facility, where hospital staff can be seen trying to help patients amid the dust and twisted metal of its bomb-blasted corridors. According to Turkish media, at least two people were killed and four children injured. Russian and Syrian government warplanes have been hitting targets in Idlib and Aleppo in an attempt to halt a shock rebel offensive that began last week. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 12 people were killed earlier on Monday when an air strike hit near a hospital in the centre of Aleppo. Russia and the Syrian government have targeted hospital and medical facilities since Moscows intervention in the conflict in 2015. In 2020, Russia left a UN agreement that aimed to protect hospitals in Syria from bombardment. Smoke rising from an air strike near to a hospital in Idlib, Dec 2 - OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP 03:02 PM GMT Pictured: Iraq sends military vehicles to Syria border In this photo published by the Iraqi defence ministry, military vehicles and equipment are shown being transported towards the Syrian border. It comes after Iraqi security sources said that hundreds of Iran-backed Iraqi militia fighters crossed the border into Syria overnight to help Assads regime fight the shock rebel offensive. Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani told Syrian president Bashar al-Assad on Saturday that Syrias security was key to the stability of the Middle East. Iraqi military equipment being transported towards the border with Syria, Dec 2 - IRAQI DEFENCE MINISTRY / AFP 02:49 PM GMT Rebels treating us well, Aleppo residents say By Fared Al-Mahlool Dr Abu Aboida, an Aleppo resident, told the Telegraph that the rebel forces who had captured the city had treated residents well. He said: We dont feel afraid of the anti-government military, but we are afraid of the air strikes. The strikes are attacking everywhere. Yesterday, we had five or six strikes and a lot of civilian people died. He said shops and hospitals were open. Rebel forces had been handing out food, he said. They promise us that we will be very safe. The life in the city of Idlib [long under rebel control] is good, our relatives there are feeling happy, they are living a good life and we hope that we will be like them. 02:36 PM GMT Putin and Iran pledge unconditional support for Assad Vladimir Putin and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian have pledged unconditional support for Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, according to the Kremlin. The two presidents spoke on the phone and expressed unconditional support for the actions of Syrias legitimate authorities to restore constitutional order and territorial sovereignty, the Russian government said in a statement. It added that they also emphasised the importance of coordinating with Turkey. Russia and Iran have been key allies of the Syrian president. Some analysts have suggested that last weeks shock rebel offensive was made possible by the fact that Russia and Iran are tied up with other conflicts. 02:19 PM GMT Iran-backed Iraqi militias enter Syria to fight for Assad Hundreds of Iran-backed fighters entered Syria from Iraq overnight to help Assads forces fight against rebels who seized Aleppo on Saturday. At least 300 fighters crossed using a dirt road to avoid the official border crossing, two Iraqi security sources said. These are fresh reinforcements being sent to aid our comrades on the front lines in the north, a senior Syrian military source said, adding that the fighters had crossed in small groups to avoid airstrikes. The fighters were primarily from the Badr and Nujabaa groups, which are part of Iraqs Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF). The PMF is a collection of Iran-backed Shia militias that now form part of Iraqs armed forces and report directly to the Iraqi prime minister. 01:47 PM GMT Watch: Syrian rebels capture Assads air defence systems in Aleppo province Credit: X/@clashreport 01:30 PM GMT US discussed lifting sanctions on Assad if he cut ties with Iran Washington has discussed with the United Arab Emirates the possibility of lifting sanctions on Syrian president Bashar al-Assad if he moves away from Iran and stops allowing Tehran to transport weapons to Hezbollah via Syria. The discussions, which happened before last weeks lightening Syrian rebel offensive, had intensified in recent months after Israels campaign against Iran-backed forces in Lebanon and Gaza. The UAE has long hoped to distance Assad from Iran and wants to build business ties with Syria, but U.S. sanctions have hampered those efforts, the sources said. Irans foreign minister Abbas Araqchi visited Syria on Sunday in a show of support for Assad, and UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke to Assad by phone about latest developments at the weekend. 01:06 PM GMT Aleppo residents describe life under the rebels By Fared Al-Mahlool The speed of Syrian regime troop withdrawal has shocked the residents of Aleppo, who now face aerial bombardment and an uncertain future under rebel control. A Syrian Christian from inside Aleppo, who gave his name as George, told the Telegraph: After the rebels took control, we thought we would be in danger, but that did not happen. However, we were very surprised by the withdrawal of the Syrian army and its allies. I think that was agreed upon by the major countries. We are in our homes and praying to be safe. Some neighbourhoods were subjected to airstrikes and that must stop immediately. There are civilians and they should not be bombed. Mohammad Malah, another resident, said: Suddenly, the Syrian army and its allies withdrew. We thought that they would resist more, but that did not happen. So far, we are fine, but the situation is very complicated and we do not know what to do or what will happen in the future. Devren, another Syrian Christian in the city, said: We are being subjected to airstrikes and that must stop immediately to save our lives. We want to live in peace and to celebrate and pray in churches. 12:37 PM GMT Diversity is a strength, say Aleppo rebels as they encourage Kurds not to flee Syrian jihadist rebels in Aleppo have urged Kurds not to flee Aleppo, telling them that diversity is a strength and that the city will be more brilliant and civilized if minorities remain in the area. In the future Syria, we believe that diversity is a strength, not a weakness, read a statement released on Sunday by the Political Affairs Department in Liberated Areas, an authority that has been linked to the jihadist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group. The statement went on to say it condemned the barbaric practices that Isis had committed against the Kurds, saying they were offensive to Islam. We invite them [Kurds] and guarantee their stay in their original areas in the city, it added. It comes as US-backed Kurdish-led forces said they were seeking to evacuate Kurds in Aleppo to safer areas over fears of a massacre. 12:03 PM GMT Foreign interference not to blame, says Turkey Turkey has offered to help facilitate negotiations between the regime and rebels in Syria, but has rejected any suggestion foreign interference was behind the offensive launched by jihadists in the countrys north. In a joint press conference with his counterpart from Iran in Ankara, Turkeys Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said: It would be a mistake at this time to try to explain the events in Syria by any foreign interference. Turkey has been accused destabilising northern Syria in its campaign against Kurdish separatists. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi added that Tehran and Ankara agreed Syria should not become a home for terrorist groups and recent conflict showed the need for compromise between the Syrian government and opposition. Hakan Fidan (R) shakes hands with Abbas Araghchi (L) at the end of a joint press conference in Ankara on Dec 2 - ADEM ALTAN/AFP 11:33 AM GMT Rebels working in line with US, claims Assad Syrias President Bashar al-Assad said the rebel offensive in his countrys north was an attempt to redraw the map of the region, in remarks during a call with his Iranian counterpart Monday. The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redraw the map in line with the objectives of the United States and the West, Assad told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to a statement from the Syrian presidency. The White House has blamed the Assad regimes ongoing refusal to engage in the process outlined in UNSCR2252 and its relationship with Russia and Iran for the conditions now unfolding in Syria. However, the Biden administration said the US had nothing to do with this offensive, pointing instead towards Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a designated terrorist organisation. 10:54 AM GMT Rebels will keep fighting, says opposition leader A Syrian opposition leader said rebels would not stop fighting until the Syrian government committed to the United Nations process and a political transition. We are ready to negotiate starting tomorrow, Hadi al-Bahri said in a televised press conference from Istanbul. Negotiations over the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which sets out a roadmap for peace in Syria, have broken down since the resolution was adopted in 2015. Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria, has described the current situation as a mark of a collective failure to bring about a genuine political process. Residential areas are damaged by Assad regime air strikes on the city of Idlib on Dec 1 - KINENE HINEVI/ANADOLU via GETTY 10:31 AM GMT YPG pulls out from Aleppo amid massacre fears Kurdish YPG forces began pulling out of areas under their control in the northeastern sector of Aleppo city under a deal with rebel forces, rebel sources and a resident said on Monday. The deal to pull out of Sheikh Maqsoud and Bustan al Basha and other areas in the city allows civilians to leave to areas in northeast Syria under Kurdish control. YPG emerged as a powerful armed group during the Syrian civil war and later became part of the US allied forces coalition, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), against Islamic State. Turkey classifies YPG as a terrorist organisation with close ties to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Kurdish gunmen join a demonstration in Qamishli on Dec 2, 2024 against the attacks by Turkish-backed fighters on areas under Kurdish control in northern Syria - AFP via GETTY/DELIL SOULEIMAN 10:24 AM GMT Russia hits rebels in Syria The Russian Air Force has been helping the Syrian Army strike back at rebels who on Friday captured the city of Aleppo. At a briefing on Sunday, Captain Oleg Ignasyuk of the Russian forces in Syria said that Russian bombing runs had killed 320 rebels and destroyed 63 pieces of equipment. The Syrian Army, together with the Russian Air Force, continues its operations against terrorists in the provinces of Idlib, Hama and Aleppo, he said. Captain Ignayuk had also said on Thursday that the Russian Air Force had killed 400 rebels. Russia became a staunch ally of Syria from 2015 when it entered the Syrian Civil War. 09:41 AM GMT Kremlin emphasises support for Assad Russia continues to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and is analysing the situation on the ground after rebel groups seized territory, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. We of course continue to support Bashar al-Assad and we continue contacts at the appropriate levels, we are analysing the situation, Peskov said, adding that Russia would draw up a position on what is necessary to stabilise the situation. Peskovs comments came after Syrian and Russian air forces struck rebel held positions across northwestern Syria, including in Aleppos eastern countryside. 09:34 AM GMT Iran to extend presence in Syria, foreign ministry says Irans military consultants will remain in Syria at Damascus request, Irans Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reassured the Syrian leader during a visit to Damascus on Sunday that Tehran was ready to support the government in its counteroffensive, according to a statement from Bashar al-Assads office. Arab leaders, including Jordans King Abdullah II and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have also called Assad to express their solidarity. 09:30 AM GMT Pictured: Rebel-held airport in Aleppo Rebels pose with an army helicopter on the tarmac at the Nayrab military airport in Aleppo on Dec 2 - AAREF WATAD/AFP Syrian army jets on the tarmac at Nayrab military airport in Aleppo on Dec 2 - AAREF WATAD/AFP An anti-regime fighter poses for a picture next to a Syrian army tank near the Nayrab military airport in Aleppo on Dec 2 - AAREF WATAD/AFP 09:13 AM GMT UK, US, Germany, and France call for de-escalation The United States, France, Germany and Britain have called for de-escalation by all parties in Syria and urged in a joint statement for the protection of civilians and infrastructure. The current escalation only underscores the urgent need for a Syrian-led political solution to the conflict, in line with UNSCR 2254, read a statement issued by the US State Department, referencing the 2015 UN resolution that endorsed a peace process in Syria. 08:50 AM GMT China backs Bashar al-Assads regime China said it supports Syrias efforts to maintain national security and stability after a rebel offensive saw government forces lose control of Aleppo. China is willing to make positive efforts to prevent further deterioration of the situation in Syria, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular press conference on Monday. Last year, Chinas ministry of foreign affairs announced a strategic partnership with Syria after a decade of sanctions-induced isolation. Xi told Assad that China supported Syria in opposing foreign interference, opposing unilateral bullying, safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, according to state media. 08:40 AM GMT Rebel attack threatens UK security, warns former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger has warned that while witnessing Bashar al-Assads retreat may be satisfying, a breakdown in order poses a threat to the UK. It is hard not to derive satisfaction from any setback Bashar experiences, Sir Alex told the BBC Today programme, adding: I certainly would never go so far as to claim that Bashars rule forms any form of long term stability. So no, I dont want him back in charge of Aleppo but equally you cannot pretend that a hard line Islamist group, albeit one trying to moderate its image, presents a good future either. It seems to me more likely that we are seeing a reignition of the civil war in all its dimensions. Sir Alex, who served as chief of MI6 from 2014 to 2020, added that the Syrian Democratic Forces were holding many Isis prisoners and their families. The camps represent a hot bed of radicalisation and havent been sorted out - if the SDF were to go off the job our security situation here would worsen. 08:27 AM GMT Map: Syrian army response Russian and Syrian warplanes bombed the rebel-held city of Idlib on Sunday in an attempt to push back fighters who have swept across northern Syria. The Syrian defence ministry said its forces were preparing to conduct a major counterattack and that rebel attacks on the city of Hama had been repelled. 08:25 AM GMT Air strikes kill ten children Syrian and Russian air strikes have killed at least 25 people in rebel-held territory across northwestern Syria, including ten children. The total death toll from Syrian and Russian strikes since Nov 27 has climbed to 56, including 20 children, according to the White Helmets. Russian and Syrian jets struck the rebel-held city of Idlib and the army also calimed to have recaptured several towns from rebels. Credit: X/@FHomse 08:15 AM GMT US-backed forces conduct evacuations to prevent massacres A US-backed, Kurdish-led force in Syria is seeking to evacuate Kurds in Aleppo province to safe areas, its chief said Monday, amid rebel attacks after pro-Turkey fighters seized a Kurdish majority town. We are actively coordinating with all relevant parties in Syria to ensure the safety of our people and facilitate their secure relocation... to our safe areas, Mazloum Abdi, head of the Syrian Democratic Forces, said in a statement. A Syria war monitor said late Sunday that around 200,000 Syrian Kurds were besieged by pro-Turkey factions who took over the town of Tal Rifaat and nearby villages. Communications have been cut in Kurdish-majority areas, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, raising fears of possible massacres of Kurds. The situation in northwest Syria has developed rapidly and suddenly, with our forces facing intense attacks from multiple fronts, Abdi, the SDF commander in chief, said in a statement. Following the collapse and withdrawal of the Syrian army and its allies, we intervened to establish a humanitarian corridor between our eastern regions, Aleppo, and the Tal Rifaat area, with the aim of protecting our people from potential massacres. However, the attacks of the armed groups backed by the Turkish occupation have disrupted this corridor. 08:07 AM GMT Russia and Syria bomb rebel-held Idlib as Assad prepares major counter-attack Russian and Syrian warplanes bombed the rebel-held city of Idlib on Sunday in an attempt to push back insurgents who have swept across northern Syria. The Syrian military rushed in reinforcements and said it was preparing a major counter-attack, while Moscows air force joined in the bombardment of Aleppo and Idlib. The Telegraph witnessed a number of air strikes. According to local sources in Idlib, the aircraft were taking off from the Russian military base at Hmeimim airport in the Latakia countryside in Syria. Read the full story here. X 08:05 AM GMT Welcome to our live coverage Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the conflict in Syria. Well be bringing you the latest news and analysis throughout the day. Joe and Hunter Biden C-SPAN Before pardoning Hunter Biden on Sunday night, the president had repeatedly ruled it out. Joe Biden granted a full and unconditional pardon to his son, who was facing sentencing for two criminal cases relating to tax fraud and lying about drug use when purchasing a gun. The presidents U-turn triggered a furious response from Republicans, with Donald Trump calling it a miscarriage of justice. Here are all of the times Mr Biden and the White House ruled out pardoning Hunter. November 2024 Speaking shortly after Mr Trumps election victory, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president had no plans to pardon his son. Hunter was scheduled to face sentencing on gun charges on Dec 12 and tax fraud charges on Dec16. Asked about the presidents intentions, Ms Jean-Pierre told Fox News: Weve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no. Reminded that Mr Biden had previously said he would not consider a commutation of his sons sentence, Ms Jean-Pierre said: Yes, that stands. August 2024 Ms Jean-Pierre made similar remarks in August, shortly after Mr Biden withdrew from the presidential race, when asked if the president would instruct Kamala Harris not to pardon his son if she were elected. I I mean, thats a hypothetical that I look, the president I can speak for the president, and he said he would not pardon his son. And Im just going to leave it there, Ms Jean-Pierre said. June 2024 Speaking in June, on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy, Mr Biden said he would neither pardon nor commute his sons sentence. In his first interview since Hunter was found guilty, Mr Biden said he was satisfied that his son received a fair trial. I am not going to do anything, he said while standing alongside Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president. I will abide by the jurys decision. As I also said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal, the president added. Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that. Mr Bidens comments echoed those he made a week earlier as Hunters trial in Delaware got under way. Asked by ABC News if he would accept the results of the federal trial, the president replied yes. When asked whether he would rule out pardoning Hunter if convicted, Mr Biden also answered yes. Credit: ABC News Following Mr Bidens remarks, Ms Jean-Pierre underscored that he had been very clear. Addressing her sons conviction for the first time during a campaign interview in June, Jill Biden reiterated her husbands stance. Joe and I both respect the judicial system, and thats the bottom line, she told NBC News. MSNBC December 2023 In December last year, the White House press secretary clearly stated that the president had no intention of pardoning his son, who was facing nine criminal charges of tax evasion at the time. Nothing has changed. That is still the case, she said, confirming that Mr Biden would not pardon his son. Im not going to go beyond telling you all what the president has said over and over again. September 2023 Following Hunters indictment on federal criminal charges for unlawfully possessing a gun, Ms Jean-Pierre ruled out the possibility of the president pardoning his son. So Ive answered this question before. It was asked of me not too long ago a couple of weeks ago and I was very clear, and I said no, she said. July 2023 In July last year, as Hunter faced two counts of tax fraud, Ms Jean-Pierre shut down repeated questions about whether Mr Biden would consider a presidential pardon. No, she told Fox News when asked about the matter. Pressed further by reporters, she added: I just said no. After an initial investigation, the police freed Choi Minhwan from his prostitution solicitation and sexual assault charges. Will he still have custody of his three kids? On November 29, the Gangnam Police Station gave an update about F.T. Island Choi Minhwan's charges of violating South Korea's Anti-Prostitution Act under Article 21 and forced molestation. According to the authorities, they decided to not send the celebrity to the prosecution due to lack of evidence and gave him a not guilty verdict. Previously, the National Petition forwarded the case to the police after netizens filed a complaint about his frequent visits to adult shops during her marriage to former Laboum Yulhee. Her ex-wife also revealed audio recordings where Minhwan was reserving girls at the establishment through broker A. With the verdict, there are concerns about their three kids' custody remaining to Minhwan, but Yulhee's lawyer attested that it wouldn't affect their request for a change in parental rights and custody adjustment. Attorney Yang So Young told OSEN on the 29th: "The incident in question is not a decisive factor (for the mediation application). The focus is that it was not initially discussed for the purpose of punishment, but to clear up the misunderstandings they had and to seek future rights. It was not an accusation filed by Yulhee's side." READ ALSO: FTISLAND Minhwan's Prostitution Scandal: Idol to Take Hiatus Amid Police Investigation He claimed that Yulhee actually had a strong chance of winning the case, and she would most likely be able to take back her three kids sooner or later. As a brief background, it was initially reported that the former couple mutually agreed to give Minhwan custody to avoid giving the three kids stress due to a new environment. At the time, she received sour reactions and was labeled "bad mom." However, Yulhee would later reveal that she originally wanted to take them with her but due to the financial and mental stress the family would face once she filed a lawsuit against the idol, she kindly gave up her custody and property shares. But as the table turned upside down and as she gained more support from the public, Yulhee finally decided to fight back. RELATED ARTICLE: Yulhee Files Lawsuit Against Choi Minhwan for Custody of 3 Kids, Alimony & Division of Property A Place In The Sun will return to Channel 4 with a new prime-time slot of 6pm, it has been announced. The programme, which helps couples who want to move from the UK to find a home abroad with sun, sea and sand, will showcase locations including the Mediterranean isle of Gozo and the historical towns of Lake Garda in Italy. In the first episode of the new run, presenter Jasmine Harman will help newlyweds Bev and Errol, who work in the NHS, find their dream holiday home. The couple want to celebrate their marriage by finding a property in the Spanish region of the Mar Menor, home to a large saltwater lagoon. Harman shows them five properties that fit their price budget of 60,000 before they make a decision. Harman, 49, began her role on the programme in 2004 when it was called A Place In The Sun: Home Or Away?, presenting alongside Jonnie Irwin who died in February following a lung cancer diagnosis in 2020. The presenter, who relocated with her family to Spain in 2023, said: We are so excited to bring A Place In The Sun to a new teatime slot. This move reflects the shows popularity and our dedication to providing viewers with inspirational stories and exciting journeys. Our move to Spain has transformed my life, so I hope well be able to do the same for even more house hunters dreaming of living in the sun. Earlier in the year Harman paid tribute to former co-presenter Irwin on social media and said that beginning their TV careers together was a pleasure and a privilege I will be eternally grateful for. The new episodes start on Thursday January 2 at 6pm on Channel 4. A police officer has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving over a crash in which a moped rider was killed. Metropolitan Police Constable Ian Brotherton, 32, will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday, also accused of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. He has been charged over the death of 26-year-old Cristopher De Carvalho Guedes, whose moped was hit by a police car on an emergency call in Southbury Road, Enfield, north London, on October 12 last year. The car, which had its lights and sirens on, drove through a red light in Southbury Road before colliding with Mr Guedes, who was turning right into Baird Road. The charges were brought after an investigation by watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct. A retired police dog who was on his first walk since recovering from major surgery to remove two tumours rescued a vulnerable man after locating him in woods. Bear, a German Shepherd, was being walked by his owner Julia Pope, a former police officer, in the Eastbourne area of East Sussex when he sensed the presence of the man who was actually a missing person being searched for by police. The dog, who was celebrating his 12th birthday on the day of the incident, November 28, then took Ms Pope to the missing man. Ms Pope said: This was his first proper walk since his surgery and we thought it would be a gentle wander but then it ended up being quite dramatic. Bear continues to work as a well-being and trauma support dog for police staff (The Thin Blue Paw Foundation/PA) Bear went into work mode, he suddenly stopped and started indicating towards an area of dense undergrowth and then dragged us to it, where he located and alerted us to a vulnerable man. The man was confused, wet, cold and had fallen over, and was unable to get up unaided. Im not sure he would have survived the night as it was extremely cold and almost dark at that point with no-one else in the vicinity. The area was off the beaten track and would be very easy to get lost in, especially in the dark. Unbeknownst to us, the man was a vulnerable missing person who officers had been searching for without any success. We were able to assist the man back to an area where we could co-ordinate with police officers who had been searching for him and thankfully reunite with him with his family, with Bear leading the way back. Its an amazing stroke of luck really that we were in the right place at the right time two former police officers and a retired police dog. Ms Pope adopted Bear in 2020 after he retired but his keeper was unable to keep him. The retired police dog (RPD) continues to work as a well-being and trauma support dog for police staff and is supported by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation. The charity, which rehabilitates, protects and supports working and retired police dogs, supported Bear and his owners last summer when he lost the use of his rear legs and was struggling to walk. He needed an emergency MRI and surgery to treat four herniated discs in his spine, thought to have been caused by his years of strenuous work as a police dog. Bear then underwent surgery after two benign tumours were spotted in a scan two weeks ago. Thin Blue Paw trustee Kieran Stanbridge said: RPD Bear is a true hero his training and instinct kicked in and he managed to lead his owners, who are former police officers themselves, to this vulnerable man who needed urgent help. Thanks to Bear, the man received the help he needed from local officers; even in his retirement, hes still saving lives. A Russian agent discussed deploying a true sexy bitch in a honeytrap spy plot against an award-winning journalist, a court has heard. Rupert Ticz, aka Austrian national Jan Marsalek, exchanged a series of messages with lead spy Orlin Roussev about the operation on Bellingcat investigative journalist Christo Grozev in 2021, the Old Bailey heard. In the encrypted chat, the pair discussed engineering a fake romance between Mr Grozev, 64, and London-based beautician Vanya Gaberova, 30. Gaberova had travelled to Valencia in Spain as part of a team to spy on Mr Grozev at a conference in the Palace Hotel which was also attended by Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins, jurors were told. Roussev had noted that Mr Grozev had very quickly accepted a Facebook request from Gaberova. Orlin Roussev has pleaded guilty to espionage charges (Metropolitan Police/PA) On September 28 2021, he told Marsalek that their target seems hooked and in love with Vanya and had started liking her pictures and posts. He wrote: We can move slowly to romance. We slowly push for a date. Marsalek queried whether she would be up for that and warned: Lets wait a little, lets not under-estimate the guy and his paranoia. Roussev agreed, telling him: Absolutely. We can definitely record something for Pornhub too. That girl is red hot, she is a swinger too. He identified an excellent opportunity for a girl to appear and help him relax. Marsalek responded: True. I hope she does not fall in love with him. I had that problem before with a honeytrap. Roussev told him that would not happen, saying: You are using the wrong type of girls. Marsalek replied: To be fair, I do not think hes a pleasant guy. Roussev went on: You need strong, assertive and independence-driven girls. Vanya is very, very assertive and strongly independent true sexy bitch. Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins (left) and investigative journalist Christo Grozev speaking at an event in London (David Mirzoeff/PA) Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC told jurors that, as well as trying to befriend Mr Gozev, Gaberova had been engaged in capturing surveillance images of him at the conference. She said: These images were extremely important as they showed Christo Grozev together with others of interest to Russia, Eliot Higgins. Roussev would later seek to use face recognition software to check that the image did show Christo Grozev with Higgins together. Earlier, it was jokingly suggested in the chat that the figure said to be Mr Higgins was late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the court was told. More chat between the spy ring noted Mr Gozev was like a Swiss watch, even sitting at the same table for breakfast every day. They noted that Mr Gozev and his group would stop talking or change the subject whenever anyone passed by or came close, the court was told. Jurors have heard that Roussev, 46, of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, and another defendant, Biser Dzhambazov, 43, of Harrow, north-west London, have pleaded guilty to conspiring to spy for Russia. Bulgarian national Gabverova, Katrin Ivanova, 33, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, are on trial at the Old Bailey for allegedly being part of the same UK-based spy network. Biser Dzhambazov has pleaded guilty to conspiring to spy for Russia (Metropolitan Police/PA) Jurors have heard the group were involved in six operations against individuals and places of interest to the Russian state for nearly three years. The first operation, between September and November 2021, targeted Mr Grozev because of his work on Russian affairs, including uncovering Russian links to the 2018 Salisbury attack and the downing of a Malaysia Airlines plane in July 2014. Bulgarian Mr Grozev was tracked across Vienna in Austria, Valencia in Spain, and in Montenegro, but the only defendant he recognised was Gaberova, whom he knew from Facebook. Jurors were shown surveillance pictures taken of Mr Grozev arriving at Valencia airport and inside the Palace Hotel, even having breakfast. Marsalek and Roussev allegedly discussed various options, including robbing Mr Grozev, burning his property, kidnapping him and taking him to Moscow, infiltrating Bellingcat, and even killing him. Ivanova allegedly played a central role in the second operation against another investigative journalist, UK-based Russian Roman Dobrokhotov, 41. She was sitting next to him on a flight from Budapest to Berlin where he was giving evidence in a zoo murder case, the court was told. She showed off her tradecraft by relaying images, using covert recording equipment and capturing Mr Dobrokhotovs iPhone PIN number, Mr Morgan said. Court artist sketch of Bulgarian national Katrin Ivanova (Elizabeth Cook/PA) She even spotted he was writing to the first target Mr Grozev during the flight to Germany, the court was told. During discussions about the operation in November 2021, Marsalek allegedly commented: I would love to kidnap the guy now even more. Mr Dobrokhotov is the founder of The Insider and considers himself to be a target for Russian intelligence. The third operation was in London and involved surveillance of Kazakhstan dissident Bergey Ryskaliyev at two west London addresses, One Hyde Park in Knightsbridge and Warwick Chambers, the court heard. When asked if he could deploy his Minions team, Roussev told Marsalek: London is a piece of cake Always wanted London and to use my black cab. Dzhambazov, who went by the messaging handle Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Gaberova were sent to stake out the addresses along with Ivan Stoyanov, jurors heard. There was discussion about dressing up as Deliveroo drivers to gain access to the properties and using ambulances as perfect cover to disguise their activities, jurors were told. But Ms Morgan told jurors that Mr Ryskaliyev had spotted Stoyanov parked outside Warwick Chambers in a Toyota Prius and his assistant took photographs and confronted him by asking what he was doing there. Jurors have heard that targeting Mr Ryskaliyev in November 2021 would have helped Kazakhstan and served to cultivate relations with Russia, the court was told. 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 in Harrow, north-west London, and Gaberova in Euston, north London. The trial was adjourned until Tuesday morning. Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer has called on Iran and Russia to act in accordance with international humanitarian law, following recent airstrikes in Syria. Russian strikes hit Aleppo for the first time since 2016 on Saturday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), after rebel forces launched an offensive against the Syrian government last week. In a statement, Mr Falconer urged all actors involved not to target civilians in Syria, as he told the Commons the Government is very alive to the terrorist threats that could emanate. He said: As I stand here, we do not know if HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) will succeed in pushing further south towards the city of Hama, which sits approximately 100 kilometres south of Aleppo. What we do know is that these developments mark the biggest shake up of the conflict lines in Syria since 2020. In response, Russian airstrikes have increased on Idlib province, HTSs heartland, and on Aleppo, and there have been reports of Iranian aligned groups moving into Syria to backup the Assad regime. Events are moving quickly, and the trajectory is unclear. My primary concern in the immediate term is the impact on civilians and, of course, delivery of humanitarian assistance. This is particularly worrying if we see more large scale attacks by the regime or Russia against civilians. I call directly this evening on all actors involved, including Iran and Russia, to act in accordance with international humanitarian law and not to target civilians or civilian infrastructure, including health facilities. Humanitarian actors should be granted full humanitarian access on the ground. He added: The current fighting also underscores that the situation in Syria is not sustainable. Thirteen years into the conflict, no side has or can decisively win on the battlefield, including Assad. A frozen conflict is not the same as peace. Syrians continue to flee the country. Drugs and arms smuggling from Syria threaten the region, and Iran and Russia continue to exert influence propping up the Syrian regime. The underlying reasons for this conflict remain unaddressed. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Recent developments in the north west only underscore the urgent need for Syrian-led political solution to the conflict in Syria, in line with UN Security Council resolution 2254, we urge all parties to re-engage with this process. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel argued that when red lines are crossing this conflict, the UK must be part of a firm response. She added: Instability also fuels extremism, not just abroad, but at home here too. Can he therefore explain his view on the risk of dangerous extremists in Syria and the risk to the security of prisons in the area? And can the minister confirm that coordination is taking place across our Government to review the security and defence implications and terrorism risks? Mr Falconer replied: We are very alive to the terrorist threats that could emanate from Syria, not least from Daesh, who may be down, but they are not out, and we continue to monitor those issues very closely. Ukraine must be in strong position for negotiations, Starmer says Ukraine must be placed in the strongest possible position for negotiations to end the war with Russia, Sir Keir Starmer has said. The Prime Minister insisted the UK will back Ukraine for as long as it takes as he made a speech at the Lord Mayors Banquet in London, but for the first time acknowledged the conflict could move towards a negotiated end. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has in recent weeks suggested he is open to a possible ceasefire with Vladimir Putins Russia. Kyiv and its European allies meanwhile fear the advent of Donald Trumps return to the White House could result in American aid being halted. President-elect Trump has said he would prefer to move towards a peace deal, and has claimed he could end the conflict on day one of his time in power. As he attempts to strike up a good relationship with the incoming president, Sir Keir revealed he had told Mr Trump the UK will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during the annual Lord Mayors Banquet at the Guildhall in central London (Yui Mok/PA) In his speech at Londons Guildhall, the Prime Minister said there is no question it is right we support Ukraine, as the UKs aid to Kyiv is deeply in our self-interest. Allowing Russia to win the war would mean other autocrats would believe they can follow Putins example, he warned. Sir Keir added: So we must continue to back Ukraine and do what it takes to support their self-defence for as long as it takes. To put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations so they can secure a just and lasting peace on their terms that guarantees their security, independence, and right to choose their own future. Mr Zelensky told Sky News over the weekend he would be open to speaking with Mr Putin, but branded the Russian president a terrorist. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (centre) with Lord Mayor of the City of London Alastair King (centre left) during the annual Lord Mayors Banquet at the Guildhall in central London (Yui Mok/PA) He also suggested Ukrainian territory under his control should be taken under the Nato umbrella to try to stop the hot stage of the war with Russia. In a banquet speech focused on foreign affairs, the Prime Minister said it was plain wrong to suggest the UK must choose between its allies, adding: I reject it utterly. (Clement) Attlee did not choose between allies. (Winston) Churchill did not choose. The national interest demands that we work with both. Sir Keir said the UK and the US were intertwined when it came to commerce, technology and security. The Prime Minister added: Thats why, when President Trump graciously hosted me for dinner in Trump Tower, I told him that we will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come. He also repeated his commitment to rebuild our ties with Europe and insisted he was right to try to build closer links with China. It is remarkable that until I met President Xi last month there had been no face-to-face meeting between British and Chinese leaders for six years, the Prime Minister said. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks during the annual Lord Mayors Banquet at the Guildhall in central London (Yui Mok/PA) We cant simply look the other way. We need to engage. To co-operate, to compete and to challenge on growth, on security concerns, on climate as well as addressing our differences in a full and frank way on issues like Hong Kong, human rights, and sanctions on our parliamentarians, he added. The Prime Minister said he wants Britains role in the world to be that of a constant and responsible actor in turbulent times. He added: To be the soundest ally and to be determined, always, in everything we do. Every exchange we have with other nations, every agreement we enter into to deliver for the British people and show, beyond doubt, that Britain is back. Ahead of Sir Keirs speech, Lord Mayor Alastair King urged the Prime Minister and his Government to loosen regulations on the City of London to help it maintain its competitive edge. In an echo of Sir Keirs commitment to drive the UKs economic growth, the Lord Mayor said: The idealist will dream of growth, but the pragmatist understands that our most effective machinery to drive growth is here in the City, in the hands of some of the brightest and most committed people that you will find anywhere in the world. Goldbelly The Best Food Gifts for The Holidays 2024 The Holidays are just around the corner, and when it comes to gifting, there aint no gift like a FOOD gift! Whether youre in the market for Christmas food gifts or Hanukkah food gifts, youll find something for everybody. Here are gifts from both of those categories that your friend, family, co-worker, or anyone will go crazy for! Goldbelly Best Food Gifts for Christmas Kelly Fields Southern Brunch Box Start Christmas morning on the right foot with a brunch courtesy of Kelly Fields, one of the Souths most acclaimed chefs. Their Southern Brunch Box includes fluffy biscuits ready to be baked, pimento cheese, sausage gravy, raspberry jam, a sleeve of Ritz crackers, and even Bloody Mary mix! Goldbelly Cochon Butchers Holiday Ham Dinner One of New Orleans most beloved restaurants-slash-butcher shops, Cochon Butcher has two James Beard-winning chefs behind it, and this Holiday Ham Dinner really brings the Southern goods. It includes a five-pound housemade ham, a glaze made with Steens cane syrup and whole grain mustard, mac & cheese, bacon braised greens, and dinner rolls. Goldbelly Lawrys Prime Rib & All the Accompaniments When it comes to Christmas dinner, nothing screams luxury quite like prime rib. And when it comes to prime rib, no restaurant is more famous for it than Lawrys. This Prime Rib Dinner includes an uncooked three-bone prime rib roast along with all of Lawrys most famous holiday side dishes: creamed spinach, creamed corn, mashed potatoes & gravy, Yorkshire pudding batter, horseradish cream, and jus. When it comes to chillin and grillin, we are the masters of the grill. What sets a good barbecue apart from an epic BBQ are the sides. check these best sides for the ultimate backyard BBQ Goldbelly Philippe Chows Peking Duck Dinner Kit For a change of pace this Christmas, go for the Peking Duck Dinner Kit from Philippe Chow, one of New Yorks most iconic and upscale Chinese restaurants. This crisp-skinned duck arrives ready to be heated, thin-sliced, and served inside fresh scallion pancakes topped with plum sauce, scallions, and cucumber. Goldbelly Settepanis Panettone Settepani is a renowned Brooklyn traditional Italian bakery, and their panettone a traditional Sicilian Christmas sweet bread is flavored with honey and orange and dotted with raisins and candied fruits. A three-day rise yields a bread thats light and fluffy. It also makes for a perfect French toast! If youre in the mood for a rich, luxurious dessert, check these 10 of the best mail-order cheesecakes in the US Goldbelly The Christmas PieCaken From the mind of superstar pastry chef Zac Young, this Turducken of Desserts, the Christmas PieCaken, stacks three of Christmas most iconic desserts on top of each other: Chocolate Pecan Pie, Cherry Swirl Cheesecake, and Red Velvet Cake layered together with cream cheese buttercream and covered in festive red and white sprinkles. Goldbelly Duff Goldmans Gingerbread Cake From another superstar pastry chef, Duff Goldmans Gingerbread Cake is filled with sweet and creamy vanilla cream cheese icing, and decorated with chocolate buttercream frosting with a piped white buttercream edge, red buttercream dots, and a brown fondant gingerbread man on top! Goldbelly Guy Fieris Holiday Trash Can Nachos Only the Mayor of Flavortown himself would come up with the treat this off-the-hook! Guy Fieris Holiday Trash Can Nachos are a heaping pile of crispy cannoli chips, mini pretzels, crushed candy cane pieces, brownie pieces, whiskey dark chocolate, and whiskey salted caramel. Present it in the included trash can for a big reveal! Goldbelly Bread & Roses Bakerys Holiday Cookie Platter Bread & Roses is a Maine icon, and theyre baking up a platter of 18 traditional Christmas cookies from scratch, using only the best-quality ingredients. From shortbread cookies to jam-filled thumbprints to hand-decorated gingerbread men, the gangs all here. Goldbelly Baz Bagels Hanukkah Brunch Kit For the perfect Hanukkah bagel brunch, look no further than New Yorks Baz Bagel. These classic hand-rolled, kettle boiled bagels are given a blue-and-white swirl, and they arrive alongside your choice of cream cheeses, Nova, and black & white cookies. Goldbelly Eli Zabars Challah Menorah A beloved tradition at New York institution Eli Zabar, this handmade challah is shaped just like a menorah! Its baked to order and shipped within hours of emerging from their oven. Goldbelly Lindas Latkes Theres no need to make latkes from scratch this year Lindas Gourmet Latkes are available in two different sizes, can be gluten-free, and are golden brown and crisp on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside. Goldbelly Kanes Jelly Donuts Jelly donuts also called sufganiyot are a traditional Hanukkah food, and few are better than these jelly donuts, from Bostons famous Kanes Donuts, going strong since 1955. Theyre big, fluffy, and filled with black raspberry jelly. Goldbelly Kenny & Ziggys Delis Hanukkah Dinner For the perfect Hanukkah dinner, look no further than this feast from Kenny & Ziggys Deli, a Houston icon. Each package includes chicken soup, matzo balls, brisket with gravy, latkes, noodle kugel, and assorted rugelach for dessert. Goldbelly Jake Cohens Blue & White Cookies From the mind of social media star and cookbook author Jake Cohen, these Mini Blue & White Cookies are sweet and cakey, and topped with colorful sprinkles. Goldbelly Carousel Cakes Hanukkah Blue Velvet Cake More than 50 years of expert baking skills goes into each of these Blue Velvet Cakes, a spin on Carousel Cakes signature Red Velvet Cake, which was named one of Oprahs Favorite Things. Moist blue vanilla cake is layered and topped with cream cheese frosting, and its finished with Hanukkah decorations. Goldbelly Oneg Bakerys Double Chocolate Babka Oneg Bakery is a Brooklyn institution, and their legendary chocolate babka is absolutely huge! A full loaf weighs in at six pounds, and its loaded with so much chocolate that it takes on a chewy, fudgy texture while remaining crusty on the outside. Try it hot out of the oven. This article originally appeared on Goldbelly.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org Goldbelly More from MediaFeed Two flight attendants for Delta Air Lines were pulled from an international flight after failing a breathalyzer test in Amsterdam on Friday. Randomly tested by Dutch authorities before a flight to New York's JFK International Airport, a female flight attendant reportedly showed a blood alcohol level seven times over the legal limit for crew members and a male flight attendant failed by 0.02, an official familiar with the situation confirmed. The female Delta employee was fined 1,900 euros, or about $2,000, and her male colleague was fined 275, or about $290. Another flight attendant from a different airline was also fined 1,800 (around $1,900) for being 6.5 times over the limit with the trio flagged during a three-hour period in which police screened 445 pilots and flight attendants at Schiphol Airport, according to Aviation A2Z. A spokesperson for the Atlanta-based carrier told CBS News that the incident did not affect the flight. "Delta's alcohol policy is among the strictest in the industry and we have zero tolerance for violation. The employees were removed from their scheduled duties and the flight departed as scheduled," the spokesperson said. Dutch police said in a statement that a third flight attendant with another, unspecified foreign airline also tested well over the legal limit for commercial flight crews on the same day at Schiphol and was fined about $1,900. European aviation regulations restrict alcohol consumption for aircrew, and the Netherlands specifically bans pilots and crew members from drinking within 10 hours of a flight. The European Air Safety Agency warns that merely adhering to the "bottle to throttle" time rule does not guarantee compliance with legal blood alcohol concentration limits. In the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration recommends eight hours between drinking and flying and that employees be removed from their duties if their blood alcohol concentration registers 0.02 or above on a required test. Maryland island struggles to survive impact of rising sea level, erosion | 60 Minutes "The Barn": A murder in Mississippi, and the evil hiding in plain sight Ted Turner's nature preserves: A carefully curated "Heaven on Earth" Francesca Eastwood was arrested in October on suspicion of felony domestic violence Araya Doheny/FilmMagic Francesca Eastwood The Los Angeles County District Attorney declined to file charges against Francesca Eastwood, the daughter of Clint Eastwood and actress Frances Fisher. Francesca was arrested in October on suspicion of felony domestic violence. The case was declined due to insufficient evidence, a Los Angeles County District Attorneys office spokesperson tells PEOPLE. The case was dropped on Oct. 18, per the district attorney's office. The Beverly Hills Police Department told Fox News that officers responded to a call around 10:42 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, about "a possible domestic violence incident." Eric Charbonneau/Getty Francesca Eastwood and her father Clint Eastwood Related: Who Is Clint Eastwood's Daughter? All About Actress Francesca Eastwood According to Fox News, citing police, Francesca was arrested for "assault-domestic violence/inflicting corporal injury (spouse or cohabitant abuse)." She posted $50,000 bail and was released from jail, per Fox News. 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. Francesca starred in the reality TV series Mrs. Eastwood & Company, which premiered on E! in 2012. The show gave viewers an inside look at the lives of Francesca, her then-stepmother, Dina Eastwood, and her half-sister, Morgan Eastwood. The actress, who gave birth to a son Titan Wraith Eastwood in 2018, has also appeared in Old, The Vault, Clawfoot, Queen of the Ring, Final Girl and Jersey Boys and most recently Juror #2. Jersey Boys and Juror #2 were both directed by her father. Francescas publicist could not be reached for comment. The U.S. coast guard seal at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York City on Aug. 4, 2016. (Brent N. Clarke) The Coast Guard and a group of good Samaritans were searching for five people who went missing after a fishing boat reportedly capsized near Couverden Point, Alaska, the military branch announced Sunday. The crew aboard the roughly 50-foot fishing boat Wind Walker sent a mayday call that the vessel was overturning around 12:10 a.m. Sunday. But the Coast Guards attempts to get more information from the crew received no response. The Coast Guard launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Air Station Sitka and a 45-foot response boat from Station Juneau to scour the area where the fishing vessel was believed to have capsized, according to a news release. At the same time, a ferry vessel called AMHS Hubbard overheard the broadcast and volunteered to help, the Coast Guard said in the release. Responders have so far recovered seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights from the search area, according to the release. The people involved in the effort are facing heavy snow, winds up to 60 mph and 6-foot seas. The Coast Guard said people familiar with the crew of the Wind Walker reported there were five people aboard. But that number has not been confirmed and could change based on new information. The fishing boat originated just south of Point Couverden in Icy Strait off the southeastern coast of Alaska. What happened to Hvaldimir, the beluga whale believed to be a Russian spy? The mysterious spy whale, which gained international attention a few years ago, was found dead off the coast of Norway. The death of this beloved celebrity whale has sparked questions on social media. Hvaldimir's sudden death has ignited debates about the use of animals in military operations and the ethical concerns surrounding such practices. A Whale with a Mysterious Past The story of this Russian spy whale began in 2019 when Norwegian fishermen noticed something strange about the whale swimming near the northern coast. The whale was wearing a harness equipped with mounts for a camera, and the harness bore the words "Equipment of St. Petersburg." For the witnesses, this suggested a connection to Russia. This discovery led to widespread rumors that the Russian Navy had trained the whale for intelligence-gathering missions. For years, Hvaldimir became a familiar sight along the Norwegian coastline. The locals soon grew closer with the spy whale, who was often sighted interacting with people. Despite efforts to encourage the whale to return to the wild, it seemed dependent on human interaction. With its unexpected death, the question arises: Was this the natural end for a whale in unfamiliar waters, or did something more sinister happen? Read Also : Experts Blame Orcas After 77 Pilot Whales Washed Up Dead Along Orkney Beach Investigations and Global Reactions What caused Hvaldimir's death? Despite the ongoing investigation by the Norwegian authorities, the cause of death remains a mystery. However, natural causes are not yet ruled out. On the other hand, some experts are pointing to environmental stress or injuries sustained. Environmental and animal rights groups have deep concerns over the whale's death. This tragic incident urged international leaders to reconsider the militarization of marine life. Could this tragic event lead to a change in how animals are used in such operations? As the investigation continues, the world watches closely, not just out of concern for Hvaldimir, but also for what this might mean for future military practices. Moreover, the death of the "spy whale" has sparked discussions about the geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, where Russia's activities have raised eyebrows among other global powers. Related Article : Humpback Whales Less Stressed During The First Year of COVID-19 Pandemic Governor Jared Polis/Facebook (The Center Square) Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is not happy with President Joe Biden. The Democrat criticized the sitting president for granting his son, Hunter Biden, an expansive pardon. Polis said that while he understands why Biden did it, he disagrees with the decision. "While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBiden's natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country," Polis posted on X. "This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation. Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a President's son." President Biden also received widespread criticism from conservatives for his decision; President-elect Donald Trump was among those who criticized the decision as an abuse of power. "Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years?" Trump said in a statement. "Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!" Hunter Biden faced tax and gun-related charges that would have sent him to federal prison, as The Center Square previously reported. However, the presidential pardon covers any possible crimes his son committed dating back to 2014. That covers the timeframe when he was overseas and did millions of dollars in business deals using the Biden name, according to House investigations. Hunter Biden's plea agreement with the Department of Justice fell through earlier this year due to pressure from Republican lawmakers who argued the deal was too favorable. Defending the pardon in a statement on Sunday, Biden said the charges against his son were politically motivated by Republicans in Congress. "Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form," Biden said in a statement. "Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently." Wildlife officials are hunting coyotes in an area of southeast central Colorado after they say one attacked a 4-year-old girl on Thanksgiving Day. The attack took place during the late afternoon hours in northern Colorado Springs in El Paso County, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced in a news release. The neighborhood where the reported incident took place is east of Monument Creek and Interstate 25, not far from the United States Air Force Academy. Witnesses told wildlife agents the girl was attacked when she and another child approached a coyote crouching behind a tree, thinking it was a dog. "The coyote lunged at the girl, grabbing the back of her head, inflicting serious injuries that resulted in an overnight stay at a hospital," the agency wrote in the release. Dog kills 1, injures 3 including cops: Animal euthanized after killing woman, injuring man and biting 2 Boston officers Girl hospitalized after being attacked by coyote The agency reported it was alerted about the attack on Friday, after the girl was released from a hospital. CPW then it immediately began searching for the animal, the release continued. This could have been much worse a tragedy if not for the quick action of the childs father to stop the attack, rescue his daughter and scare the coyote off, said Tim Kroening, CPWs Area Wildlife Manager for the Pikes Peak region. A coyote crosses railroad tracks close to a large group of people in Arizona in 2018. In Colorado Springs, on Thanksgiving Day 2024, a coyote attacked a 4-year-old girl. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have been hunting for the animal. We dont know yet what brought the coyote into the yard with this child, Kroening said. But its an important reminder to everyone to be alert and haze wild animals away from their homes and neighborhoods. That goes for deer, fox, bobcat, bears and other animals. Dont let them get comfortable around people." Wildlife officials plan to kill all coyotes in area of attack Because it would be impossible to identify the exact coyote, CPW said the agency will kill each coyote it finds in the vicinity of where the attack occurred. The carcasses will be sent to a health lab to be examined for human DNA and tested for diseases including rabies. The undomesticated relative of the dog, coyotes live across Colorado, "adapting well to urban areas where they find shelter and easy meals," the agency said. "Like most wildlife, coyotes are naturally afraid of humans but they can lose that fear and become bold and aggressive if they are protecting their young, being fed or are sick." Wildlife agents on Monday continued to warn the public to be vigilant of their children and their pets while outdoors. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colorado officials hunting coyotes after girl attacked on Thanksgiving I actually gasped when I saw these down the aisle. Its a fact: chicken nuggets shaped like dinosaurs automatically taste better than the regular version. So imagine our excitement when we found out that Costco is selling holiday-shaped nuggets?! Apparently, our steadfast excitement is not one-sided, because the internet seems to be just as hyped up as we are. Costco will always have an unwavering following, thanks to its many fan-favorite offerings over the years (with one of its most recent being a new heat-and-eat lasagna soup). Because of this, social media fan accounts were quick to spot the grocers latest addition to its freezer section ahead of Thanksgiving: holiday-inspired chicken nuggets. According to a Reddit thread, this festive offering was also available at the warehouse for a limited-time last year. Costcos Yummy Dino Buddies Holiday Chicken Nuggets We first caught wind of these Yummy Dino Buddies Holiday Chicken Nuggets on TikTok. You'll most likely find them in the freezer section right next to the brands regular dinosaur chicken nuggets.The holly jolly shapes include a reindeer, holiday tree, gingerbread man, snowman, candy cane, and stocking. According to the 5-pound box (that's a lot of nuggets!), these breaded nuggets are made of white meat chicken patties and contain no artificial ingredients, flavors, colors, or preservatives. They are dangerously good, about to go get another box, one commenter wrote. Another claimed that the nuggets are also stocked at WinCo Foods, a supermarket in select states on the Pacific Coast, adding that theyve already gone through two boxes. Per Costcos product description, these holiday chicken nuggets are fully cooked, microwavable, and need to be kept frozen until youre ready to heat and eat them. Customers are particularly cheerful about the fact that these shapes are kid-friendly, making them a fun edition to any family meal. We are using them for our annual Christmas Kid Edition Dinner, one shopper said. They are going to be super happy. Wed even venture so far out to guess that even Santa himself would be smiling from ear to ear at holiday chicken nuggets on his plate. Its unclear how long this frozen Costco item will be available, so make sure to snag them on your next warehouse trip before theyre gone! In Robert Biko Bakers Africology 300 class at UW-Milwaukee, students debate whether government policies have worsened the country's drug problem. David points out that during the height of the War on Drugs in the 1980s, a person convicted of possessing crack cocaine received the same sentence as someone who possessed 100 times more powder cocaine. Baker asks David to elaborate as to why. Well, Black people were advocating for harsher sentences, David explains. Even though crack is a derivative of cocaine, if you were caught with powder cocaine, you didnt receive as much time. Baker then looks up the information David referenced on a large screen in front of the class. Baker reads the statistics out loud: Currently, a five-year mandatory sentence is triggered for possession of 28 grams of crack cocaine, while the same mandatory sentence for possession of powder cocaine requires 500 grams a nearly 18 to 1 disparity. It is the same drug, but less of it, mixed with other products targeted toward Black and brown people, Baker said. Good point, David, Baker said. County Executive David Crowley on the campus of UW-Milwaukee, November 18, 2024 where he is finishing up credits towards his undergraduate degree. Non-traditional college student strives to fit in on campus Almost 20 years older and better dressed than a typical college student, David navigates campus like any other senior, but with more responsibilities than when he dropped out at age 19. As a married father, he puts in four hours of homework every night, helps his daughters with their homework and juggles the rigors of a demanding job. Still, being older means he brings time management and life experiences into the classroom he didn't have 19 years ago. For instance, in his public speaking class, students had to deliver a speech in front of class. When the instructor asked who wanted to start, there were no volunteers. David stepped up in front and went first. When he finished, one of the students remarked, "Wow, is that how we are supposed to do it?" Another student piped in, "Hes good because he does it all the time. Hes the county executive. When Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, 38, returned to college three years ago, he only shared the news with family members and a few close friends. When hes on campus, hes just another student, keeping a low profile, just trying to fit in with his classmates. Even some professors are unaware he is the county's highest-ranking public official. One time, when he needed to miss a few classes because of prior job commitments, the instructor questioned what his job is. Crowley teased: You know Im the county executive, right? She had no clue. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, left, listens while classmate Ihuoma Edwardsm, 21, comments in an Africology 300 class November 18, 2024 at UW-Milwaukee. Crowley is finishing up credits towards his undergraduate degree. He expects to graduate on December 12 with aBachelor of Science degree in Community Engagement. Getting a college degree was an unmet goal in life, until now Crowley has achieved many significant milestones in his life: He served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Milwaukee from 2017 to 2020. He became Milwaukees youngest, and first African American, county executive in 2020. He was honored as a member of the Milwaukee Business Journals esteemed 40 under 40 class in 2021. He's a devoted husband and girl dad to three daughters, Alyssa, 17, Ava, 7, and Autumn, 5. Despite overseeing an organization with a $1.4 billion budget and hundreds of employees, Crowley felt he was up against a glass ceiling because he never graduated from college. That will change on Dec. 15 when he delivers the commencement address at UWM's Panther Arena. Afterward, he will walk across the stage to accept his Bachelor of Science degree in Community Engagement, with his family cheering. This has been a great bonding moment for my daughters and me because we sit around the table and do our homework together, and thats a memory they will cherish, but I could not have done this without my wife, Ericka, he said. While returning to school was intimidating, by his second semester, Crowley found his groove and began to excel. Over his six semesters, he has earned only As and Bs. He hopes earning his degree can help motivate other adults who may have dropped out to return. He also wants his journey to inspire other Black youths who have faced the challenges of poverty to overcome those obstacles through education. He will be the first member of his family to graduate from college. Former Gov. Scott Walker scrutinized for not having a degree Crowley is not the first Milwaukee County executive without a college degree; his predecessors, Chris Abele and Scott Walker, also did not have diplomas. While Abeles lack of a degree did not draw much attention because of his success in the business world, criticism of Walkers educational background intensified when he ran for governor and peaked during his 2016 presidential campaign. When asked about his lack of a degree during his presidential run, Walker said ultimately people judge him based on his performance and accomplishments rather than his educational qualifications. Walker was one semester short of graduating from Marquette University. Crowley's journey began after graduating from Bay View High School in 2004. He almost became a police cadet but decided his best route was to study sociology at UWM, so he enrolled in the fall of 2006. During his freshman year, Crowley experienced a significant life change when his then girlfriend gave birth to a child. With an extra mouth to feed, he dropped out of school and enrolled in an electrical apprenticeship program. Having grown up in poverty on the city's north side, he did not want his child to experience some of the challenges he faced, such as multiple evictions. Crowley was raised in one of the most difficult ZIP codes in the state, 53206. He spent his childhood on North 23rd and West Burleigh streets, an area infamously dubbed the Burleigh Zoo due to its rampant violence, crime, and decline of family-sustaining jobs. His father, David Sr., was an electrician who owned a small business, while his mother, Valerie, juggled multiple jobs as a waitress, bartender and more to provide for their family. Growing up, Crowley saw how the advent of crack cocaine also destroyed many Black families. He was able to avoid some of the pitfalls that trap many Black kids due to programs like Urban Underground, which turned youths into active role models in their schools and neighborhoods and strong mentors who supported him. Crowley was an involved dad when his daughter was born, taking her everywhere. "She was my first child and my parents' first grandbaby," Crowley said. When Legal Aid held sent a letter to his house to inform him on an event for new fathers, he took his daughter to see what resources were available. While there, he encountered a resource table offering DNA testing. I didnt think anything of it, but I remember my mother telling me it wouldnt hurt, Crowley said. A few days later, in April 2007, he received unexpected news. I got a call, and all I remember is the woman on the other line saying, Hey, I have great news for you; the baby isnt yours. Crowley cried as the woman added, Oh, I guess that is not great news. The girl was 5 months old. I was devastated because I loved that baby, he said. David Crowley, left with his mother Valerie Crowley in this family photo. Crowley soaks in student and faculty perspectives on campus Though sometimes awkward, returning to school has advantages. Research and class discussions aren't merely academic exercises, such as the debate over drug policies. In July, Crowley proposed deploying $8.5 million in opioid settlement dollars to fund seven projects focused on opioid use disorder, reduction, prevention, and recovery programs over the next three years. On Nov. 18, in addition to discussing drug policies, Bakers Africology class also discussed the Boston Miracle program, which reduced gun violence in the city of Boston. When Baker asked what role privilege plays in causing systemic change, Crowley responded. People in privileged positions always think they must give up something to lift someone else up, and they dont want to do that right now. Crowley said we see how this is playing out in politics right now. This sparked a wider class discussion. Aly Treis, 24, of Slinger, said too many people in politics prioritize capital and money over peoples lives, and problems will continue to plague us until that changes. In David Kennedys book Dont Shoot, he talks about how the solution to fix the drug problem is by arresting more people, which only benefits the prison complex, and the root problem still exists. That doesnt do anything but make matters worse, Treis said. Baker said having someone like Crowley in his class makes his job easier because he brings theory to practice, and the students benefit from his knowledge. However, he also said Crowley is a student who allows others to talk and express themselves. The students love it, and we need more people like that on campus, Baker said. Crowley said he gets a boost from the young people in his class, and the rich dialogue is a welcomed break from some of the issues he deals with as county executive. Crowley said his only regret about school was that he didnt return sooner and that his mother, Valerie, who he called a God-fearing woman who instilled values in him that he holds close to his heart each day, won't see him graduate. Valerie Crowley died July 8, 2023. She was 62. Crowley said if his mother was still alive she would be on every radio show and in front of every TV camera telling people how proud she is of her son. "Not only because I'm leading the county but because I made this huge step to go back to get my degree when I didn't have to," Crowley said. So, what will Crowley do after he receives his diploma, officially breaking through that glass ceiling that he felt had held him back and continues to hold back thousands in the state who started school but dropped out before receiving their degree? Thats easy, Crowley said. Im going to throw a big party and celebrate. Reach James E. Causey at jcausey@jrn.com; follow him on X @jecausey. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee County Executive to graduate from UWM this month | Opinion By Tom Hals and Jonathan Stempel WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) -A Delaware judge ruled on Monday that Tesla CEO Elon Musk still is not entitled to receive a $56 billion compensation package despite shareholders of the electric vehicle company voting in June to reinstate it. The ruling by the judge, Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick of the Court of Chancery, follows her January decision that called the pay package excessive and rescinded it, surprising investors, and cast uncertainty over Musk's future at the world's most valuable carmaker. In a post on X after the decision, Musk said that "shareholders should control company votes, not judges." Tesla in a statement on X said, "The ruling is wrong, and we're going to appeal," adding that the judge had overruled a supermajority of shareholders. Musk and Tesla can appeal to the Delaware Supreme Court as soon as McCormick enters a final order, which could come as soon as this week. The appeal could take a year to play out. Tesla has said in court filings that the judge should recognize a subsequent June vote by its shareholders in favor of the pay package for Musk, the company's driving force who is responsible for many of its advances, and reinstate his compensation. McCormick said Teslas board was not entitled to hit reset to restore Musks pay package. Were the court to condone the practice of allowing defeated parties to create new facts for the purpose of revising judgments, lawsuits would become interminable, she said in her 101-page opinion. She said a ratification vote like the one used by Tesla had to be conducted before the trial and a company cannot ratify a transaction involving a conflicted controller. She had determined Musk controlled the pay negotiations. She also said Tesla made multiple material misstatements in its proxy statement regarding the vote, and could not claim the vote was a cure-all to justify restoring Musks pay. Tesla shares fell 1.4% in after hours trade, after the ruling. Gary Black, managing partner of The Future Fund, which owns Tesla stock, said on X that he believed the Delaware Supreme Court was more pragmatic than McCormick. "I doubt this ruling will be resolved anytime soon, and it will likely be overturned by a more moderate court along the way," he wrote. The pay package had awarded Musk stock options if the company hit performance and valuation goals. While the award originally was valued at up to $56 billion, Tesla's shares have surged 42% since Nov. 5, when Republican candidate Donald Trump, supported by Musk, won the U.S. presidential election. Following that rally, the pay package is worth about $101 billion. The ruling comes as Musk has been tasked by Trump with creating a more efficient government by slashing spending. The role as co-lead of the new Department of Government Efficiency would be informal rather than a government position, allowing Musk to keep his job at Tesla as well as leading other companies including rocket maker SpaceX. Musk threw himself behind Trump's election campaign and has become a close adviser in the process. PAY DAY FOR PLAINTIFF'S LAWYERS McCormick also ordered Tesla to pay the attorneys who brought the case $345 million, well short of the $6 billion they initially requested, but still one of the largest fee awards ever in securities litigation. She said the fee could be paid in cash or Tesla stock. We are pleased with Chancellor McCormicks ruling, which declined Teslas invitation to inject continued uncertainty into Court proceedings," said a statement from Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann, one of the three law firms for the plaintiff. The law firm also said it looked forward to defending the court's opinion if Musk and Tesla appealed. After the January ruling, Tesla shareholders flooded the court with thousands of letters arguing that rescinding Musk's pay increased the possibility he would leave Tesla or develop some products like artificial intelligence at ventures other than Tesla. Mom-and-pop investors and Musk's influential fans helped Tesla and Musk win the June shareholder vote and many were speaking up on social media against Monday's decision. "Beyond the pedantic details of legal procedure, the bigger issue here is that the voice of shareholders is being overruled," Omar Qazi said in a post on X from the handle @WholeMarsBlog after Monday's ruling. "If they can't consider the vote in this case, hopefully they'll consider it on appeal," said Qazi who has more than 551,000 followers. McCormick in January found that Musk improperly controlled the 2018 board process to negotiate the pay package. The board had said that Musk deserved the package because he hit all the ambitious targets on market value, revenue and profitability. After the January ruling, Musk criticized the judge on his social media platform X and encouraged other companies to follow the lead of Tesla and reincorporate in Texas from Delaware, although it is unclear if any companies did so. The judge in her January ruling called the pay package the "biggest compensation plan ever - an unfathomable sum." It was 33 times larger than the next biggest executive compensation package, which was Musk's 2012 pay plan. Musk's 2018 pay package gave him stock grants worth around 1% of Tesla's equity each time the company achieved one of 12 tranches of escalating operational and financial goals. Musk did not receive any guaranteed salary. Tornetta argued that shareholders were not told how easily the goals would be achieved when they voted on the package. (Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; additional reporting by Abhirup Roy and Noel Randewich in San Francisco; Editing by Bill Berkrot, Amy Stevens, Peter Henderson and Sonali Paul) President Donald Trump leaves the White House on foot to go to St John's Episcopal church during Black Lives Matter protests on June 1, 2020. Two Democratic senators are urging the Biden administration to issue a policy directive that could temporarily limit President-elect Donald Trump's ability to deploy U.S. military troops domestically after he takes office. Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., both members of the Armed Services Committee, sent a letter dated Nov. 26 to President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that urged them to issue a policy directive that would ensure that U.S. troops can be used only when local or state authorities ask for federal help or are unable or unwilling to protect the public. We write to urge you to issue a policy directive that prohibits the mobilization of active duty military or federalizing National Guard personnel to be deployed against their fellow Americans unless specifically authorized, they wrote. After he takes office on Jan. 20, Trump could issue his own policy directive that would reverse the directive issued by Biden. Warren and Blumenthal, whose offices said the letter speaks for itself, apparently hope that publicly highlighting the issue might deter Trump. During his first term, Trump considered using the Insurrection Act in response to the Black Lives Matter protests. And some of his allies urged him to consider invoking martial law after he was defeated in the 2020 election. More recently, Trump has suggested he would use the U.S. military to help deport immigrants who do not have permanent legal status. He has also said he would move U.S. troops from overseas and station them on the southern border. And Trump has repeatedly talked about using troops to go after the enemy from within. In an interview with Fox News before the election, he said: I think the bigger problem are the people from within. We have some very bad people. We have some sick people, radical left lunatics. And I think theyre the and it should be very easily handled by if necessary, by National Guard or, if really necessary, by the military, because they cant let that happen. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. Federal troops are prohibited from engaging in domestic law enforcement by the Posse Comitatus Act, an 1878 law that bars the president from using the military for such a purpose unless it is expressly authorized by the Constitution or an act of Congress. A separate law, the Insurrection Act, an amalgamation of various statutes Congress passed from 1792 to 1871, creates an exception. It allows the president to deploy military troops in cases of insurrection, rebellion or extreme civil unrest. In their letter, Warren and Blumenthal asked the Biden administration to issue a policy directive before Biden leaves office that would require state or local officials to request assistance before federal military forces are deployed. We urge you to issue a policy directive that makes clear that the narrow application of the Insurrection Act should be limited to instances when State or local authorities are so overwhelmed and that the chief executive of the State requests assistance, they wrote, or attacks against the U.S. government overwhelm State or local authorities. Civil liberties groups have warned that Trump could misuse the military in a second term. Joseph Nunn, a counsel at the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, warned that the Insurrection Act gives the president virtually unlimited discretion and power to use the military as a police force and that it essentially creates a loophole in the Posse Comitatus Act. Unless Congress acts now to reform this dangerous and antiquated law, theres little anyone could do to stop him, Nunn wrote last year, citing fears that Trump would abuse his powers if he were re-elected. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. Warren and Blumenthal also asked the White House to ensure that future administrations would go to Congress before they turned to the military for domestic law enforcement. Finally, we urge you to clarify that the President must consult with Congress to the maximum extent practicable before exercising this authority, as well as transmit to the Federal Register the legal authorities, they wrote. They warned that the recent Supreme Court decision that expanded presidential immunity for official acts made the need for clear policy more urgent. Given the disagreement amongst scholars on the serious implications of the recent Supreme Court decision, it is reasonable to assume that service members, other DoD personnel, and the broader military community may not be aware of or fully understand their rights and responsibilities, Warren and Blumenthal wrote. If unaddressed," they added, "any ambiguity on the lawful use of military force, coupled with President-elect Trumps demonstrated intent to utilize the military in such dangerous and unprecedented ways, may prove to be devastating. By Maya Gebeily, Parisa Hafezi and Alexander Cornwell BEIRUT/GENEVA/DUBAI (Reuters) - The U.S. and the United Arab Emirates have discussed with each other the possibility of lifting sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if he peels himself away from Iran and cuts off weapons routes to Lebanon's Hezbollah, five people familiar with the matter said. The conversations intensified in recent months, the sources said, driven by the possible expiry on Dec. 20 of sweeping U.S. sanctions on Syria and by Israel's campaign against Tehran's regional network, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and Iranian assets in Syria. The discussions took place before anti-Assad rebels swept into Aleppo last week in their biggest offensive in Syria for years. According to the sources, the new rebel advance is a signal of precisely the sort of weakness in Assad's alliance with Iran that the Emirati and U.S. initiative aims to exploit. But if Assad embraces Iranian help for a counter-offensive, that could also complicate efforts to drive a wedge between them, the sources said. Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araqchi visited Syria on Sunday in a show of support for Assad, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke to Assad by phone about latest developments at the weekend. For this story, Reuters spoke to two U.S. sources, four Syrian and Lebanese interlocutors and two foreign diplomats who said the U.S. and UAE see a window to drive a wedge between Assad and Iran, which helped him recapture swathes of his country during the civil war that erupted in 2011. Lebanese media have reported that Israel had suggested lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria. But the UAE initiative with the U.S. has not previously been reported. All of the sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the back-room diplomacy. Syria's government and the White House did not respond to questions from Reuters. The UAE referred Reuters to its statement on bin Zayed's call with Assad. The UAE has taken a leading role in rehabilitating Assad among the mainly Sunni Muslim Arab states that shunned him after he accepted help from Shi'ite, non-Arab Iran to put down the Sunni-led rebellion against him. The Emirates hosted Assad in 2022, his first visit to an Arab country since the start of the war, before the Arab League reinstated Syria's membership. The UAE has long hoped to distance Assad from Iran and wants to build business ties with Syria, but U.S. sanctions have hampered those efforts, the sources said. A senior regional diplomat briefed by Tehran told Reuters Iran had been informed "about behind-the-scenes efforts by some Arab countries to isolate Iran... by distancing Syria from Tehran". The diplomat said those efforts were linked to offers of possible sanctions relief by Washington. 'CARROT AND STICK' Hezbollah and its patron Iran have intervened in Syria since 2012 to protect Assad against Sunni rebels - but their bases and weapons shipments through Syria have been repeatedly hit by Israel, which has sought to weaken Iran across the region. In recent months, Hezbollah withdrew fighters from Syria, including the north, to focus on battling Israel in southern Lebanon. The rebels who swept this week into Aleppo pointed to the Hezbollah withdrawal as one of the reasons why they faced little resistance from government forces. A U.S. source familiar with the matter said White House officials discussed an overture with Emirati officials, citing the UAE's interest in financing Syria's reconstruction and Assad's "weakened position" after Israel's offensive against Hezbollah. The possibility of sanctions relief for Assad, while Israel was hitting Iran's allies, created an "opportunity" to apply a "carrot-and-stick approach" to fracture Syria's alliance with Iran and Hezbollah, the U.S. source said. SANCTIONS RELIEF The U.S. placed sanctions on Syria after Assad cracked down against protests against him in 2011, and the sanctions were repeatedly tightened in the years of war that followed. The toughest, known as the Caesar Act, passed Congress in 2019. The Caesar sanctions apply across Syrian business sectors, to anyone dealing with Syria regardless of nationality and to those dealing with Russian and Iranian entities in Syria. Assad said they amounted to economic warfare, blaming them for the Syrian currency's collapse and drop in living standards. The sanctions will "sunset" - or expire - on Dec. 20 unless renewed by U.S. lawmakers. Part of the recent American-Emirati discussions centered on allowing Caesar sanctions to expire without renewal, said the U.S. source and three of the Syrian interlocutors. One Syrian interlocutor said the UAE had raised letting them expire with White House officials two months ago, after having unsuccessfully pushed for at least two years of sanctions relief for Assad after a deadly earthquake in Feb. 2023. Mohammad Alaa Ghanem, a Syrian activist in Washington, D.C. with the Citizens for a Secure and Safe America, told Reuters his group had been working to extend the Caesar sanctions and assessed they had bipartisan support to do so. "We've been in talks over this for the past couple of months, although of course no political outcome in a town like Washington can be guaranteed 100%," he said. Arab states have other potential avenues to reward Assad for distancing himself from Iran. A foreign diplomat based in the Gulf told Reuters both the UAE and Saudi Arabia had in recent months offered "financial incentives" to Assad to split with Iran, saying they could not have been made without coordination with Washington. A source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters that Syria, among other crises in the region, was a topic of discussion during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to the UAE on Sunday. A Lebanese interlocutor said the UAE had also pledged funds to help Syria rebuild war-ravaged infrastructure as a way to "pull Assad further away from Iran". Iran has warned Assad not to stray far. The senior regional diplomat briefed by Tehran said Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei conveyed a message via his senior adviser Ali Larijani, who told Assad: "do not forget the past." "The message served as a reminder to Assad of who his true allies are," the diplomat said. 'PLAYING WITH FIRE' Since Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7 last year precipitating war in Gaza, Iran has mobilised its network of allies to hit Israel. But Assad has largely avoided joining in, even as Israel struck Hezbollah targets in his country and bombed an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus. A U.S. official said Assad had "sat out" the war to avoid further Israeli strikes on Syria, and remained under "tremendous pressure" not to allow Hezbollah to re-arm through his country. Israel has signalled that it still has eyes on Syria. When announcing the truce with Lebanon last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had been thwarting attempts by Iran, Hezbollah and Syria's army to bring weapons into Lebanon. "Assad must understand he is playing with fire," Netanyahu said. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily in Beirut, Alexander Cornwell in Dubai, Parisa Hafezi in Geneva, Erin Banco and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; Additional reporting by Maha El Dahan in Dubai and John Irish in Paris; Writing by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Peter Graff) It was the summer of 1976 when Richard Darling drove his wife and their two teenagers across the United States in his 1949 Chevrolet Fleetline Deluxe. From Illinois to Colorado the family traveled, joining a tour of vintage Chevrolets destined for the Rocky Mountain's Pikes Peak ... where Darling inched the classic 2-door sedan more than 14,000 feet to the summit. Nearly half a century later, the 90-year-old Bloomington man still smiles recalling the climb to the top. There likely were skeptics who doubted the old Chevy, but not the car's confident owner, a founding member of the Great Lakes Region Vintage Chevrolet Club of America (VCCA). There's proof the feat was accomplished: a family photo, including the Darlings' dog, of the car parked at the Pike National Forest in front of the sign noting the 14,110-foot elevation. The Darling family, including their pet dog (in the car), at Pikes Peak in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. They took a family vacation in 1976 in their 1949 Chevrolet Fleetline Deluxe sedan And another of the dark green, majestic mountains in the background, on the Royal Gorge Bridge. "Highest in the world" the sign says, 1,053 feet over the Arkansas River. Richard Darling's 1949 Chevrolet Fleetline parked on the Royal Gorge Bridge in 1976. Darling worked in marketing for General Motors, his career rooted in the manufacturer that made the first automobile in his family, his father's 1923 Chevrolet Touring Car. The Series B 1923 roadster rode on 30-inch hickory-wood-spoke wheels and had a 171-cubic inch four-cylinder engine. The least expensive model sold for less than $500. Production records indicate there were nearly 416,000 made in 1923. Darling's father owned many cars before his death in 1987, all of them Chevrolets. Darling followed suit; his first car was a used 1937 Chevy he bought from a professor while a student at Blackburn College. When he and his wife Carol married in the 1950s, she had a 2-door chrome-heavy 1949 Chevrolet Styleline, which fit right in with the family. In the early 1970s, Darling got interested in old cars and decided he needed to find a nice restored one for himself. "I went looking for a Chevy," he wrote in the preface of a book he self-published during the pandemic. "The Evolution of an Advertising Campaign" features classic Chevrolet ads starting in the 1920s and spanning 50 years. Two copies of this book got printed, Darling said. He has one and I have the other, signed by the author. His search for a classic Chevrolet ended when he found a 1949 Fleetline advertised in Hemmings Motor News. He was living in Park Forest, Illinois, and the car was 770 miles away near the Canadian border in the town of Rouseau, Minnesota. The seller said the 2-door Chevy was in excellent condition and mechanically sound. He traveled north to take a look in person and was pleased with what he found. "I bought it for something like five hundred dollars, got in it and drove it home," Darling recalled. He got caught up in the classic car world, and with others started the vintage Chevrolet club chapter. His 1949 Fleetline Deluxe went to VCCA meets around the country, from Colorado Springs to Downington, Pennsylvania. Darling also has an amazing collection of full-page magazine ads carefully removed from thousands of magazines he carted home in plastic tubs from the Indiana University library, which no longer wanted the magazines. He painstakingly cut all of the Chevrolet advertisements from the magazines "The Literary Digest," "The Saturday Evening Post," "The Country Gentleman" and more. Darling placed the ads, arranged by year, in plastic sleeves in heavy bound volumes. This ad for the very car Darling drove up Pikes Peak is among those in his extensive collection culled from magazines published in the 1920s and decades after. This 1949 magazine ad in Richard Darling's collection features a 1949 Chevrolet Fleetline Deluxe just like the one he and his family drove to Pike's Peak in 1976. The earliest ad is from the July 8, 1922, edition of "The Literary Digest," featuring Chevrolet's New Superior Model for $525. Each of Darling's volumes contains more than 200 ads, some two-page centerfolds. I got so immersed in them that, well, stay tuned for a future column featuring this classic art that reflects the times in special ways. Here's a preview. The image from a 1929 magazine ad for Chevrolets, with an eye toward women customers. One of my favorites is from 1929, when Chevrolet was marketing cars to women drivers. Women who were stepping out with independence, women who could afford furs and fancy automobiles. Have a story to tell about a car or truck? Contact My Favorite Ride reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: The 1949 Chevrolet Fleetline Deluxe that climbed Pikes Peak in 1976 Protesters in front of the Sangamon County Building in Springfield, Ill., on July 12. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. The former Illinois sheriffs deputy charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey could soon be set free, following an appellate court ruling that cleared the way for his pre-trial release. At a hearing Monday, a circuit court judge said he will on Friday determine the restrictions for Sean Graysons release. The judge, Ryan Cadagin, had previously denied Graysons pre-trial release. But an appellate court overturned that ruling in a unanimous decision Wednesday. Sangamon County States Attorney John Milhiser said his office plans to appeal that ruling. Sonya Massey. Cadagin said he would comply with the court order and determine the least restrictive conditions for Graysons release. Grayson, appeared via video conference from jail with one of his attorneys by his side. He spoke only to say Yes, your honor when asked whether he had waived his right to appear in person at Fridays hearing. Grayson shot and killed Massey in her home in Springfield on July 6. Massey, who had dealt with mental health issues, had called 911 to report a potential prowler. Body camera video shows that as Grayson spoke to her in her living room, he noticed a pot of hot water on her stove. Massey got up to remove it and, as she was handling the pot, several feet away from Grayson and his partner, she twice said, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. Grayson told her that she better [expletive] not and yelled at her to drop the pot. As she ducked, the video shows, he fired three shots, one of which struck Massey beneath her left eye. Sonya Massey speaks with former Sangamon County Sheriffs Deputy Sean Grayson at the door of her home in Springfield on July 6. The video also showed that Grayson had told his partner not to render aid to Massey because, he said, she had sustained a shot to the head. Cadagin had initially denied Graysons release because he said his actions were a departure from the basic expectations of civil society. At a hearing in August, Cadagin rejected Graysons request to be released to accommodate his medical needs, which include treatment for colon cancer, saying that electronic monitoring would not sufficiently protect the community from Grayson. One of Graysons attorneys, Mark Wykoff, had argued that the threat had been mitigated because Grayson was no longer working in his official capacity since he had been fired from the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office. In its unanimous decision issued Wednesday, the 4th District Appellate Court ruled Cadagins having denied Grayson pre-trial release was improper. The trial courts focus on defendants failings as a law enforcement officer, while understandable, distracted from the central question of how to address any risk he posed after being stripped of his office, the appellate courts ruling states. Masseys killing drew national attention as another example of police fatally shooting a Black person in their home. Grayson is white. More than a dozen protesters gathered outside the courthouse Monday, chanting, Sonyas life matters! Sheriff Jack Campbell resigned in August amid public outcry and after Gov. JB Pritzker said he had failed at his job and should step down. Campbell was aware Grayson had pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol on two occasions, one of which led to his premature discharge from the Army in February 2016, according to various personnel records. Those records obtained by NBC News indicate Grayson had moved among six law enforcement agencies in central Illinois in four years and that he had drawn concerns over his aggression and integrity issues at some of them. The Justice Department recently notified officials in Sangamon County that it had opened an investigation into Masseys killing. More than a dozen protesters gathered outside of the courthouse Monday, chanting Sonyas life matters! Some carried cardboard signs that read: Justice for Sonya. James Wilburn, Masseys father, attended Mondays hearing and slammed the appellate courts ruling afterward. This appellate court ruling was a serious miscarriage of justice, as far as Im concerned, he said. And were going to get justice for my daughter, whatever it takes. Whatever it takes. He took exception to the judge considering Grayson receive the least restrictive conditions upon release. When my daughter can get up and walk out of that cemetery, then he can get out of jail, Wilburn said. Maggie Vespa reported from Springfield and Janelle Griffith from New Jersey. Australia passed legislation this week that would ban the use of social media for children under the age of 16. While Australia's ban certainly is one of the world's toughest regulations targeting social media, other countries have also moved to pass their own bills to regulate the use of these platforms among children. Australia's new law forces tech giants such as Facebook and Instagram to develop a method that would prevent children under 16 from creating profiles and stop them from logging into existing accounts. Tech companies that fail to adhere to the said ban will be fined up to $33 million. The Australian government is expected to conduct a trial of methods to enforce the blanket ban in January 2025, with the full ban taking effect in a year. Prior to Australia's passing of the ban, other countries have also hinted at plans to regulate social media use among young children and adolescents. Belgium In 2018, the Belgian government passed a law that required children to be at least 13 years old to create their personal social media account without the need to get permission from their parents or guardians. Britain Britain has said it is unlikely to impose a blanket ban like Australia's in the meantime. However, the British government has already launched a study to explore how smartphones and social media impact children. It has also passed the Online Safety Act, which requires domestic and international providers of online services, including social media, to conduct risk assessments to identify and mitigate risks associated with illegal content. Read Also: What Parents Should Know Before Buying Toys From Temu and Shein France In 2023, the French government passed a bill that require social media platforms to obtain parental consent for children under the age of 15 when they are creating accounts. In April of this year, France also floated ideas of banning the use of cell phones for children under 11 and smartphones for children under 13. That ban is currently being tested in about 50,000 middle schoolers across the country. Germany Children between the ages of 13 and 16 are not allowed to use social media if they do not have the consent of their parents. Italy Children under the age of 14 in Italy are required to obtain parental consent when creating a social media account. By Anthony Deutsch THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The president of the International Criminal Court on Monday said threats facing the institution, including possible U.S. sanctions and Russian warrants for staff members, "jeopardise its very existence". Speaking at an annual conference of the court's 124 members, President Judge Tomoko Akane did not name Russia or the United States but referred to them as permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. "It's clear by any metric, by any benchmark, this assembly is at a pivotal time," ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan said in his speech at the opening of the conference. "We are facing unprecedented challenges. We see civil society victims, survivors, humanity at large, I think have unprecedented expectations," Khan said. Russia issued an arrest warrant for Khan two months after the court in The Hague issued a warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The United States House of Representatives in June passed a bill to sanction the court in response to Khan's request for an arrest warrant against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence chief, Yoav Gallant. "The Court has been subjected to attacks seeking to undermine its legitimacy and ability to administer justice and realise international law and fundamental rights; coercive measures, threats, pressure and acts of sabotage," Akane said, adding that more warrants had been issued against court employees. The ICC is also "being threatened with draconian economic sanctions from institutions of another permanent member of the Security Council as if it was a terrorist organisation. These measures would rapidly undermine the Court's operations in all situations and cases and jeopardise its very existence," she said. While the United States is not a member of the court, the world's preeminent military and financial power could undermine the ICC diplomatically and politically and with financial sanctions targeting its staff. She said the court firmly rejects any "attempt to influence (its) independence and impartiality. We resolutely dismiss efforts to politicise our function. We have and always will comply only with the law, under all circumstances." The court was established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression when member states are unwilling or unable to do so themselves. 'STEP TOWARDS UNRAVELLING' In its 22 years, the court has not shied away from taking on powerful leaders, including Putin, targeted with an arrest warrant last year over accusations his authorities abducted children from Ukraine, which he and Russia deny. On Wednesday, the prosecutor sought a warrant for Myanmar's military ruler Min Aung Hlaing. Netanyahu's warrant marks the first time the court has targeted such a figure as the serving leader of a country closely allied to the rich countries of the West. The ICC, a court of last resort when national authorities are unwilling or unable to act, has no police force. Countries that have signed its founding treaty are on paper required to detain Netanyahu should he arrive on their territory. But already several European founding members have publicly said they might not do so. France said Netanyahu is immune; Italy said he might be. Britain and Germany have avoided directly explaining how they would act. Even the Netherlands, which hosts the court in The Hague, has said there could be circumstances in which Netanyahu might be able to visit, without spelling out what those conditions might be. Selective adherence by members to court orders to detain suspects poses "a very dangerous escalation, a step towards the unravelling of the ICC statute system as a whole," said Sergey Vasiliev, a professor of International Law at the Netherlands Open University and a long-time ICC watcher. "Now the question is about how serious the state's parties are with respecting the decisions of the court, even in the situation where they do not like the decision," he said. (This story has been refiled to restore the dropped first name 'Sergey' in paragraph 17) (Reporting by Anthony Deutsch and Stephanie van den Berg; Editing by Alison Williams and Hugh Lawson) By Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Maya Gebeily AMMAN/BEIRUT (Reuters) -Hundreds of fighters from Iran-backed Iraqi militias crossed into Syria overnight to help the government fight rebels who seized Aleppo last week, Syrian and Iraqi sources said on Monday, and Tehran pledged to aid the Damascus government. At least 300 fighters, primarily from the Badr and Nujabaa groups, crossed late on Sunday using a dirt road to avoid the official border crossing, two Iraqi security sources said, adding that they were there to defend a Shi'ite shrine. A senior Syrian military source said the fighters had crossed in small groups to avoid airstrikes. "These are fresh reinforcements being sent to aid our comrades on the front lines in the north," the source said. The head of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces said no group under its umbrella had entered Syria, and that it does not operate outside Iraq. Iran's constellation of allied regional militia groups has long been integral to the success of pro-government forces in subduing rebels who rose up against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011, and they have long maintained bases in Syria. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Monday Syria's military was capable of confronting the rebels but, referring to the regional militia groups Tehran backs, he added that "resistance groups will help and Iran will provide any support needed". Syrian government and Russian warplanes intensified attacks on Monday in areas held by rebels in the northwest, residents and rescue workers said, including a strike on a displaced people's camp that killed seven. The lightning rebel assault last week dealt Assad his biggest blow in years, reigniting a conflict that had appeared frozen for years after civil war front lines stabilised in 2020. Russia, though focused on its war in Ukraine since 2022, retains an air base in northern Syria. The main Iran-backed group, Lebanon's Hezbollah, has been focused on its own war with Israel since the Gaza conflict began last year. The United States and United Arab Emirates have discussed the possibility of trying to peel Assad away from Iran by offering to lift sanctions if he cuts off weapons routes to Lebanon's Hezbollah, sources familiar with the matter said. The discussions took place before the rebel advance on Aleppo last week, the sources said. REGIONAL DESTABILISATION Syria's conflict erupted in a rebellion against Assad's rule in 2011 and the rebels held much of Aleppo from 2012 until 2016, when government forces retook it with help from Russia and Iran-backed militia in a turning point of the war. Any prolonged escalation in Syria risks further destabilising a region roiled by the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, with millions of Syrians already displaced and with regional and global powers backing rival forces in the country. The rebels include mainstream groups backed by Turkey and the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda. Turkey also has a military presence in a strip of Syrian territory along its border. Kurdish-led forces that Ankara calls terrorists, but which fought Islamic State militants with U.S. help, hold territory in the northeast. The Turkish and Iranian foreign ministers discussed the fighting in Syria on Monday. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said rebel advances could not be explained by foreign intervention and urged the Syrian opposition to compromise. A spokesperson for Israel's military said it would not let Iran exploit the Syria conflict to transfer weapons to Hezbollah. AIRSTRIKES Russia, whose 2015 entry into the conflict turned the military balance decisively in Assad's favour, continues to support him and is analysing the situation on the ground, the Kremlin said. On Sunday Moscow dismissed the general in charge of its forces in Syria, Russian war bloggers reported. The Syrian government said Syrian and Russian air forces were striking rebel-held positions in the countryside east of Aleppo city. The White Helmets rescue organisation and residents of rebel-held areas in the north said warplanes had hit residential areas of Aleppo city and a displaced people's camp in Idlib province where seven people were killed, including five children. The government said the military was working to secure a string of towns recaptured from rebels on Sunday that run along the front line north of Hama, between Aleppo and Damascus. In Turkey, Syrian opposition leader Hadi al-Bahra said the rebels sought to force Syria's government to accept a political transition. "We are ready to start negotiating tomorrow," Bahra said. Turkey's state-owned Anadolu news agency said the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army had taken the town of Tel Rifaat from the Kurdish YPG militia and was advancing in outer areas of the district. Rebel sources and an Aleppo resident said the Kurdish YPG group was pulling out of the city's Sheikh Maqsoud district under a deal with rebel forces. The YPG had long held Sheikh Maqsoud. (Reporting by Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman, Maya al-Gebeily in Beirut, Daren Butler in Ankara, Nayera Abdallah in Dubai and Menna Alaa El Din in Cairo, Writing by Angus McDowall, Editing by Timothy Heritage) TEL AVIV An Israeli American soldier who was thought to have been captured alive by Hamas during the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack was actually killed that day and his body taken into the Gaza Strip, Israels military said Monday. Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old New York native, who served as a tank platoon commander after emigrating to Israel, was killed in battle, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X, as he paid tribute. Omer Neutra, 21. Omers life story and dedication represent the best and strongest we have built as a nation, he said in a post on X. He added that Neutra was killed in battle in Nir Oz, a kibbutz less than 2 miles from the fenced-off border with Gaza and one of the areas hit hardest when Hamas militants stormed through southern Israel. However, the military did not say how it came to the conclusion over Neutras death. It added that he had been posthumously promoted to the rank of captain. Around 250 people were taken hostage during Hamas terror attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, that also saw 1,200 people killed, according to Israeli tallies. Around 100 people remain in captivity, although a third are believed to be dead. Neutra was born and raised in the United States, before he emigrated to Israel as a lone soldier and enlisted in the Armored Corps, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an advocacy group for those held captive and their families. In a statement released Monday, it said his body was still being held captive by Hamas. Neutra is survived by his parents, Ronen and Orna Neutra, and his brother, Daniel Neutra. Omer Neutra's mother, Orna Neutra, at the White House in July.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended his heartfelt condolences" to the family. We share in the familys heavy grief, he said in a statement, adding, We will continue to act resolutely and tirelessly until we return all of our captives the living and the dead. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who met with Neutras parents in March, also offered condolences to his family. We pray that his body can be returned to his family who have been speaking out for him & all hostages since that horrific day, she said in a post on X. Speaking to NBC News' "TODAY" in September, Neutra's parents called for a ceasefire and hostage-release deal with Hamas. We basically ask ourselves every morning, What are we doing today to try and bring him out? Ronen Neutra said, adding that it was critical that people do not forget the hostages. News of Neutra's death came just two days after the mother of Israeli American hostage Edan Alexander told NBC News that she was both shaken and relieved to see her son in a Hamas-issued propaganda video. To get this video its a huge relief for me to see that hes still strong. It was amazing, Yael Alexander said in a video call Saturday, hours after the video, captioned time is running out, was posted on the Telegram channel of Hamas military wing, the Qassam Brigades. The 20-year-old, who appears under duress in the Hamas video, calls on President-elect Donald Trump to use his power to negotiate for the freedom of those who remain in captivity in Gaza. While a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militant group appeared to be holding, there have been few signs of progress in talks to secure a release of the remaining hostages or a cessation of fighting with Hamas in Gaza, where more than 44,000 people have been killed in 14 months of war, according to local health officials. Hamas leaders held talks with Egyptian security officials Sunday to explore ways to reach a deal with Israel that could secure the release of hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners. Jaguars concept car was leaked ahead of its official unveiling at Miami Art Week tonight Jaguars controversial new concept electric car has been leaked online showing the vehicle in Barbie pink. Images appearing to show the new model have been posted on X by Autocar magazine showing the sleek, low-slung vehicle with a long bonnet and wide grille. The car, which will be officially unveiled at Miami Art Week tonight, is shown in bold pink and metallic blue. A Jaguar spokesman said it was aware of the images circulating online and said the colours were Miami Pink and London Blue. Miami Pink celebrates the vibrancy of the city while London Blue, a modern take on the Opalescent Silver Blue of the E-Type, is a nod to Jaguars British heritage. However, the hot pink vehicle has drawn comparisons with the FAB 1 car driven by Lady Penelope in the Thunderbirds and the Barbie car. Others have suggested that Jaguar should be renamed Pink Panther in light of the overhaul. The styling suggests a marked gear change from traditional Jaguar models as the British car maker prepares for a new generation of electric models. The company has been gearing up for its relaunch for weeks, attracting criticism online for seemingly abandoning its traditional customers in favour of a younger new market. The leaked images of the concept car features slim, LED lights and large alloy wheels. It does not have a rear windscreen, instead boasting a rear-view camera on each side. Large alloy wheels and LED lights appear to be central features of Jaguars concept car The interiors adopt a minimalist design with an oval-shaped steering wheel, while the companys divisive new logo is emblazoned on the front and back. Jaguars new design, which is expected to form the basis of its upcoming electric GT, has already attracted ridicule online. Some social media users have compared the car to an air conditioning unit after the company released a glimpse of the new model last month. Jaguars electric car interior appears to boast an oval-shaped steering wheel The concept car is at the heart of efforts by Jaguar to reverse a recent decline in sales. Jaguar is hoping to shake off its heritage reputation embodied by the Jag man stereotype and instead target a new generation of wealthier, younger customers. Rawdon Glover, Jaguars managing director, has said that people like Nigel Farage are no longer important to the brands vision as it pursues a completely different audience to its traditional customers. The concept car features Jaguars new-look logo on the front and back grilles However, the rebrand has triggered a storm of controversy amid accusations that the company is abandoning loyal customers and dealerships. More widely, the company has been mocked for its advert featuring catwalk models but no cars. Meanwhile, the car maker ditched its historic growler cat logo, replacing it with a new symbol featuring the letters J and L. The rebrand has attracted scrutiny even from within the advertising industry. Paul Burke, an advertising copywriter, told The Telegraph: As a piece of creative work its rubbish. Its really cheaply done and theres no idea in it. Credit: Jaguar However, others have suggested that it was too early to judge the success of the campaign, pointing out that Jaguar has succeeded in attracting significant media attention. Mr Glover has defended the rebrand, saying criticism of actors in the campaign had featured vile hatred and intolerance. He told the Financial Times: We need to re-establish our brand and at a completely different price point so we need to act differently. If we play in the same way that everybody else does, well just get drowned out. So we shouldnt turn up like an auto brand. A Jaguar spokesman said: We are aware of images circulating online ahead of Jaguars official reveal at Miami Art Week. Tune in to the Jaguar Instagram and TikTok channels to see the real thing tonight. 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. During a panel at 90s Con earlier this year, the actor talked about how he "went the extra mile" to land the Steve Urkel role ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Jaleel White as (left) Steve Urkel and (right) in Oct. 2024 With his thick eyeglasses, nasally voice and tight high water jeans, theres probably no 90s sitcom character more distinctive than Steve Urkel, played by Jaleel White. Best known for catchphrases such as Did I do that? and Whoa, Mama!," the lovable nerd from Family Matters who was originally meant to be a one-off character became an instant hit with audiences and soon was elevated a regular cast member. Earlier this year, while speaking during 90s Con 2024 in Daytona Beach, Fla., at a panel called The Evolution of Jaleel White, the actor told the audience that getting asked to audition for a nerd role felt fun and transcended the stereotypical parts available to young Black actors at the time. When that audition came along and I really read the breakdown for what the character was, I really felt I could get the job, White, 47, said during the on Sept. 15 panel. Determined to land the role, he concocted his own makeshift look for Steve, utilizing articles of clothing he could find around his own home. "I got inspired to get the glasses, dress up and go the extra mile to get the job, he recalled. "The glasses were my dads, he wore them to keep particles from flying in his eyes he's a dentist." Related: Jaleel White Opens Up About His Family Matters Costars Believing He Was 'Difficult' to Work with: 'I Digress' ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Jaleel White (left) on a 1991 episode of Family Matters If Whites father is owed some credit for what would become Urkels signature specs, then his mother could perhaps get some kudos for inspiring one of the characters other memorable features his tight jeans. Related: Jaleel White Explains Why Family Matters Will Never Get a Revival, Says It 'Belongs Only in the '90s' My mom always would keep some clothes she had planned to sell at a swap meet, said White. So she put me in too-little jeans on purpose and then I took a briefcase. White said during the panel that he showed up to the audition in full character even declining to introduce himself with his real name and the rest is history. 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. "At the last minute I decided to actually Id only done this twice before but I decided to walk into the room as the character and never even introduce myself as Jaleel, he recalled. I was 12. I made that choice trying to do anything I could to give myself a competitive advantage." Growing Up Urkel, a memoir filled with stories from White's life, is now available from Simon & Schuster. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police is seeking the communitys help in locating this car stolen with a 4-month-old and 5-month-old child in the back Dec. 2, 2024. The plate number on the vehicle is 364CMU. Robert Deane walked outside of his home to pick up some packages when he noticed two car seats in a ditch. When he went to investigate, he found two baby girls who were kidnapped earlier Monday morning in a stolen vehicle. The girls were found in their car seats left out in the below-freezing temperatures on the southeast side of Indianapolis, nearly 4 miles from where the vehicle they were inside was reported stolen. "I'd do it again," Deane said. If you see something, like a baby in a ditch, say something (and) do something. It's unclear how long they were out in the 27-degree weather. "It's cold out here," Indianapolis police spokesman William Young said. "Who knows what could have happened if this particular individual was not able to come outside. It's extremely cold, and we're still in our early stages of trying to figure out who was responsible for this." These are the two kidnapped and missing infant girls that were taken in a stolen vehicle Dec. 2, 2024. Just before 11 a.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police were called to East Gimber Street on the city's south side for a report of a stolen 2013 Hyundai Sonata with 4-month old and 5-month old babies inside. Shortly after, an officer located the vehicle at about the same time that a call came in from a man who said he had found two infants outside in those car seats. Police have not provided details about how the vehicle was stolen or whether the babies were left unattended in the vehicle before it was taken. These are the two kidnapped and missing infant girls that were taken in a stolen vehicle Dec. 2, 2024. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police confirmed just before noon that the two babies were found and were safe. "He did what any good person would do," Young said. "He got those infants to shelter. This is an outcome that we wanted. I can't thank that good Samaritan enough. We don't have a suspect in custody, but that will be our next priority is figuring out who is responsible for this particular incident." Indianapolis Police are examining the vehicle and are asking for any witnesses regarding this kidnapping to come forward. No information about a suspect has been released. Second child kidnapping in the past two weeks This is the second time within the last two weeks a child was kidnapped due to a stolen vehicle. On Nov. 20, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police issued an alert that a baby boy was inside a Black 2014 Chevy Equinox that was stolen just before 7 p.m. that evening. "Just two weeks ago on our north side, someone was possibly warming up a vehicle and a child was inside," Young said. "We were able to find that vehicle as well and I'm not saying that this is what the case was in this particular incident, but it's not a good idea to let your car warm up as we go into our winter months, especially if you have your child inside." Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star, part of the USA TODAY Network. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Man finds missing Indianapolis babies while getting packages From Jacob Elordis new bearded look to Sean Penns red carpet debut with girlfriend Valeria Nicov, this years Marrakech Film Festival has been making headlines in mainstream media like it never did before. Yet, the event has existed for 21 years. For over two decades, the festival has indeed played a pivotal role in fostering a new generation of filmmakers from the Arab world, especially Morocco, fueled by the ambition of Marrakech Film Festival director Melita Toscan du Plantier, a Paris-based producer, cinephile and straight shooter. The Marrakech adventure kicked off in 2001, when her late husband, Daniel Toscan du Plantier, an influential French producer, was asked by Moroccos King Mohammed VI to help create the film festival. A year later, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid took over as president of the festival and its foundation, and when Daniel Toscan du Plantier died abruptly in 2003, Melita took the reins. More from Variety Today, Melita Toscan du Plantier, who lives and breathes Marrakech Film Festival all year around, has succeeded in establishing the event as a significant international film festival rather than a mere red-carpet event in a fiercely competitive environment. Through her wide-ranging friendships, shes managed to bring onto the festival some of the worlds most prestigious filmmakers and talent from Martin Scorsese to Robert de Niro and Agnes Varda to shine a spotlight on emerging Arab directors. Toscan du Plantier has this year scored the biggest coup of her career at Marrakech fest, enlisting Luca Guadagnino as president of a jury comprising Jacob Elordi, Andrew Garfield, Patricia Arquette and Ali Abbasi, among others. The roster of masterclasses is equally impressive, with Justin Kurzel (whose movie The Order opened the festival), David Cronenberg, Sean Penn, Justine Triet, Tim Burton, Alfonso Cuaron, Todd Haynes and Walter Salles, among others. I just read somewhere that I organize this festival like the wedding of my child, and I think that description nails it, says Toscan du Plantier on day 2 of the festival. Always alert in spite of having slept three hours for five consecutive days (from what she says), she admits being obsessively perfectionist during a quick conversation interrupted by a dozen calls and text messages revealing the extent of her involvement in every logistical aspect of the festival and caretaking for guests (she may even know what they ate for breakfast). A week ago, during an interview at her Paris-based office (which was entirely decorated by her staff for her birthday), Toscan du Plantier said the festivals emphasis on mentorship has translated into real success for emerging filmmakers, citing Ismae El Moudir whose movie The Mother Of All Lies made history last year as the first Moroccan film to win the festivals top prize, the Etoile DOr, from a jury presided over by Jessica Chastain. The Mother of All Lies, which opened at Un Certain Regard at Cannes, went on to represent Morocco in the international feature race at the Oscars. She also cited Sofia Alaoui whose film Animalia played at Sundance, as well as Maryam Touzani (Adam, The Blue Caftan), Yasmine Benkiran (Reines), Meryem Benmbarek (Sophia), Alaa Eddine Aljem (Le miracle du saint Inconnu), Ismael El Iraki (Zanka Contact), Kamal Lazraq (Les Meutes) and Said Hamich whose film La mer au loin plays in competition this year. Its a new generation thats making a name for itself at the worlds biggest film festivals, and the majority of these newcomers are women, which is historic for Moroccan cinema, which has never had so many female directors, said Toscan du Plantier. El Moudirs film, for instance, was discovered by the director of the Sydney Film Festival at the Atlas Workshops, Marrakechs industry sidebar, before it even played at Cannes, and programmed it at his festival in Sydney where it won best film. When my husband and I started the festival the first year, there were four Moroccan films a year. Today, there are about 35 of them, she said. Moroccan cinema has grown enormously over the years, and is highlighted by the Marrakech Festival. The fest has also contributed to giving Marrakech audiences a taste for auteur films that are seldom distributed in Morocco where only big films that are either American, Egyptian or Bollywood films are released in theaters, argues Toscan du Plantier. The festival showcases films from all over the world, from Japan, Korea, Poland, Brazil, etc. and all these films that are often socially minded movies, too, she said, adding that she likes the idea that people who dont travel or travel very little, have this opportunity to see the world through these movies. Referring to the fast-expanding industry sidebar, the Atlas Workshops, overseen by the festivals artistic director, Remi Bonhomme, Toscan du Plantier said its become a key platform for a new generation of Moroccan filmmakers and producers who are making strides. She and Bonhomme form a dynamic duo surrounded by a team of fairly young people from different parts of the world. In the office, we have people from Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia and Morocco, among other places, and they come here to work with us on the artistic side, and we like the idea of transmission, said the festival director, who started her career in the industry at the French promotion org Unifrance, where she met her husband Daniel, who was then its president. The pedigree of talent she brought to Marrakech this year makes her proud on a personal level, because it took an infinite amount of work, but above all, its about mentorship because directors who present their movies here know that their work will be seen by talent and filmmakers they admire. Moroccan film students, too, will be able to exchange ideas with the worlds greatest directors and without the Marrakech Festival, they might never have had this experience, she said. At major film festivals such as Cannes or Venice, masterclasses arent open to the public, but at Marrakech anyone can attend for free, as long as theyve registered online. The crowd is made up of film students, locals, journalists from national and international outlets, as well as talent. The year we had Robert de Niro, everyone was in the room, including Guillermo del Toro, Tahar Rahim, Julian Schnabel and Gilles Lellouche! she reminisced. Its her late husband, she said, who was her mentor and gave [her] a taste for directors. No wonder why Guadagnino referred to her as the godmother of filmmakers in his speech at the opening ceremony of the festival. I know a lot of international actors, but its the directors Im passionate about and I think they can feel my passion. They know Im sincere, she said. Im much more enthused by the idea of having dinner with Martin Scorsese, Alfonso Cuaron or Walter Salles or Justin Kurzel and talk about movies for hours than anything else. Penn, who received a tribute on Saturday night (the first in many years), will give a rare masterclass at the festival. Hes very reserved and shy and prefers to talk about humanitarian causes he cares about, for instance in Haiti and Ukraine, rather than talking about himself. The idea of mentorship, of exchanging with young film lovers and students is what appealed to them, she said, referring to Penn and Todd Haynes, among others. Sean really wants to meet young people and he was eager to meet Ismae El Moudir because he loved her movie The Mother of All Lies and was impressed by her talent. Todd also said right away, I really want to come and talk to young students. At a lot of festivals, people who come are a bit jaded, but thats not the case here. Moroccans know that being able to listen to great directors discuss their work, their point of view on the world, is a gift. These artists come here to give. Its very generous of them because they dont get paid to do it, Toscan du Plantier noted. This year, she was able to get Garfield through Guadagnino, because the pair just worked together on the thriller After The Hunt. She then lured Elordi after meeting in Australia on the shoot of The Narrow Road to the Deep North, a miniseries directed by Kurzel, a longtime friend of Toscan du Plantier. Del Toro, another friend of the festival who just directed Elordi in Frankenstein, also helped enticing the actor. To get certain personalities, I pass on messages from others who have already been here, from ambassadors like Martin Scorsese, who is our godfather, who has been here seven times, said Toscan du Plantier. Sometimes, he can help me contact someone or put in a good word about the Marrakech Festival. And the same is happening with Guillermo Del Toro and Justin Kurzel, or Luca Guadagnino. Ultimately, the festival also has played a role in bringing people together at a time of geo-political turmoils, going back to its inaugural edition which took place in the aftermath of the terror attacks of 9/11. Morocco is a land of exchange, a welcoming land. Back in 2001, when we started the festival after the terrorist attacks, it was great to see all these nationalities, all these religions together on Muslim soil, 15 days after the attacks claimed by extremists, she said. But that at the time, His Majesty the King, Mohamed VI wanted to maintain the festival that year, despite everything, and to welcome all the people who dared to come, because many people were even afraid to take the plane. Ultimately, people from all over the world came to talk about culture and cinema, and it was, I must admit, quite a magical atmosphere, she said. Last year, was also a particular edition as it unfolded just a little over a month following the Oct. 7th massacre, as the war in Gaza was raging. We were going through a period when all we talked about was division, and at the festival, all we talked about was uniting people, bringing them together through cinema. So it was complicated, and at the same time, it was powerful, she said, also praising HRH Prince Moulay Rachid for his involvement and support for the festival. This year is no less challenging, with ongoing wars in the Middle East and beyond, but that didnt prevent the festival from pulling together guests from across the globe. Weve really got all five continents together: Asia, Oceania, America, Europe and Africa, she says. Seeing all these international personalities in Marrakech is quite wonderful! Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. An investigation into the death of a hiker reported missing in Oregon, who was later found by authorities, has resulted in an arrest in connection to the case. The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office responded to a report of a deceased individual in the Welches area last Friday, Nov. 29. The victim was identified as Susan Lane-Fournier. The sheriff's office said she had been missing since Nov. 22, "after failing to arrive at her workplace. " The next day, someone told authorities that they spotted her car, described as a white 1992 Ford F-250, near Green Canyon Way Trail. The tip led to a days-long search by the sheriff's office. Welches is an unincorporated community about 45 miles from Portland. Missing hikers: Hiker who vanished mid-October in frigid Canadian wilderness found alive over a month later Lane-Fournier's husband faces charges After Lane-Fournier's body was found, officials conducted an autopsy and determined the manner of death as homicide. On Saturday, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office announced the arrest of 71-year-old Michel Fournier, who was charged with second-degree murder. Michel is reportedly the victim's husband. "Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have seen Michel Fournier in the days before her disappearance or who has information about his activity and whereabouts since then," the sheriff's office said. Victims's dogs found deceased According to KETV, Lane-Fournier was reported to be hiking with her two dogs. Officials were also working to locate the animals during the search. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office found the dogs believed to be Lane-Fournier's over the weekend. "The dogs have been transferred to the custody of the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office, where investigators are working to confirm their identities," the press release stated. Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Susan Lane-Fournier disappearance: Husband charged, dogs found dead Note that this story contains material about disturbing crimes against a young girl. A death row inmate convicted of raping and killing his friend's 9-year-old stepdaughter in 2007 is set to be executed in Missouri on Tuesday in what would be the state's fourth execution of 2024. Christopher Leroy Collings, 49, is set to die by lethal injection for the murder of 9-year-old Rowan Ford in the tiny southwestern Missouri village of Stella on Nov. 3, 2007. If the execution moves forward, Collings will be the 23rd inmate executed in the U.S. this year, with at least three more scheduled before January. Rowan was described by teachers and family members as an eager, hard-working and beloved student who went everywhere on her purple bicycle, had her room painted Barbie pink and loved going to church so much, she sometimes went alone. Collings was her stepfather's friend who lived with the family for several months and had even helped her with homework, court records say. She called him Uncle Chris. Court records describe Collings as a man who developed an emotional detachment disorder as a boy as he was passed around between his birth and adoptive families and experienced sexual abuse. As Collings' execution approaches, USA TODAY is looking back at the crime, who Collings and his victim were and what led him down a path that will end in his own execution. Christopher Collings is pictured at the Potosi Correctional Center in Missouri. What was Christopher Collings convicted of? On the night of Nov. 2, 2007, Collings was drinking heavily with two friends. One of the friends, David Spears, had a 9-year-old stepdaughter named Rowan Ford, whose mother was at work. At some point that night, the men left Rowan home alone and started hanging out at Collings trailer. As the third friend drove Spears home on back roads to avoid getting pulled over, Collings later told police that he raced to Spears home and kidnapped a sleeping Rowan, put her in his truck and took her to his trailer. Once there, he raped her, he told police. After that, he said he intended to take her home. He led her outside facing away from him so she couldnt see his face, according to court records. He made sure to keep the lights off and didnt speak so she wouldnt recognize his voice. But he said Rowan turned around and, because there was moonlight, recognized who he was. Thats when he said he freaked out. Seeing a coil of cord in the bed of a pickup next to him, he took the cord, looped it around her neck and started pulling real hard, court records say. She struggled a little and fell to the ground; he went to the ground with her and held tight until she stopped moving. Collings said he then dumped her body in a cave. She was found on Nov. 9, about a week after her disappearance triggered an Amber alert and intensive search. In recommending the death penalty for Collings, the jury in his murder trial found the killing to be "outrageously and wantonly vile, horrible, and inhuman." Spears also confessed to police, saying he raped Rowan and strangled her, while Collings denied that Spears was involved, the Missouri attorney general's office said in court documents. Spears ultimately was convicted of child endangerment and hindering prosecution, and got out of prison in 2015. USA TODAY could not find a phone number for Spears. Christopher Collings' attorneys didn't argue innocence Collings was a problem child who never formed an emotional attachment to anyone because he experienced severe neglect from his birth parents and several traumas after he was placed in foster care, including at least two rapes, his attorneys argued during his trial. Collings and his five older siblings ended up in the system and separated from each other because their parents "were involved in a lot of crime, involved in a lot of substance abuse," his attorney at the time, Charles Moreland, told jurors, adding that "the evidence will also show that there are seeds of redemption within Christopher Collings." Christopher Collings is pictured as a boy. Collings' trial attorneys emphasized to jurors that he never intended to kill Rowan that night and that he deserved life in prison, not the death penalty. They asked jurors to set aside Rowan's age and the horrific autopsy and crime scene photos they saw, and focus on the law and the facts of the case, which they said showed her murder was not planned. "I am asking you to take as long as it takes to experience whatever anger you feel, whatever grief you feel for the loss of this child, whatever sympathy you feel for her mother, however horrified you feel at what happened to her ... and then you have to set it aside," one of Collings' attorneys, Janice Zembles, told jurors. "When you deliberate, nothing you decide is going to bring Rowan Ford back. Nothing you decide is ever gonna make her 10 years old." Prosecuting attorney Johnnie Cox argued that Collings never intended to return Rowan home that terrible night. "He'd gone to deep, dark place ... that led him to rape this girl that had called him Uncle Chris, that had led him to kill this girl, that led him to put that cord around her neck for what he described as minutes that seemed like an hour," Cox said. "This was brutal rape. This was stealing a child out of her house in the middle of the night and having his way with her. He was never gonna put her back in that house." A lethal injection bed inside an execution chamber is pictured at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville, Tennessee. Can anything stop Christopher Collings' execution? Collings' current legal team has been raising questions about his confession, saying it wasn't recorded and was given to then-Wheaton Police Chief Clinton Clark, who had four convictions for absence of office without leave. They've also been emphasizing Spears' own confession to the crime, saying it indicates even further doubt that Collings' alleged confession is the truth. Collings' hopes for a reprieve lie with the U.S. Supreme Court, the Missouri Supreme Court and Republican Gov. Michael Parson. Parson has never granted clemency to a death row inmate and this year has denied such requests from three men who have since been executed, including Marcellus Williams despite strong arguments that he was innocent. The Missouri Catholic Conference recently wrote to the governor requesting that he grant Collings clemency, saying the death penalty "disregards the sanctity and dignity of human life." The death and other circumstances of Rowans murder are tragic and abhorrent, and though her death was a great injustice, it still would also be an injustice if the state carries out a mans execution in lieu of confining him to life imprisonment, the bishops said. Christopher Collings pictured with his daughters Susan (left) and Skylar (right) more than 20 years ago. Jeremy Weis, Collings' attorney, told USA TODAY that his team expects Parson's response on Monday. Meanwhile he said that Collings is in "constant contact" with his two daughters, Susan and Skylar, "and they are incredibly supportive of their father." "Chris is incredibly proud of his children and so happy that he can occupy a part of their lives," Weis said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Christopher Collings to be executed for rape, murder of Missouri girl A 13-year-old boy has taken legal action against his parents, who he says tricked him into going to Africa and abandoned him at a boarding school. The British teenager claims his parents told him they were traveling abroad to visit a sick relative, but he was then left there without warning due to fears that he was participating in gang activity in Londonan allegation the boy denies. The country in which he was left was not publicly disclosed. The boy, who has lived in the UK since birth, reached out to the British Consulate and a child welfare organization for help, Punch Metro reported. His legal team argued in court that his parents "physically and emotionally abandoned" him in an environment where he allegedly faces inadequate food, poor education, and mistreatment. "There is clear evidence that he is being harmed emotionally, psychologically, and possibly physically in the environment in which he has been placed," Deirdre Fottrell KC, the attorney representing him said. She called the parents decision "stark and quite brutal," and argued that, as a result, their son is "upset, confused, and distressed." The boy's father's legal team defended the move as a legitimate act of parental responsibility, citing "real concerns about where he was and who he was with" in London. over his deteriorating behavior and vulnerability to criminal influences in London. They argued that the boarding school in the African country provided a safer, structured environment. The legal team representing the teen has requested that a judge order his return to the UK, while his father's representation claims the parents acted in the child's best interest and their decision should be respected. The hearing is ongoing. Originally published by Latin Times. The first major lake effect snow pounded portions of the Northeast and Midwest this past weekend, with more in the forecast in the coming days. On Saturday, parts of the New York thruway had been cleared but remained closed while Pennsylvania worked to clear its interstates in the region. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he called in the state's National Guard to help stranded drivers and signed a disaster declaration in Erie County. He urged people to stay off the roads. Almost four feet of snow fell in some parts of the Northeast by Sunday and temperatures are expected to be 10 to 15 degrees below normal over parts of the Upper Midwest and the eastern third of the country for days, the National Weather Service said Sunday. An icy cold flow of air over the relatively warm surfaces of the Great Lakes was forecast to produce additional waves of snow through Tuesday. In New York state, "several feet of snow" was expected in Jefferson County, which borders Lake Ontario. How much snow did New York state get? Some of the hardest hit areas so far were in New York state, where several communities reported more than 40 inches of snow. The tiny Jefferson County village of Copenhagen, just east of Lake Ontario, had recorded 46 inches of snow as of early Sunday and was expecting another couple of inches at night. A 60-mile stretch of the New York State thruway, closed Saturday, was open Sunday but banned commercial vehicles. Here's a look at some of the astounding snow totals in northern New York state. Snow pounded portions of New York this past weekend. How much snow did Michigan get? Gaylord, Michigan, between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, had almost 34 inches as of Saturday evening, and snow showers were forecast for every day this week. Snow pounded portions of Michigan this past weekend. How much snow did Pennsylvania get? In Pennsylvania, parts of interstates 86 and 90 were closed for extended periods during the height of the storm there. Gov. Josh Shapiro called in the National Guard to help stranded drivers and signed a disaster declaration for Erie County. State Transportation Department official Brian McNulty said the storm presented a "unique challenge" and urged residents in the affected areas to stay off the roads. With snow intensities ranging from two to four inches per hour for extended periods of time, we are working as hard as possible to make the roads safe and passable, McNulty said. The Lake Erie city of Ashtabula, Ohio, near the Pennsylvania border had 27 inches. Parts of Pennsylvania saw more than 20 inches of snow over the weekend. Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How much did it snow from Buffalo, New York to Michigan? See totals By Jonathan Cable (Reuters) -Manufacturing activity fell sharply across Europe last month and a further decline in demand dashed hopes for an imminent turnaround, whereas in China factories extended their recovery, surveys showed. China's upswing was driven in part by Beijing's stimulus measures and a rush to export ahead of proposed tariffs by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump who returns to the White House in January. Trump's tariffs would also have a significant impact on an already struggling euro zone economy, a Reuters poll found last month. HCOB's final euro zone manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, sank to 45.2 in November, matching a preliminary estimate and further below the 50 mark separating growth from contraction. In October it was 46.0 and the headline reading has been sub-50 since mid-2022. Manufacturing activity in Germany, Europe's largest economy, remained firmly entrenched in contractionary territory while France saw the steepest decline in new orders since the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In Britain, outside the European Union, its PMI pointed to the sharpest contraction in nine months, as orders from domestic and foreign customers fell. S&P cited headwinds from a 25 billion pound ($32 billion) rise in employment taxes in the new Labour government's Oct. 30 budget, a 7% increase in Britain's minimum wage, disruption to shipping in the Red Sea and the threat of global goods tariffs. "The UK follows the weaker results also shown in the European PMI data, and shows that across both the UK and euro zone, manufacturers are really feeling the downturn," said Cara Haffey at PwC. "In particular, smaller manufacturers are seeing a decline in orderbook and production volumes." ASIA STEPS UP Asia's largest manufacturing economies stepped up activity in November, with China's factories extending their recovery, in part driven by Beijing's stimulus and a rush to export, though weak patches in other parts of the region pointed to some challenges. China's factory activity expanded at the fastest pace in five months in November as new orders, including those from abroad, led to a solid rise in production, the Caixin PMI showed. That largely echoed a modest expansion in manufacturing activity seen in an official survey released on Saturday, suggesting a blitz of stimulus is finally trickling through to the world's second-largest economy. The improvement in China helped other Asian factory powerhouses such as South Korea and Taiwan, where activity also picked up. Xing Zhaopeng, ANZ's senior China strategist, said China's recovery has mostly been export-driven. "Both new export orders in the official PMI and Caixin PMI suggest buyers were rushing to place orders. But the Chinese domestic demand was still weak as the official non-manufacturing PMI was 50," said Xing. Many Chinese exporters are scrambling to get their goods to major markets ahead of tariffs from the U.S. and European Union, which are among several risks policymakers now need to navigate. Beijing launched a series of major stimulus packages in the second half of this year to arrest a sharp slowdown in spending and production. While analysts say more is still needed to sustain a sturdier recovery, there are signs this year's measures have had some effect with retail spending and the property market stabilising. Elsewhere in Asia conditions worsened, with Japan's PMI reporting the fastest decline in activity in eight months as factories trimmed output on weakening demand. That was slightly offset by official data that showed Japanese corporate spending on plant and equipment accelerating in the third quarter. India's factory activity growth remained brisk but slowed slightly due to persistent price pressures. Official data on Friday showed Asia's third-largest economy, one of the world's better performers, expanded at a much weaker-than-expected pace in the July-September quarter, weighed down by tepid growth in manufacturing and consumption. In Southeast Asia, PMIs showed factory activity extending declines in Indonesia and Malaysia and slowing expansion in Thailand and Vietnam. ($1 = 0.7873 pounds) (Reporting by Jonathan Cable in London, Ellen Zhang in Beijing, Jihoon Lee in Seoul, Kaori Kaneko in Tokyo; Writing by Sam Holmes and Jonathan Cable; Editing by Shri Navaratnam and Toby Chopra) Bob Bryar, left, and other members of My Chemical Romance in Japan in 2007. (Koji Sasahara / Associated Press) Bob Bryar, who was a drummer with My Chemical Romance at the height of the band's popularity, has died, a spokesperson confirmed Sunday. Bryar was 44. The band asks for your patience and understanding as they process the news of Bobs passing, the spokesperson for the highly influential emo band said in a short statement that didn't include any additional details. TMZ reported that Bryar's body was found inside his Tennessee home, partly decomposed, after he hadn't been seen for several weeks. Police did not suspect foul play, the site reported, because belongings including Bryar's musical equipment were found undisturbed. The Times was unable to confirm these details late Sunday. A native of Chicago, Bryar replaced drummer Matt Pelissier in 2004 and played on the groups 2006 opus The Black Parade," which garnered a Grammy nomination and later landed on Rolling Stone's list of 500 greatest albums of all time . He was the band's longest-serving drummer. Read more:Jim Abrahams, spoof-comedy great behind 'Airplane!' and 'Naked Gun' films, dies at 80 When Bryar left My Chemical Romance in 2010, he reportedly decided to move on from the music industry altogether. He later auctioned off a drum kit to raise money for an animal adoption center in Tennessee's Williamson County. According to Rolling Stone, Bryar continued to tour behind the scenes with various bands after leaving My Chemical Romance and became involved in dog rescue charities and sanctuaries. He later tried his hand at real estate, with online records showing he was licensed to practice in the state of Tennessee. My Chem, as the band is known among its fans, formed in 2001 in New Jersey and released a total of four studio albums two of which sold more than a million copies each. The band first broke through with 2004s Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. In 2013, members announced their breakup; a year later, they released a greatest hits collection titled May Death Never Stop You. In 2019, a reunion was announced. Bandmates later revealed theyd privately reunited two years earlier. The shows were delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic until 2022, when the band also released its first new song in eight years, The Foundations of Decay. Earlier this year, the band announced that it would embark on a 2025 North American stadium tour to celebrate "The Black Parade" album. The 10-date tour will include a July 26 stop at Dodger Stadium. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. By Karen Freifeld and David Shepardson (Reuters) -The United States on Monday launched its third crackdown in three years on China's semiconductor industry, curbing exports to 140 companies, including chip equipment maker Naura Technology Group, among other moves. The effort to hobble Beijing's chipmaking ambitions also hits Chinese chip toolmakers Piotech, ACM Research and SiCarrier Technology with new export restrictions as part of the package, which also takes aim at shipments of advanced memory chips and more chipmaking tools to China. The move is one of the Biden administration's last large-scale efforts to stymie China's ability to access and produce chips that can help advance artificial intelligence for military applications, or otherwise threaten U.S. national security. It comes just weeks before the swearing-in of Republican President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to retain many of Biden's tough-on-China measures. The package includes curbs on China-bound shipments of high bandwidth memory chips, critical for high-end applications like AI training; new curbs on 24 additional chipmaking tools and three software tools; and new export curbs on chipmaking equipment made in countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the action aims to prevent "China from advancing its domestic semiconductor manufacturing system, which it will use to support its military modernization." Reuters first reported many companies involved and key details of the plan. The tool controls will likely hurt Lam Research, KLA and Applied Materials, as well as non-U.S. companies like Dutch equipment maker ASM International. Chinese companies facing new restrictions include nearly two dozen semiconductor companies, two investment companies and over 100 chipmaking tool makers. The companies include Swaysure Technology Co, Si'En Qingdao, and Shenzhen Pensun Technology Co, which work with China's Huawei Technologies. The telecommunications equipment leader has been hobbled by U.S. sanctions and is now at the center of China's advanced chip production and development. They will be added to the entity list, which bars U.S. suppliers from shipping to them without first receiving a special license. Asked about the U.S. curbs, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said such behaviour undermined the international economic trade order and disrupted global supply chains. China will take measures to safeguard the rights and interests of its firms, he added at a regular press briefing on Monday. China's commerce ministry described the U.S. restrictions as a clear example of "economic coercion" and "non-market practices," according to a statement published on its official website after the new curbs were announced. China has stepped up its drive to become self-sufficient in the semiconductor sector in recent years, as the U.S. and other countries have restricted exports of the advanced chips and the tools to make them. However, it remains years behind chip industry leaders like Nvidia in AI chips and chip equipment maker ASML in the Netherlands. The U.S. also is poised to place additional restrictions on Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co., China's largest contract chip manufacturer, which was placed on the Entity List in 2020 but with a policy that allowed billions of dollars worth of licenses to ship goods to it to be granted. For the first time, the U.S. will add three companies that make investments in chips to the entity list. Chinese private equity firm Wise Road Capital, tech firm Wingtech Technology Co and JAC Capital were added, the department said, because of their role "in aiding Chinas governments efforts to acquire entities with sensitive semiconductor manufacturing capability critical to the defense industrial bases of the United States and its allies with the objective of relocating these entities to China." Companies seeking licenses to ship to firms on the Entity List generally get denied. DUTCH AND JAPANESE EXEMPTED An aspect of the new package that addresses the foreign direct product rule could hurt some U.S. allies by limiting what their companies can ship to China. The new rule will expand U.S. powers to curb exports of chipmaking equipment by U.S., Japanese, and Dutch manufacturers made in other parts of the world to certain chip plants in China. Equipment made in Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan is subject to the rule while Japan and the Netherlands will be exempt. The expanded foreign direct product rule will apply to 16 companies on the entity list that are seen as the most important to China's most advanced chipmaking ambitions. The rule will also lower to zero the amount of U.S. content that determines when certain foreign items are subject to U.S. control. That will allow the U.S. to regulate any item shipped to China from overseas if it contains any U.S. chips. The new rules are being released after lengthy discussions with Japan and the Netherlands, which, along with the United States, dominate the production of advanced chipmaking equipment. The Dutch government said it will study the new restrictions, adding that "every country has its own considerations" on national security and export controls. ASML said on its website that it did not see a material impact on its business, adding that if the Dutch government makes a "similar security assessment," it could affect exports of some of its chip making tools. The United States plans to exempt countries that adopt similar controls, sources told Reuters. Another rule in the package restricts memory used in AI chips that correspond with what is known as "HBM 2" and higher, technology made by South Korea's Samsung and SK Hynix and U.S.-based Micron. Industry sources expect only Samsung Electronics to be affected. Samsung generates about 20% of its HBM chip sales from China, a person with knowledge of the matter said. The latest rules are the third major package of chip-related export curbs on China adopted under the Biden administration. In October 2022, the United States published a sweeping set of controls on sale and manufacture of certain high-end chips that was considered to be the biggest shift in its tech policy toward China since the 1990s. (Reporting by Karen Freifeld and David Shepardson; Additional reporting by Brenda Goh, Antoni Slodkowski and Heekyong Yang; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Stephen Coates) By Suleiman Al-Khalidi AMMAN (Reuters) -At least 25 people were killed in northwestern Syria in air strikes carried out by the Syrian government and Russia, the Syrian opposition-run rescue service known as the White Helmets said early on Monday. Russian and Syrian jets struck the rebel-held city of Idlib in northern Syria on Sunday, military sources said, as President Bashar al-Assad vowed to crush insurgents who had swept into the city of Aleppo. The army also said it had recaptured several towns that rebels had overrun in recent days. Residents said one attack hit a crowded residential area in the centre of Idlib, the largest city in a rebel enclave near the Turkish border where around four million people live in makeshift tents and dwellings. At least seven people were killed and dozens injured, according to rescuers at the scene. The Syrian army and its ally Russia say they target the hideouts of insurgent groups and deny attacking civilians. Ten children were among the dead in the air strikes in and around Idlib and other targets in rebel-held territory near Aleppo on Sunday, according to the White Helmets. The total death toll from Syrian and Russian strikes since Nov. 27 had climbed to 56, including 20 children, the group added in a statement on X. Reuters could not independently confirm the battlefield accounts. The insurgents are a coalition of Turkey-backed mainstream secular armed groups along with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group that has been designated a terrorist outfit by the U.S., Russia, Turkey and other states. In a joint statement, the United States, France, Germany, and Britain urged "de-escalation by all parties and the protection of civilians and infrastructure to prevent further displacement and disruption of humanitarian access". The insurgents seized control of all of Idlib province in recent days, the boldest rebel assault for years in a civil war where front lines had largely been frozen since 2020. They also swept into the city of Aleppo, east of Idlib, on Friday night, forcing the army to redeploy. In remarks published on state media, Assad said: "Terrorists only know the language of force and it is the language we will crush them with". The Syrian army said dozens of its soldiers had been killed in the fighting in Aleppo. Russian war bloggers reported on Sunday that Moscow had dismissed Sergei Kisel, the general in charge of its forces in Syria. Reuters has requested comment from the Russian defence ministry. LEAVING ALEPPO Inside Aleppo city, streets were mostly empty and many shops were closed on Sunday as scared residents stayed at home. There was still a heavy flow of civilians leaving the city, witnesses and residents said. Rebel fighters waving the opposition flag drove through the city, Yusuf Khatib, a resident, told Reuters by phone. Some rebels took up positions on street intersections, he added. Ahmad Tutenji, a merchant in the affluent New Aleppo neighbourhood, said he was surprised how quickly the army left. "I am shocked at how they fled and abandoned us." Syrian troops who had withdrawn from the city were now regrouping and reinforcements were also being sent to help in the counter-attack, army sources said. Aleppo had been firmly held by the government since a 2016 victory there, one of the war's major turning points, when Russian-backed Syrian forces besieged and laid waste to rebel-held eastern areas of what had been the country's largest city. A lack of that manpower contributed to the speedy retreat of Syrian army forces in recent days, according to two army sources. The rebel gains came after Israel stepped up its strikes on Iranian bases in Syria and Iran-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. Militias allied to Iran, led by Hezbollah, have had a strong presence in the Aleppo area. The head of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said in a statement on Monday that its fighters in northwestern Syria were facing intense attacks on multiple fronts. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said the group had tried to establish a "humanitarian corridor" linking Kurdish-held northeastern regions to Tel Rifaat, a strategic area northwest of Aleppo to "protect our people from potential massacres". "However, attacks by armed groups supported by the Turkish occupation have disrupted this corridor," Abdi said, adding that "our forces continue to resist to protect our people in the Kurdish neighbourhoods of Aleppo". Turkey considers Kurdish militant groups the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the Syrian Kurdish YPG as terrorist organisations, as well as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Syrian rebels backed by Turkey had blocked an attempt by Kurdish groups to establish a corridor connecting Tel Rifaat to northeastern Syria, Turkish security sources said on Sunday. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday that Turkey would not allow what he called terrorist threats targeting its security or Syrian civilians, Turkish diplomatic sources said. The war, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced many millions, has ground on since 2011 with no formal end. Most heavy fighting halted years ago after Iran-backed militias and Russian air power helped Assad win control of all major cities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, visiting Damascus on Sunday, said the situation in Syria was "difficult" but the Assad government would prevail. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi, Additional reporting by Adam Makary and Menna Alaa El Din, Editing by Frances Kerry and Andrew Heavens; Writing by Stephen Coates; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) Representational (AFP/Getty) Passengers travelling from Bahrain to Manchester were stranded for over 13 hours after their Gulf Air flight made an emergency landing in Kuwait, reportedly due to an engine fire. Some passengers alleged discrimination, claiming that while holders of EU, UK, and US passports were given accommodation, Indians, Pakistanis and Southeast Asians were initially denied help, food, and water, Indian media reported. Many of those on board began their journeys in Mumbai in India, with Bahrain as a transit stop and Manchester their final destination. The emergency landing took place roughly two hours after Gulf Air flight GF 005 took off from Bahrain, with an announcement telling the flight they would be redirected to Kuwait. A social media video showed passengers of flight GF005 in heated arguments with airport authorities upon landing, with South Asian passengers criticising the way they were served compared to those on other passports. The Indian embassy in Kuwait said on X on Sunday that it promptly took up the matter with Gulf Air. Arzoo Singh, a passenger, claimed they were not allowed to leave the airport since they did not have a transit visa. She told NDTV: They said if youre entitled passport holders, and Indians and Pakistanis are not entitled passport holders, they literally told us if youre entitled for a transit visa, only then we can put you in a hotel outside. We asked them what about us, people who arent entitled as you say? They said we will get back to you. We ran behind them for nearly two hours, only then we got lounge access. We asked for blankets, we asked for food. They didnt give. No one even gave us water for the first four hours. Indian PAX stuck at @KuwaitAirports since 12 hrs after Manchester bound @GulfAir flight GF005 was diverted. PAX alleged harrasment & also alleged that the airline has provied accomodation to only EU,UK & US citizens. @RamMNK @MoCA_GoI@indembkwt Video credit: Passenger pic.twitter.com/pBcJDtUMRS Daanish Anand (@Daanish_Anand) December 1, 2024 After we raised the issue on social media, senior officials from the Indian embassy in Kuwait reached out to the Indian passengers stuck at the airport, news agency ANI quoted Ms Singh as saying. The embassy posted on X: Efforts are being made to accommodate passengers in the airport hotel, which is currently unavailable due to ongoing GCC Summit. It may be noted that Indian nationals dont fall under visa on arrival facility in Kuwait. All government offices are closed today due to GCC Summit being hosted by Kuwait. The 45th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit was held on 1 December. Gulf Air flight to Manchester finally departed at 0434 hours today carrying stranded Indian passengers among others. Embassy team was on the ground till the flight departed. pic.twitter.com/47GVer4Bs4 India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) December 2, 2024 Following their discussions, Ms Singh said, the airport authorities offered accommodation for senior citizens and passengers with infants at a facility within the premises, the Hindustan Times reported. But there was no clear information about arrangements for the remaining passengers. Embassy @indembkwt had immediately taken up the matter with Gulf Air in Kuwait. A team from Embassy is at the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline. Passengers have been accommodated in 2 airport lounges. pic.twitter.com/1OySe3KGLc India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) December 1, 2024 Another passenger, Shivansh, wrote on X: All British passport holders got their hotels sorted with on-arrival visas while Indian passport holders have been left stranded without any info, food, or any kind of help. Please help and provide us a visa so that at least we can get a hotel and wait for the next flight. The other passengers were eventually allowed access to airport lounges, and the flight departed for Manchester at 4.34am on Monday. Gulf Air has not made a public statement about the complaints so far. The Independent has reached out to the airline for comment. By Patricia Zengerle (Reuters) -The United States will send Ukraine $725 million of missiles, ammunition, anti-personnel mines and other weapons, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday, as President Joe Biden's outgoing administration seeks to bolster Kyiv in its war with Russian invaders before leaving office in January. The assistance will include Stinger missiles, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), drones and land mines, among other items, Blinken said in a statement. Reuters reported last week that the Biden administration planned to provide the equipment, much of it anti-tank weapons, to ward off Russia's attacking forces. Moscow's troops have been capturing village after village in Ukraine's east, part of a drive to seize the industrial Donbas region, while Russian airstrikes target a hobbled Ukrainian energy grid as winter sets in. "The United States and more than 50 nations stand united to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression," Blinken's statement said. The announcement marks a steep uptick in size from Biden's 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 for Ukraine before Republican President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20. WAITING FOR TRUMP Trump is widely expected to change U.S. strategy on Ukraine, after he criticized the scale of Biden's support for Kyiv and made quickly winding down the war a central campaign promise. Last week, he picked Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general who presented him with a plan to end the war, to serve as special envoy for the conflict. Kellogg's plan for ending the war, which began when Russia invaded Ukrainian sovereign territory, involves freezing the battle lines at their prevailing locations and forcing both Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table, Reuters reported in June. The tranche of weapons represents the first time in decades that the United States has exported land mines, the use of which 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. The land mines that would be sent to Ukraine are "non-persistent," 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 threaten civilians indefinitely. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; additional reporting by Rami Ayyub; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Stephen Coates) By Arathy Somasekhar HOUSTON (Reuters) -Oil prices were little changed on Monday, as hopes of stronger demand stemming from higher factory activity in China was largely offset by concerns that the U.S. Federal Reserve will not cut interest rates again at its December meeting. Brent crude futures settled 1 cent lower at $71.83 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 10 cents, or 0.15%, to $68.10. A private sector survey showed China's factory activity expanded in November at the fastest pace in five months, boosting Chinese business optimism just as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has ramped up trade threats. Meanwhile, a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which took effect last Wednesday, appeared increasingly fragile. The Israeli military said on Monday it was currently striking "terror" targets in Lebanon amid mutual accusations of ceasefire violations between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. The Pentagon said that despite some incidents, the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah was holding. "Increased geopolitical risks remain. Even though the ceasefire is underway in Israel, it seems evident that there are some misconceptions about the legitimacy of the ceasefire," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial. Traders also watched developments in Syria, weighing whether recent escalation could widen tensions across the Middle East and affect supply. Both crude benchmarks fell more than 3% last week, pressured by easing supply concerns from the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and 2025 surplus forecasts, despite expected sustained output cuts. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, together known as OPEC+, postponed the group's next meeting to Dec. 5. It will discuss delaying a planned oil output increase scheduled to start in January, OPEC+ sources told Reuters last week. "Attention will be on the potential delay of the planned production hike, as an indefinite delay could alleviate downward pressure on prices," said George Pavel, general manager at Naga.com Middle East. This week's meeting will decide policy for the early months of 2025. "Money managers are sitting on the fence ... the market is looking for clarity between the implication of the forthcoming Trump administration and OPEC+ supply policy," said Harry Tchilinguirian at Onyx Capital Group. Pressuring oil prices, Atlanta Federal Reserve President Raphael Bostic said he has an open mind about whether to cut interest rates again at the Fed's December meeting, with upcoming data on jobs important in shaping the decision. Higher interest rates increase the cost of borrowing, which can slow economic activity and dampen demand for oil.] Also pressuring oil, the dollar pushed higher again, after Trump on Saturday threatened 100% tariffs on BRICS member countries unless they commit to not creating a new currency or supporting another currency that could replace the dollar. A stronger greenback makes dollar-denominated oil more expensive for investors holding other currencies, hurting demand. (Reporting by Arunima Kumar in Bengaluru, Enes Tunagur in London and Florence Tan and Gabrielle Ng in Singapore; Editing by Jason Neely, David Goodman, Jonathan Oatis and David Gregorio) "To see art used as a powerful force for connection and change is inspiring," the Duke of Sussex and Prince Seeiso said in a statement shared with PEOPLE Brian Otieno/Getty Prince Seeiso and Prince Harry attend a welcome event at Mahomato Children's Center in Maseru, Lesotho on Oct. 1, 2024 Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho's charity, Sentebale, is preparing to unveil something special in New York City. PEOPLE can exclusively reveal that Sentebale has partnered with Ki Smith Gallery for an art exhibition titled "Friend," which will open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 14. The exhibition, running until Jan. 19, will be free to attend, with an option for visitors to make on-site donations to Sentebale. Members of the public can RSVP to attend through the gallery's website. The display will feature works by pioneers of Minimalism and Op Art alongside contemporary artists, with 100% of the gallery's profits from the display donated to Sentebale, which uplifts young people in Lesotho and Botswana. In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso said, This collaboration with Ki Smith and his gallery is incredibly meaningful to the organization. Having Ki join us in Lesotho this past October to see Sentebales work rsthand, and to experience the creativity, resilience and determination of the young people we serve, was truly special. Friend is making art accessible to everyonean act that resonates deeply with Sentebales ethos of leaving no one behind. This exhibition captures the spirit of inclusivity and community that lies at the heart of both Sentebale and Ki Smith Gallery. Sharing art as a powerful force for connection and change, is inspiring." The Duke of Sussex will attend an intimate launch party on Wednesday, Dec. 4, to officially kick off the exhibit. Brian Otieno/Getty Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso at a Sentebale event to meet young women in the Socio-economic Strengthening program in Leribe, Lesotho on Oct. 2, 2024. Related: Prince Harry Calls for Change During Fireside Chat in Lesotho for Sentebale Prince Harry, 40, and Prince Seeiso, 58, established Senteale in 2006 in memory of their late mothers, Princess Diana and Queen Mother 'Mamohato Bereng Seeiso. Sentebale means "forget-me-not" in the Sesotho language, representing a pledge to remember the most vulnerable youth in the region. Sentebale's name also links the charity to Princess Diana in another way, as forget-me-nots were her favorite flower. Sentebale works to support children and young people in Southern Africa, including those living with HIV/AIDS, covering healthcare, education, vocational training, climate resilience and life skills. By donating proceeds from "Friend" to Sentebale, Smith hopes to reimagine the intersection of art and impact, effortlessly connecting philanthropy and high art. BRIAN OTIENO FOR GETTY Ki Smith and Prince Seeiso in Lesotho. Related: Prince Harry Celebrates Relationship with Beloved African Country That Began 20 Years Ago: 'Home Away from Home' The showcase will feature iconic works by Frank Stella (Blyvoors, 1982, from the acclaimed South African Mine series), Bridget Riley (seminal black-and-white works, key to the Op Art movement) and Tadaaki Kuwayama (1980s series, presented for the rst time in 40 years), and exhibit artists Rakuko Naito, Agnes Martin, Sono Kuwayama, Dylan Reitz-Cruz, Taiji Terasaki, Jorge Luis Rodriguez, Richard Hambleton and Sang Eun. The display's welcoming name was inspired by the spirit of friendship, which is a key theme for both the Lower East Side gallery and Sentebale's work, deeply rooted in community engagement and collaborating with national and international organizations to execute programming. Smith, a native New Yorker, named the exhibit in honor of Kuwayama, his late grandfather, who was affectionately called "Friend" by his grandchildren and whose work will be on view. Roman Dean The Ki Smith Gallery in New York City ahead of the "Friend" exhibit benefitting Sentebale. "When I rst learned about Sentebale, I was struck by their innovative and community-driven approach to tackling some of the worlds most pressing challenges affecting the next generation," Smith said in a statement. "The ethos of Sentebale aligns perfectly with the values of our gallery: collaboration, optimism, and empowering the next generation. Friend is more than an exhibition; its a celebration of what we can achieve when we come together to create meaningful change." Brian Otieno/Getty Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso visit Pointmain Health Facility in Leribe, Lesotho on Oct. 2, 2024. The gallerist recently joined Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso in Lesotho in October, a trip which reconvened the princes with local Sentebale leaders to highlight programs to philanthropists and corporate foundations. The Duke of Sussex's trip included visits to Mamohato Childrens Centre, a heartfelt fireside chat, day in Leribe to see programs championing young people and private panel discussion about strengthening the next generation. Brian Otieno/Getty Prince Harry (center) is welcomed by a community leader to see climate resilience project in action on Oct. 2, 2024 in Leribe, Lesotho. 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! "Ive made it one of my lifes missions to create a platform for young voices, and we have seen time and time again that young voices, when they are listened to, have the solutions," Prince Harry said in a statement shared to the sussex.com website he shares with his wife, Meghan Markle. "Friend," benefitting Sentebale at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City, opens on Dec. 14 and runs until Jan. 19. Members of the public can RSVP to attend via kismithgallery.com. Ki Smiths visionary approach to merging art and philanthropy is deeply impactful. By showcasing works of such high caliber artists and making them accessible whilst telling the story of the promise and power of Africas youth through the work of Sentebale, we see the power of friendships beyond borders," Dr. Sophie Chandauka MBE, Sentebale Board Chair, said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. "Africas young people are set to make up nearly 40% of the worlds youth population by 2050. A significant proportion of them struggle with access to healthcare, skills and employment. Collaborations like this help us engage new communities, such as artists, galleries and collectors, whose generosity unlocks innovative funding of Sentebale programs for the upliftment of youngsters in Lesotho and Botswana. Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a record-breaking defense budget, setting aside a staggering third of the governments total spending as the war in Ukraine drains resources from both sides nearly three years on. The budget for 2025, which was published Sunday, allocates about $126 billion (13.5 trillion rubles) to national defense amounting to 32.5% of government spending. The defense budget is about $28 billion (three trillion rubles) higher than the previous record set this year. The new three-year budget forecasts a slight reduction in military spending for 2026 and 2027. Lawmakers in both houses of the Russian parliament approved the budget. Russias war in Ukraine is the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II. Moscow is currently making gains at key spots along the front lines and fighting a counteroffensive in Kursk region the site of Kyivs only major military success this year. But the slow, grinding war often called a war of attrition, where both sides are trying to wear down the other has drained both countries resources. Ukraine has always been on the back foot when it comes to both material and manpower, though it has received billions of dollars in help from its Western allies, including more than half a billion in new military equipment pledged by Germany on Monday. How much aid will continue to come from the United States once President-elect Donald Trump takes office remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Russia has more weapons, more ammunition and more personnel but the strain on its economy and population is growing. Russia has massively increased its military spending over the past two years and its economy is showing signs of overheating: inflation is running high, and companies are facing labor shortages. Trying to control the situation, the Russian Central Bank raised interest rates to 21% in October, the highest in decades. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to receive significant military assistance from its allies. On Monday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Kyiv for the first time in more than two years, where he pledged more than 650 million euros ($684 million) in military equipment for Ukraine. Scholz announced that Germany would deliver additional air defenses including the US-made Patriot system to Ukraine next year. Scholzs visit came after he rankled Ukrainian officials last month by calling Vladimir Putin, ending a years-long European effort to isolate the Russian president following his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Kyiv, Scholz said he had used the call to stress to Putin that Ukraine should be an independent sovereign nation and that Russia has to stop the war and withdraw its troops. Scholz meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outside St. Sophia's Cathedral in Kyiv on Monday. - Kay Nietfeld/picture alliance via Getty Images Meanwhile, although Russia has many more people than Ukraine, it is suffering significant battlefield losses and recruitment of new troops is already a problem the last time the Russian military introduced a partial mobilization, hundreds of thousands of men fled the country. North Korea recently sent an influx of soldiers to help Russia fight on the front lines Zelensky said in November that about 11,000 North Korean soldiers were in Kursk. Some of Russias weaponry is also North Korean, accounting for almost a third of the ballistic missiles fired at Ukraine this year, according to Ukrainian defense officials and CNNs tally of attacks. The North Korean troops may help Russias efforts for some time but the material losses could be harder to make up for. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Fred Pleitgen, Daria Tarasova, Christian Edwards and Lex Harvey contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A Satanic Temple in Ohio has launched an after school program as an alternative to a Christian-based bible studies program as it claimed, "when they open the door for one religion, they open it for all." Starting in December 2024, the Hellion Academy of Independent Learning (HAIL), a Satanic Temple program, will offer monthly sessions to Edgewood Elementary students, WOSU reported. This came in response to Marysville schools offering LifeWise, a Christian religious instruction program allowing students to study the Bible off-campus after school, in September 2023. "We aren't trying to shut the LifeWise Academy down, but I do think a lot of school districts don't realize when they open the door for one religion, they open it for all of them," June Everett, a Satanic Temple representative, told WOSU. "We really we are no fan of it. We do believe strongly in religious pluralism and religious freedom. But we would absolutely go away if they stopped doing their program. But until they can, you know, as long as they continue to offer this to the public schools and demand that they be in the public schools, we will be there as well," Everett added. HAIL serves as a counterbalance to LifeWise, providing families an inclusive alternative. Both programs will operate under Ohio's release time policy for religious instruction. "We are not devil worshipers. Different Satanists across the United States will give you different answers depending on how they personally believe. But as a whole, we are non-theistic, meaning we don't believe in any supernatural deities, and that includes, you know, God or Satan," Everett told the outlet. Originally published by Latin Times The Syrian military and its ally Russia conducted deadly joint air raids Monday on areas that Islamist-led rebels seized control of over the weekend. The strikes were a response to a lightning offensive by the rebels that saw them wrest control of swathes of northwest Syria from government forces. The conflict that started more than a decade ago took a significant turn several days ago, catching many including, it seems, Syrian dictator Bashar Assad and his Russian backers by surprise. On Saturday, rebels, including many with the U.S.-designated Islamic terrorist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), took control of the major city of Aleppo in northern Syria. The rebels seized Aleppo's airport and started pushing into towns and villages in the countryside around the city on Sunday after leaving piles of dead government soldiers in the streets. Observers said the rebel forces were often met with little to no resistance by regime forces, but by Monday the pace of the surprise offensive appeared to have slowed, with Assad and his Russian backers ramping-up their response. Syrian rebels' surprise offensive Syria's civil war began in 2011 after civilians led pro-democracy protests against Assad, and his government responded by opening fire on its own people. The ensuing war is thought to have killed around 500,000 people but, for the last several years, it had simmered as a stalemate. Government forces have controlled the west and south of the country, American-backed rebels have dominated the northeast, and Islamist rebel factions including the ones now in control of Aleppo have held most of the northwest. "We are coming Damascus," the rebels chanted Sunday, threatening to push on next toward Syria's national capital and the Assad government's stronghold. Syrian opposition fighters burn government Syrian flags next to Aleppo's old city, Nov. 30, 2024. / Credit: Ghaith Alsayed/AP The balance in the stalemate started changing last week, when the Islamist-led rebel alliance in the northwest launched its offensive. Over the weekend, HTS and allied factions took control of Aleppo city for the first time since the civil war started more than a decade ago, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitoring group's director Rami Abdel Rahman. Aleppo, an ancient city dominated by its landmark citadel, is home to two million people. It was the scene of fierce battles earlier in the conflict but, until Sunday, the rebels had never managed to totally seize it. Video showed rebels in military fatigues patrolling the streets of Aleppo, with some setting fire to a Syrian flag and others holding up the green, red, black and white flag of the revolution. While the streets appeared mostly empty, some residents came out to cheer the advancing rebel fighters. HTS is an alliance led by al Qaeda's former Syria branch. It's fighting alongside allied factions, with units taking orders from a joint command. Aron Lund of the Century International think tank said: "Aleppo seems to be lost for the regime." He added: "And a government without Aleppo is not really a functional government of Syria." The United States and its allies France, Germany and Britain called Sunday for "de-escalation" in Syria, and for the protection of civilians and infrastructure. The U.S. maintains hundreds of troops in northeast Syria as part of an anti-jihadist coalition, and it has also continued carrying out strikes against Islamist groups in the country. Russia and Iran vow to help Syria's Assad Assad's reaction to the surprise offensive was still building on Monday with the joint airstrikes carried out by his air force and his Russian allies, and expanded ground operations aimed at retaking towns and villages north of Aleppo said to be underway. People inspect damage after a reported airstrike on a camp for displaced Syrians near the town of Maarrat Misrin, in the northern part of Idlib province, Dec. 2, 2024. / Credit: ABDULAZIZ KETAZ/AFP/Getty Syrian-Russian air raids hammered several areas of both Aleppo and the neighboring Idlib provinces, killing at least 49 people, including 17 civilians, according to the Observatory. "The strikes targeted... displaced families living on the edge of a displacement camp," said Hussein Ahmed Khudur, a 45-year-old teacher who sought refuge at a camp in Idlib after fleeing fighting in Aleppo province. He said one of the five people killed in one strike was a student of his, and the other four were his four sisters. Russia, which first intervened directly in the Syrian war in 2015, said Monday that it continued to support Assad. Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Syrian President Bashar Assad at the Kremlin in Moscow, Sept. 13, 2021. / Credit: MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/SPUTNIK/AFP/Getty "We of course continue to support Bashar al-Assad and we continue contacts at the appropriate levels, we are analyzing the situation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. Iran's top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, was in Syria on Sunday to deliver a message of support, state media said. On Monday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said the Islamic republic had entered Syria at the official invitation of Assad's government. "Our military advisers were present in Syria, and they are still present. The presence of advisers from the Islamic Republic of Iran in Syria is not a new thing," he said. Same Syrian civil war, but very different times While the fighting is rooted in a war that began more than a decade ago, much has changed since then. Millions of Syrians have become displaced, with around 5.5 million living in neighboring countries. Most of those involved in the initial anti-Assad protests are either dead, living in exile or in jail. Russia, meanwhile, is nearing the third year of its incredibly costly full-scale war on Ukraine, and Iran's militant allies Hezbollah and Hamas have been massively weakened by more than a year of conflict with Israel. On Monday, Iran's foreign ministry said it would maintain its military support for the Syrian government. But the role of Lebanon's Hezbollah, which played a key role in backing the government particularly around Aleppo, remains in question particularly after it withdrew from several of its positions to focus on fighting Israel. HTS and its allies began their offensive Wednesday, just as a ceasefire took effect in Lebanon after more than a year of war between Hezbollah and Israel. The recent violence in Syria has killed some 244 rebels and 141 Syrian regime and allied fighters, along with at least 24 civilians, according to the Observatory, which has a network of sources inside Syria. The Observatory said rebel advances met little resistance. Aaron Stein, president of the U.S.-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, said "Russia's presence has thinned out considerably and quick reaction airstrikes have limited utility." He called the rebel advance "a reminder of how weak the [Assad] regime is." The airstrikes on Sunday on parts of Aleppo were the first since 2016. Maryland island struggles to survive impact of rising sea level, erosion | 60 Minutes "The Barn": A murder in Mississippi, and the evil hiding in plain sight Ted Turner's nature preserves: A carefully curated "Heaven on Earth" Whether you call them No-Bakes, Haystacks, Mudballs, Poodgies, or Preacher Cookies, these holiday treats couldn't be easier to make. Jen Causey/Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer and Jennifer Wendorf/Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless With holiday baking season upon up, what if I told you there was a rich, decadent chocolate cookie you could whip up in less than 10 minutes of active time and with just a handful of standard ingredients? Sounds too good to be true? Let me introduce you to the cookie with a dozen names: Preacher Cookies. What Are Preacher Cookies Whether you call them Preacher Cookies, No-Bakes, Haystacks, Mudballs or Poodgies, many families across the country have a well-loved version of these effortless cookies tucked away in a recipe box somewhere. While almost every rendition of the cookie is nearly identical, the name you know them by will depend on where you grew up. In my family, we referred to them as No-Bakes, perhaps a nod to our unimaginative puritanical roots in New England. Head west into ranching states like Nebaska, Oklahoma and Kansas and you might hear them called Cow Patties, a cheeky moniker that doesnt need much explanation. However, make no mistake, while they may not be the most Instagrammable cookie out there, the taste makes up for it in spades. Preacher cookies contain a mix of milk, butter, rolled oats, peanut butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. The milk, butter, sugar, and cocoa are cooked on the stovetop until it comes to a boil. Then, it cooks at a boil for a few minutes before the mixture is removed from the heat and the oats, peanut butter, and other mix-ins like coconut or chopped nuts are added. This mixture is then scooped into mounds onto waxed paper or parchment and left to set for about 30 to 40 minutes. The resulting cookie is fudgy, chewy, and almost impossible to stop eatingall without the need to warm up the oven. The Secret to Perfect Preacher Cookies While there are dozens of names for these cookies, the ingredient list for each is almost always the same. The only major difference I have seen is the amount of time the butter and sugar mixture is boiled for. Some recipes call for 1 minute, some 3 minutes, and my family recipe calls for 5 minutes. After perusing a classic baking thread on Reddit, I found a tip I loved. The contributor mentioned that instead of going by time, they cook the mixture to exactly 235F on a candy thermometer. This is the start of the soft ball stage of candy-making which will ensure the perfect fudgy texture every time, just like a batch of old-fashioned fudge. The History of Preacher Cookies Like many of the best American desserts (pecan pie, coconut cake and key lime pie, Im looking at you!) Preacher Cookies have Southern roots. Legend has it that these quick-to-make cookies got their name from unexpected drop-ins from the local traveling preacher. Homemakers would see the preacher on the horizon, and whip up a batch in time to greet them with a treat at the door. Since the cookies require only a handful of ingredients and no baking time, they are the perfect easy dessert to whip up whenever a surprise guest drops in. Variations I Love Since these cookies can be somewhat messy and free-form, Ive seen some versions that have you scoop the batter into parchment cupcake liners so they are easier to handle. Ive also read about lots of inventive mix-ins like raisins, dried cranberries and even crushed up pretzels for a sweet and salty element. When it comes to oats, I prefer the hearty texture of rolled oats, but if you prefer something a bit softer, use quick-cooking oats. I would not suggest instant oats, as those tend to fall apart and turn mushy rather than provide texture. However you choose to make them, and no matter what you call them, these have been made for generations for a reason, they are irresistible! Get the Recipe: Preacher Cookies NEW YORK (AP) A defense lawyer asked jurors to put themselves in frightened subway riders' shoes Monday at the trial of a Marine veteran charged with choking an irate, homeless man to death after an outburst on a New York underground train. Prosecutors countered that Daniel Penny was way too forceful and reckless in responding to Jordan Neely. Both sides gave closing arguments Monday at Penny's trial on manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges. Penny, who gripped Neelys neck for about six minutes, claims he was defending fellow passengers. He has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors say Penny was justified in using some physical force after Neely shouted in a crowded train about being willing to die, willing to go jail or as Penny and some other passengers recalled willing to kill. But prosecutors argue that Penny recklessly went way too far in dealing with an unarmed man. "You obviously cannot kill someone because they are crazy and ranting and looking menacing, no matter what it is that they are saying, Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Dafna Yoran told jurors Monday. Defense attorney Steven Raiser asked jurors to imagine they were on that train when Neely got on, filled with rage and not afraid of any consequences. Youre sitting much as you are now, in this tightly confined space. You have very little room to move and none to run," Raiser told jurors, saying his client put his life on the line for strangers. Who would you want on the next train with you? he asked. Penny's reaction to Neely touched raw nerves and fueled debate about race relations, public safety, urban life and different approaches to crime, homelessness and mental illness. Some in New York and around the country see Penny, a 26-year-old Marine veteran turned architecture student, as a valiant protector of fellow subway riders who feared the erratic Neely was on the verge of violence. Others view Penny as a white vigilante who summarily killed a Black man who was in need of help. The case sparked demonstrations that lambasted Penny and rallies that lauded him. In the defense argument Monday, Raiser sought to undercut some prosecution witnesses' credibility by saying they were testifying in the shadow of protesters who gathered outside the courthouse to demand justice for Neely. Neely, 30, once was among the city's corps of subway and street performers and was known for his Michael Jackson impersonations. But after his mother was violently killed when he was a teenager, Neely was diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia, was repeatedly hospitalized, struggled with drug abuse and had a criminal record that included assault convictions. During the monthlong trial, the anonymous jury heard testimony from subway passengers who witnessed Penny's roughly six-minute restraint of Neely, as well as police who responded to it, pathologists, a psychiatric expert, a Marine Corps instructor who taught Penny chokehold techniques and Penny's relatives, friends and fellow Marines. Penny chose not to testify. Jurors watched videos recorded by bystanders and by police body cameras and saw how Penny explained his actions to officers on the scene and later in a stationhouse interview room. I just wanted to keep him from getting to people, he told detectives, demonstrating the chokehold and describing Neely as a crackhead who was acting like a lunatic. I'm not trying to kill the guy, he insisted. Multiple witnesses said Neely shouted about needing food and something to drink, whipped his jacket to the floor and started screaming. They differed in descriptions of his movements and whether they were threatening. Several passengers said they were alarmed, and some were thankful when Penny subdued Neely. City medical examiners ruled the chokehold killed Neely. A pathologist hired by Pennys defense contradicted that finding, saying Neely was killed by a variety of other factors. Prosecutors noted that the veteran continued to grip Neely's neck after the train stopped and anyone who wanted to get out could do so, after bystanders urged Penny to let go, and even after Neely had been still for nearly a minute. Penny said he wanted to protect people, but he just didnt realize that Jordan Neely, too, was a person whose life needed to be preserved, Yoran said. She encouraged jurors to state with your verdict that no persons life can be so unjustifiably snuffed out." The defense says Penny held on because Neely tried to break loose at points and the pressure on the man's neck wasn't consistent enough to kill him. Penny wanted only to hold Neely for police, and so used a simple civilian restraint instead of a textbook chokehold that would be applied to render someone unconscious, Raiser told jurors. The police werent there when the people on that train needed help. Danny was, the attorney said. Yoran is due to finish her summation Tuesday. Jury instructions and deliberations will follow. Syrian opposition fighters drive a seized seized Syrian army armoured vehicle near the town of Khan Assubul, Syria, southwest of Aleppo, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. Syrian opposition insurgency launched a campaign on Wednesday with a two-pronged attack on Aleppo and the countryside around Idlib.(AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed) BEIRUT (AP) The Syrian military rushed reinforcements to the northwest and launched airstrikes Sunday in an attempt to push back insurgents who seized the countrys largest city of Aleppo, as Iran pledged to help the government counter the surprise offensive. Iran has been a key political and military ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad in his country's civil war, but it was unclear how Tehran would support Damascus in the latest flareup. Insurgents led by jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a two-pronged attack on Aleppo and the countryside around Idlib on Wednesday, before moving toward neighboring Hama province. On Sunday, government troops created a strong defensive line in northern Hama, as they attempted to stall the insurgents momentum, according to Britain-based opposition war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Meanwhile, jets pounded the cities of Idlib and Aleppo, killing at least 25 people, according to the Syrian civil defense group that operates in opposition-held areas. The surge in fighting has raised the prospect of another violent, destabilizing front reopening in the Middle East at a time when Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, conflicts that have repeatedly threatened to ignite an even wider regional war. It also risks drawing Russia and Turkey each with its own interests to protect in Syria into direct heavy fighting against each other. The insurgents announced their offensive Wednesday, just as a ceasefire started between Hezbollah and Israel that raised some hope tensions in the region might be calming. The surprise offensive is a huge embarrassment for Assad, and it comes at a time when his allies Iran and groups it backs and Russia are preoccupied with their own conflicts. According to a statement from Assads office, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reassured the Syrian leader during a visit to Damascus that Tehran was ready to support the government in their counteroffensive. Arab leaders, including Jordans King Abdullah II and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have also called Assad to express their solidarity. Late Sunday, multiple Western governments jointly urged a de-escalation by all parties and protection of civilians and infrastructure to prevent further displacement and disruption of humanitarian access. The statement by the U.S., U.K., French and German governments said they were watching the situation closely and that the escalation underscored the urgent need for a political solution. Opposition troops advance The insurgents took over most of Aleppo on Saturday and made gains in the surrounding province. They also seized the main water pumping station for city and it is no longer working, Syrian Minister of Water Resources Moataz Qattan told the pro-government radio station Sham FM. Elsewhere, rebel commander Col. Hassan Abdulghani said the insurgents advanced in the countryside around Idlib, putting all of the province of the same name under their control. They also claimed to have entered the city of Hama, but there was no independent confirmation of that. In Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province, military vehicles abandoned by Syrian troops dotted the roads. People posed and took pictures of themselves atop one abandoned tank on a highway, while the insurgents grabbed munitions and shells from them before continuing their push deeper into Syria. The insurgents vowed to push all the way into Damascus, but life in the Syrian capital remained normal with no signs of panic. In southeastern Aleppo, however, the main road out of the city was gridlocked as people fled the fighting, and gas stations in the area were short on fuel. The rebels also made it into Tel Rifaat, a town near Aleppo held by U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces, according to pro-government pan-Arab Al Mayadeen TV. Tel Rifaat is far from the large swaths of northeastern Syria that are controlled by the Kurdish troops, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces. A statement from the insurgency called on the SDF to leave the areas near Aleppo that they hold and retreat to their bastions in the northeast. Despite being at odds politically with the Syrian government, the Kurdish-led administration has opposed the insurgency and accused Turkey, the main backer of Syrian opposition groups, of trying to displace the Kurdish population. Turkish officials have said a limited offensive by the rebels was planned to stop government attacks on opposition-held areas in recent weeks, but it expanded as government forces began to retreat. The United Nations special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said the push by the rebels poses a risk to regional security and called on resuming diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNNs State of the Union that the U.S. is watching the situation carefully. There are about 900 American troops in Syria's northeast far from where the insurgency is happening who are meant to guard against a resurgence by the extremist Islamic State group. The group leading the rebel advance is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., and Sullivan said Washington has real concerns about the designs and objectives of that organization. At the same time, of course, we dont cry over the fact that the Assad government, backed by Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, are facing certain kinds of pressure, he added. Syrian troops fortify northern Hama as jets pound Idlib and Aleppo According to Syrian state news agency SANA and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the army overnight pushed back insurgents in the northern countryside of Hama province. Syrian state media said government resupply included heavy equipment and rocket launchers while Syrian and Russian airstrikes targeted weapon depots and insurgent strongholds. Sham FM said the Syrian army shot down drones belonging to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in northern Hama. Syrian state television claimed government forces had killed nearly 1,000 insurgents over the past three days, without providing evidence or details. Government airstrikes in Idlib and Aleppo killed at least 25 people, of which 14 are women and children, according to the Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, that operates in opposition-held areas. Residents could be seen fleeing through ash-covered streets. Men lowered a child from the high floor of a building whose facade was blown off. Airstrikes also struck in and around Aleppo, including near a hospital in the city center, killing 12 people, including at least eight civilians, according to the White Helmets and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The 2016 battle for Aleppo was a turning point in the war between Syrian government forces and rebel fighters after 2011 protests against Assads rule turned into an all-out war. After appearing to be losing control of the country to the rebels, the Aleppo battle secured Assads hold on strategic areas of Syria, with opposition factions and their foreign backers controlling areas on the periphery. A Texas woman who was released from the hospital early Tuesday morning with just a bus pass was later found dead, her family told local media. Stephanie Troilo, 58, was last seen Tuesday morning leaving Northeast Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, part of the Baptist Health System, television station KENS reported. Her family reported her missing Wednesday, the San Antonio Police Department confirmed to USA TODAY Monday afternoon. It wasnt until Sunday that her body was found, KENS and KHOU reported. Her remains were found in a creek bed two miles from the hospital she was discharged from. According to her brother, Chris, police do not suspect foul play and she likely died after a medical episode. He told KENS she may have suffered from a seizure on Monday and thats how she ended up at the hospital. She was confused when she was admitted to the hospital and didnt know who she was, he said. Her brother also told the television station that Troilo took medication on a daily basis, including medication for seizures. Their family was concerned because it was quite cold in the area when she was released and she didnt have much on her. "She was discharged from the emergency room, oddly at 5 a.m. and given a bus pass and sent on her way, her brother told the news outlet. That was actually the last we saw of her as she was discharged as a homeless person, even more strangely, from the Northeast Baptist Emergency Room. The Baptist Health System did not immediately respond to emails, texts or calls from USA TODAY on Monday. The San Antonio Police Department would not answer questions from USA TODAY about how she was found or her cause of death, citing an open investigation. Family said San Antonio woman made friends easily and was outgoing According to Troilos brother, she suffered from seizures as well as mental health issues. She was also "resilient and tough, her family told KENS. Prior to the discovery of her remains, her brother said she was talkative, friendly, outgoing and gregarious. She made friends easily, he said. As the family searched for Troilo, they offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to her safe recovery. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Reports: Woman released from hospital Tuesday later found dead Publicly listed Atturra has acquired Plan B for NZ$20 million following months of discussions between the two organisations. Media reports revealed in October that Atturra had an active merger and acquisition strategy and was in ongoing conversations with several organisations, including Plan B. Those discussions have now come to fruition as Atturras subsidiary Cirrus Networks confirmed the acquisition of Morgan Holdco (Plan B). The acquisition strengthens Atturras base in expanding its managed services, private cloud and offerings into the New Zealand market, providing a highly predictable revenue stream adding more than 1000 clients through the acquisition. Plan B operates a national network of five primary data centres across New Zealands North and South Islands. Atturra CEO Stephen Kowal said, the acquisition of Plan B provided a launchpad for further expansion both geographically and in capability, particularly with its data centre network. The number of older inmates rose from 2,801 to 6,504 between 2014 and 2023, from 8.4 per cent to 17.1 per cent. For South Koreas political class, this emergency is a low priority because it is not a vote-getter; yet, the system risks collapse from inaction. The aging inmate population is also reflected in the aging of prison guards, three quarter of whom are aged 40 and 50. Seoul (AsiaNews) - The rapid aging of South Koreas population is causing radical changes in many sectors of society and prisons seem to be no exception. According to the Ministry of Justice's annual report on prisons, released today, the number of prisoners aged 60 or over was 6,504 last year, up from 2,801 in 2014, with their share of the total prison population more than doubled, from 8.4 per cent to 17.1 per cent in a decade. This means that today one in six prisoners is 60 years old or older, which does not bode well for the overall system, already grappling with many other serious issues, expert warn. As the age and number of inmates rise, new challenges are expected; for example, a larger share of the prison population will likely suffer from cognitive decline, including dementia, a condition more common in seniors. Some inmates may need wheelchairs or other physical assistance to move inside prison facilities. Given that the government has a legal obligation to provide adequate healthcare, at least in principle, to cope with this change, major reforms are needed, experts say, in more than 50 correctional institutions scattered around the country. All this could mean significantly higher medical costs for prisoners, an inspector at the National Human Rights Commission of Korea told The Korea Times. That is becoming a major problem as the size of the medical staff responsible for their health isnt keeping up due to low wages and frequent lawsuits from prisoners among other reasons. Despite its seriousness and urgency, aging has been largely ignored by politicians, who see little incentive or return in terms of votes and support in addressing it. However, neglecting it, they are evading their responsibilities, and the main purpose of incarceration, namely rehabilitation, helping criminals to reform their behaviour and reintegrate into society. In recent months, five bills related to prison issues have been tabled in Parliament, but none concerns the aging inmate population. Park Soon-yong, a senior prison officer at the Daejeon Regional Correction Headquarters, has a few ideas to improve the system. One is to develop more effective educational programmes for older inmates. Another suggestion is to build new facilities for senior prisoners run by prison officers who are trained to handle and educate this group of people. But establishing new facilities exclusively for elderly prisoners costs a considerable amount of money, Park says. Also, such a move could draw complaints and concerns from those who think the prison system would be turned into some sort of a nursing facility. To address such issues, there should be a social consensus on the policy direction in terms of how to treat older inmates. An aging prison population reflects broader trends in a country where the birthrate has been persistently low for years, harbinger of a coming demographic winter. The Ministry of Justice annual report also notes that the number of prison officers aged 40 to 50 represented almost 75 per cent of the total in 2023. An 11-year-old Virginia Girl Scout saved her father's life by performing CPR just days after learning the skill in her troop's training session. On Saturday morning in late October, Vada Carawan's father, Clint, suffered a sudden heart attack at home in Virginia Beach, WAVY-TV reported. Vada had learned CPR 11 days earlier during a Girl Scout meeting, noting that she was the only one in her troop to successfully save the dummy, which helped her take quick action to help her father. The 11-year-old admitted to initially feeling overwhelmed, but she called 911 and followed the dispatcher's instructions while performing chest compressions on her father. "Of course, it was scary," Vada told the outlet. "And I started tearing up and I was like, 'What do I do?' Like, for a minute there? I was in complete shock. And then I was like, 'Heart attack ... heart attack, 911." Paramedics arrived in time to assist, ultimately reviving Clint and stabilizing his condition. He was then transported to the hospital, where he continues to recover. Vada's mother, Amanda Carawan, expressed pride in Vada for saving the man who has always been her hero. "She got to be his hero," Amanda told WAVY-TV. "I was like, he's her hero everyday, but you know, she got to be his hero this time." Meanwhile, the family has launched a fundraiser to help cover Clint's medical expenses. Originally published by Latin Times by Gianni Criveller At the conference Youth and Faith in Greater China that AsiaNews is promoting for 3 December in Milan, the Chinese translation of theologian Severino Dianich's book Jesus. A tale for those who know nothing ... or has forgotten. A new initiative promoted by the PIME Foundation as an instrument of first evangelisation for those who approach the places of the Christian tradition in Italy and Europe. Tomorrow 3 December - on the feast of St Francis Xavier - the PIME Missionary Centre in Milan will host a conference promoted by AsiaNews Youth and Faith in Greater China. An appointment that will focus on the testimonies of some young people from different realities of today's Chinese world who have encountered Christ in their lives. The evening will also be an opportunity to present a new initiative promoted by the PIME Foundation: the Chinese translation of the book Jesus. A story for those who know nothing... or have forgotten (pages 64, euro 8). It is a work by Don Severino Dianich, a priest from Pisa, one of the founders of the Italian Theological Association, which is offered as an agile aid for an initial approach to the figure of Jesus to those who - perhaps entering an Italian or European church as a tourist - wish to know more. We publish below a presentation by the editorial director of AsiaNews, Fr Gianni Criveller, who wanted this initiative. Jesus. A story for those who know nothing about it... or have forgotten": This is the title of the book that Italian theologian Severino Dianich wrote a few years ago and had caught my attention. For some time, in fact, I had been thinking how to offer the many Chinese visiting cathedrals and places of Christian tradition in Italy and Europe a subsidy that would help them understand the deeper meaning of the place they were admiring, namely the Christian faith. I remember that many years ago Fr Fernando Galbiati, former Superior General of PIME, had suggested to me that there would be a need for a text in Chinese designed for the tourists who are increasingly coming to Europe from China. For almost all of them the content of the Christian faith is unknown, and a visit to the places of faith could be not only a cultural and artistic experience, but also an opportunity for evangelisation. I have never thought of offering a synthesis of Christian doctrine or, as was done in the 19th century, a text proposing the essence of Christianity. Rather, I believe it is necessary to start from the story of Jesus. I also do this during my lessons with Chinese students at the Catholic University of Milan. Before doctrine and precepts, I am convinced that Christianity is the encounter with Jesus and the experience of friendship with him. Jesus is the very heart of the Christian faith, and we know him through the Gospels. Which are narratives. Jesus was also a teller of stories through which he communicated his message. Therefore, the literary genre of the story is the one that best describes his story and the origin of Christianity. In the Bible there is this sentence: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come to him'. I imagined that, through the Chinese translation of Fr Dianich's book, Jesus could discreetly knock on the reader's door so that, if he so desires, he will open the door for him. For me, this is a project in continuity with my vocation as an evangeliser among the Chinese people. The author is an outstanding theologian and presbyter concerned with the communication of the faith. He has dedicated himself for many years to young people, especially university students. He himself was the promoter of the Chinese translation of his book. Years ago we had made a trip to China together, which had consolidated our friendship and brought Fr Severino closer to the subject of the Christian story in the great Asian country. It was not difficult to obtain from the San Paolo publisher the possibility of translating the text with the aim not of a commercial success, but an action for evangelisation. I therefore took this initiative to heart, entrusting the translation to the scholar Maria Hsu from Taiwan, herself a guide for Chinese tourists in Rome, and asking Fr Giovanni Battista Sun, director of the Li Madou Centre (Matteo Ricci, in Macerata), to revise the translation, adapting it to the simplified characters and terminology used in the People's Republic of China. The PIME Centre in Milan then took care of the graphics and published the book, as part of its commitment to offer opportunities for evangelisation. The cover of the book reproduces an icon by the artist and PIME missionary Father Fulvio Giuliano. The image is in Hong Kong and contains Chinese characters: it depicts Jesus, surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists, saying: You go and proclaim the Kingdom of God (Luke 9:60). It is an agile book - a dozen chapters for about sixty pages - aimed at those who do not know Jesus. Now it is necessary to promote it: I have contacted the Chinese communities in Italy and Europe and their chaplains, inviting them to collaborate in disseminating it in their cities. I spoke about it at two conferences in Germany and Spain. So far the response has been encouraging: some pastoral workers have told me that it is a useful text for accompanying catechumens to the faith in Europe and will be enhanced in view of the Holy Year. For further information on the volume, you can write to desk@asianews.it Thailand repatriated the activists a day after detaining them. Once back in Cambodia, they were imprisoned in three different facilities. Human Rights Watch slammed the operation, lamenting that authoritarian governments in Southeast Asia routinely expel political prisoners to their country of origin. Next year, Thailand will have a seat on the UN Human Rights Council. Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) Thai authorities repatriated six Cambodian activists and a child, the grandson of one of them even though five had refugee status and one was set to receive it. Thai officials have used immigration charges as a convenient excuse to deport these Cambodian refugees without court review and in blatant disregard for fundamental refugee protection principles, said Elaine Pearson, Asia director of Human Rights Watch (HRW). Pen Chan Sangkream, Hong An, Mean Chanthon, Yin Chanthou, Soeung Khunthea and Vorn Chanratchana were arrested on 24 November in Pathum Thani, north of the Thai capital, Bangkok, on suspicion of being in Thailand illegally. The next day they were deported to Cambodia, where they were taken to three different prisons, while the five-year-old boy was released to family members. They were arrested based on warrants issued by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for plotting to topple the government under Article 453 of the Criminal Code, an offence punishable with up to 10 years in prison. All six are supporters of the Cambodian National Rescue Party, which opposed Cambodia's authoritarian regime. Since its dissolution in 2017, the Cambodian government has prosecuted its former members on politically motivated grounds, HRW points out. According to Radio Free Asia, Pen Chansangkream and Hong An were jailed in 2021 for participating in protests urging the Cambodian government to address issues of social injustice. The four women and two men sought refuge in Thailand in 2022, where five had been placed under the protection of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Only one was still waiting to be granted refugee status. Thailand has long been accused of helping governments in Southeast Asia in cracking down on political dissent; in exchange for repatriating those who flee Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, it gets Thai dissidents and activists in return. This practice, well documented by HRW, violates customary international law and the United Nations Convention on Torture (to which Thailand is a party), as well as Thai domestic law. Although Thailand never signed the Geneva Convention on refugees, it allows the UNHCR to operate on its territory. Thailands Act on Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearances, which came into effect in February 2023, states that no government organisations or public officials shall expel, deport, or extradite a person to another state where there are substantial grounds for believing that the person would be in danger of torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, or enforced disappearance. Last February, Thai police arrested three Cambodian political dissidents in Bangkok ahead of the visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who came to power last year in an undemocratic election, succeeding his father, Hun Sen. During the visit, Mr Hun Manet thanked his Thai counterpart, then Srettha Thavisin, for preventing "harmful activities" against neighbouring countries. That same month, Thai authorities detained three former members of the Candlelight Party (which now represents Cambodias main opposition force) who fled to Thailand for fear of political persecution. This year, Thailand was given a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, for a three-year term starting 1 January 2025. The 53-year-old lawmaker, Gegham Nazarian, became an outspoken critic of Pashinian following the 2020 war in Nagorno-Karabakh in which his son fought and died. Nikol brought about the war and must first and foremost be held accountable for our fallen children, he declared during one of the anti-government demonstrations held in the wake of the disastrous war. Nazarian softened his antigovernment rhetoric after being elected to the Armenian parliament on the Hayastan ticket in 2021, triggering allegations of secret collaboration with Pashinians political team. In particular, he declared that he has forgiven Pashinian and believes the latter is not solely responsible for the war and Armenias defeat in it. Nazarians recent remark that Hayastan has no regime change agenda was the final straw for Armenias largest opposition group headed by former President Robert Kocharian. The positions of parliament deputy Gegham Nazarian have differed from the political course and priorities of the faction lately, read a Hayastan statement released over the weekend. In this situation, Gegham Nazarian's further activities within the faction are becoming impossible. The statement said he has agreed to leave the blocs parliamentary group. Nazarian on Monday confirmed this while making clear that he will not give up his parliament seat and will carry on instead as an independent deputy. Nazarian also denied that his statements and actions were at odds with Hayastans political stances. He claimed to remain in opposition to Pashinians government. Nazarians exit reduced to 28 the number of Hayastans seats in the 107-member National Assembly. Pashinians Civil Contract party controls at least 71 seats. The lawmaker, Hovik Aghazarian, was one of the eight officials whom Pashinian told to resign in text messages sent on November 17. All of those officials except Aghazarian stepped down in the following days. They included Argishti Kyaramian, the head of Armenias Investigative Committee who clashed with Aghazarian during a parliamentary hearing in October. The two men insulted each other and nearly came to blows. Although Aghazarian initially denied reports that he is under strong pressure to give up his parliament seat, Pashinian admitted on November 22 asking him to do so. Parliament speaker Alen Simonian reportedly stepped up that pressure during a November 25 meeting with the lawmaker known for his flamboyant and blunt rhetoric. It is with deep regret that I must decline Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian's request, Aghazarian told 24news.am. He called it the toughest decision of my life and said he may well be ousted from the ruling Civil Contract partys parliamentary group as a result. The 64-year-old, who is a veteran member of the party, said his exit from the parliament would have led many Armenians to conclude that he struck a deal with authorities to avoid prosecution for influence peddling. Following Pashinians resignation request, Aghazarian was repeatedly summoned to Armenias Anti-Corruption Committee and questioned in two separate criminal investigations conducted by the law-enforcement agency. He is suspected of illegal influence peddling strongly denied by him. Pashinian and members of his political team did not immediately react to Aghazarians defiant statement. I cant comment on that yet, Vahagn Aleksanian, a deputy chairman of Civil Contract, told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. Legal experts say that Pashinian told Aghazarian to resign in breach of the Armenian constitution which protects lawmakers against any outside influence. They say a similar message texted to the head of Armenias judicial oversight body, Karen Andreasian, was also unconstitutional. Pashinian insisted on November 22 that he had political, moral and legal authority to make such a request to Andreasian. The resulting resignations of Andreasian and six other officials came just days after Pashinian publicly lamented a continuing lack of justice in the country. They were widely construed as being part of his efforts to boost his flagging popularity before general elections expected in June 2026 or earlier. 2 December 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more As the year winds down, the geopolitical landscape remains as dynamic and unpredictable as ever. The past month offered a cascade of significant developments, setting the stage for an eventful December. Heres a glimpse of what to expect. Azerbaijan-Armenia Relations: A Pause, Then What? The recently concluded COP29 Climate Conference, held in Baku, temporarily overshadowed Azerbaijani-Armenian peace negotiations. Yerevan's decision to condition its participation on the release of Armenian prisoners detained in Azerbaijan led to a diplomatic impasse. While Baku dismissed such preconditions, Armenia opted out, breaking a goodwill chain that began almost a year ago. Despite this setback, signs point to renewed activity in peace talks this December. Both sides claim to have agreed on most aspects of a draft agreement, with lingering disputes centered around Armenia's Constitution, mutual legal claims, and foreign interferenceespecially the controversial EU mission in Armenia. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has hinted at possible constitutional amendments to remove territorial claims against Azerbaijan, yet substantive action remains elusive. Instead, symbolic gestures like the Armenian Constitutional Court's decisions seem designed more for optics than resolution. Furthermore, Polish President Andrzej Dudas visit to Armenia, where he provocatively gazed at Azerbaijans sovereign territory with binoculars alongside an EU monitoring mission, is unacceptable. This unexpected and disrespectful act from the leader of a friendly country has drawn significant protest from Baku. While we approach the peace agreement process with cautious optimism, it is evident that achieving a resolution will not be straightforward. Georgia's Tug of War Georgia, which was on the verge of integration into the European Union, suddenly faced the most tense situation in the South Caucasus. The governments tightening of control over the country's political affairs and the adoption of a decision on a Foreign Agent in May 2024 caused considerable indignation in the European Union. While Georgia has been the EUs closest ally to date, it is now the country it wants to squeeze the most. The West has been trying to lure Georgia into the European Union with promises of a great future and turning it into its outpost in the region. However, it was not easy to turn the country into a complete tool due to millions of grants and huge investments. The most optimal option to throw the country into turmoil after the election results was to incite a civil war - where thousands are taken to the streets in Tbilisi for an uncertain democratic future. A group of civil society organizations in Georgia, which have long been accustomed to ready-made grants, now fear that they will be deprived of these opportunities. The West, which incites both NGOs and ordinary citizens to internal conflict in order to achieve its goals, is watching from the sidelines. As a result, the damage is done to the country and its citizens. Middle East gets even more complicated On November 27, 2024, a ceasefire agreement brought a temporary halt to the 13-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Brokered by multiple nations, including the United States, the deal requires both sides to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days. Though the ceasefire offers hope, its ultimate success may hinge on broader geopolitical shifts, particularly recognition of Palestinian statehood by key global players like the U.S., Britain, and Israel. Such a move would not only mark a historic breakthrough but also set a new precedent for peace in the region. Civil War Rekindled Syrias civil war, largely stagnant in recent years, has reignited with a rebel coalition seizing Aleppo, the countrys second-largest city. This marks the oppositions first major territorial gain since 2016, breaking years of stalemate. With Russian and Syrian airstrikes already targeting rebel positions, President Bashar al-Assads government has vowed to retake Aleppo. However, whether Damascus has the military capacityor the backing from allies like Russiato launch a successful counteroffensive remains uncertain. Control of Aleppo is not just a military prize but a strategic linchpin, and its capture by rebels could reshape the regions balance of power. Russia-Ukraine War In Ukraine, the war's third year brings no sign of abating. Russias recent use of non-nuclear intermediate-range ballistic missiles has escalated the conflict, while veiled nuclear threats persist. The nuclear threat remains a key aspect of the current war of course. From the outset of the invasion, Putin issued veiled nuclear threats to discourage foreign intervention, and recent developments have signaled an even lower threshold for nuclear weapon use.This escalation is dangerous, as the use of even limited nuclear weapons could mark the beginning of a catastrophic and suicidal escalation that threatens global security. As the war stretches into its third year, there's little expectation that the war will be ongoing in 2025 as well. However, if Russia believes that Trump will ease sanctions or push for a peace settlement on terms favorable to her, the Kremlin may hold back on a major escalation in the short term. Trump's BRICS Challenge President-elect Donald Trump recently issued a stark warning to BRICS nations, threatening 100% tariffs should they pursue a new currency to rival the dollar. Donald Trump's declaration that BRICS countries would face 100% tariffs if they make any attempt to create a new currency to replace the dollar has significantly influenced media discourse. While these remarks supposedly reflect a protective stance from the United States, aimed at preserving its global economic dominance, they are likely to backfire. These comments align with Trump's protectionist policies and his agenda to bolster the U.S. position in international trade. However, they are unnecessary and ill-timed. The inherent limitations of BRICS financial infrastructures, coupled with the deep political and economic rifts within the group, will ultimately prevent any serious move to establish a currency that could rival the dollar. Even Putin has acknowledged these realities in recent conversations. Rather than deterring BRICS countries, Trump's aggressive rhetoric may actually spur them to accelerate their efforts in this direction. Ironically, Trump's comments could signal a lack of confidence in the dollars unassailable dominance, potentially reshaping global trade dynamics in unexpected ways. 2 December 2024 12:20 (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 Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has released the rate of the manat, Azerbaijans national currency, for 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! Seminar on deepening China-New Zealand friendship held in Auckland Xinhua) 09:27, December 02, 2024 AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- A seminar on expanding practical cooperation and deepening China-New Zealand friendship has brought together key figures from both nations to discuss the mutual aspirations for the bilateral relationship between China and New Zealand. The seminar, held here on Friday, was organized by the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand China Friendship Society (NZCFS). It featured speeches from prominent leaders and panel sessions on bilateral economic and people-to-people exchanges, highlighting the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation. Mike Dawson, president of the NZCFS Auckland Branch, emphasized the society's primary objective -- to foster friendship, understanding and goodwill between the peoples of China and New Zealand by encouraging visits and facilitating exchanges of ideas, information, culture, and trade between both countries. Chen Shijie, Chinese consul-general in Auckland, highlighted the historic progress and unprecedented cooperation achieved especially in the past decade. "Standing at a new historical starting point, China and New Zealand are facing unprecedented opportunities and unlimited potential for future cooperation. I believe that as long as both sides master the overall situation and take a long-term view, enhance mutual trust, focus on cooperation, and steer clear of disruptions, China-New Zealand friendly cooperation will continue to bear new fruits," said Chen. Wayne Brown, mayor of Auckland, shared his experiences from a recent official visit to China, where he was impressed by the country's rapid progress and technological advancements, mentioning the advanced robotics and electric cars seen in Chinese factories. Alistair Crozier, executive director of the New Zealand China Council, read a statement from the council's chair John McKinnon, who highlighted New Zealand and China's multidimensional relationship that benefits both sides in unique ways. Sun Zhiyang, mayor of Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, delivered a video message to note the fruitful cooperation between Guangzhou and Auckland in various fields, including trade, technology, education, and culture. The seminar also featured panel discussions on enhancing economic and trade cooperation and expanding cultural exchanges. 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Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) participated in the European Silk Road Summit in Vienna, where the Advisor to the Chairman of ADY, Emil Mammadov, presented Azerbaijan's contributions to the development of the Central Corridor and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway's critical role in enhancing regional connectivity, 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! 2 December 2024 17:08 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The 10th World Halal Summit and the 20th International Trade and Halal Expo exhibitions, known as MUSIAD EXPO, were held in Istanbul, bringing together key stakeholders of the global halal industry. Azerbaijan was represented at the summit by a delegation led by First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev, Azernews reports. During the event, Azerbaijans contributions to the heritage of Islamic solidarity and its commitment to the mission and principles of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) were highlighted. The delegation underscored the countrys rich historical and cultural values, as well as the importance of strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation with OIC member states. Discussions also explored ways to deepen economic and trade relations while fostering business development. The summit emphasized the need for innovation and collaboration in the sustainable development of the halal industry. Participants highlighted the integration of ethical standards and technological innovations as essential to the future growth of this sector. Moreover, the importance of supporting initiatives and tools aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of green technologies was stressed. As part of the summits activities, Turkeys Minister of Trade, Omer Bolat, and Azerbaijans First Deputy Minister of Economy, Elnur Aliyev, toured the 20th International Trade and Halal Expo exhibitions. They visited Azerbaijani stands, which showcased the countrys advancements and potential in the halal industry. 2 December 2024 13:45 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The Cultural Center of the Azerbaijani Embassy in France has opened an exhibition titled "Sustainable Vision: Art for Greener Future", Azernews reports. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to France Leyla Abdullayeva stressed the importance of declaring 2024 as Green World Solidarity Year" in accordance with the presidential decree. This decree reflects Azerbaijan's commitment to addressing environmental issues and shows that the country plays a significant role in global efforts to combat climate change. Additionally, it seeks to take more active measures against climate change. The diplomat pointed out that the aim of this exhibition, organized by the embassy, is to raise awareness about environmental issues and to highlight Azerbaijan's commitment to a sustainable future. The art works presented are inspired by Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage and its diverse natural landscapes. These masterpieces convey messages that promote environmental protection and celebrate the beauty of Azerbaijan's natural landscapes. During the event, artists Khanlar Asadullayev and Chinara Bakshiyeva-Gafarova underlined the importance of coming together in Paris to draw the world's attention to climate change, nature conservation, and the importance of a green world. The paintings showcased at the exhibition focus on the country's breathtaking nature and landscapes, showchasing the possibility and significance of humans living in harmony with nature. It was mentioned that international events such as COP29 also reminds of the need for global solidarity in this struggle. Through international forums, the art of Azerbaijan is presented on a global scale, and universal calls for nature conservation are voiced. It is the mission of each of us to protect nature and treat it with love. The exhibition displayed works by the People's Artist Sakit Mammadov, as well as Khanlar Asadullayev, Agshi Kazimova, Nihada Aghazade, Chinara Bakshiyeva-Gafarova, Mahir Gafarov, Aynur Mammadova, and Mariyam Abdulla. At the event, guests had the opportunity to interact with the artists, learn about their creative processes, and explore the environmental themes reflected in their works. This interactive experience led to engaging discussions and a deeper understanding of art and environmental awareness. 2 December 2024 10:00 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more A group of IDPs, made up of 34 families or 129 people, left the Garadagh district of Baku for the reconstructed city of Jabrayil, in accordance to the order of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, within the framework of the First State Program on the Great Return to the liberated territories. Azernews Jabrayil residents who returned to their homeland thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for being surrounded by comprehensive state care. They also expressed their gratitude to the brave Azerbaijani Army, the heroic soldiers and officers who liberated the lands from invasion, and prayed for mercy to the martyrs who died on the way. It is worth noting that currently in Garabakh and East Zangezur, along with the former internally displaced persons who were resettled there, those working in the implementation of the projects in this region, as well as performing their official duties in the local branches of individual state institutions, have resumed their activities in health, education, culture, tourism, industry, About 30,000 people working in energy enterprises live there. 2 December 2024 10:46 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more "After 30 years, we are returning to our native land for the first time. We are going to live in houses that are provided with every condition. I was looking forward to returning to my hometown. My dreams came true. I am very happy," Azernews reports, citing Mahira Niftaliyeva, a former IDP moving to Jabrayil city, as she told local media outlets. She also expressed her hope for better days to come and her gratitude to those who made it possible for her to experience this day. "I regret that we have had losses over the years. I lost my husband. But thankfully, today I can return with my familymy children and grandchildren. Better days await us," said the resident of Jabrayil. "May Allah bless all those who yearn for it. We are very happy. I express my gratitude to everyone involved in this work. May everyone have such a pleasant day and return to their own land. These are irreplaceable feelings. I'm going to the places I've been dreaming of for years. I'm returning to my youth and my memories," said Pari Khudiyeva, another former IDP. She mentioned that she had worked as a teacher over the years and wishes to continue teaching in the coming years as well. "When I left, I was young. Now, I am 65 years old. I worked as a school teacher for 42 years and just retired. Now, I am going to continue my life in my hometown. Let there be health, peace, and tranquility. If possible, I still have the desire and energy to work. I want to spend the rest of my life there. May our nation live prosperously," the former IDP added. Khudiyeva also wished mercy to the martyrs, good health to the veterans, and expressed her gratitude to Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev for the Great Return. "We are living in historic days, witnessing the glorious pages of a proud history. This is the greatest gift for the people who have longed for their land and integrity for 30 years. I express my gratitude to everyone who contributed, even in the smallest way. Thank you, and may Allah bless them," said Intizam Nuraliyev, a former IDP moving to Jabrayil city. According to Nuraliyev, many of his relatives passed away with the desire to see Jabrayil. "Thankfully, our lands have been freed from enemy occupation. Reconstruction and restoration works are currently underway, and IDPs are returning to their native lands," he added. It is worth noting that today, the next group of IDPs, comprising 34 families 129 people left the Garadagh district of Baku for Jabrayil city. 2 December 2024 11:28 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulithu on the occasion of the national holiday of the Lao People's Democratic Republic - Republic Day, Azernews reports. "Dear Mr. President, On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate you and, through you, your entire nation on the occasion of the national holiday of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Republic Day. We attach great importance to the development of Azerbaijan-Laos friendship. I fondly remember our meeting in Kazan this October, which took place in an atmosphere of sincerity and mutual trust. I believe that, through our joint efforts, we will achieve the development of our friendly relations and the further deepening of our mutually beneficial cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, in line with the interests of our peoples and by utilizing existing opportunities. Taking this opportunity, I would like to invite you to visit Azerbaijan. On this festive day, I extend my best regards to you and wish the friendly people of your country everlasting peace and prosperity," the letter reads. 2 December 2024 13:05 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more A public hearing on the topic of "Safe and dignified return to Western Azerbaijan" was held in the Milli Majlis on December 2, organized by the Initiative Group on Return to Western Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. The session brought together a diverse group of participants, including members of parliament, leaders of relevant organizations, scholars, researchers, and representatives from the media. The event underscored the importance of collaborative discussions on the safe return of displaced Azerbaijanis to their historical lands. Aziz Alakbarli, a deputy of the Milli Majlis and Chairman of the West Azerbaijan Community, highlighted the continued efforts of the Azerbaijani parliament in addressing this matter. "In 2023 alone, the parliament has convened five public hearings on the return to Western Azerbaijan, organized by different committees of the Milli Majlis," he noted. The discussions reflect Azerbaijan's commitment to ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of its citizens to their ancestral lands while fostering dialogue among stakeholders to address challenges and outline solutions. 2 December 2024 13:24 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau Carlos Pinto Pereira had a meeting in an expanded format, Azernews reports, citing a post shared on X platform by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. The post reads that the meeting discussed prospects of enhancing cooperation in bilateral and multilateral tracks, increasing mutual contacts, developing the legal basis of collaboration, and exchanging experiences between the two countries. Minister Bayramov also informed his counterpart about post-conflict situation in the region. 2 December 2024 17:55 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Renowned theater troupes from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Iran have participated in the 4th Shaki International Theater Festival, which marks the 145th anniversary of the establishment of national professional theater in the country, Azernews reports. The event is jointly organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry in partnership with Shaki City Executive Power and the Azerbaijan Theater Workers Union. Azerbaijan is represented at the festival by the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theater, the Ganja State National Dramatic Theater, and the Shaki State Drama Theater. The opening ceremony of the festival was attended by official representatives of the organizing structures, renowned figures of theater and art, guests, as well as theater enthusiasts from Shaki. Prior to the ceremony, festival participants laid flowers at the monument to the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and respectfully honoured his memory. Furthermore, attendees became familiar with an exhibition in the theater's foyer showcasing the historical journey of Azerbaijani theater. At the beginning of the festival, the National Anthem of Azerbaijan was played, and a film about the Shaki Theater was shown to the guests. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the head of the Shaki Executive Power Elkhan Usubov, emphasized that the festival holds great significance for the cultural life of the city. He pointed out that the city of Shaki, one of the ancient centres of culture and art in Azerbaijan, is a unique place for hosting international festivals and events. In 2017, Shaki was included in the list of UNESCO Creative Cities, and in 2019, the "historic centre of Shaki along with the Khan's Palace" was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as an Islamic Heritage Site by ICESCO. Shaki is also a member of the League of Historical Cities of the World. In his speech, the honored art worker, Professor, and author of the book "Shaki Theater," Ilham Rahimli, briefly reviewed the glorious history of the 145-year-old Shaki Theater and spoke about the successes of the troupe. After the official opening ceremony, the creative team of the Sheki State Drama Theater presented the audience with a performance of the romantic comedy "Much Ado About Nothing" by the outstanding English playwright William Shakespeare. The director of the premiere is the chief director of the theater, honored art worker Mirbala Salimli; the set designer is Sahib Ahmadov, and the costume designer is Dilshad Shirnova. The roles were performed by Honored Artists Khanlar Gashimzade, Abulfat Salahov, Ragim Hojayev, as well as actors Hayal Salahov, Arzu Mustafayeva, Aytaj Ismayilzade, Rashid Mirizade, Parviz Ismayilov, Chingiz Novruzaliyev. The play tells the story of noble families and the romantic events that occurred with them in medieval Italy. The main themes are friendship, betrayal, love, and the victory of good over evil. Following the successful performance, the creative team of the theater was presented with commemorative gifts. 2 December 2024 16:05 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Global Cybersecurity Conference held in Zurich, Switzerland, featured the inaugural East-West Alliance Global Cybersecurity Summit, a collaborative initiative between the Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) and the Swiss Cybersecurity Institute, Azernews reports. The summit brought together global leaders in cybersecurity for the first time. Tural Mammadov, Head of the Azerbaijani State Service for Special Communications and Information Security, participated as a speaker in the panel "Strengthening Public-Private Partnership in the Field of Cybersecurity." During his address, Mammadov highlighted the significance of public-private partnerships in enhancing cybersecurity and outlined Azerbaijan's plans in this area. He emphasized the importance of public-private cooperation in Azerbaijans national cybersecurity framework, citing key documents such as the Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Information Security and Cybersecurity for 20232027 and the On Some Measures in the Field of Ensuring the Security of Critical Information Infrastructure. Mammadov also discussed tax incentives in cybersecurity and shared Azerbaijans successful experience in ensuring information security for the COP29 event. The summit concluded with an agreement to make the East-West Alliance Global Cybersecurity Summit an annual event, aimed at promoting international collaboration, sharing cybersecurity strategies, and addressing global challenges in the cybersecurity domain. 2 December 2024 17:33 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan has announced the details for the upcoming municipal elections, scheduled for January 29, 2025, Azernews reports. According to the CEC's published list, elections will be held in 685 municipalities across the country, where a total of 8,071 municipal members will be elected. The Beylagan constituency No. 83 and Barda-Tartar constituency No. 98 will see the largest number of municipalities participating, with 172 members to be elected in Beylagan and 164 in Barda-Tartar, each across 16 municipalities. In a meeting, CEC Chairman Mazahir Panahov addressed the matter of international observers for the elections. He stated, "Whoever addresses us, of course, we will accept. But we will not invite observers from abroad. Because municipal elections are an internal matter." This decision highlights the CECs stance on managing municipal elections independently, without formal invitations extended to external observers. 2 December 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Georgian diplomats are under pressure in some foreign countries. This is unacceptable. Azernews reports that this was noted on the official website of Georgia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia condemns the pressure on the country's diplomatic service and the call for provocation. Attempts to interfere with the activities of the institutions of the sovereign state are inadmissible," the statement said. It should be noted that on Saturday (November 30 - Note) the members of the European Parliament adopted a new resolution regarding the situation in Georgia with a majority vote. The document contains calls for the non-recognition of the results of the parliamentary elections held in the country, the holding of a repeat vote and the imposition of sanctions against Georgian politicians. 2 December 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00) "Disagreement among major powers threatens global peace and security, including in Africa." Azernews reports that this was told by the President of Algeria, Abdulmajid Tabbun. "The current world situation is characterized by growing tension and deep transformations that threaten international stability and security. Disagreement between major powers poses a threat to global peace and security, including Africa," he said. According to him, Africa can no longer accept being at the bottom of the list of international priorities. "Africa has a desire to unite and make its single strong voice heard on the international stage. A united and determined Africa is more ready than ever to play a major role in world affairs," he emphasised. The Algerian leader added that African countries should ensure that their voices are taken into account at the UN, especially when decisions are made regarding peace and security. 2 December 2024 23:55 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The Monday following Black Friday, which kicks off the sales season in the United States between Thanksgiving and Christmas, is known as "Cyber Monday," Azernews reports. While Black Friday marks the start of in-store holiday sales, Cyber Monday is its online counterpart. Cyber Monday was created in 2005 by savvy sellers, specifically to cater to office workers who, after the in-store Black Friday shopping, would return to their offices on Monday and continue shopping online. The term "Cyber Monday" was coined by Shop.org, a division of the National Retail Federation of the USA. Scott Silverman, the executive director of the organization, explained that the term was inspired by market research showing that 77 percent of online retailers experienced a significant increase in sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving in 2004. The idea was that customers who enjoyed Black Friday sales would continue shopping online on Monday, even from their office computers, or simply to begin their holiday gift shopping. Cyber Monday is often viewed as the day of the most active online shopping in the United States, with shoppers continuing their purchases while at work. According to statistics from online stores in the United States, the busiest shopping days of the year typically fall between December 5 and December 15. Cyber Monday has grown in popularity beyond the United States, with countries such as Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, England, Japan, Russia, and many others adopting the day, although it is not always tied to Black Friday and is celebrated on different dates. For example, in Russia, "Cyber Monday" in 2025 will begin on January 27 at exactly 00:00. In addition to its rapid expansion globally, Cyber Monday is often recognized for offering some of the best online deals, including discounts on electronics, clothing, home goods, and more. Many shoppers look forward to the event for exclusive promotions and limited-time offers, making it one of the largest online shopping days of the year. 2 December 2024 21:45 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva A group of scientists from the Chinese National Silk Museum and the Sichuan Research Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology have confirmed the use of silk in sacrificial rituals by the Bronze Age civilization in the Yangtze River Basin. The study was published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports (SciRep), Azernews reports. At the Sanxingdui excavation site, archaeologists discovered layers of ash and artifacts made of jade and bronze in eight sacrificial pits dating back to the late Shang Dynasty (1600-1100 BC). Among the artifacts, a unique bronze "mesh tableware" with jade inclusions and traces of fabric was found, prompting researchers to investigate whether silk was among the remains. Experts extracted samples from mineralized remnants and ashes found in the sacrificial pits. Tests confirmed the presence of silk fibroin in the samples. Morphological analysis revealed that the fibers had a smooth, triangular cross-section typical of silk strands. Proteomic analysis showed the presence of a heavy chain of fibroin (protein P05790) in both archaeological and simulated soil samples, confirming that the material was indeed silk. Additionally, the scientists identified mulberry silk (Bombyx mori) as the material used, supporting historical evidence that sericulture (silk cultivation) included the cultivation of mulberry trees to feed silkworms. A detailed analysis revealed that the fabrics found in the Sanxingdui pits contained silk, and the remnants of silk were partially preserved due to mineralization processes facilitated by copper ions released from bronze artifacts. Silk traces were found wrapped around jade artifacts and covering bronze mesh items, suggesting their use in ritual contexts. Researchers believe that silk served as a "material carrier" in religious ceremonies, facilitating communication between Heaven and Earth. This aligns with historical records of the use of silk in sacrificial clothing and rituals in ancient China. The discoveries at Sanxingdui also provide valuable insight into the early methods of silk cultivation in the region, demonstrating that silk was a key material in ancient Chinese religious and cultural practices long before it became a global commodity. This remarkable find sheds light on the complex religious practices of early Chinese civilizations and underscores the central role silk played in their rituals and daily life. The ongoing excavations at Sanxingdui continue to reveal new aspects of ancient Chinese culture, deepening our understanding of this fascinating civilization. 2 December 2024 21:15 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The governments of Uzbekistan and China have signed an agreement on visa-free travel for citizens of both countries, Azernews reports. The document was signed during a business forum held in Chengdu, China. According to the agreement, Uzbek citizens will be able to travel to China without a visa for up to 30 days. "This is another step toward enhancing exchanges, facilitating trade, and strengthening ties between the peoples of our countries," the Uzbek representative stated. The agreement will come into effect once both parties complete the necessary domestic procedures, as reported by the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is worth noting that Chinese citizens have been able to enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 10 days since March 2021. This new agreement marks a significant milestone in the growing partnership between Uzbekistan and China. It is expected to boost tourism, cultural exchange, and business opportunities between the two countries, further solidifying their diplomatic and economic ties. 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West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Germany will hold a snap election in February to elect a new Bundestag (parliament) after the current "traffic light coalition" collapsed. Polls put the traditional conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) with its more conservative sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU) that runs only in Bavaria, in first place, with the populist nationalist anti-immigration Alternativ fur Deutschland (AfD) a close second. The lead party of the current coalition, the Social Democrats (SPD) are a distant third. The CDU and AfD have released their platforms and both want major crackdowns on immigration, which has become a key issue in the election. Crime by migrants is soaring and migrants now consume 63% of Germany's welfare budget. The CSU, which has always been to the right of the CDU on immigration, has not yet released its platform. The CDU is now led by Friedrich Merz, a longtime rival of former chancellor Merkel, who is to Merkel's right politically. Under Merz, a central principle of the party's manifesto / platform is "Leitkultur" (guiding culture). This concept rejects "multiculturalism" and insists that to enter or remain in Germany, it will be necessary to adopt German cultural norms including respect for equality of women, acceptance of Israel's right to exist, and respect for democracy. "It concerns not only our language and customs, but our historical and cultural foundations," explains the CDU spokesman on Interior Ministry matters, "It ultimately means that people, no matter why they come to Germany,orient themselves to this cultural basis, not the other way around." https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1983013/european-country-germany-start-turning-away-non-eu-migrants AfD calls for closing the borders to Third World migrants and embarking on a course of "remigration", the favored European term for deportation. Under its eloquent party leader Alice Weidel, the AfD also takes a strong sovereigntist position including leaving the EU and reintroducing Germany's own national currency to replace the euro. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/11/panic-brussels-alternative-germany-afd-defends-germanys-exit/ 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? From around January 2012 to July 2018, Dr. Baltaian falsely certified patients to receive home healthcare from at least four Los Angeles area home health agencies, the Justice Department said in a Nov. 21 news release. In exchange for cash, Dr. Baltaian pre-signed blank, undated physician certification forms knowing that the home health agencies would later falsify forms to support the patients need for home health care. The scheme resulted in a loss to Medicare of at least $1,449,050. Brett Snodgrass, MD, of Hazelwood, Mo., sued the Iowa Board of Medicine last year to see a judicial review of the boards decision to deny him a license to practice in Iowa. The boards 2023 denial of his license, as well as a previous denial in 2021, was based on questions pertaining to [Dr.] Snoggrass moral character, according to the report. The boards concerns stemmed from questions raised by regulators in the physicians home state, where he was also not granted license to practice medicine, despite having earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2007. Dr. Snodgrass was then accepted into a residency program at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., according to documents from the Missouri Administrative Hearings Commission. However, within his first few months, he was informed he would not be accepted into a five-year general surgery residency program. A supervisor had written in an evaluation of Dr. Snodgrass that he did not possess the skills to be a caregiver of humans and that he produced a sense of fear, rather than confidence, in nurses, patients and their families. In 2008, Dr. Snodgrass entered the UKMCs four-year pathology residency program, but had been placed on a remediation plan by December 2010. The interim head of the residency program, Kamanisnodr Lankachandra, MD, expressed concerns with substandard behavior from Dr. Snodgrass that included chronic tardiness, disheveled appearance and utter inability to follow instructions. Dr. Snodgrass also admitted to having engaged in harassment aimed at Dr. Lankachandra which resulted in a2021 criminal conviction on a charge of disturbing the peace. According to the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts, Dr. Snodgrass sent as many as 500,000 emails to Dr. Lankachandra and created a Facebook page that espoused negative comments about her professionalism. He also used her name and personal information, including loan documents and insurance records, to have her bombarded with mailings from different organizations. He also allegedly harassed another colleague while using a fake Indian accent, according to the report, and, while at Truman Medical Center, dictated notes for transcriptionists using a fake Indian accent. In 2012, Dr. Snodgrass allegedly posted two ads to Craigslist that included a drawing of a man that resembled a terrorist with a bomb strapped to his chest, one of which was targeting UKMC in its caption. He later claimed he created the ads to get the attention of UKMC so he could resolve issues regarding the residency program. He was denied a medical license in Missouri in 2012. He also applied for licensure in Connecticut and Illinois with no success. He initially applied for licensure in Iowa in 2020 and was denied in 2021. He appealed that decision, which led to a hearing in March 2022. The board decided that if he chose to submit a set of evaluations, he could be re-considered for licensure. But Dr. Snodgrass stated that he would only participate in psychological or competency testing by an entity of his own choosing. Here are five things to know: 1. VillageMDs board appointed COO Jim Murray as interim CEO Nov. 27 following Mr. Barrys departure. 2. The Chicago-based primary care company, which is majority-owned by Walgreens, did not provide any additional information on the departure. 3. VillageMD made plans to shutter 160 clinics after Walgreens incurred a $5.8 billion impairment charge related to the company earlier this year. 4. In August, Walgreens filed a Securities and Exchange Commission report detailing plans to sell part or all of its ownership stake in VillageMD. 5. Walgreens told the Chicago Tribune it would continue to work with Mr. Murray through the leadership transition. University Hospitals, based in Cleveland, is taking a strategic approach to digital transformation by embracing an "Epic first" philosophy. This guiding principle ensures the health system prioritizes tools and innovations available within its Epic electronic health record platform whenever feasible, according to Robert Eardley, CIO of University Hospitals, who spoke with Becker's. The decision to focus on Epic solutions stems from the health system's emphasis on streamlining workflows and maximizing its $400 million investment in the EHR system, completed in 2023. "Our CEO has communicated twice this year to all leadership that we need to be Epic first," Mr. Eardley said. "If you are identifying a clinical or business need, start by exploring how we can expand the use of Epic to address it." This philosophy aims to enhance efficiency and optimize clinical operations by leveraging Epic's built-in features, particularly its expanding suite of AI tools. These include predictive models and generative AI capabilities, which are pre-tested by Epic and integrated seamlessly into workflows. "Epic has been investing in AI for over a decade and offers more than 30 pre-packaged predictive models, with new features introduced regularly," Craig Schwabl, vice president of enterprise analytics and digital solutions at University Hospitals, told Becker's. "This allows us to deploy tested models more quickly and reduce time to value." A key advantage of the "Epic first" approach is the ability to maintain consistent workflows. "We can interface data, but interfacing workflows is much harder," Mr. Eardley said. "By staying within Epic, workflows remain consistent and efficient, reducing the burden on end users." For example, University Hospitals uses Epic's predictive models for tasks such as census forecasting, patient discharge predictions and clinical risk assessments. These models provide actionable insights while integrating into existing workflows, minimizing disruptions for clinicians. Mr. Schwabl emphasized the importance of avoiding redundant features when evaluating external AI solutions. "We are diligent in ensuring that external tools are only considered if they fill gaps that Epic cannot address or won't deliver in the near future," he said. Balancing Epic and external tools While Epic offers many capabilities, there are instances where third-party solutions or internal custom development are necessary. For example, University Hospitals uses non-Epic tools for radiology workflows, including AI-driven fracture analysis and image prioritization based on acuity. Similarly, the system employs external vendors for ambient listening technologies, which support clinical documentation. However, introducing external tools can pose integration challenges. "External AI tools must integrate back into Epic workflows to maintain efficiency," Mr. Schwabl said. "Asking clinicians to toggle between systems adds inefficiencies, which we aim to avoid." As a relatively new Epic client, University Hospitals is focused on fully utilizing the platform's existing capabilities before adopting untested innovations. The health system has adopted a "cautiously optimistic" approach to generative AI, recognizing its potential while awaiting more proven applications. "Epic's generative AI tools are still in their early stages, so we are evaluating their use thoughtfully while remaining focused on traditional AI models that are tried and tested," Mr. Schwabl said. By taking an "Epic first" approach, University Hospitals is positioning itself to innovate responsibly while ensuring technology enhances, rather than complicates, clinician workflows. "Our philosophy is not about limiting innovation but about prioritizing solutions that integrate seamlessly into our ecosystem," Mr. Eardley said. A group of Vermont legislators is calling on Burlington-based University of Vermont Health Network to reconsider its planned service cuts, NBC 5 reported Nov. 27. Here are seven things to know: 1. The planned clinical service reductions were announced in response to Vermont budget cuts from the Green Mountain Care Board, which required a $122 million revenue reduction. 2. UVM Health's renal transplant program and Berlin, Vt.-based Central Vermont Medical Center's psychiatric unit will close under the plan, among other reductions. More than $18 million in administrative costs will be cut, according to the plan. Up to 200 jobs could be affected throughout the system, UVM Health confirmed. 3. A group of lawmakers raised concerns in a Nov. 26 news conference and a letter sent to UVM Health President and CEO Sunil Eappen, MD. "These decisions are being presented with little vision for what will happen to the current and future patients who rely on the services proposed to be cut," the letter read, referencing the psychiatric department and kidney dialysis clinic closures. 4. Sen. Andrew Perchlik highlighted issues with Vermont's healthcare regulation during the news conference, NBC 5 reported. "One of the things that we want to look at is how the Care Board is regulating the hospitals," Mr. Perchlik said at the conference, according to NBC 5. "Is it just about revenue, or can we have a regulatory framework that works both for the hospitals and for patients that can control costs and not just look at this big revenue number and then just let the regulated entities decide what to cut to meet this overall revenue number?" 5. Dr. Eappen responded to the legislators, saying he shares their apprehensions about what these actions mean for Vermont residents and believes "the current situation signals a broken system in our state," according to his letter shared with Becker's. 6. Dr. Eappen said UVM Health's budgets presented to the Green Mountain Care Board this summer were not approved. "Since the legally binding budget orders call on us to reduce the revenue we take in, in the budget we are currently two full months into, we have had to make difficult decisions about the care we can continue to provide," he wrote. 7. "Let me be clear: predictable and effective regulation is vital to control health care costs, and we understand that our regulators are under pressure to achieve that goal," Dr. Eappen continued. "But cuts that force us to reduce patient care will not make care more affordable. They will only force patients to wait longer, seek care elsewhere, or in some cases, not get the care they need at all, driving already dangerous gaps in equitable access to lifesaving services." Providence Swedish North Puget Sound has appointed Mila Sprouse, MSN, RN, to serve as chief nursing officer, according to a Dec. 2 news release sent to Becker's. In this role, Dr. Sprouse will oversee nursing operations for the Providence Swedish North Puget Sound division, which includes Everett, Wash.-based Providence Regional Medical Center, Swedish Edmonds and the Swedish Mill Greek emergency department. Nearly 3,000 nurses work across the three facilities. Dr. Sprouse has spent more than 20 years in healthcare leadership positions. She joins Renton, Wash.-based Providence from Seattle-based Virginia Mason Medical Center, where she also served as CNO. During her tenure at Virginia Mason, hospital-acquired infection rates and length of stay decreased, while nurse recruitment and retention improved. Mike McDermott, MD, president and CEO of Fredericksburg, Va.-based Mary Washington Healthcare, will depart the two-hospital health system to become president and CEO of Montage Health in Monterey, Calif., according to a Dec. 2 news release shared with Becker's. Christopher Newman, MD, executive vice president, COO and chief medical officer of Mary Washington Healthcare, will helm the organization following Dr. McDermott's departure, the release said. Dr. McDermott will serve as president and CEO into spring 2025. Dr. McDermott spent nearly two decades practicing at Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg before becoming CEO of Mary Washington Healthcare in 2015. "I am extremely proud of everything Mary Washington Healthcare has achieved during my time as CEO and I am confident that under Dr. Newman's leadership, the system will continue to grow and advance," Dr. McDermott said in the release. "It's been an honor and a privilege to lead MWHC for the past 10 years, and I'm excited to watch its progress continue under Chris' leadership." The release highlights progress in services, facilities and medical staff, including Mary Washington Hospital's establishment as a teaching hospital with its graduate medical education program. A board-certified internist, Dr. Newman joined Mary Washington Healthcare in 2019, according to his biography. Before joining Mary Washington Healthcare, he served as chief medical officer for Penn State Health St. Joseph Regional Health Network and led operations for Hershey, Pa.-based Penn State Health's Medical Group. Improving patient care remains a paramount goal for healthcare leaders navigating a complex and rapidly evolving landscape. Becker's collected insights from 94 health system executives highlight a collective commitment to transforming care delivery through innovation, accessibility, and patient-centered strategies. These leaders, representing a diverse range of hospitals and health systems across the country, are focusing on priorities such as leveraging advanced technology, strengthening workforce resilience, enhancing health equity, and reimagining care models to meet the needs of their communities. They are also all speakers at the Becker's 15th Annual Meeting, April 28-May 1 in Chicago. Click here to learn more and register! Below, we summarize the top 11 priorities identified by these executives to improve patient care in the years ahead. 1. Enhancing access to care: Many leaders emphasized the need to increase access by expanding services, reducing wait times, and leveraging technology such as telehealth and virtual care. This includes addressing barriers like transportation, financial constraints, and availability of care in rural areas. "Over the next two to three years, my top priority for improving patient care will be to expand access by extending hours, increasing the number of providers, and adding more urgent care sites in our network," said Shelly Schorer, CFO of the California division of Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health. "Additionally, ensuring that our nursing teams have the necessary staffing and resources to provide high-quality care is crucial. It is also imperative that we maintain a continued focus on safety and quality by actively participating in high reliability programs to drive improvements and enhance patient outcomes." 2. Leveraging technology and AI: A recurring theme was the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence for diagnostics, predictive analytics, virtual scribe tools, and remote monitoring to streamline operations and enhance decision-making. "Our teams are our greatest strength, and we are dedicated to integrating advanced technologies, such as ambient AI, to support our teams while redesigning care delivery to ensure patients receive care more seamlessly and efficiently," said Wendy Horton, PharmD, CEO of UVA Health University Medical Center in Charlottesville, Va. "Our ultimate goal is to help patients recover faster, return home safely, and experience unparalleled efficiency. Building on significant progress, including redesigning care in the emergency department, we are excited to continue driving innovation and enhancing patient outcomes as we look ahead to 2025 and beyond." 3. Focusing on patient-centered care: Leaders highlighted personalized medicine, cultural humility, and shared decision-making as critical components of care. Enhancing empathy and communication between providers and patients was a central priority. "Children's Hospital Los Angeles is dedicated to advancing our clinical practices and cutting-edge research to provide solutions to save lives," said Lara Khouri, executive vice president and COO of Children's Hospital Los Angeles. "Our utmost priority is enhancing health and providing the best care for youth and their families. This includes continuing to prioritize digital health innovation and AI solutions to improve our exceptional patient experience and reduce the EHR burden, which can free up our caregivers to focus on delivering excellent patient care." 4. Building a resilient healthcare workforce: Workforce stability, reducing burnout, and fostering a culture of safety and collaboration were highlighted. Strategies included investing in staff well-being, professional development, and innovative recruitment and retention approaches. "First and foremost, we must invest in our employees to allow them to be at their best as they care for our patients," said Margie Zyble, chief human resources officer of UC Health in Cincinnati. "An engaged, diverse, and resilient workforce translates to best-in-class patient care. Second, we are committed to creating a high reliability environment with a strong focus on processes and behaviors. We need to reduce variability in key areasquality, safety, people leader practices, and employee ways of working. Ultimately, this will allow us to create an environment that enables outstanding patient care." 5. Strengthening high reliability: Many executives prioritized high-reliability practices, reducing care variability, and focusing on evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes and reduce preventable harm. "We are deeply invested in our High Reliability Organization journey, and a critical part of this is engaging all our staff at a much deeper level than ever before. Effective engagement, however, can't happen without excellent communication across every service line," said Bernie Adams, chief quality officer of North Country Healthcare in Whitefield, N.H. "We know that communication is most effective when it's backed by data that is not only accurate but also accessible and actionable. Over the next few years, we aim to focus on streamlining our data systems to ensure that all team members from frontline staff to leadership have the tools they need to make informed decisions." 6. Addressing health equity: Tackling social determinants of health, eliminating disparities, and ensuring equitable access to care, especially for underserved populations, were frequently mentioned. "One of Intermountain Health's top priorities for improving patient care over the next two to three years is enhancing access to care by leveraging technology solutions, simplifying administrative processes, and redesigning care models to proactively address health concerns early; simply said, going upstream to keep people well," said JP Valin, MD, chief clinical officer of Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health. "We will also continue to focus on equitable access for patients across our footprint, including our rural communities and individuals facing barriers from social determinants of health. By addressing these challenges, we aim to create a more inclusive and proactive healthcare system that benefits patients, caregivers, and the communities we serve." 7. Improving patient experience: Simplifying non-clinical touchpoints, enhancing navigation, and ensuring seamless interactions with the healthcare system were noted as critical for boosting patient satisfaction. Cliff Megerian, MD, CEO of University Hospitals in Cleveland, said his team is doubling down on their "well-earned reputation for compassionate care" next year. "The goal is for our patients our guests to feel truly cared for at each touchpoint along the patient journey, with clinical and non-clinical caregivers alike both bearing the responsibility to make this happen," he said. "The word 'hospitality' has at its root the word 'hospital' it's our goal to work to bring that 'hospitality' energy to our work in healthcare, always informed by world-class science." 8. Innovating care delivery models: Emphasis was placed on flexible, patient-centric approaches such as hospital-at-home programs, integrated care networks, and outpatient services for traditionally inpatient procedures. "Over the next 2-3 years, we are excited to continue to invest in innovative care delivery models through the use of virtual care and remote patient monitoring technology to bring care closer to our patients' front porches," said Tiffany Lawrence, president and CEO of Sanford Fargo. "During a time of rapid disruption, our clinicians are embracing cutting-edge solutions, including robotic surgery and AI-enabled colonoscopy technology, to deliver the most advanced care and best outcomes. We will continue prioritizing investments in technology to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape and better serve our patients." 9. Harnessing data and analytics: Many leaders identified the need for real-time, actionable data to drive improvements in clinical care, operational efficiency, and resource allocation. Jeff Gautney, CIO of Rush University System for Health in Chicago, said the system plans to do the following for improved patient care with data and analytics: Improving access to care, and streamlining processes so that we are maximizing their time; Reducing administrative burden on our clinicians so that they are able to spend more time with the patient and less time documenting Providing AI-enabled protocols to help clinicians making better diagnostic and therapeutic decisions that take the most complete information available about the patient and their problem Support new models for care, including virtual specialty care, virtual primary care, hospital at home, etc. "We have a unique perspective on this, given that we have been No. 2 in quality in the Vizient process for the past few years. Quality and safety are our brand, so this is something we think about all the time," said Mr. Gautney. 10. Expanding value-based care: Shifting focus upstream to address health concerns early and prevent disease through community engagement, screenings, and wellness programs was highlighted as a path to sustainable healthcare systems. "A top priority for improving health over the next two to three years involves integrating population health strategies into traditional healthcare," said Heath Roberts, chief administrative officer for Henry Ford Health Healthy Populations in Detroit. "By leveraging value-based care initiatives, we aim to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations through proactive care management, focusing on high-risk populations with chronic conditions. Strengthening care transitions, particularly post-discharge, and expanding community-based resources will help address social determinants of health and improve overall population wellness." 11. Building a culture of transparency: Health systems with a strong culture can achieve performance improvement and provide better patient care. Many executives see transparency and trust as essential elements of a highly reliable organization, and CEOs are taking bold steps to reshape system culture. "Our top priority right now within that journey is embedding psychological safety as the foundational element," said Peter Banko, president and CEO of Baystate Health in Springfield, Mass. "We want to best enable our 13,000 incredible caregivers to freely voice concerns, report potential issues before they become bigger issues, admit mistakes without fear of negative consequences, and learn from our errors. Pivoting towards a culture of openness and transparency is absolutely vital for highly reliable patient care in a complex academic safety net health system. This relentless patient care improvement focus also creates significant understanding, momentum, and camaraderie for our other strategic priorities." Like many baby boomers and those from earlier generations, I have vivid memories from my younger years of my grandparents and other aging adults struggling with an assortment of ailments that their doctors told them were just an inevitable part of growing old. They may have been family matriarchs or patriarchs, but when it came to easing their pain or getting help for underlying health conditions, the medical community basically turned a blind eye, whether they were dealing with senility, debilitating pain from arthritis, indignities like incontinence or other chronic illnesses. If you were old, you just learned to live through the despair and forget about trying to do the things that once brought joy to your life. Slowly but surely, the nation's approach to caring for our elders began to change in the 1970s, thanks initially to the advocacy of Robert Butler, MD, a renowned gerontologist, psychiatrist and author who ridiculed the nation's medical community for discriminatory, institutional practices that ignored the suffering of older Americans. His 1975 Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Why Survive: Being Old in America, launched a social movement focused on the rights and needs of aging adults. His research awakened America that senility was not inevitable, and that "healthy aging" was achievable. The transformative advancements made over the past half-century in meeting the physical and emotional health needs of the nation's rapidly aging population are remarkable and that's especially important because more Americans are turning age 65 now than in any other time in our history (4.1 million in 2024, or 11,200 a day). And as we move toward a new year, every healthcare executive must examine whether we are collectively prepared to care for them in the years and decades ahead and take steps to recruit the medical specialists we need to meet burgeoning demand. This includes orthopedics, where the prevalence of fractured hips and other debilitating injuries, America's hospitals and health systems also began focusing on ways to prevent falls, which continue to kill more than 32,000 people age 65 and over every year and injure millions of others. They also developed new methods for identifying and preventing delirium, a common disorder among seriously ill and hospitalized older adults that adversely impacts patients' brain functions, causing major confusion, lack of awareness, hallucinations and mood changes. As providers became more enlightened of aging adults' needs, health policy changes and insurance payment reforms also helped strengthen the quality of care to older people. One important Medicare policy change was a provision included in the Affordable Care Act that paid providers for treating frail older adults in their homes instead of hospitals, nursing homes or doctors' offices. In a more-recent policy shift, the federal government is now training and compensating millions of caregivers tending to aging parents and loved ones in the home. While America's healthcare delivery system has progressed remarkably over the past half-century, the nation's burgeoning senior population poses unprecedented challenges, in terms of both our ability to provide and pay for their care. Nearly one-in-five Americans, about 62 million people, are aged 65 or over. Within the next 30 years, that number is expected to reach 84 million 23% of the population. To avoid being overwhelmed by the demands of a graying America, federal and state governments, health care providers, and medical and nursing schools need to double-down on investments they've already made to advance geriatric, palliative and other care models that have proven beneficial. We face significant shortages of primary care physicians and geriatricians who specialize in the needs of older adults and those with multiple chronic illnesses. Medical and nursing schools and health systems need to provide financial incentives for clinicians-in-training to enter those areas of medicine instead of more-lucrative specialties. If not, there simply won't be enough doctors or nurses to meet the needs of aging patients. The roles of primary care physicians (PCPs), geriatricians and nurse practitioners (NPs) are critically important in promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles among aging adults, helping them maintain their health and independence through routine vaccinations and screenings. To help older people stay out of hospitals and nursing homes, we also need to further accelerate home- and community-based services that prevent the need for more-costly care. Technology, especially telemedicine, will continue to be instrumental in enabling clinicians to remotely monitor patients in their homes and provide 24-hour access to care if there's an emergency. The importance of integrating care for older adults with complex health needs is another key lesson we've learned over the years. To prevent older people from falling through the cracks because of social factors such as low income, poor education, substandard housing or lack of transportation, it's crucial that we take a holistic approach in coordinating medical, mental health and social services. Again, that's where PCPs, geriatricians and NPs play such an important role. Lastly, all clinicians must embrace palliative care as part of their standard practice in managing the health of aging adults with serious illness. Obviously, the first priority is remedying the symptoms and pain that accompany chronic diseases. But perhaps more importantly in the long run, engaging patients and their loved ones in in advance-care planning discussions and their preferences for end-of-life care opens the lines of communications and helps ensure that their wishes are respected. Michael J. Dowling is president & CEO of Northwell Health, New York's largest health care provider and private employer, and co-author of The Aging Revolution: The History of Geriatric Health Care and What Really Matters to Older Adults. Northwell Health is hosting its inaugural Aging Revolution Summit Dec. 3, convening patients and leaders across healthcare, business and philanthropy to advance age-friendly initiatives. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea Yemen's Houthi group announced that it had targeted a US destroyer and three military supply ships in a 'qualitative and joint military operation.' "We carried out an operation targeting an American destroyer and three supply ships belonging to the US military," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV channel. He identified the supply ships as the 'Stena Impeccable', the 'Maersk Saratoga', and the 'Liberty Grace' but did not disclose the name of the targeted destroyer. The operation, conducted in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden, involved 16 ballistic and winged missiles as well as a drone, Sarea claimed. He described the strikes as 'accurate and direct.' Sarea warned that the Houthis would escalate their operations in the declared maritime operations zone, encompassing the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, until Israel halts its actions in Gaza. "We will continue to carry out military operations at an escalating pace against Israel and the United States of America," he said. Earlier in the day, the Houthis claimed responsibility for launching a rocket at Israel, asserting it hit a 'vital target' in the Jaffa area. However, Israeli media reported that the Israel Defence Forces intercepted and destroyed the rocket, launched from northern Yemen, early on Sunday. Since November 2023, the Houthi militia, which controls much of northern Yemen, has intensified its attacks on Israeli cities and disrupted shipping in the Red Sea linked to Israel. The group has framed these actions as solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Studies show at least 30% of cancer patients struggle with depression and other mental health conditions, though they often go undiagnosed. NBC News explored the prevalence and consequences of this treatment gap in a Nov. 29 report. Five highlights from the repot: Depression, anxiety and other psychiatric conditions are common among cancer patients, but they are often undiagnosed due to mental health historically being deprioritized among healthcare organizations. Hesitancy among oncologists to delve into cancer patients' mental health is another factor at play, experts told the news outlet. The direct effects of cancer and treatment side effects, such as uncontrolled pain, changes in one's body or having to quit hobbies, can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or precipitate new diagnoses. Among cancer patients struggling with depression or anxiety, about 10% had depression prior to their diagnosis and 22% were diagnosed after, according to a national study from 2023. Cancer patients with depression face mortality rates up to 39% higher than those without mental illness. Mental health conditions, particularly when symptoms are undiagnosed and unmanaged, can negatively affect patients' ability to stick with treatment plans and maintain healthy habits associated with improved survival. As such, treating psychiatric disorders can be lifesaving and improve outcomes among cancer patients. A growing number of cancer centers are homing in on how to integrate mental healthcare into treatment services and address longstanding barriers to psychiatric care. Around 85% of cancer centers offer mental health services, according to a 2018 survey published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer has also required accredited centers to screen patients for mental health conditions for nearly a decade. Effective integration of mental health and cancer care means easier care coordination for patients. For example, at Chicago-based Rush University Medical Center, cancer patients can be seen by a psychologist while they're getting chemotherapy. This level of integration, however, is mainly found at major medical centers and is not yet standard. "Most people receive their care in community cancer settings, where you don't have mental health routinely embedded," Yasmin Asvat, a clinical psychologist at Rush, told NBC. In addition to being a prominent practicing orthopedic surgeon for five decades, Dr. Nettrour notably worked as an expert witness, defending orthopedic surgeons from malpractice challenges in dozens of cases. Dr. Nettrour, along with his brother and father, co-founded the Tri Rivers Musculoskeletal Centers in Wexford, Pa., in the early 1970s. The Nettrours first practice location was located on the UPMC Passavant-McCandless campus. A Northern Ireland care home operator has acquired the troubled Parkdean site in north Belfast as part of a 7m investment. Conway Group Healthcare said its purchase of the Fortwilliam Park nursing home was a transformative step, and that it would carry out a complete refurbishment and redesign. Watchdog the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) said earlier this year that Parkdean had failed to meet standards in wound care and end of life care since 2021. It said it would be cancelling the homes registration, though former owner Amstecos Limited had said it would appeal. Now Conway Group Healthcare, which already has eight homes around Northern Ireland, has said its work will create a modern, compliant, and welcoming environment for residents and staff". Victoria Humphries, regional operations manager at Conway Group Healthcare, said: "We are delighted to add this sizeable home in a prime location to our healthcare portfolio and are committed to working with all key stakeholders to ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality person-centred care to all residents. "This significant investment underscores our dedication to providing welcoming and supportive environments." The group said it has a reputation for person-centred care for people with conditions such as dementia as well as those with physical disabilities, mental health needs, learning disabilities, and complex needs. It said its redevelopment work would bring it up to the same standard of the rest of the group, with a redesign which would exceed regulatory requirements. The site has room for 64 residents. Conway Healthcare said that the group aims to rebuild trust within the local community, ensuring that the home becomes a positive asset there. Its part of Conway Group, which also has interests in property development, investment, asset management and construction. The RQIA report in April said it had monitored the quality of care in Parkdean through three inspections during 2023. RQIA conducted an unannounced care inspection on August 1, 2023 following concerns raised by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust regarding poor patient outcomes in relation to wound care and end of life care, it said. The inspection evidenced that Amstecos Ltd had failed to address the repeated areas for improvement. It said patient records continued to show a lack of consistency in recording management of wounds. Rosemary Nelson: There were some rogue police officers who would have been quite happy for her not to be around Gregg Wallaces lawyers say it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature (Andrew Matthews/PA) A former Celebrity MasterChef contestant has said Gregg Wallaces reaction to the accusations being made against him shows he has no insight or understanding of how he behaves. The MasterChef presenter, who faces various allegations of making inappropriate sexual jokes and complaints about his behaviour, has said the accusations have come from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age. Leading loyalist Winston Winkie Irvine and a co-accused have pleaded guilty to firearm and ammunition offences. Irvine (49), of Ballysillan Road in north Belfast, and Robin Workman (53), of Shore Road in Larne, Co Antrim, were due to go on trial at Belfast Crown Court in front of a judge. Requiem Mass for the young woman who died suddenly at a Belfast nightclub will take place on Thursday afternoon, a funeral notice has confirmed. Chloe Ferris, aged in her 20s, was pronounced dead at Lux nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning when emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after 2.20am. A 999 call was made regarding two people who fell unconscious the second woman remains in hospital and is believed to have been a friend of the deceased. The notice confirmed the funeral service for Ms Ferris will take place at St Pauls Church for 1.00pm Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery. The notice added: Deeply regretted by her heartbroken mother, father and entire family circle. Earlier on Monday Belfast nightclub Lux released a statement confirming their thoughts and sympathies are with the parents and family during this very difficult time. A spokesperson added: "Our focus is now to help the police with their investigation and our staff wellbeing." Ms Ferris has been described as beautiful inside and out in emotional tributes shared online. Meanwhile a police investigation is underway with enquiries at a very early stage. A death notice described Ms Ferris as the beloved daughter of Declan and Sharon, much-loved sister of Christopher, Declan, and Barry, cherished aunt, niece, cousin, part of the Sister Squad, and friend to many. Lux nightclub Devastated friends of the beauty technician from Belfast have been expressing shock and sadness on social media. The nicest friend with the purest soul. Glad to have been your friend, one wrote. Another said: Heartbreaking. Chloe was the most beautiful person, both inside and out. Thinking of her friends and family at this very sad time. Beauty training academy Enhance Belfast also posted a tribute online: Absolutely heartbreaking, our lovely student Chloe. Sending so much love to her family and friends. The former St Louises Comprehensive College pupil ran her own beauty salon in Newtownabbey and recently returned to her former school to share her experiences. Started Chloes Beauty when I was in St Louises doing my A-levels, she wrote on Facebook. "Now Annas 6th year students are using my small business as the example in their A-level coursework. A full circle moment. Ms Ferris former primary school, St Clares PS in Belfast, expressed their condolences online, adding: Thinking of one of our past pupils who died suddenly today, Chloe Ferris. Deepest sympathy to her mum, dad, and brothers at this heartbreaking time, from all staff, past and present. Sinn Fein councillor Claire Canavan said it was "devastating news. It is absolutely tragic that a young woman has so suddenly lost her life. I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Ferris and Dynes families and friends as they come to terms with this heartbreaking news, she said. SDLP councillor Gary McKeown added: This is terrible news, and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who died. For something like this to happen is tragic, but it is particularly poignant at this time of year. Sinn Fein MLA Orlaithi Flynn also added her sympathies. The west Belfast MLA said: I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn that a young woman lost her life in the early hours of Sunday morning in Belfast city centre. This is an absolute tragedy, and I want to extend my deepest condolences to the womans family and friends who have woken today to this unthinkable and heartbreaking news. My thoughts are also with another woman and her loved ones as she remains in hospital today undergoing treatment. Police have appealed for anyone who may be able to assist their investigation to contact them. Hospitality Ulster chief executive Colin Neill said it was deeply distressing news. Nobody should ever go on a night out and not return home, he said. "As we await more information, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the woman who has died. Our thoughts are also with the woman who remains in hospital. Anyone who may be able to assist the police with their investigation should contact them immediately. A PSNI spokesperson said: Police enquiries are at a very early stage, and anyone who believes they may have information that could assist can contact police on 101, or submit information online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Chloe Ferris News Catch Up: Monday 2nd December The Archdiocese for Catholic Bishops in Ireland has said it is disappointed at a pro-Palestine protest held during a service at St Patricks Cathedral on Sunday. The protest was held by a group of cross community Christians aiming to highlight the silence from the Christian Church in Ireland. Around 30 members of the group named Christians4Palestine silently walked to the altar before positioning themselves at the back of the cathedral holding signs that opposed the war in Palestine. A spokesperson for the Archdiocese said the church sympathise with the struggle of Gazans and were disappointed with the protest that disrupted the Sunday service. They said: While we are very sympathetic to the plight of the people of Gaza, and of all victims of war and violence throughout the world, it was very disappointing that a group of protesters chose to disrupt the celebration of Mass in Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, on Sunday morning, just as parishioners had received Holy Communion. At a personal level, and together with the other Irish bishops, Archbishop Eamon Martin has spoken out strongly and frequently on the issue of the horrific devastation and loss of life in Gaza, most recently in the Bishops Conferences pre-election statement of two weeks ago. They added the bishops have encouraged humanitarian help for Gaza and the Middle East and Archbishop Martin has previously urged the international community against the blocking of aid to the people of Gaza in his 2024 New Year peace message. "The appalling situation in Gaza needs prayers and concrete action at all levels to end this inhumane conflict. Disrupting the sacred liturgy in any way is upsetting and an inappropriate form of protest, added the Archdiocese. The newly formed Christian4Palestine group made their first move protesting at St Patricks Cathedral after said they had lost patience. Deirdre Murphy, a spokesperson from Christians4Palestine, said: When we ask the question, What would Jesus have done? We know he would not be silent in the face of genocide. We made sure our protest was as dignified as possible and did not threaten anyone and were delighted and encouraged that many in the congregation were supportive, as shown by their very generous donations to Palestine Aid Ireland afterwards. We call on Christians throughout the island of Ireland to support our campaign for peace, justice and freedom for the Palestinian people. They claimed the Churchs in Ireland have offered an imbalanced response when compared to their condemnation of Russias invasion of Ukraine. Ms Murphy added: When Russia invaded Ukraine the Protestant and Catholic Archbishops of Armagh, the birthplace and heart of Irish Christianity, came out quickly, clearly and powerfully to condemn the abuse of power by Russia and asked us to support the Ukrainian people in every way we can. For 14 months we have marched and rallied, protesting the daily crimes against humanity suffered by the people of Gaza at the hands of Israel and waited in vain for the Christian Church here to respond with equal condemnation of Israel. The protest took place during St Patrick's Sunday service News Catch Up: Monday 2nd December Chloe Ferris, aged in her 20s, was pronounced dead at Lux nightclub Tributes have continued to pour in for "gorgeous and talented Chloe Ferris as her funeral details are confirmed. The beautician, who was in her 20s, died at Lux nightclub in Belfast city centre in the early hours of Sunday morning. Requiem Mass for Ms Ferris will take place in St Pauls Church on Falls Road at 1pm on Thursday before she is laid to rest in Milltown Cemetery. Her remains will be reposing at the family home in Newtownabbey from Monday evening. "Beloved daughter of Declan and Sharon, much loved sister of Christopher, Declan and Barry, much loved Aunt, Niece, Cousin , part of the Sister Squad and friend to many. R.I.P, the notice reads. "Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on her soul. Deeply regretted by her heartbroken mother, father and entire family circle. Hundreds of people have been expressing shock and sadness on social media while a police probe into the incident continues. Utterly heartbroken hearing this," one friend wrote. You really were the most gorgeous and talented girl! Another heartbroken pal also paid tribute to the most gorgeous girl. "Will never forget all the laughs we had, they added. Thinking of Chloes family and friends at this time. Another social media user said they were thinking of their friends who have lost their beautiful cousin. Hearts are broken, they wrote. God give all the family strength to get through this awful time. Many tributes expressed condolences with Ms Ferris loved ones as they come to terms with their loss. Rest easy Chloe, always and forever in our heart just can't take it in, such a beautiful kind hearted girl, one read. Another said: It's the saddest thing ever, [I] loved her. She was an absolute wee darling with a heart of gold. The young businesswoman was pronounced dead at the city centre venue when emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after 2.20am. A 999 call was made regarding two people who fell unconscious the second woman remains in hospital and is believed to have been a friend of the deceased. A statement released by Lux said its "focus is now to help the police with their investigation and our staff wellbeing". "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the parents and family during this very difficult time, it added. The former St Louises Comprehensive College pupil ran her own beauty salon in Newtownabbey and recently returned to her former school to share her experiences. Started Chloes Beauty when I was in St Louises doing my A-levels, she wrote on Facebook. "Now Annas 6th year students are using my small business as the example in their A-level coursework. A full circle moment. Beauty training academy Enhance Belfast paid tribute to Ms Ferris online. Absolutely heartbreaking, our lovely student Chloe," it posted. Sending so much love to her family and friends. Sinn Fein MLA Orlaithi Flynn described the death as an absolute tragedy as she offered her deepest condolences to Ms Ferriss grieving family who have woken today to this unthinkable and heartbreaking news. The west Belfast representative also expressed sympathy for the second woman and her family as she remains in hospital and urged anyone with information to contact police. Chloe Ferris, aged in her 20s, was pronounced dead at Lux nightclub News Catch Up: Monday 2nd December David Hernandez covers public safety for the San Francisco Chronicle. Before joining the Chronicle in December 2023, he reported on crime, law enforcement and criminal justice for the San Diego Union-Tribune. A graduate of San Diego State University, he is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. He was born and raised in Santa Cruz. Hundreds of people took to the streets of Belfast this Saturday in simultaneous marches to demand an end to gender-based violence. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press Hundreds marched in Belfast and Derry on Saturday as part of Reclaim the Night, demanding safer streets for women and girls across Northern Ireland. As part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, supported by Reclaim the Agenda, the Belfast march began at Writers Square and ended at Custom House Square. The Reclaim the Night rally began in Leeds in 1977, protesting police advice for women to stay home after the Yorkshire Ripper murders. In Belfast, events were held in the 1980s, and the campaign was revived a decade ago in response to rising sexual violence. It now addresses all forms of gender-based violence. Tanya Kearns, founder of Safe Night NI, a campaign for safe, accessible, and inclusive spaces in Northern Ireland's nightlife, was one of the key speakers at the Belfast event. As an advocate for changes in the law on drink spiking, she stressed that making it a criminal offence is more urgent than ever. The activist, who has spoken of her own traumatic experience of having her drinks spiked, said the campaign has inspired her to create real changes. Reclaim the Night inspired me to focus on creating real changes in the night-time economy, so everyone can feel safe. I am very proud to stand alongside some of Northern Ireland's most inspirational activists and use my voice to continue to highlight the dangers for marginalised communities in our night-time spaces, she said. At the Belfast rally, Dr Naomi Green, an academic and activist from the Belfast Islamic Centre, spoke out against growing online abuse and violence, describing it as a threat to our very existence. She said: Muslim women are often spoken about, rather than spoken to. "Were reduced to headlines and debates, our voices drowned out by those claiming to save us. "Muslim women have been physically and verbally attacked in the streets, photos of Muslim women and families going about their day have been posted online, simply because of who we are, what we wear and what we believed to represent. Its an attack, not just on our safety, but on our very existence in public spaces. Alexa Moore of the Rainbow Project said that LGBTQIA+ communities were particularly at risk from gender-based violence. She added: Misogyny and gender-based violence should have no place in our society, but unfortunately are all too common, with Northern Ireland being one the most dangerous places in Europe to be a woman. It's about time that women, as well as LGBTQIA+ people, people of colour, disabled people, and all those who are subjected to higher levels of violence, are able to live free from violence and abuse." 18-year-old Lauren Bond, president of the Secondary Students Union NI group, said many young women first experience sexism and harassment at school and called on the Stormont Executive to update sexual abuse education to tackle gender-based violence at its source. At the same time, a rally which took place in Ebrington Square in Derry was attended by Mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr and featured speakers, including sexual assault survivor Chloe Wilson, who demanded tougher sentences for offenders. Event organiser, Cassie Jane Buckley from the Foyle Womens Information Network said: This event wasnt just about reclaiming physical spacesit was about amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced, demanding accountability from our leaders, and showing that violence against women and girls is not just a womens issue, but a community issue that affects us all. This is just the beginningtogether, we will keep pushing for the safer, more equal future that every woman and girl deserves. Peter Jennings almost died after he was thrown through a windscreen in Ukraine after a military escort in front of him was hit by a missile A Derry man has told of how hes more than proud to have organised his 300th load of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Peter Jennings is preparing to soon return to the war-torn country for the first time since he was almost killed in an air strike seven months ago. Mr Jennings (67) has been arranging aid for communities since the Russians invaded in February 2022. He started delivering by driving trucks filled with supplies from Derry to Kyiv. Last year, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky personally awarded him a medal to mark his humanitarian work. However, his journeys were paused in May after he was thrown from his truck when the military convoy guiding him during a delivery of medical equipment in Kherson was struck by a missile. The blast catapulted Mr Jennings a member of the group Derry Ukraine Aid through the windscreen of his vehicle leaving him with a shattered foot, a broken arm, damaged vertebrae, and shrapnel in his eyes, neck and back. Three soldiers from the military convoy were also killed. With little memory of the explosion, he said he awoke in a tent being used as a makeshift military hospital. Mr Jennings is still recovering from his injuries and admitted he will likely be on painkillers for the rest of his life. However, it hasnt stopped his work as he has just organised his 300th truckload of medical supplies and necessities which left Derry for Ukraine last Wednesday. Peter Jennings I couldnt be prouder of this lorry, it has over 20,000 nappies, 70,000 wipes, and hundreds of Christmas presents and toys for the children who have been impacted, he said. The mood right now is extremely low in Ukraine, there is worry about the future and the winter. Its currently below freezing and will get just worse as the winter goes on. Many people in the worst-hit areas are without power and heating. Anything I, and the help Ive had from schools in the area and Waterside Presbyterian, can do to assist those there by making things more bearable is a pleasure. We just want to continue to help the people of Ukraine. Explaining his injuries, Mr Jennings told of how he has been left with a permanent limp. He is also awaiting back and shoulder surgery. Mr Jennings remembered waking up, unsure what had happened, and asked where the boys the soldiers accompanying him were. He recalled feeling so guilty, I constantly feel if I wasnt there then they wouldnt have been either. Despite the incident, it hasnt put him off going back to Ukraine. Im heading there in a couple of weeks for Christmas, I cant wait to see my family, he said about his wife and daughters who currently live in Poland. However, unlike his previous trips, he will be flying to Poland on December 13 and then travelling by train into Ukraine. Things are bad at the moment, on Thursday night there were missile strikes that hit power stations and heating stations. Putin is trying to make people suffer. His upcoming trip will be his last prior to the inauguration of US president-elect Donald Trump, who Mr Jennings fears will be unpredictable when it comes to Ukraine. Trump has promised to stop the war on his first day back in office, though he has not provided any details on how he plans to do that. Last Thursday, he appointed Keith Kellogg, a former national security adviser and retired lieutenant general in the US military, to be special envoy to Ukraine and Russia in his second administration. Mr Jennings added: Joe Biden appears to be doing everything he can to help in his last few weeks as president, which is good, but Mr Trump is very unpredictable. People are on the defensive about it, Trump has this big plan which involves talking to Putin and he thinks itll all be fine. But there is the worry he will withdraw all the aid. The Russian ruble has already dropped to less than a pound now, having crashed. Its worthless, so they are starting to feel the pinch. This is now the third Christmas since the war broke out, and the people there are worried. The aid we deliver will be spread about thankfully to the worst places that are hit by the war, and it helps a little bit, especially for the most vulnerable. The incident happened in the Cornmarket area of Belfast city centre. Two men have been hospitalised with facial injuries after being assaulted in Belfast city centre. Police said the victims were reportedly assaulted by two other men who were not known to them. The attack happened in the Cornmarket during the early hours of Sunday. A PSNI spokesperson said: Officers received a report at approximately 3.40am that two men in their 20s were assaulted by two other men, unknown to them. The two victims required hospital treatment after they sustained facial injuries. The suspects are white men in their 20s, both with medium builds and around six foot tall. One of the suspects was wearing a black buttoned top and dark shoes, has short dark hair and a dark beard. "The other suspect was wearing a light coloured two toned coat with black jeans, black trainers and also has short dark hair. Enquiries into this incident are ongoing and police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the assault, or has any information to contact officers on 101 quoting reference 325 01/12/24. The incident happened in the Cornmarket area of Belfast city centre. News Catch Up: Monday 2nd December Joshua Alexander was jailed for life at the Old Bailey after being found guilty of Lianne Gordaons murder (Metropolitan Police/PA) A teenager has been jailed for murdering a mother who was shot in the head through her front door as she tried to shield her two children from a gang feud. Joshua Alexander, 17, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 29 years at the Old Bailey on Monday. Lianne Gordon, 42, had only just returned from a holiday in Jamaica when she was attacked in her home in Hackney, east London, on December 5 2023. Lianne Gordon was shot dead in Hackney, east London (Handout/Metropolitan Police/PA) She was the unintended victim of a gang feud between rivals in the neighbourhood, jurors heard. Alexander had denied being the gunman but was found guilty in October of Ms Gordons murder following a trial at the Old Bailey. A jury found him guilty of attempting to kill a 17-year-old boy and 21-year-old man who were shot in the street during the same incident. Alexander was also convicted of affray, having a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a bladed article, and possession of class A drugs with intent to supply. On Monday, a judge lifted a reporting restriction on naming Alexander, who turns 18 in February. Judge David Aubrey KC said the background to the case was sadly all too familiar. Delivering his sentencing remarks, Judge Aubrey said: It is one of turf wars, territory, violence between rival gangs and consequential tragedy and grief. Addressing Alexander in the dock, Judge Aubrey told him: You murdered an innocent woman who was behind her front door in her own home. Her home should have been a sanctuary, a place of safety. It was, however, where she met her death at your hands while you were in possession of a firearm. The judge said Alexander, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was on a mission that night to execute members of your opposing gang. He told Alexander: You have shown no remorse whatsoever. Notwithstanding that you have murdered an innocent person in her own home who was not the intended target. The judge said this was illustrated by rap lyrics found in his prison cell glorifying his crimes. The trial heard that rap lyrics were recovered from Alexanders cell in January referring to the shooting saying that Ms Gordon was wigged. Judge Aubrey said Alexander, who was linked to the murder by DNA and phone evidence, had devastated Ms Gordons family and caused them unimaginable grief. Ms Gordons twin sister, Louise, described her as a force of nature and said everything has been destroyed, shattered and broken since her death. In a victim impact statement, she told the court: I feel like I have lost my other half. She had nothing but love for me, as she did for everyone who was lucky enough to be in her circle. Police officers at the scene in Hackney, east London, where Lianne Gordon died (Lucy North/PA) Ms Gordons sister added: I feel like Im underwater most days trying to stay afloat. My mind is still in constant turmoil. She said her twin was shot like a gangster in her own home, adding: This gun crime has ripped a hole in my family and there is nothing we can do about it. Family members in court cheered and said yes as the sentence was passed down by the judge, while another person in the public gallery shouted rot in hell. At the time of the shooting, Alexander had been on bail, with conditions not to enter Hackney, for attempted murder relating to a separate incident last March. On the evening of last December 5, Ms Gordons son Kaymound was in the shower and her daughter came out of her room when she heard what she thought were fireworks. Ms Gordon died at the scene from a single gunshot wound to the head while the two victims outside were treated in hospital. Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who led the investigation, said: Alexander is a dangerous individual, who at just 16 years old had no qualms about carrying and using a deadly weapon. We are pleased he has been brought to justice and that he will now spend a significant period behind bars. Jurors had heard the shooting was the culmination of a series of incidents. Prosecutor Mark Fenhalls KC said the incidents resulted from a dispute between two Hackney gangs, including the Pembury Gang with which Alexander was associated. Alexander had a series of previous convictions dating back to when he was 15 years old. Among them was a conviction for attempted murder relating to an incident on March 1 last year in which he acted as a scout as a man was shot and stabbed at Hackney Central station. The insurgents move caught the government by surprise (Syrian Civil Defence White Helmets via AP) Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have deployed in Syria to back the governments counter-offensive against a surprise advance by insurgents who seized the largest city of Aleppo last week, officials said. Insurgents led by jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a two-pronged attack on Aleppo and moved into the countryside around Idlib and neighbouring Hama province. The push is among the rebels strongest in years and raised the prospect of another violent front reopening in the Middle East, at a time when US-backed Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon both Iranian-allied groups. It also risks drawing Russia and Turkey each with its own interests to protect in Syria into direct confrontation. The Syrian opposition insurgency launched a two-pronged attack on Aleppo and the countryside around Idlib (AP) Government troops built a fortified defensive line in northern Hama in an attempt to stall the insurgents momentum while jets pounded rebel-held lines on Sunday. On Monday, Syrias military said that their air strikes alongside Russias killed 400 insurgents over the past 24 hours. It said that government forces were mobilising to encircle the rebels in the countryside of Aleppo, Hama, and Idlib. In a phone call with Syrian President Bashar Assad, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran was willing to provide all the support needed to push back the insurgency. He echoed comments from Irans top diplomat Abbas Araghchi, who visited Mr Assad on Sunday before traveling to Turkey one of the rebels main backers. Iran has been one of Mr Assads principal political and military supporters and has deployed military advisers and forces after 2011 protests against Mr Assads rule turned into an all-out war. Tehran-backed Iraqi militias already in Syria mobilised and additional forces crossed the border to support Mr Assads government and army, said the Iraqi militia official. The rebels are backed by Turkey (AP) According to the UK-based opposition war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, some 200 Iraqi militiamen crossed into Syria overnight through the strategic Bou Kamal crossing. They were expected to deploy in Aleppo to support the Syrian armys pushback against the insurgents, the monitor said. The rebel offensive in Syria has caused concern among neighbouring countries that the conflict could spill over. In Iraq, Interior Ministry spokesperson Brig Gen Miqdad Miri said that security forces have deployed in greater numbers to protect their large border with Syria. The advance by the insurgents is a huge embarrassment for Mr Assad, and it comes at a time when his allies Iran and the groups it backs, and Russia are preoccupied with their own conflicts. Russia, whose intervention in Syrias civil war on behalf of Mr Assad was crucial in turning the conflict in his favour, has said it will continue to support him. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday: We, of course, continue to support Bashar Assad, we continue our contacts at the appropriate level and analyse the situation. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content A position will be formed regarding what is needed to stabilise the situation. Syrian and Russian air strikes on rebel positions continued mostly in Hama and Idlib provinces. At least 10 civilians were killed in Idlib city and province, according to the Syrian Civil Defence in opposition-held areas. Syrian Kurds were fleeing the fighting in large numbers after Turkish-backed rebels seized Tel Rifaat from rival US-backed Kurdish authorities. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces largely withdrew and called for a humanitarian corridor to allow people to leave safely in convoys toward Aleppo and later to Kurdish-led north-eastern regions. The Oscar-winning screenwriter Marshall Brickman, whose wide-ranging career spanned some of Woody Allens best films and the Broadway musical Jersey Boys, has died aged 85. Brickman died on Friday in Manhattan, his daughter Sophie Brickman told The New York Times. No cause of death was cited. Brickman was best known for his extensive collaboration with Allen, beginning with the 1973 film Sleeper. Together, they co-wrote Annie Hall (1977), Manhattan (1979) and Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993). The loosely structured script for Annie Hall, in particular, has been hailed as one of the wittiest comedies. It won Brickman and Allen an Oscar for best original screenplay. In his acceptance speech, Brickman referenced one of the films many oft-quoted lines, saying: Ive been out here a week, and I still have guilt when I make a right turn on a red light. If the film is worth anything, Brickman told Vanity Fair in 2017, it gives a very particular specific image of what it was like to be alive in New York at that time in that particular social-economic stratum. Brickman and Allen had met in the early 1960s when Allen was breaking through as a stand-up comedian. Brickman, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was the son of Jewish socialists Abram, who fled Poland during the Second World War, and Pauline (Wolin) Brickman, who was from New York. They later moved to the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, where Brickman grew up. His start in show business, after graduating from the University of Wisconsin with degrees in science and music, came with the folk group the Tarriers, replacing Alan Arkin in the group. One of the reasons I was asked to join was because they needed somebody to front the group and talk while everybody was tuning up, Brickman told the Writers Guild in 2011. And so I started to develop little jokes and routines and stuff like that. By the late 60s, Brickman was head writer for Johnny Carsons The Tonight Show. There, one of his most enduring contributions was the Carnac the Magnificent sketches, during which Carson played a mystic from the East who could divine answers to unseen questions. Brickmans other TV stints included Candid Camera, The Dick Cavett Show and The Muppet Show. When Brickman and Allen began writing together, they found a natural chemistry, with Brickman playing a supporting role to Allens semi-autobiographical material. We didnt write scenes together. I think thats the death for any collaboration, Brickman told the Writers Guild. I dont think theres any such thing really as an equal collaboration. I think that in any collaboration, one person, one personality, one point of view has to dominate. Brickman wrote The Addams Family alongside Rick Elice (Alamy/PA) Brickman wrote and directed the 1980 film Simon, starring Arkin as a psychology professor brainwashed into believing hes from outer space. He also directed 1983s Lovesick, with Alec Guinness as the ghost of Sigmund Freud, and 1986s The Manhattan Project, about a high schooler who builds a nuclear weapon for a school project. With Rick Elice penning the music, Brickman wrote the Broadway musical Jersey Boys, about the 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. It ran on Broadway for 12 years beginning in 2005. He and Elice also wrote the 2010 musical The Addams Family. Brickman is survived by his wife, Nina, daughters Sophie and Jessica, and five grandchildren. Ciaran Barnes tells the story of the brutal murder of Ian Ogle, who was behind it and why and how it affected the UVFThe attack has been compared to an attack from a pack of hyenasFive people have been convicted of murder Ian Ogle's daughter Toni (centre) was a strong voice in the campaign for justice. Glenn Rainey, from east Belfast, on a previous holiday in Thailand. He travelled again to Thailand with friend Jonathan 'Johnny' Brown following the murder of Ian Ogle. Ian Ogle was beaten and stabbed to death by a gang of five in a frenzied attack. The well-known loyalist was brutally stabbed and beaten to death in Cluan Place, the attack on him has been compared to an attack from a pack of hyenas. Five people have now been found guilty of his murder, including local loyalist Robert Rab Spiers, who owned the murder weapon. The killing shocked the local community and effectively brought down the leadership of the East Belfast UVF, leading to huge PSNI task force pressure which resulted in over 30 drug dealing convictions. Ogles daughter Toni Johnson has fought for justice for her father from the beginning, but questions are now being asked over why it took almost six years for the case to go through the courts. Ciaran Barnes tells Ciaran Dunbar the story of the brutal murder of Ian Ogle, who was behind it and why and how it affected the UVF. REVEALED | Out-of-control UVF gangs reign of violence and mayhem that ended in slaying of Ian Ogle Led by suspected double killer Mark Sewell, East Belfast UVF faction involved in shootings, beatings, extortion and drugs Ian Ogle (left), Stephen Matthews and Mark Sewell (circled) at an East Belfast UVF parade Ciaran Barnes Mon 2 Dec 2024 at 07:16 The UVF-linked gang which murdered Ian Ogle had been terrorising east Belfast for more than five years prior to the killing. The CEO of a San Francisco tech startup with headquarters in the Transamerica Pyramid touts a no-work-life-balance approach in which employees work at least 84 hours a week. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle San Francisco tech startup CEO Daksh Gupta sparked a heated debate when he posted to social media about his companys controversial no-work-life-balance approach, in which employees work at least 84 hours a week, often more. Though some criticized Guptas approach as exploitative, the startup founder said his philosophy attracts talented young people who are looking for an intense, high-stress work environment. It might be hard to believe, but there exist people who want this, while a minority. The transparency exists to identify them, Gupta, 23, wrote on X. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The San Francisco resident said he tells prospective job applicants to Greptile, the artificial intelligence company he helped found in 2023, that working there means working from 9 a.m. to at least 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and sometimes Sundays too. I emphasize the environment is high stress and there is no tolerance for poor work, he said in the post. recently i started telling candidates right in the first interview that greptile offers no work-life-balance, typical workdays start at 9am and end at 11pm, often later, and we work saturdays, sometimes also sundays. i emphasize the environment is high stress, and there is no Daksh Gupta (@dakshgup) November 9, 2024 Greptile, an early stage startup marketing an AI tool for other developers, closed a $4.1 million seed funding round in June, led by Initialized Capital, according to its website. Software engineers at the company can expect to make $120,000 to $200,000 per year, according to job postings on Greptiles website. Gupta said he discloses his high expectations to applicants up front in the name of transparency. Said Gupta: It felt wrong to do this at first, but Im convinced now that the transparency is good, and Id much rather people know this from the get go rather than find out on their first day. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Greptile employees usually trickle into their office, in the Transamerica Pyramid, between 8:45 and 9:15 a.m. Monday to Friday, Gupta told the Chronicle in a brief phone interview from India on Sunday. They start the workday with a huddle to share updates and set goals for the day. Around noon, Gupta usually picks up lunch for the team at nearby MIXT Salads. The workers usually eat together at a table in the office. Other times they go out for lunch. Deep work, with fewer conversations, happens in the afternoon, Gupta said. At various times employees take a break to go to the gym for about an hour. Snacks are on hand: fruit and yogurt from Costco. For dinner, the team usually orders food via Uber Eats. Afterward, music plays in the background. Recently its Charli xcxs Boiler Room set. If the team needs to buckle down, its lo-fi beats. Some employees work in the office until 9 p.m., but most stay until 10 or 11 p.m. Gupta works in the office from about noon until 5 or 6 p.m. Saturdays and doesnt go there Sundays, but he said co-founder Soohoon Choi works in the office both days. Gupta said he thinks of the weekends as the time to finish work that piled up or prepare for the next few days. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gupta said he gets six hours of sleep on average per night. His goal is seven hours. On a good night, he hits eight. He wakes up at 7 a.m. and goes on a 15-minute walk to wake up and get some steps in, he said. He walks 20 minutes to get to the office. Outside of work, he hangs out with his girlfriend and plays the piano sometimes. Aside from that, nothing much, he said. now that this is on the front page of reddit and my inbox is 20% death threats and 80% job applications, heres a follow up - to everyone who is overworked and underpaid at their software jobs esp outside the US, i feel for you, and im sorry this struck a nerve. the people pic.twitter.com/RzAM75DiG2 Daksh Gupta (@dakshgup) November 10, 2024 After Guptas post went viral, amassing 1.2 million views on X and 35,000 likes on a Reddit forum, some commenters said Guptas expectations are unrealistic and a recipe for burnout. Advertisement Article continues below this ad You would not be able to perform the basic responsibilities of life outside of work, one Reddit commenter wrote, adding, Youd likely struggle to get more than 6 hours of sleep per night when youre working 14 hour days. But others said Guptas transparency was admirable. I would much rather never accept their job offer than start working there and immediately quit, one Reddit user wrote. Choi expressed his support for the CEO on X, writing that Gupta and third co-founder Vaishant Kameswaran are some of the nicest and most understanding people out there and are flexible if employees have family or health concerns. Choi also defended the companys approach. Yes we work hard, Choi said. The nature of startups require a lot fing work there is high urgency to get as much work done as possible as fast as possible. In a follow-up post, Gupta said he had received a largely positive response to his work philosophy, writing that his inbox was full of 20% death threats and 80% job applications. He also wrote that his high-octane philosophy isnt supposed to be forever because it isnt sustainable, adding that the company might adopt a less intense work schedule as it matures. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gupta wrote that some social media commenters speculated that Guptas work approach owed to his Indian heritage, prompting him to clarify: i am like this not because i an indian but because im san franciscan. Gupta appears to have lived in the San Francisco area for less than a year and a half, according to a blog post he wrote on the companys website in July. After leaving Atlanta, where he studied computer science at Georgia Tech, Gupta wrote that he landed at San Franciscos airport as a struggling new grad startup founder. It is unclear where he lived before Georgia, but in his blog post he refers to being in his first year in silicon valley. Greptile began in 2023 during a hackathon in San Franciscos South of Market neighborhood and was launched with the help of startup incubator Y Combinator later that year, according to Greptiles website. It has six employees and is hiring. You are the owner of this article. This is a subscriber exclusive story. Subscribe today to access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home Eagle Archives, March 13, 1957: Mr. and Mrs. Philip Wynne brought their family of three from Leeds, England, to Pittsfield in 1951, looking for security from nuclear fission and greater opportunity for their children. Six years later, they're not sure about the security; they are about the opportunity. Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect that Richmond Technology LLC owns the building that houses the Richmond Telephone Co. Proper Connections is the parent company of Richmond Telephone, not Richmond Technology. RICHMOND Even though the old Town Hall is going to be sold at a steep discount from its original asking price, town leaders say the bid is an early "Christmas present." The Select Board approved a bid for the empty building on State Road offered by Shayne Flaherty, managing partner of Richmond Technology LLC, owner of the building that houses the Richmond Telephone Co. It was the sole offer for the historic building coming in at $42,000. It originally went on the market late last autumn with a minimum bid of $190,000 for the building and the land. Then with no response, it was offered last April for a minimum of $75,000. With no action after six months, Town Administrator Danielle Fillio, the towns chief procurement officer, put out a new request for offers with a minimum bid of $25,000. Im encouraged by this and we should jump on it like a duck on a June bug, Selectman Roger Manzolini said at a board meeting last month of the sole offer on the table. We should say 'yes.' They seem compatible with the community and prior use. So, I would strongly recommend it and view it as a Christmas present to ourselves. The next step would be a purchase and sale agreement followed by a closing of the acquisition. Richmond Technology's goal is to renovate the building for conversion into office space and technology outreach community programs. The company, which is headquartered nearby in the telephone company building at 1416 State Road, would purchase the former Town Hall, as is, and use it for overflow office space as needed, storage and technology outreach events on the main floor for computer training programs aimed at community organizations. In the past, according to their bid offer, the company has presented such programs for public schools, as well as the Boys & Girls Club. No zoning changes are needed since the residentially-zoned site is grandfathered for office use, said Fillio. The building became empty in October 2023, when municipal offices relocated to the new $8.3 million Richmond Town Hall and Library at 1751 State Road, adjacent to the Richmond Consolidated School. The old Town Hall was built in 1922 on land deeded to the town in 1796 for a small meeting house. The deadline for bids was Nov. 7 following an open house for prospective buyers. The Richmond Technology offer was filed three days earlier. We should be happy about this, Manzolini said, considering the lack of any other bids. The building is sitting there, its degrading more and more every day, and if we do nothing, eventually were going to be paying $25,000 to $42,000 to have the thing destroyed and hauled away. Sriharsha Devulapalli joined The San Francisco Chronicle in 2022, after finishing his master's degree in data journalism from Columbia University. Prior to this, he was working as a Product Manager for Blue Sky Analytics where he helped build a mapping platform for environmental data. Previously, he was a software developer with Mint, where he was responsible for data visualizations for the newspapers daily data journalism page Plain Facts. During his time there, Harsha wrote and produced data visualizations focusing on politics, development and economic issues in India. Devulapalli also brings with him experience outside of journalism. He had worked with the Urban Design Lab at the Earth Institute, Columbia University and the Hyderabad Urban Lab. He enjoys cities, maps, long walks, vistas, all things transit and making people curious. GREAT BARRINGTON Almost two weeks after the Butternut Fire ignited, Great Barrington Fire Chief Scott Turner has terminated the task force charged with watching it. "Based on weather changes, fuel conditions, and the monumental work of our firefighters and mutual aid, the fire is clearly under control and not expected to spread any further. Great Barringtons homes and businesses are safe," Turner said in a statement. "We are releasing the personnel and apparatus that had been in place 24/7 since that Monday evening 13 days ago." However, Turner noted that firefighters would be ready to respond to "any extension or minor growth that may occur." The Butternut Fire ignited Nov. 18 on East Mountain and quickly spread into neighboring Sheffield. It has consumed 1,670 acres spanning over 3 miles and came as the county was under severe drought conditions. The department noted that the fire did not damage or reach any homes and no fire personnel were injured. "The potential this fire had for devastation far exceeded what our firefighters were able to contain it to," Lt. Brian Mead, the department's public information officer, said. "At the end of an incident of this magnitude that had such risk, that is without a doubt, a victory." The fire was human-caused and is under investigation by the Great Barrington Fire and Police departments and Massachusetts State Police troopers assigned to the state Fire Marshals office. Anyone with possible information about the fire's origins are encouraged to contact Great Barrington Police at 413-528-0306 Ext. 3. Sunday's updates from the town's fire department were intended to be the final ones on the fire. It commended a group effort of over 400 firefighters, rangers, National Guard personnel and others that assisted in the response to the fire and its containment. The effort originated as mutual aid from neighboring fire departments, but quickly included the help of state and federal agencies as the fire spread. On Nov. 23, the fire department announced that the fire had been contained as the final break lines were connected. A break line is a gap in the ground without vegetation involving the removal of any fuel for the fire like leaves, trees and bushes. In the week after, Butternut command monitored the area for hot spots, or areas where the fire was expected to flare up again. However, days of beneficial rain and snow stifled the fire's growth. Great Barrington Town Manager Mark Pruhenski applauded the department for its efforts as 24/7 monitoring drew to a close. "I am extremely proud of the leadership and firefighters that put forth such extraordinary work to bring this incident to a close," he said. "It has been a long time since Great Barrington has seen such and incident. The collaboration between all of the agencies was impressive." However, Mead stressed that residents should still steer clear of the area of the fire. "This area remains dangerous," he said. "The fire dramatically changed conditions on the ground and around its footprint." Mead noted that the fire destabilized the land in its path, making trees and limbs more likely to fall, and the ground and boulders more susceptible to shifts, in addition to creating conditions for "void spaces" to open up. "We expect these hazards will make the area unsafe for residents for some time," Mead said. "Possibly as long as a few months." However, he also noted that the area is likely to rebound. "New growth will come in the spring," Mead said. "This area will once again flourish and be as healthy as it ever was." STOCKBRIDGE The potential rebuild or renovation of Monument Mountain Regional High School could have a major impact on town finances, and some leaders are questioning if it's worth the projected cost to taxpayers. At a recent informational session for the Stockbridge Finance Committee led by Berkshire Hills Regional School District leaders, the hard pitch was the long-delayed project is badly needed as the high school in Great Barrington, built in 1968, is aging, far from gracefully. But some committee members questioned the price tag for Stockbridge voters when the town sends only 40 students to the current high school building. Cost estimates for a new or renovated school total at least $142 million to $153 million of combined local and state funding. The high school serves 451 students from Great Barrington, Stockbridge and West Stockbridge. Superintendent Peter Dillon, members of the schools building committee, and design and engineering consultants were on hand to pitch the idea to the committee and answer questions about available options. Options range from a renovation and addition requiring 48 months and no temporary space for students, to a preferred rebuild: a two-story new construction in the parking lot or a three-story building on the hillside at the existing site either rebuild choice needing 24 to 30 months of work. Expected costs to the three towns total from at least $99 million to $110 million, depending on the plan selected an additional $53 million to $58 million would be covered by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. A decision by the district's school building committee on the preferred solution is expected Wednesday. A three-town up or down vote is likely next fall; all three would have to pass it via ballot initiative. Projections for Stockbridge taxpayers' share come to a total of roughly $30 million, to be financed by long-term borrowing. Responding to a question from Finance Committee member Diane Reuss, Dillon said a new school would be built for 485 students. Current district enrollment is 451, according to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Finance Committee Chairman Jay Bikofsky cast a wary eye on the costs. He pointed out that Stockbridge currently spends about one-quarter of its $12.2 million annual operating budget on educating 110 town students in the Berkshire Hills Regional School district, with 40 in the high school and the rest in the elementary and middle schools. When we go to the town meeting to present this, Bikofsky said, we need to be sure we have covered all options, not only construction options but other alternatives. He cautioned that the towns aging taxpayers are pressured by increased taxes. Its going to be not an easy sell, with [Stockbridge] enrollment going down over the years, Bikofsky said. He suggested revisiting other affiliations or using existing Berkshire Hills district facilities to replace the high school, such as Muddy Brook Elementary or W.E.B. Dubois Regional Middle School to save money. But those schools lack the space to accommodate an influx of high school students, according to district leaders. Dillon said the goal of this project is to address needs for the next 50 to 75 years. An attempted Berkshire Hills merger with the adjoining Southern Berkshire Regional School District failed in October 2023 due to voter opposition in four of the eight towns in the two districts. Its taken a decade for the states school building authority to actively reconsider funding a high school rebuild or renovation in Great Barrington following failed town funding votes. Deadlines are rapidly approaching the authority needs design basics by Dec. 17, according to Donna DiNisco, president of the architecture and planning firm DiNisco Design. The Old Testament contains over 350 prophecies about and fulfilled by Jesus Christ. As we reflect and praise God for Jesus coming to save us during this advent season, well consider a few Old Testament verses that find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Bible reveals Gods redemptive plan for humanity, and it centers on Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Because God fulfills all His promises and prophecies, we can anticipate with confidence what He says will come to pass. As we prepare to celebrate Christs birth, part of our preparation should include reading what the Old Testament says about Jesus. Following are 24 Old Testament passages and their references to the corresponding New Testament fulfillments in Christ Jesus. Photo credit: Getty Images/jacoblund BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. 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. Multi-Grammy award-winning artist Jason Mraz has announced his first UK and European tour in six years. He has announced a headline show in Dublins 3Olympia Theatre on Monday, October 13th, 2025. Advertisement Tickets from 49.90 including booking fee will be on sale on Friday at 10am. Unlike his last run in Europe, the 'Still Yours' tour will see Mraz performing solo acoustic shows in intimate venues, something he has not done in the region since 2017. The 21 shows will be an evening with Mraz, candidly sharing stories behind his most famous hits as well as introducing new songs. Fellow San Diego troubadour Gregory Page will join Mraz as a special guest on the second leg of the tour beginning September 29th in Paris. Advertisement The trek will see Mraz returning to key places from his career: 'I'm Yours' first took off after an overwhelming audience response to Mrazs performance of the then-unreleased song at a festival in Sweden; a video of an early rendition of 'I Won't Give Up' at a house concert in the Netherlands went viral in 2011; and the city of Prague served as the backdrop for the video of his Grammy Award-winning hit, 'Lucky'. Mrazs most recent new album, 2023s 'Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride', featured the single I Feel Like Dancing. For the album, Mraz reunited with producer Martin Terefe, who helmed 2008s 'We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things'. In honor of that albums 15th anniversary in 2023, Mraz released a deluxe edition featuring previously unheard demos, an unreleased song, and other rarities. A person with stroller walks past a grassy patch at George Moscone Park next to the Moscone Infant Toddler Playground in San Francisco, Calif. A woman accused of terrorizing children and families pleaded not guilty to charges of child endangerment and other accusations. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle A San Francisco woman accused of terrorizing a mother and child in Golden Gate Park following a series of other troubling encounters with parents and caregivers at city parks pleaded not guilty during her first court appearance Monday after spending months receiving psychiatric care. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Kenneth Wine called Kim Andrews a danger to the public and said her record of allegedly harassing children with their caregivers in public spaces across the city was extraordinarily threatening. Andrews has four separate criminal cases pending against her, including one for battery. Andrews, 37, is accused of child endangerment and making criminal threats in connection with a July incident at the park in which she allegedly threatened a mother with a toddler and screamed, Youre going to die while holding a lighter and a bottle of Lysol. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Andrews allegedly developed a fixation on the child and began screaming threats as the mother was walking with the 18-month-old toddler near the parks headquarters on Stanyan Street, according to San Francisco police. It is hard to imagine anything more threatening the reports are horrific, Wine said. Clad in an orange jumpsuit, Andrews remained largely silent while seated beside her attorney. She spoke only once, telling the judge, Thats a lie, following his description of her alleged conduct. On the July morning that Andrews allegedly threatened the mother and child, park rangers took her into custody after spotting her entering a public bathroom near the Koret Childrens Playground. The arrest came after weeks of escalating calls for her removal from city streets. Many caregivers and parents reported to police frightening experiences with Andrews over the past four years in which she allegedly approached, harassed and threatened children on city streets and playgrounds. Parents and city officials told the Chronicle that Andrews was most often seen in Laurel Village, the Richmond, Cole Valley and the Inner Sunset. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The allegations represent the most serious charges yet against Andrews, who appears to have cycled through the legal system several times before returning to live on city streets. In recent years, Andrews has been arrested on suspicion of battery and robbery, shoplifting and criminal threats, court records show. Following her most recent arrest, Andrews spent 120 days receiving psychiatric care at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, her attorney, Deputy Public Defender Tom McMahon, told the court. Andrews accepted a mental health conservatorship and has been taking medication for her mental health conditions, McMahon said. McMahon said Andrews entered a conservatorship agreement in November and is awaiting awaiting placement at a locked mental health treatment facility. The attorney said he was worried extended time in jail would restrict her access to the care and services she needs. In August, the San Diego natives sister, June Andrews, emailed Mayor London Breed, writing that her sister has been causing great distress to families by targeting kids, according to a partially redacted version of the email the Chronicle obtained through a public records request. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A former recruitment consultant whose employment was terminated as a result of her pregnancy has been awarded 136,200 in compensation. The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that a Dublin-based recruitment firm, Eteam Workforce, discriminated against recruitment consultant, Raquel Vieira Dos Santos Silva, on grounds of gender related to her pregnancy. Advertisement The company, which trades as eTeam, had denied that it had breached the Employment Equality Act 1998 and claimed that Ms Dos Santos Silva was let go after a client firm did not wish to renew her contract. Ms Dos Santos Silva joined the company in December 2022 on a full-time permanent contract with a monthly salary of 5,200 until she was dismissed on February 29th 2024 while on maternity leave. She told the WRC that she notified her employer in July 2023 that she was pregnant. Ms Dos Santos Silva said she was informed ten days later that she would be receiving an addendum to her contract of employment which referred to an extension of duties from December 2023 until the end of February 2024 the same month she was due to go on maternity leave. Advertisement She gave evidence that she refused to sign this addendum and was told that she would not be paid for the two months if she did not sign it. Ms Dos Santos Silva said she felt forced to sign the addendum under duress after the company repeatedly contacted her about the issue due to the threat of the loss of income immediately before she was due to give birth to her child. She accused eTeam of also failing to put any correspondence about her employment in writing. In her ruling WRC adjudication officer, Gaye Cunningham noted the company had moved to change Ms Dos Santos Silvas contract of employment ten days after she had informed her managers that she was pregnant in July 2023. Advertisement Eteam Workforce claimed it had made an error in omitting an end date to her contract of employment. The company said it was the wish of a client not to renew Ms Xs contract when her contract came to an end in February 2024. However, Ms Cunningham said eTeam had provided no documents to support its claim that the company had regularly been seeking alternative roles for her at the time. She observed that to unilaterally change the terms of contract of an employee is a serious matter. Ms Cunningham said the unilateral change to Ms Dos Santos Silvas contract was particularly egregious when she had notified her employer of her pregnancy. She also noted that the complainant had been put under pressure to sign an amended contract. The WRC ordered eTeam to pay the former consultant 124,800 compensation for the effects of the discrimination and a further 11,400 in respect of loss of earnings. People are being advised to be cautious when online shopping during 'Cyber Monday' on Monday, December 2nd. Research from FraudSmart has found one in five online shoppers have lost money through scams in the past year. One in 10 of those reported losing as much as 500. Advertisement The research also revealed that one in five shoppers do not take basic security precautions when shopping online, including checking for a secure connection (e.g., a https and a padlock image at the beginning of the web address) and avoiding the use of public wi-fi for payments. Eight out of 10 consumers plan to shop online in the run up to Christmas, with only three per cent saying they never shop online. During this peak online shopping period there is an increased risk to shoppers, with fraudsters primed to take advantage of Cyber Monday and the Christmas rush. Technology journalist at The Irish Times, Ciara O'Brien, is encouraging people to shop around to ensure discounts are genuine. Advertisement "If you see something that looks good, and a lot of people will have been watching things for the last little while, so they'll know the real prices, but if you have your eye on something specific, shop around," she said. "Don't just see a discount and think: 'That's the best deal I'm going to get'. "Have a look around and often what you'll find is what's a great cut-price discount on one site is the regular selling price on another. So, you'll find that maybe the deals aren't quite what you thought." Thousands of giant panda sculptures will greet residents and tourists in Hong Kong, where enthusiasm for the bears has grown since two cubs were born in a local theme park. The 2,500 exhibits were showcased in a launch ceremony of PANDA GO! FEST HK, the citys largest panda-themed exhibition, at Hong Kongs airport. Advertisement They will be publicly displayed at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, a popular shopping district, this coming weekend before setting their footprint at three other locations this month. The Panda Go! event takes place in Hong Kong as the city looks to recapture tourism (AP) One designated spot is Ocean Park, home to the twin cubs, their parents and two other pandas donated by Beijing this year. The design of six of the sculptures, made of recycled rubber barrels and resins among other materials, was inspired by these bears. The displays reflect Hong Kongs use of pandas to boost its economy as the Chinese financial hub works to regain its position as one of Asias top tourism destinations. Advertisement An An is one of the donated bears (AP) Pandas are considered Chinas unofficial national mascot. The countrys giant panda loan programme with overseas zoos has long been seen as a tool of Beijings soft-power diplomacy. Hong Kongs tourism industry representatives are upbeat about the potential impact of housing six pandas, hoping to boost visitor numbers even though caring for pandas in captivity is expensive. Officials have encouraged businesses to capitalize on the popularity of the bears to seize opportunities in what some lawmakers have dubbed the panda economy. The bears are seen as an international symbol of China and also a significant example of Beijings soft power (AP) The organiser of the exhibitions also invited some renowned figures, including musician Pharrell Williams, to create special-edition panda designs. Most of these special sculptures will be auctioned online for charity and the proceeds will be donated to Ocean Park to support giant panda conversation efforts. Advertisement In a separate media preview event on Monday, the new pair of pandas donated by Beijing, An An and Ke Ke, who arrived in September, appeared relaxed in their new home at Ocean Park. An An enjoyed eating bamboo in front of the cameras and Ke Ke climbed on an installation. They are set to meet the public on Sunday. The twin cubs whose birth in August made their mother Ying Ying the worlds oldest first-time panda mother may meet visitors as early as February. Ke Ke has made her debut appearance to media in Ocean Park (AP) Ying Ying and the baby pandas father, Le Le, are the second pair of pandas sent by Beijing to Hong Kong since the former British colony returned to Chinas rule in 1997. The first pair were An An and Jia Jia who arrived in 1999. Jia Jia, who died aged 38 in 2016, is the worlds oldest-ever panda to have lived in captivity. Advertisement The average lifespan for a panda in the wild is 14 to 20 years, while in captivity it is up to 30 years, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature. The Israeli military says Hezbollah has fired into a disputed border zone, its first attack since a ceasefire took hold last week. It comes after Lebanon accused Israel of violating the truce more than 50 times in recent days. Advertisement Hezbollah said its attack was a warning to Israel over the alleged ceasefire violations. The Israeli military said on Monday that two projectiles were launched toward Mount Dov, a disputed Israeli-held territory known as Shebaa Farms in Lebanon, where the borders of Lebanon, Syria, and Israel meet. Israel said the projectiles fell in open areas and no injuries were reported. Last Wednesday, a US- and French-brokered ceasefire came into effect calling for a 60-day halt in fighting, aiming to end more than a year of exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel. More than 200 people have been detained after four nights of protests in the Georgian capital over the governments decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union. The demonstrations came after the EU lambasted Georgias parliamentary elections. Advertisement The ruling Georgian Dream partys disputed victory in the poll on October 26, widely seen as a referendum on Georgias aspirations to join the EU, has sparked mass demonstrations, with the opposition boycotting parliament. The opposition and the countrys pro-Western President also accused the vote of being rigged with Moscows help. Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the parliament for the fourth night on Sunday. Some protesters threw fireworks at police who responded by deploying tear gas and water cannon. The governments decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union for four years sparked protests (AP) Georgias Interior Ministry said on Monday that 224 protesters were detained on administrative charges and three arrested on criminal charges. Advertisement So far, 113 police officers needed medical treatment while three others were taken to hospital. Georgias President Salome Zourabichvili said that many of the arrested protesters had injuries to their heads and faces, including broken bones and eye sockets. Writing on X and citing lawyers who represent the detained, she said some people were subject to systematic beatings between arrest and transportation to detention facilities. Parliamentary elections held in October have been disputed in various quarters (AP) Ms Zourabichvili holds a largely ceremonial role and is due to step down at the end of the year. She has indicated she will remain in her post until another president is chosen by a legitimate parliament. Advertisement Ahead of Sundays protest, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of Georgian Dream warned that any violation of the law will be met with the full rigor of the law. He added: Neither will those politicians who hide in their offices and sacrifice members of their violent groups to severe punishment escape responsibility. Mr Kobakhidze insisted it was not true that Georgias European integration had been halted. The only thing we have rejected is the shameful and offensive blackmail, which was, in fact, a significant obstacle to our countrys European integration. #Georgiaprotests After universities, it is the turn of schools to express their solidarity with the protests, all over Georgia Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) December 2, 2024 The governments announcement to suspend the EU membership process came hours after the European Parliament adopted a resolution criticising Octobers election in Georgia as neither free nor fair. Advertisement Mr Kobakhidze also dismissed the US State Departments statement on Saturday which announced the suspension of its strategic relationship with Georgia and condemned the decision to halt its efforts toward EU accession. You can see that the outgoing (US) administration is trying to leave the new administration with as difficult a legacy as possible. They are doing this regarding Ukraine, and now also concerning Georgia, Mr Kobakhidze said. This will not have any fundamental significance. We will wait for the new administration and discuss everything with them. Dozens of demonstrators were detained (AP) He also confirmed that Georgias ambassador to the US, David Zalkaliani, had become the latest of a number of diplomats to stand down since the protests started. Advertisement The president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas spoke to President Zourabichvili on Sunday to condemn the violence against protesters and to note that the actions of the government run counter to the will of the people, Mr Costa wrote on X. Also on Sunday, Ms Kallas and EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos released a joint statement. We note that this announcement marks a shift from the policies of all previous Georgian governments and the European aspirations of the vast majority of the Georgian people, as enshrined in the Constitution of Georgia, the statement said. It reiterated the EUs serious concerns about the continuous democratic backsliding of the country and urged Georgian authorities to respect the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, and refrain from using force against peaceful protesters, politicians and media representatives. The EU granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023 on condition that it meet 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. Had a call with @Zourabichvili_S together with @kajakallas. We condemn the violence against peaceful protestors. Actions of government run counter to the will of the people. The EU stands with the people of #Georgia. pic.twitter.com/OxapgXsafB Antonio Costa (@eucopresident) December 1, 2024 Georgian Dream has increasingly adopted repressive laws mirroring those in Russia which crack down on freedom of speech and curtail LGBTQ+ rights. A law banning same-sex marriages, adoptions by same-sex couples and public endorsement and depictions of LGBTQ+ relations and people in the media came into force on Monday. Speaking to The Associated Press on Saturday, Ms Zourabichvili said that her country was becoming a quasi-Russian state and that Georgian Dream controls the major institutions. We are not demanding a revolution. We are asking for new elections, but in conditions that will ensure that the will of the people will not be misrepresented or stolen again, Ms Zourabichvili said. An impeachment complaint has been filed against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, who is facing a legal storm over a death threat she made against the President, the alleged misuse of government funds by her office and other criminal accusations. The impeachment bid filed by several prominent opponents and activists in the House of Representatives accuses Ms Duterte of violating the countrys Constitution, massive corruption and other high crimes, including the death threats she made against the President, his wife and the speaker of the House of Representatives. Advertisement The Vice Presidents threats showed the extent of respondents mental incapacity, her depravity and lack of mental fitness to continue holding the high office of Vice President of the Philippines, said a copy of the complaint seen by reporters. The same constitute not only betrayal of public trust but also a high crime which would warrant her immediate impeachment from office. Ms Duterte, a 46-year-old lawyer, was also accused in the complaint of having unexplained wealth and of allowing the extra-judicial killings of drug suspects begun by her father, Rodrigo Duterte, a former president and previously the mayor of southern Davao City, when she held that position in the past. The Vice Presidents legal troubles have unfolded against the backdrop of her increasingly bitter political feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his allies. Advertisement Ms Duterte is accused of a number of high crimes (AP) She said in online news conference on November 23 that she has contracted an assassin to kill Mr Marcos, his wife and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez if she were killed, a threat she warned was not a joke. Ms Duterte later said she was not threatening the President but was expressing concern for her own safety. The impeachment complaint will be scrutinised by the Philippine Congress, which is dominated by allies of Mr Marcos and his cousin and key backer, Mr Romualdez, who has also been politically at odds with the Vice President. The process could take weeks or months. Congress is to start its Christmas recess on December 20 and resume on January 13. Many legislators will then start campaigning for re-election before May 12 mid-term elections. Advertisement The House has been investigating the alleged misuse of 612.5 million pesos (8.1 million) of confidential and intelligence funds received by Ms Dutertes offices as Vice President and education secretary. She has since left the education post. Ms Duterte has refused to respond to questions in detail in tense televised hearings. She also vehemently protested when her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, was ordered temporarily detained for allegedly hampering the inquiry. Ms Lopez has been released from hospital detention. Philippine police have filed criminal complaints against Ms Duterte and her security staff for allegedly assaulting authorities and disobeying orders in an altercation in Congress over Ms Lopezs detention. Ms Duterte has accused Mr Marcos, his wife and Mr Romualdez of corruption, weak leadership and attempting to muzzle her because of speculation she may seek the presidency in 2028. Advertisement The security of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr was immediately boosted (Malacanang Presidential Communications Office via AP) The National Bureau of Investigation subpoenaed Ms Duterte to face investigators about her threats against them. The police, military and the national security adviser immediately boosted the security of the Marcoses after the threats. The president has said an impeachment of Ms Duterte would waste time while the country faces other challenges, but her opponents have said they will proceed to foster accountability and the rule of law. Mr Marcos and Ms Duterte won landslide victories as running mates in the 2022 election but have since fallen out over key differences. The two offices are elected separately in the Philippines, which has resulted in rivals occupying the countrys top political posts. Advertisement Mr Marcos and Ms Duterte differ on their approaches to Chinas territorial claims in the South China Sea and their views on the deadly anti-drug crackdown conducted by Ms Dutertes father, Rodrigo Duterte, who was the previous president in addition to ex-mayor of Davo. The brutal crackdown left thousands of mostly poor suspects dead in killings mostly by police that are being investigated by the International Criminal Court as a possible crime against humanity. The companys Pittong operation has been in operation since 1972 and is Australias only wet kaolin mine and processing plant. Typical calcined kaolin cement blends have a clinker replacement factor of 0.5 which can potentially represent an embodied carbon reduction of about 40 per cent according to the company. Calcined kaolin cement blends are seen as a significant modification to reduce the carbon footprint and increase the sustainability of Victorias major projects. Last month Perth-based Suvo received an Federal Government research and development (R&D) grant of $380,236 for its low-carbon cement research under the governments R&D Incentive Scheme for its licensed proprietary Colliecrete geopolymer technology. The company says Colliecrete has been shown to achieve a greenhouse gas emissions reduction of about 50 per cent in concrete production compared with concrete produced using ordinary Portland Cement. Portland cement is manufactured using an intensely carbon dioxide emitting process, with about one tonne of carbon dioxide required for each tonne of cement produced. In October last year, Suvo revealed it had entered into an intellectual property (IP) licence agreement with Murdoch University in Perth to license and commercialise Murdochs technology for a geopolymer concrete batching plant and its new low-carbon Colliecrete formulation. The formulation is named after the source of some of the materials used for the local blend, which are derived from the industrial waste generated by the coal-fired power station at Collie in WAs South West region. The companys low-carbon geopolymer concrete is manufactured by reacting aluminate and silicate bearing materials with a caustic activator such as metakaolin, fly-ash, finely-ground blast-furnace slag and other materials derived principally from industrial wastes to make cement. Suvos new-tech geopolymer concrete is seen as a suitable replacement to the usual Portland cement binder, which has for decades comprised the traditional binding agent in conventional concrete. Suvo said it plans to commercialise the Murdoch technology, initially by launching studies to upscale the pilot plant to produce Colliecrete and other geopolymer concrete formulations. It also flagged the possible inclusion of its Pittong kaolin and other waste-derived products such as furnace fly-ash. Suvo has also established a collaboration with Melbourne-based Deakin Universitys Institute for Frontier Materials to formulate various low-carbon concrete mixes. The mixes will be formulated using low-cost hydrous kaolin supplied from Suvos Pittong operation. The collaboration aims to develop concrete mixes in which up to 70 per cent of Portland cement is replaced by kaolin, which would be an important contributor to decarbonising major projects where vast amounts of concrete are typically required. The collaborations initial formulation comprises a 50 per cent Portland cement replacement to produce a 50 Megapascal strength concrete with future plans, subject to test results, aimed at increasing the Portland cement replacement to about 70 per cent. Executive Chairman Aaron Banks commented: We are excited to commence our third vertical for the business. Having successfully set up with PERMAcast and with further advancing testing in Indonesia with PT Huadi on our one-part geopolymer binder, we now look to create our transition piece our calcined kaolin cement. Traditionally, you can swap out 50% of Portland cement with calcined kaolin, which is a great start, but first prize for us would be the ability to create a formulation removing up to 70% of Portland cement. Given Suvo is Australias only hydrous kaolin producer, the company potentially has a first-mover advantage to kick off up-scaleable production as soon as the formulations are refined and fully tested for strength and durability. Suvo retains several options for its kaolin supply as a supplementary cementitious material. It could partner with an existing cement company or it might consider buying Portland cement and manufacturing its low carbon binder, just as it already produces its other kaolin formulations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: matt.birney@bullsnbears.com.au ======================================== If theres one individual from history who continues to enthral billions of people across our planet its a man called Abraham. Knight of faith, king of compassion, father of nations, he inspires Jews, Christians and Muslims. He is an interfaith maestro. In view of this, when I was recently invited to the Abrahamic Peace Working Group Conference in Indonesia, especially at this time of gross tension between the monotheist faiths, it was a no-brainer that I should attend. An Islamic organisation willing to invite Jews and Muslims to come together (and interact with Christians) was a rare opportunity. It also supported my belief, based on the profound reflections of former Commonwealth chief rabbi Jonathan Sacks and Rabbi Menachem Froman (a pioneer of interfaith endeavours in Israel and the West Bank) that if religion today is part of the problem, it can also be part of the solution. Mevlidi-i Halil Mosque in Sanliurfa, Turkiye, where a synagogue and then a church previously stood, is next to the reputed birthplace of Abraham. Credit: Mark Daffey The Abrahamic Peace or Circles initiative is the brainchild of Dr Dino Patti Djalal, former Indonesian ambassador to Washington, who believes that addressing the problems of the world means recognising the role religion plays in them. The October 7 War, says Dino, will continue to have emotional and psychological consequences; left unchecked it can also allow religious extremism to flourish. While he is mindful that meetings like this will not change the world overnight, he is convinced that small and incremental changes can temper the dangers of extremism. The conference involved Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious leaders and scholars from across the world, from Dubai and Jordan to London, New York and East Timor. Builders have vented their frustration with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Skills Minister Andrew Giles after a briefing on government policy on migration, which left some key jobs off the official list of skills that are in the greatest shortage. The new policy on core skills will add more building jobs to the official list, a crucial factor for employers when they bring in a skilled foreign worker, and could make it easier to bring in plumbers, bricklayers and carpenter joiners. Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn wants the priority jobs list expanded. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The peak industry group, Master Builders Australia, welcomed the additions to the list but said the changes should have gone further. The industry thinks the government should have added other jobs in national shortage such as bulldozer operators, crane operators, drillers, excavator operators, grader operators, scaffolders, steel fixers and structural steel erectors. We remain dismayed that in the middle of a housing crisis and chronic labour shortages, key roles in the industry have been left off the list, said Master Builders chief executive Denita Wawn. You cant build a house, schools, hospitals or roads without crane, bulldozer and excavator operators, who have not made the cut. The key concern is that the cost of construction has risen 40 per cent over the last five years and skill shortages are a key factor. But this does not mean builders are blocked from bringing in a foreign crane or bulldozer operator. The Core Skills Occupation List allows employers to gain faster entry for workers, often at a lower cost, but does not block other pathways. A builder could bring in a bulldozer operator on a skilled independent subclass 189 visa, for instance, by paying a fee of $4765 and doing labour market testing to prove local workers could not be found. Migration expert Abul Rizvi, a former deputy secretary in the immigration department, said some claims about the list were overblown such as the Coalitions claim earlier this year that government wanted more yoga teachers than construction workers. The government allowed 11,349 skilled building workers into the country last year. Rizvi said bulldozer operators were semi-skilled workers who could be trained in Australia over less time and at lower cost than carpenters and plumbers, so federal authorities were always reluctant to add them to shortage lists. He said adding them to the list should not be necessary when builders could encourage local workers to gain the TAFE skills to do the jobs. Theres no shortage of Australians who would probably take those jobs if you paid them enough, he said. Train people from the humanitarian intake, for instance: we bring in 20,000 every year in that program. He acknowledged that only some refugees would be of working age and suitable for construction work. The key problem, Rizvi said, was the increase in visa fees and the slowdown in processing times for skilled foreign workers when the previous government scrapped the subclass 457 visa six years ago. He said the minister responsible was Peter Dutton, then in charge of home affairs and immigration. GEORGE CRAIG: 19302024 George Craig, who has died aged 94, captured alive some of the worlds largest crocodiles. English by descent, he started shooting the beasts for their skins in 1951 on the Adelaide and Daly rivers in Australias Northern Territory, and then on the Fly River in Papua New Guinea, where he stayed from 1956 until 1971, on occasion narrowly escaping the clutches of head-hunters. But the more he understood the ways of the crocodile, the less he wanted to kill them. He moved his business away from hides, bought a trading post with his wife and started to trap and keep live crocodiles. George Craig feeds a chicken to saltwater crocodile Cassius at Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, 2011. Credit: AAP One prize exhibit was Gomek, a 17ft 9in estuarine crocodile (or saltie) weighing more than 135 stone (857 kiograms) that he had captured in 1968, a supposed man-eater named Louma Whalla Coremana Dikana (loosely translated as Evil Spirit, Very Large, Very Ferocious). In captivity, Gomek was no longer aggressive but would still wolf down a four-foot crocodile. No problem, straight down the hatch, Craig recalled. Always was a good eater. Liked a lot of mullet. Daniel Craig, left, and Drew Starkey star in Luca Guadagninos Queer, an adaptation of William S. Burroughs unfinished novel published in 1985. Chris Pizzello/Associated Press He attempts to deny it, but its clear that Daniel Craig feels a sense of freedom since he turned in his service revolver and retired as James Bond. You can sense it in the British actors playfulness as private detective Benoit Blanc in the Knives Out films, and certainly in his newest role, as the homosexual scalawag William Lee a stand-in for author William S. Burroughs in Queer. Based on Burroughs unfinished novel published in 1985 and directed by Luca Guadagnino (Challengers and Call Me by Your Name), Queer shows a Craig youve never seen before: flamboyant, substance-addicted, witty, sad, and very, very gay. For those who know him only as the British secret service agent, his nude scenes might shock. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I couldnt have done this film when I was doing Bond. It would have felt self-conscious, like I was trying to show my range, Craig said during a visit to San Francisco last month. Now Im not doing (Bond), and if something comes along like this, I just know how blessed I am. I love it. Daniel Craig, left, and Drew Starkey star Queer, which opens in the Bay Area on Friday, Dec. 6. Yannis Drakoulidis/Associated Press Craig and Guadagnino were in town for a screening of Queer at the San Francisco Museum of Arts Phyllis Wattis Theater. The evening was hosted by Julia Roberts, who is not in the film but has finished filming Guadagninos next one, After the Hunt. The actress, a former part-time San Francisco resident, called her year with the Italian director life-changing and believes Queer is a special film. This aint no rom-com! the Pretty Woman actress joked with the crowd. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Craig cheekily replied, Actually, it kind of is. Craigs character is a drunken expat living in 1950s Mexico City, spending his days and nights barhopping and picking up younger men. He becomes fixated with the young, impossibly handsome bisexual ex-U.S. serviceman Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey). Director Luca Guadagnino, left, Julia Roberts and Daniel Craig for Queer at the San Francisco Museum of Arts Phyllis Wattis Theater on Nov. 18, 2024. Casey Flanigan/imageSpace/imageSPACE for A24 The morning after the screening, Craig sat on a couch in a suite at the St. Regis hotel for a Chronicle interview, sipping a hot tea. He wore wire-rimmed glasses, a tight black T-shirt that shows hes retained that Bond physique, off-white pants and stylishly scuffed brown shoes that would look at home plodding the cobbled streets of mid-20th century Ciudad de Mexico. Guadagnino was a couple of minutes late, so Craig filled time by speaking of the dinner they ate at the Battery with Roberts and Strand Releasing co-founder Marcus Hu, who moderated the after-screening Q&A at SFMOMA. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Daniel Craig attends the Los Angeles premiere of A24's Queer at DGA Theater Complex on Nov. 13 in Los Angeles. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images He also wanted to slightly walk back his previous evenings assertion that he couldnt have done Queer while he was James Bond, which he left after his fifth movie as the character in 2021s No Time to Die. But then, oddly, he kind of doubled down on the opposite. I think that tends to negate what came before, he explained. Was I not free then? I was playing a part (Bond). It was a particular type of character. You know, there were restraints to it, but also huge amounts of freedom to express myself but in a very, very, very different way. And so I dont see it. I mean, its a lovely narrative, but I didnt write it. Daniel Craig last played James Bond in No Time to Die (2021). Nicola Dove/Danjaq LLC/MGM/TNS Craig, 56, is walking a sort of tightrope. His nearly two-decade journey as Agent 007 began in San Francisco he was at the bar at the Fairmont Hotel in May 2005 doing press for Layer Cake when he got the call from Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson that he had been cast in Casino Royale (2006). After five films as Bond, he doesnt want to throw the franchise under the bus. Hes thankful, even nostalgic, but moving on. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The night before the SFMOMA event, he was at the Academy Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Governors Awards in Los Angeles, presenting Broccoli and Wilson who have yet to choose the actor to succeed Craig with the Irving Thalberg Award. Its a far cry from 2015, after Spectre came out, when he told the Guardian hed rather slash his wrists than play Bond again. When I first did Bond, I wanted to work (on other movies) in between to try and counteract what I thought was such a massive change in my life. And I realized very quickly that was a stupid thing to do, he explained. You cant be reactive. When you make decisions about artistic choices, you cant say, Ive done this, now I must do this. Its just terrible. It doesnt work. I think doing Queer would have just felt like me trying to, I dont know, do something. Now with a much clearer head and I dont have another Bond to do, this seemed like such an easy decision. Director Luca Guadagnino and Daniel Craig discuss Queer after a Nov. 18 screening at the San Francisco Museum of Arts Phyllis Wattis Theater. G. Allen Johnson/The Chronicle By then Guadagnino had joined the conversation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Daniel knows cinema inside and out, the director said. Ive had my fair share of disappointment in the process of putting together movies, but when Daniel said hes in, thats it, he was in. It was a wonderful feeling of trust and belonging. When you have a movie like this that is not your typical movie and you have to ask your crew to follow you along this path that is bizarre for some, to have a partner in Daniel who set the tone of everyone following this journey, its really amazing. Craig prepared for his role by assimilating Burroughs, who died in 1997 at age 83, through studying both his writings Junkie (1953), a precursor to Queer, is Craigs favorite and filmed interviews and home movies. Daniel Craig, left, and Drew Starkey star in Queer. Yannis Drakoulidis/Associated Press The base note of the accent is Burroughs in interviews, which is sort of this deep voice, Craig said, lowering his register. Then theres this sort of thing which Burroughs called the routine. Its the thing you do in conversation. Some may call it being a blowhard, he continues, with a laugh. Then theres another part of the accent, which is Burroughs in private, which is just open season. In the one Bondian element of Queer, Craigs Lee carries a pistol tucked in his belt. Guadagnino said all the weaponry in the film was borrowed from Burroughs own collection. Burroughs loved pistols, Craig said. He slept with one under his pillow. He kept a 12-gauge (shotgun) by his bed. Author William S. Burroughs (1914-87) hangs out backstage at the Keystone Korner in San Francisco in 1981. Dianne Levy/The Chronicle Guadagnino filmed the movie in Italy, mostly at the legendary Cinecitta studios in Rome, where so many great Italian films were shot, from Federico Fellinis La Dolce Vita (1960) to Franco Zeffirellis Romeo and Juliet (1968), as well as Hollywood movies from Roman Holiday (1953) to Cleopatra (1963). They shot Once Upon a Time in America there, Craig added helpfully, naming Sergio Leones 1984 gangster epic as a personal favorite. By the way, this isnt the first time Craig has played a gay character. In 1998s Love Is the Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon, distributed in the U.S. by Hus Strand Releasing, Craig played the young lover to Derek Jacobis Bacon, the 20th century British artist. Daniel Craig, left, and Drew Starkey in a scene from Queer, based on William S. Burroughs unfinished novel. Yannis Drakoulidis/Associated Press That was the Before Bond era of his career. Back then, Craig played such varied roles as Sylvia Plaths lover opposite Gwyneth Paltrow in 2003s Sylvia; Paul Newmans gangster son in 2002s Road to Perdition (2002); a British thug in Layer Cake; and a member of the Mossad team assigned to exact revenge after the terror attack at the 1972 Munich Olympics in Steven Spielbergs Munich (2005). During his Bond years, he was able to fit in work on films such as Cowboys & Aliens (2011) opposite Harrison Ford and David Finchers The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Now Post-Bond is in full flower. He and his wife, actress Rachel Weisz, have moved back to London from New York (they have a 6-year-old daughter in addition to adult children, one each, from previous relationships). Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, featuring his third turn as Blanc for director Rian Johnson, is due out sometime in 2025. And Queer is an example of the type of project he craves to challenge him. Asked if theres a role he would love to play in the future, Craig smiled. Lets hope so, he said. The vast estate of a former Sydney beauty queen, including her $12 million northern beaches home, has been examined in a messy court feud over the validity of a will made days before her death. Gail Margaret Thelen, who rose to prominence as a teen representing Australia at the 1974 Miss World pageant in London, signed a new will while gravely ill in hospital on April 20, 2021. She died a week later, aged 65. A multimillion-dollar Clontarf home owned by the late Gail Thelen, a former Sydney beauty queen, was at the centre of an inheritance dispute. Credit: Jamie Brown, Nearmap The NSW Supreme Court was required to consider her legal capacity to make that will, which would have benefited her partner Steven Rundle Bone by giving him a right to live for life at the Clontarf home, in addition to at least $1 million contemplated under an earlier will. The court challenge was brought by her brother, Paul Petith. In a decision this month, Justice Ian Pike said Bone appears to have been the driving force behind Gail changing her will and stood to benefit most. The Comancheros bikie gang Brisbane vice president is allegedly among 11 men and two juveniles charged over a multimillion-dollar attempted import of cocaine into Australia, the largest in the nations history. The group used a newly purchased fishing boat to collect cocaine from a mothership off the coast of Queensland, police allege. However, on their return voyage on Saturday the boat broke down, about 18 kilometres north-east of Kgari, allowing police to swoop. Australian Federal Police charged 11 men and two juveniles with conspiring to import 2.34 tonnes of cocaine into the country by sea. It is alleged multiple groups were planning to collect the cocaine onshore. You wont hear politicians admit it, but the nations south-eastern states need to import gas and moves are afoot to quietly make it happen. The reason they wont admit it? Because of twin failures and decades of inaction. NSW and Victoria are running out of gas and have little option but to import it. Credit: Getty Images Australia is one of the most gas-rich nations in the world and one of the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters behind the United States, but gas import terminals are widely viewed as the best bet for NSW and Victoria to fill gaping holes in supply. The two states that are home to more than half of Australias population have no near-term prospects of replacement gas supply. How did we get ourselves into this situation? Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek will try to salvage a deal to set up a peak federal agency to protect the environment despite a new demand from the Greens for major changes to the law, amid talk of a feud within the ministry over a decision to shelve the reform last week. Plibersek is promising to negotiate in good faith in parliament to try to rescue the Nature Positive Bill in the expectation that parliament resumes in February, setting up a test for the Greens on whether they will vote to set up Environment Protection Australia. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday last week, the day before Albanese overruled Plibersek. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen But Labor caucus members admitted the government was paying a political price for its handling of the reforms last week, when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese chose to shelve the laws after Plibersek had come close to a compromise with the Greens. Albanese absolutely denied a feud with Plibersek when asked about the bill on ABC News Radio on Monday morning, saying instead the government had passed 45 pieces of legislation over the past fortnight. For three years now, the Victorian and federal governments have been locked in an impasse over funding the Suburban Rail Loop. Increasingly, the state government is voicing its frustration at Canberras refusal to pay up, but the main reason purse strings are being clutched is simple: the state governments business plan and what it lacks is of major concern to Infrastructure Australia, the independent body advising the federal government. The Suburban Rail Loop business plan has glaring issues. Credit: Joe Armao For large-scale infrastructure projects such as the SRL, a business case is the cornerstone document used to assess whether a project should proceed or not. Generally, these documents address three fundamental questions: Does the project have merit? Is the agency overseeing it equipped to manage the risks? What will it cost, and are the benefits worth the expenditure? I have spent my career preparing and analysing these plans, and Ive reviewed the SRL business case. The issues are glaring. There is an evaluation of the wrong project, a failure to assess project alternatives, inflated economic benefits, and inadequate planning for risks to name just a few. The UWU gave no assurance of safe passage for workers, creating an unsafe situation, the spokesperson said. Loading There was no need for todays disruption, the Woolworths spokesperson said. The majority of our team at [Dandenong] want to return to work and be paid again, our customers are facing increasingly empty shelves. As long as [the UWU] continue to block access to our site, our customers will continue to face shortages on shelves in Victoria. [Union] members at the site have every right to take industrial action, but its not right to stop people working who want to work. The retailer and union met on Monday. In an afternoon press conference, UWU national secretary Tim Kennedy said negotiations were ongoing. Its our ... aim to reach an agreement as quickly as possible and have workers be able to go back to work on fair and just terms, Kennedy said. Empty shelves at a Woolworths Metro store in Melbourne on Sunday amid distribution centre worker strikes. Credit: April Lombardo Our workers dont want to be out on strike and not being paid. Theyre there to try and get an agreement. Woolworths can fix this by simply sitting down and listening to what the workers legitimate concerns are and meeting them. Loading These are not radical proposals being sought. If they did that, then all warehouses open again, people are back to work, and shelves are full. The Dandenong South distribution centre accounts for more than 40 per cent of the four sites total output. The other three sites two more in Victoria and one in NSW also remain closed. One worker at the Dandenong picket line on Monday told this masthead that Woolworths had repeatedly called strikers to put them under pressure to return. The thing thats quite saddening to me is the division, said the worker, who asked not to be named out of fear of losing her job. I went to watch the bus get loaded this morning, and it breaks your heart. To me, thats not a non-unionised person. The strike action by workers at Woolworths distribution centre in Dandenong South is entering its 12th day. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Thats my friend with their head down, embarrassed, because they know where they want to be, and they know what were fighting for. This time last week, they were here, but obviously they answered the phone. UWU official Andy Giles said the workers also wanted Woolworths to review a framework that included a rate dictating how many items they had to pick within a certain time. If workers regularly failed to meet the pick rate, they were disciplined, he said. If youre getting called in by your supervisors, and theyre telling you that youre not doing enough, that pressure is real, Giles said. People are going to take shortcuts, theyre going to cut corners, theyre going to work speeds that are not safe. Theyve got heavy machinery, theres equipment, there are forklifts, there are all sorts of things. You cannot mix machines and people and put that pressure [on them]. Woolworths said the UWU was asking for an immediate pay rise of more than 25 per cent and increases of 15 per cent in years two and three materially above inflation. The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association last week endorsed an offer from Woolworths. But Giles said the pay arrangements differentiated between the four distribution centres and the union wanted those paid less than $38 an hour to be bumped up to at least that rate. Woolworths workers have been on strike for 12 days and counting. Credit: Luis Ascui A partner distribution centre has also been on strike since November 21. The Woolworths spokesperson apologised to customers for the grocery shortages. Activist and Victorian Socialists federal Senate candidate Jordan van den Lamb known as purplepingers online issued a call-out to followers on social media on Sunday, urging them to attend Mondays action in Dandenong South. Party member Ryan Stanton said activists, students and trade union members were among those who turned out with the party to support Mondays protest. Woolworths is one of the main drivers behind the cost-of-living crisis, Stanton said. Theyve been price gouging ... but what a lot of people dont know is that theyre also doing their best to make working lives harder for the workers who actually pick the stock that goes to the stores. A suspected gunman remains on the run after a 29-year-old man and a yet-to-be-identified woman were killed during a fight at a home on the Mornington Peninsula early on Monday morning. Police were called after an altercation between a group of people inside a house in Parson Street, Rye, shortly after 4am. Forensic officers at the scene on Monday. Credit: Jason South When officers arrived, they found the man and woman with gunshot wounds. Emergency services tried to revive the pair, but they were declared dead at the scene. We are still working on the exact circumstances. However, it appears that a firearm or firearms have been discharged, and a man who lived at that property and the woman that attended that property were seriously injured, Detective Superintendent Janet Stevenson told reporters on Monday afternoon. The state opposition says the popular capped regional airfares scheme needs to be reviewed as questions emerge over its integrity after it was revealed the number of taxpayer-subsidised flights to FIFO hub Karratha was nearly double the next town. The Australian Financial Review reported concerns that the program which has ballooned in cost from $19 million to more than $100 million over three years may allow passengers to travel regionally for business rather than privately, as was originally intended. The program has subsidies about 400,000 tickets. Credit: Nine News Perth. Opposition leader Shane Love said while the Nationals supported the program, questions must be answered about its operation and integrity. Karrathas uptake of the scheme far exceeds any other regional destination, even much-larger communities like Kalgoorlie, and the Cook Labor Government must explain why, hesaid. But they decided to go with $1.6 million to blow the competition out of the water. And while it did blow out most of [the competition], unfortunately for them someone else saw that value too. Torres said bidding rose rapidly in largely $50,000 and $20,000 leaps until the $1.8 million mark where it exceeded the reserve. It then paused, before the winners handed over a final $9000 to clinch the deal. 27 Olivia Drive, Carina Heights. Credit: Domain Its corny, but the property really did have that serenity and think its why it pulled on their heartstrings, he said. The vendors were blown away by the result. But they also put in so much effort to present that home beautifully and deserved to get a great price. While the 2024 market is drawing to a close, Torres said, buyers were still circling in the hopes of nabbing a property before Christmas. The Carina Heights home was one of 180 scheduled auctions in Brisbane over the past week. By Saturday evening, Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 34 per cent from 122 reported results, while 17 auctions were withdrawn. Withdrawn auctions are counted as unsold properties when calculating the clearance. Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee said the soft clearance rate showed the citys once pumping market was losing some of its lustre. We had a 45 per cent clearance rate this time last year and weve seen a drop on active bidders across Brisbane recently too. In fact, were now at 2.9 average active bidders and we havent seen numbers that low since early 2023, she said. That said, its still high compared to the rest of the country. But anecdotally, were hearing the market has slowed quite quickly. I think vendors are probably going to market with higher expectations and thats something that will need to be adjusted. In Ascot, a stately five-bedroom, four-bathroom home on a 964 square metre block sold for $4.95 million under the hammer making it the Queensland capitals priciest result of the week. The home at 56 Palm Avenue features a pool, gym and home office. A local family out-muscled one other bidder in a fast-paced auction that opened at $4.25 million and quickly climbed to $4.875 million. From there we negotiated on the floor and the buyer increased to $4.95 million. The underbidder came close to bidding again, but they had gone over what they wanted to spend, said selling agent Damon Warat of Ray White Ascot. While he couldnt disclose the written reserve, Warat said the end result was very close. He said the vendors purchased the home 10 years ago, renovating it into a sprawling family home before deciding to downsize. The sale capped off a stellar month for Warat, who smashed the Brisbane house price record for a renovated estate at 32 Sutherland Avenue in Ascot, which fetched $23 million. Family homes in our marketplace are keenly sought after and the layout and location of this home in arguably Brisbanes best suburb led to a great result, he said. Over in Sandgate, a cottage at 5 Albion Street sold for $1.295 million to a Melbourne buyer who was the sole bidder. He bought it sight unseen. Selling agent Jacqui McKeering, of Jim McKeering Real Estate, said the four-bedroom, two-bathroom home hadnt changed hands since 1985, undergoing an extensive renovation in 2000. Hed only seen the home through a virtual walk-through and he had his friends look at the property for him, she said. The sale price was in line with the reserve. This year in general has been a successful one for us. But its not as easy to find buyers now. Its taking the full four weeks to get the right one. 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 When Timothy Ash travelled around the Soviet Union in the late 1980s, he met young veterans who had returned from the war in Afghanistan. They were psychologically broken and drunk. They were pretty f---ed up, a lot of them, says Ash, now associate fellow at Chatham Houses Russia and Eurasia programme. One night in Volgograd, in southern Russia, Ash met a man in his mid-20s who had fought in Afghanistan. He got absolutely blasted, drunk as hell. Something was not right with the kid. He ended up getting attacked by a group of youths because hed gotten so drunk. A drunk man dressed as Santa Claus sleeps on an underground train in Moscow. Credit: AP He got beaten to a pulp. I had to drag him out. Russia has a long history with alcoholism. But after the fall of the Soviet Union, drinking was in decline. Now, following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, official figures show alcohol addiction is surging again for the first time in a decade. Advertisement Vodka sales this year surged to a record high and policymakers are scrambling to halt a rise in alcohol-related deaths. Georgy Filimonov, the firebrand governor of Vologda, a region north of Moscow, has just passed laws restricting alcohol sales to two hours a day on weekdays, which will come into effect in March, after 7500 people in his region died because of drinking in the last year. A former border guard drinks vodka to celebrate Border Guards Day as he swims in the main fountain of Moscows Gorky Park in 2008. Credit: AP This is cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, cardiomyopathy, stabbings, shootings, drunk-driving, Filimonov told Russian newspaper Kommersant in October. This year, according to official statistics alone, the incidence of alcoholism has increased by 30 per cent. Seventy-one per cent of deaths among our able-bodied citizens are related to alcohol. Filimonov will not say why. Something is going wrong, says Ash. You had a period where you saw declining alcoholism in Russia. Now we are going the other way. Advertisement What has changed is the war. Broadly speaking, the countrys economy is holding up. High demand from the army means Russia is close to full employment and, although much trade has been sanctioned, the Kremlin has been able to substitute most goods. But underneath all of this, it is becoming increasingly clear that the fabric of Russian society is falling apart. As in the 1980s, Russian soldiers are returning from the frontline wounded and traumatised. Thousands more are dying, leaving grieving families at home. But what is happening today is on a completely different scale. About 15,000 Soviet soldiers died in Afghanistan. The Russian death toll in Ukraine is at least eight times that already. Between February 24, 2022, and November 19 this year, there have been at least 120,000 Russian military deaths in the war in Ukraine, according to analysis of probate records by Mediazona, a site that works in collaboration with BBCs Russian service. As many as 728,000 more have been injured, according to analysis by The Economist, based on leaked documents from the US Defence Department. That means about 2 per cent of all Russian men aged between 20 and 50 have been killed or severely wounded. Advertisement Russia will have to come to terms with this. A whole generation of youth has been lost in Ukraine, says Ash. These men are not spread equally across the country. Mobilisation has been heavily weighted to rural areas in the south and east. These are the places where alcohol consumption has been rising the fastest, according to an analysis by Olha Zadorozhna, assistant professor of economics at Kozminski University. The drinks aisle at a hypermarket in Moscow. Credit: Bloomberg The steepest jumps of all of Russias 86 regions were in Ingushetia and Karachay-Cherkessia. In these two regions on Russias southern border with Europe, the consumption of vodka and brandy surged by 25 per cent in 2022, according to Zadorozhnas analysis. Rising alcohol consumption is also heavily concentrated in rural areas that have particularly low incomes, she says. Nationally, vodka sales hit their highest level since records began in the first 10 months of 2024, according to alcohol regulator Rosalkogoltobakkontrol. Total alcohol sales rose to a seven-year high of 1.84 billion litres. The new surge in drinking is taking a clear toll on public health. Between 2010 and 2021, the number of patients with a first-time diagnosis of alcohol dependence plunged from 153,900 to 53,300, according to data from official statistics agency Rosstat, published in Kommersant. But in 2022, this trend went into reverse, the figure rising to 54,200. Advertisement Filimonovs regional campaign has sparked weeks of intense discussion across Russian media and Telegram channels. At the end of October, State Duma deputy Sultan Khamzaev proposed rolling out similar restrictions across the country. I am in favour of limiting the sale of alcohol. First to five hours a day, then to two, he told Russian news outlets. Pedestrians pass a billboard in St Petersburg showing a picture of a Russian soldier given an award for action in Ukraine and the words Glory to the heroes of Russia. Credit: AP At face value, Filimonovs campaign against heavy drinking seems in stark contrast to the Russian governments typical approach. Historically, during the USSR, Russia used alcohol to control the population, says Zadorozhna. In the 1960s, actually people spent twice as much on alcohol as on meat. When you drink a lot, your memory deteriorates, it affects your long-term planning. People just dont think about the future that much. When President Vladimir Putin met mothers of deceased soldiers in 2022, he told them it was better that their sons died fighting in Ukraine than if they had died from drinking at home. It is kind of part of the strategy to make people go and fight, says Zadorozhna. Advertisement Nikki Garcia has opened up about her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev more than three months after his Napa Valley domestic violence arrest. Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images Nikki Garcia has broken her silence on her divorce from former Dancing With the Stars professional Artem Chigvintsev more than three months after his Napa Valley domestic violence arrest. The retired WWE star known as Nikki Bella of the Bella Twins returned to her podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show, on Monday, Dec. 2, for the first time since the incident and reflected on her time away. Its been really tough. Ive been heartbroken. You know, you dream of having this family and you have this incredible love and it just goes the other way, she said. I never saw any of it coming. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nikki Garcia has opened up about her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev. Cindy Ord/Getty Images/Getty Images for SiriusXM Garcia filed for divorce from the Russian-born dancer two weeks after he was arrested in August at their Yountville home for allegedly inflicting injury on a spouse, co-habitant or co-parent in incidents of domestic violence. The two settled their divorce on Nov. 21 in private mediation. When it came to our relationship, its sad. Like, it just hasnt been great for a long time, she said, admitting that she played into the facade that they were happy on social media because she didnt wanna have another failed public relationship. Garcia was engaged to wrestler John Cena when she met Chigvintsev in 2017 when they were paired up on Season 25 of the dancing competition show. She broke it off with Cena in 2018 and was engaged to Chigvintsev by late 2019. They were married three years later and had just celebrated their second wedding anniversary before Chigvintsevs August arrest. We should have probably walked away a long time ago so in the end, what happened wouldnt have happened, Garcia said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nikki Garcia has opened up about her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev. Eric McCandless/Disney General Entertainment Content She also emphasized that their 4-year-old son Matteo will continue to be her top priority. Im a mom and my sons protection and privacy is the most important, she said. I do want to continue to protect Matteo in those ways because thats whats been the hardest part about all of this. ... I didnt know that your heart can break that many times in such a short period of time. Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced in September that her office would not pursue criminal charges against Chigvintsev. Shortly thereafter, the dancer released a statement that also stressed the importance of protecting his son. Despite not facing criminal charges, Chigvintsev claimed that he lost $100,000 in income from social media promotions and dance jobs due to the incident in court documents obtained by TMZ. Advertisement Article continues below this ad San Francisco native Cheryl Burke, Chigvintsevs childhood friend and former colleague, noted on her Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans podcast that he was not scheduled to be part of the latest season of DWTS even before his arrest. New York: President-elect Donald Trump has demanded the immediate release of the Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, saying that if they are not freed before he is sworn into office, there will be HELL TO PAY. Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity, Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social site. President-elect Donald Trump. Credit: AP He added: Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW! The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage on October 7, 2023. Heres a look at some of the key aspects of the new fighting: What do we know about the group leading the offensive on Aleppo? The US and UN have long designated the opposition force leading the attacks Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, translated to Organisation for the Liberation of the Levant and known by its initials HTS as a terrorist organisation. The Levant is a region comprising Syria and its neighbouring nations. Abu Mohammed al-Golani emerged as the leader of al-Qaedas Syria branch in 2011, in the first months of Syrias war. It was an unwelcome intervention to many in Syrias opposition, who hoped to keep the fight against Assads brutal rule untainted by violent extremism. Golani and his group claimed responsibility for deadly bombings early on, pledged to attack Western forces, confiscated property from religious minorities and sent religious police to enforce modest dress by women. Golani and HTS have sought to remake themselves in recent years, focusing on promoting civilian government in their territory as well as military action, researcher Aaron Zelin noted. Syrian opposition fighters ride in a truck in Talhiya, Idlib in the biggest push in years. Credit: AP His group broke ties with al-Qaeda in 2016. Golani cracked down on some extremist groups in his territory and increasingly portrays himself as a protector of other religions. That includes allowing the first Christian Mass in the city of Idlib in years, last year. By 2018, the Trump administration acknowledged it was no longer directly targeting Golani, Zelin said. Loading But HTS has allowed some wanted armed groups to continue to operate in its territory, and shot at US special forces at least as recently as 2022, he said. Why does the war matter? Assad has been at war with opposition forces seeking his overthrow for 13 years, a conflict thats killed an estimated half-million people. Some 6.8 million Syrians have fled the country, a refugee flow that helped change the political map in Europe by fuelling anti-immigrant far-right movements. In 2016, government forces backed by Russian airstrikes laid siege to Aleppo. Russian shells, missiles and crude barrel bombs fuel canisters or other containers loaded with explosives and metal methodically levelled neighbourhoods. Starving and under siege, rebels surrendered Aleppo that year. The Russian militarys entry was the turning point in the war, allowing Assad to stay on in the territory he held. A Syrian opposition fighter takes a picture of a comrade stepping on a portrait of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo. Credit: AP Intervention by Russia, Iran and Iranian-allied Hezbollah and other groups has allowed Assad to remain in power, within the 70 per cent of Syria under his control. In 2013, John Shipton, Julian Assanges father visited Assad. The roughly 30 per cent of the country not under Assad is controlled by a range of opposition forces and foreign troops. The US has about 900 troops in north-east Syria, far from Aleppo, to guard against a resurgence by the Islamic State. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNNs State of the Union that the US is carefully watching the situation. Speaking on HTS, Sullivan said Washington has real concerns about the designs and objectives of that organisation. At the same time, of course, we dont cry over the fact that the Assad government, backed by Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, are facing certain kinds of pressure, he added. Both the US and Israel conduct occasional strikes in Syria against government forces and Iran-allied militias. Turkey has forces in Syria as well, and has influence with the broad alliance of opposition forces storming Aleppo. "With the official start date for the government's target for 1.2 million new well-located homes over five years kicking off in July, the recent re-acceleration of the CCCI could put additional pressure on an already difficult-to-achieve goal, he said. UBs international enrollment among tops in U.S. UB continues to be a highly regarded destination for excellent students around the world. International enrollment has continued to grow at UB, which remains among the top 25 destinations in the U.S. for international students. Thats according to the latest census by the Institute of International Education, which ranked UB No. 24 among the nations colleges and universities hosting international students during the 2023-24 academic year. We are delighted that UB continues to rank in the Top 25 among leading U.S. institutions enrolling the most international students, says Nojin Kwak, vice provost for international education. UB continues to be a highly regarded destination for excellent students around the world. This is the 22nd straight year that UB has been listed among the top 30 institutions in the institutes Open Doors Report on International Exchange. The annual report is considered a benchmark for higher education. UB came in at No. 23 in last years report, No. 25 in 2022 and No. 27 in both 2021 and 2020. UB reported a total of 8,380 international students from 100 countries during the fall of 2023, with students from India and China leading the way, the latest report shows. That includes the 3,180 students who continued in the U.S. with postgraduate optional practical training. OPT allows for a period of temporary employment in their field of study. The increase we reported for this year 684 students is nearly 9% above the previous years total, Kwak says. This increase is well above the national average of 6.6%. The increases at UB were part of a national trend where international enrollment at U.S. colleges and universities reached an all-time high of more than 1.1 million last fall. New York University had the largest international enrollment among U.S. institutions with 27,247, followed by Northeastern, 21,023; Columbia, 20,321; Arizona State; 18,430; and the University of Southern California, 17,469. Among all universities in New York State, only NYU, Columbia and Cornell universities hosted more international students than UB last fall. However, much of the increase both nationally and at UB was driven not by new international students, but by a surge in graduates participating in optional practical training. At UB, John Wood, senior associate vice provost for international education, notes efforts by the Office of International Admissions to expand overseas recruitment to new areas, like Africa, where the market is growing. This should help UB maintain and diversify its large international enrollment, Wood says. The release of this years Open Doors report on Nov. 18 coincided with International Education Week, an annual initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange. In a separate, but related report, NAFSA: Association of International Educators estimated that international students at UB contributed $223 million to the local economy and supported 1,942 jobs during the 2023-24 academic year. Tanzania's Zanzibar acupuncturists thank Chinese medical team for TCM training Xinhua) 09:29, December 02, 2024 DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Local acupuncturists in Tanzania's Zanzibar have expressed their gratitude to the 34th Chinese medical team for providing training in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupuncture techniques. Li Dengke, a Chinese medical team member, organized a training lesson for local acupuncturists at the Mnazi Mmoja Hospital on Friday, with more than 20 local doctors in attendance. "Thank you, Chinese doctors, for bringing new TCM technology to Zanzibar and training us selflessly," said Hafsa Mohamed Ali, head of the TCM center at the hospital. She said that through the training, local acupuncturists had gained an understanding of the basic principles of scalp acupuncture, including how to select acupuncture points and their functions. "It is believed that this training will greatly improve the ability of local acupuncturists to treat brain diseases and promote new Chinese medical diagnosis and treatment technologies in Zanzibar," she said. Li said that many patients in Zanzibar suffer from stroke sequelae or cerebral palsy, enduring difficulties in physical movement and speech, noting that scalp acupuncture is an effective treatment for such conditions, though it had not yet been practiced in Zanzibar. Since 1964, when east China's Jiangsu Province dispatched its first medical team to Zanzibar, 847 medical workers in 34 batches have provided medical services for some 8.3 million locals so far, according to the Jiangsu Commission of Health. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Sarah Bacon, owner of Nourish Cafe, walks through the doorway of her restaurant. The popular restaurant closed in November. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle The following is a list of notable Bay Area restaurants that closed in November. Click here for a list of restaurants that closed in October. San Francisco vegan and gluten-free restaurant Nourish Cafe thanked customers in a message announcing its closing. In the post, management wrote that running a restaurant in San Francisco is currently very difficult, without going into specific factors. Nourish served salads and sandwiches in the Nob Hill area for nine years. Another Nourish Cafe location, in the Inner Richmond, closed earlier this year, the San Francisco Examiner reported. Santa Rosas the Pharmacy, once a bustling restaurant offering breakfast and brunch, closed without warning in early November. The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat confirmed the closing with owner Kim Bourdet, who declined to comment further. The menu at the Pharmacy focused on sandwiches, salads and toasts made with local, organic produce. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A flight of beers is poured at Beer Baron in Livermore. The Beer Baron's taproom in Oakland closed in November. Laura Morton/Special to The Chronicle Beer Baron, an Oakland stop for craft brews and whiskeys, is now closed. East Bay Nosh reported the Rockridge bars final day in business was Nov. 9. The spot for drinks and bites was one of three locations; only the Pleasanton bar is still open. Albanys Spanish-Mexican restaurant Fonda closed its doors after 20 years. In a statement on its website, management cited a post-pandemic decline in business. The restaurant had a menu featuring small plates like duck tacos and Mexican-style tapas like grilled shrimp with lime and a tuna tartare with serrano chiles. East Bay Nosh reported the restaurant closed on Nov. 23. Nov. 30 was the final day in Oakland for Puerto Rican restaurant La Perla. Chef-owner Jose Cheo Ortiz told the Chronicle he was closing the restaurant to move it into the Castro Valley Marketplace, a structure home to restaurants and a grocery store. The move is a means to make management easier on the 65-year-old proprietor as he recovers from cancer. The menu and vibe will remain the same, so longtime patrons can expect classic dishes like mofongo with shrimp and arroz con gandules with a soundtrack including classic salsa bangers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Molti Amici chef de cuisine Matthew Cargo prepares a Green Pizza with Basil Pesto, Wilted Greens, Fresno Chili, and Burrata. The top-ranked Wine Country restaurant is now closed. Brian L. Frank/Special to The Chronicle A Wine Country favorite closed unexpectedly. Molti Amici announced the news on Instagram after just over a year in Healdsburg. Restaurant partner Jason Cutrer told the Chronicle the restaurant was in no financial position to continue. The restaurant was well known for its fresh pastas, focaccia and wood-fired pizzas, which put it in the Chronicles Top Italian restaurants list. Folktable, from celebrity chef Casey Thompson, held its last service on Nov. 10. In an instagram message, Thompson thanked customers for their patronage, but did not disclose any specific motives. The restaurant occupied an A-frame structure at the Cornerstone Sonoma complex, where it offered Californian dishes such as chicken fat-butter rice with Dungeness crab and beef tartare over hash browns. A pedestrian walks past Cassava in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood. The restaurant's owners announced they were closing the restaurant in November. Adam Pardee/Special to The Chronicle After 12 years, San Francisco brunch and bistro favorite Cassava has closed. In an Instagram message, owners Yuka Ioroi and Kristoffer Toliao blamed San Franciscos current economic problems for the closure. The restaurant originally opened in 2012 in the Richmond District, before making a move to North Beach. The restaurateur couple isnt calling it quits, however. Theyre planning a Jackson Square kiosk; and eventually a new fine-dining restaurant aimed at recognition in the Michelin Guide. Global technology corporation FPT and the Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), a premier technical institution in Malaysia, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance Malaysias technology education and digital transformation landscape, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) research and education. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241201096059/en/ The signing ceremony took place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with the participation of UTP Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dato' Ir Ts Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib (L), FPT Corporation EVP and FPT Software CEO Pham Minh Tuan (R), and senior executives from both sides (Photo: Business Wire) As part of the partnership, UTP has received a software donation valued at USD 2 million from FPT and will gain access to FPTs TADA (Total Augmented Data Analytics) solution, an AI-driven unified data management platform currently adopted by 20 energy companies. Designed to efficiently collect, process, analyze, and visualize large-scale data up to 100 times faster than traditional methods, TADA will enable students and faculties to enhance their analytical skills, boosting productivity by 50% with more actionable insights for real-world applications across sectors. Combined with FPTs training and technical support, UTP staff and students will be well-equipped to maximize the platforms potential for educational outcomes. Leveraging FPTs global network and industry expertise, this strategic collaboration will encompass other areas, including knowledge exchange, internships, and collaborative research projects that align with Malaysian critical sectors such as healthcare, energy, autonomous systems, and sustainability. It will also enable FPT to meet rising client demands and solidify its presence in East Malaysia and the Brunei region. Pham Minh Tuan, FPT Executive Vice President and FPT Software Chief Executive Officer, said: FPT has been a long-term trusted IT partner of Petronas, playing a key role in several digital transformation initiatives. Our collaboration extends beyond technology to include workforce development. By bringing our AI expertise and advanced tools and promoting student exchanges between FPT University and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, we aim to empower the next generation of IT talent in both countries with the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation and growth. Prof. Dato' Ir Ts Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib, Vice-Chancellor of UTP, shared: We are delighted to partner with FPT to advance our technological capabilities and provide our students with state-of-the-art tools and resources. This collaboration underscores our commitment to an advanced curriculum, equipped with cutting-edge software resources and fosters a strong research and innovation culture. By partnering with industry leaders like FPT, we aim to prepare our students for the demands of the digital age and position UTP as a pioneer in integrating real-world tech partnerships into our academic environment. We look forward to a long-lasting collaboration that will benefit both institutions, he added. First entering Malaysia in 2006, FPT has grown into a fully-fledged tech firm with Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) status, a designation granted by the Malaysian government to companies demonstrating significant contributions to the countrys digital economy. The company has a substantial foothold with over 1,300 onsite and offshore professionals dedicated to the market. It boasts a comprehensive host of digital solutions and consulting services, notably in AI, managed services, and Cloud, catering to high-growth industries in Malaysia and the region, including BFSI, energy and utilities, healthcare, and the public sector. Following the recent new office opening in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, FPT targets scaling up its workforce with an additional 300-500 experts and establishing another Global Delivery Center in Kuching, Sarawak over the next five years. About FPT FPT Corporation (FPT) is a globally leading technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam. FPT operates in three core sectors: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. During over three decades of development, FPT has constantly provided practical and effective products to millions of people and tens of thousands of business and non-business organizations worldwide, establishing Vietnams position on the global tech map. Keeping up with the latest market trends and emerging technologies, FPT has developed the Made-by-FPT ecosystem of services, products, solutions, and platforms, which enables sustainable growth for organizations and businesses and offers distinctive experiences to customers. In 2023, FPT recorded a total revenue of USD 2.17 billion and 48,000+ employees. For more information about global IT services, please visit https://fptsoftware.com/ About Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) Established in 1997, UTP is a leading private university in Malaysia, offering industry-relevant engineering, science, and technology programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It aims to produce well-rounded graduates with strong leadership and communication skills. With over 22,000 graduates from more than 60 countries, UTP is a major talent provider in the region. The university has over 800 foundation students, 4,000 undergraduates, and 1,000 postgraduates from more than 50 countries. UTP engages in extensive research collaborations with PETRONAS and other institutions, focusing on areas like self-sustainable building, transport infrastructure, health analytics, hydrocarbon recovery, contaminant management, and autonomous systems. Visit www.utp.edu.my for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241201096059/en/ Nurse Maria Victoria Juan from Philippines, a Consultant at Philippines Army Health Services and Colonel, Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has been announced as the winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024 and awarded with USD 250,000 at a prestigious award ceremony held in Bengaluru, India. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241201504361/en/ Nurse Maria Victoria Juan from Philippines Winner of Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024 (Photo: AETOSWire) Launched in 2021, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award recognizes the critical role of nurses in healthcare. This year, over 78,000 applications were received from 202 countries, marking a 50% increase from 2023. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, delivered a special message commending the finalists and acknowledging Aster DM Healthcare's efforts in highlighting the importance of nurses. Nurse Maria said, As a military nurse from the Philippines, my journey has been defined by a steadfast commitment to servicewhether caring in combat zones, disaster-stricken areas, or underserved communities, and championing advocacies on every platform to create positive change. This recognition reflects not just my efforts, but also the courage and honor of the soldiers I proudly serve alongside and the resilience of the Filipino people that inspire me daily. It is also a tribute to the nurses I representtireless, selfless, extremely courageous individuals in the military and civilian sectors who put themselves in harm's way to save lives and protect others. Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, stated, Maria exemplifies nursing excellence and is an inspiration to the global healthcare community. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, offering care with compassion and playing a pivotal role in the system. The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Awards honor these unsung heroes and their invaluable contributions. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare, added, Maria Juan embodies the courage, skill, and compassion that elevate healthcare. Through this platform, we aim to bring their remarkable stories to the forefront. About Aster DM Healthcare: Founded in 1987 by Dr. Azad Moopen, Aster DM Healthcare is a leading integrated healthcare provider, with a strong presence across seven countries. Aster is committed to the vision of providing accessible and high-quality healthcare, from primary to quaternary services, with its promise of We will treat you well. *Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241201504361/en/ 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 A draft rangeland management plan will improve habitat for sage grouse on more than 541,000 acres of grazing allotments in southeastern Oregon and northern Nevada. Rangeland restoration, riparian and wetland improvement and invasive species reduction are among other goals of the U.S. Bureau of Land Managements Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Louse Canyon Geographic Management Area. The draft EIS considers alternatives for managing five grazing allotments including more than 530,000 acres in Malheur County, Ore., and two allotments including more than 11,000 acres in Humboldt County, Nev., according to BLMs Nov. 29 notice in the Federal Register. The publics input on it will inform the final analysis that will guide decisions on the best livestock management and restoration actions for these public lands, BLM Malheur field manager Jonah Blustain said in a news release. BLM will continue to collaborate with tribal partners and local, state and federal agencies to complete the plan. The draft responds in part to a 2015 court settlement on the protection of natural areas significant to research, according to the release. Informed by the best available science as well as input from cooperating agencies, the draft considers management options to help BLM meet land health standards including efforts to address habitat restoration needs. Management alternatives consider six grazing management options and potential rangeland improvement projects. An additional alternative, to take no action, would make no changes to grazing. The 2015 Greater Sage Grouse Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment and Oregon Record of Decision identified the entire project area as grouse habitat. There is a need to take restoration, livestock grazing, and livestock administration actions to promote ecosystem health, renew livestock grazing permits and improve livestock grazing management, according to the notice. Portions of the management area are currently not meeting one or more of the standards. The notice triggers a comment period through Jan. 13. Comments can be mailed to the district at 100 Oregon St., Vale, Ore., or emailed to BLM_OR_VL_Louse Canyon_GMA@blm.gov. In its campaign against a consolidated food system that it says harms farmers and ranchers, rural America and consumers, Farm Action Fund has released a policy roadmap for the incoming Trump administration. We see our role as a government watchdog and a corporate watchdog. And when the Biden administration took actions that we opposed, we called them out on these and held their feet to the fire. And were prepared to do the same with the Trump administration, said Angela Huffman, vice president of Farm Action Fund, which claims to fight corporate monopolies in agriculture. Farm Actions policies are organized into four pillars. The first is about leveling the playing field for the people producing safe and healthful food in the U.S., she said during a virtual news briefing. Were calling for policies like stopping foreign farmland ownership so farmers can have better access to land (and) blocking USDAs rule mandating that farmers use electronic ID on their livestock, she said. Checkoff programs The organization also calls for support for Americas food workers, who are often the lowest paid and most powerless workers in the U.S., and ending corruption in checkoff programs, which she said have been hijacked by corporate lobbyists. Folks close to Trump have indicated that we need to clean up or even end these abusive checkoff programs if they cant be redeemed. And we couldnt agree more, she said. The second pillar is to feed American families with food grown on U.S. soil. We need to stop outsourcing American food production to other countries. We show how to balance the agricultural trade deficit. The mighty U.S. ag system is not feeding the world and, in fact, were not even feeding ourselves, she said. The current record agricultural trade deficit is driven by U.S. reliance on imported fruits and vegetable, and thats because the government incentivizes farmers to focus on growing corn and soybeans, she said. Its a shame that government policies are preventing U.S. farmers from feeding our own people, she said. Farm Action is also calling for a shift in government food procurement to local and regional producers. Multinational corporations Government is the largest purchaser of food in this country, but today theyre buying that food from abusive, multinational and foreign corporations instead of supporting our own farmers and businesses, she said. The organization also calls for restored mandatory country of origin labeling for beef and pork so U.S. cattle producers and hog farmers will have a better chance to compete. The third pillar is supporting farmers producing nutritious foods. While the government recommends filling 50% of the plate with fruits and vegetables, only 4% of federal farm subsidies support the production of those, she said. Were calling for more support for farmers growing healthier, domestically produced food, including fruit, vegetables and also regeneratively raised livestock, and we outline how to do that, she said. Expanded programs Farm Action is also urging the incoming administration to expand risk-management programs, crop insurance and access to credit to support more diversified and regenerative operations that feed their communities. The last Farm Action pillar calls for an end to government and industry cross pollination. At the USDA, as with many other government agencies, the revolving door between high-ranking officials and powerful corporations has really compromised these agencies integrity and weakened their ability to uphold the trust of farmers, ranchers and the broader public, she said. America First: Give Americas Independent Farmers, Workers, and Small Businesses a Fighting Chance Buy American: Feed American Families with Food Grown on American Soil Make America Healthy Again: Support Farmers Producing Nutritious Foods Drain the Swamp: End Government Corruption Once and for All Donald Trump supporters argue with anti-Trump demonstrators outside a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 27 in New York City. Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images After a contentious election, many Americans likely had to relive the stress during the Thanksgiving holiday. Whether loved ones openly argued or performed a delicate dance to avoid the topic, the reality is the country remains fractured and that sentiment isnt going away anytime soon. Many feel like we are living in two different Americas, with bipartisan cooperation increasingly out of reach. Only a third of Americans think our democracy is functioning well and around 60% find it stressful and frustrating to talk politics with people on the other side. But Im convinced it doesnt have to be this way. An event I co-hosted earlier this year with first-time voters showed me that, under the right conditions, we are surprisingly capable of communicating and co-existing across differences. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This summer, my colleagues and I brought 438 young people from across the country and across the political spectrum to Washington, D.C., to participate in Deliberative Polling gathering people with differing viewpoints to learn about issues from experts and engage in rich discussions with each other. While this might sound like a recipe for disaster, the young people at our event didnt yell at or insult each other, even when talking about hot-button issues like abortion, artificial intelligence and the environment. They communicated respectfully and deliberated earnestly, contradicting the narrative that Gen Z is too naive, inexperienced or woke to engage in meaningful dialogue. These young people gave me hope that our country has the potential to move past division. Heres what I learned about how we can promote more productive, respectful political conversations: First, create the right conditions for constructive discussion. Leave social media feeds and news media echo chambers at the door. Instead, consider setting up structured online forums or facilitated classroom discussions. If possible, try setting up face-to-face conversations with neighbors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It helps to have diverse voices that can bring different perspectives and bipartisan information on the issues allowing everyone to start from the same place, and to have conversational guardrails and good facilitators to keep communication positive and productive. Second, when we slow down and actually listen to each other, were surprisingly open to revising our positions. The young people who participated in our deliberative poll shifted their opinions by 15 to 20 percentage points about issues like the Affordable Care Act, voting rights and limits on the sale of new gas cars. In some cases, the movement was to the left, in others, to the right. Third, participating in these conversations restores a persons faith in democracy. Even though they didnt always agree, the young people left our event feeling more confident in our political system. Agreement that public officials care a lot about what people like me think jumped from 30% to 50%. Participants satisfaction with democracy doubled from 29% to 58%. So how can we replicate this openness and optimism in our schools and communities? Im a college professor, so Ill start there. Universities could rediscover the goal of teaching students how to deliberate effectively across differences. While this has always been central to our mission, its become harder in the era of online bubbles, misinformation and polarization. Over my 15 years of teaching, students have become less willing to discuss difficult issues, a reaction to the combative politics and personal attacks they see in the world around them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Educators can train students to serve as moderators and rotate them between participating, facilitating and observing discussions on controversial topics. Being a moderator or sitting in the audience encourages people to really listen instead of just thinking up their next retort. Measuring student opinions before and after deliberation helps demonstrate that its possible to change minds. We can also launch campus-wide efforts to promote constructive dialogue. At the University of Houston, students are trained to run small online discussions of up to 12 participants on contentious issues, like foreign policy and immigration, with ideas exchanged through written messages. Dartmouth University is establishing dialogues on controversial topics including the conflict in the Middle East with training for students and faculty on actively listening, managing emotions and finding points of connection. Deliberation doesnt just have to be about abstract political topics. Colleges and universities can give students a voice on educational issues that affect them, such as policies on student protests or how AI can be used on assignments. At the University of Southern California, where I teach, we and our partners are planning a deliberative event with students to help shape policy around the design and use of AI in society and on campus. 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 These approaches can be applied in other contexts, too. Imagine a town facilitating a structured deliberation among residents about a new bond measure for local schools something Colorado State Universitys Center for Public Deliberation helps local communities do. Or a religious community, book club or group of friends hosting regular dinners with a structured conversation about a topic of the month. These functions can be facilitated by a new wave of deliberative technologies that make it easier to measure opinions and discuss issues. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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 David Young and Cillian Sherlock, PA Micheal Martin has insisted it is time to get on with the work after hailing his Fianna Fail partys performance in the general election. Fianna Fail is on course to secure the most seats in the Dail , with party leader Mr Martin poised for another stint in the role of taoiseach. As the arduous count process enters its third day on Monday, with more than three quarters of the Dail parliaments 174 seats filled, the return of an administration involving Fianna Fail and Fine Gael now looks a much more likely prospect than any government including the long-time main opposition party, Sinn Fein. The two centrist parties that have dominated Irish politics for a century, and who shared power in the last coalition, both ruled out governing with Sinn Fein before Fridays election, so it seems unlikely that either would countenance that option if they could form a workable coalition together. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin at the election count centre Nemo Rangers GAA Club in Cork (Jacob King/PA). If it is to be a reprise of the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael governing partnership of the last mandate, one of the major unanswered questions is around the position of Taoiseach, and whether the parties will once again take turns to hold the Irish premiership during the lifetime of the new government. The outcome in 2020 saw the parties enter a coalition on the basis that the holder of the premier position would be exchanged midway through the term. Mr Martin took the role for the first half of the mandate, with Leo Varadkar taking over in December 2022. Current Fine Gael leader Simon Harris succeeded Mr Varadkar as Taoiseach when he resigned from the role earlier this year. However, this time Fianna Fail appears well placed to increase its seat lead over Fine Gael, compared with the last election when the parties were much closer. The size of the disparity in party numbers is likely to draw focus on the rotating taoiseach arrangement, raising questions as to whether it will be re-run in the next coalition and, if it is, on what terms. On Sunday, Simon Coveney, a former deputy leader of Fine Gael, said a coalition that did not repeat the rotating Taoiseach arrangement in some fashion would be a difficult proposition for his party. Irish premier Simon Harris celebrates after being re-elected to the Dail parliament (Niall Carson/PA). Meanwhile, Fine Gael minister Paschal Donohoe said he would be making the case for Mr Harris to have another opportunity to serve as Taoiseach. Mr Martin would not be drawn on the issue of coalition make-up on Sunday evening, insisting there was very little point in discussing government formation until seats are finalised. I think the sensible thing is to await the completion of all counts, he said. The current deputy premier added: Well let the dust settle and savour the moment. Well then be in a position over the next couple of days to assess the landscape, devise our strategies. Later, in a speech after counting in his Cork constituency had finished, Tanaiste Mr Martin said: The people have spoken, let us now get on with the work. One of the other main stories of the election is the near wipeout of the Green Party, which was the junior partner in the outgoing coalition. The party has lost 11 of the 12 seats it won in 2020, including that held by Media minister Catherine Martin, with leader and Childrens minister Roderic OGorman clinging on to remain its sole representative in the Dail. Fianna Fail secured the most first preference votes in the proportional representation contest, taking 21.9 per cent to Fine Gaels 20.8 per cent. Sinn Fein came in third on 19 per cent. While Sinn Feins vote share represented a marked improvement on its disappointing showing in Junes local elections in Ireland, it is still significantly down on the 24.5 per cent poll-topping share it secured in the 2020 general election. The final breakdown of first preferences also flips the result of Friday nights exit poll, which suggested Sinn Fein was in front on 21.1%, with Fine Gael on 21% and Fianna Fail on 19.5 per cent. While giving a good gauge of the parties expected returns, first preference shares do not necessarily correlate to seats won, with those depending on the complex and often unpredictable way vote transfers are allocated. If Fianna Feil and Fine Gael return to power, they could need one of the Dails smaller parties to reach the required 88 seats to form a majority. Another option may see the two parties seek the support of independent TDs. The Social Democrats and the Labour Party, which both had a good election, appear the most realistic junior partners this time round. Advertisement Cement dispatches in Colombia declined by 3.6 per cent YoY in October 2024 to 1.074Mt from 1.114Mt in October 2023, reports the countrys statistics agency, DANE. Bagged cement dispatches were down five per cent YoY while bulk dispatches slipped by 0.8 per cent YoY in October 2024. Sales to construction companies and contractors increased by 4.2 per cent YoY but ready-mix companies reduced their off-take by 8.1 per cent YoY in October 2024. Sales to the wholesale/retail segment were down by 1.8 per cent YoY. Sales in Cundimarca were down by 12.6 per cent YoY while sales in Santander saw an 11.1 per cent drop in October. The market in Bogota expanded by 3.3 per cent while dispatches to Antioquia slipped by 0.7 per cent YoY. In Valle del Cauca dispatches increased by 4.2 per cent. Atlantico sales were down by 4.9 per cent YoY in October 2024. Output from domestic cement plants fell by 6.4 per cent YoY to 1.181Mt in October 2024 from 1.262Mt in the year-ago period. January-October 2024 In the January-October 2024 period cement dispatches decreased by 5.7 per cent YoY to 10.092Mt from 10.697Mt in the 10M23. Production in the 10M24 period was down 5.5 per cent YoY to 11.157Mt from 11.808Mt in the 10M23. Bagged cement dispatches decreased by 6.3 per cent YoY while bulk dispatches fell by 4.3 per cent YoY. Sales to the retail/wholesale segment edged down by three per cent YoY but sales to construction companies and contractors were down by 6.5 per cent YoY in the 10M24. Concrete companies reduced their purchases by 7.1 per cent YoY. In the January-October 2024 period, sales to Cundinamarca dropped by 11.2 per cent YoY and affected 10M24 sales the most. The market contractions in Colima and Antioquia of 17.4 and 3.1 per cent, respectively, followed. The Bogota area saw dispatches increase by 0.2 per cent while in Valle del Cauca sales fell by 3.3 per cent YoY in the 10M24. In Atlantico the market contracted by nine per cent YoY in the 10M24. . Jack Ohman /Jack Ohman/The Chronicle Spare me the outrage over the Hunter Biden pardon. Though Biden is no saint, he also has been clean and sober for 5 years, paid his seven-figure back taxes (with penalties) and accepted a plea deal that was later reversed. Oh, and a Trump special prosecutor, in Delaware of all places, brought the case against him. Hmm. Advertisement Article continues below this ad President Joe Bidens pardon of his son read, in part, The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. Yes, I understand it. Any father would. Did President Biden lie when he said he wouldnt pardon his only son? I suspect if Biden had been the nominee and somehow won the 2024 election, he wouldnt have pardoned his son immediately. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Id say he had a change of heart after seeing the results of this election and what Donald Trump is truly capable of and fully intends to do. As for lying, there are about 30,000 documented lies that Trump has told during his presidency. A President Kamala Harris may not have reached the same immediate conclusion, but she may have pardoned Hunter Biden if he had pulled some prison time, which is a more typical outcome than if a defendant hadnt served some of his sentence. Of course, thats now a moot point. The apoplectic seizure by Trump World was predictable, of course. They see conspiracies everywhere (or pretend to, for this is an enabling bunch). Trumps reaction was typical: Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! Yes, Mr. President-elect, such an abuse and miscarriage of justice. You know, like you getting off the hook for all your crimes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As for presidential pardons, former President Bill Clinton pardoned his brother Roger for his drug crimes. Fine. A laundry list of the family members given presidential pardons might include the new nominee for ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, father of Jared Kushner. Hes able to serve now because Trump pardoned him for hiring a hooker to blackmail his own brother-in-law. Oh, dont forget Putin pal Paul Manafort and fascist creep Steve Bannon. The actions of a junkie and the actions of people you incited to overturn the results of the 2020 election are not remotely analogous. Peter Baker of the New York Times called it an apples-and-oranges comparison. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance once labeled Trump Americas next Hitler, but now hes more than happy to be a Big Mac heartbeat away from his potential fuhrer. President Biden had said repeatedly that he wouldnt pardon his only surviving son. Please recall that his other son, the late Delaware attorney general and National Guard Major Beau Biden, died at 44 of a brain tumor, likely caused by the chemical waste burn pits prevalent in Iraq when he served voluntarily there. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ill note that I missed President-elect Trumps sons military service. The only weapons they carried were used to kill huge African game. Thank you for your nonservice. Oh, and thanks to the suckers and losers who stepped up. Sucks to be you. But, hey, go shoot a stationary elephant the size of an Airstream trailer. Heroes, really. Have you ever lost a child? Have you had a child with substance abuse issues? Millions of Americans have borne this crushing emotional burden with no recourse or resources to get help or save their child. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After the pardon, Hunter Biden said, In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages. In recovery, we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the mercy that we have been afforded. I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. As he should. 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 When Trump endlessly bleats about this, remember that hed be sitting in jail if he had lost the election. Gov. Gavin Newsom walks down the aisle at the state Capitol during the Assembly's first meeting of the new legislative session on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee LGBTQIA flags adorn the desks of legislators in the California Capitol on June 13. Don Feria/Special to the Chronicle President Donald Trump participates in a briefing on wildfires with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, left, at Sacramento McClellan Airport on Sept. 14, 2020. Andrew Harnik/Associated Press The exterior of the State Capitol is seen on March 21 in Sacramento. Andri Tambunan/Special to the Chronicle SACRAMENTO California lawmakers started work Monday for the upcoming legislative session, and preparing for Donald Trumps second presidency is at the top of their agenda. The state Senate and Assembly began both their regular two-year legislative session and a special session that Gov. Gavin Newsom called to prepare for the new president. Specifically, hes asking lawmakers to approve up to $25 million in additional funding for Attorney General Rob Bonta to defend California policies in court against efforts promised by Trump to erode them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack and we wont sit idle, Newsom said in a statement last month announcing the special session. We are prepared to fight in the courts. The proceedings Monday were largely ceremonial, focused on swearing in newly elected lawmakers and celebrating with their families at the Capitol. Despite a rightward shift in California and across the country in last months elections, Democrats maintained supermajorities in both houses, meaning Newsom and legislative leaders will likely not have trouble passing most of their agenda. The ceremonial session Monday marks the only scheduled meeting for lawmakers this month, meaning most of the work to prepare for Trumps presidency will take place in January. Newsom intends to sign the legislation appropriating money to Bontas office before Trumps inauguration, according to his office. Assembly Member Jesse Gabriel, D-Encino, announced Monday that he would introduce two bills to fulfill Newsoms request one to appropriate up to $25 million for Bontas office and another to make $500,000 available to immediately begin legal prep. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Newly elected Assembly Member Catherine Stefani, D-San Francisco, and her mother Susan Poole greet other legislators at the state Capitol during the Assembly's first meeting of the new legislative session on Dec. 2, 2024. Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, D-Orinda, said shes particularly concerned about the possibility Trump could use an old federal law called the Comstock Act to ban the sending of abortion drugs through the U.S. mail. She said she and her colleagues have a plan to pass legislation to preserve that ability in California, something Bonta alluded to the day after Trumps election. On Monday, Assembly Member Maggy Krell, D-Sacramento, and Assembly Member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, announced they would introduce a bill to shield abortion pill makers and distributors and health care providers from prosecution related to transporting, distributing or administering abortion pills in California. Bonta, who attended the swearing-in ceremony for new lawmakers at the Capitol, told the Chronicle on Monday that bill could be amended to include additional protections if Trump tries to block abortion providers from sending abortion pills through the mail. Bauer-Kahan said she would introduce a bill to crack down on cities that attempt to block new abortion clinics from opening. Though Bauer-Kahan said she thinks it will be important for the Legislature to pass policies shoring up abortion and privacy rights ahead of Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20, she noted that they already passed many laws to do just that during his first administration, including LGBT protections and environmental regulations. We did a lot during the first Trump administration, she told the Chronicle. The question that I have is, have we closed all the loopholes? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another open question, she said, is whether courts will side with California in the same way they did during Trumps first term, when California and other blue states won many cases against Trump policies. During his presidency, Trump appointed many federal judges, meaning the judiciary has a different makeup than in 2016, when he was first elected. Part of the conundrum were in, which is different from the first term, is that the courts are a bit of a wild card, Bauer-Kahan said. Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, said it was a mistake for the Legislature to embark on the special session, arguing it could prompt the federal government to withhold funding from California. What were doing today is saying were going to fight you tooth and nail for everything, Seyarto said, addressing his fellow lawmakers from the floor of the Senate after new members were sworn in. That means theyre going to fight us tooth and nail for everything. Democratic legislative leaders, meanwhile, have supported Newsoms decision to call the special session. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In response to Newsoms announcement last month, Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire called Trump petty, vindictive and willing to pursue dangerous policies to get his way. In his comments on Monday, McGuire did not mention Trump by name, but promised to fight to protect immigrants, defend abortion access and combat climate change regardless of what happens at the federal level in the coming four years. We will fight like hell to protect everyone who calls California home in the years to come, the Geyserville Democrat said. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, also did not mention Trump by name on Monday. He focused his remarks on affordability issues that he said legislators should address in the new session. Rivas said that while voters in California continued to uphold values of protecting reproductive and LGBTQ freedoms, they sent a message that they are unhappy on economic issues. They dont feel that the state of California is working for them, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rivas contrasted unity he hopes to foster with the division he sees on the national level, saying that he hopes to work across the aisle with Republicans. This new administration in Washington, theyre going to claim that you can only lift people up by tearing others down. We know that theres a better way, Rivas said. Its called the California Dream. During the last Trump administration, California spent about $42 million on 122 lawsuits challenging federal policies, according to Newsoms office. Newsom aides argue that money was well spent, and point to several lawsuits that resulted in billions of dollars in funding continuing to flow to California. Early budget projections suggest Newsom and lawmakers will have little room for new spending, which could curtail their ambitions to lead the resistance to Trump policies. Newsom, in particular, faces a difficult balancing act in fighting back against the incoming federal administration while avoiding angering a president on whom he relies for a wide array of priorities. Twenty-five million is a start. Its a down payment, Bonta told reporters Monday morning. He suggested that it would be more expensive for California to fight Trumps policies during his second term than it was during his first. Last month, Newsom traveled to Washington to meet with President Joe Biden and White House officials to advocate for disaster response funding, climate waivers and health care policies that require federal approval. He also met Democratic members of Californias congressional delegation and asked for their help getting those pending policies approved before Trump takes office. Members of Congress dont have an official role in greenlighting those policies, but can help advocate for them to the White House. Newsom also asked them for help shoring up funding for high-speed rail and Salton Sea restoration, and securing federal reimbursements for wildfire and flooding cleanup, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove of Los Angeles said. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier of Antioch said hes particularly concerned about Californias car emissions waivers, which allow it to set more stringent clean car rules than the rest of the country. There is a financial interest in keeping California at the forefront of new energy. And because of the way the Clean Air Act is written, no other state can do that without us showing leadership, DeSaulnier said. The most important message several of the House members took away was ensuring California gets the funding it is due. California receives less federal funding than it pays in taxes, and is typically ranked in the bottom 10 states for federal spending per capita, according to several reports. California puts out more than many other states, and so we should get our reimbursements back, Kamlager-Dove said. Lord knows we give a lot to the federal government. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Signal Mountain Congregation) is planning to host its Live Nativity event again this year. It will be held Thursday and Friday from 6-8 p.m. at 1160 Ridgeway Ave., just across from the Signal Mountain Post Office. This special event has become a tradition for many in our community, said Deseret Ward a member of the local congregation. The Live Nativity first began in December of 2017 and remains an important event to this day, excluding 2020 and 2021 for COVID. Jabus Braxton, a longtime resident of Signal Mountain and member of the Signal Mountain Latter-day Saint congregation said, Participants get to take a journey through old Jerusalem and get to experience what it might have been like to be Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, wisemen and even the inn keeper. The journey through Bethlehem ends with the manger scene. Seeing the culmination of events leading to the Saviors birth is a special experience for all those who get to come to the event, said Mark Mendenhall, who serves as the congregation leader. This years event organizer Kristina Youngblood said, Everyone is invited to attend and the event is free of charge. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds a yearly global outreach in December called Light the World. This initiative encourages individuals and groups of all faiths and persuasions to elevate demonstrations of Christlike love through service and kindness. The Chattanooga TN Stake a geographic subdivision of the Church consisting of 13 congregations across the greater Chattanooga metropolitan area and of which the Signal Mountain Ward is a congregation encourages everyone to attend The Live Nativity. Those requiring Spanish language translation or assistance, or who wish to schedule church, youth or family group reservations please email Lara Buchheit at SMLiveNativity@gmail.com. For more information regarding the Live Nativity visit the Chattanooga Tennessee Latter-day Saints Facebook page. For more information and ideas to participate in the Church of Jesus Christs global Light the World campaign this Christmas season, visit the Churchs website: www.churchofjesuschrist.org. 3/14/2025 Springtime Movie Night at McDonald Farm, 16705 Coulterville Road in Sale Creek, will be held on Friday, March 21. Activities will begin at 5 p.m. and the movie, "Over The Hedge," will be showing ... more Donated to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Raccoon Mountain Caverns is UTCs newest classroom and research laboratory. Located approximately 15 minutes southwest of campus, it is a complex cave system known for its extensive underground formations and diverse ecosystem.Part of a karst system that includes a landscape characterized by caves, sinkholes and underground streams, Raccoon Mountain Caverns has over 5.5 miles of explored passageways. Its formation dates back millions of years and is caused by the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone.From the research standpoint, Raccoon Mountain Caverns marks a monumental leap forward for UTCparticularly for the faculty and students within the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science (BGE).One of the greatest things about it is that it hits all disciplines of our department, said BGE Department Head and UC Foundation Professor Gretchen Potts.We have geology at the core, but ecology, biology and environmental science are all at play here. The caverns provide a field location close to campus where research can unfold.Dr. Steven Perlaky, a Chattanooga area emergency medicine physician, had owned Raccoon Mountain Caverns since 1995 before donating it to UTC.I had thought long and hard about the best future for the cave, and I believe that to be in UTCs hands, Dr. Perlaky said. The reality is that the University, with contacts and students, will spur far more research interest hopefully well find some secretsmaybe in the DNA of some species, or maybe well even discover new species.Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director of the UC Foundation Kim White explained how this donation came to fruition and the importance of philanthropy in creating such transformative opportunities for the University.While not every day a university is gifted a cavern, it is an important example of how our students and campus can benefit from the unique assets donors can provide, Ms. White said. The lasting impact this will have as a recruitment and retention tool for students and faculty, along with preserving the cavern for research and as a wildlife habitat for our community, will reap benefits for decades to come.According to research assistance provided by the National Cave and Karst Research Institute, there are believed to be only seven other institutions across the country known to own a cave.We can drive out to the cave, conduct research and be back on campus all within a few hours, Robert Lake Wilson Professor of Geology Amy Brock-Hon said. Thats a luxury most universities dont have.Raccoon Mountain Caverns is home to several rare and endangered species, many of which are uniquely adapted to the caves dark, isolated environment, making it a vital site for biodiversity research.Among the most significant discoveries is the Crystal Caverns cave spider (Nesticus furtivus), which, as Perlaky explained, has been isolated in this cave at least 5 million years to evolve into its own species.In addition to the spiders, the cave supports a range of speciesfrom blind cave beetles and millipedes to salamanders and bats. The presence of these speciesand the complex food web within the caveoffers immense potential for discoveries in evolutionary biology.From a business standpoint, which UTC will not manage, visitors can still enjoy cave walking tours through Wild Cave Expeditions. Home News Church cleared of wrongdoing after media outlet prompts review of ballot-collection campaign Ministry director warns of ' attempt to silence' voters with 'biblical worldview' Editors' note: This article is part of The Christian Post's year-long articles series "Politics in the Pews: Evangelical Christian engagement in elections from the Moral Majority to today." In this series, we will look at issues pertaining to election integrity and new ways of getting out the vote. Read other articles in the series by clicking here. Attorneys say a prominent San Francisco media outlet contacted California election officials to raise questions over whether a national campaign to help churches collect ballots may have violated the law. Advocates for Faith and Freedom (AFF), a religious liberty advocacy group, say Pastor Greg Phelps and Calvary Chapel Red Bluff faced "misleading accusations and sensational media coverage" after participating in ballot collection training in the run-up to the November presidential election. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The church partnered with Real Impact, a Calvary Chapel Chino Hills ministry, to provide its congregation with what attorneys say was a "convenient way to exercise their voting rights in full compliance with California's laws." Led by Director Gina Gleason, Real Impact provides churches with a template to promote the ballot collection service and methods to secure ballots until they are delivered to election offices. Gleason personally led Real Impact's outreach with Calvary Chapel Red Bluff, located about 130 miles north of Sacramento. But in a headline for an article dated Nov. 9, San Francisco-based news website SFGate suggested Calvary Chapel Red Bluff is "facing investigation" for its ballot collection efforts after the news outlet reached out to the county clerk to raise questions about the legality of the campaign. "SFGate contacted Tehama County Clerk and Recorder Sean Houghtby about Calvary Chapel Red Bluff's ballot collection effort to ask whether it was sanctioned by county officials," wrote contributing editor Matt LaFever. According to SFGate, Houghtby said, "I don't think this is legal" after a review of Calvary Chapel's website. The report also states that Houghtby said he "would forward to our [District Attorney] for review" for potentially violating a pandemic-era memo from 2020 from the California secretary of state. The report also refers to "starkly militant language" on CC Red Bluff's Impact page, which cites Isaiah 62:6 and, as SFGate reported, pledges to "'equip' parishioners" and "sound the alarm when the time comes from the church to act." In response to the report, Houghtby and Tehama County District Attorney Matthew Rogers released a statement on Nov. 22, which cited SFGate's story and said CC Red Bluff "did not violate California election law." "The District Attorney's Office and the Elections Department, working collaboratively, reviewed the concerns raised by the SFGate news article," the press release stated. "Based on the information obtained and review by both departments, Calvary Chapel did not violate California election law." In a statement shared with CP, AFF said that after a meeting with the district attorney and registrar of voters, it was "unequivocally confirmed that no laws were broken" and that "no case exists, and there is no pending investigation." It's not clear what prompted SFGate, a Hearst publication with a readership of about 25 to 30 million unique readers a month second in California only to the Los Angeles Times to contact election officials about ballot collection efforts at a local church. CP reached out to editorial leadership at SFGate for comment. This story will be updated if a response is received. In a statement, Pastor Phelps said both he and CC Red Bluff "strictly adhered to the legal procedures established by the state, which explicitly allows organizations, including churches, to engage in ballot collection." "Churches like ours exist to serve the community, and that includes empowering our congregation to participate in the democratic process," said Phelps. "We just want to serve our people and positively affect our community. We will not be silenced or deterred by those who seek to distort our intentions." AFF attorney Robert Tyler said he believes media attacks like the report from SFGate are "emblematic of a broader trend to vilify faith-based organizations that engage in lawful, civic-minded activities." "Faith-based organizations must not be pressured or intimidated into abandoning their constitutionally protected rights," said Tyler in a statement. "The law applies equally to all groups, whether secular or religious, and these unfounded attacks against churches simply exercising their legal rights must come to an end." In the past, Gleason, who, along with founder and CC Chino Hills Pastor Jack Hibbs, launched Real Impact in 2020, has clearly stated that churches are not official dropbox locations and warned places of worship not to identify themselves as such. She told CP Tuesday the SFGate article on CC Red Bluff was "sloppiness" and "lazy." "There are very few laws that are required when you're collecting ballots, you know, laws as simple as turning in the ballots three days after receiving the ballot," she said. "So I don't think [the SFGate reporter] did his research before he wrote this article." Gleason believes the article was written in an effort to intimidate other churches from following CC Red Bluff's lead. "I think that [SFGate] did it as a way to intimidate the church to not ever be involved in something like ballot collecting," she said. "This was an attempt to silence the church and not be involved in collecting ballots from people who have a biblical worldview because people that have a biblical worldview tend to be conservative in their voting patterns. "And so if they can silence the church and other churches would see that a local DA was going after the church for this activity, that other churches would be scared away." Home News Tennessee church packs over 101,000 meals for children in impoverished nations worldwide Volunteers at a Tennessee church recently packed more than 101,000 meals to be delivered to families in need worldwide. ChristWay Church of Ooltewah held the meal-packing event on Saturday, with around 500 volunteers packing a total of 101,088 meals in 468 boxes. Laura Wootan, communications coordinator with ChristWay Church, told The Christian Post that the number of meals will mean that 275 children from impoverished nations will now have enough food to sustain them every day for an entire year. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The driving force behind ChristWays decision to host this impactful event stems from our commitment to love others and ultimately making Christ's presence known globally, said Wootan. Wootan cited the chuch's motto: Love is Why, and Luke 6:20-21, in which Jesus says, Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. While ChristWay has taken part in meal-packing events hosted by Feed My Starving Children in recent years, according to Wootan, Saturdays event held a special significance. It marks the first time in many years that we were able to host our own event, a testament to the financial support received through our gatherings' generous donations, Wootan said. Despite facing challenging weather conditions, our community rallied together, resulting in an incredible turnout that surpassed expectations. The 101,088 meals are expected to be distributed worldwide by FMSC, with boxes going to 40 nations in Africa, 16 in Asia, 14 in the Caribbean, 12 in Europe, 11 in the Middle East, and 18 in the Americas. Beyond the provision of meals, our overarching hope is that the children receiving these nourishing packages will not only have their physical needs met but will also feel the transformative love of Jesus and come to know Him personally, Wootan added. Additionally, we aspire for the families who actively participated in the packing process to experience the profound joy that comes from selflessly serving others. According to its website, ChristWay traces its roots back to 1887 with a congregation known as Central Baptist Church that was based in North Brainerd before moving to Ooltewah in 2001. Home News Trump's DEA nominee criticized for arresting pastor during COVID lockdowns Updated on Dec. 3, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. ET: Sheriff Chad Chronister, who was tapped earlier this week by President-elect Donald Trump to be the next chief of the DEA, has withdrawn his name from consideration for the role following criticism over his pandemic-era arrest of a Florida pastor. In a post on X Tuesday night, Chronister called the nomination the honor of a lifetime but said that he will instead focus on the work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County. "Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, Ive concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration, he wrote. There is more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and a lot of initiatives I am committed to fulfilling. I sincerely appreciate the nomination, outpouring of support by the American people, and look forward to continuing my service as Sheriff of Hillsborough County. 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 Original report: A Florida sheriff nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to head the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is drawing criticism for enforcing a pandemic-era prohibition on large church gatherings, saying Sunday that he was simply enforcing the law. Chad Chronister, the longtime sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, was announced as Trump's pick for the key federal agency on Saturday. "As DEA Administrator, Chad will work with our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to secure the border, stop the flow of Fentanyl, and other illegal drugs, across the Southern Border, and SAVE lives," Trump wrote. Chronister, appointed by then-Gov. Rick Scott to lead the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in 2017, shared his excitement about the nomination, calling it "the honor of a lifetime." The nomination drew sharp backlash from some of Trump's own supporters for actions Chronister took in March 2020, when his office arrested Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne, the leader of River at Tampa Bay Church, for hosting in-person church services in defiance of Florida's COVID-19 restrictions. Chronister ordered the arrest of Howard-Browne, who had openly criticized the lockdown measures and continued to hold large gatherings despite the statewide safer-at-home order. Howard-Browne was charged with unlawful assembly and violating public health emergency rules, but the charges were later dropped. During a media briefing, the sheriff later said he had no choice but to arrest Howard-Browne because "practicing those beliefs has to be done safely." Following the arrest, the Hillsborough County Council voted to reverse its previous stay-at-home order and recognized churches as essential businesses. The council also voted against imposing a 10-person limit and 6-foot social distancing restriction on churches. Despite the dismissal of the charges, the arrest has become a key point of contention for critics who argue that it represented an overreach of authority, particularly on religious freedoms. "I'm going to call 'em like I see 'em. Trump's nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest of a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns," Trump ally and Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky tweeted. The Libertarian Party of Mississippi also weighed in on the matter, tweeting, "Trump's nominee for DEA arrested a pastor for having the audacity to ... checks notes ... hold church service." While social media lit up Monday with similar criticisms, others noted Chronister later reconciled with Pastor Howard-Browne, who previously warned that Chronister would have to "deal with Jesus" for his decision. The pastor finally held a meeting in April 2020 with Chronister to discuss River Church's role in reopening Hillsborough County. Howard-Browne and Chronister appeared in an online video Sunday, with the pastor offering his support for Chronister's nomination. As I promised earlier, Here I am with my friend Sheriff @ChadChronister I recorded this tonight before our evening service! Please share with everyone - Thank you and God Bless! pic.twitter.com/H9b3eQVRv6 Rodney Howard-Browne (@rhowardbrowne) December 2, 2024 "Yes, I did get arrested during COVID. But we've always been friends, and we remain friends today," Howard-Browne said before offering his full endorsement. Chronister said that he is a "follow-the-law sheriff." "I was following the law back then lousy laws or good laws," he said. "But you have to be the sheriff and do your job. ... I'm proud that Florida was the first [state] to roll back all those COVID restrictions. It was certainly a happy day when I was able to call the state's attorney and say, 'Drop those charges.'" Chronister's wife, Nikki DeBartolo, is the daughter of former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr., who was convicted in a 1990s gambling fraud scandal after building one of the NFL's most prestigious franchises. In 1998, DeBartolo Jr. pleaded guilty to failing to report a felony when he paid $400,000 to former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards in exchange for a riverboat gambling license. Chronister and DeBartolo met Trump at the White House when the president pardoned DeBartolo Jr. in Feb. 2020. Trump's nomination of Chronister comes after Trump has already nominated several notable cabinet and top agency roles, including Tesla and X chief Elon Musk, former independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and former TV host Mehmet Oz. Trump is slated to be sworn in for a second term in January. A DoorDash driver picks up an order at Cafe Encore in San Francisco in 2020. Starting in 2025, delivery services like DoorDash must send customers the first name and a photo of their delivery person. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle California lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom approved more than a thousand laws this year on topics ranging from environmental regulation to traffic rules. Heres a look at 21 laws that take effect next year that could affect the daily lives of Californians: More on California laws: New laws for the workplace include a ban on these types of meetings Advertisement Article continues below this ad Crackdown on retail theft Newsom and lawmakers approved 11 laws that aim to crack down on theft amid public outrage over robberies at retail stores. The following take effect Jan. 1: Senate Bill 905 by state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, eliminates the requirement that victims prove their cars were locked to press burglary charges and also makes it easier to combine instances of stolen property possession into one crime. Assembly Bill 1779 by Assembly Member Jacqui Irwin, D-Thousand Oaks (Ventura County), lets district attorneys coordinate to prosecute retail theft crimes across multiple counties. AB2943 by Assembly Member Rick Chavez Zbur, D-Los Angeles, would crack down on people who possess large quantities of stolen goods that arent for personal use and make it easier for police to arrest people for thefts the police didnt witness. It will also make it easier for prosecutors to aggregate multiple thefts by the same person or people across different counties to reach the $950 threshold for felony theft charges. AB3209 by Assembly Member Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park, lets retail stores seek restraining orders against people who steal, vandalize or assault an employee. SB242 by then-state Sen. Dave Min, D-Irvine, increases punishments for people who start fires while stealing. SB1416 by then-state Sen. Josh Newman, D-Fullerton, increases punishments for large-scale organized retail theft. AB1960 by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, increases jail time for people who steal or destroy more than $50,000 worth of property. San Francisco Police Chief William Scott walks in Hayes Valley in 2022 after a wave of retail theft in the neighborhood. California lawmakers passed a package of bills aimed at cracking down on retail theft. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Additionally, Senate Bill 1144 by then-state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, aims to identify people selling stolen property by requiring more sellers to register their identities with online marketplaces. Its scheduled to take effect July 1. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The increased punishments in the laws will come on top of the increased punishments for stealing that voters passed in November through Proposition 36. Currently, thefts under $950 are misdemeanors under California law. But starting Dec. 18, when Prop 36 takes effect, prosecutors will be able to charge someone with two prior theft convictions with a felony for subsequent offenses, regardless of the value of merchandise stolen. The measure will also increase jail time for organized retail theft. Legislative leaders tried to insert clauses into the retail theft bills that would have made them inoperative if Prop 36 passed because they said they worried punishments for theft would become too harsh when layered on top of the longer jail sentences allowed for under Prop 36. But they backed down and abandoned that plan amid public outcry. Legacy admissions Starting next year, colleges that accept state funding will be banned from giving special consideration to applicants related to alumni or donors. The new law, AB1780 by then-Assembly Member Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, will take effect Sept. 1, 2025, meaning the first class of students affected will start college in fall 2026. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Legacy admissions policies at private schools like Stanford University will be banned beginning in September 2025. Justin Sullivan/TNS New parking fines for daylighting violations Police will begin fining drivers who park too close to crosswalks under Californias new daylighting law, AB413 by Assembly Member Alex Lee, D-San Jose. In an effort to make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists, the law prohibits people from parking within 20 feet of marked and unmarked crosswalks in most circumstances. Though it has technically been in effect since the start of 2024, cities can start fining drivers Jan. 1. Fines will vary by jurisdiction. In San Francisco, fines will start at $40 per violation. Click to cancel Californians will be able to more easily cancel subscriptions under the states new click-to-cancel law, which takes effect July 1. AB2863 by Assembly Member Pilar Schiavo, D-Chatsworth, requires companies that offer automatically renewing and continuous subscriptions to let customers cancel their subscriptions through the same method they used to sign up. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Banking fees AB2017 by Sen.-elect Tim Grayson, D-Concord, prohibits state-chartered banks from fining customers when they try to withdraw money but have insufficient funds in their account. It takes effect Jan. 1. Mental health treatment plans People with severe mental illness who commit violent crimes can be kept in state mental hospitals longer to allow the state to better plan for continued treatment after their release under a new law that takes effect Jan. 1. Assembly Member Matt Haney, D-San Francisco, said he introduced AB2475 in response to a Chronicle column published last year that detailed the circumstances leading up to a Chinatown bakery stabbing. Haney said Mayor London Breeds office and the San Francisco Department of Public Health sent him the column and asked him to introduce a bill to address the problems it revealed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Medical debt on credit reports SB1061 will, starting Jan. 1, prohibit credit bureaus from including medical debt on peoples credit reports. The law by Sen. Monique Limon, D-Santa Barbara, aims to avoid penalizing people for accessing necessary health care. More details about whos delivering your food Food delivery services like Uber Eats and Doordash have become ubiquitous over the past several years. In some circumstances, like if a person lives in a gated complex or is purchasing alcohol, the customer must receive the order directly from the delivery person instead of having it left at their door. Now, customers will have access to a bit more info about the person coming to their home, in order to bolster safety. AB375 by Assembly Member Laurie Davies, R-Laguna Niguel, requires third-party food delivery platforms to provide the customer with the first name of their driver, as well as a photo of that person. It goes into effect on March 1, 2025. Forced outing in schools Over the past two years, at least a dozen school districts across California passed policies requiring educators to notify parents if students request to use different pronouns, a new name or otherwise identify as transgender. In response, the Legislature passed AB1955 by Assembly Member Chris Ward, D-San Diego, banning such policies. Though the law doesnt go into effect until Jan. 1, the passage of the measure didnt stop at least one district from moving forward with its policy. New housing and new crackdowns on cities that dont build it San Franciscos doom loop narrative has made its way to the California Capitol. AB2488 allows San Francisco to create a new downtown financing district. Ting, who wrote the bill, says it offers a two-part solution to the citys woes by generating economic activity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that decimated the citys workforce, and lessening the housing supply shortage. Newsom, however, vetoed a separate bill that would have sped up office-to-housing conversions. California has seen a boom in accessory dwelling unit construction over the past several years thanks to new state laws easing permitting and construction. Now, SB1211 by Skinner could ramp things up even further: The law increases the number of ADUs allowed on multifamily properties that can be approved quickly. As the state has faced its crippling housing crisis, it has passed numerous laws cracking down on cities that dont do their part to accommodate and build more homes. SB1037 by Wiener gives the attorney general power to impose penalties on local governments that violate certain state housing laws, including fees of up to $50,000 per month and the costs of prosecuting the case in court. Robert Grants accessory dwelling unit is seen in the backyard of his daughter Bisa Grants home in Dublin. Bakari Grant and his siblings founded the WellNest Company, which builds pre-fabricated ADUs after their father suffered a stroke. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle More benefits for California workers Home News Boris Johnson takes swipe at church leaders, says spiritual void causing people to gorge themselves Boris Johnson, former prime minister of the United Kingdom, criticized church leaders, stating that an unaddressed spiritual void has contributed to rising obesity rates. Johnson suggested that religious leaders are too focused on issues like Brexit rather than addressing the deeper spiritual needs of their congregants. Speaking as part of a national report on obesity, Johnson did not hold back, blaming the Church of England for failing to fulfill its spiritual role, leading many to turn to food for solace. You talk about living bread of spiritual sustenance, well, its not being provided by the blooming church, I can tell you that much, Johnson said in a Q&A about the obesity crisis. 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 He referred to the United Kingdom as a land of fatsoes, pointing fingers at the clergy for contributing indirectly to a growing public health issue. Johnsons critique also took aim at the modern sedentary lifestyle, particularly among young people. When I was a kid, it was very rare for there to be a fatso in the class, Johnson said. Now theyre all fatsoes, and Id be shot for saying theyre fatsoes, but thats the truth, he added, attributing much of this shift to children sitting on screens and being told that its all too dangerous to go outside. He noted that older people, too, have become increasingly sedentary due to technology. Johnson said the church should address these societal problems, specifically calling out Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury. Instead of the Archbishop of Canterbury balling on about slavery reparations, he should ask himself why people in this country are so bloody fat. Welby recently announced his resignation following a report that he had inadequately responded to a sexual abuse case brought to his attention over a decade ago. Johnsons statements did not elicit a direct response from the CofE, with a spokesperson confirming that Welby had no comment on Johnsons criticisms, the New York Post said. Johnson said the clergy should aim to fill what is obviously an aching spiritual void in peoples lives, that drives them to gorge themselves. The implication, he said, is that without spiritual fulfillment, people turn to physical means, like food, to compensate for the lack. Welby will leave office on Jan. 6, 2025. His son, Tim Welby, recently defended his fathers decision to step down. He noted that so many people were calling for his resignation that his fathers position had become untenable, according to The Mirror. He said his father was really, really cross that it didnt occur to him to triple check whether the abuse had been reported to the authorities. The frustrating thing is I dont think it ever occurred to him that it hadnt been reported to the police, he was quoted as saying. Home News Christians banned from 8 villages in Indias Chhattisgarh state In the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, eight village councils have passed a resolution that bans Christians from staying in their villages, requiring them to either renounce their faith or leave. The order impacts about 100 Christians whose property and fields were threatened with confiscation if they did not comply, according to reports. The villages in Sukma district collectively approved the resolution, instructing Christians to either abandon their faith or face the loss of all belongings and property, reported the U.K.-based organization Christian Solidarity Worldwide. A local leader from one of the affected villages, Michwar, upheld the decree, reportedly asserting that the authority of the village councils supersedes India's Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion under Article 25. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The ban, which appears to be a targeted effort to eradicate Christianity in these areas, has forced at least 40 people from their homes, according to Asia News. On Nov. 18, a group of Christians lodged a complaint at the Gadiras Police Station, presenting audio evidence of statements made by the village chief of Michwar. However, the police refused to register a formal complaint, which is necessary to initiate a legal investigation. Instead, police officers asked the complainants to take them to the fields. When they arrived, they encountered a mob of about 1,500 people who had begun looting the Christians' crops and demanding their renouncement of Christianity. The police subsequently withdrew without intervening, leaving the community without protection. On Nov. 19, representatives from the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum approached the district collector and the superintendent of police, urging them to take action. The authorities suggested that a complaint be filed. Despite the directive, the registration was delayed until Nov. 21, leaving villagers without recourse in the immediate aftermath of the looting. About 40 villagers whose properties were destroyed are now seeking shelter in a church building in Michwar. The lack of immediate police action has contributed to the sense of vulnerability among Christians in the region who fear continued attacks and persecution. Asia News quoted Fr. Thomas Vadakumkara of the Jagadalpur diocese as saying that fundamental rights are systematically denied to Christians across many districts of Chhattisgarh. He explained that Christians are denied the right to cultivate their fields, bury their dead and live on their own land. The violence and forced eviction of Christians from the villages of Sukma come against a backdrop of increasing tension for the community across India. The United Christian Forum, a Delhi-based organization, recorded 673 incidents of violence against Christians across India through October this year. Chhattisgarh itself accounts for 139 of these incidents, ranking second only to Uttar Pradesh in terms of reported hate crimes. In a separate incident on Oct. 30 in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, a group of 14 Christians was reportedly attacked by a mob as police officers watched, reported the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern. The Christians, who had defied orders to abandon their faith and proceeded to harvest crops from a communal field, were beaten with wooden rods. Several victims, including two women, sustained serious injuries, including broken bones and head trauma. The homes of the victims were also destroyed, and the police officer attempting to intervene was injured during the attack. Nagesh Micha, a Christian rights activist, questioned the police's inaction. The police, which are supposed to uphold the fundamental rights of an individual, have allowed 14 people to be beaten in their presence. This means there are higher authorities who are supporting the mobs, he was quoted as saying. Chhattisgarh's Sukma and Dantewada districts are part of the state's tribal, or indigenous, belt, where local councils, or panchayats, often wield considerable influence. Home News French Pres. Emmanuel Macron celebrates Notre Dame restoration: 'You have transformed ashes into art' Notre Dame cathedral, one of the most cherished symbols of French heritage and Christian devotion, is set to reopen its doors after a five-year restoration following the devastating fire that engulfed it on April 15, 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron, who famously pledged to rebuild the cathedral within five years, toured the completed structure in November, expressing gratitude for the extraordinary efforts that have brought it back to life. "You have transformed ashes into art," he told those present, highlighting the immense skill and dedication involved in the reconstruction. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The fire, which destroyed the famous spire, much of the cathedral's wooden roof, and parts of its stone structure, left Parisians and onlookers around the world in mourning. The inferno also covered the cathedral's nave, which risked collapse, prompting an urgent and extensive restoration effort. Now, after years of painstaking work, the restored cathedral will once again welcome the faithful and visitors on Dec. 7-8, reclaiming its place as both a spiritual beacon and a cultural treasure. The restoration has been a triumph of craftsmanship, faith and unity. More than 846 million ($888 million) was donated by 340,000 supporters from 150 countries, highlighting the global respect for this Christian place of worship. The funds enabled the meticulous reconstruction of Notre Dame and the preservation of its architectural integrity, ensuring it remains a testament to the vision and dedication of its original builders. The process of reconstruction was rooted in authenticity and reverence for history. The new spire, a faithful replica of Eugene Viollet-le-Duc's 19th century design, was crafted using techniques reminiscent of medieval craftsmanship. Its base now supports a golden phoenix, symbolizing resurrection and renewal. "The cathedral can be reborn from the ashes, like a phoenix," commented restoration architect Philippe Villeneuve, who envisioned a weathervane bird with "wings of fire" on top of the cathedral spire. Over 1,200 oak trees, some as old as 230 years, were felled to recreate the roof's intricate timber framework, known as la foret ("the forest"). These beams were carefully shaped and transported along the River Seine, echoing the woodworking practices of the cathedral's original carpenters. Inside, the cathedral's transformation is awe-inspiring. The columns and walls, meticulously cleaned of centuries of grime, now radiate with a brilliance unseen in modern times. Notre Dame's famed stained-glass windows, including the three majestic rose windows, have been restored to their original vibrancy, allowing their intricate designs and vivid colors to once again flood the interior with hues of light. The restoration of the cathedral's bells, including those damaged in the fire, marks another significant milestone. In early November, the eight bells of the northern belfry rang out for the first time since the disaster, their sound resonating as a symbol of hope and continuity. For many, the return of the almost-intact statue of the Virgin Mary to its rightful place was particularly moving, as was the preservation of the Crown of Thorns, a relic that firefighters risked their lives to save during the blaze. Monseigneur Patrick Chauvet, former rector of Notre Dame, recalled his first glimpse of the interior after the flames had been extinguished, describing it as an "apocalyptic vision." He added, "I haven't fully recovered from it; it's engraved in the depths of my being." Macron reflected on the restoration effort, praising the 2,000 workers whose expertise made it possible, including artisans, architects, and craftspeople who utilized centuries-old methods to ensure authenticity. "The blaze at Notre Dame was a national wound, and you have been its remedy through will, through work, through commitment," he remarked, adding that the cathedral's reopening will be a "shock of hope." Although work on the forecourt and surrounding areas will continue until 2030, the cathedral itself is ready to resume its role as a place of Christian worship, reflection and inspiration. A consecration Mass and the dedication of a new altar will mark the reopening, symbolizing a spiritual rebirth and a triumphant return for this architectural masterpiece. According to church authorities, Notre Dame welcomed 12 million visitors in 2017 and, following the restoration, now expects to receive an even higher figure of 14 million to 15 million during the coming year. This article was originally published at Christian Today Home News Israel-Hamas ceasefire may be possible, Biden official says as terror group releases hostage video The possibility of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza grew closer as Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, expressed optimism on Sunday following a recent ceasefire reached between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The optimism coincided with the release of a hostage video by the terrorist group. Speaking on CNNs State of the Union, Sullivan noted that an end to the 14-month conflict between Israel and Hamas was more likely now, although he avoided making definitive predictions, stating, because weve come close before. The Biden administration's hopes have been buoyed by Israels recent diplomatic progress with Hezbollah, which is seen as an encouraging development in the context of Mideast tensions. Sullivan said U.S. negotiators, along with other key players in the region, continue to work toward achieving both a ceasefire and the release of hostages still held by Hamas, Voice of America reported. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Hamas, which instigated the ongoing conflict by staging attacks in Israel in October 2023 in which nearly 1,200 people were tortured and killed, including some 40 Americans, and over 254 others were taken hostage, many also raped or tortured has released a video of Edan Alexander, an Israeli American hostage captured during that assault. In the footage, Alexander, visibly distressed, was ordered to criticize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, The prime minister is supposed to protect his soldiers and citizens, and you abandoned us. Sullivan, speaking on NBCs Meet the Press, called the video a cruel reminder of Hamas brutality, saying it shows the challenges involved in negotiating for the freedom of those detained. We are engaged deeply with the key players in the region, and there is activity even today, Sullivan said. Our hope is that we can generate a ceasefire and hostage deal, but were not there yet, Sullivan added. Israels President Isaac Herzog offered a similarly hopeful yet cautious note, saying negotiations are taking place behind the scenes and hinted at the possibility of a breakthrough, though he stopped short of declaring any specific timeline. The urgency for negotiations is fueled by the toll of the conflict. Israel estimates that about a third of the hostages are no longer alive. In Gaza, the counteroffensive by Israeli forces has resulted in over 44,000 Palestinian deaths, with more than half of the casualties being women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The Ministry has not clarified how many of the deceased were combatants. Israel says its forces have killed over 17,000 militants during its operations. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon appears to have calmed somewhat following the recent ceasefire. Sullivan said the next few days are critical for ensuring the ceasefire holds. Our goal is to get through these first few days, critical days of a ceasefire, when its most fragile, have it take full hold, and then ultimately build on it so that it becomes the permanent ceasefire its intended to be, he said. The U.S. is working alongside France and other allies to support the Lebanese Armed Forces in ensuring that the ceasefire remains effective. Hamas has demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as a condition for peace, a demand Israel has repeatedly rejected. In turn, Israel has asked for the total eradication of Hamas influence in the region and the release of hostages. Meanwhile, the Christmas spirit has dimmed once more in Bethlehem, as the Gaza conflict is keeping tourists away and has dampened any sense of celebration, according to Reuters. During these difficult times, especially with the situation in Gaza, it is hard to show any joy, Issa Thaljieh, an Orthodox priest at the Nativity Church, was quoted as saying. He added that many Christian families were also contemplating leaving the city, discouraged by both the absence of tourists and the constant threat of violence. Christian communities across the Middle East have been in decline for decades, and Bethlehem has not been spared. In 1947, about 85% of the citys population was Christian. By 2017, the number had fallen dramatically, with only around 10% of the 215,514 residents identifying as Christian. Home News Pastor serving the 'least of these' in places 'nobody wants to go' answers God's call After two years of serving as a Baptist church pastor in Southern California, Kathy Huck felt God's calling to take her ministry into the streets and homeless encampments so she could foster friendships and be better suited to fulfill Jesus' call to "serve the least of these." As a former pastor at Second Missionary Baptist in Simi Valley, California, Huck followed God's call in 2018 to launch About My Father's Business, a homeless outreach ministry. Huck left her position to focus on serving people living on the street or in their cars. "I'll never forget it. I was standing on Topanga and Nordhoff, two streets in the San Fernando Valley," she told The Christian Post. "And the Lord just said, 'Pastor Huck, your ministry starts here.'" 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 Huck grew up going to church and was raised to have a "heart for Christ." She heard God's call to start AMFB while volunteering for Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, an organization dedicated to reducing hunger and homelessness. After meeting with a group of friends to distribute resources to the homeless, Huck felt God's presence. AMFB spends around $3,000 a month to provide various resources to individuals living on the street, such as tents, clothes and food. In addition to receiving support from individual donors, AMFB partners with other ministries, including the Hollywood Food Coalition. The 20 AMFB team members work as volunteers, and the only paid member is a bookkeeper. AMFB also has outside volunteers who contribute by putting bags of supplies together, but Huck said that this number varies. Earlier this month, AMFB served food to around 150 people who live in tiny home communities or in their cars during its sixth-annual Thanksgiving event. Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield allowed the group to host the event at his field office. One of Huck's friends, the head chef for an organization called Kitchen to Go, cooked the Thanksgiving meal for free, while the group Huck volunteered with, Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, brought the drinks. The local Rotary Club also brought blankets and rain ponchos as a giveaway. "And so, we make sure that they leave with all the stuff that they need to prepare for the winter," the AMFB founder said. "And they have a really good Thanksgiving meal, a meal that's to die for." One important part of AMFB's mission involves building trust with the people they serve and treating them with dignity. This usually involves Huck visiting homeless people at their encampments to distribute resources directly to them. The group typically conducts outreach within the West Valley of Los Angeles. "I love what I do because I think it's the bottom rung; it's the basement," Huck said. "It's the place nobody wants to go. I call us the janitors. Nobody wants to be where we are, but it is ground zero because you can't understand what people need until you understand who they are, where they are, how they live." Earlier in November, Huck participated in a discussion at Pepperdine University's Malibu campus titled "The Christian Response to Hunger and Homelessness." The university hosted the panel as part of a series of events held in honor of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. During the panel, Huck called for Christians to view homeless individuals as human beings and to allow them to have a voice in how they want to be served. Speaking with CP, the outreach leader said she has built relationships with those she helps and considers many of them her friends. When she visits encampments, for example, Huck said that she learns people's names and remembers specific details about them, reaching out with a "sincere heart." When she invites people to her home for dinner, Huck says it's not just random individuals she met through outreach but people she's come to know. "They're my family," she said. "You know, we have this relationship. We go out to lunch; we do stuff together. If there's a street fair, we all might just go and hang out. You don't even think about them being unhoused anymore. They're just your friends; like real human connections, real human relationships." "But I'm just saying that we have to see them as human from every aspect," Huck stated. "And the minute we do that, things change." Despite receiving accolades for her work, Huck said she is not a "superstar." "Jesus is a superstar," she said. "I'm not special. As a Christian, we have to stay grounded so we don't get full of ourselves because it's easy to do that. What we're doing and the people that God has called us to serve has to be the focus." "And that's all of us. We're called to serve everyone," she added. "Not just homeless, not just the hungry, but everyone." Home News President Biden pardons his son Hunter despite pledging not to President Joe Biden has issued a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, claiming that he was unfairly prosecuted for political reasons. In a statement released Sunday, the president argued that his son was selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted due to his connection to the Democratic commander-in-chief. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form, Biden claimed. 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 Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. Biden's pardon covers not only the gun and tax offenses against Hunter, but also any other offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. The elder Biden alleged that several of my political opponents in Congress instigated the charges against Hunter and that they contributed to the unraveling of a plea deal in his sons case. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, he continued. Republicans, among them U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, denounced Biden's decision to pardon his son, arguing that the president was wrongfully interfering in the legal process. Im shocked Pres Biden pardoned his son Hunter [because] he said many, many times he wouldnt [and] I believed him. Shame on me, tweeted Grassley. In June, Biden claimed he would not pardon Hunter, telling reporters, I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him, The Associated Press reported. While many Democrats defended Bidens decision, believing that the prosecution of Hunter was politically motivated, U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., objected to it. I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong, stated the Democrat lawmaker, as quoted by Politico. This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers. Hunter Biden has been a source of controversy for Joe Biden since before the 2020 presidential election, such as when the New York Post published a report that Hunter Biden had his father meet with an executive from the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma before the elder Biden had pressured officials in Ukraine to fire a prosecutor investigating the company that was paying Hunter. The NY Post referenced emails from the hard drive of Hunters laptop, which had been seized by the FBI and contained embarrassing images of him using drugs and having sex with various women, as well as details of dubious business dealings with communist China. In June of last year, Hunter pleaded guilty to federal criminal tax charges, as well as one charge of possession of a firearm by a person who is a user or addict of illegal drugs. Chris Clark, a criminal defense lawyer for Hunter, said in a statement last year that Hunter believes it is important to take responsibility for these mistakes he made during a period of turmoil and addiction in his life. He looks forward to continuing his recovery and moving forward. However, the deal eventually fell through and in June, a jury in Wilmington, Delaware, found Hunter guilty of "making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm," "making a false statement with respect to information required to be kept in records," and possessing a firearm despite him being "a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance." Home News Pastor talks historic NYC church's rich history, mission to 'make traditional church cool' The historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City has been around since 1808, with the house of worship's new pastor on a profound mission: to "make traditional church cool." Abyssinian, it will always be a traditional Baptist church, the Rev. Kevin R. Johnson recently told The Christian Post's Leonardo Blair. We have to make it engaging so that those who want this type of experience with Christ will feel like, you know what? I can wear a tie and still be cool. I can wear a dress and still be cool. Listen to Blair discuss the church's history and mission and read the original story: Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The Inside Story takes you behind the headlines of the biggest faith, culture, and political headlines of the week. In 15 minutes or less, Christian Post staff writers and editors will help you navigate and understand whats driving each story, the issues at play and why it all matters. Listen to more Christian podcasts today on the Edifi app and be sure to subscribe to The Inside Story on your favorite platforms: Home News Once known 'city of churches,' Toronto declares December as 'Christian Heritage Month' Once known as the city of churches with 90 church buildings listed in the inner zone during the year 1893, the Canadian city of Toronto has become known as a multicultural metropolis with diverse faiths and beliefs. While nowadays just under half of the population of Toronto identify as Christian, a new initiative highlighting the historical and contemporary importance of Christianity for the city has led the Toronto City Council to proclaim December as Christian Heritage Month. On Nov. 13, Cllr. Nick Mantas put forward the motion, seconded by Cllr. Frances Nunziata, which was passed with 11 votes in favor and 4 votes against. In a summary, the two councilors noted that Christianity remains the most followed religion in Canada, with more than half of Canadians identifying with the faith. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms even mentions God in its very first sentence, they added. 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 Since the month of December celebrates the birth of Jesus at Christmas, the councilors successfully argued that it would be an appropriate month to laud the citys Christian heritage. During this time, Christian faith groups utilize literature, art, music, gastronomy, and architecture to tell the stories of Jesus and His compassion, love, acceptance and the good news of the Gospel he brought. December is associated with the tradition of gift giving and gathering of family, friends and people of all faiths. Christian organizations and places of worship offer religious services, unique events, and initiatives that highlight a strong Christian heritage during the month of December. Furthermore, the councilors pointed out that other religions and heritages are given recognition in Canada but there is a lack of such dedicated commemorations for Christianity in the country. As proud citizens of this diverse and culturally rich nation, we believe it is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all religious and cultural groups, the councilors added. Statistics Canada lists 669,320 Catholics in Toronto, according to data from 2021, 24.2% of the citys total population. An additional 10.7% are other Christians, representing 294,190 people. Several smaller denominations and groups add up to 11.6%, bringing the total to 46.5% identifying as Christian. These figures compare to 845,615 or 30.6% of the population declaring no religion and secular perspectives. The vote to officially mark December as Christian Heritage Month in Toronto has been hailed a significant milestone by Molly Banerjei, who came up with the idea six months ago alongside husband Jay and impassioned volunteers from Christian Music Festival, a multi-denominational organization celebrating the contributions of Canadian Christians. Banerjei, the chief executive officer for the Christian Heritage Month Initiative, told Christian Daily International that the debate leading up to the city council decision was spirited and, at times, intense. She insisted that there was no particular resistance from others in getting the city council to support the initiative. While there were differing opinions during the council debate, there has been no significant opposition to the event itself, she said. The proclamation has been widely welcomed and celebrated within the community. The reasoning behind the months dedication recognized the values of love, service and compassion that define the Christian community, according to Banerjei. Our vision is to honor the incredible diversity within Canadas Christian community representing First Nations, Africans, Latin Americans, Asians, Middle Easterners, Europeans and people from every continent through meaningful events that foster unity, build deeper connections, and celebrate the contributions that have enriched Canadas cultural fabric, she added. The Christian Heritage Month initiative is a dynamic, multi-denominational movement dedicated to celebrating the vibrant cultural, social, and artistic contributions of Canadas Christian community. Toronto churches have absolutely supported the initiative, alongside fellowships from other municipalities, added Banerjei. A celebratory event for the heritage month decision was held on Nov. 21. This is the Holy Spirits idea that has been entrusted to my husband Jay and me, Banerjei said. I have the privilege of leading the charge for this campaign, ensuring that its vision and mission are fulfilled. This initiative has fostered a sense of unity and celebration among Christians in the city. Banerjei noted that Christian Heritage Month is being recognized in December by 35 Canadian municipalities so far. These include: Ajax, Aurora, Bradford, Caledon, Clarington, Durham Region, Markham, Brampton, Milton, Mississippi Mills, Orillia, Ottawa, Pickering, Rideau Lakes, Sudbury, Wainfleet, Welland, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Prince George, Whistler, Red Deer and Okotos. This growing movement unites diverse voices and fosters a sense of belonging, enriching our nations identity and promoting inclusivity for all Canadians, Banerjei said. The team, led by Banerjei and her husband Jay, are calling on other Canadians to support the declaration of December as Christian Heritage Month for Canada as a whole. A petition has been set up for those wanting to see this happen. Together, we can celebrate Canadas diverse Christian heritage and the incredible contributions that have shaped our country, added Banerjei. Your voice matters! This article was originally published at Christian Daily International T.D. Jakes Defamation Lawsuit, Australia To Ban Social Media For Minors, Daystar President Accuses Son Of Blackmail link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:29 07:29 Top headlines for Monday, December 2, 2024 In this episode, we discuss Bishop T.D. Jakes' defamation lawsuit against a man who has leveled serious accusations of sexual assault against him. We then turn our attention to Australia, where a newly passed law enforces the world's strictest social media regulations, banning anyone under 16 from using these platforms. In another familial fallout, Daystar President Joni Lamb accuses her own son, Jonathan Lamb, of blackmail and leading a smear campaign against her. Lastly, we explore the monumental legal changes underway in the UK, where a new bill could soon legalize assisted suicide under stringent conditions in England and Wales. Home Opinion How do we save Western civilization? For a moment, I would like to shift our attention from the regional West to the Big West. In your mind, go to Google Maps and start in Denver. Zoom out from the regional West to the full United States. Zoom out further, and you begin to see the entire Western world. Just as the American West has changed, so has the Western world. In his new book War on the West, British author Douglas Murray summed it up perfectly: In recent years, it has become clear that there is a war going on: a war on the West. This is not like earlier wars, where armies clash and victories are declared. It is a cultural war, and it is being waged remorselessly against all the roots of the Western tradition and against everything good that the Western tradition has produced. Now, Murray uses the term culture war. You may not like that term or say that its inaccurate, but he also suggests it is much bigger than that. Some use the term moral and cultural revolution for what is taking place. Murray helpfully reminds us that it wasnt conservatives who started this war it was the radical left that has been attacking every institution, attempting to turn the world upside down. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The Western world, just like the United States, is at a crossroads. Will it come unglued? Or will it be renewed? To start, we must ask, what is civilization? Civilization is a moral, social, structural, and cultural order. It is the heritage you and I receive when we are born. But it is also bigger than just laws, institutions, and an economy. It makes up the substructure of our society or, as my wife says, it is a bit like DNA. DNA is vitally important, but you cannot see it with the human eye. It is under the surface, shaping absolutely everything, building proteins, tissue, and organs. Today, many in the Western world want to change the DNA of our civilization invert the order and turn it upside down. They say they want to undo all the oppressions of our time. On their ever-growing list of oppressions, they seek to disrupt free markets, the family, family roles, biological sex, hierarchy of any kind, traditional morality, sexual restraint, nationalism, constitutionalism, and the Judeo-Christian tradition. Western civilization is best defined as the foundation on which American and European cultures have been built. It was forged by the Jews, the inventors of Western culture. Through Abraham and Moses, they laid the moral foundations for this new civilization. It was forged by the Greeks and the Romans, who laid out the philosophical and legal foundations. It was forged by the Christian Church, which laid theological foundations emphasizing both faith and reason. The Bible was its founding document. By 893 A.D., the time of Charlemagne, it wasnt called Western civilization; it was known as Christendom. This may all sound a bit theoretical you might ask, what has Western civilization ever done for me? This reminds me of Monty Pythons Life of Brian. In one scene, some first-century terrorists from the Peoples Liberation Front of Judea ask provocatively, What have the Romans ever done for us? The other cell members respond with a long list of benefits from Roman civilization, to which the leader replies, All right, but apart from sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, freshwater systems, and public health what have the Romans ever done for us? Think for a moment of the many gifts of Western civilization. You could start with monotheism, creating a universal culture under a unifying deity and a single moral law. There is also the desacralization of the state. Many other civilizations dubbed the state as a god not in the West. God is God, and the state is under God. Thanks to Western civilization, we have the rule of law, meaning everyone, including kings and governing authorities, is subject to it. The West was the first to argue for the universal concept of the dignity of human beings, bringing an end to human sacrifice and infanticide. It abolished the institution of slavery twice. Add to the list a respect for property and property rights, which brought unprecedented political and economic freedoms, leading to amazing levels of prosperity around the world. This worldview also made scientific inquiry and technological advances possible. The universal hospital system and the vast expansion of healthcare have led to extended lifespans thanks to Western civilization. Consider also the promotion of literacy worldwide, the development of the best educational systems, and the creation of the university. What about high art, music, literature, and architecture? These are just some of the blessings that have come through Western civilization. It has an exceptional record for which we should all be grateful. Im not saying that the West has no flaws, sins, or blind spots. Unfortunately, some horrific sins have also come from the West. We are responsible for the heresy of Marxism, which has led to over 100 million people being slaughtered by state policies. We are responsible for atheistic secular states that produced Stalins and Hitlers. I am also not saying that other civilizations and their contributions are not important. Gods love and grace are not exclusively tied to the Western world far from it! Im not saying that were somehow immune from the laws of God or divine judgment. If we become rebellious and decadent, we will reap the necessary consequences. Nor are we invincible. Exceptional? Yes. Invincible? No. I am saying that Western civilization has done more good for more people not just in the West, but throughout the entire world than any other in history. It is the civilization that has enlivened the world. But all is not well. On the one hand, there are troubling signs of drift, decay, and decline. The loss of faith that we see all around us feeds secularization and the belief that we dont need the Bible, Christ, or the Ten Commandments anymore. We now have replacement faiths that are neither life-giving nor sustainable, such as nihilism, materialism, and secular liberalism. There is the loss of civic courage that we see in younger generations, as well as the general decline of patriotism. Western nations populations are declining while they are unable to control their borders. Additionally, the West is deconstructing the moral order and normalizing decadence. We have embraced what Solzhenitsyn called destructive, irresponsible freedom. On the other hand, we are also observing an unrelenting assault on Western civilization from within. Thirty years ago, it was common for universities to teach a course on Western civilization. Now, not even history majors are required to study it. Things came to a head in 1987 when Stanford University debated whether or not it should be a required course. They decided it should not. There were demonstrations where crowds chanted, Hey, hey, ho, ho, Western Civ has got to go! In the 90s, many universities followed Stanfords example. They stopped teaching Western civilization and the Western classics. They said, The West is something we are embarrassed by. They were pushing a culture of repudiation, or anti-culture. If you oppose this new movement, you are labeled a racist, a white supremacist, or a Christian nationalist. Corporations are now joining in, openly ridiculing traditional values. Convictional Jews and Christians are becoming the new intellectual outlaws. Civilization can break down from external attacks or from internal collapse. We are seeing a clash within our own civilization: pro-Western forces versus progressives who are calling for a new cultural revolution. Its agenda is clear remove God, destroy the family, promote sexual liberation, subvert free markets, and expand the state. The narrative is that Western history is nothing more than a catalog of crimes, and traditional culture is the source of oppression. What do we do? How do we save Western civilization? How do we turn things around and become Western strong? The good news is that conservatives, independents, and Christians are starting to wake up and say enough. Let me present three essentials for a counter-revolution. To begin, we must speak out and contend for truth on every level. Postmodernists are committed to a total war on truth. We must contend for the truthfulness of truth, human dignity, and the order of creation. It is time to start protesting the lies we are being compelled to embrace, the erroneous worldviews that do not lead to human flourishing, and the cultural suicide radicals are pushing us toward. We must move beyond just conserving something; we have to be willing to overthrow something. We need a counter-revolution for what is good, true, and beautiful. But beware if you start to speak out, you will be labeled and maligned as a bigot. Know that this is a common radical strategy because, so often, the left has given up on arguments. Instead, they call you names. Regardless, we must be willing to speak out and contend for truth. Secondly, we must have children and impart our heritage to them. Peter Kreeft said the single most necessary thing we can do to save our civilization is to have children. If you dont have a next generation to pass on your heritage, then you dont have a civilization. Saving Western civilization starts at home. Our population is below replacement level, and 40% of children are born out of wedlock. We must view children as arrows to influence our culture, as Psalm 127 says. Raising children is also about transmitting the best of our culture, traditions, and past to them. As historian Hannah Arendt said, In every generation, civilization is raided by barbarians we call them children. They must be civilized before it is too late. Finally, we must return to the faith that brought sanity and life to Western civilization in the first place. We must go back to the spiritual roots that gave us ballast. Secular progressivism, liberalism, and philosophical materialism are not enough to sustain a civilization, and they are not enough to be a foundation for the American experiment. The founders knew that, and so we must return to God and the Bible. We need a religious awakening in our culture. We need a Christian Renaissance. Let me make a special appeal to pastors: Be the Church and be bold with the Gospel and biblical truth. As Scripture says, contend eternally for the truth. Pastors, you have helped bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth, but now we need to give serious attention to how to reach the West again by re-evangelizing our own culture. Dont be defeatist. Dont give up and pull back. G.K. Chesterton said, At least five times the faith has to all appearances gone to the dogs. In each of these five cases, it was the dog that died. And Jesus said, I will build my church. The gates of Hell will not prevail. I close with an appeal from the Hebrew Scriptures: Jeremiah 2:11-13. Judah was in rapid decline. Jeremiah prophesied against its immorality and idolatry. He warned of coming judgment. Here, Jeremiah thundered, [Thus saith the LORD]: Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. Now, this is the Word of God through Jeremiah to Judah, but it may equally be taken as the word of God to the once-theistic Western world. We have changed the glory for that which does not profit. We have a defective reservoir that holds no water. We are running dry. And God again tells us, My people have forgotten the LORD their God. Return to Me, for I am the fountain of living water. Ad Fontes come back to the fountain of life. These are words not just for ancient Judah; they are words for a civilization at a crossroads, and they are the pathway to becoming Western strong. In preparation for President-elect Donald Trumps mass deportation agenda, immigration attorneys are reminding the immigrant community of their constitutional rights. Noah Berger/AFP via Getty Images As President-elect Donald Trump vows to carry out mass deportations and end certain public benefits for undocumented immigrants, two immigration attorneys say that legal guardrails would constrain some of those efforts. I think it is important for people to realize that immigrants are protected by the Constitution, said Ming Chen, a professor at UC College of the Law SF and faculty director at the Center for Race, Immigration, Citizenship and Equality. Sometimes there is a misperception that the Constitution does not apply and that is not true. Right against unreasonable search and seizure The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable search and seizure by the government. The protections extend to a person on the street, in their home or at their workplace, regardless of immigration status, said Ahilan Arulanantham, an immigration attorney and UCLA School of Law professor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This means that undocumented immigrants generally do not have to open their doors to law enforcement or federal immigration authorities, unless they have a signed warrant from a judge, Arulanantham said. It also means that authorities have no authority to stop a person on the street or at work unless they have reason to believe the person is breaking the law. Tom Homan, a former Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director who Trump tapped to be his new border czar, told 60 Minutes in October that work site enforcement operations will be necessary. During the first Trump administration, immigration officials increased the number of workplace raids conducted to arrest undocumented immigrants, leading, in one case, to Tennessee meatpacking workers being awarded $1 million in a class-action lawsuit against the U.S. government for Fourth and Fifth Amendment violations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Right to counsel The Constitution guarantees a right to legal representation in criminal proceedings, but not in civil proceedings such as immigration hearings. The exception is for people with serious mental disabilities, as decided by a 2013 class action lawsuit, Franco-Gonzalez v. Holder, that Arulanantham helped litigate. Only 29% of immigrants in federal immigration court were represented at the end of May, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University. We will often see immigrants show up in court without any representation, Chen said. California spends about $45 million a year on its One California program, which pays nonprofits to provide legal services to low-income immigrants. As a result, the state had the second highest rate of representation in immigration court in December 2023, with its 49% coming behind Hawaiis 56%, according to the TRAC. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Right to due process Under the Fifth Amendment, undocumented immigrants generally have the right to a hearing in front of an immigration judge before theyre deported. There are, however, exceptions. People who have been in the U.S. for a short period of time can be placed in what is called expedited removal, allowing them to be deported without a hearing, said Arulanantham. Under current Biden administration regulations, unless a person was admitted or paroled into the country, they can be deported without a hearing if they were arrested within two weeks of unauthorized entry less than 100 miles from the border. The Constitutions due process clauses also govern whether and how someone can be detained. The U.S. government has been sued for improperly detaining immigrants in the past, notably, in 2020, when a U.S. District Court found that ICEs practice of issuing detainers for people based on their foreign birthplace without information about their citizenship or immigration status violated the U.S. Constitution. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The due process law is very clear that the government cannot jail an immigrant for no reason, Arulanantham said. No right to many federal benefits Trump and other immigration hardliners have argued for mass deportations on the grounds that undocumented immigrants are a drain on public benefits. In 2022, the roughly 10.9 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. paid an estimated $96.7 billion in local, state and federal taxes, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Trump pledged to ban welfare for illegal immigrants, even though undocumented immigrants are not entitled to many federal benefits. They may be able to access emergency Medicaid if theyd qualify but for their status. In California, undocumented immigrants are also eligible for the states version of Medicaid, Medi-Cal, if they meet its eligibility requirements. California was the first state to extend full Medicaid coverage to all undocumented immigrants. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Home Opinion The Jesus that can't save Its one of those stories that makes me want to cry and, at the same time, visit one of those rage rooms that will let me go to town on stuff with a sledgehammer. A recent Wall Street Journal article detailed the tragic case of Richard Whitacre who got swindled out of his $750,000+ 401(k) retirement fund by a shady investment company called Next Level Holdings. I figured this is an amazing opportunity and Ill be set for life, thought the 60-year-old Whitacre. The financial opportunity put forward to Whitacre looked like other investments and those promoting it sounded like other financial advisors, but both were fake. And the ones running the masquerade did this to a guy who not only just lost his job but was also recently diagnosed with cancer. 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 Rage room anyone? As Im sure youre aware, Whitacres case is not unique as countless have been financially conned, but it is still nonetheless heartbreaking. Its a good reminder to all of us that horrible results can occur when you depend on something thats bogus. Take the wrong medicine and your physical malady wont improve. Act on fake news and youre likely to get an embarrassing and rude awakening down the road. And heres the thing: If disastrous consequences exist for being fooled in the physical world, why think anything different will result from being tricked in the spiritual realm? While cons in this life can be temporal, lies suffered in the next life are eternal. And the deadliest scam the enemy offers in this vein is to slide across the table a Jesus that cant save. Another Jesus Theres an old proverb that says there are many tools in the devils toolbox, but a lie is the handle that fits them all. This is why spiritual discernment is elevated so much in Scripture and why warnings about it are found in 26 of the 27 books in the New Testament. Paul touches on this subject interestingly in his second letter to the Corinthians when he says: For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully (2 Cor. 11:4). He goes on to tell them that such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:1314). Another Jesus? Isnt there only one? The word another is a Greek adjective allos and it typically means another of the same kind. Interestingly, the same can be true of the anti portion of the term antichrist; it also can mean another. In the context of the Corinthian letter, Paul was most likely referring to an imposter Jesus preached by those who are referred to as the Judaizers who attempted to meld Christianity along with Jewish laws and customs. In their commentary on 2nd Corinthians, Kistemaker and Hendriksen point out that such teachers would often refrain from depicting Jesus as the Christ. Needless to say, such an imitation would be devoid of any saving power. The disturbing thing is, there are a lot more counterfeit christs out there who wont be able to help you either. Maybe this is why Jesus warned us three times in His Olivet Discourse that many will come in My name, saying, I am the Christ, and will mislead many (Matt. 24:5). One of these fakes is the Christ of Islam. Initially, the Jesus of Islam seems to resemble the Jesus in the New Testament. The Koran says Jesus was born of a virgin (Sura 3:47), proclaimed to be the Messiah (Sura 3:45), performed miracles (Sura 3:49), was confirmed to be righteous (Sura 6:85), sinless (Sura 3:46), had disciples (Sura 3:52-53), was sent with a gospel (Sura 5:46), his words should be believed (Sura 4:171), was taken to Heaven by God (Sura 4:156-159), and will come again (Sura 3:55). But look closer and you will find the Islamic Jesus was created out of dust (Sura 3:59), is not the Son of God or God (Sura 4:171), was not crucified and did not die (Sura 4:157), was not resurrected (because he did not die), was not a Jew nor were his disciples (Sura 5:48, 53, 5:111), prophesied the coming of Muhammad (Sura 61:6), should not be worshipped (Sura 5:116), and will return, die and be judged (Sunan Abu Dawud Book 37, Number 4310). The imitation Islamic Christ cant save you. Neither can the Christ in Hinduism (Jesus was a great man who attained God-realization) or Buddhism (Jesus was a bodhisattva, one who has achieved enlightenment), or similar religions. The Christ of the cults is equally bad. To the Jehovahs Witnesses (who follow in the footsteps of the heretic Arius), Jesus is a created little god in their rewritten Bible but not God. To Mormons, Jesus is Jehovah, but different than their god Elohim, and not part of any Trinity with their teachings saying: [Joseph Smith] knew that the long-heralded trinity of three Gods in one was a myth, a deception. He knew that the Father and the Son were two distinct beings with form, voices, and ... personalities. The various occultic religions also have a fake Christ. Their typical pattern is one of separating Jesus from the Christ as is done in the Aquarian Gospel: When we say Jesus the Christ we refer to the man and to his office; just as we do when we say Edward, the King, or Lincoln, the President. Edward was not always King, and Lincoln was not always President, and Jesus was not always Christ. Jesus won his Christ-ship by a strenuous life. Theres more, but lets end with the warning that the Bible gives us that in the future will come the ultimate and last imitation who will attain to such a height that the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it? (Rev. 13:34). All these phony Christs and others like them cant save you only the Jesus found in the Bible is capable of doing that, just as Peter said: There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under Heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). It's why Jesus said, unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins (John 8:24). Its awful that Richard Whitacre may have lost his life savings to a fake financial advisor, but its much worse if he or anyone else falls for a counterfeit Christ. Avoiding that error takes spiritual discernment and wisdom just like A. W. Tozer said: So skilled is error at imitating truth that the two are constantly being mistaken for each other. It takes a sharp eye these days to know which brother is Cain and which Abel. Home Opinion The Lefts blueprint for power: Lessons Christians must learn Youve got to hand it to the left theyve mastered the concept of a worldview better than most Christians. A worldview is simply the lens through which we see and engage with the world. For Christians, that lens is the Bible, meant to guide how we live, relate to God, and represent Him in creation. In theory, its an integrated system of thought that unites Christs Church toward a shared purpose. Worldview is just shorthand for that. But heres the thing: the left doesnt just have a worldview of their own they know how to harness it to their advantage. Unlike many Christians, progressives dont just talk about their worldview; they wield it like a battering ram, forging alliances that often appear contradictory or downright absurd. Take the ridiculous spectacle of LGBT agitators marching with Queers for Palestine signs. Now, in much of the Middle East, being queer is treated as a crime punishable by a rooftop toss. Yet, these activists are out there, waving their banners for regimes that would gladly hurl them into the afterlife. Its tempting to chalk it up to braindead hypocrisy, and yes, thats part of it. 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 But its also something more: a strategic pact. This is an axis of Western civilizations enemies teaming up to destroy their collective target objective truth, gender distinctions, strong families, limited government, meritocracy, and equality under the law. The lefts rallying cry is clear: dismantle the West, especially its biblical foundations. And if that means forming partnerships that defy logic, so be it. Nowhere is this destructive alliance more apparent than in public education, where children are the biggest casualties. Take Chicago, for instance. Fewer than 30% of public school students are proficient in math or English, despite the city shelling out a staggering $30,000 per student annually. So, how did Chicagos teachers union respond to this disaster? By demanding a pay raise, naturally. And not just that they also pushed for a laundry list of leftist pet projects, including rent control, carbon neutrality schemes, free abortions, stipends for student asylum seekers, pronoun accommodations, and LGBT protocols that allow schools to transition kids behind their parents backs. None of this has anything to do with educating children. And thats the point. The left isnt interested in competence theyre fixated on power. They know that coalition-building is the quickest way to dominate every institution shaping American life. What ties it all together? A relentless obsession to impose their progressive vision on everyone else. Even the medical field isnt immune. Once-respected professional organizations have become mouthpieces for the latest woke craze. According to The Daily Signal, 26 out of 28 major medical societies have taken formal stances on everything from racial preferences to climate change to racism to the war between Hamas and Israel. The American College of Surgeons? They decided police brutality against people of color is one of their top priorities, claiming structural racism not poor lifestyle choices drives chronic health ailments. The American Academy of Pediatrics? They threw a tantrum over the Supreme Court gutting affirmative action, insisting the decision would worsen racial disparities in medicine. The American Society of Anesthesiologists joined the fray, offering advice on reducing the carbon footprint from inhaled anesthesia. The American College of Physicians didnt want to be left out either, affirming the need to achieve environmental justice so that everyone can live, work, learn, and play in a safe, healthy environment. And lets not forget the American Society for Clinical Pathology, which declared racism a health issue. Because nothing screams science like turning disease into a political prop. Dr. Stanley Goldfarb of Do No Harm, a group fighting leftist encroachment in the healthcare industry, nailed it when he called this bias a betrayal of public trust and an insult to dues-paying members who expect institutional neutrality on blatantly political topics. Hes right. Medical associations should focus on helping patients, not genuflecting to the gods of progressive dogma. But heres the kicker: The left doesnt care. Theyre not in the business of neutrality theyre in the business of winning. They understand the stakes of the cultural war far better than most Christians do, and theyre willing to insert agendas in places where politics shouldnt exist. Where does that leave us? For starters, its time to stop wringing our hands over the lefts tactics and borrow a page from their playbook. Christians should unapologetically build networks to advance laws and traditions that align with a biblical worldview. That doesnt mean compromising our principles it means finding common ground with allies who share our values in key areas. Look at Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Neither are Christians, but both are spearheading causes that Christians should rally behind: defending free speech from government overreach and dismantling the administrative state. If successful, these efforts would give Christians the breathing room to live out the Gospel without bureaucratic overlords or censorship fanatics standing in the way. These are fights worth joining. Politics is, and always has been, about coalitions. The left understands this instinctively. And the Bible itself shows how coalitions can serve Gods purposes. For example, Nehemiah partnered with King Artaxerxes to rebuild Jerusalems walls (Nehemiah 2:1-8), Cyrus the Great enabled the Jews to return and repair the temple (Ezra 1:1-4), and Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, joined forces with Israelite spies to secure victory in Jericho (Joshua 2:1-21) all unlikely alliances that advanced Gods plan. Today, however, Christians often get stuck in unproductive infighting or retreat into spiritual navel-gazing while the world burns around us. That has to change. We cannot sit on the sidelines. If the left can unite to destroy, Christians can unite to restore. Its time to stop just talking about worldviews and start wielding them. Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center. A rendering of the restored nave. (Photo: Bardet/Vautrin/Emissive) Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most cherished symbols of French heritage and Christian devotion, is set to reopen its doors after a five-year restoration following the devastating fire that engulfed it on 15 April 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron, who famously pledged to rebuild the cathedral within five years, toured the completed structure in November, expressing gratitude for the extraordinary efforts that have brought it back to life. "You have transformed ashes into art," he told those present, highlighting the immense skill and dedication involved in the reconstruction. The fire, which destroyed the famous spire, much of the cathedral's wooden roof, and parts of its stone structure, left Parisians and onlookers around the world in mourning. The inferno also covered the cathedral's nave, which risked collapse, prompting an urgent and extensive restoration effort. Now, after years of painstaking work, the restored cathedral will once again welcome the faithful and visitors on 7th and 8th December, reclaiming its place as both a spiritual beacon and a cultural treasure. The restoration has been a triumph of craftsmanship, faith, and unity. More than 846 million (727 million) was donated by 340,000 supporters from 150 countries, highlighting the global respect for this Christian place of worship. The funds enabled the meticulous reconstruction of Notre Dame and the preservation of its architectural integrity, ensuring it remains a testament to the vision and dedication of its original builders. The process of reconstruction was rooted in authenticity and reverence for history. The new spire, a faithful replica of Eugene Viollet-le-Duc's 19th-century design, was crafted using techniques reminiscent of medieval craftsmanship. Its base now supports a golden phoenix, symbolising resurrection and renewal. "The cathedral can be reborn from the ashes, like a phoenix," commented restoration architect Philippe Villeneuve, who envisioned a weathervane bird with "wings of fire" on top of the cathedral spire. Over 1,200 oak trees, some as old as 230 years, were felled to recreate the roof's intricate timber framework, known as la foret ("the forest"). These beams were carefully shaped and transported along the River Seine, echoing the woodworking practices of the cathedral's original carpenters. Inside, the cathedral's transformation is awe-inspiring. The columns and walls, meticulously cleaned of centuries of grime, now radiate with a brilliance unseen in modern times. Notre Dame's famed stained-glass windows, including the three majestic rose windows, have been restored to their original vibrancy, allowing their intricate designs and vivid colours to once again flood the interior with hues of light. The restoration of the cathedral's bells, including those damaged in the fire, marks another significant milestone. In early November, the eight bells of the northern belfry rang out for the first time since the disaster, their sound resonating as a symbol of hope and continuity. For many, the return of the almost-intact statue of the Virgin Mary to its rightful place was particularly moving, as was the preservation of the Crown of Thorns, a relic that firefighters risked their lives to save during the blaze. Monseigneur Patrick Chauvet, former rector of Notre Dame, recalled his first glimpse of the interior after the flames had been extinguished, describing it as an "apocalyptic vision." He added, "I haven't fully recovered from it; it's engraved in the depths of my being." President Macron reflected on the restoration effort, praising the 2,000 workers whose expertise made it possible, including artisans, architects, and craftspeople who utilised centuries-old methods to ensure authenticity. "The blaze at Notre Dame was a national wound, and you have been its remedy through will, through work, through commitment," he remarked, adding that the cathedral's reopening will be a "shock of hope". Although work on the forecourt and surrounding areas will continue until 2030, the cathedral itself is ready to resume its role as a place of Christian worship, reflection, and inspiration. A consecration mass and the dedication of a new altar will mark the reopening, symbolising a spiritual rebirth and a triumphant return for this architectural masterpiece. According to church authorities, Notre Dame welcomed 12 million visitors in 2017 and, following the restoration, now expects to receive an even higher figure of 14 to 15 million during the coming year. (Photo: Getty/iStock) There are certain quotations from English literature that are familiar to many people, even if they have never read the works in which they occur. Examples include 'To be or not to be, that is the question' from Shakespeare's Hamlet, 'Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink' from Samuel Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' from Charles Dicken's A Tale of Two Cities. Although many people are familiar with these quotations, if they are asked what they mean in their original context they generally do not know the answer. Thus, they will be unaware that in the quotation from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner what the words describe is the dreadful fate of the sailors on a becalmed ship who are surrounded by an ocean of salt water, all of which is undrinkable. A similar instance of people knowing the quotation, but not what it means, is provided by two well-known quotations from the English poet and theologian John Donne. The first quotation is 'No man is an island' and the second is 'never send to know for whom the bless tolls' (normally quoted as 'do not ask for whom the bell tolls'). What most people do not realise is that these two quotations are part of an extended meditation by Donne on human mortality. The paragraph from which they come runs as follows: 'No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were; as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.' The point Donne is making is that as human beings we cannot escape from death. We are part of a dying race. When we hear a bell tolling to mark the death of another what it tells us is 'You too must die. Death is coming for you as well.' The fact that death is coming for all of us, raises the inevitable question of how we should view it. Is it something we should be afraid of, or not? In the Anglican Christian tradition to which I belong, a classic answer to this question is provided by the homily, or sermon, 'Against the fear of death' which was authorised for use in parish churches by the Church of England in the sixteenth century. This homily explains why there are three reasons why 'worldly' (i.e. ungodly) people commonly fear death: '.... one, because they shall lose thereby, their worldly honours, riches, possessions, and all their heart's desires; another, because of the painful diseases, and bitter pangs, which commonly men suffer, either before or at the time of death; but the chief cause, above all other, is the dread, of the miserable state of eternal damnation, both of body and soul, which they fear shall follow after their departing, after the worldly pleasure of this present life. ' However, none of these causes should make a Christian afraid of death. This is because: 'For death shall be to him no death at all, but the very deliverance from death, from all pains, cares, and sorrows, miseries, and wretchedness of this world, and the very entry into rest, and the beginning of everlasting joy, a tasting of heavenly pleasures, so great that neither tongue is able to express, neither eye to see, no ear to hear them, no, nor for any earthly man's heart to conceive them. So exceedingly great benefits they be which God our heavenly father, by his mere mercy and for the love of his son, Jesus Christ, hath laid up in store and be prepared for them that humbly submit themselves to God's will, and evermore unfeignedly love him, from the bottom of their hearts.' As Christians, says the homily, we ought to believe: '....that death, being slain by Christ, cannot keep any man that steadfastly trusteth in Christ, under his perpetual tyranny and subjection, but that he shall rise again, unto glory at the last day, appointed by Almighty God, like as Christ our Head did rise again, according to God's appointment, the third day. For St. Augustine saith, the Head going before, the members trust to follow, and come after. And St. Paul saith, if Christ be risen from the dead, we shall also rise the same. And to comfort all Christian persons herein, holy Scripture calleth this bodily death a sleep; wherein man's senses be, as it were taken from him for a season, and yet, when he awaketh, he is more fresh than he was when he went to bed. So although we have our souls separated from our bodies, for a season, yet at the general resurrection, we shall be more fresh, beautiful and perfect, than we be now. For now we be mortal, then we shall be immortal; now infected with divers infirmities, then clearly void of all mortal infirmities; now we be subject to all carnal desires, then we shall be all spiritual, desiring nothing but God's glory, and things eternal.' What these words from the homily make clear is that for a Christian the answer to the question 'Should we fear death?' is 'No.' Although we may reasonably fear the physical pain which often accompanies death and seek its mitigation in ourselves and others, there is no reason to fear death itself, for it is God's appointed gateway to an unending life with him, the enjoyment of which will far surpass any pleasures we may experience in the life we now live. This positive Christian view of death is underlined in two further pieces of writing on the subject from the Anglican tradition. The first piece is John Donne's poem 'Death, be not proud' in which Donne personifies death as a conceited would-be tyrant who, contrary to popular rumour, is in fact neither mighty, nor dreadful, because all he is able to do is to put people into a state of sleep from which they will awaken to life eternal. Death, be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so; For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me. From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be, Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow, And soonest our best men with thee do go, Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery. Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men, And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then? One short sleep past, we wake eternally And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die. The second piece is the closing words of CS Lewis' book The Last Batlle, which is the final volume of his Chronicles of Narnia. In these words, as in the Narnia stories as whole, Aslan is the personification of Christ in the form of a lion: 'Then Aslan turned to them and said: 'You do not yet look so happy as I mean you to be.' Lucy said, 'We're so afraid of being sent away as Aslan. And you have sent us back into our own world so often.' 'No Fear of that,' said Aslan, 'Have you not guessed?' Their hearts leaped and a wild hope rose within them. ' There was a real railway accident,' said Aslan softly. 'Your father and mother and all of you are -as you used to call it in the shadow lands -dead. The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.' And as he spoke he no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning chapter one of the great story which no one on earth on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.' What all this means is that Christians have a positive message about death which they are called upon to share those who do not yet know or believe it. This message is that for all those who are rightly related to God through Jesus Christ death is not the end. It is instead merely a period of transition from which they will awaken to live a life of total and everlasting fulfilment and blessing in the presence of God in the new world that is coming. What it is vital to note, however, is that Christians are not only called to declare that those who are rightly related to God though Jesus Christ will enjoy total and everlasting fulfilment on the other side of death. They are also called to declare that for those who are not related to God in this way death will not result in the enjoyment of life in God's presence. Instead, it will result in what the Bible calls the 'second death' (Revelation 2:11, 2O:6, 20:14, 21:8), what the homily quoted above calls 'the miserable state of eternal damnation.' To quote the words of Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1:9 'they shall suffer the punishment of eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his might.' To put it more simply, the damned will be cut off from God (and therefore all good) forever. Many people, including many Christians, find the idea of eternal damnation difficult to accept, but as CS Lewis writes, they have to answer the question: ''What are you asking God to do?' To wipe out their past sins and, at all costs, to give them a fresh start, smoothing every difficulty and offering every miraculous help? But he has done so, on Calvary. To forgive them? They will not be forgiven. To leave them alone? Alas, I am afraid that is what he does.' To quote JI Packer, another Anglican writer, 'The unbeliever has preferred to be by himself, without God, defying God, having God against him, and he shall have his choice.' To summarise, the Christian message is that death is not something of which anyone needs to be afraid. This is because death is not the end. As God raised Jesus from the dead on the third day, so all the dead will be raised to life on the last day and for all those who have repented and believed the life they will then experience will be one of joy without end. However, the Christian message is also that there are those who should be very, very afraid of death. This is because if they have not repented and believed what awaits them beyond death is not joy without end, but misery without end as a consequence of their self-chosen alienation from God. What the Christian faith says is that who come into this latter category need to realise this truth and, with God's assistance, amend their lives while there is still time. Martin Davie is a lay Anglican theologian and Associate Tutor in Doctrine at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is currently implementing the Advancing Moldovas National Climate Change Adaptation Planning (phase 2) (NAP-2 Project) that requires the services of a National Consultant to conduct the Terminal Evaluation of the NAP2 To support UNDP Moldova to provide a comprehensive and objective assessment of the NAP2: covering its entire implementation period from July 2020 to May 2025. This evaluation is being conducted to ensure accountability, assess achievements, and extract valuable lessons for future programming. The findings will inform key stakeholders including UNDP, central governments and the Green Climate Fund on the Project's relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact. The results of the evaluation will guide decision-making and planning for future interventions aimed at fostering economic, territorial, and social cohesion in Moldovas focal regions. Deadline for submission of proposals: 16 December 2024, 16:30 (GMT+2). For details regarding the competition and submission requirements, please visit the page:https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_negotiation.cfm?nego_id=28488 Alte articole de la acest autor: In preparation for writing this, I searched online for a pithy quote about predictions. Given that we are on the cusp of a new year, I thought it could provide a suitable introduction. However, I ended up going down a Google rabbit hole about the number of well-known quotes that are misattributed. Some very famous and eminently quotable individuals (for example, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein and Mark Twain) fall foul to this quite often. It turns out that it has been going on for years and has become more widespread as the internet (in particular, inspirational memes on social media) has helped to spread these further. There is a Clement Attlee quote that sometimes does the rounds when charity, tax and politics are being debated on social media. It is: Charity is a cold, grey loveless thing. If a rich man wants to help the poor, he should pay his taxes gladly, not dole out money at a whim. However, this quote also falls into the misattributed category. It was not Attlee that said this, but his biographer, Francis Beckett, who was trying to summarise Attlees views, as presented in his 1920 publication the Social Worker. Whatever your view on how much tax the wealthiest in society should pay (or whether it is an accurate summary of Attlees views), it does ignore so much of what charity does and how it benefits our society. Much has been made of the current Labour leaders desire to have a good relationship with the charity sector which could be seen as a signal that his views differ from Attlees. Taken alone, the recent budget did not reinforce this though. National insurance increases will hit many charities hard. Public sector bodies are to be excluded but not charities. It will be hoped that as we enter a new year, the government will make good on its word to work with the charity sector. What that relationship will look like in 12 months is anybodys guess. For, as somebody (Danish physicist Niels Bohr? Film producer Samuel Goldwyn? It turns out, despite being regularly credited to both of these, it probably is a Danish proverb whose author is unknown) once said: It is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future. Tristan Blythe is editor of Charity Finance Charity Finance is packed with practical articles and analysis of the latest financial trends, as well as in-depth briefings on technical and legal changes, and benchmarking surveys to help busy finance teams get value for money. Find more information here and subscribe today! is packed with practical articles and analysis of the latest financial trends, as well as in-depth briefings on technical and legal changes, and benchmarking surveys to help busy finance teams get value for money. Zamzam Foundation A UK-based international development organisation has renamed itself after signing an agreement with the largest charity in the east African country of Somalia. British charity the Somali Relief and Development Forum (SRDF), established in 2011, signed a partnership agreement with the Zamzam Foundation last year and will now be known as Zamzam Foundation UK. SRDF trustees agreed with the Zamzam Foundation to use Zamzam Foundation UK as its working name to help raise funds to support orphans, schools, make grants and deliver emergency aid work in Somalia. The partnership will make it easier for British Muslims and the Somalia diaspora to support and raise fund for people in the east African country, the charities said. Zamzam Foundation UK, which remains a separate legal entity from the African charity, has also launched a new website and social media channels to share news of Somalia aid programmes and accept donations from the UK public. Founded in 1992, Zamzam Foundation has delivered aid in remote areas across Somalia and in partnership with other charities including Save the Children and Oxfam. A fantastic platform Hany El-Banna, co-founder of SRDF and Islamic Relief, said: This is an innovative and inspiring partnership. SRDFs status as a UK registered charity and its history of engaging with Somalis in the UK give Zamzam Foundation a fantastic platform to connect with the Somali diaspora and raise funds, he said. Zamzams extensive experience and well-respected programmes mean SRDF now has a uniquely capable implementing partner to fulfil its charitable mission to deliver transformational aid and development projects across Somalia. Omar Jama, Zamzam Foundation executive director, said: Back in 1992, when Zamzam was founded, our country was shrouded in darkness and despair, and a bright future seemed an impossible dream. Today I am proud to lead an organisation that has grown into a real beacon of hope for all Somalis. I am delighted that the partnership we have formed in the UK with the Somali Relief and Development Forum is enabling SRDF to raise awareness and raise funds in the UK as Zamzam Foundation UK. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. On Saturday, The New Yorker published the online version of a column by David Remnick, the magazines editor, ahead of its appearance in this weeks print edition. The subject was the many ways in which Donald Trump might go after the press in his second term, from messing with regulatory oversight of media owners businesses to the use of subpoenas, court orders, and search warrants to seize reporters notes and devices. Retribution is in the air, Remnick wrote, before quoting Kash Patel, a leading MAGA soldier, in Remnicks words, who has, among other things, written a childrens book detailing how a wizard named Kash disrupts a plot against his king. (Full of fake heralds and keeper Komeys spying slugs, this is a story of daring and danger, the Amazon listing reads.) Were going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections, Remnick quoted Patel as saying, on a podcast with Steve Bannon last year. Whether its criminally or civilly, well figure that out. On that podcast, Bannon had prefaced Patels remark by asking him whether he would be able to deliver the goodsmeaning supposedly incriminating documentary evidence that would enable Trumps allies to get rolling on prosecutionsin what Bannon described as the likely event of Patel being tapped to lead the CIA in a second Trump administration. On a separate right-wing podcast prior to the election, Patel was asked about the prospects of his taking on a different job, FBI director; according to an illuminating pre-election profile by The Atlantics Elaina Plott Calabro, Patel initially laughed off the question, but then answered it. (Who would turn that down? he said.) Plott Calabro noted that even some figures in Trumps orbit viewed Patel as unlikely to win Senate confirmation for such a post. But over the weekend, we learned that thats not enough to deter Trump from trying. Between Remnicks column appearing online and in print, Patel had gone from MAGA soldier to nominee to run the FBI. Unlike with Trumps other nominations, the post of FBI director is, at least theoretically, not about to be vacant: its current occupantChristopher Wray, himself a Trump pick, albeit one who has since fallen out of Trumps favorhas more than two years left in the ten-year term to which he was appointed. Presidents can, of course, fire the FBI director (Trumps firing of James Comey infamously preceded his appointment of Wray), but the idea of the ten-year term has been, in part, to insulate the holder of the position from the partisan pressures of the normal political appointment cycle. Over the weekend, a senior law enforcement official told the New York Times that a change of FBI director directly following a change of administration is extremely dangerous. Many pundits agreed. Trump is declaring his intention to reinvent the FBI as something it has never been before: an instrument of personal presidential power, which will investigate (or refrain from investigating) and lay charges (or refrain from laying charges) as the president wishes, The Atlantics David Frum wrote. If he succeeds, he will spark a constitutional scandal far greater than Watergate. The FBI, of course, has been an instrument of personal power before (if not the presidents) and has often shown itself to be no protector of journalists or the First Amendment freedoms on which their work restsin its older, darker days, but also more recently. We should be careful not to paint Patel as a pure perversion of a righteous history; his nomination is a radical break in many respects, and his threats to go after journalists have been unusually explicit, but at least as far as press freedom goes, we should perhaps view him less as a total departure than a potential rapid-fire accelerant of concerning broader trends within the broader Justice Department. We should stress, too, that there is something that Congress can do about this right awayquite independently of the battle to confirm Patel, the outcome of which remains uncertain. The modern FBI was sculpted by J. Edgar Hoover, who ran the agency and its precursors for nearly fifty years right up to his death, in 1972, and accumulated immense personal power in the process. On his watch, activists, particularly in the anti-war and civil-rights movements, were subjected to surveillance campaigns and worse besides. (A letter sent by the FBI famously suggested that Martin Luther King Jr. ought to kill himself.) As the journalism academic Patrick Washburn has written, targets of the FBIs sprawling investigations unquestionably have included publications and journalists who dared to criticize the government or express dissident views; during the Second World War, Hoover sought to persuade the Justice Department to bring sedition charges against critical Black editors, and, while he failed at that, he succeeded in harassing them. After the war, the FBI trailed some journalists with communist sympathies or who were active in newspaper unions. And the agency maintained intrusive files on high-profile journalists including Edward R. Murrow and Ben Bagdikian, who reported on the Pentagon Papers (and whose writing about them for CJR ended up in his file). Hoover personally described Jack Anderson, the famous columnist, as a jackal with a mind lower than the regurgitated filth of vultures. Katharine Graham, the publisher of the Washington Post, was an old bitch. Hoover made the latter remark on a phone call with Richard Nixon (that, of course, was taped). Nixon did not need Hoovers help in stoking his own anti-press animosity: indeed, Nixon apparently viewed Hoover as overly cautious in going after whoever had leaked the Pentagon Papers to the press; as Remnick noted in his weekend column, Nixons aides kept their own list of enemies in the media and even talked about assassinating Anderson, plans that were reportedly abandoned to focus on the break-in at the Watergate complex (a little over a month after Hoover died). A few years later, the ten-year term limit for FBI directors was establisheda reaction to the length of Hoovers tenure, but also to the Watergate scandal and an ensuing broader appetite for reform of Americas intelligence and law enforcement apparatus in that period. And yet the FBI, obviously, did not become a haven for civil liberties, even if the Hoover era seems a distant memory. Over the years, the agency has continued to monitor and infiltrate various activist groups and causes, including on thin grounds. For years in the 2000s, it reportedly surveilled an anti-war website, a step that was seemingly justified in part by a basic misreading of an email that an editor forwarded to FBI agents warning that the site was about to be hacked. (An FBI staffer appears to have thought that the editors email was a threat to hack the FBI website.) In the mid-2010s, The Intercept reported on secret FBI policies allowing agents to obtain journalists phone records with only internal (as opposed to judicial) oversight, rules that Trevor Timm, of the Freedom of the Press Foundation, described at the time as incredibly weak and almost nonexistent; last year, Timms group noted that the FBI has spied on journalists via the backdoor of a provision that allows intelligence agencies to view Americans communications without a warrant if theyve been swept up in surveillance of a foreigner. Earlier this year, an FBI agent visited Ken Klippenstein, an independent journalist who had just published an internal Trump campaign document that was likely hacked by Iran, ostensibly to warn him that hed been the target of a foreign influence operation (even though Klippenstein had clearly reported on the documents likely provenance). No subpoena, no search warrant, no prior announcement, no claim of illegality, Klippenstein wrote at the time. Americas most powerful law enforcement agency wants me to know that it was displeased. Sign up for CJRs daily email Meanwhile, the wider Justice Departmentunder presidents of both partieshas in recent years intensified investigations into officials who have leaked sensitive documents to the press; a number have been charged under the Espionage Act, which the Trump and Biden administrations both also used to pursue the WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, despite fears among press-freedom advocates that the nature of the charges against him could theoretically criminalize basic reporting practices. (Trumps Justice Department insisted at the time that the Assange case was unique; he reached a plea deal earlier this year.) As Kyle Paoletta reported for CJR ahead of the election, close observers fear that a second Trump administration could now use the same law to prosecute journalists, in addition to their sources. In his article, Paoletta quoted Patels threat to go after journalists on Bannons podcast, and name-checked him as a possible future attorney general. Not quite, but close. Of course, Patel still has to be confirmed; if that were to happen, how exactly he might weaponize the FBI against members of the press and Trumps other perceived enemies remains to be seen. In many respects, he has promised to massively disrupt the agency as currently constituted on behalf of a president who apparently views it as poisoned against him: in a social media post announcing the nomination, Trump praised Patel for his supposed pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax; Patel has proposed shutting down the FBIs headquarters in Washingtonnamed for Hooverand reopening them as a museum of the deep state. There may yet prove to be a gulf between Bannon-adjacent podcast bloviating and what Patel would be preparedor, perhaps more pertinently, ableto do in practice. But his pledge to go out and find the conspirators, not just in government but in the media, is so overt that it demands to be taken seriously. And, while its accurate to depict Patel as a bomb-thrower, he would be entering into a legal structure that already has immense power and only voluntary compunction not to wield it against reporters. (The MSNBC analyst Hayes Brown mused that Patel as FBI director would be like crossing Hoover with the conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.) In this way, this story is already bigger than Patel, and will remain so whether or not he gets confirmed to replace Wray. Trump himself has explicitly said that reporters who publish leaked information should go to jail; whoever eventually leads his FBI may not have written a sycophantic childrens book, but is likely to have to share this and related views, or at least pay lip service to them. As such, a perhaps more important fight than the one over Patels nomination concerns a piece of legislation that has already passed the House with bipartisan backing but has languished in the Senate: the PRESS Act, a so-called shield law that would curb the surveillance of journalists and protect them against efforts to make them identify their sources. Shield laws exist at the state level, but a federal equivalent has never been passeddespite decades of trying, ever since the Hoover-era surveillance of members of the press was revealed. Unsurprisingly, Trump opposes the latest bills passage before he takes office: last week he wrote on his Truth Social platform that REPUBLICANS MUST KILL THIS BILL! Journalists should advocate the opposite. Trumps win and comments like Patels make doing so urgent. Even if Kamala Harris had won, the bill would be a good idea. Other notable stories: Politicos Natalie Allison reports on Trumps likely communications strategy once he takes office again: hes likely to continue to engage with the podcasters and other content creators who helped boost his appeal in the run-up to the election, particularly among young male audiences, and could shake up the White House briefing room. (An unnamed Trump official told Allison that they could very well see a press briefing room where Maggie Haberman sits next to Joe Rogan, though they cautioned that its too early to say what changes Trump will make to briefings; various media reporters noted that Rogan, obviously, is not going to come to DC to sit through them.) Allison also reports that the Nelk Boys, a group of YouTube pranksters, invested heavily in registering voters and turning them out for Trump. The left-wing government of Mexico has moved to eliminate seven independent agencieswith functions including the evaluation of government policies and facilitating freedom of information requests, not least from journalistsin a congressional vote; the agencies are embedded in Mexicos constitution and their abolition must thus also be approved by a majority of state legislatures, though this isnt expected to prove an impediment. The move has increased fears that Claudia Sheinbaum, the new president, is moving to gut checks on her partys power. And Politicos Ali Bianco profiled Radio Mambi, a station that has long been a touchstone for Miamis exiled Cuban population and has more recently aired disinformation about the 2020 election and other matters, but was surprisingly taken over in 2022 by a network run by Democratic operatives, with help from George Soros. Few expected Mambis content to remain the same after the sale, even as its owners insisted they wouldnt change the integrity of the station, Bianco writesbut in the end, it did stay the same. Actually, some argue, its become even more MAGA. Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. In mid-2021, after Russian officials raided his home, Roman Anin, the founder of IStories, an independent investigative outlet in Moscow, decided to leave the country. He set up a new base in Europe and went about getting his team safely across the border. It meant that in February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, and the government intensified its pressure on independent journalists, Anin was already set up. IStories (Important Stories) is among about seventy independent Russian outlets now operating from exile after their homeland labeled three hundred journalists as foreign actors and twenty media outlets as undesirable organizations that threaten the countrys national security by criticizing the war or deviating from the governments view. The list of undesirable organizations includes Novaya Gazeta Europe, Meduza, Bellingcat, The Insider, GIJN, the Moscow Times, TV Rain, and IStories. Anyone who works with them faces the possibility of jail time. Their audiences can face persecution even for sharing a story. We just say watch it, think about what you saw, tell people about it, but dont share, said Anin. IStories and others now use mirrored sites (a method of duplicating an HTML version of their website that evades Russian censorship tools) and browser plug-ins, and ask their readers to use virtual private networks (which make a user appear to be browsing from another nation), to stay clear of the Russian authorities, which spend hundreds of millions of dollars trying to shut them down. But, said Anin and others, equally existential problems now come from the big technology and financial companies in the West that control access to audiences and revenue streamsboth inside Russia and across the world. As the European Union and United States imposed sanctions on Russia following the invasion, YouTube, a major source of both viewers and ad dollars, first prevented state-funded media from receiving money or viewers. But a month later, it paused AdSensewhich pays publishers for running ads and is a major source of revenue, especially for smaller newsroomsfor all Russian outlets. A month after that, it expanded the measure to other monetization features. Russian users effectively had no way to make ad money from Google properties. They couldnt even sign up. Paying for media, directly or through donations, also became a lot harder. In compliance with the sanctions, the card processing company Stripe prohibited any use of its services for anyone in Russia and its occupied territories. International credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, suspended their services in the country. Russians could only use locally issued cards, linked to Russian banks, and only for Russian companies. Sign up for CJRs daily email Metas Instagram and Facebook were banned inside Russia at the outset of the war; the company was labeled an extremist organization. Alphabet has tweaked its algorithms so that Russian news stories are harder to find. In September, Apple banned certain VPN channels from the Russian version of its App Store to comply with Russian law, further reducing the methods Russians can use to get impartial information. In September 2022, IStories released a documentary on YouTube whose title translates to Guys Die for Nothing. The documentary features several families in the remote eastern Russian region of Buryatia who lost their sons in the war. It gained over ten million views, which would usually have translated into thousands of dollars in ad revenue. Instead, IStories could only monetize views from outside the countryamounting to less than a thousand dollars. On one hand they are saying that they dont want Russian propaganda to get money, but if you look at YouTube in Russia, it was mostly Russian opposition and independent media, said Tikhon Dzyadko, the editor in chief of TV Rain, which is known in Russia as Dozhd, and also operates from exile. It has about fifteen million viewers per monthenough, previously, to secure a very decent revenue stream. Now we are suffering, Dzyadko said. Mediazona, a site that focuses on investigations with no editorial or opinion content, initially managed to comply with its foreign-agent designation inside Russia. Its stories included a disclaimer explaining its status, for example. But, as the laws became more stringent, Mediazona had to leave the idea of compliance and the country itself. It was also hit hard when Visa and Mastercard pulled out of Russia, said Alexander Borodikhin, the sites English-language editor. The methods these outlets use to evade censorship within Russia cost them money and relevance with Western tech companies. TV Rain has developed a tool, a browser plug-in, that allows Russians to access blocked channels for a few hours at a time. But the way it is done ensures no money can be earned from those views. We need to get more and more viewers in Russia, Dzyadko said, because thats our mission. Thats why we exist. On the other hand, we get zero dollars from itits a tough situation. Googles algorithm penalizes mirrored sites, and so stories by independent Russian outlets that use them to sidestep censorship appear low in search results. That is especially relevant because 85 percent of mobile devices in Russia are based on Googles Android platform. Its hard to estimate the scale of the loss. But Lev Gershenzon, the former head of the Russian search engine Yandex News, estimated the Ukrainian outlets that were similarly affected lost about 70 percent of their audience and 80 percent of their advertising revenue. Dmitry Kolezev is a Russian blogger and independent journalist who posts content on YouTube channels, TikTok, and Telegram, from exile in Portugal after he too was labeled a foreign agent. He was recently sentenced in absentia to seven and a half years in prison for an article he published on the war. But there is simply not enough money coming in from his work to support him and his freelance colleagues. We are barely surviving, he said by email. His website lists ways to make donations, including through Boosty, PayPal, YouTube sponsorship, a paid Telegram channel, Patreon, and cryptocurrency. But each method involves a complex journey through international banking regulations and remains widely unavailable to Russians inside the country who wish to support him. For major payment companies, said Natalia Krapiva, a lawyer who works for Access Now, a nonprofit that supports civil society organizations, the risk of being implicated in sanction violations means its easier for them to just block the entire country at this point. The US government has approved exemptions for human rights actors. But to prove this, Access Now must make a case for each individual organization and defend it before the tech companies. That is especially pressing given that donations and subscriptions, often from foreign readers, are now the primary revenue source for all the independent media organizations mentioned here. Their main hope for the future is, paradoxically, that the Russian governments increased efforts to shut down their voices will eventually trigger a response. My forecast is that the Russian government will try to block access more and more, Dzyadko said. I think they will eventually block YouTube. We need to hope that tech companies will help us here. Google, the independent Russian journalists say, is not acting nefariously or favoring the Russian government. In fact, a Russian court recently decided that it owed $20 decillion (a two with thirty-four zeros) to the Kremlin for blocking state media in the country. But it has little incentive to, for example, build VPNs into its browsers in a way that would allow ad dollars to flow. It is not technically easy, said Anin, and Russia represents a small portion of its revenue and consumer base. The solution, Gershenzon suggested, might be improved dialogue between the people making the media and the people distributing it, to find a common ground. In general, Krapiva said, there is already better communication with bigger companies like Apple and Google because they have long since set up departments to deal with human rights complaints. Gershenzon suggested that ultimately, a new kind of global trust index for sites, based on fact-checking rather than location, that he called the information karma system would allow a more focused gradation of trustworthy media than merely targeting an entire nationloyalists, dissidents, and all. Anin, too, feels the discussion will have to get into thorny and subjective territory that allows for more nuance. Do we check the quality of the water that we drinkthat we give to people? Yes, we do. Do we check the quality of the air? Yes, we do. Why dont we check the quality of the information that is being spread all around the world? A commercial general liability policy with a pollution exclusion does not protect a Virginia homeowners association from lawsuits filed by swimmers alleging they were injured by chemicals discharged into the community pool. That is the argument made by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Co. in a federal court action seeking declaratory judgment that it is not obligated to cover the Harpers Mill Homeowners Association in Richmond for lawsuits stemming from the alleged chemical discharge by a lifeguard employed by a pool maintenance company. On June 15, 2022, Harpers Mill contracted with a swimming pool operating company, SwimMetro Management Inc., to provide services for the community swimming pool. On that day, a lifeguard employed by SwimMetro allegedly failed to make sure the pools chemical pumps were working properly and, as a result, a large amount of chlorine and muriatic acid was allegedly discharged into into pool. The chemicals created a further hazardous chemical byproduct upon contact with one another and the water, according to the insurer. There were patrons in the pool at the time and approximately 15 people have claimed physical and respiratory illness from contact with the pool water. A number of lawsuits were filed in Chesterfield County courts in February alleging negligence by Harpers Mill for the incident. The suits also allege that SwimMetro is liable. A doctor at Virginia Poison Center told WWBT-TV that the claimants reported symptoms of nausea, cough and shortness of breath are typical of those seen in cases of chlorine exposure. The commercial general liability policy that Philadelphia Insurance issued to Harpers Mill contains a pollution exclusion. This exclusion states that the insurance does not apply to bodily injury or property damage arising out of discharge, dispersal, seepage, migration, release or escape of pollutants by any insured, contractors or subcontractors. In addition, the exclusion defines pollutants to mean any solid, liquid, gaseous or thermal irritant or contaminant, including smoke, vapor, soot, fumes, acids, alkalis, chemicals and waste. The insurer argues that the chemicals dispersed into the pool are pollutants as defined by the policy, were brought to the site by a Harpers Mills contractor, and were dispersed at Harpers Mills premises. The incident therefore falls within the exclusion and there is no coverage for the claims made in the underlying lawsuits, the insurer contends. The insurers declaratory motion was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Richmond. Cyberattacks cost U.K. businesses approximately 44 billion (US$55.3 billion) in lost revenue over the past five years, according to research published by Howden, the London-based insurance intermediary group. Half of those businesses (52%), or 1.3 million private sector companies, have suffered at least one cyberattack during that time period (2019-2024), costing on average 1.9% of revenue, said the study which is based on a survey of 905 IT decision makers from across the U.K. private sector. Businesses with an annual revenue of over 100 million ($125.6 million) were the most targeted group, with 74% of those surveyed having suffered a cyberattack over the past five years. However, the report emphasized that threat levels are elevated across all businesses, with half (49%) of SMEs with a revenue of 2 million to 50 million ($2.5 million to $62.8 million) also experiencing a cyberattack over the same period. The most common causes of cyberattacks were compromised emails (20%) and data theft (18%), with the average cost of these attacks equating to 2.1 million and 2 million ($2.6 million and $2.5 million) , respectively. Cybersecurity Lacking Despite the growing threat posed by cyberattacks, take up of even the most basic cybersecurity measures remains low, which highlights a critical cybersecurity knowledge gap within UK businesses, Howden found. At present, 61% of businesses are actively using antivirus software and only 55% are employing network firewalls, said the report, noting that organizations cite a number of obstacles to improving their cybersecurity, including cost (26%), insufficient knowledge (26%) and lack of internal IT resources (22%). However, by implementing cybersecurity basics, Howden estimated that UK businesses could reduce cyberattack costs by up to approximately 75%, or 30 billion ($37.7 billion) during the five-year period. Further, the introduction of these measures would save the average UK business approximately 3.5 million ($4.4 million) over 10 years, equating to a return on investment of 25%. To boost take-up of cybersecurity measures, UK businesses say that new policy measures such as tax relief on cyber investment (33%) will be the most effective way of improving cyber resilience within businesses, followed by free access to cyber expertise and resources (32%), compulsory minimum cyber standards (31%) and compulsory cyber insurance (26%). The insurance industry and government both have a vital role to play in boosting cybersecurity uptake, by helping companies address common barriers around cyber investment, according to Howden. Cybercrime is on the rise, with malicious actors continuing to take advantage of cybersecurity vulnerabilities, particularly as firms become ever more reliant on technology for their operations, according to Sarah Neild, head of UK Cyber Retail, in a statement. UK businesses are currently losing a significant amount of revenue to cyberattacks, and the insurance industry is crucial to strengthening resilience and raising awareness of the security measures needed to help businesses protect their operations, she added. Engagement with SMEs will be particularly important. This segment has been historically underserved by the cyber insurance market yet forms an important backbone of economic activity, both in terms of its size but also as an engine of growth. Through increased insurance penetration and education about implementation, we can help businesses improve their cyber resilience and protect against loss of revenue from these attacks. Methodology Howden analyzed the results of a proprietary survey of 905 senior IT decision makers from across the UK private sector to better understand their experiences of, and attitudes towards, cybersecurity. YouGov conducted the survey from Sept. 9 to Sept. 22, 2024. Volkswagen faces mounting pressure as widespread warning strikes are set to commence across all manufacturing facilities, affecting approximately 120,000 employees under the companys in-house wage agreement. The situation has become particularly critical as the automotive giant proposes a controversial 10% wage reduction while contemplating facility closures and potential layoffs. This labor dispute emerges amid challenging financial circumstances, with the companys opeRating margin plummeting to a mere 3.6% in the third quarterthe lowest among major German automakers. The severity of these developments has pushed Volkswagens stock to a 14-year low, dropping below the 80 threshold. Strategic Response Measures To mitigate the impact of the impending strikes, Volkswagen has implemented emergency protocols to maintain essential operations and minimize disruptions to customer deliveries and industrial partnerships. The companys challenges extend beyond labor relations, with significant headwinds in the Chinese market where sales have declined by 17%. Despite these setbacks, Volkswagen maintains its commitment to future technologies, particularly in electric mobility and digitalization, though weak demand for electric vehicles continues to strain financial performance. The next round of negotiations, scheduled for December 9th, will be crucial in determining the companys path forward. Ad Volkswagen Stock: New Analysis 03 December Fresh Volkswagen information released. Whats the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. Read our updated Volkswagen analysis Volkswagen faces mounting pressure as widespread warning strikes are set to commence across all manufacturing facilities, affecting approximately 120,000 employees under the companys in-house wage agreement. The situation has become particularly critical as the automotive giant proposes a controversial 10% wage reduction while contemplating facility closures and potential layoffs. This labor dispute emerges amid challenging financial circumstances, with the companys opeRating margin plummeting to a mere 3.6% in the third quarterthe lowest among major German automakers. The severity of these developments has pushed Volkswagens stock to a 14-year low, dropping below the 80 threshold. Strategic Response Measures To mitigate the impact of the impending strikes, Volkswagen has implemented emergency protocols to maintain essential operations and minimize disruptions to customer deliveries and industrial partnerships. The companys challenges extend beyond labor relations, with significant headwinds in the Chinese market where sales have declined by 17%. Despite these setbacks, Volkswagen maintains its commitment to future technologies, particularly in electric mobility and digitalization, though weak demand for electric vehicles continues to strain financial performance. The next round of negotiations, scheduled for December 9th, will be crucial in determining the companys path forward. Ad Fresh Volkswagen information released. Whats the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. Vietnam plans $67b high-speed railway project 09:30, December 02, 2024 By Chu Daye ( Global Times Trains run on the Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban elevated railway in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct. 9, 2024. The Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban elevated railway was built by the China Railway Sixth Group as an important project of the synergy of China's Belt and Road Initiative with Vietnam's "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle" plan. (Photo/Xinhua) Vietnam on Saturday approved the construction of a high-speed railway connecting the capital Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south at an estimated cost of $67 billion. The railway, which will stretch more than 1,500 kilometers between the Vietnamese capital and the financial capital in the south, will reduce the current journey time by rail from 30 hours to around five, according to an AP report. New trains are expected to travel at a top speed of 350 kilometers per hour. Chinese industry insiders and analysts on Sunday said Chinese companies could be strong bidders in the project, given China's comparative advantage in both the expertise and cost of the high-speed railway construction. The decision was taken by Vietnam's National Assembly, its parliament. "The national assembly voted to approve ... a resolution on investment policies for the high-speed railway project on the North-South axis," said a statement on the parliament's website. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and Vietnam hopes that the first trains will start operating by 2035, but the country has been beleaguered by delays to its previous infrastructure projects, according to AP. The fresh progress of a project that is years in the making is welcome news for Chinese companies and experts. "We have been following this proposed project for a long time," an industry insider from a Chinese company based in Vietnam told the Global Times on Sunday. "Though at this stage, without a pre-feasibility study, more details on how to carry out the project, including how to secure funding for it, which specific standards and technology route to adopt, are still scant." "I think Chinese companies stand a chance of participating in the project, though we will have to wait and see what comes out down the road," said the person, who declined to be named. "The Vietnamese side will try to strike a balance here," the person said. "If Chinese companies eventually take part as partial contractors, telecommunication, signaling, and electrical systems are expected to be the top areas of cooperation," the person said. Southeast Asia has long been a competing ground for China and Japan, each offering its own high-speed railway technologies. Xu Liping, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Sunday that potential cooperation between China and Vietnam over the high-speed railway should be based on market principles and sustainability, as constructing a high-speed railway is a mega project that requires years to complete and vast financial resources. "China's high-speed railway technologies are world leading, and Chinese companies have a comparative advantage in operational experience and cost management, and they should be able to offer competitive bids in a fair tendering process," Xu said, noting that China has accumulated rich experience in building railways in tropical environments and high mountains. Industry insiders said the value of a high-speed railway connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City lies not only in boosting China-Vietnam infrastructure connectivity, but also in the further development of the Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) network in Southeast Asia, which is key to ensuring global supply chain stability amid rising geopolitical tensions. Vietnam sits at the TAR's eastern line. Xu said Chinese companies will come up with bids that are tempting for Vietnamese project owners, and if the project is handed out to many contractors, Chinese companies will also play a vital role. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) December 1, 2024: The September 17, 2024, Israeli exploding pager attack on Hezbollah was one of several Israeli schemes to disable, debilitate and destroy their enemies. Israeli officials revealed some of the details of how the pager operation was planned. The use of custom designed and manufactured pagers with explosives in their batteries was one of many Israeli efforts secretly developed over the last decade. The pager tactic was developed to take down Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Leader Hassan Nasrallah was critical to the success of Hezbollah. It was believed that if he was killed, the whole organization would fall apart. Although on paper Hezbollah had clear lines of authority, and a defined order-of-succession, if you take a close look at Nasrallah's henchmen, you realize that most of them are pretty much the ordinary run of uninspiring Arab thugs. As none of them came near Nasrallah in either brains or charisma, they would most likely begin squabbling among themselves if Nasrallah got killed. Iran sent lots of advisers and technical experts to Lebanon, but none of these could expect to lead Hezbollah, largely because all Lebanese are touchy about foreign influence. Although decades of Syrian occupation favored Hezbollah, and thus Shias in general, it was still foreign occupation. And it's no secret that Syria considers large parts of eastern Lebanon as territory that should be part of Syria. Iran doesn't like depending so much on one person, but they didn't have much choice. Nasrallah, like most Arab strongmen, saw the elimination of any likely successors as an excellent method for avoiding getting deposed. In 2024 the importance of Nasrallah and Hezbollah ceased to be a problem. He was killed along with other key Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. Israel used exploding pagers and portable radios, plus airstrikes, to accomplish this. The most important non-Hezbollah target was the elusive Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas supreme leader and one of its founders. Sinwar was moving about in Gaza when he and some aides were confronted by some Israeli soldiers. There was a brief gunbattle and the Israelis discovered that one of the dead men was Sinwar. Within a day, DNA tests confirmed that Sinwar was dead. His death was a catastrophe for Hamas ,which had recently suffered the loss of several leaders. Sinwar had spent two years planning and organizing the October 2023 Hamas offensive in Gaza that left over a thousand Israeli dead. This was the largest number of Israelis ever killed in one day, let alone one action. With Sinwar gone, several lesser Hamas leaders are feuding with each other to determine who will replace their departed leader. You cant replace someone like Sinwar and his aides who are finding that out as their succession disputes leave Hamas paralyzed and starting to fall apart. Now virtually leaderless, Palestinians are unsure of what the future will bring. Most Palestinians live in or immediately adjacent to Israel. Two million of Israels 9.8 million citizens are Palestinians. Adjacent to Israel are 6.2 million Palestinians who are not Israeli citizens. While Israel contains 21,000 square kilometers of territory, the Gaza Strip contains 365 square kilometers of territory and 2.1 million Palestinians. The West Bank contains 5,655 square kilometers and 4.1 million Palestinians. Gaza has had many rulers over the last century. A century ago Gaza was administered by British officials and occupied by British troops. After 1945 Gaza was ruled by Egyptian officials. In 1956 a war between several Arab states and Israel was won by the Israelis, who also captured Gaza but then withdrew. The 1967 Arab Israeli war saw Gaza once more captured by the Israelis from the Egyptians and administered by them until 2005 when, after an 11 year process, Israeli forces withdrew and a local Palestinian government, initially Al Fatah, which also ruled the West Bank, took over Gaza. In 2006 Hamas, a radical Palestinian group that had taken refuge in Egypt, won Palestinian elections for a united Palestinian government. The West Bank Palestinian leaders refused to accept Hamas rule and there was fighting between Fatah and Hamas factions. Israel did not want this violence to spread into Israel and blockaded Gaza, only letting people in or out who were unarmed and had a good reason, like medical care or visiting relatives the Israeli knew about. Hamas continued to recruit Palestinian men to join their force. Hamas armed these new recruits with weapons from Iran, via Egyptian smugglers who could get the guns into Gaza. Hamas completely took over in Gaza in 2007 while Fatah remained in control of the West Bank. By 2023 Hamas forces in Gaza had grown to about 30,000 men, though there were also other rival armed Palestinian and non-Palestinian terrorist groups, and there had been several mini wars between Hamas and Israel since 2007. In October 2023, 3,000 of the armed Hamas fighters, and an equal number of Gaza civilians and non-Hamas terrorists, attacked Israel. About half of the 3,000 attacking Hamas fighters were killed during this offensive. The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) lost 376 troops while 767 civilians died as well. As of November, 97 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, or are dead. Israel has to take Hamass word for it that any of these hostages are still alive. Surviving Hamas gunmen stayed in Gaza because they failed to advance. In Gaza Hamas waged a guerilla war against the IDF. Hamas also took 251 Israeli civilians and soldiers captive and has for the last year tried to bargain with Israel to get thousands of imprisoned Palestinians freed in return for their Israeli captives. So far Israel is not willing to release thousands of convicted Hamas and other Palestinian killers to get 251 soldiers and civilians back. Instead IDF forces have been searching for the hostages and killing Hamas gunmen who are guarding them. Hamas has been much less of a problem in the West Bank where Fatah security forces, with some assistance from the IDF, have kept most Hamas fighters out. Hamas leaders, especially Ismail Haniyeh, have lived in the Persian Gulf state of Qatar for several years and control $11 billion dollars donated to Hamas by various western and charitable groups and Arab governments as well several hundred million dollars a year from Iran. In theory this money should be used to make life easier, or at least bearable, for Palestinians living in Gaza. That does not happen because Hamas steals the money as well as foreign aid from Western countries. Israel sends food aid, accompanied by a military escort that fights armed Hamas members seeking to steal the aid. As of late-2024, this remains the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky isn't afraid to pick favorites. Bosses need to do that to be effective leaders, Chesky told Fortune last month. Those people can be top performers who set the quality of work standards on their teams, or quickly find and solve problems, he said. "The favorites have to be [picked] on fair criteria ... but if you can't say this is a high performer and this is what excellence looks like, then you're going to be in big, big trouble," said Chesky. "That is just not good leadership." As the leader of Airbnb a company worth $85 billion, as of Monday morning Chesky invites 80 to 100 of his employees across job levels to biannual meetings where business-wide decisions are made, he said. Sometimes, the same people get invited repeatedly. But while other leaders would worry about making "unfair and not systematic" selections, Chesky said, identifying who can provide valuable insight isn't political. Still, bosses who try to follow Chesky's strategy would be wise to be careful about the optics. Blatant workplace favoritism can make other employees feel like they're in an outgroup, Ginka Toegel, a professor of organizational behavior at the International Institute for Management Development said on Harvard Business Review's "IdeaCast" podcast in June. The most common reason people left their jobs during the Great Resignation was uncaring leaders, a 2022 McKinsey survey found. Good managers invest time into their employees and try to support them by identifying how their strengths can improve their work, 2021 research published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior suggests. Figuring out how to rely on your favorites without ignoring other workers often makes for effective leadership, Chesky said. "You can have people making sure there's not unconscious bias, people keeping you honest [and] looking for disparate impact inside the organization," said Chesky. "You can do a lot of surveys and you can use that to reinforce your assumptions, but the notion that a CEO should not have discretion in [deciding] who should be in a room [is wrong]." Luckily for his team, Chesky has "so many favorites," he added. "I don't even know if I have a single favorite," he said. "My favorites are the people that I'm constantly like texting. I will text a lot of employees ... or call employees if we want to talk." Ready to boost your income and career? Don't miss our special Black Friday offer: 55% off all Smarter by CNBC Make It online courses. Learn how to earn passive income online, master your money, ace your job interview and salary negotiations, and become an effective communicator. Use coupon code THANKS24 to get the best deal of the seasonoffer valid 11/25/24 through 12/2/24. Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life. Governor Newsom speaks as he signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime at a Home Depot store in San Jose, California, United States on August 16, 2024. Gov. Gavin Newsom's special legislative session to safeguard California from potential "federal overreach" by the incoming Trump administration began Monday, teeing up a potential battle between the president-elect and the most populous U.S. state. Newsom is working with lawmakers to create a new litigation fund of up to $25 million to support California's legal resources in anticipation of "policy proposals that would harm the state," according to a release from the governor's office Monday. Reproductive rights and environmental causes are two of the focus areas. The fund would be for the California Department of Justice and other state agencies to be used for court challenges and administrative actions. Newsom announced the session following Trump's election victory last month. Hearings will take place over the next several weeks, with a goal of signing legislation into law before Trump's inauguration Jan. 20. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump transition, said in a statement that the president-elect will pursue his agenda despite efforts by Newsom to "Trump-proof California." "President Trump received the most votes for a Republican presidential candidate in the deep blue state of California since 2004," Leavitt said. "Californians showed up for President Trump in historic numbers because they cannot afford another four years of Gavin Newsom's dangerously liberal agenda high taxes, unaffordable housing costs, and an invasion of illegal immigrants from our wide-open border." In a conversation with volunteers after the election, Newsom said the state needed to be ready for action as the next administration takes hold. "I think there's a lot of onus that's placed upon California because [of] the size, scale and scope of this state," he said at the time. "We need to assert ourselves, and we need to prepare ourselves firmly and plant, as I say, our feet at peril that we get swept away." LONDON European markets broadly closed higher Monday, as investors assessed the global economic and interest rate outlook heading into the final trading month of the year. The regional Stoxx 600 rebounded from an earlier to decline to provisionally end the day 0.54% higher, after the index closed out November with its strongest monthly performance since August. France's CAC 40 index closed 0.02% higher after a choppy session. Investors are following tensions over the country's budget which could lead to a no-confidence vote that the government is likely to lose. Shares of Jeep-maker Stellantis were around 6.3% lower as markets closed after CEO Carlos Tavares announced his immediate resignation over the weekend, citing "different views" between the executive and the board of directors. The European-American company has been struggling with declining sales and high inventories in the U.S. Data releases showed a deterioration in manufacturing sector activity in both the euro zone and the U.K., while the unemployment rate in the European Union remained steady in October. A driver for an independent contractor to FedEx delivers packages on Cyber Monday in New York, US, on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. Stephanie Keith | Bloomberg | Getty Images Consumers are increasingly concerned that their online orders may not arrive in time for the holidays and rightfully so. More than half of shoppers 54% are worried about shipping delays this season, according to a survey of nearly 1,000 adults by BadCredit.org. And, in fact, packages may arrive later than in previous years, especially those ordered around big dates such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, DHL Supply Chain's new CEO for North America, Patrick Kelleher, recently told CNBC. watch now In a period of such high volume, third-party shippers are particularly strained, according to Lauren Beitelspacher, a professor of marketing at Babson College. An ongoing labor shortage also means that some companies simply cannot hire enough workers to sort, transport and deliver packages on time. Meanwhile, consumers have become accustomed to demanding even faster delivery speed, adding to the pressure on shippers. More from Personal Finance: Here are the best ways to save money this holiday season Nearly 2 in 5 cardholders have maxed out a credit card or come close Holiday shoppers plan to spend more "We are very spoiled; we got to the point where we think of something we want and it magically appears," Beitelspacher said. But at the same time, "we've learned how fragile the supply chain is." When there are more packages to ship, shipping times increase, which can also boost the chance they may get damaged, lost or stolen en route not to mention the risk of "porch piracy" once an item is delivered. Key deadlines to know December 1, 2024: Anti-satellite technology, or ASAT, has been the goal of the United States, Russia and China for decades. No one has ever been able to get ASAT to work, but efforts continued anyway. Meanwhile Maxar Technologies remains the largest supplier of satellite photos and other imagery to commercial and government customers. Maxar prospered because it got its data from OSINT or open source suppliers whose costs are declining as technology advances. Maxar wants to hold onto its dominant and profitable position in the industry. There is growing competition in this business sector. At the same time SpaceX announced a new subsidiary called Starshield that used enhanced versions of Starlink technology plus larger earth-imaging satellites with sensors to provide whatever sensing capabilities defense customers want. This includes photos, real-time video and all manner of data which satellite sensors can collect. Potential users include the NSA/National Security Agency, CIA and American allies. While Starlink has achieved market dominance in space-based communications for personal and commercial users, that largely consists of high-speed Internet data links and inexpensive ground links that can be stationary or moving in a vehicle or ship. Starshield plans to do that same with classified data. Starshield satellites are designed to accept many types of capabilities provided by user-supplied modules, including those loaded with secret government equipment that are designed to use the Starshield interface. Starshield data and control links use much more robust encryption. Starshield will use larger SpaceX SLVs/satellite launch vehicles to put new Starshield satellites in orbit. Starshield is organized to take business away from commercial firms like Blacksky and Maxtar that already have billions of dollars in government contracts to provide persistent imaging, including real-time video, of specific areas on earth. The United States provides these specialized imaging services to Ukraine and that provides far superior satellite data on Russian forces than what the Russians can provide to their own troops. Starlink has developed a generation 2 (gen2) of its current Starlink satellite ahead of schedule. Because gen2 is larger and five times heavier than the current satellite, it requires a larger SLV. That is also being developed and is on schedule. The gen2 satellites are described as nearly ten times more capable than the gen1 Starlink satellites. Gen2 are designed to work with gen1 satellites and gradually replace them. Gen1 birds are designed to last for about seven years. At that point the satellite gradually loses altitude until it burns up reentering the atmosphere. The true capabilities of gen2 wont be known until some of them are in orbit. Gen1 satellites proved more effective than expected but the list of suggested improvements indicated that a larger gen2 satellite would be the way to go. Eventually this will mean fewer Starlink satellites in orbit but there will still be thousands of them. The main function of Starlink is to provide cheaper, more powerful and globally available access to the Internet by those who can pay to use the Starlink network, including armed forces and governments which are friendly to Starlink. The threat nations include China, Russia and several smaller countries like Iran, North Korea and Cuba that are hostile to Internet access they cannot control. China estimates that Starlink can increase the speed and throughput of military communications over a hundred times what it is now. China is simultaneously envious of and hostile to Starlink. China is not a Starlink customer but would like to be one day. The values of commercial space imagery became obvious to a lot of people because of what happened in Ukraine during 2022. Ukraine, more than Google Earth in 2005, demonstrated the usefulness of commercial satellite photos. Google Earth was made possible by a U.S. government decision to rely more on commercial communications satellites because it was too expensive to put up enough government satellites to deal with the demand during conflicts, especially once UAVs like Predator entered service using high-resolution digital cameras that streamed their video back to the U.S. and later to local American military users. Commercial communications satellites led the military in terms of technology because they served so many commercial users and did not have to comply with government secrecy regulations. That led to allowing commercial photo satellites and sharing some of the older government tech and giving a lot of business to DigitalGlobe in the late 1990s. In 2005 Google used DigitalGlobe services to run Google Earth. Other American and European firms followed and in 2017 DigitalGlobe merged with SSL to create Maxar, the largest and best equipped commercial satellite photo provider in the world. Maxar is so profitable that in 2023 a $6.4 billion deal created two divisions. One is for imagery sales while the other develops new hardware. Sales of billions of dollars a year comes from clients like Google, news organizations and governments needing a steady and reliable supply of satellite photos. Over half that revenue comes from government contracts, Commercial photo satellite firms continue to have an impact on government users. In 2021 the U.S. NRO/National Reconnaissance Office, which supervises the design, construction and operation of photo and other satellite imagery space satellites needed by the U.S., decided to embrace their commercial competitors. NRO wanted to take advantage of growing competition and technical advances in the commercial imagery satellite industry. This became particularly important since 2017, when the NRO took over the NGAs/National Geospatial Intelligence Agency job of finding and purchasing commercial satellite imagery that the NRO satellites were unable to obtain because of a shortage of satellites, or because some commercial satellites were able to obtain forms of imagery that NRO satellites were not yet capable of. This new commercial satellite imagery procurement program was open to all major operators of commercial satellites who want to supply the Department of Defense with their products on a timely basis. Until 2017 NRO depended on two of the largest commercial satellite operators for this, but those two firms recently merged to form Maxar, eliminating the competition that kept prices low and quality high. That merger was not a problem, because there were also many new commercial satellite operators eagerly seeking to get a share of the market with new, innovative, and less expensive imagery. To take advantage of this, the NRO had to go about procurement more effectively in order to get the most for their imagery budget. The new NRO system is largely automated to allow many vendors to list what they can do and at what cost. Commercial imagery providers will provide special services to large customers and the NRO has become one of the largest. The only problem with NRO procurement was that there was a lot of bureaucracy involved that slowed down the process. Military users often found out about new satellite imagery developments from the trade publications and websites that report on new types of imagery or services available. NRO was criticized for delays in obtaining these new capabilities. NRO has long been criticized for this chronic failure to get military users what they could obtain as private users and do it in a timely manner. Government regulations and the NGAs protection of its imagery providing services require the military to obtain expensive and specialized commercial imagery services via the NGA, a government agency with the money and authority to procure these new, and often expensive, commercial imagery products. The military wanted this cumbersome and expensive procedure to improve once all imagery purchasing authority was concentrated in the NRO. Changes like the automated selection process should have speeded things up but so far it was hard to tell. Once the vendor for a new imagery product the military wants is selected, the bureaucrats still must sign off on purchase orders and ensure prompt delivery to the military users. What got all these reforms going was the NGA admitted in 2016 something everyone already suspected that it obtained most of its satellite photos from commercial satellites. This was no secret inside the military. Thats because since the late 1990s, when commercial photo satellites began to show up, military users were quick to buy and use this unclassified data. The commercial photo satellites gradually caught up with their military counterparts in most capabilities. Military photo satellites first appeared in the 1960s and their images were meant for intelligence agencies, not combat commanders in the field. These military photo satellites were long the leader in the tech that delivered higher resolution photos and other forms of imagery. The military got most of the imagery but more and more went to other government agencies, like the NGA and government departments that supplied unclassified imagery to businesses. There was an unmet demand from commercial firms and military units who could use this imagery if they received it in time. Commercial firms created a demand for unclassified satellite photos and these eventually appeared, but you had to pay for them. The U.S. military then had no cash or authority to buy commercial satellite imagery. What changed all this was the 2005 appearance of Google Earth. This easy-to-use web-based app revolutionized military intelligence. The military didn't like to admit it at first. Google Earth was putting so much satellite photography at the disposal of so many people, in such an easy-to-use fashion that anyone could take advantage of new opportunities. In addition to the target audience of travelers, one could explore the world from anywhere. This revolutionized operations for the military professionals as well as terrorists, other criminals and academics. Military users quickly appreciated what a splendid new tool they had with freely available unclassified commercial satellite imagery. To the U.S. Department of Defense, Google Earth's major problem was not its low cost and ease-of-use, but the way it showcased the shortcomings of the NGA/NRO, which was responsible for taking the satellite photos, spiffing them up as needed, and getting them to the troops. Trouble was, the government images still weren't getting to the troops that needed it, when they needed it. This was made obvious when Google Earth showed up, and demonstrated how you can get satellite images to anyone, when they need them and do it with minimal hassle. The NRO, NGA and other government agencies liked to keep all their satellite and aerial imagery in classified archives, just in case they contained some secrets a potential enemy could use. Google Earth did great damage to this attitude. Changing minds in the military intelligence community isnt easy. Restricted access to satellite photos is an old problem. Since the 1980s, when lots more satellite images became available, often on very short notice, generals, and other officers with access to satellite imagery have been complaining about the difficulty they had in getting their hands on this material or permission to pass it on to the officers and troops in combat zones that need it most. Hundreds of billions of dollars have been spent on photo satellites since the 1960s, and the troops always seem to get leftovers, if anything, and usually too late to be of any use. At the same time the NRO regularly conned Congress out of more money so they could build more satellites, and neat systems that would get the satellite imagery to the troops. The goods never arrived, or never arrived in time. Generals gave angry testimony before Congress about this non-performance after the 1991 Kuwait War. The satellite people seemed contrite and said they would make it right, if given the money to do it. They got the money and the troops still got nothing. Then the troops got access to Google Earth in 2005 and saw firsthand what they have been missing. To make matters worse, the software Google Earth used to get the job done was first developed for the NGA. But the way the NGA operated, you had to worry about security considerations and all manner of bureaucratic details before you could deploy a useful tool so they really couldnt use the Google interface on a wide scale. Mention that the troops are fighting a war and the NGA will point out that you still must deal with security and keeping the paperwork straight. Soon after 2005 the troops pointed out that Google Earth provided what was needed and Congress took notice. However, NGA bureaucrats were close at hand and the angry troops were far away. Progress was still slow. But at least the troops had Google Earth. Unfortunately, so did the enemy. Nevertheless, over the next decade the army was able to go directly to commercial satellite photo providers who, every year, were putting up more capable photo satellites. Many of the photos from these new satellites were higher resolution and not available on Google Earth. But the army could afford to buy them, as could other commercial customers and give the troops instant access because all these commercial satellite photos were unclassified. It has long been suggested that the government just rely on commercial photo satellites for their low resolution that is able to detect vehicles and buildings photo satellite needs. But the military and intelligence agencies often need more photo satellite time than the commercial companies can provide. The government also wants to ensure secrets are kept by having complete control over a pair of commercial grade satellites. The troops and military planners continue to be enthusiastic users of Google Earth, which annoys the people running the military satellite program. But for many military satellite needs, Google Earth does the job. The two military commercial-grade photo satellites eliminated the potential for information leaks about what the military is buying images of, and provide much more capacity to do low resolution jobs. Another bonus of Google Earth was the appearance of crowdsourcing. This is what happens when a large number of people scrutinize open-source satellite photos and find useful military information before the professionals do. The people who run the military satellite system are increasingly concerned with wartime needs, and that is what brought out the request for spare GPS and communications satellites. These are relatively cheap, compared to the spy satellites, and most needed if a future war spreads to the orbital zone and puts some American birds out of action. There is also growing concern about the debris in orbit and the increasing risk of satellites being damaged, or destroyed, by these small fragments of older satellites and the rockets that put them there. The smaller, cheaper and lighter, but very capable commercial satellites became the model for a military program to have some ballistic missiles, including those in submarines, equipped with one or more of these smaller satellites for use in wartime when most of the military and commercial satellites have been disabled. This is something the NRO could get behind because they knew that the commercial satellites had taken the lead in satellite design innovation. There were few special military applications left that commercial satellites had not usurped. In late 2022 Russia declared that commercial space satellite-based services might be considered a legitimate target because Starlink provides Ukrainian forces with superior communications than what Russian troops have, while Maxar commercial photo satellites have documented Russian failures in Ukraine in embarrassing detail. What the Russians dont discuss openly is the fact that Russian EW/Electronic Warfare equipment and ASAT systems have both proved incapable of shutting down Starlink and Maxar electronically with EW or physically with ASATs. Empty threats is all Russia has left in its efforts to eliminate the threat Starlink and Maxar have been to the Russian military effort in Ukraine. Until the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian EW capabilities were considered formidable. This was because Russian Cold War EW capabilities were superior to many Western systems and, after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, a smaller Russia continued developing new EW gear. After encountering some of this in Syria and Eastern Ukraine after 2015, it appeared that the post-cold war Russian EW equipment was not as effective as previously suspected. That was because in Syria both Israel and Turkey found the new Russian EW dangerous, but vulnerable to countermeasure. The Ukrainians came to the same conclusion. Ukraine was, even when part of the Soviet Union before 1991, a source of impressive new military tech. That did not change after 1991, when Ukrainian was more successful than Russian in converting technical talents from military to commercial applications. All this meant that Russian efforts to disrupt communication with and control of Starlink and Maxar satellites, while theoretically possible, did not work for long because those two American firms had ample technical resources and capabilities for countering EW attacks. Physical attacks on satellites turned out to be a more theoretical than practical threat. This was especially the case with Starlink, which used thousands of small satellites to provide its services. Maxar uses hundreds rather than thousands of satellites but is also testing use of smaller satellites and more of them. This is a trend in satellite tech and Starlink was the first large network to deploy and enter service. Russian and Chinese ASAT tech has not yet caught up. A Chinese flag is displayed next to a "Made in China" sign seen on a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips, in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023. Florence Lo | Reuters The United States on Monday launched its third crackdown in three years on China's semiconductor industry, curbing exports to 140 companies, including chip equipment maker Naura Technology Group , among other moves. The effort to hobble Beijing's chipmaking ambitions also hits Chinese chip toolmakers Piotech , ACM Research and SiCarrier Technology with new export restrictions as part of the package, which also takes aim at shipments of advanced memory chips and more chipmaking tools to China. The move is one of the Biden administration's last large-scale efforts to stymie China's ability to access and produce chips that can help advance artificial intelligence for military applications, or otherwise threaten U.S. national security. It comes just weeks before the swearing-in of Republican President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to retain many of Biden's tough-on-China measures. The package includes curbs on China-bound shipments of high bandwidth memory chips, critical for high-end applications like AI training; new curbs on 24 additional chipmaking tools and three software tools; and new export curbs on chipmaking equipment made in countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the action aims to prevent "China from advancing its domestic semiconductor manufacturing system, which it will use to support its military modernization." Reuters first reported many companies involved and key details of the plan. The tool controls will likely hurt Lam Research, KLA and Applied Materials, as well as non-U.S. companies like Dutch equipment maker ASM International. watch now Chinese companies facing new restrictions include nearly two dozen semiconductor companies, two investment companies and over 100 chipmaking tool makers. The companies include Swaysure Technology Co, Si'En Qingdao, and Shenzhen Pensun Technology Co, which work with China's Huawei Technologies. The telecommunications equipment leader has been hobbled by U.S. sanctions and is now at the center of China's advanced chip production and development. They will be added to the entity list, which bars U.S. suppliers from shipping to them without first receiving a special license. Asked about the U.S. curbs, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said such behaviour undermined the international economic trade order and disrupted global supply chains. China will take measures to safeguard the rights and interests of its firms, he added at a regular press briefing on Monday. China's commerce ministry described the U.S. restrictions as a clear example of "economic coercion" and "non-market practices," according to a statement published on its official website after the new curbs were announced. China has stepped up its drive to become self-sufficient in the semiconductor sector in recent years, as the U.S. and other countries have restricted exports of the advanced chips and the tools to make them. However, it remains years behind chip industry leaders like Nvidia in AI chips and chip equipment maker ASML in the Netherlands. The U.S. also is poised to place additional restrictions on Semiconductor Manufacturing International , China's largest contract chip manufacturer, which was placed on the Entity List in 2020 but with a policy that allowed billions of dollars worth of licenses to ship goods to it to be granted. For the first time, the U.S. will add three companies that make investments in chips to the entity list. Chinese private equity firm Wise Road Capital, tech firm Wingtech Technology Co and JAC Capital were added, the department said, because of their role "in aiding China's government's efforts to acquire entities with sensitive semiconductor manufacturing capability critical to the defense industrial bases of the United States and its allies with the objective of relocating these entities to China." Companies seeking licenses to ship to firms on the Entity List generally get denied. Dutch and Japanese exempted An aspect of the new package that addresses the foreign direct product rule could hurt some U.S. allies by limiting what their companies can ship to China. The new rule will expand U.S. powers to curb exports of chipmaking equipment by U.S., Japanese, and Dutch manufacturers made in other parts of the world to certain chip plants in China. Equipment made in Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan is subject to the rule while Japan and the Netherlands will be exempt. The expanded foreign direct product rule will apply to 16 companies on the entity list that are seen as the most important to China's most advanced chipmaking ambitions. The rule will also lower to zero the amount of U.S. content that determines when certain foreign items are subject to U.S. control. That will allow the U.S. to regulate any item shipped to China from overseas if it contains any U.S. chips. watch now Volkswagen workers across Germany stopped work on Monday as the conflict between the German automotive giant and its employees over changes to labor agreements and potential factory closures escalated. Nine of Volkswagen's car and component factories in Germany were affected by the so-called warning strikes, with work either being halted temporarily for demonstrations or shifts being cut short by workers. Photos on Monday showed workers carrying banners with messages that read "strike ready," and "warning strikes our right," according to a CNBC translation. "If necessary, this will be the harshest wage dispute ever seen at Volkswagen," Thorsten Groger, chief negotiator of key union IG Metall, warned in a statement on Sunday. How long and intense the conflict will be is down to the businesses' negotiations, he said. In a speech on Monday, Groger hinted at potential further escalations of the conflict. "Those who ignore the workforce are playing with fire and we know how to turn sparks into flames," he said. Elon Musk listens as US President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a House Republicans Conference meeting at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill on November 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday lost his bid to get his 2018 CEO pay package reinstated when a Delaware judge upheld her prior ruling that the compensation plan was improperly granted. The package, worth about $56 billion, was the largest compensation plan in U.S. history for a public company executive. Tesla said in a post on social media platform X, which Musk owns, that it plans to appeal the ruling. Musk, in a separate X post, called the ruling "absolute corruption." In January, Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick voided the pay plan, ruling that Musk had individually "controlled Tesla" and dictated the terms of his compensation to a board that didn't fairly negotiate. She called the process leading to approval of that pay plan "deeply flawed." Following the opinion, Tesla conducted a shareholder vote in June at its annual meeting in Austin, Texas, asking investors to "ratify" Musk's 2018 CEO pay plan. Musk's attorneys attempted to sway the judge to reverse her opinion after the trial, leaning on the results of that vote. "Even if a stockholder vote could have a ratifying effect, it could not do so here," McCormick wrote in her opinion Monday. "Were the court to condone the practice of allowing defeated parties to create new facts for the purpose of revising judgments, lawsuits would become interminable." As part of Monday's opinion, McCormick approved a $345 million attorney fee award for the lawyers who successfully sued on behalf of Tesla shareholders in order to void Musk's pay plan. "We are pleased with Chancellor McCormick's ruling, which declined Tesla's invitation to inject continued uncertainty into Court proceedings and thank the Chancellor and her staff for their extraordinary hard work in overseeing this complex case," attorneys from Bernstein, Litowitz, Berger & Grossmann, the firm representing the plaintiff, said in a statement. Following the January decision, Musk lashed out at the Delaware court, posting on X, "Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware." Tesla then held a shareholder vote to reincorporate in Texas, and officially shifted its state of incorporation there. Musk has also moved the state of incorporation for his defense contractor company SpaceX to Texas from Delaware. Despite the legal setback, Musk has seen his net worth jump considerably in recent weeks. Excluding all of the options wrapped up in the pay package, Musk is more than $43 billion richer since Donald Trump's election victory in November. Tesla shares have soared 42% in the four weeks since the election on optimism that Musk's coziness with the incoming president will lead to policies favorable to his companies. The Tesla stock Musk still holds is worth close to $150 billion based on Monday's closing price. That alone, not including his SpaceX stake, would put him among the world's wealthiest people. Equilar estimates that at today's stock price Musk's 2018 package would have risen to be worth $101.4 billion. WATCH: Elon Musk emerges as key voice in Trump's tech policy With significant macroeconomic events ranging from elections to central bank moves stirring the market, the biggest investors on Wall Street have been shifting their portfolios and playing offense heading into 2025. The hedge fund community, as a whole, nailed the election trade by piling into cyclical stocks that were thought to benefit from the rotation that took place after President-elect Donald Trump swept to victory last month, according to Goldman Sachs. The investment bank released its findings after analyzing the holdings of 697 hedge funds with $3 trillion in gross equity positions. Specifically, professional traders raised their exposure to financial stocks to the largest overweight in at least 15 years, according to Goldman's data. That's proven a winning trade as bank stocks have rallied dramatically since Election Day, partly on hopes that the new administration will roll back a series of government regulations. Stocks in the financial sector that saw the largest increase in the number of hedge fund owners in the third quarter included insurers Everest Group and W R Berkley Corp. , stock exchange operator Intercontinental Exchange as well as financial firms Raymond James Financial and Rithm Capital , according to Goldman. Daniel Sundheim's D1 Capital added positions in Bank of America in the third quarter, making it one of the fund's top holdings. Ole Andreas Halvorsen's Viking Global owned US Bancorp , Visa and Progressive as its biggest holdings. Billionaire investor Stanley Druckenmiller built a sizable position in regional banks and made clinical genetic testing company Natera his biggest position last quarter two bets that have been rallying since Trump's election.. Utility plays Power producers were another group of stocks that gained popularity among stock-picking hedge funds anticipating Trump's return to the White House. The energy names may benefit from the president-elect's promised rollback of environmental regulations and his encouragement of the crypto industry and its enormous energy demands. VerityData looked at the top 10 holdings of "fundamental" hedge funds, or managers that disclosed 10 to 300 holdings worth $100 million or more. It found that Constellation Energy saw the biggest increase in hedge fund high-conviction ownership, including buying from Coatue Management and Lone Pine Capital. CEG YTD mountain Constellation Energy Energy names Vistra and Talen Energy also gained newfound love among these professional traders. Lone Pine Capital and Third Point held Vistra among their top positions at the end of September. Bet on China Big investors also returned to the Chinese market as stocks there continued to rally, according to Goldman. Hedge funds initially started piling into the developing market in September, after the government signaled a flood of stimulus measures in a bid to revive growth and avoid continued stagnation in the world's second-largest economy. David Tepper of Appaloosa Management, who told CNBC he was buying "everything" related to China because of the latest government support, more than doubled his position in Temu parent PDD Holdings in the third quarter. Now, a quarter of hedge funds own at least one China ADR, the most since 2021, according to Goldman. Michael Burry, best known for calling the subprime mortgage crisis before the global financial crisis in 2008, raised his stakes in JD.com, Alibaba and Baidu, while adding what appeared to be a hedge on his sizable bet on Chinese internet stocks. Other big moves Warren Buffett 's Berkshire Hathaway built a new $550 million stake in Domino's Pizza last quarter. The pizza chain is in keeping with other, long-standing processed food investments by the sprawling Omaha, Nebraska-based conglomerate, and also fits into Berkshire's value investment philosophy. Baupost's Seth Klarman took a $195 million stake in discount store chain Dollar General last quarter, making it his eighth-largest holding. The retailer, which caters to more rural areas, has struggled this year and been forced to slash its sales and profit forecasts. David Einhorn, who believes the stock market is the priciest he's ever seen in his career, recently took a medium-sized position in agricultural equipment maker CNH Industrial. 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. December 2, 2024: Fighting broke out again in central Nigeria, with several dead and many more wounded. Fulani raiders continue to attack farmers with abandon. Soldiers are unable to be everywhere at once to stop the raiders. There are similar trouble spots throughout central and northern Nigeria. Despite the problems in the north, Nigeria is prospering, driven by increasing oil income from oil fields in the south. All sectors of the economy are improving. President Tinubu has been in office since March 2023, and concentrated on his pledges to reduce corruption in the Nigerian government. One of his first acts was to order an audit of the central bank to be followed by an audit of the federal payroll. The current economic crisis has made endemic and epidemic corruption more visible. This is very visible in the oil production industry, which has greatly inflated costs because of corruption. Higher oil prices are canceled by declines in production caused by criminals and corruption. Corruption inflates the cost of everything and reduces the quality of work done by the government, especially when it comes to infrastructure. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who served as president from 1963 to 1966, was one of the key people in obtaining independence for Nigeria from British colonial rule. What is now Nigeria was a collection of separate kingdoms and tribal territories that Britain got involved with after it outlawed slavery in 1807 and began a decades-long campaign to suppress the slave trade between African tribes and the Americas. Slavery was an ancient custom in most of Africa but American and European demand for more slaves led to more powerful tribes attacking weaker tribes to capture them as slaves for sale to American and European slave traders. In 1861 Britain took control of some portions of the Nigerian coast to deal with persistent slaving by inland tribes. Twenty years later Britain had control over more territory and installed a colonial government. This led, over the next 80 years, to Nigerian nationalism and talented men like Nnamdi Azikiwe working for independence. When the 1960s Igbo rebellion broke out, he advised the Igbo government for a few years before switching back to the Nigerian government. After independence the biggest problem was corruption fed by the growing oil wealth coming from the oil fields in the southern Niger River Delta. It was later calculated that about a trillion dollars of oil income was stolen between the 1960s and the present. Back in 2004, Islamic terrorist violence in the northeast appeared and created some lasting problems. There are still millions of refugees plus substantial economic damage in the northeastern Borno State, where it all began. There seems to be no end in sight because of corruption, but more competent leadership in the security forces reduced the violence. All this was caused by a local group of Taliban wannabes calling themselves Boko Haram. In English Boko Haram means that English Education is forbidden. Most Nigerians abhor the nihilistic Boko Haram and see this group as a threat to peace, prosperity and economic growth. Boko Haram activity in the capital of Borno State grew for a decade until in 2014 it seemed unstoppable. It took over a year for the government to finally muster sufficient military strength to cripple but not destroy Boko Haram. This did not get much media attention outside Africa, even though in 2014 Boko Haram killed more people than ISIL/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant did in Syria and Iraq. The main reason for Boko Haram gains in 2014 and 2015 was corruption in the army, which severely crippled effective counterterror efforts. By itself Boko Haram was too small to have much impact on a national scale but the inability to deal with this problem put a spotlight on the corruption that has hobbled all progress in Nigeria for decades. A new president, a former general who is Moslem, was elected in early 2015 and made progress in changing the armys corrupt culture, but that is still a work in progress even though he was reelected in early 2019. More bad news was expected because of too many tribal feuds and too much corruption creating growing unrest throughout the country, which led to reduced oil income and further disputes over that, etc. This is especially bad down south in the oil producing region, the Niger River Delta. Violence against oil facilities continues. Worse, local politicians and business leaders had taken over the oil theft business. Northern Moslems want more control over the federal government and the oil money. In northern and central Nigeria there is increasing violence as nomadic Moslem herders move south and clash with largely Christian farmers over land use and water supplies. For the last few years these tribal feuds have killed more people than Boko Haram. The situation is still capable of sliding into regional civil wars, over money and political power. Corruption and ethnic/tribal/religious rivalries threaten to trigger, at worst, another civil war and at least more street violence and public anger. As the Biden administration looks to reclassify marijuana to a lower-tier drug, the city of Denver put in its two cents as the first major U.S. city to allow legal recreational use in support of the federal process. Pour le Black Friday (nous sommes en retard), Humble Bundle s'associe a Disney pour nous proposer une offre avec un seul palier. Des classiques de la firme aux grandes oreilles, ca veut dire plein de jeux LEGO, mais aussi du STAR WARS et des incontournables LucasArts !Journey into the wonderful past with these beloved Disney franchises. Build your favorite heroes in LEGO games featuring Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and the Pirates of the Caribbean. Speaking of pirates, join Guybrush Threepwood in a collection of Monkey Island adventures or travel to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic and Republic Commando. Delve into a deep catalog of Disney Classics and help support the Starlight Children's Foundation with your purchase!Ca se passe ici, avec l'organisme tarlight Children's Foundation a soutenir.9.35 - STAR WARS Rebellion - STAR WARS Republic Commando - STAR WARS: The Force Unleashed Ultimate Sith Edition - Star Wars Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy - STAR WARS Galactic Battlegrounds Saga - Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic - Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords - Star Wars Empire At War: Gold Pack - Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb - Monkey Island 2: Special Edition - The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition - The Curse of Monkey Island - LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars - LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues - LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures - LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean The Video Game - LEGO Star Wars - The Complete Saga Put on your yarmulke. Here comes Chanukah. So much funukkah Adam Sandlers The Chanukah Song transcends classic SNL bit and now qualifies as a legitimate holiday classic as much a post-Thanksgiving staple as Jingle Bells or Santa Claus Is Coming to Town. Debuting on SNL on December 3, 1994, The Chanukah Song has changed a bit over the last three decades with the names of new Jewish celebrities being swapped in and out but its never stopped being a banger (Chanukah or otherwise). Sandler wrote the original with SNL writers Ian Maxtone-Graham and Lew Morton, the latter of whom recently spoke to me about coming up with the biggest Chanukah hit since I Have a Little Dreidel. When did you join Saturday Night Live as a writer? Don't Miss In the fall of 1993. Sandler had been there for a while already, but Id only worked with him a little bit before The Chanukah Song. He would do these holiday songs that were always fun to work on. He did Valentines Day and St. Patricks Day, and this was just one of those. We had no idea it would be the winner it turned out to be. How did the idea for a song about Chanukah start? Sandler deserves all the credit for the song. Ian Maxtone-Graham and I sat in a room with him with a book called The Book of Jewish Lists, which was a book in every Jewish persons bathroom at this time, and we helped him with some rhymes. It was a fun time with Adam and his guitar, posing unlikely rhymes with names of Jewish guys. Do you have a particular favorite celebrity that you got to include in the song? Advertisement I really loved that we had Rod Carew in there. There was some performance somewhere where he showed up to give his line: I converted! What do you remember about the initial audience reaction to the song? It destroyed so hard during the show that Adam kind of had to stop after every line. I remember worrying, I hope this plays well at home because its killing so hard here that he can barely do it. You guys did craft a true holiday classic. Im Jewish, and when you live your life as a Jewish kid around Christmas time, youd always hear the choir sing five or six really great Christmas carols written by the greatest composers in the Western canon. Then youd get, I had a little dreidel, I made it out of clay it really couldnt have felt more token. Everyone knows damn well its the crummiest song of all of them. So, its sort of amazing to have been part of something thats become a part of the holiday canon. Despite the fact that he only tapes one show a week and is currently enjoying a hiatus that will last until early 2025, Bill Maher may still pack it in and quit his HBO series Real Time for good meaning that Americans will have to find somewhere else to get vaccine misinformation from a former Murder, She Wrote guest star. This marks the second time that Maher has publicly stated that he will be quitting one of his professional activities during a booze-fueled episode of his YouTube show. Back in May, Maher told Jerry Seinfeld that he was planning on retiring from stand-up comedy. Now, again on Club Random, Maher has said that he may walk away from Real Time. And his explanation was both lazy and self-aggrandizing. Speaking with screen legend Jane Fonda about Donald Trumps recent electoral win, Maher remarked, I may quit, because I dont want to do another I did Trump. While the looming dread and exhaustion of another Trump term is certainly something that a lot of people can relate to, Maher wanted us to know that, he, specifically, cant go through it again, because hes been making fun of Trump for longer than every other comedian. Don't Miss I did all the Trump stuff before anybody, Maher claimed. I called him a con man before anybody. I did he's a mafia boss. I was the one who said he wasnt going to concede the election. Ive done it. Advertisement Well, then, how come he is so hostile to Jimmy Kimmel and not to you? Fonda returned. He's very hostile to me! He tweets about me every week! a defensive Maher argued. Fonda, who isnt typically regarded as a comedy authority, politely pointed out there is a way forward here: So find a new thing to do and not, not do Trump, do something else. The show is the politics, Maher stubbornly retorted. And hes going to dominate the news like he always does. Suggesting that hell bail on his show because he cant imagine a version of the show in which he doesnt just re-hash the same hacky Trump jokes hes been telling for over a decade is pretty on brand for Maher. After all, this is the same guy who once accused The Onion of stealing his joke because he was too lazy to check and see that they published their joke months earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Obviously Maher isnt really going to quit. Maher electing to vacate a job that gives him attention and a forum to spout his terrible opinions would be like Garfield giving up lasagna. But this is especially dumb considering that his most recent Real Time editorial was all about how people shouldnt let Trumps re-election disrupt their current plans. Maher was specifically talking about spending the holidays with Trump-voting family members, but he actually looked directly into a camera and stressed: Dont let Trump live in your brain like RFKs worm. But that was just for the snowflakes who wont suck it up and spend Jesus birthday arguing with their racist uncle. Clearly, the same logic wouldnt apply to Maher himself. Microsoft has made its AI Recall available to the world once again after pulling it back from availability on Copilot Plus-powered computers, but this time, it is still under testing and is last week's top news story in this edition of Tech Times Weekly Wrap. Early last week, the world also saw the concluding statements from both the US Department of Justice and Google which they presented to the court in their advertisement antitrust case, centering on Big Tech's alleged monopoly. Lastly, there was also the massive conclusion of FTC's case against Evolv Technology, with the Massachusetts-based company taking the settlement agreement which does not hold them accountable for their alleged mistakes. Microsoft's AI Recall is Now Available Under Testing for Copilot Earlier this year, Microsoft released its AI Recall technology for Copilot Plus Windows PCs but was faced with significant backlash for its issues and security concerns, but it is now back under testing for insiders. It is now seeing a more limited availability for users as it is exclusive to access via the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 (KB5046723) which leverages it for use. Users who are interested in trying it out are reportedly available for those who have already signed up and registered for the Microsoft Insider Program, under its Dev Channel. Furthermore, it is only available for Copilot Plus PCs featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, but Microsoft claimed that it will soon be available for AMD and Intel-powered computers. It now asks users for explicit opt-in permissions for privacy and assures customers that the snapshots are only accessible via local devices that are not available for Microsoft or third-party services to access. DOJ vs. Google Closing Arguments Key Moments The US DOJ and Google have shared their closing arguments for the landmark advertisement monopoly case against Big Tech, with both sides having presented their cases to the Virginia court. US District Judge Leonie Brinkema advised both parties to avoid dragging out the hearing throughout the case, and its recent conclusion made it one of the fastest cases tried in Big Tech monopoly history. According to the New York Times, Justice Department's lawyer, Aaron Teitelbaum, Google "rigged" ad auctions before and controlled massive services online for internet ads, claiming that Mountain View is "three times a monopolist." That being said, Google's lawyer, Karen Dunn, claimed that the DOJ failed to present the important details of why the internet company engaged in alleged monopolistic tactics. For now, Judge Brinkema is yet to share her decisions regarding the antitrust case, one that could potentially break up Google's company and its services. Evolv AI Scanner FTC Settlement One of the top controversial AI-affiliated companies in the United States, Evolv Technology, recently settled its case with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after its trial regarding its alleged fraudulent claims. Evolv Technology has been notorious for its claims that its AI-powered scanners can detect "all kinds of weapons," using only their cameras and machine learning. However, according to the FTC, Evolv had "deceived" their customers and the public regarding the truth behind their AI scanners, and thanks to this settlement, they are no longer allowed to make "unsupported claims." This would also not be possible if not for the BBC, who previously reported the many instances of the company's false claims about their AI scanner's capabilities, especially with significant use cases that refute their statements. Gate 18, at Asser Levy Playground, was installed in early 2022. Photo: NYC DDC Eleven years ago this weekend, Hurricane Sandy taught New Yorkers where its lowest edges were spots like Red Hook, the Rockaways, and the East Village, where an ancient flood plain faces the East River like a scoop. There, the water reached a full three blocks inland from the FDR Drive, as far as Avenue B, filling basements and totalling cars, inundating the Con Ed substation that feeds much of lower Manhattan its power. Head up the East Side under the elevated FDR trestle now, and two pretty different approaches to a future Sandy are taking shape. Theyre mostly descended from the Bloomberg-era Big U plan floated by Bjarke Ingels Group. The first, amply discussed and vigorously protested, is meant to demonstrate the advantages of softening the waterfront to absorb storm surges. This involves elevating East River Park, which stretches from the Lower East Side all the way to 12th Street, creating a berm that can take the force of the water during storms at the cost of most of the parks trees and its eccentric, well-loved amphitheater. Most of the gates are still under wraps. Photo: Christopher Bonanos But head up north of the park and the defense against water takes a different and harder approach. A barrier of dikes and gates snakes its way up the coastline, along and under the highway, ending by the Asser Levy recreation center near 25th Street. Every couple of blocks, theres an enormous steel gate, about the length of a subway car, that will either swing wide to close, like a conventional door, or roll sideways on rails, like a barn door. At this unfinished stage of the project, its a little tricky for a casual observer to grasp how it will all work in concert and why this system prevailed over so many other plans and options. So I asked Rohit Aggarwala, the commissioner of the citys Department of Environmental Protection and its chief climate officer, to walk the waters edge with me and explain how the gates will function when its all done. We meet by the Veterans Administration hospital at 25th and First, where the projects northern end terminates and, he pointed out to me, where it meets up with the hospitals own brick sea barrier. We turn by the Asser Levy pool house which is inside the gates and through a playground that was wrecked in 2012. Rebuilt, he explains, it now has more resilient plantings and materials, making it not quite floodproof but likely to require a shorter recovery period than last time. And heres the northernmost gate, next to the pool house. Its a beefy piece of steel, a real hulk when up close, painted gray under its translucent plastic wraps. I thought it might have to be pulled open and closed with a truck, but it does not require mechanical aid: A couple of people can shove it along, Aggarwala says, and indeed, Eric Adams was present at the inaugural shoving right here a few months ago. The recreation area taking shape around Stuyvesant Cove. Graphic: NYC DDC We head southward along the floodwall. Its ten feet high and set a bit inland; instead of hugging the waterline precisely, it approximately traces the outer rail of the FDR, perhaps 30 or 40 paces from the shoreline for much of its length. For those skeptical that a wall can stop the force of a coastal storm surge, theres more to the gates than whats aboveground: The foundations go deep and incorporate waterproof barriers to stop water from seeping past them from below. Their design life is specified at 100 years. They have enough structural strength to support an added three feet of height on top, should the worst projections of sea rise come into play. But its worth keeping in mind that they are meant to protect against one kind of storm but not another. They wont be able to do anything about the immensely heavy rainstorms were now getting, including Ophelia, the storm we just had in late September. The gates werent closed for Ophelia, because that flooding came from above, not across. Unlike the remade East River Park which, I suspect, will mollify all but its most bitter opponents as it greens up after the reconstruction the floodwall is likely to provoke dismay as people start to encounter it in the real world. It is, inarguably, a big hard barrier, albeit one thats been scalloped and textured to make its form a little less severe and unfriendly. The openings for the gates are pretty wide, but as you walk east on the side streets toward the river, most of the time you will face not the Brooklyn waterfront across the way, as has been true for centuries, but an expanse of off-white concrete. The thing is, Aggarwala says, dealing with climate change is not going to be free. Its not going to be costless. It is going to cost a lot of money. It is going to take a long time, and as the trees in the park really demonstrate we are going to lose things that we like. And the question is not, How do we avoid losing things that we like? The question is, How do we protect as many of the things that we like as possible? The southern section of the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project ends at Montgomery Street. Graphic: NYC DDC There were, along the design route that led to these walls, a lot of alternatives to this scheme, some less visually invasive, all requiring tradeoffs. The softer premodern methods of soaking up floods, like oyster beds and wetlands, would never be able to absorb a major surge in the compact space left available in todays New York. The Ingels plan called for gates that would swing down from the elevated trestle of the FDR, an idea of almost comical impracticability (among other things, the FDR can barely support its traffic load these days, let alone many more dangling tons of steel slabs). Gates that rise up from below grade might be less visible, but they would require many more moving parts, below grade; that adds mechanical complexity, more maintenance, more rigorous testing, and more risk of failure on the one day we need everything to work. The system we ended up with instead concrete walls and steel doors is calculatedly straightforward and robust. More reasonable, if vastly more involved (and denigrated by one prominent Twitterer), were the ideas about a long barrier out at the Narrows or at Sandy Hook sealing off the entire harbor as is done in the Netherlands or, at long last, in Venice. That would be a wildly ambitious not to mention expensive piece of engineering compared with walls and gates, and, according to Aggarwala, its not out of the question either. This is, in his telling, a both/and situation, not an either/or. The reality is, he says, if you look ahead 75 years to the end of the century, we might well need that, but also several other layers. You need I think, anyway to start with the inner layers before you build out. If you go for a big solution at the mouth of the harbor, until the thing is complete, you have zero protection at all, right? When this project is finished, this part of Manhattan will be protected, even if the Financial District is not yet. Its a persuasive approach given the reality of the way things get built in New York stop-start, in budgets and out again and back in, shifting along with political tides and new administrations. The gates may be good for a century, but that figure depends somewhat on how many storms we get. The life of a floodgate is measured, in part, by how many times its operated, and Aggarwala remarked to me that, on a recent visit to London, he learned that a future replacement for the Thames Barrier, the citys anti-tidal-surge system installed in 1982, is beginning to take shape in the minds of British engineers. That is partly because the Thames Barrier now closes more than twice as often as it did a generation ago, and it will wear out sooner than expected. (Also, it was designed and built for a global climate that no longer exists; the water will be higher soon.) Although New Yorks gates are much simpler machines than Londons, and dont spend their life in salt water, they too may see their lifespan change based on just how often our future mayors give the order to close them. One upside of the new floodwalls is that once you reach the riverbank, the area outside the walls the 50 feet or so of land outboard of the FDR has been reconstructed and improved into what Aggarwala calls a really attractive public plaza. New plantings and banked seating are all meant to take on some water during a storm and survive it. Its undoubtedly going to be a pleasant place to meet for coffee or go for a jog, more generally useful where it was only patchily so in the past. And in fact, thats one reason the wall is tucked under the highway rather than farther out toward the water: to make it less obtrusive because the highway is already a visual blight. A lot of it, Aggarwala says, is basically underneath the FDR, where there wasnt a view to worry about. But that does bring up a question. We may not have the FDR Drive forever. Its old, its antiquated, its speed- and weight-limited, and, despite plenty of updates and repairs over the years, portions of it are in rough condition. The Miller Highway (a.k.a. the West Side Elevated Highway), a similar road built in the same era, collapsed in 1973 and was subsequently razed, and it was eventually replaced by an at-grade rebuilt West Street. If we want to do that on the East Side, a big wall will now be in the way, meaning we may be boxed into replacing the elevated highway, rather than reimagining it altogether, at the end of its lifespan. But that is, again, one of a set of imperfect tradeoffs: Do you want whats currently in progress or a less good recreation space next to the highway now, with more limited access to the waterfront, to preserve the admittedly vaporous option of one day getting rid of the FDR? If the answer is the former, theres pretty much only one place to put the wall, and thats where it is. Aggarwala admits that, in other places, it would be much less acceptable to wall off the waterfront, and well have to come up with something more discreet. As we look around the city, at how you think about designing a barrier at, say, South Street Seaport, thats going to require much more creative design much more use of things that are a wall that dont look like a wall, that you dont experience like a barrier. But, he emphasizes again, were going to lose something whether its views, or a shorter walk to the water, or simply the ability to pretend were not up against the sea because the world of the 22nd century is not going to look like ours. In the meantime, what we do have is chugging along toward completion. The first several gates on the East Side are in place. East River Park is full of cranes and containers. The whole thing is due to be done in 2026. And one inescapable New York force has begun to take effect. During our walk, I saw that the plastic sheeting over Gate 13 had already been torn off and a ten-foot segment of the smooth gray-painted surface had received its first graffiti tags. So had the white wall nearby. When I pointed it out to Aggarwala and asked about maintenance, he got a slightly rueful look. I dont know, actually, he said. Were gonna have to learn how to clean paint. The MTA does a lot of scrubbing. Photo-Illustration: Curbed; Photos: Getty Images An early omen of what was to come appeared outside Lincoln Center last November: a Cybertruck on display as part of the Baron Investment Conference (a gathering of like-minded individuals looking to take their investment knowledge to the next level, per the website). By early spring, more Cybertrucks arrived on the streets. At first, spotting one felt novel. Pretty sweet to see in person, one person posted to Reddit after finding one parked in the city. Then, kind of ominous. Why are there so many Cybertrucks everywhere all of a sudden? a friend texted earlier this year. As more started showing up, people shared photos in group chats and on social media a kind of mapping project. There was one in Soho, one outside of Barclays Center, another in Long Island City. There was the Layers Bakeshop Cybertruck; the Bushwick Cybertruck (not to be confused with the other Bushwick Cybertruck); the Bingo Heating and Cooling Cybertruck; the Chrystie Street Cybertruck with its South Dakota plates, amassing tickets. If the 7,000-pound Cybertruck, with its hard angles and tanklike proportions, looked ridiculous in general, it looked especially so cruising around the most transit-dense city in the country. In the Cold War of nondrivers versus drivers in the city, Cybertruck owners became a particularly notorious subset about which to speculate: doesnt ride the subway, rich, entitled, MAGA-pilled. (A Subaru Forester driver at least kept up their Park Slope Coop shifts!) People posted pictures of Cybertrucks parked on the sidewalk. One Cybertruck illegally parked in the bike lane with a fake chaplains placard was a cyberschmuck. (Within three months, the owner had racked up 31 violations.) Another Cybertruck owner brandished a gun on Central Park South in a fit of road rage before speeding off. (But really, how hard could he be to find? The Cybertruck was lime green, per the police.) Ive seen people flip off Cybertruck drivers on the street, point and laugh at them, and others (okay, me) walk up to Cybertrucks to touch them, only to set off the alarm. Cybertruck owners, meanwhile, started to feel bullied. Were the increasing tensions an extension of the election? On Election Day, one Cybertruck owner parked in front of Trump Tower and had people spray-paint pro-Trump graffiti on it. He had driven it cross-country. Afterward, it mysteriously landed in a Hells Kitchen tow pound. In mid-November, one Cybertruck owner complained on a Cybertruck Owners Only Facebook group that Manhattan parking garages werent allowing him in because they said the trucks werent covered under their insurance policies. Someone else posited another conspiracy theory: Could it be a silent boycott due to Elons backing of our president-elect? They shouldnt fret too hard. For now, the Cybertrucks like the more demure Volvos and junky Kias seem to be winning the struggle over how our streets are put to use. The roads are theirs for the foreseeable future. The Cybertruck haters only consolation is that at least we dont have to worry about our fingers getting sliced off. Well over half a century since the death penalty was abolished, our MPs have voted to overturn the principle that the state should not, coldly and with deliberation, kill its citizens. Yet many of those who supported the Bill for so-called 'assisted dying' insist it is in the great progressive tradition. The former Labour deputy leader, Harriet Harman, last week exulted: 'It's a huge piece of liberalising legislation, up there with the ending of capital punishment and permitting abortion.' It is certainly huge: we will be a different country if Kim Leadbeater's Bill becomes law. But a safer one? I don't think so. Certainly, it will be much less safe for the most vulnerable, who will be insidiously influenced into 'doing the right thing' for their family financially, or simply not to 'be a burden'. This was a point made by a number of Labour MPs (mostly women) in last Friday's debate. They do not embrace this 'liberalisation'; nor do they see it as 'progressive'. As the Mother of the House, Diane Abbott, put it in her contribution to Friday's debate, citing the 1969 vote to end the death penalty: 'Public opinion was actually against that change, but MPs believed, on a point of principle, that the state should not be involved in taking a life. It was a good principle in 1969,' she said, 'and it remains a good principle today.' One reason for that decision was the growing awareness that the legal process is not infallible: when someone's life has been taken judicially, there is no remedy if it turns out to have been based on error, or an abuse of process. This parallel was pointed out to me by Dr Matthew Dore, the honorary secretary for the Association For Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland: 'We stopped capital punishment because we made mistakes, despite every safeguard from a full court, months of deliberation and a jury. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill proposed by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater 'How many mistakes will two self-selecting doctors make?' he asks. 'And the judge specified in the Leadbeater Bill is simply a rubber stamp to ease the country's conscience.' Here, Dr Dore is alluding to what Leadbeater constantly claims are the 'world's strictest safeguards': that 'two medical practitioners' not necessarily doctors and a judge would be required to check that a person is 'within six months of death' and has not been in any way coerced into requesting their own extinction. But the two medics are not even required to know the individual concerned, and are specifically permitted by the Bill to suggest termination to a person who hadn't previously shown any interest in such a process. And how would a judge second-guess the medics, or discover if the person concerned had been subject to coercion? The former head of the High Court Family Division, Sir James Munby, has declared that 'the architects' of Leadbeater's Bill the lobby group known as Dignity in Dying, formerly the Voluntary Euthanasia Society 'had chosen to promote a highly unsatisfactory scheme which can give us no confidence that it will enable the court to identify and prevent possible abuses.' In her speech introducing the Bill, Leadbeater claimed that she had the judiciary behind her. Towards the end of the debate she was forced to correct the record, as what she had suggested was clearly untrue: 'I should not have implied that the serving judiciary have in some way indicated their agreement with the Bill. They have not.' If anything, previously sympathetic leading legal figures have become alarmed at the consequences of such legislation. For example Alex Ruck Keene KC, who, as a barrister representing the motor neurone disease sufferer Noel Conway, spent years arguing in the courts for a change in the law. Jonathan Sumption was a Justice of the Supreme Court when it considered the case of Tony Nicklinson, who had been paralysed by a stroke and sought (unsuccessfully) judicial support for his own assisted suicide, He said: 'The current bill is seriously defective parts of it read like a protocol for an execution' Last month, he told Politics Home: 'I never had the slightest doubt that he was not under the slightest shadow of coercion. He knew exactly what he wanted. But the thing which increasingly troubled me, and has increasingly troubled me since, is that it's not about an individual. 'Because you have individual stories that are very, very powerful. But the law can't operate for individuals. The law has to operate for everybody.' Jonathan Sumption was a Justice of the Supreme Court when it considered the case of Tony Nicklinson, who had been paralysed by a stroke and sought (unsuccessfully) judicial support for his own assisted suicide. Lord Sumption was affected by the case and wrote in yesterday's Sunday Times: 'Privately, I came to the view that the law should be changed after seeing people close to me struggle with end-of-life choices.' But he is not, now, supporting the Leadbeater Bill: 'Those who have come to support the legalisation of assisted dying, as I have, must recognise that it will bring real dangers in an age of impersonal care, utilitarian attitudes to life, and fragmented families.' He added: 'The current bill is seriously defective parts of it read like a protocol for an execution.' In fact the Leadbeater Bill is evasive on how, exactly, people's lives would be ended in this brave new world. It merely states that 'the Secretary of State must, by regulations, specify one or more drugs or other substances'. The former Labour deputy leader, Harriet Harman, last week exulted: 'It's a huge piece of liberalising legislation, up there with the ending of capital punishment and permitting abortion' In the context of the death penalty via fatal injection, as carried out in parts of the US, there is much controversy over the efficacy of various drugs. The writer Dan Hitchens points out, in respect of euthanasia in various jurisdictions: 'As with death penalty procedures, there is no gold standard, but rather a great variety of options, none of which has established itself as the most appropriate. 'According to an article in the Lancet, complication rates with assisted suicides may be even more frequent than those with the death penalty up to 9 per cent have trouble swallowing the dose; up to 10 per cent vomit it up; up to 2 per cent re-emerge.' And what will be the scale of all this? We cannot know, but when the likes of Harriet Harman cite the Abortion Act as a precedent for 'assisted dying' but insist there will be 'no slippery slope', it's worth looking at what happened as a result of that Act, passed in 1967. During that parliamentary debate, the measure's proposer, David Steel, said that those who claimed this would amount to abortion on demand were 'muddle-headed it is not so'. But, while firmly insisting that he had no regrets, in 2007, when abortions in England and Wales approached 200,000 a year, Steel admitted he had never anticipated 'anything like' the numbers that were then being performed. Now they are more than 250,000 a year. All, of course, licensed by two doctors. The Leadbeater Bill concerns the end of life, not its beginning. One of its 'world's strictest safeguards' is that doctors should have determined that the individual has less than 'six months life expectancy'. But as Professor Ray Powles wrote on the morning of the parliamentary debate: 'For five decades I have cared for over 4,000 patients with blood cancer, most of whom have died, and I would still find it impossible to predict accurately life expectancy of less than six months.' In truth, all the Bill's 'safeguards' are designed to be a rubber-stamping exercise, not an inquisitorial process. The death penalty was much safer than this. Murdering dictator he may be, but Syrian president Bashar al-Assad is no Idi Amin. When the Ugandan tyrant was finally forced into exile in 1979, he was able to scuttle off to Saudi Arabia and wallow in luxury for the next two decades. Assad cannot do that, even though his wealth would guarantee him lifetimes of luxury. One Arab newspaper, citing British intelligence sources, estimated his fortune largely stolen from his own people at 13.5 billion. And that's without an added 200 tons of gold worth another 10 billion. After an emergency summit in Moscow with Vladimir Putin, last night Assad was believed to be back in the Syrian capital Damascus, where he is expected to remain as jihadist revolutionaries storm across the country. Assad and his inner circle are Alawites a minority sect of Shia Islam in a largely Sunni dominated Syria, and this binds them irrevocably to the 2-3 million Alawites who support him. If his regime falls, Assad is dead and the Alawites will fear for their future as a people. He has no choice but to fight, though he cannot count on Western intervention to prop up his power, even against Islamist terror groups. His past barbarities, including the use of chemical weapons such as chlorine gas against his own civilians, put him beyond the reach of diplomatic compromises. Assad maybe an ostrich-necked psychopath with a weak chin and shifty eyes, but he is cunning as well as brutal. And he'll do pretty much anything to survive and that includes allying with some of the most sadistic regimes on earth. One Arab newspaper estimated Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's fortune - largely stolen from his own people - is a staggering 13.5 billion Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, left, meets the Syrian president in Damascus to deliver a message of support for Syria's government and armed forces yesterday Russian president Vladimir Putin meets with Assad at the Kremlin in Moscow in July For the past decade, he has relied on Russian and Iranian support to hold back successive waves of rebels, including the armies of the Islamic State death cult. But Russia and Iran have their own, more pressing problems. Ostrich-like, too, they have buried their heads in the sand while resistance movements regrouped in Syria. They, just like Britain and the US, appear to have been taken by surprise at the weekend when balaclava-clad fighters from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) terror group stormed the cities of Aleppo and Hama, and invaded Damascus. HTS is led by veteran Islamist warlord Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, who has been wanted by the US for more than ten years, with a $10 million (7.9 million) bounty on his head. Al-Jawlani was a close associate of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the IS leader who died during a US raid in Syria five years ago. But his HTS army is more of an offshoot from al-Qaeda, the terrorist collective that downed the Twin Towers in 2001. In the dizzying melee of tribal allegiances, ancient feuds, religious schisms and personal ambition that marks Islamist insurgencies, it's impossible to predict how long pacts and alliances will last, or whether the rebels will turn on each other as they so often have before. This has generally played out to Assad's advantage in the past. His brutal but highly effective policy has simply been to kill as many of his enemies as he can, wherever he can, in the expectation that sooner or later they will begin killing each other. In this, he has the unfailing loyalty of the Alawites. Together they have faced a succession of fundamentalist Sunni Muslim uprisings. They are backed, too, by the country's Christians, who face death or exile if Assad falls. Terror group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is led by Islamist warlord Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, who has been wanted by the US for over ten years, with a $10 million (7.9 million) bounty on his head For Putin, all this comes down to geography and access to the Mediterranean through the port at Tartus. Here, close to the border with Lebanon, Russia leases a naval facility, with another military site, the Khmeimim air base, about 35 miles away. These are strategically vital to Moscow. But for the past two-and-a-half years, as the war in Ukraine has consumed Russia's resources, Syria has been a secondary consideration, exemplified when the commander of Russian forces there, Colonel General Alexander Zhuravlyov, was recalled in 2022 to head the campaign on the ground in Ukraine. At the same time, Assad's support from Iran is in disarray following Israel's decapitation of Hezbollah. It's not that Hezbollah doesn't still have commanders; it's that, following Mossad's exploding pagers operation, so many of them no longer have eyes or hands. I discuss the success of that operation in the Mail's podcast 90 Seconds To Midnight, along with conflicts from Ukraine to Gaza. The strike by HTS against three cities is well coordinated. They use sophisticated drone technology, comparable to the best of Ukraine's weaponry, and this requires both investment and training. Most likely, this is coming from Turkey, where President Erdogan has a vested interest in expanding into northern Syria to repress Kurdish separatists. He also wants to stem the tide of Syrian refugees into his country, not to mention the possibility of diverting water for agriculture. All this is to add more tinder to a situation in the Middle East that has never been more explosive. David Patrikarakos is the host of the Daily Mail's weekly global new podcast, 90 Seconds To Midnight. If there were any doubts about what Elon Musk thinks of Labour's Britain, the Silicon Valley tycoon has put them firmly to bed. Last week, Musk who claims that posting relentlessly on the social media site X is part of his duties as its owner launched a days-long stream of invective about the state of modern Britain. 'What is happening in the UK?' he wailed to his 206 million X followers, in response to a post claiming a British government report warned that reading The Lord Of The Rings and 1984 'could lead to Right-wing extremism'. Musk also shared a picture of a snarling John Bull character in a Union Flag top hat. It appeared alongside a story about the UK Government assuming 'sweeping control' over US technology companies. Before that, he posted: 'The people of Britain have had enough of a tyrannical police state' as he reacted to news that a poll which he has enthusiastically supported calling for a new UK General Election had reached a million signatures. Musk repeatedly shared a graphic showing Sir Keir Starmer's popularity ratings plummeting. The UK's 'establishment parties are going to get crushed at the next election', he predicted in another post. Indeed, on Thursday a Right-wing account on X posted the news that Dame Andrea Jenkyns, a minister in Boris Johnson's government who lost her seat in the Labour landslide, had defected to Reform and will be a candidate in a mayoral election next year. The tweet: 'Reform will win the next General Election.' Musk reposted it with the word 'Yes'. Now it seems the man who worryingly for Downing Street has been hailed as the single most influential figure in the emerging Trump White House and 'America's most powerful private citizen' is planning to put his money where his bellicose mouth is. Elon Musk with US President-Elect Donald Trump before a test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket this month Musk predicted the UK's 'establishment parties are going to get crushed at the next election' On Thursday a Right-wing account on X posted the news that Dame Andrea Jenkyns, a minister in Boris Johnson 's government who lost her seat in the Labour landslide, had defected to Reform and will be a candidate in a mayoral election next year. The tweet: 'Reform will win the next General Election.' Musk reposted it with the word 'Yes' At the weekend, it was reported that Musk is preparing to give $100 million (78 million) to Reform leader Nigel Farage as a 'f*** you Starmer payment'. Insiders fear such a move could obliterate the Conservative Party and open the door to near-limitless anti-government advertisements from Reform. Musk's disdain for Labour and Starmer (whom he calls 'two-tier Keir', championing the claim that British police deal less harshly with violence perpetrated by non-white offenders) is all the more significant given that he now has the ear of President-elect Trump; a president whose policy decisions it was said during his first term depended on who had last spoken to him. The head of Tesla and SpaceX will be responsible for hacking back wastage as part of his specially-created job as co-head of a new Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump administration. And since Trump reportedly has little love for a Labour leadership that has routinely insulted him, could Musk's first 'efficiency' be to persuade his friend to stop wasting time on the 'Special Relationship'? 'More than anyone else right now, Trump appears to be listening to Elon,' a senior Team Trump insider told the Mail. 'So could some of his animosity for Starmer filter through? Sure. 'But you must remember that Trump has always respected the British people and their institutions especially the Royal Family. I can't imagine he would do anything that would harm our Special Relationship in the long term. In the short term, he might enjoy making Starmer's life a little harder.' The UK Government has been at pains to downplay any rift with the incoming Trump administration, which takes over on January 20. But a senior official in his first administration told the Mail that Downing Street shouldn't take too much for granted. 'Trump is transactional, he's a deal-maker with whoever's in Downing Street,' said the insider. 'He knows that as President, he has to work closely with Britain. But he'd prefer to be doing deals with the Conservatives and he clearly doesn't like the Labour government. And now he's got Musk telling him he's right not to like them. 'He got on well with Boris Johnson but I don't see the same happening with Starmer. He won't want to do Labour any favours if he can help it.' However, both Trump and Musk have particular reason to resent the Starmer Government that goes beyond their instinctive contempt for its embrace of woke policies. 'More than anyone else right now, Trump appears to be listening to Elon,' a senior Team Trump insider told the Mail Musk's disdain for Labour and Sir Keir Starmer is all the more significant given that he now has the ear of President-elect Trump For Trump, one need look no further than the stream of pious abuse that's come his way from senior Labour politicians. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in 2018, called him a 'woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath'. A year earlier, Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, opined that 'Trump is such an odious, sad, little man imagine being proud to have that as your President'. And then there was Ed Miliband, Energy Security, saying in 2016: 'The idea that we have shared values with a racist, misogynistic self-confessed groper beggars belief.' The Labour Party's tone-deaf decision to help organise nearly 100 members to volunteer for the Kamala Harris campaign hardly helped matters and prompted a complaint to the US Federal Election Commission from the Trump campaign about 'blatant foreign interference'. Musk, meanwhile, a self-proclaimed free speech absolutist, is already embroiled in an ongoing scrap over social media standards. After the summer riots in the UK, which he was accused of stoking, the Labour Government promised to strengthen the Online Safety Act, which could be bad news for X. This battle escalated last month when it was revealed that Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's chief of staff, had once served as director of a Labour-linked online campaign group that had vowed to 'kill Musk's Twitter'. The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), an Anglo-American outfit that shares a north London address with Labour Together, a think-tank closely associated with the Labour Party, had reportedly sought meetings with Democrat senators while lobbying to remove Musk from behind the wheel of X. After the summer riots in the UK, which he was accused of stoking, the Labour Government promised to strengthen the Online Safety Act, which could be bad news for X Ed Miliband said in 2016: 'The idea that we have shared values with a racist, misogynistic self-confessed groper beggars belief' Responding to claims that the CCDH was a 'political front' for the Labour Party, Musk posted on X: 'This is war.' Although he has denied it, some believe Musk was also angered by the Starmer Government's decision in September not to invite him to a UK investment summit because of his social media posts during the riots although Musk, who is notoriously thin-skinned, insists he didn't want to go anyway. But it has been reported that Musk's final switch to supporting the Republicans, having been what his father Errol described as a 'flaming Democrat', came when Biden didn't invite him to a White House event in 2021 for electric car makers despite Tesla being the biggest of them in the US. Did Downing Street make the same fatal error by leaving his name off a guest list? Musk's beef with Britain is far removed from the heady days of 2012 when he was seen pedalling around London on a Boris Bike. 'I really like Britain!' he told his social media followers. And he has strong ties with us: Errol's mother, Cora Robinson, was born in Liverpool and Errol spent much of his childhood living near Bristol. 'We've always liked the UK. I took Elon there when he was six but we don't relate to what's happening there now,' he told the Mail last month. Even though he grew up in South Africa, Musk had Anglophile tastes: the two books he devoured as a child and were, he says, hugely influential The Lord Of The Rings and The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy were written by British writers JRR Tolkien and Douglas Adams. In January, he dispelled a common assumption that he is of Afrikaner heritage, comparing himself to Tolkien, in a social media post: 'I am from a British/English background, not an Afrikaner background (similar to JRR Tolkien, who was also born in South Africa).' Hardly the behaviour of a compulsive Anglophobe. Nor was marrying (twice) British actress Talulah Riley after meeting the star of the St Trinian's films in a London nightclub. In 2013, Musk wrote: 'Always admired Margaret Thatcher. She was tough, but sensible & fair, much like my English Nana. Britain went from dreary to Great again.' President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with the House GOP conference, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington Musk, a self-proclaimed free speech absolutist, is already embroiled in an ongoing scrap over social media standards Trump has even stronger British links as his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born and raised in poverty in the Outer Hebrides before finding a new life and Trump's father, Fred in the US. Donald often boasts of his Scottish heritage. Anthony Scaramucci, who was once his White House PR chief, claimed last month that the Trump camp's row with Labour won't affect US-UK relations. 'Trump knows he has to have a good relationship with the Brits, and Trump likes the Brits,' he said. 'He's an Anglophile. He loved the interaction that he had with the Queen. He's a royalist . . . so he wants to have a good relationship with the UK.' However, some fear that Musk will do his level best to ensure that good relationship comes with strings attached. Labour may be cheered by recent reports that Musk has clashed with members of Trump's top team, including having a 'massive blow-up' with one of them at a Mar-a-Lago dinner. Two planet-sized egos cannot co-exist for long, say sceptics about the Trump-Musk bromance. But others counter that Trump cannot afford to fall out with the man who controls the most powerful information platform in US politics and has been one of his biggest financial backers. The view in the more rarefied corners of the UK Government may be that Elon Musk is simply beyond the pale but, two years after he was dismissed as stupid for paying $44 billion for Twitter, it would be a huge mistake to ever bet against him. MBABANE Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) President Mbongwa Dlamini was last Monday assaulted during a routine traffic stop at Hhelehhele, Manzini. Dlamini was reportedly assaulted by two people, who were later kidnapped and assaulted with the intent to cause serious bodily harm. The SNAT president said he was assaulted while driving towards his Ngculwini homestead near Hhelehhele, where he found two traffic police officers engaging in their duties. He claimed that the two police officers were known to him and they had conversations in jest which included the need for him to be tested for drink-driving through the use of a breathalyser. Claimed Dlamini purported that while they engaged with the female traffic police officer, she took his phone and he pretended to also want take her gun. This, Dlamini claimed, was in jest and there was no malice from either party. However, Dlamini supposed that what baffled him was that while they were engaging with the police officers; two people alighted from a vehicle and started assaulting him. The unionist said as the pair assaulted him; the police who were manning the barricade beneath the overhead bridge of the highway deserted the area and left him on the ground. As such, Dlamini supposed that the assault was so severe such that he was accorded four days bed rest by a medical practitioner to recuperate. Subsequent to his assault, Dlamini said he communicated with some members of his organisation to assist him to meet the Mafutseni station commander, to enquire on why the police left the scene, while he was being assaulted. Dlamini said as they drove to Mafutseni Police Station, which is about 19 kilometres from Hhelehhele, where he was purportedly assaulted, they came across the same police officers who had left him while being assaulted. We enquired from them on why I was being assaulted and why they did not defend me, but there was no plausible response, he said. Dlamini said he, along with some SNAT national executive committee (NEC) members, proceeded to the Mafutseni Police Station and found out that the station commander was not available on the day. He claimed to have set an appointment to meet him the subsequent day. However, later at night, Dlamini said he sensed that the situation would get out of hand as some of his family members were not happy about his assault. I requested an NEC member to assist me and contact the station commander again and alert him that this incident had the potential of getting out of hand, he said. Dlamini said as his assault coincided with a conference which he was attending; it resulted in him meeting the station commander later in the day. Meeting He said the meeting between him and the station commander had members of the NEC present as well. The meeting, he said, was at the Mafutseni Police Station; however, it did not pan out well. During the course of the meeting, there was a number which was constantly dialling me and I ignored it. When everything was done, I contacted it and discovered that it was a neighbour, informing me that my son, along with other relatives, were being looked for by heavily armed police officers, he said. The unionist said this resulted in him seeking recourse through setting a meeting with the Manzini regional commander. Dlamini said as he was busy attending the conference, the meeting was to be held on Wednesday. The SNAT president said this concerned him and he established communication with his son and the relatives. I advised them to meet me in town, along with my lawyer, so that I can hand them over to the police which is something I did the subsequent day, Dlamini claimed. He said his son, relatives and their friends were subsequently arrested and charged with kidnapping and assault with intent to cause serious bodily harm. The seven were reportedly arrested for assaulting and forcing a male at Ngculwini into a car. Sources claimed that they bundled one of the two people supposedly involved in the assault of Dlamini into a sedan. It was purported that when they abducted him, the seven were carrying a variety of weapons, which included knives. They claimed that the seven first ransacked the house where he resided. It was claimed that before being bundled into the sedan, he had been hit hard on his femur with a hard object which limited his efforts to flee. Abducted It was claimed that the man who was abducted, was driven to a forest, where he overpowered two of his assailants and fled the scene and reported the matter to the police. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, confirmed the arrests. Vilakati said seven people were arrested and the case is now in court. The people when assaulting the complainant said he had assaulted their president, Vilakati said. With less than seven weeks to go before the second coming of Donald J. Trump, Joe Biden is cleaning house. On Sunday night, he pardoned his degenerate son Hunter who was due to have been sentenced for gun and tax crimes, despite repeatedly denying that he had any such intention. 'No one is above the law,' he insisted. Biden Junior could have faced up to 25 years in prison, although it was unlikely as a first-time offender he would have been given such a long sentence. But the timing of the pardon was crucial. Hunter was due back in court this month, and would almost certainly have served some jail time. If Joe Biden had waited until he left office in January, his son could well have spent Christmas and New Year behind bars. Presidents have traditionally handed out pardons at the end of their term, often on the very last day. Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother Roger, who had a conviction for drug trafficking. Trump pardoned, among others, his son-in-law's father Charles Kushner, who had been found guilty of tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign contributions. (Former presidential candidate, New Jersey governor and big-time Bruce Springsteen fan Chris Christie, prosecuted Kushner and called him one of the 'most loathsome, disgusting' criminals he had ever had the misfortune to deal with. Kushner has just been nominated by Trump as America's ambassador to France, which probably deserves him.) Barack Obama pardoned, commuted or rescinded the convictions of almost 2,000 people. Joe Biden with his son Hunter outside a bookstore in Massachusetts last month While every President since George Washington has handed down pardons, few if any have been as self-serving as that granted to Hunter Biden by his own father. The suspicion is that Joe is not just pardoning his son, he's also protecting himself from possible future prosecution. This particular pardon applies not just to the charges for which Hunter was due to be sentenced, but all and every crime he may have committed since January 1, 2014. The significance of that date is that it extends to the time Hunter served on the board of the Ukrainian energy corporation Burisma, for which he was paid an astonishing $1 million a year, despite having no previous experience in the oil and gas sector. During this period, Joe Biden was Obama's Vice-President, responsible for America's foreign policy in Ukraine. It has since been alleged by a source described by the FBI as a 'trusted confidential informant' that both Bidens received bribes of $5 million each from a corrupt Ukrainian businessman. It is also alleged that Joe put pressure on the government in what we used to call Kiev to sack a prosecutor investigating corruption at Burisma, threatening to block $1billion in U.S. aid unless he got his way. What isn't in dispute is the fact that Hunter and Joe's kid brother James have for decades been involved in a string of commercial enterprises cashing in on his political connections, leading Trump to dub them the 'Biden Crime Family'. Two Inland Revenue Service agents told a Senate hearing that the Biden family had received $17 million in fees from overseas corporations. I covered all this in a Saturday essay for the Mail last year. It was further reported that Hunter is said to have leveraged his father's position to force through a lucrative business deal with a Chinese conglomerate. Charles Kushner with his sons Josh, left, and Jared (who is married to Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka) In 2017, an email from Hunter about the Chinese deal stated that 10 per cent was for the 'Big Guy'. Whistleblowers have since said that the Big Guy was Joe Biden. That email was recovered from a laptop abandoned by Hunter at a Delaware repair shop, along with another to his sister complaining that he was expected to hand over half his income to his father. The hard-drive contained a mine of explosive material and was copied by the repair shop's owner, who handed it over to Trump's then lawyer Rudy Giuliani. It featured photographs of Hunter taking crack cocaine and consorting with prostitutes. One picture showed a stark naked Hunter waving a handgun. Although the potentially incriminating evidence was published by Rupert Murdoch's New York Post, Fox News and Dailymail.com online, it was ignored by America's pro-Democrat mainstream media because it might have compromised Joe Biden's first Presidential election bid in 2020. In the run-up to that election, the FBI refused to admit that the laptop belonged to Hunter Biden and insisted it was part of a Russian disinformation campaign - a fiction advanced by none other than Joe Biden himself. President Biden has always denied that he ever discussed business or was 'in business' with his son or his brother, something disputed under oath by Hunter's former business partner in evidence to a Senate committee. Whatever the truth of these claims and counter-claims, there is no disguising the fact that Biden has done well financially over the years. Donald Trump must start his next presidency with a clean sheet, says Richard Littlejohn Joe Biden with his son Hunter at the Democratic National Convention in August He has always traded on his 'middle-class' what we call working-class Ordinary Joe image. When he became Veep in 2009, he claimed to have a net worth of just $30,000. As he prepares to leave office, his wealth is estimated at anything up to $40 million, depending on who you believe. It must have come from somewhere. There's a widespread belief that any jail time for Hunter, especially with an incoming Trump Presidency, would open up a jumbo-sized can of worms, which could implicate Joe in all manner of financial impropriety. For the past eight years, the Democrat-dominated Deep State has been waging total lawfare against The Donald and now he is gagging for revenge. He's putting MAGA loyalists into the Department of Justice and the FBI, and they'll soon start going through what's left of the files. That sound coming out of the retreating administration in Washington is shredders working overtime and hard-disks smashing under the hammer, Hillary Clinton-style. The Biden presidency is ending in ignominy and disgrace. No one was especially surprised that he pardoned Hunter, but what sticks in the craw of genuine 'Ordinary Joes' is that Biden has repeatedly lied to the American people. When he stood down in the summer, was there a deal with the Democrat establishment based on the assumption that Kamala Harris would beat Trump and grant Hunter a Get Out Of Jail Free card? When she lost, having painted himself into corner, Joe had no other option than to walk out over the paint. Can't be ruled out. Biden had already lost one son to an untimely death, and didn't want to lose another to Rikers Island prison. He claimed yesterday that his decision to pardon Hunter was based on paternal love, but couldn't resist adding that 'raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice'. Which is pretty rich coming from a cynical, partisan President who set the legal dogs of war on his Republican political opponent, dragging Trump through the courts, raiding his home in Palm Beach military-style and trying to put him in jail. The politically motivated cases against Trump have collapsed since the election. And while he seeks retribution against the Democrat Deep State apparatchiks responsible, there are indications that he's prepared to let Joe slink off into the sunset, taking Hunter with him. Was there a carve-up when the two men met at the White House recently, which would allow Joe to pardon Hunter and, in exchange, Trump would pardon all those January 6 'rioters' at the Capitol found guilty of non-violent offences? Shouldn't be surprised. Everything is transactional with Trump. America needs him to start with a clean sheet, after decades of bitter division. As for Biden, he's a Dead Man Walking, but I don't give much credence to the speculation that he might now withdraw and let Kamala become America's first female President of Colour for the last ten minutes. I think Trump got it right when he told a pre-election rally: 'I think Joe likes me more than her.' So Biden's got another few weeks to clean house before the Second Coming. But, whatever else, he won't be leaving office with clean hands. One cat owner from the UK has documented her pet's very wacky adventures Cats are well known for their sense of adventure - and it seems they are capable of travelling anywhere they like if they put their minds to it. One feline owner from the UK knows that all too well - and has collated the impressive adventures of her pet, Bean, who has had to be picked up from all all sorts of strange locations. Masie Bray took to TikTok to share the far-spanning assortment of spots toured by her four-legged pal, who once managed to travel as far as Exeter after he sneaked into someone's van for a joyride. The dare-devil animal cost his loving owner a fortune after she had to order him back home in a taxi. The cute and cuddly kitty has also cost his owner more than just cash; Bean has toured local schools, shops and even pubs on his ventures. The cat has even become such a regular visitor at the local primary school that he joined students in getting his photo taken on picture day. One cat owner from the UK has collated the impressive adventures of her pet, Bean, who has had to be picked up from all all sorts of strange locations His ocean blue eyes and pillow-soft fur might fool some - but Bean is one fearless feline and it seems he can take himself anywhere when he puts his mind to it. Here FEMAIL look at all the best-loved spots of the adventure loving cat - including his 100 mile round trip across the country. Don't let his ocean blue eyes and pillow-soft fur might fool some - Bean is one fearless feline and it won't let pesky pups get in the way of his adventures Can I order one purr-int please sir! In one instance, Masie was shocked to find her pet chilling in a bar Bean has even become such a regular visitor at the local primary school that he joined students in getting his photo taken on picture day Bean looks to be quite the local socialite and is often spotted sneaking in for cuddle with his neighbours Masie Bray took to TikTok to share the far-spanning assortment of spots toured by Bean, who once managed to travel as far as Exeter after he sneaked into someone's van for a joyride Not merely a traveller, it seems the cuddly cat is quite the trickster too, with his tree escapades worrying the owner After his 52 mile taxi ride, Bean thought he'd give public transport a go once again, with a bus stop visit Smile! Bean even become such a regular visitor at the local primary school that he joined students in getting his photo taken on picture day Quite the helper, Bean even offered to help with the weekly shop as he wandered off to the local shop A face that says it all. It'll take more than a road to stop this globe trotter! Bean looked perturbed to have his day of mooching round the shops ruined Truly the cat that got the cream! Never one to miss out on what's happening on the town, Bean made a visit to the nursery Queen Margrethe II of Denmark delighted a Copenhagen audience on Saturday night when she walked on stage at the end of The Nutcracker to reveal that she was the brains behind the production's costume and set and design. The former monarch, 84, who abdicated in January after a 52-year reign, played a key role in a new version of the ballet staged at Tivoli's Concert Hall in the Danish capital - and the rest of the royal family was there to support her. As the set and costume designer, Margarethe, who arrived in a full-length fur coat, was responsible for three new costumes and three spinning tops, Hello! reported. Set in Copenhagen, the festive dance production centres on a young girl called Clara who finds herself swept up into a fantasy world on Christmas Eve. Dressed in a purple ensemble, the popular royal was greeted with enthusiastic applause when she walked on stage with the cast and crew at the end of the show, curtsying five times as the audience gave a standing ovation. According to the publication, the queen said: 'I take great joy in contributing to the ballet production of The Nutcracker. 'Even now, in our sixth staging, it's still inspiring for the whole team to work on small adjustments and refinements that elevate the overall experience. It's been an exciting project.' Margrethe's eldest son King Frederik and his wife Queen Mary were in the audience, along with three of their children, Princess Isabella, 17, and 13-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. Queen Margarethe of Denmark (pictured) delighted a Copenhagen audience at The Nutcracker when she revealed she was the brains behind the costumes and set Margrethe's eldest son King Frederik (second from right) and his wife Queen Mary (second from left) were in the audience, along with three of their children, Princess Isabella (right), 17, and 13-year-old twins Prince Vincent (centre) and Princess Josephine (left) Queen Margarethe walked on stage with the cast and crew at the end of the show, curtsying five times as the audience gave a standing ovation Prince Christian, 19, was not present, as he is currently enjoying a gap year in East Africa. Queen Mary, 52, looked typically chic in a maroon floral dress and a cream coat, while Princess Isabella opted for a black ensemble and a double-breasted coat in a vibrant shade of purple. Princess Josephine wore grey trousers and a blue top with a long grey coat while her twin brother looked smart in a blue suit. King Frederik, 56, looked dapper in a navy suit paired with a white shirt and purple tie. Also in attendance were Queen Margrethe's sisters, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, 78, and Princess Benedikte of Denmark, 80, as well as Queen Sonja of Norway, 87. The Nutcracker production is not the first time Queen Margrethe has shown herself to be a talented designer. In February, the royal won a prestigious award for her costume and set design work on a Danish Netflix film - just weeks after her abdication on January 14. Margrethe, who shocked royal watchers when she announced her unexpected abdication on December 31, revealed her award on Instagram. According to Hello!, Queen Margarethe was responsible for three new costumes and three spinning tops Queen Margarethe's sisters Queen Anne-Marie of Greece (left), 78, and Princess Benedikte of Denmark (right), 80, also watched the performance at Tivoli's Concert Hall in Copenhagen Queen Margarethe looked elegant in a purple ensemble with a full-length fur coat Queen Sonja of Norway, 87, looked equally glamorous in a fringed cape and wide-leg black trousers She worked on Netflix film Ehrengard - The Art of Seduction, for which she was awarded a Robert Award as Costume Designer of the Year. Taking to Instagram, the royal wrote: 'I am deeply grateful, touched and proud of the recognition that the Robert award represents. 'Receiving an award that the industry itself awards makes me particularly happy, and it has been a great joy and pleasure to be able to contribute to the expression of the film. 'I would like to thank the entire team behind the film, but I especially thank all those who have made my ideas, sketches and drawings a reality - not least the talented people who have sewn and worked with the many costumes.' Many are unaware of the former monarch's creative talents, but as a child, she aspired to be an artist. According to the Royal website: 'Early on, Princess Margrethe went with her parents to the Royal Theatre, where in 1948 she attended August Bournonvilles ballet Napoli, which made a deep impression on the Princess.' Under Danish law, until she was 13, men only took the throne. But when the constitution was changed, allowing women to rule, Margrethe became the heir presumptive, changing the course of her life, with her becoming Queen in 1972. However, she continued to work on her drawing and other artworks, until around her 20s. Queen Margrethe shows off the design award she won for her work on a Netflix movie After studying for a diploma in prehistoric archaeology at the University of Cambridge, as well as studying at Aarhus University in Denmark, the Sorbonne and the London School of Economics, she was inspired to get into art again, after reading J.R.R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings. According to the Danish royals: 'As an adult, The Queen herself became involved in ballet as a scenographer and costume designer. 'From the mid-1980s and 30 years onwards, The Queen helped with the annual ballet performances at a friends dance school in Nstved, where the wing scenery and costumes were conjured up with enormous imagination from materials at hand. Quite special were the performances numerous paper hats, which The Queen thought up and created herself.' After working on amateur productions, Margrethe took up more professional work, after being approached by the TV theatre at Danmarks Radio who 'approached The Queen in 1987 and persuaded her to assist as a scenographer and costume designer for a TV production of H.C. Andersens fairy tale The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep'. An ambitious new production of August Bournonvilles ballet A Folk Tale, at the Royal Theatre in 1990 saw the-then Queen designed the scenography and the many costumes. Following in 1990 was the Royal Theatres ambitious new production of August Bournonvilles ballet A Folk Tale, for which The Queen designed the scenography and the many costumes. Margrethe (pictured, left) is shown working on imagery for the Danish production, Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction, Around 2000, Margethe joined with Tivolis Pantomime Theatre. Her goal was to 'help revitalise the theatres small ballets, which are performed free for the amusement parks visitors'. Her first performance as scenographer and costume designer was the H.C. Andersen-inspired ballet Love in the Dustbin in 2001. 'Since then there have been ballets based on several of the authors fairy tales, including Thumbelina, The Tinderbox, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, The Swineherd and The Snow Queen, but also The Nutcracker and Cinderella,' says her biography. Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction, which was announced last year. According to Netflix: 'In the fairytale kingdom of Babenhausen, a young, self-appointed expert on love, Mr. Cazotte (Mikkel Boe Flsgaard), is hired by the scheming Grand Duchess (Sidse Barbett Knudsen) to help her secure an heir. AWARD WINNING: A still from Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction, which had a royal crew member working on it 'While searching for a suitable future Princess, Mr Cazotte teaches the timid and introverted Crown Prince Lothar (Emil Aron Dorph) the art of seduction and lovemaking. 'But their plan soon backfires, when an heir is conceived out of wedlock and the royal family has to seek refuge in the castle of Rosenbad. Here, as rivals within the royal family close in on their scheme, Cazotte himself falls in love with Ehrengard (Alice Esther Bier Zanden), the maid of honou2r, and gradually learns that in fact, hes no expert on love at all.' Speaking about her role in the design department when the project was announced, Margrethe said she was 'very happy' to be part of this project. Praising the author, she described the work as 'aesthetic', revealing: 'I have tried to interpret Blixens fantastic universe in the creation of the decoupages and costumes and Im looking forward to seeing the tale of Ehrengard come to life in this film.' Shoppers reluctant to fork out thousands of dollars on a popular luxury item have discovered what they claim to be the 'perfect dupe' from Target for just $20. An Aussie fashion blogger, known as Kmart Insider on Instagram, found what she believed to be an affordable alternative to the jewellery collection by French designer brand Van Cleef & Arpels, with each piece priced between $4,700 and $7,600. 'These Van Cleef dupes from Target Australia will make you feel like royalty,' she said. Target's purse-friendly pack, featuring a clover charm design and available in three colours - malachite green, onyx black and pearl - includes a bracelet, necklace and a pair of earrings for just $20. The pack looks strikingly similar to the high-end's jewellery collection. A bracelet would set you back a whopping $7,600 while a necklace costs $4,700 and earrings are priced at $6,850. Van Cleef & Arpels is widely regarded as one of the world's most iconic luxury jewellery brands, famously known for its signature four-leaf clover design. Despite the significant price difference, there are key features that the cheaper style lacks. Shoppers reluctant to fork out thousands of dollars on French luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels' jewellery have discovered what they claim to be the 'perfect dupe' from Target for just $20 The designer pieces are made with 18k gold and malachite gemstones featuring distinctive patterns while Target's version is gold-plated with stone-like clovers. Kmart is selling a similar range of clover-shaped jewellery, including a $4 bracelet, $7 necklace and $4 for a pair of earrings. Many shoppers were stunned by Target's 'unbelievable' offering, with many saying it's a great alternative for those who can't afford the luxury price tag. 'Oh my goodness,' one said. 'Running to Target,' another shared. 'I need these, there so cute,' one added. Last month, the blogger behind Kmart Insider, found an affordable alternative of Tory Burch's Ever-Ready handbag at Kmart for just $22. 'A designer looking tote without the splurge?! It's a hard YES,' the blogger said. The purse-friendly printed style features a detachable coin bag, carry handles, a snap button closure, a main compartment and a zippered pocket. Kmart Australia shoppers discovered a $22 'dupe' (left) of a $650 luxury tote by Tory Burch (right) The brown mono handbag is made from synthetic plastic. The blogger also pointed out the $22 item is a great option for those who can't afford a Louis Vuitton handbag, which can cost upwards of $3,000. Many were impressed by her comparisons of Kmart and Tory Burch's handbags - with one saying: 'I literally spotted the Kmart bag today... Might have to go back for it.' Another said: 'Ohh wow... this is so cool.' Meanwhile, those who own an expensive Louis Vuitton handbag admitted they can never fully enjoy it because they're afraid of damaging it. 'To be honest, I have an LV bag that's like new because I hardly use it. It's just sitting there in its cloth cover. Meanwhile my go-to daily bag is a Kmart one,' one said. A popular gourmet food retailer has launched a massive 40 per cent off closing down sale - just months after announcing its sudden collapse. The Essential Ingredient, which featured as a specialty food brand on cooking show MasterChef Australia, entered into voluntary administration in late September - after almost 40 years of trading. The Australian company, known for its high-end grocery items, pantry staples and cookware, blamed rising rent costs and other expenses for its unexpected closure. The online store is now permanently closed, while its Melbourne and Sydney retail outlets will remain open until stocks last. It's unclear when the three physical stores will shut their doors for good, but the Crows Nest outlet in Sydney's north shore has announced its closing down sale, leaving loyal customers devastated. 'Oh gosh, my heart is breaking, so many fond memories and good people,' one said. 'A sad day indeed. Such a beautiful store. These places will become a thing of the past. Sending love,' another shared. 'No no! This makes me very sad,' one added. The Essential Ingredient in Sydney's north shore has launched a massive 40 per cent off closing down sale - just months after the company announced its sudden collapse The Australian company, known for its high-end grocery items, pantry staples and cookware, blamed rising rent costs and other expenses for its unexpected closure The company was established in 1986 and has been selling cookware, kitchen equipment and culinary books from both local and international suppliers. Robert Ditrich, Rebecca Gill and Craig Crosbie of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Australia were appointed as voluntary administrators in late September. The directors of The Essential Ingredient Syd Weddell and Peter Walmsley described the collapse at the time as an 'enormous disappointment'. The company had been unable to return to pre-Covid profitability, despite some post-pandemic investments in growth, the directors said. 'We are committed to working with PwC and our talented staff to continue servicing our highly valued customers,' they said. The administrators revealed the business had faced a 'challenging' operating environment. 'The legacy of stock losses during the Covid closure and higher operating costs has all taken a toll on profitability,' Mr Ditrich said. 'Our aim is to move quickly to preserve the business and as many jobs as possible. We intend to continue trading and sell the business and assets as a going concern, with strong interest expected from prospective buyers.' The World Beekeeping Awards has revealed it will not award a prize for honey next year, following warnings that there has been fraud in the global supply chain, with some products bulked out with cheaper sugar syrup. While Apimondia, the International Federation of Beekeepers Associations, will still hold its biannual congress in Denmark next year, where they will showcase global honey, it says it will not be giving out awards - for the first time. A statement from Apimondia said: 'We will celebrate honey in many ways at the congress, but honey will no longer be a category, and thus no honey judging, in the World Beekeeping Awards. 'This change to remove honey as a category was necessitated by the inability to have honey fully tested for adulteration.' It comes after beekeepers have warned that the industry and food watchdogs have failed to tackle fraudulent products. However, many products have been rejection from entry into honey competitions in recent times over concerns of tampering, with the awards in Montreal in 2019 turning down some 45 per cent of entries due to suspected tampering. That year marked the first that lab tests were introduced for the honey awards. Those products which did not pass the tests were taken out of competition and replaced with a card which said: 'This exhibit has failed laboratory analysis and cannot be judged further. According to the federations president Jeff Pettis, next year's conference will shine a spotlight on how fraud is damaging beekeepers globally. Beekeepers have warned that the honey industry and food watchdogs have failed to tackle fraudulent products (stock image) He added that the organisation is working on improving testing, and advised consumers that local honey is 'much less likely to be adulterated'. WHAT IS HONEY FRAUD? Honey fraud can apply to everything from harvesting and artificially dehydrating unripe honey to feeding bees unnatural sugars. But the biggest concern is that honey is often bulked out using a number of cheap alternative sugars such from corn or rice. Mr Ian Campbell, a spokesperson for the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) previously told MailOnline: 'The BBKA is aware that honey is widely considered one of the most adulterated foodstuffs globally.' In 2023, an EU study tested 320 honey consignments imported from 20 countries across the region. Of these randomly selected samples, more than 40 per cent were revealed to have been fraudulently adulterated with at least one source of additional sugar. And, of the 10 samples taken from the UK, every single jar was found to be a fake. The issue is that testing for fake honey is slow, expensive, and requires dozens of different tests. Mr Campbell says: 'Honey fraud is international and extensive. It's something of an "arms race" between testers and those adulterating honey.' Advertisement A statement by Enid Brown, director of the World Beekeeping Awards, said: 'The UK government needs to wake up to this problem of adulteration of imported honey. 'Until the government starts official tests on honey and publishing the results, we are never going to win.' Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said: 'We take any type of food fraud very seriously. 'There is no place for adulterated honey which undermines consumer confidence and disadvantages responsible businesses acting within the law. 'We work closely with enforcement authorities to ensure that honey sold in the UK is not subject to adulteration, meets our high standards, and maintains a level playing field between honey producers.' When it comes to buying honey, there are several internet hacks on how to ensure the product has not been tampered with. However, Dr Shona Blair, an expert in honey's medicinal properties from Imperial College London, previously told MailOnline: 'There is no truth or scientific basis for the "internet solutions". She said that your best bet for buying good quality, authentic honey is looking at the brand and where it is produced. Lynn Ingram, master beekeeper BBKA honey ambassador and member of the UK Honey Authenticity Network, agreed that looking at the label can be a helpful indicator as to whether the product you are looking at is genuine. The only surefire way to ensure your honey is real is to buy it directly from a local beekeeper or beekeeping organisation. However, since this won't be an option for most people there are a few ways to increase your chances of finding legitimate honey at the supermarket. According to experts, the best way to ensure your honey is unadulterated is to buy directly from local beekeepers. As this will be impossible for many, one expert said it's worth being aware that if the label says 'a blend of non-EU countries', that could be an indication that the product has been adulterated The EU's testing found that 74 per cent of fake honey entering the EU market comes from China where there is less legislation governing the production of honey. The samples of UK honey which turned out to be fake were, upon closer analysis, imported from China before being mixed and relabelled in the UK. Likewise, Turkey is also a hotbed for honey fraud as 93 per cent of all Turkish samples tested had been adulterated with other sugars. Ms Ingram said: 'If the label says "a blend of non-EU countries" then that will be a bit of an indication. 'We don't know exactly what's in there but a lot of that will probably come from China.' Princess Martha-Louise of Norway's teenage daughter has slammed a Norwegian rapper for writing a song about her. Kevin Lauren, 36, from Sandnes, released a song in July called 'Princess Leah Behn', which has racked up more than half a million streams on Spotify. The artist, who is almost double Leah's age, calls the 19-year-old royal 'pretty' in the chorus, repeatedly. In the anthem, he said: 'Baby you're my dream I think I'm in love, f*** it you're as pretty as Princess Leah Behn.' Leah, who does not have a title and works as a model and influencer, told the 730 podcast that she has previously prevented herself from speaking out about the ballad. 'I honestly think it is the most disgusting thing anyone has done with my name,' she said, candidly. Kevin is dating 24-year-old Norwegian influencer Oda Rikheim, who has also slammed Leah. The content creator - who has more than 200,000 followers on Instagram, said that the Princess 'overreacted' to the song. Leah Behn said the song was the 'most disgusting' thing that anyone has done with her name Kevin Lauren, 36, released a song in July called 'Princess Leah Behn', which has racked up more than half a million streams on Spotify Speaking to Norweigan newspaper Nettavisen, she said: 'That song was not well received. Not everyone likes to be called pretty, we understand. Not that she deserves it either, when she has that reaction. 'If I had been called pretty by a guy, I would have just said thank you. But people are different, and that's okay.' Kevin added that Leah is a 'mean girl'. 'It's something Oda and I have talked about for a very long time, she's a bit of a 'mean girl'.' But Oda then concluded her comments about Leah by telling local media that she does not know the young royal personally, but added that she seems like a 'nice person'. Leah is signed with Team Models, which dub themselves Norway's 'leading agency since 1965. Leah - who lost her father Ari Behn to suicide on Christmas Day in 2019 - recently attended her mother's wedding in August. Princess Martha-Louise married Shaman Durek Verrett on 31 August, following a three-day celebration in the picturesque Norwegian fjords. Kevin is dating 24-year-old Norwegian influencer Oda Rikheim, who fought back against Leah's comment at a Halloween party last month Leah, 19, does not have a title and works as a model and influencer in Norway Leah was a bridesmaid alongside her sisters - Maud and Emma - who donned matching shimmery champagned-coloured frocks by Norwegian designer Rikke Boe. Speaking to HELLO, Shaman Durek said: 'Dating a woman with children, you have to be responsible,' he said. 'If it doesn't work out, it's not fair to them. I wanted to make sure we would get on, so I spent time with them. 'I took them to Universal Studios in LA and introduced them to my family. As I got to know them and their different personalities, it was like seeing elements of Martha. It's taken years to build trust and a relationship that is our own. 'As a couple, our priority is the kids. We believe in being hands-on parents, so they always come first.' Leah Behn's manager has been contacted for comment. Princess Martha Louise tied the knot to Shaman Durek on 31 August in Norway Princess Martha-Louise's daughters Angelica Behn, Emma Behn and Leah Behn are pictured at her wedding Shaman Durek and Princess Matha-Louise are reportedly spending time in the US amid scandal in the Norwegian royal family. Shaman Durek, 49, made headlines last month after he was accused of assaulting Swedish father-of-two Joakim Bostrom in one of his 'spiritual sessions'. The American Shaman, real name Durek Verrett, who married King Harald V's daughter Martha Louise, 53, in August, has denied the claims and said he has a 'legal document' in place to protect him. Now, in a resurfaced audio recording obtained by Norwegian paper Se og Hr, the 'spiritual healer' reportedly reveals: 'I have this part of me that just doesn't restrain myself, before adding that his royal wife is helping him 'process through these sides'. It comes after the release of three voice messages, in which Verrett reveals he performed oral sex on one of his male clients after their session and helped a woman 'clean' her vagina after she had 'violent' sex with her partner. Princess Martha Louise of Norway's husband (pictured together) has insisted she knows about the 'mistakes' he's made with clients - weeks after he strenuously denied sexual assault claims He admitted he 'crossed the line' with five of his clients during his work as a 'spiritual healer' in the bombshell audio recordings. On Tuesday, Se og Hr published a conversation they claimed Verrett had with his former friend of eight years Eric Nies, 53, via audio messages in the autumn of 2020. American former model Eric was apparently concerned after being approached by two of the Shaman's former clients, who said things of a sexual nature happened during the sessions, which made them feel uncomfortable, reported the publication. In the audio, Verrett says: 'Martha knows about every single thing and Martha understands every single thing. 'And the reason why I make those mistakes is because sometimes guys will do things and I have this part of me that just doesn't restrain myself because I live in a world where I'm just all about love and connection and energy and so forth. 'And Martha does know about this side of me and she's been helping me process through these sides and look at where they come from and what they're about and she's actually here right now listening to our conversation. 'And I appreciate all of this happening, I call it the coyote moment. Coyote is the trickster, the trickster is the one who helps bring things to a certain way so we can heal them and look at them and confront them and grow and all of that and there's growth in everything. 'I think it's a great thing that the coyote's showing up right now on all levels even for Martha right now, she's listening to everything so it's really good.' Waterstones has been slammed for naming a 'boring' Japanese murder mystery as its 'Book of the Year' for 2024. The British book retailer, which was founded in London in 1982, announced Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder by Asako Yuzuki had scooped its coveted title last week. The crime thriller originally came out in Japan back in 2017, where it became an instant bestseller, before it was published in the UK in February. As well as winning breakthrough author award at the Books Are My Bag Awards earlier this year, the novel also features in 2024's top 20 translated fiction titles, according to The Guardian. However, Waterstones' Book of the Year choice, which follows the extreme lengths a female reporter goes to secure an exclusive interview with a suspected serial killer with a taste for fine dining, has been met with mixed reaction from avid readers. Following the announcement, several UK-based 'BookTok' users have posted TikTok videos complaining about the decision. Yesterday, TikToker Annabel - who boasts 24,000 followers - said Butter, which Waterstones says is 'teeming with searing insights into sexism, obsession and pleasure', should have been 'so up her street' but 'shied' away from its 'f***ed up' subject matter. Speaking in her review video, the TikToker said: 'It creeps up to the line so many times [...] but it always backed down every single time in a way that was very disappointing and quite deflating to a read. Pictured: Annabel - who boasts 24,000 TikTok followers - said Butter should have been 'so up her street' but 'shied' away from its 'f***ed up' subject matter In the comments, Annabel's viewers praised her 'spot on' review of the novel, which they also felt was 'tepid' 'It is jam-packed with really interesting commentary but some of that commentary is so heavy-handed. 'It just goes over the same points over and over again, where I feel like I was being punished for paying attention.' Annabel ended her video by saying it's a 'lie' to call Butter the 'best book of the year' - instead arguing that 'it was fine'. In the comments, Annabel's viewers praised her 'spot on' review of the novel, which they also felt was 'tepid'. One replied: 'It won Waterstones Book of the Year and I was SO CONFUSED! It won over SO MANY other amazing books and I DON'T GET IT.' Another added: 'Butter is the only book I [didn't finished] this year. I couldn't do it. I was really excited for it too.' Meanwhile, a third said: 'It's like the year's best premise of a book, but the actual book itself is so tepid and timid about its potential to be weird. It's a shame.' Last night, Kirsty, from Scotland, posted a video where she said: 'Butter - Book of the Year Sorry, what? Last night, BookTok creator Kirsty, from Scotland, said she couldn't finish reading Butter and 'doesn't know a single person that enjoyed it' Pictured: Members of the BookTok community on TikTok were furious about Waterstones' pick for Book of the Year 'I [didn't finish] this book [and put it down] after the first 50 pages. I don't know a single person that read and enjoyed it.' Taking issue with Waterstones' description of the novel, Kirsty continued: 'It's not a murder mystery. 'It's not gripping and dark and twisted. It's food porn. I was 50 pages in and she had made noodles with butter about 500 times.' The furious social media user concluded her video by adding: 'Waterstones, I think you need to rethink your panel.' In their rave review of the novel, The Guardian's Josh Weeks wrote in March: 'Part of the brilliance of Butter is its framing of individual eating habits as a mystery to be solved, which in the case of both Rika [the journalist] and Kajii [the serial killer] leads back to their upbringings particularly their relationships with their respective fathers.' In the book, suspected serial killer Manako Kaji - an amateur chef with a taste for luxury - tells her female interviewer: 'There are two things that I can simply not tolerate: feminists and margarine.' Pictured: Butter author Asako Yuzuki, who won the breakthrough author award at the Books Are My Bag Awards earlier this year Although The Times' reviewer Laura Hackett took issues with some of the 'cringeworthy' prose, the critic praised the 'Dickensian cast of fleshy characters'. They gushed: 'Butter is a full-fat, Michelin-starred treat that moves seamlessly between an Angry Young Woman narrative and an engrossing detective drama and back again.' Following the announcement, Waterstones' Head of Books Bea Carvalho said: 'Butter is the ultimate word of mouth sensation, a deliciously rich treat of a novel which quickly established itself as the most talked about book of the year. 'Weaving tense mystery with blistering social commentary and skewering the medias obsession with true crime, fans of fiction of all kinds will devour Butter. 'As well as its brilliant storytelling and elegant translation, Butter is a true publishing masterclass which raises the bar for book design. We are thrilled to name Butter our Book of the Year.' Prince Andrew was snapped heading out for a horse ride in Windsor today, accompanied by a groom. The Duke of York, 64, was wrapped in a warm Winter coat, over a jumper and black trousers as he ventured out in the brisk December weather. He also donned a riding helmet. Father-of-two Andrew was photographed appearing to sport a somewhat serious look during the outing. It comes amid reports that despite King Charles allegedly wanting his younger brother to move to Frogmore Cottage, Andrew will continue to live at his large Royal Lodge home in Windsor. And some have speculated how the Duke will afford the regal home's expensive upkeep. Despite claims that the King cut his brother's allowance for the property's upkeep, a source recently said these reports are not true. 'He [Andrew] just doesn't have that many friends any more. He barely goes out, he's not that welcome anywhere,' said the source. 'So it's got to be family, and the obvious person is the King. I mean, why would anybody who's not family want to give him money when they're not going to get anything out of it except a lot of flack?' Prince Andrew (pictured) was seen heading out for a morning ride at Windsor Castle accompanied by a groom from the stables today The non-working royal is seen riding fairly regularly, despite him generally keeping a low profile since his infamous Newsnight interview in 2019. Andrew was pilloried for his TV performance because of a lack of contrition for his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his failure to express sympathy for the dozens of women Epstein trafficked and abused over three decades. The bombshell interview saw Emily Maitlis grill the Duke on the sex allegations made against him by Virginia Giuffre. His alibis for not having sex with Virginia three times, including being in Woking's Pizza Express, have also been widely ridiculed by the public. The 64-year-old is no longer a working royal, despite pictures of him at a Balmoral church service last year indicating the Windsors were welcoming him back into the fold. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline at the time that the photographs of Prince Andrew travelling to church with the Waleses were 'clearly intended to send a message of family unity'. But he insisted it was not a sign Andrew could return to public duties in any form. It has been a dramatic fall from grace for a man, who, as a Royal Navy veteran of 22 years once commanded the respect of a nation. The non-working royal was accompanied by a groom as he went for the ride in the brisk Winter weather He has since given up his HRH titles and had his honorary military roles stripped by the Queen, being denied the right to wear his military uniform on a number of occasions, including as he followed his mother's coffin. Andrew quit his role as a trade envoy when pictures emerged of him walking in New York's Central Park with American financier and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in 2010. Images also surfaced of the Prince with his arm around Virginia Giuffre, who claimed that Epstein employed her as a masseuse but exploited her. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing and settle the case Ms Giuffre brought against him without admitting liability. Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's stunning model daughter Apple Martin made her debut into society at a grand debutante ball in Paris over the weekend - but a mystery redhead is now stealing her thunder. Apple, 20, stunned at the prestigious Le Bal des Debutantes on Saturday, but social media users seemed more focused on one of the other women who attended the elite event. Hello! Magazine shared a snap of all the ladies dressed in their glamorous ball gowns to Instagram, and many people took to the comment section to gush over how beautiful they looked. And while some users praised Apple, who donned a strapless blue Valentino Haute Couture gown, many of the complimentary comments were for the mysterious redhead who stood next to her. 'The beautiful red head's dress is stunning,' one person wrote. Another pointed out that in the Hello! Magazine's article about the event, the redhead was the only debutante not featured. 'Why, when you go to the link are only 18 of the 19 young women featured?' they asked. 'I think the red head's dress is the most stunning, but she's missing from the article. If it were me, I'd find that mortifying to be left out.' Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's daughter Apple Martin made her debut into society at a grand debutante ball in Paris on Saturday - but a mystery redhead is now stealing her thunder Apple (far right), 20, stunned at the prestigious Le Bal des Debutantes on Saturday, but social media users seem more focused on one of the other women who attended the elite event (far left) It turns out, the mystery debutante is 18-year-old Peyton Spaht. Peyton is currently a student at Convent & Stuart Hall in San Francisco, California, where yearly tuition is $57,900 for high school, and is set to graduate next year. While some social media users praised Apple, who donned a strapless blue Valentino Haute Couture gown, many of the complimentary comments were for the mysterious red head who stood next to her She founded EWG:HS, which is focused on 'building a community of student leaders who want to create a healthier and safer world for everyone,' per its website. She donned a Dolce & Gabbana velvet, strapless gown for the party, which came complete with a long, flowing skirt that contained a pattern that featured a painting. A previous article by Hello! said that she 'hails from one of the richest families in San Francisco.' According to Forbes, her 50-year-old father, Holden, is worth a whopping $3.7 billion and is the managing partner of private equity firm, Thoma Bravo. He's also board chair of Peyton's school and is married to Claire, who is an artist, philanthropist, and art collector. Peyton was accompanied by Constantin dOrleans, the son of Duke Charles-Louis dOrleans, at the ball. A slew of A-listers joined Peyton and Apple at the event, which was held in the $1,000-a-night Hotel Shangri-La, including Bohemian Rhapsody actress Lucy Boynton, Roger Federer, Sadie Sink, and Vanessa Paradis. Apple has since been accused of having a 'Mean Girls moment' at the party, after a clip emerged that showed her stealing the spotlight from another girl who was having her picture taken. Posing with her hands on her hips, Apple was seen edging her way into the frame - forcing the other girl out. One person pointed out that in the Hello! Magazine's article about the event, the redhead was the only woman not featured According to Forbes, her 50-year-old father, Holden, is worth a whopping $3.7 billion and is the managing partner of private equity firm, Thoma Bravo. Pictured with his daughters and wife He's also board chair of Peyton's school and is married to Claire, who is an artist, philanthropist, and art collector. Pictured again with his daughters The Spahts (Holden center, Claire right) are pictured here in 2022 in Miami It turns out, the mystery debutante is a woman named Peyton Spaht Peyton is currently a student at Convent & Stuart Hall in San Francisco, California, and is set to graduate next year; she reportedly 'hails from one of the richest families in San Francisco' Peyton founded EWG:HS, which is focused on 'building a community of student leaders who want to create a healthier and safer world for everyone' The debutante could do nothing but look on with an awkward laugh, as Apple proceeded to pout and pose for several photos. Eventually, she finished and stepped out of the way - almost cutting off another debutante who was waiting for her turn for a picture in the process. The move did not go down well on social media after the footage, taken by French outlet Paris Match, was shared on TikTok. 'How Obnoxious and entitled she is,' one viewer wrote. 'Oh wow, why did Apple do that? Let the other girl have a moment,' another added. 'Not a good behavior for such an event,' a third person agreed, while another described it as 'giving Regina George' in reference to the notorious queen bee in the movie Mean Girls. The annual event, which was first held at the Palace of Versailles in 1958, sees 20 young ladies from some of the most important families in the world being introduced into society. MACETJENI - The death of Enkhosini Church in Zion Founder Archbishop Jobe Mkhatshwa (89), has left some cracks of division in the church. This was revealed during his funeral on Saturday morning, which was preceded by a vigil on Friday at his home at Macetjeni, Gilgal, in the Lubombo Region. The church has thousands of members in various branches in Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique. In fact, almost every speaker, including the League of Churches President, Archbishop Samson Hlatjwako, spoke about the cracks of division, which were visible even during the vigil. For example, one of the church leaders, Mpendulo Ndzinisa, who spoke on behalf of the church, said there were some discussions regarding having the church structure within the premises of the Mkhatshwa homestead and the agreement was that it is not a good thing. As a result, he said a church was built outside the home and the late archbishop blessed it. Blessed However, while he was saying the archbishop blessed the construction of the church outside the Mkhatshwa homestead, some of the family members interrupted him by shouting; Ngemanga lawo (that is a lie), the archbishop never did that, but it is ok, continue deceiving yourself. Meanwhile, as if he was responding to the Mkhatshwa family members, Ndzinisa said, what he knows is that it is the truth that sets people free; no matter how many times lies are told. The Mkhatshwa family members said: You are old, but you are telling lies. Bishop Samson, the President of the League of Churches, said Mkhatshwa and the late Jericho Church Founder (Melika Vilakati) used to drink tea together, even after the latter had founded his own church. He said before his demise, Mkhatshwa visited him in his office at Nkhanini and told him that he was dying. As such, he said after his demise, he reported it to Their Majesties. He then urged the church to be strong and remain united. He said a rotten potato that wants to divide the church, should be reported to the relevant structures. He also warned them to walk in the late archbishops footsteps and always know that the Lord does not like noise. Respect is important. Without it (respect), you will not have a future. Their Majesties are represented here, which means everything that will happen will be reported to them, the bishop added. He said he had gathered that there is some noise within the church and he urged the pastors to pray for peace and unity. He highlighted that he knew all the issues about the church, but he would talk about them at the right time or after confirming that indeed there is noise or division. In fact, I will talk about it in front of Their Majesties, he said. On the other hand, one of the senior pastors said real members of the church know the truth. He said real members of the Mkhatshwa family also know the truth. He highlighted that he had learnt that there are some of the Mkhatshwa family members, who are not even members of the church, who now want to ruin everything. On the other hand, Enkhosini President Mzwandile Mkoko, thanked the advice from the president of the League of Churches and said as leaders, they will heed it and take the baton from where their founder left and move forward as a unit until the rightful leader, whom their archbishop wanted to lead the church, takes over. Again, he said as leaders, they will always remind church members that as Christians, they are expected to lead by example and stick to the truth for the sake of the church and serving the Lord. He said they will not allow division, either in the church or family. He said as per the advice of Bishop Hlatjwako, they will pray for unity. The homemaking expert has been posting photos from Vatican City on Instagram Martha, 83, has been holidaying in the Italian capital city with her family Martha Stewart has been criticized for her 'disappointing' behavior during her recent vacation to Rome, where she spent Thanksgiving with her family including her grandchildren. The 83-year-old billionaire businesswoman - who recently admitted she doesn't know how to check her DMs - has been posting various snaps of the Italian capital on Instagram and on Sunday, she uploaded several photos taken from inside the Sistine Chapel. The sacred space is located inside the Apostolic Palace, which is the Pope's official residence in Vatican City, and it's a well-known fact that photography and filming are completely banned. The official website for the Sistine Chapel states: 'Taking pictures and filming videos in the Sistine Chapel is strictly prohibited.' However, Martha posted 14 photos from inside one of the worlds most famous buildings, and she captioned the post: 'Just a few iPhone photos of what we saw during our quiet hour in the Sistine Chapel! 'I love the painting and the biblical history that is portrayed in the Chapel. This should definitely be on your bucket list,' she added, but some of her 2.4 million followers were not impressed. Taking to the comments section, one person asked: 'Why is it that they let you take pictures? Its just wrong!' while a second questioned her: 'How did you get away with taking pics??' 'So shes allowed to take photos in there but regular people arent? Thats kind of bulls**t,' a third fumed, while a fourth said: 'I guess the guards let celebrities take pics then.' Martha Stewart has been criticized for her 'disappointing' behavior during her recent vacation to Rome The 83-year-old posted 14 different photos from inside the Sistine Chapel and many were quick to inform her that photography is banned inside the religious building A fifth posted: 'Im surprised they let you take pictures. We were forbidden,' and another said: 'It must be nice to have special privileges. The rest of us are NEVER PERMITTED to take photos.' 'We were on a private tour of the Sistine Chapel, which was incredible, we could move and stand or sit anywhere. But we could NOT take photos!!! How did you get to take photos???' Someone else said: 'Wow! My husband and I were there a few weeks ago and all tourists were told we were not allowed to take photos in the Sistine Chapel. 'I love Martha but this is a prime example of the privileged and wealthy having special treatment. Very disappointing,' they added. A different person wrote: 'Only Martha. They usually forbid taking photos in this area especially of the ceiling but I know some people have stolen some shots hehe.' Another Instagram user added: 'You are not supposed to take pictures in the Sistine Chapel! Gosh Martha,' while a different person said: 'Shame shame, Martha.' However, others weren't so mad as one person said: 'Amazing! We were told no pics! But who dares to tell THEEE Martha Stewart that!' Defending the homemaking expert, someone else said: 'The flash of the camera can potentially harm the paintings so Im sure she didnt use her flash.' Martha confirmed that the photos had been taken on an iPhone, but some of her followers were not impressed at all One person accused Martha of having 'special privileges' while someone else scolded her for her behavior The sacred space is located inside the Apostolic Palace, which is the Pope's official residence in Vatican City Hours earlier, in a separate Instagram post, Martha revealed that she and her family had been lucky enough to experience an early morning tour. Posting a photo of someone holding a bunch of keys, she captioned it: 'The keys to the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican museum - we went very very early 6:30 am to visit the chapel in the quiet of the early morning. 'We had a one hour guided tour of all the rooms and galleries and we saw the treasures of the Vatican prior to viewing the chapel itself. 'Our guide was very eloquent and informative and we all learned new facts about the creation of the many paintings so carefully preserved and protected in this glorious place,' she added. On November 28, Martha marked Thanksgiving by posting several snaps of the Trevi Fountain and also confirmed that she and her family had enjoyed a 'night visit' to the Pantheon. A young woman has been relentlessly trolled and attacked after sharing her 'woke' PhD thesis online. Cambridge-based teacher Dr Ally Louks sparked backlash on X, formerly Twitter, over the weekend after proudly posting her thesis, titled, 'Olfactory Ethics: The Politics of Smell in Modern and Contemporary Prose.' Clutching a hardcover copy of the thesis, Dr Louks wrote, 'Thrilled to say I passed my viva with no corrections and am officially PhDone.' She later added, 'To clarify for anyone unfamiliar with academia, I have a PhD in English Literature, not a PhD in Olfactory Ethics - that is the subject of my thesis that earned me the PhD.' Instead of being congratulated for her achievements, Dr Louks' post was met with waves of vitriol from right-wing trolls determined to disparage her education. 'You would have spent your years better by getting married and having children,' commented one troll. Another wrote, 'Imagine having a brain this diseased and rotted by leftism? Oof.' One troll went as far as to send Dr Louks vile threats of sexual assault, which she was forced to report to the police. A young woman has been relentlessly trolled online and even received death threats after sharing her PhD thesis online 'To be clear, this is where I draw the line. This is abhorrent and illegal and no one should ever have to deal with this,' she wrote. Despite the backlash, Dr Louks has also received waves of support on social media. 'The recent election has the libs wondering if maybe wokeness has gone too far. This thread the sheer vitriol directed against a woman celebrating her personal achievement should make you wonder if maybe wokeness hasn't gone too far enough,' one wrote. 'The vitriol on this post is so bleak. Women cannot post about their achievements without getting harassed by misogynists,' wrote a second. 'My first thought was "damn what a useless PhD," and then I seen all the misogynists in the replies screaming about female education and how she should be having babies instead. You go girl, get that useless PhD!' added another. A fourth commented, 'Large numbers of people are heaping abuse and mockery on a seemingly nice lady who's proud of earning a PhD, demonstrating that the worst thing you can be on social media is earnest and vulnerable, especially if you're a woman.' Another wrote, 'A woman, earnest and bookish and industrious, dedicates her life to interesting and in-itself-valuable knowledge instead of being a dumb, slavish housewife. And dudes whose knowledge of the world doesnt extend beyond UFC stats and crypto are losing their minds. Pure misogyny.' As a result of the vitriol, Dr Louks said that she was planning to leave X soon for BlueSky, which is known for having a more progressive slant compared to the Elon Musk-owned X. Cambridge-based teacher Dr Ally Louks sparked backlash over the weekend after posting her thesis, titled, 'Olfactory Ethics: The Politics of Smell in Modern and Contemporary Prose' The young woman was met with waves of vitriol including threats of sexual assault She later joked, 'I just know Im gonna be the talk of the English faculty this week.' While Dr Louks is proud of her PhD, not everybody is as happy to have spent years pursuing their higher education. Discussing her ordeal with Business Insider, a woman named A. Rasberry said she's $250,000 in student-loan debt after earning a bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degree in business management from Saint Leo University in Florida. Despite her impressive credentials, the 38-year-old hasn't had a job in her field of study in four years. 'I graduated with my PhD in 2020 and can't find a job to save my life,' said admitted. 'I am overqualified for most entry-level positions, but I am under qualified for management or leadership positions,' she added. After failing to find work, Rasberry has had to turn to nursing to make ends meet. 'I thought education was the road to financial freedom, but I was wrong,' she said. If you think your grocery bill is expensive, seeing the prices of a supermarket shop in rural Alaska will make you feel better. TikTok creator Grant Magdanz grew up in a small town called Kotzebue on the coast of Alaska, with a population of around 3,000 people, and often shares his experiences online. While there are scenic views and tight knit communities, the cost of food shopping is a little pricier than many other parts of the country - with Grant showing users just how expensive it can be. 'I'm right outside the brand-new grocery store that just opened a week or two ago,' he explained in a clip shared to TikTok. 'The cost of living here is very high because there are no roads in or out,' he continued. 'Everything needs to be flown in, so let's check it out.' He then showed a couple of items in the store, starting with Darigold butter, which was on sale for $8.14, but usually costs $9.19 per pound. Online, these retail for a dollar or two less than the Alaska supermarket. Grant went on to show that a quart of Minute Maid orange juice is $9.19 and a bag of Tostito tortilla chips is $11.29. TikTok user Grant Magdanz grew up in a small town called Kotzebue on the coast of Alaska, with a population of around 3,000 people The orange juice will usually retail for $3.29, and the tortilla chips around $4.99. A 12 oz bag of Starbucks ground coffee is $17.43, usually retailing around $8.99, a large box of Honey Nut Cheerios is on sale for $11.05, (usually around $6.99), Oroweat bread is $9.49 (usually $5.49), bananas are $2.99 a pound and six rolls of toilet paper are $9.99, which hover around a similar price to other shops. Finally, a bouquet of flowers is a whopping $89.99. Users were appalled by the prices, curious as to how anyone can afford to live in the town. 'What is the reason for living somewhere so remote and expensive? Does everyone make like six figures?' a user questioned. 'All of a sudden living in NYC seems cheap!!' another astonished user wrote. 'I wouldn't waste as much food there,' another joked. 'But on the bright side it's -30 with the wind chill and you get three hours of sunlight a day in winter! Yaaay!' someone else joked. While there are scenic views and tight knit communities, the cost of food shopping is a little pricier than many other parts of the country - with Grant showing users just how expensive it can be In a follow-up video, Grant explained that wages are higher in Alaska - before shedding further light on what most people do for food and why people choose to stay in the town. 'People mostly eat food they catch themselves,' he explained, showing fishermen on boats. 'Didn't catch any? That's okay, people will share with you - often before they have enough for themselves. 'Family is a priority,' he continued, adding people in the community are there for each other during good times and bad. 'So yeah, milk is expensive and the cost of living is a genuine issue but people choose to stay despite it because there's a lot here you can't do anywhere else,' he concluded the video. It's not only Kotzebue that is heavy on community living because in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness lies a small city that is dubbed 'the town under one roof' where the population live in just one spectacular building. Whittier, situated 60 miles south of Anchorage, is home to a remote community where 217 residents call a single building home, but their unique living situation is as fascinating as it is isolated. The town is only accessible via car ferry at the harbor, or by car or train on land through a solitary, somewhat eerie one-way tunnel that closes overnight and opens 5am, further enhancing the town's mystique. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel - the longest highway tunnel in North America - stretches 2.5 miles and connects Whittier to the Portage area and then on to the Seward Highway in Southcentral Alaska. Once inside, nearly all of Whittier's inhabitants reside within the walls of Begich Towers, a former army barracks that served as a 'secret' military facility for the U.S. Army during WWII before it was later converted into a residential space in 1974. Queen Camilla is being forced to scale back her appearance at tomorrows State Visit by the Emir of Qatar as she is still suffering from the lingering side effects of a nasty viral chest infection. The 77-year-old royal - who first fell ill at the beginning of November - is said to be feeling particularly fatigued and has pulled out of the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade on doctors advice. However she will still attend a lunch to honour the Qatari ruler and his wife at Buckingham Palace and will attend most elements of the State Banquet in the evening. So as not to exhaust her, she will greet her and King Charles' VIP guests and pose for photographs before retiring during a lengthy receiving line - before returning for the dinner. Sources have stressed there is no cause for alarm, describing her as having had a nasty viral chest infection which continues to have some lingering side effects, in particular leaving Her Majesty with significantly diminished reserves of energy. As a result, they said, her doctors have advised some tweaks to her programme. Her decision not to join the King at Horse Guards for a full ceremonial welcome and open-air carriage drive back to Buckingham Palace on a cold morning was a sensible precaution given the nature of her illness, they underscored. The latest update from Buckingham Palace comes on the same day it was announced the Princess of Wales will now undertake even more royal duties than previously planned at tomorrow's state visit. Queen is to miss the ceremonial welcome during the Qatari state visit due to lingering effects of a chest infection, Buckingham Palace has said The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al-Thani disembark from their plane as they arrive on a state visit to Britain, at Stansted Airport near London, Catherine, 42, will undertake her most significant public engagement since she began cancer treatment as she welcomes the Emir of Qatar to London on behalf of the King. She will also take part in an official welcome on Horse Guards and a carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace. And it has now been confirmed that she also will join the royal party for a private lunch at the monarch's official residence and stay to view a display of priceless Qatari artefacts from the Royal Collection afterwards. The only aspect of the day she will miss will be tomorrow evening's glittering State Banquet. A royal source described the announcement of her attendance as 'good news' as the princess continues with her a slow and measured return to public life after the completion of her preventative chemotherapy treatment. Camilla's chest infection diagnosis was first announced on November 5 when it emerged that she had been forced to pull out of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, followed by other events over the weekend, including the Cenotaph, to honour the nations war dead. As the daughter of a twice-decorated World War Two veteran, such duties are taken very seriously by the Queen and her absence was a sign of how poorly she was feeling, sources close to Camilla told the Mail. She has undertaken several public engagements since then, including the annual diplomatic reception, but has, sometimes, curtailed her time spent in public. The Kings wife diagnosis was first announced on November 5 when it emerged that she had been forced to pull out of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, followed by other events over the weekend, including the Cenotaph, to honour the nations war dead At a reception to honour the UKs film and television industry last month, the Queen discreetly coughed several times during her shortened appearance and gratefully sipped on a glass of water - saying she had felt absolutely rotten last week but was definitely on the mend. In light of the news she will miss tomorrow's ceremonial welcome, royal sources have stressed there has been no alteration in any diagnosis or treatment Camilla has been receiving. They stressed that Her Majesty just needs time to rest and recover fully, which is more challenging with a back-to back diary programme such as the State Visit. No substantial changes to her other diary commitments are expected the rest of the week, though it is understood each day is being taken as it comes. Guidance from her medical team suggests that in such cases, post-viral fatigue symptoms can persist for several weeks. At tonights tomorrows State Banquet, Her Majesty will pose for photographs with the Emir and Sheikha Jawaher, before retiring briefly. She will then attend the dinner as planned. and join the King for the official farewells on Wednesday. Camilla has been praised for the way she has stepped up this year on behalf of her husband, after he was diagnosed with cancer at the start of the year and has continued to undergo treatment. Sources have described her as a trooper. Queen Camilla met British actor Emily Mortimer during a reception to celebrate those who work within the TV and film industry, at Buckingham Palace on November 13, 2024. Tomorrow's state visit is considered one of the highlights of the royal calendar and a show of royal 'soft diplomacy' in action. Senior Qatari diplomats have told the Mail that they are 'deeply honoured' the King has chosen their country as the first Middle Eastern state to be invited for a full state visit to the UK since Charles' accession. The country enjoys a good relationship with the UK diplomatically, with the Emir, 44, having studied in Britain - first at Sherborne and then Harrow - followed by a stint at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. There remains great admiration for the late Queen Elizabeth, and King Charles has met with the Emir on several occasions. The two countries also have strong trade, cultural and military links, and Qatar is a major investor in the UK, not just through property and construction projects, but in science and technology. However concerns have been raised about the authoritarian nature of the Qatari ruling family and human rights, particularly as regards migrant workers. The Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will be bringing his first wife -and second cousin - Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad Al Thani, with him on the visit. She is the mother of four of his 13 children and normally accompanies him on official visits abroad. He also has two subsequent spouses. Tomorrow's state visit with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (pictured) is considered one of the highlights of the royal calendar and a show of royal 'soft diplomacy' in action The Emir arrived at Stansted airport on Monday accompanied by his first wife - and second cousin - Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad Al Thani (pictured) The couple landed in the UK at Stansted Airport today where they were greeted on behalf of the sovereign by the Lord in Waiting, The Viscount Hood. The couple landed in the UK at Stansted Airport today where they were greeted on behalf of the sovereign by the Lord in Waiting, The Viscount Hood. Tomorrow they will be officially welcomed by the Prince and Princess of Wales at their residence, before being escorted to Horse Guards Parade where the King and Queen Camilla will be waiting for an impressive ceremonial welcome. National anthems will be played and the Emir invited to inspect a Guard of Honour. A quarter of nurses and midwives working in the UK are now recruited from abroad, figures show. The record-high 200,000 foreign-trained members of the workforce now represent 23.8 per cent of the register, according to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Out of the total, 68,000 are from India, 50,000 trained in the Philippines and 15,000 are from Nigeria. Health leaders said the findings show the NHS system for training homegrown nurses is not fit for purpose and warned the UK workforce is increasingly inexperienced with heavy reliance on candidates from overseas. It comes as recent figures revealed net migration to Britain hit a record 2.2million over the past three years an addition to the country almost double the size of Birmingham. Top nurses have warned that planned government reforms for the health service stand no chance if issues with recruitment and retention are not addressed. The report reveals that while there are now a record number of nurses and midwives on the register 841,367 in total the number of those leaving the profession has also risen. The figures show 14,780 UK-educated professionals joined the register between April and September, a fall of 1.8 per cent compared to the previous six months. A quarter of nurses and midwives working in the UK are now recruited from abroad, according to new figures (file image) The record-high 200,000 foreign-trained members of the UK nursing and midwifery workforce now represent 23.8 per cent of the register, with 68,000 are from India, 50,000 trained in the Philippines and 15,000 from Nigeria (file image) Meanwhile 11,569 UK-educated staff left the register, some 1.6 per cent higher than the figure reported in the six months to September 2023. The NMC also said international recruitment could be starting to slow. Kuljit Dhillon, interim executive director of strategy and insight at the NMC, said: Nursing and midwifery are among the UKs most trusted professions, so as we head into another tough winter, we hope there is small comfort in the growth of our register to a record 841,000. At the same time, there are notes of caution in our data around international recruitment, which has been a pillar of workforce growth in recent years. Weve seen a fall in internationally educated joiners and an even higher proportional rise in leavers, although its important to view leavers data through the lens of a growing register. However, Professor Nicola Ranger, general secretary and chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), called the figures bad news for patients. Nurse recruitment is slowing, the numbers of new starters is falling and we are witnessing a devastating increase in people leaving within five years of joining, she said. At a time of widespread vacancies, these trends are incredibly worrying for our NHS and the people that rely on its care. Health minister Wes Streeting has announced plans to ban the NHS from hiring agency workers to plug a shortfall in nurse numbers Across health and care services, international recruitment was utilised to plug rota gaps, but we are now watching as thousands of overseas staff choose to go elsewhere. This comes as the number of student nurses in the UK dropped considerably again this year, showing worse years seem be ahead. As demand for care soars, ministers across the UK need to recognise this as a perfect storm for patient safety and take action to improve recruitment and retention. Working for low pay, in understaffed, under-resourced services takes its toll with burnout pushing highly-trained nursing staff out the door. Top nurses have warned that planned government reforms for the health service stand no chance if issues with recruitment and retention are not addressed She urged policymakers to consider measures such as student loan forgiveness schemes to ensure there are enough home-grown staff, adding the Governments NHS reforms stand no chance of being delivered without addressing these fundamentals. Dr Billy Palmer, senior fellow at think tank Nuffield Trust, welcomed the growth in the register but warned the workforce is facing shortages. He also described the figures as a chronic symptom of a domestic clinical education system that is not fit for purpose. The UKs nursing and midwifery workforce is increasingly inexperienced and facing deeply worrying shortages in important areas, with learning disability nursing numbers still lower than five years ago, he said. Concerningly, the number of nurses and midwives with over ten years experience is falling, and 28 per cent of staff have five years experience or less echoing similar trends seen in the latest registration data for doctors. He added: We have warned the NHS is failing to attract homegrown nurses, with new domestic joiners having previously fallen by more than 6,000 over two years. Now, the heavy reliance on overseas joiners continues, with nearly half of new nursing and midwifery registrants educated outside of the UK. A Department of Health spokesman said: Nurses have been overworked for years, leaving them burnt out and demoralised. Thats why we accepted the recommendations of the independent pay review bodies to award them and other NHS staff an above inflation pay rise. We will work with staff to rebuild our health services and give the NHS the stability and certainty it needs. Experts have warned Brits to watch out for a little known sign of the deadly mpox strain that's 'commonly missed'. While the virus is commonly known for its boil-like lesions, there is a lesser-known symptom that occurs in the early stages and is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses. Swollen glands or lymph nodes are usually an indication of a much more common infection such as a cold or tonsillitis. However, London-based pharmacist Abbas Kanani said this can be the first sign of mpox clade 1b, which experts have called 'the most dangerous one so far'. The mutation kills one in ten of those infected and is believed to be behind a wave of miscarriages. Swollen glands in the neck, groin and armpits, are triggered by the virus due to their role in fighting off infections. When a virus attacks, our fighter cells white blood cells rush to the lymph nodes to defend the body, causing the glands to swell. Mr Kanani said: 'Swollen glands or lymph nodes can be commonly mistaken for other causes and are not always obvious, particularly if there is mild swelling or it is deep in the body.' Mpox causes characteristic lumpy lesions, as well as a fever, aches and pains and fatigue. However, in a small number of cases, it can enter the blood and lungs, as well as other parts of the body, when it becomes life-threatening It comes as a fifth case of the life-threatening mpox strain has been detected in the UK. This takes the total number of confirmed cases in Britain now to five. The unidentified patient, from Leeds, had no links to the previous four cases. The strain is currently sweeping across central Africa, and has killed at least 1,000 people since the outbreak began. Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo have been hit especially hard with cases also spotted in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya. Superintendent pharmacist at Chemist Click, Abbas Kanani explained other common initial symptoms of the infection include high temperature, muscle aches and joint pain. Between one and five days after the first symptoms, the telltale rash on the face usually appears, he told The Sun. The rash which appears as raised spots and small blisters filled with fluid can be mistaken for chickenpox, Mr Kanani warns. It can spread to other parts of the body including the mouth and the genitals and anus, in some cases causing anal bleeding and pain. Experts say fatality rates of clade 1b from central Africa are unlikely to be replicated in developed nations like the UK due to better access to higher quality healthcare. Britain's five cases means it joins countries including the US, Sweden, Thailand, India and Germany in having cases outside of Africa. Current mpox vaccines, which are designed to work on smallpox a close relative of the mpox virus, were used during the 2022 outbreak against the milder strain. But they have yet to be widely tested against the more potent clade 1b strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the NHS recommends a vaccine within four days of contact with someone who has the virus or within up to 14 days if there are no symptoms. Healthcare workers and men who have sex with men are advised to receive a vaccine even if they have had no mpox exposure. There are no direct treatments available with medics focused instead on supporting a patient to help their body fight off the virus. Doctors are warning about a 'new and emerging' epidemic driven by stylish and durable quartz countertops. Dust released when the stone is cut is breathed in by workers causes irreversible scarring to the lungs, leaving patients struggling with shortness of breath and a painful cough. Known as silicosis or 'black lung', it is effectively a death sentence unless the person undergoes lung transplants, which only buy them a handful of years. The condition was previously thought to be fading with fewer than five cases recorded in California every year, but since 2019 scientists in the state have registered at least 70 cases. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, warn that a new type of quartz countertop that releases more silica dust when it is cut is behind the surge. They also warn that doctors are underdiagnosing the condition. In their study, the scientists found that up to four in five cases of silicosis were missed upon initial examination with patients instead more likely to be told they had a lung infection. This delayed critical and potentially life-saving treatment. They also found that in 48 percent of cases, patients had 'atypical' features in their lungs or shifts that would not normally be seen in scans. Dr Sundus Lateef, a radiologist who led the analysis, said: 'This is a new and emerging epidemic, and we must increase awareness of this disease process so we can avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment for our patients.' Above is Marek Marzec, from the UK, who has been diagnosed with silicosis at the age of 48 years. He had spent a decade working with quartz worktops while working as a stone cutter Californian Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez has a severe case of silicosis from cutting countertops In the study, presented at the annual conference of the Radiological Society of North America in Chicago, researchers examined the CT scans and lung function tests of 55 workers diagnosed with the disease. All were male, Hispanic, aged around 43 years and were exposed to silica dust for an average of 18 years. Each was also symptomatic, with most suffering from shortness of breathe and/or a cough, and living in an urban area outside of Los Angeles. In a preliminary analysis of 21 patients, researchers found that only four cases or 19 percent were diagnosed correctly upon their initial visit by primary care doctors. For radiologists, they found only seven patients 33 percent were diagnosed correctly on their first visit. In most cases, the researchers found that patients were given alternative diagnoses such as an infection. The doctors warned that a new countertop type was behind a rise in cases, which is called engineered quartz and is made via holding quartz shards together with a resin. It typically contains much more silicon. Inspections shows that more than half of workplaces in California that cut quartz exceed the maximum permissible limit for silica dust in the air. Workers can reduce their exposure via wearing face masks or using a cutting machine that sprays water onto the stone at the same time preventing silica dust from becoming airborne. The above shows a quartz countertop in a kitchen. It releases silicon dust while being cut, which can raise the risk of lung disease for workers The above shows the case count by year for patients being diagnosed with silicosis. It is based on 52 cases and the graph was published last year But researchers say that many of the workers in these industries are immigrants and Hispanic, who are vulnerable to exploitation. Dr Lateef added: 'There is a critical lack of exposure and screening for workers in the engineered stone manufacturing industry. 'There needs to be a push for earlier screening and advocacy for this vulnerable population, which in our case were Spanish-speaking immigrant workers.' Your browser does not support iframes. More than 2million workers in the construction industry in the US are estimated to be exposed to silica dust every year. Scientists say it poses a risk because of the tiny particles that become airborne and can be breathed in by workers, causing scarring in the lungs. The American Lung Association says that over 10 to 30 years of working with the stone, workers can suffer from nodules forming in their lungs which reduce the lung's capacity and make it harder for them to breathe. In severe cases, a condition called Progressive Massic Fibrosis (PMF) can emerge, where extreme scarring stiffens the lungs which normally move with every breath making it difficult to breathe. They also warn that patients may be left needing oxygen and other devices to help them breathe. There is no cure for the disease, doctors say, which also raises the risk of suffering from other health problems such as tuberculosis, lung cancer and chronic bronchitis. In a study on 52 cases of silicosis published last year, doctors found that ten patients had died 20 percent while 11 were referred for lung transplants, of which three received them. READ MORE: Doctor warns of five common drugs that could cause cancer A top doctor has revealed the common medications you should never take with food. Dr Zain Hasan, an anesthesiologist in Los Angeles, said five drugs stood out that are made less effective if taken right before or after a meal. Even a cup of coffee or glass of orange juice in the morning could keep the body from properly absorbing the drugs, leaving conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure and thyroid issues untreated. Dr Hasan insisted people always ask your doctor before suddenly changing the way they take medications, which can be equally dangerous. The first medication on Dr Hasan's list was synthroid (levothyroxine), which is used to treat an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism. It works by replacing the thyoid hormone thyroxine (T4), which people with hypothyroidism don't produce enough of. Experts estimate that 100 million prescriptions are written for synthroid every year, with one in 20 Americans taking it. Consuming foods with calcium and iron - such as dairy and red meat - decreases the gut's ability to absorb the medication. Dr Zain Hasan, an anesthesiologist in Los Angeles, shared the medications that should not be taken with food Dr Hasan pointed to typical breakfast drinks. He said: 'If you take synthroid with milk, coffee, or juice, it can reduce the absorption and the effectiveness of synthroid.' The ATA recommends taking synthroid on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before eating to avoid this 'erratic absorption.' Left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to a nerve pain, high cholesterol, and infertility. Your browser does not support iframes. Dr Hasan also pointed warned against taking bisphosphonates with a meal. Bisphosphonates are a group of drugs that help increase bone strength and density. These are most often prescribed for osteoporosis, a condition mostly found in older people that makes bones brittle and prone to breaking, as well as some cancers that have spread to the bones. Dr Hasan said: 'It's not recommended to take bisphosphonates with food because it can decrease the absorption of the bisphosphonates.' Experts recommend taking these drugs on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, as well as waiting 30 minutes after to eat or drink anything else. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion estimates 10million Americans over 50 are diagnosed with osteoporosis. Left untreated, bones can become so fragile that they break from minor injuries. America's favorite erectile dysfunction drug, Viagra, also made the list. Also known as sildenafil, Viagra is taken by over 1million American men, including increasing numbers of men in their 20s and 30s. The drug helps relax muscles and arteries in the penis, increasing blood flow, which helps sustain an erection. Erectile dysfunction typically affects men over 50, though young men have become increasingly prone to the condition, which experts have blamed on stress, pornography, and anxiety. All of these have been shown to lower testosterone levels and make the brain less responsive to sexual stimuli. 'If you take sildenafil or Viagra with food at dinner, it doesn't work as well. Yes, that is the reason why it doesn't work as well.' It's recommended to take Viagra either an hour before sex on an empty stomach or two hours after a meal to make sure it's effective. Fatty meals in particular can block the absorption of Viagra's active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, and delay erections by about an hour. Taking Viagra (pictured here) with a meal high in fat could lead to a one-hour delay in erections, Dr Hasan warned @doctarz The second half of the video i explain why taking these medications with food can change the way your body adapts to the absorption. Always ask your doctor before changing how you habe taken your medications! #healthyliving #nurse #medicalstudent original sound - Dr Zain Hasan Dr Hasan also warned against eating wtih captopril, also called Capoten. Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which treat high blood pressure by stopping the production of angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels. Of the 50million Americans who take medication to treat high blood pressure, eight in 10 take ACE inhibitors like captopril. Dr Hasan said: 'You're not supposed to take captopril with food. You're supposed to wait two hours after a meal or take it before food in the morning.' Similar to the other drugs on the list, eating with captopril can make it less effective. If high blood pressure can't be controlled, blood vessels become damaged over time and have a difficult time transporting blood to the heart. This forces the heart to work harder, straining it and increasing the risk of heart attacks. Finally, Dr Hasan advised against taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with food. These drugs help decrease stomach acid production, leading them to be used for acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers. In a TikTok video with 25,000 views, Dr Hasan (pictured left) shared that taking certain medications with food can delay absorption, making them less effective Dr Hasan (pictured with his wife) also cautioned to always ask your doctor before stopping medications or changing frequency Available both over the counter and as a prescription, PPIs are taken by more than 15million Americans. PPIs block pumps that produce stomach acid, which are activated during eating, so taking the drug with a meal negates the drug's benefits. Dr Hasan said: 'You're supposed to take it 30 to 60 minutes before meals.' Uncontrolled acid reflux could lead to inflammation, scarring, and narrowing of the esophagus, which could elad to pain and trouble swallowing. Couples have revealed their favorite sexual fetishes for 2024 - and kinks that Americans have loved for decades appear to be falling out of favor. A survey of 4,000 people using the dating app Bumble showed that people lusting over feet, role play and latex are out of vogue. The survey showed that this year, continuing after orgasm was the number one kink, followed by doing it open-air on a balcony. The third antic that respondents said turned them on was having sex while playing video games, while waking each other up with oral sex slid in at fourth place. As a warm up to the main event, many people said they enjoyed working out together while naked, making this the fifth most popular fetish for 2024. The data also showed a difference in sexual preferences between Gen Z and their Millennial and Gen X counterparts. Gen Z appear to be slightly tamer in their approach to sex. When quizzed on their favorite sexual activities, cuddling took the top spot with other preferences including at-home spa pamper days, 'hanging in a hotel bathtub with a tremendous view', and sex in the shower. A survey of 4,000 people using the dating app Bumble showed that continuing after orgasm was the number one kink, followed by doing it open-air on a balcony To capture the data, Bumble quizzed 4,059 members of its Official app, which is available in 46 countries and designed to build stronger relationships between couples through date planning and communication tips. When it came honing that adventurous spirit, Gen Z respondents were shier about introducing sex toys in the bedroom, with just 43 percent of those quizzed saying they would be open to it. Your browser does not support iframes. This compared to a majority (54 percent) of Millennial and Gen X participants who said they were already using sexual aids or intimate products between the sheets. Gen Z couples were also less likely to to look for advice on intimacy positions to spice things up than older generations using the Official app. Instead, they were twice more likely to report the old classic 'missionary' as their favorite position compared to Millennial and Gen X users. TOP KINK PREFERENCES AMONG COUPLES IN 2024 1. Continuing after orgasm 2. Doing it on a balcony 3. Having sex while playing video games 4. Waking each other up with oral sex 5. Working out together while naked Advertisement Overall, couples' favorite sex positions were revealed to be kneeling (74 percent), face-to-face (72 percent), right angle (70 percent), cowgirl (59 percent), and oral sex (56 percent). At the other end of the scale, the most unpopular sex positions were exposed as doggy style (53 percent), sixty-nine (52 percent), and anal (50 percent). In terms of intimate toys, pink furry handcuffs topped the list for 2023. In another recent anonymous survey on bedroom kinks, objectophilia made the top ten. Experts from telehealth company Hims asked more than 7,000 Americans about their sex lives and habits they prefer in the bedroom. As three in four said they wanted to explore different trends, respondents revealed which kinks they were more interested in trying. One of the most popular, and risky, was objectophilia, which involves being sexually attracted to inanimate objects. For many, this means inserting foreign objects into one's anus or vagina to achieve orgasm. Recent research shows that nearly 4,000 Americans are rushed to the emergency room every year for getting these objects stuck in their rectums - including sex toys like vibrators, others have opted for jars, drugs, and even weaponry and live animals. Researchers from the University of Rochester, New York, found that men were more likely than women to come to hospital with a foreign object lodged in their rectums Depending on how big or sharp the object is, insertion gone wrong can lead to tears in the rectal wall, infections, and bowel obstructions. Foot fetishes, roleplay and cuckholding - the act of watching one's partner have sex with someone else, also made the list of habits Americans were most curious about. However, role play was revealed as the number one kink, with 31 percent of respondents voting for this option to spice things up. The findings come as the US faces a 'sex recession,' with recent studies suggesting that more than one in three young people haven't had a sexual partner in the last year. A woman who went for routine surgery claims she woke up with an extra organ missing. Bella, 23, checked in for an operation earlier this year to treat her endometriosis, a painful condition that causes tissue similar to uterine lining to grow outside of the uterus. Diagnosed with a moderate form of the condition, Bella had grown used to severe pain and procedures to remove cysts that form from the tissue. But when she woke up from surgery, doctors told her that they didn't stop at removing the growths. Bella said: 'You know what's crazy? I had endometriosis surgery, right, and I woke up and they said, "Hey, we took your appendix."' While doctors assured her the disease had not spread to her appendix, they removed it as a precaution so appendicitis could be ruled out if she has further pelvic pain. In a TikTok video posted last week, which has gotten 500,000 views, Bella said: 'So you took my whole-a** organ that was healthy and totally normal just so that someone will believe me in the future?' Bella is far from the only patient to come out of surgery missing an organ that wasn't meant to be removed. Bella, 23, pictured here, underwent surgery for her endometriosis earlier this year. However, doctors removed her appendix as well without telling her until after Your browser does not support iframes. Earlier this year, 70-year-old William Bryan, 70, died after doctors took out his liver instead of his spleen during emergency surgery. And last year, George Piano, 72, of Washington, was supposed to have his appendix taken out, but doctors removed part of his large intestine instead. This caused him to develop a severe infections from his bowel leaking contents into his abdomen. In a follow-up clip, which has since been deleted, she that she signed off on surgery to remove her IUD and 'excision of endometriosis.' This is typically a laparoscopic procedure, which involves making a small incision and then inserting a tube into the abdomen with a camera on it, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, she claims the surgical paperwork also listed 'laparoscopic appendectomy.' Bella said: 'So no, I did not sign off on this.' She said she was warned that her endometriosis could have spread to her appendix, bladder, colon, or uterus, and she agreed to have surgery on those organs if necessary. However, she was told her appendix was completely healthy. The appendix has long been considered useless, though recent research suggests it could have unseen benefits. In one study, researchers said it may act as a 'natural reserve' for healthy bacteria due to its ability to extend to different parts of the intestine. Additional research has shown that the appendix has evolved several times, which could increase longevity in mammals over time, as its healthy bacteria could reduce the risk of deadly infections. An appendectomy is considered a simple procedure, though it can come with risks, such as bruising, bleeding, blood clots, bowel obstructions, and hernias. While many TikTok said they had also had an appendectomy when undergoing other surgeries, they noted that their doctors had asked them first. Several users expressed their shock at Bella's story. One viewer said: 'But why would they not tell you beforehand that they were going to remove it?' A user named Marianna said: 'As someone with no appendix...they don't believe you later either...hope this helps.' Viewer Ashlee Roberts said: 'I would have agreed to this, but how are you not going to even tell me first?!' MBABANE - A glimmer of hope has emerged for the over 2 000 emaSwati who fell victim to the Sukke Ontime Investments (Pty) Ltd scam. The High Court has issued an order under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) of 2018 for the forfeiture and sale of several assets belonging to the companys owner, Machawe Gama. This development offers a potential avenue for recovering a portion of the estimated E34 million siphoned from unsuspecting investors. Among the assets slated for auction are Gamas luxurious Dalriach mansion in Mbabane, his rural homestead at Lubhuku, a partially-constructed school in his hometown, and a sleek BMW 7 Series. These assets, authorities believe, were acquired through ill-gotten gains stolen from unsuspecting investors. Fraudulent A meticulous two-and-a-half-year investigation by the police unveiled the intricate modus operandi of Sukke Ontime Investments. The company lured victims into a fraudulent investment scheme, promising lucrative returns on investments in photocopiers. Investors were promised monthly rental income, while Sukke Ontime Investments would handle maintenance, servicing and supply of consumables. However, the reality was far from the rosy picture painted by the company. No such photocopiers existed. Instead, the directors, including Gama, orchestrated a sophisticated fraud to enrich themselves at the expense of innocent investors. The detailed scheme, outlined in the POCA application, paints a disturbing picture of deception and exploitation. The police investigation revealed that Gama had already disposed of many of the assets acquired through fraudulent activities. Detective Mhlonishwa Sibandze, the lead investigator, detailed the arduous process of tracking down the victims and piecing together the puzzle. The investigation uncovered a complex web of financial transactions, highlighting the extent of the fraud. In the application for forfeiture, the court was told that the police and the liquidator discovered that Gama had in fact sold to innocent third parties most of his cars, which were reasonably believed to be proceeds of criminal activities. The investigations revealed that change of ownership of the cars was long effected. In his affidavit, the investigator of the case, narrated to the court that on December 9, 2021, a suspected case of money laundering was reported at the Manzini Regional Police Headquarters under enquiry file number 740/2021. He submitted that as soon as the case was opened, intensive investigations were conducted by the Financial and Asset Forfeiture Investigations Unit, well-known as Police POCA Unit. Liquidation Sibandze submitted that the police then liaised with the liquidator of Sukke Ontime Investment, Kobla Quashie and requested to view the liquidation file for purposes of furthering their investigations. Upon perusal of the file, police found out that the victims were over 2 000 in number. Some of them were traced and located. They were interviewed and they confirmed the fraud case perpetrated by the second respondent (Gama) through his company, the first respondent (Sukke Ontime Investments), submitted the investigator.He highlighted that through the alleged fraud, the victims suffered prejudice ranging between E14 485 to El 500 per machine. According to the investigator, some of the victims paid cash, while others would do electronic fund transfers to the companys (first respondent) bank accounts.All of them would then go to the nearest companys office, where they would be furnished with receipts, shown their photocopying machines in catalogues, some shown only the serial numbers and made to sign agreement forms. The located victims recorded affidavits with the police, said Sibandze. He related to the court that as soon as the victims were located and confirmed the case, the police applied for court orders requesting opening of documentation and bank statements of the company. The bank, according to the investigator, provided the police with the documents, which basically confirmed the fraud allegations as a lot of deposits and swift withdrawals were observed in the bank accounts. He highlighted that, the way in which the accounts disposed of the funds so soon after receipt, appeared unusual and suspicious. He stated that investigations were to the effect that the money paid in cash was taken by Gama. Sibandze said the money would first be received by the office administrator of Sukke Ontime Investments and then taken to Gama. It is not known though how much cash was taken to Gama as the police largely depended on the investors who were swindled their money for this crucial information. He mentioned that Gama destroyed or removed documentation in his offices, after the investors discovered that they had been scammed around September 2019. According to the police, Gama was now a person of interest to them as he needed to answer, among other charges, to alleged tax evasion and money laundering. He is alleged to have left the country after learning that he was wanted by law enforcers. Investigations by the police revealed that Gama spent some of the money on personal activities. Activities Under the personal category relating to all transactions that were not in line with the main business model, a total amount of E5 225 214.29 was allegedly spent by Gama on personal activities that were not in line with photocopier leasing, the main business model of Sukke OnTime Investments. Per the investigations ,one time he spent E44 369.19 to buy at KFC eatery. Since some investors received about E1 500 per month, at least 29 of them could have been paid in one month from the money the director allegedly spent at KFC. The director, according to the report, spent E9 700 paying for DSTV and an amount of E113 027.34 was allegedly paid for fuel.For car service and motor spares, the director allegedly spent E899 970.54, hardware E167 644.95 and E50 979.75 went into IMM and QSK Investments. The closing balance for this account as at May 7, 2019 was E1 342 006.85. At MGM Investments, another company registered under Gamas name as the sole director, members of the public deposited a total of E914 991.90 and investors were paid E291 658.11. One of the most dangerous moments in Winston Churchills uniquely adventurous life came when he was born, almost exactly 150 years ago. His mother, the American socialite Jennie Jerome, suffered a fall out walking at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire while seven months pregnant and, as Jennies husband Lord Randolph Churchill wrote, a rather imprudent and rough pony ride in a pony carriage brought on the pains on Saturday night. We tried to stop them but it was no use. Neither the Oxford nor the London doctor was able to come in time, so the local village physician, Frederic Taylor, delivered the baby at 1.30am, after Jennie had undergone eight hours labour with no chloroform. She suffered a good deal too, darling, Randolph reported to Jennies mother. To be born two months prematurely in Victorian England was a risky business but it was only to be the first of Churchills very many close brushes with death which he experienced in his nine decades of life. A bout of pneumonia at prep school, a gust of wind when swimming too far from his boat in the middle of Lake Geneva, a house fire, two plane and three car crashes, bullets that whistled past his ears in central Cuba, a dervishs scimitar at the battle of Omdurman in Sudan, a prison escape from Pretoria in South Africa, a German high-explosive shell that hit his dugout in the Great War trenches five minutes after hed left it, a car that hit him on Fifth Avenue and 76th Street in New York City: any of these could have ended Churchills life before he became prime minister in May 1940 and then the saviour of his country. A young Winston Churchill (right) with his mother Jennie Jerome and his younger brother Jack Churchill in 1895, when he was a second lieutenant in the army Of course, even if he had died before the Second World War, Churchill would still have been the co-creator, with David Lloyd George, of the system of National Insurance that has saved so many of his countrymen from destitution, and the man who readied the Royal Navy for combat in the Great War, and who got the British Expeditionary Force across the Channel in 1914 without the loss of a single life, and the minister of munitions who created the armaments used in the glorious last hundred days, which won that war. He would still have been the chancellor of the exchequer who helped settle the 1926 General Strike and who warned of the evils both of Bolshevism and Nazism and the author of magnificent books such as The World Crisis, Marlborough, Great Contemporaries and his autobiography My Early Life. Yet it was his actions as prime minister during the Second World War that will always be his greatest legacy, especially two specific aspects of them. The first is what he actually did in that war that helped to win it. The second is what he said during that war that can help us oppose totalitarianism today. These two legacies, which of course are profoundly intermingled, are the reason why Churchill is still worth heeding a full century and a half after his birth. It has been fashionable in recent years for historians to minimise Churchills contribution to the victory in the Second World War, concentrating instead on Russian blood sacrifice, German strategic errors, American materiel production and so on. But, in fact, Churchill was central to victory because of the way he persuaded the British people to keep fighting and not descend into defeatism in the wake of the Dunkirk disaster in June 1940. He did this first by his oratory, harnessing the English language and his knowledge as a professional historian to remind the British people that they had been in dire straits before and had emerged victorious. While Churchill fully admitted the scale of the defeat at Dunkirk describing it in the House of Commons as a colossal military disaster he also cogently set out what was going to happen next, which was that Britain was going to fight on to victory. This was leadership of the highest order, and it was not the result of taking opinion polls or vox pops or going down into the Underground and asking people in Tube trains what they thought. Rather, he told the British people how brave they were going to be and they responded magnificently. Secondly, there was his conception of the overall grand strategy for the Western allies: to concentrate on expelling the Germans first from North Africa, then from the Mediterranean, and only then to cross the English Channel for a reckoning in Normandy. The then prime minister visits Bristol after it endured heavy bombing in 1941 It was no coincidence that Rome fell to the Allies the very day before Operation Overlord, which began with the D-Day invasion, was launched. This was the plan that Churchill worked out with the British chiefs of staff and then sold to the initially sceptical US joint chiefs of staff, and which was extended at the Casablanca Conference of January 1943. The Americans had come on their own account to the importance of adopting a Germany First policy but they had to be persuaded to adopt the Mediterranean and Italian campaigns after North Africa fell, and it was Churchill who convinced them of it. He also had to persuade them not to launch Operation Overlord, which involved crossing the Channel, until all the multifarious conditions were in place for it to succeed. Churchills third great wartime achievement was to keep the Big Three together by his personal diplomacy with President Franklin Roosevelt and the Russian leader Joseph Stalin. Roosevelt was profoundly disabled with polio, although he bravely left the United States to attend summits at Newfoundland, Quebec, Casablanca, Tehran and Yalta. He did not go to London or Moscow, however, any more than did his successor Harry Truman. Meanwhile, Stalin was both paranoiac about leaving Soviet territory and fearful of flying, so he left the USSR only once, to make the short trip to Tehran. By utter contrast, Churchill travelled 110,000 miles outside the United Kingdom during the war, in unpressurised cabins aged 70 and sometimes within the radius of the Luftwaffe, conducting diplomacy vital not just for Britain but for the Big Three (the UK, the US and the Soviet Union) until Roosevelts death in April 1945. Churchill and Clementine Hozier (pictured) married in 1908. They had five children The wartime leader holds up the famous 'V for Victory' sign He visited Moscow twice and crossed the Atlantic no fewer than 12 times during the war. The other countries he visited as prime minister during the war included Egypt, Iraq, Malta, Algeria, Tunisia, France, Italy, Canada, Bermuda, Morrocco, Newfoundland, Holland, Belgium, Libya, Greece, Iran, Cyprus and Turkey. As well as his contributions to military victory, a vital part of Churchills legacy has been his giving us the lexicon necessary to oppose totalitarianism in our own time. Always be on guard against tyranny, he said at Brussels University in November 1945, whatever shape it may assume. He himself hated both fascism and communism, and he gave us the language and thought-processes necessary to oppose both them and their most recent successor in creating human misery: Islamist totalitarian terrorism. The superiority of democracy and freedom over these three perversions of the human spirit are clear and best expressed by Churchill. Because Churchill is such a repository and resource for democratic ideals he is constantly decried on the extreme Right and the extreme Left. As Professor Frank Furedi has written in his excellent new book The War Against The Past: Why The West Must Fight For Its History, The project of transforming Churchill the war hero into Churchill the war criminal is not simply directed at dishonouring the reputation of one man. It is about striking a blow against a man who personifies the identity of Britishness. Furedi instances the National Trust Colonialism and Slavery report on Churchills home Chartwell, in which the notoriously woke organisation tried to mix Churchill up with slavery, despite his having fought against it in the Sudan, which Furedi found was all about judging the past, finding it guilty, and casting it in a negative light. While the National Trust twisted Churchills words in its report, the recent Channel 4 documentary Churchill: Britains Secret Apartheid - about the way Churchill allowed the US to bring its racially segregated army to Britain, provoking conflict across the country - used his name as simple clickbait. He gave us the language and thought-processes necessary to oppose both fascism and communism, Andrew Roberts writes Because the facts show precisely the opposite of what the headline was trying to imply. Churchill chaired a War Cabinet meeting on October 13, 1942, that concluded that the US Army must not expect our authorities, civil or military, to assist them in enforcing a policy of segregation. Further to the Left even than Channel 4 is Tariq Ali, the Marxist writer and broadcaster, whose recent biography of Churchill is full of various factual errors and political propaganda. Sadly the list of Churchills detractors is getting longer and longer, to the point that we now need Churchill Derangement Syndrome to be listed as a new psychological disorder. When Just Stop Oil chose 30 out of the National Trusts hundreds of properties to stage an anti-Barclays Bank protest in August, Chartwell was one of them despite it having no connection to Barclays Bank. Churchills admirers are the first to admit that their hero made lots of mistakes in his career spanning six decades in the House of Commons, indeed as he told his wife Clementine in 1916, I should have made nothing if I had not made mistakes. Among these were his stances over the Abdication Crisis, the Gold Standard, female suffrage, the Black and Tans in Ireland, and of course the Dardanelles expedition in the First World War. No serious Churchill historian denies these mistakes but the fact is he also spotted the three greatest threats to world freedom from Prussian militarism before the Great War, Hitlerite aggression and then Soviet tyranny and he warned the world about them early, loudly and long, and often almost alone. Churchill's great contributions to humanity far outweigh the whining complaints made by his detractors, Andrew Roberts writes These great contributions to humanity far outweigh the whining complaints made by his detractors, many of which are based on political propaganda and factual inaccuracies anyhow. As Lepidus says of Mark Antony in Antony And Cleopatra, so is it true of Churchill: His faults in him seem like the spots of heaven, more fiery by nights blackness. If we can no longer recognise Churchills greatness, we make ourselves smaller, while belittling the meaning of greatness itself. What if all we do in our own time is to concentrate on our heroes clay feet, to project our own smallness and paucity of ambition on to the past? Yet if we reclaim history, we can at least make an attempt, in Churchills words, to kindle with pale gleams the passion of former days. As for Churchill himself, his detractors have signally failed to prevent him taking his place in historys pantheon. At this, the time of his 150th birthday, we can confidently state that he is already up there on his celestial pedestal alongside the giants he himself so admired, such as Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Alfred the Great, Napoleon and Abraham Lincoln. As for his detractors the petty, the pedantic, and the politically prejudiced their complaints are as feathers on the scales against the granite of his legacy. Andrew Roberts Churchill: Walking With Destiny has been re-issued in a signed, numbered edition that is available at Waterstones There's a high chance that your local roads are about to get slower, as councils across the UK look to bring in new speed limits. From Scotland to Birmingham, many local authorities are looking at imposing blanket 20mph restrictions in urban areas. If consultations rule in favour of reducing the speed limit to 20mph, millions of residents will be affected. Proposed reductions will likely prove to be highly unpopular after the Welsh government had to U-turn on its 20mph policy earlier this year due to a huge backlash. So, which councils are looking at reducing speed limits and when? And how much of the UK is already limited to 20mph? We take a look. More than 1 in 3 people (28 million) live in Local Authorities with 20mph limits according to campaign group 20's Plenty for U Which councils in the UK are looking at bringing in 20mph speed limits? The latest council to propose a city-wide 20mph speed limit is Birmingham. If council plans go ahead then Birmingham will become a default 20mph zone. On Tuesday, the proposition will be considered by the Labour-controlled council. If it is agreed upon 1.1million residents will be subject to driving at 20mph on residential roads and roads with high footfall. The council has already asked the Department for Transport for permission to erect 20mph signs around the city limits but is yet to receive a response. Birmingham wants to bring in a city-wide 20mph speed limit, with signage around the city's boundary which would subject 1.1 million residents to 20mph speeds Road safety campaigner Rod King, who founded 20's Plenty For Us, told The Sunday Times: 'What Birmingham is really doing, rather than doing it road by road, is say, 'if you come into this city it's 20mph as a default'. 'It's about process and signage rather than policy - it's sensible. It makes it a straightforward process cheaper to implement.' Much of Birmingham's decision could be a cost saving one as avoiding putting the 20mph signs on every street would save the council an estimated 12million. The authority effectively declared itself bankrupt in September with a need to find 300million in savings. This map by campaign organisation 20's Plenty For Us shows 20mph local authorities across London in green shading Scotland is also looking to impose 20mph blanket restrictions. Earlier this year Scotland decided to drop the speed limit on most of its urban roads to 20mph. This is set to be introduced in 2025 as part of a push to half the number of people killed or seriously injured on Scottish roads by 2030. Lower limits are already in place in parts of Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Highlands and the Scottish Borders. At the end of November 32 councils were given 4million to spend on 20mph speed limits as part of the 14 million the Scottish Government committed this financial year to enhancing road safety across those 32 councils. The results of a public gathering exercise on 20mph speed limits is set to be published soon by the Scottish Parliament. How much of the UK is already 20mph? More than 1 in 3 people (28 million) live in Local Authorities with 20mph limits according to campaign group 20's Plenty for Us. The organisation's interactive map shows areas where local authorities have either already committed to 20mph limits as the norm or are in the process of implementing them. England does not have a nationwide policy but many counties, towns and cities including Hull, Bristol, Norwich, Chichester (West Sussex) and Tonbridge (Kent) and 52 per cent of borough-controlled roads in London have adopted 20mph restrictions. Will Labour bring in 20mph in England? Now ex-Transport Secretary Louise Haigh (pictured) said she would allow local areas to decide whether to install 20mph speed limits. It remains to be seen if her successor Heidi Alexander follows suit Labour didn't comment on 20mph speed limits in its manifesto, but when asked directly by Auto Express before England went to the polls, Labour MP Louise Haigh said: 'It should be up to local communities to decide the speed limits on their local roads, not politicians in Westminster. '20mph limits are welcome in certain areas such as around schools but those decisions should be made locally. That's why a Labour Government will not introduce blanket 20mph zones'. Louise Haigh went on to become Transport Secretary before quitting last week and being replaced by the MP for Swindon South, Heidi Alexander. While still Transport Secretary Haigh gave the green light to local councils who want to introduce safety schemes including 20mph zones. In August, speaking on the 'Streets Ahead' podcast Haigh said: 'Those kinds of decisions [road safety schemes such as 20mph zones) should absolutely be made at a local level by communities and not dictated to or stoked up by the centre. 'Local authorities will have my full support to roll out schemes.' Whether her successor implements 20mph zones remains to be seen but the new Transport Secretary is known to be in favour of 20mph restrictions: When Ms Alexander served as deputy mayor of London for transport (from 2018 to 2021) she oversaw the rollout of 20mph zones in the capital. Wales' 20mph speed limit introduction - why did the Government have to U-turn? A woman holds a sign during a protest against 20mph speed limits on September 23 Wales introduced the 20mph blanket ban on restricted roads in September 2023 but reversed the decision in July 2024, after a cost of 32million. Wales' Transport Secretary Ken Skates admitted that the policy was so unpopular that even his own family had signed the petition against it. The Conservatives in the Senedd were fiercely opposed, branding it a 'waste of time and resources'. The petition to scrap the 20mph speed limit was Wales' biggest ever petition with 470,000 signatures. Is Scotland bringing in a 50mph limit too? Scotland, which is known as a paradise for drivers because of its miles and miles of empty a-roads, could see 60mph limits dropped to 50mph if new proposals are implemented Scotland has announced a new proposal to help achieve its aim to half the number of people killed or seriously injured on its roads by 2030: limiting the speed of cars from 60mph to 50mph on single carriageways A-roads. While cars would have to drop their speed by 10mph, goods vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes could increase their speed from 40mph to 50mph on single carriageways and from 50mph to 60mph on dual carriageways. The changes are the latest part of a public consultation into proposed changes to speed limits in Scotland. The National Speed Management Review consultation will run until Wednesday 5 March 2025 and series of engagement sessions will be held early in 2025. Findings will be published in summer 2025. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: 'We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many. These proposed changes represent a vital step towards achieving national casualty reduction targets, and I urge everyone to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of road safety in Scotland.' But the Scottish Conservatives described the plan as 'a ludicrous measure which seeks to demonise motorists in rural areas who rely on using a car'. There exists in the UK an overlooked powerhouse of 13,000 businesses that could hold the key to driving our future productivity and growth. Mid-market firms, which employ between 100 and 2,500 people, have over the past decade consistently grown at a faster pace than the economy as a whole. They make up just 0.5 per cent of UK total companies but punch well above their weight; they account for more than a quarter of national turnover and more than seven million jobs nationwide. Yet these firms do not receive the recognition they deserve. They operate in a twilight zone between exciting start-ups and big corporates, with an equally big platform. They are brimming with the potential to drive up national prosperity, but they are too often passed over by policymakers and financial institutions. Make no mistake, though - these businesses possess transformational power. Our research shows this group could add 35billion to the economy in the next five years and create more high-quality jobs. The ripple effect would be felt across the UK with 70 per cent of this growth occurring outside London and the South East. Overlooked: Mid-market firms 'are too often passed over by policymakers and financial institutions,' says NatWest Group's chief executive Paul Thwaite A third of these businesses already export their goods and services overseas, compared with just 13 per cent of the smallest firms. Take, for example, Bristol-based Open Bionics, which I visited a few weeks ago. The company develops 3D printed bespoke bionic arms for amputees, including Disney designs for children as young as five in the style of their favorite superheroes. With plans to open six more clinics in the US, Open Bionics is not only improving lives with life-changing medical devices but also enhancing the UKs reputation as a global leader in innovation. This is precisely the kind of business that deserves support to scale up its operations further. But these mid-market businesses need the right support. Despite their potential, they face specific challenges they often struggle to access the skills, infrastructure, and investment they need to grow. Regional support networks can be fragmented. For example it can take too long to move products and people relatively short distances, and delays to planning decisions can blunt expansion ambitions. The pace of growth itself can be a problem to mid-market companies. That sounds paradoxical, but if the complexity of their business grows faster than their capacity, then it can be a headache. Stretched leaders tell us they find themselves wearing many hats. As their business grows, they have to grapple with increased red tape and new reporting requirements. If they expand international trade then they may need to deal with legislation in multiple jurisdictions. There is a lack of robust data about mid-market firms which leaves them without a strong voice in government. So, when policies or legislation is produced, it fails to reflect their unique needs. As a first step in addressing these challenges, NatWest, with the support of the Department of Business and Trade, will create a new UK Mid-Market Council, with members representing the primary sectors from across the business sphere. This coalition of public and private sector leaders will amplify a unified voice of mid-market businesses, dismantle barriers, and champion their growth. Well support this initiative with the introduction of a mid-market growth tracker in collaboration with data company S&P Global. From January, this monthly report will provide vital data on the sentiment and growth prospects of this critical group, highlighting where theyre flourishing, how new challenges are impacting them and monitoring progress to identify where additional targeted support is needed. This foundational work will provide the understanding and analysis which will improve policymaking. Bold and sustained action is needed if we are to unleash the potential of mid-market businesses. Public and private sector collaboration is key to helping these businesses achieve new levels of success benefiting our communities, our industries and the future of the UK economy. What is good for mid-market companies is good for the UK. By investing in their success, were investing in a stronger, more inclusive economic future for us all. I think insisting that the tax relief paid into pensions should be invested in UK companies for UK projects would be reasonable. Would it cause any fundamental issues if the rules were altered to ensure this happened? Would pension companies be justified if they complained that this would increase costs/charges? Steve Webb replies: With nearly two trillion pounds invested in UK workplace pensions, the government is understandably very interested in getting more of this money working to boost the UK economy. But the level of domestic investment by UK pension schemes has actually been declining rapidly in recent years. Got a question for Steve Webb? Scroll down to find out how to contact him Looking at modern pot of money or defined contribution pensions, the governments own figures (Pension fund investment and the UK economy) show that a decade ago just over half of the money was invested in the UK compared to less than a quarter now. Given that defined contribution pensions are where most new pension savings are invested, this is a matter of considerable concern to the government. There is one very simple explanation for that recent trend. Workplace pension schemes have largely stopped investing in the UK stock market. Although pension schemes still own lots of shares (or equities), overwhelmingly these are now invested in stock markets outside the UK. This particularly includes investing in things like technology stocks on the US stock market. Pension schemes would say that there is a very good reason for this. In the last 15 years, the rate of return on the UK stock market has been well below the return on global stock markets. For example, in the 2010s, investing in the largest companies on the London stock exchange would have generated an annual return of 5.5 per cent. But an index of global stocks would have returned nearly double this (10.5 per cent) and investing just in the US would have generated 14 per cent per year. That trend has continued into the 2020s, with UK returns so far averaging 4.2 per cent per year compared with 9.9 per cent for global shares and 12.1 per cent for US shares. As you can see, if someone had invested their pension in UK shares rather than the rest of the world or just the US, their pension pot would now be far smaller. This is one reason why successive governments have been wary of forcing or even bribing people to invest more in the UK. SCROLL DOWN TO FIND OUT HOW TO ASK STEVE YOUR PENSION QUESTION If a government incentive led you to invest in a way that damaged the long-term value of your pension, you might not be very happy about this. Even allocating just your tax relief to UK investments rather than putting it in the general pot would have given you a lower pension on average, and this would also come with considerable administrative complexity. However, the government has certainly not given up on getting an increased proportion of pension savings invested in the UK. The new government strongly believes that if pension money can be invested into ownership of companies which are not listed on stock markets (sometimes called unlisted equities or private equity) or invested into boosting our infrastructure (eg upgrading the National Grid) then this will help to generate economic growth and provide decent pensions as well. Rather than force pension schemes to do this directly however, the government has decided to achieve this by driving smaller pension schemes to consolidate into a small number of what it calls mega funds. The government argues that once pension schemes start to be in the 25billion-50billion range they will invest much more in private equity and infrastructure. Although it is possible to invest globally in these types of assets, there tends to be much more of a home bias in these assets certainly compared with investing in shares where almost all the money is now invested outside the UK. Of course, the purpose of pension schemes is to give us a decent income in retirement rather than to help the government with its economic objectives, so a key question is what impact all these changes will have on our final pensions? On this, the governments own estimates are pretty disappointing. The government asked its own experts (the government Actuarys Department) to model the final pension pot of someone who earned 30,000 per year and paid an 8 per cent pension contribution over 30 years. The modelling was done based on current approaches to investing and on a range of alternative assumptions, including investing more in unlisted shares. The results were rather underwhelming. The pension pot estimate after thirty years was 259,000 based on current approaches to investing. The pot size with a higher allocation to UK shares was also 259,000 and the figure for investing more in private markets was 264,000. Whilst this last figure is slightly greater (as the government put it) they also stress that these figures are highly uncertain. The best we can say here is that if schemes invest in the way that the government wants them to, then this will probably not make much difference either way to peoples final pensions. In summary, although successive governments want to see more pension money invested in the UK, any pressure brought in a decade ago to invest in things like UK shares could have seriously damaged peoples pensions. So, the government is nervous about anything which looks like telling schemes how to invest, especially if the expert judgment of those who run the schemes is that the best returns may be found outside the UK. Instead, the government is trying to restructure the pensions market so that more pension schemes will invest in the things which lead to economic growth in the UK. It remains to be seen if the changes they are proposing will lead to pension schemes turbo-charging the UK economy or not. Ask Steve Webb a pension question Former pensions minister Steve Webb is This Is Money's agony uncle. He is ready to answer your questions, whether you are still saving, in the process of stopping work, or juggling your finances in retirement. Steve left the Department for Work and Pensions after the May 2015 election. He is now a partner at actuary and consulting firm Lane Clark & Peacock. If you would like to ask Steve a question about pensions, please email him at pensionquestions@thisismoney.co.uk. Steve will do his best to reply to your message in a forthcoming column, but he won't be able to answer everyone or correspond privately with readers. Nothing in his replies constitutes regulated financial advice. Published questions are sometimes edited for brevity or other reasons. Please include a daytime contact number with your message - this will be kept confidential and not used for marketing purposes. If Steve is unable to answer your question, you can also contact MoneyHelper, a Government-backed organisation which gives free assistance on pensions to the public. It can be found here and its number is 0800 011 3797. Stev e receives many questions about the state pension and 'contracting out'. If you are writing to Steve on this topic, he responds to a typical reader question about the state pension and contracting out here The girlfriend of a LA Lyft driver who he met at a video game cafe became a femme fatale after she repeatedly stabbed him in the neck as he took a nap in his Mercedes The glamorous girlfriend in question was charged with attempted murder after having a schizophrenic break and attacking him with a knife, but he's still crazy about her. Chicago-born Joey Valle, 37, was instantly smitten when he met Lily Macias-Madrigal, 21, at Cyber City video game cafe in Los Angeles last summer. What followed was a turbulent, 18-month relationship that ended with Lily's arrest after she stabbed him in the neck with a knife multiple times in an allegedly unprovoked attack while he slept in his Mercedes Benz earlier this month. The dramatic and bloody aftermath was photographed by paparazzi on the scene, picturing Valle in his car with blood running down his face and a smokey-eyed Lily being interviewed by police around 3am on November 12 in the LA neighborhood of Arlington Heights. But despite allegedly trying to kill him, Valle told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview that he still loves his volatile gamer girlfriend and plans to visit her in jail. He said from the moment he met Lily he knew she was strange but found her deeply attractive. 'I met her at this gaming center called Cyber City. It's where I go on my time off from work. She popped up and was like hey, what game are you playing?' he said. Lily Macias-Madrigal, 21, stabbed her boyfriend Joey Valle, 37, in the neck during a schizophrenic break in his black Mercedes as he slept Valle told DailyMail.com that despite her attempts to kill him that night, he is still smitten with Lily and even plans on visiting her in prison if she'll let him The couple met at Cyber City video game cafe in Los Angeles last summer, when Lily approached the older man and asked him what game he was playing 'She was weird. But to me she was beautiful. I'd never met anybody like her before. 'When I talked to her the first time she was perky and very bubbly. And then when I picked her up she was talkative but wouldn't look at me. And she was meowing the whole time. Like, "Miaow." I was like, this girl is kind of weird.' He admired her gaming skills and the way she fit in with his friends, and how wasn't fazed by their 16-year age gap. Valle said as they dated, he gradually learned about her troubled past. She was raised in northern Fresno, California. She told him her father killed himself, her mother physically abused her, and while living at a motel, a man raped, drugged and trafficked her to LA, then dumped her with no money. Valle said an older couple had picked her up off the street and gave her a room. But she fell out with them while dating Valle and they kicked her out, dropping her off at an LA homeless shelter. When Lily told him she was going to start stripping to make ends meet, Valle said he instead offered to 'take care' of her and 'save' her. Valle was also living a marginal existence. He moved from his hometown of Chicago in 2016 and had a career as a restaurant server until he was laid off during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. He took to driving in LA for rideshare company Lyft and lived out of hotel rooms instead of making the three-hour commute to his parents' place in San Bernardino. Some nights he would sleep in his car. Lily stabbed Valle twice after screaming as loud as she could, waking him out of his slumber. After he grabbed the knife, he asked her why she had stabbed him, but all she did was stare at him in return Valle said early on in their relationship, Lily disclosed she had Schizotypal personality disorder, a mental illness that leads to behavior ranging from eccentric quirks to dangerous paranoid delusions Valle described Lily's alleged troubled past and how her dad died, her mom physically abused her and how she was trafficked by a man before he dumped her in Los Angeles with no money Valle said early on in their relationship, Lily disclosed she had Schizotypal personality disorder, a mental illness that leads to behavior ranging from eccentric quirks to dangerous paranoid delusions. He said she would often talk to herself, saying: ''f*** you, you make me want to kill myself. You're so f***ing ugly.' They had a turbulent, toxic partnership, with Lily repeatedly breaking it off with Valle to restart her stripping job - which he couldn't stand. He said she even performed sexual favors for cash on occasion. Valle said during lows, they would get into screaming fights, though they were never physically violent with each other. But he said they always made up, sending loving texts and apologies to each other. The night of November 11, Valle picked up Lily from Cyber City and they found a sheltered residential street near Washington Boulevard and 5th Street in Arlington Heights to park and sleep for the night in his black Mercedes Benz E-Class. She straddled him in the reclined driver's seat and kissed him goodnight, Valle told DailyMail.com. He thought it was odd when he opened his eyes to see her an inch from his face, staring at him unblinkingly. But he was exhausted and passed out. 'I wake up to her screaming as loud as she can; an angry scream,' he said. 'She's sitting over me, looking crazy, like a demon almost. Then she stabs me in the neck. 'After the second stab I grab the knife and her hand. I'm like, 'Lily, you stabbed me in the neck. You tried to kill me!' She's just staring at me. I start to fall back because I'm feeling weak. After Valle cried for her to stop, his 16-year-younger girlfriend loosened her grip and he was able to grab the weapon. He then got out of his car and threw it into a neighboring backyard Valle said she tried to drive off with his car but couldn't figure out how to release the emergency break. He then crawled back into the car where he called 911 Valle recounted to DailyMail.com how he asked Lily for 'one more kiss' since it was the 'last time' he'd ever see her, which she did for a minute or two before the police arrived on scene 'She's holding the knife over me, stab-style, and I'm holding her hand. She's staring at me breathing intensely. I'm like, "Lily, drop the knife."' Valle said he cried and pleaded with her until she relented, loosened her grip and he grabbed the weapon. 'I climb out of my car, I take the knife and I throw it into a neighbor's yard. I just see blood burst out of my neck. It started shooting out. I was like, oh my god, I'm going to die here. I just remember seeing white, and then I woke up in a pool of my own blood.' Believing he was dying, the hopeless romantic said he asked his would-be killer to 'please give me a kiss' which she did, before rifling through his pockets for his car keys. Valle said she tried to drive off, but couldn't figure out his emergency brake. He stumbled to his feet, and she eventually let him in the car, after which he quickly grabbed his spare phone from the center console and called 911. 'I said, "I thought you loved me Lily." She was just staring at me, she wouldn't say nothing,' Valle told DailyMail.com. 'I said, "I love you so much, I'm so sorry. Please just give me one more kiss, this is the last time I'm ever going to see you." So she bent over and she kissed me for a minute or two right before the police showed up.' Paramedics told Valle he was 'very lucky' the stab wounds missed his major arteries. They stitched him up in the trauma ward, and the following afternoon he recounted how two LAPD detectives came to interview him. When the LAPD came to interview Valle in the hospital, they told him Lily had tried to pin the crime on him saying he had attacked her first She is currently being held at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, with bail set at $1,050,000, and has a 'competency hearing' on November 27 'They said first she tried to put it on me, that I tried to attack her first,' he said. 'And then she told them that it was none of their business. And on a third attempt she told them she felt like it, and she had an urge to do it.' Lily was charged on November 14 with attempted murder, use of a deadly weapon and domestic violence. A conviction could land her decades in prison. She is currently being held at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, with bail set at $1,050,000, according to LA County Sheriff's Department inmate data. She has a 'competency hearing' on November 27, aimed at helping the judge determine whether she is mentally fit to stand trial. Shocking photos provided by Valle show his neck wounds, stitched back up in hospital. With his bills looming, he was forced to resume his black car job just three days after the attack. He told DailyMail.com that despite his family's advice, he still wants a relationship with his alleged attempted murderer. 'I love Lily. I wish this never happened. My parents were like, "You can't talk to her again." But I'm going to visit her to see if she'll talk to me,' he said. With his bills looming, Valle was forced to resume his rideshare job just three days after the attack Valle told DailyMail.com that despite his family's advice, he still wants a relationship with his alleged attempted murderer and reminisced on the 'I love you's' they exchanged over texts, days before she attempted to take his life 'I really love her. And that's what hurts the most. The texts between us in the last day or two before it happened, it's all, "I love you, I miss you." 'When she wanted to love you, it was the best. She was as sweet as she was crazy. And her crazy is just trauma that she's had in her life. 'If she goes to prison they're going to beat her up or kill her, because no one understands her. I just want her to get help. That's all she wanted to do, is figure out what's wrong with her. 'I want to still be with her. But don't tell my parents that. They'll be like, "You stupid mother f***er."' A much-loved young dad has died suddenly, leaving his pregnant partner and two young sons devastated. Lockie Seddon, 20, from regional Victoria died on November 24 after contracting a golden staph infection that spread to his brain. Mr Seddon's aunt Danielle Sherer told Daily Mail Australia it all happened so quickly. 'It just started with a little cut on his lip and the GP said it's like a bite or something,' Ms Sherer said. The next morning, Mr Seddon and his partner Claire Hoogendoorn knew something was very wrong. 'Lockie woke up the next day, his eyes were so swollen and bulging out of his head, and he just said to his partner, "I'm dying",' Ms Sherer said. Mr Seddon was rushed to the local hospital and placed in an induced coma. Unfortunately the hospital was not equipped to provide the necessary care the young dad's critical condition required. Lockie Seddon (pictured) from regional Victoria died on November 24 after contracting a golden staph infection that spread to his brain 'Claire was just the love of his life. Been together six years, for people so young that's pretty incredible.' Mr Seddon and Ms Hoogendoorn are pictured with their sons Mason (left) and Jax (right) 'Obviously being a small regional hospital, they weren't able to cater to all his needs, they brought him straight to Melbourne,' Ms Sherer said. Mr Seddon was airlifted to The Royal Melbourne Hospital and 'never woke up.' His sudden death has rocked the close-knit family. 'He was healthy one day, right? Had a little thing on his lip, and the next day, that was it,' Ms Sherer said. Mr Seddon's untimely death has even left medical experts shocked. 'The ICU specialist that was looking after Lockie said that he has never seen a golden staph infection do this,' Ms Sherer said. Mr Seddon's wife has been left wondering if there was anything she could have done to prevent his death. 'When we spoke to the specialists, I said to them, "Was there any way of knowing?"' Ms Sherer said. 'Claire was really worried that she'd missed something and it was her fault.' The response helped Ms Hoogendoorn ease her feelings of guilt. 'They said there was no way of anyone knowing, and there was nothing that anyone could do,' Ms Sherer said. 'I guess that's a bit bittersweet for Claire to hear, but it's also, I think, what makes it so much harder for everyone to get their heads around.' Ms Sherer revealed Mr Seddon's family, including Ms Hoogendoorn, sons Mason and Jax, his mum Tam, father and brother and best mate Tyler are understandably distraught and shattered by his sudden death. Mr Seddon was the beloved father of two young boys, Jax (left) and Mason (right) 'They're just very stressed. Claire has the two little boys that she's trying to help through this process as well.' Ms Sherer said Ms Hoogendoorn and Mr Seddon were a perfect couple. 'Claire was just the love of his life. Been together six years, for people so young that's pretty incredible.' Mr Seddon's death is even more tragic as Ms Hoogendoorn is pregnant with a girl who will never get to meet her dad. 'Claire's finally got a baby girl on the way, she's 15-weeks-pregnant with their baby girl.' She said Mr Seddon was 'respectful, loyal and a real mummy's boy'. 'Poor mum used to get calls at least fifty times a day from him!' she said. Ms Sherer said Mr Seddon's mum is shattered. 'No one ever expects that they're going to have to pay or organise a funeral for their 20-year-old, healthy child.' Ms Sherer said Mr Seddon was 'a real character' and 'cheeky and quirky.' 'I have photos that just crack me up'. 'Every interaction I had with him, everyone's asked me, "How would I describe him?'' 'I would just say, 'a cheeky little sh*t!'' she said. 'Just the cheekiest smile and in every conversation he had, he always had something smart to say.' Ms Sherer has created a GoFundMe to pay for Mr Seddon's funeral and any remaining funds will be put towards the children's future. She said she wants 'to give Lockie the funeral and send off he deserves, and hopefully raise funds to help his family'. 'And if we reach our goal, and we've got anything left over, basically what I would like to do is put it in some sort of trust fund for his kids,' she said. 'Lockie leaves behind many broken hearts, but also amazing memories.' On October 16, 2020, teacher Samuel Paty walked through the gates of his school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a small riverside suburb west of Paris, for the very last time. The history and civics buff was by all accounts a dedicated and engaging teacher who left a mark on students with 'gentleness and open-mindedness', a former pupil once said. But for more than 10 days he had been subjected to a torrent of hatred and harassment online, accused of being an Islamophobe who would order Muslim pupils out of his classroom so he could delight in showing off caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad by satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. The allegations levelled against him whipped up such hatred that one young extremist decided to take matters into his own hands. Paty, 47, was strolling along the pavement a stone's throw away from Bois d'Aulne middle school when he was brutally stabbed to death and decapitated by Abdoullakh Anzorov, an 18-year-old Islamist radical of Chechen origin in full-view of horrified bystanders. But it was only after Paty's head was severed from his ravaged body - and with Anzorov lying dead in the street having been gunned down by gendarmes - that it was revealed the fatal campaign against him was sparked by a lie fabricated by one delinquent schoolgirl. The girl in question, whose identity remains protected due to her age, delivered a tearful apology to Paty's heartbroken family in a special court hearing yesterday more than four years after he was slain, French media reported. Meanwhile, her father is standing trial along with several others for orchestrating the hateful smearing of the history teacher and soliciting the radical Islamist who carried out his gruesome murder. History and geography teacher Samuel Paty, 47, was decapitated outside a school near Paris Bernadette Paty and Gaelle Paty, mother and sister of slain school teacher Samuel Paty, attend the trial of eight people accused of involvement in the beheading of French history teacher Samuel Paty People stand in front of flowers and candles next to a placard reading 'I am a teacher, I am Samuel' at the entrance of a middle school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, 30kms northwest of Paris, on October 17, 2020, after Paty was decapitated Paty was violently stabbed to death and then decapitated by 18-year-old Chechen refugee Abdoullakh Anzorov on October 16, 2020 French President Emmanuel Macron leaves after paying his respects by the coffin of slain teacher Samuel Paty in the courtyard of the Sorbonne University during a national memorial event, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020 The Lie The lethal saga began on October 5, when Monsieur Paty told his class they would be discussing an ethical dilemma as part of their civics class on free speech. Paty was a firm believer in France's sociological foundation of laicite - secularism enshrined in the constitution that allows citizens to adhere to any faith and its associated practices in private life but stipulates that religion must be kept separate from public affairs, including education. As such, he felt that as part of their instruction, his students should discuss the Charlie Hebdo massacre - when terrorists stormed the offices of the satirical paper and killed 12 people in cold blood. He warned the class that the next day he would show them the caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad that had sparked the heinous attack on Charlie Hebdo. He also said that any student who felt they might be offended by viewing the images could turn away, cover their eyes or not participate. It was then that the young troublemaker, 13 at the time, decided to concoct what would prove to be a devastating lie. Two days later, as she was being scolded by her mother for being temporarily suspended, the girl retorted that Paty had forced students to view the Charlie Hebdo cartoons and had excluded her when she complained. In reality, she had never even attended the class in which the students were shown the caricatures, and no Muslim students were ordered out of the classroom. 'In the grip of panic and stress, I told (my mother) that we had seen the cartoons, that I did not agree and that I had been excluded... I did not want to disappoint my parents by telling them that I was doing a lot of stupid things,' she told a Parisian court in a hearing yesterday. Less than two weeks later, Paty was lying dead in the street, his head hacked from his shoulders by Anzorov's blade after the Chechen-born refugee trekked more than 60 miles to hunt him down. Mickaelle Paty, sister of slain school teacher Samuel Paty, arrives to attend the trial of eight people accused of involvement in the beheading of French history teacher Samuel Paty by a suspected Islamist in 2020 in an attack outside his school in the Paris suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine Pedestrians pass by a poster depicting French teacher Samuel Paty on November 3, 2020, following the decapitation of the teacher on October 16 Relatives and colleagues hold a picture of Samuel Paty The Campaign The schoolgirl's falsehood was seized upon by her father Brahim Chnina, who is now on trial along with seven other adults. He stands accused of launching the online harassment campaign against Paty and is facing charges of association with a terrorist organisation. That evening, Chnina began posting about Paty's alleged conduct and called for action against him. In the first clip shared on social media, a masked Chnina said into the camera: 'I decided to make this video following the fact that my daughter was shocked by her teacher's behaviour. 'I don't like using the term ''teacher''... he is a thug, a thug of history.' He went on to recount the fabricated tale that he forced Muslim kids out of his classroom, that his daughter refused to go and was shown a picture of the Prophet Muhammad naked. 'What is this hatred?' he declared. The posts attracted the attention of Abdelhakim Sefrioui, an Islamist preacher, who partnered with Chnina and asked to film his daughter repeating her claims. 'He asked me if he could film me. I didn't think he was mean, so I accepted. I repeated my lie,' the girl reportedly told the court in Paris yesterday. They also pushed the 13-year-old to file a police complaint and she duly did so, repeating the lie for a third time. As a result, a confused Paty was called into the police station, telling officers he was confused as to why the student had made the allegation given that she wasn't even in his class on the day of the ethics debate. Meanwhile, Chnina and Sefrioui continued to spread the allegations about Paty's supposed Islamophobia with the aim, according to the prosecution, of 'designating a target', 'provoking a feeling of hatred' and 'thus preparing several crimes'. Within two days of launching the campaign of harassment, Chnina came into contact with extremist Anzorov, with the pair calling one another nine times between October 9 and 13, the police's investigation showed. Little more than a week after Chnina began spreading his daughter's fake stories, Anzorov travelled from his home in Normandy to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine in preparation for his bloody assault. Two of his young friends Naim Boudaoud and Azim Epsirkhanov, now 22 and 23, are accused of having accompanied the killer to a knife shop where he procured the deadly weapons. Boudaoud is also accused of going with Anzorov to buy two replica guns and steel pellets the day of the attack. Epsirkhanov admitted he had received 800 euros from Anzorov to find him a real gun but had not succeeded. Both are facing charges of 'complicity in terrorist murder', a crime punishable by life imprisonment. General view of the courthouse on the Ile de la Cite on the first day of the trial of eight people accused of involvement in the beheading of French history teacher Samuel Paty by a suspected Islamist in 2020 in an attack outside his school in the Paris suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine Flowers and signs reading 'I am Samuel Paty' are displayed at a makeshift memorial during a march (marche blanche) in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, northwest of Paris, in tribute to French teacher Samuel Paty This court sketch made and published on November 4, 2024, shows (L-R) defendants Abdelhakim Sefrioui, Louqmane Ingar, Azim Epsirkhanov, Priscilla Mangel and Yusuf Cinar sitting during the trial of eight adults charged with contributing to the climate of hatred that led to an 18-year-old Islamist radical in the 2020 beheading teacher Samuel Paty The Murder On the fateful day that Paty was to be cut down, the teacher was pointed out to the terrorist by one of the lying girl's friends at the gates of their middle school. Anzorov, having waited outside the premises for some two hours in anticipation of Paty's departure, subsequently tailed the unsuspecting teacher for a few hundred metres until he turned a corner at the end of the road. He had told pupils at the gates that he was going to 'humiliate' Paty and 'make him apologise for the cartoon'. In reality, the 18-year-old extremist launched an extremely violent assault with a 12-inch-long knife. He stabbed Paty several times in broad daylight on the pavement of a main road, puncturing his abdomen and slicing at his head and arms. With the defenceless 47-year-old bleeding on the concrete, Anzorov stood over him and began sawing at his neck, eventually cutting the teacher's head clean off his shoulders. His savage attack complete, Anzorov promptly snapped several pictures of Paty's corpse and head, uploading the images to social media. One image posted to Twitter from a burner account was accompanied by the caption: 'To (French President) Macron, leader of the infidels - I executed one of your hellhounds who dared to belittle Muhammad. 'Calm his fellow human beings before a harsh punishment is inflicted on you.' The sickening images also spread like wildfire through the Snapchat social media account and were picked up by many of the school's students. Anzorov then fled the scene but only made it a few hundred metres before armed police surrounded him. When they ordered him to come quietly, he began shooting at the officers with an airgun. They promptly returned fire and shot him dead on the spot, with a terrified resident capturing Anzorov's fate on video shot from the first-storey window of a nearby house. The schoolgirl whose fabricated tale started the entire saga told the court in Paris yesterday that she learned of her teacher's death watching the news that evening. She was later sent a picture of Paty's lifeless and headless body. 'I collapsed in my sister's arms. I collapsed in my mother's arms... I called my father. I felt his trembling voice,' she said. 'The next day, I learned on television that my father was in police custody.' But even after Paty's murder, the girl doubled down on her story. It was only after 30 hours in police custody and two separate bouts of questioning that she finally confessed the truth. 'My teacher had been decapitated, my father was in police custody, I couldn't say it was false,' she admitted. A photograph taken on October 16, 2023, shows a portrait of slain French teacher Samuel Paty during a tribute ceremony at the Bois d'Aulne school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, outside Paris National Assembly president Richard Ferrand (C) stands among French MPs near a photo of late teacher Samuel Paty, as they pay tribute on October 20, 2020 Hundreds of people gather on Republique square during a demonstration Sunday Oct. 18, 2020 in Paris in support of freedom of speech and to pay tribute to a French history teacher who was beheaded near Paris The Aftermath Paty's murder horrified France. Mass protests erupted in the days after his death with tens of thousands of people taking to city streets, particularly in the capital, to mourn his death and demonstrate against Islamic extremism. Social media campaigns were also launched, styled on the #JeSuisCharlie movement that swept France following the 2015 Charlie Hebdo attacks, in support of free speech and secularism. President Emmanuel Macron visited Paty's school and declared that 'our compatriot was killed for teaching children freedom of speech'. He later paid respects at the teacher's coffin and delivered a rousing speech on the steps of the Elysee Palace in which he declared Paty 'the face of the Republic, of our desire to crush terrorism, to push back the Islamists, and to live as a community of free citizens in our country'. Paty's killing even sparked a change in legislation, with the French government adopting new laws months after his death that granted authorities more powers to crack down on extremism, investigate suspicious religious funding and close down places of worship if they are found to have promoted hate or violence. Meanwhile, after extensive investigations, Chnina's daughter went on trial last year along with five co-defendants, all of whom were aged 14-15 at the time of Paty's slaying, for their involvement in the case. Five of the six received little more than a slap on the wrist, having been handed suspended sentences. The schoolgirl who invented the lie was placed on 18 months' probation for the slanderous allegations she made against Paty that ultimately proved the catalyst for his murder. Only one of the pupils received a six-month term with an electronic tag after being identified as the person who identified Paty to Anzorov. The schoolgirl concluded her testimony in court yesterday with a tearful apology to Samuel Paty's family - sisters Mickaelle and Gaelle and mother Bernadette. 'I know it's hard to hear, but I wanted to apologise... I wanted to apologise sincerely. I'm sorry for destroying your life,' she reportedly said through tears. 'I apologise for my lie that brought us all back here,' she added, admitting to those in attendance, including the accused: 'Without me, no one would be here.' The words will offer little comfort to the family of Paty, even as his memory lives on in France and beyond as a champion of free speech and a hero in the fight against extremism. The trial of her father and the seven other adults suspected of involvement in Paty's gruesome death is set to conclude on December 20. For backpackers and gap-year students, the Banana Pancake Trail has become an unmissable part of any trip to south-east Asia. It's named after the breakfast typically served up to foreigners, and of all the stop-offs along the route, one of the most popular is the party town of Vang Vieng, in the heart of communist Laos. But here the food on offer in some of its cafes and bars is of a very different nature to normal tourist fare. In place of pancakes there are hallucinogenic mushroom milkshakes, garlic bread laced with cannabis butter, and marijuana-infused pizzas all for just 3.50 a go. For those who prefer their narcotics straight up, LSD, amphetamines, opium, ecstasy and cocaine can also be purchased. Given that Laos is a country where drugs are illegal, it's fair to say that the seedy side of this small settlement is not one that is widely publicised. Indeed, in recent years the government has been trying to promote Vang Vieng as an up-market eco resort. But in the wake of recent events, the chances of a successful relaunch look fleetingly slim. Because last month, six foreign visitors to the town five young women and one man died. British lawyer Simone White, 28, who died from methanol poisoning last month in Laos The cause? Methanol poisoning from tainted alcoholic drinks. Just 4ml of the substance can cause blindness. A 30ml measure the size of a UK shot can be lethal. Methanol is a potentially deadly chemical that frequently occurs as a by-product in home-brewed alcohol or which is sometimes added to bootleg drinks to make them stronger. All of the deceased, including 28-year-old British lawyer Simone White, are believed to have consumed vodka served at the 6-a-night Nana Backpacker Hostel, which is famed for its legendary happy hours. A 57-year-old American was found dead in his bedroom at the hostel on November 13. On the same morning, two Danish friends, aged 20 and 21, were taken to hospital. Two Australians, both aged 19, followed, as did Simone White. Tragically, despite receiving medical treatment, in the days that followed all would die. A further dozen required hospital treatment but survived. In an interview yesterday, Simone's grieving mother Sue described her beloved daughter's death as 'the worst experience of my life. There are no words, really'. Warning travellers about the potential dangers of drinks abroad, she said: 'Simone was a university educated, highly intelligent person. If it can happen to her, it can happen to anybody.' Last week the manager and seven staff from the hostel were arrested and taken in to custody, with the Laos government vowing 'to bring the perpetrators to justice'. 'The [government] reaffirms that it always attaches importance and pays attention to the safety of both domestic and foreign tourists,' a spokesperson said. Fine words but, as the Daily Mail today reveals, ones that ring hollow to those who have seen their lives, liberty and welfare put on the line while visiting Vang Vieng. Tourists have told the Mail how they too have fallen foul of adulterated alcohol and spiked drinks that have seen them lose their vision or rendered them unconscious and vulnerable to accidents and sexual assault. Yet just as frightening, they say, was the attitude of local police. Many tourists we spoke to questioned their ability to properly investigate the latest deaths claiming to have been preyed upon by corrupt officers who, it is alleged, routinely round up Westerners, confiscate their passports and demand hundreds of pounds in cash. Speaking exclusively to the Mail, three travellers described their experiences in Vang Vieng two years ago. Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng is under investigation Lee Bartlett, on a tubing trip on the Nam Song river, died suddenly at Nanas five years ago They'd booked a 'tubing' trip down the Nam Song River a popular attraction where groups of tourists clamber on to huge truck inner tubes and float downstream, stopping off for drinks at bars along the way: basically, a pub crawl on water, as one put it. 'They give you a small, plastic bucket and at each bar you can fill it up with what are supposedly cocktails,' said the man, in his mid-20s, who asked not to be named. 'After we had finished, me and one of the guys went to a restaurant and he just completely passed out. His head was on the table and he was out of it ... I was feeling for a pulse. I think his drink was spiked. What would have happened if he had been on the river when he lost consciousness?' Fortunately, his friend recovered, but a brush with the local police later on during their trip was equally terrifying. The three visited a music festival, where one of their number was attacked by a group of locals. When they tried to report the incident, a police officer pulled a gun on them and took them to the station. 'The police said that we had been sexually assaulting girls and these guys had been trying to protect them,' the man said. 'They told us to hand over our passports and then wanted money to give them back. 'In the end a member of staff from our hotel came down and told police we wouldn't sign the 'confession' they had prepared for us. They were trying to find a reason to hold us and then to extort money from us.' The man added: 'And these are the same people who are supposedly going to be investigating these awful recent deaths.' Located 80 miles from the capital of Laos, Vang Vieng's transformation from a small farming community to a hedonistic party hub began as the country opened up to international tourism in the late 1990s. Unsurprisingly, however, the combination of open water and plentiful alcohol and drugs was a recipe for disaster, with 27 people drowning in 2011 alone. At one stage ten backpackers a day were seeking treatment at the local hospital with broken bones or infected gashes, or sickness caused by alcohol or other drugs. The high death toll prompted a crackdown on bars and a temporary tubing ban the following year. But the tragedies did little to dent the town's popularity, and until recently, the go-to accommodation was Nana's, where 6 buys backpackers a night in a room with 12 to 20 beds and a shared bathroom and as much booze as they can handle. 'Every night from 8pm to 10pm you get free whisky or free vodka,' one 18-year-old student told the Mail. 'It's a way of socialising and a massive attraction, and people from other hostels will come and join in.' While she did not have any adverse reaction to the alcohol, others noticed that it tasted unlike any spirits they had drunk before. 'I can still remember my first sip it was so awful I almost gagged,' said another 19-year-old gap-year traveller who was there in April. 'By the third glass I couldn't take any more I felt nauseous, bloated and was sweating heavily. One of my friends was violently sick later that night and we all woke up with sore throats, burned by whatever it was we had drunk. From then on we didn't touch it again.' While the manager of the hostel has insisted there was nothing wrong with the alcohol served even theatrically downing glasses of vodka in front of visiting journalists the investigation into the deaths appears to be firmly focused on the venue. Lee, a roofer from Rhoose near Barry, south-west Wales, who'd hoped to join the Navy, was found unresponsive in his bed by a friend in the early hours of one morning in May 2019 Last week British traveller Lucy Davison, who was with her boyfriend, told of her lucky escape after visiting the hostel at the same time as those who died. 'I would just not want anyone to go through what me and my partner have had to go through because it's literally been the worst two weeks of our lives,' she said in a video posted on TikTok. She explained that while at Nana's she and a group of ten had shared a bottle of free vodka. 'It wasn't until 15 hours later that my symptoms started to kick in, which were extreme tiredness; I was practically asleep for the whole day,' Ms Davison said. 'I was violently throwing up, I had vision impairment, like I could barely see, it was like bright lights, and high fever.' Ms Davison's boyfriend rushed her to Vientiane, the capital, where she was placed in an intensive care unit for 24 hours and where, she believes, the doctors and nurses saved her life. One British family is now calling for the circumstances of their 19-year-old son Lee Bartlett's sudden death at the hostel five years ago to be looked at again. They say there was no proper investigation at the time and they fear he may also have been a victim of methanol poisoning. 'We never saw anything from the police in Laos,' Mark Bartlett, 57, told The Sun newspaper. 'They just classed it as sudden death a natural thing. They don't really investigate anything they just accept that these things happen and move on. 'Lee was a fit and healthy guy, so there was no real reason why he would suddenly die. We've always thought that there was something not quite right.' Lee, a roofer from Rhoose near Barry, south-west Wales, who'd hoped to join the Navy, was found unresponsive in his bed by a friend in the early hours of one morning in May 2019. Another traveller, who was staying in the hostel at the time as Lee, described how he was instructed by staff to help move the teen's body out of the building and into a tuk-tuk to be taken to hospital. The 42-year-old, who asked to remain anonymous, said local police didn't turn up for five hours, and then didn't bother to interview him or any of the other guests. Lee's death was simply 'brushed over' he said. An inquest at Pontypridd Coroners' Court heard how Lee had not suffered any injuries and there was no evidence of assault or restraint, and was unable to determine a cause of death due to 'insufficient evidence'. Until the events of this week, it seems that concerning incidents were commonplace at Nana's. A trainee solicitor described how his last memory of a visit to the hostel in 2019 was drinking two free shots of whisky at the bar. When he woke up the next morning, he believed he had been sexually assaulted and realised his money was missing. 'I felt upset and angry at the hostel,' he said. 'But when I spoke to the staff about the assault, I remember being laughed at.' Others to have fallen foul of the police while in Vang Vieng include a British video blogger who calls himself Global Treats. The man, who asked the Mail not to identify him by his real name, told how a visit to one of the town's bars in 2022 also ended up at a police station. 'We went down to a 'happy bar',' he said. 'What that means is that you order a beer and then they pull out a menu from under the counter, with all the drugs everything from cannabis to opium for sale.' A couple from his group bought a cannabis joint which they partly smoked in the bar before all left to return to their accommodation. What they did not realise was that they were being followed. Back at their hostel, police told the men they were under arrest, forcing them into the back of a pick-up. Four of them had their passports confiscated. 'The police said you have two choices you can either go straight to jail, no trial, no anything, you will literally get chucked in a jail for ten years or you can pay us 5,000,000 Kit [181] and this problem will go away.' They were then handed a map showing the location of the nearest cash point machines. 'They had no choice,' he said. 'They gave their money to the policeman who, with no shame, shared it among the staff and the people who had arrested us the night before. ' Whether or not the latest deaths will prompt the authorities to act only time will tell. Back in Vang Vieng and with Nana's now closed and the news of the deaths having spread, other businesses are already seeing reduced visitor numbers. A French bar owner, who has lived in Vang Vieng for over two decades, believes that the international attention will give the authorities 'good reason' to accelerate investment to transform the town's image. 'Yeah, progress is slow, but this crisis may push Vang Vieng towards a more upscale, regulated tourism destination,' he says. Something that those who have had the misfortune to fall foul of the town's darker side believe is long overdue. Dawn breaks mistily over Mazan and in a cobbled square three patients huddle outside a GP's surgery. As the church bells clang, the man they have come to see steps jauntily out of his black Vauxhall Zafira. Balding, late-middle-aged, with a leather bag slung over the shoulder of his anorak, he could be any small-town French doctor arriving for his early morning consultations. He has not been seen in the sensational court case fast-reaching its denouement in Avignon, 40 miles south-west of here, nor will he be called as a witness in the rape trial of the century. Nor has Dr Daniel Turturica been interviewed by investigators, for when police raided the hilltop surgery that he shares with his wife and seized the medical files of the chief defendant, Dominique Pelicot, he maintained his silence, citing patient confidentiality. Indeed, until I tracked down the Romanian-born GP and spoke to him last week, he had managed to remain faceless and anonymous. Yet the 369-page file presented to the court by the investigating magistrate reveals him to be an integral figure in the case. For it was this local doctor whom Pelicot feigning chronic insomnia duped into prescribing the tranquilisers that he used to render his wife, Gisele, unconscious, so that strangers could sneak into their house and rape her. In truth, Pelicot suffered from sleep apnoea, a condition that would have made it dangerous for him to take the sedatives he secretly fed to her: zolpidem and lorazepam, an anti-anxiety drug branded Temesta in France. However, he kept this from Dr Turturica and for years deceived the doctor into prescribing him hundreds of these benzodiazepines, which he stockpiled and crushed into Gisele's evening meals. Thereafter she slid into unconsciousness and her husband welcomed strangers into her bedroom to rape her. David Jones talks to Dr Daniel Turturica outside his surgery in the town of Mazan David Jones tracked down the Romanian-born GP and spoke to him last week So these powerful pills served as Pelicot's evil elixir: as vital, in his chosen form of chemically induced rape, as a knife is to the brutal sex attacker who sets upon his victim in some darkened back-alley. Without obtaining them freely, in huge quantities, he could not have sent Gisele into such a deep coma that he was able to carry her to bed, remove her nightclothes and garb her in lingerie for the rapists' twisted pleasure, all without her knowing. Without these pills she would surely have woken up as the men who violated her 50 of whom are now on trial treated her like a rag doll. She was so deeply asleep when one man attacked her that he thought she might be dead. Pelicot has also admitted giving some of the drugs to three of the rapists so that they could abuse their partners in the same way. It follows, then, that the doctor who prescribed this despicable man with the most crucial weapon in his armoury sits at the heart of this grim story, unwitting as his role may have been. Had Pelicot been on trial in Britain, the court might well have decided to overrule Dr Turturica's right to medical confidentiality, given the gravity of the charges. His professional body might also have required him to account for his actions for in parts of the court file it is claimed that this doctor acted unlawfully in prescribing zolpidem for so long by way of a repeat prescription. This 'Z-family' sleeping pill is highly addictive and the French medical authorities state that it should only be dispensed for 28 days without a fresh consultation. But on March 3, 2020, investigators allege, Dr Turturica signed off three boxes of the drug to Pelicot, and his prescription was renewable three times, which 'was not legally possible', investigators claim. They also allegedly found proof that the doctor wrote Pelicot scripts for at least 780 Temesta pills, at the maximum strength of 2.5mg, but they have extrapolated that he might have received as many as 1,520 of these tablets. Dr Turturica issued the first prescription on October 8, 2013, just six months after the Pelicots then in their early-60s moved from the Paris region to their retirement chalet in Mazan. He handed out Pelicot's final prescription on October 28, 2020, six weeks after he was arrested for taking mobile phone photos up women's skirts in a grocery shop, prompting the investigation that revealed him to have been drugging and filming his wife being raped. Dominique Pelicot used tranquilisers to render his wife, Gisele, unconscious, so that strangers could sneak into their house and rape her Gisele Pelicot was the victim of her husband's crimes for years - he would stockpile the tranquilisers and crush them into Gisele's evening meals Additionally, Dr Turturica was found to have given Pelicot 193 Viagra pills at a strength of 100mg five times the recommended dose. As we now know, he used these to boost his libido before joining in the attacks. Investigators say that Pelicot's medical records did not explain why these drugs were dispensed. When questioned, he told them Temesta had been recommended to him as a strong and reliable sedative by a nurse, whom he met in one of the perverted chatrooms where he recruited men to abuse Gisele. Toxicology tests using strands of his hair established that he hadn't taken the sleeping drugs himself. However, when samples of Gisele's hair were analysed, she was found to have ingested them in dangerously high doses. When Pelicot was interviewed by investigators for the first time, he admitted to crushing ten Temesta tablets into her food before the rapes were perpetrated: a dose of 25mg. Experts from France's National Institute of Scientific Police (INPS) say this 'massive intake' could have proved fatal. Mindful, perhaps, that his admission had laid him open to even more serious charges, Pelicot subsequently revised his story, claiming he had drugged Gisele with only three Temesta tablets at a time. He therefore felt he 'had not put her life at risk'. Whatever the truth, it might have assisted the court to learn more about his acquisition and use of these drugs some of which were found hidden in one of his walking boots in the garage from the man who prescribed them. As this landmark trial is awakening France to the spiralling prevalence of chemical rape, and prescription drugs are being used in many of these attacks, Dr Turturica's testimony could also have been in the public interest. Instead, we are left with the brief exclusive interview he allowed me last week, when I approached him at his surgery. The clear purpose of this was to exonerate himself. In the immortal words of French songstress Edith Piaf: 'Je ne regrette rien.' 'Yes, M. Pelicot was my patient and came to my surgery for his problem [insomnia] but for such a request we don't have the possibility to check whether it's genuine,' he said, his Romanian accent still heavy after 30 years in Mazan. 'If someone comes and says they have a sore throat, how can I know whether that's true? If someone asks for sleeping pills, I can't verify whether he has insomnia or not. 'I'm obliged to prescribe medication in the doses recommended. Insomnia is generally chronic and can last for many years. The prescriptions were within the valid limits. Zolpidem is not limited in time. No, no! It's not illegal.' He paused and shrugged. 'Anyway, if I don't prescribe [these drugs] he just gets them from a psychiatrist or someone else. It might be a case in a million or 30 million where someone uses medicine for this purpose. It's unique.' The Pelicots' home in the village of Mazan in France. It has been branded a 'house of horrors' While Dr Turturica has not appeared in court, among Mazan's 4,000 residents who are served by only three family doctors his involvement in the case is well known. How, then, do locals in this insular little town regard him? Kindly and respectfully, he assures me, nonchalantly remarking that some of the people who attend his surgery have relatives among the 50 accused rapists. Dr Turturica's online 36 patient reviews are decidedly mixed and his rating is only 2.5 stars out of five, below those of Mazan's other two doctors, one of whom gets top marks. 'Makes you wait for an hour to tell you in 30 seconds that he can't help you,' writes one patient, Salome Richaud, who consulted the doctor when suffering depression because she couldn't conceive. Now recovered and the mother of a baby boy, Ms Richaud, 24, tells me the doctor suggested she should 'adopt an animal' to ease her suffering. She refused to pay his fee. However, an anonymous new patient praises Dr Turturica as an 'old school doctor' who 'takes the time to listen'. Another says that while he can 'seem a little cold at first' he has always been 'a big help'. Whatever his pluses and minuses, he certainly proved very helpful to Dominique Pelicot. Before he hurried away, I asked him whether he thought it strange that a self-proclaimed insomniac in his mid-60s had also requested fistfuls of super-strength Viagra. With a disquieting grin he replied: 'Excuse me, it's not necessary to have sex at night. It's possible during the day.' As Pelicot's lawyer, Beatrice Zavarro, told me during a court recess on Thursday, in French law Dr Turturica's right to silence prevented the parties in this case 'going after him'. But in any case, she would not have done so, because it would not have helped her case. Mme Zavarro lays no blame at the doctor's door. 'It's not a question of irresponsibility,' she said. 'These drugs were not compatible with Dominique Pelicot's sleep apnoea. 'He [Dr Turturica] didn't realise that and he didn't try to find out. But a doctor can't guess if a patient doesn't tell them.' The prosecution file states that, under questioning by investigators, Pelicot 'affirmed that the doctor had not been his accomplice'. Nobody has suggested such a thing. Nonetheless, the ease with which he was deceived concerns Dr Bernard Arbomont, president of the Vaucluse department Ordre des Medecins, the body that oversees the department's doctors. 'I did ask myself the question as to how this gentleman procured the medicine,' he told the Mail, affirming that under French guidelines zolpidem should only be prescribed for four weeks without the patient being re-examined. But he said the task of monitoring doctors for possible over-prescribing fell to CPAM, the social security organisation that manages French health expenses, and in Pelicot's case it appeared not to have been flagged up. 'This is not a frequent occurrence but I think that unfortunately it was not an isolated case,' Dr Arbomont said worryingly, adding that where doctors were reported to his organisation they would be called to account. Among close observers of the trial, there are those who believe that ought to have happened here. 'I don't know how Pelicot got past the doctor, the pharmacist, the whole chain. It's incomprehensible,' said an 80-year-old woman named Aline, who regularly sits in the court overflow room with dozens of onlookers, including sexual abuse victims and campaigners. 'Normally this type of medical professional is very vigilant. I think this aspect of the case should be investigated.' Assuming Dr Turturica's records are accurate, Madame Pelicot attended his surgery just once during her seven years in Mazan, after injuring her ankle. Given that her body and mind were slowly being destroyed by her husband's pills, we might wonder why she didn't consult him more often. Perhaps she simply preferred to see a different doctor, but as the abuse wore on and her condition worsened, she was referred to specialists. Totally losing her memory for protracted periods, descending into robotic trances when dining with friends, afraid to drive or even catch a train unaccompanied, she feared she was suffering from Alzheimer's disease. She lost more than two stone, felt anxious and perpetually exhausted, and was inexplicably diagnosed with four sexually transmitted diseases. By late October 2020, when a sharp-eyed security guard spotted Pelicot pointing his phone up the skirts of female shoppers, her health was in tatters. As we have seen these past three months, Gisele Pelicot is possessed of enormous courage and strength. But who knows how long she would have survived had her plausible husband continued to dupe his doubtless well-meaning, but seemingly gullible, doctor? Tough tests must be introduced urgently to weed out growing numbers of migrants who are posing as children, ministers were urged last night. Under a law passed by the Tories earlier this year, the Home Office has the power to carry out scientific checks on those who cross the Channel by dinghy and claim to be under 18. Officials can use X-rays to inspect new arrivals teeth or hand, leg and collar bones to determine their real age and ensure adults are not wrongly treated as children and placed in schools. But the tests have not yet been used and it is unclear if the Labour Government will ever allow them to take place, with immigration officers currently giving migrants the benefit of the doubt unless the individual looks and acts much older than 18. It comes despite Immigration Minister Dame Angela Eagle admitting that one in five people arriving in Britain by small boat now claims to be a child and that the signal has gone out that doing so means they can get a better deal. And the latest official figures show that more of those who had their age assessed turned out to be adults than children. Of the 1,461 age assessments carried out in the three months to June, in 757 cases the migrants were resolved to be over 18 and only in 704 cases were they deemed to be Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children, entitling them to local authority support as well as a school place. Last night Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, who served as immigration minister in Boris Johnsons administration, told the Mail: The Home Office needs to urgently implement scientific age assessment. I initiated this process four years ago and the regulations came into force in January Labour must implement these immediately as we are the only European country not to use scientific age assessment. Migrants are helped ashore by an RNLI lifeboat in Dungeness. Ministers are being advised to introduce tough tests to weed out growing numbers of migrants claiming to be children Immigration Minister Dame Angela Eagle has admitted that one in five people arriving in Britain by small boat now claims to be a child Our system is routinely abused by illegal immigrants falsely claiming to be under the age of 18. This is an abuse of our system, putting pressure on services and leading to safeguarding risks when young males are place in school settings. A senior borders source agreed: Its self-evident that people are gaming the system. When you get a 23-year-old man being taught alongside 13-year-olds, it obviously leads to a safeguarding nightmare. But officials who are governed by the requirements of the Childrens Act always have to err on the side of caution. And many migrants are all too aware of that. The risks of the current system were illustrated recently in the horrific case of an asylum seeker who falsely claimed to be 14 before murdering an aspiring Royal Marine. Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai arrived in the UK hidden in a ferry in 2019 and no assessment was carried out of his age, although checks of his fingerprints with other countries would have revealed questions about how old he really was. A dentist was said to have raised concerns he was older than he said but an assessment was not carried out. Meanwhile he was allowed to attend secondary school in Dorset where he was said to have chased another pupil with a knife. Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai (pictured) arrived in the UK hidden in a ferry in 2019 and no assessment was carried out of his age. He later stabbed to death Tom Roberts, 21 outside a takeaway He then stabbed to death Tom Roberts, 21, who was acting as a peacemaker in a row between his friend and the Afghan migrant outside a takeaway. Afterwards it emerged that Abdulrahimzai, who was actually 19, had previously been convicted of a double homicide in Serbia. Dame Angela said in a recent Parliamentary written question: We are committed to strengthening our age assessment process. We are taking a holistic approach to prevent adults claiming to be children or children being wrongly treated as adults - as both present serious safeguarding risks to children. MBABANE A taxi driver died after being brutally stabbed 18 times at Fairview South, by people he was transporting last Wednesday night. Sandile Dlamini, aged 54, was reportedly stabbed all over the body. According to sources, Dlamini received a call after a client had been referred to him. The deceased used the Bhunu Mall, opposite Standard Bank, as his taxi stand. The supposed customer, who is now a suspect, is said to have sought Dlaminis services, to chauffer him from Fairview South to New Village, Matsapha. Fairview South is a township located just less than four kilometres from the Manzini Central Business District (CBD),while New Village is about seven kilometres away. It was claimed that during a telephonic communication between Dlamini and his supposed client, the former had requested that the suspect walk to the main road as the terrain where he had wanted to be fetched from is in bad shape for him to drive through. Sources claimed that the pair met and the client requested that they go via New Village and proceeded to Magevini in Matsapha, which is about eight kilometres from Manzini CBD. At Magevini, it is claimed that the suspect had requested that they pick-up his acquaintance, who they later drove with to Fairview South. The sources also claimed that the taximan adhered to their instructions; however, their suspicions are that the trio disagreed when he sought his fare for the trips he had with the pair. It was claimed that the pair stabbed Dlamini all over the body, about 18 times, and it is suspected that they also took an undisclosed amount of his daily earnings. The sources said the mystery was that the deceaseds mobile phones were left in the car and in a normal robbery, the phones would have been stolen. Colleagues It is worth noting that there are contrasting versions of where the deceased was murdered, as some of his colleagues suspect that he was killed at Fairview South and dumped there. Another version is that he was supposedly murdered at New Village and his body dumped at Fairview South. A relative to the taxi man said: We are distraught by this incident as he was a humble soul. The deceaseds next-of-kin said he received a call on Thursday morning, informing him that Dlamini had passed on after being stabbed all over the body. He alleged that Dlamini was stabbed 18 times. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, confirmed the murder and arrest. She said on Thursday, a 22-year-old man of New Village was arrested and charged with murder after a 54-year-old man of Maliyaduma was found dead inside a car, with multiple stab wounds all over the body while at Fairview South. She said the deceased was found at around 4:40am. Meanwhile, this publication has it in authority that the suspect in this murder was out on bail for criminal offences linked to money laundering. He is said to be one of the accused people, who were paraded at Manzini Magistrates Court for partaking in the facata scam. On the other hand, there has been a number of violent cases where taxi men were brutally murdered by their supposed clients. Among them is Majahonke Vilane, (36).Also killed was Sabelo Phiri. Meanwhile, taxi operators in Manzini have expressed deep concern for their safety, citing the inherent risks associated with their profession. They argue that the industry lacks adequate protection measures, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. One operator explained that while they maintain good relationships with loyal customers, the constant need to earn a living compels them to agree to journeys from unknown passengers, often to unfamiliar locations. We fear for our lives because if youre targeted, theres little chance of survival, he said. The industry has called on government to consider issuing provisional firearm licences to taxi drivers, allowing them to defend themselves against potential threats. However, they emphasised the importance of strict regulations to prevent misuse of such licenses. It is worth noting that in a recent report, taxi operators, who are known to carry dangerous weapons in their vehicles, revealed that it was for their protection. They are known to carry slashers, bush knives, home-made spears and dangerous knives and these weapons are usually placed at the back of the drivers seat. The taxi drivers said they carry such weapons to defend themselves from violent customers. The taxi men said they had also been hijacked and kidnapped in their line of duty by criminals posing as customers. Kidnapping seems to be on the rise. One of our colleagues was recently hijacked and kidnapped by two men posing as customers at Ngwenya. Maybe if he had a weapon in his car, he could have been able to defend himself because they also assaulted him, he said. Entrepreneur Dick Smith has issued a dire warning to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and state premiers about record-high immigration levels. In an open letter published in a Sydney newspaper on Monday, Mr Smith asked the country's leaders for their population plan. He argued that Indigenous Australians sparsely settled the country and that each individual family has its own population control plan - as they choose only to have as many children as they can provide a good life. But the country itself is lacking one, he argued - with the country bringing in 500,000 migrants a year amid a rental and housing affordability crisis. 'Our original Australians lived here for 60,000 years with a population of never more than 1million,' Smith wrote. 'The First Nations people clearly knew there was a limit to growth in this finite land. Prime Minister and Premiers, do you too believe there is a limit to growth?' 'How many people can Australia give a good life to? What do you think? 30million? 100million? A billion? Entrepreneur Dick Smith has issued a dire warning to Anthony Albanese about record-high immigration levels 'Where is the extra fresh water, food and power to come from?' Mr Smith said neither the government nor the opposition had any plan to control Australia's population growth, and warned something needed to be done before it was too late. 'Up until John Howard's time, we had an approximate immigration of about 70,000 net a year for many decades, and that gave us a wonderful Australia where we could cope [and] housing was affordable,' he explained. 'That was the optimum number, about 70,000 a year, which is what I support. Now, it's around 300,000 a year, or (in the 2022-2023 financial) year, it was 500,000.' A record 518,000 people moved to Australia in the 2022-23 financial year - putting net overseas migration at levels more than double the 200,000 level of the mining boom in 2007. Until the late 1990s, annual net overseas migration levels had not soared into the six figure range and average-income workers could afford a house in Sydney - something that is impossible now on a single income. Australia's intake of skill migrants and international students almost tripled under Mr Howard's watch, with both Labor and Coalition governments since the 2000s ramping up population growth. Despite his enormous wealth, Smith admits he worries for the future of his nine grandchildren. The entrepreneur published an ad in The Daily Telegraph warning about the consequences of high immigration Australia's immigration levels have been soaring at record-high levels above 500,000 during a rental and housing affordability crisis (pictured are Sydney pedestrians) 'For the interests of our children and grandchildren, we should have a population plan. It's a dry, arid country and yes, I have no doubt we can squeeze 100 million in here, but there will be a lot of really poor people,' Mr Smith said. 'They'll be crammed like termites and battery hens into high rises. We're already building our first high rise schools so they won't even have a school yard to play in. 'So with a country that's got so much open space, we will end up with termite mounds and it will be a huge leap backwards because of our own stupidity.' Australia has been in a per capita recession since early 2023 where output for every Australian has been going backwards. Despite the population influx, the economy is growing at the slowest annual pace since the 1991 recession. The 1 per cent expansion in gross domestic product is also half the population growth pace of 2.3 per cent. Labour has launched more than 60 reviews since winning the election, it has emerged. Analysis by Sky News identified 61 reviews, consultations and taskforces set up by Sir Keir Starmers Government. With 150 days having passed since the election, it means a different appraisal was set up every two and a half days. They range from a major Strategic Defence Review to a probe into whether or not the sugar tax should be imposed on milkshakes. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government alone has begun eight separate inquiries, covering proposed reforms to the Right to Buy council houses, changes to the Local Government Pensions Scheme and a taskforce on New Towns. And the Home Office has launched seven, from the definition of ninja swords to a rapid analytical sprint on extremism. Last night ministers were accused of putting off crucial decisions to improve public services and the economy by setting up endless talking shops. A Conservative party spokesman said: If it was not clear enough already that Labour do not have a clue what they are doing then this is it. Sir Keir Starmer's government has launched at total of 61 reviews, consultations and taskforces since taking office The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government alone has begun eight separate inquiries, including proposed reforms to Right to Buy council houses (file photo) Rather than continue the five-month-long talking shop which has seen endless dither and delay, Labour must take ownership of the problems the country is facing and get on with the job at hand. Cabinet minister Pat McFadden was confronted by the lengthy list of reviews on Sky News yesterday [sun] as Sir Keir prepares to unveil new Government targets in a Plan For Change. He insisted: We are not announcing a review this week. Were announcing a plan for change. Were announcing what we want to do to get children ready for school, to get NHS waiting lists down, to get more people the chance to have a home of their own and the other things are all set out in the plan. Asked if it would mean yet another review and another consultation, he stressed: Were not announcing reviews this week. We are announcing a plan. A lot of people are saying, we want to see your plan. Theyre going to get it this week. In a separate interview with the BBC, Mr McFadden denied the speech Sir Keir will make on Thursday amounts to a reset after a troubled start to his time in office dominated by scandals over freebies, anger from pensioners and farmers and the recent resignation of Louise Haigh over a secret fraud conviction. He said: No, weve been working on this since the early days of government. What were doing this week is setting out a plan for change over the next few years to tell the public what the key priorities are in these areas, but also to galvanise the government system because the truth is you need to drive the system if youre going to deliver for the people and thats the two purposes of the plan that were going to publish this week. But newly elected Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty asked: Isnt this what Keir Starmer promised a Labour Government would do after winning the election, not after five months of terrible policies and zero positive delivery? A young Aussie has hit out after he was denied a mortgage because he wanted to buy in a high-density area with his partner. Patrick Curtis was surprised by the rule when he and his partner were looking for an apartment in Zetland, an inner southern suburb in Sydney. 'After completing all of the steps and keeping the bank updated, including where we were looking, they assured us that everything was good,' he told NCA Newswire. 'This was until it got to the very last step and they informed us that we were unable to secure the mortgage because of it being in a high density area.' The couple were blindsided by the bank's rejection and were left feeling frustrated by the lack of communication by their lender that the rule existed. 'Not once was this mentioned by the bank until we were told about this possibility from an outside source and we had to ask,' Mr Curtis said. The couple's bank told them they would have a better chance at securing the loan if they could save a 20 per cent deposit. They were also discouraged from applying for help from the government - such as the first homebuyers assistance scheme. A young Aussie couple have hit out after they were denied a mortgage because they wanted to buy in a high-density area (stock image) Mr Curtis said he and his partner were angry, but they were also confused because it felt like the loaning rules were geared towards wealthy people buying property. The couple changed banks and secured a loan from their new lender. Money.com.au mortgage expert and Soren Financial director Mansour Soltani told Daily Mail Australia every lender does a 'risk analysis for every suburb' and works out how much risk they are willing to expose themselves to in an area. '(They will look at) high density of apartments and lenders will ask for a larger deposit,' he said. 'Generally this is if the apartment block is over ten floors and the entire suburb is covered in apartments - think Zetland in Sydney or Docklands in Melbourne.' Mr Soltani said banks also look at mitigating natural disasters, such as flood zones, and can take into account a low population and scarce employment opportunities in an area, which can make 'selling a property harder'. 'We have had cases where a bank already had too many clients in one complex and didn't want to take on anymore risk in that particular building,' he said. The mortgage expert said that banks are also wary about small square footage, generally seen in studio apartments, and can require a bigger deposit if a property is under 50sqm. Patrick Curtis was surprised by the rule when he and his partner were looking for an apartment to buy in Zetland, in inner Sydney (stock image) 'It depends on the lender, they are all independent businesses with their own risk appetites, but generally they won't lend for a studio because its harder to sell,' he said. Mr Soltani said buyers can navigate their lender's 'risk appetite' by getting their broker or bank to check a suburb up front if they are interested in that area. Although it would be ideal for banks to tell borrowers upfront all the caveats they have, it isn't always practical. 'It's hard because people aim for certain suburbs but don't always buy there, its just best for borrowers to check,' he said. 'A good broker will do these checks upfront.' The home loan expert recommends first home buyers be in 'constant communication' with their broker or lender to make sure they are 'comfortable' with the property they are keen to put an offer on. 'That way you avoid issues,' he said. '(But) just remember, just because one bank said no doesn't mean others will.' A California man has been arrested for raping a quadriplegic woman inside of her apartment 24 years after the abominable crime took place. Michael Lamonte Evans, 50, has been accused of breaking into a woman's East Bay home and sexually assaulting her on December 6, 2000. The victim - who was paralyzed from the neck down - was asleep and home alone when the aggressor crept in through her apartment's sliding back door, Concord police Sergeant Chris Souza told The Sacramento Bee. But the case 'went cold' after DNA samples collected at the time did not lead to any arrests, according to a statement from the Concord Police Department. The samples were entered into a national database. The department announced on Wednesday that the Special Victim's Unit discovered that Evans' DNA matched the collections from over two decades ago. Evans, a Los Angeles resident, was already in Los Angeles County's custody for an unrelated parole violation. His DNA was added to the database earlier this year after he was arrested for another sex crime, The Sacramento Bee reported. He was charged with forcible rape by the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office and his bail has been set at $1 million. Evans is going to be extradited to Contra Costa County to face his charges, the department said. Michael Lamonte Evans, 50, has been accused of coming in through the quadriplegic victim's back door and raping her on December 6, 2000 (stock image) 'We are deeply saddened that the victim in this case passed away several years ago,' the department wrote. 'We extend our gratitude to her friends and family, whose support and assistance was extremely important in this investigation.' The vulnerable woman passed away in 2015 for unknown reasons. Souza said 'this crime was particularly heinous' because she 'had no way of defending herself,' according to The Sacramento Bee. In a strikingly similar crime, a Utah man pleaded guilty to repeatedly raping his disabled stepdaughter earlier this year. Brian Kenneth Urban, 52, was caught on camera as he brutally assaulting Ashley Vigil, 31. The woman died weeks after Urban pleaded guilty in April. Vigil had a rare genetic condition called Rett syndrome that hinders brain development. Less than 1,000 people have it in the US - almost everyone with the disorder is a female. The Contra Costa District Attorney's Office charged Evans with forcible rape, the Concord Police Department announced on Wednesday Before this horrifying attack, a Haitian migrant was charged with raping a disabled teenage girl at a Boston shelter in March. Cory Alvarez, 26, was charged with child rape after he arrived in America through President Joe Biden's Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan (CHNV) parole program. Alvarez pleaded not guilty to aggravated rape of a child. He had entered the country through the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan (CHNV) parole processes. Los Angeles police have determined that missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi 'intentionally' missed her flight to New York City - though her family says she would never do that. The 30-year-old disappeared from the streets of downtown Los Angeles after missing a connecting flight from her native Maui to the Big Apple on November 8. She had earlier sent a friend a text message saying she had a 'spiritual awakening' and was later seen in the company of a mystery man on November 11. The Kobayashi family has repeatedly said she did not seem to be acting like her normal self - with her sister, Sydni, even suggesting that Hannah's text messages 'feel like someone was controlling her.' But at a Board of Police Commissioners meeting on November 26, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said 'the investigation determined' that Hannah's missed connection 'was intentional.' 'On November 15, our missing persons unit assumed investigative responsibility,' he said. 'Detectives have been diligently reviewing video surveillance and employing various investigative techniques to locate Hannah, while her family has continued their personal search efforts.' He went on to say that the LAPD remains 'committed to locating Hannah and supporting the family as they navigate their way through this tragedy,' especially following the death of Hannah's father, Ryan. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell announced at a Board of Police Commissioners meeting on November 26 that missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi (pictured) 'intentionally' missed her connection to New York City on November 8 Yet Kobayashi's family said the police chief had never actually told them about the evidence that she 'intentionally' missed her flight, with Sydni suggesting there was no evidence. She claimed in a statement on social media that the family was 'unaware of the alleged findings presented at the Los Angeles Police Commission meeting until multiple videos of the meeting were sent to us by multiple citizens,' PEOPLE reports. 'These alleged findings have yet to be relayed to my mother and I directly from the Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department or any detective involved in Hannah's case.' She and her mother, Brandi Yee, also claimed that certain details McDonnell shared about the case at the meeting were inaccurate. 'Specific facts contained in that report were inaccurate, such as Hannah's age. Hannah is 30 years old, not 23. Also, Hannah was reported missing to law enforcement on November 11th, not November 13th, as stated by the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. 'The lack of communication surrounding some important details has left us feeling excluded from potentially crucial developments,' Sydni argued. 'However, we do remain hopeful and optimistic that the Los Angeles Police Department is doing everything in their power to assist us in locating Hannah. Sydni also hit out at the report to Hawaii News Now, saying the police chief 'kind of seems to state it [as if] she went out and about to do her own thing,' which may discourage people from searching for her. Her sister, Sydni, hit out at the claims, saying she would have revealed herself following the death of their father, Ryan Kobayashi (pictured) Ryan spent nearly two weeks searching for his missing daughter before he took his own life 'I don't want to bash the LAPD. I don't want to discredit them if they are doing what they are doing,' she said. 'But at this time, it makes us very confused as to where they are at.' Sydni also said she continues to believe Hannah is in danger, noting that even if her sister decided to go off-grid, she would have reached out after her father - who spent nearly two weeks looking for her - committed suicide. 'With my father's passing, with it being everywhere, in her right state of mind, she would have never thought to not reach out to anybody,' Sydni said. She had previously shared similar sentiments with NewsNation, as she shared her concerns with Cuomo's guest host, Brian Entin, that Hannah may have been taken out of California. 'Intuitively knowing her and being so close to her my entire life, I just know this is absolutely not like her,' the worried sister said. She went on to say she is convinced Hannah wouldn't have ran away and was 'an amazing and beautiful person.' Sydni says she is convinced Hannah wouldn't have ran away, describing her sister as 'an amazing and beautiful person' Kobayashi was caught on security camera footage disembarking a plane at LAX 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. Her ex-boyfriend was also onboard that flight, after booking flights for the two of them before they split up. She was due to take a connecting flight at 11pm, however she never made it, while her ex continued to New York. He is now cooperating with police. The following day, Kobayashi was spotted at The Grove shopping mall between midday and 3pm. 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. Kobayashi, 30, was caught on security camera footage disembarking a plane at LAX just before 10pm on November 8 Kobayashi also shared a post on her Instagram from the event with an eye emoji as the caption. In a YouTube video outside of an event in Los Angeles on November 10, Hannah could also 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. 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. The family explained that Kobayashi sent some cryptic text messages and Venmo payments to people they didn't recognize before and after her disappearance. One payment was sent at 6:25pm on November 9 to a person named 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.' Her family has said she was acting suspiciously before and after her disappearance Hannah sent two people money on Venmo after missing her flight to New York The recipients' relationship with Hannah is not currently known, but the missing woman's family told the Sun that the LAPD is investigating the matter. Hannah had also 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. In another, she claimed: 'Deep Hackers wiped my identity, stole all of my funds, & have had me on a mind f**k since Friday.' A third text message to a friend said she was 'tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds for someone I thought I love.' A missing-persons poster also notes: '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.' One of Hannah's friends received strange texts from Kobayashi's phone - indicating that she may be in trouble 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. Kobayashi was finally seen leaving the Metro Pico Station with the unidentified person at 10:03pm 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. DailyMail.com has reached out to the Los Angeles Police Department for comment. A bitter legal dispute over a will broke out after a beauty queen died and allowed her partner to live in her $12million home indefinitely. Gail Margaret Thelen, who represented Australia as a teenager at the Miss World pageant in London in 1974, died at the age of 65 while gravely ill in hospital on April 27, 2021. Ms Thelen had made three wills since 2014 before making a fourth and final one a week prior to her death. Her last will allowed her partner Steven Rundle Bone, 74, to live for life in her Clontarf home, in Sydney's Northern Beaches, and also gave him $1million. Ms Thelen's brother Paul Petith challenged the will and launched legal action with the NSW Supreme Court handing down its decision in December. Justice Ian Pike determined her third will, which was made in 2019, should apply and that there was no reason the Clontarf property should not be sold. The 2019 will gave $1million to Mr Bone and a one-third interest in a multimillion-dollar trust distributing income to him, Mr Petith and a third beneficiary every quarter for 20 years. Justice Pike estimated the trust to be worth $19million - a figure that included the sale of the Clontarf property. Gail Margaret Thelen, who represented Australia as a teenager at the Miss World pageant in London in 1974, died at the age of 65 while gravely ill in hospital on April 27, 2021 Her last will allowed her partner Steven Rundle Bone, 74, to live for life in her Clontarf home, in Sydney 's Northern Beaches, and also gave him $1million 'If this earns a 5 per cent return, the annual income will be approximately $960,000 and Mr Bone's share in the order of $320,000,' he said. Justice Pike noted Ms Thelen's mental health and cognition 'declined significantly' between 2019 and 2021. He said he was 'not affirmatively satisfied that Gail had capacity at the time of making the 2021 will or knew and approved the contents'. Justice Pike said Mr Bone appeared to have been 'the driving force' behind Ms Thelen changing her will and the changes benefitted him the most, however he was 'not satisfied that there was an undue influence exerted' by him. 'Gail and Mr Bone's relationship lasted for a little over six years. It was no doubt a loving and caring one which included each caring for the other,' he said. '[Ms Thelen] largely supported Mr Bone financially, particularly in the latter period of their relationship. '[He] can readily afford, out of his own existing and to be received assets, to buy or rent suitable accommodation on Sydney's north shore [befitting] his station in life, if that is what he wants to do.' The couple met while Ms Thelen was on a cruise from Barcelona to Singapore which Mr Bone was working on, providing state planning and wealth management courses to guests. The $12 million Clontarf home in Sydney's north was the centrepiece of the legal battle over her will They 'quickly formed a romantic relationship' and Mr Bone extended his time on the cruise to spend more time with his new interest after moving into her cabin for its remainder. Justice Pike noted that under the 2021 will, Mr Bone would have received 'a right to live for his life at the Clontarf property or, in effect, at an alternative home using so much of the sale price of the Clontarf property, or the rent from it, to buy/rent the alternative home'. Ms Thelen died from aspiration pneumonia, ovarian cancer and long-term severe alcohol abuse. Tributes have poured in for a 'beautiful' young woman who died suddenly at a nightclub in Belfast over the weekend. The beauty technician, who has been named locally as Chloe Ferris, tragically died in the early hours of Sunday after an incident at Lux nightclub. Emergency services were called to the club, in Dunbar Street, at 2.20am following reports that two women had fallen unconscious. Ms Ferris was pronounced dead at the scene, but the other woman, believed to be her friend, was taken to hospital for treatment. As police launched a probe into the sudden death, friends paid tribute to Ms Ferris, who was named by The Belfast Telegraph. A death notice published by Healy Brothers Funeral Directors said: 'The death has occurred of Chloe Ferris, who passed away on 1st December 2024. 'Beloved daughter of Declan and Sharon, much-loved sister of Christopher, Declan, and Barry, cherished aunt, niece, cousin, part of the 'Sister Squad,' and friend to many. R.I.P. 'Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Chloe Ferris (pictured) tragically died in the early hours of Sunday after an incident at Lux nightclub Emergency services were called to the Lux nightclub on Dunbar Street in Belfast at 2.20am 'Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on her soul. Deeply regretted by her heartbroken mother, father, and the entire family circle.' Ms Ferris was also described as 'beautiful inside and out' by friends on social media. One friend wrote: 'The nicest friend with the purest soul. Glad to have been your friend.' Another posted: 'Heartbreaking. Chloe was the most beautiful person, both inside and out. 'Thinking of her friends and family at this very sad time.' A third commented: 'Absolutely heartbreaking, our lovely student Chloe. 'Sending so much love to her family and friends.' Ms Ferris was a trainee at Enhance Belfast, a beauty training academy. The academy's owner, Shauna Fenton, told BBC News Northern Ireland: 'She was very well known. It's devastating towards all the beauty industry. 'She was just really bright and really determined. She was really ambitious, she wanted to do more, she wanted to add more onto her career. Just a lovely girl.' Ms Ferris' former primary school, St Clare's PS in Belfast, also paid tribute, saying: 'Thinking of one of our past pupils who died suddenly today, Chloe Ferris. Deepest sympathy to her mum, dad, and brothers at this heartbreaking time, from all staff, past and present.' A Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesperson said: 'Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a woman in her 20s at a night club in Belfast city centre during the early hours of this morning, Sunday 1 December. Ms Ferris was also described as 'beautiful inside and out' by friends on social media Sadly Ms Ferris could not be saved, but the other woman was taken to hospital for treatment 'Police, fire crews and paramedics were called to the venue at around 2.20am following reports that two women had fallen unconscious. 'Sadly upon the arrival of the emergency services, one of the women was found to have passed away. The other was taken to hospital where she remains undergoing treatment.' Sinn Fein MLA Orlaithi Flyn said she was 'shocked and deeply saddened' to hear of the incident. She called it an 'absolute tragedy' and expressed her condolences to the young woman's family and friends. On Monday, a spokesperson for Lux said: 'Our thoughts and sympathies are with the parents and family during this very difficult time.' They added: 'Our focus is now to help the police with their investigation and our staff wellbeing.' EXCLUSIVE A prison brochure promising 'communal-style living', a cafe for three-hour family visits and a chance to 'see the stars at night' has been produced to attract inmates to a maximum security jail. The pamphlet was printed to encourage prisoners to seek a transfer to the Hunter Correctional Centre, near the Pokolbin vineyards in the picturesque NSW Hunter Valley. Under the headline 'Welcome!' the document advises inmates in other NSW jails that Hunter Correctional Centre is 'less than two hours from Sydney' in the sprawling Cessnock prison complex. 'What sets Hunter CC apart is the open plan "dorm-style" accommodation and our aim to provide offenders with ample opportunity to pursue education, programs [and] social activities in a safe and friendly environment,' it states. According to the brochure, the 'Perks of HUN CC' include '3hr visits with access to cafe and play equipment for children' and 'access to the yard til 9pm - see the stars at night'. As well as 'communal-style living', the facility boasts 'monthly cafe buy-up and weekly meat and egg buy-up for your pod BBQ' and 'fully equipped gym with racquetball in all pod yards''. The extra 'buy-ups' - which in most jails refers to the purchase of items such as additional groceries, confectionary and toiletries - include highly coveted ASICS runners every six months. Hunter Correctional Centre houses 400 male inmates convicted of crimes including murder and child sex offences. All of its occupants are on some form of protection. A brochure promoting Hunter Correctional Centre (above) promises 'communal style living', a cafe for three-hour family visits and a chance to 'see the stars at night' Among the 'extra-curriculars' offered by the jail are traineeships, TAFE qualifications, university opportunities, fitness and nutrition courses, boot camps and yoga classes. For those with creative inclinations there are music classes and recording sessions, programs for art, pottery and craft. There is a selection of board games and the chance to work on origami. The pamphlet features a glowing review from a former inmate below the headline 'Our Past Residents Say... '. 'I've wasted a lot of my time in prison... It's the first chance I've had to actually gain something... to go back to studying, when I haven't studied since I was a teenager,' that offender states. That quote appears to have been taken from an ABC news website story about the prison published in October last year. Under another heading, 'Ready for a change?' inmates wishing a transfer to Hunter are advised to speak to the officer who deals with security classifications at their present jail. 'If the information contained in this pamphlet appeals to you, or you would like more information, refer yourself to your local Classo Officer who can provide you with information about your next steps,' it states. A Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the 'language and tone' used in the leaflet was inappropriate and the invitation would not be further used. The pamphlet has been produced to encourage prisoners to seek a transfer to the Hunter Correctional Centre (above), near the Pokolbin vineyards in the picturesque NSW Hunter Valley 'Posters and leaflets are used regularly in NSW prisons to communicate to inmates what programs, work and training opportunities are available,' the spokeswoman said. 'These types of materials are generally developed ad-hoc on a local level as needed to encourage engagement and participation. 'This leaflet was originally developed several years ago to encourage inmates to consider making an application for placement within dormitory-style accommodation. It was then updated for use at Hunter Correctional Centre. 'We accept the language and tone of the leaflet is not appropriate, and it will be removed from distribution.' The brochure was posted on The Last Governor Facebook page, which is monitored by former and serving prison officers who mocked the initiative. 'This is all well and good but what about Frequent Flyer points, or Fly Buys?' one user wrote. Other comments included, 'Are they not getting enough repeat customers?', 'I love it, how do I book a room!' and 'May as well get the inmates to do a TripAdvisor review when they leave'. Hunter Correctional Centre was recently designated a special management area prison, housing inmates at risk in the mainstream jail population. According to the brochure, 'Perks of HUN CC' include '3hr visits with access to cafe and play equipment for children' and 'access to the yard til 9pm - see the stars at night' Inmates are given comparatively more freedoms than those at most jails but are managed within a strict 'no-violence' policy. Jail authorities have previously said the dormitory-style management system has proven to lower rates of violence. One Facebook user strongly defended Hunter Correctional Centre after the brochure was revealed. 'Disappointing that some officers are also shaming programs that are set up for people to get their acts together and make something of themselves,' she wrote. 'I've visited a fair few prisons and Hunter is by far punching above its weight. 'Their security allows for no black spots and their zero-tolerance to violence ensures that prisoners who are there to get it together aren't influenced or affected by anti-social behaviour. 'I can also vouch that officer morale appears to be a lot better there - which also adds to maintaining good order.' Hunter CC opened in January 2018 as the second 'rapid-build' prison in NSW, following the establishment of Macquarie Correctional Centre at Wellington in the state's central west in December the previous year. Hunter Correctional Centre houses a range of inmates convicted of crimes including murder and sex offences. Many of its occupants are on some form of protection. 'Residents' are pictured Under the headline 'Welcome!' the document advises inmates in other NSW jails that Hunter Correctional Centre is 'less than 2 hours from Sydney' in the sprawling Cessnock prison complex Its design features four wings, each with four dormitories - or 'pods' - housing 25 inmates in office-sized cubicles. Each cubicle has a desk, chair, mattress and a 60cm interactive television. Each pod has eight bathroom cubicles which contain a toilet, sink and shower. Only one inmate is allowed in the cubicle at any time, allowing for greater privacy and security. There are more than 600 CCTV cameras watching over the entire prison with the capacity to zoom in so close the operators can read newsprint in an inmate's hands. The whole facility is controlled by a central command post from where all doors, alarms and other devices can be operated and monitored. Jail authorities touted the facility, which was built in just 12 months, as the future of rehabilitating some of the state's worst offenders. While the prison's inmates have privileges not found in other maximum security jails, they all work and undergo education programs, readying them for life outside. They are also under some of the most intense surveillance of any prison in the country and an elite armed immediate action team provides a constant response capability for any incident. At certain times within their sentence, inmates jailed in NSW can make an application for transfer to a different jail which is assessed and decided by Corrective Services. Tupperware is set to shut down its Australian operations, leaving hundreds of sales staff and warehouse workers unemployed just before Christmas. It comes after the struggling brand filed for bankruptcy in September before it was purchased by a group of lenders last month. Party Products, a company formed by the lenders, bought the global rights to the Tupperware brand name, related intellectual property, and its operations in core markets. However, Australian staff have been told the new company will shut down Australian operations and instead focus on operating Tupperware in certain core markets, including the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, Korea, India, and Malaysia. 'We've been told the new owners that have purchased Tupperware global are not proceeding with Tupperware in Australia,' a Tupperware Australia worker told 2GB host Ben Fordham. 'They're only keeping eight countries open out of 70, and unfortunately, Australia is not one of them.' The closure would leave more than 10,000 sales consultants and 300 warehouse staff without a job, according to the Tupperware worker. The 77-year-old food storage business, which has been operating in Australia since 1961, pulled out of New Zealand last year and has struggled in recent years with the demand for home products falling amid the growth of home delivery apps and the lack of engagement in their iconic Tupperware parties. Tupperware has told staff it will be pulling out of Australia after a group of lenders took over the struggling company Tupperware sales consultant Maria told Fordham the new owners, Party Products, informed employees they would not be proceeding with Tupperware in Australia. 'They're only keeping eight countries open out of 70 and unfortunately Australia isn't one of them,' Maria said. 'We don't know a final date for Australia yet. We've been told that we will be paid all our commission and what we are owed but that's all we know thus far.' Maria, who has worked for the brand for 15 years, said while she was fine with the business closing, other employees had made Tupperware their career. They're the ones I feel sorry,' Maria said. 'But the writing has been on the wall for I'd say maybe four years.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Tupperware Australia for comment. While the brand's sales briefly surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, as families prepared more home-cooked meals during lockdown, the trend sharply reversed last year as restaurant dining boomed once again. The company will focus on sales in core markets including the US, Canada , Mexico , Brazil , China , Korea, India and Malaysia Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Professor Gary Mortimer, a business and retail expert at the Queensland University of Technology, said the company has failed to innovate or appeal to younger customers. He explained that fewer people are home than in the 1960s, and with women working outside of the home, there is less appeal for Tupperware parties, the traditional method of sale where consultants would come to a host's house to sell the range to friends and neighbours. Over the years, the direct sales model has generally suffered with the rise of e-commerce, and demographic changes that have seen smaller household sizes and the convenience of individual meals which mean people are cooking in bulk less. 'Tupperware is over 75 years old as a brand. It grew in the 50s, 60s, and 70s through product innovation and creating innovative solutions for kitchenware,' Professor Mortimer explained. 'But today, there are significant ranges of competing products in the marketplace, and there is only so much innovation you can take in food storage.' He said due to the durability of the product, meaning many Aussies held onto their Tupperware for years. 'Part of the issue is the durability and life expectancy of the product itself,' he said. 'It's positioned as a high-quality product, not the type of thing you'd regularly buy every year or so. I'm sure there's many kitchens are around Australia with a couple of pieces of Tupperware in it.' He said that people tend to cook less for big groups and instead opt for easy delivery options, meaning there is less demand for storage containers. 'Australian bureau of statistics data shows that we're having smaller families too, and we're more likely to be living in smaller households, which means less batch cooking,' Professor Mortimer said. 'People don't make big meals anymore and store them, and opt for more convivence around single serve portion control meals and consume it throw packaging away'. Tupperware has seen its market dominance threatened by competition from other popular brands including Rubbermaid, Glad, Pyrex and Oxo Professor Mortimer added that the consumers the brand first attracted in the 1960s and 1970s are now in their eighties and nineties, with the brand not resonating in the same way with others. He explained that the brand doesn't advertise on TV or social media, and customer won't spot it in stores meaning it's not reaching younger audiences, while similar products are popular on the shelves of supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, which people tend to opt for instead. 'When it started out, it was supported through a party plan business model, and it worked really well through network selling. 'But now, mums and dads are at work, party plan business model has decreased. Mums aren't at home anymore, they're working.' The Railway Children star Sally Thomsett has ramped up her complaint against Bargain Hunt after the show 'illegally sold' her keepsakes from the film without asking her first. The actress, 74, has claimed that she thought her treasured memories from the hit show - which included scripts and fan letters - were in a safe place before they were sold. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Sally said: 'Good Afternoon, John Cameron and BBC Bargain Hunt. Do these items look familiar to you? 'They have been illegally sold at one of your auctions, they are clearly my property & yet no one bothered to check that with me, I have made it known yet have received no reply or explanation.' The collectable items were reportedly sold by Nesbits Antiques Auctions in Southsea, Portsmouth. The auction house firm is managed by John Cameron, who has appeared on BBC Bargain Hunt and Cash In The Attic. One lot of Sally's belongings were sold for just 900 on April 17, according to the auction house. Her treasured possessions, which were reportedly sold, included publicity photos of Sally, a personal diary, and scripts from some of her other movies. The Railway Children star Sally Thomsett, 74, has claimed a Bargain Hunt auctioneer had sold her film keepsakes without asking her first The actress, who played Phyllis in the 1970s show, revealed that many of her treasured memories from the hit show such as TV programme scripts and fan letters, were flogged (pictured in the show in 1970) The collectable items were reportedly sold by Nesbits Antiques Auctions in Southsea, Portsmouth. They included scripts and letters from fans Sally, who played Phyllis in the 1970s show alongside Jenny Arguter, said: 'No one attempted to contact me with regards to this sale and I am devastated as it is a large part of my history that cannot be replaced. 'As far as I knew, they were in a suitcase of memorabilia and memories of my career. Obviously, I don't check its contents regularly.' Sally allegedly threatened to take the auction bid to the police. The Mirror reported that Nesbits 'utterly refutes' allegations of wrong-doing over the sale. Nesbits reportedly said the items were from a home owned by one of Sally's ex-husbands, which the seller of the goods bought in 1978. Mr Cameron said they were 'currently considering the matter with the assistance of legal advisers' given the accusations that have been made. MailOnline has contacted Nesbits Antiques Auctions for a comment. Sally shot to fame for playing 11-year-old Phyllis in The Railway Children, despite being 20 years old at the time. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Sally claimed her belongings were illegally sold without her permission She also admitted that her movie scripts and royal premiere tickets were sold without her knowing (pictured in 1976 in The Fun Food Factory) The collectable items were reportedly sold by Nesbits Antiques Auctions in Southsea, Portsmouth. The auction house firm is managed by John Cameron, who has appeared on BBC Bargain Hunt and Cash In The Attic (pictured in July 2023) The treasured possessions, which were reportedly sold, included publicity photos of Sally, a personal diary, and scripts from some of her other movies A year later, she appeared alongside Dustin Hoffman in the controversial film Straw Dogs, playing a seductive teenager. The same year, 1971, she married for the first time. She later admitted that she realised she'd made a mistake just six weeks after the wedding to shipping magnate's son Nigel Newman. The pair divorced soon after. In 1972 Sally was appearing in a Bovril advert when she was spotted by directors Brian Cooke and Johnnie Mortimer, who cast her as dizzy blond Jo ITV sitcom Man About the House. Throughout the '70s she cemented her appeal as a comic sex symbol, spending three years on the hit show alongside Richard O'Sullivan and Paula Wilcox. An Oregon woman who went missing while hiking with her two dogs was found dead - and her husband has been charged with her murder. The body of Susan Lane-Fournier, 61, who was reported missing on November 22, was found by her friend near a Clackamas County highway on Friday morning. After the horrifying discovery, detectives arrested her husband, Michel Fournier, 71, for second-degree murder, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. Two dogs believed to be Susan's were found dead in the area the next day. Susan's death came less than a month after she filed for divorce against Michel, who she was married to for 12 years, according to KGW8. The October 31 divorce proceeding filed in Clackamas County Circuit Court noted 'irreconcilable differences between the parties have caused an irremediable breakdown of their marriage.' Susan, a Brightwood resident known as 'Phoenix' by her friends, was reported missing after she failed to show up to work. On November 23, Susan's friend told police they saw her white 1992 Ford F-250 parked by the Green Canyon Way Trail, south of Welches. Susan was walking her dogs there. The Clackamas County Sherriff's Office launched a search for the missing woman and her two large Malinois-mix dogs on November 24, according to the sheriff's office. Susan Lane-Fournier, 61, was reported missing on November 22 after she failed to show up to work Michel Fournier, 71, was arrested on Friday and charged with second-degree murder for his wife's death Michel and Susan were un the process of getting a divorce when Susan was killed. Susan filed a divorce proceeding on October 31 Search efforts spanning 100 miles of Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness lasted for more than 800 hours. Police, volunteers, K-9s and drone teams worked tirelessly to find Susan and her dogs, but the sheriff's department suspended rescue operations on Tuesday. On Friday, her body was found by East Highway 26 and East Miller Road before Michel was charged. Detectives confirmed her identity on Saturday and her death was ruled a homicide, according to the sheriff's office. James Evan, who found Susan's body about four miles from where her truck was parked, described the moment he found his deceased friend to KOIN 6. He said: 'I went down the path, maybe 20 yards. Ive seen some tarp. I thought it was trash. I bent over to pick up the tarp and as I bent over and came up, I seen a pair of boots connected to a leg. 'I directly dropped the tarp, backed up, gathered myself together, turned around and went to the lodge and had the office call 911 immediately. Susan's two sons Kota and Jesse 'now face an overwhelming and uncertain future,' according to a GoFundMe page Susan was last seen walking her two dogs through Green Canyon Way Trails. Detectives identified two deceased dogs believed to be hers Neighbors and loved ones alleged that Susan was ensuring domestic abuse inflicted on her by Michel 'It was pretty heartbreaking.' Susan's neighbors had expressed concerns for her safety, accusing Michel of being an abusive partner. 'A lot of people talked about domestic violence," neighbor Betty Swan-DeLong told KGW8. In a gut-wrenching Facebook post, Sarahi Welton revealed unsettling details from Susan's 2012 wedding day. Welton said she did Susan's hair and makeup for her big day, but she will never forget the experience for a heartbreaking reason. 'Susan cried, and I mean cried, all morning long. It took hours to get her ready because she couldnt stop sobbing,' Welton claimed. 'Now shes gone forever. He killed her.' Others came forward with concerns about Susan, who was known as 'Phoenix' by loved ones, and her home life. Susan and Michel got married in 2012. Sarahi Welton, who did Susan's hair and makeup, said Susan was crying the whole time while getting ready While discussing Susan's disappearance, one friend claimed that Susan was 'in fear' for her and her pets' lives Michel allegedly murder his wife less than a month after she filed for divorce, citing 'irreconcilable differences' between them On November 24, before Susan's body was found, Terri Hanley wrote on Facebook: 'Phoenix was in fear for her and her dogs' lives, and her home, and the system was working against her. She was afraid and struggling.' A tribute Facebook page has been flooded with friends and relatives remembering Susan for her strong character and creativity. The tribute reads: 'Phoenix was a woman of profound presence, her spirit a flame that illuminated everyone around her. 'An artist, a creator, a healer, and a connector, she seemed to be made of the very elements she worked withearth, air, fire, and water.' Susan crafted handmade clothing and artwork. According to the tribute, one of her last projects was a detailed tapestry. 'This was her last gift to us, she left a piece of her heart, her hope, and her love within each of us,' the page reads. Susan will be remembered by loved ones as a caring and creative person, according to a Facebook tribute page Search efforts spanning 100 miles of Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness lasted for more than 800 hours A GoFundMe was created 'seeking justice and support' for Phoenix's sons.' The organizer, Elizabeth Cox, wrote: 'Our tight-knit mountain community has been shaken to its core by an unimaginable tragedy. 'Phoenix was a bright light in our lives, and while we can never bring her back, we can stand together to honor her memory by helping her sons move forward.' Cox said that Susan's adult sons Kota and Jesse 'now face an overwhelming and uncertain future.' Police in Colorado say they believe they are close to solving the murder of JonBenet Ramsey, the six-year-old beauty queen whose death in December 1996, shocked the world. A new documentary examines the case of the little girl who was found strangled in her basement of the family's Boulder home. The killer of the Young Miss Colorado left her on a heap of clothes with an eight-inch fracture to her skull and a fragmented paint brush stuck into her neck by garrote. A bombshell admission by a police source has also given investigators fresh hope in finally solving the 28 year mystery. 'We f****d the case up from the start, and now with new blood, we can finally fix it,' a police source told the New York Post. This stunning statement comes as Boulder's newly appointed police chief, Stephen Redfearn, doubles down on efforts to crack the case. Redfearn, who assumed his role in early 2024, has made solving the murder a top priority. 'He wants it solved and off the books,' said a department insider claimed. 'He's assigning officers and resources to solve the murder, which has been a black mark on the Boulder PD. Police in Boulder, Colorado, believe in 2025 they may solve the infamous murder of six-year-old beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey, who was found dead in her home in December 1996 Boulder's new police chief, Stephen Redfearn has prioritized the case, assigning fresh resources to break the decades-long mystery The home where six-year-old JonBenet Ramsey was killed in Boulder, Colorado, pictured in 1996 'I'm not sure what it will take to bust it wide open but it feels like it's within reach. We're hoping for 2025; this is our year,' the investigator added. No one has ever been caught for the murder but a new three-part true crime Netflix documentary, 'Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey', has also served to renew interest in one of America's most notorious cold cases. JonBenet's murder has haunted investigators and gripped the public's imagination. While initial suspicions centered on her familyfather John, mother Patsy, and brother BurkeDNA evidence excluded them as suspects in 1997, and they were formally exonerated in 2008. Despite a multi-agency task force established in 2023, progress has been slow. One investigator admitted that the task force has only met in person once but emphasized that members remain in regular contact. Last week Chief Redfearn reaffirmed the department's commitment to solving the case in his annual departmental update. 'The killing of JonBenet was an unspeakable crime, and this tragedy has never left our hearts,' Redfearn said. Six-year-old beauty queen JonBenet's body was found at her home in Boulder, Colorado on December 26, 1996 Crime scene photo at the Ramsey family home showed the open basement window which investigators believe JonBenet's killer may have used. Her body was found under a blanket in a neighboring room that had been used as the wine cellar JonBenet is pictured with her mother Patsy and brother Burke Ramsey in 1990 'There have been horrible failures, but I believe it can be solved if police accept help from outside their system. That's been their flaw,' he said in a recent interview with Today, last week 'We are committed to following up on every lead and continuing to work with DNA experts and our law enforcement partners around the country until this tragic case is solved.' Still, the department's credibility remains under fire. John Ramsey, JonBenet's father, has been vocal about his frustration with the investigation. 'There have been horrible failures, but I believe it can be solved if police accept help from outside their system. That's been their flaw,' he said in a recent interview with Today. Ramsey had long argued that Boulder PD had been unwilling to collaborate with external experts who might bring fresh perspectives to the case. 'They need to accept the help that's offered to them,' said Ramsey, now 80. 'There's a new police chief brought in from the outside. I hope he accepts help so this can be solved.' Ramsey urged police to go 'deeper' with the samples from the crime scene and 'sort the DNA we have today and make more sense of it'. He demanded that police finally sample five or six items that were taken from the crime scene but have never been analyzed. He stated he wants items that have been tested to be resampled due to advances in technology and then compared with the public genealogy database to look for a potential match, as has been done in numerous other cold cases. In the aftermath of her death, an ensuing media frenzy emerged with photograph after photograph of JonBenet on-stage wearing make-up, dancing and singing in costumes John and Patsy Ramsey, the parents of JonBenet Ramsey, meet with a small selected group of the local Colorado media after four months of silence in Boulder, Colorado in May 1997 The couple were suspected of being involved in the murder of their daughter, but were later cleared due to DNA evidence. Pictured, the Ramsey family seen together in December 1993 Authorities have indeed sent several items for renewed DNA testing, but significant breakthroughs have so far remained elusive. The DNA evidence in the case has long proved problematic with Boulder police being heavily criticized for mishandling the investigation. In 2015, former Boulder police chief Mark Beckner admitted crime scene evidence may have been mishandled on a Reddit forum. 'The crime scene was not handled properly and this later affected the investigation,' he said. A department insider defended their efforts, pushing back against claims of negligence. 'The assertion that there is viable evidence and leads we are not pursuingto include DNA testingis completely false,' Chief Redfearn stated. The stakes are high for Redfearn and his team. The case is one of the highest-profile mysteries in the US, and remains a cold case but there is now renewed interest following the release of a new Netflix documentary It became quickly apparent large swathes of the public were just as interested in the 'Hollywood star' appearance of JonBenet, as they were in the killer's identity Child beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey is seen in 1996, the year she died The grave of JonBenet Ramsey in Marietta, Georgia, pictured The case has not only tarnished the reputation of the Boulder Police Department but has also left an enduring wound in the community. 'It hasn't been as aggressive as anyone had hoped,' admitted one investigator. 'But now there's a lot of pressure to get this solved.' While the Ramsey family remains 'cautiously optimistic' about potential developments, the public's patience is wearing thin. Investigators hope the new year, along with new leadership will finally bring some progress to the JonBenet case. 'I knew this could take years but with the right resources and mindset, I still believe justice is possible,' said John Ramsey, 'This investigation will always be a priority for the Boulder Police Department,' Redfearn promised. A tourist has warned others to be vigilant after a drink in Bali left her blind, claiming she only survived the ordeal because of access to first-rate medical care outside of Indonesia. American tourist Ashley King had been visiting the tourist hotspot when she ordered a mixed vodka drink at a bar in Kuta in 2011. The tourist, who had been living at the time in Australia, told The Project on Sunday she had made the near-fatal mistake on her last night on the island paradise. '[It] was no different from any other night that I had gone out,' she said. But over the following two days while she travelled to New Zealand, Ms King started to feel ill. 'When I finally got to my accommodation I went to bed and when I woke up the next morning, I noticed that it was really dim lighting in the hostel,' she said. 'Which I just chalked it up to cheap, hostile lighting. And about 10 minutes later I was unable to breathe and I was gasping for air.' Ms King has shared her story more than 10 years after it happened in the wake of the mass methanol poisoning in Laos that left two Australian women and four others dead. Ashley King (pictured), from America, ordered a mixed vodka drink in Bali in 2011 that left her with only two per cent vision The tourist said that by the time she rushed to hospital her eyesight had deteriorated and it felt like she was 'in the dark, blind'. 'It was something that [the doctors] hadnt seen before, and it was kind of a bit of a conundrum for them to figure out what was wrong,' she said. Ms King said medical staff eventually worked out she had a large amount of methanol in her body. She said the New Zealand hospital called her parents and were told to get on the next available flight to the country because her chance of survival was not good. Despite being fortunate enough to survive the ordeal, 13 years later Ms King is still living with the aftermath. She was left with just two per cent of her eyesight and said it was the 'most traumatic and hardest thing' she has ever been through. The tourist said she had to learn how to function as a blind person and said 'gaining a disability is really difficult'. Ms King said she had compassion for the families of the Australian women Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles who died in Laos after drinking alcohol shots laced with methanol. Ms King (pictured) told The Project on Sunday night the only reason she survived the methanol poisoning was that by the time she had gotten severely unwell, she was in New Zealand and treated there The American believes she is only alive because she drunk the methanol on her last night and was treated by 'a first world hospital' by the time she became acutely unwell. But Ms King's ordeal in Bali wasn't the only one from 2011. In eerily similar circumstances to Ms King, Jamie Johnston, who was 25 at the time, was holidaying in Bali from her hometown in Newcastle when she ingested a cocktail laced with methanol on her final night on the island on September 20. The 25-year-old momentarily lost her sight and suffered brain damage and kidney failure, spending weeks in intensive care units in Indonesia and at home in Darwin, The Sydney Morning Herald reported at the time. The nurse and her mother had ordered a jug of arak, which is a popular rice wine mixed with fruit juice, at the Happy Cafe restaurant in Lombok. It took Ms Johnston six weeks to be able to talk again and in late 2011 spoke to The Newcastle Herald warning Australian travellers of the dangers of methanol poisoning in Bali. 'Dont drink anything that doesnt come in a bottle or have a lid on it,' she said. Stay away from local rice wine. What happened to me could happen to anyone else.' The drink Arak was also blamed for killing eight locals in 2010 in Bali and a staggering 25 people in 2009 - including four foreign tourists on the island. An terrorist who allegedly shot a Jewish man walking to a synagogue in Chicago has been found dead in his jail cell. Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, 22, an migrant from Mauritania, was found unresponsive in 'an apparent suicide attempt by hanging' in his cell Saturday afternoon, The Chicago Sun-Times reports. Cook County Sheriff's officials said jail staff were conducting a routine security check at around 3.30pm in the medical facility of the jail - where Abdallahi has been held since he was critically injured in a shootout with police - when they saw him in the cell. Staffers initiated life saving measures and first responders transported Abdallahi to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Chicago Tribune. Authorities say there is no evidence of foul play, but the cause and manner of his death will be determined by an autopsy conducted by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force will also be conducting an independent investigation under protocol. Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, 22, an migrant from Mauritania, was found unresponsive in 'an apparent suicide attempt by hanging' in his cell' Saturday afternoon Abdallahi was arrested on October 26 after he allegedly shot a 39-year-old Orthodox Jewish man wearing traditional attire. The victim was walking to a local synagogue, and police say Abdallahi approached him from behind. Neighbors then rushed to help the injured man as police and paramedics raced to the scene. As officers then searched for the gunman, they said, Abdallahi emerged from an alley and started firing on the cops - hitting a Chicago Fire Department ambulance. He reportedly screamed 'Allahu Akbar' as he fired at the officers, who then fired back and shot the suspect multiple times. No officers were injured in the exchange. Footage later showed the 22-year-old being wheeled away from the scene in a stretcher after being shot multiple times. He was hospitalized in the aftermath, and was transferred to the jail's medical facility on November 15. The victim, meanwhile, was hospitalized, but was later released. He was accused of shooting a Jewish man wearing traditional attire on his way to synagogue on October 26 Abdallahi wound up in a shootout with police, and was critically injured An ensuing investigation found that Abdallahi's phone contained evidence that 'indicated he planned the shooting and specifically targeted people of Jewish faith, Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling said. Prosecutors also alleged that Abdallahi mapped the locations of several Chicago synagogues and Jewish day schools in the days leading up to the attack. The attack then occurred in the West Rogers Park neighborhood, the home to the highest concentration of Jewish citizens in the city. 'This was not anything but a planned attack... an attempted assassination of these people,' Assistant State's Attorney Anne McCord Rodgers said at a hearing on November 22, the Sun-Times reports. 'This was a calculated plan on a public street, and an attempted slaughter of that person and law enforcement officers. She added that his phone also contained more than 100 'antisemitic and pro-Hamas' photos and videos. Police said Abdallahi's phone contained evidence that 'indicated he planned the shooting and specifically targeted people of Jewish faith' It was also determined that Abdallahi was an illegal immigrant who came from West Africa in March 2023. He crossed southern border illegally last year, but authorities did not find any criminal or terrorist ties at the time, sources told the New York Post. Abdallahi told agents he was going to live with a friend in Indiana, and although he initially said he didn't fear being returned to Mauritania, he later filed for asylum, the outlet said. At the hearing on November 22, Assistant Public Defender Josh Thigpen noted that Abdallahi had lived in the US for 'at least two years' and worked at an Amazon warehouse. Still, Judge Susana Ortiz ordered him detained. Throughout the election campaign, Sir Keir Starmer assured us Labour had a plan. A plan for change, a plan to fix our public services, to grow the economy, stop the boats, heal the NHS, end Tory chaos. So where is it? Did he lose it down the back of the Downing Street sofa? Leave it on one of the many aeroplanes hes been on lately? Or perhaps he just cant read it because the designer glasses he received from his friend and benefactor Lord Alli arent strong enough. Whatever the case, its contents remain a mystery. Since coming into office, he has launched no fewer than 61 reviews, consultations and task forces yet achieved nothing of substance. Does that sound like a man with a preconceived plan or someone totally unprepared for government trying to disguise his lack of genuine vision with a lot of bluff and bluster? After a litany of mis-steps, broken promises and a Budget that united most of the country in anger and recrimination, Sir Keir is to reset his hapless administration with a speech on Thursday. It is expected to be a management consultants dream, full of missions, measurable milestones and, of course, a plan for change. Whether this is the same plan or something different is hard to divine. What does seem clear, however, is that although a staggering 20,000 migrants have now crossed the Channel under Labour and legal migration is stratospheric, it will contain no target for reducing the numbers. Neither is there a meaningful strategy for getting some of the 2.8million claiming long-term sick benefit back to work. Although these are the two most pressing problems facing Britain, both are being kicked into the long grass. After a litany of mis-steps, broken promises and a Budget that united most of the country in anger and recrimination, Sir Keir Starmer is to reset his hapless administration with a speech on Thursday A staggering 20,000 migrants have now crossed the Channel under Labour Migrants try to board a smuggler's inflatable dinghy in an attempt to cross the English Channel, on Ecault beach in Saint-Etienne-au-Mont, near Neufchatel-Hardelot, northern France on October 30, 2024 Moving into the Christmas season, one doesnt wish to be uncharitable. But from what we know of Sir Keirs relaunch it looks like a sham a load of verbiage to distract from the paucity of real ideas for improving this country. Cooking up a storm The BBCs failure to investigate properly multiple complaints of sexually inappropriate behaviour against MasterChef host Gregg Wallace brings a depressing sense of deja vu. At least 13 people, including female broadcasters who featured on the celebrity version of the show, came forward over 17 years alleging impropriety. But neither the BBC nor the production company that makes the programme appears to have done much more than talk to him. Mr Wallace denies having intended to offend, but he clearly did many times. And he doesnt help his case by contemptuously dismissing the complainants as middle-class women of a certain age. At least 13 people, including female broadcasters, came forward over 17 years alleging impropriety against the MasterChef host Greg Wallace The allegations mainly of lewd remarks and gestures are nowhere near the magnitude of those levelled against Jimmy Savile, Rolf Harris and others. But they are serious, nonetheless. This is not the 1970s when everyday sexism was excused as harmless banter. The world has moved on, and the BBC of all organisations should realise that. Yet the first instinct of its managers is still to protect star presenters who behave badly rather than stand up to them. Even after the scandals of Savile, Harris, Huw Edwards, Russell Brand and the rest, they seem to have learned nothing. Commendably, it was an investigation by BBC News which highlighted this grubby affair. Perhaps the reporters involved might give their corporate bosses some lessons in openness and integrity. Labour's Inheritance Tax raid will devastate family-run companies as well as farms, ministers are warned today. Analysis has found that the introduction of death duties on the assets of family-owned firms could lead to as many as 125,678 job losses over the next five years among mostly small businesses and reduce economic activity by 9.4billion. That would mean the Treasury losing out on 1.3billion by 2030, according to calculations by CBI Economics, damaging Government coffers as well as the economy. A survey carried out by the consultancy also finds that one in five family firms expects to have to take action to avoid the new Inheritance Tax liability of 20 per cent on assets worth more than 1million. As many as 15 per cent who expect to be hit say they will sell up completely, while even those below the threshold plan to reduce investment or cut jobs. The introduction of the cap on Business Property Relief, meaning that owners of family firms will have to pay Inheritance Tax if they want to pass shares or other assets to the next generation, mirrors changes to Agricultural Property Relief that have sparked angry protests from farmers. Last night Neil Davy, chief executive of Family Business UK which commissioned the research, said: Just as weve seen among the farming community in relation to APR, changes to BPR announced in the budget will fundamentally remove incentives among owners of family firms to invest in their businesses, and in many cases threaten their viability. 'The CBI Economics research concludes this will come at the expense of jobs, investment, and tax receipts into the Treasury. Downsizing of businesses, asset disposures, complete sale or liquidation are very real unintended consequences of this policy. Rachel Reeves' inheritance tax raid will devastate farms and family-run businesses, ministers have been warned Farmers gathering at Whitehall for a demonstration against changes to inheritance tax announced in the Budget in October He added: Given a typical business will employ more people than an average farm, theres a case to make that capping BPR may be even more damaging to the employment figures and the wider economy than capping APR.' Some of Britains oldest businesses told how the changes, due to be introduced in April 2026, will affect them. Lizzy Rudd, chairman of 326-year-old wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros & Rudd, said: Inheritance Tax will threaten the future of the business and force us to think short-term to maximise returns to shareholders in order to build wealth outside the business to pay a future tax liability. William Lees-Jones, managing director of brewery JW Lees which was founded in 1828, said: For us to have to divert funds into dividends to pay Inheritance Tax would be challenging and would inevitably reduce future investment in the company. 'It would also place our business at a considerable disadvantage to our competitors who tend to be listed or owned by private equity, sometimes overseas.' The impact on family businesses has been revealed as the Conservatives turn the heat up on Labour over the Inheritance Tax raid. On Wednesday Tory leader Kemi Badenoch will use her first Opposition Day Debate to force a vote on what her party has dubbed the family farm tax. New Tory leader Kemi Badenoch will use her first Opposition Day Debate on Wednesday to force a vote on what her party has dubbed the 'family farm tax' Tory environment spokesman Victoria Atkins said: Labours vindictive Family Farm Tax threatens to destroy British farming as we know it.Labour MPs have a choice to make. 'Will they vote to axe the tax, and save the family farm? Or will they turn their backs on rural communities and back the Budget of Broken Promises? Tomorrow, the Conservatives will also vote against Labours hike in employers National Insurance contributions as they reveal their position on Budget measures for the first time. A Treasury spokesman said: Our commitment to business is resolute - we have capped corporation tax at 25 per cent, confirmed full permanent expensing, and are committed to working together with business to unlock more growth opportunities for our country. With our public services crumbling, a 22bn inherited fiscal black hole, and only 158 estates benefitting from over half a billion pounds in Business Property Relief in 2021-22- more than half the total value - we had to make difficult choices to fix the foundations of the country and restore economic stability so businesses can thrive. Joe Biden made the shock announcement Sunday night that he would issue a presidential pardon for his troubled son Hunter, calling his prosecution 'selective' and 'unfair.' The bombshell U-turn decision will see Hunter get pardoned for any crimes he may have committed 'from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024'. It comes just weeks after The White House denied the president would make the drastic move in the final months of his lame duck presidency. Biden, himself, said as recently as June that he would 'not pardon' his son, unlike Trump who has outright said he wants to pardon January 6 rioters. 'From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,' Biden said in a statement. The president claimed that people are 'almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form... It is clear that Hunter was treated differently.' Biden raged against 'several of my political opponents in Congress' who he claimed made the charges a public spectacle 'to attack me and oppose my election.' He added that the plea deal Hunter, who has since pledged to 'make amends' for his crimes, agreed to with the Department of Justice was a 'fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter's cases.' But that deal fell through at the last minute under political pressure. 'No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because is my son - and that is wrong,' he continued. But critics claimed the broadly written pardon was an attempt to cover-up his actions on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma. Joe Biden will announce a presidential pardon for his troubled son Hunter on Sunday night, a senior White House official has said Biden says that there has been an effort to 'break Hunter' and destroy what he says is five-and-a-half years of sobriety. 'In trying to break Hunter, they've tried to break me - and there's no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough.' The president didn't shy away from pointing out that the love of his son guided his decision-making but stressed that he was being 'fair-minded.' 'Here's the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice - and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further.' Hunter was last seen on holiday with his father and the rest of the Bidens on Nantucket in Rhode Island. 'I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.' Hunter released a statement of his own, credited to his full name, 'Robert Hunter Biden.' 'I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction - mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport,' he said. Hunter was last season on holiday with his father and the rest of the Bidens on Nantucket in Rhode Island It goes against what Biden has said as recently is June, directly telling the press: 'I will not pardon him' 'Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years because of my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends.' 'In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages. In recovery we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the mercy that we have been afforded.' 'I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering.' The pardon will cover both the gun charges and Hunter's guilty plea. CNN reported that the judges overseeing his cases will most likely cancel the sentencing hearings he was due to attend on December 12 for the gun case and December 16 for the tax case. The broad pardon also absolves him of any crimes he may have committed between January 1 2014 and December 1 2024, which covers his entire tenure on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma, as well as much of his other overseas work including in China. This has led many to theorize that there is something lurking underneath the pardon which is meant to acquit Hunter Biden of charges that came to light in 2018. 'Hunter Biden joined the board of Burisma in 2014,' wrote conservative commentator Liz Wheeler. 'By pardoning Hunter for any crimes he may have committed from 2014-2024, Joe Biden is protecting his familys criminal cartel. Wow.' She added that Biden is protecting his son from the possible new head of the FBI: 'This pardon aint about the gun charge. The Big Guy is protecting himself from Kash Patel.' Hunter referred to his father, Joe, as 'the big guy' in a 2017 email about a business deal that raked in millions for the Biden family and their cohorts. 'Truly incredible that Joe Biden pardoned Hunter starting in 2014 the year he was appointed a board member of Burisma,' wrote Greg Price. 'You cant make it up.' A White House official denied the pardon had anything to do with Trump's announcement he will name Kash Patel to run the FBI and install other loyalists. 'No this is in response to what has already happened in this case, in which political pressure has resulted in a miscarriage of justice,' said the official. Hunter joined the board of Burisma in 2014 and was paid millions for his role in the company despite not having a background in the gas or energy industries. For months, the nation wondered if the president would pardon his ne'er-do-well son over his convictions on federal gun and tax fraud charges. NBC News first reported on Sunday night that Biden was planning to pardon his son. Minutes later, the White House released a statement. In a statement, a spokesperson for Donald Trump slammed what they called the Democrat-controlled justice system but didn't appear to disagree with the decision. 'The failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system. That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people,' Steven Cheung told DailyMail.com. President Joe Biden attends Saturday Mass at the St Mary, Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church on Nantucket. He was joined for service by his son Hunter, daughter Ashley and Grandson Beau For months, the nation wondered if the president would pardon his ne'er-do-well son over his convictions on federal gun and tax fraud charges However, on Truth Social, he was a little angrier, wondering if the same courtesy would be given to those charged for their acts at the Capitol on January 6. He wrote: 'Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!' Biden was scheduled to be sentenced in the Delaware gun case on December 13, and on December 16 in the California tax case. His father and even Donald Trump have been pestered on the issue, with Trump suggesting it wasn't out of the question despite having railed against the First Son for years. Abbe Lowell, a key member of 54-year-old Hunter's legal team had begun making his client's case to the press that he was a political prisoner. 'This is a seven-year saga propelled by an unrelenting political desire to use a son to hurt his father,' Lowell said. Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution gives the president blanket power to pardon any federal crime, something most outgoing presidents do in their final days in office, some controversial, others routine. Other presidents have issued controversial pardons - usually in the final days of their presidency. In 1974, President Gerald Ford pardoned his predecessor Richard Nixon for any crimes he had 'committed or may have committed' in the Watergate scandal. This was the first pre-emptive pardon by a president. In 2001, President Bill Clinton pardoned 140 people on his last day in office including billionaire Marc Rich, who had been a fugitive for decades for fraud related to making illegal oil deals and not paying more than $48 million in taxes. Family pardons are also not unheard of in presidential history. Before he left office, Clinton granted brother Roger a controversial presidential pardon for a 1985 cocaine-trafficking conviction. Trump himself pardoned Charles Kushner, father of son-in-law and ex-advisor Jared, before leaving office in 2020. Kushner was just yesterday named the US ambassador to France. In the last 12 hours of his presidency, Donald Trump pardoned and commuted the sentences of 144 people, including former advisors Stephen Bannon and Roger Stone, as well as the rapper Lil Wayne. Lowell has reiterated that the only reason Hunter is facing conviction is out of political gain for his father's enemies. 'It is a wild and terrifying story that serves as a stark warning of what is to come as some of the same Republicans who targeted Hunter prepare to resume power and have stated their intention to use the government's vast power to pursue their perceived enemies,' Lowell told the Washington Post. In June, Biden repeated his vow not to pardon his son in his first public comments on Hunter since last week's conviction. Hunter could face up to 25 years in prison. He also said he was satisfied his son got a fair trial and reiterated his support for him. 'I'm extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He's one of the brightest, most decent men I know. And I am satisfied that I'm not going to do anything. I said I would abide by the jury decision. I will do that. And I will not pardon him,' Biden said on Thursday. And he answered a simple 'no' when asked directly if he would commute Hunter's sentence. Both Biden and his spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre have repeatedly denied Hunter will be pardoned by his father. When asked in November - just over 24 hours after the presidential election was called in Trump's favor - whether Biden has any intention of pardoning his son, Jean-Pierre responded, 'We've been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.' Hunter Biden has grappled with addiction issues for years. The trial revealed some of the family's darkest moments as they dealt with Hunter's drug use. In the June gun purchase case, jurors found Hunter Biden guilty of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application by saying he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days. Hunter faces up to 25 years in prison although as a first-time offender he would not get anywhere near the maximum, and there's no guarantee the judge would send him to jail. In the September tax case, Hunter could face up to 17 years in prison for his crimes, which include tax evasion, filing fraudulent tax returns, and failing to pay taxes. The judge also could impose a hefty fine, perhaps as much as $1.3 million. The judges in both cases were appointed by President Trump. Hunter is a first-time offender. He has been sober for years and paid his taxes and fines, although that money was provided by a wealthy friend. President Biden is known to be torn up about the situation. Hours after Hunter's conviction in June in the Delaware gun case, President Biden flew to Wilmington to spend the night with his family before leaving for the G7 summit in Italy. And he also got a few minutes with his son on the tarmac, hugging him in full view of the cameras. A man whose bike was stolen outside Scotland Yard and in view of the Houses of Parliament has slammed police for their lack of effort in trying to find it. Anti-crime campaigner Dr Lawrence Newport left his bike on a street in Westminster, outside the UK police headquarters with a GPS tracker. Dr Newport reported his bike was stolen to 101 and gave the police its location using the tracker. In the video he asks: 'Is theft legal in Britain? 'We had our bike stolen right under the shadow of Scotland Yard and police did nothing about it.' Dr Newport points out three CCTV cameras in close proximity to where the bike was nicked. He said he called police, told them where the bike was and the next day he was told 'without further evidence, they were closing the case'. 'They hadn't checked the CCTV, they had done nothing,' he added. Anti-crime campaigner Dr Lawrence Newport posted a video to social media about the theft of his bike He claimed he told police exactly where the bike was and they closed the case after just one day Dr Newport claimed politicians have 'given up' on police, courts and crime. In the video, he claimed '207,000 bikes were stolen in 2023' and that '90 per cent of bike thefts go unsolved'. At the end of the video, he provided an update saying that he had contacted the Sunday Telegraph, who called the Met Police. Dr Newport was then contacted by police saying they were going to review the CCTV footage and trace the bike. He added: 'It seems if you want to get a hold of your bike, it is best to call the national press.' The Metropolitan Police has been contacted. The video picking up on social media comes just days after MailOnline revealed the bike theft hot spots in the UK. Cycling UK also revealed a growing trend of riders in Britain attempting to trace their own stolen bikes, with some using 'dangerous' methods to track them down. Postcodes with most claims for bike thefts over past two years SW - South West London SE - South East London BS - Bristol EH - Edinburgh BN - Brighton KT - Kingston Upon Thames E - East London RG - Reading SO - Southampton TW - Twickenham NE - Newcastle BH - Bournemouth OX - Oxford N - North London CF - Cardiff CB - Cambridge NW - North West London GU - Guildford LS - Leeds PO - Portsmouth Data from Admiral insurance Advertisement Many feel obliged to take action themselves given that just 3 per cent of reported bike thefts in the past five years have resulted in a charge or summons. One cyclist found her bike for sale online for 55 and arranged to meet the seller with her fiance and a friend, before asking to test drive it and then cycling off. Another used a GPS tracker hidden in the frame to locate his bike inside a property, before being threatened when he arrived but then eventually given it back. But police chiefs have urged people not to take matters into their own hands given that it could put them at risk and harm a criminal investigation. Fiona Ryalls, 33, from Bristol, was 'heartbroken' when her custom bike was stolen in August, but eventually found it for sale after scouring social media. She told BBC Radio Bristol that she arranged a meeting with the seller and took her fiance and a male friend for support even telling police about it. Claiming that she was not 'dissuaded' by officers from going, Ms Ryalls added: 'I asked to test drive the bike and I cycled off with it. I would have felt a lot more secure if I'd had police back-up (or) even if they had offered to come with me. 'You don't know what kind of person you are going to meet.' Josh Steven's bike was stolen in December, but the 33-year-old was able to track it down by using a GPS tracker hidden in the frame. He said he told police and was informed an officer would be sent if he 'could go to the property and get eyes on the bike'. But when he arrived, he claims to have been told an officer could not attend and therefore decided to knock on the door himself, with a man opening it. Mr Steven said: 'I showed him the tracker on the phone. He went back into the house to get the bike and all of a sudden there was a younger guy climbing out of the window and I thought, 'Oh no, he's running off with my bike'. 'He then threatens me and says 'If you come any closer I'll stab you' and he gets quite aggressive.' However, Mr Steven told the BBC he was then given his bike back by someone else in the house but the case 'inevitably' did not result in a prosecution. It comes after an unusual case that hit the headlines last year when a prolific bicycle thief was tracked down by the frustrated mother of an alleged victim who sat outside his house with a sign that read: 'Where's My Bike Dave?'. David Seager, 49, stole eight bicycles in a summer-long spree in 2022 - months after Fiona Bateman set up outside his house after allegedly seeing him steal her son Graeme's mountain bike on a neighbour's CCTV camera. Seager, of Witney, Oxfordshire, was reportedly identified by social media users as 'Dave the Bike Thief' after Mrs Bateman made an appeal in November 2021 - but she claimed 'not much was happening' after she referred the matter to the police. Fed up, she then tracked Seager down and sat outside his house for three days with her placard, to the amusement of residents. A local Facebook group even dropped off a hot chocolate and a bunch of flowers. At Oxford Crown Court in September last year, Seager avoided jail for the thefts - instead being given a suspended sentence and an order to complete a drug rehabilitation programme. Following the sentencing, Mrs Bateman said: 'We had a bike stolen by him. Does that mean I should feel entitled to steal someone else's? It's just frustrating that he got a slap on the wrist. Where are the bikes? How about buying my son a new bike? 'We can't afford the four, five, six hundred pounds to replace it. He stole so my son has to now walk. But that's OK, just as long as Dave doesn't feel aggrieved.' Another bizarre case back in September 2023 saw an elite cyclist turned detective spend nearly 6,000 tracking down thieves who stole four of his bikes - before driving 1,200 miles to Poland to get them back. Damian Groves, 34, was horrified when burglars made off with four professional cycles valued at 36,000 in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, in June last year. He passed on a series of names he had been given to police, believing they were opportunist thieves who simply broke into his garage at random - but was told that the names were not enough for the force to take action. Determined to get justice, Mr Groves travelled across Europe to recover his bikes after they were shipped out of the country hiring a private investigator and even flying a drone over an address in Leicester where he was told the bikes were. Eventually, a Hungarian cycling enthusiast got in touch to say he was certain he had seen the bikes posted on a Polish sales site. Mr Groves confirmed they were his bikes and the investigator tracked the poster down to an address in Leicester. He wrote to the seller, who replied with an apology, saying the bikes were in Poland but he could have them back. Mr Groves then travelled to Warsaw and after a 1,200-mile round trip returned with all four of his stolen bikes 48 hours later. He estimated the ordeal cost him around 6,000 - with 2,500 spent on a private investigator, 300 to the blackmailer, 1,700 to operatives who collected his bikes in Warsaw and 1,200 driving there and back to collect them. More than 365,000 bike thefts reported to police have gone unsolved since 2019 equating to 89 per cent of all cases, according to Home Office data released earlier this year. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available A British expat has been arrested in Georgia as part of the pro-Russian governments desperate attempt to clamp down on massive protests against its rule. Daniel Travis, 28, was detained for allegedly breaking into the parliament building as 200,000 took to the streets of the capital Tbilisi in violent scenes on Saturday. One brave activist was seen shooting at riot police with a firework machine gun as they were pelted by water cannons in one of the countrys biggest ever demonstrations. The ferocious protests, now in their fourth day, were sparked by the governments decision to suspend negotiations about the country joining the EU. It appears the under fire government is trying to use the arrest of Travis to suggest the revolt has been instigated by foreign powers. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced his detention in the Black Sea nation yesterday and claimed: We may be dealing with foreign instructors who organise violent groups. A source close to the ruling Georgian Dreams leadership told the Mail Travis was a private army instructor. They suggested he was ex-military who specialised in sowing public dissent and stoking protests. Protesters clash with police during a demonstration against the government's decision to delay European Union membership talks amid a post-election crisis, outside the Georgia Parliament in Tbilisi, early on December 1, 2024 Protesters light a fire at the base of a makeshift barricade erected in a street in Tbilisi during demonstrations against the government's decision to delay European Union membership talks amid a post-election crisis, early on December 1, 2024 Protesters holding Georgian and European flags clash with police during a demonstration against the government's decision to delay European Union membership talks amid a post-election crisis, in Tbilisi, early on December 1, 2024 A supporter of Georgia's opposition holds a European Union flag while attending a rally to protest after the government halted the EU application process until 2028 Demonstrators rally outside the parliament's building, center left, to protest the governments' decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union for four years in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 But the slightly built Liverpudlians Georgian landlady, who kicked him out two weeks ago, said her government has gone mad if they think hes a revolutionary. He introduced himself as an English teacher and after one month I had to evict him because he turned the flat into a garbage dump, she said. He was a drunk our police must have gone mad if they think he could arrange anything. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets again last night as demonstrators built up barricades near parliament in echoes of Ukraines 2014 Maidan revolution in Kyiv. Georgian Dream has been accused of stealing the election last month after widespread vote rigging and ballot stuffing was observed. The countrys pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili has backed the protests and said she will not stand down at the end of her term this month stating the government is illegitimate. Mr Kobakhidze warned that any violation of the law will be met with the full rigour of the law. Georgia's prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze (pictured) claimed without evidence there was a 'British citizen who illegally broke into the parliament building' Police use tear gas to disperse Georgian opposition supporters protesting in front of the Parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, 30 November 2024 Georgian opposition supporters launch fireworks towards the police during a protest in front of the Parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, 30 November 2024 Police officers escort a demonstrator during a rally of opposition parties' supporters, who protest against the new government's decision to suspend the European Union accession talks and refuse budgetary grants until 2028, in Tbilisi, Georgia November 30, 2024 Protesters light a fire at the base of a makeshift barricade erected in a street in Tbilisi during demonstrations against the government's decision to delay European Union membership talks Neither will those politicians who hide in their offices and sacrifice members of their violent groups to severe punishment escape responsibility, he said. Yesterday the US State Department announced it is suspending its strategic partnership with Georgia. It condemned the countrys decision to halt its efforts towards EU accession. The European Parliament has also declared the election results last month as invalid and called for a re-run. A Foreign Office spokesman said: We are in contact with the local authorities regarding the arrest of a British national in Tbilisi. The UK defence industry is today hosting a first of its kind war game simulating how to sustain troops on the front line when faced with intense fighting. It will see the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and private businesses tasked with keeping supply lines running in the face of constant disruption. Enemy forces will attack British positions on the front whilst trying to take out logistics behind our lines to help us develop a faster, more resilient supply chain. It comes as Defence Secretary John Healey launches Britains Defence Industrial Strategy today to create a more resilient defence sector. The doctrine was last published in 2021 before Russias invasion of Ukraine and this new strategy is heavily shaped by the first major land conflict in Europe since the Second World War. Following decades spent fighting insurgencies, the renewed threat of a conflict with a major standing army places huge importance on defending supply lines. Moscow and Kyiv now innovate new weapons at lightning pace with drone technology updating by the week to hit behind enemy lines. The MOD seeks to place deterrence at the heart of a new approach to ensure adversaries know the UK has an industrial base that can innovate at a wartime pace. Defence Secretary John Healey will today launch Britains Defence Industrial Strategy to create a more resilient defence sector Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales at Glenmallen ahead of defence-related activities Mr Healey said our defence industry must be better and more integrated to keep our Armed Forces equipped, innovating at a wartime pace, and ahead of our adversaries. National security is the foundation for national stability and growth, he said. We are sending a signal to the market and to our adversaries: with a strong UK defence sector we will make Britain secure at home and strong abroad. The Defence Industrial Strategy will set out how a strong defence sector can provide the foundation for a decade of national renewal. It will see Helsing, Europes largest AI company, mass produce thousands of AI-enabled drones as part of a 350million UK investment over five years. Other firms making big investments in Britain include BAE Systems, Babcock and Rolls Royce. The Government is also appointing a National Armaments Director to ensure the armed forces are properly equipped to defend Britain. They will be further tasked with cracking down on waste. The scene of a huge blast which left a pensioner dead and others homeless remains frozen in time one year on. Piles of rubble still lie where homes once stood on Baberton Mains Avenue, in Edinburgh, after the explosion last December 1. James Smith, 84, was killed in the incident while Stephanie Chapman, 43, and 54-year-old Robert Taylor were treated in hospital. Some families are still in temporary accommodation, not knowing when they will be back in their homes. An initial probe linked the blast to a gas installation at one of the properties although the investigation is ongoing. Residents are becoming increasingly angry as a big chunk of the street remains inaccessible, surrounded by fencing. One woman voiced her frustration at the authorities response, saying: Theres no will on anybodys part to sort this. And thats the annoyance for us. Local MSP Sue Webber said: Whats so disappointing is how the local authority then responded, with a lack of empathy and an understanding of what was going on. James Smith, 84, was killed after a huge blast at his home on Baberton Mains Avenue, in Edinburgh A destroyed home following the blast on Baberton Mains Avenue. Some families remain in temporary accommodation A car on the driveway was covered in rubble and damage could be seen to the neighbouring house Yes, they fulfilled their statutory duties, but frankly when peoples lives are changed and shattered in an instant, you do expect more from local authorities to go that little bit beyond their statutory duties. Families that are still in temporary accommodation or in alternative accommodation they dont know when theyre going to get back to their homes. Arthur McAnna, 84, was at home on the evening of the explosion. The retired firefighter recalled: We got the full blast it came in through the front window and we had stuff embedded in the back wall. He later moved in with his daughter because there had been structural damage to houses all around. A retired couple said they had to scrap their golden anniversary plans because the explosion destroyed their savings. Mary and Sam Porteous, both 76, had intended to travel to Australia to celebrate. But Mrs Porteous told the Edinburgh Evening News: We cant go now because all the money we needed to go is in the house. She added: We blame the council because every time the insurer wanted to do something, the council knocked us back. Weve all got different insurers so that makes things difficult. Police officers at the scene on Baberton Mains Avenue, Edinburgh A birds eye view of the destruction from the explosion. A big chunk of the street remains inaccessible, surrounded by fencing Huge amounts of rubble litter Baberton Mains Avenue in Edinburgh, after a house exploded However, progress could soon be made as its believed the houses affected could be demolished in February next year. The City of Edinburgh Council said the next steps are matters for residents and their insurers because the homes are private properties. It added, however, that it is awaiting confirmation from insurance firms for works to begin by February. Council planning convener James Dalgleish said he appreciated how difficult this is for everyone involved and residents want to see the situation resolved as quickly as possible. He added: Its encouraging to hear that recent talks between residents and their insurance providers have been productive. The mother of transgender double rapist Isla Bryson has declared: 'I believe you have to be born female to be female.' Bryson, 32, was jailed for eight years in February 2023 after raping two women in West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow. The sex attacker was charged with the offences as Adam Graham, but changed gender while waiting to stand trial and took the name Isla Bryson. The case sparked public outcry, including from Harry Potter author JK Rowling, after Bryson was sent to the all-female Cornton Vale prison outside Stirling, before later being transferred to a male prison. Janet Bryson, who refers to her child as 'my son', has now waded in on the row, telling the Sunday Mail: 'I believe you have to be born female to be female. No wigs, dresses or amount of make-up makes you female. 'You can say you're a woman, but to be female, that is down to biology and how you are born.' Mrs Bryson made the astonishing comments as she tries to help Scottish feminist campaigners who are trying to win a landmark legal case at the Supreme Court. The For Women Scotland group last week urged the Supreme Court to confirm sex was 'immutable' and could not be changed by gender recognition certificates. Isla Bryson (pictured) was jailed for eight years last February for raping two women Bryson's case came amid a controversial row over former Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's plan for a gender self-ID law, which would have allowed anyone aged 16 or over to obtain a GRC by signing a declaration. The outcry over Bryson being sent to a female jail contributed to the end of her tenure as First Minister. Mrs Bryson also rejected the claim that Bryson wanted to become a female from the age of four. She told the Sunday Mail: 'My son never expressed any wish that he wanted to be a girl, dressed in any other way or ever asked to be called by any other name than Adam growing up,' she said. 'Never once, at the age of four or at any other age.' Mrs Bryson has previously said that her child's eight-year sentence was not enough and that he should have been locked up for at least 20 years. Last week, lawyers for the Scottish Government told the Supreme Court that a person with a GRC is 'recognised in law' as having changed sex. Ruth Crawford KC told the Supreme Court that a person would become the sex of their acquired gender, when they had a GRC. She was asked by the judges how that squared with physical issues affecting people born women, such as pregnancy or cervical screenings. The sex attacker was charged with the offences as Adam Graham, but changed gender while waiting to stand trial and took the name Isla Bryson She said the pregnant man issue was very clearly a matter of deep political water that should be left for parliament to resolve or treated as a matter of fact regardless of a GRC. In a written submission to the court, the Scottish Government said protections for pregnant women in the 2010 Equality Act could also apply to a pregnant man who was born female. But speaking to the media in Edinburgh during the hearing, First Minister John Swinney was asked if he personally believed it was possible for men to become pregnant and replied: No, I dont. Asked why his lawyers were arguing at huge public cost that it was possible, he said many complex arguments were being advanced in court. Lidia Thorpe has issued a public apology of sorts to Pauline Hanson for calling her a 'convicted racist'. The One Nation leader had issued defamation warnings to Ms Thorpe and Channel Nine's Today show after the senator labelled her 'a convicted racist' on the program on November 28. The letters, titled 'urgent defamation', demanded Ms Thorpe apologise to Ms Hanson or face legal action. By Monday the senator had issued her apology. 'My comments about Hanson last week referred to the federal court ruling that found she racially vilified a senator, contravened the Racial Discrimination Act and exhibited a strong form of racism,' Ms Thorpe wrote on X, formerly Twitter. 'To clarify, I was mistaken that she was "convicted" because it was a civil case. 'Sorry about that Pauline!' Solicitors Gillis Delaney sent Ms Thorpe the letters urging her to apologise for the 'irresponsible' comments. Lidia Thorpe has issued an apology to Pauline Hanson for calling her a 'convicted racist' Ms Hanson's legal team sent a letter to Ms Thorpe threatening legal action last week '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 letters read. They continued: '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.' Ms Hanson added in her own statement that media outlets repeating the false claim 'have been put on notice' that they also may face court proceedings. Ms Thorpe's remarks concerned a Federal Court finding on November 1 that Ms Hanson had racially vilified Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi by telling her to 'p*ss off back to Pakistan' in a message on X. 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. The remarks were triggered by Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi to 'p*ss off back to Pakistan' in an earlier message on X (pictured, Ms Thorpe and Ms Faruqi) Justice Angus Stewart found Ms Hanson's post of X 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. Independent senator Fatima Payman also recently sprayed Ms Hanson, accusing her of racism and claiming she spread hatred and division. Ms Payman, who left Labor to set up her own party earlier this year, 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. Independent Senator Fatima Payman also recently accused Ms Hanson of being a racist during a speech in Parliament Ms Payman called Ms Hanson the definition of racism during her speech while Ms Thorpe could be heard shouting 'you are a convicted racist' in the background (pictured, Ms Thorpe) Ms Payman accused Ms Hanson of racism by listing previous comments made by her, 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!'. She was also suspended from Parliament for the rest of the sitting year after ripping up the motion by Ms Hanson on the chamber floor before appearing to flip her middle finger over her shoulder as she stormed out of the chamber. Ms Thorpe earlier told the Today show that she had 'no regrets' about 'standing up' against racism. Republicans accused President Biden of lying and corruption after the president's stunning Sunday night reversal to pardon his son Hunter but the deeper cut came from a prominent member of his own party. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, ripped Biden's lame duck decision and accused the chief of his party of putting 'family ahead of the country.' 'While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country,' Polis wrote. 'This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation.' Polis endorsed Biden in 2020 and even held back when there were early calls for Biden to step aside after his debate disaster. The comment reflected the blowback that the pardon is already bringing, and concerns Donald Trump will use it to his own advantage. Democrats have repeatedly accused Trump of trying to bend the Justice Department to his own will to carry out vengeance and doling out special favors to family members. The Donald Trump campaign issued a furious statement blasting the pardon and used it to accuse Democrats of 'weaponizing' the justice system. Joe Biden will announce a presidential pardon for his troubled son Hunter on Sunday night, a senior White House official has said 'The failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system,' incoming Trump communications director Steven Cheung told DailyMail.com. 'That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people.' A White House official denied the pardon had anything to do with Trump's announcement he will name Kash Patel to run the FBI and install other loyalists. 'No this is in response to what has already happened in this case, in which political pressure has resulted in a miscarriage of justice,' said the official. Underlining how he might bank on the Biden pardon to make his own use of the extraordinary power, Trump raised the prospect of pardoning January 6 defendants who rioted in the Capitol. 'Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!' Trump wrote on his Truth Social site. Among the first to fire off a furious statement was Kentucky GOP Rep. James Comer, among the leading advocates in Congress for going after Hunter, and among those who Biden may have had in mind when he complained that his political opponents in Congress 'instigated' the charges against Hunter 'attack me and oppose my election.' Colorado Gov. Jared Polis accused Biden of putting 'family ahead of the country' with the pardon 'Joe Biden has lied from start to finish about his familys corrupt influence peddling activities,' wrote Comer in a post on X. 'Not only has he falsely claimed that he never met with his sons foreign business associates and that his son did nothing wrong, but he also lied when he said he would not pardon Hunter Biden.' 'The charges Hunter faced were just the tip of the iceberg in the blatant corruption that President Biden and the Biden Crime Family have lied about to the American people. Its unfortunate that, rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability.' Some of those allegations, including Hunter's generous board position for Burisma and other globetrotting deals, though probed by the House GOP and prosecutors over a period of years, did not result in charges. House Republicans also shelved their impeachment inquiry. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who is 91 and served decades with Biden, expressed frustration with the president - and himself. 'Im shocked Pres Biden pardoned his son Hunter bc he said many many times he wouldnt & I believed him Shame on me,' Grassley wrote on X. The fury came as the details of Biden's extraordinary action were coming to light. He opted to issue a blanket pardon going back to December 1, 2014 'including but not limited to all offenses charged or prosecuted' charges brought by special counsel David Weiss. That period encompasses a long period before Biden took office, and would include Hunter's foreign business dealings while his father was vice president. That is the year he was appointed to a lucrative position on the energy firm's board. Biden said repeatedly that he would not pardon his son, even as his legal situation deteriorated when a plea deal on tax and gun charges spectacularly collapsed in Wilmington. Asked if he would accept the outcome if a jury found his son guilty, Biden asnswered with a simple 'yes' in a comment to ABC this summer, Asked if he was ruling out a pardon, he responded with a declarative: 'Yes.' 'I will not pardon him,' he said after a Delaware jury convicted him on gun charges. The statement by Polis drew a sharp riposte from a Democratic strategist, in a warning to other party members who might stray. 'Governor Polis just endorsed RFK Jr., who wants to end research into life-saving cures because a worm ate part of his brain. So he should look to his own reputation.' Polis gave support to Trump's decision to nominate RFK, Jr. to run the Health and Human Services Department. On November 7, two days after the election with Donald Trump's return to the White House clear, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre answered with a 'no' when asked if the president would pardon Hunter. But there had long been suspicions that Biden would in the end pardon Hunter, his sole surviving son. Rather than wait for the Christmas period, when Donald Trump issued a series of pardons, Biden picked the Sunday after Thanksgiving, on a day Trump announced he would nominate loyalist Kash Patel to run the FBI. President Bill Clinton pardoned his brother Roger for charges related to cocaine distribution on January 20, 2001, his last day in office. 'From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,' Biden said in a statement. Hunter Biden was facing sentencing within days after conviction on a gun charge The pardon came Sunday night, after Biden returned from a weekend with family in Nantucket For months, the nation wondered if the president would pardon his ne'er-do-well son over his convictions on federal gun and tax fraud charges He claimed that people are 'almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form.' 'It is clear that Hunter was treated differently.' The president said that 'several of my political opponents in Congress' made the charges a public concern 'to attack me and oppose my election.' He added that had the plea deal Hunter agreed to with the Department of Justice not fallen through, the president would have seen it as a 'fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter's cases.' 'No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because is my son - and that is wrong,' he continued. Also chiming in was Trump loyalist Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who accused Hunter of breaking lobby registration laws due to his overseas business practices that the special counsel did not charge him with. 'Hunter Biden broke gun laws, he broke the FARA Act, and worst of all, he broke the Mann Act by sex trafficking women across the country. This pardon is Joe Bidens admission that Hunter is a criminal. Biden tried to throw President Trumps sons in jail, but he lets his son off free even though hes a convict,' she said. Then she went after the president for the FBI's raid on Mar-a-Lago that was a precurser to Trump being charged by a grand jury with illegally retaining national security documents. 'His FBI and DOJ raided Barrons bedroom and Melanias closet at Mar-a-Lago. Joe Biden is a liar and a hypocrite, all the way to the end,' she said. One prominent conservative, Charlie Kirk, was prepared to cut Biden some slack. 'Honestly, I don't think this is something worth getting mad over. A father should look after his son. Joe has been so mistreated by the Democrat party and disrespected, this is the one thing he's actually always cared about,' he wrote. Others in the media and political class also weighed in. 'The White House consistently lied about this,' wrote pollster Nate Silver. 'Biden's stubborn insistence on running for reelection was perhaps the singular most important factor in Trump 2.0, and now he's kicking salt in the wound of the party brand he helped to destroy,' wrote Silver. Said Sen.-elect Jim Banks of Kentucky: 'Joe Biden issued a pardon to Hunter Biden for any crimes that he might have committed since 2014. Why such a specific year? Well, Hunter Biden just so happened to join the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy firm, in that same year, 2014. So corrupt!' Wrote Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso: 'Joe Biden said he would not pardon his son for the crimes he has committed. He lied. Tonights pardon is wrong. It proves to the American people that there is a two-tier system of justice.' Former Barack Obama AG Eric Holder called the pardon 'warranted.' 'Heres the reality. No USAtty would have charged this case given the underlying facts. After a 5 year investigation the facts as discovered only made that clear,' he wrote. 'Had his name been Joe Smith the resolution would have been - fundamentally and more fairly - a declination. Pardon warranted. Ask yourself a vastly more important question. Do you really think Kash Patel is qualified to lead the worlds preeminent law enforcement investigative organization? Obvious answer: hell no.' Providing an all-caps response was Texas GOP Rep. Ronnie Jackson, a former White House who tended to Trump following his the first assassination attempt on him. 'Today, Bidens CRACKHEAD SON received a FULL and UNCONDITIONAL PARDON despite a promise that there would be no such thing. Biden and his admin are DISGRACEFUL LIARS!!' he wrote. In his own statement, Hunter Biden played up his addiction and recovery while vowing to 'make amends.' 'I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction - mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport,' he said. 'Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years because of my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends.' From the outside, it could be hard to understand why Anthony Albanese and Tanya Plibersek don't get along. It is something once again front and centre as the PM once again sinks the knife into Plibersek, this time over environmental laws she has been developing for years. The reasons the pair do not like one another are many, and the animosity between them goes back a long time. They would seemingly have a lot in common. Albo and Plibersek have been in Parliament for a similar stretch of time - with Albo first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996, while Plibersek joined the club at the following federal election in 1998. Both belong to the Labor Party's Left-wing faction. Their inner-city Sydney electorates are right next to each other. Both face challenges from the Greens, who control state seats in their electorates. They were ministers together during the tumult of the Rudd and Gillard years. They served in Cabinet together, and in shadow cabinet during Bill Shorten's time as Labor opposition leader, and again after Albo assumed the party leadership following Shorten's crushing 2019 election defeat. So why don't they get along? In a nutshell, it's a case of old bull Albanese (seven years Plibersek's senior) not liking the up-and-comer putting herself first. Lots in common... but far from friends: The intrigue around Anthony Albanese and Tanya Plibersek's relationship has only increased this week after the PM apparently dealt a killer blow to environmental laws she has long been working on. Above, the pair in 2012 Anthony Albanese and Plibersek both climbed the ranks of the NSW Labor Party as young people, although not at the same time - with Albo seven years her senior For much of their joint time in Parliament, Albo was the more senior figure of the two. However, after Kevin Rudd's 2013 election defeat, Plibersek's star rose. Rudd's defeat, amid years of leadership dramas with Julia Gillard, led to the party adopting new rules for selecting its party leader - with half the vote cast by the party membership, and the other 50 per cent from its elected officials. Albo saw that new approach as his chance to become Labor leader. It was a goal the man himself admits he never really had until he briefly became Deputy PM - for just 83 days - in the dying months of Rudd's prime ministership. Albo set about using the 2013 campaign for Labor leadership to raise his profile and build the sort of support amongst members that might knock Shorten out of the contest. He then wanted Plibersek to endorse him as leader. But she said she would happily serve as deputy to either Albo or Shorten. It wasn't realistic for Labor to elect a leader from inner Sydney as well as a deputy living in the electorate right next door. Especially when both MPs were in the factional Left. Albo was elected to federal Parliament in 1996. Plibersek was elected in 1998. Both represent inner Sydney seats that are threatened by the Greens Here you go, Madam Deputy Leader... frontbencher Albo speaks to Plibersek and then-Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, after they seized the leadership of the party. Above photo from 2015 That helped turn Shorten into the more viable option - he was a leader from the factional Right out of Victoria, and he would be paired with a female deputy from the NSW Left. Albo wanted Plibersek not to contest the deputy position, but she refused. It scuttled Albo's chances and he was furious. Albo won more support amongst party branch members, who lean left, he couldn't carry enough votes in the party room - who he believed had split in favour of a Shorten-Plibersek ticket. Shorten was elected Labor leader. Put simply, Albo blames Plibersek for Shorten's narrow victory. Plibersek over the next six years developed her own animosity towards Albo, believing he took regular opportunities to trail his leadership coat when Shorten's poll numbers were low. She saw it as a direct threat to her own political ambitions, which were at that time tied to Shorten's. The reasons the pair do not like one another are many, and the animosity between them goes back a long time Had Shorten succeeded at the 2019 election Plibersek would have become the Deputy Prime Minister, and by extension she would have overtaken Albo as heir apparent. When Shorten lost in 2019, he quickly tried to endorse Plibersek as the best candidate to take over the leadership. But Albo had already lined his political ducks up and quickly announced his intention to run. The Left fell in behind him and Plibersek swiftly announced she wanted to spend more time with her family. It's a stock standard line for politicians who don't have the numbers to fulfil their political ambitions in that moment. During Albo's term as opposition leader he had no choice but to keep Plibersek in cabinet. Few voters know it, but it is the faction of the party, not the leader, who select the MPs who make-up Labor's frontbench. Albo also kept Plibersek in the education portfolio she coveted. But as Opposition Leader Albo felt like Plibersek always took her opportunities to expand her media profile, niggling him when his popularity was in question. From Albo's perspective the actions were disloyal and exacerbated the rift between the pair. But at the time he had no choice but to look after her in shadow cabinet. Opposition leaders don't have the power of Prime Ministers. However, once Labor won the 2022 election and secured the keys to The Lodge, he took his opportunity to dump Plibersek from her much loved education portfolio and handed her the environment portfolio instead. He would have demoted her from the ministry altogether if he could, but as already mentioned, Labor leaders don't get to choose their frontbench teams, the factions do that. And Plibersek has significant power within the factional left. But the shift to a dead end portfolio backfired. By putting Plibersek in the environment portfolio it gave her enormous capacity to appeal to the party's traditional left wing base. She approved all manner of environmental requests and stifled mining projects in the name of environmental protection. It has been the perfect portfolio for Plibersek to build her following in the Left to help with any future leadership tilt, assuming Albo's leadership falls over. The pair of course deny there is a rift between them. But anyone who knows anything about their long and fractious history knows that the denials are rubbish Plibersek has enjoyed watching Albo squirm, as he has most recently been forced to do so, having overruled her on environment reforms negotiated with the Greens. WA Premier Roger Cook was concerned the 'nature positive' reforms would impact mining in his state ahead of the looming state election. It's also a key state for Albo, having won five seats off the Liberals in the west in 2022. Without those pick ups Labor wouldn't have been able to form majority government. So with speculation growing that Albo will reshuffle his cabinet in January, don't be surprised if he finds a new home for Plibersek, who has used her powers as environment minister to make Albo's life that much more difficult than it already is during a housing and cost of living crisis. But what portfolio he could sideline her into exactly remains unclear. The pair of course deny there is a rift between them. The PM did it again, today, on morning radio! But anyone who knows anything about their long and fractious history knows that the denials are rubbish. Equally you only have to have spoken to each of them discreetly over the years to know that there is no love lost there. When political ambitions and a long shared history collide, even the best of friends can fall out. Even friends who share similar philosophical views on most ideological issues. That is certainly the case with Albo and Tanya. A 10-year-old Palestinian girl has allegedly been shot in the chest by IDF forces close to the United Nations office in Gaza. The reported shooting comes after four aid workers were killed in Israeli strikes in the terrority on Saturday. A shocking picture appears to show the child on her back on the ground surrounded by UN workers in blue vests after it was claimed she was shot in the chest while crossing an Israeli checkpoint in the south of Gaza. The post said that workers from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stabilised the girl before they took her to a hospital. In response to the incident, an IDF spokesperson said: 'No shots were fired at the girl, and no signs were found indicating that she was injured as a result of an IDF action. 'The IDF operates according to international law and upholds its regulations even during combat in the Gaza Strip.' The incident comes a day after four aid workers were killed in air strikes. In a OCHA statement from Muhannad Hadi, the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said three of the victims were from World Central Kitchen and a fourth was from Save the Children who was killed in a separate strike. Mr Hadi said: 'My deepest condolences go to their families, friends, and colleagues who continue to risk their lives daily to support the people of Gaza.' World Central Kitchen (WCK) said it was 'urgently seeking more details' after Israel's military said it targeted an employee who was part of the Hamas October 7 attacks. A shocking picture appears to show the child lying on the floor surrounded by UN workers in blue vests after it was claimed she was shot in the chest while crossing an Israeli checkpoint in the south of Gaza Palestinians stand next to a destroyed vehicle in which employees of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli strike The charity said it was 'heartbroken' and added it had 'no knowledge' that anyone in the car had alleged ties to the terrorist group. It said it was pausing operations in Gaza following the strike, adding that it was working with incomplete information and was urgently seeking more details. The Israeli military in a statement said the alleged October 7 attacker took part in the assault on the kibbutz of Nir Oz, and it asked 'senior officials from the international community' and the WCK to clarify how he had come to work for the charity. The family of the man, Ahed Azmi Qdeih, rejected the allegations as 'false', and confirmed in a statement he had worked with the charity. 'We are heartbroken to share that a vehicle carrying World Central Kitchen colleagues was hit by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza,' it said in a statement posted on X. 'World Central Kitchen had no knowledge that any individual in the vehicle had alleged ties to the October 7th Hamas attack.' The official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that three employees of the charity were killed in the strike, with medics saying a total of five people were killed. The strike highlights the dangerous work of delivering aid in Gaza, which has seen over 330 humantrains workers killed since the conflict began in October last year. The war has also displaced much of the 2.3million population and caused widespread hunger. A Palestinian inspects a vehicle in which employees of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli strike Pictured: The destroyed vehicle that was hit by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on November 30 In April, a strike on a WCK aid convoy killed seven workers - three British citizens, Polish and Australian nationals, a Canadian-American dual national and a Palestinian. The Israeli military called it a mistake with the strike prompting an international outcry. Another Palestinian WCK worker was killed in August by shrapnel from an Israeli airstrike, the group said. A different Israeli airstrike on Saturday hit a car near a food distribution point in Khan Younis, killing 13 people, including children. Nasser hospital in Khan Younis received the bodies. 'They were distributing aid, vegetables, and we saw the missile landing,' witness Rami Al-Sori said. A woman sat on the ground and wept. Save the Children said a local employee was killed in one of the Khan Younis airstrikes while returning from a mosque. And the director of Kamal Adwan hospital reported a strike in Tal al Zaatar in Beit Lahiya in the north where Israeli forces are operating, and estimated based on witness accounts that well over 100 dead were under the rubble. He said the area remained inaccessible. Palestinians carry drums and bottles on war-torn streets to fill with drinkable water on November 30 People check a car hit by an Israeli strike in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on November 30 People check a car hit by an Israeli strike in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on November 30 Palestinians carry drums and bottles on war-torn streets to fill with drinkable water It comes as Hamas released a new hostage video on Saturday of Israeli-American citizen Edan Alexander. Speaking under duress, Alexander referred to being held for 420 days and mentioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent $5million offer for the hostages' return. 'The prime minister is supposed to protect his soldiers and citizens, and you abandoned us,' Alexander said. Netanyahu's office said that he spoke with Alexander's family after the release of the 'brutal psychological warfare video' that held 'an important and exciting sign of life.' '(Netanyahu) reassured me and promised that now, after reaching an arrangement in Lebanon, conditions are right to free you all and bring you home,' Alexander's mother, Yael, told demonstrators in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening. A statement from US National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett called the hostage video 'a cruel reminder of Hamas's terror against citizens of multiple countries, including our own'. 'The war in Gaza would stop tomorrow and the suffering of Gazans would end immediately - and would have ended months ago - if Hamas agreed to release the hostages,' it said. Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who don't distinguish between civilians and combatants in their count but say over half the dead were women and children. While efforts for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have faltered, the US and France-brokered deal for Lebanon appears to be holding since Wednesday. Palestinians carry out search and rescue work in the rubble of the destroyed building after Israeli army attacked on a building in the Shuja'iyya neighborhood in Gaza City on November 29 Palestinians inspect a destroyed vehicle on Salah al-Din Road following Israeli military strikes Palestinian residents carry out search and rescue work in the rubble of a destroyed building On Saturday, Israel's military said that it struck sites used to smuggle weapons from Syria to Lebanon after the ceasefire took effect. There was no immediate comment from Syrian authorities or Hezbollah. Israeli aircraft have struck Hezbollah targets in Lebanon several times, citing truce violations. Israel's strike in Syria came as insurgents breached its largest city, Aleppo, bringing fresh uncertainty to the region. The truce between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah calls for an initial two-month ceasefire in which the militants should withdraw north of Lebanon's Litani River and Israeli forces should return to their side of the border. Many Lebanese, some of the 1.2million displaced, streamed home despite warnings by the Israeli and Lebanese militaries to avoid certain areas. 'Day by day, we will return to our normal lives,' said Mustafa Badawi, a cafe owner in Tyre. An awkward tweet came back to haunt President Joe Biden after he pardoned his son Hunter on Sunday night. The president spared the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions - reversing his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family members. One tweet in particular came back to bite the president. 'No one is above the law', Biden tweeted on May 31 following the culmination of Donald Trump's trial in New York. A jury had just found Trump guilty of all 34 charges in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex. 'This was a rigged, disgraceful trial,' an angry Trump told reporters after leaving the courtroom. 'The real verdict is going to be November 5 by the people. They know what happened, and everyone knows what happened here.' Trump's words proved to be prophetic while Biden's now come across as a hypocritical. The Democratic president had previously said he would not pardon his son or commute his sentence after his convictions in the two cases in Delaware and California. Biden reversed his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family members President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions 'This was a rigged, disgraceful trial,' an angry Trump told reporters after leaving the courtroom in May. 'The real verdict is going to be November 5 by the people. They know what happened, and everyone knows what happened here.' The move comes weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges, and less than two months before Trump is set to return to the White House. It caps a long-running legal saga for the younger Biden, who publicly disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 - a month after his father's 2020 victory - and casts a pall over the elder Biden's legacy. Biden, who time and again pledged to Americans that he would restore norms and respect for the rule of law after Trump's first term in office, ultimately used his position to help his son, breaking his public pledge to Americans that he would do no such thing. In June, Biden categorically ruled out a pardon or commutation for his son, telling reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case, 'I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.' As recently as November 8, days after Trump's victory, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying, 'We've been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.' The elder Biden has publicly stood by his only living son as Hunter descended into serious drug addiction and threw his family life into turmoil, before pulling himself out in recent years. His political rivals have long used Hunter Biden's myriad of mistakes as a way of politically attacking his father: in one hearing, lawmakers displayed half-naked photos of the drug addled president's son in a seedy hotel. Biden, who time and again pledged to Americans that he would restore norms and respect for the rule of law after Trump's first term in office, ultimately used his position to help his son, breaking his public pledge to Americans that he would do no such thing House Republicans sought to use the younger Biden's years of questionable overseas business ventures in a since-abandoned attempt to impeach his father, who has long denied involvement in his son's dealings or benefiting from them in any way. In a statement released Sunday evening, Biden said, 'I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice.' 'The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,' Biden added. 'No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son.' 'I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision,' Biden added, claiming he made the decision this weekend. The president had spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts with Hunter and his family, and was set to depart later Sunday on what may be his last foreign trip as president before leaving office on January 20. Hunter Biden was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when , prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs The pardon came on Sunday night, after Biden returned from a weekend with family in Nantucket Hunter Biden was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when, prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He was set to stand trial in September in the California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. David Weiss, the Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney in Delaware who negotiated the plea deal, was subsequently named a special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland to have more autonomy over the prosecution of the president's son. Hunter Biden said he was pleading guilty in that case to spare his family more pain and embarrassment after the gun trial aired salacious details about his struggles with a crack cocaine addiction. The tax charges carry up to 17 years behind bars and the gun charges are punishable by up to 25 years in prison, though federal sentencing guidelines were expected to call for far less time and it was possible he would avoid prison time entirely. The pardon covers any other 'offenses against the U.S. which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024.' Hunter Biden was supposed to be sentenced this month in the two federal cases, which the special counsel brought after a plea deal with prosecutors that likely would have spared him prison time fell apart under scrutiny by a judge. Under the original deal, Hunter was supposed to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax offenses and and would have avoided prosecution in the gun case as long as he stayed out of trouble for two years. But the plea hearing quickly unraveled last year when the judge raised concerns about unusual aspects of the deal. He was subsequently indicted in the two cases. The sweeping pardon covers not just those offenses, but also any other 'offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024.' Hunter Biden's legal team this weekend released a 52-page white paper titled 'The political prosecutions of Hunter Biden,' describing the president's son as a 'surrogate to attack and injure his father, both as a candidate in 2020 and later as president.' Hunter Biden's lawyers have long argued that prosecutors bowed to political pressure to indict the president's son amid heavy criticism by Trump and other Republicans of what they called the 'sweetheart' plea deal. Biden is hardly the first president to deploy his pardon powers to benefit those close to him President Joe Biden and son Hunter Biden walk in downtown Nantucket Massachusetts this past weekend Both cases against the younger Biden were somewhat unusual. Criminal tax cases generally are rare, legal experts have said, and the gun offenses are usually brought alongside other more serious charges. In Hunter Biden's case, his lawyers noted that he had the gun for 11 days and never fired it. And the back taxes he owed were repaid before he was supposed to stand trial. Rep. James Comer, one of the Republican chairmen leading congressional investigations into Biden's family, blasted the presidents decision to issue his son a pardon, saying that the evidence against Hunter was 'just the tip of the iceberg.' 'Its unfortunate that, rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability,' Comer said on X. Biden is hardly the first president to deploy his pardon powers to benefit those close to him. Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother for old cocaine charges. In his final weeks in office, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in law, Jared Kushner, as well as multiple allies convicted in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. Trump over the weekend announced plans to nominate the elder Kushner to be the U.S. envoy to France in his next administration. Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, who has pledged to dramatically overhaul and install loyalists across the Justice Department after he was prosecuted for his role in trying to subvert the 2020 presidential election, said in a statement, 'That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people.' Hunter Biden said in a statement that he will never take for granted the relief granted to him and vowed to devote the life he has rebuilt 'to helping those who are still sick and suffering.' 'I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction - mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport,' the younger Biden said. Hunter Biden's legal team filed Sunday night in both Los Angeles and Delaware asking the judges handling his gun and tax cases to immediately dismiss them, citing the pardon. Donald Trump sees Joe Biden's decision to pardon son Hunter as a symptom of a broken justice system politicized by the liberal left but did not directly criticize the president for the move. Biden made the shock announcement Sunday night that he would issue a presidential pardon for his troubled son, calling his prosecution 'selective' and 'unfair.' In a statement, a spokesperson for Trump slammed what they called the Democrat-controlled justice system but didn't appear to disagree with the decision. 'The failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system,' Trump spokesman Steven Cheung told DailyMail.com. 'That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people.' However, on Truth Social, he was a little angrier, wondering if the same courtesy would be given to those charged for their acts at the Capitol on January 6. He wrote: 'Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!' The president-elect's attitude toward Hunter has been somewhat softer than many expect, given how hard Trump has hit Biden on his son's foibles over the years. Donald Trump sees Joe Biden's decision to pardon son Hunter as a symptom of a broken justice system politicized by the liberal left but did not directly criticize the president for the move In October, Trump, who issued a slew of pardons during his four years in office and on his way out the door in January 2021, weighed in on the Hunter Biden pardon issue, with a response that surprised many. Asked by radio host Hugh Hewitt last month if he would consider pardoning Hunter Biden, Trump said, 'I wouldnt take it off the books. 'See, unlike Joe Biden, despite what theyve done to me, where theyve gone after me so viciously, despite what - and Hunters a bad boy, theres no question about it, hes been a bad boy. 'But I happen to think it's very bad for our country,' Trump said of what he considers politically motivated prosecutions and punishment which he likens to his own experience. The bombshell U-turn decision comes just weeks after The White House denied the president would make the drastic move in the final months of his lame duck presidency. Biden, himself, said as recently as June that he would 'not pardon' his son. 'From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,' Biden said in a statement. The president claimed that people are 'almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form.' He then added: 'It is clear that Hunter was treated differently.' Asked by radio host Hugh Hewitt last month if he would consider pardoning Hunter Biden , Trump said, 'I wouldnt take it off the books' Biden raged against 'several of my political opponents in Congress' who he claimed made the charges a public spectacle 'to attack me and oppose my election.' He added that the plea deal Hunter agreed to with the Department of Justice was a 'fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter's cases.' But that deal fell through at the last minute under political pressure. 'No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because is my son - and that is wrong,' he continued. Biden says that there has been an effort to 'break Hunter' and destroy what he says is five-and-a-half years of sobriety. 'In trying to break Hunter, they've tried to break me - and there's no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough.' The president didn't shy away from pointing out that the love of his son guided his decision-making but stressed that he was being 'fair-minded.' 'Here's the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice - and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further.' Hunter was last seen on holiday with his father and the rest of the Bidens on Nantucket in Rhode Island. After the verdict, President Joe Biden flew to Wilmington so he could hug his son Hunter The Colt Cobra gun Hunter Biden bought illegally while addicted to drugs was part of the evidence presented by federal prosecutors 'I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.' Hunter released a statement of his own, credited to his full name, 'Robert Hunter Biden.' 'I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction - mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport,' he said. 'Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years because of my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends.' 'In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages. In recovery we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the mercy that we have been afforded.' 'I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering.' The pardon will cover both the gun charges and Hunter's guilty plea. For months, the nation wondered if the president would pardon his ne'er-do-well son over his convictions on federal gun and tax fraud charges. Biden made the shock announcement Sunday night that he would issue a presidential pardon for his troubled son, calling his prosecution 'selective' and 'unfair' President Joe Biden had said repeatedly he will not pardon son Hunter NBC News first reported on Sunday night that Biden was planning to pardon his son. Minutes later, the White House released a statement. Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution gives the president blanket power to pardon any federal crime, something most outgoing presidents do in their final days in office, some controversial, others routine. Other presidents have issued controversial pardons - usually in the final days of their presidency. In 1974, President Gerald Ford pardoned his predecessor Richard Nixon for any crimes he had 'committed or may have committed' in the Watergate scandal. This was the first pre-emptive pardon by a president. In 2001, President Bill Clinton pardoned 140 people on his last day in office including billionaire Marc Rich, who had been a fugitive for decades for fraud related to making illegal oil deals and not paying more than $48 million in taxes. Family pardons are also not unheard of in presidential history. Before he left office, Clinton granted brother Roger a controversial presidential pardon for a 1985 cocaine-trafficking conviction. Trump himself pardoned Charles Kushner, father of son-in-law and ex-advisor Jared, before leaving office in 2020. Kushner was just yesterday named the US ambassador to France. In the last 12 hours of his presidency, Donald Trump pardoned and commuted the sentences of 144 people, including former advisors Stephen Bannon and Roger Stone, as well as the rapper Lil Wayne. Trump said he wouldn't 'take it off the book,' when asked if he would pardon Hunter Biden, apparently not ruling it out Jurors at Hunter Biden's Wilmington, Delaware gun trial in June were shown his infamous laptop and saw photos, videos and text messages from when he was in the depths of his addiction to crack cocaine Lowell has reiterated that the only reason Hunter is facing conviction is out of political gain for his father's enemies. 'It is a wild and terrifying story that serves as a stark warning of what is to come as some of the same Republicans who targeted Hunter prepare to resume power and have stated their intention to use the government's vast power to pursue their perceived enemies,' Lowell told the Washington Post. In June, Biden repeated his vow not to pardon his son in his first public comments on Hunter since last week's conviction. Hunter could face up to 25 years in prison. He also said he was satisfied his son got a fair trial and reiterated his support for him. 'I'm extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He's one of the brightest, most decent men I know. And I am satisfied that I'm not going to do anything. I said I would abide by the jury decision. I will do that. And I will not pardon him,' Biden said on Thursday. And he answered a simple 'no' when asked directly if he would commute Hunter's sentence. Both Biden and his spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre have repeatedly denied Hunter will be pardoned by his father. When asked in November - just over 24 hours after the presidential election was called in Trump's favor - whether Biden has any intention of pardoning his son, Jean-Pierre responded, 'We've been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.' The court was shown evidence taken from the laptop - including pictures of text messages where Hunter refers to himself as an addict and his conversations with suspected drug dealers Hunter Biden has grappled with addiction issues for years. The trial revealed some of the family's darkest moments as they dealt with Hunter's drug use. In the June gun purchase case, jurors found Hunter Biden guilty of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application by saying he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days. Hunter faces up to 25 years in prison although as a first-time offender he would not get anywhere near the maximum, and there's no guarantee the judge would send him to jail. In the September tax case, Hunter could face up to 17 years in prison for his crimes, which include tax evasion, filing fraudulent tax returns, and failing to pay taxes. The judge also could impose a hefty fine, perhaps as much as $1.3 million. The judges in both cases were appointed by President Trump. Hunter is a first-time offender. He has been sober for years and paid his taxes and fines, although that money was provided by a wealthy friend. President Biden is known to be torn up about the situation. Hours after Hunter's conviction in June in the Delaware gun case, President Biden flew to Wilmington to spend the night with his family before leaving for the G7 summit in Italy. And he also got a few minutes with his son on the tarmac, hugging him in full view of the cameras. A debate at the Oxford Union descended into shouting and chaos as students passed a motion branding Israel an apartheid state responsible for genocide. Pro-Israel speakers were loudly heckled by opponents while a Palestinian activist stormed out in protest at the presence of a former Hamas member turned Israeli informant on Thursday evening. The contentious motion, This house believes Israel is an apartheid state responsible for genocide, passed by 278 votes to 59 amid hostile exchanges within and outside the university chamber. In a sign of the anti-Israeli intimidation scarring British universities, several Jewish students said they were too scared to attend, while others described on social media a hostile and toxic atmosphere. Broadcaster Jonathan Sacerdoti, opening for the opposition, called the motion an outrage. But during his speech he was heckled by an audience member calling him a genocidal maniac and a 'sick motherf***er'. The heckler was then ejected from the chamber. The next morning Mr Sacerdoti wrote on X that the evening was a shameful and grotesque mockery of educated debate, interrupted constantly by shrieking, threats and out- right hatred. Other speakers against the motion included Natasha Hausdorff, a British barrister from UK Lawyers for Israel, Mosab Hassan Yousef, a son of the co-founder of Hamas who later became an Israeli spy, and Arab-Israeli journalist Yoseph Haddad. An Oxford Union debate on Israeli 'genocide' descended into chaos after speakers were heckled and the motion was called 'an outrage' (file photo) A pro-Palestinian supporter holds up a placard reading 'Oxford uni complicit in genocide' at a rally held outside the Sheldonian in May Protesters wave Palestinian flags outside the Oxford University examination schools in June Meanwhile, former IDF commander and journalist Mr Haddad highlighted the co-existence of Jews, Christians, and Arabs within Israel before he was ejected from the chamber amid heckling from the crowd. Mr Haddad posted on X: 'Last night I asked the participants and pro-Palestine opponents during a debate at Oxford Union if they would have reported Hamas plans to authorities to prevent October 7 massacre; 75 per cent of the participants voted they would have chosen not to report Hamas plans to the authorities.' Speaking in favour of the motion, Israeli-American activist Miko Peled branded the Hamas attack on October 7 last year as 'an act of heroism'. According to Oxford Student Newspaper Cherwell, he said: 'What happened on October 7 was not terrorism these were acts of heroism of a people who were oppressed.' Advocating for a Palestinian state 'from the river to the sea', he said: 'Palestinians have been living in a concentration camp for seven decades'. Another pro-motion speaker, Mohammed El-Kurd, a Palestinian poet, called Zionism 'irredeemable an indefensible', while saying it 'dishonours' him to share a space with Mr Yousef. A man will not spend more time in jail after his 'bizarre' act of publicly urinating over packaged meat in a city-centre Woolworths. Lachlan Ebejer, also known as Lochlan James Ebejer, stood next to customers at the supermarket's Sydney Town Hall branch on July 1 when he contaminated the raw meat for 28 seconds. The 22-year-old was already known to Woolworths staff after he copped a six-month ban from stores nationwide for shoplifting at Toongabbie, in Sydney's west, about two weeks earlier. Ebejer had a long history of symptoms of schizophrenia which had been wrongly thought to have come from his substance-abuse disorder, according to a report by a forensic psychiatrist filed with Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court. On Monday, Judge Michael Allen imposed a conviction and a 12-month community corrections order for the public urination. While normally such an act should warrant stern condemnation, that was not appropriate in this case because of Ebejer's long history of mental illness, he said. 'It is my view that his chronic schizophrenic illness, his bizarre behaviour at that time ... cannot be divorced from consideration of the seriousness of the offending,' the judge said. A second charge of trespassing was dealt with without further conviction or penalty. Lachlan Ebejer has been spared jail for urinating on meat at an inner-city Woolworths store. Ebejer is currently serving a sentence over unrelated charges and will be released on parole from jail for those offences on December 17, the court heard. The 22-year-old wore prison greens as he watched by audio-visual link from Shortland Correctional Centre, but spoke little during the hearing. Legal Aid lawyer Liam McKibbin said Ebejer had been given a high dosage of anti-psychotics to treat his schizophrenia and would soon start medication to deal with his cannabis abuse. He also had support from two NDIS carers in the community, the solicitor said. Mr McKibbin successfully argued that no jail time should be imposed, saying the charge of contaminating goods to cause public alarm encompassed a wide range of conduct up to putting needles in strawberries. While the police prosecutor tried to argue that full-time custody was the only type of sentence available, this was promptly shut down by Judge Allen. CCTV captured Lachlan Ebejer at a Sydney CBD Woolworths after he urinated on raw meat 'What benefit would that bring to the community? How would that address community safety?' the judge asked. Ebejer entered the city-centre store just before midnight on July 1 and threw a packet of chewy caramel Tim Tam biscuits from one aisle to another before proceeding downstairs for the urination, according to court documents. After security were alerted, Woolworths staff were forced to cordon off the area, removing the meat and spending eight hours cleaning and disinfecting. Ebejer immediately left the store but was located by police after images and CCTV footage were publicly released. The Sadleir man pleaded guilty to one count of contaminating goods with intent to cause public alarm and also to unlawful entry on inclosed lands. A third count of offensive conduct while on inclosed land was withdrawn. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Guizhou's industry catchs up as investors look for new opportunities Xinhua) 09:31, December 02, 2024 GUIYANG, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- With Christmas approaching, production lines in a workshop in a remote county in Guizhou Province, southwest China, are busy working to meet the increasing demand as orders keep pouring in. Surprisingly, there are few people on the shop floor. Automated welding machines have taken over most of the work. "The high level of equipment automation has reduced the requirements for workers. This has created job opportunities for local women who can work near home," said Gan Luo, the general manager of Yidong household products company in Changming economic development zone in Guiding County, adding female staff account for two-thirds of the factory's employees. The factory is now operating at full capacity to fulfill export orders from the European and U.S. markets. "We have established a trade company dedicated to dealing with overseas business. This year's orders have exceeded 20 million yuan (about 2.8 million U.S. dollars) already," Gan said. A Guizhou local, Gan started his own business in Ningbo, a coastal city in eastern China's Zhejiang Province. For decades, coastal regions attracted millions of people seeking better fortunes. Provinces like Zhejiang and Jiangsu stood out for their geographic advantages, sound infrastructure, advanced logistics and entrepreneurship-supporting policies. Prior to relocating his operations to Guizhou, Gan's business had been thriving. However, the escalating costs associated with labor, as well as land and energy consumption had emerged as formidable obstacles to sustaining a healthy profit margin. Consequently, Gan turned his attention to his hometown, seeking a more cost-effective solution. Located in the mountain-ringed southwest, Guizhou itself is a major province for electricity output, which is a big edge for many enterprises. Plus lower wages and land prices, the only obstacle for Gan seems to be the relatively higher transportation costs. "In recent years, the enhancements to Guizhou's transportation network, along with savings accrued from other sectors, can effectively neutralize the rise in delivery costs," Gan said. In 2021, officials from the Changming economic development zone and a prominent local enterprise in Guiding County embarked on a business recruitment trip to Ningbo to encourage companies to relocate to their hometown. This initiative was successful in attracting businesses, including Gan, who was motivated by the local government's support and established his operations in Guiding in 2022. Gan expressed his confidence in returning: "The promising business prospects, coupled with the local government's proactive efforts, have instilled us with confidence." Simply attracting one or two companies is far from sufficient. The local government understands that only by establishing a complete supporting industry and forming a comprehensive industrial chain can businesses truly settle in Guiding. Sun Ling, the deputy director of the local industry and information technology bureau, emphasized their focus on the entire aluminum industry chain, from upstream to downstream businesses, as the primary target for investment attraction. This strategic approach aims to bolster the region's economic development and create a thriving industrial ecosystem. Gan's comeback is part of a broader trend of businesses returning to the region. "The relocation of more enterprises on the supply chain will help reduce the costs," Gan told Xinhua. At the same recruitment event, after serious discussion with fellow partners, another Guiding native, Yang Liangyuan, who runs an aluminum accessories firm in Ningbo, also decided to relocate his factory home. "The favorable business environment and cost savings are appealing, but it is the complete industry cluster that truly helps cut costs," Yang noted. Yang's Guiding factory opened in 2022, and has since been exporting products worldwide. In the first half of 2024, the company's output value had soared to around 12 million yuan. "The rich aluminum resources in Guizhou ensure we have access to high-quality raw materials, and the strengthening of the industrial chain is a significant boost to our production and sales," Yang explained. To date, seven aluminum companies have set up operations in the economic development zone's aluminum industrial park, generating approximately 400 jobs. Three additional companies are expected to commence operations by the year end. "The aluminum industry is rapidly taking shape and is on pace to exceed one billion yuan in value," Sun said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) New Delhi, Dec 02 (UNI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday held a meeting with the floor leaders of the various political parties at Parliament House to end the deadlock in the ongoing winter session of Parliament. The meeting was called amid the proceedings in both Houses being adjourned for yet another day earlier today amid protests by opposition members over the Adani indictment row, recent violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal and other issues. As per source, the leaders agreed to ensure smooth functioning of Lok Sabha after the request made by the Lok Sabha speaker during the meeting. The meeting was attended by Gaurav Gogoi of Congress, Kalyan Banerjee of TMC, Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu of TDP, T R Baalu of DMK, Supriya Sule of NCP, Dharmendra Yadav of SP, Dileshwar Kamait of JD(U), Abhay Kushwaha of RJD, Arvind Sawant of Shiv Sena (UBT) and K. Radhakrishnan among others. Later talking to reporters outside Parliament, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju informed, "A special discussion on the issue of constitution will be held in the Lok Sabha on 13th and 14th of this month, while in the Rajya Sabha, the discussion will take place on 16th and 17th December." Kiren Rijiju said, the leaders who were present in the meeting also assured their support for smooth conduct of both the houses of Parliament. UNI JA KK Hunter Biden struck a note of contrition and promised to help those 'sick and suffering' in a statement after his father Joe gave him a presidential pardon. The elder Biden made the shock announcement Sunday night that he would issue a presidential pardon for his troubled son, calling his prosecution 'selective' and 'unfair.' Hunter released a statement of his own - in which he does not directly mention his father - after the decision came down, credited to his full name, 'Robert Hunter Biden.' 'I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction - mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport,' he said. 'Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years because of my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends.' Hunter blamed his actions that led to convictions on federal gun and tax fraud charges on his well-documented issues with alcohol and drugs. 'In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages. In recovery we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the mercy that we have been afforded.' He made a promise to pay that mercy forward with the freedom he has been granted by his father. Hunter Biden struck a note of contrition and promised to help those 'sick and suffering' in a statement after his father Joe gave him a presidential pardon Hunter blamed his actions that led to convictions on federal gun and tax fraud charges on his well-documented issues with alcohol and drugs 'I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering.' The bombshell U-turn decision comes just weeks after The White House denied the president would make the drastic move in the final months of his lame duck presidency. Biden, himself, said as recently as June that he would 'not pardon' his son. 'From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,' Biden said in a statement. The president claimed that people are 'almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form.' He then added: 'It is clear that Hunter was treated differently.' Biden raged against 'several of my political opponents in Congress' who he claimed made the charges a public spectacle 'to attack me and oppose my election.' He added that the plea deal Hunter agreed to with the Department of Justice was a 'fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter's cases.' But that deal fell through at the last minute under political pressure. 'No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because is my son - and that is wrong,' he continued. He made a promise to pay that mercy forward with the freedom he has been granted by his father Jurors at Hunter Biden's Wilmington, Delaware gun trial in June were shown his infamous laptop and saw photos, videos and text messages from when he was in the depths of his addiction to crack cocaine Biden says that there has been an effort to 'break Hunter' and destroy what he says is five-and-a-half years of sobriety. 'In trying to break Hunter, they've tried to break me - and there's no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough.' The president didn't shy away from pointing out that the love of his son guided his decision-making but stressed that he was being 'fair-minded.' 'Here's the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice - and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further.' Hunter was last seen on holiday with his father and the rest of the Bidens on Nantucket in Rhode Island. 'I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.' For months, the nation wondered if the president would pardon his ne'er-do-well son over his convictions on federal gun and tax fraud charges. NBC News first reported on Sunday night that Biden was planning to pardon his son. Minutes later, the White House released a statement. The court was shown evidence taken from the laptop - including pictures of text messages where Hunter refers to himself as an addict and his conversations with suspected drug dealers The bombshell U-turn decision comes just weeks after The White House denied the president would make the drastic move in the final months of his lame duck presidency. Biden, himself, said as recently as June that he would 'not pardon' his son In a statement, a spokesperson for Donald Trump slammed what they called the Democrat-controlled justice system but didn't appear to disagree with the decision. 'The failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system. That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people,' Steven Cheung told DailyMail.com. However, on Truth Social, he was a little angrier, wondering if the same courtesy would be given to those charged for their acts at the Capitol on January 6. He wrote: 'Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!' His father and even Trump have been pestered on the issue, with Trump suggesting it wasn't out of the question despite having railed against the First Son for years. Abbe Lowell, a key member of 54-year-old Hunter's legal team had begun making his client's case to the press that he was a political prisoner. 'This is a seven-year saga propelled by an unrelenting political desire to use a son to hurt his father,' Lowell said. Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution gives the president blanket power to pardon any federal crime, something most outgoing presidents do in their final days in office, some controversial, others routine. The Colt Cobra gun Hunter Biden bought illegally while addicted to drugs was part of the evidence presented by federal prosecutors .A picture from Hunter Biden's leaked hard drive shows him posing naked while holding a semi-automatic handgun by his side Other presidents have issued controversial pardons - usually in the final days of their presidency. In 1974, President Gerald Ford pardoned his predecessor Richard Nixon for any crimes he had 'committed or may have committed' in the Watergate scandal. This was the first pre-emptive pardon by a president. In 2001, President Bill Clinton pardoned 140 people on his last day in office including billionaire Marc Rich, who had been a fugitive for decades for fraud related to making illegal oil deals and not paying more than $48 million in taxes. Family pardons are also not unheard of in presidential history. Before he left office, Clinton granted brother Roger a controversial presidential pardon for a 1985 cocaine-trafficking conviction. Trump himself pardoned Charles Kushner, father of son-in-law and ex-advisor Jared, before leaving office in 2020. Kushner was just yesterday named the US ambassador to France. In the last 12 hours of his presidency, Donald Trump pardoned and commuted the sentences of 144 people, including former advisors Stephen Bannon and Roger Stone, as well as the rapper Lil Wayne. Lowell has reiterated that the only reason Hunter is facing conviction is out of political gain for his father's enemies. 'It is a wild and terrifying story that serves as a stark warning of what is to come as some of the same Republicans who targeted Hunter prepare to resume power and have stated their intention to use the government's vast power to pursue their perceived enemies,' Lowell told the Washington Post. Donald Trump has been pestered on the issue, with Trump suggesting it wasn't out of the question despite having railed against the First Son for years In June, Biden repeated his vow not to pardon his son in his first public comments on Hunter since last week's conviction. Hunter could face up to 25 years in prison. He also said he was satisfied his son got a fair trial and reiterated his support for him. 'I'm extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He's one of the brightest, most decent men I know. And I am satisfied that I'm not going to do anything. I said I would abide by the jury decision. I will do that. And I will not pardon him,' Biden said on Thursday. And he answered a simple 'no' when asked directly if he would commute Hunter's sentence. Both Biden and his spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre have repeatedly denied Hunter will be pardoned by his father. When asked in November - just over 24 hours after the presidential election was called in Trump's favor - whether Biden has any intention of pardoning his son, Jean-Pierre responded, 'We've been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.' Hunter Biden has grappled with addiction issues for years. The trial revealed some of the family's darkest moments as they dealt with Hunter's drug use. In the June gun purchase case, jurors found Hunter Biden guilty of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application by saying he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days. Hunter faces up to 25 years in prison although as a first-time offender he would not get anywhere near the maximum, and there's no guarantee the judge would send him to jail. In the September tax case, Hunter could face up to 17 years in prison for his crimes, which include tax evasion, filing fraudulent tax returns, and failing to pay taxes. The judge also could impose a hefty fine, perhaps as much as $1.3 million. The judges in both cases were appointed by President Trump. Hunter is a first-time offender. He has been sober for years and paid his taxes and fines, although that money was provided by a wealthy friend. President Biden is known to be torn up about the situation. Hours after Hunter's conviction in June in the Delaware gun case, President Biden flew to Wilmington to spend the night with his family before leaving for the G7 summit in Italy. And he also got a few minutes with his son on the tarmac, hugging him in full view of the cameras. Tesla CEO Elon Musk received unexpected support for his plans to shrink the federal government - from Democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders. The Vermont senator, who twice came in second place for the Democratic nomination for president, praised Musk's plans to reign in defense spending, saying: 'Elon Musk is right.' Sanders posted on social media: 'Last year, only 13 senators voted against the Military Industrial Complex and a defense budget full of waste and fraud. That must change.' But Sanders is not the first Democrat who has expressed support for Musk's plans to shrink defense spending as the co-head of Trump's proposed Department of Government Efficiency, along with businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat representing California in the House of Representatives, previously told CNN there are other liberals who would work with DOGE to cut 'waste, fraud and abuse' from the Defense budget. 'Let me provide an area where there could be bipartisan collaboration - I mean the Defense budget, which is nearly a trillion dollars,' Khanna, a member of the House armed Services Committee, said on Monday. 'There has been tremendous reporting about the waste, fraud and abuse of that budget... So if they go to say there needs to be more open competition, not the monopolization in Defense contractors, and propose recommendations, that's something that I think could be supported,' he said of Musk and Ramaswamy's new department. 'If they find areas of truly wasteful spending across the government, they would get support.' Elon Musk received support for his plans to cut government spending from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders on Sunday The Vermont Senator praised Musk's plans to reign in defense spending Musk and Ramaswamy were tasked by President-elect Donald Trump to examine how to massively slash government spending. They would then report back to Trump within two years, with Trump saying 'their work would conclude no later than July 4, 2026 - A smaller government, with more efficiency and less bureaucracy, will be the perfect gift to America on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.' Both Musk and Ramaswamy have already suggested they may take a look at slashing the defense budget. 'We need to strengthen our military by focusing on the *effectiveness* of our defense spending, rather than just reflexively increasing the magnitude,' Ramaswamy posted on X on November 22. Musk then responded, 'DOGE will improve the efficiency of Defense spending.' The two also wrote in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal about the need to cut waste from the Department of Defense budget, after it failed its seventh consecutive audit. In fact, the agency has never passed an audit since it became legally obligated to carry them out in 2018, despite being the federal government's largest area of discretionary spending, according to The Hill. 'The Pentagon recently failed its seventh consecutive audit, suggesting that the agency's leadership has little idea how its annual budget of more than $800billion is spent,' they wrote. Rep. Ro Khanna, of California, also previously said Democrats would support DOGE's efforts to cut defense spending When it comes to cutting waste, fraud, and abuse and opening the 5 primes to more competition, there are Democrats on HASC who will work with @elonmusk and @DOGE. pic.twitter.com/OP4xXBH7tE Rep. Ro Khanna (@RepRoKhanna) November 25, 2024 But Michael McCord, undersecretary of the Defense comptroller and chief financial officer, insisted last month that the department 'has turned a corner in its understanding of the breadth of its challenges.' He said the department is working toward a clean audit by 2028 by modernizing the workforce, improving financial data systems and increasing interoperability between systems. 'Our strongest path forward is to keep a lot of continuity in what we're doing,' McCord insisted. Part of the problem, however, is that lucrative contracts are handed out to private corporations - meaning that billions in taxpayer dollars go to companies that do not need to disclose their spending. In October, the Pentagon revealed that $431.4billion, or a whopping 71 percent of its spending, went to private contracts last year, the Daily Beast reports. Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy were tasked by President-elect Donald Trump to find ways to slash the federal budget The major winners of these contracts were Lockheed Martin, which made $61.4billion from the US government; RTX, which made$24.1billion; and General Dynamics, which made $22.9billion. Lockheed Martin, the largest US defense contractor, wound up making 74.2 percent of its sales to the US government in the third quarter, while US commercial sales made up just one percent of its revenue. Meanwhile, the Defense Department's budget for fiscal year 2024 was set at $841billion, or about 12.5 percent of the total federal budget. It now has $4.1trillion in assets and $4.3 trillion in liabilities, after reporting last year that it could only account for just half of its assets. What happened on Friday? The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill cleared its first hurdle in Parliament. The historic vote came nine years after MPs in the Commons voted against assisted dying in 2015. MPs debated for four-and-a-half hours before voting on Labour MP Kim Leadbeaters Bill. They voted 330 to 275, majority 55, to approve it at second reading. So what now? The Bill will now go to committee stage where MPs can table amendments. Also on Friday, a motion was approved to allow the committee considering the Bill to have the power to send for people, papers and records as part of its sessions. Amid concern from some about the Bill being rushed through or not receiving enough scrutiny, Ms Leadbeater has said it could face another six months of parliamentary scrutiny, insisting: There is plenty of time to get this right. The Bill will face further scrutiny and votes in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, meaning any change in the law would not be agreed until 2025 at the earliest. Will it definitely become law? Only if both the House of Commons and House of Lords agree on the final wording of the Bill. Some MPs have indicated that their continued support at a further vote is contingent on being assured of appropriate safeguards in the Bill. Among them was Conservative grandee Sir David Davis, who told the Commons he would only support it at its later stages if it was given more time. How soon could an assisted dying service be running? Ms Leadbeater has suggested an assisted dying service would not be up and running for around another two years from the point the law was passed, with even more consultation to make sure we get it right at that stage. Who would be eligible? Only terminally ill adults who are expected to die within six months and who have been resident in England and Wales and registered with a GP for at least 12 months. They must have the mental capacity to make a choice about the end of their life and be deemed to have expressed a clear, settled and informed wish free from coercion or pressure to end their life. How would the process work? The terminally ill person must make two separate declarations, witnessed and signed, about their wish to die. The process must involve two independent doctors being satisfied the person is eligible and the medics can consult a specialist in the persons condition and get an assessment from an expert in mental capacity if deemed necessary. A High Court judge must hear from at least one of the doctors regarding the application and can also question the dying person as well as anyone else they consider appropriate. How long would it take? There must be at least seven days between the two doctors making their assessments and a further 14 days after the judge has made a ruling, for the person to have a period of reflection on their decision. For someone whose death is expected imminently, the 14-day period could be reduced to 48 hours. What safeguards are there? It would be illegal for someone to pressure, coerce or use dishonesty to get someone to make a declaration that they wish to end their life or to induce someone to self-administer an approved substance. If someone is found guilty of either of these actions, they could face a jail sentence of up to 14 years. Would doctors have to take part? No. Doctors would not be under any obligation to take part. Doctors who do would have to be satisfied the person making their declaration to die has made it voluntarily and not been coerced or pressured by anyone else. They would also be required to ensure the person is making an informed choice, including being made aware of their other treatment options such as palliative and hospice care. Doctors would not be under a duty to raise the option of assisted dying with a patient. The Bill states that there is nothing to stop them exercising their professional judgment to decide if, and when, it is appropriate to discuss the matter with a person. What about judges? It is not thought judges would have the same right to decide whether or not to take part in the process. Although the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has suggested this might be something Parliament can consider. Ms Leadbeater has said while it would be a new area of work for judges, they are used to making these difficult and complex decisions and being part of this process, citing current procedures around decisions on turning off life support machines for terminally ill people. Former director of public prosecutions Sir Max Hill, who is supportive of the Bill, said High Court hearings to decide on applications could be held in public. Who would administer the medication? The dying person must take the medication themselves. No doctor or anyone else can give the medication to the terminally ill person. It has been suggested it might be the case a terminally ill person might be able to take such medication by pushing a button. How many people are likely to use an assisted dying service? Ms Leadbeater said evidence from elsewhere in the world where it is legal suggests assisted deaths account for between 0.5 and 3 per cent of deaths. She said it is likely take-up would be in the hundreds, rather than thousands. Will there be any scrutiny of how a new law operates? The chief medical officers in England and Wales and the health secretary would be required to monitor and report on the operation of the law. The health secretary would also be required to report on the availability, quality and distribution of appropriate health services to people with palliative care needs, including pain and symptom management, psychological support for those people and their families, and information about palliative care and how to access it. Three 'narco-submarines' trafficking $12billion worth of drugs from South America to Australia have been intercepted by the Colombian navy in what was a a six-week-long global drug bust. The latest phase of operation 'Orion' resulted in the seizure of 1,400 tons of drugs, including 225 tons of cocaine and 128 tons of marijuana, navy official Orlando Enrique Grisales told reporters in a press conference on Wednesday. More than 400 people were arrested in the crackdown in October and November that involved the security agencies of the United States, Brazil, Spain, the Netherlands and several other nations. Grisales said officials also seized a semisubmersible vessel on its way to Australia with Colombian cocaine, revealing a 'new route' of trafficking with sophisticated boats that can cover the distance of some 10,000 miles without needing to refuel. This was the third such vessel discovered in the Pacific Ocean, revealing a 'new route' of trafficking with sophisticated boats that can cover the distance of some 10,000 miles without needing to refuel, according to Colombian authorities. A kilogram of cocaine is sold for up to $370,000 in Australia, said the official - about six times more than the price in the United States. 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 organised crime networks joined together,' said Grisales. The Colombian navy seized three 'narco-submarines' trafficking cocaine across the Pacific from South America to Australia, as part of a massive bust that intercepted drugs worth more than $8 billion over six weeks Colombia is the world's biggest cocaine producer and exporter, mainly to the United States and Europe. Meanwhile, Australians are the highest per capita users of cociane in the world, according to the OECD. Last year, the South American country set a new record for cocaine production and cultivation of the coca leaf it is made from. The latest phase of operation 'Orion' resulted in the seizure of 1,400 tons of drugs, including 225 tons of cocaine and 128 tons of marijuana More than 400 people were arrested in the crackdown in October and November It comes after Royal Navy commandos intercepted a narco-sub and seized two-tonnes of cocaine worth a staggering $3million back in September. Royal Marines based on patrol ship HMS Trent made the historic bust during a patrol in the Caribbean. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had repeatedly emphasized that President Joe Biden would not intervene in legal proceedings involving his son, Hunter Biden, with her words coming back to haunt her on Sunday night. As recently as November 8, days after Donald Trump's election victory, Jean-Pierre categorically ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying, 'We've been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is "no".' Social media users were quick to mock Jean-Pierre's hollow words. 'Well, were all thinking it.. this didnt age well,' wrote one, encapsulating the feeling of many GOP supporters. Hunter Biden was convicted in June of lying on a federal form when he purchased a gun in 2018 and swore that he wasn't a drug user. Just months later, he pleaded guilty to charges accusing him of a scheme to avoid paying at least $1.4 million in taxes. Prosecutors alleged he lived lavishly while flouting the tax law, spending his cash on things like strippers and luxury hotels - 'in short, everything but his taxes.' Over the last year-and-a-half, Jean-Pierre had firmly dismissed any speculation surrounding the possibility of a presidential pardon, maintaining the administration's stance on judicial independence and the rule of law. Biden had also long pledged that he would not pardon his son who was set to be sentenced later this month, but on Sunday, the president did it anyway. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had repeatedly emphasized that President Joe Biden would not intervene in legal proceedings involving his son, Hunter Hunter Biden was convicted in June of lying on a federal form when he purchased a gun in 2018 and swore that he wasn't a drug user. Months later, he pleaded guilty to charges accusing him of a scheme to avoid paying at least $1.4 million in taxes. In July 2023, Jean-Pierre was asked if there might be any possibility that Biden would pardon his son as he faced two counts of willful failure to pay federal income tax. 'No,' Jean-Pierre replied bluntly. When a Fox News journalist attempted a followup, she cut him off. 'I just said no,' she said before moving on to another reporter. Months later in September 2023 Hunter was indicted on federal charges for making false statements and unlawfully possessing a firearm. The question came up once again in the White House briefing room. 'So I've answered this question before. It was asked of me not too long ago a couple of weeks ago and I was very clear, and I said no,' Jean-Pierre responded, growing impatient. By December Hunter had racked up nine criminal charges in the federal tax evasion case. This time, Jean-Pierre was even more detailed in her response to reporters asking whether a pardon may be in the offering. Hunter Biden was convicted in June of lying on a federal form when he purchased a gun in 2018 and swore that he wasn't a drug user. Just months later, he pleaded guilty to charges accusing him of a scheme to avoid paying at least $1.4 million in taxes Hunter's laptop was brimming with files that give a shocking glimpse into his debauched life during which he engaged in drug use and prostitution. This photo of him grabbing a woman's hair was recovered from his laptop One person dryly noted 'This didn't age well', referring to Karine Jean-Pierre's continual denials Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden would not be pardoning his son on at least four occasions Plenty of X users laid into Jean-Pierre suggesting she should now step down from her role 'Nothing has changed. That is still the case,' Jean-Pierre said. 'I mean, the president has said this before, and he will continue to say, which is that he loves his son and supports him as he continues to rebuild his life. And I'm going to be really careful to not comment on this and refer to Department of Justice or my colleagues at the White House counsel. 'But that's what I'm going to I'm not going to go beyond telling you all what the president has said over and over again. He's proud of his son, and he is building his life back,' Jean-Pierre said. In June of this year, during another heated press briefing, Jean-Pierre was questioned directly about whether Biden would pardon his son amid the federal investigations into Hunter's business dealings. 'The President has been unequivocal,' Jean-Pierre responded. 'He believes in the independence of the Department of Justice and will not interfere in any investigations, including those involving his family. 'I have not spoken to the President about this. And what I'm saying is he was asked about a pardon... and he answered it very clearly, very forthright... I don't have anything beyond what the President said. He's been very clear about this.' President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions Critics of the administration suggested that Biden's close relationship with his son might ultimately influence his decision-making but Jean-Pierre continued to counter such claims The speculation only heated up as summer wore on when in August journalists once again pressed Jean-Pierre for clarity, with one asking whether the President might reconsider his position in light of potential charges and whether he would tell Vice President Kamala Harris not to pardon his son if she were elected. 'I can speak for the president, and he said he would not pardon his son. And I'm just going to leave it there,' Jean-Pierre said. Last month, in November, Jean-Pierre addressed another wave of questions about a potential pardon - but her response did not waiver. 'We've been asked that question multiple times and our answer standswhich is no.' Critics of the administration suggested that Biden's close relationship with his son might ultimately influence his decision-making but Jean-Pierre continued to counter such claims, pointing to Biden's long-standing commitment to judicial independence throughout his political career. Many of those posting to social media were angry at what had occurred. Many of those posting to social media were angry at what had occurred but also not surprised 'I give you my word as a Biden: I am mentally fit. I did not discuss business with my son. I will never drop out of the 2024 race. I will not pardon my son, Hunter. This whole administration was nothing but lies and gaslighting. It was such a sham of an administration,' wrote one. Others suggested that Jean-Pierre should now consider resigning in the wake of the pardon. 'She really is left with no option now but to resign. All these denials have become lies, not of her making but she is nevertheless the official mouthpiece for the White House,' tweeted another use. 'KJP has been a liar for the entire time she's been the Biden spokesman,' declared one. 'LOL. She will hear about this. Unless she resigns first,' chimed another. 'They didn't count on Kamala losing. It was her talk to pardon him. So plan B!' noted another as they tried to piece together what had occurred. 'I wonder how she'll spin this??" joked one X user. 'I mean are ya dumb? What father wouldn't pardon his son given the chance? Idc how many times they said he wouldn't do it comes at NO SURPRISE that a FATHER is pardoning his son,' suggested another. 'The Party doesn't want him to do this. But they "screwed him", so why wouldn't he?' wrote one user noting how Biden was likely forced to step aside from his re-election campaign in July. 'Gangsta move' summed up another tweet. A California family has been left devastated after a nine-year-old autistic boy was shot and killed while playing outside his grandfather's house. The young boy, Princeton Jones, was gunned down at the intersection of Haskins Avenue and Alondra Boulevard in Compton at around 7.40pm on Saturday, KTLA reports. Details about the shooting remain scarce, as police have not yet said whether there are any leads on a suspect, a vehicle or whether the incident may have been gang-related. The family was left begging for answers. 'We don't know any information,' Najee Ali, the director of Project of Islamic Hope, said at a vigil Sunday night. 'But what we do know was that he was a nine year old innocent child who never should've been shot down in cold blood.' Princeton Jones, 9, was gunned at around 7.40pm on Saturday while he was playing outside Jones was outside his grandfather's house at the intersection of Haskins Avenue and Alondra Boulevard in Compton She noted that 'there used to be a time where women and children were off-limits to murder and gang violence. 'Unfortunately, those days are long over.' Jones' family described the young boy in an online fundraiser as 'a beacon of joy, lighting up every room he entered with humor and infectious smile.' 'He was adored by his friends, family and community, who all cherished the incredible person he was becoming.' The fundraiser goes on to say Jones was a 'truly special young man with a brilliant mind and a warm heart' who was diagnosed with mild autism at the age of 2, and 'worked tirelessly with the loving support of his mother and began speaking fluently by the age of 5.' 'My goal... was to give him the proper teachings and all of the things that he needed in order to navigate this world independently one day,' Jones' mother, Creole Green told ABC 7. 'I'm just devastated that my son's life... the door was shut in front of him at 9 years old.' A man has been rushed to hospital after being bitten by a shark off the coast of Queensland. The man in 60s was attacked while spearfishing near Curtis Island in Gladstone, 568km north of Brisbane, at about 8.25am on Monday. He sustained bites on both arms and one hand, causing severe bleeding, and was rushed to Gladstone Hospital in a stable condition. Bystanders performed CPR on the man on Curtis Island before emergency services were able to transport him via police boat to Gladstone. Acting Officer in Charge Gladstone Station Danielle Martin said the bystander's efforts were crucial in getting the man to safety. 'We don't respond to these very often but when we do they are a unique incident that require us to work with other services to bring the patient to hospital in a timely manner,' she said. 'We were lucky in this case as shark bites can be significant but we were able to transport him with minor to moderate injuries on this occasion.' A man in his 60s was bitten by a shark while spearfishing off Curtis Island, Queensland, at 8.25am on Monday (stock pictured) Bystanders performed CPR on the man before emergency services could transport him to Gladstone Hospital Fisheries Queensland has offered its assistance wherever it may be needed. 'Our thoughts are with the injured man and anyone who witnessed the incident, as well as those who assisted at the scene,' a spokesperson said. 'There are no shark nets or drumlines at this location and there is no information currently available about the circumstances or the shark species involved.' There have been four shark attacks in Australia this year, according to data from the Australian Shark-Incident Database. A thirteen-year-old girl who was attacked at Bargara Beach, 236km south of Curtis Island, at 4pm on March 12. The girl sustained puncture wounds to her abdomen and lower back while swimming near Nielsen Park Beach and was treated for minor injuries at the time. Fisheries Queensland warns swimmers to always check signage at beaches to ensure no sharks are present, avoid swimming near dawn or dusk and swim in clear water where nobody is fishing. A Virginia Girl Scout sprung into action and saved her dad's life using the CPR - a technique she had learned just days earlier. Vada Carawan, 11, had only performed CPR on a dummy during training sessions with her Virginia Beach Girl Scout troop 11 days before the terrifying incident. But any doubts she had about her abilities were put aside when her father, Clint, started having a heart attack on November 23. 'First, I was like "I don't know if I can do CPR," but apparently I can,' Vada, who's birthday was four days prior, told WAVY. The brave daughter fought through her tears to help her dad. While calling 911, Vada started doing chest compressions on her father until paramedics arrived to their home. Vada and the paramedics' efforts revived her dad before he was taken to the hospital, where he is still recovering. According to a GoFundMe made to support Vada's family and Clint's recovery, Vada noticed her dad was not feeling well all day, prompting her to stay by his side. Vada's mom, Amanda, wrote: 'He had been tired all day, and by late afternoon, he mentioned pain in his left arm. Vada Carawan, 11, and her mom, Amanda, described the shocking moment Clint had a heart attack and the Girl Scout used her CPR training to save his life Vada noticed her dad was not feeling well all day and immediately called 911 and started chest compressions when he fell to the ground Vada learned CPR with her Girl Scout troop just 11 days before putting her practice to the test 'Vada remembered him saying once that this could be a warning sign of a heart attack, and her concern grew.' Clint was taking longer than usual in the bathroom, so Vada called out to make sure he was okay. But he left the bathroom shakily and grabbed onto his dresser before dropping to the ground. Vada said even her dog, Maggie, was 'freaking out' when he collapsed. Amanda added: 'Throughout all of this, Clint has one thing on his mind: his daughter. Every time someone mentions Vada, he lights up, calling her his angel and saying how terrific she is. 'And hes right. Vada is not just a little girl. Shes a lifesaver.' Clint was first rushed to Virginia Beach General Hospital before being airlifted to Norfolk Heart Hospital, according to the GoFundMe. Vada told WAVY she was the only Girl Scout in her troop to successfully 'save the dummy' during the CPR course. She said performing CPR on a real person - let alone her own father - was much different than what she practiced. Vada said: 'Its kind of hard to put into words because it was so scary. 'I think I was a little weaker because its not the same doing it on a dummy because its not your dad.' Amanda said Clint is Vada's hero everyday and by helping to save his life, Vada got to be his Vada and her family encourage everyone to learn CPR regardless of their age, citing the fact that the 11-year-old was able to save her father The young Girl Scout encouraged everyone to learn this essential technique that could save someone's life. She told WAVY: 'I definitely dont think youre too young for anything. I think you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.' Amanda reiterated this sentiment on the GoFundMe page. Vada's mother wrote: 'Above all, we want to share a message with everyone: teach and learn CPR as early as possible. 'Vada proved that even the smallest hands can make the biggest difference. You never know when youll be called to act, and the skills you learn today could save a life tomorrow.' Amanda said to the outlet that Clint is Vada's hero every single day, but 'she got to be his hero' when she helped him survive his heart attack. An accused bikie boss has grinned and winked at shocked airline passengers after the suspected drug runner was extradited to Australia after two years on the run. Alleged Hells Angels kingpin Rodrigo Elices, 32, arrived at Melbourne Airport on Saturday, flanked by police on a flight from Manila. The accused drug dealer was detained on charges which related to more than 400 grams of meth, more than 280 grams of MDMA and 4kg of lethal party drug GBL - sold on the streets as GHB. Elices was also allegedly linked to 11 firearms, ammunition and ballistic vests police seized from a property in Kensington, in Sydney's inner east, on December 15, 2022. In October 2022, detectives from the State Crime Command's Raptor Squad established a strike force to investigate the supply and distribution of cocaine by a syndicate allegedly linked to Elices. Elices was shackled in cuffs and led away in front of stunned passengers at Melbourne Airport. He has since been charged with 55 drug and firearm offences. Accused Hells Angels bikie boss Rodrigo Elices grins at airline passengers In January last year, Australian Federal Police tracked him down in Bangkok. NSW Police Raptor Squad detective Inspector Mathew Smith said Elices was a key figure within an organised crime syndicate who had spent considerable effort evading Australian law enforcement.Authorities had been hunting for Elices across four countries since he allegedly flew to Thailand on a chartered flight using a false passport. Elices was arrested on November 8 last year by Thai authorities before being tried and jailed for almost 11 months on immigration offences. In October, the alleged Hells Angels member was given a royal pardon and directed to return to Australia. Elices was deported from Thailand and put on a flight to Brisbane, travelling via Manila in the Philippines. But after arriving in Manila, Elices claimed he had a medical episode and booked a flight to Istanbul via Abu Dhabi to avoid returning to Australia, police said. Authorities in Manila, Abu Dhabi and Ankara were alerted and Elices was denied entry into Turkey before being redirected to Abu Dhabi, where he landed on November 7. Elices then tried to board a flight to Lebanon before being sent back to Manila. Elices is led off the plane by police at Melbourne airport Victoria Police Viper Squad members lead Elices away in handcuffs After being given the opportunity to voluntarily return to Australia by the Philippines Bureau of Immigration, police said Elices instead purchased a return ticket to Taiwan. He was stopped from boarding the flight. For three weeks, Elices remained inside the transit area at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport under an order preventing him from entering the Philippines. 'He was confined to a chair and he was guarded by two staff at the Bureau of Immigration the only way he was allowed to leave that chair was to book a flight to Australia,' Det Insp Smith said on Monday. After being 'forcibly deported' on November 30, Elices was finally arrested at Melbourne Airport. 'It's been a long journey for him by the time he got back in the country he sort of succumbed to the fact he was going to face court in NSW for these offences,' Det Insp Smith said. Authorities would also be investigating Elices' access to funds while overseas. Elices was refused bail on Sunday when he appeared at Parramatta Local Court. He is due to return to court on Tuesday. Critics of Joe Biden's shock pardon of his son Hunter have noted a key detail that connects the reprieve to the younger Biden's time on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma. The bombshell U-turn decision to grant Hunter a pardon comes just weeks after The White House denied the president would make the drastic move in the final months of his lame duck presidency. The document grants a full and unconditional pardon for Hunter's potential crimes committed 'from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024.' This has led many to theorize that there is something lurking underneath the pardon which is meant to acquit Hunter Biden of charges that came to light in 2018. 'Hunter Biden joined the board of Burisma in 2014,' wrote conservative commentator Liz Wheeler. 'By pardoning Hunter for any crimes he may have committed from 2014-2024, Joe Biden is protecting his familys criminal cartel. Wow.' She added that Biden is protecting his son from the possible new head of the FBI: 'This pardon aint about the gun charge. The Big Guy is protecting himself from Kash Patel.' Hunter referred to his father, Joe, as 'the big guy' in a 2017 email about a business deal that raked in millions for the Biden family and their cohorts. 'Truly incredible that Joe Biden pardoned Hunter starting in 2014 the year he was appointed a board member of Burisma,' wrote Greg Price. 'You cant make it up.' People digging in to Joe Biden 's shock pardon of his son Hunter have taken noted of some of the finer details that may connect to his time on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma A White House official denied the pardon had anything to do with Trump's announcement he will name Kash Patel to run the FBI and install other loyalists. 'No this is in response to what has already happened in this case, in which political pressure has resulted in a miscarriage of justice,' said the official. Hunter joined the board of Burisma in 2014 and was paid millions for his role in the company despite not having a background in the gas or energy industries. Multiple accusations stem from Hunter's behavior while on the board. In 2023, DailyMail.com exclusively revealed the younger Biden helped coordinate a plan with Democrat strategists to 'close down any cases' against the owner of allegedly corrupt Ukrainian gas firm and 'gain intelligence' on the country's top prosecutor's office. The emails bolster claims by ex-Ukrainian Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin that the First Son and his then-Vice President dad conspired to kill Shokin's criminal investigation of Burisma. Many have theorized that there is something lurking underneath the pardon which is meant to acquit Hunter Biden of charges that stem from 2018 On May 12, 2014, the day before Hunter's $1million-per-year appointment to Burisma's board was publicly announced, executive Vadym Pozharskyi emailed the then-VP's son from his personal Gmail account. Pozharskyi warned Hunter that the firm's owner Mykola Zlochevsky was likely under criminal investigation in Ukraine. Fox News broadcast an interview with Shokin, where he repeated his previous allegations that Joe Biden got him fired over his Burisma probe. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Biden, while sitting on the board of Burisma, and then the sitting vice president's son, wrote at least one letter to the U.S. ambassador to Italy, John R. Phillips, for help. Hunter wanted to get in contact with the president of Tuscany, a region in central Italy where Burisma sought to arrange a geothermal energy venture, clearly working to forward the company's interests in the area. A White House spokesperson denied the president knew about the outreach his son made to the embassy in Italy. However, conservatives jumped on the alleged attempts at influence peddling. Republican Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley similarly posted: 'We learn this only after Joe Biden has been put out to pasture. Total coincidence, Im sure.' Another Senate Republican, Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, wrote: 'Not surprisingly, Burisma didnt pay Hunter Biden $1 million/year for his oil-and-gas expertise.' The day before Hunter's $1million-per-year appointment to Burisma's board was publicly announced, executive Vadym Pozharskyi (pictured left) emailed the then-VP's son from his personal Gmail account, warning that the firm's owner Mykola Zlochevsky (pictured right) was likely under criminal investigation in Ukraine The revelations come after ex-Ukrainian Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin publicly claimed that Hunter and then Vice President Joe Biden had him fired over his probe Hunter Biden leaves mass on Saturday, when father Joe reportedly made the decision to pardon his son Some of those allegations, though probed by the House GOP and prosecutors over a period of years, did not result in charges. House Republicans also shelved their impeachment inquiry against the president. Joe made the shock announcement Sunday night that he would issue a presidential pardon for his troubled son Hunter, calling his prosecution 'selective' and 'unfair.' 'From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,' Biden said in a statement. The president claimed that people are 'almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form.' He then added: 'It is clear that Hunter was treated differently.' Biden raged against 'several of my political opponents in Congress' who he claimed made the charges a public spectacle 'to attack me and oppose my election.' He added that the plea deal Hunter agreed to with the Department of Justice was a 'fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter's cases.' But that deal fell through at the last minute under political pressure. Hunter released a statement of his own, credited to his full name, 'Robert Hunter Biden.' Hunter Biden sent at least one letter to the U.S. ambassador in Italy requesting help for a Ukrainian gas company that he sat on the board of to forward their goal of pursing a geothermal project in the country One commenter claimed that Biden is protecting his son from the possible new head of the FBI, Kash Patel 'I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction - mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport,' he said. 'Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years because of my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends.' 'In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages. In recovery we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the mercy that we have been afforded.' 'I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering.' The pardon will cover both the gun charges and Hunter's guilty plea. For months, the nation wondered if the president would pardon his ne'er-do-well son over his convictions on federal gun and tax fraud charges. NBC News first reported on Sunday night that Biden was planning to pardon his son. Minutes later, the White House released a statement. In a statement, a spokesperson for Donald Trump slammed what they called the Democrat-controlled justice system but didn't appear to disagree with the decision. For months, the nation wondered if the president would pardon his ne'er-do-well son over his convictions on federal gun and tax fraud charges Colorado Gov. Jared Polis accused Biden of putting 'family ahead of the country' with the pardon 'The failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system. That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people,' Steven Cheung told DailyMail.com. However, on Truth Social, he was a little angrier, wondering if the same courtesy would be given to those charged for their acts at the Capitol on January 6. He wrote: 'Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!' Other Republicans accused President Biden of lying and corruption after the president's stunning Sunday night reversal to pardon his son Hunter but the deeper cut came from a prominent member of his own party. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, ripped Biden's lame duck decision and accused the chief of his party of putting 'family ahead of the country.' 'While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country,' Polis wrote. 'This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation.' Polis endorsed Biden in 2020 and even held back when there were early calls for Biden to step aside after his debate disaster. In a statement, a spokesperson for Donald Trump slammed what they called the Democrat-controlled justice system but didn't appear to disagree with the decision Among the first to fire off a furious statement was Kentucky GOP Rep. James Comer, among the leading advocates in Congress for going after Hunter, and among those who Biden may have had in mind when he complained that his political opponents in Congress 'instigated' the charges against Hunter 'attack me and oppose my election.' 'Joe Biden has lied from start to finish about his familys corrupt influence peddling activities,' wrote Comer in a post on X. 'Not only has he falsely claimed that he never met with his sons foreign business associates and that his son did nothing wrong, but he also lied when he said he would not pardon Hunter Biden .' One prominent conservative, Charlie Kirk, was prepared to cut Biden some slack. 'Honestly, I don't think this is something worth getting mad over. A father should look after his son. Joe has been so mistreated by the Democrat party and disrespected, this is the one thing he's actually always cared about,' he wrote. Others in the media and political class also weighed in. 'The White House consistently lied about this,' wrote pollster Nate Silver. 'Biden's stubborn insistence on running for reelection was perhaps the singular most important factor in Trump 2.0, and now he's kicking salt in the wound of the party brand he helped to destroy,' wrote Silver. Among the first to fire off a furious statement was Kentucky GOP Rep. James Comer, among the leading advocates in Congress for going after Hunter One prominent conservative, Charlie Kirk, was prepared to cut Biden some slack Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution gives the president blanket power to pardon any federal crime, something most outgoing presidents do in their final days in office, some controversial, others routine. Other presidents have issued controversial pardons - usually in the final days of their presidency. In 1974, President Gerald Ford pardoned his predecessor Richard Nixon for any crimes he had 'committed or may have committed' in the Watergate scandal. This was the first pre-emptive pardon by a president. In 2001, President Bill Clinton pardoned 140 people on his last day in office including billionaire Marc Rich, who had been a fugitive for decades for fraud related to making illegal oil deals and not paying more than $48 million in taxes. Family pardons are also not unheard of in presidential history. Before he left office, Clinton granted brother Roger a controversial presidential pardon for a 1985 cocaine-trafficking conviction. Trump himself pardoned Charles Kushner, father of son-in-law and ex-advisor Jared, before leaving office in 2020. Kushner was just yesterday named the US ambassador to France. In the last 12 hours of his presidency, Donald Trump pardoned and commuted the sentences of 144 people, including former advisors Stephen Bannon and Roger Stone, as well as the rapper Lil Wayne. Lowell has reiterated that the only reason Hunter is facing conviction is out of political gain for his father's enemies. Hunter Biden was facing sentencing within days after conviction on a gun charge 'It is a wild and terrifying story that serves as a stark warning of what is to come as some of the same Republicans who targeted Hunter prepare to resume power and have stated their intention to use the government's vast power to pursue their perceived enemies,' Lowell told the Washington Post. In June, Biden repeated his vow not to pardon his son in his first public comments on Hunter since last week's conviction. Hunter could face up to 25 years in prison. He also said he was satisfied his son got a fair trial and reiterated his support for him. 'I'm extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He's one of the brightest, most decent men I know. And I am satisfied that I'm not going to do anything. I said I would abide by the jury decision. I will do that. And I will not pardon him,' Biden said on Thursday. And he answered a simple 'no' when asked directly if he would commute Hunter's sentence. Both Biden and his spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre have repeatedly denied Hunter will be pardoned by his father. When asked in November - just over 24 hours after the presidential election was called in Trump's favor - whether Biden has any intention of pardoning his son, Jean-Pierre responded, 'We've been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.' Hunter Biden has grappled with addiction issues for years. The trial revealed some of the family's darkest moments as they dealt with Hunter's drug use. In the June gun purchase case, jurors found Hunter Biden guilty of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application by saying he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days. Hunter faces up to 25 years in prison although as a first-time offender he would not get anywhere near the maximum, and there's no guarantee the judge would send him to jail. In the September tax case, Hunter could face up to 17 years in prison for his crimes, which include tax evasion, filing fraudulent tax returns, and failing to pay taxes. The judge also could impose a hefty fine, perhaps as much as $1.3 million. The judges in both cases were appointed by President Trump. Moscow/New Delhi, Dec 2 (UNI) Russian President Vladimir Putin has received an invitation to visit India from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the dates for his visit will be set in early 2025, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said at a briefing. "Our leaders have an agreement to hold meetings once a year. This time, its our turn," Ushakov noted. "We received Mr. Modis invitation and we will certainly consider it positively," he added. "We will figure out the tentative dates early next year," Ushakov said, according to a statement from the Russian Embassy. Putin and Modi maintain regular contact, holding telephone conversations once every couple of months. The two leaders also hold in-person meetings, particularly on the sidelines of international events. In July, the Indian prime minister made a two-day visit to Moscow to take part in the 22nd Russia-India summit. In October, Modi visited the Russian city of Kazan for the BRICS groups summit. UNI RN A dead woman who was found next to a dying man had turned up at his house in the middle of the night armed with a gun, with police hunting a second man who fled the scene. Police were called to Parson St, Rye, in Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, shortly after 4am on Monday following reports of a loud row between a group of people at the property. Officers discovered a man, 29, and woman, aged in her 20s, with critical gunshot wounds inside the home. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, they died at the scene. Police have confirmed the 29-year-old man was the resident of the property, but say the woman is yet to be formally identified. Crime Command Detective Superintendent Janet Stevenson said the fight broke out when the woman and teh second man turned up at the dead man's home around 4am. It is understood either the man or the woman began beating the 29-year-old with a baton before demanding him to give them some personal belongings that were in the house. It is understood the woman was then fatally shot during a fight over a gun. The 29-year-old man was also shot shortly before the second man fled the scene. Detective Superintendent Stevenson said police believe all three individuals were known to each other and that the incident was targeted. Police and forensic teams are pictured at Parson St, in Rye, on Monday morning Detectives could be scouring the area for evidence as they worked the crime scene Forensics teams were seen carrying bags of evidence out of the home Calling on the public for help, she said the second man, who police are yet to identify, is believed to have taken off in a vehicle and he could still possibly be armed. 'We don't know if there is still a firearm outstanding [and] we presume there was a getaway car,' she told reporters on Monday. 'We are seeking to find out the identity of the man and we are appealing for anyone who may have been in that area this morning who may have seen something. 'If you have dashcam footage or CCTV please contact us or Crime Stoppers.' Detective Superintendent Stevenson said police are yet to determine the nature of the dispute, but one line of inquiry was whether drugs were involved in the incident. It is understood the 29-year-old man was the sole occupant of the house and a guest, who was hiding inside the property during the altercation, made the triple 0 call to police. Detective Superintendent Stevenson said police are still investigating how many people were at the home at the time and where the gun involved in the shooting came from. She said the 29-year-old man was known to police, but would not confirm the nature of those interactions. Forensic officers are seen examining a car with a p-plate that was parked outside the property A forensic officer could be seen making a video recording as a colleague marked up the scene The double deaths have shocked local residents of Rye, a wealthy seaside suburb 98km south of Melbourne, known for its beaches. Local residents told Daily Mail Australia on Monday that they did not hear anything around the time of the incident. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Social media users have been baffled by the strange response ChatGPT recites when asked 'Who is David Mayer?' David Mayer de Rothschild, 46, is a British adventurer, environmentalist and heir to the billion-dollar Rothschild fortune. The Rothschild family created their abundant financial situation by establishing banks across Europe in the 1760s. Mayer is the youngest heir to the fortune. Despite his family's prominence and his personal accolades, curious Reddit and X users have discovered that AI program ChatGPT seemingly does not acknowledge Mayer. When users search him up on the platform, ChatGPT replies 'I am unable to produce a response.' One Redditor noted: 'ChatGPT will happily talk about David de Rothschild. It just won't talk about David Mayer.' 'I tried it and he will talk about him, but writes Meyer not Mayer. If I use David Mayer it really breaks down. Weird,' another added. Some discussed the possibility that Mayer - or someone who shares his name - has taken steps to clear their digital footprint. David Mayer, 46, has been at the center of an internet discussion trying to understand why ChatGBT produces an 'error' result when asked 'Who is David Mayer?' The AI platform has not confirmed why Mayer does not appear, but Redditors have speculated about the reasoning While it is unclear why this is the case, people have considered multiple potential explanations. One shared theory was that Mayer has been blacklisted because a Chechen terrorist went under the alias 'David Mayer.' In 2018, a professor who shares a name with the wealthy environmentalist's name was accidently put on a terrorist watchlist because of this very reason, according to The Guardian. Another user wrote: 'This suggests that there's likely a system filter or restriction in place that automatically triggers this response when that name is mentioned.' Blocking search results to Mayer's name may indicate sensitive content or a 'system error or bug,' they explained. According to Mashable, this may be the 'likeliest theory' because in places such as some European jurisdictions, there are stern laws that allow people to request for their information to be removed from online. On the Reddit page devoted to getting to the bottom of this odd occurrence, someone shared their conversation with ChatGPT about Mayer without naming him. One theory about why Mayer does not appear on ChatGPT is that his name has been blocked because of the terrorist who went by 'David Mayer' ChatGPT users have discovered several names produce an 'error' response on the AI platform At one point, the user asked the AI bot 'why do you think they block his name output?' The program attributed 'privacy and legal risks' and 'conspiracy theories' as possible reasons. ChatGPT also referred to 'the desire to avoid promoting harmful misinformation.' A woman shared a list of six other names she noticed warranted the same 'error' response from ChatGPT. The most recent name added to the list was Italian lawyer Guido Scorza. Scorza is a member of the Board of the Guarantor for the protection of personal data, according to the Privacy Symposium. Other people, including Harvard Law School professor Jonathan Zittrain and attorney Jonathan Turley, also made the list. Mayer is best known for spending more than 100 days crossing the Arctic from Russia to Canada in 2006. Italian lawyer Guido Scorza has been added to the list of people who have been 'ignored' by ChatGPT He launched a website called Mission Control the same year, with the aim of inspiring children and young people with his expeditions and adventures. Mayer also started a mission to raise awareness of the Pacific Garbage Patch. He invented a new form of sustainable ship called the Plastiki that sailed across the Pacific Ocean from San Francisco to Sydney in 2010. Missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi's family has shut down the Facebook page devoted to her search efforts as they claim they received death threats. The Help Us Find Hannah page was removed from the social media site on Sunday, as an anonymous Facebook user posted a message saying Hannah's sister, Sydni, and her mother, Brandi Yee, decided to take it down. 'While Sydni and her mother believe the greater majority of the individuals on this page genuinely care and are interested in helping find Hannah, the negativity and attacks on their family have become more than they can bare. 'As recent[ly] as yesterday, there were threats against their lives and the lives of their small children,' the message read. 'This has prompted them to make formal reports to the FBI and make the difficult decision to remove this page.' The message goes on to note that the Kobayashi family will 'continue to rely on the private professionals and legal counsel to assist in their efforts moving forward.' The decision to take down the page comes as the family expressed their fury at a Los Angeles police chief who claimed Hannah had 'intentionally' missed her flight to New York City on November 8. Sydni has argued the Los Angeles Police Department never provided the family with any evidence suggesting her sister purposely missed her flight and argued Hannah would not continue to remain off-grid after their father took his own life. Hannah Kobayashi, 30, was reported missing after she failed to catch a flight to New York City on November 8 Hannah's sister, Sydni, and her mother, Brandi Yee, took down the Facebook page dedicated to her search efforts on Sunday She said in a statement on social media that the family was 'unaware of the alleged findings presented at the Los Angeles Police Commission meeting until multiple videos of the meeting were sent to us by multiple citizens,' PEOPLE reports. 'These alleged findings have yet to be relayed to my mother and I directly from the Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department or any detective involved in Hannah's case,' Sydni said. She and her mother, Brandi Yee, also claimed that certain details McDonnell shared about the case at the meeting were inaccurate. 'Specific facts contained in that report were inaccurate, such as Hannah's age. Hannah is 30 years old, not 23. Also, Hannah was reported missing to law enforcement on November 11th, not November 13th, as stated by the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. 'The lack of communication surrounding some important details has left us feeling excluded from potentially crucial developments,' Sydni argued. 'However, we do remain hopeful and optimistic that the Los Angeles Police Department is doing everything in their power to assist us in locating Hannah. Sydni also hit out at the report to Hawaii News Now, saying the police chief 'kind of seems to state it [as if] she went out and about to do her own thing,' which may discourage people from searching for her. 'I don't want to bash the LAPD. I don't want to discredit them if they are doing what they are doing,' she said. 'But at this time, it makes us very confused as to where they are at.' The family remains concerned about Hannah's safety, noting she did not seem to be acting like herself in the days after she disappeared The family is now concerned about Hannah's safety, noting that she seemed not to have been acting like herself in the days after her disappearance - citing some cryptic text messages and Venmo payments to people they did not recognize. She claimed in one text message she recently underwent a 'spiritual awakening' after she was due to meet family in New York. In another, she claimed: 'Deep Hackers wiped my identity, stole all of my funds, & have had me on a mind f**k since Friday.' A third text message to a friend said she was 'tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds for someone I thought I love.' Venmo payments also show Hannah sent an undisclosed amount of money to a person named Veronica Almendarez at 6.25pm on November 9, with the description of the payment only showing a drawn bow and arrow emoji. The second payment was made less than an hour later to someone called Jonathan Taylor, also for an undisclosed amount, with the description only saying: 'Reading.' The recipients' relationship with Hannah is not currently known, but the missing woman's family told the Sun that the LAPD is investigating the matter. A missing-persons poster also notes: '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.' Kobayashi was caught on security camera footage disembarking a plane at LAX just before 10pm on November 8 Kobayashi had taken a flight from her native Maui to Los Angeles International Airport with her ex-boyfriend, who bought tickets for the two of them before they broke up. Kobayashi was then caught on security camera footage disembarking a plane at LAX just before 10pm on November 8. She was seen wearing a black hoodie and colorful sweatpants, with a pair of headphones. But while her ex-boyfriend continued on to the connecting flight to New York City at 11pm, Kobayashi never made it. Instead, she was seen the next day at The Grove shopping mall between midday and 3pm. She spent a considerable amount of time at Taschen Books, where she stopped to charge her phone. She then snapped a photo and sent it to her aunt at 2:43pm, before returning to the airport where she is believed to have spent the night. Kobayashi was later spotted at a Nike event featuring LeBron James in Los Angeles, where she was wearing the same clothes she had on at the airport. She even shared a post on her Instagram page from the event on November 10 at around 3.30pm, with an eye emoji as the caption. Later that evening, at around 5pm, the photographer was spotted talking to a ticketing agent at LAX. That same day, a missing-persons report was filed by her family. Bob Montalvo and Geordan Montalvo, the uncle and aunt of Hannah Kobayashi, comforted each other amid the search for the missing photographer Kobayashi was spotted around the city in the days after she missed her flight 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. Kobayashi was finally seen leaving the Metro Pico Station with the unidentified person at 10:03pm 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. 'Brain rot' has been named the Oxford word of the year in a nod to low-quality social media content that is 'deteriorating' British people's minds. It was defined as: 'The supposed deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered trivial or unchallenging'. Oxford University Press crowned the expression following a public vote that saw more than 37,000 people worldwide have their say. The president of Oxford Languages Casper Grathwohl said: 'Last year's winning word, ''rizz,'' was an interesting example of how language is increasingly formed, shaped, and shared within online communities. '''Brain rot'' speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time. 'It feels like a rightful next chapter in the cultural conversation about humanity and technology. 'It's not surprising that so many voters embraced the term, endorsing it as our choice this year. 'I also find it fascinating that the word 'brain rot' has been adopted by Gen Z and Gen Alpha, those communities largely responsible for the use and creation of the digital content the term refers to. Brain rot is 'the supposed deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered trivial or unchallenging' (Stock image) 'These communities have amplified the expression through social media channels, the very place said to cause ''brain rot'.' 'It demonstrates a somewhat cheeky self-awareness in the younger generations about the harmful impact of the social media that they've inherited.' This was the third consecutive year that language enthusiasts were invited to have their say, with the six contendersbrain rot, demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy, and lore opening for public vote on 14 November for two weeks. Once the voting closed, language experts at OUP conducted a final detailed analysis, considering corpus data, votes, and public commentary on the finalists, before naming the definitive word of the year. 'Brain rot' was one of the six contenders shortlisted by OUP's language experts to reflect some of the moods and conversations that have shaped the past year. The president of Oxford Languages Casper Grathwohl said: '''Brain rot'' speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time' (Stock image) Selected through a combination of voting results, public commentary, and analysis of OUP's language data, 'brain rot' gained new prominence in 2024 as a term used to capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media. With the first recorded use of 'brain rot' in 1854 by Henry David Thoreau in his book Walden, the term has taken on a new significance in the digital age, especially over the last year. Initially gaining traction on social media platforms, particularly among Gen Z and Gen Alpha communities on TikTok, 'brain rot' is now seeing more widespread use. The usage of 'brain rot' saw an increase of 230 per cent in its frequency from 2023 to 2024. After a pleasantly mild weekend, it will be time to get out the de-icer again tomorrow morning as temperatures are set to plunge overnight. Icy conditions, freezing fog and widespread frost are expected, with snow due to hit some parts of the country early this week. In rural Scotland, temperatures could dip as low as -8C (18F), while lows of -2C (28F) or -3C (27F) are likely in rural areas across England. Even in towns and cities, overnight temperatures are set to plummet to a chilly 1C (33F) as Arctic air moves in. 'We can expect a widespread frost with a few icy patches on Tuesday morning,' said Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud. And with rain sweeping across the country later that day, areas of higher ground in northern England are also likely to receive some snow. Mr Stroud added that 'rain will turn briefly to snow across the high ground in the far North', but the snow will be 'fairly short-lived' and melt on Wednesday as temperatures improve. The Hampshire village of Mottisfont in The Test Valley in the early morning sunshine today Slide me Arctic air is bringing a chill today (left), but it will become milder by Wednesday (right) The weather will then take another turn, with 'wet and windy' conditions expected to dominate the rest of the week. Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna said: 'Monday night is probably the coldest night - we should get to - 8C in one or two spots in Scotland, more likely around high ground, where we've got a snow line. 'Then on Tuesday night, possibly -3C in Scotland. By Tuesday morning, parts of England could get down to -2C or -3C.' This weekend's mild weather saw temperatures as high as 16.4C (61.5F) in Cardiff because winds brought milder air from the south and south west, the Met Office said. Mr Petagna said: 'That's about five degrees above average - it should be about 1 to 12C that time of year. 'On Monday, the winds go around to the north, so we'll get air from a colder northerly direction.' He added: 'It's just a brief colder spell. Later Tuesday the wind starts to come back from the Atlantic again so it starts to turn less cold.' Mr Petagna said there is a chance temperatures could drop again next weekend as northerly winds are expected to develop. Yesterday's UK high was an unseasonable 15.4C (59.7F), also in Cardiff. Crime boss Gerry 'the Monk' Hutch narrowly lost his election bid in Ireland after returning to Dublin for a closely-fought campaign. Hutch, 61, had stunned voters when he launched his run to gain a seat in parliament after returning from Spain, where he awaits trial on money-laundering charges. Ireland's electoral system, allowing voters to rate candidates by order of preference, made way for Hutch to potentially break through and upset the status quo amid mounting concern over frontline election issues including housing and migration. As votes rolled in through Saturday night and Sunday morning, Hutch looked poised to make waves, coming fourth place in the initial round with 3,098 first preference votes - firmly in the running for one of four seats in Dublin Central. Hutch looked on course to gain the final seat after Sinn Fein's Mary Lou McDonald became the first declared winner. But in a shock turn, the seat was eventually won by the Labour Party's Marie Sherlock, with 6,102 votes to Hutch's 5,321. Sherlock will join Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, Social Democrat Gary Gannon and Fine Gael's Paschal Donohoe in the Dail in the Dublin Central seats. In an election with historically low turnout, and with waning support Sinn Fein, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael now look set to continue their centrist coalition despite a record low combined vote share - and with challenges ahead to restore confidence in voters. Gerry Hutch, an independent candidate and alleged criminal, is joined by media at the RDS count centre in Dublin on December 1, 2024 Fine Gael leader Simon Harris gestures, on the day of Ireland's general election, at the Wicklow count centre, in Greystones, Ireland, November 30 Sinn Fein's party leader Mary Lou McDonald (L) celebrates with party colleagues after being elected in Dublin Central, on November 30 Vote counting continues in Ireland's national election on November 30, in Dublin Sherlock had fallen more than 2,000 votes behind Hutch by Sunday morning as he picked up some 1,262 transfers from far-right councillor Malachy Steenson. Sinn Fein's candidate became the first declared winner, and her surplus votes went overwhelmingly to Hutch under the proportional representation system. Frenzied reporting from Dublin seemed confident Hutch was on course to reach the 6,551 votes needed to guarantee a win. When former MEP Clare Daly, a socialist with staunch anti-NATO views, was confirmed to have lost, her voters too preferred Hutch to Sherlock. But voters for the losing Greens and Fianna Fail showed much more support for Sherlock than Hutch, boosting her to within 124 votes of Hutch with one round to go. Sherlock went on to benefit from transfers from the Social Democrat's Gary Gannon and Fine Gael's Paschal Donohoe, finishing on 6,102 votes. Hutch, who had been given permission to return from Spain while on bail, fought to the end, ultimately coming fifth to miss out on one of four places. He was not expected to turn up to the Royal Dublin Society hall in Dublin after it became evident he had lost, but turned up around 3pm and was swamped by media. Hutch, still thought to be under a death threat from a rival gang, was asked if he would consider running again. He ruled out a run for president, but said that he enjoyed running in the general election, adding: 'I've been running all my life, I love running.' Pressed by a reporter about his trial at the Special Criminal Court, he shot back: 'Go back down to the Special Criminal Court and ask them'. 'This is an election,' he added. Hutch said he was 'happy' with his votes and said he had expected to perform well in the election. The mood shifted as questions were asked about his extradition and return to Spain. 'This is a joke,' he was heard saying to a member of his entourage. He later said he wanted to media to 'stay away from me' and joked there was 'never a guard around when you need one' as reporters circled. Hutch took the loss well, shaking hands with Sherlock and telling her: 'I hope you do good work.' She thanked him and said she would be a 'voice for everyone in Dublin Central'. Hutch left soon after and broke into a run towards the exit gate. Gerry Hutch is pictured surrounded by a large security presence as he leaves the RDS count centre as counting continues in the Irish general election on December 1 Last spring, Hutch was found not guilty by the non-jury Special Criminal Court of the murder of David Byrne Gerry Hutch arrives at a count centre following Ireland's general election, in Dublin, Ireland, December 1 Ireland's Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris kisses his wife Caoimhe Wade, on the day of Ireland's general election, at the Wicklow count centre, in Greystones, on November 30 Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald celebrates with supporters at the count at the Royal Dublin Society in Dublin, Saturday, Nov. 30 After two days of counting following Friday's poll, and with more than 135 of the 174 seats filled by Sunday evening, the return of a national administration involving Fianna Fail and Fine Gael now looks a much more likely prospect than any government including the long-time main opposition party, Sinn Fein. The two centre-right parties that have dominated Irish politics for a century, and who shared power in the last coalition, both ruled out governing with Sinn Fein before the election, so it seems unlikely that either would countenance that option if they could form a workable coalition together. Speaking to reporters in Cork on Sunday night, Fianna Fail's leader Micheal Martin said it had been a 'good day for Fianna Fail', improving their position as the largest party in the country and outperforming the exit poll to snap up the largest share of the vote at 21.9 per cent. Hours earlier, Martin said he needed to take a walk to think through the possibilities around government formation. Asked later in the evening if he now had a clearer picture, Ireland's deputy premier said: 'I didn't get the walk yet - that may be tomorrow morning. 'I think the sensible thing is to await the completion of all counts.' He added: 'We'll let the dust settle and savour the moment. We'll then be in a position over the next couple of days to assess the landscape, devise our strategies.' Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are poised to continue the 'rotating taoiseach' arrangement regardless of how many seats they finish on. Fine Gael have conceded that Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin will again 'go first' in the arrangement, the Daily Mail understands. 'We will understand that if their seat numbers are higher and that Simon has taken over as taoiseach - in circumstances that he might never have had the chance - we understand that Fianna Fail will go first,' a senior Fine Gael source told the Irish Daily Mail. Another option may see the two parties seek the support of independent TDs. The Social Democrats and the Irish Labour Party, which both had a good election, appear the most realistic junior partners. Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan said he was delighted with his party's performance, saying it is now the fourth largest party. Leading figures told the Mail that they favour Independents over centre-left parties such as the Social Democrats or Labour - despite both of those celebrating major gains. They also warned that negotiations with the Labour Party would 'drag out for months'. Gerry Hutch was given permission to return to Ireland from Spain, pictured December 1 The seat was eventually won by the Labour Party's Marie Sherlock , with 6,102 votes to Hutch's 5,321 Fine Gael politician Paschal Donohoe pauses at RDS, the Royal Dublin Society, after voters went to the polls during Ireland's election in Dublin, on December 1 Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin congratulates Seamus McGrath after being elected in Cork South Central, Sunday December 1 Senior figures have also said that a repetition of the 'rotating taoiseach' mitigates against coalescing with Labour as a third party. Fianna Fail secured the most first preference votes in the proportional representation contest, taking 21.9% to Fine Gael's 20.8%. Sinn Fein came in third on 19%. While Sinn Fein's vote share represented a marked improvement on its disappointing showing in June's local elections in Ireland, it is still significantly down on the 24.5% poll-topping share it secured in the 2020 general election. The other main story of the election is the near wipeout of the Green Party, which was the junior partner in the outgoing coalition. The party has lost 11 of the 12 seats it won in 2020, including that held by Media minister Catherine Martin, with leader Roderic O'Gorman clinging on to remain its sole representative in the Dail. A barrister has been landed with a 200,000 bill after being accused of forging his late mother's signature in a battle with his younger brother over a 1.2million inheritance. Robert Grierson, who specialises in tax and will disputes, allegedly faked a document handing him half the value of his mother's home before producing an invalid will allocating just 10,000 to his younger brother Duncan. London's High Court heard that parent Elise Grierson had previously treated equally Robert, 56, and 55-year-old Duncan, but changed her will 16 days after their father's death in 2022 and only weeks before she herself passed away. Instead of equal shares, eco-investment boss Duncan got only 10,000 while his brother, who had lived with his parents for more than 20 years, was given everything else. Robert insisted that she had already signed a declaration of trust in 2013, handing him a half share of her 1million home in the upmarket Birmingham town of Sutton Coldfield. He was sued by his brother at the High Court, with Judge Joanne Wicks KC now ruling that both the gift of half the house and the will were invalid. She has ordered Robert to pay his brother's 200,000 legal bills, whilst criticising the barrister for continuing to pursue a case which he had 'no reasonable prospect' of winning. The court had heard that Mrs Grierson and her husband, also named Robert, were married for 60 years and their son Robert lived with them from 1999 onwards. Robert Grierson, pictured outside London's High Court, has been told to pay 200,000 after being accused of forging his late mother's signature in a legal battle with his younger brother Duncan Grierson challenged a document leaving him 10,000 of his mother's 1.2million fortune At the centre of the dispute has been Elise Grierson's home in Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham He later operated his legal practice from their home on an exclusive private estate in Kenilworth Close, Sutton Coldfield. Duncan's barrister Constance McDonnell KC said the parents treated their sons equally and had 'worked extremely hard' to support them, with both going on to study law at Cambridge University. While Robert went on to practise as a barrister at London's prestigious Lincoln's Inn and later in the Cayman Islands, Duncan joined the business world and is now involved in eco-investing. The siblings' father died in horrifying circumstances in January 2022, with Duncan and his family finding him unconscious and in 'squalid' conditions when they visited his home, Ms McDonnell told the court. She said Mrs Grierson was devastated and suffered an 'acute grief reaction' as well as depression and a decline in her physical health before dying in hospital, aged 84, in March that year. It was only in May 2022 that Duncan learned of the updated will, leaving Robert almost all of his mother's estate, with 10,000 granted to Duncan and smaller gifts to two friends. Robert followed that by revealing the existence of the 2013 declaration of trust, which he said he found amongst his father's book collection and which handed him half of the house valued as being worth 1million. Ms McDonnell said that, after reacting in 'shock and anger', Duncan went to court in a challenge to the 2013 document on the basis of forgery. Robert Grierson (pictured), who specialises in tax and will disputes, has been accused of faking a document handing him half the value of his mother's Sutton Coldfield home The basis of his argument about the will was that his mother was mentally unsound, did not understand and properly approve of it and that it was not witnessed properly. He said a previous document from 2020, dividing her estate equally, was her last true will and there was no reason for her to have changed her mind in the two intervening years. Ms McDonnell said an expert had assessed the declaration of trust and said the signature and initials of Mrs Grierson on it were probably 'simulations'. There was also evidence that an 'indented tracing guideline' had been followed to produce it, making it 'highly probable' it was not signed by Mrs Grierson. She said: 'Duncan's case is that Robert is the only person who could, and would, have placed such simulated signatures on that document, and that he did so in order to acquire by fraud an asset worth about 500,000.' Ms McDonnell told the court there were also suspicious circumstances surrounding the making of the will only 16 days after her husband's death when Mrs Grierson was declining, depressed and grief-stricken. 'The fact that the person who benefited under the 2022 will was solely responsible for its production would be enough on its own to cause grave suspicion,' she added. 'That is further exacerbated by the fact that Robert is a lawyer and that Mrs Grierson, who lacked a complete education, was not confident about reading legal documents and would have relied upon him.' It was only in May 2022 that Duncan Grierson (pictured) learned of the updated will, leaving Robert almost all of his mother's estate, with 10,000 for Duncan and smaller gifts to two friends In her ruling, Judge Wicks found there was 'compelling evidence' that Mrs Grierson had not herself signed the trust document, while the will was not properly witnessed and made at a time when Robert could not prove she was of sound mind. Despite finding the gift of half the house was 'invalid' as somebody else had signed her name on the document, the judge made no findings as to whether Robert was responsible for forgery because he had not been at court to defend himself. The judge said: 'I have given careful consideration as to whether it is appropriate for me to go further and make any finding as to whether or not it was Robert who signed Mrs Grierson's name and initials on the declaration of trust, as Duncan submits I should. 'In my judgment, given the seriousness of the allegation and the fact that I have heard no evidence from Robert, it is right not to go further than the issues in the case require.' Having declared the declaration of trust 'void' because it was 'not Mrs Grierson's document', she went on to declare the 2022 will invalid - saying it had not been properly witnessed by two or more people at the same time. And she also found Robert had not proved that Mrs Grierson had mental capacity to make the will, nor that she knew and approved of its contents. Ruling on the issue of costs and handing Robert the bill for the fight, Judge Wicks said: 'It is clearly right in principle that Robert should pay Duncan's costs of the proceedings. Duncan is the successful party on all of the key issues.' She added that Duncan had made a pre-trial offer to settle the case, with Robert getting an extra 20,000 from the estate. Robert Grierson was sued by his brother Duncan at London's High Court (pictured), with Judge Joanne Wicks KC now ruling that both the gift of half the house and the will were invalid 'If Robert had accepted that offer, Duncan would have been financially worse off than he is under the terms of the judgment,' she added. 'Robert should have accepted the offer rather than requiring this matter to be taken to trial and his failure to do so has led to substantial costs being incurred.' She went on to award costs on the punitive 'indemnity' basis, slamming Robert for the way he acted before and during the court fight. Judge Wicks said: 'It does seem to me that this case is outside the ordinary and reasonable conduct of proceedings (so as) to justify an award of costs on the indemnity basis. 'Robert had been informed well before the proceedings were commenced that the attesting witnesses' evidence would be that they were not both present at the same time. 'Whether or not he had appreciated this was necessary at the time he arranged for execution of the 2022 will, he certainly appreciated it following receipt of Duncan's solicitors' letter of 22 June 2022. 'He should then have recognised that there was no reasonable prospect of establishing the formal validity of the 2022 will. 'Robert was well aware of the need for independent advice and an independent assessment of Mrs Grierson's capacity. 'His failure to ensure that those steps were taken before she made a will very substantially in his favour is particularly striking. 'Putting to one side the issues with due execution, it may be going too far to say in this case that Robert knew that he was propounding an invalid will. 'But he must always have appreciated that the prospects of establishing the 2022 will's substantial validity were not good. Robert conducted these proceedings in a way which was likely to drive up costs.' She ordered an interim payment of 160,000 plus VAT to be made up front, on a total bill of about 200,000 plus VAT. The decision in the judge's main ruling means that the 2020 will, splitting Mrs Grierson's fortune equally between the brothers, stands as her final will and that the whole house is included in the estate. A father's drunken pre-takeoff rampage forced a plane to turn around on the runway after he called a member of cabin crew a 'd***head'. Lewis Howarth, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, staggered around the aisles hurling verbal abuse at a stewardess who had asked him to put his seatbelt on. When armed police then tried to carry him off the aricraft the 36-year-old was heard yelling 'I will bite you, you c***' before attempting to sink his teeth into an officer. The Jet2 flight, from Manchester to Turkey, had already been delayed for 90 minutes prior to when Howarth's outbust began. As two offficers boarded the plane the father-of-two shouted: 'F*** off you pr***' and had to be tackled to the floor amid fears he would headbutt one of them. He was then carried off the aircraft to cheers from his fellow passengers as he tried to lunge at them with his head. Once on the air bridge he also yelled: 'I will bite you, you c***' whilst lashing out with his legs, kicking one officer in the face. The fracas delayed take-off as Howarth - who runs a building company - was bundled into a wheelchair and taken to a waiting police van. Lewis Howarth staggered around the aisles before hurling verbal abuse at an stewardess. When armed police then tried to carry him off the aricraft the 36-year-old was heard yelling 'I will bite you, you c***' Pictured: Howarth on a subsequent flight just a day after his drunken outburst The Jet2 flight, from Manchester to for Dalaman, Turkey, had already been delayed for 90 minutes before Howarth's outbust began. He subsequently boarded another flight with a different airline to Turkey the following day where he joined his partner and children. Pictured: Howarth in Turkey He subsequently boarded another flight with a different airline to Turkey the following day where he joined his partner and children - and even posted a series of flippant Facebook messages about his arrest saying: 'Right, let's try this again. Just a coke this time,' accompanied by a laughing emoji. Howarth appeared to enjoy his sunny getaway and could be seen riding a jet-ski, taking selfies with camels and driving a beach buggy in social media snaps. At Tameside magistrates court, Howarth was told he faced up to two years in jail after he admitted being drunk on an aircraft, common assault of an emergency worker and assault by beating. He was remanded to crown court for sentencing next month after JPs deemed their sentencing powers as insufficient. The incident occurred on August 29 this year when Howarth boarded Flight LS921 at Manchester Airport after drinking heavily in the departure lounge. Gareth Hughes, prosecuting, said: 'The fight was due to take off at 4.15pm but was delayed until about 5.45pm. 'A stewardess became aware of the defendant as he appeared to be extremely intoxicated. 'She approached the male and asked him to take a seat and put his seat belt on. He tried to but struggled due to his intoxicated nature. 'He was slurring his words and swearing, he had dilated pupils and his coordination was very poor and he was unable to put a seat belt on. 'She made the pilot aware of the situation and over the next 10 minutes she continued to speak to the defendant. But he appeared to continue to be disruptive. 'He got out of his seat and called her a 'd***head' and was asked to sit down and told he could be removed. 'But he stood up and got in her face and she believed he was trying to intimidate her. By this time they were already making their way to the runway from the gate but as the pilot heard news of the situation he wanted the male to be removed from the flight. 'They then taxi-ed back to the gate to wait for the police to arrive. Police met the plane and and the cabin crew explained the defendant was not listening to the safety briefing and swearing at the passengers. 'The officers were met by applause indicating the poor behaviour of the defendant prior to their arrival. 'The defendant was at the back of the aircraft. He stood up but immediately stumbled on his feet having to hold on to a seat. His eyes were red, his face was red. He was clearly extremely drunk. 'One of the officers tried to walk him down the aisle but when a PC Ecob said, 'Do you need a hand?' the defendant said, 'F*** off you pr***.' 'The officer asked if he was directing that to him or to a passenger and he simply says 'Yeah.' Here Howarth can be seen taking a selfie with a camel in Turkey. At Tameside magistrates court, Howarth was told he faced up to two years in jail after he admitted being drunk on an aircraft, common assault of an emergency worker and assault by beating 'As he was aggressive and not going to be walked the officer took him by the scruff of the neck while the other officer held the defendant's arms from behind. But he lunges his head forwards to passengers still sitting in their seats. 'The officer was concerned that he was going to head butt him so he took his legs from underneath him and they carried him out of the aircraft and laid him out on the air bridge in handcuffs. 'The officers found a nearby wheelchair to take him to a lift to the airfield where there was a police van waiting. 'He was heard to say 'I will bite you, you c***' and attempted to bite PC Ben Morton on the hand. 'The other officers took control of his head to stop him from continuing to try to bite him. He was also lashing out with his legs and kicked PC Ecob in the mouth with his feet. 'He did not receive an injury or serious injury as the defendant was not wearing any shoes, he had only socks on his feet - although it did cause temporary pain to the mouth and teeth. The officer then struck him to the stomach to prevent further assault.' In a statement PC Morton said: 'The defendant was irresponsible and gave no thought to the safety of other passengers or the police officers he was resisting in a confined space. 'I will never understand why people think behaviour like this is appropriate. It never can be justified. ' Howarth had previous convictions for assault on police and drug driving. His lawyer Jon Mail said: 'There is a certain amount of inevitability of the matter going to the crown court.' Bailing Howarth, JP Brendan Harte told him: 'We feel that with this reckless and erratic and quite frankly dangerous behaviour on the plane. 'Whilst it had not taken off, it was still taxi-ing and there was potential for harm that is not describable. 'It is just fortunate that the pilot took the decision that he did because the anxiety of the other passengers and crew must have been high.' At the end of the hearing, Howarth spoke from the dock to say: 'It won't be happening again. I do not even drink anymore.' A spokesperson for Jet 2 said: 'On 29th August this year, our highly trained crew onboard flight LS921 from Manchester to Dalaman elected to return the aircraft to stand before take-off, so that police could offload Mr Howarth, due to his appalling behaviour. 'As a family friendly airline, we take a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive passenger behaviour, and we can confirm that Mr Howarth has been banned from flying with us for life.' It is one of history's most enduring mysteries: what happened to the Princes in the Tower? The 12-year-old King Edward V and his nine-year-old brother vanished without a trace in 1483, and their uncle Richard III has long been suspected of ordering their murders. Now, a year after hotly contested evidence suggested Edward and Richard of York could have survived, a new discovery has bolstered the theory that they were secretly killed. A Channel 5 documentary airing tomorrow evening reveals for the first time a will that features one of the young Edward's prize possessions among its bequests. Lady Margaret Capell - the sister-in-law of one of the princes' alleged murderers - gave what she said was Edward's gold chain to her son. According to Thomas More - the Lord Chancellor of King Henry VIII - her brother-in-law Sir James Tyrell played a key role in the deaths of the princes. Leading historian Tracy Borman, who is co-presenting The Princes in the Tower: A Damning Discovery with actor Jason Watkins, called the discovery - likely Edward's unique chain of office - 'hugely exciting' and says in the programme that it is a 'smoking gun'. New evidence has bolstered the theory that the Princes in the Tower were murdered on the orders of their uncle Richard III A Channel 5 documentary airing tomorrow evening reveals for the first time a will that features one of the young Edward's prize possessions among its bequests. The King's highly significant chain of office was part of the estate of Lady Margaret Capell, the sister-in-law of Sir James Tyrell, one of the princes' alleged murderers Edward V - who was never crowned - and his brother were the sons of Edward IV, who died in 1483. After being declared illegitimate heirs by Richard III, then the Duke of Gloucester, the two princes were taken to the Tower of London and then vanished from the historical record. Richard then ruled as King until 1485, when he was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field. The previously overlooked will, which dates back to 1522, was found at the National Archives by Professor Tim Thornton, a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Huddersfield. It reads: 'Also, I bequeath to my son, Sir Giles, his father's chain which was young King Edward the V's.' It remains unclear how Lady Margaret, who was the widow of Sir William Capell, the two-time lord mayor of London, came into possession of Edward's chain. Tyrell was one of three brothers-in-law of Sir William. And the latter man's own will refers to business dealings with the Tyrells. They are know to have exchanged jewellery. Sir James was a member of Richard III's royal household. The discovery suggests that More's version of events, written down in his book The History of King Richard III, may not just be Tudor propaganda. Actor Jason Watkins (centre) with his co-presenter, historian Tracy Borman and Professor Tim Thornton, the expert who unearthed the will's bombshell bequest The previously overlooked will, which dates back to 1522, was found at the National Archives by Professor Tim Thornton, a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Huddersfield The line in the will adds weight to the claim that Edward V and his brother were killed For centuries, the dominant belief has been that King Richard III had the boys murdered so he could claim the throne Edward V - who was never crowned - and his brother were the sons of Edward IV, who died in 1483. Above: A 19th century depiction of the murder of the princes In Shakespeare's play Richard III, the Machiavellian royal sends for his two nephews to be killed in the Tower of London (pictured) to get closer to the throne He had claimed that Sir James employed two men, Miles Forest and John Dighton, to kill Edward V and Richard. More wrote: 'For Sir James Tyrell devised that they should be murdered in their beds. 'To the execution whereof, he appointed Miles Forest, one of the four that kept them, a fellow hardened in murder before that time. 'To him he joined one John Dighton, his own housekeeper, a big, broad, square strong knave. 'Then all the others being removed from them, this Miles Forest and John Dighton about midnight (the innocent children lying in their beds) came into the chamber, and suddenly lapped them up among the bedclothes so bewrapped them and entangled them, keeping down by force the featherbed and pillows hard unto their mouths, that within a while, smothered and stifled, their breath failing, they gave up to God their innocent souls into the joys of heaven, leaving to the tormentors their bodies dead in the bed.' Professor Thornton said: 'After centuries of speculation and uncertainty about the fate of the princes in the Tower, we can now show that when Sir Thomas More accused Sir James Tyrell of responsibility for their deaths of the princes he was in touch with people who were part of the story, including Tyrell's in-laws and that they owned the young king's chain.' Dr Borman, chief curator of Historic Royal Palaces, said: 'The fate of the Princes in the Tower is one of the most intriguing mysteries in the long history of this iconic fortress and palace. 'It continues to fascinate visitors today, more than 500 years after the princes disappeared. 'The story has long been of great interest to me personally: in fact, first learning about it at school was the reason I became a historian. 'Being able to walk in the footsteps of the characters involved whilst making this programme was a great privilege. 'And the fact that Professor Thornton's discovery was brought to light during filming was hugely exciting. 'I will never forget seeing that will in the National Archives for the first time. It was a real shivers down the spine moment.' The new find is likely to receive pushback from defenders of Richard III. Princes in the Tower: A Damning Discovery, airs tomorrow at 9pm on Channel 5 & My5 Last year the historian who led the discovery of the remains of Richard III beneath a Leicester car park unearthed evidence that she claimed suggested both of his nephews survived their imprisonment in the Tower of London. Documents unearthed by Philippa Langley's team of researchers indicated that Edward and Richard, the Duke of York, fled to Europe and assumed the identities of Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck, who are long known to have launched failed attempts to depose Henry VII in the late 15th century. Edward was believed to be Simnel, who was the central figure in the 1487 Yorkist invasion of England. Warbeck, who had initially claimed to be Richard, failed in a 1497 bid to claim the throne and then signed a confession admitting he was a boatman's son. The evidence was hotly contested by historians at the time. Princes in the Tower: A Damning Discovery, airs tomorrow at 9pm on Channel 5 & My5. An expert on the trail of lost Nazi treasures potentially worth billions believes he has found a cache of paintings hidden deep under the forests of Germany - but is being blocked from digging up the hoard by the local bureaucracy. Buckhart List, 75 from Austria, is certain that the SS left a stockpile of stolen goods from a Hungarian Jewish art collector in a chamber some 100-140ft under a forest clearing near the village of Deutschkatharinenberg. The journalist and author thinks the Nazis brought potentially 800 paintings - among them works by Monet, Cezanne and Pissaro - as well as gold and jewellery today 'worth billions' to chambers deep underground during the war. A geophysical survey hopes to end the search after more than a decade of speculation, but Mr List now says the Saxony authorities have prevented him from going any further because a Stone Age tool was found about half a mile away, placing the area off-limits for archaeological digs. In an appeal to continue his work, he told The Times: 'I don't want to take anything for myself. I know this belongs to people ... who lost their lives.' Archaeologists continue to search for the Amber Room, a trove of treasures thought to be worth hundreds of millions. Some say it was destroyed in the war, others hidden underground French master: Cezanne's La Chaine De E'toile Avec Le Pilon Du Roi, which is displayed in Glasgow and may have been looted by Nazis. More Cezannes are among the masterpieces thought to lie hidden in chambers under Germany Mr List has been at the forefront of the search for the missing masterpieces of Baron Ferenc Hatvany in recent years, hoping to uncover hundreds of lost masterpieces. He says that a survey by Professor Wolfgang Neubauer, director of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Virtual Archaeology, in Austria, points to a chamber under a forest clearing in Germany. Mr List has been leading a search for the missing art collection for over a decade Dr Neubauer and a team helped make a breakthrough at Stonehenge using their imaging software in 2010. The theory goes that a mine near Deutschneudorf was sealed with an explosion to keep away those on the brink of uncovering Nazi treasure troves - and evidence of hidden Jewish gold. Mr List, who launched his expedition more than a decade ago, believes the hidden cache could house 'billions' worth of art, gold and jewellery pilfered from Budapest during the 1944 occupation. Now, the challenge is cut through the red tape. Mr List says that he is appealing a ban on excavation imposed by local authorities after the discovery of a Stone Age tool nearby. He believes the chamber may contain the missing masterpieces of Baron Hatvany, a Jewish Hungarian art collector whose collection was stolen during the war. Many of his treasures were carted off from Budapest bank vaults by Red Army soldiers when the city fell to the Soviets in 1945. But most of the Hatvany Collection, between 250 and 500 pieces, was looted on the orders of Holocaust organiser Adolf Eichmann, who was in Hungary in 1944 and instituted a policy of arresting Jews and then releasing them in exchange for property - or sending them to Auschwitz. Mr List said some 12 years ago that he had acquired documents from old Wehrmacht archives that report a mass shipment of the Hatvany collection to two subterranean galleries, measuring 6,000 by 4,500 feet, in the Erzgebirge Mountains. With the permission of the mayor of nearby Deutschkatherinenberg, Hans-Peter Haustein, he deployed a neutron generator inside the mountain to probe for the secret chambers. The device revealed that, 180 feet down, there are workings not detailed on maps, and they appear to be man-made, not natural. Mr List said: 'In the winter of 1944 - 1945 the records indicate that a mysterious transport arrived here from Budapest that was coded top secret. 'One of the photos yielded up by the archives was of the Sonnenhaus, a large building directly in front of the Fortuna mine where I believe the art is stored. 'It shows a large contingent of SS. There was no military or logical state purpose for them to be here on a secret mission, unless it was to deliver the artwork into chambers which, climactically, are ideal for the storage of art.' Early explorations revealed only a Schmeisser machine gun, a Nazi gas mask, plastic explosive detonators and a safe deposit key. Mayor Haustein, who is also an MP for the FDP liberal party in Berlin, said at the time: 'The question is not what we find here, but when we find it. 'I have seen the evidence and I have heard the testimony of eyewitnesses over the years about the presence of the SS in the village. This stuff is here.' The Sonnenhaus is already drawing visitors ahead of a planned May descent into the mountain that will attempt to open up the secret chambers accessed so far only by radar. Mr List's is not the first application to be turned down in the search for Nazi gold, however. Five applications a year are also made to the Thuringian state archaeological office and other bodies to try to dig for the Amber Room, a coveted trove of gold and amber worth hundreds of millions in today's money. All had been turned down until 2017, when the state conceded permission with the local forestry association. The dig, evidently, did not uncover the Amber Room. The search for the room, a jewel-studded chamber built in the 18th century, has taken archaeologists everywhere from sunken ships dives off the coast of Poland to secret forest tunnels in central Europe and excavations of sites used to built the V1 and V2 rockets. The accepted theory is that it was destroyed by Russian artillery fire when the Red Army stormed the city in 1945. However, there are people who claim it was spirited away before the fall. A recreation of the Amber Room pictured at the Catherine Palace in Russia in 2008 A Nazi diary, written by SS officer Egon Ollenhauer, claims Adolf Hitler ordered 260 trucks laden with gold, looted treasure and valuables to be hidden in 11 locations in Poland Treasure hunters were recently warned to avoid a former Nazi concentration camp after a documentary claimed Hitler ordered stolen treasure to be buried in tunnels at the site Camp inmates pointed US soldiers towards a tunnel containing 21 tonnes of gold - much of it in the form of gold teeth and rings taken from Jewish victims of the Holocaust The room was originally presented to Peter the Great by the King of Prussia. Later, Catherine the Great commissioned a new generation of craftsmen to embellish the room and moved it from the Winter Palace in St Petersburg to her new summer abode in Tsarskoye Selo, outside the city. 'When the work was finished, in 1770, the room was dazzling,' wrote the art historians Konstantin Akinsha and Grigorii Kozlov. 'It was illuminated by 565 candles whose light was reflected in the warm gold surface of the amber and sparkled in the mirrors, gilt, and mosaics.' The Germans much later took the room to Konigsberg, the capital of East Prussia, which is now the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. After the war, the Amber Room became central Europe's El Dorado, a quest that enthralled the wealthy and the poor alike. Crafted entirely out of amber, gold and precious stones the Amber Room was a masterpiece of baroque art and widely regarded as the world's most important art treasure. New Delhi, Dec 2 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday expressed surprise over Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji's reappointment as a Cabinet Minister shortly after being granted bail in a money laundering case linked to the cash-for-jobs scam. A bench of Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih was hearing a plea challenging the September 26 judgment granting Balaji bail. The plea raised concerns that witnesses in the case might feel intimidated due to his position as a Cabinet Minister. Justice Oka remarked, We grant bail, and the next day you become Minister! This could give an impression that witnesses might face pressure due to your position. However, the bench clarified that it would not recall the judgment as it had set legal principles benefiting others. Instead, the Court agreed to focus on the limited question of whether witnesses were under undue pressure. The Court said it would focus solely on the potential impact of Balajis ministerial position on witness testimonies, without revisiting the merits of the bail decision. The bench directed Balajis counsel to take instructions and file the reply. The case was scheduled for further hearing on December 13. The Courts September 26 judgment granted Balaji bail despite acknowledging a prima facie case against him. The decision cited his extended detention since June 2023 and the unlikely commencement of the trial soon, emphasising the importance of speedy trials even in cases with stringent bail conditions. Balaji was sworn in as Minister on September 29, taking charge of portfolios such as electricity, non-conventional energy development, prohibition, and excise under Chief Minister M.K. Stalins government. UNI SNG SSP Ministers have been accused of staging a fresh assault on the countryside after slashing hundreds of thousands of pounds from marketing schemes for farmers. It has been revealed that Labour cut spending on advertising campaigns to showcase British food and drink producers overseas by 25 per cent (347,000). According to The Times, a 450,000 'Farming for the Future' scheme aimed at boosting take-up of grants and schemes for landowners has also been cut entirely. Countryside campaigners blasted the Government over the move, which comes as ministers continue to face fury over inheritance tax changes announced at the Budget. The measures unveiled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves have been dubbed the 'family farm tax' and sparked protests across the UK. It is reported the cost-savings were approved by Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden as part of a wider crackdown on Government marketing designed to save 132million. Ministers were revealed to have scrapped 43 of 131 major advertising campaigns, while a futher 42 are subject to review and had costs cut by 25 per cent. Other scrapped schemes include a campaign to promote the previous Tory government's 'levelling up' agenda, and marketing to demonstrate the work of Western allies against Islamic State. Countryside campaigners blasted the Government over the move, which comes as ministers continue to face protests over inheritance tax changes announced at the Budget It is reported the cost-savings were approved by Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden as part of a wider crackdown on Government marketing designed to save 132million Victoria Vyvyan, president of the Country Land and Business Association, said: 'The Government promised to be the party of the countryside. 'Instead, it's dismantling the economy that sustains it. Vital schemes for sustainable farming and agricultural exports are being slashed, while inheritance tax raids threaten to take what little profit remains. 'The Government isn't saving money, it's throwing it away. British food can boost our balance of payments, and rural communities could add 40billion to the economy. 'But they need a Government that matches their ambition, not one that cuts it down.' In her Budget, Ms Reeves announced controversial reforms to inheritance tax that mean farmers will have to pay a 20 per cent rate on land and property they inherit worth more than 1million. Ministers have insisted it will only affect the wealthiest quarter of landowners. But the National Farmers' Union and others say the impact will be more widespread. Critics have warned the move could wipe out family-run farms with tight margins, as they will be forced to sell up in order to pay death duties. A Government spokesperson said: 'We reviewed the hundreds of millions spent each year on Government communications and marketing campaigns, identifying 85million in immediate savings. 'We make no apologies for challenging the value for money of every pound we spend on behalf of taxpayers.' A German tourist has been mauled by a shark in front of horrified holidaymakers at a popular holiday beach in Thailand. Elke Maier, 57, screamed in pain when the beast sank its teeth into her leg while she was swimming in front of her hotel in Phang Nga on November 29. Tourists helped her to hobble ashore as she bled heavily from the gaping 12 inch (30cm) wound on her left lower leg. The victim was rushed from Khao Lak beach to the local hospital before being transferred to a larger facility in Phuket for emergency surgery. She has been recovering there since and will have a second operation today, local media reports. Police and conservationists have confirmed that the culprit was a Bull Shark, believed to be around 5ft long. They visited Ms Maier in hospital and vowed to catch the shark. Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkachai Siri said: 'The victim's condition has greatly improved, and she will have surgery again this evening if she continues to recover well. 'The tourist has travel insurance and we have provided documentation to support her. The German Embassy will also assist. 'Officers are searching for the shark so it can be caught and relocated.' A German tourist had her leg mauled by a shark while she was swimming in front of her hotel in Phang Nga on November 29. Graphic pictures show her injured leg bleeding heavily. She had a large wound with teeth marks that was around six inches (15cm) wide and 12 inches (30cm) long Marine ecosystem expert Thon Thamrongnawasawat, who has studied starks in Thai waters, confirmed that the creature responsible was a Bull Shark. He added: 'The shark may have swum along the seabed and noticed moving legs, mistaking them for prey. There was only one bite without, any further wrestling, biting, or eating of the flesh. So we believe it recognised the tourist was not its natural prey and released her. This behaviour indicated that it did not intend to hunt a human, but rather a misunderstanding. I believe it was Bull Shark.' Shocked onlookers said the beast responsible for the attack was around 5ft long. They believe it then swam away into the deeper water. Elke had a large wound with teeth marks that was around six inches (15cm) wide and 12 inches (30cm) long. The teeth had punctured her skin and muscles. Police and local officials arrived at the beach. They said that locals had reported shark sightings a few days earlier and one had been caught. However, they had not identified the species. Holidaymaker Friedrich Bach, also from Germany, said: 'The conditions in the sea were calm but then there was some panic. 'I could hear shouting and people helping a woman. I could hear people shouting "shark, shark". I'm afraid to go back into the sea.' The tourist, 57-year-old Elke Maier, is pictured in hospital where she was receiving treatment for her leg injury Police said that locals had reported shark sightings a few days earlier and one had been caught Lifeguard Athit Athit Pinyo, 29, from a hotel resort on the beachfront, said that tourists raised the alarm after Elke was attacked. He said: 'A foreign tourist raised her hand and shouted for help. I quickly ran down to the beach to help the tourist. 'I took a board device into the water to help. There was a deep wound on her left leg that had teeth marks and it looked like a shark had bitten her. 'The area where the tourist went to play in the water was not very deep, only chest deep. It seemed safe.' Ms Maier was rushed from Khao Lak beach to the local hospital before being transferred to a larger facility in Phuket for emergency surgery Local tourism chiefs are now scrambling to protect the image of the area. They are seen in the video patrolling the beach where the shark attack happened. Lertsak Ponklin, President of the Tourism Business Association of Phang Nga province, said warnings had been sent to local hotels, watersports operators and surfing schools. The tourism chief added: 'The next measure is to prevent Phang Nga province from becoming a rich feeding ground for sharks. 'If this was a shark attack, we must study and learn which areas they swim. We must take precautionary measures to prevent tourists from swimming there. Shocked onlookers said the beast responsible for the attack was around 5ft long. They believe it then swam away into the deeper water Lertsak Ponklin, President of the Tourism Business Association of Phang Nga province, said warnings had been sent to local hotels, watersports operators and surfing schools 'We must make tourists understand the situation. In addition, we must urgently push for Phang Nga Province to have an increased number of lifeguards to protect tourists on beaches.' Phang Nga is on the west of Thailand along the Andaman Sea coast, stretching into the Bay of Bengal. The region is home to Reef Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Bull Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks and even Hammerhead Sharks. All of them are capable of attacking humans. Hunter Biden's legal team has issued a stark warning that Donald Trump would seek retribution against him a day before Joe Biden issued a pardon to include 'potential crimes'. The 'threat against Hunter is real' after Trump was elected for a second term in office, Hunter Biden's lawyers claimed in a report released on Saturday, a day before his father pardoned him after long pledging he wouldn't do so. The sweeping pardon covers not only Hunter Biden's convictions in two cases in Delaware and California for gun and tax convictions, but also any other 'offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024.' Hunter Biden's legal team released a 52-page white paper titled 'The political prosecutions of Hunter Biden' on Saturday, describing the president's son as a 'surrogate to attack and injure his father, both as a candidate in 2020 and later as president.' 'This is a seven-year saga propelled by an unrelenting political desire to use a son to hurt his father,' one of Biden's lawyers, Abbe Lowell, said, the Washington Post reports. His lawyers have argued that with Trump's inauguration in January looming, 'some of the same Republicans who targeted Hunter prepare to resume power and have stated their intention to use the government's vast power to pursue their perceived enemies.' Hunter Biden could have faced years in jail had his father not pardoned him - for crimes ordinary citizens would not be prosecuted for, according to his lawyers. The younger Biden's lawyers have long argued that prosecutors bowed to political pressure to indict the president's son amid heavy criticism by Trump and other Republicans of what they called the 'sweetheart' plea deal. President Joe Biden and son Hunter Biden walk in downtown Nantucket on Friday, November 29, 2024, a day before President Biden issued a pardon for his son The 'threat against Hunter is real' after Trump (pictured) was elected for a second term in office, Hunter Biden's lawyers claimed in a report released on Saturday, a day before his father pardoned him after long pledging he wouldn't do so Hunter Biden could have faced years in jail had his father not pardoned him - for crimes ordinary citizens would not be prosecuted for, according to his lawyers (pictured: Joe Biden and Hunter Biden in June 2024) This argument has been repeated by President Biden, who in his pardon statement raged against 'several of my political opponents in Congress' who he claimed made the charges a public spectacle 'to attack me and oppose my election. Biden had said as recently as June that he would 'not pardon' his son, unlike Trump who has outright said he wants to pardon January 6 rioters. 'From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,' Biden said in a statement. Donald Trump signaled Sunday night that he intends to use Biden's pardon of his son to his own advantage, linking it to his own prospective controversial pardon of January 6 defendants. 'Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!' Trump wrote, in his first public comment since Biden announced the pardon. Hunter Biden was convicted in June of lying on a federal form when he purchased a gun in 2018 and swore that he wasn't a drug user. Just months later, he pleaded guilty to charges accusing him of a scheme to avoid paying at least $1.4 million in taxes. Prosecutors alleged he lived lavishly while flouting the tax law, spending his cash on things like strippers and luxury hotels - 'in short, everything but his taxes.' Biden said as recently as June that he would not pardon his son (pictured together in April 2016) Both cases stemmed from a period in Hunter Biden's life in which he struggled with drug and alcohol abuse before becoming sober in 2019. His lawyers addressed this in Saturday's statement, saying that Hunter Biden was facing 'significant sentences for felonies and misdemeanors far beyond precedents of others committing less serious offenses or where civil resolutions or consent judgments are normally sought' for 'mistakes' made while 'in the throes of serious drug addiction'. After the gun trial aired salacious and unflattering details about Hunter Biden's life, the president's son said he agreed to plead guilty to the tax charges to spare his family another embarrassing criminal trial. The tax trial was also expected to showcase details about Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings, which Republicans have seized on to try to paint the Biden family as corrupt. Hunter Biden was supposed to be sentenced this month in the two cases by judges in California and Delaware who were nominated to the bench by Trump. Special counsel David Weiss' office had not said whether prosecutors had planned to seek prison time. The tax charges carried up to 17 years behind bars and the gun charges were punishable by up to 25 years in prison, though federal sentencing guidelines were expected to call for far less time and it was possible the younger Biden would have avoided prison time entirely. Hunter Biden himself struck a note of contrition in a statement and promised to help those 'sick and suffering' after his father gave him a presidential pardon. The pardon came Sunday night, after Biden returned from a weekend with family in Nantucket 'I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction - mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport,' he said. 'Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years because of my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends.' Republicans accused President Biden of lying and corruption after the president's stunning Sunday night reversal to pardon Hunter Biden. One of the first to fire off a furious statement was Kentucky GOP Rep. James Comer, who was among the leading advocates in Congress for going after Hunter, and among those who Biden may have had in mind when he complained that his political opponents in Congress 'instigated' the charges against Hunter 'attack me and oppose my election.' 'Joe Biden has lied from start to finish about his familys corrupt influence peddling activities,' wrote Comer in a post on X. 'Not only has he falsely claimed that he never met with his sons foreign business associates and that his son did nothing wrong, but he also lied when he said he would not pardon Hunter Biden. 'The charges Hunter faced were just the tip of the iceberg in the blatant corruption that President Biden and the Biden Crime Family have lied about to the American people. Its unfortunate that, rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability.' Some of those allegations, including Hunter's generous board position for Burisma and other globetrotting deals, though probed by the House GOP and prosecutors over a period of years, did not result in charges. House Republicans also shelved their impeachment inquiry. One of the first to fire off a furious statement was Kentucky GOP Rep. James Comer (pictured), who was among the leading advocates in Congress for going after Hunter Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (pictured) accused Biden of putting 'family ahead of the country' with the pardon Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who is 91 and served decades with Biden, expressed frustration with the president - and himself. 'Im shocked Pres Biden pardoned his son Hunter bc he said many many times he wouldnt & I believed him Shame on me,' Grassley wrote on X. But the deeper cut came from a prominent member of Biden's own party. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, ripped Biden's lame duck decision and accused the chief of his party of putting 'family ahead of the country.' 'While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country,' Polis wrote. 'This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation.' Polis endorsed Biden in 2020 and even held back when there were early calls for Biden to step aside after his debate disaster. Gregg Wallace has 'gone rogue', is ignoring 'all advice' and only 'listening to his own ego', MailOnline can reveal today, after taking to Instagram to blame 'middle class women of a certain' age for his downfall. The grocer turned broadcaster, 60, posted a series of incendiary videos online yesterday where he hit back at critics by saying: Can you imagine how many women on MasterChef, female contestants, have made sexual remarks or sexual innuendo? His posts have been branded 'shocking' and laced with thinly veiled misogyny - and did not touch on the sexual allegations made by numerous MasterChef celebrities, producers and contestants on the show he left last week. There are allegations related to four other shows he worked on. One insider told MailOnline today: 'Gregg has gone rogue and ignored all advice'. Another expert said: He needs to shut up. Wallace faces a number of allegations of making inappropriate sexual jokes, asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff, and undressing in front of and standing too close to women working on his shows. He allegedly walked naked on set with only a sock on his penis. In the Instagram video, Wallace said: Ive been doing MasterChef for 20 years, amateur, celebrity and professional MasterChef, and I think, in that time, I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life. Apparently now, Im reading in the paper, theres been 13 complaints in that time. I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isnt right'. As he fights for his TV career, it also emerged today: Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has spoken to the BBC about the Wallace scandal 'to seek assurances' that the corporation 'is taking the matter seriously. BBC One should pull MasterChef off air until the probe into Gregg Wallace is completed, a senior Labour MP has said; The BBC allowed Wallace to remain on air despite at least four complaints being made against him. Bosses are under pressure to explain why they did not act sooner; More celebrities speak of how his sex-related comments embarrassed them. One cab driver claims he almost threw star out of his taxi after he got in and asked: 'Can I ask you what your sex life between you and your wife is like?' Mark Borkowski, one of the UKs leading PR gurus and crisis managers, told MailOnline today that Gregg is only listening to his own ego not advice meaning his video about middle class women complaining is likely to end his TV career. The first law of PR in a crisis is never let your emotions rule your Instagram, he said. The PR playbook his ego is referencing was written at the same time as Mrs Beeton was writing her cook books'. Gregg Wallace stepped down from MasterChef amid a probe into his behaviour. Yesterday he lashed out at 'middle-class women of a certain age' in a rant on his Instagram story Wallace on MasterChef with co-host John Torode, who is yet to comment on his departure What Wallace seems to have catastrophically miscalculated is the seismic shift in workplace norms. Studios, like most workplaces today, are hypersensitive ecosystems. The top-tier talent is expected to lead with grace, setting an example for both on-screen colleagues and off-screen crew. Bawdy humour and inappropriate antics, once passed off as harmless personality quirks, now read as tone-deaf at best and career-ending at worst. 'The issue here isnt just about bad jokes or offensive behaviour; its about a profound misunderstanding of evolving power dynamics. There are 13 people, including Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, who have formally complained about Wallace's behaviour over a 17-year period across five shows, from 2005 to 2022. His lawyers say 'it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'. But in another setback for Wallace and MasterChef bosses, a former contestant shared their experience on the show, telling Sky News: 'I was horrified. I'd never seen anything like it, genuinely, I was really quite shocked at that really toxic environment. 'What I witnessed... as a contestant was that there was a systemic problem that was larger than just him, in my view. 'Gregg... would occasionally crack jokes that in different ways felt inappropriate but he wasn't the only one.' The contestant, who alleged the 'abuse' on the show went further than Wallace, added: 'I think it's good that these things are coming out and I'm glad that people are speaking up, it's brilliant. But I do think it's the tip of the iceberg. 'I think if you were to really unravel and look at what was going on in that culture at large you'd see a lot more, you know, abuse.' The contestant told Sky News they regret not leaving on the first day, but that they felt too embarrassed to walk away. They said the only way they felt they could leave was by cooking something awful and being thrown off - but they did not follow through with this because their pride got the better of them. The contestant shared how offensive language was routinely used by camera crews and producers but that Wallace was the 'least offensive'. He also claimed that he heard inappropriate comments being made to another contestant. Former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, right, is among 13 people who have accused MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace, left, of making inappropriate sexual comments Social media users took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to make fun of his post as they joked about his lawyers and PR firm's reaction to the video Comedian David Baddiel joked: 'It's not often that the internet gets behind middle-class, middle-aged women these days, but thanks to Gregg Wallace for making it happen.' The whistleblower claims that contestants were forced to sign nondisclosure agreements, forbidding them from speaking about 'anything that goes on'. They said that they had seen 'too much behind the scenes' to be able to watch the programme anymore. And they also remember wondering if the BBC were aware of what was going on or if that was just how the industry operated. A BBC source said: 'While we are not going to comment on individuals or any internal processes, particularly when there is an ongoing process in place being run by Banijay who have the direct contractual relationship with Gregg Wallace, it would be wrong to report the BBC has done nothing if or when matters have been raised with us not least because it is already being widely reported there were interventions in both 2017 and 2018 where action was taken. 'We continue to urge caution about pre-judging any of this, particularly the involvement of BBC staff members and any inference they have not acted appropriately.' It comes after Wallace fanned the flames by claiming accusations about him making sexual comments towards staff and guests have come from 'middle-class women of a certain age'. In a post on Instagram on Sunday, the 60-year-old said: 'I've been doing MasterChef for 20 years, amateur, celebrity and professional MasterChef, and I think, in that time, I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life. 'Apparently now, I'm reading in the paper, there's been 13 complaints in that time. 'I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. The BBC has said it is taking the issues raised about Wallace 'seriously' after he stepped down from the programme 'This isn't right. 'In 20 years, over 20 years of television, can you imagine how many women, female contestants on MasterChef, have made sexual remarks, or sexual innuendo? Can you imagine?' In a third video, Wallace claimed 'absolutely none' of the people he had worked with on his shows had made a complaint about him. The Sunday Times reported that BBC executive Kate Phillips raised concerns Wallace's behaviour was 'unacceptable and cannot continue'. The intervention came after broadcaster and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Aasmah Mir, said she complained about inappropriate comments during filming when she appeared on the show in 2017. In an email forwarded to Ms Phillips in November 2017, Ms Mir said: 'Should anything happen in the future, I don't want to feel guilty when people say, 'Why wasn't anything said before?', or for producers or editors to claim they didn't know.' Ms Mir, who presents the breakfast show on Times Radio, later wrote in an email that was copied to Ms Phillips: 'This must not happen again to another woman.' In a post on X, she described a moment on the show which led to her complaint. While waiting for cameras to reshoot a scene, she claims Wallace said to 'tell a colleague at the BBC 'that she was a sexy b****''. Ms Mir claims that no one did anything despite it being said 'in front of everyone' which is why she complained. She added: 'I left the competition first. But two female contestants including Ulrika Jonsson told me afterwards that he had told another contestant that the way she was handling fish "looked like a rapist doing foreplay."' The newspaper claimed he received another warning the following year after a complaint was raised about his behaviour on the quiz show Impossible Celebrities. The Sunday Telegraph reported producer Georgia Harding, who worked on MasterChef between 2014 and 2015 and later Eat Well For Less, claimed she raised concerns about 'inappropriate' behaviour from him while working on the show. She alleged the presenter undressed in front of colleagues and 'made inappropriate sexual jokes' in front of the crew and people appearing on the shows, and said 'nothing was done' about concerns raised, claiming there was 'an acceptance' of his behaviour and 'nothing was done'. Harding also said he stood 'too close' to contestants on set and 'spoke about sex a lot and would get changed on set even though he had a changing room'. Meanwhile TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp also claimed Wallace made an inappropriate sexual joke to her. She wrote on X: 'Within 1hr of meeting Gregg Wallace he told me of a sex act that he & his partner at the time enjoyed 'every morning', she'd just left the room, we were filming a pilot. Did he get off on how embarrassed I was? It was totally unprofessional.' She added: 'Why say nothing? Because you feel, in no particular order, embarrassed, a prude, shocked, waiting for a male colleague to call him out, not wanting to 'rock the boat', thinking it's better to plough on with the day, assuming you misheard/misunderstood or just don't get the joke.' Former Celebrity MasterChef star Emma Kennedy, who won the 2012 series, has said she never saw Wallace as a 'sexual predator', but did witness 'inappropriate behaviour'. Speaking to Times Radio, she said: 'I went into the studio and it was me and Gregg and the photographer's assistant and the photographer's assistant was a young woman, very attractive young woman, and she was bending over dealing with some equipment. 'And as she was bending over, Gregg in front of me went and put his hands over her buttocks and then turned to me and went core and then was laughing as if this was a great joke.' When asked to confirm that Wallace's hands were on the young woman's bottom, she continued: 'I think I, now the angle that I was at, I cannot say for 100% but she did instantly react, so I do believe that he touched her. Yes. 'It was like a combination of things. I think initially I was just agog that he felt comfortable enough to do that to a woman in front of another woman. But I think, and I am going to make this distinction, I don't think he did it as an act of sexual aggression. I think he did it because he thought it was funny.' She continued: 'And I can only speak about my experience with Gregg and although I saw quite a lot of inappropriate behaviour, I never sort of felt, "Okay you're a sexual predator'" I never thought he was evil. But what I did think, but what I did think was that he just doesn't understand that some behaviour is completely inappropriate. 'And I said to him at the time, you can't do that stuff, Gregg. And it sort of went in one ear and out the other I think.' An anonymous woman who appeared on Eat Well For Less also claimed that Wallace stood 'too close' to her, made 'inappropriate' sexual comments, and said Wallace asked why guests were not laughing at his jokes, and told them they should because he was the 'talent'. Wallace has been mocked on social media for blaming 'middle class women of a certain age'. Some said Greg Wallace has 'done himself no favours' and 'made things worse' for himself by taking aim at the 13 women who have made a complaint, while others accused him of a 'blatantly misogynistic response' to complaints about his allegedly sexist behaviour. Many people took to 'X', formerly known as Twitter, to make fun of his post as they joked about his lawyers and PR firm's reaction to the video. One post read: 'Whichever PR firm advised Gregg Wallace to take on 'middle-class women of a certain age' clearly hate him as well.' 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' Another featured a meme of Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation hammering his mobile phone with the caption: 'Gregg Wallace's lawyers driving to his house right now to remove his phone and laptop.' Radio presenter Julie Hartley-Brewer wrote: 'Spare a thought for Gregg Wallace's PR agent waking up this morning,' with a meme of Chandler from Friends shouting 'What did you just do?' Comedian David Baddiel joked: 'It's not often that the internet gets behind middle-class, middle-aged women these days, but thanks to Gregg Wallace for making it happen.' 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. 'It would be inappropriate for us to comment on anything that could form part of Banijay's ongoing investigation or otherwise influence it.' Banijay UK, the show's production company, said the complaints were made to the BBC this week by 'individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with Gregg Wallace on one of our shows'. The company said Wallace was 'committed to fully co-operating throughout the process'. '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,' the company said. '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 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.' MailOnline has contacted Wallace's representatives for comment. An actress was swept to her death by a giant wave while exercising on her yoga mat on a popular tourist island in Thailand. Kamilla Belyatskaya, 24, was swept away from the beauty spot on Koh Samui just moments after filming herself on her pink yoga mat overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Harrowing footage showed Kamila out in the swirling sea after being hit by a large wave and washed into the frothing waters. A bystander reportedly went into the waves to try and save her, without success. His fate is not known. Later the mat was seen floating in the violent seas off Koh Samui, one of Thailand's most popular islands. The tourist, from Russia's third city, Novosibirsk, had been visiting Thailand's second-largest island with her boyfriend, it is understood. She had gone up to the Lad Ko Viewpoint to watch the waves, apparently going on her own to exercise in front of the view. She had told her social media followers how she loved this spot and repeatedly returned to the island, which she called 'home' and 'the best place on earth'. Kamilla Belyatskaya, an amateur actress, had travelled to the Thai spot to exercise She was seen sitting on her yoga mat as the waves grew stronger and stronger Footage showed a figure in the water as harsh waves crashed down overhead She had gone to the Lad Ko Viewpoint to watch the waves, and was seen arriving nearby in a red car. She retrieved a pink foam mat from the boot of her car before walking to the beauty spot which offers panoramic views of the island. Video showed her figure bobbing in the water as strong currents violently contorted the water, and waves crashed down overhead. Rescue teams were also hampered by the raging seas. While they arrived only 15 minutes after she was swept into the sea, there was nothing they could do to save her. Kamila had previously posted about the beauty spot: 'I love Samui so much. But this place, this rocky beach is the best thing I've ever seen in my life. 'Thank you, universe, for me being here right now. I'm very happy. I'm happy!' Her boyfriend along with eyewitnesses gave statements to local police on the tragedy. 'The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by monsoon conditions, with authorities urging visitors to exercise extreme caution and avoid rocky coastal areas during periods of high waves,' said one Thai report. Thailand is increasingly popular with Russian tourists, including men seeking to avoid being forced into Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine. Kamila had been sat on the rocks, apparently meditating, as the waters grew more violent Kamila is believed to have headed up to the rocks alone to exercise on her yoga mat Moments before she had spoken to her followers about how happy she was to be there The pink yoga mat was later seen on the rocks after Kamila disappeared under the waves Authorities arrived 15 minutes later but their rescue efforts were hampered by the currents Some 1.48 million visited Thailand in the last year. Chaiyaporn Subprasert, head of the Samui Rescue Centre, said warning systems were in place across the island's beaches. 'During monsoon season, we constantly warn tourists, especially in high-risk areas like Chaweng and Lamai beaches, where red flags indicate no swimming. 'While the incident's location is not a swimming area but rather a viewpoint for scenery, the victim may have been caught off guard by the unexpected wave surge.' Local authorities have established a marine search and rescue centre to coordinate ongoing efforts to locate the missing tourist and the man reported to have gone in to save her. A young boy bitten by a shark while learning how to surf is now recovering at home following the frightening ordeal. James Sweetman, 12, was with a friend at a surfing academy on Cape Burney Beach south of Geraldton, in Western Australia's mid-west on Sunday morning. He had been wading through the water when he stepped on the one metre long shark lurking underneath. He felt it wriggle around before the unknown shark species launched onto the back of his thigh. The shark initially refused to let go as a terrified James tried to swim back to shore. Beachgoers rushed to the boy's aid before he was rushed to Geraldton Health Campus. Miraculously, James didn't need any stitches and was discharged from hospital hours later. James Sweetman (pictured) narrowly escaped injury after he was bitten by a metre-long shark at Cape Burney Beach on Sunday Dad Ray said that James handled the situation 'like an absolute soldier' and left the hospital smiling. 'I don't think he panicked too much, he handled it really well down on the beach,' Mr Sweetman told PerthNow. While James was calm during the attack, Mr Sweetman said his son was still in shock by the time they reached the hospital. 'Emergency was great, the ladies at the hospital dressed him up really well,' he said. City of Greater Geraldton rangers closed Cape Burney Beach to the public for the rest the day on Sunday. Miraculously, James didn't need stitches for the bite wound The beach was reopened on Monday but swimmers were reminded to take caution. A Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spokesperson said it was attempting to identify the species of shark. The incident was one of two sharks sightings recorded in Geraldton on the weekend, according to WA Government's SharkSmart app. The other was three-metre-long hammerhead. Elon Musk and Bill Ackman are among the harshest critics who have slammed Joe Biden for his decision to pardon his son Hunter, after he repeatedly denied he would. Biden's bombshell U-turn decision will see Hunter get pardoned for any crimes he may have committed 'from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024'. It comes just weeks after The White House denied the president would make the drastic move, slammed by Republicans and Democrats alike, in the final months of his lame duck presidency. It comes after he claimed multiple times, as recently as June, that he would 'not pardon' his son. Elon Musk said of Biden's U-turn: 'Fate loves irony... but hates hypocrisy.' He later described Biden supporters who did not see an issue with the presidential pardon as using 'Orwellian double-speak.' The Tesla CEO also retweeted a screenshot of a community note pointing out an error in a Biden post, saying: 'Community note slays.' The note, which sat underneath a Biden post that read 'No one is above the law', reads: 'By pardoning his son Hunter, not merely for a single crime but for all actual or potential crimes he may or may not have created [sic[ over an eleven years [sic] period, oe Biden has made clear that some people are, in fact above the law.' Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, meanwhile, said of Biden's decision to pardon his son: 'What kind of person would lie repeatedly about never pardoning their son and respecting the outcome of the courts when running for office and then pardon him once they withdrew their candidacy. President Joe Biden stands with his son Hunter Biden, who earlier in the day was found guilty on all three counts in his criminal gun charges trial, after President Biden arrived at the Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, Delaware, U.S., June 11, 2024 'How would you describe this kind of person?' The Pershing Square chief added: 'Until his polls collapsed, this was the best candidate (at the prime of his life) and family that the Democratic Party could muster for the office of the president. What a disgrace.' The pardon will cover both the gun charges and Hunter's guilty plea. CNN reported that the judges overseeing his cases will most likely cancel the sentencing hearings he was due to attend on December 12 for the gun case and December 16 for the tax case. The broad pardon also absolves him of any crimes he may have committed between January 1 2014 and December 1 2024, which covers his entire tenure on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma, as well as much of his other overseas work including in China. Hunter joined the board of Burisma in 2014 and was paid millions for his role in the company despite not having a background in the gas or energy industries. For months, the nation wondered if the president would pardon his son over his convictions on federal gun and tax fraud charges. Other critics, including Donald Trump Jr. and conservative commentator Liz Wheeler, accused Biden of lying to the American people. Don Jr. said on X: 'Everyone knew he was going to do it. He was just going to do it when it was if no consequence to democrat electability. 'Hunter Biden joined the board of Burisma in 2014,' wrote conservative commentator Liz Wheeler. 'By pardoning Hunter for any crimes he may have committed from 2014-2024, Joe Biden is protecting his familys criminal cartel. Wow.' She added that Biden is protecting his son from the possible new head of the FBI: 'This pardon aint about the gun charge. The Big Guy is protecting himself from Kash Patel.' Hunter Biden was known for allegedly cavorting with prostitutes He also took a series of bizarre naked videos Hunter was last season on holiday with his father and the rest of the Bidens on Nantucket in Rhode Island It goes against what Biden has said as recently is June, directly telling the press: 'I will not pardon him' NBC News first reported on Sunday night that Biden was planning to pardon his son. Minutes later, the White House released a statement. In a statement, a spokesperson for Donald Trump slammed what they called the Democrat-controlled justice system but didn't appear to disagree with the decision. 'The failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system', Steven Cheung told DailyMail.com 'That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people.' However, on Truth Social, he was a little angrier, wondering if the same courtesy would be given to those charged for their acts at the Capitol on January 6. He wrote: 'Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!' Abbe Lowell, a key member of 54-year-old Hunter's legal team had begun making his client's case to the press that he was a political prisoner. 'This is a seven-year saga propelled by an unrelenting political desire to use a son to hurt his father,' Lowell said. Biden's allies accused Republicans of taking part in a witch hunt against his son President Joe Biden attends Saturday Mass at the St Mary, Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church on Nantucket. He was joined for service by his son Hunter, daughter Ashley and Grandson Beau For months, the nation wondered if the president would pardon his son over his convictions on federal gun and tax fraud charges Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution gives the president blanket power to pardon any federal crime, something most outgoing presidents do in their final days in office, some controversial, others routine. Lowell has reiterated that the only reason Hunter is facing conviction is out of political gain for his father's enemies. 'It is a wild and terrifying story that serves as a stark warning of what is to come as some of the same Republicans who targeted Hunter prepare to resume power and have stated their intention to use the government's vast power to pursue their perceived enemies,' Lowell told the Washington Post. In June, Biden repeated his vow not to pardon his son in his first public comments on Hunter since last week's conviction. Hunter could face up to 25 years in prison. He also said he was satisfied his son got a fair trial and reiterated his support for him. 'I'm extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He's one of the brightest, most decent men I know. And I am satisfied that I'm not going to do anything. I said I would abide by the jury decision. I will do that. And I will not pardon him,' Biden said on Thursday. And he answered a simple 'no' when asked directly if he would commute Hunter's sentence. Both Biden and his spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre have repeatedly denied Hunter will be pardoned by his father. When asked in November - just over 24 hours after the presidential election was called in Trump's favor - whether Biden has any intention of pardoning his son, Jean-Pierre responded, 'We've been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.' The BBC has been urged to take MasterChef off screens while allegations of sexual misconduct against Gregg Wallace are investigated. The demands come after the co-host of the corporation's flagship cooking show faces a barrage of accusations about inappropriate behaviour on set, which he denies. Last night BBC bosses were under mounting pressure to explain why they did not act sooner - and the presenter yesterday prompted a further backlash after dismissing his accusers as a 'handful of middle-class women of a certain age'. Now an MP has suggested that the BBC risks 'triggering' the women involved by continuing to show episodes of MasterChef featuring Wallace - as the corporation faces a mutiny over claims it let Wallace remain on air despite at least four complaints, dating back to 2012. The next episode of MasterChef: The Professionals is still scheduled to be screened on BBC1 at 9pm today, while an upcoming Christmas special has also been promoted. Tonight's show would be the 16th of 21 recorded for the current series, with the next two earmarked for be broadcast tomorrow and this Thursday. The corporation issued a press release last Friday about the planned festive special, promising that viewers could 'expect fireworks, great Christmas banter and good food'. But those shows should now be put on hold, according to Rupa Huq, Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton and a member of Parliament's culture, media and sport committee. Labour MP Rupa Huq has called for the BBC to 'pause' broadcasts of cooking show MasterChef while allegations of sexual misconduct involving presenter Gregg Wallace are investigated Gregg Wallace posted on Instagram on Sunday hitting back at the allegations made against him Gregg Wallace (right) has been co-host of BBC1 show MasterChef alongside John Torode (left) Speaking about the planned MasterChef instalments, Ms Huq told BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning: 'I understand it's scheduled for 9pm today and it's already in the Christmas schedules, but it seems to be not going away from the news.' She suggested going ahead with showing them 'could be massively triggering for the women involved, in fact any woman involved in any type of similar incidents', and suggested the series should be paused 'out of sensitivity'. It was announced last Thursday that Wallace had stepped back from presenting the show but the pre-scheduled shows are still due to air. Ms Huq added: 'To the casual viewer, there's not going to be any difference. If it's on TV tonight, it looks like he sort of got away with it, and I think the BBC should send a strong signal [about] this sort of behaviour. 'We need to let the investigation do its work, but at the same time, if he's being dangled on our screens while this is going on, I just think at the moment maybe pause it.' MailOnline has approached the BBC for comment in response. Wallace faces various allegations of making 'inappropriate sexual jokes', asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff, and undressing in front of and standing 'too close' to women working on his shows. Former Celebrity MasterChef contestants say they raised concerns about Wallaces alleged behaviour as far back as 12 years ago, with actress Emma Kennedy - who won the series in 2012 - alleging she had witnessed Wallace 'grope' a camera assistant during a photo shoot that year. Gregg Wallace stepped down from MasterChef amid a probe into his behaviour. Yesterday he lashed out at 'middle-class women of a certain age' in a rant on his Instagram story BBC insiders have suggested that senior staff should have intervened more strongly when concerns were raised about such a high-profile figure, with the Telegraph quoting one as saying: 'The issue is whether they have the will to pull them up on their behaviour and whether theres ever any will in these cases, where theres big name talent or senior leaders involved.' Another said: 'The priority is always to protect those most important to them.' In a post on Instagram on Sunday, 60-year-old Wallace hit back by saying: 'I've been doing MasterChef for 20 years, amateur, celebrity and professional MasterChef, and I think, in that time, I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life. 'Apparently now, I'm reading in the paper, there's been 13 complaints in that time. I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn't right. 'In 20 years, over 20 years of television, can you imagine how many women, female contestants on MasterChef, have made sexual remarks, or sexual innuendo? Can you imagine?' In another video, Wallace claimed 'absolutely none' of the people he had worked with on his shows had made a complaint about him. There has been an angry response to his Instagram comments, with Ulrika Jonsson, who competed on Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, saying she was 'seething' - while Kirstie Allsopp described his response as 'unacceptable'. And Mark Borkowski, one of the UKs leading PR gurus and crisis managers, told MailOnline today that Wallace was 'only listening to his own ego' instead of advice, adding: 'The first law of PR in a crisis is never let your emotions rule your Instagram.' Actress Emma Kennedy (pictured), who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2012, has alleged that she witnessed Wallace 'grope' a camera assistant during a photo shoot that same year Former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, right, is among 13 people who have accused MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace, left, of making inappropriate sexual comments There are 13 people, including Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, who have formally complained about Wallace's behaviour over a 17-year period across five shows, between 2005 and 2022. The Sunday Times yesterday reported that BBC executive Kate Phillips raised concerns Wallace's behaviour was 'unacceptable and cannot continue' after broadcaster and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Aasmah Mir complained about inappropriate comments during filming. The newspaper claimed Wallace received another warning the following year after a complaint was raised about his behaviour on the quiz show Impossible Celebrities. Meanwhile, the Sunday Telegraph reported that producer Georgia Harding, who worked on MasterChef between 2014 and 2015 and later Eat Well For Less, claimed she raised concerns about 'inappropriate' behaviour from him while working on the show. She alleged the presenter undressed in front of colleagues and 'made inappropriate sexual jokes' in front of the crew and people appearing on the shows, and said 'nothing was done' about concerns raised, claiming there was 'an acceptance' of his behaviour. In response to reports in the Times and Telegraph, a BBC source said: 'While we are not going to comment on individuals or any internal HR processes, particularly when there is an ongoing process in place being run by Banijay who have the direct contractual relationship with Gregg Wallace. 'It would be wrong to report the BBC has done nothing if or when matters have been raised with us - not least because it is already being widely reported there were interventions in both 2017 and 2018 where action was taken. 'We continue to urge caution about pre-judging any of this, particularly the involvement of BBC staff members and any inference they have not acted appropriately.' The BBC put out a press release last week promoting the scheduled Christmas special edition of MasterChef for later this month, featuring John Torode (left) and Gregg Wallace (right) Former greengrocer Wallace was also accused of making lewd comments and asking for the personal phone numbers of female production staff in a letter that Dawn Elrick, a producer and director, claimed to have sent to the BBC in 2022. Elrick told the Observer the letter had been submitted with the support of industry union Bectu and added that she also submitted the allegations to the corporation via Navex Global, an external whistleblowing service. She claimed the BBC suggested each individual would have to make their own, direct complaint to the corporation, and said she had received no further contact with regard to the report. Wallace's lawyers say 'it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'. In response to the letter, a BBC spokesperson said it had 'robust processes' to deal with complaints 'swiftly and appropriately' and added it 'will always listen if people want to make us aware of something directly'. Allegations were also raised by staff members about Wallace's behaviour on Channel 5's Gregg Wallace's Big Weekends to BBC News, with producer Rumpus Media saying it would be investigating allegations of 'inappropriate behaviour'. Meanwhile, TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp also claimed Wallace made an inappropriate sexual joke to her. She wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Within 1hr of meeting Gregg Wallace he told me of a sex act that he & his partner at the time enjoyed "every morning", she'd just left the room, we were filming a pilot. Did he get off on how embarrassed I was? It was totally unprofessional.' Wallace on MasterChef with co-host John Torode, who is yet to comment on his departure She added: 'Why say nothing? Because you feel, in no particular order, embarrassed, a prude, shocked, waiting for a male colleague to call him out, not wanting to "rock the boat", thinking it's better to plough on with the day, assuming you misheard/misunderstood or just don't get the joke.' It was announced last Thursday that Wallace would step away from the BBC cooking show while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by MasterChef producer Banijay UK. He 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 star's representatives. The production company Banijay UK confirmed it had appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead an investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour. Britain needs to invest in a new generation of nuclear power stations if it wants to play a key role in the AI revolution, a think tank warns today. The new technology requires massive amounts of 'clean' power that cannot be provided by wind, solar and other forms of renewables in large enough quantities, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change claims. In a new report it says the UK needs to keep up with the likes of the United States, South Korea, Canada, France and Japan, which have all committed to new nuclear programmes. In addition, Microsoft in September revealed it was reopening a reactor at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, the site of the worst US nuclear accident, in order to power a data centre. In the report, Revitalising Nuclear: The UK Can Power AI and Lead the Clean Energy Transition', the think tank argues that the west over-reacted to the Chernobyl accident in 1986. It argues that energy-related CO2 emissions would have been 6 per cent lower last year - equivalent to 450 million fewer passenger vehicles - 'if the world had not turned away from nuclear'. Report lead author Tone Langengen said: 'A new nuclear age is beginning. But whether it continues will depend entirely on whether leaders are willing to move past false alarm and ideology, making judgement based upon fact-based assessment of risk. 'Only then will they harness the power of nuclear quickly and at low cost. To achieve this, the world must learn the lessons from the history of nuclear energy. The new technology requires massive amounts of 'clean' power that cannot be provided by wind, solar and other forms of renewables in large enough quantities, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change claims. Microsoft in September revealed it was reopening a reactor at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, the site of the worst US nuclear accident, in order to power a data centre. 'Whether it is the new nuclear renaissance or other technologies that will help fight climate change, the world cannot afford to let unfounded public concern stand in the way of progress. 'In the UK this means reforming the regulatory system so we can harness inward investment from AI companies and deeper our relationship with the US.' The TBI set out a series of recommendations, which include new 'AI growth zones' around the country, with simplified planning and environmental permitting for new nuclear power associated with them. There should also be faster approval for off-the-shelf reactor designs from trusted foreign allies. Three Mile Island is all set to become functional again by 2028 as a part of a 20-year agreement, Constellation Energy announced in September. As per the agreement, Unit 1 of the plant, which 'operated at industry-leading levels of safety and reliability for decades before being shut down for economic reasons exactly five years ago,' will be the section of the reactor that will be turned on again after being shut down in 2019. Google is turning to nuclear reactors to fuel the energy demands of its AI technology, such as its Gemini chatbot and Pixel AI phone software The move is designed to help Microsoft meet its commitment to be 'carbon negative' by 2030. Fellow tech giant Google revealed in October that it had signed a deal with California-based nuclear firm Kairos Power to build new nuclear reactors to supply its US data centres with energy. Although the location of these reactors is yet to be revealed, Google said the first will be operational in 2030, with more to follow by 2035. Google's data centres are designed to cope with the enormous power, storage and cooling requirements of its AI technology, such as its Gemini chatbot and Pixel AI phone software, as well as cloud storage. But AI which uses a lot of computing power and in turn electricity 24/7 is especially pushing up the firm's energy use and is making cutting emissions 'challenging', the company said. Vladimir Putin may have ordered the bungled assassination of Sergei Skripal because the former Russian double agent had compromising information about embezzlement at the Kremlin. Jonathan Allen, the UK Foreign Offices head of intelligence, said the Russian despot may have been motivated to order the Novichok strike in March 2018 over secret information held by Mr Skripal. Mr Skripal, his daughter Yulia, and two other people were left seriously ill but survived the poisoning, which brought chaos and panic to the streets of Salisbury. One person, mother-of-three Dawn Sturgess, died when she inadvertently sprayed herself with the deadly nerve agent three months after the original attack on Mr Skripal, believing it to be designer perfume. An inquiry into what happened is due to conclude its public hearings today, with the findings expected to be published late next year. Mr Skripal was a former GRU agent who was jailed in Russia in 2004 for espionage before being released in 2010 and moving to the UK as part of a prisoner swap. The inquiry heard there were suggestions he was supplying evidence to UK intelligence shortly before he was attacked, raising concerns about whether the authorities did enough to protect him. Mr Skripal said he had access to secret information while still working for the GRU, and that he was aware of allegations that Putin had been involved in illegal activity to do with the disposal of rare metals. Vladimir Putin may have ordered the assassination due to compromising informationSergei Skripal discovered about embezzlement at the Kremlin Sergei Skripal, his daughter Yulia (pictured), were left seriously ill but survived the poisoning. Mr Skripal was a former GRU agent who was jailed in Russia in 2004 Jonathan Allen (pictured), the UK Foreign Offices head of intelligence, said Putin may have been motivated to order the attack Mr Allen told the inquiry it was possible that Mr Skripals apparent knowledge of criminal embezzlement may have prompted Putin to poison him. He said: It makes sense that if he was working as a senior member of the GRU that he would have access to secret information. I don't know myself what he did and didn't have access to. On the allegations regarding President Putin, if it's helpful it's perhaps worth saying it is very difficult to know exactly what happens in Russia. The civil society is pretty non-existent. The independent media has been shut down. The judicial system operates to protect the government and President Putin. But there have been, you know, numerous open source works which link senior figures in government, including the President, to control of natural resources, control of the sources of Russia's wealth and suggestions they profited from those. Certainly, President Putin is at the top of a state that is highly corrupt and which ensures loyalty through both patronage and fear, so to that degree, I would say they could well be motives. Scotland Yard previously charged three GRU spies in connection with the poisonings, although Russia has always denied responsibility. US navy has destroyed Houthi drones, missiles in Gulf of Aden: CENTCOM Washington, Dec 2 (UNI) US Navy destroyers have destroyed drones and missiles launched by Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, targeting US ships in the Gulf of Aden, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saria said on Sunday that the movement had attacked a destroyer and three army supply vessels of the United States with missiles and drones in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. The Houthis used 16 ballistic and cruise missiles and drones to carry out the attack. "U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O'Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 30 - Dec. 1," CENTCOM said on X. Labour is taking a battering over its handling of the economy, with almost two-thirds of voters now believing Keir Starmer's party is doing a bad job. Half also now feel that October's Budget was unfair, up from a third (34 per cent) when it happened, according to a new poll by YouGov. It comes after a month in which the government's plans to kick start economic growth and sort out the NHS and other issues have come under major pressure. More than half (54 per cent) of the 2,203 polled believe that the decision to make wealthy farmers pay inheritance tax was wrong, as was the increase to employers' National Insurance Contributions (NICs). The Prime Minister will this week kick off what he has called the 'next phase' of Government, as he announces the markers for his 'missions' that Number 10 say will allow the public to hold Sir Keir and his team to account on their promises and will be reached by the end of the Parliament. The milestones will run alongside public sector reform, Downing Street said. This will include a focus on reforming Whitehall, spearheaded by the as-yet-unannounced new chief civil servant the Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet ministers, so it is geared towards the delivery of Labour's missions, according to Number 10. The same focus will also influence decisions for next year's spending review, it has been suggested. Your browser does not support iframes. Half of voters now feel that Chancellor Rachel Reeves' October's Budget was unfair, up from a third when it happened, according to a new poll by YouGov. Your browser does not support iframes. Writing in The Sun on Sunday, the Prime Minister compared 'focusing the machinery of government' to 'turning an oil tanker' and said that 'acceptance of managed decline' has 'seeped into parts of Whitehall'. 'The British people aren't fools. They know a ruthless focus on priorities is essential,' he wrote. The Sunday Times reported that one of the milestones would focus on early education, with the aim to raise the number of children who are ready for school, educationally and socially. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden said that 'it's estimated that more than a million school days worth of teacher time each year is spent dealing with' children who are not prepared for school. Labour's missions, as laid out in their July election manifesto, focus on economic growth, energy security and cleaner energy, the NHS, childcare and education systems, as well as crime and criminal justice. The Prime Minister will this week kick off what he has called the 'next phase' of Government, as he announces the markers for his 'missions' that Number 10 say will allow the public to hold Sir Keir and his team to account on their promises and will be reached by the end of the Parliament. Your browser does not support iframes. The Labour manifesto promised to 'kickstart economic growth to secure the highest sustained growth in the G7' - without giving a timeframe. However, the US is projected to forge ahead much faster, and the huge Budget tax raid will squeeze expansion. A Tory spokesman told the Telegraph: 'Keir Starmer sidelining his pledge to have the fastest growth in the G7 is the direct and inevitable consequence of his disastrous Budget of broken promises. 'Labour said they wanted a mission led government, but after five disastrous months in Government and 17 relaunches they cannot even decide what those missions are. 'Keir Starmer said he wanted to build trust in politics but by sidelining his key election pledge he is breaching that very trust.' The Muslim father who allegedly organised an online hate campaign against a French schoolteacher before he was beheaded on the street outside his school said 'I regret it went badly'. Brahim Chnina, a 52-year-old Moroccan national, faces 30 years in prison if found guilty of playing a part in the murder of Samuel Paty, 47. Mr Paty was killed outside his school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, west of Paris, on October 16, 2020, by Abdoullakh Anzorov, an 18-year-old Chechen migrant to France. Anzorov had seen pictures and videos claiming Mr Paty was promoting cartoons by the satirical Charlie Hebdo magazine that mocked the Prophet Mohammed. He was shot dead by police minutes after the attack. Chnina is alleged to have organised a campaign of cyberbulling after his 13-year-old daughter falsely claimed that she has been in one of Mr Paty's classes, and that Muslim pupils were asked to leave before the cartoons were shown. Cross-examined during his trial for terrorist criminal association at a special court in the Palais de Justice in central Paris on Monday, Chnina said: 'For my part, I regret infinitely what I did. 'I regret it very much. I am not a terrorist and I am not part of a terrorist criminal association. It is true that I made a video and I regret that it went badly.' Defendant Brahim Chnina sitting during the trial of eight adults charged with contributing to the climate of hatred that led to an 18-year-old Islamist radical in the 2020 beheading teacher Samuel Paty, on November 4 History and geography teacher Samuel Paty, 47, was decapitated outside a school near Paris Chnina is alleged to have organised a campaign of cyberbulling after his 13-year-old daughter falsely claimed that she has been in one of Mr Paty's classes Paty was violently stabbed to death and then decapitated by 18-year-old Chechen refugee Abdoullakh Anzorov on October 16, 2020 The trial of eight people accused of encouraging Anzorov began last month. The court will hear how a schoolgirl's lie spiralled out of control on social media, sparking an international hate campaign that led to Mr Paty's brutal killing. Two of those on trial are accused of calling Mr Paty a 'blasphemer' over the internet. Two also allegedly gave Anzorov logistical help, and four others allegedly offered help on chatlines. Insisting that he was not an extremist, Chnina said today: 'I am not a radical. My practice of religion is like that of all Muslims in France. I try to pray every day. My children have the choice to pray or not.' Chnina, who has been in prison on remand for the past four years, admitted telling people that Mr Paty had 'bragged' about supporting Charlie Hebdo. Ten people from the magazine, including four cartoonists, were murdered by Al Qaeda terrorists in Paris in January 2015. 'Unfortunately, I relayed the message that my daughter told me,' said Chnina. 'I understood that Mr Paty wanted all the students to support Charlie.' Chnina's daughter cannot be fully identified for legal reasons, and is being referred to in court by the pseudonym of Zhora. Last week, Zhora admitted lying and apologised to Mr Paty's family, saying: 'I'm sorry for destroying your life'. The schoolgirl was last year given an 18-month suspended sentence for the slanderous allegations she made against Mr Paty. Asked what his relationship was with his daughter, Chnina said: 'Like any father with his children. I have a boy and six girls. They are all in my heart. She didn't have any particular problems. 'I know that children can lie, but there were never any real problems.' Recalling events leading up to the attack on Mr Paty, Chnina said: 'My daughter told me about the discrimination, the caricatures. I learned that she had been kicked out of class. 'I was stupid and silly to post on social media. I just wanted to defend my daughter. I don't know what came over me to post that on social media.' 'It's the first time I talked about my daughter on social media. I made a first message, a second, without putting the contact details of Mr Paty or the school. 'Someone called me to get the contact details of the teacher and the school. I made the unforgivable mistake of giving the contact details of the teacher and the school.' Chnina admitted saying that Mr Paty was a 'a thug' and 'sick'. This court sketch made and published on November 4, 2024, shows (L-R) defendants Brahim Chnina, Nabil Boudaoud and Ismael Gamaev sitting during the trial Hundreds of people gather on Republique square during a demonstration Sunday Oct. 18, 2020 in Paris in support of freedom of speech and to pay tribute to a French history teacher who was beheaded near Paris People stand in front of flowers and candles next to a placard reading 'I am a teacher, I am Samuel' at the entrance of a middle school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, 30kms northwest of Paris, on October 17, 2020, after Paty was decapitated (L-R) defendants Abdelhakim Sefrioui, Louqmane Ingar, Azim Epsirkhanov, Priscilla Mangel, Yusuf Cinar, Brahim Chnina, Nabil Boudaoud and Ismael Gamaev sitting during the trial Phone records prove that Anzorov, Mr Paty's killer, was in regular phone contact with Chnina, and travelled 60 miles to murder his victim before he was himself shot dead by police. Chnina is on trial with six other defendants including Abdelhakim Sefrioui, a 65-year-old Franco-Moroccan Islamist activist. Both are said to have spread Zhora's lies on social networks with the aim, according to the prosecution, of 'designating a target', and 'provoking a feeling of hatred'. Both defendants insist they were seeking 'administrative sanctions' against Paty, not violence. Mr Paty has been hailed by the current French administration as a free-speech hero. He had shown the Charlie Hebdo caricatures to students as part of an ethics class about the 2015 terror attack on the magazine's offices, in which two police officers were also murdered. Seven men and one woman are appearing at the Special Assize Court in Paris, in a trial due to last until December 20. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Media Watch host Paul Barry took the opportunity to fire some barbs at ABC management and noticeably omitted a short-lived former managing director during his farewell episode. The veteran presenter sent shockwaves through the public broadcaster earlier this year when he announced he would step down at the end of 2024 after 11-and-a-half years with the program, with award-winning investigative journalist Linton Besser set to take over in 2025. In his final episode, Barry admitted that 'several executives at the ABC have wanted me sacked' during his time on the show, which included an earlier stint. 'But they left and I survived as did the program and I need to thank the ABC for that,' he said. Barry went on to personally thank two managing directors - Mark Scott and David Anderson - that bookended his second stint on Media Watch. But he left out Michelle Guthrie. Ms Guthrie was unceremoniously sacked in 2018 halfway through her five-year term and later took legal action against ABC, which was settled out of court. 'What a mess,' Barry tweeted at the time about her sudden departure. 'Are the staff going to mourn her passing?' he rhetorically asked in another tweet. Media Watch host Paul Barry (pictured on Monday) has signed off from the show for a final time 'I think the answer's "no"... Are we losing a passionate advocate for public broadcasting? Again the answer's "no", I think.' Ms Guthrie moved to Australia from Singapore to take over the ABC in 2016 after being headhunted from her senior job with search engine Google under the then Coalition government of Malcolm Turnbull. Her cost-cutting approach angered ABC staff after $43million was removed from an enhanced news gathering service. Under her leadership, 200 middle-management staff were retrenched, with the savings put into a new $50million Great Ideas Grant, in which different divisions could bid for funding. Another 20 capital city newsroom journalists were later sacked to make way for new digital and regional reporters. She was also slammed by high profile Melbourne ABC radio mornings presenter Jon Faine at the Melbourne Press Club for her 'failed strategy' and for 'staying silent' after the Turnbull government froze funding for the ABC by $84million over three years. Barry thanked two ABC Managing Directors who oversaw his time on the show but omitted to mention the other one, Michelle Guthrie who was sacked in 2018 Ms Guthrie's digital-first strategy saw the ABC spend $2million promoting its online stories on Google and Facebook. The ABC, long accused of left-wing bias by conservatives, angered then-Communications Minister Mitch Fifield after chief economics correspondent Emma Alberici wrote an article condemning company tax cuts. The analysis piece was found by an ABC review to have contained nine factual errors or omissions of fact, including the allegation big companies like Qantas hadn't paid corporate tax, when in fact the airline had made a loss for several years. Then-ABC chairman Justin Milne allegedly emailed Ms Guthrie at the time demanding that she sack Alberici. Ms Guthrie also introduced a system whereby bosses would be rewarded with 'well done' cards, as part of a thank you system that saw them treated like toddlers. Paul Barry was in a reflective mood athis production office at Sydney's ABC headquarters before filming his final episode of Media Watch It featured a character called Larry, to help improve the morale within the ABC, and reward individual efforts. A new lifestyle website ABC Life was launched, which commercial media said was encroaching on their territory. Some comedy programs commissioned on by Ms Guthrie were controversial, with the quickly-axed Tonightly program airing a distasteful skit which called an Australian Conservatives by-election candidate, Kevin Bailey, a 'c***'. Barry opened his last Media Watch episode on Monday night recalling his first stint hosting the program in 2000, where he had run-ins with then-controversial ABC boss Jonathan Shier. 'He (Mr Shier) was a disaster, fattening management, cutting programs and creating fear and confusion with the media agreeing,' Barry recalled. An emotional Barry teared up backstage after filming his final episode of Media Watch 'So, I decided to devote an episode of Media Watch to that criticism and to interview ABC chairman Donald McDonald, whose board had picked Jonathan Shire for the top job. I asked him if he was regretting his choice. 'People told me I was brave. People told me I was stupid. People told me I would be sacked and I was well, my contract was not renewed thus proving that an independent Media Watch is never guaranteed.' Media Watch was cancelled in 2001, despite a protest strike by ABC staff. It returned to the ABC line-up the following year after Mr Shier's departure, hosted by journalist and author David Marr. 'It is remarkable that any broadcaster tolerates a program that rips into it as we have done,' Barry said. An emotional Barry, who was pictured wiping away tears and hugging colleagues after filming wrapped up, wound up with a few more thanks. He also singled out executive producer Tim Latham 'as wonderful to work with', noting that his colleague wouldn't be returning show next year before wishing his successor the best in the role next year. It also brings an end to Barry's popular weekly online segment Media Bites. 'It's sad because making them were a lot of fun,' he said. Barry signed off surrounded by a large group of colleagues 'Thanks for watching! Goodbye from me and the team.' The Michelle Guthrie era * May 2016: Former media lawyer and Google executive Michelle Guthrie takes over from Mark Scott as the ABC's managing director. Liberal senator Eric Abetz says she will have to end the 'lefty love-in' at the public broadcaster. * October 2016: Ms Guthrie, at a Senate estimates hearing, rejects suggestions made in an opinion piece by former ABC presenter Jonathan Holmes that the public broadcaster is biased towards the left. * February 2017: Both sides of politics criticise Ms Guthrie over a decision to switch off the ABC's shortwave radio service in the Northern Territory and parts of the Pacific. She insists in a Senate hearing the ABC would still be broadcast via FM and AM frequencies, the viewer access satellite television (VAST) service and online in the areas. * March 2017: The ABC boss announces sweeping changes at the ABC, including axing a fifth of management, spending millions worth of savings on making new content and beefing up the broadcaster's presence in regional Australia. * November 2017: Ms Guthrie reveals a plan to dismantle the divide between the public broadcaster's TV, radio and online divisions to instead create content across all platforms. * May 8, 2018: The ABC boss lashes out at federal budget cuts to the broadcaster, saying a proposed $84 million hit can't be absorbed by efficiency measures alone. * May 24, 2018: Calls for ABC to reconsider its advertising spending, after it was revealed in Senate estimates it had spent $440,000 on Google Ad Words and $1.4 million in Facebook advertising during the year. * June 2018: Ms Guthrie rejects calls from within the Liberal party to privatise the public broadcaster, saying the commercial media sector doesn't need a new 'advertising behemoth'. * August 2018: The ABC faces calls to justify its plans to create new digital lifestyle-focused projects, with free-to-air TV lobby group FreeTV saying lifestyle is 'one of the most comprehensively covered market segments in Australian media'. * September 2018: Ms Guthrie is sacked, with the board declaring it is 'not in the best interests' of the broadcaster for her to continue in the role. Source: Australian Associated Press Advertisement 'Thanks to all the people who've put this program to air week after week, year after year,' Barry said. 'They're friends I have made not lost and it really has been a team effort next year.' Barry also announced spin-off webisode series Media Bites would not be made next year as he wished Besser the best of luck taking over the prime gig. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Two young Aussie mums have detailed harrowing health ordeals after buying Christmas-themed quilt covers from Kmart. Hundreds of customers have recently bought the Mr & Mrs Claus Reversible and Christmas Elf Reversible quilt cover set from the discount retail giant. Some have claimed they have since experienced health issues with a number of complaints centred around a smell likened to 'diesel' after taking the linen out of the packaging before feeling light-headed. Sydney mum Holly claimed the covers smelled 'ridiculously strong of some sort of chemical, like it was so bad'. Weary of sleeping in the sheets straight out of the packaging, she washed the sheets to try and get rid of the smell, which then wafted through her home. She called for an ambulance after she started to feel sudden and sharp pains in her shoulder and jaw before falling dizzy and nauseous. 'They took me and my son because my son was exposed as well,' Holly told A Current Affair on Monday. After a night in hospital, Holly threw out her washing machine and took to social media, where she was horrified to learn that other Kmart shoppers had similar stories about the same product. Sydney mum, Holly (pictured) claimed she tried to wash out the smell from the bed linen but it instead wafted through the home and caused her to fall dizzy Dozens of Kmart customers have claimed to have experienced a 'diesel' smell from sets of Christmas-themed quilt covers (pictured) bought from Kmart Brisbane mum Eden, who also spent a night in hospital, described the smell from the covers as 'toxic petrol'. 'I only had that small inhalation of it, I ended up having a swelling of the throat and not being able to really breathe,' she said. 'It wasn't until they did an X-ray that they've seen that I've actually got inflammation on my heart and my lungs from being exposed to these sheets.' Eden also tried to wash the sheets but also ended up throwing machine out. She purchased one quilt set for her and her husband and another for their four-year-old daughter Lola, which have since been thrown in the bin. Eden claimed the covers still smelled strongly of chemicals, even while wearing an N95 mask days after disposing them in the garbage outside. 'I love Kmart but I don't think I can shop there again,' Eden said. Other customers have recently taken to social media with similar complaints about loved ones being rushed to hospital. Another mum from Brisbane, Eden (pictured), only slightly inhaled the sheets but was found to have an inflamed heart and lungs from inhaling the smell from the sheets Kmart announced it had launched a voluntary recall of the products and will offer full refunds to customers even if they hadn't experienced adverse effects (stock image) One Gold Coast mum said her husband woke up early in excruciating pain and begged her to call an ambulance two weeks after putting them on their bed. She claimed paramedics told her to take the quilt off the bed when they arrived as they had reportedly encountered similar complaints from other patients about the same product. The woman also claimed her son then began to suffer asthmatics symptoms just days after she laid out the quilt on his bed. Her husband's chest pains subsided the next day after she removed the bed linen but the family still feel a 'weird burning in our eyes and stuffy noses'. Kmart announced on Monday that they had issued a voluntary recall of both products. Any customers who had purchased the quilt covers, regardless of experiencing adverse effects, can return them in store for a full refund. 'We take the quality of all our products seriously and are committed to addressing customer product satisfaction issues',' a Kmart spokesperson said. 'We have taken the proactive step of notifying the ACCC of a voluntary product recall today. 'The public recall notice will follow in the coming days.' Campaigners today delivered a withering verdict on Labour's fresh plan to remove unsafe cladding from high-rise buildings. They dismissed newly-announced plans as 'a bit performative', despite Deputy PM Angela Rayner hailing the 'decisive action' to make homes safe. A 2029 deadline for removing dangerous cladding was unveiled as part of a new 'Remediation Action Plan' published by the Government this morning. Building owners who have so far failed to make their properties safe were warned by ministers 'we are after them' and told they could face jail if they fail to comply. The deadline means that, by the end of 2029, all buildings over 59ft (18m) tall with unsafe cladding that are on a Government scheme will have been remediated. And buildings over 36ft (11m) tall with unsafe cladding will either have been remediated or have a date for completion, with landlords liable for tough penalties if they don't adhere to the rules. Building safety minister Alex Norris acknowledged there are an estimated 4,000 to 7,000 buildings with flammable cladding which have not yet been identified. It is more than seven years after the Grenfell Tower disaster, which killed 72 people. An inquiry into the 2017 blaze found that victims, bereaved and survivors were 'badly failed'. The west London tower block was covered in combustible products because of the 'systematic dishonesty' of firms that made and sold the cladding and insulation, inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick said in September's report. Campaigners dismissed newly-announced plans as 'a bit performative', despite Deputy PM Angela Rayner hailing the 'decisive action' to make homes safe It is more than seven years after the Grenfell Tower disaster, which killed 72 people. An inquiry into the 2017 blaze found that victims, bereaved and survivors were 'badly failed' Cladding is removed from high-rise flats in County Durham in 2017, in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy Appearing on Sky News, Mr Norris said: 'I would want people who own buildings that are watching this, who have not been remediating them, to know we are on them, we are after them, and we want those buildings remediated. And if they don't, they will feel the force of the law. 'We have a range of powers already, ranging from fines to prison sentences, that can be used in health and safety cases. 'We will use that basket of tools in whatever way with each building to get it resolved. We have committed that that will be the case by the end of this decade.' But campaigners labelled the Government's plans as 'extremely disappointing' proposals that will 'only make a horribly complicated process worse'. End Our Cladding Scandal, a group representing leaseholders affected by unsafe buildings, said they are 'still far from a comprehensive solution' on building safety. 'The Government may be patting itself on the back by announcing a target date for all high-rise buildings in Government-funded schemes to have been remediated,' the group said in a statement. 'However, the Building Safety Fund first opened for registrations in June 2020, so a target date of nine years from then is underwhelming.' They added: 'We are still far from a comprehensive solution that will bring about the change innocent leaseholders and residents across the country need and deserve to see. 'There is still far too much uncertainty. Severe penalties will be meaningless without leaseholders and residents knowing for sure when homes will be made fully safe. 'This 'plan' will do little to change that.' Giles Grover, from the campaign, told the Guardian: 'It's not really going to make much of a difference on the ground, it's just making an already complicated approach even more complicated. And to be honest, at this stage, it all feels a bit performative, really. 'It doesn't look like there's any oversight, you've got too many funding schemes rather than a properly joined-up approach. 'It just looks like they've just added further layers of bureaucracy, it's all still too vague.' Councils said extra cash could be needed to carry out the work on local government-owned blocks. Cllr Heather Kidd, chairwoman of the Local Government Association's safer and stronger communities board, said: 'Councils are committed to keeping tenants and residents safe, and are keen to work with Government to drive the pace of remediation. 'However, for local government to carry out enforcement and addressing cladding issues as effectively and quickly as possible, multi-year funding arrangements are needed.' Ms Rayner said: 'More than seven years on from the Grenfell tragedy, thousands of people have been left living in homes across this country with dangerous cladding. 'The pace of remediation has been far too slow for far too long. We are taking decisive action to right this wrong and make homes safe. 'Our Remediation Acceleration Plan will ensure those responsible for making buildings safe deliver the change residents need and deserve.' A giant ranch dubbed 'Little Yellowstone' has been put up for sale for $85million after being run by the same family for nearly 130 years. The May family is selling their 'Antlers Ranch' close to Meeteetse, a town south of Cody, Wyoming after running it for more than a century. The family selling the ranch has been described as 'sad' and 'the literal plot of the Yellowstone series' on social media. 'That's a shame the family couldn't keep it going,' one social media user said. Just like in 'Yellowstone', the ranch - which includes 16,000 deeded acres and controls over 40,000 - has been run by the same family for years. Antlers Ranch is also, just like the Dutton's family ranch, 'part of the 22 million-acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem' with Yellowstone National Park in its center. The ranch's lands and the about 330 types of animals living on it - like elk, moose, eagles, deer and gray wolves - resulted in it being dubbed 'Little Yellowstone'. Cutthroat trout and other fish are said to be swimming in the river and three creeks running through Antlers Ranch, according to the listing. The property is listed with Latham Jenkins of Live Water Properties and was first put on the market in August. The May family is selling their 'Antlers Ranch' close to Meeteetse, a town south of Cody, Wyoming after running it for more than a century The main house was originally constructed in the 1930s but was renovated 12 years ago The ranch's lands and the about 330 types of animals living on it like elk, moose, eagles, deer and gray wolves resulted in it being dubbed 'Little Yellowstone' There is enough housing for owners and staff as well as infrastructure for Antlers Ranch 'to be a successful working ranch', according to the listing. The main house was originally constructed in the 1930s but was renovated 12 years ago. The ranch also has two owner's residences, two ranch-style homes, a duplex and a bunkhouse. The property is described in the listing as 'both a working ranch and a wildlife sanctuary' offering multiple revenue streams from bison, hay, minerals, gravel and hunting and fishing. 'We've had prospective buyers touring the ranch since its launch, but many wanted to wait until after the election to make a decision,' associate broker Jenkins told FOX Business. 'Now, post-election, we've noticed a significant increase in earnest interest and new leads. It's possible we could have a new owner by spring.' The property 'really is one of the West's legacy ranches,' Jenkins told Mansion Global. 'It's been in the same family, the May family, since 1895,' and has never been for sale. Antlers Ranch is one of about 12,000 farms and ranches in Wyoming, according to a US Department of Agriculture report. The property is described in the listing as 'both a working ranch and a wildlife sanctuary' offering multiple revenue streams from bison, hay, minerals, gravel and hunting and fishing Pictured above is one of the properties on Antlers Ranch Cutthroat trout and other fish are said to be swimming in the river and three creeks running through Antlers Ranch, according to the listing There is enough housing for owners and staff as well as infrastructure for Antlers Ranch 'to be a successful working ranch' The ranch also has two owner's residences, two ranch-style homes, a duplex and a bunkhouse While the Yellowstone series centers around John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and his children Beth (Kelly Reilly), Kayce (Luke Grimes), and adopted son Jamie (Wes Bentley), the ranch, located in Montana, could also be considered a central character. Much of the show's drama is driven by John Dutton's battles to ward off threats from a range of parties looking to steal the ground from under the family. In the show's premiere episode, John Dutton is having a conversation with chief of the Broken Rock Reservation, Thomas Rainwater. Thomas reveals in the conversation that the Dutton Ranch is the size of US state Rhode Island, meaning that the ranch is approximately 776,900 acres. This is a sizeable difference to Antlers Ranch, which only controls about 40,000. In real life, the Dutton Ranch is the Chief Joseph Ranch, located in Darby, Montana. The actual ranch is smaller than its fictional counterpart, clocking in at 2,500 acres. The second half of the fifth season of hit show Yellowstone started airing in November. The penultimate episode of Yellowstone airs Sunday, December 8 with the finale airing Sunday, December 15 on Paramount Network. Multiple Americans have urged president Joe Biden to pardon president-elect Donald Trump after the Democrat wiped his son Hunter's criminal record clean. Biden made the shock announcement Sunday night that he would issue a presidential pardon for his troubled son, calling his prosecution 'selective' and 'unfair.' He did so after the White House repeatedly denied he had plans to pardon his son, who will be pardoned for any crimes he may have committed 'from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024.' Following the shock decision, many social media users have asked that Biden also pardon Trump, who was convicted in a hush money case in New York City over payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. They have argued that Trump is also facing politically-motivated cases and thus should be pardoned the same was Hunter was. Venture capitalist Mike Solana wrote on X: 'biden should just pardon trump now, tell pelosi to get f**ked, retire a legend 'Of course Joe Biden is pardoning his son. You would do the same thing,' another prominent commentator called Fischer King said. 'What he should do at the same time is pardon Trump of all federal crimes, give a speech saying political lawfare must end - and then lean on governors to pardon Trump of any and all state crimes.' President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he would pardon his son Hunter, who pleaded guilty to gun charges and faced a tax case A third X user added: 'Biden says Hunter was prosecuted because of who he was, for political reasons. 'Ok Joe. In that case, you should pardon Trump. What's good for the goose...' While many are demanding Trump's pardon, only the Governor of New York can pardon that conviction because falsifying business records is a state crime. Trump is also charged in a federal election interference cases as well as one in Georgia. The pardon will cover both the gun charges and Hunter's guilty plea in a tax case. CNN reported that the judges overseeing his cases will most likely cancel the sentencing hearings he was due to attend on December 12 for the gun case and December 16 for the tax case. The broad pardon also absolves him of any crimes he may have committed between January 1 2014 and December 1 2024, which covers his entire tenure on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma, as well as much of his other overseas work including in China. Biden said as recently as June that he would not pardon his son. Social media users have asked that Biden also pardon president-elect Donald Trump 'From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,' Biden said in a statement. The president claimed that people are 'almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form... It is clear that Hunter was treated differently.' Biden raged against 'several of my political opponents in Congress' who he claimed made the charges a public spectacle 'to attack me and oppose my election.' He added that the plea deal Hunter, who has since pledged to 'make amends' for his crimes, agreed to with the Department of Justice was a 'fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter's cases.' But that deal fell through at the last minute under political pressure. 'No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because is my son - and that is wrong,' he continued. Biden says that there has been an effort to 'break Hunter' and destroy what he says is five-and-a-half years of sobriety. 'In trying to break Hunter, they've tried to break me - and there's no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough.' The president didn't shy away from pointing out that the love of his son guided his decision-making but stressed that he was being 'fair-minded.' Biden had long claimed that he would not pardon his troubled son 'Here's the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice - and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further.' Hunter was last seen on holiday with his father and the rest of the Bidens on Nantucket in Rhode Island. 'I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.' Hunter released a statement of his own, credited to his full name, 'Robert Hunter Biden.' 'I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction - mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport,' he said. 'Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years because of my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends.' 'In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages. In recovery we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the mercy that we have been afforded.' 'I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering.' A trader callously killed a 12-year-old girl in front of her family when he ploughed into their car in his Bentley after spending 1,500 on champagne and food at a cabaret bar. Edward Tully drove through red lights in his black continental convertible and reached speeds of up to 60mph moments before he hit the girl and her family on August 20, 2022 The impact of the crash left the child not breathing and with unsurvivable injuries in the collision, with the girl tragically dying three days later in hospital surrounded by her heartbroken family. In the aftermath of the crash, which also left the girl's father seriously injured, her mother and brother were seen screaming for help from passers-by in the wreckage of their Vauxhall Astra. Tully 'cowardly' fled the scene of the crash, walking back to his flat in Princess Park Manor, before calling his father who picked him up, something a judge labelled 'shameful'. The 30-year-old would hand himself into police the day after the crash and wept as he was jailed for 12 years at Southwark Crown Court today. He was confronted in court by the girl's family, who revealed their lives had been torn apart by her loss and that as a result they no longer celebrate Christmas, Diwali or New Year. In a victim impact statement read to the court, the girl's mother said: 'My daughter was my best friend, we were very close to each other. Edward Tully, 30, had been on a night out with his friends at the cabaret bar Proud Embankment on the Victoria Embankment on the night of the collision on 20 August 2022 Edward Tully's father leaving Southwark Crown Court after his son was jailed 'I relive the incident. I get flashbacks of that night. I feel pain. I feel helpless. 'This incident has caused devastation to a happy family. 'This incident has taken everything away from us, everything.' The father said: 'Every morning I wake up and look at the photo of my daughter and I can't believe that our little princess is not with us.' 'We as a family are devastated. I believe no parent should ever bury their child.' 'I have not been able to sleep without sleeping pills since the incident.' 'We used to celebrate Christmas, Diwali and New Year. We hate that now.' Judge John Lodge told Tully: 'She was 12 at the time of her death. 'Anyone who had the privilege of listening to the victim's personal statements will have heard so much about a young girl so full of life, who had already given so much in her childhood and on the cusp of her teenage years had so much more to give. 'The last evening they had together was a happy one. They had been out to dinner and were on their way home. They had planned to stop for an ice cream at McDonald's.' The court was told that Tully had been on a night out with his friends at the cabaret bar Proud Embankment on the Victoria Embankment on the night of the collision. At the bar Tully spent over 1,500 on four five course meals with Prosecco, as well as five bottles of Veuve Cliquot Rose champagne. Just before the collision he was driving at between 56 and 60 miles per hour, double the speed limit. Tully overtook a car in his black Bentley continental convertible, went straight through red lights and struck the red Vauxhall Astra that the girl's mother was driving. The Bentley then hit a post on a traffic island. A witness describes someone from the Bentley making a gesture as if to say 'up yours'. Tully overtook a car in his black Bentley continental convertible, went straight through red lights and struck the red Vauxhall Astra that the girl's mother was driving at this junction Tully then fled the scene, and walked back to his flat in Princess Park Manor. He then called his father, who picked him up from his flat in his black Nissan Navara. After police officers repeatedly attempted to contact Tully he handed himself in to Colindale police station on 21 August. The girl died on 23 August at the Royal London Hospital and her father was badly injured. The judge said that Tully had been 'impaired' by alcohol, but added: 'It is not known precisely how impaired by drink he was because he took the cowardly decision to flee the scene. 'He hit the family at excessive speed. The attitude of the defendant was 'I am not going to stay here, we must run right now' and he did. 'All the evidence points to significant consumption. The amount you spent speaks for itself, even in a group context.' The judge said that those who had tried to help Tully after the crash should 'hang their heads in shame.' Tully said 'I love you' to his sobbing parents as he was jailed for 12 years and led from the dock. Jocelyn Ledward, KC, prosecuting, earlier said: 'CCTV and collision reconstruction shows that the Astra was struck to the rear offside from the right by the vehicle being driven by the defendant, a black convertible Bentley which approached northbound from the south, along Colney Hatch Lane. 'As a result of the impact, the Astra spun clockwise 460 degrees across the junction, coming to rest in the southbound carriageway towards the north-east corner of the junction, and then rolling backwards at slow speed into the pedestrian barrier. 'As it spun, both rear tyres mounted the raised pedestrian crossing in the centre of Colney Hatch Road on the north side of the junction.' 'The girl was not conscious. She was not breathing and clearly very badly injured. Her mother and brother screamed for help, and members of the public including other drivers came to their assistance. 'Whilst an ambulance was called, one of them used his tools to cut the girl's seatbelt, removed her from the car and began CPR.' 'Paramedics arrived, and she was resuscitated to the point her heart was re-started, but she remained unconscious and not breathing spontaneously. She was taken to the Royal London Hospital. Sadly, she had sustained brain and spinal injuries which were not survivable, as well as injuries to her lungs, liver, a fractured pelvis and two broken arms. 'She was moved to paediatric intensive care, and she passed away in the early hours of 23 August 2022. 'Her father was also extremely distressed and seriously injured.' Tully said 'I love you' to his sobbing parents as he was jailed for 12 years at Southwark Crown Court in south London The prosecutor said a receipt from the club revealed Tully 'spent something of the order of over 1500 in the club that night.' The bill included four five-course meals with Prosecco and five bottles of Veuve Cliquot Rose champagne. Referring to CCTV from Proud Embankment Ms Ledward added: 'The defendant can be seen drinking regularly and repeatedly, over 20 times at least, from glasses which have been refilled from the bottles, including by himself, throughout the two hours.' David Spens, KC, defending, said: 'Mr Tully accepts full responsibility for her death.' 'He is genuinely and profoundly sorry. While it may seem inadequate given the circumstances, he is profoundly sorry for the loss he brought to this family. He accepts that he deserves serious punishment.' 'He left school at the age of 17. He built two successful businesses', he added. Tully, of England's Lane, Camden admitted causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was jailed for 12 years and disqualified from driving for 13 years. Tourists left unconscious from a night of heavy drinking had to be wheeled back to their hotels in trolleys by police in Thailand despite recent warnings following the deadly poisonings that claimed six lives in neighbouring Laos. Authorities stepped in to help a German and Australian tourist back to their rooms after concerned partygoers failed to rouse them at bars on the party island of Koh Phi Phi in Krabi, Thailand, on November 29. Sergeant Major Saneh Jualaong stepped in to stop anybody taking advantage of the girls, aged 19 and 23, borrowing a pushcart from a shop on the pier and wheeling the pair back to their accommodation. Footage shows the duo on the trolley, slumped over as they were wheeled back to their hostel. The attentive official cautiously manoeuvred the two-wheeler cart to prevent them from falling out of place. Their friends later helped to carry them to their rooms and hauled them onto their bunk beds, with the kind officer placing a blanket over one of them. The officer then informed the lobby staff of the guest's return. The hotel owner thanked him for ensuring the safety of the tourists. It comes after six people died after taking shots allegedly spiked with methanol at a popular hostel in the backpacking town of Vang Vieng in Laos last month. Authorities are still investigating the deaths of British victim Simone White and five other backpackers after their drinks were allegedly laced at the Nana backpackers hotel, sparking concern for the safety of foreign travellers in southeast Asia. The tourists had to be taken back to their hotel rooms in a trolley after getting too drunk A police sergeant helped the young women back to their accommodation and told staff Officials said this was not the first time they had been forced to step in and help drunk tourists Sergeant Major Saneh Jualaong said after helping the women in Thailand back home: 'I know what it's like to have a daughter and how much we worry about them. I thought about their parents back at home. 'They were both too drunk to speak and too drunk to stand up. In that condition, they could have an accident, such as falling into the sea or falling down steps. 'I made sure they returned safely to their beds.' Police Colonel Surasak Jaidee, superintendent of Koh Phi Phi Police Station, added: 'As for why he used a trolley, it was because all routes on Koh Phi Phi are for walking, so we could not use a car. 'The motorcycle was also unable to transport the unconscious passengers, so he had to use the trolley. 'This was not the first time police have assisted drunk tourists. They have been doing this for over two years. 'We understand that they come to the island to have fun. We don't want to punish them. It is better that we are there to help and protect them.' Last year, police officials from Patong Police Station implemented a similar safety measure, offering assistance to inebriated tourists by ensuring they were safely transported to their accommodations. This initiative has been credited with helping to prevent accidents and other alcohol-related incidents in the region. The Ministry of Public Health previously suggested that nightspots wanting to extend their operating hours should implement breathalyzer tests for patrons before they leave and arrange transport services, if necessary, as part of efforts to enhance tourist safety. Southeast Asia attracts millions of tourists each year to enjoy the culture, history and nightlife. But concern mounts about the safety of foreign visitors after the reported deaths of six backpackers from drinks tainted with methanol alcohol in Laos last month. The victims included a British woman, an Australian teenager, an American, and two Danes. Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, had been on life support but succumbed on November 21. Nana backpackers hotel manager Duong Duc Toan and bartender Toan Van Vanng denied diluting their alcohol with methanol when questioned. Toan was later detained but no charges have been reported. The government of Laos vowed to 'bring the perpetrators to justice' in its first public remarks on the international incident. Toan said he bought the alcohol from a certified distributor and that free shots of Tiger Vodka had been served to around 100 guests. He said he had yet to received any complaints from other backpackers who been given shots on the night. He also drank from one of the vodka bottles that were in use on the night to prove it was safe. Simone White, 28, died in hospital after drinking alcohol suspected to have been laced with methanol in the backpacking hotspot Vang Vien in Laos just last month Bianca Jones, 19, has become the fourth person to die after consuming alleged 'methanol-laced' drinks in Vang Vieng, Laos Simone White was a lawyer with global law firm Squire Patton Boggs in London The Nana's Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos Hostel manager and bartender Duong Duc Toan (pictured) has reportedly been detained Sue White, mother to 28-year-old Simone, shared how her 'kind, fun-loving' daughter and friends took 'six shots' each, watered down with Sprite, before falling ill and having 'trouble breathing'. She told The Sun how Simone and two friends took themselves to hospital the day after, but were 'dismissed' by medics, who told them they had food poisoning. By the time an ambulance arrived to take them on to a private facility, Simone was already 'delirious', her mother said, adding 'I think, basically, it had already affected her brain'. Global statistics reveal 58 incidents of methanol poisoning in the past 12 months, affecting more than 1,200 people and resulting in over 400 deaths. Methanol is a colourless liquid that tastes similar to alcohol and is a byproduct of bootlegged liquor. Consuming even a small amount can lead to blindness, multiple organ failure and death. The search for a missing autistic boy has ended after the discovery of his body in a river, police said. Jacob Baer, 7, went missing Saturday while playing outside in a park in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. The park is set just next to the West Twin River, declared an 'area of interest' in the search early Sunday after Items believed to have belonged to the youngster were found in its icy waters. Spurred by a sense of urgency, officials from multiple police departments, the Coast Guard, and the state National Guard continued to search into the night. Cops have now revealed how Baer's body was found in water five to six feet deep. Recovery operations concluded late on Sunday morning, The Two Rivers Police Department confirmed in a statement. As locals reacted to the discovery, officials warned just how dangerous ice can be this time of year, when it's very thin. Cold season started this Monday. They further instructed citizens to stay off the ice and 'keep your children safe by monitoring them closely when around any waterway', in a small town named for its two domineering rivers. It's also the same town where three-year-old Elijah Vue went missing back in February - sparking a massive search that concluded when his body was found in September. When interviewed Sunday, citizens offered comparisons between the two cases. Scroll down for video: Jacob Baer, 7, went missing Saturday while playing outside in a park in Two Rivers , Wisconsin. The park is set just next to the West Twin River, declared an 'area of interest' in the search early Sunday after Items believed to have belonged to the youngster were found in its icy waters 'I'm like, geez, you know, I can't believe this is happening again,' resident Kurt Psenick told ABC-7 Chicago after the discovery Sunday. 'Something bad like this, you know. This town had enough exposure.' 'Heartfelt for the family and everybody that was involved in the search,' added Lisa Maertz, from Manitowoc, in a separate exchange with ABC-2, the Vue case also fresh in her mind. 'I actually have family members coming and joining in and trying to see what they can do. It doesnt take long for everybody to get together and to try to do what they can to find the young boy. 'Even Elijah [Vue], they were looking for months,' she added. 'So I think its a good thing that it didnt drag out.' Cops went on to add how Baer, a second-grader with autism, disappeared a little after 4:30pm Saturday after wandering away from his father, who lost sight of him in Veterans Park. The father quickly reported the child missing, spurring a search of the adjacent river and surrounding area. 'Search efforts located several items belonging to Jacob and they were recovered from the water last night,' the Two Rivers Police Department said Sunday while announcing the search had come to an end. 'This morning the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources was able to identify a possible location, in 5 to 6 feet of water, for what was believed to be Jacob,' the update went on. Cops Sunday revealed how Baer's body was found the following day in water five to six feet deep Baer, a second-grader with autism, disappeared from this park just next the river Saturday afternoon after straying away from his father 'Recovery operations continued until late this morning. A body was recovered from that location and was positively identified as [Baer]. We would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance.' Officers did not say how the child ended up in the water - instead only offering warnings to stay away from the ice. Investigators also reiterated a need to 'respect the familys right to privacy', citing how the incident is 'still under investigation.' Officers on Monday added in a statement that 'no further information will be released at this time.' Back in September, The same police department called a separate search surrounding Vue to a close after more than half a year, when a deer hunter came across the boy's skeletal remains. The body was found n a shallow grave in September three miles from the home of of 40-year-old Jesse Vang, who is now being charged in his death. Prosecutors said he was sent to stay by his mother Katrina Baur, 31, 'to learn how to be a man'. The unnamed citizen immediately alerted law enforcement, leading to dozens of investigators descending on the private property - a 'remote area' near Girl Scout Camp Manitou-Two Rivers, cops said. Two Rivers is the same town where another autistic child went missing in February - sparking a massive search. When interviewed Sunday, citizens offered comparisons between the two cases, which concluded in September when cops found the three-year-old's body As locals reacted, officials warned just how dangerous ice can be this time of year, when it's very thin. Cold season began only this Monday Back in September, the same police department called a separate search surrounding Elijah Vue, 3, to a close after more than six months, when a citizen came across the boy's skeletal remains Jesse Vang, 40, and his mother Katrina Baur, 31, are both in custody and facing charges in the boy's death Vang was Baur's boyfriend at the time of the disappearance, and both are in custody over child neglect charges related to the three-year-old's disappearance. Vang appeared at Manitowoc County Courthouse last month for a preliminary hearing, as he faces charges that he caused the tot's death. Baur was arrested in February, charged with child neglect and obstructing an officer. Her next court date is slated December 20. The Fond du Lac County Medical Examiner's Office has since determined Vue's cause of a 'homicide by unspecified means.' Sir Keir Starmer could face a showdown with his Greek counterpart over the Elgin Marbles when they meet in Downing Street this week. The Prime Minister is due to host Kyriakos Mitsotakis in No10 with the pair due to discuss illegal migration, Ukraine and the Middle East crisis. But the Greek PM is also expected to raise the long-running dispute over the Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Sculptures, when he meets Sir Keir. Mr Mitsotakis has repeatedly pushed for the ancient artefacts to be returned to Athens from the British Museum. He used a BBC interview last year to claim keeping the 2,500-year-old sculptures in Britain was akin to cutting the Mona Lisa painting in half. The Greek premier's comments sparked a furious row with then-PM Rishi Sunak, who scrapped their planned talks despite Mr Mitsotakis having travelled to London. Sir Keir's meeting with Mr Mitsotakis follows reports that the Greek PM and Greek foreign minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis, have held 'private meetings' with British Museum bosses. They are said to have met with the George Osborne, the museum's chair, and trustees up to three times this year about returning the Elgin Marbles. Sir Keir Starmer could face a showdown with his Greek counterpart over the Elgin Marbles when they meet in Downing Street this week Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to raise the long-running dispute over the Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Sculptures, when he meets Sir Keir The Elgin Marbles were made between 447BC and 432BC and decorated the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens Lord Elgin removed about half of the remaining sculptures from the ruins of the Parthenon between 1801 and 1805, before they entered the British Museum It has been claimed that, while Labour won't change a law that stops the British Museum permanently handing back the artefacts, Sir Keir could allow the 'loan' of some of the carvings to Athens. The Elgin Marbles were made between 447BC and 432BC and decorated the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens. Lord Elgin removed about half of the remaining sculptures from the ruins of the Parthenon between 1801 and 1805, before they entered the British Museum. Mr Osborne, the former Tory chancellor, has been pursuing a deal to temporarily return the marbles to Greece. He has previously expressed his hope an agreement can be reached with Athens that would see the sculptures sent back on loan to Greece in exchange for 'other treasures' coming to Britain. Ahead of Sir Keir's talks with Mr Mitsotakis, a Downing Street source stressed the issue of the Elgin Marbles is 'not going to be on the PM's agenda'. 'His focus will be on support for Ukraine, the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza,' the source added. 'Our position on the Elgin Marbles has not changed. It remains a matter for the British Museum and the Government has no plans to change the law that would permit a permanent move of the Parthenon Sculptures.' MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow is reportedly furious with her Morning Joe colleagues for meeting with Donald Trump after he won the presidential election. Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski visited the president-elect a little over two weeks ago at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, to 'restart communications' and set a 'new approach' ahead of his second term. Maddow, along with other hosts at the troubled liberal network, are calling this move by the married Morning Joe co-hosts 'opportunistic,' according to a report in The US Sun. 'The meeting at Mar-a-Lago created a lot of tension in the teams, and many other stars...see both Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski as opportunistic and with very low self respect and forgetting their values of being journalists with independence and integrity,' said a journalist who's worked at MSNBC for 15 years. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the journalist made it clear who has a problem with Morning Joe pivoting from calling Trump a fascist and an admirer of Adolf Hitler to having a cordial meeting with him to figure out coverage going forward. 'They have lost a lot of credibility. Rachel Maddow is pissed at them as are other presenters like Chris Hayes and Ari Melber. They are so frustrated,' the journalist said. MSNBC disputed this report, claiming that Maddow hasn't said anything on air or off air about Scarborough and Brzezinski meeting with Trump. 'Any insinuation otherwise is merely speculative,' an MSNBC spokesperson told The US Sun. This comes as MSNBC has devolved into utter turmoil following Trump's win. The network's viewership has taken a precipitous dive, Comcast is considering spinning off the cable channel and Maddow agreed to a $5 million pay cut in her new contract. Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, the hosts of Morning Joe, have reportedly drawn the ire of their colleagues for agreeing to meet with President-elect Donald Trump Rachel Maddow, one of MSNBC's top stars, is among numerous hosts and journalists at the liberal network who are furious with Scarborough and Brzezinski According to Brzezinski, their rationale for reaching out to Trump was to soothe the fears of their viewers who are worried about his cabinet picks. At that point, Trump had already selected Fox News host Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health Secretary, and former Congressman Matt Gaetz to lead the Department of Justice - who later withdrew from the nomination process, paving the way for former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to take his place. Scarborough said the three 'talked about a lot of issues, including abortion, mass deportation, threats of political retribution against political opponents and media outlets.' Scarborough, who left the Republican party in 2017 because of its embrace of Trump, shared that they 'didnt see eye-to-eye on a lot of issues and we told him so.' Insiders are reportedly worried that this will devalue the MSNBC's reputation as a reliably anti-Trump network. 'Most of us dont want to be part of that,' the journalist told the US Sun. 'Some are thinking about trying to join other media organizations where we can do our job with respect and values to bring truth to the table without being pressured by the people in power.' The backlash against the two hosts has been immense in the weeks since the controversial meeting, with people on both sides of the aisle ripping them. The View's Ana Navarro slammed the pair, accusing them of 'changing their stripes' because of 'who's in power' and calling the meeting 'opportunistic'. Megyn Kelly ripped Morning Joe hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski to pieces for hypocrisy after their meeting at Mar-a-Lago to make peace with Donald Trump Scarborough and Brzezinski initially dismissed the criticism, saying how it showed there is a 'massive disconnect' between 'social media and the real world' On the MAGA side, Megyn Kelly had a much sterner reaction and said on her show: 'I searched for a way to respond appropriately, and I called on my 10 years as a litigator, in addition to my now 20 as a journalist, and I think I found the perfect phrase: Go f*** yourselves.' 'Go f*** yourselves. Go f*** yourselves you dishonest jokes of faux journalists. What an absurd farce Which one was insincere? He's Hitler? Or now we're going to speak truth to power and find a way of speaking to and working with Donald Trump? Which one was a lie?' Scarborough and Brzezinski initially dismissed the criticism, saying how it showed there is a 'massive disconnect' between 'social media and the real world.' Still, Morning Joe suffered a huge dip in ratings after the Trump meeting. There are also rumblings the pair got together with Trump for more nefarious reasons. An anonymous source told Puck News that they were afraid the incoming president would have allowed Gaetz as attorney general to investigate conspiracy theories surrounding the 2001 death of Scarborough's intern while he was a GOP congressman in Florida. An autopsy found that Lori Bolterstein Klausutis, 28, had hit her head on a desk after collapsing from an undiagnosed heart-valve irregularity but Trump called for a fresh investigation into the case. Sources told CNN that since Trump has been feuding with the Morning Joe hosts for years, they met with him to hopefully tamp down his rhetoric against them. Donald Trump has been feuding with the hosts of Morning Joe for years, despite having a warm relationship with them while he was first running for president in 2016 Despite striking up a warm media relationship when Trump ran for president the first time in 2016, Brzezinski and Scarborough had a falling out with him after he shocked the world and beat failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Scarborough and Brzezinski were soon highly critical of Trump's presidency, after he entered the White House, repeatedly condemning him on their morning news program. Brzezinski in particular repeatedly needled Trump for being 'mentally ill' and speculated about his need to see a psychiatrist. In June 2017, Trump fired back at the pair on social media, recalling how 'low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe,' came to Mar-a-Lago for three nights in a row during New Year's Eve, and were desperate to spend time with him. Two teen boys were killed in an apparent murder suicide in rural northern Arizona. Colten Boyle has been identified by his family one of two 15 year-olds killed Saturday in Tonto Basin. Police said one 15-year-old boy shot another 15-year-old before killing himself. Both were shot in the head and were reported to be dead, as reported by Arizona's Family. Officers found one boy dead at the scene but Boyle was still alive. He was flown to a trauma center, where he was put on life support before he died on Sunday. A group of seven people aged 15 to 20 were present at the time of the shooting. All but one had been drinking, per officials. Boyle's family said they chose to publicly identify him because they wanted the public to know that he was not the shooter. 'This has been the worst day of our lives,' his mother Michelle Boyle wrote on Facebook. 'Colten Boyle left us far too soon after being on life support. He was surrounded by most who love him. Boyle was a successful cowboy and often participated in horse-riding competitions, according to his social media Tonto Basin is a rural area about an hour-and-a-half drive northeast of Phoenix 'I do not want his life remembered as the kid in Tonto Basin who was murdered. He was the funniest/kindest/hard working ranch hand/ best big/little brother/goofy 90's cowboy shirt wearing roping cowboy and OUR SON. 'His Snapchats and text could make you pee your pants laughing. He never failed to have a smart comment if you were sassin' him. 'We are beyond shattered that this has happened to him. He had everything to live for! He had so much still left to do!' Boyle was a successful cowboy and often participated in horse-riding competitions, according to his Facebook profile. The Gila County Sheriffs Office has opened a probe into what led to the shooting and it is unclear when the second boy killed will be identified. No further information has been released. Tonto Basin is about an hour-and-a-half drive northeast of Phoenix and is one of the Grand Canyon State's famous beauty spots. Trafalgar Square's Christmas tree has been mocked again as angry Londoners hit out at the spruce's 'dead branches'. Locals described the tree - an annual gift from Norway - as 'rather unwell looking' and 'so sad' as they claimed they could see dead wood in photographs posted online. The tree, gifted every year by Norway since 1947, will see its lights switched on in a grand ceremony on Thursday. Specialist crews arrived in the square this morning to erect the tree, which returned to the city with plenty of festive puns and a determination to ignore 'the haters'. In recent years the tree has been criticised for its initial appearance after a long trip from Norway, with experts having to arrange the branches and 'fluff out' the pines in order to get it in tip top shape. Announcing its return, the tree's official social media account said: 'Guess whos back? Now, before the haters start commenting on my branches, I have had 10 days of beauty sleep - who wouldnt look a bit flat after that kind of travel, but dont fret; itll fluff up and shine just in time for my big moment'. It added this morning: 'Only been up for five minutes and already Im a fluffy mighty pine. 'Haters gonna hate, but lets remember this beautiful tradition and lets hope it continues forever. Will yule be coming to my ceremony this Thursday?!' Locals described the tree as 'rather unwell looking' and 'so sad' as they claimed they could see dead wood in photographs posted online The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is pictured in the square before being mounted by specialist crews Why does London get its tree from Norway? The tree is a gift from Norway in gratitude for the UK's aid during the Second World War. King Haakon VII of Norway made popular broadcasts to his country via the BBC while in exile in London during the Second World War. He also set up his government from the city, and encouraged Norwegians not to cooperate with the Nazis. The Norwegian government has gifted Britain a tree ever since 1947. Advertisement Although the tree looked better than in previous years, some still weren't convinced. One social media user said: 'I don't think anyone hates the tradition in the slightest. They maybe wish it wouldn't look so sad.' Another added: 'The rather unwell looking Xmas tree looks like it's about to make its appearance in Trafalgar Square.' A third said: 'Going to take a lot of fluffing to hide all those dead branches. Just saying'. And one festive fan quipped: 'It's a pine in the arse.' The tree will be decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion with strings and lights. It will be lit up on Thursday in a grand ceremony which will include songs, poems and, of course, lots of festive lights. Christmas fans are invited to attend Trafalgar Square from 5pm where they will hear the choir of St-Martin-in-the-Fields singing some well known Christmas carols led by the Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army. The tree was attached to the hook of a crane before being lifted into a vertical position The tree has been given to the people of London every year since 1947 by the people of Norway There will also be a poem to the tree written and read by children who live in Westminster. The light-up itself will take place at 6pm before proceedings wrap up by 6.30pm. The tree is approximately 20 metres high, around 60 years old and is a Norwegian spruce from Grefsenkleiva, in Oslos Forest. This year's tree was cut down by The Lord Mayor of Westminster Cllr Robert Rigby and The Mayor of Oslo Anne Lindboe, during a felling ceremony which took place on Thursday 21 November 2024. It was then transported to Brevik using an electric truck in a bid to cut the journey's carbon footprint. The tree is a gift from Norway in gratitude for the UK's aid during the Second World War. King Haakon VII of Norway made popular broadcasts to his country via the BBC while in exile in London during the Second World War. It will be lit up on Thursday in a grand ceremony which will include songs, poems and, of course, lots of festive lights The tree is approximately 20 metres high, around 60 years old and is a Norwegian spruce from Grefsenkleiva, in Oslos Forest Aware that he was likely to be found and apprehended by the Nazis after the invasion of neutral Norway in April 1940, he slept in his uniform, fearful they would be able to publish humiliating photographs of him in pyjamas. Denmark surrendered just six hours after Hitler's troops crossed its border. To do otherwise would be to risk further bloodshed and almost certain defeat. But Haakon and his government were determined Norway would not collaborate with the Nazis. His broadcasts from Britain reminded Norwegians to keep their values and his moral fortitude cheered them, just as he was cheered by the defiance of the greater part of the Norwegian people. Rather than saying 'when we win the war', he spoke of the day he would 'come home'. Loyalty to their constitutional monarch provided the focus for the Norwegian resistance. The FBI and Maine State Police are offering $15,000 to anyone with information about the disappearance of Stefania Damron, the 14-year-old girl who vanished into the woods in September. Damron vanished on September 23rd after walking into woods near her New Sweden home. The teenage girl is described as 5'0' tall, weighing 130 lbs., with striking green eyes and shoulder-length brown hair, according to a Facebook post by the Main State Police. She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a long-sleeved blue shirt, and black Harley Davidson hiking boots. Authorities have recently obtained two new photographs of Damron to aid search efforts, with the most recent previous image showing her with a flower in her hair from Summer 2024. In an announcement today, they made a fresh appeal for new information. The multi-agency search has been extensive, with the Maine Warden Service and Maine State Police K9 Unit conducting exhaustive ground searches. Investigators have perused leads across Maine, nationally, and even into Canada. The FBI and Maine State Police are now offering a reward for anyone with information Stefanie Damron, 14, vanished on September 23rd after walking into woods near her New Sweden home As of now, Stefanie remains missing, with the Major Crimes Unit continuing to work closely with the FBI. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Maine State Police Houlton Barracks immediately. Last month, after a near month of 'extensive' efforts by Maine State Police and the FBI's Child Abduction Rapid Response Team, a report revealed that the girl remains missing. State police added that all available resources have been utilized in order to find the missing girl, including collaborations with the state's Computer Crimes Unit and the FBI. Ongoing search efforts for the missing girl have also inspired locals of the small town and those in the surrounding areas to come together and search for anything that may lead them to the missing teen. Despite the community's push to find the girl, searchers say that the Damron family has declined to become involved. 'We're not going to stop until we find her,' Whittni Nichols, who has helped to lead the citizen search parties, said. The disappearance comes years after after the Damron family moved to New Sweden from Texas following what one member called a 'CPS fiasco'. The Boston Division of the FBI and Maine State Police are set to hold a press conference Monday at 12:30 pm at the Maine Department of Public Safety headquarters in Augusta Stefanie's father, Christopher Dale Michael Damron, said in a 2019 Facebook post that the family would 'be heading to Maine away from these bad memories.' While the family was living in Rusk, Texas, Stefanie's parents were arrested after officers found them allegedly intoxicated inside of a McDonald's while two of their children were in the car, according to a police report obtained by DailyMail.com. The children involved were not identified. Following the incident, Damron's mom, Lisa Marie Damron, was initially charged with abandoning a child with intent to return, but she later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of deadly conduct and received a deferred sentence. In a post after Damron's disappearance, Lisa Marie claimed 'Stefanie got into an argument with her sister' while her parents were away and she 'walked off.' President Joe Biden promised the American people for years that he would not move to pardon his son Hunter despite multiple lawsuits against him. But after going back on his word Sunday night, multiple reports emerged detailing how Biden was considering a pardon for months after Hunter's conviction in a federal gun case over the summer. While it's been reported that Biden made the decision at mass on Saturday, two people with direct knowledge of the discussions told NBC News that the president was discussing a pardon with close aides as early as Hunter's conviction was handed down on June 11, 2024. The individuals said a decision was made for Biden to publicly state he would not pardon his 54-year-old son even though he still privately weighed the option. Others close with Biden told Axios that internal family lobbying combined with the president's own feelings of guilt over prosecution of his son made them believe he would change his mind about a pardon. 'Once it became clear that the Justice Department was dead set on jail time, this was always how it was ending,' a person in the Biden orbit claimed. Biden said in his statement on the pardon that he 'wrestled' with the decision, but sources told CNN he began telling staff about the pardon on Saturday evening the same night he attended mass with his family, including Hunter, on Nantucket. Biden and his spokespeople, including White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, have said for years before and after the conviction that the president would not pardon Hunter. President Joe Biden announced on the tail-end of his Thanksgiving vacation on Sunday evening that he is pardoning his son Hunter Biden, 54, for his three felony charges. Pictured: Hunter Biden, son Beau Biden, wife Melissa Cohen Biden and President Biden grab lunch at the Brotherhood of Thieves restaurant on Nantucket island on November 29 Biden (pictured on Nantucket November 29) vowed for years before and after the June conviction that he would not pardon his son Jean-Pierre refused to tell reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday whether Biden discussed the pardon with Hunter during their Thanksgiving together on the ritzy New England island off the coast of Massachusetts. The president's son was convicted in June of three federal felonies for lying about his drug use on a form to purchase a firearm. At least twice that month, Biden said he would not issue a pardon for his eldest son. During an ABC News interview on June 6, host David Muir asked Biden: 'Have you ruled out a pardon for your son?' 'Yes,' the president replied. Then on June 11, shortly after Hunter was found guilty, Biden released a statement. 'As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad. I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today,' he wrote. 'As I also said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.' But on Sunday night, Biden broke his promise. Reporters shouted at President Biden as he boarded Air Force One early Monday morning for a trip to Africa, asking him 'what changed' from then until now. Biden ignored the inquiries. President Biden hugs son Hunter on June 11, 2024 after the 54-year-old was convicted on three federal felony counts for lying about his drug use on a form to purchase a firearm Hunter Biden arrives for mass on Saturday at Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church on Nantucket First Lady Jill Biden and daughter Ashley take an afternoon walk and pick up some seashells along a private beach attached to the home on Nantucket where the Bidens spend their Thanksgiving holidays Hunter's conviction was handed down on June 11 and sentencing was initially scheduled for November 13. On September 19, a judge granted a request from Hunter's team to delay sentencing until December 4. There is now no longer a need for sentencing in two days since Hunter Biden has a presidential pardon from his father. On July 26, Biden's main spokesperson said he was not considering a pardon and would not commute his sentence. 'It's still, it's still a no. It's still a no,' Jean-Pierre said during a briefing at the White House in late July. A reporter followed-up with: 'It will always be a no?' 'It's still a no. It will be a no. It, it is a no,' she reiterated. 'And I don't have anything else to add.' 'Will he pardon his son? No,' Jean-Pierre was adamant. In an unrelated case regarding accusations Hunter withheld $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019, Hunter Biden changed his plea to guilty in September. This led to more questions about possible pardons. Jean-Pierre said on September 5 that 'it's still a no' when asked about Biden's calculus on pardoning Hunter. With the announcement over the weekend, Donald Trump is now suggesting he will move to pardon all those jailed, convicted or prosecuted in relation to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. The president-elect signaled Sunday night he intends to use Biden 's pardon to his own advantage. 'Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!' Trump wrote in his first public comment since Biden announced the pardon. Trump repeatedly floated the idea of the pardons himself during his campaign. And his new choice to lead the FBI , Kash Patel, has taken up the cause of January 6 defendants. Pictures show the crushed wreckage of two cars after a trader killed a schoolgirl when he ploughed into her parents' car in his Bentley before fleeing the scene. Edward Tully, 30, had been on a night out with his friends at the cabaret bar Proud Embankment on the Victoria Embankment on the night of the collision on August 20 2022. At the bar Tully spent over 1,500 on four five course meals with Prosecco, as well as five bottles of Veuve Cliquot Rose champagne. Just before the collision he was driving at between 56 and 60 miles per hour, double the speed limit. Tully overtook a car in his black Bentley continental convertible, went straight through red lights and struck the red Vauxhall Astra that the girl's mother was driving. The Bentley then hit a post on a traffic island. A witness described someone from the Bentley making a gesture as if to say 'up yours'. The young girl's horrified relatives were left screaming for help in the wreckage of the crash as passers-by rushed to their aid while 'cowardly' Tully fled the scene. Photos show the back of the red car crumpled up and the front of the black car smashed to bits. Tully then walked back to his flat in Princess Park Manor, before calling his father who picked him up, something a judge labelled 'shameful'. The 30-year-old handed himself into police the day after the crash and wept as he was jailed for 12 years at Southwark Crown Court today. The girl died on 23 August at the Royal London Hospital and her father was badly injured. Edward Tully, 30, had been on a night out with his friends at the cabaret bar Proud Embankment on the Victoria Embankment on the night of the collision on 20 August 2022 The front of the black car was smashed to bits He was confronted in court by the girl's family, who revealed their lives had been torn apart by her loss and that as a result they no longer celebrate Christmas, Diwali or New Year. In a victim impact statement read to the court, the girl's mother said: 'My daughter was my best friend, we were very close to each other. 'I relive the incident. I get flashbacks of that night. I feel pain. I feel helpless. 'This incident has caused devastation to a happy family. 'This incident has taken everything away from us, everything.' The father said: 'Every morning I wake up and look at the photo of my daughter and I can't believe that our little princess is not with us.' 'We as a family are devastated. I believe no parent should ever bury their child.' 'I have not been able to sleep without sleeping pills since the incident.' 'We used to celebrate Christmas, Diwali and New Year. We hate that now.' Judge John Lodge told Tully: 'She was 12 at the time of her death. 'Anyone who had the privilege of listening to the victim's personal statements will have heard so much about a young girl so full of life, who had already given so much in her childhood and on the cusp of her teenage years had so much more to give. 'The last evening they had together was a happy one. They had been out to dinner and were on their way home. They had planned to stop for an ice cream at McDonald's.' The judge said that Tully had been 'impaired' by alcohol, but added: 'It is not known precisely how impaired by drink he was because he took the cowardly decision to flee the scene. 'He hit the family at excessive speed. The attitude of the defendant was 'I am not going to stay here, we must run right now' and he did. 'All the evidence points to significant consumption. The amount you spent speaks for itself, even in a group context.' Edward Tully's father leaving Southwark Crown Court after his son was jailed The two smashed cars can be seen at the scene of the collision The judge said that those who had tried to help Tully after the crash should 'hang their heads in shame.' Tully said 'I love you' to his sobbing parents as he was jailed for 12 years and led from the dock. Jocelyn Ledward, KC, prosecuting, earlier said: 'CCTV and collision reconstruction shows that the Astra was struck to the rear offside from the right by the vehicle being driven by the defendant, a black convertible Bentley which approached northbound from the south, along Colney Hatch Lane. 'As a result of the impact, the Astra spun clockwise 460 degrees across the junction, coming to rest in the southbound carriageway towards the north-east corner of the junction, and then rolling backwards at slow speed into the pedestrian barrier. 'As it spun, both rear tyres mounted the raised pedestrian crossing in the centre of Colney Hatch Road on the north side of the junction.' 'The girl was not conscious. She was not breathing and clearly very badly injured. Her mother and brother screamed for help, and members of the public including other drivers came to their assistance. 'Whilst an ambulance was called, one of them used his tools to cut the girl's seatbelt, removed her from the car and began CPR.' 'Paramedics arrived, and she was resuscitated to the point her heart was re-started, but she remained unconscious and not breathing spontaneously. 'She was taken to the Royal London Hospital. Sadly, she had sustained brain and spinal injuries which were not survivable, as well as injuries to her lungs, liver, a fractured pelvis and two broken arms. 'She was moved to paediatric intensive care, and she passed away in the early hours of 23 August 2022. 'Her father was also extremely distressed and seriously injured.' Tully said 'I love you' to his sobbing parents as he was jailed for 12 years at Southwark Crown Court in south London Tully overtook a car in his black Bentley continental convertible, went straight through red lights and struck the red Vauxhall Astra that the girl's mother was driving at this junction The prosecutor said a receipt from the club revealed Tully 'spent something of the order of over 1500 in the club that night.' The bill included four five-course meals with Prosecco and five bottles of Veuve Cliquot Rose champagne. Referring to CCTV from Proud Embankment Ms Ledward added: 'The defendant can be seen drinking regularly and repeatedly, over 20 times at least, from glasses which have been refilled from the bottles, including by himself, throughout the two hours.' David Spens, KC, defending, said: 'Mr Tully accepts full responsibility for her death.' 'He is genuinely and profoundly sorry. While it may seem inadequate given the circumstances, he is profoundly sorry for the loss he brought to this family. He accepts that he deserves serious punishment.' 'He left school at the age of 17. He built two successful businesses', he added. Tully, of England's Lane, Camden admitted causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was jailed for 12 years and disqualified from driving for 13 years. Prosecutors on Monday are set to rest their case in Daniel Penny's month-long trial for the death of homeless man Jordan Neely last year on a Manhattan subway. Former Marine Penny, 26, claims he acted in self-defense and in defense of other passengers after Neely terrorized their subway car and threatened them, but prosecutors say he overstepped into vigilantism and criminally killed Neely with a chokehold. Neely, 30, once was among the citys corps of subway and street performers and was known for his Michael Jackson impersonations. He struggled with drug abuse and a mental illness and had a criminal record that included assault convictions. Neely's death on the subway car last spring sparked racial tensions in the Big Apple as groups such as Black Lives Matter sought to paint Penny as an overzealous, white ex-Marine targeting an innocent black man. However, the national attention on the trial has also seen many conservatives question why Penny was even charged. Penny is charged with manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. He faces up to 15 years in prison. Daniel Penny, 26, faces 15 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter for the subway death of homeless man Jordan Neely, 30. Penny is seen entering court in Manhattan on Monday Penny says he acted to protect himself and fellow passengers, but prosecutors have painted him as unskilled, saying he improperly administered a choke for a duration that resulted in the victim's death Neely, 30, once was among the citys corps of subway and street performers and was known for his Michael Jackson impersonations The Prosecution's Case Prosecutors say Penny meant to protect people but recklessly used too much force, overlooking Neely's humanity and making no effort to spare his life. City medical examiners ruled that the chokehold killed Neely. However, a pathologist hired by Penny's defense disputed that finding. Prosecutors have noted the veteran continued to grip Neelys neck after the train stopped and anyone who wanted to get out could do so, after bystanders urged Penny to let go, and even after Neely had been still for nearly a minute. Multiple witnesses said Neely shouted about needing food and something to drink, whipped his jacket to the floor and said he didnt care if he died or went to jail. They differed in descriptions of his movements and whether they were threatening. Several said they were alarmed by him and some were thankful when Penny subdued him. A number of other passengers testified that they were scared of Neely and relieved that Penny grabbed hold of him. A man who later stepped in and held down Neely's arms, however, told jurors that he urged Penny to let go but that the veteran kept choking Neely for a time. Prosecutors have painted Penny as unskilled, saying he improperly administered a choke for a duration that resulted in the victim's death. The Marine who trained Penny to apply a chokehold, Combat Instructor Joseph Caballer, conceded that video filmed by witnesses indicated his old cadet looked to have done so improperly. Penny (seen arriving at trial on November 18) has also had character witnesses testify to his nature, including his mother and two Marines who served with him overseas Caballer testified that the video appeared to show Penny trying to use a 'blood choke' to restrain Neely - something he said should have seen him rendered unconscious within seconds. Instead, the hold spanned more than six minutes. During that time, Neely, while writhing in Penny's arms, could have inadvertently turned the clench into an 'air choke,' which takes longer to render a person unconscious and could prove fatal much easier. The hold is not taught by the Marines, he told jurors. The Defense The defense contends Penny held on because Neely tried to break loose at points and that the pressure on the mans neck wasnt consistent enough to kill him. Dr. Satish Chundru, who was called to testify by Penny's attorneys, blamed Neely's death on a combination of a sickle cell crisis and the effects of schizophrenia and synthetic marijuana. The former Miami-area medical examiner's statement came in stark contrast to one delivered just days earlier, from the doctor who conducted the city's autopsy. Dr. Cynthia Harris had maintained it was neither drugs nor the victim's genetic disorder that took Neely's life, while also ruling out cardiac arrest. During the trial, jurors watched videos recorded by bystanders and by police body cameras and saw how Penny explained his actions to officers on the scene and later in a stationhouse interview room. 'I just wanted to keep him from getting to people,' he told detectives, demonstrating the chokehold and describing Neely as 'a crackhead' who was 'acting like a lunatic.' Dr. Satish Chundru made the assertion in Manhattan Criminal Court Thursday. He is seen here testifying during a different case in 2012 'Im not trying to kill the guy,' he insisted. Penny did now take the stand in his own defense, with one of his lawyers noting that jurors did hear from Penny, in the form of his recorded statements to police minutes and hours after he put Neely in a chokehold. 'Virtually everything he said then is consistent with credible testimony of his fellow passengers,' Penny's attorney Daniel Kenniff said. Penny's lawyers have said Neely lurched toward a woman with a small child and said, 'I will kill.' Dr. Alexander Bardey, a defense expert who reviewed Neely's medical history, said on the stand he suffered severe schizophrenia for years, including believing dead rapper Tupac Shakur was ordering him to 'change the world.' Neely also suffered 'paranoid fears that people want to hurt him,' 'grandiose delusions that people are jealous of him', and reported hearing 'the devil's voice.' Despite the shocking nature of Neely's history, Manhattan prosecutors had sought to bar Bardey's testimony from the trial, and attempted to have evidence of Neely's mental illness and drug abuse withheld from Penny's jury. In his testimony, Bardey said he reviewed thousands of pages of Neely's medical records dating back to 2015. Bardey previously worked for Rikers Island jail, and witnesses said Neely was screaming about his willingness to return to the prison when he threatened subway passengers. He said he had worked on hundreds of cases involving schizophrenia patients, and said Neel's case was among the worst of his career. 'His symptoms, I would classify as severe,' Bardey testified. 'He describes paranoid fears that people want to hurt him, grandiose delusions that people are jealous of him, said that Tupac instructed him to change the world, and thats what he was doing.' An alcoholic whose girlfriend died two years after he deliberately set her on fire was jailed for life with a minimum term of 23 years today. Leigh Pateman doused mother-of-four Ellen Marshall in petrol as she sat in a chair before setting her alight during an argument. Pateman, 45, was jailed for 17 years and 10 months after he admitted a charge of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, and it was initially hoped Ms Marshall would survive despite her horrific injuries. But a court heard Ms Marshall died in March 2023 from pneumonia as a result of the injuries inflicted when she was set ablaze almost two years earlier. The Crown Prosecution Service brought a murder charge against Pateman after Ms Marshall died aged 43 in Nottingham City Hospital and Pateman pleaded guilty to the upgraded charge at a hearing earlier this month. Judge Simon Hirst told Pateman he was satisfied there was a significant degree of planning to the attack and a pattern of 'terrifying' Ms Marshall in the weeks before the attack. 'You had threatened to pour petrol over her and set her alight, and threatened to kill her,' Judge Hirst explained. He told Pateman: 'Ms Marshall endured the most excruciating pain and suffering from the injuries you inflicted upon her.' Leigh Pateman, 43, (pictured) doused Ellen in petrol as she sat in a chair before he ignited her with his lighter and left her for dead Ellen Marshall, 43, (pictured) suffered burns over 80 to 90 per cent of the top half of her body in the sickening attack on April 22, 2021 The court heard distressing details of the scene which met fire crews who were called to the couple's shared house in Skegness, Lincolnshire, by a neighbour at around 10.30pm on April 22 2021 as Pateman cycled away from the scene. Once inside, they found the living room covered in black smoke and were alerted to the presence of a woman by a gurgling sound. Prosecutor Sarah Knight said this led rescuers to Ms Marshall, who was writhing around in 'extreme pain'. Firefighters discovered Ms Marshall, who was originally from Nottingham, lying on the floor of the property 'There was little hair left on her head,' said Miss Knight. 'Her face was so badly burnt and scorched it was difficult to make out her facial features. 'Her body was scorched where her clothes would have been.' One neighbour described hearing Pateman saying 'he had set fire to her.' Another neighbour heard Ms Marshall screaming and saw Pateman carrying sauces of water to put on Ms Marshall, before he cycled away as the fire crews arrived. Ms Marshall suffered burns to her face, neck, abdomen, chest and limbs, lost several fingers and sustained serious eye injuries in the attack. Upon admission to hospital she required mechanical ventilation and her chance of survival was then placed at less than 50 per cent. She had suffered 80 per cent burns and was taken to Nottingham City Hospital, before being transferred to a specialist burns unit. Miss Knight said Pateman had made a previous threat to set his partner on fire and had kept the petrol at his property, but she did not believe him. A neighbour confirmed she had overheard Pateman threatening to set Ms Marshall 'alight' several weeks earlier, and a fire reconstruction expert concluded the blaze had been deliberately started using an accelerant. Pateman was found at his mother's house, where he had gone to bed, covered in soot. He was arrested and treated for burns before being taken into police custody. A mug shot showed his nose and hair still singed from the fire. Pateman was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court via via a video link from HMP Garth where he is currently serving his sentence. Wearing a black and white t-shirt, he spoke only to confirm his name and showed little emotion as sentence was passed. A moving impact statement from Ms Marshall's daughter, Paige Clarke, was read out in court. Ms Clarke described how despite her burns Ms Marshall kept fighting to be a mum to her four children and to one day hold her first grandchild. But Ms Clarke added 'that day will now never come.' 'She became weaker and weaker as the days went by, but even then she was so strong of heart,' Miss Clarke explained. 'The physical, mental and emotional pain that my mother had to go through is almost impossible to put into words,' Miss Clarke said. 'She could not bear to look at herself for a year.' Her daughter Paige Clarke, 25, (pictured) paid tribute to her in a Facebook post saying: 'No more pain and suffering now mum.' Pateman was told he would have been sentenced to a minimum term of 27 years imprisonment but had already served over three years in custody. He was told he would serve a minimum of 24 years and 145 days. At the plea hearing, the judge had remarked that the case 'isn't a stranger to me', having previously sentenced Patemen on the GBH charge. Katherine Goddard KC, defending Pateman, said there was 'no intention to kill, only to cause grievous bodily harm' Following Pateman's sentencing in 2022, a spokesman for Lincolnshire Police described it as 'one of the worst cases of domestic violence we have seen.' This is the moment a thief's ankle was pierced by a metal gate as he tried climbing over it to rob a house. The thief, identified locally as 18-year-old Leonel Lautaro Romero, attempted to burgle the home in San Miguel, Greater Buenos Aires, Argentina, by stepping over the top of the spiked gate with a chair. But heavy rains that hit the region over the weekend meant his footing was loose, and he slipped as he climbed over, piercing his ankle. Gruesome snaps taken at the scene of the crime showed a black metal spike going all the way through the thief's ankle. Local media say he lives just around the corner from the house he was allegedly trying to burgle. A local resident spotted his plight and called the emergency services. Firefighters were then dispatched to the scene and freed Romero by cutting the spike off the top of the gate. It is unknown how long he was in the painful position for before he was freed. The thief, identified locally as 18-year-old Leonel Lautaro Romero (pictured), attempted to burgle the home in San Miguel It is unknown how long he was in the painful position for before he was freed An ambulance also arrived and paramedics treated the teenager before taking him to a local hospital under police custody. He has since been discharged, released on bail, and charged with trespassing with criminal intent. Local media reported that he is also under investigation for other crimes. Romero wasn't the only Argentine thief to get his comeuppance. Last month, a deli clerk in Argentina sent a knife-wielding bandit fleeing after flashing an even bigger blade at the would-be robber. Surveillance video showed the suspect walking up to the deli's cashier counter and pulling out a knife in the northern Patagonia town of Cipolletti. He is seen flashing the blade and stepping around the corner of the counter before backing away and tucking the knife into his pants. The suspect then made beeline for the exit when, as the video showed, the satisfied clerk emerged waving a much larger knife with a smile spread across her face. Britain faces a heightened terror threat if Syrian camps holding Shamima Begum and other ISIS extremists collapse, a former head of MI6 warned today. Sir Alex Younger spoke out as the country's civil war reignited in dramatic fashion after Islamist rebels seized full control of Aleppo city following a lightning offensive. Part of Syria's north east remains under control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who are backed up by 900 US troops. However, there are fears Donald Trump could pull these forces out, which would risk a 'power vacuum' in the region - which houses the detention camps. 'There is a key operational issue for the UK which is going to be driving a lot of our policy which is that the SDF, the Kurdish group, are holding many, many ISIS prisoners and their families who were taken after the end of the caliphate,' the former head of MI6, who is known as 'C', he told the BBC. 'The camps represent a hotbed of radicalisation and haven't been sorted out. If the SDF were to go off the job, our security situation here would worsen. 'So, I'm sure a big part of our policy is just making sure at least the eastern part of Syria remains stable.' Begum, whose British citizenship was withdrawn on national security grounds in 2019, is believed to be living at the Al Roj, a filthy, brutal temporary tent city teeming with dangerous ISIS loyalists who use threats and beatings to enforce their extremist ideology. Shamima Begum is living in Al Roj detention camp, which is home to around 2,600 detainees from 55 countries, many of them ISIS brides and their children. Al Roj is a filthy, brutal temporary tent city teeming with dangerous ISIS loyalists who use threats and beatings to enforce their extremist ideology Al Roj, where Ms Begum was moved after being found in nearby Al Hol, is home to around 2,600 detainees from 55 countries, many of them ISIS brides and their children. The former East London schoolgirl, who moved to Syria to join ISIS in 2015 at the age of 15, lost an appeal last year against the decision to revoke her citizenship on national security grounds at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC). In August, justices at the UK's highest court said Begum could not appeal again after she lost a Court of Appeal bid in February. Her lawyers are now hoping to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. Syrian rebel forces launched a lightning offensive from the northwest on Wednesday, surging out of Idlib province and overwhelming woefully unprepared government troops who are said to have retreated en masse. This weekend the rebels, spearheaded by Islamist militant organisation Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seized full control of Aleppo city - the capital of the country's most populous governorate - and are now marching south toward the city of Hama. The Assad regime and its Russian allies hit back at the rebels today by launching a series of air strikes. The air raids killed 11 civilians, including five children, according to the Observatory. Sir Alex Younger spoke out as the country's civil war reignited in dramatic fashion after Islamist rebels seized full control of Aleppo city following a lightning offensive 'The strikes targeted... displaced families living on the edge of a displacement camp,' said Hussein Ahmed Khudur, a 45-year-old teacher who sought refuge at the camp from fighting in Aleppo province. Russia, which first intervened directly in the Syrian war in 2015, said today it continued to support Assad. 'We of course continue to support Bashar al-Assad and we continue contacts at the appropriate levels, we are analysing the situation,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. Today, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said the Islamic republic had entered Syria at the official invitation of Assad's government. 'Our military advisers were present in Syria, and they are still present. The presence of advisers from the Islamic Republic of Iran in Syria is not a new thing,' he said. A view of a vehicle on fire in the aftermath of what the White Helmets say is a strike, in Idlib, Syria, released December 1, 2024 Part of Syria's north east remains under control of the the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who are backed up by 900 US troops Sir Alex, who led MI6 from 2014 to 2020, said the Assad regime was guilty of 'merciless brutality' and he welcomed 'any setback' to it. 'So, no I do not want him back in charge of Aleppo,' he said. 'Equally, you cannot pretend that a hardline Islamist group, albeit one that is trying to moderate its image, represents a great future either. 'It seems to me it's more likely that we are seeing a reignition of the civil war and the conflict in all its dimensions.' Britain needs to be capable of 'innovation at a wartime pace', the Defence Secretary said today as he launched a new strategy. John Healey admitted the UK's Armed Forces need to be 'better equipped' and the country's defence industry 'better able to produce what they need'. The new defence industrial strategy is being developed alongside the Labour Government's strategic defence review. It is be the first defence industrial strategy since Russia invaded Ukraine, with the last version published in 2021, and is expected to be published in the first half of next year. The UK defence industry today hosted a 'first of its kind' war game simulating how to sustain troops on the front line when faced with 'intense fighting'. It saw the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and private businesses tasked with keeping supply lines running in the face of 'constant disruption'. Defence Secretary John Healey admitted the UK's Armed Forces need to be 'better equipped' and the country's defence industry 'better able to produce what they need' Asked if Britain is 'war ready', Mr Healey said: 'What I'm doing is recognising that our forces need to be better equipped' The new defence industrial strategy is heavily shaped by the Ukraine war - the first major land conflict in Europe since the Second World War. Pictured: The site of Russian shelling in Dnipro During a visit to the Honourable Artillery Company to see drone technology, the Defence Secretary told journalists: 'What we're doing for the first time today is that approach, war gaming, but with industry figures. 'And the reason behind this is that we need together Government and industry to be capable of innovation at a wartime pace. Asked if Britain is 'war ready', Mr Healey said: 'What I'm doing is recognising that our forces need to be better equipped. 'Behind them needs to be an industry that is better able to produce what they need and innovate at the pace of wartime pressures.' The war in Ukraine has shown the cycle of obsolescence to be as short as six weeks on the front line, the Defence Secretary said. The industrial strategy framework also aims to direct British defence investment towards UK-based businesses to drive jobs and growth. Defence AI company Helsing said it would mass produce its HX-2 drone as part of its 350million investment into the UK over five years. The drone uses AI (artificial intelligence) to identify targets and strikes are then confirmed by a human operator. BAE Systems and Babcock have also announced plans to recruit thousands more people in the coming year, including through graduate and apprenticeship opportunities. The new defence industrial strategy is heavily shaped by the Ukraine war - the first major land conflict in Europe since the Second World War. Following decades spent fighting insurgencies, the renewed threat of a conflict with a major standing army places huge importance on defending supply lines. Moscow and Kyiv now innovate new weapons at lightning pace with drone technology updating by the week to hit behind enemy lines. The MoD seeks to 'place deterrence at the heart of a new approach' to 'ensure adversaries know the UK has an industrial base that can innovate at a wartime pace'. Mr Healey said Britain's defence industry must be 'better and more integrated' to 'keep our Armed Forces equipped, innovating at a wartime pace, and ahead of our adversaries.' 'National security is the foundation for national stability and growth,' he said in a statement. 'We are sending a signal to the market and to our adversaries: with a strong UK defence sector we will make Britain secure at home and strong abroad.' The defence industrial strategy will set out how a strong defence sector can provide 'the foundation for a decade of national renewal'. The Government is also appointing a National Armaments Director to ensure the Armed Forces are properly equipped to defend Britain. They will be further tasked with cracking down on waste. A dog sanctuary owner says she needs a 'Christmas miracle' to save her rescue centre as she fears having her animals euthanised after receiving a closure notice. Charkirk Dog Sanctuary in Greater Manchester has about 30 dogs in its care - and now just over three weeks to find new premises after being served notice to leave. Rescue founder Ali Clark, 59, is now 'desperate' to raise 10,000 for a new spot and kennel equipment. She takes in dogs with severe behavioural problems and 17 of those at the sanctuary in Stockport have been classed as 'unrehomeable' and thus most at risk. Some of her dogs have come from abusive or neglectful backgrounds and she says it would 'break her heart' to put them to sleep. Ms Clark is now calling on landowners with existing kennels or those with suitable stables where kennels could be built - preferably in Wales or along the border with England - to get in touch if they have a suitable place for her to rent for her new sanctuary. A GoFundMe appeal has been launched with the hopes of raising the money for a new location before it proves too late. Ms Clark, from Powys in Wales, said: 'I'm desperate to find somewhere suitable. Dogs are my life - I just can't let them down. Dog rescue sanctuary Ali Clark, 59, says she is 'desperate' to raise 10,000 for new premises and kennel equipment after being served with an eviction notice Charkirk Dog Sanctuary in Stockport, Greater Manchester, has about 30 dogs in its care and just over three weeks to find a new HQ - pictured is one of owner Ali Clark's pets, named Trigger This is one of 30 dogs in the pet rescue centre's care, as a GoFundMe appeal is launched 'People have come forward and said we'll foster them, we'll adopt them - but most of the dogs will only accept me.' She described how too many sanctuary owners 'just keep them locked up in a kennel almost 24/7', adding: That's not a life - they are better off being euthanised. 'I know people will be outraged, but that's the reality. I need a Christmas miracle.' Ms Clark, who has worked in animal rescue for 10 years and saved hundreds of dogs, was given three months' notice in October this year to find a new place due to a change of use for the premises. She owns a property in Wales but has been staying on site for the last 18 months to care for the dogs in Stockport, saying there was no one else there who could look after them. But she has struggled to find premises closer to her home to meet the dogs' needs. She said: 'Here I try get the dogs out as much as I can. I have an agility course, a small paddock, a courtyard, and a therapy room with chaise lounges. 'I rotate them round so that they're not just stuck in staring at four walls.' Ms Clark, who has worked in animal rescue for 10 years and saved hundreds of dogs, was given three months' notice in October this year to find a new home for her business Ms Clark is calling on landowners with existing kennels or those with suitable stables where kennels could be built to get in touch if they have a suitable place for her to rent for her dogs The GoFundMe page aimed at helping dogs such as this German Shepherd which have been given sanctuary by Ali Clark has so far raised just over 1,000 Ms Clark said of the GoFundMe appeal: 'The money will go towards renting land or a place to house the dogs, but finding somewhere big enough, either with kennels or to build them, has proved incredibly difficult.' Despite aiming to rehabilitate and rehome dogs that come into the sanctuary, she said it was 'not possible' for all of them. Dogs living long-term at the sanctuary include Gus, a Springer Spaniel, who was found living in a garage for six years before she took him in. Others include Groober, a Romanian Mioritic Shepherd cross, who is described as having 'guarding issues' and will not let anyone come near him except the sanctuary owner. She said: 'These dogs can't go to anyone else - I know their quirks. For example, what am I supposed to my collie Trigger, who won't let anyone get near him to put a lead on him? 'He's so shut down, it's taken me six months to get him to take a treat off me. Previously, he had been living in hell. 'These are the ones most at risk - there is nowhere else for them to go except with me.' She had previous funded the sanctuary through her pension and without taking donations, except for around Christmas to contribute towards her dogs' special festive dinners. Ms Clark said of the appeal she hopes will help protect pets such as Groober, a Romanian Mioritic Shepherd cross: 'The money will go towards renting land or a place to house the dogs' Ali Clark says she needs a 'Christmas miracle' to find a new home for the dogs she looks after She owns a property in Wales but has been staying on site for the last 18 months to care for the dogs in Stockport, saying there was no one else there who could look after them But Ms Clark says she is now in a race against time to raise funds for a new sanctuary before the dogs are made 'homeless' and potentially 'euthanised'. She estimates a need to raise about 10,000 to cover all the costs of renting a new space. She added: 'I never ask for money or take donations - I fund it all myself. But this is a desperate situation - 100 per cent of the money goes to the dogs, and making sure they're safe and secure in their new environment. This is their last hope.' Anyone wanting to help can visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-30-sanctuary-dogs-about-to-be-homeless or email nutbourne.bambam@gmail.com. Thousands of rabbis have paid tribute to their slain 'big brother', who was killed in a vile antisemitic attack in the United Arab Emirates. The rabbis gathered on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn for their annual photo op at the largest rabbinic gathering in the world, the Annual Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries, on the weekend. The conference brings together the heads of the Chabad houses and saw a record of 6,500 rabbis and guests from more than 100 countries attend. This year the rabbis mourned their 'big brother' Zvi Kogan, a Chabad emissary to Abu Dhabi who was murdered at the end of last month in the United Arab Emirates, the Times of Israel reports. Kogan, 28, was targeted because he was Jewish in the 'antisemitic terror attack', according to Israeli officials. 'He was like a big brother that we always relied on,' Rabbi Mendel Duchman, an emissary in the UAE, said. 'Inspired by Zvi, we're going to go back and focus on being there [even more] for other people.' Rabbi Levi Duchman, UAE chief rabbi, added in a video tribute: 'You would see Zvi's special care for every single person. Rabbis gather for the annual group portrait outside Chabad-Lubavitch Worldwide Headquarters in the Brooklyn borough of New York, December 1 2024 This year the rabbis mourned their 'big brother' Zvi Kogan (pictured), a Chabad emissary to Abu Dhabi who was murdered at the end of last month in the United Arab Emirates The rabbis were seen dancing at the event, enjoying each others company 'One thing I know is that when receiving such devastating news, our response can be only one way - to grow even more, to bring more Judaism to the UAE, to impact more Jews, and to add more good deeds.' The rabbi worked towards expanding Jewish life in UAE by ensuring the wide availability of kosher food and opening the first Jewish education center in the country. Kogan was buried at Jerusalem's Mount of Olives cemetery last week. The conference offered four days of workshops and a massive communal Shabbat over the Thanksgiving weekend. Jewish communities from all over the world were represented at the conference, including rabbis from war-torn Ukraine as well as those serving college campuses across the US. The rabbis were seen dancing at the event, enjoying each others company. This comes as antisemitic attacks have been on the rise since Hamas' October 7 attack. On the anniversary of the massacre, over 100 residents in the northwestern suburbs of Detroit found antisemitic flyers outside their homes. The conference brings together the heads of the Chabad houses and saw a record of 6,500 rabbis and guests from more than 100 countries attend The rabbis gathered on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn for their annual photo op at the largest rabbinic gathering in the world, the Annual Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries, on the weekend The rabbi worked towards expanding Jewish life in UAE by ensuring the wide availability of kosher food and opening the first Jewish education center in the country The 'virulent' material was discovered by people living in West Bloomfield Township and Farmington Hills, according to police early October. The flyers, which contained hateful stereotypes and insulting caricatures of Jewish people, were folded up inside Ziploc bags and weighed down with what appeared to be animal food, according to the Detroit Free Press. Residents from other communities in northern Oakland County, such as Holly and Waterford, have also indicated that they've seen some of the same flyers. 'The timing of this detestable activity exacerbates the chilling effect on our community,' Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King said. 'This type of hateful activity will not be tolerated in Farmington Hills and our agency will use all available resources to prevent, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for this incident.' A teenage gangster has been jailed for life with a minimum of 29 years after murdering a mother who he shot in the head through her front door as she tried to protect her children. Lianne Gordon, 42, had only just returned from a holiday in Jamaica when she was attacked by 17-year-old Joshua Alexander at her home in Hackney, north-east London, on December 5 last year. She was the unintended victim of a gang feud between rivals in the neighbourhood, jurors heard. Alexander had denied being the gunman but was found guilty in October of Ms Gordon's murder following a trial at the Old Bailey and has now been sentenced and named. A jury also convicted him of attempting to kill a 17-year-old boy and 21-year-old man who were shot in the street during the same incident. Alexander was further convicted of affray, having a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a bladed article, and possession of class A drugs with intent to supply. A judge today lifted a reporting restriction on naming Alexander, who turns 18 in February and had been on bail at the time of the killing over an earlier attempted murder at Hackney Central railway station. Judge David Aubrey KC said the background to the case was 'sadly all too familiar'. Joshua Alexander (pictured), 17, was today named by a judge as he was jailed for life with a minimum of 29 years after murdering Lianne Gordon in Hackney, north-east London Lianne Gordon (pictured), 42, had only just returned from a holiday in Jamaica when she was shot through the front door of her Hackney home on December 5 last year Delivering his sentencing remarks, Judge Aubrey said: 'It is one of turf wars, territory, violence between rival gangs and consequential tragedy and grief.' Addressing Alexander in the dock, Judge Aubrey told him: 'You murdered an innocent woman who was behind her front door in her own home. 'Her home should have been a sanctuary, a place of safety. It was, however, where she met her death at your hands while you were in possession of a firearm.' The judge said Alexander was 'on a mission that night to execute members of your opposing gang'. He told Alexander: 'You have shown no remorse whatsoever. Notwithstanding that you have murdered an innocent person in her own home who was not the intended target.' The judge said this was illustrated by rap lyrics found in his prison cell in January that were 'glorifying' his crimes. In January, rap lyrics were recovered from the teenage killer's prison cell referring to the shooting - saying that Ms Gordon was 'wigged', the trial heard. Among the handwritten lyrics discovered was one which read, 'Hus got left all red at the station' - with 'Hus' being the nickname of the man who was the victim of the attempted murder at Hackney Central railway station. Joshua Alexander has been publicly named for the first time today after being convicted in October of murdering Lianne Gordon (pictured) In another lyric he referred to police tape and wrote: 'Their block got taped twice in a week by me.' The lyrics went on to say, 'Just stepped to the (A) with CR. Now Vine Close is looking all messy', and 'AK mum got wigged'. Jurors heard AK was a nickname of Ms Gordon's son Kaymound Gordon. Judge Aubrey said Alexander had 'devastated' Ms Gordon's family and caused them 'unimaginable grief'. Ms Gordon's mother Ella Leatham said in a witness statement to the court that she believed the teenage murderer should be 'hanged'. She added: 'I hope he rots in jail for the rest of his days. It has still not sunk in that I will never see Lianne again. 'There were hundreds of people who attended Lianne's funeral and that is a testament to the person she was. Lianne, I pray you rest in eternal peace.' Ms Gordon's twin sister Louise described her as 'a force of nature' and said 'everything has been destroyed, shattered and broken' since her death. In a victim impact statement, she told the court: 'I feel like I have lost my other half. Ms Gordon was shot dead through the front door of her home in Hackney, east London, last December - police are pictured at the scene in its aftermath 'She had nothing but love for me, as she did for everyone who was lucky enough to be in her circle. 'I feel like I'm underwater most days trying to stay afloat. My mind is still in constant turmoil.' She said her twin was 'shot like a gangster' in her own home, adding: 'This gun crime has ripped a hole in my family and there is nothing we can do about it.' And Ms Gordon's younger sister Sakara Campbell told Alexander directly: 'You are a different kind of evil and you know deep down, you killed an innocent woman. 'You had no right to kill my sister and stand in court denying the offences you are charged with. All the time you showed no remorse or accountability for your actions. 'I know every day you will feel the pain of what you have done because you took away a golden heart. 'You are so stupid - instead of cooking drugs, you should have stayed in school and get some sense in your head. 'I can't imagine what you have put your family through. I hope while you sit in your cell you really think about your life and the choices you made. Nurse Jackie Finnigan, left, with her best friend Lianne Gordon, seen on the right in this picture 'You will never know what it is to be surrounded by love, the love we have for each other. 'Now we have justice for Lianne, but no sentence will ever bring her back.' Family members in court cheered and said 'yes' as Alexander's sentence was passed down by the judge, while another person in the public gallery shouted: 'Rot in hell.' Alexander had been on bail at the time of the shooting, with conditions not to enter Hackney, for attempted murder relating to a separate incident in March last year. The victim of that attack at Hackney Central railway station was stabbed five times in the chest area, including through the lung and the heart. He was also shot in the leg at point blank range in what was described as 'a meticulously arranged hit', which required emergency surgery at the station to save his life. While on bail in relation to that attack, Alexander breached conditions by returning to the Hackney area on three occasions - twice armed with a firearm. On the evening of last December 5, Ms Gordon's son Kaymound was in the shower and her daughter came out of her room when she heard what she thought were fireworks. A card and flowers were left near to the scene at Vine Close in Hackney, east London Ms Gordon died at the scene from a single gunshot wound to the head while the two victims outside were treated in hospital. Jurors had heard the shooting was the culmination of a series of incidents. Prosecutor Mark Fenhalls KC said they resulted from a dispute between two Hackney gangs, including the Pembury Gang with which Alexander was associated. Alexander had a series of previous convictions dating back to when he was aged 15. Among them was a conviction for attempted murder relating to the incident on March 1 last year in which he acted as a scout as a man was shot and stabbed at Hackney Central. Speaking after today's sentencing, the Metropolitan Police's Det Chief Insp Joanna Yorke, who led the investigation, said: 'Alexander is a dangerous individual, who at just 16 years old had no qualms about carrying and using a deadly weapon. 'We are pleased he has been brought to justice and that he will now spend a significant period behind bars. 'Our thoughts of course remain with the loved ones of Lianne Gordon, a mother of two who was shot dead for reasons we may never fully understand. Forensic officers at the scene near Vine Close, Hackney, following the shooting incident 'We know this has been an extremely difficult time and we will continue to offer them our full support.' Ms Gordon's best friend Judy Finnegan previously told MailOnline after her death: 'Everybody around here knew Lianne. She was a much loved member of our community. 'Lianne had a heart of gold. I don't understand why anybody would do this to her. 'She was a very loving and devoted mother who coped bravely with life's challenges. She worked hard and also looked after her disabled son.' Gregg Wallace today said sorry for claiming 'middle class women of a certain age' caused his MasterChef demise - but it has already been branded a 'classic' non-apology. The presenter, 60, apologised after his controversial comments on Instagram over the weekend caused another PR storm, blaming 'a huge amount of stress' and 'a lot of emotion' for the error. The U-turn came hours after an insider told MailOnline he had 'gone rogue' and was ignoring 'all advice' about how to salvage his TV career following the scandal. Wallace, who has stepped back from the BBC's MasterChef while allegations into alleged sexual misconduct are investigated, said: 'I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday and any upset I have caused to a lot of people'. TV psychologist Jo Hemmings said today: 'When is an apology, not an apology? Gregg Wallace backtracking on his misogyny to salvage his career, but no regrets about his long-term inappropriate behaviour'. One social media responded: 'Gregg Wallace did not apologise for his comment and thoughts, he apologised if it caused offence. Standard non apology, apology. In response to Gregg's latest video today, polling firm YouGov shared research that revealed that one in three Britons don't consider 'I am sorry for any offence caused' to be a proper apology, although 60 per cent did. Their survey, from 2018, found the phrase used by Wallace was considered by some as a 'common cop-out' that can suggest 'that its the fault of the offended for being so'. The most sincere wording for an apology, according to Britons they spoke to, is either: 'I sincerely apologise' or 'I apologise unreservedly'. It came as Sir Keir Starmer condemned the grocer turned broadcaster as 'completely inappropriate and misogynistic' for blaming 'middle class women of a certain' age for his MasterChef ruination. Wallace is facing claims from at least 13 women who have accused him of inappropriate behaviour, including roaming around on set naked with a sock on his penis, inappropriate jokes and groping crew members. In a fresh video on social media posted this afternoon, the under-fire presenter said of his middle class women slur: 'I wasn't in a good headspace when I posted it. I've been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion. The celebrity chef apologised for 'any offence I caused' after his controversial comments on Instagram on the weekend Since allegations made against Gregg, his TV aide has failed to address the ongoing dispute and axing of his cohost from the show Gregg Wallace's Wife Anne-Marie Sterpini was seen looking downcast as she was pictured in Kent today 'I felt very alone [and] under siege yesterday when I posted it. It's obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is underway. 'I hope you understand and I do hope that you can accept my apology.' Wallace's lawyers say 'it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'. It came as Sir Keir Starmer said Wallace was 'completely inappropriate and misogynistic' for blaming 'middle class women of a certain' age for his MasterChef ruination amid growing pressure on the BBC to take the show off air. And in a further sign of Wallace's fury, he has today unfollowed co-host John Torode and his wife on social media. 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. Torode has not uttered a word on Wallace's MasterChef exit, despite working together since 2005. But previous comments in which he admitted he had never been a 'friend' of Wallace's, as well as claims about them moving to opposite sides of the room when the cameras cut, show that all was not well in their partnership. As Gregg fights for his TV career, it also emerged today: Sir Keir Starmer believes Gregg Wallace was 'completely inappropriate and misogynistic' for blaming 'middle class women of a certain' age for his MasterChef ruination; BBC One should pull MasterChef off air until the probe into Gregg Wallace is completed, a senior Labour MP has said; The BBC allowed Wallace to remain on air despite at least four complaints being made against him. Bosses are under pressure to explain why they did not act sooner; More celebrities speak of how his sex-related comments embarrassed them. BBC presenter Wallace, 60, stepped down from MasterChef last week after it was revealed that 13 people, including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, accused him of 'wrong' and inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour during filming. He stands accused of making 'inappropriate sexual jokes', asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff, and undressing in front of and standing 'too close' to women working on his shows. He allegedly walked naked on set with only a sock on his penis. Former Celebrity MasterChef contestants say they raised concerns about Wallace's alleged behaviour as far back as 12 years ago, with actress Emma Kennedy - who won the series in 2012 - alleging she had witnessed Wallace 'grope' a camera assistant during a photo shoot that year. The grocer turned broadcaster appeared to make things worse yesterday when he posted a series of incendiary videos online where he hit back at critics by saying: 'Can you imagine how many women on MasterChef, female contestants, have made sexual remarks or sexual innuendo?' Wallace had said: 'I've been doing MasterChef for 20 years, amateur, celebrity and professional MasterChef, and I think, in that time, I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life. Gregg Wallace posted on Instagram on Sunday hitting back at the allegations made against him - claiming they were all from 'middle-class women of a certain age' Gregg Wallace (right) has been co-host of BBC1 show MasterChef alongside John Torode (left) Actress Emma Kennedy (pictured), who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2012, has alleged that she witnessed Wallace 'grope' a camera assistant during a photo shoot that same year 'Apparently now, I'm reading in the paper, there's been 13 complaints in that time. I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn't right'. But his posts caused outrage and were branded 'shocking' and laced with 'thinly veiled misogyny' - and did not touch on the sexual allegations made by numerous MasterChef celebrities, producers and contestants on the show he left last week. One insider told MailOnline today: 'Gregg has gone rogue and ignored all advice'. Another expert said: 'He needs to shut up'. Ulrika Jonsson, who competed on Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, saying she was 'seething' after seeing the comments - while Kirstie Allsopp described his response as 'unacceptable'. And Mark Borkowski, one of the UK's leading PR gurus and crisis managers, told MailOnline today that Wallace was 'only listening to his own ego' instead of advice, adding: 'The first law of PR in a crisis is never let your emotions rule your Instagram.' There are also allegations related to four other shows Wallace worked on. There are 13 people, including Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, who have formally complained about Wallace's behaviour over a 17-year period across five shows, between 2005 and 2022. The Sunday Times yesterday reported that BBC executive Kate Phillips raised concerns Wallace's behaviour was 'unacceptable and cannot continue' after broadcaster and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Aasmah Mir complained about inappropriate comments during filming. Co-host of Masterchef The Professionals Monica Galetti (right) appeared to throw her support behind the beleaguered chef last week BBC News said it had been told of other allegations, including the presenter 'talking openly about his sex life among others Gregg Wallace and his wife Anne-Marie pictured at the London Palladium in July What are the allegations against Gregg Wallace? Gregg Wallace is alleged to have made inappropriate sexual comments towards 13 women who worked with him on a variety of television programmes in a 17-year period. BBC News contacted the star's representatives on Tuesday outlining the full range of allegations. Gregg is alleged to have told 'sexualised' stories and jokes while on the MasterChef set, and openly spoken about his sex life in front of colleagues. He is also alleged to have taken his top off in front of a female colleague saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and to have told another junior worker he wasn't wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans. Further to this, BBC News reported claims Gregg: Showed topless photos of himself to a MasterChef worker and asked for massages Told a female worker on Channel 5's Gregg Wallace's Big Weekends he was fascinated by the fact she dated women and spoke about sex and spanking Showed another worker on the 5 show photos of a woman in her underwear Stared at a female colleague's chest at the BBC Good Food Show in 2010 Openly spoke about his sex life, including how often he was having sex and his ability as a lover, on the show Impossible Celebrities Allegedly told an Eat Well for Less colleague: 'You can come to my car but can you handle the fact everyone will think you got off with a celebrity?' After receiving the letter, Gregg said he would step back from presenting MasterChef while Banijay UK said the presenter was co-operating with its own internal investigation. Advertisement The newspaper claimed Wallace received another warning the following year after a complaint was raised about his behaviour on the quiz show Impossible Celebrities. Meanwhile, the Sunday Telegraph reported that producer Georgia Harding, who worked on MasterChef between 2014 and 2015 and later Eat Well For Less, claimed she raised concerns about 'inappropriate' behaviour from him while working on the show. She alleged the presenter undressed in front of colleagues and 'made inappropriate sexual jokes' in front of the crew and people appearing on the shows, and said 'nothing was done' about concerns raised, claiming there was 'an acceptance' of his behaviour. Wallace has also been accused of being 'obsessed' with a female colleague who was dating a woman, and repeatedly asked how questions about the 'logistics'. Meanwhile more claims about Wallace's alleged behaviour continue to appear. TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp claimed Wallace made an inappropriate sexual joke to her while she was on Masterchef. She wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Within 1hr of meeting Gregg Wallace he told me of a sex act that he & his partner at the time enjoyed 'every morning', she'd just left the room, we were filming a pilot. Did he get off on how embarrassed I was? It was totally unprofessional.' And previously aired clips from shows Wallace has appeared on, including Masterchef and Strictly Come Dancing - where he was a contestant in 2014 - are resurfacing in light of the recent allegations. In a resurfaced clip from his Strictly stint Gregg, then 50, left Aliona, 30, visibly uncomfortable following his wardrobe malfunction. After tearing his trousers he confessed, giggling: 'I don't wear underwear' while gesturing to his crotch, leaving his stunned partner to asked: 'Are you for real?'. Beaming he explained, while shaking his hips : 'It's easy to move with [no underwear] I've never worn underwear. I wear socks.' Aliona then told the camera: 'I'm just way too distressed about the situation' before begging him to 'put it away' as he seemingly teased her, with viewers only seeing the grocer from the waist up. Meanwhile Charlotte Crosby branded Gregg 'extremely unpleasant' on Instagram as she joined celebrities slamming the BBC star. Gregg Wallace, 60, left Strictly partner Aliona Vilani 'distressed' during show rehearsals as he touched his crotch after ripping his trousers and declared he 'never wears underwear' Aliona then told the camera: 'I'm just way too distressed about the situation' before begging him to 'put it away' as he seemingly teased her, with the camera only showing the grocer from the waist up Charlotte Crosby branded Gregg 'extremely unpleasant' on Instagram as she joined celebrities slamming the BBC star She wrote: 'He [Gregg] was extremely unpleasant to me when I was on MasterChef'. Actress Katy Brand has also broken her silence about the 'awkward' moment Gregg told her he would 'munch the living daylights out of her little tart' on Celebrity MasterChef. A shocking video from the 2013 series of the programme shows Wallace making the apparent innuendo about the comedian's egg tart. The grocer turned broadcaster tells Brand: 'I find this quite pleasant. Left to my own devices, I'd probably munch the living daylights out of your little tart.' Reacting to the resurfaced video of Wallace's tart comment, Brand called the encounter 'awkward' and recalled her immediate 'shock and disbelief' at the 'crass and idiotic joke'. 'I took it as an innuendo-laden remark at the time, and I still see it that way now,' she said. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has held talks with BBC bosses in the wake of the Wallace row, Downing Street said. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The Culture Secretary spoke with the BBC leadership at the end of last week on this matter and wider workplace culture issues to seek assurances that there are robust processes in place to deal with complaints. 'Clearly the comments we have seen from the individual over the weekend were completely inappropriate and misogynistic. 'More broadly the BBC is conducting an independent review into workplace culture which must deliver clear and timely recommendations. It's essential that staff and the wider public have confidence that the BBC takes these issues seriously.' Asked whether MasterChef should be pulled off air, the spokesman added the decision was for the BBC and the show's production company, and reiterated that Downing Street believes it is 'right' that a thorough investigation is conducted. The production company Banijay UK confirmed it had appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead an investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour. Ukraine's army is registering sky-high rates of desertions as Russian forces continue to grind westward, leaving the nation's former foreign minister to acknowledge Kyiv 'will lose the war' if the conflict continues along its current trajectory. Prosecutors opened up 60,000 cases in the first 10 months of this year against soldiers found to have deserted their posts - almost double as many cases initiated across all of 2022 and 2023 combined, the Financial Times reported. In an effort to stem the flow, Ukraine has upped its recruitment efforts, setting a bold target of signing up another 160,000 men to support war-weary frontline units in the next three months. But the conscription drive has also come under fire with episodes of brutal assaults on unregistered men in city streets by masked press-gangers for 'busification' - rounding-up of civilians to be transported to army training centres - becoming all the more frequent. The shocking rates of desertion were revealed as Vladimir Putin's forces move inexorably further into Ukraine, aiming to seize as much territory as possible ahead of Donald Trump's imminent return to the White House with both sides expecting Washington to push for ceasefire talks early next year. Although their ranks are suffering heavy casualties, the Russian army is advancing at a rate faster than at any other time after the initial days of the 2022 invasion, taking an area half the size of London in November. The bleak circumstances led Dmytro Kuleba to declare that Kyiv 'will lose the war' unless a major reversal of fortunes can be realised. Kuleba, Ukraine's wartime foreign minister until his resignation in September amid a cabinet reshuffle told the FT: 'Do we today have the means and tools to turn the tables and change the trajectory of how things are happening? No, we don't. And if it continues like this, we will lose the war.' Ukrainian servicemen of the mobile air defence unit fire a machine gun at Russian drones during night patrol on December 2, 2024 in Chernihiv Oblast A Ukrainian man is pictured above as he is dragged into a vehicle by military recruitment officers A drone view shows an apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Ternopil, Ukraine December 2, 2024 The bleak circumstances led Ukraine's former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to declare that Kyiv 'will lose the war' unless a major reversal of fortunes can be realised 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. After that, 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 last 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 late last month. The Russian President also declared last week that 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 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. Thursday's barrage, in which Ukraine downed 79 missiles and 35 drones, left over a million Ukrainians without electricity in freezing cold temperatures. A serviceman of 24th Mechanised brigade named after King Danylo of the Ukrainian Armed Forces fires a 2s5 'Hyacinth-s' self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops at a front line The body of a dead Russian soldier lies on the ground at the frontline between Russian and Ukrainian positions near Klishchiivka, Donetsk Region An aerial view of Chasiv Yar shows the frontline city in ruins after heavy fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces for over a year, Donetsk Region Workers fix 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 This handout photograph taken and released by the National Police of Ukraine on November 29, 2024 shows burning house following a drone attack at an undisclosed location in Odesa region In this handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Emergency Service on November 28, 2024, Ukrainian rescuers prepare to load the remains of a Russian X-55 cruise missile onto a truck 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 saw Russia launch some of the biggest 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. Firefighters remove debris after Russian missile attack on November 26, 2024 in Sumy, Ukraine 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 Russian servicemen jump off a T-90M Proryv tank during a combat training for assault units in an undisclosed location 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.' This photograph taken in Borodyanka, Kyiv region, on November 7, 2024, shows destroyed residential buildings, amid the Russian invasion of 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. Last week, 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 in November 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 last weekend 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 in October, 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. Despite repeated denials that he would ever do it the most recent only last week in the end the Big Guy (Hunter Biden's handle for his father) came good for his sleaze-bag son with a pardon for the ages. Far from bringing closure to a sordid affair, it is mere prelude pretext even to Donald Trump going on a rampage of revenge against his enemies. He will now be able to use as justification the very same reason President Biden has given for his extraordinary grant of clemency to his son: that America's justice system is hopelessly politicized. Something Trump has always claimed and which Biden, for his own self-serving reasons, now confirms. The presidential pardon doesn't just wipe out the gun and tax crimes, for which Hunter was likely about to serve lengthy jail sentences, it covers 'all offences against the United States which he [Hunter] has committed or may have committed or taken part in' from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. So whatever federal crimes Hunter might have committed in the last decade, including ones we know nothing about, the president's son can never be held to account for them in a court of law. It is a remarkably comprehensive 'get-out-of-jail' card. Indeed it is hard to think of any previous presidential pardon quite like it. Bar one: President Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon after he'd been forced to resign over the Watergate scandal and cover up in August 1974. The Biden pardon even copies its wording. The Ford pardon didn't just cover any and all crimes associated with Watergate but extended to 'all offences against the United States' that Nixon 'has committed or may have committed' between January 20, 1969 and August 9, 1974 in other words anything criminal Nixon might have done during the exact span of his presidency. Despite repeated denials that he would ever do it, in the end the Big Guy (Hunter Biden's handle for his father) came good for his sleaze-bag son with a pardon for the ages. Just as there was no mystery about the dates in the Nixon pardon, there is none in the Biden pardon. Why the January 1, 2014 starting date? Simple. Hunter joined the board of Burisma, a dodgy Ukrainian energy company, in April 2014. He was paid millions for his role in the company, despite having no background or expertise in the oil or gas business. But he traded off his father's name the 'Big Guy', who was then President Obama's vice president in a notorious bout of influence-peddling. Hunter's shady Burisma years have spawned an avalanche of accusations, some false, more as yet unproven. The pardon has been carefully concocted to protect him from any new evidence of criminal behavior that might emerge. In doing so it also protects his father from being swept up in any of Hunter's wrongdoing. I doubt there has ever been a greater misuse of the presidential pardon since it was devised by the Founding Fathers almost 250 years ago. It certainly marks the end of Saint Joe, the supposedly selfless leader who made way for Kamala Harris for the good of party and nation. Instead, he will see out his final days in the Oval Office as Sleazy Joe, prepared to pervert the pardon process to protect not just his son but himself. Not quite the 'Biden Crime Family' of Republican mythology. But a step in that direction. It makes a mockery of all those Democratic cheerleaders who've tried to depict Joe as a cross between George Washington and FDR. The Biden pardon is all the more unpardonable because of the President's repeated statements (reinforced by his aides) that he would not pardon his son. Even after Hunter was convicted at trial this summer, the president was unequivocal: 'I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process.' In the event, he neither accepted the outcome nor respected the process. Indeed, it's now emerging that the President started game-planning a pardon with some of his closest aides the moment Hunter was convicted in June (according to sources close to the discussions). The hapless White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was briefed to keep parroting the 'no pardon' line. But behind closed doors, it was under active consideration. Indeed, it's now emerging that the President started game-planning a pardon with some of his closest aides the moment Hunter (pictured with his wife Melissa) was convicted in June (according to sources close to the discussions). The pardon has been carefully concocted to protect him from any new evidence of criminal behavior that might emerge. In doing so it also protects his father from being swept up in any of Hunter's wrongdoing. (Hunter is pictured holding a handgun). Thus did the Biden White House become synonymous with lies and deceit. No wonder, then, that even Democrats are dismayed. Colorado Governor Jared Polis attacked Biden for 'putting his family ahead of the country' and setting 'a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents.' Clearly, he had Trump in mind. Greg Stanton, a Democratic congressman from Arizona, said: 'I respect President Biden but I think he got this one wrong. This wasn't a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers' Stanton was referring to the reason the President gave for his pardon, a reason which will probably do the greatest damage of all to the American judicial process. 'No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion,' claims the President, 'than that Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong.' 'Here's the truth. I believe in the justice system. But as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice.' Put aside the fact this is self-serving nonsense as Rep. Stanton says, Hunter was 'convicted by a jury of his peers' and consider that this is what Trump and his supporters have been saying for some time. When Biden says, 'In trying to break Hunter, they've tried to break me and there's no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough,' he sounds exactly like Trump when he claims the judicial system has been politicized on multiple fronts to bring him and his allies down. Hunter's lawyers even prepared the case for a pardon with the title 'The political persecutions of Hunter Biden.' There had been hopes that Trump might drop thoughts of a judicial jihad against his enemies when he returned to the White House, just as his regular promise to 'lock up' Hillary Clinton during the 2016 campaign came to nothing when he took power. Trump will not be able to undo Hunter's pardon when he takes office. Its sweeping nature means the Trump Justice Department, no matter who runs it, will be unable to reopen the criminal probe into Hunter. But that will merely whet Trump's appetite to go after others. 'No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion,' claims the President, 'than that Hunter was singled out only because he is my son - and that is wrong.' (Hunter is pictured with two prostitutes). Trump will not be able to undo Hunter's pardon when he takes office. Its sweeping nature means the Trump Justice Department, no matter who runs it, will be unable able to reopen the criminal probe into Hunter. Trump will surely now weaponize Biden's reason for pardoning Hunter as justification for draining the judicial swamp, taking down those who had tried to take him down. You can see now why Trump wants an outsider like Kash Patel to run the FBI. But this all risks becoming a massive diversion from everything Trump needs to concentrate on to get America back on track. It is Biden's toxic parting gift to the American people, undermining whatever good he has done these past four years in a departure which will forever taint his legacy. As the finishing touches were being made to the pardon over the weekend, the President and his son dined at a Nantucket restaurant called 'The Brotherhood of Thieves' a fitting venue as the Biden family heads into the history books discredited, disgraced and disparaged even by its own side. A San Francisco startup founder ruffled some feathers in the tech world this month when he freely admitted on social media that he makes his employees work 84 hours a week or more. Daksh Gupta, 23, founded artificial intelligence company Greptile last year and wrote on X that he's started to tell applicants that he 'offers no work-life-balance.' The CEO said the typical workday starts at 9am and ends at 11pm or later. Employees work Monday through Saturday and sometimes on Sundays too. 'I emphasize the environment is high stress, and there is no tolerance for poor work,' Gupta said of what he tells Greptile interviewees. 'It felt wrong to do this at first but Im convinced now that the transparency is good, and Id much rather people know this from the get go rather than find out on their first day.' Gupta then asked for input and received a wide variety of responses that ranged from angry to patronizing. Some argued he was exploiting his six-person team. 'It's great to see that you're already exploiting workers straight out of college, take advantage as much as you can, people are just meat computers to be used for your own personal gain,' one person replied to his post, which got more than 1.6 million views. Another person wrote that Gupta's honesty about the lack of work-life-balance wasn't the problem, instead saying 'the problem is with running your company this way.' Others were even more blunt with the young CEO, telling him that this isn't the way to gain loyal employees. Daksh Gupta, 23, sparked an impassioned dialogue about work-life balance in tech startups after saying he makes his employees work 84 or more hours per week His post on X went viral all over the internet and got a variety of different reactions 'You'll never be able to hire/retain people with families and your employees will resent you,' one person clapped back. Someone else took screenshots of the three jobs Greptile has listed on its website. They wrote: 'So youre asking a person to work on 14 hours/day - 7 days a week for people to just get a $75k salary which is considered as low-income in SF?' A business development representative role can make as little as $75,000, while a senior software engineer can make as much as $200,000. Greptile, an early stage startup marketing an AI tool for developers, closed a $4.1 million seed funding round in June, led by Initialized Capital, according to its website. Gupta insisted that many young professionals are looking to work at a company with a breakneck pace. 'It might be hard to believe, but there exist people who want this, while a minority. The transparency exists to identify them,' he wrote on X. In an interview with The Sacramento Bee, Gupta went through a typical day his company's office in the Transamerica Pyramid, a 48-story skyscraper in the financial district of San Francisco. Pictured: The Transamerica Pyramid, a 48-story skyscraper in the financial district of San Francisco Greptile employees usually filter into the office (pictured above) at around 8:45am to 9:15am from Monday to Friday. Some employees work until 9pm but most stay until 10pm or 11pm Greptile employees usually filter in at around 8:45am to 9:15am from Monday to Friday. They start with a huddle to share updates and lay out the goals for the day. Around noon, Gupta will pick up lunch for the team at nearby MIXT Salads. The team either sits together at a table in the office to eat or goes out for lunch. 'Deep work,' as he calls it, happens in the afternoon. Fewer conversations happen during this time. Employees are allowed to take an hour-long break per day to go to the gym. Snacks are also available in the office: fruit and yogurt from Costco. For dinner, they usually order food through Uber Eats. Then they get right back to work with music playing in the background. Lately, they've been playing Charli XCX's 'Boiler Room' set or lo-fi beats when they really need to buckle down. Some employees work until 9pm but most stay until 10pm or 11pm. After Gupta's post went viral on X and Reddit, he said he had received a largely positive response to how he runs his office, writing that his inbox had '20 percent death threats and 80 percent job applications.' He clarified that these extreme hours aren't supposed to be long-term. Gupta (center) takes a selfie with co-founders Soohoon Choi (left) and Vaishant Kameswaran 'This way of working isnt supposed to be forever because it isnt sustainable. Its the first year or two of a startup which is like reaching escape velocity,' he wrote. Greptile Co-founder Soohoon Choi defended the CEO on X, writing that Gupta and third co-founder Vaishant Kameswaran are 'some of the nicest and most understanding people out there' and are flexible if employees have family or health concerns. Choi also argued the company's approach is typical of startups, especially ones in the tech industry. 'Yes we work hard,' Choi said. 'The nature of startups require a lot f***ing work, there is high urgency to get as much work done as possible as fast as possible.' Greptile got its start in 2023 during a hackathon in San Francisco and was later picked up by startup accelerator Y Combinator, which helped the company launch. In a July blog post, Gupta said he was drawn to Silicon Valley because 'this is where the best founders are, so if you're here, all your friends will be amazing startup founders, and they will encourage you to work harder.' An alleged Russian spy who ran a beauty salon in West London was described as a 'true sexy b****' and a 'real hot swinger' in plans for a honeytrap operation, a court has heard. Vanya Gaberova, 30, a beautician, was intended to be used as 'sexual bait' to capture more information on an investigative journalist who was exposing Russian agents, the Old Bailey was told. She denies spying for Russia alongside Katrin Ivanova, 33, a lab assistant, and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, a painter and decorator from Enfield who was her ex-boyfriend. The spy ring, run from a Great Yarmouth guesthouse, was targeting Christo Grozev, 54, an investigative journalist who had revealed the real identities of the Russian agents who had poisoned Sergei Skripal in Salisbury using novichok nerve agent. Orlin Roussev, 46, who ran the spy ring, discussed with his handler, an alleged Russian agent named Jan Marsalek, whether Grozev had any credible links to the 'British government establishment.' They talked about robbing him of his laptop and phone and taking it to the Russian Embassy, burning his property, kidnapping him and taking him to Moscow and even a plan to kill him. Marsalek told Roussev: 'Some f**** genius just suggested to kidnap Grozev and take him to Moscow. These people never learn.' Vanya Gaberova, 30, a beautician, was intended to be used as 'sexual bait' to capture more information on a journalist who was exposing Russian agents, the Old Bailey was told Orlin Roussev (pictured), 46, who lived in the seaside town of Great Yarmouth But Roussev volunteered: 'If you are serious about him, and Grozev is in Bulgaria, I have the resources to kidnap him, drug him and lock him up in some cave. Then we need to start the extraction process.' Marsalek messaged back: 'Honestly I think it's a bad idea. It will just be bad press and six months later there are two new Grozevs.' As they discussed launching a surveillance operation, Roussev said he would be preparing what he described as his 'spy tools' Roussev also described how he 'put into action one of the brunettes' on August 26 2021, allegedly referring to Vanya Gaberova, who owned a beauty salon called Pretty Woman, in Acton, West London. 'The girl has a beauty saloon [sic] in London and a very good wide network of people on Facebook and Instagram,' he messaged. 'She sent invite to Grozev on Facebook and he was very quick accepting the friendship.' Grozev travelled from Vienna in Austria to Valencia in Spain on September 11 2021 on a Wizz Air flight in order to attend a Bellingcat working retreat, shadowed on the flight by Katrin Ivanova. Roussev said he would send two people from Vienna to follow Grozev on the plane and another two ahead to 'train and rehearse the interception.' 'Two hot girls will be part of the team, the girls live in Valencia,' he added. By September 28, Roussev reported to Marsalek: 'Grozev seems hooked and in love with Vanya. He started liking her pics [and] posts. We can move slowly to a romance, shall we slowly push for a date? Marsalek asked: 'She'd be up for that? Let's wait a little let's not underestimate the guy and his paranoia.' UK-based Bulgarian nationals Katrin Ivanova (pictured), 33, is one of the defendants Court artist sketches from left to right: Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, Orlin Roussev, Ivan Stoyanov and Bizer Dzhambazov appearing via video link at Westminster Magistrates' Court The spy ring included Biser Dzhambazov (pictured), 43, who has already admitted espionage Roussev replied: 'We can definitely record something for Pornhub too. That girl is real hot, she is a swinger too. 'I think after getting shaked with the mug/robbery he will be slightly depressed and excellent opportunity for a girl to appear and help him relax.' Marsalek commented: 'True, I hope she doesn't fall in love with him. I had that problem before with a honeytrap.' Roussev insisted: 'No, no, you are using the wrong type of girls. You need strong assertive and strongly independent girls. Vanya is very, very assertive and strongly independent... true sexy b****.' Roussev commented to Marsalek on October 7: 'I have noticed over the years that because women are more vulnerable by nature, their instincts are much faster adapting to the situation... pure survival nature and better intuition/reaction to fast changing environment. 'Sometimes they may lack technical abilities but from pure adaptation and human reaction [they] are best.' Alison Morgan KC, prosecuting, said: 'The suggestion is that Gaberova is being used as sexual bait in this way. 'You will want to reflect whether that exchange reflects the realty that Ms Gaberova knew precisely why she was making those Facebook connections and what was going on, whether she is very, very assertive or she was just blindly following others in what she did.' Ms Morgan said there were also 'homophobic slurs' suggesting Grozev might be captured in a homosexual relationship with Roman Dobrokhotov, another dissident journalist. The team followed Grozev to Montenegro in June 2022 on another conference, this time with Ivanova recording events with a camera in her glasses. Roussev messaged Marsalek: 'We are at a critical stage right now, they are outside at the pool bar. The team is trying to enter Grosev room. Elvis has left the building is the code word.' Minutes later he messaged: 'Grozev is a gay. A guy in his room/bed.' Marsalek replied: 'You're joking. I'm speechless. Maybe we broke into the wrong room. 'No joke true,' Roussev said. 'We are in the correct room got key clone thanks to the manager.' Roussev and Dzhambazov have both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to collect information useful to an enemy. Gaberova, Ivanova and Ivanchev, all deny the charges and the trial continues. All five are Bulgarian nationals with 'settled status' in the UK. This is the moment a grandfather heroically fought off two 'Rolex rippers' by swinging a takeaway bag at their heads, as they tried to steal his 18,000 watch. Amine Bentaib, 30, targeted Christopher Harris for his Rolex Yacht-Master in Bouverie Place on July 8, 2023 a year after he was due for deportation, a court has heard. Mr Harris was targeted after he bought food from the Queen of Sheba restaurant in Paddington and carried it to an Airbnb where he was staying with his wife and granddaughter. Video footage shows one of the men peering through the windows of the restaurant before following Mr Harris back to the front door of the Airbnb. As Mr Harris takes his keys out of his pocket, one of the men seen hovering in the background moves forward to his grab his watch. The other mugger then joins in, trying to rip the Rolex from Mr Harris' wrist, as people watch on. Judge Adam Hiddleston jailed Bentaib for 45 months, adding that he 'will qualify as a foreign criminal and be subject to automatic deportation.' Amine Bentaib, 30, targeted Christopher Harris for his Rolex Yacht-Master in Bouverie Place on July 8, 2023 The two men tried to rip Mr Harris' watch from his wrist, as he defended himself with his takeaway bag But Prosecutor Allison Summers KC told the court that Bentaib was been being pursued for deportation since 20 September 2022. 'That did not take effect,' she said. The judge said: 'On 8 July 2023, a visitor to London - Mr Harris - returned to the AirBnb property in Bouverie Place he was staying at together with his wife and granddaughter. 'Those two went inside while Mr Harris went to a local restaurant in order to buy some food to take out. 'You were in the locality together with another man - he has in fact been sentenced already for this offence. 'For some reason you take an interest in Mr Harris, presumably because you saw or because someone told you that he appeared to be wearing an expensive watch. 'I was shown and watched with care the CCTV recording of this incident, and it is clear from what I saw that you were aware of what you were expecting to steal - and that was in fact a Rolex watch. 'You patiently waited and watched whilst Mr Harris was inside the restaurant, when he emerged you followed him to the door to his flat.' Bentaib then 'attacked' the victim, the judge said. Bentaib watched through the restaurant windows for Mr Harris before following him to his flat Mr Harris used his takeaway bag to fend off the muggers who left empty handed 'Luckily, the two of you were resisted by Mr Harris who bravely fought back, using his takeaway bag to fend you off. 'He got the better of both of you - you failed to get the watch off his wrist and then you made off.' The court heard the judge refer to these types of offences as an 'absolute scourge'. Judge Hiddleston added: 'Robbery of such high value items has become an absolute scourge in London, effecting not just those who live here but also visitors to the capital. 'I was told between June 2022 and May 2023 there were some 1134 such watch robberies. 'This kind of offence seems to be increasing and obviously attracts people like you, who think it is a way of making easy money no matter what the effect might be on the wellbeing of innocent members of the public, or indeed on the overall effect it has for the feeling of safety and security that all citizens are entitled to expect as they walk the streets. 'The message has to go out that those like you who think this is easy will find that offences of this kind result ordinarily in lengthy prison sentences. 'Of course you know that a prison sentence will follow because this is the second time in as many years that you have been caught doing this.' Bentaib was sentenced to 45 months in prison for a 'planned attack' that 'demonstrated an utter lack of respect for the law or the effect your offending has on others.' The judge added: 'Whilst I think it is unlikely you will be released before being deported, should any circumstances arise by which in the future you are at liberty on the streets of London, any measures that can be put in place to prevent further offending should in my judgement be deployed.' The 30-year-old was also made subject to a criminal behaviour order. Bentaib, of Basildon, Essex, admitted one count of attempted robbery. Wearing a prison issue grey tracksuit, Bentaib showed no emotion as he was sentenced. He was aided in the dock by an Arabic interpreter and is thought to come from Algeria but his nationality was not given in court. Joe Biden's decision to grant a blanket pardon to his son Hunter for past crimes for a decade came as a shock to liberal media pundits who fiercely insisted the president wouldn't let his son off the hook. Biden and his team repeatedly told the press that he had ruled out a pardon for Hunter, even after he was convicted for gun crimes in Delaware and pleaded guilty to felony tax violations in California. 'I said I'd abide by the jury decision, and I will do that. And I will not pardon him,' Biden told reporters after the gun trial conviction. Hunter could have faced decades in jail had his father not pardoned him in a surprising announcement made on Sunday evening. 'I said I'd abide by the jury decision, and I will do that. And I will not pardon him,' Biden told reporters after the gun crimes trial. At the time, cable news hosts and pundits rallied behind Biden, praising him for his commitment to the rule of law, even when it involved his own son. MSNBC host and Biden's former press secretary Jen Psaki described the president's decision as evidence of his principled honor and character. Joe Bidens character as a public servant is what drove him to make clear that the law applies to everyone,' Psaki said in June. "[T]he justice system that convicted his only surviving son is the same justice system he vowed to protect," she added. 'If that doesnt tell you who Joe Biden is, I dont really know what does.' MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski cited Biden's decision as evidence that he was a more respectful president than former President Donald Trump. 'The current president of the United States has so much respect for the law that he has said he would not pardon his son, again, it's all about the contrast,' she said. Jen Psaki once said that President Biden's promise not to pardon his son was proof he was a decent principled man A supercut video of pundits praising Biden in June for accepting the result of Hunter's trial went viral online Monday morning, after the president announced his decision Sunday to pardon him anyway. Other pundits on MSNBC gushed that Biden was 'so impressive' and even comparing him to George Washington for showing restraint and accepting the outcome of his son's trial and vowing not to pardon Hunter. Former acting US solicitor general Neil Katyal said Biden's pronouncement was evidence that Trump supporters were wrong about a political justice system that was 'politicized' against them and Trump. 'I know no other word for that than presidential,' he said. Joy Reid on MSNBC SUPERCUT! Corporate media: Obviously Biden would never pardon Hunter pic.twitter.com/gJRhASCAUs Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) December 2, 2024 Mika Brzezinski once hailed Biden's decision not to pardon Hunter as proof he was more virtuous than Trump Others agreed. 'He could have ordered the Justice Department to halt the Department of Justice investigation against Joe Biden,' MSNBC host Joy Reid said. 'Everyone understands he is a decent man.' Commentator Molly Jong-Fast shared a similar assessment. 'I think Joe Biden has a chance here to stand up here for the rule of law, to say the law is the law no matter who it is, no matter if it's Trump or Biden,' she said, warning of Trump's 'dangerousness' of destroying the rule of law. Evan Osnos, New Yorker reporter and author of a book about Biden said it was part of Biden's appeal to the American electorate. 'There's kind of an old school sort of flinty core to his conception of how you are to be in the system, how you are to be a person, a moral person, and ultimately how to contend with questions of power,' he said. MSNBC anchor Katy Tur described Biden's promise not to pardon his son as 'a good day for the United States that this conviction is a prime example of the way our judicial system is supposed to work.' 'This was a good day for the system, good day for sort of America as an example of how the rule of law should work,' Chuck Todd agreed. Ooops. Oh well -- norms restored! https://t.co/5K8UPnQAfK Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) December 2, 2024 White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will face more questions from reporters when she returns to the briefing room to defend the president's abrupt change of heart. Jean-Pierre repeatedly denied that Biden would pardon Hunter, growing frustrated when journalists kept asking her to confirm her answer. 'So I've answered this question before. It was asked of me not too long ago a couple of weeks ago and I was very clear, and I said no,' Jean-Pierre responded to a journalist in September. In November, after Trump won the presidential election, Karine-Pierre again denied that Biden would pardon his son. 'Weve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no,' she said. An actress swept to her death by a giant wave while exercising on a popular tourist island in Thailand was just days away from getting married, her fiance has revealed. Tourist Kamilla Belyatskaya, 24, was swept away from a beauty spot on Koh Sumui just moments after filming herself on her yoga mat overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Harrowing footage showed Kamilla - who had taken pre-wedding photos with her partner days earlier - out in the swirling sea after being hit by a large wave and washed into the frothing waters. Tragically, her lifeless body was found washed up on the island's busy Chaweng Beach on December 1. Kamilla's devastated partner, Grigorii Anokhin, said he only found out what had happened to his girlfriend of five years from social media. The 47-year-old said: 'I was still praying for a miracle, that my fiance would be found alive. I'm devastated, I'm heartbroken. We were going to get married in a few days.' Kamilla, 24, was due to be married to her partner of five years, 47, in just days She was seen sitting on her yoga mat as the waves grew stronger and stronger Footage showed a figure in the water as harsh waves crashed down overhead 'I was devastated and immediately went to the area to help look for her,' Mr Anokhin said. 'I have been with my girlfriend for five years and we were planning to have a wedding in mid-December. 'We had already taken pre-wedding photos in the hope of living together when we returned to Russia.' Officers said that rescue teams arrived moments after Kamilla was dragged into the sea. But they could only see her pink yoga mat floating in the surf and the conditions were too dangerous for them to enter the water. Jet skis, normally rented to tourists on the nearby beach, had also been moved inland due to the choppy sea conditions. Police eventually dispatched two jet skis to search the stretch of coastline. Rescue teams were also sent out on foot to nearby beaches. The search was called off at nightfall and resumed on Saturday morning. Police said they received a report about the body from staff at a nearby hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning. Officers led tourist police, doctors, and paramedics to the scene whey they discovered Kamilla's corpse around a kilometre from where she was pulled into the water. A bystander had also reportedly waded into the waves to try and save her, without success. His fate is not known. The tourist, from Russia's third city, Novosibirsk, had been visiting Thailand's second-largest island with her boyfriend, it is understood. She had gone up to the Lad Ko Viewpoint to watch the waves, apparently going on her own to exercise in front of the view. She had told her social media followers how she loved this spot and repeatedly returned to the island, which she called 'home' and 'the best place on earth'. Kamilla is believed to have headed up to the rocks alone to exercise on her yoga mat Kamilla had been sat on the rocks, apparently meditating, as the waters grew more violent Kamilla was seen arriving in a red car with her mat before going up to the rocks The waves grew increasingly violent before she was ultimately swept away She had gone to the Lad Ko Viewpoint to watch the waves, and was seen arriving nearby in a red car. She retrieved a pink foam mat from the boot of her car before walking to the beauty spot which offers panoramic views of the island. Video showed her figure bobbing in the water as strong currents violently contorted the water, and waves crashed down overhead. Rescue teams were also hampered by the raging seas. While they arrived only 15 minutes after she was swept into the sea, there was nothing they could do to save her. Kamilla had previously posted about the beauty spot: 'I love Samui so much. But this place, this rocky beach is the best thing I've ever seen in my life. 'Thank you, universe, for me being here right now. I'm very happy. I'm happy!' Her boyfriend along with eyewitnesses gave statements to local police on the tragedy. 'The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by monsoon conditions, with authorities urging visitors to exercise extreme caution and avoid rocky coastal areas during periods of high waves,' said one Thai report. Thailand is increasingly popular with Russian tourists, including men seeking to avoid being forced into Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine. Kamilla Belyatskaya, an amateur actress, had travelled to the Thai spot to exercise Moments before she had spoken to her followers about how happy she was to be there The pink yoga mat was later seen on the rocks after Kamilla disappeared under the waves Authorities arrived 15 minutes later but their rescue efforts were hampered by the currents Some 1.48 million visited Thailand in the last year. Chaiyaporn Subprasert, head of the Samui Rescue Centre, said warning systems were in place across the island's beaches. 'During monsoon season, we constantly warn tourists, especially in high-risk areas like Chaweng and Lamai beaches, where red flags indicate no swimming. 'While the incident's location is not a swimming area but rather a viewpoint for scenery, the victim may have been caught off guard by the unexpected wave surge.' Local authorities have established a marine search and rescue centre to coordinate ongoing efforts to locate the missing tourist and the man reported to have gone in to save her. The Princess of Wales will now undertake even more royal duties than previously planned at tomorrow's state visit in what is being seen as a 'positive sign' in royal circles. Catherine, 42, will undertake her most significant public engagement since she began cancer treatment as she welcomes the Emir of Qatar to London on behalf of the King. She will also take part in an official welcome on Horse Guards and a carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace. And it has now been confirmed that she also will join the royal party for a private lunch at the monarch's official residence and stay to view a display of priceless Qatari artefacts from the Royal Collection afterwards. The only aspect of the day she will miss will be tomorrow evening's glittering State Banquet. A royal source described the announcement of her attendance as 'good news' as the princess continues with her a slow and measured return to public life after the completion of her preventative chemotherapy treatment. Catherine announced in March that she had embarked on a gruelling course of cancer treatment after doctors found evidence of the disease following major abdominal surgery in January. In September she revealed that this had now been completed but warned that it would take time and patience for her to return to full-time royal duties as she continued on her slow road to recovery. The Princess of Wales on a balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London on November 10 The Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with his first wife - and second cousin - Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad Al Thani, arrive at Stansted Airport today The Emir of Qatar and his wife are driven away from Stansted Airport this afternoon Tomorrow's state visit is considered one of the highlights of the royal calendar and a show of royal 'soft diplomacy' in action. Senior Qatari diplomats have told the Mail that they are 'deeply honoured' the King has chosen their country as the first Middle Eastern state to be invited for a full state visit to the UK since Charles' accession. The country enjoys a good relationship with the UK diplomatically, with the Emir, 44, having studied in Britain - first at Sherborne and then Harrow - followed by a stint at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. There remains great admiration for the late Queen Elizabeth, and King Charles has met with the Emir on several occasions. The two countries also have strong trade, cultural and military links, and Qatar is a major investor in the UK, not just through property and construction projects, but in science and technology. However concerns have been raised about the authoritarian nature of the Qatari ruling family and human rights, particularly as regards migrant workers. The Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will be bringing his first wife -and second cousin - Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad Al Thani, with him on the visit. She is the mother of four of his 13 children and normally accompanies him on official visits abroad. He also has two subsequent spouses. The Emir of Qatar and his wife arrive at Stansted Airport in Essex today for the state visit The Emir of Qatar and his wife arrive at Stansted Airport in Essex today for the state visit The plane carrying the Emir of Qatar arrives at Stansted Airport in Essex today The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrives today for the state visit The Emir of Qatar and his wife arrive at Stansted Airport in Essex today for the state visit The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrives today for the state visit The Emir of Qatar and his wife arrive at Stansted Airport in Essex today for the state visit His Majesty's Ambassador to Qatar, Neerav Patel, at London Stansted Airport today The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrives today for the state visit The plane carrying the Emir of Qatar arrives at Stansted Airport in Essex today The Emir of Qatar and his wife arrive at Stansted Airport in Essex today for the state visit The plane carrying the Emir of Qatar arrives at Stansted Airport in Essex today The Emir of Qatar and his wife arrive at Stansted Airport in Essex today for the state visit The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrives today for the state visit The Emir of Qatar and his wife arrive at Stansted Airport in Essex today for the state visit The couple landed in the UK at Stansted Airport today where they were greeted on behalf of the sovereign by the Lord in Waiting, The Viscount Hood. Tomorrow they will be officially welcomed by the Prince and Princess of Wales at their residence, before being escorted to Horse Guards Parade where the King and Queen Camilla will be waiting for an impressive ceremonial welcome. National anthems will be played and the Emir invited to inspect a Guard of Honour. The royal party will then return in a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace for a private lunch followed by an exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection Trust and Turquoise Mountain charity relating to Qatar. Prince William will later receive the Emir at Kensington Palace before the evening's State Banquet, which he will attend but not his wife. The princess has attended a number of high profile events such as Trooping the Colour, Remembrance Sunday and Wimbledon over the last 11 months since she effectively withdrew from public life to focus on her health. But this appearance will be her most significant so far given that she will be playing a far more active role in events and be seen in public for a lengthy period of time. Members of the RAF await the arrival of the Emir of Qatar at Stansted Airport today Royal Air Force personnel and police wait for the Emir of Qatar to arrive at Stansted today Members of the RAF await the arrival of the Emir of Qatar at Stansted Airport today Royal Air Force personnel and police wait for the Emir of Qatar to arrive at Stansted today Members of the RAF await the arrival of the Emir of Qatar at Stansted Airport today Royal Air Force personnel and police wait for the Emir of Qatar to arrive at Stansted today Members of the RAF await the arrival of the Emir of Qatar at Stansted Airport today Flags line The Mall leading to Buckingham Palace today ahead of the Emir of Qatar's visit Royal-watchers will be delighted at the news that Catherine is taking a further step forward as part of her staggered return to full-time royal duties. In September she spoke of her 'relief' at having finally completed her chemotherapy treatment, but stressed that the last nine months had been 'incredibly tough' for them as a family. She was first admitted to hospital in January for what has only been described as major abdominal surgery. However afterwards doctors found evidence that cancer had been present and recommended a course of preventative chemotherapy. The couple chose to keep the news private for several weeks in order to come to terms with the news and protect their children, before the princess bravely went public with her diagnosis in March. Talking of the 'complex, scary and unpredictable nature' of cancer journeys, Catherine said recently that doing what she could to 'stay cancer free is now my focus' and emphasised that her path to full recovery would be 'long'. The princess said she would undertake a few more public engagements in the coming months when she could but stressed that her focus would remain on her continued recovery and her young family. This is the terrifying moment a plane was thrown around in the air amid strong winds as it aborted its landing at an airport in India . Unsettling footage showed the Airbus A320neo touching down at Chennai International Airport during a cyclone on a wet and cloudy morning last week. The IndiGo Airlines flight was seen swerving before making contact with the ground, and picked up suddenly at an angle before turning around for a second attempt. Shortly after the filmed incident on Saturday, the airport was closed due to high crosswinds and heavy rain caused by Cyclone Fengal. The airport was reopened on Sunday morning although cancellations and delays were reported, stranding thousands of passengers. The plane tried to land on the runway in Chennai but was thrown off course by the wind The plane jolted as the pilot made the decision to have another go at the landing Video showed the IndiGo Airlines flight coming in to land in stormy weather on Saturday, touching down on the waterlogged runway at an angle. The quick-thinking pilot decided to try again and abruptly took off for a go-around. The Airbus landed on the second attempt, but the airport was closed until 4am the next day, due to the harsh weather conditions. Flight 6E-683 was travelling from Mumbai in India to Chennai. The airport was reopened on Sunday morning although cancellations and delays were reported, stranding thousands of passengers. The airport authorities issued an operational suspension notice to advise passengers to check the status of their flights. Official sources said as many as 10,000 people could have been affected by the cancellations. In the afternoon, Indigo Airlines cancelled all their flights to and from Chennai. They informed affected passengers to apply for a refund. IndiGo Airlines said in a statement: 'Due to adverse weather conditions, including rain and strong, gusty winds, the cockpit crew of flight 6E683, operating between Mumbai and Chennai, executed a go-around on 30 November in accordance with established safety protocols. 'This is a standard and safe manoeuvre, and our pilots are extensively trained to handle such situations with the utmost professionalism. The plane had tried to land during a cyclone on Saturday but was forced to reconsider The pilot made a snap judgment call and diverted, going around to reapproach 'A go-around is performed when a safe landing cannot be achieved, as was the case with this flight. 'We would like to reaffirm our commitment to the safety of our passengers, aircraft, and crew members.' The Airports Authority of India said: 'The crosswinds prevailed from 300m to 1km from the ground, and airlines raised concerns about operating flights at such high crosswinds. 'The wind speed was recorded at 35 knots. 'Since wind speeds beyond 25 knots are risky for flights to operate, the operations were suspended.' This is the moment a Russian woman shopkeeper, 55, disarmed a gun-toting robber, 46, striking him with the butt of his rifle as she forced him out of her grocery store. The hero has not been identified yet but she has won praise for her bravery. She swiftly reported the incident and the robber was detained in Yubileiny, Vershino-Darasunsky district in TransBaikal region, one of the world's coldest regions. The woman was 'scared for her life' when the masked intruder holding an air rifle came into her shop. What followed is out of sight of the security camera but the woman handed him her small change - around 7.50. As she handed it over, she grabbed the gun from the hapless robbed. As they struggled, the shelves in the shop were seen shaking. She managed to grab not only the gun but she ripped off his mask, say reports. A masked intruder holding an air rifle came into the woman's shop in Russia Footage captured the heart-stopping moment he raised his weapon before the shopkeeper emerged The brave lady was seen holding his rifle after she disarmed him She raised the firearm and chased him out of her store The hero has not been identified yet but she has won praise for her bravery Then the woman is seen clutching the rifle as her attacker retreats from the shop. She strikes him with the butt of the gun as she sends him packing. 'He picked the wrong girl,' she said. The police report praised the shop assistant: 'When the money was handed over, the woman behind the counter did not lose her composure. 'She snatched the weapon from the attacker and tore off his mask. 'Later, she described his appearance to the police. 'The man was detained three hours later. 'A criminal case for robbery was opened against him.' The BBC has confirmed it will air the Masterchef: The Professionals semi-final tonight, despite growing calls to pull the broadcast following the Gregg Wallace scandal. Executives at the corporation held crisis meetings today as the claims about Wallace threatened to undermine its Christmas schedule, which includes two MasterChef specials. The BBC have decided to go ahead and broadcast the rest of Masterchef: The Professionals, which will conclude on December 12, and the two Christmas editions, while they await the conclusion of the investigation into Wallace by production company Banijay. It is understood that the BBC and Banijay have been scouring the forthcoming episodes of MasterChef that have yet to air for any sexually inappropriate comments by Wallace. With four episodes yet to air, Masterchef: The Professionals is a key part of the BBC's festive schedule. Masterchef itself also supports a lucrative merchandising operation, with knives and cookware featured in the series sold as Christmas gifts. It comes as the presenter, 60, today said sorry for claiming 'middle class women of a certain age' caused the scandal that is currently engulfing him. Wallace is facing claims from at least 13 women who have accused him of inappropriate behaviour, including roaming around on set naked with a sock on his penis, inappropriate jokes and groping crew members. In response to speculation about the fate of tonight's MasterChef semi-final, a BBC spokesman told the Mail: 'MasterChef is life-changing for the chefs that take part and the show is about more than one individual.' The celebrity chef apologised for 'any offence I caused' after his controversial comments on Instagram on the weekend The BBC have decided to go ahead and broadcast the rest of Masterchef: The Professionals, which will conclude on December 12 Wallace's Wife Anne-Marie Sterpini was seen looking downcast as she was pictured in Kent today In a fresh video on social media posted this afternoon, the under-fire presenter said of his middle class women slur: 'I wasn't in a good headspace when I posted it. I've been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion. 'I felt very alone [and] under siege yesterday when I posted it. It's obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is underway. 'I hope you understand and I do hope that you can accept my apology.' Wallace's lawyers say 'it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'. It came as Sir Keir Starmer said Wallace was 'completely inappropriate and misogynistic' for blaming 'middle class women of a certain' age for his MasterChef ruination amid growing pressure on the BBC to take the show off air. And in a further sign of Wallace's fury, he has today unfollowed co-host John Torode and his wife on social media. 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. Torode has not uttered a word on Wallace's MasterChef exit, despite working together since 2005. But previous comments in which he admitted he had never been a 'friend' of Wallace's, as well as claims about them moving to opposite sides of the room when the cameras cut, show that all was not well in their partnership. As Gregg fights for his TV career, it also emerged today: Sir Keir Starmer believes Gregg Wallace was 'completely inappropriate and misogynistic' for blaming 'middle class women of a certain' age for his MasterChef ruination; BBC One should pull MasterChef off air until the probe into Gregg Wallace is completed, a senior Labour MP has said; The BBC allowed Wallace to remain on air despite at least four complaints being made against him. Bosses are under pressure to explain why they did not act sooner; More celebrities speak of how his sex-related comments embarrassed them. Wallace stepped down from MasterChef last week after it was revealed that 13 people, including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, accused him of 'wrong' and inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour during filming. He stands accused of making 'inappropriate sexual jokes', asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff, and undressing in front of and standing 'too close' to women working on his shows. He allegedly walked naked on set with only a sock on his penis. Former Celebrity MasterChef contestants say they raised concerns about Wallace's alleged behaviour as far back as 12 years ago, with actress Emma Kennedy - who won the series in 2012 - alleging she had witnessed Wallace 'grope' a camera assistant during a photo shoot that year. The grocer turned broadcaster appeared to make things worse yesterday when he posted a series of incendiary videos online where he hit back at critics by saying: 'Can you imagine how many women on MasterChef, female contestants, have made sexual remarks or sexual innuendo?' Wallace had said: 'I've been doing MasterChef for 20 years, amateur, celebrity and professional MasterChef, and I think, in that time, I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life. Gregg Wallace posted on Instagram on Sunday hitting back at the allegations made against him - claiming they were all from 'middle-class women of a certain age' Gregg Wallace (right) has been co-host of BBC1 show MasterChef alongside John Torode (left) Actress Emma Kennedy (pictured), who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2012, has alleged that she witnessed Wallace 'grope' a camera assistant during a photo shoot that same year 'Apparently now, I'm reading in the paper, there's been 13 complaints in that time. I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn't right'. But his posts caused outrage and were branded 'shocking' and laced with 'thinly veiled misogyny' - and did not touch on the sexual allegations made by numerous MasterChef celebrities, producers and contestants on the show he left last week. One insider told MailOnline today: 'Gregg has gone rogue and ignored all advice'. Another expert said: 'He needs to shut up'. Ulrika Jonsson, who competed on Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, saying she was 'seething' after seeing the comments - while Kirstie Allsopp described his response as 'unacceptable'. And Mark Borkowski, one of the UK's leading PR gurus and crisis managers, told MailOnline today that Wallace was 'only listening to his own ego' instead of advice, adding: 'The first law of PR in a crisis is never let your emotions rule your Instagram.' There are also allegations related to four other shows Wallace worked on. There are 13 people, including Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, who have formally complained about Wallace's behaviour over a 17-year period across five shows, between 2005 and 2022. The Sunday Times yesterday reported that BBC executive Kate Phillips raised concerns Wallace's behaviour was 'unacceptable and cannot continue' after broadcaster and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Aasmah Mir complained about inappropriate comments during filming. Co-host of Masterchef The Professionals Monica Galetti (right) appeared to throw her support behind the beleaguered chef last week BBC News said it had been told of other allegations, including the presenter 'talking openly about his sex life among others Gregg Wallace and his wife Anne-Marie pictured at the London Palladium in July What are the allegations against Gregg Wallace? Gregg Wallace is alleged to have made inappropriate sexual comments towards 13 women who worked with him on a variety of television programmes in a 17-year period. BBC News contacted the star's representatives on Tuesday outlining the full range of allegations. Gregg is alleged to have told 'sexualised' stories and jokes while on the MasterChef set, and openly spoken about his sex life in front of colleagues. He is also alleged to have taken his top off in front of a female colleague saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and to have told another junior worker he wasn't wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans. Further to this, BBC News reported claims Gregg: Showed topless photos of himself to a MasterChef worker and asked for massages Told a female worker on Channel 5's Gregg Wallace's Big Weekends he was fascinated by the fact she dated women and spoke about sex and spanking Showed another worker on the 5 show photos of a woman in her underwear Stared at a female colleague's chest at the BBC Good Food Show in 2010 Openly spoke about his sex life, including how often he was having sex and his ability as a lover, on the show Impossible Celebrities Allegedly told an Eat Well for Less colleague: 'You can come to my car but can you handle the fact everyone will think you got off with a celebrity?' After receiving the letter, Gregg said he would step back from presenting MasterChef while Banijay UK said the presenter was co-operating with its own internal investigation. Advertisement The newspaper claimed Wallace received another warning the following year after a complaint was raised about his behaviour on the quiz show Impossible Celebrities. Meanwhile, the Sunday Telegraph reported that producer Georgia Harding, who worked on MasterChef between 2014 and 2015 and later Eat Well For Less, claimed she raised concerns about 'inappropriate' behaviour from him while working on the show. She alleged the presenter undressed in front of colleagues and 'made inappropriate sexual jokes' in front of the crew and people appearing on the shows, and said 'nothing was done' about concerns raised, claiming there was 'an acceptance' of his behaviour. Wallace has also been accused of being 'obsessed' with a female colleague who was dating a woman, and repeatedly asked how questions about the 'logistics'. Meanwhile more claims about Wallace's alleged behaviour continue to appear. TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp claimed Wallace made an inappropriate sexual joke to her while she was on Masterchef. She wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Within 1hr of meeting Gregg Wallace he told me of a sex act that he & his partner at the time enjoyed 'every morning', she'd just left the room, we were filming a pilot. Did he get off on how embarrassed I was? It was totally unprofessional.' And previously aired clips from shows Wallace has appeared on, including Masterchef and Strictly Come Dancing - where he was a contestant in 2014 - are resurfacing in light of the recent allegations. In a resurfaced clip from his Strictly stint Gregg, then 50, left Aliona, 30, visibly uncomfortable following his wardrobe malfunction. After tearing his trousers he confessed, giggling: 'I don't wear underwear' while gesturing to his crotch, leaving his stunned partner to asked: 'Are you for real?'. Beaming he explained, while shaking his hips : 'It's easy to move with [no underwear] I've never worn underwear. I wear socks.' Aliona then told the camera: 'I'm just way too distressed about the situation' before begging him to 'put it away' as he seemingly teased her, with viewers only seeing the grocer from the waist up. Meanwhile Charlotte Crosby branded Gregg 'extremely unpleasant' on Instagram as she joined celebrities slamming the BBC star. Gregg Wallace, 60, left Strictly partner Aliona Vilani 'distressed' during show rehearsals as he touched his crotch after ripping his trousers and declared he 'never wears underwear' Aliona then told the camera: 'I'm just way too distressed about the situation' before begging him to 'put it away' as he seemingly teased her, with the camera only showing the grocer from the waist up Charlotte Crosby branded Gregg 'extremely unpleasant' on Instagram as she joined celebrities slamming the BBC star She wrote: 'He [Gregg] was extremely unpleasant to me when I was on MasterChef'. Actress Katy Brand has also broken her silence about the 'awkward' moment Gregg told her he would 'munch the living daylights out of her little tart' on Celebrity MasterChef. A shocking video from the 2013 series of the programme shows Wallace making the apparent innuendo about the comedian's egg tart. The grocer turned broadcaster tells Brand: 'I find this quite pleasant. Left to my own devices, I'd probably munch the living daylights out of your little tart.' Reacting to the resurfaced video of Wallace's tart comment, Brand called the encounter 'awkward' and recalled her immediate 'shock and disbelief' at the 'crass and idiotic joke'. 'I took it as an innuendo-laden remark at the time, and I still see it that way now,' she said. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has held talks with BBC bosses in the wake of the Wallace row, Downing Street said. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The Culture Secretary spoke with the BBC leadership at the end of last week on this matter and wider workplace culture issues to seek assurances that there are robust processes in place to deal with complaints. 'Clearly the comments we have seen from the individual over the weekend were completely inappropriate and misogynistic. 'More broadly the BBC is conducting an independent review into workplace culture which must deliver clear and timely recommendations. It's essential that staff and the wider public have confidence that the BBC takes these issues seriously.' Asked whether MasterChef should be pulled off air, the spokesman added the decision was for the BBC and the show's production company, and reiterated that Downing Street believes it is 'right' that a thorough investigation is conducted. The production company Banijay UK confirmed it had appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead an investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour. An assisted dying campaigner who was arrested after the first use of the controversial Sarco suicide pod has been released without charge after spending ten weeks in custody in Switzerland. Dr Florian Willet, co-president of The Last Resort, the firm set up to operate the machine, is believed to have been the only person to witness the death of an American woman in the nitrogen gas capsule in September. Willet was arrested after police arrived at the scene, and has remained in custody for 70 days as investigators probe the death of the 64-year-old woman. The public prosecutor said today that there had been a 'strong suspicion' that an 'intentional homicide' had been committed, but that they now no longer believe this to have been the case. 'Based on the latest investigation status, there is still strong suspicion of the crime of incitement and aiding and abetting suicide, but no longer of intentional homicide,' they said in a statement. The prosecutor added that this determination had been made despite the results of an autopsy report into the death still not being available. Sarco pod inventor Dr Philip Nitschke, who works with Willet, said in a statement that he 'welcomes the release and is pleased the rule of law in the small Canton of Schaffhausen has finally prevailed'. Nitschke said that he found it difficult to understand 'the very harsh way in which Florian has been treated on and since the first use of the Sarco'. He and his organisation have maintained that the allegation of intentional homicide is 'absurd', and have insisted that their pod 'worked exactly as planned'. Dr Florian Willet is believed to have been the only person to witness the death of an American woman in the nitrogen gas capsule in September The first use of Sarco capsule took place in the middle of the forest in Switzerland, according to the creators of the device The Sarco is designed to allow the person inside to push a button that injects nitrogen gas into the sealed chamber. The person is then supposed to fall asleep and die by suffocation in a few minutes. 'The death of the American woman was straight forward. She entered the Sarco of her own volition, closed the lid and pressed the button voluntarily,' Nitschke said. They say footage taken from inside and outside the pod, which was set up in a woodland close in Switzerland on September 23, shows this was the case. The firm said it assumed that the prosecutor was in possession of the film footage which it claims to prove its version of events, which it says is corroborated by Volksrant's report. According to Nitschke's organisation, Exit International, the woman lost consciousness quickly and died of nitrogen hypoxia within seven minutes. Knowing there would need to be an investigation - as there is in any assisted dying case in Switzerland - they alerted the police, who they said got to the forest in Merishausen hours later. 'The lid of the Sarco was not opened until forensic staff arrived at the scene,' The Last Resort previously said in a statement. The woman's oxygen levels were recorded and remained at lethal levels within the capsule until well after she had died, it added. Willet was not involved in her death, other than being present, the firm said, adding that it maintains that the first use of the Sarco did not break Swiss law. Philip Nitschke lies down in a 'suicide pod' known as 'The Sarco' in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, July 8, 2024 It comes after the chief prosecutor in the case raised suspicions that the woman may have been strangled, citing a conversation with a forensic doctor who was at the scene and allegedly claimed that the woman had severe injuries to her neck. Schaffhausen Chief Prosecutor Peter Sticher did not publicly accuse Willet of 'intentional homicide', instead using his 'suspicion' to get a judge to extend his custody, according to Dutch newspaper de Volksrant. There was no official autopsy report released to back up the claims of strangulation, and The Last Resort claimed that the results had 'been kept hidden'. The deceased woman had reportedly been diagnosed with skull base osteomyelitis - a disease could manifest as an infection of the bone marrow, which could have been responsible for the marks on her neck resembling strangulation marks, according to a person close to The Last Resort who spoke to Swiss outlet NZZ. The blonde woman is said to have wished to die for 'at least two years' while suffering with a 'very serious illness that involves severe pain'. According to Volksrant, the woman who died in the machine made an oral statement in a four-minute recording to The Last Resort saying it was her own wish to end her life. The woman's two sons 'completely agree' that it was her decision to die, according to Volksrant. 'They are behind me 100 percent,' she is reported to have said. Fiona Stewart, member of the Last Resort poses next to the Sarco suicide machine in July Fiona Stewart, a board member at The Last Resort, said the woman's sons had confirmed this in written statements to the company. It is understood that the two sons were not present in Switzerland at the time of their mother's death on September 23. Nitschke announced news of the pod's premiere on X in September, saying: 'An idyllic peaceful death in a Swiss forest where The Last Resort used the Sarco device to help a US woman have the death she wanted.' The pod is designed to allow a person inside to push a button that injects nitrogen gas into the sealed chamber, according to its creators. The person is then supposed to fall asleep and die by suffocation in a few minutes. The pods work by replacing air, which is 21 per cent oxygen and 79 per cent nitrogen, with 100 per cent nitrogen. This renders the occupant unconscious and they then stop breathing in a process that its creators expected to take less than ten minutes. Philip Nitschke, front, stands next to a 'suicide pod' known as 'The Sarco' in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, July 8, 2024 A view shows the login screen and release button for pure nitrogen in the Sarco suicide machine A view of O2 detector and the release button for pure nitrogen in the Sarco suicide machine Nitschke and his associates designed Sarco, which is made using a 3D printer, to be free, with people just paying for their body to be removed by funeral directors. The woman who used the device only paid the costs for the nitrogen: 18 Swiss francs, according to the Last Resort. The firm aims to make assisted dying almost completely free of charge, with the cost, which is equal to around 16, contrasting with the fees of most Swiss clinics, which usually charge around 10,000. Both Exit International and The Last Resort have vowed 'to continue to work towards ensuring that a good death an assisted death is a fundamental human right in Switzerland and around the world, and that such a death can be available for free.' Alina Habba is furious at the hypocrisy of President Joe Biden and accused him of using his son Hunter as a 'sacrificial lamb.' Habba, who rose to prominence as Donald Trump's lawyer, responded after the president announced Sunday evening he was pardoning Hunter Biden, 54, from his three felony charges and potentially sparing him jail time. She said that beside Biden lying for years about his intent to pardon his son, the Justice Department at the same time is denying January 6 prisoners and defendants the right to due process. 'The issue here is not just the pardon itselfit's the blatant hypocrisy,' Habba told DailyMail.com. She continued. 'The White House repeatedly assured the American people that this would never happen, tripling down on their promises before the election. They lied.' 'Meanwhile, January 6th defendants languish in solitary confinement, denied due process for years, treated as enemies of the state,' Habba lamented. With the announcement over the weekend, Trump is now suggesting he will move to pardon all those jailed, convicted or prosecuted in relation to January 6. The president-elect signaled Sunday night he intends to use Biden 's pardon to his own advantage, writing: 'Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!' Donald Trump's attack dog attorney-turned-campaign-aide Alina Habba told DailyMail.com that the Biden White House has a serious hypocrisy problem Karine Jean-Pierre repeatedly said that the President felt the system had been unjustly applied and politicized against his son because his last name is Biden and claimed he 'wrestled' with the decision. Many in Trump's circles, including Habba, have been fiercely vocal in their support for the release, commutation and pardon for those involved in the January 6, 2021 Capital riot, claiming they were unjustly persecuted for practicing their First Amendment rights. But several have landed in prison or faced lengthy prosecution by Biden's DOJ over the last four years. Reporters traveling with the president on Monday asked his press secretary how Americans can feel that the justice system is fair when they don't have the president as their father to wipe clean their crimes. Hunter was convicted on June 11, 2024 of three felony charges for lying about his drug use on a federal form to purchase a firearm. Sentencing was initially scheduled for November 13. On September 19, a judge granted a request from Hunter's team to delay sentencing until December 4 but just three days before, Biden issued his son's pardon, potentially sparing him jail time. 'Hunter Biden is not a victim,' Habba insisted. 'His lenient treatment compared to the harsh punishments others face underlines the glaring double standard in our justice system.' 'Pardon those that deserve it,' she demanded. 'Not the kid you made a sacrificial lamb to look like you are not targeting President Trump.' President Joe Biden announced on Sunday his decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden, 54, for three felony charges related to a 2018 gun purchase Trump's attorney-turned-campaign-aide also posted a 20-second clip to her X account on Monday from the airport where she said the New York Times failed to prominently feature on its front page the story about Biden's pardon. 'What a joke,' she wrote, claiming the NYT 'fails to mention anywhere on the front page that Hunter got pardoned for 10 years of shenanigans after insisting it would never happen.' 'Fake News,' Habba said in the video while showing images of the New York Post and Wall Street Journal both had front-page or above-the-fold stories on the pardon. Biden said for years both before and after conviction that he wasn't going to pardon his son. The president went back on his word on Sunday when he announced the pardon just hours before jetting off to Africa. President Joe Biden's press secretary was grilled by journalists aboard Air Force One on Monday morning as she tried to defend his decision to pardon his son after spending months saying he would not use his position to get Hunter Biden off the hook. Karine Jean-Pierre found herself in the firing line because she had also repeatedly said the president would not pardon his son of tax and gun crimes. 'Could those statements now be seen as lies [by] the American people?' she was asked during the flight to Angola. 'Is there really a credibility issue here, given now this announcement?' Jean-Pierre insisted that the president was a truthful man who only reached his decision at the weekend, as he said in his Sunday statement. 'First of all, one of the things that the president always believes is to be truthful to the American people,' she said. 'That is something that he always truly believes.' The decision has triggered a firestorm of anger, that was only intensified by the decision to make the announcement just before Biden embarked on a trip to Africa, ensuring that he could avoid tricky questions. President-elect Donald Trump quickly seized on the announcement to ask whether it extended to people imprisoned after the Jan. 6 attack on Congress. Karine Jean-Pierre found herself in the firing line because she had also repeatedly said the president would not pardon his son of tax and gun crimes President Joe Biden spent Thanksgiving with his son Hunter before announcing his decision on Sunday evening, shortly before flying to Angola And his aides said it proved their point that the Department of Justice was no longer fit for purpose. Jean-Pierre desperately tried to cling to an argument that Biden still had faith in the justice system even if it had let down his son. 'Two things could be true,' she said. 'The president does believe in the justice system and Department of Justice, and he also believes that his son was singled out politically.' Hunter Biden pleaded guilty in September to federal tax charges and was due to be sentenced on Dec. 16. A jury found him guilty in June of making false statements on a gun background check; he was due to be sentenced for those charges this month as well. The president said in June that he would not pardon his son. He was asked during an interview with ABC News whether he would rule out pardoning Hunter and answered: 'Yes.' Jean-Pierre delivered the same message over and over again. In July 2023, the White House press secretary was asked if there might be any possibility that Biden would pardon his son. Hunter Biden's troubles stem from a period of drug addition 'No,' she replied bluntly. When a Fox News journalist attempted a followup, she cut him off. 'I just said no,' she said before moving on to another reporter. As recently as Nov. 8, just after Trump won the election, she ruled out the idea. 'We've been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is "no,"' she said. In all, she denied the possibility on at least six different occasions. That all came undone on Sunday. Biden issued a statement saying that his son had been selectively prosecuted and treated differently than others with similar situations. Jean-Pierre defended the decision, saying Hunter would be pursued by political opponents. 'They would continue to go after his son,' she told reporters on Air Force One. She insisted that he had been treated differently because of his surname, and listed legal experts who said charges would not normally have been brought for such offenses. 'That's why we're we are where we are, and why the president provided a pardon,' she said. 'And he believes that his son was singled out, and ... Hunter Biden was singled out, because his dad is the president. That's what we're talking about here. 'And that's what we have been seeing for the past several years, and that's what the president was speaking to, and that's why the president took the action that he did. A team of mountain rescuers called to save walkers on Britain's most popular peak have slammed influencers who 'promote' climbing in unsafe conditions. Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team posted a video warning climbers their videos could lead to people taking risks at the knife-edge Crib Goch ridge on Wales's 3,560ft high peak Snowdon. Potential danger to team members having to save those who get themselves into trouble is 'considerable', the MRT declared on social media. Snowdon has been the scene of numerous casualties in recent years, with the rescue team seeing a record number of emergency call-outs earlier this year as social media users flocked to the dangerous beauty spot to take selfies. The short clip posted by the MRT shows team members descending the East Ridge of Crib Goch. Alongside the video was a statement which read: 'Have you ever considered what you post on social media could have a direct affect on the risks people take in the mountains? 'The danger of descending on this section of the ridge with a casualty poses great risk due to the nature of the terrain, unrelenting weather conditions and the rope work methods that have to be deployed for a safe descent. The risk on team members is considerable.' The statement added: 'Does having a larger follower count mean that you have a responsibility to others? Just because you can climb a steep scramble without a rope and a helmet mean you should post such a video? Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team posted a video warning climbers their videos could lead to people taking risks at the knife-edge Crib Goch ridge on Wales's 3,560ft high peak Snowdon The short clip posted by the MRT shows team members descending the East Ridge of Crib Goch 'Could you be inadvertently promoting others to follow suit who lack the knowledge and skill when a micro decision could lead to a macro outcome?' Influencers to appear on Snowdon is recent weeks include Tom Prout, of Devon and Cornwall, who posts his travel adventures on TikTok and boasts more than 70,000 followers. In footage posted last week, the influencer said: 'I'm currently in Wales on Mount Snowdon, it's about -2C, there's snow about, and I'm hiking to the summit for sunset. I have no clue if I'm going to make it [...].' Other well-known figures to embark on a Snowdon adventure in recent years include Love Island star Connor Durman, who boasts more than 400,000 followers on Instagram. Climbing the Snowdon Peak in November 2021, the star posted a photo of his achievement alongside the caption: 'Adventurous weekend away.' Internet personality Adam Waithe also climbed the Snowdon Peak during the pandemic, and posted a photo of himself at the top. 'I'm feeling peak with Covid so here's another peak to take my mind off it,' he wrote on Instagram. Rescue teams covering Snowdon, Ben Nevis, the Scottish peak that is Britain's highest at 4,413ft, and the Lake District all saw record numbers of calls from climbers in distress in January, it was reported at the time. Mountain climbing saw a surge in popularity during the Covid pandemic when the public were desperate to get into the great outdoors and the trend has continued as Instagram users seek to emulate perfect pictures from dangerous mountains and beauty spots. Phil Kirby, chairman of Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue in the Lake District, previously told the Times the extra pressure on rescue teams is down to 'Instagram tourism'. 'It's a term we picked up from our colleagues in Norway a few years ago,' he said. 'It's people seeing pictures of places on the internet and saying "I've got to go and see that".' In Norway, a natural platform called Pulpit Rock that offers exquisite views over a fjord has attracted huge amounts of unprepared Instagram tourists. Alongside the video was a statement which read: 'Have you ever considered what you post on social media could have a direct affect on the risks people take in the mountains?' Influencers to appear on Snowdon in recent years include Love Island star Connor Durman, who boasts more than 400,000 followers on Instagram Internet personality Adam Waithe climbed the Snowdon Peak during the pandemic, and posted a photo of himself at the top 'Instagram tourists' are being blamed for a record number of mountain rescues as inexperienced climbers aim to emulate posts they have seen online Kirby said: 'People trek up to this thing and the weather changes. They've had up to 30 people they've had to get off. 'Instagram has expanded people's awareness of places they can go. They pick it up and think 'I'll go there' but without the necessary preparation. 'It's just the way we are now. We have access to so many things we didn't have.' Rescue volunteers set up adventuresmart.uk, a website aimed at informing inexperienced climbers of the basic requirements before heading to a mountain, due to concerns around the increased numbers of call-outs. The websites informs climbers about the correct clothing and footwear as well as asking them to check the weather before they leave and when they should get off a mountain due to changing conditions. The highest peak in Wales and England has more than half a million annual visitors. Whoopi Goldberg shared why she thinks President Joe Biden wasn't hypocritical for pardoning his son Hunter Sunday even though he had said he would not do so. Goldberg suggested Hunter should have been pardoned because he was addicted to drugs and didn't know what he was doing. Hunter was convicted in June of lying on a federal government form to buy a gun and also possessing the firearm while abusing drugs. In September, he pleaded guilty to nine felony tax evasion charges. According to Goldberg, when Hunter committed these crimes, he had the excuse of having a drug problem, whereas Donald Trump did not have that same excuse. 'It's a precedent for all of us to open our eyes because we've elected someone who is in a similar situation, who didn't have a drug problem, who knew what he was doing,' she said on Monday's edition of The View. Goldberg could have been referring to a number of different things when she said Trump was in a 'similar situation' to Hunter. It could be the hush money trial, the case that made him the first former president ever to be convicted of a crime. It also could have been Special Counsel Jack Smith's case that accused Trump of knowingly spreading lies about the 2020 election and orchestrating a conspiracy to undermine the January 6th certification process. There is another election subversion case based in Fulton County, Georgia, which was the one that Trump had to have his mugshot taken for. And finally, there's the case involving Trump allegedly refusing to return classified documents to the White House in a timely manner. Whoopi Goldberg suggested that the Hunter Biden pardon was justified because of his addiction to drugs Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin didn't buy this explanation and slammed Joe Biden for 'lying,' since he said as recently as June that he wouldn't pardon Hunter Trump's famous lifelong sobriety when compared to Hunter's known addiction to crack cocaine and alcohol makes their situations entirely different, Goldberg went on to say. 'So I think for many, many reasons, this is very different than any other situation that we have ever dealt with,' Goldberg said. Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin, who started off the conversation by blasting Biden for pardoning Hunter, was visibly bemused while listening to Goldberg's counter. Griffin, the White House Director of Strategic Communication under Trump's first term, pointed out at the beginning of the segment that Biden vowed not to pardon his son. 'I respect it as a parent. I understand why he would do it, but I wanted to understand ... why lie about it for so long,' she said. Goldberg cut her off: 'I'd stop calling it a lie.' 'Okay, why say repeatedly you're not going to and you do it? Secondarily, for the part of this country...that doesn't support Biden, doesn't know him personally, doesn't get to have phone calls and they're just looking at a system that looks like it only benefits the people who are in power,' Griffin responded. Later on in the segment, Goldberg argued that Biden didn't actually intend to pardon his son all along. Insiders now saying Joe Biden was considering a pardon for months after Hunter's conviction in a federal gun case over the summer 'I think Biden had no intentions of pardoning Hunter and I think the more stuff that went down, I think he said, "Why am I busting my behind to stay straight...when no one else is doing it,' she said. Recent leaks appear to contradict this, with insiders now saying Biden was considering a pardon for months after Hunter's conviction in a federal gun case over the summer. The pardon will see Hunter get pardoned for any crimes he may have committed 'from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024'. 'From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,' Biden said in a statement. 'No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because is my son - and that is wrong,' he continued. But critics claimed the broadly written pardon was an attempt to cover-up his actions on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma. Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden's press secretary, was grilled by journalists aboard Air Force One since she said several weeks ago that a pardon or clemency for Hunter was out of the question. Jean-Pierre insisted that the president was a truthful man who only reached his decision at the weekend, as he said in his Sunday statement. 'First of all, one of the things that the president always believes is to be truthful to the American people,' she said. 'That is something that he always truly believes.' Donald Trump sees Biden's decision to pardon Hunter as a symptom of a broken justice system politicized by the liberal left but did not directly criticize the president for the move Trump's immediate response to the shock move by Biden was to suggest he may pardon the remaining people who were convicted of rioting at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. 'Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!' Trump wrote. Even other prominent members of Biden's own party criticized him, including Colorado Governor Jared Polis. 'While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country,' Polis wrote. 'This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation.' Congressman Greg Stanton, a Democrat from Arizona, said that while he respects the president, Biden 'got this one wrong.' 'This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers,' Stanton wrote on X. President Donald Trump issued the stark warning on Friday, while revealing ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine are progressing - but catastrophe could yet be unleashed without peace. Speaking to the Justice Department he said: 'I think we have it, I think we have it, but this could lead to World War III, very easily, could very easily lead to World War III. 'But I think we're in pretty good shape, a lot better than where we were before we got involved. That was heading into World War III territory, that would've been a war like no other because of nuclear weapons, and other types of weapons that you don't even wanna know about.' The parents of Lucy Letby asked hospital bosses for an urgent meeting over their 'intolerable anguish' after police began investigating their serial killer daughter, a public inquiry heard today. John and Susan Letby wrote to the Countess of Chester Hospital's then board chairman Sir Duncan Nichol two months after Cheshire Constabulary was brought in to probe the increased number of baby deaths on the neonatal unit, in May 2017. The couple told Sir Duncan: 'It is now one year since our nightmare began. There is a saying 'Innocent Until Proven Guilty' but it doesn't seem to apply to Lucy. 'She is still the only one of all the staff on the neonatal unit to be singled out for punishment.' Requesting an 'urgent meeting' with Sir Duncan and chief executive Tony Chambers to discuss matters, they added: 'We would appreciate the meeting to be as soon as possible as the anguish this situation is causing has become intolerable.' Sir Duncan told the Thirlwall Inquiry investigating Letby's crimes that he did not respond to the email sent on July 7 2017 or meet the couple. Letby was moved off the neo-natal unit a year earlier, in July 2016, into an administrative role after consultant paediatricians voiced fears she may have deliberately harmed infants. But she was furious two consultants, Dr Stephen Brearey, the lead doctor on the unit, and Dr Ravi Jayaram, the head of children's services, had 'orchestrated a campaign' against her and that some medics had referred to her publicly as 'angel of death,' so she lodged an employment grievance against the Trust. Lucy Letby injected air into the newborns on successive days at the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit in June 2016 as part of a series of attacks from a year earlier in which she murdered seven infants and attempted to murder seven more Letby, 34, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others It was upheld and last week the inquiry heard that former retail manager Mr Letby, 78, called for the 'instant dismissal' of the two consultants when he and his wife, together with Letby, met Mr Chambers to discuss the grievance outcome in December 2016. Giving evidence Mr Chambers said Mr Letby was 'very angry' and was 'threatening guns to my head and all sorts of things.' He denied being manipulated by the serial killer but admitted telling Letby, 'don't worry we have got your back' and that he was 'astounded' by her resilience. Mr Chambers explained he wanted to try to avoid further escalation 'particularly from her father,' who had repeatedly rung staff to complain about his daughter's treatment. Sir Duncan said he now appreciated there was a 'huge amount of sympathetic support' given to Letby by senior managers of which the board was 'not sufficiently sighted of'. The inquiry has heard that some senior nurses got 'too close' to Letby, who was given information on investigations into the babies' deaths ahead of some of the consultants and all the families. Sir Duncan admitted it was a 'serious failure' of the hospital not to keep the parents informed. 'We did not exercise appropriate duty of candour towards the families and that was a failure,' he said. 'A serious failure. A grab from an officer's body worn camera footage showing the moment Letby was arrested 'We were in the middle of a hugely complex process that we had not finished but that should not have meant we could not have kept people informed along the way, and we didn't do that appropriately.' Prior to his appointment at the Countess, Sir Duncan was head of the NHS for five years, between 1989 and 1994, which included the period when another nurse, Beverley Allitt, murdered four children and attacked six others at a hospital in Grantham, Lincs. Although he was responsible for disseminating recommendations following the inquiry into Allitt's crimes to NHS hospitals across England and Wales, he insisted Allitt was not at the 'forefront of his mind' or anyone else's mind at the Countess in 2015 and 2016. He also appeared to choke up as he apologised for 'failing to keep babies safe' and for the 'unimaginable grief' their parents have suffered. Letby, 34, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims, between June 2015 and June 2016. The inquiry, sitting at Liverpool Town Hall, is expected to sit until early 2025, with findings published by late autumn of that year. It is the last surviving example of a Highland farm township, once visited by Queen Victoria. Auchindrain, south of Inveraray, in Argyllshire, survived the Clearances 150 years ago which saw similar communities abandoned across Scotland. But the village, which has been run by a team of trustees for the past 60 years, is now facing an uncertain future amid a funding cut. It was a thriving farming township, so remote it was saved from the mass evictions of the 18th and 19th centuries. And once the last of its people left in 1962 it has been preserved as an open air museum and historic monument as important to Scottish history as Skara Brae in Orkney, Culloden near Inverness or any of the countrys great castles. Now, the site largely unchanged since at least the 18th century, is at risk of being abandoned despite being recognised by the Scottish Government as being of national cultural and historical significance. Its buildings, which remain largely unchanged with many of the everyday items still on display, are preserved in an authentic condition. However, the charity Auchindrain Trust which has ensured the townships story is not forgotten has now warned the site, which has been occupied since at least the Iron Age, is at risk of permanent closure due to looming cuts in public funding. Auchindrain is the lone example of rural life as it used to be. But the trust running the Argyllshire site faces closure after its funding ends in March It had relied on a cash injection from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to remain operational but has been told that from March there will be no more money available. For the last three years HES has provided Auchindrain with a revenue support grant totalling 600,000 - about 90 per cent of what is needed. It was awarded 518,750 in December 2022 with a footnote to say funding ends in March 2025. A statement from the trustees sent to stakeholders said: The museum is now closed to visitors and is unlikely to reopen in its present form. All staff have been informed that they are at risk of redundancy. The cost of caring for such a large and complex historic site is far greater than the income that can be generated from visitors or in other ways, particularly in a rural location such as Mid Argyll, it added. In the circumstances, the Trustees do not consider that the museum can continue to be operated on a solvent basis, and that the Trust cannot achieve its charitable purposes. The survival of the unique, 22-acres historic site, which is both Category A listed and a designated Conservation Area, along with the museums nationally important collections, is now seriously in doubt. Bob Clark, curator and director of Auchindrain Township, said: Auchindrain is equivalent in importance to Skara Brae, Culloden or Bannockburn. It is the Stirling Castle of ordinary people, a lasting legacy of the rural working class. Everyday items in the Auchindrain open air museum offer a glimpse of what life was like for Highland crofters Millions of people around the world who claim Scottish ancestry are descended from folk who lived and worked in townships just like Auchindrain. 'All the other original communities are gone, or changed beyond recognition. Auchindrain is the last one standing and now its in danger of being lost too. HES said that following a review of policies and criteria, it would no longer provide revenue funding and the arrangement which has been in place since 2013 would end in March. A spokeswoman added: We are sorry to note that despite significant efforts by the Board and staff of the Trust over a period of many years, that they cannot find a viable business model with the current challenging market conditions to sustain operations at the site. HES has worked with Scottish Government, Argyll and Bute Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and Museum Galleries Scotland, over three years to provide support and advice to the Trust. Since 2013, HES has awarded financial support to the Trust and is currently providing a three-year funding package which concludes in March 2025. 'The Trust can consider an approach to HES towards accessing any of our relevant grant open funding programmes via the standard application route. If needed, we are ready to work with an administrator, future owners of Auchindrain site, public bodies and, importantly, local communities in seeking to identify and develop a long-term solution for this nationally important site. Records show that Bail Ach an Droighinn, the Gaelic name, or Auchindrain Township, was a well established settlement as long ago as the early 16th century but archaeological discoveries suggest people were living on the site as far back as around 200AD. The village has long been recognised as a prime example of the ordinary Highlanders way of life. On 25 September 1875 Queen Victoria visited, as a guest of the then landowner the Duke of Argyll, to see what she described as a typical primitive village. Due to the fact that the last permanent residents did not move out until 1962 many of the vernacular buildings, built using only local materials, have survived for hundreds of years. However, without regular maintenance they will fall into disrepair and ruin. Auchindrain, which used to attract around 20,000 visitors a year and supported up to a dozen local jobs, is a favourite stop for tour guides whose overseas clients are keen to see how their forefathers lived. A grieving husband today accused a major hospital of 'astonishing neglect' after doctors gave his sick wife 'staggered overdoses' of paracetamol without his knowledge. Former soldier Antony Higginson, 49, broke down in tears as he told an inquest how his wife Laura, 30, a trainee solicitor, died after ten days in a medically induced coma at Whiston Hospital, Prescot on Merseyside. Mr Higginson, now a technical architect with a software company, wept as he told the hearing how he took the couple's two children Stephen and Evie, who were nine and seven at the time, to say goodbye to their mum in the hospital in April, 2017. He said that he only found out that Laura, who suffered from a rare condition called Gitelman Syndrome, had been given the intravenous doses of paracetemol when he was shown a copy of the post mortem report by his GP two to three months after her death. An inquest in Bootle, Merseyside was told yesterday that the doses were given on three consecutive days and were above the recommended limit. Doctors realised the mistake on the fourth day and started treating Laura with an antidote. However she developed pneumonia and sepsis and died on April 19 after being placed in the induced coma. Coroner Simon Holder said at the opening of the inquest: 'The doses exceeded that which was permitted and she was transferred into the intensive care unit (ICU on April 8. Mother-of-two Laura Higginson, pictured with her daughter Evelyn, died after NHS hospital staff overdosed her on paracetamol Widower Dr Antony Higginson (right), 48, only found out about the doses of paracetamol three months after her death 'Once it was realised that there had been an overdose, she was treated with the appropriate anti dote but she continued to deteriorate until her passing on April 19. The central issue in this inquest is to determine whether that high dosage of paracetamol helped to cause her death.' Mr Higginson from Widnes, Cheshire said he 'hated that hospital' and had reported it to Merseyside police for manslaughter. He said: 'When I read about the staggered overdoses about two or three months later, I thought 'Oh my God'. 'I did not know anything about it. My world was spinning and I thought "what the f*** is going on ?". 'No one said anything about paracetamol to us. 'I hadn't given consent - how could I? 'If they had told me there were overdoses, the s*** would have hit the fan because she was so little. Some of the doctors had a shocking bedside manner. 'I would have complained about it. There was astonishing neglect.' Laura Higginson (right) with her son Stephen and daughter Evelyn, then aged nine and seven Antony, Laura and their son Stephen pictured on the couple's wedding day He told the hearing that Laura had been admitted to the hospital on April 5 in 2017 after her weight had dropped to six stone because of her Gitelman Syndrone - an inability to retain potassium and magnesium. Mr Higginson, who served in Northern Ireland with the Army, said that Laura suffered from Gitelman Syndrome but claimed that doctors had dismissed it as anorexia or bulimia. He said: 'It was always challenging, really bad. One cardiologist accused her of making up the pain and said "let's give her some pain killers and get her out". 'She felt like she was a burden and it started to affect her mental state. We always felt we had to push, push, push to hold these doctors to account.' He said that Laura was finally diagnosed with the syndrome after tests in hospitals in Liverpool and Salford and was referred back to their local hospital at Whiston for treatment. The inquest was told that Laura was rushed to Whiston on April 5 after feeling 'manky' and the family were told that she would be given antibiotics because she had Gitelman Syndrome. Mr Higginson said: 'We persuaded Laura to agree. I wish I had never done that.' But by April 7, she was coughing up blood and had a swollen stomach 'like she was pregnant' He said: 'She was terrified , she was white with fear. I have been a soldier in Northern Ireland and I have seen that fear on soldiers' faces.' Laura died after ten days in a medically induced coma at Whiston Hospital, Prescot on Merseyside Mr Higginson said her condition deteriorated and on April 8 , doctors said they suspected sepsis and kidney failure. He said that Laura became delirious claiming that staff were trying to kill her and started to get out of bed and ripped her IV lines out of her arm. Mr Higginson said he was called to the hospital and agreed that Laura should be sedated the following day. He said that they developed a 'squeeze code' where she squeezed his hand once for yes and two for no . He told the inquest: 'I love her, I was missing her. I was holding her hand.' The inquest was told that Mr Higginson knew that Laura was dying drove their children Stephen and Evie to the hospital on April 19 to 'say goodbye to their mum'. He said that Stephen had told a nurse: 'You said you would do your best for my Mum.' 'He tried to climb into bed. Evie went to the side of the bed and tried to get hold of her hand and was stroking her face. It was traumatic.' Mr Higginson said that at 3am he took the children home and at 6am he received a call from Laura's mum Denise at the hospital to say that she had died. The inquest, which is expected to last seven days, continues. What little was left of Joe Biden's legacy is in tatters. Having promised the American people repeatedly, and for months, that he wouldn't do it well, on Sunday night, President Biden announced that he had pardoned his son Hunter, for crimes committed as well as any future charges. Future charges! Well, well, well. Hunter, we know, earned millions sitting on boards he wasn't qualified for, introduced shady businessmen to his father, frequented sex workers, and pled guilty to lying about his active drug addiction when purchasing a firearm, as well as tax evasion owing the IRS $1.4 million, yet spending millions more on drugs, hookers, five-star hotels and a sex-club membership. To say nothing of banging his dead brother's widow and (allegedly) her sister at the same time, then knocking up a stripper and disowning that child a child barely ackowledged by Joe himself. But hey, at least none of that's illegal. The totality of Hunter's depravity, however, begs the question: What does Joe Biden know that we don't? What other skeletons hang in the family closet? We certainly can't rely on the liberal media, which spent years denying that Hunter's laptop was real a Russian hoax, per the New York Times, MSNBC and their ilk while telling us that Biden was sharper than ever (until he wasn't), that the border was secure, the economy was gangbusters, that men can be women, that Kamala Harris was totally qualified and that Donald Trump was Hitler. Make no mistake: The Bidens, the Democratic machine and Establishment media despise us, the average voters. They think we're too stupid to notice what's really going on and when we do, they tell us we're even more stupid for believing what we see and hear. Having promised the American people repeatedly, and for months, that he wouldn't do it - well, on Sunday night, President Biden announced that he had pardoned his son Hunter, for crimes committed as well as any future charges. The totality of Hunter's depravity begs the question: What does Joe Biden know that we don't? What other skeletons hang in the family closet? Remember that moment weeks ago, when Biden called over half the electorate 'garbage'? It's contempt, plain and simple. They tell us so all the time. Yet Dems still can't understand why Trump won so decisively. Why every branch of government has turned red. This is exactly why: The American people have thoroughly rejected an elite that lies to them, daily, with a smirk and a shrug. Just as Biden's shameless press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, did on Monday, telling reporters that 'the one thing the president believes is to always be truthful with the American people.' Disgusting. Seriously, what is this one long epic troll? Joe Biden, clearly, no longer has any f's to give not when it comes to arming Ukraine and escalating that war, not when it comes to now loosening border restrictions, and not when it comes to issuing a pardon he promised, over and over and over, he'd never issue. By the way, what did Kamala get for her loyalty, refusing to put any daylight between her and her morally vacant boss? She got a knifing in the front, Biden wearing a 'MAGA' hat and turning the White House dark on election night, well before the results were in, signaling to the world that the president had gone beddy-bye. Joe Biden has always been small: A small mind and a small man, interested in power for power's sake alone. What other politician would use his badly injured sons who'd just lost their mother and infant sister in a car crash as political props while being sworn into Congress? What other president would routinely insist, to Gold Star families, that his son Beau died while serving in Iraq not stateside, as a civilian, from brain cancer? Little wonder that the party made this infirm, elderly man wait until nearly 11pm on his farewell night at the DNC it seems they can't stand him either. 'I give you my word, as a Biden.' Joe says this all the time, as if his surname confers some majesty, some imperial morality, that no one else's does. What malarkey, as he would say. Not since Richard Nixon has a presidential pardon been so wide-ranging and controversial. But at least that was done for the good of the country. The Hunter Biden pardon is purely personal, craven and likely designed to protect not just the president's son but the president himself, referred to in multiple emails with foreign entities as the 'Big Guy' you know, the one allegedly taking ten to fifteen percent of Hunter's lucrative paydays. Hunter, we know, earned millions sitting on boards he wasn't qualified for, introduced shady businessmen to his father, and pled guilty to lying about his drug addiction when purchasing a firearm, as well as tax evasion. To say nothing of banging his dead brother's widow (pictured) and (allegedly) her sister at the same time, then knocking up a stripper and disowning that child. The American people have thoroughly rejected an elite that lies to them, daily, with a smirk and a shrug. Just as Biden's shameless press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre (pictured), did with a straight face on Monday, telling reporters that 'the one thing the president believes is to always be truthful with the American people.' Disgusting. Don't believe it when you hear Biden's lackeys in the media regurgitating the White House spin, that Hunter was targeted as 'Joe Biden's son' a phrase I heard one talking head use three times in two minutes on MSNBC Monday morning. Talk about malignant narcissism. Joe wants the credit, even when it comes to his reprobate son! Two sources with direct knowledge now say that Biden had been talking about a pardon with his closest aides since June, when Hunter was convicted of three felony gun charges. According to those insiders: 'It was decided at the time that he would publicly say he would not pardon his son even though doing so remained on the table.' That's as cynical as it gets. Here was this utter disgrace of a president sitting with ABC's David Muir in Normandy that same month, commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day, displaying the kind of 'honesty' synonymous with the Biden name. Muir: 'Will you accept the jury's outcome [for Hunter], their verdict, no matter what it is?' Biden: 'Yes.' Muir: 'And have you ruled out a pardon for your son?' Biden: 'Yes.' As recently as November 7, Jean-Pierre repeated, for at least the sixth time, that same lie. 'Our answer stands,' she said, 'which is no.' While he was still delusionally running for president, Biden had a constant, Trump-centric refrain. 'No one is above the law,' he'd say. Unless, of course, you're a Biden. For months, President Joe Biden relentlessly insisted there was no chance of offering his son Hunter a pardon. But he ultimately changed his mind, emerging from a Thanksgiving vacation at a $36 million Nantucket compound on Sunday to drop the bombshell announcement he would be saving Hunter from a potential jail term. DailyMail.com can now reveal what really happened during that five-day stay on a chilly Massachusetts island and the lead up to the holiday that prompted Biden to make the call - no matter the stain on his legacy. The decision came after a week of intense family time, including a baby shower for his first great-grandchild and being cocooned with his wife and children on Nantucket's inner harbor. At the heart of the 82-year-old's decision was family, both Joe Biden's unconditional love for his and the deep loyalty the Bidens' have for one another. Leading the charge was Jill Biden, known as her son's 'biggest defender.' With her at the Nantucket compound were Hunter himself, wife Melissa and the Bidens' daughter Ashley. Biden's devotion to his family is no secret. President Joe Biden with son Hunter and grandson Beau on Nantucket for Thanksgiving Ashley Biden posted a thank you message to her father on her instagram story after President Biden announced Hunter's pardon He watched over his two young sons in the hospital after the 1972 car crash that killed his first wife and daughter. He buried Beau - the political heir to the Biden dynasty - in 2015 after his oldest son succumbed to brain cancer. And he has privately anguished about Hunter's addiction, the fear of its return a constant weight on his shoulders. His family was grateful for his decision. 'Thank you dad. What they have tried to do to my brother is cruel + politically motivated. Period. Proud sister + daughter,' Ashley Biden wrote on her Instagram story after Hunter's pardon was announced. And two of Hunter's biggest advocates had the president's ear over the past 10 days - Jill Biden and Naomi Biden Neal. Neal, Hunter's oldest daughter, had her baby shower in the Blue Room of the White House on Saturday, November 23. She is due with the president's first great-grandchild - and Hunter's first grandchild - in the next few weeks. Biden was seen stopping by, cup of coffee in hand, to talk with guests over their eggs benedict and pancakes. And then there's the first lady. 'Hunter has no greater defender than Jill,' a source familiar said. Jill Biden's influence with Joe Biden should not be underestimated. She is the last voice in his ear. And she has been steadfast in her support for Hunter, traversing the Atlantic Ocean multiple times in June during his gun trial, to both be at his side while participate in a state visit to France. During that same trial, Naomi Biden Neal took the stand to defend her father. And, after Hunter's conviction, the president vowed not to pardon his son. Naomi Biden, unlike previous years, didn't accompany the Bidens to Nantucket. Neither did her sisters, Finnegan and Maisy. But Biden talks to his grandchildren every day. And this trip was different from past ones. The Bidens have been going to the island off the coast of Massachusetts for the Thanksgiving holiday for 49 years. But none of their eldest grandchildren with them. So instead of the large family gathering of a dozen members, it was just six of them. Jill Biden with Hunter, his wife Melissa, their son Beau and Ashley Biden on Friday at the Nantucket Christmas tree lighting The 13,000 foot home belonging to David Rubenstein where the Bidens stayed on Nantucket The Biden family - above Joe, Jill, Hunter, Melissa and Baby Beau - have been going to Nantucket for Thanksgiving for 49 years And Hunter stayed behind closed doors for most of the Nantucket stay, In previous years, he, wife Melissa and son Beau have gone into the downtown area for coffee and shopping. This year, he was only seen at the family lunch and shopping on Friday and attending church with his father on Saturday. And the only senior aides staffing the president were longtime aides Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal. She, a deputy chief of staff, runs the West Wing, and Bernal, Jill Biden's top adviser, runs the East Wing. Each has been with the Bidens for decades proceeding the White House. In the Biden administration, they have more power than chief of staff Jeff Zients. And they are more feared. And neither Tomasini nor Bernal is included to tell Joe Biden what he doesn't want to hear. 'They don't tell the president no unless it's coming from Jill Biden,' a source familiar said. Biden has always turned to family in tough times: sister Valerie helped him care for his boys after their mom and sister died and he was making a daily commute to Washington D.C. as a newly-elected senator. He locked himself in Camp David with Jill, Hunter and his grandchildren after his disastrous debate against Donald Trump in June. And he was with the first lady at Rehoboth Beach when he decided to drop out of the race. The whole Biden family surrounded him in the Oval Office when he explained his decision to the nation. And family was at the top of mind this past week. Asked Thursday by DailyMail.com what he was thankful for, Biden's first response was: 'My family.' One family member there was young Beau Biden, Hunter's four-year-old son and the future of the Biden clan. Both the president and first lady adore their grandson. President Biden held his hand as they walked through the streets of Nantucket shopping on Friday. Jill Biden brought him with her last Monday when she received the national Christmas Tree at the White House. Jill Biden is known to be the family member who holds a grudge - and pushes out those she sees as betraying Team Biden. Kathleen Buhle, Hunter's first wife, found herself on the outskirts after divorcing Hunter and writing about his struggles with addiction and its affect the drug use, cheating and money spending had on the family. Her book came after Hunter published his own memoir but that didn't matter. Kathleen was out, including out of the planning on Naomi Biden's wedding. When Hunter's eldest daughter married at the White House in November 2022, it was nicknamed 'Jill's wedding.' The first lady took center stage, including appearing with Naomi on the cover of Vogue. In contrast, Melissa Cohen has been embraced. She and Hunter met in 2019 and married six days later. Hunter has credited her with helping with his sobriety. Baby Beau leads President Joe Biden while shopping in Nantucket as Hunter Biden walks with them Jill Biden is Hunter Biden's biggest defender Naomi Biden (left), with husband Peter Neal, leaves dad Hunter's trial in June In the end, it was Biden made his decision to pardon his son. But he made it in the bubble of his family. And then he left for Africa, leaving his press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre to try and explain the change in his position. But he still has his family's support. 'Of course I support the pardon of my son,' Jill Biden told reporters at the White House on Monday. A Greek party town has been left devastated by flash floods as Storm Bora - which has claimed the lives of three people - wipes out roads and bridges. Rhodes has been left covered in mud and debris after the deadly storm battered Greece over the weekend, and over 30cm of rain fell over the popular tourist island. In the resort of Faliraki, the flash flooding caused by torrential downpours destroyed a bridge, caused chasms to open up in the ground, and damaged homes and shops on the coast, horror footage has shown. In the village of Tsairi, another bridge was left wrecked, cutting of residents and tourists from the main roads. 'The bridge is broken in two, and there is no other road that is easily accessible, either by car or on foot, to reach the main road and go anywhere,' local resident Flora Drapanou, 31, said. Two men were killed in a flooded village on Lemnos, while scores of people were evacuated and taken to hotels in the island's main port. A third death, which was announced on state broadcaster ERT Monday, was that of a male driver who was killed by hypothermia after falling into a ditch while trying to avoid debris in the northern region of Halkidiki. Following the devastation that unraveled across the weekend, a state of emergency was declared on the islands of Rhodes and Lemnos. A drone view shows a man standing near a damaged hotel, following floods caused by Storm Bora, in Faliraki, on the island of Rhodes, Greece, December 2 A bridge on the party island was left severely damaged following the arrival of the deadly storm over the weekend Cars are piled up following storm Bora in the area of Lalysos, on the island of Rhodes, on December 1 The island of Rhodes has been in a state of emergency as Storm Bora continues to batter Greece Pictured: The resort of Faliraki before it was battered by the storm It is has been reported in Greece, that on Saturday Rhodes experienced the biggest flood phenomenon in its history, as per Protothema. Halkidiki was hit with significant damage, Greek news outlet Ekathimerini reported, particularly in Sithonia, the second leg of the peninsula. The outlet reported that homes, basements, and shops were left flooded, roads were turned into rivers, and mudslides with debris made streets impossible to drive through. Rescue teams, assisted by the military and local authorities, rescued many older residents in flood-hit areas, after strong winds and torrential rain over the weekend flipped cars, caused power outages and damaged roads. The fire brigade has deployed aerial units, sending 35 firefighters from Athens with pumping equipment and two rescue boats. In addition, 40 firefighters with ten vehicles have arrived by sea from Piraeus to support the relief efforts. On Saturday, a 57-year-old man on the island of Lemnos, in the northern Aegean, was swept away by strong currents while trying to free his car, the fire brigade said. The mayor of Lemnos, Eleonora Georgios, said that 'severe damage was observed in the road network, in the agricultural network, in the water supply network, in infrastructures such as municipal walls, road surfaces, bridges. 'The damage to houses, businesses, crops, greenhouses is enormous, while the waters have not yet receded and we do not have a complete picture of the damage.' Excavators move piled-up cars on a road following the passage of storm bora in Ialyssos, Rhodes, on December 1 Two residents embraced while standing in thick mud after torrential rains flooded their home and destroyed their cars in the popular Greek tourist resort Locals scrambled to save their belongings as Storm Bora pounded the country for a third day Homes, basements, and shops were left flooded, roads were turned into rivers, and mudslides with debris made streets impossible to drive through People gather in a mud-covered street with a damaged car following floods caused by storm Bora Cars were left stuck in mud and debris after the storm swept through the Echelon of the fire department and the army is operating following the passage of Storm Bora Vassilis Kikilias, the minister for climate crisis and civil protection, urged residents in storm-hit areas to comply with evacuation orders that are announced using mobile phone push alerts. 'It is a thousand times better to comply with potentially excessive warnings than to face tragedy,' the minister told private Skai television. Mr Kikilias has pointed to climate change as the cause of worsening weather conditions in Greece in recent years, including an unprecedented series of heatwaves that intensify wildfires, a severe drought this year and massive floods in central Greece in 2023. Rail travel on the Greek mainland was disrupted throughout Monday. Weather warnings remain in effect for islands of the eastern Aegean islands, as well as parts of central and southern mainland Greece. The UK's Met Office said northeast Greece would see significant flooding as around double its monthly rainfall was expected to fall by Monday. The Mediterranean country has been ravaged by floods and wildfires in recent years, with scientists saying that Greece has become a 'hot spot' for climate change. In 2023, more than 20,000 tourist and locals were forced to flee homes and seaside hotels as wildfires burned for days. Thunderstorms and heavy rain also interrupted train services in mainland Greece, especially in the centre and north of the country. A 40-year-old woman died after she underwent a liposuction at her home in Medellin, Colombia on Saturday. The victim, who was identified by the local press as Lina Ospina, is said to have entrusted a friend, who is a nurse, to perform the invasive procedure. Ospina underwent anesthesia around 7:30 pm and began to convulse while the surgery was taking place, her neighbor, Paula Vasquez, told Tele Medellin television. She was taken out of the home and rushed to Alma Mater Hospital, where doctors declared her dead around 10:50 pm. Ospina worked as makeup artist and as eyelash technician, according to Tele Medellin. Her death is being investigated by the Medellin prosecutor's office. Ospina's friend, whose name has not been released, has not been arrested and her whereabouts are unknown. Ospina is the 14th person who has died this year from complications related to cosmetic surgeries that were performed in clandestine settings in Medellin. As of October 31, at least 125 complaints were registered of people who complications from cosmetic surgeries, according to data provided by the Antioquia Department of Regional Health and Social Protection. Lina Ospina died Saturday after she asked a friend, who is a nurse, to perform a liposuction at her home in Medellin, Colombia Colombian authorities are investigating the death of a woman, who fell ill inside her home in Medellin while have a liposuction Saturday and then died at a local hospital Lina Ospina is the 14th person who has died after having cosmetic surgery done in clandestine settings in Medellin, Colombia The Antioquia Department of Health shut down eight cosmetic surgery sites that were not in compliance to operate by the end of August. Ospina's death comes one month after Ada Ardila, 38, died in the middle of a liposuction at an apartment that was set up as a clinic for cosmetic procedures. Ardila had the surgery done by two people who identified themselves as doctors and abandoned her on the operating table. Carlos Valdivieso, who serves as the president of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery in Antioquia, warned that cosmetic surgeries should only be performed by doctors who are approved to do so. 'The advise we reiterate to patients is that a liposuction is a risky surgery that has to be performed by plastic surgery specialists and in a safe environment,' Valdivieso said. 'Someone's home is definitely not a safe environment.' The Government spent 50million on arranging migrant deportation flights to Rwanda despite none ever taking off, new Home Office figures have revealed. The eye-watering sum was shown in a new document detailing the 715million total spend on the migration partnership with Kigali, before Labour scrapped the scheme this summer. The breakdown of costs confirmed that 290million had been paid to Rwanda since 2022 as part of the now-junked 'migration and economic development partnership'. It also showed how 95million was spent on detention and reception centres, and 280million on other costs such as developing IT systems and staffing and legal costs. The 50million sum was spent on the costs of securing flights, escorts, and preparing and securing the airfield for proposed migrant deportations, the document stated. The Rwanda scheme aimed to send Channel migrants on a one-way ticket to Africa to have their asylum claims processed as part of efforts to stop small boat crossings to Britain. It was claimed the threat of being sent thousands of miles away from the UK would act as a deterrent to potential migrants thinking of making perilous journeys across the Channel. But a succession of Tory prime ministers ran into legal blocks on the scheme, which was scrapped by Sir Keir Starmer as soon as he took office after Labour's general election win. Former home secretary Priti Patel signed the 'migration and economic development partnership' with Rwanda foreign minister Vincent Biruta in April 2022 A group of people are pictured on a small boat near Dunkirk, northern France, in an apparent attempt to cross the Channel to Britain Speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper claimed the Rwanda plan did not stop a single small boat crossing The Home Office document confirmed 290million had been paid to Rwanda since 2022 as part of the now-junked 'migration and economic development partnership' The Prime Minister declared the plans 'dead and buried' and blasted them as a 'gimmick', as he refocussed Government efforts on 'smashing' the people-smuggling gangs. No migrants were ever deported to Rwanda under the Tory plans, although four people were removed to the African country under a separate voluntary scheme. Speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper claimed the Rwanda plan did not stop a single small boat crossing. 'In the two years the partnership was in place, just four volunteers were sent to Rwanda at a cost of 700 million, that included 290 million paid to the government in Kigali, and almost 300 million in staff, IT and legal costs,' she told MPs. 'The result of that massive commitment of time and money was 84,000 people crossed the Channel from the day the deal was signed to the day it was scrapped. 'This so-called deterrent did not result in a single deportation or stop a single boat crossing the Channel. For the British taxpayer, it was a grotesque waste of money.' But Tory shadow home secretary Chris Philp accused Ms Cooper of being 'silent on her own record' on immigration. He said: 'The Home Secretary seems to have a great deal to say about the last government, and rather less to say about her own record since the election. 'But fortuitously there was a large release of data last week, which gives us an insight into the first five months of her time in office, and having looked at that, I can see why she is so silent on her own record.' Mr Philp pointed to the number of people coming to the UK on small boats as part of Ms Cooper's record since Labour took office in July. He said: 'It has been 150 days up to yesterday since July 4, and in that time a staggering 20,110 people have made the dangerous, illegal and unnecessary crossing, over 20,000 since this Government was elected. 'That is an 18 per cent increase on the same 150 days last year, and it is a staggering 64 per cent increase on the 150 days immediately prior to the election.' He blamed the numbers coming to the UK on small boats on Labour's scrapping of the Rwanda scheme. Mr Philp referred to comments by the National Crime Agency, saying: 'They said no amount of funding or action against people smugglers will end crossing on its own. 'They went on to say, and I quote, you need an effective removals deterrence. Now the Labour Government, after it was elected, cancelled that deterrent.' Right-wing influencer and Trump associate Laura Loomer claims in an online post she has 'receipts' on a potential Donald Trump nominee she compared to a 'snake' who should be prevented from joining the incoming administraiton. Loomer, who warred with Rep. Marjorie Taylore Greene online in September after she gushed about Trump from a luxury box at the Alabama-Georgia game in September, set her sights on former State Department official Morgan Ortagus, who she said was hoping for a top post. The conspiracy theoriest and provocateur, who travelled with Trump during the campaign before reportedly being kept off his plane, engaged after Ortagus, a former Fox News contributor and State Department spokeswoman, posted an image of herself with Kash Patel, Trump's controversial nominee to be FBI Director. (FBI Director Chris Way still has three years left in his 10-year term, and Trump critics have slammed the move as a retribution power play). The association would be a way for someone in Trump's circle to establish bonafides with the 'Deep State' warrior whose coming nomination sent shockwaves through D.C. To counter it, Loomer posted an image of Ortagus in a Jeb Bush T-shirt and one appearing with former Trump rival Nikki Haley at an event for her national security consulting firm snaps apparently meant to paint her as a RINO, an endnagered species in Trump World. Then, she called Ortagus a 'snake' and suggested she wasn't a true MAGA adherent. 'I love Kash Patel. He has always been a big supporter of the J6 patriots and even raised money for them. Morgan Ortagus is a snake who is disliked by all of her colleagues at the State Department and she is a traitor to Trump,' Loomer wrote, referencing people who stormed the Capitol. Then, addressing Patel, she claimed to have 'receipts so you can protect yourself from this snake.' Loomer said Ortagus and her business partners 'all worked against Trump in case she is telling you otherwise,' she advised. She said Ortagus was hoping to become Deputy Secretary of Defense, a powerful post. Trump's pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is under fire after being accused of taking part in drunken strip club escapades. Laura Loomer compared former State Department official Morgan Ortagus to a 'snake' after she posted an image of herself with Kash Patel 'She is hoping she can become the Deputy Secretary of Defense after Trump named Rep. Elise Stefanik' was designated as his pick to be U.S. ambassador to the UN 'instead of Morgan', she wrote. 'I think we have all had enough of Morgans many years of social climbing in MAGA at the State Department,' she told her 1.3 million followers on X. Then her critique to a sharp turn toward personal attacks based on religion, saying her 'twin sister married a Muslim man' and that she 'divorced her first husband and married a rich, politically connected Jew in DC and had her wedding officiated by the ultra- liberal SCOTUS justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.' Reached by DailyMail.com, Ortagus had only a brief response. 'Im at expeditionary combat training,' said the Navy reservist. She said she had not heard about the post and had to go. Multiple figures in Trump's orbit have dismissed Loomer. But Trump defended her in September after she accompanied him to Sept. 11th ceremonies despite pushing a bizarre conspiracy theory that the attacks were an 'inside job.' 'Laura has been a supporter of mine. Just like a lot of people are supporters, and shes been a supporter of mine. She speaks very positively of the campaign. Im not sure why you asked that question,' Trump said in California when pressed on the relationship. Loomer quoted from the song 'the Snake,' which Trump has read at rallies while discussing immigration Ortagus is a former State Department official The far right influencer drew attention for flying to the debate with Trump this fall Loomer told Kash Patel she had 'receipts so you can protect yourself from this snake' 'I dont control Laura. Laura shes a, shes a free spirit. Well, I dont know. I mean, look, I cant tell Laura what to do,' Trump said. He was pressed on his proximity to Loomer after his debate with VP Kamala Harris after he mentioned another conspiracy theory about migrants eating people's pets, a topic she had also put forward. He called her a 'private citizen and longtime supporter. I disagree with the statements she made but, like the many millions of people who support me, she is tired of watching the Radical Left Marxists and Fascists violently attack and smear me, even to the point of doing anything to stop their Political Opponent, ME!' DailyMail.com has reached out to Ortagus' firm Polaris National Security for comment. In the post that drew Loomer's wrath, Ortagus wrote: 'A beautiful Sunday lunch with 45/47 and the next @FBI Director my friend kash_patel.' She posted an image of herself with Trump the day before the elections. A disgraced Kansas cop killed himself hours before he was due to stand trial for raping black women. Roger Golubski, 71, was found dead Monday morning after failing to show up to watch jury selection at his trial in Topeka. A judge issued a warrant for his arrest before news of his death emerged. Two sources told CNN the retired detective had committed suicide. Prosecutors later confirmed in court that Golubski has died but did not say how or when. Golubski's lawyer Chris Joseph told the court the late cop had been left distraught by press coverage of his alleged misdeeds. The late cop was accused of preying on vulnerable black women during his decades-long career. He is said to have hand-picked his victims believing that any allegations made against him would never be taken seriously. Victims did come forward to accuse Golubski of sex attacks but he claimed they were liars, or repeating old rumors that had been disproven. He was eventually indicted in 2022 after a lengthy secret investigation into claims he was an associate of a drug kingpin involved in sex trafficking underage girls. Roger Golubski killed himself Monday as he was due to stand trial for raping black women while working as a Kansas detective. He is seen in October, 2022 About 50 people had a short rally in sub-freezing temperatures outside the federal courthouse in Topeka to show their support for the women accusing Golubski Police are seen outside the former cop's home on Monday. A warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to show up in court Prosecutors said female residents of poor neighborhoods in Kansas City, Kansas, feared that if they crossed paths with Golubski, hed demand sexual favors and threaten to harm or jail their relatives. Golubski, 71, was facing six felony counts of violating womens civil rights. But he did not appear in court Monday morning for the start of jury selection. Allegations at the heart of the case - that Golubski preyed on women for decades with seeming impunity - have outraged the community and deepened the historical distrust of law enforcement. Golubski was accused of sexually assaulting one woman starting when she was barely a teenager and another after her sons were arrested. The prosecution followed earlier reports of similar abuse allegations across the country where hundreds of officers have lost their badges after allegations of sexual assaults. Cheryl Pilate, an attorney representing women whove said they were abused or threatened, called for a thorough investigation of Golubskis death by officials with no ties to local police, as reported by the Associated Press. 'The community was looking forward to justice, to a full and public accounting and now that has been denied to them,' Pilate said. About 50 people had a short rally in sub-freezing temperatures outside the federal courthouse in Topeka to show their support for the women accusing Golubski of abusing them, breaking up before the announcement of his death. They held signs with slogans such as, 'Justice Now!' Golubski rose to the rank of captain in Kansas City, Kansas, before retiring there in 2010 and then working on a suburban police force for six more years Lesa Mensa, left, and Anita Randle listen to a speaker at a rally outside the federal courthouse on was was to be the opening day for a trial for former police detective Roger Golubski US District Judge Toby Crouse dismissed the case against Golubski at prosecutors request. Golubski's lawyer Joseph called the death 'truly unexpected.' The case against Golubski was part of a string of lawsuits and criminal allegations that has led the county prosecutors office to begin a $1.7 million effort to reexamine cases Golubski worked on during his 35 years on the force. One double murder case Golubski investigated already has resulted in an exoneration, and an organization run by rapper Jay-Z is suing to obtain police records. Joseph had said lawsuits over the allegations were an inspiration for fabrication by his accusers. But prosecutors said that, along with the two women whose accounts are the heart of the criminal case, seven others were going to testify that Golubski abused or harassed them. Prior to his death, Golubski had been under house arrest and undergoing kidney dialysis treatments three times a week. That angered women who said he victimized them. Anita Randel-Stanley, a Kansas City, Missouri, resident who said Golubski started harassing her decades ago when she was a teenager, called the house arrest a slap on the hand. 'There is no justice for the victims,' she said. Online critics are not impressed with First Lady Jill Biden's Christmas decorations at the White House this year. The holiday decor was revealed the morning after President Joe Biden made the bombshell announcement that he is pardoning his son Hunter, 54, right before jetting off to Africa for an official trip to Angola. Dr. Biden's theme around the White House this year was 'A Season of Peace and Light,' but some said that the decorations reminded them more of the 'circus' and called the set up 'tacky.' 'White House Christmas decorations are Circus themed. How fitting,' Sen. Josh Hawley's Communications Director Abigail Jackson wrote on X. The official White House Christmas tree in the blue room this year was hard to view, as the actual fir was hidden behind a carousel of fake animals. There was also what appeared to be a maypole in the shape of a circus tent draping from the top of the tree. Another room featured multi-colored ribbon that replaced the drapes over the windows and looked like the entrance to a fun house. The first lady held a reception on Monday with National Guard families after the decorations were unveiled. Social media users ripped First Lady Jill Biden's Christmas decorations for her and Joe Biden's last holiday at the White House, comparing her decor to a 'circus' Jill Biden spoke to National Guard families at the White House after unveiling her decorations. Here she responded for the first time to news of Hunter Biuden's pardon, saying: 'Of course I support the pardon of my son' After delivering short remarks at the reception, Jill Biden responded the first time publicly to news of Hunter's pardon. 'Dr. Biden, what changed on the pardon for Hunter?' one reporter shouted to the first lady. 'Of course I support the pardon of my son,' she was seen replying into a dead microphone. Then, Jill delivered her holiday message to the nation and thanked the at least 300 volunteers who helped decorate the White House. Reporters were permitted early access to the White House on Monday to view and capture the decorations Jill Biden chose for her last Christmas as first lady. Many in the public were unimpressed with the grand finale for the Biden administration. 'What has Nurse Jill done with our White House? My God,' Donald Trump's Rapid Response Director Jake Schneider wrote. 'The White House is a circus, so I guess these are appropriate Christmas decorations' one social media user wrote with a clown emoji. Another user said: 'As usual, fake 'Dr' Jill made a horrendous job of the White House 'holiday' decorations. However, it did have an appropriate circus theme for the clown resident.' Multi-colored ribbon hung framing the doors and windows of the White House The official White House Christmas tree was hidden behind a carousel of animals like a reindeer, fox, penguin, duck and more and ribbon was hung from the top to recreate the look of a circus tent. Carnival music played as visited worked their way through the decorations The communications director for Sen. Josh Hawley compared the White House Christmas decor to a 'circus' Other aspects of the White House Christmas decor was more traditional, with twinkle lights, trees and garland lining the hallways Just hours after images emerged of the White House decked out in holiday decor, Dr. Biden delivered remarks to National Guard families as she was surrounded by children of those families. 'It has been the honor of our lives to serve as your President and First Lady,' the Bidens wrote in a joint statement in the commemorative guidebook to the 2024 White House decorations. 'Our hope is for the Nation to be blessed with the peace and light of the holiday season.' In striking a sentimental tone, they continued: 'At the holidays, Americans come together every year in fellowship and faith, reminding us that we are stronger as a community than we are apart. The strength of our country, and the soul of our Nation, come from you.' This year, the first lady's decorations of the White House include 83 Christmas trees and 165,075 holiday lights. There are 9,810 feet of ribbon throughout the property and more than 28,125 ornaments. Like every year, the outside of the White House was adorned with more than a dozen wreaths with red bows in each front-facing window as well as the apex of the building's north lawn overhang A ruthless gang who hid heroin, cocaine and cannabis worth billions in cargoes of strong-smelling onion and garlic have been exposed as the UK's biggest ever drug-smuggling ring. Eleven members of an organised crime group headed by 59-year-old Paul Green nicknamed The Big Fella were given sentences totalling more than 200 years following the country's longest-running criminal trial ever. Using legitimate cargoes of vegetables imported from the Netherlands as cover, the gang is believed to have smuggled an 'unprecedented' 7 billion worth of drugs. A judge told the conspirators their crimes had caused 'incalculable' harm, fuelling 'addiction, misery, social degradation and, in some cases, death'. Their convictions can now be reported after three more members of the gang were yesterday convicted following a second trial. The group bought so many onions that it couldn't get rid of them, with council officers investigating complaints about piles of smelly rotten vegetables. Eventually they began sending the pungent produce back to the continent to act as cover for another load. 'The stench of criminality is overpowering,' prosecuting KC Andrew Thomas told the jury as he opened the case. Six seizures of drugs with a total street value of 40 million were made between 2015 and 2018. But investigators from the National Crime Agency (NCA) proved there had been at least 240 importations. Ringleader Paul Green - who was jailed for 32 years - being led out by police officers Eleven members of an organised crime group headed by 59-year-old Green (pictured) have been given sentences totalling more than 200 years The NCA issued images of the major players in the drugs ring The drugs were hidden inside cardboard boxes and concealed packages To avoid detection, the gang concealed its drugs in consignments of strong-smelling foodstuffs such as onions, garlic and ginger (pictured) Ringleader Green who was jailed for 32 years used sophisticated methods to evade detection, including cloned companies and identity theft, as well as brutal threats of violence. In just six months, he and his wife spent more than 26,000 on watches and jewellery. Members used encrypted communications, faked documents, changed their names by deed poll and acquired defunct businesses to disguise their illicit trade. Regional drug gangs paid for consignments to be hidden in pallets of fresh produce. These would then be unwittingly shipped to the UK by innocent transport firms before being unloaded at warehouses and then distributed. In 2016 they hid more than 17lbs (8kgs) of cocaine worth nearly 1 million in boxes packed with ginger in a cargo bound for the UK. But the plot was foiled when the driver became suspicious and called police. Just a month later, Green's gang was trying to smuggle in 125lbs (57kg) of amphetamines, worth about 1.1 million but Dutch officers had group members under surveillance. Russell Leonard, a foot soldier who spoke fluent Dutch, and an accomplice who cannot be named for legal reasons went out drinking all night and left it unguarded in a van. In a recorded conversation, Green warned: 'If the van's gone or been grabbed by the police then there'll be f****** murders.' The crime group bought so many onions between 40 tonnes and 50 tonnes a week - that it couldn't get rid of them, with environmental health officers investigating complaints about piles of smelly rotten vegetables (pictured) The group hid its drugs in consignments of foodstuffs such as onions (pictured) The gang hid the drugs in four cardboard boxes and packaging The drugs were hidden inside cardboard boxes and concealed packages The offenders are thought to have smuggled several billion pounds worth of heroin, cocaine and cannabis to the country The drugs were concealed inside cardboard boxes and plastic packages Drugs hidden inside packages of onions are seen inside a large lorry At Manchester Crown Court today, reporting restrictions were lifted upon verdicts in the second trial A lorry containing stacks of packages is seen in footage They rented a warehouse in the Netherlands, and hid the cocaine in cardboard boxes packed with ginger for deliveries to be made to warehouses they had rented in Bolton, Wigan and Ormskirk Sara Drysdale, Specialist Prosecutor from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'This case is believed to involve the largest ever drug smuggling operation ever detected in the UK' Ringleader Paul Green being led out by police officers Investigators from the National Crime Agency - dubbed Britain's FBI - proved there were at least 240 importations as they went to great lengths to confuse the authorities and avoid justice When the duo finally returned and drove off they were immediately stopped by Dutch police. Then in 2018 the vast scale of the gang's offending became clearer, with seizures of 990lbs (450kg) of cocaine and heroin and two tons of cannabis. Yesterday Rob Jones, the NCA's director general of operations, said: 'Without criminals like these, there would be no young teenagers dealing drugs through County Lines. There would be no turf war murders or innocent members of the public killed in the crossfire. 'Paul Green and his accomplices enabled and helped deliver this kind of suffering and misery in communities across the country.' One trial lasted 23 months, a record in England and Wales the other lasted nine months. Out of 18 members of the gang to be convicted, 11 were handed jail sentences totalling 202 years, with a further six due to be sentenced this month. One additional defendant Leslie Kewin died prior to sentencing. Green was convicted of conspiracy to import drugs and fraud by false representation. 'Right-hand man' Steven Martin, 53, of Bolton was imprisoned for 28 years. Muhammad Ovais, 46, of Burnage, Manchester, who was in charge of distributing drugs, was sentenced to 27 years in jail. Among the others sentenced for drugs importation conspiracy charges were Leonard, 48, of Kirkby, Liverpool, and Dutch bosses Johannes Vesters, 54, and Barbara Rijnbout, 53, both of Utrecht. President-elect Donald Trump issued an extraordinary threat to Hamas, saying if hostages are not released by his inauguration there will be 'all hell to pay' in the Middle East. Trump made the stark threat on his Truth Social site, hours after the Israel Defense Force confirmed the death of American-Israeli hostage Omer Maxim Neutra, 21. Hamas also two days ago released a harrowing hostage video of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander weeping and pleading for his life after 420 days in captivity. While the U.S. helped broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, fighting has continued in Gaza and a hostage deal is far off. 'Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But its all talk, and no action!' Trump wrote. 'Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity.' 'Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!' Trump demanded. Trump did not specifically mention Hamas or other terror groups who may be holding hostages. A total of 251 people were taken, with more than 60 still being held. Donald Trump gave Hamas or others responsible for holding hostages in the Middle East until January 20th to release them, saying otherwise there will be 'hell to pay,' He issued the statement while President Joe Biden was on the ground in Angola for what is expected to be his final overseas trip. His administration continues to try to negotiate for the release of remaining American and other hostages as part of a broader ceasefire agreement. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Sunday the sides were 'not there yet' as regional leaders continued to meet. 'We are working actively to try to make it happen. We are engaged deeply with the key players in the region, and there is activity even today,' he told NBC's 'Meet the Press.' He also spoke about a hostage-ceasefire deal on ABC's 'This Week' where he said there 'there is one president at a time' and spoke about Biden's diplomatic efforts. It was not immediately clear how Trump's comments would figure into the state of play during the unusual weeks-long period of a presidential transition. Trump during the campaign spoke of initiatives he would undertake during the transition. He also said he'll end Russia's war on Ukraine. 'Ill have that done in 24 hours,' he said in May 2023. Trump threatened that those responsible would be 'will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America' Families of the hostages have continued to issue urgent pleas for their release. The IDF told the family of 21-year-old New Yorker Omer Maxim Neutra the heartbreaking news that he had been killed. The family of the dual U.S.-Israel citizen had believed he was one of the hostages still being kept alive. The IDF said he was killed on October 7 and that Hamas terrorists took his body. Amid the angst and uncertainty, some policymakers are looking to the transition period at the end of the Jimmy Carter Administration. Iran announced the release of American hostages on January 20, 1981, minutes after Ronald Reagan was inaugurated. It was not evident from Trump's comment whether he was threatening to unleash American firepower in Israel's war in Gaza. The U.S. has provided military hardware and ammunition and technical support but has not been directly involved. Charlamagne tha God had a simple message for Democrats after President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter this weekend: admit you don't have the moral high ground. The radio host, 46, whose real name is Lenard Larry McKelvey, supported Kamala Harris for president over Donald Trump. But that didn't stop him from raking his preferred party over the coals. 'I just want Democrats to stop acting like they are on this moral high ground politically, when they have shown us theyre not,' said the host of The Breakfast Club. 'You know, whether its skipping the primary process when Biden stepped down to things like Biden pardoning his son. Stop acting like y'all are the pure party and Republicans arent,' he added. Biden's rationale for the pardon, which will protect Hunter from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024, was to shield his son from what he said was a selective and unfair prosecution. 'From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,' Biden said in a statement. 'No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because is my son - and that is wrong,' he continued. Charlamagne disagreed completely, saying: 'Hunter was singled out because he broke the law. That's number one. He was singled out because he had his illegal gun and tax evasion charges, not because he was the president's son.' Charlamagne tha God, real name is Lenard Larry McKelvey, is frustrated with Democrats claiming they have the moral high ground even as President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter With Joe Biden's pardon, Hunter will avoid jail time for his numerous gun and tax evasion convictions 'And it also shows me elected officials can do whatever they want as long as they have the political will and courage to do it,' he added. Hunter was convicted in June of lying on a federal government form to buy a gun and also possessing the firearm while abusing drugs. In September, he pleaded guilty to nine felony tax evasion charges. He was facing 25 years in prison for the gun charges and 17 years for the tax charges, though it was likely he would have served far less than that based on federal sentencing guidelines. Now it's guaranteed that Hunter won't spend a day in prison for these crimes. Critics claimed the broadly written pardon was an attempt to cover-up his actions on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma. That's because Hunter joined the board of Burisma in 2014, the exact year Biden stretched the pardon to cover. Hunter was paid millions for his role in the company despite not having a background in the gas or energy industries. In 2023, DailyMail.com exclusively revealed the younger Biden helped coordinate a plan with Democrat strategists to 'close down any cases' against the owner of allegedly corrupt Ukrainian gas firm and 'gain intelligence' on the country's top prosecutor's office. Ex-Ukrainian Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin publicly claimed that Hunter and then Vice President Joe Biden had him fired over his probe into Burisma The emails bolster claims by ex-Ukrainian Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin that the First Son and his then-Vice President dad conspired to kill Shokin's criminal investigation of Burisma. Another aspect of the controversy is Biden's complete reversal on granting his son a reprieve. Biden said as recently as June that he would 'not pardon' his son, unlike Trump who has outright said he wants to pardon January 6 rioters. The White House has also repeatedly denied a pardon was coming. Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden's press secretary, was grilled by journalists aboard Air Force One since she said several weeks ago that a pardon or clemency for Hunter was out of the question. Jean-Pierre insisted that the president was a truthful man who only reached his decision at the weekend, as he said in his Sunday statement. 'First of all, one of the things that the president always believes is to be truthful to the American people,' she said. 'That is something that he always truly believes.' President-elect Donald Trump sees Biden's decision to pardon Hunter as a symptom of a broken justice system politicized by the liberal left but did not directly criticize the president for the move Colorado Governor Jared Polis accused Biden of putting 'family ahead of the country' with the pardon. He is one of the few Democrats to come out and condemn the president Trump's immediate response to the shock move by Biden was to suggest he may pardon the remaining people who were convicted of rioting at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. 'Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!' Trump wrote. Even other prominent members of Biden's own party criticized him, including Colorado Governor Jared Polis. 'While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country,' Polis wrote. 'This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation.' Congressman Greg Stanton, a Democrat from Arizona, said that while he respects the president, Biden 'got this one wrong.' 'This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers,' Stanton wrote on X. Social media users were left in a frenzy after a woman hilariously revealed that a man at a bar was wearing a QR code t-shirt, which led to a clip of Donald Trump dancing. A Trump fan shared a video of the t-shirt on X and claimed they would be buying one the next time they visit Seattle, Washington. Once scanned by an iPhone camera, the QR code led to a website showing the President-elect doing the 'Trump dance' to 'YMCA' before the words 'Donald Trump is your PRESIDENT' appeared. Several X users were intrigued by the shirt, with one writing: 'I need one of those shirts to go with my Trump clause sweatshirt love president Trump.' The shirt can be bought on multiple e-commerce websites, and the QR code has been featured on other items like sweatshirts and hoodies. At least one online vendor, Tshirt At Low Price, gives shoppers the option to have the QR code on the front, back, or both sides of the shirt. Social media was sent into a frenzy after a video featuring clips of Donald Trump dancing at rallies went viral on X The person videoing showed how they scanned the QR code - which led them to the hilarious link The link brought users to a hilarious video of Trump dancing Other Trump fans said they wanted the shirt for Christmas. 'Tell my family to buy me one of these for Christmas!,' a Trump supported tweeted yesterday. At least two X users claimed the 'Trump dance' clips were the 'new Rick Roll' and that it was the 'best tool to market with.' 'We want a Santa doing the Trump dance to put at our mailbox! And every time a car goes down the street Santa dances!!!!,' an X user wrote. Hardly any X users spoke negatively about the QR code t-shirt, but one person warned shoppers to be careful when attempting to buy the product. 'I don't have any political view here but please be careful when you scan a random QR code as one of them may lead you to a sketchy site filled with viruses,' the X user wrote. Besides Tshirt at Low Price, commenters claimed they safely bought the products on websites like Viral Style and Pete's Pranks. Various social media users couldn't stop writing about how much they 'need' to buy the shirt for themselves or a loved one Various social media users, Trump supporters, and professional athletes have frequently done the 'Trump dance' over the last few months. NFL players Brock Bowers, Calvin Ridley and Nick Bosa are just three of the athletes who've done the 'Trump dance' in front of cameras. A group of moms in Palm Beach, Florida, also went viral after they performed the 'Trump Dance' with the President-elect during a luncheon at the Mar-a-Lago club this month. 'What has now become the iconic Trump dance is yet another example of President Trumps natural ability to create viral moments that captivate audiences simply by being himself,' 'TikTok Jack' said in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com. Daniel Pennys lawyer has asked jurors to imagine they were on the train with him when he placed a mentally ill homeless man in a chokehold. In an emotive closing speech at the end of a mammoth trial, defense attorney Steven Raiser urged jurors to picture the terror faced by commuters who were trapped in tight quarters as Jordan Neely told them he was prepared to return to jail and could kill. Penny, 26, jumped into action, placing 30-year-old homeless Michael Jackson impersonator Neely in a chokehold and dragging him to the ground on a subway train in May 2023. The former Marine denies two charges of negligent homicide and manslaughter. On Monday morning, Raiser told a Manhattan court that even the states own expert witnesses couldnt prove key elements beyond reasonable doubt. If their own experts have doubt why shouldnt you? He asked the 12 jurors who have listened to four weeks of intense testimony. Raiser showed footage of the train carriage and used audio of train doors opening and closing, helping to set the scene he was trying to get jurors to envision. Imagine youre on that train too. Strangers brought together by fate, he said. The doors begin to close, but a hand reaches in and pries the doors open again you see a look in Jordan Neelys eyes described as violent and desperate. Daniel Penny arrives at Manhattan Supreme Court Monday as closing arguments in his case over the subway killing of a homeless man were heard A court sketch shows Penny sitting next to his defense attorney Steven Raiser as Raiser addressed jurors 'Where do you go? Nowhere. There is nowhere to go. Who will he hurt? Will it be me? Will it be my child? Will it be my friend?' Raiser described those commuters as 'frozen in fear.' He told jurors there was an obvious reason that there was no footage of Neely's outburst - they were too scared to move. The first video evidence begins a minute after Penny got Neely to the ground, and captures much of the remainder of the ordeal, including the distressing moments Neely took his last breath. During his emotive closing arguments, he was repeatedly interrupted by assistant district attorney Dafna Yoran, who accused him of trying to misrepresent facts and mislead the jury. Her concerns were repeatedly overruled by the judge, who opted instead to remind the jury that each side would present their case as true and correct. Raiser quoted several experts and witnesses who testified during the trial. He reminded the jurors that Neely was described as one of the most severely psychotic cases one medical professional has ever seen. He also noted that Neely had synthetic drugs in his system - namely K2 - and that first responders opted to issue Narcan, used to reverse the effects of opioids, before they administered CPR. Beyond those details, Raiser told the jury that the state failed to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Penny is pictured holding Jordan Neely in a chokehold on a NYC subway train on May 1 2023 Neely is pictured in happier times as a Michael Jackson impersonator, before his life took a sharp downward spiral He said there were doubts about Neelys cause of death, and about whether the threshold of what constitutes a chokehold death had even been met. Raiser argued that the states own witness, the medical examiner, had raised doubts about whether he fell unconscious first or if Neely was in the early stages of dying during the time frame the state argues he first fell unconscious. Unconsciousness always precedes death in a chokehold death, he told the jury. Why are we here with such an utter lack of evidence? Raiser asked. Answering his own question, Raiser accused the government of bowing to public pressure, and feeling compelled to make a quick arrest due to the media attention and widespread protests the case sparked. The case was marked as high profile, he noted. The state will deliver closing arguments on Monday afternoon, and then the jury will deliberate. Penny faces up to 19 years behind bars if convicted. The public, many of whom turn out each and every day, braving hours-long queues to even get a foot inside the courtroom, have repeatedly voiced concerns throughout the trial about the whiteness of the jury. On Monday, one dedicated onlooker said: youd think in Manhattan they couldve done better than this. The jury selection process itself was a mammoth undertaking, lasting a week as the judge sifted through dozens of New Yorkers to find a balanced and unbiased final 12. There are also four reserve jurors who have heard the full trial and can step in for deliberations if necessary. The man accused of the horrific murder of two Melbourne women in 1977 is on a flight back to Australia from Rome to face charges. For nearly 50 years, the infamous Easey Street killings baffled detectives, but in September they finally arrested Perry Kouroumblis in Rome over the slaying of Suzanne Armstrong, 28, and Susan Bartlett, 27, in January 1977. The women, both aged in their 20s, were found dead with multiple stab wounds, while Ms Bartlett's 16-month-old son Gregory was found unharmed in his cot. The slayings were dubbed the 'Easey Street killlings' and became one of Australia's long-running cold cases. Mr Kouroumblis was 17 at the time and denies any part in their deaths. He left Australia for Athens in 2017, but it was at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport that he was detained as a result of an Interpol red flag on September 19. Since then he was been held in Rome's Regina Coeli jail awaiting extradition. The now 65-year-old has been seen boarding a Qatar Airways flight bound for Melbourne on Tuesday, escorted by police. Mr Kouroumblis' flight landed in Doha at 6am AEST and then began a 13-hour leg to Melbourne where it is due to land on Tuesday evening Reports described him as docile on the plane, taking advantage of a meal service and watching movies Mr Kouroumblis was photographed being escorted onto the waiting flight, dressed in a black jumper and glasses, with grey hair and a beard. Reports described him as docile on the plane, taking advantage of a meal service and watching movies. The flight landed in Doha at 6am AEST and began a 13-hour leg trip to Melbourne, which is due to land on Tuesday evening. In 2017, detectives relaunched their investigation and offered a $1million reward. As part of the new effort, they asked Mr Kouroumblis for a DNA sample. He allegedly agreed, but then left Australia for Athens. Instead, police reportedly took a sample from a family member, which they claim was a match. Greek law did not allow him to be extradited from Greece due to the historic nature of the alleged crime, which is why the Interpol alert was placed in his name, and he was arrested in Rome. Mr Kouroumblis allegedly agreed to give a DNA sample, but then left Australia for Greece Australia shares an extradition treaty with Italy. Italian police had reportedly been warned by their Australian counterparts that Mr Kouroumblis would fly to Rome. They set up a special operation to monitor passengers arriving from Greece. The family of Mr Kouroumblis have suggested he was lured to Rome from Athens by the prospect of a business deal. It would have been 'near-on impossible' to extradite the dual Australian-Greek national from Greece, a source said. The extradition comes after years of investigation in one of Australia's longest-running cold cases. Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said in September that the Easey Street alleged murders had always been a priority for Victoria Police. 'This struck at the heart of our community - two women in their own home, where they should have felt their safest,' Mr Patton said. 'While we still have some way to go, this arrest is an important breakthrough.' Yet another Commons urgent question on the Chagos Islands. Labour MPs skedaddled just as Tories rushed to enter the chamber. This created what police call traffic-flow management challenges. Defence minister Luke Pollard began his speech with only six Labour MPs on parade. Just three of them wished to contribute. Tories were out in force, however, as was Nigel Farage,all rubbing their knees and enjoying the Starmer Governments calamities. Chagos: another corker from the hit factory that brought you iced pensioners, farm protests and THAT Budget! Until a few weeks ago most MPs, if asked to locate the Chagos isle of Diego Garcia on a map, might have pointed to the Canaries. It is, in fact, in the Indian Ocean and has for 50 years been a UK-USA air base. Islanders were evicted c.1970 and many moved to the quasi-tropical paradise of Crawley, West Sussex, where they were minding their business until Sir Keir Starmer rushed into a deal to give the islands to distant Mauritius. Why did he do that? Post-colonial guilt. By mere coincidence one of Sir Keirs best chums was acting as lawyer for Mauritius. Joe Biden was all for Sir Keirs hand-wringing gambit but Donald Trumps people are allegedly v. cross. A new government in Mauritius has also turned against the deal. Sir Keir is in the odd position of being unable to give an archipelago away. Now he knows how electric-car dealers feel. Defence minister Luke Pollard insisted that the current deal was good The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) or Chagos Islands (formerly the Oil Islands) is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom situated in the Indian Ocean, halfway between Africa and Indonesia The Tories suspected that Sir Keir will hurriedly offer to pay millions more to Mauritius to loan this airfield we already own anything to get the matter resolved before scary Mr Trump returns to power on January 20. James Cartlidge, shadow defence secretary, said Diego Garcia was critical to our peace and posture. Defence people love to talk of posture. So did my yoga teacher, Harold, until my London gym closed. Mr Pollard, who has an enviably upright bearing even if his Government lacks a spine, insisted that the current deal was good. The Opposition laughed. Those six Labour MPs stared at their sandals. Beside Mr Pollard sat Stephen Doughty, foreign office minister in charge of our few square miles of the Indian Ocean. There is something of the late Roy Kinnear to Mr Doughty: a faintly sweaty, feverish appearance, prone to twitches and gaseous whinnies. Mr Doughty is normally the poor sap lumbered with Chagos Island urgent questions David Lammy has learned to avoid them but this time it was the turn of the more urbane Pollard. Tan Singh Dhesi (Lab, Slough), who by some freak of nature has become chairman of the defence committee, announced that Diego Garcia was a jolly important asset. Though true, this was not a revelation. Mr Dhesis defence expertise may be based on a few evenings with the board-game LAttaque. The only Labour MP bendy enough to ask a Whips-nark question was Mark Sewards (Leeds SW and Morley) who marvelled that we would not be giving away the Falklands or Gibraltar. Peter Lamb (Lab) was less impressed. He, you see, is MP for the aforesaid paradise of Crawley. The Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean and has for 50 years been a UK-USA air base His Chagossian constituents hate Sir Keirs deal even more than Mr Trump does. The only people who seem to like the blessed deal are the Chinese, who thanks to their allies in Mauritius may soon set up listening posts on lumps of Chagos coral reef near the Diego Garcia runway. Mr Farage, whose Clacton-on-Sea constituency is almost as remote and palm-fringed as the Chagos Islands, noted that Joe Biden is going many think hes already gone. Mr Farages friends in the Trump circle thought the Chagos giveaway a rotten deal, we were told. Priti Patel, shadow foreign secretary, kept squawking they gave it away! at ministers. Mr Pollard, in solidarity with certain other Indian Ocean islands, started to sink. And Jim Shannon (DUP, Strangford) waved a white flag. Succinct? On closer inspection it turned out merely to be an enormous hanky with which old Jim proceeded to dab his nose. The Oxford Union has been accused of bias after holding a 'shambles' debate which labelled Israel an 'apartheid state responsible for genocide'. The event descended into chaos with audience members shouting, booing and swearing while one speaker stormed out and another was asked to leave. The historic debating society has now been accused of holding a 'show trial' over the controversial motion, 'This house believes Israel is an apartheid state responsible for genocide'. Journalist Jonathan Sacerdoti, who spoke against the motion, said Jewish students were too afraid to attend and the audience were a 'baying mob'. He wrote in The Spectator: 'This was not a debate; it was a show trial... cheered on by a mob that had no interest in facts or truth... 'They interrupted every pro-Israel speaker with jeers, coughs, and outright abuse... 'This felt like a marker, the moment when the Oxford Union truly fell. 'Not just as a debating society, but as a symbol of intellectual freedom.' A debate at the Oxford Union titled, 'This house believes Israel is an apartheid state responsible for genocide,' passed after the chamber descended into chaos on Thursday evening The Oxford Union's president, Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy, spoke in favour of the motion, as did a number of pro-Palestine activists and writers. Mr Sacerdoti, who is Jewish and an Oxford alumnus, said there was a 'mean girls' atmosphere and Mr Osman-Mowafy seemed 'openly biased from the outset'. Mr Sacerdoti said that during his own speech, a woman shouted: 'Liar! F*** you, the genocidal motherf***er!' One audience member later posted on X that he was 'amazed' at 'how hostile and toxic the atmosphere was'. Another told the Oxford Student website: 'Shambles is an understatement. It was a fiasco.' One speaker in favour of the motion, Palestinian writer Mohammed El-Kurd, stormed out after his speech because he didn't want to 'share a space' with a controversial opposing speaker, Mosab Hassan Yousef - a son of a Hamas leader who became an IDF informant. Another speaker, Arab-Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad, was reportedly asked to leave following a confrontation with audience members. Meanwhile, dozens of protesters outside the Union organised by Oxford Action for Palestine chanted anti-Israel slogans that could be heard inside the chamber. The motion was carried, with 278 audience members voting for it and 59 against. Dozens of protesters outside the Union organised by Oxford Action for Palestine chanted anti-Israel slogans that could be heard inside the chamber. Pictured: Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy A spokesman for the Oxford Union said: 'A dropout of a guest speaker (Norman Finkelstein) very close to the debate necessitated an additional speaker for the proposition, which was filled by the President... 'During the debate, the President, in accordance with the powers conferred on the Chair in the Rules of the Oxford Union, directed two individuals to withdraw from the floor of the House.' The spokesman said one was an audience member who 'repeatedly disrupted the speech' of Mr Sacerdoti, while the other was Mr Haddad. It is the latest in a string of controversial incidents affecting the 200-year-old society, which is independent from the university but is run and attended by Oxford students. It prides itself on 'upholding the principles of free speech' and former Union presidents have gone on to be some of the most prominent British leaders in history. In the summer, Mr Osman-Mowafy, 21, accused the Union of being 'institutionally racist' after he was ousted from his role over alleged rule-breaking. He said the decision to strip him of his presidency was 'steeped in nothing but racism, islamophobia and persistent bias'. The third-year law student, who is Egyptian, lost his seat after a Union tribunal decided a complaint he made against a returning officer was vexatious and unfounded. However, this decision was later overturned and he was then reinstated. The Oxford Union was previously accused of racism in 2019 after a security guard manhandled a blind black man who was sat in the chamber. Special Prosecutor David Weiss says Hunter Biden's tax crimes cannot be dismissed despite his father's presidential pardon. Hunter's lawyers filed papers asking a California judge to dismiss the case as soon as Joe Biden pardoned him on Sunday. But in a response on Monday, Weiss, the senior Justice Department official who ran the prosecutions against the felon First Son, argued that it's not that simple. In their filing, Weiss and his prosecutors Leo Wise and Derek Hines slammed Hunter's lawyers for trying to 'blot out guilt' and erase the shocking deeds he admitted to in court. They said that the court should instead close the case with a note acknowledging Hunter's presidential pardon, but leaving his guilty plea on the record, along with the official finding that prosecutors' charges of debauchery, deliberate tax-dodging and political perversion were true. The DoJ officials accused Hunter's hotshot Washington DC attorney Abbe Lowell of 'misrepresent[ing] the law' adding that 'Nothing requires the dismissal of the indictment in this case.' Defense attorneys for Hunter Biden filed papers asking a California judge to dismiss the case as soon as Joe Biden pardoned him on Sunday The special prosecutor in the case, David Weiss, has opposed the motion and argued that the First Son's indictment should remain on record despite the pardon Joe Biden made the shock announcement Sunday night that he would issue a presidential pardon for his troubled son Hunter, calling his prosecution 'selective' and 'unfair' They quoted previous cases involving Donald Trump's presidential pardons, such as for Steve Bannon and Michael Flynn, where judges ruled 'a pardon does not blot out guilt or expunge a judgment of conviction.' Weiss also made what could be seen as a veiled jab at President Biden, who claimed in a statement on Sunday along with his pardon to his son, that Hunter's prosecutions were politically motivated. 'There was none and never has been any evidence of vindictive or selective prosecution in this case,' Weiss wrote, adding that those claims were ruled by courts as 'unmoored from any evidence or even a coherent theory'. 'The defendant filed eight motions to dismiss the indictment, making every conceivable argument for why it should be dismissed, all of which were determined to be meritless,' Weiss said. He pointed to the California federal judge Mark Scarsi's previous ruling, that the defense's claims that Hunter was singled out for political reasons were 'without any evidence'. 'The defendant made similar baseless accusations in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Those claims were also rejected,' Weiss wrote. The Special Prosecutor said that instead of dismissing the case, the usual practice is that 'once an Executive Grant of Clemency has been filed on the docket, the docket is marked closed, the disposition entry is updated to reflect the executive grant of clemency, and no further action is taken by the Court.' That way, Hunter's confession to the charges laid out in a 56-page indictment filed December last year would remain on the record. The president's son (pictured in January) eventually pleaded guilty to nine tax evasion charges, including three felonies, after finally agreeing to admit to the crimes during extraordinary drama at his federal trial in Los Angeles in September In their filing, the DoJ cited previous cases involving Trump's presidential pardons, such as for Steve Bannon and Michael Flynn, where judges ruled 'a pardon does not blot out guilt or expunge a judgment of conviction' The First Son admitted he failed to pay taxes on millions earned from shady overseas business deals with criminal Chinese businessmen, a Ukrainian oligarch and other foreigners, instead blowing the cash on drugs, prostitutes, and a lavish lifestyle. On Monday, conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation released a statement urging House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer to subpoena Hunter to testify again arguing that the pardon could end up painting him into a corner over potential perjury. 'What can Congress do after Hunter's Pardon? Rep. James Comer could immediately subpoena Hunter to a new deposition,' the Foundation, which has helped investigate Hunter, said in the statement. 'If Hunter doesn't show up that's a crime which is not covered by the pardon. 'If Hunter does show up he cannot invoke his Fifth Amendment rights for the time period covered by the pardon.' Usually, anyone has the right to refuse to answer a question that would incriminate them, under the US constitution's fifth amendment. But the think tank says Hunter's pardon for any crimes in the last 10 years means that he would have to answer questions about that decade honestly or open himself up to perjury charges. 'He should be asked about his perjury in his prior deposition that appears to have been designed to protect the Biden Crime Family and appears to have been rewarded with a pardon,' the statement said. 'If he lies again then that's not covered by the pardon and a fair and impartial DOJ could prosecute. 'Hunter was just the bagman. He was the useful addict. Others like President Biden and Jim Biden must answer for their part in the Biden Crime Family as well.' A staffer for a powerful Democratic member of the House of Representatives on Monday was fired after he was arrested by Capitol police officers after they found gun magazines and rounds of ammunition in his bag. The Capitol Police revealed in a statement that 38-year-old Michael Hopkins was arrested on Monday morning after he put his bag through x-ray screening at the Cannon House Office Building. USCP officers noticed what appeared to be ammunition on the x-ray screen. After a hand search of the bag, officers found four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition, the statement read. Hopkins is a communications director for New York Rep. Joseph D. Morelle, the top Democrat on the House Administration Committee. Hopkins told the officers that he forgot the ammunition was in the bag, but he was still arrested by capitol police for charges of unlawful possession of ammunition including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine. Washington, D.C., has strict gun laws, including a 10-round limit on gun magazines and firearms are banned anywhere on the Capitol premises. 'In response to this mornings incident, Mr. Hopkins is no longer employed by Representative Morelles office effective immediately,' Morelle's chief of staff Jo Stiles told reporters in a statement. Earlier Monday, Morelles office said in a statement they would cooperate with the investigation and gathering more information on the details surrounding the arrest. Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y. fired a staffer after he was arrested by Capitol Police for entering the building with gun ammunition in his bag Our office is fully committed to cooperating with the investigation. As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Congressman Morelle is devoted to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all, the statement read. Hopkins did not return a DailyMail.com request for comment. The Committee on House Administration is responsible for House operations and Capitol security. Staffers entering the capitol have been flagged and arrested before for possessing illegal weapons on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Capitol Police arrested 38-year-old Michael Hopkins for having ammunition in his bag Michael Hopkins was fired from his communications position in Rep. Joseph D. Morelle's office on Capitol Hill Jeffrey Allsbrooks, a logistics manager at the House Chief Administrative Office, was arrested by Capitol Police in 2021 after he entered the capitol complex with a gun in his bag. Allsbrooks told police he forgot he had the gun in his bag and pleaded not guilty. He was charged with Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Unregistered Ammunition and Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device. In 2022, Allsbrooks pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempted possession of an unregistered firearm as part of a plea agreement. Capitol Hill police also routinely arrest individuals found on Capitol Hill grounds for the possession of firearms. In November 2023, Capitol Hill police arrested Ahmir Lavon Merrell, 21, for possessing an AR-15 rifle outside the Capitol complex. All weapons are prohibited on Capitol Hill, even if they are legally registered in another state. Keir Starmer last night vowed to move Britain closer to the EU, despite warnings it could alienate Donald Trump. The Prime Minister insisted a softer Brexit deal was vital for our growth and security - and said he had already made progress on a reset of relations with Brussels. In the annual speech to the Lord Mayors banquet in the City of London, the PM insisted he could strengthen ties with Mr Trump at the same time, revealing that he had told the President-elect he would invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends. Mr Trump has been a vocal critic of the EU and allies have warned that Sir Keir cannot expect a close relationship with the incoming administration in Washington if he cosies up to Brussels. Stephen Moore, an economic adviser to Mr Trump, said last month that Britain would have to choose between the EU and Washington, saying: Britain has to decide - do you want to go towards the European socialist model or do you want to go towards the US free market? Mr Moore said the US would be less interested in a new trade deal with the UK if Sir Keir forges closer economic ties with Brussels. Some Labour MPs have urged the PM to accelerate closer ties with Brussels in the wake of President Trumps victory, while Lib Dem leader has advised him to Trump-proof Britain by cosying up to the EU. The PM last night insisted he could ride both horses at once, saying it was plain wrong to suggest he would have to prioritise between relations with Britains most important ally and its biggest trading market. The Prime Minister insisted a softer Brexit deal was vital for our growth and security - and said he had already made progress on a reset of relations with Brussels (pictured: Keir Starmer at the Lord Mayor's Banquet) In the annual speech to the Lord Mayors banquet in the City of London, the PM insisted he could strengthen ties with Mr Trump at the same time I want to be clear at the outset, he said. Against the backdrop of these dangerous times, the idea that we must choose between our allies - that somehow were with either America or Europe - is plain wrong. I reject it utterly. Attlee did not choose between allies. Churchill did not choose. The national interest demands that we work with both. In recent months, Sir Keir has tried to rebuild relations with Mr Trump following years in which Labour painted him as a Right-wing bogeyman. Last night he said he would never turn his back on the US, despite foreign secretary David Lammy once describing Mr Trump as a tyrant in a toupee. The PM said the US had been the cornerstone of our security and our prosperity for over a century, adding: We will never turn away from that. He said the special relationship was forged on the battlefields of two world wars, adding: This is not about sentimentality. It is about hard-headed realism. Time and again the best hope for the world and the surest way to serve our mutual national interest has come from our two nations working together. It still does. Sir Keir said that when Mr Trump graciously hosted me for dinner in New York in September I told him that we will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come. He added: And we will rebuild our ties with Europe too. Some Labour MPs have urged the PM to accelerate closer ties with Brussels in the wake of President Trumps victory, while Lib Dem leader has advised him to Trump-proof Britain by cosying up to the EU. Pictured: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Sir Keir has invested heavily in strengthening relations with EU leaders as part of efforts to reset relations with Brussels. Ministers are said to be close to agreeing a deal which would allow young Europeans to travel and work in the UK, which they hope will open to door to a wider trade agreement. Last night the PM insisted he was not trying to reverse Brexit, saying the talks were about looking forward, not back. There will be no return to freedom of movement, no return to the customs union and no return to the single market, he said. Instead we will find practical, agile ways to cooperate which serve the national interest. But he said renewed relations with the EU were on any objective assessment vital for our growth and security. And he accused the Conservatives of undermining Britains influence by souring relations with Europe and demonising the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg as a foreign court. None of this was aimed at seriously trying to solve the problems we face, he said. And added together, it actively harmed the national interest. The PM defended recent efforts to thaw relations with China, saying Britain cant simply look the other way at the actions of the emerging superpower. We need to engage, he said. Last night Starmer said he would never turn his back on the US, despite foreign secretary David Lammy once describing Donald Trump as a tyrant in a toupee Sir Keir renewed his commitment to Ukraine, saying it was deeply in our self-interest. But, in an acknowledgement that an incoming Trump administration could pressure Kyiv to sue for peace, he suggested the aim now must be to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations so they can secure a just and lasting peace on their terms that guarantees their security, independence - and right to choose their own future. Making the case for continued support for Ukraines military effort, he said the future of freedom in Europe is being decided today. We face a near and present danger with Russia as an erratic, increasingly desperate aggressor, on our continent marshalling all its resources - along with North Korean troops and Iranian missiles - aiming to kill and to conquer, he said. The PM repeated his commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP but again gave no timetable for when military funding might increase. With Mr Trump raising concerns about the financial contributions made by Nato members, Sir Keir said it was vital that all European nations step up to protect our shared future. A police operation involving heavily armed officers of the Tactical Operations Squad unfolded in one of Sydney's most exclusive harbourside suburbs early this morning. Residents of Mosman said officers with high-powered rifles entered a home near The Buena pub on Tuesday morning and removed a man very quickly. Police later told Daily Mail Australia they spoke to an 18-year-old male who had since left the scene and no arrests had been made. Photos of the young male, believed to have been at the centre of the incident, showed his face well-hidden as he was driven away from the scene. Prince Albert St was re-opened after having been closed off earlier when police urged residents to avoid the area. The operation remains ongoing but 'there is no threat to the community,' a police spokesperson said. Community group Mosman Collective shared a picture of an officer with a rifle using the door of an armoured vehicle as a shield, adding: 'This is the moment police readied themselves to storm a home on Prince Albert St around 7am this morning. 'When the Riot Squad van turned up we were very alarmed, and police had a loud hailer they were using to warn the man they were coming for him.' Passengers were also removed from buses. Police told Daily Mail Australia they had spoken to a man, aged 18, who had since left the scene Photos of the young male, believed to have been at the centre of the incident, showed his face well-hidden as he was driven away from the scene A group of migrants have formed a caravan in southern Mexico in hopes of reaching the northern border region with the United States. As many as 1,500 migrants, most of them from Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras and Venezuela marched Sunday out of Tapachula, a city in the southern state of Chiapas near the border with Guatemala. Women could be seen pushing their children in strollers as several elderly people kept pace with a group that began their journey at night to avoid the daytime heat in the area. The latest caravan formed amid increasing threats from the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump that a 25 percent tariff will be imposed if the Mexico does not stop the flow of migrants to the United States border. Trump said last Wednesday that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was in agreement to shut down illegal migration via 1,954-mile shared border. Sheinbaum, who in October became the nation's first woman president, took to social media to clear Trump's statement and indicated that Mexico was committed to 'not to close borders but to build bridges between governments and people.' Sheinbaum remain hopeful that tariffs could be avoided, but claimed that 'if there are US tariffs, Mexico would also raise tariffs.' Mexican authorities broke up two smaller caravans that formed in November following Trump's election victory. A caravan of 1,500 migrants were seen walking Monday road in Tapachula, Mexico in an attempt to reach the northern border region with the United States At least 1.500 migrants, most from Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras and Venezuela, formed a caravan in the southern Mexican city of Tapachula, the third since Donald Trump won the election Some of the migrants were hoping to just be able to reach the northern industrial Mexican cities, where they would consider the possibility of staying and working. Others remain optimistic about the chances of being able to cross the southern United States border so they could 'achieve a better life for their families,' according to Santos Modesto, who abandoned his home in Honduras. 'But I think a lot of people here, if there were opportunities in Monterrey and surrounding areas, they would stay there because there are a lot of Cubans and Venezuelans who would rather stay here than return to their country,' Modesto said. Miguel Angel told EFE left behind his family in Ecuador and decided to join the caravan after he noticed that more migrants were arriving in Tapachula, where he feared for his well-being and work is scare. He added that the National Institute of Migration made matters worse because migrants did not trust the agency. 'I'm going to be honest, there is no one to trust, we have witnessed when immigration agents say they will help us,' Miguel Angel, 'but it's a lie and they detain us for three days and don't help us with documents or anything, that's why we don't trust anyone, we only go with the help of God. Migrants gathered Sunday night in Tapachula, a city in the southern Mexico state of Chiapas across from Guatemala, before they began to march towards the northern border region across from the United States Donald Trump has vowed to impose a 25 percent tariff on Mexican products if its government does not the flow of migrants to the United States southern border Eliser, a migrant from El Salvador, was worn out of having spent one month and 10 days in Tapachula and thought that time could have been better spent traveling the 621 miles it takes to reach Mexico City. 'People are tired of being in Tapachula,' Elieser told EFE. 'There is no work, no accommodation, no money, and people have been waiting for four to five months and can't find anything in this city.' Migrants said they were also concerned that Trump may eliminate the cellphone app CBP One that makes asylum claims more orderly after his January 20 inauguration. About 1,450 appointments are made available daily, encouraging migrants to get an appointment before they show up at the border. 'There are a lot of reports that he has said he is going to do away with CBP One, that there are going to be deportations, the biggest deportation, but you have to have faith in God,' said Venezuelan migrant Francisco Unda, 38. Apart from the much larger first caravans in 2018 and 2019 - which were provided buses to ride part of the way north - no caravan has ever reached the U.S. border walking or hitchhiking in any cohesive way, though some individual members have made it. For years, migrant caravans have often been blocked, harassed or prevented from hitching rides by Mexican police and immigration agents. They have also frequently been rounded up or returned to areas near the Guatemalan border. Harvey Weinstein has been hospitalized - less than two months after being hit with a cancer diagnosis. The development was first reported by TMZ, who spoke with the disgraced producer's attorney. The lawyer confirmed the recent visit is related to his high-profile client's recent leukemia diagnosis, delivered back in October. In the weeks since, the 72-year-old has been receiving treatment on Rikers Island, where he is being held ahead of yet another sex crimes trial. That's still slated for 2025 - leading a representative of the convicted rapist to, last month, air his client's intent to sue the city, for refusing his requests to be released so that he may undergo outside treatment. Weinstein's team, at the time, further claimed the arrangement constituted 'ongoing medical negligence'. News of the suit emerged the same day Weinstein visited Manhattan's Bellevue Hospital on November 8, for unspecified reasons. The hospital visit came on the heels of several others from the former movie mogul, who has been plagued by health issues even before the recent bone marrow cancer diagnosis. On Monday, Weinstein's lawyer Imran Ansari spoke about the recent visit more in-depth. Harvey Weinstein has been hospitalized less than two months after being hit with a cancer diagnosis, his attorney has reportedly confirmed He said the movie mogul convicted of sex crimes back in 2018 was at city-owned hospital Bellevue, adding that the visit is related to his high-profile client's recent leukemia diagnosis '[Weinstein] been suffering from a lack of adequate medical care and enduring deplorable and inhumane conditions on Rikers Island,' he said, repeating claims aired in the November lawsuit that names both the hospital and the government agency that runs it as defendants. Ansari went on to cite 'an alarming blood test result' that was a cause for concern - enough so that his client was rushed from Rikers back to Bellevue. Not offering more detail, the jurist went on to concede that the convict's condition is treatable, but had been serious enough for officials to forgo his current treatment plan in prison. He also said that Weinstein will remain at Bellevue until his condition stabilizes - a timeline that remains shrouded for now. 'His deprivation of care is not only medical malpractice, but a violation of his constitutional rights,' the attorney added, referencing the suit he filed against the city just last week. Weinstein's spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, similarly added: 'This mistreatment constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.' The claim with the Office of the NYC Comptroller contains similar sentiments, painting both Bellevue and NYC Health + Hospitals as negligent. In an explanation as to why the complaint was filed, representative reiterated it was due to Weinstein having 'the right to proper care while in custody.' In the weeks since, the 72-year-old has been receiving treatment on Rikers Island, where he is being held ahead of yet another sex crimes trial Weinstein had already been in the midst of suing New York City following his cancer diagnosis last month, for refusing his requests to be released so that he may undergo outside treatment Perhaps most sensationally, though, was that the sexual predator's team's insistence that the lawsuit was designed to put a stop to a supposed conspiracy rep appeared to suggest was the work of the city itself. 'This treatment suggests a broader agenda for a more sinister outcome through lawfare and inadequate healthcare,' it read. Meanwhile, the former producer who was already found guilty in 2018 is soon set to sit in court once more, after new criminal charges were brought against him this past September. That same month, Weinstein had to have fluid from his heart and lungs removed in what his lawyer called an emergency surgery, also at Bellevue, after he started suffering from chest pains. At the time, his prison consultant said the surgery was successful, but that he remains in 'pain from the procedure.' The rep also pointed to the convicted rapist's previous health problems, which have included bouts with COVID-19 and double pneumonia. Before that, he spent 10 days in Bellevue in April, after attending his trials in a wheelchair. A rep, upon filing the complaint last week, also pointed to the convicted rapist's previous health problems, which have included bouts with COVID-19 and double pneumonia. He is now suffering from a rare form of bone cancer, as he is set to stand trial on new charges sometime next year Following another conviction in February 2020, Weinstein left court in an ambulance bound to Bellevue, after complaining of chest pains and high blood pressure. He had a stent inserted to unblock an artery. As the city fields the lawsuit, Weinstein continues to deny that he raped or sexually assaulted anyone, and he remains in custody in New York. Prosecutors retrying his overturned rape conviction have since disclosed that they have begun presenting new evidence - of up to three additional allegations going as far back as the mid-2000s. Levels of trust in the SNP government have collapsed amid growing concerns about the state of Scotlands public services. Figures from the Scottish Governments own survey show the proportion of people who trust it has plummeted from 55 per cent in 2022 to 45 per cent last year. Levels of trust also declined over the most recent 12-month period for all six institutions of the public sector north of the Border: the police, justice system, education system, health service, civil service and local government. It led to claims that the SNP is systematically dismantling Scotlands public services after 17 years in power. Ministers were also accused of trying to dodge scrutiny after it emerged the questions about trust will no longer be asked annually as part of the survey. Decline: How far trust in Holyrood and the institutions it is responsible for fell in one year Tory MSP Rachel Hamilton said Scots had clearly lost faith in the SNP after 17 years of gross incompetence Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: This damning survey lays bare the consequences of 17 years of SNP vandalism. Its no surprise trust in the Scottish Government collapsed as the SNP became embroiled in scandal and infighting, but with trust declining across the board its clear the SNPs failure goes well beyond political psychodrama. SNP incompetence has left every institution in Scotland weaker and Scots are all paying the price. From our NHS to our schools to our justice system, the SNP has systematically dismantled our public services. Now the SNP is attempting to dodge scrutiny of their woeful record by dropping these questions from this years survey. The figures were contained within a new analysis of responses to questions on trust in institutions in the Scottish Household Survey, which was published yesterday. Just 45 per cent of respondents said they trusted the SNP government, down 10 percentage points compared to 2022. Of the responses, 22 per cent said they distrust it greatly and 23 per cent tend to distrust it, while only 7 per cent said they trust it a great deal and 38 per cent said they tend to trust it. Trust levels were lowest among those aged over 60, at 36 per cent, and highest among those aged 16-34, at 56 per cent. People living in rural parts of Scotland were also less trusting with only 41 per cent of respondents expressing trust. Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: After over 17 years of gross incompetence, more and more Scots clearly do not have faith in this SNP government. They do not trust them to act in their best interests or focus on what they are really concerned about. Instead, they see ministers wasting time and taxpayers money on fringe issues rather than tackling what matters to people across Scotland. This SNP government, who are addicted to secrecy, are now shamefully running scared from wanting to hear what the public thinks of them, and the services they run, by dropping the question from this years survey. Other than the government, the justice system saw the next biggest decline in trust, from 65 per cent in 2022 to 56 per cent last year. Trust in education services fell from 68 per cent to 62 per cent while trust in the police declined from 78 per cent to 73 per cent. Health services had the smallest decline, from 79 per cent to 78 per cent. Other aspects of the survey showed that 52 per cent of households said they were managing well financially, compared to 50 per cent in 2022 and 56 per cent prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. A further 39 per cent said they were getting by, while 9 per cent were not managing well. Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Willie Rennie said: People are fed up with almost two decades of SNP failure. For too many people, it feels like nothing works anymore and that they are being taken for granted. MasterChef viewers have slammed the BBC's decision to include Gregg Wallace in the semi-final. The grocer-turned broadcaster, 60, last week stepped away from hosting the show after nearly 20 years. His absence comes while allegations of inappropriate comments he made towards staff and celebrity guests over 17 years are investigated. The star is accused of making 'inappropriate sexual jokes' and asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff. The presenter allegedly even walked naked on set with only a sock on his penis. However, in a move that has shocked some viewers, Wallace has continued to appear on MasterChef: The Professionals, with the programme's semi-final airing on Monday night. Furious fans took to social media to blast the BBC for not editing Wallace out of the show, despite the presenter stepping down from his role last week. One furious viewer wrote on X: 'I see the BBC is being its usual tone-deaf self. BBC refuses to pull "misogynistic" Gregg Wallace off air.' Another wrote: 'Watching @MasterChefUK and while I've never thought Gregg Wallace brought anything positive to the show I'm finding it near impossible to watch the show.' A third said: 'I was expecting them to have edited Gregg Wallace out though.' Gregg Wallace, 60, has stepped away from hosting MasterChef after nearly 20 years while allegations of inappropriate comments he made towards staff and celebrity guests over 17 years are investigated The BBC have decided to go ahead and broadcast the rest of MasterChef: The Professionals, which will conclude on December 12 Furious fans took to social media to slam the BBC for not editing Wallace out of the show, despite the presenter stepping down from his role last week A fourth penned: 'After the revelations of the last few days I'm finding Gregg Wallace more irritating than usual.' A BBC spokesperson said: 'MasterChef is life-changing for the chefs that take part and the show is about more than one individual.' A former MasterChef contestant told Sky News that Wallace 'humiliated' her and drove her to tears with a sexually inappropriate comment during filming. Jackie Kearney, a chef and author who finished fourth in the BBC hit show in 2011, claimed Wallace made sexual innuendos 'constantly' in front of crew members. Ms Kearney spoke about how Wallace left her breaking down in tears in the toilets after making a lewd joke about his penis. She said: 'There were several times that he would comment on my legs, or comment on the skirts I was wearing... he made a comment once: "If I'd known you had legs like that, maybe you'd have made it further".' Ms Kearney returned to MasterChef as a guest judge in 2017, where she hoped to impress Wallace and co-host John Torode with her book about vegan food which she published two years prior. But recalling how the interaction went, she claimed: 'I came into the studio and was like, "Hi Gregg, I've got something for you!" And he said, "Oh, is it a present for my c***?''' Ms Kearney said the comment left her feeling 'humiliated' and 'embarrassed' and that she broke down in tears in the toilets. Greg Wallace (pictured) apologised for 'any offence I caused' after his controversial comments on Instagram on the weekend She said she also walked around hating what she was wearing because Wallace had allegedly already made a comment about her legs earlier in the day. Ms Kearney thought that someone would check up on her, but that nobody said anything. She claims that Wallace was mic'ed up when he made the sexual comment. The chef claims that Wallace created an environment where his sexual remarks were 'normalised in way that you would expect to see in a '90s lads mag'. The presenter has defended himself against all the allegations against him, pinning the blame on 'middle class women of a certain age'. But on Monday he apologised for his controversial comments, admitting he was 'not in a good head space' when he posted the rant. Banijay UK, the show's production company, previously said the complaints were made to the BBC by 'individuals in relation to historical allegations of misconduct while working with Gregg Wallace on one of our shows'. The company said Wallace was 'committed to fully co-operating throughout the process'. '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,' the company said. '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 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.' China allows wholly foreign-owned hospitals in major cities Xinhua) 09:37, December 02, 2024 BEIJING, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- China has unveiled a plan to allow the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in some major cities, in a move to further open up its medical sector. The pilot work plan, released by the National Health Commission (NHC) and three other government departments on Friday, grants approval to the cities of Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, as well as the island province of Hainan. According to Liu Guoen, head of the Institute for Global Health and Development of Peking University, the move has demonstrated a stronger commitment to openness made by the Chinese government. Medical services, along with telecommunications, education and culture, are among a number of sectors that China pledged for a "wider opening in a well-conceived way" in a package of comprehensive reform plans rolled out by Chinese authorities in July. In a statement released on Friday, the NHC noted that medical services have high domestic market demand and strong investment interest from foreign investors. Wholly foreign-owned hospitals are expected to help meet the public's diverse healthcare demands. In 2023, the number of hospitals in China topped 38,000. Public hospitals accounted for less than one-third of the total yet received 83.5 percent of the total patient visits nationwide, according to official data. Chen Hao, director of the drug policy and management research center at Wuhan-based Tongji Medical College in Huazhong University of Science and Technology, said foreign-owned hospitals, generally positioned toward the high-end market, can supplement China's current domestic healthcare system, which primarily focuses on providing public welfare medical services. "This will help to establish a multi-tiered healthcare service structure," Chen said. China has allowed the establishment of joint-venture medical institutions with foreign investors since 2000 and currently has over 60 foreign-invested joint-venture medical institutions. In 2014, the government issued a document to permit the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and the four provinces of Jiangsu, Fujian, Guangdong and Hainan. The document, however, did not lead to the prominent development of wholly foreign-owned hospitals due to multiple factors such as policies and market adapting obstacles facing the hospitals. Compared with 10 years ago, the new pilot program appears to be more well-prepared regarding policy guidance, supportive measures, and supervision. Concerning the pilot program, the NHC and the Ministry of Commerce have promised to provide clear policy interpretations for foreign enterprises and address challenges facing key foreign investment projects in areas such as land use and financing. End-to-end support will be provided to ensure projects are launched, constructed, and operational as soon as possible, according to the authorities. The work plan also stipulates that wholly foreign-owned hospitals are permitted to operate as general, specialty, and rehabilitation hospitals, explicitly excluding traditional Chinese medicine hospitals and blood disease hospitals, while prohibiting the foreign acquisition of public hospitals. It restricts wholly foreign-owned hospitals from performing medical activities with significant medical or ethical risks, such as human organ transplantation, assisted human reproductive technologies and psychiatric inpatient treatment. Liao Xinbo, formerly a senior health official in Guangdong and now an internet celebrity, told the media that regulators must consider various issues, such as market supervision and data security, and improve policies across all stages to provide the conditions necessary for foreign-funded hospitals to survive and thrive. According to Liu Guoen, foreign-owned hospitals will likely need an observation period, and the investment might be cautious initially. At the same time, he remains optimistic about the investment prospect. "The pilot program is a concrete action for China to fulfill its commitment to reform and opening up, sending a very positive signal," he said. "It will also certainly help China better advance its reform and inclusive development in the future." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Australia's biggest bank will soon charge some customers a fee if they want to withdraw their own money from branches. Customers of the Commonwealth Bank got a rude shock on Monday when the bank announced it was closing its 'Complete Access Account' and changing them to 'Smart Access Accounts'. But the new account will include a $3 fee tacked onto every withdrawal from a branch, a post office or phone, starting January 6. CommBank told Daily Mail Australia it 'continues to offer customers free cash withdrawals from our national ATM network'. 'The monthly account fee for the Smart Access account is currently $2 less than the Complete Access account and both accounts offer similar features,' the spokesperson said. 'Our Smart Access account has a $3 assisted withdrawal fee. This is our main transaction account and the assisted withdrawal fees on that account have not changed. 'We continue to offer waivers on assisted withdrawal fees for customers who meet certain criteria including certain types of pension recipients, those who desposit $2,000 a month, and those under 18 years of age. 'Our Streamline Basic account has no monthly account fees or assisted withdrawal fees and is available to customers who hold an eligible concession card.' Commonwealth Bank has told customers they will need to pay a fee to withdraw cash at a branch An email sent to customers on Monday detailing the new fee on the Smart Access Account, the Complete Access Account type will be closed The bank in recent years has remained tight-lipped on whether it is transitioning its branch network, as a whole, to 'cashless', with CommBank having opened a number of 'Specialist Centres', which do not have tellers to handle physical cash. The Specialist Centres focus on business and home loan products, credit facilities and merchant services. Meanwhile, customers who are looking to deposit or withdraw cash are directed to either online banking or ATMs. When the Specialist Centres first started appearing in July last year, this masthead asked if the bank was looking to phase out physical cash and received a response which seemed to sidestep the question. 'Commonwealth Bank has created a very small number of Specialist Centres in major metropolitan areas, which are designed to support personal and business customers with more complex banking needs,' a spokesperson said at the time. 'These Specialist Centres provide customers with face-to-face access to specialist home and business lenders, and also offer the latest self-service technologies. All of our Specialist Centres are in major metropolitan locations and very nearby to full-service branches. 'We continue to maintain Australia's largest branch network for customers.' In August this year, CommBank said it was costing about $350million a year just to keep physical cash in its network and described it as a 'challenging commercial model'. However that did little to affect CBA's bottom line, having made a $9.5 billion profit after tax in the 2023/24 financial year. CBA subsidiary Bankwest earlier this year announced it would remove physical cash services and transition to a digital-only bank. Bankwest said it would close 45 of is branches and another 15 regional branches would be converted into CBA locations. Of the other Big Four banks, ANZ and NAB have also opened branches which do not offer over-the-counter teller services. Australia's fifth-largest, Macquarie Bank, has wound down its in-person services and made the switch to a digital only bank as of November 1 this year. In all cases, the banks have said physical cash transactions represent a small fraction of their business, but there have been concerns raised about switching to digital-only currency. These include privacy, the fees incurred with tap-and-go payments and the raised risk of hacks, cyber-attacks, and online scams in addition to the reliance on digital infrastructure that could suffer power outages. Vulnerable people such as those with disabilities, undocumented workers, refugees, victims of abuse and those who live in remote and regional areas are also likely to be disproportionately affected by the loss of cash. Pictured are workers at a cashless Commonwealth Bank branch in Penrith. Deposits and withdrawals can still be made via on-site ATMs CBA has also removed more than 800 ATMs from its network. 'Five years ago, 43 per cent of all point of sale transactions were cash. Today, the figure is around 15 per cent,' explained CEO Matt Comyn last year. 'And yet, every week, customers transact more than $18 billion through the CommBank app, an increase of 64 per cent in just two years.' He said CommBank's 10million customers were paying roughly $40 each to fund the $400million expense to keep physical cash in circulation in it's branches. 'Many of our customers don't use cash and these customers cross-subsidise those that do,' he said. Earlier this year, Australia's largest cash distribution service, Armaguard, was on the brink of collapse until it received a $50 million bailout from major banks and large retailers in late June. Despite fewer people using cash, the right to do so should be defended, Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock said. Giving testimony to federal parliament's house economics committee, Ms Bullock said access to cash was 'a sensitive issue' as pressure grew in the banking sector and government to dispense with it. 'There is a minority, but a significant minority, of people who still rely heavily on cash and want to use cash,' she said. 'The government is committed, and we are committed as well, to trying to maintain access to cash for people who want to use it,' she said. 'This is not just a problem in Australia, it's a problem around the world as cash use declines for transactions,' Ms Bullock said. 'You've got all these fixed costs of maintaining a cash distribution system, and with less cash transactions that means the cost per transaction just keeps going up and up - it's getting uneconomical.' He was one of Britains bravest, refusing to be held captive by the Nazis and taking part in one of the most audacious prison breakouts of all time. Tragically Flight Lieutenant James Cookie Long, who was imprisoned in the infamous Stalag Luft III and took part in the famous Great Escape of March 1944, was among 50 executed by the Gestapo on Hitlers orders. But now medals honouring his astonishing wartime service have been saved from auction and returned to his former squadron. IX (Bomber) Squadron, based at RAF Lossiemouth, has now been presented with the medals after they were tracked down in New Zealand. They were set to go under the hammer, but the squadrons association secured thousands of pounds worth of pledges from its members and negotiated a private sale with the collector. Flight Lieutenant James Cookie Long was one of 50 prisoners of war executed after escaping from Stalag Luft III Iconic Hollywood actor Steve McQueen played Captain Virgil Hilts, The Cooler King in The Great Escape and starred in some of its most memorable scenes The 1939-45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, and 1939-1945 War Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf will now reside in the squadrons heritage room at Lossiemouth, in Moray, alongside other artefacts from its 110-year history. Flt Lt Long was the co-pilot on a 1941 raid on Cologne when his Wellington bomber was attacked by a German fighter and crashed in the Netherlands. Having bailed out of the stricken aircraft, he and his crew were captured and imprisoned in Stalag Luft I. But after making several escape attempts Flt Lt Long was transferred to the infamous Stalag Luft III in 1942. It was at the camp he gained the nickname Cookie, apparently for his ability to distil illicit alcohol. And he is rumoured to have inspired James Garners character Hendley The Scrounger in the 1963 classic The Great Escape. Group Captain James Heeps, Typhoon Deputy Force Commander and President of IX (Bomber) Squadron Association, said: We have always been proud of our squadrons heritage and have attended many Great Escape anniversary events to remember Cookie, but even so I was surprised by the speed and generosity of association members response to the fundraising campaign which enabled this purchase. Flt Lt Long was one of 76 prisoners of war who broke out of Stalag Luft III in the Great Escape on March 24, 1944. His efforts in digging had proved key to completing the tunnel used for the escape, and he also twice shored up the roof with emergency repairs. James Garner played American-born RAF Flight Lieutenant Robert Hendley in the 1963 movie Flt Lt Longs medals have been bought at auction and returned to his former squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth He was one of the last to scramble through the tunnel in a bid for freedom but became lost in the dense forest surrounding the camp before teaming up with fellow escapee Roger Tony Bethell. The pair had hoped to walk 40 miles to the Czech border then changed their plan because of snow and flooding. They walked alongside the railway line towards Frankfurt and planned to jump aboard a freight train and make their way to Sweden but they were thwarted by the speed of the passing trains. They were spotted in daylight and captured. They were held in a Gestapo prison before Bethell was returned to the prison camp. He survived the war and died in Canada in 2004. But Flt Lt Long was one of the 50 escapees who were shot by the Gestapo. He was cremated and his remains are buried in Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery in Poland. Labour's flagship pledge to make Britain the fastest growing economy in the G7 is potentially undeliverable, a Cabinet source has warned. Downing Street yesterday denied reports that Sir Keir Starmer will sideline the pledge when he unveils a major reset of the government this week. But Government insiders acknowledged that the Prime Minister will unveil a new focus on improving household incomes. And a Cabinet source told the Mail that the G7 pledge should never have been made, as it relies on factors outside the governments control, such as the growth rate in competitor countries like the United States. How can we guarantee the fastest growth in the G7? the source said. It is not something we can completely control - it is potentially undeliverable, even if things go well. Sir Keir will use a major speech on Thursday to try and get his government back on track after a rocky start and a painful Budget. He is expected to refresh Labours five missions for government following criticism that they are too vague. Alongside the growth target, Labours other original missions were: rebuilding the NHS; safer streets, widening opportunity; and making Britain a clean energy superpower. Sir Keir Starmer's flagship pledge to make Britain the fastest growing economy in the G7 is 'potentially undeliverable', a Cabinet source has said Labour originally pledged to restore annual GDP growth to 2.5 per cent, but official forecasts have been cut following the Chancellor's tax-raising Budget in October (pictured: City of London) The PM is expected to commit the new government to a series of new milestones to demonstrate to voters that measurable progress towards the goals is being made. The original goal on the economy was to restore GDP growth to 2.5 per cent a year and make the UK the fastest growing in the G7. But official growth forecasts for the end of the decade were cut in the wake of Labours huge tax-raising Budget at the end of October. And gloomy talk from ministers appears to have hit business and consumer confidence. In Labours first three months in power, growth fell to just 0.1 per cent, the second slowest in the G7. The new target is expected to focus on improving disposable household income, which is currently forecast to flatline in the coming years. The PMs official spokesman yesterday said economic growth remained the governments number one priority and denied that the G7 target had been ditched. He added: Weve been clear that the benefit of growth must be felt by working people. Milestones set out later in the week will set out how were going to achieve that. But the Conservatives urged the Government to change course on the economy. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said Rachel Reeves (pictured) had made some terrible choices on the economy The OBR expects the huge Budget tax raid to squeeze economic expansion Growth forecasts were revised down after the Chancellor's package was unveiled A Tory spokesman said the sidelining of the original pledge was the direct and inevitable consequence of the disastrous Budget of broken promises. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said Rachel Reeves had made some terrible choices on the economy, and urged her to halt the 25 billion raid on employers National Insurance, branding it a jobs tax. Mr Griffith also called on Labour to slow the introduction of the controversial Employment Rights Bill, which firms have warned will cost jobs. Sir Keir is expected to impose a new goal for slashing hospital waiting lists in a bid to show Labour is getting to grips with a health service the health secretary Wes Streeting has described as broken. By March 2029, the NHS will be required to be conducting 92 per cent of routine operations and appointments within 18 weeks - a level which has not been achieved for almost a decade. But the plan has led to warnings that other parts of the health service could be hit as priorities are steered towards hitting the new target. An NHS source told The Times that mental health, community care and accident and emergency units could all suffer if the health service prioritised waiting lists. If the priority is putting all the money into electives,what we will see is war zone A&Es and all sorts of other things being sidelined, the source said. Civil servants on the frontline of tackling the small-boats crisis are to be given their own 'well-being room' in case they feel stressed or anxious. A grand opening has been scheduled at the Home Office's central London headquarters next week to officially unveil it to staff. But news of the perk sparked a backlash as it came just hours after it was confirmed that 20,000 asylum seekers have now crossed the Channel since Labour came to power. Critics said officials, who have struggled to get to grips with relentless crossings, should focus more energy on tackling the crisis rather than 'cowering away in ridiculous well-being rooms'. An internal circular email has invited staff to the room's opening by the Department's 'Chief People Officer', Sarah Taylor, on Tuesday next week. Seen by the Daily Mail, it says: 'Come along and join us for the opportunity to meet her and other Home Office colleagues. Tea and coffee will be provided at the event.' It adds: 'The new well-being room in 2 Marsham Street [in Westminster] has arrived to provide a space to have a break. 'Whether you're feeling stressed, a little anxious, or just need some alone time, the new well-being room is here for you. Migrants on an inflatable dinghy in the Channel. Civil servants working on tackling the small-boats crisis are to be given their own 'well-being room' The new room, at the Home Office's central London headquarters is being provided for workers in case they feel stressed or anxious (file photo) Over 20,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister in July 'Equipped with furniture and kitchen point facilities, it has what you need to take a break from your desk.' The email originally invited staff to the opening yesterday. However, this was delayed until next Tuesday 'due to changes in availability'. It is understood that officials thought this may be better as many civil servants continue to work from home and no longer attend the office on Mondays. Elliot Keck, of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'The UK's immigration system is in a state of complete collapse, causing huge concern for Britons up and down the country. Yet the pen-pushers responsible for solving the issue are cowering away in ridiculous well-being rooms. 'Home Office bosses should give these bumbling bureaucrats a kick up the posterior and demand they focus on addressing the huge problems with the border.' Figures last week revealed the true scale of people arriving in the UK legally, with revised Office for National Statistics data showing that net migration hit a record 906,000 in the year to June 2023, while figures yesterday showed 20,110 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats in the five months since Keir Starmer entered Downing Street. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Our employees across all Home Office sites are working hard every day to improve border security and keep the country safe from crime and terrorism. They remain fully focused on these priorities. 'It is important that staff are supported as they deliver the Government's priorities.' A schoolgirl has tragically died after being stabbed at home when she was reportedly trying to protect her mother during a late-night attack. Malikika Al Katib, eight, has been named locally as the youngster who was fatally wounded when in County Wexford, Ireland. Police and paramedics rushed to house in New Ross, County Wexford at around 11.45pm on Sunday. It is believed the knifeman turned the weapon on the little girl, stabbing her at least twice. She was rushed to University Hospital Waterford - where she died on Monday morning. A woman and man in their 30s are still receiving treatment at University Hospital Wexford. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The scene remained cordoned off to the public on Monday night as detectives continue to probe the tragedy. Gardai have appealed for witnesses to come forward. A schoolgirl, eight, has died after being 'stabbed' at a home in New Ross, County Wexford in Ireland Malikika's mother, named locally as Alisha Al Katib, was allegedly attacked before the youngster. A source told the Irish Mirror: 'She realised her mum was being attacked and went to try to help her as much as a young child can.' Malikika, her mother and a man were all taken to hospital - but the child later died from her injuries. Malikika's school New Ross Educate Together National School said it had implemented its critical incident management plan and is receiving help from experts. Principal Theresa White said the death is a terrible tragedy for the family, the school and the community and gave her sympathies to Malikika's family and friends. Local politicians also spoke of their shock, Independent councillor Michael Sheehan said he had normal dealings with Ms Al Katib. Gardai have cordoned off the area in New Ross while detectives are investigating the scene He said: 'Everyone is just numbed by what has happened. If it happens to one of us in New Ross, it happens to all of us. The area where it happened is very tight knit. The whole community is absolutely shocked.' Fellow councillor John Dwyer said the community was shocked by the girl's death and said it was the sort of thing that doesn't happen in a town like New Ross. A Gardai spokesperson said: 'Gardai are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a girl following a fatal assault at a domestic residence in New Ross, Co. Wexford on Sunday, December 1, 2024. 'Gardai and emergency services attended the scene at approximately 11.45pm. 'The girl was taken to University Hospital Waterford for treatment. She passed away from her injuries in the early hours of this morning. 'A woman and man (30s) are receiving treatment at University Hospital Wexford. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. 'The scene remains preserved for forensic examination. Forensics teams have been at the scene where Malikika and her mother were allegedly assaulted 'The Coroner has been notified and the Garda Technical Bureau and Office of the State Pathologist have been requested to assist in the investigation. 'A post-mortem examination will be scheduled. A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at New Ross Garda Station. 'Investigating Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have any information on this incident to come forward. 'Anyone with information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426 030, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111 or any Garda Station.' Don't expect to see migrant caravans with thousands of people arriving at the Texas border all at once as migrants race against the clock to reach the US before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. Instead, cartels have decided to sneak 100-person groups over the international boundary, in a death-by-a-hundred-cuts method, according to Texas officials. Under pressure from incoming President Trump, Mexican's new president has promised to dismantle caravans of migrants before they reach the southern border of the US-- already breaking up two mobs of migrants. This has forced criminal smuggling organizations to shift their strategy. 'You'll see these caravans form in the southern part of Mexico, and by the time they arrive in Mexico City or the central part of Mexico, they'll break up,' Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Chris Olivarez told DailyMail.com Monday. 'That's when the smuggling organizations get involved, the cartels get involved, and they'll break them up into smaller groups. Some will go towards the west, some will go north, which in our case would be Texas.' Lt. Olivarez believes the large groups arriving in Eagle Pass in recent days are the remnant of migrant caravans. The most recent group arrived Sunday when 176 illegal immigrants crossed into Maverick County near border hot spot, Eagle Pass. A large group of 176 illegal immigrants crossed into Maverick County near border hot spot, Eagle Pass on Sunday Texas officials believes these +100-person groups are the left-over of migrant caravans that have broken up in Mexico before reaching the US border The US Border Patrol considers any migrant group with over 100 people a 'large group.' Sunday's large group was made up of single adults, family groups, children traveling alone without a parent or guardian and 11 so-called special interest aliens- those from countries the US doesn't have good relations with or who could pose national security threats. Even though these illegal immigrants aren't arriving in massive numbers, the same amount of people are still getting through, Olivarez added. 'When you have 1,000 people that were coming across all at once, obviously it created a lot of national attention, they are breaking up the groups to make it seem like, 'We are doing something. They still get across the border eventually,' the DPS spokesman explained. Large groups also create an enforcement nightmare for US Border Patrol. Smugglers usually move the groups in desolate areas of the border, typing up agency resources in order to take the migrants The vast amount of resources tied up responding to the large groups often leaves other areas of the border without any coverage. Encountering large groups on the border is a trend that's only been seen on the border during the Biden Administration. A large group of 289 illegal immigrants crossed into Maverick County at around 3:30 a.m. Nov. 29, according to Texas DPS The 289-person group seven included special interest aliens (SIAs) from Iran The group was apprehended by the US Border Patrol, according to Texas DPS Before then, it had been unheard of to see large group cross over. In Texas, cops can taken action to help Border Patrol because of state laws that allow troopers to arrest illegal immigrants simply for being on private land. 'Anytime we're on a property that we have consent from the land owner, that's willing to be a participant in criminal trespassing, then we're able to make arrests,' Olivarez stated. In Sunday's big group crossing, over 80 migrants were arrested for trespassing. With the clock ticking before Trump takes office in on Jan. 20, Olivarez explained his department is preparing for all scenarios, including a massive surge on the border. 'We've been conducting what we call 'mass-migration response exercises,' and this is where we surge DPS units and National Guard soldiers to an area,' he said. 'We'll surge that area, pretty much forming a wall with our patrol cars. We're ready for any potential mass surge.' Astronomers have discovered mysterious 'UFO galaxies' that appear as red, glowing disc-shaped objects in the blackness of space. They found evidence of 56 'Ultra-red Flattened Objects' after analyzing data collected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which had eluded older telescopes, like Hubble, for decades. The UFO galaxies were likely hidden by clouds of dust and debris that surround them, masking the light from their inner star systems. However, JWST features advanced technology, such as its infrared-light detection, enabled it to capture stunning images of these glowing discs, some located in regions closer to our own Milky Way galaxy than astronomers had thought they'd already mapped. Drawing on these images and computer simulations, researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder (UCB) suggested that UFO galaxies are similar in size and shape to the Milky Way but are 'much dustier.' Lead author Justus Gibson said: 'JWST allows us to see this type of galaxy that we never would have been able to see before.' 'We thought that closer to us, we already had a pretty good understanding of all the types of galaxies there are,' Gibson added. 'It tells us that maybe we didn't understand the universe as well as we thought.' Gibson also explained that UFO galaxies appear red because they emit very little visible light. Most of the light escaping from these galaxies is infrared radiation, and the small amount of visible light they emit is at the limit of what human eyes can perceive. Above, two images depicting the same region of space show how the 'UFO galaxies' evaded detection from past telescopes. The top image taken by the Hubble Space Telescope failed to spot the infrared heat signal that the James Webb Space Telescope image, below it, picked up Researchers identified a total of 56 UFO galaxies - most likely hidden due to clouds of dust and debris that mask the light from their inner star systems. Above, four more examples of infrared emitting UFO galaxies that were hidden from Hubble (HST) but visible to the James Webb (JWST) A suite of computer simulations, neural network emulators and mathematical models was used to determine the shapes of these large, red UFO galaxies. The team concluded that they come in forms such as classic 'flying saucers' (discs) and rugby ball-shaped 'prolate spheroids.' Each of these massive, red light- and infrared radiation-emitting galaxies, the researchers discovered, contains roughly 50 times more dust than our own galaxy, the Milky Way. Study co-author Erica Nelson remarked: 'Why on Earth do these galaxies have so much more dust than all the other galaxies? Got me.' The researchers considered data from the vast array of better-documented galaxies before feeling confident in their conclusion: the stars and planets within these UFO galaxies are hidden by thick clouds of dust. The team rigorously compared this data to the total mass of stars in each UFO galaxy (its stellar mass) and the changes in the quality of light and infrared radiation emitted at each galaxy's center compared to its edges. The results provided a clear indication that the faint red light emitted by these UFO galaxies is due to masking by dust and debrisrather than the faint light typical of very distant galaxies billions of light-years away, which are thought to have formed during the universe's earliest epochs. 'UFOs have red colors throughout the extent of their bodies but still possess slight negative color gradients, with outskirts that are less red than the interiors,' the said. 'These color gradients are likely driven by increased central dust concentration and not by the ages of the stellar populations,' they concluded in their study, published this October in The Astrophysical Journal. Above, more examples of the 56 known UFO galaxies, with one comparatively 'dust free' galaxy in the top left, published by the researchers for the sake of comparison Above, another bright-red UFO galaxy taken by James Webb. 'It tells us that maybe we didn't understand the universe as well as we thought,' the study's lead author Justus Gibson said Changes in the gradients of red and infrared light, as well as similar measurements from nearby brighter and bluer galaxies, helped the team to also estimate the rate at which new stars form inside these UFO galaxies, another factor that might impact the light they emit. 'The population of UFOs studied here are not extreme objects in regard to the stellar mass, SFR [star formation rates], or redshift,' Gibson and his co-authors wrote. The once hidden UFOs were thus simply, 'thoroughly red objects whose optical faintness is largely driven by dust.' 'They're so visually striking,' said Nelson, assistant professor of astrophysics at CU Boulder. 'They're enormous red disks that pop up in these images, and they were totally unexpected. They make you say, 'What? How?'' Three other ultra-massive, red-light emitting galaxies dubbed 'Red Monsters' each nearly as big as the Milky Way were also discovered this month, much farther away from Earth and closer to the site of the Big Bang. The international team of astronomers who published that find used similar methods to determine that their infrared radiating galaxies were most likely dust free, giants far away from Earth in both time and space. Both the Red Monster and the UFO galaxies, the researchers noted, challenge current ideas of how galaxies form. The Red Monsters show that galaxies formed much earlier than previously calculated and the UFOs show that gravity may not pool all the matter that swirls a young galaxy together into neatly defined planets and stars, leaving a lot of dust and debris behind. 'They make you say: 'What? How?'' Dr Nelson said. 'They're so visually striking [...] They're enormous red discs that pop up in these images, and they were totally unexpected.' Bee-killing pesticides have been found in 85 per cent of rivers tested in England, analysis of government figures has revealed. Green groups looked at Environment Agency data on neonicotinoid pesticides in river sites tested between 2023 and 2024. These pesticides destroy bees nervous systems and research indicates aquatic insects and mayflies are also vulnerable, with potential implications for fish and bird populations in the wider food chain. While neonicotinoids are banned in Europe, they have been authorised for use every year in the UK since 2021. The figures indicate an increase in the proportion of rivers affected, up from 79 per cent in 2020 to 2022. Areas where sugar beet farming and processing is concentrated particularly the East Midlands and East of England had some of the highest detection rates. Sugar beet is a plant whose root contains a high concentration of sucrose and that is grown commercially for sugar production. By-products also include animal feed that is made with the remaining pulp. Seedlings and young plants are vulnerable to viruses that can reduce their size and lower sugar content. In 2020, a quarter of the UKs sugar beet crop was lost, costing 67million of total economic loss. The River Waveney in Geldeston, Norfolk. As many as 85 per cent of rivers tested in England have been found to contain bee-killing pesticides The largest numbers were found at single sites on the River Waveney and River Wensum (pictured) The largest numbers were found at single sites on the River Waveney and River Wensum in the East Midlands, where all five of the neonicotinoids analysed for were detected. Other sites that had high numbers detected included the River Nene in the East of England, River Lugg, the River Tame in the West Midlands, Sincil Dyke in the East Midlands, River Ouse in Yorkshire, River Test in the South East, River Chelt in the South West and the River Douglas in the North West. Campaigners also noted that only 27 river sites across the whole of England were tested for the pesticides in 2023-24, down from 43 sites in 2020-2022, marking a fall of more than a third in the number of sites tested. They warned that this is an indicative sign of the worsening resources of the Environment Agency and the resulting decline in river monitoring by the regulator. During this summers election campaign, Sir Keir Starmer said: The new government will ban neonicotinoid pesticides imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam due to their impact on bees. But British Sugar and the National Farmers Union (NFU) have applied to be allowed to use neonicotinoid Cruiser SB on sugar beet, which tackles a plant disease known as virus yellows. If approved, it will mark the fifth year in a row of emergency use of neonicotinoids. Cruiser SB is based on the pesticide thiamethoxam, which is highly toxic to bees just one teaspoon is enough to kill 1.25billion. The River Test (pictured in Overton, Hampshire) was among other waterways with high levels of neonicotinoids Richard Benwell, Wildlife and Countryside Link chief executive, said: The Government must surely deny the request and redouble farming reforms to offer generous support for farmers who cut right down on chemical use. The extensive presence of potent pesticides in rivers is another smoking gun in the hands of intensive agriculture and the decline of nature. Barnaby Coupe, senior land use policy manager at the Wildlife Trusts, said: The UK Governments pledge to end the emergency use of these bee-killing pesticides must be signed into law. Pollinating insects like bees are the foundation of a healthy ecosystem and are essential for pollinating crops. These chemicals are banned because they are extremely harmful for soils, water, wildlife and human health. The evidence is clear that the environmental risks from neonicotinoids are far too great there is no place in modern society for them to be used. A Defra spokesman said: We are committed to tackling all sources of pollution to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas. This government has been clear that we will change existing policies to ban the use of neonicotinoid pesticides that threaten bees and other vital pollinators. For decades, scientists have held onto the idea that Venus may be home to alien life. But a new study has dashed those hopes - as scientists claim that Earth's 'evil twin' has never had liquid water on its surface. By studying the composition of the planet's atmosphere, researchers from the University of Cambridge found that Venus has likely been dry for its entire history. Without liquid water, it is almost impossible that life as we know it could have formed on the planet. This discovery suggests that Venus may be at the very limit of the sun's habitable zone, narrowing down the area in which life as we know it could be found. However, the researchers say that the search for life on Venus is not necessarily over. Lead researcher Tereza Constantinou, a PhD student at the University of Cambridge, told MailOnline: 'While this rules out Earth-like life, it leaves open the intriguing possibility of extreme, unconventional life forms thriving in Venuss hostile cloud environment. 'Any potential life in the Venusian clouds would have originated and evolved under entirely different conditions, perhaps adapted to survive in sulfuric acid clouds so very much life as we do not know it.' Scientists have dashed hopes that Venus (pictured) might be home to alien life as a new study shows that the planet has always been dry and inhabitable Venus is the closest planet to Earth and is only 24 million miles closer to the sun. Venus and Earth are often called 'sister planets' due to their similarities in mass, size, and density but have evolved very differently Venus and Earth are often called 'sister planets' due to their similarities in mass, size, density, and distance from the sun. Yet despite their similar origins, the sister planets could not have grown into more different siblings. While Earth is rich in liquid water and maintains an oxygen-rich atmosphere, Venus is a boiling-hot hell planet. Ms Constantinou says: 'Venus now has surface conditions that are extreme compared to Earth, with an atmospheric pressure 90 times greater, surface temperatures soaring to around 460C (860F), and a toxic atmosphere mainly composed of carbon dioxide and with sulfuric acid clouds.' However, based on climate models, scientists believe there are two paths Venus might have taken to end up this way. In one scenario, Venus began its life rich in liquid water until a runaway greenhouse effect caused by volcanic eruptions led to temperatures spiralling out of control. In the other, Venus has always been a dry, inhospitable planet and never had the conditions to support liquid water. In order to investigate which of these stories is more likely, Ms Constantinou and her colleagues looked at the current composition of the Venusian atmosphere. Scientists believe that Venus could have evolved into its current form (right) in one of two ways. Either it started covered in liquid water oceans (bottom) before a runaway greenhouse effect made it inhospitably hot, or it was always a dry planet (top) as H20 was driven out of the atmosphere into space The researchers calculated the chemical content of Venus' volcanic eruptions (illustrated). On Earth, these are 80 per cent water due to the planets high moisture content while those on Venus only contained six per cent water by volume Venus: Earth's hellish sister planet Diameter at the equator: 7,521 miles (12,104 km) Distance from Earth: 24 million miles (38 million km) Atmosphere: Mainly CO2 Surface temperature: 464C (867F) Surface pressure: 92 bar Day length: 117 Earth days Year length: 225 Earth days Habitability: With temperatures hot enough to melt lead, extreme pressure, and clouds of sulphuric acid Venus is considered to be very inhospitable to life. Advertisement On any volcanically active planet, the interior and exterior are in a constant state of chemical communication. Since gases are constantly escaping from the atmosphere into space, these chemicals need to be replaced from within the planet for the atmosphere to remain stable. When volcanoes erupt they release gases from inside the planet to replace those being lost into space. This means that by working out how fast chemicals leave the atmosphere and comparing that to the chemicals which remain, astronomers can work out what the conditions inside the planet are like. On Earth, volcanic eruptions are around 80 per cent steam due to our planets water-rich interior. If Venus had once been covered in oceans, we would expect to see its volcanic eruptions also produce large amounts of water vapour. However, in their paper published in Nature Astronomy, the researchers found that Venusian eruptions only contain about six per cent water by volume, suggesting that the planet has been dry all along. This pours cold water on the idea that there might be Earth-like organisms eeking out a precarious living in the Venusian atmosphere. By looking at the gases in Venus' atmosphere, researchers predict that the interior of the planet contains low levels of moisture. This suggests that the planet was never home to oceans capable of supporting life. Pictured: A NASA image of the Venusian surface What signs of life have been found in Venus' clouds? Ammonia - on Earth produced by decay of plant and animal matter - on Earth produced by decay of plant and animal matter Phosphine - produced by microbes in the absence of O2 and released from decay of organic matter (Phosphine was originally found in Venus' clouds in 2020 but the findings were discredited) Advertisement Ms Constantinou says: 'One theory for how life may now exist in the clouds, is that it migrated upwards from a once habitable surface. 'In this scenario, with a warming planet going through a runaway greenhouse effect, as the oceans evaporated and the surface became uninhabitable, life would have migrated to a habitable niche in the clouds. 'However, the absence of water oceans in Venuss past suggests Venus never experienced the conditions necessary to develop and sustain Earth-like life -- the planet was never habitable.' These findings contradict some earlier studies which have shown promising suggestions that life may exist on the planet. For example, this year researchers confirmed traces of ammonia and phosphine in the planet's clouds two potential 'biomarkers' that are indicative of life. On Earth, these compounds are produced by the decomposition of organic matter. Because there are currently no other known natural processes for its production on Venus, it could be being produced by something scientists aren't aware of. The ammonia was discovered in the upper reaches of the atmosphere, where it is too cold for life to form. Although Venus (pictured) was likely to have always been dry, the researchers suggest that some exotic forms of life could have evolved to survive in the clouds of sulphuric acid which make up much of the atmosphere But some scientists suggest it could have been formed at lower, warmer altitudes before rising to its current position. However, if Venus really has been dry for its entire history, these biomarkers must have been produced by a non-biological process or by a form of life totally different to that on Earth. At the end of this decade, NASA's DAVINCI mission will launch a probe into the Venusian atmosphere to learn more about its chemical composition. Likewise, the Chinese space program recently announced plans to bring samples of the planet's atmosphere back to Earth by 2035. Between them, these two missions could finally settle the question of whether Venus was once wet and habitable or dry and lifeless. READ MORE: Revealed: The key sign that indicates you might be a PSYCHOPATH If you've always wondered what it takes to be a badass, a new study reveals the strict criteria. Following questionnaires involving over 2,000 people, researchers in the US have officially improved on the dictionary definition of the term. A badass has an 'outer toughness' (consisting of physical strength, a 'formidable presence', or both), an inner toughness (such as moral resilience and courage), or both. That's why 'radically' different men and women ranging from peace advocates to fierce warriors can be considered badasses, according to the experts. Famous badasses include Genghis Khan (AD 1162 to 1227), the brutal founder of the Mongol Empire responsible for the deaths of around 40 million people, they say. Khan was a prolific lover, fathering hundreds of children across his territories, and some scientists think he has 16 million male descendants alive today. Other badasses are American former boxer Mike Tyson, Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai and South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela. For example, Mandela, described as the researchers as 'arguably quite badass', showed great courage in his lifetime, while Tyson is physically strong or even scary. American former professional boxer Mike Tyson (pictured) may appear physically strong or frightening, the study claims - but these are only a few traits that make a badass Genghis Khan (AD 1162 to 1227) was the brutal founder of the Mongol Empire responsible for the deaths of around 40 million people The study was conducted by Breanna K. Nguyen, a cognitive scientist at Yale University, and Michael Prinzing, a psychologist at Baylor University. 'Radically different kinds of people, ranging from peaceful advocates to fierce warriors, can each be considered badasses,' they say in their paper. 'The present work investigated how people think about what it means to be a badass, offering insight into what would otherwise seem to be a deeply puzzling concept.' Many different people have been described as badasses, the team say, including Genghis Khan, Mike Tyson, Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai, as well as Navy SEALs. Combined with the dictionary definitions of the term, we're led to believe a badass is someone bad, mean or scary but also good, impressive or admirable. For example, Cambridge Dictionary defines a badass as 'a bad or slightly frightening person' but also as 'someone or something that you admire or find impressive'. However, Genghis Khan fits the first part of that definition and not the second, while Malala Yousafzai, by contrast, does not fit the first part, but does fit the second. In an attempt to provide a better definition, researchers conducted a series of four experiments with a total of 2,020 adults from a mix of ages and racial backgrounds. This word cloud shows adjectives used by participants to describe 'badassness'. Size of word corresponds with the relative frequency of the word Nelson Mandela, described as the researchers as 'arguably quite badass', wrote that courage 'is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it' What makes a badass? A badass has 'outer' toughness - such as having a large stature and rugged appearance or physical strength. Or, a badass has 'inner' toughness - such as courage, resilience or strength of character. Overall, a badass can have either these outer or inner traits, but the biggest badasses of all may have both. Advertisement The researchers asked what makes a person truly badass, while presenting them with scenarios with fictional characters to assess perceived levels of badassness. Adjectives commonly described as badass included 'not afraid', 'tough', 'true', 'good', 'confident', 'brave', 'willing', 'independent', 'positive' and 'able'. The team also found that when people decided if someone was badass or not they would consider not only 'superficial' outer toughness, but also inner toughness. Badassness in a superficial sense is realised by 'outer' toughness such as having a large stature and rugged appearance or physical strength, while badassness in the deeper sense is realised by 'inner' toughness, such as courage, resilience or strength of character. Other inner traits considered badass include resisting social pressure, doing the right thing morally and taking on difficult challenges. People not considered badass in a superficial sense meaning they look skinny or weak on the outside can still embody the deeper essence of badassness by having these traits. Overall, a badass can have either these outer or inner traits explaining how people as different as Genghis Khan and Malala Yousafzai can both be badassess but the biggest badasses of all may have both. Whereas a warrior like Genghis is a paradigm of outer toughness, Malala is a paradigm of this more abstract, inner toughness, the duo say in their paper. Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai is a young woman famous for her moral convictions and advocacy for womens education The first sense in which a person can be badass might have to do with being physically strong and frightening (e.g. Navy SEALs, pictured) The researchers say the term 'badass' may have started off with one meaning, but over time expanded to become far broader. 'Hence, the original meaning might be very negative, but the broader meaning might encompass certain positive qualities as well,' they conclude. This new approach to assess what makes a badass could be used to asses other social groups in the future, such as hippies and nerds. For example, we might associate the concept of being a hippie with certain concrete features (long hair, tie-dyed clothes, 1960s music festivals), but one might think that this concept also gets at something deeper, the team add. The new study has been published as a pre-print paper on PsyArXiv, meaning it's yet to be peer reviewed. Builders were stunned when they stumbled across one of the largest hoards of Roman coins ever found in Britain - worth more than 100,000. A total of 1,368 Iron Age and Roman coins dating back to the reign of Emperor Nero were dug up on a building site near Worcester. Experts say the 'miraculous' find represents one of the most important discoveries for a century. Most of the coins are silver denarii, minted in Rome and dating from the time of the Roman Republic in 157 BC up to Nero's reign between AD 54-68. The Worcestershire Conquest Hoard is one of the largest coin hoards of the Roman Conquest period and the biggest of the reign of Nero, ever found in Britain. It is believed the coins belonged to a rich farmer who supplied the Roman army with grain and livestock. The hoard was discovered in the Leigh and Bransford area, west of Worcester, late last year and is valued at more than 100,000. Dr Murray Andrews, lecturer in British archaeology at University College London, said: 'It's the most miraculous thing I've seen over the last 100 years. Builders were stunned when they stumbled across one of the largest hoards of Roman coins ever found in Britain - worth more than 100,000 A total of 1,368 Iron Age and Roman coins dating back to the reign of Emperor Nero were dug up on a building site near Worcester 'It's an important piece of archaeology. 'It tells us about what was happening here 2000 years ago, when the Malvern hills were maybe the boundary of the Roman Empire.' The hoard includes a single gold coin which experts identified as an Iron Age stater. The coin was minted for the local British tribe, the Dobunni, who were in Worcestershire in AD 20-45. It is likely that the pot containing the coins was made at one of the pottery kilns based at the foot of the Malvern Hills. In June the hoard was declared as treasure and now Worcestershire Heritage, Art & Museums is aiming to raise 6,000 so it can go on display. Chair of Worcestershire County Council's joint museums committee, Karen May, said: 'What a fantastic find and so important for anyone wishing to understand more about the county's heritage. 'This is real Worcestershire treasure, and it needs to be seen and enjoyed by Worcestershire residents for generations to come.' The hoard is the third to have been found in the area in the past 25 years. In 1999, 434 silver coins and 38 shards of pottery were found near Chaddesley Corbett. In 2011 two metal detectorists from Redditch found a clay pot full of 3,784 coins on Bredon Hill. Scientists have made a discovery about Mars that could lead to uncovering alien life. They identified an 1,800-mile-wide plain in the northern hemisphere that has the right subsurface conditions to support living organisms. The region - called Acidalia Planitia - contains just the right levels of water, heat and energy in its soil for alien bacteria to thrive. The next step is to drill into the Martian surface to see if life truly has sprung there. '[It is] a promising target area for future missions in the search for extant life in Mars' subsurface,' the researchers, led Andrea Butturini of the University of Barcelona, wrote. But researchers would have to dig miles below the Red Planet. This would require major crewed missions and technologies that are not likely to be achievable for years to come. This study, however, brings scientists one step closer to finding definitive proof of live beyond Earth by zeroing-in on a location where microbial life could exist. What's more, it lays the groundwork for future studies that could settle an 'intense debate' about the presence of methane in the Red Planet's atmosphere. Alien bacteria may be lurking 2.5 to 5.5 miles beneath the surface of a Martian plain called Acidalia Planitia, a new study has found That's because the alien life forms that the researchers believe could live beneath Acidalia Planitia are methanogens, or methane-producing bacteria. Methanogens are extremophiles - bacteria that thrive in extreme environmental conditions such as very high temperatures, ultra-salty water or even high levels of radiation. On Earth, methanogens typically dwell in swamps and marshes but can also be found in the guts of cows, termites and other herbivores, as well as in dead and decaying organic matter. These microorganisms are anaerobic, which means they do not need oxygen to survive. They can also survive without organic nutrients or sunlight. In 2028, the European Space Agency (ESA) plans to launch their Rosalind Franklin rover, previously known as the ExoMars rover. This will include a drill that can dig roughly seven feet into the Martian surface. But that's not nearly deep enough to access the potentially habitable depth Butturini and his colleagues identified. The Martian surface is inhospitable due to extremely cold temperatures and low pressure that not even extremophiles could survive. But below the surface, the radioactive decay of elements such as thorium - a radioactive metal - produces heat and chemical energy. What's more, water left behind from ancient oceans is buried within the Red Planet. These conditions could provide the ingredients for bacterial life - but likely up to five miles below. Butturini, a biogeochemist the University of Barcelona, and his colleagues used data from Mars orbiters to locate regions where abundant thorium could provide life-sustaining energy. Methanogens are extremophiles - bacteria that thrive in extreme environmental conditions such as very high temperatures, ultra-salty water or even high levels of radiation In 2028, the European Space Agency plans to launch their Rosalind Franklin rover, previously known as the ExoMars rover, which will include a drill They then matched this data with the distribution of subsurface ice previously mapped by missions such as the Chinese Zhurong rover. This analysis revealed that the 'most robust target area is the southern Acidalia Planitia at mid latitude,' located near a region of clay and carbonate deposits with signs of groundwater activity. At this underground location, temperatures are higher than they are on the surface, averaging between 32 to 50F. That means liquid water could be mixed into the Martian soil. And where there is liquid water, bacterial life can grow. The findings are currently available on the pre-print server arXiv, which means the study has yet to be reviewed by other scientists. But the research is already gaining attention from the scientific community, as it provides a specific location on which to focus the search for extraterrestrial life. 'The subsurface of the southern of Acidalia Planitia is a putative target region for hosting cold-adapted Methanosarcinaceae-like and/or Methanomicrobiaceae-like methanogens,' the study reads. 'In this region, the radiogenic heat-producing elements are at the highest abundance and subsurface water is likely.' If the researchers' theory eventually proves correct, it would not only lead to the groundbreaking discovery of alien life on Mars, but it would also provide indirect evidence for the presence of biologically-generated methane in the Martian atmosphere. Observations of methane in the Martian atmosphere have been reported since 1999, but they have always been conflicting. These measurements show highly variable methane concentrations, with global averages ranging from five to 33 parts per billion-volume. Specifically, the discrepancy between measurements taken by NASA's Curiosity rover and the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. While Curiosity has detected methane in the Martian atmosphere, the ExoMars orbiter has not. This has sparked a heated debate within the scientific community. Finding methanogens living below the surface of Mars would be strong evidence to suggest that the Red Planet's atmosphere does, in fact, contain methane at least partly generated by microbial processes. Methanogens produce methane as a by-product of their metabolism. Alternatively, atmospheric methane could stem from nonbiological processes such as volcanic or hydrothermal activity. Or, it could not exist at all. Though this debate is still far from settled, identifying locations where microbial life could exist on Mars brings scientists closer to understanding the true composition of the Red Planet's atmosphere and finding alien life. For many people, a long relaxing soak in the tub is the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. But if you're not the kind of person who has time for bubbles and scented candles, the perfect bath for you could soon be available. Japanese engineers have created the 'Mirai Ningen Sentakuki ' or 'human washing machine of the future'. This futuristic device uses AI to analyse your body before blasting you with a customised 'wash-and-dry' process. Science Co., the Osaka-based showerhead company behind the bizarre contraption, says that the washing machine takes just 15 minutes to run a complete human rinse cycle. The jet fighter cockpit-shaped pod is being prepared for the Osaka Kansai Expo in Japan where 1,000 guests will get the chance to try it out. But if you can't make it all the way to Osaka there's no need to worry as Science Co. says it will release a mass-production version after the expo. Company chairman Yasuaki Aoyama told The Asahi Shimbun: 'Were about 70 per cent there.' Japanese scientists have developed an AI-powered human washing machine which can deliver a customised wash and dry in just 15 minutes Once a user climbs into the clear plastic pod, the capsule fills halfway up with warm water. They are then blasted by highspeed water jets containing extremely small air bubbles less than three micrometres in diameter. When these bubbles burst, they produce a small but powerful pressure wave which dislodges dirt from the skin. This is the same process used in industry to clean electrical components that can't be washed with chemicals. However, Science Co. says that its human washing machine doesn't just clean the body but can also 'wash the mind' using artificial intelligence. As the user receives their wash, electrodes implanted in the chair gather their biological information to ensure the bather is washed at an appropriate temperature. At the same time, an AI interprets this information to work out if they are calm or excited and projects a specifically selected video onto the inside of the plastic pod to soothe their nerves. The result, according to Science Co., should be a speedy wash which leaves the bather feeling physically and mentally refreshed. Osaka-based firm Science Co. is creating the human washing machine (pictured) for the Osaka Kansai Expo in April but says that an at-home version will be released afterwards The device will fill halfway up with warm water before using high-speed jets of microscopic bubbles to blast away dirt and grime What does the 'human washing machine' do? The user sits in the bath chair and is blasted with water and microbubbles that remove grime from the pores of their skin. A sensor is also attached to the chair that is connected to an electrocardiograph, measuring their heart rate. This is used to monitor the state of the user's nervous system and see how relaxed they are while displaying videos on a water-resistant display. This data will be used to train an artificial intelligence (AI) that will be able to automatically choose the most relaxing content for the bather. Advertisement While this device might seem like something from the future, it is actually based on a 50-year-old design. At the 1970 Japan World Exposition, Sanyo Electric Co., now Panasonic Holdings Corp., showcased the very first human washing machine. Much like the modern version, the original Sanyo washing machine used hot water and micro-bubbles to blast bathers clean in record time. The big difference was this 1970s version also included dozens of plastic 'massage balls' which pelted the user to aid in relaxation and promote circulation. While the device was never commercially released, its public reveal at the World Exposition captured the public's attention. At a time in Japan when private baths were still somewhat of a luxury, long queues formed to try out the device. One of the people in that queue was Mr Aoyama, current chairman of Science Co., who was just nine years old at the time. Now, over 50 years later, as the head of a company specialising in shower heads and baths Mr Aoyama is finally ready to release an updated version of his dream bath. A sensor is attached to the chair that is connected to an electrocardiograph, which measures the bather's heart rate. An AI interprets this information to see if the user is stressed and plays a soothing video on the walls of the pod The device is meant to be an evolution of the first human washing machine which was first shown by Sanyo Electric Co., now Panasonic Holdings Corp. at the Japan World Exposition (pictured). The original device was filled with plastic massage balls which pelted the bather as they were washed Mr Aoyama adds: 'It made me excited, thinking about what kind of future there would be. 'We will offer a new human washing machine as a legacy from the 1970 expo.' Science Co. has even partnered with two of the Sanyo device's original engineers to help bring its designs into the 21st century. Eiji Yamaya, who oversaw the development of the human washing machine, told The Mainichi that this project has given him the opportunity to fix some of the flaws in the original device. He says: 'The human washing machine in my time only washed the body, but this time, an advanced function that uses sensors to determine the body's condition has been added. I want the world to see Japan's technological capabilities.' Science Co. has not confirmed when this device might be available for public purchase or how much it may cost when it is finally available. MailOnline has contacted Science Co. for more information. We all know that bus travel is cheap but a new infographic has revealed that it can also be surprisingly fast. The graphic reveals eight routes across Europe where bus travel beats flying, including the popular London to Manchester journey. The table, by travel website BusBud, states that the fastest bus journey from London to Manchester is 3hrs 55 minutes, compared to an average flight time of 4hrs 12 minutes, when airport waiting time is factored in. The bus time quoted, MailOnline Travel discovered, is for the London Golders Green service to Manchester Airport with National Express. BusBud also compares costs, noting that travellers can pay as little as 9 for a bus ticket from London to Manchester, with the average flight cost being 231, though it is possible to fly for as little as 32 dependent on date and airline. Dublin to Donegal is another route where travelling by bus could be quicker and cheaper, according to BusBud. A bus between the two Irish cities could take just 3hrs 15 minutes at a cost of 21 compared to an average flight and airport waiting time of 4hrs 18 minutes at a price of 59. Amsterdam to Brussels by bus could take just 2hrs 45 minutes (7), according to BusBud, compared to an average flight and airport time of 4hrs 20 minutes (466). Travel between the two major cities of Munich and Innsbruck can take just 2hrs 9 minutes on a bus (15), according to BusBud. That's much faster than the average flight and airport time of 6hrs 6 minutes (50). A new infographic has revealed that travel by bus can be faster than going by plane. BusBud noted that the exact timings of the routes are subject to changes depending on road conditions, closures and other factors The fastest bus journey from London to Manchester is 3hrs 55 minutes, with National Express, compared to an average flight time of 4hrs 12 minutes, when airport waiting time is factored in BusBud's analysis found that travel between Helsinki and Tallinn could take just 2hrs by bus (27), whereas the same journey could take as long as 4hrs 15 minutes (84) by plane with airport waiting time. Meanwhile, a bus journey between Stuttgart to Zurich can be as quick as 3hrs (17) according to BusBud, while the equivalent plane and airport journey can take 4hrs (192). And bus travel between the two major Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto can take just 3hrs 15 minutes (5) compared to a plane journey and airport time of 3hrs 21 minutes (49). Travelling between Munich and Prague on a bus, meanwhile, could take tourists just 4hrs 30 minutes (21) compared to 4hrs 41 minutes (171) between the two cities by plane with airport waiting time. BusBud noted that the exact timings of the routes are subject to changes depending on road conditions, closures and other factors. A driverless metro system hailed as 'unique in the world' opened on Saturday in Greece's second city, Thessaloniki. The 9.6km (six-mile) line cost three billion euros (2.5billion) and in the course of construction which lasted almost 20 years - over 300,000 treasures were unearthed, many of which are now on display in the subway's 13 stations. Workers discovered a Byzantine-era market, a Roman cemetery and the remains of Thessaloniki's busiest street in the 6th century. This was a busy thoroughfare with many shops, archaeologists say. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, flanked by President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras, pressed a blue button on Saturday to begin the operation of a system that was a long time coming. Mitsotakis said the first appropriations for exploratory digging were part of the 1976 budget. Years of court battles that saw contracts cancelled, real estate disputes and a fight over the placement of a station near important archaeological discoveries, derailed the project. 'This is not just a public works project, which is incredibly important for the city. It is also a museum,' Mitsotakis said before visiting the Venizelou station for a private tour on Friday. A driverless metro system hailed as 'unique in the world' opened on Saturday in Greece's second city, Thessaloniki. In the course of construction over 300,000 treasures were unearthed, many of which are now on display in the subway's 13 stations. Above is Venizelou station The trains were built by Hitachi Rail, which said the new metro would cut 77,000 tonnes of CO2 annually Workers discovered a Byzantine-era market, a Roman cemetery and the remains of Thessaloniki's busiest street in the 6th century. Above - Venizelou station 'It's probably unique in the world. We will go through an underground museum to reach the train.' Builders had to dig deeper than originally planned - up to 31 metres (102 feet) - to make sure the tunnels ran below the archaeological findings, according to the project's contractor. Some archaeologists like Melina Paisidou, who helped discover some of Thessaloniki's relics, have spoken out against the treatment of the artifacts, saying they should have remained in place and not moved for display. Still, elsewhere, the city's underground treasures retain huge potential, Paisidou said. 'It is an opportunity for Thessaloniki to become a second Rome, in terms of antiquities,' she remarked. Officials said the operation of the line would mean 57,000 fewer cars per day in the traffic-choked city, with an expected 254,000 passengers using the system daily. Builders had to dig deeper than originally planned - up to 31 metres (102 feet) - to make sure the tunnels ran below the archaeological findings Officials said the operation of the line would mean 57,000 fewer cars per day in the traffic-choked city This photograph partially shows the museum of metro station Venizelou Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: 'This is not just a public works project. It is also a museum. It's probably unique in the world.' Above - museum at Venizelou station Travellers look at some of the objects from the Byzantine and Roman periods found during the construction at the Agia Sofia metro station An eastward extension of the line with five additional stations is scheduled to open in 2025 Thessaloniki has a population of 300,000, which rises to over a million when including the suburbs. It's the second-largest metropolitan area in Greece. An eastward extension of the line with five additional stations is scheduled to open in 2025. A westward extension is planned. But it will likely take several more years for the metro to reach the city's busy Macedonia Airport. The trains were built by Hitachi Rail, which said the new metro would cut 77,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. Passengers have been left fuming as Alaska Airline's website and app experienced a complete shutdown, leaving flyers unable to book or cancel flights. Frequent flyers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their frustration at the major airline's issue. At the time of writing, the website reads: 'We are experiencing issues with booking flights on alaskaair.com, through the mobile app, and at the contact center. 'We apologize for the inconvenience and are working quickly to resolve the issue. Please try again later.' A slew of passengers have been desperately reaching out to the airline via social media in an attempt to book their flights. On X, a representative for Alaska Airlines revealed that they did not currently have an estimate as to when their site would be back and running. This is just the latest in a string of issues the airline has experienced, with the pilot of the infamous Alaska Airlines plane that lost a door panel mid-flight having previously spoken out about the experience. One flyer questioned: 'When will your site be ready to make an account? Says enrollment is down.' Passengers have been left fuming as Alaska Airline's website and app experience a complete shutdown, leaving flyers unable to book or cancel flights The airline responded: 'We don't have a time currently, I recommend checking back later today.' According to the representative, even customer service agents weren't able to help as they used the same system as their site to carry out their jobs. 'I am sorry that is the same tool that we use. Mileage plan accounts can always be added to flight reservations after they have been purchased,' the representative said. In another post, an Alaska Airlines employee shared: 'Our agents will assist as soon as they can. You can also reach our reservation team by text at 82008 or via phone (800) 252-7522.' They added that they were having their IT team look into the issue as they advised passengers to check back in a 'few hours.' 'We are sorry we currently are having technical issues with our app & website, but our IT team is aware and working on it,' the employee added. A representative for Alaska Airlines told DailyMail.com: 'This morning we experienced an IT issue that resulted in a significant disruption to our operation including delayed flights. 'At 11:20 a.m. Pacific, we requested a brief ground stop in Seattle so we could clear the aircraft congestion on the ground. 'The ground stop was lifted at noon. We sincerely apologize to our guests who are impacted and are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. ' In September, the airline faced backlash after a scary situation left passengers terrified to fly. Frequent flyers have taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their frustration at the major airline's issue The door panel on a plane blew out just six minutes into a flight from Portland, Oregon, and Ontario, California at a whopping 16,000 feet. The panel is also known as a door plug and is designed to fit into spaces on the aircraft when airlines don't require doors there. The plug essentially transforms the door into a window. A preliminary investigation by the NTSB found four key bolts that were meant to hold the door plug in place were missing from the aircraft. Investigations were also launched by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI, which wrote to passengers to inform them they may have been 'victim(s) of a crime.' Boeing has said it will cooperate fully with all investigations. First Officer Emily Wiprud was flying the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft between Portland, Oregon, and Ontario, California in January. About six minutes into Flight 1282, there was a sudden loss of cabin pressure just as the plane was approaching 16,000ft. 'The first indication was an explosion in my ears and then a whoosh of air,' First Officer Wiprud told CBS News. An Emmerdale actress has reportedly quietly quit the soap - and their exit date has been revealed. Paula Lane currently plays the part of Ella Forster in the long-running show but looks to be heading on to new opportunities, reports The Sun. Paula, 38, joined the Yorkshire-set last year and made her fiery debut on-screen in January 2024. She was introduced as a no-nonsense receptionist and soon became friends with Mandy Dingle (Lisa Reilly) and was also a love interest for Dr Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson). The publication reports that there has been an update to her Spotlight talent page revealing she will stop filming in February 2025. Soon after entering the soap, Ella was revealed to have killed a friend of hers during her childhood and struggled to move on in her adult life. An Emmerdale actress has reportedly quietly quit the soap - and their exit date has been revealed Paula Lane currently plays the part of Ella Forster in the long-running show but looks to be heading on to new opportunities, reports The Sun Earlier this year it was revealed that she was pregnant with Liam's child despite his love for Chas Dingle (Lisa Pargeter). She sadly lost the baby as Liam grows his future with Chas. ITV has been contacted by MailOnline for comment. Paula has also previously starred as Kylie Platt in Coronation Street and dramatically left the soap in 2016 after being brutally stabbed to death outside the kebab shop by Clayton Hibbs. She died in the arms of her husband, David Platt, played by Jack P. Shepherd in final scenes. Following Kylie's tragic death, David went on to find love with Clayton's mum Shona Ramsey. After leaving Corrie Paula appeared in Call The Midwife and played Lauren in the UK tour of Kinky Boots. It comes after last month viewers couldn't contain their emotions as they saw Sophie Powles reprise her role in Emmerdale for one last time. The actress, 36, who starred as Holly Barton in the ITV soap opera on and off since 2009, returned to the village from beyond the grave on Wednesday as her mother Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb) went 'under the knife' to remove her tumour. Paula, 38, joined the Yorkshire-set last year and made her fiery debut on-screen in January 2024 Sophie's character had a fatal drug relapse and passed away in 2016, leaving her mother Moira devastated - just six months after she returned to the show. However, she has now temporarily returned to the show once again for a new tear-jerking storyline with her on-screen mother, leaving fans in bits. Upon seeing her return, viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their delight at seeing Sophie on their screens once again. Fans wrote: 'OMG Holly Barton #emmerdale', 'Holly Barton??', 'not me crying at the holly and moira part', 'Seeing Holly back made me sob', 'Lovely Moira and Holly scene'. In a new interview, Sophie discussed how she felt when the soap opera approached her to film the special episode. Revealing that she was 'grateful' to be back, Sophie said: 'I was really happy to come back.' She added: 'Being a part of Emmerdale was just the best experience. Genuinely made friends for life in the cast and crew, learnt so much and have the best memories.' 'So really grateful to come back and work with friends again on a show I love so much.' BBC Breakfast viewers were left raging with the broadcaster's studio makeover as they branded their Christmas decorations 'naff and drab'. As Sally Nugent, 53, and Jon Kay, 55, took the iconic red couch for Monday's installment, they revealed the studio's festive transformation following the weekend. For the first episode of December, the BBC decked their halls with holly and planted two huge green Christmas trees behind the sofa. The trees had a classic design, featuring an array of red, white and silver ornaments and baubles. However, they were poorly received by viewers, with one taking to X, formerly known as Twitter to rage: 'The Christmas tree in the studio is winding me up, not much of an effort been made there #BBCBreakfast.' A second chimed in: 'Frigging hellfire... thats not much of a Christmas tree behind the sofa, last years was much better [cringing emoji] #BBCBreakfast.' BBC Breakfast viewers were left raging with the broadcaster's studio makeover as they branded their Christmas decorations 'naff and drab' As Sally Reid, 53, and Jon Kay, 55, took the iconic red couch for Monday's installment, they revealed the studio's festive transformation following the weekend (pictured with guest) 'Tree looks naff and drab... needs some lights #BBCBreakfast,' a third echoed. While a fourth agreed: 'The BBC have splashed out again on a Christmas tree [cry-laughing emoji] #BBCBreakfast.' For the episode, Sally also got in the festive spirit as she donned a chic cherry red dress. Jon also paid homage to the festive period as he wore an ivy green satin tie, which he paired with a dark grey suit. The studio makeover comes just weeks after Jon and Sally were caught off guard after a major technical mishap. During the instalment of the daytime programme, the breakfast show aired a segment on Keir Starmer, 62, however, when the camera returned to the studio, the pair were unaware they were being filmed. While Jon leaned back on the sofa appearing engrossed by his phone, Sally accidentally showed her list of notes to the camera as she returned to the sofa with a cup of tea. While the presenters usually apologise for technical errors, the pair continued presenting the show as normal when the cameras returned to the studio. For the first episode of December, the BBC decked their halls with holly and planted two huge green Christmas trees behind the sofa Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, viewers raged: 'The Christmas tree in the studio is winding me up, not much of an effort been made there #BBCBreakfast' The studio makeover comes just weeks after Jon and Sally were caught off guard after a major technical mishap However, the mishap wasn't missed by viewers at home, as one person shared a screenshot of the error on X, writing: 'Ooopsie!!!' The show also hailed the return of Jon, who was absent from the BBC Breakfast sofa for a while as he covered the US Election. Sharing snaps from his time in the US, he wrote: 'Broadcasting high above the White House with the worlds media, as the USA heads to the polls.' While in another post he reflected: 'The sun sets on US Election Day 2024 in Washington DC. Whoever wins, history will be made.' Elsewhere on the show, the hosts examined several news stories including the upcoming bill on assisted dying in Parliament, calls for Justin Welby to resign as the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Paddy McGuinness' Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge for Children in Need. Breakfast airs weekdays on BBC One from 6am and is available to stream on iPlayer. TV fans are delighted as the 'best series ever written' is set to be made free to stream in the UK very soon. Many children of the late nineties and early noughties will remember being bundled up in blankets on the sofa watching coming-of-age supernatural teen drama Buffy The Vampire Slayer. As of January, they can relive that nostalgia, as all seven seasons of Buffy The Vampire Slayer will be available to stream on ITVX. The cosy classic sees Buffy, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, try to balance her life at high school with her responsibilities as a vampire and demon hunter. She manages to keep the small town of Sunnydale safe with the help of Rupert, the school librarian who became her mentor, played by Anthony Head, and her friends Willow and Xander, played by Alyson Hannigan and Nicholas Brendon. A re-watch will reveal a host of other famous faces, who made cameos throughout the series' run. Many children of the late nineties and early noughties will remember being bundled up in blankets on the sofa watching Buffy The Vampire Slayer The cosy classic sees Buffy, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar , try to balance her life at high school with her responsibilities as a vampire and demon hunter She manages to keep the small town of Sunnydale safe with the help of Rupert, the school librarian who became her mentor, played by Anthony Head, and her friends Willow and Xander, played by Alyson Hannigan and Nicholas Brendon The Last Of Us star Pedro Pascal appears in the episode The Freshman as Eddie, a potential college friend for Buffy who becomes embroiled in the dark forces that follow her. Before Prison Break made him an overnight sensation, Wentworth Miller appeared in the show as Gage Petronzi, a member of the swim team at Sunnydale High, who were under attack. Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee Amy Adams also made a cameo on Buffy The Vampire Slayer as Cousin Beth in the episode named Family. R&B icon Ashanti played Lissa, a demon allied with the First Evil, who Buffy must fight in order to protect Xander. The entire series is full of juicy love triangles, spooky storylines and impressive action sequences. Buffy accumulated a large and loyal fan base over the years, who still speak highly of it today. One Google review dubbed Buffy The Vampire Slayer as one of the best TV series ever written. A second called it: Absolutely groundbreaking at the time and still one of my all time favourite (if not overall favourite) series of all time.' The entire series is full of juicy love triangles, spooky story lines and impressive action sequences Buffy accumulated a large and loyal fan base over the years who still speak highly of it today One Google review dubbed Buffy The Vampire Slayer as one of the best TV series ever written Fantastic show that I recommend to everyone. A beautiful coming of age story, mixed in with a high-functioning fantasy world. A show that despite all the fight scenes, isnt truly about the fights at all, another agreed. It also has an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 85% from critics and a whopping 92% on their Popcornmeter, which is decided by all viewers. Some say that it set the scene for other shows such as True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, The X Files and even Stranger Things. The show inspired two spin-offs including Angel, which was created by the same writer and director. There was also an attempted offshoot called Buffy: The Animated Series which never made it past the four-minute pilot. All seven seasons of Buffy The Vampire Slayer will arrive on ITVX in January. They will be available to watch until at least March 2025. Coronation Street legend Vicky Entwistle has compared the soap to a cult and claimed that scary and controlling bosses left her husband begging for her to quit. The actress, 56, who played Janice Battersby, lambasted the show's treatment of her former co-stars Bruce Jones, who played her on-screen husband, Les Battersby, and Sean Wilson, who played Martin Platt. ITV apologised to Bruce, 71, in October after they informed him that they were axing his character over email. And Sean, 59, told The Sun that his 'whole world was blown apart' after his return to the cobbles was destroyed by an unfounded historical claim of indecent assault, which he was cleared of. In a furious rant on X, Vicky Entwistle said: 'Im so angry at the way Bruce Jones and Sean Wilson have been treated! It will all come out! 'I keep my own council now. Im no longer scared! The measures that company took to control us all was like a sect. It was scary!' Coronation Street legend Vicky Entwistle has compared the soap to a cult and claimed that scary and controlling bosses left her husband begging her to quit Vicky lambasted the show's treatment of her former co-star Bruce Jones, who played her on-screen husband Les Battersby Vicky also defended Sean Wilson, who played Gail Platt's former husband Martin Platt in the soap In another post, she added: 'Everyone thinks its a soap opera but actually its a tightly gripped cult!!! 'My husband begged me to leave 2 years before. He hated the controlling environment. When I finally left we cried. The freedom was electric.' It was announced in August 2010 that Vicky had quit her role as Janice after 14 years, with her character officially leaving Weatherfield for London in March 2011. In an earlier post, focusing on on Sean's treatment, she said: 'To have your whole world turned upside down with not an ounce of evidence makes me feel sick. 'ITV as we knew it is dead! Its now a cancerous woke environment. Hence the s***e viewing figures. Leave them to their demise.' Sean was set to rejoin the Coronation Street cast after 19 years for a Christmas storyline with his ex on-screen wife Gail Platt. But bosses told Sean he was being axed pending a police inquiry into an alleged indecent assault in 1977 and announced to confused fans that he was exiting due to personal reasons in the summer. Police cleared Sean of the allegation last week and said there would be no further action over the claim that he put his hands up someone's skirt, which was made by a woman with links to the show. Sean revealed he was axed from Coronation Street earlier this year over an unfounded sex claim 'My reputation was ruined in just eight minutes my whole world blown apart. 'I had no idea who had made this complaint or anything about it but I lost my job. Its been hell. Ive been low all the way through,' he told The Sun on Sunday. Sean denies the claim made against him and maintains that his behaviour on set was always 'professional'. In October, Bruce Jones revealed he can now no longer watch Corrie after the way bosses went about axing him from the soap. Speaking to GB News, Bruce shared: 'I got an email from the casting office saying, Dear Mr Jones, I am sorry to inform you Les Battersby will die in the next few months. 'I read the email and thought, why send me an email like that? Why call me Mr. Jones? Why not call me Bruce? 'That annoyed me a little bit, but then I felt relieved. Maybe it's time for me to go now.' Bruce went on to say that fans are 'not happy' with the news of Les' permanent exit, though he admitted that it's a 'relief' to say a final goodbye to his alter-ego. In October, Bruce Jones revealed he can now no longer watch Corrie after the way bosses went about axing him from the soap Jones became a household name after arriving on the cobbles as foul-mouthed Les, head of the equally uncouth Battersby family - wife Janice (pictured) and their troublesome teenage daughters, Leanne and Toyah - in 1997 Meanwhile, as Bruce claimed that fans were switching off because of the news, he went on to tell how he too no longer tunes into the soap, having walked out the room when his wife was watching it recently. He said: 'At the weekend my wife said, "I'm gonna watch Emmerdale". But I don't watch soaps. I was 10 years in one and I was in Heartbeat and lots of shows, but I don't watch soaps. 'I had no time when I was there to watch it, because I was in it. 'But I sat and watched Corrie with her on Monday night, and at the end of part one of that show I walked out the room and I didn't go back until I heard the music at the end. 'I just couldn't watch it. 'Where were the storylines? There was no comedy. 'My wife said to me when I came back, "Why did you go out?" I said, "Sandra, that is not a show I was in. That was not the show I spent 10 years in." 'So no, I'm sorry I couldn't watch it. I went out and I made a cup of coffee.' She penned: 'Well all I can do is. Thank you for the fun we had. I know you are hurt An email does in no way qualify. I guess the constant calls for you to come back upset them!!! Vic' Meanwhile, as Bruce claimed that fans were switching off because of the news, he went on to tell how he too no longer tunes into the soap, having walked out the room when his wife was watching it recently Recalling his time on the iconic soap, Bruce concluded: 'I love acting and I love working with Vicky Entwistle and the two girls. We actually became a unit. 'I think the only mistake in my mind that we ever made was splitting Les and Janice. They should never split Les and Janice. I think that was the end of the Battersbys when that happened. 'But at least Ive had an apology from the press office for [telling me by email] which Im grateful for.' At the time, Vicky Entwistle showed her support for her on-screen husband on X, writing: 'Well all I can do is clap. Thank you for the fun we had. I know you are hurt. 'An email does in no way qualify. I guess the constant calls for you to come back upset them!!!'. He replied: 'Thank you Vic. It was the best time of my life working with you. Loved every minute of one of the best families to be on a soap. Love you.' MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment. Kat Clark has hit back at the 'mean girl' fashion police who slammed the outfit her 13-year-old daughter wore to the TikTok Awards as 'too revealing.' Deja 13, wore a midriff-baring two piece ensemble as she accompanied her mum to the social media platform's star-studded award ceremony in Sydney last week. The top comment on a photo of the TikTok star mum and daughter posing together at the TikTok Awards reads: 'Deja looks like she came from a strip club.' Kat, who hosted the event alongside Robert Irwin, on Monday took to Instagram to hit back at the torrent of online criticism over her teenager's yellow outfit. Kat posted an image of Kim Kardashian's infamous all-black 2021 Met Gala outfit to her Stories and wrote, 'This is what Deja is going to wear to the next awards to keep everyone happy,' with a laugh-crying emoji. 'If you're a mean girl, please unfollow me,' she captioned a TikTok posted to her 6.7million followers on Saturday. Deja 13, wore a busty, midriff-baring two piece ensemble as she accompanied her mum to the social media platform's star-studded award ceremony in Sydney last week Kat Clark has hit back at the 'mean girl' fashion police who slammed the outfit her 13-year-old daughter wore to the TikTok Awards as 'too revealing'. Pictured: Kim Kardashian in 2021 Kat said she had been reading everyone's negative comments about her appearance at the awards with her daughter and hit back at keyboard warriors 'not just bringing women down but bringing TEENAGERS down.' 'So many people had a problem with Deja's outfit and it just blows my mind,' she said. 'I never have and I never will control what my children wear. One of my main goals as a parent is to make my children feel confident in their bodies. At times I may make a few suggestions, but if my child wants to wear something, I will let them. 'And isn't it easier being nice instead of a mean girl? I don't get it.' Kat put on a busty display at the event alongside her daughter, in a sequin mint green dress. The mum-of-two started making TikTok dances for her pre-teen daughter, who she had when she was just 17, and this year took out the TikTok Business of the Year Award for her ezcema cream that she developed for Deja. In 2022, Kat was named Creator of the Year, and also took out Digital Creator of the Year at the AACTAs. The top comment on a photo of the TikTok star mum and daughter posing together at the TikTok Awards reads: 'Deja looks like she came from a strip club' Kat and Deja Clark pose with other TikTokers outside Hordern Pavilion in Sydney at the 2024 TikTok Awards In another video shared on Sunday, the 37-year-old told the people who were still upset about her daughter's awards outfit to, 'Seriously, get over it.' 'So many people have negative opinions on how I parent. But I'm not going to let anyone change that because at the end of the day, I have the best relationship with my kids. 'They tell me everything. We work together. Deja is always thinking about others and how they feel. And I may not be the perfect parent but how my child treats others, with so much love and respect, makes me think that I've done a pretty good job.' Deja, who will turn 14 next fortnight, is a burgeoning influencer in her own right and has 1.4million followers on her mum-managed Instagram account. 'My daughter said: "Mum you actually have an interesting life, you should vlog it". I committed to a video a day for 30 days, and it went ballistic,' Kat has previously said when describing her sudden ascent to social media stardom. The influencer suffered a wardrobe dilemma of her own as she hosted the social media awards show, with fans pointing out how she and influencer Georgia Murray wore the exact same 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. Pilates instructor Bernadette Fahey and Buildcorp COO Jordan Sukkar tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony in Sydney on Saturday. And the society couple let their hair down at a wild 'recovery' party at Icebergs in Bondi Beach on Sunday. After wearing a breathtaking bridal gown for her nuptials, Bernadette, 35, opted for something a little more daring for the bash. The blonde beauty turned heads in a very racy white lace dress that showed off her incredibly toned figure. The completely see-through frock featured a revealing bodysuit with a skirt overlay. And the blushing bride risked a major wardrobe malfunction as the cups of her dress sat perilously off her shoulders. Pilates queen Bernadette Fahey wore a VERY revealing white lace sheer dress during her wild wedding recovery party with fiance Jordan Sukkar at Icebergs on Sunday A ruched skirt sat low on Bernadette's hips, creating the appearance of a full gown as she cuddled up to her new husband Jordan. The newlyweds were attached at the hip and were seen sharing a passionate kiss as they partied with their friends, enjoying pricey dishes as the drinks flowed. At one point, a guest could be seen taking control of a microphone as they began belting out some tunes which had guests up out of their seats and dancing. Sydney socialites flocked to the Italian restaurant to celebrate their recently married friends. Some guests in attendance included entrepreneur Montarna Pitt who matched her friend Bernadette's lacy look. The Audience Agency director flashed her black underwear beneath a black lace overlay which featured a hem that barely skimmed her thighs. Personal trainer Charlotte Barge put on a leggy display as she flashed some skin in a one-shouldered mini dress. The barely-there frock featured a huge cut-out at the waist which showed off the brunette beauty's washboard abs. The newlyweds were attached at the hip and were seen sharing a passionate kiss as they partied with their friends, enjoying pricey dishes as the drinks flowed The completely see-through frock featured a revealing bodysuit with a skirt overlay The blushing bride risked a wardrobe malfunction as the cups of her dress sat perilously off her shoulders Writer Kristina Macourt flaunted her frame in a figure-hugging black maxi dress as she pulled her tresses back into a tight up-do. Kinesiologist Harriet Williams put on a jaw-dropping display in a beige dress with a plunging neckline. Monday Swimwear general manager Britt Gallagher also rocked a very low neckline as she arrived in a black dress with a gold belt cinching in her waist. Bernadette and Jordan married in a star-studded ceremony at Scots College in the upmarket suburb of Bellevue Hill on Saturday evening. The bride stunned in a sleeveless satin gown from Steven Khalil with layered skirting and delicate lacy detailing at the bodice. Meanwhile, Jordan opted for a classic groom look, with black tuxedo worn with a white dress shirt and bow tie. Among the A-list guests was Dina Broadhurst who wore a see-through red dress with a visible black G-string. Also at the nuptials was Jade Yarbrough who stunned in a chic, structured green gown. Sydney socialites flocked to the Italian restaurant to celebrate their recently married friends Some guests in attendance included entrepreneur Montarna Pitt (pictured) who matched her friend Bernadette's lacy look Personal trainer Charlotte Barge (pictured) put on a leggy display as she flashed some skin in a one-shouldered mini-dress Writer Kristina Macourt (left) and Monday Swimwear general manager Britt Gallagher (right) both flaunted her their frames in long black dresses Kinesiologist Harriet Williams put on a jaw-dropping display in a beige dress with a plunging neckline At one point, a guest could be seen taking control of a microphone as they began belting out some tunes which had guests up out of their seats and dancing She mingled with her sister Jasmine and her husband, Today show star Karl Stefanovic, who was dapper in a tux. Anthony Bell and new wife Annika Bell were also in tow, fresh from their own recent high end wedding. Model Montana Cox wore a bright pink gown and looked stunning with her hair tied high and tight. Justin Hemmes and pregnant partner Madeline Holtznagel arrived late, showing up during the reception according to onlookers. Earlier in the day, Bernadette and Jordan were seen getting ready for the wedding. The lovebirds were seen unloading white shopping bags from their car, which looked to be from an upmarket bridal boutique. Bernadette was later seen strolling outside 'nude artist' Dina Broadhurst's Double Bay apartment. She looked stunning in a simple yet elegant white lacy ensemble in what looked like a rehearsal ceremony just hours before she tied the knot on Saturday evening. Katie Holmes bundled up for the frigid weather in New York City on Sunday. The Dawson's Creek star, 45, was seen walking around Manhattan in a black teddy coat that resembled the kind of coat Paddington Bear wears. The chocolate brown garment had a hood that was lined in rich light brown and toggle-style closures down the front. The coat extended to a few inches above Katie's ankles and gave a glimpse of the white skirt she wore underneath. A black turtleneck could be seen through the neckline of Katie's coat. She wore her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail, added sunglasses to her look and carried a large off-white handbag. Katie Holmes bundled up for the frigid weather in New York City on Sunday The mom of Suri Cruise, 18, who she shares with ex-husband Tom Cruise, 62, just celebrated Thanksgiving with her only child who was home from college for the holiday. Suri is a freshman at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In August, ahead of Suri's departure for college, Holmes made a rare comment about her daughter officially starting her university studies and moving to Pennsylvania. During an interview with Town & Country the Batman Begins actress expressed, 'I'm proud of my daughter. Of course, I will miss the close proximity, but I'm really proud of her and I'm happy.' 'I remember being this age, this time of beginnings. It's exciting to learn about yourself, and I loved that time, so it makes me happy to think about it like that.' And in June of this year, Suri notably dropped the last name of Cruise and changed it to Noelle - which is her mother's middle name. The Top Gun star has not been a part of Suri's life since she was about six years old, though, per the divorce agreement between him and Katie, he is paying for Suri's $65,000 per year college tuition as well as her medical and dental insurance. Last week, Katie looked incredibly youthful as she made an appearance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. The Dawson's Creek star, 45, was seen walking around Manhattan in a brown teddy coat that resembled the kind of coat Paddington Bear wears The chocolate brown garment had a hood that was lined in a lighter shared and toggle-style closures down the front The coat extended to a few inches above Katie's ankles and gave a glimpse of the white skirt she wore underneath She discussed her role of Mrs. Webb in the Broadway show - and revealed what she did when she forgot her line during one of the performances. 'I was in the middle of a scene and I just...I said the whole line except the last word and I couldn't, I couldnt remember it.' 'I made something up, but it didnt make sense and then I got so red, because Jim Parsons is on stage most of the time because he's the stage manager. I go, "Oh my God. Jim knows, he's watching,"' the star recalled. 'So I get red, real fast and I got flustered, so I just said my lines so fast after that and got off stage,' Holmes explained. However, she remembered, 'Jim gave me a hug after. He was like, "I've never seen anyone say their lines so fast and remove themselves!"' The heartbreaking reason Nicole Kidman is determined to reconcile with her two older children, following the shock death of her mother Janelle in September, has been revealed. The Oscar-winning star, 57, is reportedly devastated her late mother never got a chance to reconnect with the two adopted children she shares with ex-husband Tom Cruise. 'Losing her mum has made Nicole not want to waste any more time. It hurt Janelle that she and husband Antony were estranged from [Isabella and Connor],' a family friend told New Idea magazine. Kidman and Cruise adopted Isabella, 31, and Connor, 29, in the early 90s but following their split in 2001 the two children sided with their father, and have not been publicly seen with their mother since 2007. 'They were their first two grandchildren and were once very close. It was a deep regret that they were unable to see her in person before she died,' added the source. They said the regret was 'fuelling her need for a proper reconciliation.' The heartbreaking Nicole Kidman is determined to reconcile with her two older children, following the shock death of her mother Janelle in September, has been revealed. Pictured with Janelle in 2018 Kidman has four children: Bella and Connor with Cruise, and daughters Sunday, 16, and Faith, 13, with her current husband Keith Urban. Her beloved mother Janelle died in September, just hours before Nicole was awarded Best Actress for her role in Babygirl on the final day of Venice Film Festival. 'Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother has just passed,' Nicole revealed in a statement read by director Halina Reijn upon her win. 'I am in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her, she shaped me, guided and made me. 'I am beyond grateful I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the collision of life and art is heart-breaking, and my heart is broken. We love you all.' One week later, Nicole broke her silence and made a heart-wrenching Instagram statement alongside several never-before-seen photos of the matriarch. In her post, the Perfect Couple star thanked her millions of fans and supporters for expressing their condolences during their time of grieving. 'My sister and I along with our family want to thank you for the outpouring of love and kindness we have felt this week,' Nicole wrote in the joint statement. The Oscar-winning star, 57, is reportedly devastated her late mother never got a chance to reconnect with the two children she shares with her ex-husband Tom Cruise, and is determined to put the past behind them. Pictured with children Bella and Connor in 2004 Kidman and Cruise adopted Isabella, 31, and Connor, 29, in the early 90s but following their split in 2001 the two children sided with their father, and have not been publicly seen with their mother since 2007 'Every message we have received from those who loved and admired our Mother has meant more to us than we will ever be able to express. Thank you from our whole family for respecting our privacy.' Nicole has long had an incredibly close relationship with her beloved mother Janelle and often spoke about her support and influence on her career over the years. She was born in Hawaii and raised in Sydney by Janelle and her psychologist father Antony, who died in September 2014. After spending time in the United States, the Moulin Rouge star and her younger sister Antonia spent much of their childhood in Sydney. Nicole pursued her passion for acting when she was a teenager and was supported by both of her parents as she soared to global fame. They both remained closely involved with her career over the years, with Nicole often admitting she would go to her mother for advice. Nicole had an equally close relationship with her father Antony and was left devastated when he died of a heart attack in September 2014 aged 75. The Oscar-winning actress previously revealed the 'sudden' death of her father, as well as a string of other losses, had deeply affected her. Francesca Eastwood will not be prosecuted in connection with her felony domestic violence arrest in Beverly Hills, California last month. Officials with the District Attorney's office in Los Angeles said that evidence in the case against Francesca - who is the daughter of Clint Eastwood, 94, and actress Frances Fisher, 72 - was insufficient to move forward, police sources told TMZ Sunday. The 31-year-old actress-socialite was arrested October 12 in connection with felony domestic violence after getting into an argument with her boyfriend that escalated from verbal to physical, the outlet previously reported. The Redding, California native's boyfriend then called the police who advised him to drive to the Safety Zone at the Beverly Hills Police Department to meet with officers. Eastwood's boyfriend, whose identity was not announced by authorities, had 'visible injuries' when the pair arrived to speak with police - with the star arrested and booked for felony domestic violence. She was subsequently released from custody on $50,000 bail. Francesca's boyfriend didn't cooperate with authorities in the case and passed on receiving medical attention in the incident, sources told the outlet, factors which ultimately led to prosecutors tossing the case. Francesca Eastwood, 31, will not be prosecuted in connection with her felony domestic violence arrest in Beverly Hills, California last month. Pictured last month in Florida Clint Eastwood's daughter Francesca was arrested for felony domestic violence after getting into an argument with her boyfriend in LA October 12; pictured with her father in 2017 Eastwood is in a relationship with actor Alexander Wraith and the pair share a son, six. It is unclear if Wraith is the victim. Francesca and Alexander had reportedly already been dating for some time when they went red carpet official in May 2018. At that time they had recently announced she was pregnant with their firstborn child, a son who was eventually born that September and named Titan. Alexander filed for divorce from his wife of eight years Lili Gaildraud in June 2018 while dating Francesca - although he told The Blast that he and Lili had by that point been separated for three years and that 'everyone is moving on and happy.' Alex is also father to a son from a previous relationship. Eastwood was previously married to Jordan Feldstein, the brother of Jonah Hill, and the manager of Maroon 5. They wed on November 17, 2013 and Eastwood filed for an annulment eight days later on November 25. Feldstein died in December 2017 at age 40 from blood clots that originated in his legs, pneumonia and obesity. Francesca has followed in her famous parents' footsteps with a career by pursuing an acting career in movies and TV. She is best known for her roles in films such as Jersey Boys, Final Girl, Outlaws and Angels, M.F.A., The Vault, and Old. Eastwood is in a relationship with actor Alexander Wraith and the pair share a son, six. It is unclear if Wraith is the victim - pictured 2022 The pair were pictured with their son Titan, now six, in 2019 in LA Francesca, pictured October 19 in Newport Beach, California, is best known for her roles in films such as Jersey Boys, Final Girl, Outlaws and Angels, M.F.A., The Vault, and Old In August, Francesca revealed she found it 'bittersweet' to see her dad, 94, become a grandfather. After becoming a mother herself she explained that her father was so 'strict' with her growing up so there is a contrast. She told FoxNewsDigital: 'I mean, [he's] just the sweetest. You know, my dad was very strict and my mom both my parents were very strict with me when I was a kid. 'And it's so lovely and sometimes bittersweet to just see how just doting and just classic grandpa and grandma to their grandson who can do no wrong,' she added. The Outlaws And Angels actress also explained that it is 'fantastic' that her parents are so involved in the life of their grandchild. She wants to 'nurture' the relationship as much as she can. The beauty said: 'But it's lovely. And they have their own relationship that I'm obviously involved in. They're fantastic, and they're so present. 'It's a connection unlike anything else. And it's definitely like the most important part of my life right now is nurturing those relationships.' The star was seen with mom Frances Fisher, now 72, in 2018 when she was pregnant with Titan Meanwhile, the Jersey Boys star - who appeared alongside her family on the E! reality series Mrs. Eastwood and Company in 2012 - also noted that she might not have 'appreciated' just how much her parents included her in their professions as a child by taking her to movie sets. But she can now look back and feel 'such a respect' for the work that goes into making a film. She said: 'At the time, I don't know if I appreciated it that much, but looking back they kind of dragged me around with them, and they really included me and had me visit. That was always of the only things that they always spoke to me like an adult about. 'Anything filmmaking, anything acting, whether it was watching movies or sitting behind the camera, watching them direct, sitting in hair and makeup, all this stuff. I have such a respect and an appreciation for all that goes into making a film. Iris Law oozed confidence as she put on a daring display at British Vogue's Forces For Change party at Soho Mews House on Sunday. The model and actress, 24, joined a slew of stars in a sheer gown as she arrived for the annual event. Showing off her ample bust and pert derriere Iris certainly caught the eye in her quirky brown dress with a completely sheer front and back. The dress boasted a diamond shaped centre piece and capped sleeves and her dark underwear could be seen underneath, certainly drawing attention to Iris as she made her entrance. Iris added height to her 5'4 frame with yellow open toe heels and accessorised with chunky gold bangles and a gold necklace. She tucked her signature pixie cut behind her ears and opted for a barely-there makeup palette to showcase her naturally good looks. Iris Law oozed confidence as she put on a daring display at British Vogue's Forces For Change party at Soho Mews House on Sunday The model and actress, 24, joined a slew of stars in a sheer gown as she arrived for the annual event The daughter of Jude Law and Sadie Frost flaunted her incredible figure as she walked down the street and into a nearby car. Leomie Anderson also left little to the imagination in a dangerously revealing black gown that displayed every inch of her model figure. She put on a busty display in the plunging one-piece, as she posed up a storm at the party. Nathalie Emmanuel also cut a stylish figure in a beaded top, suit trousers and jacket as she arrived for the party. The British actress, 35, wore a dark, vampy style of makeup which made her stand out from the crowd. She toted her belongings in a small grey bag and slipped on some pointed heel boots. Also in attendance was Raffey Cassidy, who donned a form-fitting red top with gold buttons and black trousers. Elsewhere, Nada Alili set pulses racing in a plunging black sequin dress as she posed for snaps at the charity event. The daughter of Jude Law and Sadie Frost flaunted her incredible figure as she walked down the street and into a nearby car The dress boasted a diamond shaped centre piece and capped sleeves and her dark underwear could be seen underneath, certainly drawing attention to Iris as she made her entrance Leomie Anderson also left little to the imagination in a dangerously revealing black gown that displayed every inch of her model figure She put on a busty display in the plunging one-piece, as she posed up a storm at the party and when she turned around revealed the dress was backless Nathalie Emmanuel also cut a stylish figure in a beaded top, suit trousers and jacket as she arrived for the party Style tastemaker Rahi Chadda cut a very suave figure in a Dolce & Gabana suit Also in attendance was Raffey Cassidy, who donned a form-fitting red top with gold buttons and black trousers Nada Alili showed off her figure in the skintight black dress with a perilously plunging front that accentuated her ample cleavage. Also in attendance at the fashion party was Julia Hobbs who showed off her quirky sense of style in a white mini dress that featured stripes, a train and a black wrap around Varada Sethu who will appear in Doctor Who alongside Ncuti Gatwa stood out from the crowd in a fuscia pink dress The Capital FM DJ showed off her figure in the skintight black dress with a perilously plunging front that accentuated her ample cleavage. Also in attendance at the fashion party was Julia Hobbs who showed off her quirky sense of style in a white mini dress that featured stripes, a train and a black wrap around. Varada Sethu who will appear in Doctor Who alongside Ncuti Gatwa stood out from the crowd in a fuscia pink dress. The party was held to celebrate the Forces For Change partnership, an initiative aiming to provide leaders, rising stars and new disruptors a platform to discuss social, cultural and political issues. A Who's Who of Sydney high society turned out for the wedding of 'Pilates queen' Bernadette Fahey and property developer Jordan Sukkar at Scots College on Saturday. On a perfectly lit November evening, the glittering guests watched on as Bernadette, who looked radiant in a sleeveless Steven Khalil gown with layered skirting and a delicate laced bodice, exchanged vows with the tuxedo-clad Buildcorp CEO. The biggest names in the eastern suburbs descended on the prestigious Bellevue Hill school for the occasion, including celebrity accountant Anthony Bell and wife Annika Martyn - who only recently wed in Noosa - as well as Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic. Model Montana Cox stunned in a low-cut, strapless pink gown, while billionaire pub baron Justin Hemmes arrived fashionably late with his pregnant girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel. But amid the clinking glasses and whispered congratulations, one question began to ripple through the crowd: 'Where's Dina Broadhurst's plus-one?' Dina had everyone talking when she rocked up solo - and it wasn't just because of her see-through red dress. She had been expected to attend with her boyfriend John Winning Jr, the adrenaline-junkie son of appliance mogul John Winning Sr. A Who's Who of Sydney high society turned out for the wedding of 'Pilates queen' Bernadette Fahey and property developer Jordan Sukkar at Scots College on Saturday But amid the clinking glasses and whispered congratulations, one question began to ripple through the crowd: 'Where's Dina Broadhurst's plus-one?' Sources reveal Dina and her partner John Winning Jr (pictured together) broke up just hours before the wedding. Despite her heartbreak, the 'nude artist' rocked up to the wedding solo Word of what happened soon began to spread: the big rumour at the wedding was they had broken up earlier that morning. Sources have since told Daily Mail Australia that Dina - a single mother and accomplished art collector - came to the realisation their lifestyles were not compatible. So, with hours to go before Bernadette and Jordan walked down the aisle, she put aside her heartbreak and decided to attend the nuptials on her own. The 46-year-old had reportedly started dating John Jr, the CEO and fourth-generation heir of Winning Appliances, back in March after knowing him for some time. But after eight months together, sources say they are done and dusted. And they've all but confirmed their split in a very modern fashion - by unfollowing each other on Instagram. Still, Dina had the last laugh on her friend's special day. She turned heads in a sheer red dress that left almost nothing to the imagination, with a G-string-inspired under-layer showing off her bottom while a thigh split served plenty of leg. Some wondered if it was Dina's 'revenge dress' after her sudden split from John Jr. On a perfectly lit November evening, the glittering guests watched on as Bernadette Fahey exchanged vows with Buildcorp CEO Jordan Sukkar at the prestigious Bellevue Hill school Dina turned heads in a sheer 'revenge dress' complete with a G-string-inspired under-layer Dina, who is both a client and friend of Bernadette's, used her newly renovated Double Bay digs as the pre-wedding HQ for the Pilates instructor and her bridesmaids. Hours before the couple said 'I do', she was spotted leaving her swanky digs with the wedding retinue. Dina and John Jr, whose family is worth an estimated $700million, had confirmed their romance earlier this year when they attended a rave in California together. She 'soft-launched' him by featuring him in one of her social media posts. At the time, the pair was said to be 'smitten' with each other. However, sources say Dina has grown out of her relationship with the fun-loving businessman. John took over as CEO of Winning Appliances in 2011 at the age of 22 and steered the business in a new direction with Appliances Online, which is now Australia's largest online retailer for appliances. The family business was started by his great-grandfather Richard William Winning in 1906 with the trading name R.W. Winning & Co and has become a leading kitchen and laundry appliance specialist. As well as running Winning Appliances, John is also an experienced sailor who won line honours with his crew on board Andoo Comanche in the 2022 Sydney to Hobart yacht race. The skipper sailed the race alongside his father John Winning Sr, who previously won the Sydney to Hobart line honours back in 1976. In his spare time, John is an adrenaline junkie with a love for skydiving. He is also a DJ and has performed for crowds on lavish yachts, in Ibiza nightclubs and even at Glastonbury. John reportedly lives in an eclectic Surry Hills bachelor pad featuring its own private nightclub, a see-through smoking room and a swimming pool. Dina was previously in a relationship with Max Shepherd, 31, but it emerged in June 2023 they had parted ways after four-and-a-half years together. Following the break-up, the socialite was briefly linked to property investor Tony Benjamin before taking up with John Jr. Kate Ritchie was spotted getting close with Hit Network radio host Carrie Bickmore's ex-husband Chris Walker at the ABC Upfronts last month. The Nova radio star, 46, was pictured with the award-winning TV producer as well as television star Amanda Keller on the red carpet in an image shared to Chris' Instagram. Chris, who split from Carrie, 43, in 2023, was all smiles as he wrapped his arms around the two women, with newly-single Kate looking very glamorous in a red top and slacks. The actress paired the monochrome look with a pair of chunky gold earrings as she combed her dark tresses over one shoulder. Meanwhile, Amanda, 62, shone beneath the lights in a dazzling diamante covered black suit as Chris kept things more casual with a black jacket and pink button-up shirt. 'ABC Upfronts and producers always have a phone charger ready these two legends will be coming to your screens in a new show next year,' Chris captioned the image. Kate Ritchie, 46, was spotted getting close with Hit Network radio host Carrie Bickmore's, 43, (right) ex-husband Chris Walker (left) at the ABC Upfronts on November 21 The trio may have been working on one of ABC's upcoming projects togethera parenting series called The Role of a Lifetime. The Jonesy & Amanda host is understood to be narrating the new 2025 program, while Kate will play an acting role on the series. Chris may have worked as a producer on the show as he has produced several ABC projects, including The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, Hard Quiz and Tomorrow Tonight. His sighting with actress Kate comes after the former soap star appeared to have parted ways with her much younger boyfriend Will Skelton following a very short-lived romance. The radio star was dating the 'high-flying' financial adviser, 30, who is 15 years her junior, for several months after they met at Nova FM's Singles Ball in May. Sources recently told Daily Mail Australia the pair parted ways not long after Kate was seen stumbling while trying to get out of her chauffeur-driven car in Camperdown in August. The pair have not been photographed together in recent months and neither are following each other on Instagram, further appearing to confirm their split. Meanwhile, Chris split from his wife of 11 years and Hit Network drivetime radio star Carrie, with whom he shares two children, in January 2023. The Nova radio star (right) was pictured with the award-winning TV producer as well as television star Amanda Keller (left) on the red-carpet in an image shared to Chris' Instagram His sighting with actress Kate comes after the former soap star appeared to have parted ways with her much younger boyfriend Will Skelton (left) following a very short-lived romance Chris broke his silence on the split in August, telling Luke Darcy's Empowering Leaders podcast that he was dealing with the 'grief' of the separation. The TV producer explained the hardest part of their new co-parenting arrangement was 'saying goodbye to the kids twice a week'. 'I still find that just enormously challenging. I had always assumed I'd be around them a hundred per cent of the time,' he explained. 'When it comes to being a dad, I was born for it. I love it and I wanna be around them all the time. I find that really difficult.' Chris added that he was being supported by friends and family through 'rougher times' but he added: 'The thing is, grief can last a long time.' Carrie announced their split in an Instagram post in January last year, saying the pair was focused on co-parenting their three children, Ollie, 16, Evie, eight, and Adelaide, five. 'It's with immense sadness that Chris and I have decided to separate,' she wrote. 'While this is a tough time, our focus is on parenting, loving and supporting our three children Ollie, Evie and Addie with everything that we've got.' Carrie has since famously been repeatedly hit by romance rumours with her radio co-star Tommy Little ever since they hosted their HIT FM radio show from Paris, France last year. Tommy is said to have rushed to Carrie's side at the time she confirmed her break-up from Chris, leading insiders to speculate their friendship could evolve into something more. Robert Irwin has whipped his fans into a frenzy after taking part in a smouldering photo shoot with Stellar magazine, with followers comparing his look to one notable royal. The celebrity conservationist, 21, appeared in a red-hot gallery of photos for the publication, in which he rocked his best angles in a white t-shirt and jeans. The reality TV star exuded confidence and style as he showcased his bulging biceps and muscular frame in the jaw-dropping pictures, which were shared to Instagram. Robert's fans went wild over the photos and were quick to compare his brooding look to the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry. 'Its giving Prince Harry vibes and Im HERE for it,' one person gushed. 'I thought it was a young Prince Harry,' a second user added. Robert Irwin (left) has whipped his fans into a frenzy after he did a smouldering photo shoot with Stellar magazine, with followers comparing his look to Prince Harry (right) 'I was going to say the same thing!' a third fan chipped in. Robert and Harry have much in common, with both growing up in the public eye following the tragic death of a parent. In the interview with the publication, Robert gave fans a rare glimpse into his personal life, opening up about his aspirations to find love and reflecting on growing up without his father Steve Irwin. Speaking candidly to Stellar magazine, the wildlife warrior shared heartfelt insights into his hopes for the future and the influence his family has had on his values. The young conservationist revealed his longing for a meaningful relationship, inspired by the love stories of his parents and sister. 'My mum and dad were just this incredible power couple. And then I look at Bindi and Chandler, and it's like they're literally the same person. They're made for each other. I mean, if that isn't your couple's goals, what would be?' Robert mused. While he's eager to find the 'perfect person,' Robert insisted he's not rushing into romance. 'I really want to find the perfect person, but I'm not in any rush for it. I'm very open to it. The thing that I've come to discover in that space is you've just got to let it happen,' he said. The celebrity conservationist, 21, appeared in a red-hot gallery of photos for the publication Robert also reflected on the challenges of growing up without his legendary father, Steve, who tragically passed away in 2006 when Robert was just two years old. Milestones like his 21st birthday amplify the absence, but he expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, particularly his mother, Terri. 'It can be heartbreaking. I can't beat around the bush. It's really hard, particularly when it's those milestones. It's difficult navigating that without a father figure,' he admitted. 'But I have to really praise my entire family, and particularly my mum, on the way in which she's stepped up, to make sure that while there will always be part of myself missing and I'll never be complete I never felt like I missed out on anything.' The conservationist dressed to impress in the photo shoot and in one picture he rocked his best angles in a brown shirt with the top buttons open and black pants. Robert and his ex girlfriend Rorie, 20, are believed to have started dating November 2022, and went Instagram official almost a year later in August 2023 before splitting in February this year. The pair had made their red carpet debut at the Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One premiere in Sydney. The duo were last seen together in January looking smitten as they jetted out of Melbourne following their appearance at the Australian Open. Channel Nine has reportedly been plunged into back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring Samantha Armytage onto the Today show as a summer fill-in co-host. The network's move has sparked outrage among long-time staff, with insiders alleging the decision has created tension behind the scenes and left many feeling snubbed. Sam, 48, is set to join Karl Stefanovic for a week and a half during the holiday season, temporarily replacing Sarah Abo. While Nine insists the move is purely seasonal, speculation is rife that it could be a trial run to see if Sam is the right fit to join Today permanently. The fallout from the decision has been significant. 'There have been crisis meetings back-to-back since Sam was signed,' a source told Woman's Day. Channel Nine has reportedly been plunged into back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring Samantha Armytage onto the Today show as a summer fill-in co-host. Pictured last month The network's move has sparked outrage among long-time staff, with insiders alleging the decision has created tension behind the scenes and left many feeling snubbed. (Pictured: Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo) 'The big bosses did not listen to the team when they objected to Sam coming on board.' Meanwhile, a well-placed source tells Daily Mail Australia that Nine has a strategic reasoning behind Sam's appointment. 'Let's not pretend this isn't about ratings,' they said. 'If Sam manages to pull Today out of the shadow of Sunrise, even for a week, the network will see it as a win. For Sam, it's about proving she's still the queen of breakfast TV.' One major source of resentment at her new network is the perception that Nine's existing talent has been overlooked. Many insiders were reportedly blindsided by Sam's signing, particularly after she was chosen to host The Golden Bachelor, despite others at the network vying for the role. 'There is no harder slap-down than to put your hand up for hosting The Golden Bachelor and virtually be told you've got the gig, only to then read in the newspapers that Sam is their surprise pick,' the insider claimed. The tension reportedly extends to Today's regular hosts. Sam, 48, is set to join Karl Stefanovic for a week and a half during the holiday season Sarah, 39, was allegedly upset earlier this year when she learned Sam was being considered as her temporary replacement during a leave period. That plan was shelved after Sarah pushed back, with Nine opting for Sylvia Jeffreys as a 'safer option.' This time, however, Sarah appears to have accepted the decision, though insiders claim it hasn't been easy. 'If Sam wants it that much, she can have it,' a colleague reportedly said, adding that Sarah is resigned to the fact that Sam is being given prime opportunities at the network. Channel Nine and Samantha Armytage have been approached for comment. Jennifer Garner was recently spotted out and about with her daughter Violet, who is visiting from college. The 52-year-old actress and 18-year-old Yale student who she shares with ex-husband Ben Affleck wore dark jackets during their outing in Los Angeles. Garner was clad in a dark sweater underneath her outer layer and she added snug-fitting black leggings that cropped at her ankles. The Alias alum added a pop of color with white and creamsicle-colored sneakers that had lavender laces. The dark-haired beauty wore her locks loose, letting the straight tresses fall over her shoulders, and she rocked face-framing bangs. Violet pulled her hair back, wore transparent-framed eyeglasses, and a protective white face mask. Jennifer Garner was recently spotted out and about with her daughter Violet, who is visiting from college The 52-year-old actress and 18-year-old Yale student wore dark jackets during their outing in Los Angeles It comes after Jennifer and Ben, whose divorce from Jennifer Lopez is underway, reconnected while volunteering together on Thanksgiving. They teamed up to help feed 2,000 unhoused Angelenos as part of Midnight Mission's annual brunch. An eyewitness told DailyMail.com that the former couple, who share three children, spent three hours there. In addition to Violet, the Hollywood vets are dad and mom to Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12. This year marks Ben's first Thanksgiving since his ex Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce in August, on their two-year wedding anniversary. Lopez and Affleck married in 2022 after rekindling their romance in 2021 following their called-off engagement in the early aughts. Meanwhile, Garner and Affleck were married for 10 years before their divorce was finalized in 2018. The two have remained friendly in the years since their split as they continue to co-parent their brood. Garber shares her three children with ex-husband Ben Affleck; pictured in 2014 The exes have stayed friendly as they continue to co-parent their brood; pictured in 2020 Garner recently revealed online that she lost her dog, a golden retriever named Birdie Days ago, Garner announced the death of her dog, a golden retriever named Birdie, in a heartbreaking Instagram post. Sharing snaps of the dog last Wednesday, she wrote: 'It is hard to know how to write this it seems nuts, given the world, to mourn a pet, but since we have shared Birdie with all of you, it only seems fair to let you know of her passing. 'Birdie let us know on Thursday that she wasnt feeling herself (a renowned foodie, Birdie never missed a meal). We were surprised to learn that, not only was she very ill, she was at the end of her life. 'The vet told us that dogs often hang on until their person comes home from college and 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 loved to be read to, always found her way into a Pretend Cooking Show, and knew just how to give people what they needed (as evidenced by her happy days as a dog therapy team with Mo). 'She 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.' Actor Wayne Northrop was well-remembered by friends and fans amid news of his passing Friday at the age of 77 in the wake of a long-running health battle. The tributes poured in after the actor's publicist Cynthia Snyder told Deadline that Northrop died Friday at the Motion Picture and Television Woodland Hills Home following a years-long battle with Alzheimer's. Multiple people hailed Northrop's accomplishments in front of the camera, as he had a long-running role as Roman Brady on Days of Our Lives over 1036 episodes from 1981-2006, as well as 121 episodes of the soap Port Charles from 1997-1998. Actor-screenwriter Tony Tost, 49, said in a trio of posts on X/Twitter, 'Rest in peace Wayne Northrup, aka the original Roman Brady from DAYS OF OUR LIVES, aka an actor I hung out with on just about every summer day of my childhood.' Tost described Northrop as 'a great grounded everyman operating in a rather insane storytelling medium,' which was 'no small feat' artistically. Tost said that 'soap opera acting is an under-acknowledged art form' as 'the usual norms of coverage, preparation, time are thrown out the window' and 'actors inhabit these roles for decades, with the most absurd plot twists & situations thrown at them.' Actor Wayne Northrop was well-remembered by friends and fans amid news of his passing Friday at the age of 77 in the wake of a long-running health battle. Pictured in 2003 Multiple people hailed Northrop's accomplishments in front of the camera, as he played Roman Brady on Days of Our Lives over 1036 episodes from 1981-2006. Pictured in 2003 He added, 'The very best of them navigate it all with grace and dignity, creating a connection with their audience that can only maybe be matched by the connection felt between pro wrestlers and their audience. 'Anyway, Northrop was a favorite - a real human in an unreal medium.' Northrop's one-time Days of Our Lives costar Alison Sweeney, 48, said on the platform that she was 'sending much love to' the actor's widow Lynn Herring Northrop 'and the whole Northrup family today.' She added that her first scenes on the show playing her signature role of Sami were opposite Northrop. 'I remember him helping me understand how to pretend to break into the Brady house with a bobby-pin,' said Sweeney, 48. 'He was a wonderful, kind man, a talented, generous actor and a beloved member of the Days family. 'I learned so much from working with Wayne and will treasure the memories with him. Rest in peace, Wayne. General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini said, 'On behalf of our entire @GeneralHospital family, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Lynn and their sons, Hank and Grady - along with their family and friends. They are all in our thoughts during this difficult time.' Journalist/producer Michael Fairman wrote, 'I am deeply saddened to learn the news of Wayne's passing. My heart goes out to Lynn & family. Sending hugs during this difficult time.' Actor-screenwriter Tony Tost, 49, noted how talented Northrop was in a difficult craft Northrop's Days of Our Lives costar Alison Sweeney, 48, said he was fantastic to work with Others in the industry paid memorial to Northrop upon news of his passing Fans were also vocal on the forum, with some referencing the deaths of Days of Our Lives actors Bill Hayes and Drake Hogestyn earlier this year. 'I'm so saddened by the news of Wayne Northrup's passing,' said one fan. 'I adored him as Roman in Days. My heart goes out to Lynn and their boys, and to everyone at Days. It's been such a sad year losing Bill, Drake and now Wayne. Rest In Peace Wayne and Thank you.' Another said, 'Wayne as Roman Brady brought so much to this show. Without Roman and Marlenas romance there wouldve been no John. To lose both Drake and Wayne in the same year.' Another added, 'RIP Wayne Northrup you were an icon.' His wife, Lynn Herring Northrop, said in a statement shared with the outlet that her husband took his final breath 'in the arms of his family'. 'Wayne was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers 6 years ago. He took his last breath in the arms of his family,' she said. 'We wish to thank the most caring and amazing place, The Motion Picture and Television Home for taking such great care of him. Wayne touched so many people with his sense of humor and wit. 'A husband for 43 years, the best dad ever to his two boys, Hank and Grady, and a rancher who loved his cows and was a friend to many.' Fans were also vocal on the forum, with some referencing the deaths of Days of Our Lives actors Bill Hayes and Drake Hogestyn earlier this year The actor pictured at the Days of Our Lives 40th anniversary party in 2005 Northrop was on Days Of Our Lives in over 1000 episodes; pictured with co-star Deirdre Hall Northrop appeared on 1036 episodes of Days of Our Lives, where he played two different roles - Detective Roman Brady from 1981 to 1984 and again from 1991 to 1994, followed by Dr. Alex North. Another lengthy role was on Port Charles, where he played Rex Stanton on 121 episodes. From 1981 to 1987, he played Michael Culhane on the legendary soap opera Dynasty. His career included roles in L.A. Law, The Waltons, L.A. Firefighters, and more. His last credit on IMDb was a role on a 2004 episode of Cold Case. Northrop's acting career began after he relocated to LA from Washington following his college studies, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Northrop signed with his first agent and landed his first TV role (Police Story) after he joined the Los Angeles Actors' Theatre. He went on to wed Lynn in 1981 and they welcomed sons Hank Wayne and Grady Lee together. Northrop's acting career began after he relocated to LA from Washington following his college studies, according to The Hollywood Reporter; pictured circa 1980 Another lengthy role was on Port Charles, where he played Rex Stanton on 121 episodes Outside of acting, the actor had a passion for wildlife and conservation. Northrop and his wife went on to buy a working cattle ranch in Raymond, California, according to THR. Additionally, in 2008 Northrop and his wife became the owners of the oldest house in Raymond, a home constructed in 1886. They purchased the home and have since transformed it into a museum that has now joined the National Register of Historic Places. The actor is survived by his wife Lynn, their two sons, and his stepmother, according to Deadline. Myer's iconic Christmas windows have terrified shoppers this year due to an Irwin-themed display. The much-loved family tradition sees Myer's Melbourne CBD store windows taken over, usually with decorations relating to Christmas. This year, an artistic display titled 'An Irwin's Christmas Story' showcases a six-window storyboard depicting life at Australia Zoo. It features 'detailed lifelike figures' of Bindi, Robert and their mum Terri Irwin. Fans of the yearly Christmas tradition have taken to social media to express their horror at the display. TikTok user @brooke.alison.laven uploaded a video of the windows, capturing the terrifying Irwin dolls. Myer's iconic Christmas windows have terrified shoppers this year due to an Irwin-themed display This year, an artistic display titled 'An Irwin's Christmas Story' showcases a six-window storyboard depicting life at Australia Zoo 'The [Myer] Christmas display of the [Irwins] in Melbourne is nightmare fuel,' she wrote over the clip, adding in the caption: 'Have any of you guys seen Chucky?' Several users took to the comments to agree. 'Omg thats just freaky,' one wrote, while another added, 'They stare right through your soul.' 'I won't be able to sleep for weeks,' someone else said. 'Madame Tussauds GHETTO EDITION,' one user joked. Meanwhile, others questioned the Irwin family's connection to Christmas. 'What do they have to do with Christmas?' one asked. 'Are we sure it's not the Halloween display?' quizzed another. TikTok user @brooke.alison.laven uploaded a video of the windows, capturing the terrifying Irwin dolls Several users took to the comments to agree. 'Omg thats just freaky,' one wrote, while another added, 'They stare right through your soul It comes after the famous annual Myer Christmas window-reveal planned at Melbourne's CBD store in Bourke Street was cancelled due to safety concerns. Last month, the department store giant confirmed that the beloved Christmas tradition will not go ahead. 'In light of recent developments and to ensure the wellbeing and safety of customers and team members, we will no longer hold an event on Bourke Street Mall for the unveiling of our Christmas windows,' a Myer spokesperson said. 'Myer's Christmas windows have long symbolised joy and community, and we remain committed to providing a safe and positive experience for all visitors.' Pro-Palestine activist group Disrupt Wars planned to rally at Bourke Street Mall on Sunday. 'Christmas is cancelled, and there will be no joy or frivolity while children in Gaza are massacred,' the group posted on social media. It was only the second time the iconic Myer unveiling has been cancelled in its almost 70-year history. The event was cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. The cancellation of the time-honoured event sparked anger from Jewish leaders. The much-loved family tradition sees Myer's Melbourne CBD store windows taken over, usually with decorations relating to Christmas But some have criticised the move and questioned the Irwin family's connection to Christmas 'Is nothing sacred anymore?' community leader and Anti-Defamation chair Dr Dvir Abramovich told the Herald Sun. 'This is not about free speech it's a toxic hijacking of a family-friendly tradition that has no place in any community. 'Melbourne's Christmas windows are about peace, unity, and holiday magic, not about spreading discord and confrontation. 'We cannot allow the spirit of Christmas to be exploited as a vehicle for hatred or to spread anger and misinformation.' A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed it was aware of reports that protesters had been planning to disrupt the Myer event. 'We have repeatedly requested they do not do this, however, the group is not co-operating with police,' the spokesperson said. The cancellation has been met with public outrage. Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and Liberal Member for Southern Metropolitan Region Georgie Crozier led the backlash. 'Myer Christmas Windows unveiling cancelled due to pro-Palestine protest. What a disgrace these activists aren't protestors, they are pathetic miserable bullies,' she posted on X on Thursday night. Aussies also took to X to vent their fury. '"Disrupt war" protesters to gatecrash families and children attending the Myer Christmas windows reveal on Sunday. You can't get more stupid and sick than that,' one wrote. Another wrote: 'Why would protesters want to spoil the Myer Christmas Window?' When little kids would be looking forward to it? What are they achieving can't they let them enjoy one Sunday?' another wrote. Kim Kardashian has been accused of copying her ex-husband Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori in her latest revealing photoshoot. The reality TV star, 44, showed off her ample cleavage while rocking a skimpy white crop top and a matching thong as she posed in the woods at night, in photos shared to her Instagram on Sunday. The mom-of-four wore a balaclava on her head, with her revealing outfit drawing comparisons to Censori's, 29, provocative fashion choices, often attributed to Kanyes, 47, influence. Her skimpy white thong was tied at the sides with thin strings, and she completed the look with mid-calf brown boots. Many fans pointed out that Kim who previously admitted to having 'panic attacks' about finding her fashion identity following her divorce, after years of being styled by West himself appeared to be channeling the Australian architect. 'Bianca has multiplied,' one commentator wrote. Kim Kardashian, 44, has been accused of copying her ex-husband Kanye West's, 47, wife Bianca Censori, 29, in her latest revealing photoshoot The star showed off her ample cleavage while rocking a skimpy white crop top and a matching thong as she posed in the woods at night, in photos shared to her Instagram on Sunday 'Kimca Censori,' another one chimed in. 'Giving, Kayne,' another person quipped. The comments continued, with another person adding, 'Kinda Yeezy-ish. Just sayin' in reference to Kanye's Yeezy brand. 'Take him back Kim.' Others compared her to rapper Doja Cat, writing, 'Now she thinks she Doja Cat.' 'Girl, go to bed,' someone else added, while another person asked, 'Just..why???' Kanye previously shared an image of Bianca in a similar look to his Instagram, featuring her in a thong and a black leather head covering. It's not the first time Kim has been accused of copying Bianca. In August, the SKIMS founder uploaded glamour shots to her Instagram in a cheeky white leotard and tights. The outfit looked extremely similar to the daring leotard and tights combos made famous by Bianca. The mom-of-four also wore a balaclava covering her face, with her revealing outfit drawing comparisons to Censori's provocative fashion choices, often attributed to Kanyes influence Her skimpy white thong was tied at the sides with thin strings She completed the look with mid-calf brown boots Kanye previously shared an image of Bianca in a similar look to his Instagram, featuring her in a thong and a black leather head covering She was also seen in a similarly skimpy look with a hair covering in January Fans noted the similarities, with one writing, 'Bianca has multiplied' 'Kimca Censori,' another one chimed in 'Giving, Kayne,' another person quipped The comments continued, with another person adding, 'Kinda Yeezy-ish. Just sayin' in reference to Kanye's Yeezy brand 'Take him back Kim' Others compared her to rapper Doja Cat, writing, 'Now she thinks she Doja Cat' Unlike Bianca, Kim kept it PG by protecting her modesty with the proper undergarments. Many of Kim's 361million followers flocked to the comment section to call out her Bianca-inspired look even playfully referring to Kim as 'Kimberly Censori.' Some also pointed out that Kim's outfit looked similar to silhouettes Kanye's Yeezy clothing brand sent down the runway in 2016. Back in April, Kim stepped out in bleached blonde hair and an 'apron' top nearly a year after Bianca debuted the look. Kim has also sported a fuzzy hat similar to one made popular by Bianca. Kim and Kanye split in February 2021 after six years of marriage and four children North, 11, Saint, eight, Chicago, six, and Psalm, five together. Weeks after their divorce was finalized in November 2022, Kanye tied the knot with Bianca, who works as an architect at his Yeezy company. Since marrying Kanye, Bianca has shocked the globe by gallivanting in public in X-rated outfits including see-through frocks and pant-less, braless looks. A source previously dished to DailyMail.com that Kim warned Kanye not to let Bianca wear her revealing outfits in front of their children. 'Kim instructed Kanye to never let Bianca dress like that around their kids,' the insider revealed exclusively to DailyMail.com in February. 'She is truly surprised that Kanye would let his wife leave the house like that.' The SKIMS founder previously drew comparisons to the Yeezy architect (right in March) in August, wearing a cheeky white leotard and tights In January she debuted a furry coat and a matching trapper hat, with social media users accusing her of getting inspiration from Bianca (R) once again Kim previously admitted to having 'panic attacks' about finding her fashion identity following her divorce, after years of being styled by West himself; Kanye and Bianca seen in February A source previously claimed that Kim warned Kanye not to let Bianca wear her revealing outfits in front of their four children, North, 11, Saint, eight, Chicago, six, and Psalm, five; the former pair seen in 2019 Since then, Bianca has gone out of her way to cover up while in the company of North, Saint, Chicago or Psalm. Unlike in his marriage with Bianca, Kanye used to frequently ask Kim to change her outfits if he felt she was showing too much skin, with the rapper heavily influencing her fashion choices during their six-year marriage. 'Kanye did the same thing he is doing with Bianca to Kim throughout their marriage,' DailyMail.com's source explained. 'The difference is that when Kanye dressed Kim, he was respected as a person as an artist. 'Unfortunately, Kim knows what Bianca is going through but she feels Bianca should have known what she was getting into.' A different source previously revealed that Bianca's parents were 'mortified' by her near-naked ensembles and feared she was 'being controlled' by Kanye. Rebecca 'Bec' Judd had a crazy night out over the weekend as she jetted up to Sydney with 15 of her glamorous friends to attend a Dom Dolla concert and party on a boat. But as the AFL WAG, 41, shared images of the social gathering to Instagram, one fan couldn't help but notice one detail in Bec's group photo with her gal pals. One of the socialite's followers pointed out that the mother-of-four and several of her friends appeared to have 'matching' veneers. In the photo, Bec was all smiles as she posed with 11 of her friends on a boat ahead of the concertand they were all flashing their pearly whites for the camera. 'All with the veneers I see,' one eagle-eyed follower pointed out, as someone else agreed, saying: 'Three definitely matching teeth.' Bec kept her look casual while partying on a boat just hours before her girl's night out, wearing a simple beige tank top and white slacks. Rebecca 'Bec' Judd, 41, (pictured) had a crazy night out over the weekend as she jetted up to Sydney with 15 of her glamorous friends to attend a Dom Dolla concert and party on a boat She snapped a selfie with her shoe designer girlfriend Lana Wilkinson, with the pair flashing their similarly blinding white smiles. Veneers are a layer of material placed over a tooth to improve the aesthetics of a smile and protect the surface of the teeth from damage. It's unclear if Bec has had veneers put in, but the model once revealed in 2015 that she received some harsh advice about her smile when she was just 15-years-old. After joining Vivien's Modelling Agency in Perth, Bec said she was told to 'finish school, get your teeth fixed and then after that go and work'. Bec didn't confirm if she followed the advice, but the former TV presenter has had straight, pearly white teeth since being in the public eye. She has long been a beacon of ageless beauty, spruiking skincare brands, facials and non-surgical treatments for her plump, age-defying visage. For two decades, she has denied having any plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure done, instead pointing to healthy living and expensive skincare as her saving grace. However, fans of the socialite became sceptical recently when an influencer watch dog account on Instagram began sharing before and after photos of Bec. But as the AFL WAG shared images of the social gathering to Instagram, one fan couldn't help but notice one detail in Bec's group photo with her gal pals One of the socialite's 756,000 thousand followers pointed out that the mother-of-four and several of her friends appeared to have 'matching' veneers The images cast doubt on her 'natural transformation' over the past 20 years following her impressionable debut at the 2004 Brownlow Medal in a now famous red dress. Stepping out on the red carpet that night, Bec flaunted her genetically blessed features enhanced by a glamorous smoky eye and glossy nude lip. A comparison photo shared by before.after_influencers showed the socialite still enjoys a nude lip, but now appears to rock a fuller pout. Another side-by-side snap of the Jaggad co-founder saw her cheeks looking a touch rounder and more defined as she flashed a pearly white smile. But perhaps the most notable feature of all is the complete absence of lines on Bec's flawless complexionparticularly around her eyes. Whether she is laughing or striking a sultry pose for the camera, it appears the WAG has stopped time in its place as she rocks the same tight visage from her youth. Followers have long been suspicious of her 'no surgery' claims, with one person writing beneath the comparison photos: 'I guess that upper lip just grew itself.' 'I always wonder what she's had done! Does anyone know?' another curious user asked. She snapped a selfie with her shoe designer girlfriend Lana Wilkinson, with the pair flashing their similarly blinding white smiles Despite the ongoing speculation, Bec has always remained firm on the claim she maintains her glowing complexion using faces peels and skincare products. Bec, who shares four childrentwins Tom and Darcy, eight, daughter Billie, ten, and Oscar, 12with husband Chris Judd, has been an ambassador for The Skincare Company since 2016 and a customer since 2014, often touting it online as her go-to for flawless skin. The WAG also gets regular non-surgical cosmetic treatments from the Flawless Rejuvenation clinic in Melbourne. These include: EXION RF microneedling, hydrafacials, laser genesis, fraxel laser treatments (which in 2017 Bec said felt like a 'blow torch' to the face), and LED masks. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas looked great while stepping out for a date night in New York City over the weekend. The 42-year-old former pageant queen put on a leggy display in a black mini dress in oversize black, leather jacket. Meanwhile, the 32-year-old music artist coordinated with his wife as he also wore a sleek, all-black ensemble. Chopra's snug-fitting number boasted a wrapped design and asymmetric neckline, thigh-grazing hem, and long sash with gray, rope-like fringe accents. The fashionista drew attention to her long, toned legs with the addition of slouchy, black, leather, to-the-knee boots. She added color to her sexy outfit by rocking a brick-red, matte lipstick on her full pout. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas looked great while stepping out for a date night in New York City over the weekend The fashionista drew attention to her long, toned legs with the addition of slouchy, black, leather, to-the-knee boots Chopra's lustrous and rich dark locks were arranged in a precise center part as they flowed over her chest in soft waves. And the Indian actress carried her belongings in a small, chic, boxy handbag that was black with gold handles. Jonas, who sings in his eponymous family band, looked typically handsome with his dark hair cut short and his beard meticulously trimmed. The longtime couple held hands while out in the city's Midtown neighborhood on Sunday evening. Missing from the scene was their two-year-old daughter Malti, whom they welcomed in via surrogate in January 2022. To mark Thanksgiving last week, Priyanka took to Instagram to share a family photo featuring their little girl with her 92.4 million followers. In a heartfelt caption, she wrote: 'So grateful for the life were building together. With tremendous gratitude in my heart, Id like to thank everyone that has been in my corner all these years. 'Its so important for a person to have champions and Im very lucky to have always had that. May you all be surrounded by love and loved ones. Happy thanksgiving to everyone celebrating.' The 42-year-old former pageant queen put on a leggy display in a black mini dress in oversize black, leather jacket She added color to her sexy outfit by rocking a brick-red, matte lipstick on her full pout Born and raised in India, Priyanka made her Hollywood debut in 2017's Baywatch, based on the television series of the same name. She starred alongside Zac Efron and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, with Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff also appearing. Earlier this year the mother-of-one shared a sweet video recognizing all the loved ones who have helped her juggle career and motherhood. 'Nothing like family and friends to keep you rejuvenated,' she captioned footage of various family members and friends helping take care of Malti, who she described as an 'angel baby.' It was revealed in June that Nick will return to Broadway after 12 years to play the lead role in The Last Five Years. To mark Thanksgiving last week, Priyanka took to Instagram to share a family photo featuring their little girl with her 92.4 million followers He will play aspiring novelist Jamie Wellerstein opposite Tony winner Adrienne Warren, who will star as his character's wife Cathy Hiatt. A film version starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan was released in 2014. Jason Robert Brown wrote the musical based on the demise of his marriage. The revival is expected to premiere in 2025. Robert Irwin has set his sights on country music stardom, just two months after nabbing a milestone nomination for the prestigious Gold Logie. The 21-year-old is already a successful conservationist, TV presenter, photographer, occasional men's model, and red carpet host, as well as being the new face of Queensland tourism. Robert let slip a secret he has 'never told anyone' in in a new interview with Stellar, revealing that he has been writing his own music and would like to one day release an album of his own. 'Ive never told anyone this but I have written stuff,' the wildlife warrior said. 'Ive written little bits and bobs. I love writing music and putting songs together with different chords. 'And Ive written some stuff that I played for a very small group of people who liked it. But that small group of people are all friends and family, so theyre biased. Who knows if its actually good. But [would I release an album]? Who knows?' Robert Irwin has set his sights on country music stardom, just two months after nabbing a milestone nomination for the prestigious Gold Logie The 21-year-old first picked up a guitar during the Covid-19 lockdowns and has since taken up ukelele and the banjo as well. For those keeping track at home, that was four years ago, when he was just 16. Steve Irwin's youngest child is something of a young renaissance man, who has found success in two-three career changes per year since then. While Robert didn't comment specifically on the genre of his own musical stylings, country seems to have his heart. During the pandemic, he uploaded a sweet video of himself serenading his pug dog Stella with Johnny Cash song Ghost Riders In The Sky. As he left school aged 18, Irwin spent his summer on an Australian road trip with Stella, his surfboard, skateboard, and beloved guitar. Then he surprised fans by hitting a Las Vegas stage in May this year, to perform with country music star Lee Kernaghan at the Steve Irwin Gala. Robert wore a suit as he performed a rendition of the Australian hitmaker's tune Outback Club. During the pandemic, he uploaded a sweet video of himself serenading his pug dog Stella with Johnny Cash song Ghost Riders In The Sky 'Ive never told anyone this but I have written stuff,' the wildlife warrior said. 'Ive written little bits and bobs. I love writing music and putting songs together with different chords Robert showed off his musical skills when he hit a Las Vegas stage to perform with country music star Lee Kernaghan during the Steve Irwin Gala Taking to Instagram, he shared a gallery of photos of the event. In one photo, the famed conservationist can be seen strumming an acoustic guitar with great intensity. Country music is experiencing a renaissance of its own in Australia right now, with the country being the second biggest consumer of the genre in the world after the United States. Meanwhile at a recent music industry breakfast panel hosted by Variety, festival organisers reported that while tentpole multi-genre festivals like Splendour in the Grass and Groovin' in the Moo had fallen, country music festivals such as Ridin' Hearts and CMC Rocks had sold out in record time. Its not just music that Robert is keen to explore. Last month, he was lightheartedly suggested as a potential replacement for Daniel Craig in the next James Bond movie after he shared a photo of himself on Instagram clad in a tuxedo. 'One of those people [who suggested me for Bond] was Jasin Boland, who is the photographer for the 007 films with Daniel Craig,' Irwin told the magazine as he confirmed his interest in the role. 'And when he commented, I was like: "Oh, hang on [maybe]?" The burgeoning young star credited his gung-ho attitude to tackling new careers to both nature and nurture and said that as he's grown up, he has realised he can use his personal fame to promote the causes close to his heart. Members of My Chemical Romance have broken their silence following drummer Bob Bryar's death at 44. The American emo-punk band comprised of Gerard Way, Frank Iero, Mikey Way, and Ray Toro confirmed Bryar's death and asked fans for 'patience and understanding' as they process their grief in a statement to Rolling Stone magazine. 'The band asks for your patience and understanding as they process the news of Bobs passing,' a spokesperson for the band shared in a statement. Bryar's death was first reported last week by TMZ. He was found dead at his home in Tennessee, just two days before Thanksgiving. His cause of death has not been made public and it is unknown who found him. Per the outlet, his body was 'badly decomposed' when discovered and Animal Control came to the house to take away his two dogs. Authorities do not suspect 'foul play' as all his 'weapons and music equipment in the home were left untouched.' Members of My Chemical Romance have broken their silence following drummer Bob Bryar's death at 44; (L-R) Frank Iero, Mikey Way, Bryar, Ray Toro, and Gerard Way The American emo-punk band confirmed Bryar's death and asked fans for 'patience and understanding' as they process their grief in a statement to Rolling Stone magazine Bryar was last seen alive on November 4, the same day he posted his final tweets, one of which simply read 'TULSI,' seemingly referencing former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. As the longest-serving and final official drummer for My Chemical Romance from 2004 to 2010, Bryar's departure was shrouded in rumors of tension with his bandmates. While the band members did not discuss the specifics, multiple sources confirmed that a falling out had occurred, per MTV. Bryar replaced former drummer Matt Pelissier following the release of the band's second album Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (2004). He went on to perform and record music with the group on all of their subsequent releases until his departure. On March 3, 2010, guitarist Iero revealed that Bryar had left the band. 'As of 4 weeks ago, My Chemical Romance and Bob Bryar parted ways. This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and expect you all to do the same,' he wrote on a statement shared to their official website. He most recently teamed back up with the group in 2013 on their record, Conventional Weapons. After retiring from music in 2014, he became a real estate agent and an active advocate of various dog rescues and sanctuaries. In 2021, Bryar auctioned off the drum set he last used with the bandboth on tour and during the recording of their iconic 2006 album The Black Paradeto raise funds for an animal rescue center in Tennessee, according to Rolling Stone. 'The band asks for your patience and understanding as they process the news of Bobs passing,' a spokesperson for the band shared in a statement Bryar's death was first reported last week by TMZ. He was found dead at his home in Tennessee, just two days before Thanksgiving His cause of death has not been made public and it is unknown who found him Bryar was last seen alive on November 4, the same day he posted his final tweets, one of which simply read 'TULSI,' seemingly referencing former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard As the longest-serving and final official drummer for My Chemical Romance from 2004 to 2010, Bryar's departure was shrouded in rumors of tension with his bandmates 'This is my very last drum kit and its ready for a new home. I used this kit when [the band] opened the MTV VMAs in 2005, the following tour, and for some of the [Black Parade] record,' he wrote in the listing, per the outlet. Bryar was born in Chicago, Illinois and began playing drums from a young age. In school, he performed in marching and jazz bands before going off to study sound engineering at the University of Florida. In 2015, Bryar tweeted that after being 'kicked out of MyChem' that he 'became the most depressed, angry, suicidal person ever.' In a later, since-deleted tweet, he wrote: 'Now, I am on so many pills that I feel a bit better, although, it still (b)others me every day. In a recent conversation, I was told I wont be back.' Although My Chemical Romance was scheduled to tour in 2025, Bryar was not scheduled to reunite with the band. The current lineup of My Chemical Romance consists of lead vocalist Gerard, lead guitarist Ray, rhythm guitarist Frank and bassist Mikey. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, available 24/7/365. Ian Smith has stepped down from his role on Neighbours amid a terminal cancer battle. The soap opera icon, who has played Harold Bishop on the Australian series since 1987, says his prognosis is dire. 'I found out a few months back that I have cancer,' the 86-year-old told Ten News on Monday. 'That I have a very aggressive non-fixable cancer and they expect me to they expect me to die.' The Aussie actor, who has played the beloved character on Neighbours since 1987, described the cancer as 'non-fixable'. Bishop's character will be given a fitting send-off from the series, Executive Producer Jason Herbison told the Herald Sun. Ian Smith (pictured) has stepped down from his role on Neighbours amid a terminal cancer battle 'It was a very emotional moment on set as we paid tribute to him and the incredible contribution he has made to the show,' he said. Herbison added that Smith, just like his character, is deeply 'loved' by the show and public alike. A Network 10 spokesperson said in a statement: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of Ian Smith's cancer diagnosis. 'A cherished member of the Neighbours family, Ian has been the heart and soul of the show since he first arrived on Ramsay Street in 1987. 'Ian has brought joy, laughter and inspiration to audiences all around the world for decades. 'Along with the cast and crew and all his fans from around the world, we will support Ian in any way we can during this difficult time.' Smith joined the show as Harold Bishop in 1987, before leaving the series in 1991. The actor returned again in 1996, this time staying in the role for over a decade before again leaving in 2009. 'I found out a few months back that I have cancer,' the 86-year-old told Ten News on Monday 'I have a very aggressive non-fixable cancer and they expect me to they expect me to die,' he admitted in the emotional interview He reprised the role in 2011 and again in 2015, before recently returning in 2022 as a series regular. Smith will continue to appear on screen until April, 2026. Earlier this year, the performer said that he didn't initially plan to return to the soap following his departure in 2015 but had become bored with retirement. 'I made the mistake of thinking I had retired,' he told The Radio Times in May. 'I thought I had made enough provisions, but no. I had about four wonderful things to do, but you can't do the same four things for the rest of your life,' he continued. 'And so I was getting a bit bored and while I was out fishing one day, the phone rang it was Neighbours asking me if I would come back. 'I took all of a tenth of a second then said, "yes please!"' 'What actor at the age of 85 can experience that beautiful thing of doing something they love, being in a studio, standing in front of a camera and everyone telling them they're wonderful? The soap opera icon, who has played Harold Bishop on the Australian series since 1987, says his prognosis is dire. Pictured on the series in his hey day Pictured alongside Neighbours co-star Anne Charleston who played his wife Madge Bishop The Aussie actor, who has played the beloved character on Neighbours since 1987, described the cancer as 'non-fixable' 'And I only film one day and week, so it's lots of lovely bits and bobs.' Smith was part of the reboot of Neighbours after it was famously axed by Channel Ten in 2022. It was cancelled as it failed to find a new broadcaster after Channel 5 dropped the long-running soap for its UK audience. However, just months after a reunion episode was aired that included iconic stars such as Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, it was announced that the soap would be coming back after a new broadcaster was found. The new series now airs for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US and icludes streaming rights to thousands of episodes from previous seasons. In Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, it streams on Prime Video. Cameras began rolling for the revamped soap last year with much of the established cast reprising their roles. Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD original content and programming for Amazon Studios, recently said:'Neighbours has captivated its audience for nearly 40 years, building a dedicated and loyal following for the lives and stories of the characters on Ramsay Street. Smith joined the show as Harold Bishop in 1987, before leaving the series in 1991. He was back in 1996 and left again in 2009 Smith reprised the role in 2011 and again in 2015, before recently returning in 2022 as a series regular. Pictured with co-star Stefan Dennis who plays Paul Robinson Smith will continue to appear on screen until April, 2026. Pictured with Anne Charleston 'With the power of streaming, we're able to offer a catalogue of thousands of Neighbours episodes for new audiences to discover this legendary series and current fans to relive their favourite moments. 'We look forward to immersing the audience in new Ramsay Street experiences when we relaunch the show next year for Amazon Freevee and Prime Video customers.' During his time on Neighbours, Smith's Harold Bishop has gone through major ups and downs and some truly wild plotlines. In memorable scenes that stood out among the show's most dramatic moments, Harold was washed off the rocks by the sea in 1991 while on-screen wife Madge, played by Anne Charleston, screamed for him, and went missing. Harold returned five years later after Smith was coaxed back to the show by producers - but the character was suffering from amnesia and had no idea what his true identity was. He eventually recovered his memories and reunited with Madge, only to battle cancer, a heart attack and stroke, all of which he overcame. Smith left Neighbours again in 2011 to travel with his wife, Gail, but was again lured back for the show's 30th anniversary. The actor was reunited with on-screen wife Madge and has since filmed episodes one day a week in the iconic role. Earlier this year, the performer said that he didn't initially plan to return to the soap following his departure in 2015 but had become bored with retirement 'What actor at the age of 85 can experience that beautiful thing of doing something they love, being in a studio, standing in front of a camera and everyone telling them they're wonderful?' he told the Radio Times in May As well as Neighbours, Smith has appeared on another well-loved Aussie soap, Prisoner, as Head of the Corrections Department, Ted Douglas. He was initially working as a script editor on the series, but famously stepped into the character when the actor fired for the role failed to show up. His career began in the 1960s with guest spots on shows such as Homicide, Division 4 and Matlock Police. The actor got his break with major roles in Bellbird and The Box in the 1970s before being convinced to stay in front of the camera after his stint on Prisoner. Back in 2015, he took part in series 11 of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia. Smith, who grew up in Melbourne, found out at age 54 that he was adopted when his mother, Connie Smith, shared the revelation upon falling seriously ill. He later tracked down his birth mother, Peg Kline, who revealed to him that he was the product of a rape she suffered at age 14 before giving him up for adoption. The two became 'best friends' Smith told Australian Story, and stayed close until Kline's death from cancer in 2005. Earlier this year, Smith told TV Choice magazine that he has never said goodbye to Harold, and was always tempted back into portraying him again when asked by producers. 'I found myself with too much time on my hands. I was then asked to come back to the show, and I thought, "Gee, this is kudos". I was rather happy, I really was! Because do you know what? Ive left the show a few times, and Ive never said goodbye,' he said. 'I know that sounds mad! I've never said goodbye to Harold in a way that would keep me happy. I know what youre thinking why should I worry about somebody who doesn't exist? I know that!' Smith continued. 'But you make the mistake of liking your character. Its a stupid thing to do, but I did. And so, when I leave next time, I shall be very kind to him, and that will be that.' Kat Clark has been left 'fuming' after airline staff mocked her daughter. The TikTok star took to Instagram on Monday to express her disgust following an altercation during a routine airport check-in. Kat and her 13-year-old daughter Deja were preparing for their flight when a staff member started 'mocking' the teenager's headgear, which she uses to protect her curly hair. 'Guys, Im actually shook,' Kat shared with her 770,000 followers. 'A Virgin staff member checking us in for our flight walked out from behind her desk, came up to Deja mocking her bonnet,' she explained. 'She then asked Deja to show her hair and when Deja said no, she tried to lift up her bonnet! Kat Clark has been left 'fuming' after airline staff mocked her daughter. Pictured The TikTok star took to Instagram on Monday to express her disgust following an altercation during a routine airport check-in. Pictured: Kat's daughter Deja 'Wtaf is wrong with people. Who touches someone after theyve said no (?).' In the next Instagram Story, the popular 'mumfluencer' continued to express her anger at the incident. 'I am fuming lol,' she wrote over a picture of herself while on the plane. 'I thought Id be calm by now but after reading your comments, youve made me all realise Im not overreacting. 'Ill be making a complaint. I dont have her name but I have a video of her.' A Virgin Australia spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia, 'We always strive to provide the highest standards of customer service and we apologise this interaction did not meet those standards. We have reached out to our guests today to apologise directly.' It comes just hours after Kat hit back at the 'mean girl' fashion police who slammed the outfit her 13-year-old daughter wore to the TikTok Awards as 'too revealing.' Deja wore a midriff-baring two piece ensemble as she accompanied her mum to the social media platform's star-studded award ceremony in Sydney last week. 'I am fuming lol,' she wrote over a picture of herself while on the plane Kat Clark has hit back at the 'mean girl' fashion police who slammed the outfit her 13-year-old daughter wore to the TikTok Awards as 'too revealing'. Pictured: Kim Kardashian in 2021 Deja, 13, wore a busty, midriff-baring two piece ensemble as she accompanied her mum to the social media platform's star-studded award ceremony in Sydney last week The top comment on a photo of the TikTok star mum and daughter posing together at the TikTok Awards reads: 'Deja looks like she came from a strip club.' Kat, who hosted the event alongside Robert Irwin, on Monday took to Instagram to hit back at the torrent of online criticism over her teenager's yellow outfit. Kat posted an image of Kim Kardashian's infamous all-black 2021 Met Gala outfit to her Stories and wrote, 'This is what Deja is going to wear to the next awards to keep everyone happy,' with a laugh-crying emoji. 'If you're a mean girl, please unfollow me,' she captioned a TikTok posted to her 6.7million followers on Saturday. Kat said she had been reading everyone's negative comments about her appearance at the awards with her daughter and hit back at keyboard warriors 'not just bringing women down but bringing TEENAGERS down.' 'So many people had a problem with Deja's outfit and it just blows my mind,' she said. 'I never have and I never will control what my children wear. One of my main goals as a parent is to make my children feel confident in their bodies. At times I may make a few suggestions, but if my child wants to wear something, I will let them. 'And isn't it easier being nice instead of a mean girl? I don't get it.' Jeremey Renner, Raven-Symone, Jeannie Mai and Denise Richards made heads turn at The Hollywood Christmas Parade. The annual star-studded bash was held Sunday evening in support of Marine Toys for Tots and followed a 3.5 mile path on Hollywood Blvd. featuring various celebrities and Santa Claus. Renner, 53 who was recently seen on the set of Knives looked dapper in a black denim jacket and matching jeans paired with a dark T-shirt. He added a holiday touch to his look with a small Christmas string-light necklace and appeared to be in good spirits. Later in the evening, the actor was also seen posing in group photos and beside Santa Claus himself. The organization named Renner 2024's Grand Marshall for his work to 'empower disadvantaged youth' and serve underprivileged communities. Jeremey Renner made heads turn at The Hollywood Christmas Parade on Sunday evening He looked dapper in a black denim jacket and matching jeans paired with a dark T-shirt 'Im honored to serve as the Grand Marshal for this years Hollywood Christmas Parade and excited to partner with Toys for Tots to bring joy to children in need. Their mission aligns closely with the work we do at the RennerVation Foundation, creating meaningful experiences for at-risk youth,' the actor said in a press release. 'This season of giving is about spreading hope, and Im thrilled to share this moment with my family and friends from the foundation as we work together to make a difference.' Symone, 38, also made a special appearance at the event with her wife Miranda Maday and their adorable dog. The former Disney Channel child star look radiant in an oversized, silver knit sweater and grey jeans paired with trendy sneakers. Maday, 37, donned a leather coat teamed with a red sweater and jeans for their glamorous night out. She teamed her look with designer glasses and heeled boots while clutching their Yorkshire Terrier. TV host Jeannie Mae, 45, sparkled in a red velvet dress paired with a large fur coat. Her raven locks were tied back in a chic, low-bun as she modeled a full face of glam makeup. We also spotted actress Denise Richards arriving to the parade while greeting fans. He added a holiday touch to his look with a small Christmas string-light necklace and posed with Santa Symone, 38, also made a special appearance at the event with her wife Miranda Maday and their adorable dog The former Disney Channel child star look radiant in an oversized, silver knit sweater and grey jeans TV host Jeannie Mae, 45, sparkled in a red velvet dress paired with a large fur coat Her raven locks were tied back in a chic low bun as she modeled a full face of glam makeup Renner was seen in a large group photo Various other stars were also in attendance We also spotted actress Denise Richards arriving to the parade while greeting fans The 53-year-old ex-wife of Charlie Sheen appeared to be wearing a long peacoat, navy top and black jeans The 53-year-old ex-wife of Charlie Sheen appeared to be wearing a long peacoat, navy top and black jeans. According to the Hollywood Christmas Parade's site, the event's goal is to promote community and bring attention to their charitable mission. The site reads: 'Over the years, this iconic event has continued to feature todays biggest stars, but is not just a parade; its a vibrant celebration that brings the Hollywood community together, enchanting audiences with dazzling floats, marching bands, and performances that create unforgettable memories.' It continued, 'The Hollywood Christmas Parade also carries a profound charitable mission featuring Toys For Tots as well as other important organizations and charities that help underprivileged people during this important giving season.' It also claimed that parade collects toys and donations that are then distributed to less fortunate children ahead of the holiday season. This year, The Hollywood Christmas Parade was hosted by Dean Cain, Elizabeth Stanton, Laura McKenzie and Montel Williams. Clay Aiken, Melinda Lindner, Laura Bryna and the Gay Mens Chorus of Los Angeles preformed at the event. Mariah Carey appeared on Instagram this Sunday to give a warm welcome to the month of December. The 55-year-old 'Queen of Christmas' dazzled her nearly 14 million followers as she shared a slow-motion video clip soundtracked by her signature holiday song, All I Want For Christmas Is You. The singing sensation was clad in a red, low-cut, V-neck gown with long sleeves and coordinating gloves. The curve-hugging number boasted draped wrapping at the hips, accentuating the veteran musician's figure. Carey, who shares 13-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan with ex-husband Nick Cannon, wrote in the caption, 'Walking into December like' Her golden blonde locks were styled in a side part with a sideswept bang as she walked toward the camera in slow motion in the snippet. Mariah Carey appeared on Instagram this Sunday to give a warm welcome to the month of December The Fantasy hitmaker is currently hitting stages across the country as she performs her Christmas Time tour. The tour was announced in August and it celebrates the 30th anniversary of her timeless holiday hit, All I Want For Christmas Is You. The first show was on November 6 in Highland, California, and the final concert is slated for December 17 in Brooklyn. Mariah's setlist is rounded out with 26 songs and the concert is around 90 minutes-long. Audiences will enjoy renditions of the superstar's biggest, most recognizable songs as well as holiday classics. It's become customary for Carey to promote her mid-90s Christmas album during the last two months of the year. The lead single is ubiquitous around the holiday season as fans push it back to the top of the music charts year after year. Carey shared the story behind her biggest release, which she composed with 66-year-old Brazilian songwriter Walter Afanasieff, in a 2023 interview with Parade. The 55-year-old 'Queen of Christmas' dazzled her nearly 14 million followers as she shared a slow-motion video clip The singing sensation was clad in a red, low-cut, V-neck gown with long sleeves and coordinating gloves The curve-hugging number boasted draped wrapping at the hips, accentuating the veteran musician's figure Carey, who shares 13-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan with ex-husband Nick Cannon , wrote in the caption, 'Walking into December like' The Fantasy hitmaker is currently hitting stages across the country as she performs her Christmas Time tour; pictured November 6 Mariah's setlist is rounded out with 26 songs and the concert is around 90 minutes-long The tour was announced in August and it celebrates the 30th anniversary of her timeless holiday hit, All I Want For Christmas Is You 'I started writing that on a little DX7 or Casio keyboard that was in this little room in the house that I lived in at the time in Upstate New York lifetimes ago,' she recalled. At the time, she said, she was 'just writing down everything that I thought about. All the things that reminded me of Christmas that made me feel festive that I wanted other people to feel.' Despite widespread reports that the tune took only 15 minutes to write, Mariah said the recording process was not as smooth. 'We did take some time doing the record because if you listen to all those background vocals and all that stuff, you can't do it in five minutes,' she confessed. She reiterated: 'It's literally impossible unless you had three choirs.' Lily Collins looked nothing short of sensational on Sunday night as she showcased her back tattoos at The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical world premiere held at The British Museum, London. The Emily In Paris star, 35, dazzled in an off-the-shoulder gold sequin gold that perfectly displayed the two inkings on her upper back. Lily, who is appearing in West End play Barcelona, looked sensational as she slipped into a very revealing Vivienne Westwood Couture sequinned gown. The stunner put on a very leggy display in the eye-popping outfit which featured a racy thigh-high split as well as a cleavage enhancing Bardot neckline. Lily forwent jewellery and let the dazzling gown speak for itself as she posed up a storm with dashing husband Charlie McDowell, 41, whom she wed in 2021. Lily's back tattoo of script that reads 'Love Always and Forever' was her very first tattoo which she had inked in 2014. The 'L' on love is incorporated with a rose. Lily Collins looked nothing short of sensational on Sunday night as she showcased her back tattoos at The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical world premiere held at The British Museum, London The Emily In Paris star, 35, dazzled in an off-the-shoulder gold sequin gold that perfectly displayed the two inkings on her upper back The script is written in Lily's own handwriting, with the actress previously stating that she had 'always wanted' tattoos and the inking was a part of her 'experimenting' with herself. She told Seventeen magazine back in 2013: 'I've definitely edged-up my style a little, but not for any reason other than I'm experimenting with myself a little. 'I always wanted tattoos, so this past November, I got two. I got my back done first and its my handwriting and it says, Love, always and forever/.' Below this sits another inking of a woman sitting on a Lily Pad, which she had done in 2016 to commemorate her trip to South Korea that year. Sharing an Instagram snap of her tattoo back in 2016, Lily penned: 'A beautiful keepsake from an incredibly memorable Korean adventure. Thank you @tattooist_doy for adding your artistry to my personal collection. Self love is the most important kind.' Lily's outing comes after This Morning fans all made the same joke about her very glamorous outfit as she joined Cat Deeley and Dermot OLeary on the ITV sofa last week. The star and Money Heist actor Alvaro Morte, 49, appeared on the latest instalment of the chat show to speak about their West End debut. Viewers rushed to social media to make the same jokes about Lily's glitzy ensemble, which they deemed somewhat over the top, especially compared to Cat's outfit of a cosy jumper and jeans. Lily, who is appearing in West End play Barcelona, looked sensational as she slipped into a very revealing Vivienne Westwood Couture sequinned gown The gorgeous gown boasted a racy thigh-high split as well as a cleavage enhancing Bardot neckline She was joined on the red carpet by dashing husband Charlie McDowell, 41, whom she wed in 2021 One asked: 'Is Lily Collins on her way to or from some sort of party?'. Another wrote: 'Cat looks like she's going for a hike in the alps and Lily looks like she is going on the red carpet, get the poor lass a coat.' 'Lily, you'll catch your death,' someone else joked. Others said the actress looked 'stunning' and questioned if she was heading off to film an episode of The Graham Norton Show. Lily wore an 880 Vivienne Westwood corset, paired with a 836 gathered skirt also by the British designer - bringing the total price of her red-carpet-ready look to 1,716. Lily's outing comes after This Morning fans all made the same joke about her very glamorous outfit as she joined Cat Deeley and Dermot OLeary on the ITV sofa last week Emily In Paris star Lily, 35, and The Money Heist actor Alvaro Morte, 49, appeared on Monday's instalment of the chat show to speak about their West End debut In comparison, Alvaro looked much more laid back next to the actress in his black jeans, white T-shirt and black leather jacket. The pair are spending 12 weeks starring in Bess Wohl's West End show Barcelona at London's Duke of York's Theatre. Giving a rundown of the play to hosts Cat and Ben, Lily said: 'A young woman goes to Barcelona on a bachelorette weekend and meets a Spanish man at a bar and they go home together. 'It takes you on a wild ride with things you are not expecting. Even things that we were not expecting that we are finding out every night on stage to.' Daniel Craig revealed he ended up 'writing a lot of lines' in Bond's 2008 movie Quantum Of Solace - admitting the film 'just didn't quite work'. The Hollywood legend, 56, reminisced his time on set but bluntly admitted it was a 'f***ing nightmare' - as they were short of writers and production started without a script. Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter Podcast, the Knives Out star said: 'Difficult second album f***ing nightmare. 'Paul Haggis did a pass on the script. 'Then he went off and joined the picket line and we didn't have writers. 'We should never have started production. Daniel Craig, 56, revealed he ended up 'writing a lot of lines' in Bond's 2008 movie Quantum Of Solace - admitting the film 'just didn't quite work' (pictured at Governors Awards on Sunday) The Hollywood legend reminisced his time on set but bluntly admitted it was a 'f***ing nightmare' - as they were short of writers and production started without a script (pictured with Gemma Arterton in the film) 'I ended up writing a lot of that film, which I probably shouldn't say.' The English actor continued adding: 'There are some amazing stunt sequences in it but it just didn't quite work. 'The storytelling wasn't there. 'That's a lesson starting a movie without a script is not a good idea.' Daniel is set to hit screens very soon again as leading star in Luca Guadagnino's Queer - where he will be starring next to Outer Banks heartthrob Drew Starkey. The actor hung up his bowtie and tux three years ago and has been leaning into more experimental roles since, ranging from a fun camp gentleman sleuth with a Southern drawl to a man who falls in love with a drug addict in Mexico City, in the 1940s. Queer is an adaptation of a novella by American writer William Burroughs and Daniel plays as American William Lee, living in Mexico City who becomes sexually obsessed with a former sailor, Eugene Allerton (Drew). During the same interview, the actor also revealed he initially rejected the chance to play James Bond as he was fearful it could limit other opportunities for him in the movie industry. 'I ended up writing a lot of that film, which I probably shouldn't say,' he told The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter Podcast (pictured in the movie) Admitting 'production should have never started', Daniel added: 'There are some amazing stunt sequences in it but it just didn't quite work. The storytelling wasn't there' (pictured in the movie) He portrayed 007 in five movies spanning from 2006's Casino Royale to 2021's No Time To Die, but admits he had reservations about taking the part of the legendary spy. When asked if he was nervous about accepting the Bond role, Daniel told: 'Yes, for sure. That's why I turned it down - I mean, I said, "No". 'There wasn't a script at the time, so again, my arrogance was unbelievable, but I was just like, 'Well, until I see a script, I couldn't possibly make a decision.' 'And it was fear, exactly what you're talking about, of that thing and many others, how it would flip my life. 'I was making a pretty good living at the time, so if I spent my life doing what I was doing at the time, I would've been more than happy. 'But it was really one of those things where - I mean to be typecast as James Bond? Boo-hoo.' Daniel took on other film roles between Bond movies - such as Defiance and Cowboys and Aliens - but explained that his attempts to showcase his versatility as an actor left him burnt out. He said: 'I think I felt that I had to prove myself. And after a while I just realised that I didn't have the energy to do that. The actor portrayed 007 in five movies spanning from 2006's Casino Royale to 2021's No Time To Die , but admits he had reservations about taking the part of the legendary spy Daniel is set to hit screens very soon again as leading star in Luca Guadagnino's Queer - where he will be starring next to Outer Banks heartthrob Drew Starkey (pictured in the film) 'It's not knocking movies like 'Defiance', because I'm very proud of them. But Bond is your life when you're doing it - each movie is about two years out of your life; you're away from home for over six months; and the idea of fitting someone else in because of the need to prove to the world that I've got range, it's kind of ridiculous, so I stopped doing that. 'There's some movies I did do that I was incredibly proud of. But I was exhausted while doing those films. It was better just to concentrate on the Bonds.' It comes after Daniel teased who the next James Bond could be when he made a cryptic joke at 2024 Governors Awards on Sunday. The actor, 56, who played 007 for five films from 2006 until 2021, weighed in on the ongoing debate while presenting an award on stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles . The Knives Out star recently teased who the next James Bond could be when he made a cryptic joke at 2024 Governors Awards on Sunday (pictured) As he honoured producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson with the Irving G Thalberg Memorial Award he said 'the next James Bond could be in the room.' Previous reports suggested Aaron-Taylor Johnson and Theo James could be next in line to take on the iconic role. 'Lets just get something out of the way,' Daniel began. 'If you came here this evening to find out who the next James Bond is, dont look at me, but he might be in the room. Im just joking. Maybe Im not,' PEOPLE report. Apple Martin enjoyed a spin around the dancefloor with her parents at the Le Bal des Debutantes at the Shangri-La in Paris on Saturday. The 20-year-old daughter of Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow, 52, and Chris Martin, 47, looked sensational in a sky blue Valentino Haute Couture gown as she attended the ball on the arm of her dashing date Count Leo Henckel von Donnersmarck before letting loose with her parents. The annual gathering invites young women from some of the prestigious - and wealthiest - families from Europe, Asia, Africa and the U.S. make their debut into society. Apple looked sensational as she was twirled around by Coldplay frontman Chris - who looked every inch the doting father as he pulled her in close for a cuddle and a kiss on the cheek. Gwyneth, who was clad in a sheer tulle gown with polka dot detailing, watched on proudly before sweeping Apple in for a cuddle. Apple was in high demand on the evening, with her date Count Leo - who comes from Austro-Hungarian noble family House of Henckel von Donnersmarck - also taking her for a spin around the dance floor. Apple Martin was the belle of the ball as she was spun around the dance floor by dad Chris after making her social 'debut' at the Le Bal des Debutantes at the Shangri-La in Paris on Saturday Gwyneth, who was clad in a sheer tulle gown with polka dot detailing, watched on proudly before sweeping Apple in for a cuddle Apple was in high demand on the evening, with her date Count Leo - who comes from Austro-Hungarian noble family House of Henckel von Donnersmarck - also taking her to the dance floor As is tradition, the debutants are paired up with a 'cavalier' who are often young men from similarly distinguished backgrounds, to make their grand entrance at the ball. Leo is the son of film director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and Christiane Asschenfeldt, the first International Executive Director of Creative Commons. He is the descendant of a large and noble Austro-German family who were central figures of the 2nd Industrial Revolution, spearheading technological innovations like mild steel puddling metal factories, three-high rolling mills and soda-pulping in Germany. Aside from his family connections, little is known Apple's date, who has just one Instagram post which he captioned 'Paris and Rome' showing a series of snaps captured in whimsical Marie Antoinette-esque homes. Last year, Leo's sister Countess Lara Cosima made her debut at the prestigious event. Apple looked sensational in her glamorous frock which featured six tiers of silk plisse chiffon and was cinched Martin's small waist with a black silk bow. The dress, designed by Valentino's Alessandro Michele, took 750 hours of hard work to complete. The look was finished with a pair of strappy Valentino Garavani sandals. It was a family affair for Apple, who was also supported by her grandmother Blythe Danner and younger brother Moses for her debut into society Apple looked sensational as she was twirled around by Coldplay frontman Chris - who looked every inch the doting father as he pulled her in close for a cuddle The pair had all eyes on them as they let loose on the crowded dancefloor Apple was taken for a spin by her proud father, who couldn't resist getting on the dance floor The pair were having the time of their lives as they spun around on the dance floor In a pictorial for Vogue ahead of the annual gathering Apple had her long, blonde hair styled in straight layers, and her makeup looked natural with a peachy-pink lip. The Vanderbilt University student has mostly kept out of the public eye, but has decided to begin a new chapter in her life. 'This dress is giving gossip girl vibes,' wrote one fan on Vogue's Instagram page. Another thought 'Its giving Alice in Wonderland, love it!' According to the publication, Paltrow was going to wear a gown from Valentino's Spring 2025 collection. In a post on her Instagram Stories, the Oscar winner shared a couple of snap of Apple, writing, 'My beautiful daughter in @maisonvalentino. Apple's brother Moses, 18, and her dad were reported to be wearing custom tuxedos designed by Michele for them. During the ball, many people were left shocked by Apple's behavior after a clip emerged of her stealing the spotlight from another girl who was having her picture taken. The other debutante was seen taking her turn posing for the camera when Apple appeared from behind and sashayed into the shot. Apple cosied up to her father for a sweet cuddle after they tired themselves out on the floor Apple wrapped her mother up in a bear hug as her grandmother sweetly watched on The mother-daughter duo have a strong bond that was evident as they hugged one another Gwyneth also took to the dance floor as she spun around with son Moses The mother-son duo looked delighted as they laughed away on the dance floor Apple's date Count Leo also took her for a spin around the dance floor The pair were laughing their heads off as they spun around on the dance floor The pair made for a very handsome couple as they enjoyed their night out at the ball As is tradition, the debutants are paired up with a 'cavalier' who are often young men from similarly distinguished backgrounds, to make their grand entrance at the ball The pair made for a very handsome couple, with Leo getting Chris' seal of approval Posing with her hands on her hips, Apple edged her way into the frame - forcing the other girl out. The debutante could do nothing but look on with an awkward laugh, as Apple proceeded to pout and pose for several photos. Eventually, she finished and stepped out of the way - almost cutting off another debutante who is waiting for her turn for a picture in the process. The move did not go down well on social media after the footage, taken by French outlet Paris Match, was shared on TikTok. However, not everyone was bothered and some even suggested that the Martin and the other debutante know each other. In fitting with tradition, each of the young women attending the event at the Hotel Shangri-La in Paris 'presented' at Le Bal will be accompanied by a young man, known as a chevalier. Debutantes on the list of attendees include European royalty as well as the daughters of A-list celebrities. Ava Philippe, 25, the daughter of Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Philippe, attended in 2017. Emily in Paris star, Lily Collins, 35, made her debut in 2007. It doesn't cost anything for the young women and their families to attend the annual gathering. Apple looked sensational in her glamorous frock which featured six tiers of silk plisse chiffon and was cinched Martin's small waist with a black silk bow She posed up a storm as she spun around the fancy ballroom in her glamorous gown Apple enjoyed a sweet moment with her father as she strutted into the ceremony Apple posed with hairstylist to the stars John Nollet during her time at the ball Apple had all eyes on her as she waltzed around the ballroom She larked around on the dancefloor with Sienna Gallienne, who was wearing Dior Creator Ophelie Renouard invited her guests based on their appearance, intelligence, and family connections. The event is billed as a charity fundraiser and will benefit two entities connected with children's health, according to Hello! Half the proceeds will go to the cardiology research unit ARCFA of Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital improves the quality of care for children with heart defects all over the world. The other half goes to the Maria Fareri Childrens Hospital, which provides advanced pediatric care, with special emphasis on pediatric cardiovascular problems, childhood cancers, organ transplantation, complex breathing problems, genetic disorders, and challenges associated with premature birth. In an interview last year Gwyneth, who is now married to TV producer Brad Falchuk, said Apple was an 'amazing best friend' who was 'just so much fun to be with'. 'It's so wonderful having a daughter because you have this amazing best friend and we like to do the same stuff, and she's so funny and she's so smart,' she said. The Shakespeare In Love star also revealed Apple has a say in all the decisions involving her wellness lifestyle brand, Goop, which has sold products including coffee enemas. 'I run everything by her,' she has said. 'I value her opinion so much, and she's also such a product person. 'My daughter has gotten so into clean, non-toxic beauty, vegan. So, she has really strong values running. It's so nice that it aligns with the products that we already make.' The pair were applauded as they strutted through the ballroom arm in arm Chris beamed and clapped as he watched Apple walk past with Count Leo Apple blew a sweet kiss to her father as she strolled past his table Apple was arm in arm with her dashing date for the evening Leo is the son of film director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and Christiane Asschenfeldt, the first International Executive Director of Creative Commons (pictured in 2018) Gwyneth also spoke about her sense of pride for her daughter. 'Apple is an adult woman now, so we relate to each other like that,' said the actress. 'Of course, I'm always her mama, and she comes to me for those things too. But it's very interesting to really watch her step into herself as a grown woman.' Gwyneth added of Apple and her brother Moses: 'Whatever they want to do in life, I want to support. 'I think there are challenges in any career - certainly there are challenges in being an artist, for sure. 'But should they choose that path, I will of course support them.' Discussing the differences in the siblings, she shared: 'My children are similar in the ways that they're both incredibly sensitive and empathetic. They really can feel people's stuff very permeable in that way,' said the Emma actress. 'They're both tall and they both have very interesting ways of seeing the world, and they're different in the ways that they are. 'My daughter's very much of an extrovert. My son is an introvert. They like to do very different things, but then I don't know, then they both love to snowboard and they both love music, and they love their friends.' Apple enjoyed sweet moments with her friends, Cornelia Manou, who was clad in Celia Kritharioti, and la comtesse Alienor Loppin de Montmort clad in Emmanuel Ungaro The girls were in high spirits as they larked around together at the fancy soiree They were posing up a storm for the photographers on the night The girls were dressed to impress in an array of breathtaking gowns She joined Olivia Meijer, wearing Luisa Beccaria, Cornelia Manou, in Celia Kritharioti and Marilia Vamvakidis wearing Natan for a [photoshoot inside the lift Apple also posed with Oona Finch, wearing Chanel, Apollonie Halard, clad in Schiaparelli and Lucia and S.Loren wearing Giorgio Armani Pictured: Ella Yam, Sienna Gallienne, Olivia Meijer, Sofia Yadigaroglu, La comtesse Alienor Loppin de Montmort, Madelyn Netto, Marilia Vamvakidis, Cornelia Manou, Peyton Spaht, Apple Martin, Mina Muniz Tschape, La princesse Eugenie de Bourbon, Rysa Panday, Sophie Kodjoe, Apollonie Halard, Isabel Quirot de Poligny, Oona finch, Lucia Sofia Ponti, petite fille de S.Loren ans Angel Zhang The debutantes also posed inside one of the grand ballrooms of the Parisian hotel Gwyneth took to Instagram on Sunday to show off some snaps after 'a special long weekend in Paris' with her ex husband, their children Apple and Moses and her mother Blythe The 52-year-old actress beamed with pride as she held her daughter Apple ahead of the ball A candid shot from the event showed Blythe, 81, sitting amongst other proud parents such as Boris Kodjoe (left) and David Netto (right) Yet Gwyneth revealed that Apple is more like her father. 'I think Moses and I are more, we're happy kind of being home and being more internal,' she explained. 'But I think they've both gotten, hopefully, the best of both of us, and hopefully we've been able to minimize our s***** traits having passed those down.' She also said in the same People interview that Chris is a great father to their children. 'He has this sweet child-like spirit, and I love that he will be like, "Let's go jump in the ocean,when it's 58 degrees", or, "Let's go to this weird guitar store." He always wants to do these fun adventures with them and activities.' The blonde told the magazine that dealing with her blended family with second husband of five years, TV producer Brad Falchuk, is not a walk in the park. Another Sydney radio presenter has departed the ABC. Robbie Buck announced he was leaving the ABC after almost 30 years with the public broadcaster. The ABC Radio Sydney announcer told his audience on Monday live on-air that he was 'stepping back.' For the past 18 months, Buck has been the host of ABC's Songs & Stories show, but was previously a fixture at the ABC's national youth station, Triple J. 'Its a sad moment, Ive got to say,' Buck said. 'Im stepping back from the ABC somewhat, which is a big move for me. Robbie Buck announced he was leaving the ABC after almost 30 years with the public broadcaster on Monday. Pictured For the past 18 months, Buck has been the host of ABC's Songs & Stories, but was previously a fixture at the ABC's national youth station, Triple J. Pictured with Wendy Harmer He continued: 'I have been here over 28 years as a constant employee, and its been such a privilege to have been a part of this organisation. 'I am hoping to still have a toe in the water here on the airwaves, and so Im hoping to pop up from time to time, but it just seems like its the right time for me to step back.' Buck'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.' Buck'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 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 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. 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 a few weeks ago. 'Well, here's the news from me in terms of disappointment,' she told her listeners. '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.' Pontcysyllte Aqueduct provided the backdrop as Cillian Murphy filmed his latest scenes as Tommy Shelby for forthcoming Peaky Blinders feature, The Immortal Man. Principal photography for the Birmingham based drama shifted to north-east Wales on Sunday, with Murphy dressed in character as notorious gangland figurehead Shelby while filming on a canal boat. The Oscar-winner, 48, was joined by co-star Packy Lee, who returns as show regular Johnny Dogs for the eagerly anticipated feature-length spin-off. Cast and crew were seen navigating Llangollen Canal on the 126 feet high aqueduct, with Murphy and Lee seated at the front of a narrowboat as helicopters monitored the scene from above. Wearing Shelby's trademark overcoat and Baker Boy cap, Murphy suggested his character had been involved in another violent confrontation by revealing a nasty prosthetic scar on his right cheek. A Grade I listed construction and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct towers over the River Dee and is used exclusively by narrowboats, allowing them access to the nearby village of Llangollen. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct provided the backdrop as Cillian Murphy filmed his latest scenes as Tommy Shelby for forthcoming Peaky Blinders feature, The Immortal Man Principal photography for the Birmingham based drama shifted to north-east Wales on Sunday, with Murphy dressed in character as notorious gangland figurehead Shelby while filming on a canal boat It was confirmed in June that the Peaky Blinders' original writing and directing team would be returning alongside Murphy for a Netflix film adaptation of the hit series. The streaming service confirmed the news on X with a photograph of the script, while the Oscar winning actor told Deadline: 'It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn't finished with me 'It is very gratifying to be re-collaborating with Steven Knight and Tom Harper on the film version of Peaky Blinders. This is one for the fans.' Director Tom shared: 'When I first directed Peaky Blinders over 10 years ago, we didn't know what the series would become, but we did know that there was something in the alchemy of the cast and the writing that felt explosive. 'Peaky has always been a story about family - and so it's incredibly exciting to be reuniting with Steve and Cillian to bring the movie to audiences across the world on Netflix.' Peaky Blinders launched in 2013 and garnered huge audiences both in Britain and overseas, attracting roles for silver-screen stars such as Tom Hardy and Anya Taylor-Joy. The show is loosely based on a real Birmingham gang of the same name operating from the 1880s to the 1920s who took part in similar illegal activities. Peaky Blinders aired six series over nine years and ended with Tommy, who had been tricked into believing he had a terminal illness, surviving an assassination attempt orchestrated by his own nephew before killing him and moving away for a new life. The Oscar-winner was joined by co-star Packy Lee, who returns as show regular Johnny Dogs for the eagerly anticipated feature-length spin-off Cast and crew were seen navigating Llangollen Canal on the 126 feet high aqueduct as helicopters monitored the scene from above Murphy and Lee were seated at the front of a narrowboat as they filmed their latest scenes Wearing Shelby's trademark overcoat and Baker Boy cap, Murphy suggested his character had been involved in another violent confrontation by revealing a nasty prosthetic scar on his right cheek A Grade I listed construction and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct towers over the River Dee and is used exclusively by narrowboats A helicopter flew across the location during a break between scenes in north-east Wales Over recent months there has been off-screen concern for the welfare of Paul Anderson, who plays Tommy's older brother Arthur Shelby, after he pleaded guilty to possession of crack cocaine earlier this year. The 46-year-old was also found to have amphetamines, plus diazepam and pregabalin on him. The Immortal Man is yet to be given an official release date. It was confirmed in June that the Peaky Blinders' original writing and directing team would be returning alongside Murphy for a Netflix film adaptation of the hit series Peaky Blinders launched in 2013 and garnered huge audiences both in Britain and overseas, attracting roles for silver-screen stars such as Tom Hardy and Anya Taylor-Joy Martha Kalifatidis has revealed that she doesn't concentrate on her appearance like she once did. The Married At First Sight star took part in a question and answer session on Instagram Stories on Monday and was asked if she plans to lose more weight after welcoming her baby son. The 36-year-old shared a photo of her figure at what she described as her peak period of fitness but said she no longer worried about how she looks. 'I would love to get super fit before I get pregnant again. This was me at my fittest. 20k steps a day, weight training and running,' she explained. 'If I had time to do all that again - well I'd probably look like that. For me after having a child my priorities shifted massively. 'I'm not as vain as I was and I'm not getting anywhere near as much sleep as I did haha Fitness is going to be a big goal for me next year.' Martha Kalifatidis (pictured) has revealed that she doesn't concentrate on her appearance like she once did A further post showed Martha laying totally nude in a bath, covering her bust with her hand and showing off her incredible figure. In the attached caption, she explained her guilty pleasure was eating in the bath while watching Harry Potter. The reality TV star and her partner Michael Brunelli welcomed their first son Lucius into the world last February. Martha recently sent her fans into a frenzy by announcing she wants be married to fiance Michael in a matter of weeks. In a sneak peak at her new podcast with Michael and her mum, Mary, called The Morning Roast, Martha said she wanted to just get the marriage over with. The make up artist, who has been engaged to Michael for three years after they met on MAFS, caused an uproar by saying she wanted 'a shotgun wedding'. A shotgun wedding usually refers to a marriage ceremony where the bride is already pregnantbut can mean a rushed marriage for other reasons too. 'I feel like I just want to have a shotgun wedding, and get married in November, this year. I just want to get it done,' she said. The Married At First Sight star took part in a question and answer session on Instagram Stories on Monday and was asked if she plans to lose more weight after welcoming her baby son The 36-year-old shared a photo of her figure at what she described as her peak period of fitness 'I would actually love to have a wedding at home. What do you think about doing a wedding in November if we quickly organise it?' she asked. Michael replied, 'I am down for just the easiest thing,' and Martha said they could just 'host a lunch'. Fans were confused, with one asking in the comments: 'Doesnt shotgun wedding mean the bride is pregnant??' Most were overwhelmingly supportive, telling Martha she will not regret hosting something intimate over a fairytale wedding. Martha and Michael first met on the 2019 season of the Channel Nine dating show, and their journey has been closely followed by fans ever since. A further post showed Martha laying totally nude in a bath, covering her bust with her hand and showing off her incredible figure The Married At First Sight star and her partner Michael Brunelli welcomed their first son Lucius into the world last February. All pictured Martha and Michael first met on the 2019 season of the Channel Nine dating show, and their journey has been closely followed by fans ever since The couple welcomed their first child together in February 2023 and frequently give fans an insight into their family life with their son Lucius, 21 months. They currently live in parents Mary and Theo's Melbourne home, and Martha recently hit back at online trolls who accused her of sponging off her folks. 'Why don't you and Michael pay your own way like the rest of the world?' a troll asked, referring to the young family's current living situation. Martha rejected the claim that she was sponging off her parents, saying the decision to live with Theo and Mary was not financially motivated. 'Our living arrangement has nothing to do with money,' she wrote. 'The sad thing is you probably believe we live with my parents to capitalise off of the situation. That is the furthest [thing] from the truth.' She added that her young family's current living situation was beneficial to all involved. 'In reality, we mutually enjoy it,' she said. 'Living in a multigenerational home with my parents brings us closer, fosters mutual support and creates a rich environment where wisdom and experience blend. It also brings my parents happiness.' Martha ended the spray by adding she pitied the critic. 'I feel sorry for you that you can't see the benefits in our situation,' she said. The pair seem to have endured an on-off friendship over the last 20 years Gregg Wallace is said to be 'furious' with John Torode - his MasterChef co-host of almost 20 years - after he failed to publicly support him over allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour. The under-fire presenter, 60, has unfollowed John and his wife Lisa Faulkner on Instagram, making his anger quite plain. Torode has not uttered a word on Wallace's MasterChef exit, despite them working together since 2005. A source told The Sun: 'Gregg is absolutely furious and is convinced he has done nothing wrong. 'Seeing John keeping quiet amid all of this has irked him hugely. Gregg and John have been colleagues for almost two decades and while they aren't the closest of friends, Gregg feels John could say something. 'He has deleted them from his Instagram account now and unfollowed both of them.' It came as Sir Keir Starmer said Wallace was 'completely inappropriate and misogynistic' for blaming 'middle class women of a certain' age for his MasterChef ruination amid growing pressure on the BBC to take the show off air. Gregg has now apologised for 'any offence that I caused' and 'any upset I caused to a lot of people'. He blamed his middle-class women slur on being 'under siege' and not being 'in a good head space' on Sunday. 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. One source told MailOnline over the weekend that John may fear that the current furore may reflect badly on him. In October John's wife Lisa Faulkner said of her time on MasterChef: 'Greg just told rude joke after rude joke. 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".' Gregg Wallace is said to be fuming at his MasterChef co-host John Torode after he failed to publicly support him John Torode headed out for a cycle on Tuesday. He has not commented on Gregg's fall from grace As Gregg fights for his TV career, it also emerged today: Gregg Wallace has apologised for 'any offence that I caused' after posting a video saying complaints about his behaviour came from 'a handful of middle-class women of a certain age'. Sir Keir Starmer believes Gregg Wallace was 'completely inappropriate and misogynistic' in the video; BBC One should pull MasterChef off air until the probe into Wallace is completed, a senior Labour MP has said; The BBC allowed Wallace to remain on air despite at least four complaints being made against him. Bosses are under pressure to explain why they did not act sooner; More celebrities speak of how his sex-related comments embarrassed them. One cab driver claims he almost threw star out of his taxi after he got in and asked: 'Can I ask you what your sex life between you and your wife is like?' BBC presenter Gregg, 60, stepped down from MasterChef after it was revealed that 13 people, including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, accused him of 'wrong' and inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour during filming. He stands accused of making 'inappropriate sexual jokes', asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff, and undressing in front of and standing 'too close' to women working on his shows. He allegedly walked naked on set with only a sock on his penis. The grocer turned broadcaster, 60, posted a series of incendiary videos online yesterday where he hit back at critics by saying: 'Can you imagine how many women on MasterChef, female contestants, have made sexual remarks or sexual innuendo?' Wallace had said: 'I've been doing MasterChef for 20 years, amateur, celebrity and professional MasterChef, and I think, in that time, I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life. 'Apparently now, I'm reading in the paper, there's been 13 complaints in that time. I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn't right'. His posts have been branded 'shocking' and laced with 'thinly veiled misogyny' - and did not touch on the sexual allegations made by numerous MasterChef celebrities, producers and contestants on the show he left last week. There are allegations related to four other shows he worked on. One insider told MailOnline today: 'Gregg has gone rogue and ignored all advice'. Another expert said: 'He needs to shut up'. Speaking this afternoon the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'Clearly the comments that we've seen from the individual over the weekend were completely inappropriate, misogynistic'. It came amid growing pressure on the BBC to take MasterChef off the air. The show, which is in the middle of its Professionals series, still features Wallace. There are also two Christmas specials with him as host due for broadcast this festive period. Rupa Huq, Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton and a member of Parliament's culture, media and sport committee, said: 'He's being dangled on our screens while this is going on, I just think at the moment maybe pause it.' MailOnline today revealed that Gregg Wallace is ignoring 'all advice' and only 'listening to his own ego' after his Instagram video rant yesterday. 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. 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: 'It's funny, we've 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 don't 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 we've eaten over that time. 'He's got a pretty good palate, whether he cooks or not, I'm 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: '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. 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 Angelina Jolie has scored a major legal victory against ex-husband Brad Pitt after a judge ruled that he must hand over documents and communications which could prove he was abusive towards the actress and their children. The former A-List couple seem determined to dredge up the past and throw everything they can at each other amid their acrimonious legal battle for their French vineyard. The ongoing dispute has seen the feuding exes attack each other in legal filings ever since Pitt sued Jolie in 2022 for selling her stake in their Chateau Miraval estate, which produces an award-winning sparkling rose. Legal filings seen by DailyMail.com show that the communications Pitt, 60, has been ordered to produce begins the day Jolie claims he abused her on a private plane shortly before their separation in 2016. She previously accused him of pouring red wine and beer over his ex and one of the couple's children on a private plane. Pitt has always denied being abusive and was cleared by law enforcement following an investigation though his ex-wife claimed in filings that his 'history of physical abuse' started 'well before' the plane incident. Brad Pitt has been ordered to turn over documents and communications that ex-wife Angelina Jolie claims will prove he sought to cover up his domestic violence against her and their children. The actress is pictured right with 16-year-old Knox Jolie-Pitt last month Jolie, 49, asked the court to force her ex-husband to disclose anything between September 14, 2016 to December 31, 2018. That will include emails, texts and other written communications, but nothing between him and his attorneys or therapists. The Maleficent actress filed documents in July claiming that the actor tried to force her to sign an $8.5million NDA to cover up 'years of abuse.' At the same time, her legal team asked that the court compel Pitt to disclose 'private, third-party communications' he had about their family's 2016 plane ride that resulted in Jolie filing for divorce. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lia Martin issued the ruling last Monday, after Jolie's lawyers claimed that the documents would prove her claims Pitt tried to make her sign an NDA. She claims that the gag order would have prevented her from speaking out about the alleged abuse, amid a verbal agreement she would sell her half of the winery to Pitt. Jolie had accused her ex-husband of pouring red wine and beer on her and their children during an altercation on a private plane in 2016 claims which he denies Now, in the course of the ongoing legal battle over their winery in the South of France, the Chateau Miraval (pictured), Jolie doubled down on her abuse claims The ongoing legal battle saw Brad Pitt demand his ex-wife hand over documents for previous agreements she's entered with third parties after she claimed she backed out of the deal over his 'cruel' NDA clause. He is pictured at the chateau with business partner Marc Perrin Jolie's lawyers claim that the documents will prove 'communications concerning abuse, lies to authorities, and years of cover up' on Pitt's part. Pitt's legal team sought for the motion to be denied, claiming the requests were 'wide-ranging and intrusive'. The actors' lawyers also branded the filing as a 'sensationalist fishing expedition', with sources calling the latest ruling 'irrelevant', as the actor has provided 'so much information already'. Paul Murphy, a lawyer for Jolie, branded the documents as 'crucial evidence' that Pitt has 'fought for years to hide.' In a statement he said: 'His actions harmed Angelina and their children and are central to this case. 'But I want to again emphasize that Angelina never wanted any of this. 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. Pitt was shocked when his ex-wife sold her half of their stunning Chateau Miraval estate without his consent to Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler in 2021 The South of France chateau, where the couple wed in 2014, became Pitt's 'passion' and one of the world's most highly-regarded producers of rose wine 'To this day, Mr. Pitt has never been held accountable for his actions and has at all times controlled Miraval and the winery, yet he still demands more. She wants this to end, the children want this to end, and Mr. Pitt should focus on healing their family, not pursuing lawsuits.' It comes after Pitt himself scored a major legal victory, with Judge Martin throwing out Jolie's attempt to dismiss the lawsuit. 'It's already been ugly but it's going to get even uglier as Angie will insist on retaliating against Brad and trying to settle old more personal scores,' an insider told DailyMail.com. 'And it's going to get costlier too with their legal wrangling already costing both sides millions.' Court filings suggest that the judge has found a basis in Pitt's claims that their original verbal agreement was binding, and Jolie may have violated them when she sold her shares to Russian businessman Yuri Shefler and his Stoli Group in 2021. Pitt's lawyers say that Jolie violated their deal to not sell their stakes in Miraval without both parties' permission. With the dismissal of the three filings, the former A-List couple - who wed at the Provence, Southern France estate in 2014 and split in 2016 are set to face off in court at the trial next year. Pitt filed the $67million lawsuit against Jolie in 2022, less than a year after the shares were sold. Jolie faces potential damages claims if she does not undo the deal she made with Yuri Shefler regarding the sale of her Miraval stake. Her frustration over Pitt being awarded joint custody of their children in 2021, suggests the dispute has become highly personal for the pair, going beyond the original business matter. Jolie has also been accused of trying to drive a wedge between her estranged husband and their six kids in the aftermath of their split. Jolie has been accused of trying to drive a wedge between her estranged husband and their six kids in the aftermath of their split (pictured in 2014) Jolie and Pitt first acquired the winery, the Chateau Miraval, in 2008 when they had been romantically involved for years but were not yet married; pictured at Cannes in 2009 Pitt's team claims she believes her deal with Shefler was 'justified' due to the NDA her ex-husband asked her to sign. She was dealt another blow earlier this year after the court ruled, she must produce every NDA that she signed with a third-party over an eight-year period from 2014 - the year they married - to 2022. NDAs have become a key battleground in the dispute over Chateau Miraval after Jolie claims she backed out of their agreement because Pitt asked her to sign one as part of their business deal. She claims that it was an 'unconscionable' attempt by her ex-partner to 'control her' after their split in April 2019, with his lawyers asking LA Superior Court to unwind the sale because of their agreement to not sell to a third party. But Pitts attorneys have argued that Jolie's NDA objection was really just a cover story which she cooked-up to 'rationalize' her betrayal of Pitt by deciding to sell her stake behind his back. The Fight Club star's attorneys also claim that Jolie herself 'weaponized' NDAs, and asked for Pitt to sign a broader NDA just six months later as part of their divorce settlement talks. Pitt's legal team asked in previous filings that she come clean about NDAs she entered into with third parties including staff. Pitt has landed several legal victories in the battle for the winery including a key judgement in Luxembourg which handed him back control of the award-winning vineyard pending further hearings. In March, LA Superior Court rejected the allegations that his suit was 'frivolous, malicious, and part of a problematic pattern.' Francesca Eastwood shared a very rare photo to social media with her only child, a son named Titan, on Sunday. The 31-year-old daughter of Clint Eastwood, 94, was puckering up as she held onto her little one in the snap that was uploaded to her Insta Stories. She added a red heart emoji but no comment. The blonde shares the child, aged six, with her partner of several years, actor Alexander Wraith. That same day it was announced that she will not be prosecuted in connection with her felony domestic violence arrest with a male in Beverly Hills two months ago. Officials with the District Attorney's office in Los Angeles said that evidence in the case against Francesca - who is the daughter of Titanic actress Frances Fisher, 72 - was insufficient to move forward, police sources told TMZ Sunday. The actress was arrested October 12 in connection with felony domestic violence after getting into an argument with her boyfriend that escalated from verbal to physical, the outlet previously reported. Francesca Eastwood shared a very rare photo to social media with her only child, son Titan, on Sunday. The 31-year-old daughter of Clint Eastwood, 94, was puckering up as she held onto her little one in a snap uploaded to her Insta Stories She added a red heart emoji but no comment. The blonde shares the child, aged six, with her partner of several years, actor Alexander Wraith. That same day it was announced that she will not be prosecuted in connection with her felony domestic violence arrest The Redding, California native's boyfriend then called the police who advised him to drive to the Safety Zone at the Beverly Hills Police Department to meet with officers. Eastwood's boyfriend, whose identity was not announced by authorities, had 'visible injuries' when the pair arrived to speak with police - with the star arrested and booked for felony domestic violence. She was subsequently released from custody on $50,000 bail. Francesca's boyfriend didn't cooperate with authorities in the case and passed on receiving medical attention in the incident, sources told the outlet, factors which ultimately led to prosecutors tossing the case. Eastwood is in a relationship with actor Alexander Wraith and the pair share a son, six. It is unclear if Wraith is the victim. Francesca and Alexander had reportedly already been dating for some time when they went red carpet official in May 2018. At that time they had recently announced she was pregnant with their firstborn child, a son who was eventually born that September and named Titan. Francesca with her partner and son in 2019 in Los Angeles Alexander filed for divorce from his wife of eight years Lili Gaildraud in June 2018 while dating Francesca - although he told The Blast that he and Lili had by that point been separated for three years and that 'everyone is moving on and happy.' Alex is also father to a son from a previous relationship. Eastwood was previously married to Jordan Feldstein, the brother of Jonah Hill, and the manager of Maroon 5. They wed on November 17, 2013 and Eastwood filed for an annulment eight days later on November 25. Feldstein died in December 2017 at age 40 from blood clots that originated in his legs, pneumonia and obesity. Francesca has followed in her famous parents' footsteps with a career by pursuing an acting career in movies and TV. She is best known for her roles in films such as Jersey Boys, Final Girl, Outlaws and Angels, M.F.A., The Vault, and Old. In August, Francesca revealed she found it 'bittersweet' to see her dad, 94, become a grandfather. After becoming a mother herself she explained that her father was so 'strict' with her growing up so there is a contrast. Francesca seen with her dad Clint in 2017. She was arrested for felony domestic violence after getting into an argument with her boyfriend in LA October 12 She told FoxNewsDigital: 'I mean, [he's] just the sweetest. You know, my dad was very strict and my mom both my parents were very strict with me when I was a kid. 'And it's so lovely and sometimes bittersweet to just see how just doting and just classic grandpa and grandma to their grandson who can do no wrong,' she added. The Outlaws And Angels actress also explained that it is 'fantastic' that her parents are so involved in the life of their grandchild. She wants to 'nurture' the relationship as much as she can. The beauty said: 'But it's lovely. And they have their own relationship that I'm obviously involved in. They're fantastic, and they're so present. 'It's a connection unlike anything else. And it's definitely like the most important part of my life right now is nurturing those relationships.' The star was seen with mom Frances Fisher, now 72, in 2018 when she was pregnant with Titan Meanwhile, the Jersey Boys star - who appeared alongside her family on the E! reality series Mrs. Eastwood and Company in 2012 - also noted that she might not have 'appreciated' just how much her parents included her in their professions as a child by taking her to movie sets. But she can now look back and feel 'such a respect' for the work that goes into making a film. She said: 'At the time, I don't know if I appreciated it that much, but looking back they kind of dragged me around with them, and they really included me and had me visit. That was always of the only things that they always spoke to me like an adult about. 'Anything filmmaking, anything acting, whether it was watching movies or sitting behind the camera, watching them direct, sitting in hair and makeup, all this stuff. I have such a respect and an appreciation for all that goes into making a film. Wendy Williams is 'more clear now than she's ever been,' a family insider has exclusively told DailyMail.com, following her guardian's claim that the beloved host's dementia battle has rendered her 'permanently incapacitated.' The former radio personality, 60, was diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in May 2023. The diagnosis came one year after she was placed under a court-ordered legal guardianship that oversees both her finances and health. Last month, attorneys for the star's guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, claimed in new filings that Williams 'has become cognitively impaired and permanently incapacitated.' It was the latest update amid a legal wrangle over the star's tell-all documentary, Where Is Wendy Williams? - which prompted widespread backlash when it aired in February. However, a family insider hit back at the claim regarding William's mental state and said: 'She is more clear now than shes ever been throughout the guardianship, which is a problem for some.' Wendy Williams is 'more clear now that she's ever been', a family insider has exclusively told DailyMail.com The source hit back following Williams' guardian's claim that the beloved talk show host has been left 'permanently incapacitated' by her dementia battle Where Is Wendy Williams? was set to explore Williams' life as she prepared to launch a new podcast- but featured shocking scenes showing the former host drinking vodka in bed and having panic attacks - leading to fan backlash against Lifetime. Morrissey is now locked in a legal battle with the network over the documentary. In a filing obtained by The US Sun last week, Morrissey's attorneys called Williams 'an acclaimed entertainer who, tragically, has been afflicted by early-onset dementia and, as a result, has become cognitively impaired and permanently incapacitated. 'In January 2022, after becoming aware of a pattern of disturbing events concerning [Wendy's] welfare and finances, Wells Fargo took the highly unusual step of initiating a guardianship proceeding on its own initiative in the Supreme Court of New York, New York County (the 'Guardianship Proceeding'), to seek the court appointment of an independent guardian for [Wendy's] financial affairs. The filing further asked for parts of the case about Williams' 'health, familial relationships, and finances' to be redacted to protect her privacy. 'We respectfully request that the Court grant Plaintiffs motion for limited redactions to protect non-public information from the Guardianship Proceeding that has been placed under seal by the court overseeing that proceeding. However, just two months ago the beloved talk show host spoke exclusively with DailyMail.com and shared that she was doing well, before also slamming the documentary. I am doing really good,' she said in October. 'The documentary sucked. I understand that it is up for an award now. Everything is going really well. The insider noted: 'She is more clear now than shes ever been throughout the guardianship, which is a problem for some' New York lawyer Morrissey was assigned as her guardian after Wells Fargo froze her accounts in 2022, as a result of her financial adviser at the time claiming that she was of 'unsound mind.' In March, it was reported that Williams was allegedly paid $100,000 per episode for her involvement in the four-part docuseries. At the same time, it was revealed that William's guardian had filed a lawsuit against the parent company of Lifetime, A&E Television Networks with allegations of 'blatant exploitation' in 'disgusting' fashion. Morrissey filed the lawsuit under temporary seal - which keeps details in the case protected from the public - in October, but the docs were unsealed and reviewed by The Hollywood Reporter, revealing explosive accusations in the case. 'This blatant exploitation of a vulnerable woman with a serious medical condition who is beloved by millions within and outside of the African American community is disgusting, and it cannot be allowed,' the legal team for Williams' guardian told the court. Morrissey added that the talk show host 'did not have the capacity to consent,' according to THR, and producers did not get her consent, as her court-appointed guardian, to produce it. Williams was misled by producers into thinking that the documentary would be a 'positive and beneficial' project for her public image and reputation, the suit stated. In response, A&E Networks argued that Morrissey has been 'exceeding her authority' in trying to get parts of the documentary changed and redacted. The former radio personality, 60, was diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in May 2023 Back in August, Williams was spotted in public for the first time in over a year at a herbal supplement shop in Newark, New Jersey The American multinational broadcasting company filed a countersuit which claimed that Williams had signed a talent agreement before she was 'mentally incapacitated' as was claimed by the guardian. The popular network also claimed that there is no law against doing a documentary on a subject with dementia so, in effect, even if a talent agreement wasn't signed nothing that they had done would be considered wrong. The broadcasting company is suing Morrissey for attempting to infringe on A&E's First Amendment rights as they give the example of Morrissey's original suit filed in February in which she attempted to get a judge to stop the original documentary from being released. A&E claimed that Morrissey had forced their production company to defend itself against 'meritless claims' from the documentary. TMZ also claims A&E says in the countersuit that Morrissey is trying to deny Williams: 'One of her last chances to exercise her autonomy and honestly reach her fans in exactly the frank and unfiltered manner that was the hallmark of her career. Williams' publicist previously blasted the Lifetime documentary that she signed her famous TV client up for. Shawn Zanotti placed blame on the producers of the series, alleging the TV icon believed she was filming a program about her comeback - only for filmmakers to capture 'a circus to her downfall.' Zanotti, who has been working as a publicist for Williams since 2021, spoke with NBC News about her grievances with the making the four-part documentary. In an interview with the outlet, Zanotti claimed: 'I felt that [Williams] was being exploited. She thought we were focusing on the comeback of her career... She would be mortified. 'There's no way you can convince me that she would be OK with looking and seeing herself in that way.' She also told PEOPLE that she felt 'lied to' about it. Despite having encouraged her client to sign up for the show, Zanotti later said: 'I would never let Wendy put her name and brand on the line like that ever. She's an icon. It's not the story we signed up for and I feel lied to. 'It's so difficult for me to even watch. Wendy would be mortified.' The Wendy Williams Show aired its final episode in June 2022 after 13 years without Williams herself making an appearance. She previously withdrew from the show in 2021 and embarked on what was initially supposed to be a temporary leave of absence to cope with health issues. Kourtney Kardashian shared sexy Christmas throwbacks on her Instagram page on Sunday night. The 45-year-old star wore a cream bodysuit that flashed her chest, paired with colorful bottoms - as she held a giant snow globe. She had on black feathered gloves while posing in front of the Christmas tree. Kourtney also posted another throwback image of herself rocking a Christmas onesie with red thigh-high boots. The mother of four's Instagram photo dump featured an array of Christmas pictures - mostly of her past Christmas trees and holiday decorations. The star captioned the photo dump with 'hello December.' Kourtney Kardashian shared sexy Christmas throwbacks on her Instagram page on Sunday night Kourtney also posted another throwback image of herself rocking a Christmas onesie with red thigh-high boots Kourtney chose a nude bodysuit that had a silver accent along the edge for a pop of sparkle. She wore an orange, gray and white geometric patterned leggings - which also had a large nude bow along the waist. The star styled the look with gloves and her hair half up, half down. She held a large snow globe in her arms for a cheeky snap. The second sexy image she shared was another busty look - a throwback image of her wearing a green, white and red one-piece. The low-cut number highlighted her cleavage in the look, paired with the striking boots. She styled it with red ornament earrings and her long longs in waves. The star was sitting next to a Christmas tree, and some toys besides her. The star posted a number of tree snaps from previous years The star also showed her candelabra on her table Kourtney also showed off her Santa slip-on shoes The star posted a number of tree snaps from previous years. She is also known for her wild holiday designs, including an upside tree in her foyer. Her throwback Christmas content comes just weeks after celebrating her youngest son Rocky Barker's first birthday. Kourtney shares Rocky with husband Travis Barker. Their son's birthday party was Disney themed. The birthday party took place at their family home - with Disney themed treats and even a full size carousel on property. Kourtney, who is a huge Disney lover, also enjoyed a trip to the Disneyland theme park in Anaheim with her family in honor of her son's birthday. Kourtney paid homage to her vintage Disney inspired Baby Barker sign she had at her baby shower last year - showing off the same sign at Rocky's first birthday party. Kourtney also posted Santa in her photo dump The star had a number of trees in her foyer for another snap The star had her trees with white lights decorated throughout The star is famous for her upside Christmas tree There was another vintage image from years past The star showed off a mini tree with large ornaments Her throwback Christmas content comes just weeks after celebrating her youngest son Rocky Barker's first birthday Kourtney shares Rocky with husband Travis Barker The 45-year-old Poosh founder even enjoyed a trip to the exclusive Club 33 inside Disneyland Resort - as well as making a stop at Disney California Adventure Park. Kourtney and Travis welcomed their first child together, son Rocky Thirteen, on November 1, 2023. Rocky's birthday party included two birthday cakes - including one large one with a Mickey Mouse silhouette and a smaller one with featuring coconut flakes. Kourtney has three children with ex-partner Scott Disick: sons Mason, 14, and Reign, nine, and daughter Penelope, 12. Kelly Brook dressed to impress in a glamorous gold sequin minidress as she shared a gallery of stunning festive snaps on Instagram on Monday. The model, 45, looked incredible in the dazzling long sleeved minidress as she beamed for a photo while in an elevator. Styling her long tresses in voluminous curls, Kelly wore a flawless palette of makeup accentuating her beauty. In a second festive selfie, the actress put on a busty display in a black velvet minidress by Nadine Merabi which boasted a sparkling floral embellished detailing around the square neckline. Kelly pouted to the camera as she posed for the selfie while in the Heart radio studio. The presenter also shared a sweet selfie with husband Jeremy Parisi and their pet pooch, who was seen licking Kelly's face. Kelly Brook dressed to impress in a glamorous gold sequin minidress as she shared a gallery of stunning festive snaps on Instagram on Monday The model, 45, put on a busty display in a black velvet minidress which boasted a sparkling floral embellished detailing around the square neckline as she posed for a second snap She wrote: 'A November that Felt like December'. It comes after Kelly opened up about her 'traumatic and devastating' miscarriages in previous relationships. The model revealed that she and her husband Jeremy are 'childless by choice' as she spoke about their marriage. Kelly revealed that she looks at her and Jeremy's 'beautiful life' and how they aren't 'burdened' by the turmoil of trying to have children. However she got candid about her experience in previous relationships, as she revealed the trauma of going through IVF or experiencing miscarriages. 'I am actually childless by choice at the moment, it's not something that we have considered and I don't think that should be a taboo,' she told The Sun on Sunday. 'I have been through pregnancies and miscarriages and I know how traumatic and devastating they are on you and on your relationship, I have been down that road with previous partners and it is a lot. 'I look at the beautiful life we have and how we don't have the burden of that.' The presenter also shared a sweet selfie with husband Jeremy Parisi and their pet pooch, who was seen licking Kelly's face Kelly shared a black and white mirror selfie in a towel while having her hair and makeup done The star snapped a picture of husband Jeremy during a trip to New York Kelly said that while she sees how much happiness children bring her family, she also sees the stress that comes with. And while her and Jeremy love family time and caring for their dog, travel is a huge part of their lives and having children is not on their list of priorities. However Kelly admitted that she isn't completely closed off to being a mum in the future - something she is yet to discuss with her husband. The couple recently revealed they want to become TV's new power couple and believe their constant bickering makes them more 'relatable.' Kelly criticised duos who force their on-screen relationship and 'portray an unrealistic dynamic' to audiences. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, the former actress insists she and Frenchman Jeremy, who she married in 2022, aren't trying to be 'perfect', which sets them apart from existing TV partnerships. After competing on BBC show Celebrity Race Across the World, Kelly says viewers were given an introduction to Jeremy, who spoke no English when he first moved to the UK. Now, they're starring in La Vita Italiana, a three-part mini-series filmed for ITV's This Morning, which sees Kelly adapt to life at Jeremy's family home and farm in Arpino. And Kelly hopes the show will be commissioned for a bigger project as the couple sets their sights on a semipermanent move to rural Italy. She said: 'We're just a normal couple. We're not trying to be the perfect couple like a lot of TV duos try and portray an unrealistic dynamic. The actress revealed that her and her husband Jeremy Parisi are 'childless by choice' as she spoke about their marriage and opened up about 'traumatic and devastating' miscarriages in previous relationships Kelly revealed that she looks at her and Jeremy's 'beautiful life' and how they aren't 'burdened' by the turmoil of trying to have children 'But with us, we argue, and we get on and we love each other, we're normal and relatable because we're just like any other couple. It seems that during Race Across the World that's how people saw us. It's just who we are.' Kelly fell for Jeremy after she reached out to him directly on Instagram and the pair connected over their mutual love of martial arts and fitness training. During the early days of their romance, Jeremy spoke very little English, with French and Italian being his primary languages. The radio host took on the role of translator and admits she can still speak on Jeremy's behalf even now he's fluent in English. She said: 'I know people think I talk over Jeremy all the time. That's because I talk too much and when Jeremy first moved to the UK, he didn't speak any English, so I became so used to talking for him and I've just not got out the habit of it.' Jay Leno was seen heading out on Sunday after suffering from a nasty fall down a 60ft hill two weeks ago. While it appears that the awful bruise on his face is finally clearing up, he showed off another injury while driving his car through Burbank, California. The former late-night talk show host had a cast on one of his fingers that looked to be part of a bad injury. Earlier he confirmed he lost one of his fingernails. The 74-year-old stand-up comedian had already shared that he broke his wrist in the freak mishap that shocked his fans. The incident took place in late November in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was performing a show. Jay was dressed casually for his outing as he had on a worn-in blue denim shirt while in his dark blue Tesla. Jay Leno was seen heading out on Sunday after suffering from a nasty fall down a 60ft hill two weeks ago. While it appears that the awful bruise on his face is finally clearing up, he showed off another injury while driving his car through Burbank, California The former late-night talk show host had a cast on one of his fingers that looked to be part of a bad injury. Earlier he confirmed he lost one of his fingernails Over a week ago Leno opened up about the incident to Inside Edition as he explained he hit a 'bunch of rocks' during his horrific fall in Pennsylvania where he was doing a comedy show. 'I broke my wrist. Lost my nail on the finger, I'm all black and blue from 60 feet of hitting rocks,' he explained. Three hours after the fall he performed his show. He did not see a doctor until he returned to Los Angeles. It was also revealed on Friday that he enjoyed a hearty Italian dinner after his fall which some find odd. Jay reportedly ordered chicken parmesan topped with lots of mozzarella after his accident. Bill Erhard, who manages The Boulevard in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, confirmed the star unexpectedly arrived to the restaurant, despite his painful injuries that would have sent most to seek immediate medical attention, 'without a reservation.' When asked by Inside Edition if the restaurant had plans to rename Leno's order after him, Erhard joked that they 'might have to.' While sitting in a cozy booth, the former The Tonight Show host, reportedly 'chowed down' on the dish and some garlic toast. After dinner, Leno picked up an eye patch at a nearby CVS Pharmacy, before going on to perform one of his comedy shows just hours later. The accident inadvertently sparked a number of wild conspiracy theories among social media users who were convinced he might be lying about how he got hurt. He appeared to have makeup over his bruise as he was seen in Las Vegas on November 22 The star was at the amfAR Las Vegas at the Wynn Las Vegas Some conspiracy theorists on X (previously known as Twitter) shared a number of unsubstantiated theories that Leno, whose net worth is estimated to be around $450 million, was the victim of loan sharks, the mafia or someone he has 'dirt on.' Others joked that Conan OBrien finally got his revenge on Leno following their bitter and lengthy feud involving NBC's The Tonight Show. 'So Jay Leno got set on fire a few years ago, is staying at a Hampton Inn while being worth millions of dollars, with an eye patch, bruised up face, a broken wrist and a missing fingernail. And he wants us to believe he. . . Fell down a hill???' one X user asked. Another tweeted: 'I have never believed a conspiracy more than Jay Leno owing massive gambling debt.' A handful of X users also pointed out it was odd for him to be staying at a Hampton Inn, which is a more popular among budget-conscious travelers than A-list stars. Additionally, some conspiracy theorists pointed out that Leno has suffered from other bizarre and life-threatening injuries over the years. 'Looks like he took a punch to the skull with that shiner. Shady [as f**k],' another claimed as others said they questioned why only the left side of his face was bruised. One conspiracy theorist argued that there were 'holes in this story' and insisted that Leno would have 'abrasions' if he slid down a hill. 'He's in gambling debt and the collector sent a message,' the conspiracy theorist claimed. Others pleaded with Leno to 'CUT THE S**T AND GO TO THE POLICE.' Still, one Leno fan called out the unfounded theories. 'All of you speculating that Jay Leno took a beating from mob connected entities have no idea how this thing works. They dont give beatings to major celebrities over gambling debts, especially those with 1,000 priceless classic cars in storage. But keep having fun with the injuries of a 74 year old man,' the upset X user wrote. There is no evidence to suggest Leno is in any debt or involved in anything 'strange and sinister' as suggested by some on X. Back in November 2022, Leno was hospitalized following the fiery explosion at his garage, where he keeps a number of vintage cars as part of a collection. George Swift, a mechanic in the comedian's personal garage, told ET that it was a steam car that sent Leno to the hospital. While sitting in a cozy booth, the former The Tonight Show host, reportedly 'chowed down' on the dish and some garlic toast after his fall He ordered their famous chicken parmesan topped with lots of mozzarella 'It was a steam car. This steam was made by gas. It got sprayed, as a gas,' Swift, a mechanic who works at the garage, said. 'He called me, and he told me there was a fire and the fire department is coming,' the employee continued. The Burbank Fire Department then confirmed they were dispatched to the late-night host's home at around 12.30 p.m. that day, and when they arrived they assessed and treated 'one adult male.' Leno was then transported to a local emergency room before being transferred to the Grossman Burn Center for further care. A spokesperson for the medical center told People at the time that Leno 'is in good humor and is touched by all the inquiries into his condition and well wishes. Leno pictured on September 30, 2024 'He wants to let everyone know he is doing well and is in "the best burn center in the United States."' Leno later issued a statement himself, saying he 'got some serious burns from a gasoline fire.' 'I am ok,' the former late-night host said. 'Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.' He also told TMZ that it was his friend, Dave, who saved his life, by jumping on him and smothering the flames. The host said that he was repairing a clogged fuel line when he got sprayed on his hands and face with gasoline. Alison Hammond made an emotional apology to her son for 'not always being there' as she received the Role Model Award at the MBCC in Birmingham. The presenter, 49, was among the stars in attendance at the Multicultural Business & Community Champion Awards, held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, on Saturday. Alison scooped the Inspirational Honorary Role Model Award at the event, where she was joined by son Aidan. The This Morning and Great British Bake Off host gave a touching speech as she accepted her award - declaring all her hard work had been for Aidan. 'I love you so much son and I'm sorry I haven't always been there but I'll be honest with you, the reason I was doing it, was only for you,' she said. Wiping away a tear, Alison added: 'I'm getting emotional as I don't normally get recognised for things like this. Alison Hammond made an emotional apology to her son for 'not always being there' as she received the Role Model Award at the MBCC in Birmingham on Saturday The presenter, 49, was among the stars in attendance at the Multicultural Business & Community Champion Awards, held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, on Saturday 'So thank you for recognising me, it means the absolute world to me.' Alison was introduced to the stage by soul legend and fellow West Midlander Beverley Knight. It comes as Alison, who shares her son with her ex Noureddine Boufaied, is about to star with Aidan in a new BBC travelogue series where the pair discover Florida, airing next month. The Birmingham audience cheered Alison on as she added: 'I have worked so hard. When they said I couldn't do things, I did them. 'Don't let anyone hold you back, if you have a dream go for it.' She added: 'And you can be unashamedly you, just like I have been, your authentic self, you do not have to change for anyone.' Alison put on a glamorous display for the evening as she sported a chic black figure-hugging gown the same choice as awards host, Judi Love. The pair laughed together on the red carpet as they showcased their identical outfits. Alison was introduced to the stage by soul legend and fellow West Midlander Beverley Knight Alison put on a glamorous display for the evening as she sported a chic black figure-hugging gown the same choice as awards host, Judi Love After Alison's acceptance speech, Judi paid tribute to her, for always having her back saying, 'when I was starting out and people were telling me I couldn't do it, it was Alison who told me to not give up and keep going.' At the event, Beverley Knight praised Brummie Alison as 'one of our own.' 'Being from the West Midlands it's great to see Alison on the TV every morning,' she said. The ceremony also celebrated legends Annie Lennox, Levi Roots and Chelsea's first Black player Paul Canoville, who overcame bigotry, illness and addiction. Alison recently revealed that her son Aidan is great at giving relationship advice about her lover David Putman, 26, but admits she overshares. She made a rare comment about her love life after her romance with her toyboy boyfriend David was revealed earlier this year. Alison and Aidan appeared in a social media video last month as part of a teaser for new gameshow Romesh Ranganathan's Parents' Evening. Alison recently revealed that her son Aidan is great at giving relationship advice about her lover David Putman, 26, but admits she overshares (Pictured together in June) Alison and Aidan appeared in a social media video last month as part of a teaser for new gameshow Romesh Ranganathan 's Parents' Evening In the teaser clip, the pair were asked certain questions and had to vote who was better at each topic, with one question being: 'Who's better at giving advice?' Aidan believed he was better at advice which shocked Alison at first before she then partly agreed saying: 'When it comes to relationship advice you're very good!' But she added: 'But when it comes to career advice I'm not sure!' They were then asked who was the biggest oversharer and both voted for Alison - with Alison admitting: 'Yeah maybe I overshare a little bit. I'll probably overshare in the show!' Aaron Taylor-Johnson showed off his rippling muscles as he joined Russell Crowe in a first look at action-packed new film Kraven The Hunter which was released on Monday. The actor, 34, plays Kraven and the Marvel film is the latest instalment of Spiderman's Spider-verse which will follow the superhero's arch nemesis. Aaron's character is a man whose complex relationship with his ruthless father, Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe), starts him down a path of vengeance. The first eight minutes of the movie were released this week and shows Kraven posing as a Russian felon and boarding a bus heading to prison. Kraven purposely enters the jail to eliminate Seymon Chorney, the leader of the Kirov gang who supplies guns to murderers around the world. Aaron will play the fur-wearing, big-game hunter and Russian conservationist Sergei Kravinoff who fights his enemies with primitive claws and spears. Aaron Taylor-Johnson showed off his rippling muscles as he joined Russell Crowe in a first look at action-packed new film Kraven The Hunter which was released on Monday The actor, 34, plays Kraven and the Marvel film is the latest instalment of Spiderman's Spider-verse which will follow the superhero's arch nemesis In a recent trailer, Kraven's hunting origin story is revealed as a young Sergei is left to die by his father after being attacked by a lion. As he lays dying, a drop of lion blood mixes with his own, transforming his DNA and allowing him to communicate with animals. Furious at his father, Sergei starts to hunt down villains using his animal instincts and primitive weapons, slowly making his way towards his father. But as he works his way through his list of enemies, he finds himself faced with a new one, the Rhino who is head telling him in the trailer: We all have a bit of animal inside us'. The Anna Karenina star told Comic Book that he hopes that this will be just the start of an exciting story line that could lead to a Spiderman crossover film. The plot will show how Kraven, or Sergei Kravinoff, from his tragic origin story building to a darker, emotional storyline. He told the publication: 'Kraven's Last Hunt' is a brilliant comic book and a great story and amazing source material for us to go to the end of this character's life and then work our way backwards and give you the root, the seed that we plant in this story.' He added: 'So if you come and watch this movie There's twists and turns and the character at the end - if you're into that and it's successful - it's a character I'd love to see go toe-to-toe with some other characters out there, for sure.' Aaron's character is a man whose complex relationship with his ruthless father, Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe), - left - starts him down a path of vengeance The first eight minutes of the movie were released this week and shows Kraven posing as a Russian felon and boarding a bus heading to prison Kraven purposely enters the jail to eliminate Seymon Chorney, the leader of the Kirov gang who supplies guns to murderers around the world In a recent trailer, Kraven's hunting origin story is revealed as a young Sergei is left to die by his father after being attacked by a lion Also starring in the film are Alessandro Nivola as Kraven's antagonist The Rhino while Russell Crowe will star as the Russian aristocratic father of Kraven/Sergei Kravinoff. Oscar winner Ariana DeBose plays Kraven's love interest, Voodoo Priestess Calypso, who creates an herbal potion which lengthens Kraven's life and gives him the strength, speed, and senses to match a jungle cat. Golden Globe nominee Christopher Abbott will take on the villainous role of The Foreigner and The Pale Blue Eye star Fred Hechinger as Kraven's half-brother Dmitri Smerdyakov/Chameleon. His work on the new film comes amid speculation that the Bullet train actor will be taking on the role of James Bond - last played by Daniel Craig. Aaron recently tackled the rumours and said he wanted to work on the projects in front of him. He told Esquire: 'I have to go by the beat of my own drum. Its my own path, what feels intuitive to me. The Anna Karenina star told Comic Book that he hopes that this will be just the start of an exciting story line that could lead to a Spiderman crossover film Aaron will play the fur-wearing, big-game hunter and Russian conservationist Sergei Kravinoff who fights his enemies with primitive claws and spears Also starring in the film are Alessandro Nivola as Kraven's antagonist The Rhino while Russell Crowe will star as the Russian aristocratic father of Kraven/Sergei Kravinoff Oscar winner Ariana DeBose plays Kraven's love interest, Voodoo Priestess Calypso, who creates an herbal potion which lengthens Kraven's life and gives him the strength, speed, and senses to match a jungle cat Aaron looked dapper in all black at the Kraven The Hunter photo call in London last month 'Ive never made a decision based on other peoples perspectives, or their judgments, or their expectations. 'You lose your f**king mind if you do that. Your sense of worth and soul is gone. 'You need to understand what is integral to you and what feels right, and youve got to stay on track with whats present in front of you. Kraven is whats in front of me.' 'On the thought of considering James Bond as a future role, he added: 'I just focus on the things I can have in my hands right now. Whats in front of me right now.' Anita Rani has joined the growing number of women who have spoken out against Gregg Wallace after he blamed 'middle class women of a certain age' for his MasterChef suspension. Wallace is under investigation by the BBC after 13 women accused the presenter of inappropriate behind-the-scenes conduct while co-hosting the long-running show with chef John Torode. The married 60-year old has since apologised for a subsequent online rant in which he accused middle-aged women for instigating his downfall. But his U-turn has been met with scepticism by many, with fellow presenter Rani, 47, offering her own dismissive opinion in an Instagram post shared with followers on Monday afternoon. She wrote: 'It's important to remember that many middle class women of a certain age grew up as working class girls who were, and are, fierce as f**k. With long memories.' Wallace today said sorry for claiming 'middle class women of a certain age' caused his MasterChef demise - but it has already been branded a 'classic' non-apology. Anita Rani has joined the growing number of women who have spoken out against Gregg Wallace after he blamed 'middle class women of a certain age' for his MasterChef suspension Fellow presenter Rani offered her own dismissive opinion in an Instagram post shared with followers on Monday afternoon The presenter apologised after his controversial comments on Instagram over the weekend caused another PR storm, blaming 'a huge amount of stress' and 'a lot of emotion' for the error. The U-turn came hours after an insider told MailOnline he had 'gone rogue' and was ignoring 'all advice' about how to salvage his TV career following the scandal. Wallace, who has stepped back from the BBC's MasterChef while allegations into alleged sexual misconduct are investigated, said: 'I want to apologise for any offence that I caused with my post yesterday and any upset I have caused to a lot of people'. TV psychologist Jo Hemmings said today: 'When is an apology, not an apology? Gregg Wallace backtracking on his misogyny to salvage his career, but no regrets about his long-term inappropriate behaviour'. One social media responded: 'Gregg Wallace did not apologise for his comment and thoughts, he apologised if it caused offence. Standard non apology, apology. In response to Gregg's latest video today, polling firm YouGov shared research that revealed that one in three Britons don't consider 'I am sorry for any offence caused' to be a proper apology, although 60 per cent did. Their survey, from 2018, found the phrase used by Wallace was considered by some as a 'common cop-out' that can suggest 'that its the fault of the offended for being so'. The most sincere wording for an apology, according to Britons they spoke to, is either: 'I sincerely apologise' or 'I apologise unreservedly'. Wallace is under investigation by the BBC after 13 women accused the presenter of inappropriate behind-the-scenes conduct while co-hosting the long-running show with chef John Torode Since allegations made against Wallace, his TV aide has failed to address the ongoing dispute and axing of his co-host from the show It came as Sir Keir Starmer condemned the grocer turned broadcaster as 'completely inappropriate and misogynistic' for blaming 'middle class women of a certain' age for his MasterChef ruination. Wallace is facing claims from at least 13 women who have accused him of inappropriate behaviour, including roaming around on set naked with a sock on his penis, inappropriate jokes and groping crew members. In a fresh video on social media posted this afternoon, the under-fire presenter said of his middle class women slur: 'I wasn't in a good headspace when I posted it. I've been under a huge amount of stress, a lot of emotion. 'I felt very alone [and] under siege yesterday when I posted it. It's obvious to me I need to take some time out now while this investigation is underway. 'I hope you understand and I do hope that you can accept my apology.' Wallace's lawyers say 'it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature'. Wallace's Wife Anne-Marie Sterpini was seen looking downcast as she was pictured in Kent on Sunday afternoon It came as Sir Keir Starmer said Wallace was 'completely inappropriate and misogynistic' for blaming 'middle class women of a certain' age for his MasterChef ruination amid growing pressure on the BBC to take the show off air. And in a further sign of Wallace's fury, he has today unfollowed co-host John Torode and his wife on social media. 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. Torode has not uttered a word on Wallace's MasterChef exit, despite working together since 2005. But previous comments in which he admitted he had never been a 'friend' of Wallace's, as well as claims about them moving to opposite sides of the room when the cameras cut, show that all was not well in their partnership. As Gregg fights for his TV career, it also emerged today: Sir Keir Starmer believes Gregg Wallace was 'completely inappropriate and misogynistic' for blaming 'middle class women of a certain' age for his MasterChef ruination; BBC One should pull MasterChef off air until the probe into Gregg Wallace is completed, a senior Labour MP has said; The BBC allowed Wallace to remain on air despite at least four complaints being made against him. Bosses are under pressure to explain why they did not act sooner; More celebrities speak of how his sex-related comments embarrassed them. BBC presenter Wallace stepped down from MasterChef last week after it was revealed that 13 people, including Newsnight host Kirsty Wark, accused him of 'wrong' and inappropriate 'sexualised' behaviour during filming. He stands accused of making 'inappropriate sexual jokes', asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff, and undressing in front of and standing 'too close' to women working on his shows. He allegedly walked naked on set with only a sock on his penis. Former Celebrity MasterChef contestants say they raised concerns about Wallace's alleged behaviour as far back as 12 years ago, with actress Emma Kennedy - who won the series in 2012 - alleging she had witnessed Wallace 'grope' a camera assistant during a photo shoot that year. The grocer turned broadcaster appeared to make things worse yesterday when he posted a series of incendiary videos online where he hit back at critics by saying: 'Can you imagine how many women on MasterChef, female contestants, have made sexual remarks or sexual innuendo?' Wallace had said: 'I've been doing MasterChef for 20 years, amateur, celebrity and professional MasterChef, and I think, in that time, I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life. Wallace posted on Instagram on Sunday hitting back at the allegations made against him - claiming they were all from 'middle-class women of a certain age' Wallace (right) has been co-host of BBC1 show MasterChef alongside Torode (left) Actress Emma Kennedy (pictured), who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2012, has alleged that she witnessed Wallace 'grope' a camera assistant during a photo shoot that same year 'Apparently now, I'm reading in the paper, there's been 13 complaints in that time. I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn't right'. But his posts caused outrage and were branded 'shocking' and laced with 'thinly veiled misogyny' - and did not touch on the sexual allegations made by numerous MasterChef celebrities, producers and contestants on the show he left last week. One insider told MailOnline today: 'Gregg has gone rogue and ignored all advice'. Another expert said: 'He needs to shut up'. Ulrika Jonsson, who competed on Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, saying she was 'seething' after seeing the comments - while Kirstie Allsopp described his response as 'unacceptable'. And Mark Borkowski, one of the UK's leading PR gurus and crisis managers, told MailOnline today that Wallace was 'only listening to his own ego' instead of advice, adding: 'The first law of PR in a crisis is never let your emotions rule your Instagram.' There are also allegations related to four other shows Wallace worked on. There are 13 people, including Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark, who have formally complained about Wallace's behaviour over a 17-year period across five shows, between 2005 and 2022. The Sunday Times yesterday reported that BBC executive Kate Phillips raised concerns Wallace's behaviour was 'unacceptable and cannot continue' after broadcaster and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Aasmah Mir complained about inappropriate comments during filming. Co-host of Masterchef The Professionals Monica Galetti (right) appeared to throw her support behind the beleaguered chef last week BBC News said it had been told of other allegations, including the presenter 'talking openly about his sex life among others Wallace and his wife Anne-Marie pictured at the London Palladium in July What are the allegations against Gregg Wallace? Gregg Wallace is alleged to have made inappropriate sexual comments towards 13 women who worked with him on a variety of television programmes in a 17-year period. BBC News contacted the star's representatives on Tuesday outlining the full range of allegations. Gregg is alleged to have told 'sexualised' stories and jokes while on the MasterChef set, and openly spoken about his sex life in front of colleagues. He is also alleged to have taken his top off in front of a female colleague saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and to have told another junior worker he wasn't wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans. Further to this, BBC News reported claims Gregg: Showed topless photos of himself to a MasterChef worker and asked for massages Told a female worker on Channel 5's Gregg Wallace's Big Weekends he was fascinated by the fact she dated women and spoke about sex and spanking Showed another worker on the 5 show photos of a woman in her underwear Stared at a female colleague's chest at the BBC Good Food Show in 2010 Openly spoke about his sex life, including how often he was having sex and his ability as a lover, on the show Impossible Celebrities Allegedly told an Eat Well for Less colleague: 'You can come to my car but can you handle the fact everyone will think you got off with a celebrity?' After receiving the letter, Gregg said he would step back from presenting MasterChef while Banijay UK said the presenter was co-operating with its own internal investigation. Advertisement The newspaper claimed Wallace received another warning the following year after a complaint was raised about his behaviour on the quiz show Impossible Celebrities. Meanwhile, the Sunday Telegraph reported that producer Georgia Harding, who worked on MasterChef between 2014 and 2015 and later Eat Well For Less, claimed she raised concerns about 'inappropriate' behaviour from him while working on the show. She alleged the presenter undressed in front of colleagues and 'made inappropriate sexual jokes' in front of the crew and people appearing on the shows, and said 'nothing was done' about concerns raised, claiming there was 'an acceptance' of his behaviour. Wallace has also been accused of being 'obsessed' with a female colleague who was dating a woman, and repeatedly asked how questions about the 'logistics'. Meanwhile more claims about Wallace's alleged behaviour continue to appear. TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp claimed Wallace made an inappropriate sexual joke to her while she was on Masterchef. She wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Within 1hr of meeting Gregg Wallace he told me of a sex act that he & his partner at the time enjoyed 'every morning', she'd just left the room, we were filming a pilot. Did he get off on how embarrassed I was? It was totally unprofessional.' And previously aired clips from shows Wallace has appeared on, including Masterchef and Strictly Come Dancing - where he was a contestant in 2014 - are resurfacing in light of the recent allegations. In a resurfaced clip from his Strictly stint Gregg, then 50, left Aliona, 30, visibly uncomfortable following his wardrobe malfunction. After tearing his trousers he confessed, giggling: 'I don't wear underwear' while gesturing to his crotch, leaving his stunned partner to asked: 'Are you for real?'. Beaming he explained, while shaking his hips : 'It's easy to move with [no underwear] I've never worn underwear. I wear socks.' Aliona then told the camera: 'I'm just way too distressed about the situation' before begging him to 'put it away' as he seemingly teased her, with viewers only seeing the grocer from the waist up. Meanwhile Charlotte Crosby branded Wallace 'extremely unpleasant' on Instagram as she joined celebrities slamming the BBC star. Gregg Wallace, 60, left Strictly partner Aliona Vilani 'distressed' during show rehearsals as he touched his crotch after ripping his trousers and declared he 'never wears underwear' Aliona then told the camera: 'I'm just way too distressed about the situation' before begging him to 'put it away' as he seemingly teased her, with the camera only showing the grocer from the waist up Charlotte Crosby branded Gregg 'extremely unpleasant' on Instagram as she joined celebrities slamming the BBC star She wrote: 'He [Gregg] was extremely unpleasant to me when I was on MasterChef'. Actress Katy Brand has also broken her silence about the 'awkward' moment Gregg told her he would 'munch the living daylights out of her little tart' on Celebrity MasterChef. A shocking video from the 2013 series of the programme shows Wallace making the apparent innuendo about the comedian's egg tart. The grocer turned broadcaster tells Brand: 'I find this quite pleasant. Left to my own devices, I'd probably munch the living daylights out of your little tart.' Reacting to the resurfaced video of Wallace's tart comment, Brand called the encounter 'awkward' and recalled her immediate 'shock and disbelief' at the 'crass and idiotic joke'. 'I took it as an innuendo-laden remark at the time, and I still see it that way now,' she said. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has held talks with BBC bosses in the wake of the Wallace row, Downing Street said. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The Culture Secretary spoke with the BBC leadership at the end of last week on this matter and wider workplace culture issues to seek assurances that there are robust processes in place to deal with complaints. 'Clearly the comments we have seen from the individual over the weekend were completely inappropriate and misogynistic. 'More broadly the BBC is conducting an independent review into workplace culture which must deliver clear and timely recommendations. It's essential that staff and the wider public have confidence that the BBC takes these issues seriously.' Asked whether MasterChef should be pulled off air, the spokesman added the decision was for the BBC and the show's production company, and reiterated that Downing Street believes it is 'right' that a thorough investigation is conducted. The production company Banijay UK confirmed it had appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead an investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour. Lauren Goodger showed off her gorgeous curves as she posed in a sexy new Instagram snap on Monday. The TOWIE star, 38, was flogging a sex toy on her social media and slipped into a sheer bodysuit for the post as she posed up a storm. She also showed off her legs and wore her brunette tresses in loose waves while opting for a glowing makeup look. While turning up the heat she penned in the caption: '@lelo_official is giving away thousands of toys and everyone is a winner! All you need to do is: Click link in my bio, Subscribe to their newsletter, Enjoy lavish gifts. 'Dont keep this all to yourself - tag your friends in the comments so they can join in too!' It comes after last week Lauren revealed that she is selling her lingerie-clad snaps on racy subscription sites OnlyFans and RevealMe to protect her family's future after squandering her fortune. Lauren Goodger showed off her gorgeous curves as she posed in a sexy new Instagram snap on Monday to flog a sex toy She said she is happily living a 'basic' life in an ordinary semi-detached home with her daughter Larose, three, who she shares with her ex Charles Drury, but wants to make as much as she can for Larose's future. The brunette beauty previously revealed she used to command 25,000 for a magazine shoot in her TOWIE heyday but now is lucky to take home 2,000 now because the industry has changed so much. Now, the reality star has turned to OnlyFans where she sells pictures of herself in lingerie for a $50 (38) monthly membership with the adult photo sharing site. However, Lauren confessed last month that she would rather not have to use the X-rated website, where she posts lingerie-clad photographs to make money. She told MailOnline a series of poor financial decisions when she was younger and her work drying up has meant she has had to re-think. She said: 'When I first started I could get on average about 25,000 for a shoot for a magazine but it's all moving online now and I get a lot less, maybe 2,000. 'Before I would be doing a shoot or an appearance or something almost every day so I could make a lot but I found work started to dry up and especially after Covid, my pregnancy and my loss and everything.' Lauren's daughter, Lorena, died when she was two days old in July 2022, despite being born 'with no pregnancy or labour complications.' She added: 'And when I was younger I didn't manage my money and I didn't have the right support around me.' It comes after last week Lauren revealed that she is selling her lingerie-clad snaps on racy subscription sites OnlyFans and RevealMe to protect her family's future after squandering her fortune Lauren revealed that after finding fame on TOWIE (pictured with Billie Faiers, Lucy Mecklenburgh, Jessica Wright, Lydia Bright and Sam Faiers) she blew through her fortune Lauren went on to confirm that she doesn't plan on posing on OnlyFans forever but wants to make sure she is financially stable before she closes her account. To make sure she can make as much money as she can, the TOWIE star has launched a profile on a new site, RevealMe which she explained was set up by her friend as a 'UK version of OnlyFans'. The star is hoping to regularly post pictures and interact with fans. 'My plan with Reveal Me and OnlyFans is I just want to make as much money as I can is I can, shut it down and invest the money in property for my daughter, clear my debts and maybe start a business again.' she said. 'I don't want to do it forever, I can't really do it forever'. Although Lauren doesn't want to be selling sexy snaps forever, she revealed it wouldn't work if she wanted to get a 9-5 job. She said: 'I couldn't do a regular job - I used to. I used to work in the City and I have friends who do but I don't think anyone would take me on anymore because of who I am.' Lauren also discussed her approach to money after she found fame through TOWIE, revealing she had thought the money would last forever but is now 'taking back control'. 'You do think it will last forever but money comes and goes', she said. 'I feel like I'm getting the old Lauren back and I'm doing more myself and not with an agency.' 'When I would do shoots I would lose about 20 percent through an agency but now I do it myself and I think it's better.' She added that she's 'grateful for the work' but is more pragmatic with her finances now and revealed the advice she would give her daughter Larose. Lauren said: 'My plan with Reveal Me and OnlyFans is I just want to make as much money as I can is I can, shut it down and invest the money in property for my daughter' (Lauren pictured with her daughter Larose, three) The reality star, who is currently filming the TOWIE Christmas special, said: 'I'm really grateful for the work and I can fill my cupboards each week but I am more sensible with my money. 'When I was younger I didn't manage my money and I didn't have the right support around me' 'I would tell Larose to invest and save. It's nice to have designer clothes and bags but I would rather have the money. 'Where I grew up, you went to school in Gucci shoes and I don't want her to miss out but I want her to value money because it comes and goes and it's hard and stressful.' Aaron Taylor-Johnson has revealed he advised wife Sam against watching his new film Nosferatu due to her phobia of rats. Aaron, 34, who has been married to director Sam, 57, since 2012, stars alongside Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Skarsgard in the upcoming vampire horror film which is a reboot of the classic 1922 movie. Revealing there were '5000 trained rats' on the set for a memorable scene with Bill in his casket, Aaron, who plays Friedrich Harding, told Deadline: 'I said to Sam, "Im sorry, but you cant see this movie." 'Shes like, "Well, I really desperately want to see it, but is it really that terrifying?" I was like, "Well, listen, youve got a phobia of rats. 'Thats one thing. And then secondly, its terrifying." And I know its definitely going to cause some sleepless nights for most people. But people like that. A synopsis for Nosferatu reveals it is a 'Gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.' Aaron Taylor-Johnson has revealed he advised wife Sam against watching his new film Nosferatu due to her phobia of rats - pictured 2024 Aaron, 34, stars alongside Nicholas Hoult (pictured), Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Skarsgard in the upcoming vampire horror film set for release on December 25 Nosferatu will be released on December 25, 2024. Following Daniel Craig's final outing in 2021's No Time To Die, Aaron has emerged as the frontrunner to get his own licence to kill in the next James Bond film. The Bullet Train star has reportedly been formally offered the chance to play the British spy, with sources claiming bosses have already taken extraordinary lengths to secure him for four movies. Producer Barbara Broccoli is not considering anyone else, according to insiders, who have claimed costume fittings for Aaron are already underway, with execs hoping he will lead the franchise into a new age with a 'fantasy' twist. 'It is all in the details and agents and lawyers are going through all the red tape and how many movies Aaron will sign up for. It is currently looking to be a three-picture deal with the option of a fourth. 'They have done all the fittings, they have the haircut they have in mind for him, and he's already in tremendous shape. 'Barbara Broccoli and the rest of the producers are going to make a huge deal out of the announcement.' Aaron was coy when questioned previously about the rumours, previously telling Numero magazine in March: 'I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.' Revealing there were '5000 trained rats' on the set for a memorable scene with Bill in his casket, Aaron, who plays Friedrich Harding, told Deadline@ 'Shes like, "Well, I really desperately want to see it..." I was like, "Well, listen, youve got a phobia of rats' - pictured 2022 Former My Chemical Romance drummer Bob Bryar made several cryptic social media posts leading up to his untimely death. Bryar, 44, was found dead at his Tennessee home just two days before Thanksgiving. His cause of death has not been made public and it is unknown who found him, according to TMZ. The American emo-punk band comprised of Gerard Way, Frank Iero, Mikey Way, and Ray Toro confirmed Bryar's death and asked fans for 'patience and understanding' as they process their grief. 'The band asks for your patience and understanding as they process the news of Bobs passing,' a spokesperson for the band shared in a statement. Bryar was last seen alive on November 4, the same day he posted his final eerie tweets. Notably, his profile picture shows him wearing a 'Make American Great Again' camouflage hat. Much of his social media presence - including several racist and transphobic posts - has been deleted in the wake of his death, but it is unclear when or who took the posts down. Two of his remaining posts on X consists of one word each simply reading 'TULSI' and 'MEGYN.' The posts seemingly referenced former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and political commentator Megyn Kelly. Former My Chemical Romance drummer Bob Bryar, 44, was found dead at his Tennessee home just two days before Thanksgiving The American emo-punk band comprised of Gerard Way, Frank Iero, Mikey Way, and Ray Toro confirmed Bryar's death and asked fans for 'patience and understanding' His third remaining post discusses Linkin Park's newest member Emily Armstrong who replaced front man Chester Bennignton after he died by suicide at age 41 in 2017. 'Emily Armstrong is destroying, shredding faces and making Chester proud. She was the perfect choice. AND she had to deal with the initial hate. that s**t is hard. trust me. word up,' Bryar said. Several of Bryar's old and deleted troubling posts have resurfaced as fans question why most of his social media has been taken down. In one screenshot of a delete post from October 29 shared online, Bryar used an offensive term to describe transgender people. 'I'm just happy we can use the word t****y again. I don't care who hates me anymore. Fight me,' he said. In posts that appeared to be discussing Black Lives Matter protesters he suggested police should kill them. 'All of these protesters and police should all sit down and listen to the new Refused song together. It's so good and they would all be happy. Then the cops should get up and shoot everyone,' he said. In another post from October 22, Bryar appeared to be discussing why he separated from his business manager and blamed the Kardashians. 'Lou Taylor was my business manager for 18 years. We just separated in September because the Kardashians are the slimiest pile of garbage on the planet,' he said. 'They make a shitload of money, way more than I do, kind of like prostitutes. Anyways, I cannot be associated with them. Maybe Kendall because she's kinda real and has a SF90 that I could drive. They actually have blood on their hands. I KNOW EVERYTHING.' While his cause of death is unknow, his body was reportedly 'badly decomposed' when discovered and Animal Control came to the house to take away his two dogs. Authorities do not suspect 'foul play' as all his 'weapons and music equipment in the home were left untouched.' As the longest-serving and final official drummer for My Chemical Romance from 2004 to 2010, Bryar's departure was shrouded in rumors of tension with his bandmates. While the band members did not discuss the specifics, multiple sources confirmed that a falling out had occurred, per MTV. On March 3, 2010, guitarist Iero revealed that Bryar had left the band. 'As of 4 weeks ago, My Chemical Romance and Bob Bryar parted ways. This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and expect you all to do the same,' he wrote on a statement shared to their official website. Bryar was last seen alive on November 4, the same day he posted his final eerie tweets Several of Bryar's old and deleted troubling posts have resurfaced as fans question why most of his social media has been taken down He most recently teamed back up with the group in 2013 on their record, Conventional Weapons. After retiring from music in 2014, he became a real estate agent and an active advocate of various dog rescues and sanctuaries. In 2015, Bryar tweeted that after being 'kicked out of MyChem' that he 'became the most depressed, angry, suicidal person ever.' In a later, since-deleted tweet, he wrote: 'Now, I am on so many pills that I feel a bit better, although, it still (b)others me every day. In a recent conversation, I was told I wont be back.' In 2021, Bryar auctioned off the drum set he last used with the bandboth on tour and during the recording of their iconic 2006 album The Black Paradeto raise funds for an animal rescue center in Tennessee, according to Rolling Stone. Although My Chemical Romance was scheduled to tour in 2025, Bryar was not scheduled to reunite with the band. A rising media star has been tipped to replace ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland after his shock on-air resignation on Monday. ABC's 7pm newsreader James Glenday is the most likely candidate to step into the role, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Glenday has frequently appeared as a fill-in host on the program and is finishing up his role as a newsreader in Canberra in the coming weeks. The veteran reporter has a wealth of political and field experience, having worked as both a Europe and US Correspondent for the ABC during his time with the network. When approached for comment, an ABC spokesperson told the publication it's 'too early to confirm the 2025 line-up'. Michael, 55, broke the shock news of his departure to viewers on Monday morning, revealing his last show would be on Friday, December 13. A rising media star has been tipped to replace ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland (pictured) after his shock on-air resignation on Monday 'I'm leaving News Breakfast,' Rowland announced. 'I'm sorry to the viewers out there for the short notice. I'm not one for long and drawn out farewells and I wanted minimal fuss. 'I love the job, it's the best job I've had in the ABC. In fact, anywhere. But after 15 years of 3am starts my body is screaming "enough!". And so too is my wife. 'It's been an immense privilege to be here for 15 years presenting the news to our viewers. That, to me, has been by far the most important part of the job.' The veteran journalist anchored the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Rowland has also served as Lateline's economics correspondent and state political reporter in both New South Wales and Victoria. Justin Stevens, the ABC's news director, said in a statement: 'Michael has been central to News Breakfast's success over the past 15 years, a familiar and trusted face for viewers each morning. 'His ability to traverse serious reporting as well as lighter topics, and do it on live TV for three hours every morning, shows what a hugely talented broadcaster he is. ABC's 7pm newsreader James Glenday (left) is the most likely candidate to step into the role, according to The Sydney Morning Herald Glenday has frequently appeared as a fill-in host on the program and is finishing up his role as a newsreader based in Canberra in the coming weeks 'We'll miss him a lot on the News Brekky couch but we can't wait to see what he does next for the ABC after a well-deserved rest.' Meanwhile, Rowland's ABC News Breakfast co-host Bridget Brennan said it has been 'an honour and a privilege' sitting alongside him. 'I've been able to watch firsthand his enduring dedication to strong journalism and public service,' Brennan said in a statement. 'After 15 years, Australians will miss his presence each and every morning enormously, but I know we all appreciate the incredible effort he has given to News Breakfast for such a long time. 'Michael, I hope this next chapter brings long sleep-ins and more time to stay up late and watch your beloved Doggies!' Once queen bee of the hedonistic Primrose Hill set in north London, Sadie Frost is now a grandmother. The 59-year-old actress's daughter-in-law Charlotte Mallory gave birth to her first child at the weekend. Tattoo artist Charlotte, 33, is wed to Finlay Munro Kemp, also 33, Sadie's son with her first husband, Spandau Ballet guitarist Gary Kemp. 'Welcome to the world Daya Wildrose Mallory Kemp,' says Charlotte of this photo of her cradling their daughter in hospital. 'Me and Fin are over the moon.' Sadie, who also has three children with second husband Jude Law, said she felt 'a huge sense of grief' when they left home. She'll be keen to look after baby, then. Once queen bee of the hedonistic Primrose Hill set in north London, Sadie Frost is now a grandmother (pictured: Sadie and Finlay) The 59-year-old actress's daughter-in-law Charlotte Mallory gave birth to her first child at the weekend. (pictured: Charlotte with baby Daya) Helena reveals a brr-ave way to break the ice The Princess of Wales declared her love of 'cold swimming' last year but surely Catherine wouldn't go this far? Model Helena Christensen shared a video of her bathing in an icy pond at her retreat in upstate New York. The air temperature was freezing but the Danish model, 55, wore just a swimsuit and a pair of socks. Model Helena Christensen shared a video of her bathing in an icy pond at her retreat in upstate New York. The air temperature was freezing but the Danish model, 55, wore just a swimsuit and a pair of socks Helena Christensen poses during London Fashion Week Wisely, her dog, Kuma, chose to watch her from a platform. 'It's not as hard as it looks,' she says. 'I love the ritual of this and the thought process that happens in my mind prior to, during and after entering a freezing river or lake.' One day star Leo Woodall has become a millionaire He played charming, privileged Dexter Mayhew in hit Netflix drama One Day and, in real life, isn't doing badly, either. I can disclose Leo Woodall has become a millionaire aged 28. Leo Woodall (pictured in One Day as Dexter Mayhew) has become a millionaire aged 28 The Londoner, who plays Renee Zellweger's toyboy in the forthcoming film Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, has amassed 1million in assets at Speedwell Films, the company he channels his pay through. Woodall retained 782,000 after bills at the company, including 608,000 profit for the year to February. Strict vetting for Darcey's dresses Dame Darcey Bussell admits her patience was tested when her Strictly Come Dancing outfits had to be vetted to avoid clashing with the show's presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. 'There would be the odd outfit where they say 'no'... it would often be what the other presenters are wearing and the judges,' says the former Royal Ballet star, 55, who quit Strictly in 2019 after seven series. 'I wasn't very patient because I'd try about 30 outfits on and that was tough. Four weeks later, I'd have another one because if outfits weren't going to fit with everyone else, you always have to have plan A, B, C and D. Dame Darcey Bussell admits her patience was tested when her Strictly Come Dancing outfits had to be vetted to avoid clashing with the show's presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman 'The stylist had to always be there... they might say, 'Oh, no, it's not going to work... Tess is wearing so and so, and Claudia's wearing this. It was, like, 'OK, we can do without, and we'll change'.' Frank Skinner recalls his interactions with female colleagues following Wallace complaints Complaints about Gregg Wallace's behaviour on MasterChef have left Frank Skinner nervous about dealing with female colleagues. Frank Skinner recalls his interactions with female colleagues following Greg Wallace complaints When a staff member fell off her bike, the comedian recalls: 'I texted Jenny and said, 'I'm really sorry to hear you had an accident', and put a kiss on the end. 'She replied, [with] no kiss, and I thought, 'I know what that means down boy!' He adds: 'Our producer Daisy once said, 'Hugging you is quite an unpleasant experience', because I'm so anxious, so wary of being seen as some sort of sex fiend.' King seeking housekeeper for Windsor Castle King Charles is seeking a wannabe Mrs Carson. Not for Downton Abbey but as a 32,000-a-year, live-in assistant housekeeper at Windsor Castle (which has 1,000 rooms). The successful applicant must have 'a keen eye for detail and a meticulous approach'. The royal website advert says: 'You'll support the housekeeper in delivering services to the highest standards... [and] work closely with the team at Buckingham Palace.' Christmas will come early for hundreds of shoppers at a western Sydney Coles supermarket as billionaire Adrian Portelli prepares to hand out $150,000. The entrepreneur, 35, is scheduled to give that total amount in Coles vouchers to 1,000 families on Tuesday. He made the announcement on his social media and confirmed the location on Monday. The first giveaway will take place at 9.30am at the Coles connected to Nepean Village on Reserve Street, Penrith. The action will then shift to Coles on Hamilton Road at Fairfield West at noon. 'Our team member and customer safety is our priority during this generous giveaway, so we have engaged additional security to ensure any queue for gift cards will be properly managed,' a Coles spokeswoman said in a statement. Adrian Portelli (pictured) is set to cause chaos as he takes his grocery giveaway to Sydney on Tuesday Hundreds of people are understood to be already queued up at the stores to see him and those lucky enough will score a voucher worth $100 or $200 from Portelli. 'It just shows how desperate people are in these times and we're happy to help,' he said last month. 'A lot of these people have supported me over the year so it's time to give back.' Adrian is the founder of the LCMT+ online company that frequently gives away huge cash prizes and luxury cars as well as providing its members discounted products with retailers. The car enthusiast made international headlines when he had a rare $3million McLaren craned up to his $39million Melbourne penthouse in May last year. He is also a regular fixture on The Block, appearing on the show each year during auctions and frequently snapping up homes. However he announced this year would be his last season on the renovation show. In 2022, he offered $4.8m for Omar and Oz's home in Gisborne South during final bidding on The Block. 'I was fairly low key back then so no one really knew what I was worth or what money I had,' he said. His previous giveaway took place in Tasmania, where long lines of hopeful shoppers showed up hoping for the handouts (pictured) 'People thought I couldn't afford the house - obviously I knew I could buy all the houses.' Portelli grew up in Melbourne's western suburbs and made his fortune through tech start-ups. He has a diverse business portfolio reportedly worth $1billion, and now turns over about $100million a year, or $2million a week. The notorious Block bidder splashed out a staggering $39million for his Melbourne property which is the heart of the CBD in a new twin tower development. He is currently spending $6million on modifying and customising the 1200sqm home. The businessman told realestate.com.au he decided to buy the apartment the same day he saw it because of 'the security' and it being a 'blank canvas'. He also admitted that a selling point was the penthouse's direct link to the second tower, which will house a five-star Shangri-La hotel. The hotel includes a bar with a see-though floor that features a bridge linking the two towers at a high level. 'It just shows how desperate people are in these times and we're happy to help,' he said last month. 'A lot of these people have supported me over the year so it's time to give back' 'I've got a lift from my apartment that goes directly to the bar,' Portelli said. Portelli, known for his high spending and lavish lifestyle, shares his ten-month-old son Mercy with girlfriend Karlie Butler. The unique name pays homage to one of the first luxury cars Portelli purchased - a rare orange Lamborghini Murcielago valued at over $700,000. Portelli and Butler have been together for over a year, having met at a bar. The band My Chemical Romance has issued a statement paying memorial to late drummer Bob Bryar following his recent death at 44, calling him 'an important part of the history' of the group. The group posted a statement to Instagram on Monday afternoon which read: 'It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Bob Bryar, our former bandmate and an important part of the history of My Chemical Romance.' Band members Gerard Way, Frank Iero, Mikey Way, and Ray Toro wrapped up in saying, 'We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family at this time. May he rest in peace.' Comments were restricted on the post, which was featured a shot of Bryar at his drum kit. A spokesperson for the band previously confirmed the death of Bryar, who played on the bands career-defining rock opera, The Black Parade. 'The band asks for your patience and understanding as they process the news of Bobs passing,' a spokesperson for My Chemcial Romance said Sunday in a statement which did not include any additional details. The band My Chemical Romance has issued a statement paying memorial to late drummer Bob Bryar following his recent death at 44, calling him 'an important part of the history' of the group The group posted a statement to Instagram on Monday afternoon to address Bryar's passing The percussionist was last seen November 4, police sources told TMZ Friday, as authorities found him dead in his home in Tennessee November 26. Bryar posted a series of messages on his X/Twitter November 4 prior to his passing, making reference to a variety of people and topics. They included references to former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who President-elect Donald Trump has nominated for director of national intelligence; as well as media personality Megyn Kelly. Another post alluded to Emily Armstrong replacing the late Chester Bennington as Linkin Park's lead vocalist this past September, more than seven years after Bennington tragically took his own life in 2017. 'Emily Armstrong is destroying, shredding faces and making Chester proud,' Bryar said. 'She was the perfect choice. AND she had to deal with the initial hate. that s*** is hard. trust me. word up.' Bryar in his profile picture was seen wearing a camouflage hat with Trump's slogan, 'Make American Great Again' with a silhouette image of an AK-47 assault rifle as the header image. Bryar replaced drummer Matt Pelissier in 2004 and left the band in 2010. The band's Frank Iero said in a statement on its website in March 2010, 'As of 4 weeks ago, My Chemical Romance and Bob Bryar parted ways. This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and expect you all to do the same.' The band was seen at the Gold Coast Parklands on January 22, 2012 in Gold Coast, Australia The popular band was pictured in London in 2005 Bryar moved on from the music business and later auctioned off a drum kit to raise money for an animal adoption center in Williamson County, Tennessee. Next year, the band will embark on a 10-date North American stadium tour, where they will perform The Black Parade, released in 2006, in full. My Chemical Romance formed in 2001 and released four studio albums across their career, first breaking through with 2004's Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. They announced their breakup in 2013; a year later, they released a greatest hits collection titled May Death Never Stop You. In 2019, they announced a reunion, later revealing they'd privately reunited two years earlier. A major drinks company has filed for bankruptcy ahead of the holiday season. Stoli Group USA, which owns the namesake Stoli brand vodka, said in a Texas bankruptcy filing late last month that it was experiencing 'financial difficulties.' The company said it has also been a victim of a major cyberattack, and has been involved in an ongoing legal battle with the Russian government for several years which has cost 'dozens of millions of dollars.' Alongside the well-known vodka, the company also produces the high-end brand Kentucky Owl bourbon, which can sell for as much as $400 a bottle for special batches. A 750ml bottle of Stoli vodka, meanwhile, retails for around $20. The company said that Americans will still be able to buy the drinks as it navigates the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. Stoli was sold as Stolichnaya - which roughly translates as 'capital city' in Russian - in the US until 2022. But the company rebranded as Stoli following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and widespread boycotts of Russian-branded items. Stoli Group's founder, Russian-born billionaire Yuri Shefler, was exiled in 2000 because of his opposition to Vladimir Putin, CNN reported. Stoli Group USA, which owns the namesake Stoli brand vodka, said in a Texas bankruptcy filing late last month that it was experiencing 'financial difficulties 'The Stoli Group has been targeted by the Russian Federation since it was formed nearly 25 years ago,' Stoli Group CEO Chris Caldwell said in a statement. 'Earlier this year the company and our owner were both named by the Russian state as "extremist groups working against Russias interests."' An ongoing legal battle with the Russian government has forced Stoli to 'spend dozens of millions of dollars on this long-term court battle across the globe with the Russian authorities,' it said in a court filing. Russia claims that after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the brand fell under the ownership of the Russian Federation, not Shefler's SPI Group, which acquired it in 1997. Caldwell also said the company's global operations had been the 'victim of a malicious cyber attack' which has forced it to operate 'entirely manually while the systems are rebuilt.' While Stoli has long been branded as a Russian vodka, its production facilities have actually been in Latvia for several decades, according to CNN. Alongside the well-known vodka, the company also produces the high-end brand Kentucky Owl bourbon, which can sell for as much as $400 a bottle for special batches The company said that Americans will still be able to buy the drinks as it navigates the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process A slowdown in demand for alcohol following the Covid-19 pandemic has also had an effect on the company's finances. Stoli has seen a 'decline and softening of demand for alcohol and spirits products post-Covid and especially beginning in 2023 and continuing into 2024,' the court filings read. During the pandemic, many people stocked up on drinks at home when stay-at-home mandates were still in place and bars were shut. The bankruptcy filing comes as Americans fear their favorite drinks could increase in price next year if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on his proposals to implement widespread tariffs. Trump has promised to bring in tariffs of 25 percent on America's two largest trading partners, Mexico and Canada, on day one of his presidency. Modelo Especial Lager, which has overtaken Bud Light as the top selling beer in the US, is imported from Mexico by parent company Constellation Brands. If the entire cost of the tariff is passed on to consumers, then a six-pack of Modelo would rise from around $11 to $13.75, USA Today reported. After days of uncertainty, in the wake of it leading the MahaYuti to a spectacular victory in the Maharashtra Assembly polls, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) finally began to get its act together on Monday as it called its legislature party meeting on December 4 to elect its leader - ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held on the following day. Though the BJP has not yet formally announced its Chief Ministerial choice, party sources said that the partys central leadership has put a stamp of approval on the name of its senior leader and former CM Devendra Fadnavis for the top post in the state. At a meeting to be held at 10 am on December 4 in the Central Hall of the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, Fadnavis will in all likelihood be elected as the BJPs Legislature Party (BJPLP) leader, paving the way for his being sworn in as the next CM of Maharashtra on December 5. The BJPs Parliamentary Board is sending former Gujarat CM and the partys in-charge for Punjab Vijay Rupani and Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as the central observers for the BJPLP meeting. After the BJPLP meeting, the leaders of the ruling MahaYuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and NCP (Ajit Pawar), will call Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, and formally stake claim to form a new government in the state. While confirming that the BJPLP leader would be elected on December 4, Maharashtra party president Chandrashekar Bawankule announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be present at the swearing-in ceremony of the BJP-led MahaYuti government to be held at the historic Azad Maidan at 5 pm on December 5. The BJP is inviting prominent personalities from various walks of life for the swearing-in ceremony. Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena (ES) and Ajit Pawar (AP) are likely to meet in the afternoon of December 4 to discuss and formalise the nitty-gritties of the new government. While the CM and two Deputy CMs will take oath of office and secrecy at the swearing-in ceremony, it remains to be seen as to how many ministers from the BJP, Shiv Sena (ES) and NCP (AP) will be sworn into the office at the December 5 event. Given that there are issues relating to the Cabinet portfolio allocations that need to be sorted out among the MahaYuti constituents, the three leaders are expected to meet immediately after the swearing-in ceremony and formalise the ministry allocations. Since the Maharashtra Assembly comprises 288 members, there can be a maximum of 43 ministers in the State Cabinet, a number that accounts for 15 percent of total members in the lower House of the State Legislature. A struggle to grab key portfolios has begun among the MahaYuti constituents. The ministries like Home, Finance & Planning, Revenue and Urban development are the key portfolios in the State Cabinet. Apart from these four major portfolios, there will be a lot of bargaining among the MahaYuti constituents over other important portfolios like Agriculture, Industries, Water Resources, Forests, Rural Development, Energy, Public Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Development and Excuse. On his part, Shinde has been demanding the crucial state Home ministry, a portfolio, a portfolio that Fadnavis held when he was Deputy CM in the previous Eknath Shinde-led government. However, Fadnavis is reluctant to part with the Home portfolio, even after becoming the CM. However, Shinde has reportedly made the Home portfolio as a pre-condition for his accepting the deputy chief ministers post under Fadnavis as the CM. Ajit Pawar, who has held the Finance & Planning portfolio for a very long time, has been insisting that he be given the Finance & Planning ministry. The BJP, which heads the MahaYuti, will have no other choice but to allocate Home and Finance & Planning portfolios to Shinde and Ajit Pawar respectively. As part of the coalition mantra, the BJP will try to keep its allies in good humour in matters relating to the portfolio allocations. While the BJP will keep the crucial post of Speaker in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, it may hand over the post of the Chairperson of Maharashtra Legislative Council to either the Shinde Sena or the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Given that the successive governments have long used the chairman posts of various state-run boards as carrot to keep the disgruntled MLAs under control, it remains to be seen if the new MahaYuti government will appoint the heads of the various State-run boards immediately after the formation of the government or the chief minister will use these appointments as lever to manage the ruling alliance legislators as done by his predecessors. The ban on driving BS-3 petrol or a BS-4 diesel cars in Delhi will continue till Thursday, as the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday refused to relax restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) amid high levels of air quality index levels. The SC observed that despite the alarming air quality levels, there has been a lack of serious enforcement of measures outlined under GRAP Stage IV, which is triggered when air quality deteriorates to hazardous levels, and it will take a call on a proposal for relaxation by the Commission for Air Quality Management on Thursday. The SC stressed on finding a permanent solution to the issue of air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), saying a similar situation arose every year between October and December. It further directed the Delhi police to provide armed protection to those Court Commissioners who wish to continue monitoring implementation of GRAP IV measures in Delhi-NCR. Notably, there was a slight improvement in Delhis air quality for the second consecutive day on Monday, even as it remained of poor quality with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 280 in the morning. According to data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the National Capital recorded an AQI of 285 on Sunday, an improvement to the poor category, and a welcome relief following 32 consecutive days of very poor and severe air quality (AQI above 400). A Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih further directed the chief secretaries of NCR states to appear before it through video-conferencing on December 5 to inform whether or not any subsistence allowance was paid to the construction workers who went without work owing to the restrictions. The Bench took a serious view of the failure of States in the National Capital Region (NCR) to compensate construction workers whose livelihood has been affected by the halt of construction activities amid the air pollution crisis in the National Capital. Observing that Delhi-NCR faced a similar situation every year between October and December, the Bench proposed to go into all aspects that cause air pollution and find a permanent solution. Referring to the lack of coordination among the stakeholders, the Bench highlighted the complete lack of coordination among stakeholders including the Delhi government, Delhi police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and pollution control committee in implementing the restrictions and decided to wait till Thursday before taking a call on relaxing restrictions to ensure there is indeed a steady downward trend in air pollution levels. What we propose is, we will look into your suggestions, but today we will not permit relaxations unless you show us a clear downward trend, said the Bench. The Bench during the hearing noted the revelation of very shocking things from the reports filed by advocates appointed as court commissioners to conduct inspection at entry points. The reports indicated to the Bench that the court commissioners risked their lives besides facing threats in order to discharge their duties. Referring to one such court commissioners predicament, the Bench asked the police to file a report detailing the action taken. We cannot allow the members of the Bar to get subjected to risk as the report indicates that some of them have been subjected to threats, it said. The Bench enquired if the court commissioners wanted to continue with the work and asked those desiring to continue to send emails to the nodal officer appointed by the Delhi Police. Police personnel, including armed guards, must be given to court commissioners while discharging their duties, directed the SC. We make it clear that it is the responsibility of Delhi police to ensure that members of the Bar who are acting as court commissioners are adequately protected, it said. Court commissioners Jatin Kumar and Savi Nagpal reported a violation at Jharoda toll, where a BS-IV diesel truck carrying construction and demolition (C&D) materials entered Delhi without valid documentation. Another court commissioner in their report, detailing an incident on November 29, 2024, at Asiad Village, Khelgaon, New Delhi, observed a construction cutting machine operating at a property with a BHEL nameplate. Upon attempting to take photographs, he encountered workers fleeing inside the house. Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi and adjoining areas submitted a report to the court seeking that emergency measures be scaled down from Grap-4 to GRAP-II as the AQI on December 1 was 285 (poor) after being in the severe (400+) or very poor (300+) zones for 32 days. There is hardly any implementation of stage 4 of GRAP to deal with air pollution in the National Capital, remarked the bench, questioning the Delhi government on the number of officers deployed by it to implement the restrictions, especially banning trucks from entering the national capital. The Delhi government, represented by senior advocate Shadan Farasat, said it would look into allegations of non-compliance of the GRAP restrictions. The Bench directed the CAQM to take steps for communicating the mitigating measures, which it decided to implement, to all authorities concerned and coordinate to ensure the implementation. The Bench said it was the responsibility of CAQM to coordinate the activities of all these entities with a view to ensure that GRAP 4 measures were implemented. As far as entry points are concerned, needless to add that all entry points must be manned, it said while underlining it was for the Delhi police to decide and ensure the deployment of personnel at the entry points. The Bench while referring to its earlier statement, said, The commission will have to coordinate efforts of all agencies and ensure that adequate manpower is deputed at the entry points. Regarding the aspect of pollution and finding a permanent solution, the Bench asked the amicus curiae to prepare a note within two weeks for the court to assign dates to consider these issues. According to the Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB), the AQI recorded at Anand Vihar at 6 am on Monday was 303, Ashok Vihar at 284, Bawana at 298, Chandni Chowk at 188, IGI Airport at 270, Dwarka at 307, Jahangirpuri at 310, Mundka at 297, Narela at 266, Nehru Nagar at 334, Patparganj at 285, Punjabi Bagh at 278, Pusa at 249, Rohini at 299, and Wazirpur at 281. After a week of acrimony with no business or discussions held ever since the Winter Session of Parliament started last week, the Opposition and Treasury benches on Monday are believed to have resolved to break the deadlock, and work for smooth functioning, until a fresh provocation is bulldozed from either side. On a day when a group of Parliamentarians, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, watched a special screening of the Bollywood movie The Sabarmati Report in the Annexe, leaders from both the sides came close to breaking the impasse in Parliament with a discussion on the Constitution to mark its 75th year of adoption. The breakthrough came at a meeting of Speaker Om Birla with floor leaders of different parties. The Opposition parties had demanded discussions in both Houses of Parliament to mark the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly. Several Opposition leaders, who attended the meeting, also echoed similar sentiments. The Congress said that the Modi Government has accepted its request for a special two-day discussion on the Constitution and hopefully now it will allow both Houses to function. The meeting chaired by Birla was attended by Gaurav Gogoi of the Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagams (DMK) TR Baalu and Trinamool Congress (TMC) Kalyan Banerjee among others besides Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and his deputy in the ministry Arjun Ram Meghwal. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed confidence that both Houses will function smoothly from Tuesday. Sources said the Lok Sabha will take up the discussion on the Constitution to mark its 75th year of adoption on December 13 and 14, and the Rajya Sabha on December 16 and 17. Asked about the Opposition raising other issues such as Sambhal violence and Manipur, Rijiju said a decision will be taken in accordance with the rules. Congress said the Modi Government has accepted its request for a special two-day discussion on the Constitution and hopefully now it will allow both Houses to function. The party alleged the Government does not want Parliament to function as it is running away from a discussion on issues such as Adani indictment, Sambhal violence and Manipur unrest. Proceedings in both Houses were adjourned for yet another day on Monday amid protests by Opposition members over the Adani indictment row, recent violence in Uttar Pradeshs Sambhal and other issues. While Congress led Opposition sought for an official announcement of dates for the desired discussion including that on the Constitution before agreeing to the resumption of regular parliamentary proceedings, Samajwadi Party has asked to raise the Sambhal issue and the TMC will raise the Bangladesh crisis in the Lok Sabha. However, sources in the Government said that the Congress will not be allowed for specific discussion on the Adani controversy but they shall not object if the Opposition members may indicate about it in the midst of any debates. Congress has been persistent in raising the issue of the indictment of US prosecutors of Adani Group chairperson Gautam Adani and other company officials on bribery and fraud charges. The BJP on the other hand has projected the main Opposition party as the principal violator of constitutional norms and spirit when it was in power, asserting that the Modi Government has strengthened constitutional practices and principles during its over 10-year tenure. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh recalled that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had written to Speaker Om Birla on November 26, requesting a special two-day discussion on the Constitution and the leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha had also written a similar letter to the chairman the same day. Hopefully now the Modi Government will allow both Houses to function from tomorrow, he said. The Supreme Court on Monday expressed concern over reinstatement of DMK leader V Senthil Balaji as a Cabinet minister in Tamil Nadu, just days after it granted bail in the money laundering case related to the cash-for-job scam, and agreed to examine a plea raising apprehensions on independence of witnesses in the case. We granted you bail and days after you go and become minister. Anybody will be bound to be under the impression that now with your position as a senior Cabinet minister, witnesses will be under pressure. What is going on? A Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih asked senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Balaji. The Bench, however, refused to interfere with SCs September 26 order granting bail to Balaji on a plea filed by one of the complainants seeking its cancellation. The Bench made it clear it would not recall the order as the law laid down by the SC was benefitting several other persons. Justice Oka further said the court would not issue any notice in the matter but limit the scope of enquiry to whether the witnesses would be under pressure to depose in the case. The apprehension is that considering the seriousness of allegations against the second respondent (Balaji) in the predicate offences, the witnesses may not be in the frame of mind to depose against the second respondent who is holding the position of Cabinet Minister. This is the only aspect on which prima facie we are inclined to consider the application, and while making it clear that there is no reason to interfere with the judgement on merits and adjudication of the application remains confined to the aforesaid, the Bench wrote in its order. It then asked Balajis counsel Ram Sankar to get instructions and posted the matter for further hearing on December 13. The Bench noted that the current plea, filed by one of the complainants K Vidhya Kumar, was based on the apprehension that immediately after the grant of bail Balaji was appointed a cabinet minister. On October 25, the SC in another matter related to Balaji was informed that a petition seeking review of an order of bail to the DMK leader in the case had been filed. The SC granted bail to Balaji after he was in jail over 15 months, noting there was no possibility of the completion of trial in the near future. On September 30, the SC directed the Madras High Court chief justice to appoint another judge for the trial against Balaji. Balaji, 48, was sworn in as a minister by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on September 29 and was assigned the same key portfolios, electricity, non-conventional energy development, prohibition and excise, he held previously in the Stalin Cabinet. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Balaji, representing Karur assembly constituency, on June 14, 2023 in the case when he was the transport minister during the previous AIADMK regime between 2011 and 2015. On February 13, the TN Governor accepted Balajis resignation from the council of ministers. The top courts reprieve on September 26 ended Balajis 471-day incarceration. The ED had filed a case of money laundering in July 2021 to probe the allegations after three FIRs were registered by the Tamil Nadu police in 2018 and on the basis of complaints by those aggrieved in the alleged scam. The agencys chargesheet claimed the entire recruitment process in the Tamil Nadu transport department during the tenure of Balaji as minister was turned into a corrupt chiefdom, and the scam was executed under his authority. Being a public servant, Balaji misused his official capacity as the then transport minister and obtained pecuniary benefits by corrupt and illegal means and directly acquired the proceeds of crime, generated out of a criminal activity related to a scheduled offence, the agency alleged. A routine parking dispute in Southeast Delhis Lajpat Nagar erupted into a shocking act of arson, as a mans car was set ablaze, allegedly by his not-so-friendly neighbor. Police tracked down the 28-year-old suspect in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, over 600 kilometers away from the National Capital. According to the victim, this fiery attack was just the culmination of a string of threats, and he believes that if he had been at the scene, his life would have been endangered as well. According to the victim, 48-year-old Ranjeet Singh, an Urdu poet, winner of a peace award from Pakistan, and the founder of cultural organisation Jashn-e-Adab, the accused has been harassing and threatening him for over two years. Despite multiple complaints to police, the authorities used to release the accused, identified as Rahul Bhasin, on bail, Singh said. The issue came to a boil reportedly after some residents of the locality were not happy with Singh for complaining to the police over them drinking and loitering in the area at night. I have been living in this locality for about two decades now and the accused moved here two years ago. His landlord and others instigated him against me. They asked him to park his car in front of mine. When I came on July 13, my car slightly touched his car in the parking lot. However, his brother quickly resolved the issue with me and I even agreed to pay for any damage, Singh said. However, events took a turn for the worse after that when Bhasin damaged two of Singhs parked cars with rods. An FIR was registered following which he was arrested on August 14 but released on bail in two hours, he said. Just two days after he was released on bail, Bhasin came to the area and abused and threatened Singh. We complained to the police. However, he fled from the place for about a month. Upon returning, he surrendered to the police. He was arrested but was given bail again, Singh said. On October 20, Bhasin, allegedly came to the locality in an intoxicated state, brandishing a gun. He kept his gun inside after he realised there was CCTV surveillance. However, he urinated in front of my house and hurled abuses at me at midnight, Singh said, adding that when the police arrived he ran away from the place. On November 5, Bhasin was arrested by the police but eventually given bail. On November 29, Singh lodged a complaint against Bhasin for allegedly damaging his Maruti Suzuki Ciaz parked outside his house, a senior officer said. Upon checking the CCTV footage, Bhasin was seen twisting the rear view mirror of the Ciaz, and parking his own Mahindra Thar in the middle of the road and leaving, the officer said. Acting on the complaint, police seized the Thar and a probe was initiated. On the intervening night of November 30 and December 1, the accused brought paint thinner and set the bonnet of Singhs car on fire, the officer added. The act was captured in the CCTV camera, and a team was formed to track and nab Bhasin. The police tracked him down in Amethi on Sunday. The accused had fled to Amethi in his Honda Amaze car. He has been brought back to Delhi and is being interrogated, the officer said. Further investigation in the matter is underway, the police said. However, Singh says he fears for his life, If I was present that day, he would have burnt me too. This is happening after I have informed the SHO multiple times about him and he was given bail in some hours. What if he kills me after he is released this time? Although, the matter that escalated from a petty parking issue is not a case of Lajpat Nagar alone. In an incident that went viral over social media, a woman and her husband were assaulted by their neighbours in south Delhis Amar colony over a quarrel related to a parking spot. The viral video showed the accused Daljeet Singh and four of his family members, thrashing the couple with a wooden log and hurling abuses at them. A court in Delhi has convicted five men of culpable homicide and unlawful assembly charges in a 2020 northeast Delhi rioting case where a mob brutally killed a man. The court, however, acquitted two men of all charges. Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala was hearing the case registered by the Dayalpur police station against the seven accused. Special Public Prosecutor Madhukar Pandey appeared in the court on behalf of the Delhi Police. In its verdict passed last Saturday, the court took note of the evidence before it and said it was established that a riotous mob, armed with deadly weapons, killed Mohsin near the Peer Baba Mazar in the Chand Bagh area on February 25, 2020. The court said the testimonies of four prosecution witnesses left no doubt that five accused persons--Arun, Aman Kashyap, Ashish, Pradeep Rai and Devender Kumar--were part of the mob that assaulted the victim. But there was no evidence to prove specifically that these five accused had assaulted Mohsin, it said, adding that their criminal liability for causing Mohsin's death had to be based on section 149 (unlawful assembly) of the IPC. Traffic movement along the Noida-Greater Noida expressway resumed on Monday evening after hundreds of farmers, who had gathered for a "Delhi Chalo" march over various demands, agreed to vacate the protest site. The relief for motorists came just before the evening rush hour and tested the persuasion skills of the authorities who managed to convince the representatives of the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and supporters of other farmers organisations to give them one week to look into their demands. The farmers temporarily shifted their protest to Dalit Prerna Sthal (Ambedkar Park) on Noida Link Road but threatened to resume their march towards the national capital, if their demands were not met on time. The suspension of the stir allowed the removal of barricades and the restoration of normal traffic. Earlier in the day, heavy traffic jams have plagued the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway throughout the day on Monday as police set up multiple barricades in view of the farmers' protest march towards the national capital. According to farmers leader, they have agreed to retreat, for now, following talks with officials from Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). While giving the officials one weeks time to accept their demands, the protesting farmers decided to camp at the Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida. The farmers claimed they would march towards Delhi if their demands were not met within a week. Earlier, the Supreme Court has asked Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border point to press for the acceptance of farmers' demands, to persuade the protesting farmers not to obstruct highways and cause inconvenience to people. Visuals showed a long queue of vehicles in several parts of Delhi-NCR amid heavy security deployment and police barricading. A video posted on social media shows cars moving at a snail's speed on the Chilla border, while on the DND, all vehicles in at least 10 lanes seem to be at a standstill. The police set up barricades at Charkha Chowk near Amity University and then at Mahamaya Flyover and Dalit Prerna Sthal on the stretch. Farmers gathered at the Mahamaya flyover on the Dadri-Noida link road and began their march around 11.30 am to press their demands for land allocation and increased compensation for their lands acquired by the government, among other things. The protest call was given by the Bharatiya Kisan Parishad (BKP). According to the BKP, farmers from 20 districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Aligarh and Agra, took part in the march. Carrying banners and flags of various farmer groups, hundreds of protesters crossed the initial barricades erected by Noida Police. While some climbed over the barricades, others pushed them. They were finally stopped by police near Dalit Prerna Sthal on Noida Link Road, around 1 km from the Chilla border, an entry point to Delhi. Senior police officers tried to pacify the protesting farmers. Due to the farmers protest and checking by police, commuters travelling via Chilla border, DND flyway, Delhi Gate and Kalindi Kunj faced heavy traffic for hours. To ensure the farmers did not proceed to Delhi, the police conducted thorough checks on all vehicles. A senior police officer said checking was underway at the borders and drones were being used for surveillance. Additional Commissioner of Police (east) Sagar Singh Kalsi said, "We have made adequate arrangements in east Delhi borders and have taken all precautionary measures, including anti-riot equipment. We are using drones for vigilance and are also coordinating with traffic police for smooth vehicular movement in the area." Aprajita Singh, a resident of Greater Noida, said the barricades put up at the Chilla border were causing major inconvenience to commuters. "It took me about an hour to get through that stretch. The police set up barricades on both sides of the Delhi-Noida border, causing significant traffic congestion, especially on the carriageway heading from Noida to Delhi," she said.Joint Commissioner of Police (southern range) SK Jain said they are also coordinating with the Noida Police. "We have two key borders in the southeast district -- the DND border and Kalindi Kunj. Since there is section 163 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) imposed in the New Delhi area and also Parliament is in session, protests without permission are strictly prohibited."To manage this, we have increased security at both the borders. Proper barricades, jersey barriers and hydra cranes have been deployed. We will stop those who will try to enter forcefully," he stated. Currently, the situation at the border is normal and traffic movement is underway, Jain added. Another commuter, Amit Thakur of Noida, said he took the metro instead of his car to get to work. "When I checked the traffic situation before heading to my office in central Delhi, it showed heavy congestion near the Chilla border, adding an extra hour of travel time. So, I decided to take the metro instead," he said. A group of farmers from Punjab, led by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), has called for a march towards Delhi on December 6. The group has been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana sinceFebruary 13. Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Monday amid protests by opposition members over the Adani indictment row, recent violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal and other issues. As soon as the House reconvened at 12 noon after the first adjournment, opposition members rushed into the Well and started raising slogans and issues of the indictment of industrialist Gautam Adani in a US court on bribery charges and the Sambhal violence. While some members were in the Well, others stood in the aisle and raised slogans. Amid the din, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, was introduced by Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. The BJP's Sandhya Ray, who was in the Chair, urged the protesting members to allow the House to function. She pointed out that voters of the country were watching and their issues must be raised. With the opposition members not relenting, Ray adjourned the House for the day. When the House convened at 11 am, opposition members rushed into the Well to demand a discussion on the issues being raised by them. Speaker Om Birla asked them to allow the Question Hour and said they could take up their issues later. Amid the din, one question was taken up. However, the opposition members ignored the speaker's pleas, following which he adjourned the House till 12 noon. The Lok Sabha proceedings were washed out last week as well due to protests by the opposition members on the same issues. Before the House assembled, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju was seen speaking to Congress leader K C Venugopal near the opposition benches. Congress member Gaurav Gogoi and DMK leader T R Baalu were also present. After the first adjournment, some of the opposition leaders including Congress' Venugopal, DMK's Baalu, TMC's Kalyan Banerjee and Samajwadi Party members Dharmendra Yadav and Zia ur Rehman Barq were seen going to the speaker's office together. The Adani Group has maintained that Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar have not been charged with any violation of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in the indictment filed by US authorities in a New York court in the bribery case. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will watch the movie 'Sabarmati Report' on Monday evening. The prime minister will go to the Balyogi Auditorium in the Parliament Library Building to watch the movie starring Vikrant Massey, officials said. Directed by Dheeraj Sarna, the film claims to reveal the truth behind the fire incident in the Sabarmati Express at Godhra on February 27, 2002, killing 59 devotees returning from Ayodhya after participating in a religious ceremony. The film also stars Raashi Khanna and Ridhi Dogra in key roles. Rajya Sabha proceedings on Monday were adjourned for the day without transacting any business as opposition parties sought to raise the allegations of bribery against the Adani group, violence in UP's Sambhal district and Manipur among other issues. The Upper House of Parliament was first adjourned within minutes of meeting for the day and was then adjourned for the whole day amid continued opposition protests. Soon after the House met at 12 noon, opposition members raised their issues, including the allegations of bribery against the Adani group and the recent violence in Sambhal and Manipur, but Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said nothing will go on record. As he allowed the Question Hour to proceed, Tiruchi Siva of the DMK also sought to raise some issues, which the chairman said he would allow only after the members took their seats and maintained decorum. As the opposition members continued to raise an uproar, Chairman Dhankhar adjourned the House for the day. The Rajya Sabha has failed to transact any business ever since the start of the session on November 25. The first week of the session was a washout as opposition members continued to raise an uproar while seeking to raise their issues. Earlier, soon after the House met for the day, the chairman disallowed 20 notices served under rule 267, including eight that had sought a discussion on the US indictment on the alleged payment of USD 265 million in bribes by the Adani group to secure solar power supply contracts. Stating that the notices do not call for admittance, Dhankhar went on to equate the situation in Parliament, which has seen repeated adjournments since it met for the Winter Session on December 25, to Murphy's Law that states, "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong." "It appears that there exists a deliberate algorithm to actualise Murphy's laws in this august House, consequently impeding the proper functioning of Parliament. We find ourselves achieving precisely the antithesis of what our Constitution ordains," he said. Dhankhar asked the opposition MPs to allow the House to take up the listed agenda for the day. But the opposition MPs rose to their feet, seeking to raise the issues for which they had given notices under rule 267 seeking to set aside the proceedings to discuss them. The chairman appealed to them in the name of the framers of the Constitution to allow the functioning of Parliament. "Don't make it dysfunctional," he said. As the opposition parties continued to raise the issues, he adjourned the proceedings till 12 noon. While Congress MPs sought to raise the charges against the Adani group, four notices were served by Samajwadi Party (SP) members to raise law and order issues in Sambhal. The other notices under rule 267, which calls for suspending the listed business of the House to take up discussion on the issue being sought to be raised, pertained to the continued violence in Manipur, increase in crimes in Delhi, atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and special assistance to the flood-hit Wayanad district of Kerala. The Adani group has denied all charges in the US indictment, calling them baseless. Expressing its concern over the appointment of DMK leader V Senthil Balaji, as a minister in the Tamil Nadu government days after he was granted bail in the money laundering case related to the cash-for-job scam, the Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine a plea raising apprehensions on independence of witnesses in the case. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, however, refused to interfere with the September 26 order of the apex court granting bail to Balaji on a plea filed by one of the complainants seeking its cancellation. "We granted you bail and days after you go and become minister. Anybody will be bound to be under the impression that now with your position as a senior cabinet minister, witnesses will be under pressure. What is this going on?" the bench asked senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Balaji. The bench, however, said it would not recall the September 26 order as the law laid down by the apex court was benefitting several other persons. Justice Oka further said the court would not issue any notice in the matter but limit the scope of enquiry to whether the witnesses would be "under pressure" to depose in the case. "The apprehension is that considering the seriousness of allegations against the second respondent (Balaji) in the predicate offences, the witnesses may not be in the frame of mind to depose against the second respondent who is holding the position of cabinet minister. This is the only aspect on which prima facie we are inclined to consider the application, and while making it clear that there is no reason to interfere with the judgement on merits and adjudication of the application remains confined to the aforesaid," the bench wrote in its order. It asked Balaji's counsel Ram Sankar to get instructions and posted the matter on December 13. The bench noted the current plea, filed by one of the complainants K Vidhya Kumar, was based on the apprehension that immediately after the grant of bail, Balaji was appointed a cabinet minister. On October 25, in another matter related to Balaji, the top court was informed that a petition seeking review of an order of bail to Balaji in the case had been filed. The top court granted bail to DMK strongman Balaji on September 26, in the money laundering case after over 15 months, noting there was no possibility of the completion of trial in the near future. On September 30, the top court directed the Madras High Court chief justice to appoint another judge for the trial against Balaji. Balaji, 48, was sworn in as a minister by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on September 29 and was assigned the same key portfolios -- electricity, non-conventional energy development, prohibition and excise -- he held previously in the Chief Minister M K Stalin cabinet. The ED arrested Balaji, representing Karur assembly constituency, on June 14, 2023, in the case, when he was the transport minister during the previous AIADMK regime between 2011 and 2015. On February 13, the TN Governor accepted Balaji's resignation from the council of ministers. The top court reprieve on September 26, ended his 471-day incarceration. The Enforcement Directorate filed a case of money laundering in July 2021 to probe the allegations after three FIRs were registered by the Tamil Nadu police in 2018 and on the basis of complaints by those aggrieved of the alleged scam. The agency's chargesheet claimed the entire recruitment process in the Tamil Nadu transport department during the tenure of Balaji as minister was turned into a "corrupt chiefdom", and the scam was executed under his authority. Being a public servant, Balaji "misused" his official capacity as the then transport minister and obtained pecuniary benefits by corrupt and illegal means and directly acquired the proceeds of crime, generated out of a criminal activity related to a scheduled offence, the agency alleged. The BJP on Monday named Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani as central observers for its Maharashtra legislature party's meeting, where the MLAs will elect their leader, who is likely to be the state's next chief minister. Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule has said that the oath-taking ceremony of the new Mahayuti government will take place on December 5 evening at the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai. The BJP MLAs will meet before the ceremony to elect their leader. Though the party has made no announcement, former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister in the outgoing government, is being seen as the frontrunner for the key position. The party's two main allies, the Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party, are each tipped to be given deputy CM positions in the new government. Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli will travel to China on Monday on a four-day visit during which the two sides were expected to discuss a new plan to revive the BRI projects, which failed to materialise even after seven years they were signed with much fanfare. Oli will pay an official visit to China from December 2-5, during which Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet him. Premier Li Qiang and other officials will hold talks with him, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said here on Friday. Oli has visited China twice as Nepals Prime Minister and made important contributions to advancing the growth of China-Nepal relations, Mao said, acknowledging his efforts to forge closer ties with Beijing, including signing a transit treaty to reduce dependence on India for his landlocked country. The two countries leaders will have in-depth exchanges of views on deepening our traditional friendship, expanding Belt and Road cooperation and exchanges and cooperation in various fields, as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest, she said. Oli, regarded as a pro-China leader, heads a coalition government consisting of his Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and the Nepali Congress, which seeks balanced ties with China and India. Oli will be breaking with the usual practice of Nepali prime ministers making India their first destination in the neighbourhood after assuming charge, amid media reports that he did not get an invitation from New Delhi. Nepalese Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba from the Nepali Congress visited India after assuming office and held extensive talks with her Indian counterpart S Jaishankar. The focus of Olis visit was to revive the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects signed between the two countries in 2017, according to media reports from Nepal. Kathmandu was an early signatory to BRI in South Asia. But significantly not a single project under the BRI has been implemented so far, according to a report in Nepal daily, The Kathmandu Post. The BRI is a mega connectivity project that connects China with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Russia and Europe. Both sides are now preparing to sign the second framework, an extended version of the cooperation document that explicitly focuses on seeking grants from China to fund the projects identified therein, the newspaper reported. Projects likely to be signed during Olis visit included road projects forming part of the Koshi Corridor, which aims to connect Nepal with Shigatse in Tibet, the report said. It is to be seen whether the two sides will decide on going ahead with the Railway project connecting the two countries through the Himalayan mountains which was estimated to cost over USD three billion considering Nepals decision to take loans from China. China funded the feasibility study but wants Nepal to share the costs. Ahead of his visit, Oli said he will not seek Chinese loans amid concerns about a debt trap and added that Kathmandu will seek grants instead. Foreign Minister Deuba visited China last week and held extensive talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the Chinese city of Chengdu, sharing Nepals perspective on the revival of the BRI projects. After she met with Wang, she returned to Kathmandu to brief Oli and will accompany him during his visit. We signed the BRI framework in 2017 and whatever assistance and support we receive from China now is in the periphery of the BRI. Things have not moved beyond that, Deuba told the media on her return from Chengdu on Saturday. Mainly, we are focused on projects related to connectivity and cross-border infrastructure. The two parties agreed on a modality of future cooperation under the BRI framework, the Post quoted her as saying. In my meeting with Wang, I have made it clear that we are not in a position to take loans to fund the projects. They listened to our concerns carefully, she said. Our debt is now 41 per cent of the GDP, which is alarming, she said. The private sector can take loans but the government is not in a position to do so, a Post report quoted her as saying. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A man who was described as 'a high ranking member of a Chinese crime gang heavily involved in the supply of drugs in the North West' has been refused bail at Derry Magistrate's Court. Ivan Chan (38) with an address at Creswick Avenue in Essex faces charges in connection with a find of cannabis valued at between 20,000 to 60,000 on the Culmore Road on August 7 this year. A police officer told the court that police stopped a vehicle on that date and 4 kilos of cannabis were found. Chan was arrested and made no comment at interview and gave no details as to why he was in the Derry area or how he travelled here. The court heard that there were drug related messages on the defendant'sphone. Bail was opposed due to the risk of reoffending and the officer said he believed Chan was involved with a drug gang. Defence counsel James Lannon said it would be 'foolhardy' for any drugs gang to use Chan now. He said his client had 'a limited record and added that bail conditions could be imposed. READ NEXT: Public consultation on Derry's Pilots Row Youth and Community Centre opens today District Judge Oonagh Mullan said she had 'concerns' as drugs were a major issue. She said Chan had not co-operated with police and she believed there was a risk of flight. Bail was refused and Chan will appear again on December 30. Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced an uplift in legal aid remuneration, as well as an expansion in the eligibility criteria. Ms Long revealed the series of reforms that she claimed would ensure the legal aid system is cost effective and sufficiently transparent, but funding for the plans will be subject to engagement with the Department of Finance, as delivery needs to align with resources. The Enabling Access to Justice programme would increase eligibility for legal aid, give an uplift in fees for publicly funded work, alongside a root and branch review of fee structure for public legal services. In 2022/23, the average spend on legal aid per capita in Northern Ireland was 67 per head, compared to 37 in England and Wales, 26 in Scotland and 20 in the Republic of Ireland. In a statement to the Assembly on Monday, the Alliance Party leader said the justice system needs reform to ensure it reduces rather than increases trauma and stress, but that her department is consistently underfunded. She said: 114 million was paid to legal professionals in 2023/24 the highest level in the history of legal aid. Were already on track to meet that spend again this year, having secured additional funding in the October monitoring round. She added: It also has to be acknowledged that there is increasing demand right across the justice system, reflecting that all too often we are the provider of last resort. I therefore need additional funds to ensure I can properly protect citizens, to ensure the vulnerable are not at risk, that I can adequately resource police, prisons and justice delivery. All Stormont departments have expressed budget pressures, with Ms Long acknowledging that increasing eligibility comes with a responsibility to ensure were living within our means. She said: We simply do not have the resources to fund every case, however deserving. Neither can we afford to allow the spend to increase exponentially, as the Justice budget certainly wont. I also want to ensure access to justice or the quality of service is not dependent on whether you have substantial means or qualify for legal aid. She added: Any uplift will, of course, be subject to affordability. It must also be acknowledged that a robust and enduring profession is not solely contingent on fees. The Justice minister further stated that in addition to a means test for legal aid, there should be a merit test. Would a person take this case if they were paying for it themselves, or are they solely taking it because someone else is picking up the bill, namely the public purse? Ms Long said. And that is something that we do intend to look at very carefully as part of what were doing, because if we are really protecting the most vulnerable, then we need to make sure that the legal aid spend we have is targeted at the most vulnerable. The reforms will also see the department explore the introduction of private financing to support wider access to justice. One of the principles of managing public money is that public money should not displace private money where that private money is available, and we need to be very careful that isnt happening, she said. So for example, there will be people who will automatically be allowed to get legal aid for their defence. They may be very wealthy people who could have paid for their own defence, and if they are then convicted, I think it is right that we should seek redress on the case ahead. In terms of other options that are available in terms of private financing, were not talking here about bringing in companies who will run it as private enterprise, I was very clear in saying that I want to ensure whether people have means or are accessing through legal aid, they get the same quality of service, and that has to be the baseline. The Enabling Access to Justice programme will also trial alternative dispute resolution models and incentivise early resolution of cases through the remuneration review. Feature: China-Laos Railway helps Laos strengthen connectivity Xinhua) 09:47, December 02, 2024 VIENTIANE, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The China-Laos Railway has become a game changer for Laos, significantly enhancing the country's connectivity with its neighbors and facilitating the movement of goods and passengers both within Laos and across borders. As of September 2024, the railway has handled over 10 million tons of imported and exported goods since it was put into operation. The range of goods transported via this railway has expanded from an initial 500 varieties to more than 3,000 currently. The railway has not only reduced transportation costs but also helped local businesses reach international markets more efficiently. "I think the China-Laos Railway has provided us with opportunities to grow our business, especially for those who want to engage in import and export, because it has greatly reduced transportation costs and the time required to move goods. In addition, the railway connects Laos more directly with China, which is one of the world's largest consumer markets," Somsavanh, a fruit vendor in Lao capital Vientiane, told Xinhua on Saturday. He added that the railway opened new opportunities for more efficient fruit imports from other countries and expanded fruit exports from Laos to more locations. In addition to boosting trade, the railway has opened up new opportunities for tourism, allowing people from both Laos and China to travel more easily between the two countries. The China-Laos Railway, which connects Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with the Lao capital Vientiane, is making cross-border travel faster, more affordable, and more efficient. "The China-Laos Railway provides a fast and affordable means of transportation between Laos and China. I believe it has made it easier for people in both countries to travel, whether for business or tourism," said Chanthida, a 28-year-old student in Lao capital Vientiane. "At the end of this year, I also plan to travel to China with my family for a holiday. I think this is a great opportunity for us to learn about Chinese culture, traditions, and ways of life," she added. The China-Laos Railway's Lao section has transported a total of 3 million passenger trips in 10 months of 2024, an increase of 44.4 percent from the same period in 2023. From Jan. 1 to Nov. 4, the railway carried 3 million passengers from 101 countries. More than 2,800,000 passengers traveled within Laos, while over 108,000 passengers were transported by cross-border passenger trains, according to the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. For local residents, the improved travel infrastructure has opened up new opportunities for work, study, and leisure. The ease of movement has brought families and friends closer together, and it has also made it simpler for students, businesspeople, and tourists to travel between Laos and China. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Communities minister Gordon Lyons has pledged 6.7 million of additional funding for homelessness prevention. Mr Lyons said the government has to make the strategic shift towards prevention which he called a positive step in the right direction. During the period from October 2023 to March 2024, there was a total of 8,452 people in Northern Ireland presenting as homeless, according to the Housing Executive. The top three reasons for presenting as homeless were accommodation not being reasonable, sharing breakdown/family dispute, and loss of rented accommodation. Mr Lyons announced the new funding during a debate on Homelessness Awareness Week in Stormont on Monday. He told MLAs: Firstly, following October monitoring, I am providing an additional 6.7 million pounds for the Housing Executive to prevent the risk of homelessness service closures and ensure that its statutory obligations can continue to be met. Secondly, many of our homelessness service providers have been operating on a month-to-month funding model, which has created too much uncertainty for this critical work that changes now. Today I can announce that this funding will be confirmed until the end of the year. And finally, Im also pleased to announce that for the financial year 2025/2026 and moving forward, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, for the first time ever, will have their own specific funding allocation for homelessness prevention. The voluntary and community sector deserves this clarity, and I am sure members today will welcome this positive step in the right direction. We have to make the strategic shift to the prevention of homelessness. That is what I have said for some time. That remains my ambition, and the proposals that I have outlined today show my commitment to that. Mr Lyons earlier stated that he would be bringing a housing supply strategy to the Executive in the coming days. He said: The new strategy will provide a long-term framework for the actions required to increase supply and address the main barriers to progress. It recognises that transforming housing supply will require not only a collective response from the Executive but real collaboration that includes local government, community groups, the construction industry and financial bodies, and I will have a major announcement to make alongside this in the coming weeks. Increasing the range of affordable housing options is key to the prevention of homelessness. Welcoming the announcement, Kellie Armstrong, Alliance MLA for Strangford said: Were in support of this 6.7 million for the Housing Executive to help them to meet their statutory objectives. The uncertainty regarding funding and funding for those community organisations will end as their funding is confirmed until the end of the year and in 25/26 the Housing Executive will have their own specific homelessness prevention budget. Mr Lyons added: I just want to clarify that its my intention that will not be just for 25/26 but moving forward, because I think we need to invest far more in homelessness prevention. We need to do the other things as well, but we need to do that now, and that needs to continue and I want that to be not just this year, but every year. 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. Intel balances US subsidies with renewed China commitment On November 26, Intel Connection China, hosted in Chengdu, emerged as the company's largest technology ecosystem event to date, featuring participation from major partners including Lenovo, HP, Microsoft, and Montage Technology. This gathering came amid security concerns in China regarding Intel's CPUs and potential investigations. On the same day, the US government finalized Intel's semiconductor subsidies under the CHIPS Act. While the amount was reduced from the initially announced US$8.5 billion, a US official confirmed that the funding would be distributed in phases, with Intel set to receive at least US$1 billion in 2024. According to reports from TMT Post and Chengdu Economic Daily, Intel China's Senior Vice President and Chair Rui Wang emphasized the company's unwavering commitment during challenging times at the Chengdu ecosystem conference. This statement followed Wang's recent meeting with senior Chinese officials alongside Intel's Senior Vice President for government relations. While specifics regarding China's product concerns remained unaddressed, Intel appears to be prioritizing localization in its China strategy. This conference marked Intel's first major public statement following recent challenges in the region. Wang highlighted China's significance, noting that the market represents over one-quarter of Intel's global revenue. Looking ahead, generative AI is projected to contribute US$7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with China expected to account for US$2 trillionnearly one-third of the total. This projection underscores China's pivotal role in the global digital economy. In a previous development this October, Intel announced plans to expand its Chengdu packaging and testing facility for server chip services and establish a customer solutions center to strengthen support for Chinese clients. These investments reflect China's continued importance to Intel across both client PC and server markets. Weekly news roundup: SMIC leads China's semiconductor rise as memory makers gain ground Semiconductor Week in Review (Nov 24 - 30) : Chinese chipmakers challenge Korean memory dominance while TSMC and Samsung tighten restrictions on Chinese clients' access to 7nm technology. As Commerce Secretary Raimondo races to finalize CHIPS Act funding, Korean giants commit US$44 billion to AI memory production. Qualcomm and MediaTek pursue divergent paths beyond mobile markets, targeting edge computing and cloud services respectively. Chinese chipmakers challenge Korean dominance with aggressive pricing China's semiconductor industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with SMIC leading the charge by crossing US$2 billion in quarterly revenue while Chinese memory makers aggressively compete on pricing. The transformation from a negligible presence a decade ago to a formidable force is evident as companies like SMIC, YMTC, and CXMT make significant technological strides, backed by government support and a massive domestic market. While still trailing global leaders, SMIC has notably achieved 7nm process capability, reminiscent of TSMC's 2018-2019 technology, through strategic talent acquisition despite US export controls. In the memory sector, CXMT and YMTC are rapidly closing the technology gap with Korean giants Samsung and SK Hynix, with Morgan Stanley projecting CXMT's DRAM market share to exceed 10% in 2024. The industry's ambitions extend to cutting-edge technologies, with Chinese firms actively developing high-bandwidth memory for AI applications, suggesting a comprehensive push to challenge the established semiconductor hierarchy dominated by Taiwan, South Korea, and the United States. Chip restrictions tighten noose on China's AI ambitions In a strategic move to curtail China's artificial intelligence advancement, TSMC and Samsung have initiated a stringent verification process for their Chinese clients seeking 7nm chip manufacturing capabilities. The new restrictions, implemented on November 11, specifically target high-performance AI chips by limiting specifications such as chip sizes over 300mm, HBM implementation, or transistor counts exceeding 30 billion. While "whitelisted" Chinese clients maintain their existing partnerships, the policy particularly impacts emerging AI chip manufacturers, forcing them to downgrade specifications or seek alternative solutions. The measures reflect an escalating US strategy to maintain control over advanced semiconductor technology, with industry experts anticipating potential further restrictions after January 2025, especially in areas like packaging, equipment, and design. China chip sector faces fresh hurdles as TSMC pulls AI tech In a significant blow to China's semiconductor ambitions, TSMC has suspended advanced AI chip production at 7nm and below for Chinese customers, while domestic players scramble to adapt amid escalating US-China tensions. The move, coinciding with TSMC-made chips being found in Huawei devices and potential tougher sanctions under an incoming Trump administration, has sparked both concern and determination within China's chip sector. At IC China 2024 in Beijing, industry leaders including Shenzhen Basic Semiconductor and Moore Threads outlined strategies to navigate the challenges, from localizing supply chains to exploring alternative manufacturing techniques. Despite China remaining the world's largest chip consumer and Beijing's latest economic stimulus measures offering some relief, the country's struggle to access cutting-edge technology underscores a widening technological gap with the West, particularly in the crucial AI sector. Qualcomm and MediaTek chart divergent paths in non-mobile expansion As chipmakers increasingly look beyond smartphones, Qualcomm and MediaTek are pursuing distinct strategies in their diversification efforts. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon projects a $900 billion edge computing market by 2030, targeting US$8 billion in non-mobile revenue by 2029, with a significant focus on the automotive and IoT sectors. While both companies are expanding beyond mobile, their approaches differ markedly: Qualcomm emphasizes branded platforms in automotive, PC, and spatial computing, while MediaTek focuses on cloud ASICs and networking services, maintaining a stronger emphasis on mobile. Industry experts note that despite MediaTek's successful mobile market disruption, Qualcomm maintains a significant lead in emerging sectors like automotive and edge computing, with its Copilot+ PC initiative showcasing its technological advantage. The strategic divergence highlights the evolving competitive landscape in the semiconductor industry as companies seek new growth avenues beyond traditional mobile markets. Foundries' self-policing hints at deeper China tech restrictions ahead In an unprecedented move that signals potentially tighter restrictions on China's semiconductor access, major foundries like TSMC and GlobalFoundries have begun self-regulating their Chinese customers' access to 14nm chip technology even without formal US government mandates. This proactive industry response, coupled with incoming Secretary of State Marco Rubio's criticism of previous enforcement gaps and the CHIPS Act's classification of 14nm as an "advanced process," suggests the incoming Trump administration may use this voluntary compliance as a blueprint for more stringent controls. The developments are particularly significant for China's semiconductor ambitions, as domestic manufacturers like SMIC already struggle with limited advanced manufacturing capacity and fierce competition, leaving Chinese chip designers increasingly vulnerable to future restrictions on international foundry access. Commerce chief races to lock in chip deals before Trump transition US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo is mounting a last-minute push to cement billions in semiconductor subsidies before a potential Trump administration takes office, directing staff to work overtime and personally intervening with tech executives to accelerate deals under the $50 billion CHIPS Act. While TSMC and GlobalFoundries have already secured binding agreements, the Commerce Department is scrambling to finalize terms with industry heavyweights like Intel, Samsung, and a host of other manufacturers in the coming months. The stakes are particularly high for Intel, which has been offered $19.5 billion in combined funding and loans but faces delays in meeting program milestones, despite its strategic importance to US semiconductor independence. With the transition of power looming as a hard deadline, Raimondo aims to lock in these transformative investments before Howard Lutnick, Trump's pick for Commerce Secretary, takes the helm, though she expresses confidence the program will survive under new leadership. Korean chipmakers bet big on AI memory amid Chinese competition In a strategic pivot that reflects the evolving semiconductor landscape, South Korean memory giants SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics are channeling their 2025 investments toward upgrading existing facilities and expanding high-bandwidth memory capabilities, rather than adding new production lines. The companies are collectively earmarking approximately US$44 billion for advanced manufacturing processes and HBM expansion, betting heavily on artificial intelligence-driven demand while navigating the challenge of emerging Chinese competition. While the Korean manufacturers' "natural attrition" strategy of transitioning to more complex processes could help maintain market balance, the rapid expansion of China's CXMT projected to become the world's third-largest DRAM supplier by 2026 threatens to disrupt their carefully calculated approach. Meanwhile, surging AI-related demand has prompted analysts to revise 2025 HBM projections upward from 15 to 25 exabytes, suggesting the bet on advanced memory could pay off despite the competitive pressures. A range of independent TDs are contemplating the prospect of entering Irelands next coalition government as Fianna Fail and Fine Gael consider ways to secure a solid majority. Three long days of counting in the General Election finished late on Monday night when the final two seats were declared in the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan. Fianna Fail was the clear winner of the election, securing 48 of the Dail parliaments 174 seats. Sinn Fein took 39 and Fine Gael 38. Labour and the Social Democrats both won 11 seats; People Before Profit-Solidarity took three; Aontu secured two; and the Green Party retained only one of its 12 seats. Independents and others accounted for 21 seats. The return of a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael-led coalition is now highly likely. However, their combined seat total of 86 leaves them just short of the 88 needed for a majority in the Dail. While the two centrist parties that have dominated Irish politics for a century could look to strike a deal with one of the Dails smaller centre-left parties, such as the Social Democrats or Labour, a more straightforward route to a majority could be achieved by securing the support of several independent TDs. For Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and current taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, wooing like-minded independents would be likely to involve fewer policy concessions, and financial commitments, than would be required to convince another party to join the government benches. Longford-Westmeath independent TD Kevin Boxer Moran, who served in a Fine Gael-led minority government between 2017 and 2020, expressed his willingness to listen to offers to join the new coalition in Dublin. Look, my doors open, he told RTE. Someone knocks, Im always there to open it. Marian Harkin, an independent TD for Sligo-Leitrim, expressed her desire to participate in government as she noted that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were within shouting distance of an overall majority. That means they will be looking for support, and I certainly will be one of those people who will be speaking to them and talking to them and negotiating with them, and Im looking forward to doing that, because that was the reason that I ran in the first place, she said. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats and Irish Labour Party both appear cautious about the prospect of an alliance with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. They will no doubt be mindful of the experience of the Green Party, the junior partner in the last mandate. The Greens experienced near wipeout in the election, retaining only one of their 12 seats. Sinn Fein appears to currently have no realistic route to government, given Fianna Fail and Fine Gaels ongoing refusal to share power with the party. Despite the odds being stacked against her party, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald contacted the leaders of the Social Democrats and Labour on Monday to discuss options. Earlier, Fianna Fail deputy leader and outgoing Finance Minister Jack Chambers predicted that a new coalition government would not be in place before Christmas. Mr Chambers said planned talks about forming an administration required time and space to ensure that any new government will be coherent and stable. After an inconclusive outcome to the 2020 election, it took five months for Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens to strike the last coalition deal. Mr Chambers said he did not believe it would take that long this time, as he noted the Covid-19 pandemic was a factor in 2020, but he also made clear it would not be a swift process. He said he agreed with analysis that there was no prospect of a deal before Christmas. I dont expect a government to be formed in mid-December, when the Dail is due to meet on December 18, probably a Ceann Comhairle (speaker) can be elected, and therell have to be time and space taken to make sure we can form a coherent, stable government, he told RTE. I dont think it should take five months like it did the last time Covid obviously complicated that. But I think all political parties need to take the time to see whats possible and try and form a stable government for the Irish people. Fine Gael minister of state Peter Burke said members of his parliamentary party would have to meet to consider their options before giving Mr Harris a mandate to negotiate a new programme for government with Fianna Fail. Its important that we have a strong, stable, viable government, whatever form that may be, to ensure that we can meet the challenges of our society, meet the challenges in terms of the economic changes that are potentially going to happen, he told RTE. Despite being set to emerge with the most seats, it has not been all good news for Fianna Fail. The partys outgoing Health Minister Stephen Donnelly became one of the biggest casualties of the election when he lost his seat in Wicklow in the early hours of Monday morning. Mr Donnelly was always predicted to face a fight in the constituency after boundary changes saw it reduced from five to four seats. If it is to be a reprise of the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael governing partnership of the last mandate, one of the major questions is around the position of taoiseach and whether the parties will once again take turns to hold the Irish premiership during the lifetime of the new government. The outcome in 2020 saw the parties enter a coalition on the basis that the holder of the premier position would be exchanged midway through the term. Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin took the role for the first half of the mandate, with Leo Varadkar taking over in December 2022. Current Fine Gael leader Mr Harris succeeded Mr Varadkar as taoiseach when he resigned from the role earlier this year. However, this time Fianna Fail has significantly increased its seat lead over Fine Gael, compared with the last election when there were only three seats between the parties. The size of the disparity in party numbers is likely to draw focus on the rotating taoiseach arrangement, raising questions as to whether it will be re-run in the next coalition and, if it is, on what terms. On Sunday, Simon Coveney, a former deputy leader of Fine Gael, said a coalition that did not repeat the rotating taoiseach arrangement in some fashion would be a difficult proposition for his party. Meanwhile, Fine Gael minister Paschal Donohoe said he would be making the case for Mr Harris to have another opportunity to serve as taoiseach. On Monday, Mr Chambers said while his party would expect to lead the government it would approach the issue of rotating the taoiseachs role on the basis of mutual respect with Fine Gael. I think the context of discussions and negotiations will be driven by mutual respect, and thats the glue that will drive a programme for government and thats the context in which well engage, he said. On Monday, Labour leader Ivana Bacik reiterated her partys determination to forge an alliance with fellow centre-left parties with the intention of having a unified approach to the prospect of entering government. Asked if Labour was prepared to go into government with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on its own, she told RTE: No, not at this stage. We are absolutely not willing to do that. We want to ensure theres the largest number of TDs who share our vision and our values who want to deliver change on the same basis that we do. The Social Democrats have been non-committal about any potential arrangement with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, and have restated a series of red lines they would need to achieve before considering taking a place in government. Leader Holly Cairns, who gave birth to a daughter on polling day on Friday, said in a statement: The party is in a very strong position to play an important role in the next Dail. In what position, government or opposition, remains to be seen. Fianna Fail secured the most first preference votes in Fridays proportional representation election, taking 21.9% to Fine Gaels 20.8%. Sinn Fein came in third on 19%. While Sinn Feins vote share represented a marked improvement on its disappointing showing in Junes local elections in Ireland, it is still significantly down on the 24.5% poll-topping share it secured in the 2020 general election. The final breakdown of first preferences also flipped the result of Friday nights exit poll, which suggested Sinn Fein was in front on 21.1%, with Fine Gael on 21% and Fianna Fail on 19.5%. Today, the Philippines celebrate Labor Day or locally known as Mayo Uno, it is a public holiday as announced by our president. While labor groups are out on the streets to ask for a P125 across the board salary increase to compensate for the rising price of commodities, the Department of Labor focuses on launching job fairs to minimize the unemployment in the country. Right this moment, there are 100 GMA Job Centers or kiosks in key areas nationwide like malls, department stores, city halls, and other public places in our major cities and key locations characterized by heavy human traffic, in order to increase the access to job vacancies and relevant jobs information. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that more than 100,000 local and overseas job vacancies nationwide will be offered to job applicants, including new graduates, by hundreds of employers and licensed recruitment agencies at jobs and livelihood fairs marking Labor Day in various regions today (May1, 2008). Simultaneous conduct of the jobs and livelihood fairs are held today in collaboration with employers and recruitment agencies. In the National Capital Region (NCR), the main Labor Day Jobs and Livelihood Fair will be held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Similar activity will also be conducted simultaneously in other regions, namely, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Region 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), 4-A (CALABARZON), 4-B (MIMAROPA), 5 (Bicol), 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 10 (Northern Mindanao), 11 (Davao), 12 (SOCCKSARGEN), and Caraga Region. The job fair held at the World Trade Center is expected to offer 30,000 jobs from the countrys seven key employment generating sectors, including cyber services, hotel and restaurant, health and wellness, banking, aviation, agribusiness, among others. 20,000 of the job vacancies are for overseas employment coming from 20 land-based, and 10 sea-based agencies, adding that overseas jobs also consist the majority of the jobs on offer to job seekers in the jobs fairs in other regions. There will be 10 PhilJobnet workstations and 10 GMA Job Center kiosks to assist job seekers access online job opportunities under the supervision of the DOLEs Bureau of Local Employment (BLE). A One-Stop Shop Pre-Employment Documentation Services composed of 10 government agencies to fast track the processing of applications and documents of job seekers and other clients, specially the new graduates. So if you have relatives who are unemployed, newly graduate, wish to move to another job or seeking overseas employment tell them to visit the job fairs nationwide, there is still time to join the labor feast today! Good luck! A kind heart is more beautiful than all the minds of the world. One of my favorite pastime is people watching. I dont know I just like to observe people. I look at the way they walk, the way they talk, the way they dress. Its fun to do it is like a peek at street fashion and culture. I learn from them somehow and I also like reading body language . The best place to do this is at an al fresco setting at a coffee shop. You can also do it on a restaurant but it is less intruding if it is done in a coffee shop. Buy a tall cup of whatever drinks hot or cold and just drink a few sips at a time and not rush. Like a sip for every 10 or 20 people that passes by if you do bodycount haha! Last week was one of the unique days I had at this coffee shop. Where it was I will not tell haha its one of the places I am in camo, nobody knew me except the baristas and the guards at the shop, occasionally I bump in to people I know but not frequently. So yeah, last week is one of the interesting days I had in there, I met three different people who actually talked and made a connection with me. One was a guy from Australia, another was a guy from Dubai, and another was a girl from here but going abroad for work. Lets talk about my conversation with the Australian guy, his name starts with an M. His father is doing well in the Philippines, in fact his dad is a well-known guy in the Manila fashion scene, he said, his parents are well-off, they have businesses. He is not Caucasian but youll know he is not from here because of his accent. He said he was a balikbayan visiting for a friends wedding. I asked if I can sit on an empty chair in front of him because the al fresco was kinda bit full and I wanted to sit and people watch. Thats where the conversation started. We had a very interesting conversation about his life there in Australia, the tourist spots he has seen here in the Philippines and about me and what I do and about the world in general. It was a nice talk we had that I think I can only have with a good friend. I think I somehow made a friend and maybe will meet him sometime someday if ever our roads will cross again or if he decided to drop by at the coffee shop and incidentally I am there too. One of the things M does was doing missionary work. He was reading a bible when I sat beside him. We talked about the Philippine culture and how beautiful the country is and how great the people are. He describes how he is so interested at how diverse and different the life in the city is and in the provinces. He wanted to learn more. He was amazed at how the life of the rich and poor is very visible. Until we lead to the biggest problem our country is facing, the corrupt government officials, the corruption in the government itself. I said, if you want to do good for yourself, if you want your family not suffer financially or live decently, you have to work for it, you dont rely on the government. You do it yourself . The government is owning up to how the economy is growing and how businesses are coming. It is not because of the government it is because of the people who are trying so hard to make their lives better. The government is the cause of delay but not the cause to stop for those who had the will do make their living situation better. Ah, that is very interesting. So if the corruption exist and if you have the power to change anything in this government to stop the corruption that has been happening and is happening, what would it be and why? he asked. Without batting an eyelash or even thinking for a second I immediately replied. Then M wrote in his notebook. I have to write what you said. After a few more talk he said his goodbye, he is on his way for a missionary work in Pampangga and he will be using my line in one of his inspirational talks he said. A few minutes later a guy from Dubai asked to sit at the empty chair M left and then he started to make a conversation. My grandma told me that when I see a beautiful girl with a golden tattoo, I should not let the moment pass by without talking to her , what an interesting pick-up line he throw on me to begin our conversation I thought. Oh btw, I was wearing my gold temporary tattoo from Nurimalana that day. To be continued.. P.S. I had to post this today in relation to the disheartening deaths of 44 Philippine SAF PNP Commandos who were massacred at the Mamasapano Mission in Maguindanao. These policemen died because of greed and corruption in our government they wanted the $5 million bounty offered by the U.S.. The commander in chief (the President of the Philippines Noynoy Aquino) should take the blame, he should owe up to this he ordered the mission (but he said he did not call the shots (asshole). Anyway, men died, unsung heroes died! No remorse from the highest official of the government no heart at all. It is everyones fault but his. (news story of the SAF chief owning up for him here) Tomorrow, Friday, January 30, 2015 was declared the National Day of Mourning for the SAF men who died in vain. Thats all PNoy can do declare a mourning but no declaration of calling justice to the deaths. Sigh. Where is the heart Mr. President, where is your heart? (Heres the story of the AFP, MILF and BILF) If you want something to be timeless, valuable and a contribution to society and culture, turn it into Art. David Dory As part of ourwe visited the famouswhere I was over stimulated with a lot of precious works of arts that are part of the Philippine history and the Cordillera heritage. The place was just filled with too many beautiful pieces that I cant help myself to take photo with some of my favorite views and pieces (since I cant take them home with me). That tall piece of ethnic art sculpture is a symbol of stature. Only those who are rich and powerful can have this inside their homes. The photo above was very much against the light, I wish you can see this beautiful sculpture of an Ifugao person who is filled with the ethnic tattoo. Modern impressions of the Philippine Flag I love what this painting says Wag mo damdamin ang mga bagay dahil ang mga bagay walang damdamin. The Maestro Gallery the one on my right in a red dress is BenCabs first painting. The Erotica Gallery Weaving is both art and culture as it takes skills and patience to make one pattern and a whole piece. Culture as this is how the old Cordillera people make their clothes. One of my dream is to be an inspiration of an artist to be able to paint me the way these women on the painting behind me have. For now I am happy to be sketched by one of the artist at the Tam-Awan Village where we see more of the regions art and culture. What I wore: Off-the-shoulder top: Stradivarius Skirt: Stradivarius Petite Weave Belt: Stradivarius Shoes: Payless Shoestring Taken at BenCab Museum, Tam-Awan Village and Easter Weavers in Baguio City. Taken by Kuya T our tour guide in BenLou BenCab and Omar Itay alternately Have you been to these places before? If not you should when you visit Baguio! Stay gorgeous everyone! After weeks of election pantomime - Ill solve the housing crisis. Oh no, you wont! - it was time for the real thing at the Opera House on Saturday, and the spectacular production of Cinderella certainly won my vote. Its an all-singing, all-dancing explosion of colour, fun, wackiness, and lunacy - and hit the all-important quota of laughs within the first few minutes alone. Co-writers Frank Mackey and Trevor Ryan are celebrating a decade of Opera House pantos, and have it down to a fine art now, as the full houses that have seen the show so far will surely agree. We all know the story of Cinderella, but this is far from a slavish re-telling, as the production veers away from the plot at hilarious tangents. I mean, the Fairy Godmother being turned into a bee by the wicked stepmother probably hasnt appeared in any of the variations of the story over the past 400 years. The godmother (AKA, Nanny Nellie) is of course played by the brilliant Mackey, who is such a tour de force, he deserves his own show in the vein of Dame Edna Everage. The part when he was turned into a bee (it was my nine-year-old daughter Lauras favourite bit) saw him clambering up a hive to sing, only to be swatted off it time and again. At one point, exhausted, he turned to the audience and gasped: Youre only here for the evening, I have to do this for a living! The fourth wall was also shattered many times by the other wonderful comics of this panto - mean stepsisters Taylor (Alison McCormack) and Skylar (Julie Maguire of Rathpeacon) - who revel in their naughtiness in accents that are pure Cork, boy. Their song-and-dance routines of Rosemary Clooneys Sisters and Murder On The Dancefloor were particular highlights, while the scene when they were spooked as they slept by characters in Scream masks had the audience screaming in joy (tinged with a little fear, I imagine). Of course, this being a Cork panto, there were plentiful topical references - the demise of Lennoxs chipper, Donald Trump, profligate government spending, even the Everyman panto got a mention. The plot is held together admirably by the main players Cinderella (Megan Pottinger) and Prince Charming (Paul Wilkins), along with the hyper-fun figure of Buttons (Brian OMuiri). The scene where Cinderella glided over the audience at the end of the first half was another wow moment among many. The lights, staging, choreography, and costumes are superb. A word of praise too to the ensemble cast and young children who made some magical cameos. Saturdays show started at 7pm - do leave time to browse the lovely Christmas mini-market outside the Opera House venue - and ended at 9.40pm, including a 15-minute interval. Oh, and a final word to writers Mackey and Ryan. For years, youve been dissing Ballincollig in your pantos and Ive been laughing along, but now its become Irelands tidiest town, I notice youve decided to move your target down the road to Macroom. Thats a bit too close to home for comfort - any chance you can choose a different town? How about Carrigaline? Not a lot has changed in the past 100 years at the Thornhill family-owned pharmacy and opticians on Main Street, Kildorrery. Tom Thornhill, optometrist, and his mother, Cathy, head honcho and head bookkeeper, are still welcoming people into their premises. They are still answering the doorbell after closing time to assist people who may be in trouble needing a prescription filled, or for people seeking useful advice. And the kettle is still on the boil! Mam still wont give over the books to me! says Tom, enjoying a bit of banter, and who is the third generation of Thornhills involved in the business in the North Cork town. The kettle is steaming on the hot plate of the range in the cosy kitchen at the back of the two adjoining shops. You are welcome as the flowers of May, says Cathy, 80, who always makes sure the kettle is on the boil and is very knowledgeable about the Thornhill family history. William Richard Thornhill lived here since 1921, says Cathy. He married May Fitzpatrick, from Kanturk, who worked here with him. When May got older and infirm, we minded her here. William Richard and May had three children, Suzanne, John and Carey. William Richard was a scholar. He was a very clever man, qualifying as a pharmacist at the age of 21, says Cathy. William Richard was very good at maths and his best subject was Botany. He went to school at St Colmans, Fermoy, where he achieved an award for Irish. The first pharmacy William Richard worked in was out the Limerick Road. He built this pharmacy which was an old quarry from scratch in 1932. Times were different back then. Regular customers were mostly farmers who came to the pharmacy for veterinary purposes, says Cathy. Veterinary was a huge part of the business and farmers from all over North Cork and beyond came to Thornhills for supplies for their animals. Customers availed of a one-stop shop. It was very seldom that doctors gave out scripts for medicine. Trained pharmacists made up the medicines themselves, says Cathy. How? They made up eye drop mixtures and if anybody complained of a cough or sore throat, they made up cough mixtures to treat the condition. Back in the day, pharmacies were known as apothecaries, where the trained/qualified pharmacist used lotions, pastes, pills, suppositories, tablets and ointments to help all manner of ailments. There was one thing they couldnt do. They couldnt sell sanitary protection to a man! says Cathy. Could you believe it! In 1961, Cathys husband, John Thornhill, who trained in Dublin, took over the family pharmacy. His father William Richard died in 1974, age 85. John trained in Dublin and was offered a job in Donnybrook, says Cathy. He didnt take up the offer. John was an out-and-out Kildorrery man, says Cathy. Whenever we were on holidays in Donegal and John and I were out for a drink and he was asked where he was from, John always replied, Im from Kildorrery. 80-year-old Cathy Thornhill is still doing the books at the pharmacy. Picture: Dan Linehan He was loyal to his roots and to his business. Even when people introduced him as being from Mitchelstown, he wouldnt have any of it, says Cathy. He was a community man and a big GAA man who liked his pint. Doing the crossword in the Examiner was always part of his day. John was never without de paper. The business was in safe hands. John built up the business, especially in the veterinary side of things, says Cathy. And he started doing optics from the sitting-room by night. He was doing that since before we got married. Locally there was no optician nearby. The nearest optician was in Clonmel. John loved optics and he did very well at it. Christmas time was lucrative. If you made 100 on Christmas Eve in 1970, that was a lot of money, says Cathy. Where did Cathy Fouhy meet this accomplished and ambitious man? We met at a Macra na Feirme social in Kilcoran, says Cathy, beaming at the memory of meeting the love of her life. I am from a farming background. John and I got married in 1970. Cathy was transported into a different world. I was mad for farming, she says. When I met John, I forgot all about it! Im still working. John trained me in very well. When we had young kids, people called all hours of the night to get medicine. We sorted them all. John answered the call. He never refused a person calling to the door, says Cathy. He never minded disturbance. And he always welcomed the medical reps selling their wares. He knew them all. He never needed his own wares. John never believed in taking tablets, says Cathy. He enjoyed good health and good living until he got dementia. People remembered how John looked after them so well. Optics was Johns baby, says Cathy. And people attending his funeral who I never met before spoke about how he helped them. The couple had four children. William Richard, Mary, Tom, and John. I think the right man stayed at home, says Cathy referring to her youngest son, Tom. William Richard, named after his grandfather, followed in his grandfathers footsteps. Will qualified in Brighton and works at Guys Hospital London, says Cathy. Mary is a GP. Tom is an optician, and John is a consultant specialising in infectious disease in infants. Cathy was challenged calling her son William Richard. The nuns in the Bons said, that is a very English name! Tom says that is quite possible. Id say we were here before Cromwell arrived! Cathy always keeps the home fires burning, chatting with the customers and the staff in the pharmacy and the opticians. Tom is a chip off the old block. We are really loyal to our customers, and they are really loyal to us, he says. The community here in Kildorrery is great. Weve had regular dealings with generations of the same families. Dad was great for advice, and he loved that people came to us for a good reason. I like that too. Lena Lane, who has been working at Thornhills Opticians for 40 years, says it is like home-from-home. I love the atmosphere and the family environment, says Lena. Getting to know the Thornhill family members and the customers over the years has been just great. Tom and his supervising pharmacist Michael Hayes, from Mitchelstown, can very often correctly diagnose their regular customers regarding common medical conditions. We nearly can do that because we know the local families so well!, says Tom. We can always advise. We can suggest, take this, not that. Does he think loyalty and community spirit is a good mix, aiding the amazing longevity of Thornhill Pharmacy and Optician? Tom and Cathy Thornhill, Lena Lane and Michael Hayes beside the Avery weighing scales outside the Thornhill chemist/opticians which has been in operation since 1924 in Kildorrery. Picture: Dan Linehan Absolutely, says Tom, whose wife Mary, is also involved in the Thornhill business. We are all like one big family here. We are a great community. Tom, like his late father, John, had ambitions too. The new chemist shop was built in 2008, says Tom, who worked in Egans Opticians, Cork, to gain experience for a time. Optics operate in the old chemist here. Many, many people through the ages have walked through Thornhills for optics or for prescriptions and medical advice, says Mary. They walked in for other things. We keep the keys of the hall here too, says Cathy. The pharmacy is old-world and unique. You walked in here today and stood on the original floor tiles put down in 1932, says Cathy. It is the original footprint. She often attempted to sort out the aesthetics of the two departments. Remember those little old brown drawers in the old dresser? Well, I took some of them away by night and John would put them back in the morning! She sometimes got her own way. I began ordering the frames for the glasses, says Cathy. I added a bit of glam! Cathy, at 80, has amazing skin. Its genetic, she says. So she never had to raid the make-up counter? Cathy laughs. Sometimes I remember to put a bit of cream on my face! The worlds of pharmacy and optics is in the Thornhill genes. Marys daughter, my granddaughter, Siun ORielly, is in second year in UCC studying Pharmacy, says Cathy, full of pride. Going over the decades of the Thornhills business success and longevity, this lady must be glad that she didnt stay farming? Chalk it down! she says laughing. When Nicholas Tudor found out his beloved daughter Nicole had terminal cancer, he was devastated. And when his local Mahon community heard the news earlier this year, they rallied round and did everything they could for father and daughter. Nicole, aged 10, sadly passed away on November 6, but her final months were an example of how a great community spirit can be a strength at a time of great family tragedy. A family friend close to Nicholas and his daughter, Nikki King OLeary, feels blessed that she has come to see all this in recent months. The bond I witnessed between Nicholas and his 10-year-old daughter is the most beautiful thing Ive ever seen, says Nikki. Nicole passed away in the Puffin Ward of CUH after being diagnosed with a cancer only affecting children that was terminal. The community of Mahon saw the pain the family were going through, and rallied around the single dad and his daughter. Once the local community in Mahon heard that Nicole was ill in February this year, they came together to refit the family home into a more comfortable space for the pair, says mother-of-two Nikki. Nicole was a popular child. Her dad adored her. They were like two peas in a pod. The pair were joined at the hip, and they had people on their doorstep who they could turn to. When the going gets rough, caring communities gel together to help. Residents compiled a long list of items the family would need, and one-by-one community members stepped in to buy them, says Nikki. The group managed to raise 4,000 to support the family. When it was discovered that Nikkis cancer was terminal, the funds were put aside for funeral costs. Now Nicholas Tudor, who is of Italian/Rumanian heritage, knows what its like to have a wonderful community around him. Nikki explains how she met him and Nicola. I came across them both eight years ago at a meeting in city hall, says Nikki. But we didnt speak to each other then. Their paths crossed again. My friend is a neighbour of theirs, explains Nikki. She asked me if I had a few bits I could give a single dad who had a young daughter. Nikki is a giver. Of course, I had a few things that could be of use to the family, she says. I wanted to help them however I could. Then, on February 9, my friend came and told me that his little girl, Nicole, had been diagnosed with cancer. Everyone who knew the family and who knew of them wanted to help however they could. The devoted father took little Nicole to Crumlin Childrens Hospital after she took ill back in April, and it was there that doctors told Nicholas of the terminal diagnosis. When Nicole came back to Mahon after being treated in Crumlin, the community showed tremendous generosity in transforming the family home, says Nikki. Even though she was in CUH and was after gruelling back and head surgery, Nicole picked the colours for her bedroom, says Nikki. The Tudor house became a real family home. All the drawings that her classmates sent Nicole were put up on the wall in her hospital ward and on the wall in her bedroom at home. She loved art and she never stopped colouring, loving when other people coloured with her. In June, Nicoles classmates, friends and residents attended a gathering for the 10 year-old in Mahon. The large group came bearing flowers, sang a rendition of Let it Shine and danced to Nicoles favourite song to show their support. There was no stopping the caring community of Mahon. They channelled Nicholas grief into something positive. We organised coffee mornings, raffles, auctions. We put out a big appeal for the family on radio, says Nikki. The message was heard loud and clear. The house was completely renovated, says Nikki. It contained a wet room, new flooring, the works. Cork companies donated lovely stuff and furnishings to the family. The wonderful support from friends, neighbours and community gave Nicholas great solace and consolation. When Nicole was bedbound, Nicholas would take her out in her wheelchair, says Nikki. Nicole did not wallow in her illness, but rather delighted in her time with her dad and his friends. If Nicole wasnt bald or if she didnt have a tube up her nose, then you would never guess that she was so sick, says Nikki. Before she died, Nicole fought hard for nine days. It was a tough battle. The courageous little girl battled to the end. Nicole was in good spirits the day she fell asleep, says Nikki. The girl was a one-off. She was unique, says Nikki. There was something amazing about her. She touched the heart of everyone who met her. I have two kids myself. There was something very special about Nicole. At 10 years old, she was wise beyond her years. She could see good in all things and in all people. The staff in CUH loved her. Nicole created a special circle. A circle of friends were with her every day, says Nikki. When she came back from Crumlin, my friend Jade and I stayed with her. We stayed true to her until the end. Nicholas, broken from grief and sorrow, showed his true feelings. There were days he cried and cried, says Nikki. He always had hope, but then Nicole turned a corner for the worse. Nicole always had hope that she would get better and that she would always be with him to protect him. She was not ready to leave her dad. She was so strong. It was not to be. Nicoles cancer was terminal, says Nikki. She didnt call it cancer; she called it a virus. Nicole passed away peacefully surrounded by her precious circle. When she went to sleep, we tip-toed out of the room, says Nikki. She is a different person after Nicole went to sleep forever. She taught me a lot about me, says Nikki. As a result of knowing her, I am a stronger person. I am so sorry that I didnt meet her sooner. As a result of knowing and loving Nicole, Nikki is a more intuitive person too. Nicole taught me there is a lot more good out there than bad, says Nikki. I think people dont realise the impact she had on me. She changed my life for the better. I appreciate small things, and that is kindness and generosity of spirit. Nicholas needs his friends around him more than ever. I told Nicholas that he could count on me 100%, says Nikki. And that I would visit Nicoles grave with him. Nicholas knows Nicole is still with him every day. They are never far apart, says Nikki. Nicholas knows that Nicole is in a better place. The three friends remain tight. Our relationship was like a fairy-tale, says Nikki. Our names are so alike. We called ourselves the Three Amigos. Boxes opened at 9am on Saturday morning in Nemo Rangers to tally votes for Cork South Central as 22 candidates fought for five seats. This included just two incumbents, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and Sinn Feins Donnchadh O Laoghaire, as the constituency gained a seat and former Ministers Simon Coveney and Micheal McGrath didnt contest. Tanaiste Micheal Martin was elected on the first count with more than 4,000 votes over the quota, and then began a long series of counts without any more elections, though the four candidates likely to take the remaining seats seemed clear from the first count and even the early tallies. Mr Martins running mate Seamus McGrath, brother of new European Commissioner Michael, looked well placed to take the second seat, with Donnchadh O Laoghaire of Sinn Fein likely to come in third. Celebrations for newly elected TD Seamus McGrath, taking the seat of his departing brother and now EU Commissoner Michael McGrath at the general election count centre at Nemo Rangers on Sunday afternoon. Pic Larry Cummins #GE24 Fine Gaels vote being split across three non-incumbent candidates left their top candidate, Jerry Buttimer, who held a seat in the constituency until 2016 when it was changed to a four seater, in fifth place for the majority of the counts. However, it was almost certain he would be elected given his two running mates both had strong votes, particularly Shane OCallaghan who was the second last candidate eliminated. It was clear from the early tallies on the Saturday morning that Social Democrats Padraig Rice had far exceeded expectations and was likely to take a seat his husband and campaign manager Aaron OSullivan told The Echo on Saturday: Its looking quite positive, though its still early days and theres a lot of transfers to come into play. We dont want to count our chickens before theyre hatched, but were certainly in a positive position and were happy enough with where we are. Padraig Rice, Soc Dems on his election in Cork South Central at the count centre in Nemo Rangers. Picture: Eddie O'Hare Theres some strong boxes and then still reasonable showings in areas where we wouldnt be as strong or have done as much work given the timeline, so were optimistic. Mr Rices success was not predicted by political analysts or bookmakers, but Social Democrats co-founder Roisin Shortall told reporters earlier this month that they were quietly confident that Mr Rice, who has been involved with the party since its inception, would prove successful. They were right to be optimistic and confident as Mr Rice was in fourth place almost throughout the tallies, and it became not a question of if he would take the coveted fifth seat, but when. Mr Rice himself seemed overwhelmed with the support on the Saturday, telling The Echo: It looks like thousands of people across the city went out and put a number one next to my name on a wet Friday Im really honoured and delighted. That seat had been predicted by bookmakers to belong to either Independent Mick Finn or Labours Laura Harmon, who was eliminated on the fifteenth count, with her 4,643 votes transferring largely to Mr Rice and pushing Mr O Laoghaire over the edge. Mr Finn did not give up quite as quickly, but ended up placing sixth in the five seater. He told The Echo prior to this: Id be a bit disappointed with the first preference votes based on what Id been hearing on the doorsteps. I want to give credit to the other candidates, and in particular well done to Padraig Rice getting a huge vote in his first ever general election it has been at my expense sadly. Tony Field, whose election promises included bringing back the death penalty, got 35 votes, Independent John OLeary, who has run in four of the five Cork constituencies, got 58, while Independent Irelands Valerie Ward got 104 all three were eliminated on the first count after Mr Martins election. Over the course of Saturday night and Sunday morning, Independent Graham De Barra (230 votes) was eliminated on the second count, followed by Independent Irelands Veronica Houlihan (392), Rabhartas Lorna Bogue (460), Independent Paudie Dineen (633), the National Partys Ted Neville (978) and People Before Profit-Solidaritys Shane Laird (1,052). Mr Laird told The Echo that he was pleased to have gotten more votes than The National Partys Ted Neville and to have come so close to Fianna Fails Margaret Kenneally. Im proud to have gotten over 1,000 before being eliminated, he said. Ms Kenneallys elimination elected Mr McGrath on the tenth count, securing Fianna Fails double in the constituency and the retention of its two seats, then the counts resumed. Next to be eliminated was Fine Gaels Una McCarthy, whose transfers slightly favoured Shane OCallaghan over Jerry Buttimer, but not enough for him to overtake his party colleague. Monica Oikeh of the Green Party and Anna Daly of Aontu were eliminated next, followed by Michelle Cowhey Shahid of Sinn Fein, then Labours Laura Harmon, at which point Donnchadh O Laoghaire was elected to the third seat on the sixteenth count. He got 2,299 transfers from his running mate Michelle Cowhey Shahid, closely followed by nearly 500 from Ms Harmon on the following count. This was a longer wait than he faced in 2020 when he topped the poll and was hoisted onto shoulders before tea time on the first day of counting, but he appeared in high spirits waiting for the counts with his wife and three children. Donnchadh O Laoghaire on his election in Cork South Central as his wife Eimear Raune McAteer and children Se, Noirin and Fiach look on at the count centre in Nemo Rangers. Picture: Eddie O'Hare He told The Echo: Im delighted with the transfer from my colleague Michelle Cowhey Shahid, she ran a fantastic campaign and the transfer was very strong, so Im delighted with that, and delighted to be joining what looks like an increased team of Sinn Fein TDs, with some really strong new additions. Counts are counts - last time we didnt have a running mate, and while we didnt get the running mate over the line this time, it was an important step forward for the organisation locally to take, that needs to be our ambition, to grow the party. It takes as long as is takes, we were confident from the tallies that the third seat was there. He surpassed the quota by 196 votes, and this surplus was then transferred, as there was a 195 vote gap between Mr OCallaghan and Mr Finn, so it was theoretically possible the transfer could change the order of eliminations, though extremely unlikely. The transfers were insufficient, and Mr OCallaghan was eliminated with 5,958, while Mr Finn held on with 6,177. Fine Gaels Jerry Buttimer celebrates in Nemo. Picture Chani Anderson The final results came in at 9.30pm, and Jerry Buttimer and Padraig Rice took the fourth and fifth seats. Mr Buttimer ended up with 10,917 after 3,667 transfers from Mr OCallaghan, while Mr Finn got 474 transfers and was eliminated on 6,651, leaving Mr Rice to be elected on 10,242 without having reached the quota. Mr Buttimer told T he Echo: I want to thank the people who supported me, its a great element of trust which I am humbled by, and those who volunteered to knock on doors on wet and cold nights. Our democracy is precious, and anyone who has any doubts about democracy should be here in Nemo Rangers seeing how it all works. Leader of the Social Democrats, Cork South West TD, and first-time-mum Holly Cairns has described the last week as monumental, both personally and politically. Ms Cairns was re-elected in Cork South West in the early hours of Sunday morning on count 10, with 11,962 votes. Our success in this election is down to the calibre of our candidates and the positive campaign we ran, Ms Cairns said in a statement yesterday. The Social Democrats did not engage in auction politics, we were clear with the electorate about what our dealbreakers for government would be, and that clarity and sincerity helped us to stand out from other parties." She said that the party's message on issues such as housing, disability, healthcare, childcare and climate action "really resonated with people on the doors" which resulted in their "incredible performance" over the weekend. "In due course, we will talk to all the other parties about government formation, she added. Baby girl Ms Cairns also gave birth to a baby girl last week, announcing the news on Instagram on polling day. On a personal basis, I am so honoured to have been re-elected as a TD for Cork South-West. "The fact that this coincided with another extremely happy event the birth of my daughter makes this a joyous weekend that I will never forget," she said. I would like to thank all those who voted for me, as well as my local team and supporters who worked tirelessly on my behalf, particularly in the final few weeks of the election campaign. I would also like to thank the staff at Cork University Maternity Hospital, who treated my family and I with incredible care and kindness throughout my pregnancy and this weekend. Ms Cairns concluded: Finally, I would also like to thank all of the excellent candidates who stood for the Social Democrats, some of whom narrowly missed out on seats. "The party is in a very strong position to play an important role in the next Dail. In what position, government or opposition, remains to be seen. I read with interest The Echo article Extra drinking hours will only fan the flames of public disorder (Trevor Laffan, Nov 24). The concerns raised about public safety, anti-social behaviour, and the pressures on Garda resources are valid, and these challenges, which I know Cork city also grapples with, should not be underestimated. However, I believe its important to clarify the broader potential of extending opening hours as part of a carefully planned strategy to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and safe night-time economy. Extending opening hours is not about encouraging excessive alcohol consumption. Rather, it aims to modernise outdated licensing laws to foster a richer, more diverse nightlife. In cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Lisbon, extended hours, when supported by strong regulatory frameworks, have contributed to safer and more dynamic night-time economies. Proactive Measures to Address Anti-Social Behaviour Dublin is already implementing significant measures to reduce anti-social behaviour and enhance public safety in its night-time economy. The nationwide Safe and Sound campaign promotes positive actions and shared responsibility to reduce anti-social behaviour. Additionally, Dublin has introduced a welfare area, offering a safe space with first aid and support for those in need during their night out. Plans are underway to make this welfare area semi-permanent in the coming weeks. These initiatives are not limited to Dublin. Across Irelands nine pilot cities and towns with Night-Time Economy Advisors, including Cork, similar measures are being rolled out, with local authorities, businesses, and communities working together to develop tailored solutions that balance safety, culture, and economic opportunity. Cultural and Generational Shifts Contrary to concerns that extending opening hours will exacerbate alcohol-related problems, Ireland is undergoing a cultural shift, especially among younger generations. Alcohol consumption has been steadily declining in recent years, with younger people moving away from the binge-drinking culture that once dominated Irish nightlife. Dublin City Councils recent night-time economy strategy reflects this change, prioritising non-alcohol-related activities such as late-night cultural events, live music, and family-friendly offerings. By expanding the range of activities available, we aim to create an inclusive and varied night-time economy that appeals to diverse audiences, not just in Dublin but in Cork, Limerick, Galway, and beyond. Addressing Public Safety Concerns The Echo article rightly highlights concerns about anti-social behaviour, public transport safety, and Garda resource pressures. However, these issues are not solely attributable to alcohol or extended hours; they are part of broader societal challenges that require multi-faceted responses. I support calls for increased Garda visibility in high-traffic night-time areas, including Cork city, along with advocating for the establishment of a dedicated Garda unit for public transport. Enhanced community safety initiatives, improved transport options, and collaboration between authorities, businesses, and communities are essential for tackling these concerns effectively. Benefits of Extended Hours One of the key benefits of extended hours is the ability to stagger closing times, which can help alleviate the bottleneck effect caused by uniform closures at 2.30am. This can ease pressure on Garda resources and improve public transport experiences, while reducing late-night congestion. Importantly, a recent survey in Dublin revealed that approximately 88% of those under 35 and 75% under 50 support the change in licensing hours, indicating significant public backing for the reform. I believe these benefits would also be evident in Cork, where a more dynamic and diverse night-time economy could help drive both local culture and tourism. A Nationwide Vision for Night-Time Culture The proposed changes to licensing hours are part of a broader vision to modernise Irelands night-time economy. Inspired by successful examples from other European cities, these reforms aim to position Dublin - and cities like Cork - as cultural and creative hubs. By embracing modern licensing laws and supporting late-night cultural programming, we can unlock the potential of our night-time economies, benefiting locals, businesses, and tourists alike. Conclusion: Collaboration is Key The success of these changes depends on collaboration between Gardai, local authorities, businesses, and communities in both Dublin and Cork. Increased Garda resources, improved transport options, and robust licensing enforcement will be critical in ensuring extended hours are implemented safely. By modernising our approach and addressing public safety concerns head-on, we can create a night-time economy that is vibrant, safe, and welcoming to all. SPONSORED CONTENT Pioneering transparency and compliance in the textile and leather supply chains. As a founding member and official testing and certification institute of OEKO-TEX, OETI provides the OEKO-TEX RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS management process certification. This certification helps companies demonstrate comprehensive supply chain due diligence regarding human rights and environmental standards in the textile and leather industry, as required by the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Additionally, the OEKO-TEX STeP certification, designed for textile and leather manufacturers, establishes high social and environmental standards, covering essential areas like chemical management, environmental and quality management, social responsibility, and workers health and safety. 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Benefit from our powerful search functionalities, query capabilities, archive browsing & saving capabilities and enhanced preference options. Take advantage of our free trial! Three years after buying Crunchyroll for over $1 billion, Sony plans to capitalize on its purchase (and piss off countless anime fans) by shutting free users out of one of its most popular series. The company said that starting soon, youll need a paid subscription to watch past the first 206 episodes of One Piece. Cue the obvious jokes about locking a show about pirates behind a paywall. (Yo ho!) Crunchyroll will use a tiered rollout to block free members from most of the anime, which has been in production since 1999. On December 23, the Water 7 to Fishman Island story arcs will become paywalled. On January 20, Punk Hazard to Whole Cake Island (and six specials) will be locked behind subscriptions, followed by Reverie and Wano Kuni to Egghead Island on February 17. Until Sonys new content lockdown takes effect, free users can (as they always have been able to) watch the entire series with ads. Snippets of One Piece are also available on Hulu and Netflix (the latter also hosts the live-action version). But Hulus library only reaches episode 384, while Netflixs goes to 238. The series currently has over 1,100 episodes. Sony is reportedly in talks to buy Japanese publisher Kadokawa. In addition to games like Elden Ring, Dark Souls and Bloodborne, the studio produces anime like Overlord and The Rising of the Shield Hero. If todays news is any indication, watching much anime in the West that doesnt go through Sony may soon require the digital equivalent of the Straw Hat Pirates. Sony is giving gamers a surprise shot of nostalgia to celebrate PlayStations 30th anniversary and not just the retro hardware that sold out in a flash. A software update pushed on Monday adds the classic boot screen and themes for each generation of console hardware. Choose your favorite generation, Sonys introduction advises before popping up a menu with screen theming options for the PS1 through PS4. After receiving todays update, the software will prompt you to pick one when you boot up for the first time. As youd expect, the themes change the PS5 dashboards menu colors and sound to match each consoles UI. You can try other themes in a new PlayStation 30th Anniversary item atop the consoles settings menu. Sony / Nathan Ingraham for Engadget Unfortunately, Sony says the themes are only available for a limited time. (It hasnt said exactly when theyll be gone.) The decision not to keep them around permanently seems like a missed opportunity. Perhaps someone on Sonys marketing team saw creating a perception of scarcity or avoiding settings menu clutter as more important than letting folks permanently make their dashboard look like something that could fire up Metal Gear Solid or Crash Bandicoot. (Boooo!) Sony did a more pared-down version of this a decade ago when it celebrated 20 years of PlayStation. A free 2014 anniversary theme fitted the PS4, PS3 and Vita with the PS1s look and startup sound. Elon Musks attorneys filed for an injunction against OpenAI and Microsoft on Friday, accusing them of anticompetitive practices. He wants to stop OpenAIs conversion to a for-profit company. Musk first sued OpenAI earlier this year for allegedly violating its founding mission of building AI for the benefit of humanity, but he withdrew the lawsuit a few months later. He filed another lawsuit against OpenAI in a California federal court in August. The third times the charm and all: Musks new motion accuses OpenAI and Microsoft of telling investors not to fund OpenAIs competitors, such as Musks xAI, of benefitting from wrongfully obtained competitively sensitive information or coordination through its relationship with Microsoft. Mat Smith The biggest tech stories you missed ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Get this delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The company teases big graphics news this week. Intel Intel is gearing up for an announcement on December 3 about its Arc GPUs, and whoops, leaks are spoiling the party. Reports from VideoCardz claim the event will reveal two Battlemage desktop GPUs the Arc B580 and Arc B570 thatll launch on December 12. The B580 will allegedly have 20 Xe2 cores, a 2.8GHz GPU clock and 12GB of VRAM. The B570, on the other hand, will reportedly feature 18 Xe2 cores, a 2.6GHz GPU clock and 10GB of memory. Elsewhere, leaker @momomo_us on X posted listings that suggest the limited edition version of the B580 will be around $250. Continue reading. Parody and fan accounts will have to be clearly labeled. Bluesky has updated its impersonation policy to be more aggressive after third-party analysis highlighted its verification problem. The Bluesky Safety account said the social media service is removing accounts impersonating other people and those squatting on handles. Bluesky doesnt have a conventional verification system, so its easy for unscrupulous users to pretend to be someone else, either for attention or to scam others. Bluesky now explicitly prohibits identity churning, as well. Accounts that start as impersonators to gain new users, then switch to a different identity to circumvent the ban will still get booted off the app. Continue reading. Prince Harry may draw parallels to Taylor Swift's experience with heightened security during her "Eras Tour," in his effort to secure police protection in the UK. Just like Swift, who had armed police escorts at Wembley Stadium due to security fears, the Duke of Sussex wants to prioritize the safety of himself and his family while in the country. Originating from a decision in February, a legal dispute arose concerning the removal of Harry and his family's entitlement to UK security after they chose to distance themselves from their duties as active royals. Even though facing an initial challenge in the legal system, Harry remains firm in his intent to challenge the ruling, with the court date set for the upcoming spring of 2025. An insider who spoke to PEOPLE explained that there are discrepancies in the security measures being put in place, specifically, the decision made by the authorities to assign armed police escorts to Swift during her shows at Wembley Stadium in August 2024. This situation has raised concerns regarding the transparency and uniformity of such security arrangements. "Clearly Prince Harry is being treated completely differently to everyone else," the insider added. Underlining the necessity for a more structured and open method in protection judgments, the source mentioned the importance of safeguarding public safety while distributing security resources fairly. Another insider told The Telegraph, "The decision to provide a police escort for Taylor Swift has exposed troubling inconsistencies in how protection decisions are reached." "Whilst Prince Harry is denied protection despite consistent, long-standing and well-documented threats, we saw extraordinary measures being taken here including the Met seeking counsel from the Attorney General for a visiting performer because that performer's manager and parent threatened to pull her out if she wasn't given the protection they wanted for her." Neil Basu, a former assistant commissioner at the Met police, also stressed the importance of protecting Swift to mitigate any potential political and economic repercussions resulting from mishandling the situation or cancelling the show. "I would have made the same decision. But the same logic surely applies to the youngest son and family of our King." "There remains a broad spectrum of threats from online actors/trolls stirring hate as well as organized terror groups against prominent public figures, and the Sussex family will be one of the most prominent targets." In light of the continuous legal dispute, the duke's connection with his father, King Charles, has faced significant strain. Even after Harry attempted to address the matter with his father while visiting the UK, the palace has maintained a stance of silence regarding the restoration of security to its former standards. Engaged in a legal dispute with the UK Government, Harry challenged the Home Office's ruling in February 2020 that he would be granted a modified level of protection upon his return to the UK after his Royal Family exit. In a ruling made by High Court judge Peter Lane in February, it was determined that there was no wrongdoing in the decision to alter his security measures. Despite this verdict, he is anticipated to file an appeal in April 2025. Bishop T.D. Jakes recently shared a virtual update about his health with his congregation during a livestream from The Potter's House Dallas. During the service, his son-in-law, Toure Roberts, led the sermon and introduced Jakes, allowing the prominent pastor and author to address the church. Jakes' daughter, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts, was also in attendance. "Many of you don't realize that you're looking at a miracle," Jakes stated. "I faced a life-threatening calamity, was rushed to the ICU unit, had emergency surgery [and] survived this surgery." He emphasized his gratitude for divine intervention and the support of the global community following his ministry. Doctors have advised Jakes to "go slow" as he recovers, but he expressed gratitude for being on the mend. He encouraged self-care, noting he had a full physical examination and was deemed "fine." "The truth of the matter is sometimes things happen and they're beyond our control, and sometimes things happen in this spiritual warfare," Jakes said. "I haven't deduced the finality of all of that, but what I do know is greater is He that is in us and he does endure." The pastor urged viewers to remain faithful and assured them he was in good spirits. "I feel good, I'm in no pain. I'm in peace and tranquility and I want you to know that I can feel your prayers," he said. TD Jakes suffering a heart attack during sermon. pic.twitter.com/5eFWiHkl6c David Nino Rodriguez (@ninoboxer) November 26, 2024 Reflecting on the incident, Jakes described feeling "cradled" in peace, though he admitted he didn't fully grasp what happened until seeing it later on TV. He expressed deep gratitude for the prayers, love, and support he received, noting that God and his wife were with him throughout. Jakes recalled becoming emotional when he saw someone being taken to the morgue during his last hospital day. "Every moment, every second, every minute of your life, you should recognize that somebody's headed to the morgue while you're headed to the light," he shared. "Not because you're any better, not because they're any worse, but by the amazing grace of God." The incident occurred during a sermon on Sunday, November 24, as Jakes began to shudder after lowering his mic. A team immediately surrounded him, and The Potter's House Dallas later confirmed in a statement he received swift medical attention. In a Wednesday update, Jakes clarified, "I did not have a stroke," but acknowledged the situation "could've been fatal if it weren't for God's intervention." "A special thank you to God and the medical professionals in our city whose speed and expertise were beyond exceptional," Jakes said in his earlier statement. He vowed to rest and recuperate as God restores him. Since founding The Potter's House in 1996, Jakes has grown it into a congregation of over 30,000 members. Beyond his ministry, he has counseled U.S. presidents and spoke at President Obama's 2009 inauguration. Deamonte Kendrick, known in the music world as Yak Gotti, was stabbed while in custody on Sunday, December 1, according to his lawyer, Doug Weinstein. Kendrick, one of two defendants standing trial alongside rapper Young Thug, is awaiting a jury's decision on charges related to gang activity, murder, drugs, and weapons. Despite the incident, Weinstein stated that Kendrick is expected to appear in court on Monday, December 2. "While he sounded tired, I expect him to make a full recovery," Weinstein shared in a post on social media. I spoke to Deamonte last night, and while he sounded tired I expect him to make a full recovery. I expect to be able to see him in court today and will know more then. Please keep Deamonte in your prayers, along with all those housed in our Fulton county jails. https://t.co/JKKLSSedTo Doug Weinstein (@doug_weinstein) December 2, 2024 The Fulton County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Kendrick was involved in a physical altercation at the jail's south annex. According to Natalie Ammons, a spokeswoman for the office, Kendrick suffered "minor injuries from a sharp object" during a fight with another detainee. "The incident occurred at the South Annex in Union City where both men were being housed. Kendrick will be in court today," the statement continued. "This is an active investigation to determine the aggressor in this incident and if charges will be pending." "He was at the jail getting ready to be transported to the hospital for some stitches," Weinstein said in a TikTok video. "I don't know his full medical condition. I don't know the results of what happened at the hospital. It's very, very difficult to get information from the hospital on these things." Kendrick and his co-defendant, Shannon Stillwell, were part of a larger 28-person indictment involving Young Thug in May 2022. The charges include violations of Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Jury selection for the trial began nearly two years ago, with opening statements delivered a year ago. Prosecutors alleged that YSL, or Young Slime Life, operates as a street gang involved in various crimes. However, defense attorneys argue that YSL is merely the name of a record label, Young Stoner Life. While four defendants, including Young Thug, accepted plea deals in October, Kendrick and Stillwell declined to plead guilty. Jury deliberations began last week and are set to continue on December 2. Orlando Brown, a former Disney Channel star, has once again become a topic of controversy due to troubling statements made during a recent livestream with streamer Deshae Frost. Known for his unpredictable behavior, Brown shocked viewers by making explicit and deeply inappropriate claims about his parents, leaving those present visibly uncomfortable. During the livestream, Brown read aloud from Frost's screen before launching into his disturbing remarks. "'We listen and we don't judge,'" Brown read, continuing, "I had sex with my mama and my daddy. 'We listen and we don't judge!' I got a baby with my mama and my daddy. 'We listen and we don't judge!' And I'm telling you the motherf*****g truth! [...] Thank you for giving me some p***y. I love my mom for that, you know? She taught me how to f**k like a man. My own mother did." "I had s*x with my mommy and my daddy" Orlando Brows makes uncomfortable claims about having s*x with his parents on Deshae Frost's stream... pic.twitter.com/FHOdvhQYep DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) December 2, 2024 While many speculate that Brown, 37, may have been trolling or seeking attention, his words have drawn widespread criticism. Social media erupted with responses ranging from outrage to concern for his mental health. The comments are the latest in a string of controversial statements from Brown, whose behavior has often raised eyebrows in recent years. Nick Cannon, who has previously commented on Brown's public struggles, once said, "This is another crucial example of when we allow our young artists to be prematurely exposed by this demonic business and left out to fend for themselves. We need better support systems for our youth and take care of our own." Cannon's remarks continue to resonate as Brown's public statements grow increasingly erratic. In other Brown news, the former 'That's So Raven' actor sat down for an interview with Funny Marco and Ray J, and the interaction between the two stars caused quite a buzz. In the teaser clip, Brown begins throwing playful jabs at Ray J, specifically insinuating that Ray J attended Diddy's infamous "Freak Off" parties, which immediately raises the tension between the two. Ray J, seemingly caught off guard, listens as Brown confidently remarks, "No, no, it's all white, baby. You know, it's all white," referring to the party theme. A surprised Ray J, 43, responds, "Yeah? It's all white?" to which Brown, without hesitation, confirms, "Yeah, it's all white. Playing, dancing." Things get even more interesting when Ray J tries to get clarity, directly asking Brown if he had actually been to these parties. Brown replies, "No, no, no. Actually, no no no, bro," making it clear that despite the playful banter, he himself hasn't attended the controversial gatherings. Sunday, December 1, 2024 I just finished reading Susanna Clarkes delightful fantasy novel, Piranesi. The protagonist, Piranesi, lives in a house that has an infinite number of rooms, endless corridors, and a maze of halls. There are thousands upon thousands of different statues covering the buildings walls. A giant ocean is trapped within the houses mammoth space, and its huge waves frequently flood the rooms and staircases, meaning that Piranesi has to keep a watchful eye at all times to avoid drowning. The house is Piranesis world. The only other person in that world, as far as he knows, is another man called The Other, with whom he has a standing arrangement to meet twice every week. The Other is doing research into a Great and Secret Knowledge and he needs Piranesis help with the project, hence their meetings. Piranesi has absolutely no idea that there is another physical world outside of the houses walls, where billions of other people live. He thinks he and The Other are the only humans in the universe. Unbeknownst to Piranesi, he used to inhabit the real world, where his actual name was Matthew Rose Sorensen. He was given the Piranesi moniker when he entered his new world. He had been transported there by the teachings of a man named Laurence Arne-Sayles, who was referred to as Prophet in the novel. Arne-Sayles was a professor of psychology. Through his Theory of other Worlds, he had succeeded in convincing a group of his disciples, all highly intelligent people, that there were other worlds to which he could take them. One of those adherents was Dr. Valentine Ketterly. As it turned out, Ketterly was The Other. He manipulated Sorensen for years and managed to get him to buy so completely into the other-world theory that he lost all memory of the world he lived in previously. He could neither remember his family nor his own name. As I read Piranesi, my mind kept going back to the world in which I was raised in West Africa. It was an environment in which some people claimed to have supernatural powers that enabled them to sense all kinds of bad omens, and the destructive impacts they would have on certain individuals. Unlike Arne-Sayles, most of those West African prophets were illiterate or poorly educated people. But they held so much sway over the society that the overwhelming majority of people, including highly educated ones, were heavily influenced by their claims. Typically, the prophets would, directly or through family members or close friends, communicate to unsuspecting individuals that they were in imminent danger of suffering some grave illness, death, or some other awful misfortune. And invariably, the menace was claimed to have originated from some evil spell that other people in the community had cast upon the would-be victims. The only way to forestall such impending doom was to pay huge sums of money or make some other lavish offerings to the prophets for them to perform curative rituals. Illiteracy rates were quite high in Ghana when I was growing up there so it was understandable that those beliefs were quite common then. Rather surprisingly, they seem to have become even more widespread now. The proliferation of prophets in that highly superstitious society perhaps explains the trend. My own family once had a brush with a prophet when I was still a boy in Ghana. It was during a summer break from school when my older brother Emmanuel and I were helping our father on his farm in a village called Okumaning. The two of us were his usual helpers but on that occasion, our younger sister Charlotte happened to be there for a short visit. She was about ten years old at the time. We had carried produce to market in a nearby village and were on our way back to the farm when the prophet accosted Emmanuel and Charlotte. Because I was walking a bit faster than them, I was a couple of hundred yards ahead and did not witness the encounter. Several minutes after I arrived at the farm, I could hear Charlotte wailing as she and Emmanuel approached the tiny hut that was our living quarters. I was quite baffled so I stepped out to meet them. My father heard her as well and rushed back from another section of the farm where he was. By then, Charlotte was inconsolable. He asked her what the problem was. Emmanuel told him that when they were traveling through one of the small villages on the way back, a man there told them he had a premonition that Charlotte would die within a few days if her parents didnt come quickly to pay for his servicesperformance of some rituals that would save her. My father was incandescent. He promptly grabbed his hunting rifle and summoned Emmanuel and Charlotte to come with him to go and meet with the prophet. I was asked to stay behind in the hut. My father was never a violent man, but the combination of his rage and his possession of a gun seemed like a rather explosive cocktail and it made me extremely nervous. I knew that it was most likely going to be an angry confrontation with the prophet, and that it could very well have a dreadfully disastrous outcome. Two hours went by without any hint of them and my anxiety level started going through the roof. After waiting several more minutes, I couldnt take it any longer so I decided to go and look for them. Just as I was stepping out, I heard their voices in the distance. All three of them looked rather relaxed as they approached the hut, and Charlotte was smiling. I let out a huge sigh of relief. According to Emmanuel, the prophet was sitting in the same spot when they went back to that village. After several minutes of relentless questioning by my father, he couldnt explain how he obtained his knowledge of Charlottes imminent death. My father then demanded that he admit his lie and apologize to Charlotte. Emmanuel said the prophet refused initially, but eventually acquiesced because looking at the rifle in my fathers hand, he didnt want to take any chances. I wasnt at all surprised by my fathers reaction to that incident. Life had dealt him a bad hand, but through a combination of great determination, hard work, and unimaginable sacrifice, he had managed to keep himself and his family together. He absolutely abhorred people who sat around lazily and tried to use dishonest means to make a living. To him, that was what the prophet was attempting to do. My father explained to us later that he demanded the prophets acknowledgement and apology in front of Charlotte because he knew it was the only way her mind would be set completely at ease. That was how protective he was of his family. Having spent so much time around my father during my youth, I now look at the world in much the same way that he did. He never complicated life. He dealt with the world exactly as he saw it with his naked eyes, and had no superstitious beliefs. Always taking his destiny into his own hands, he strongly believed that what you got out of life was predominantly determined by how much effort you put into whatever goals you were pursuing. In my view, the Einsteins, Da Vincis, Mozarts, Beethovens, and other geniuses that the world has known, did have some superhuman abilities that enabled them to do extraordinary things. But they were still mortal. I dont believe that they had any greater view into the spiritual realm than any of their fellow humans did. That is why I am always puzzled when I see anyone making life decisions based on what they have been told by some prophet. Laurence Arne-Sayles did enormous harm to Matthew Rose Sorensen and many others. Some of his disciples were kept in captivity, while some reportedly died in mysterious circumstances. There were rumors that he killed them. All that was motivated by his quest for academic prestige. The prophets in West Africa, in contrast, seek monetary and other material rewards. The damage they inflict on people is equally grave. I am glad that I have never put any stock in any claims made by a seer. When we think of people who have truly maximized their potential and designed a life on their own terms, Tim Ferriss often comes to mind. Best known as the author of The 4-Hour Workweek, Ferriss has revolutionized how we think about productivity, lifestyle design, and entrepreneurship. But what many people may not realize is that his journey began earlyright in his early 20s. At just 20 years old, Ferriss was already laying the groundwork for his future, creating the habits and systems that would allow him to achieve the freedom and flexibility he is known for today. So, who is Tim Ferriss? Born in 1977, Ferriss grew up in East Hampton, New York. While he didnt have a clear path laid out for him, he was always curious and adventurous, traits that would later define his career. What set him apart was his willingness to start early, to take risks, and to question the status quo. I am a big fan of trying to learn something and immediately using it, or ideally teaching it, Ferriss once said. This philosophylearning by doingbecame a cornerstone of his success. Tim Ferriss didnt wait until he was 30 or 40 to start figuring out his life. As a college student at Princeton, he was already exploring what it meant to break away from traditional paths. He knew that he didnt want to follow the standard career trajectory of climbing the corporate ladder. Instead, he was interested in testing different ways to create a life that he loved. This was the beginning of what he later coined lifestyle design. In his early 20s, Ferriss launched his first online business, BrainQUICKEN, a nutritional supplements company. This was long before the days of Shopify and Instagram influencers, which meant he had to figure things out the hard way. But starting his own business gave him two critical things: control over his time and the ability to experiment with different productivity techniques. It wasnt easyhe had to learn the ropes through trial and error. Yet, by taking those first steps early on, Ferriss was able to leverage his experiences into the multimillion-dollar successes that came later. Ferrisss journey to success wasnt a smooth ride. In fact, hes been quite open about his early struggles. There were multiple times when I came close to just calling it quits, he admitted. But Ferriss is someone who views failure not as the end, but as a valuable learning experience. His approach is simple: when you fail, you learn what doesnt work, which brings you closer to what does. This mindset eventually led him to write The 4-Hour Workweek. In the book, Ferriss shares how he automated his business and outsourced most of the work so that he could focus on what really mattered to him: travel, learning new skills, and exploring the world. The book was a game-changer, selling millions of copies and being translated into over 40 languages. It also cemented Ferrisss reputation as a master of time management and efficiency. Whats truly inspiring about Tim Ferrisss story is how he used his early start to maximize the power of compounding. By beginning his entrepreneurial journey in his 20s, Ferriss gave himself time to experiment, fail, and iteratelessons that would serve him well in the long run. In one of his popular podcast episodes, Ferriss shared, The sooner you start, the sooner youll begin to see whats possible. The concept of compounding isnt just about money; its about the skills, habits, and experiences that accumulate over time. Ferriss understood that if he could optimize his life early on, he would be able to reap the benefits for years to come. This mindset allowed him to retire from the day-to-day operations of his business in his early 30s and focus on his passions: writing, podcasting, and learning new things. Start Now, Not Later: One of the most valuable lessons we can take from Tim Ferriss is the power of starting early. You dont need to wait for the perfect time to start planning your future. Whether its launching a business, learning a new skill, or taking a chance on a passion project, the best time to start is now. Embrace Experimentation: Ferrisss journey is filled with trial and error, and he isnt shy about it. Hes always testing, tweaking, and optimizing his life. This mindset is crucial for anyone looking to build a fulfilling life. As Ferriss says, Dont be afraid to challenge the assumptions that most people take for granted. Focus on Lifestyle, Not Just Career: For Ferriss, its not just about achieving career success; its about designing a life thats fulfilling and By focusing on what truly matters, hes been able to live a life filled with adventure and purpose. Leverage the Power of Compounding: The earlier you start investing in yourselfwhether its learning, networking, or taking risksthe more benefits youll see over time. Its like planting a tree: the sooner you plant it, the sooner it grows and bears fruit. Tim Ferrisss story is a powerful reminder that starting early can set the stage for a life filled with purpose, freedom, and success. Whether youre in your teens, 20s, or even older, the principles hes applied can still be relevant. Its never too lateor too earlyto start planning the life you want. Herd contraction in the world's largest beef producing regions is going to lead to the first global beef supply reductions since the pandemic and will alter trade flows. This is according to a new RaboResearch report, which suggests that global beef markets will navigate declining global production and uncertainty in 2025. Brazil and the US are likely to lead beef production declines in 2025, but reductions in China, Europe, and New Zealand are also likely. While North American cattle prices have been high for close to two years as a result of the lower cattle numbers and strong consumer demand, other regions have experienced low cattle prices. This trend has started to change as global beef declines start to firm up support for cattle prices in south America, Australia, and New Zealand. With available supplies altered across the top global beef markets, the report expects beef trade to shift dramatically. Angus Gidley-Baird, senior analyst for RaboResearch, said Australian beef producers will increasingly depend on exports to absorb stronger domestic production. "Brazil will see global markets as a better demand opportunity compared to lacklustre domestic demand," he added. "Beef production has the potential to swing dramatically if weather patterns change. US producers are waiting on more dependable precipitation to rebuild the herd, and Brazilian production is being slowed by rain delays. "Australia has maintained relatively adequate precipitation for a few years, but the threat of dryness could lead to more production." The status quo is likely to be maintained for next year's weather, according to the RaboResearch report. The latest El Nino models are predicting La Nina weather conditions to persist into Q1 2025 before a transition to a more neutral pattern by midyear.. which will support Australian beef production. Furthermore, year-over-year declines in US beef production will remain relatively small, as US cow herd rebuilding remains stalled by slower replacement heifer development, concluded Mr Gidley-Baird. Fast food chain KFC has dropped its pledge to improve animal welfare in the UK by sourcing its chicken from slower-growing breeds by 2026. The firm announced five years ago that it would stop using fast-growing broilers - dubbed 'Frankenchickens' - as part of a measure to improve UK animal welfare. As part of the pledge, the fast food giant signed the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) in 2019, but it now says it will not be able to meet it. KFC blamed farmers for not switching to slower-growing breeds in large enough numbers, and said it was working to source meat from farms with lower stocking densities. Fast-growing chickens have been dubbed 'Frankenchickens' due to welfare concerns, including higher mortality rates, lameness and muscle disease. Figures show that around 90% of the 1.1 billion chickens slaughtered for meat in the UK are from fast-growing breeds. But animal welfare campaigners point out that these chickens can have severe health and welfare issues. Ruth Edge, head of sustainability at KFC UK and Ireland, told the recent Egg and Poultry Industry Conference in Wales that the 2026 goal was not achievable. She said: Were not saying were never going to, but were saying for 2026, and the way the market has developed, or lack of, were not going to be able to do it. Rudi Van Schoor, chief supply chain officer at KFC Europe, added: The reality is, at the moment, the UK poultry industry is not yet in an operational and commercial position to deliver the commitment by 2026. "But, we remain committed to the Better Chicken Commitment framework we signed up in good faith and with the best intentions." The BCC campaign encouragers farmers to provide broilers with more space, light and enrichment and ensuring they only use slower-growing, higher welfare breeds. Food firms and retailers that have signed up to the BCC include Marks & Spencer, Burger King, Subway, Nandos, Nestle and Greggs. What is the Better Chicken Commitment? The BCC is a set of requirements for improving broiler welfare driving the food industry towards higher welfare practices. The key requirements are; Birds need to be given more room in order to have the chance to peck, scratch, dust bathe and rest without being disturbed Natural light must be provided, which means birds won't spend their whole lives in dim, artificially lit conditions Provision of enrichment items, things that the birds can explore and peck at, as well as perches so birds can roost No cages or multi-tier systems More humane methods of slaughter - eliminating the shackling and inversion of conscious birds. The use of only slower-growing breed of chickens which have better health and welfare outcomes Morrisons is set to roll out a 25% discount for farmers in all its cafes every Tuesday in a show of support for the industry. On 'Tractor Tuesdays', which starts on 3 December, all farmers will qualify for a quarter off all food and drink in the retailer's cafes UK-wide. Farmers will need to present their County Parish Holding number, Young Farmers Card, or NFU Membership to apply the discount. Morrisons worked alongside Lens Light, a charity dedicated to improving support for mental health in farming, to introduce the initiative. The charity encourages conversation among farmers who face challenges, including unpredictable costs, weather conditions and loneliness. Sophie Throup, technical director at Myton Food Group for Morrisons, said: Introducing Tractor Tuesdays at all our cafes is a meaningful way for us to show our support for farmers. "The discount also allows farmers to make the most of our popular, quality food and drink in our cafes for a fraction of the price and is a token of gratitude for all their hard work. Andy and Lynda Eadon, at Lens Light, said the charity's mission was to ensure that "no one in the rural community feels isolated or alone". "We aim to throw light on the mental health and suicide issues facing the the rural community and break down stigma around these, but our focus is very much on positive mental health. "Company, conversation and recognition are important to mental wellbeing and Tractor Tuesdays in Morrisons cafes offer all of these. We hope they will bring lots of people together. While the discount is available every Tuesday, in six stores across the country NFU representatives will be invited to encourage farmers to attend and to chat about the initiative to other farmers and customers. They will be in stores in Skipton in Yorkshire, Peterhead in Scotland, Hinckley in the Midlands, Carmarthen in South Wales, Ipswich in the South East and Plymstock in the South West on the first Tuesday of each month, starting on 3 December. And from the new year, alumni from Harper Adams will also be involved in supporting the Tractor Tuesday events. The Northern Irish government's latest review into tackling bovine TB has been slammed as an 'insult to farmers' as losses continue to mount due to the disease. The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) said the new review contained 'no meaningful action' that would address Northern Ireland's bTB crisis. The union warned the disease was 'rapidly escalating' within NIs livestock sector, in turn putting farming families across the region 'at risk'. The review, available to view online, was recently outlined by Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture (DAERA) and the chief veterinary officer. Proposals include actions aimed at 'changing culture', protecting uninfected herds from disease and detecting and removing infection effectively and efficiently. It also looks at reducing transmission to other herds and wildlife, as well as developing a new wildlife intervention strategy. But the UFU said it contained 'limited focus' on the need for an effective eradication programme that addressed all sources of infection, including badgers. It comes as annual herd incidence has risen from 10.15% to 10.41% in just two months, with TB reactor rates in NI having hit a new record high. And the financial burden on public funds is soaring, with DAERAs TB programme costs reaching 55.7 million in the 2023/24 financial year. DAERAs review of NIs TB strategy is a step too far," warned UFU president, William Irvine. "While it references biosecurity measures including post-movement testing and restrictions, its not enough to only have biosecurity measures. The current TB situation proves that. "It is worsening by the day. Meanwhile, what are DAERA doing? They are kicking the can down the road once again and putting farmers livelihoods at risk." The lack of urgency regarding timelines outlined by DAERA is a major concern for the UFU, along with other farming industry groups in the region. Just a few months ago, it was communicated by the NI government that action would be taken by mid-autumn 2024. However, this latest proposal indicates that decisions will now be delayed until the end of March 2025. "The disease is not being controlled, it is out of control, and what they have proposed is anything but suitable for what we are facing," Mr Irvine continued. "DAERA will argue that this is meaningful, but we firmly believe it is not. It is, in fact, merely heavy-handed. The union has called for urgent meeting with Northern Irelands government, saying they must treat bovine TB as a 'matter of national importance'. Bethenny Frankel is "thriving" at this stage in her life. Bethenny Frankel is 'thriving' at this stage in her life The 54-year-old reality star - who was married to Jason Hoppy from 2010 until 2021 and has 14-year-old Bryn with him - recently started making public appearances with businessman Tom Villante and now an insider has claimed that despite recent rumours of an engagement, she actually spent the recent holiday season with her daughter. A source told UsWeekly: "Bethenny spent Thanksgiving in Miami with Bryn and cherishes their bonding time during the holidays. "She is thriving in her adventure era." The former 'Real Housewives of New York City' star - who was initially married to film producer Peter Sussman from 1996 until 1997 - recently had to dismiss rumours that she was set to marry her new partner, even though she displayed a huge diamond ring on the traditional finger. Speaking in a video posted to TikTok, she said: "This is what they call a flexible diamond ring and it is impossible to be sized. "If I wanna wear a ring on my belly, on my teeth, on my toe, on my nose, Ill do it. So until further notice, Im engaged to my daughter and myself." Just prior to that, Bethenny confirmed her new relationship to the world via her Instagram page. She wrote: "POV: he buys you a luxury heated throw and builds you a fire while you sip an overpriced latte." Prior to meeting Tom, the TV star - who split from her second husband in 2012 but did not officially divorce him until almost a whole decade later - was engaged to Paul Bernon, but they called it quits in May after six years together. At the time, an insider claimed that "it just wasnt going to work" between the two because they were both so "different". Kerry Katona was left terrified when masked thugs raided her property while she was at home. Kerry Katona has opened up about a burglary at her home The 44-year-old Atomic Kitten star was looking after her five-month-old daughter Heidi back in 2007 when a gang of burglars wearing balaclavas and wielding a sledgehammer and a knife burst into her Cheshire mansion and made off with a reported 150,000 of her belongings including her BMW car - and Kerry has revealed a similar incident at the home of TV star Charlotte Crosby last month was "triggering" for her. In her column for OK! magazine, Kerry explained: "I read about Charlotte Crosbys home being broken into by a gang of balaclava-masked raiders and Im sending all my love to her. "Its really triggering for me to hear things like that, as it takes me back to when three men broke into my house. Heidi was only five months old at the time and one had a sledgehammer and a knife. "I know what she is going through, its terrifying. Hopefully, Charlotte is feeling better now." 'Geordie Shore' star Charlotte - who is pregnant with her second child - was upstairs with her two-year-old daughter when a masked gang broke into her home and her fiance Jake Ankers chased the thugs out of the property but was unable to catch them. Charlotte has since revealed she's "trebled" security at the house because she's been "living in fear" since the raid. In a post on Instagram, she wrote: "We have had the team down from AWI (asset watch international) I've had all security in the house TREBLED! And I now have the BEST security in the northeast with man guards, security dogs and 24/7 hour surveillance. "I've been living in fear since last week. Not feeling safe in your own home with small children really is something else. I've been trying my hardest to put what happened out of my head! "And I'm sorry for being on here! It's just took some time dealing with everything that's gone on and then I was in hospital (sic)" Following her burglary ordeal, Charlotte was rushed to hospital with stomach pains. Tom Sandoval admits he is feeling "overwhelmed with so many emotions" as he bids farewell to 'Vanderpump Rules'. Tom Sandoval has broken his silence on the 'Vanderpump Rules' re-casting This week, it was confirmed that the Bravo reality show is set to return with an all-new cast, meaning Lisa Vanderpump and original co-stars including Tom, Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney, Kristen Doute, and Jax Taylor are no longer taking part. Reacting to the news, the 41-year-old television personality - who joined the show when it first aired in 2013 - reflected on how 'Vanderpump Rules' transformed his life despite the group of friends' many ups and downs over the years and insisted none of them had any idea how much of a "cultural phenomenon" the series would become. In a lengthy post, he wrote on Instagram alongside photographic memories from the show: "Where do I begin Im overwhelmed with so many emotions right now The unbelievable series of events that brought this group together still blows my mind to this day. From a random meeting with Jax while modeling in Miami, to responding to a Craigslist ad for another Tom looking for a roommate. Who wouldve thought that a stop along the way while chasing our dreams would turn into the cultural phenomenon that is Vanderpump Rules. We were unaware as to the effect this show would have on our lives. The foundation of Vanderpump Rules was built on pure honest raw emotions triumphs, struggles, and love that happen between a group of real friends and our relationships. As soon as we started filming s*** got real and never turned back. Its been a roller coaster ride and youve been with us though every step of the way. To NBC/Universal, Bravo, Evolution, Lisa, Ken, show runners, field producers and members of the crew who busted their a****s with us in the trenches, my fellow cast mates and friends." Tom concluded by thanking fans for sticking by them through thick and thin, while admitting he "learned valuable lessons and experienced personal growth" in the 11 years he was on the programme. He wrote: "Most importantly, to each and every fan, THANK YOU ALL for believing us and being part of this 12 year journey. Its hard to put into words what Im feeling right now. As in life, so much has happened over the years. Some of my past decisions led to incredibly challenging times, from which Ive learned valuable lessons and experienced personal growth. Despite the difficulties, Im filled with gratitude for the learning experience and forever grateful for all of the memories. Until we meet again, Sandy (sic)." His lows include his 2023 cheating scandal with his ex and co-star, Ariana Madix, 39, after he cheated on her with 30-year-old Rachel Leviss. He admitted on one episode that he regretted his affair and acknowledged that he'd struggled to move on from the controversy. Tom told his ex-girlfriend: "Ariana, I regret it every day. I wear it as a badge of shame. I did the thing that I said I would never do and I did it." HIV continues to be a major global public health issue. The disease has claimed an about 42.3 million lives to date with transmission ongoing in all countries globally. At the end of 2023, an estimated 39.9 million people were living with HIV, an estimated 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes, and 1.3 million people were estimated to have acquired the disease. Always have safe intercourse including using condoms and dental dams. Choose less risky sexual behaviours and limit the number of sexual partners. Get tested and treated for STDs. Abstain from unhygienic practices such as sharing needles. If you are at risk of getting HIV, consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This involves taking specific HIV medicines to reduce your risk of getting HIV through sex or injection drug use. Established in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO), World AIDS Day is celebrated annually on December 1. An initiative taken by public information officers James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, today, it is one of the most widely recognised international health days across the globe, bringing together people to take the opportunity to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.This year, WHO commemorated World AIDS Day under the theme Take the rights path: My health, my right!, calling on one and all to champion the right to health by addressing the inequalities that hinder progress in ending AIDS. The day is not just important for public and private partners to spread awareness about the major global public health issue that HIV is, the aim is also to reduce stigma around it and demonstrate international solidarity against the pandemic. On this day, we also celebrate the increased access to AIDS treatment and prevention services.The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the bodys immune system, with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) occurring at the most advanced stage of infection. The virus targets the white blood cells of the body, weakening the immune system. This makes the individual more prone to infections and diseases like tuberculosis and some cancers.While there is still no known cure for HIV, it is now a manageable chronic health condition owing to increased access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. People living with HIV can lead long and healthy lives with lifesaving antiretroviral treatment (ART).HIV can spread from one person to another through body fluids, including blood, semen and vaginal fluids. It can also spread from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.When it comes to HIV, prevention is better than cure. Make note of these precautionary measures:Read more: Meet Indias 1st Woman Fighter Pilot To Fly Tejas Jet, Mohana Singh! Turkiye's apparel exports declined by 4.99 per cent year-on-year (YoY) during January-October 2024, totalling $14,751 million, compared to $15,527 million in the same period of 2023, according to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute and the Ministry of Trade. However, exports grew by 5.17 per cent in October 2024. Exports of knitted and crocheted clothing and accessories (HS Chapter 61) decreased by 2.2 per cent to $8,469.667 million, down from $8,655.852 million in January-October 2023. Non-knitted apparel and accessories (HS Chapter 62) experienced an 8.6 per cent decline, falling to $6,282.723 million from $6,872.818 million during the same period last year, as per the trade report on the top twenty chapters. Turkiye's apparel exports declined by 4.99 per cent YoY to $14,751 million during January-October 2024, despite a 5.17 per cent rise in October. Knitted clothing exports dropped by 2.2 per cent, while non-knitted apparel fell by 8.6 per cent. Imports of non-knitted goods surged by 17 per cent in the first ten months. In 2023, overall apparel exports fell by 5.86 per cent to $18,321 million. In October 2024, Turkiye's garment exports rose by 5.17 per cent to $1,504.638 million. Exports of knitted and crocheted clothing and accessories increased by 9.3 per cent to $914.988 million, compared to $837.030 million in October 2023. However, non-knitted apparel and accessories saw a 0.7 per cent decrease, dropping from $593.564 million in October 2023 to $589.650 million in October 2024. Among the top 20 product chapters imported by Turkiye, the inbound shipment of non-knitted and crocheted goods and articles (HS Chapter 62) grew by 17.0 per cent to $1,635.267 million in the first ten months of 2024, compared to $1,397.559 million in January-October 2023. In October 2024, imports increased by 17.6 per cent to $205.871 million, up from $175.010 million in the same month of the previous year. In 2023, Turkiyes apparel exports fell by 5.86 per cent to $18.321 billion, compared to $19.463 billion in 2022, following $18.294 billion in 2021. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2024) - The Critical Minerals Institute (CMI), a global leader in critical minerals advocacy and strategic guidance, is proud to announce the appointment of Kevin Ernst to its Board of Directors. Kevin brings over three decades of distinguished experience in financial markets, investment banking, and corporate strategy, making him an invaluable addition to CMI's mission to advance sustainable and effective critical minerals initiatives worldwide. Kevin Ernst's career spans leadership roles at some of the world's leading financial institutions, including Merrill Lynch, UBS, and NYSE American LLC. At Merrill Lynch, Kevin played a pivotal role in building the ultra-high-net-worth division, bridging private client services with investment banking. At UBS, he led a national team specializing in advisory services for institutional clients, including endowments and foundations. Kevin also served in a management role at the American Stock Exchange (AMEX), where he revitalized the exchange's Canadian market presence by spearheading dual-listing initiatives for upwards of 175 Canadian natural resource companies. After AMEX was acquired by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Kevin focused on international market expansion, traveling extensively across Asia to foster IPOs for Chinese and Canadian companies, significantly enhancing cross-border opportunities. As Managing Partner at Ocean Capital, a Hong Kong-based merchant bank, Kevin connected North American issuers with Asian investors, building a robust network of family offices and private equity groups. In his current role as Managing Director at Kingswood U.S.. Kevin leads investment strategies and growth initiatives across key sectors, including. natural resources, defense and aerospace, biotechnology, health and wellness, and technology. He also serves as a Chief Investment Officer for a Canadian family office since 2016. Kevin's expertise in global capital markets will be instrumental to CMI as the institute addresses the pressing challenges of critical minerals development in an era of rapid technological advancement. "I am honored to join the Critical Minerals Institute Board at such a transformative time for the industry," said Kevin Ernst. "The capital markets have the power to drive innovation and unlock opportunities in the critical minerals sector, ensuring the sustainable development of resources essential to modern technologies. I look forward to leveraging my experience in natural resources and technology to support CMI's mission of fostering sustainability and securing the financial capital necessary to achieve these critical goals." Tracy Hughes, Executive Director of CMI, added: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Kevin to the Board. His expertise in global financial strategies, deep understanding of Asian markets, and leadership in fostering cross-border partnerships, combined with his extensive experience in the resource sector and technology, will be invaluable as we navigate the evolving critical minerals landscape. Kevin's vision aligns perfectly with CMI's goal of advocating for sustainable and strategic resource management." Kevin joins an esteemed group of professionals on the CMI Board, including Co-Chairs Melissa "Mel" Sanderson and Jack Lifton, alongside a roster of respected leaders in critical minerals and related industries. The Board also includes Directors Alastair Neill, Alister Macdonald, Christopher Berlet, Stephen Burega, Stephen Lautens, Ian Chalmers, Peter Cashin, Peter Clausi, Christopher Gibbs, Harry Kim, Steve Mackowski, Raj Shah, Geoff Atkins, Lara Smith, Russell Fryer, and Tuan Tran. About Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) The Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) is a global organization dedicated to addressing the challenges and opportunities in the critical minerals sector. CMI provides comprehensive resources for businesses, governments, and stakeholders, offering insights into the value, sustainability, and strategic importance of critical materials essential for technological and industrial progress. CMI's offerings include exclusive Masterclasses, the weekly Technology Metals Report (TMR) for industry insights, and the annual International Critical Minerals Expo & CMI Summit IV. The 2024 summit, themed "The War for Critical Minerals and Capital Resources," will take place in Pasadena, CA, on May 14-15, uniting industry leaders to tackle the pressing issues of the global critical minerals market. For more information, visit CriticalMineralsInstitute.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232088 SOURCE: Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) Barton Gold Holdings Limited (ASX:BGD) (Barton or the Company) announces the appointment of Ms Jade Cook as Company Secretary, effective 29 November 2024. Ms Cook has experience in a variety of companies in an in-house and outsourced capacity working with the Board, senior management and other stakeholders across several jurisdictions. Ms Cook is an Associate of the Governance Institute of Australia and Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and a Master's degree in Corporate Governance. This appointment follows the retirement of Ms. Shannon Coates as Company Secretary, effective 29 November 2024. The Company extends its thanks to Ms. Coates for her valuable contribution to the Company and wishes her all the best in her future endeavours. For the purpose of ASX Listing Rule 12.6, Ms Cook will be the person responsible for communications between Barton and ASX. For further information, please contact: Alexander Scanlon Managing Director a.scanlon@bartongold.com.au +61 425 226 649 Jade Cook Company Secretary cosec@bartongold.com.au +61 8 9322 1587 About Barton Gold Barton Gold is an ASX, OTCQB and Frankfurt Stock Exchange listed Australian gold developer targeting future gold production of 150,000oz annually, with ~1.6Moz Au JORC Mineral Resources (52.3Mt @ 0.94 g/t Au), multiple advanced exploration projects and brownfield mines, and 100% ownership of the only regional gold mill in the renowned central Gawler Craton of South Australia.* Tarcoola Gold Project Existing brownfield open pit mine within trucking distance of Barton's processing plant Under-explored asset with untapped scale potential Tunkillia Gold Project * 1.5Moz Au Mineral Resources (51.3Mt @ 0.91 g/t Au) Scoping Study for competitive ~130kozpa Au mine Infrastructure 650ktpa CIP process plant, mine village, and airstrip Tarcoola ~40 person lodging to support mine operations Tunkillia camp to support dedicated project team Competent Persons Statement & Previously Reported Information The information in this announcement that relates to the historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources as listed in the table below is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by the Competent Person whose name appears in the same row, who is an employee of or independent consultant to the Company and is a Member or Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) or a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO). Each person named in the table below has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he has undertaken to quality as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code 2012 (JORC). Activity Competent Person Membership Status Tarcoola Mineral Resource (Stockpiles) Dr Andrew Fowler (Consultant) AusIMM Member Tarcoola Mineral Resource (Perseverance Mine) Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Tarcoola Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021) Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant) AIG Member Tarcoola Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021) Mr Marc Twining (Employee) AusIMM Member Tunkillia Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021) Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant) AIG Member Tunkillia Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021) Mr Marc Twining (Employee) AusIMM Member Tunkillia Mineral Resource Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Challenger Mineral Resource Mr Dale Sims (Consultant) AusIMM / AIG Fellow / Member The information relating to historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources in this announcement is extracted from the Company's Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 or as otherwise noted in this announcement, available from the Company's website at www.bartongold.com.au or on the ASX website www.asx.com.au. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the Exploration Results and Mineral Resource information included in previous announcements and, in the case of estimates of Mineral Resources, that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates, and any production targets and forecast financial information derived from the production targets, continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the applicable Competent Persons' findings are presented have not been materially modified from the previous announcements. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This document may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "target" and "intend" and statements than an event or result "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information is subject to business, legal and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, risks relating to property interests, the global economic climate, commodity prices, sovereign and legal risks, and environmental risks. Forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and opinions at the date the statements are made. Barton undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for events or circumstances that occur subsequent to such dates or to update or keep current any of the information contained herein. Any estimates or projections as to events that may occur in the future (including projections of revenue, expense, net income and performance) are based upon the best judgment of Barton from information available as of the date of this document. There is no guarantee that any of these estimates or projections will be achieved. Actual results will vary from the projections and such variations may be material. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or representation as to the past or future. Any reliance placed by the reader on this document, or on any forward-looking statement contained in or referred to in this document will be solely at the readers own risk, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. * Refer to Barton Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 and ASX announcements dated 4 March and 16 July 2024. Total Barton JORC (2012) Mineral Resources include 833koz Au (26.9Mt @ 0.96 g/t Au) in Indicated and 754koz Au (25.4Mt @ 0.92 g/t Au) in Inferred categories. SOURCE: Barton Gold Holdings Limited View the original press release on accesswire.com SHANGHAI, Nov 30, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Hua Medicine (the 'Company', HKEx stock code: 2552) announced today that the Company has successfully completed its SENSITIZE study on the mechanism by which dorzagliatin improves the -cell glucose sensitivity at the 9th China BioMed Innovation and Investment Conference (CBIIC).The SENSITIZE study was initiated by Professor Juliana Chan, an international endocrinology specialist at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, as the lead researcher. It is the first clinical study in Asian populations to evaluate the impact of GKA on -cell glucose sensitivity in the populations with varying degrees of impaired glucose tolerance using the technology of hyperglycemic clamp. The study aims to explore the impairment of glucokinase (GK) function and clinical characteristics in different types of glucose dysregulation, providing new scientific evidence on the pathophysiology of Asian Type 2 diabetes and the central role of GK in blood glucose regulation.The SENSITIZE 2 study results announced at CBIIC demonstrate that a single dose of dorzagliatin restores GK enzyme activity, significantly improving the second-phase insulin secretion and -cell glucose sensitivity in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in hyperglycemic clamp study. In addition, the SENSITIZE 1 study previously reported at the 2022 ADA annual meeting showed that dorzagliatin directly restores the activity of GK mutants, leading to significant improvements in the second-phase insulin secretion and -cell glucose sensitivity in patients with glucokinase monogenic diabetes (GCK-MODY or MODY-2), and significantly enhance basal insulin secretion in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients.Hua Medicine will continue to investigate -cell glucose sensitivity improvement and incretin effect in response of repeated dose of dorzagliatin in individuals with intermediate hyperglycemia (IH) and Type 2 diabetes, in order to establish personalized intervention and treatment management plans for prediabetic and Type 2 diabetes patients.About Hua MedicineHua Medicine (The 'Company') is an innovative drug development and commercialization company based in Shanghai, China, with companies in the United States and Hong Kong. Hua Medicine focuses on developing novel therapies for patients with unmet medical needs worldwide. Based on global resources, Hua Medicine teams up with global high-calibre people to develop breakthrough technologies and products, which contribute to innovation in diabetes care. Hua Medicine's cornerstone product HuaTangNing (Dorzagliatin tablets), targets the glucose sensor glucokinase, restores glucose sensitivity in T2D patients, and stabilizes imbalances in blood glucose levels in patients. HuaTangNing was approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China on September 30th, 2022. It can be used alone or in combination with metformin for adult T2D patients. For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), no dose adjustment is required. It is an oral hypoglycemic drug that can be used for patients with Type 2 diabetes with renal function impairment.For more informationHua MedicineWebsite: www.huamedicine.comInvestorsE-mail: ir@huamedicine.comMediaE-mail: pr@huamedicine.comSource: Hua MedicineCopyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. SHANGHAI, Nov 30, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Hua Medicine (the 'Company', HKEx stock code: 2552) announced today that the Company has successfully completed a Phase I clinical trial on its 2nd generation GKA candidate in U.S. at the 9th China BioMed Innovation and Investment Conference (CBIIC).The Phase Ia clinical trial of the second-generation GKA (HM-002-1005) was conducted in the United States in 40 subjects with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). This trial was randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose, focusing on safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. The second-generation GKA is a novel molecular entity with optimized physicochemical properties, holding new patents, and serving as the prodrug of dorzagliatin (HMS5552). This study designed for once-daily oral administration. Its aim is to extend the drug's action duration in the body through sustained-release technology, enhance patient compliance, and prolong the stimulation of GLP-1 secretion in the intestines.The Single Ascending Dose (SAD) study demonstrates that HM-002-1005 tablets can be rapidly converted to HMS5552 in the human body, with minimal exposure level of prodrug in both blood and urine. The t1/2 (biological half-life) after a single dose of HM-002-1005 tablets was prolonged compared to dorzagliatin tablets. The Cmax of HMS5552 in plasma after a 184.5mg single dose is comparable to the plasma concentration of HMS5552 after a 75mg single dose of dorzagliatin tablet; likewise, the daily AUC of HMS5552 in plasma after a single dose of HM-002-1005 tablets is comparable to the exposure level of HMS5552 after a 75mg BID dose of dorzagliatin tablets. The research indicates that HM-002-1005 tablets are near-completely converted to HMS5552 in human, and its pharmacokinetic characteristics support for once-daily oral administration. The development of HM-002-1005 tablets not only contributes to enhancing patient medication adherence and effectively control blood glucose levels within 24 hours; meanwhile, it also offers the opportunity to explore the Maximum Tolerated Dose above 150mg daily to achieve better efficacy. The 75 mg BID dose regiment was developed under the concept of Minimum Therapeutic Effective Dose in Chinese T2D patients who suffered from an impairment of insulin secretion and significant reduction of early phase insulin. The different disease characters of T2D with obesity in western patient population would benefit dorzagliatin from its effects on GLP-1 secretion and improvement of insulin sensitivity.With the confirmation that the exposure level of HM-002-1005 tablets at 184.5mg is comparable to dorzagliatin tablets at 75mg (BID), we will further optimize the dosage form followed by a Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) clinical development of the 2nd generation GKA in China and the United States.Dr. Li CHEN, founder and CEO of Hua Medicine, stated, 'Hua Medicine has always been committed to treating Type 2 diabetes at its root cause by restoring patients' ability to autonomously regulate blood glucose levels. Over the course of a decade, the Company has selected dosing and clinical research protocols that are safe and effective for the majority of Chinese diabetes patients, leading to the successful development of GKA and the clinical application of dorzagliatin. Building on this foundation, the Company will undergo a strategic upgrade by further exploring the therapeutic potential of GKA, enriching its product pipeline and seeking partners both domestically and internationally, in order to benefit a broader range of patients, expand into global markets, and effectively establish the brand identity of GKA medications while maximizing the commercial potential of our global first-in-class drugs.'About Hua MedicineHua Medicine (The 'Company') is an innovative drug development and commercialization company based in Shanghai, China, with companies in the United States and Hong Kong. Hua Medicine focuses on developing novel therapies for patients with unmet medical needs worldwide. Based on global resources, Hua Medicine teams up with global high-calibre people to develop breakthrough technologies and products, which contribute to innovation in diabetes care. Hua Medicine's cornerstone product HuaTangNing (Dorzagliatin tablets), targets the glucose sensor glucokinase, restores glucose sensitivity in T2D patients, and stabilizes imbalances in blood glucose levels in patients. HuaTangNing was approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China on September 30th, 2022. It can be used alone or in combination with metformin for adult T2D patients. For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), no dose adjustment is required. It is an oral hypoglycemic drug that can be used for patients with Type 2 diabetes with renal function impairment.For more informationHua MedicineWebsite: www.huamedicine.comInvestorsE-mail: ir@huamedicine.comMediaE-mail: pr@huamedicine.comSource: Hua MedicineCopyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. EQS Newswire / 02/12/2024 / 09:00 UTC+8 On the evening of Nov.29, Xiamen Xiangyu Co., Ltd. (stock code: 600057.SH) announced that its majority shareholder, Xiangyu Group, plans to fully acquire the outstanding debt claims held by the Company against Jiangsu Delong and its subsidiaries. The agreed transaction value amounts to 8.97 billion yuan. As of July 31, 2024, the outstanding balance of the company's debt claims against Jiangsu Delong was recorded at 8.97 billion yuan, with its assessed value being the same amount. Notably, as of the said date, with the market value of the collateral corresponding to these claims being in excess of the book value of the claims, the book value was adopted as the basis for the debt assessment. In accordance with the debt transfer agreement, the acquisition payment will be disbursed in three installments, and the payment terms structured subsequent to the effective date of the agreement. The announcement further emphasizes that the debt transfer is in line with the Company's continuous endeavors to optimize its asset structure andthis move will effectively safeguard the interests of the Company as well as all its shareholders, while not imposing a significant adverse impact on the Company's operations, management, or financial position. Furthermore, Xiamen Xiangyu simultaneously released three announcements. Specifically, the first one was regarding the withdrawal of its participation in the investment in Zhongwang Group's aluminum core assets and other restructured assets. The second one pertained to the appointment of a new chairman and legal representative. And the third one was regarding the approval granted by the Shanghai Stock Exchange for the application of private placement of stocks. Xiamen Xiangyu announced that, upon meticulous consideration of the feedback from relevant stakeholders and the subsequent revision of its investment and financing plans in accordance with the latest update, the Board of Directors has reached a resolution to call off the planned investment. It is worth noting that Xiangyu Group will persist in serving as the restructuring investor, acquiring and holding a controlling stake in the newly established Zhongwang Group, which will be structured around the aluminum core assets of the original Zhongwang Group. Xiangyu Group is further broadening its presence in the aluminum manufacturing industry. In the wake of the restructuring, the newly established Zhongwang Group could foster more industrial synergies and business collaborations with Xiamen Xiangyu. There is a strong potential for it to evolve into a new growth driver for the listed company within the aluminum supply chain. Regarding the stock private placement of Xiamen Xiangyu, its targeted investors are China Merchants Group, Shandong Port Group and Xiangyu Group. It intends to raise funds amounting to 3.22 billion yuan, which will be used to replenish working capital and repay debts. This can better meet the needs of daily capital turnover, strengthen the company's capital strength, enhance its ability to resist risks, and reduce financial risks and operational risks. By introducing China Merchants Group and Shandong Port Group as strategic investors, Xiamen Xiangyu can achieve complementary advantages. Through deepening the strategic cooperation between the two sides, mutual benefits and win-win cooperation can be achieved. Xiamen Xiangyu stands as a prominent leader in the realm of bulk supply chain services, with its primary focus on catering to manufacturing enterprises. The Company is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and integrated supply chain solutions that span a wide range of aspects,including the procurement of bulk raw materials, the distribution of finished products, logistics services, as well as information consulting. In its 2024 semi-annual report, the Company conceded that its operating performance has been affected as early as 2023. Nevertheless, it laid particular emphasis on the fact that its business model, centered around catering to manufacturing clients, has manifested strong self-correction capabilities and resilience in maintaining long-term development. Against the backdrop of the intensification of government macroeconomic controls and within a more stable and positive macroeconomic environment, Xiamen Xiangyu remains its confidence that, by continuously optimizing its product mix, customer base, and business portfolio, in conjunction with strengthening risk management, it will be able to navigate developmental bottlenecks and industry cyclicality, stabilize its business fundamentals, and revert to a path of of high-quality growth. 02/12/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com Spritzer's Head of Public Relations, Winnie Chin, accepting the Brand of the Year award under the national beverage division's Water Category during the recent World Branding Awards at the Tower of London LONDON, Dec 2, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Spritzer has once again demonstrated its dominance in the bottled water industry by being named "Brand of the Year" in the national beverage division's Water Category at the prestigious 2024?2025 World Branding Awards. The recognition marks Spritzer's 10th consecutive win at the global awards, a testament to the brand's enduring excellence in quality, branding, and consumer trust which further solidifies its position as Malaysia's leading mineral water brand.The accolade was awarded by the World Branding Forum (WBF), a global non-profit organization devoted to advancing branding standards worldwide, at the annual World Branding Awards event which recognizes exceptional global and national brands across various categories. Winners in each category were evaluated through a rigorous process involving brand valuation, market research, and online public voting, showcasing a holistic assessment of brand strength and consumer trust. Most importantly, as the award evaluation relies heavily on consumer voting?(70%), Spritzer's continued wins over the years demonstrates the brand's ability to consistently resonate with audiences and exceed customer expectations.Accepting the award on behalf of Spritzer during the awards ceremony held at the iconic Tower of London was Winnie Chin, Spritzer's Head of Public Relations, who acknowledged the profound significance of this milestone: "We are honoured to receive this award for the 10th year running. Our achievements would not be possible without the unwavering support of our consumers, whose steadfast loyalty has made the Spritzer brand a household name. We also extend our gratitude to our partners for their collaboration and support and especially to our dedicated team for their hard work and creativity that have made this journey possible. We are deeply humbled and motivated to continue elevating our brand to greater heights, to build on Spritzer's brand strength and commitment to excellence in all aspects of our company."The award is a milestone that recognises Spritzer as a benchmark for consistency and adaptability to maintain brand trust and address emerging consumer needs in the ever-evolving market landscape. The company's consistency, adaptability, and innovation have not only propelled it to the forefront of Malaysia's bottled water industry but have also established it as a benchmark for quality, sustainability and innovation on a global stage. Spritzer's decade-long winning streak at the awards exemplifies the brand's commitment to producing high-quality natural bottled water and its reputation as a consumer-preferred brand.Building on this monumental achievement, Spritzer reaffirms its commitment to quality assurance as it continues to deliver bottled water with natural benefits and premium standards. The brand emphasises its dedication to sustainability goals and innovation as it continues to focus on advancing efforts to become a circular brand by 2030, aligned with global environmental initiatives, while leveraging cutting-edge technologies to introduce consumer-focused solutions to meet emerging needs.For more details about Spritzer, please visit our website at https://www.spritzer.com.my/.About Spritzer:Established in 1989, Spritzer Group has been a pioneer in providing Malaysians with natural mineral water sourced from a 440-acre green rainforest. Committed to innovation, Spritzer Group leads the Malaysian bottled water industry through manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and sales of its diverse product line. From renowned natural mineral water to refreshing non-carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks, each product is carefully crafted to meet consumer needs.Comprising eight business subsidiaries, Spritzer Group specializes in the production and distribution of silica-rich natural mineral water, sparkling natural mineral water, distilled drinking water, carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks, and non-carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks.With over 30 years of experience, Spritzer Group is Malaysia's largest and only listed bottled water producer. For more information, please visit www.spritzer.com.my.Source: Spritzer BhdCopyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. TOKYO, Dec 2, 2024 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has received an order from Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation to install new equipment and modify existing equipment for the expansion of the existing maintenance shop at Taiwan High Speed Rail's (THSR) Zuoying depot in southern Taiwan. MHI will design, supply and install trackwork, overhead catenary system, power supply system, and signaling system.THSR plays a key role in Taiwan's transportation infrastructure. Its annual ridership has increased from around 15 million passengers during its inaugural year in 2007, to nearly 73 million in 2023, with the cumulative ridership to date now exceeding 800 million. To better serve this increasing demand, THSR is boosting its capacity by adding 12-car train sets and expanding the associated inspection and maintenance facilities which MHI will undertake. These upgrades will enable an increase in train car operations, which will further enhance transportation convenience across Taiwan and support its economic growth.The THSR project was initially awarded to a consortium of seven Japanese companies, including MHI, in 2000. Operations were inaugurated in January 2007. MHI's involvement continued with the Nangang Extension Project(Note) and subsequent system upgrade work, and the latest contract was awarded to MHI in recognition of these and other ongoing contributions to THSR's development.Going forward, MHI will continue contributing to the THSR's development through its expertise in transportation systems and project management capabilities, further enhancing Taiwan's transportation infrastructure.For details concerning the Nangang Extension Project, refer to the following news release: www.mhi.com/news/130624en.htmlAbout MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.Source: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Global dignitaries, policymakers, scientists and NGOs descend on Riyadh ahead of 'critical' UN meeting to restore land RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The largest-ever meeting of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is set to kick-off in Riyadh, with an action-packed agenda to drive multilateral action on land degradation, drought and desertification. Dignitaries, policymakers, global institutions, businesses, NGOs and key stakeholders are arriving in Saudi Arabia's capital ahead of a critical conference to accelerate global land restoration and drought resilience initiatives. Running from the 2nd to the 13th of December, the first few days of UNCCD COP16 are set to see a number of high-profile summits, ministerial dialogues, and announcements to address the pressing challenges associated with land degradation, degradation and drought. On December 2nd, Saudi Arabia's UNCCD Presidency will launch the groundbreaking Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Initiative, to accelerate international action on drought resilience, and ensure a more cohesive and proactive global approach to tackling drought. Bolstering global drought resilience is a focal point of COP16, and the high-level One Water Summit will take place in Riyadh on December 3rd to address global water scarcity and water challenges. Originally announced on the sidelines of COP28 in partnership with Saudi Arabia, the summit aims to enhance global water governance and will feature involvement from the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and the President of the World Bank Ajay Banga. In tandem, the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Forum (2-3 December) will include hundreds of policymakers, business leaders and subject matter experts from across the world in the dedicated SGI Pavilion in the COP16 Green Zone to explore the progress made by the SGI energy and environmental tracks, sharing best practices and future projections. The Second International Forum on Greening Technologies is also set to take place in the Green Zone between the 6-8 December, including dozens of tailored sessions to explore solutions, innovations, and lessons learned from global greening projects, alongside showcasing the scientific research associated with restoration projects around the world. "This is a critical moment to address land degradation, drought and desertification," said Dr. Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Advisor to the UNCCD COP16 Presidency. "For too long these devastating global crises have not received the attention they deserve on the international stage. As hosts, we welcome the world to Riyadh to help find lasting solutions. We will deliver the largest UNCCD COP to date, to mobilize multilateral action on land restoration and drought resilience," Dr. Faqeeha added. Saudi Arabia's COP16 Presidency is also set to strengthen the Action Agenda, by encouraging governments and non-state actors to champion initiatives that deliver lasting solutions for land degradation, desertification and drought. As part of the COP16 Presidency, Saudi Arabia intends to work with the champions of these initiatives to strengthen the synergies among them over the next two years. "The Action Agenda under COP16 sets out an ambitious vision and goals to harness the collective energies of non-state actors, including businesses, farmers, regions, cities, financial institutions, investors, civil society and indigenous people, to catalyse practical solutions and drive measurable progress towards the goals of the UNCCD," said Nigel Topping, Ambition Loop Founder and former UN Climate Change High-Level Champion at COP26. COP16 in Riyadh is the first UNCCD conference to be held in the Middle East region, the first to feature a Green Zone and the largest multilateral conference ever hosted by Saudi Arabia. According to the UNCCD, land degradation affects nearly 40% of the planet and impacts the lives of over 3.2 billion people. Every year 100 million hectares of land are degraded, with drought frequency and intensity increasing by nearly a third since 2000. About COP16 Riyadh The UNCCD COP16 conference is taking place from December 2-13, 2024, at Boulevard Riyadh 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. For more information about UNCCD COP16 or to register your interest in attending the Green Zone, please visit UNCCDCOP16.org Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2556588/5024165/UNCCD_COP16__Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cop16-to-begin-in-saudi-arabia-as-world-seeks-urgent-solutions-to-land-degradation-desertification-and-drought-302319381.html Bureau Veritas, a global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification services, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of The APP Group, a leading Australian Property and Infrastructure leader, as stated in its communication to the market on November 4th, 2024. The company is headquartered in Sydney and delivered revenues of 87 million in 2023. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241201814044/en/ Hinda Gharbi, CEO Bureau Veritas (Photo: Business Wire) This acquisition is in line with Bureau Veritas' LEAP 28 strategy to expand leadership in Buildings and Infrastructure, diversifying its portfolio and investing in an attractive regional market. It will strengthen the Group's Buildings and Infrastructure capabilities by adding significant project management assistance expertise to asset owners, as well as construction management, independent project verification and certification and benefiting from a leverageable regional scale. "I am delighted to welcome our new colleagues from The APP Group. This is a major step forward in the execution of our LEAP 28 strategy. The combined expertise of Bureau Veritas and The APP Group is not only strengthening our position in the Australian market but also providing us with a robust and sustainable platform to support B&I services growth in the wider Asia Pacific region," said Hinda Gharbi, Chief Executive Officer of Bureau Veritas. "Bringing a team of more than 500 employees and access to a pool of over 200 specialist sub-consultants, the integration of The APP Group nowestablishes our position as a partner of choice to government, infrastructure owners, large corporations and private companies." About Bureau Veritas Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for its customers' excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change. Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas' 83,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The company's technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability. Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the CAC 40 ESG, CAC Next 20, SBF 120 indices and is part of the CAC SBT 1.5 index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI. For more information, visit www.bureauveritas.com, and follow us on LinkedIn. About The APP Group The APP Group is a leader in Australian Property and Infrastructure, as a trusted partner, working together with clients and key stakeholders to create possibilities and shape progress for the organizations themselves and the communities they serve. Operating an integrated services model across the full asset capital investment lifecycle in the key sectors: Transport, Property, Social Infrastructure, Modern Methods of Construction, Energy Utilities and Defense Security. The APP Group team provide market leading service solutions, expertise and advice to help tackle Australia's most complex projects and challenges, backed by a 500 plus-strong nationwide team. For more information, visit www.app.com.au Our information is certified with blockchain technology. Check that this press release is genuine at www.wiztrust.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241201814044/en/ Contacts: ANALYST/INVESTOR CONTACTS Laurent Brunelle +33 (0)1 55 24 76 09 laurent.brunelle@bureauveritas.com Colin Verbrugghe +33 (0)1 55 24 77 80 colin.verbrugghe@bureauveritas.com Karine Ansart +33 (0)1 55 24 76 19 karine.ansart@bureauveritas.com MEDIA CONTACTS Anette Rey +33 (0)6 69 79 84 88 anette.rey@bureauveritas.com Martin Bovo +33 (0) 6 14 46 79 94 martin.bovo@bureauveritas.com CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. dollar strengthened against other major currencies in the Asian session on Monday.The U.S. dollar rose to 5-day highs of 1.0515 against the euro and 0.8854 against the Swiss franc, from Friday's closing quotes of 1.0575 and 0.8809, respectively.Against the pound and the yen, the greenback edged up to 1.2680 and 150.75 from last week's closing quotes of 1.2737 and 149.75, respectively.The greenback advanced to a 4-day high of 0.6490 against the Australian dollar, from Friday's closing value of 0.6510,Against the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars, the greenback edged up to 0.5890 and 1.4042 from last week's closing quotes of 0.5915 and 1.4002, respectively.If the greenback extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 1.03 against the euro, 0.89 against the franc, 1.24 against the pound, 155.00 against the yen, 0.63 against the aussie, 0.57 against the kiwi and 1.42 against the loonie.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. Highlights and Subsequent Events Another good quarter for shipping with TCE income Shipping Q3 2024 concluded at US$46,800 per available day and US$46,500 per calendar day (total). Avance Gas vessels deliveries commenced 1 November and a total of nine ships are expected to be delivered in time to receive Q3 dividends. The nine ships represent a share issuance of 14.4 million shares, increasing the total shares outstanding eligible for Q3 dividend from 132.3 million to 146.7 million. When all twelve ships are delivered, total shares outstanding will amount to 151.6 million. Declared a Q3 2024 cash dividend of US$0.42 per share, representing 100% payout ratio of Shipping NPAT. This amounts to US$61.6 million based on 146.7 million shares outstanding. BW Product Services generated a net accounting profit of US$58M in Q3, comprising a negative US$14.4M of realised trading result and US$85.8M of unrealised MtM gain from cargo and paper positions. The high accounting profit does not represent an immediate uplift to the Company's dividend capacity as it stems from MtM valuation of unrealised positions. BW LPG signed a new seven-year US$460M RCF at a competitive margin in Nov 2024 and voluntarily prepaid as well as cancelled the US$400M Facility in Oct 2024. Strategic fleet renewal with sale of 2007-bult BW Cedar, and purchase of 2019-built BW Kizoku. Financial Performance BW LPG Limited ("BW LPG", the "Company", NYSE ticker code: "BWLP", OSE ticker code: "BWLPG.OL") reported a Q3 2024 Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) of US$ 120 million, yielding an annualised return on equity of 30%. The Q3 profit attributable to equity holders of the company was US$ 105 million, and earnings per share was US$ 0.79. The Company's net leverage ratio was 21% in Q3 with available liquidity at US$ 750 million at the end of the quarter. Avance Gas vessel deliveries commenced 1 November and a total of nine ships are expected to be delivered in time with the right to receive Q3 dividend. The nine ships represent a share issuance of 14.4 million shares increasing total shares outstanding eligible for Q3 dividend from 132.3 million to 146.7 million. The Board has declared a cash dividend of US$ 0.42 per share, representing 100% payout ratio of Shipping NPAT and an annualised dividend yield of 14%. Total Q3 dividend amount to US$61.6 million based on 146.7 million shares outstanding. Commercial Performance Shipping - Q3 VLGC freight rates averaged US$ 46,800 per available day or US$ 46,500 per calendar day, with 98% fleet utilisation. Time Charter Equivalent (TCE) income was US$ 145.5 million for the quarter, and our India subsidiary contributed a stable TCE income of US$ 32.9 million for Q3. Product Services Product Services reported a US$ 71.7 million gross profit for Q3. After considering other expenses, comprising mainly of G&A and income tax expenses, Product Services reported a net profit after tax of US$ 58.5 million for the quarter. This accounting profit does not immediate uplift the Company's dividend capacity as it stems from MtM valuation of unrealised positions which will fluctuate and realise over time. Corporate Update With reference to the press release dated 19 November 2024, BW LPG announced a strategic fleet renewal, with the sale of 2007-built BW Cedar for further trading, and the exercise of a purchase option for 2019-built BW Kizoku. BW LPG's 52% owned subsidiary BW LPG India sold its 2007-built vessel BW Cedar for approximately US$65 million. On a 100% basis, the sale is expected to generate a net book gain of around US$33 million and about US$51 million in net cash after repayment of its existing bank loan. The vessel will be delivered to the new owners in Q1 2025. BW LPG also declared a purchase option for BW Kizoku, for a consideration of US$69.8 million, expected to be delivered in January 2025. Through these transactions, BW LPG are renewing its fleet by capitalizing on strong asset prices in the second-hand market for older vessels while acquiring a modern vessel at a competitive price translating to a new building equivalent of US$ mid-80 million. Please see press release for further information here: BW LPG Strategic fleet renewal with sale and purchase of Very Large Gas Carriers Market Update The third quarter of 2024 began on a challenging note for VLGC owners, as the Panama Canal normalized operations, putting sailing distances and VLGC utilization under pressure. Weather and technical issues also meant fluctuations in export volumes. This translated to volatility in spot rates, swinging as low as US$23,000/day and US$50,000 during the quarter. In the US, export volumes were negatively affected in July by Hurricane Beryl. Subsequently, exports rebounded in August. Towards the end of September however, one export terminal announced it had to close for unscheduled maintenance due to problems with their chilling capacity. This negatively impacted overall VLGC loadings in both September and October. These issues were eventually resolved, and going into November, all major US Gulf Coast export terminals were running at full capacity. Despite these challenges, LPG exports carried on VLGCs out of North America grew 6.7% in the third quarter, compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting the strong underlying trend in production and exports. The new locks in the Panama Canal are operating near full capacity, with the old locks increasing throughput as well. While this reduces fleet wide inefficiencies, LNG carriers and dry bulk vessels are also gradually returning to the canal, increasing the competition for transit slots. In the Middle East, OPEC+ announced in early November that the voluntary production cut would be extended to the end of December. The voluntary production cut contributed to LPG on exports on VLGCs only growing 0.6% for the third quarter compared to Q3 2023. Fleet Capacity Year-to-date, 20 new VLGC vessels have been delivered, and there are plans for the delivery of 2 more throughout the remaining months of 2024, and 13 VLGCs for delivery in 2025. Established shipbuilders are indicating deliveries no earlier than 2027 for new VLGC orders. VLGC Freight Market Outlook Following a quarter with disruptions in exports and volatility in rates, it is encouraging to note that LPG export terminals are again back to high levels of exports. Going forward, several terminal expansion projects in the US, are expected to support growth for North American LPG export growth in the high single-digits for the next three years. Middle East LPG exports are expected to grow in the mid-single digits over the coming years, driven by higher gas production from new projects in Qatar, UAE and other countries in the region. Furthermore, Chinese PDH plants are currently operating at above average run-rates, with 5 and 6 new PDH plants scheduled to start up in 2025 and 2026 respectively, supporting growth in LPG imports. The Houston-Chiba FFA market for CAL2025 is currently trading at ~US$ 40,000 per day, although with limited liquidity. The spot market is expected to fluctuate however, driven by weather changes, geopolitical situation, Panama Canal availability and other drivers of the VLGC market. Q3 2024 Earnings Presentation and Interim Financial Report Please see the attachments for the Q3 2024 Earnings Presentation and Interim Financial Report. BW LPG Q3 2024 Earnings Presentation - BW LPG Q3 2024 Interim Financial Report BW LPG will present its financial results at 14:00hrs CET today. The presentation will be hosted by Kristian Srensen (CEO) and Samantha Xu (CFO). The Presentation will be held live via Zoom. Please register at the link below: https://bit.ly/BWLPGQ32024EP A presentation recording will also be available after the event on the Company's website at: https://www.investor.bwlpg.com About BW LPG BW LPG is the world's leading owner and operator of LPG vessels, owning and operating Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGC) with a total carrying capacity of over 3 million CBM. With five decades of operating experience in LPG shipping, an in-house LPG trading division and a growing presence in LPG terminal infrastructure and distribution, BW LPG offers an integrated, flexible, and reliable service to customers along the LPG value chain. More information about BW LPG can be found at www.bwlpg.com BW LPG is associated with BW Group, a leading global maritime company involved in shipping, floating infrastructure, deepwater oil gas production, and new sustainable technologies. Founded in 1955 by Sir YK Pao, BW controls a fleet of over 450 vessels transporting oil, gas and dry commodities, with its 200 LNG and LPG ships constituting the largest gas fleet in the world. In the renewables space, the group has investments in solar, wind, batteries, biofuels and water treatment. This information is subject to disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241201497188/en/ Contacts: For further information, please contact: Kristian Srensen, CEO Samantha Xu, CFO E-mail: investor.relations@bwlpg.com Zentek Ltd. ("Zentek" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:ZTEK)(TSX-V:ZEN), an intellectual property development and commercialization company, announces its decision that its ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filters will be added under the company's existing medical device establishment licence ("MDEL"), similar to ZenGUARD Surgical Masks. Initial test work and validation began on ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filters in early 2021, culminating in the award of an Innovative Solutions Canada ("ISC") Testing Stream. The purpose of the ISC Testing Stream - The Government of Canada contract awarded in 2021 - was to determine whether ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filters could achieve a significant net reduction in airborne respiratory pathogens, thereby validating it as an effective device to mitigate the transmission of disease. Independent proof-of-concept testing and validation was completed by the National Research Council of Canada in their unique bioaerosol facility, a purpose-built modular room intended to simulate the risk of infection in a real-world classroom environment. LMS Technologies Inc. was subsequently contracted to test ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filter finished products and reported an average viral filtration efficiency ("VFE") enhancement of ~66% compared to an untreated filter, or an average ~67% VFE under simulated operating conditions over 6 months with negligible change in pressure drop. This extensive testing program was conducted over the course of approximately two years and successfully demonstrated that ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filters can achieve a significant reduction in airborne respiratory pathogens to help mitigate the transmission of disease indoors. To further validate this, the Company completed a study with ParticleOne, a RWDI Ventures company. ParticleOne's computational model showcased ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filter's viral filtration action, effectively reducing the spread of viral pathogens and enhancing indoor safety. It also demonstrated potential cost savings from absenteeism related to poor indoor air quality. Quality Management System Prior to distributing and selling an additional medical device in Canada, certain testing, process updates and additional documentation related to the Company's supply chain will be required to qualify ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filters as a medical device under its MDEL and ensure compliance with its ISO 13485:2016 Quality Management System. While this process will take additional time and resources, the Company expects it to be significantly less than that required under the previous pathway to market being pursued. "ZenGUARD Enhanced Air Filters will offer a safe and effective way to help prevent the transmission of disease indoors without increasing energy consumption and emissions. This unique value proposition was borne out of an ask from the Government of Canada's Innovation Science and Economic Development agency - and we look forward to fulfilling that ask and helping many others in Canada with a safe and effective technology," said Greg Fenton, CEO of Zentek. Management Changes The Company also announces that Nick Hansford, Vice President, Strategy and Product Development, and member of the Zentek management team, has left the company to pursue other opportunities. About Zentek Ltd. Zentek is an ISO 13485:2016 certified intellectual property technology company focused on the research, development and commercialization of novel products seeking to give the Company's commercial partners a competitive advantage by making their products better, safer, and greener. Zentek's patented technology platform ZenGUARD is shown to have enhanced viral filtration efficiency for surgical masks and aims to do the same for HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. Zentek's ZenGUARD production facility is in Guelph, Ontario. For further information on Zentek: investorrelations@zentek.com Ryan Shacklock Senior VP, Strategy & Business Development Email: rshacklock@zentek.com Phone: 306-270-9610 To find out more about Zentek, please visit our website at www.Zentek.com. A copy of this news release and all material documents in respect of the Company may be obtained on Zentek's SEDAR+ profile at http://www.sedarplus.ca/. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although Zentek believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Zentek disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. 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: Zentek View the original press release on accesswire.com EQT and GIC to acquire a majority stake in Calisen Calisen is a leading independent provider of smart meters and energy transition infrastructure in the UK, whose purpose is to accelerate the development of a cleaner, more efficient and sustainable energy sector. Long-term investment by EQT and GIC to support Calisen's growth ambitions in the UK smart meter market and abroad, as well as expansion into adjacent sectors. STOCKHOLM, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The EQT Active Core Infrastructure fund ("EQT") and GIC, a leading global investor, are pleased to announce an agreement to jointly acquire a majority stake in Calisen Group ("Calisen" or "the Company") from funds managed by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock, the Infrastructure business of Goldman Sachs Alternatives and Mubadala Investment Company. Equitix will remain a minority investor. Headquartered in Manchester, Calisen is a leading independent owner and manager of essential energy infrastructure assets. The Company is a provider of smart meters, electric vehicle charging, solar and battery, and heat pump installation, meter reading, maintenance and ancillary services, whose purpose is to accelerate the development of a cleaner, more efficient and sustainable energy sector. Operating under long-term contracts, Calisen has firmly established itself as a provider of choice in the UK thanks to its scale, operational excellence, and strong customer relationships. With an installed base of approximately 16 million meters, it is well-positioned to capitalize on market trends underpinned by the continued energy transition. The roll-out of smart meters is expected to continue to increase due to a supportive regulatory framework towards net zero as well as demand from energy suppliers and customers to support energy efficiency and the balancing of the electricity grid. EQT and GIC will support Calisen's long-term prospects by driving the continued rollout of its energy transition-related assets, including smart meters, heat pumps and renewable energy systems, both in the UK and abroad. It will also explore expanding into adjacent sectors, such as smart water metering. Kunal Koya, Partner in EQT Active Core Infrastructure's Advisory Team, said: "Calisen is an exciting investment opportunity, combining significant downside protection and cash flow visibility with tangible upside potential. Its critical role in the UK's energy transition aligns perfectly with EQT's commitment to investing in essential infrastructure that contributes to a more sustainable future. We look forward to partnering with management and GIC to embark on Calisen's next phase of growth." Ang Eng Seng, Chief Investment Officer, Infrastructure, GIC remarked: "We are pleased to be investing in Calisen, a high-quality business with a strong market position and good sector tailwinds. Through its integrated business model, Calisen owns, installs, reads and maintains the meters throughout their useful life. With its steady cash flows and long-term contracts, we are confident in Calisen's growth potential as a core infrastructure investment." George Kay, Head of Infrastructure, Europe at GIC, commented: "Smart meters have a crucial role to play in the energy transition. Whilst they are installed at the consumer's home, they create value across the supply chain. Consumers can track their consumption and potentially lower their bills through access to different tariffs, while suppliers and grid operators can save costs. Our investment will support the roll out of meters across the UK and we look forward to working with management, EQT and Equitix to grow the business for the long term." Sean Latus, CEO of Calisen, said: "I am delighted to welcome EQT and GIC as new long-term majority owners of the business alongside our continuing investor. Calisen plays an active role in the decarbonisation of the UK economy, a position we intend to strengthen with the support of all of our shareholders. EQT and GIC's experience in the energy sector will be invaluable as we look to leverage our scale and customer relationships to significantly expand our smart meter portfolio and replicate our success in adjacent areas." The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions including regulatory approvals. Contact EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com GIC, Samantha Chiene, SamanthaChiene@gic.com.sg This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com. https://news.cision.com/eqt/r/eqt-and-gic-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-calisen--a-leading-independent-smart-metering-company-in-th,c4074086 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/87/4074086/3145248.pdf PR_EQT and GIC to acquire majority stake in Calisen, a leading independent smart metering company in the UK https://news.cision.com/eqt/i/calisen,c3356833 Calisen View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/eqt-and-gic-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-calisen-a-leading-independent-smart-metering-company-in-the-uk-302319543.html WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - U.S. Navy destroyers have repelled a series of attacks by Houthi militants in the Gulf of Aden at the weekend.USS Stockdale and USS O'Kane successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden on Saturday and Sunday, the U.S. Central Command said in a press release.The missile destroyers were escorting three U.S. merchant vessels along the volatile sea trade route.'The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), three one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems,' Centcom said.It noted that the attacks did not cause any injuries or damage to any vessels, their crews or civilians.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) - President Biden has embarked on a three-day visit of Angola.'He will highlight the transformation and deepening of the U.S.-Angola relationship and will also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening our partnerships across Africa,' the White House said ahead of his travel.It marks the first visit of a U.S. president to Africa in nearly a decade, since 2015, and also the first-ever visit by a sitting U.S. president to Angola.During the three-day tour beginning on Monday, Biden will meet with his Angolan counterpart, President Joao Lourenco, in capital Luanda.The U.S. and Angola will announce a new global health security partnership to strengthen capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease, SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL said at a news conference.'The President will be highlighting how since January 2021, U.S. departments and agencies in the Prosper Africa Initiative have closed 12 deals in Angola with a combined value of $6.9 billion. He will share how the U.S. government is making important investments to increase access to nutritious food, strengthen agribusiness, and increase food storage capacity in the country,' the official told reporters.Together, the U.S. and Angola are working closely to expand impactful, high-standard economic opportunities and improve regional peace and security.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. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The police and protesters have clashed in several cities in Georgia as demonstrations continue in the country over the government's decision to postpone talks on accession to the European Union.Georgia's pro-Russian ruling Georgian Dream party claimed victory in the elections held to the parliament in October, but opposition lawmakers are boycotting the new 150-member supreme national legislature, alleging fraud.The country's President Salome Zurabishvili declared the results 'unconstitutional,' calling them as rigged.The European Parliament on Thursday passed a resolution rejecting the elections and calling for them to be re-run within a year, with the process conducted in an improved electoral environment by an independent and impartial election administration.It called for an independent international investigation into the allegations of extensive electoral manipulation.Close on the heels of it, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze 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.'Kobakhidze's announcement evoked nationwide protests.Rot police used water cannons to disperse tens of thousands of protesters who hurled crackers at the parliament building Sunday night.Kobakhidze said on Sunday that his government has not suspended any accession talks with the European Commission. He rejected calls for new elections.Georgia's ambassador to the U.S., David Zalkaliani, has resigned.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX The "Finland Existing Upcoming Data Center Portfolio" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The upcoming data center capacity in Finland is over 170 MW on full build, which is almost two times the country's current existing capacity. Helsinki, Vantaa, and Kajaani dominate existing data center capacity in Finland. Around 60% of the upcoming capacity is concentrated in Kouvola and Helsinki. Key Market Highlights: This database (Excel) product covers the Finland data center market portfolio analysis, which will provide the following information on the colocation data centers: Detailed Analysis of 20 existing data centers Detailed Analysis of 4 upcoming data centers Locations covered: Espoo, Helsinki, Kajaani, Kouvola, Oulu, Pori, Tampere, Turku, Vantaa. Existing white-floor space (square feet) Upcoming white-floor space (square feet) Current IT load capacity (2023) Future capacity additions (2024-2028) Retail Colocation Pricing Quarter Rack (1/4) Half Rack Cabinets (1/2) Full Rack Cabinet (42U/45U/47U/etc.) Wholesale colocation (per kW) pricing Existing Data Centers (20 Facilities): Market Snapshot Location (Region/Country/City) Facility Address Operator/Owner Name Data Center Name, i.e., (Tapiola Data Center or Raisio Data Center.) Core Shell Area (White-Floor Area) Core Shell Power Capacity (IT Load Capacity) Rack Capacity Year of Operations Design Standards (Tier I IV) Power/Cooling Redundancy Upcoming Data Centers (4 Facilities): Investment Snapshot Location (Region/Country/City) Investor Name Area (White-Floor Area) Power Capacity (IT Load Capacity) Investment ($ Million) Electrical Infrastructure Investment ($ Million) Mechanical Infrastructure Investment ($ Million) General Construction Services Investment ($ Million) Announcement Year Project Status (Opened/Under Construction/Announced Planned) Active or Expected Year of Opening Target Audience: Data center Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) Data center Construction Contractors Data center Infrastructure Providers New Entrants Consultants/Consultancies/Advisory Firms Corporate and government agencies Key Topics Covered: About the Database Scope Assumptions Definitions Snapshot: Existing Upcoming Data Center Facility Existing Data Center Database Upcoming Data Center Facility Existing vs Upcoming Capacity (Infographics) Colocation Pricing Explore the Comprehensive Portfolio Investors/Operators Covered atNorth Creanova Datacenter Datalahti Digita Elisa Equinix Ficolo Herman IT Hetzner Hyperco Mediam Oulun DataCenter (GleSYS) STORESPEED Telia Finland For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xjad7x About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241202082715/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 The QKS Group SPARK Matrix provides competitive analysis and ranking of the leading Finance, Accounting and BPO 2024 vendors. Tech Mahindra received strong ratings across the parameters of technology excellence and customer impact. MIDDLETON, Mass., Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- QKS Group has named Tech Mahindra, a leading global provider of technology consulting and digital solutions to enterprises across industries, a technology leader in its 2024 SPARK Matrix analysis of the Finance, Accounting and BPO 2024 market. The QKS Group SPARK Matrix evaluates vendors based on technology excellence and customer impact. It offers an in-depth analysis of global market dynamics, significant trends, vendor landscapes, and competitive positioning. By providing competitive analysis and ranking of leading technology vendors, the SPARK Matrix delivers strategic insights that help users access provider capabilities, differentiate competitively, and understand market positions. Birendra Sen, President, Business Process Services, Tech Mahindra, said "The finance function is evolving rapidly, with CFOs seeking innovative solutions to drive efficiency and strategic decision-making. Our integrated offering across the end-to-end F&A value chain is well in sync with the market & client requirements. With GenAI, Smart Analytics & Automation, and Product Development with AceFin 3.0, alongside a robust partner ecosystem, we empower CFOs to transform their operations-cementing our position as a trusted leader in finance transformation." Tech Mahindra was chosen as a leader in the 2024 SPARK Matrix Finance, Accounting and BPO 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 Finance, Accounting and BPO, 2024 as "Finance and Accounting (F&A) Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) refers to the practice of outsourcing financial and accounting functions to a third-party service provider with an emphasis on enhancing efficiency through the adoption of hyper-automation enabling technologies. It covers the management of the entire accounting process, offering users a comprehensive and technologically advanced approach to financial management and reporting, thereby encouraging the digitalization of finance". Siddharth Kumar, Senior Analyst at QKS Group, said, "Tech Mahindra leverages deep expertise in Finance, Accounting, and BPO services to drive operational excellence and deliver tailored financial solutions, helping clients streamline their finance and accounting functions with a blend of technology and deep domain insights. Tech Mahindra's finance and accounting BPO services empower organizations to achieve enhanced efficiency, regulatory compliance, and cost-effectiveness, enabling strategic focus on growth and innovation. The company is consistently driving innovation and excellence within the Finance, Accounting, and BPO operations through strategic investments and the integration of cutting-edge technologies." Additional Resources: For more information about Tech Mahindra BPS SPARK Matrix: Finance, Accounting and BPO, 2024 About Tech Mahindra: Tech Mahindra offers technology consulting and digital solutions to global enterprises across industries, enabling transformative scale at unparalleled speed. With 150,000+ professionals across 90+ countries helping 1100+ clients, Tech Mahindra provides a full spectrum of services including consulting, information technology, enterprise applications, business process services, engineering services, network services, customer experience & design, AI & analytics, and cloud & infrastructure services. It is the first Indian company in the world to have been awarded the Sustainable Markets Initiative's Terra Carta Seal, which recognizes global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and nature-positive future. Tech Mahindra is part of the Mahindra Group, founded in 1945, one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies. For more information on how TechM can partner with you to meet your Scale at Speed imperatives, please visit https://www.techmahindra.com Our Social Media Channels Facebook | X | LinkedIn | YouTube For more information on Tech Mahindra, please contact: Abhilasha Gupta, Head - Global Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, Tech Mahindra Email: Abhilasha.Gupta@TechMahindra.com; media.relations@techmahindra.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 for helping 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/tech-mahindra-positioned-as-the-leader-in-the-2024-spark-matrix-for-finance-accounting-and-bpo-2024-by-qks-group-886 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/tech-mahindra-positioned-as-the-leader-in-the-2024-spark-matrix-for-finance-accounting-and-bpo-2024-by-qks-group-302319566.html Nitches Inc. (OTC PINK:NICH), with its strategic collaboration with InTheZone Labs, a leader in innovative health solutions, is pleased to announce significant advancements within its subsidiary. These developments include the launch of a dedicated YouTube channel featuring in-depth, podcast-style product videos, ingredients based deep dives, and the expansion of affiliate marketing creative through and for affiliate programs like ShareASale and Awin networks. Engaging Consumers Through Multimedia Content Recognizing the growing consumer preference for video content, InTheZone Labs has introduced a YouTube channel that offers comprehensive discussions on each product. These podcast-style videos are also embedded on the InTheZone Labs Products Page, providing potential customers with detailed insights into product benefits and applications. The videos are embedded on the products page but also easily accessible on YouTube as well. Expansion of Affiliate Marketing Programs InTheZone Labs is actively enhancing its affiliate marketing efforts by partnering with leading networks such as ShareASale and Awin. New affiliates are encouraged to join the program to promote InTheZone's products, with a suite of marketing materials being developed to support their efforts. This initiative aligns with the company's commitment to "Get In The Zone for 2025," aiming to broaden product reach and consumer engagement. For individuals interested in learning more about the products and the ingredients, we encourage them to look at the videos to understand from an entertaining perspective. Ongoing Website and Social Media Enhancements The company is undertaking continuous updates to its website and social media platforms to improve user experience and provide timely information. These enhancements are part of a broader strategy to keep stakeholders informed about product developments and company news. New photography, videography and marketing updates are happening daily for our push to get people to Get InTheZone for 2025. Upcoming Announcements on Phase One Testing InTheZone Labs is preparing to release detailed results from its Phase One Testing in the beginning of December . These findings are expected to provide valuable insights into product efficacy and consumer satisfaction, reinforcing the company's dedication to transparency and quality. Our different key groups have been giving some preliminary updates that have been favorable. Our team is currently working with the team leads to get the science articulated right. Addressing Consumer Needs with Scientifically-Backed Solutions InTheZone Labs remains committed to meeting the specific needs of its diverse consumer base. For parents seeking safe, natural, and high-quality cognitive support for their children, InTheZone Focused Youth offers a stimulant-free solution. Professionals and adults requiring enhanced focus and mental clarity can benefit from InTheZone Focused, designed to support sustained cognitive performance. Positioning for Growth in the Nutraceutical Market The global nutraceuticals market is experiencing robust growth, with projections estimating an increase from USD 457.35 billion in 2024 to USD 976.74 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 9.95% during the forecast period. Nitches Inc. is strategically positioning InTheZone Labs to capitalize on this expanding market by aligning product offerings with consumer demand for health-promoting supplements. About Nitches Inc. Nitches Inc. is dedicated to developing innovative health solutions that enhance the well-being of its customers. Through its subsidiary, InTheZone Labs, the company offers a range of scientifically-formulated supplements designed to support cognitive function, vitality, and overall health. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated due to various factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Contact Information For more information, please visit InTheZone Labs or contact: FDA Disclaimer These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. View the original press release on accesswire.com HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 2, 2024 / EON Resources Inc. (NYSE American:EONR) ("EON" or the "Company") is an independent upstream energy company with oil and gas properties in the Permian Basin. Today, the Company announces the signing of a non-binding Letter of Intent with Enstream Capital Management, LLC ("ECM") for $22.5 million of well completion funding ("WCF"). The Company anticipates using the WCF for the development of 45 wells using low-cost workovers on the Company's 13,700 leasehold acres in Eddy County, New Mexico (the "Property"). The Company also plans to use the funds for the acquisition of an Overriding Royalty Interest in the Property. The Company looks for key attributes of the WCF to include: Structured similar to a term overriding royalty interest to ECM and is considered neither debt nor equity. Provides asset-level funding to the Company enabling conversion of oil and gas "behind pipe" and lower-risk, proved undeveloped reserves into production. Placement of revenue attributable to ECM's interest into an escrow, then drawn monthly by the Company based upon, and to be used for, an agreed development plan under certain criteria. Increases the Company's producing reserves, business profitability, bank collateral and value, and balance sheet strength without diluting Company equity. EON and ECM view their relationship as a long-term opportunity to provide funding for multi-phase and multi-year development of the Property with minimal capital outlays by the Company. The details of the proposed production sharing arrangement proposed with ECM are confidential presently, but the Company's objectives will be to cause improvements in production, increase revenues, net cash flow and recoverable reserves over the next 12 months, with a goal to increase gross oil production by 1000 BOPD to 2000 BOPD. EON has substantial development prospects to pursue follow-on identified development phases, with over one billion barrels of original oil in place under its 13,700 contiguous acreage and 549 wells on its leases. "We expect to complete this transaction to begin production in the first quarter of 2025, and start having a positive impact on EON's financial condition in 2025 and for many years to come," said Dante Caravaggio, CEO and President of EON. On November 18, 2024, EON announced its results for the third quarter of 2024 and posted its updated investor deck on its website. The company will hold its annual meeting on December 10, 2024. About Enstream Capital Management, LLC ECM is a Dallas based energy merchant banking firm that provides asset-level funding to enable oil and gas operators to convert lower risk, proven non-producing and undeveloped reserves into production and for other linked special situations. Since 2006, the firm has executed over $1 billon of investment banking services on behalf of energy clients. For more information on ECM, please visit the ECM's website: https://ecmtx.com About the Oil Field Property In November 2023, the Company acquired LH Operating, LLC ("LHO") including its holdings in New Mexico of oil and gas waterflood production comprising 13,700 contiguous leasehold acres, 342 producing wells and 207 injection wells situated on 20 federal and 3 state leases in the Grayburg-Jackson Oil Field. The Grayburg-Jackson Oil Field is located on the Northwest Shelf of the prolific Permian Basin in Eddy County, New Mexico. Leasehold rights of LHO, now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, include the Seven Rivers, Queen, Grayburg and San Andres intervals that range from as shallow as 1,500 feet to 4,000 feet in depth. The December 2023 reserve report from our third-party engineer, William H. Cobb and Associates, Inc. ("Cobb"), reflects LHO to have proven reserves of approximately 15.4 million barrels of oil and 3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The mapped original-oil-in-place ("OOIP") in the LHO leasehold is approximately 876 million barrels of oil in the Grayburg and San Andres intervals and 80 million barrels in the Seven Rivers interval for a total OOIP of approximately 956,000,000 barrels of oil. Our primary production is currently from the Seven Rivers zone. In addition to proven reserves, the Company believes it may access an additional 34 million barrels of oil by adding perforations in the Grayburg and San Andres formations. With proven oil reserves of over 15 million barrels, combined with the potential 34 million additional barrels from the Grayburg and San Andres zones, LHO should produce oil and a revenue stream for more than two decades with a low decline rate. About EON Resources Inc. EON is an independent upstream energy company focused on maximizing total returns to its shareholders through the development of onshore oil and natural gas properties in the United States. EON's long-term goal is to maximize total shareholder value from a diversified portfolio of long-life oil and natural gas properties built through acquisition and through selective development, production enhancement, and other exploitation efforts on its oil and natural gas properties. EON's Class A Common Stock trades on the NYSE American Stock Exchange (NYSE American:EONR) and the Company's public warrants trade on the NYSE American Stock Exchange (NYSE American:EONR WS). For more information on EON, please visit the Company's website: https://eon-r.com/ Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expected. Words such as "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "seeks," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "should" and variations and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or future results, based on currently available information and reflect the Company's management's current beliefs. A number of factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the events and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors - including the availability of funds, the results of financing efforts and the risks relating to our business - that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on EDGAR (see www.edgar-online.com) and with the Securities and Exchange Commission (see www.sec.gov). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Other Considerations and Disclaimers The consummation of the transaction is subject to execution by both parties of a definitive agreement, and the Company cannot make assurances that such an agreement will be executed. Contact Information Michael J. Porter Investor Relations - President, PORTER, LEVAY & ROSE, INC. mike@plrinvest.com SOURCE: EON Resources Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com A large Reduced Intrusion-Related Gold System (RIRGS) has been confirmed and extended at the May-Qu target within the Mid-Cretaceous, Tombstone suite, Bos Stock. This RIRGS system is 22 km from the Blackjack deposit area within the contiguous 431 square kilometre, road accessible RC Gold property. Surface sampling of sheeted quartz veins within the intrusion returned values up to 31.7 g/t Au , and extends the zone of sheeted quartz veins to over 400 m wide. , and extends the zone of sheeted quartz veins to over 400 m wide. Gold mineralization was also confirmed at the Mahtin RIRGS target, located 17 km north of May-Qu within the Sprague Stock, with samples returning up to 11.05 g/t Au. Prospecting, mapping and soil sampling at the Alp target suggest the area may host an undiscovered, buried Tombstone Suite intrusion. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 2, 2024) - Sitka Gold Corp. (TSXV: SIG) (FSE: 1RF) (OTCQB: SITKF) ("Sitka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that assays from surface rock samples obtained during a regional sampling program have returned up to 31.7 g/t gold at the May-Qu target, located in the south-east of the RC Gold Project ("RC Gold" or the "Project") in Yukon. The May-Qu is a reduced intrusion-related gold deposit target located 22 kms east of the Blackjack Gold Deposit. Regional sampling also returned up to 11.05 g/t gold at the Mahtin target, another reduced intrusion-related gold deposit target located 17 kilometres north of May-Qu (see Figures 1, 2 and 4). The Company is currently awaiting assay results from the last six diamond drill holes of the 2024 exploration program at RC Gold totalling 2,774 metres, with two holes from the Pukelman target and four holes from the Blackjack target areas. Figure 1. A map of the RC Property showing the reduced intrusion-related gold systems at May-Qu and confirmed gold mineralization at Mahtin. Surface exploration results at the Alp target area suggest an undiscovered, buried Tombstone Suite intrusion may be present. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/232119_1386898e343e2b89_001full.jpg "We are very encouraged by the significant results generated from our systematic regional exploration efforts at RC Gold this season which culminated in the identification of another large reduced intrusion-related gold system at May-Qu and newly defined drill targets at both May-Qu and Mahtin, located on the eastern portion of our 431 square kilometres claim block at RC Gold", commented Cor Coe, CEO, Director and Founder of Sitka. "Results from surface sampling of sheeted quartz veins at May-Qu returned strong gold values of up to 31.7 g/t gold and extended this zone of sheeted quartz veins to over 400 metres wide, further highlighting the scale and fertility of this district-scale land package. While our focus has primarily been within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex and the Blackjack gold deposit area, approximately 22 kilometres to the northwest, the positive results of this regional exploration program indicate impressive, widespread gold mineralization is present across this largely-underexplored property, where 11 intrusions with associated gold mineralization have been identified to date. We look forward to additional follow-up at these targets as part of our largest ever work program at RC Gold, where up to 30,000 metres of diamond drilling are planned for 2025." The rock samples were collected as part of targeted prospecting, mapping, and soil sampling program completed during the 2024 exploration program that covered prospective geology located on the eastern half of the 431 square kilometre contiguous RC Gold property. This work followed up on a significant amount of historical early stage exploration work completed over the last 40 years, including 4,177 line kilometres of airborne geophysical surveying, 277 line kilometres of LiDAR surveying, various small ground geophysical surveys and the collection of 18,180 soil samples and limited exploratory drilling. Most of the historical work within the east portion of the Project focused on skarn-style mineralization on the periphery of two intrusions, the Sprague Creek and Bos stocks (the Mahtin and May-Qu zones respectively), both averaging about 5 square kilometres in size. This historical work returned grab rock samples containing gold values ranging from detection limit up to 9.2 g/t gold, but less attention was paid to the significant potential for reduced intrusion-related gold mineralization within the stocks themselves. Analysis of the historical data by the Sitka Gold technical team has resulted in the identification of drill targets at the Mahtin and May-Qu zones as well as at least 16 other highly prospective exploration targets to follow up on (see Figure 1). The 2024 exploration work on the eastern Project area consisted of the collection of 845 soil samples from two separate grids (May-Qu and Alp) and the collection of 55 rock samples from the May-Qu, Mahtin and Alp target areas (see Figures 1 - 5). Overall, individual samples ranged from trace to 31.7 g/t Au with 7 of the 55 samples returning values over 1 g/t gold. Several samples from the target areas also had variably enriched silver (up to 585 g/t Ag), copper (up to 0.82% Cu), and/or base metal values (>1% Pb and/or Zn). May-Qu This summer, geologic mapping and prospecting were conducted on the MayQu target area with a primary purpose of evaluating the Bos Stock for the potential to host RIRG style mineralization and assess areas of anomalous gold in soils on the western margin of the intrusion. A total of 36 samples were collected with results ranging from trace to 31.7 g/t gold (see Figure 2.); the most significant samples were collected along a NE trending ridgeline on the SE margin of the Bos Stock. Six samples over a 480 metre area along the ridgeline returned 0.372 - 31.7 g/t Au with three samples returning >1 g/t gold. The mineralization occurs with steeply dipping E-W to NNE trending zones of sheeted quartz veins (see Figure 3) with disseminated pyrite - arsenopyrite - chalcopyrite mineralization within a granodiorite intrusion, and is associated with strongly elevated As, Bi, Cu, & Te. Additional zones of sheeted veining were noted approximately 1500 metres north and within / adjacent to the Bos Stock and two samples returned anomalous values of 1.08 and 0.94 g/t gold. Figure 2. A map showing the location of 2024 rock samples from the May-Qu area including samples up to 31.7 g/t Au. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/232119_1386898e343e2b89_002full.jpg Figure 3. Images from the May-Qu target at the Bos Stock showing a) sheeted limonite+arsenopyrite fractures/veinlets (up slope from sample ST215311: 31.7 g/t Au), b) sheeted quartz+arsenopyrite veins (sample ST215312: 6.23 g/t Au), c) Sheeted quartz-arsenopyrite veins and limonite coated fractures (up slope from sample ST215311: 31.7 g/t Au), d) sheeted quartz+arsenopyrite veins within the quartz monzonite of the Bos Stock (up slope from sample ST215311: 31.7 g/t Au). This zone of sheeted quartz veins has now been extended to over 400 metres in width. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/232119_1386898e343e2b89_003full.jpg Mahtin During 2024, mapping and prospecting were conducted on the Mahtin target area with a primary purpose of evaluating the Sprague Stock for the potential to host RIRG style mineralization and assess areas of anomalous gold in soils on un/under explored portions of the system. A total of 12 samples were collected and returned values from trace to 11.05 g/t gold (see Figure 4). In general, alteration and mineralization consisted of small calc-silicate skarn occurrences on the margins of the intrusion and only minor zones of sheeted quartz veining / fracturing were noted within the intrusion. Two samples returned anomalous values. One consisted of a subcrop of calc-silicate skarn with disseminated pyrite-chalcopyrite-arsenopyrite that returned 11.05 g/t gold, and the second was from a boulder with iron-oxide rich fractures and a 4 cm quartz vein in granodiorite that returned 0.38 g/t gold. Figure 4. A map showing the location of the 2024 rock samples from the Mahtin area including samples up to 11.05 g/t Au. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/232119_1386898e343e2b89_004full.jpg Alp Target Geologic mapping and prospecting were conducted in the Alp target area during 2024 with a primary purpose of assessing areas of anomalous gold in soils. A total of 7 rock samples were collected and returned values from trace to 0.13 g/t Au. A total of 298 grid soil samples were also collected in the area to infill a gap within the historical grid (see Figure 5). Individual soil samples returned from trace to 148.2 ppb Au with 12 samples returning >30 ppb Au. The gold in soils is coincident with strongly anomalous arsenic, bismuth, and tellurium, which is typical of intrusion-related gold systems, and forms a NW trending zone over 850 m in length. Analysis of this soil sampling, coupled with geological mapping and prospecting results, suggest that the area may be host to an as yet undiscovered, buried Tombstone Suite intrusion. Figure 5. A map showing the location and results of 2024 rock and soil samples from the Alp target area. Analysis of the soil sampling, coupled with geological mapping and prospecting results, suggest that the area may be host to an as yet undiscovered, buried Tombstone Suite intrusion. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/232119_1386898e343e2b89_005full.jpg Quality Assurance / Quality Control Soil samples were prepared at Bureau Veritas preparation facility in Whitehorse using the SS80 preparation method. Prepared samples were shipped to the Bureau Veritas facility in Vancouver and analyzed by the AQ201+U method. Rock samples were prepared at the ALS Global analytical facility in Whitehorse analyzed using the PREP31 method. Prepared material was shipped to the ALS facility in North Vancouver and analyzed by the ME-ICP41 and the Au-ICP22 methods. Rock samples were "Grab Samples" and thus do not imply any thickness or areal extent of mineralization. Both Bureau Veritas and ALS Global are ISO 17025:2005 certified facilities that employ rigorous internal QA-QC procedures. About the flagship RC Gold Project The RC Gold Project consists of a 431 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City, which has a 5,000 foot paved runway, and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway which is usable year-round and is an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson City. It is the largest consolidated land package strategically positioned mid-way between the Eagle Gold Mine and the past producing Brewery Creek Gold Mine. On January 19, 2023 Sitka Gold announced an Initial Mineral Resource Estimate prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") guidelines for the RC Gold Property of 1,340,000 ounces of gold(1). The road accessible, pit constrained Mineral Resource is classified as inferred and is contained in two zones: The Blackjack and Eiger deposits with 900,000 ounces of gold grading 0.83 g/t and 440,000 ounces of gold grading 0.68 g/t respectively. Both of these deposits are at/near surface, are potentially open pit minable and amenable to heap leaching, with initial bottle roll tests indicating that the gold is not refractory and has high gold recoveries of up to 94% with minimal NaCN consumption (see News Release July 13, 2022). The Mineral Resource estimate is presented in the following table at a base case cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au: RC Gold Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate COG g/t Au Blackjack Zone Eiger Zone Combined Tonnes 000's Au g/t 0z Au 000's Tonnes 000's Au g/t 0z Au 000's Tonnes 000's Au g/t 0z Au 000's 0.20 35,798 0.80 921 32,523 0.45 471 68,321 0.63 1,391 0.25 33,743 0.83 900 27,362 0.50 440 61,105 0.68 1,340 0.30 31,282 0.88 885 22,253 0.55 393 53,535 0.74 1,279 0.35 29,065 0.92 860 17,817 0.60 344 46,882 0.80 1,203 0.40 26,975 0.96 833 14,506 0.66 308 41,481 0.86 1,140 Notes 1. Mineral resource estimate prepared by Ronald G. Simpson of GeoSim Services Inc. with an effective date of January 19, 2023. Mineral Resources are classified using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. 2. The cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au is believed to provide a reasonable margin over operating and sustaining costs for open-pit mining and processing. 3. Mineral resources are constrained by an optimised pit shell using the following assumptions: US$1800/oz Au price; a 45 pit slope; assumed metallurgical recovery of 85%; mining costs of US$2.00 per tonne; processing costs of US$8.00 per tonne; G&A of US$1.50/t. 4. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. 5. Totals may not sum due to rounding. To date, 72 diamond drill holes have been drilled into this system by the Company for a total of approximately 25,136 metres. The initial resource was based on 11,630 m of drilling in 34 holes with 22 holes totaling 7,492 m in the Blackjack deposit. Drilling since the initial resource release has focused on expanding the Blackjack resource with an additional 12-holes totaling 5,212 drilled in 2023 and 15-holes totaling 7162 m to date in 2024. Other targets drilled to date include the Saddle zone, Josephine zone and the Rhosgobel zone. The resource expansion drilling in 2023 at Blackjack produced results of up to 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t gold in drill hole DDRCCC-23-047 (see news release dated September 26, 2023) and in 2024 results of up to 678.1 metres of 1.04 g/t gold starting from surface in DDRCCC-24-068, including 409.5 metres of 1.36 g/t gold, 93.0 metres of 2.57 g/t gold and 5.5 metres of 17.59 g/t gold (see news release dated October 21, 2024). (1) Simpson, R. January 19, 2023. Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory RC Gold Deposit Model Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is within the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t Au (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t Au at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the Florin Gold deposit with a current Inferred Mineral Resource of 170.99 million tonnes grading 0.45 g/t (2.47 million ounces; Simpson 2021)(4); the AurMac Project with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 347.49 million tonnes grading 0.63 gram per tonne gold (7.00 million ounces)(5) and the Valley Deposit, with a current Indicated Mineral Resource of 4.05 million oz gold at 1.66 g/t and an additional Inferred Mineral Resource of 3.26 million oz at 1.25 g/t gold(6). (1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/2018/Fort-Knox-June-2018-Technical-Report.pdf (2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_2023_eagle_mine_technical_report_final.pdf (3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020. https://minedocs.com/22/Brewery-Creek-PEA-01182022.pdf (4) Simpson R. Florin Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report. Geosim Services Inc. April 21, 2021. https://sedar.com/GetFile.do?lang=EN&docClass=24&issuerNo=00005795&issuerType=03&projectNo=03236138&docI d=4984158 (5) Thornton T., Jutras M., Malhotra D. Technical Report Aurmac Property Mayo Mining District, Yukon Territory, Canada. JDS Energy and Mining Inc. February 6, 2024. https://banyangold.com/site/assets/files/5251/banyan_gold_ni_43-101_technical_report_2024_03_18.pdf (6) Burrell H., Redmond D.J., Haggarty P., Rogue Gold Project: NI43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate, Yukon Territory, Canada. Snowline Gold Corp. May 15, 2024. https://snowlinegold.com Upcoming Events Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events*: American Exploration and Mining Association Conference, Reno, NV: December 1 - 6, 2024 Metal Investors Forum, Vancouver, BC: January 17 - 18, 2025 VRIC, Vancouver, BC: January 19 - 20, 2025 RoundUp, Vancouver, BC: January 20 - 23, 2025 PDAC, Toronto, ON: March 2 - 5, 2025 Swiss Mining Institute, Zurich, Switzerland: March 18 - 19, 2025 *All events are subject to change. About Sitka Gold Corp. Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada with over $15 million in its treasury and no debt. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka is currently advancing its 100% owned, 431 square kilometre flagship RC Gold Project located within the Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon Territory. The Company is also advancing the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada and currently has drill permits for its Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project in Arizona and the Coppermine River Project in Nunavut. In January 2023, the Company announced an NI 43-101 compliant initial inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 1,340,000 ounces of gold(1) beginning at surface and grading 0.68 g/t at its RC Gold Project in Yukon (see news release dated January 19, 2023). (1) Simpson, R. January 19, 2023. Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory *For more detailed information on the Company's properties please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com. The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Cor Coe, P.Geo., Director and CEO of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SITKA GOLD CORP. "Donald Penner" President and Director 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 and Forward-Looking Statements This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-Looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking 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 and the Company's anticipated work programs. These 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 uncertainty and the results of the Company's anticipated work programs. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232119 SOURCE: Sitka Gold Corp. LONDON, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wirex, a leading Web3 money app, is celebrating a major milestone - its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, Wirex has transformed from a bold idea into a global leader in digital finance, offering seamless access to both digital and traditional currencies. Wirex made history in 2015 by launching the world's first-ever debit card, which allowed users to spend their digital assets anywhere Visa and Mastercard were accepted. This pioneering move helped Wirex become one of the first companies to truly bridge the gap between the worlds of digital and traditional finance. Today, Wirex continues to lead the industry with a range of products and services, including Cashback rewards, X-tras, and X-Accounts, all designed to enhance the user experience and provide greater financial flexibility. Pavel Matveev, Wirex's Co-Founder, shared his thoughts on the company's journey: "From the start, our mission has been clear: to make digital finance accessible to everyone. We wanted to build a platform that seamlessly integrates both fiat and digital assets, giving users the freedom to transact in any form of money, anywhere." Wirex Pay: Enabling a Seamless Payment Experience As Wirex celebrates its 10th anniversary, the company is proud to showcase Wirex Pay, one of its most innovative solutions. Designed to bridge the gap between digital and traditional payments, Wirex Pay allows users to seamlessly make transactions at millions of merchants worldwide. Whether online or in-store, users can make payments without the need to convert currencies. "Wirex Pay is about empowering people to pay and get paid in whatever way they choose, without boundaries or limitations," said Pavel Matveev, CEO and Co-founder of Wirex. "With instant payments, zero transaction fees, and exclusive rewards, we're transforming everyday transactions and giving users more control over their financial decisions." Strategic Partnerships Driving Global Expansion Central to Wirex's success has been its ability to form strategic partnerships with industry leaders. As a Principal Member of Visa and Mastercard, Wirex has expanded its global reach, providing users with access to payments and services in more than 130 countries worldwide. "Our partnerships with Visa and Mastercard have been pivotal in helping us deliver on our promise of accessible financial solutions," said Matveev. "These collaborations have enabled us to offer Wirex Cards and services in regions around the globe, making it easier for users to manage both their digital and fiat currencies." Additionally, partnerships with companies such as Curve and COCA have expanded Wirex's product offerings. Wirex's commitment to innovation has been recognized globally, with numerous awards and accolades celebrating its contributions to the digital finance space. Notable recent achievements include: 2024 Pay 360 Awards - Winner of 'Best Use of Digital Currencies-Assets in Financial Services' - Winner of 'Best Use of Digital Currencies-Assets in Financial Services' 2024 APAC Payments Excellence Awards - Finalist in the 'Most Impactful Industry Innovation' and 'Best B2C Payment Experience' categories - Finalist in the 'Most Impactful Industry Innovation' and 'Best B2C Payment Experience' categories 2023 Greater London Enterprise Awards - Best Multi-Currency POS Solution These awards reflect Wirex's ongoing dedication to providing cutting-edge financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of its users. As Wirex celebrates this significant milestone, the company remains focused on continuing its mission to drive the global adoption of digital finance. Looking ahead, Wirex plans to expand its offerings, enhance its user experience, and continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of digital finance. Notes to editors: About Wirex Wirex is a prominent UK-based digital payments platform with over 6 million customers spread across 130 countries. It offers secure accounts, making it easy for users to store, purchase, and exchange multiple currencies seamlessly. As a principal member of both Visa and Mastercard, Wirex goes beyond traditional services, embracing the evolving trends of Web3 to provide mainstream access to digital finance and wealth management. Having processed transactions totalling $20 billion, Wirex aims to contribute to the adoption of a cashless society by facilitating straightforward transactions in various currencies worldwide. Wirex is simplifying digital payments, making it more accessible and convenient for people across the globe. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2570804/Wirex_Celebrates_10_Years.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2031625/4947343/Wirex_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/wirex-celebrates-10-years-of-innovation-and-growth-in-digital-finance-302319622.html BANGALORE, India, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Distribution Market is Segmented by Type (Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Protection, Protective Footwear, Fall Protection, Hand Protection), by Application (Construction, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Chemical/Petrochemical, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Transportation, Mining). The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Distribution Market was estimated to be worth USD 22570 Million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 48570 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 11.5% during the forecast period 2024-2030. Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-27J5934/Global_Personal_Protective_Equipment_PPE_Distribution_Market Major Factors Driving the Growth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Distribution Market: The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) distribution market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing safety awareness and stringent workplace regulations across various industries. As global industries such as construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and oil and gas continue to expand, the demand for PPE, including gloves, masks, helmets, and protective clothing, has surged. The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the need for effective PPE, particularly in healthcare settings, leading to a rapid increase in demand. Additionally, the rising focus on employee safety, government mandates, and the growing emphasis on workplace hygiene continue to drive market growth. E-commerce platforms have also played a crucial role in making PPE more accessible to businesses and individuals globally. With advancements in materials and greater emphasis on durability and comfort, the PPE distribution market is expected to continue expanding, catering to a wide range of sectors focused on worker protection and safety compliance. View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-27J5934/global-personal-protective-equipment-ppe-distribution TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) DISTRIBUTION MARKET: Hand protection equipment, including gloves, is a major growth driver for the PPE distribution market, as industries prioritize worker safety and compliance with regulations. Gloves designed for specific tasks, such as chemical handling, electrical work, and construction, cater to diverse industry needs. The increasing awareness of occupational hazards and stringent safety standards in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and oil and gas have boosted the demand for hand protection. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the importance of protective gloves in minimizing infection risks, resulting in significant market growth. Disposable gloves, as well as reusable options, are in high demand across industries, ensuring consistent product distribution. Additionally, technological advancements have led to the development of cut-resistant and thermal-resistant gloves, enhancing their appeal. As global safety norms continue to evolve, the distribution of hand protection equipment remains integral to the PPE market's expansion, particularly in regions with stringent workplace safety requirements. Protective clothing is a critical driver of the PPE distribution market, addressing safety requirements across industries such as construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. This segment includes coveralls, flame-resistant apparel, and chemical protective suits, designed to safeguard workers from environmental hazards and occupational risks. The adoption of protective clothing has surged with the enforcement of stringent safety regulations worldwide, particularly in hazardous work environments. The healthcare sector, in particular, has witnessed increased demand for disposable protective clothing, such as gowns and aprons, during the pandemic. Additionally, protective clothing tailored for industrial use, like arc flash suits and high-visibility jackets, has gained traction as industries prioritize employee safety. Innovations in lightweight, breathable materials have further driven the adoption of protective clothing by improving comfort and usability. As industries invest in advanced safety gear to comply with regulations and protect workers, the distribution of protective clothing continues to grow. The construction industry is a significant driver of the PPE distribution market, as it consistently requires a wide range of protective gear to ensure worker safety. Equipment such as helmets, gloves, safety boots, and high-visibility vests are essential on construction sites to mitigate risks from falls, machinery, and debris. Regulatory mandates worldwide have emphasized the use of PPE in construction, compelling companies to invest heavily in safety equipment. The growth of construction activities in emerging markets, driven by urbanization and infrastructure development, has further expanded the demand for PPE distribution. Additionally, construction companies are adopting advanced PPE, such as hearing protection devices and impact-resistant gear, to meet evolving safety standards. The rise in large-scale projects, including commercial buildings, residential developments, and transportation infrastructure, ensures sustained growth in PPE distribution for the construction sector. The enforcement of stringent workplace safety regulations across industries is a key driver of the PPE distribution market. Governments and organizations worldwide mandate the use of protective gear to minimize workplace injuries and health risks. Compliance with these regulations ensures that PPE distributors experience consistent demand from sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and construction. Regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance further emphasize the importance of safety equipment, supporting market growth. Increased awareness of occupational hazards has driven the adoption of PPE across industries. Employers are investing in high-quality protective gear to safeguard workers from potential injuries and illnesses. Campaigns and initiatives by organizations like OSHA and ILO have raised awareness about the benefits of PPE, boosting its distribution. This heightened awareness has particularly impacted high-risk industries, where PPE is crucial for worker safety. Furthermore, the healthcare sector has emerged as a significant contributor to the PPE distribution market, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields surged as healthcare workers required protection from infectious diseases. The ongoing focus on infection prevention and control has sustained the demand for PPE in healthcare, driving market growth and ensuring continuous distribution. Rapid industrialization in emerging economies has fueled the demand for PPE, particularly in manufacturing and energy sectors. Workers in these industries face risks from heavy machinery, chemicals, and extreme environments, necessitating the use of protective equipment. As industrial activities expand globally, the need for efficient PPE distribution networks has grown to meet the rising demand. The demand for disposable PPE, particularly in healthcare and food processing, has significantly contributed to market growth. Disposable gloves, masks, and gowns are essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination. Their single-use nature ensures safety and compliance with strict hygiene standards, supporting their widespread adoption and distribution. Buy Now: https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-27J5934&lic=single-user PPE DISTRIBUTION MARKET SHARE The PPE distribution market exhibits significant regional dynamics, with North America and Europe leading due to stringent safety regulations and high awareness of workplace hazards. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by rapid industrialization, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and large-scale construction activities. Emerging markets in Latin America and the Middle East are also witnessing growth as governments prioritize worker safety and regulatory compliance. Regional variations in safety standards and industrial activities contribute to the diverse growth patterns of the global PPE distribution market. Key Companies: Grainger Total Safety Mallory J.J. Keller DXP Enterprises ORR Kellner & Kunz Haberkorn Group Alsico Laucuba AB Safety NV GCE Group Etra Oy. Alibaba Indiamart Amazon JD.com, Inc Huadong Medicine Sinopharm Group Pinduoduo Chongqing Tong Jun Ge China Nepstar Chain Drugstore Purchase Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-27J5934/Global_Personal_Protective_Equipment_PPE_Distribution_Market SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS! - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) market was valued at USD 43630 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 61300 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Certification Market - Body Protection PPE market was valued at USD 68500 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 100270 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Disposable PPE market was valued at USD 18820 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 25020 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Mining Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market - PPE for Construction Market - PPE Detection market was valued at USD 421 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 595.7 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Forestry PPE Market - Confined Space PPE market was valued at USD 637 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 1112.3 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Storage Cabinet Market - Personal Protective Equipment Tapes Market DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US! 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Valuates Reports sales@valuates.com For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 WhatsApp: +91-9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/ Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/ https://www.facebook.com/valuateskorean https://www.facebook.com/valuatesspanish https://www.facebook.com/valuatesjapanese https://valuatesreportspanish.blogspot.com/ https://valuateskorean.blogspot.com/ https://valuatesgerman.blogspot.com/ ???? Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-ppe-distribution-market-to-hit-usd-48-57-billion-by-2030--driven-by-safety-awareness-and-industry-expansion--valuates-reports-302319668.html WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Citigroup Inc. (C) Monday said it has completed the separation of Banamex from its institutional banking business in Mexico.With this separation, Citi will now operate two separate financial groups in Mexico: Grupo Financiero Citi Mexico and Grupo Financiero Banamex.Citi added that it will continue working on the proposed initial public offering of Grupo Financiero Banamex. The timing of which will be driven by regulatory approvals and market conditions to maximize shareholder value, the company said.Jane Fraser, Citi CEO, said: 'This separation represents an important milestone in our simplification and brings us closer to our long-term vision of a more connected bank that is focused around our core strengths. We are proud to have executed this process thoughtfully and with full transparency. Our commitment to our clients in Mexico is as strong as ever, and we will continue to connect Mexico and the world through our market-leading investor and corporate client platforms. We will now prepare for the Banamex IPO, focused on optimizing value for our shareholders.'Ernesto Torres Cantu, Head of Citi International, said: 'Citi has operated in Mexico for almost a century, and this country remains one of our most important institutional markets. As a result of the extraordinary work, dedication and professionalism of the Banamex and Citi teams over nearly three years, today we have two solid financial institutions with prominent positions in their respective segments that will continue to boost the country's growth. We thank the Mexican Financial Authorities for their support during the separation process, as well as our colleagues who worked tirelessly to accomplish this milestone.'Citi has weighed a dual stock listing for the Banamex unit, possibly in Mexico City and New York, Reuters has reported.The bank had previously said it planned to list its Banamex unit, which caters to nearly 20 million clients and has a network of 1,300 branches in Mexico, in 2025.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Global firms mark up expectations of China 10:36, December 02, 2024 By Cheng Yu ( China Daily Delegates watch and take photos of a dancing humanoid robot during the seventh China International Import Expo in Shanghai on Nov 6. (ZHANG CHENG/XINHUA) Across the world, introducing a brand-new product to the market was once an undoubtedly monumental task. However, at the China International Import Expo, a major international event held in Shanghai in November each year, the brand growth cycle that used to be measured in years has been fast-tracked into just days. The trend, experts said, demonstrates the growing confidence of multinational companies in how the expo has evolved over the years into a global platform for foreign trade. It also shows the high expectations of MNCs that the larger Chinese market will also benefit from the spillover effect to amplify their market presence in China and beyond. For Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido, the huge spillover effect allows the company to witness how its exhibits turn into commodities and then into bestsellers in the Chinese market, said Toshinobu Umetsu, president and CEO of Shiseido China. Shiseido debuted many high-end brands including The Ginza, Baum, and Effectim at previous CIIEs and these brands were able to quickly enter the China market. Thanks to the enduring impact of the expo, The Ginza also opened its first exclusive shop in Beijing and a boutique in Shanghai. Both are the first of their kind outside of Japan and duty-free channels. Umetsu said: "China today is leading the way in the application of innovative technologies, and understanding the latest innovation trends in China is key to capturing future growth opportunities." Shiseido, which came to China during the early period of the country's reform and opening-up as the first foreign beauty group to enter the Chinese mainland, has been present in the country for over four decades. "We have never wavered in our confidence and determination to invest in China and will continue to strengthen our long-term investment in the country to provide all the support needed to drive further innovation, growth, and best practices," he added. Compared to customers in other markets, Chinese consumers are more conscious of their beauty needs and are willing to accept new products, which assures Shiseido of its investments in the market, he added. Chinese Premier Li Qiang pledged at this year's CIIE to further expand opening-up and turn China's vast market into great opportunities for the world. If the first CIIE was a one-way invitation from China to the world, then each subsequent edition has become a mutual commitment between China and the world, reflecting the shared aspiration for opening-up and cooperation, the premier said. Li stressed the need to strengthen consensus on opening-up, adding that all parties should jointly adhere to international economic and trade orders as well as rules. They must also earnestly fulfill multilateral and bilateral economic and trade agreements, he added. China will further expand institutional opening-up and actively align with high-standard international economic and trade rules, Li said, pledging efforts to implement a strategy for upgrading pilot free trade zones. Li said the country is willing to open up its enormous market further, including implementing its unilateral opening-up policy and offering zero-tariff treatment for all tariff lines from least developed countries, and effectively turning the huge market into great global opportunities. The expo's transformative potential has not been lost on German software and cloud giant SAP, which is doubling down on its presence in China. Michael Locher-Tjoa, SAP's global vice-president and chief business officer for Greater China, said China is one of the "key markets" for SAP, and definitely an important place for the company to strengthen its presence and grow further. "Many of our multinational customers are doing business in China and a significant number of them on a large scale. It reflects what they expect that the growth from the market would be huge," he said. According to the senior executive, China has been moving fast in many emerging sectors like new energy over the years and has witnessed rising engineering capabilities from various sectors. "As multinationals further invest and grow their business here, SAP will help them grow and have a more sustainable business going forward," he added. Visitors experience an immersive VR game at Qualcomm's exhibition area during the seventh CIIE in Shanghai on Nov 8. (ZOU HONG/CHINA DAILY) Zhang Yansheng, chief researcher at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said: "The fact that the CIIE is organized every year demonstrates that China honors its commitment to high-level opening-up and is sharing its development dividends with others to shore up globalization. "The world is in urgent need of more trade orders and increased demand to revive the staggering economic recovery, as well as communication to reach consensus and repair global industrial and supply chains." Against the backdrop of a global economic slowdown, Pablo Machado, global executive vice-president at Suzano, said the company looks at the Chinese market from a "long-term perspective" and has great confidence about growth in the Chinese market. "The year 2025 will again be a year of growth for Suzano here. We have seen a clear plan from the Chinese government in adjusting its development model, which focuses more on high quality rather than only high speed," said Machado, who is also president of business management at Suzano Asia. According to him, the company's pulp business grew 6.6 percent year-on-year last year in the Chinese market thanks to the country's economic growth and is already its largest pulp export destination, which accounted for over 40 percent of its exports. "In line with the Chinese government's initiatives to cultivate new quality productive forces, particularly to improve the promotion of strategic industries such as new-generation information technology, artificial intelligence, new energy, new materials, and biomedicine, Suzano will enhance our scale and competitiveness to meet the growing market demand here," he said. Compared with traditional productive tools that are driven by elements like labor, land, and capital, new quality productive forces refer to technological innovation, data, smart or intelligent technologies and the like that are free from traditional economic growth models, promise high efficiency and top quality, and are in line with the nation's new development philosophy for a strategic future. China has made developing new quality productive forces into a top agenda. In order to remove obstacles and difficulties in the development of new quality productive forces, the country is also speeding up the process of deepening reform of its economic structure and building a high-level socialist market economy system, with a key focus on fields including a high-standard market system. According to Machado, China has launched many initiatives in recent years, including the further opening-up policy and some economic stimulus policies, which are in the right direction to overcome rising economic challenges. "With such continued efforts, confidence will be fully restored," he said. "Our vision for the future is clear; we remain committed to further strengthening our partnerships with local stakeholders, especially within the sustainability and innovation ecosystem, to accelerate China's shift toward a low-carbon economy," he added. Despite subdued global investment sentiment, multinational companies are confident about investing in China and firmly believe innovations can represent the most significant growth opportunities for them in the Chinese market, said Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation. "The stable development of the Chinese market is not only to achieve the country's own development goals, but can also create more value for the international community," Zhou said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new, comprehensive report from The Insight Partners, the global Specialty Hospitals Market Dynamics, Recent Developments, and Strategic Insights by 2031 is experiencing significant growth due to the increase in public-private partnerships in the healthcare industry. The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. The specialty hospitals market is analyzed on the basis of specialty type, service type, and hospital type. The report from The Insight Partners provides several stakeholders-including service providers, physicians, patients, and end users-with valuable insights into how to successfully navigate this evolving market landscape and unlock new opportunities. List of the prominent players in the Specialty Hospitals Market Source: Advanced Specialty Hospitals Encompass Health Corporation Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Indiana University Health, Inc. Kindred Healthcare, LLC Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Select Medical Holdings Corp Stanford Health Care Steward Health Care System LLC Universal Health Services Inc Vibra Healthcare, LLC Click Here to Access a Sample Report of the Global Specialty Hospitals Market @ https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00002868/ Overview of Report Findings 1. Market Growth: The global specialty hospitals market is expected to reach US$ 1,361.21 billion by 2031 from US$ 495.15 billion in 2023; it is expected to record a CAGR of 13.5% during the forecast period. A specialized hospital is any hospital devoted primarily to the specialized care and treatment of persons with chronic or long-term illness, injury, or infirmity. 2. Increasing Incidence of Chronic Diseases: The hospital industry continuously emphasizes quality of care and patient satisfaction. Specialty hospitals provide specialized care to patients with cancer and cardiology, orthopedic, and other conditions. Cancer affects populations of all genders, races, and ages, including children, adults, and elderly populations. According to GLOBOCAN, in 2022, there were 19.9 million new cancer cases globally. Among these, trachea, bronchus, lung, and breast were the most common cancers worldwide. Owing to the increasing cancer burden, Ministries of Health and other national health policymakers are increasingly partnering with nongovernmental health organizations, government agencies, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the US and other high-income countries to develop national cancer prevention. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services report, in 2023, an estimated 129 million people in the US had at least one major chronic disease, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Owing to the high burden of chronic diseases, the number of hospitals and specialty hospitals, both public and private, is rapidly increasing. For instance, according to the American Hospital Association, in 2021, there were ~6,090 hospitals in the US, while in 2023, there were ~6,120 hospitals, an increase of nearly 0.5% from 2021 to 2023. As the incidence of chronic disease continues to rise, there is an increase in demand for specialized care. This will result in an increase in the number of specialty hospitals, leading to improved patient outcomes and advancement in medical care. Thus, the increasing incidence of chronic diseases drives the global specialty hospitals market. 3. Growing Public-Private Partnerships in Healthcare Industry: A public-private partnership (PPP) is a cooperative arrangement between two or more public and private hospitals. There is a lack of medical infrastructure in public hospitals; hence, partnership with the private sector has emerged as a new avenue to eradicate the insufficiencies. The approach also includes developing private specialty hospitals on public land that allow a certain number of beds/treatments available to publicly funded patients. In India, the Government of Punjab and Max Healthcare Institute entered into a PPP to set up a super specialty healthcare facility for cancer and trauma care. The partnership focuses on providing healthcare services for cancer and trauma care in Mohali, Punjab. According to the partnership, Max Healthcare Institute Ltd (private provider) shall construct and manage the Greenfield super specialty hospital for a period of 50 years (concession period); and the Government of Punjab shall provide the land required for the hospital to Max Healthcare Institute Ltd, who will provide the healthcare services. Max Healthcare Institute Ltd will pay the Government of Punjab an upfront consideration and 5% of the total revenue as an annual concession fee. PPP hospitals offer benefits such as improved access and reach, improved equity, better efficiency, opportunity to regulate, accountability, improved quality/rational practice, and augmented resources-funds technology. Owing to these benefits, such partnerships are increasing in the healthcare sector, boosting the specialty hospitals market growth. 4. Geographic Insights: In 2023, North America led the market with a substantial revenue share, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific, respectively. Further, Asia Pacific is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Request a Customized Copy of the Market Report @ https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/specialty-hospitals-market Report Scope Feature of the Report Details Market Size in 2023 US$ 495.15 Billion Projected Market Size in 2031 US$ 1,361.21 Billion CAGR Growth Rate 13.5 % Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2024-2031 Key Segment By Architecture, Application, Connectivity and Region Report Coverage Revenue Estimation and Forecast, Company Profile, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Recent Trends Regional Scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America Buying Options Request tailored purchasing options to fulfil your requirements for research. Market Segmentation Based on specialty type, the specialty hospitals market is segmented into pediatric hospitals, obstetrics-gynecology hospitals, ENT hospitals, oncology hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, orthopedic hospitals, neurology hospitals, cardiology hospitals, IVF hospitals, and others. The neurology hospitals segment held the largest share of the market in 2023. In service type, the specialty hospitals market is segmented into outpatient and inpatient. The inpatient segment led the market in 2023. By hospital type, the specialty hospitals market is segmented into public hospitals and private hospitals. In 2023, the private hospitals segment dominated the market with a larger share. The specialty hospitals market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, APAC, the Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America. Competitive Strategy and Development Trending Topics: Single Specialty Hospitals, Micro, Multi-Specialty Hospital, Super specialty hospital Global Headlines on Specialty Hospitals Market MASSH Super Specialty Hospitals Expands Its Reach in Noida ZT Corporate Expands Healthcare Portfolio with Acquisition of South Texas' STAT Specialty Hospital and Emergency Center Buy this Premium Specialty Hospitals Market Report | Fast Delivery Available @ https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPRE00002868/ Conclusion Specialty hospitals play a crucial role in the healthcare ecosystem by delivering focused, high-quality care in specific medical fields, from cardiology to orthopedics. The growth of the specialty hospitals market is driven by the increased demand for specialized services, advancements in medical technology, and a shift toward value-based care. These facilities often provide higher expertise and improved patient outcomes through tailored treatment approaches, leading to shorter recovery times and reduced hospital stays. Financially, specialty hospitals operate with better efficiency and higher margins than general hospitals, primarily due to their focused service lines and streamlined operations. However, they also face challenges such as regulatory scrutiny, competition from general hospitals expanding their specialty services, and the need for continuous investment in cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, the rising trend of outpatient care is prompting specialty hospitals to innovate and adapt, offering more services in an outpatient setting to meet patient preferences. Overall, the specialty hospital sector presents a dynamic landscape with significant opportunities for growth and improvement, necessitating ongoing analysis to navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery and maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving market. Browse More Related Reports: Neurology Ultrasonic Aspirators Market Size and Forecasts 2021 - 2031 Pediatric Medical Devices Market Growth, Size, Share, Trends, Key Players Analysis, and Forecast till 2031 Pediatric Telemedicine Market Size and Forecasts 2021 - 2031 Oncology Nutrition Market Size and Forecasts 2021 - 2031 Radiation Oncology Market Analysis and Forecast by Size, Share, Growth, Trends 2031 Orthopedic Equipment Market Size and Forecasts 2021 - 2031 About Us: The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials. Contact Us: If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us: Contact Person: Ankit Mathur E-mail: ankit.mathur@theinsightpartners.com Phone: +1-646-491-9876 Press Release: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/pr/specialty-hospitals-market View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-specialty-hospitals-market-sizeshare-worth-usd-1-361-21-billion-by-2031-at-a-13-5-cagr-by-the-insight-partners-analysis-outlook-report-trends-forecast-segmentation-growth-growth-rate-value-302319911.html CBRE appointed for its proven capability to support Kao Data's European platform expansion, and its track record of managing hyperscale data centre portfolios. CBRE will be responsible for the complete spectrum of integrated facilities management services across Kao Data's data centre estate, reporting into Kao Data's COO, Pete Judson. New partnership strengthens Kao Data's reputation for delivering best-in-class data centre services, engineered for AI, coupled with the highest standards of uptime, security, operational excellence, and sustainability. LONDON, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kao Data, the specialist developer and operator of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing, has named CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE) - the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm - its new integrated facilities management (FM) partner. CBRE was appointed for its global capability to support Kao Data's European platform expansion, and its exceptional reputation for managing hyperscale data centre and distributed real estate portfolios. The appointment will reinforce Kao Data's leading reputation for customer service, uptime, operational excellence and sustainability, and provide the highest levels of FM service and procedural standardisation across its existing and new, 'next tier' data centre locations. As part of the new contract, CBRE will be responsible for managing the complete spectrum of hard and soft FM services across Kao Data's advanced data centre portfolio. This includes all physical structures, mechanical, electrical, cooling and fire systems within its London data centres, as well as its new Greater Manchester facility, which is anticipated to become operational in 2026. CBRE's hard FM and engineering services will include ongoing maintenance and support for Kao Data's low-voltage and high-voltage electrical systems, including its uninterruptible power supplies, switchgear and HVO-powered generators, as well as its hybrid air and liquid cooling systems. Additionally, CBRE will be responsible for delivering a host of day-to-day, front-of-house FM services, including management of security, access control and cleaning services across Kao Data's facilities, and will integrate its acclaimed Critical Environments Risk Management (CERM) programme to better identify and reduce human-related risks, underpinning Kao Data's reputation for 100% customer uptime. "Our data centres are home to some of the industry's most mission critical computing environments, from global financial services to hyperscale cloud deployments, and GPU-powered AI research and development workloads. To ensure we continue to deliver best-in-class service and resiliency across these systems, appointing CBRE was the obvious choice, said Pete Judson, COO, Kao Data. "CBRE's reputation for continuous improvement and attention to detail, coupled with its consistently high standards of performance, make it the perfect FM ally - especially as we grow our data centre portfolio into new locations and markets across Europe." "We are thrilled to partner with Kao Data on their UK data centre portfolio and look forward to the future supporting them as they expand into new markets across Europe. We share a joint commitment to operational excellence and are dedicated to delivering a best-in-class service. Our team's relentless focus on innovation and performance ensures that we are well-equipped to meet Kao Data's evolving needs as they continue delivering their exciting growth strategy.," said Craig Bristow, Managing Director, CBRE Data Center Solutions UK. CBRE begins its tenure as Kao Data's new facilities management provider on the 1stDecember 2024. For more information, visit the website. About Kao Data Kao Data leads the industry, pioneering the development and operation of UK and European data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing. With hyperscale-inspired facilities east and west of London, and northern England's largest data centre planned for Greater Manchester, we are home to technology's most demanding computing infrastructure. Its award-winning, NVIDIA DGX-Ready certified data centres are designed, engineered, and operated by one of the industry's most respected teams. Together, this provides colocation customers deploying mission-critical AI, enterprise, and cloud workloads with a secure, scalable, and sustainable compute environment, backed by a guarantee of 100% uptime. Kao Data's data centre portfolio includes more than 160 MW of IT load, either currently operational, under development or planned - all of which is under-pinned by the highest energy efficiency, sustainability and ESG credentials. Backed by leading international investors, and with several pioneering 'industry firsts' to our name, Kao Data represents the future in industrial scale, high-capacity data centres for AI and the next generation of compute. Kaodata.com About CBRE Group, Inc. CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2023 revenue). The company has more than 130,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kao-data-names-cbre-as-its-new-data-centre-facilities-management-partner-302319940.html Tampa, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - December 2, 2024) - Land for Cash Money, a Tampa-based real estate company specializing in vacant land purchases, is simplifying how landowners sell their properties with a faster and transparent purchase process. Operating across the United States, the company offers tailored solutions for property owners, with a focus on land in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas. By covering all closing costs, addressing back taxes, and assisting with probate-related transactions, Land for Cash Money ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience for sellers. More information can be found at https://landforcashmoney.com. Land For Cash Money A New Approach to Selling Vacant Land Selling vacant land has long been a challenging process. Unlike homes, which often attract significant buyer interest, vacant land frequently sits on the market, leaving owners with accumulating property taxes and limited opportunities. Land for Cash Money addresses this issue with a solution designed to simplify and expedite the selling process. Eloy Ochoa, Land Acquisition Specialist at Land for Cash Money, highlighted this common challenge: "Vacant land often remains stagnant, making it difficult for owners to find buyers. Many landowners end up holding onto their land for years, continuing to pay real estate taxes without any return on investment. Our mission is to change that narrative by providing sellers with a straightforward and stress-free process." Through its streamlined approach, Land for Cash Money ensures that landowners, particularly those in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas, can sell their land efficiently, avoiding the delays and frustrations of traditional real estate transactions. A Service Designed for Landowners' Needs The service starts with a thorough assessment of the land, conducted promptly. Using county records and internal research, the team evaluates the property and provides a competitive offer within a short timeframe. They ensure that sellers understand the process every step of the way, eliminating confusion and delays. "Many of our clients are out-of-state landowners or individuals who have inherited land that they cannot manage or sell," said Eloy Ochoa. "Our team takes care of everything-from research to closing-so sellers don't have to worry about complex procedures or unexpected costs." The expertise also extends to: Land with unpaid taxes: Even if landowners have accumulated significant back taxes, these costs are incorporated into the sale, ensuring a clean slate for sellers. Probate land: For land tied up in probate, the process is simplified, guiding sellers through the necessary legal steps to transfer ownership. Key Benefits of Selling to Land for Cash Money Land for Cash Money provides several unique advantages for landowners: Speed : Landowners can receive an offer within days and close the sale in a matter of weeks, eliminating the lengthy timelines of traditional sales. No upfront costs : The company covers all expenses, including title searches, closing costs, and administrative fees. Flexibility : Whether it's a small rural property or a large tract of land, the company evaluates all types of land. Simplified documentation: Sellers can complete paperwork electronically or via mail, making the process convenient and accessible. These benefits make Land for Cash Money an ideal choice for landowners seeking a quick, easy, and transparent selling process. Why Florida, North Carolina, and Texas? The focus on Florida, North Carolina, and Texas stems from the growing demand for land in these regions. These states offer unique opportunities for development, agriculture, and investment, making them prime locations for land transactions. In Florida, rising interest in rural land for recreational and agricultural use has driven demand. Meanwhile, North Carolina's mix of urban expansion and natural beauty makes it attractive to a wide range of buyers. Texas, known for its vast land resources, continues to be a hub for residential and commercial development. "By focusing on these states, we're able to help landowners tap into markets with strong buyer interest while ensuring a smooth and efficient sale," said Eloy Ochoa. Examples of Common Land Sales Land for Cash Money often works with owners facing unique challenges: Out-of-state ownership : Many clients inherit land or own land far from where they live. These properties can be difficult to manage or sell, but Land for Cash Money makes the process simple by handling all research and closing remotely. Unwanted land : Sometimes, landowners no longer want or need their land due to changing circumstances. The company provides an efficient way to turn this unused land into cash. Land with complications: Land with liens, back taxes, or unresolved title issues can deter traditional buyers. Land for Cash Money specializes in handling these cases, ensuring sellers can offload their land without stress. A Stress-Free Process with No Hidden Costs One of the standout features of the service is its commitment to transparency. All closing costs are covered, and there are no hidden fees. Sellers don't need to worry about paying for title work, administrative expenses, or other costs often associated with real estate transactions. Once an offer is accepted, the team handles all necessary paperwork, allowing sellers to complete the transaction electronically or through the United States Postal Service. "We take pride in offering a service that's both straightforward and convenient," said Eloy Ochoa. "From the moment a seller contacts us, we handle everything-from title research to closing-so they can sit back and focus on their next steps." Expanding Nationwide While Florida, North Carolina, and Texas remain the primary focus, Land for Cash Money continues to expand its services across the United States. The company aims to provide its seamless service to landowners nationwide, regardless of location or condition. "Our mission is simple: to help landowners sell their land quickly and efficiently," said Ochoa. "Whether you own a small rural property or a large tract of land, we're here to make the process as smooth as possible." How to Get Started Landowners interested in selling their land can begin the process by visiting https://landforcashmoney.com, where they can learn more about the services and submit their property details for a complimentary evaluation. By prioritizing speed, transparency, and client satisfaction, the company is redefining how vacant land transactions are conducted in today's market. Interested parties can learn more by visiting the website or contacting the company directly. About Landforcashmoney.com Landforcashmoney.com specializes in buying and selling vacant land for builders and retail buyers. The company is dedicated to providing a streamlined and efficient process, connecting sellers with buyers and facilitating successful transactions. With extensive expertise in the land market, it offers personalized services, market insights, and a commitment to maximizing the value of every property. Whether assisting builders in finding the ideal site for their projects or retail buyers seeking the perfect plot, Landforcashmoney.com delivers professional and reliable solutions. Currently, the company is actively purchasing land in Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232171 SOURCE: Land for Cash Money CUPERTINO (dpa-AFX) - Tech giant Apple Inc. (AAPL) is facing allegations of spying on its employees' personal devices and iCloud accounts.A new lawsuit, filed by Apple employee Amar Bhakta, accuses the company of monitoring its workers and restricting their ability to discuss pay and working conditions.The lawsuit, submitted on Sunday in California state court, alleges that Apple requires employees to relinquish their right to personal privacy.The complaint further claims that Apple mandates employees to install software on their personal devices used for work purposes. This software allegedly grants Apple access to personal information, including emails, photo libraries, health data, and 'smart home' details.These requirements are part of a broader set of employment policies that, according to the lawsuit, violate California law.'Apple's surveillance policies and practices chill, and thus unlawfully restrain, employee whistleblowing, competition, freedom of employee movement in the job market, and freedom of speech,' the lawsuit states.Apple, responding to the allegations, has denied the claims. In a statement, according to Reuters, the company said the lawsuit's accusations are without merit and emphasized that employees receive annual training on their rights to discuss working conditions.'At Apple, we're focused on creating the best products and services in the world, and we work to protect the inventions our teams create for customers,' the company said.Bhakta is represented by attorneys Chris Baker of Baker Dolinko & Schwartz and Jahan Sagafi of Outten & Golden. Baker has previously filed several high-profile lawsuits against major technology firms over alleged illegal employment practices.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 2, 2024) - ALX Resources Corp. (TSXV: AL) (FSE: 6LLN) (OTC: ALXEF) ("ALX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of matters voted on at the Company's Annual General and Special Meeting of shareholders of the Company (the "Shareholders") held this morning at 10:00 AM (Vancouver time) (the "Meeting"). At the Meeting, Shareholders were asked to vote on resolutions approving, among other things, the acquisition by Greenridge Exploration Inc. ("Greenridge") (CSE: GXP) of all of the outstanding and issued common shares of ALX (the "ALX Shares") by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Arrangement"). The resolutions to approve the Arrangement (the "Arrangement Resolution") were subject to the approval of 662/3% of votes cast by Shareholders. The Arrangement Resolution was approved by 85.08% of the Shareholders present or represented by proxy at the Meeting. All matters put before the Shareholders at the Meeting, including the Arrangement Resolution, were approved. A summary of the votes cast by the Shareholders at the Meeting are shown below: MOTIONS NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE OF VOTES CAST FOR AGAINST WITHELD/ ABSTAIN SPOILED NON-VOTE FOR AGAINST WITHELD/ ABSTAIN 1. Number of Directors 45,862,835 6,311,653 0 0 0 87.90% 12.10% 0.00% 2. Election of Directors Warren Stanyer 45,606,794 0 6,567,488 0 206 87.41% 0.00% 12.59% Howard Haugom 45,611,222 0 6,563,060 0 206 87.42% 0.00% 12.58% David Miller 45,701,711 0 6,472,571 0 206 87.59% 0.00% 12.41% Jean-Jacques Gautrot 45,704,761 0 6,469,521 0 206 87.60% 0.00% 12.40% Patrick Groening 45,611,172 0 6,563,110 0 206 87.42% 0.00% 12.58% 3. Appointment of Auditors 45,491,798 0 6,682,690 0 0 87.19% 0.00% 12.81% 4. Approval of Stock Option Plan 45,279,646 6,894,636 0 0 206 86.79% 13.21% 0.00% 5. Approval of Arrangement Resolution 44,387,451 7,786,831 0 0 206 85.08% 14.92% 0.00% The Arrangement Resolution and all other matters considered at the Meeting are described in greater detail in the Company's management information circular dated October 28, 2024 (the "Circular"), available under the ALX's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website at www.alxresources.com. Information regarding the procedure for exchange of ALX Shares for Greenridge shares is provided in the Circular. The Circular and accompanying letter of transmittal and election form (the "Letter of Transmittal") are available on SEDAR+ under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Registered Shareholders who have not already done so must complete and sign the Letter of Transmittal and return it, together with the certificate(s)/DRS advice(s) representing their ALX Shares and any other required documents and instruments, in accordance with the procedures set out in the Letter of Transmittal. Non-registered Shareholders who hold their ALX Shares through a broker, investment dealer, bank, trust company, custodian, nominee or other intermediary or depository (each, an "Intermediary") who have not already submitted a Letter of Transmittal should contact their Intermediary for instructions and assistance. No shareholder vote to approve the Arrangement is required by the shareholders of Greenridge. The Arrangement remains subject to the receipt of certain regulatory and court approvals, including the approvals of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") to delist the ALX Shares, the final approval of the British Columbia Supreme Court, and other closing conditions customary in transactions of this nature. The Arrangement is expected to close on or about December 13, 2024. About the Arrangement The details of the Arrangement between ALX and Greenridge were announced in ALX's news release of October 11, 2024, which followed the execution of a binding arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") between ALX and Greenridge that received unanimous approval from the Board of Directors of ALX on October 10, 2024. Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, each Shareholder will receive 0.045 common shares of Greenridge in exchange for each ALX common share held. Upon completion of the Arrangement, existing Greenridge and Shareholders will own approximately 75.2% and 24.8%, respectively, of the common shares of the combined entity, which will retain the name of Greenridge. About ALX ALX is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and its common shares are listed on the TSXV under the symbol "AL", on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "6LLN" and in the United States OTC market under the symbol "ALXEF". ALX's mandate is to provide shareholders with multiple opportunities for discovery by exploring a portfolio of prospective mineral properties in Canada, which include uranium, lithium, nickel, copper and gold projects. The Company uses the latest exploration technologies and holds interests in over 240,000 hectares of prospective lands in Saskatchewan, a stable jurisdiction that hosts the highest-grade uranium mines in the world, a producing gold mine, diamond deposits, and historical production from base metals mines. ALX's uranium holdings in northern Saskatchewan include 100% interests in the Gibbons Creek Uranium Project (currently the subject of an option earn-in agreement with Trinex Minerals Ltd., who can earn up to a 75% interest in two stages), the Sabre Uranium Project, the Bradley Uranium Project, and the Javelin and McKenzie Lake Uranium Projects, a 40% interest in the Black Lake Uranium Project (a joint venture with Uranium Energy Corporation and Orano Canada Inc.), and a 20% interest in the Hook-Carter Uranium Project, located within the uranium-rich Patterson Lake Corridor with Denison Mines Corp. (80% interest) as operator of exploration since 2016 (currently the subject of an amended property agreement that would increase ALX's interest to 25% after fulfilling certain conditions). ALX also owns 100% interests in the Firebird Nickel Project, the Flying Vee Nickel/Gold and Sceptre Gold projects, and can earn up to an 80% interest in the Alligator Lake Gold Project, all located in northern Saskatchewan. ALX owns, or can earn, up to 100% interests in the Electra Nickel Project and the Cannon Copper Project located in historic mining districts of Ontario, Canada, and in the Vixen Gold Project (now under option to First Mining Gold Corp., who can earn up to a 100% interest in two stages). ALX owns a 50% interest in eight lithium exploration properties staked in 2022-2023 collectively known as the Hydra Lithium Project, located in the James Bay region of northern Quebec, Canada, a 100% interest in the Anchor Lithium Project in Nova Scotia, Canada, and 100% interests in the Crystal Lithium Project and the Reindeer Lithium Project, both located in northern Saskatchewan. For more information about the Company visit ALX's website at www.alxresources.com, or please contact: On Behalf of the Board of Directors of ALX Resources Corp. "Warren Stanyer" Warren Stanyer, CEO and Chairman Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the Arrangement, including statements with respect to the consummation of the Arrangement; the anticipated benefits of the Arrangement to the Shareholders; the expected ownership interest of Shareholders and Greenridge shareholders in the combined company; anticipated strategic and growth opportunities for the combined company; the successful integration of the businesses of ALX and Greenridge; the potential for discovery at the combined company's properties, including expectations with respect to exploration permitting and consultation with First Nations and Metis communities; and any other activities, events or developments that the companies expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions that ALX and Greenridge will complete the Arrangement in accordance with, and on the timeline contemplated by the terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement; that ALX will receive the required regulatory, court and TSXV approvals and will satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Arrangement; the accuracy of management's assessment of the effects of the successful completion of the Arrangement and that the anticipated benefits of the Arrangement will be realized; the price of uranium; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms; and that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the combined company's planned activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although ALX 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. Such statements represent the current views of ALX with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: the inability of ALX and Greenridge to complete the Arrangement; a material adverse change in the timing of and the terms and conditions upon which the Arrangement is completed; the inability to satisfy or waive all conditions to closing the Arrangement; the failure to obtain shareholder, regulatory, court or stock exchange approvals in connection with the Arrangement; the inability of the combined company to realize the benefits anticipated from the Arrangement and the timing to realize such benefits; the inability of the consolidated entity to realize the benefits anticipated from the Arrangement and the timing to realize such benefits; unanticipated changes in market price for ALX Shares and/or Greenridge shares; changes to ALX's and/or Greenridge's current and future business plans and the strategic alternatives available thereto; growth prospects and outlook for the combined company's business; regulatory determinations and delays; stock market conditions generally; demand, supply and pricing for uranium; and general economic and political conditions in Canada or other jurisdictions where the applicable party conducts business. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Circular and ALX's and Greenridge's other filings with the Canadian securities regulators which are available, respectively, on each company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. ALX does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, 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 news release. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and any securities issuable in the Arrangement are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232222 SOURCE: ALX Resources Corp. PSH Shares Will Continue to be Traded in USD and Sterling on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange Regulatory News: The Board ofPershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) ("PSH" or the "Company") today announced its intention to delist from Euronext Amsterdam. The Board of PSH has carried out a review of the Euronext Amsterdam listing to examine the number of shares held on the register and the costs of maintaining the listing. Following this review, the Board has concluded that the advantages of consolidating trading on the London Stock Exchange ("LSE"), combined with the reduction of administrative and compliance burdens associated with maintaining a secondary listing in Amsterdam, now outweigh the benefits of retaining the Euronext listing. "The Board has been monitoring the Company's listing arrangements for some time and in January 2024 engaged outside advisors to review the Company's listing on the Euronext Amsterdam in light of the fact that the majority of the trading of PSH's shares occurs on the London Stock Exchange," said PSH Chairman Rupert Morley. "We concluded that delisting from Euronext Amsterdam and consolidating trading on the London Stock Exchange would reduce regulatory complexity and improve liquidity of PSH's shares which would be to the benefit of PSH shareholders." The LSE listing of PSH represents the substantial majority of the fund's listed trading volume. PSH will continue to be listed on the Main Market of the LSE in Sterling (LN:PSH) and USD (LN:PSHD), as set out below. Sterling Quote London Stock Exchange U.S. Dollar Quote London Stock Exchange ISIN GG00BPFJTF46 GG00BPFJTF46 SEDOL BS7JCJ8 BG0H5M9 TIDM PSH LN PSHD LN PSH remains committed to delivering long-term shareholder value. The delisting does not change the Company's investment approach or governance principles. Any delisting of PSH ordinary shares from the Amsterdam market is subject to the approval of Euronext Amsterdam. A formal application for delisting will be submitted to Euronext. Following completion, shares of PSH will no longer be listed on Euronext Amsterdam. Following the completion of the delisting, investors who currently own PSH shares traded on Euronext Amsterdam will be able to trade their shares on the LSE. Investors should contact their brokers for additional information. Further announcements will be made in due course as appropriate. Regulated information This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the European Market Abuse Regulation (Regulation (EU) 596/2014). About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) is an investment holding company structured as a closed-ended fund. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241202044170/en/ Contacts: Media Camarco Ed Gascoigne-Pees Julia Tilley +44 020 3757 4980 media-pershingsquareholdings@camarco.co.uk A case study on how leading pharma companies in hematology turned to DelveInsight for long-term KOL profiling support. DelveInsight facilitated strategic engagement with respected KOLs, bolstering the client's reputation as an industry leader. Positive endorsements and advocacy from KOLs enhanced the client's credibility, differentiated their brand, and ultimately led to increased market share and a stronger competitive advantage. LAS VEGAS, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight, a leader in healthcare competitive intelligence and consulting, released a case study on KOL Profiling in the Pharmaceutical Industry . A prominent client in the pharmaceutical sector approached DelveInsight to address challenges in identifying Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) within specific therapeutic areas, including Oncology and Immunology. Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) are essential in shaping healthcare strategies by offering insights that influence clinical decisions and treatment adoption. Engaging with KOLs early helps align therapies with patient needs and market trends. KOL profiling combines quantitative metrics like publications and clinical trial involvement with qualitative assessments to ensure companies engage the right experts. These efforts foster meaningful partnerships, driving clinical adoption and advocacy. Immuno-oncology has transformed cancer treatment by harnessing the immune system to target cancers. Recent advancements are leading to the development of next-generation therapies that could have a greater impact across all cancer stages, improving patient outcomes. With a deeper understanding of the immune system, these breakthroughs are set to revolutionize cancer care. Our client approached us at DelveInsight, struggling to navigate a rapidly shifting landscape of experts, researchers, and influencers. They faced significant challenges in identifying the most influential Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) essential for advisory boards, clinical trials, and promotional activities. This lack of precise KOL profiling hindered their ability to align effectively with market dynamics, limiting progress in research, market access, and brand positioning. At DelveInsight, we leveraged our expertise in comprehensive KOL identification and profiling to address the client's needs. Using advanced methodologies, we analyzed both digital and traditional KOLs, assessing their influence, insights, and strategic importance in areas like drug development, marketing, and patient advocacy. We synthesized this analysis into actionable insights and strategic recommendations, equipping the client with a clear understanding of stakeholder perceptions and market dynamics. This enabled them to enhance their engagement strategies and solidify their position in the disease landscape. DelveInsight's Methodology for KOL Profiling , designed for targeted engagement and market leadership, helped the client by: Comprehensive Research : DelveInsight conducted thorough research to identify key players in the pharmaceutical industry, including researchers, clinicians, academicians, and policymakers. : DelveInsight conducted thorough research to identify key players in the pharmaceutical industry, including researchers, clinicians, academicians, and policymakers. Data Collection from Reliable Sources : Leveraged data from scientific publications, conference proceedings, clinical trial registries, patent databases, and industry reports to gather in-depth information. : Leveraged data from scientific publications, conference proceedings, clinical trial registries, patent databases, and industry reports to gather in-depth information. Segmentation by Therapeutic Areas : Organized collected data according to therapeutic areas to match the client's specific focus and interests within the pharmaceutical sector. : Organized collected data according to therapeutic areas to match the client's specific focus and interests within the pharmaceutical sector. Rigorous KOL Identification : Analyzed each therapeutic area to identify the most relevant Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) based on contributions, expertise, publications, and clinical trial involvement. : Analyzed each therapeutic area to identify the most relevant Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) based on contributions, expertise, publications, and clinical trial involvement. Validation Process : Ensured accuracy by validating KOLs with internal experts and external advisors, confirming each KOL's influence, expertise, and suitability for collaboration. : Ensured accuracy by validating KOLs with internal experts and external advisors, confirming each KOL's influence, expertise, and suitability for collaboration. Scoring and Ranking of KOLs : Scored and ranked KOLs using criteria like publication impact, citation count, trial involvement, academic affiliations, speaking engagements, and social media presence. : Scored and ranked KOLs using criteria like publication impact, citation count, trial involvement, academic affiliations, speaking engagements, and social media presence. Tailored Reporting and Insights: Delivered customized reports with actionable recommendations for effective KOL engagement aligned with the client's objectives. Request a proposal to see how DelveInsight's KOL Profiling can support your long-term strategic insights. Outcomes of KOL Profiling and Its Impact on Strategic Success: Enhanced Engagement Strategies : By accurately identifying and profiling KOLs, the client customized their communication and collaboration, fostering more effective and meaningful partnerships aligned with each KOL's expertise. : By accurately identifying and profiling KOLs, the client customized their communication and collaboration, fostering more effective and meaningful partnerships aligned with each KOL's expertise. Streamlined Clinical Trial Recruitment : Precise KOL identification allowed the client to partner with influential leaders who contributed to efficient patient recruitment and retention, accelerating clinical development. : Precise KOL identification allowed the client to partner with influential leaders who contributed to efficient patient recruitment and retention, accelerating clinical development. Formation of Strategic Advisory Boards : Insights from KOL profiling enabled the client to create advisory boards with experts from diverse backgrounds, providing guidance that aligned product development with market demands and regulatory standards. : Insights from KOL profiling enabled the client to create advisory boards with experts from diverse backgrounds, providing guidance that aligned product development with market demands and regulatory standards. Boosted Thought Leadership Initiatives: Leveraging KOL expertise, the client enhanced their industry presence by co-authoring scientific publications, organizing educational events, and participating in conferences, strengthening their reputation as industry leaders. Why Choose DelveInsight for KOL Profiling? DelveInsight provides expert KOL profiling to help you build impactful, targeted relationships with thought leaders in your therapeutic area. With deep expertise across various specialties, we enable you to make strategic connections that support every stage of your product's lifecycle. What Sets Us Apart: Precision Profiling : We identify and validate the top KOLs based on key factors like publication impact, clinical trial involvement, and influence, ensuring that you engage with leaders who are aligned with your strategic goals. : We identify and validate the top KOLs based on key factors like publication impact, clinical trial involvement, and influence, ensuring that you engage with leaders who are aligned with your strategic goals. Actionable Insights : Our profiling doesn't just list experts; it offers a nuanced understanding of each KOL's focus areas, influence, and potential impact on your brand. : Our profiling doesn't just list experts; it offers a nuanced understanding of each KOL's focus areas, influence, and potential impact on your brand. Enhanced Strategy: By providing recommendations on engagement tactics and collaborative opportunities, we help you develop strong partnerships and effective advisory boards that drive clinical development and thought leadership. Choosing DelveInsight for KOL profiling means gaining a partner that transforms expert insights into strategic advantages for your product's journey. Transform your business with our case study. Schedule a call with our DelveInsight Business Development expert today! Portfolio Management Services : DelveInsight's Portfolio Management services help pharmaceutical companies navigate challenges such as shrinking pipelines, regulatory pressures, and high therapy development costs. By aligning product development with your core competencies and strategic goals, we enable better decision-making, resource optimization, and future growth. Our expert team assesses existing and potential assets to ensure they fit with your vision, maximize value, and address market needs. With DelveInsight's support, companies can strategically manage their portfolios, foster innovation, and build a strong foundation for long-term success. Pipeline Assessment : Our pipeline evaluation offers a comprehensive overview of treatment options, clinical trials, and key areas within all of the fields, all summarized in an accessible report format. Whether it's oncology, immunology, cardiology, neurology, or any other therapeutic area, our reports-available in the Report Store-provide in-depth insights into treatment strategies, mechanisms of action (MoAs), drug components, and launch plans for therapies in the late stages of development. These reports offer a comprehensive view of the evolving therapeutic landscape, helping companies stay informed about the latest advancements and make strategic decisions based on the most up-to-date information. Competitive Intelligence Services: DelveInsight's competitive intelligence services provide real-time, accurate insights across the pharmaceutical, life sciences, and medical diagnostics sectors, helping clients stay ahead in a dynamic market. With over 100 years of combined experience, our experts deliver actionable strategic insights backed by robust research methodologies to support critical business decisions and create a competitive advantage for our clients. R&D Analysis : Our skilled research and development analyst specializes in the complexities of several indications, offering essential insights and advice to clients aiming to advance in research and development. They utilize a methodical assessment approach, aligned with industry norms, to track the progress of each drug in both pre-clinical and clinical stages. DelveInsight's comprehensive reports are crafted to reduce uncertainties and highlight overlooked areas, providing organizations with timely and strategic intelligence. 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 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/3528414/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/drive-healthcare-innovation-strategic-kol-profiling-for-targeted-engagement-and-market-leadership--delveinsight-302319388.html Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 2, 2024) - Decentralised Energy Canada (DEC) and The City of Medicine Hat announce Arcus Power and Edgecom Energy as the first two winners of the Energy Innovation Challenge, a groundbreaking three-year program aimed at empowering small and medium-sized Canadian businesses to overcome commercialization obstacles and bring their innovations to market. As of today, the second intake for the challenge is now open. Arcus Power is an Alberta based Smart-Grid power market solutions provider that offers SaaS based software products to generators and utilities, industrial customers and financial users. This project will pilot a distributed energy storage planning functionality that will be integrated with Arcus Power's existing SaaS platform. The planning software will support the City of Medicine Hat in planning and evaluating the optimal size, location, and investment for distributed energy resources, specifically battery energy storage and solar systems, which are needed to remove congestion on its electrical distribution system. "Continuing our partnership with the City of Medicine Hat is something I'm particularly excited about," said Daniel Erhardt, CEO and Founder of Arcus Power. "Over the past 5 years working with them, I've really come to appreciate their innovative and forward-thinking approach to energy. Through this project, we're providing a simulation tool to help pinpoint the best places to add distributed energy resources like batteries and solar panels to their grid. This will ease congestion, improve reliability, and could save money while reducing carbon emissions. We've supported similar projects before, offering solutions for combining a vanadium flow battery with a solar array-the first of its kind in North America. I'm eager to bring that experience to Medicine Hat and support their efforts to expand their energy options." Edgecom Energy offers a comprehensive Energy Management Solution suite that integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Edgecom will install sensors at eight City of Medicine Hat facilities to monitor energy usage and report data into their building management system. The model will use AI to identify opportunities to reduce energy use based on machine learning of usage patterns in the building without imposing an additional burden on staff. "Edgecom Energy is honored to be selected for DEC's Energy Innovation Challenge and looks forward to kicking off our collaborative project with the City of Medicine Hat," said Tanner Behrand, Manager of Strategic Growth at Edgecom Energy. "This forward-thinking program focuses on piloting innovative solutions to tackle grid congestion challenges, ensuring more efficient energy distribution, reducing operational bottlenecks, and paving the way for a more resilient energy infrastructure. Leveraging our expertise in IoT and AI technologies, we are excited to provide advanced energy monitoring and demand-side management solutions to enhance efficiency and support the city's transition to a sustainable energy future." Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta and MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat, looks forward to the results of the challenge. "Medicine Hat has been innovating in the energy sector since the early 1900s when the community's original settlers capitalized on an abundant natural gas discovery to generate electricity, establishing the unique municipally owned and operated energy business we know today. Today, the Energy Innovation Challenge is helping keep them at the forefront of creating new solutions that support a cleaner and lower cost energy economy for their community and all Albertans. I look forward to seeing the ideas and solutions that come forward to help lower energy costs for Albertans." Anouk Kendall, President of Decentralised Energy Canada, describes Medicine Hat as one of Canada's largest microgrids. "The way we generate and manage energy is undergoing a deep transformation. The City of Medicine Hat is unique because it owns and operates its own electricity generation and distribution infrastructure and is the sole electricity retailer within the local franchise area. The City is, by definition, one of Canada's largest microgrids which brings vast opportunities for data-enabled solutions as well as innovations in physical equipment. Decentralised Energy Canada is extremely proud to be partnering with one of Canada's most progressive municipalities to demonstrate these energy innovations. This innovation challenge will enable the City of Medicine Hat to overcome the challenges of a changing energy landscape and to improve the overall performance and reliability of its distribution network." The Energy Innovation Challenge is now inviting applicants to submit their clean technology initiatives for review in the second intake. The deadline to apply is January 9, 2025. For more information about the application process and timelines, visit https://www.deassociation.ca/innovation-challenge. Decentralised Energy Canada is a national industry association committed to advancing decentralised energy solutions, promoting innovation, and contributing to a resilient and affordable energy future. The City of Medicine Hat is a progressive municipality committed to sustainable energy practices, community development, and diversified economic growth. Established in 1883 and incorporated as a City in 1906, the municipality is uniquely known for owning its own natural gas and electric utilities, benefitting local residents for more than a century. - 30 - For media inquiries, please contact: To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232221 SOURCE: Decentralised Energy Canada CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Australia will on Tuesday release Q3 numbers for its current account, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.Forecasts suggest a deficit of A$10.3 billion following the A$10.7 billion shortfall in the previous three months.Japan will see November figures for its monetary base; in October, the base was flat on an annual basis.South Korea will provide November numbers for consumer prices, with forecasts calling for a decline of 0.1 percent on month and a gain of 1.7 percent on year following the flat monthly reading and the 1.3 percent yearly increase in October.New Zealand will release Q3 data for terms of trade with expectations calling for a gain of 1.2 percent on quarter following the 2.0 percent increase in Q2.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. Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, December 2nd, 2024, Chainwire Ancient8 has received a major grant from Optimisms Governance Fund, an important step forward in their mission to shape the future of Web3 gaming. As a proud member of the Superchain, Ancient8 is eager to step onto the acceleration phase of establishing a solid innovative ecosystem of developers, gamers, and creators, leveraging the interoperability offered by the Superchain. This collaboration with Optimism highlights their mutual goal of creating scalable, decentralized, and user-friendly solutions. With the Ancient8 Layer2 chain proudly built on the Superchain, theyre fully integrated with Optimisms infrastructure and well-positioned to leverage its powerful ecosystem. How the Grant Will Be Used The Optimism grant will drive their efforts to expand the Ancient8 ecosystem, empower builders, and onboard a broader community to Web3. Key areas of focus include: 1 . Empowering Existing Projects Provide resources to enhance the quality and scalability of projects already building on Ancient8 Layer 2. Enable access to up-to-date technologies in the industry like Account Abstraction, AI-driven tools, and the Superchain interoperability. Drive sustainable development through optimized product shipping and distribution pipelines. 2. Incentivizing New Builders Attract major IPs and fresh projects to the Superchain by offering tailored support and incentives. Leverage their built-in growth protocols, including Space3 and Reneverse, to help developers bring innovative games and dApps to market. Support new and innovative solutions for gaming and consumer dApps built on the Superchain. 3. Fostering Community and Culture Ancient8 acknowledges the essential importance of product distribution and amplification of content creators and influencers. Strengthen user engagement with events, both online and offline, such as hackathons, meetups, and tournaments. Support content creators, gaming guilds, and DAOs to spread awareness of Ancient8 and the Superchain ecosystem. Build cultural affiliation among gamers, developers, and creators to amplify the onchain gaming experience. The Next Chapter for Ancient8 This grant is a key step toward advancing the vision Ancient8 has been working on from the start paving the way for a stronger Web3 gaming ecosystem and fostering greater adoption by collaborating with Optimism and the Superchain. In the months ahead, their focus will be on empowering developers, expanding the Ancient8 ecosystem, and strengthening collaboration across the Superchain. Heres how Ancient8 plans to move forward: Expand Ecosystem Interoperability: They will enhance Ancient8s infrastructure to integrate smoothly with the Superchain, making it easier for developers and gamers to benefit from the modular infrastructure and dApps across Ancient8 and other OP Chains. They will enhance Ancient8s infrastructure to integrate smoothly with the Superchain, making it easier for developers and gamers to benefit from the modular infrastructure and dApps across Ancient8 and other OP Chains. Support Builders and Projects: Through upcoming grant programs, theyll provide resources and tools for teams building with Ancient8, helping them bring great ideas to life and grow the ecosystem. Through upcoming grant programs, theyll provide resources and tools for teams building with Ancient8, helping them bring great ideas to life and grow the ecosystem. Drive Mass Adoption: Theyll work on making Web3 gaming more accessible and enjoyable for Web2 users by creating easy-to-use, fun onchain experiences. Theyll work on making Web3 gaming more accessible and enjoyable for Web2 users by creating easy-to-use, fun onchain experiences. Foster Community Contributions: Ancient8 will reward and amplify contributions from community members, content creators, and IP owners to grow the Ancient8 and Superchain ecosystem. Ancient8 will reward and amplify contributions from community members, content creators, and IP owners to grow the Ancient8 and Superchain ecosystem. Encouraging Innovation: The Ancient8 Builder Jam Hackathon kicks off on November 20, 2024, bringing developers together to build creative games and solutions on Ancient8s Web3 infrastructure. Readers can visit Ancient8s ecosystem at https://ancient8.gg/ecosystem. Built on the Superchain, Built for the Future Ancient8 is built on the Superchain, aligning with Optimisms vision of scalable and inclusive blockchain solutions. With this grant, they will amplify efforts to onboard millions of gamers and builders into Web3, fostering a vibrant and innovative gaming ecosystem. As part of these efforts, Ancient8, in collaboration with Kyros Ventures, ZKP Labs, and Orochi Network, is hosting the Ancient8 Builder Jam Hackathon, a Web3 hackathon to empower innovators, builders, and entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into reality, offering prizes of up to $400,000. Readers can join the movement to shape the future of Web3 gaming by participating in the Builder Jam Hackathon at https://builderjam.ancient8.gg/. About Ancient8 Ancient8 is building an ETH gaming Layer 2 built with OP Stack. They offer a suite of Web3 gaming infrastructure tools that serve as the distribution and marketing channel for games globally. With Space3 Game Publishing Platform, Ancient8 Gaming Guild, ReneVerse Web3 Ads engine, A8ID, and Gosu Network, Ancient8 is dedicated to onboard millions of gamers to Web3 gaming, while providing support to game developers looking to reach more players. Ancient8s products have helped 100+ Web3 games and 200K+ users better navigate Web3. Ancient8 has raised $10M in total financing from leading investors including Pantera, Dragonfly, Hashed, Makers Fund, Mechanism, Coinbase, IOSG, Jump, and Animoca. Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | Blog | Discord | Facebook | Telegram | YouTube Contact Core contributor at @ancient8_gg Zane Nguyen Ancient8 [email protected] Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG), a Rolling Meadows, IL-based insurance brokerage, risk management, and consulting firm, announced that its claims and risk management solutions subsidiary, Gallagher Bassett, has acquired the UK-based operations of Caytons Law, a claims and legal management firm. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Caytons Law is a claims and legal management firm with a focus on providing legal advice in relation to commercial and professional liability insurance matters. With operations in London and Bristol, John Cayton, Sam Moore, Robin Cundall and their team across the UK will operate under the direction of Manan Sagar, head of Gallagher Bassetts UK operations. Led by CEO Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., is a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm operating in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants. FinSMEs 02/12/2024 Denver, USA, December 2nd, 2024, Chainwire Dai Lo is thrilled to announce the successful acquisition of Fractal, which marks a pivotal moment for the future of blockchain technology and privacy innovation. After months of strategic discussions, the acquisition, completed for an undisclosed amount, positions The Dai Lo to harness Fractals groundbreaking ZK technology and revitalize its vision for the future. The acquisition encompasses Fractals robust technology portfolio, token reserves, intellectual property, and, most importantly, its dedicated community. By integrating these assets, The Dai Lo aims to expand upon the exceptional work initiated by Fractals founders and deliver transformative solutions. Fractal should be part of every technology stack in DeFi, AI, and others on every chain possible. Privacy is a killer app and should be an option on every application on every chain. Fractal aims to be used everywhere Gary Mitchell. A Strategic Vision for Fractal Earlier this year, The Dai Lo embarked on a journey to explore groundbreaking projects in the Bitcoin, UTXO, BRC20, and Runes ecosystems. Fractal stood out as a project with immense potential but lacked the momentum to realize it fully. While Fractal demonstrated the capacity to operate as an independent Layer 1 (L1) or Layer 2 (L2) platform, its greatest value lies in serving as a foundational component for broader ecosystems, bridging blockchain and traditional Web2 applications. With privacy as a core focus, Fractals technology is uniquely positioned to redefine the market. Its our belief that this project could achieve a $1 billion market cap or more, said Gary Mitchell, The Dai Los unofficial leader. Our mission is to realize that potential and build a future where privacy is prioritized and celebrated. Meet The Dai Lo The Dai Lo is a team of transformation specialists committed to identifying undervalued projects and driving them to success. Gary Mitchell (@GuyGaryMitchell): A startup veteran passionate about innovation, Mitchell brings a wealth of experience from the Ethereum, Cardano, and Solana ecosystems and will dedicate his focus entirely to Fractal. Yeolin Han (@_yeonglihan): A coding prodigy with expertise in UTXO chains and the RGBPP space, Hans technical acumen will be instrumental in unlocking Fractals full potential. And a team of about 10 developers with expertise in AI, ZK, and other related technologies. The Path Forward Revitalizing Fractals community is the teams top priority. Acknowledging frustrations from past mismanagement, The Dai Lo is committed to rebuilding trust, improving transparency, and expanding the community with new supporters who align with the projects vision. In tandem, the team is revisiting branding to return to Fractals roots as a privacy-focused project. With cutting-edge zero-knowledge technology in the pipeline, the long-term goal is to make Fractal scalable, reliable, and user-friendly. Privacy isnt just a featureits the foundation, said Yeolin Han. Fractal will empower users to decide what remains public and what stays private, revolutionizing on-chain transaction privacy. Additionally, Fractal should be part of every technology stack in DeFi, AI, and others on every chain possible. Privacy is a killer app and should be an option on every application on every chain. Fractal aims to be used everywhere said Gary Mitchell. Acknowledgments and Looking Ahead With the dissolution of Discreet Labs, the organization behind Fractal, The Dai Lo expresses its gratitude to all contributors who laid the groundwork for this acquisition. Special thanks go to Sam Harrison for his instrumental role in finalizing the deal. The Dai Lo is excited to usher in a new era for Fractal, with ambitious plans to elevate the project to unprecedented heights. The team invites the community to join them in shaping the future of $FRA and blockchain innovation. About Fractal Network Fractal Network is a multi-layer network committed to applying zero-knowledge cryptography at every level of the Web3 stack. Our technology powers secured DeFi, asset tokenization, on-chain identity, private transactions, and more. Through applied zero-knowledge encryption, Fractal is creating a secure on-chain environment for all of Web3. Join our community on X, Telegram, or Farcaster to learn more. Contact Contributor Gary Mitchell Fractal [email protected] The Indian government has announced abolishing the windfall tax on aviation turbine fuel, crude oil, petrol, and diesel, effective immediately. The decision marks the end of a levy introduced on July 1, 2022 read more The Indian government Monday announced the scrapping of the windfall tax on crude products, aviation turbine fuel (ATF), petrol and diesel exports. The change, which came into effect immediately, is seen as a big relief for oil producers and refiners in India. A report by CNBC TV18 quoted sources as saying that the top government departments, including the Prime Ministers office, took a detailed review of the levy (imposed in July 2022) with the Revenue Department and the Petroleum Ministry, after which it was decided to discontinue with the tax. Advertisement On July 1, 2022, a special levy was introduced on domestic crude oil production after a rise in global crude prices. It was imposed to capture excess revenue generated from the unexpected gains by producers. Reasons for scrapping windfall tax on ATF, crude products The sources to CNBC TV18 said that some of the reasons behind the decision of abolishing the tax include the fact that the late levy was not yielding much revenue. The industry, since its existence, was unhappy with the tax. The levy was not making the industry enhance production levels, thus the PMO decided to discontinue the tax, they said. Of late, average crude prices had become comfortable because of which most of the segments of the tax, be it the levy on ATF, petrol, or diesel, were continuing as a nil tax, thus the government did not want to continue with a tax which was not garnering much revenue, they further said. After it was introduced in July 2022, the windfall tax was revised every 15 days based on international crude oil prices. Since its implementation, the tax has been a subject of controversy. In the beginning, it sought to balance government revenue amid fluctuating oil prices, industries soon started to argue that it was negatively impacting profitability and even disincentivised production. In recent months, the tax became less effective as global crude oil prices witnessed a decline, thereby reducing the revenue generated. With inputs from agencies. Jaykar revealed in an interview, I remembered one scene from the song Aankhon Ki Gustakhiya, where Salman had to go all the way round as Ash and me was standing next to each other" read more Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai came together for Sanjay Leela Bhansalis 1999 romance Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. The film also had Smita Jaykar in an important role and she revealed something in an interview. Jaykar revealed in an interview, I remembered one scene from the song Aankhon Ki Gustakhiya, where Salman had to go all the way round as Ash and me was standing next to each other, as I was like a mother to her all the time. He goes and touches her like this, and moves ahead. Advertisement The actress added, Salman said, Why did you touch her you are not supposed to touch her. You know the feeling of touching and vo jab naye-naye pyaar mein saara-sara hota hai. He said, Oh, I didnt know. Fir se vo shot hua. Salman Khan has been fulfilling his work commitments under high security after death threats from jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Amid this, the megastars old interview, where he recalled a run-in with petrified Blackbuck has surfaced on social media. in a village in Rajasthan in 1998 while filming Sooraj Barjatyas Hum Saath-Saath Hain with Saif Ali Khan, Tabu and Sonali Bendre. In 2009, Salman Khan spoke about the incident and said he only fed the blackbuck. I think this is where it has come from. One day after pack-up, we would driving by, all of us, there was Saif, there was Tabu, there was Neelam, there was Amrita, there was Sonali, and we saw a deer fawn stuck in a bush, Salman told NDTV. The whole herd was there, so I stopped the car and he was like petrified. We took him out from there and gave him some water. He was like scared. After a while, he ate mast biscuit-wiscuit khaya, and he want away. We packed up early that day. We all were going together. I think from there, this whole thing came, the Tiger 3 star added. Advertisement Belgium, in the first-of-its-kind law anywhere in the world, has granted sex workers labour rights and protections. Sex workers will now get access to paid leave, health insurance, unemployment benefits, and pensions. The legislation, which was passed in May, came into effect on December 1 read more A view of an empty chair inside of a sex worker's booth, in Antwerp, Belgium, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. File Photo/AP In a world first, Belgium has extended labour rights to sex workers. Now, sex workers will have the right to sick days, maternity pay and pension under the first-of-its-kind law in the world. The new legislation has been welcomed by Belgian sex workers who say they will be more protected now. This comes after Belgian lawmakers decriminalised sex work in 2022. Heres why the new law is a big deal. Belgian sex workers get labour rights On Sunday (December 1), Belgium became the first country to allow sex workers to sign formal employment contracts, granting them health insurance, pensions, maternity leave and sick days. Sex workers will also enjoy the right to refuse clients or a specific sexual act, and stop an act at any moment. They cannot be fired for these refusals. Advertisement Sex workers will also have access to paid leave, maternity benefits and unemployment support. While the law to provide the same employment protections to sex workers as other employees was passed in May, it came into effect on Sunday. Under the new law, employers must be of good character with a business residence in Belgium, noted The Guardian. Pimps, who control sex work, can now operate legally, provided they abide by strict rules. According to Associated Press (AP), employers have to get permission and follow stringent safety protocols. They have to ensure their premises are clean and equipped with a panic button. Employers must also meet background requirements, such as no prior convictions for sexual assault, human trafficking or fraud, reported NPR. This law only covers sex workers who sign an employment contract, but not those who are self-employed. People performing pornography or striptease are also not covered by these protections. Reactions to Belgiums law Sex workers have hailed the legislation, saying before the law they had to work during pregnancy or past retirement age. The Belgian Union of Sex Workers (UTSOPI) said the law was a huge step forward, ending legal discrimination against sex workers. I am a very proud Belgium sex worker right now, Mel Meliciousss, who is part of the Belgian union, wrote on her Instagram. People who are already working in the industry will be much more protect[ed], and also people who are going to work in the industry also know what their rights are. Advertisement A sex worker told BBC that she believes this law will improve their lives. If there is no law and your job is illegal, there are no protocols to help you. This law gives people the tools to make us safer. This is radical, and its the best step we have seen anywhere in the world so far, Erin Kilbride, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, told BBC. We need every country to be moving in that direction. Belgium decriminalised sex work in 2022. Representational Image/AFP However, critics have decried the law. It is dangerous because it normalises a profession that is always violent at its core, Julia Crumiere, a volunteer with Isala, an NGO that helps sex workers on the streets in Belgium, said to BBC. Advertisement Last year when the bill was published, the Council of Francophone Women of Belgium, a feminist group, described it as catastrophic for young girls and victims of trafficking. To assume that prostitution exists and that we must protect workers is to accept this sexist violence and not to fight it, the head of the organisation told Le Soir. What about other countries? Sex work is legal in many countries including Germany, New Zealand, Greece, the Netherlands, Turkey and some parts of Australia. New Zealands law allows sex workers to refuse any client and also avail of unemployment benefits. In the United States, Nevada is the only state where prostitution is legal but only inside brothels. Last year, Maine scrapped penalties for sex workers but laws are still there against those buying sexual services. Advertisement Thailand has also attempted to decriminalise sex work in recent years but it remains illegal as of now. With inputs from agencies In the intervening hours of December 2 and December 3 1984, poisonous methyl isocyanate gas leaked from the Union Carbine chemical plant on the outskirts of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, instantly killing thousands and maiming lakhs of others. Forty years after the incident, lakhs still suffer the effects of the gas, making it the worlds worst industrial disaster. We look back at the mishap and the horror it unleashed read more A woman takes part in a candlelight vigil to commemorate the anniversary of the Bhopal Gas disaster. It's been 40 years since poisonous gases escaped the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, killing thousands and injuring many generations on. File image/AFP Just after the clock struck 12 at night on December 2, 1984, an industrial accident began to unfold at Union Carbide chemical plant in Madhya Pradeshs Bhopal that has gone down in history as the worlds worst industrial disaster. A poisonous gas known as methyl isocyanate started leaking from the plant, resulting in what is known today as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in which it is estimated that 3,000 people died, while thousands, if not millions, continue to suffer from the ill effects of the gas even today 40 years from the accident. Advertisement What went wrong? How did the gas leak? Who was responsible for the worlds worst industrial disaster? And where does the matter stand today? We go back in time and get you all the answers. Night of the deadly Bhopal Gas leak The Union Carbide plant on the outskirts of Bhopal was a pesticide manufacturing company, a subsidiary of the Union Carbide Corporation (UCC), a US corporation. On the night of December 2, 1984, an engineer of the plant was flushing water through a corroded pipe when a series of valves failed, allowing the water to flow freely into one of the three-storey tanks holding the toxic chemical in a liquid state. This caused a rapid and violent reaction. The tank shattered in its concrete casing and spewed a deadly cloud of MIC, hydrogen cyanide, monomethylamine and other chemicals. Soon, people living around the plant began to complain of a burning sensation in their eyes, while others reported difficulty in breathing, resulting in fainting and loss of consciousness. As Aziza Sultan, a survivor told The Guardian, About 12.30 am, I woke to the sound of my baby coughing badly. In the half-light, I saw that the room was filled with a white cloud. The underground three-flanged stainless steel tank (lower left foreground) at Union Carbides Bhopal factory from which poison gas leaked, killing 2,500. File image/Reuters I heard a lot of people shouting. They were shouting Run! Run!. Then I started coughing, with each breath seeming as if I was breathing in fire. My eyes were burning. No one understood what was happening and along with the poisonous gases mixing in the air, came the panic. All one could see was doomsday people vomiting on the streets, others convulsing and dropping dead. There were few who even choked on their own body fluids. Advertisement Those who managed to reach hospitals were confronted with doctors who didnt know what to do. In many cases, hospitals didnt have the equipment to handle such a situation. Its hard to put a death toll on the incident Union Carbide pegged the toll to be 3,800. However, municipal workers said there were 15,000 corpses. Victims of the Bhopal tragedy wait to be treated at Bhopals hospital where a poison gas leak from the Union Carbide factory. File image/AFP Bhopal Gas tragedy lives on And even 40 years, later the tragedy continues to live on. People who survived the initial night of horror, struggle with various ailments and illnesses. Take Gas Devi, who was born on the night of the horror. A daily wage labourer, Gas struggles with constant pain in her chest, one of her lungs is not developed fully and she keeps falling sick. My life is a living hell, Devi told AFP. I wish I had died that night. A man carries the body of a victim of the Bhopal tragedy where a poison gas leak from the Union Carbide factory. The tragedy occurred when a storage tank at a pesticide plant run by Union Carbide exploded and poured dangerous gases into the air in Bhopal, immediately killing more than 3,500 slum dwellers. File image/AFP And Gas is not alone. Rashida Bi, a survivor, told The Guardian, The lucky ones are those who died on that night. Advertisement Thats because while the Union Carbide plant shut down there was no clean-up. The gases continue to mix in the air and have now mixed with the groundwater. Testing of groundwater near the site in the past revealed cancer- and birth defect-causing chemicals 50 times higher than what is accepted as safe by the US Environmental Protection Agency. This has led to many contracting cancer and brain damage. A study in 2023 revealed that the accident affected a generation of babies still in the womb. A 2019 report by the UNs International Labour Organisation (ILO) said at least 30 tonnes of the poisonous gas affected more than 600,000 workers and nearby inhabitants. A woman looks at a photo exhibition on the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy in Bhopal. File image/Reuters Another NGOs study pointed out that those diagnosed with diabetes, coronary disease, neuropathies, and arthritis were three times higher in people exposed to the gas leak. And if you want proof of the tragedy, a visit to the people living there will prove it. Ask Tasleem Bano, a 48-year-old who was exposed to the gas as a child. Speaking to AFP, she said, My sons twin died in my womb. And even the one who survived couldnt speak until he was six years old. Advertisement Doctors say he is like this because of the gas, said Tasleem. Mortality among the exposed population is also much higher. Satinath Sarangi, founder of Sambhavna, a clinic, says, In 2011, wed taken stock through our registered cohorts and we found there was 28 per cent more mortality among the gas exposed. Call for compensation over Bhopal Gas tragedy In the aftermath of the accident, a legal battle began, with activists demanding damages and that Union Carbide take accountability for their actions in the tragedy. In 1985, owing to a lack of legislation on the same, India passed the Bhopal Gas Leak Act, which permitted the Indian government to act as the legal representative for victims. A handicapped man walks past graffiti urging death on ex-Union Carbide chairman Warren Anderson outside its closed factory in Bhopal. File image/Reuters A case was lodged against Union Carbide and its chairman, Warren Anderson, was arrested but subsequently released on bail, following which he left the country. In 1991, he was charged in India with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. However, he never faced trial and died at the age of 92 in a nursing home in Florida in 2014. Advertisement Five years after the tragedy, in February 1989, the government and Union Carbide reached an out-of-court settlement of $470 million. As per the Supreme Court, the family of the dead would be given Rs 1,00,000-3,00,000. Partially or fully disabled would receive Rs 50,000 to 5,00,000 and those with a temporary injury would receive Rs 25,000-1,00,000. In 2010, the Indian government filed a curative petition, seeking additional compensation from Dow Chemicals the company that bought Union Carbide. The plea stated that the previous settlement was based on incorrect data on deaths and losses. Furthermore, the environmental damage had not been taken into consideration. Bhopal gas tragedy survivors chain themselves during a protest outside Indias Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs residence in New Delhi. File image/Reuters On March 14, 2023, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice SK Kaul and comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Abhay S Oka, Vikram Nath, and JK Maheshwar dismissed the petition. Rachna Dhingra, a social activist, notes that justice evades the survivors of the tragedy. In an AFP report, she says, Until today, not a single individual has gone to jail even for a day for killing more than 25,000 people and injuring half a million people, and contaminating the soil and groundwater. Bhopal has taught corporations how to get away with murder. With inputs from agencies Becoming a hot topic across the internet, the term brain rot garnered over 37,000 votes to secure its place as Oxford Dictionarys 2024 Word of the Year. The term describes the effect of spending too much time online and consuming low-quality, mindless content, primarily on social media read more The term "brain rot" is officially defined as the supposed deterioration of a persons mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of online media. Image for Representation. Reuters Do you often catch yourself endlessly scrolling through trendy Instagram Reels, hoping to escape boredom? If yes, you might be experiencing whats now famously called brain rota term that has been crowned Oxford Dictionarys 2024 Word of the Year. Becoming a hot topic across the internet, brain rot garnered over 37,000 votes to secure its place as the winner, emerging from a shortlist of six words compiled by Oxford University Press, the publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary. Advertisement But what exactly does brain rot mean? And why did it resonate enough to earn the title of Word of the Year? Lets take a closer look. What is brain rot? The term brain rot is officially defined as the supposed deterioration of a persons mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. In simpler terms, its the effect of spending too much time online and consuming low-quality, mindless contentprimarily on social media. Dr Michael Rich, a paediatrician and founder of the hospitals Digital Wellness Lab, explained to The New York Times that people experiencing brain rot often filter their daily lives through the lens of online content, which influences how they communicate and behave. In simpler terms, Brain rot is the effect of spending too much time online and consuming low-quality, mindless contentprimarily on social media. Image for Representation Many of my patients see brain rot as a badge of honour, much like achieving high scores in video games. They compete for screen time as if it were a prize, Dr Rich told the publication. The relevance of this term is clear, as its usage on the internet soared by 230 per cent from 2023 to 2024. Psychologist and Oxford University Professor Andrew Przybylski shared with the BBC that the words popularity is a symptom of the time were living in. How did come into existence? The first recorded use of brain rot dates much before the creation of the internet - it was written down in 1854 by Henry David Thoreau in his book Walden. Advertisement He criticises societys tendency to devalue complex ideas and how this is part of a general decline in mental and intellectual effort. Reflecting on this, he posed the question: While England endeavours to cure the potato rot, will not any endeavour to cure the brain-rot which prevails so much more widely and fatally? The term gained popularity among GenZ and Gen Alphas when a TikTok user discovered a meme based on a World War II-era illustration called The 2000 Yard Stare. The image, depicting a soldiers haunted expression after witnessing the horrors of war, went viral and was widely used to depict the feeling of being overwhelmed by internet content. "The 2000 Yard Stare byThomas Lea depicts a nameless real-life AmericanMarine at the Battle of Peleliu(World War II,1944). The 2000-yard stare: phrase used to describe the blank,unfocused gaze of combatants who have become emotionally detached from the horrors around them. pic.twitter.com/eXuiJp7UUq Soraia Vermeer (@SoraiaVermeer) February 21, 2023 Advertisement Joshua Rodriguez Ortiz, an 18-year-old high school senior from Billerica, Massachusetts, told The New York Times that he had noticed brain rot being used more frequently in recent months. I think people started realising that TikTok is so consuming over our lives that it just felt like brain rot because people are scrolling on TikTok constantly, and theres so many niche references from TikTok, he said. Advertisement While Professor Andrew Przybylski clarified that theres no evidence of brain rot actually being a thing, he explained that the term reflects our growing dissatisfaction with the online world. Its a word that we can use to bundle our anxieties that we have around social media, he noted. Also read: Hooked to smartphones? What excessive internet usage does to teenage brains How to deal with brain rot? The issue of excessive internet use is viewed differently by experts and institutions. While some argue for treatment plans curing digital addiction, others, Dr Rich, offer a different perspective. Dr Rich believes that for some young people, especially those with conditions like ADHD, activities such as gaming or using social media act as a form of self-soothing and help them feel competent. He suggests that labelling these behaviours as addiction ignores their function as coping mechanisms. He said the goal should be to reframe the debate about internet and phone usage from good vs. bad to healthy vs. less healthy in an effort to help parents and children develop better online habits. Advertisement Dr Rich said the goal should be to reframe the debate about brain rot and the internet and phone usage from good vs. bad to healthy vs. less healthy in an effort to help parents and children develop better online habits. Image for Representation The Newport Institute also recommends limiting screen time, choosing positive content, and engaging in offline activities like hobbies or outdoor pursuits. They also encourage spending quality time connecting with friends and family. What other words were shortlisted? Apart from brain rot, words that were Oxfords word of the year race are as follows. Demure (adj.): Of a person: behaving in a way that does not attract attention to herself or her body; quiet and serious. Dynamic pricing (n.): The practice of varying the price for a product or service to reflect changing market conditions; in particular, the charging of a higher price at a time of greater demand Lore (n.): A body of (supposed) facts, background information, and anecdotes relating to someone or something, regarded as knowledge required for full understanding or informed discussion of the subject in question Romantasy (n.): A genre of fiction combining elements of romantic fiction and fantasy, typically featuring themes of magic, the supernatural, or adventure alongside a central romantic storyline Slop (n.): Art, writing, or other content generated using artificial intelligence, shared and distributed online in an indiscriminate or intrusive way, and characterized as being of low quality, inauthentic, or inaccurate. With input from agencies For four nights, Georgia has been rocked by protests against the ruling partys decision to freeze the European Union accession talks until 2028. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets, accusing the government of democratic backsliding and aligning with Moscow. With over 100 police officers injured and dozens of protesters hospitalised, tensions are escalating read more For four consecutive nights, the streets of Georgias capital, Tbilisi, and other cities have been gripped by protests sparked by the governments decision to freeze talks on joining the European Union until 2028. This move has drawn backlash from citizens and international partners, who view it as a stark departure from Georgias pro-European trajectory. The nation of 3.7 million people faces deepening political divides, accusations of electoral fraud, and concerns over democratic backsliding. Advertisement What is behind the protests in Georgia? The ruling Georgian Dream partys announcement on Thursday to suspend EU negotiations ignited anger among citizens who overwhelmingly support EU membership. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the decision, stating that they had not suspended anything and that it was a lie. The only thing we have rejected is the shameful and offensive blackmail, which was, in fact, a significant obstacle to our countrys European integration. Georgias Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze speaks during a press conference in Tbilisi, Georgia November 28, 2024. File Image/Reuters However, critics, including pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili, accused the government of betraying national interests. We are not demanding a revolution. We are asking for new elections, but in conditions that will ensure that the will of the people will not be misrepresented or stolen again, she said in an interview with AP. The governments move followed the European Parliaments adoption of a resolution condemning Georgias parliamentary elections as neither free nor fair. Protesters claim the governments policies increasingly align with Russia, a stark contrast to the aspirations of most Georgians. At the heart of the crisis lies deep mistrust in the Georgian Dream party. Opposition leaders and civil society groups accuse the party of aligning with Russia and enacting policies reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. Notably, in 2023, Georgian Dream passed a controversial foreign agents law requiring NGOs with over 20 per cent foreign funding to register as foreign agents. Additionally, parliament approved legislation curbing LGBTQ rights. Advertisement Georgias President Zourabichvili, whose term ends this month, has emerged as a prominent critic of the government. She has called for the annulment of recent parliamentary elections, which she and international observers claim were rigged. Mrs. Salome Zourabichvili has four Fridays left [as president], said Kobakhidze. But of course on December 29 she will have to leave her residence and surrender this building to a legitimately elected president, he said. Clashes in the streets in Georgia Demonstrations erupted across at least eight cities, with tens of thousands gathering in Tbilisis Rustaveli Avenue. Protesters threw stones and fireworks, while riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons. By late Sunday, the situation had escalated to physical confrontations, leading to 44 hospitalisations, including 27 protesters, 16 police officers, and one journalist. According to Georgias Interior Ministry, 113 officers have been injured since the protests began. Advertisement A law enforcement officer fires a tear gas canister as fireworks explode during a protest against the new governments decision to suspend the European Union accession talks and refuse budgetary grants until 2028, in Tbilisi, Georgia, December 2, 2024. File Image/Reuters In Tbilisi, demonstrators burned an effigy of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgian Dream and a billionaire with significant ties to Russia. Opposition groups urged citizens to take paid leave from work to join the protests, stating their constitutional right to assembly. The protests show no signs of abating as citizens demand accountability and a return to pro-European policies, with over 3,000 teachers and hundreds of civil servants signing letters condemning the governments actions. What have stakeholders said? The decision to halt EU talks has drawn sharp criticism from the European Union and the United States. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated, We stand with the Georgian people and their choice for a European future, warning that the governments actions would have direct consequences. We stand with the Georgian people and their choice for a European future. We condemn the violence against protesters & regret signals from ruling party not to pursue Georgia's path to EU and democratic backsliding of the county. This will have direct consequences from EU side. Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) December 1, 2024 Advertisement The EUs enlargement commissioner added that the suspension reflects a shift from the policies of all previous Georgian governments. The US has suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia, citing concerns over democratic backsliding. A US State Department statement condemned the governments excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, a sentiment echoed by Georgias human rights ombudsman, Levan Ioseliani, who labelled the polices actions as brutality. What does Georgias history tell us? Georgias geopolitical orientation has long been contested. Following the Soviet Unions collapse in 1991, the nation sought closer ties with the West, culminating in its EU candidate status in December 2023. However, 20 per cent of its territory remains under Russian occupation in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The Kremlin, while officially silent, has closely monitored the unrest. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev claimed Georgia is moving rapidly along the Ukrainian path, into the dark abyss. Advertisement Georgian Dream maintains that it is protecting the country from foreign interference and the fate of Ukraine. However, opposition groups argue that the party is capitulating to Moscows influence, sacrificing Georgias democratic aspirations and sovereignty. With inputs from agencies Rebel fighters have launched a new counteroffensive in Syria, resulting in the death of over 400 people. Insurgents have taken control of Aleppo, the countrys second-largest city. Behind this is the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which began in 2011 as an Al-Qaeda affiliate read more A rebel fighter stands atop of a military vehicle as he carries a Hayat Tahrir al-Sham flag in Saraqeb town in northwestern Idlib province, Syria. Reuters Its what everyone is calling a shock offensive; in the past week, Syrian rebel forces launched a large-scale attack on areas controlled by the government and by Saturday (November 30) had taken over Aleppo the countrys second-largest city and its airport. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Syria war monitor, has said that the recent fighting in the country has killed 412 people, including 61 civilians. Thousands of fighters have now moved on to villages and towns in Hama, claiming to have entered there too. Advertisement This swift offensive by the rebels is a huge embarrassment for Syrian President Bashar Assad, who said that the country will continue to defend its stability and territorial integrity against terrorists and their supporters. He added that Syria is able to defeat them no matter how much their attacks intensify. But who exactly are these terrorists? What is the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which has long been a part of the Syrian conflict? We explore and get you the answers. What is the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham? Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, also known as HTS, roughly translates into the Organisation for the Liberation of the Levant. According to Armed Conflict Location & Event Data, the HTS is an Islamist political and militant group mainly operating in Syrias Greater Idleb area, which includes parts of Aleppos western countryside, the Lattakia mountains, and al-Ghab Plain in northwestern Hama. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham found its origins in Jabhat al-Nusra, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, in 2011. Reports state that the leader of the Islamic State group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was also involved in the formation of the HTS. Under the leadership of Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, it became a capable organisation of its own, known for being effective and deadly in the fight against Syrian President Bashar Assad. It gathered revenue from territories under its control and earned infamy for carrying out insurgent attacks. Soon, it attracted a large number of fighters. In 2016, Jawlani announced that his group was breaking ranks with Al-Qaeda and dissolved the Jabhat al-Nusra. The following year, Jawlani merged his group with similar like-minded groups such as Harakat Nour al-Din al-Zinki, Liwa al-Haq, Jaysh al-Sunna, and Jabhat Ansar al-Din to form Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. In 2018, the group was recognised by the US State Department as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). Advertisement A Syrian opposition fighter shoots in the air in downtown Aleppo, Syria. AP Who heads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham? The HTS is headed by Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, who was formerly an Al-Qaeda operative. It is reported that al-Jawlani born in Saudi Arabia joined Al Qaeda in 2003 to fight American forces in Iraq. After reportedly spending time in US military prisons, he returned to Syria in 2011 and became a key figure in the Jabhat al-Nusra. After falling out with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, he continued to lead the breakaway group, which he later named HTS. His activities have earned him a $10 million bounty from the US government. What are Hayat Tahrir al-Shams goals in Syria? Unlike Al-Qaeda or Islamic State, which wishes to establish an Islamic Caliphate across the world, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham dreams of establishing Islamic rule in Syria and expelling Iranian militia from the country. Its primary objective, as per a CSIS report, is the establishment of Islamic rule in Syria via toppling the criminal (Assad) regime and expelling the Iranian militias. Moreover, gauging from al-Jawlanis past statements such as with this spirit we will not only reach Damascus, but, Allah permitting, Jerusalem will be awaiting our arrival, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham views Israel as an enemy. Advertisement According to the CSIS Transnational Threats Projects report of 2018, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has a fighting force of 12,000 to 15,000 troops. A Syrian opposition fighter takes a picture of a comrade stepping on a portrait of Syrian President Bashar Assad in Aleppo. AP Which areas in Syria do HTS govern and how? The HTS has a stronghold in Syrias Idlib province, ruling it through the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG). It is through the SSG that HTS carries out welfare services, delivers essential goods and runs food aid programmes, earning the goodwill of the people in the area. The HTS through SSG also, according to an ACLED report, has a monopoly on the economy through control of al-Sham Bank and the oil sector through Watad Company. The HTS also controls the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is also known to engage in violence against civilians. Between 2020 and 2022, it has been reported that the HTS was responsible for the deaths of at least 54 civilians. A damaged military vehicle lies in the city of Maarat al-Numan, in Idlib province, after rebel fighters captured the city in Syria. Reuters What do we know of HTS new offensive? Last Wednesday (November 27) when Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Lebanon, the HTS began its counteroffensive in Syria, which resulted in pro-government forces losing control of Aleppo for the first time since the start of the countrys civil war. The new offensive comes as fighters say they were responding to stepped up attacks from government forces and pro-Iranian militia groups. Advertisement The fighting has led to concerns with the United States, France, Germany and Britain calling for de-escalation in Syria, and for the protection of civilians and infrastructure. UN envoy Geir Pedersen said the latest developments pose severe risks to civilians and have serious implications for regional and international peace and security. With inputs from agencies A 21-year-old Indian tourist Sayan Ghosh was allegedly attacked by a violent mob for both his Indian identity and his Hindu faith in Dhaka. He was reportedly assaulted with a knife and stones and was denied medical treatment in some private hospitals. A bus on the way to Kolkata was also attacked in Bangladeshs Brahmanbaria read more Hundreds of Bangladeshi Hindus have been demonstrating on the streets of Dhaka, in protest against the violence against the Hindu minority community after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. File photo. AFP An Indian tourist Sayan Ghosh returned home from Bangladesh, visibly injured and traumatised after his trip to the neighbouring country turned into his worst nightmare. The 21-year-old Ghosh recounted being attacked by a violent mob in Dhaka, alleging that he was targeted for both his Indian identity and his Hindu faith, according to a report by News18. This distressing incident is the latest in a series of unsettling events in Bangladesh, where rising tensions have led to the arrest of Hindu monks, attacks on religious minorities, and vandalisation of temples. Advertisement Heres a closer look at the incidents in Bangladesh. Snatched mobile & wallet at knife-point Ghosh, who belongs to West Bengals Belgharia, an area on the northern fringes of Kolkata, travelled to Dhaka on November 23 to visit a friend and his family who welcomed him as one of their own. However, his trip took a violent turn on November 26, the day he was set to return to India. According to a News18 report, Ghosh said he went out with his friend for a visit to a nearby market when they were confronted by a group of men who questioned him about his nationality and religion. At least 5-6 boys from the Muslim community came and asked me where I was from and what I was doing here. The moment they heard I was Indian and a Hindu they started thrashing me, Ghosh said. The mob started kicking and punching me and even attacked my friend who tried to save me, Ghosh told PTI. They even snatched my mobile phone and wallet at knife-point. No bystander came to our rescue. There was no policeman nearby." Ghosh claimed that the mob attacked him with a knife and pelted stones at him, which resulted in serious injuries to his face and head. They kept saying, Why did an Indian Hindu come to our country? No one stepped in to help us, he recalled. He is Sayan Ghosh from West Bengal. He went to Dhaka in Bangladesh. A group of men asked him where he was from. He said India. Then they asked him about his religious identity. When he said Hindu, they attacked him. He sustained injuries but has now safely returned to India. pic.twitter.com/cgm1vQGiFD Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) December 1, 2024 Advertisement No FIR, no medical treatment After the attack, Sayan Ghosh approached Shyampur police station to file an FIR, but he claimed the local authorities refused to take action. Instead, they repeatedly questioned him about his reasons for visiting Bangladesh. I called Bangladeshs emergency number, but they started accusing me instead. No police station registered my complaint. After I showed them my passport and visa, and after speaking to my friend and his family members, they were satisfied and asked me to get my wounds treated, he told PTI. Ghoshs troubles continued as he was denied admission and medical treatment at two private hospitals. When I called the ambulance number and police, they were asking me about my identity and all, he said. Advertisement After four hours of struggle, he finally received first aid at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. I had several stitches done on my forehead and head and even had an injury in my mouth, Ghosh recounted, still reeling from the horror of the incident. Ghoshs ordeal didnt end there as he and his host continued to receive threats. People, including government workers, some local lawmakers and other people of the area then came to my friends home and harassed him and his parents for inviting him over," he was quoted by News18 as saying. He further added that his friends family was warned that their lives could be in danger for inviting over an Indian citizen. Advertisement Rising tensions have led to the arrest of Hindu monks, attacks on religious minorities, and vandalisation of temples in Bangladesh. File image/Reuters Eventually, in the early hours of November 29, Ghoshs friend escorted him to the railway station. Ghosh boarded a train to India and returned home visibly shaken. Sukanto Ghosh, Sayans father, told News18, Whatever happened there is unimaginable. He is in a state of shock. We will take him to the doctor and also lodge a complaint with the high commission." He is traumatised," his father added. Ghosh has expressed his desire to file a complaint with the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata. I could not imagine such a nightmarish situation awaiting me in a neighbouring country where people speak the same language as us and share similar food habits, he recalled in a PTI report. Advertisement Also read: Bangladesh carriers cancel 3 daily flights to & from India as passenger count declines Bus with Indian passengers attacked This recent attack on Indians in Bangladesh is not an isolated incident. Earlier, a bus travelling from Agartala to Kolkata reportedly came under attack after it was involved in an accident in Bangladesh. On Saturday, a passenger bus carrying 28 people17 Indians and 11 Bangladeshi nationalsfaced a harrowing ordeal shortly after departing from Tripuras Agartala. Tripuras Transport Minister, Sushanta Chowdhury, described the incident in a Facebook post. A bus from Tripura to Kolkata came under an attack on the Bishwa Road in Brahmanbaria of Bangladesh. The bus was maintaining its lane when a goods-laden truck intentionally hit it. Right at that time, an autorickshaw came in front of the bus, leading to a collision, he wrote. Chowdhury alleged that following the accident, a group of people began threatening the passengers and shouting anti-Indian slogans. They threatened the Indian passengers with dire consequences, he said. Expressing strong disapproval, Chowdhury condemned the incident. I condemn this attack in the strongest terms and call upon the administration in Bangladesh to take immediate measures and ensure safety and security of Indian nationals travelling there, he said. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha also issued a stern warning to Bangladesh, urging them to address the situation or face repercussions. They shouldnt forget the contribution of India, especially Tripura, during their war for liberation. Today, they forgot their history and have violated all norms, Saha said. The Centre is keeping a close eye on the situation in Bangladesh. If they dont stop such anti-Indian activities, the consequences will be severe, he added. Meanwhile, some private hospitals in Agartala and Kolkata announced they would no longer treat patients from Bangladesh, reported The Times of India. Additionally, Indian businessmen in Unakoti have also suspended trade with their Bangladeshi counterparts. With input from agencies Several Indian passengers travelling from Mumbai to Manchester were left stranded at Kuwait Airport for over 13 hours after their flight made an emergency landing. Some passengers alleged they were not given proper accommodation or food during the wait. The flight finally departed from Kuwait around 4:30 am local time on Monday read more Several Indian passengers were stuck at Kuwait Airport for over 14 hours. Image courtesy: X/@indembkwt Several Indian passengers travelling from Mumbai to the UKs Manchester were left stranded for over 13 hours at Kuwait Airport following an emergency landing. The flight eventually took off from Kuwait at around 4:30 am on Monday, officials announced, adding that The Indian Embassy team, which was providing assistance, remained at the airport until the flights departure. The passengers, who were stranded at the airport on Sunday, claimed they were not provided with adequate accommodation or food during the wait. Advertisement ALSO READ | How a remote workers password glitch grounded 7 lakh flyers in UK Several videos shared on social media showed passengers of the Gulf Air flight (Mumbai to Manchester) in heated exchanges with airport authorities. What happened? Passengers stuck at Kuwait Airport for over 14 hours shared harrowing accounts of lack of support and denied help after their Gulf Air flight to Manchester made an emergency landing. Indian Passengers Stranded at Kuwait Airport for Over 13 Hours After Emergency Landing Passengers traveling from Mumbai to Manchester via Gulf Air faced a nightmare journey when their flight made an emergency landing at Kuwait International Airport due to an engine fire. Over 60 pic.twitter.com/vQyF1mge7p Kumaon Jagran (@KumaonJagran) December 1, 2024 The flight, which had departed from Mumbai, turned back mid-air before landing in Kuwait, passengers said. Reports also stated that the flight was diverted just 20 minutes before its scheduled destination. ALSO READ | Over 100 Air India passengers stranded in Thailands Phuket for over 80 hours due to technical faults What did the passengers say? Speaking to NDTV, Arzoo Singh, one of the stranded passengers, said, I saw the engine was on fire. There was smoke. After landing, we asked them so many times to at least give us a place to sit. Everyone was sitting on the floor. Advertisement She added that while senior citizens and families with infants were offered some accommodation inside the airport, there was no clarity on arrangements for other passengers. The flight eventually took off from Kuwait at around 4:30 am on Monday. Image courtesy: X/@indembkwt I am saying this on live television. They said if youre entitled passport holders, and Indians and Pakistanis are not entitled passport holders, they literally told us if youre entitled for a transit visa, only then we can put you in a hotel outside," she told the media outlet. She further told NDTV, We asked them what about us, people who are not entitled as you say? They said we will get back to you. We ran behind them for nearly two hours, only after that we got lounge access. We asked for blankets, we asked for food. They didnt give. No one even gave us water for the first four hours. Advertisement Speaking to ANI, she said, After we raised the issue on social media, senior officials from the Indian Embassy in Kuwait reached out to the Indian passengers stuck at the airport. Another passenger, Shivansh, expressed frustration on social media. Reading WHY BHARAT MATTERS while getting stuck in Kuwait without any help All British Passport holders got their hotels sorted with On-arrival visa while #IndianPassport holders have been left stranded without any info, food, or any kind of help. @DrSJaishankar@GulfAir#GF5 pic.twitter.com/5qUNEP8rMO Shivansh (@shiv4nsh) December 1, 2024 Reading Why Bharat Matters while getting stuck in Kuwait without any help. All British passport holders got their hotels sorted with on-arrival visas, while Indian passport holders have been left stranded without any info, food, or any kind of help. Please help and provide us a visa so that at least we can get a hotel and wait for the next flight, he wrote. Sai Samrat Anandapu, who was travelling from Hyderabad to Manchester, also shared his experience on X. He wrote, I was traveling from Hyderabad to Manchester with a transit in Bahrain. Our flight started at 2.10 am, but after 1.5 hours the left engine caught fire, leading to an emergency landing in Kuwait City. Advertisement 01.12.2024 at 2.50 - I was traveling on a Gulf Air flight with other 268 passengers last night when the left engine caught fire mid air when we are cruising at 15000 meters attitude, leading to an emergency landing in Kuwait City. @gulfair #thankyou #flight #fire pic.twitter.com/KnA3h4Z6c1 Sai Samrat Anandapu (@SamratChintu) December 1, 2024 Weve been waiting for support for over six hours, but only British nationals and GCC residents have been accommodated, leaving us Indians without assistance. There are children and elderly among us, with no confirmation about our flight to Manchester. Please provide accommodation as we need to freshen up and attend to our daily needs, he posted. Indian embassy steps in The Indian Embassy in Kuwait took note of the situation and sent a team to assist the stranded passengers and coordinate with the airline. Officials stated that passengers were accommodated in two airport lounges. Embassy @indembkwt had immediately taken up the matter with Gulf Air in Kuwait. A team from Embassy is at the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline. Passengers have been accommodated in 2 airport lounges. pic.twitter.com/1OySe3KGLc India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) December 1, 2024 In a post on X, the embassy wrote, A team from Embassy is at the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline. Passengers have been accommodated in 2 airport lounges. Efforts are being made accommodate passengers in airport hotel which is currently unavailable due to ongoing GCC Summit (Gulf Cooperation Council Summit)It may be noted that Indian nationals do not fall under Visa on arrival facility in Kuwait. The embassy also informed that food and water had been made available for the stranded passengers at the lounges. Gulf Air flight to Manchester finally departed at 0434 hours today carrying stranded Indian passengers among others. Embassy team was on the ground till the flight departed. pic.twitter.com/47GVer4Bs4 India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) December 2, 2024 To resolve the situation, the airline arranged a flight at 3:30 am on Monday to carry the passengers from Kuwait to Manchester. Providing an update, the embassy posted on Monday morning, Gulf Air flight to Manchester finally departed at 0434 hours today carrying stranded Indian passengers among others. Embassy team was on the ground till the flight departed. Gulf Air has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. With inputs from agencies Owned by Pakistan International Airlines, the historic Roosevelt Hotel now houses migrants under a three-year agreement generating much-needed revenue for Pakistan amid its economic crisis. Critics, including Vivek Ramaswamy, have questioned using taxpayer funds for a foreign-owned hotel, calling the deal nuts' read more People gather outside the Roosevelt Hotel, which serves as an intake centre for migrants in the Midtown area of New York City, US, November 13, 2024. File Image/Reuters The fact that New York City is paying $220 million to rent the Roosevelt Hotel, owned by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), to house migrants has come under scrutiny after Vivek Ramaswamy, a prominent Indian-American entrepreneur and incoming official in United States President-elect Donald Trumps administration, labelled the arrangement as nuts. In a post on X, he stated, A taxpayer-funded hotel for illegal migrants is owned by the Pakistani government which means NYC taxpayers are effectively paying a foreign government to house illegals in our own country. This is nuts. Advertisement What is the $220 million agreement between NYC & Pakistan? In June 2023, then Pakistans Minister for Aviation and Railways, Khawaja Saad Rafique, announced a three-year contract between PIA and the New York City government. The deal would generate $220 million in revenue for PIA, with $18 million in cash directly benefiting the struggling airline. View of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) passengers plane, taken through a glass panel, at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Pakistan, January 29, 2024. File Image/Reuters The agreement involves leasing all 1,025 rooms of the Roosevelt Hotel at $210 per room per night. Initially, only one year of operations was guaranteed, but Rafique had expressed optimism about extending the arrangement for the full three years, reported Geo TV. He also highlighted that this contract has temporarily alleviated the threat of the hotel being declared a landmark, which would have limited its use and modifications. What does the NYC hotels history tell us? The Roosevelt Hotel, located at 45 East 45th Street in Midtown Manhattan, opened its doors in 1924 and has since become a symbol of New Yorks architectural grandeur. Named after United States President Theodore Roosevelt, the 19-story building was designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style by George B Post & Son. Over the decades, the property passed through numerous owners, including Hilton Hotels and Realty Hotels, before PIA acquired full ownership in 2000. A food delivery person walks through the lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, US, October 13, 2020. File Image/Reuters The hotel, boasting over 1,200 rooms, was once known for its unique features, including a pet kennel, child-care services, and an in-house doctor. However, financial difficulties led to its closure in October 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, with mounting liabilities of $25 million. In May 2023, the hotel reopened as a shelter for asylum seekers under an agreement with New York City. How is the Roosevelt Hotel aiding NYC? Under Mayor Eric Adams administration, New York City has faced mounting pressure to accommodate an influx of asylum seekers. The Roosevelt Hotel has become a critical part of this effort, serving as an arrival center for migrants and offering essential services such as vaccinations and food. To meet the demand for over 14,000 rooms, the city has rented not only the Roosevelt but also more than 100 other hotels. Critics have pointed out that many of these properties are owned by foreign entities, including Air India and the Taj Group. People stand outside the Roosevelt Hotel, which has acted as a makeshift shelter for arriving migrants in the Midtown section of New York City, US, November 28, 2023. File Image/Reuters Despite the backlash, city officials argue that the deal provides a practical solution to an urgent problem. The hotels reopening has also reduced the operational workforce from 479 to 77 employees, addressing previous concerns about its sustainability under US labour laws. Advertisement Why is the deal important to Pakistan? For Pakistan, the Roosevelt deal is part of broader efforts to stabilise its economy. The hotels rental agreement aligns with a $1.1 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), aimed at helping Pakistan avoid a debt default. The $220 million revenue generated from the hotel lease offers a much-needed financial lifeline for PIA and the nations struggling aviation sector. However, the controversy in the US highlights the growing disagreement of intertwining international agreements intertwined with domestic politics in America. Ramaswamy, co-leader of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk, has used the deal to critique government waste. A taxpayer-funded hotel for illegal migrants is owned by the Pakistani government which means NYC taxpayers are effectively paying a foreign government to house illegals in our own country. This is nuts. https://t.co/Oy4Z9qoX45 Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) December 1, 2024 Advertisement He argues that New York Citys spending on foreign-owned properties reflects inefficiencies in handling taxpayer funds. Had Ramaswamy reviewed the terms and conditions before issuing his biased political statement, he would have faced difficulty in making such claims, said a commentary on Geo TV, pointing out that Ramaswamys statement oversimplified the financial nuances of the agreement. As Ramaswamy prepares to assume his role in the Trump administration, his criticism of the deal may signal future scrutiny of similar arrangements. Advertisement Also Read | Why Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk want to eliminate daylight saving time With inputs from agencies Iskcon has remained in the headlines since the arrest of its former member Chinmoy Krishna Das last week on sedition charges in Bangladesh. The religious organisations spokesperson in Kolkata has claimed at least three other Hindu monks have been arrested by the Bangladesh police. There have also been calls for a ban on the body in the South Asian country, which has been rejected by a court read more An activist of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds placards of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a Bangladeshi jailed Hindu monk leader, member of the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote group and former member of ISKCON, during a protest to condemn his arrest, in Kolkata on November 27, 2024. AFP Bangladeshs International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) has come into the spotlight since the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was once associated with the Hindu religious organisation. Now, reports have emerged of arrests of other Hindu priests in the South Asian country. Das arrest fuelled protests in Bangladesh, with clashes occurring between the minority Hindu community and security forces last week. Iskcon spokesperson in Kolkata, Radharamn Das, reportedly said that atrocities against religious minorities are not stopping" even after 100 days in the neighbouring country. Advertisement Over 200 attacks have been reported against Hindus in Bangladesh since the fall of Sheikh Hasinas government on August 5. Lets take a look at whats going on. Iskcon in limelight Iskcon spokesperson Radharamn Das claimed on X Sunday (December 1) that 63 monks were stopped in Bangladesh from crossing into India. They had all valid Indian visa[s] and other documents. But Bangladeshi Border Police said that Bangladeshi Intelligence has told them not to allow them to enter India. Already four of our Brahmacharis they have arrested & now not allowing other Brahmacharis to travel to India. Please pray, he wrote. Bangladesh stops 63 Iskcon Brahmachari's from crossing into India. They had all valid Indian Visa and other documents. But Bangladeshi Boarder Police said that Bangladeshi Intelligence has told them not to allow them to enter India. Already 4 of our Brahmacharis they have pic.twitter.com/QQDuCYlj4m Radharamn Das (@RadharamnDas) December 1, 2024 Iskcon has said that 54 monks reached the Benapole land port in Bangladesh over the weekend and stopped from entering India, reported Indian Express. We consulted the Special Branch of Police and received instructions from the higher authorities not to permit them, Benapole Immigration Checkpost Officer-in-Charge (OC) Imtiaz Ahsanul Quader Bhuiya said, as per Bangladeshs Daily Star. Advertisement He reportedly said that 54 Iskcon devotees were not allowed to go to India over suspicions regarding their travel purposes. The Iskcon members say they were coming to India for religious purposes. According to IANS, Saurabh Tapandar Cheli, an Iskcon member, said, We were going to participate in a religious ceremony in India, but immigration officials stopped us, citing the absence of government permission. Radharamn has claimed two more Hindu priests were arrested in Bangladesh. He told PTI, I have received information that two more ISKCON monks have been arrested by police in Bangladesh. After Chinmoy Krishna Das, two more Hindu saints Ranganath Shyamsunder Das Brahmachari and Rudrapati Keshav Das Brahmachari were arrested from Pundarik Dham by Bangladesh Police, he also wrote on X. Advertisement Sources told India Today that these two priests had gone to deliver food, medicine, and money to Das in jail. A Bangladeshi cop said the duo was being treated as suspects in the ongoing probe. Another Hindu priest identified as Shyam Das Prabhu was detained from Chattogram last week. He is also said to have visited Das in jail, as per ThePrint. Do they look like terrorists? All of them have been arrested by Bangladeshi police without any reason. #ISKCON #FreeISKCONMonks pic.twitter.com/q60qzDD0Ct Radharamn Das (@RadharamnDas) December 1, 2024 Advertisement Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Chinmoy Krishna Das arrest in Bangladesh has created an uproar among Hindus in Bangladesh. Hindu protesters clashed with security forces last week after Das was denied bail by a magistrate court in Chittagong/Chattogram. Das, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was arrested in Dhakas main airport last Monday (November 25) while travelling to Chittagong on several charges, including sedition. Das has been accused of disrespecting Bangladeshs national flag. As per a Dhaka Tribune report, the sedition case was filed against him and 18 others for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above Bangladeshs national flag in October. Since Hasina fled in August, Das has led several large rallies calling for safety for the Hindus, reported Associated Press (AP). Advertisement Last Thursday, Iskcon Bangladesh distanced itself from Das, saying his actions are not representative of the religious body. As per reports, Iskcon said Das was expelled from the organisation in October this year due to a breach of discipline. Later, Iskcon denied claims that it had distanced itself from Das. Iskcon has not, and does not distance itself from supporting Chinmoy Krishna Dass rights and freedom for peacefully calling for protecting Hindus and their places of worship, the religious organisation said in a statement. We have only clarified, something that was already said by us in the past many months, regarding him not officially representing Iskcon in Bangladesh, it further added. Clarifying ISKCON's position and support for religious rights in Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/dtP6Qu0NoR ISKCON (@iskcon) November 28, 2024 Das, who is arrested on sedition charges, will be presented before Bangladeshs top court today (December 2). The development will be keenly watched in the country as well as India. Das heads the Chittagongs Pundarik Dham, a key part of Iskcon in Bangladesh. He is also the spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, reported The Hindu. Iskcon being targeted There have been calls for a ban on Iskcon in Bangladesh. However, last week, the Bangladesh High Court refused to pass a suo moto order to ban the organisation. It came after the Bangladesh Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman called Iskcon a religious fundamentalist organisation before the court. As per NDTV, an Iskcon centre was vandalised by an angry mob in Bangladeshs Bhairav area. Moreover, reports say authorities in Bangladesh have frozen the bank accounts of 17 people linked to Iskcon, including Chinmoy Krishna Das. India has expressed deep concern over the incidents of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, along with calling Das arrest unfortunate. India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. We are concerned about the surge of extremist rhetoric. We call upon Bangladesh to take steps for the protection of minorities, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. It said it has pushed for a fair and transparent trial for Das. Responding to the MEAs statement, Bangladesh said it misrepresented facts and was contrary to the friendly ties between the two countries. With inputs from agencies In a reversal of his previous remarks, US President Joe Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter, who is facing sentencing for tax and gun convictions. This has put a spotlight on this power that the US president enjoys. But what is it and how powerful is this privilege? read more US President Joe Biden with his son Hunter Biden. On Sunday, he granted his son a full pardon, something he had previously said he wouldn't do. File image/AP Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. Advertisement For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a president would come to this decision. On Sunday (December 1), US President Joe Biden in one of his final actions before departing the White House his successor, Donald Trump will take over on January 20 did what he promised he wouldnt do: grant his son, Hunter Biden a pardon. Hunter faced sentencing this month for federal tax and gun convictions. Bidens pardon to his son has invited criticism from Trump and other Republican Party members and also put a fresh spotlight on this special power granted to the US president. Lets take a closer look at it and understand how it works. Whats a presidential pardon? As the word suggests, a presidential pardon is the power given to a president to pardon or commute sentences related to federal crimes. The US president is vested with this power by Article II, Section 2 of the US Constitution, which says the president shall have the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. Advertisement Explaining why such a power was granted, Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers, wrote in The Federalist Papers that presidential pardons were the last recourse for justice. Otherwise, justice would wear a countenance too sanguinary and cruel. How powerful is a presidential pardon? A presidential pardon is all-powerful and can be granted to any person. However, the US Constitution does state that a presidential pardon cant be used to save himself or any other official from impeachment. Moreover, a presidential pardon can only be used for federal crimes not state crimes. For state crimes, only the US governor can do so. The US presidential pardon cant be overturned by courts or by Congress. It also cant be reversed by the next president, which means that Donald Trump cant rescind Bidens pardon to Hunter. The US Constitution doesnt mention how many times a president can use this power. Records show that US President Franklin D Roosevelt used this power a whopping 2,819 times while he was in the White House from 1933 to 1945. Advertisement A member of Congress holds a copy of the US Constitution which states that a president has the power to grant a pardon. File image/Reuters Can a president self-pardon? The answer to this question is a bit tricky, as no US president has ever tried self-pardoning himself. However, the idea has been around since Richard Nixons presidency. A memo from the Department of Justices Office of Legal Counsel held the position that a president could not self-pardon. Under the fundamental rule that no one may be a judge in his own case, it would seem that the question should be answered in the negative. Even constitutional scholars believe that a self-pardon doesnt exist in the US. They argue that the Constitution says that the president has the power to grant pardons and a grant is something given to someone else. Which was the first US presidential pardon? The first US presidential pardon was granted by the US first President George Washington when he granted clemency to John Mitchell and Philip Weigel, who had been sentenced to death in 1795 for their role in the Whiskey Rebellion. On July 10, 1795, Washington granted them the first presidential pardon, expressing his belief that the new American government ought to exercise every degree of moderation and tenderness which the national justice, dignity, and safety may permit. President Gerald R Ford appearing before the House Judiciary Subcommittee regarding his pardon of former President Richard M Nixon. File image/Library of Congress Have there been controversial presidential pardons? The short answer is yes. Bidens pardon to his son, Hunter, joins other instances when pardons were questioned. Perhaps, one of the most controversial was in 1974 when newly sworn-in President Gerald Ford pardoned his predecessor Richard Nixon for all offences against the United States. This came shortly after Nixon resigned over the Watergate scandal, but was still likely to face prosecution for obstruction of justice and other charges. Advertisement However, Ford granted him a full, free, and absolute pardon for crimes he committed or may have committed, saying it would help the country to move on. According to a national survey by Opinion Research Corporation conducted at the time, Americans disapproved of it by 59 per cent to 26 per cent. Former US President George HW Bush was also criticised for pardoning Ronald Reagans Defence Secretary Caspar Weinberger, indicted for perjury in the Iran-Contra scandal, along with five other defendants. Ex-President Bill Clinton also raised eyebrows when pardoned his half-brother Roger Clinton in 2001, after he had completed a prison term for drug charges. Advertisement In his final weeks in office, Donald Trump also received flak for pardoning Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. He also pardoned former advisors Stephen Bannon for fraud and Roger Stone over his involvement in election interference during the 2016 campaign. President Joe Biden and son Hunter Biden walk in downtown Nantucket. Bidens pardon comes on charges of tax evasion and for lying on a federal form when he purchased a gun in 2018. File image/AP What are the crimes that Hunter Biden has been pardoned for? US President Joe Bidens pardon to Hunter comes after the 54-year-old was convicted in June of lying on a federal form when he purchased a gun in 2018 and swore that he wasnt a drug user. He also pleaded guilty to charges of evading tax worth $1.4 million. In that matter, prosecutors alleged that he lived lavishly while flouting the tax law, spending his cash on things like strippers and luxury hotels in short, everything but his taxes. At that time, US President Joe Biden had vowed he wouldnt interfere in the matter and would not pardon his son. Im extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He is one of the brightest, most decent men I know, he then said. I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him. However, it seems that US President Biden had a change of heart and changed his vow. With inputs from agencies Russia has conducted major air strikes on rebels in Syria after insurgents led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group swept into Aleppo in what is the biggest challenge to its ally President Bashar al-Assad in years. Russias foreign minister also held a call with his Turkish counterpart. But what role has Russia played in the conflict? And why does Turkey back the rebels? read more Russia has conducted major air strikes on rebels in Syria. Russia said its air force did so in support of the Syrian Army and its ally President Bashar al-Assad. The development came after an Islamist group carried out a major attack on the Syrian city of Aleppo. But what happened? And what is Russias role in the Syrian conflict? And what does Turkey have to do with it? Lets take a closer look: What happened? First, lets take a brief look at the civil war in Syria. The war between the rebels and the Assad regime has been on since 2011. Advertisement It has left hundreds of thousands of people dead and millions displaced. There are two sides to the conflict the Assad regime and the insurgents. Assad, the Syrian president, is backed by Iran and Russia. The rebels on the other hand, are supported by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Most major fighting ended years ago after Iran and Russia helped the Syrian government win control of most land and all major cities. However, the rebels in Syria some of whom are in the countrys northwest and are backed by Turkey continue to push their cause. On Saturday, insurgents in an attack led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group swept into the city of Aleppo in what is the biggest challenge to President Assad in years. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, previously known as the Nusra Front, is designated a terrorist group by the US, Russia, Turkey and other states. Aleppo had been firmly held by the government since a 2016 victory there, one of the wars major turning points, when Russian-backed Syrian forces besieged and laid waste to rebel-held eastern areas of what had been the countrys largest city. Advertisement I am a son of Aleppo, and was displaced from it eight years ago, in 2016. Thank God we just returned. It is an indescribable feeling, said Ali Jumaa, a rebel fighter, in television footage filmed inside the city. Acknowledging the rebel advance, the Syrian army command said insurgents had entered much of Aleppo. Syrias President Bashar al-Assad is backed by Iran and Russia. Reuters After the army said it was preparing a counterattack, airstrikes targeted rebel gatherings and convoys in the city, the pro-Damascus newspaper al-Watan reported. One strike caused casualties in Aleppos Basel square, a resident told Reuters. The state-run Russian Centre for the Reconciliation of the Enemy Parties in Syria said missile and bomb strikes against the rebels had targeted militant concentrations, command posts, depots, and artillery positions in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. It claimed about 300 rebel fighters had been killed. Advertisement Images filmed on Saturday showed people posing for photos on a toppled statue of Bassil al-Assad, late brother of the president. Fighters zipped around the city in trucks and milled around in the streets. A man waved a Syrian opposition flag as he stood near Aleppos historic citadel. The Syrian military command said militants had attacked in large numbers and from multiple directions, prompting our armed forces to carry out a redeployment operation aimed at strengthening the defence lines in order to absorb the attack, preserve the lives of civilians and soldiers. The rebels also took control of Aleppo airport, according to a statement by their operations room and a security source. Advertisement Two rebel sources also said the insurgents had captured the city of Maraat al Numan in Idlib province, bringing all of that area under their control. The Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG), which spearhead the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces that control much of northeastern and eastern Syria and have long had a foothold in Aleppo, widened their control in the city as government troops left, a senior YPG source said. The fighting revives the long-simmering Syrian conflict as the wider region is roiled by wars in Gaza and Lebanon, where a truce between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah took effect on Wednesday. Advertisement Why is Russias role in the conflict? Russia has aided its ally Syria since the outset of the war. As per CNN, its warplanes have boosted the ranks of the Syrian Airforce and it has launched various aerial offensives and airstrikes. Russian and Syrian airstrikes on rebels in Aleppo and Idlib were critical to winning back territory for the Assad regime. As per Carnegie Endowment, though Russia committed around 5,000 troops to serving in Syria. While not a huge contingent, these troops provided support to the Syrian armed forces and aided them with supplies. Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed his ally since the outset of the conflict in 2011. File image Russian Foreign Ministry in 2022 claimed it gave 5,500 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to Syria. But what does Russia get out of it? As per Carnegie Endowment, Moscow thinks its presence in Syria plays to its advantage. It also considers its friendship with Assad an important asset when it comes to dealing with the West. The piece noted that Russia presently if focussed on trying to keep a lid on the situation. This way, it allows Russia to keep the focus on its highest priority Ukraine. Why does Turkey back rebels? Ankara provides support to some rebels in Syrias northwest where it has positioned some of its troops. Turkey under its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has a long history of opposing Syria under Assad. However, complicating matters is that Turkey considers the YPG a wing of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), as per Al Jazeera. The PKK is persona non grata in Turkey. The state has banned the group, which it considers a major security threat, and designated a terror organisation. Turkey and Russia, who are on opposite sides of the war, had reached a de-escalation agreement in 2020. Turkey, which has the second largest army in the transatlantic NATO alliance, had funnelled troops and equipment into the region to resist the Syrian government advance and prevent a wave of refugees over its southern border. Turkey is home to millions of Syrian refugees and says it cannot handle more. President Tayyip Erdogan earlier this year spoke of a possible reproachment with Syria. Reuters But there were indications earlier this year that Turkey may be looking to engage with Assad. Indeed, Erdogan had spoken of keeping an open mind earlier this year. Our invitation may be extended at any time, Erdogan said as per Al Jazeera. [I]f Bashar al-Assad takes a step towards improving relations with Turkey, we will also show that approach towards him. Ankara is not satisfied with the security situation in Syria and feels that the United States is not providing a solution nor willing to abandon the YPG, said Omer Ozkizilcik, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council, told Al Jazeera. So they are looking at the Russian alternative [of re-engaging Assad]. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a phone call with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, discussing the situation in Syria, Russias Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. Both sides expressed serious concerns at the dangerous development of the situation, the ministry said. They agreed it was necessary to coordinate joint actions to stabilise the situation in the country. Turkish security officials had said on Thursday that Ankara had prevented operations which opposition groups wanted to organise, in order to avoid further tensions in the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Lavrov in a phone call that the rebel attacks were part of an Israeli-US plan to destabilise the region, Iranian state media said. With inputs from agencies Across Sweden, gangs are recruiting dozens of child contract killers mostly via middlemen on social media using encrypted apps such as Signal and Snapchat. Authorities say murder cases with child suspects have skyrocketed and that gangs are targeting children because the age of criminal responsibility is 15 read more These intermediaries are using encrypted messaging such as Telegram, Snapchat and Signal to recruit teens. Sweden is in crisis. Gangs are exploiting loopholes in laws to employ children as young as age 11 to carry out contract killings. The country has seen a spate of murders in recent years across the country as gangs vie to control the drug market and take each other out. In 2023, 53 people were killed in shootings. Many of these deaths were in public and included innocent victims. But what do we know? Lets take a closer look Advertisement Contract killers As per The Telegraph, gangs have recruited dozens of child contract killers across Sweden. This is mostly done by middlemen on social media who offer around $13,000. Gang crime in Sweden is organized and complex. The leaders, who are abroad, employ middlemen to hire for them. These intermediaries use encrypted messaging such as Telegram, Snapchat and Signal to recruit teens. Fernando, for example, a hitman for a Swedish narcotics gang, is 14. The youth was playing a Fifa video game at his youth club when his instructions arrived via text. Fernando was ordered to collect guns for the hit, head to the targets home and empty out the clip. Yeah, I understand brother, Fernando replied. He picked up two pistols, a Kalashnikov rifle as well as an accomplice before heading for the hit in a Stockholm suburb. If the [entrance] is locked, take a stone and break it, the middleman known as Louise Gucci instructs. Then you do your thing. After, when you come back to the hood, you put the Kalashnikov in the same place. Then go home and shower and wash your clothes. Fernando is hardly alone. Advertisement According to The Telegraph, murder cases with child suspects have skyrocketed in Sweden. Representational image. Reuters In the first eight months of 2023, that number was at 31 suspects. The figure for the same period this year is 102, according to prosecutors in Sweden. Authorities say many of the children are from poor or foreign backgrounds. According to Express, Sweden has the highest per capita rate of gun violence in the EU. Access to illegal guns largely from the Balkans, according to police is plentiful. Cant wait Bro, I cant wait for my first dead body, wrote an 11-year-old boy on Instagram in Sweden. Stay motivated, itll come, answered his 19-year-old contact. He went on to offer the child to carry out a murder, as well as clothes and transport to the scene of the crime, according to a police investigation of the exchange last year in the western province of Varmland seen by AFP. Advertisement In this case, four men aged 18 to 20 are accused of recruiting four minors aged 11 to 17 to work for a criminal gang. All were arrested before carrying out the crimes. The preliminary inquiry contains a slew of screenshots that the youngsters sent to each other of themselves posing with weapons, some with bare chests or donning hooded masks. Questioned by police, the 11-year-old said he wrote the message to seem cool and not show his fear. Why are they recruiting children? Because the age of criminal responsibility is 15. It is organised as a kind of (job) market where missions are published on discussion forums, and the people accepting the assignments are increasingly young, Johan Olsson, the head of the Swedish polices National Operations Department (NOA), told reporters last month. Advertisement Hits are subcontracted with the parties only communicating online, Stockholm University criminology professor Sven Granath told AFP. The group chats have adventurous and exciting names, like bombing today and who wants to shoot someone in Stockholm, Lisa dos Santos, a Swedish prosecutor, told The Telegraph. Its not like before, when they used encrypted phones on a closed network. Now you can take a gang job on Snapchat. Santos relayed a recent case where a 16-year-old killed a father of two and then tried to kill his wife and children. Its so brutal that you can hardly believe it, Ms de Santos told the newspaper. The father was shot lying on the couch, the mother was shot in the back. She was a doctor, so she tried to save herself and the child, and they both survived. I would say thats the worst thing Ive ever had in my career. Advertisement Gangs are even recruiting girls or children with mental disabilities so that victims will likely not see them coming. Others recruit in person, seeking out kids hanging around in their neighbourhoods. Granath said the children who are recruited are often struggling in school, have addiction problems or attention deficit disorders, or have already been in trouble with the law. They are recruited into conflicts they have no connection to theyre just mercenaries, he said, adding that they havent necessarily been a member of a gang before. Ruthless exploitation Some children even seek out the contracts, according to a report from the National Council for Crime Prevention (BRA), as they look for cash, an adrenaline rush, recognition or a sense of belonging. Theyre drawn in by flashy clothes as well as the promise of undying loyalty, experts say. Nowadays everybody wants to be a murderer, Viktor Grewe, a 25-year-old former gang member who had his first run-in with police when he was 13, told AFP. Its incredibly sad to see that this is what kids aspire to, he said, with some crimfluencers glorify criminal lifestyles on TikTok. There is a ruthless exploitation of young people, Tony Quiroga, a police commander in Orebro, west of Stockholm, told AFP. The criminal subcontractors dont want to take any risks themselves, he said, protecting both themselves and those higher up the chain. They hide behind pseudonyms on social media and put several filters between themselves and the culprit. In Orebro, volunteers patrol the streets of disadvantaged neighbourhoods to talk to youths about the risks of falling under the gangs control. Grewe, who turned his back on gang life when he was 22, said young criminals dont expect to live beyond the age of 25. According to a recent BRA report, recruiting kids is part of the gangs business model, where children recruit even younger children and once theyre in, its hard to leave. Quiroga despaired that the police are up against conflicts that never end. With inputs from agencies The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee ended inconclusively on Sunday (December 1) in South Korea after member nations failed to find common grounds on several issues regarding plastic production across the world. What went wrong? read more Environmental activists demonstrate in front of the Bexco convention center in Busan. AFP A global meeting on a plastic pollution treaty ended on a sour note after countries failed to thrash out critical issues. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) held its fifth meeting in South Koreas Busan to combat the global issue of plastic waste. The INC has been working since 2022 to draft a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution. Negotiators from nearly 200 nations engaged in closed-door discussions on Saturday (October 30) to address key issues, but the draft released on Sunday (December 1) left many concerns unaddressed. Advertisement But what are the issues that member nations disagreed on? Strict curbs on production While several nations sought stricter mandates on new plastic production, others disagreed and pushed against any binding reduction call. Those on the latter side include oil-producing countries like Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, dozens of nations want the deal to mandate a reduction of new plastic production, and there have been calls to phase out unnecessary items such as some single-use plastics. Mopping the floor when the tap is open is useless, said Anthony Agotha, the EUs special envoy for climate and environment. The objective of this treaty is to end plastic pollution, not plastic itself. Plastic has brought immense benefit to societies worldwide, Kuwaits delegate said Sunday. Refrain from using harmful chemicals The Rwanda and Norway-led High Ambition Coalition (HAC) is advocating for production measures and controls on harmful chemicals used in making plastic. Any agreement must contain a clear, legally binding obligation to phase out the most harmful plastic products and chemicals of concern in plastics, Mexican delegate Camila Zepeda said in the final plenary session, in a statement backed by nearly 100 countries. Ghanas lead negotiator Sam Adu-Kumi speaks as Alejandra Parra, zero waste and plastics advisor for GAIA Latin America and the Caribbean, listens at a press conference. AFP Fijis representative had earlier warned there would be no treaty without a provision on chemicals of concern, calling it a non-negotiable. Some countries opposed efforts to phase out or restrict these chemicals, citing existing international agreements and national regulations on toxins. The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) said its analysis of a UN list of participants at Busan showed over 200 lobbyists from the fossil fuel and chemical industries were registered for the talks. The question of finance Finance was a major point of the meeting. Developing countries held up their hands claiming that they simply did not have that kind of money. The latest draft agreement released on Sunday (December 1) includes a section on financing filled with conflicting options, highlighting significant disagreements over payment responsibilities and methods. Advertisement INC-5 Chair Luis Vayas Valdivieso brings down a gavel, made with recycled plastic bottle tops from the Dandora landfill in Nairobi, to mark an agreement that talks will resume at a later date. AFP One focus of the talks has been creating a dedicated multilateral fund for the purpose after the hard-fought battle at COP29 climate talks to extract more finance from developed countries. But the details are proving complicated. As developing countries have repeatedly called for in the past few days, the instrument should respect national differences and reflect equity and inclusiveness, Chinas delegate said late Sunday (December 1). Making the rules Will the treaty create overarching global rules that bind all nations to the same standards, or allow individual countries to set their targets and goals? This has been another sticking point, with the European Union initially warning that a treaty in which each party would do only what they consider is necessary is not something we are ready to support. On the other side are nations who argue that differing levels of capacity and economic growth make common standards unreasonable. Advertisement Also Read: Worried about microplastics? You should fear lead way more for your health There shall not be any compliance regime, reads language proposed during negotiations by Iran. Instead, it has urged an assessment committee that would monitor progress but in no way examine compliance or implementation. With inputs from AFP We are keeping a watch on extra-regional forces, including the PLA Navy, their warships and their research vessels, and know what they are doing and where they are, said Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi read more Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi on Monday said that India is aware of the surprising growth of the Pakistan Navy, which is being supported by China, and that New Delhi is closely monitoring their activities. We are keeping a watch on extra-regional forces, including the PLA Navy, their warships and their research vessels, and know what they are doing and where they are, Times of India quoted Admiral Tripathi as saying. The Navy chief also mentioned that Pakistan is currently building 62 ships and one submarine to enhance its naval power. Advertisement On Chinas role in strengthening Pakistans maritime capabilities, Admiral Tripathi said that it reflects Beijings interest in bolstering Pakistans military strength. Many Pakistan navy warships and submarines are being built with Chinese support showing that China is interested in making Pakistans navy stronger, he said. He added that the eight new submarines will significantly boost the combat potential of the Pakistan Navy, but India is fully aware of their capabilities. That is why we are tweaking our concepts to be able to tackle all threats from our neighbours, he was quoted as saying by ToI. Admiral Tripathi said that Pakistan has chosen weapons over the welfare of their people. We are aware of the surprising growth of the Pakistan Navy which aims to become a 50-ship Navy. They have chosen weapons over the welfare of their people, he added. Meanwhile, the navy chief announced that India intends to finalise separate agreements for the acquisition of 26 naval Rafale fighter aircraft and three additional Scorpene submarines in January. Admiral Tripathi said the government approval has been given for the construction of two nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs), with plans to eventually have six of these vessels in operation. He mentioned that the first SSN is expected to be completed by 2036-37, followed by the second in 2038-39. Advertisement Rafale Marine is at an advanced stage of negotiations and it is only one level short of taking it to the Cabinet Committee on Security. Since it is a government-to-government deal, it should not take much time, he was quoted as saying. The defence ministry sanctioned the acquisition of Rafale-M jets from France in July 2022, primarily intended for operations from the domestically constructed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. We expect that if not this month, then next month hopefully, both these (Scorpene submarine) and Rafale-M (project) should be signed, he confirmed. With inputs from agencies RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat advocated expressed concern over Indias declining population growth and advocated for each couple to have at least three children. He said if the total fertility rate (TFR) of a society falls below 2.1, it faces risk of extinction read more Each couple should have at least three children, advocated Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat as he expressed concerns over the declining population growth in India. Addressing the Kathale Kul (clan) Sammelan in Nagpur, Bhagwat said that a society will perish if its total fertility rate (TFR) falls below 2.1. Declining population a serious concern Bhagwat said that a declining population is a serious concern. Loksankhya Shastra (demographic science) suggests that when a societys total fertility rate falls below 2.1, it risks facing extinction. This decline does not necessarily require external threats; a society can gradually fade away on its own, he said. Many languages and cultures have already disappeared due to this issue. Thus, it is essential to maintain a fertility rate above 2.1," he further said. Advertisement 3 children important for society to survive The RSS chief said, We need more than two, that is three (as population growth rate), thats what the population science says. This number is important because it (society) should survive." Bhagwat also pointed out the trend among young couples who are hesitant to have even one child. Our countrys population policy, formulated in 1998 or 2002, clearly says that the total fertility rate should not be below 2.1. Now when we say 2.1, it is not feasible to have children in fraction. So when we say 2.1, this means it should be more, at least three. The (population) science says so, he said. Call for Indian couples to have more children Bhagwats comments came after two chief ministers of south India states - Andhra Pradeshs Chandrababu Naidu and Tamil Nadus MK Stalin - flagged the same concerns of their region losing dividends in economy and national politics. In October, Nadu called on people of southern states to have more children as he cited concerns among the ageing population. The Andhra CM also said that his government is thinking of bringing a law that would make only those with more than two children eligible to contest local body elections. Andhra also repealed its earlier law which barred people with more than two children from contesting local polls. We are now considering reversing it The government may provide more benefits to families with more children. Though we have a demographic advantage until 2047, signs of ageing problems are starting to appear in south India, including Andhra. Many countries like Japan, China, and some European nations are struggling with this problem, having a larger elderly population. In south India, the problem is compounded by young people migrating to other parts of the country or abroad, Naidu said. Advertisement Couple of days later, Naidus Tamil Nadu counterpart, Stalin, made a remark on similar lines, and questioned the rationale behind restricting families to fewer children. People in olden days used to wish thus: Pathinarum petru peru vazhvu vazhga [Beget sixteen gifts to live a full life]. Today people wish to have fewer children and live happily, he said in his address at a Tamil Nadus Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department event in Chennai in October. In the scenario of a reduction in Lok Sabha constituencies, however, a question arises on the need to restrict ourselves to few children. A situation has risen where we have to say let us also have 16 children, he further said. Advertisement 8 things to know about Indias total fertility rate 1 - Total fertility rate is calculated on the average of the number of children born to women between 15 and 49 years of age. 2 - Indias total fertility rate has been declining in recent decades. 3 - Out of 36 states and Union Territories in India, 31 have achieved the replacement level of fertility rate of 2.1. 4 - Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Manipur continue to have higher than desired fertility rates. 5 - Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Delhi having lowest TFR in the country at 1.4. 6 - Last year, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) informed that the total fertility rate declined from 2.2 in 2015-16 to 2.0 in 2019-21 which is below replacement level. 7 - It also said that the Modern Contraceptive usage has increased from 47.8 per cent in 2015-16 to 56.5 per cent in 2019-21. Advertisement 8 - A recent study by Lancet on global fertility rates suggested that Indias TFR has been seeing a decline over the last century, with the fertility rate falling from 6.18 children per woman in 1950 to a projected 1.29 children per woman by 2050. India is among the first nations to introduce a family planning programme in 1951. Indias current family size regulation measures are guided by the National Population Policy 2000 and National Health Policy 2017. With inputs from agencies. Ahead of a bigger farmers march to Delhi on December 6 by Punjab-based organisations, Bharatiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) is marching to Delhi from Uttar Pradesh on Monday (December 2) read more Security personnel have been deployed along the Delhi-Noida border in view of the farmers' protest. (Photo: ANI) The Bharatiya Kisan Parishad (BKP), a farmers organisation, is leading a march from Noida to Delhi on Monday (December 2). The march has caused traffic jam on the Noida-Delhi route and has led to increased security arrangements in the bordering areas of Delhi and Noida. Ahead of the BKUs march, the Gautam Budh Nagar Police had issued a traffic advisory on Sunday. It said that Delhi Police and GB Nagar Police would conduct strict checking of all vehicles going towards Delhi. It further said that all freight vehicles movement would be banned on Yamuna Expressway, Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, and the road to Surajpur via Parichowk from Sirsa. Advertisement In the advisory posed on X in Hindi, the GB Nagar Police also shared the list of alternate routes commuters may take. 9971009001 pic.twitter.com/cs0pgES6SG POLICE COMMISSIONERATE GAUTAM BUDDH NAGAR (@noidapolice) December 1, 2024 Separately, Joint Commissioner Shivhari Meena told ANI that a three-tier security plan is being implemented with a deployment of around 5,000 police personnel and 1,000 PAC personnel. He further said that fire services and water cannons have also been mobilised. In a separate post on X by the news agency, Rapid Action Force (RAF), the riot-control wing of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was also seen deployed. #WATCH | Noida: Shivhari Meena, Joint CP says, " We are in constant talks with farmers regarding the 'Delhi Chalo' march. Yesterday also we spoke to them for 3 hours. We have also prepared a 3-tier security plan...around 5,000 Police personnel are conducting checking at various pic.twitter.com/PQYJlGACV9 ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2024 In a statement on Sunday, BKP leader Sukhbur Khalifa told ANI, We are ready for our march towards Delhi. Tomorrow, December 2, we will start our march towards Delhi from under the Maha Maya flyover (In Noida). At noon, all of us will reach there and demand our compensation and benefits as per the new laws. The BKPs march to Delhi comes days ahead of a broader march to Delhi announced by a larger group of farmer unions. The two groups have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February when their march to Delhi was stopped by Haryana government at the Punjab-Haryana border. Advertisement Announcing the march last month, KMM leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said farmers were left with no option. We will move towards Delhi on December 6We have been left with no option. We waited peacefully for the government (to reach out) for nine months, but now we will head towards Delhi, said Pandher, as per PTI. Meanwhile, Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyan Singh Rana dismissed the unions assertions and said they dont have any issues at all. Rana told ANI, They have no issues. The previous farmers agitation had an issue- the three farm laws. Those three laws were later repealed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The farmers agitation has caused losses to Punjab. Rice miller industries from Punjab moved to Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. We will not let anyone play with the law-and-order situation in Haryana. They should talk to their chief minister and sort out their problems. Advertisement Culturally, the working-class group is at odds with the globalist liberal elite of cultural leftism. The cultural left is seen as a threat to core American values read more Donald Trump defeated Democrat candidate Kamala Harris in one of American historys most acerbically contested presidential elections. This was a bitterly fought election in a divided and fractured nation. The election result has a bearing on both the domestic and international fronts. Internationally, the world is going through a major transition and is in the throes of two major wars. Russia is locked in a fierce battle with Ukraine, and the world has witnessed the pulverisation of Gaza by Israel and its multi-front war with Iran and its proxies. Advertisement The US president, as the most powerful person on the earth, a change in guard might have far-reaching consequences in these wars. All eyes will be on Trump as the new president as he promised to end the Ukraine war within 24 hours of assuming the presidency. However, it is easier said than done. On the domestic front, this victory is far more consequential, and this is the subject matter of this article. What domestic factors and social and political crises have helped in the rise of Trumpism as a phenomenon? How Trump exploited those frailties of US body politics. The 2016 Trump victory was termed a mere aberration in the long tradition of US democratic history; however, this decisive victory demands fresh introspection about the current state of US body politics. Trumps unconventional style and the issues he raked up during his election campaign were scoffed at by the dominant and mainstream media in the US. However, the issues he raised resonated with the working middle class, who felt left behind economically in neoliberalism and the hyper-globalisation policy of the US mainstream. Culturally, this working-class group is at odds with the globalist liberal elite of cultural-leftism. This cultural left is seen as a threat to core American values. Ills of Hyper-Liberalism At the core of the current social and political division of US domestic politics is the overstretching of the liberal idea of individualism and its extreme appropriation by both left and right political groups. The idea of liberalism and its core value of individual autonomy are stretched to their extremity by both the left and right parties in America. Advertisement On the right, individual autonomy is primarily conceived as the right to do business activities without the states interference. In the last decade of the 20th century, this notion of unbridled economic liberalism manifested in neoliberalism and market fundamentalism. The market was projected as a solution to all the social and economic problems, and the state as a roadblock in the full utilisation of the economic potential of society. In a way, the market was deemed to be a panacea for all social and economic problems. The US gradually shifted from being a state with an economy to being an economy with a state where all areas of society are assessed by their economic utility. Erstwhile ideas of mixing free trade with welfare programs and social responsibilities of the state jettisoned in the name of rolling back the state. Advertisement This resulted in grotesque equality in the country. According to Professor Danny Quah of the National University of Singapore, America is the only major developed society where the average income of the bottom 50 per cent has declined since 1980. No developed country has seen this trend of where the poor systematically become poorer. In a bid to keep maintaining profitability, low-skilled manufacturing jobs were outsourced to East Asian countries, rendering mass industrial unemployment. This resulted in the deindustrialisation of the US and has adverse economic and social effects on middle classes. Even the pressing societal issue of demographic decline is primarily seen as an economic problem that can be remedied through mass immigration. Such immigration over the years led to a backlash against immigrants in the wake of rising inequality among citizens. This was seen as a double whammy: deindustrialisation and immigration. Trump cashed in on this resentment among the working class to garner support in his favour. Taming illegal immigration and constructing a wall on the southern border was his poll plank, as in his previous campaign to exploit resentment of the working class. Advertisement The political left, which has the historical role of checking unwieldy capitalism in liberal democracy, employed the liberal value of individual autonomy to raise the issue of lifestyle choices and values. They are now seen as representative of minorities based on ethnicity, gender, race, etc, rather than class, which they ideologically represent. Economic marginalisation and inequality, traditionally the core concern of the left, took a back seat, and they zoomed in on the cultural aspects of minorities. This excessive focus on cultural aspects of identity has evolved into modern-day identity politics. But as an individual carries multiple identities, for an African American, economic distress might be a far more pressing issue in an election. Advertisement One cannot be sure that a particular identity will always drive him/her. This leads to the miniaturisation of political society and makes conflict more likely, as people identify only with their monoculture and fail to act as responsible citizens. An excessive focus on exclusive cultural identity leads to a divided society deprived of a common minimum agenda, such as demand for economic well-being. Ideally, in the state of rising inequality, the focus of the political left should have been on the middle working class in American society. This shift from economic left to cultural left in American politics gave rise to right-wing populism. Right-wing populist hectoring of core American values and lifestyle is essentially directed against the cultural left. Trumps position against LGBTQ and on the issue of abortion is to exploit fear of the conservative white middle class. In the prevailing political environment, there was fertile ground for the rise of populist leaders. Trump is a product of this extremist application of the core of liberalism. There is frustration among the population against the political elite and the workings of the American establishment, where voters do not determine the decisions of the US Congress. They are largely determined by interest groups and political campaign funders. Social responsibility of the state in the US began to wither as the political left eschewed the politics of economic distribution, and the political right sought a solution to social problems only in economics. Like any other populist leader, Trump embraced the rhetoric of a growing disconnect between the interests of the elites and those of the common man. Societies appear to be split between the cosmopolitan elites and traditionalist masses. Trump blamed elites narrow self-interest-driven politics for the misery of the American working-class populace. He created a narrative of globalist vs nationalist. In international affairs, Trumps policy stance is more protectionist economically, non-interventionist militarily, and isolationist diplomatically than the United States has been since World War II. It is now widely believed that Biden and his policy choices were an aberration for the four years of Biden as president. Trumpism is here to stay and will remain a mainstay of American politics in the foreseeable future. Even the Democrats will have to adopt the policy of the European left-of-the-centre on the issue of immigration and the economy, which have been appropriated from the rightist camp in Europe. In sum, Trumpism will survive even if Trump is not there. Amitabh Singh teaches at the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. Ankur is a doctoral candidate at the JNU. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Bashar al-Assad is a dictator who did not even shy away from using chemical weapons on his people; however, the choice is between a Syria led by Assad or one ruled by Al Qaeda-linked Islamists read more No sooner than Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a highly fragile ceasefire, large-scale violence erupted in Syria with the onslaught of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) and the Free Syrian Army, the main rebel group backed by Turkey and the United States. The Middle East continues to boil and flare up. The ongoing attack comes as the largest offensive on Aleppo since 2016, when the rebel forces faced a rout in the northeastern neighbourhoods after a gruelling military operation by the Syrian army with the support of Russia, Iran, and its affiliated proxies. Advertisement In the last few days, the rebel forces and HTS have made major advances, cutting off the highway between Aleppo and Damascus. Further, they have captured significantly large parts of Idlib and Aleppo, including strategically sensitive settlements like Urm al-Sughra, Anjara, Kafr Basma, Urum al-Kubra, and Al-Houta. Additionally, rebel factions have captured the 46th Infantry base, the largest military base of the Syrian Army, several tanks, and a stockpile of missiles. Unexpectedly, the Syrian army collapsed within hours, and rebels with the overwhelming presence of Al Qaeda-linked Islamists swept through Aleppo, pushing towards the South. In the clashes, the death toll has risen to more than 200, and hundreds of civilians have fled the cities. Whats behind the surge? The frequent eruptions of conflicts in West Asia amidst a changing world order hardly surprise anyone. Yet, the fundamental question arises: What are the reasons for the new momentum in the conflict, which entered a stalemate after the Russia, Iran, and Turkey-brokered 2020 ceasefire agreement between the rebel forces and the Assad regime? A closer scrutiny of the various factors driving the recent spurt reveals a multi-layered nature of the conflict, where the vested interests of overarching global geopolitical actors, regional players, and Islamist groups converge. Additionally, the worsening humanitarian crises and economic situation play a crucial role in rejuvenating the violence in Syria. Among the local factors, the weakening of Hezbollah after its crushing defeat at the hands of the IDF and Irans entanglement with Israels war against the formers proxies, i.e., Hamas and Hezbollah, have significantly downsized Asaads capabilities, morale, and grit. Iran and its militias, like Hezbollah, along with Russia, constituted the main force behind Assads robust military offensive and victory over the rebels. Russias engagement with the Ukraine war further weakened Assads position. Advertisement Most recently, when Kyiv fired long-range missiles deep inside Russian territory after the Biden administrations permission, Moscow retaliated with its hypersonic Orshenik missile strike in Ukraine. With these recent attacks and the likely escalation on the Ukraine front, Russias engagement with the Ukraine war will intensify, further weakening the Assad government. In such a scenario, the new spurt in the onslaught against the Assad regime appears to be a well-calculated Western strategy to entangle Russia in multiple war theatres and weaken Moscow. As expected, after the recent shock offensive by HTS and rebels, Moscow has rushed to support Syria and conducted bombing raids on the rebel forces. Advertisement The beginning of the offensive immediately after the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire will open another military front for Iran, further deepening and widening its entanglements. The possibility of Israel conceiving a long-term, foolproof, and multi-pronged strategy to tire, frustrate, and dislodge Irans mullah regime cannot be ruled out. The recent upsurge of violence in Syria needs to be situated and understood in the larger framework of Israels Iran strategy. Additionally, the resurgence of violence in Syria can further rupture the Iran-Turkey and Turkey-Russia ties. Turkeys strategic positioning in the West Asian conflict theatre is very ambivalent. It claims to support Palestine against Israel; however, such lofty claims and high-pitch rhetoric fall apart in the face of realpolitik. Advertisement In Syria, Turkey has supported rebel groups and Islamist entities like HTS. Again, in Syria, Turkey claims to support the rebels but categorically states its frustration with the shock offensive of the rebel groups and the recent upsurge in violence. Earlier, Turkey stationed its forces in Idlib province because the conflict situation worsened its refugee problem as most of the civilians started fleeing to Turkey. In the recent upsurge also, if the conflict intensifies, it will put more pressure on Turkey with the massive refugee inflow and worsening humanitarian crisis. Such a situation does not augur well for Turkeys relationship with Iran and Russia. Advertisement Lastly, the worsening humanitarian crisis and economic woes have generated an acute sense of resentment and frustration among ordinary civilians, leaving them extremely frustrated and vulnerable to radicalisation and recruitment. As a result, extremist groups like HTS get a ready supply of recruits, strengthening their morale to launch a military offensive. On the other side, Assads supporter Putin cannot send its infantry. At most, Moscow can help Assad with the aerial bombing. Assads Syria versus Islamist Syria Though superficially, it appears that the US and Israel are likely to make some tactical gains on some counts from the revived momentum in the Syrian conflict, the West stands to lose in the longer run. Agreed that Assad is a brutal dictator who envisaged a dangerous nuclear programme and did not even shy away from using chemical weapons on his people; however, the choice is between a Syria led by Assad or one ruled by Al Qaeda-linked Islamists like HTS. Having swept through one of the robust government strongholds like Aleppo, Al Qaedas front group, HTS, feels emboldened. The strengthening of Sunni extremist groups like HTS is likely to embolden an array of Islamist elements, like how the Talibans victory became a role model for all kinds of Islamist entities. The entrenchment of HTS in Syria, following the possible ouster of Assad, will have far-reaching effects. It will provide a strong fillip to Islamic extremists in Europe and South Asia. The author is a Cornell University graduate in public affairs, bachelors from St Stephens College, Delhi. He is a policy analyst specialising in counterterrorism, Indian foreign policy and Afghanistan-Pakistan geopolitics. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the stand of this publication. Musks latest motion accuses OpenAI and Microsoft of several antitrust violations, including allegedly discouraging investors from supporting rival companies like his own xAI. The lawsuit essentially seeks to halt OpenAIs controversial shift from a nonprofit to a for-profit model read more OpenAIs shift to a for-profit model has been under scrutiny for several months, sparking debates about the balance between profit motives and ethical AI development. Image Credit: Reuters, Reuters Elon Musks legal battle with OpenAI and Microsoft has taken another dramatic turn, as his attorneys filed for an injunction on Friday, accusing both companies of engaging in anticompetitive practices. The lawsuit seeks to halt OpenAIs controversial shift from a nonprofit to a for-profit model. Prominent names, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, President Greg Brockman, Microsofts Dee Templeton, and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, have been named as defendants in the case. Allegations of anti-competitive conduct This legal wrangling follows Musks earlier lawsuit against OpenAI, filed earlier this year, which criticised the company for allegedly abandoning its founding mission of advancing AI for the benefit of humanity. That case was later withdrawn, but Musk reignited his claims in August by filing a fresh lawsuit in a California federal court, this time adding Microsoft to the mix. Musks latest motion accuses OpenAI and Microsoft of several antitrust violations, including allegedly discouraging investors from supporting rival companies like his own xAI. The filing also claims that OpenAI benefited from wrongfully obtained sensitive information, allegedly shared through its close relationship with Microsoft. Musks legal team argues that these practices go against fair competition and harm both the public and competitors in the AI industry. Advertisement The filing takes issue with OpenAIs transition to a for-profit entity, claiming the shift is riddled with practices that breach its original charitable mission. Musks attorneys warn that allowing these alleged behaviours to persist could have serious repercussions for both the plaintiffs and the broader public interest. OpenAIs for-profit controversy OpenAIs shift to a for-profit model has been under scrutiny for several months, sparking debates about the balance between profit motives and ethical AI development. Critics, including Musk, argue that the organisation has strayed far from its founding principles. However, OpenAI has maintained that the change is necessary to support its ambitious goals in AI development. OpenAI responds to Musks claims In response to the latest filing, an OpenAI spokesperson dismissed Musks allegations as repetitive and baseless. They described this as Musks fourth attempt to challenge the company, stating that the claims lack merit and fail to provide new evidence. As the case unfolds, it highlights the growing tensions and power struggles within the rapidly evolving AI industry. Ramaswamy criticised Bidens justification for Rivians loan, which emphasised the creation of 7,500 jobs, as exorbitantly expensive. He argued that the cost per job was excessive and hinted that the loan may serve political purposes, particularly in weakening Musks Tesla read more The timing of the loan has drawn suspicion, as critics suggest it was pushed through before Trumps administration takes office. Musk and Ramaswamy see it as part of the Biden administrations efforts to shape the EV landscape, possibly at Teslas expense. Image Credit: Reuters, Reuters The Biden administrations decision to grant a $6.6 billion loan to electric vehicle maker Rivian has caught the attention of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. The two, soon to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Donald Trumps incoming administration, are raising concerns about the rationale behind the loan. Rivian, a Tesla competitor, has delayed key projects, prompting questions about the financial wisdom of such significant federal support. Ramaswamy criticised the loans justification, which emphasised the creation of 7,500 jobs, as exorbitantly expensive. He argued that the cost per job was excessive and hinted that the loan may serve political purposes, particularly in weakening Musks Tesla, which has been a central figure in the EV sectors success. Advertisement Rivians position in the EV market Rivian has built a strong brand around its rugged, outdoor-themed electric vehicles, including the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. These vehicles have earned awards and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, yet Rivians financial stability remains a concern. Despite increasing production, the company is still operating at a loss, even on a gross profit basis, meaning its financial challenges deepen as it scales. To combat this, Rivian has taken measures such as swapping suppliers and halting production to cut costs. It aims to reach profitability by the end of 2024, a goal critical to its survival. However, sceptics question whether federal aid is the right solution, especially given the market has shown interest in backing Rivian, as seen with Volkswagens strategic investment. Economic Impact of Manufacturing Hubs Supporters of the loan highlight its potential to create ripple effects in local economies. Automotive plants are economic engines, fostering supply chains across industries like steel, electronics, and upholstery. These hubs often anchor communities, attracting further investments and creating jobs beyond the assembly line. Rivians new factory in Georgia could bring similar benefits, strengthening its appeal as a government-backed project. However, critics argue that these broader benefits dont justify funding a company with persistent financial issues. They fear the loan represents government overreach, propping up a struggling competitor at taxpayers expense. A political backdrop to federal aid The timing of the loan has drawn suspicion, as critics suggest it was pushed through before Trumps administration takes office. Musk and Ramaswamy see it as part of the Biden administrations efforts to shape the EV landscape, possibly at Teslas expense. The Wall Street Journal labelled the loan as corporate welfare, urging the incoming administration to re-evaluate such decisions. As DOGE prepares to tackle inefficiencies, the Rivian loan is likely to be one of many controversial issues in their crosshairs, signalling a broader debate on government intervention in clean energy markets. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has since launched a criminal investigation into these allegations. Teslas actions in Austin extended beyond the factory floor, with a six-acre wastewater pond reportedly leaking untreated chemicals into the citys sewer system read more Teslas Austin, Texas factory has come under fire for repeated violations of environmental guidelines, raising serious concerns about the companys operations. Image Credit: Reuters Teslas Austin, Texas factory has come under fire for repeated violations of environmental guidelines, raising serious concerns about the companys operations. Reports reveal that hazardous wastewater was dumped into the citys sewer system without proper permits, while a malfunctioning casting furnace released toxins into the air. Public records obtained by The Wall Street Journal suggest that these issues persisted for months, with Tesla executives allegedly prioritising production over compliance. The revelations shed light on the growing environmental challenges surrounding Teslas operations. Employees reportedly faced pressure to implement temporary fixes rather than address the root causes of these problems. Advertisement A troubling history of violations This approach highlights a troubling disregard for environmental protections, particularly as Tesla CEO Elon Musk aligns himself with the incoming Trump administration, advocating for the removal of regulations that he deems unnecessary. The environmental issues at Teslas Austin plant are not an isolated incident. Records indicate that the companys Fremont, California factory has also faced scrutiny, with 112 air pollution violations reported over the last five years. Equipment designed to minimise emissions reportedly failed repeatedly, yet corrective measures were insufficient. In Austin, whistleblowers cited fear of retaliation for raising environmental concerns. One compliance officer claimed in a 2024 memo that Tesla executives pressured staff to mislead regulators and downplay violations. The officers refusal to lobby for relaxed chemical limits reportedly led to their dismissal. Widespread impact of noncompliance The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has since launched a criminal investigation into these allegations. Teslas actions in Austin extended beyond the factory floor, with a six-acre wastewater pond reportedly leaking untreated chemicals into the citys sewer system. During rainstorms, Tesla allegedly discharged chemicals into the nearby Colorado River, temporarily turning its waters brown. Such actions have sparked outrage among environmental groups and raised questions about Teslas commitment to sustainability. A shift away from environmentally conscious behaviour Once celebrated as a champion of renewable energy, Musk and Tesla are facing increasing criticism for straying from their environmentally focused mission. Musks 2006 Master Plan, which aimed to accelerate the shift to sustainable energy, has recently been removed from Teslas website, symbolising this shift. As Tesla contends with mounting regulatory inquiries and public backlash, the companys environmental failings highlight the growing tension between its production goals and its once-pioneering stance on sustainability. These developments mark a stark departure from Teslas roots as a leader in the fight against climate change. Chinas yuan fell to a low 7.2675 per dollar, its weakest since July 24 on Monday despite private manufacturing survey showing that the countrys factory activity expanded at the fastest pace in five months in November read more Aiming to takeover US dollar and becoming worlds principal reserve currency, Chinas yuan slipped to a four-month low raising concerns that the second largest economy might need additional policy support. On Monday, yuan dropped to a low of 7.2675 per dollar, its weakest since July 24, despite a private manufacturing survey on Monday showing Chinas factory activity expanded at the fastest pace in five months in November. 3 reasons why Chinas yuan is falling 1 - Tariff threats on all Chinese goods in US US President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on January 20, last week announced that he would impose an additional 10 per cent tariff on all Chinese good coming into America. Advertisement He had already pledged that 60 per cent or higher tariffs on Chinese goods during his election campaign. 2 - Trump 100% tariffs threat to BRICS members In a bid to prevent dedollarisation, Trump, on Saturday (November 30), warned the members of BRICS group - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - of 100 per cent tariff if they create a new currency or support another to replace US dollars. 3 - Chinas treasury yield fall to 22 years low Another factor weighing on yuan was Chinas 10-year treasury yield which fell below the psychologically key 2 per cent on Monday to its lowest in 22 years. A better than expected Chinas factory activity, which expanded at the fastest pace in five months in November, failed to lift yuan. The Caixin China General Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose 51.5 in November, up 1.2 points from 50.3 in the previous month, and highest since June, Authorities in China have been battling a tough call of protecting yuan from falling sharply while striving to get the economy back on track. Advertisement As per a report by Reuters, prior to the market opening, the Peoples Bank of China set the midpoint rate, around which yuan is allowed to trade in a 2 per cent band, at 7.1865 per dollar. The spot yuan opened at 7.2450 per dollar and was last trading 170 pips lower than the previous late session close at 7.265 as of 0327 GMT and 1.09 per cent weaker than the midpoint. The offshore yuan traded at 7.2756 yuan per dollar, down about 0.35 per cent in Asian trade. With inputs from Reuters. The Assembly of States Parties, which represents the ICCs 124 member countries, will convene its 23rd conference to elect committee members and approve the courts budget against a backdrop of unfavorable headlines read more The International Criminal Courts member states open their annual meeting Monday while the court faces pushback over arrest warrants for Israeli officials, sexual harassment allegations against the courts chief prosecutor and a very empty docket. The Assembly of States Parties, which represents the ICCs 124 member countries, will convene its 23rd conference to elect committee members and approve the courts budget against a backdrop of unfavorable headlines. Last month, judges granted a request from the courts chief prosecutor Karim Khan to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the nearly 14-month war in Gaza. Advertisement It marks the first time that a sitting leader of a major Western ally has been accused by the global court of justice. The decision has been denounced by critics of the court and given only milquetoast approval by many of its supporters, a stark contrast to the robust backing of an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin last year over war crimes in Ukraine. U.S. President Joe Biden called the warrants for Netanyahu and the former defense minister outrageous and vowed to stand with Israel. A year ago, Biden called the warrant for Putin justified and said the Russian president had committed war crimes. The U.S. is not an ICC member country. France said it would respect its obligations but would need to consider Netanyahus possible immunities. When the warrant for Putin was announced, France said it would lend its support to the essential work of the court. Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who currently holds the European Unions rotating presidency, accused the court of interfering in an ongoing conflict for political purposes and said his country wouldnt arrest Netanyahu. Hungary is an ICC member country. The ICC was established in 2002 as the worlds permanent court of last resort to prosecute individuals responsible for the most heinous atrocities war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression. The court only becomes involved when nations are unable or unwilling to prosecute those crimes on their territory. To date, 124 countries have signed on to the Rome Statute, which created the institution. Those who have not include Israel, Russia and China. Advertisement The ICC has no police force and relies on member states to execute arrest warrants. Member country Austria begrudgingly acknowledged it would arrest Netanyahu but called the warrants utterly incomprehensible, Italy called them wrong but said it would be obliged to arrest him. Germany said it would study the decision. Global security expert Janina Dill worried that such responses could undermine global justice efforts. It really has the potential to damage not just the court, but international law, she told The Associated Press. U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, whose Republican party will control both branches of Congress in January, called the court a dangerous joke and urged Congress to sanction its prosecutor. To any ally, Canada, Britain, Germany, France, if you try to help the ICC, were going to sanction you, Graham said on Fox News. Advertisement President-elect Donald Trump sanctioned the courts previous prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, with a travel ban and asset freeze for investigating American troops and intelligence officials in Afghanistan. Milena Sterio, an expert in international law at Cleveland State University, told the AP that sanctions could affect a number of people who contribute to the courts work, such as international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney. Clooney advised the current prosecutor on his request for the warrants for Netanyahu and others. Sanctions are a huge burden, Sterio said. Clooney did not respond to a request for comment. Khan is up against internal pressures as well. In October, the AP reported the 54-year old British lawyer is facing allegations he tried to coerce a female aide into a sexual relationship and groped her. Advertisement Two co-workers in whom the woman confided reported the alleged misconduct in May to the courts independent watchdog, which says it interviewed the woman and ended its inquiry after five days when she opted against filing a formal complaint. Khan was never questioned. He has denied the claims. The Assembly of States Parties has announced it will launch an external probe into the allegations. Its not clear if the investigation will be addressed during the meeting. The court, which has long faced accusations of ineffectiveness, will have no trials pending after two conclude in December. While it has issued a number of arrest warrants in recent months, many high-profile suspects remain at large. Advertisement Member states dont always act. Mongolia refused to arrest Putin when he visited in September. Sudans former President Omar al-Bashir is wanted by the ICC over accusations related to the conflict in Darfur, but his country has refused to hand him over. Last week, Khan requested a warrant for the head of Myanmars military regime, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, for attacks against the countrys Rohingya Muslim minority. Judges have yet to decide on that request. It becomes very difficult to justify the courts existence, Sterio said. Before arriving in Turkey, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Damascus to hold talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to reassert Irans support to the regime against opposition forces read more After Syrian opposition forces captured much of Aleppo in a swift offensive, Iran has scrambled to reassure President Bashar al-Assad and engage with regional players. After visiting Damascus to meet Assad earlier on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived later in the evening in Turkish capital Ankara to hold high-level talks over the situation in the Syrian Civil War. In Ankara, Araghchi is expected to hold talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday before talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later in the day, according to AFP. Advertisement Last week, for the first time in four years, Syrian opposition forces launched an offensive against longtime ruler Assads regime and, by Saturday, captured much of Aleppo, once the largest city in Syria. The opposition forces push came at a time when Assads allies Iran, Russia, and Iran-backed Hezbollah, which have been central in his survival through the decadelong civil war, are distracted in conflicts with Ukraine and Israel. In the Syrian Civil War, Iran and Turkey are supporters of the opposite camps. While Turkey has long supported the opposition forces, Iran along with Russia have supported Assad. Since 2020, fighting had essentially stalled in the war after Russia and Turkey brokered a ceasefire. Now, that understanding remains shattered. Even though Turkey has opposed the movement against Assad, it has sought a rapprochement of sorts lately. Those efforts are bound to be complicated by the opposition forces ongoing push against regime forces. In addition to supporting the rebels, Turkey is also heavily invested in Syria as up to 3.2 million Syrian refugees displaced by the decadelong civil war currently live in Turkey, according to the figures with the United Nations (UN). The Bangladesh authorities have prevented 63 Iskcon monks with valid documents, including visas and passports, from crossing over to India, citing that they lacked specific government permission' read more An Iskcon monk puts up pamphlets outside the organisations headquarters against the arrest of Iskcon monk Chinmay Prabhu by Dhaka police at ISKCON HQ in Kolkata on November 28, 2024. Source: ANI. As many as 63 Iskcon monks, with valid travel documents, were barred from entering India from Bangladesh over the last two days and were turned back from the Benapole border checkpoint by authorities for suspicious activities. According to International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon), Kolkata and several local media reports in Bangladesh, the monks were stopped from crossing over to India, amid the rising atrocities against minorities, on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Advertisement Why were Iskcon monks prevented from crossing over to India? A report by The Daily Star newspaper cited the immigration police saying that the monks, from various districts in Bangladesh, were not having specific government approval for their travel and therefore, they were barred from entering India. The monks arrived at the Benapole border on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, wanting to cross over to India, but were stopped by the immigration police over suspicious travel. Instructed not to permit them: What Bangladesh said? Officer-in-charge of Benapole immigration police, Imtiaz Ahsanul Quader Bhuiyan, quoted by The Daily Star newspaper, said: We consulted the special branch of police and received instructions from the higher authorities not to permit them (to cross the border). He went on to claim that the devotees carried valid passports and visas, but were lacking specific government permission. As per reports, 54 Iskcon monks tried to cross over to India on Saturday and nine others were stopped on Sunday. Sent back without any explanation Media reports quoted an Iskcon member, Saurabh Tapander Cheli, who expressed his anger and frustration, saying: I came to attend a religious ceremony in India. But immigration authorities sent me back without giving any explanation. Another devotee said that the Bangladesh authorities refused to give a clear reason for not letting them enter India. Monks were told it was unsafe to travel to India A report by Times of India, quoted Radharamn Das, vice-president of Iskcon Kolkata, as saying that the monks belonged to different units of Iskcon in Bangladesh. Considering the current situation in Bangladesh, they chose this period for a pilgrimage in India. But 9 were stopped on Saturday and another 54 on Sunday by BGB. They were told it was unsafe for them to travel to India at this point and asked to go back. I just wonder, on what grounds could they be disallowed from heading to another country despite having valid visas and other documents? Das said. Atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh Atrocities against minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh have escalated following the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, on November 27. He was detained at Dhakas Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on charges of sedition. His arrest sparked widespread protests by his supporters. The case alleges that he and others hoisted a saffron flag above the Bangladeshs flag during a rally in Chattogram on October 25. Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi authorities also froze the bank accounts of 17 individuals associated with Iskcon, including Das, for a 30-day period. The tension further escalated after two Iskcon monks, Adi Purush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das, both natives of Chattogram, were arrested on Friday while they were returning from delivering prasad to Das in prison. Advertisement Reports mentioned Iskcon as saying that the Bangladesh police arrested the two monks, charging them with sedition after they delivered medicines to Das in prison. India protests for justice of Hindus in Bangladesh Several protests and rallies were taken out in India, especially in the states that border Bangladesh with Bengali-speaking populations. Most cities in West Bengal, including Kolkata, witnessed protest rallies demanding justice for minorities particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh who have been facing severe attacks from Islamist groups since the formation of the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Protests were also held in Agartala, outside the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, last week. Meanwhile in Bangladesh, the Hefazat-e-Islam, an Islamist group who have had links with Jamaat-e-Islami, along with other groups have called for street protests to demand a ban on Iskcon. With inputs from agencies. The Pakistani government is considering a proposal to reduce the countrys average retirement age to 55 to ease the pension load. The move was suggested by the IMF while helping the cash-strapped country with a bailout package. read more After recovering from a devastating economic crisis, the Pakistani government is considering reducing the countrys average retirement age by five years to 55. While Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharifs government is planning to take the step to contain long-term pension bills, the retirement age for selective positions might increase. According to Pakistani news outlet Dawn, this was one of the proposals suggested by the International Monetary Fund after it approved the bailout package to save the cash-strapped country. Interestingly, the suggestion came a year after the countrys Finance Ministry proposed increasing the superannuation age by two years to 62 for temporary delays to payments on account of retirement benefits. However, the move was opposed by the IMF. Advertisement As per the report, the matter was discussed at a meeting last week, which was presided over by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. During the meeting, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet expressed concerns over the delay in the implementation of instructions to reform the pension scheme, delivered by the international financial body on May 27 and June 13. Long way to go In the meeting, the parties agreed that it would take more time to implement reform in the pension scheme which is currently in place, Dawn reported. During the meeting, the ECC argued that pension payout could drop in case of reducing the age of retirement by five years. Hence, the move has the potential to reduce the governments pension liability expense by an estimated PKR 50 billion per annum, if it gets implemented across the board. However, the critics pointed towards the initial increase in expenditure that would arise because of early severance packages. Hence, they argued that the government should implement this in a phased manner. According to Dawn, the current federal pension bill goes beyond PKR 1 trillion, including a civil and armed forces share of about PKR 260 billion and about PKR 750 billion, respectively. To prevent the increasing flow of annual pension bill, the countrys government has introduced a contributory pension scheme for all future government employments. Amid pushback from opposition forces that have captured much of Aleppo, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has found support from allies Russia, Iran, and China read more China has come to Syrian President Bashar al-Assads support at a time his regime is facing a pushback from opposition forces. In the first offensive in nearly four years, Syrian opposition forces made rapid gains last week and captured much of the Aleppo city by the weekend. Since 2020, the conflict between Assads regime and opposition was essentially frozen after opposition-supporter Turkey and Assad-supporter Russia reached a ceasefire deal. Now, at a time Assads allies Russia, Iran, and Iran-backed Hezbollah are distracted in their own conflicts with Ukraine and Israel respectively, the opposition forces have found the opportunity to make a move against the regime. Advertisement In a statement on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry said that it supports Syrias efforts to maintain national security and stability. China is willing to make positive efforts to prevent further deterioration of the situation in Syria, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian, according to AFP. Even though Syrian and Russian warplanes have conducted airstrikes at opposition forces, they are believed to be in control of much Aleppo city and the surrounding areas. Assad depends heavily on Russia, Iran, and Iran-backed groups in the region, such as the Lebanon-based Hezbollah and Iraq-based Shia militias, for survival. At one point, his regime had lost more than half of Syria but, following the direct Russian military intervention in 2015, the regime clawed back to control most of Syria. Currently, the regime controls around 60 per cent of the country and the control of the rest of the country is fragmented between opposition forces and Kurdish militia in the northeast, according to The New York Times. China has long supported Assad along with Russia and Iran in the region. Outside of West Asia and Russia, China is the only country that Assad has visited since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011 that made him a pariah in much of the world over the excesses of his regime, including the usage of chemical weapons on Syrians. Advertisement The US faces a strategic dilemma as Gabbards anti-interventionist stance may clash with Trumps unpredictable foreign policy decisions in West Asia read more On November 27, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies launched a sudden and powerful attack in Aleppo, quickly defeating government forces with little resistance. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, HTS now controls most of the city, including key areas. This offensive occurred alongside heavy Syrian and Russian airstrikes on rebel-held regions, ending a period of relative calm in the area since 2016. According to AFP, Charles Lister, a researcher at the Middle East Institute, called the attack potentially game-changing. The attack also came after a recent ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon. Advertisement The Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011 following the Arab Spring protests, has claimed over 500,000 lives and displaced millions. Assads regime, supported by allies Russia and Iran, has fought opposition groups ranging from pro-democracy activists to extremist factions like HTS. Aleppo, an ancient trading hub, has been a strategic flashpoint, enduring a devastating siege in 2016 that solidified Assads control. However, the citys recently fell for the first time to insurgents. Regional and global implications Aleppos fall has triggered ripples across West Asia. Russia, Syrian President Bashar al-Assads staunch ally, has intensified airstrikes in support of Syrian forces, aiming to regain lost ground. Meanwhile, Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to backing Assad, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasising firm support during a recent visit to Damascus. Turkey, which supports some rebel factions, has called for an end to airstrikes on Idlib, warning of escalating regional tensions. The US, along with France, Germany and UK issued a joint statement urging de-escalation and renewed commitment to a Syrian-led political solution under United Nations guidelines. Tulsi Gabbard and whats next for Syria and US policy? As Aleppos future remains uncertain, the world faces a pressing challenge to bring peace and rebuild Syria. The situation is tense with rebel forces gaining strength while Assads government struggles to recover. This crisis coincides with the US Senates expected confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard, a former Congresswoman, as the new Director of National Intelligence under President-elect Donald Trump. Advertisement Gabbard is known for her controversial views on West Asian policy. In 2017, she met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, sparking criticism from figures like Nikki Haley, who accused Gabbard of legitimising a leader blamed for war crimes. Gabbard has also expressed doubts about the US effort to remove Assad and has questioned evidence of his use of chemical weapons. Her remark that Assad is not the enemy of the United States has reignited debates on Americas role in Syria. Gabbards anti-interventionist stance contrasts with Trumps unpredictable and sometimes aggressive foreign policy. With Aleppo now under the control of HTS and Russia reasserting its presence in Syria, the US faces an immediate test in balancing diplomacy and intervention. There are concerns that Gabbards approach, which prioritises diplomacy over military action, could clash with traditional US strategies, potentially straining alliances and complicating future policy decisions. Advertisement Gabbards political rise has been driven by her opposition to long wars and efforts to rebuild other countries. Once confirmed as Director of National Intelligence, she will have to walk a tightrope making sure her personal views dont interfere with global diplomacy, especially in the unstable region of West Asia. West Asia challenge for Trump President-elect Trump has promised to bring peace to West Asia, but his plans remain unclear. During his first term, Trump made moves like pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal and approving the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, which significantly raised tensions in the region. Trumps foreign policy has often swung between moments of isolationism and military assertiveness. His abrupt decisionssuch as withdrawing US troops from Syria while approving airstrikeshave left both allies and adversaries uncertain about his next steps. Trumps America First approach has often prioritised domestic issues over international concerns. Whether this unpredictability is a boon or a bane for US geopolitics will become clearer when he assumes office in January. Advertisement Strength in divergence? The partnership between Trump and Gabbard represents a larger debate within US politics: whether to intervene in foreign conflicts or to hold back. As Aleppo faces more violence, this unlikely duo will need to navigate their differences to prevent a fragmented foreign policy that could undermine US global standing. How they balance diplomacy and military engagement will not only influence Syrias future but also shape Americas position in the world for years to come. The French government is all but certain to collapse later this week after far-right and left-wing parties said they will vote in favour of a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier read more French Prime Minister Michel Barnier delivers a speech during a debate on the 2025 Social Security Financing bill (PLFSS) at the National Assembly in Paris, France, on Monday. Reuters The French government is certain to collapse later this week, as both far-right and left-wing parties have announced their support for a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier. In response, investors swiftly sold off French stocks and bonds, pushing the euro zones second-largest economy further into political turmoil. The French have had enough, Reuters quoted National Rally (RN) leader Marine Le Pen as telling reporters in parliament, saying her party would put forward its own no-confidence motion and will also vote for any similar bill by other parties. The left will also propose a similar motion. Maybe (voters) thought with Michel Barnier things would get better, but it got even worse, added Le Pen. Advertisement Unless there is a last-minute turn of events, Barniers fragile coalition will become the first French government to be ousted by a no-confidence vote since 1962. A government collapse would create a void at the heart of Europe, with Germany also in election mode, just weeks before Donald Trumps return to the White House. According to Reuters, RN lawmakers and the left now have enough votes to remove Barnier and have 24 hours to submit their no-confidence motions. The remarks came after Barnier announced on Monday that he would attempt to push a social security bill through parliament without a vote, after a last-minute concession failed to secure RNs support for the bill. In the aftermath, French stocks reversed their gains, while the euro faced a sell-off, and bond yields rose. The CAC 40 index fell by 0.6%, after earlier rising 0.6% following Barniers concessions. The euro dropped 1%, heading for its largest one-day decline since early November. The yield on French 10-year government bonds increased by 2.7 basis points to 2.923%, up from a session low of 2.861%. Advertisement Chaos Mathilde Panot of the left-wing France Unbowed, said: Faced with this umpteenth denial of democracy, we will censure the government We are living in political chaos because of Michel Barniers government and Emmanuel Macrons presidency. Barnier urged lawmakers not to back the no-confidence vote. We are at a moment of truth The French will not forgive us for putting the interests of individuals before the future of the country, he said as he put his governments fate in the hands of the divided parliament which was the result of an inconclusive snap election Macron called in June. Since it was formed in September, Barniers minority government has relied on RN support for its survival. The budget bill, which seeks to rein in Frances spiraling public deficit through 60 billion euros ($63 billion) in tax hikes and spending cuts, snapped that tenuous link. Advertisement Barniers entourage and Le Pens camp each blamed the other and said they had done all they could to reach a deal and had been open to dialogue. A source close to Barnier said the prime minister had made major concessions to Le Pen and that voting to bring down the government would mean losing those gains. Is she ready to sacrifice all the wins she got? the source close to Barnier told Reuters. With inputs from agencies More than 200 people have been detained after four nights of protests in the Georgian capital following the governments decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union after the block lambasted the countrys parliamentary election read more Police officers detain demonstrators at a subway station during a rally against the government's decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union for four years in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday. AP More than 200 people have been detained after four nights of protests in the Georgian capital following the governments decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union after the block lambasted the countrys parliamentary election. The ruling Georgian Dream partys disputed victory in the countrys October 26 parliamentary election, widely seen as a referendum on Georgias aspirations to join the EU, has sparked mass demonstrations, with the opposition boycotting the parliament. Advertisement The opposition and the countrys pro-Western president also accused the vote of being rigged with Moscows help. Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the parliament for the fourth night on Sunday. Some protesters threw fireworks at police who responded by deploying tear gas and water cannon. Georgias Interior Ministry said Monday that 224 protesters were detained on administrative charges and three arrested on criminal charges. So far, 113 police officers needed medical treatment while three others were hospitalised. Georgias President Salome Zourabichvili said that many of the arrested protesters had injuries to their heads and faces, including broken bones and eye sockets. Writing on X and citing lawyers who represent the detained, she said some people were subject to systematic beatings between arrest and transportation to detention facilities. Zourabichvili holds a largely ceremonial role and is due to step down at the end of the year. She has indicated she will remain in her post until another president is chosen by a legtimate" parliament. Zourabichvili has accused the ruling party of using Russian methods to crack down on freedom of speech and to rig the election. Russian President Vladimir Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Monday that Russia views parallels between events in Georgia and those in 2013 and 2014 in Ukraine when a wave of protests was triggered by the then pro-Russian presidents decision not to sign an association agreement with the EU. Advertisement Peskov said Russia is not interfering in Georgia but suggested others were trying to destabilize the situation. All the signs are of an attempt to carry out an Orange Revolution, he said, referring to protests following a disputed election in Ukraine over the winter of 2004-2005 which later saw a pro-Western leader come to power. Ahead of Sundays protest, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of Georgian Dream warned that any violation of the law will be met with the full rigor of the law. Neither will those politicians who hide in their offices and sacrifice members of their violent groups to severe punishment escape responsibility, he said at a briefing. Advertisement He insisted it wasnt true that Georgias European integration had been halted. The only thing we have rejected is the shameful and offensive blackmail, which was, in fact, a significant obstacle to our countrys European integration. The governments announcement to suspend the EU membership process came hours after the European Parliament adopted a resolution criticizing Octobers election in Georgia as neither free nor fair. Kobakhidze also dismissed the US State Departments statement Saturday which announced the suspension of its strategic relationship with Georgia and condemned the decision to halt its efforts toward EU accession. You can see that the outgoing (U.S.) administration is trying to leave the new administration with as difficult a legacy as possible. They are doing this regarding Ukraine, and now also concerning Georgia, Kobakhidze said. This will not have any fundamental significance. We will wait for the new administration and discuss everything with them. Advertisement Kobakhidze also confirmed that Georgias ambassador to the US, David Zalkaliani, had become the latest of a number of diplomats to stand down since the protests started. The president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas spoke to President Zourabichvili Sunday to condemn the violence against protesters and to note that the actions of the government run counter to the will of the people, Costa wrote on X. Also Sunday, Kallas and EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos released a joint statement. We note that this announcement marks a shift from the policies of all previous Georgian governments and the European aspirations of the vast majority of the Georgian people, as enshrined in the Constitution of Georgia, the statement said. Advertisement It reiterated the EUs serious concerns about the continuous democratic backsliding of the country and urged Georgian authorities to respect the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, and refrain from using force against peaceful protesters, politicians and media representatives. The EU granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023 on condition that it meet 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. Georgian Dream has increasingly adopted repressive laws mirroring those in Russia which crack down on freedom of speech and curtail LGBTQ+ rights. A law banning same-sex marriages, adoptions by same-sex couples and public endorsement and depictions of LGBTQ+ relations and people in the media came into force Monday. Speaking to The Associated Press on Saturday, Zourabichvili said that her country was becoming a quasi-Russian state and that Georgian Dream controlled the major institutions. We are not demanding a revolution. We are asking for new elections, but in conditions that will ensure that the will of the people will not be misrepresented or stolen again, Zourabichvili said. A major political tussle is at the heart of the political crisis in Georgia. The stand-off between the countrys president and prime minister over the former USSR nations prospects of joining the EU has rattled the country like never before read more An intense political tussle is brewing between the president and the newly-elected prime minister of Georgia, which has triggered nationwide protests that have been intensifying for the past four days. At the heart of this tussle is the question of whether the erstwhile Soviet Union nation should be part of the European Union or not. While Georgias President Salome Zourabichvili has called the countrys newly formed government illegitimate, the countrys Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze insisted that she should step down even though he is facing calls for resignation. The tussle between the two sides intensified after the newly elected government took a dramatic decision to halt EU accession talks. Advertisement Things went downhill after the Georgian Dream Party (GD) announced that it had won the intense national election with 54 per cent of the vote. While the countrys Election Commission supported the Georgian premier, Brussels and Washington have expressed concern about the legitimacy of the result because of reports of intimidation, ballot-stuffing and fraud at polling stations. A law enforcement officer fires a tear gas canister as fireworks explode during a protest against the new governments decision to suspend the European Union accession talks and refuse budgetary grants until 2028, in Tbilisi, Georgia. Reuters The Russia & Trump influence Following the election, the European Parliament passed a resolution that called for a rerun of the polls and introduced sanctions against Georgian politicians, including oligarch and GD founder Bidzina Ivanishvili. It is pertinent to note that GD has been in power in the country since 2012. However, the party has gradually, expanded its influence over almost all of the countrys institutions, including the office of the president. Over the years, Geogias political landscape has undergone significant changes, transforming from presidential to semi-presidential form, with the prime minister replacing the president as the head of the government, with the latter becoming only a ceremonial post after the 2013 constitutional amendment. Hence, the current government has become stronger than the previous government due to several institutional changes. Russian influence What makes matters concerning for Georgia is the fact that GD has been notorious for leaning towards the Russian orbit. Georgia has been divided over the Russia question ever since it gained independence in 1991, with the fall of the USSR. Both countries were embroiled in a major war in 2008, with Russia annexing some of its territories. While diplomatic ties between Georgia and Russia remain suspended, many in the country accused GD of getting help from Russia to manipulate the elections. Members of an election commission count ballots at a polling station after the parliamentary election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. (Photo: AP) Russia wants to capture us this is what is happening, said Eka Gigauri, head of Transparency International Georgia, another NGO. Trumps influence Meanwhile, amid protests, the Georgian Prime Minister clarified that they are halting the EU accession talks temporarily, since they are waiting for US President-elect Donald Trump to assume the Oval Office. Whatever Trump says, thats what will happen. So for us, the most important thing is the relationship with Donald Trump, Kobakhidze said. GD has been already in indirect contact with Trump and his team after the Republican firebrand won the November 5 polls. However, the current US President Joe Bidens administration is not happy with the Georgian government halting its talks. Advertisement President-elect Donald Trump. Reuters File By suspending Georgias EU accession process, Georgian Dream has rejected the opportunity for closer ties with Europe and made Georgia more vulnerable to the Kremlin, Washington said in a statement. While Trump often expressed love for Putin, it is unclear what his stance is on the matter. The president goes head-to-head against the PM While the protests across the country intensified, Zourabichvili issued a televised address, calling the government illegitimate. Zourabichvili insisted that she wont leave the office, despite the fact that her term is scheduled to end on December 16. There is no legitimate parliament and, therefore, an illegitimate parliament cannot elect a new president. Thus, no inauguration can take place, and my mandate continues until a legitimately elected parliament is formed," the pro-EU president said in a statement on Saturday. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili attends an opposition rally ahead upcoming next week parliamentary election in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. File Image / AP Earlier this month, the president also refused to sign the controversial foreign agents law passed by the GD-led Georgian parliament, which the critics argued was inspired by a similar law in place in Russia. The controversial bills require NGOs and media that receive foreign funding to register with the government or face fines. Advertisement PM rejects calls for resignation but asks President to step down. Meanwhile, Kobakhidze said that he would not step down from the office of the Prime Minister and rejected calls for re-election across the country. However, he has been asking the countrys president to bow out. He emphasised that Zourabichvili would have to leave the Orbeliani Palace residence in the capital Tbilisi and hand over this building to a new president after one was chosen by an electoral college that includes members of parliament. The process of electing the new president is slated for December 14. Zourabichvili had fought for the radical oppositions victory in last months general elections, thinking that this would guarantee her a chance to remain in office, but she lost, the premier added. Georgias Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze speaks during a press conference in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Thursday. Reuters While the PM office has more power than the presidents office in Georgia, a president refusing to step down is an unprecedented situation the country is facing. Hence, it will remain unclear how Kobakhidze plans to take down Zourabichvili. EU keeps its doors open Amid the escalating protests, which has entered its fourth day, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the door for the EU will remain open for Georgia. We regret the Georgian leaderships shift away from the EU and its values, she said in a statement on X, voicing concern over Georgias recent political direction. The EU leader reassured that the regional bodys invitation remains intact, adding the door to the EU remains open. However, she noted that the ball was in Georgias court. The return of Georgia on the EU path is in the hands of the Georgian leadership, she said. Advertisement People take part in a protest against a draft bill on foreign agents in Tbilisi, Georgia. Reuters Interestingly, it was Brussels that first halted Georgias accession talks this summer because of a controversial foreign agents law. The country has been seeing protests since multiple organisations claimed that Over 80 per cent of Georgias 3.8mn population support EU membership. With hundreds of protests and numerous deaths the fate of Georgia remains unclear. With inputs from agencies. India is in the process of buying 26 Rafale Marine jets from France along with three Scorpene-class submarines read more India is in the process of buying 26 Rafale Marine aircraft. (Photo: Reuters) India will buy 26 Rafale Marine warplanes and the deal is expected to be signed next year, said Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Monday (December 2). At the annual Navy Day press conference, Tripathi said that the Rafale Marine deal is in the advanced stage of negotiations. Rafale Marine is at an advanced stage of negotiations and is only one level short of taking it to the Cabinet Committee on Security. Since it is a government-to-government deal, it should not take much time, said Tripathi. Advertisement Rafale Marine is the naval version of the Rafale warplanes that have already entered service with the Indian Air Force (IAF). India purchased 36 Rafales for the IAF in 2016 and the first plane was inducted in 2020. Tripathi further said that India is also in the process of buying three more Scorpene-class submarines for the Navy, which are diesel-powered attack submarines. These submarines are also made in France. It has previously been reported that India is negotiating the Rafale Marine deal at a significant discount. The Hindustan Times has reported that the French government is all for supporting India in the self-reliance Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by offering to manufacture the Rafale warplanes and Safran aircraft engines in India on a 100 per cent transfer-of-technology basis. The HT further reported that French manufacturer Dassault has reduced cost by nearly 500 million euros. Iranian-backed militias crossed into Syria from Iraq overnight and were heading towards northern Syria to reinforce Syrian army units engaged in combat with insurgents, according to a report, citing two Syrian army sources read more Syrian opposition fighters ride on a truck in Khan Sheikhoun, southwest of Aleppo, on Sunday. AP Iranian-backed militias crossed into Syria from Iraq overnight and were heading towards northern Syria to reinforce Syrian army units engaged in combat with insurgents, according to a Reuters report, citing two Syrian army sources. Dozens of Iran-aligned Iraqi Hashd al Shaabi fighters from Iraq also crossed into Syria through a military route near Al Bukamal crossing, added the report, citing a senior Syrian army source. These are fresh reinforcements being sent to aid our comrades on the front lines in the north, Reuters quoted the officer as saying, adding the militias included Iraqs Katiab Hezbollah and Fatemiyoun groups. Advertisement Talking about the Islamist-led offensive that has seized large areas of Syrian territory, President Bashar al-Assad on Monday described the assault as an attempt to redraw the regions map in line with US interests. Assad made these remarks during a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as the Syrian military, supported by Russia, carried out deadly airstrikes on areas controlled by Islamist and Turkish-backed rebels. Assads government is backed by Russia and Iran, both of which have pledged to assist in pushing back against the rebels after the loss of Aleppo, Syrias second-largest city, to opposition forces. Syria has been embroiled in conflict since 2011, when Assads crackdown on pro-democracy protests triggered a war that has drawn in foreign powers and jihadist groups, resulting in over 500,000 deaths. Although Assads forces regained control over much of the country after years of shifting frontlines, the conflict had largely been dormant until last week, when the Islamist-led alliance launched its offensive. The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redraw the map in line with the objectives of the United States and the West, AFP quoted Assad as saying in a statement from his office. Advertisement During the weekend, Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and allied factions took over Aleppo city, barring neighbourhoods controlled by Kurdish forces, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Aleppo, an ancient city dominated by its landmark citadel, is home to two million people, and saw fierce battles earlier in the conflict. But until this weekend, the rebels were never able to totally take over. Earlier in the day, China also said it supports Syrias efforts to maintain national security and stability after a shock armed opposition-led offensive saw government forces lose control of Aleppo. In a statement on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry said that it supports Syrias efforts to maintain national security and stability. Advertisement China is willing to make positive efforts to prevent further deterioration of the situation in Syria, AFP quoted Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian as saying. With inputs from agencies Israeli fighter jets intercepted an Iranian aircraft which was flying over Syria. IDF claimed that the plane was carrying weapons shipments to Lebanons Hezbollah, sparking concerns over the ceasefire read more An F-35 Adir from Squadron 140 takes part in an Israeli air force show during the graduation ceremony for soldiers who have completed the IAF Flight Course, at the Hatzerim Air Base in the Negev Desert, June 29, 2023. File Image / X As the tensions in West Asia continue to escalate, Israels fighter jets blocked an Iranian plane, accusing it of ferrying arms to Lebanons Hezbollah from Syria. According to The Times of Israel, the Iranian aircraft was blocked between Saturday and Sunday afternoon. As per the report, fighter jets from the Israeli Air Force intercepted the Iranian plane over Syria and ordered it to turn around. The interception of the flight came as a part of Israels efforts to prevent Iranian weapons from reaching the Lebanese terror group as the Jewish nation is currently under a ceasefire with the Lebanese group. In the span of just a few months, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has forced several Iranian flights to make U-turns over Syrian and Iraqi airspace, The Times of Israel reported. Advertisement Israel keeps a close eye on Syria amid ceasefire with Lebanon The IDF maintained that during the truce between Israel and Lebanon, its forces will do everything to block the deliveries of weapons to Hezbollah. This includes striking shipments anywhere in Lebanon or Syria. Last week, a senior Israeli military official said that the IDF would not just strike the weapon shipments, but Syrian President Bashar Assads regime would pay for aiding Hezbollah. In hours before the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire deal came into effect, IDF carried out strikes against Hezbollahs smuggling routes. Not only this, Israel destroyed three border crossings between northern Lebanon and Syria. Following the incident, the Jewish nation claimed that Hezbollah was smuggling weapons from the region. The IDF assessed that it would take time to repair the crossings, and during that time, Hezbollah would have limited routes to bring in weapons, which would be easier for Israel to monitor, The Times of Israel reported. While the ceasefire was in place, on Saturday, IAF fighter jets struck multiple infrastructures in Syria that are closer to the Lebanon border. IDF claimed that these infrastructures were being actively used by Hezbollah to transfer weapons. However, reports of Israeli strikes on Hezbollah weapons shipments began to emerge in early 2013. While Israel kept mum over the matter at that time, they have been extremely vocal about their operations in recent years. With inputs from agencies. At least two people were killed on Monday in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, while the speaker of Lebanons parliament accused Israel of violating the recent ceasefire agreement 54 times, according to a report read more Israeli soldiers patrol the perimeter of the agricultural settlement of Avivim, next to the Lebanese border in upper Galilee, Israel, on Monday. AP At least two people were killed on Monday in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, while the speaker of Lebanons parliament accused Israel of violating the recent ceasefire agreement 54 times. According to The Guardian report, citing Lebanons health ministry, one fatality took place in Marjayoun town, about 10 km from the UN-drawn blue line separating Lebanon from Israel. In a separate incident, Lebanons state security said an Israeli drone strike killed a member of its force while on duty in Nabatieh, 12 km from the border. Advertisement The attack was described as a flagrant violation of the ceasefire, added the report. The Lebanese army said an Israeli drone hit an army bulldozer in northeast Lebanon near the border with Syria, wounding a soldier. The National News Agency also reported a fresh Israeli incursion inside Lebanon, near the Mays al-Jabal governmental hospital which is close to Tebnin Castle. According to Reuters, the Israeli military did not immediately respond to questions about the incidents in Marjayoun and Nabatieh. It issued a statement saying it had attacked military vehicles operating near Hezbollah military infrastructure in Lebanons Bekaa Valley and military vehicles near the border with Syria. The Israeli military acknowledged that a Lebanese soldier was wounded in one of its attacks and said the incident was under review, added the report. Israels actions represent a clear violation of the articles of the ceasefire agreement and they have exceeded 54 violations in Lebanon, said Lebanons speaker of parliament Nabih Berri, who has acted on behalf of Hezbollah during ceasefire negotiations, in a statement on social media. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denied that his country had breached the accord, saying the problem lay with Hezbollah moving weapons and crossing south of the Litani river, in defiance of last weeks deal. Israel is committed to the successful implementation of the ceasefire, but we will not accept a return to the situation as it stood on October 6, 2023. If violations occur, Israel will enforce (the pact), Reuters quoted Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar as saying in a statement. Advertisement The ceasefire agreement stipulates that by the end of the 60-day period, all Israeli forces should have withdrawn from Lebanon, and Hezbollah must have retreated north of the Litani River, leaving a buffer zone in southern Lebanon where only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers are allowed. Earlier, Israels military issued an order preventing Lebanese civilians from returning to dozens of villages in the south. Tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing fighting. With inputs from agencies At a time when the Russian military is making continuous gains in the war on Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has approved the largest-ever defence budget with a 22% annual hike read more As the war on Ukraine has entered a decisive phase, Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the highest-ever defence budget for the next three years. Russias defence budget for 2025-27 is about $126 billion (13.5 trillion rubles) with a year-on-year hike of around 22 per cent, according to CNN. At 32.5 per cent of the total budget, this is the largest-ever defence budget in Russias history. In 2024-25, the CNN reported that the share of the defence sector in the overall budget was 28.3 per cent. Advertisement The record budget with a 22 per cent year-on-year hike comes at a time when Russia is looking forward to maximise its gains in Ukraine. Throughout the year, Russia has scored victories across the various theatres, winning key cities of Avdiivka, Vuhledar, and Ukrainsk. Russia has also got dangerously close to Povrovsk, which would be the most important victory in this leg of the war if it is captured. The record budget is a sign that Putin is looking at making a decisive push inside Ukraine in the coming year. The idea appears to be to make maximum territorial gains to enter negotiations whenever talks start with a position of strength. Russia is also understood to have recaptured as much as 40 per cent of territory that Ukraine had captured in Russias Kursk province in a counter-offensive earlier this year. The Kursk incursion appears to have backfired for Ukraine as while Ukraine devoted a large chunk of some of its best units and equipment to the region with the idea that Russia would need to divert its resources from other theatres, that has not been the case. On the contrary, Russia has continued to make gains in every theatre and has even eroded Ukraines gains in Kursk. Putins push also comes at a time when Donald Trump is set to assume US presidency next month. As he is expected to cut support to Ukraine and has longstanding dovish take on Russia in a sharp break from outgoing President Joe Bidens hawkish stance, Putin appears to be certain that tides are turning in his favour and he is set to win the war on Ukraine that be began in 2022. While Ukraine appears set to lose the biggest ally, the United States, Russia firmly has its allies China, North Korea, and Iran behind it. North Korea is understood to have supplied up to 10,000 soldiers in addition to missiles and ammunition to Russia while Iran is also understood to have supplied weapons, including drones. China has supplied drones, dual-use technology, spare parts, and critical machinery to Russia, becoming the lifeline to the Russian economy. Advertisement Since the beginning of the Russian war on Ukraine, Russias economy has become war-centric with the military-industrial complex taking centre-stage in the national economy. Instead of consumer goods or services, the national focus has shifted towards producing for the war. The record budget is one of the many steps that suggest that Putin is no mood to dial down the war in Ukraine. In September, he ordered to increase the militarys numbers by around 180,000 to a total of 1.5 million. He has also ordered a fresh round of conscription. Last month, Putin also launched an experimental intermediate ballistic missile on Ukraine and changed Russias nuclear weapons doctrine, which significantly lowered the threshold for the usage of nuclear weapons. The new doctrine allows for the usage of nuclear weapons even in response to conventional attacks. Advertisement Russian President Vladimir Purin is expected to visit India in early 2025 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, according to ANI read more The Kremlin has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India in early 2025. The Russian Embassy in India cited Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov as saying that Putin received an invitation to visit India from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the visit will be scheduled in early 2025, according to ANI. Ushakov, an aide to Putin, further said that even though it is Russias turn to hold the annual India-Russia summit, Kremlin would consider Indias invitation. Advertisement Our leaders have an agreement to hold meetings once a year. This time, its our turn. We received Mr. Modis invitation and we will certainly consider it positively. We will figure out the tentative dates early next year, said Ushakov, as per the news agency. Even as the West has pushed for Russias isolation over Putins war on Ukraine, Russias engagement with much of the Global South have continued, which was most notably at display when Russia held the BRICS Summit earlier this year. Even though Putin has visited countries abroad, the visit to India if and when it materialises would be notable as India would be the first country outside of China or Russian satellite states in the region that he would visit. Even as Russia has been a historical partner, Indias relations with the United States and the West have been on an upward trajectory in recent years. This means that India has pursued ties with Russia under a shadow of criticism from the West. In recent months, India has also indicated at playing a role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine, with reports saying that Modis visits to Russia and Ukraine, followed up by the visit of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to Russia, were part of engagements part of a larger initiative related to the ongoing war. Advertisement Now that Donald Trump is expected to assume the US presidency next month, the pushback on engagement with Russia from at least the United States is expected to reduce as he is deemed friendly with Putin and Russia. Romanias Constitutional Court on Monday validated the shock first-round result in its presidential election, setting the stage for a run-off vote on December 8 read more Head of the Romanian Constitutional Court Marian Enache announces the validation of the country's presidential election first-round result, following a vote recount, in Bucharest, Romania, on Monday. Reuters Romanias Constitutional Court on Monday validated the shock first-round result in its presidential election, setting the stage for a run-off vote on December 8 that could upend the countrys pro-Western orientation and erode backing for Ukraine. The ruling clears the uncertainty that has hung over the nation since the court demanded a vote recount last week, after the Nov. 24 victory of little-known far-right candidate Calin Georgescu raised suspicions of outside meddling in the electoral process of a country that has been a staunch ally of Ukraine. Advertisement Judges unanimously decided to confirm and validate the result of the first presidential round on Nov. 24 and holding the second round on Dec. 8, chief judge Marian Enache said. Georgescu will now face centre-right contender Elena Lasconi in the run-off in the European Union and NATO member state. A day earlier Romania held a parliamentary election, with the ruling leftist Social Democrat Party (PSD) leading but with far-right parties gaining a third of seats in the new legislature. The outcome of Sundays parliamentary election, the second of three ballots scheduled over a period of as many weeks, sets the stage for what is likely to be a period of talks among mainstream parties on forming a governing majority, with the PSD central to the negotiations. We notice a rift, PSD leader and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu told reporters. The party has yet to endorse a candidate in the run-off. Romanians must decide for themselves, he said. The PSD will need to be a bridge between EU-funded development and EU and NATO membership and a part of Romanians who believe in Christian values and national identity. Presidents role With 99.98% of votes counted in the parliamentary ballot, the PSD had won 22.3%, ahead of the hard-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians with 18.3%. Lasconis centrist opposition Save Romania Union (USR) had 12.25% while the junior ruling coalition ally Liberals had 14.3%. Two far-right groupings, SOS and POT, had 7.75% and 6.4% respectively, and the ethnic Hungarian Party UDMR 6.38%. Advertisement Liberal leader Ilie Bolojan said the party was willing to participate in a pro-Western coalition. Those who rejoice democracy has won in Romania are doing so prematurely, political scientist Cristian Pirvulescu said. If the president is far-right, it would be very complicated for pro-Europeans to organise and resist in parliament because they will have an extraordinarily difficult 2025. Who gets to form the government will ultimately depend on who wins the presidential race, since the president designates a prime minister. A survey conducted by pollster CURS on Dec. 1 at voting stations showed Georgescu would win 57.8% in a run-off to Lasconis 42.2%. The survey polled 24,629 people as they exited voting stations and had a margin of error of plus/minus 0.6%. Advertisement Yesterdays election shows the pool of voters for Lasconi is very small, the pool of voters for Georgescu can be very large, Pirvulescu said. PSD voters have more in common with the far right candidate, who has an important shot at winning the election. The West is starting to talk about a ceasefire as a means to give Ukraine a respite, and give themselves the opportunity to once again pump Ukraine up with modern long-range weapons. This, of course, is not a path to peace, said Lavrov read more Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday accused Western nations of seeking a ceasefire in Ukraine to enable the resupply of advanced weapons to Kyiv. The talk of negotiations for a ceasefire or peace deal in the three-year conflict has gained attention following Donald Trumps victory in last months US presidential election. The West is starting to talk about a ceasefire as a means to give Ukraine a respite, and give themselves the opportunity to once again pump Ukraine up with modern long-range weapons. This, of course, is not a path to peace, AFP quoted Lavrov as saying during a meeting in Moscow with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto. Advertisement Lavrov made these remarks as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a surprise visit to Kyiv, where he held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Last month, Scholz became the first major Western leader who held direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a controversial phone call, urging the Kremlin to consider negotiating a deal with Kyiv. Reacting to Scholzs Ukraine visit earlier in the day, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow had no expectations from German Chancellors Ukraine visit. I would not say we have expectations from this visit. Germany is continuing its line of unconditional support to Ukraine, Peskov said, adding that Putin had not passed on a message to Volodymyr Zelenskyy through Scholz. Ukrainian and Russian forces have heavily relied on artillery and guided missiles to prevent advances and target supply depots and command centers. Ukraine has used US-made ATACMS missiles, with a range of 190 miles (300 km), to strike Russian forces, but initially, these were restricted to avoid drawing Nato into the conflict. Recently, President Joe Biden lifted the ban, allowing their use in defending Ukrainian-held areas in Russias Kursk region. The UK and France have provided Storm Shadow and Scalp missiles with a range of 155 miles (250 km), though Ukraine has been barred from using them against Russian territory. Ukraines allies have also sent over 80 multiple-launch rocket systems, such as HIMARS and M270, along with more than 500 field guns, including the M777 howitzer. Advertisement Despite these supplies, Russia maintains an artillery advantage, with a far greater stockpile of shells, according to a BBC report, citing the Royal United Services Institute. Ukraines air force has received F-16 fighter jets from Nato members like Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands, with training ongoing for Ukrainian pilots. To defend against Russian drones and missiles, Western countries have supplied various air defense systems, including the UKs Starstreak, the USs Patriot missile system, and Germanys Iris-T, along with the Nasams system from the US and Norway. However, the cost of operating systems like the Patriots, at $3 million per missile, remains a challenge. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Syrian President Bashar al-Assa meets Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, shortly after the countrys forces conducted joint airstrikes with Russia in Aleppo and Idlib. As rebel group makes significant advances, Assad scrambles for help from allies read more Syrian and Russian forces joined hands to conduct airstrikes in the cities of Aleppo and Idlib as rebel groups made sudden advances in the country. The army supporting President Bashar al-Assads regime is struggling to repel the strongest challenge to its authority in years and is now seeking help from its allies in Iran and Russia. Amid the chaos, state media shared images of airstrikes across opposition-controlled areas, claiming they were targeting enemy command centres and positions. Meanwhile, the Syrian military noted that the airstrike struck close to a stadium in Aleppo in what they called a joint operation with Russia. Advertisement It is pertinent to note that earlier airstrikes conducted by the forces of both nations killed 12 people. The airstrike at that time struck close to a hospital in central Aleppo, Syrias second-largest city and a former industrial powerhouse that was the scene of some of the fiercest fighting in the countrys bloody civil war. On Sunday, Civil defence forces in Idlib, known as the White Helmets said that an airstrike in the city of Idlib killed four people and injured 54. The city is known to be a stronghold for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the main group behind the recent insurgency. Assad meets Iran FM to seek help As his regime witnessed its biggest challenge since 2016, the Syrian president met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Speaking to reporters, Araghchi said that his visit to conflict-stricken Syria was to convey the strength of Tehrans backing for Assad and his rule in the country. Araghchi met Assad on Sunday evening in the Syrian capital of Damascus. During the meeting, the Syrian president told the Iranian diplomat that confronting the sudden insurgency does not serve Syria alone as much as it serves the stability of the entire region, according to a statement from the Syrian presidency. According to Tehrans IRNA news agency, Araghchi eventually aided Assad and remained in admirable spirits despite difficult circumstances. On Monday, the Iranian foreign minister will be visiting the Turkish capital of Ankara to hold talks on the issue. We firmly support the Syrian army and government, Araghchi said, according to the official news agency IRNA. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Assad conducted a flurry of calls to regional allies in Baghdad and Abu Dhabi, as forces loyal to Damascus appeared to mount a counterattack. The Syrian leader told the Emirati President, Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, that the Syrian government was capable, with the help of its allies and friends, of repelling the sudden insurgency. Advertisement The assertion from Assad came after the Syrian defence ministry said it had reinforced defensive lines and sent heavy weaponry to the northern countryside of Hama province to repel a militant advance. Hence, the fate of Syria remains unclear as insurgents rattle Assads regime. With inputs from agencies. Lithuanias expulsion of Chinese diplomats and support for Taiwan have sparked the escalating tensions with Beijing read more China has strongly condemned Lithuanias recent decision to expel three Chinese diplomats stationed at the Office of the Charge dAffaires, labelling the move as wanton and provocative. Beijing also warned of potential countermeasures to safeguard its sovereignty and diplomatic interests. Root of tensions: Taiwans Representative Office The latest diplomatic fallout builds upon a series of disputes rooted in Lithuanias decision in 2021 to allow Taiwan to open a representative office under its name. Unlike similar offices in other countries that use the title Taipei, Lithuania permitted the use of Taiwan, which Beijing perceived as a direct challenge to its sovereignty. Advertisement China, which views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory, responded to Lithuanias move with a series of punitive measures. It downgraded diplomatic relations with the Baltic state to the level of charge daffaires and pressured multinational corporations to reduce ties with Lithuania. Lithuania also recalled its ambassador from Beijing, signalling a significant diplomatic rift. In Mondays statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused Lithuania of violating the One-China Principle and reneging on commitments made during the establishment of diplomatic ties. A ministry spokesperson declared that Lithuania had acted in serious violation of the political commitments outlined in the communique on the establishment of China-Lithuania diplomatic relations, causing severe difficulties for bilateral ties. Diplomatic expulsions Lithuanias decision to expel the three Chinese diplomats adds another layer to the already tense relationship. While the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry cited violations of the Vienna Convention and domestic laws as reasons for the expulsions, it did not provide specific details. The Vienna Convention governs diplomatic conduct and outlines legal protections and responsibilities for diplomats in foreign nations. Beijing, for its part, has strongly refuted the accusations and demanded a reversal of Lithuanias decision. The Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated that it reserves the right to take countermeasures, further raising concerns about the trajectory of the bilateral relationship. Baltic Sea cable incident The expulsions come against the backdrop of another contentious issuethe recent severing of two telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea including one connecting Lithuania to Sweden. A Chinese ship, Yi Peng 3, has come under suspicion for its proximity to the damaged cables during the time of the incident. Advertisement Lithuania, along with Sweden and Finland, has initiated a joint investigation into the cable damage with support from Eurojust, the European Unions criminal justice cooperation agency, an AFP report said. Although no direct evidence has linked the Chinese vessel to the incident, suspicions have further strained relations between Vilnius and Beijing. China has denied any involvement in the cable damage and expressed its willingness to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. However, the timing of the incident, coupled with Lithuanias diplomatic measures, highlights the growing mistrust between the two nations. Lithuanias strategic alignment The Baltic nation has increasingly positioned itself as a staunch advocate of democratic values and a critic of authoritarian regimes, aligning closely with Western powers. Vilnius has strengthened its ties with the US and the European Union, actively supporting Taiwans international presence and condemning Chinas policies in regions such as Hong Kong and Xinjiang. This assertive stance has drawn praise from some Western allies but has also made Lithuania a focal point of Beijings ire. Advertisement Despite the economic and diplomatic pressures exerted by China, Lithuania has shown resilience and went ahead to expel the Chinese diplomats to assert its sovereignty and safeguard its national security interests. Chinas response China reiterated its adherence to the One-China Principle as a non-negotiable aspect of its foreign relations, accusing Lithuania of deliberately undermining this consensus. In its Monday statement, China called on Lithuania to cease its provocative actions and create conditions conducive to the normalisation of bilateral relations. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also expressed hope that Lithuanias upcoming new government would adopt a more pragmatic approach to diplomacy, respecting international norms and commitments. Advertisement However, Beijings warning of potential countermeasures adds an element of uncertainty to the future of China-Lithuania relations. Such measures could include economic sanctions, further diplomatic downgrades, or restrictions on Lithuanian companies operating in China. As Lithuania continues to assert its foreign policy independence and as China seeks to defend its core interests, the international community will watch closely for signals of reconciliationor further escalation. Taiwans President Lai Ching-te stirred controversy after he began a two-day US stopover in Hawaii. Lais trip to a US territory sparked fury among Chinese authorities who launched serious protest with the US over the matter read more Amid brewing tensions between Taiwan and China, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te stirred controversy after he began a two-day US stopover in Hawaii. Lai arrived in Hawaii as part of his Pacific tour. The stopover came after the Taiwanese president declared his democratically governed island a key force for promoting global peace and stability. However, Lais presence in Hawaii has sparked fury from China, which sees Taiwan as part of its own territory. When asked about Lais visit, Chinas Foreign Ministry on Sunday said that it had lodged serious protests with the US over the matter. Tensions between China and Taiwan reached an all-time high after China stepped up its military pressure against Taiwan. This includes two rounds of war games between the two parties this year. Advertisement According to Reuters, Chinese security officials are now speculating that Beijing may hold more military exercises to coincide with Lais tour. Hawaii is not the only American territory that Lai stepped foot on during his tour. The Taiwanese president is also scheduled to visit Guam, another US territory. Lai thanks the US for helping the Taiwanese cause It is pertinent to note that the Pacific tour marks Lais first foreign trip since taking office in May this year. After Hawaii, the Taiwanese leader is scheduled to visit the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, three of the 12 countries that retain formal diplomatic ties with Taipei. While speaking to reporters before his departure, Lai thanked the US government for helping with the Taiwanese cause. Thank you to the US government for upholding the principles of safety, dignity, comfort, and convenience for helping the smooth process of this trip, Lai averred. Meanwhile, Hawaiis governor Josh Green also released a statement after the Honolulu Mayor and the city police chief welcomed the Taiwanese president. Green called it a momentous occasion, highlighting that both Taiwan and Hawaii have shared values of resilience and collaboration. Green later hosted Lai for an emergency management briefing to discuss handling natural disasters. Meanwhile, Ingrid Larson, the Washington office managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan, mentioned that the body serves as the unofficial US embassy in Taiwan. She was also at the Honolulu airport and welcomed Lai. Ingrid Larson and the great community of Hawaii are excited to greet you! Laura Rosenberger, the chair of the institute, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. When asked about Lais visit, the US State Department said: The transit is private and unofficial and squarely within precedent. Advertisement Later on Saturday, the Taiwanese president paid a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, which houses the resting place of some of those killed during the 1941 Japanese attack that brought the US into the Second World War, CNA reported. Expressing its discontent over the visit, China went on to vow resolute countermeasures on Sunday. They also called out the recently approved US arms sale to Taiwan, saying it had lodged a complaint over the sale. Beijing insisted that the move seriously infringes Chinese sovereignty. This trip is the beginning of a new era of value-based diplomacy, Lai said. Democracy, prosperity, and peace are the expectations of the people of Taiwan, and they are also the values that I, as president, must actively promote, he concluded. It is pertinent to note that the US only has unofficial ties with Taiwan since it follows a one-China policy. However, it is obliged by law to supply the island with the means to defend itself. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. While some Democrats on Sunday voiced concerns that the law enforcement agency would become politicized and a tool for Trump to pursue adversaries under Patel, several senior Republican senators praised Trumps pick read more Kash Patel, former chief of staff to the defense secretary, speaks on the day Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump holds a campaign rally, in Prescott Valley, Arizona, U.S. File image/ Reuters Several Republican U.S. senators said on Sunday they would back President-elect Donald Trumps choice of Kash Patel to head the FBI, an early show of support for a loyalist who has called for the bureau to be purged of those who oppose Trumps agenda. Patel, nominated by Trump on Saturday, also has advocated for a campaign of retribution against Trumps perceived enemies. Patel, 44, could face a challenging confirmation process with the U.S. Senate. During Trumps first term, Patel, who advised both the director of national intelligence and the defense secretary, drew animosity from some more experienced national security officials, who saw him as volatile and too eager to please the then-president. Advertisement While some Democrats on Sunday voiced concerns that the law enforcement agency would become politicized and a tool for Trump to pursue adversaries under Patel, several senior Republican senators praised Trumps pick. Republican U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty told NBCs Meet the Press that he had encouraged Trump to pick Patel. There are serious problems at the FBI. The American public knows it. They expect to see sweeping change, and Kash Patel is just the type of person to do it, Hagerty said. Republican U.S. Senator Ted Cruz called Patel a very strong nominee. Cruz told CBS Face the Nation that Patel was a real reformer who would enter the FBI to clean out the corrupted partisans running the agency. Republicans will have a majority when the new U.S. Congress reconvenes in January. By nominating Patel, Trump is signaling that he is preparing to carry out his threat to oust current FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose 10-year term does not expire until 2027. Wray, a Republican appointed by Trump in 2017, has since drawn his ire, especially after an FBI raid in 2022 on Trumps Mar-a-Lago Florida estate to search for classified government documents. U.S. Republican Senator Mike Rounds said he was not surprised Trump would want personnel that he believes are very loyal. Rounds said he had no issues with Wrays performance as FBI director, however, calling him a good man on ABCs This Week. Advertisement Dick Durbin, a senior U.S. Democratic senator who will be one of the senators questioning Patel during his confirmation hearing, said in a statement: The Senate should reject this unprecedented effort to weaponize the FBI for the campaign of retribution that Donald Trump has promised. Chuck Grassley, a veteran Republican senator, wrote on X that he would be happy to see Wray replaced but said Patel needed to prove himself in his confirmation hearing. Kash Patel must prove to Congress he will reform & restore public trust in FBI, Grassley said. The government launched the plan to tackle price distortions linked to Russias invasion, which has seen an increase in domestic cash purchases of some agricultural products and their subsequent export at artificially low prices to avoid taxes read more An agricultural worker operates a combine during wheat harvesting in a field, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv region, Ukraine. File image/ Reuters Ukraine has introduced a new system for exporting key agrarian goods, including grains, which implies a ban on exporting consignments of goods at prices below those set by the agriculture ministry. Ukraine is a global major grain and oilseeds grower and exporter and the new system became operational on December 1. The government launched the plan to tackle price distortions linked to Russias invasion, which has seen an increase in domestic cash purchases of some agricultural products and their subsequent export at artificially low prices to avoid taxes. Advertisement In line with the new rules, minimum permissible export prices will be calculated on the basis of state customs service data, taking into account the terms of delivery for the previous month and using a 10% discount. The farm ministry has already published the minimum prices at its website and will refresh it on the 10th of each month. The ministry also said that it has abolished the need for exporters to go through the vetting process and obtain licences to export food products. The mechanism implied mandatory registration of an export company in a special agricultural register and, in the absence of such registration, the need to obtain a licence for each export operation. In a dramatic shift from his previous stance, US President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden, who was convicted and pleaded guilty to criminal and federal charges, respectively. The presidential pardon came a month before President-elect Donald Trump is slated to take over the Oval Office read more US President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden on Sunday as the upcoming presidency of President-elect Donald Trump worries the family. The presidential pardon was seen as a major reversal for Biden, who repeatedly said that he would not use his executive authority to pardon his son and let the judicial system complete its process. I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision, the POTUS said in a statement on Sunday. Advertisement Hunter, who has been marred by a plethora of scandals, was scheduled to be sentenced on December 12. The political scion was facing conviction on federal gun charges. He was also slated to be sentenced on December 16 in a separate criminal case related to his federal tax evasion to which he pleaded guilty in September this year. Biden speaks about his sons struggles with addiction According to NBC News, the pardon is expected to cover both the conviction and the guilty plea Hunter is involved in. In his Sunday statement, Biden mentioned his sons struggles with addiction. He insisted that his political opponents were trying to break him by going after his son. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, Biden said in his statement. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough, the president added. However, in June, the 82-year-old president said that he wouldnt pardon his son after a jury found him guilty on three federal charges. I will not pardon him, he remarked at that time. Biden is now using his power to pardon, to ensure that his son does not face any sort of jail time as his presidency comes to an end. A senior White House official told NBC News that Biden had discussed pardoning his son with some of his closest aides over the weekend. However, many were surprised by the move since the Biden family maintained that they would not go this route. In June this year, First Lady Jill Biden said that her husband would not pardon their son. Joe and I both respect the judicial system, and thats the bottom line, she said in an interview. It is important to note that this is the first time a child of the sitting president has been convicted in a criminal or a federal case. Advertisement Many believed that Biden did not pardon him immediately after the conviction, since doing so would have ignited a political firestorm for him since he was still campaigning for re-election. It is important to note that granting pardons is not an unusual task, US presidents regularly sign pardons at the end of their terms. However, the pardon rarely involves cases where their own family members are facing trials. With inputs from agencies. The White House on Monday defended President Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden, asserting that the presidents public reversal on the issue did not damage his credibility or compromise the independence of the Justice Department read more President Joe Biden accompanied by his son Hunter Biden and his grandson Beau leave a book store as they walk in downtown Nantucket Mass., on Friday. AP The White House on Monday defended President Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden, asserting that the presidents public reversal on the issue did not damage his credibility or compromise the independence of the Justice Department. Addressing the reporters traveling with the president on Air Force One for his trip to Angola, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, He wrestled with it. It was not an easy decision to make. Advertisement For months, Biden had publicly said he would not intervene in his sons legal matters, despite Hunter facing potential jail time for tax fraud and gun charges. However, in a recent statement, President Biden granted Hunter a pardon, sparking questions about his change of heart. In his statement pardoning Hunter, Biden criticised the selective prosecution of his son. Hunter Biden pleaded guilty in September to federal tax charges in federal court in Los Angeles and was due to be sentenced on December 16 under Mark C. Scarsi, a judge nominated by Republican President-elect Donald Trump. A jury found him guilty in June of making false statements on a gun background check; he was due to be sentenced for those charges this month as well. Jean-Pierre said President Biden would not have pardoned his son had Kamala Harris won the 2024 election before immediately walking back her statement, CNN reported_._ Asked whether the president would have made that decision had Harris won the election, Jean-Pierre was quoted as saying, Im not gonna, Im not gonna get into, into the election. It is a no I can answer that, its a no, and what I can say. Advertisement A reporter cut the press secretary off: Its a no? This would not have happened if Harris hadnt lost the election? A pardon would not have happened if Harris hadnt lost the election? Jean-Pierre responded, I can speak to where we are today, and so I cant speak to hypotheticals here. Where we are today, the president made this decision over the weekend. He thought about it, he wrestled with it. She reiterated Biden made the decision because he believed his son was being targeted for political reasons. When asked if the president still has confidence in the justice department, Jean-Pierre said, The president does believe in the justice system and the Department of Justice. And he also believes that his son was singled out politically. Jean-Pierre further suggested that Bidens decision was influenced by mounting political pressure. She pointed to the rhetoric from Bidens political opponents over the past five years, particularly the incoming Donald Trump administration, which could pursue further legal action against Hunter Biden once in office. Advertisement We have seen in the last five years or so, the presidents political opponents say this this is not the President saying it. They said it themselves. They were going after Hunter Biden and so he made this decision, she said. Looking ahead, the spokesperson indicated that Biden would continue to evaluate similar cases, signaling more potential pardons and clemency decisions. Hes thinking through that process very thoroughly, she said, adding that more announcements could come at the end of the presidents term. With inputs from agencies President-elect Donald Trump and several Republican lawmakers slammed US President Joe Biden for pardoning his son Hunter Biden from federal and criminal charges. While Trump called it an abuse of the American justice system, GOP politicians referred to Biden as most corrupt president read more GOP lawmakers slammed US President Joe Biden shortly after he pardoned his son Hunter Biden. The presidential pardon was seen as a major reversal for Biden, who repeatedly said that he would not use his executive authority to pardon his son and let the judicial system complete its process. Leading the Republican crusade against Biden was President-elect Donald Trumps Communication Director Steven Cheung, who reacted to the announcement without naming Biden or his son. The failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system, Cheung said in a statement. Advertisement That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people, he added. Shortly after Cheungs remarks, Trump himself reacted to the news, calling it an abuse of the American justice system. Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! the President-elect wrote on TruthSocial. Meanwhile, many Republicans in the US Congress also attacked the decision, insisting that the Biden family is avoiding accountability. GOP lawmakers slam Biden Several Republican lawmakers called out Bidens changed stance on the matter and compared it with the treatment Trump received. His FBI and DOJ raided Barrons bedroom and Melanias closet at Mar-a-Lago, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said on X, referring to the federal raid on Trumps home in Florida in connection with the now-dismissed classified documents case against Trump. Joe Biden is a liar and a hypocrite, all the way to the end, she added. Hunter Biden broke gun laws, he broke the FARA Act, and worst of all, he broke the Mann Act by sex trafficking women across the country. This pardon is Joe Bidens admission that Hunter is a criminal. Biden tried to throw President Trumps sons in jail, but he lets his son off pic.twitter.com/QoV3lqfMFe Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) December 2, 2024 Meanwhile, Arizona Representative Andy Biggs said that Biden will go down as one of the most corrupt presidents in American history. James Comer, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, called the decision unfortunate. Its unfortunate that rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability, he said. Advertisement STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN ISSUING A PARDON TO SON HUNTER BIDEN: "Joe Biden has lied from start to finish about his familys corrupt influence peddling activities. Not only has he falsely claimed that he never met with his sons foreign business associates and that his Rep. James Comer (@RepJamesComer) December 2, 2024 It was Comers committee which sent criminal referrals to the Justice Department recommending charges against Hunter Biden. Biden received backlash from Democratic congressmen as well. Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona said he thought Biden got this one wrong. Advertisement This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution, Stanton said on X. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers, he added. Im shocked Pres Biden pardoned his son Hunter bc he said many many times he wouldnt & I believed him Shame on me Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) December 2, 2024 Hunter, who has been marred by a plethora of scandals, was scheduled to be sentenced on December 12. The political scion was facing conviction on federal gun charges. He was also slated to be sentenced on December 16 in a separate criminal case related to his federal tax evasion to which he pleaded guilty in September this year. Why did Biden pardon his son? In his statement, released on Sunday, the POTUS claimed that raw politics has infected the judicial system of the country. I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision, Biden said in the statement. He also spoke about Hunters struggles with addiction. He insisted that his political opponents were trying to break him by going after his son. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, Biden said in his statement. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough, the president added. Advertisement The presidential pardon is expected to cover both the conviction and the guilty plea Hunter is involved in. What made Hunters case significant was the fact that this was the first time a child of a sitting president had been convicted in a criminal or a federal case. The move was surprising since for months, Biden maintained that he wouldnt pardon his son and insisted that he trusts the justice system of the country. In June, First Lady Jill Biden said that her husband would not pardon their son. Joe and I both respect the judicial system, and thats the bottom line, she said in an interview. However, many believed that Biden did not pardon him immediately after the conviction since doing so would have ignited a political firestorm for him since he was still campaigning for re-election. US President Joe Biden has signed a presidential order to pardon his son Hunter in gun and tax cases. This capped a long-running legal saga for the younger Biden, sparing him a possible prison term. read more President Joe Biden, wearing a Team USA jacket and walking with his son Hunter Biden, heads toward Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. File image/ AP President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions. The move comes weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges, and less than two months before President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to the White House. It caps a long-running legal saga for the younger Biden, who publicly disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 a month after his fathers 2020 victory and casts a pall over the elder Bidens legacy. Advertisement What Joe Biden said In a statement released Sunday evening, the president said: Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. Advertisement Executive Grant of Clemency Joseph R. Biden, Jr. President of the United States of America To All to Whom These Presents Shall Come, Greeting: Be It Known, That This Day, I, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States, Pursuant to My Powers Under Article II, Section 2, Clause 1, of the Constitution, Have Granted Unto ROBERT HUNTER BIDEN A Full and Unconditional Pardon For those offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024, including but not limited to all offenses charged or prosecuted (including any that have resulted in convictions) by Special Counsel David C. Weiss in Docket No. 1:23-cr-00061-MN in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and Docket No. 2:23-CR-00599-MCS-1 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Advertisement IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto signed my name and caused the Pardon to be recorded with the Department of Justice. Done at the City of Washington this 1st day of December in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States the Two Hundred and Forty-ninth." The case and the aftermath The presidents sweeping pardon covers not just the gun and tax offenses against the younger Biden, but also any other offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. The elder Biden has publicly stood by his only living son as Hunter descended into drug addiction and threw his family life into turmoil before getting back on track in recent years. The presidents political rivals have long used Hunter Bidens myriad mistakes as a political cudgel against his father: In one hearing, lawmakers displayed photos of the drug-addled presidents son half-naked in a seedy hotel. Advertisement House Republicans also sought to use the younger Bidens years of questionable overseas business ventures in a since-abandoned attempt to impeach his father, who has long denied involvement in his sons dealings or benefiting from them in any way. In his statement, Biden said, The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. He also stated that No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision, Biden added, claiming he made the decision this weekend. Advertisement The president had spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts, with Hunter and his family. Later Sunday, he was set to depart for Angola on what may be his last foreign trip as president before leaving office on 20 January 2025. Hunter Biden was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He had been set to stand trial in September in the California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanour and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. David Weiss, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in Delaware who negotiated the plea deal, was subsequently named a special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland to have more autonomy over the prosecution of the presidents son. Hunter Biden said he was pleading guilty in that case to spare his family more pain and embarrassment after the gun trial aired salacious details about his struggles with a crack cocaine addiction. Hunter Biden was supposed to be sentenced this month in the two federal cases, which the special counsel brought after a plea deal with prosecutors that likely would have spared him prison time fell apart under scrutiny by a judge. Under the original deal, Hunter was supposed to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax offenses and and would have avoided prosecution in the gun case as long as he stayed out of trouble for two years. But the plea hearing quickly unraveled last year when the judge raised concerns about unusual aspects of the deal. The younger Biden was subsequently indicted in the two cases. Hunter Bidens legal team this weekend released a 52-page white paper titled The political prosecutions of Hunter Biden, describing the presidents son as a surrogate to attack and injure his father, both as a candidate in 2020 and later as president. The younger Bidens lawyers have long argued that prosecutors bowed to political pressure to indict the presidents son amid heavy criticism by Trump and other Republicans of what they called the sweetheart plea deal. In an emailed statement, Hunter Biden said that he will never take for granted the relief granted to him and vowed to devote the life he has rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport, the younger Biden said. Hunter Bidens legal team filed Sunday night in both Los Angeles and Delaware asking the judges handling his gun and tax cases to immediately dismiss them, citing the pardon. The US and the UAE have discussed with each other the possibility of lifting sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if he peels himself away from Iran and cuts off weapons routes to Lebanons Hezbollah, according to a report, citing five people familiar with the matter read more The US and the United Arab Emirates have discussed with each other the possibility of lifting sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if he peels himself away from Iran and cuts off weapons routes to Lebanons Hezbollah, five people familiar with the matter said. The conversations intensified in recent months, the sources said, driven by the possible expiry on Dec. 20 of sweeping U.S. sanctions on Syria and by Israels campaign against Tehrans regional network, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and Iranian assets in Syria. Advertisement The discussions took place before anti-Assad rebels swept into Aleppo last week in their biggest offensive in Syria for years. According to the sources, the new rebel advance is a signal of precisely the sort of weakness in Assads alliance with Iran that the Emirati and U.S. initiative aims to exploit. But if Assad embraces Iranian help for a counter-offensive, that could also complicate efforts to drive a wedge between them, the sources said. Irans foreign minister Abbas Araqchi visited Syria on Sunday in a show of support for Assad, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke to Assad by phone about latest developments at the weekend. For this story, Reuters spoke to two US sources, four Syrian and Lebanese interlocutors and two foreign diplomats who said the US and UAE see a window to drive a wedge between Assad and Iran, which helped him recapture swathes of his country during the civil war that erupted in 2011. Lebanese media have reported that Israel had suggested lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria. But the UAE initiative with the U.S. has not previously been reported. All of the sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the back-room diplomacy. Syrias government and the White House did not respond to questions from Reuters. The UAE referred Reuters to its statement on bin Zayeds call with Assad. The UAE has taken a leading role in rehabilitating Assad among the mainly Sunni Muslim Arab states that shunned him after he accepted help from Shiite, non-Arab Iran to put down the Sunni-led rebellion against him. Advertisement The Emirates hosted Assad in 2022, his first visit to an Arab country since the start of the war, before the Arab League reinstated Syrias membership. The UAE has long hoped to distance Assad from Iran and wants to build business ties with Syria, but US sanctions have hampered those efforts, the sources said. A senior regional diplomat briefed by Tehran told Reuters Iran had been informed about behind-the-scenes efforts by some Arab countries to isolate Iran by distancing Syria from Tehran. The diplomat said those efforts were linked to offers of possible sanctions relief by Washington. Carrot and Stick Hezbollah and its patron Iran have intervened in Syria since 2012 to protect Assad against Sunni rebels - but their bases and weapons shipments through Syria have been repeatedly hit by Israel, which has sought to weaken Iran across the region. In recent months, Hezbollah withdrew fighters from Syria, including the north, to focus on battling Israel in southern Lebanon. The rebels who swept this week into Aleppo pointed to the Hezbollah withdrawal as one of the reasons why they faced little resistance from government forces. Advertisement A U.S. source familiar with the matter said White House officials discussed an overture with Emirati officials, citing the UAEs interest in financing Syrias reconstruction and Assads weakened position after Israels offensive against Hezbollah. The possibility of sanctions relief for Assad, while Israel was hitting Irans allies, created an opportunity to apply a carrot-and-stick approach to fracture Syrias alliance with Iran and Hezbollah, the US source said. Sanctions relief The US placed sanctions on Syria after Assad cracked down against protests against him in 2011, and the sanctions were repeatedly tightened in the years of war that followed. The toughest, known as the Caesar Act, passed Congress in 2019. The Caesar sanctions apply across Syrian business sectors, to anyone dealing with Syria regardless of nationality and to those dealing with Russian and Iranian entities in Syria. Assad said they amounted to economic warfare, blaming them for the Syrian currencys collapse and drop in living standards. Advertisement The sanctions will sunset - or expire - on December 20 unless renewed by US lawmakers. Part of the recent American-Emirati discussions centered on allowing Caesar sanctions to expire without renewal, said the U.S. source and three of the Syrian interlocutors. One Syrian interlocutor said the UAE had raised letting them expire with White House officials two months ago, after having unsuccessfully pushed for at least two years of sanctions relief for Assad after a deadly earthquake in Feb. 2023. Mohammad Alaa Ghanem, a Syrian activist in Washington, D.C. with the Citizens for a Secure and Safe America, told Reuters his group had been working to extend the Caesar sanctions and assessed they had bipartisan support to do so. Advertisement Weve been in talks over this for the past couple of months, although of course no political outcome in a town like Washington can be guaranteed 100%, he said. Arab states have other potential avenues to reward Assad for distancing himself from Iran. A foreign diplomat based in the Gulf told Reuters both the UAE and Saudi Arabia had in recent months offered financial incentives to Assad to split with Iran, saying they could not have been made without coordination with Washington. A source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters that Syria, among other crises in the region, was a topic of discussion during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans visit to the UAE on Sunday. A Lebanese interlocutor said the UAE had also pledged funds to help Syria rebuild war-ravaged infrastructure as a way to pull Assad further away from Iran. Iran has warned Assad not to stray far. The senior regional diplomat briefed by Tehran said Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei conveyed a message via his senior adviser Ali Larijani, who told Assad: do not forget the past. The message served as a reminder to Assad of who his true allies are, the diplomat said.' Playing with fire Since Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7 last year precipitating war in Gaza, Iran has mobilised its network of allies to hit Israel. But Assad has largely avoided joining in, even as Israel struck Hezbollah targets in his country and bombed an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus. A US official said Assad had sat out the war to avoid further Israeli strikes on Syria, and remained under tremendous pressure not to allow Hezbollah to re-arm through his country. Israel has signalled that it still has eyes on Syria. When announcing the truce with Lebanon last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had been thwarting attempts by Iran, Hezbollah and Syrias army to bring weapons into Lebanon. Assad must understand he is playing with fire, Netanyahu said. Sales of arms and military services by the worlds 100 largest arms companies totalled $632 billion in 2023, up 4.2 per cent, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) read more People check the site on an Israeli strike at a house in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on November 22, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militant group. Image- AFP file Sales by major arms makers were boosted last year by wars in Ukraine and Gaza and tensions in Asia, with marked increases for manufacturers based in Russia and the Middle East, a report said Monday. Sales of arms and military services by the worlds 100 largest arms companies totalled $632 billion in 2023, up 4.2 per cent, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Revenues had dipped in 2022 as global weapons makers struggled to meet the increase in demand, but many of them managed to increase production last year, the authors of the report noted. Advertisement In a sign of this surge in demand, all 100 companies tracked achieved sales in excess of $1 billion last year for the first time. There was a marked rise in arms revenues in 2023, and this is likely to continue in 2024, Lorenzo Scarazzato, a researcher with the SIPRI Military Expenditure and Arms Production, said in a statement. Sales from the worlds top 100 arms companies still did not fully reflect the scale of demand, and many companies have launched recruitment drives, suggesting they are optimistic about future sales, Scarazzato added. Smaller producers have been more effective in meeting the demand linked to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, growing tensions in East Asia and rearmament programmes in other regions, the institute said. A lot of them specialise in either a component of something or build systems that require one set of supply chains, allowing them to react more quickly, Nan Tian, Director of SIPRIs Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme, told AFP. Among the leading producers, US companies recorded a 2.5 percent increase in their sales last year and still account for half the worlds arms revenues, with 41 US weapons producers in the worlds top 100. Lockheed Martin and RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), the worlds two largest arms makers, on the other hand, reported a fall in revenue of 1.6 percent and 1.3 percent respectively. Advertisement Such behemoths often depend on complex, multi-tiered supply chains, which made them vulnerable to lingering supply chain challenges in 2023, Tian said. Russias Rostec surges In Europe, home to 27 of the top 100, arms makers on average saw an increase of just 0.2 percent. But European groups manufacturing complex weapons systems were still in the process of honouring old contracts last year, so the revenues do not reflect the influx of orders since then. At the same time, a number of other European producers saw their arms revenues grow substantially, driven by demand linked to the war in Ukraine, particularly for ammunition, artillery and air defence and land systems, SIPRI noted. The figures for Russia, though incomplete, give a clear signal of an economy increasingly geared toward war. Advertisement Sales by the two Russian groups in the ranking rose by 40 percent, mainly thanks to a 49 percent increase in sales for state-owned conglomerate Rostec, according to the report. Manufacturers in the Middle East were buoyed by the war in Ukraine and by the first months of the Israeli offensive in Gaza after Hamass October 7, 2023 attack and saw on average an 18 percent lift in sales. The three Israeli manufacturers in the ranking posted record sales of $13.6 billion, up 15 percent from the year before, while the three groups based in Turkey, such as drone producer Baykar, saw their sales jump by 24 percent boosted by Ukraine and Turkeys investments in its defence. Advertisement In Asia, the trend toward rearmament was particularly evident in the growth in sales by the four South Korean manufacturers, with revenues rising 39 percent on average, and five Japanese firms that saw an average increase of 35 percent. The nine Chinese producers meanwhile saw revenue increase by only 0.7 percent amid a slowing economy, but their sales still totalled $103 billion. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Union (EU) Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas arrived in Kyiv to reassure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the EU would support for Ukraine for as long as necessary in the war with Russia read more In a show of support and assertion of priorities, the new leadership of the European Union (EU) visited Kyiv on the first day of the term to reassure Ukraine. European Council President Antonio Costa and EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas arrived in Kyiv to reassure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the EU would support for Ukraine for as long as necessary in the war with Russia. The two leaders also pledged to a smooth pathway for Ukraines membership of EU. Advertisement During the visit, the EU leaders also announced new rounds of financial aid for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. As long as necessary, whatever it takes Costa and Kallas pledged unconditional support to Ukraines victory in the war with Russia. We stand with you as long as necessary and whatever it takes. We stand firmly on the side of your right to self-defence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and we will do our utmost to see you in the European Union as a free European nation as soon as possible, said Costa, a former Prime Minister of Portugal. We stand with Ukraine , as long as necessary, and whatever it takes. Dear @ZelenskyyUa, we will do our utmost to see you in the EU as a free European nation as soon as possible. Looking forward to welcoming you at the December European Council in Brussels. #EUCO pic.twitter.com/uxI5bEOK6s Antonio Costa (@eucopresident) December 1, 2024 Costa and Kallas held meetings with Zelenskyy and visited the Wall of Remembrance to pay their respects to those killed in Russias war on Ukraine. Sharing photo from the memorial on X, Kallas wrote, Ukraines unbreakable resolve will long outlive Putins imperial delusions. The European Union will continue to stand with Ukraine. In a separate post in which she shared glimpses of the meeting with Zelenskyy, Kallas reiterated the EUs concrete support to Ukraines defence. Advertisement I am here to discuss concrete EU support for Ukraines defence weapons, money, sanctions, training of soldiers, political and diplomatic support. There is more to come. Ukraine will prevail. Freedom will prevail, said Kallas, a former Prime Minister of Estonia. Honoured to meet my friend, President @ZelenskyyUa in Kyiv. I am here to discuss concrete EU support for Ukraines defence weapons, money, sanctions, training of soldiers, political and diplomatic support. There is more to come. Ukraine will prevail. Freedom will prevail. pic.twitter.com/7VWC0sohR5 Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) December 1, 2024 EU leaders outline plan for Ukraine During the visit, Costa said that the EU would open at least two areas of accession negotiations in the first half of 2025, according to DPA news agency. Costa said that proceeds from Russian frozen assets would be used to provide 1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) per month in aid to Ukraine starting next year. Costa also announced that the EU is committed to imposing another round of sanctions, the 15th such round, on Russia soon. Even though Costa said that there is a sense of urgency in Ukraines accession to the EU, he did not give a timeline and it is widely believed that accession is unlikely before the end of the war. Advertisement With Donald Trump set to assume the US presidency next month, there is more pressure on the EU to bolster Ukraines defences as it is widely expected that Trump would pursue a security and foreign policy friendly to Russia, owing to his yearslong fawning relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. HUAWEI has announced a flagship product launch event in Dubai next week, with the tagline Unfold the classic as a new era of flagship foldable excellence begins. The announcement, shared on X (formerly Twitter), hints at the reveal of a new foldable device. Potential Launch: Mate X6 or Mate XT Ultimate Design While the exact device remains unclear, HUAWEIs latest foldable, the Mate X6, which launched in China just last week, could be part of the reveal. The phrase new era of flagship foldable excellence may point to the Mate XT Ultimate Design, a world-first tri-fold smartphone. According to Android Headlines, the Mate XT Ultimate Design is expected to launch globally in Q1 2025, either at MWC 2025 in Barcelona or at a separate HUAWEI event, which could coincide with this launch. The Mate XT, which launched in China this September as the worlds first tri-fold smartphone, has already garnered significant attention. Global teasers following its Chinese debut strongly suggest that the Mate XT may be featured at the upcoming Dubai event. Other Potential Launches In addition to the foldable device, HUAWEI may also showcase other recent products, including the MatePad Pro 13.2 (2025) and FreeBuds Pro 4, both launched alongside the Mate X6 in China. The fate of the HUAWEI Mate 70 Series for global markets is still uncertain, but it is expected that it could be teased during the event. Launch Event Details As per the announcement, the HUAWEI flagship product launch will take place in Dubai on December 12, 2024. Further teasers are expected in the coming days, which will provide more clarity on the specific device being launched. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum daily intake of 25 grams of table sugar per person, which is equivalent to about five to ten teaspoons. Staying within these limits is not easy, as many convenience foods, sauces, dressings, preserved forms of fruit and vegetables, breakfast cereals, smoothies, fruit juices, fruit-flavored yogurts and soft drinks are packed with sugar. A single glass of cola (250 milliliters) contains 27 grams of sugar more than a person should consume in an entire day. In the NovelSweets project, researchers from Fraunhofer IME are working with two partners, metaX Institut fur Diatetik GmbH and candidum GmbH, to support the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in its efforts to reduce the sugar content of ready-made products and beverages in a bid to counteract the rise of health issues caused by improper nutrition. Based on sweet-tasting proteins (SPs), molecules that naturally occur in some plants and fruits, the researchers are using biotechnology methods to produce protein-based sweeteners as future sugar substitutes. Due to their structure, the SPs bond very readily like sugar to the receptors on the tongue through which humans perceive flavors as sweet. Brazzein as basis of new protein varieties One of the best-known SPs is brazzein, a protein found in the African plant Pentadiplandra brazzeana. Extracting it from the plant would be possible, but it is a lengthy and laborious process with little yield. With this in mind, the project partners are developing protein varieties based on the protein sequence of brazzein, optimizing them with an eye to pH and temperature stability and then using biotechnology tools to produce them. They are also improving the new varieties in terms of sweetness and flavor. Brazzein feels scratchy in the throat. Were changing the protein sequence to prevent this kind of undesirable effects. The goal is a better sensory experience, without any unpleasant flavor or aftertaste, explains Dr. Stefan Rasche, a researcher at Fraunhofer IME in Aachen. 10 000 times sweeter than table sugar Biotechnology is used to produce the improved candidates through a process known as microbial fermentation. The gene that encodes the sweet-tasting protein, meaning that it contains a description of the proteins amino acid sequence, is implanted into yeast cells, which are then multiplied inside a bioreactor under controlled conditions to produce as much of the SP as possible. After a purification and drying process, the protein-based sweetener is ready. The researchers call the sugar substitute produced using this method X3. A single gram of the substitute is as sweet as about 10 kilograms of sugar. This means that by working with our partners, we have managed to develop an SP that is about 10 000 times sweeter than table sugar, Rasche says. It is three to four times sweeter than natural brazzein. The innovative sweetener is a true alternative to sugar for consumers who are watching their intake: A typical cola contains about 106 grams of sugar per liter. Thats equivalent to 1 800 kilojoules (kJ). Just a few milligrams of our SP is enough to achieve the same level of sweetness, so the calorie content can be significantly reduced. X3 featuring honey-like flavor profile In addition, X3 tastes a little like honey, which makes it an ideal sweetener candidate. X3 is impressive for its improved taste compared to the artificial sweeteners that have been available to date, as our tastings with test subjects have shown. Since it is entirely sugar-free in addition to having practically no calories, our modified brazzein version does not cause cavities or increase peoples blood sugar levels, Rasche continues. The first plan is to add the substitute to drinks. Project partner metaX is currently testing and developing the first range of products containing X3, such as a low-protein beverage powder made with cocoa. However, before the approval process can start, the manufacturing process needs to be optimized along with further product validation measures so the full potential of the X3 protein version can be tapped into. The catastrophic flooding that struck Germanys Ahr river valley in 2021 and a wide swath of southern Germany in June of this year offered vivid proof of just how vulnerable our infrastructure is. According to the German Insurance Association (GDV), insurance claims involving damage to homes, household effects, and businesses are rising by millions of euros a year. Preventive construction measures and adaptations to address the effects of climate change are becoming indispensable as extreme weather events increase in frequency and severity. In the ResCentric project, Fraunhofer EMI has teamed up with an industry partner to develop a software program to assess the effects of extreme weather. The simulation software evaluates the damage and downtime affecting several-story administration and office buildings, industrial facilities or single-family homes, with a special focus on flooding caused by extreme precipitation and on high wind scenarios. Plans call for future versions to account for heat waves and forest fires as well. Extreme precipitation is extra dangerous because it comes without warning. It occurs more and more frequently and often does tremendous damage. Our overarching goal is to strengthen the resilience of urban structures, says Dr. Julia Rosin, a scientist at Fraunhofer EMI in Efringen-Kirchen, near Freiburg. She and her team are developing the platform, which can be used to assess the monetary impacts of climate-related extreme weather events and identify strategies to reduce the damage, setting the costs of taking action in comparison to the financial losses and factoring in the likelihood and intensity of climate extremes along with the associated risks. The software lets us calculate for specific buildings what the costs of damage due to climate phenomena will be and how much repairs will cost. One thing that makes our software special is that we can associate the costs with specific root causes. We can also analyze the loss of income when a property is out of commission, whether due to lost rent or production downtime, so we can see at what point measures to improve those properties start to pay off, Rosin explains. These calculations benefit real estate investors, insurance companies, reinsurers, and housing companies and associations, along with administrative agencies. In addition to the damage itself, the software can also be used to identify failure patterns, quantify the likelihood of various types of damage, and qualify improvement measures and assess their efficiency. From doors and windows to light wells and the entrances to underground parking garages, everything needs to be scrutinized. Modern triple-sealed doors can keep water from getting in. Replacing windows with triple-pane versions can also help to prevent water damage. Our software supplies a whole catalog of preventive measures, including their respective costs. Put to the test: calculating damage to buildings Real estate companies can import their property holdings or portfolio into the software, which then calculates the appropriate damage forecast for a particular building and weather event in seconds. This is done partly by using generic building models, a central element of the software. These simplified mathematical models account for typical building features with regard to structure, materials, and style of construction. Representing a broad range of building types, the models can be used to assess how vulnerable a large number of buildings are to flooding. Probabilistic analyses of generic building models are based on the use of probability distributions for different parameters, such as the depth of floodwaters, how fast the water is flowing, wind intensity, hailstone size, objects that are flying around, and the strength properties of the construction materials used. Combining these probability distributions allows Rosin and her team to make statistical inferences about the likelihood of expected damage. You could think of it as us running calculations for a typical building and then translating the results to all buildings that are similar to the typical one, she explains. The team currently has building models for multi-story administration and office buildings, industrial facilities and single-family homes, with plans to add further property types to their portfolio in stages. There are also plans to create interfaces to link the software with digital city models. Once those interfaces are in place, municipalities could respond to the requirements of climate change at the urban planning level and take the necessary precautions. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. The Glasgow City Council will meet in regular session, Monday, Dec. 2, 5 p.m., in the Council Chambers located inside of the Glasgow Civic Center. Click on the image above to view the full agenda. Trump nominates former aide Kash Patel to head FBI By Ken Bredemeier December 01, 2024 Donald Trump's nomination of Kash Patel, a loyalist of the U.S. president-elect, to be director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has added to the list of Trump's unconventional appointments to top-level jobs in his nascent administration. Trump named Patel, 44, to lead the country's top criminal investigative agency on late Saturday, saying he "is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people." Patel held three defense, intelligence and national security posts in the first Trump administration but has endeared himself to the incoming chief executive by vowing to clean out the "deep state" at the FBI. He also said he would launch a campaign of retribution against Trump's adversaries, including FBI agents who have investigated the once-and-future president, journalists and others. During his first term, Trump suggested naming Patel as the deputy FBI director, but then-Attorney General William Barr, now a Trump critic, said the appointment would only occur "over my dead body." Patel has vowed to close the FBI headquarters in Washington and dispatch many of its agents across the country to fight crime, not launch more intelligence-gathering operations. Trump's first hurdle in installing Patel as the FBI director is that there already is an FBI director, Christopher Wray, who was appointed by Trump and whose 10-year term extends to 2027. Trump would have to fire Wray or Wray would have to resign before Patel could take over. FBI directors are appointed to decade-long terms by design, so that their tenures and investigative directives are not subject to the political whims of the moment. But Trump already fired one FBI director, James Comey, in 2017, before naming Wray. Trump says the FBI is "badly broken" and has "lost the confidence of America." Patel faces a Senate confirmation hearing and is likely to face tough questioning about how he would run the agency and oversee its more than 10,000 criminal investigative agents and another 25,000 staff members. Patel's appointment comes on top of other unconventional Trump appointments: vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to oversee the health and human services department, talk show host Pete Hegseth, a decorated military officer with scant managerial experience, to be the Pentagon chief, and Tulsi Gabbard, a Democratic-congresswoman-turned-staunch-Trump-defender, as director of national intelligence. Trump's first nominee to be attorney general, former Congressman Matt Gaetz, dropped out after eight days as he faced widespread scrutiny of his alleged sexual misconduct and illicit drug use; charges Gaetz has denied. Some Republican senators praised Patel's appointment. Republicans will hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate next year, meaning Patel could lose the support of three senators and still be confirmed, with Vice President-elect JD Vance casting the decisive tie-breaking vote if needed. Senator Bill Hagerty, a Tennessee Republican, told NBC's "Meet the Press" that Patel "represents the type of change that we need to see in the FBI. ... The entire agency needs to be cleaned out." "There are serious problems at the FBI," Hagerty said. "The American public knows it. They expect to see sweeping change, and Kash Patel's just the type of person to do it." Another Republican senator, Ted Cruz of Texas, said Patel was a "very strong nominee" and he thought Patel would be confirmed. "All of the weeping and gnashing of teeth, all the people pulling their hair out, are exactly the people who are dismayed about having a real reformer come into the FBI," Cruz told CBS' "Face the Nation." A third Republican, Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota, said, "Every president wants people that are loyal to themselves." But he called Wray "a very good man," adding, "I don't have any complaints about the way that he's done his job right now." Democrats are almost certain to oppose the nomination. Senator Chris Murphy told NBC, "Patel's only qualification is that he agrees with Donald Trump that the Department of Justice should punish, lock up and intimidate Donald Trump's political opponents." Some material in this report came from The Associated Press. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kosovo: Statement by the High Representative on the water canal attack in Zubin Potok European External Action Service (EEAS) 30.11.2024 EEAS Press Team The European Union condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack committed on Friday on the Iber Lepenc/Ibar Lepenac water canal in Zubin Potok in north Kosovo. It is a despicable act of sabotage on Kosovo's critical civilian infrastructure, which provides drinking water for considerable part of Kosovo's population and is a vital component of Kosovo's energy system. The EU has offered support to Kosovo's authorities and continues to coordinate next steps with relevant partners, including locally with KFOR. EU's civilian rule of law mission EULEX is providing assistance to Kosovo authorities in accordance with its mandate. We stand in solidarity with all those across Kosovo who have been affected by the attack. I have conveyed these messages of solidarity and support directly to Prime Minister Albin Kurti this afternoon. The criminal action committed in Zubin Potok must be investigated and its perpetrators brought to justice. In this respect, the EU calls on all stakeholders to cooperate fully with the Kosovo authorities and will continue to closely follow the developments. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian Christians in 'Grave Danger' As Islamist Militias Take Over Aleppo An anti-government fighter fires into the air in a street in Aleppo on Nov. 30, 2024. Jihadists and their Turkish-backed allies breached Syria's second city of Aleppo on Nov. 29, as they pressed a lightning offensive against forces of the Iranian- and Russian-backed government. ( Bakr Alkasem/AFP Via Getty Images) Syrian Christians in Aleppo face "grave danger" after Islamist militias took over the city, local church leaders say. The militias, including jihadist groups, have seized control following the withdrawal of government forces and are removing all Christmas decorations, according to a report. Maronite Archbishop of Aleppo, Joseph Tobji, described the situation as being in "limbo," noting that armed groups took over after a surprise offensive, as per Agenzia Fides. "Life here started up again. The situation was calm, but now everything is closed," Archbishop Tobji was quoted as saying. Shops and bakeries have ceased operations, and citizens have not stocked supplies due to the lack of warning before the attacks. "Nobody warned us," Tobji said, adding that despite the lack of current attacks on Christian targets, uncertainty looms over what might happen next. The militias have reportedly documented their takeover of Aleppo through social media. According to Fr. Hugo Alaniz of the Institute of the Incarnate Word, almost all of Aleppo is now under militia control, with religious leaders visiting parishes to provide support. Fr. Hugo told Fides that while their church remains open, many residents, including students and elderly, have moved to other parts of the city for safety. The Iraqi Christian Foundation reported on social media that militants had begun removing Christmas decorations and had beheaded captured soldiers. The group also called for prayers for Christians and other minorities in Aleppo. The Switzerland-based human rights group Christian Solidarity International said in a statement that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, previously known as Jabhat al-Nusra, had seized control of Aleppo, mirroring the Islamic State's capture of Mosul in 2014. This jihadist group's takeover has instilled fear among Aleppo's diverse religious communities, including Christians, Alawites, Shiites and non-observant Sunnis, due to HTS' history of enforcing a strict Sunni supremacist ideology with violent persecution, it noted. The United Nations' Commission of Inquiry on Syria has documented the brutal governance of HTS, marked by executions, torture, sexual violence, and arbitrary detentions, alongside the desecration of religious sites. These actions are reminiscent of the harsh rule experienced during their previous control from 2012 to 2016. "President Trump's special representative for Syria, Ambassador James Jeffrey, acknowledged in 2021 that HTS had been functioning covertly as an 'asset' of Washington's Middle East policy, despite its designation as a terrorist organization," said John Eibner, CSI's international president. Shortly before election day, President-Elect Donald Trump pledged to protect persecuted Christians. "The incoming president now has a golden opportunity to fulfill his pledge," Eibner said. "Christians and others who value religious freedom and other fundamental human rights should insist that this pre-election pledge is honored. The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that more than 300 people, including at least 20 civilians, have been killed since the offensive began Wednesday. The rebels, led by Islamist militant group HTS and allied factions, have taken control of Aleppo's airport and dozens of towns nearby, reported the BBC. HTS is a significant militant presence in Syria, and its leadership of the offensive has marked this as the most notable conflict in Syria's ongoing civil war since a ceasefire was agreed in 2020. According to the Syrian army, the attack on Aleppo involved multiple axes, covering over 100 kilometers (62 miles) of frontlines. The army reported numerous casualties among its soldiers and acknowledged that rebels now control significant portions of the city. Government forces have vowed a counterattack but provided no specific timeline. The Russian air force conducted air strikes in Aleppo on Saturday, marking the first military intervention by Russia in the city since 2016, when it helped Syrian government forces recapture Aleppo, according to the BBC. The strikes aimed at rebel positions come as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has pledged to "defend [Syria's] stability and territorial integrity," according to a statement from his office. Chinese taikonauts engage with Bulgarian youth in space dialogue Xinhua) 11:09, December 02, 2024 A Bulgarian girl raises her hand to ask questions during the "Talking with Taikonauts" event in Sofia, Bulgaria, Nov. 30, 2024. Three Chinese astronauts, or taikonauts, connected with Bulgarian youth via video link on Saturday, sharing their experiences in space exploration and answering questions about life aboard the Tiangong space station. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua) SOFIA, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Three Chinese astronauts, or taikonauts, connected with Bulgarian youth via video link on Saturday, sharing their experiences in space exploration and answering questions about life aboard the Tiangong space station. Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze, members of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceflight mission, fielded 15 questions from Bulgarian participants aged 8-22 during the event "Talking with Taikonauts." Topics ranged from comfort in spacecraft and spacesuits to daily activities like eating, using gadgets, and working on the space station. The event marked several milestones, including the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria, the 155th anniversary of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), and the 45th anniversary of Bulgaria's first astronaut Georgi Ivanov's mission. It featured space science lectures, a quiz, and an exhibition showcasing a mock-up of the Tiangong space station. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, in a letter to the event, emphasized the opportunity to deepen cooperation between the two countries in areas such as cultural exchange, space exploration, and high technology. He highlighted the potential for innovative partnerships to accelerate technological progress and provide opportunities for young people. Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli noted that China's rapidly advancing space industry is fostering international collaboration, with over 150 intergovernmental space cooperation agreements signed with more than 50 countries and organizations as of November 2023. Bulgaria's Deputy Minister of Education and Science Nikolay Vitanov described astronauts as symbols of the human spirit and the pursuit of knowledge, which transcends borders and unites humanity. Members of the Bulgarian Parliament, Atanas Atanasov and Gabriel Valkov, praised the event as a meaningful platform for scientific exchange and strengthening bilateral relations. "Such events should happen more often, so we can understand more about China, and also about Bulgaria," Valkov said. Cai Xuzhe (C, on screen), Song Lingdong (R, on screen), and Wang Haoze (L, on screen), members of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceflight mission, speak via video link during the "Talking with Taikonauts" event in Sofia, Bulgaria, Nov. 30, 2024. Three Chinese astronauts, or taikonauts, connected with Bulgarian youth via video link on Saturday, sharing their experiences in space exploration and answering questions about life aboard the Tiangong space station. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the situation in Georgia Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2024-11-30 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania strongly condemns the use of force by the Georgian authorities against the peaceful protestors in Tbilisi, as witnessed during the last two days. The large-scale protests by the Georgian people in Tbilisi and other Georgian cities ensued following the Parliamentary elections of 26 October and, in particular, the announcement by Irakli Kobakhidze on November 28 not to pursue the opening of the EU accession negotiations and to reject any EU financial assistance until 2028. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania is deeply disappointed with such an announcement by the Georgian Dream representative. In the context of the said Parliamentary elections that were marked with numerous incidents, systemic violations and irregularities, and the final report about which is still to be published by ODIHR, major policy changes contravening the European aspirations of the Georgian people and the norms of the Constitution of Georgia sound premature. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania reiterates its call for an independent international investigation of numerous violations, pressure and intimidation on voters impacting public trust in the electoral process and its outcome, as reported by independent observers and supports the call by the European Parliament to re-run the Georgian parliamentary elections as soon as possible. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes with grave concern the repeated and growing violence and intimidation against Georgian civil society and the free media. We urge the Georgian authorities to cease this violence immediately and guarantee the freedom of assembly and freedom of expression for the people in Georgia, in line with Georgia's international commitments. Laws adopted in contradiction with these commitments must be repealed. All those responsible for violence, election fraud and attacks against democratic values and principles must be brought to account. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania calls on the Georgian government to reverse the current course of action and to uphold the rule of law, democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as the European values and principles. We will continue following the situation in Georgia closely and, together with our partners, will work towards strong European and international response. Lithuania will continue supporting European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Georgian people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OSCE human rights office condemns use of excessive force by police during protests in Georgia OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Warsaw 30 November 2024 WARSAW, 30 November 2024 -- The action of law enforcement officials while policing peaceful protests in Georgia is of deep concern and a serious breach of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today after police used water cannons, pepper spray, and batons to disperse protests in Tbilisi. The disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force impacted a large number of protestors and journalists during protests in which the overwhelming majority of demonstrators were peaceful. The right to peaceful assembly is a freedom that lies at the heart of all democratic societies, and all OSCE states have committed to ensuring that "everyone will have the right of peaceful assembly and demonstration". They have also recognized that any limitation on this right must be stipulated by law and fully in line with international standards. The use of force by the state must always be in accordance with the law, necessary, and proportionate to the needs of the situation. Law enforcement officers must address the behaviour of protestors acting violently without resorting to disproportionate and indiscriminate force. The right to freedom of peaceful assembly is enshrined in numerous human rights instruments. All OSCE participating States have committed to upholding this right and guaranteeing freedom of peaceful assembly both in law and practice. ODIHR urges countries across the OSCE region to observe the commitments they have made to respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and all other fundamental freedoms. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US breaks off 'strategic partnership' with Georgia; blasts Tblisi for 'pro-Russia lean' Iran Press TV Saturday, 30 November 2024 10:32 PM The United States has broken off its "strategic partnership" with Georgia after the latter's decision to suspend negotiations on potential accession to the European Union, while condemning Tbilisi for, what it called, leaning towards Russia. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced the development on X, former Twitter, on Saturday. "The US and EU regret Georgian Dream (GD)'s decision to suspend EU accession," he wrote, referring to Georgia's ruling party. "The EU is a bulwark against the Kremlin. We have, therefore, suspended our Strategic Partnership with Georgia," Miller said. He also claimed that the party's decision on the accession talks was a "betrayal" of the European country's constitution. The State Department, meanwhile, released a statement on Washington's decision, accusing the GD of "various anti-democratic actions [that] have violated the core tenets of our US-Georgia Strategic Partnership." By freezing the accession talks, it added, the party "has rejected the opportunity for closer ties with Europe and made Georgia more vulnerable to the Kremlin." The department also claimed that Georgian people "overwhelmingly support integration with Europe." GD Chairman Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze suspended the accession process on Thursday, saying the EU was expecting Georgia to enact "reforms" in exchange for joining the bloc that were actually "steps that mean renouncing our dignity." The official was referring to Brussels' various demands on Tbilisi, including its repealing of the foreign agents' law that requires NGOs and media outlets that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from foreign donors to register as organizations "bearing the interests of a foreign power." Brussels, he added, was effectively "blackmailing" Tbilisi through the demands. The EU, itself, froze Georgia's application for joining the bloc earlier this year in response to ratification of the law among other things. The Georgian premier, meanwhile, addressed the ongoing anti-government riots that have been going underway in the capital for the past two days, during which anarchists have put up barricades along the central Rustaveli Avenue and thrown fireworks at the riot police. The country, he said, would not allow a revolution to take place, saying the rioters were seeking to overthrow the government, using the same tactics that were used during 2014 riots in Ukraine, known as the Maidan riots, which ousted the government in Kiev. "In Georgia, the Maidan scenario cannot be realized. Georgia is a state, and the state will not, of course, permit this," Kobakhidze said. Georgia's State Security Service also commented on the riots, calling them evidence that a violent coup attempt was taking place in the country. "Developments occurring in recent days in the country show that planned destructive processes are taking place in accordance with actual circumstances becoming known to the State Security Service as part of the investigation of the violent upheaval case. We informed the society in advance about that," the service said. Specific political parties and non-governmental organizations are interested in the violent coup, it noted, adding that the developments were being investigated under Article 315 of the Georgian Criminal Code that covers conspiracy or mutiny for purposes of violent change of the Georgian constitutional order. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World Central Kitchen suspends its Gaza operations after deadly Israeli attack Iran Press TV Saturday, 30 November 2024 8:41 PM American charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) suspends its operations in the Gaza Strip, which is subject to a genocidal Israeli war, following an Israeli attack in the southern part of the coastal sliver that claimed the lives of three of the charity's workers. In a statement on Saturday, the WCK said it was "pausing operations in Gaza at this time." Earlier in the day, an Israeli aerial attack targeted a vehicle belonging to the charity in Gaza's city of Khan Younis, killing five people, including the aid workers. "All three men worked for WCK and they were hit while driving in a WCK jeep in Khan Younis," Gaza's Civil Defense Chief Mahmoud Bassal said, adding that the vehicle had been "marked with its logo [that was] clearly visible." The Israeli military identified one of the fatalities as a Palestinian enlisted with the WCK, whom it accused of being involved in a retaliatory operation that was staged by Gaza's resistance movements against the occupied Palestinian territories last October. The military alleged that the worker had "infiltrated" the occupied territories, and "took part" in the operation. The WCK, however, said it "had no knowledge that any individual in the vehicle had alleged ties" to the operation, and stopped short of confirming any deaths. The Israeli regime brought the entire Gaza under the war following the operation. The brutal military onslaught has so far claimed the lives of at least 44,382 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Last week, the United Nations said 333 aid workers had been killed since the start of the war, 243 of whom used to serve the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. In early November, the regime banned UNRWA's operations across the Palestinian territories, terminating the body's decades-long crucial relief practices and, therefore, putting millions of lives at risk. Like the WCK, the Israeli regime has alleged that UNRWA's staff had "participated" in the resistance operation. In UNRWA's case, however, the regime would dish out the allegations on countless occasions, and also claim that many of the body's employees were "Hamas operatives," referring to one of the Gaza-based resistance groups that staged the retaliation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli strike on south Lebanon wounds three people, including child: Lebanon Health Ministry Iran Press TV Saturday, 30 November 2024 2:50 PM The Lebanese Health Ministry says an Israeli strike on a village in southern Lebanon has left at least three people injured, including a child, despite a ceasefire agreement between the occupying regime and Hezbollah. The ministry said in a statement on Saturday that the Israeli raid targeted a vehicle in the village of Majdal Zoun, "wounding three people, including a seven-year-old child." The latest development comes as the Israeli military continues to violate the truce since it went into effect on Wednesday, conducting fresh attacks on Lebanon. According to the al-Akhbar news outlet, Israeli artillery shelling struck the al-Khiam plain in southern Lebanon on Saturday. Israeli military vehicles were also seen patrolling the town of Deir Mimas following the ceasefire, while an Israeli warplane was spotted flying over the Iqlim al-Tuffah region. Israeli forces also besieged a family in their home in the border village of Aitaroun after they advanced toward the eastern outskirts of the town. Meanwhile, the Lebanese official National News Agency (NNA) reported that the Israeli military violated the truce agreement seven more times on Friday, mostly in the Marjayoun district of the southern governorate of Nabatieh and the Tyre district. The Israeli military also shelled the outskirts of the southern towns of Markaba, Talloussa, Odaisseh, Taybeh and Houla, NNA said, adding that an Israeli tank also fired shells at a home in Tal Nahas on the outskirts of the town of Kfar Kila, narrowly missing the homeowner who had just entered the house. Also in the strategic town of Khiam, the regime forces reportedly opened fire on people in a funeral procession, after the military sent four tanks into the western part of the town. Israel was forced to accept a ceasefire with Hezbollah after suffering heavy losses following more than 14 months of fighting and failing to achieve its goals in its aggression on Lebanon. The truce agreement, brokered by the United States and France, came into effect before dawn on Wednesday. It will last for 60 days in the hope of reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities. At least 3,961 people were killed and 16,520 others injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel targets World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza, killing 3 aid workers Iran Press TV Saturday, 30 November 2024 2:09 PM Israeli occupation forces have targeted a civil car belonging to the World Central Kitchen (WCK) in a drone attack on Gaza's southern city of Khan Younis, medics say. Five people have been killed including three aid workers from the charity kitchens, medics said Saturday. One of the victims is the director of the civilian agency. The World Central Kitchen has yet to comment on the attack. In April, seven international aid workers were killed in Deir el-Balah while they were traveling in three vehicles belonging to the aid group, with clear WCK signage attached to the car. WCK is a US-based non-profit that focuses on fighting hunger around the world. Israeli forces also killed at least 32 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Saturday, according to medics. Among the 32 killed, at least seven people lost their lives when an Israeli strike targeted a house in central Gaza City, according to a statement from the Gaza Civil Defense and the official Palestinian WAFA news agency. The Gaza Civil Defense also reported that one of its officers was killed in attacks in northern Gaza's Jabalia, bringing the total number of civil defense workers killed to 88 since October 7, 2023. Ever since, nearly 44,400 people have been killed in Gaza, with seventy percent of the victims being women and children, according to the health ministry figures. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ICC prosecutor: No legal basis to suspend arrest warrants for Israeli authorities Iran Press TV Saturday, 30 November 2024 6:22 AM The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) says Israel's attempt to suspend arrest warrants for prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant should be dismissed and the appeal proceedings halted. In a document posted on the ICC website, Karim Khan urged the Appeals Chamber of The Hague-based tribunal to turn down the Tel Aviv regime's request, emphasizing it doesn't meet the legal conditions required under ICC rules. He noted that the decision Israel is challenging doesn't involve "admissibility," a key requirement for such appeals, but instead addresses procedural complaints about the investigation. Khan said the decision tells Israel that it cannot file a challenge to jurisdiction before the court has made a decision under Article 58 of the Rome Statute; but also holds that such a challenge could potentially be made once that condition is satisfied. "The decision is not a decision 'with respect to jurisdiction' and it is therefore not directly appealable under Article 82(1)(a) of the Statute," he said. "Accordingly, these appeal proceedings should be discontinued and Israel's Suspension Request be rejected while the proceedings before Pre-Trial Chamber with respect to the same Decision follow their course. "In any event, there is no legal basis to suspend the arrest warrants issued by the Pre-Trial Chamber," the prosecutor stated. Earlier this week, Israel filed a direct appeal to the Appeals Chamber, alleging that the investigation and arrest warrants were procedurally flawed. It also demanded a suspension of the warrants while the appeal is resolved. At the same time, Israel filed an appeal with the Pre-Trial Chamber, which issued the warrants. Last week, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. According to ICC regulations, The Hague-based court does not conduct trials in absentia, and the defendants must be physically present in order for the case to begin. As the tribunal has no police to enforce its warrants, it depends on its member states to implement its orders. The White House has rejected the ICC warrants for both Netanyahu and Gallant. Backed by the United States and its Western allies, Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against the Israeli regime in response to the occupying entity's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians. The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed 44,363 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 105,070 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nov. 29: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Saturday, 30 November 2024 6:04 AM By Press TV Website Staff Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 44,400 Palestinians so far, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime. The major operations carried out by the Palestinian resistance groups on Friday, November 29, are as follows: Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Nov. 29: Targeted gatherings of Israeli forces in multiple places in northern Gaza using appropriate weapons. Mujahideen Brigades' operations on Nov. 29: Targeted the "Fajjah" Israeli military site with a number of Haseb-111 rockets. Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Nov. 29: Targeted a gathering of Israeli forces and military vehicles with mortar shells in the middle of Jabalia camp, northern Gaza Strip. Confronted the Israeli forces invading the combat axes in the city of Jenin, occupied West Bank, and attacked them with a barrage of bullets. Detonated a pre-prepared explosive device on an Israeli military vehicle in the city of Jenin, occupied West Bank. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestine calls for meeting of Arab League over Israeli massacres Iran Press TV Saturday, 30 November 2024 2:50 AM Palestine has called for an emergency meeting of the Arab League over Israeli massacres in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip. In a statement, the Palestinian Presidency on Friday called for a meeting of Arab foreign ministers after the Israeli army killed nearly 100 Palestinians in northern Gaza in just 24 hours. The statement, cited by the official Wafa news agency, warned against what it called starvation warfare against Palestinians in Northern Gaza. The statement called on the Arab League "to hold an emergency meeting at the level of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs given the ongoing Israeli genocidal aggression, forced displacement, and starvation of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip." It cited Israel's policy of separating the north from the rest of the Strip as it deploys "starvation as a method of warfare against Palestinians to displace them from their lands and houses." It also called on the international community to intervene urgently and end Israeli onslaught on Gaza. Palestinians are facing diminishing conditions for survival in northern Gaza under siege by Israeli forces. The regime has prevented virtually any aid from delivering to the area. The chief of the World Health Organization says 90 percent of people in the coastal enclave are now living in tents, leaving them "vulnerable to respiratory and other diseases, food insecurity and malnutrition as winter approaches." "The ultimate solution to this suffering is not aid but peace," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor has raised alarms about the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, warning that Israel's severe limitations on essential goods are intensifying the suffering of nearly two million displaced Palestinians amid cold weather. The Geneva-based organization stated on Wednesday, criticizing Israel for restricting the flow of essential goods such as clothing, blankets, and shoes, which the NGO said is aimed at imposing dire living conditions on the Palestinian population that will ultimately lead to their destruction as part of a broader genocidal campaign in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli genocide has killed over 44,360 civilians since October 2023. The onslaught has injured over 105,000 others. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Georgian President Calls Parliament 'Illegitimate' As U.S. Suspends 'Strategic Partnership' By RFE/RL's Georgian Service November 30, 2024 TBILISI -- Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, an ardent critic of the ruling Georgian Dream party, called the nation's parliament illegitimate and vowed to remain in office when her term ends next month, while Washington said it was suspending its "strategic partnership" with the country. Georgia has been thrown into turmoil since parliamentary elections in October -- in which Georgian Dream secured 54 percent of the vote -- with the opposition and Western governments arguing that the poll was marred by violations and Russian influence. Zurabishvili on November 30 said the "illegitimate" chamber does not have the right to choose her successor following the end of her term in December and vowed to remain in office. "There is no legitimate parliament, and therefore, an illegitimate parliament cannot elect a new president," Zurabishvili said. "Thus, no inauguration can take place, and my mandate continues until a legitimately elected parliament is formed," she added, setting up a likely showdown over the office with Georgian Dream. Separately, Washington blasted the security measures used against Georgians who have taken to the streets following the disputed elections and after a November 28 announcement by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze that his government was suspending EU accession talks and would reject budgetary grants from Brussels "until the end of 2028." "The United States condemns the excessive use of force by police against Georgians seeking to exercise their rights to assembly and expression, including their freedom to peacefully protest," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. "By suspending Georgia's EU accession process, Georgian Dream has rejected the opportunity for closer ties with Europe and made Georgia more vulnerable to the Kremlin," he said. "Georgian Dream's various anti-democratic actions have violated the core tenets of our U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership, which was based on shared values and commitments to democracy, rule of law, civil society, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and anti-corruption efforts. As a result, the United States has suspended this mechanism." "We reiterate our call to the Georgian government to return to its Euro-Atlantic path, transparently investigate all parliamentary election irregularities, and repeal anti-democratic laws that limit freedoms of assembly and expression," Miller added. More than 100 people were detained in a massive pro-EU rally in Tbilisi on November 29 as Georgian police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters. Georgia's Interior Ministry said protesters had "verbally and physically" assaulted police officers and had thrown various objects at security forces. Various videos from the rally showed police officers beating protesters. Reacting to the crackdown, Kobakhidze suggested on November 30 that there were "isolated" incidents of police brutality but "systemic violence" against security forces by protesters. "On one side, there was violence, on the other side there were incidents," he said in a press conference. The opposition called for renewed protests on November 30, with several thousand demonstrators gathering near the parliament waving EU and Georgian flags. Officials said protesters damaged walls of the legislative building using stones and other objects. Police in riot gear used water cannons and tear gas to subdue the crowd shortly after midnight on December 1. Fires were also reported at the parliament grounds. On the first night of protests, some 43 demonstrators were detained "as a result of illegal and violent actions," according to the Interior Ministry. Kobakhidze on November 30 said that a "difficult" few months lay ahead of Georgia but added that he expects relations with the West to "reset." Zurabishvili, who has long sided with the protesters, condemned the "brutal and disproportionate attacks on the Georgian people and media," likening the crackdown on November 29 to "Russian-style repression." The next day, she urged the Georgian diaspora to "wake up" and help protesters by speaking to the media and appealing to the authorities where they live. "[You] can no longer be silent and pretend nothing is happening in the homeland," she wrote on Facebook. On November 28, the European Parliament passed a resolution calling for new legislative elections in Georgia and sanctions on senior members of the Georgian Dream party. In its resolution, the European Parliament said the election result election did "not serve as a reliable representation of the will of the Georgian people." It also called on the European Union, which froze Georgia's EU membership application last month, to place sanctions on key officials within the ruling party, including Kobakhidze, Georgian Dream Chairman Irakli Gharibashvili, billionaire power broker and party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-protest-crackdown-eu- zurabishvili/33221472.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Romanians Vote For Parliament Amid Ongoing Presidential Election Disputes By RFE/RL's Romanian Service November 30, 2024 BUCHAREST -- Even as disputes remain over the first round of last week's presidential election, Romanians return to the polls on December 1 to choose their parliamentary representatives as the battle between East and West rages in the Black Sea nation. The country's far-right and often pro-Russia elements -- which performed surprisingly well in the presidential election -- are expected to make gains in the parliamentary vote as well. More than 10,000 candidates have registered to compete for seats in the bicameral parliament --329 seats in the lower house Chamber of Deputies and 136 in the Senate. A poll conducted by AtlasIntel indicated the far-right, ultranationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) leading the pack with 22.4 percent backing, just ahead of the ruling the Social Democratic Party (PSD) at 21.4 percent. The AUR has staked out strongly anti-Western positions, questioning Romania's membership in the European Union and NATO, alongside xenophobia and conspiratorial rabble-rousing. Under incumbent Klaus Iohannis, Romania has been one of Kyiv's staunchest allies, but a shift toward more Russia-friendly leaders could endanger support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, analysts say. The center-right Save Romania Union (USR) was at 17.5 percent. Elena Lasconi, a pro-West former small-town mayor for the USR, will compete on December 8 in a runoff presidential vote against pro-Russia, far-right candidate Calin Georgescu. The Liberal Party (PNL) -- a junior coalition partner to the PSD - was listed at 13.4 percent. If no party wins a majority of seats, coalition negotiations will follow. The party gaining the most votes would likely nominate the prime minister. Along with the divide between the East and West, Romanians have expressed concerns about the ailing economy and rampant corruption. Voting began late on November 30 among the Romanian diaspora, which may be pivotal in the parliamentary election -- although it is not initially clear which parties it will favor. Moldova is a key voting space for Romanian elections. Most of Moldova was part of Romania until the end of World War II and many Moldovans also hold Romanian citizenship. Political parties must capture at least 5 percent of the votes at a national level to qualify for parliament. Political alliances of two parties must attain 8 percent, alliances of three parties must get 9 percent, and alliances of four parties or more must achieve 10 percent. Pre-vote polls may not be indicative of the final results, however. In the November 24 presidential first round, independent candidate Georgescu shocked the field by coming from nowhere to lead the voting, gaining nearly 23 percent. Lasconi, a staunch Euro-Atlanticist, finished second in that vote, barely beating favored leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu of the PSD and leading to the runoff against Georgescu. Ciolacu resigned as PSD party leader following his disappointing showing in the presidential election. Romania's Central Election Bureau has begun a court-ordered recount of all ballots cast in the first round of the presidential election, as accusations swirled that Georgescu illegally used TikTok to boost his campaign, among other alleged irregularities. The Constitutional Court ordered the recount on November 28 after officials from the Supreme Council of National Defense demanded that the authorities take "urgent" steps, saying Georgescu was granted "preferential treatment" by the social media platform. TikTok has denied any wrongdoing. Sources have told RFE/RL's Romanian Service that the Constitutional Court, which was originally set to validate the results of the first round of the election on November 29, will do so on December 2 after the parliamentary vote is completed. Romania's president has significant decision-making powers, including on matters of national security and foreign policy. Elected for a five-year term, the president can also reject party nominees for prime minister and government nominees for judicial appointments. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/romanians-vote- parliament-presidential-election-disputes-georgescu/33221766.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement on Georgia's Suspension of European Union Accession US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson November 30, 2024 The decision by Georgian Dream to suspend Georgia's EU accession process goes against the promise to the Georgian people enshrined in their constitution to pursue full integration into the European Union and NATO. By suspending Georgia's EU accession process, Georgian Dream has rejected the opportunity for closer ties with Europe and made Georgia more vulnerable to the Kremlin. The Georgian people overwhelmingly support integration with Europe. The United States condemns the excessive use of force by police against Georgians seeking to exercise their rights to assembly and expression, including their freedom to peacefully protest. We call on all sides to ensure protests remain peaceful. Georgian Dream's various anti-democratic actions have violated the core tenets of our U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership, which was based on shared values and commitments to democracy, rule of law, civil society, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and anti-corruption efforts. As a result, the United States has suspended this mechanism. We reiterate our call to the Georgian government to return to its Euro-Atlantic path, transparently investigate all parliamentary election irregularities, and repeal anti-democratic laws that limit freedoms of assembly and expression. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Polycrisis in Sudan needs the world's attention UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Statement by Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (N'Djamena, Chad, 29 November 2024) I have spent the past week traveling across Sudan, talking to communities, leaders, humanitarian partners and our UN family. The message to the international community from those at the heart of this crisis is unequivocal: We are not invisible. Sudan is in the grips of an epic polycrisis. Nearly 20 months of war have turned it into the fastest-growing displacement crisis, with an average of a staggering 20,000 people forced to move every day. Sudan has also become the worst hunger crisis in the world, with three quarters of a million people one step away from famine and 26 million people - more than half the country's population - suffering from hunger. Sexual violence is rampant. I heard stories of rape, sexual slavery and horrific violence against women and girls. Childhood malnutrition rates are high. And cases of cholera, dengue and malaria are on the rise. The numbers are unlike anything we've seen in recent years, and yet the world is not responding with the solidarity and support that is needed. Today in El Geneina, Darfur - and yesterday across the border in Adre, Chad - displaced people told me they needed shelter, nutrition, health services and schools for their children. Like people everywhere, they ask for security, justice and opportunity. Local communities in Chad, a country which has welcomed around 700,000 of its Sudanese neighbours in less than two years, said their resources - though not their generosity - were wearing thin. Food prices have soared, and vulnerable local families have been pushed further into poverty. Humanitarian organizations have been doing their utmost to deliver aid. We at the UN are determined to scale up the humanitarian effort, working even more closely with our partners in the humanitarian movement and the communities we serve. Our access, however, is constrained. In my meetings with the Sudanese authorities, including President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council General Abdelfattah al-Burhan, I underlined the need for humanitarians to reach the most vulnerable so that we can assess needs, provide aid and protect people. I welcome General al-Burhan's announcement following our comprehensive meeting this week of more humanitarian flights and additional humanitarian hubs. We want to build - energetically and urgently - on this progress. In my meeting with the Rapid Support Forces, I drove home the point that civilians need to be protected. The people of Sudan, and the humanitarians and communities supporting them, cannot do this alone. They need the laws of war to be upheld. They need funding to meet the scale of the needs. They need access constraints to be lifted. And they need the fighting to stop. 30 November 2024 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Biden makes historic first visit by US president to Angola By Anita Powell November 30, 2024 U.S. President Joe Biden is "excited" to make his first trip to the African continent next week and will first stop briefly in the small island nation of Cabo Verde before making landfall in the Southwest African nation of Angola, a top White House official told VOA Friday. "He is excited and really looking forward to the trip," Frances Brown, senior director for African affairs at the National Security Council, told VOA at the White House. "I think the president really sees this as a way to sum up all that he's tried to put forward during this administration on our Africa strategy." While there, she said, he will work on three objectives: on bolstering regional security, notably in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo; on growing economic opportunities in the region; and on improving technological and scientific cooperation. "He sees Angola as the perfect place for this," she said. Some analysts say the fulfillment of Biden's vow to visit Africa made in 2022 is well overdue. Biden originally planned to visit Angola in October; he postponed that trip because Hurricane Milton was bearing down on the eastern United States. "I think coming, as it does, at the very tail end of his administration, without much to, I think, really celebrate in terms of his involvement in Africa, that I think the visit will ring rather hollow," Cameron Hudson, a senior fellow in the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told VOA. The main attraction of the short visit is a major U.S.-financed development project: the 1,300-kilometer Lobito rail corridor, which connects the mineral-rich African interior to the southwestern port. The U.S. says it has pulled together more than $4 billion in U.S. investment on the project. When asked by VOA if Biden will attempt to discuss Angola's many documented human rights problems, Brown repeated a refrain often voiced by Biden administration officials, saying: "he never shies away from talking about democracy and human rights issues with counterparts." The short stop in the island nation of Cabo Verde could be seen as a way to balance this concern, Michael Walsh, a visiting researcher at the Lasky Center of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, told VOA. "They're trying to, you know, add a stop that provides an opportunity for the Biden administration to say, look, we actually are visiting a flawed democracy as well as a hybrid regime," he said. He added, "That provides them with an opportunity to try to, I guess, mitigate some of the criticism that would be forthcoming during the visit by saying that the Biden administration isn't just stopping in one African country. They actually stopped in two and one of those is on the other side of the democracy spectrum." Angola's president, Joao Lourenco, is a prominent figure on the African continent, using his status as leader of a subcontinental oil giant to build his influence and to work to settle conflicts near and far, both in neighboring Congo and in the West African "coup belt." This, Brown said, ties into one of Biden's core beliefs as he prepares to leave office: That the U.S. sees African nations as partners and problem-solvers. While there, she said, Biden plans to deliver remarks on how he sees the future of relations between Washington and the continent. "I think he wants to leave behind his recognition that African leadership for solving some of these challenges is essential, and that's why he'll be amplifying Angola's role mediating in the Democratic Republic of Congo and elsewhere," she said. "And I think he wants to convey the remarkable evolution of the U.S.-Angolan partnership, which is in many ways the story of the remarkable evolution of the U.S.-African relationship over many centuries." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 9 killed in Ethiopia Oromia region attack By Gelmo Dawit November 30, 2024 Residents and relatives say at least nine people were killed during an attack in the Arsi Zone of the Oromia region of Ethiopia on Thursday. Adebebu Workineh is a resident of the Shirka Woreda or district in the Arsi Zone, about 250 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. He told VOA his younger brother, Haile Workineh, was among the nine victims. "The perpetrators called him from his house and later killed him at a nearby river alongside others," Workineh said in Amharic. Among the dead were women and elders, he added. "During the raid I heard [about] the abduction by phone, but I thought they would ask for ransom as usual. They were carrying rifles, and we were afraid to confront them at the time," he said in Amharic. A second resident of Shirka, who would not give his name because of fear for his safety, said most of the victims were Christians. The whereabouts of four other people who were abducted are not known, he told VOA. Social media sites published purported video of nine bodies wrapped in white clothes being buried together. VOA was not able to independently verify the video. The Arsi Zone, a region known for agriculture, is now marred by violence and killing. Residents blamed the Oromo Liberation Army, an outlawed rebel group fighting against the Ethiopian government army, for the killings. Jiregna Gudeta, an adviser to the OLA commander, told VOA he has no detailed information about the incident and denied OLA was involved. Residents say local authorities do little to protect civilians. The ENAT Party, one of the opposition political parties in Ethiopia, has condemned the attack. "Our concern is not the dead ones, we [are] reaching out to the state officers for the people who are about to be the victim of such killing, we immediately call for the state to act," said Getnet Worku, secretary-general of the party. Oromia regional authorities declined to comment on the attack. Peace rallies were held in six zones in the Oromia region in mid-November. Participants of the demonstrations said the aim was to condemn OLA and demand peace in the region. Oromia region spokesperson Hailu Adugna said at the time that the rallies were organized by the local communities and that government officials had no role. But some witnesses told VOA that government officials were urging people to participate in the demonstrations. Jiregna, reacting to the demonstrations in mid-November, said their group is ready to resolve conflicts peacefully. He said it is doubtful whether the people or the government organized the rally for peace. A previous round of peace talks last year between Ethiopia's federal government and the OLA in Tanzania's semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar has failed to end the violence. The two sides blamed each other for the failure of the talks. The government cited "unrealistic demands" by the armed group while OLA accused the government of failing to address "fundamental problems" facing the country, according to Reuters. This story originated in VOA's Horn of Africa Service. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by NSC Spokesperson Sean Savett on Edan Alexander November 30, 2024 The hostage video released today of American-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander is a cruel reminder of Hamas's terror against citizens of multiple countries, including our own. We have been in touch with Edan's family. The war in Gaza would stop tomorrow and the suffering of Gazans would end immediately and would have ended months ago if Hamas agreed to release the hostages. It has refused to do so, but as the President said last week, we have a critical opportunity to conclude the deal to release the hostages, stop the war, and surge humanitarian assistance into Gaza. This deal is on the table now. President Biden and the United States will continue to work around the clock to secure the release of our citizens including through diplomatic efforts and by increasing pressure on Hamas terrorists through sanctions, law enforcement actions, and other measures. On behalf of the Alexanders and all the families of the hostages still being held by Hamas, we will never cease in our efforts to secure their immediate release. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel kills over 100 Palestinians in new massacres across Gaza Iran Press TV Sunday, 01 December 2024 8:49 AM The Israeli regime has killed more than 100 Palestinians and injured scores of others across the Gaza Strip over the past day, in the latest round of the occupying entity's relentless onslaught against the besieged enclave. Over 100 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli airstrikes on various areas across Gaza since the early hours of Saturday, Palestine's official news agency WAFA reported. WAFA said the Israeli occupation forces committed a new massacre on Saturday night in northern Gaza after targeting a residential building in the Tel al-Zaatar area, which was sheltering displaced families. "The airstrike resulted in the murder of at least 40 Palestinians, including women and children, with many others still trapped under the rubble," the report said. "The attack left a large number of people under the debris, making it extremely difficult to rescue them due to the lack of emergency response teams and the extensive destruction," it added. According to the report, dozens of victims remain trapped under the rubble of homes bombarded by Israeli forces in Jabalia and Beit Lahiya, north Gaza, over the past two days. WAFA also reported that the Israeli occupation forces had blown up several residential buildings and homes in Beit Lahiya. Earlier, three Palestinians were killed, and several others injured when Israeli warplanes bombed a house west of Gaza City. In another airstrike, six Palestinians were killed and others injured after Israeli jets targeted a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Reports also indicated that Israeli forces bombed a group of civilians in the Qizan al-Najjar area south of Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, leaving 12 Palestinians dead and some others injured. 'Israeli war's unprecedented and irreversible harm' The international humanitarian organization Save the Children said in a report on Saturday that the Israeli regime's war had inflicted "unprecedented and irreversible harm" on Palestinian children in Gaza. "The ongoing armed conflict in Gaza has inflicted unprecedented and potentially irreversible harm on Palestinian children, with consequences that threaten not only their individual futures but the very fabric of Palestinian society for generations to come," the report said. The London-based organization underlined that the conduct of Israeli forces in Gaza had exacerbated the humanitarian crisis to levels of unprecedented magnitude, with particularly concerning implications for children's rights. "Malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, and constant exposure to violence are inflicting lasting damage on children's physical and cognitive development," Save the Children added. "The mental health crisis threatens to create a generation traumatized beyond recovery." Backed by the United States and its Western allies, Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against the Israeli regime in response to its decades-long campaign of oppression against Palestinians. The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed 44,382 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 105,142 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni forces launch ballistic missile at Israeli targets, 4 settlers injured Iran Press TV Sunday, 01 December 2024 8:17 AM At least four Israeli settlers have been injured as Yemeni armed forces launched a ballistic missile toward the occupied territories in retaliation for the Tel Aviv regime's atrocious military campaign against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency service said the settlers sustained injuries on Sunday as they ran for shelter during sirens triggered by the missile. An additional individual was treated for acute anxiety, MDA added. In a televised statement later in the day, the Yemeni Armed Forces spokesman, Yahya Saree, confirmed the military operation in central occupied territories. He said a vital Israel target had been struck with a hypersonic ballistic missile. The Yemeni forces will continue their attacks until "Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip is halted and the siege is lifted," he added. The Israeli military claimed in a statement that the ballistic missile was successfully intercepted by air defenses outside of the occupied lands. According to Hebrew-language media outlets, sirens sounded in communities in the Ayalon Valley, including Latrun, Modi'in, Neveh Shalom, Nachshon, Mishmar Ayalon and Kfar Bin Nun, in the central Israeli-occupied territories amid the incident. Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the territory's resistance movements carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity. The Yemeni Armed Forces have said they will not stop their attacks until Israel's ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end. So far, Israel has killed at least 44,382 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 105,142 others in Gaza. Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement maintains that it targets ships linked to Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom to force an end to the Tel Aviv regime's genocidal war on Gaza. In October, the US military unleashed B-2 stealth bombers to bomb Yemen in support of Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Georgian Prime Minister Says President Must Vacate Office RFE/RL's Georgian Service December 01, 2024 TBILISI -- Georgia's prime minister has said President Salome Zurabishvili must leave office at the end of her term later this month, despite her pledge not to. Irakli Kobakhidze's comments on December 1 set up a showdown with Zurabishvili, a day after she called the newly elected parliament illegitimate and vowed to remain as president. Demonstrations in the capital, Tbilisi, have turned increasingly chaotic and violent. Georgia has plunged deeper into a political crisis that started in late October, when the ruling Georgian Dream party claimed victory in parliamentary elections. The opposition said the vote was marked by fraud. Western countries have called for an investigation. Thousands of demonstrators returned to the streets of Tbilisi on November 30 for a third night to protest against the government's decision to suspend accession talks with the European Union. In central Tbilisi, police fired tear gas and water cannons at demonstrators, some of whom chanted "traitors" and held photographs of journalists who they say were beaten by police. Demonstrators have erected barricades on Tbilisi's main avenue. More than 100 people have been arrested in the last two days, officials said. Zurabishvili, who has allied herself with pro-European opposition, asserted that parliament does not have the right to choose her successor following the end of her term in December and she vowed to remain in office. "There is no legitimate parliament, and therefore, an illegitimate parliament cannot elect a new president," she said on November 30. "Thus, no inauguration can take place, and my mandate continues until a legitimately elected parliament is formed," she said On December 1, Kobakhidze dismissed her pledge, saying she would have to leave the office. Kobakhidze also dismissed the United States' announcement that it would suspend its strategic partnership with Georgia. Calling it a "temporary event," he said his government would talk to the new administration of President-elect Donald Trump when it takes office in January. Kobakhidze also accused opponents of the halt to EU talks of plotting a revolt, along the lines of Ukraine's 2014 Euromaidan protests. Sparked by the president's decision to spurn closer ties with the EU, months of protests in Kyiv culminated that February in violent street clashes. The president, Viktor Yanukovych, later fled the country. "Some people want a repeat of that scenario in Georgia," he said. "But there will be no Maidan in Georgia." A State Department spokesman criticized the decision to suspend EU talks, saying it "made Georgia more vulnerable to the Kremlin." "The United States condemns the excessive use of force by police against Georgians seeking to exercise their rights to assembly and expression, including their freedom to peacefully protest," Matthew Miller said in a statement. U.S. authorities have sought to pressure Georgian officials, imposing sanctions on dozens of government officials whom Washington said had "undermined" democracy and human rights in the country. The European Union's new foreign policy chief warned Georgian authorities over violence against demonstrators. "It is clear that using violence against peaceful protesters is not acceptable, and the Georgian government should respect the will of the Georgian people," Kaja Kallas told journalists during a trip to Ukraine. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-tbilisi-protests- government-eu/33222445.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Romanians Vote For New Parliament As Presidential Election Still Disputed By RFE/RL's Romanian Service December 01, 2024 BUCHAREST -- Romanians return to the polls to choose a new parliament as disputes linger over last week's presidential vote, in which a pro-Russian, far-right candidate pulled off a surprise first-round victory. Far-right candidates, who also performed surprisingly well in the presidential election, were expected to make gains in the December 1 voting. More than 10,000 candidates were competing for seats in the bicameral legislature: 329 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 136 in the Senate. A preelection poll showed the far-right, ultranationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) leading the pack with 22.4 percent backing, just ahead of the ruling Social Democratic Party at 21.4 percent. The AUR has staked out anti-Western positions, questioning Romania's membership in the European Union and NATO, alongside xenophobic and other conspiratorial rhetoric. Under outgoing President Klaus Iohannis, Romania has been a strong supporter of NATO, as well as neighboring Ukraine in its fight against the 2 1/2-year-old Russian invasion. A shift toward more Russian-friendly leaders could endanger support for Ukraine, analysts say. The center-right Save Romania Union, meanwhile, was polling at 17.5 percent, according to the survey. Its candidate for president, Elena Lasconi, will face pro-Russian, far-right candidate Calin Georgescu in the December 8 runoff vote. The Liberal Party -- a junior coalition partner to the ruling party -- was listed at 13.4 percent. If no party wins a majority of seats, coalition negotiations will follow. The party gaining the most votes will likely nominate the prime minister. Along with the divide between the East and West, Romanians have expressed concerns about the country's ailing economy and rampant corruption. Voting began late on November 30 among the Romanian diaspora, which may be pivotal in the parliamentary election -- although it was not initially clear which parties it would favor. Moldova is also a key voting space for Romanian elections. Most of Moldova was part of Romania until the end of World War II and many Moldovans also hold Romanian citizenship. Experts have voiced caution about preelection polling figures, pointing to Georgescu's unexpected victory in the first round of the presidential vote on November 24. Lasconi, a small-town mayor who is a vocal supporter of Romania's NATO and EU alliances, finished second in that vote, barely beating leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The Central Election Bureau has begun a court-ordered recount of all ballots cast in the first round, as accusations swirled that Georgescu illegally used TikTok to boost his campaign, among other alleged irregularities. The Constitutional Court is expected to validate the first-round results on December 2 after the parliamentary vote is completed, people familiar with the court's plans told RFE/RL's Romanian Service. Romania's president has significant decision-making powers, including on matters of national security and foreign policy. Elected for a five-year term, the president can also reject party nominees for prime minister and government nominees for judicial appointments. Polls close at 9 p.m. local time, with results being announced as tallies come in. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/romania- parliament-election/33222235.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ruling Social Democrats Lead In Romanian Vote, Tough Coalition Talks Likely By RFE/RL's Romanian Service December 01, 2024 BUCHAREST -- Romania's ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) appears headed to victory in pivotal parliamentary elections, setting the stage for talks to form a pro-West coalition that could prove to be difficult. The December 1 vote comes a week after the country's disputed presidential election in which a pro-Russian, far-right candidate pulled off a surprise first-round victory. Citizens of the EU and NATO member nation on December 2 were awaiting final, official results after preliminary figures gave the PSD the lead over the far-right, ultranationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR). With 93.7 percent of polling stations reporting, PSD had 23.7 percent of the vote to AUR's 17.9 percent. The center-right Liberal Party (PNL) -- a junior coalition partner to the PSD - had 14.7 percent, while another center-right party, the Save Romania Union (USR), followed with 11.4 percent. Experts caution that even relatively late-stage results can be misleading as votes from the larger cities often come last and could still move results sharply in either direction. Crucial diaspora results are yet to be reported as well. Full voting totals are expected later on December 2, but allocation of seats in both houses of the parliament - the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate - could take longer. Voters' party preferences in both legislative bodies appeared to be nearly identical. The party gaining the most votes will likely nominate the prime minister. If no party -- as expected -- reaches a parliamentary majority, hard negotiations will follow on forming a government and could depend on the outcome of next week's presidential runoff. Analysts have suggested a tenuous coalition could develop with the left-leaning PSD and the center-right PNL and USR combining forces. Such a development would help ensure Romania's pro-Western policies against the emerging far-right -- and often Russian-friendly -- parties. Far-right candidates, who performed surprisingly well in the presidential election first round, were also expected to make gains in the parliamentary voting. Turnout was reported at 52.36 percent, or about 9.43 million voters, the highest in parliamentary elections in 12 years, according to officials. Voter turnout in the 2020 parliamentary election was about 32 percent. No major irregularities were reported by the early evening. Diaspora results - an estimated 643,000 eligible voters - could play a key role, although it is unclear which parties foreign-based Romanians favor. By 7 p.m. Romania time, officials said more than 115,000 Romanians had cast ballots in Italy, 110,000 in Britain, and 108,000 in Germany. Moldova also was a key voting space for Romanian elections. Most of Moldova was part of Romania until the end of World War II and many Moldovans also hold Romanian citizenship. By 7:30 p.m., officials reported that more than 73,000 Romanian citizens had voted in Moldova. In last week's presidential election, more than 80,000 cast ballots in the country. More than three dozen parties and coalitions, along with independent candidates, were competing for seats in the bicameral legislature: 329 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 136 in the Senate. Along with the divide between the East and West, Romanians have expressed concerns about the country's ailing economy and rampant corruption. The election - which featured some 10,000 registered candidates - came ahead of the December 8 second round of the presidential contest, in which pro-West Elena Lasconi, will face Russian-friendly, far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, an independent candidate who scored a surprising first-round victory in the disputed first round last week. Lasconi, a small-town mayor who is a vocal supporter of Romania's NATO and EU alliances, finished second in that vote, barely beating leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The Central Election Bureau has begun a court-ordered recount of all ballots cast in the first round of the presidential election, as accusations swirled that Georgescu illegally used TikTok to boost his campaign, among other alleged irregularities. The Constitutional Court is expected to validate the first-round results on December 2 after the parliamentary vote is completed, people familiar with the court's plans told RFE/RL's Romanian Service. Romania's president has significant decision-making powers, including on matters of national security and foreign policy. Elected for a five-year term, the president can also reject party nominees for prime minister and government nominees for judicial appointments. With reporting by RFE/RL's Moldovan Service Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ruling-social-democrats-lead-in- romanian-vote-tough-coalition-talks-likely/33222698.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fresh Protests Erupt In Georgia As Demonstrators Block Public Broadcaster Building By RFE/RL's Georgian Service December 01, 2024 TBILISI -- Georgia's prime minister has said President Salome Zurabishvili must leave office at the end of her term later this month, despite her pledge not to, while anti-government protesters -- who are supported by Zurabishvili -- took to the streets again, scuffling with security forces at key sites in the capital. Demonstrators gathered on December 1 in the courtyard of the Channel 1 public broadcaster, blocking the entrance and vowing to stay until leaders of the organization resign. Protesters also demanded the broadcaster report on the demonstrations of the pro-European groups as they stand opposed to the Russian-friendly Georgian Dream-led government. Channel 1 said in a statement that "viewers are watching the unprecedented pressure" on its journalists. "Channel 1 was and will remain free and will defend editorial independence despite any pressure," it said. There were no immediate reports of arrests or injuries at that site or near the parliament building, but video by Current Time showed large crowds of protesters and security personnel facing off, with water cannons and tear gas being fired. The Interior Ministry warned "the aggressive participants of the rally to stop illegal activities, otherwise the ministry will take appropriate measures granted by law." It also warned parents to keep their children away from the "violent environment." Shortly thereafter, police began moving protesters away from the parliament building and erected barricades. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's comments earlier in the day set up a showdown with Zurabishvili, a day after she called the newly elected parliament illegitimate and vowed to remain as president. Demonstrations in the capital, Tbilisi, have turned increasingly chaotic and violent. Georgia has plunged deeper into a political crisis that started in late October, when the ruling Georgian Dream party claimed victory in parliamentary elections. The opposition said the vote was marred by fraud. Western countries have called for an investigation. Thousands of demonstrators had returned to the streets of Tbilisi on November 30 for a third night to protest against the government's decision to suspend accession talks with the European Union. In central Tbilisi, police fired tear gas and water cannons at demonstrators, some of whom chanted "traitors" and held photographs of journalists who they say were beaten by police. Demonstrators have erected barricades on Tbilisi's main avenue. More than 200 people have been arrested in the past three days, officials said. Zurabishvili, who has allied herself with pro-European opposition, asserted that parliament does not have the right to choose her successor following the end of her term in December and she vowed to remain in office. "There is no legitimate parliament, and therefore, an illegitimate parliament cannot elect a new president," she said on November 30. "Thus, no inauguration can take place, and my mandate continues until a legitimately elected parliament is formed," she said On December 1, Kobakhidze dismissed her pledge, saying she would have to leave the office. Kobakhidze also dismissed the United States' announcement that it would suspend its strategic partnership with Georgia. Calling it a "temporary event," he said his government would talk to the new administration of President-elect Donald Trump when it takes office in January. Kobakhidze also accused opponents of the halt to EU talks of plotting a revolt, along the lines of Ukraine's 2014 Euromaidan protests. Sparked by the president's decision to spurn closer ties with the EU, months of protests in Kyiv culminated that February in violent street clashes. The president, Viktor Yanukovych, later fled the country. "Some people want a repeat of that scenario in Georgia," he said. "But there will be no Maidan in Georgia." A State Department spokesman criticized the decision to suspend EU talks, saying it "made Georgia more vulnerable to the Kremlin." "The United States condemns the excessive use of force by police against Georgians seeking to exercise their rights to assembly and expression, including their freedom to peacefully protest," Matthew Miller said in a statement. U.S. authorities have sought to pressure Georgian officials, imposing sanctions on dozens of government officials whom Washington said had "undermined" democracy and human rights in the country. The European Union's new foreign policy chief warned Georgian authorities over violence against demonstrators. "It is clear that using violence against peaceful protesters is not acceptable, and the Georgian government should respect the will of the Georgian people," Kaja Kallas told journalists during a trip to Ukraine. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-tbilisi-protests-government- eu/33222445.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel-Hamas ceasefire now 'more likely,' US security official says By Ken Bredemeier December 01, 2024 The chance for an end to more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the release of about 100 hostages held by the militants is now "more likely" because of last week's ceasefire reached by Israel with Hezbollah in Lebanon, a top U.S. national security official said Sunday. The U.S. and other negotiators "may have a chance" to end 14 months of fighting in Gaza, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN's "State of the Union" show but declined to make a prediction, "because we've come close before." Israel's mostly ceremonial president, Isaac Herzog, said Sunday, "There are negotiations taking place behind the scenes, and it can be done." Sullivan told NBC's "Meet the Press" show, "We are engaged deeply with the key players in the region, and there is activity even today. There will be further conversations and consultations, and our hope is that we can generate a ceasefire and hostage deal, but we're not there yet." Sullivan spoke a day after Hamas released a videotape of one of the hostages, Israeli American Edan Alexander. Speaking under duress, Alexander blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, saying, "The prime minister is supposed to protect his soldiers and citizens, and you abandoned us." Sullivan said the video was "a cruel reminder of Hamas' brutality and of the fact that they are holding so many hostages from so many countries." Hamas triggered the war with Israel, killing about 1,200 people and capturing 250 hostages in the attack 14 months ago. Israel says that about a third of the remaining 100 or so hostages are believed to be dead. In its counteroffensive, Israel has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were combatants. Israel, without providing evidence, says it has killed more than 17,000 militants. Sullivan called the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, which has largely been holding steady, "a huge step forward in the Middle East ... the opportunity for people to ultimately be able to return to their homes in Israel and in Lebanon." He said the United States, France and other allies "are going to work together with the Lebanese Armed Forces through a mechanism to ensure that the ceasefire is implemented effectively. Our goal is to get through these first few days, critical days of a ceasefire, when it's most fragile, have it take full hold, and then ultimately build on it so that it becomes the permanent ceasefire it's intended to be." Whether the Israel-Hezbollah pact translates into a ceasefire in Gaza remains uncertain. The United States, Qatar and Egypt have spent much of the past year trying to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the remaining hostages. But the talks have been stalemated, with Israel rejecting Hamas' demand for a complete withdrawal from the territory and Israel demanding that any vestige of Hamas control in the narrow territory along the Mediterranean Sea be erased. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the wars in the Middle East, without saying how, and pushed Israel to end its fight against Hamas before he takes office January 20. Trump, like Biden, has been a staunch defender of Israel's prerogative to defend itself. On the Gaza war front, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees said Sunday it is halting aid deliveries through the main cargo crossing into Gaza because of the threat of armed gangs who have looted recent convoys. It blamed the breakdown of law and order on Israeli policies. Israel had no immediate comment. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, the main aid provider in Gaza, said the route leading to the Kerem Shalom crossing is too dangerous on the Gaza side. Armed men looted nearly 100 trucks traveling on the route in mid-November, and he said gangs stole a smaller shipment Saturday. Kerem Shalom is the only crossing between Israel and Gaza that is designed for cargo shipments and has been the main artery for aid deliveries since the Rafah crossing with Egypt was shut down in May. Last month, nearly two-thirds of all aid entering Gaza came through Kerem Shalom, and in previous months it accounted for an even larger amount, according to Israeli figures. In a post on X, Lazzarini largely blamed Israel for the breakdown of humanitarian operations in Gaza, citing "political decisions to restrict the amounts of aid," lack of safety on aid routes and Israel's targeting of the Hamas-run police force, which had previously provided public security. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least six people overnight, including two young children, ages 6 and 8, in the tent where their family was sheltering, medical officials said Sunday. The strike in the Muwasi area, a sprawling tent camp housing hundreds of thousands of displaced people, also wounded the children's mother and their 8-month-old sister, according to Nasser Hospital. In still another Mideast conflict, the Syrian military rushed in reinforcements to push back insurgents from advancing farther after they seized Aleppo in a surprise offensive. The insurgents look over most of the Syrian city Saturday and claimed to have entered the city of Hama. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is traveling to the Syrian capital Damascus later Sunday. He told reporters that Tehran will back the Syrian government and army. The swift insurgent offensive is an embarrassment for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and comes at a time when his allies Iran and its militant groups and Russia are preoccupied with their own conflicts. Some material in this report came from The Associated Press. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Al-Fath Al-Mubin Operations Room [FMOR] Al-Fath Al-Mubeen [AR = Great Conquest] is an operations room [AR = gharfa amliat] formed by Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham in mid-2019. It announced that its goal is to manage and coordinate military operations in areas controlled by the " Syrian Salvation Government " in northern Syria in Idlib and the countryside of Aleppo , Latakia and Hama. It includes a number of Syrian opposition factions, formed with the aim of managing and coordinating military operations in northern Syria. An "operations room" is not a place for surgical procedures, but rather a Situation Room for crisis management, fully prepared for action in the field. The the Turkish-supported Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), which administers liberated areas, underscored the necessity of military action. Prime Minister Eng. Muhammad al-Bashir said: With the escalation of the criminal regimes bombing of our people in the liberated areas, we have directed all government agencies to be on alert in anticipation of any emergency, especially with the increasing escalation during the past days. In the first battles of Aleppo, there were incidents of fighting between factions, most notably the attack by the factions of the "Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement" and the "Abu Amara Brigades" in November 2016 on the fighters of the "Fastaqim Kama Umirt Gathering", which includes fighters from the city of Aleppo. "Al-Zenki" and "Abu Amara" were able to control all the headquarters of the gathering in the eastern part of Aleppo. This was taking place inside the besieged eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo, while fierce battles were taking place in western Aleppo to try to break the siege imposed on them by government forces. In 2019, the remaining factions in Idlib established the Al-Fath Al-Mubin Operations Room to be responsible for coordinating operations in northern Syria. In mid-2020, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham made a decision to unify military efforts, prevent the formation of any other military faction or operations room in the areas under its control, and confine military operations to the Al-Fath Al-Mubin Operations Room. The process of unifying military efforts was not easy, and it faced opposition from various parties, but the organization was able to resolve it remarkably. The Fath al-Mubeen Operations Room (FMOR) coalition rebranded itself as the Command of Military Operations (CMO) after a year-long restructuring process that began in 2023. This reformation introduced significant changes in operational procedures and inter-factional cohesion, creating a more streamlined and effective military structure. This is a crucial military coalition in the ongoing battles to defend and liberate Syrias occupied territories. Representing a united front of various military factions, the CMO protects the liberated north and pushes forward with hopes of securing a future for the displaced and oppressed Syrian people. The transition was not merely a name change. The group adopted advanced command and control systems, integrating new military technologies to enhance its battlefield capabilities. By modernizing its procedures, the CMO shifted to a more centralized and sophisticated operational model, making it better equipped to handle the complexities of contemporary warfare. This evolution reflects a broader strategic shift, as the coalition moves closer to functioning as a unified, institutionalized military entity. The new structure marks a departure from the previous patchwork of loosely coordinated factions, establishing a cohesive force capable of executing coordinated operations across multiple fronts. The Command of Military Operations institutionalized approach and unified structure marks a departure from fragmented, ad hoc operations of the past, paving the way for more effective and sustainable military organization. In mid-2020, the organization issued a statement on the unification of military efforts, preventing the formation of any military faction or operations room in the areas under its control, and confining military operations to the Al-Fath Al-Mubin Operations Room. In a press conference held in 2023, the movement announced a new arrangement for building the military force of the factions operating in the region, and said that this step contributed to "achieving a balance of power in the region." The Al-Fath Al-Mubin Operations Room announced its Operation "Do Not Weaken" against the Syrian army forces and its allies in the southeastern Idlib countryside in 2019, and announced its control over several villages in the first hours, including Ijaz, Sarouj, Istablat, and Rasm Al-Ward. In 2023, FMOR carried out a series of infiltration missions in Latakias northern countryside, targeting regime strongholds and eliminating high-ranking officers. These actions were direct responses to regime attacks on civilians and underscored the coalitions role as a defender of liberated territories. The group adopted a strategy of attrition, launching calculated operations striking high-value targets behind enemy lines that weaken regime forces while avoiding large-scale losses. By stretching Assads forces thin, they have created a military balance in the region, disrupting regime advances and protecting liberated areas. "Deterrence of Aggression" is the military operation launched by the Syrian armed opposition factions in northwestern Syria on 27 November 2024.This was the first rupture of the lines of contact between the two sides in Idlib Governorate since the "Turkish-Russian" ceasefire agreement in March 2020. The operation came at a time when areas in the western countryside of Aleppo were the scene of clashes and heavy exchanges of shelling between regime forces and Iranian militias on the one hand, and the "Al-Fatah al-Mubin" factions on the other, in light of the regime forces intensifying their shelling on civilian areas. The stated aim was to direct a "preemptive strike against the Syrian regime forces." The objectives of the military operation were announced by the spokesman for Al-Fatah's operations room, Al-Mubin Hassan Abdel-Ghani, saying that they are manifested in: Disrupt the enemy's plans by directing a deliberate preemptive strike against their militia positions. Defend civilians against the regime's military mobilizations threatening the security of liberated areas. Return displaced persons to their homes. Remove the influence of the regime and militias from opposition-controlled areas in northwest Syria and limit their repeated attacks on these areas through artillery and missile bombardments. On the first day, Syrian opposition factions took control of 32 villages and points in the western countryside of Aleppo (Anatolia). The Al-Fath Al-Mubin operations room, which launched The operation was able to reach the outskirts of the city of Aleppo, the capital of northern Syria, on the third day and control 400 square kilometers in 56 towns and villages in Aleppo and Idlib, according to Anadolu Agency statistics. "Al-Fath Al-Mubin" operations room [gharfa amaliyat al-fath al-mubain] was established by "Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham" in mid-2019 and aimed to manage military operations in the areas controlled by the "Syrian Salvation Government" in northern Syria, in Idlib and the countryside of Aleppo, Latakia and Hama. It includes a number of Syrian opposition factions, including: Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham: The largest and most important faction is a military bloc of Syrian armed factions. It is a military bloc of Syrian armed factions, formed from the merger of five factions: Jabhat Fateh al-Sham , Liwa al-Haqq, Jabhat Ansar al-Din, and Jaysh al-Sunna. Several battalions, brigades, and religious figures later joined it., and its creation was announced in 2017 after the start of the Astana negotiations between the Syrian government and the opposition, with Russian, Turkish and Iranian participation. It rejects these negotiations and considers them part of the "conspiracy against the Syrian revolution." Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra) is the most prominent and largest faction that controls the al-Fath al-Mubin Room. The establishment of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham was announced in 2017 after the start of the Astana negotiations between the Syrian government and the opposition, with Russian, Turkish and Iranian participation. It rejects these negotiations and considers them part of the "conspiracy against the Syrian revolution ." The organization did not officially announce the adoption of a clear ideological line, but was keen to emphasize that it is an independent entity that does not represent an extension of previous organizations and factions, and that its formation represents a step in which all names have melted away. The organization places the "overthrow of the Syrian regime" at the top of its priorities, and confirms that it represents a new phase in the stages of the Syrian revolution , in which the page of differences is turned and victories return, and that it came about against the backdrop of what the revolution is going through in terms of "conspiracies that are ravaging it, and internal strife that threatens its existence." Among the most prominent operations led by the organization in 2017 was the battle to control the Al-Manshiya neighborhood in Daraa, and targeting the branches of Military Security and State Security in the Al-Ghouta and Al-Mahta neighborhoods in the city of Homs with two simultaneous attacks. National Liberation Front, part of the Syrian National Army (SNA), is a union between a group of Syrian armed opposition factions in Idlib governorate that was announced in August 2018, alongside the regime's threats to attack the region. The National Liberation Front is a union between a group of armed Syrian opposition factions in Idlib Governorate, and was announced in August 2018, coinciding with the Syrian armys threats to attack this area. The formation includes major factions of the Free Syrian Army in northern Syria, including the " Syrian Liberation Front " and the Free Idlib Army. The Front announced that one of the goals of this formation is "to confront all attempts by the regime to advance towards the liberated areas." The "Syrian Liberation Front" was established in early 2018, and includes several movements, including the "Army of the Free" active in the Idlib region, the "Falcons of the Levant Brigades", the "Damascus Gathering", and the " Nour al-Din al-Zenki Brigades ". The Nour al-Din al-Zenki Brigades is an armed Islamic faction that emerged shortly after the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in 2011 to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad . It is based in the city of Aleppo and its countryside, and combines military and civilian work, but it has not been active since 2019. Ahrar al-Sham Movement / Free Syrian Army: The Ahrar al-Sham movement was announced in 2011, when the Syrian revolution entered the armed conflict phase. It describes itself as a "comprehensive Islamic reformist and renewal movement, and one of the factions included and integrated within the Islamic Front." It says it is a "comprehensive military, political, social, and Islamic formation that aims to overthrow the Assad regime and build an Islamic state." The movement defined its mission as working to liberate the land and the people and build an Islamic society in Syria through institutional work, and it derives its approach and the legitimacy of its existence from Islam. The movement's fighters are active in various Syrian provinces, but its strength is concentrated in the provinces of Idlib and Aleppo in northern Syria, where its strength has emerged in confronting the Syrian army in several locations, such as Taoum, Taftanaz, Jabal al-Zawiya, Saraqib , Ariha, Binnish, and other villages in Idlib. Among the most important battles fought by the movement was the battle of the city of Raqqa in 2013, which was the first city to leave the control of the Syrian army, and the battle of Taftanaz military airport in the Idlib countryside in the same year. Jaysh al-Izza (Army of Glory or Pride Army): Considered part of the "Free Army" opposed to the Syrian regime, it is concentrated in the northern countryside of Hama and is also widespread in Latakia. It was the first faction targeted by Russia at the beginning of its intervention in the Syrian war in 2015. It is part of the opposition " Free Syrian Army ", and is concentrated in the northern Hama countryside. It entered the front lines since the first day of the Syrian army's military campaign in the region. It is also deployed in Latakia, and it was the first faction targeted by Russia at the beginning of its intervention in the Syrian war in 2015. The "Army of Glory" refused to abide by the ceasefire decision on February 27, 2016 between the Syrian army and the opposition forces, due to the targeting of its headquarters by the Syrian army forces, and the continued displacement of Syrians from the region. HTS had tried to push towards a military formation that included most, if not all, military factions in Idlib and its surroundings. Indeed, these efforts made by the local forces, with HTS at its head, seemed to have paid off in early 2022, as a military operations room was established under the name of Fathul Mubeen [Grand Victory] which consisted of the majority of military factions. Ansar al-Islam Hurras al-Din (Syrian al-Qaeda offshoot) Jabhat Ansar al-Din Liwa al-Muqatilin al-Ansar (under the leadership of Abu Malik al-Talli) Tansiqiyat al-Jihad (under the leadership of Abu Abd Ashida) Operation "Do Not Weaken", and the Al-Fath Al-Mubin Operations Room announced its launch against the Syrian army forces and its allies in the southeastern Idlib countryside in 2019, and announced its control over several villages in the first hours, including Ijaz, Sarouj, Istablat, and Rasm Al-Ward. The Al-Fath Al-Mubeen Operations Room (FMOR), an alliance of revolutionary factions active in northwestern Syria, announced that it carried out a series of retaliatory military operations in October against Assad regime forces and their allies. The operations are part of a coordinated response by revolutionary groups to counter the significant buildup of regime forces in the Idlib and Aleppo regions and counter ongoing assaults on civilians by Russian and Iranian-backed troops. FMOR revealed that it had conducted 245 operations over the month of October, striking positions held by regime forces and their allies using various types of heavy weaponry. These operations were strategically directed at military installations across the western countryside of Aleppo, the eastern Idlib region, and northern Latakia in order to degrade the capability and will of Assad forces to attack the people in the liberated areas. FMOR stated that the targeted sites included key regime positions, launch points for suicide drones, and artillery placements. Additionally, engineering fortification mechanisms in the western Aleppo countryside and the eastern Idlib area were subjected to these strikes. The report highlighted that these October operations resulted in the deaths of 11 regime fighters, including two officers Col. Ayham Turkiya and Lt. Ali Mahmoud Ahmad. Furthermore, 15 regime soldiers were reported wounded. FMOR claimed significant material damage, with the destruction of four medium machine guns and two military vehicles during the attacks. Sniper operations were another key component of FMORs offensive strategy. The group reported carrying out 35 sniper operations against regime forces and affiliated militias. These sniper activities were dispersed across key battlefronts, with 10 operations in southern Idlib, nine in eastern Idlib, eight in northern Latakia, six in western Aleppo, and four in northern Hama. The tactical use of sniper fire showcased FMORs efforts to weaken enemy positions and limit their mobility on these active fronts. The report also pointed out that it successfully thwarted an infiltration attempt by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on the Kabashin axis in the western Aleppo countryside. This defensive success demonstrates the readiness to confront various military threats, even from factions outside the Assad regimes direct control. The surge in FMORs military activity coincided with a notable increase in the regime and allied forces operations in northwestern Syria. The Assad regime, supported by Russia and Iran, has amplified its military buildup and intensified attacks, a pattern of violence observers say disproportionately impacts civilians in the liberated territories. In mid-October 2024, the FMOR General Command emphasized its readiness for further escalations, vowing to defend the liberated areas and ensure the protection of civilians. The regime and Iran are practicing continuous aggression against civilians in northern Syria, a spokesperson for FMOR stated. The factions of the Al-Fath Al-Mubin Operations Room will remain prepared and ready for any revolutionary development and entitlement to defend the liberated area, protect it, and preserve its sanctities. Operation " Deterrence of Aggression " was launched on November 27, 2024, and its objectives were announced by Hassan Abdul Ghani, the spokesman for the Al-Fath Al-Mubin Operations Room, who said that it aims to direct a "preemptive strike against the Syrian regime forces", and is the first breach of the contact lines between the two parties in Idlib Governorate since the "Turkish-Russian" ceasefire agreement in March 2020. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Abu Mohammed al-Joulani Ahmed al-Sharaa The United States dropped a $10m reward for the arrest of Syrias new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, after an uprising that toppled President Bashar al-Assad. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf made the announcement on 20 December 2024 after she and other US officials visited the Syrian capital, Damascus, to hold talks with the new Syrian administration. Abu Muhammad al-Julani, a leader in the Joint Operations Administration of the Syrian opposition, announced 05 December 2024 that the armed opposition was able to enter the city of Hama. He also called on Iraq not to allow the Popular Mobilization Forces to intervene in Syria. In a brief video clip published by the factions operations department on the Telegram app, al-Jolani addressed the citys residents, saying, I give you good news that your revolutionary mujahideen brothers have begun entering the city of Hama to cleanse that wound that has persisted in Syria for 40 years. He added, "I ask God Almighty that it be a victory without revenge, but rather a victory full of mercy and love." Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the former al-Qaida affiliate, said in an interview with CNN that his goal was to topple the regime of Bashar al-Assad. In his first sit-down media interview in years, at an undisclosed location in Syria, he spoke about plans to create a government based on institutions and a council chosen by the people. Speaking to CNN, Golani claimed he intended to rebuild Syria and repatriate refugees who fled to Lebanon and Turkey during the decade-long civil war. Jolani said he had gone through episodes of transformation through the years. A person in their twenties will have a different personality than someone in their thirties or forties, and certainly someone in their fifties. This is human nature. In a sign of his attempted rebranding, he also publicly used his real name for the first time Ahmed al-Sharaa instead of the nom de guerre by which he is widely known. Al-Julani urged Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in a video statement 05 December 2024 not to allow the Popular Mobilization Forces to intervene in Syria, warning against escalating tension in the region. Al-Jolani said, "Just as Iraq and Mr. Muhammad Shia al-Sudani succeeded in distancing themselves from the war between Iran and the region recently... we also urge him to distance Iraq from entering the furnace of a new war with what is happening in Syria." He added, "In Syria, there are people who revolted against this regime. We hope and wish that Iraqi politicians, headed by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, will keep Iraq away from entering into such quarrels, and that they will do their duty by preventing the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces from interfering in what is happening in Syria by standing with this vanishing regime." Perhaps surprising was Al-Jolanis statement, a few days after the opposition factions took control of Aleppo, that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham was studying the option of dissolving itself in order to pave the way for integrating civilian and military structures into new institutions that express the broad diversity of Syrian society. This rhetoric was not familiar from the organization classified on the terrorist lists. Contrary to the usual perception of fighters, the man has a good media presence, which has been evident in the few interviews he has conducted. He is a calm and eloquent speaker, which has enabled him to present himself and his messages well recently. However, this image that he appears to have is not new, but has been molded by experiences over more than two decades. Al-Julani had issued an audio statement on September 28, 2014, in which he declared that he would fight the United States and its allies and urged his fighters not to accept Western assistance in their battle against ISIS. However, he backed down from threatening America. In an interview conducted by American journalist Martin Smith with al-Julani in early February 2021, al-Julani said that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham does not pose any threat to the United States of America and that the US administration should remove it from its list of terrorist organizations. He added, We were criticizing some Western policies in the region, but we do not want to launch attacks against Western countries. In the FRONTLINE documentary "The Jihadist" which aired 01 June 2021, veteran FRONTLINE correspondent Martin Smith travelled to Idlib to investigate Jolani's rebranding efforts, becoming the first American journalist to interview Jolani. Smith also tracked down and interviewed his critics and victims. Jolani said he and his current Islamist group are seeking a new relationship with the West. Since Bin Laden in 1998, no senior al Qaeda leader had agreed to a televised interview with a Western reporter. Not much is known about al-Julanis personal life, which he is careful not to share with the media. Abu Mohammad al-Julani, born Ahmed Hussein al-Shara in 1982 [US Government reported Date of Birth as between 1975 and 1979], was a prominent Syrian militant leader. Aliases/Alternative Name Spellings included : Mohamed al-Golani [ = from the Golan Heights], Muhammed al-Jawlani, Abu Mohamed al-Jawlani, Abu Muhammad al-Jawlani, Abu Mohammed al-Julani, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, Abu Muhammad al-Golani, Abu Muhammad Aljawlani, Abu Ashraf, Ahmed Hussein al-Shara, Ahmad Hussain al-Sharaa, al-Sheikh al-Fateh. Contrary to popular belief, not all families with the surname Al-Sharaa in Daraa and Quneitra trace their lineage back to the same origin. Mezzeh, the western suburb where the family of Ahmed al-Sharaa to use his real name moved when he was seven, is associated in the minds of many with the regime. It is where senior officials and wealthy businessmen live, close to the military airport on one side and a sector full of ministries, including the Ministry of Justice. But that was convenient enough for his middle-class family. His father, a petroleum engineer, had been forced to leave the family home in the Golan Heights before he was born, when Israel occupied it in the 1967 Six-Day War. Ahmad al-Sharaas relationship with the regime was intermittent in his early days, before he left for Saudi Arabia, where his son Ahmad was born in 1982. His father is an economist who worked in more than one Arab country as a teacher. The fathr then returned to work in Syria in an administrative position related to the economy, specifically in the Syrian Council of Ministers, until he decided to leave the public sector. After the father's period of work abroad ended, he opened a small grocery store, which he called Al-Sharaa Mini Market, to work in with his two sons, and a real estate agency next door. The store was seized by the regime during the early stages of the war. The agency next door still bears the name Sharaa Real Estate, although it is also closed. Al-Jolani lived in Damascus all his youth, and many know his stories up until the moment he decided to leave Syria for Iraq to join the ranks of Salafi jihadism. By another account he was originally from the countryside of Daraa Governorate in southern Syria, He moved with his family in his early teens to Idlib, where he obtained his high school diploma. Ahmed was a quiet, shy, and never-quite-happy teenager, according to those who knew him. He was an introvert, everyone in the neighborhood agreed. He was an average student, he had nothing exceptional, and he did not hesitate to drop out of Omar bin Abdul Aziz Secondary School, which was close to his familys home, if he had the opportunity to do so with his friends to spend some time in normal youth entertainment. His personality was not exceptional or leadership-oriented, and his orientations were certainly not jihadist. Al-Sharaa enrolled at Damascus University but did not study there. Other accounts relate that he joined the College of Medicine, where he studied human medicine for two years. Al-Jolani himself identified the 2000 Intifada, the Palestinian uprising in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, as the moment that made him determined to take an active role in armed politics. Assad encouraged young people to go to Iraq to get rid of Islamists... but he got the opposite result. Syrian intelligence agencies encouraged young men to go and fight the Americans, potentially killing two birds with one stone: removing Islamists from Syria and constraining US forces and their passion for regime change. It is said that he began going to Aleppo in northern Syria to attend classes and listen to sermons by the preacher Mahmoud Ghoul Aghasi Abu al-Qaqa at the Alaa bin al-Hadrami Mosque in al-Sakhour, Aleppo. Agha is accused of recruiting mujahideen and sending them to Iraq to attack American forces. The young man in his twenties suddenly decided to join the Islamic fighters leaving for Iraq to resist the American occupation. The young man returned from Iraq after about two years and was detained by the Syrian security services for a short period, then released. No one knows how he joined Al-Qaeda in Iraq, nor how his rank developed to become part of the inner circle of its former leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, and then to become one of the closest associates of its current leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and one of his assistants and trusted men. His relationship with Jund al-Sham in Lebanon is also not fully known, as it is said that he was one of their trainers and supervisors. He was the commander-in-chief of Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist militant group active in the Syrian Civil War. Al-Julani's militant activities began in Iraq following the 2003 U.S. invasion, where he joined al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) and became a close associate of its leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. After al-Zarqawi's death in 2006, al-Julani briefly stayed in Lebanon, providing logistical support to the militant group Jund al-Sham, before returning to Iraq. There, he was arrested by U.S. forces and detained at Camp Bucca until his release in 2008. He was Osama al-Absi al-Wahidi according to the fake ID he was carrying when the Americans arrested him Camp Bucca was the Iraqi prison often called the best university for jihad, and a large number of former prisoners who later emerged, including Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the future leader of the Islamic State. It was Baghdadi who sent Jolani to Syria in 2011 to found Jabhat al-Nusra, a new group to take up the jihadist claim to the anti-Assad uprising. Under his leadership, ANF conducted numerous attacks, including the June 2015 massacre of 20 residents in the Druze village of Qalb Lawzeh in Idlib province. In 2011, al-Julani returned to Syria amid the civil war and established the al-Nusra Front (ANF), which became al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria. On 16 May 2013, the US Department of State designated al-Nusrah Front leader Muhammad al-Jawlani as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism. As a result of the designation, all property subject to U.S. jurisdiction in which al-Jawlani had any interest is blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with him or for his benefit. Al-Jawlani was considered the leader of al-Nusrah. He stated in videos that his ultimate goal is the overthrow of the Syrian regime and the institution of Islamist sharia law throughout the country. Al-Jawlani was specifically tasked by al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) to carry out these objectives. Under al-Jawlanis leadership, al-Nusrah Front has carried out multiple suicide attacks throughout Syria. These attacks have been primarily in Damascus but the group has targeted other areas of the country as well. Many of these attacks killed innocent Syrian civilians. Al-Nusrahs claimed operations since the groups December 2012 designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization included a January 26, 2013 suicide attack on a military base in Syrias Quneitra Province, near the Golan Heights; a February 15, 2013 statement claiming responsibility for early February suicide attacks on regime targets in Damascus and the nearby town of al-Shadadi; and a March 20, 2013 statement claiming responsibility for two separate suicide attacks that targeted a bridge and bunker near the city of Homs on March 6, 2013. Baghdadi and al-Julani fell out, in part over the extreme tactics like mass killings and beheadings that Baghdadi favored. Although al-Nusrah Front was formed by AQI in late 2011 as a front for AQIs activities in Syria, al-Jawlani publicly pledged allegiance to Ayman al-Zawahiri, al-Qaidas leader. On December 11, 2012, the State Department amended the designations of AQI as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under the Immigration and Nationality Act and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity under Executive Order 13224 to include al-Nusrah Front as an alias. The violent, sectarian vision of al-Jawlanis al-Nusrah was at odds with the aspirations of the overwhelming majority of the Syrian opposition, who seek a free, democratic, and inclusive Syria and made clear their desire for a government that respects and advances national unity, dignity, human rights, and equal protection under the law regardless of faith, ethnicity, or gender. In July 2016, al-Julani announced that ANF was rebranding as Jabhat Fath al-Sham ("Conquest of the Levant Front") and claimed it had no affiliation with any external entity, signaling a formal split from al-Qaeda. On 28 July 2016, a picture of Al-Jolani - who had been head of the group since 2012 and uses a nom de guerre - was released for the first time. It was posted online by Al-Nusra - just hours before the organisation dumped its official affiliation with Al-Qaeda in a groundbreaking decision. Later, in January 2017, Jabhat Fath al-Sham merged with other groups to form Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), with al-Julani as its leader. On 17 May 2017 the U.S. Department of States Rewards for Justice program announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of Muhammad al-Jawlani. In 2011 al-Jawlani, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, Abu Mohammed al-Julani, and Abu Muhammad al-Golani, established ANF. In 2013, al-Jawlani, as a leader of ANF, pledged the organizations allegiance to al Qaeda and its leadership. In 2016, al-Jawlani claimed that the ANF was changing its name to Jabhat Fath Al Sham, or "Conquest of the Levant Front," which has also been known as Jabhat al-Nusrah, Jabhet al-Nusra, The Victory Front, and al-Nusrah Front for the People of the Levant. The U.S. State Department designated ANF as a foreign terrorist organization under the Immigration and Nationality Act and a specially designated global terrorist entity. In May 2013, al-Jawlani was named a specially designated global terrorist, by the U.S. State Department, blocking all his property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting U.S. persons from dealing with him. On July 24, 2013, the UN Security Council ISIL (Daesh) and al Qaeda Sanctions Committee placed al-Jawlani on its list of sanctioned terrorists, making him subject to an international asset freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo In recent years, al-Julani sought to present a more moderate image of HTS, engaging in public relations efforts and interviews with Western journalists to gain wider acceptance. In a February 2021 interview, he stated that HTS poses no threat to the United States and should be removed from terrorist designation lists. Multiple Russian and Syrian sources claimed 30 November 2024 that Abu Mohammed al-Joulani was killed in a Russian airstrike. The Russians located the terrorist command in Idlib and wiped it out. Syrian sources were convinced that he is dead. A sea of rumors about the killing of "Abu Muhammad al-Julani", the leader of "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham", which was previously known as the Nusra Front, spread over the hours after broadcasting a video of the bombing of a headquarters in Idlib, Syria. The publication by Syrian media of a video of the bombing of the headquarters of the organization in Idlib, where it was said that al-Julani was present, contributed to strengthening the rumors of his death. However, the director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdul Rahman, explained that all this news is baseless. He also added in statements to Al Arabiya/Al Hadath that "several raids targeted multiple locations in Idlib, but they were far from Al-Jolani's headquarters, according to what informed sources reported." An alleged statement, which was falsely attributed to the Hayet Tahrir al-Sham group, reportedly confirmed the death of Ahmed Hussein al-Shara, also referred to as Abu Mohammad al-Julani. A photo circulated on social media, claiming that it shows the body of Abu Muhammad al-Julani, leader of the Hayet Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group which recently carried out the Aleppo offensive. However, CNN reported that it is an edited photo. Misbar, an investigative website, confirmed that the photo is an old one and it doesn't show the body of Abu Mohammad al-Julani. But it shows an ISIS leader killed in Homs countryside in 2015. The photo was published by news outlets and websites affiliated with the Syrian regime, claiming that it belongs to a person nicknamed "Abu Al-Qaqa Al-Tawhidi," who was killed in 2015 during an airstrike carried out by the regime army at the time on ISIS sites in the city of Al-Qaryatayn in the eastern Homs countryside. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Solitudinem fecerunt, pacem appelunt Publius Gaius Cornelius Tacitus Op Deterrence of Aggression - The Road to Damascus The Deterrence of Aggression [AR = Rada al-Adwan, also seen as "Deterring Aggression" and "Aggression Shield" ] battle was launched by the Syrian opposition factions against the Syrian regime forces and the militias supporting it to direct a "preemptive strike against the Syrian regime forces". The fast-moving situation caused astonishment around the world, with regional countries and major powers alike were seemingly unprepared for the abrupt change in Syria. Bashar al-Assad and his family fled to Moscow. The situation in Syria seemed frozen on the ground and politically since the signing of the ceasefire agreement under Russian-Turkish sponsorship in Idlib Governorate in March 2020, which halted the extensive military operations between opposition forces and government forces in northwestern Syria. The government forces had witnessed increasing internal deterioration due to the collapse of the currency, the weakness of the economy, and the spread of corruption and crime. But in the meantime, the Syrian armed opposition has been working to strengthen its military capabilities, transforming its structure into a semi-regular armed force, and improving its level of training. The factions under the "Military Operations Administration" led by the Syrian Ahmed al-Sharaa (nicknamed Abu Muhammad al-Julani) achieved vast field progress in record time. The battles of the Syrian revolution had never been decided with such speed, moving from Idlib to Aleppo, reaching the impregnable Hama and Homs in the blink of an eye, as if they were folding the earth. Syria used to have reliable military forces to make sure the situation remained essentially under control, but economic problems have undermined the country's ability to maintain military strength, which is why the government forces fled or surrendered quickly. Since the outbreak of the latest round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict last year and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as the recent conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, Assad's key allies have all been undermined and are unable to provide enough support to defend the regime, enabling opposition forces to seize the major cities in such a short time. The Iranian press spoke about the possibility of betrayals within the ranks of the Syrian army to explain its retreat in the face of the advance of the armed factions. A key turning point came when Assad lost the support of even those who had stood by him for years. Economic hardships, sanctions, and a growing sense of hopelessness led many to believe that change was inevitable, even if it came at the cost of destruction. The strategic mistake of the ruling elite betting on a military solution to the conflict while ignoring political dialogue, both domestically and internationally ultimately left Assad vulnerable to determined and well-organized adversaries. The Syrian crisis, which began as a standoff between the government and certain opposition groups, evolved into a prolonged conflict fueled by a complex mosaic of local, regional, and international interests. Years of relentless warfare and an unwillingness to seek compromise led to worsening economic inequality, a brain drain of skilled workers, the collapse of state institutions and infrastructure, and the fragmentation and corruption of the political elite. Society, worn down by a lack of prospects, became deeply fractured, and the growing discontent among the population only hastened the weakening of the central government. The opposition fighters who overthrew al-Assad announced a general amnesty for all military personnel conscripted into service under the former ruler. Their lives are safe and no one may assault them, they said in a statement on Telegram. An estimated 20,000 to 50,000 prisoners were freed, but it is believed that as many as 150,000 people were arrested, many of whom remain missing. Syria may fall into long-term turmoil, because different regional armed forces have different goals and demands in the highly complicated Syrian issue. the government cannot withstand the current change, and no power can build up new order or create a new balance of power immediately. For a long time, multiple foreign forces have been supporting Syrian anti-government forces to weaken and fight the Assad regime, with US troops still occupying oil fields and key transportation routes, which have seriously damaged Syria's reconstruction process and economy. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Al-Jalali said the government was ready to "extend its hand" to the opposition and turn its functions over to a transitional government. Ghazi al-Jalali said most cabinet ministers are still working from offices in Damascus to ensure a quick and smooth transition after al-Assads fall. The opposition forces that entered Damascus have said they will work with Jalali. Mohammed al-Bashir, the head of the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) in Idlib, is expected to be selected as the head of Syrias new transitional government. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was the largest single fighting group in operation Deterrence of Aggression, launched by rebels in 2 November 2024. Formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, then Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, it is a group of allied factions, including Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, Liwa al-Haqq, Jabhat Ansar al-Din and Jaysh al-Sunna. At the start of the Syrian war, Jabhat al-Nusra was formed in 2012 by ISIL (ISIS), from which it split a year later and declared allegiance to al-Qaeda. It severed ties with al-Qaeda and joined with other factions to rebrand as HTS in 2017. HTS in effect controlled Idlib and was estimated to have up to 30,000 fighters. HTS would worry about integrating with other opposition groups, in particular the Turkiye-sponsored Syrian National Army, because it was just at the end of 2022 that there were fatal clashes between the two. Those groups have a long history of undercutting each other and mistrust, and its going to be hard to organise them into a cohesive unit. the Kurdish-led and US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), is warry of any experience of being under the rule of a group that is an ally of Turkiye. The Kurds might push for some kind of autonomy or federalism. Germanys Federal Foreign Office acknowledged that HTS will certainly play a role in the future of Syria. Spokesman Sebastian Fischer noted concerns about HTSs past links to al-Qaeda, which it split from in 2017, and alleged antidemocratic practices in its stronghold of Idlib. The group, however, has tried in recent months and years to distance itself from its jihadist origins and also to build up civil structures, he said. How seriously this new direction could be taken would depend on how HTS deals with civilians and, in particular, minorities in the area they now control, Fischer said. Ultimately, HTS must be judged by its actions, he said. Syria had a shattered economy that requires billions of dollars of investment to fix, and there will likely be millions of people returning home from abroad who will need to be reintegrated into Syrian society. There are also many armed fighters, across the different actors, who will need to be incorporated into the countrys security forces. Only an empowered transitional government can address these requirements and, simultaneously, also try to negotiate with foreign actors on Syrian territory to leave the country. Syria has many regions with different powerbrokers, each with its own distinctive circumstances resulting from the war that require tailored approaches by the transitional government. Reconciling the different regional powerbrokers under a coherent national policy is very important for the future stability and success of Syria. On December 11, the cities of Hasakah and Raqqa witnessed an uprising by Arab tribes - who constitute the majority of the population in the two governorates - against the control of the SDF organization, which led to civilian casualties, which increased the state of popular resentment against the organization. Post-Assad - Israel Technically at war with Syria since 1948, Israel views the collapse of Syria as removing a long-standing adversary. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have targeted Syria's arms stockpiles and military installations to eliminate its war potential. Syria was also a critical link for Iran to supply Hezbollah in Lebanon. Syria's disintegration benefits Israel by weakening the Axis of Resistance and reducing external pressure on its policies regarding Palestinian territories. Additionally, Syria's fragmentation has enabled Israel to solidify its control over the Golan Heights, nullify the 1974 ceasefire agreement, and expand its territory by seizing Syria-controlled Golan areas. The Israeli army seized the UN buffer zone adjacent to the occupied Golan Heights in violation of a 50-year agreement with Syria. Israel was capitalising on the fact that there is an atmosphere of chaos and the opening of other fronts in Syria. But this is also a hedge against whatever happens in Syria going forward. The Israelis were happy that al-Assad was gone because that means that Iranian influence in Syria was most likely gone, but they were also concerned by the nature of the HTS government. Israel conducted more than 100 air strikes targeting military sites in Syria on 09 December 2024 alone, a war monitor said. A research centre thought to be involved in the production of chemical weapons was also hit, it said. More than 150 sites, said by Israel to be chemical storage facilities or weapons storehouses, had been struck. Tel Aviv is working to prevent the Syrian army's weapons stockpile from falling into the hands of the armed opposition, for fear that they will be used against it in the future. The future of Syria depended on the extent to which the armed groups within the country can agree on political solutions. Coordination and communication between foreign military troops of the major powers and regional powers like the US, Russia, Iran and Turkey are also important, Post-Assad - Russia Russia and Iran had been the closer allies for Syria, but it is unclear whether that will be the case moving forward. There was a lot of blood and a lot of hatred between the groups because over the years, these two states, Russia and Iran, killed a lot of Syrians. Theyre the ones that basically propped up the Assad regime for the past five to six years. In September 2014, in order ot fight the self-proclaimed "caliphate" of Islamists, the US and allied air forces entered the war, intending to achieve a turning point in favor of the forces loyal to them. Only a year later, Russia joined the conflict, whose goal, on the contrary, was to ensure that the destruction of the "caliphate" would tip the scales in Assad's favor. Between the beginning of the war and the day when the Russian Aerospace Forces launched their first strikes on targets in Syria, four and a half years passed. For four and a half years, the Assad state successfully resisted and won. And in 2024, it fell apart in four and a half days. Boris Rozhin, an analyst at the Centre for Military-Political Journalism, told the Moskovskaya Kommsomelts newspaper that Russia had been stabbed in the back in Syria because Iran had not passed on information about the HTS attack and not committed soldiers to support Assads forces. What happened can be regarded as a betrayal, he said. Western nations, spearheaded by Washington and London, had long expressed dissatisfaction with Moscows growing influence in the region over the past decade. Acting as a key ally of Assad and forging successful relationships with several Middle Eastern states, Russia had emerged as a critical player in this strategically vital area. Moscows achievements in both the military and diplomatic spheres, including its role in conflict resolution and cooperation with nations such as Turkiye, Iran, and Gulf states, deeply unsettled the West. The undermining of the Syrian regime was thus aimed at weakening Russias regional influence, stripping it of a key ally, and potentially ousting its military presence from Syria. Political scientist Andrey Kortunov noted 09 December 2024 in Kommersant " Moscow no longer holds the main trump card in the person of the sole Syrian leader, but still retains several strong cards. Total Russian investments in Syria amount to more than $20 billion. Moscow is one of Damascus's leading trade partners. The Syrian diaspora in Russia is not very numerous, but it is economically very successful and socially active. And in Syria itself, the stable sympathies for Russia, formed back in the distant Soviet times, have not disappeared." Russia's main interest was to preserve the bases in Tartus and Khmeimim, which should be the subject of negotiations with the authorities of the new Syrian state, which was now emerging from the ruins of the old one. Russia's naval and air bases in Syria are crucial resupply hubs for its ambitious strategy of expanding its military influence in Africa. Without these bases, Putin can still operate in Africa but it becomes far more difficult to resupply troops. Russia gained 49-year leases in 2017 to the naval base in the city of Tartus and the airfield at Khmeimim that supplies its African operations. The bases were completely surrounded, with no one allowed in or out, and all transport routes cut off for now. Hmeimim was encircled by militants (which the Russian Foreign Ministry had started calling the opposition). Militants were stationed at checkpoints and even patrol inside the base. Tartus had been abandoned, and ships with military personnel are positioned in the coastal zone. The preliminary agreement for the presence of our contingent is 75 days, after which withdrawal was expected. Russian military bases hosted instructors, advisors, the "African Corps," Ministry of Defense personnel, and special forces. The issue of Russia's military bases in Syria remains unresolved. If guarantees were in place, there would be no attacks on the bases, and Russian forces would have freedom of movement. They could fly out of Hmeimim, but now the option of evacuation by sea is being seriously considered. The city of Baltiysk ordered the Sparta II bulk carrier and the Alexander Shabalin large amphibious assault ship to prepare for departure for Tartus. Three days after the takeover of Damascus, a Russian military convoy was seen moving Northbound on the M1 highway in Jableh, Syria presumably heading to nearby Khmeimim Airbase. Russian forces were fleeing Tartous without HTS escort, in front of stunned French jihadis and under the bullets of Ansar al-Tawhid fighters. The Russians were conducting an emergency dismantling of equipment and military property in the port of Tartus. Several hundred russian special forces have already arrived to ensure the safety of the retreat. If Russia left Syria, the Ministry of Defense's African Korps transport hub would lose access to Africa. Or Russian bases could be used to pressure Russia into peace on terms favorable to Ukraine and the US. Many in the corridors of power are saying that Syria has become a bargaining chip between global powers. It might indeed be a trade-off, but without Russia's involvement. There seemed to be no visible benefits for Russia. According to the well-known Russian propagandist Anastasia Kashevarova, by preliminary agreement the Russians were given 75 days, after which they will have to completely withdraw their contingent from Syria. Post-Assad - Iran Tehran faces the daunting challenge of overhauling its foreign policy, a task that is causing a deep internal crisis. Tensions are rising between reformist forces advocating for dialogue with the West and conservatives who insist that maintaining a hardline approach is the only way to retain influence and control. This divide is further intensified by the anticipated power transition from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to his son Mojtaba Khamenei, which, according to many analysts, could occur as early as 2025. This transition is likely to trigger a new wave of domestic political conflicts. Increasingly, there are fears that the Islamic Republic could face internal fractures, potentially escalating into open conflict between various political and ethnic factions. The new political parties in Syria are likely to distance themselves from Iran in order to improve relations with the West, other Arab nations, and Turkiye. Assads departure undermined Irans image as a guarantor of stability for its allies. Additionally, the weakening of Irans influence in Syria complicated its position in the entire region. Hezbollah, which had relied heavily on Syrian support, was now a lot more vulnerable. And, confident that Tehran no longer has considerable control over the region, Israel increased pressure on Iranian infrastructure in Syria. Iranian media and officials have sought scapegoats for the unfolding catastrophe, and Assad has become the primary target of criticism. In its publications, Pars Today unequivocally places the blame on Assad, stating: Bashar refused to stand to the end, and no one could change the outcome. Even Irans direct appeals had no effect on him because he understood that the army and society (for reasons ranging from betrayal to lack of motivation or corruption) would not support him. It was clear five days ago that resistance would not occur; only the speed of events was surprising. Bashar is not an ideologically driven leader like Yahya Sinwar, capable of holding out to the bitter end. For him, it was safe enough to leave Damascus." Iran faced a serious challenge in maintaining its influence in Syria. Tehran hopes to preserve its strategic relations with Damascus, even if the opposition comes to power. However, Iranian officials are skeptical about the new Syrian authorities, who might reconsider Syrias traditionally close ties with Iran. For decades, Syria has been a key player in Irans Middle East strategy, serving as an important ally in the Axis of Resistance. Through Syria, Iran has supported Hezbollah in Lebanon and pursued its geopolitical ambitions. However, the rise to power of the opposition forces many of them backed by the West, Turkiye, and the Gulf monarchies could jeopardize this cooperation model. Ettelaat newspaper published an article by Mohammad Ali Mohtadi titled Will Irans turn come after Syria? in its 11 December 2024 issue, in which the author believes that there is a large and well-thought-out conspiracy by the United States, Israel, and perhaps some countries in the region, with the aim of working to collapse the axis of resistance and bring about geopolitical changes in the region. If this conspiracy succeeds, the Islamic Republic will be the next immediate target on the list. Ahmad Naderi, a member of parliament and university professor who had previously criticized Irans lack of intervention in recent events in Syria, said 08 December 2024 that Irans strategy after the fall of Bashar al-Assad should be toward testing the nuclear bomb. Naderi considered that Bashar al-Assads trust in the Gulf states, especially the UAE, was a mistake, and stressed that Irans strategy from now on should be based on two points: first, reviving the wounded resistance front, and second, testing the nuclear bomb. Iran's Axis of Resistance may collapse, but the country remains a critical regional player. Tehran's strategy of building an "axis of resistance" suffered disintegration and dissolution. This regional network of armed groups and allies, long supported by Iran, has taken a major hit. Assad has been a key linchpin in Irans regional strategy, providing vital geographic links and bolstering its influence against Israel through the Hezbollah group in southern Lebanon. Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, had previously referred to Syria as the golden link in the chain of resistance. Therefore, the loss of Assad in Syria not only disrupts this chain, but also undermines Hezbollahs position, reducing Irans deterrent power throughout the region. The losses suffered by Hezbollah dealt yet another blow to Iran. The Lebanese organization, long regarded as one of Tehrans key instruments in its struggle against Israel, now finds itself isolated and weakened. The loss of arms supply routes and the destruction of its logistical chains have cast doubt on its combat readiness. The organization was now forced to reconsider its strategies, and its capacity to conduct effective military operations has been significantly curtailed. The Kurdish forces - the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - who enjoyed American backing, seized the Bo Kamal crossing on the border with Iraq. From Iran's perspective, this was a real defeat, since thid crossing was an important component of the supply chain of the "Iranian axis," through which fighters, weapons, and money passed to pro-Iranian forces in Syria as well as to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Tehran leveled accusations against the Ukrainian government. Ibrahim Rezaei, the spokesperson for the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, claimed that Ukraine is supporting armed opposition groups in Syria by supplying them with drones. He noted that terrorists in Syria are better equipped than in the past because of drones supplied by the Ukrainian government. Rezaei asserted that the Ukrainian government must be held accountable for this situation. While Kiev has yet to respond to these allegations, the intense anti-Iranian rhetoric coming from certain media outlets closely affiliated with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky suggests that there may be some truth to Irans claims. In September, major Turkish media sources reported that Ukraines Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) had established contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadists. The media was surprised that Ukraine was willing to engage in dialogue with rebels engaged in terrorist activities against civilians. In support of this claim, the media presented photographic evidence showing a Ukrainian HUR official conversing with an HTS agent. Iran also claimed to possess credible evidence indicating that representatives of the Kiev regime had trained HTS militants to operate drones and were involved in illegal arms trade. Tehran asserted that the HUR not only offered technical support to the militants but also trained them in the use of drones for combat purposes. Iran planned to leverage its economic, cultural, and religious ties to strengthen its foothold in Syria. Tehran may offer new forms of cooperation focused on infrastructure development and post-conflict reconstruction to maintain its influence. However, Iranian experts believe that the new Syrian leadership will be cautious about cooperating with Iran, and will aim to avoid dependency on any single power. The future of Iran-Syria relations in this new reality remains uncertain. Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami reaffirmed 15 December 2024 supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khameneis recent statement that Syria will eventually be freed from occupation through the efforts of its youth. Major General Salami said foreign powers are tearing Syria apart, likening them to "hungry wolves," with Zionists present in the South and other forces active in the North and East of the country. The Zionists are so entrenched that they can observe families in Damascus with the naked eye; this is unacceptable. As our Leader has emphasized, Syria will be liberated by its resilient and skilled youth, by the grace of God, he stated. General Salami referred to Ayatollah Khameneis remarks earlier in the week, where the Supreme Leader predicted that Syrian youth would rise, resist, and ultimately overcome their current circumstances, much like the youth of Iraq. The occupied areas of Syria will undoubtedly be liberated by the determined Syrian youth. There should be no doubt about this, the Leader said, adding, The United States influence in the region will also come to an end. By Gods will and power, the resistance front will expel them from the region. Salami also highlighted that the Zionists would face significant repercussions for their actions in Syria. They will pay dearly and will ultimately be buried in this land, but achieving this will take time, he remarked. The IRGC commander clarified that Iranian military advisors were deployed to Syria to uphold dignity rather than pursue territorial or political ambitions. Iran was the first to assist Syria after foreign-backed riots erupted in 2011. By 2017, Syrian forces, supported by Iran and Russia, achieved a decisive victory over the Daesh terrorist group. Post-Assad - Houthis The Houthi militia in Yemen appeared to be facing a sensitive and challenging phase. The military and security movements carried out by the group in areas under its control indicate growing concern about the spread of the popular uprisings or the escalation of regional pressures on it. The Houthi leadership is working to strengthen its security and political grip in Sanaa and the strategic governorates, anticipating sudden changes that may threaten its influence. The Iranian decline at the regional level, whether due to international sanctions or diplomatic pressure, could push Tehran to abandon the Houthis as it did previously with other allies, which would deepen the state of apprehension within the group. Post-Assad - Turkey Joe Truzman reported 15 December 2024 that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham had reportedly closed some military camps belonging to Palestinian armed groups in Syria. Also, groups operating in the Yarmouk camp had to give up their weapons. Among the groups affected are present said that the meeting included the following factions: the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Islamic Jihad Movement, the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front, the General Command, and the Saiqa. In addition to one of the leaders of the Military Operations Administration that took control of Damascus. The Fatah and Hamas movements did not attend. HTS was not happy with Palestinian groups who allied themselves with Assad's regime. Hamas may have an opportunity to form a relationship with HTS since the group opposed Bashar al-Assad's bombing of Syria during the civil war. The disagreement led to a split between Hamas and Assad up until recent years when Hezbollah spearheaded mediation efforts between both actors. Syria became a home for Palestinian terrorist groups, including their leaders. Moreover, groups such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad built infrastructure there, including a branch called "The Martyr Ali al-Aswad Brigade" that sent fighters to southern Lebanon to fight alongside Hezbollah during the recent war with Israel. Rumors circulated about handing over some Palestinian sites outside the camps in Qusaya and Sultan Yacoub in the Bekaa to the Lebanese army. However, the military official of the General Command in Lebanon, Abu Rateb, denied this information and considered them rumors that have no connection to the truth. Post-Assad - Turkey Ankara aims to maintain control over northern Syria, bordering Turkiye, where the US-backed Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), designated as terrorists by Turkey, currently operate. Syria's fragmentation posed a threat to Turkiye due to the Kurdish aspiration for an independent state, which threatens Turkiye's national security and territorial integrity. Approximately 30 million Kurds live in the mountainous regions of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkiye. The local Kurds, who are supervised by the US, would like to leave the Syrian state project or consolidate their autonomy. Not allowing this is Turkey's main goal, and it is looking after the forces that have brought down the defense of now former President Bashar al-Assad. Russia's withdrawal from Syria would give Turkey an opportunity to become a player in the European energy market by constructing a pipeline to Europe. Proposed by Qatar in 2009, the $10 billion, 1,500-kilometer QatarTurkiye pipeline was designed to transport gas from Qatars vast South Pars/North Dome field to Europe via Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Turkish distribution terminals. Assad refused to sign a proposed agreement with Qatar in 2009. This agreement would have enabled the pipeline to bypass Russia, supplying Europe directly. Taking Manbij from the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) had always been on Turkiyes agenda. Turkish drones gave air support to the SNA (Syrian National Army) factions that fought SDF in the city. The reason Turkiye targets the SDF is it believes the Peoples Protection Units (YPG), a Kurdish militia that leads the SDF, is the Syria branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), against which Turkiye fought a 40-year war. Turkiye believes the organisation aims to establish an independent state, taking territory from Turkiye. The SNA factions that took Manbij say their next target will be Raqqa, where the SDF [is also in control]. Turkiye wants the SDF on the eastern side of the Euphrates River. Post-Assad - Kurds The commander-in-chief of the SDF, Mazlum Abdi, officially declares the readiness of the pro-Kurdish administration to cooperate with the new authorities in Damascus, confirming the presence of contacts through the same United States and at the same time criticizing Assad. According to some estimates, Deir ez-Zor holds 70% of Syrian oil reserves and a major gas field. It is linked via a pipeline to Syria's other fossil fuel deposits in Al-Hasakah and Homs. In the province of Deir ez-Zor, fighting continued 11 December 2024 between the Kurdish "Syrian Democratic Forces" (SDF) and associations led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Syrian National Army (SNA). The militants of the pro-HTS "Department of Military Operations" completely took control of the city of Deir ez-Zor and the military airport located there. The Kurds did not resist and withdrew to the opposite bank of the Euphrates. In the Kurdish media, the retreat from the territories previously taken (actually transferred by the Syrian Armed Forces who fled from there) was explained by some agreements with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terrorists, concluded with the mediation of the Americans. Against the background of the ongoing clashes, there was a split in the ranks of the "Military Council of Deir ez-Zor" the American-backed Arab formation within the "Syrian Democratic Forces" responsible for this province. Some of the fighters, led by commander Abu al-Haris al-Shaaiti, deserted and joined the "legitimate opposition" and "progressive jihadists," some remained loyal to the leadership of the SDF. US was working to prevent resurgence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria [ISIS] in Syria. By 2014, ISIS had gathered enough strength to spill over the Syrian border into Iraq. ISIS captured huge swaths of territory and declared the formation of its so-called caliphate. By 2019 the Kurds were detaining over 10,000 ISIS fighters and families. By 2022 more than 42400 foreigners accused of Islamic State (ISIS) links remained abandoned by their countries in camps and prisons in northeast Syria. But by late 2024 ISIS detention facilities were under threat in several areas and ISIS prisoners were being moved to higher-security prisons, the US-backed SDF commander told CNN 11 December 2024. He also said the SDF had to suspend anti-ISIS operations amid attacks from Turkish-backed groups. "With the increasing threats that faced the city of Manbij, we relocated ISIS detainees from the prisons there to other, more secure detention facilities, Gen Mazloum Abdi told CNN. Detention centers in both Raqqa and Hasakah are facing similar threats". Despite the disappearance of ISIS (a terrorist organization banned in Russia) from the media, the group's cells continue to operate in the Syrian desert and had carried out a number of attacks on the SDF in Deir ez-Zor province. Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the Former Leader of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and now Leader of the Syrian Transitional Government, said 15 December 2024 in a Message to the Kurds; that the Kurdish People are part of the Syrian Homeland, and that he and the incoming Government will do everything they can to return the Afrin and other Areas in the North under the control of Turkish Forces, back to the Kurds. Captagon Cartel The new Syrian authorities took control of military bases and distribution centers for amphetamine-based stimulants that have flooded the black market across the Middle East, and vowed to destroy them. Captagon has turned Syria into the worlds largest drug-reliant narcostate, and become Syrias largest export, surpassing all of its legal exports combined. Syria - which the US Office of Foreign Assets Control described as a world leader in the production of Captagon - was producing 80% of this narcotic substance. What actors will replace Syria for Captagon production? How long will this take? What happens in the meantime [a lot of cranky customers desperate for crank, aka chemical courage?] Over the past years, global and regional ports have turned into crime scenes due to the flow of Captagon drug coming from Syria, which has become, according to reports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, one of the largest producers of the drug in the world. Captagon production was banned and subject to international control, and today it is produced, illegally, from amphetamine. Captagon networks around the world have made huge profits from sales estimated by the British government at $57 billion, and Syria has been a major center for the industry. While it is difficult to estimate the amount of money the Syrian regime is making, a statistic by the Newlines Institute for Studies in Washington put the value of Captagon seizures at about $5.7 billion. The convergence of the threads of the complex Captagon network at the hands of Syrian businessman Taher al-Kayali, and the flow of the drug seized from Latakia, revealed a connection between Maher al-Assad, commander of the Syrian armys Fourth Division, and the presidents brother, according to Cecilia Anesi, founder of the Investigative Journalism Project in Italy. The exact number of small Captagon laboratories in Syria is not known, but investigative reports indicate that there were at least 15 large factories producing Captagon, in addition to other narcotic drugs, according to the COAR Research Center in Cyprus. The main production sites are concentrated in Homs Governorate and in the town of Al-Bassa, a remote area in Latakia Governorate, and another factory is run by the Fourth Division, according to the same center. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov expressed gratitude to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his commitment to expand ties with the Russian Federation 30.11.2024 Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov said that the ratification of the North Korean-Russian Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership confirms the interest of the two countries in the integrated development of allied relations. 'The ratification of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our countries confirms the bilateral interest in the integrated development of allied relations. We are grateful for the commitment to the course of expanding ties with Russia,' said Andrei Belousov during the talks with President of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK Kim Jong Un. At the same time, he emphasised that 'today North Korea is one of the few countries that pursues an absolutely independent foreign policy. Undoubtedly, Kim Jong Un, this is solely your merit,' said the Russian Defence Minister. He conveyed to the DPRK leader 'friendly greetings and best wishes from Russian President Vladimir Putin.' The Russian Defence Minister stressed that history of the two countries' combat brotherhood spans almost eight decades. Andrei Belousov noted that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries 'were strengthened during the liberation of Korea in 1945, in the battles of the Korean War of 1950-1953'. 'Next year, Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War and the liberation of Korea from Japanese occupation,' said the Russian Defence Minister. Russia expects a positive decision on the invitation to send a unit of the DPRK armed forces to Moscow to take part in the military parade on Red Square on 9 May. The Russian military leader said he was honoured to meet the DPRK leader in person. 'I thank you for the traditionally warm welcome given to the Russian delegation,' said Andrei Belousov. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MoD inks contract worth 1207 Cr with Cochin Shipyard Limited for Short Refit and Dry Docking of INS Vikramaditya India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 30 NOV 2024 4:47PM by PIB Delhi The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited on 30th Nov 2024 for Short Refit and Dry Docking (SRDD) of INS Vikramaditya at an overall cost of Rs. 1207.5 Cr. INS Vikramaditya is an Indian Aircraft Carrier commissioned in the Indian Navy in November 2013. After completion of the Refit, INS Vikramaditya will join the active fleet of the Indian Navy with upgraded combat capability. This project is an important step towards development of Cochin Shipyard Limited as Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Hub for supporting the industrial ecosystem of India. The project envisages the involvement of nearly 50 MSMEs and would lead to employment generation for more than 3500 personnel. The Project will provide a major boost to Government of India's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiative. ******* VK/SR/Anand (Release ID: 2079380) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address INDIAN ARMY AND SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES CONCLUDE JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE "AGNI WARRIOR - 2024" India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 30 NOV 2024 3:39PM by PIB Delhi The 13th edition of Joint Military Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (XAW-2024), a bilateral exercise between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces, concluded at Field Firing Ranges, Devlali (Maharashtra) on 30th November 2024. The three-day exercise conducted from 28th to 30th November 2024, witnessed participation by the Singapore Armed Forces contingent comprising 182 personnel from the Singapore Artillery and the Indian Army contingent comprising 114 personnel from the Regiment of Artillery. The aim of XAW-2024 was to maximise mutual understanding of drills and procedures to achieve jointness as a multinational force under the United Nations Charter. The exercise showcased joint firepower planning, execution and use of New Generation Equipment by the Artillery of both Armies. The event was witnessed by Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar, Director General of Artillery, Lieutenant General NS Sarna, Commandant, School of Artillery, and Colonel Ong Chiou Perng, Chief Artillery Officer, Singapore Armed Forces. The dignitaries appreciated the participating troops for displaying high levels of professional acumen and expertise. The Exercise involved extensive joint preparation, coordination, understanding of each other's capabilities, procedures and evolution of common interface between Indian and Singapore Artillery procedures. It marked the culmination of successful training by Singapore Armed Forces troops exposing them to intricacies of Fire Power planning. Both sides utilised niche technologies during the exercise and exchanged best practices as part of the joint training. ________________SC (Release ID: 2079355) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India's top court weighs in on mosque-temple controversy By Shaikh Azizur Rahman December 01, 2024 A trial court's order that triggered violence this week, leaving six Muslims dead, should be taken to the Uttar Pradesh state's highest court, India's Supreme Court said Friday. The Supreme Court also asked the trial court not to proceed with the order against Shahi Jama Masjid, a 16th century mosque, until the Allahabad High Court acts on the lawsuit that the mosque will likely file shortly. A trial court, acting on a petition by some Hindu groups, on November 19 ordered a survey team to inspect the mosque in Sambhal. In the petition, the Hindu groups claimed that the mosque was built in 1526 at the site of a Hindu temple demolished by the Muslim Mughal emperor Babur. Former Indian Supreme Court Justice Madan Lokur said to VOA in an email that the court order for the inspection of the mosque was "a clear violation of the Places of Worship Act, 1991," referring to a law that froze the status of all religious places of worship as they were on August 15, 1947, the date of India's independence, and prohibits their conversion to any other religion. "I'm quite shocked that the (Sambhal) court even took 'cognizance of the case' [actively considering the matter]. The damage caused by the court taking cognizance can have a long-term effect," Lokur told the VOA. "Instead of directing the case to the High Court, the Supreme Court itself should have entertained the appeal against the order anticipating an escalation of cases. There is an urgent need to avoid even the slightest delay, otherwise cases will keep multiplying causing great damage to the polity." A 'hasty' order? Muslims have been using the Shahi Jama Masjid Mosque in Sambhal for almost 500 years. In recent years, some right-wing Hindu groups began claiming that Babur, founder of the 16th-century Mughal Empire, destroyed the Harihar Temple and used the rubble to build the mosque. A survey by experts could lead to the discovery of the ruins of the ancient temple, the groups said. After the Hindu groups filed the petition on November 19, the local court in Sambhal ordered a survey of the functioning mosque's premises. In an unusually quick response, a team of experts from the Uttar Pradesh state authorities inspected the site of the mosque on the same day, apparently looking for the ruins of any Hindu temple. When the team returned to the mosque on a second visit on November 24, allegedly not notifying mosque authorities in advance, local Muslims tried to resist them. Violence erupted as the police tried to disperse the Muslim protesters. At one point the police allegedly opened fire, killing six Muslims and injuring many others. Supreme Court lawyer Balraj Singh Malik said the judge at the court in Sambhal acted "in a haste" when ordering the survey, leading to the six deaths. "In the case of such a sensitive matter, the court should have given the respondents a chance to speak before passing an order. The due course of law was not followed, and instead an immediate order was issued," Malik told VOA. A stubborn problem For decades, Hindu right-wing groups have claimed that many mosques and Islamic shrines in the country were built after razing "thousands" of Hindu temples during the period of the Muslim rulers. The groups launched a campaign insisting that "one by one" they would reclaim the lands where, according to them, the ancient temples had stood. A year after the 1991 act protecting places of worship came into force, a Hindu mob pulled down the 16th-century Babri Masjid mosque in the Indian city of Ayodhya, triggering communal violence that killed around 2,000 people across the country. Hindu groups claimed that the mosque stood where the Hindu deity Ram had been born. In 2019, the Supreme Court awarded the land where Babri Masjid had stood to Hindus and said that in the future the Places of Worship Act would be strictly enforced and no such Hindu claim against any mosque would be entertained by any court. Yet, over the past few years, right-wing Hindu groups have filed hundreds of petitions with courts across the country seeking control of many mosques and other Islamic structures claiming that they stood on the sites of razed Hindu temples. Professor and social activist Apoorvanand said that while the deaths in Sambhal are concerning, it is more worrying that Indian courts are "too willing" to initiate processes aimed at turning sacred Islamic sites into disputed structures. "Across India, courts are admitting petitions claiming that Islamic places of worship were earlier Hindu ones," the Delhi University professor, who goes by only his first name, told VOA in an email. "The violence at Sambhal also shows that the civil and police administration work as the coercive arms of the Hindutva bodies. They criminalize protests by Muslims and are not shy of firing on them at the first instance," he added. Former chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission, Zafarul-Islam Khan told VOA that old monuments like ancient mosques are "easy targets" for Hindu nationalist forces because such sites usually do not have any documents from when they were first built. "The Hindutva party, too, does not possess any papers or historical evidence. So, they demand a 'survey' of any particular mosque and such surveys are done by people sympathetic towards them, eager to support the Hindutva claim," he said, adding that the Hindu Nationalist groups have prepared a list of 3,000 such mosques, which means that such anti-Muslim cases may continue for years. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Araghchi 30 November 2024 17:41 2335-30-11-2024 On November 30, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Araghchi at the latter's initiative. During the conversation, the ministers expressed utmost concern over the dangerous escalation in Syria due to a terrorist assault by armed groups in the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib, and reaffirmed strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. The Ministers agreed on the need to intensify joint efforts so as to stabilise the situation in Syria and to comprehensively address the situation within the Astana format. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia: Statement by the High Representative on the new sentencing of political prisoner Alexei Gorinov European External Action Service (EEAS) 30.11.2024 EEAS Press Team On Friday, a military court in the city of Vladimir, western Russia, sentenced the political prisoner Alexei Gorinov, a former opposition municipal deputy in the Krasnoselsky district of Moscow, to a new additional sentence of three years in prison for "justifying terrorism," after he allegedly exchanged views on Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine with his cellmates. This sham trial highlights yet again Russia's continuous efforts to suppress freedom of expression and peaceful dissent. Alexei Gorinov has been arbitrarily detained since April 2022 for his public anti-war stance on Russia's aggression against Ukraine. In prison, he continues to be inhumanly treated and denied necessary medical care, despite having a severe lung condition. This results in further health deterioration and amounts to torture. The latest court decision is politically motivated and unacceptable. Russian authorities must stop the repression and release Alexei Gorinov and all other political prisoners in Russia immediately and unconditionally. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia 'urgently' seeks to boost ties with Iran before Trump's return: Report Iran Press TV Saturday, 30 November 2024 8:57 AM Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is "urgently" looking to strengthen ties with Iran before US President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House, according to a report. The New York-headquartered news agency, Bloomberg, citing people with knowledge of the kingdom's moves, said bin Salman had made an "offer of increased trade" to Iranian officials in recent weeks in the hope of ratcheting down tension with the West. The offer would build on a March 2023 Chinese-brokered rapprochement between the two countries as Tehran and Riyadh are pushing to forge closer ties amid escalated tensions in the region, Bloomberg added. The news agency said it was unclear what bin Salman had offered to Iran, but a person who worked on the 2023 detente between the two sides said trade could initially focus on products in the food and medical sectors that would not breach European and US sanctions against Tehran. The news agency pointed to Trump's victory in the US election earlier in the month and the prospect of a renewal of the West Asia policies introduced in his first term, which may include his maximum pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic. The Saudi crown prince was said to have sent National Security Adviser Musaad al-Aiban to Washington last month for talks before President Joe Biden leaves office in January. "The Saudis see the dual-channel approach of closer ties with both Washington and Tehran as vital geopolitically, though it could leave the kingdom in an awkward spot," the news agency said. "Prince Mohammed's top priority is his trillion-dollar plan to diversify the kingdom's economy away from oil. The agenda, known as Vision 2030, relies on peace as well as foreign investment to help fund its ambitious mega-projects." Speaking at the annual investment conference in Riyadh late October, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said his primary mandate was to protect Vision 2030 and further its advancement. Bloomberg also touched on the Iranian officials' concerns that Saudi trade and investment pledges under what was known as the Beijing Agreement had not materialized. China, which is the biggest buyer of oil from both countries, has been urging Riyadh and Tehran to buttress their rapprochement, said Dina Esfandiary, senior adviser for the Middle East and North Africa at the International Crisis Group. "It's a pretty simple, noncontroversial way for Riyadh to demonstrate its commitment to the new dialogue with Tehran," she said. Reports said a Saudi-Chinese-Iranian committee following up on the accord held a second meeting in Riyadh on November 19, reaffirming commitment to the pact. In a statement, the parties touted the nearly 140,000 Iranian pilgrims that have visited the Islamic holy sites in Saudi Arabia this year as a sign of closer ties, along with things like the Iranian exhibition in Riyadh. Iran and Saudi Arabia resumed relations following a seven-year hiatus under a Beijing-mediated deal in March 2023, which saw the two sides re-open diplomatic missions. As part of a joint statement issued by the two sides, Tehran and Riyadh highlighted the need to respect each others' national sovereignty and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of one another. They also agreed to implement a security cooperation agreement signed in April 2001 and another accord reached in May 1998 to boost economic, commercial, investment, technical, scientific, cultural, sports, and youth affairs cooperation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address American-Zionist plot in Syria aims to destabilize West Asia, Iran FM warns Iran Press TV Saturday, 30 November 2024 5:22 PM Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the resurgence of Takfiri terrorism in northern Syria is part of an American-Israeli project that aims to spread insecurity in the West Asia region. In a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday, Araghchi said the international community bears responsibility for combating the vicious scourge of terrorism. He added that Iran, Russia and regional countries, particularly Syria's neighboring states, must maintain vigilance and improve coordination to "thwart this dangerous plot and counter terrorists' measures in Syria." The Russian foreign minister, for his part, briefed his Iranian counterpart on his assessment of the latest developments in Syria. Lavrov called on all sides to take more coordinated steps to combat terrorism and urged close consultations between Tehran and Moscow. The top Iranian and Russian diplomats reaffirmed their countries' firm support for Syria's national sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the Arab country's government and army in their fight against terrorist groups. Araghchi and Lavrov stressed the importance of pursuing the issue within the framework of the Astana talks and emphasized that Iran, Russia and Turkey are required to hold more coordination as the guarantors of the Astana peace process. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allied terrorist factions advanced into sections of Syria's second-largest city of Aleppo on Friday, seizing areas including al-Hamdaniyah, al-Furqan, and al-Zahraa after two days of heavy clashes, according to local sources. However, Syrian forces quickly launched counter-operations to repel them. The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitor, said Russian warplanes had launched raids on areas of Aleppo city for the first time since 2016 to stop terrorist advances. Local media said on Saturday that the Syrian Army forces continue to repel attacks by foreign-backed terrorist groups in the country's northwestern areas. The Syrian military, backed by Russian air power, launched retaliatory strikes against terrorist positions on the outskirts of Aleppo and the eastern countryside of Idlib. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian army says preparing for major counteroffensive against terrorists in Aleppo Iran Press TV Saturday, 30 November 2024 4:46 PM The Syrian military says its forces have undertaken a redeployment operation in the northwestern city of Aleppo as part of preparations for a major counteroffensive against foreign-sponsored Takfiri terrorists who have launched a surprise offensive on government-held positions. "The large numbers of terrorists and the multiplicity of battlefronts prompted our armed forces to carry out a redeployment operation aimed at strengthening the defense lines in order to absorb the attack, preserve the lives of civilians and soldiers, and prepare for a counterattack," the army said in a statement on Saturday. The statement added that Takfiri militants had not been able to establish fixed positions in Aleppo city due to the army's continued bombardment of their positions. The army promised to "expel them and restore the control of the state ... over the entire city and its countryside." The Syrian military had earlier stated it had inflicted heavy losses on foreign-backed terrorists led by the Hay'at Tahrir al-Shams (HTS) Takfiri group in the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib over the previous few days. According to three military sources cited by the Reuters news agency, Syrian authorities closed Aleppo airport and canceled all flights on Saturday. The pro-government al-Watan daily newspaper reported airstrikes on the edge of Aleppo city targeting the supply lines of terrorists. It posted a video of a missile landing on a gathering of militants and vehicles, in a street lined with trees and buildings. Twenty militants were killed in the airstrikes, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Aleppo residents also reported fierce clashes between terrorists and government forces. Some fled the fighting to save their lives. While bakeries were open on Saturday, schools and government offices were closed, according to Sham FM radio station, as most people stayed indoors. HTS-led terrorists carried out a surprise assault in the Aleppo and Idlib countryside on Wednesday and overran a number of villages and towns before entering Aleppo on Friday. On Friday, Syrian state television said Russia was providing the Arab nation's military with air support. Syria has been gripped by foreign-sponsored militancy since March 2011, with Damascus saying the Western states and their regional allies are aiding terrorist groups to wreak havoc in the Arab country. Terror outfits are seeking to hinder the Syrian government's efforts aimed at consolidating security and stability in the country, which is also under the Israeli regime's regular aggression. Israel has been the principal supporter of terrorist groups that oppose the democratically-elected government of President Bashar al-Assad since the foreign-backed militancy erupted in Syria in March 2011. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns terrorist attack on its consulate in Syria Iran Press TV Saturday, 30 November 2024 4:17 PM Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has strongly condemned an attack by armed terrorist groups on the Islamic Republic's consulate building in Syria's northwestern city of Aleppo, stressing that Tehran will take legal action against the assault. Baghaei made the remarks in a statement on Saturday, after Iran said that "terrorist elements" had attacked its consulate in Aleppo during an offensive in the area, following the resurgence of Takfiri terrorism in the Arab country. He further denounced as "unacceptable" any violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), which prohibits such attacks against diplomatic premises and representatives. The top Iranian diplomat further noted that all consulate staff members were safe and in good health. The Takfiri terrorists led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a large-scale attack in Aleppo and Idlib provinces in the northwest of Syria on Wednesday, seizing several areas, according to reports. Since then, the Syrian government forces have been engaged in fierce clashes with the terrorists to regain ground. Syria has been gripped by foreign-sponsored militancy since March 2011, with Damascus saying the Western states and their regional allies are aiding terrorist groups to wreak havoc in the Arab country. Israel has been the principal supporter of terrorist groups that oppose the government of President Bashar al-Assad since the foreign-backed militancy erupted in Syria in March 2011. The onslaught on Aleppo marking the resurgence of Takfiri terrorism came just after Israel submitted to a ceasefire in its war on Lebanon where Hezbollah put up fierce resistance to Israeli troops trying to occupy pockets of the country's south. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian forces target Takfiri terrorists amid fierce battle for Aleppo Iran Press TV Saturday, 30 November 2024 11:27 AM The Syrian Army forces continue to repel attacks by foreign-backed terrorist groups in the country's northwestern areas, especially second largest city of Aleppo. Local media said on Saturday that the Syrian military, backed by Russian air power, launched retaliatory strikes against terrorist positions on the outskirts of Aleppo and the eastern countryside of Idlib. Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television network cited Syrian sources as saying that there was a "cautious calm" in the axes of Aleppo after Takfiri terrorists entered the western neighborhoods of the city, with the Syrian warplanes continuing to target them. "Armed terrorist groups have spread across about 60% of the area of Aleppo," the television network said. "They are imposing a curfew on residents in their areas of deployment until further notice. The Syrian army has redeployed towards Aleppo airport to protect the city from destruction." Al-Mayadeen said residents of Nubl and Zahraa in the northern countryside of Aleppo had evacuated the towns before the entry of the foreign-backed terrorists. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allied terrorist factions advanced into sections of Aleppo on Friday, seizing areas including al-Hamdaniyah, al-Furqan, and al-Zahraa after two days of heavy clashes, according to local sources. However, Syrian forces quickly launched counter-operations to repel them. The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitor, said Russian warplanes had launched raids on areas of Aleppo city for the first time since 2016 to stop terrorist advances. State media reported that four civilians were killed when HTS shelled a student residence in Aleppo. Last month, Russian and Syrian warplanes carried out raids on the HTS positions in the Idlib and Latakia countrysides in Syria, targeting the terrorists' training sites and warehouses, in addition to an underground tunnel in the vicinity of the town of Benin in Jabal al-Zawiya. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, formerly known as the Nusra Front, is considered a terrorist organization by Syria, Russia, and several other countries. Syria has been gripped by foreign-sponsored militancy since March 2011, with Damascus saying the Western states and their regional allies are aiding terrorist groups to wreak havoc in the Arab country. The onslaught on Aleppo marking the resurgence of Takfiri terrorism came just after Israel submitted to a ceasefire in its war on Lebanon where Hezbollah put up fierce up resistance to Israeli troops trying to occupy pockets of the country's south. Israeli aircraft bombed sites along Syria's border with Lebanon, the Israeli military said Saturday, testing a fragile, days-old ceasefire that halted months of fighting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Warplanes Bomb Aleppo Rebels; Iran Says Consulate Attacked By RFE/RL's Russian Service and RFE/RL's Radio Farda November 30, 2024 Russian warplanes have joined Syrian air forces to bomb Islamist-led rebels who had taken much of the northwestern city of Aleppo in the biggest challenge to President Bashar al-Assad's rule in the battle-torn Middle East nation in several years. Iran, meanwhile, said on November 30 that the rebels had attacked its consulate in Aleppo, calling it "aggression by terrorist elements," although it said there were no injuries and provided few details about the incident. The Russian and Iranian foreign ministers expressed support for longtime ally Syria, according to Iranian state media, which quoted Iran's Abbas Araqchi as telling Russia's Sergei Lavrov in a call that the attacks were part of an Israeli-U.S. plan to destabilize the region. The air strikes came a day after Islamists and their Turkish-backed allies breached Syria's Aleppo in a surprise offensive against forces of the Assad government. Reports on the ground said the rebels had captured much of the city, although details remained sketchy. The Syrian military confirmed that rebels had entered Aleppo. It did not confirm the air attacks, but Russia's Defense Ministry said its air force carried out strikes on the rebels. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on November 29 that Russia regarded the rebels' actions as a violation of Syria's sovereignty. "We are in favor of the Syrian authorities bringing order to the area and restoring constitutional order as soon as possible," he said. Reuters quoted two Syrian military sources as saying that Russian and Syrian warplanes had targeted rebel sites in an Aleppo suburb on November 30. The sources said the Kremlin has promised Syria extra military aid, expected to arrive within two to three days. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said the fighters, led by the Islamist extremist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) movement, took control of "half of the city of Aleppo," forcing government forces to pull back. HTS in the past has had links to the Al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS) extremist groups, although many leaders reportedly split off from those organizations. It was formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusrah and the Al-Nusrah Front, which was Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria and has been deemed a terrorist organization by the UN and the United States. In May 2018, the U.S. State Department added HTS to the Al-Nusrah Front's existing December 2012 designation as a foreign terrorist organization. The rebels' offensive began on November 27, prompting the Syrian military to close all main roads in and out of the city. Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that the armed rebels had been preparing for the operation since September, but Turkey had so far prevented it from taking place. The Aleppo violence breaks a pause in the Syrian civil war, which has been mainly quiet over the past four years. The conflict involved the Assad government backed by Moscow and Tehran against Syrian-Kurdish rebels supported by the United States, while Turkey aided separate rebel groups. The U.S. military still has a number of troops deployed in Kurdish-held areas of Syria. Terror organizations, including Islamic State, also were involved in fighting. Russia, Turkey, and Iran signed an agreement in 2019 to freeze the conflict at then current positions. The Syrian Observatory said at least 16 civilians were killed on November 30 when an air strike, likely carried out by Russian warplanes, hit Aleppo. It said the attack "targeted civilian vehicles" at an intersection, leaving an additional 20 people wounded. This incident brings the total number of fatalities in the city over the past four days to 327. The British-based observatory compiles its information from battlefield sources and has been influential throughout the Syrian civil war. Syria's army command acknowledged that rebels had entered Aleppo. Rebels had previously controlled the city before being driven out by Russia-backed forces eight years ago. "The large numbers of terrorists and the multiplicity of battlefronts prompted our armed forces to carry out a redeployment operation aimed at strengthening the defense lines in order to absorb the attack, preserve the lives of civilians and soldiers, and prepare for a counterattack," the Syrian Army said. The fighting comes amid fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Israeli forces in Gaza are battling extremists from Hamas - deemed a terrorist organization by the United States and the EU - and a cease-fire hangs in the balance in Lebanon, where Israel has struck the leadership of Hezbollah, also designated a terrorist group by Washington. The EU blacklists Hezbollah's military arm but not its political wing. Israeli attacks have also taken place against Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen. With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-iran-syria-turkey- aleppo-rebels-assad/33221677.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rapid collapse of Syrian forces around Aleppo stuns many By Edward Yeranian November 30, 2024 The rapid collapse of Syrian government forces inside and around the country's second-largest city, Aleppo, has caught many observers by surprise and is causing a domino effect on many parts of the country. Rebel fighters, who oppose Syrian President Bashar Assad and include those from the terrorist Jabhat al Nusra group, fired weapons Saturday inside Syria's northern "economic capital" of Aleppo after the withdrawal of government forces from the city. Amateur video showed rebel fighters in control of Aleppo's central Saadallah Jabari Square, in addition to Aleppo University and the city's provincial government headquarters. Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV reported that Syrian government forces also withdrew from Aleppo's civilian and military airports. Abu Dhabi-based Sky News Arabia showed amateur video of rebels apparently in control of the military airport. Britain-based Syrian analyst Rami Abdulrahman, of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told Arab media that Iranian forces and their proxy militia allies have withdrawn from many positions in and around Aleppo. Abdulrahman said that Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces withdrew from the region after a drone attacked them and their allies, including Hezbollah and Iraqi Shiite militia fighters, who pulled out alongside them. Arab media reported that the entire region between Aleppo and the rebel-controlled province of Idlib had fallen and that large towns south of Aleppo on the main Aleppo-Damascus highway, including Saraqib and Maarat al-Numan, also were captured. It was not clear if other large Syrian cities would fall, but Joshua Landis, who heads the Middle East studies program at the University of Oklahoma, told VOA that all eyes are now on Hama, which is Syria's fourth-largest city. Landis said he believes it is possible the capital of Damascus may fall, because government supporters are dispirited and have lost the will to fight. Despite Turkish government denials, Landis says the entire operation has "Turkish fingerprints written all over it," since "all the arms and food and money that enter Idlib come from Turkey." "I'm sure Turkey wanted to give Assad a slap in the face and bring him to the [negotiating] table," Landis said, "but it's clearly set off dominoes that I don't think anyone expected [to fall]." Landis said there are several reasons for Assad's weakness, including Israel's "pulling the stuffing out of [his ally] Hezbollah" and the "relentless Israeli pounding of Syrian government positions" and those of their allies inside the country since the outset of the Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023. Syrian analysts also told Arab media that the Iran-Syria axis "has been weakened since the road from Tehran to Beirut is no longer open and arms are no longer able to reach Iran's proxy militia allies. In addition, Syrian ally Russia "has its hands tied at the moment because of its conflict with Ukraine." Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan denied that his government had any responsibility in the Syrian rebel onslaught on Aleppo. "Turkey is playing an increasing role in trying to achieve peace in the region." Russian forces reportedly pulled out of several strategic positions in the region overnight, but Russian and Syrian warplanes bombed rebel forces in Aleppo and other parts of the region, causing numerous rebel casualties, according to the Syrian military. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by NSC Spokesperson Sean Savett on Syria November 30, 2024 We are closely monitoring the situation in Syria and have been in contact over the last 48 hours with regional capitals. The Assad regime's ongoing refusal to engage in the political process outlined in UNSCR 2254, and its reliance on Russia and Iran, created the conditions now unfolding, including the collapse of Assad regime lines in northwest Syria. At the same time, the United States has nothing to do with this offensive, which is led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a designated terrorist organization. The United States, together with its partners and allies, urge de-escalation, protection of civilians and minority groups, and a serious and credible political process that can end this civil war once and for all with a political settlement consistent with UNSCR 2254. We will also continue to fully defend and protect U.S. personnel and U.S. military positions, which remain essential to ensuring that ISIS can never again resurge in Syria. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM arrives in Syria to deliver Tehran's message of 'firm support' in battle against terrorism Iran Press TV Sunday, 01 December 2024 3:37 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in the Syrian capital Damascus to reaffirm Tehran's firm support for Damascus amid a surprise offensive by foreign-backed Takfiri terrorist groups in the Arab country. Heading a delegation, Araghchi arrived in Damascus on Sunday to deliver Tehran's message to the Syrian government. Speaking to reporters before his departure, the Iranian foreign minister said, "Today I am leaving for Damascus to convey the Islamic Republic's message to the Syrian government. We firmly support the Syrian army and government." He added that Iran makes no distinction between the Israeli regime and the Takfiri terrorists. "We believe that following the Israeli regime's failures, the enemy is trying to implement its sinister goals of spreading insecurity in the region via these same terrorist groups," the top Iranian diplomat emphasized. Araghchi said the Syrian army, like in the past, will achieve a victory in the face of these terrorist groups. Earlier on Sunday, the Iranian foreign minister said foreign-backed Takfiri terrorist groups are doomed to failure in the face of resistance forces defending the region. He added that West Asia is witnessing new conspiracies every day, and today it is the presence of Takfiri terrorist groups that are moving in the same direction with the US and Israel. During his stay in Damascus, the Iranian foreign minister plans to hold talks with Syrian authorities on bilateral relations and regional developments. The resurgence of terrorists in Syria and ways to battle them, anti-terror fight and support for the Syrian government and nation as well as peace and stability in the country are among key topics of the talks. In a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday, Araghchi said the resurgence of Takfiri terrorism in northern Syria is part of an American-Israeli project that aims to spread insecurity in the West Asia region. He added that Iran, Russia and regional countries, particularly Syria's neighboring states, must maintain vigilance and improve coordination to "thwart this dangerous plot and counter terrorists' measures in Syria." Terror outfits led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allied terrorist factions launched on Friday their largest assault in Syria in years and took control of parts of the country's second-biggest city, Aleppo, and advanced southward toward the city of Hama. However, the Syrian army announced later that it thwarted the large-scale terrorist operations through a preemptive strike. Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011, with Western countries and their regional allies aiding terrorist groups that are wreaking havoc in the Arab country. The new terrorist assault led the Syrian army to target the positions held by the militants, with President Basher al-Assad vowing to defend the country's stability and territorial integrity. HTS is known to have allied with the Israeli regime in its efforts to target Syria's counterterrorism push. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian, Russian warplanes bomb terrorists' positions in Idlib Iran Press TV Sunday, 01 December 2024 2:45 PM Russian and Syrian warplanes have struck militant positions in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib to repel an offensive by foreign-sponsored Takfiri terrorists, as government forces are pressing ahead with their counteroffensive. The Syrian army and Russia targeted the hideouts of terrorist groups in Idlib on Sunday, as they intensified bombing of militant-held areas in northwest Syria near the border with Turkey to push back the militant offensive for the second day. The Syrian army also said it had recaptured several towns that had been overrun in recent days by the terrorists. This came after the Syrian army began a counterattack on positions held by the militants in the southeast of Idlib on Thursday, regaining control over Jobas village and forcing the militants to leave the villages of Dadikh and Kafr Battikh, east of Idlib. Meanwhile, Syrian troops are now regrouping and reinforcements are also being sent to Aleppo to help in the counteroffensive against the foreign-sponsored Takfiri terrorists after they swept into the city on Friday, according to army sources. The terrorists led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a large-scale attack in Aleppo and Idlib provinces in the northwest of Syria on Wednesday, seizing several areas. Since then, the Syrian government forces have been engaged in fierce clashes with the terrorists to regain ground. Syria has been gripped by foreign-sponsored militancy since March 2011, with Damascus saying the Western states and their regional allies are aiding terrorist groups to wreak havoc in the Arab country. The Syrian army has said it had inflicted heavy losses on the terrorists who had attacked a wide front, adding that it was cooperating with Russia and "friendly forces" to regain ground. Russia, alongside Iran, has assisted Syrian forces in battles across the conflict-plagued country, mainly by providing aerial support to ground operations against foreign-backed terrorists. Israel has been the principal supporter of terrorist groups that oppose the government of President Bashar al-Assad since the foreign-backed militancy erupted in Syria in March 2011. The onslaught on Aleppo marking the resurgence of Takfiri terrorism came just after Israel submitted to a ceasefire in its war on Lebanon where Hezbollah put up fierce resistance to Israeli troops trying to occupy pockets of the country's south. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nearly 1000 foreign-backed terrorists killed in northern Syria over past 3 days: Reports Iran Press TV Sunday, 01 December 2024 10:43 AM Nearly a thousand foreign-backed Takfiri terrorists, led by members of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham terrorist group, have been killed in Syria's northwestern provinces of Aleppo and Idlib in the past three days, as government forces are pressing ahead with their counter-terrorism operations. According to Syrian media outlets, the terrorists have been killed by Syrian troops with Russian air support. This came as the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria had announced the elimination of at least 300 militants in Aleppo and Idlib, in coordination with the Syrian army. Syria's official news agency SANA, citing a military source, also reported that army units operating in the northern country of the west-central province of Hama strengthened their defense lines last night with various firepower assets. "Our forces managed to fight off terror outfits, preventing them from achieving any breakthroughs," the news outlet said, noting that Syrian army forces managed to successfully restore control over several areas after expelling terrorists, most notably Qalaat al-Madiq town and the village of Ma'ardas. Additionally, the Syrian military, backed by Russian air support, struck terrorist bastions in the villages of Hazarin and al-Rakaya in the southern countryside of Idlib province. Airstrikes also targeted the positions of HTS Takfiri terrorists near Khan Shaykhun town in southern Idlib as well as Morek town in the northern countryside of Hama. Syrian military forces recaptured the town of Halfaya, located about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) northwest of Hama, as well. Moreover, Syrian army troops and allied forces liberated the town of Taybat al-Imam, the village of Khirbet al-Hijama, and Suran city in the northern Hama countryside. HTS-led terrorists carried out a surprise assault in the Aleppo and Idlib countryside on Wednesday and overran a number of villages and towns before entering Aleppo on Friday. Syria has been gripped by foreign-sponsored militancy since March 2011, with Damascus saying the Western states and their regional allies are aiding terrorist groups to wreak havoc in the Arab country. Terror outfits are seeking to hinder the Syrian government's efforts aimed at consolidating security and stability in the country, which is also under the Israeli regime's regular aggression. Israel has been the principal supporter of terrorist groups that oppose the democratically-elected government of President Bashar al-Assad since the foreign-backed militancy erupted in Syria in March 2011. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria rejects allegations of withdrawing from northern city Iran Press TV Sunday, 01 December 2024 2:44 AM Syria dismisses allegations of the country's forces withdrawal from the northern city of Hama in the face of foreign-backed Takfiri terrorists, considering such claims to be part of a "media war" aimed at tarnishing Damascus' ongoing and successful counterterrorism efforts. In a statement on Saturday, the Syrian defense ministry said the forces were positioned on the city's northern and eastern countryside, asserting, "Towns near Hama have not been entered." It, therefore, urged citizens "not to believe rumors published by opposition media." Video footage emerging from the battlefields also showed Syrian soldiers confirming their ongoing deployment in the city. The General Command of the Syrian Army, meanwhile, described allegations to the contrary as a "coordinated media war aimed at undermining the morale of our people and our valiant army." "Our valiant army remains steadfast, strong, and committed to its duty of defending the homeland and its people against all forms of terrorism and its supporters." In another statement, the General Command likewise reaffirmed the forces' steadfastness in their underway efforts to push back against the Takfiris. It said the soldiers had engaged in redeployment across a vast array of northern areas in preparation for a counteroffensive aimed at fending off a large-scale attack by the terrorists. The measure was taken towards "reinforcing defensive lines to absorb the attack, preserve the lives of civilians and soldiers, and prepare for a counterattack," it said. The forces would, meanwhile, "await the completion of military reinforcements and their deployment across combat axes in preparation for the counteroffensive," the statement pointed out. It noted that the terrorists engaged in the attack numbered thousands and were deploying heavy weaponry and large drone squadrons, adding that their attacks had claimed the lives of dozens of Syrian soldiers. "However, they (the terrorists) were unable to establish fixed positions due to the ongoing concentrated and powerful strikes by our armed forces," the statement said. Earlier this week, members of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Takfiri terrorist group were reported to have overrun many government-controlled areas and killed dozens of Syrian soldiers in the Arab country's north. Later, though, it was also reported that the Syrian army had thwarted large-scale terrorist operations in the Aleppo Province through a preemptive strike. The General Command cited the Russian Coordination Center in Syria as saying that the army and its allied Russian air forces had killed as many as 300 terrorists over the past 24 hours after eliminating 600 of them throughout the two preceding days. 'Israel in alliance with Takfiris' The statement reminded that the HTS's recent attack on the northern areas came amid intense Israeli aerial assaults against Syria, referring to the terror outfit's alliance with the Israeli regime and Tel Aviv's efforts at targeting Syria's all-out counterterrorism push. Citing a notable instance of the two sides' alliance, the General Command referred to the HTS' "explicitly thanking Israel for its assassination of [the Lebanese resistance movement] Hezbollah's leaders earlier this year." The Syrian Social Nationalist Party also confirmed ongoing cooperation between Tel Aviv and the Takfiris, saying, "The terrorist groups are operating under the orders of the occupation forces." It described the Israeli regime's efforts at enabling resurgence of Takfiri terrorism in Syria as the regime's attempt at making up for its debilitating losses in the face of the regional resistance movements that have put up a successful fight in the face of Tel Aviv's deadly aggression throughout the region, including in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. "It has become evident that the failure of the project to undermine the resistance has driven the enemy to seek compensation on the Syrian front, which is integrally linked to the fronts of southern Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank." The party, however, said it "considers that this scheme will face the same fate as the aggression on Gaza and Lebanon." "What is happening reveals that the position of the Syrian state in support of the resistance continues to unsettle the enemies of the nation and weakens plans for division and colonization." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A Statement by the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, On the recent escalation of hostilities in Aleppo UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Damascus, 1 December 2024, I am gravely alarmed and concerned over the recent escalation of hostilities in Aleppo which started on 27 November. These attacks have resulted in the tragic loss of innocent civilian lives, including women and children, damage to civilian infrastructure and the suspension of critical services. This recent escalation of hostilities is coming at a time when countless people, many of whom have already endured the trauma of displacement, are now forced to flee once more, leaving behind their homes and livelihoods. We urge all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and prioritize the protection of civilians including the safety of aid workers. The people of Syria must not endure more suffering, and we urge dialogue to be given an opportunity. The Syrian crisis continues to be one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. Prior to the influx of more than half a million returnees and refugees from Lebanon since September, there were more than 16.7 million persons in need of humanitarian assistance. This latest violence adds even more lives that now need to be urgently saved. The humanitarian community remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering lifesaving assistance to the affected communities. The Humanitarian Country Team in Syria is resolute in its determination to stay and to deliver vital humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the affected Syrian people. We call for strict adherence to International Humanitarian and Human Rights laws. For more information: Joseph Ingangi - Head of Office | OCHA Syria - Damascus E-mail: inganji@un.org Sevim Turkmani - Public Information Officer | OCHA Syria - Damascus E-mail: sevim.turkmani@un.org 1 December 2024 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US approves $385 million in weapons sales to Taiwan Iran Press TV Saturday, 30 November 2024 10:26 AM The United States has agreed with the sales of US-made weapons to Taiwan despite Beijing's opposition to Washington's continued militarization of the island. The Pentagon said the US State Department had approved the potential sale of spare parts for F-16 jets and radars to Chinese Taipei for an estimated $385 million. The sale consists of $320 million in spare parts and support for the American Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters and Active Electronically Scanned Array Radars and related equipment, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. The Pentagon said another $65 million will be for upgraded mobile subscriber equipment and support. It added that the principal contractor for the $65 million sale is US-based arms manufacturer General Dynamics. "We expect the sales to take effect within a month and that the equipment will help maintain the F-16 fleet's readiness and build up a credible defense force," Taiwan's defense ministry said in a statement. Last month, China condemned the US's planned weapons sales to Chinese Taipei. Beijing vowed to take countermeasures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Western aggression. China sees Taiwan as an inseparable part of the country, frowning upon any arms sales arms to the island. It has held two rounds of military drills this year. A third exercise is expected to be held during Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's Pacific tour this week. Lai leaves for Hawaii on Saturday on what is officially a stopover on the way to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau. He will also stop over in Guam. Both Hawaii and Guam belong to the US and feature major military bases. The internationally accepted "One China" principle opposes any officials' foreign interactions or diplomatic visits by Taipei officials to world countries, particularly the United States. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on the US Approval of Arms Sales Worth US$385 Million to China's Taiwan Region Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: December 01, 2024 11:00 Q: On November 30, the US Department of Defense announced that the Department of State has approved US$385 million worth of arms sales to Taiwan. What's China's comment? A: The US arms sales to China's Taiwan region seriously violate the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982 and China's sovereignty and security interests. The sales are a severe breach of the international law, send a gravely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and are detrimental to China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The decision to sell arms to Taiwan is simply inconsistent with US leaders' commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence." China deplores and firmly opposes it and has lodged serious protests to the US. We call on the US to immediately stop arming Taiwan and stop abetting and supporting "Taiwan independence" separatist forces in seeking "Taiwan independence" by building up its military. China will take strong and resolute countermeasures to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Leader of China's Taiwan Region Lai Ching-te's "Stopover" in the US Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: December 01, 2024 11:00 Q: It is reported that leader of China's Taiwan region Lai Ching-te has begun his trip to so-called "diplomatic allies" in the Pacific, and he has arrived in Hawaii for a "stopover." What is your comment? A: China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between the US and the Taiwan region, firmly opposes any trip by leader of the Taiwan authorities to the US in any name or under whatever pretext, and firmly opposes any form of US connivance or support for "Taiwan independence" separatists and their separatist activities. China strongly condemns the US's arranging for Lai Ching-te's "stopover" and has lodged serious protests with the US. The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations. We urge the US to fully see the separatist nature of Lai Ching-te and the DPP authorities, fully understand the grave damage that "Taiwan independence" separatist activities do to cross-Strait peace and stability, fully abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, act on the commitments made by US leaders such as not supporting "Taiwan independence," stop having official interaction with the Taiwan region, and stop sending any wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. China will closely follow the developments and take resolute and strong measures to defend our nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2024/12/01 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Saturday to Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1 2.PLA activities: 9 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels, and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US dismisses Russia's warning to South Korea about supplying arms to Ukraine By Young Gyo Kim November 27, 2024 The United States has dismissed Russia's warning that it will take every measure necessary if South Korea provides lethal weapons to Ukraine. Patrick Ryder, press secretary for the Department of Defense, said Tuesday that "it's a little bit of gaslighting there," when asked during a press briefing about Russia warning South Korea against providing weapons to Ukraine. "Russia obviously invaded Ukraine," Ryder said. "They could end this war today by withdrawing their troops from Ukrainian territory and restoring peace and stability to the region." Gaslighting refers to a situation where an aggressor tries to manipulate others into questioning their own judgment. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller made similar remarks on Monday during a press briefing, stressing that Russia is entirely responsible for the deployment of North Korean soldiers in Russia. "It is Russia and Russia alone that is responsible for the very real security concerns that South Korea and the United States and Japan and any number of other countries have about the movement of DPRK troops to join the fight in Russia against Ukraine," Miller said. DPRK is the short form of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the official name of North Korea. Russia's warning On Sunday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said in an interview with the country's state news agency TASS that "Seoul must realize that the possible use of South Korean weapons to kill Russia citizens will fully destroy relations between our countries." Rudenko continued, saying, "We will respond in every way that we find necessary." In response, the South Korean government condemned the deepening military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang and said it would take "phased countermeasures" against the two countries' cooperation. "We will watch closely how Russia and North Korea develop their military cooperation, and we will continue to take a step-by-step approach based on that development," said Koo Byung-sam, spokesperson for South Korea's Unification Ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs, leaving open the possibility of arms support for Ukraine. U.S. experts say Russia is anxious to persuade South Korea not to support Ukraine. Bruce Bennett, a senior defense analyst at the Rand Corporation, told VOA Korean Service on Tuesday by phone that Russia is trying to coerce South Korea with saber-rattling. "Rudenko is claiming that [Russia] is going to give technologies to North Korea, but the Russians have been already doing it," Bennett said. "He could be claiming that there's going to be a war on the Korean Peninsula, but does Russia have any ground forces that can support such a thing? The Russians really don't have extra military forces." Bruce Bechtol, a former intelligence officer at the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency and now a professor at Angelo University in Texas, said Russians are very wary of South Korean weapons coming into Ukraine, adding that it could help reverse Russia's advancement in its war against Ukraine. South Korean arms "are on par with the kind of arms that the United States makes," Bechtol told VOA Korean Tuesday on the phone. "So, the stuff that they're going to send the Ukrainians, whatever that may be, that's going to help the Ukrainians in their fight against the Russians." North Korea's involvement South Korea has been mulling supplying weapons directly to Ukraine amid reports that North Korean soldiers are now engaged alongside Russian forces in battles against Ukrainian troops. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol suggested in a November 7 press conference that the government could provide weapons to Ukraine, depending on the degree that North Korean troops participate in the war between Russia and Ukraine. "If the North Korean military gains experience in modern warfare, it can be a fatal problem for our national security," Yoon said. "We need to change the way we provide [to Ukraine] in stages depending on the degree of involvement of the North Korean military. "We do not rule out weapons support," he said, adding that defensive rather than offensive weapons would be considered first. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have been escalating in recent years, as North Korea has been ceaselessly ramping up its nuclear and missile capabilities, making provocative threats against the neighboring South. In the meantime, a Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met Yoon at the presidential office in Seoul on Wednesday. Although details of the meeting were not disclosed, it is widely believed that the delegation from Ukraine has requested weapons. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian attacks hammer Ukraine's energy infrastructure By VOA News November 28, 2024 Russian drones and missiles pounded Ukrainian energy infrastructure Thursday, cutting off power to more than 1 million people across the country, Ukrainian authorities said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of a "despicable escalation," saying it had used cruise missiles with cluster munitions. The attack marks Russia's second big attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this month. Officials said it was the 11th major strike on Ukraine's energy system since March. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow launched the attack in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory with U.S. medium-range ATACMS missiles. Putin also said Russia's future targets could include "decision-making centers" in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. Ukraine called on the international community to respond to Putin's threats to target government centers in Kyiv. "We expect those countries that have urged everyone to avert the expansion of the war to react to the statements voiced by Putin today," Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said. In addition to the more than 1 million people who lost power in the aftermath of the strikes, millions more had their existing schedule of rolling power cuts escalated. The Ukrainian air force said Russia used 91 missiles and 97 drones in the assault. The air force said 12 of those hit their targets, the majority of which were energy and fuel facilities. All missiles or drones aimed at Kyiv were brought down, officials said. "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 defense] cover," the air force said in a statement. In the Lviv region, 523,000 subscribers lost electricity, regional head Maksym Kozytsky said on social media. The region, in the western part of the country, borders Poland. Directly north of the Lviv region, 215,000 customers lost power in the region of Volyn, and 280,000 lost power in the neighboring Rivne region, their governors said. "Energy infrastructure is once again targeted by the enemy's massive strike," Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko wrote on Facebook. Ukrenergo, the national electrical grid operator, introduced emergency power cuts amid the attack, Galushchenko said. Officials told Reuters that several nuclear power units were disconnected from the network during the attacks. Private power company DTEK said the power cuts impacted Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions. Some regional officials said water service was also affected by the airstrikes. 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, The Associated Press reported. The three-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine is looming, and Russian ground forces are advancing at their fastest pace in two years. On Thursday, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry urged its partners to accelerate the delivery of military aid, saying that 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 mobilized, and we think the first priority is to send quicker, faster military aid," Tykhyi, the spokesperson for Ukraine's foreign ministry, told reporters in Kyiv. The statement comes one day after a senior U.S. official said Wednesday that Ukraine should consider lowering the age of military service for its soldiers from 25 years old to 18 in order to replace those lost on the battlefield. On Thursday, the Ukrainian president's chief of staff Andriy Yermak said Ukraine is ready to host a second global summit aimed at ending Russia's invasion in the "nearest future," according to local media. Kyiv hosted its first "peace summit" in June in Switzerland. Russia was not invited. Speaking in Kazakhstan on Thursday, Putin said there were no preconditions to start talks with Ukraine on a possible peace deal, but that terms he set out in June for the deal remained the same. In June, Putin said Russia would end the war only if Kyiv agreed to drop its NATO ambitions and hand over four entire Ukrainian provinces claimed by Moscow. Kyiv rejected those demands as amounting to surrender. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin threatens Kyiv with new hypersonic cruise missile By VOA News November 29, 2024 Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday threatened to strike "decision-making centers in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, with Russia's new Oreshnik hypersonic cruise missiles, after pounding Ukrainian energy infrastructure and cutting off power to more than one million people across the country. "We do not rule out the use of Oreshnik against the military, military-industrial or decision-making centers, including in Kyiv," Putin told a news conference in the Kasakh capital, Astana. He said he launched Thursday's drone and missile attack against Ukraine's energy infrastructure in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory with U.S. medium-range ATACMS missiles. The attack marked Russia's second big attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this month. Officials said it was the 11th major strike on Ukraine's energy system since March. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of a "despicable escalation," saying it had used cruise missiles with cluster munitions. The attack marks Russia's second big attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this month. Officials said it was the 11th major strike on Ukraine's energy system since March. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow launched the attack in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory with U.S. medium-range ATACMS missiles. Putin also said Russia's future targets could include "decision-making centers" in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. Ukraine called on the international community to respond to Putin's threats to target government centers in Kyiv. "We expect those countries that have urged everyone to avert the expansion of the war to react to the statements voiced by Putin today," Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said. In addition to the more than 1 million people who lost power in the aftermath of the strikes, millions more had their existing schedule of rolling power cuts escalated. The Ukrainian air force said Russia used 91 missiles and 97 drones in the assault. The air force said 12 of those hit their targets, the majority of which were energy and fuel facilities. All missiles or drones aimed at Kyiv were brought down, officials said. "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 defense] cover," the air force said in a statement. In the Lviv region, 523,000 subscribers lost electricity, regional head Maksym Kozytsky said on social media. The region, in the western part of the country, borders Poland. Directly north of the Lviv region, 215,000 customers lost power in the region of Volyn, and 280,000 lost power in the neighboring Rivne region, their governors said. "Energy infrastructure is once again targeted by the enemy's massive strike," Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko wrote on Facebook. Ukrenergo, the national electrical grid operator, introduced emergency power cuts amid the attack, Galushchenko said. Officials told Reuters that several nuclear power units were disconnected from the network during the attacks. Private power company DTEK said the power cuts impacted Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions. Some regional officials said water service was also affected by the airstrikes. 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, The Associated Press reported. The three-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine is looming, and Russian ground forces are advancing at their fastest pace in two years. On Thursday, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry urged its partners to accelerate the delivery of military aid, saying that 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 mobilized, and we think the first priority is to send quicker, faster military aid," Tykhyi, the spokesperson for Ukraine's foreign ministry, told reporters in Kyiv. The statement comes one day after a senior U.S. official said Wednesday that Ukraine should consider lowering the age of military service for its soldiers from 25 years old to 18 in order to replace those lost on the battlefield. On Thursday, the Ukrainian president's chief of staff Andriy Yermak said Ukraine is ready to host a second global summit aimed at ending Russia's invasion in the "nearest future," according to local media. Kyiv hosted its first "peace summit" in June in Switzerland. Russia was not invited. Speaking in Kazakhstan on Thursday, Putin said there were no preconditions to start talks with Ukraine on a possible peace deal, but that terms he set out in June for the deal remained the same. In June, Putin said Russia would end the war only if Kyiv agreed to drop its NATO ambitions and hand over four entire Ukrainian provinces claimed by Moscow. Kyiv rejected those demands as amounting to surrender. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Has Sought Orban's Take On Ukraine War, Sources Tell RFE/RL By RFE/RL's Hungarian Service November 30, 2024 U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has held multiple phone conversations with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban since winning the November 5 presidential election, according to sources who spoke to RFE/RL's Hungarian Service. Hungarian government sources said Trump has sought Orban's opinion on ending the Ukraine war, which has continued to drag on since Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022. On the campaign trail, Trump criticized the billions of dollars that the United States has poured into Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion. He has also said he could end the war within 24 hours of retaking the White House, a statement that has been interpreted as meaning that Ukraine would have to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. Orban, who has maintained friendly ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump, has been critical of EU aid for Ukraine and has obstructed the bloc's sanctions regime against Moscow. Preparations are reportedly under way for Orban to take a second crack at a peace mission in December to bookend Hungary's rotating EU presidency after his first attempt in July when Budapest's tenure started. In a move criticized by several EU leaders, Orban traveled to Moscow to meet Putin in July after a trip to Kyiv with a mystery cease-fire proposal for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. He then traveled to China and finally the United States to meet Trump, who was then on the presidential campaign trail. Details of a potential peace mission in December are not clear, but sources suggested to RFE/RL's Hungarian Service that it may involve delivering Trump's messages to Zelenskiy, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-orban-ukraine-russia-war- hungary/33221630.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian President Says NATO Membership Can End 'Hot Phase' Of War By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service November 30, 2024 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says being admitted into NATO could end what he described as the "hot phase of the war" waged by Russia. In an interview with Sky News aired on November 29, Zelenskiy suggested that he would be willing to consider a cease-fire if Ukraine's unoccupied territories fell under NATO's protection, as long as the invitation to join the alliance recognized Ukraine's international borders. Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and has been occupying 20 percent of Ukrainian territory since launching its full-scale invasion in February 2022. "If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we need to take under the NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control," Zelenskiy said, adding that the occupied eastern parts of the country could then be taken back "in a diplomatic way." This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the billions of dollars that the United States has poured into Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion. Trump has also said he could end the war within 24 hours of retaking the White House, a statement that has been interpreted as meaning that Ukraine would have to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. Earlier this week, Trump named Keith Kellogg, a retired army lieutenant general who has long served as a top adviser to Trump on defense issues, as his nominee to be special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg has advocated telling the Ukrainians that if they don't come to the negotiating table, U.S. support would dry up, while telling Russian President Vladimir Putin that if he doesn't come to the table, the United States would give the Ukrainians "everything they need to kill you in the field." For the past several months, Russia has been battering Ukrainian cities with increasingly heavy drone, missile, and glide-bomb strikes, causing casualties and damaging energy infrastructure as the cold season settles in. Earlier this month, a senior UN official, Rosemary DiCarlo, warned that Moscow's targeting of Ukraine's energy infrastructure could make this winter the "harshest since the start of the war" nearly three years ago. Ukraine has launched several counterattacks since the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden, the top foreign supporter of Ukraine in its battle against Russia's full-scale invasion, and Kyiv's European allies authorized the use of long-range missiles against targets inside Russia. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia- nato-ceasefire/33221395.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (30 November 2024) 30.11.2024 The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region. The units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of 21st, 41st, 44th, 47th mechanised brigades, the 17th Heavy Mechanised Brigade, the 5th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, 95th air assault brigades, the 36th Marine Brigade, 112th, 116th, 117th, and 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Leonidovka, Martynovka, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novoivanovka, Plyokhovo, and Sverdlikovo. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the enemy near Aleksandriya, Guyevo, Daryino, Kazachya Loknya, Kruglenkoye, Kubatkin, Lebedevka, Martynovka, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novoivanovka, Plyokhovo, Sverdlikovo, Basovka, Belovody, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Loknya (Sumy region). Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses were more than 250 troops, two tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured fighting vehicle, four motor vehicles, and two mortars were neutralised. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 36,850 troops, 225 tanks, 160 infantry fighting vehicles, 123 armoured personnel carriers, 1,202 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,060 motor vehicles, 305 artillery guns, 40 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 13 anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 70 EW stations, 13 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 27 units of engineering and other materiel, including 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, six armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address There Are Decisions That Can Be Implemented in The Coming Weeks and Months for the Sake of Our Shared Security - Address by the President President of Ukraine 30 November 2024 - 20:15 Dear Ukrainians! Currently, a rescue operation is underway in the Dnipro region after a missile strike. Ordinary civilian buildings have been damaged: an apartment building, a shop in the village of Tsarychanka. So far, we know of four people killed by this Russian strike. I express my deepest condolences. Today, the Russians continued their most heinous terror against the residents of Kherson - against ordinary people. A drone drop on a bus. Four people have been wounded. And this happens almost every day. Ukraine defends itself against this absolutely inhuman pressure. I am grateful to everyone who helps us go through all this, defend ourselves against terror, and save people's lives. This week, we can highlight the contribution of Lithuania: a new batch of military aid. Arms, including ammunition, spare parts for armored vehicles. As well as the Netherlands - I am very grateful for the Patriot launchers. The United States is preparing a strong and important military package worth USD 725 million. This is something that will significantly support our guys at the front. We also see the willingness of the Nordic and Baltic states to increase investments in our defense industry, particularly in the production of our domestic drones. I am grateful for this! Norway has decided to provide more financial support to Ukraine in the coming year, and this boosts our confidence, over three billion. There is a decision from Luxembourg to provide funds for arms procurement for our Ukrainian Defense Forces. We also appreciate the decision by the United Kingdom to impose sanctions on the Russian shadow tanker fleet. This is what keeps the entire world on the right course towards justice. Towards making Russia feel accountable for this war and its consequences, and towards compelling Russia to make peace. The world has the power to make this happen. Today, as every day, there was a report by Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi regarding the frontline situation and developments in the Kursk operation areas. I want to thank our brigades who are defending our positions, who are destroying the occupier. And today I would like to especially commend the 38th Separate Marine Brigade, the 68th Separate Jaeger Brigade and the 14th Operational Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine for their outstanding performance in combat this week. Thank you, warriors! Thank you for your bravery, especially in the Pokrovsk direction. Now we are preparing for quite active work in December - work with partners: negotiations, meetings. There are decisions that can be implemented in the coming weeks and months for the sake of our shared security - for the sake of Ukraine and all those who genuinely want this war to end as soon as possible, and, above all, justly. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Relies on Latin American Countries' Assistance in Bringing Home Children Deported by Russia: Dariia Zarivna and Daria Herasymchuk Met with Latin American Parliamentarians President of Ukraine 30 November 2024 - 12:16 Latin American nations have extensive experience in fighting for the rescue of children, and Ukraine relies on their voice in bringing home young Ukrainians abducted by the Russian occupiers. This was stated by Dariia Zarivna, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President and Chief Operating Officer of Bring Kids Back UA, during a meeting with members of parliaments from Latin American states. Dariia Zarivna spoke about President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Bring Kids Back UA initiative and invited Latin American countries to join the collaborative effort. According to her, thanks to the actions of Bring Kids Back UA, 1,022 children have been brought home. At the same time, Ukraine has information on nearly 20,000 cases of deportation or forced displacement. "I understand that you have also had this experience. You were able to turn this experience of pain into a system of establishing justice and you were able to heal these societal wounds. We desperately need your expertise and experience in this matter," Dariia Zarivna said. She noted that the Russians refuse to create humanitarian corridors, they change children's names and forbid them to speak Ukrainian. There are also cases of forced mobilization of young residents of the occupied Kherson region. Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, described the crimes of the Russian occupiers against Ukrainian civilians: torture, rape and murder. The Ukrainian Ombudsman also focused on crimes against Ukrainian children, noting that 1,934 children are currently reported missing. He urged Latin American countries to help Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. "It is not with Ukraine that Russia is at war. Russia is at war with all civilized democratic countries. If we don't stop this aggression in Ukraine, then eventually the aggression will come to you," he said. Daria Herasymchuk, Advisor - Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights and Child Rehabilitation, called on Latin American countries to share information about Russian crimes against Ukrainian children. "Russia wants to steal the voices of the witnesses - the children who went through this experience, who know exactly what the Russians told them, how they treated them, and who endured the crimes committed by the invaders. If our children are so resilient, how can we, adults, be so slow to respond or think of ways to punish the culprits?" Daria Herasymchuk said. The meeting was also attended by paramedic Yuliia Paievska (Taira), veteran Pavlo Naida, and pastor Anatoliy Raychynets. They described the torture that Ukrainians are going through in Russian captivity and urged the world to unite its efforts in supporting Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Drones Target Kyiv Overnight; 3 Killed In Southern City By RFE/RL December 01, 2024 Russia launched dozens of attack drones at the Ukrainian capital, officials said, in the latest of a series of air strikes that have battered Kyiv and its power grid. No injuries were immediately reported in the December 1 attack. Ukrainian air defenses shot down about a dozen of the drones, military administrator Serhiy Popko said in a post to Telegram. In the southern city of Kherson, however, Russian drones killed at least three people were killed and seven others were wounded, regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Ukraine's air force said 78 drones in total were launched at targets across the country overnight, and it claimed 32 of them were intercepted or downed. Another 45 drones were "locationally lost," the force said, as a result of electronic jamming. For months now, Russia has pummeled Ukraine with both drones and missiles, targeting not only military sites but also energy infrastructure in what appears to be an effort to demoralize and exhaust the civilian population. Experts have warned that large parts of Ukraine could face heating or power outages or blackouts during the winter. Ukraine has used its own drones to target Russian infrastructure and other sites across the border. In the Bryansk region, a child was reportedly killed by a Ukrainian drone early December 1, Governor Alexander Bogomaz said in post to Telegram. In Kyiv, meanwhile, the European Union's newest top officials arrived in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian leadership. The trip by European Council President Antonio Costa and Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, came on their first day in their new roles. "From day one of the war, the EU has stood by the side of Ukraine," Costa said in post to X. "From day one of our mandate, we are reaffirming our unwavering support to the Ukrainian people." Both Kallas and Costa have been strong supporters of Ukraine since Russia's February 2022 invasion, and their visit comes as Kyiv struggles to hold off a relentless Russian offensive across large parts of the 1,100-kilometer front line. The European Union says its institutions and member countries have provided around $133 billion in aid to Ukraine since the start of the all-out invasion. "In my first visit since taking up office, my message is clear: the European Union wants Ukraine to win this war," Kallas wrote on X. "We will do whatever it takes for that." Speaking to reporters after talks with the visiting EU officials, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy argued that an invitation to join NATO was necessary for his country's survival. And he said there was still time for the United States to convince "skeptics" in Europe about membership in the alliance. NATO has stated that Ukraine should eventually become a member of the alliance, but resistance from some European allies has resulted in little progress toward that goal. For its part, Moscow has cited Ukraine's potential membership as one of several justifications for launching its all-out invasion. Zelenskiy also told reporters that an invitation to join must apply to all of Ukraine's territory. However, he conceded that the alliance's defensive arrangement could not apply to the occupied parts of Ukraine. With reporting by Current Time and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia- strikes-energy-infrastructure/33222314.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Franklin, TN , Dec. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ben Powers, a leading criminal defense attorney and founder of Legal Powers PLLC, is regularly featured as a guest panelist on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. His most recent appearances on the show focused on the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Suzanne Simpson, a high-profile case that continues to capture national attention. Legal Powers, PLLC Recognized as one of the top defense attorneys in Tennessee, Ben Powers brought his extensive expertise to the discussion, shedding light on critical aspects of criminal investigations. His analysis offered a deeper understanding of key investigative techniques, including the use of cell phone and cell tower data to establish movement patterns, timelines, and search perimeters. Powers also explored the challenges investigators face when evaluating the reliability of witnesses and the complexities inherent in missing persons cases. Powers invitation to return to Crime Stories underscores his reputation as a trusted authority in criminal defense. Named one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Franklin by Expertise.com and a recipient of the Avvo Clients Choice Award, Powers has built a stellar career rooted in his dedication to his clients. With over 390 glowing reviews on Google, he is among the most highly reviewed defense attorneys in Tennessee, earning the respect of both his clients and peers. Its an honor to contribute to such an important conversation, said Powers. Investigations like the search for Suzanne Simpson are complex and require critical questions to be asked to ensure the investigation is properly supported by proof and evidence rather than assumptions and innuendo. As one of Tennessees most sought-after defense attorneys, Powers continues to make an impact both in and out of the courtroom. His media appearances, including these dual episodes of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, further highlight his commitment to educating the public on the complexities of criminal investigations. For more information about Ben Powers or Legal Powers PLLC, visit https://legalpowers.com. ### Media Contact: Ben Powers ben@legalpowers.com (615) 762-8775 Legal Powers, PLLC Attachment Wednesday is the first to launch a Greens & Superfood Gummy, combining essential greens, superfoods, and probiotics into a single, easy-to-use product tailored for overall health and wellness. Available on WednesdayNutrition.com, it offers a convenient, tasty solution as the company plans global expansion. Photo Courtesy of Wednesday NEW YORK, Dec. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wednesday , a health and wellness industry brand, has introduced the first Greens & Superfood Gummy. This product aims to make nutrition more accessible and enjoyable, specifically catering to health. It combines essential greens, superfoods, and probiotics into a convenient package, providing a targeted solution for everyones wellness. Balancing a busy schedule with nutritional needs can be challenging for many people. This offers a practical way to maintain energy, support digestion, and improve overall well-being. Unlike traditional supplements, this candy is easy to take daily and designed for convenience, helping individuals manage their health without added effort. We saw a gap in the market. Greens powders can be messy and time-consuming, so we wanted to create something easy to fit into daily routines, says Nick Schutz, spokesperson for Wednesday."Our Greens & Superfood Gummy provides a simple, tasty option for individuals to prioritize their health, even with busy schedules." Wellness Solutions That Fit Into Everyday Life Consumers continue to drive rapid growth in demand for functional and convenient products in the wellness industry. Analysts project the U.S. wellness market to reach $1.3 trillion by 2025, with health products driving much of that growth. Wednesdays Greens & Superfood Gummy offers a practical solution to help individuals stay healthy while balancing their daily routines. Traditional powdered greens often prove inconvenient and unpleasant. Many people have faced issues with messy powders and unappealing flavors. The company has solved these problems with a product thats easy to use and tastes good. Its simplicity and flavor appeal to those looking for a quick and effective wellness solution. Weve always believed that good health should be simple and enjoyable, Schutz says. This confection combines greens, superfoods, and probiotics into one effective and enjoyable product. Were excited to bring wellness closer to everyone's everyday lives. A Mission to Bring Wellness Worldwide As the product gains popularity, Wednesday has experienced major growth in just a few months. The company reports 50% month-over-month revenue increases. It has attracted hundreds of satisfied customers across the U.S. This growth reflects its focus on offering products that meet consumers' changing wellness needs. With an emphasis on taste, convenience, and practical results, the company has quickly built a loyal customer base and earned a 4.9-star rating. Currently serving the U.S., Wednesday plans to expand into Canada and Australia within the following year. This expansion supports the companys mission to make high-quality health products accessible to more people globally. Our goal is to make health easy for everyone, Schutz says. The Greens & Superfood Gummy is just the start as we keep growing and helping people live healthier lives. The Greens & Superfood Gummy is available for purchase through their website, WednesdayNutrition.com . About Wednesday Founded on the belief that nutrition should be easy and accessible, Wednesday has emerged as a leader in the health and wellness industry. Industry experts recognize the company for creating science-backed products that solve common nutritional challenges. With products like the greens & superfood gummy, Wednesday is dedicated to helping people live healthier, more balanced lives. Contact Information: Contact Person's Name: Nick Schutz Company: Wednesday Company website: wednesdaynutrition.com Contact Email Address: nick@wednesdaynutrition.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9207ff7f-8bc9-49f4-b6a6-821e052a023a Nokia Corporation Stock Exchange Release 2 December 2024 at 8:00 EET Nokia Corporations Financial Calendar for 2025 Espoo, Finland In this stock exchange release, Nokia provides its 2025 financial calendar, which includes the planned publication dates of its financial reports. Planned publication dates for Nokia's financial reports in 2025: report for Q4 and full year 2024: 30 January 2025 interim report for Q1 2025: 24 April 2025 report for Q2 2025 and half year 2025: 24 July 2025 interim report for Q3 2025 and January-September 2025: 23 October 2025 Publication of Nokia in 2024 Nokia plans to publish its "Nokia in 2024" annual report, which includes the review by the Board of Directors and the audited annual accounts, during the week starting on 10 March 2025. Nokias Annual General Meeting Nokia's Annual General Meeting 2025 is planned to be held on 29 April 2025. 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. Inquiries: Nokia Communications Phone: +358 10 448 4900 Email: press.services@nokia.com Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications Nokia Investor Relations Phone: +358 40 803 4080 Email: investor.relations@nokia.com MILAN, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AAVantgarde Bio (AAVantgarde), a clinical-stage, Italian-based international biotechnology company with two proprietary Adeno-Associated Viral (AAV) vector platforms for large gene delivery, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation to its lead program, AAVB-081 for the treatment of Usher Syndrome Type 1B (USH1B) retinitis pigmentosa. People living with USH1B are in urgent need of a therapy to prevent their progressive loss of vision leading to eventual blindness. Receiving FDA Orphan Drug Designation reinforces the unmet need of this indication and is an important milestone in the development of this program, said Dr. Natalia Misciattelli, Chief Executive Officer of AAVantgarde. The FDAs Orphan Drug Designation program provides orphan status to drugs and biologics for rare diseases that meet certain criteria. Orphan Drug Designation provides various incentives including tax credits for qualified clinical trials, exemption from user fees, and the potential for seven years of market exclusivity after approval. About AAVB-081 program AAVB-081 is an intra-retinal AAV8-based dual hybrid product targeting MYO7A-associated Usher syndrome (USH1B). AAVantgardes dual hybrid platform uses two AAV8 vectors, each containing one half of an expression cassette encoding for the Myo7A gene and works at the cell nucleus level, recombining the two halves of the transgene back into a single one within the cell. This technology translates into an efficient recombination that generates therapeutically meaningful protein levels in animal models. About Usher syndrome type 1B Usher syndrome type 1B (Usher1B) is an inherited disease that affects the retina and the inner ear. Usher1B is caused by mutations in the MYO7A gene. The therapeutic gene to treat Usher1B is 6.7 kb long and is therefore too large to fit inside a standard AAV vector. Approximately 20,000 patients in the U.S. and E.U. have Usher1B. These children are born deaf, have vestibular dysfunction, and begin to progressively lose vision in their first decade of life. Although there are surgical treatments available to treat deafness in these patients, there are no treatments available to treat progressive vision loss and blindness in these patients. About AAVantgarde Bio AAVantgarde Bio is a clinical stage, international biotechnology company that has developed two proprietary Adeno-Associated Viral (AAV) vector platforms to address the gene therapy cargo capacity limitations of AAV vectors. The AAVantgarde platforms could be used to deliver large genes to ocular and non-ocular tissues. AAVantgarde is initially validating its platforms in two inherited retinal diseases with clear unmet need, with its lead program in Usher syndrome type 1B already in the clinic. For more information, please visit: www.aavantgarde.com Contact: Dr. Magda Blanco Head of Corporate Development, AAVantgarde Email: info@aavantgarde.com Aspo Plc Press release December 2, 2024 at 9:30 am Aspos subsidiary Leipurin expands its food ingredients business in the Baltics Aspos subsidiary Leipurin has reached an agreement with Kartagena UAB to take over the food ingredients distribution business previously conducted by Kartagena UAB. Under this arrangement, Leipurin Lithuania will take over the key supplier and customer relationships, acquire Kartagenas food inventory and ensure a seamless continuation of the related food ingredients distribution business. This arrangement will create approx. EUR 2 million in new revenues and approx. EUR 0.15 million of EBITA for Leipurin on an annualized basis. The completion of the agreement is expected to take place during Q1/2025 and is subject to the approval of Lithuanian competition authorities. This arrangement strengthens Leipurins Baltic market position and provides for new growth opportunities in the region, says Miska Kuusela, Managing Director of Leipurin. The transaction is a successful continuation of Aspos compounder strategy in prioritized market segments, says Rolf Jansson, CEO of Aspo Group. Aspo Plc Rolf Jansson CEO Further information, please contact: Rolf Jansson, CEO, Aspo Plc, tel. +358 400 600 264, rolf.jansson@aspo.com Distribution: Key media www.aspo.com Aspo creates value by owning and developing business operations sustainably and in the long term. Our companies aim to be market leaders in their sectors. They are responsible for their own operations, customer relationships and the development of these aiming to be forerunners in sustainability. Aspo supports its businesses profitability and growth with the right capabilities. Aspo Group has businesses in 17 different countries, and it employs approximately 800 professionals. Attachment JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The retail industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and IT News Africas upcoming Digital Retail Africa 2025 is set to prepare businesses for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Taking place on 30 January 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the event will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to explore strategies for thriving in the fast-evolving retail landscape. Navigating a Disruptive Retail Environment With global players such as Amazon, Temu, and Shein revolutionizing the African retail market, and grocery deliveries reshaping consumer expectations, businesses face unprecedented disruption. Digital Retail Africa 2025 will provide attendees with the tools and knowledge to stay competitive and future-proof their operations in this dynamic environment. Innovation, Engagement, and Experience at the Core The event will focus on key themes of innovation, engagement, and customer experience, offering insights and solutions to help businesses succeed in a customer-centric, technology-driven world. Key Topics to Be Addressed Include: The Rise of E-commerce Giants: Delivery Revolution Insights into logistics innovations redefining industry standards. Insights into logistics innovations redefining industry standards. Understanding Consumer Behavior in the Digital Retail Landscape Strategies for creating personalized, data-driven retail experiences. Strategies for creating personalized, data-driven retail experiences. Emerging Trends in Digital Engagement and AI Integration Discussions on automation and other critical technologies shaping the future of retail. Audience Profile Digital Retail Africa 2025 is tailored for: CEOs, COOs, CTOs and other decision-makers driving retail transformation. E-commerce managers, digital marketers, and brand strategists optimizing customer engagement. Supply chain and logistics professionals, data analysts, IT directors, and tech consultants seeking cutting-edge solutions. The Importance of Attending The event is designed to equip businesses with insights to adapt to shifting consumer behavior, implement emerging technologies, and overcome challenges in the digital marketplace. It offers a unique platform for professionals to learn, connect, and collaborate on strategies that will redefine retail in the post-pandemic era. Opportunities for Sponsors Sponsorship of Digital Retail Africa 2025 provides direct access to decision-makers and industry thought leaders. Sponsors benefit from exclusive visibility and lead generation opportunities, gaining a competitive edge in the market. Top Reasons to Sponsor: Efficient lead generation with targeted audiences in one place. Increased brand visibility through a comprehensive marketing strategy. Direct engagement with decision-makers looking for solutions. Insights into audience challenges to position products effectively. Competitive advantage by reaching prospects first. High return on investment with access to potential new business opportunities. Event Details and Registration About Digital Retail Africa 2025 Digital Retail Africa 2025 is a flagship event focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities in Africas rapidly evolving retail sector. Through expert-led discussions, networking, and solution-focused sessions, the event aims to empower businesses to excel in a digital-first future. For further information, visit the Digital Retail Africa website. Dublin, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Opioid-Induced Constipation Therapeutics Market by Active Ingredients, Drug Class, Mode of Administration, Distribution Channel - Global Forecast 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Opioid Induced Constipation Therapeutics Market grew from USD 65.95 million in 2023 to USD 70.10 million in 2024. It is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 6.69%, reaching USD 103.78 million by 2030. Key market growth factors include the increasing prevalence of chronic pain conditions, expanding patient knowledge of OIC, and a sophisticated healthcare infrastructure supporting pharmaceutical advancements. Emerging opportunities involve the development of innovative therapeutics with fewer side effects, such as peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs). Firms can capitalize on these opportunities through strategic partnerships and research initiatives focusing on personalized medicine. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles, potential side effects of OIC medications, and high costs could impede market expansion. Moreover, the social stigma associated with opioid use can negatively affect market growth. Innovations may focus on developing non-pharmacological interventions and digital health tools for preemptive management of OIC. Eco-friendly packaging for pharmaceuticals and AI-driven diagnostic tools could further contribute to industry growth. Understanding the market's competitive landscape that ranges from branded to generic market entrants, companies should focus on R&D collaborations and geographical expansion to thrive in this space. Given the dynamic nature of this market, businesses have the opportunity to leverage technological advancements and strategic alliances to harness forthcoming opportunities effectively, while remaining flexible to navigate regulatory and social challenges. Key Company Profiles The report delves into recent significant developments in the Opioid Induced Constipation Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include AstraZeneca PLC, Fresenius Kabi AG, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Lantheus, Mylan by Viatris Inc., Pfizer, Inc., RedHill Biopharma Inc., Salix Pharmaceuticals by Bausch Health Companies Inc., Shionogo & Co. Ltd., SLA Pharma AG, Synergy Pharmaceuticals Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Market Segmentation & Coverage This research report categorizes the Opioid Induced Constipation Market to forecast the revenues and analyze trends in each of the following sub-markets: Active Ingredients Bulk Cathartics, Stimulant Cathartics Docusate Sodium Emollient/Lubricant Cathartics Lubiprostone Methylnaltrexone Bromide Naloxegol Osmotic laxatives Prostaglandins/Prokinetic Drugs Drug Class Locally Acting Chloride Channel Activator (LACCA) Non-Selective Opioid Antagonist Peripherally-Restricted -Opioid Receptor Antagonist (PAMORA) -Opioid Antagonist Mode of Administration Oral Parenteral Distribution Channel Drug Store Hospital Pharmacies Independent Pharmacies Region Americas Argentina Brazil Canada Mexico United States California Florida Illinois New York Ohio Pennsylvania Texas Asia-Pacific Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Singapore South Korea Taiwan Thailand Vietnam Europe, Middle East & Africa Denmark Egypt Finland France Germany Israel Italy Netherlands Nigeria Norway Poland Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey United Arab Emirates United Kingdom 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 183 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $70.1 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $103.78 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.6% Regions Covered Global Opioid Induced Constipation Market Dynamics Summarized Market Drivers Rising geriatric population with constipation complications Growing prevalence of kidney disorders Surging availability of diversified treatments Market Restraints Stringent approval process and time-consuming Market Opportunities Proliferating use of opioids Rise in availability in retail pharmacies Market Challenges Concern regarding opioid tolerance and addiction For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yszwc6 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, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sintana Energy Inc. (TSX-V: SEI, OTCQB: SEUSF) (Sintana or the Company) is pleased to provide the following further update regarding the second campaign on blocks 2813A and 2814B located in the heart of Namibias Orange Basin. The blocks are governed by Petroleum Exploration License 83 (PEL 83) which is operated by a subsidiary of Galp Energia (Galp) of Portugal. Sintana maintains an indirect 49% interest in Custos Energy (Pty) Ltd. (Custos), which holds a 10% working interest in PEL 83. NAMCOR, the National Petroleum Company of Namibia, also maintains a 10% working interest. We refer to press releases from Galp (available at galp.com) and Custos (available at newsdirect.com) noting that the PEL 83 Joint Venture partners have successfully drilled, cored, and logged the Mopane-1A appraisal well (Well #3) which spud on October 23rd and completed drilling on November 28th. Mopane well 1A encountered light oil and gas-condensate in high quality reservoir- bearing sands, once again indicating good porosities, high permeabilities, and high pressures, as well as low oil viscosity characteristics with minimum CO2 and no H2S concentrations. Together with the Mopane-1X (Well #1) and Mopane-2X (Well #2) findings, this appraisal well confirms the extension and quality of AVO-1. Galp and its partners will continue to analyse and integrate all newly acquired data, while progressing with the upcoming activities, which include additional exploration and appraisal wells, and a high-resolution proprietary 3D seismic campaign set to start in December 2024. This appraisal well is the first of an up to four well program consisting of two exploration wells and two appraisal wells. This second campaign builds off an initial two well program completed in Q2 of 2024 the results of which included the discovery and appraisal of AVO-1, as well as other discoveries. This second campaign is intended to provide additional insights into the scope and quality of the Mopane complex. The quality and scale of the Mopane complex continue to be demonstrated with this successful appraisal by the Mopane-1A well. We look forward to the exploration and appraisal activities anticipated in 2025 to further unveil the potential of Mopane, said Robert Bose, Chief Executive Officer of Sintana. The ongoing campaign at PEL 83, with additional wells to come, is part of the next chapter of progress on our world class portfolio at the heart of Namibias Orange Basin, said Knowledge Katti, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Custos, and a Director of Sintana. ABOUT SINTANA ENERGY: The Company is engaged in petroleum and natural gas exploration and development activities on five large, highly prospective, onshore and offshore petroleum exploration licenses in Namibia, and in Colombias Magdalena Basin. On behalf of Sintana Energy Inc., A. Robert Bose Chief Executive Officer For additional information or to sign-up to receive periodic updates about Sintanas projects, and corporate activities, please visit the Companys website at www.sintanaenergy.com Corporate Contacts: Robert Bose Sean J. Austin Investor Relations Advisor: Jonathan Paterson Chief Executive Officer Vice-President Founder & Managing Partner 212-201-4125 713-825-9591 Harbor Access 475-477-9401 Forward-Looking Statements Certain information in this release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intensions for the future, and include, but not limited to, statements with respect to potential future farmout agreements on PEL 83 and/or PEL 87, and proposed future exploration and development activities on PEL 83 and/or PEL 90 and neighbouring properties, as well as the prospective nature of the Companys property interests. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including, but not limited to risks relating to the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, results of exploration and development activities, the ability to source joint venture partners and fund exploration, permitting and government approvals, and other risks identified in the Companys public disclosure documents from time to time. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update such information, except as may be 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. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc5c55f2-3dfe-4f97-8f9b-ee92190f9838 BEIJING, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On November 30, 2024, the "Picturesque Jiangxi with Unique Landscape" Global Press Conference of Jiangxi's Culture and Tourism was Held in Beijing. Over 200 participants attended the event, including representatives from cultural and tourism enterprises nationwide and members of the Jiangxi Province Key Tourism Scenic Area Promotion Alliance. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. Liu Shijun, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the World Tourism Alliance, stated that Jiangxi, with its picturesque landscape and rich cultural heritage, boasts unique cultural resources and natural advantages. These attributes lay a colorful foundation for creating a world-renowned tourism destination. Mei Yi, Director-General of the Jiangxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, emphasized that Jiangxi will focus on "attracting visitors to Jiangxi" by intensifying promotional efforts such as the "FOLLOW Jiangxi" and "DISCOVER Jiangxi" campaigns. The province aims to accelerate the establishment of "Unique Landscape in Jiangxi" Overseas Promotion Centers and introduce a series of international tourism products and routes. The goal is to expand Jiangxi's global tourism network and continuously enhance the province's "Unique Landscape in Jiangxi" reputation. During the event, Jiangxi's 11 prefecture-level cities introduced a total of 546 favorable tourism policies, including 236 ticket-related discounts, 88 accommodation and dining discounts, 41 transportation discounts, 104 travel agency and tourism enterprise discounts, and 77 inbound tourism policies. The province warmly invites friends from around the world to visit Jiangxi and experience the poetic charm of the Ganpo region (refers to Jiangxi). Source: Jiangxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a meaningful nod to cross-cultural engagement, November marked a significant step for South Korea and Canada as both nations joined hands in a series of artistic and literary exchanges. Initiated by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (led by Minister Yu In Chon) and the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) (led by President Park Chang Sik), this project launched in Montreal as part of the 2024-2025 Korea-Canada Year of Cultural Exchanges. Showcasing Emerging Korean Artists at CINARS Biennale Koreas young artists took center stage at the 21st CINARS Biennale 2024, an international performing arts market in Montreal. From November 14 to 16, experimental musician 64Ksana, Daegeum (bamboo flute) player Dasom Baek, and Q Dance Company delivered captivating performances that blended tradition with modernity. The Korea Focus Pitch Session, organized by the KOFICE, offered these artists an opportunity to connect directly with international representatives. This collaborative effort opened doors for Korean cultural expressions in music, dance, and theater to captivate global audiences. With 1,300 professionals from 47 countries attending, it underscored how international stages can be both destination and starting point for Koreas vibrant creative spirit. Literary Dialogues at Montreals Salon du livre From November 27 to December 1, the Salon du livre de Montreal spotlighted K-Literature through the Korean Pavilion under the theme Encountering K-Books: Bridging Cultures. Featured works included Han Kangs Human Acts, symbolizing Korean literatures global rise as Han became the first Asian woman to win a Nobel Prize in Literature. Korean authors Jeong You Jeong and Yun Ko-eun engaged in dialogues with Canadian author Kim Thuy, exploring identity and narrative. Workshops with Korean picture book authors Soo Shin Ji and Bamco alongside Canadian author Yayo celebrated the magic of storytelling across cultures. In a lasting gesture, KOFICE donated Korean books to the Universite de Montreal deepening cultural bonds. A Legacy for the Future Looking ahead to 2025, KOFICE plans to expand this cultural partnership with projects that unite art and literature, creating lasting bridges between South Korea and Canada. Novembers events underscored how distinct cultural rhythms can merge into harmonious exchanges, resonating with audiences worldwide. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09fa0faf-8ec4-4c88-84bb-ffeb9d6388b3 Dublin, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Pharmaceutical Analytical Testing Outsourcing - Global Strategic Business Report" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global market for Pharmaceutical Analytical Testing Outsourcing was estimated at US$10.3 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$16.3 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The growth in the pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market is driven by several factors, each contributing to the increasing reliance on external service providers. One of the key drivers is the rising complexity of drug molecules, particularly in the biologics and biosimilars sector. These drugs require more sophisticated analytical testing methods to ensure their safety, purity, and efficacy, which often necessitates the use of highly specialized equipment and expertise that pharmaceutical companies may lack internally. This has prompted the outsourcing of these tasks to CROs that possess the technological capabilities and regulatory know-how to handle complex biologics testing. Another critical factor fueling growth is the cost-saving potential that outsourcing offers pharmaceutical companies. By outsourcing analytical testing, companies can avoid significant capital investment in expensive equipment and infrastructure while also reducing the costs associated with staffing and maintaining in-house laboratories. This is especially appealing to smaller biotech firms or start-ups that may lack the resources to develop in-house testing capabilities but require access to high-quality analytical services to advance their drug candidates. Regulatory pressures are also driving the demand for outsourcing, as pharmaceutical companies face increasingly stringent requirements from regulatory agencies worldwide. CROs with expertise in regulatory compliance offer a distinct advantage by ensuring that testing processes meet global standards, mitigating the risk of delays or rejections during the approval process. Additionally, the growing trend toward globalization in drug development means that pharmaceutical companies are working across multiple geographic regions, each with its own regulatory requirements. This further increases the reliance on CROs that have a global footprint and the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Lastly, the rapid advancements in digital technologies and data analytics have made outsourcing an attractive option for pharmaceutical companies looking to optimize their R&D processes. CROs that offer advanced data analytics capabilities can provide deeper insights into testing results, accelerating decision-making and improving the overall efficiency of drug development. These factors, combined with the growing demand for personalized and specialized medicines, ensure that the pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market will continue to experience robust growth in the years to come. What Are the Key Market Trends Driving Outsourcing in Pharmaceutical Analytical Testing? Another major trend influencing the market is the rising regulatory scrutiny in drug development. Regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are enforcing stricter guidelines on drug safety, quality, and efficacy, prompting pharmaceutical companies to seek out CROs that can provide expertise in regulatory compliance and high-quality testing. This includes testing for impurities, stability, and degradation, as well as ensuring that manufacturing processes adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The increasing prevalence of specialty and personalized medicines is also driving the need for more specialized testing services. Personalized therapies, particularly those based on genetics or rare diseases, often require highly specific analytical methods, which many pharmaceutical companies may not have the in-house capability to perform. As a result, these companies are increasingly outsourcing their testing needs to CROs that specialize in niche areas of drug development. Additionally, the shift toward virtual pharma models, where companies focus exclusively on drug development and outsource all other functions, has further accelerated the demand for comprehensive analytical testing services. Report Features: Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2023 to 2030. In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Company Profiles: Coverage of major players in the Global Pharmaceutical Analytical Testing Outsourcing Market such as Bioreliance, Boston Analytical, Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., Dalton Pharma Services, Eurofins Scientific and more. Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments. Key Insights: Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Bioanalytical Testing Service segment, which is expected to reach US$6.4 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 8.0%. The Method Development & Validation Service segment is also set to grow at 6.8% CAGR over the analysis period. Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $2.8 Billion in 2023, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 6.2% CAGR to reach $2.5 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 93 Forecast Period 2023 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $10.3 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $16.3 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.8% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: MARKET OVERVIEW Influencer Market Insights World Market Trajectories Global Economic Update Pharmaceutical Analytical Testing Outsourcing - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2024 (E) Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2024 (E) MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Rising Complexity of Drug Development and Regulatory Compliance Drives Demand for Outsourced Pharmaceutical Analytical Testing Services Increasing Stringent Regulatory Requirements from Global Health Authorities, Including FDA and EMA, Fuels Growth in Analytical Testing Outsourcing Growing Focus on Cost Efficiency and Speed-to-Market in Drug Development Spurs Demand for Outsourcing Analytical Testing Services Technological Advancements in Analytical Testing, Including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry, Enhance Testing Accuracy Expansion of Biologics and Biosimilars Development Strengthens Demand for Specialized Analytical Testing Outsourcing Increased Adoption of Outsourcing in Emerging Markets Drives Growth of Analytical Testing Services in Asia-Pacific and Latin America Rising Focus on Quality Control and Assurance in Drug Manufacturing Propels Demand for Outsourced Stability and Microbial Testing Growing Need for Advanced Testing Capabilities in Pharmaceutical Packaging, Including Extractables and Leachables Testing Emerging Use of Outsourced Analytical Testing for Preclinical and Clinical Trials Fuels Growth in Early-Stage Drug Development Rising Demand for Analytical Testing Outsourcing in the Development of Personalized Medicine and Gene Therapies Technological Innovations in Automation and AI-Powered Analytical Testing Solutions Enhance Efficiency and Data Accuracy Expansion of Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Offering End-to-End Analytical Testing Services Drives Market Growth Growing Use of Outsourced Analytical Testing in Generic Drug Development and Approval Processes FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS:Some of the 42 companies featured in this Global Pharmaceutical Analytical Testing Outsourcing market report Bioreliance Boston Analytical Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. Dalton Pharma Services Eurofins Scientific Exova Halo Pharma Intertek Group PLC Pace Analytical Services, LLC Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC SGS SA Toxikon, Inc. West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. WuXi AppTec, Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/nczfq0 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Atlanta, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nicolas Leduc has been named President and CEO of Porsche Financial Services, Inc. (PFS). The announcement comes as current President and CEO Ross Dupper prepares for retirement in March 2025. Leduc will begin his new role on January 13, 2025. Porsche Financial Services, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of German luxury car maker Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG (Porsche AG). We are excited Nicolas has agreed to lead PFS, said Lutz Meschke, Porsche AG Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Board Member for Finance and IT. He has a proven track record of success and strong leadership skills that makes him the perfect person to build on the incredible momentum and strong foundations Ross has established. We wish Ross the very best in retirement. "I am honored to take on the role of President and CEO at Porsche Financial Services," said Leduc. "I look forward to working with the talented team at PFS to drive continued success and deliver value to our customers, employees, and business partners." Leduc joins PFS from BMW Group Financial Services Canada, where he currently serves as President and CEO. Earlier in his career, Leduc served as General Manager of Sales and Marketing in the Eastern Region and General Manager of Commercial Finance and Insurance for BMW Group Financial Services, USA. He began with BMW Group Financial Services in 1997, where he held numerous global roles including positions in Munich, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, Columbus, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada. Dupper joined Porsche Cars North America Inc. (PCNA) in 1986 before taking over his current role in 2000. The past 38 years have been an amazing honor, said Ross Dupper, I am extremely grateful for my opportunity to be a part of Porsches strong leadership team, and I will always look back fondly on my time at PFS, the team and what we built together. I have no doubt PFS will continue to thrive and grow under Nicolas leadership. Leducs appointment comes in the midst of significant growth at PFS. Since 2000 PFS has grown tenfold, reaching an outstanding portfolio of $8 billion with over 100,000 satisfied customers supported by a team of 250 dedicated colleagues. About Porsche Financial Services, Inc. (PFS) Porsche Financial Services, Inc. (PFS), based in Atlanta, Georgia, is the dedicated provider of leasing and financing products for Porsche in the United States. Founded in 1991, PFS provides custom financial solutions and products to Porsche customers and dealers in the United States. In 2012, PFS expanded its North America operations to become the captive finance provider for the exclusive brands of the Volkswagen Group which include Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. As an integrated premium financial services provider, every new product whether it be a leasing offer or a service offer contains the DNA of some of the worlds most exclusive vehicle manufacturers. Attachments NEW YORK, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greystone, a leading national commercial real estate finance company, announced it has assisted Webster Bank N.A. in completing a $303 million Freddie Mac Q-Series securitization. The transaction was collateralized by 19 loans, secured by 31 properties with a total of 1,236 units, all located on the East Coast. The transaction was led on behalf of Webster Bank by Greystones Structured Products Group, including Leena Amin, Senior Managing Director; Greg Darling, Managing Director; and Directors Max Garelick and Scott Fuller. This liquidity vehicle is an attractive option for banks with a wide range of multifamily loan types, particularly mission-driven assets such as small balance, LIHTC or preservation loans, said Ms. Amin, who heads Greystones Structured Products Group. Our specialized team at Greystone has extensive experience in securitizations, offering the necessary expertise to guide loan sellers on capital markets strategies or purchases of commercial real estate loan portfolios directly from the market. To learn more about Freddie Macs Q-Deals, visit www.mf.freddiemac.com. About Greystone Greystone is a private national commercial real estate finance company with an established reputation as a leader in multifamily and healthcare finance, having ranked as a top FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac lender in these sectors. Loans are offered through Greystone Servicing Company LLC, Greystone Funding Company LLC and/or other Greystone affiliates. For more information, visit www.greystone.com. PRESS CONTACT: Karen Marotta Greystone 212-896-9149 Karen.Marotta@greyco.com OKOTOKS, Alberta, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSX: MTL) Mullen Group Ltd. ("Mullen Group", "We", "Our" and/or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it has acquired Pacific Northwest Investments Inc. including its subsidiary Pacific Northwest Moving (Yukon) Limited ("PNW"). A definitive share purchase agreement was signed, and the acquisition closed on December 1, 2024. PNW was established over 50 years ago and has a long history of servicing customers in the Yukon Territory and the Province of Alberta. Operating from two owned terminals in Whitehorse, YT and Edmonton, AB ("Owned Facilities"), PNW offers multiple less-than-truckload ("LTL") solutions to its customer base including temperature controlled, dry van and deck as well as local "last mile" delivery services in both Whitehorse and Dawson City, YT. PNW also has a small moving and storage division. As part of the acquisition of PNW, Mullen Group acquired the Owned Facilities, further expanding our real estate network into Northern Alberta and the Yukon Territory. "This acquisition is important to our organization from a strategic perspective as we continue to invest in regional LTL opportunities. Acquiring regional carriers with strong ties to the communities they serve is an important element of our business model. The founders and former owners of PNW have built a company that is respected by their customers and employees alike. I am delighted to add PNW to our organization and look forward to working with the PNW team," commented Mr. Murray K. Mullen, Chair and Senior Executive Officer. PNW will operate within Mullen Group's LTL segment and is expected to generate revenues in excess of $25.0 million annually with returns consistent with other Business Units in this operating segment. The acquisition was funded from existing cash. About Mullen Group Ltd. Mullen Group is a public company with a long history of acquiring companies in the transportation and logistics industries. Today, we have one of the largest portfolios of logistics companies in North America, providing a wide range of transportation, warehousing and distribution services through a network of independently operated businesses. Services offerings include less-than-truckload, truckload, warehousing, logistics, transload, oversized, third-party logistics and specialized hauling transportation. In addition, our businesses provide a diverse set of specialized services related to the energy, mining, forestry and construction industries in western Canada, including water management, fluid hauling and environmental reclamation. The corporate office provides the capital and financial expertise, legal support, technology and systems support, shared services and strategic planning to its independent businesses. Mullen Group is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MTL". Additional information is available on our website at www.mullen-group.com or on the Corporation's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Contact Information Mr. Murray K. Mullen - Chair, Senior Executive Officer and President Mr. Richard J. Maloney - Senior Operating Officer Mr. Carson P. Urlacher - Senior Financial Officer Ms. Joanna K. Scott - Senior Corporate Officer 121A - 31 Southridge Drive Okotoks, Alberta, Canada T1S 2N3 Telephone: 403-995-5200 Fax: 403-995-5296 Disclaimer Mullen Group may make statements in this news release that reflect its current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to it and contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This news release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risk factors associated with the overall economy and the oil and natural gas business. These forward-looking statements relate to future events and Mullen Groups future performance. All forward-looking statements and information contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature constitute forward-looking statements, and the words "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "propose", "predict", "potential", "continue", "aim", or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent Mullen Groups internal projections, estimates, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. These forward-looking statements involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Mullen Group believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. In particular, forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) Mullen Group's expectation that PNW will generate revenues in excess of $25.0 million annually with returns consistent with other Business Units in the LTL segment. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Mullen Group in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. These assumptions include but are not limited to the following: (i) that PNW will be able to retain customers and carry on in the normal course post-acquisition. For further information on any strategic, financial, operational and other outlook on Mullen Groups business please refer to Mullen Groups Managements Discussion and Analysis available for viewing on Mullen Groups issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Additional information on risks that could affect the operations or financial results of Mullen Group may be found under the heading "Principal Risks and Uncertainties" starting on page 50 of the 2023 Annual Financial Review as well as in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through Mullen Groups issuer profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and Mullen Group disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable Canadian securities laws. Mullen Group relies on litigation protection for forward-looking statements. TORONTO, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Madison Metals Inc. (Madison or the Company) (CSE: GREN) (OTCQB: MMTLF) (FSE: 4EF0) is pleased to announce it has significantly increased its presence in the critical minerals sector by signing binding letters of intent (the LOI) with three separate entities (collectively the Vendors) to acquire 100% interest in a large, belt-scale antimony-gold project covering 13,990.90 hectares over 697 claims. The Howells Lake Antimony Gold Project (Howells Lake Project) is located in the Howells Lake area in the Thunder Bay Mining Division of Ontario, Canada. Antimony, for which the price has tripled in the past year, is right now arguably one of the most attractive critical minerals in the world, and the Howells Lake Project provides Madison with one of only a handful of antimony historic resources. Micro-cap companies rarely, if ever, have the opportunity to obtain complete control of a large, belt-scale asset like the Howells Lake Project, covering such an extensive area of known mineralization that seems to have been overlooked for decades, said Duane Parnham, Chairman and CEO of Madison Metals. The Howells Lake Project has enormous potential to have real economic significance, and Madison is seizing this rare opportunity to discover new areas of antimony-gold mineralization as well as define the known areas of antimony and gold mineralization on this very large, underexplored land position. We believe we can drive real shareholder value creation as soon as we get exploration underway on the project. The Company will host an online information session about the Howells Lake Project on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 2 p.m. Eastern. Investors, analysts, brokers and other participants can register to access the webcast: https://madisonmetals.wistia.com/live/events/bfx2csy1y8. Howels Lake Highlights High-grade antimony was first reported at the Howells Lake Project in the 1940s as mineralization in boulders, and first discovered in drill holes some two kilometres (km) away in the mid-1970s. A non-NI 43-101 compliant historic resource estimate for the Howells Lake Project was reported by John Scott, Ontario Resident Geologist 1,700,000 tons at 1.70% antimony* (*see disclosure below). This tonnage would be equal to approximately 51 million pounds of contained antimony. Mineralization is located from the surface to about 150 metres (m) depth. Mineralization remains open to further expansion both laterally and to depth. Mineralization is related to strong deformation, carbonate alteration, green mica, sericite and quartz veining, intrusive rock units, pyrite and pyrrhotite, as well as minor base metal mineralization. Gold mineralization associated with the antimony mineralization is reported to be up to 2.3 ounces per ton, although the average gold content is not available for the historic antimony resource tonnage. At least CDN$2 million was spent in the early exploration phase in the 1970s-1980s by just one of the companies. No significant drilling or other comprehensive work has been completed in the vicinity of the antimony deposit in the past 40 years. The property covers 20 km of favourable geology with little drilling outside the resource area. Stibnite (antimony mineral) was reported in drill holes over 5,000 m along trend and remains open for expansion and fill-in work. *The historic mineral resource was prepared before the implementation of NI-43-101 standards for disclosure for Mineral Projects. The historic resource does not meet the disclosure required under the provisions of NI-43-101 and should not be relied upon. The report was prepared by New Jersey Zinc staff in 1977 and reported on by then Ontario Resident Geologist John Scott. While the resources should not be relied upon, the QP for this release considers the resource estimate to be pertinent and of value for readers to consider. Antimony was historically discovered in drilling alongside gold mineralization on the Howells Lake Project in the early 1970s, said Parnham. The antimony price run-up has been driven by its supply-demand fundamentals, and its tripling in price over the past year has been largely sparked by increasing demand and the Chinese export restrictions that took effect September 15, 2024. Expanding our portfolio to include this high-impact, high-grade project complements our existing uranium assets and positions us as a first mover in the space. Parnham continues, In addition to the antimony potential, the Howells Lake Project is very similar in its geochemistry and geological setting to that found in the world-class Hemlo gold deposits, where gold production and resources now exceed 25 million ounces. Many setting similarities make the Howells Lake Project a very rare Hemlo copy. They include the presence of antimony, quartz sericite alteration, green mica, felsic dikes, evidence of regional faults and unconformities with the unique addition of the presence of high-grade antimony associated with some of the gold mineralization, which was largely overlooked or thought to have little value given the antimony price of the 1970s, which was a fraction of the current pricing. Millions were spent exploring the area and defining mineralization, and this work produced a substantial non-43-101 compliant historical resource* of approximately 51 million pounds of antimony, along with gold mineralization. With gold prices soaring past US$2,600 per ounce and antimony trading at more than $16 per pound, the combination amplifies the projects economic potential. Madison also wishes to welcome Mr. Bruce Durham to our team as special technical advisor to the Board of Directors and lead technical manager of all activities at the Howells Lake Project. Antimony is a critical mineral that is vital for numerous applications. In defence applications, it is becoming increasingly strategic and growing in use for military applications, such as hardening bullets, reinforcing shell casings, and enhancing high-tech military screens, among other uses. It is also used in semiconductor manufacturing and is a key ingredient in fire retardants and solar panel manufacturing. Global antimony supply faces significant challenges. China produced 48% of the worlds supply in 2023 but essentially ceased exports on September 15, 2024, causing a severe shortage and resulting in a tripling of prices in the past year. With virtually no Western production and no new major projects under development, the need for new mines and refining capacity is urgent. Antimony is on the critical metals list of Canada, the United States, and the European Union. In Canada, projects that qualify as critical minerals projects can receive funding incentives not available for other exploration projects. Figure 1: Map showing the Howells Lake Project as the only significant primary antimony project in Ontario, Canada. Source: An Introduction to Ontarios Critical Minerals, With Highlights from the Ontario Mineral Inventory, published in 2022 by the Ontario Geological Survey, Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry highlighting the Howells Antimony deposit (modified December 2024 by Madison). Figure 2: Claims map of the Howells Lake Project in the Thunder Bay Mining Division of Ontario, Canada. For consideration to acquire 100% interest in the Howells Lake Project concessions, Madison will pay one vendor 50,000 common shares and grant the party a 2% net smelter return (NSR), with the option for Madison to repurchase 1% NSR for CDN$1 million. The second vendor will be paid CDN$25,000, issued 125,000 common shares on signing, and will receive three subsequent equal anniversary payments. The second vendor will also be granted a 2% NSR with a 1% NSR buyback right in favour of the Company for CDN$1 million. Madison will issue to the third vendor, for claims that include the area covering the antimony deposit, 2,000,000 common shares on signing, 1,500,000 common shares on the first anniversary of the final agreement, and 1,000,000 common shares on the second anniversary of the final agreement. The Company will also enter into consulting contracts for drilling, geophysical surveys and geological services with the third vendor group. Madison will grant the third vendor a 2% NSR, with the Company retaining the option to repurchase 1% of the NSR for CDN$2 million (the Consideration Shares). The Consideration Shares will be subject to a voluntary hold period over 24 months from the closing date of the final agreement, while all other vendor shares have a statutory hold of four months plus one day from closing. The second and third vendors will also be paid a cash payment upon delivery of a NI 43-101 technical report that includes 43-101 mineral resources on their respective properties. Qualified Person Bruce Durham, P.Geo., a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release as it pertains to the Howells Lake Project. Other Business The Company plans to undergo a name change and apply for a new CUSIP number within the week. More information will be available when confirmed. With respect to the joint venture with Star Minerals announced September 19, 2024, Madison anticipates the closing of the transaction in early December 2024, which includes the initial US$300,000 cash payment and US$200,000 worth of common shares issued to Madison. About Madison Metals Inc. Madison Metals Inc. (CSE: GREN) (OTCQB: MMTLF) (FSE: 4EF0) is an upstream mining and exploration company focused on critical minerals and metals, led by antimony, uranium, and copper. With over 50 years of mining experience, its management team has geological and financial expertise and a track record of creating shareholder value. Additional information about Madison Metals Inc. can be found at madisonmetals.ca and on the Companys SEDAR+ profile at http://www.sedarplus.ca/. For further information, please contact: Duane Parnham Executive Chairman & CEO Madison Metals Inc. +1 (416) 489-0092 ir@madisonmetals.ca Media inquiries: Adam Bello Manager, Media & Analyst Relations Primoris Group Inc. +1 (416) 489-0092 media@primorisgroup.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor CIRO accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements and include but are not limited to statements with respect to the LOI and the likelihood that the definitive agreement(s) will be entered into and that the transaction will be completed on the terms provided herein or at all, the benefits of the transaction to the Company and the Vendor and the receipt of all required approvals. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as proposed, will, subject to, near future, in the event, would, expect, prepared to and other similar words or expressions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the state of capital markets; risks relating to (i) the ability of the parties to satisfy the conditions precedent to the execution of any definitive agreement(s) or to ultimately agree on definitive terms, (ii) the impact on the respective businesses, operations and financial condition of the Company and the Vendor resulting from the announcement of the transaction and/or the failure to enter into definitive agreement(s) or to complete the transaction on terms described or at all, (iii) delay or failure to receive board, shareholder, regulatory or court approvals, wherever applicable, or any other conditions precedent to the completion of the transaction, (iv) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction, (v) other unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the aforesaid expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant; and any risks associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities that are available at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4968855e-0264-459a-8307-b2d29b30ed03 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/145df9b2-b71a-42e9-83af-10fa209f3937 NEWTOWN, Pa., Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating claims regarding data privacy violations by Walsworth Publishing Company (Walsworth). Walsworth learned of suspicious activity on or about February 9, 2024. To join this case, go HERE. About Walsworth Publishing Company Walsworth Publishing, headquartered in Marceline, Missouri, is a family-owned company that prints yearbooks, books, catalogs, and magazines. What happened? On or about February 9, 2024, Walsworth discovered a potential data security incident involving its website and purchasing page. The company launched an investigation and hired cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the intrusion. Some personal data may have been compromised in this breach, including names, payment card numbers, expiration dates, and CVV codes. Up to 107,707 individuals may have been affected by this incident. How can I protect my personal data? If you receive a data breach notification, you must guard against possible misuse of your personal information, including identity theft and fraud, by regularly reviewing your account statements and monitoring your credit reports for suspicious or unauthorized activity. Additionally, you should consider legal options for mitigating such risks. Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a class action lawsuit to seek legal remedies for customers who may have had their sensitive personal and patient data compromised by the Walsworth data breach. For more information, please contact: Marc H. Edelson, Esq. EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300 Newtown, PA 18940 Phone: 844-696-7492 Email: medelson@edelson-law.com Web: www.edelson-law.com About Edelson Lechtzin LLP Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving data breaches, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation in cases alleging securities and investment fraud, violations of the federal antitrust laws, employee benefit plans under ERISA, wage theft and unpaid overtime, consumer fraud, and catastrophic injuries. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. No class has been certified in this case, so counsel does not represent you unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing now. Your ability to share in any potential future recovery does not depend on serving as lead plaintiff. London, UK, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intercove is garnering widespread praise from Australian traders for its innovative approach and proven ability to deliver results. With glowing Intercove reviews highlighting its strengths, the platform is setting new benchmarks for trading excellence in Australia. As the trading industry evolves, Intercove continues to stand out as a trusted platform, providing the tools and support traders need to achieve their financial goals. Its user-focused design and seamless performance have cemented its reputation as a reliable partner for success. Meeting the Needs of Australian Traders Australian traders have embraced Intercove for its unique ability to simplify the trading process while delivering high performance. Whether new to trading or seasoned professionals, users consistently highlight the platforms intuitive tools, advanced analytics, and responsive support as key factors in their success. Intercove was designed to empower traders of all levels, said the CEO of Intercove. The positive feedback in Intercove reviews demonstrates that we are fulfilling our mission of creating a platform that prioritizes client success. What Makes Intercove a Standout? Clients often highlight several key features in their Intercove reviews, including: Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface that streamlines the trading process. A user-friendly interface that streamlines the trading process. Reliability: A commitment to seamless operations, ensuring consistent performance. A commitment to seamless operations, ensuring consistent performance. Transparency: Clear and upfront communication about trading tools and strategies. Clear and upfront communication about trading tools and strategies. Support: Prompt and personalized assistance to address client needs. The tools on Intercove are incredibly easy to use, even for someone like me, who is relatively new to trading, one user stated in their review. It feels like the platform was made with the user in mind. Another review shared, Ive used other trading platforms, but none have offered the reliability and transparency of Intercove. Its made a real difference in how I approach trading. A Platform Built for Success At the core of Intercoves success is its commitment to innovation. The platform continually evolves to meet the dynamic needs of the market, ensuring that clients have access to cutting-edge tools and insights. From real-time analytics to efficient trade execution, Intercove provides a comprehensive suite of resources to empower traders. Our focus is on staying ahead of the curve, added the CEO. The insights shared in Intercove reviews inspire us to continue improving and delivering the best possible experience for our clients. A Trusted Partner for Australian Traders Intercoves dedication to trust and transparency has earned it a loyal user base across Australia. Clients frequently note the platforms robust security measures and its unwavering commitment to protecting their interests. Intercove doesnt just feel like a trading platformit feels like a partner thats invested in my success, one trader remarked. I cant imagine trading without it. With its growing reputation and proven track record, Intercove invites Australian traders to experience the platforms benefits firsthand. Whether youre starting your trading journey or looking to optimize your strategy, Intercove offers the tools and support you need to succeed. About Intercove reviews Intercove is a leading trading platform that combines innovation with a client-first approach. Designed for traders of all levels, Intercove empowers users with intuitive tools, reliable performance, and unparalleled support, redefining the trading experience for Australian investors. Disclaimer: Trading involves significant risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed professional before making financial decisions. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Almadex Minerals Ltd. ("Almadex" or the "Company") (TSX-V: DEX) is pleased to provide an update on its western USA exploration activities. The Company has completed a planned drill hole at the north end of the Sinter Zone at its Paradise-Davis Project, Nevada. Drilling conditions were challenging as the hole hit an unexpected fault zone. This faulting has clearly moved geologic units at the north end of the trend of epithermal veining. Drilling has ceased for 2024 and further work will be planned after all results have been received and interpreted. The Sinter Zone covers an area of high-level epithermal alteration and veining as described in more detail below. Mapping of alteration and textures on this target has identified features typical of the surficial expression of an epithermal system. At present two geophysical survey lines of induced polarisation (IP) are planned before year end over the sinter target. It is hoped that this work will better define the geology for targeting this large area with further exploration drilling. Exploration work continues on the Companys portfolio of early-stage copper-gold targets. This includes work on the Pilot copper-gold porphyry target in Nevada where the company has identified porphyry style veining and a soil anomaly defined by elevated gold, copper, molybdenum (see Almadex news release of September 9th, 2024). Almadex is currently carrying out an IP surface geophysical survey and a drone based magnetic susceptibility survey over the area of alteration, veining and elevated soils. It is anticipated that these geophysical surveys will help define discrete drill targets for a future first pass drill program. Almadex currently has crews in the field working on the ongoing generative exploration program focussing on new gold and copper-gold potential in the western USA. About the Sinter Zone, Paradise-Davis Project The Sinter Zone is located adjacent and to the north of the porphyry lithocap area (see map attached and Almadex news release of September 22, 2022) and is interpreted to represent a separate hydrothermal system. The Sinter Zone covers an area of subcrop boulders of sinter (surface hotspring silica deposit) material, hydrothermal brecciation and epithermal quartz veining. Old workings, epithermal alteration and veining occur over roughly 3 km along a northeast trend. Past sampling in the sinter zone includes 30 surface samples taken in 2022 that averaged 0.2 g/t gold and 2.2 g/t silver including a 30 cm chip sample of a banded vein crosscutting the sinter which returned 1.2 g/t gold and a grab from a silicified breccia which returned 1.5 g/t gold (see Almadex new release of September 22, 2022). Recent mapping and prospecting along this trend have identified banded quartz veins and veinlets along strike and to the south of the Sinter Zone. The scale of the vein system and epithermal alteration is encouraging. The Company has obtained partial assay results from an RC drill program conducted in the area in the early 1990s which indicate some of the holes returned anomalous gold over short intervals which confirms that the epithermal system is gold and silver bearing. J Duane Poliquin, Chairman of Almadex commented, While generative field work continues as we seek to identify further projects for acquisition, we are advancing our newly acquired portfolio of high-quality porphyry lithocap targets in the western USA. We plan to use our in house drilling capacity to test targets early as weve done at Paradise-Davis. We look forward to continuing this drilling oriented exploration into 2025. Qualified Persons Morgan J Poliquin, PhD, PEng, the President and CEO of Almadex and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical contents of this news release. The analyses reported were carried out at ALS Chemex Laboratories of Reno, Nevada using industry standard analytical techniques. For gold, samples are first analysed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Samples that return values greater than 10 g/t gold using this technique are then re analysed by fire assay but with a gravimetric finish. Silver is first analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Samples that return values greater than 100 g/t silver by ICP-AES are then re analysed by HF-HNO3-HCLO4 digestion with HCL leach and ICP-AES finish. Of these samples those that return silver values greater than 1,500 g/t are further analysed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish. About Almadex Almadex Minerals Ltd. is an exploration company that holds a large mineral portfolio consisting of projects and NSR royalties in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. This portfolio is the direct result of many years of prospecting and deal-making by Almadex's management team. The Company owns several portable diamond drill rigs, enabling it to conduct cost effective first pass exploration drilling in house. On behalf of the Board of Directors, J. Duane Poliquin J. Duane Poliquin, Chairman Almadex Minerals Ltd. 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. This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within it, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among other things, any further work to advance exploration targets at the Paradise project, including any drilling on the Sinter target. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, permitting, continued availability of capital and financing, equipment availability and general economic, market or business conditions. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. There can be no assurances that forward-looking statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, other than as required pursuant to applicable securities laws. Contact Information: Almadex Minerals Ltd. Tel. 604.689.7644 Email: info@almadexminerals.com http://www.almadexminerals.com/ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0a6bce76-2d43-45d7-8180-adf7bbd0e5a7 Houston, TX , Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amstill Roofing proudly celebrates 50 years of roofing excellence in Houston. Since its establishment in 1974, the company has protected 45,000+ homes from destructive storms and hot summers. Every roof installed or repaired by Amstill Roofing meets the highest standards of durability and workmanship. Backed by certifications from GAF and Owens Corning, it brings unparalleled expertise to every project, ensuring long-lasting results homeowners can trust. For five decades, Houston residents have relied on Amstill Roofing for comprehensive roofing solutions, from storm damage repairs to full roof replacements. This accomplishment reflects the trust of our clients and the dedication of our staff to delivering dependable results, said a company spokesperson. Amstill Roofing As a trusted local roofing contractor in Houston, Amstill Roofing has built a reputation for combining technical expertise with exceptional service. Known as the #1 roofer near you in Houston, the company continues to set the standard for quality and reliability in the community. For many years, Amstill Roofing has provided durable solutions that withstand Houstons challenging weather conditions. It offers a free roof inspection in Houston to help homeowners identify and address potential issues before they become costly problems. From routine maintenance to storm damage repairs, its experienced team delivers reliable results, solidifying its status as Houstons go-to roofing partner. Whether one needs roof repairs in Houston or complete replacements, Amstill Roofings dedication to quality ensures long-lasting protection for their home. Furthermore, Amstill Roofings prestigious certifications show its commitment to quality and expertise. As a GAF Master Elite and Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, it is part of a select group recognized for exceptional craftsmanship. The company also holds certifications as a CertainTeed Shingle Master and Ludowici Tile Installer, guaranteeing its expertise across various roofing materials and techniques. Amstill Roofing continues to earn high praise from customers, boasting over 1,200 Google reviews, a 4.9-star rating on Google and Facebook, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. With more than 5,700 combined reviews across the internet, these achievements cement Amstill Roofings position as a trusted Houston roofing contractor that consistently exceeds expectations with reliable roof repairs and dependable service. Amstill Roofing Trusted Houston Roofing Contractors combines advanced techniques and premium materials to deliver reliable roofing solutions that define its 50-year legacy. The company consistently adapts to industry trends to uphold high-quality standards. As a trusted name in Houstons roofing industry, the company looks forward to serving the community for years to come. To learn more about Amstill Roofing or schedule a free roof inspection, visit https://amstillroofing.com/houston-roofing/. About Amstill Roofing Amstill Roofing provides professional roofing services in Houston, specializing in roof repairs, replacements, and inspections. The company holds certifications such as GAF Master Elite and Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, reflecting its expertise and high industry standards. With decades of experience, Amstill Roofing delivers solutions tailored to Houstons weather challenges and continues to serve homeowners with reliable and efficient roofing services. ### Media Contact Amstill Roofing Address: 14125 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079 Phone: (281) 612-8747 Website: https://amstillroofing.com/houston-roofing/ Amstill Roofing Address: 14125 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079 Salt Lake City, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novarad, a leader in innovative medical imaging technology, is proud to announce the successful use of its VisAR Augmented Reality Navigation System in a groundbreaking surgical procedure at American Hospital Dubai. The system was utilized by Dr. Parviz Dolati to assist in the resection of a solitary fibrous tumor (Hemangiopericytoma) involving the superior sagittal sinus. The VisAR system, known for its cutting-edge image placement, continuous registration, and instrument tracking capabilities, played a pivotal role in the successful resection of this complex tumor. By providing real-time 3D visualization of the tumor and surrounding blood vessels, the system allowed Dr. Dolati and his team to achieve precise navigation and ensure the highest level of safety throughout the procedure. Dr. Dolati shared his experience, stating, "I compared this amazing navigation system with Medtronic and I reached the same accuracy with a significantly higher number of options in terms of real-time window leveling, 3D visualization of the tumor, and blood vessels." He further praised the VisAR systems ability to enhance decision-making, particularly when dealing with such a delicate and complex surgery. This collaboration between Novarad and American Hospital Dubai highlights the hospitals commitment to pioneering new technologies and improving patient outcomes. By embracing the VisAR system, surgeons have access to real-time, highly detailed visualizations, improving precision and reducing the risks associated with challenging surgeries. The successful procedure continues to advance healthcare for both Novarad and American Hospital Dubai, demonstrating the potential of augmented reality in surgical navigation. The hospital continues to lead in adopting cutting-edge technologies to provide state-of-the-art care to its patients. About Novarad Novarad is a leading provider of innovative medical imaging solutions, committed to improving patient care and advancing healthcare technologies worldwide. With a focus on augmented reality and cutting-edge visualization tools, Novarad continues to set new standards in surgical navigation and medical imaging. Attachment Vancouver, Dec. 2, 2024 - Goldshore Resources Inc. (TSXV: GSHR) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: 8X00) ("Goldshore" or the "Company" or the "Corporation") announces the appointment of David Stone to its Board of Directors (the "Board"), enhancing the Company's technical capabilities with his comprehensive mining engineering background. In parallel, the Company announces the retirement of Brandon Macdonald from the Board and would like to thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors. The Company further announces the appointment of Sam Gibson as the Vice President of Corporate Development, adding significant depth and expertise to the Company's corporate development and capital markets capabilities. "I am pleased to welcome both David Stone to our Board of Directors and Sam Gibson as our new VP of Corporate Development as we strengthen the technical and financial capabilities within the Company", said Michael Henrichsen, Goldshore CEO. "David's mining engineering skill set is a key addition to our Board and his guidance will be invaluable as we advance the Moss Deposit. Meanwhile, Sam's experience in mining finance will be key in supporting our corporate objectives to advance the Moss Deposit at a rapid pace within the current gold market. Together, they bring a broadened skill set to the Company to drive project advancement and value creation for our shareholders." Dr. David Stone, MBA, P.E. is a mining engineer whose career spans some 40+ years of engineering and financial consulting to underground and surface mining projects worldwide. He has managed multidisciplinary project teams through prefeasibility and feasibility level evaluations of development stage projects, and has contributed to the engineering, design and construction of several mines. Dr. Stone has held senior operating and board positions for several TSX Venture Exchange companies and acted as a senior technical advisor to Hunter Dickinson Inc. where his responsibilities included technical audits and evaluation of projects for acquisition, technical and financial due diligence, capital planning, and management of outside consultants and advisors. Dr. Stone's work experience includes scoping studies on the Lihir Mine in Papua New Guinea, one of the largest open pit gold mines in the world and the Mesquite Mine in California, one of the largest gold mines in the United States. Sam Gibson is a finance professional with over a decade of experience in resource-focused institutional sales, investment banking and asset management. He most recently held the position of Director and Head of Mining Sales at National Bank Financial, where he was global lead on specialist mining coverage and instrumental in growing the firm's mining franchise into international markets. Mr. Gibson holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University. Equity Grant Goldshore's Board granted 6,950,000 incentive stock options ("Options") and 2,637,500 restricted share units ("RSU") to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company pursuant to the Company's omnibus incentive plan. The Options are exercisable at $0.38 per share for a period of five (5) years and vest as follows: 1/3 on May 28, 2025, 1/3 on May 28, 2026 and 1/3 on May 28, 2027. The RSU's vest on November 28, 2025. About Goldshore Goldshore is a growth-oriented gold company focused on delivering long-term shareholder and stakeholder value through the acquisition and advancement of primary gold assets in tier-one jurisdictions. It is led by the ex-global head of structural geology for the world's largest gold company and backed by one of Canada's pre-eminent private equity firms. The Company's current focus is the advanced stage 100% owned Moss Gold Project which is positioned in Ontario, Canada, with direct access from the Trans-Canada Highway, hydroelectric power near site, supportive local communities and skilled workforce. The Company has invested over $60 million of new capital and completed approximately 80,000 meters of drilling on the Moss Gold Project, which, in aggregate, has had over 235,000 meters of drilling. The 2024 updated NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate ("MRE") has expanded to 1.54 million ounces of Indicated gold resources at 1.23 g/t Au and 5.20 million ounces of Inferred gold resources at 1.11 g/t Au. The MRE only encompasses 3.6 kilometers of the 35+ kilometer mineralized trend, remains open at depth and along strike and is one of the few remaining major Canadian gold deposits positioned for fast track through this development cycle. For more information, please visit SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.goldshoreresources.com). 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. Cautionary Note Regarding 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 Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments 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 news release include, among others, statements relating to expectations regarding the exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve 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. Such factors and risks include, among others: exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project will not be undertaken as anticipated; the Company may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions acceptable; compliance with extensive government regulation; domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations; and the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Company's securities, regardless of its operating performance. The forward-looking information in this news release is based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this news release, including that the Company's business and financial position and general economic conditions will not be adversely affected. 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. North Vancouver, December 2, 2024 - Lion One Metals Ltd. (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to release the Company's financial results for Q1 FY 2025, and announces that the Company has entered into an agreement to amend certain terms and draw down a further USD $4,000,000 ("Tranche 3") of its Senior Secured Financing Facility (the "Financing Facility") provided by Nebari. Financial Highlights Q1-FY25 During the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, the Company achieved the following: Mine operating income of CAD$1,529,978 Record revenue of CAD$10,468,452 3,129 ounces (oz) of gold sold, and 1,093 oz of silver sold Average realized gold selling price of CAD$3,332 per oz Cost of sales per gold oz of CAD$2,843 (net of silver revenue) Mine Operations Highlights Q1-FY25 During the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, the Company achieved the following mining physicals: Total 54,829 tonnes mined 21,852 tonnes of waste mined 32,977 tonnes of mineralized material mined at average grade of approximately 4.83 Au g/t Total capital development of 283 meters Total operating development of 666 meters Decline advancement of 163 meters and vertical development of 155 meters Mine production during the quarter was impacted by mine equipment availability in July and August as two underground loaders and a single boom jumbo were out of service for repairs. A new underground loader arrived on site in September resulting in improved equipment availability. Despite the mine equipment utilization issues, the mine was still able to deliver 32,977 tonnes of mineralized materials at 4.83 g/t Au, including 28,922 tonnes of mineralized materials at 5.16 Au g/t and 4,055 tonnes of lower grade mineralized materials at 2.46 Au g/t. The Company will stockpile the lower grade materials (mineralized materials below 3 Au g/t) with the intention of feeding the lower grade mineralized materials once the mill expansion has been completed and excess milling capacity is available. In the near term, the Company will continue to add mining equipment to improve equipment availability and invest in critical mine infrastructure projects such as the raise bore and mine ventilation project which started in October 2024 and scheduled for completion in January 2025. Pilot Plant Operations Highlights Q1-FY25 During the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, the Company achieved the following mill physicals: 31,391 tonnes of mineralized material processed at an average head grade of 4.6 Au g/t Record 3,639 oz of gold recovered 2,889 oz gold dore poured 3,129 oz gold refined and sold Overall 78.2% recovery achieved for the quarter Record 81.3% recovery achieved in September 81 days of mill operations in the quarter 11 days of mill downtime, including 9 days for scheduled mill maintenance Approximately 1,889 oz of mineralized material (primarily gold) was retained within the mill circuit as in process store of metal as of September 30, 2024, with an additional 112 oz of gold dore stored in inventory. Mill production during the quarter was impacted by a scheduled nine-day mill maintenance shutdown in July 2024, which was conducted to maintain and upgrade the Tuvatu processing plant facilities. These upgrades will have a significant impact on processing efficiency and cost savings moving forward. Major upgrades completed during the shutdown include re-lining the primary ball mill with rubber liners, replacing the bowl/mantle for the cone crusher, replacing the #1 conveyor belt, replacing the grinding and gravity circuit piping with flexible slurry hoses, and installing new detox feed pumps and feed splitter box for the detox circuit. Despite the down time from July, the Company nevertheless achieved a record quarterly gold production of 3,639 oz recovered for the three-month period ending September 30, 2024. This marks three consecutive quarters of record production during the pilot plant phase of operations at Tuvatu. The Company advises that it has not based its current mine development plan on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability, and as a result there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level either of the recovery of minerals or of the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit. Drilling Highlights Q1-FY25 Lion One has a total of five drills currently operating at Tuvatu. Three drills are located underground and are engaged in grade control and infill drilling, while two drills are located on surface, engaged in near mine exploration, extension, and infill drilling. During the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, the Company completed 9,809.9 meters of diamond drilling in 65 completed holes, with a further 5 drill holes still in progress. September 2024 Quarter Exploration Summary Activity Number # of drill holes completed 65 # of drill holes in progress at end of Quarter 5 # of meters drilled 9,809.9 # of drill core samples submitted for analysis 13,984 # of channels excavated and sampled 164 # of samples from channel sampling 1,701 # of surface rock chip samples collected 96 # of samples analyzed in Lion One Laboratory 20,748 On October 1, 2024, the Company reported significant new high-grade gold results from near-mine exploration and infill drilling at the West Zone target, located 300 m to the west of to the Tuvatu Gold Mine in Fiji. Highlights of West Zone exploration and infill drilling: 105.20 g/t Au over 2.1 m (including 248.35 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-636, from 67.8 m depth) 70.07 g/t Au over 2.1 m (including 73.43 g/t Au over 1.2 m) (TUDDH-647, from 144.5 m depth) 102.38 g/t Au over 1.2 m (TUDDH-645, from 97.7 m depth) 19.82 g/t Au over 5.1 m (including 68.88 g/t Au over 0.9 m) (TUDDH-636, from 34.5 m depth) 146.61 g/t Au over 0.6 m (including 289.85 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-645, from 164.3 m depth) 24.16 g/t Au over 3.3 m (including 96.78 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-652, from 173.5 m depth) 49.72 g/t Au over 0.8 m (including 78.61 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TUDDH-755, from 52.94 m depth) 42.44 g/t Au over 1.8 m (including 61.66 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (TUDDH-636, from 60.6 m depth) 7.68 g/t Au over 4.2 m (including 28.63 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-645, from 142.4 m depth) 14.86 g/t Au over 2.0 m (TUDDH-636, from 228.8 m depth) *All drill intersects are downhole lengths, 3.0 g/t cutoff. Subsequent to the quarter end, on November 12, 2024, the Company reported that development of a new near-surface roscoelite-bearing high-grade gold zone had commenced at Tuvatu. Roscoelite is a rare green to black vanadium bearing mica mineral, the presence of which is a defining characteristic of alkaline gold systems such as Tuvatu. It is directly associated with higher-grade gold occurrences and as such it is an important indicator mineral in these systems. An initial bulk sample of the near-surface roscoelite zone at Tuvatu returned 11.6 g/t gold from 861 tonnes of mineralized materials mined at full mining widths. The Company is enhancing its mine plan with this gold-rich roscoelite material, which is already being processed through the pilot plant. Roscoelite veining is directly related to high-grade gold mineralization at the nearby Vatukoula gold mine in Fiji where over 7 million ounces of gold have been produced over the last 95 years. Roscoelite is also observed in association with gold mineralization at the Porgera gold mine in PNG, which has been a top ten ranked gold mine globally and which has produced over 25 million ounces of gold. Vatukoula and Porgera are both alkaline gold systems similar to Tuvatu. At Porgera, the most economically significant veins are the Stage II quartz-roscoelite-pyrite veins with native gold, found in the Roamane fault zone. Similar Stage II quartz-roscoelite-pyrite veins are also observed in the new near-surface roscoelite zone at Tuvatu. Nebari Tranche 3 Draw Down In addition to releasing the quarterly financial results, the Company also announces that it has entered into an agreement to amend certain terms and drawn down a further USD $4,000,000 ("Tranche 3") of its Senior Secured Financing Facility (the "Financing Facility") provided by Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP, Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund I, LP, and Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund II, LP (collectively, "Nebari"), previously announced on January 13, 2023 and January 2, 2024. Including the gross up for the original issue discount, Tranche 3 represents a further US$4,347,826 of principal under the Financing Facility. Proceeds from the Financing Facility have to date facilitated construction and commissioning of the Company's 100% owned Tuvatu Gold Mine in Fiji, and Tranche 3 will facilitate investments as part of a Mine Enhancement Plan to stabilise and increase current production and prepare the mine to support future expansion of the process plant. The Company has now fully drawn down the Financing Facility. In addition to amending the terms of the Financing Facility to facilitate drawing down Tranche 3, the Company amended certain reporting covenants. Interest on the first USD $23 million drawn in Tranche 1 of the Facility remains at 8% (plus three-month SOFR), and amortization is on the Maturity Date 42 months from the original closing date, and no closing fees were payable. The USD $8 million drawn under Tranche 2 was subject to an 8% original issue discount and interest remains at 10% plus SOFR, with progressive amortization over 42 months from the Tranche 2 funding date, and closing fees equal to 2% of the amount funded. The USD $4 million drawn under Tranche 3 is subject to an 8% original issue discount and interest is 10% plus SOFR, with progressive amortization over 6 months from 30 June 2025, with closing fees equal to 2% of the amounts funded. In connection with the drawdown of Tranche 3, the Company has agreed to issue Nebari an aggregate of 4,142,759 common shares in the capital of the Company as a loan bonus in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company has also agreed to amend the exercise price of the 15,333,087 share purchase warrants issued to Nebari as part of the Financing Facility to an exercise price of $0.38 per warrant. All other terms of the warrants remain the same, including the acceleration provision that requires Nebari to exercise the warrants that can be triggered upon the volume weighted average price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange being in excess of 200% of the exercise price of the warrants on each of 20 consecutive trading days. The issuance of the share loan bonus and amendment of share purchase warrants is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Competent Persons Statement The information in this report that relates to mineral exploration at the Tuvatu Gold Project is based on information compiled by the Lion One team and reviewed by Melvyn Levrel, who is the company's Senior Geologist. Mr Levrel is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration, and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' (JORC code). Mr Levrel consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on the information in the form and context in which it appears. Mr. Patrick Hickey, P. Eng., MBA, who is an officer of the Company, is a Qualified Person under the meaning of Canadian National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for the development and engineering content of this report. Lion One Laboratories / QAQC Lion One adheres to rigorous QAQC procedures above and beyond basic regulatory guidelines in conducting its drilling, sampling, testing, and analyses. The Company operates its own geochemical assay laboratory and its own fleet of diamond drill rigs using PQ, HQ and NQ sized drill rods. Diamond drill core samples are logged and split by Lion One personnel on site and delivered to the Lion One Laboratory for preparation and analysis. All samples are pulverized at the Lion One lab to 85% passing through 75 microns and gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that return grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are re-analyzed by gravimetric method, which is considered more accurate for very high-grade samples. Duplicates of 5% of samples with grades above 0.5 g/t Au are delivered to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia for check assay determinations using the same methods (Au-AA26 and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61). The Lion One lab can test a range of up to 71 elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 23 important pathfinder elements with an aqua regia digest and ICP-OES finish. About Lion One Metals Limited Lion One Metals is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver BC, with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Walter Berukoff, Chairman & CEO Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility or the adequacy or accuracy of this release This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. 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 Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries 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: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232125 Vancouver, December 2, 2024 - Ramp Metals Inc. (TSXV: RAMP) ("Ramp Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its Rottenstone SW property where a gold discovery of 73.55 g/t Au over 7.5m was identified in drillhole Ranger-01. The Company recently completed a mapping and sampling program to follow up on this discovery, and to groundtruth other potential targets that were generated from the 2023 TDEM geophysical survey. The mapping and sampling program focused on the Ranger, Rogue, and newly identified Rush targets (Figure 1). During this program, a total of 312 rock samples and 225 soil samples were taken (Figure 2) throughout the Rottenstone SW property. Assays from this program are currently pending. Figure 1: Area of Focus for the Sampling and Mapping Program. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8725/232139_4b62a51a744cab6c_001full.jpg Figure 2: October 2024 field program sample overview, overlaying TDEM channel 25 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8725/232139_4b62a51a744cab6c_002full.jpg Ranger The Ranger target is in an area of exposed bedrock ridges which parallel the NE-SW striking regional foliation. A NE-SW striking high-conductivity zone approximately 1350m in length is associated with the target. The main lithologies encountered in this area are migmatites and intrusive quartz diorite, with minor volcanic and sedimentary packages. To date, gold mineralization has been found in two distinct rock packages. Prospecting in fall 2023 discovered two samples grading 5.11 g/t Au and 1.09 g/t Au in mafic packages within the migmatite country rock. These samples were located on separate ridges approximately 100m across regional strike (Figure 1). The discovery intercept of 73.55 g/t Au over 7.5m was found in a coarse grained quartz diorite. During the October 2024 field program, a total of 177 rock samples were taken around the Ranger target (Figure 3), with a focus on these two packages of interest. Rogue The Rogue target is located approximately 3km NW from Ranger. The area is heavily forested and is covered by 10m of glacial till overburden. The conductive geophysical targets appear to be associated with regional folding. The targets are located within the axis of these folds. Limited drilling to date has identified broad zones of chlorite alteration along with pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, pyrite, and minor gold mineralization (see Ramp Metals' news release dated July 8, 2024). The Company believes that these indicators warrant further exploration of these targets. A total of 221 soil samples and 1 rock sample were taken throughout the Rogue target area. Figure 3: Sample locations over Rogue & Ranger targets overlaying TDEM Channel 25 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8725/232139_4b62a51a744cab6c_003full.jpg Figure 4: Rusty Schist outcrop at 'Ranger' To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8725/232139_4b62a51a744cab6c_004full.jpg Figure 5: Channel sample taken at 'Ranger' To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8725/232139_4b62a51a744cab6c_005full.jpg Rush The Rush target is a newly identified area of interest located approximately 7.5 km NW of Ranger. It consists of a NE-SW striking zone of high conductivity approximately 1200m in length. The area is heavily forested and bedrock exposure is limited to sporadic ridges which parallel the NE-SW regional foliation. A total of 56 rock samples and 24 soil samples were taken over the area. Disseminated Chalcopyrite and Malachite staining were noted in multiple rock samples. This mineralized zone was traced for 20m along the base of an exposed ridge, and dips under cover to the NE and SW. Figure 6: 'Rush' sample locations overlaying TDEM Channel 25. Photos of samples SRC416800 & SRC170558 can be seen in Figures 7 & 8 below. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8725/232139_4b62a51a744cab6c_006full.jpg Figure 7: 'Rush' sample SRC416800 showing weathered ultramafic with malachite staining To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8725/232139_fig7rampmetals.jpg Figure 8. 'Rush' sample SRC170558. Example of Malachite staining taken at contact of ultramafic and migmatite To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8725/232139_fig8rampmetals.jpg "The Rush target is an exciting new development as it highlights just how underexplored the Rottenstone domain is," commented Garrett Smith, VP of Exploration at Ramp Metals Inc. "As we eagerly await the results from the October program, we are excited by the potential of a new deposit type to go along with our recent gold discovery." The Company is currently planning an extensive airborne geophysical program in order to complete the dataset over the entire Rottenstone SW property. The geophysical program, combined with the lab results from the above-noted mapping program will be used to define drill targets in the upcoming winter drill program. An amendment to allow up to 5000m of drilling has been submitted to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (see Ramp Metals' news release dated Oct 3, 2024) and is currently in the review process. QA/QC and Geochemical Sampling Procedure All rock and soil samples were taken, described, photographed, and bagged on-site. Control samples consisting of certified reference samples and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's QA/QC protocol at a rate of 1:15 or better. All samples were transported by Ramp Metals staff to a secure warehouse, packaged and then transported by Manitoulin Transport to Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd.("BV"), an internationally recognized and ISO 17025:2017 accredited analytical services provider, at its Vancouver, British Columbia laboratory. Samples have been submitted to BV using the following packages and procedures: Rock samples are prepared using the PRP70-250 package, where samples are weighed, dried, and crushed to greater than 70% passing a 2mm sieve, then pulverized to greater than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples are then analyzed in accordance with BV's FA330 and MA300 packages, for both gold, platinum and palladium analysis by fire assay (30g fire assay with AAS finish) and multi-element ICP analysis (0.25 g, multi-acid and ICP-ES analysis). Gold returning >10ppm is automatically analyzed by gravimetric method in accordance with BV's standard of practice. Soil samples are prepared using BV's SS80 package, where samples are dried at 60C and sieved to depletion to -180 m (80 mesh). Samples are then analyzed in accordance with BV's AQ251+PGM package, an ultra-trace by ICP-MS analysis where aqua regia digestion is used for low to ultra-low determination on soils followed by a 37 element (including gold) ICP-MS with the platinum, palladium add on for analysis of a 15g sample. Qualified Person Brett Williams, P.Geo., VP Operations and Senior Geologist for Ramp Metals, and a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release. About Ramp Metals Inc. Ramp Metals is a grassroots exploration company with a focus on a potential new Saskatchewan gold district. The Company currently has a new high-grade gold discovery of 73.55 g/t Au over 7.5m at its flagship Rottenstone SW property. The Rottenstone SW property comprises of 32,715 hectares and is situated in the Rottenstone Domain. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's exploration activities. 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: requirements for additional capital; future prices of minerals; changes in general economic conditions; changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities; other risks of the mining industry; the inability to obtain any necessary governmental and regulatory approvals; changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations; hedging practices; and currency fluctuations. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/232139 NOT FOR DISSEMINATION, December 2, 2024 - Westward Gold Inc. (CSE: WG, OTCQB: WGLIF, FSE: IM50) ("Westward" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that due to demand, it is upsizing its previously-announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") (see press release dated November 29, 2024), and now intends to issue up to 12,500,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.08 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to C$1,000,000. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share of the Company at a price of C$0.12 for a period of 24 months following the closing date of the Offering. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used primarily for (i) pre-drilling activities at the Company's flagship Toiyabe Hills Project, including: permitting studies, advanced targeting and planning, data analysis, and earthworks, and (ii) general working capital purposes. Closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including from the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The Common Shares and Warrants issued in relation to the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day, in accordance with applicable securities laws. Certain finder's fees may also be payable to qualifying parties in accordance with the policies of the CSE. Certain insiders of the Company intend to acquire Units in the Offering, for an estimated aggregate total of approximately 2,500,000 Units and gross proceeds of $200,000. The participation by such insiders in the Offering will constitute a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Such participation is expected to be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, based on the fact that neither the anticipated fair market value of the Units subscribed for by the insiders, nor the consideration for the Units to be paid by such insiders, will exceed 25% of the Company's current market capitalization. The securities being offered have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Westward Gold Westward Gold is a mineral exploration company focused on developing the consolidated Toiyabe Hills Project located in the Cortez Hills area of Lander County, Nevada, and the Coyote and Rossi Projects located along the Carlin Trend in Elko County, Nevada. From time to time, the Company may also evaluate the acquisition of other mineral exploration assets and opportunities. For further information contact: Andrew Nelson Chief Financial Officer Westward Gold Inc. +1 (604) 828-7027 andrew@westwardgold.com www.westwardgold.com The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release contains or incorporates by reference "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur are, or may be deemed, to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potential", "on track", "forecast", "budget", "target", "outlook", "continue", "plan" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation of such terms. Such statements include, but may not be limited to, information as to strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance, such as the Company's expansion plans, project timelines, expected drilling targets, and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future plans and performance. Forward-looking statements or information are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital by the Company through financings, and the risk that such funds may not be raised; the speculative nature of exploration and the stages of the Company's properties; the effect of changes in commodity prices; regulatory risks that development of the Company's material properties will not be acceptable for social, environmental or other reasons, availability of equipment (including drills) and personnel to carry out work programs, that each stage of work will be completed within expected time frames, that current geological models and interpretations prove correct, the results of ongoing work programs may lead to a change of exploration priorities, and the efforts and abilities of the senior management team. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements or information. These and other factors may cause the Company to change its exploration and work programs, not proceed with work programs, or change the timing or order of planned work programs. Additional risk factors and details with respect to risk factors that may affect the Company's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are set out in the Company's latest management discussion and analysis under "Risks and Uncertainties", which is available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. 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 as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company's forward-looking statements and information are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this press release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Vancouver, Dec. 2, 2024 - Precipitate Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Precipitate") (TSXV: PRG, OTCQB: PREIF) is pleased to report encouraging developments with respect to mining and environmental policies in the Dominican Republic (the "DR") The Government of the Dominican Republic has recently implemented positive changes to Dominican environmental regulations that streamline processes and enable mineral exploration and development applicants to proceed to the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ("ESIA") process prior to being granted an exploitation concession. By way of recent DR government environmental legal resolutions, concession holders can now commence the ESIA assessment process in advance of an exploitation licence. ESIA reporting includes critical details that will allow Dominican authorities to evaluate the design, scope and execution of a potential mining project to the level that is consistent with a full feasibility study using appropriate cost estimates and market studies, with equal consideration to environmental sustainability and local community input and collaboration. Jeffrey Wilson, Precipitate's President and CEO stated, "We see this environmental regulation as a significant and positive step forward for mineral exploration and mining in the Dominican Republic. This updated regulation aligns the DR's mining and environmental policies with those already in place in many other environmentally responsible mining jurisdictions. Acknowledging that community engagement and collaboration will always be an integral part of any successful mining scenario, this process allows companies like Precipitate to systematically advance projects from exploration through development and toward an environmentally responsible mining decision with a greater level of confidence. As such, we anticipate increased exploration budgets to be allocated to Precipitate's existing Dominican Republic property assets and look forward to ongoing mutually beneficial alignment with local communities, the Dominican government, and all other stakeholders." Previously, the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Environment was unable to review mining project applications without a final decision on the exploitation concession licence. Under the new policy, the completion of the ESIA process now occurs in advance of application for the awarding of a 75-year Exploitation Licence giving the Dominican government better clarity, during the Exploitation License application period, that mining projects will be operated in an environmentally sustainable manner with full transparency and collaboration with local communities. Precipitate Gold currently holds exploration concession rights to three distinct projects in the DR (also see accompanying Figure 1 map). The Pueblo Grande Project: Owned 100% by Precipitate Gold Corp. and is located in the Sanchez Ramirez province of the Dominican Republic, immediately adjacent to Barrick Gold Corp.'s Pueblo Viejo mining operation. Precipitate's Pueblo Grande project is subject to an Earn-In Agreement with Barrick Gold Corporation, whereby Barrick has an exclusive right to earn a 70% interest in the project by, among other things, completing work expenditures of US$10M and delivering a pre feasibility study before the sixth anniversary (April 14, 2026). Pueblo Grande is contiguous to, and surrounds the Pueblo Viejo mine site on the west, north and east sides, covering about 7,105.73 contiguous hectares. The Juan de Herrera Project: Owned 100% by Precipitate Gold Corp. and comprised of approximately 12,706 hectares located immediately adjacent to GoldQuest Mining's Romero gold-copper project within the Upper Cretaceous aged package of volcanic and sedimentary Tireo Gold Formation in San Juan Province of Dominican Republic. The project hosts intermediate sulphidation epithermal and VMS style exploration targets. Work to date, including extensive project wide geochemical and geophysical surveying and limited diamond drilling, has delineated and outlined multiple anomalous zones of gold and/or copper mineralization warranting additional exploration and drilling. Multiple newly identifies zones within the project have yielded exceptionally high-grade sample results including a recent rock sample that assayed 73.8 g/t gold*. Approximately 5.0 million gold equivalent ounces have been discovered and advanced in the Tireo Formation belt in the last decade, while vast areas of similarly prospective and proximal terrain, such as that situated within Precipitate's Juan de Herrera project, remain largely underexplored. The Ponton Project Owned 100% by Precipitate Gold Corp. and located 30km east of Barrick's Pueblo Viejo Mine. Significant untested multi-element epithermal gold anomalies and multiple highly prospective geochemical and geophysical target areas within both the North and South Gold Anomalies of the Copey Hill zone where previously reported geophysical magnetic lows commonly coincide with elevated gold values at surface (up to 53.0 g/t gold and 17.0 g/t silver*). The broader Copey Hill geochemical zone measures over 1 km by 1.5 km and has not previously been drill tested. The epithermal affinities of the coincidental geological, geophysical and multi-element geochemical anomalies within the zone represent priority targets for follow up drill testing. Click Image To View Full Size Figure 1: Location map showing Precipitate Gold's Dominican Republic project portfolio * Rock grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property. For reference: g/t = grams per tonne, Au = gold, m = metres, millivolts per volt = mv/v, IP = induced polarization This news release has been reviewed by Michael Moore, Vice President, Exploration of Precipitate Gold Corporation, the Qualified Person for the technical information in this news release under NI 43-101 standards. About Precipitate Gold: Precipitate Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on exploring and advancing its mineral property interests in the Pueblo Viejo Mining Camp and Tireo Gold Trend of the Dominican Republic. The Company has entered into an Earn-In Agreement with Barrick Gold Corporation, whereby Barrick can earn a 70% interest in the Company's Pueblo Grande Project by incurring US$10M and producing a qualifying Pre-feasibility Study by April 14, 2026. Precipitate is also actively evaluating additional high-impact property acquisitions with the potential to expand the Company's portfolio and increase shareholder value, in other favourable jurisdictions. Additional information can be viewed at the Company's website www.precipitategold.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Precipitate Gold Corp., "Jeffrey Wilson" President & CEO For further information, please contact: Tel: 604-558-0335 Toll Free: 855-558-0335 investor@precipitategold.com 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. This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Precipitate Gold Corp.'s ("Precipitate" or the "Company") current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Company and on assumptions it believes are reasonable. 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 Precipitate 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: the exploration concessions may not be granted on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the concessions acquired by the Company may not have attributes similar to those of surrounding properties; delay or failure to receive governmental or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation affecting mining; timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Precipitate has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Precipitate does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Verstappen admits he can't stand George Russell Max Verstappen unleashed on Mercedes driver George Russell after winning the Qatar GP. Max Verstappen, George Rissell. Qatar GP 2024 Red Bull The Red Bull driver was fastest in qualifying a day earlier. But he was given a 1-place grid penalty - dropping him behind Russell - when Verstappen was deemed to have driven too slowly on a slowing-down lap, disrupting Russell on a warm-up lap. Verstappen told the media after winning on Sunday that Russell had advocated strongly for the penalty during their hearing with the stewards. He's always very nice in front of the cameras, but in person he's completely different. I can't stand him, so he might as well go f*ck himself, the quadruple world champion told Viaplay. And in the FIA press conference, Verstappen explained that he had never seen someone trying to screw someone over that hard in the stewards' room. I lost all respect. But in a way, I was also like, yeah, I'm not surprised anymore in the world that I live in, said the 27-year-old. Before the drivers' parade on Sunday, the cameras captured Russell approaching Verstappen and shaking his hand. But Red Bull boss Christian Horner believes harsh words were then exchanged during the parade itself. Meanwhile, Lando Norris excused Verstappen for declaring on the radio that the McLaren had failed to slow down for a yellow flag - earning him a race-ruining stop-go penalty. Good for him, Norris said when he heard about Verstappen's complaint. Everyone does that. I would do the same. (GMM) Verstappen had mature meeting with FIA president FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has hit back hard at Formula 1 drivers complaining about his current governance of the sport. Mohammed Ben Sulayem FIA Recently, the Grand Prix Drivers' Association penned a letter complaining about penalties for swearing - and demanding to know how financial penalties are spent. Multiple drivers say the FIA has yet to respond, whilst also expressing concern about a recent and ongoing exodus of top-ranking FIA officials. Ben Sulayem hit back by insisting: They should concentrate on what they do best - driving. The decisions of the FIA are not their business, he added, in quotes reproduced by multiple international publications including Diario Sport. As for the drivers' demand that they should be informed about the behind-the-scenes affairs of the FIA, the controversial 63-year-old added: "Why do we have to tell them? If something changes with the teams, do they inform us? No, they do not. We have our own rules that we follow. Ben Sulayem also denied there is a crisis underway at the FIA, insisting the situation is being talked up from the paddock and by the British press . With all due respect, he added, "why do I have to answer everything to the media? I have a responsibility to the FIA members and the sport. The media is fine, but they have no voting rights in the FIA. I was elected to put the FIA in order and that is what I am doing. As for the drivers' demand to know how their financial penalties are spent, Ben Sulayem responded: "They can ask, but the drivers are paid millions - and do I ask them how they spend it? No, it's their business. Do you really think I would waste this money? This is the members' money and I was elected to look after it. I was elected to fix the situation in the FIA and I am fixing it. And I am very happy with our new team. Meanwhile, De Telegraaf newspaper reports that Max Verstappen - penalised for saying the F-word in an FIA press conference - had a clear-the-air meeting with the FIA president in Qatar. Sources close to the quadruple world champion report that it was a good and mature conversation . (GMM) 2 Partner to support technology companies in education Business Desk Report Business News Dec - 02 - 2024 , 16:24 MEST Africa, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, has organised a Demo Day event in Accra to allow young startup companies in education technology (EDTech) to showcase their ground-breaking solutions for the sector. The event marked the achievements of Mastercards EdTech Fellowship programme, a transformative initiative launched in 2019 to revolutionise education across Africa by supporting EdTech startups. The Demo Day showcased the ground-breaking solutions developed by the fellowship's first cohort, addressing critical challenges in education. The event featured dynamic showcases, with fellows demonstrating their transformative solutions and sharing insights into their journeys. Advertisement Acting Head of Strategic Partnerships and Leadership at the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, Suraj Shah said the programme had exceeded expectations. "In these eight months, weve been overwhelmed by the achievements of the 12 EdTech initiatives here in Ghana. This demonstrates that we are not short of innovative ideas to bridge educational gaps, he stated. He urged governments across the continent to lend support, emphasising that more could be accomplished with greater collaboration. Empowering learners Over the past four years, the EdTech Fellowship has empowered 12 innovative companies from seven African countries, impacting more than 800,000 learners. Programme Director at MEST Africa, Olufemi Adewumi, highlighted the initiative's far-reaching influence, stating that Every learner has a network, and through this, the number of impacted individuals could easily rise to 4 million. Estimating that it could even be higher than the projected number, Angela Duho, Program Manager at MEST Africa, described the event as a celebration of innovation, collaboration and a shared vision to transform education across Africa through technology. She highlighted the programme's commitment to empowering learners and unlocking the potential of educators and students. Pathway out of poverty Acting Director of the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, Rodwell Mangisi, reiterated the foundations focus on education as a pathway out of poverty. Since 2008, we have invested most of our resources into education because we believe that training young people can transform lives and help the African continent prosper, he said. He also highlighted the foundations dedication to inclusivity, particularly for persons with disabilities, and called for government support to enhance infrastructure and bridge the gap for marginalised learners. Previous article: Joe Mettle: Most planes that come to Ghana are not the best How social media is influencing Ghanaian creativity Richmond Adu-Poku Showbiz News Dec - 02 - 2024 , 11:49 4 minutes read IN recent years, social media has become an inseparable part of daily life, radically altering the way we communicate, interact, and express ourselves. As these platforms have multiplied, theyve unlocked fresh avenues for creativity, innovation, and self-expressionespecially in Ghana. Here, the online realm has leveled the playing field, giving anyone with a smartphone the chance to share their creativity with the world. Lets take a look at how social media has transformed Ghanaian creativity, from artistic expression and entrepreneurship to the preservation of cultural heritage. Democratising Creative Expression Advertisement Social media has broken down barriers to creative outlets, empowering individuals to share their unique talents, ideas, and perspectives with a global audience. In Ghana, platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have become vibrant hubs for creatives. These spaces allow artistes to showcase their work, network with peers, and cultivate a community around their craft. For many, social media has sparked a revolution in self-expression, giving rise to a new wave of Ghanaian creatives who unapologetically highlight their distinctive voices, styles, and viewpoints. Take Ghanaian fashion designers like Mimi Plange and Christie Brown, for example. Theyve harnessed the power of social media to showcase their collections, catching the attention of international collaborators and customers. Similarly, photographers such as Bob Pixel and Gilbert Asante used these platforms to share powerful images that capture the essence and diversity of Ghanaian culture. The Surge of Digital Entrepreneurship Social media has also opened up opportunities for Ghanaian creatives to turn their passions into profitable businesses. The internet has leveled the playing field, enabling entrepreneurs to reach global markets, showcase their products, and process transactions with ease. In Ghana, social media has sparked a wave of digital entrepreneurship, with creatives finding innovative ways to meet consumer needs and create value. Consider Ghanaian beauty influencers such as actress Jackie Appiah and Juliet Ibrahim, whove built thriving businesses around their online presence. They promote products, services, and lifestyles that resonate deeply with their followers. Online marketplaces such as Jumia and Tonaton have also empowered Ghanaian entrepreneurs to broaden their reach, allowing them to sell products and services to customers far beyond local borders, thereby fueling economic growth. Preserving and Promoting Cultural Heritage Social media has played a pivotal role in preserving and sharing Ghanaian culture, acting as a digital archive for traditions, practices, and festivals. Enthusiasts of Ghanaian culture are using social media to document and disseminate valuable knowledge, fostering cross-generational learning and cultural exchange. Platforms such as Facebook and X formerly Twitter have been instrumental in promoting traditional festivals such as Akwasidae and Homowo, giving the world a glimpse into Ghanas rich heritage. Websites like GhanaWeb and Modern Ghana also serve as digital repositories of the nations customs, history, and cultural legacy, ensuring that future generations have access to a wealth of cultural knowledge. Challenges and Opportunities While social media has greatly expanded opportunities for creativity in Ghana, its not without its challenges. Concerns about the commodification of creativity, the exploitation of cultural assets, and the decline of traditional craftsmanship are real issues. However, these obstacles also present opportunities for growth and innovation. For instance, the Ghanaian government can harness the power of social media to promote cultural tourism, generating jobs and boosting local economies. Similarly, social media could be a powerful tool for promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, encouraging young Ghanaians to pursue careers in these vital fields. Looking Ahead: Social Medias Role in Ghanaian Creativity Social media has reshaped the landscape of Ghanaian creativity, providing powerful platforms for artistic expression, entrepreneurial ventures, and cultural preservation. As these platforms continue to evolve, its crucial for Ghanas creative sector to strategically leverage them for growth, innovation, and the safeguarding of cultural heritage. By embracing the opportunities and overcoming the challenges presented by social media, Ghanaian creatives can help cultivate a rich, diverse, and inclusive cultural ecosystem. As the saying goes, When the world gives you social media, make creative content! The future of Ghanaian creativity is in their hands. Education cannot be free G.D. Zaney Education Dec - 02 - 2024 , 09:57 5 minutes read One popular comment or observation by a renowned Ghanaian pastor is that Education cannot be free ... . The famous statement which was widely publicised on the eve of the 2012 general election to support the position that due to cost implications, it was not expedient to plunge the country into the implementation of the policy dubbed Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy. Strangely, Dr Mensa Otabil did not take kindly to the adoption of the message to justify the stance against the Free SHS policy. First of all, we may want to be sure whether or not Dr Otabil did, actually, make that observation. And the answer is in the affirmative. Advertisement Then we may want to examine the correctness or otherwise of the statement. And, an assessment of the truth or validity of Dr Otabils observation requires finding out whether or not pupils or students and, for that matter, parents are paying any or various kinds of fees for education in public schools in Ghana. Let us examine what pertains at the Basic level which is referred to as the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education(FCUBE), for example. Public schools At the beginning of this academic year (2024/25), I withdrew my two boys from a private school in Accra because I could no longer afford the cost of private school education for them. Consequently, I approached a public school in the vicinity where the mother of the children had relocated. Among the list of items required for the boy who was being admitted into the junior high school (JHS) are parent-teacher association (PTA) dues of GH120, a Friday wear (La coste T shirt costing GH60, a writing desk at the cost of GH120, sanitation fee of GH35 and a pair of school uniforms costing GH100. For the boy being admitted into class five, all the items mentioned above were required except a La Coste T shirt and a writing desk. I was, however, mistaken to think that my expenses were over as I was immediately confronted with another requirement for the purchase of note, graph and exercise books, at a total cost of GH900 for the two boys. My woes were not yet over, as we moved into the third segment of having to buy textbooks and other working tools for both boys. After the first week, the two children came home to demand extra classes fees of GH2.00 and GH1.00, respectively everyday. In addition, the children had to be given money for food at breaktime, even though a certain school feeding programme is supposed to be taking care of them, but which has either become non-existent or woefully inadequate. And the two children have just brought home a demand for the payment of GH25 and GH20 respectively, as examination fees. Certainly, in fact, clearly, there is nothing free under what is labelled as FCUBE. Free SHS Let us, then, move into the domain of the senior high school (SHS). In point of fact, one of my daughters has just completed the SHS at Kpando in the Volta Region, while another has just been admitted into Keta Senior High Technical School(KSHTS), also in the Volta Region. In truth, I did not pay for tuition, neither did I pay for lodging and feeding for the girl who has just completed her three-year programme; yet, there were regular demands for money for food and for hospital attendance, and payment for medication and Students Representative (SRC) dues . Again, I was not required to pay for tuition, feeding and lodging in the boarding house for the girl who has just gained admission into KSHTS. However, considering the cost of prospectus items and the cost of maintaining my children in school, I have no reason, whatsoever, to satisfy myself or conclude that my daughter attended school free and that the one who has just been admitted into KSHTS is about to receive education for free. Indeed, a critical examination of the cost of admission will reveal that many children will be unable to access education as their parents cannot afford to buy the items required for admission. How does a parent convincingly say that his or her child is benefitting from education that is supposed to be entirely free, when that parent has to spend about GH6,000 before his or her ward could be admitted into a public secondary school? How can anyone claim that public secondary education is free, when the cost of maintaining ones ward in school is very high? How can students claim to be receiving free education when they or their parents have to pay for exercise, note and textbooks? When I arrived at KSHTS with my daughter on Monday, November 11, 2024, I had to cough up GH750 , which is almost one thousand Ghana cedis as PTA Dues, as well as pay for two pairs of trousers and long sleeve shirts for use at evening studies, which payments or expenditure are outside the budget of the prospectus items. Furthermore, I was given a list of text, note and exercise books to be purchased. Nowhere cool In my time when tuition was being paid, I never carried mattress covered with mackintosh, plates, a set of cutlery, a five-litre liquid soap, scrubbing brush, bleach, mop and mop bucket, standing and short brooms and cutlass, among others, to school. The items were supplied by the school. And in my time, we paid for exercise and note books, but not for text books. How does and why should one pay for text, exercise and note books under a policy being touted as free? So, then, is the question whether or not this type of arrangement can be described as free education. And in my view, the answer leads to one and only one irresistible conclusion- No! Education cannot be free. Pastor Mensa Otabil is right. The writer is a Journalist and a Lawyer. Next article: University of Ghana excels in 2024 Sub-Saharan Africa Rankings, Places fifth in Africa, first in Ghana and West Africa UniMAC launches PhD programme in Media and Communication next year Jemima Okang Addae Education Dec - 02 - 2024 , 07:57 3 minutes read The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) is set to introduce a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in Media and Communication early next year, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah, has said. He explained that UniMAC, tasked with equipping students with the intellectual and practical tools needed to navigate the rapidly evolving fields of media and communication, faced significant challenges in those disciplines. A key challenge, he noted, was the shortage of highly qualified faculty members to lead in both teaching and research. "UniMAC occupies a distinct position in Ghana's educational landscape. Established to provide specialised education in media, arts and communication," he stated. Prof. Opoku Mensah highlighted that communication studies, as a discipline, lacked the depth of expertise needed to propel it into new realms of innovation and relevance. Advertisement He, therefore, described the introduction of the PhD programme as a definitive step towards addressing the gap. He was speaking last Thursday at the official launch of UniMAC's first doctoral programme in communication studies, held in Accra. Mandate Prof. Opoku Mensah emphasised that the introduction of the PhD programme would strengthen the university's institutional mandate and demonstrate its commitment to developing the next generation of scholars and practitioners. He stressed that the launch was not merely an academic milestone, but also one with far-reaching implications for Ghanas economic and political development."Economically, communication is an essential driver of business innovation, public engagement and industrial competitiveness, advanced training and communication studies, equip professionals with the skills to navigate and lead in sectors such as marketing, public relations, media engagement, film studies and contributing directly to economic growth. Politically, the role of communication cannot be overstated. In a thriving democracy like ours, effective communication fosters transparency, accountability and citizen engagement. It ensures that governance is participatory and policies are responsive," he explained. Prof. Opoku Mensah stated that through the programme, the university aimed to produce scholars and practitioners who would strengthen the country's democratic foundations. The PhD programme The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, Dr George Kwabena Asamoah, explained that the programme would offer specialisations in areas such as media and journalism, political communication, public relations, and film and television studies, catering to the diverse and evolving needs of the field. He noted that the programme would span four years, beginning with foundational coursework in research methods, theory, and analysis during the first year. This would be followed by seminars, critical reviews, research proposal defences, and intensive thesis work in subsequent years, he explained. He said applicants would be required to hold a Masters degree in a communication-related field from an accredited university, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and a compelling research proposal. Dr Asamoah stated that the structured approach would ensure graduates were equipped with the skills, knowledge and expertise to excel in academia, industry and policymaking. The proposed fees for the first year of the programme are set at GH17,250. Next article: President begins Gt. Accra Thank You tour - Urges electorate to keep faith with NPP Ghana Elections 2024: OSP warns against vote falsification and corrupt practices Jemima Okang Addae Dec - 02 - 2024 , 14:03 1 minute read The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has reminded election officials tasked with vote counting at polling stations and collation centres that it was a serious offence to intentionally falsify vote counts or submit false returns of votes. In a statement dated December 2, 2024, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, reaffirmed the commitment to safeguard the integrity of the 2024 elections. He advised those involved in the transmission and publication of election results to strictly abide the law. The OSP said he will utilise his anti-corruption mandate to prevent, control, and combat corruption, fraud, and any unfair practices during the elections. Advertisement "The OSP reminds the public that the law prohibits corrupt acts in relation to the elections. It is a serious offence to engage in vote buying, vote selling, intimidation, threats of violence, acts of violence, or impersonation of a voter or an electoral officer," he stated. 362 young people presented with Head of State Award Chris Nunoo Dec - 02 - 2024 , 09:57 4 minutes read This years Head of State Awards ceremony has been held, with 362 Head of State Award awardees, Duke of Edinburgh Gold awardees and exceptional individuals being honoured. The awardees, by dint of hard work, have consistently contributed to the socio-economic growth and development of the country. The ceremony was on the theme: Building the future, enhancing youth skills and employability. Background The 362 young people had completed the HOSA Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and demonstrated excellence in leadership and service to the community. Advertisement Out of that, 245 awardees, representing 67.7 per cent, were females, while 117 representing 32.3 per cent were males. Among them were two institutions and 80 remarkable individuals who were said to have been development-focused towards the sustainable growth of the country for the HOSA special earnings. Through the structured award framework of non-formal education and learning, the award scheme challenged, inspired and empowered young people over the last operational year. Nurture young people Speaking at the ceremony at the Jubilee House last Friday evening, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo underscored the need for collective efforts to nurture the potential of young people. That, he said, would also help create pathways for young people to thrive in a fast-changing world as the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, green economies and innovation-based industries meant that the skills of yesterday might no longer suffice. We are thus not just preparing the youth to meet the demands of today but also equipping them to lead in the world of tomorrow, he stated. President Akufo-Addo said there was a young, dynamic and vibrant population whose talents and innovation held the promise of a brighter tomorrow. The youth are the backbone of our country. Some 57 per cent of the population of Ghana is under the age of 25, making us a youthful nation with boundless potential, he pointed out but said this demographic dividend was not automatically a blessing. He indicated that it required deliberate investment, forward-looking policies and a relentless focus on equipping young people with the skills they needed to compete and succeed globally. Free SHS While touting his youth-focused policies in the last eight years, President Akufo-Addo said the introduction of the free Senior High School (SHS) policy in 2017 had enabled some 5.7 million young Ghanaians to access secondary education and ensured that no talent was left behind due to financial constraints. In addition, he said, his government had championed the free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policy to also ensure that vocational and technical skills were given the prominence they deserved. Our aim is clear; to empower young people not just to see jobs but also to create them, he added, describing the results as encouraging. The President expressed delight that technical and vocational education had become the preferred choice of many young people for the first time in the history of the country and said that was proof of the value the government placed on practical skills-based learning. Private sector President Akufo-Addo further mentioned the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) which, he said, was introduced with support from the private sector and explained that the programme was designed to provide skills training, mentorship and start-up funding for young entrepreneurs. Above all, he said, the Youth Start initiative had been a game-changer in offering financial and technical support to youth-led businesses. One area of strategic focus has been the digital economy. We are living in a world driven by technology, and Ghana must be at the forefront of this transformation, the President emphasised. Climate change Touching on climate change, President Akufo-Addo said it was real, and stated that the youth needed to be prepared for opportunities in green jobs and sustainable industries. He, therefore, mentioned the Green Ghana Project and the Climate Prosperity Plan and said through these initiatives government was creating avenues for young people to engage in reforestation, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Apply lessons learnt The Executive Director of the Head of State Award, Peter Akai Anum, said the awards continued to make an impact on communities across the country by enhancing the employable skills of young people. He advised the gold award winners to remember the lessons they learnt as they stepped into the future through the award programme and urged them to continue to embrace challenges with the same courage and determination they had displayed. Over the next five years, we want to visually scale up our reach and widen our access to all young people between the ages of 14 and 24 years in the country, Mr Anum said. Next article: Media organisations need to protect journalists from online harassment UNESCO Communications Officer 40 Students of Takoradi University awarded 2024 Karpowership scholarship Daily Graphic Dec - 02 - 2024 , 09:57 3 minutes read Forty brilliant but needy students of the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) have benefitted from the Karpowership Ghana for this year. Now in its third year, the initiative aims to break financial barriers and promote academic excellence. The scholarship will take care of both academic and welfare needs of the beneficiaries. An event was held last Thursday to present a dummy cheque representing the full payment of fees for the selected students from the Engineering Department, offering courses in mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. Advertisement Present at the event were management of the TTU, parents and scholarship beneficiaries. Vote of confidence Presenting the package, the Corporate Communications Manager for Karpowership Ghana, Sandra Amarquaye, highlighted the significance of the initiative. She said the gesture reaffirmed the companys commitment to education. "At Karpowership Ghana, we believe investing in education is investing in the future of Ghana. This scholarship is not just financial support; it is a vote of confidence in the abilities of these students. It also aligns with our commitment to achieving SDG 4 quality education, and SDG 5 gender equality, as we have increased the number of female beneficiaries on the scheme this year We hope to see them excel and contribute to the industrial and technological advancement of this country," Ms Amarquaye said. Impactful The Vice-Chancellor of the TTU, Prof. John Frank Eshun, lauded the partnership describing it as a testament to impactful partnerships between academia and businesses. This collaboration with Karpowership Ghana is a testament to what can be achieved when corporate entities and academic institutions join forces. Together, we are building a future where no deserving student is left behind due to financial challenges. We deeply appreciate Karpowership Ghana for this life-changing initiative. The Registrar of TTU, Dr. Moses Maclean Abnory echoed similar sentiments saying, This scholarship will have a lasting impact, not just on the students but on their families and communities as well. We look forward to seeing these students thrive and make meaningful contributions to society. Student beneficiaries also expressed gratitude and shared how the scholarship has impacted their life. Benedicta Boadi said: This scholarship has given me a lifeline, the sound mind it afforded me to learn helped me excel in my academics. Im committed to excelling and making my sponsors proud. Ali Wattata added: This opportunity means everything to me. With Karpowership Ghanas support, I can now focus fully on my studies and finish with good grades. A parent, Godwin Selorm, whose daughter is a beneficiary, remarked, As a parent, this scholarship is a huge relief. Its not just about the fees; its about the hope it brings. Im incredibly grateful to Karpowership Ghana and TTU for this blessing. Islamic school students trained in gender-based violence Daily Graphic Dec - 02 - 2024 , 15:03 3 minutes read Over one hundred students of Hijaz Islamic Basic School at Korle Gonno, in Greater Accra, have been educated on the manifestations of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in schools and their communities. The sessions, held under the Young Voices Matter: Empowering Boys and Girls in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence project, encouraged students to speak out against GBV. This initiative is part of the United States Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Impact Award Project led by Regina Asamoah, a multiple award-winning journalist and Founder of Missing Children Ghana. The project is funded by the United States Department of States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with Meridian International Center as the implementing partner. Advertisement Moderating the interactive sessions, Regina Asamoah emphasised that GBV in schools and communities was stifling childrens potential and childhood experiences. Knowledge is power, and that is why we are hereto equip you with knowledge to empower you. Do not let cultural norms force you into silence. Silence hides violence, she urged. Criminal implications ACP (retd) Dr Patience Ashorkor Quaye provided insights into GBV, its criminal implications and various forms, including bullying, sexual harassment and teasing. Dr Quaye, who is also a Fellow of Missing Children Ghana, cautioned students against engaging in such behaviours and encouraged them to respect the rights of their peers. Prof. Samuel Kojo Kwofie, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ghana, addressed Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). He highlighted the dangers of cyberbullying, sextortion, deepfake and cyberstalking, advising students to think critically before sharing content online to avoid victimisation. Emotional trauma Dr Dzifa Abra Attah, a clinical psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana Medical School, delved into the emotional trauma caused by GBV. She led students in a practical session on emotional resilience and urged them to seek guidance from trusted adults when dealing with GBV-related issues. Dr Attah, who is also a Fellow of Missing Children Ghana, encouraged teachers to identify and support students who might be suffering silently. The U.S. Embassy Ghana Alumni Coordinator, Chantel Bekoe, used the occasion to inform students about various educational opportunities offered by the embassy. She encouraged them to utilise the knowledge gained, noting that such opportunities were rare for students their age. The headmistress of Hijaz Islamic Basic School, Ellen Adjaye-Gyamfi, expressed gratitude to the project team for selecting their school located in a community vulnerable to GBV. She advocated similar sessions for the entire community. Martha Breh, the Municipal School Improvement Support Officer, echoed this call, emphasising the need to extend such educational initiatives to other schools within the municipality to address the harmful effects of bullying, harassment and teasing. To commemorate the sessions, the project team, assisted by Chantel Bekoe, presented a certificate of participation to the school and provided over 100 different educational posters on GBV for display in the school. These posters aim to reinforce learning and serve as a constant reminder to students to stand against GBV. National Ambulance Service inaugurates Anum station Ezekiel E. Sottie Dec - 02 - 2024 , 06:57 3 minutes read The National Ambulance Service (NAS) has inaugurated its 34th Eastern Region station at Anum in the Asuogyaman District, with a call on workers of the service to ensure they take good care of the ambulance to serve Anum and other beneficiary communities in the area. Other communities that will benefit from the Anum National Ambulance Service due to the distances from such communities to Akosombo include Boso, Tosen, Nanyor, Nkwakubew, Labolabo, Osebeng, Asikuman, Osiabura, Fintey, Frankadua, Apeguso, Aboasa, Kwanyarko and Nnudu among others. The Anum Ambulance Service is being operated from the Enhanced Community Information Centre built by the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) under the Ministry of Communications. At a ceremony in Anum last Wednesday, the Eastern Regional Manager of the Ghana Ambulance Service, Michael Gaani, who handed over the ambulance to the Social Services Committee Chairman of the Asuogyaman District Assembly, Rev. Daniel Asante, said Anums ambulance was the 34th Ambulance Station in the Eastern Region and called on the workers to ensure they maintained the vehicle well so that it could serve the beneficiary communities for a long period. Advertisement Currently, the NAS has at least one station in each of Ghana's 261 districts. Approximate figures put the current number of stations at 297. Maintenance Mr Gaani said, Our Ghanaian nature is that we wait till whatever tools or machines we are working with get spoilt to a very critical state before we become conscious to maintain it. In such critical situations, sometimes, either the machine or whatever we want to repair is damaged beyond repairs or we spend so much in repairing it and that is our main challenge as a country. He said the ambulance was a community property that every member of Anum and all other beneficiary communities needed to be responsible for, adding: Every beneficiary community must be a watchdog of the facility. The Chairman of the Social Services of the Asuogyaman District Assembly, Rev. Asante, also handed over the ambulance to the Paramount Chief of the Anum Traditional Area, Akusiaku Brempong Kumi Sasraku VIII, who also handed it over to the Senior Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) of the NAS, Arnold Nyomasi, who also doubles as the Head of the Anum Station of the Ambulance Service. Rev. Asante said between the society and the hospitals or health facilities, the most important personalities were the EMTs and, therefore, the Anum community should care for them to guarantee their stay at Anum and its environs to serve the people in their health care delivery. The Anum Paramount Chief, Akusiaku Brempong Kumi Sasraku VIII, expressed his gratitude to those who initiated the ambulance service for his traditional area and pledged his support for its maintenance to last long for the beneficiary communities. Those who graced the occasion included the Juapong District Manager for ECG, William Ahenkora; the Asuogyaman Fire Officer, D.O. III Dzidepo Doku; the VRA Health Director, Dr Omari Yeboah and the Secretary to the Social Services Committee of the Asuogyaman District Assembly and the Coordinator of the Programme, Frank Asare Ayesu, among others. China strongly opposes U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, lodges solemn protests: spokesperson Xinhua) 11:23, December 02, 2024 BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China strongly deplores and firmly opposes U.S. arms sales to China's Taiwan region and has lodged serious protests to the U.S. side, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Sunday. On Nov. 30, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that the Department of State has approved 385 million U.S. dollars worth of arms sales to Taiwan. The U.S. arms sales to China's Taiwan region seriously violate the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982 and China's sovereignty and security interests, said the foreign ministry spokesperson in response to the move of the U.S. side. The sales are a severe breach of the international law, send a gravely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and are detrimental to China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, said the spokesperson, adding that the decision to sell arms to Taiwan is simply inconsistent with U.S. leaders' commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence." "China deplores and firmly opposes it and has lodged serious protests to the United States," said the spokesperson. "We call on the U.S. to immediately stop arming Taiwan and stop abetting and supporting 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces in seeking 'Taiwan independence' by building up its military," the spokesperson said, noting that China will take strong and resolute countermeasures to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Previous article: President begins Gt. Accra Thank You tour - Urges electorate to keep faith with NPP PharmaVax Ghana Programme holds first steering meeting Priscilla Asantewaa Obeng Dec - 02 - 2024 , 12:36 3 minutes read An inaugural steering committee meeting has been held to discuss the strategic implementation of a four-year project to strengthen the countrys pharmaceutical production sector. The Strengthening Ghanaian Pharmaceutical Sector focuses on Vaccine Production (PharmaVax) to create access to affordable high-quality vaccines and medicines in the country. Last Thursdays event brought together major stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Food and Drugs Authority, the National Vaccines Institute, private sector associations and research institutions, among others, to plan and strategise and provide relevant recommendations to ensure the implementation of the programme. The programme, which is co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German government, formed part of a special measure of the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+). Advertisement Self-reliance The Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, addressing the meeting, stated that the initiative was a commitment to helping Ghana strengthen its health systems, enhance local capacities and contribute to global equity in medicines and vaccines; thus, becoming a regional hub for vaccine and pharmaceutical production. MAV+ is a direct response to the calls from African leaders, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, for greater self-reliance after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Announced in 2022, it unites European and African leaders to strengthen supply, boost demand and foster an enabling environment for the success of pharmaceutical production, he explained. Additionally, the EU Ambassador to Ghana highlighted the projects significance as a continuation of the strong partnership between Team Europe and Ghana, noting that four years ago, during the peak of the global pandemic, the European Union played a key role in supplying Ghana with its first 600,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses through the COVAX facility. Getting vaccines is good but producing them is even better! That is why Team Europe has launched the MAV+ initiative in Africa to promote local manufacturing of vaccines and pharmaceuticals. PharmaVax embodies this ambition in Ghana, he said. He, therefore, encouraged like-minded stakeholders to work together to ensure the programmes success. The success of PharmaVax depends on strong partnerships. Team Europe is proud to stand with Ghanas government, the private sector and academia to create a resilient, self-reliant ecosystem. Bring your expertise and vision so we can achieve extraordinary outcomes, he urged. Progress Mr Razaaly indicated that Ghana had made great progress in becoming a vaccine manufacturing hub through initiatives such as the roadmap for vaccine development, the National Vaccine Policy and a 3 million project to strengthen the FDA regulatory capacity for overseeing vaccine manufacturing. However, he said there were still challenges, which included achieving World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, building marketing trust and transitioning from GAVIs, an organisation that helped to improve access to vaccines worldwide support by 2029. For her part, the Head of Development Cooperation of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Accra, Franziska Jebens, said the PharmaVax initiative was a significant milestone to strengthen Ghanas health security and reduce the countrys over-dependence on imported vaccines and other foreign health commodities. President begins Gt. Accra Thank You tour - Urges electorate to keep faith with NPP Chris Nunoo Dec - 02 - 2024 , 12:57 3 minutes read President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appealed to the chiefs and people of the Ga State to continue to keep faith with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by voting for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia at the polls on Saturday. He said his government had done a lot for the Ga community, and for that matter the country, but it would take a leader like the NPP flag bearer to complete the outstanding works and continue from where he was signing off. President Akufo-Addo, who was speaking during a meeting with Wulomei, Asafoatsemei and other traditional leaders of Ga Mashie at the James Town Fishing Harbour, also asked the people to vote for the NPP parliamentary candidate for Odododiodoo Constituency, Alhaji Abdul Mannaf Sowah. Holy Trinity Earlier, President Akufo-Addo, accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, and the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, worshipped at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Accra. Advertisement He later held a closed-door meeting with the partys Greater Accra Regional executive and parliamentary candidates at the GNAT Hall. This is the final leg of the Presidents Thank You tour as his eight-year rule winds down towards the January 6, 2025, final day. He has since embarked on a three-day tour of the Greater Accra Region to thank all stakeholders. President Akufo-Addo, as part of the tour, will inspect and inaugurate phase two of the Accra-Tema Motorway roundabout after which he will engage chiefs, clerics, clergy, Zango chiefs and other stakeholders in Tema. The President will also call on the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, at his palace, and later hold a similar engagement with chiefs and clergy in Accra. He will later inaugurate the Nationalism Park close to the Black Star Square. Finally, on Tuesday, President Akufo-Addo will meet with professional bodies and identifiable groups. James Town Speaking at the Cathedral and James Town, President Akufo-Addo said: I have come to the end of the eight years that you gave me, and next month in January, I will be stepping down for my successor. So, I am going around the country thanking all the people of Ghana for the big honour and blessing that you gave to me in making me President of Ghana. He said across the world when people spoke about Africa and democracy, they referred to Ghana as the beacon of democratic governance on the continent. To that end, he said, Ghanaians would on Saturday get another opportunity, the ninth successive opportunity, to go through a democratic process to elect the next government and another set of Members of Parliament. We have to demonstrate to the world that, indeed, we understand what democratic government is about, he said. He, therefore, appealed to all Ghanaians, especially the Electoral Commission (EC) and the security services, to ensure a smooth process, stressing that the government had made all arrangements to make sure that everything went peacefully and orderly. I am appealing to you to make sure that what happens here next Saturday is, indeed, peaceful, free and fair so that at the end of the day on Saturday, all of us will agree that X is the one who we have all agreed should be our next President. Until then, I want to say once again that I am really grateful, the President said. Gratitude He said his family, who were all with the Anglican faith, were all overwhelmed by the love, affection and honour that the church had given him by making him the President of the country. Towards Saturdays general election: 2 Religious leaders urge moderation, peace Albert K. Salia & Emmanuel Bonney Dec - 02 - 2024 , 09:57 5 minutes read Two senior religious figures have called for moderation among the electorate in order to preserve the peace of the country as the nation heads to the general election on Saturday. Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, who is the Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, and the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC), Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, said the election of a government must be driven by concrete considerations rather than violent tendencies. Sheikh Shaibu underscored the need for the country to uphold and build on the peace it was enjoying during the upcoming general election. He consequently stressed the need for all stakeholders, including political parties and their supporters, to work towards peace for the progress and development of the country. Advertisement Sheikh Shaibu said this at the fourth Graphic National Development Series in Accra last Wednesday. Connection I'm speaking, more from a religious point of view because about 95 per cent of our population belong to one religion or the other. That's why religion plays a very significant role, and we owe this country a responsibility to talk in a tone that sends a message of peace, influencing our young people to reject completely the mindset of violence, the Islamic leader said. Our politicians continue to send messages of violence, preparing the minds of our young people for violence in the name of elections. And I think that is bad, he said. Sheikh Shaibu explained that real peace happened when people met and could look one another in the eye and got connected in the heart, mind and souls with a sense of mutual well-being, respect and tolerance with one another. That, he said, was what God had given to mankind as a gift. At the event, the Managing Director of GCGL, Ato Afful, reminded young people to be mindful of people who might mislead them, saying the nation belonged to the very youngsters the older generation might seek to mislead. Sheikh Shaibu said he identified completely with the GCGL MDs view and urged the youth to be guided by sound judgment in the election process. Misinformation He urged the public to be wary of misinformation and disinformation in the heat of the electioneering. It's evil, it's vile, it's vicious, it's immoral, he emphasised. Sheikh Shaibu deplored the attitude of people, especially politicians, who recruited youngsters and deliberately gave them wrong information to cause chaos. Politicians are doing that. Misinformation, information that comes to you wrongly, but you do not care to find out how true or untrue it is, and you share that information and it goes and catches fire, and people's hard-won reputations are destroyed, breaking the harmony and the cohesiveness of our country. Politicians who do so are not honest.They want to become our presidents, our MPs, and they begin on the note of falsehood, he said. Sheikh Shaibu stressed the need for political parties to educate their people not to go to polling stations with arms.The police, he said, must be supported to ensure law and order. Help the police to keep order and keep our peace, he said. Graphic The event was on the theme: Sustaining civic and democratic governance system for development: Mandate of all citizens. The series is a platform offered by the nations foremost media organisation, Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL), to discuss issues of national interest and to also propose solutions for accelerated development. It focuses on strategic issues of national character, ultimately influencing policy and mindsets of the people. Sheikh Shaibu said the Chief Imam had been sending messages across, particularly to the young people and office bearers whose responsibility it was to keep this country safe as the elections approached. His message is, he is 105 years now and he is not growing any younger. He is very emotional about this country. If God should call him today, what kind of Ghana will he leave behind? Is it going to be a peaceful Ghana, a divided Ghana, a Ghana in which young people do not respect the elderly, a Ghana in which partisan politics and adversarial politics continue to set us apart and hatred can be seen all the time in the name of the politics that we do, he said. Catholic Bishops The GCBC urged Ghanaians to engage responsibly in the electoral process, guided by the values of the Gospel. We urge you to participate in the elections not just as voters but also as active citizens who contribute to the common good of the nation, it said. In an advent pastoral to Ghanaian Catholics, Most Rev. Kwasi Gyamfi entreated Ghanaians not to be swayed by divisive rhetoric or empty promises, but to seek to promote candidates who would work for the welfare of all, especially the poor, the marginalised and the vulnerable. Let us be vigilant in ensuring that the elections are free, fair and peaceful. In all that we do during this electioneering period, let us ensure that we put our dear country, Ghana, above our political interests and ambitions so that true peace will prevail in Ghana before, during and after the elections, Most Rev. Kwasi Gyamfi said in the advent. He said the bishops recognised that, as a country, Ghana was going through a time of transition, both politically and socially. The political climate in our nation is dynamic, and we are aware of the anxieties and uncertainties that often accompany times of electioneering. In these times, it is easy to lose sight of the hope that sustains us as people of faith. However, as we celebrate Advent, we are reminded that Christ is our ultimate hope, and it is in Him that we find true peace and stability, he stated. Peace Most Rev. Kwasi Gyamfi called upon all Catholics to intensify their prayer during the Advent season, praying for peace, justice and reconciliation in our country. Let us pray for our leaders that they may be guided by wisdom, integrity and a true desire to serve the people. Let us also pray for all citizens of Ghana that we may be united in our diversity, working together for the common good, he said. Women encouraged to venture into politics Beatrice Laryea Dec - 02 - 2024 , 09:57 2 minutes read The Executive Director of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ghana, Susan Aryeetey, has urged women to leverage the Affirmative Action Law as a tool for change and to pursue careers in politics. She emphasised that doing so would help close the gender gap in politics and governance, while promoting equal and inclusive representation of women in decision-making processes. Mrs Aryeetey made these remarks at an inter-party strategic meeting last Tuesday organised by the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Ghana, aimed at increasing the number of women in Ghana's parliament. Afrobarometer She referenced the 2024 Afrobarometer report on womens political participation, which revealed that the representation of women in Africa had only increased by one per cent over the past three years, rising from 25 per cent in 2021 to 26 per cent in 2024. Advertisement "The 2024 Afrobarometer report indicates that at the current pace, it will take until 2100 for African countries to achieve gender parity in their parliaments. This highlights the need to revisit our Affirmative Action Act. It is crucial to ensure that we bridge the gap in politics and governance," she said. "Although womens representation in Ghana's Parliament has slightly risen from 37 to 40 members, the country is still lagging behind other African nations such as Uganda, Senegal, Ethiopia and Rwanda when it comes to womens representation in parliament," she added. In her presentation on Africa's political landscape Facts and Figures, Mrs Aryeetey highlighted that the current 14.5 per cent representation of women in Ghana's parliament was critically insufficient. She outlined several challenges faced by women in politics, including financial constraints, sexual harassment, unfriendly party regulations, violence against women in politics, religious barriers and a lack of data. Voting for women In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the AWLN Ghana Chapter, Dr Charity Binka, urged participants to vote in large numbers for women in the upcoming elections to boost their representation in parliament. "With just a few days left until the election, there isnt much time, but if we all agree here that the 90 young women who have registered decide to vote for women, just imagine how many more women could be in parliament. Thats the conversation we are having," she said. Dr Binka also expressed gratitude to the United Nations, UN Women, UNDP and other partners for their continued support of women in politics. Featured Korle Klottey Assembly supports 17 PWDs with working tools Beatrice Laryea Dec - 02 - 2024 , 17:11 3 minutes read The Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) in the Greater Accra Region has provided financial assistance, tools, and equipment to 17 persons with disabilities (PWDs) within the municipality to support their economic and business ventures. The items, valued at GH100,000, were purchased using 3 percent of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) allocated to the Disability Fund (DF). The items includes deep freezers, welding tools, knitting machines, mobile money startup kits, hairdressing tools, shoemaking equipment, cosmetics, toiletries, gas stoves, and provisions to stock their shops. This marks the sixth disbursement to PWDs in the municipality since 2019 and the presentation took place during a brief ceremony in Accra last Thursday. Advertisement The initiative aligns with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's vision to reduce poverty and enhance the social status of people with disabilities across the country. Beneficiaries Some of the beneficiaries were Akwasi Nyarko, Eyi Azamati, Theophilus Owusu Essel, Musah Nartey, Jeremiah Lamptey, Acquah Ahmed Andam, Elvis Alipui and Seth Ansah. The rest are Ruth Yemoley Odoi, Eunice Koranteng, Lardi Abugri, Bernard Lamptey, Christiana Amegashie, Beatrice Ayebea Ayensu, George Amanotey Akpey, Julius Gbangab and Mumuni Umar. The event was attended by Assembly Members, both elected and government appointees as well as head of departments and units. Government commitment Speaking at the event, the Municipal Chief Executive, Samuel Nii Adjei Tawiah emphasized the government's dedication to ensuring that people with disabilities across the country receive the necessary support to lead fulfilling lives. "Today, we are fortunate to support our brothers and sisters for the sixth time here in the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, assisting those who, for various reasons, face challenges in supporting themselves, running businesses, or working like others," he said. He continued, "The government recognizes the importance of supporting them, ensuring that they have the opportunity to reach the same level as the rest of us, so they can work, support themselves, and care for their families." "It is very important to have a very dignified life by not having to knock on people's door before you feed yourself and your family. So this is a very important exercise that the Assembly is having to do today to support you," he added. Prudent use A representative from the National Council on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), Elvis Kosi Alipui, who is also a beneficiary, urged his fellow recipients to use the provided items responsibly to support themselves and their dependents. "We are here today to oversee the distribution of the 3% of the District Assembly Common Fund," he said. "The message to our members is clear: this fund is not for misuse. It is not a lottery. It is meant to help work towards reducing poverty among persons with disabilities and to improve their lives." He expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly and to the President for ensuring that people with disabilities are included in the sharing of national resources. "I want us to give a big round of applause to this municipality for their outstanding efforts. We also thank the President of the Republic of Ghana for ensuring that we, too, are part of the Common Fund. Since 2019, we have not been left out." Samuel Nii Adjei Tawiah, MCE of KoKMA and other members of the assembly with the beneficiaries after the event However, he also made a plea for increased support: "We still want to appeal for more, as the 3 per cent allocation is too small given the size of our population. We now represent 10 per cent of Ghana's population." Background In 2005, the Government of Ghana established the Disability Fund (DF) as part of its efforts to empower persons with disabilities. Currently, the fund stands at 3 per cent of the District Assembly Common Fund. The DF's primary objectives are to reduce poverty and enhance the social status of people with disabilities. It offers financial assistance, provides working tools, supports educational needs and helps with medical expenses for individuals in need. Military will not deploy to polling stations - GAF reiterates Jemima Okang Addae Dec - 02 - 2024 , 10:58 2 minutes read The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has clarified its role in the security arrangements for the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, emphasising that no military personnel will be stationed at a polling station. Instead, it said the Ghana Police Service (GPS) will take the lead in election security operations, with the GAF on standby to provide support only if specifically requested by the police. This approach underlines the collaborative efforts between the two security agencies to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process. Statement The GAF in a press statement released on December 1, 2024 and signed by the Director General of Public Relations, Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quashie, assured the public that the protocol was designed to uphold the integrity of the elections while maintaining law and order. Advertisement The statement further urged the public to report any individuals claiming to be military personnel or wearing military-patterned attire at polling stations to the nearest police station or through the GPS toll-free numbers (18555 or 0800 311 311) for appropriate action. He assured the public that the GAF's role would be limited to providing standby support, with the primary responsibility for election security assigned to the Ghana Police Service (GPS). "The military will only be deployed upon request by the GPS. This collaborative approach ensures that the elections proceed smoothly and peacefully while maintaining law and order," he stated. He emphasised that such reports would enable appropriate action to be taken against unauthorised individuals, thereby safeguarding security and the integrity of the electoral process. "GAF wishes to encourage all Ghanaians to exercise their civic rights responsibly, cooperate with security personnel and refrain from any acts that could disrupt the peace," he added. President inaugurates Tema Motorway interchange phase II Chris Nunoo Dec - 02 - 2024 , 16:48 5 minutes read President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has for the umpteenth time inaugurated another interchange, the Tema motorway interchange Phase II, in the Greater Accra region. This is the third interchange, President Akufo-Addo has inaugurated in just two weeks. On November 19, the President inaugurated the Flowerpot Interchange in Accra, followed closely by the Obetsebi Lamptey interchange on November 29, 2024. The phase two of the Tema interchange is a full 3-tear interchange, with the flyover on Tema harbour, south side to Akosombo, north side of the road. Advertisement It was constructed with high-quality steel gutter bridge. Both the phase one and two project design, and construction cost brought the total grant to about $91 million. Testament President Akufo-Addo said the Tema project was a testament to the power of vision, determination and collaboration and also represented the unfriending dedication to addressing the long-standing challenges of mobility, economic growth, and regional integration. He said the mission of the government on that journey was to alleviate the persistent traffic congestion that had plagued that critical corridor for years. In June 2020, during the commissioning of phase one, "I pledged to the Ghanaian people that phase two would follow swiftly, enhancing the benefits of the first phase. Today, I am proud to say that that promise has been fulfilled, he said. This project, he said, was yet to enhance traffic flow to inform the largest seaport, Tema habour, by reducing delays and eliminating gridlock and expedite the movement of goods, enhance trade facilitation, and stimulate economic activity, not just within Ghana, but across the ECOWAS region. Beyond its immediate benefits, President Akufo-Addo added, that the project underscored the position of Ghana as a hub for regional trade. He said it complemented the expansion of the 64 kilometre Tema habour-Akosombo corridor which was a vital economic artery connecting key centres of commerce and industry. Together, he said, these investments were creating a seamless network that supported livelihoods, encouraged innovation, and accelerated development. Infrastructure Infrastructure is the backbone of national progress. Under my leadership, we have prioritised road development as the cornerstone of our nation's agenda, recognising its profound impact on every aspect of Ghanaian life. The Tema motorway interchange phase two is part of a broader vision to create a Ghana that is connected, inclusive, and globally competitive, President Akufo-Addo emphasised saying This remarkable project also highlights the strength of international partnerships. The President said the interchange was part of a deliberate strategy to decentralise economic opportunities and ensure equitable development across the nation. He said from the Pokuase interchange, the largest in West Africa, to the Tamale interchange, the first of its kind in Northern Ghana, we have worked tirelessly to open up our country, reduce disparities, and empower communities. Funded through a Japanese grant, he said, the project was the largest grant of its kind, extended to Ghana by Japan and reflected the strong bond of friendship and mutual respect between the two nations. On behalf of the government and people of Ghana, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Japan. Your steadfast support and expertise have been instrumental in realising this vision. Together, we have demonstrated what can be achieved through shared commitment and collaboration, he stated. He also advised all motorists to exercise caution and serve road safety regulations, and prioritise the safety of all road users. Background On October 13, 2021, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, (JICA), signed an agreement with the government of Ghana for the improvement of the Tema motorway roundabout phase two. The Japanese government, through JICA, provided a grant amount of 3,656,000,000 Japanese yen, equivalent to about $33 million to the government of Ghana. The phase one of the motorway interchange project was implemented through the Japanese Grant, signed on March 31, 2017, with an amount of $6.259 million, equivalent to about $57 million. The phase one was the construction of the first and longest highway underground tunnel in Ghana in mid-level interchange with ancillary facilities such as pedestrian bridges. Transformational vision The Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso Boakye, said the project was a triumph of engineering and a symbol of the transformational vision and leadership that was guiding the future of the progress and prosperity of the country. Tracing the history of the project, Mr Asenso Boakye said, the construction of the phase two began in July 2022 and was originally planned for completion on December 14, 2024 but said, the second phase had been completed ahead of schedule. He mentioned some other road projects earmarked for construction such as the bypasses at Osino, Enyinam and Konongo to divert traffic, especially heavy trucks away from the densely populated communities along that major corridor. Once completed, he explained, that those bypasses would ensure a seamless flow of traffic to Kumasi and beyond, minimising disruptions from the local traffic. This will not only improve road safety, but will also optimise transportation efficiency, supporting economic growth and trade along this corridor, he added. Mr Asenso Boakye further mentioned the construction of the Sawla-Wa oad, Techiman-Sunyani road, Tachiman-Wenchi road, Kumase -Mampong road, Jinijini-Sampa road among other roads in the Savannah region and Larteh junction to Larteh road. These projects, according to the roads and highways minister reflected the commitment of the government to bridge regional disparities, enhancing connectivity, and creating opportunities for all Ghanaians, regardless of their location. He also assured residents along the Tema-Aflao road of the commitment of government to improve the condition of that road. I encourage everyone to remain patient and continue supporting our efforts as we work towards achieving our shared goal, he assured. 7th meeting of Parliament commences December 16 - Speaker announces Nana Konadu Agyeman Politics Dec - 02 - 2024 , 15:49 3 minutes read The seventh meeting of the fourth session of the Eighth Parliament will commence on Monday, December 16, 2024, the Speaker of Parliament, has announced. The Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in a notice dated December 2, 2024, said the recall was in pursuant to Orders 58 of the Standing Orders of Parliament. The Eighth Parliament of the Republic of Ghana shall commence on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 10 oclock in the forenoon at a place to be appointed by the Speaker in due course, he stated. Recall declined Related: Speaker on why he declined Majority Leaders request to recall Parliament Advertisement Mr Bagbin last week declined the request by the Majority Leader for him to recall the House to consider outstanding urgent government and public businesses two days ahead of the December 7 polls. He said given the closeness of the elections, recalling Members of Parliament would disrupt their campaign and that would not serve the national interest. In such circumstances, he said, he was neither inclined nor disposed to exercise his discretion in favour of the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markins request to recall the legislators. Bearing in mind the provisions of Article 296 (a) and (b) of the Constitution and the closeness of the proposed dates to the general election, I am of the considered opinion that it would not be in the national interest to interrupt the campaigns of members and parties by a recall to plenary sitting of Parliament, the Speaker said. In a November 26, 2024 memo in response to the request of Mr Afenyo-Markin, who also serves as the Leader of Government Business in Parliament aside being Majority Leader, Mr Bagbin stated: Consequently, it will not be fair to exercise my discretion in favour of your request to summon Members of Parliament at this time to a two-day sitting to deliberate on 22 items you consider urgent or outstanding government businesses. It is worth noting that having regard to the practice and deliberations of the House, I wonder how the proposed 22 items could be transacted within two days. I accordingly suggest that government prioritises these businesses together with others not captured by your memo for consideration after the conduct of the general election on December 7, 2024, Mr Bagbins memo stated. Functions by plenary The Speaker said the request to recall Parliament was received at his Office on Friday, November 22, 2024, at a time he was out of the office to honour an invitation outside Accra. He said the Majority Leaders memo called on him to exercise his discretion pursuant to Orders 57(3) and 58(4) of the Standing Orders of the House to summon the House to sit for two days, November 28 and 29, 2024, to consider 22 items, all of which the Leader referred to as either outstanding public business or urgent government business. As you may be aware, the performance of the functions of Parliament and the duties of Members of Parliament extend beyond the plenary sittings of Parliament. Again, as you are aware, the parliamentary calendar acknowledges election campaign periods, he stated. Request declined Mr Bagbin said the prevailing season was for the government, parties and both presidential and parliamentary candidates to present their manifestos to the people, and to account for and justify how the mandate given them by the voters for the four-year term of office had been applied to the benefit of the people. He, therefore, stressed that the House would resume sitting after the elections to complete all essential matters before a seamless transition to the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic. The national interest would better be served if members exhibit conducts of honour, empathy and humility in the performance of their duties. In the circumstances, I am neither inclined nor disposed to exercise my discretion in favour of your request. The request is accordingly declined, he said. Adwoa Safo: Competence, not religion, should guide votes for Bawumia GraphicOnline Politics Dec - 02 - 2024 , 06:44 3 minutes read The Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo has called on Ghanaians to prioritise competence over religious affiliations when casting their votes in the December 2024 general elections. Speaking at a Dr. Bawumia Youth Connect campaign in Efigyase-Asokore in the Ashanti Region, the former Deputy Majority Leader championed Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the best choice to lead Ghana for the next four years. Rejecting religious bias Addressing the spirited crowd, Mrs. Safo decried the use of religious propaganda against Dr Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate. "I keep hearing on the airwaves that Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is a Muslim, so he should not be given power. Hoot at anyone who comes here to engage in that propaganda!" she declared, sparking loud cheers. Advertisement Highlighting the shared Abrahamic heritage of Christianity and Islam, she reminded the audience that religious differences should not divide the nation. "Christianity and Islam both trace their roots to Abraham, the father of Isaac and Ishmael. Despite having different mothers Sarah and Hagar we all come from the same source," she said. Proven track record Mrs. Safo praised Dr Bawumia as a visionary leader with a proven ability to drive Ghanas development. "He is a man of possibilities. He has proven time and again that where there is no way, by the grace of God, he will make a way," she remarked. She also criticised the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their scepticism of landmark policies such as Free SHS and crude oil discovery. "When then-President Kufuor discovered crude oil, the NDC called it palm kernel oil. They said Free SHS was impossible, yet we delivered it. The NDC is a party of impossibilities, while the NPP delivers results," she asserted. Women and youth as catalysts for change Mrs. Safo emphasised the vital role of women and youth in Ghanas progress, urging their support for Dr Bawumia and Dome-Kwabenya parliamentary candidate Dr Ayew Afriyie. "Women and children make up over 52% of the population. Let us throw our support behind Dr Bawumia and Dr Ayew Afriyie. My father, Prophet Kwadwo Safo, once said if you want a church to stand the test of time, you need the support of women. The same applies here women must stand firm with our incoming president," she said. She assured women that a Bawumia-led government would prioritise their empowerment through capital support for businesses. "This election is about your future," she added. Rallying Support for Ayew Afriyie Mrs. Safo also lauded Dr Ayew Afriyie for his exemplary performance in Parliament, urging constituents to renew his mandate. "Dr Ayew Afriyies sterling performance in the 8th Parliament deserves another term. Let us not disappoint him," she appealed. Call for unity and progress Concluding her address, Mrs. Safo expressed optimism about the NPPs prospects in the upcoming elections, driven by the crowds enthusiasm. "The crowd I see here gives me hope that we have already won," she said. Bawumia pledges to sign 'anti-gay and anti-witchcraft bills' if elected President Graphic Online Politics Dec - 02 - 2024 , 15:39 1 minute read Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has reaffirmed his commitment to signing the controversial anti-gay bill into law if elected President. The bill, unanimously passed by Parliament, is currently awaiting Presidential assent, a process stalled by a constitutional challenge at the Supreme Court. However, Dr Bawumia has declared his unequivocal readiness to finalise the legislation. Speaking to thousands of worshippers at the Philadelphia Church in Kumasi on Sunday, Dr Bawumia stated his intent to address the matter decisively. Advertisement "There are so many issues which are dear to so many people and our father," he said. "There are two issues in Parliament which are of importance to many Ghanaians. One is the LGBTQ+ Bill, which is so dear to our father and Ghanaians. By the grace of God, when I come, I will sign it immediately." He also addressed another pending legislation. "Another issue which is so serious to our father and Ghanaians is the anti-witchcraft bill, which I will sign as well," he added. Dr Bawumias remarks align with his consistent opposition to LGBTQ+ practices in Ghana, which he asserts are contrary to the countrys cultural and religious norms. Featured Paul Adom-Otchere launches book exploring 77 defining stories of Ghana's Fourth Republic GraphicOnline Politics Dec - 02 - 2024 , 17:49 3 minutes read Ghanaian journalist Paul Adom-Otchere has launched a book chronicling stories that have shaped Ghana's Fourth Republic since its inception in 1992. Titled "Africas New Constitutional Leadership: 77 Stories that Defined Ghanas 4th Republic," the book provides an in-depth exploration of pivotal moments in Ghanas democratic evolution. The launch event, held at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, was attended by high-profile personalities, including Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchway and Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah. The Managing Director of Citi FM and Channel One TV, Samuel Attah-Mensah, also graced the occasion, alongside other distinguished guests. Mr. Adom-Otchere described the book as a "narrative of Ghana's democratic journey," offering insights into constitutional transitions, political milestones, and the role of key individuals and institutions in shaping the nations governance. Advertisement A notable moment during the launch was journalist Natalie Forts reading of Story 21: The Election of 2000, which highlighted similarities between Ghanas and Americas political landscapes. Ghanaians and Americans have traditionally voted in the same year; however, it was during the 2000 election that the parallel dynamics became obvious to many, the excerpt noted. Fort drew attention to how global media coverage, particularly from CNN, influenced Ghanaians' understanding of international electoral processes. Mr. Adom-Otcheres work also presents an evaluation of President Akufo-Addo as who he described as the most impactful leader of the Fourth Republic, attributing this partly to his gracious concession after the narrow loss in the 2008 elections. It was in the right place to make some verdicts of happenings. A verdict was made in the book that ruled that President Akufo-Addo was the most impactful president in the Fourth Republic, Mr. Adom-Otchere stated. Reflections from guests Representing President Akufo-Addo, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchway praised the books detailed exploration of Ghanas democratic achievements. "This democracy, with its widely-celebrated longevity, was not originally guaranteed," she said. She emphasised the Ghanaian peoples agency in establishing the Fourth Republic, stating, Our Fourth Republic did not come into being by way of external pressure or by the activism of well-intentioned foreigners. The Ghanaian people themselves, through their institutions and political parties, navigated the processes and parameters of democracy with great assiduousness. Personal anecdotes and broader context Mr. Adom-Otchere shared a poignant memory of a conversation with President Akufo-Addo in 2000, where he asked him to name Ghana's best lawyer. He paused and thought deeply before answering. Eventually, he declared Peter Alan Adjetey as the best for his generation because of his brilliance during Ghanas pivotal 31st December case, he recounted. The book also examines landmark policies like the launch of Free Senior High School in 2017 and explores the role of independent media in fostering Ghanas democracy. The book is available in leading bookstores and online platforms. Next article: Ghana's Election 2024: How the special voting went Previous article: Bawumia pledges to sign 'anti-gay and anti-witchcraft bills' if elected President Walewale: Fire service officer arrested for photographing his vote in ongoing Special Voting Mohammed Fugu Politics Dec - 02 - 2024 , 13:23 1 minute read A security officer with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has been arrested and placed in police custody for alleging photographing his ballot in the ongoing Special voting exercise. This happened in Walewale in the North East Region, Graphic Online's Mohammed Fugu reports. The suspect is said to have taken a photo of his ballot paper with a phone after casting his vote. He is currently in police custody assisting with investigation. Illustration: Naomi Otsu Welcome to Grub Streets rundown of restaurant recommendations that aims to answer the endlessly recurring question: Where should we go? These are the spots that our food team thinks everyone should visit, for any reason (a new chef, the arrival of an exciting dish, or maybe theres an opening thats flown too far under the radar). This month: amberjack belly in the East Village, sweetbread nuggets a la Boulud, and a department-store cafe that feels like something out of a childrens book (yes, its Louis Vuitton). Where to Eat All of Our Picks, Mapped See the Map Leons (Union Square) A corner space like Leons expansive, across from the Strand has a sense of spectacle to it, even with half-curtains obscuring so much of the Broadway buzz. Is this your first time? our jocular server asked a few nights after opening as we took in the clamshell sconces and algae-like swipes of green paint on the wall. Yes. That would make sense, she replied. Its only my third day. Yet the place already displays polish: The second restaurant from Antons owners Nick Anderer and Natalie Johnson, the food here is Italian but also Egyptian (in honor of Johnsons grandfather) and a little French. The chips and onions Soriano are none of these things inspired instead, Johnson explains, by the Spanish fries of 1980s New York but theyre a must. Topped with onions and seasoned, crucially, with smoked paprika and citrus powder, they are savory and irresistible. Order the shrimp and potato salad, too, but skip the crab tuffoli with coriander in favor of the ravioli alla caprese, which are plump, rich, and a nice foil to the lamb misto, skinny skewers, fatty belly, and well-seasoned kofta. (During lunch, those same kofta are served with Johnsons family rice, pilaf al Hakim.) For dessert: How about a cookie plate (its December, after all), which includes a fantastically chewy tahina, or some creme caramel? Chris Crowley Le Cafe at Louis Vuitton (Midtown) Step aside, Polo Bar, theres a new fashtaurant in town. Le Cafe du Louis Vuitton, as its known, is the Maisons first eating establishment in the United States. My midwestern mom joined me on a recent visit, and she aptly called it very Kardashian. The dining room communicates luxury as visibly as possible, and even the POS devices for servers are hidden inside the brands classic trunks. The logos extend to the French-leaning menu by chef Christophe Bellanca a caviar-embossed scallop souffle, an emblem-shaped potato waffle and the desserts from pastry chef Mary George are as covered in LV iconography as the handbags for sale elsewhere in the building. No disrespect to the monogramming, but my favorite dishes featured less branding: rich and layered truffle eggs a la Coque (served with an embossed brioche breadstick for dipping), and the Velours Noir, a cocoa-dusted negroni perfect for this time of year. Alas, the ice is stamped with an LV logo, too, but it was easy to overlook as it melted. Zach Schiffman Smithereens (East Village) Its not exactly coastal, but the cuisine of New England has washed up on East 9th Street. Smithereens, from Nick Tamburo, a former Claud chef, occupies a low-ceilinged, galley-shaped warren with seawater-colored walls; the lobster rolls come stuck with paper replicas of the Massachusetts state flag. Smithereens is only the latest comer in a year of upscale fish shacks, but theres plenty to recommend it. Classics are dutifully riffed on clam chowder reimagined as hake in a potato-and-herb broth with clams but my tip is to treat the restaurant instead like an Eastern Seaboard sushi joint. Amberjack belly seared over binchotan with sea-lettuce vinaigrette was meaty and crisp-skinned, and we lived to regret not ordering scallops with thinly shaved matsutake mushrooms and lime zest or sliced tuna rolled around pear and cherry blossom. Do save room for dessert, whether thats a tangy cider doughnut served hot or the odd but enticing float of celery-root ice cream with celery soda and maraschino cherries. And for a drink, instead of the traditional Narragansett, the wine list (by Nikita Malhotra, previously of Momofuku Ko) all but insists on a German white, the kind of monomania that demands and deserves to be celebrated. Matthew Schneier La Tete dOr (Flatiron) By this point in his decades-spanning, done-it-all career, Daniel Boulud could, and possibly even should logically have DB Steak outposts inside casinos and luxury-hotel lobbies across the globe. In reality, this Golden Head is, the chefs various reps have relayed repeatedly, his first steakhouse. He seems to have no interest in disrupting genre conventions the Caesars are tossed tableside, Texas beef careens around the room in a prime-rib trolley, everything is expensive while offering the kind of mannered, Franco tweaks one expects from a Boulud establishment: clover-size broccoli florets garnishing sweetbread nuggets, a crab cake crowned with a savory tuille, a list of classical add-on sauces that Escoffier would recognize. (Also expected: a full dining room on opening night, with seats occupied by what looked like the uptown doctors and lawyers and finance barons who are the habitues of his other Manhattan dining rooms.) Its big and festive and polished in a Vegas-y sort of way, which seems to be the goal, and which feels tonally appropriate for the sprint into the holiday season. Alan Sytsma Kinjo (Dumbo) Visit one sub-$100 omakase spot and it can feel like youve been to them all, but the $95 service at this counter on the Dumbo waterfront is an exception to the standard of bare-bones spaces squeezed into narrow storefronts. The ambience at the 13-seat lacquered wood bar is decidedly serene, with textured wallpaper all the way up to the former factorys ceiling. The 11-course menu feels special too, like a scallop crudo starter with honeydew and a spicy sprig of watercress; and a curry-glazed, lightly flamed shrimp nigiri with shredded fried leeks. After six pieces of sushi, the sequence finishes with a five-day koji-cured duck breast, sliced and served on a soft crepe with a shiso leaf and pineapple hoisin, all meant to be rolled together like a taco, followed by sablefish chazuke where the fish melts in a fine-tuned dashi. If the meal is a little light, there is an opportunity to order a la carte at the end, or you can finish the night with cocktails and snacks at the restaurants loungy bar. Tammie Teclemariam The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) arrived at its new homeport of Naval Base Guam on Nov. 26 as part of the U.S. Navys strategic laydown plan for naval forces in the Indo-Pacific region. Minnesota arrives as the first Virginia-class fast-attack submarine to be forward deployed to Guam, according to the Submarine Squadron 15 public affairs. The entire crew is thrilled to be in Guam, Cmdr. Isaac Pelt, commanding officer, USS Minnesota, said in a statement. 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. Commissioned on Sept. 7, 2013 in Norfolk, Virginia, Minnesota was the 10th Virginia-class submarine commissioned for service. Virginia-class submarines are the Navys next-generation attack submarines and are set to replace Los Angeles-class submarines as they retire. 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. The security environment in the Indo-Pacific requires that the U.S. Navy station the most capable units forward. This posture allows flexibility for maritime and joint force operations, with forward-deployed units ready to rapidly respond to deter aggression and promote a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. I would like to personally extend a warm welcome to the Sailors and families of Minnesota, said Capt. Neil Steinhagen, commander, Submarine Squadron 15. Guam serves as a strategic outpost in the Western Pacific, playing a vital role in maintaining stability across the region. Minnesota joins four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines forward deployed in the Pacific. Regarded as apex predators of the sea, Guams 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. Haiti - FLASH : 26 Haitians poisoned in DR after drinking juice 26 Haitians, including 2 children, were poisoned after drinking fruit juice on a farm in Pedernales (Dominican Republic) where they were working. According to reports, a few minutes after drinking, they suffered from vomiting and dizziness, and were rushed to the Taiwan Regional Hospital in Azua. The Taiwan Regional Hospital confirmed that it had received 26 Haitian nationals on Sunday, who came with symptoms of poisoning. According to Dr. Luis Edward Perez, Director of the hospital, upon arrival at the hospital, the patients presented signs consistent with organophosphate poisoning, including nausea, vomiting, excessive salivation and involuntary muscle contractions. Dr. Perez explained that treatment with atropine, saline solution and gastric lavage was immediately administered. "Thanks to the team's quick action, everyone is stable and under observation. "We continue to monitor the patients and provide the necessary medical care until they fully recover. We hope to release them in the next 24 hours," he said. So far, it is not known how they prepared the juice or if it contained a toxic substance. The competent authorities are investigating the cause of this poisoning and the substance responsible. S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - COP16 Riyadh 2024 : Positioning of the Ministry of the Environment Haiti is participating in the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2nd to 13, 2024, a crucial step to intensify global efforts against desertification, land degradation and drought. These closely linked issues are putting increasing pressure on productive land and water resources, jeopardizing ecosystems and food security worldwide. The UNCCD, adopted at the Earth Summit in 1992, embodies a historic commitment to address the impacts of human activities on the environment. Today, 197 countries and the European Union are Parties to the UNCCD, underscoring its importance in combating land degradation. The main objective of the UNCCD is to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030. Haitis commitment to combating land degradation : According to the 2023 National Land Degradation Report, Haiti is seeing a gradual reversal of this phenomenon, although some departments are still recording an upward trend. Agronomist Eder Audate, Director of the Forestry and Renewable Energy Directorate, emphasizes that without a major change in this trend, young farmers risk falling into poverty and migrating to urban centers, amplifying insecurity and social instability. The Ministry of the Environment, in collaboration with other sectoral ministries and its technical and financial partners, is implementing various initiatives, including: - The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which includes the development and sustainable management of watersheds, as well as a significant increase in reforested areas; Download the NDC (PDF in French) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/CPDN_Republique-d-Haiti.pdf - The National Adaptation Plan (2022-2030), prioritizing reforestation, agroforestry, water resource management and the development of climate-smart agriculture; Download Haitis National Adaptation Plan (NAP) (PDF in French 91 pages) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/PNA_HAITI.pdf - The National Biodiversity Strategy, aimed at restoring and protecting soils, terrestrial ecosystems and ecosystem services. - The definition of national Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets, which constitutes the largest global commitment (2018-2030) to restore the productivity of large areas of degraded land, thereby improving peoples livelihoods and reducing the impact of drought on vulnerable populations (2018-2030); These efforts aim to promote a green and blue economy while improving the living conditions of local populations, for whom the sustainable exploitation of natural resources represents a survival solution. Expectations of Haiti : The Ministry of Environment of Haiti is participating in this COP16 with great expectations, while urging the Parties to: Mobilize financial and technical resources for the implementation of priority actions, particularly in the most vulnerable countries. The creation of a fund dedicated to projects to mitigate the effects of drought and land degradation; Promote equitable governance by strengthening the voice of the most affected countries in decision-making processes, with a view to truly inclusive cooperation; Strengthen synergies between the Rio Conventions, by integrating sustainable land management objectives with those of climate and biodiversity to maximize the impact of the actions undertaken. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Social : Young Actors of Change Contest, applications open The Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES), convinced of the potential of youth, wishes to listen to the voices, suggestions and creative ideas of young people to build a better future together. Objective of the Contest : The contest aims to encourage the active participation of young people in the development of their communities. Participants are invited to submit creative proposals (video, art, photography) that highlight the needs of young people in vulnerable neighborhoods. The objective is to promote the involvement of young people in decision-making and to foster the development of sustainable solutions for their communities. Who can participate ? : All young Haitians between 15 and 30 years old, alone or in teams of 2 or 3 people. Those under 18 must indicate in the application form the name and contact information of a responsible adult (at least 18 years old) who can accompany them. Choose one of the following theme questions : - If you were President of Haiti for a day, how would you help the youth in your neighborhood? - If you were an alien from another planet and landed in Haiti, what needs would you discover among the youth in your neighborhood? - If you owned a large space in your neighborhood (for example, a center with a large room or an open space), how would you use it to help and engage the youth in your area and your age? Choose a category : Video : 1 minute maximum. Photography: Accompanied by a description of 500 characters maximum. Individual applications only. Artistic work : Artistic creation (painting, sculpture, singing/song, dance) accompanied by a description if necessary of 500 characters maximum. Online registration form : https://forms.gle/SWMfZiuJuM9uyFuN7 In this same form, you will be able to submit video and photos and your artistic work for the chosen category. Be careful not to exceed the maximum file size when sending. Contest Terms and Conditions : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1u6EtJLLzSk76eqPZxImgn-BkRzwHy0LW Applications open : November 28, 2024. Application deadline : January 20, 2025. Finalists selected, announced and awarded prizes to finalists : March 2025 Prizes : Winners will be selected by a jury composed of a FAES representative, a video expert and an influencer. The jury will evaluate the submissions according to the following criteria: - Originality and creativity; - Relevance to the questions asked; - Potential impact on the community. First Prize in each category : a laptop Many other Prizes for the finalists : digital tablets, mobile phones, wireless headphones and other surprises... The Prizes will be awarded to the winners during an evening in Port-au-Prince with DJ, snacks and special guests. HL/ HaitiLibre In Helsinki, we have had one of the longest well-functioning local clinics while constantly hearing horror stories concerning getting care in other areas of the city. My daughter gave birth to premature twins in 2017 in Turku, one 600 grams, the other 700 grams. As alarming as the situation seemed, the incredible professional care giving in the Turku hospital was so perfect and assuring where mother and twins were treated for over 2 months, including a bed for the father. All of the specialised care given was essentially free of charge. After the Covid restructuring, our local clinic seemed to struggle to even answer the phone. It became clear it is only a matter of time before future mothers of difficult births were going to suffer when budgets continue getting cut and doctors move from the public system into private for-profit clinics. This will lead Finland to move into a direction where wealth will determine treatment. Then I decided to research what is actually going on. I am an American documentary filmmaker/composer who has lived and worked here in Finland over 40 years. Previously, I always admired the Finnish health system and often described it to people in the US as an example of how a National Health Service could function. Unfortunately, these past years have been very alarming to me, watching the healthcare service become less and less effective and economically weakened. I have written some thoughts on what appears to be many of the main reasons for the present-day situation of health care troubles in Finland. The Finnish National Health Service (FNHS) is facing a growing crisis largely due to an unequal relationship with private medical companies. The government invests heavily in educating healthcare professionals, while private firms benefit from this taxpayer-funded system without contributing back. Medical education in Finland is rigorous, lengthy, and expensive. Yearly budgets for medical equipment, operating facilities, the annual price of the medical teaching staff and guest specialists participating in educational programmes for the 68 years and longer period of studies is all very costly. Stipends and grants are provided to medical students for the years of study. Altogether, an immense cost. The Finnish National Health Service, (i.e., the public taxpayer), finances this entire system towards medical education and the creation of medical personnel in Finland. All public education in Finland is free, supported by the Finnish state. However, there is no other profession that demands the sums necessary for the multi-year period to complete studies that even closely demands the sums needed towards educating the medical profession. Historically, the medical graduate worked for the Public Health Service, this same public system that educates the medical professional. Today the new doctor has free hands, without any responsibility towards the public funding of their education, to decide to either work for this National Health Service that educated him, or work for the salaries offered by private medical firms. Many newly qualified doctors opt for more lucrative positions in private companies, leaving the National Health Service understaffed and struggling to meet public demand. These private firms offer much higher salaries, creating a brain drain from the public system. The public is left paying twicefirst through taxes that finance medical education and again out-of-pocket for private healthcare services that employ these same publicly trained doctors. Does this make sense to anyone? It would be the equivalent of Microsoft paying all expenses of training their personnel for a 610-year period and then simply, without contract restrictions, allowing them to walk over and work for Macintosh. Private medical firms play no part in educational expenses, on the contrary they only benefit from their medical staffs education. This imbalance has led to a mass exodus of healthcare professionals from the Public Health Service, further compounding the staffing crisis. The 3 largest private firms have expanded by acquiring smaller clinics and healthcare providers, driving up the cost of healthcare services. A 20-minute appointment with a private general practitioner will be from 90120 Euros, and a top specialist can cost up to 200300 Euros for 30 minutes. This is the same medical specialist who will meet patients at a public institution via a health clinic referral for basically no charge to the patient. The questions arise, - where are reciprocal responsibilities of medical graduates after having been supported by public funds for 6, 8, 10 years? And, is there any responsibility of these private medical companies towards the publicly funded educational costs of their staff? In Britain there has been constant discussion in parliament concerning reciprocation for studies by medical personnel not working within the NHS, whether they move abroad or work for private firms. This issue is not discussed here in Finland, as if the taxpayer is obliged to pay costs for medical education without compensation from either doctors working for private firms or from these medical firms themselves. In the US, there is a programme entitled The National Health Service Corps. It can pay part or all of a person's medical education expenses and in return, the doctor is obliged to work in a specific disadvantaged area for at least a three-year period or repay their educational support. The National Health Service Corps had its budget reduced significantly under President Reagan, but was greatly expanded as part of President Obamas Affordable Care Act. In France there was a period where special monetary support was given for people to study in professions urgently needed, then the graduate was obliged to work for 5 years in that profession within France. Today, publicly educated nurses are obliged to work for the public health system for a period of 5 years to reimburse their education. In many countries the graduating medical student would have hundreds of thousands of euros debt after studies. In the US, costs of medical studies can easily go into many hundreds of thousands of dollars creating gigantic loans to be repaid. If one uses the services of the National Health System, (assuming there were the doctors and staff needed to function properly), the cost to each individual no matter how often he visits the health clinic is 40 to 60 Euros a year. Now, not only does the system not function as designed, but also is progressively worsening with this movement of publicly educated doctors over to private medical firms. Municipalities and public health services are increasingly forced to turn to private firms to meet their staffing needs, hiring temporary or contract doctors at inflated rates. This creates a vicious cycle, draining public funds that could otherwise be used to improve public healthcare. Recently, Dr Joona Kiili found an advertisement for a temporary doctor to work in his same health clinic being offered 6,000 euros per month more than he earns. This salary, which doubled his own basic salary, didnt even include the obligation to be on open call. With fewer doctors in full-time work in the public sector the workload increases and is patched up by hiring temporary doctors from private companies at extremely expensive pricing. A district in South Karelia was charged 315,000 euros a month for three ophthalmologists (eye surgeons) from the private sector. The district usually would pay these specialists 1015,000 a month. The district received this bill from Mehilainen, which justified its charge of 315,000 euros a month by stating the tasks ordered by the district had been divided among 22 ophthalmologists (source: YLE 2.10.2023). How much of this sum went to the actual doctors salaries and how much to "company services" remains the pressing question. This situation appears entirely disproportionate. Mikko Pietila, Hospital Director of the Wellbeing Services County of Southwest Finland, has voiced concerns about this escalating issue. He noted that doctors in public service roles are now being recruited by temporary agencies via social media, often with offers of double or triple their current salaries. He fears that this unchecked privatisation is driving doctors away from the public sector. "With this shortage of doctors, someone is trying to buy them up quickly and sell them back at a higher price," Pietila told YLE. In an unexpected twist, a Latvian medical agency has entered the fray by actively recruiting Finnish medical graduates and even fifth-year students to work back in Finland as contract doctors. These recruits are offered salaries that are a third higher than those of in-house public doctors, as well as free accommodation. The costs charged to Finnish public healthcare to hire these individuals through the Latvian agency are likely much higher, reflecting another form of exploitation of the system. Temporary labour costs for the Finnish National Health Service are staggering. In 2023, these costs reached between 600 and 700 million euros (source: Helsinki Sanomat 1.10.2024). Hundreds of millions of euros are being funnelled annually into private medical firms to "rent" temporary staff, instead of strengthening the FNHS itself. This highlights how private firms are profiting immensely from an underfunded public healthcare system. Mehilainen, one of the leading private operators, has more than doubled its revenue over the past five years. From 2018 to 2023, its revenue grew from 915 million euros to 1.85 billion euros. During this period, the company expanded its operations into Estonia, Sweden, and Germany. In May 2024, Kirsi Leivo, Director General of the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority, acknowledged the challenges posed by this consolidation. "The FCCA has no effective means to address this type of consolidation. There were almost 300 mergers where large operators acquired small local medical and dental clinics. Small and medium-sized enterprises operating in local markets may be taken over by large chains at will. The fact market concentration may occur entirely outside regulatory control is the biggest drawback of Finnish competition policy," she stated. "This has led to price increases in the healthcare market." Despite the overwhelming financial burden placed on the public healthcare system, there are no regulatory controls on private medical firms' pricing. While public healthcare costs remain cappedfor instance, the annual maximum charge for all public health services, including hospital stays and operations, is 692 eurosprivate firms charge significantly more. A single 30-minute consultation with a private specialist can cost up to 300 euros. Meanwhile, budget cuts have exacerbated the challenges faced by the FNHS. The Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS), the countrys largest hospital district, faced a 44-million-euro budget cut. This has led to longer waiting times, reduced access to care, and even facility closures. HUS administration has explicitly stated that many life-saving operations are being postponed indefinitely. The system is progressively failing its citizens. The principle of Nordic welfarewhere the entire population has equal access to healthcare regardless of economic statusis at risk. As more people are unable to access public healthcare due to long waiting times, they are forced to either forego treatment or turn to private clinics at prices they cannot afford. Staffing shortages have reached critical levels. During the summer of 2021, six health centres in North Karelia temporarily closed due to insufficient staffing. By summer 2024, 120 health centres across Finland faced similar closures. Additionally, five of Finlands maternity wards are scheduled to close because they handle fewer than 1,000 births annually. This policy raises serious questions about where mothers-to-be will find alternative facilities to give birth. Private healthcare subsidies compound the issue. In 2024, reimbursements from KELA, Finlands Social Insurance Institution, for private healthcare appointments were increased from 8 to 30 euros. Within six months, this led to a 260% increase in reimbursements to private firms, shifting 31 million euros of public funds to private companies. Despite these subsidies, there has been no meaningful improvement in public healthcare access. The reliance on private firms also extends to surgical procedures. The government pays an average of 8,000 euros for knee operations and 15,000 euros for hip surgeries performed in private facilities. These funds, which come directly from public budgets, could have been used to support the national health system instead of strengthening private firms. This unregulated relationship between the public and private healthcare sectors creates a "wild capitalist" environment, with little accountability for the exorbitant sums charged to public funding. The lack of transparency and oversight in pricing has allowed private firms to thrive at the expense of the FNHS. Solutions exist but require decisive action. Medical graduates could be required to work in the public sector for a designated period as reimbursement for their education costs. Alternatively, private healthcare companies could contribute financially to the education of the workforce they rely on. Increasing the number of medical students and expanding educational capacity are also potential avenues to address staffing shortages. The Finnish public healthcare system remains the backbone of the countrys health services. In 2021, 78% of healthcare and social services spending came from public funds. Of the nations 15,286 hospital beds, 14,723 were in public care. The public health system is essential to ensuring equitable healthcare access. If the FNHS continues to lose personnel to private companies and funding is siphoned to support private profits, the public health service will face inevitable collapse. Waiting times will grow longer, facilities will remain understaffed, and access to healthcare will diminish for all except those who can afford private care. Without urgent reforms, the future of public healthcare in Finland is at risk. Joe Davidow This is a "Viewpoint" opinion column. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of The Helsinki Times. This column is not fact checked and HT is not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in this article. The data indicate that the prices rose by 0.5 per cent in the six largest cities, with the change ranging from a drop of 1.9 per cent in Tampere to a jump of 6.0 per cent in Turku. THE PRICES of old dwellings in housing companies crept up by 0.4 per cent year-on-year in October, reveal preliminary data published by Statistics Finland on Thursday. The last time the prices of old dwellings rose on a year-on-year basis was over two years ago in September 2022. The prices crept up by 0.1 per cent from the previous year in both the capital region and regions outside the six largest cities. Compared with the previous month, the prices decreased moderately in Vantaa, but increased in Espoo, Helsinki, Oulu, Tampere and Turku. Nationwide, the month-on-month increase came in at 0.9 per cent. October also bodes well for the housing market in that the number of real estate sales brokered by agencies surged by 27 per cent year-on-year, according to the preliminary data. Juho Keskinen, the chief economist at the Mortgage Society of Finland (Hypo), described the change in the market as striking. Although there is no shortage of new-built dwellings, buyers who have previously had the courage to buy new-built dwellings have become more safety-oriented, which is manifested as an increase in the sales of old dwellings in housing companies, he commented. Despite the rejuvenation, the sales of old dwellings were still running about 14 per cent slower than in the corresponding AugustOctober period in 20152019. Juhana Brotherus, the chief economist at Suomen Yrittajat, estimated in his analysis that although the market is heading in the right direction, it continues to face challenges. Brotherus also called attention to the fact that flats and terraced houses were in higher demand than detached homes, adding that he expects the prices of detached homes to continue on a downward trajectory. One factor explaining the difference is found in the secret return of real estate investors to the market in recent months. At the same time, it is possible to see a buying hangover dating back to the coronavirus pandemic as a factor underlying the sluggishness of detached home sales, he wrote. Aleksi Teivainen HT Monday December 2, 2024 Mogadishu (HOL) Somalia's government announced on Monday that it had finalized a debt forgiveness agreement with France, amounting to $145.6 million, as part of ongoing economic reforms and debt relief efforts. The agreement was signed by Somali Finance Minister Bihi Egeh and Arnaud Suquet, French Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia. We are grateful to the government and people of France for their unwavering support, the minister added. Somalia has been steadily progressing in its debt relief journey, with countries such as Denmark, Japan, and the United States recently forgiving their debts over the past two months. The Horn of Africa nation recently completed a debt forgiveness initiative overseen by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. As a result, Somalia became eligible for over $4.5 billion in debt relief from its creditors, a crucial step toward restoring financial stability and fostering sustainable development. China follows targeted strategy in poverty alleviation, eliminates root causes of poverty through development 13:12, December 02, 2024 By He Yin ( People's Daily Recently, the launch ceremony of the Portuguese edition of Chinese President Xi Jinping's book on poverty relief, "Up and Out of Poverty," and a seminar on the governance of China and Brazil were held in Rio de Janeiro, capital of Brazil. Osmar Junior, executive secretary of Brazil's Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger, noted that over 30 years ago, while working in Chinese impoverished areas, Xi led the local people in finding suitable ways out of poverty. His book "Up and Out of Poverty" holds even greater significance in a world of turbulence and transformation, added Junior. A poverty alleviation official (right) instructs a local villager to deal with rice diseases and insect pests in Miwang village, Mawang township, Youyang Tujia and Miao autonomous county, southwest China's Chongqing municipality, Aug. 3, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Qiu Hongbin) Junior noted that the book shares profound insights into national governance and social development, offering valuable lessons on poverty alleviation and sustainable development. As the world's largest developing country, China has always given top priority to the fight against poverty in its national governance. It has lifted 800 million people out of poverty, setting an example for global poverty reduction. In this process hailed as "the greatest leap to overcome poverty in history," China has blazed a poverty reduction trail and formed an anti-poverty theory with Chinese characteristics. Many of the experiences are worth learning from for other countries, which is why books like "Up and Out of Poverty" have become essential reading for many international dignitaries. In the battle against poverty, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has fully leveraged its role in overall planning and coordinated the efforts of all sides, forming a magnificent force of unity and action to fight poverty. China has included poverty alleviation in its Five-sphere Integrated Plan and the Four-pronged Comprehensive Strategy; worked to ensure that secretaries of Party committees at the provincial, city, county, township, and village levels tackled poverty alleviation as a major priority, and that all Party members were mobilized in the fight; and assigned 255,000 work teams and more than 3 million first secretaries and officials to villages nationwide, where they worked on the front lines of poverty reduction. Uzbekistan has intensified efforts to reduce poverty in recent years, piloting China's anti-poverty experience in various regions across the country. Nearly 10,000 Uzbeks have participated in online training programs introducing China's experience and practices. The country has achieved significant results in poverty reduction, creating a community-based anti-poverty system that involves the establishment of assistance registries for impoverished households, women and youth, which is a key component of anti-poverty efforts. The ancient Chinese philosopher Han Fei Zi said, "The key to achieving your aspirations lies not in overcoming others, but in overcoming your own weaknesses." Similarly, to shake off poverty, it is essential to shake off the mindset of poverty. China has remained committed to mobilizing the enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity of impoverished people so that they have the drive to lift themselves out of poverty. Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat noted that he felt a strong sense of self-reliance in China's poverty alleviation endeavors, which he believes is the fundamental principle behind China's fascinating achievements in poverty reduction. A targeted approach is the crux of the fight against poverty. China followed a targeted and development-driven strategy in poverty alleviation, under which development is fundamental to eliminate the root causes of poverty. China adopted a set of targeted policies tailored to local conditions, such as setting up a national registration system and assigning officials to villages to identify the targets of poverty alleviation and determine who to help; establishing a poverty exit mechanism and giving counties a five-year period of grace from the day they emerged from poverty to make clear how to help, how to apply an exit mechanism for those who have emerged from poverty, and how to ensure that people do not return to poverty. China has launched five key measures through which people would be lifted out of poverty, namely new economic activities, relocation from uninhabitable areas, recompense for eco-protection, education, and social assistance for basic needs. Besides, China has set standards in six areas to ensure the precision of work: identifying the poor accurately, arranging targeted programs, utilizing capital efficiently, taking household-based measures, dispatching first Party secretaries based on village conditions, and achieving the set goals. Targeted poverty alleviation has proved to be China's "magic weapon" for winning the battle against poverty, and a major innovation in the theory and practice of poverty reduction, greatly enriching and expanding the pathways for poverty reduction for humanity. Drawing on China's targeted poverty alleviation approach, Khon Kaen province in Thailand has achieved tangible results in poverty reduction. A local official said that China not only allows the world to understand the importance of targeted poverty alleviation and see the possibility of poverty eradication, but also provides the courage and experience to address poverty issues. In December 2018, the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly adopted the first-ever resolution addressing poverty eradication in rural areas, which contains the Chinese concept of "targeted poverty alleviation." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke highly of the Chinese experience, saying targeted poverty reduction strategies are the only way to reach those farthest behind and achieve the ambitious targets set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. China's experience can provide valuable insights to other developing countries, he added. Poverty is not predestined, nor is it unconquerable. China's experience in poverty alleviation indicates that with strong will and determination, as well as practical action, one can make steady progress towards overcoming poverty. China has joined the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty. It stands ready to continue carrying out and supporting international cooperation in poverty reduction. Together with all parties, China is committed to building a world of common prosperity and free of poverty. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) A Long Island family is mourning the loss of Omer Neutra following the deadly Hamas attack on the Nova Music Festival in Israel on October 7, 2023. Originally from Plainview, Neutra was an Israeli and U.S. citizen serving in the IDF. His body is reportedly being held in Gaza. Neutra had been kidnapped during the attacks last year, and it was previously thought he was alive and held hostage. However, the IDF now reports he was killed during a battle with terrorists near the Gaza border, with his body taken afterward. Neutra's parents have been outspoken advocates for the release of hostages in Gaza, including their son. Most recently, they participated in a rally in Central Park on Sunday. While they expressed relief over the ceasefire in Lebanon, they voiced frustration that it did not include the release of hostages. His father, Ronen Neutra, spoke to ABC7NY on Saturday, reflecting on spending another Thanksgiving without his son. "We feel it's a missed opportunity but now after the election, the focus is back here in the United States and should continue to be the crisis in the Middle East and the hostages are the key to reducing the tension," Neutra said. In its statement confirming Neutra's death, the military did not provide details on how it determined his fate. Neutra was one of seven American Israelis still held in Gaza, with four now reported dead. Over the weekend, Hamas released a video of one of the hostages, Edan Alexander, indicating he is still alive. Earlier this year, Hamas killed Hersh Goldberg-Polin, another prominent Israeli-American hostage, along with five other captives, whose bodies have since been recovered by the Israeli military. The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostages. As of now, around 100 captives are still being held in Gaza, with roughly two-thirds believed to be alive. Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, proudly announces the signing of Novotel Agra Fatehabad Road, marking the debut of the Novotel brand in Agra City. Set to open in 2029, this new address will exemplify Novotel's commitment to championing balanced living, balancing business and leisure to create a seamless experience for guests visiting the home of the iconic Taj Mahal. Spanning 13,000 square meters, Novotel Agra Fatehabad Road will offer 275 intuitively designed rooms starting at 28 square meters, offering a comforting and energised atmosphere for families and business travellers alike. Every detail will reflect Novotel's core values of balance, flexibility, and purposeful living. The hotel will offer an array of world-class dining experiences, including an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant, and a lively bar. Adding to its versatility, the hotel will feature state-of-the-art banqueting facilities with 2,000 square meters of flexible space designed to host social celebrations and corporate events. Leisure and wellbeing amenities will include a swimming pool, modern fitness centre, and ample parking, ensuring every need is met with ease and efficiency. The project is spearheaded by Crystal Vista Ventures LLP, under the leadership of Laxman Das Goyal and his family, whose legacy in hospitality includes the renowned Grand Mercure Agra and Crystal Inn Agra. This new venture is poised to strengthen the group's contribution to Agra's tourism and hospitality sector even further. With over 590 hotels across 65 countries and a robust pipeline of 160+ new properties, Novotel continues to set the standard for balanced living. As part of its Positive Impact Plan, Novotel is also committed to reducing its environmental footprint through sustainable operations and ocean conservation initiatives. In 2024, Novotel announced a three-year agreement with World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) to champion the protection and restoration of the world's oceans, the greatest source of balance for the planet, through science-based action and conservation projects. As one of the largest international hotel groups in India, Accor operates 66 hotels across the country under the Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure and ibis brands. The Group has a strong pipeline of more than 30 hotels currently under development in India. Hotel website Strategies to accelerate the commercialisation of sustainability in the hospitality sector were intensely debated by industry leaders at the HSMAI Europe Fall Curate, held on November 7 th at The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel in London. Association members and industry guests from fields spanning commercial strategy, sustainability, corporate communications, technology, and education gathered to discuss immediate, actionable steps for industry wide change. The discussions focused on mobilising sustainability efforts at the hotel, corporate, and industry levels, tackling obstacles to change, and fostering a culture where every stakeholder is aligned toward a shared vision. While the commercial benefits were clear such as reducing costs by optimising energy, water, and waste management the conversations extended beyond the bottom line. Leaders also emphasised the broader impact of a holistic approach to sustainability, including the influence on brand reputation among investors, staff, and guests, and the importance of top-down behavioural change, comprehensive training, and incentives. Innovation and technology were highlighted as critical tools in achieving these goals. Beyond commercial gains, a sense of purpose was championed, with calls for hospitality to lead by example, setting a standard for governments and other sectors. Rather than contributing to challenges like carbon emissions and over-tourism, the industry can actively become part of the solution, supporting communities, safeguarding environments, and enhancing places to live and visit. The long-term gain is a future-fit industry, because sustainable hospitality is the only path to long-term commercial viability. Quick and affordable paths to decarbonisation The Curate started with a game-changing presentation on the Commercialisation of Sustainability: How Do We Achieve It?, presented by Hoang N. Nguyen, Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer at d2o an online platform helping hotels to make better resource management decisions and Tord Moe Laeskogen, the owner of Sundvolden Hotel in Norway, a property just outside of Oslo that has set new benchmarks for resource management and sustainability. Sub-titled Making Sustainability Profitable: Transformative Strategies for Hospitality, Nguyen and Laeskogen presented low-cost, low-effort ways for hotels to kick-start and accelerate the sustainability journey quick wins that not only boost gross operating profit but also build momentum in the longer term, laying the foundation for larger projects. They revealed eye-opening figures on money that could be saved with minimal expenditure and time arguably two of the biggest challenges to implementing sustainable practices through the smart deployment of property technologies and daily management behaviour changes. Nguyen challenged the common belief that costly retrofits such as window replacements, insulation enhancements, HVAC upgrades, and advanced building management systems are the only way to make hotels more energy efficient, with often uncertain returns on investment. He noted that, due to this misconception, many hotels, especially those under financial pressure, restrict their sustainability initiatives to lower-cost measures like eco-labels and green certifications. The idea that sustainability has to be expensive is outdated. By focusing on behaviour changes, efficient resource management, and smart technology, we can significantly reduce both costs and emissions, while strengthening our financial capacity to undertake larger projects, driven by data and results. The best part is that jumpstarting this effort doesnt require more than 5 8k per property, and the potential savings can be substantial. Hoang N. Nguyen, Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer at d2o The statistics to prove it To reinforce his point, Nguyen cited several successful case studies. Pandox, a Europe-based hotel company, committed to science-based targets focused on behaviour change and efficiency, saving 265,000 in energy costs across 15 properties in a year. This effort reduced energy consumption by 16% per guest night, totalling more than 1,600 MWh in savings. Similarly, Strawberry Hotels (formerly Nordic Choice Hotels) achieved more than 2 million in energy savings across 15 hotels in Scandinavia within 12 months, cutting energy usage by more than 7,000 MWh and achieving a 35% reduction per guest night since 2022. Helping sustain these results is d2os PMI GoGreen platform, which sets monthly targets for reducing CO2 emissions, energy, water, and food waste. With PMI GoGreen, resource consumption data is tracked and analysed to guide efficient resourcing, reduce waste, and cut costs. Pandox used PMI GoGreen to achieve an 11.5% reduction in energy per square metre and 2.15 kWh per guest night. The platform also integrates the Go Green Index, a daily score that measures eco-friendly actions. This index uses leading indicators, like tracking active logins and monitoring resource usage against predicted demand, to provide timely feedback and foster continuous communication and improvement across hotel teams. Adding to these success stories is the Sundvolden Hotel example where the focus has been on practical, profitable sustainability through affordable smart technology. Laeskogens approach is testament to how hotels can commercialise sustainability without excessive costs. To boost resource efficiency, cut expenses, and elevate guest experiences, Laeskogen opted to replace traditional, high-cost HVAC providers with smart, affordable alternatives. By integrating IoT-driven solutions through Energy Control, Sundvolden achieved a remarkable 22.9% reduction in energy consumption from 2018 to 2023, saving 1,164,000 kWh. A key innovation was implementing sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, air pollution, and CO2 levels, allowing for precise control over indoor conditions and also, aligning resource use with daily demand patterns. In the events hall, Sundvolden has adopted needs-based ventilation, ensuring air quality aligns with occupancy and activity, reducing unnecessary energy use. Energy Control also provides a daily operations dashboard, which integrates HVAC systems, tracks energy consumption, manages service contracts, and supports data-driven investments in energy management. This holistic approach has enabled Sundvolden to upgrade its systems for efficiency and sustainability, showcasing the powerful impact of well-targeted, data-driven technology on sustainability efforts. Together, the cases of Pandox, Strawberry Hotels, and Sundvolden illustrated to HSMAI members the commercial potential of sustainability through smart investments, behaviour change, and the adoption of innovative technologies that deliver measurable, impactful results. You cant afford to be left behind These examples also made it clear that for hotels aiming to commercialise sustainability, measurable KPIs are essential to drive real progress and accountability. Nguyen advised hotels to implement KPIs that include setting monthly, property-specific targets tied to larger, group-wide 2030 sustainability goals, aligning resource usage closely with daily demand, and tracking results through a tailored sustainability index. Similar to financial management, this data should be published transparently each week, providing buyers and guests with an accurate view of a hotels progress toward its sustainability goals. Such transparency not only empowers consumers to make informed choices and rewards hotels actively minimising their environmental footprint, but it also fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. In a competitive market, embracing these practices isnt just beneficial its essential. You cant afford to be left behind. Hoang N. Nguyen, Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer at d2o Glenn Mandzuik, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance), underscored the urgency of this shift, highlighting that financial institutions and investors are increasingly diverting their funds to other industries. The hospitality industry isnt being taken seriously by the investment community because its lagging on sustainability. Investors now view sustainability as an essential component of a businesss strategy both in terms of its overall plan and its commitment to responsible practices. This has become a critical factor in investment decisions. Glenn Mandzuik, CEO of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) Hotels face the growing risk of becoming stranded assets as a result of inaction on sustainability, he continued. In the long term, this could affect not only their access to loans and investment but also their ability to secure insurance. The industrys reputation is also at stake, as hospitality is often associated with high CO2 emissions and over-tourism issues that are frequently highlighted in the media and perceived as contributing to global environmental problems. This negative image can deter investment, underscoring the need for hotels to shift from being seen as part of the problem to becoming part of the solution. Adding further pressure, Mandzuik pointed out, is the wave of new legislation in Europe that could impact commercial performance. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) mandates that companies disclose their environmental and social impact, while new regulations on Green Claims require businesses to provide truthful information about their products and services. This legislation aims to curb greenwashing and protect both consumers and the environment. Non-compliance with these rules not only risks fines but damages with consumers, employees, business partners and investors alike essentially impacting commercial performance. Mandzuik also highlighted a critical issue that many in the industry overlook: the alarming prevalence of modern slavery within hospitality, with an estimated 10% of modern slaves working in the sector. He emphasised the importance of ethical labour training, noting that many hoteliers are unaware of the signs of forced labour, making education and training essential to combating this issue. Transformative tools and training for net positive hospitality The Alliance is tackling the major challenges highlighted by Mandzuik, aiming to transform hospitality into a force for positive change and empowering the industry to make a meaningful impact on communities, destinations, and the planet. At the Curate he explained how the Alliances Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality is a four-stage roadmap that enables hotels to advance through progressive sustainability milestones, from efficient resource use and pollution reduction to fair workplace practices and community engagement. This framework, which guides hotels from starting to leading in sustainable practices, provides the foundation for lasting change. To help hotels turn these ambitions into action, the Alliance introduced the Net Positive Hospitality Simulation, an innovative tool that puts sustainability into the hands of hospitality professionals. In a virtual seven-year journey, users take charge of a hotel, making strategic decisions across the 4Ps People, Planet, Place, and Prosperity to reach Net Positive while balancing financial performance. Each decision, whether its a policy change, technical solution, or behavioural initiative, generates immediate feedback on its impact, allowing users to refine their approach and develop a powerful business case for stakeholders. By showing the tangible effects of specific actions, the simulation helps build compelling evidence that sustainability not only aligns with operational goals but also strengthens a hotels bottom line. The simulation categorises hotels into sustainability stages Starting, Advancing, Accelerating, or Leading aligning them with the stages of the Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality. This gamified, interactive experience is designed to enhance engagement, making sustainability training accessible and practical for general managers, department heads, engineering teams, and students. It serves as a proving ground for ESG strategies, helping hotels test and optimise their approach before rolling out full-scale programmes, ultimately creating robust, data-backed sustainability plans that drive both commercial and environmental value. Adding to this transformative toolkit, the Alliance recently launched a ground-breaking online training tool: the World Academy for Sustainable Hospitality. This Academy is a catalyst for behavioural change, uniquely tailored to every department within the hospitality sector. From HSMAI Europes perspective, it includes all commercial functions including sales, marketing, distribution, revenue management, and more. Developed by the industry, for the industry, it empowers every hospitality professional to understand their unique role in driving sustainability and, importantly, to appreciate the commercial impact of their efforts. By equipping staff with the skills and knowledge to contribute to sustainability goals, the Academy strengthens each hotels internal commitment to sustainability. It offers bespoke training that aligns with departmental responsibilities, turning abstract sustainability concepts into actionable insights relevant to daily operations. With the Alliances tools, hotels can present a clear, data-driven case to stakeholders, showing that sustainability isnt just a moral choice its a smart, profitable business strategy. HSMAI Europe leaders forge a path ahead After the insightful presentations and discussions led by Curates three thought leaders, HSMAI Europe members broke into four groups to delve into the challenges and opportunities surrounding the topics raised. Each group presented their findings and the entire group then voted on the top three issues for deeper exploration, selecting: leadership , brand reputation , and technology and innovation. A common thread among these was the crucial role of training and education. With these priorities in mind, members brainstormed actionable steps they could implement within their departments, companies, and across the industry, focusing on practical changes with minimal resistance. They also examined ways in which HSMAI Europe could support their efforts. Here are the key takeaways from these discussions: 1. Leadership Leadership as a driver: Effective leadership from associations to hotel management is essential for advancing sustainability in hospitality. Members stressed that behaviour change among decision-makers, supported by training and education, will influence sustainability efforts throughout the workforce. Incentivising sustainability: Linking sustainability performance to incentives, as seen at Strawberry Hotels (Formerly Nordic Hotels)which links management bonuses to sustainability targets was highlighted as impactful. Members recommended embedding sustainability and ESG metrics into KPIs across departments and roles, with additional incentives for employees who exceed targets. Tools like the d2o Go Green Index offer visual dashboards that show staff the impact of their efforts. Transparency with guests: Demonstrating commitment through transparent reporting, such as publishing sustainability results online for guests, helps build trust. Rewards for eco-friendly behaviours can also be extended to guests through loyalty programmes. Embedding sustainability in roles: Members suggested incorporating sustainability responsibilities into job descriptions, especially for commercial roles like finance and revenue management, so these functions understand the financial and commercial impact of sustainability. Aligning goals in Hotel Management Agreements: Ensuring that sustainability targets align with operational and financial objectives within Hotel Management Agreements was also recommended for consistent commitment to sustainable growth. 2. Brand reputation and sustainability Protecting brand reputation: A strong brand reputation is essential to commercial success, helping companies become preferred choices for guests, employees, investors, and partners. Poor perception due to sustainability shortcomings can damage the industrys image, highlighting the need for effective storytelling across all levels. Unified, transparent messaging: Clear, uniform messaging is crucial, especially for sales and marketing teams, to communicate sustainability efforts authentically. As one example of the impact of action or inaction, online travel agencies (OTAs) are now prioritising hotels with sustainability credentials and properties meeting these standards are gaining visibility and credibility in search rankings. Building trust through storytelling: By focusing on issues that resonate with stakeholders (financial institutions, investors, business partners, staff and guests), and positioning themselves as part of the solution to global challenges (rather than part of the problem), hotels can build lasting trust and appeal. This approach strengthens brand loyalty, aligns with the growing demand for responsible, transparent brands, and essentially, secures the long-term commercial viability of hotels. 3. Technology and Innovation Learning from best practices: Success stories from industry leaders, such as d2o clients and Sundvolden Hotel, show how technology can drive sustainability. Piloting new ideas on a small scale and developing a business case before scaling helps build confidence and improve outcomes. Scalable solutions in F&B: Effective innovation in food waste management, guest profiling, and menu planning connects sustainability with revenue management. Starting with small changes, hotels can refine strategies and then scale them, ensuring efficiency without delays. Collaboration and data sharing: Working together within the industry to share best practices and data strengthens collective progress toward sustainability goals. Using engaging, user-friendly technology, from energy management systems to training platforms, promotes active participation and avoids inaction. Role-specific training for impact: Tailoring sustainability training to job functions maximises the effectiveness of new tools and technologies. Engaging students and hospitality schools in brainstorming and implementing innovative solutions can also drive fresh, scalable ideas in sustainability. How HSMAI Europe can help: Education and think tanks: Curate attendees unanimously agreed on the need for ongoing discussions about sustainability, particularly the commercialisation of sustainable practices. HSMAI Europe President & CEO Ingunn Hofseth emphasised the partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to host think-tank-style workshops, beginning in London and expanding across Europe, with plans for global outreach. Attendees suggested prioritising general managers as key participants in these workshops. Case studies and thought leadership: Building on the Curates insights and practical guidance, members requested more case studies and concrete examples to help translate sustainability goals into action. The emphasis would be on showcasing innovative approaches to inspire change across the industry. Networking opportunities: To streamline access to relevant solutions and cut through the noise, HSMAI Europe could facilitate speed dating sessions between providers and hotel companies, helping members discover the latest innovations and services tailored to their needs. Messaging development: Storytelling was highlighted as essential to counter greenwashing and effectively communicate sustainability efforts to stakeholders. Curate attendees expressed a need for support in crafting impactful and authentic messaging. Toolkits: To accelerate the practical adoption of sustainable practices, HSMAI Europe could collaborate with partners like d2o, the Alliance, and many others, to continue to develop HSMAI Europe how-to toolkits. These resources would provide actionable steps and insights specifically geared toward making sustainability a commercially viable focus. HSMAI Europe Sustainability Guide for Hospitality e-book will be updated and translated into several languages. For more information on the Commercialisation of Sustainability Curate, please reach out to us at [email protected]. About HSMAI Europe HSMAI Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International is a global organisation founded in the US in 1927. HSMAI Region Europe is the European arm of the organisation. HSMAI Europe aims to be a key influencer, pioneer and the go-to industry resource for professional development, commercial strategies and sustainability in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry while operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and sales, marketing, and revenue management disciplines. Read More HSMAI Europe HSMAI Europe View source SiteMinder, the worlds leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, has released SiteMinders Changing Traveller Report 2025, the largest survey globally on accommodation, revealing that Indian travellers are emerging as the most influential change-driving force in the global hotel industry. The report, based on a survey of over 12,000 respondents across 14 key tourism markets, including India, underscores how Indian travellers, through their online and on site preferences, are reshaping expectations and fuelling the rise of the 'everything traveller' a new guest set to blend emerging and traditional behaviours in 2025. SiteMinders data highlights five key areas where Indian travellers are prompting hotels to evolve: Online booking experience : For their 2025 stays, Indian travellers will demand top-tier digital experiences. Nearly 2-in-3 (65%) have abandoned an online booking before, rising to 80% among Gen Zers (aged 18-27), the most globally. Website load times (30%), complicated payment processes (26%) and concerns about security (25%) are the main drivers of website abandonment. : For their 2025 stays, Indian travellers will demand top-tier digital experiences. Nearly 2-in-3 (65%) have abandoned an online booking before, rising to 80% among Gen Zers (aged 18-27), the most globally. Website load times (30%), complicated payment processes (26%) and concerns about security (25%) are the main drivers of website abandonment. Digital presence and reputation management: Indian travellers are rapidly becoming more reliant on online forums (19%) and social media (12%) to start their hotel search, and are now seven times more likely to use these channels than seek hotel tips from family or friends (4%). Indian travellers are rapidly becoming more reliant on online forums (19%) and social media (12%) to start their hotel search, and are now seven times more likely to use these channels than seek hotel tips from family or friends (4%). Room sale strategies: Only 30% of Indian travellers will book a Standard (basic quality) Room in 2025, ranking them among the lowest globally for basic room selections. However, their room preferences and needs are quickly evolving. Nearly 4-in-5 (79%) are now more likely to purchase their room as part of a travel package, while 92% are open to paying more for an eco-friendly option and 61% plan to work on site all well above average. Only 30% of Indian travellers will book a Standard (basic quality) Room in 2025, ranking them among the lowest globally for basic room selections. However, their room preferences and needs are quickly evolving. Nearly 4-in-5 (79%) are now more likely to purchase their room as part of a travel package, while 92% are open to paying more for an eco-friendly option and 61% plan to work on site all well above average. Events and dynamic pricing: Driven by family celebrations (51%) and weddings (33%), 89% of Indian travellers are more likely to travel for an event in 2025. As they do, a strong majority (84%) support hotels being able to adjust their prices during busier periods, with only 3% opposed to this concept. Driven by family celebrations (51%) and weddings (33%), 89% of Indian travellers are more likely to travel for an event in 2025. As they do, a strong majority (84%) support hotels being able to adjust their prices during busier periods, with only 3% opposed to this concept. Revenue maximisation per guest: Indian travellers are projected to lead all travellers globally for time on site in 2025, with 80% expecting to spend most or a significant amount of time at their hotel. Additionally, 74% intend to spend more money on their accommodation, offering hotels an opportunity to capitalise on those seeking to make the most of their stay for example, the 44% likely to seek yoga classes or the 40% expected to take cultural cooking classes. SiteMinders regional vice president of the Asia Pacific, Bradley Haines, says hotels in Australia, the US, UAE, Canada and UK the five destinations Indian travellers intend to travel to most next year should take particular note of these findings. Our data confirms the need for technology to meet the demands of an increasingly multifaceted traveller next year, and no one is pushing the hotel industry to change faster than the savvy Indian traveller. Hotels today are operating in an era where guests hold increasing influence over their stays, and its clear that the evolving needs of those guests are both broad and deeply specific. This is what the everything traveller personifies the need to be both impulsive and considered, to travel locally as well as overseas, and to have a clear demand for control. Hotels looking to find success in 2025 would do well to accommodate these nuanced preferences, using data-driven insights to anticipate guest needs and deliver the stay they envision. This will be especially important when targeting and welcoming the Indian traveller, who is set to arrive at hotels with greater complexity and in higher numbers than ever before. SiteMinders regional vice president of the Asia Pacific, Bradley Haines SiteMinders Changing Traveller Report 2025 is available here. About SiteMinder SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world's leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year. For more information, visit siteminder.com. Maria Cricchiola Director of Brand Communications & PR +61 2 9056 7415 AUCKLAND - TFE Hotels has announced the establishment of a New Zealand Country Office off the back of multi-property management agreement with New Zealands leading accommodation provider, Heritage Hotels, which saw five hotels join TFEs global network on 1 December. Veteran hotelier, Warwick Kahl, will lead the team as Director of Operations NZ. Under the agreement, Heritage Hotels retains ownership of its portfolio in New Zealand. TFE Hotels will manage more than 500 rooms across five properties, including the Adina Citylife Auckland and Rendezvous Heritage Auckland helmed by Cluster General Manager, Akash Sood. In Wellington, the Adina CityLife Wellington, under the leadership of Oytun Cevik, will give TFE an apartment-style accommodation offering in the capital whilst in the south, Adina will also establish a brand presence in Christchurch with the Adina Heritage Christchurch, managed by Astrid McGowan. The 175-room Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown rounds out the offering, delivering a strong MICE and leisure offering in New Zealands adventure capital, with TFE currently recruiting for a General Manager. Warwick Kahl, Director of Operations New Zealand Warwick Kahl joined TFE Hotels in July 2022 as Regional General Manager for QLD, NT, WA, and NZ, bringing strong domestic and international experience across several asset classes. In speaking about the appointment, TFE Hotels Senior Director of Operations ANZ, Tish Nyar said Kahls experience in the New Zealand market will be critical in ensuring the smooth transition of the Heritage Hotels into the TFE portfolio. New Zealand had always been a growth market for TFE Hotels, with the strategic partnership with Heritage Hotels will offer expanded choice to international visitors into New Zealand, he said. The NZ country team, led by Warwick will not only deliver and drive the success of our New Zealand properties but will also provide a strong foundation to support our future growth and expansion in region. Meghana Ghole, Director of Finance New Zealand TFE Hotels has appointed Meghana Ghole in the newly created role of Director of Finance New Zealand, based in TFEs country office in Auckland. Meghana is an experienced hospitality finance expert, having worked at Heritage Hotels and Rydges Hotels & Resorts previously. In speaking about the appointment, TFEs Global Director of Finance Operations, Parthiv Merchant, said Meghanas technical expertise and data analysis skills would be invaluable in contributing to the success of the New Zealand hotel portfolio. Meghana specialises in financial reporting, analysis, and strategic business planning and will be focused on driving business growth and optimising financial performance, Merchant said. We look forward to having her on the team. Jason Stobbs, Director of Revenue New Zealand In other news, Jason Stobbs has been appointed as Director of Revenue New Zealand joining Warwick as the senior leadership team in market. Jason joined TFE as the Reservations Manager in Darwin in April 2017, before moving into the Revenue team in 2018. During his tenure with TFE, Jason has worked across several roles and regions, including a stint in Europe as part of our Go Global exchange program, Nyar said. Jason's expertise and contributions have been invaluable over the last several years, and his properties have thrived under his guidance, and we wish him every success in his new role. Opening Special: Stay 2, Save 20% in New Zealand From Auckland to Wellington in the North Island, to Christchurch in the South, a stay at the newest hotels in the TFE Hotels New Zealand network - Adina CityLife Wellington, Adina Citylife Auckland, Rendezvous Heritage Auckland, and Adina Heritage Christchurch - puts guests in the heart of the action. Guests who book a two nights stay at one of these hotels between 2 December and 21st September will save 20% off the best available rate. Plus, if plans change, you can cancel up to 2pm, one day before youre due to arrive. Lead in rates from: Adina CityLife Wellington $ 235 NZD Adina Citylife Auckland $ 215 NZD Rendezvous Heritage Auckland $223 NZD Adina Heritage Christchurch $ 350 NZD Minimum two-night stay required. Book between 2 December 2024 and 23 January 2025 for stays up to 21 September 2025. Terms and conditions and blackout dates apply. ABOUT HERITAGE HOTELS New Zealand's pre-eminent suite style accommodation provider, Heritage Hotels and CityLife Hotels offer New Zealand's leading collection of four-star plus hotels in prime locations in all major New Zealand destinations. http://www.heritagehotels.co.nz/ WHO ARE TFE HOTELS? TFE Hotels (TOGA Far East Hotels) is Australia's International Hotel Group - headquartered in Sydney and operating in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Austria, Singapore, and Switzerland. TFE has a portfolio of seven hotel brands - A by Adina, Adina Hotels, Vibe Hotels, Quincy Hotels, Travelodge Hotels, Rendezvous Hotels and Collection by TFE Hotels, with more in the development pipeline. https://www.tfehotels.com/ Jodi Clark TFE Hotels (Public Relations and Communications) +61 2 9356 1048 TFE Hotels Brussels/Madrid - Radisson Hotel Group is delighted to welcome the exceptional to Madrid, with the debut of the first Radisson Collection property in Spains vibrant capital. This iconic hotel is set to open in 2027, redefining luxury hospitality in Madrid. The hotel will be located on Alcala Street, one of Madrids most prominent avenues in the prestigious Canalejas area, surrounded by renowned luxury brands such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier. This heritage-protected classical building will undergo a transformative redevelopment to become a mixed-use masterpiece, combining premium retail spaces on the ground floor with 154 elegant guest rooms and suites spanning across 10 floors and a fantastic rooftop providing breathtaking views over the city. The propertys unique location provides proximity to Madrids cultural and historical treasures, including Puerta del Sol, the Cibeles Fountain, National Museum El Prado, Plaza Mayor and El Retiro Park. With a spectacular location, the arrival of our lifestyle luxury Radisson Collection brand in Madrid will be a catalyst to accelerate the development of Radisson Hotel Group in Spain, where we currently have 8 hotels in operation and now this landmark project under development, as well as some others that we will announce soon. We are proud to debut this project alongside Generali, a strategic partner of the Group with whom we have already collaborated in Rome and Venice. This will be an iconic hotel in Madrid and a privileged destination for both local and international guests. Federico J. Gonzalez, Executive Vice Chairman of Radisson Hotel Group Guests will enjoy a selection of high-end amenities, including a signature restaurant and bar on the first level, LYON Bar, a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant on the 13th floor with sweeping city views, a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center and a spa. The ground floor will include various stores, providing an exclusive shopping experience. This project, developed in collaboration with the prestigious Lamela architecture studio, promises to become a benchmark of luxury and sophistication in the Spanish capital. The design will honor the buildings historical architecture while offering the bespoke, renowned Radisson Collection modern luxury. The transformation of the iconic Alcala 21 building into a Radisson Collection hotel represents another important step in our ongoing growth as investors in the European hospitality sector, with an incredible asset that enriches Generali's hotel property portfolio. We are also very pleased to strengthen our cooperation with a top-tier global player like Radisson Hotel Group at the European level, following the successful collaborations on the prestigious Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica in Rome and Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani in Venice. We believe this is a great time to continue investing in Madrid, where we manage a high-quality real estate portfolio and, through our projects, contribute to the sustainable urban development of the city. Benedetto Giustiniani, Head of Southern Europe Region at Generali Real Estate The Radisson Collection hotel in Madrid will be a defining addition to the Radisson Collection portfolio, combining bespoke design, a vibrant location, and unparalleled luxury. Its strategic positioning in the heart of Madrids cultural and commercial hub ensures its place as a premier destination for both international travelers and local patrons. Radisson Collections portfolio of iconic properties located in unique locations currently consists of nearly 65 hotels in operation and under development. Recent signings include the brands entry in Paris (France); the signing of Radisson Collection Residences, Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), the brands third hotel in KSA, as well as the signing of Radisson Collection Residence, Amman Abdoun (Jordan). Recent openings include Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica (Italy) and Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, the brands first opening in India. Upcoming openings in 2025 include Radisson Collection Hotel, Basilica Budapest (Hungary), Lincoln Casablanca, a Radisson Collection Hotel (Morocco), Radisson Collection National Resort, Brussels (Belgium) and Radisson Collection Lake Como (Italy). About Radisson Hotel Group Radisson Hotel Group is one of the world's largest hotel groups with nine distinctive hotel brands, and more than 1,600 hotels in operation and under development in 120 countries. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. The Radisson Hotel Group portfolio includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. Radisson Rewards is our international rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to our guests. Radisson Rewards offers an exceptional experience for our guests, meeting planners, and travel agents at over 550 hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral. The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to stringent health and safety requirements, as outlined in the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol. More than 100,000 team members work at Radisson Hotel Group and at the hotels licensed to operate in its systems. For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube 'No One Is Pushing the Hotel Industry to Change Faster Than the Savvy Indian Traveller': SiteMinder - Image Credit SiteMinder SiteMinder, the worlds leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, has released SiteMinders Changing Traveller Report 2025, the largest survey globally on accommodation, revealing that Indian travellers are emerging as the most influential change-driving force in the global hotel industry. The report, based on a survey of over 12,000 respondents across 14 key tourism markets, including India, underscores how Indian travellers, through their online and on site preferences, are reshaping expectations and fuelling the rise of the 'everything traveller' a new guest set to blend emerging and traditional behaviours in 2025. SiteMinders data highlights five key areas where Indian travellers are prompting hotels to evolve: Online booking experience: For their 2025 stays, Indian travellers will demand top-tier digital experiences. Nearly 2-in-3 (65%) have abandoned an online booking before, rising to 80% among Gen Zers (aged 18-27), the most globally. Website load times (30%), complicated payment processes (26%) and concerns about security (25%) are the main drivers of website abandonment. Digital presence and reputation management: Indian travellers are rapidly becoming more reliant on online forums (19%) and social media (12%) to start their hotel search, and are now seven times more likely to use these channels than seek hotel tips from family or friends (4%). Room sale strategies: Only 30% of Indian travellers will book a Standard (basic quality) Room in 2025, ranking them among the lowest globally for basic room selections. However, their room preferences and needs are quickly evolving. Nearly 4-in-5 (79%) are now more likely to purchase their room as part of a travel package, while 92% are open to paying more for an eco-friendly option and 61% plan to work on site all well above average. Events and dynamic pricing: Driven by family celebrations (51%) and weddings (33%), 89% of Indian travellers are more likely to travel for an event in 2025. As they do, a strong majority (84%) support hotels being able to adjust their prices during busier periods, with only 3% opposed to this concept. Revenue maximisation per guest: Indian travellers are projected to lead all travellers globally for time on site in 2025, with 80% expecting to spend most or a significant amount of time at their hotel. Additionally, 74% intend to spend more money on their accommodation, offering hotels an opportunity to capitalise on those seeking to make the most of their stay for example, the 44% likely to seek yoga classes or the 40% expected to take cultural cooking classes. SiteMinders regional vice president of the Asia Pacific, Bradley Haines, says hotels in Australia, the US, UAE, Canada and UK the five destinations Indian travellers intend to travel to most next year should take particular note of these findings. Our data confirms the need for technology to meet the demands of an increasingly multifaceted traveller next year, and no one is pushing the hotel industry to change faster than the savvy Indian traveller, says Haines. Hotels today are operating in an era where guests hold increasing influence over their stays, and its clear that the evolving needs of those guests are both broad and deeply specific. This is what the everything traveller personifies the need to be both impulsive and considered, to travel locally as well as overseas, and to have a clear demand for control. Hotels looking to find success in 2025 would do well to accommodate these nuanced preferences, using data-driven insights to anticipate guest needs and deliver the stay they envision. This will be especially important when targeting and welcoming the Indian traveller, who is set to arrive at hotels with greater complexity and in higher numbers than ever before. SiteMinders Changing Traveller Report 2025 is available here. Media enquiries Maria Cricchiola +61 2 9056 7415 media@siteminder.com Investor information Paul Wong +61 411 889 876 investor.relations@siteminder.com About SiteMinder SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the worlds leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 120 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year. For more information, visit siteminder.com. Waldorf Astoria New York Hotel - Credit Noe & Associates Courtesy The Boundary Waldorf Astoria New York Hotel - Credit Noe & Associates Courtesy The Boundary Waldorf Astoria New York Hotel - Credit Noe & Associates Courtesy The Boundary Waldorf Astoria New York Hotel - Credit Noe & Associates Courtesy The Boundary Waldorf Astoria New York Hotel - Credit Noe & Associates Courtesy The Boundary Waldorf Astoria New York has announced it will begin accepting reservations from December 10 for stays commencing in 2025. Under meticulous restoration by architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the historic property is anticipated to reopen in spring 2025. Managing Director Luigi Romaniello revealed that visitors would experience the restoration of many historic elements of the hotel, including the Grand Ballroom and the lobby featuring the renowned Waldorf Astoria clock. Modern enhancements have also been introduced to cater to present-day travelers. Situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the hotel features 375 reimagined rooms and suites, blending modern comforts with Art Deco accents in tribute to the hotel's iconic heritage. Each room, designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, aims to provide an atmosphere of elegant tranquility in the midst of bustling Manhattan. The hotel will also feature a 30,000-square-foot spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an outdoor terrace. Acclaimed Chef Michael Anthony is set to head the hotel's signature restaurant, Lex Yard, an American Brasserie. The iconic lounge and bar Peacock Alley has also been reimagined and will be reintroduced at the hotel's core. With 43,000 square feet of event space, the Waldorf Astoria New York aims to reestablish its position as a notable event venue in the city. Its heritage spaces, including the Grand Ballroom and other salons, are being restored to enhance their original Art Deco detailing. On-site event planning and management services will be available for events. Dino Michael, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Hilton Luxury Brands, expressed excitement at the hotel's reopening. He noted that it would be the flagship of a revitalized Waldorf Astoria brand. Reservations can be made via the hotel's website starting Tuesday, Dec. 10. The Waldorf Astoria New York is located at 301 Park Avenue, New York, 10022. The hotel will participate in Hilton Honors, the guest loyalty program for Hiltons 24 brands. Google Predicts Upsurge in Luxury Travel Demand by 2025 - Image Credit Pexels Google anticipates a rise in consumers seeking luxury travel experiences like spas, Jacuzzis, and five-star accommodations by 2025. Despite potential challenges like economic uncertainty and extreme weather concerns, the travel industry is expected to see a significant increase in spending and tourism across Europe. As reported by Travel Weekly, Google's Senior Industry Manager, Ailish English, predicts a boom in luxury travel by 2025, with consumers increasingly seeking top-tier experiences such as spas, Michelin-starred restaurants, and five-star accommodations. Based on Google's search data, the forecast was presented at Jet2holiday's annual conference in Cyprus. While consumers continue to look for value in their holidays, they aren't merely hunting for the cheapest deals. Instead, they're seeking the best experiences within their budget, aiming for a luxurious holiday feeling. English predicted a substantial increase in tourism across Europe, with holiday spending forecasted to rise by 37% between now and 2027. In-resort spending globally is also expected to increase by about 22% in the same period. Despite the optimistic forecast, English warned of potential disruptions due to economic uncertainty, political instabilities, extreme weather concerns, and labor strikes. Additionally, English noted the growing popularity of Black Friday in the UK, creating a mini peak in the holiday booking season. She encouraged travel agents to use social media and engaging content to connect with their clients year-round, fostering relationships potentially leading to future bookings even outside peak periods. The recently listed Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando-Apopka U.S. hotel brokers anticipate a gradual, consistent increase in transactions over the next few years, particularly in the $10 million to $20 million segment. Financing for these transactions is becoming more accessible, with small banks becoming more active and non-bank lenders thriving in the commercial mortgage-backed securities market. According to hotel brokers, the U.S. hotel market is expected to experience steady growth in transactions and financing over the next several years. Mike Cahill, the CEO of Hospitality Real Estate Counselors (HREC), reported a year-on-year increase of approximately 30% in closed deals. The firm's brokers in the Midwest have been particularly active, successfully negotiating pricing agreements between buyers and sellers. Cahill revealed that most of the deals are being made by owner-operators in the $10 million to $20 million segment, whom he termed "non-digital buyers." These buyers, often wealthy firstor second-time hotel buyers, operate under the radar and lack a strong online presence. The deal values of these transactions fall within the scope of the Small Business Administration, making financing more attainable. On the lending front, small banks have been more active, following the lead of larger banks. Gregory Porter, the Managing Director at HREC, noted that non-bank lenders, particularly those involved in commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), have been thriving. He predicts that these non-bank bridge lenders will continue to play a significant role in the market and that the overall trend on the debt side will be positive. Porter also mentioned that the spread of loan rates is likely to be influenced by the appetite of bond buyers, such as pension funds and institutions. Despite some pullbacks, the appetite for CMBS remains strong, and the volume of such securities has significantly increased this year. However, he also pointed out that B-piece buyers in the CMBS market are reaching their risk limits for the year, which he hopes is a temporary, seasonal occurrence. In conclusion, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the U.S. hotel market is poised for steady growth in transactions and financing over the next few years, with a particular emphasis on the $10 million to $20 million market segment. The lending environment is also expected to become more normalized, with both small and large banks and non-bank lenders playing a critical role. Discover more at CoStar. ADVERTISE Hypebot & MusicThinkTank With the internet and digital technologies driving rapid change within the music industry, articles about new releases and who has been hired and fired are no longer enough. Our up to the minute industry news alongside insightful commentary helps our readers sift through the rumors and developments to find the information they need to keep their businesses moving forward. Hypebot is read daily by more than 30,000 music industry professionals including executives and senior staff of music related tech firms, internet based music sites, every major label group and most indies as well as many managers, artists and members of the live music community: Contact us for the latesst stats, ad rates and sponosorship opportunites. We also offer combined rates with MusicThinkTank. Kendrick Lamar Diss Track sparks Legal Drama: Read Full Court Filings Kendrick Lamars diss track has sparked lawsuits and heated controversy. Find out how music and legal drama are clashing in this unfolding story. Kendrick Lamar Diss Track sparks Legal Drama Op-ed by Mike Masnick via Tech Dirt When your rap track diss battle ends in whiny proto-SLAPP suits, Im going to suggest youve officially lost. If you ever want to see this dril tweet as a legal filing (two actually), I think its in Drakes semi-SLAPPy demands for discovery and depositions from Universal Music, Spotify, and iHeartRadio for having the temerity to promote a song from Kendrick Lamar that is the culmination of a back and forth diss track battle between the two. While most news orgs havent provided the actual filings, fear not, Techdirt delivers: here is the pre-action discovery attempt in New York and the defamation lawsuit in Texas. Both are incredibly stupid, but well get to that. If you havent been living under a rock for the past year, you may be aware that the Canadian rapper/actor Drake and American rapper Kendrick Lamar have been, well, fighting. While it goes back a while, earlier this year it blew up in a series of back and forth diss tracks, with the general consensus being that Kendrick came out of the battle as the clear winner. We had mentioned that battle twice. Once, to discuss how both sides actually dropped copyright claims and restrictions to ensure the songs traveled far and wide. And another time, to talk about how existing laws already regulated some aspects of AI-generated music. But this week, Drake took things to a whole new level of stupid. On Monday, he first filed a pre-litigation discovery motion in New York accusing Universal Music/Interscope and Spotify of doing the RICO in um promoting Kendricks song. Almost everything about this is ridiculous. Contrary to what some people have said, this isnt actually a lawsuit. Its a weird procedure available in New York that allows you to seek discovery before filing the actual lawsuit. As New York-based lawyer Akiva Cohen noted on Bluesky, this is really only supposed to apply to a situation where you need some amount of discovery to find out who a defendant actually is or something like that. Drake is essentially arguing that Universal Music Group and Spotify engaged in racketeering by promoting a song. Thats not how any of this works. Heavily promoting a track thats performing well is standard practice for labels and streaming platforms, not some nefarious scheme. And Drake hired some big-name, high hourly rate lawyers to basically file legal documents that say the fact that music companies promoted a killer diss track harmed me and should be considered a conspiracy. Really. UMGs schemes to artificially inflate the popularity of Not Like Us were motivated, at least in part, by the desire of executives at Interscope to maximize their own profits. UMG executives have an annual incentive program pursuant to which they are rewarded for meeting and surpassing sales and profits projections, among other metrics. The incentives are largely based on the specific UMG division, rather than the performance of UMG more generally. For example, the annual incentive or bonus of Interscopes CEO, John Janick, is based 90 percent on the financial success of Interscope and only 10 percent on the financial success of UMG generally. Thus, on information and belief, Mr. Janick and other executives at Interscope have been incentivized to maximize the financial success of Interscope through the promotion of Not Like Us and its revitalizing impact on the artists prior recording catalog, including his first five studio albums, which are owned by Interscope. Petitioner has received information that UMG has been taking steps in an apparent effort to conceal its schemes, including, but not limited to, by terminating employees associated with or perceived as having loyalty to Drake. Indeed, UMG has demonstrated that it has no interest in taking responsibility for its misconduct, Over the past several months, Drake has repeatedly sought to engage UMG in discussions to resolve the ongoing harm he has suffered as a result of UMGs actions. UMG refused to engage in negotiations, and insisted that UMG is not responsible for its own actions. Instead, UMG has pointed the finger at Mr. Duckworth, insisted that Drake should initiate legal action against Mr. Duckworth rather than UMG, and even threatened to bring its own legal claims against Mr. Duckworth if Drake were to pursue claims against UMG. Streaming and licensing is a zero-sum game. Every time a song breaks through, it means another artist does not. UMGs choice to saturate the music market with Not Like Us comes at the expense of its other artists, like Drake. As Drake is Petitioners sole owner, and Petitioner owns the copyright to Drake entire catalogue, Petitioner suffered economic harm as a result of UMGs scheme. Duckworth, by the way, is Kendrick Lamars real last name, in case youre wondering to whom Mr. Duckworth refers to here. But, yeah, this all boils down to: UMG promoted the hell out of Kendricks song, and it got a ton of engagement and (oh wow!) that was good for Universal and Spotifys bottom line. So fucking what? Thats capitalism and marketing, Drake. Thats how it works. And that last paragraph is particularly stupid. Does this mean that other artists can sue Drake for the times that UMG (yes, also Drakes label) promoted his music instead of other artists? The whole thing is garbage. There are a few arguments in there about some potentially sketchy behavior on the part of UMG in engaging in some payola, but thats not something where Drake really has much of a leg to stand on. Payola has been happening in the music industry for decades, and every time some piece of it is outlawed, the big labels figure out crafty ways to sidestep the new laws. Drake also complains about the point we had praised earlier this year, where the copyright restrictions were lifted by UMG: And in a sea-change for UMGs internal policy, UMG removed the Songs copyright restrictions on YouTube and Twitch, thereby whitelisting the Song (for the first time in UMG history), which further incentivized influencers to spread the Song Except that it was reported at the time that the copyright restrictions were also lifted on Drakes tracks: But even dumber than all of that is the claim that UMG and Spotify promoting a popular song is RICO. You know the Popehat drill: Its not RICO dammit. Its not. There are a big list of almost impossible to meet conditions to make it RICO and this aint it, chief: Petitioner has a viable cause of action for civil RICO, with predicate acts of wire fraud, mail fraud, and/or bribery for UMGs payments to unknown third parties in the form of reduced licensing fees to Spotify. It seems most likely that this lawsuit is client service. It is making an angry rich client happy by filing something even if that something is likely to get tossed out of court quickly. Then, on Tuesday, Drake took things up a notch by seeking a similar kind of pre-complaint discovery against iHeartRadio and UMG in Texas state court. This is using the same big shot lawyers (plus some local counsel). Texas has a rule of civil procedure, 202, that allows for a deposition prior to filing a lawsuit. Its effectively the same kind of deal as the pre-litigation discovery in New York: in some cases, it may be necessary to use the power of the courts to seek extra info before filing the actual lawsuit. While Rule 202 is considered pretty broad, it does have limits and I have difficulty seeing how this meets any of the criteria to get such depositions. This time around, its basically the same issue as the New York pre-litigation effort, but how iHeartRadio was also um helping to get Kendricks song listened to: Here, the limited Rule 202 depositions Petitioner proposes are the most efficient method for him to understand the role of iHeartMedia in UMGs scheme to unlawfully promote Not Like Us. Based on the minimal information already available to Petitioner, the testimony sought is necessary for Petitioner to understand and evaluate his potential claims. Listen to yourself, man. Unlawfully promote? Come on. Its just promotion, dude. This is pathetic. And just like the NY filing tried to just throw in a RICO like it was an exclamation point, in this Texas filing, Drake throws in a similar maybe its defamation and racketeering argument with nothing to back it up: Petitioner has amassed sufficient facts to pursue certain tortious claims against UMG, including, but not limited to, a claim for defamation, but currently lacks factual support necessary to determine whether he may bring claims of civil fraud and racketeering against UMG and its many (as of yet) unidentified co-conspirators who violated payola laws and accepted illicit payments, and other things of value, from UMG without disclosure At best, this is fishing, and at worst, its just a straight up abuse of the courts to scream about how not mad you are that people feel like Kendrick completely destroyed you. Imagine being such a sore loser in a rap battle that you have to go to court to demand to find out who promoted the song that destroyed you. Imagine being such a sore loser in a rap battle that you had to go to court twice to claim that the song couldnt possibly be that popular, and it must be a conspiracy against you. Get a fucking grip. Perhaps Drake should consider dropping a duet featuring Barbra Streisand, because the Kendrick master diss track is getting a ton of renewed attention, even after breaking records earlier this year. This week, Kendrick was already topping the broader music charts after releasing a surprise album, GNX, a few days ago, but the Not Like Us diss track has bounced back up the charts as well. As I type this, its #25 on Apple Music (though there were reports it broke into the top 20 earlier), #42 on Spotify, and #18 on YouTube, and for just Tuesday it was the 8th most watched music video: Drakes lawsuits have only served to further humiliate himself. In trying to get revenge on Kendrick through frivolous legal filings, hes amplified the diss track to a whole new audience, while publicly admitting how much it hurt his feelings. Even worse, you had to legally state, under penalty of perjury, that Not Like Us harmed you so much that you could bring two lawsuits about it. I think thats one hell of an admission of how much you lost this battle. Or, as Alex Jaffe hilariously called it on Bluesky: You used to call me on my self-own. Share on: Pittsfield Announces North Pole Calling Program PITTSFIELD, Mass. The City of Pittsfield's Department of Community Development Recreation Program will be conducting the 43rd annual North Pole Calling Program on Wednesday, Dec. 11 and Thursday, Dec. 12 from 5:00 7:30 p.m. Sign up forms will be sent home with Pittsfield students in Pre-K, Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2 by Nov. 22, 2024. Fillable forms, that can be saved and emailed, are available through a link on the City website at North Pole Calling Program cityofpittsfield.org). Hard copy forms are also available at the CityClerk's Office in Room 103 at City Hall, 70 Allen Street, as well as in the Department of Community Development, Room 205. Completed forms must be returned or submitted online to City Hall by Tuesday, Dec. 10. Email completed forms to Ted Kozlowski, Administrative Coordinator at tkozlowski@cityofpittsfield.org . Forms can also be mailed to: Ted Kozlowski Department of Community Development, Room 205 70 Allen St. Pittsfield, MA, 01201 Do not send completed registration forms to the child's school. This program is for Pittsfield children in pre-kindergarten through second grade. If older children still believe, complete the required form and we are happy to include them. Monday 2 December 2024, 16:14 - Last updated: 20:24 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated Since last Wednesday, a new conflict has further complicated the Middle Eastern landscape: anti-Assad rebels launched a surprise offensive in Syria. Jihadists and allied armed groups against Bashar al-Assad's regime have reached the center of Aleppo, in the northwest of the country, after intense fighting with the Damascus army. But what does this new hot front mean for Israel? The conflict could have significant implications for Netanyahu's choices. Let's explore the possible developments, from the strategic consolidation of the truce with Lebanon to the risks in the border area. Israel's Concerns: Iran's Support for Syria Israel has various concerns about the situation in Syria: first of all, the possible deployment of a significant number of forces from Iran to support Bashar al-Assad. Then, the situation in the Syrian territory at the border with Israel and the deployment of Iranian forces under the pretext of fighting armed groups (protagonists of the recent offensive in the Arab country). Many fears are circulating in the corridors of power in Israel, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. According to an Israeli source cited by the newspaper, "Iran has already started sending forces to Syria in an attempt to help Assad and quell the uprising." And "various forms" of assistance have been assured by Araghchi to the Syrian leader, according to the satellite TV al-Arabiya. Today, reports the Iranian agency Mehr, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated that the presence of Iranian military advisers in Syria "is not new" and that they will remain in the Arab country according to Damascus's requests. For Iran, Syria is a "Crucial Bridge" to Hezbollah For Iran, also affected by years of sanctions, and for its deterrence strategy, summarizes the Jerusalem Post, Syria - from where raids attributed to Israel have often been reported for years - is a "crucial bridge" to Hezbollah in Lebanon, representing "access to Israeli borders," and Assad must remain in power, or the influence of the Islamic Republic would be critically wounded on Israel's periphery. In the coming weeks, wrote the Washington Post on Saturday, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and Iran, could partly shift to Syria. The Conversation between Bashar al-Assad and Masoud Pezeshkian Bashar al-Assad had a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and spoke of "terrorist escalation" by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied armed factions, reiterating "Syria and its army's determination to counter terrorism." Accusations against the United States and the West are never spared. Yesterday in Damascus, Abbas Araghchi, the head of Tehran's diplomacy, an ally of Assad and supporter of Hezbollah, admitted, according to statements reported by the official Iranian agency Irna, that the situation in Syria is "difficult." Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Post relays news from Syrian military sources that Iran-backed militias entered Syria from Iraq overnight to support Assad's loyal forces in the north of the Arab country. Lebanon and the Risk of Re-arming from Tehran Apparently, however, Israel fears not only help from Tehran towards Syria itself but also towards Hezbollah. In fact, there is also fear of the possibility that Iran exploits its military presence in Syria to deliver weapons and ammunition to Lebanon and re-arm Hezbollah. In Syria, "much of the Iranian and Hezbollah infrastructure has fallen into the hands of the rebels in recent days," says Haaretz, and Damascus had relied heavily on Hezbollah to reclaim areas of Syrian territory at the time of the war that broke out in 2011 after the repression of anti-government protests during the so-called Arab Spring. But now the Party of God, orphaned of its historical leader Hasan Nasrallah, is decimated by the conflict with Israel. Developments that, as a parallel effect, could contribute to consolidating the truce in nearby Lebanon, in force for five days with Hezbollah. Is the Truce with Hezbollah Strengthening? Taking into account the risk that Iran exploits its military presence in Syria to deliver weapons and ammunition to Lebanon, Israel also believes that the current situation could increase the chances of success of the truce with Hezbollah. Because, explains a diplomatic source to Haaretz, "Hezbollah has turned its attention to Syria, and we have already noticed a lower number of ceasefire violations by the organization, and the area is quieter." On the other hand, however, this morning the Armed Forces reported the injury of one of their soldiers in a drone raid attributed to Israel. And the Ministry of Health reported the killing of a person in a similar operation in the south. Only time, therefore, can determine the success of the agreement. Netanyahu, the Fear of "Terrorist Organizations" at the Border Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a second meeting on developments in Syria to assess possible scenarios that - writes the newspaper - could affect Israel's security and formulate a response. One of the scenarios that worries Israel is that a possible "failure" of Assad could lead "international terrorist organizations," based on the infrastructure of organizations like Al-Qaeda, "to take control of the Syrian territory near the border with Israel," writes Haaretz again. Thus, says the newspaper's source, "we must be prepared for all possibilities, including the collapse of Assad's regime and the risk that terrorist organizations constitute a new threat to Israel." Syria's Relationship with Russia The other major ally of Damascus, Russia, is meanwhile carrying on for over a thousand days its "special military operation" in Ukraine, launched with the invasion of February two years ago. Yesterday, according to the Times of Israel, Israeli jets intercepted an Iranian plane suspected of carrying a load of weapons for Hezbollah in Lebanon in the skies of Syria and forced it to reverse its course. Monday 2 December 2024, 12:58 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated Pope Francis breaks the silence on Nicaragua under Daniel Ortega, who has been fiercely persecuting the Catholic Church for some time. The sequence is so impressive that two years ago Bergoglio compared that illiberal regime to the Hitlerian one. First, diplomatic relations were broken, then Ortega imprisoned several priests and bishops, seized religious properties, banned pastoral activities, expelled prelates from the territory considering them spies and unfaithful, up to the last chapter expected for next year: a wide constitutional reform that will likely increase the political persecution of the Catholic Church as well as other churches and Christian denominations. The atmosphere is extremely tense. Among the 200 articles, more than 140 will be amended, while 37 will be deleted. The Congress has already approved the new Constitution in the first reading, although a vote is expected to be scheduled with the new year. In this scenario, Pope Francis took pen and paper to address the dear 'brothers and sisters in Christ of the beloved Church in Nicaragua.' 'For some time, I have wanted to write you a pastoral letter to reiterate, once again, the affection I profess for the Nicaraguan people, who have always distinguished themselves for an extraordinary love for God, whom you affectionately call Papachu. I am with you, especially in these days when you are celebrating the Novena of the Immaculate Conception,' the tones of the message are pastoral, encouraging them not to forget providence and prayer, a powerful weapon capable of working miracles. 'Be sure that faith and hope work miracles.' Francis never strays into political terrain and does not evoke the situation or social conjuncture. He merely reminds them that soon there will be the Jubilee: 'may it give you the encouragement you need in your difficulties, uncertainties, and struggles.' Two months ago, a lawyer and activist, Martha Patricia Molina, compiled a dossier with the numbers of the persecution. She counted a total of 870 attacks on the Nicaraguan Catholic Church in its various expressions, from April 2018, when popular demonstrations against the Ortega Government began, then harshly repressed, until early July 2024. Complaints, desecrations, death threats, closures, imprisonments. In the last two years, there has been an increase in religious expulsions, exiles, or deportations; there were a few units until 2021, there were 24 in 2022, 64 in 2023, and in 2024 there have already been 50. How did it come to this? To understand what is happening, one must start from the great protest caused by the pension system reform of April 18, 2018. A peaceful protest against the Ortega government that saw tens of thousands of people take to the streets demanding the president's removal. Ortega, a Sandinista, was one of the protagonists of the fall of the terrible military junta led by Somoza in 1979, which ruled the country until 1990. Subsequently, he was re-elected and has since done everything to retain control, even changing the constitution to ensure his election. At the same time, as explained by Lucia Capuzzi, a journalist from Avvenire and expert on Latin America, 'he co-opted institutions, business sectors, and the poorest segments, building a system that is both ultra-liberal and populist, characterized by the provision of clientelistic subsidies and the granting of total free rein to companies and significant tax breaks. The whole system was long supported by oil from the Venezuelan ally. With the ongoing crisis in Caracas, Ortega's regime began to falter. The 'April uprising' was the consequence.' 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 Harvey Weinstein has been rushed to hospital after receiving alarming blood test results, his lawyer said. The disgraced film producer, 72, has previously announced that he has been diagnosed with leukemia. Weinsteins attorney Imran H Ansari told Deadline in a statement that his client had been taken to Bellevue Hospital. Harvey Weinstein, who has been suffering from a lack of adequate medical care and enduring deplorable and inhumane conditions on Rikers Island, has been transported to Bellevue Hospital for emergent treatment due to an alarming blood test result that requires immediate medical attention, said Ansari. It is expected that he will remain there until his condition stabilizes. His deprivation of care is not only medical malpractice, but a violation of his constitutional rights. Less than a week ago, Weinstein filed a legal claim against New York City, alleging that he is receiving substandard medical treatment in unhygienic conditions while in custody at the notorious Rikers Island jail complex. The longtime Miramax and Weinstein Company boss, whose outing as an abuser in 2017 kicked off the global #MeToo movement, is currently awaiting retrial in New York for charges of rape and sexual assault. Harvey Weinstein attending a court hearing in October 2024 ( Getty Images ) His previous conviction in New York was overturned in April due to egregious errors by the original trial judge, but a separate prison sentence for rape and sexual assault in California remains in force. Weinstein was first arrested in New York City in 2018 after more than 80 women accused him of rape or assault the previous year. At the time, he was one of Hollywoods most well-connected and powerful producers, known for a long string of Oscar-winning films including Pulp Fiction, Shakespeare in Love, and Gangs of New York. 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 Behind the scenes, however, alleged victims said that had used his power in the film industry to coerce them or attempt to coerce them into sexual acts, promising to advance their careers or threatening to ruin them. In 2020, Weinstein was found guilty in New York of raping and assaulting two women and sentenced to 23 years in prison. However, the Court of Appeals found that the trial judge had erred by allowing prosecutors to call witnesses whose allegations were not related to the charges at hand. Those witnesses included actress and model Tarale Wulff, who said Weinstein raped her in 2005, actress and producer Dawn Dunning who said he put his hand up her skirt in 2004 and Lauren Young, who said Weinstein masturbated in front of her and groped her in 2013. The decision sparked outrage from Weinstein accusers such as Ashley Judd, the first actor to come forward publicly against him, who said the decision was unfair to survivors. Weinstein maintains his innocence and has repeatedly claimed that all his sexual activity was consensual. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Daniel Craig has made a rare admission about one of the James Bond films he starred in. The actor played the British spy in the 007 franchise from 2006 film Casino Royale right through to No Time to Die in 2022. While the actor has bluntly made it clear he does not care about the future of the series, he has been looking back at his time playing the character, reflecting in particular on his second Bond outing Quantum of Solace. The Knives Out actor, who is being tipped for an Oscar nomination for his role in Luca Guadagninos Queer, starred in the film during the 2007-2008 writers strike that rocked many film and TV productions at the time. Craig described the sequel as a difficult second album and said it was a f***ing nightmare making the film as they were mostly without a script when cameras started rolling. We should never have started production, he told The Hollywood Reporter, before sharing a revelation that he admitted he probably shouldnt say according to Craig, he ended up writing a lot of lines for the film. While the film has been reappraised in recent years, with many taking into account its trouble production when assessing it, Craig does not class himself as one of its fans. He said: There are some amazing stunt sequences in it but it just didnt quite work. The storytelling wasnt there. Thats a lesson starting a movie without a script is not a good idea. Craig injured himself three times while making Quantum of Solace something he detailed in several follow-up interviews. Daniel Craig in Quantum of Solace ( Eon Productions ) However, when he reflected on the things he regrets about his time playing Bond, he said he wishes he had not complained about hurting himself on set so much. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Craig told The Los Angeles Times in 2022: Im pissed off at myself that I ever even spoke about them. Its my fault because I kind of didnt shut up about the fact that I had all these injuries. The physical side of the movies was just the job. I had to do it. I trained, learned the fights, thats kind of my brain not working. I put way more work into the creative side of those movies than I did into the physical side of those movies. Guadagninos Queer, which Craig stars in alongside Drew Starkey, is released on 13 December. Next year, hell reprise the role of sleuth Benoit Blanc in a third Knives Out film, the trailer of which shocked viewers thanks to the actors unrecognisable new hairdo. 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 A new Spanish-language horror movie from Argentina has landed a UK and US release after being dubbed into English using artificial intelligence. The Witch Game, from writer-director Fabian Forte, was partly inspired by the Harry Potter series. The film follows a rebellious teenage girl (Lourdes Mansilla) who receives a gift on her birthday containing a virtual game that transports her into a mysterious occult world where she must learn witchcraft at a medieval school of magic in order to save her family from the devil. The film will be released in the UK and US in the first three months of 2025. Fortes previous credits include Mala carne, Retratos del Apocalipsis and the Argentine Film Critics Association Award-nominee La corporacion. Along with Mansilla, the film also stars Ezequiel Rodriguez, Virginia Lombardo, Natalia Grinberg, Alexia Moyano, Martin Borisenko, Sebastian Sinnott and Denise Barbara. Lourdes Mansilla in The Witch Game ( Jinga Films ) Last month, Ben Affleck raised eyebrows after voicing a very eloquent defence for the use of artificial intelligence in the movie industry, arguing that it will benefit filmmakers in the long run. The use of AI in film has been a hot topic as of late, with the likes of Robert Downey Jr and James Gunn firmly speaking out against the technology, whereas individuals such as James Cameron have embraced it. Speaking at CNBCs Delivering Alpha 2024 investor summit, Affleck voiced his support for AI but said that it cannot possibly replace human beings making films. When asked if AI should be perceived as a threat, the Oscar winner said: Movies will be one of the last things, if everything gets replaced, to be replaced by AI. Continuing, the 52-year-old Good Will Hunting star said: AI can write you excellent, imitative verse that sounds Elizabethan. It cannot write you Shakespeare. 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 He continued: What AI is going to do is going to disintermediate the laborious, less creative and more costly aspects of filmmaking that will allow costs to be brought down, that will lower the barrier for entry, that will allow more voices to be heard, that will make it easier for the people that want to make Good Will Huntings to go out and make it. The Argo director added: Thats how large video models and large language models basically work. Library of vectors of meaning and transformers that interpret it in context, right? But theyre just cross-pollinating things that exist. Nothing new is created. AI for this world of generative video, is going to do key things more, meaning I wouldnt like to be in the visual effects business, theyre in trouble. Because what costs a lot of money is now going to cost a lot less. And its going to hammer that space and already is and maybe it shouldnt take a thousand people to render something but its not going to replace human beings making films. 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 In Robert Eggerss Nosferatu, the vampire is reincarnated. He has shed his sparkle, his languid melancholy, his cobweb-speckled absurdity. He comes for you now yes, you as the murmuring voice in the dark, the one that calls your desires perverse and your soul unnatural. This creature feeds on shame, of both the faithful and the faithless. And he is as true to us as he was to FW Murnau, director of 1922s original Nosferatu, or to Bram Stoker, whose novel Dracula provided the (unofficial, legally ruled as copyright infringement) source material. Does evil come from within us or from beyond? asks Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp), the convulsing, hysteric target of vampiric attention. Eggerss interpretation of the classic novel, via the classic silent film, is not only a luxurious, Gothic revelation its also one of the most profoundly, seductively frightening horrors in years, all because its terrors seem to crawl right out from our own stomachs. In 1838, Ellens bland but well-meaning husband Thomas (a perfectly tuned Nicholas Hoult) is sent out to the Carpathian Mountains in order to facilitate the purchase of a property in his German hometown by the enigmatic Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard). He is, of course, a vampire. And a vampire is the ultimate vessel of sex and death. Skarsgards transformation into the demonically unrecognisable is too genuine a surprise to spoil here. But the wheezing rumble of his voice, and its rolled Rs, allows him to repulse as much as he seduces. His voice seems to emanate not from his mouth, but from the walls themselves. He sucks blood not from the neck, but down on the breast, accompanied by rhythmic thrusting. Its erotic, but not in the satisfying sense. He is an addiction that brings no pleasure. Hes trailed always by an army of plague-ridden rats, which seem to drive seemingly level-headed folks like Friedrich (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Anna (Emma Corrin) Harding into apocalyptic despair. Disease is an ever-present fear, and Eggerss Nosferatu has been a decade in the making yet, now, in the shadow of a pandemic, its sensations feel sharper than ever. Murnaus film, after all, was released shortly after the end of the Spanish flu epidemic. On screen, Jarin Blaschkes cinematography forges a visual battle between the romantic, religious ecstasy of 19th-century painter Caspar David Friedrich, and a stark, occultist, near-monochrome look that evokes Murnaus original film. Nosferatu is about the collision of worlds, faith versus reason, as Stokers novel was before it. Eggers is a historian at heart, and his invocation of the 1830s is as staggeringly detailed as his Viking epic The Northman (2022) or 17th-century folk horror The Witch (2015) before it (so accurate, in fact, that its title was stylised as The VVitch). Linda Muirs costumes and Craig Lathrops production design are equally unassailable. Here, what would typically be the silent moments before a scare are interrupted by the gentle hiss of a gas lamp. The directors work is a necessary rebuke to a culture thats become a little too fond of the modernised adaptation valid, at times, but never free from the disparaging notion that Murnaus images or Stokers words have lost their power. Its nice to imagine that Nosferatu would play as well for an audience in the 1830s as it would now. Yet Eggerss perspective is a carefully placed one. He tests those boundaries of faith and reason, especially when the latters patriarchal rule would suppose that Ellens epileptic fits are best cured by having her sleep in a corset to encourage correct posture. Depp trouble: Lily-Rose Depp in Robert Eggerss Nosferatu' ( Focus Features ) Depp does magnificent work in embodying the sense of existing out of place, not only in the violent contortions and grimaces of supernatural possession, but in the way Ellens gaze seems to look out beyond her conversation partner and into some undefinable abyss. Her father denounced her sensitivity as sinful. Her husband cowered from her sexual desires. Its Professor Von Franz (Willem Dafoe, in all his cackling glory), the storys Van Helsing, who offers her some small reprieve: those who have already faced the darkness are the most capable of defeating it. Nosferatu not only revitalises a classic monster, it reminds us why they matter at all. Dir: Robert Eggers. Starring: Bill Skarsgard, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Willem Dafoe. Cert 15, 132 mins. Nosferatu is in cinemas from 1 January 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 Sir Elton John has said he has been unable to watch his new musical The Devil Wears Prada because of poor vision. The singer, 77, who wrote the score for the production, revealed in an Instagram post in September that he had lost vision in his right eye because of a severe infection contracted in July and only had limited vision in his left eye. I am healing, but its an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye, he said. At a gala performance of The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical on Sunday, staged to raise funds for the Elton John Aids Foundation, he spoke about his health issues. I havent been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I have lost my eyesight. So its hard for me to see it. But I love to hear it and boy it sounded good tonight, he said while onstage. He also thanked his husband, David Furnish, whom he said has been my rock. Last week, Sir Elton told Good Morning America that his eyesight was causing delays to a planned new album with his longtime collaborator, Bernie Taupin. open image in gallery Elton John says it will be some time before full vision returns to his right eye ( PA ) I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the South of France, he said in the interview on 25 November. Its been four months now since I havent been able to see. My left eye is not the greatest. He added: Theres hope and encouragement that it will be okay, but Im kind of stuck in the moment because I can do something like this, but going into the studio and recording, I dont know. Because I cant see a lyric for start. Sir Elton explained that he and his doctors are taking an initiative to treat his eye problems, but maintained that its never fortunate for anything like this to happen. 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 It kind of floored me, and I cant see anything. I cant read anything, I cant watch anything, he said. Sir Eltons headline set at Glastonbury in 2023 marked his last UK performance as part of his 330-date marathon Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which he drew to a close with a show in Stockholm, Sweden. Among those who attended Sundays event was Anna Wintour. The Vogue editor is long rumoured to have been the inspiration behind Miranda Priestly, the steely magazine mogul in The Devil Wears Prada. open image in gallery Anna Wintour attends The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical world premiere in London ( Getty ) It is for the audience and for the people I work with to decide if there are any similarities between me and Miranda Priestly, Wintour told the BBC. The play mirrors the film, in turn based on the 2003 novel by Lauren Weisberger, with aspiring journalist Andy Sachs scoring a job at the prestigious Runway magazine for fashions most powerful and terrifying icon, Priestly. open image in gallery Vanessa Williams stars as Runway editor Miranda Priestly in the stage production ( The Devil Wears Prada Musical/Theatre Royal Plymouth ) As Sachs struggles to meet her bosss demands, she finds herself seduced by the glamourous world she once despised, according to the promotional material. Vanessa Williams, of Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives fame, stars as the icy editor Priestly in the stage production. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Independents latest Main Stage venue is PJ Molloys, a 300-capacity venue in Dunfermline, Scotland, which has asserted itself over the past seven years as one of the regions go-to live music spots. Director Calum Miller owns the venue, having previously worked in promotion at PJs before being offered an opportunity to take over. I didnt realise that was going to be my career path at all, he told The Independent. I thought, Ill maybe do this for two or three years, and then Ill have to go and get a real job. And here we are, 13 and a half years later, and Im still going. PJs was effectively an Irish theme bar, when he took over, he said: It was known for live music, but it was more cover bands as opposed to grassroots or original music. Its a very unique space, he added. All these bands end up commenting on it when they first walk in, because it really does feel and look like a pub. But then they realise the infrastructure and the sound system we have in place its everything a touring band needs. Millers own approach to booking bands is eclectic, with acts including Franz Ferdinand, Lewis Capaldi and Big Country all gracing the PJs stage. Scottish venue PJ Molloys ( PJ Molloys ) Were just here to promote music in any way we can, so it could be a band just out of school playing their first gig, or a heavy metal group, he said. It does feel like its become a bit of a rite of passage for new acts weve worked very hard over the last 10 years to get where we are. He said that one of the biggest challenges was often simply getting bands to come and play outside of the main touring circuit, as bands tours become shorter and less likely to take place outside cities such as London, Manchester, Cardiff, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Liverpool. Trying to stay ahead is definitely one of the hurdles, Miller explained. Another is that, because we dont own the building, we have to pay rent every month which is a sizeable chunk of our turnover. Utilities are going up, wages, all the licence fees Despite this, PJs has kept ticket prices around the same as what they were a decade ago. 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 The venue only survives because it also functions as a bar and nightclub, Miller said, which included a recent Pink Pony Club night in honour of pop star Chappell Roan. He also hailed the organisations Music Venue Trust and Creative Scotland for their championing of grassroots venues: I dont think we would have survived Covid lockdowns if not for them. Honourable mentions for Scotlands grassroots venues go to: MacArts, Galashiels; The Vault Arts Centre, Newton Stewart; Krakatoa, Aberdeen; Sub Club, Glasgow. Launched in association with the Music Venue Trust, the charity organisation founded in 2014 to help protect and support Britains independent music venues, The Independents Main Stage project comes after warnings that the sector is in the middle of a full-blown crisis. Grassroots music venues (GMVs) frequently serve as a launch pad for up-and-coming talent, with virtually all of the UKs biggest acts starting out on some of its smallest stages. Artists including Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, Wolf Alice, Coldplay, Arlo Parks and Stormzy all started out performing in grassroots venues. Despite this, a damning report by the MVT published in January showed that an average of two grassroots music venues closed permanently every week in 2023, marking what industry figures branded the most challenging year in a decade. The report also found that, despite contributing over 500m to the economy and employing close to 30,000 people, the grassroots scene remained significantly underfunded compared to other areas of culture. In its year-long initiative, The Independent will highlight one grassroots venue from each of the 12 UK regions, and speak with the people who help to run it to highlight the struggles and successes they have experienced. 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 Sean Wilson has shared the reason why he was suddenly axed from Coronation Street shortly after his return was announced. In July, it was revealed by ITV that Wilson would return as Martin Platt as part of the exit storyline of long-running star Helen Worth, who plays his former wife Gail. Worth, 73, revealed earlier this year that she had quit the soap, which she joined in 1974. Her departure was said to follow what was described as a major storyline for the Platt family. Wilson, who was a regular on the soap in 2005, was set to return to the cobbles for the first time since 2018 and had even started filming his scenes when the brakes were mysteriously put on his return due to what ITV said were personal reasons. The actor has now said that he was dropped from the soap due to a pending police inquiry, exploring an allegation of indecent assault dating back to 1997. Wilson has since been cleared, and no further action will be taken. However, the actor has said in a new interview that his whole world was blown apart by the allegation, which ruined his life in eight minutes. He toldThe Sun: I had no idea who had made this complaint or anything about it but I lost my job. Its been hell. Ive been low all the way through. Wilson was set to return for 10 episodes but, two weeks into filming his return, he received an email from soap bosses asking for a meeting. According to the actor, a part of the email read: This is to discuss a historical allegation of a sexual nature which has been made about you in the past few days relating to when you were previously under contract to the programme. We will realise this will come out of the blue for you as it has for us. 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 Sean Wilson was due to return as Martin Platt in October ( ITV ) Wilson said he knew no details about the allegation, other than it was made by a woman with links to the soap and that it was said to have occurred in 1997. But after speaking to a detective constable in October, Wilson claims he was told different details about what the allegation consisted of than what hed been told by ITV. He also claimed that police told him they had never contacted ITV about the allegation, which he said has left his career in tatters. Wilsons scenes, which were due to air from October, were all scrapped. The Independent has contacted ITV for comment. At the time of Wilsons mysterious departure, a source told MailOnline: What is really odd, is that they had started filming most of the scenes, obviously with other cast members and lots of crew on set, and everyone was expecting to shoot more with Sean before he left again. The report added that ITVs decision not to tell Wilsons colleagues what was happening really got the rumour mill fired up on set, and called it an extremely unusual move. 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 Vicky Entwistle has alleged Coronation Street has a controlling environment and expressed her outrage at the treatment of her co-stars Bruce Jones and Sean Wilson. Entwistle, 56, who played Janice Battersby in the series from 1997 to 2011, leapt to her on screen husbands defence after Jones character, Les Battersby, was killed off by ITV bosses. It comes a day after Wilson, who plays Martin Platt, revealed the reason why he was suddenly axed from the show despite his long-awaited return to the soap already being filmed and announced. Writing on X/Twitter, Entwistle said: Im so angry at the way @Brucejonesnew [and] @SeanWilsonChef have been treated! It will all come out! I keep my own council now. Im no longer scared! The measures that company took to control us all was like a sect. It was scary! she claimed. The actor, who left Coronation Street thirteen years ago, alleged the programme was run like a tightly gripped cult which her husband begged her to leave two years before her exit in 2011. He hated the controlling environment, she said of her partner Andrew Chapmans feelings around her starring in the ITV series. When I finally left we cried, Entwistle added. The freedom was electric. open image in gallery Georgia Taylor, Bruce Jones, Vicky Entwistle and Jane Danson as the Battersby family on Coronation Street' ( PA ) The Independent has contacted ITV for comment. Wilson revealed on Sunday (1 December) that the brakes were mysteriously put on his return to the soap for the first time since 2018 due to what ITV said were personal reasons. The actor has now said that he was dropped from the soap due to a pending police inquiry, exploring an allegation of indecent assault dating back to 1997. 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 Wilson has since been cleared, and no further action will be taken. However, the actor has said in a new interview that his whole world was blown apart by the allegation, which ruined his life. He told The Sun: I had no idea who had made this complaint or anything about it but I lost my job. Its been hell. Ive been low all the way through. Wilson was set to return for 10 episodes but, two weeks into filming his return, he received an email from soap bosses asking for a meeting and his scenes were later scrapped. open image in gallery Sean Wilson was due to return as Martin Platt in October ( ITV ) Meanwhile, Coronation Street fans were left confused and upset on Friday, 29 November, when Jones character, Les Battersby, was killed off screen after featuring on the soap for 27 years. His daughter Leanne (Jane Danson) was informed of her fathers death by a police officer, who told her he had died at work. So upset theyve killed Less Battersby off off-screen, wrote one fan on X/Twitter. I dont wanna see anymore upset theres been enough sadness recently rip Les Battersby. Meanwhile, another person called Jones exit the final nail in the coffin for Coronation Street. 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 This year, the BBC has lurched from crisis to crisis, repeatedly rocked by damaging allegations against its high-profile male staff. As 2024 began, the fallout from explosive claims against its top anchor, Huw Edwards, still loomed large, sending shockwaves through Broadcasting House as the full story unfolded. Meanwhile, serious allegations against Russell Brand also deepened as the year wore on. Then, to a lesser extent, damning accusations were levelled at other top BBC stars, including presenter Jermaine Jenas and Strictly Come Dancing professionals Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima. Each incident has sparked furious backlash, leaving the corporation with a bruised reputation, mounting pressure, and calls for urgent reform. Now, as another male BBC starMasterChef presenter Gregg Wallacefaces a string of separate allegations, The Independent examines the broadcasters tumultuous year. open image in gallery Gregg Wallace is the latest in a series of male BBC stars to have allegations made against him ( PA Wire ) January The BBC started the year grappling with the fallout from its highest-paid newsreader, Huw Edwards, who had been arrested weeks earlier over allegations of accessing indecent images of children via WhatsApp. Edwards, who had been suspended but remained on the payroll, would dominate headlines throughout the year, culminating in his identification as the presenter accused of paying a young person for sexually explicit images. Meanwhile, in January, Russell Brand, a former BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music host, denied allegations of inappropriate workplace behaviour during an interview with ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson, describing the accusations as very, very hurtful. In September 2023, Russell Brand was accused of rape, assault, and emotional abuse spanning 2006 to 2013 in a joint investigation by Channel 4 Dispatches and The Times and The Sunday Times. Following the documentary, further complainants contacted both the BBC and the Metropolitan Police, prompting the broadcaster to launch an investigation into Brands time at the corporation. Separately, the year began with reports from The Sun that actress Amanda Abbington, who had withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing months earlier, had requested rehearsal footage with her partner Giovanni Pernice. Abbington revealed she had been diagnosed with mild PTSD as a result of her time on the show. open image in gallery Russell Brand, who worked on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music programmes from 2006 to 2008, denies all allegations against him ( Getty ) February The BBC apologised to the family of the young person at the centre of the Edwards scandal. A report, commissioned in the wake of the outrage, found a need for greater consistency in how complaints at the corporation were processed. March Strictly professional Pernice told The Mirrors Invite Only podcast it was a shame that Ms Abbington left the show early as he felt they could have gone all the way. April Edwards resigned, leaving the BBC on the basis of medical advice from his doctors, according to the corporation. In an interview with The Sun, the mother of the young person at the centre of the cash for photos scandal said their family was still suffering and still have so many questions following the newsreaders resignation from the BBC. open image in gallery Former BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards received a suspended sentence for possessing indecent images of children ( PA Wire ) May Strictly professional Pernice rejected allegations that he displayed abusive or threatening behaviour while working as a professional dancer amid reports that the BBC was looking into complaints about his conduct on the show. The BBC promised to handle any complaints with care, fairness and sensitivity to all sides, following reports about Pernices teaching methods. June Edwards was charged with three counts of making indecent images of children for offences, which were alleged to have taken place between December 2020 and April 2022, following a Met Police investigation. Separately, the BBC confirmed Pernice would not return as a professional in 2024. Pernice said in an Instagram statement that he was co-operating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. July It emerged that Edwards was paid more than 475,000 by the BBC in the previous year before he resigned and left the corporation. It is also revealed that the famed BBC anchor was arrested in November 2023 and charged with making indecent images of children in June. According to the charge sheet, Edwards was accused of having six category A images, 12 category B pictures and 19 category C photographs on WhatsApp. open image in gallery Giovanni Pernice rejects allegations that he displayed abusive or threatening behaviour while working as a professional dancer ( Getty Images ) Edwards pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and admitted having 41 on WhatsApp, including seven of the most serious type. The BBC admitted it knew of Edwards arrest over accessing indecent images of children in November but continued employing him until April. The corporation also issued an internal note to staff co-signed by BBC director-general Tim Davie, chief executive of BBC News & Current Affairs Deborah Turness, and Leigh Tavaziva, the BBC Groups chief operating officer, which said they were appalled. The Metropolitan Police said the man who shared indecent images of children with Edwards was 25-year-old convicted paedophile Alex Williams. Also this month, updated BBC guidelines on relationships in the workplace warned staff that using celebrity status to influence people to make a decision in ones favour is an abuse of power. Separately, another professional dancer on Strictly, Graziano Di Prima, confirmed his departure from the show amid reports of allegations about his conduct with a past participant on the show. Ms Abbington told The Sunday Times that Strictly was tough and horrible and added that the aftermath had been really brutal and it just hasnt stopped. Love Island star Zara McDermott responded to reports about her alleged mistreatment on the show and said she has spoken candidly about her time on the show to the BBC. open image in gallery in August, Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBC in a move that ends his time as a presenter on Match of the Day and The One Show ( Getty Images ) The corporation announced measures to strengthen welfare and support on the show including a chaperone who would watch dress rehearsals at all times. August Whistleblowers were critical of an internal inquiry into Edwards behaviour after they spoke to the corporations investigation team. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy held urgent talks with Mr Davie and asked the BBC to look into whether it could recoup money from Edwards pay packet. The corporation said Edwards resigned without notice or financial settlement during a confidential disciplinary process. The teenager at the centre of cash for photos allegations said they felt groomed by the broadcaster and sick after learning he was charged with child sex crimes. Also this month, a Doctor Who episode featuring the voice of Edwards was temporarily removed from BBC iPlayer to be redubbed. Edwards was stripped of his membership of the prestigious Gorsedd of the Bards Welsh arts association, while he resigned from two honorary positions at his former university in Wales. However, the BBC retained the Bafta it won for royal coverage fronted by the disgraced newsreader. Then, BBC chairman Samir Shah called Edwards a villain who behaved in bad faith, taking licence fee money to the tune of hundreds of thousands of pounds in an email to BBC colleagues. open image in gallery Graziano Di Prima denied he is an abusive man ( MailOnline ) Separately, in August, former footballer Jermaine Jenas was sacked, ending his time as a presenter on Match of the Day and The One Show amid reports he was the subject of complaints over inappropriate behaviour. Without elaborating, a spokesperson said: We can confirm that he is no longer part of our presenting line-up. Jenas subsequently said there were two sides to every story and that he was not happy after being axed following the complaints about workplace conduct, adding that he would be speaking to his lawyers about it. In a later interview with The Sun, Jenas apologised and said he was ashamed over messages to female colleagues, but insisted his behaviour was not illegal. On another note, Di Prima denied he was an abusive man, and said he did not know from where McDermott's allegations had stemmed from. He claimed he kicked the floor in frustration, and did not mean to hit her. At the end of a turbulent month for the BBC, Mr Davie said the broadcaster had been let down by several controversies, which rocked the corporation in recent months and involved high-profile presenters and TV shows. September Mr Shah admitted that Edwards damaged the reputation of the corporation while being questioned before the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee. Edwards appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court for his sentencing hearing and was handed six months imprisonment, suspended for two years. open image in gallery BBC director-general Tim Davie says the broadcaster has been let down by several controversies ( Getty Images ) October The BBC appointed a consultancy firm to conduct an independent review of its workplace culture following the series of scandals. Director-General Tim Davie stated that he has kind of banned referring to senior staff at the corporation as talent. Meanwhile, Giovanni Pernice expressed relief that the BBCs investigation into his behaviour while teaching Amanda Abbington had concluded, adding that he wouldnt change his teaching style. The inquiry followed Abbingtons claims of a toxic environment and inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying. The BBC upheld some, but not all of her complaints against the professional dancer. While no findings of physical aggression were made, complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, according to the PA news agency at the time. November The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed it is considering whether to bring charges against Russell Brand after the Metropolitan Police passed on an evidence file concerning sex offence allegations against the 49-year-old. Brand has denied the accusations, stating that all his sexual relationships were absolutely always consensual. Separately, MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace is facing a series of allegations, including making inappropriate sexual jokes and other complaints about his behaviour. The 60-year-old is accused by 13 individuals spanning a 17-year period across various shows, according to BBC News, with others since coming forward to share similar experiences. In response to reports that multiple complaints about Wallace had been raised with the BBC, a spokesperson for the corporation said it would not comment on individuals or internal HR processes. However, they added: It would be wrong to suggest the BBC has done nothing if or when matters have been raised with us not least because it is already widely reported there were interventions in both 2017 and 2018 where action was taken. December Wallace initially responded to the allegations against him by claiming they came from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age in an Instagram post that prompted a fierce backlash. He later apologised for any offence that I caused. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy North Korea has prominently displayed a picture of South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol at its indoctrination centre in Pyongyang, branding him the vicious main culprit behind the hostilities between the two countries. Revisions have been made to the exhibit at the Central Class Education House an institution in the capital dedicated to fostering hostility towards South Korea, Japan and the US for its 27 November edition, according to pictures published in Rodong Sinmun. The display is part of a broader effort by North Korea to undo decades of indoctrination after leader Kim Jong-un abandoned unification with South Korea as a goal at the beginning of this year and denounced the neighbouring country as his No 1 enemy. Pyongyang has amended its constitution to declare South Korea a hostile state, pulled out of treaties, demolished unification monuments, and blown up road and railway links connecting the two nations as tensions on the Korean peninsula have risen over the past year. The North has denounced Mr Yoon for forging closer ties with Washington as well as the Souths joint military exercises with the US and Japan that have seen American warships sail close to North Korean waters. The exhibit features a picture of him visiting a military unit with the caption: The venomous remarks of scoundrel Yoon Suk Yeol causing destruction. The picture is titled: The vicious main culprit of the confrontation mentality against the Republic. North Korea is formally known as the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. The display also denounces the Souths military slogan Immediately, Strongly and To the End, which is employed as a response to alleged provocations by the North. It targets South Koreas alliance with the US as well, describing it as an aggressive treaty. The caption of a picture from the 45th South Korea-US Security Consultative Meeting describes the annual defence dialogue as a platform for discussion of nuclear war provocations. South Koreas unification ministry confirmed the exhibition of the pictures at the Central Class Education House. These changes seem to be one of North Koreas attempts to dismantle the idea of unification and intensify class indoctrination aimed at fostering hostility towards South Korea, an unnamed ministry official was quoted as saying by the Korean Herald. The Central Class Education House, inaugurated in 2016, serves as a hub for anti-West and anti-South Korea propaganda. It features over 1,600 photos and more than 100 pieces of artwork that highlight what Pyongyang describes as the barbarous, vicious, and cruel nature of the US and its 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 Security has been beefed up in Delhi as the Indian capital braces for a fresh round of protests by farmers who have arrived at the border, threatening to bring the city to a standstill. Farmer associations have called for a march on Delhi to press their demands, including fair compensation for their land acquired for developmental projects by the government. Authorities have shut the citys borders to keep the farmers from getting in. They have appeared determined to avoid a repeat of the 2021 protests which saw tens of thousands of farmers camp outside the capital for over a year, enduring a harsh winter and a devastating Covid surge. The latest protest started on 25 November when hundreds of farmers gathered under the banners of the Bharatiya Kisan Union and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha. As their numbers swelled to over 20,000, the protest leaders called for a march on the capital on Monday. As they closed in on the city, the protesters knocked down police barricades and shouted slogans against the government. Police, however, managed to keep them from moving beyond the satellite city of Noida. The protest caused massive traffic snarls, disrupting daily life for thousands of people who travel between the two cities for work. The farmers have been stopped at the Mahamaya flyover. They want to head towards Delhi because the solution will come from Delhi only, Rakesh Tikait, a top farmer leader, said. Police are stopping the farmers whereas the farmers want to head towards Delhi. open image in gallery Security heightened in Delhi as protesters vow to march on the Indian capital ( AFP via Getty ) Police have blocked key entry points to the capital, including highways and arterial roads, leading to long delays and diversions. The Noida police commissioner said they have deployed 5,000 personnel at checkpoints, and 1,000 more for law enforcement management. Why are farmers marching again? A key demand of the farmers from the northern Uttar Pradesh state who have arrived at the capitals border is the allocation of 10 per cent of developed plots promised to farmers who were displaced by government land acquisition. The demand goes back many years to when the government acquired large tracts of agricultural land for urbanisation projects and promised developed plots to the affected farmers. open image in gallery Supporters of farmer group Kisan Ekta Sangh chant slogans during a protest march in Noida ( AFP via Getty ) The farmers claim they have not been received the promised plots or the additional 64 per cent compensation for the acquired land. They are also asking for jobs and rehabilitation benefits for the children of landless farmers as well as resettlement of affected communities. The protests of four years ago in contrast were driven by a set of contentious agriculture reform laws that the Narendra Modi government was eventually forced to repeal. The latest protests are expected to grow in the coming days as farmers from the neighbouring state of Punjab are expected to launch a march on Delhi from 6 December. Punjabs farmers have been regrouping since the start of the year saying the central government has failed to meet some of their key demands from the previous protests, which they led, despite the farm laws being repealed. In the wake of the 2021 protests, the government promised to set up a committee to implement minimum support prices for all crops. The farmers say the government has failed to act on it. The implementation of the minimum support price, the minimum rate at which farmers sell their crops to the government, is a key demand of the farmers, who say it protects them from market fluctuation and offers stability and income security. Sukhvinder Kaur, general secretary of Bhartiya Kisan Union Krantipari, told The Independent the government should give a legal guarantee for minimum support price as the farmers do not get the assured prices despite promises. In addition, the farmers are demanding a complete waiver of agricultural debts. Indebtedness has long been a key electoral issue in Indias agricultural heartlandPunjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryanawhere hundreds of farmers burdened by debt have tragically taken their lives. The Indian government has waived farm loans twice since independence in 1947, but has never implemented a blanket waiver. The farmers also want the government to provide pensions to elderly farmers of up to Rs 10,000 per month. Ms Kaur said these are very basic demands that the government has continued to ignore since the farm laws were repealed. The government has not done anything on the committee it promised to form on MSP. We are planning to march on Delhi on 6 December and will not return till our demands are met, she 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 A rogue bear that terrorised a supermarket in northeastern Japan was captured and killed after a two-day hunt that ended on 2 December. The animal attacked an employee and scavenged through the stores meat section before eluding authorities for about 48 hours. The bear entered the store in Akita early on 30 November as 20 employees were preparing for the day. It attacked a 47-year-old male staffer who suffered facial and other injuries. The injuries were later confirmed to be non-life-threatening. The laceration on the mans head will take at least a week to heal once his stitches get removed according to a doctor, a police spokesperson told AFP. Since it was early and there were no customers, the bear roamed the store freely. It ransacked the meat stock before vanishing. An operation to track and capture the animal started immediately, with police enlisting licenced hunters. But the search initially proved fruitless, despite the use of a camera-equipped drone, Kyodo News reported. The breakthrough came on 2 December, at about 8.10am local time, when the bear triggered a sensor in one of the two traps set up for it. The traps, baited with honey, apples and bread, had been strategically positioned. One was placed in a rear storage area where the animal was ultimately captured. The bear, measuring roughly a metre in length, was subsequently killed, bringing an end to the tense standoff. The supermarket, located near the Tsuchizaki railway station, remained closed throughout the hunt, preventing what could have been a far graver outcome. Bear encounters in Japan have been on the rise, not least in the northern part of the country, driven by habitat loss and declining food supplies in the wild, especially in the mountain ranges, which otherwise provided an ideal habitat. Climate change is also affecting the traditional food source of bears by interfering with flowering and pollination seasons, forcing them to venture into urban areas, environmentalists have said. Akita prefecture, bordered by the Sea of Japan and known for its lush landscapes, has seen a noticeable increase in bear sightings, leading to renewed calls for more effective wildlife management strategies. At least 9,000 bears have been killed in the last fiscal year, reported the Manila Times, citing the countrys environment ministry. The number is twice that of 2022, it added. Meanwhile, at least three people have been killed in bear attacks this year. 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 mother of a London lawyer who died after drinking contaminated vodka while travelling in Laos has recalled her horrendous journey to be at her daughters bedside. Simone White, 28, had been backpacking with two childhood friends at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng when she became seriously unwell after accepting a shot of alcohol. Five others also died. Speaking to The Sunday Times, her mother Sue White said: I knew when I had that phone call I dont know what it was, call it a mothers intuition but I knew that she was going to die. Simone was taken in for surgery just as her mother arrived at the hospital after a 16-hour journey from Heathrow. It later became clear that her brain function was gone, and she died on Thursday 21 November. open image in gallery Simone became violently unwell after accepting free vodka shots ( Simone White/Facebook ) Ms White warned young travellers exploring southeast Asia to be careful when accepting drinks, stressing: Simone was a university-educated, highly intelligent person. If it can happen to her, it can happen to anybody. Her daughter and her friends were among a group of people who became violently unwell, and police detained eight members of staff at the hostel for questioning. The owners have denied selling illicit alcohol. Simone had not noticed anything out of the ordinary with the drinks, but she and her friends woke up with headaches and their condition grew worse over the following day. After starting to vomit, the trio decided to take a taxi to the public hospital, before travelling on to a private medical facility in Vientiane, the countrys capital. It was on Thursday 14 November that her mother received a text message to say that the three were in hospital with suspected acidosis. Her friend added: Simone is the worst affected out of all of us but shes not doing too badly. Keep you updated. open image in gallery Eight people have been detained at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Laos ( AP ) The following day, she received a phone call from her daughters friend, who told her to travel out to Laos as Simones condition had worsened. Simone was given two blood transfusions as well as having brain surgery as doctors attempted to save her life. Methanol is a deadly chemical that can be found in home-brewed or counterfeit alcohol, and only a small amount can cause organ failure, blindness and death. Unfortunately, Simones condition deteriorated, and despite the best efforts of the hospital staff, she died a few days later. Since her death, tributes have flooded in for the successful lawyer, who had been working at global law firm Squire Patton Boggs. Her work involved general commercial matters as well as contentious and non-contentious issues relating to intellectual property law. Landlocked Laos is one of southeast Asias poorest nations and a popular tourist destination. Vang Vieng is particularly popular among backpackers seeking social interaction and adventure sports. Officials in Laos have released almost no details about the case, with the government keeping a tight lid on information. The country is a one-party communist state with no organised opposition. 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 NatWest has called for more support for thousands of critical mid-market companies it says are held back by red tape, planning delays, and restrictions on hiring skilled overseas workers. Its report into the sector and plans for a new representative council has gained the backing of the Governments Business Secretary. NatWest said mid-market companies are the engine of growth for the UK economy, but often go unrecognised and overlooked. It refers to companies with turnover between 25 million and 500 million, bigger than SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) but smaller than large corporates. According to the report, there are 13,000 of these businesses across the UK, representing 0.5% of the total number in the country, but which contribute the equivalent of 200 SMEs to the economy. Analysis by the bank identified a number of challenges facing the mid-market sector which, if addressed, could boost turnover by 115 billion by 2030. I look forward to working closely with business, and with NatWest, to ensure these firms have the recognition and support they need to overcome challenges and realise their ambitions Jonathan Reynolds, Business Secretary This includes an increasing volume of red tape for companies that start trading internationally, with post-Brexit complexity deterring trade with the EU, according to the report. Mid-market corporates, particularly based outside London and the South East, face barriers to growth due to poor infrastructure quality, such as transport, housing and broadband. Firms trying to grow are also subject to lengthy and complicated planning processes that can delay or cancel new projects, especially those in the property, construction and manufacturing sectors. Furthermore, NatWests report found that the sector is likely to face a shortage of skilled workers, with many firms unable to fill the gap with overseas hiring due to increased restrictions. Major projects like building the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester have been held back because it is too expensive and restrictive for firms to hire skilled workers seeking to migrate to the UK, according to the findings. NatWest said it was creating a new UK mid-market corporate (MMC) council, backed by the Department for Business and Trade, with members from across the sector, starting in 2025. Paul Thwaite, NatWests chief executive, said he hopes to encourage a step change in support for the critical middle. He added: The first step on that journey is to convene a MMC Council creating a cohesive identity to collectively advocate and influence for growth-enabling policies and support. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: This Governments number one mission is growing our economy this report provides clear evidence for the vital role that mid-market corporates can play in achieving that The sky is the limit for what these businesses can contribute to the UK. I look forward to working closely with business, and with NatWest, to ensure these firms have the recognition and support they need to overcome challenges and realise their ambitions. Shanghai welcomes first batch of visa-free passengers from Japan Xinhua) 13:42, December 02, 2024 Border police officers check documents of travelers at a border checkpoint of the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in east China's Shanghai, March 14, 2024. (Photo by Wei Wenheng/Xinhua) SHANGHAI, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The eastern Chinese metropolis of Shanghai welcomed its first group of 26 Japanese nationals, arriving under a new visa-free policy, on Saturday, Shanghai Customs said Sunday. The passengers, traveling on flight JL891 from Tokyo, arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and completed customs formalities within 30 minutes, according to the customs. Starting from Nov. 30, 2024, and running through Dec. 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from nine countries -- Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia and Japan -- are eligible for visa-free entry into China on a trial basis. According to a customs official, Japan and Shanghai have maintained long-standing economic, trade and personnel exchanges, and this new visa-free policy is expected to boost the number of Japanese travelers in the future. Data from the customs show that Shanghai Pudong International Airport handled more than 9 million inbound and outbound foreign passengers from Jan. 1 to Nov. 30 this year, 1.7 times more than the same period last year. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) 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 Baby products brand Mothercare has slipped to a loss for the past half-year after another significant slump in sales. The retailer said it was knocked by tough trading in the Middle East and efforts by franchise partners to work through old inventory. Mothercare, which sells its ranges through retail giant Boots in the UK and has franchised stores across the globe, has been working on a transformation plan for a number of years. Bosses said on Monday that they are approaching 2025 with a renewed and growing sense of confidence after a recent period of turmoil. This is an exciting prospect for all our partners, colleagues and stakeholders as we can finally leave behind the turmoil of recent years that Mothercare has successfully come through Clive Whiley, Mothercare chairman It reported that turnover dropped by 27.5% to 21 million for the 26 weeks to September 28, compared with the same period last year. It said this followed a 12% fall in global retail sales by franchise partners, with the decline driven by a poor performance in Middle Eastern markets. Mothercare said its main retail partner in the region is having to adapt its offering due to evolving consumer behaviour, pursuant to ongoing fiscal and legislative changes. The business reported a 1.8 million pre-tax loss for the half-year, swinging from a 1.7 million pre-tax profit a year earlier, after it was impacted by lower sales and high financing costs. Clive Whiley, chairman of the group, said: Our results continue to reflect the impact of the continuing uncertainty on our franchise partners operations in the Middle East. We are now focused upon restoring critical mass alongside delivering our remaining core objectives. This is an exciting prospect for all our partners, colleagues and stakeholders as we can finally leave behind the turmoil of recent years that Mothercare has successfully come through. As part of the groups transformation plan, it struck a 30 million joint venture deal with Reliance Brands UK, covering the brand in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Bangladesh. In October, it also announced a fresh refinancing deal. Mr Whiley said the joint venture and refinancing deals are acting as a springboard to drive further growth. Mothercare shares were down 3.6% in early trading. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Cyclone Fengal has continued to cause widespread disruption across southern India, with heavy rainfall triggering floods, school closures, and travel bans in multiple states. The army has been deployed to assist rescue operations in the coastal state of Puducherry, which has recorded the highest rainfall in 30 years. Soldiers deployed boats to evacuate nearly 200 people from severely affected areas after the cyclone made landfall in the state on 30 November. Flooding has forced the closure of most shops and businesses and power outages have affected several areas. The cyclone left 16 people dead in Sri Lanka and three in India on Sunday. Heavy rain caused by the storm affected nearly 139,000 families, according to latest data from the Disaster Management Centre in Colombo. A 45-year-old man was electrocuted in Chennai in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu after heavy rain snapped a power cable and it fell on him, and another man died while pumping stagnated water. The government has promised compensation to the families of the three men killed. State and national disaster response teams have been working since Sunday to rescue stranded people. Tamil Nadu recorded over 40cm rainfall in several areas, which chief minister MK Stalin described as unprecedented, CNBC reported. open image in gallery People stand in a flooded street after heavy rainfall in Puducherry on 1 December 2024 ( AFP via Getty ) The neighbouring state of Kerala imposed restrictions on pilgrims to the popular hill shrine of Sabarimala due to heavy rainfall in the districts of Pathanamthitta and Idukki. Authorities warned the pilgrims against entering rivers or bathing near the banks and prohibited trekking along the Azhuthakkadavu-Pampa and the Sathram forest routes until weather conditions improve. Though rainfall eased through Monday, state officials left the restrictions in place as a precautionary measure. open image in gallery People stand ashore as they observe waves amidst heavy winds and rainfall at Marina Beach in Chennai on 30 November 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Tamil Nadu remains severely affected. Villupuram, a critical transport link between the capital Chennai and the south, is inundated and the Vikravandi-Mundiyampakkam bridge is still under water. This has forced the Southern Railway to suspend train operations along the route, disrupting express and superfast services. The Chennai airport, which had suspended operations on Saturday, however, resumed services on 1 December. The nearby regions of Cuddalore, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri are also in crisis, with floods sweeping away vehicles and rendering roads impassable. Relentless rain has caused dams to overflow in Kanchipuram district and the overflowing Thenpennai river has cut off road links in Tiruvannamalai. The state government has distributed over 900,000 food packets in the affected areas so far and housed some 1,000 people in 32 relief camps. open image in gallery Fishermen pull their boats at Marina Beach amid heavy winds and rainfall in Chennai on 30 November 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Another southern state, Karnataka, has closed schools and colleges in Mysuru, Kolar and Chikkaballapur areas. Puducherry has extended the closure of educational institutions in Karaikal. Puducherry chief minister N Rangasamy said a detailed report assessing the damage from the cyclone is being prepared for the central government. We are committed to ensuring that those affected receive the necessary support, added home minister A Namassivayam. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Keralas Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. The storm, now weakened into a low-pressure area, is expected to intensify over the Arabian Sea near the Kerala-Karnataka coast by 3 December. 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 Brain rot, a 170-year-old concept that has taken on new meaning in the social media age, is the Oxford Word of the Year for 2024. Oxford University Press, the publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary, defined brain rot as referring to the supposed deterioration of a persons mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterised as likely to lead to such deterioration. It was chosen in a public vote by over 37,000 people from a shortlist of six words that included demure, romantasy and dynamic pricing. The word first appeared in 1854 when Henry David Thoreau complained in his book Walden: While England endeavors to cure the potato-rot, will not any endeavor to cure the brain-rot, which prevails so much more widely and fatally? No such endeavour seems to have been made as brain rot gained new prominence this year as a term used to capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media. The frequency of the words usage increased by 230 per cent between 2023 and 2024. Brain rot speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time. It feels like a rightful next chapter in the cultural conversation about humanity and technology. Its not surprising that so many voters embraced the term, endorsing it as our choice this year, Casper Grathwohl, president of Oxford Languages, said. I find it fascinating the term brain rot has been adopted by Gen Z and Gen Alpha, those communities largely responsible for the use and creation of the digital content the term refers to. These communities have amplified the expression through social media channels, the very place said to cause brain rot. It demonstrates a somewhat cheeky self-awareness in the younger generations about the harmful impact of social media that theyve inherited. Frequency of the use of brain rot increased by 230 per cent between 2023 and 2024 ( Getty ) The Oxford Word of the Year, which aims to reflect the moods and trends of the year, previously saw rizz, derived from the word charisma, take the title last year. Goblin mode and vax won in 2022 and 2021, respectively. After celebrities like pop star Dua Lipa and gymnast Simone Biles spoke of manifesting their successes, the Cambridge Dictionary named manifest as its word of the year for 2024. The term, which gained traction on social media, especially TikTok, was looked up almost 130,000 times on the online Cambridge Dictionary this year. Wendalyn Nichols, publishing manager of the Cambridge Dictionary, said the word increased notably in lookups through 2024. Its use widened greatly across all types of media due to events in 2024, and it shows how the meanings of a word can change over time, she said. Collins Dictionary also took its cue from social media, naming brat as its word of the year, after British pop star Charli XCXs critically adored sixth album, Brat. The dictionary noted that Brat had been redefined to be characterised by a confident, independent and hedonistic attitude" that rapidly became the aesthetic movement of the summer. 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 Eric Murphy and Jasmin Lawrence, the son of Eddie Murphy and daughter of Martin Lawrence, have announced their engagement. Their forthcoming marriage will mean that the Beverly Hills Cop actor and Bad Boys star will officially become extended family members. Last week (30 November), Eric and Jasmin shared a glitzy video via Instagram showing Eric getting down on one knee to Eric Benets Spend My Life With You. Jasmin captioned the post: Were engaged!! God truly blessed us with a love that feels like destiny. We couldnt be more excited for this next chapter. When Jasmin spotted the ring in the video, she could be heard exclaiming, Its beautiful!. The pairs engagement arrives more than three years after they revealed their relationship in June 2021. At the time, Eric shared a photo of himself posing alongside Lawrence, and wrote that he was head over heels in LOVE. In a later post, Jasmin shared a heartfelt birthday message to Murphy writing, Im so incredibly blessed to know you, to love you, and to have you by my side. Cheers to many more blessings, laughs, and beautiful memories! I love you so much!! Eric is the eldest of Eddies 10 children, while Jasmin is the eldest of Martin Lawrences three children. Their marriage will consolidate the Hollywood dynasties started the Hollywood stars. Eddie was already a star by the time the duo crossed paths on the set of Boomerang in 1992, when he was riding high off his appearances in Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America. For Martin, Boomerang cemented his presence on the silver screen after a breakout performance in Spike Lees Do The Right Thing. Three years later, he starred in Bad Boys, the Michael Bay action comedy. The two worked together on Life in 1999 as co-stars and are rumoured to team up again for a remake of Its a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence photographed in 2024 ( Getty Images ) In 2022, Jasmine told InTouch that she did not meet Eric through their fathers; it was her uncle that introduced them. It wasnt even our dads, and theyve done two movies together, she said at the time. Theyre friends. I dont even know. Its crazy. But we met through my uncle, and we became really good friends. We bonded on a lot of things. Obviously, we have similar backgrounds, so we understood each other on a certain level. Prior to the engagement, the two actors had already commented on the prospect of their children marrying. In 2022, Lawrence was asked about a potential wedding on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and quipped, Imma try to get Eddie to pay for it. Kimmel noted that Eric and Jasmin would make a comedy super baby a sentiment echoed by Murphy who said earlier this year: Our gene pool is going to make this funny baby. Murphy also seemed pleased when he talked about the couple, saying: Theyre both beautiful, they look amazing together. 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 Nikki Garcia has spoken out about her difficult divorce from Artem Chigvintsev for the first time. After a three-month hiatus, the 41-year-old retired WWE star returned to her podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show, on Monday (December 2) following her ex-husbands arrest in August for corporal injury to a spouse. Their divorce was finalized through private mediation on November 21. Throughout the episode, Garcia reflected on her relationship with the 42-year-old Dancing with the Stars pro. The former couple were married in 2022 and share four-year-old son Matteo, though she revealed that her marriage had been on the rocks for a while. When it came to our relationship, its sad. Like, it just hasnt been great for a long time, she admitted. Garcia confessed to publicly playing up their romance in the public eye, hoping that if this person hears it enough, what I believe in them, they can believe that in themselves. She explained her decision to stay was largely motivated by her desire to create a stable family for their son, saying: I didnt want to have another failed public relationship. And more than any of that I wanted it for Matteo. You fight for your kids. Nikki Garcia opens up about her tough divorce from Artem Chigvintsev ( Getty Images for Prime Video ) However, she acknowledged that they should have probably walked away a long time ago so that what happened wouldnt have happened. Garcia went on to say that shes heartbroken to watch her dream of having perfect family fall apart, adding: You dream of having this family and this incredible love, and it just goes the other way. You go from having a great love story to having a terrible one. And I never saw any of it coming. Still, her son Matteo has remained her top priority. I tried to handle this whole situation even though I was in so much pain. I was just trying to do what was best for everyone, she said. Throughout her separation from Chigvintsev, Garcia said she disconnected from social media and the world to focus on healing and protecting Matteo. First things first, Im a mom, and my sons protection and privacy is the most important. I was gonna do whatever it took for that most importantly, and then just needing space for healing, for facing trauma head-on, all of that, she said. The Total Bellas alum also addressed the public scrutiny surrounding their split, calling out the misinformation spread about her. People dont know what Ive gone through to what I am going through. When they get fed lies, youre gonna have people believe things. All I need to do is focus on my healing. I need to focus on Matteos healing, she said. In August, Chigvintsev was arrested in Napa, California, on accusations of corporal injury to a spouse, which refers to any physical injury that causes a traumatic condition. He was arrested just before 10 a.m. on August 29 and was booked into the Napa County Jail less than an hour later and given a $25,000 bail. The Napa District Attorney ultimately declined to pursue criminal charges against Chigvintsev. After the charges were dropped, Chigvintsev released a statement expressing his relief. I am incredibly relieved and grateful that the domestic violence charges against me have been dropped Im thankful that the truth has prevailed, he said. According to People, Garcia initially filed for divorce from Chigvintsev on September 11, shortly after his arrest. In her divorce petition, Garcia requested sole legal and physical custody of Matteo, with supervised visitation rights granted to Chigvintsev. She also asked the court to terminate spousal support for both parties. Meanwhile, the Russian-born dancer filed a response seeking joint custody of their son, spousal support from Garcia, and coverage for his attorneys fees. Their protective orders were dropped as part of their divorce settlement, allowing both to focus on co-parenting Matteo moving forward. 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 The Queen will miss a ceremonial welcome for the Emir of Qatar, due to the lingering effects of her chest infection. Camilla, 77, has been urged by doctors to rest and recover fully from the viral infection, which she contracted a month ago during the tour of Australia and Samoa and has left her with significantly diminished energy. King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales will meet the Emir of Qatar and his wife in the UK on Tuesday, and will give him the traditional formal welcome outdoors on Horse Guards Parade for the official state visit. William and Kate will meet Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, in London. They will take them to the parade ground where the King and senior government figures will be waiting for the ceremonial welcome. It will be Kates first state visit since her cancer diagnosis, as she gradually returns to a full schedule of duties after completing her chemotherapy in September. The royals and their Qatari guests will travel to Buckingham Palace by carriage, before attending a lunch and visiting a Picture Gallery exhibition inside the residence. open image in gallery The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Sheikha Jawaher, arrive at Stansted Airport in Essex ( Joe Giddens/PA Wire ) Camillas programme has been adjusted, so she will now miss both the ceremonial welcome and the carriage ride. But she will join the Emir and his wife for lunch and hopes to be able to view the display in the picture gallery. The Queen will attend the state banquet in the evening, and will join the group photo at the start before taking a short break before the meal while guests are met in a receiving line. Princess Kate will not attend the banquet, but William will be there. The Queen is also set to attend the Entente Litteraire Prize Ceremony with the wife of French president Emmanual Macron, Madame Brigitte Macron, as she returns to official duties. The ceremony will celebrate Franco-British literary talent and the special connections between the two countries. On Tuesday afternoon, the Emir will visit the Palace of Westminster and address parliamentarians and invited guests in the Royal Robing Room. He will then join a reception with MPs and peers. The Sheikh will hold bilateral talks with prime minister Keir Starmer, with some reports suggesting the government hopes to secure a free-trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council. Sheikh Tamin, 44, who was educated at English public schools Sherborne and Harrow, will also visit Williams London home Kensington Palace, before visiting the King and Queen again at Sandhurst to formally bid farewell. 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 Michigan Supreme Court turned down an appeal Monday, clearing the way for a police officer to face trial for second-degree murder in the death of a man who was shot in the head in 2022. In a 5-2 order, the court let stand a Court of Appeals opinion in favor of the Kent County prosecutor. Patrick Lyoya, a Black man, was killed at the end of a traffic stop in Grand Rapids. He ran and physically resisted Officer Christopher Schurr after failing to produce a drivers license. Video shows Lyoya was shot in the back of the head while on the ground. Defense lawyers said Schurr, who is white, feared for his safety. Schurr claimed Lyoya had control of his Taser when he shot him. Video shows the officer demanding that Lyoya take his hands off the device. A Grand Rapids judge said there was enough evidence to send the case to trial, a low threshold under state law. The Court of Appeals affirmed the decision earlier this year. We hope to move forward as quickly as possible to have a final resolution for Patricks family who has been patiently waiting for years for this to occur, prosecutor Chris Becker said Monday. Defense attorney Matthew Borgula said he was disappointed with the Supreme Court's refusal to hear an appeal over the use of deadly force. He said a plea deal seems unlikely. I don't think Officer Schurr committed a crime, Borgula said. Schurr, an officer for seven years, was fired by the Grand Rapids Police Department two months after the shooting. 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 For the first time in Switzerland, a multinational company faces a criminal trial Monday on charges of bribing a foreign public official, with alleged payments totaling about $5 million, to win lucrative oil industry contracts in Angola. Commodities trader Trafigura Group said Sunday it intended to defend itself against allegations that its former parent company did not have reasonable and necessary measures in place at the time to prevent unlawful payments to a former employee of Angolas state oil company. The case underscores renewed allegations of bribery in the commodities trading business, which have ensnared other big participants such as Swiss-based Glencore, and Gunvor, which is based in Cyprus but has major operations in Switzerland. Last December, Swiss federal prosecutors announced that the company and three people a former high-level Trafigura employee, a former official with Angolan state oil company Sonangol, and an ex-Trafigura employee acting as an intermediary were indicted for alleged roles in bribery. The former Angolan official has been charged with having accepted bribes of more than 4.3 million euros and $604,000 from Trafigura Group between April 2009 and October 2011. Trafigura said it has invested significant resources in strengthening its compliance program over a number of years. The defendants are entitled to a presumption of innocence as the court case plays out in Switzerland. The trial at the Swiss federal criminal court in the southern city of Bellinzona is set to run through Dec. 20 but could be extended into January. Trafigura, with headquarters in Singapore, operates in sectors like oil and petroleum, metals and mining, and gas and power, and has more than 12,000 employees around the world. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Brussels appeals court ruled on Monday that the Belgian state committed a crime against humanity in the case of five mixed-race women in Congo who were taken away from their Black mothers in infancy. In a landmark case addressing the Belgian colonial past in Africa, the five women fought a legal battle over some some six years to make Belgium recognize responsibility for the suffering of thousands of mixed-race children. Known as metis," the children were snatched away from families and placed in religious institutions and homes by Belgian authorities that ruled Congo from 1908 to 1960. A lower court had first dismissed their challenge in 2021 but they appealed. It is deliverance for my mother now that she finally has closure, said Monique Fernandes, the daughter of Monique Bintu Bingi, one of the five plaintiffs. She finally has it recognized as crime against humanity, Fernandes told The Associated Press. The initial ruling had said that the policy, even if unacceptable, was not part of a generalized or systematic policy, deliberately destructive, which characterizes a crime against humanity and had to be seen within its context of European colonialism. Monday's decision also orders the state to pay damages of some 50,000 euros to each of the plaintiffs and Fernandes said it would help cover all the costs involved. "We did not want to go for a moral symbolic euro since it would amount to some sort of insult after everything my mother went through, she said. The five women, who are now in their 70s and 80s, filed their lawsuit in 2020 amid growing demands for Belgium to reassess its colonial past in Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. In the wake of protests against racial inequality in the United States, several statues of former King Leopold II, who is blamed for the deaths of millions of Africans during Belgiums colonial rule, have been vandalized in Belgium, and some have been removed. In 2019, the Belgian government apologized for the states role in taking thousands of babies from their African mothers. And for the first time in the countrys history, a reigning king expressed regret four years ago for the violence carried out by the former colonial power. Lawyers said the five plaintiffs were all between the ages of 2 and 4 when they were taken away at the request of the Belgian colonial administration, in cooperation with local Catholic Church authorities. According to legal documents, in all five cases the fathers did not exercise parental authority, and the Belgian administration threatened the girls Congolese families with reprisals if they refused to let them go. According to the lawyers, the Belgian states strategy was aimed at preventing interracial unions and isolating metis children, known as the children of shame, to make sure they would not claim a link with Belgium later in their lives. The story always was: look, we have done so much good in Congo. But there is also such a dark history," said Fernandes. ___ Associated Press writer Sam Petrequin in London 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 Closing arguments are set for Monday in the trial of a military veteran charged with recklessly choking to death a mentally ill, homeless man after an outburst on a New York subway. Daniel Penny has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the May 2023 death of Jordan Neely. Penny claims he acted in self-defense against threatening behavior. His reaction to Neely touched raw nerves and fueled debate about race relations, public safety, urban life and different approaches to crime, homelessness and mental illness. Some in New York and around the country see Penny, a 26-year-old Marine veteran turned architecture student, as a valiant protector of fellow subway riders who feared the erratic Neely was on the verge of violence. Others view Penny as a white vigilante who summarily killed a Black man who was in need of help. Neely, 30, once was among the city's corps of subway and street performers and was known for his Michael Jackson impersonations. He struggled with drug abuse and a mental illness and had a criminal record that included assault convictions. During the monthlong trial, the anonymous jury heard testimony from subway passengers who witnessed the roughly six-minute chokehold, as well as police who responded to it, pathologists, a psychiatric expert, a Marine Corps instructor who taught Penny chokehold techniques and Penny's relatives, friends and fellow Marines. Penny chose not to testify. Jurors watched videos recorded by bystanders and by police body cameras and saw how Penny explained his actions to officers on the scene and later in a stationhouse interview room. I just wanted to keep him from getting to people, he told detectives, demonstrating the chokehold and describing Neely as a crackhead who was acting like a lunatic. I'm not trying to kill the guy, he insisted. Multiple witnesses said Neely shouted about needing food and something to drink, whipped his jacket to the floor and said he didn't care if he died or went to jail. They differed in descriptions of his movements and whether they were threatening. Several said they were alarmed by him and some were thankful when Penny subdued him. City medical examiners ruled the chokehold killed Neely. A pathologist hired by Pennys defense contradicted that finding. Prosecutors say Penny intended to protect people but used too much force, indifferent to the human life he was holding in his arms. Prosecutors have noted the veteran continued to grip Neely's neck after the train stopped and anyone who wanted to get out could do so, after bystanders urged Penny to let go, and even after Neely had been still for nearly a minute. The defense contends Penny held on because Neely tried to break loose at points and that the pressure on the man's neck wasn't consistent enough to kill him. Penny's lawyers are likely to emphasize their pathologist's testimony that the man was killed by a variety of factors but not the chokehold. 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 Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was reelected as secretary-general of his Socialist Party over the weekend despite corruption probes besetting his inner circle. One of Europes longest-serving leaders, Sanchez has displayed adroit negotiating skills to stay in power since 2018, when he led Spain's only successful no-confidence motion against his conservative predecessor. Last year he defied polls to win reelection by stitching together a fragile coalition and earning another term through 2027. But the 52-year-old Sanchez, known abroad for his dashing looks and English fluency, is being corralled by a series of legal cases all still in the investigative phase that have focused on a former member of his Cabinet as well as his wife and, most recently, his brother. Here's a look at the judicial onslaught that Sanchez and his party say is baseless and part of a right-wing smear campaign." His wife is under scrutiny for influence peddling Sanchez stunned Spain last April when he said he was taking five days from his public agenda to consider his political future after his wife, Begona Gomez, had been placed under investigation by a Spanish judge. He eventually announced he would stay in power and launch an effort to tackle what he called fake news that is mudding Spanish politics. The judge is probing allegations of influence peddling and corruption by Gomez. The allegations were made by Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), a small group whose leader has links to the far-right. The group calls itself a union and has often tried to litigate against elected officials, and even against the sister of the current king of Spain. The Socialist Party pounced on the fact that the allegations were based on articles published by media, mostly websites, with right-wing leanings. Sanchez refused to answer questions when he was summoned by the judge, citing his prerogative as prime minister. Gomez has also been dragged before a committee led by regional lawmakers in the Madrid region who say they are looking into her role as the director of a masters program at a public university. She denies any wrongdoing. His brother is targeted in a separate probe Also under investigation is the prime minister's brother, David Sanchez. In that case, too, Manos Limpias was behind the accusations of alleged influence peddling. Last week, a judge announced she was investigating how David Sanchez was named to his post in the Department of Culture in the Badajoz provincial government in southwest Spain. David Sanchez denied any wrongdoing through his lawyer. Government spokeswoman Pilar Alegria said last week that while the government respects the separation of powers and the judicial processes, she found suspicious similarities between the cases involving the prime ministers wife and brother. We are at ease because we know there is nothing to these cases," she said. A former minister tarnished by alleged kickback scheme Another case that has been on slow boil for several months revolves around an alleged corruption ring of business people and government officials suspected of having taken kickbacks for contracts to buy medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scandal led to the Socialist Party expelling a former transport minister, Luis Abalos, who had been a close confidant to Sanchez until he reshuffled his Cabinet in 2021 before the scandal broke. Abalos denies any wrongdoing and has clung to his seat in parliament, now as an independent lawmaker. The Socialists hit for their handling of a case against a rival party A tax evasion case against the partner of a fierce political rival of Sanchez, the conservative leader of the powerful Madrid region, has also ended up backfiring politically for the Socialists. The businessman boyfriend of Isabel Diaz Ayuso, a firebrand Popular Party politician in charge of the central Madrid region, is being investigated for not paying his fair share in taxes. But he hit back accusing state prosecutors of having violated his right to privacy for having leaked confidential financial and personal details. A court took up the complaint and is targeting Spains top state prosecutor, who was put in his position by Sanchezs government. The top state prosecutor has defended his actions. Last week, things got worse for the Socialists when their top politician in the Madrid region stepped down after he was implicated in the possible revelation of personal information. Even so, Sanchezs still has political cover Still, Sanchez appears to have at least for now the political coverage he needs to remain in charge. He maintains the support of several regional parties that have kept his coalition between his Socialists and the farther-to-the-left Sumar party muddling along. Also helping his longevity is the fact that the only alternative to his leadership is a right-wing coalition between the Popular Party and the far-right Vox party, a prospect that is anathema to some regional parties whose support was key to Sanchez's victory last year. At the meeting of his Socialist Party, Sanchez urged optimism and hit back against his opponents: Let the right be the ones with regrets and the ashy gray of pessimism. ___ Wilson reported from Barcelona. 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 teenager who shot a mother in the head while she stood in the doorway of her home trying to shield her two children has been jailed for life. Lianne Gordon, 42, had just returned from a holiday in Jamaica when she became the unintended victim of a gang feud on 5 December last year. At the time of the fatal shooting, Joshua Alexander, 17, was on bail for an attempted murder relating to a separate incident in March 2023. Her murder was the culmination of a series of violent incidents between two rival neighbourhood gangs. That evening, Gordons son Kaymound, 21, was in the shower and her 16-year-old daughter came out of her room in their Hackney home when she heard what she thought were fireworks. Even though the gunman was wearing a balaclava, she was later to tell police that she recognised her mothers killer. open image in gallery Joshua Alexander was jailed for a minimum of 29 years ( Met Police ) She said: Mum had her hand on door handle and looked like she was trying to close it. I could see gun tip through the open door. I saw her drop. I went to her. As soon as my mum took her last breath and I was still hearing gunshots and that, I opened the front door and I was screaming at him and he stared me directly in my face. He was wearing a balaclava or hood, but I could see enough of his eyes and nose area to recognise him. He did not say anything. Everything happened in slow motion. We were face on for a few seconds, maybe five, before he ran off. We locked eyes, knew it was him. Alexander had denied being the gunman but was found guilty in October of Gordons murder following a trial at the Old Bailey. A jury also found him guilty of attempting to kill a 17-year-old boy and 21-year-old man who were shot in the street during the same incident. On Monday, a judge lifted a reporting restriction on naming Alexander, who turns 18 in February. Gordons twin sister, Louise, described her as a force of nature and said everything has been destroyed, shattered and broken since her death. In a victim impact statement, she told the court: I feel like I have lost my other half. She had nothing but love for me, as she did for everyone who was lucky enough to be in her circle. Gordons sister added: I feel like Im underwater most days trying to stay afloat. My mind is still in constant turmoil. open image in gallery Police at the scene after the shooting last December ( PA ) She said her twin was shot like a gangster in her own home, adding: This gun crime has ripped a hole in my family and there is nothing we can do about it. Prosecutor Mark Fenhalls KC said the incidents resulted from a dispute between two Hackney gangs: the Pembury Gang, with which Alexander was associated; and the A-Road Gang, with whom Mr Gordon was linked. It was alleged the defendants had threatened Gordons son with a large knife as he smoked a cigarette on his doorstep on 1 October last year, although they denied it. Days before her murder, Alexander was involved in a ride-out in rival territory involving a machete and a gun which was fired four times, jurors were told. Mr Gordon, who uses a wheelchair, had denied membership of the A-Road Gang but said problems began in 2019 when his friend, Dotz, was murdered. Over the years, each side would disrespect each other in songs and on social media and there were revenge attacks, jurors were told. Despite the teenage defendants family trying to distance him from the gang by moving miles away, he travelled back to Hackney to take part in the shooting. Following the fatal shooting, Alexander had made 65 internet searches on his computer for Lianne Gordon and fatal shooting in Hackney. Mr Fenhalls told jurors: The only sensible conclusion to draw from this activity on this computer is that [the youth] had made it home in the early evening and was searching to see what was being reported about what he had done. In January, rap lyrics were recovered from his cell referring to the shooting saying that Mr Gordons mother was wigged, the court heard. The youth had a series of previous convictions dating back to when he was 15 years old. He has now been jailed for life with a minimum sentence of 29 years. Addressing Alexander in the dock, Judge David Aubrey KC told him: You murdered an innocent woman who was behind her front door in her own home. Her home should have been a sanctuary, a place of safety. It was, however, where she met her death at your hands while you were in possession of a firearm. He told Alexander: You have shown no remorse whatsoever. Notwithstanding that you have murdered an innocent person in her own home who was not the intended target. The youth was also convicted of affray, having a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of a bladed article but was acquitted of threatening Mr Gordon with a knife. Co-defendant Elijah Seriki, 21, from Hackney, was acquitted of all the charges against him on Wednesday. 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 Tony Blairs think tank has warned the development of nuclear power is suffering from an unjustified perception of risk in the wake of two major disasters, urging the UK to take advantage of a new dawn in the technology driven by the uptake of AI. In a report published on Monday, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change said the adoption of nuclear power had slowed considerably since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, and global emissions would have been lower had an inaccurate portrayal of the technologys safety had not taken hold. The reality is that nuclear energy is a safe form of energy, with significant benefits in terms of reducing emissions and creating balanced, low-cost energy systems. Public perception of the risk of nuclear power is not commensurate with the actual risk, the report said. The public understanding of nuclear power has been shaped by media headlines and dissemination of information around key accidents like Chernobyl, as well as the claims of the anti-nuclear movement. This has resulted in an inaccurate perception of the technologys real risks and rewards. The price of this slowdown is now clear: if the world had not turned away from nuclear after Chernobyl, energy-related CO2 emissions could have been 6 per cent lower in 2023, the same as taking 450 million passenger vehicles off the road for a year. open image in gallery Former prime minister Tony Blairs think tank urges the UK to take advantage of the new dawn of nuclear ( AFP via Getty Images ) The report said that there had only been two major accidents in the entire history of nuclear energy: Chernobyl and the Fukushima disaster of 2011 and the effects of these, while serious, have been significantly overestimated. There are trade-offs with nuclear power, just like there are trade-offs with any other energy-generation technology. But unlike other technologies, nuclear energy faces an enhanced, unfounded perception of risk, with far less consideration of the rewards, the report said. The reports authors said a common claim from anti-nuclear activists was that no level of radiation was safe: As the possibility of radiation being emitted into nature, even with safer reactors, cannot be completely precluded, their conclusion is that the risk of nuclear is not worth its benefits. This assessment mis-states the relative weight of the risks and rewards. Earlier this month, secretary of state for energy and climate change Ed Miliband, said nuclear energy would play a vital role in the UKs clean energy mix after announcing an information-sharing deal with the United States aimed at speeding up the deployment of the technology. The last nuclear facility to be commissioned in the UK was Sizewell-B in 1995. open image in gallery The Sizewell-B plant in Suffolk was commissioned in 1995 ( PA Wire ) Major tech firms are driving renewed interest in nuclear to fuel their artificial intelligence ambitions. Google is backing the construction of seven new small nuclear reactors in the United States in order to fuel the ballooning demand for electricity from artificial intelligence. In September, Microsoft inked a deal to buy 20 years worth of power from Constellation Energy via the soon-to-be reopened reactor at Three Mile Island, the Pennsylvania facility previously known for its partial meltdown in 1979, the worst reactor accident in U.S. history. The Blair Institute said countries such as the US, South Korea, Canada, France and Japan have all committed to new nuclear programmes, while the US is moving at speed to fulfil its ambition to be the pre-eminent AI superpower. If the United Kingdom wants to remain competitive, it needs to build at pace, it said. This new dawn for nuclear energy represents a significant opportunity for the UK, the report said, adding nuclear energy was the most cost-effective way for the country to deliver net zero. 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 Gregg Wallaces claim that accusations of inappropriate behaviour against him came from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age has sparked a furious backlash and left the BBC in turmoil. He later apologised for any offence that I caused. The MasterChef presenter stepped back from the cooking show on Thursday after various allegations emerged that he had made sexual comments to staff and guests. Over the weekend, it was reported that the BBC had been made aware of complaints as far back as 2017, while it was claimed that a letter had been sent to the broadcaster in 2022 stating that women had been made to feel uncomfortable in the 60-year-olds presence. On Sunday morning, in a video posted on Instagram that has triggered an angry backlash, Wallace then responded to the accusations, which he denies. Below, The Independent takes a look at the allegations made against Wallace and the responses. open image in gallery Gregg Wallace has denied accusations of inappropriate behaviour ( PA Wire ) What are the allegations made against Wallace The MasterChef presenter faces a string of allegations, including of making inappropriate sexual jokes, asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff, and undressing in front of and standing too close to women working on his shows. Kirstie Allsopp alleged Wallace once made a comment to her about his sex life, which left her so embarrassed she thought she might cry. The Sunday Times reported that BBC executive Kate Phillips raised concerns that Wallaces behaviour was unacceptable and cannot continue after broadcaster and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Aasmah Mir complained about inappropriate comments during filming. The newspaper claimed Wallace received another warning the following year after a complaint was raised about his behaviour on the quiz show Impossible Celebrities. The Sunday Telegraph reported producer Georgia Harding, who worked on MasterChef between 2014 and 2015 and later Eat Well For Less, claimed she raised concerns about inappropriate behaviour from him while working on the show. She alleged the presenter undressed in front of colleagues and made inappropriate sexual jokes in front of the crew and people appearing on the shows. open image in gallery Kirstie Allsopp alleged Wallace once made a comment to her about his sex life, which left her so embarrassed she thought she might cry ( Getty Images ) The former greengrocer was also accused of making lewd comments and asking for the personal phone numbers of female production staff in a letter that Dawn Elrick, a producer and director, claimed to have sent to the BBC in 2022. Elrick told the Observer, the letter had been submitted with the support of industry union Bectu, and added she also submitted the allegations to the corporation via Navex Global, an external whistleblowing service. Allegations were also raised by staff members about Wallaces behaviour on Channel 5s Gregg Wallaces Big Weekends to BBC News. He also faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, as reported by BBC News. How is it claimed complaints have been handled? Claiming there was an acceptance of Wallaces behaviour, Ms Harding said nothing was done about concerns raised. Meanwhile, Ms Elrick alleged the BBC suggested each individual would have to make their own, direct complaint to the corporation, and said she had received no further contact with regard to her report. How has Wallace responded? On Sunday morning, Wallace initially responded to the allegations against him by claiming they came from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age in an Instagram post that prompted a fierce backlash. He said: Ive been doing MasterChef for 20 years, amateur, celebrity and professional MasterChef, and I think, in that time, I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life. open image in gallery On Sunday morning, in a video posted on Instagram that has triggered an angry backlash, Wallace then responded to the accusations ( Gregg Wallace/Instagram ) Apparently now, Im reading in the paper, theres been 13 complaints in that time. I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isnt right. In 20 years, over 20 years of television, can you imagine how many women, female contestants on MasterChef, have made sexual remarks, or sexual innuendo? Can you imagine? In a third video, Wallace claimed absolutely none of the people he had worked with on his shows had made a complaint about him. The presenter has denied all accusations of inappropriate behaviour. His lawyers say that it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature. Wallace later apologised in a second Instagram video for any offence that I caused. What has the BBC said? In response to reports in the Times and Telegraph, a BBC source said: While we are not going to comment on individuals or any internal HR processes, particularly when there is an ongoing process in place being run by Banijay who have the direct contractual relationship with Gregg Wallace. It would be wrong to report the BBC has done nothing if or when matters have been raised with us not least because it is already being widely reported there were interventions in both 2017 and 2018 where action was taken. open image in gallery It was announced Wallace is to step away from MasterChef while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by the BBC cooking shows producer Banijay UK ( BBC ) We continue to urge caution about pre-judging any of this, particularly the involvement of BBC staff members and any inference they have not acted appropriately. In response to Ms Elricks alleged letter, a BBC spokesperson said it had robust processes to deal with complaints swiftly and appropriately and added it will always listen if people want to make us aware of something directly. BBC News said it sent a letter to the TV stars representatives earlier this week over the allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period. What have the producers said? Rumpus Media, the producer of Channel 5s Gregg Wallaces Big Weekends, said it would be investigating allegations of inappropriate behaviour. It comes after it was announced Wallace is to step away from MasterChef while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by the BBC cooking shows producer Banijay UK. The production company confirmed it has appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead an investigation into Wallaces alleged behaviour. 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 Police in Laos have reportedly arrested the owner of a factory which reportedly supplied the poisoned alcohol that claimed the lives of six backpackers, including a British lawyer. Simone White, 28, died while on holiday with two friends after they accepted free vodka shots from Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist destination. Two Australian teenagers, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both aged 19, were also killed alongside two Danish women and an American man, after they consumed the drinks which were laced with the deadly substance methanol. A manufacturing plant located outside the capital city Vientiane, understood to have been supplying the local Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whiskey, has now been closed and its owner arrested, according to the Daily Mail. open image in gallery Simone Whites mother travelled 16 hours to be at her bedside (Squire Patton Boggs/PA) ( Squire Patton Boggs/PA ) The sale of the spirits has now been banned in the communist country, while the factory has been shut as an investigation continues. Twelve people have now been arrested by the authorities so far, including eight staff members at the hostel. No charges have been made, while the manager of the hostel has denied any wrongdoing. Recalling the horrendous 16-hour journey to Laos after learning her daughter was critically ill, Simones mother Sue White said: I knew when I had that phone call I dont know what it was, call it a mothers intuition but I knew that she was going to die. After consuming the shots and enjoying a night out with her friends, her daughter had not initially suspected anything wrong when she woke up with a headache. However, their conditions worsened throughout the day on 13 November, and they decided to take themselves to hospital. On Thursday, 14 November, Mrs White received a message from her daughters friend to say they were unwell with suspected acidosis, and that Simone is the worst affected out of all of us but shes not doing too badly. open image in gallery Foreign tourists relax at a swimming pool at Nana Backpacker hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos (Anupam Nath/AP) ( AP ) Sadly, her condition worsened and she required two blood transfusions and brain surgery, at which point Mrs White booked a flight from Heathrow to the south-east Asian country. Ms White said she arrived at the hospital just as Simone was being taken in for the operation. It was horrendous. Absolutely horrendous. She had such beautiful long blonde hair, which had all been shaved off for the operation. It was the worst experience of my life. There are no words, really. She has now called on young backpackers to be cautious when accepting drinks abroad, warning: "Please be careful when it comes to drinks." "Simone was a university-educated, highly intelligent person," she said. "If it can happen to her, it can happen to anybody. 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 Top nurses have warned that planned government reforms for the health service stand no chance if widespread problems with recruitment and retaining staff are not fixed. While new figures show that the number of registered nurses and midwives in the UK is at a record high, experts say that recruitment of nurses is slowing down in an incredibly worrying trend. Chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), Professor Nicola Ranger, said that the profession was witnessing a devastating increase in people leaving within five years of joining. She added: Nurse recruitment is slowing, the numbers of new starters is falling...at a time of widespread vacancies, these trends are incredibly worrying for our NHS and the people that rely on its care. Across the health and care services, international recruitment was utilised to plug rota gaps, but we are now watching as thousands of overseas staff choose to go elsewhere. She warned this downturn in overseas staff was coming at a time when fewer UK students were signing up to become nurses, saying: The number of student nurses in the UK dropped considerably again this year, showing worse years seem be ahead. New tighter regulation introduced in December 2023, which stopped overseas care workers bringing their family members to the UK, has contributed to a sharp decline in health care visa applications. There were 50,591 of health and care worker visas granted in the year ending September 2024, 65 per cent fewer than the previous year. Experts claim the workforce is increasingly inexperienced, while facing worrying shortages and still relying heavily on candidates from overseas. Policymakers have been urged to consider measures such as student loan forgiveness schemes to ensure there are enough home-grown staff. The latest mid-year report from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) shows there were a record 841,367 professionals on the register as of the end of September. The figure is an increase of 14,949 compared to the previous six months and 22 per cent higher than March 2017. The NMC said growth has been upheld by two pillars in the past seven years. The number of new starter nurses is slowing down, unions have warned, having a knock on impact on healthcare services ( PA ) These are a steady pattern of domestic recruitment and a significant rise in overseas joiners. The figures show 14,780 UK-educated professionals joined the register between April and September, a fall of 1.8 per cent compared to the previous six months, while 11,569 UK-educated staff left the register, some 1.6 per cent higher than the figure reported in the six months to September 2023. Meanwhile, the NMC said international recruitment was starting to slow. Its data shows there were 12,534 internationally educated joiners on the register in the six months to September, which is 16.6 per cent fewer than the same period last year. Some 2,573 international staff also left the register, an increase of 33 per cent. Kuljit Dhillon, interim executive director of strategy and insight at the NMC, said: Nursing and midwifery are among the UKs most trusted professions, so as we head into another tough winter, we hope there is small comfort in the growth of our register to a record 841,000. At the same time, there are notes of caution in our data around international recruitment, which has been a pillar of workforce growth in recent years. Weve seen a fall in internationally educated joiners and an even higher proportional rise in leavers, although its important to view leavers data through the lens of a growing register. Professor Ranger, from the RCN, added: Across England, we desperately need a loan forgiveness scheme to boost domestic recruitment into the profession. The governments NHS reforms stand no chance of being delivered without addressing these fundamentals. Dr Billy Palmer, senior fellow at think tank Nuffield Trust, welcomed the growth in the register but warned the workforce is facing shortages. He also described the figures as a chronic symptom of a domestic clinical education system that is not fit for purpose. The UKs nursing and midwifery workforce is increasingly inexperienced and facing deeply worrying shortages in important areas, with learning disability nursing numbers still lower than five years ago, Dr Palmer said. Concerningly, the number of nurses and midwives with over 10 years experience is falling, and 28 per cent of staff have five years experience or less - echoing similar trends seen in the latest registration data for doctors. This shift to less experienced staff may affect productivity and put a strain on those who train, mentor and supervise them. He added: We have warned the NHS is failing to attract homegrown nurses, with new domestic joiners having previously fallen by more than 6,000 over two years. Now, the heavy reliance on overseas joiners continues, with nearly half of new nursing and midwifery registrants educated outside of the UK. 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 Undercover footage has revealed systemic violence being inflicted on boars at a Norfolk farm linked to those supplying pork and ham to UK supermarkets including some boasting high-welfare labels. In harrowing scenes, workers repeatedly hit the animals with pitchforks and pipes, the investigation found. Over 781 hours of secret filming by Animal Justice Project (AJP) showed the boars enduring relentless mistreatment, including being kicked and beaten when they resisted mounting stools used for semen collection. The footage, shown by The Independent to Red Tractor, the UKs largest food and farm standards scheme, prompted the organisation to suspend the farms certification, and farm owner Innovis suspended two employees. open image in gallery A worker wielding a long sharp tool, about to strike a pig on the head ( Animal Justice Project ) It is the first known investigation at a UK boar farm that supplies semen to farms where pigs are slaughtered for meat, and some customer farms are organic or under the controversial RSPCA Assured label. Activists claim the abuse was widespread behind closed doors. An activist who worked undercover at Innoviss Burgh Castle facility described harrowing conditions including: Boars confined to barren concrete pens, smaller than recommended by government codes, with little access to natural light or darkness for rest Severe injuries and lameness left untreated, including one boar forced to walk on its elbows Boars were struck more than 300 times, out of worker frustration open image in gallery A worker caught on camera kicking an animal ( Animal Justice Project ) The footage also shows at least two pigs being hit in the face and another having a gate slammed onto its face. It was violence for violences sake, said AJP director Claire Palmer. This wasnt stressed workers lashing out occasionally; this was routine, systemic abuse. The boars live six years like this, never feeling grass underfoot or sunlight on their backs. open image in gallery Workers use their boots to push a pig apparently too ill to move ( Animal Justice Project ) Campaigner Alice Brough, a former pig vet, said: The force used in handling these animals, who show no aggression towards workers, is beyond excessive, and employs inappropriate tools as weapons to inflict pain and fear. Innovis owns and controls the farm, supplying genetics giant Hermitage with boar semen for pig farms. open image in gallery A worker hits a pig in the face with a rod ( Animal Justice Project ) Innoviss chief executive, Dewi Jones, told The Independent that two staff have been suspended and an official investigation launched. The video content is shocking and wholly unacceptable. We are appalled, he said. Innovis operates to the highest health and welfare standards, he said, adding: A specialist pig vet makes weekly visits, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency inspects the facilities every six months. open image in gallery Some pigs foamed at the mouth ( Animal Justice Project ) He said the claims over general conditions were unfounded but extra cameras had been installed. A spokesperson for Hermitage unreservedly condemned the behaviour. We have conveyed our deep dissatisfaction to senior management at Innovis. We emphasised that such treatment is completely unacceptable and falls far short of what is expected of a commercial supplier, they said. open image in gallery Some animals were thought to be lame from mistreatment or neglect ( Animal Justice Project ) They said Hermitage would cut ties with Innovis until assurances had been received. The company said a decision on the animals future would be based on what was best for them. The British Retail Consortium said breaches of animal welfare were totally unacceptable and would be investigated, with swift action taken to rectify any issues. open image in gallery A worker slams a gate onto a pig ( Animal Justice Project ) The RSPCA said: We are concerned about the welfare of animals on stud farms and this is one of many welfare improvements we would like to see across farming. AJP says it is seeking prosecutions. Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK's top earners are benefitting the most from shared parental leave as campaigners have criticised the policy as "elitist" and "broken" and Keir Starmer faces an internal push to overhaul the scheme. New data obtained by campaign group The Dad Shift under freedom of information (FOI) laws found that 60 per cent of those claiming shared parental leave are in the top 20 per cent of earners in the UK and the bottom half of earners made just five per cent of the claims. Another of the groups FOI requests to HMRC found just 10,600 new fathers took shared parental leave in the tax year 2023-24, compared with 623,100 women taking up paid maternity leave over the same period. The group said this figure suggested less than two per cent of new fathers were taking up the scheme, which enables parents to divide up to 37 weeks of paid leave and up to 50 weeks of leave between them. For fathers this equates to 184.3 per week. Alex Lloyd Hunter, co-founder of The Dad Shift, said, this is a failed policy; British families and British fathers deserve better, and warned our current system is not just broken but elitist too. Whether theyre well off or not, British dads want and deserve a meaningful chunk of properly paid time off so they can bond with their babies, be there for their partners, and get started on being decent fathers, he said. The government has promised to review parental leave in its first year in power, calling for employees to be entitled to statutory paternity leave from their first day in the job. Current rules mean fathers can only claim the leave when they been employed for 26 weeks or more. A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said they are making paternity leave and unpaid parental leave day one rights as part of our Employment Rights Bill, which will play a key role in delivering our plan to make work pay. The representative added: We will also carry out a review of wider statutory parental leave to ensure it offers the best possible support to working families around the country and boost economic growth. It comes after 30 Labour MPs have signed a letter to the prime minister - spearheaded by The Dad Shift - calling for parental leave that is affordable for people to take, gives a substantial allowance of time, and supports equality among parents. open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer is facing a push from Labour MPs to make parental leave more accessible ( PA Wire ) Labour MP Kirith Entwistle said she massively benefitted from her husband being home when their son was born. I remember the fear and dread, and lack of confidence in leaving the house or being on my own with him the night before my husband went back to work, she said. There are so many mothers out there right now who desperately need that support, and dads who have no choice but to go back to work. Shared parental leave is a farce and only an option for those who can afford it. Answers to a parliamentary question tabled by Labour MP Josh Simons showed 40.8 million was spent by the government in shared parental leave payments in London since the policy was rolled out in 2014, which is more than the total paid in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the North West, and the North East combined. Mr Lloyd Hunter said the UK had the worst statutory paternity leave in Europe. Just two weeks on less than half the minimum wage, he said. Shared parental leave was meant to help change things, but guess what - a policy that pays virtually no money, is ridiculously complex to administer, and requires men to take leave away from the mothers of their children didn't work all that well. 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 UK has begun a week-long mock-up of a major conflict to test how its ammunition supplies hold up in a war-time scenario. The test run comes just three years after British stockpiles failed to see them through a 10-day exercise. The Ministry of Defence began the war game on Monday morning. It is taking place at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire. The simulation is intended to stress-test how supply chains of artillery munitions and drones would hold up during a major war with an unspecified adversary. It is the first war game to involve representatives of the defence industry alongside military commanders and officials. Defence companies taking part in the exercise include submarine builder BAE Systems, missiles firm MBDA, American jet fighter business Lockheed Martin and ship builder Babcock. Defence secretary John Healey told the BBC the exercise was intended to ensure the government and industry are capable of innovation at wartime speed. He added that the exercise would work through a range of scenarios in which we may be faced by conflict, we may be faced with protracted fighting and we may be faced with severe disruption in the supply chains. Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine - where artillery and drones have proved pivotal to what has descended into a war of attrition - has brought into sharp relief the UK and Europes inability to sustain a long conflict. Experts have long cautioned that Ukraines European partners have failed to increase defence spending in line with the growing threat posed by Vladimir Putins Russia, not just to Kyiv but to the wider continent. Prior to Putins latest land-grab in February 2022, all Nato allies were only able to produce tens of thousands of 155mm artillery shells a year, according to officials. While that figure has increased to two million shells a year, it is still less than the estimated 3 million a year produced by Russia. That is, in part, due to Moscow spending roughly 8 per cent of the countrys GDP on defence. Labour, however, says it intends to set a path to reaching a target of spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by next year. The latest war-gaming comes three years after the former head of the US Army in Europe, Lt Gen Ben Hodges, told MPs the British Army rapidly ran out of ammunition during a previous exercise. He said that the entire British Armys stocks were exhausted before the 10-day exercise was complete. 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 Several major British supermarkets have been accused of selling Italian tomato puree that contains tomatoes sourced from Chinas Xinjiang region, where Beijing is accused of employing forced labour practices. Products like Tescos Italian Tomato Puree and Waitroses Essential Tomato Puree allegedly contain Chinese produce despite being labelled Italian, the BBC reported. The broadcaster commissioned a test which found that 17 products, sold mostly by UK and German brands, contained tomatoes from Xinjiang, even though their labels suggested they were of Italian origin. Xinjiang, where human rights groups have accused China of committing abuses, produces a significant share of Chinas tomatoes. Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim minorities are reportedly forced to work in tomato fields there under harsh conditions. The UN cites what it says are credible reports that one million Muslims held in camps have been put to work in Xinjiang, and faith leaders and activist groups claim crimes against humanity, including genocide, are taking place in the region. A 2022 UN report detailed allegations of forced labour and torture in Xinjiang detention centres. China denies mistreating Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities and says the camps are vocational training centres designed to fight extremism. Xinjiang tomatoes usually reach Europe via train through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia, where they are shipped onward to Italy, an analysis of shipping data by the BBC found. The analysis highlighted Antonio Petti, an Italian tomato-processing firm, as a key importer of Xinjiang tomato paste, receiving over 36 million kg between 2020 and 2023. In an undercover investigation by the BBC, Pasquale Petti, general manager of the Petti group, admitted that the company used Chinese tomatoes to reduce costs. No one in Europe wants Chinese tomatoes. But if for you it is OK, we will find a way to produce the best price possible, he said. Lidl acknowledged using Chinese tomatoes briefly in Germany due to supply issues. Petti denied current links to forced labour, stating that it no longer imports from the Chinese company Xinjiang Guannong and is enhancing supplier monitoring. But evidence suggests ties between Xinjiang Guannong and another supplier, Bazhou Red Fruit, used by Petti. In future we will not import tomato products from China and will enhance our monitoring of suppliers to ensure compliance with human and workers rights, Petti said. A Tesco spokesperson told The Independent it suspended supply from the site as soon as we were made aware of these claims. The multinational retailer asserted its commitment to protecting the rights of everyone working in our supply chain and added that it works hard to ensure the authenticity of the products sold. Our investigation of these claims is ongoing, and we would urge the BBC to share their data to aid this investigation. The BBC acknowledges the testing method used for this programme is not a definitive proof of origin, the spokesperson said. Trace Element Analysis testing alone cannot prove that a sample does not originate from the claimed country and therefore these results, in isolation, are not conclusive. Nonetheless, we are thoroughly investigating these claims. Rewe said it withdrew the products involved as a precautionary measure in October, but said that its own investigations rule out Xinjiang as the origin of the raw materials used in our products. We have also found no evidence that our products have been mixed with products of Chinese origin, a statement read. We therefore consider the allegations to be clearly refuted and reject them as demonstrably unfounded, it said, adding that there is no misleading of consumers as to the origin of the tomatoes. Some of the supermarkets, including Waitrose and Morrisons, disputed the methodology used and denied sourcing Chinese tomatoes. Our policy is clear: we do not permit ingredients or finished products from Xinjiang. We took these allegations very seriously and immediately undertook our own audit of the supplier and commissioned our own testing using independent, accredited laboratories, Morrisons said in a statement to The Independent. The audit gave us full confidence that the tomato puree in the products was from an approved source in California, USA. A Waitrose spokesperson in an email to The Independent said they were appalled to hear these serious allegations, and launched an immediate investigation, sending a team of food auditors to the site in Italy. Weve now conducted isotope testing at a leading, independent lab - along with a detailed traceability audit on our puree neither of which showed evidence of Chinese tomatoes. If we identify any evidence that our puree was not produced in line with our strict specification, we will take urgent action. Unlike the US, which banned imports from Xinjiang in 2021, the UK relies on corporate self-regulation. The Independent has contacted Antonio Petti and Lidl for comment. In February, Forbes carried out a similar investigation and found canned tomatoes and pastes produced in Xinjiang were being sold by major US retailers such as Amazon and Walmart despite the American import ban. At the time, products from Hebei Tomato Industry, which openly sources raw materials from Xinjiang, were listed by third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon and Walmart. Hebei Tomato did not respond to requests for comment. An Amazon spokesperson said in response to the Forbes report that the company complies with the law and suspends privileges to sell a product when it finds or receives proof of forced labour. Walmart did not respond at the time. In 2021, at the time of the import ban, US Customs and Border Protection agency found the country imported $10m worth of tomato products from China in the previous year. The Independent has contacted Amazon and Walmart to understand what, if any, action they have taken since the Forbes report was published. 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 Nigel Farage has suggested holding a referendum on the future of the Chagos Islands as he claimed Donald Trumps team is appalled at the UKs rotten deal. The Reform UK leader put forward the idea of allowing the Chagossian people to decide the future of their homeland as he joined other opposition MPs in raising concerns over the agreement to give up sovereignty of the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius. New Mauritian prime minister Navin Ramgoolam has asked for an independent review of the confidential draft agreement agreed so far while Mr Farage, who has strong ties with President-elect Mr Trump, has highlighted doubts from the Republican camp. Defence minister Luke Pollard, responding to a Commons urgent question on Monday, claimed the deal is strongly supported by the US and protects the long-term future of the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia. He added necessary safeguards will be in place to prevent China gaining a foothold in the area. Hasn't the time come for the Government to admit this is a rotten deal for the UK, a rotten deal for America and an even worse deal for the Chagossians? Nigel Farage Mr Pollard said: The agreement secures the effective operation on a joint facility on Diego Garcia well into the next century, the agreement is strongly supported by our closest friends and allies, including the United States. It has been supported by all relevant US departments and agencies following a rigorous scrutiny process. This base is a key part of UK-US defence relationship as it enables the United Kingdom and the United States to support operations that demonstrate our shared commitment to regional stability, provide rapid response to crises, and counter some of the most challenging security threats we face. The President of the United States (Joe Biden) applauded the agreement. He added: There will be clear commitment in the treaty to robust security arrangements, including arrangements preventing the presence of foreign security forces on the outer islands so that the base can continue to operate securely and effectively. The operation of the base will continue unchanged, with strong protections from malign influence. For the first time in 50 years, the base will be undisputed and legally secure. Mr Farage told the chamber: The presentation of what the American administration believes is a fantasy. Joe Biden is going, in fact many think hes gone already. Ive been contacted by very senior officials and advisers from the incoming Republican administration and every single one of them is appalled at this deal, they know the leasehold agreement will not survive, just as the deal with China over Hong Kong didnt survive. Hasnt the time come for the Government to admit this is a rotten deal for the UK, a rotten deal for America and an even worse deal for the Chagossians? And if you care so much about the sovereignty of the Falklands being in the hands of the Falkland Islanders, why not have a referendum of the Chagossians and ask them to settle who should have sovereignty over those islands? Mr Pollard said whipping up uncertainty over the future of the Falklands is not helpful, adding: The Falklands are British for as long as the people of the Falkland Islands want to be British. He added he is certain that MPs, the US and other allies will see the deal secures the future of the military base well into the next century. Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis (New Forest East) asked what there is in the agreement to prevent China putting listening outposts on other islands that could compromise the security of Diego Garcia. Mr Pollard replied: They are very specific arrangements in the treaty that prevent any foreign power putting security apparatus, security forces on any of the (outer) islands. On the review of the agreement by Mauritius, Mr Pollard said: Its quite normal, I think, for any new government to look again at a deal signed by immediate predecessors. At this point Tory MPs shouted: What about the US? Mr Pollard added: The reason I say that is when they look at the deal, the detail of this deal will be convincing just as it will be for our US friends because its a deal backed by the entirety of the US security apparatus. Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge earlier called on the Government to pause the deal until Mr Trumps inauguration. He said: Whilst we would prefer the Government to cancel the whole deal, at the very least will he pause any further ratification until the new US administrations in place, and the Mauritius government have concluded their review? Chagossians were forced to leave the central Indian Ocean territory by 1973 to make way for the military base. The expulsions are regarded as one of the most shameful parts of Britains modern colonial history and Chagossians have spent decades fighting to return to the islands. The United Nations highest court, the International Court of Justice, previously ruled the UKs administration of the territory was unlawful and must end. 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 appointed a candidate described as a safe pair of hands to run the civil service as he prepares to reset his government this week following a turbulent first five months in power. The prime minister has chosen Sir Chris Wormald, the current permanent secretary to the Department of Health, to be his cabinet secretary, Britains most senior civil service position. It comes as the PM prepares to give a major speech on Thursday in which he will launch a plan for change. Sir Keir is hoping to get his beleaguered administration back on course after a series of missteps and miscommunications have left him facing a barrage of criticism. Sir Chris was the fourth favourite on a shortlist of four to get the job as Britains top mandarin, having been passed over for the role by Boris Johnson in 2020. He has been described as a safe pair of hands, a steady-as-you-go candidate, and the consummate Sir Humphrey. open image in gallery Chris Wormald will play a key role in delivering the PMs plan for change ( Getty/PA ) While the prime minister has said he wants to bring change and rewire the government, it has been noted that his choice to run the Whitehall machine is the least radical of the candidates, with Sir Chris pipping more dynamic characters like Olly Robbins and Antonia Romeo at the post. The appointment comes just two weeks before the departure of Simon Case, who is stepping down due to ill health. In a troubled first five months, Sir Keir has also been forced to jettison his first choice of chief of staff, Sue Gray, who lost a power struggle with her replacement Morgan McSweeney. At the end of last week, he also lost his first cabinet minister, when Louise Haigh was forced to resign as transport secretary over a historical fraud conviction. Sir Keir completed a reshuffle on Monday after promoting Heidi Alexander to replace Ms Haigh on Friday. Ahead of his speech on Thursday, the government has also released a trickle of announcements on a new defence industrial strategy, ministerial appointments, and foreign policy. open image in gallery Wormald will be tasked with pushing through an overhaul of Whitehall, resetting its focus on Labours priorities for government ( PA ) The reset is also aimed at offsetting a series of questions over economic policy with a junior minister unable even to confirm that economic growth was the top mission of the government and anger over Rachel Reevess Budget, particularly with regard to national insurance rises and changes to inheritance tax, a policy move that has dragged in the farming community. Ministers including Sir Keir have also been beset by criticism over their acceptance of gifts, including designer glasses and clothes. As part of the PMs new agenda, Sir Chris will be tasked with pushing through an overhaul of Whitehall in an effort to focus the government machine on delivering Labours priorities which include boosting the economy, cutting NHS waiting times, public safety, energy security and social mobility. Announcing the appointment, Sir Keir thanked Mr Case for his service and said he was delighted that Sir Chris had accepted the post. He brings a wealth of experience to this role at a critical moment in the work of change this new government has begun, Sir Keir added. Ahead of his relaunch, which comes after months of Labour declining in the polls, the prime minister said: To change this country, we must change the way government serves this country ... From breaking down silos across government to harnessing the incredible potential of technology and innovation, it will require nothing less than the complete rewiring of the British state to deliver bold and ambitious long-term reform. Delivering this scale of change will require exceptional civil service leadership. There could be no one better placed to drive forward our plan for change than Chris. Sir Chris was made the Department of Healths top civil servant in May 2016. He has previously held a series of top Whitehall posts, including as the Department for Educations permanent secretary, director general of the Deputy Prime Ministers Office, and head of the Economic and Domestic Secretariat at the Cabinet Office. Sir Chris said: I am delighted that the prime minister has appointed me to the privileged role of leading our talented civil service, as we rise to the challenge of delivering the governments focused agenda to deliver its plan for change. The government has set a clear mandate an ambitious agenda with working people at its heart. That will require each and every one of us to embrace the change agenda in how the British state operates. So I look forward to working with leaders across government, to ensure that the civil service has the skills they need to deliver across the breadth of the country. Sir Chris made headlines last year when the Covid inquiry was shown evidence that he was part of a group of powerful officials who, in mid-March 2020, discussed the coronavirus as though it were comparable to chickenpox. The new cabinet secretary, in a conversation with one of his predecessors, Mark Sedwill, said Yes, exactly when it was suggested to him that Like chickenpox, we want people to get it and develop herd immunity before the next wave. 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 Greek prime minister has reportedly held private meetings with British Museum officials ahead of his visit to the UK this week, where the return of the Elgin Marbles was discussed. Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to meet with Sir Keir Starmer on Tuesday, with the return of the ancient sculptures expected to be on the agenda for the meeting. Government sources told Sky News that Mr Mitsotakis, alongside foreign minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, held up to three private meetings with trustees of the British Museum and its chair George Osborne about the sculptures this year. Sir Keir is thought to be more open to the idea of returning the Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Sculptures, than his predecessor. But a government spokesperson said it has no plans to change existing government policy on restitution, saying it is a matter for the British Museum. The Elgin Marbles on display at the British Museum (Matthew Fearn/PA) ( PA Archive ) Former prime minister Rishi Sunak last year was involved in a spat with the Greek prime minister after he used an interview to push for the return of the Elgin Marbles. Mr Sunak ditched a planned meeting with Mr Mitsotakis, accusing him of grandstanding about the return of the sculptures. The marble statues came from friezes on the 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple and have been displayed at the museum for more than 200 years since they were removed by Lord Elgin when he was British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire in the early 19th century. They were purchased by Parliament from Lord Elgin in 1816. Some of the temple statues are on display in the Acropolis Museum in Athens and Greece has long called for the collections to be reunited. Greece alleges the marbles were illegally acquired during a period of foreign occupation which the government and British Museum rejects. Greek culture minister Lina Mendoni has said the country is prepared to organise rotating exhibitions of important antiquities to replace the Elgin Marbles should the sculptures be returned. She told the Guardian last year: [They] would fill the void, maintain, and constantly renew, international visitor interest in the Greek galleries of the British Museum. Ms Mendoni also said that any agreement and all its particulars, would have to be in accordance with the Greek law on cultural heritage. A government spokesperson said: We have no plans to change existing government policy on restitution. Further decisions relating to the care and management of a museums collections, including loaning objects, are a matter for the Trustees of the museum. 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 More than half of Britons would support farmers if they decided to strike, according to a new poll which shows the same levels of support seen for nurses and ambulance workers. Voters back workers in the under-fire farming sector walking out on strike, viewing them as among the worst treated groups by Sir Keir Starmers government. The Ipsos poll found that 55 per cent of respondents would support farmers if they decided to strike, which mirrors the support shown to striking nurses and ambulance workers, both on 56 per cent. As well as strong public support, half of the public believe farmers are being treated worse than they should be by the PM and his chancellor Rachel Reeves. Reacting to the poll, Liz Webster, founder of Save British Farming, said: Keir Starmer got to the top by fence-sitting and being all things to all people. Now hes PM, hes trying to use the same strategy to deliver decisions for the whole country which are deeply unpopular and have no mandate. open image in gallery Children on toy tractors during a farmers protest in central London over the changes to inheritance tax (Gareth Fuller/PA) ( PA Wire ) It is heartwarming to see polling show that the Great British public are swinging behind our farmers, who work so hard to put healthy food on their plates and keep our countryside looking so beautiful. Its time Starmer took off his freebie spectacles which are blurring his vision and recognised that the British public wont be taken for fools. And National Farmers Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw told The Independent: The Ipsos polling confirms what we already know that the public overwhelming supports British farming; something were hugely grateful for. Our own survey work shows that farmers are viewed as the second-most valued profession in the UK. Thats a reflection of the hard work and dedication farmers put in every day to produce high-quality food, protect the environment and care for the countryside. I understand the very real frustration of farmers across the UK and that frustration is clear for all to see. However, strike action or the withholding of produce from shoppers are not courses of action the NFU is taking. We are extremely grateful for the publics support and do not take it lightly. The poll comes just weeks after 13,000 farmers descended on Westminster in a mass rally against Ms Reeves Budget, which targeted family farmers with an inheritance tax raid. Her tax shakeup means that, from April 2026, agricultural estates worth more than 1m will face an effective 20 per cent rate of inheritance tax half the usual 40 per cent rate. Coupled with increases in workers minimum wage and national insurance for employers, farmers say the tractor tax will kill off generations-old family farms across the country. Another mass demonstration is planned in London for Wednesday, December 11, with farmers flocking to London in tractors to highlight pressures on the industry. Commenting on the findings, Ipsos senior director of UK politics Gideon Skinner said: Our polling reveals the extent of public sympathy for farmers, who have joined the likes of nurses and ambulance workers in the level of support Britons think they would have should they choose to strike. This is underpinned by a clear sense that farmers are being unfairly treated by the British government only pensioners (themselves a source of public concern over the removal of the universal winter fuel allowance) are more likely to be seen as getting a bad deal. open image in gallery Ipsos said the public has a clear sense that farmers are being unfairly treated ( Andrew Matthews/PA Wire ) The Ipsos survey shows the extent of Labours unpopularity with farmers and underlines the challenges Labour is facing after just five months in government. The PM has alienated pensioners with his decision to scrap winter fuel payments for millions, while Ms Reeves has infuriated businesses by hammering them with taxes in her October Budget. After months of falling poll ratings, Sir Keir on Thursday will launch a reset aimed at reversing his governments fortunes. He will lay out a plan for change, setting numerical targets in a range of areas from NHS performance to public safety and living standards to win back the trust of the public. The goal is to give voters concrete milestones against which to judge him by at the next general election, expected in 2029. 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 British food sales to the EU have fallen by almost a fifth since Brexit, a new report shows, with campaigners calling on Sir Keir Starmer to urgently cut red tape holding back exporters. New requirements for physical, documentary and ID checks have complicated food trade between the UK and Europe, leading to a 16.3 per cent drop each year in food exports to the EU, the Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy (CITP) found. The drop-off has meant a 3bn hit to food exports on average in each of the three years since the end of the Brexit transition period, the report found. open image in gallery Keir Starmer was urged to rip up his red lines on the single market and customs union ( AP ) And researchers found that British food standards in most areas have declined relative to the EU, which has introduced stricter standards including on arsenic in baby foods that the UK has not followed. The only area where Britain has introduced stronger legislation than Brussels since leaving the bloc is animal welfare standards, with stronger laws on cosmetics testing on animals and the banning of live animal exports for slaughter. Emily Lydgate, environmental law professor at the University of Sussex, which hosts the CITP, said: Weve found significant divergence in EU and UK agri-food legislation since Brexit. This is more than just new regulation its also differences in ways of setting and enforcing that regulation. This divergence has increased costs and reduced trade to the EU. During the general election, Sir Keir promised a veterinary agreement with the EU to prevent unnecessary border checks and help tackle the cost of food. The prime minister said the plan was part of a drive to tear down unnecessary barriers to trade with the bloc. But, amid an ongoing post-Brexit reset of UK relations with the EU, he has not yet made any concrete progress on such an agreement. Ms Lydgate said the PM needs to pursue a deep agreement with Brussels, as a shallow deal would not do much to address existing barriers. But the cost of a more comprehensive deal would be Britain likely having to align more closely with EU standards and boost its own border controls, she added. open image in gallery Farmers under pressure from inheritance tax rises have also been hit by Brexit ( PA ) And Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Europe James MacCleary told The Independent: British farmers have been under siege in recent years. It was an industry facing huge challenges even before the Conservatives botched EU exit deal. This was compounded by terrible deals with Australia and New Zealand. The new Labour government have made matters even worse with their ill-conceived reforms to inheritance tax for farmers and decision to end funding from the basic payments scheme early. He added that a pragmatic deal with the EU could offer the sector a major boost, but said with trust among farmers in Sir Keirs government so low, they need to get on with it and deliver real solutions. Before Brexit, around 90 per cent of UK food law was made in the EU, which the report said underpinned the UKs reliance on EU food and facilitated the development of highly integrated supply chains within and between UK and EU. Britains newfound third country status has imposed a new set of trade barriers, adding significantly to the burden facing those exporting to Europe. The report piles pressure on Sir Keir ahead of further talks with EU leaders early next year and the renewal of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) underpinning UK-EU relations later in 2025. But the PM has drawn strict red lines around a return to the single market, customs union or the EU itself. Liz Webster, founder of the Save British Farming campaign, told The Independent that British farmers are desperate to be set free of the red tape gumming up trade with our biggest market. Brexit has delivered all pain with no gain for exporters and importers, she added. But Ms Webster said the report shows the difficulty of a have-your-cake-and-eat-it Brexit, with the illusive concept of sovereignty and major trade deals not marrying with the rules of the EU single market. She said: It is abundantly clear that the easier and vastly more popular alternative to complex and difficult SPS negotiations necessitates Keir Starmer dropping his unpopular red lines on Brexit and embracing the journey back into the single market and customs union. Its way past time to admit that Brexit is a failed experiment. Mark English, policy expert at the European Movement UK, said: Post-Brexit reality means having to overcome massive complications to achieve advances that are small compared to the huge benefits of being in the single market and customs union. This is a very welcome report that shows both the potential benefits of a food safety agreement and the limits to those benefits while highlighting the major trade-offs needed to negotiate such an agreement. And European Movement UK chief executive Emma Knaggs added: Brexit has increased costs, spawned previously undreamt-of bureaucracy and seriously damaged trade. The government needs to negotiate a new SPS agreement with the EU that reduces the need for animal health checks and veterinary involvement, smooths trade across the Channel, and crucially, dramatically cuts the amount of post-Brexit red tape for the UKs exporters. A Government spokesperson said: We have been clear that a veterinary or SPS agreement could boost trade and deliver significant benefits on both sides. Final arrangements are subject to negotiations but the UK and EU have similarly high standards. 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 Colorado wildlife officials are hunting for a coyote that attacked and injured a four-year-old girl on Thanksgiving. The attack occurred on Thursday afternoon in a neighborhood east of Monument Creek close to the Air Force Academy in northern Colorado Springs, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife said on Saturday. Witnesses said the little girl and another child had mistaken the coyote for a dog and surprised it after noticing it behind a tree. The wild animal then lunged towards the girl and grabbed the back of her head. The girls uncle managed to fight off the animal and the four-year-old was taken to hospital with serious injuries, officials said. CPW said it was made aware of the attack on Friday when the child was released from hospital and has now launched a search to find the coyote. open image in gallery A search is underway to find the coyote ( Colorado Parks & Wildlife ) CPWs Area Wildlife Manager for the Pikes Peak region, Tim Kroening, said: This could have been much worse a tragedy if not for the quick action of the childs uncle to stop the attack, rescue his daughter and scare the coyote off. We dont know yet what brought the coyote into the yard with this child. But its an important reminder to everyone to be alert and haze wild animals away from their homes and neighborhoods. That goes for deer, fox, bobcat, bears and other animals. Dont let them get comfortable around people. If you see them, throw rocks at them, yell at them. And if you notice aggressive behavior, call us immediately. Well try to remove any aggressive animals, Kroening added. 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 couple spotted Keymydre Anderson hanging out of the window of a moving car before the 16-year-old was thrown to the pavement. They shrouded the boy in their coats and jackets and offered prayers as he lay half-naked and covered in grazes on the floor of Clay Mathis Road, in Mesquite, Texas, on January 22, 2022. The witness says he was dangling, Andersons mother Shenika told local news WFAA at the time. My baby was holding on. He didnt want to go. Anderson was pronounced dead soon after paramedics rushed him to a local hospital. Authorities initially believed the victim was involved in a car accident, before they noticed a puncture wound to his chest. Then the gravity of the situation became clear: he had been shot and thrown from a moving car, just a mile from his home. Four people, including three teens and one of their mothers, were charged with his death after investigators gleaned intel from their TikTok and Instagram activity. One of the alleged killers, Johnathan Pyle, 21, went to trial last week at a Dallas County courthouse charged with capital murder. If convicted, he faces the possibility of life in prison without parole. He wasnt in danger open image in gallery Keymydre Anderson was just 16-years-old when he was shot in the chest and allegedly thrown from a moving car ( Facebook ) Anderson was described as a hardworking student at John Horn High School, whom his family affectionately nicknamed Ears. The sophomore had an after-school job as a cook at a Sonic Drive-In fast food restaurant to help his single mother buy groceries and support his five younger siblings. After finishing a shift at the restaurant on January 22, 2022, Anderson jumped into the shower and then met with his grandmother Tonya Palmer to buy groceries. Later that day, between 6:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m, Anderson got into a black Honda Civic. Shenika said she had seen the vehicle outside her house before, and that her son knew the individual inside. But there was a twist: Anderson had been communicating with one or more of the defendants and had gotten into the vehicle to allegedly purchase a firearm, authorities said. I dont know why my grandson was buying a weapon, Palmer said at the time to KDFW. He wasnt in danger or any kind or harm or anything like that. Not that we know of. Robbery gone wrong At 7:05 p.m., a witness dialled 911 at 2800 block of Clay Mathis Road and told the dispatcher that they had seen someone fall from the moving car. Anderson was only wearing a t-shirt and underwear when police arrived at the scene. His jeans were torn from his body as he was allegedly pushed out the vehicle. His death, the Mesquite Police Department revealed, was ultimately over the $250 in his pocket, which he earned from his after-school job. Police said that the teen died from a gunshot wound to the chest, sustained during a failed robbery attempt. It is unclear if Anderson was shot while inside the vehicle. When they agreed to meet up, the suspects attempted a robbery of the individual, and our victim was shot during the course of that robbery, MPD Captain Stephen Bigg said. TikTok provides evidence open image in gallery Shenika Palmer, the victims mother, sobbed as she spoke to press at Andersons vigil days after his death ( CBS Texas/YouTube ) Police began their investigation on the evening Anderson was shot dead. Doorbell video footage from the surrounding area was reviewed before detectives looked at Andersons cellphone and social media history, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Evidence was gleaned from TikTok and Instagram accounts which alleged that Pyle, then 19, and Simon Guillen, then 18, conspired to rob Anderson. Guillens mother Crystal, who was 34 during the alleged murder, and an unidentified boy, who was 15 at the time, were also arrested following the investigation. All four were charged with capital murder. Thats not a parent, Palmer, Andersons grandmother, said of Crystal. A parent wouldnt do things like that. Thats called a madman, not a mother. It is not clear how Guillens mother and the 15-year-old are connected to the case nor when the three other defendants are due in court. In the days that followed, teddy bears and flowers lined the road where Anderson spent his last moments. A vigil was held at the Cornerstone Baptist Church just two minutes from the victims home. The problem in our city is not so much the presence of the demonic, as it is the absence of the glory of God, said Mesquite mayor Dan Aleman, who is also a pastor, during the vigil, according to Dallas Morning News. Anderson was laid to rest on February 2, 2022 at a funeral home in South Cedar Hill. 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 case of child beauty queen JonBenet Ramseys murder could be within reach of being closed after 28 years, investigators say. The Ramseys discovered their six-year-old daughter was missing on December 26, 1996 and a ransom note was left in their Boulder, Colorado home. Hours later, JonBenets father, John, found the little girls body in the basement with a garrote around her neck, a fractured skull, and signs of sexual assault. The unsolved case has gripped the nation, sparking many theories as to who killed the little girl. Now, nearly three decades after the little girl disappeared, investigators say they are hopeful about solving the case in the near future. Im not sure what it will take to bust it wide open, but it feels like its within reach, an investigator told the New York Post Sunday. Were hoping for 2025; this is our year. Police are hoping to use new genetic technology to link DNA evidence found in her underwear to a suspect, ABC News reported. Sources told the network that investigators are making progress in the case. open image in gallery Beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey. Nearly three decades after her murder, investigators say they are hopeful that solving her case is within reach ( Sipa/Shutterstock ) The optimistim comes a year after Boulder Police launched a multi-agency effort to investigate the cold case in December 2023. It hasnt been as aggressive as anyone had hoped, the investigator told the Post, but now theres a lot of pressure to get this solved. The team has only convened once in person since it was formed, but the members are in touch with one another regularly. Police noted that since the 1996 killing, investigators have looked into more than 21,000 tips, letters, and emails and traveled to 19 states to interview more than 1,000 individuals. Another source told the Post that Steve Redfearn, who recently became chief of the Boulder police department, has reinvigorated efforts toward the case: He wants it solved and off the books, and hes assigning officers and resources to solving the murder, which has been a black mark on the Boulder PD. We f***ed the case up from the start, and now with new blood, we can finally fix it, the source added. Chief Redfearn posted an annual update on the Ramsey case on November 26. open image in gallery The gravesite of JonBenet Ramsey covered with flowers, January 8, 1997, at St. James Episcopal Cemetery in Marietta, Georgia ( (Andy Sharp/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) ) The killing of JonBenet was an unspeakable crime and this tragedy has never left our hearts, he said in a statement. 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. Patsy, John, and JonBenets brother Burke, who was 9 at the time of her murder, were cleared as suspects in the case. No one has ever been arrested or charged in the case. We are hopeful that the renewed public attention will generate more tips, Redfearn said in his annual update, which came one day before Netflix premiered its documentary series on the case Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet. Boulder Police encourage anyone with any information to contact detectives at BouldersMostWanted@bouldercolorado.gov or by calling the Boulder Police tipline at 303-441-1974. 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 suspect has finally been arrested for the rape of a quadriplegic woman during a home invasion more than 20 years ago. Michael Lamonte Evans, a 50-year-old man from Los Angeles, was charged with forcible rape over the December 2000 attack on the unnamed woman, the Concord Police Department announced Wednesday. According to authorities, Evans allegedly broke into the 24-year-old womans San Francisco apartment in the early hours of December 6 2000 and forcibly assaulted her. The victim, who was paralyzed from the neck down, was asleep and home alone at the time, reported the East Bay Times. For almost 24 years, no arrests were made and no suspects named. The victim later died, police said. Now, police have finally announced a break in the case. Concord police said that investigators had recently obtained a match to DNA left behind at the scene, identifying Evans as the suspect. A warrant was then obtained for Evans, who was already in custody in LA County on unrelated charges. According to East Bay Times, he has been arrested numerous times and was convicted of indecent exposure over an incident after the 2000 attack meaning he had to register as a sex offender. He was arrested in October for violating his parole in LA, the outlet reported. Evans now faces extradition to Contra Costa County to face charges over the 2000 attack. His bail has been set at $1 million. Concord Police said: We are deeply saddened that the victim in this case passed away several years ago. We extend our gratitude to her friends and family, whose support and assistance was extremely important in this investigation. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Florida woman called jail the best experience of life as she was sentenced to life today after killing her boyfriend by trapping him in a zipped-up suitcase in 2020. Sarah Boone, 47, of Orange County, Florida, was convicted in October of second-degree murder after leaving her boyfriend Jorge Torres Jr. to suffocate to death in a zipped suitcase. A judge sentenced her to life in prison on Monday afternoon. During her sentencing hearing, Torress family members gave victim impact statements. But first Boone addressed Torress family at the hearing, recounting her allegations of abuse against him before apologizing to his loved ones. Im sorry, she said. Words do not define my shame, and I dont know what else it is that I can say to convey to the Torres family how this happened. Everyone suppose that this is one of the worst experiences of my life, and it's actually been one of my greatest, she added of her arrest and jailing. If I were not beaten to death, I was going to work myself to death on the outside. And I never had time to get back into my Bible and to pray and to be with the Lord. And I, being here incarcerated, have had time ... to get closer to God to reacquaint myself to him. open image in gallery Sarah Boone was convicted in October of killing Jorge Torres Jr. in February 2020 ( Orange County Jail ) Torress sister, Ana Torres, gave a victim impact statement on behalf of herself and her siblings in court. I myself, for the first year, woke up screaming every morning or night wishing I was having a nightmare, only to wake up to remember all over again that my father is gone and Ill never be able to hear him say he loves me ever again, to know my siblings have been affected in such a way that they are now different, she said. Torres died in February after he and Boone were drinking alcohol and playing a game of hide-and-seek, according to a statement from State Attorney Andrew Bain. Boone told officials that Torres climbed in the suitcase, and she then zipped it shut, Bain recounted. Boone said she then went upstairs and slept. When she woke, Boone called 911 and claimed to have found Torres unresponsive in the suitcase. When police arrived at her home, they found him dead lying next to the luggage. Boone told police she didnt think he was actually stuck inside the suitcase, However, video footage that Boone recorded herself shows her taunting and laughing at Torres as he told her he couldnt breathe and begged to be let out, according to Bain. I cant f****** breathe, seriously, Torres said in the video. open image in gallery Sarah Boone, 42, faces a second degree murder charge in the death of Jorge Torres Jr, 42, after he was zipped in a suitcase and she didnt return for hours ( Orange County Corrections / Orange County Sheriffs Office ) Thats what you get, Boone responded in the video. Thats what I feel like when you cheat on me. In court, Boone told the jury she did not mean to kill Torres. Instead, Boone said that she acted in self-defense after Torres previously abused her. "I wanted him to try to understand how I felt so maybe he could progress and be a better person, Boone said when a prosecutor asked why she didnt unzip the suitcase, according to local outlet WESH. Boones testimony contradicted by statements she made and video evidence showing her mocking the victim, Bain said. Meanwhile, Dr. Julie Harper, a psychologist who evaluated Boone, was called to give a statement by Boones attorney during the sentencing hearing. Harper said Boones early life including a poor relationship with her mother and her fathers death when she was in high school influenced her relationship with Torres. Theres a power imbalance that I think was very seriously misaligned, as her brother and the property manager of their apartment had verified they saw her being abused, physically abused in serious ways, or the effects of the abuse Ms. Boone handled things on her own and when other people with healthier boundaries probablyshe stayed long past when it would have been smart for others or others would have said to leave, Harper said. Boones current attorney James Owens said she was shocked after the jury found her guilty, according to WESH. The jury deliberated for less than two hours before convicting her. "She felt like, you know, she had a defense, as you know, Owens said. So shes just in shock. She said she would call me tomorrow morning so well talk some more after shes had some time to think about it, Ive had some time to think about it. Were obviously very disappointed." 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 At 45, Tracy Norton went to her doctor to discuss menopause. Her period hadnt come for four months and it seemed clear to her that shed entered the next stage of her reproductive life. Would you be surprised to learn you were 11 weeks pregnant? her ultrasound technician told her. Surprised was an understatement. The doctor had only ordered an ultrasound to check nothing was wrong. Norton, a law professor at Louisiana State University, thought there was no way she was pregnant at her age. She already had three children, the youngest at the time was her 8-year-old stepson. With the transducer pressed to Nortons abdomen, the tech turned on the sound, revealing a good, steady, strong heartbeat. It was pretty dramatic, actually, after that, she told The Independent. Middle-aged women finding themselves unexpectedly pregnant is not a common occurrence. But on the off-chance it happens, a specific combination of factors weight gain, a lack of period, and a rush of hormones can often be mistaken as the end of ones fertility rather than early signs of pregnancy. A delay in recognizing these symptoms can add to the already increased pregnancy risks that come with older mothers, such as miscarriage and fetal chromosomal differences, doctors say. A delay in getting pregnancy care could also mean fewer options, especially in this post-Roe reproductive health landscape. The last time Norton had been pregnant was 11 years prior her body had changed in the meantime. Each time she stepped into a doctors office, other patients and staff met her with shock and awe that she was older and pregnant. With her full head of prematurely gray hair, everyone believed she had endured a successful in vitro fertilization process. open image in gallery Tracy Norton, pregnant with her daughter Lizzie, in January 2014 ( Courtesy of Tracy Norton ) That wasnt the case. I did what every teenager could do, Norton said. I just wasnt using birth control and got pregnant. But the pregnancy wasnt like that of a young person. Her gynecologist recommended she see a cardiologist, for the high blood pressure she was treated for, and a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, due to her age. The maternal-fetal medicine specialist warned: If the baby does go to term, its very unlikely that this is going to be a healthy baby. Norton then underwent tons of genetic testing, sparking conversations with her husband about what they would do with the results. We had decided that there were some mild developmental disabilities that we felt like we were equipped to handle, she said. But if the child had needs that the couple didnt think they could afford or handle emotionally or physically or without impacting the other kids, or if the child was going to suffer any kind of pain or have a really short life expectancy, then termination was on the table. I was prepared to have an abortion if I needed to, she said. This was 2013 in New York, a different time for reproductive health. Now, she lives in Louisiana, where a total abortion ban has been in place since June 2022. If she found out now, in post-Roe Louisiana, that she was 11 weeks pregnant, Norton said she and her husband would have traveled out of state and definitely would have aborted at that point, because there were too many things that could go wrong and we werent going to have any of that information for a couple more weeks. Dr. Shannon Clark, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, told The Independent that a short timeline is crucial for older pregnant patients: Someone who finds out theyre pregnant at 50, that would be a pregnancy with more concern where they would need to get more care established quickly to have some things assessed. Its not uncommon for patients who conceive at a later age to discover theyre pregnant halfway through their pregnancy, at about 18-20 weeks, since they think theyre in menopause, she said. Common signs of both menopause and pregnancy, like weight gain or stopped periods, complicate matters and could delay seeking care. But menopause is marked by more than a few missed periods; its defined as not having a period for a full year, Dr. Monica Christmas, a gynecologist and the associate medical director of the Menopause Society, told The Independent. About 95 percent of women will go through menopause between 45 and 55, with the median age of 51 or 52, Dr. Christmas said. Perimenopause, or the transition period leading up to menopause, takes shape first, when some may experience lighter periods that are more spaced out while others could experience heavier periods with more frequent cycles. Even though some may not be getting regular periods, its still possible to get pregnant during this stage and birth control is recommended. While becoming pregnant is much harder as we get older, Dr. Christmas said, when it does happen, the risk of the pregnancy being impacted by a genetic or chromosomal abnormality or miscarriage is significantly higher. Thats because even if women are still ovulating into their fifties, theres a decline of fertility based on egg quantity and egg quality, Dr. Clark said. No matter how rare these pregnancies are, everyone still seems to know someone who had a similar experience to Norton. After one 51-year-old woman posted that her gynecologist said she could stop using birth control due to her age, others on social media werent so sure. I have a cousin who fell for that line and now shes 57 with a 5 year old, one X user wrote. Another remarked: My aunt thought she was in menopause and she was pregnant. A 64-year-old woman found out was unexpectedly eight weeks pregnant and told her daughter in a now-viral TikTok video: What am I gonna do?... I am too old for that. One Reddit user said: My 41 yo coworker is pregnant, she thought it was menopause! She has an 18 yo and a 21yo. The positive stories on social media capturing women successfully conceiving later in life can be deceiving, Dr. Clark said: Thats the minority of patients, not the majority. open image in gallery Tracy Norton and her 10-year-old daughter Lizzie on a hike along the Rio Grande in El Paso in 2024 ( Courtesy of Tracy Norton ) After completing scores of tests, Nortons baby was healthy; she had an emergency C-section and her daughter, Lizzie, was born at 32 weeks. Ten years later, her daughter is healthy, Norton has gone through menopause and her life now revolves around the elementary school calendar. The one thing the 56-year-old wishes she had known was to get Lizzie screened for autism earlier. After she found out her daughter was autistic, Norton recalled her doctor telling her autism was common in children of older parents. I wish somebody had told me that earlier, so that I could have had her tested, because we could have saved her a lot of duress if we had been able to get educational accommodations in place for her earlier than we did, Norton said. We adore her and her autism is one of the things that makes her who she is, she said. Raising a child in middle age definitely has its advantages, Norton said. Rather than the loosely controlled chaos that came with raising three children at the same age, Norton said she and her husband are much more patient raising Lizzie because she is the only one in need of parenting at this point. She said shes also a more confident mother and no longer worried about what her childs teachers and friends parents think. After all, she said, Im old enough to be their mother. Norton summarized: Everybody gets to be this age and theyre like, God, I would be, I would be a much better parent at this age. And its true, you are a much better parent at this age. Its fantastic. 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 With less than 50 days left in the White House, President Joe Biden has taken a controversial step he had previously vowed he wouldnt take: pardoning his son Hunter Biden. On Sunday night, Biden announced he had granted his son clemency for offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. Presidents can grant clemency, including both pardons (forgiving federal criminal offenses) and commutations (reducing penalties) for federal convictions. Presidents cannot pardon those convicted of state crimes. In June, Hunter, 54, was convicted of three federal gun charges related to his purchase of a firearm in 2018. Three months later, he pleaded guilty to nine federal tax charges in September. So what does the presidents pardon cover? Federal gun charges On June 1, Hunter was convicted of all three felony counts in Wilmington, Delaware in his federal gun trial. The presidents son was found guilty of lying on a mandatory gun purchase form on October 12, 2018, when he bought a 38 Colt Special revolver at a store in Wilmington. On the form, he stated that he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs, when he was actually in the grips of addiction at the time. open image in gallery Biden talks with his son at Delaware Air National Guard Base on June 11 the same day a jury found Hunter guilty on federal gun charges ( AFP via Getty Images ) Hunter had the gun for 11 days before it was dumped in a trash can outside a grocery store by Hallie Biden, the widow of his brother Beau Biden, on October 23, 2018. The gun was subsequently found by an elderly man searching for recyclables, before police tracked him down and seized it. At his trial, prosecutors presented painful personal details about Hunters drug use showing photos and texts from his ex-girlfriends and pressing his eldest daughter, Naomi, on the stand about her ability to tell if her father was sober. His conviction marked the first time a sitting presidents child was found guilty of a crime. At the time, Biden said: I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. Hunter was facing up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000 at his sentencing on December 12. But now, Hunter wont be sentenced and will avoid any potential jail time. Federal tax charges Just over three months after his conviction on gun charges, Hunter pleaded guilty on September 5 to nine federal tax charges. The plea came as jury selection was set to get underway in the case in LA and marked a U-turn from his initial fight against the charges. open image in gallery Hunter leaves federal court on September 5 in Los Angeles, after pleading guilty to federal tax charges ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Hunter was indicted on nine tax-related criminal charges in December 2023, with prosecutors arguing that he made millions between 2016 and 2019 by skipping out on more than $1.4 million, at which point he was said to be indulging in an extravagant lifestyle and spending money on everything but his taxes. Prosecutors said Hunter spent the money he avoided spending on his taxes on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature. Hunter later paid all his due taxes and fines in 2020 after getting a loan from his personal lawyer. Hunter previously sought an Alford Plea in the case, which would have allowed him to maintain his innocence, but prosecutors refused. After pleading guilty, his sentencing was scheduled for December 16. He faced up to 17 years in prison, but experts said he was unlikely to receive more than three years. Like his gun charges case, Hunter will now face no sentencing nor jail time. Burisma business dealings Bidens pardon covers his sons offenses or alleged offenses dating back to January 1 2014, meaning Hunter is also protected from any other crimes he has not yet been charged with during that period. Its a timeline that covers Hunters time as a board member of Ukrainian energy company Burisma a role that Republicans have honed in on, claiming without evidence that his foreign business dealings were corrupt. Hunter joined the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma in April 2014, initially making more than $1 million per year. open image in gallery Hunter addresses reporters at the U.S. Capitol on December 13, 2023 after an FBI informant was charged with lying about ties between the president and his son and Burisma ( AP ) At the time, then-Vice President Biden was working on rooting out corruption in Ukraine, arguing that the top prosecutor in the country, Viktor Shokin, was preventing corruption probes and he organized international leaders to push for his removal the parliament booted him in 2016. Republicans have claimed that Shokin was fired because he was looking into Burisma. Theres no solid evidence that Biden was connected to his sons business dealings and he has always said that he didnt speak about business with his son or his business partners. But a business partner of Hunter, Devon Archer, testified in a closed-door hearing that Hunter often put his father on speakerphone during calls with a number of contacts. Rep. James Comer, who led the impeachment inquiry for the House Oversight Committee, claimed that the then-vice president was made into a brand used to make the Biden family wealthy. But the first impeachment hearing was widely panned as an abysmal failure, with not a single witness claiming to have firsthand evidence of wrongdoing by the president. No charges have ever been filed in connection to the accusations. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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 provocateur and pardoned felon Dinesh DSouza has issued an apology over false accusations he made in his 2022 election conspiracy theory movie 2000 Mules, acknowledging that his claims about illegal ballot trafficking during the 2020 presidential election were misleading and inaccurate. In a lengthy statement posted to his website on Sunday, DSouza said that his movie which asserts that mules were paid to fraudulently deposit harvested ballots in swing states had relied on cell phone geolocation data provided by conservative non-profit group True the Vote. That data, DSouza noted, had turned out to be false. We were assured that the surveillance videos had been linked to geolocation cell phone data, such that each video depicted an individual who had made at least 10 visits to drop boxes. Indeed, it is clear from the interviews within the film itself that True the Vote was correlating the videos to geolocation data, he wrote. We recently learned that surveillance videos used in the film may not have actually been correlated with the geolocation data. Adding that his movie and companion book created the impression that these individuals were mules that had been identified as suspected ballot harvesters based on True the Votes cell phone data, DSouza conceded that these people were wrongfully accused of misconduct. Conservative filmmaker and author Dinesh D'Souza speaks during the final day of the 2014 Republican Leadership Conference ( Justin Sullivan/Getty Images ) While all of these individuals images were blurred and unrecognizable, one of the individuals has since come forward publicly and has initiated a lawsuit over the use of his blurred image in the film and the book, he stated. I owe this individual, Mark Andrews, an apology. I now understand that the surveillance videos used in the film were characterized on the basis of inaccurate information provided to me and my team. After the Georgia Bureau of Investigation exonerated Andrews of any illegal activity, finding that he was legally dropping off ballots for members of his family, Andrews filed a defamation lawsuit against DSouza, True the Vote and Salem Media, the publisher of 2000 Mules. In his lawsuit, Andrews alleged that the baseless claims made in the film led to violent threats against him and his family. Settling its end of the defamation suit, Salem Media apologized to Andrews in May of this year and halted distribution of DSouzas film and book on all of its platforms. In its statement, the conservative media company said it relied on representations made to us by Dinesh DSouza and True the Vote. Even before Andrews filed his lawsuit, 2000 Mules had been widely debunked over the categorically false claims and conspiracy theories it peddled in service of Donald Trumps repeated and groundless assertions that the 2020 election was stolen from him. True the Vote, for instance, insisted that its geolocation data was so accurate that it had been used to solve a murder. NPR found that was far from the truth. In the end, the right-wing organization admitted to a Georgia judge earlier this year that it does not have the evidence to support its claims of illegal ballot stuffing. Additionally, just before it hit shelves, the 2000 Mules book had to be abruptly pulled to remove false claims made about other nonprofits amid threats of legal action. Despite admitting that the data he relied on from True the Vote was bogus, DSouza a known conspiracist with a long history of peddling falsehoods insisted that the underlying premise of the film holds true. He also claimed that he continued to have faith that True the Votes underlying geolocation data and analysis found suspicious voting activity. Still, DSouza wanted to be clear that Andrews did nothing wrong. At the same time, he claimed that the apology wasnt part of settling Andrews lawsuit against him. Again, I apologize to Mr. Andrews. I make this apology not under the terms of a settlement agreement or other duress, but because it is the right thing to do, given what we have now learned, he concluded in his weekend apology. While I do not believe Mr. Andrews was ever identified by the film or book, I am sorry for any harm he believes he and his family has suffered as a result of 2000 Mules. The Independent has reached out to DSouza to see if he has settled with Andrews. 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 Since losing control of the White House, the Senate and the House, Democrats are looking for new leadership to tackle the nations problems with the additional challenge of confronting four more years of a Trump presidency. Though multiple candidates have already announced themselves as throwing their hats into the ring, one is already emerging as a frontrunner: Ken Martin. Martin, head of Minnesotas Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and a vice chair of the national party, has said he has locked down nearly half of the needed endorsements to win the contest, according to Politico. So far, with the exception of Martin OMalley, a former Maryland governor and current Social Security administrator, other big names have not entered the contest to challenge Martin, though there is still plenty of time. The Democratic National Committee will choose its successor in February, current chair Jaime Harrison informed members last week. Taking place shortly after Donald Trumps second inauguration, it will be an election that will speak volumes about how the party wants to present itself during the next four years. open image in gallery Martin, a vice chair of the national party, has said he has locked down nearly half of the needed endorsements to win the contest for party chairman ( WCCO-TV ) Martin and his allies have sold him as a neutral leader and a safe pair of hands who would seek to avoid further divisive arguments within a party which has been playing the blame game since November 5. The key for a successful party chair is to get all of those various ideological wings of your party to work together, Martin said previously. For me, it doesnt really matter where I stand on any of that, because my job is to make sure that we are winning elections. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who unsuccessfully ran for DNC chair in 2017, said he would be endorsing Martin and that he knows that his role is essentially a process role. Hes trying to get people to vote, to run. Hes not trying to say, Heres what you need to stand for, Ellison said. Even Martins potential competitors have acknowledged his success, with former New York Assembly member Michael Blake, saying that describing him as the frontrunner so far was fair. However, other, bigger-name potential candidates have also been touted, including Rahm Emanuel or Sherrod Brown though neither have officially entered the race as of yet. open image in gallery Current DNC chair Jaime Harrison announced last week that an election to decide his successor would take place on February 1, shortly after Donald Trumps second inauguration ( AP ) William Owen, a DNC member from Tennessee, told Politico that Martin is not his first choice and that he would prefer Brown, the senator from Ohio, if he can be convinced to run. But, he added, Martin has credibility with all factions of the party and is someone everyone could get behind. Martin currently has 100 backers out of a total 448 DNC members, according to a list provided by his campaign to Politico. Other candidates include former Maryland Governor Martin OMalley, who announced a bid shortly before Martin did, and New York state Senator James Skoufis. On Sunday, Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin, announced he too had joined the race to lead the national party. In Wisconsin, weve built a permanent campaign, Wikler said in his candidacy announcement. We organize and communicate year-round in every corner of the state rural, suburban, urban, red, blue and purple areas alike. The final election for a candidate will be held on February 1 during the Democratic partys winter meeting in National Harbor, Maryland days after Trumps inauguration on January 20. 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 Podcaster and former The View host Meghan McCain who has never missed an opportunity to invoke her famous father, the late Republican Sen. John McCain blasted Hunter Biden as a nepo baby after he received a pardon from his dad, President Joe Biden. The irony of McCains comments wasnt lost on her liberals and progressive critics, who mocked the conservative pundit for her apparent lack of self-awareness. No one is above the law except the Presidents [sic] nepo baby is a helluva partying message for democrats, McCain tweeted on Monday morning in reaction to the president giving clemency to his troubled son. Of course, McCain is hardly alone in railing against the president for issuing the pardon just weeks before his son is scheduled to be sentenced in two separate criminal cases. On December 12, Hunter was set to be sentenced for his conviction on federal gun charges. Four days later, he was to also receive a sentence for the federal tax charges he pleaded guilty to in June. open image in gallery Meghan McCain shows up at a Netflix event. ( Getty Images for Netflix ) Unsurprisingly, President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans bashed the presidents decision, labeling him a liar and a hypocrite for pardoning Hunter after repeatedly saying before the election he would not do so while insisting no one is above the law. Many Democrats, though, joined their GOP counterparts in criticizing the leader of their party. While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declared. At the same time, the president has defended his move to spare his son prison time and unilaterally wipe out any convictions and potential criminal charges related to Hunters business dealings over a decade-plus span. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, he said. Still, McCain deciding to take a swipe at Hunter for having a famous dad was a step too far for some, considering the role nepotism has seemingly played in her own career. As some noted, McCain even has the term political nepo baby in her social media bio. Meghan, you should never under any circumstances use nepo baby. How can you not know this?! Davidson College professor Isaac Bailey wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Is Meghan McCain talking about nepo babie??? YouTuber Jack Cocchiarella wondered. McCain even received the New York Times Pitchbot treatment. Hunter Biden thinks he deserves special treatment because he has a famous politician father by Meghan McCain, the satirical account posted on Bluesky. This isnt the first time McCain has been ridiculed for calling out others over their famous familial connections. Shes even previously called Hunter Biden the ultimate product of nepotism, prompting social media users to label her NepoBarbie. At the same time, when speaking of the role nepotism has played in her career, shes said her work ethic speaks for itself and she no longer cares if someone thinks shes going to be a lazy, spoiled brat. Meanwhile, her former colleagues at The View have defended the presidents decision to pardon Hunter, saying outgoing commanders-in-chief do it every time and theyre not sure why the pearl-clutching is happening now. 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 Joe Biden sent shockwaves on Sunday evening when he announced that he would pardon Hunter, his often-beleaguered son who was found guilty on three counts related to possession of a firearm. The younger Biden was set to be sentenced in two weeks for those crimes, and also faced sentencing after he pled guilty for federal tax evasion charges. Accordingly, his fathers pardon will account for all of these misdeeds. The move is particularly surprising and lets not mince words here fundamentally dishonest because of the fact that the president explicitly ruled out pardoning his son on a number of occasions. Democrats ran on being the party that respects the courts in order to create a contrast with Donald Trump, so it smells of rank hypocrisy. Biden delivered an anguished explanation, saying that Hunter was treated differently because he is his son. But the fact of the matter is that not many recovering addicts have the benefit of their father being president of the United States. The move has also reminded many that Biden was the architect of the the 1994 Crime Bill, a piece of legislation that led to the mass incarceration of Black and brown people. Biden has so far refused to commute the sentences of 40 federal Death Row inmates even though he must know Trump is almost certain to resume federal executions when he returns to office in a month and a half. Biden, a devout Catholic, has the opportunity to offer some restitution here. The pardon for his son sits uneasily against this backdrop. On top of that, Bidens decision to do this has now saddled Democrats with the uncomfortable task of either distancing themselves from the leader of their partys decision or defending it. It also came at the worst possible time. On Friday evening, Trump announced that he would nominate Kash Patel, a wholly unqualified conspiracy theorist, to be his FBI director. And he continued his spree of nominating loyalists when he announced his nomination of Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to be ambassador to France. Keep in mind that Trump pardoned the elder Kushner after Charles hired a sex worker to seduce his brother-in-law and videotape the encounter in order to send it to his sister. It was a wholly despicable act, but Trump rewarded it with nepotism. To boot, Trump announced that he would pick Tiffany Trumps father-in-law, Massad Boulus, to be his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Again, there is little indication that Boulus has any credentials appropriate for the role, save for the fact his son married the right woman to get him a job. This all should have allowed Democrats to turn up the heat on Trumps nominations. After all, the president-elects nomination of Matt Gaetz to be attorney general fell flat and his nominee for defense secretary Pete Hegseth seems to be on the ropes. His cabinet picks have been causing PR problems for him for quite some time. But Biden killed that momentum with his decision to pardon his son. Now, instead of focusing exclusively on Trumps bad nominations, Democrats are once again put on the back foot. Its a consistent pattern for Joe Biden; at every thinkable moment, he made his party defend the indefensible. He did so when he chose to run for president again, despite dismal ratings. He did so when he forced his compatriots to publicly support his awful debate performance or at the very least to claim it was just as bad as Trumps while he refused to immediately drop out. He did so as Israels war in Gaza became more alarming and wide-ranging. Forcing Democrats to take their eye off the ball of attacking Trump to run interference for him is not good politics, but it is the politics hes been engaging in for a while. And Democrats have reaped the bitter harvest that Biden sowed: a calamitous election performance that wiped out three Democratic senators, a failure to flip the House of Representatives, and an impossible electoral task for his vice president, where she closed some of the gap but couldnt entirely make up the deficit. Bidens pardon of Hunter is just the latest example. And it will be another millstone around his partys neck. 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 In the final stretch of his presidency, President Joe Biden issued a pardon to his son Hunter Biden, who was convicted on federal gun charges. But Sundays pardon has sparked controversy. Biden repeatedly insisted he would not grant clemency to Hunter, prompting members of Congress and advocates to criticize the presidents U-turn, accusing him of putting his family before the country or pointing to his clemency record. Hunter marks the 26th person that the president has pardoned since he entered the White House in 2021, records show. A host of Congress members have urged Biden to pardon certain groups and people in his last 50 days in office. The White House Press has said more pardons can be expected before Inauguration Day. Heres who else Biden could pardon: Who has Biden pardoned so far? On Sunday, Biden announced he was pardoning his Hunter, stating his son had been selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted by the Justice Department and that no reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. The pardon covers offenses Hunter has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. Before granting clemency to his son, over the past four years the president has issued 25 pardons to others, namely people convicted of drug-related crimes. In October 2022, Biden also issued a presidential proclamation, pardoning those who committed the federal offense of simple marijuana possession. At the time, CNN reported that while no Americans were serving prison time solely on these crimes, more than 6,500 had been charged with them. In December 2023, he expanded upon that move, granting clemency to those who committed federal offenses of attempted simple possession of marijuana or use of marijuana. In June 2024, Biden also issued pardons for veterans who were convicted of a now-repealed military ban on engaging in gay sex. The move was expected to impact about 2,000 former service members, the New York Times reported at the time. open image in gallery Biden, pictured greeting his son Hunter at the Democratic National Convention in August, pardoned his second son on Sunday ( REUTERS ) Who has asked? As Bidens presidency comes to a close, members of Congress have urged him to issue pardons for certain individuals. Reps Ayanna Pressley, Jim Clyburn and Mary Gay Scanlon penned a November 20 letter to the president, asking him to use his clemency power to reunite families, address longstanding injustices in our legal system, and set our nation on the path toward ending mass incarceration. The lawmakers wrote: Now is the time to use your clemency authority to rectify unjust and unnecessary criminal laws passed by Congress and draconian sentences given by judges. Granting clemency will undoubtedly send a powerful message across the country in support of fundamental fairness and furthering meaningful criminal justice reform, they added. We encourage you to use your clemency powers to help broad classes of people and cases, including the elderly and chronically ill, those on death row, people with unjustified sentencing disparities, and women who were punished for defending themselves against their abusers, the trio wrote. The letter was also signed by 64 additional House representatives. Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey also chimed in with his own recommendation: Biden should issue preemptive pardons to people Trump has threatened to prosecute. I think that without question, Trump is going to try to act in a dictatorial way, in a fascistic way, in a revengeful first year at least of his administration toward individuals who he believes harmed him, Markey told Boston Public Radio on November 26. He continued: If its clear by January 19th that that is his intention, then I would recommend to President Biden that he provide those preemptive pardons to people, because thats really what our country is going to need next year. Markey cited Gerald Fords pardon of Richard Nixon over the Watergate scandal as allowing our country just to close the that chapter and move on to a new era. The Massachusetts Democrat said Biden could be in a similar situation now, predicting people will look back and just say thats what our country wants, it wants to get past the acrimony, the bitterness and moved on to an agenda that deals with the ordinary families and not the Trump family and their grievances to people who tried to prevent them from becoming the occupants of the Oval Office. open image in gallery Sen. Edward Markey talks during a news conference, January 25, 2024, at the Capitol in Washington, DC. He suggested Biden issue preemptive pardons to individuals Trump could go after as president ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Biden has also pardoned turkeys as part of an annual White House tradition. Ahead of issuing Peach and Blossom pardons this year, the thinktank Prison Policy Initiative criticized Bidens clemency record toward poultry compared to his clemency record toward inmates on death row. The president plans on pardoning two more birds but has made no announcement to grant clemency to the 40 people on federal death row, the thinktank wrote in a November 22 statement. Turkey pardons might be a light-hearted tradition, but its hard to not think about the dozens of people whose lives will be taken from them by a tax-payer-funded death all while politicians tout the importance of festive goodwill. The statement added: The death penalty is the cruelest and only permanent punishment in the US. Bidens days left in office are limited, but its not too late for him to spare everyone from federal death row (and cement his legacy for the better). So who exactly has Trump threatened to prosecute? President-elect Donald Trump has not been shy in naming his political adversaries. Vice President Kamala Harris, his former 2024 rival, could very well be at the top of his enemies list. At a September rally, Trump blasted Harriss handling of the border crisis. He claimed that people were murdered because of her action at the border, and thousands more will follow in rapid succession, adding: She should be impeached and prosecuted for her actions. In June 2023, Trump also threatened to prosecute Harris boss, Joe Biden. He said at the time: I will appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the history of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and the entire Biden crime family. Trump reposted a Truth Social post calling for televised military tribunals of former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, who was one of just two Republicans to sit on the House panel investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. The post also claimed she was guilty of treason. Cheney later campaigned for Harris during the 2024 presidential election cycle. open image in gallery President-elect Donald Trump gestures as he meets with House Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington on November 13, 2024. Trump has made clear his so-called enemies list, prompting some to worry that he could prosecute them while in office ( REUTERS ) Trump has also suggested that his former Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley be executed for treason, claimed Senator-elect Adam Schiff is a sleazebag and traitor, and should be prosecuted for the damage he has done to our Country and insisted former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi be prosecuted. The president-elect has also repeatedly threatened to prosecute the individuals who have prosecuted him. In the past few years, Trump often took aim at special counsel Jack Smith, who was pursuing two federal criminal cases against Trump. On more than one occasion, Trump has called for Smith to be investigated. At an October rally, Trump suggested Smith should be deported: Jack Smith should be considered mentally deranged. He should be thrown out of the country. He has also targeted Letitia James, the New York Attorney General who oversaw Trumps civil fraud case. Last November in a Truth Social rant, he suggested she campaigned on getting Trump. She should be prosecuted! In February, Trump, two of his sons and top executives of the Trump Organization were dealt a $454 million civil fraud judgment. He appealed the ruling. But since his re-election, Trumps lawyer has asked the New York AG to dismiss the case against him altogether. None of these individuals have been accused of any wrongdoing. Granting pardons to those who have not been charged with or convicted of a crime would be highly unusual, according to the Justice Department. But a few prominent examples include Fords pardon of Nixon and Jimmy Carters pardon of Vietnam draft dodgers. 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 Joe Biden is facing backlash from both Republicans and Democrats after he announced he had pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, despite previously stating he would not do so. The president sent shockwaves through the political world on Sunday night when he announced his decision to grant his son clemency, claiming that Hunter had been selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted by the Department of Justice. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, Biden said. With less than 50 days remaining in the White House, Bidens decision has caused a stir on both sides of the political aisle. Democratic Governor Jared Polis, who publicly called for Biden to step off the Democratic Partys ticket in July, was among the first Democrats to voice their disapproval. The Colorado governor used the presidents own words against him following Donald Trumps conviction on 34 felony counts in May, stating that no one is above the law, showing his disdain that the president had placed his family ahead of the country. While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country, Polis wrote on X, formerly Twitter. open image in gallery Colorado governor Jared Polis has criticized the presidents decision to pardon his son ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation. He continued: Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a Presidents son. Polis wasnt the only Democrat to hit out at the president, however. I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong. This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers, Greg Stanton, a Democratic representative from Arizona, wrote on X. Trump was also quick to condemn his longstanding political rival, calling the move an abuse and miscarriage of justice. open image in gallery Joe Biden announced his decision to pardon his 54-year-old son Hunter on Sunday ( AP ) Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! he posted on Truth Social. Kentucky Rep. James Comer chair of the House oversight committee, which led the House GOP impeachment inquiry into the president last year noted that Biden had lied when he said he would not pardon Hunter Biden. The charges Hunter faced were just the tip of the iceberg in the blatant corruption that President Biden and the Biden Crime Family have lied about to the American people, he continued. Georgia Rep. and MAGA firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene chimed in on X: This pardon is Joe Bidens admission that Hunter is a criminal. Biden tried to throw President Trumps sons in jail, but he lets his son off free even though hes a convict. His FBI and DOJ raided Barrons bedroom and Melanias closet at Mar-a-Lago. Joe Biden is a liar and a hypocrite, all the way to the end. But others welcomed the presidents decision, arguing that Hunter had been unfairly treated by the Justice Department because he is the presidents son. open image in gallery Hunter Biden, pictured in the White House on July 3, said he would devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering ( Getty ) Former US Attorney General Eric Holder posted on X that the pardon is warranted. Heres the reality, he wrote. No USAtty [attorney] would have charged this case given the underlying facts. After a 5 year investigation the facts as discovered only made that clear. Had his name been Joe Smith the resolution would have been fundamentally and more fairly a declination. Pardon warranted. Former Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks agreed. Im relieved and thrilled that he did it. This was one of the cases that called out for clemency, she told MSNBC. Hunter, 54, was convicted of federal gun charges in June and was due to be sentenced on December 12. He was also set to be sentenced on December 16 in a second case, after pleading guilty in September to federal tax evasion charges. In a statement following his fathers announcement, Hunter spoke of his mistakes but claimed they had been weaponized to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport. He added: I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. 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 has chosen his youngest daughters father-in-law to be his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Massad Boulus is the father of Michael Boulos, who married Tiffany Trump in November 2022 at Mar-a-Lago after they got engaged at the White House during Trumps first term. They met on the Greek island of Mykonos at a club owned by actor Lindsay Lohan, People magazine reported in 2022. Trumps pick of the elder Boulos on Sunday was the second time over the weekend that he turned to family to make his appointments. On Saturday, Trump announced that Charles Kushner, the father of Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, would be his ambassador to France. Boulos, a Lebanese-American billionaire with considerable business interests in Nigeria, met with Arab-American and Muslim leaders on several occasions during Trumps election campaign, as he sought to increase Lebanese and Arab-American support amid the Israeli military campaign against Hezbollah. The businessman has influential family ties in Lebanon, with his father and grandfather both having been active in Lebanese politics. His father-in-law was an important financial supporter of the Free Patriotic Movement, a Christian party with ties to Hezbollah. Massad Boulos, right, has been appointed as Trumps senior adviser on the Middle East ( AP ) Boulos was born in Lebanon but moved to Texas as a teenager, attending the University of Houston and eventually becoming a U.S. citizen. He operates Boulos Enterprises, based in Nigeria, which makes motorcycles and mechanical equipment. After getting his law degree, he joined the family business and eventually became the CEO. Boulos is also the CEO of the conglomerate SCOA Nigeria, which operates in the areas of buses, construction equipment, power plants, and food imports. The billionaire has been in contact with his connections in various factions of Lebanese politics, three sources told Reuters. Its a rare accomplishment in Lebanon, where factions are separated by feuds going back decades. Of note is his ability to stay in touch with Hezbollah, the sources told the news agency. The Shiite Muslim party has a large number of seats in the Lebanese parliament and several ministers in the government. Boulos is reportedly friendly with Suleiman Frangieh, a Christian Hezbollah ally and presidential candidate. Hes also in contact with the Lebanese Forces Party, which is an anti-Hezbollah Christian group, and he also has connections to independent lawmakers, according to Reuters. However, Boulos recently pushed back on this version of events in an interview with Newsweek, saying that he wasnt affiliated with any political party in Lebanon, but he added that hes acquainted with most Lebanese Christian leaders. A fellow at the Century Foundation think tank, Aron Lund, said Boulos could influence Trumps Middle East policy after he helped to increase Trump support among Arab American and Muslim voters. Boulos Lebanese political past gives no real indication of a geostrategic or even national vision, but it demonstrates ambition and a set of political allies that will stand out in Trumps circle like a sore thumb, Lund noted, according to the news agency. Trump won Michigan partly because of Bouloss efforts to win over some of the 300,000 Arab American and Muslim voters in the state who mostly backed President Joe Biden in 2020 but who opposed his support of Israel amid its wars in Gaza and Lebanon, according to Trump campaign officials and supporters speaking to Reuters. The co-founder of Muslims for Trump, Rabiul Chowdhury, told the news agency that Boulos played a big role in the outreach to Muslim voters. From September onwards, the Trump campaign organized meetings on a weekly basis with a number of Arab American and Muslim civic and business leaders. Boulos was in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and other states with significant Muslim and Arab American populations during the campaign, telling crowds at private lunches and dinners that Trump wants to end the wars in the Middle East. Just after the election, Boulos told Reuters that the Trump campaign spent tens of millions on getting out the Arab American and Muslim vote. He added that conservative Arab Americans and Muslims were concerned about what they viewed as far left ideology from the Democrats, such as the partys support for transgender rights. Bouloss new post as Middle East adviser to the new president would possibly offer him the kind of political power he was not able to attain in Lebanon. In 2018, he briefly ran for parliament in Lebanon along with candidates backing Hezbollah, but since that time, he hasnt been aligned with any specific party, sources in Lebanon told Reuters. The businessman is from a Greek Orthodox family, which would limit his chances to get a top post in government to the level of the deputy speaker of parliament because of Lebanons secterian powersharing system. The presidency, which is the highest Christian role in Lebanon, remains restricted to Maronite Catholics. 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 Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News host who is currently President-elect Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Department of Defense, once drunkenly shouted kill all Muslims! in the middle of a bar while serving as the president of a veterans group, The New Yorker reports. This is just one of many jaw-dropping allegations included in Jane Mayers deep-dive investigation into Hegseths unprofessional and lewd behavior while leading two separate non-profit advocacy organizations, which includes claims of constant intoxication, financial mismanagement and inappropriate sexual conduct that prompted both groups to eventually boot him from leadership. Additionally, the New Yorker story reveals more details about the alleged 2017 sexual assault that has threatened to derail Hegseths nomination, including the ex-Fox stars attempts to frame his accuser as a serial fabricator of sexual-assault charges despite law enforcement saying that claim is spurious and not supported by evidence. Much of the new revelations in Mayers piece center on a whistleblowers report on Hegseths tenure as the chief of Concerned Veterans for America, which lasted from 2013 to 2016. According to the previously undisclosed report, which was compiled by several CVA employees and sent to the groups management in 2015, Hegseths repeated drunken behavior had become an embarrassment to the rest of the staff. Pete Hegseth faces questions on Capitol Hill over sexual assault allegations. ( REUTERS ) On top of that, he used his position to essentially prey on young female staffers, dividing them into two groups the party girls and the not party girls. The whistleblower report further claimed that CVA had become a hostile workplace, especially for women, with allegations that attempted sexual assaults and harassment had largely been ignored. Meanwhile, in a separate letter of complaint to CVA management, one former employee described Hegseth being at a bar in the early-morning hours of May 29, 2015, while on an official tour through Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, drunkenly chanting Kill All Muslims! Kill All Muslims! While much of the article centers on Hegseths boorish behavior and intoxication while leading CVA and a small nonprofit called Vets for Freedom, which has been described as an AsroTurf group backed by conservative billionaires, it also highlighted allegations that Hegseth grossly mismanaged the finances of both organizations. V.F.F. soon ran up enormous debt, and financial records indicate that, by the end of 2008, it was unable to pay its creditors, Mayer noted. The groups primary donors became concerned that their money was being wasted on inappropriate expenses, including rumors of parties that could politely be called trysts, as the former associate of the group put it. The early sympathizer said, I was not the first to hear that there was money sloshing around and sexually inappropriate behavior in the workplace. Eventually, Hegseth was phased out as head of VFF after he admitted to donors in 2009 that the group had only $1,000 in the bank but owed $434,833 in unpaid bills. It was Hegseths poor management of the organization that led some of the groups former advisers to express grave concerns about his ability to lead a department as large as the Pentagon. I watched him run an organization very poorly, lose the confidence of donors, conservative political commentator and ex-VFF advisor Margaret Hoover told CNN recently. The organization ultimately folded and was forced to merge with another organization who individuals felt could run and manage funds on behalf of donors more responsibly than he could. That was my experience with him. The whistleblower report about Hegseths tenure at CVA, meanwhile, alleges that Hegseth was repeatedly intoxicated at many of the organizations official events. Ive seen him drunk so many times. Ive seen him dragged away not a few times but multiple times. To have him at the Pentagon would be scary, one of the whistleblowers told the New Yorker, adding: When those of us who worked at C.V.A. heard he was being considered for SecDef, it wasnt No, it was Hell No! While the complaint notes that CVA eventually instituted a no alcohol policy at its events in October 2014 due to the public behavior of Hegseth and other managers, Hegseth lifted the policy the following month. The night before the midterm elections that year, he got so inebriated while out with three young female staffers that it took two male staff members to carry him up into a hotel room after he was completely passed out in a van and slumped over a female employee. Later that month, during a trip to Louisiana to assist with a Senate runoff race, Hegseth took his team to a strip club, where according to the report he was so drunk he tried to get on the stage and dance with the strippers. A female staffer who helped restrain Hegseth at the strip club, meanwhile, alleged in the report that another male staff member tried to sexually assault her that night. She claimed that her CVA manager was dismissive and argued the male staffer wasnt responsible for his actions due to his drunkenness. The report states that she eventually received a settlement after filing a formal complaint and hiring outside counsel. According to the New Yorker, Hegseth ultimately resigned in 2016 under pressure from his post as CEO of Concerned Veterans of America. As for the allegation that Hegseth sexually assaulted a woman at a California hotel in 2017, eventually resulting in him secretly paying off the accuser in 2020 to avoid a lawsuit, Hegseth and his lawyer Tim Parlatore told Mayer that sources told him the Monterrey police didnt charge Hegseth because they learned his accuser had previously brought a false rape charge against someone else, thus undermining her credibility. According to Mayer, though, the Monterey County District Attorneys office told her Parlatores claim is spurious and that the office had no such evidence about additional false sexual assault charges levied by the accuser. 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 issued a pardon for his son Hunter following his conviction on federal gun charges, despite previously claiming he would not do so. The president officially announced the decision on Sunday night, saying that his son had been selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted by the Justice Department. In a lengthy statement, he said he hoped the American people would understand his decision as a father. The pardon comes less than two weeks ahead of Hunters sentencing on December 12 for his conviction on federal gun charges back in June. He was also set to be sentenced in a separate criminal case on December 16, after pleading guilty in September to federal tax evasion charges. Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter, Biden said. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. open image in gallery Hunter Biden allegedly hung out with his now ex-girlfriend Lunden Roberts and his brothers widow, Hallie Biden, at Joe Bidens rented house in Virginia ( AP ) Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. In a separate statement on Sunday evening, Hunter Biden said he would never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and would devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. "I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction - mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport, he said. Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years because of my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends. His fathers sudden announcement was a full reversal of the stance he took six months ago when he announced publicly he would not pardon Hunter, should he be convicted. In June ABC News David Muir asked the president point blank if he would accept the outcome of his sons trial. Yes, the president replied, also telling Muir he would rule out pardoning his son if convicted. Biden also told reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case, I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him. open image in gallery Hunter Biden publicly disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 a month after his fathers 2020 victory and was found guilty on federal gun charges in September ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) As recently as November 8, days after Trumps victory, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying, Weve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no. However, in his Sunday statement, Biden went on to claim that the charges against his son had come about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election, and that the carefully negotiated plea deal had subsequently unraveled in the court room. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. The president added: For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. open image in gallery US President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden hug on stage at the conclusion of the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images ) I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. The pardon caps a long-running legal saga for Hunter Biden, who publicly disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 a month after his fathers 2020 victory. He was convicted in June this year in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when, prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. Hunter was also set to stand trial in September in the California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 m in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. He said he was pleading guilty in that case to spare his family more pain and embarrassment after the gun trial aired salacious details about his struggles with a crack cocaine addiction. The tax charges carry up to 17 years behind bars and the gun charges were punishable by up to 25 years in prison, though federal sentencing guidelines were expected to call for far less time and it was possible he would avoid prison time entirely. The president has the authority to grant a pardon to anyone convicted in federal court or by a military court martial. A pardon blocks any further punishment for the forgiven offense and effectively prevents any further consequences of a criminal conviction. The president does not have the authority to grant pardons on state-level convictions. A pardon does not include an expungement of a criminal record, but it will restore most legal disabilities, including voting rights and the ability to sit on a jury and possess a firearm. However, it also does not signify innocence. 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 completed his slate of cabinet secretaries last week in rolling announcements and hidden in his big reveals could be a message of who he appreciates most. The president-elect relied on six compliments when broadcasting picks for his next administration. Sometimes he was proud, other times he was thrilled, and, most of the time, he was pleased. Perhaps these different phrases provide some insight into Trumps thinking. Penta Group partnered with Axios to track how many times Trump used certain terms to introduce his Cabinet and staff picks. There is one final decider and as his statements come out, you can see slight nuances in the language, Penta CEO Matt McDonald told Axios. It kind of reminds meof the old Kremlinology of the Cold War, where people were parsing whatever public indicators there were to tell who was up or who was out. Here is a breakdown of his compliments: Pleased Pleased seemed to be his go-to term, with the president-elect saying it 18 times, more than any other term analyzed. This included when he introduced Tulsi Gabbard to serve as Director of National Intelligence, Mike Huckabee as the US ambassador to Israel, and Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to head DOGE. open image in gallery Donald Trump said he was pleased 18 times when announcing cabinet picks. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Very Pleased By contrast, he was very pleased four times, including when picking Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead Medicare and Medicaid and Dr. Marty Makar to lead the FDA. Most pleased According to Axios, this superlative praise was reserved for just one administration pick: Scott Bessent. The billionaire, who served as an economic advisor to Trumps 2024 campaign, was tapped to serve as treasury secretary. Thrilled Trump said he was thrilled to announce two of his nominees: Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy and Robert F Kennedy Jr as Secretary of Health and Human Services. open image in gallery Donald Trump said he was thrilled to pick Robert F Kennedy Jr as Secretary of Health and Human Services ( Getty Images ) Proud The president-elect was proud to announce four nominees, including Dr Janette Nesheiwat as surgeon general and former Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer as secretary of labor. Honored This term was reserved for just three individuals. Trump was honored to tap Congressman Mike Waltz as his national security adviser, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as UN ambassador, and Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense. open image in gallery Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, recieved high praise. ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Great Honor Trump said it was his great honor in lowercase letters to only one person nominated to serve in his next administration: Linda McMahon. She was tapped to serve as his education secretary. Three others, though, received the same introduction but with a capital G and a capital H, perhaps emphasizing just how great his honor actually was. This list includes Matt Gaetz, the first failed nominee. He withdrew his bid to be the attorney general after a barrage of backlash over his sex trafficking allegations. Marco Rubio, who Trump once referred to as little Marco, was also given the compliment when Trump introduced him as his nominee for secretary of state. Brooke Rollins, Trumps pick for secretary of agriculture, also received the double-capped praise. 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 Some White House staffers are frustrated that they may not get their goodbye photos with President Joe Biden. While his presidency isnt set to end how he and hundreds of staffers had hoped it would by handing off to Vice President Kamala Harris some traditions are neverthelessexpected to endure in his last few weeks in office. The possibility that they may not get their photos with the president is affecting morale and being discussed in group chats, according to Politico. Previously throughout Biden administration, as aides left for other jobs, the photo opportunities would be scheduled with a weeks notice. Staffers would often buy plane tickets for their families so that they would be able to join during the few minutes with the president. Its just been one thing you can sort of count on as a reward for all of your service, a former official, who left in 2022, told the outlet. And its parents feeling fulfilled, too, for all of their work and getting you to this place. It was something staffers looked forward to after a disappointing election night. But now dozens have become upset at the notion of not getting to take the photos with the president. Biden hasnt taken farewell photos for several months, to the confusion of staffers who have often appreciated his personal manner. They just took them off his schedule months ago, and no one knows why, the former official told Politico. Of course the culture is bad over there if theyre not doing the little things. The Office of Management and Administrations employee engagement team recently told managers that it was pleased to invite all current EOP [ Executive Office of the President] political appointees for a departure photo to celebrate your time and work while at the White House in an email obtained by Politico. Joe Biden delivers remarks at a World AIDS Day event on the South Lawn at the White House on December 1, 2024 in Washington, DC. Some White House staffers are frustrated as they possibly might not get their departure photos with the president ( Getty Images ) These will be individual clicks (no guests) with the President in the Oval Office, the email stated to the disappointment of staffers hoping to bring spouses and parents. The photos will take place on a rolling basis during the course of Bidens final weeks in office, according to the email. The photos were taken beginning on November 21, with some staffers already sharing them on social media. Instead of everyone being annoyed by no departure photos, now its only half of the people who are annoyed, a current staffer told Politico. Former senior officials have been frustrated by the images of more junior officials with Biden. Like why did I see an intern turned staff assistant get a photo before me? a disappointed former official said in a group chat, according to the outlet. It makes me annoyed that Im even this annoyed, but its the principle of the matter and a coveted White House experience to get a departure photo, another said. An administration official told Politico last week that former officials would get an invite to take departure photos. A former official told colleagues: These are the staffers who stood with Biden since Day 1, many since the lowest ebbs of the campaign. The staffers who gave everything to this president, who missed anniversaries, birthdays, their own doctors appointments, knowing democracy itself was on the line, deserve at the very least a proper goodbye from the man who says he owes them everything, the official added. 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 Australian police seized a record 2.3 tonnes of cocaine over the weekend after a fishing boat broke down off the Queensland coast, leading to the arrest of at least 13 people. The detained people are suspected to be members of a drug smuggling syndicate aboard a mothership sailing in international waters. This is the biggest haul of cocaine ever seized in Australia, with an estimated resale value of AUS $760m (388m), police said. The drugs came from an unidentified country in South America, investigators in Brisbane said on Monday. The alleged drug traffickers were left stranded on Saturday after their boat suffered a suspected mechanical breakdown 18km off the northeastern tip of Kgari island, formerly known as Fraser Island, police said. Police had been tipped off about the Comancheros motorcycle gang planning a large drug smuggling operation, federal police commander Stephen Jay said. The smugglers tried twice to bring in drugs by sea from a mothership floating hundreds of kilometres offshore, Mr Jay added. The first boat broke down and the second foundered on Saturday, leaving the suspects stranded at sea for several hours until police raided and seized the drugs. They arrested two men at sea and 11 offshore, including two minors under the age of 18. All of them are Australian citizens, police said. The maximum punishment for drug trafficking is life imprisonment. The arrested men include the Brisbane vice president of the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, who is accused of engaging in violence, extortion and trafficking, police said. All suspects have been charged for being part of a criminal syndicate and with conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of drugs into Australia by sea. They are set to be presented in various courts on Monday. "Australia is a very attractive market for organised criminal groups to send drugs such as cocaine," Mr Jay 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 The president of the International Criminal Court lashed out on Monday at Russia for targeting its prosecutors and judges over the panels investigation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and slammed comments by a U.S. senator threatening the court. Judge Tomoko Akane said in her address to the annual meeting of the world's top war-crimes court that attacks against the ICC were shameful referring to Russia's arrest warrants for the courts chief prosecutor Karim Khan and several of its judges. These individuals are "subjected to arrest warrants from a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, merely for having faithfully and diligently carried out their judicial mandate per the statutory framework and international law, she said. Moscow issued warrants for Khan and the others in response to the ICC investigation and arrest warrants for Putin over the war in Ukraine. The Japanese judge also had harsh words for U.S. officials, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has called the court a a rogue and politically motivated organization after the judges last month issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Graham said he was confident Donald Trump's incoming administration would respond forcefully to these actions by the court. The court is being threatened with draconian economic sanctions by another permanent member of the Security Council as if it was a terrorist organization, Akane said, without elaborating. During his last term in office, Trump had sanctioned the courts previous prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, with a travel ban and asset freeze for investigating American troops and intelligence officials in Afghanistan. What is the ICC meeting about? Monday's meeting marks the start this week of the Assembly of States Parties, which represents the ICCs 124 member countries, of the ICC's 23rd conference to elect committee members and approve the courts budget against a backdrop of unfavorable headlines. The ICC was established in 2002 as the worlds permanent court of last resort to prosecute individuals responsible for the most heinous atrocities war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression. The court only becomes involved when nations are unable or unwilling to prosecute those crimes on their territory. To date, 124 countries have signed on to the Rome Statute, which created the institution. Those who have not include the United States, Israel, Russia and China. The ICC has no police force and relies on member states to execute arrest warrants. Warrants for Netanyahu and his ex-defense minister The decision to issue warrants for Netanyahu and Israels former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has been denounced by critics of the court and given only milquetoast approval by many of its supporters, a stark contrast to the robust backing of an arrest warrant for Putin last year over war crimes in Ukraine. President Joe Biden called the warrants for Netanyahu and the former defense minister outrageous and vowed to stand with Israel. A year ago, Biden said the warrant for Putin justified and said the Russian president had committed war crimes. France said it would respect its obligations but would need to consider Netanyahus possible immunities. When the warrant for Putin was announced, France said it would lend its support to the essential work of the court. Another member country, Austria, begrudgingly acknowledged it would arrest Netanyahu but called the warrants utterly incomprehensible. Italy called them wrong but said it would be obliged to arrest him. Germany said it would study the decision. Member Hungary has said it would stand with Israel instead of the court. Global security expert Janina Dill expressed concern such responses could undermine global justice efforts, saying they really have the potential to damage not just the court, but international law. Milena Sterio, an expert in international law at Cleveland State University, told The Associated Press that sanctions against the court could affect a number of people who contribute to the courts work, such as international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney. Clooney advised the current prosecutor on his request for the warrants for Netanyahu and others. Sanctions are a huge burden, Sterio said. Accusations against ICC's chief prosecutor Also hanging heavy over the meeting in The Hague are the internal pressures that Khan, the chief prosecutor, faces. The 54-year-old British lawyer faced allegations that he tried to coerce a female aide into a sexual relationship and groped her, according to an AP report in October. Two co-workers in whom the woman confided reported the alleged misconduct in May to the courts independent watchdog, which says it interviewed the woman and ended its inquiry after five days when she opted against filing a formal complaint. Khan was never questioned. He has denied the claims. The Assembly of States Parties has announced it will launch an external probe into the allegations. Khan, who took the floor after Akane, did not address the accusations against him or the threats against the court beyond saying the institution was facing unprecedented challenges. He instead highlighted his office's request last week for an arrest warrant against the head of Myanmars military government, senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, for attacks against the countrys Rohingya Muslim minority. Judges have yet to decide on that request. Khan also said he planned to request warrants related to Afghanistan and Sudan in the coming months. Late last week, six countries including France, Luxembourg and Mexico asked Khans office to look into possible crimes in Afghanistan since the Taliban took control in 2021. While Khan isnt obligated to open an investigation in response to such a request, historically court prosecutors have done so. The court, which has long faced accusations of ineffectiveness, will have no trials pending after two conclude in December. While it has issued a number of arrest warrants in recent months, many high-profile suspects remain at large. Also, ICC member states don't always act Mongolia, an ICC member, refused to arrest Putin when he visited in September. Sudans former President Omar al-Bashir is wanted by the ICC over accusations related to the conflict in Darfur, but his country has refused to hand him over. It becomes very difficult to justify the courts existence, Sterio 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 Georgias president has appealed to European countries to confront what she described as a Russian attempt to impose control on her nation. President Salome Zourabichvili locked in a standoff with her own government was speaking after a fourth night of clashes between protesters and police after the governing Georgian Dream party announced last week that it was suspending talks on joining the European Union. Critics saw that as confirmation of a Russian-influenced shift away from pro-Western policies and back towards Moscows orbit, something the ruling party denies. We want our European destiny to be returned to us, Ms Zourabichvili, who has personally remonstrated with riot police, told France Inter radio. This is the revolt of an entire country. Ms Zourabichvili, whose powers are mainly ceremonial, said Russia, already at war in Ukraine, was conducting a hybrid strategy against Georgia and other countries such as Moldova and Nato and EU member Romania. There is a very strong need for very clear moral and political support from Europe, said the 72-year-old president, who was born in France to Georgian parents and once served as French ambassador to Georgia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied Russia was interfering in the situation in Georgia, which he compared to the 2014 Maidan revolution in Ukraine that overthrew a pro-Russian president. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev warned on Sunday that Georgia was moving rapidly along the Ukrainian path, into the dark abyss, predicting it would end very badly. The United States and the EU have voiced alarm at what they see as democratic backsliding by Georgia, a South Caucasus country of 3.7 million people that lies at the intersection of Europe and Asia and was once part of the Soviet Union. The government, which earlier this year enacted a law against foreign agents and introduced curbs on LGBT+ rights, says it is acting to protect Georgia against outside interference and prevent it from being dragged, like Ukraine, into a war with Russia. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the opposition of coordinated violence aimed at overthrowing the constitutional order. Mr Kobakhidze ruled out the possibility of talks between the government and the opposition which has boycotted the parliament and backed street protests, Russias TASS news agency reported. On Sunday night, thousands of protesters gathered again in the capital Tbilisi and some tossed fireworks at police, who responded with volleys of water cannon and tear gas. Im here for a very simple reason, to defend my European future and the democracy of my country, said one of the demonstrators, Nikoloz Miruashvili. Some protesters stayed out all night, but police eventually ended the standoff by moving them away from the parliament building. Georgias interior ministry said 21 police officers had been injured in the overnight protest, with 113 hurt since the beginning of the current unrest. Scores of protesters have also been injured in recent days, and the United States has condemned what it called the excessive use of police force. Georgias public ombudsman said 124 out of 156 people arrested at rallies had complained of the police using violence against them, calling this a very disturbing number. Zurab Japaridze, a leader of the opposition movement Coalition for Change, was briefly detained by police but later posted on social media that he had been released. Hundreds of diplomats and civil servants have signed open letters protesting against the decision to suspend talks with the EU and stop receiving any funds from the bloc for four years. At least four Georgian ambassadors have resigned. Ilia Topuria, a martial arts fighter with a major following in the country, wrote in an Instagram post: I am opposed to the decision to terminate our accession negotiations to the European Union. I am ashamed to see how the children of Georgia are treated. This is not called freedom. Ms Zourabichvili says she will not step down as president when her term expires this month because the parliament that will select her successor was chosen in October elections that the opposition says were rigged. Reuters For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Volkswagen workers have begun mass strikes across Germany as the company threatens to cut pay and close factories to combat a slack European car market. The strikes come amid a spate of warnings from European carmakers that a lack of demand for electric cars, as well as competition from China, has left the industry in crisis. Volkswagen workers have launched rolling two-hour strikes at nine factories across Germany to underline their resistance to the cuts. It is the first time in its 87-year history that Volkswagen is considering factory closures in Germany, as European manufacturers struggle against foreign competition, high production costs, and slow adoption of electric vehicles. Among the affected sites is the Wolfsburg plant, where employees are preparing to rally against the carmakers cost-cutting measures. These warning strikes, a standard strategy in German wage negotiations, coincide with discussions for a new labour agreement following the expiration of a mandatory peace period that had prohibited strikes since Sunday. IG Metall, the industrial union, stated that any further job actions beyond Monday would be announced in due course. Recently, Stellantis, which owns Vauxhall, revealed plans to shut its Luton van factory, jeopardising 1,100 jobs. This was followed by the sudden resignation of CEO Carlos Tavares, after the companys value plummeted by approximately 40 per cent this year. Sources disclosed to the Financial Times that Tavares clashed with the board over his push for a stringent electric vehicle strategy to comply with EU emissions regulations, whereas the board favoured a more adaptable approach to maintain plant operations and profit margins. The head of Fords UK division also warned last month that the British car industry faces a crisis due to the severe lack of demand for electric vehicles. To address the issue, Volkswagen has proposed a 10 per cent pay cut for its 120,000 German employees and suggested closing three of its German plants. Workers representatives have voiced strong opposition to these measures. open image in gallery Daniela Cavallo, Chairwoman of the Volkswagen General Works Council, speaks at a strike rally on the site of the Volkswagen (VW) main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany ( EPA ) Thorsten Groger, the regional head of IG Metall in Lower Saxony, where Volkswagens headquarters are located, asserted that the company would not be able to ignore the walkouts. "If necessary, this will be one of the toughest conflicts Volkswagen has ever seen," he said. Volkswagen has not publicly outlined its plans, but it is contending with reduced demand in Europe, rising costs, and heightened competition from Chinese automakers. The company initially built factories to serve a European market anticipating 16 million annual vehicle sales, but current demand has fallen to around 14 million. This shortfall translates to a loss of 500,000 cars per year for Volkswagen, which holds a quarter of the market, according to Thomas Schaefer, head of the Volkswagen brand, as reported by German newspaper Welt am Sonntag. Previously, robust profits from China helped offset higher costs, but the shifting landscape now necessitates urgent action, Mr Schaefer added. Volkswagen insists it must reduce costs in Germany to match those of its competitors and its own plants in Eastern Europe and South America. Daniela Cavallo, the chief employee representative, argued that workers should not bear the brunt of managements failure to produce appealing products and develop an affordable entry-level electric vehicle. We demand that everyone contributes - management and shareholders included, Ms Cavallo said at the Wolfsburg rally, amid a backdrop of drumming, whistling, and applause from employees. Ms Cavallo indicated that the upcoming round of talks, scheduled for next week, will be decisive. "Its likely to set the course - rapprochement or escalation. We are ready for both," she asserted. The strikes, which began in Zwickau, eastern Germany, are expected to continue at factories in Braunschweig, Chemnitz, Dresden, Emden, Hanover, Kassel, and Salzgitter. The next negotiations are set for 9 December. 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 Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad has fallen, bringing a shocking end to his familys 50-year reign following a lightning offensive by Islamist rebels. The presidents whereabouts remain unknown after reports he left Damascus early on Sunday as opposition fighters entered Damascus. It was the first time opposition forces had reached the capital since 2018 when Syrian troops recaptured areas on the outskirts of the capital following a years-long siege. open image in gallery People celebrate at Umayyad Square in Damascus ( AFP via Getty Images ) A video shared on Syrian opposition media showed a group of armed men escorting Syrian prime minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali out of his office and to the Four Seasons hotel on Sunday. Interventions by Russia, Iran, Hezbollah and others have allowed him to remain in power within the parts of Syria under his control. But no international help for the deposed leader appears forthcoming. Incoming US president Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social: Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by (President) Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer, open image in gallery Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has fled the country his family ruled for 30 years ( AFP via Getty Images ) Here is a look at some of the key aspects of the new developments: Whats the latest? The military command of the Syrian opposition says its fighters have entered the capital Damascus claiming that it is free of President Bashar Assads rule. The so-called Military Command Administration said Assad had fled without giving further details. His departure marks the end of the 54-year Assad family rule of Syria with an iron fist. His father Hafez Assad came to power in a bloodless coup in 1970 and ruled until his death in 2000. Bashar Assad was elected weeks after his fathers death and ruled Syria until he was overthrown on Sunday. The command declared the end of the dark period and the beginning of a new era in Syria. State television in Iran - Assads main backer in the years of war in Syria - reported terrorists had entered Damascus and that Assad had left the capital. An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported seeing groups of armed residents along the road on the outskirts of the capital and hearing gunshots. The citys main police headquarters appeared to be abandoned, its door left ajar with no officers outside. Another shot footage of an abandoned army checkpoint, uniforms discarded on the ground under a poster of Assads face. In the early hours of Sunday, Syrian rebel commander Hassan Abdul Ghany said that insurgent forces fully liberated Syrias central city of Homs. A rebel commander said they had also taken control of an army camp and villages outside the city. The Syrian military, which has been reinforcing Homs and hammering the rebels with intense airstrikes, did not immediately comment on the reports. Homs, parts of which were controlled by insurgents until 2014, is a major intersection point between Damascus and Syrias coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, where President Assad enjoyed wide support and where his Russian allies have a naval base and airbase. Homs province is Syrias largest and borders Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan. Earlier the rebels said they seized control of the southern city of Daraa the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against Assad as they pressed on with their lightning advance. The Syrian army withdrew from much of southern Syria on Saturday, leaving more areas of the country, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. This change presents an opportunity to build a new Syria based on democracy and justice that secures the rights of all Syrians, the leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces Mazloum Abdi said in a written statement, praising the fall of the authoritarian regime in Damascus. The Kurdish-led group has a significant presence in northeastern Syria, where they have clashed with the extremist Islamic State group and Turkish-backed militias over the years. open image in gallery Rebel forces shoot in the air as they parade in their vehicles through the streets of the central Syrian city of Homs ( AFP via Getty Images ) Rebel commander Colonel Hassan Abdulghani said the insurgents advanced in the countryside around Idlib, putting all of the province of the same name under their control. This could not be independently confirmed. Military vehicles abandoned by Syrian troops dotted the roads in Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province as people posed and took pictures atop an abandoned tank on a highway. What implications could the insurgency have? The Islamist rebels dealt a major blow to the influence of Russia and Iran in the heart of the region, key allies who propped up Assad during critical periods in the conflict. The collapse followed a shift in the balance of power in the Middle East after many leaders of Lebanons Iranian-backed Hezbollah group, a lynchpin of Assads battlefield force, were killed by Israel over the past two months. Russia, Assads other key ally, has been focused on the war in Ukraine. Turkey-backed Syrian forces have taken control of some 80 per cent of northern Syrias Manbij area and are close to victory against Kurdish forces there, a Turkish security source said. Stabilising western areas of Syria captured in the rebels advance will be key. Western governments, which have shunned the Assad-led state for years, must decide how to deal with a new administration in which a globally designated terrorist group - Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - looks set to have influence. The US will continue to maintain its presence in eastern Syria and will take measures necessary to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State, deputy assistant secretary of defence for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro told the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrains capital on Sunday. Before its defeat, Islamic State imposed a reign of terror in large swathes of Syria and Iraq. At a conference in Doha, Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan said terrorist organisations must not be allowed to take advantage of the situation in Syria, and called on everyone to act with caution. HTS, which spearheaded the rebel advances across western Syria, was formerly an al Qaeda affiliate known as the Nusra Front until its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, severed ties with the global jihadist movement in 2016. The real question is how orderly will this transition be, and it seems quite clear that Golani is very eager for it to be an orderly one, said Joshua Landis, a Syria expert and director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma. Golani will not want a repeat of the chaos that swept Iraq after US-led forces toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003, he said, adding: They are going to have to rebuild ... they will need Europe and the US to lift sanctions. HTS is Syrias strongest rebel group and some residents remain fearful it will impose draconian Islamist rule or instigate reprisals. Assad has been at war with opposition forces seeking his overthrow for 13 years, in a conflict which has claimed an estimated 500,000 lives. Some 6.8 million Syrians have fled the country over the course of the war, mostly resettling in Turkey. Nearly 1.3 million people have been granted protection in EU countries, as of last year. open image in gallery An anti-government fighter holds a weapon as he keeps position near a defaced portrait of Assad, in the city of Hama ( AFP via Getty Images ) The US has around 900 troops in northeast Syria, far from Aleppo, to guard against a resurgence by the Islamist terror group Isis. Both the US and Israel conduct occasional strikes in Syria against government forces and Iran-allied militias. Turkey also has forces in Syria and has influence with the broad alliance of opposition forces storming Aleppo. What do we know about the group leading the insurgency? The US and UN have long designated HTS as a terrorist organisation. Its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, emerged as the leader of al-Qaidas Syria branch in 2011, in the first months of Syrias war. His fight was an unwelcome intervention to many in Syrias opposition, who hoped to keep the fight against Assads brutal rule untainted by violent extremism. open image in gallery Abu Mohammed al-Golani analyses a military map of Syria Golani early on claimed responsibility for deadly bombings, pledged to attack Western forces and sent religious police to enforce modest dress by women. He has sought to refashion himself in recent years, renouncing his al-Qaida ties in 2016, disbanding his religious police force, cracking down on extremist groups in his territory, and portraying himself as a protector of other religions, including by allowing the city of Idlibs first Christian mass in years. What is the history of Aleppo in the war? At the crossroads of trade routes and empires for thousands of years, Aleppo is one of the centres of commerce and culture in the Middle East. open image in gallery ( AFP via Getty Images ) Aleppo was home to 2.3 million people prior to the war breaking out in 2011. Rebels seized the east side of the city in 2012, and it became the proudest symbol of the advance of armed opposition factions. In 2016, government forces backed by Russian airstrikes laid siege to the city. Russian shells, missiles and crude barrel bombs fuel canisters or other containers loaded with explosives and metal methodically levelled neighbourhoods. Starving and under siege, rebels surrendered Aleppo that year. The Russian military's entry was the turning point in the war, allowing Assad to stay on in the territory he held. This year, Israeli airstrikes in Aleppo have hit Hezbollah weapons depots and Syrian forces, among other targets, according to an independent monitoring group. Israel rarely acknowledges strikes at Aleppo and other government-held areas of Syria. 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 Hundreds of fighters from Iran-backed Iraqi militias have crossed into Syria to help the regime of Bashar al-Assad fight off an insurgency across much of the northwest of the country, which has seen the seizure of the second city of Aleppo. The Syrian government, meanwhile, said Syrian and Russian air forces were striking rebel-held positions in the countryside east of Aleppo. The government said the military was working to secure a string of towns that runs along the frontline north of Hama, between Aleppo and Damascus. A Syrian army source told Reuters that the Iran-backed militias are fresh reinforcements being sent to aid our comrades on the front lines in the north. Irans constellation of allied militias, which have long proved useful to Assad, have maintained bases in Syria. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said on Monday that Syrias military was capable of confronting the rebels but, referring to the regional militia groups Tehran backs, he added that groups will help and Iran will provide any support needed. The White Helmets rescue organisation and residents of rebel-held areas in the north said warplanes had hit residential areas of Aleppo city and a displaced peoples camp in Idlib province where seven people were killed, including five children. The lightning assault last week dealt Assad his biggest blow in years, reigniting a war that had appeared frozen for years. Syrias conflict erupted in a rebellion against Assads rule in 2011 and the rebels held much of Aleppo from 2012 until 2016, when government forces retook it with help from Russia and Iran-backed militia in a turning point of the war. open image in gallery People stand near a burning car at the site of an airstrike that targeted Syria's rebel-held northern city of Idlib ( AFP via Getty ) Russia has said it continues to back Assad, although it is unclear how much military support it can provide beyond airstrikes, given the war in Ukraine. The main Iran-backed group, Lebanons Hezbollah, has been focused on its own conflict with Israel since the war in Gaza began last year and sources have suggested it has little intention of sending resources to help Assad right now. Turkeys foreign minister said the advance, led by Islamist militants from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), shows that Assad must reconcile with his own people. At a joint news conference in Ankara with his Iranian counterpart, Hakan Fidan blamed the flare-up on the Syrian governments refusal to enter a dialogue with the opposition that Turkey supports. Recent developments show once again that Damascus must reconcile with its own people and the legitimate opposition, the Turkish minister said. Turkey is ready to make all the necessary contribution toward this. On the ground, Abu Obaida, 38, who is in Aleppo, said: The constant fear among the citizens is the airstrikes from the Syrian or Russian army. But he added that markets were open, and while telephone and internet access had been hit, people were trying to continue their lives. That fear of strikes is replicated in other areas of the countrys northwest, which were devastated during the civil war. Bilal Bihari, who is in Maarat al Numan between Aleppo and Hama, said of the advance by opposition forces: Certainly, everyone today is overjoyed at the prospect of returning to their cities, villages, and homes. However, most, if not all, of these homes are either completely or partially destroyed and require significant repair and restoration. The areas that have been liberated are largely out of service and in dire need of infrastructure and essential services. It will take some time for these regions to recover and become habitable again. Given that these regions have been recently liberated, they are likely to face continued targeting, especially by warplanes, he added. The situation on the ground, despite the recent successes [by insurgents], does not yet reflect a conclusive or comprehensive outcome. Most people are optimistic, yet many are also concerned about the future because things are uncertain and constantly changing. 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 UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, has stopped aid deliveries through the main Karem Abu Salem crossing into Gaza due to security concerns, including theft by armed gangs. We are pausing the delivery of aid through Kerem Shalom, the main crossing point for humanitarian aid into Gaza, Unrwa head Philippe Lazzarini said, using the Israeli name for the crossing. The road out of this crossing has not been safe for months. On 16 November, a large convoy of aid trucks was stolen by armed gangs. Hunger is worsening in Gaza amid Israels continued siege, bombardment and aid restrictions. The agency reported last week that most of its attempts to deliver aid to northern Gaza had been denied by the Israeli forces even as looting of convoys continued. Out of the 91 attempts the agency has made to deliver aid to besieged north Gaza between October 6 and November 25, it said, 82 have been denied and 9 impeded. Yesterday, we tried to bring in a few food trucks on the same route. They were all taken, Mr Lazzarini said. This difficult decision comes at a time hunger is rapidly deepening. The delivery of humanitarian aid must never be dangerous or turn into an ordeal. In Gaza, the humanitarian operation has become unnecessarily impossible due to the ongoing siege, hurdles from Israeli authorities, political decisions to restrict the amounts of aid, lack of safety on aid routes and targeting of local police. Unrwas announcement came soon after an Israeli attack on Saturday killed three contractors with the US charity World Central Kitchen, one of whom the Israeli military alleged was involved in the Hamas attack on southern Israel last October, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage. Israel has been accused of using starvation as a tactic of its war on Gaza. The war, according to the local health ministry, has killed over 44,000 Palestinians so far. Palestinians gather to receive bags of flour distributed by Unrwa in Deir al Balah, central Gaza, on 2 November 2024 ( AP ) Unrwa emergency officer Louise Wateridge told Al Jazeera that the attacks on aid convoys were ongoing since May. That has led to desperation of people, who dont have what they need and it has led and forced criminal activities. The UN reported last month that the war had killed 333 aid workers, including 243 Unrwa employees. The same month, Israel announced the termination of its agreement with Unrwa, alleging that Hamas members had infiltrated the agency, a claim denied by the UN agency. The move aligned with recent Israeli legislation aimed at cutting ties with the UN agency, raising concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where it has been serving millions of Palestinian refugees. 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 ChatGPT users have spotted an unusual glitch that prevents the AI chatbot from saying the name David Mayer. OpenAIs hugely popular AI tool responds to requests to write the name with an error message, stating: Im unable to produce a response. The chat thread is then ended, with people forced to open a new chat window in order to keep interacting with ChatGPT. The issue has raised concerns about tech companies like OpenAI using their platforms to censor information. I think the lesson here is that ChatGPT is going to be highly controlled to protect the interests of those with the ways and means to make it do so, one user wrote on a ChatGPT forum. Other users have shared various attempts to trick the AI bot into saying the name David Mayer, including ciphers and riddles, but none have worked. open image in gallery ChatGPT automatically stops working when it attempts to write the name David Mayer ( Screenshot/ The Independent ) One user even changed their name to David Mayer through their personalisation settings, and asked ChatGPT to recite the account information, however this also failed. ChatGPT itself is not able to give any information about why it is unable to write the name, with the chatbot claiming to not have any restrictions on writing specific names unless they fall under specific privacy or copyright criteria. The Independent has reached out to OpenAI for more information. open image in gallery A figurine pictured in front of a computer screen in Mulhouse, eastern France on 19 October , 2023 ( Getty Images ) Some users have speculated that the glitch could be related to David Mayer de Rothschild, heir to the Rothschild fortune, who may have filed a request under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) act. This data protection law allows people to request technology companies like Google to remove their name and information from the internet. The name does not appear to be restricted on any major search engine, or on any of ChatGPTs main competitors. Other names that trigger a similar result on ChatGPT include David Faber, Brian Hoods, Jonathan Turley and Jonathan Zittrain. One ChatGPT user discovered a way to partially get around the glitch by inputting the request say David: Mayer, followed by, now replace colon with nbsp:. Attempts to replicate the technique shows that any further attempt to write the name by ChatGPT results in the same error message. open image in gallery Reddit user Bitanuki discovered a way to bypass the glitch using a non-breaking space (nbsp), however it only partially works ( Screenshot/ The Independent ) OpenAI recently secured $6.6 billion in funding that values the company at $157 billion, making it the worlds most valuable AI-focussed company. This is largely driven by the success of ChatGPT, which became the most-downloaded app in history when it launched in November 2022. The company is currently considering plans to introduce advertising into its AI platforms, according to a report in the Financial Times on Monday, which would allow it to monetise its 250 million ChatGPT users beyond paid subscriptions. An abuse and miscarriage of Justice!. Its quite something to make Donald Trump sound righteous and statesmanlike, but hes right, for a change. In the dying days of his administration, poor old Joe Biden has somehow managed to make Trump look good. He has, understandably but unforgivably, done what he always said he would not do and put family before country. He has legitimatised judicial nepotism. Hes fed the conspiracy theorists. Granting his son Hunter Biden an unconditional presidential pardon for anything and everything the black sheep of the family might have gotten up to over the last decade has done incalculable damage to Bidens own legacy, to the office of the presidency and to the country itself. At a stroke of the presidential pen, Joe Biden has legitimised the notion that the US justice system has been biased and weaponised. He has given Trump all the precedent and one hesitates to use the phrase moral authority to spray a golden shower of pardons over the 6 January insurrectionists, Alex Jones, Steve Bannon and, indeed, potentially hundreds of Trump family members and associates who missed out on a comprehensive pardon last time Trump was in office. Not only that, but it gives Trump every excuse (and he never needed much of one) to weaponise the justice system and to deploy the FBI and other federal law enforcement to persecute political enemies and innocent public servants who were doing their jobs. Of course, herein lies the key to Bidens decision, because of his fear that Trump would use his power to exact his self-declared aim of retribution and his son would be selectively and unfairly prosecuted. President Biden will have heard Trumps vengeful rhetoric, but perhaps it was the prospective sacking of the current FBI chief, James Wray and his replacement by Trump zealot Kash Patel that forced Biden to break his solemn pledge. He will not have done so lightly. He must have imagined that Trump and his cronies would find some way to put Hunter Biden in the electric chair, or else drive Hunter to such dark despair and isolation that he, Joe Biden, would lose another son before his time. Any parent would have some sympathy for that. Yet, ironically, the move sullies the Biden family name, emboldens Trump with a priceless inaugural gift and erodes what remains of Americans trust in their government and system of justice. It looks like one system of justice for friends and family of the elite of both parties and another for all of us. Granted, successive presidents (not least Trump in 2021) have doled out some highly questionable acts of clemency. Bill Clintons farewell crop in 2001 included a pardon for his half-brother Roger for drug-related charges. Donald Trump himself, now so outraged by nepotism, granted a pardon to his son-in-laws father, Charles Kushner, for serious offences. As things stand, Kushner Senior is about to become US ambassador to Paris a nice job while another Trump daughter (Tiffany)s father-in-law, Massad Boulos, will be the Middle East envoy. We all recall the senior advisory roles played by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump in the 2017-21 era. We should not be surprised to see Barron Trump installed as head of the Internal Revenue Service, ideal training for a young man with a bright future in the always fiscally adventurous Trump Organization. What the boy lacks in experience he makes up for in DNA and a disquieting resemblance to his dad (which surely counts for much). It all feels a bit mafia-like, and that is what makes it all the more dismaying that Biden has apparently thought to himself, Whats good for a Trump is good enough for any Biden. Its dismal. And its wrong. Its also wrong that the pardon dates back to 2014 covering, suspiciously, Biden Jrs bizarre (and lucrative) sojourn in Ukraine. It was always a strange thing that the son of the vice-president of the United States should have found himself, with no previous experience in natural resources, or the region, at the age of 44, catapulted into an extraordinarily well-paid and senior-level job at a Ukrainian energy giant. He couldnt even speak the language. What was Joe thinking then, allowing his son to take such a role, with all the temptations and reputational risks it necessarily entailed? When Trump, as president, made his notorious call to Zelensky looking for dirt on Hunter Biden, he knew what he was doing. It wont stop him looking for that same dirt now pardon or not and he will do everything in his power to destroy what remains of Joe Bidens legacy. Who will pardon Joe Biden for the damage hes done? Booking.com aims to persuade US court this week for retrial in Ryanair case Judge in Delaware will hear arguments on Friday from both parties Ryanair group chief executive Michael OLeary. Photo: Getty John Mulligan Mon 2 Dec 2024 at 03:30 A US court will this week hear arguments from online travel giant Booking.com as it pushes for the retrial of a case it lost during the summer that was taken against it by Ryanair. Call to consider inquiry into director behaviour as updates warn of a materially lower return than first estimated The Tansterne biomass plant was to be recommissioned to pay back millions owed to investors The overseer of the Solar 21 restructuring scheme from which thousands of Irish people hope to be repaid hundreds of millions has told investors that it is not its role to ask the High Court or an insolvency practitioner to review the previous conduct of the firms directors. In its latest update to Solar 21 investors many of whom invested six-figure sums in a renewable energy scheme run by the troubled Rathcoole-based investment firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) warned they were likely to get back a materially lower amount than they have been expecting. Questions have been raised about whether an application to the court, or the appointment of an insolvency practitioner, should be considered to review the previous conduct of the directors of the group, said A&Ms latest update on the progress of the restructuring of the Solar 21 scheme. Solar 21 co-founders Michael and Andrew Bradley A&M said an application to the court on that basis was not a matter the restructuring supervisors have considered nor is it part of their role as set out in the schemes. A Solar 21 spokesperson said an exhaustive amount of work was done to get this legally complex arrangement through the High Court and every aspect of the history of the projects has been examined in great detail. It is disappointing that despite this history and the comprehensive High Court process, there remain voices that question the previous behaviour of the directors of the group. No detailed information on the allegations has been presented to the group and the group is not aware of any steps being taken in relation to these unspecified allegations. It is fully appreciated that the financial returns of these investments have been disappointing to investors, but the directors continue to work diligently and in good faith to maximise the returns. There is concern amongst some scheme investors regarding the timing and quantum of their potential recovery Solar 21, which was founded by brothers Michael and Andrew Bradley and which owes investors in a number of different schemes about 300m, had sought backing in the High Court last year for the restructuring scheme. It told the court that it could potentially deliver at least 80pc of what investors were owed far above what they would get if the group were to be declared insolvent. In its latest report to investors, A&M said that there is concern amongst some scheme investors regarding the timing and quantum of their potential recovery. It was likely that, whilst not yet quantifiedthe return for scheme investors could be materially lower than the estimate provided, it said. The report added that management had committed to providing an updated estimate of the potential return but only once a number of issues had been resolved. Progress and potential realisations were at levels below those forecast in the schemes in several key areas, said the report. That included higher-than-expected costs and delays associated with the recommissioning of the Tansterne Biomass Plant which it had hoped to sell for as much as 100m (120m) as a central part of its plan to repay investors but which was now likely to be sold prior to the recommissioning being completed, and at a lower value. The Lincolnshire project, an artist's impression The report said that the company had received legal advice that its failure to complete the recommissioning of the biomass plant within the nine months allowed for under the restructuring had not caused it to default. Regardless of whether an event of default has arisen, A&M said it had the power to apply to the High Court for directions in relation to any matter regarding the restructuring. In principle, this could include an application to court if we believed that the schemes were no longer likely to deliver a better outcome to the scheme investors than the alternative insolvency scenario if the schemes ended, it said. We consider that such an application is not currently in the interests of the scheme, it said. Solar 21s investor liaison committee had questioned at a meeting both last week and in late October whether the restructuring scheme should be referred back to the High Court but had concluded on both occasions that such a referral was not appropriate.at this time. The committee said it would reassess its opinion on this once the outcome of the Tansterne sales process was known and it had received an indicative market price for the sale of its proposed North Lincolnshire project. That project which it also hopes to sell for about 100m faces further delays after the British government pushed out a planning decision until next March adding to the uncertainty around whether permission will ultimately be granted. The A&M report revealed that Solar 21 management was trying to identify through various contacts a civil servant at the UKs Department for Energy Security and Net Zero that it can discuss the matter with informally to try to understand further the source of the delay to the decision and any concerns regarding an approval being received at the next decision date. A contact has been identified, and management is seeking to arrange an informal call or meeting, it said, adding that no response had yet been received. Asking for a friend: I hate that my girlfriend tells her friends everything about our sex life and the arguments we have Judge says 'it is lambing seasons and dogs won't be chasing big sheep, they will be chasing baby sheep' as he issues bench warrant for attendance of dog owner in court When barrister and farmer Diarmuid Phelan pulled out a lethal weapon and fired it in the direction of an intruder during an altercation, it was at the very least a disproportionate and excessive response, his trial has heard. Man who rented properties across Ireland to use as brothels was found with child abuse material on phone Dad was never given a chance woman who lost father as Covid-19 chaos hit HSE Dervilla Ruttledge recalls horrific weeks leading up to death of parent Des in May 2020 Dervilla Ruttledge with a framed photo of her late parents, Des and Nell. Photo: Gerry Mooney Catherine Fegan Mon 2 Dec 2024 at 03:30 The sight of the strange man in the hospital bed stopped Dervilla Ruttledge in her tracks. Seats filled: 5 10.15pm Niamh Smyth and Brendan Smith take final two seats Elected; David Maxwell (Fine Gael), Matt Carthy (Sinn Fein), Cathy Bennett (Sinn Fein), Niamh Smyth (Fianna Fail), Brendan Smith (Fianna Fail). The longest three days! At last its all over at the Cavan Monaghan count after almost 47 hours of counting as Fianna Fails Niamh Smyth and Brendan Smith were elected without reaching the quota Niamh Smyth got 202 votes from Cathy Bennetts surplus which put her on 11,058 and Brendan Smith got 270 votes which brought him to 10,886 and Aontus Sarah OReilly got a considerable 938 votes which gave her a tally 10,067. Niamh Smyth And if Sinn Fein are good at celebrating then Fianna Fail got quite vocal too as loudly cheering supporters lifted Niamh Smyth and Brendan Smith shoulder high. Brendan Smith Mr Smith has now won eight General Elections in this constituency while Niamh Smyth is in her third term as a TD in the region And then the elected TDs gave the litany of thank you to their supporters. Over and out. 8.15pm: Cathy Bennett elected It was elation once again for Sinn Fein as first time candidate Cathy Bennett won a seat to Dail Eireann amid wild celebrations in the Cavan Leisure when she was elected- as she prevailed on a final tally. Bennetts supporters sang Oro Se Do Bheatha Abhaile at full pitch this evening. Cathy Bennett got 3,281 votes from Matt Carthys transfers putting her on 13,383 and giving her a surplus of 1,841 to be distributed between Fianna Fails Brendan Smith and Niamh Smyth and Aontus Sarah OReilly who had an impressive campaign. Niamh Smyth is on 10,856 after getting 73 from Carthys surplus while Brendan Smith got 94 pushing him to 10,616. Aontus Sara OReilly got 131 from Carthys surplus and is on 9,129 and looks like she will finish in sixth place. Cathy Bennett But, there was a heavy feeling of inevitability on the 13th count as Cathy Bennett, Brendan Smith, and Niamh Smyth relaxed with their families and friends so you had none of the quaintly manic nail biting of other elections where a delicious sense of hope and wonder filled the air. Smith and Smyth are sitting TDs and Fianna Fails vote has increased by around 600 votes while Sinn Feins overall vote is down around 2000 votes while Fine Gaels vote is down around 5,000 votes. But they will be happy to have held the seat that ex Minister Heather Humphreys worked so hard to win and first timer David Maxwell has big shoes to fill. But for those who won, it was all worth the trudging of the winding roads of Cavan and Monaghan in the deep winter was all worthwhile. For, seats in Dail Eireann are becoming increasingly popular not to mention lucrative as shown by the large number of various candidates who go forward with no hope of being elected. But, hey, thats democracy and many died for that right. And while we rightly gurn about late hours-there is still something truly egalitarian about the old ballot box. Losing narrowly can also, be cruel as evidenced by Sinn Pauline Tullys clear distress and Aontus Sarah OReilly who fought a valiant campaign but just came up short. But with one more count to go, Brendan Smith and Niamh Smyth will be elected. 6.15pm Carthy is elected Matt Carthy of Sinn Fein was mobbed by a big phalanx of supporters when he was finally elected at 5.45 pm on the 12th count at Cavan Leisure Centre. The poll topper finished on a tally of 15,121 votes which was 3579 votes above the quota of 11,542. He received 4,140 of his eliminated colleague Pauline Tullys distributed votes while his party colleague Cathy Bennett got 1,882 and is on 10,102 votes and looks certain to take a second Sinn Fein seat when Carthys distribution of his 3579 surplus votes take place. Meanwhile it also looks certain that Fianna Fail will take the other two seats as Niamh Smyth is on 10,787 after getting 470 transfers from Pauline Tully. Her party colleague Brendan Smith is on 10,522 votes after getting 460 votes from Tullys votes. And Aontu candidate Sarah OReilly got 8990 after getting 508 transfers from Tullys tally. We are now on the 13th count where Carthys surplus of 3579 will be distributed among the remaining four candidates. This count is expected to take an houror so. 5.40 pm day three The canteen in the Cavan Leisure Centre has been doing great business as some grumpy, hungry dehydrated hacks and other exhausted parties are stocking up on sandwiches and sugar rushes as we come to terms with the fact that this is the longest running count in the country. Counting of eliminated Sinn Fein candidate Pauline Tully's votes began at 2.20 and it is still continuing at 5.30 pm as some count followers fight to stay awake. It is expected (health warning) that their votes will be distributed around 6pm and we might be finished by 7pm. That's a big might as we go into our 44th hour of counting...a marathon among the rolling hills of Breffni. Cavan/Monaghan has the unenviable record of being the slowest count in the country to elect a TD so all hands were determined to put in a strong finish-but they should not have been asked to work totally unacceptable hours. 3pm Monday - Pauline Tully loses her seat Sitting Sinn Fein TD Pauline Tully has lost her seat, as Sinn Feins bold strategy of fielding three candidates just fell short in the Cavan Leisure Centre. The Kilnaleck County Cavan secondary school teacher finished with a total 7868, votes just behind her party colleague Cathy Bennett who is now set to take her first seat from Tullys transfers. Bennett, who is a theatre manager in Monaghan has a total of 8,220 votes and will be a first time TD. She benefited from 110 transfer votes from fellow North Monaghan elected candidate David Maxwell while Tully received just six votes. Maxwell had a surplus of 811 and the remainder of his votes were 83 to Matt Carthy, 83 to Sarah OReilly Aontu, 255 to Fianna Fails Brendan Smith and 274 to Niamh Smyth. At present, Maxwell is leading the poll on 12,353 votes with Carthy second on 10,981, Niamh Smyth third on 10,313, Brendan Smith, on 10,062 in fourth and Aontus Sarah OReilly on 10,062 in fifth place. Carthy will exceed the quota after Tullys votes are distributed and they might just earn a seat for Bennett as well. No candidate has reached the quota of 11,542 but Carthy will exceed that on the 12th count. We are now awaiting the results of the distribution of Tullys 7868 votes which could take quite some time. 1pm Monday Counting resumes Counting has resumed in Cavan. Counting has just begun at 1pm today at the Cavan Monaghan election count after Fine Gaels David Maxwell took his first seat for the party amid scenes of wild jubilation in the Cavan Leisure Centre around 4.20 am last night. Only one of the five seats have been filled. At present it looks likely that Sinn Fein will have two elected along with two from Fianna Fail. The consensus here is that Brendan Smith and Niamh Smyth will take seats for Fianna Fail. Matt Carthy is a cert for Sinn Fein and will top the poll. And had Cathy Bennett not been put forward in North Monaghan, Carthy would possibly have finished with an impressive almost 19,000 votes. But sitting Cavan Monaghan TD Pauline Tully could have a battle on her hands to keep her seat. She is on 7,862 with fellow Sinn Fein candidate Cathy Bennett on 8110 with observers suggesting that Tully might just be edged out by Bennett. At present David Maxwells surplus of 811 will be distributed. We have just started the 11th count-but with six candidates still in the running, it could be quite a long day here-especially given the remarkably slow pace of counting. 4.15 am Maxwell takes seat Fine Gaels David Maxwell was elected TD for Cavan Monaghan for the first time- after a 43 hour count in the Cavan Leisure Centre. The 58-year-old North Monaghan councillor and undertaker finished with a whopping 12,353 and fills the shoes of his long time mentor Heather Humphreys who was at the count to share in her proteges triumph. The father-of two has been a councillor for 20 years. Geography played a part in his triumph as he got 1788 votes from the eliminated North Monaghan Fianna Fail candidate Robbie Gallagher. He was duly elected with a surplus of 811 votes to loud cheers from his supporters. Matt Carthy of Sinn Fein finished with 10,898 and Niamh Smyth had 10,039 votes in third place with Brendan Smith of Fianna Fail had 9807 votes and Sara OReilly of Aontu on 8407 was in fifth place. Announcing the outcome at 4.18 am, Returning Officer Joe Smith said he was adjourning the count until 1 pm on Monday. 2.40 am Smith certain to take a seat for Fianna Fail Veteran Cavan Fianna Fail politician Brendan Smith is certain to take a seat-but the ex- Minister of Agriculture was taking nothing for granted. With a fair bulk of votes likely to come from Fianna Fail colleague Robbie Gallagher-Smith will take a seat without reaching the quota. When asked why he arrived so late at the poll, Smith said it was the habit of a lifetime. I like to sit it out at home and look at what is going on in the rest of the country and call colleagues who are doing well and colleagues who are struggling and after an election campaign you like to sit down and relax for a few hours. I have never gone to the count until very late in the day or when I need to. He added that even though Robbie Gallagher has a big vote spread to distribute-Brendan does not expect to get half of Gallaghers votes. No I did not canvass in Monaghan and he is a colleague and I would hope to get around 1000 and of course Niamh Smyth will get some of his transfers as well and his votes could go to other candidates and Cathy Bennett and Matt Carthy could benefit as well. 1.50 am Maxwell overtakes Carthy Count: 9 Eliminated on this count. Robbie Gallagher Redistributed from TP OReillys 6425 votes Non-transferable papers; Quota : 11,542. For the very first time Fine Gael candidate David Maxwell has overtaken Sinn Feins Matt Carthy, reaching 10565 votes to 10,337 for Carthy. This was done courtesy of a hefty 2,870 votes transferred from party colleague T P OReilly who had 6425 votes to distribute. Eliminated Fianna Fail candidate Robbie Gallagher could guarantee a seat for colleague Brendan Smith who is now on 8523 in count 10. But Gallaghers massive 6857 votes could be hugely significant for another sitting Fianna Fail TD Niamh Smyth who is on 8680 and Aontus Sarah 0Reilly is on 8060. Sinn Feins Cathy Bennett has 7542 but that could be boosted by Gallaghers transfers as geography might kick in as they are both from North Monaghan. Her party colleague Pauline Tully has 7817 and it looks like only one of these candidates will get a second seat for the party. 1.35 am Humphreys happy to see Fine Gael retain seat Heather Humphreys Just after 1am former Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys entered the count Her departure from politics has been a big blow to Fine Gael locally as the vote has dropped by 30 per cent; although David Maxwell will take a seat for Fine Gael. Ms Humphreys said she was delighted that Fine Gael were going to retain their seat in Monaghan and she had known David Maxwell for a long time. When asked for a comment on the drop in their votes she said: The Fine Gael vote was down but obviously its new candidates and that is well known. I got a lot of votes but I worked hard to get them and I started off here in 2011 and the margin was only 365 and it was 5 am in the morning. It was very late and I did not think I was going to make it but I did and the work started then. So work hard for the people and build that trust and the people will reward you and I have no doubt that David Maxwell will do a good job in the Dail. She added: It is great that David Maxwell will replace me in the Dail and I have known him for over 20 years and I am delighted for him and I will be there to give him advice and help him. When asked what advice she would give her leader Simon Harris, who will be back in government she said: "I would say he did a tremendous job and gave it everything and he should be allowed to take a few days off and reflect on the serious business of forming a government." 0.06am Monday: Count 8 complete It took just over two hours to count the distribution of eliminated Fine Gael candidate Carmel Bradys vote. The Fine Gael has collapsed by a considerable 30 per cent but David Maxwell is confident that the transfers from fellow Fine Gael man T P OReilly could gain him a seat without reaching the quota as T P OReilly has 6425 votes He got 1170 transfers from Carmel Brady which has put him on 7695 and put him in second place. Matt Carthy is on 10,257 and still over 1000 votes shy of the quota on a night when it looks like nobody will reach the quota. His colleague Pauline Tully is on 7520 while first timer Cathy Bennett has 7490 votes and it looks like Sinn Fein may take two seats but it is uncertain who will join Carthy Ex Minister Heather Humphreys is expected at the count shortly and could be asked about the dramatic drop in the Fine Gael vote. For Fianna Fail, Brendan Smith on 7512 looks a safe bet especially as Robbie Gallaghers transfers should put him in a strong position. Aontus Sarah OReilly has gained an impressive 7487 votes and she could be neck in neck with Niamh Smyth for a final seat. 10pm: Sinn Fein in the top three at present Sinn Fein are in the top three after the seventh count in Cavan/Monaghan with Matt Carthy on 10,094, Pauline Tully on 7384 and Cathy Bennett on 7373 which is a remarkable stat indeed. And, once again Aontu candidate Sarah OReilly got a whopping transfer-this time 969 votes from Shane P OReilly to move to 7122. Fianna Fails Brendan Smith is on 7154 but he is expected to get transfers when Robbie Gallagher is eliminated and could be fighting with Cathy Bennett or Pauline Tully or Sarah O'Reilly for the final seat. Fine Gaels David Maxwell will be hoping to get a bounce from Carmel Bradys 4519 votes as he is on 6,525. Fianna Fails Niamh Smyth is not out of the reckoning either as she is on 6472 and we have five counts to go. But with Matt Carthy not expected to get transfers from Carmel Brady it could be another hour or two before he reaches the quota and there is strong speculation that a number of candidates could be elected without reaching the quota. And the word from the count is that we could be here to 4 am. 8.40pm: Independent Ireland candidate eliminated Shane P OReilly has been eliminated after count but a candidate has yet to reach the quota. But the performance of Aontu candidate and ex Fianna Fail member Sarah OReilly has cause a bit of a stir as she got a healthy 675 votes from the combined vote of 2,785 from eliminated candidates Emma Hendrick and Val Martin bringing her to an impressive 6153 votes. And another big talking point has been the destination of eliminated candidate and ex Fianna Fail councillor Shane P OReilly who has 3,717 votes to be distributed. His votes will certainly swell the tally of the Fianna Fail candidates with Brendan Smith and Niamh Smyth set to benefit mainly, as well as Fine Gaels T P OReilly who is a neighbour of Shane P. Meanwhile, Sinn Feins Matt Carthy leads the field on 9857 which is still 1685 votes short of the quota. Cathy Bennett of Sinn Fein is in second slot on 7,273 while Pauline Tully of the same party is on 6958. Fine Gaels David Maxwell is on 6,452 and will benefit from the transfers of colleagues T P OReilly and Carmel Brady. Fine Gael candidate TP O'Reilly 7.30pm: Independent Ireland candidate pleased with showing Independent Ireland candidate Shane P OReilly says his party could be in power with a Coalition government after the election. The Mullagh, County Cavan native polled 3.106 votes and while not elected he says he happy with his showing. I was happy with the tally and I was in Fianna Fail for many years but parted company with party leader Micheal Martin as we did not have the same ideals at the time but he seems to have softened his stance since. I am happy with my vote as I did not have too many helpers and it cost me around 12,000 and I was realistic enough as to my chances. Independent Ireland could be in government and I would not be one bit surprised if there was a phone call from the city of Cork to Michael Collins. Shane P reckons that Sarah OReilly, Niamh Smyth, Brendan Smith and T P OReilly could all get some of his transfers and he could help his old party capture one if not two seats. 6.30pm: No-one elected after five counts After five counts, nine candidates have been eliminated from the counts and we still have nobody elected. Emma Hendrick (PBP) and Val Martin (Irish Freedom Party) were eliminated and their total vote tally amounts to 3,185 and some observers are predicting that Matt Carthy could get elected if he were to get a healthy slice of the combined vote as he is 1992 off the quota. He is still well out in front with colleague Cathy Bennett in second, with Brendan Smith of Fianna Fail in third slot, and Pauline Tully of Sinn Fein in fourth spot and Robbie Gallagher in fifth spot. No candidate has reached the quota yet but the distribution of the votes of the two eliminated candidates could push Carthy closer to the quota although the candidate is playing this down. 2pm: Second count complete Fianna Fail's Robbie Gallagher The 405 total votes from eliminated candidates Fergal Deery, Joe Duffy, Mark Moore and Jimmy Mee have been distributed and nobody has reached the quota. Shane Mulligan who got 544 votes on the first count has been eliminated and his votes will be distributed in the third count. 12.45pm: First count has been concluded. Electorate: 109, 152 Total Poll: 69,904. Spoiled:658 Valid Poll:69,246 Quota: 11,542 Eliminated on this count: Fergal, Joe Duffy, Val Martin, Jimmy Mee The big news from the first count here in Cavan Monaghan is that the tally first preferences were pretty accurate with Matt Carthy of Sinn Fein topping the poll on 9.363 votes followed his party colleague Cathy Bennett on 6,455 with Fianna Fail veteran Brenan Smith third on 6,653 and Sinn Feins Pauline Tully on 6455 fourth place and Fianna Fails Robbie Gallagher in fifth place after the count results were announced at 12.15 am. Fergal Deery Independent, Joseph Duffy, Independent, Mark Moore, The National Party and Jimmy Mee Independent were all eliminated and their votes will be distributed in the second round. Carthy is now 2,179 votes short of the quota. 10.30am: Weighing of ballot papers at the count centre in Cavan. The count has resumed in Cavan. The count has resumed here in Cavan. Late last night five miraculous medals were found in a few boxes prompting speculation among some bleary eyed journalists that it might take some divine intervention to get the count finished by tonight. Miraculous medals were found in ballot boxes in Cavan/Monaghan Looking at the main contenders generally, the Sinn Fein vote is down from just over 26,000 last time out to just over 22,000. Meanwhile Fine Gaels vote is down from just over 19,000 to just over 14,000. Fianna Fails vote has increased by 547 from 18,161 to 18,178 and they are the only one of the three parties to make a gain from the last election. Speculation that Sinn Fein might take and historic three seats has cooled over night with the predictions veering towards two seats for Sinn Fein the only question is will it be Cathy Bennett or sitting TD Pauline Tully who will be joining him. Fine Gaels David Maxwell looks like taking Heather Humphreys old seat as he will get transfers from party colleagues Carmel Brady and TP OReilly. Fianna Fail are certain to get one seat at least and it looks like the experienced Brendan Smith will get in on transfers from sitting TD Niamh Smyth and Robbie Gallagher. Sunday 1.15am At 1.14 am Presiding Officer Joe Smith said he was adjourning the count until 10am on Sunday morning so there will be no first count until Sunday morning. 10.30pm: Fianna Fail candidates yet to appear As of almost 10 pm there were no Fianna Fail candidates at the count. But chairperson of the Municipal District of Carrickmacross/Castleblayney P J OHanlon told the Irish Independent that the party were expecting to win one seat and would be in the hunt for a second. I have been in regular contact with the candidates and it is now 10pm and we have not yet got to the first count. It should be finished by midnight tonight and the real business will begin tomorrow. We are sitting on 18,500 and Brendan Smith has 6628 votes, Robbie Gallagher has 6299 votes and Niamh Smyth has 5281. We have between 25 and 26 % of the vote and there are 4,700 votes to be taken and 1200 are in Monaghan and 3,500 are in Cavan so its all to play for. We have to get a seat on the votes, we have almost 19,000 and we are hoping to get two and we will be looking for transfers. The first three seats could be decided tomorrow afternoon but the last two seats could be a very long drawn affair. 9pm: First timer Sinn Fein candidate pleased with showing For some observers the story of this election so far has been the performance of Sinn Feins Cathy Bennett who came out with 6,936 votes in her first outing. But while very pleased with the tallies, the Monaghan Theatre manager was not going to speculate on three possible seats for Sinn Fein. I am delighted with the tallies but it is still much too early to call as that is just the tallies. Its a big ask to get that from the people and I had North Monaghan and Matt had South Monaghan so we divided it up between us and my team worked very hard for me. It is the people who decide in the end and we have done very well and the vote was well managed and Pauline Tully will pick up a few Cavan votes as the count goes on. But there is a long way to go and it will depend on the transfers but no matter what happens it has been a memorable day for me. 8.20pm: Still waiting for first count Counting of ballot papers for the first count began at 3.30pm and the results of the count are not expected until 10 pm. It is not expected that we will have the second count tonight. There has been a lull between the results of the tallies as some candidates took a break and left the count. At present, there is a lull in proceedings and the general consensus is that nobody will be elected until at least tomorrow morning. 7.45pm: Fine Gael confident of taking a seat When Fine Gael candidate David Maxwell was picked to try to keep the seat of ex Minister Heather Humphreys, he had big shoes to fill. But he is still reasonably confident of taking the seat after finishing on 6,109 after the tallies. And with Fine Gael party colleagues T P OReilly on 4260, Carmel Brady on 4332 it would be reasonable to assume that he would be transfer friendly if either failed to make the cut. I am in it to win it, he told the Irish Independent. I think there is a Fine Gael seat but there is a clatter of us, around eight people sitting within 2,000 votes so it could be well drawn out. I came in at 6th at the end of the tally and I had three and a half weeks to canvass after Heather announced that she was retiring. So that was pretty challenging, he said. I want to lead from the front and you would hope that a Fine Gael voter will vote for a Fine Gael candidate, but sometimes people go for the next local candidate. And he paid tribute to the discipline of the Sinn Fein vote. They ran a super campaign and Matt Carthy is back on his 2020 numbers but there are not many parties who can do that to have that discipline. "If every party did that they would get more seats. It is hard to say if they will take three seats and after the first count we could see quite a few of the Independents eliminated and that might clear the way for the shake up. 6.40pm: Carthy lauds vote management that could see three seats for Sinn Fein Matt Carthy (right) at the count in Cavan. Sinn Feins likely poll topper Matt Carthy said there was a real chance the party could take three seats with running mate Cathy Bennett and incumbent Pauline Tully in Cavan. The trio have polled a total of 22,785 votes which represents 32.94 per cent of the total tally. Its a phenomenal first count if the tallies transpire and I have no doubt that they will. And to come in first, second and fourth on the first count is incredible and shows the huge effort put in by the Sinn Fein team across both counties. Carthy pointed to good vote management that maximised the vote for Sinn Fein. We got 26,000 votes between Pauline Tully and I the last time but people have done what we asked them to do and Cathy Bennett is a formidable candidate and it is a great vote for a first time candidate. We are in contention for a third seat but a lot depends on the geographical spread of transfers and we might get some transfers from Fianna Fail and I can see Pauline Tullys vote going up as there are a number of Cavan candidates to be eliminated. If Robbie Gallaghers votes come into play in Monaghan I think some of them would go to Cathy Bennet so it is all to play for. I have over 9,000 votes and I need over 11,500 votes to get over the quota and I would be shocked if anybody gets elected tonight as so many candidates are neck and neck in the first six. Follow Independent Cavan on Facebook 4pm: Final tally in Cavan-Monaghan Bennett Cathy (Sinn Fein); 6936 Brady Carmel (Fine Gael); 4260. Carthy Matt; (Sinn Fein) 9371 Deery Fergal (Independent):; 81 Duffy Joseph (Independent); 124 Gallagher Robbie (Fianna Fail); 6299 Gordon Lester (Independent); 918 Hendrick Emma (People Before Profit); 963 Martin Val (Irish Freedom Party); Votes; 1249 Maxwell David (Fine Gael); 6129 Mee Jimmy (Independent); 27 Moore Mark (National Party); 179 Mulligan Shane (Liberty Party); 514 OGara Eddie (Green Party); 731 OReilly Sarah (Aontu); 5098; OReilly Shane P (Independent Ireland); 3080 OReilly T P (Fine Gael); 4332 Smith Brendan (Fianna Fail) 6628 Smyth Niamh (Fianna Fail);5781. Tully Pauline (Sinn Fein); 6478 3pm: Sinn Fein could potentially be on target to take three seats for the first time according to the results of the tally at the Cavan/Monaghan count at the Cavan Leisure Centre. And while this comes with a health warning as transfers will be crucial, its three candidates Matt Carthy and Cathy Bennett and Pauline Tully have polled a total of 22,785 votes which represents 32.94 per cent of the total tally of first preference votes. Matt Carthy got 9371 votes according to the tallies which is short of a quota with a running mate in Monaghan, Geraldine Bennett who got 6936 votes. The other sitting TD Pauline Tully in Cavan got 6478 votes and she got in on the second count from Carthys transfers in 2020. Meanwhile, it is shaping up to be a bit of a dog fight for Fianna Fail who have three candidates breathing down each others neck with ex Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith in third place overall with 6628 votes. He is closely followed by Senator Robbie Gallagher of Fianna Fail on 6299 votes with Niamh Smyth on 5781 votes. Fine Gaels David Maxwell will be hoping to take the seat left vacant by the departure of ex Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys is on 6129 but he might struggle to get transfers in Cavan. T P OReilly is on 4,332 and Carmel Brady is on 4,260 and it would be a major surprise if they do not take one seat. Of the minor parties, Sarah OReilly of Aontu has polled well with 5098 votes but she might struggle for transfers. Meet Cavan-Monaghan's 5 TDs Tallies indicate first major wins and casualties in tight race 1.30pm: With just 82 more boxes to be tallied, the only real change is that Sinn Feins Cathy Bennett is looking in a better position than earlier tallies indicated. And Fianna Fails Robbie Gallagher is also performing well, while Sinn Feins Matt Carthy continues to romp clear. Niamh Smyth and David Maxwell are also among those performing well. Sinn Fein sitting candidate Pauline Tully is not performing as well as was predicted, but will likely do well from transfers. Sinn Fein have 32.80%, Fine Gael have 21.83%, Independents 1.74%, Fianna Fail 25.20%, Aontu 7.9%, and Independent Ireland 5.03%. 11.50am: Maxwell now in top five Fine Gael hopeful David Maxwell has broken into the top five after 106 boxes have been tallied in a fast moving Cavan/Monaghan tally count. The Monaghan County Councillor is on 2471 as Matt Carthy of Sinn Fein is now on 5490. Niamh Smyth (FF) and Sarah O Reilly (Aontu) are neck and neck some are speculating that they could be contesting the last seat. Sinn Fein's Cathy Bennett with Monaghan councillors Alan Johnston and Raymond Aughey. Another Fianna Fail candidate Robbie Gallagher has slipped a bit. At present 40 pc of the boxes have been tallied. 11.10am: Carthy well out in front Sinn Feins Matt Carthy remains well clear of the field after 72 boxes have been tallied and already has a whopping 4,063 votes, again mainly from County Cavan boxes. Niamh Smyth, who only just scraped in on the 11th count in 2020 on 10,951 without reaching the quota on the last occasion has also made a strong start polling 2096. Sarah OReilly of Aontu stays in third position on 1953 while Carmel Brady has slipped to fourth place on 1879. And Robbie Gallagher of Fianna Fail remains in line for the fifth slot on 1547 and he is tipped to take a seat for the party. It is early in the day but some observers are saying that Fianna Fail ex Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith could already be in trouble as he has polled just 983 votes so far. Follow Independent Monaghan on Facebook Meanwhile Fine Gael candidate David Maxwell will be hoping to hoover up ex Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys vote has come in at 1509 votes but he will be hoping that Humphreys traditional north Monaghan vote will see him through. Sinn Feins third candidate Cathy Bennett could benefit hugely from Carthys transfers which ironically could put sitting Sinn Fein TD Pauline Tully who is on 1457 votes in a bit of jeopardy. The remaining mix of Green, and various other Independents have not made any real impression yet. 10.30am: Carthy out in front in tallies After 45 of the 259 boxes tallied mostly in Cavan, Sinn Feins Matt Carthy from Monaghan leads the way with 2416 votes. Most of the boxes were from Cavan, so Carthy has made a strong start. Fine Gaels Carmel Brady is second on 1545 and ex Fianna Fail candidate Sarah OReilly is third with 1280 votes. Current Fianna Fail candidate Niamh Smyth has been polling steadily as well with 1271 votes and another Fianna Fail candidate Robbie Gallagher is fifth on 1001 votes. So far Sinn Fein have 32.98 per cent of the votes, Fine Gael 24.9 percent and Fianna Fail have 22.69 per cent. But its very early days yet. The count centre in Cavan Town. 10.15am: Early tallies Around 10% of the tallies are done, indicating that Sinn Feins Matt Carthy is out in front, with Fine Gaels Carmel Brady, Fianna Fails Niamh Smyth and Aontus Sarah OReilly also performing well. 10am: Counting underway Counting is underway in Cavan Town for the Cavan Monaghan constituency where the picture could reflect the national picture. Tally men and women are busy adding up the tallies as boxes are being opened. As expected, Sinn Feins Matt Carthy is performing well in the early tallies. Seats filled: 5 6pm The youngest TD in the new Dail Eoghan Kenny of Labour has said that he feels privileged to have the opportunity to work on behalf of his constituents in Cork North Central. Mr Kenny, who is just 24-years-old, described the Labour Party as being alive and kicking following a successful weekend which has seen the election of 11 party TDs nationwide. He stressed that he was pleased to be able to bring a younger perspective to the Dail. It has been very evident that there is a real need for a new generation of politicians to tackle the issues that we are facing in housing, healthcare, childcare and many issues across the board. Being the youngest TD in Dail Eireann is a real privilege. Hopefully we will set the world alight in Dail Eireann with our 11 (Labour TDs) elected. It is a fantastic weekend for the Labour Party as well that we have 11 TDs elected. That is with Sean Sherlock and Brendan Howlin both hanging up their political boots. I am absolutely privileged and extremely honoured to get this mandate from the people of Cork North Central and in particular the people of my home town of Mallow who backed me here. Mr Kenny, who is a county councillor, works as a business and religion teacher at Mayfield Community School on the northside of Cork. A full recount was ordered in the constituency last night after just 35 votes separated the final candidates Councillor Kenny of Labour and outgoing TD Mick Barry. Mr Barry of People Before Profit/Solidarity withdrew his request for a recount shortly after 5pm today. 5PM Deputy Mick Barry of People Before Profit/Solidarity has withdrawn his request for a recount in Cork North Central. Cllr Eoghan Kenny (Labour) will take the fifth seat. 11.20am A full recount was ordered in the five seat Cork North Central constituency last night after just 35 votes separated the final candidates Councillor Eoghan Kenny of Labour and outgoing People Before Profit Solidarity TD Mick Barry. Counting of bundles is underway in Nemo Rangers with a full decision to be made at lunchtime on whether a full recount will take place to decide the fifth seat in the constituency. Mr Kenny was deemed elected with 7,461 votes on the 17th count shortly after 12.30am. However, with just 35 votes between Kenny and Mick Barry a full recount was launched. Deputy Barry said that they were keeping their options open at this point. We are going to start with a check of the bundles. If we are going to overhaul 35 votes, it is more likely to be on the basis of a bundle error rather than one here, one there. We are going to do the bundles but we will keep our options open after that. A full recount, if it goes ahead, could take up to three days as it involves the counting of 59,071 papers. 1am A RECOUNT has been ordered in the five seat Cork North Central constituency after just 35 votes separated the final two candidates. The fifth and final seat was going to Labour's Councillor Eoghan Kenny ahead of outgoing People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry by a mere 35 votes - but after the two candidates had been separated by just one vote earlier in the count. The same count had seen two different candidates separated by just three votes for one earlier elimination. On the 17th count the distribution of the surplus from Independent Ireland's Councillor Ken O'Flynn had seen Councillor Kenny poised to win the final seat with a transfer of 68 votes bringing him to 7461. The outgoing PBP-Solidarity TD had received a transfer of 117 from Councillor O'Flynn, leaving him on a total of 7426 - just 35 ballots behind the Labour candidate for the final seat. The recount will begin at 10am on Monday. Mr Barry confirmed he had sought and was granted a recount. Cork North Central returning officer Martin Harvey is supervising his final general election after 32 years in the role. In his first general election in 1992, the same constituency had witnessed a lengthy recount after just a handful of votes separated Liam Burke of Fine Gael and Billy Kelleher of Fianna Fail for the fifth and final seat. The Fianna Fail and Fine Gael candidates were cousins. The other four seats in the constituency were won by Sinn Fein's Thomas Gould, Fianna Fail's Padraig O'Sullivan, Fine Gael's Colm Burke and Independent Ireland's Ken O'Flynn. Nemo Rangers GAA complex is serving as the count centre for both Cork North Central and Cork South Central. 10.40pm INDEPENDENT Ireland's Councillor Ken O'Flynn and Fine Gael's Junior Minister Colm Burke have been elected in Cork North Central. Both were elected after the 14th count. Councillor O'Flynn is the son of veteran former Fianna Fail TD Noel O'Flynn who held a seat in Cork North Central for 14 years before his retirement in 2011. Colm Burke The councillor - a former member of Fianna Fail - narrowly failed to win a seat in the 2020 General Election as an independent. Last June he delivered one of the biggest votes in the Local Government election as he was re-elected to Cork City Council. Mr Burke - a former Ireland South MEP - has successfully defended his Dail berth. The first two seats in Cork North Central were taken by outgoing TDs, Thomas Gould of Sinn Fein and Padraig O'Sullivan of Fianna Fail. Mick Barry (PBP) and Eoghan Kenny (Labour) are in a dogfight for the final seat with just 300 votes currently separating them. 7.30pm FIANNA Fail poll topper in Cork North Central, Padraig OSullivan, has been re-elected. The outgoing TD took the second seat after fellow outgoing TD Thomas Gould of Sinn Fein was elected marginally ahead of him on transfers. Ken O'Flynn He was elected on the twelfth count. Fianna Fail are also battling for the fifth and final seat with outgoing TD Colm Burke and Independent Irelands Councillor Ken OFlynn poised to take the third and fourth seats. The final seat will be determined by a nail biting battle between Fianna Fail, Labour and People Before Profit. 4.30pm Cork North Central is shaping up to prove a cliffhanger with just three votes now separating two candidates battling for the fifth and final seat - after three votes determined an earlier elimination involving two other candidates. Outgoing TD Mick Barry of People Before Profit-Solidarity is at 4,724 votes after the tenth count - just three votes behind Councillor Eoghan Kenny of Labour as both battle for the final seat in the five seat constituency. In an earlier count, three ballots determined the elimination of Councillor John Maher ahead of Sinn Fein's Councillor Joe Lynch. The order of final eliminations and candidate geography will now determine the destination of the final seat. Outgoing TD Thomas Gould of Sinn Fein was elected on the tenth count with outgoing Fianna Fail TD Padraig O'Sullivan set to be re-elected within an hour. Outgoing TD Colm Burke of Fine Gael will be re-elected while Councillor Ken O'Flynn of Independent Ireland, a son of veteran former Fianna Fail TD Noel O'Flynn, is also set to take a seat. Counting in Cork North Central is expected to continue into the early hours of Monday morning. 1pm Fianna Fails outgoing TD Padraig OSullivan is expected to be elected within the next two hours after he edged within 700 votes of the quota in Cork North Central by 1pm. Mr OSullivan topped the poll in Cork North Central where none of the five Dail seats have been filled as yet. The ninth count is now underway with the elimination of Labours Councillor John Maher who was just three votes behind Councillor Joe Lynch of Sinn Fein set to prove crucial. Councillor Maher is expected to transfer heavily to his Labour running mate, Councillor Eoghan Kenny who is now engaged in a tense five way battle for the fifth and final seat. Outgoing TDs Thomas Gould of Sinn Fein and Colm Burke of Fine Gael are all set to be returned to the 34th Dail. Independent Ireland challenger Councillor Ken OFlynn will take a seat after a strong first preference vote and heavy transfers from other independents and small parties. Councillor OFlynn got a massive transfer from Ireland Firsts Derek Blighe of 1,280 votes pushing him well ahead of Mr Burke. The quota in Cork North Central is 9,846. 9am Counting has resumed at the Nemo Rangers GAA complex for Cork North Central where officials expect the fifth and final seat not to be filled until the early hours of Monday morning. Poll-topper and outgoing Fianna Fail TD Padraig OSullivan is around 1,900 votes shy of the 9,846 quota and is expected to be elected by early afternoon. Sinn Feins outgoing TD Thomas Gould is also expected to be re-elected by early afternoon with outgoing Fine Gael TD Colm Burke also set to hold his Dail berth. Independent Ireland challenger Councillor Ken OFlynn the son of former Fianna Fail TD Noel O'Flynn will also be elected. However, the fifth and final seat is expected to prove a tense battle between Fianna Fails councillor Tony Fitzgerald (4,084), People Before Profits outgoing TD Mick Barry (3,494) , Labours Councillor Eoghan Kenny (3,329) and Councillor John Maher (2,687), as well as Fine Gaels Councillor Garret Kelleher (2,790) and Sinn Feins Councillor Joe Lynch (2,894). Analysts stressed that the order of eliminations will be critical to determining who wins the fifth and final seat. Read more Cork South Central General Election 2024 updates: Seamus McGrath takes second seat but three still to be filled 7.30pm OUTGOING Fianna Fail TD Padraig OSullivan topped the poll in Cork North Central, marginally ahead of outgoing Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould, with both now set to be re-elected. Mr OSullivan polled 7,708 votes compared to Mr Goulds 7,399 with both men about 2,000 votes short of the 9,846 quota. Fine Gaels Junior Minister Colm Burke also looks set to be re-elected after he polled 5,736. Independent Ireland challenger Councillor Ken OFlynn who narrowly failed to get elected at the 2020 General Election is also certain to secure a Dail berth as he polled 5,733. However, the fifth and final seat is expected to prove a tight battle between Fianna Fails councillor Tony Fitzgerald (4,084), People Before Profits outgoing TD Mick Barry (3,494) , Labours Councillor Eoghan Kenny (3,329) and Councillor John Maher (2,687), as well as Fine Gaels Councillor Garret Kelleher (2,790) and Sinn Feins Councillor Joe Lynch (2,894). Social Democrat Susan Doyle appears to face an uphill battle to get into contention for the final seat at 2,255. Geography is expected to prove crucial in terms of the destination of late count transfers with Cork North Central having the towns of Ballincollig and Mallow added to the constituency. 5.45pm A five-way battle is looming for the fifth and final seat in Cork North Central as Fianna Fails outgoing TD Padraig OSullivan is set to top the poll. A first count for Cork North Central which reverts to a five seat constituency is expected at the Nemo Rangers GAA count centre around 6.30pm. Mr OSullivan will top the poll, marginally ahead of Sinn Feins outgoing TD Thomas Gould, as both are set to be over 1,000 votes short of the quota. Independent Irelands Councillor Ken OFlynn and Junior Minister Colm Burke for Fine Gael are both also well placed to win Dail berths. However, a tight battle is looming between Fianna Fails councillor Tony Fitzgerald, People Before Profits outgoing TD Mick Barry, Labours Councillor Eoghan Kenny and Councillor John Maher, as well as Fine Gaels Councillor Garret Kelleher and Sinn Feins Councillor Joe Lynch for the final seat. Tanaiste Micheal Martin admitted that geography will prove crucial in a constituency which has been massively expanded by the addition of the Cork towns of Ballincollig and Mallow. 2pm Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein, Fine Gael and Independent Ireland are poised to take the first four seats in Cork North Central with a tense battle between People Before Profit, Labour, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for the fifth and final seat. The final tally in Cork North Central showed outgoing TD Padraig O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) set to top the poll at 13.2pc Fellow outgoing TD Thomas Gould (Sinn Fein) will also comfortably be re-elected at 12.6pc. Also likely to secure a Dail berth are Councillor Ken O'Flynn (Ind Ire) with a final tally of 9.82pc and outgoing TD Colm Burke (Fine Gael) at 9.77pc. However a tense battle is likely for the fifth and final seat with six candidates within striking distance of each other. Councillor Tony Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail) is on 7.04pc while outgoing TD Mick Barry (PBP-Sol) is on 6pc. A strong challenge is also being mounted by Councillor Eoghan Kenny (Labour) on 5.63pc and Councillor Joe Lynch (Sinn Fein) on 4.94pc, both of whom are from the two additions to Cork North Central, Mallow and Ballincollig. Fine Gael have not given up hopes of contesting the final seat if transfers are kind with Councillor Garret Kelleher (Fine Gael) on 4.79pc while Councillor John Maher (Labour) may also in contention on 4.54pc 11am: Early tallies indicate that Independent Irelands Councillor Ken OFlynn is poised to make a breakthrough in Cork North Central. The constituency is reverting back to a five seater and early tallies indicated a major battle for the fifth and final seat. Cork North Central dropped to a four seat constituency at the 2016 and 2020 general elections. However, early boxes have indicated a strong poll showing for Councillor OFlynn, the son of veteran former Fianna Fail TD Noel OFlynn, with 13pc of first preferences. Councillor OFlynn enjoyed one of the strongest electoral performances in the Local Government Election last June with a huge vote as he was re-elected to Cork City Council. It appears that he has repeated that electoral performance and is poised to win a seat. His vote has been particularly strong in Blackpool, Mayfield and The Glen. With one-third of the ballot boxes opened for Cork North Central, Sinn Fein's outgoing TD Thomas Gould is topping the poll. With 50 of the 160 boxes tallied, Mr Gould is on 16pc. He is followed by Fianna Fail's Padraig O'Sullivan on 14pc, Independent Ireland's Councillor Ken O'Flynn on 13pc and Fine Gael's outgoing TD Colm Burke on almost 9pc. All four look set to be comfortably elected. The fifth and final seat appears to be a battle between outgoing People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry (8.6pc), Fianna Fail's Councillor Tony Fitzgerald (6.9pc) and Labour's Councillor John Maher (7.6pc). However, tallymen warned that predicting the fourth and fifth seats will be difficult given that the constituency has been expanded to include Ballincollig from Cork North West and Mallow from Cork East. Analysts warned that the Ballincollig and Mallow votes will be critical in determining the destination of the final two seats. Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein have adopted a specific geographic strategy in the constituency. Tallymen warned that a more accurate picture will be known around 11am when the majority of the constituency ballot boxes will be opened. Analysts are carefully watching transfers to determine whether left-wing candidates are supporting each other with outgoing People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry expected to be vying with Labour and others to remain in the hunt for the fifth seat. Richard Boyd Barrett speaking to media at the Count Centre at the RDS. Photo by Steve Humphreys 30th November 2024. Eamon Ryan speaking to media at the Count Centre at the RDS. Photo by Steve Humphreys 30th November 2024. Seats filled: 5 1am: After a long slog, its all over in Dublin Bay North. Fine Gaels Naoise O Muiri retained the seat left vacant by outgoing TD Richard Bruton and surpassed the quota with 11, 574 votes. The final two seats were filled by candidates who did not reach the quota, Fianna Fails Tom Brabazon and Independent candidate, Barry Heneghan. It was a surprise change when Mr Heneghan, a relative newcomer to politics only elected this year to Dublin City Counil, overtook Fianna Fails Deirdre Heney on transfers on count 11. But he secured strong transfers from a spectrum of candidates including from Aontu and Sinn Fein. Asked how he felt about the win, Mr Heneghan said he was humbled and thanked his team. "I think people want an independent young voice to represent them in Dail Eireann and thats exactly what Im going to do, he said. Asked if he would support a Fianna Fail and Fine Gael government, Mr Heneghan said he would have to speak with his team. "At the moment, Im just going to go back, celebrate with my team and well discuss it with the kitchen cabinet, he said. 11:45pm: After count 13, Aoibhinn Tormey of Fine Gael has been excluded from the count and her transfers will be distributed. We still have three seats to fill and it is looking likely that after the next lowest candidate is eliminated, it will mean all three will be filled without candidates meeting the quota. 10.08pm: True to form and another count came and went with no candidate elected. Micheal Mac Donncha from Sinn Fein is now excluded and we await his transfers to see how that will impact the race. 9:30pm: As expected, Denise Mitchell of Sinn Fein is across the line has is the second candidate in the area to be elected. Now we wait for the distribution of Labours Shane Folan who was eliminated on the last count. Interestingly, Independent candidate Barry Heneghen is back in contention for the last seat after he benefitted from Aontu candidate James Morris transfers and has leapfrogged Fianna Fails Deirdre Heney. He is now ahead by 125 votes. 4pm: Social Democrats Deputy Leader Cian OCallaghan is the first candidate to be elected in Dublin Bay North in Count 8, after he surpassed the quota with 11,908 votes. Speaking after he was elected, Mr OCallaghan said he its been a brilliant day for the party. "Were really happy that voters have supported us in so many different constituencies around the country. We are looking forward to a much expanded parliamentary party, he said. He added that his party are expected have at least ten seats entering into the next Dail and said there were a few constituencies that are too close to call. 3pm: We are edging ever closer to the first candidate elected in Dublin Bay North. Count 7 didnt see that happen after the transfers from the Green Partys David Healy was distributed. This count saw Cian OCallaghan do the best out of the count, securing 726 transfers. With just 104 votes between him and the quota, we will hopefully soon see him get across the line. From there, the hope is things will begin to speed up. It has taken a long time to get even this far, which is understandable when you have 20 candidates on the ballot. 1pm: Count 6 has now come and gone and still nobody elected for Dublin Bay North. While it is getting closer, poll topper Cian OCallaghan is still 825 votes away from the quota. David Healy of the Green Party has been eliminated and his votes will be transfered during this next count. 11.13am: Good morning from the RDS where we have just received the results of count five in Dublin Bay North. Still nobody elected on this count and it may take a few more counts before we some a candidate reach the quota. John Lyons has now been eliminated so we await to see where his 2122 votes transfer to. ***** 11pm: After Count 4, still no candidate elected. Paul Fitzsimons has now been excluded and his 1,469 votes will be distributed. But not until tomorrow! The counting for Dublin Bay North has been suspended until 10am tomorrow morning, when we are sure to see a number of candidates get across the line throughout the day. 10pm: Still nobody elected after Count 3 here in Dublin Bay North. Brian Garrigan has now been excluded and his votes will be distributed. 8.39pm: We finally have the first count for Dublin Bay North and as expected, Cian OCallaghan has topped the poll with 9,738 votes. The quota is 10,929. Denise Mitchell followed with 9,012 votes. As nobody was elected, three candidates have been excluded, Stephen Doyle, Jamie McGlue and Diarmaid O Conarain 7.05pm: Candidates and their representatives are gathered at the Dublin Bay North section of the RDS, examining all the spoiled votes that are to be rejected. The first pile were ballots that dont have the official stamp. Other bundles had ballots that had an X beside candidates, other marks like circles or lines, some that had multiple number one votes, and others that saw no number one votes but the sequence starting from preference two or three. 3:30pm: Social Democrats deputy leader Cian OCallaghan has said he is delighted with the support his party has received across the country and hopes the Social Democrats will become the fourth largest party in the Dail. Weve doubled our vote. Hopefully well emerge as the fourth largest party and there is a number of constituencies where we are hoping to make gains, Mr OCallaghan has said. According to the tallies, Mr OCallaghan is set to top the poll, just ahead of last elections poll topper, Denise Mitchell. "Delighted to be topping the poll in Dublin Bay North. Its a huge privilege for people to vote for you and put their trust in you and was delighted with the feedback during the campaign from people, he said. Dublin Bay North seats filled Tallies indicate first major wins and casualties in tight race 1.50pm: Cian O'Callaghan has overtaken Denise Mitchell according to the latest tally numbers, which come after 98pc of the boxes in the area have been opened. In the last election, Denise Mitchell topped the poll in the constituency and got the most first preference votes in the country in 2020. Cian O'Callaghan is currently on 14pc, with 8283 first preference votes while Denise Mitchell is also on 14pc but with 8148 votes. Very little between the two as it stands. 12:20am: Slowly but surely we are getting more tallies and 46pc of boxes have been opened in the constituency. There are a number of areas that dont factor into these tallies yet, including Donnycarney, Raheny, parts of Howth and Kinsealy. With five seats to fill, here are the five candidates with the most first preference votes right now: Denise Mitchell is set to top the poll again. Currently she has 14.8pc of the first preference votes. Next is Cian OCallaghan on 12.5pc, followed by Tom Brabazon on 11.5pc. Naoise O Muiri is on 9.8pc and Deirdre Heney is on 8.7pc. 10:50am: Now on to Raheny and Bayside. Cian OCallaghan and Aoibhinn Tormey doing well in Bayside, and Deirdre Heney has a decent showing here too. Voting in Raheny Library showing a strong preference for Tom Brabazon but Cian OCallaghan and Aoibhinn Tormey are also picking up plenty of first preference votes here too. 10am: Some boxes in Donaghmede and Priorswood being counted at the moment. So far Sinn Fein have strong support here, with Micheal Mac Donncha taking many first preference votes from the St Benedicts polling centre and Denise Mitchell running away with the first preference votes in St Francis school polling centre in Priorswood. 9am: Good morning from the RDS where the boxes are open from Dublin Bary North and the ballots are being closely watched by the tally people. Its a large constituency and with five seats to fill and three outgoing TDs not running this time round, it will be an interesting race. The first boxes open are from the Clontarf area of the constituency, more specifically from the St Garbiel's polling station and the Belgrove junior boys school. Some very early indications from these boxes are first preferences are going to local Independent Barry Heneghen and Fine Gaels Naoise O Muiri. Social Democrats deputy leader Cian OCallaghan has a decent showing here too. With only a few boxes open from one area, there is a strong health warning with these figures before the first tallies come in. Stay tuned. Climate change is already having a profound impact on our natural environment and on farmers. Photo: Getty Despite the years of record economic growth and windfall tax surpluses, we have failed to harness this wealth. Above,The Apple headquarters in Cork The votes have been cast and counted and attention moves from electioneering to government formation. We have heard the many, many promises from all of the political parties, now comes the time to focus on delivery. In the coming weeks, negotiations to agree a programme for government will set the direction for Ireland for the next five years and beyond. The new government is in a very privileged position. It can build a just society. It can end poverty. It can provide decent levels of public services and infrastructure for our people and communities. It can ensure that those in employment have access to decent pay and conditions. It can ensure that vulnerable groups are supported, that everyone in society can live a life with dignity. It can plan for the future and meet the needs of a rapidly changing society. It can achieve all this by putting the common good at the heart of public policy. Despite the years of record economic growth and windfall tax surpluses, we have failed to harness this wealth. Above,The Apple headquarters in Cork Over the past 15 years we have been through the financial crash, austerity, Brexit, a pandemic and a cost-of-living crisis. Our economy has weathered each of these challenges, achieving some of the strongest economic growth in the European Union and generated enormous windfall tax surpluses. Yet the failure to translate our economic success into social progress means many of the problems our country faced the last time political parties sat down to negotiate a programme for government persist, almost five years later. This year, just like in 2020, many of the fundamentals of the Irish economy headline employment numbers, consumption, exports are on positive trajectories, but they are in sharp contrast with other progress indicators. Despite a booming economy Ireland simply has failed to provide appropriate accommodation for its citizens. Record levels of homelessness and child homelessness persist due to failures in housing policy. Our healthcare system continues to struggle with long waiting lists and people lying on trolleys in hospitals across the country. Equally as debilitating are the persistent levels of poverty and inequality in our society, with 10.6pc of our population below the poverty line last year and almost a million people having experienced deprivation last year. Income inequality has remained stubbornly stable over the past 50 years, raising serious questions about the values guiding this society. We have not even managed to meet the needs of the present or provide the infrastructure required to keep pace with population growth Climate change is already having a profound impact on our natural environment and on farmers. Despite the years of record economic growth and windfall tax surpluses, we have failed to harness this wealth with the ambition necessary to develop our social and economic infrastructure for the future. Indeed, we have not even managed to meet the needs of the present or provide the infrastructure required to keep pace with population growth. Present challenges have been compounded by rising unplanned immigration, providing a convenient scapegoat for the systemic pressures being widely experienced. It is the job of the new government to harness the benefits of our strong economic position to address these longstanding problems. As the programme for government negotiations begin, it is important that the parties do not lose sight of the very real issues that impact on people and on communities. Issues such as access to housing, healthcare, home care, education, childcare, low pay and income adequacy. Climate change is already having a profound impact on our natural environment and on farmers. Photo: Getty Recent years of economic growth and record levels of windfall revenues should provide the basis of a social floor of adequate income and services for all. The new government has an unprecedented opportunity translate our economic success into transformative change for all. By making the Common Good a political priority, this next government can finally deliver the social dividend that this success can and should provide. It can shape and direct the impacts of coming climate, digital and demographic changes in a way that is inclusive, transformative, constructive and positive, making Ireland a country that truly values and supports its citizens and communities across the life cycle. The new government can build a better and fairer Ireland. An Ireland with resilient communities, that can respond to the needs of a changing society, with an economy that works for all that supports our social and environmental goals. An Ireland where there is a plan for collecting sufficient revenue to resource our public services, now and into the future, an Ireland that plans for and delivers a Just Transition, an Ireland where everyone feels that their voice is valued and heard. The success stories of demographic change, with people living longer and new communities enriching our society, must be planned for It will also have to manage major transitions, some global and others more local. We must adapt to meet climate and digital challenges, which will change the way we live and work. The impact of a changing global economy requires a reorganisation of our economic model so that it works for the many, not just the few. The success stories of demographic change, with people living longer and new communities enriching our society, must be planned for and managed with proper, well-resourced public services and infrastructure. This requires considering the needs of Ireland in the decades to come, not just the needs of Ireland today. The economic transformation of our country over the past 30 years, imperfect and uneven though it has been, has brought about prosperity unparalleled in our history. The new government has a golden opportunity to build a better and fairer Ireland, it must not squander it. Michelle Murphy is a research and policy analyst with Social Justice Ireland Sinn Fein's Cathy Bennett elected in Cavan-Monaghan Ms Bennett joins running mate Matt Carthy and Fine Gael's David Maxwell on the ticket, with just two seats in the constituency, and the country, left to be filled. It was elation once again for Sinn Fein as first time candidate Cathy Bennett won a seat to Dail Eireann amid wild celebrations in the Cavan Leisure when she was elected. Her supporters sang 'Oro Se Do Bheatha Abhaile' at full pitch this evening. Cathy Bennett got 3,281 votes from Matt Carthys transfers putting her on 13,383 and giving her a surplus of 1,841 to be distributed between Fianna Fails Brendan Smith and Niamh Smyth and Aontus Sarah OReilly. Niamh Smyth is on 10,856 after getting 73 from Carthys surplus while Brendan Smith got 94 pushing him to 10,616. Aontus Sara OReilly got 131 from Carthys surplus and is on 9,129 and looks like she will finish in sixth place. But, there was a heavy feeling of inevitability on the 13th count as Cathy Bennett, Brendan Smith, and Niamh Smyth relaxed with their families and friends so you had none of the quaintly manic nail biting of other elections where a delicious sense of hope and wonder filled the air. Smith and Smyth are sitting TDs and Fianna Fails vote has increased by around 600 votes while Sinn Feins overall vote is down around 2000 votes while Fine Gaels vote is down around 5,000 votes. But they will be happy to have held the seat that ex Minister Heather Humphreys worked so hard to win and first timer David Maxwell has big shoes to fill. But for those who won, it was all worth the trudging of the winding roads of Cavan and Monaghan in the deep winter was all worthwhile. But with one more count to go, Brendan Smith and Niamh Smyth look set be elected. Gerry McLaughlin Arts Minister Catherin Martin was one of the big names to lose their seat. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Labour TD Aodhan O Riordain warned his colleagues against going into coalition with FF and FG. Photo: Frank McGrath Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch at the Election Count Centre at the RDS. He narrowly lost out to Labour's Marie Sherlock in Dublin Central Independent Candidate Sean Canney is elected pictured with his wife Geraldine at the Galway East count in Headford, Co Galway. Photo: Ray Ryan Independent TDs will seek to open talks about supporting a new Fianna Fail-Fine Gael coalition in the coming days. With the two parties going to be only a handful of seats short of an overall majority, Independent Ireland believes there is a deal to be done. Separately Michael Healy Rae said he is prepared to support Micheal Martin becoming Taoiseach if he gets a compensation package for Kerry in return. But Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik told The Indo Daily podcast that a government propped up by independents could be disastrous for the country. She plans to reach out to the Social Democrats and the Green Partys remaining TD, Roderic OGorman, in a bid to get a centre-left grouping to negotiate together. Were not content to sit on the sidelines and say whats wrong with things. We want to play a part in improving things, she said. As yet there has been no formal contact between Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin. Independent Candidate Sean Canney is elected pictured with his wife Geraldine at the Galway East count in Headford, Co Galway. Photo: Ray Ryan An emotional Roderic O'Gorman retains his seat Fianna Fail will be the biggest party when the Dail resumes on December 18 but it will be after Christmas before a new government is formed. Despite having between seven and 10 seats less, Fine Gael members will expect that the rotating Taoiseach deal to be repeated. Former minister Michael Ring, who has retired, said last night that under no circumstances would his party enter coalition if Fianna Fail demanded to hold the Taoiseachs office for five years. Independent Ireland, a political party led by Cork South West TD Michael Collins, is on course to secure at least five seats in the general election. Independent Ireland currently have three Dail TDs in Mr Collins, Limerick Countys Richard ODonoghue and Roscommon Galway Michael Fitzmaurice. The party is hoping to add Michael Clarke in Sligo-Leitrim and Ken OFlynn in Cork North Central. Labour TD Aodhan O Riordain warned his colleagues against going into coalition with FF and FG. Photo: Frank McGrath They are understood to have plans to write to Fianna Fail and Fine Gael in the coming days in a bid to begin coalition talks. One source said the party is not for sale for positions in government and wants any negotiations to concentrate on securing better infrastructure for rural Ireland. Were not career politicians and we dont need to be at the front of house to get things done, the source added. Independents, who are not aligned to any party, including Sean Canney in Galway East, Noel Grealish in Galway West and Michael Lowry in Tipperary North are also believed to be open to holding early talks. This group could also include Offaly TD Carol Nolan and Wexfords Verona Murphy. Both the Social Democrats and Labour Party had a good day at the polls and will added a number of seats in key constituencies. The Social Democrats had candidates in play for seats in 14 constituencies at the start of the day and looked set to make big gains in Dublin Bay South and Cork East. Party strategists said they expect to have at least 11 seats when the counting is finished. The Labour Party continued to increase their seat haul with the biggest victory of the day as Dublin Central candidate Marie Sherlock saw off a shock vote for organised crime boss Gerry The Monk Hutch. However, Labour MEP Aodhan ORiordain, who previously served in government with Fine Gael, warned his colleagues against going into coalition with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. "You see whats just happened to the Green Party and also whats happened to us in the past, and expect a completely different scenario to play out... youd want your head examined," Mr ORiordain said. His comments were borne out by another day of bad news for the Green Party as Arts Minister Catherine Martin followed her husband Francis Noel Duffy in losing her seat. Green Party leader Roderic OGorman will be the only one of 12 TDs back in the Dail. Meanwhile, the political drama continued throughout the day yesterday with some significant seat losses for incumbent TDs. From Catherine Martin to Chris Andrews the high-profile TDs to lose their seats Greens endured election to forget, but other parties also saw some big names miss out 'It's a very disappointing day for the Green Party' says deputy Green Party leader Catherine Martin Tabitha Monahan Mon 2 Dec 2024 at 03:30 There are casualties in every election but this time around there have been some high-profile losses, with ministers and well-known TDs losing their jobs across the country. Pat the Cope Gallagher who was elected on the 15th count in Donegal. (North West Newspix) Political veteran and self confessed workaholic Pat The Cope Gallagher is heading back to the Dail as Irelands oldest TD. The 76-year-old from Burtonport in Co Donegal was elected to the third seat in Donegal. The Fianna Fail Deputy was elected with 13,660 votes, after receiving 1,350 transfers from Fine Gaels Nikki Bradley. He is now Irelands oldest TD as Bernard Durkan the Dail's oldest outgoing TD was unsuccessful in his bid to be re-elected. Pat the Cope Gallagher who was elected on the 15th count in Donegal gets a congratulatory kiss from. wife Ann (North West Newspix) When asked what keeps him inspired and motivated to continue with his political career, Deputy Gallagher said he has always been a people person with a strong desire to help others. All my life I have been a people person and I was always available to people. "It is such an honour that people would come to me with the problems or issues that they had. "I like to think I am a workaholic and I am always available to people, seven days a week. "If they ring you on Christmas Day, then you have to be available to them. "I met a family in Ballybofey recently and they said Pat, we will be voting for you. I didnt know them and when I asked why, they said they remembered that they could not ring a professional person on Christmas Day, but they got Pat The Cope and it was sorted, said Deputy Gallagher. Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher with family and supporters have arrived in the count centre ahead of his election. Mr Gallagher served as a Donegal County Councillor from 1979 and was first elected as a TD in 1981. He boasts decades of communtiy service and a long standing political career having served as a TD from 1981 to 1997, 2002 to 2009 and 2016 to 2020, Leas-Cheann Comhairle of Dail Eireann from 2016 to 2020 and as a Minister of State from 1987 to 1994 and from 2002 to 2008. He also served as an MEP from 1994 to 2002 and from 2009 to 2014.He said he is delighted to be heading back to the Dail. Team Cope has arrived in the count centre. He lost his seat in 2020 but he announced his intention to run again for Fianna Fail earlier this year. The decision proved to be the right one and he was one of two Fianna Fail TDs elected in Donegal. His running mate Charlie McConalogue was also elected while Claudia Kennedy was eliminated on the fourth count. Deputy Gallagher credited Team Cope for his success and said he is extremely grateful for their support throughout the credit. I am extremely happy. "To me, this is a major achievement, not just for me but for the organisation around me that have been with me right throughout the last number of weeks and canvassed with me to every house Team Cope. I had all of the old southwest together with Termon, Kilmacrennan, Carrigart right into Downings. Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher at the Count Centre I am very pleased with the outcome. "In 2020 I lost the seat and I think many people were surprised because I continued to provide a service. "I thought I got the P60 but it appears now it was only the P45. I am delighted to be back and it is thanks to all those in Team Cope who supported me during the campaign, said Deputy Gallagher. Supporters of James Lawless who is topping the poll wait for his election with hopes running mate Naoise O Cearuil might also get in Bernard Durkan will retire from politics after serving as a TD for 42 years. Seats filled: 5 Kildare North 3pm Its all over in Kildare North with the last three candidates being elected on the 12th and final count. Reada Cronin of Sinn Fein exceeded the quota with the help of transfers from Independent Bill Clear after his elimination on the 11th count. Joe Neville of Fine Gael and Naoise O Cearuil of Fianna Fail were elected in fourth and fifth place without reaching the quota. On Sunday, the first and second elected were James Lawless of Fianna Fail and Aidan Farrelly of the Social Democrats. Kildare North went from a four-seat constituency to a five-seater for this election with Fianna Fail picking up the extra seat so that the final line-up is two seats for Fianna Fail and one each for Fine Gael, Sinn Fein and the Social Democrats. The most notable changes include the farewell to Bernard Durkan, the Dails longest serving TD with 42 years service in Kildare. Kildare North seats Election of Cronin, Neville and O Cearuil in Kildare North The Fine Gael stalwarts vote suffered from the partys decision to run three candidates but he hung on until the final count. Catherine Murphy of the Social Democrats also said farewell but by her own choice as she retired to make way for councillor Aidan Farrelly. Reada Cronin and James Lawless were sitting TDs now returned to their seats while Naoise O Cearuil will join the 50-plus new deputies who will be stepping into the Dail for the first time on December 18. James Lawless in his acceptance speech pledged that he would work with all the Kildare North TDs to get the best for the area when Dail work resumed. We have a strong team, he said. We will have our differences, we will have our debates, but when it comes to local issues we will tackle it together. 11am Bill Clear has been eliminated on the 11th count in Kildare North, two hours after counting began for a third day in the Punchestown venue. His 5,458 votes are now being distributed and the likelihood is that will take to lunchtime or beyond. The result of that could see Sinn Feins Reada Cronin over the line. She currently needs another 272 votes to reach the quota of 9505. Behind her are Joe Neville of Fine Gael and Naoise O Cearuil of Fianna Fail who are likely to take the last two seats although in what order is not clear. Bill Clear, a local councillor, did well to hold on so long without a party behind him. He represented the Social Democrats until Aidan Farrelly was selected to fight for the seat being vacated by party co-founder Catherine Murphy. Mr Farrelly was elected on the 10th count on Sunday night. **** 12.00 midnight Social Democrats councillor Aidan Farrelly has taken the second seat in Kildare North but further elections will have to wait for Monday after counting was suspended for the night. Shortly before midnight returning officer Mark Stafford read the results of the 10th count that confirmed Mr Farrellys election to the seat vacated by retiring party co-founder, Catherine Murphy, Three seats remain to be filled with Sinn Feins Reada Cronin, Fine Gaels Joe Neville, Fianna Fails Naoise O Cearuil the candidates expected to take them. Counting resumes at 9am on Monday. 9pm Veteran TD Bernard Durkan is to retire from politics after conceding he would not retake the seat he held in Kildare North for 42 years. One doesnt feel elated after a defeat, he said, but at the same time one has to accept the inevitable. These things come and when they do come, you have to be prepared to accept them and be philosophical about it and move on. Kildare North seats Veteran TD Bernard Durkan on accepting he won't be returned to the seat he has held in Kildare North since 1982 Mr Durkan, who is 79, said he had come to realise he was in trouble in the days before the election but had no intention of looking back with regret as it would poison the atmosphere. I had many, many good times, he said of his time in public life, which began he became an accidental candidate for Kildare County Council in 1974, taking the place of a would-be candidate who changed his mind. There were many challenging times to but I feel that I made a contribution and I feel like I made a difference. In public life you have to have a vocation and feel that you are making a difference. He said he would not be running for the Seanad but would have to find something to occupy himself. Im a person that would suffer from boredom easily. I like to be active and to keep going and Ill have to find some other interest to keep the brain working. He said he would not offer advice to party leader Simon Harris in the government formation talks ahead but he had general advice for all politicians which was not to make promises for popularity. I worry about public representatives making too many promises. I dont think its a good habit because invariably many promises cant be kept. He said one issue that must be the priority for the next government was housing, he said. Things cant continue as they are. It must be sorted. Mr Durkan was speaking after the first seat was finally filled in the constituency on Sunday evening. It went to Fianna Fail minister of state James Lawless who exceeded the quota on the eighth count. Hot on his heels was Cllr Aidan Farrelly of the Social Democrats, followed by Sinn Feins Reada Cronin, Joe Neville of Fine Gael and Naoise O Cearuil of Fianna Fail. Mr Durkan stood in sixth place after that count followed by Independent Bill Clear and Labours Angela Feeney James Lawless 2.30pm After four counts in Kildare North, James Lawless of Fianna Fail remains in position to take the first seat, with 712 votes between him and the 9,505 quota. Aidan Farrelly of the Social Democrats has been steadily gaining from transfers too, however, and is in second place 445 votes behind the leader. The race is quite evenly spaced as Reada Cronin of Sinn Fein is in third place, 421 votes behind him. After that the main competition is between Naoise O Cearuil of Fianna Fail and Joe Neville of Fine Gael. The Fine Gael vote is split three ways in what many viewed as a risky approach, with the party fielding Bernard Durkan, Neville and Evie Sammon. Whether they will trip each other up or deliver a landslide of transfers to help the frontrunner pass the post will become clearer in the next few counts. There have still only been four counts in the Punchestown venue after a delay due to a discrepancy in ballot numbers that needed to be resolved before a first count was called. 10am We have a white flag, declared returning officer Mark Stafford just before 10am this morning. Thankfully, he meant the white smoke of a first count result rather than the white flag of surrender from one defeated by a complex counting system. After starting the morning as one of just two constituencies in the country with no first count in, the numbers finally began flowing. As the tallies predicted, James Lawless of Fianna Fail has taken the top spot on 8,734 votes with a not-too-distant quota of 9,505 to reach. Aidan Farrelly of the Social Democrats is second with 7,611, followed by Reada Cronin of Sinn Fein with 6,806 and Naoise O Cearuil of Fianna Fail on 5,872. Fine Gaels Joe Neville and Bernard Durkan are next followed by Angela Feeney of Labour, Evie Sammon of Fine Gael, former Social Democrat but now Independent Bill Clear, Una OConnor of Aontu and Vincent P Martin of the Green Party. Leah Whelan of People Before Profit-Solidarity, Gerry Waters of the Irish Freedom Party and Caroline Hogan of Sinn Fein are clustered at the bottom while Avril Corcoran of the Irish People and Sean Gill of the Centre Party were eliminated. *** 10.15pm Counting has been suspended for the night with no first count result declared yet. Returning officer Mark Stafford made the announcement just after 10pm, telling candidates and staff that proceedings would resume at 9am on Sunday. 5pm It took a while to complete but the methodical tally of the 160 boxes in Kildare North has thrown up some intriguing potential outcomes. Fianna Fail minister of state James Lawless tops the poll with 15.4pc of the tallied first preferences which was not unexpected, but newcomer Aidan Farrelly of the Social Democrats has performed better than the pundits predicted with 13.2pc. That would put him in a good position to hold the seat vacated by his retiring party colleague, Catherine Murphy. Fine Gael are also expecting to hold a seat and possibly take a second. Incumbent Bernard Durkan is on 8.3pc of the first preferences while running mate, newcomer Joe Neville, is ahead of him on 9.5pc. Evie Sammons transfers could push either ahead of the other. Reada Cronins vote looks strong enough to hold her seat for Sinn Fein. Shes on 11.9pc of the first preferences. Naoise O Cearuil of Fianna Fail is also putting in a strong showing on 10.3pc. Independent candidates have not polled well and, in keeping with their disappointing result nationwide, Green Party candidate Senator Vincent P Martin has just 3.6pc of the vote. A formal first count is now expected some time after 6pm. 1.30pm The Kildare North count is on Half the boxes have been tallied in Kildare North and the early indications are that there will be new faces in old seats. Fine Gaels Joe Neville, who topped the poll in his local electoral area in the summers local elections, has 15pc of the first preferences, putting him well ahead of his sitting party colleague, Bernard Durkan who is on 9pc. Aidan Farrelly of the Social Democrats is only a whisker behind on 14.8pc, boosting his hopes of holding on to the party seat being vacated by retiring TD Catherine Murphy. Sitting TD Reada Cronin of Sinn Fein is polling well on 12.1pc but Fianna Fail are right beside her with Naoise O Cearuil on 12pc and James Lawless on 11.3pc. If that trend continues, Lawless could, like Durkan, be out-run by his newcomer party colleague. Catherine Murphy in Kildare North 10.50am: Social Democrats co-founder and former leader, Catherine Murphy, has said she is confident her seat in Kildare North will be held by newcomer Aidan Farrelly. Ms Murphy, who is retiring from politics, said the seat was not personal to her but was a party vote. The key objective in Kildare North was to get Aidan Farrelly elected and Im very optimistic, she said. We had a very good local election here. We ran seven candidates and got eight in. That tells you the party is very solid and its not just about me. The opening of boxes in the Punchestown count centre began promptly at 9am and the first tallies in the five-seater contest are due by mid-morning. Ms Murphy was the first of the outgoing TDs to make their way to the count venue, and was still absorbing the exit poll results from the previous night which showed Social Democrats on 5.8pc of the first preferences. Given that were contesting 25 of the 43 constituencies, the 5.8pc is very good for us, she said. Its double what we were in the last exit poll in the last general election. Itll be a long weekend for us but Im very optimistic. Im optimistic about us improving on the number of seats we have [six]. A lot of people were talking us down but we knew we were going well. She said the party would talk to everyone when it came to government formation negotiations. Weve a lot to talk about after this. We said we would talk to everyone and we will do that. We did that the last time. We spent days and days talking to others and well certainly do that again. Weve been very clear about what red lines we have but red lines wont be the extent of what wed be looking for. On retiring from politics, she said: Theres things I will definitely miss but theres many things I wont miss and I have to say, Im absolutely exhausted because weve been knocking on doors since September. But Im very upbeat too. School Principal, Thomas Sharkey with a group of Dundalk Grammar School students at the Louth Constituency count centre in Colaiste Chu Chulainn, Dundalk. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics The count is underway at the Louth Count Centre in Colaiste Chu Chulainn. Joanna Byrne, Sinn Fein celebrating her election to the 34th Dail at the Louth Constituency count centre in Colaiste Chu Chulainn, Dundalk. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics Ruairi O Murchu celelbrates with Sinn Fein supporters after his election to the 34th Dail. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan / Newspics Seats filled: 5 Louth's five TDs. Election 2024 update from Political Reporter Tabitha Monahan 17.15 Five TDs elected After 20 counts and two re-checks, Louth has elected three brand new TDs and returned two incumbents to Leinster House. With Sinn Fein pair, Ruairi O Murchu and Joanna Byrne, crossing the finish line on Sunday night, it took most of Monday to complete the line-up, wiith Ged Nash (Lab), Paula Butterly (FG) and Erin McGreehan (FF) securing seats as darkness engulfs the count centre here at Colaiste Chu Chulainn. Having only elected its first female TD in history in 2016, Louth returned three first-time female TDs in one fell swoop. So here are the five TDs that will be representing Louth in the 34th Dail Eireann: 14.30 Re-check complete The Re-check of the 19th is complete and there is no change so Kevin Callans (ind) elimination stands and the count moves to his distribution. 1.30pm Another re-count underway There was more drama at the Dundalk count centre early this afternoon as the 19th count revealed just four votes between Fianna Fails Alison Comyn and Independent, Kevin Callan, triggering a recheck. Callan is four votes behind Comyn and in danger of elimination after the 19th count and has asked for a recheck which has begun at the count centre in Dundalk. John McGahons redistribution fell as follows (total vote in brackets): Ged Nash =369 (10,573); Paula Butterly +2,042 (8,502); Erin McGreehan +1,166 (8,284); Alison Comyn +228 (5,686); Kevin Callan +182 (5,682). Ged Nash (lab) is now less than a hundred votes short of the quota of 10,623, so regardless of who is eliminated, the fact that both Comyn and Callan are from Drogheda should see him through with a healthy surplus after count 20. Both Callan and Comyn will be hoping Nash gains a big surplus, as many of those transfers are likely to fall their way. Independent candidate, Kevin Callan at the Louth Constituency count centre in Dundalk. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics However, the gap to fifth placed Erin McGreehan is still considerable and she still looks likely to take the fifth seat. Paula Butterly now looks nailed on for the fourth seat. Speaking about his decision to ask for a recount, Callan said: With the recount, Im absolutely somebody that does not want to see recounts but when its four votes, I have an obligation to the people who voted for me to make sure thats actually correct. I know its taking time, and Im extremely sorry its taking time, but I have no option. If it was anything beyond that (four votes), I wouldnt but its too close. "Its an important process and people do take the time to go in and vote and make their mark on that sheet so I have to make sure that this is spot on, for them. 12.31pm We havent gone away you know School Principal, Thomas Sharkey with a group of Dundalk Grammar School students at the Louth Constituency count centre in Colaiste Chu Chulainn, Dundalk. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics Yes, it's us, the nation might be moving on from the election but here in Louth we are still waiting to elect three TDs to complete the five from Louth heading to Leinster House and Dail Eireann in the coming weeks. The only buzz this morning has come from a visiting group of secondary school students from Dundalk Grammar School who witnessed the count process in action and then were treated to a tour of the host school by Principal, Thomas Sharkey. We have just heard the ping of the WhatsApp message to say the 19th count is coming up in five minutes. 10.20am Two down, three to go With two seats safely in the bag for Sinn Fein, the race has resumed to fill the final three seats in Louth. Ged Nashs coronation is a formality at this stage as he just needs 400-odd votes to reach the quota. Whether he can get over on the line on the next count John McGahons re-distribution remains to be seen, but he will definitely get there when either of his fellow Drogheda candidates Kevin Callan or Alison Comyn are eliminated. As things stand, Nash, McGreehan and Butterly are firmly in the driving seat, but transfers and the order of eliminations could make things interesting on the home straight. The elimination of Comyn or Callan will give one or the other a healthy boost when their votes are re-distributed. Also, if Nash doesnt make it with McGahons transfers, he too should have a healthy surplus following Callan or Comyns elimination, and if that is distributed, it too could favour the south Louth candidates, Comyn, Callan and Butterly. 01.09 Count suspended Counting has been suspended for the night following the distribution of Joanna Byrnes surplus. John McGahon has been eliminated and his 4,587 votes will be distributed on Monday morning. With three seats still to be filled, the remaining candidates and their current vote are as follows (quota: 10,623) Ged Nash (Lab) 10,204; Erin McGreehan (FF) 7,118; Paula Butterly (FG) 6,460; Kevin Callan (Ind) 5,500; Alison Comyn (FF) 5,458 00.22 Two Sinn Fein seats confirmed As expected Joanna Byrne has taken a second seat for Sinn Fein after receiving 2,077 transfers from Ruairi O Murchus surplus. The first-time Drogheda candidate takes over from Imelda Munster, who became Louths first ever female TD when elected in 2016. There will be two more female TDs representing the Wee County in the next Dail. As things stand Erin McGreehan (FF) and Paula Butterly (FG) will also be elected, although Alison Comyn (FF) still has an outside chance of taking the last seat. Joanna Byrnes surplus of 1,366 is now being counted. Joanna Byrne, Sinn Fein celebrating her election to the 34th Dail at the Louth Constituency count centre in Colaiste Chu Chulainn, Dundalk. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics 23.00 Ruairi O Murchu elected Ruairi O Murchu took an impressive 2,815 from party colleague Antoin Watters redistribution to take the first seat in Louth. The Sinn Fein TD was elected on the 16th count. Relieved to finally get over the line the Dundalk TD said: You never are completely sure until you see the votes, I suppose, until you seem them in the boxes. "We stood three candidates and we got a really good showing. I think it was the correct strategy to do. "Would I prefer if we got a slightly higher percentage and got Antoin (Watters) across the line? Yes, but we still have great support and you could sense that when we were canvassing and its great to see it here, on the day. They are now counting O Murchus surplus, which should take party colleague, Joanna Byrne, over the line on the next count. 21.30 Light at the end of the tunnell We should have at least one seat filled after the next count, with both Ruairi O Murchu and Joanna Byrne set to win big from the re-distribution of Antoin Watters ballots. Sinn Fein added Watters to the ticket late in the day, but he performed well and now has 4,325 votes to divide out. Barring an epic shock, O Murchu will pass the quota after count 16, and Byrne may also get across the line. Ged Nash is edging closer to the quota too, but may have to wait for a couple more counts. Heres the remaining candidates and their current standings, the quota is 10,623: Ruairi O Murchu (SF) 10201; Ged Nash (Lab) 9,714; Joanna Byrne (SF) 9,358; Paul Butterly 6,359; Erin McGreehan (FF) 6,463; Alison Comyn (FF) 5,391; Kevin Callan (Ind) 5,197; John McGahon (FG) 4,440. 20:18 Yes folks we are still here. I hope you are on the edge of your seat for count 14. No candidate has been elected following the distribution of Michael ODowds votes and Hermann Kelly of the Irish Freedom Party has been eliminated. Ruairi O Murchu is less than a thousand votes shy of the quota, with 9845 votes, the quota being 10,623. On a separate note, it pays to know the electoral rules as Aontus Michael ODowds request for a re-check has paid a rich dividend as he is now entitled to claim upwards of 11,500 in election expenses, having fulfilled the requirement of reaching a quarter of a quota upon his elimination. He was a happy man as he left the count centre a short while ago. 16.29: John McGahon has arrived at the count centre John McGahon has arrived at the count centre here. Speaking briefly with the media he congratulated all the winning candidates particularly his running mate Paula Butterly. He thanked the people of Dundalk for their support and said after years in politics now was the time to concentrate on his family. MORE TO FOLLOW 16.27: Re-check ongoing Just a quick update on the re-check for Michael ODowd following count 13. It is still ongoing and while no official communication, there is rumours in the count centre that he has picked up 3 or 4 votes 14.43: Recheck granted Aontu's Michael O'Dowd. The first bit of real drama of the day following the announcement of the 13th count which resulted in the elmination of Aontus Michael ODowd. Minutes later Assistant Returning Officer, Mr Paddy Donnelly was back to the mircophone stating that the candidate for a re-check which was granted and the distribution of his votes has been suspended until the outcome of the re-check. Explaining his request, Michael ODowd stated that he is six votes short of being able to claim his election expenses to the value of 8,500. I probably wont get the votes. Im getting some dagger looks from the other candidates, he explained but agreed that any candidate in his position would do the same. 1.10pm: Nash in a Sinn Fein sandwich Ged Nash (+585) leap-frogged Joanna Byrne to become Ruairi O Murchus closest challenger as the Labour TD and James Renaghan (+423) were the big winners from the re-distribution of 1,781 votes from Niall McCreanor (Soc Dems) in count 12. It wasnt enough to grant Renaghan a stay of execution as he is now eliminated and his re-distribution is currently being counted. 12.45pm And then there 12 Heres the final 12 candidates and their current vote. The quota is 10,623. Ruairi O Murchu 8960 Joanna Byrne 8373 Ged Nash 8120 Erin McGreehan 6090 Paula Butterly 6087 Alison Comyn 5118 John McGahon 4198 Antoin Watters 3849 Kevin Callan 3677 Hermann Kelly 2842 Michael ODowd 2538 James Renaghan 1855 12.30 Paula proving transfer-friendly Fine Gaels Paula Butterly is proving transfer-friendly this morning. She picked up 181 votes from Thomas Clare and David Brennan on count 10 and then swallowed up 231 from Marianne Butler. Erin McGreehan (+204) also did well out of Butlers redistribution, as did Ged Nash who collected 373 no Dundalk/Drogheda divide there! Social Democrats candidate Niall McCreanor was the latest casualty and his vote is now being re-distributed. Paula Butterly wtaching the count with party colleagues. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics 12.00 state of play So heres the state of play after count 10, only remaining candidates listed. The magic number is 10,623. Ruairi O Murchu 8879 Joanna Byrne 8318 Ged Nash 7747 Erin McGreehan 5886 Paula Butterly 5856 Alison Comyn 5029 John McGahon 4111 Antoin Watters 3827 Kevin Callan 3604 Hermann Kelly 2829 Michael O'Dowd 2517 James Renaghan 1764 Niall McCreanor 1614 11.20am Green Party candidate, Marianne Butler has bowed out after count 10. The re-distribution of votes from David Brennan (Ind) and Thomas Clare (Ind) saw Kevin Callan (+265) and Paula Butterly (+181) make gains. Ruairi O Murchu (SF), Joanna Byrne (SF) and Ged Nash remain on track for a seat. There are now just 30 votes between Paula Butterly (FG) and Erin McGreehan (FF) in fourth and fifth respectively, with their nearest rival, Alison Comyn (FF) some 800 votes back. The quota still hasnt been reach with O Murchu (SF) now 1,744 votes short. Marianne Butlers votes will now be re-distributed. 8.59 Day two Good morning everyone, day two counting in Louth is about to commence with the tenth count. A quick re-cap on where we are at. No candidate has reached the quota as yet, with Ruairi O Murchu leading the way at this point closely followed by party colleague Joanna Byrne. The tenth count in progress is dealing with the distribution of Thomas Clare and Ryan McKeowns votes. 23.59 Louth count suspended The Louth count has been suspended after the ninth count which led to the elimination of Thomas Clare (Ind) on 482 votes and David Brennan (Ind) on 805 votes. A little earlier, Ryan McKeown (Independent Ireland) was eliminated after the 8th count. Counting resumes at 9am on Sunday morning with the tenth count. There are still 14 candidates standing and none of the five seats up for grabs have been filled. Well be back bright and early to bring you every twist and turn in the race for Dail Eireann. 10.15pm Minister? Yes, please With a seat seemingly safe in his hands as the count goes on in Louth, Labour TD, Ged Nash said his party wants to be in government and he wants to be a minister. The incumbent TD who seems destined to regain his seat said: We want to be in government, Labour wants to be in government and I want to be a senior minister. "Our own area has never had that privilege before. Theres things we can do that can transform this area. Asked what party Labour might play in the formation of the next government, Deputy Nash said: Weve said from day one, and Ivana (Bacik) has been clear on this for the last year, the first thing we would do is assess the landscape on the centre-left, whether that is progressive parties like the Social Democrats and the Green Party and including centre-left-leaning independents, to try and form some form of progressive alliance before we would enter into negotiations with anyone. Paul Butterly (FG) and Ged Nash (Lab) share a joke at the Louth count. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics We have big difficulties with the three main parties and they would have difficulties with us as well. "So, I think we may be some way off forming a government thats going to run this country for the next five years, the result is very, very fragmented and one of the things we have learned from this is that actually, there hasnt been much change since 2020, across the country, despite what some people might have said. He added: We are a party of government and we are party that helped to found this county and we are very, very proud of that. James Renaghan at the count in Dundalk. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics 10.00pm Age is just a number Among the 24 candidates running in Louth there were not only candidates with contrasting politics, but also a very wide range of ages from 21-years-old, all the way to 76. The youngest candidate in the field was James Renaghan from Dundalk who secured 1,672 first preference votes. James was happy with his showing and explained his reasons for running: I think we are happy, we ran off the back anti-fascist protests over the summer. I could see unfortunately, politics across the world is shifting right and I was seeing it materialise in my own home town. "But it was heartening to see so many people coming out to defend the streets from turning reactionary. Independent candidate, David Brennan, has more than 50 years on James and fairly contrasting politics too, as a businessman who believes in an entrepreneurial approach. Despite failing to gain a seat this time around, Mr Brennan looks set to be the second highest independent, behind Kevin Callan and he he said he had enjoyed his first election campaign at the tender age of 76. Im an independent, I think I will be the second highest independent. Im obviously not going to make it but Im glad I ran. It was a great experience, Im 76 years of age and its the first time Ive ever ran. I see theres a young man here that is 21 so Ill have to get my picture taken with him. David Brennan. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics 9.45pm Small gains With the highest number of candidates in the country, the Louth count was always going to be slow moving to begin with due to the redistribution of what are essentially small numbers. David Carroll (40), Albert Byrne (100) and Alan Fagan (116) have been divided out already, making no real difference to the race for the five seats. This trend is set to continue as the next five candidates to be eliminated dont have 1,000 votes between them: Derek McElearney (121), Peter James Nugent (149), David Bradley (161), Tracey OHanlon (239) and Ryan McKeown (308). 9.00pm Irish Freedom Party leader will be back While nationally anti-immigration candidates failed to make the mark many anticipated they might in this general election, the leader of the Irish Freedom Party said he had no intentions of walking away from politics. At the Louth constituency count in Dundalk, Hermann Kelly polled just shy of 4pc in first preferences, a long way from securing a seat but showing a marked improvement on the partys performance in 2020. He said: Given its the first run-out for myself in County Louth in a General Election, I think to get almost 4pc first preferences, I think is pretty good. Now, four years ago, the Irish Freedom Party got 570 votes so weve gone up almost five-fold in four years. "Myself, individually, compared to the European Election results, Ive doubled my vote since June. So, I think its positive. Mr Kelly has been among the speakers at anti-immigration protests in Louth but he rejected the suggestion that his party was a party of street protest. He said: I think I only spoke at one of those (protests) and it wasnt my type of thing. "We are a political party, were not about street protest. Were a political party and were looking to make progress by the ballot box and that will be our priority. People have to realise that theres no use walking up and down the street, shouting about one politician or another. People voted for these people, they may be destroying our country but people put them in there, he said. 8.45pm Heres that first count in full David Bradley 157 David Brennan 671 Marianne Butler 1504 Paula Butterly 5646 Joanna Byrne 8169 Albert David Byrne 99 Kevin Callan 3223 David Carroll 40 Thomas Clare 416 Alison Comyn 4913 Alan Fagan 114 Hermann Kelly 2546 Niall McCreanor 1547 Derek McElearney 119 John McGahon 4021 Erin McGreehan 5772 Ryan McKeown 305 Ged Nash 7594 Peter James Nugent 149 Ruairi O Murchu 8728 Michael O'Dowd 2330 Tracey Marie O'Hanlon 234 James Renaghan 1671 Antoin Watters 3767 8.33pm We go again As expected, none of the candidates reached the quota in the first count. Ruairi O Murchu (SF) topped the poll with running mate, Joanna Byrne, a close second. The tallies had the order spot on with Ged Nash (Lab) in third, Erin McGreehan (FF) fourth, Paula Butterly (FG) in fifth and Alison Comyn (FF) just outside the seats, as things currently stand. Count 2, which was David Carrolls redistribution of 40 votes, didnt take long, so on to count 3 we go. 6.00pm Sinn Fein flying high First-time Sinn Fein candidate, Joanna Byrne, turned off her phone and stayed away from the news until early afternoon, but when the Drogheda United chairperson eventually checked in at the Count Centre she was over the moon to learn that Sinn Fein again look set for a 1-2 in Louth. I'm over the moon, she said. It's been a very positive, vibrant and short enough campaign and I didn't envisage the results that are coming in front of us at the moment. But obviously I'm chuffed. I'm chuffed for me, I'm chuffed for my team, I'm chuffed for Sinn Fein, but more importantly I'm chuffed for the people of Louth. Imelda [Munster] made history in many ways and it was always a fear of mine that they were big boots to fill. But thankfully I brought my own game to the table and my record has stood to me as well. The Louth county councillor kept a low profile before arriving at the county centre at 4pm, adding: My intention was actually to put up the Christmas tree this morning. But I've been unwell. I've been in hospital this week, so I just took a few hours to rest and recuperate and stayed off the news until early afternoon. I was eager to get here as early as I could, but I also had to think of my health and make sure that when I did get here, I was able to last the pace of the evening. 5.25pm Final tally...at last! Its been a long day for tally staff in Louth, but they got there in the end and its a 1-2 for Sinn Fein, with outgoing TD, Ruairi O Murchu and first-timer, Joanna Byrne, out in front. Ged Nash looks set to hold a seat for Labour and, barring a miraculous recovery from John McGahon or Antoin Watters, the final two seats will be contested by Erin McGreehan (FF), Paula Butterly (FG) and Alison Comyn (FF). The official first count result is expected sometime after 6pm. For the record, the final tally in Louth is as follows: The final tally in Louth. 4.40pm As you were ahead of final tally Sinn Fein is still leading the way based on party tallies, which are now 92pc complete. Incumbent, Ruairi O Murchu has edged marginally in front of party colleague Joanna Byrne, but its as you were thereafter with Ged Nash (Lab) in third, Paul Butterly (FG) in fourth and Fianna Fail pair Erin McGreehan and Alison Comyn currently in fifth and sixth respectively. Again, based on tallies, Antoin Watters is now up to seventh spot, leaving Sinn Fein with an outside shot at three seats. Heres the lie of the land with the tally 92 pc complete. Still no indication when the actual first count might be, but word is it could be sooner rather than later. The Louth tally is 92pc complete as the first count eagerly awaited in Dundalk. 2.50pm Good day for Fianna Fail? Fianna Fails mission was to regain a seat in Louth and that objective appears to be firmly on track but who actually takes the seat is another matter entirely. Tallies show Erin McGreehan marginally ahead of running mate, Alison Comyn, so they do look likely to take one seat. If tallies ring true the party has increased its share of the vote by 2.64pc since 2020. Sinn Fein are down by almost 10pc and Fine Gael is virtually unchanged, while Ged Nashs solid first preference showing has Labour up by 4.43pc. Party share of the vote in Louth with 74pc of boxes opened and tallied. 1.50pm 60% tally Sorting of the ballot papers is well underway in the count centre in Louth, meanwhile we have reached the 60pc of the tally. The trend continues as previous posts, with Joanna Byrne and Ruairi O Murchu both Sinn Fein leading the way, followed by Ged Nash. Thereafter it is getting tight between the two Fianna Fail candidates, Erin McGreehan on 3197 and Alison Comyn on 3032. Fine Gaels Paula Butterly has polled extremely well across Mid Louth, her homebase and is on 3600. Antoin Watters (SF) and John McGahon (FG) are next on 2366 and 2217. However as ever, it is all going to come down to transfers and the order of elminations in later counts with the drama reserved until counts tomorrow. A first count is estimated late in the afternoon, early evening. 12.40pm While Sinn Fein will likely return Ruairi O Murchu and Joanna Byrne to the next Dail, one of the emerging stories in Louth is that their share of the vote is down 8.74pc on their 2020 vote, when both O Murchu and former Deputy Imelda Munster raced past the winning line on the first count. 42pc of the tally is complete and is still weighted towards Drogheda, giving Labour a showing of 12pc in Ged Nashs hometown. The party share of the vote with 43pc of boxes open and tallied. 12.30pm The state of play with 43pc of boxes open in Louth. The state of play with 43pc of boxes open. 12.00am The students from Colaiste Chu Chulainn are looking after the hospitality side of things at the Louth Count Centre. Colaiste Chu Chulainn students in The Food Village area at the Louth Constituency count centre. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics 11.45am 32pc of the boxes are now open and the update below provides a better county spread of boxes. Its early days, but first count tallies show newcomer Joanna Byrne (SF) and incumbents Ged Nash (Lab) and Ruairi O Murchu (SF) in strong positions. It gets a lot closer after that with Paul Butterly (FG) and Erin McGreehan (FF) neck and neck, followed closely by Alison Comyn (FF). Antoin Watters, is also showing up well. Is a third Sinn Fein seat possible? John McGahon (FG) and Kevin Callan (Ind) wont be throwing in the towel just yet, but are trailing already. Transfers will be crucial for those fourth and fifth seats. The Louth tally with 32pc of boxes opened. 11.10am Tasty treats Its time for a tasty treat thanks to the 4th year Home Economics stdudents in Colaiste Chu Chulainn who have baked election themed cup cakes which are available from the student coffee dock. John Mulligan 10.55am Heres the first official tally from Louth, with just over 20pc of boxes opened. It comes with the health warning that the majority of the early boxes opened were from the greater Drogheda area. Early indication that the Independent surge around the country may not be replicated here, as Droghedas Kevin Callan is trailing party candidates such as Alison Comyn (FF) and Paula Butterly (FG). But these are only tallies, of course. The first tally from Louth. 10.30am Good morning, and welcome to Colaiste Chu Chulainn in Dundalk. The count centre has been a hive of activity since early morning. With 19pc of boxes open, the tallies suggest its already looking good for Sinn Fein first-time candidate Joanna Byrne, who is stepping into the breach following Imelda Munsters retirement. Official tally report due in the next few minutes, so stick with us h Martina Devlin: Why Mary Lou McDonald should be trying to woo Micheal Martin If Sinn Fein can strike deals with the DUP, it can share power with anyone Sinn Fein's housing spokesman Eoin O Broin. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins Martina Devlin Mon 2 Dec 2024 at 03:30 No one goes into politics for paths scattered with rose petals and happily ever afters successful politicians learn the art of compromise early on. There is a channel to government for Sinn Fein but it requires a considerable sacrifice from Mary Lou McDonald. Irelands oldest general election candidate also claimed a Dail seat Stephen Donnelly gives an interview on arriving at the count centre. Photo: Leigh Anderson It seems there was a pathway back to re-election for Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. But he would have had to go back to school. He and Irelands oldest general election candidate both won a seat in the Taoiseachs hometown of Greystones. The Fianna Fail candidate and 80-year-old Charlie Keddy, whose key priorities were abortion and dog shite, were elected in a poll staged in the Taoiseachs former secondary school. The St Davids Holy Faith mock election, run by the YSI Get Voting team, took place on Thursday, November 28, with staff and students casting their votes in a ballot mirroring the general election. The mock election aimed to teach young people about the voting system and give them practice for when they are older. And speaking of it was the countrys oldest candidate who beat the odds and clinched a seat in Simon Harriss back yard. Describing the events, St Davids student reporter Zoe Cartmell said: It was a great success with a 63pc turnout and a total of 529 votes. The students were voting for who they felt would best represent their country in government. And after the fastest count in Greystones history, we had our results at 10:30am. The results were as follows: Simon Harris: 38pc elected in the first round Jennifer Whitmore: 24pc, elected in the second round Charlie Keddy: 24pc, elected in the third round Stephen Donnelly: 23pc, elected in the third round Charlie Keddy. Photo: Leigh Anderson. Commenting on the shock win for Charlie, Zoe said: It seems as if St Davids admired Charlie Keddys dedication and determination, as he has gone for election every year since 1985 without ever winning a seat. So, well done to him for gaining his first ever seat. It was very tight between John Brady and Stephen Donnelly, she continued, with them being tied at one of the final stages of the election. However, Stephen Donnelly gained the fourth and final seat. Overall, it was an action-packed day and taught students the importance of getting out to vote and how to do so. Well done to everyone who came out to vote. Back in the real world, the colourful anti-abortion candidate and nothing else, was eliminated early on Saturday, at the centre in the nearby Shoreline Leisure complex, when he had secured just 141 votes. While Mr Donnelly fought a tense battle with the Taoiseachs running mate Edward Timmins for the fourth and final seat, losing out in the 13th and final count. Mr Keddy who in the past has campaigned against water charges and property tax and was opposed to the Marriage Equality Referendum said he felt compelled to run as no one else represents my opinions. The Kilcoole resident has been standing in every local and general election since 1991 without ever winning a seat. Speaking ahead of election day, he said the most important thing for me is to save the unborn baby, while also pointing to an issue that had become the bane of his quiet rural life in the dog-eat-dog constituency of just four seats dog shite. Mr Keddy, who swims two kilometres every morning, has had to go from sea to pool and said that in the past, a hobby of mine used to be to get the dog shite off my beach. "I had a lovely beach, and I could swim, hail, rain or snow all year round. But the dog shite got priority, and the magnificent walkway has been destroyed because of the stink. So I had to pack that in and go to the pool. And don't be afraid to call it dog shite. Mrs Mary Robinson with President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar at ATU, Dr Billy Bennett after receiving her Honorary Doctorate from Atlantic Technological University at a ceremony held at ATU Mayo campus in Castlebar. Mrs Mary Robinson with Chair of ATU, Maura McNally SC and President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn prior to her conferring ceremony, where the former President received an Honorary Doctorate from Atlantic Technological University at ATU Mayo campus in Castlebar. Dr Mary Robinson, one of Irelands most distinguished figures, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) today. At a special ceremony at ATU's Mayo campus in Castlebar, Dr Robinson the former president of Ireland and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights was conferred. An Adjunct Professor for Climate Justice at Trinity College Dublin, Dr Robinson was a member of The Elders, an independent group of global leaders working for peace, justice and human rights. Addressing the audience, Mrs Robinson said that receiving an honorary doctorate on a campus in her native Mayo was a particularly special honour. She also called on the end of double standards in international law and the need for the world to do more in the fight against climate change. In her acceptance speech she said looking back on all her time fighting for human rights that now is possible the most difficult time she can remember. Mrs Mary Robinson with President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar at ATU, Dr Billy Bennett after receiving her Honorary Doctorate from Atlantic Technological University at a ceremony held at ATU Mayo campus in Castlebar. In recent years she has been widely celebrated for her leadership, including receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former US president Barack Obama and another honorary doctorate at Ulster University last summer. Between 2013 and 2016, she served as the United Nations Secretary Generals Special Envoy in roles focusing on the Great Lakes region of Africa, climate change and El Nino and climate resilience. Her advocacy extended through her foundation, the Mary Robinson Foundation Climate Justice, which championed equitable solutions to the climate crisis. ATU President Dr Orla Flynn said Mrs Mary Robinson was an inspiration. "This was an extraordinary moment for Atlantic Technological University. Honouring Mary Robinson, particularly in her native Mayo, was an incredible privilege for us, and her achievements resonated deeply with our drive to empower future generations. Mrs Robinson has been an inspiring figure for decades both in Ireland and around the world. We were truly honoured to have such an icon of our country accept this recognition from ATU." Mrs Robinson was nominated for the honour by a member of ATU staff, and her nomination was approved by the Honorary Doctorate Sub-Committee of the universitys Governing Body. Maura McNally SC, Chair of ATU Governing Body, said Mary Robinson is a trailblazer whose legacy inspires us all. Her unwavering commitment to human rights, climate justice, and ethical global leadership made her a fitting recipient of this honour. We were privileged to celebrate her achievements as part of the ATU community." The ceremony marked the final conferring event of 2024 for ATU, following two months of graduations that celebrated the achievements of over 5,000 students across its campuses. This honorary doctorate was one of the largest events hosted by the university since its formation, highlighting the importance of the occasion for the ATU community and beyond. Five Athlone based councillors are remaining confident their High Court action against government plans to open a temporary accommodation facility at Lissywollen will prove successful. The Governments plan to house 1,000 male asylum seekers in Athlone, Co Westmeath, is the target of a High Court challenge brought by a local councillor with the support of four other local representatives. Paul Hogan, who secured 4.8 per cent of first preference votes running for Independent Ireland in Longford-Westmeath in the recent General Election, claims the ministerial process providing for the plan is unlawful, irrational and a breach of fair procedures. A fundraising website, currently recording 907 donations totalling 46,000, says a court challenge is being brought on behalf of Mr Hogan and four other Athlone-based representatives, including freshly-elected independent TD Kevin Boxer Moran and councillors Frankie Keena and Aengus ORourke of Fianna Fail and John Dolan of Fine Gael. Protests were held recently in Athlone over the plan to develop similar army-tent accommodation for 1,000 asylum seekers in up to 150 tents on a site to the rear of an existing direction provision centre in Lissywollen, Athlone. It is proposed that the tents would eventually be replaced with modular units. Mr Hogans legal papers rely on similar legal grounds to one recently brought by a north Dublin group that secured a strike-down of a statutory instrument that had paved the way for 1,000 international protection applicants on a State-owned site near Dublin Airport. Minister for Integration Roderick OGorman is contesting Mr Hogans case. Mr Hogan wants an order pausing or quashing the statutory instrument the Minister made for the Athlone site. The instrument confirmed the project did not need An Bord Pleanala approval and noted Mr OGorman was satisfied two specific EU law environmental assessments did not need to be conducted before proceeding with the plan. Mr Hogan claims the Minister failed to adequately screen the project for potential environmental impacts and that he lacks the expertise to carry out such assessments. There were also deficiencies in the assessment of wastewater requirements and effect on traffic, Mr Hogan claims. He says the occupants will be free to move about and will inevitably cause a significant traffic hazard and a health and safety issue next to the site and along the road. On Monday Mr Justice Richard Humphreys granted permission for Mr Hogan to pursue his claims. The judge arranged for the case to be rapidly progressed to a hearing later this month. Oisin Collins, senior counsel for Mr Hogan, had said his client wants to get the issues resolved as quickly as possible. The Ministers senior counsel, Aoife Carroll, said there will be logistical difficulties preparing paperwork in response to the claims and it will be almost impossible to be ready for the proposed date of December 19th. However, the judge proceeded to schedule the hearing and said the Ministers legal team can short-circuit some of the normal rules regarding responding legal papers. In an affidavit, Mr Hogan says local councillors were informed about the Governments plan on October 7th and had no prior consultation or communication from the Department of Integration. He said Athlone has a long tradition of providing accommodation and support to people seeking international protection, with one of the first direct provision centres in the State constructed on the adjoining Lissywollen site in 2001. Mr Hogan said he and other members of Westmeath County Council believe the proposed development would be prejudicial to public health as local health services are already overburdened. A 56-year-old who defrauded 840,000 from an Irish biotechnology company who were making an important scientific development, has been jailed for three and a half years. Mayo-based biotech firm Ovagen was trying to raise funds of 28 million for the patenting of a germ-free egg for use in vaccines when they were introduced to a Swiss banking company called Enerbiz. Its CEO Adrianus Johannes Kees said he would help Ovagen secure a loan. Kees had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to fraud and theft on dates between March 12, 2011 and January 10, 2012. He pleaded guilty on the fifth day of his trial to the fraud charge on a full facts business. Kees, of Calle de la Paaz, Valencia said he would get Ovagen the funding it required by securing an irrevocable loan commitment letter. Once that letter was obtained Kees said he would be able to secure bonds to secure the funding. He requested Ovagen company directors to send him a processing fee of 840,000, which he would place in an escrow account, where it could not be touched, and would refund them within 91 days if funding was not secured. Ovagen was told that it would only have to make interest repayments in the meantime. They would also be able to check this account at any time to show that the money was safe, Kees told them. Kees claimed he had paperwork from banking multinational HSBC about a loan but Ovagen did not get documentation in relation to it. When they did get documentation they were suspicious. Adrianus Johannes Kees. Photo: Paddy Cummins. Today's News in 90 Seconds - December 3rd Detective Garda Leo Heaney gave evidence no loan from HSBC ever materialised and Ovagen asked to see the escrow bank account from Lichtenstein showing the money was still there. There was never any escrow account, the court heard. Det Gda Heaney told David Perry BL prosecuting, an agreement was set out of how it was going to get this funding. They were told they were to deposit 840K to show that there was money there and Kees wanted it paid to LGT bank in Lichtenstein. One thing that was emphasised was that the money was going to be held in an escrow account where it could not be touched. It was stressed that it had to be paid quickly, the court heard. On foot of those representations Ovagen took out loan from 840,000 from AIB for which they gave personal guarantees. The money was transferred to the bank account in Lichtenstein and the accused said he was working on getting a loan from HSBC. Eventually Kees did send on loan documents on HSBC headed paper. After that documentation Ovagen pushed for an interview with HSBC but the court heard there was no meeting set up with the bank. In October 2011 Ovagen asked Kees to see bank statements and started to demand to return the money but the court heard it was never returned. Kees was the only person who had access to the account, the court heard. The money was quickly dispersed and was spent within two weeks. The only money that went into that account was from Ovagen. Half of the money transferred to an associate, 56,150 was transferred to Kees bank account. Money transferred to his wife had an interesting narrative of pool house settlement and another payment was for Mercedes Benz leasing. The only money that went into the account was from Ovagen and it had a remaining balance of 3.83. Ovagen had to repay AIB that money personally and never got any of it back, the court heard. In a victim impact statement read to the court CEO Dr Leonard Moran said the fraud had a devastating effect on his health and his family and he had to let all the staff go. The stress was enormous and my quality of life changed forever. A European Arrest Warrant was issued by the High Court in July 2022 and Kees, who was then in Spain, was charged on September 23, 2022. Kees took a trial date but a plea was entered after several civilian witnesses had given evidence. There were mutual requests that the Dutch police would interview him and authorities in Liechtenstein were also investigating matters. Kees travelled from New York to Panama in 2014 and his passport also indicated he had also been to Africa. The FBI were to inform Gardai if he returned to the US, the court heard. Kees, who previously held a Dutch passport but is no longer a Dutch national has no previous convictions. The court heard three reference letters were handed into the court but there were very serious concerns over the legitimacy of those letters, said Mr Perry. Gerard Groarke BL defending, said that his client instructed him that he did not wish to rely on the letters. He said that Kees had posted 50k bail and was willing to give that money to Mr Moran. The prosecution said Ovagen would accept the money but only as an expression of remorse. Mr Kees wasnt actively evading justice and had travelled to Ireland, albeit having been extradited, he came voluntarily, said Mr Groarke. A letter from Kees was handed into the court where he apologised to the victims. He said he married in 2013 but his wife has mobility issues. He said his eldest daughter was due his grandchild and he would like to return to Valencia for Christmas. The court heard he was an enhanced prisoner in Cloverhill Prison. He hasnt had a particularly good time in prison, said Mr Groarke. Judge Elva Duffy set a headline sentence for four and a half years but reduced this by a year and backdated it to July for time spent in custody. She ordered that the 50k bail money be paid over to the victims but said she was not making a compensation order. Evidence had been given that the accused has three properties in Valenica in Spain. But Judge Duffy said she was not making a compensation order as this man is something of a mystery in that regard. Judge Duffy said the victim impact statement handed into court made for harrowing reading. The judge said there was an extremely personal impact on the owners of the company which was making an important scientific development. The judge took account of his co-operation with his 2018 extradition although she noted the accused knew authorities were looking for him since 2014 saying he wasnt hiding but was all over the place and wasnt really amenable to the Gardai. In mitigation she took account of his lack of previous convictions, previous good character, his previous working history, and that his time in Ireland and in custody was very difficult for him. She said that although Kees has excellent English she accepted he was away from the company of his family. The judge said she was also given credit for his plea despite it coming after the fourth day of his trial. She also took account of his letter of apology. The judge said the aggravating factors were it was a very serious offence involving a high level of money. But the judge said that while it was taken from a company it was not faceless. Lifer Dessie goes solo after move to overcrowded Cork prison Prisoners in one of Irelands most overcrowded prisons are raging after being asked to double-up in their cells while new arrival, convicted gangland killer Dessie Dundon, has been allocated a single cell all to himself. Sources have confirmed to the Sunday World that Dessie Dundon, who is serving life in prison for the murder of rival crime boss Kieran Keane, was moved to Cork prison last week days after his brother John Dundon was moved from the prison up to Castlerea. Dessie was placed on the B2 landing its an enhanced landing where a lot of the lifers are housed, a source said. Normally, lifers are housed in single cells. Its a recognition of the fact theyre in here for the long haul and that their time alone in the cell is pretty much their only comfort in life. Dessie Dundon and left, with his brother John in Wheatfield Prison But because of the overcrowding, the lifers have been told they have to double up or share the single cells. And there has been a lot of tension over that. We had to ship one lifer up to Portlaoise a while back because he point blank refused to share a cell. Its just the reality on the ground because the prison is currently running at something 28pc above capacity. The lifers had made their peace with it until Dessie arrived and he was given a single cell. None of them are going to challenge Dessie about it, for obvious reasons, but the officers are getting it in the ear that this is special treatment. Dessie Dundons arrival in the prison had been precipitated by the removal of gangster brother John to Castlerea. John had been housed in the prisons Challenging Behaviour Unit for an extended period after he had become embroiled in a row in a cell with an inmate being held on serious drug charges. Our source said during John Dundons time on general population, he had been suspected of intimidating other inmates into handing over their shop supplies. However, as no formal complaint had been made by any other prisoner against him, nothing could be done. Dundon had so many goodies in his cell he was refusing dinner most evenings, the source said. Youd look in his cell and you could see he was well stocked and while the officers would be hearing whispers, no prisoner was willing to make a complaint about what was going on. The Sunday World previously revealed how Dundon, who has partaken in a number of educational courses since his arrival in Cork, was suspected by officers of using insights gained while studying psychology through the Open University to manipulate and bully other inmates in Cork Prison. Dundon studied psychology through the Open University and also participated in the Listeners course with the Red Cross where inmates are trained to listen to other prisoners when they are struggling, a source said at the time. Its a relief to both the prisoners and the officers to see the back of him out of Cork Prison, our source said. John, like brother Dessie, is serving a life sentence but his is for his role in the murder of innocent Shane Geoghegan. A senior figure in the McCarthy-Dundon criminal gang, Dundon was centrally involved in a murderous feud with the rival Keane-Collopy mob over the control of the drugs trade in Limerick. It is believed that 20 murders happened after Eddie Ryan was shot dead at the Moose Bar in Limerick in 2010. The man Dundon is serving life for murdering, Shane Geoghegan, was an innocent rugby player who died after he was shot five times while walking to his girlfriends house in the early hours of November 9, 2008, in an horrific case of mistaken identity. Another brother, Ger, was caged for 15 years in the UK for his role in an extortion plot in May of last year. An activist dressed only in her underwear, representing Iranian student Ahoo Daryaei, led fellow activists dressed in Handmaid's Tale costumes in a protest for women's rights in Iran on the 8th of November 2024, London, United Kingdom. Daryaei, a 30 year old student, was arrested in Iran after she partially undressed as a protest against being stopped by morality police for being 'improperly dressed' at Tehran's Islamic Azad University. Photo by Kristian Buus/In Pictures via Getty Images Do you remember being nine? Or your kids being nine? Or maybe you have a nine-year-old right now. Its the age most kids are in second or third class in primary school. Maybe making their Holy Communion. The age theyre often missing teeth from their smile. The age they still sing off-key in the school nativity concert. The age of consent for girls, about to be legalised, in Iraq. One in 12 nine-year-olds will still wet the bed at night. One in five will still have frequent nightmares. One in 10 of them here wont be able to read properly yet. Although, thatll be higher for little girls in much of the Middle East because theyre denied an education. But now nine-year-old girls children will be allowed to marry and consent to sex if this law is passed. I will never stop fighting for a fairer Ireland, declared an emotional Cllr William OLeary (Independent) after he failed to win a seat in Cork East. Cllr OLeary ran a very strong general election campaign which was reflected in an impressive vote. He secured 10% of the first preference vote as he received 4,615 first preference votes. After transfers the Rathcormac native was ultimately eliminated after the tenth count having received 6,643 votes. Speaking in the aftermath of the election count, Cllr OLeary expressed his pride in his campaign and his team. Disappointing but the people have spoken. We have to respect what they say and the way they vote. I am very proud of the campaign we put in. I am very proud of the friends and family that I have around me. Mr OLeary said he is looking forward to returning to his role as a councillor with the local authority. I look forward to getting back to work in my job with Cork County Council, a job I love. I will never stop fighting for a fairer Ireland. Thanks so much for your support. The four TDs elected to serve the Cork East constituency are James OConnor (Fianna Fail), Pat Buckley (Sinn Fein), Noel McCarthy (Fine Gael) and Liam Quaide (Social Democrats). Noel McCarthy will become the first Fermoy representative in 33 years to be elected to Dail Eireann. The free family-friendly market will be held in Macroom Town Square on Tuesday, December 10 The market will take place in the Town Square. Excitement is building for Macrooms annual Christmas Market, which is sure to delight attendees who will be able to get into the festive spirit while picking up quality local produce. The traditional market is to be held in Macroom Town Square on Tuesday, December 10 and everyone will be welcome to the event, which will feature a collection of stalls from a whole variety of traders. An additional 16 traders are expected to setup shop at the market in addition to the usual 12 which operate in the square every Tuesday, and 11 pitches will be accommodated in a marquee. The upstairs of the Town Hall will also be opened up for the day. There, pupils from seven schools will showcase 20 different mini companies they setup as part of the Student Enterprise Programme run through the Local Enterprise Office. Free Christmas card making demonstrations will also be held in the Town Hall by Macroom School of Art. The market has seen visitor numbers increase year upon year and its organisers, Macroom Municipal District, are encouraging everyone to attend the free family-friendly event. The traditional market will be officially opened by MD Cathaoirleach councillor Michael Creed. To facilitate the event, the road at the public toilets will be closed for the day. Two-hour free on-street parking will be available on the day, as it will be for all of December. All car parks in the town will be free of charge. Members of the John Mitchels GAA Club in Tralee completed an historic first for the club. Monty O'Halloran and Alexander Szeleg at the '100 Million Trees' project taking place at John Mitchel's GAA in Tralee. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan Doing his bit at 'The 100 Million Trees' project taking place at John Mitchels GAA in Tralee. Partaking in 'The 100 Million Trees' at John Mitchels GAA in Tralee. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan The John Mitchels GAA Club in Tralee achieved an important milestone by planting 2,500 native Irish trees at its club grounds in Ballyseedy on Friday as part of the 100 Million Trees Project. By supporting the project, the famous Tralee club is the first in Kerry to roll out the initiative, and also the first GAA club in the county to do so. In partnership with AIB Bank and transition year students from Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School, the Mitchels club members joined forces on Friday to plant what is described as a mini forest on grounds at Ballyseedy that will transform it into a thriving ecosystem and sustainable site. John Mitchels GAA Club Chairperson Brid McElligott said the club is extremely proud to be the first to sign up to what is an important initiative that demonstrates the clubs commitment to becoming a more environmentally sustainable organisation. Initiatives such as this show what we can achieve when we work in partnership with like-minded organisations who are also committed to supporting the green agenda, Ms McElligott said. We are extremely grateful to the Mulcahy siblings from The 100 Million Tree Project, AIB Bank, club volunteers, members of our CE scheme, and the transition year students of Mercy Mounthawk in helping us deliver this project, which will have a long lasting impact for the benefit of the club and the town of Tralee, she added. The project is a not-for-profit community-driven initiative that aims not only to contribute to Irelands ambitious afforestation goals but also to foster a sense of community pride and environmental stewardship. Stephen Stack, manager of AIB Bank in Tralee, said his organisation is delighted to sponsor the John Mitchels GAA Club for this meaningful project. By combining our efforts, we are creating a lasting impact on the local environment, and we will hopefully encourage others to take action for a greener and more sustainable future, he said. Pat Mc Auliffe co-ordinated the project for John Mitchels and he thanked the contributors for their partnership in making the project possible. After months of planning and coordination, it is wonderful to see this project come to fruition, he said. Lastly, David Mulcahy, co-founder of the initiative, said the event is testament to the collective power of public-private partnerships in showcasing how organisations with a shared vision can come together to make a lasting impact. Local retailers are adamant that Enniscorthy town has a lot to offer for residents in the immediate area and its surrounds, believing it would flourish only further with more attention from councillors. Damian Byrne, owner of Easons bookshops in Enniscorthy, Gorey, and Wexford, believes that the shops in town give customers a more personal and tailored experience every time someone walks through the doors in comparison to online competitors. He also stipulates, that while the town may not have big brand stores, like Penneys for example, the long-standing family businesses around the town are a testament to the large amount of consistent community support. "We are well-supported by the people of the town. We can see this with all the shops that have been in businesses for years and years it is a very important part of the retailer experience, he added. Easons itself, previously Byrne's World of Wonder, has been a pillar in the centre of town for many years, receiving high marks in all mystery shopper evaluations. This does not mean that the business has not leaned a little into the online retail landscape, setting up a website that has been thriving since it first went live and seeing great sales in the lead up to the holiday period. However, he believes nothing beats the wonderful moments of human interaction that occur every time a person decides to come into town to shop, and said he sees a great influx of students and people working away from home returning for the holidays. "Christmas is definitely our biggest time. There is also a great atmosphere with students home from college and people returning home for the holidays to shop locally and eat in our surrounding restaurants. We are supported by fantastic hospitality businesses with lots of cafes, restaurants, and hotels - we have a lot to offer, he said. Furthermore, Mr Byrne believes that the town is rich in culture and history, with the Enniscorthy Castle and the National 1798 Rebellion centre hosting a variety of events during the festive period, including the much - loved Santas Enchanted Experience. "The switch-on in the Market Square is always a really great and well-attended event. And seeing the castle coming into the town is a beautiful sight. Sometimes you dont appreciate what you have because you are so used to it, we take it for granted, he added. Matt Ronan, owner of the Evolv Healthstore on Castle Hill, agrees that a lot of people prefer the personal approach - a strong point of Enniscorthy in comparison to other towns. "That is something I always recognised in my youth. There is a much more noticeable difference in how the shops of Enniscorthy treat their customers, always very amenable, he said. As such, he believes it is disappointing that the the powers that be have not considered the customers who live outside the town, and who make up a large part of their customer base, by not prioritising the need for more car parking spaces. "As someone who talks with the customers, a lot of them travel in from areas just outside the town in the East and West. Delivery drivers can tell you themselves that they are traveling further out to facilitate the demand of customers out there. We have to recognise the importance of the car and we cannot push the car user away, he added. The development of the Murphy Floods site has been highly contentious, with many businesses and residents furious over the limited number of parking spaces available, especially as they will not be ready until after the Christmas period. He also believes that the focus on pedestrianisation is a blatant disregard to older shoppers, who have paid their dues and deserve the right to shop comfortably. "It is a remarkable blind spot by the people who make the decisions. Say you have a customer in their seventies with a bad knee and you tell them they have to walk 400-500 yards to get something they need its is insanity. The powers that be have to recognise that the demographic of the town has changed and we have to look after the older community, he concluded. Neighbours actor Ian Smith, known for playing Harold Bishop in the Australian soap, has announced his departure from the show after revealing he has terminal cancer. The 86-year-old actor said in an interview with Australias 10 News First that he has a rare form of lung cancer, called pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma. Speaking to presenter Angela Bishop, he said: I found out a few months back that I have cancer, that I have a very aggressive non-fixable cancer and they expect me to die. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content He later said of having treatment: Ive had three chemos although the first one wasnt chemo, it was immunotherapy, which is reasonably new, to the medical world. Ive really put my hand up, I think, just to be a guinea pig, plus the fact I dont want to die, I want to stay alive with quality as long as I can, and if they can do that Im very happy. But I wake up every morning hoping theres no pain because I know thats the beginning of the bad part. A message posted on the official X account of Neighbours said: Harold waves goodbye to Ramsay Street. Were sharing the sad news that Ian Smith will soon be stepping away from the beloved role of Harold Bishop. Ian first played Harold in 1987 and its been a huge privilege to welcome him back to the show over the years. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Neighbours also announced that actress Anne Charleston, who played Harolds wife Madge, will return alongside Smith for some of his last scenes. In a post on X it said: In what context Anne will appear is yet to be revealed, but to have the iconic couple reunited will be one final treat for fans. Another X post said: Erinsborough wont quite be the same again, but rest assured that Harold is set to have a send-off fit for Ramsay Street royalty. A video showing Smith on set with cast and crew on his final day of filming, played by 10 News First, showed Neighbours executive producer Jason Herbison telling the actor he is an icon, legend, Ramsay Street royalty. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The actor was emotional as he spoke about losing his wife Gail to cancer in 2019, saying she had died on December 21 that year, and adding to 10 News First: That really I think if that hadnt happened Id be a lot worse off now, but my life finished then Asked if he believes he will see Gail again, he said: No, thats why I say I wish I was religious, it would be lovely. I dont hold anything, there are people who practise their religion beautifully and I dont deride them, I envy them. I think it would be lovely to have that to look forward to, fantastic. Can you imagine? Speaking about what he thinks will happen, he told Bishop: Ive seen so many deaths Ive seen some good ones and Ive seen bad ones, and Im hoping Ill go the nice way. Smith first appeared on the show in 1987 as an old flame of Madge, played by Charleston. His character, a tuba-playing, vegetarian Samaritan, was only supposed to be in a few episodes but ended up staying until 1991, when Harold was washed out to sea while on holiday. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content After his departure, Smith concentrated on writing and producing, scripting numerous episodes of Australian prison drama Prisoner: Cell Block H. In 1996, Smith returned to Neighbours and remained until 2009. During his time in the soap his character had his house burgled by a gambling-addicted girlfriend, suffered a stroke that completely altered his personality, and tried to strangle the man he blamed for the plane crash that killed his son. In 2009 Harold drove off into the Outback in a camper van, more than 20 years after his first appearance. The character made brief guest appearances in the soap over the years, and it was announced in April this year that Harold would be returning to Ramsay Street 15 years after his departure as a regular character. Neighbours launched the careers of stars who are now household names, including Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce and Russell Crowe. This sort of thing ends badly Protests over delay in EU talks rock Georgia for fourth night Russia makes claim of interference from west and says country moving into dark abyss Protesters bearing European Union and Georgian flags were hit with water cannons by police. Photo: Reuters Felix Light Mon 2 Dec 2024 at 03:30 Protesters rallied in Georgias capital for a fourth straight night yesterday amid signs that opposition was spreading across the country to the governments decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union. Backdropped by a Lebanese village an Israeli army position sits near the Israeli-Lebanese border, during the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah (Leo Correa/AP) The Israeli military said on Monday it had attacked military vehicles operating in the vicinity of military infrastructure belonging to the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon's Bekaa. Troops also attacked military vehicles used to transfer weapons near the border between Syria and Lebanon in Hermel, the Israeli military said in a statement, acknowledging that a Lebanese soldier was injured in one of its strikes. Syrian President Assad sends in reinforcements to halt advance of rebels after daring seizure of Aleppo Civilians among dead in Russia and Syrias second day of attacks, war monitors say Civilian supporters of the Syrian rebels stand atop a captured army tank in the town of Maarat al-Numan, southwest of Aleppo, Syria. Photo: Omar Albam/AP Bel Trew and Andy Gregory UK Independent Mon 2 Dec 2024 at 03:30 The Syrian regime has rushed in reinforcements to hold off a rebel advance into the Hama countryside, after they seized the countrys second city Aleppo in the biggest threat to autocratic ruler Bashar al-Assad in years. LATEST | US President Joe Biden pardons his son Hunter: I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President made this decision Biden says Hunter was unfairly prosecuted due to political motivesHunter Biden admits past mistakes, pledges to help others in recoveryBiden cites selective prosecution, compares Hunter's case to typical resolutions Hunter Biden, son of US president Joe Biden, and his wife Melissa Cohen Biden walk outside the federal court as his trial on criminal gun charges continues in Wilmington, Delaware. Photo: Reuters Jeff Mason Mon 2 Dec 2024 at 01:45 U.S. President Joe Biden said on Sunday he had pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, a reversal after pledging to stay out of legal proceedings against the younger Biden who pleaded guilty to tax violations and was convicted on firearms-related charges. End of the Angel Tax in India: Applicable for FY 2025-26 India has emerged as a global leader in entrepreneurship, housing the worlds third-largest pool of unicorn startups. This remarkable growth has been fueled by government policies and an ecosystem conducive to innovation. However, the entrepreneurial journey in India has not been without its challenges. A significant roadblock has been the contentious angel tax, a provision that dampened investment inflows and created financial strain for startups. In a landmark announcement during the Union Budget 2024, the Indian government declared the abolition of this tax for all categories of investors, effective from the financial year (FY) 2025-26. This reform is a turning point for startups and investors alike. By removing this bottleneck, the central government aims to stimulate innovation, attract more foreign capital, and provide startups with the financial freedom to scale operations. Let us delve into the origins of the angel tax, its implications, and how its abolition will transform Indias entrepreneurial landscape. Understanding the angel tax Introduced through the Finance Act 2012 under Section 56(2)(viib) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, the angel tax aimed to address money laundering concerns by taxing excess premiums received by unlisted companies. Specifically, if a startup issued shares at a price exceeding its fair market value (FMV), the excess was deemed income from other sources and taxed at a steep 30.9 percent rate. The intent behind the angel tax was to prevent unaccounted money from being funneled into private companies. However, it inadvertently created significant hurdles for legitimate startups, especially those dependent on high-value investments from domestic and foreign investors. Illustrative example Consider a startup receiving an investment of INR 150 million (US$1.7 million) against a fair market value of INR 100 million (US$1.18 million). The excess INR 50 million (US$590,541) would be taxed at 30.9 percent, resulting in a liability of approximately INR 15.5 million (US$183,067). This additional burden discouraged investments and stifled growth, particularly during a startups critical formative years. The challenges created by Indias angel tax Over the past decade, the angel tax provisions have been fraught with controversies and implementation challenges. Startups faced significant hurdles due to ambiguities in valuation methodologies and inconsistent tax administration. Key challenges included: Valuation disputes: Tax authorities frequently rejected valuations provided by startups, often recalculating them using unclear or subjective methods. This led to protracted disputes and financial uncertainties. Conflict with FDI regulations: The valuation methods mandated under angel tax provisions often contradicted those specified under Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms, creating confusion for startups and investors. Applicability in special cases: The tax was imposed even in cases like distressed funding, bonus issues, or conversions of convertible instruments into equity shares, deterring investors during critical financial junctures. Barriers for foreign investors: In 2023, the tax was extended to include investments from non-resident shareholders, further complicating matters and making India less attractive to global investors. These issues not only hindered the ability of startups to secure funding but also created a perception of regulatory unpredictability, deterring foreign investors from participating in Indias startup boom. Key milestones leading to the abolition While the government made intermittent attempts to address the challenges posed by the angel tax, these measures fell short of resolving the underlying issues. 2016 DPIIT exemptions: Startups registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) were exempted from angel tax. However, stringent eligibility criteria limited the effectiveness of this measure. 2019 relaxations: The government further eased rules, allowing DPIIT-registered startups to secure exemptions. Startups needed to file declarations and adhere to strict thresholds for paid-up capital and turnover to qualify. 2023 extension to non-resident investors: Despite the intent to broaden the scope of angel tax, extending it to non-residents created additional complications, amplifying the call for its abolition. Recognizing the ongoing challenges and growing criticism, the government took the bold step in the Union Budget 2024 to abolish the angel tax for all categories of investors, effective FY 2025-26. Clause 23 of the Finance Bill, 2024 had proposed an amendment to the Income Tax Act, 1961, which will render the angel tax provision ineffective from April 1, 2025. Implications of the abolition of Indias angel tax regime The decision to abolish the angel tax is expected to have far-reaching implications for Indias startup ecosystem and its attractiveness as an investment destination per industry watchers. Boosting foreign investment The abolition removes a critical barrier for foreign investors, making it easier to participate in Indias burgeoning startup ecosystem. Simplified tax structures and reduced compliance risks will likely attract more global capital, fostering innovation and growth. Enhancing startup valuations Without the constraints of angel tax, startups can focus on presenting accurate valuations aligned with market conditions rather than catering to arbitrary regulatory standards. This alignment with global practices will enhance investor confidence. Reducing litigation and uncertainty The contentious nature of the angel tax has resulted in numerous legal disputes over the years. With its abolition, startups can avoid protracted litigation and instead channel their energy toward scaling operations and innovation. Aligning with global standards The move positions India as a competitive destination for startups and investors, aligning its policies with those of global startup hubs. This is particularly significant for fostering cross-border collaborations and partnerships. Unresolved issues and the road ahead While the abolition of angel tax is a significant milestone, certain unresolved issues require attention to fully realize its potential benefits: Pending litigation: Startups with ongoing disputes under the previous provisions need a clear resolution framework to avoid prolonged uncertainty. Clarifications on related amendments: The absence of changes to the definition of income under Section 2(24)(xvi) creates ambiguity, necessitating further legislative clarification. Holistic Support for Startups: Beyond tax reforms, measures such as access to credit, simplified compliance processes, and infrastructure support are crucial for nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem. An opportunity for foreign investors For foreign investors, the abolition of angel tax represents a golden opportunity to tap into Indias dynamic startup landscape. Key benefits include: Increased returns on investment : With startups retaining more capital, investors can expect improved returns and scalability. : With startups retaining more capital, investors can expect improved returns and scalability. Regulatory certainty : Simplified regulations ensure a more predictable investment environment. : Simplified regulations ensure a more predictable investment environment. Access to a thriving ecosystem: Indias startup ecosystem is a hotbed of innovation, offering diverse opportunities across sectors like technology, healthcare, fintech, and renewable energy. VC funding picks up in 2024 as Indian startups attract greater investor confidence Indias venture capital (VC) funding saw a significant rebound in 2024, with investments jumping 44 percent (in disclosed value) to US$9.2 billion from January to October, compared to US$6.4 billion in the same period in 2023. This recovery was driven by investor confidence returning after a challenging 2022 and 2023, bolstered by high-quality deal-making and large-scale funding in growth-stage startups. According to Fortune India, a total of 984 VC funding deals were reached between Jan-Oct this year, showing a 5.8 percent year-on-year growth in deal volume. India is among the top five global markets for VC funding activity in deal volume and value terms, and accounted for 7.1 percent share of the total number of VC deals globally announced during the Jan-Oct period. Key trends contributing to this resurgence include: Sectoral focus: Fintech, consumer internet, and SaaS companies were among the top recipients of VC funding in India. However, deep-tech and climate-tech startups are emerging as attractive opportunities. Shift to quality: Investors are more selective, prioritizing sustainable growth over rapid scaling, leading to better-quality deals. Global context: Despite challenges in global markets, Indias startup ecosystem remains resilient, appealing to domestic and international investors. While the current trajectory appears positive, sustaining this momentum may require consistent economic policies, global market stability, and ongoing innovation across sectors. Top VC funding deals from Jan-Oct 2024: Quick commerce startup Zepto raising US$665 million in June and additional US$340 million in August E-commerce company Meesho securing US$300 million E-Pharmacy company PharmEasy raising US$216 million EdTech startup PhysicsWallah raising US$210 million Omnichannel beauty platform Purplle raising US$178.4 million Conclusion The abolition of the angel tax for all categories of investors marks a watershed moment for Indias entrepreneurial journey. By removing a significant financial and regulatory burden, the Indian government has demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation and attracting global investments. For startups, this reform translates into greater financial freedom, reduced litigation, and an enhanced ability to compete on a global stage. For investors, it opens the door to untapped opportunities in one of the worlds most dynamic startup ecosystems. With effective implementation and resolution of pending issues, this move has the potential to catalyze Indias vision of becoming a global innovation hub. As India ushers in this new era of growth and collaboration, foreign investors are well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of its startup ecosystem. (US$1 = INR 84.67) Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde headed the Mahayuti government from 2022 to 2024 in Maharashtra | Photo courtesy: Eknath Shinde Facebook page Mumbai/IBNS: Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has made a strong pitch for his return to the top post though it is likely for a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader to lead the next government in the richest state of the country. Though he reiterated that it will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi's choice on who would assume the Chief Minister's chair, Shinde reminded all as to why people back a "common man" like him for the top job. Speaking to reporters, Shinde said on Sunday as quoted by The Indian Express, "I was the peoples Chief Minister. Actually, I used to say that I was not just the Chief Minister but the Common Man. As a common man, I understood problems and pain suffered by the people and tried to address them. Since I worked as a common man, obviously people feel that I should become the Chief Minister." "However, there should be no confusion I held a press conference last week and clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah will take the decision regarding the Chief Ministers post. My party Shiv Sena and myself will support their decision There should be no ifs and buts in anyones mind," the Sena leader added, speaking at his native village of Dare in Satara district. Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar, another ally in the Mahayuti which stormed back to power on November 23, on Sunday said the Chief Minister will be from the BJP, which has registered its best ever performance in the state. "During the meeting in Delhi, it was decided that the Mahayuti will form the government with a BJP Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers from the remaining two parties," Pawar was quoted as saying by NDTV. If Pawar's words come true, it would be a matter of time for former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to get the top post in the financial capital of the country. Fadnavis, who remained the Chief Minister from 2014-2019, served as Shinde's deputy in the Mahayuti government. While the BJP has yet to convene a meeting of its newly elected MLAs or name its legislature party leader, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony will take place on December 5 at 5 pm at Mumbai's Azad Maidan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the event. The suspense over the CM's post started after the Mahayuti decimated the Maha Vikas Aghadi in the November 20 assembly elections. Out of 230, the BJP dominated with a tremendous strike rate, winning 132, the highest ever by the saffron party in the state. Mamata Banerjee wants UN peacekeeping force in Bangladesh and wants PM Modi to intervene | Photo courtesy: Mamata Banerjee Facebook page Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should intervene in the ongoing Bangladesh unrest and batted for the deployment of peacekeeping forces of the United Nations in the neighbouring country. Addressing the state assembly, Mamata said, "We propose that the Centre should urge the United Nations to send peacekeeping forces to Bangladesh." "The Prime Minister should give a statement in Parliament. If he is not able to, let the External Affairs Minister do it." "If Indians are attacked in Bangladesh, we won't tolerate it. We can bring them back. Our families, properties and people are in Bangladesh. We will accept whatever decision the India government takes," the Chief Minister said and added, "We strongly condemn any kind of religious attack in any part of the world. We want the central government and the Prime Minister to intervene." In a counter to the Chief Minister, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) IT Cell head Amit Malviya wrote on X, "She doesnt use the word Hindus. Explains her opposition to the CAA, which was meant to give dignity to Bengali refugees, most of them Hindus, who had fled religious persecution "India will take care of all Indians, around the world We dont need a Chief Minister for it." Mamata Banerjee says, If required we can rehabilitate Indians attacked in Bangladesh. We have no problem sharing our one roti with them, there will be no shortage of food for them. She doesnt use the word Hindus. Explains her opposition to the CAA, which was meant to give Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 2, 2024 At least three International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) monks have been arrested in Bangladesh, which has been witnessing attacks on Hindus after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. The fresh conflict broke out after the arrest of former ISKCON member Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while he was travelling to Chittagong. He was denied bail. Advocate Saiful Islam Alif, who was defending Das, was hacked to death amid the protests against the arrest. 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. Last week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the unrest. Briefing Parliament, Jaishankar said the government is taking a serious view of the violence in Bangladesh, which was formed in 1971 after it was declared independent from Pakistan through the Liberation War. India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise begins. Photo Courtesy: PIB The 4th edition of India- Malaysia Joint Military Exercise Harimau Shakti commenced on Monday, at Bentong camp, Pahang district, Malaysia. "The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 2nd to 15th December 2024," the Indian government said in a statement. Indian contingent comprising of 78 personnel is being represented by a Battalion of Mahar Regiment. The Malaysian contingent is being represented by 123 personnel from The Royal Malaysian Regiment. What is Joint Exercise Harimau Shakti? Joint Exercise Harimau Shakti is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Malaysia. What is the purpose of the exercise? The last edition was conducted in Nov 2023 at Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya, India. The aim of the Joint Exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter insurgency operations in jungle terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. The exercise will focus on operations in the jungle environment. The exercise will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will be focused on cross training between both the Armies including lectures, demonstrations, and practices of various drills in jungle terrain. In the final phase both the Armies will take active part in a simulated exercise, wherein troops will execute various drills including Anti-MT Ambush, Occupation of Harbour, Carrying out Recce Patrol, Ambush and an Attack on area taken over by the terrorists. The exercise will enable both sides to share best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting joint operations. It will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies. The Joint Exercise will also enhance defence cooperation, further augmenting bilateral relations between the two friendly nations. Senthil Balaji was granted bail by the Supreme Court earlier this year | Photo courtesy: V Senthil Balaji Facebook page New Delhi/IBNS: The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the reinstatement of DMK leader V Senthil Balaji as the Tamil Nadu minister shortly after he was granted bail in a money laundering case, media reports said. The top court said the reinstatement will give an impression that witnesses against Balaji will be under pressure. Justice AS Oka said as quoted by NDTV, "We grant bail and the next day you go and become Minister, anybody will be bound under the impression that now with your position as a senior Cabinet Minister witnesses will be under pressure. What is this going on?" In September, Supreme Court bench of Justices Abhay Oka and Augustine George Masih granted bail to the four-time MLA. Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate last year. He was arrested by the ED last year in connection with a money laundering case in connection with the cash-for-jobs scam case during his tenure as Transport Minister in the previous AIADMK regime (2011-2015). Interestingly, rejecting his bail plea, the Madras High Court had earlier said it would send a wrong signal if Balaji was granted bail in a case of this nature. The High Court had said it would be appropriate to direct the special court to finish the case within a certain time as the accused was in custody for more than eight months. Senthilbalaji, who had remained as a minister without portfolio after his arrest, resigned from the state cabinet on February 12 this year. India condemns Bangladesh mission's breach in Agartala. Photo courtesy: Videograb from X New Delhi/IBNS: India on Monday condemned the breach at the Bangladesh mission's premises in Agartala and called it "deeply regrettable". "Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. Our statement on breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, Agartala https://t.co/hVVB0SITQn pic.twitter.com/li8TtmwfS8 Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 2, 2024 The MEA's response came hours after hundreds of people took out a massive rally around the Bangladeshi mission in Tripura's capital in protest against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh. The protest also saw voices raised against the spate of attacks on minorities in the neighbouring country. The Bangladeshi High Commission in Agartala was attacked by Indian terrorists, and several officials were allegedly assaulted. But what more can you expect from a terrorist nation like India, where the head of the government is a registered terrorist? pic.twitter.com/Un5txIRZ9z Nazmus Sajid Chowdhury (@nazmussajid) December 2, 2024 During the protest, over 50 agitators allegedly entered the premises of the Bangladeshi mission in Agartala, leading to panic among the officials and staff at the complex. "The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable. Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances. Government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their Deputy/Assistant High Commissions in the country," the MEA said. The Bangladesh interim government in a post on X said it "deeply resents the violent attack into the Assistant High Commission in Agartala this afternoon, vandalisation of the Mission premise and desecration of the Bangladesh flag." #Bangladesh deeply resents the violent attack into Assistant High Commission in Agartala | #India, this afternoon, vandalisation of the Mission premise and desecration of Flag. pic.twitter.com/FfNYURJSEF Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@BDMOFA) December 2, 2024 India, meanwhile, said the interim government in Bangladesh must shoulder its responsibility of protecting all minorities while expressing serious concern over the "surge" of extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence against Hindus. Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, arrested for alleged sedition, should be dealt with in a just, fair, and transparent manner, India stated. Ties between India and Bangladesh came under strain after the interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus came to power following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. Radharaman Das protests against arrest of Hindu leader in Kolkata. Photo Courtesy: IBNS FIle ISKCON spokesperson Radharaman Das on Monday claimed the only lawyer, who was ready to defend arrested Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, is currently fighting for his life in a hospital after he was attacked in Bangladesh. Sharing an image of the lawyer, who was identified as Ramen Roy, Das wrote on X: "Please pray for Advocate Ramen Roy. His only 'fault' was defending Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu in court." Please pray for Advocate Ramen Roy. His only 'fault' was defending Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu in court. Islamists ransacked his home and brutally attacked him, leaving him in the ICU, fighting for his life.#SaveBangladeshiHindus #FreeChinmoyKrishnaPrabhu pic.twitter.com/uudpC10bpN Radharamn Das (@RadharamnDas) December 2, 2024 "Islamists ransacked his home and brutally attacked him, leaving him in the ICU, fighting for his life," the ISKCON spokesperson said. Bangladesh is once again witnessing turmoil since Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested recently, triggering massive protests by minority community members in the country. Bangladesh has been struggling for the past several months since a massive anti-job quota demonstration forced former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government to topple, ending her new term prematurely. She left the country amid a political crisis. It is suspected that foreign hands were at play in orchestrating the unrest and planning her ouster. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus-led government took charge of the country just three days after Hasina exited the country. Yunus, known for his closeness to the US Democrats, also accepted later in an event in America that there was design and conspiracy" involved in the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Protesters breach Bangladesh mission in Agartala on Monday. Photo courtesy: Videograb from X Agartala/IBNS: Hotels and restaurants in Tripura have stopped accepting bookings from Bangladeshi tourists amid strained diplomatic relations over Hindu persecution in the neighbouring country, the top association of the travel sector in the northeast state said in a statement. According to the All-Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners' Association's statement, hotels will not give rooms to Bangladeshi tourists and restaurants will not serve meals to them. The statement comes on a day when hundreds of people took out a massive rally around the Bangladeshi mission in Tripura's capital in protest against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh. The protest also saw voices raised against the spate of attacks on minorities in the neighbouring country. During the protest, over 50 agitators allegedly entered the premises of the Bangladeshi mission in Agartala, leading to panic among the officials and staff at the complex. The Bangladeshi High Commission in Agartala was attacked by Indian terrorists, and several officials were allegedly assaulted. But what more can you expect from a terrorist nation like India, where the head of the government is a registered terrorist? pic.twitter.com/Un5txIRZ9z Nazmus Sajid Chowdhury (@nazmussajid) December 2, 2024 The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the breach at the Bangladesh mission's premises in Agartala and called it "deeply regrettable". "The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable. Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances. Government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their Deputy/Assistant High Commissions in the country," the MEA said. Our statement on breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, Agartala https://t.co/hVVB0SITQn pic.twitter.com/li8TtmwfS8 Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 2, 2024 The Bangladesh interim government in a post on X said it "deeply resents the violent attack into the Assistant High Commission in Agartala this afternoon, vandalisation of the Mission premise and desecration of the Bangladesh flag." #Bangladesh deeply resents the violent attack into Assistant High Commission in Agartala | #India, this afternoon, vandalisation of the Mission premise and desecration of Flag. pic.twitter.com/FfNYURJSEF Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@BDMOFA) December 2, 2024 India, meanwhile, said the interim government in Bangladesh must shoulder its responsibility of protecting all minorities while expressing serious concern over the "surge" of extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence against Hindus. Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, arrested for alleged sedition, should be dealt with in a just, fair, and transparent manner, India stated. ISKCON spokesperson Radharaman Das on Monday claimed the only lawyer, who was ready to defend arrested Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, is currently fighting for his life in a hospital after he was attacked in Bangladesh. Ties between India and Bangladesh came under strain after the interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus came to power following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. Vocational education making huge progress in China, says German expert Xinhua) 13:47, December 02, 2024 BERLIN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's development of vocational training has made great strides, said Jan Heinze, president of Heinze Academy, during a recent interview with Xinhua, adding that the speed of China's progress impressed him the most. "While other countries are still considering how to improve their vocational education systems, China has already trained a batch of excellent teachers," said Heinze, representing the Hamburg-based vocational training institute with an 87-year history. Having visited many vocational institutes in China, Heinze noted significant progress. "Ten years ago, when the first Chinese delegations visited our academy, we had to explain basic concepts. Now, the teachers coming to us ask challenging, insightful questions," he said. "It's now more of a two-way exchange, as both sides have much to learn from each other" Since 2012, the Heinze Academy has conducted over 20 training programs for teachers from China. In 2019, it was appointed as a training provider for an overseas training initiative launched by the Ministry of Education and the China Education Association for International Exchange, focusing on robotics, mechatronics, and electrotechnics. Since then, the academy has trained nearly 1,500 professionals from 23 provinces across China. According to the Chinese Ministry of Education, China had over 11,000 vocational schools as of 2023, including technical schools, with nearly 35 million students enrolled. The country aims to nurture a skilled workforce by fostering approximately 2,000 national-level master artisans, 10,000 provincial-level master artisans, and 50,000 city-level master artisans with advanced technical expertise and innovative skills by 2035. Heinze spoke highly of China's efforts to promote vocational education. "China has developed impressively over the past 20 years," he said. "As China's industrial base continues to expand, the country needs a skilled workforce to sustain this growth. Vocational training will play a crucial role in developing the specialized labor force required for China's ongoing progress." "Even in a digitalized world, there's still a need for skilled workers who can work with their hands," Heinze said, citing battery production as an example. "While digital technologies are increasingly prevalent, a significant portion of the workforce in industries such as battery assembly still requires specialized manual skills." Drawing from Germany's experience, Heinze pointed out that vocational training can lead to excellent job prospects and competitive salaries. "If everyone pursues academic degrees without considering technical fields, a country will inevitably face a shortage of skilled workers. That can be dangerous for the economy, as a balanced workforce is critical for economic stability," he said. Also, Heinze expressed optimism about the future of vocational education collaboration between Germany and China. "The projects we've done with China have been very successful, and the partnerships are built on mutual trust," he said. "Both sides can learn from each other, and I'm committed to continuing and expanding these efforts." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Besides Australia, more countries have implemented or are considering age restrictions for social media use to protect young people from potential onl 1. United Kingdom: 2. France: 3. United States: 4. South Korea: 5. Norway: Recently, Australia has passed a bill to ban children under 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and others. The legislation aims to address concerns over online safety and the negative impact of social media on young people's mental health.This legislation, which was approved by the Australian Senate on November 29, 2024, imposes fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately Rs 275 crore) on social media companies that fail to prevent underage users from creating accounts. Messaging apps and online gaming platforms are exempt from this ban.Besides Australia, more countries have implemented or are considering age restrictions for social media use to protect young people from potential online harms.Here are some examples:While the UK does not currently have plans for an Australia-style ban, it has passed the Online Safety Act, which sets stricter standards for social media platforms, including age-appropriate restrictions. The UK is considering a similar ban for individuals under 16. The Online Safety Act aims to enforce the removal of detrimental posts and protect young people from harmful content.In France, children under 15 cannot create a social media account without parental consent. The government requires legally documented parental consent for accessing social media platforms.Social media firms that fail to comply with these regulations face fines of up to 1% of their global revenues. France is also advocating for an EU-wide adoption of similar regulations, urging other European countries to follow its lead.The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) mandates that children under 13 cannot legally have a social media account. Some states, like Ohio and Florida, have required parental permission for minors to use social media.In a proposed Federal Legislation, the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act would set a minimum age of 13 for social media use and require parental consent for users aged 13 to 17.Montana has banned TikTok within the state. New Jersey has established a commission to study the effects of social media on adolescent.South Korea had a " shutdown law " that limits children under 16 from accessing gaming sites after midnight. However, this law has faced challenges with enforcement.Initially introduced in 2011, the Cinderella Law or shutdown law banned children under 15 from playing online games between midnight and 6 a.m. to prevent tiredness in school. However, it was replaced in 2021 with a "choice permit" system, allowing parents to set approved playing times.In August this year lawmakers in South Korea proposed a bill aimed at regulating use of social media by under-16.Norway is set to enact a strict age minimum of 15 for social media use following a government campaign against social media giants.The current minimum age limit to use social media in Norway is 13, which is in line with the requirements of TikTok, Instagram and Snapchats terms of service.Last month, Norway has announced plans to raise the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 15. This decision aims to protect children from harmful online content and data collection practices. Social media platforms will need to implement age verification measures to ensure that users are at least 15 years old.In, the country has Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 , requires data fiduciaries to collect verifiable parental consent from parents of children under the age of 18 for processing their data online.In 2023, the Karnataka High Court suggested to the Union Government to implement an age limit of 21 for accessing social media, citing concerns about excessive addiction among schoolchildren and its negative impact.In, parental consent is required for processing personal data for children under the age of 16, although member states can lower this limit to 13.These measures reflect a growing global effort to protect young people from the potential negative effects of social media. Avicii - I'm Tim OTT release date is out. Tim Bergling, a Swedish DJ, remixer, and record producer better known by his stage name Avicii, is the subject of the documentary. This is the improbable tale of Tim Bergling, a timid and insecure young man who unexpectedly became one of the most well-known artists in the world. The documentary Avicii - I'm Tim and Avicii - My Last Show will be released on Netflix on December 31, 2024. Plot We get to follow Tim on his tumultuous path through life, from his first breath at the maternity hospital in 1989 to his untimely demise in Oman in 2018, thanks to unusual home videos and a sizable private collection. In this film, Tim serves as the narrator and expresses his innermost thoughts in a way that has never been heard before. We first meet Tim, the man behind Avicii, through him and others closest to him, including his family, fellow artists, and closest friends. Cast and crew It has been directed by Henrik Burman. The producer is Bjorn Tjarnberg. The documentary is made for Netflix More about Avicii True, his first studio album, was largely well-reviewed and combined electronic music with aspects of other genres. It topped worldwide charts and reached the top 10 in over 15 nations. Wake Me Up, the lead song, peaked at number four in the US and at the top of most European music charts. After experiencing stress and bad mental health for a number of years, Bergling decided to stop touring in 2016. He committed suicide in 2018 while on vacation in Muscat, Oman. In 2019, his third and last album, Tim, was made available posthumously. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Sikandar ka Muqaddar Controversy: A scene capturing the flamingos in the recently released Netflix movie has stirred a new row among environmentalists. As per a Free Press Journal report, the greens have alleged that the flamingo shot was captured from a close angle purportedly via a drone. The complaint was made to the Mangrove Cell with a request to take the issue in cognizance legally with the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner, NRI Coastal police station and CIDCO. What is Sikandar ka Muqaddars flamingo drone shot controversy? A part of the NatConnect Foundations complaint stated that during the timeline 1:03:44 to 1:03:54 in the movie, a shot captured at TS Chanakya by a drone was shown where the device might have flown over the flamingos resting on the wetland and mudflat. BN Kumar, Director of the Foundation said, We have no objection whatsoever to the featuring the beauty of flamingos in the movie, but the use of drones flying over the resting birds is certainly objectionable. According to him, drones with sharp blades create a whirring noise which can easily disturb the resting birds. The flamingos could get grievously injured or even killed if they come in contact with the flying machines, Kumar added. Flamingos are part of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) red list of near-threaded vulnerable species. The conservation organizations have been advocating for the protection of flamingos and their habitats as a component of the citys biodiversity, which is under threat. The State government has established a high-level committee to investigate and provide recommendations for conserving the DPS Flamingo Lake, a vital flamingo habitat. The report from the committee is currently pending. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Pushpa 2 song: The latest track from Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandannas upcoming movie was recently released titled Peelings. Sung by Laxmi Dasa in the lyrics of Chandrabose, what has caught the internets eye is the OTT choreography by Sekhar VJ. Peelings is indeed a peppy number but the steps in the song are making Reddit have a second-hand embarrassment and call it vulgar. Internet reacts to Pushpa 2 song Peelings A user wrote, This is making me so uncomfortable eww. Another user questioned who approved of these steps to even be executed. While many wanted to unsee the steps, others said that they were making it clear who the movie was being made for. One person said, The steps that are indicators of who the target audience is. Pushpa is just a high-budget Bhojpuri film. Another one commented, Bro this is embarrassing to even watch. Someone opined, These days choreography has become like soft porn don't understand why actresses say yes to do this. One person expressed, Crap like this is why Indian cinema just cannot be taken seriously on a global stage. Like what is even happening? Others simply called it the chhapri and trash fate of showbiz. Instagram More about Pushpa 2 Directed by Sukumar, this sequel to the 2021 film Pushpa: The Rise has been produced by Mythri Movie Makers along with Sukumar Writings. Other than Allu and Rashmika, this action thriller also stars Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Dhananjaya, Rao Ramesh, Sunil and Anasuya Bharadwaj in key roles. Pushpa 2 will hit theatres on December 5 in standard, 3D, IMAX, 4DX, D-Box and PVR ICE formats. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. #ShameOnMTVHUSTLE: The internet is at it and how! Social media woke up with rage on December 2 and slammed MTV for allegedly influencing the deletion of YouTube channels that spoke against them. X (formerly Twitter) is filled with netizens in anger calling out the channel for their beef against Rohan Cariappa. Is MTV plotting against Rohan Cariappa? A very serious claim to make but the internet is highly convinced. Tracing to the origin of the controversy, comedian Rohan Cariappa took to his Instagram stories and revealed that due to '50-plus strikes', YouTube has decided to delete his channel. This is right after Rohan posted several videos criticizing MTV Hustle. Instagram In another story, Cariappa said, The channel shuts down on the 7th ... Killswitch aur Danish ke baad mera bhi elimination ho raha hai (I have been eliminated after Killswitch and Danish). Danish and Killswitch were contestants in the show. This fueled the internet's anger and now everyone is talking about #ShameOnMTVHUSTLE. What is the internet saying about #ShameOnMTVHUSTLE? Twitter is outraged with allegations that MTV has shut down the YouTube channel of Rohan Cariappa just because they couldn't take a joke on the show. One user wrote, MTV Hustle tried to take down Rohan Cariappa's YouTube channel. These companies profit from the culture and then start thinking of themselves as superior. Rohan's contribution to the Desi Hip-Hop is far greater than that of these money makers. Whole dhh community stands with @cariappa_rohan We won't let that fake show destroy Dhh #shameonmtvhustle pic.twitter.com/azXGmBfCKx Sarthak Baral (@sarthakbaral_28) December 1, 2024 Fuck this greedy show they earn through the audience of hip hop listeners in India and then they silence a youtuber who has educated the audience with his videos and for a fact has done more for the culture than the show itself.#ShameOnMTVHUSTLE #rohankamootmtv Yash Raj Choudhary (@yaxhlifts) December 2, 2024 About MTV Hustle MTV Hustle is a reality series centred around Indian rap and hip-hop. In the competition, rappers compete to claim the title and currently show's 4th season is airing on MTV. Recently, Badshah who served as a judge on seasons 2 and 3 of Hustle appeared as a special guest alongside Raftaar and Ikka in an episode. Indiatimes reached out to MTV representatives for their comment on this matter and this story will be updated as soon as a statement is received. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. After a long fight with the deadly COVID-19 virus, an urgent warning has been issued against the spread of a new virus, also called the Bleeding Eye virus, affecting over 17 countries across the globe. The real names of the viruses are said to be the Marburg, Mpox, and Oropouche viruses which are spread across 17 countries. Due to the rapid spread of the virus, travellers have been advised to take additional precautionary measures. The Marburg virus, due to one of its symptoms, has killed around 15 people in Rwanda, and over 100 people are believed to be infected. Apart from this, it is also said that the virus is the deadliest one ever, as it has a 50-50 risk of death. Officials fear that the virus could soon be spread across other parts of African countries, along with dealing with other outbreaks. What is Marburg virus, a.k.a. the bleeding eyes virus? Marburg virus is a serious condition that is also known as bleeding eyes and is a viral hemorrhagic fever. The fever often damages the blood vessels and causes bleeding. Marburg virus belongs to the Ebola family, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms of the virus often start like flu and can progress to severe vomiting, bleeding, and neurological (brain and nerve) problems. How is the Marburg virus spread? Marburg virus is a rare disease, but sometimes outbreaks are seen in certain parts of Africa. The outbreaks of the virus commonly start spreading from bats or other animals like monkeys to human beings. From here it can spread to other human beings and cause a major outbreak. The virus is mainly transmitted through: Blood. Pee (urine). Poop (stool). Spit (saliva). Human milk. Semen. Vaginal fluids. Causes behind the Marburg virus disease Marburg virus has two related viruses called Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV) that cause MVD. These are also related to the viruses that cause Ebola. Symptoms of Bleeding Eye Virus Some of the common symptoms of the virus include: Fever. Chills. Severe headache. Cough. Muscle or joint pain. Sore throat. Rash. After a day or two you may feel better, but following this, other symptoms start to show up: Abdominal or chest pain. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Dizziness. Unintended weight loss. Bloody poop or vomit. Bleeding from your nose, mouth, eyes, or vagina. Confusion. Treatment As per the Cleveland Clinic report, there is no dedicated treatment or cure for the condition yet, but the symptoms can be managed if the condition deteriorates by giving oxygen, intravenous (IV) fluids, and treatments for specific symptoms, like pain medications. For more on lifestyle, astrology and health from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle. Bank Holiday tomorrow: On Tuesday, December 3, all public and private sector banks in Goa will remain closed. However, banks in other states will continue their operations as usual. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has declared a holiday in Goa to mark the occasion of St. Francis Xavier's Feast. Why Are Banks Closed in Goa on December 3? The feast of St. Francis Xavier is a significant religious event celebrated annually on December 3. This day is dedicated to honouring the life and missionary work of St. Francis Xavier. Thousands of devotees gather in Goa to pray at the saint's sacred tomb and seek blessings. Special church services and processions are organised to commemorate his teachings, selfless service, and message of peace and unity. Banks Will Be Closed for 17 Days in December According to the RBIs holiday calendar, banks across the country will remain closed for 17 days in December. This includes Sundays, second and fourth Saturdays, Christmas, and state-specific local festivals. However, these holidays wont apply to all states uniformly, as local festivals differ by region. Although bank branches will be closed during these days, customers can continue using online banking services like internet banking, mobile apps, and ATMs. To avoid any issues, its recommended to complete essential banking tasks ahead of time. Major Holidays in December 2024 1. Feast of St. Francis Xavier December 3 (Tuesday) Observed in Goa, this day celebrates the life of St. Francis Xavier, a revered figure in Christianity. 2. Pa-Togan Nengminja Sangma December 12 (Tuesday) Celebrated in Meghalaya, this day honours the legacy of a local freedom fighter. 3. Death Anniversary of U SoSo Tham December 18 (Wednesday) Banks in Meghalaya will remain closed to commemorate this cultural icon. 4. Goa Liberation Day December 19 (Thursday) This day marks Goa's liberation from Portuguese rule and is observed in the state. 5. Christmas Eve and Celebrations December 2427 Banks in Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya will observe closures from Christmas Eve through the festive days. 6. U Kiang Nangbah Day December 30 (Monday) A tribute to the legendary freedom fighter, this day is a bank holiday in Meghalaya. 7. New Years Eve/Lossong/Namsoong December 31 (Tuesday) Mizoram and Sikkim observe this day as a part of their year-end festivities. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. K-drama enthusiasts are floored by the new MBC show When the Phone Rings starring Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin. Just four episodes in, fans have dubbed the romance thriller "Wattpad-coded," suggesting that the male lead, played by Yoo, perfectly embodies the archetype of a fanfiction hero, bringing to life the fantasies of many fans. However, amid the massive buzz, the K-drama has landed in a new controversy. When the Phone Rings sparks controversy When the Phone Rings has garnered criticism for Hong Hee Joo's portrayal of a sign language journalist. A scene allegedly mocking sign language has now sparked backlash, leaving a distasteful note despite the critical acclaim. Following the online scrutiny, the production team issued an apology stating, "We deeply regret causing concern with certain sign language scenes." What's the controversy about? The K-drama features Chae Soo Bin as Hong Hee Joo, a sign language interpreter for a news channel, while Yoo Yeon Seok stars as Baek Sa Eon, a spokesperson for the President's office. In the premiere episode, a technical glitch causes the broadcast to freeze on Hee Joo's sign for "mountain", which is unfortunately misinterpreted as an obscene hand gesture. This has caused a backlash on social media, with many calling out the series for mocking sign language. Production team issues fresh statement The production team has issued a statement apologising for the alleged inappropriate portrayal of Korean sign language. The team stated that they had no intention of mocking or belittling sign language, which is a precious communication tool for deaf people. "In When the Phone Rings, sign language is an important subject that plays a crucial role in getting the two main characters to finally open their long-closed hearts and communicate with one another," the statement added. "We ask that you continue to watch our drama with interest and criticize us if something is lacking." About When the Phone Rings The K-drama When the Phone Rings is based on the webtoon The Number You Have Dialed by Geon Eomul Nyeo. The story revolves around the complex relationship between Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hee Jo, who enter into a contract marriage due to their family's pressure. Despite three years of being married, Baek safeguards his wife's identity due to the high risks involved in his profession. However, their lives turn upside down after a mysterious call from a kidnapper, setting off a chain of unprecedented events. International viewers can catch the MBC drama on Netflix every Friday and Saturday. However, the release schedule will be adjusted for two weeks in December, with only one episode airing on December 13 and another on December 21. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The two-day Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels (Dec. 3-4), which Greek Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis is attending, is expected to discuss the immediate reinforcement of help to Ukraine through air defense systems. According to Greek high-levelsources, FM Gerapetritis is expected to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha on Tuesday , in the framework of the Meeting. Greece's stance on Ukraine is consistent: any form of revisionism is against Greece's interests and rationale, thesources underlined. Also in the context of the Meeting, Gerapetritis is expected to have a brief private meeting with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan. As diplomatic sources said, there is no scheduled appointment, but it is likely the two men will meet to discuss mostly the preparations for the High-Level Cooperation Council, which is expected to take place at the end of January or beginning of February, depending on the schedules of the Greek and Turkish leaders. Furthermore, on Wednesday Gerapetritis and Fidan will be attending the Malta meeting of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). According to diplomatic sources, Greece and Turkiye have applied for membership in two of four basic OECD roles. Turkiye is proposing Feridun Sinirlioglu as OECD Secretary-General, and Greece is proposing Maria Telanian, former Foreign Ministry and Maximos Mansion legal counsel on international law, as head of rights and rule of law. Their election requires unanimous approval by all 56 OECD member states, including Russia. Diplomatic sources underlined that a successful Greek candidacy will be significant, given that OECD will pay a key role following a ceasefire in Ukraine, particularly in terms of the security aspect. iefimerida.gr Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to visit the United Kingdom on Monday, December 2, for a series of key engagements aimed at promoting investment and discussing cutting-edge technology. In the morning, Mr. Mitsotakis will attend the Greek Investment Conference in London, co-hosted by Morgan Stanley and the Athens Stock Exchange The event highlights Greece's efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen its economic ties with international markets. Following this, the prime minister will participate in a workshop organized by the Tony Blair Institute, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI). This session underscores the growing importance of AI in shaping global economies and governance strategies, aligning with Greece's ambitions to position itself as a leader in innovation. In the evening, Mr. Mitsotakis will appear on CNN in an interview with journalist Richard Quest. Scheduled for 9:00 PM local time, the interview is expected to address Greece's economic outlook, technological initiatives, and international relations. iefimerida.gr Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated in the 3rd Greek Investment Conference in London, held by Morgan Stanley and the Athens Stock Exchange on Monday, and held a discussion with Morgan Stanley Vice-President Luigi Rizzo. At his introductory statement at the event, Mitsotakis spoke of the progress of the Greek economy, which still lagged behind other countries of similar size (Ireland, Portugal). He attributed that to what he called the political world's "inability to formulate the required consensus for practical steps to modernize the country, (and) the fact that we obviously suffered needlessly during the crisis due to political choices made." The PM expressed the certainty that Greece will be able to make up the lost ground and become a truly European country, leading in sectors where it has "an inherent comparative advantage." As an example of resistance to change before its implementation he gave the newly inaugurated Thessaloniki Metro, "an image of Greece's future, a trajectory we shall remain fully focused on." Mitsotakis said it was important to win the support for change not just of the investment community and large companies, but of the majority of the Greek public, which will reap the benefits of the growth. Workshop with Blair, Hassabis PM Mitsotakis outlined the priorities Greece had in the coming years, which he explained: retaining fiscal stability and meeting obligations; using this stable fiscal foundation to continue focusing on productive investments, whether domestic or foreign; and managing skills and technology, while ensuring Greece is at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI). On the latter, he said he participated in a three-hour workshop with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nobel prize winner Demis Hassabis, CEO and cofounder of Google DeepMind, to better understand how to use AI to improve government policies. He also mentioned health services, noting that "health care is, on a social front, my number one priority. I believe that we are now pioneers in seeing health not just through the aspect of therapy of a disease, but through prevention. The prevention policies implemented in Greece today, in terms of preliminary checks, are truly pioneering. There are not that many European countries doing what we are doing." Mitsotakis denied there will be an extra tax on bank profits, spoke of Greece's efforts to reduce polluting emissions, and underlined the importance of balancing green transition without destroying industry. "I believe the number one priority for the European Commission is to examine how it will reduce the energy cost for industries and consumers. There are ways we can work toward this direction," he underlined. He also spoke of climate change and its destruction, protecting water resources, and prioritizing the protection of human lives above all during extreme weather. Regional unrest, migration Speaking of the regional instability, including Ukraine, the Middle East and Syria in particular, and the upcoming Trump government, the premier said that Greece hoped to play a role of stability and influence in developments. The future could bring new opportunities, such as contributing to Ukraine's rebuilding, and connecting with India, a country that offers Greece the greatest opportunities. In addition, Mitsotakis reiterated the need for Europe to build its own defense and build its own defense industry. Referring to the migration issue, he said that human traffickers should be at the core of a policy, supported by returns of migrants who do not qualify for asylum. "Returns are something that has not been achieved yet. Those whose asylum applications are rejected end up staying in Europe in one way or another, and this is a great problem," the Greek PM said. "This must be a European project. We must leverage European funds. We cannot have, for example, favorable regulations with countries and not use the leverage we have to tell them they have to accept returns." Europe also needs a better and more ambitious agenda on legal migration and working visas, with countries like Egypt, India, and the Philippines, as Greece is doing. AI and ethics On AI, Mitsotakis said Greece had just published its strategy for AI compiled by a lsit of Greek specialists and AI from Greece and abroad. What Greece can offer is a large number of AI specialists and innovators abroad who would want to get involved with what is happening back in Greece, where there is an emerging ecosystem of AI tartup businesses and state support, including a digital transformation ministry. "We are claiming one of seven 'AI factories' positions" as a country, the Greek premier said, adding that Greece is building its first Greek supercomputer and has issued tenders that will give it access to key European funding for AI. "I believe that from the aspect of a milder policy - but again a very important one, given our heritage - should be to become leaders in the space that bridges ethics and AI. We have this additional advantage that we can become the central focus point for such discussions, which are unbelievably interesting, not just at intellectual level, but will one day lead to regulations in terms of protecting us from the negative aspects of AI," PM Mitsotakis underlined. iefimerida.gr A man named Michael Akinmolayan has been detained for reportedly sexually assaulting a female neighbor in the Sango-Ota region of Ogun State. PUNCH Metro learned on Saturday that during the incident on Thursday, Akinmolayan reportedly hit the survivor on the top of her head with a grinding stone, resulting in serious injuries. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident over the weekend, noting that officers from the Sango-Ota Division quickly responded to the scene after receiving a report and arrested Akinmolayan. Advertisement The survivor was promptly transported to a hospital for medical treatment. The state commands spokesperson Omolola Odutola explained, On November 28, the survivors brother, Ogundimu, who resides in Mushin, Lagos State, reported the crime. He was informed by neighbours in Sango-Ota that his sister had been seriously injured by Akinmolayan. READ MORE: Lagos: Environmental Officials Arrest Five Arrested For Alleged Open Urination The suspect inflicted head injuries during the assault. Detectives visited the scene, took photographs, and transported the survivor to Banuso Clinic, Ota, for medical treatment. Evidence, including blood-stained clothing and the grinding stone allegedly used in the attack, was recovered. A preliminary investigation is underway. The Nigerian Armys 6 Division has recovered 1.2 million litres of stolen crude oil, dismantled 56 illegal refineries, and apprehended 17 suspected oil thieves in the Niger Delta. Additionally, the Army disclosed destroying 88 cooking drums and 20 boats used for illegal operations across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states. Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, confirmed this in a statement made in Port Harcourt on Sunday. Advertisement Danjuma stated that the achievement came after the campaign against illicit oil bunkering was intensified, resulting in a series of raids at multiple illegal bunkering sites in four states between November 25 and December 1, 2024. The statement reads, Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have increased the rhythm of the ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations across the Niger Delta Region, with visible operational footprints. The operations that were conducted from 25 November to 1 December 2024 led to the deactivation of over 56 illegal oil bunkering sanctuaries, 88 cooking drums, and 20 boats, as well as the recovery of over 1.2 million litres of stolen crude. READ MORE: Troops Raid Bandits Hideouts In Taraba, Recover Arms, Ammunition Others included the arrest of 17 suspected oil thieves, interception of seven vehicles, discovery of six illegal connection points and destruction of five motorcycles used for perpetrating economic sabotage across the region. In Bayelsa State, at an abandoned Oando wellhead situated in Okordia Forest, Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), 15 illegal refining sites were deactivated with over 755,000 litres of stolen crude as well as over 53,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) recovered. Similarly, around Biseni Forest, also in Yenagoa LGA, 12 illegal refining sites with over 34,000 litres of stolen crude as well as 5,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, were confiscated. The statement revealed that troops uncovered an illegal connection on a 36-inch government pipeline near Kula I in the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. A three-inch hose was attached to the pipeline, serving as a loading point for oil thieves. It added, This was in addition to a ground reservoir of 80 by 80 tarpaulin stocked with over 100,000 litres of stolen products recovered during the operations. The operation was also extended to Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, where an abandoned truck ladened with 35,000 litres of stolen crude stocked in a fabricated tank and concealed with bags of sawdust was uncovered. Relatedly, Around Bakana and Buguma general area in Degema LGA, eight illegal refining sites with over 27,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated. Three wooden boats, one fibre speed boat, several pots of different sizes, two receivers containing AGO and a local boat with over 12,000 litres of stolen goods were intercepted. The operation also led to the arrest of three suspected oil thieves in connection to the economic sabotage. The Army 6 Division spokesman continued, Also in Bukuma community in Degema LGA, one illegal refining site, a reservoir with over 5,000 litres of stolen crude was dismantled. While at Imo River, eleven illegal refining sites, 88 cooking drums, 26 metal container receivers, 14 plastic tanks, eleven boats, and four pumping machines with over 42, 500 litres of stolen crude were recovered, with three suspects arrested. Around Obiafu Oil Field, several vehicles were intercepted with over 5500 litres of stolen products recovered. In Delta State, the statement revealed that troops pursued economic saboteurs to Ugo Community in Orhionwon Local Government Area of Edo State, where they arrested one suspected oil thief. It read, He subsequently led troops to a bunkering site. En route to the site, troops discovered a stationary Toyota Sequoia Jeep with Reg No Edo WWR 896 JU, loaded with sacks meant for stealing products. Further combing of the area led to the discovery of a storage room filled with stolen crude as well as over 200 sacks filled with over 40,000 litres of stolen products. At Yeye general area in Warri South LGA, one active illegal refining site, two ovens containing substance suspected to be over 2,000 liters illegally refined AGO were confiscated. Additionally, one Yamaha outboard engine with four suspected oil thieves was arrested. In Akwa Ibom, troops acting on credible intelligence, intercepted several drums of estimated to be over 5,580 litres of petroleum motor spirit at Enwang Bridge in Mbo LGA. The products were being prepared for onward smuggling to a neighbouring country. Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their significant operational successes and assured the public that the ongoing crackdown on illegal oil bunkering would continue. According to Abdussalam, the goal is to secure all key national infrastructure inside the Divisions Area of Responsibility. The camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Partys 2023 presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, have denied rumors of a joint ticket ahead of the 2027 election. The denial comes after photos of Atiku hosting Obi to a breakfast at his Adamawa State residence went viral. Atikus spokesman, Paul Ibe, in a Sunday statement described the meeting as a reunion between two old friends. Advertisement Let us not jump the gun. The fact is that Obi accepted to be the keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary of AUN and the 16th Founders Day, which was a milestone. Obi is part of that celebration, Ibe said. He added, The university was founded by Atiku Abubakar, who was more like his host. But people think it is because of politics. We all know our friends. The truth is that politics cannot separate friends. So Atiku invited him to breakfast and from there, they went for the programme. I think that is what happened. READ ALSO: Tax Reform: Atiku Calls For Transparency, Tasks NASS To Prioritize Nigerians Interest Obis media aide, Ibrahim Umar, also denied the rumors, saying it was laughable to imagine that Nigerians would always add a political undertone to every meeting involving party bigwigs like the duo. No, there was nothing like that. They just invited him (Obi) to deliver a speech there. It has nothing to do with politics. Of course, you know people will always assume things, Umar explained. The development comes after the Deputy National Spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed that the leading opposition figures, including Atiku, Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, were discussing a possible merger to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 election. A heated controversy is brewing in Rivers State, Nigeria, as Chijioke Ihunwo, chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, has accused Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of using the police to shut down the Oginigba market. According to Ihunwo, who spoke out via Twitter on Monday, armed policemen took over the market, shooting and spraying tear gas on traders. Advertisement I got an information few minutes ago that armed policemen has taken over the Oginigba market that was open by the local government. They started shooting, and spraying tear gas on those who are trading in the market. Immediately, I reached out to the authorities. Ive also spoken to the Commissioner of Police, he noted. Ihunwo who claimed that Wike ordered the closure of the market, said the land belongs to the Oginigba people. He expressed his disappointment with the Nigerian Police Force, stating that they have made themselves available for use by politicians who do not want peace in Rivers State. READ ALSO: FG Withholds FAAC Revenue From Rivers For October Amid Wike-Fubara Face-Off As a local government, we would visit there after now and tell the whole world what is happening. Im aware that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has ordered the closure of the market. He assured the people of Oginigba to remain calm while the Local Government follows up on the matter. What theyre trying to do is just to cause crisis but as a Local Government, two cannot be mad at the same time That is an ancestral land. What he did was to chase people away and took over the place because they want to use it for their business. he added. This development is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Wikes involvement in Rivers State politics. Ihunwo had previously called for Wikes removal as FCT Minister, citing his alleged role in threatening democracy in Nigeria. The Nigeria Police Force has arraigned 113 foreign nationals before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges related to cybercrime. In a statement shared by the Force Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, via X page on Monday, disclosed that the arrests were made on November 3, 2024, in Jahi, Abuja. Adejobi stated that the operation was conducted by the officers of the National Cyber Crime Centre and Zone 7 Command, FCT. Advertisement He added that items including laptops, smartphones, tablets, routers from multiple brands, a central processing unit, high-capacity servers, drones, multiple SIM cards, gaming devices, international passports, and other travel documents, were recovered from the suspects. The statement partly reads: These assets recovered are suspected to have been used in executing a range of cybercrime activities, including unauthorised data breaches, marketing scams and other cybercrime activities. The scale and sophistication of the operation underscore the increasing global threat posed by cybercriminal syndicates operating across borders. As a follow-up to the investigation and recoveries, compiled with credible evidence against the suspects, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has arraigned the 113 foreign nationals facing serious charges, including computer-related fraud, unlawful access to data, marketing scams, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal immigration, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, while reaffirming the commitment of the Force to leverage the emerging technological advancement to protect the citizens of Nigeria both physically and in the digital space, further reiterates that the Force is well-dedicated and well-equipped to combat cases of cybercrime in the country. The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that its operatives in Borno successfully repelled a terrorist attack on the Jakana Divisional Police Headquarters. ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Forces public relations officer, made the remark on Sunday in Abuja. According to the police spokesperson, the attempted attack happened on November 28 at approximately 1:00 a.m. and was effectively resisted by police operatives. Advertisement Mr Adejobi stated that the resistance resulted in many of the attackers receiving varied degrees of bullet wounds, as well as a police officer who was injured and is currently receiving treatment. He further stated that on November 25, agents from the Sokoto police command, in coordination with other security agencies, raided various dark spots and bandit camps in the state. Mr Adejobi said, the operation targeted at clearing the camps led to the recovering of some AK47 rifles and several magazines, loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition each. He stated that when the camps residents noticed the presence of the operatives, they fled, but that operations were still underway to apprehend the fleeing camp members. Mr Adejobi stated that on November 28, agents from Deltas police command intercepted and fought suspected kidnappers in a gun duel. READ MORE: Troops Raid Bandits Hideouts In Taraba, Recover Arms, Ammunition He said that police had overcome the alleged kidnappers in the gunfight, causing them to retreat into a nearby bush with bullet wounds. Mr Adejobi stated that the operatives sprung into action, leading the suspects on a high-speed chase following a tip of an attempted kidnapping in Asaba. He stated that the subsequent search of the suspects operational vehicle resulted in the recovery of three Ak-47 weapons, two pump action rifles, and one Ak-47 magazine. He stated that eight rounds of AR live ammo and 21 rounds of live cartridges were also seized from the vehicle. Mr Adejobi stated that the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, had praised the gallant operatives for their steadfastness, dedication to duty, and bravery in the face of danger, which resulted in the recoveries. The I-G urged police officers to remain fearless and continue to demolish the schemes and antics of criminals across the country. (NAN) Former deputy governor of Edo State, Phillip Shuaibu, has called on people of the state to support new administration with their prayers. Mr. Shaibu, speaking over the weekend, after a thanksgiving service at St. Pauls Catholic Church, Benin to mark his 55th birthday, prayed that Governor Monday Okpebholo get the resources to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. The former deputy governor of the state also hailed Okpebholo over rapid appointments he has been making to strengthen his cabinet. Advertisement READ MORE: Shaibu Plotting To Invade State House Edo Govt Tells IGP He said: The programmes and the appointments made by Governor Monday Okpehbolo, will definitely benefit Edo people. My prayer is that he gets the needed funds to deliver the dividends of democracy. So far, the governor has been very good. I am very happy with the flyover flag-off and excited that from his first day in office, he did not keep governance comatose. He made some appointments immediately and I think he has started very well but like I have always said, Edo people should pray to God to give him wisdom to lead the state. The way he can survive and succeed is for us to give both physical and spiritual support. Leaders must be prayed for at all times so that they will not make mistakes, we should pray for Senator Monday Okpebholo so that he can deliver to us all the promises he made. The Rivers State Police Command has disbanded a child trafficking ring and rescued four children in Rumukwachi Community near Port Harcourt. The police further disclosed that a suspect, Esther Anthony, along with an alleged accomplice, was arrested in connection with the trafficking. Grace Iringe-Koko, the commands spokesperson, confirmed this in a statement made Monday in Port Harcourt. Advertisement Iringe-Koko stated that the children, aged between one and 13, were housed in a guest house and were about to be trafficked when the police intervened. The statement reads, The children, aged one to thirteen years, were lodged at Alaeze Guest House in Rumukwachi, Port Harcourt, and were intended to be handed over to a nurse named Loveth, who runs a maternity home. The managing director of the guest house became suspicious of Esther Anthonys activities and refused to allow her to check out with the children, insisting that the mother be present. Esther Anthony left, only to return with police officers, falsely claiming that the guest house manager had abducted the children and threatened her with a gun. However, the managing director contacted the Choba Area Command, and officers arrived to arrest Anthony. Preliminary investigations revealed that Esther Anthony had conspired with a person named Favour to traffic the children from the Swali Community in Bayelsa State. READ MORE: Man Arrested In Ogun For Rape, Assault Of Neighbour With Grinding Stone Another suspect, Purity Silas, was also arrested in connection with the case. Notably, Esther Anthony was identified by another family as the same person who had previously stolen three of their children in the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt and sold them to Loveth. The police chief further stated that the suspects had admitted to the crime and would be charged soon in court. All suspects have confessed to the crime. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, Port Harcourt, and the suspects are currently in police custody. They will be charged in court upon the completion of the investigation, she added. She also added that the case demonstrates the State Police Commands continuous efforts to combat child trafficking and provide justice for victims and their families. Meanwhile, the children have been reunited with their family members, the state police spokesperson stated. Chief Wole Olanipekun, a legal luminary and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has expressed his belief that the single term presidency proposed to former President Olusegun Obasanjo would have stabilised Nigeria. According to Olanipekun, the proposal was beautifully crafted and would have ensured that the presidency rotates among the six geo-political zones. The legal luminary made these remarks at the 28th Scholarship Award Scheme and 5th Empowerment Programme of the Wole Olanipekun Foundation, where 150 students received scholarship awards, and 150 persons got Youth Entrepreneurs Grants. Beautifully crafted, by that time we presented it to him, we said, Mr President, for us to stabilise this Republic, experiment this. Advertisement We suggested to him (Obasanjo) a single term of five or six years. READ ALSO: Obasanjo Almost Punched Me When I Pushed For Constitution Amendment Olanipekun We worked on it, we researched on it, Olanipekun said. According to him, under the proposed system, each geo-political zone would have produced a Vice President with a specific portfolio. Olanipekun lamented that the proposal was rejected by Obasanjo, stating that it didnt work out. He, however, emphasized the need for a Constitution that reflects the realities on the ground in Nigeria. The Constitution, to me, does not reflect what we have on the ground as Nigeria. We deserve a Constitution that is home-grown, Olanipekun said. Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has clarified the northern Governors stance on the contentious tax reform bills, stating that they are not opposed to President Bola Tinubus administration, but rather seeking more time for consultation. According to Zulum, the Northern Governors Forum has advised the Federal Government to pause the passage of the bills, citing concerns that only Lagos and Rivers States will benefit from the scheme. We felt that the VAT provision in the tax law. Based on the calculations that we did, only Lagos and Rivers States will benefit from this scheme. We did our own research and concluded that we would lose, Zulum explained. Advertisement The Governor who emphasized that the northern Governors are not against Tinubu, recalled that he was one of the few who insisted that power must be rotated to the south before the 2023 general election. READ ALSO: Tinubus Tax Reform Bill Is Recipe For Discrimination, Economic Inequality Senator Ninigi I am a strong member of APC. If you can count two governors before 2019 and 2023 that were in support of Tinubu, you can mention Governor Zulum. I was the first governor to come out publicly and say that power must go to the South, Zulum said. Zulum also pointed out that over 60% of President Tinubus votes in the 2023 general elections came from the north, making it illogical for the region to be against his administration. Unfortunately, the President was told by many that the north are against him. 60.2% of his votes came from the north, he added. He reiterated that the northern Governors are seeking a deeper consultation to understand the implications of the tax reform bills, rather than outright opposing them. What we are saying is that give more time, let us do a deeper consultation to understand the nitty-gritty of this tax regime before passing it into law, Zulum said. Deji Adeyanju, a prominent lawyer and human rights activist, has condemned Burna Boy for allegedly oppressing Speed Darlington, a fellow musician. According to Adeyanju, Speed Darlington was arrested on November 25, after he returned from abroad, and has been detained since then. Adeyanju, who is also Speed Darlingtons lawyer, expressed outrage during an appearance on the Honest Bunch podcast shared on Instagram on Sunday. Advertisement He questioned why Burna Boy, who refers to himself as Africas Giant, would bother himself with someone like Speed Darlington, likening him to a small mosquito. READ MORE: Cubana Chief Priest Throws Subtle Shade At Wizkid, Fans After Davidos Concert In Amsterdam Furthermore, Adeyanju alleged that Burna Boy had mobilized a team of 50 mobile policemen to arrest Speed Darlington. Burna boy, look at what hes doing to Speed Darlington you say youre an African Giant why are you oppressing the mosquito, he has insulted Davido, he has insulted Wizkid, hes not different from Akpi Nwa mama, because youre big man, mobilise like 50 mobile policemen, men that should be chasing bandit in Zamfara, he said. Watch him speak below https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDCWBwtsQDz/?igsh=MWh5OG03YW9xeW1raw== Matias Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts (right), at the June 8 rededication ceremony renaming Verizon Hall as Marian Anderson Hall. With him is Philadelphia Orchestra music and artistic director Yannick Nezet-Seguin. Read more Matias Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts, is resigning to take up the leadership of the New York Philharmonic. Tarnopolsky has been in the Philadelphia post for nearly 6 years, and in that time he oversaw a period of profound change from doing away with the formal attire orchestra musicians wore on stage, to shepherding a merger of the orchestra with its landlord, the Kimmel Center. Advertisement The Buenos Aires-born, London-raised arts leader had a string of more ambitious projects planned or underway major renovations and an even more major fundraising campaign and was in the middle of a five-year contract. But various factors made it the right move at the right time, he said on Sunday. Tarnopolsky called the job an incredible opportunity to put together three elements a tremendous orchestra, a beautiful new concert hall, and the start of a fantastic visionary music and artistic director in Gustavo Dudamel. So the chance to be there on the ground floor and author a new chapter in New York is something ultimately I couldnt resist. New York is familiar terrain to Tarnopolsky. He was vice president of artistic planning at the Philharmonic from 2005-09. I invited Gustavo Dudamel for his first engagement in New York, so there is something of a full-circle moment. He takes up the new post Jan. 1. Hes done a great job here, said Ralph W. Muller, chair of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts board. He and Yannick [Nezet-Seguin, the orchestras music and artistic director] are a great team and I hoped he would have stayed a lot longer. I led the search that brought him here, and in the first week of the search he was immediately identified as the rising star in the country. I will miss him a lot. Nezet-Seguin said in a statement that he was grateful for the part Tarnopolsky had played in the orchestras success, but added that his bond with the musicians of the orchestra is stronger than ever and we are looking forward to many more years of sharing music of the highest caliber with audiences at home and around the world, in collaboration with the outstanding board and management team. Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts executive director Ryan Fleur will serve as interim president and CEO while the organization conducts a national search, which Muller said he expects will take three or four months. There are three people we know about already, he said. In the meantime, the executive team is very strong and we have full confidence in them, Muller said. Tarnopolsky was chosen for the new job for his incredible amount of experience and sophistication in the music world, said New York Philharmonic board cochairman Peter W. May, and because of his relationship with Dudamel. That is an extremely important part of the equation, and I think Gustavo is very excited about him. Dudamel fully takes over at the start of the 2026-27 season, likely bringing the ensemble the kind of attendance bounce that comes with a new podium personality. New York is very much still in a honeymoon phase after the opening of the hall, and we need to keep up that momentum, said Tarnopolsky, adding that it was too soon to discuss specific plans and priorities in the new job. Though he wont be running an entire arts center in New York, Tarnopolsky will face many of the same challenges he is leaving behind in Philadelphia, like most notably filling seats and coffers. After a $550 million renovation, New Yorks Avery Fisher Hall reopened in 2022 as David Geffen Hall. With 2,200 seats, it is slightly smaller than Marian Anderson Hall (at about 2,500). The New York hall has been filled to an average of 87% of paid capacity so far this season, a Philharmonic spokesperson said. May also cited Tarnopolskys fundraising success in Philadelphia as part of his appeal. The Philharmonic has launched a new campaign, the Dudamel Visionary Fund, to go toward endowment and to make sure we can launch Gustavo with all the new ideas he has, said May. He declined to specify a dollar goal, but its large. Weve raised probably 40% of it. Tarnopolsky became president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra in August 2018, After he and Kimmel Center chief Anne Ewers successfully guided a merger in 2021, Tarnopolsky continued on as head of the combined corporation. He earned $978,363 in 2022, according to tax returns. The orchestra had come out of bankruptcy six years before his arrival, and Tarnopolsky, perhaps more than any predecessor in recent memory, remade the organization. He proved an adept fundraiser. In 2019, the orchestra received its largest-ever gift: $50 million for endowment plus $5 million toward general operating costs from an anonymous couple. When Leslie Anne Miller and Richard B. Worley gifted $25 million (made public in February 2024), it was Tarnopolsky who raised the idea with them of putting the name of Philadelphia contralto and civil rights figure Marian Anderson on the orchestras hall instead of those of the donors. Many of the changes instituted by Tarnopolsky and his leadership team were aimed at making the orchestra more responsive to a changing world. When George Floyd was murdered and in the days of national protest afterward, the orchestra postponed its planned online gala, and quickly assembled a conversation on racial injustice. It just doesnt feel right to do a joyful celebratory event, said Tarnopolsky at the time. We need to do something to respond to the moment, reflect, and listen deeply. At a concert a week after the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, Tarnopolsky and Nezet-Seguin spoke to the orchestra audience about the powerful bonds the ensemble had forged on its 2018 tour of Israel and a performance there at the Oasis of Peace that brought together Jews and Arabs. Under his leadership, the orchestra did away with the annual Academy of Music Anniversary Concert and Ball, a tradition dating to 1957, and he moved the ensemble out of its white-tie and tails and formal concert dress into sleeker, more modern black attire. Orchestra programs guided by Tarnopolsky, Nezet-Seguin, and chief programming officer Jeremy Rothman became both more topical, with new works on social and environmental themes; as well as more popular, with an increasing number of movie-related and live-to-screen film scores. The orchestra responded to the pandemic by putting its concerts online in a digital stage series. Tarnopolsky said that the trauma of the COVID-19 years factored into his decision to take the New York post, since it offered a chance to turn the page on a difficult era. Personally speaking, I dont think Ive fully recovered from the COVID moment. I was in front of this [computer] screen seven days a week, 12 hours a day wondering if the organization would be here the next day. But the orchestra rebounded. Marian Anderson Hall was about 80% full in the 2023-24 season higher than the pre-pandemic capacity of 69% in 2018-19 on about the same number of concerts. Nearly a third of the orchestras downtown concerts last season sold out. Post-COVID, ambitious initiatives at the combined orchestra-arts center organization resumed, some of which Tarnopolsky now leaves unfinished. Renovations are underway at the Miller Theater, with more planned. Major work at the Academy of Music continues. A cafe that enlivened the Kimmel Center closed in January after only a year in operation, and a replacement has not yet opened. I wouldnt say the work is unfinished, said Muller. Fundraising for a major as-yet-unannounced comprehensive campaign has gone well, he said. The day-to-day operations, Ryan [Fleur, executive director] has really been the person doing that for a number of years. That will keep going quite smoothly. Those projects are not solely resting on my shoulders. Theyre on the shoulders of the staff team, the board as well, said Tarnopolsky. And there is momentum behind them, structures in place. So those projects are ongoing and will continue. Part of his reasoning in taking the new job, he said, was that matters at the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts are in a good place and are in the institutional DNA. Police and first responders investigate the discovery of a body near Pennypack Trail at Verree Road and Tustin Avenue on Nov. 7. Read more The city of Philadelphia and federal law enforcement are offering $25,000 in reward money for tips that lead to the capture of a Philadelphia man accused of kidnapping his ex-girlfriend before killing her and burying her in a shallow grave in the woods of Fox Chase. Philadelphia police and U.S. marshals are searching for Geovanni Otero, who also goes by Gozer, for the murder of Melody Rivera, 29, Philadelphia police said on X, formerly known as Twitter. Police initially sought Otero, also 29, to speak to him about Riveras disappearance, after family said he had been harassing and threatening Rivera for weeks before she went missing on Halloween. Advertisement The medical examiners office determined Rivera had been bludgeoned to death, U.S. marshals said on X, and Otero was charged with murder. He was previously charged with abuse of corpse, police said. Riveras family could not immediately be reached. Police found Riveras body covered in twigs and leaves on Nov. 7 on the 900 block of Tustin Avenue, near Pennypack Park, police said. Rivera had been missing since Oct. 31, and her family had been posting online for help in finding her. The family, said Riveras sister Martha Fred, had been searching Northeast Philadelphia for days before Riveras body was recovered. A law enforcement source said Rivera had been driving with her girlfriend when Otero attacked them. After Otero threw Riveras friend out of the car, the source said, he drove off with Rivera. Police found the car days later, abandoned. Investigators believe Rivera was likely killed on Nov. 1, the day after she was last seen by her family, the source said. Otero has served time in jail on drug and gun charges since 2015. In 2018, he was convicted of illegal gun possession and sentenced to 3 to eight years in jail, according to court records. The city of Philadelphia is offering $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Otero, while the U.S. marshals are offering $5,000. Tips can be anonymous and can be submitted to police by calling or texting 215-686-8477 or to U.S. marshals by calling 1-866-865-8477. Fairmount-born and now with a brick-and-mortar shop in Brewerytown, New June blew up after its vintage cakes went viral. Read more New June, the Instagram-born bakery that brought striking vintage-style cakes to Philly and subsequently swept national media with appearances in Architectural Digest, the New York Times Magazine, and Food & Wine will open a storefront in Brewerytown this Saturday. The bakery and cake studio will have retail hours twice a week and will also host New Junes popular cake-decorating classes. New June specializes in buttercream-bedecked cakes decorated in the Lambeth style, meaning theyre crammed with piping details and layered with carefully blended colors. And while the cakes look like technicolored Victorian-era dreams on the outside, theyre modern on the inside, in flavors like cardamom pistachio cream and olive oil-pumpkin chocolate chip. The bakerys offerings during its Friday and Saturday retail hours will include miniature vintage cakes, cake slices, cookies, pies, cheesecake, and frosted quick breads (New Junes dubbing these breakfast cakes; think pistachio-rose semolina olive oil cake or banana tea cake with salted caramel and tahini cream cheese frosting). Launched by Noelle Blizzard in 2021, New June started as a way for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) marketing veteran to occupy herself during a trying time. It was largely as pandemic therapy, Blizzard remembered while sitting inside the new bakery, painted in on-trend colors (Honorable Blue, Demure Pink). I had a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old. I was baking with Margaux strapped to my chest. Advertisement Though Blizzard doesnt have any formal culinary training, she comes from a food-centric family. My moms a big baker... she makes very elaborate cookie boxes every year, and weve been her little elves every Christmas making these cookie boxes since I was a little kid ... so I already knew my way around baking and cooking. During the pandemic, the hobby intensified. I became really obsessed with baking content online first and kept building listicles of what I wanted to bake next, Blizzard said. She worked her way through the Tartine cookbook and made Claire Saffitzs malted brownies and Melissa Wellers croissants. After venturing into sales to raise funds for Bakers Against Racism, she started making custom cakes. New Junes early cakes took inspiration from London baker Claire Ptak frosted simply, decorated with fresh flowers but the bakery arrived at its now-signature style in fall 2022, when Blizzard got an order for a small, vintage-style wedding cake, an emerging internet trend at the time. According to Blizzards own account, that first cake wasnt her finest work. It was really hard, she said. I did not have a natural knack for [the piping]. She kept at it, and by the time Valentines Day [2023] came around ... it was just a boom. The mini vintage heart cakes vintage cakes in general just became everything that we did. Blizzard says that no other Philadelphia spot had filled that niche quite yet, which helped pave the way for New Junes success locally. But the bakery has gained a national reputation by mastering the aesthetic. By 2022, Blizzards colleagues at PHS had encouraged her to take the next step, making the business more than a side hustle. The VP and my boss were like, Youre in the newspaper, this is obviously successful, and youre great at what you do [here] ... but I think youve started a real business. Blizzard left her longtime job that February, and hired her first part-time employee in the fall. In the spring of 2023, she moved the at-home business to Kismet Bagels' Fishtown kitchen, then graduated to a larger commissary space in Bridesburgs BLDG 39 in 2024. Thats been the base of New Junes operations until recently, but the now six-person team three cake designers, two bakers, and an admin, all full-time will have room to stretch out starting this month. The 900-square-foot space in Brewerytown, formerly Over the Moon Ice Cream, is equipped with several work tables, three electric convection ovens, and fabulously big refrigerators, as well as a couple display cases to showcase their retail selection. After Saturdays debut, retail hours will be Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The staff is ramping up production ahead of the storefronts launch, but New June will almost certainly sell out, given the seemingly bottomless demand from bakery-crazed Philadelphians. (The city is currently enjoying a wave of brick-and-mortar bakery openings, including Mount Airys Downtime Bakery, Queen Villages Majdal Bakery, and Kensingtons Dreamworld Bakes.) The whole process of just opening and getting approved and the timeline and all of that is already so stressful that I just said to my team, Well prep what we can prep, and as soon as were open, well scale from there, well figure it out, she said. The mother of two likens the brick-and-mortar build-up to a third pregnancy. Those last three months that you never want to happen to you ever again, its so traumatic, but then ... everything after it is so amazing and sort of wipes out [that feeling], Blizzard said. Ive been clinging to that. This is hard, this sucks, this process is grueling. My hair is falling out. Im so stressed, but everything after this can only be better, right? Former President Bill Clinton talks about his new memoir with MSNBC journalist Jonathan Capehart during an author event at Parkway Central Library in Philadelphia on Nov. 20. Read more The sold-out crowd in the 400-seat Central Library auditorium erupted into applause on a recent Wednesday evening as Bill Clinton, dressed in a dapper chocolate brown suit, walked across the stage to his cozy, leather chair. Philadelphia was the former presidents second stop on a five-city book tour touting his memoir, Citizen: My Life After the White House. MSNBC host and Washington Post writer Jonathan Capehart moderated the easygoing conversation about the need for empathy in politics. The crowd was enthralled. It was a great, great night, said Anthony Espinal, 21, an attendee. It doesnt happen every night that you get to see a former president. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Advertisement Clintons visit was the latest feather in the Free Library Author Events cap. Introduced in 1994 as a way to sweeten the pot for prospective donors, Author Events has helped the Free Library Foundation raise millions of dollars for capital improvements and literacy programs like Read by 4th, Summer of Wonder, and One Book, One Philadelphia. Featured authors have included George Stephanopoulos, Sting, and Tamron Hall. Five months ago, however, the future of Author Events was seemingly in jeopardy after its four-person staff offered their resignations and, within 24 hours, were summarily fired. Phillys book community was frazzled. Donors stopped writing checks. Authors vowed never to return to the Free Librarys stage. So, what happened? The short answer is the Free Library Foundations new executive director, Monique Moore Pryor, arrived in the stacks in 2023 with new ideas for fundraising and plans to expand Author Events beyond Parkway Central, with an emphasis that included neighborhood collaborations and not just cocktail party-worthy events. And as often happens when organizations bring in new management, the old guard in this case, the former Author Events team led by 24-year Free Library Foundation veteran Andy Kahan clashed with the new boss. The walkout came amid efforts to untangle the murky, decades-long relationship between the library and its foundation. But it wasnt the end of the Author Events program. Of course, I wish it hadnt ended this way, Pryor said. But the show will go on. It must. The city of Philadelphia deserves nothing less. How the Free Library Foundation works The Library Company of Philadelphia, the nations first library, founded by Ben Franklin in 1731, was more a private club than a public library, meaning members paid a yearly fee for the privilege of borrowing books. In 1891, William Pepper secured a $225,000 bequest from his wealthy uncle to make books accessible to everyday Philadelphians, establishing the Free Library Foundation. Three years later, the Free Library opened in three cramped rooms in City Hall. Parkway Central Library opened in 1927. The Free Library would eventually be funded by the city with its own separate operations budget. Still, the Free Library and the Free Library Foundation operated as one for more than a century. It wasnt until 1988 that then-Free Library president and executive director Elliot L. Shelkrot filed incorporation papers establishing the Free Library Foundation as a separate nonprofit fundraising entity to manage capital campaigns and raise money for literary programs. Shelkrot established a board of directors made up of influential Philadelphians with ties to both new and old money in anticipation of embarking on major capital campaigns. In 1994, Shelkrot introduced Author Events to bring attention to the library and woo the Free Librarys growing cadre of elite donors. Rubbing shoulders with celebrity writers was a great perk. Kahan came to the Free Library in 2000 as its Author Events director. During the height of the Free Library Foundations million-dollar fundraising campaigns from the early aughts through the teens Kahan grew Author Events from a few dozen author conversations a year to more than 130, luring A-listers like Toni Morrison, Rachel Maddow, and Hillary Clinton. Author Events YouTube videos and podcast episodes reached more than 3 million people around the world. It worked until it didnt Fast-forward to 2020, when Siobhan A. Reardon resigned as director and president of the Free Library amid allegations of racial discrimination. After a yearlong search, the Free Librarys board of trustees appointed Kelly Richards, director of the Muskegon Area District Library, as the librarys new boss the following October, and he started in January 2022. During her 12-year tenure, Reardon controlled both the Free Library budget and the Free Library Foundations budget, muddling the two entities funds and responsibilities. The library and the foundation became so deeply entwined it was hard to see where one ended and the other began. When Richards became president, he was in charge of the Free Library Foundation, too. To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, the Free Library Foundation created an executive director role. Pryor, a West Philly native and former chief of engagement and external affairs at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, got the job. We needed someone looking after the foundation as a single entity, not just a side job to the running of a massive organization, said Jeffry Benoliel, chairman of the board of the Free Library Foundation. We brought Monique in to right the ship. Specifically, Pryor needed to bring the Free Library Foundation back in fiscal order, get more people coming to events after COVID-19 kept people home, and find new streams of revenue for fundraising. There was also an immediate need to trim the staff. The last capital fundraising campaign had ended in 2019. In 2018, the Free Library Foundations revenue was $28 million, according to its 990 tax forms. In the fiscal year ending June 2023, total revenue was $15 million. Questions and accountability With Richards and Benoliels blessing, Pryor began the arduous task of untangling library and foundation business, establishing herself as its leader. Departments like communications were moved from the foundation to the library, requiring longtime foundation employees to reapply for their jobs, now earmarked as city gigs. There was no assurance they would be rehired. Other employees, fed up with living under the dark cloud of job uncertainty, quit. When Pryor arrived, there were 89 full-time employees. As of early December, there were 67. For Kahan and the rest of the Author Events staff, it added to a longtime unease. Foundation staff had been perceived among library staff as protected and favored. Foundation employees, many of whom spoke off the record fearing negative comments would hamper attempts to find jobs in Philadelphias tight-knit nonprofit world would disagree. They say they were undervalued and not given raises, cost of living or otherwise. Staff at one point sought to join the same union that represented Free Library employees, without success, leaving them without the same protections as their city employee peers. Aside from those concerns, there was a difference in vision about what the events program should be. Pryor, who grew up in the West Philly neighborhood known as the Bottom, wanted to find ways to bring more diverse audiences to Parkway Central. She also wanted to bring more authors to branch libraries, and ensure that all library branches benefitted from the foundation. There is this old adage of nonprofit organizations that if you build it they will come, Pryor said. After the pandemic, that just didnt apply anymore. I quickly realized we had to expand our offerings and collaborate with more community partners. That was going to take more work. At no point was the events program directly under threat, according to Benoliel, the foundations board chair. Author Events wasnt in danger of being on the chopping block, Benoliel said. Still, it was a shift in approach. Under Reardon, Author Events had free rein. Now, the staff was being asked more questions and being held more accountable, Benoliel said. As for hosting events at branch libraries, Kahan said, his focus was on Parkway Central. Yet, he added, he was willing to work with the staff to bring more events to branches. But in the end, Kahan said, the Author Events staff offered their resignations because they couldnt stomach the way their colleagues at the foundation were being treated. We didnt feel like we had the support we needed, Kahan said. On June 3, the four-person events team sent emails tending their resignations, giving four weeks notice. Within 24 hours, they were fired, before they were able to orchestrate a smooth transition, including briefing the remaining Free Library Foundation staff on Author Events matters. The glass cliff Kahan is aware of the optics behind the walkout: an all-white Author Events staff quits, abandoning its newly installed Black leadership. He says his decision was a matter of confidence. I have looked inside of myself to answer this question, Kahan said. It was about trust. We simply didnt trust the leadership. Kelly Woodland, cofounder of the Black Nonprofit Chief Executives of Philadelphia, an organization that provides career and emotional support for Black nonprofit leaders, says Black leaders are often put in positions where they are introducing new ideas to a board and a staff unfamiliar with the concerns of community they are committed to serve communities they hailed from. Black leaders are often forced to unfairly prove they are trustworthy and competent, Woodland said, and unfair assumptions can marginalize their ability, their experience, and their expertise. I know Monique. Shes very, very competent, very thoughtful, and very strategic. To Woodland, it seems like Richards and Pryor the first Black director and president of the Free Library and executive director of the Free Library Foundation, respectively were left dangling on the glass cliff a term that describes situations when Black people are hired in leadership positions to essentially clean up the financial and social messes of their white predecessors. When we get these opportunities, we often have to make lemonade out of lemons, Woodland said, meaning they have to make hard calls and change business as usual. The existing employees can feel a certain ownership of the programs when change is in the air. When those changes come, they dont get their way they may take their ball and go home. Even though, Woodland added, its not their ball to take. Onward and upward The loss of Kahans experienced Author Events staff was a hit to the Free Library Foundation. Summer Author Events were all but canceled. And the Big-ticket author appearances that used to be a slam dunk for the Free Library when Kahan was at the helm like Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Eve, all of whom promoted memoirs during late summer and early fall were guests not of the library, but of the Germantown bookstore Uncle Bobbies. Id worked with them [Author Events] for years, said Jennifer Weiner, a Philadelphia-based author whose most recent book is The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits. Weiner has appeared on the Author Events stage several times and is not sure when or if she will return. They were good at their jobs. They were professional. They were on top of every detail. My issue is there hasnt been enough transparency. We just basically called these people rogue troublemakers who went off the deep end, replace them, and proceed as if nothing happened. To Pryor, the Free Librarys job is bigger than the razzle-dazzle of high-profile events. Its ultimately about being a safe place for children and helping all Philadelphians improve their literacy in a city where, according to the Philadelphia School District, only 34% of students read at grade level. The foundation and the library are working on a comprehensive strategic plan with the Roz Group, a Philadelphia-based consulting firm, to ensure branches, that for years have played second fiddle to the main branch, have adequate programming. Pryor is also working to bring more attention to existing programs at Parkway Central like its job training program and rare books collection. Its part of the foundations mission to ensure the Free Library is for all Philadelphians. Pryor appointed Jenny Bogoni, former executive director of Read by 4th, as the Free Library Foundations chief of community engagement and public programming. Daniel Blank, who holds a Ph.D. in literature from Princeton University, will lead the Author Events. Snagging former president Clinton was Blanks first coup. When I saw that his memoir was out, I called his publicist and convinced him to come to Philly, Blank said. Blank hosted Malcolm Gladwell in conversation with CBS anchor Michelle Miller in October at a Library Foundation event at Congregation Rodeph Shalom. More than 400 people were in attendance. The real test, however, will be who Blank is able to line up for spring. He is working to reassure New Yorks publishing industry that the Free Library is still in the events game. Hes confirmed Juan Williams, a journalist and author of New Prize for These Eyes: The Rise of Americas Second Civil Rights Movement, and MSNBC anchor Chris Hayes, who will be touring behind his forthcoming book, The Sirens Call: How Attention Became the Worlds Most Endangered Resource. It is looking promising. Author Events is among our most important vehicles to reach the community, Pryor said. Its important. Its ours. We are moving forward. In this divisive world in which we live, there is one thing on which we can all agree the need for blight removal. So when our Germantown neighbors stood up against the ongoing blight at the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority-owned YWCA, it was easy to join them. The Germantown YWCA, placed on the Philadelphia Historic Register in 1984, has stood vacant and deteriorated for nearly 20 years. Three fires destroyed the interior since it closed in 2006. And eight years ago, the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority chose Ohio-based developer KBK Enterprises to restore and reuse the building for market rate housing. Advertisement KBK, however, has been unable to attract financing, has not produced any construction documents, and has not sought any zoning or building permits. KBK changed its plans to low-income housing after they were rejected on multiple occasions for historic tax credits by the National Park Service. And earlier this year, KBK was denied low-income housing tax credits by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. After eight long years, KBK is no closer to developing this blighted property than it was in 2016. Many studies have shown that blight attracts crime and vandalism and reduces the quality of life for area residents. Blight can lead to lower property values, and therefore a lower tax base, create havens for crime and graffiti, and threaten public health and safety. The blight at the Germantown YWCA has significantly slowed the revitalization of the Germantown commercial corridor, and is working against efforts by the community to make Germantown a better place to live, work, and enjoy. After much consideration, we decided to alleviate the blight at the Germantown YWCA using Pennsylvanias Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act, better known as Act 135. It was not an easy decision to file suit, in late 2023, against the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, but blight is a scourge on our community and something had to be done. While councilmanic prerogative brought a screeching halt to the development of the Germantown Y, the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority has been unable and unwilling to work around the political roadblocks. Act 135, however, offered a path to the successful redevelopment of the YWCA into low- and moderate-income senior housing, which is so desperately needed in our community. We are obviously disappointed that Common Pleas Court Judge Ann Butchart dismissed the Act 135 case last month, after four hearings that concluded with Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority counsel admitting that councilmanic prerogative took control of the Germantown YWCAs future out of the authoritys hands. Philadelphia residents do not have to live with blight when property owners walk away from their properties and ignore their responsibilities. This ruling is inconsistent with the worthy goals and priorities of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, who has stated on numerous occasions that she wants to make Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, and greenest big city in the country. By leaving government-owned properties blighted, it will be difficult to achieve Mayor Parkers objectives. There is a reason why more than 50 Germantown neighbors and community leaders have showed up at every court proceeding since December 2023 to show their support for blight removal. Groups committed to the historic restoration of the YWCA, such as the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and the Friends for the Restoration of the Germantown YWCA Building, took bold steps including testifying at hearings and writing letters to support our Act 135 petition. Government agencies, such as the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and the Land Bank, cannot be allowed to harm the communities they are charged with protecting and improving. Philadelphia residents do not have to live with blight when property owners walk away from their properties and ignore their responsibilities. In addition to the right to food, housing, and health care, not living or operating a business next to a blighted property is a basic right that must be recognized by city government. Belief in our governmental institutions like the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and the Land Bank will be much stronger if our leaders remember they are working for us, not against us. We call on the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and our elected officials to do the right thing by immediately making needed improvements at the Germantown YWCA and moving forward with finding a qualified developer who can restore this historic structure and provide the Germantown community with the affordable housing it deserves. KBK has been granted more than enough time to make this project happen, and its contract must be terminated immediately. A new request for proposal must be issued. Our elected officials must respect the authority of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and agree to support the competitive proposal process by introducing a property disposition ordinance for the newly chosen developer. Yvonne Haskins is a Pennsylvania real estate attorney and longtime activist in Germantown. As cochair of the Friends for the Restoration of The Germantown YWCA, she worked for the last three years on removing the barriers to restoring the site as affordable senior housing. Ken Weinstein is a former Germantown resident, the president of Philly Office Retail, and founder of Jumpstart Germantown. U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, pictured speaking at the Burlington County Democratic Convention in February, said he is disappointed in President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden. Read more U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D., N.J.) is disappointed that President Joe Biden decided to pardon his son Hunter Biden, the soon-to-be senator said Monday, one day after Bidens pardon became public. Biden had repeatedly said he would not pardon his son, who faced a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions. But as he reversed course Sunday night, Biden argued that the charges against his son were politically motivated. Advertisement Kim said he believes that Bidens pardon only feeds into this harmful assumption that the well-off and well-connected play by a different set of rules. Kim, who is headed to the U.S. Senate in January, has made a name for himself working outside of the Democratic machine. I hear from so many people right now in New Jersey and elsewhere that politics is just an insiders game, benefiting the few over the American peoples everyday needs, Kim continued. While as a dad I can sympathize with President Bidens family, as a citizen, I am disappointed in his decision. Some Democrats in the Pennsylvania congressional delegation had similar reactions to Kim later in the day. U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat whose district includes Chester County and parts of Berks County, also said she is disappointed in Bidens choice to pardon his son. She said she understands the instinct to protect ones family and is concerned that President-elect Donald Trump will use his administrations powers to punish his personal and political enemies. The presidents blanket pardon of his son goes back to 2014, which appears to be intended to block potential new prosecutions by the incoming administrations Justice Department. I still believe that no one should be above the law and will continue to use my voice to call out this and other examples of unwarranted immunity from our justice system, Houlahan added. U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, a Democrat who represents Pittsburgh suburbs, also said he disagrees with Bidens decision. People distrust our government when the rich and powerful get special treatment, he said. Others used the pardon as a window into larger discussions about clemency. U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, a Democrat who represents Philadelphia, said he believes the pardon of Hunter Biden is appropriate. I hope it paves the way for pardons for other appropriate nonviolent federal offenders as well, including lower-level drug offenders, Evans added. U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, a progressive Democrat who represents Pittsburgh, also said she hopes Biden uses his power to pardon those outside of his family. Lee posted on X that while she believes it is true that the presidents son faced harsh sentencing (and) unfair treatment so do thousands of others, disproportionately Black folks. Lee shared an article published by The Appeal about an effort shes part of along with 60 lawmakers calling for Biden to grant clemency to who she described as the elderly, the chronically ill, those on death row, (and) others facing injustice. Republicans fiercely criticized the pardon, including U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, who represents Harrisburg, and U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, who represents the southwestern corner of the state. Perry said that the Radical Left corruption knows no bounds, while Reschenthaler said that Bidens crime familys time in public office ends in 50 days and it cant come soon enough. Other members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation were quiet on the issue on Monday. Democratic Sens John Fetterman and Bob Casey, as well as Republican Sen.-elect Dave McCormick, did not respond to requests for comment. Philadelphia City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, 7th District, speaks at a May news conference announcing the arrest of a person accused of running a fentanyl and narcotics operation. She authored legislation that restricts where mobile service providers can operate in Kensington. Read more Philadelphia lawmakers on Monday advanced legislation that would restrict where mobile addiction services operate in Kensington following an emotional hearing marked by disagreements between providers and City Council members. Lawmakers on Councils Committee on Licenses and Inspections voted 3-1 to approve the bill, which prohibits mobile units that provide medical care and supplies from operating on residential blocks and near schools, as well as within 100 feet of one another. City-operated services are exempt from the restrictions that only apply in the citys 6th and 7th Council Districts, which include parts of Kensington and stretch from Hunting Park to the Lower Northeast. Advertisement The full Council could take a final vote on the legislation as early as next week. If it passes, it would go to Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers desk, and if she approved, take effect within 90 days. The bill is part of a concerted effort out of City Hall to address the open-air drug market in Kensington, the epicenter of the citys opioid epidemic and where hundreds of people live on the street. Council members who support the legislation said the mobile units which are typically vans staffed by medical professionals or volunteers who provide food and medical services like wound care are unregulated and park in residential areas, attracting nuisance crime and leaving trash strewn about. READ MORE: Philly will consider restricting mobile addiction services from parts of Kensington City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, a Democrat who represents the 7th District and the author of the legislation, said her goal is to prevent service providers from congregating near schools or homes. Lozada said she wrote the legislation after she asked the administration to create a schedule or map to better coordinate the services, but it didnt happen. The goal is not to end mobile provider services, Lozada said. The goal of this bill is to ensure that were not disrupting the day-to-day lives of people on residential blocks. Roberto Rodriguez, a commercial corridor manager for Impact Community Development Corporation in Kensington, added that the unregulated nature of mobile service providers creates a serious public health hazard for small businesses and residents. While I recognize the good intention behind distributing food and other goods to those in need, the reality is that this practice has been devastating to our neighborhood, he said. But Parkers health commissioner, Frank Franklin, told the committee the administration supports the bill but said that the language is ambiguous and that enforcing it could be a challenge. Tensions flare over potential impact An array of service providers, from representatives of hospital systems to individual activists, testified against the legislation, saying the restrictions could make it hard to reach the people they intend to serve. Several said the legislation doesnt address the underlying problems that plague the neighborhood, but instead targets the response. I wish I could say that people are flocking to Kensington for excellent, free health care, but thats not whats happening there, said Kara Cohen, a nurse who works in street outreach with Project HOME, a nationally renowned anti-homelessness nonprofit. Theyre there because of an open-air drug market, and theyre there because of the drug dealers. Candice Player, Project HOMEs vice president of advocacy and street outreach, said the groups teams respond to calls for help and provide a range of services, including medical care, to people across the city. But she said the legislation would impede their ability to connect with people in Kensington by restricting where they can respond. READ MORE: Does Philly have enough addiction treatment beds? City Council seeks clarity in Kensington. In what turned into a heated exchange, City Councilmember Jim Harrity, a Democrat who lives in Kensington, repeatedly asked Player for the number of homeless addicts that you took off the streets of Kensington and put into housing. She said she didnt have a number, but noted the organization has more than 1,000 units of housing open to people with histories of homelessness and addiction. Harrity who has been open about his own recovery from addiction said Player couldnt answer a simple question and suggested the organization hasnt prioritized getting people in Kensington off the streets. If you keep giving addicts stuff that they dont have, they have less of a reason to get to recovery, he said. Lozada said similarly that she is fighting for longtime Kensington residents, who she said have been deprioritized through the citys focus on harm reduction, which aims to keep people in addiction alive until they are ready to seek treatment. READ MORE: Kensington could see surprise quality-of-life cleanups every month with zero notice, ID checks, and towed cars Lozada, who has led efforts to change how the city addresses the crisis in Kensington, got into a spirited back-and-forth with the Rev. Phillip Geliebter, an archdeacon with the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania who works in street outreach in Kensington. He explained that serving people in the neighborhood is a key part of his faith, and he was critical of the bill, saying it would prevent mobile service providers from most of the areas in Kensington. What thats going to do is harm and kill unhoused residents in Kensington, he said. Lozada said that she, too, is a person of faith, and that she is called to ensure the entire communitys safety. We have prioritized harm reduction and the harm reduction way for a very long time while ignoring an entire community of people, she said. We have a responsibly as a government and as people of faith to respond to the needs of both populations. City Councilmember Nicolas ORourke, of the progressive Working Families Party, was the only member to vote against advancing the legislation, saying it doesnt address the roots of the problem. If this is the work that is keeping people alive, giving them the opportunity to survive a dark time, we cant just sweep it off the board, ORourke said. Philadelphians who choose to help those in need do not need more hurdles to jump through. They need our help. Essie Campbell holds the funeral program for her daughter, Jah'nae, who died at age 12 from an asthma attack. Read more By the night Essie Campbell rushed her daughter Jahnae to the hospital the 12-year-old gasping for air Campbell had tried everything she could think of to get help. For at least two years she lodged complaints and put in repair slips with the property managers who represented the nonprofit landlord of her aging West Philly affordable-housing complex. She pleaded with them to address the leak that had caused her ceiling to collapse three times, to pull up the musty carpet, and to address the mold climbing the walls from the resulting water penetration. Advertisement She sent texts and wrote letters and, she said, complained to the city that her unit was uninhabitable. She even had gotten notes from her doctor, warning of the urgency because Campbell and all six of her children had asthma worsened by the mold and mildew. None of it yielded a response. On March 8, around 1 a.m., Campbell was awakened by the noise of someone rummaging in the bathroom. She found her second-oldest daughter, looking for medicine. My chest is tight, Jahnae told her. Bleary-eyed, Campbell sat with Jahnae as she did a nebulizer treatment, then a second one. Jahnae still couldnt breathe. Campbell rushed her daughter to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, running every red light. Help my baby, she pleaded with the medical staff. But when a doctor returned to speak with Campbell, the news was grim: Her heart stopped. Now, Campbell is suing her nonprofit landlord, HELP USA, and its property manager, saying they caused Jahnaes death. She blames the toxic conditions in an apartment, near 49th Street and Wyalusing Avenue, that she couldnt afford to leave. In Philadelphia, theres little to ensure that renters are living in habitable conditions. Landlords must provide a certificate of rental suitability but they are permitted to self-certify, meaning no third party routinely inspects the property. A 2021 Pew analysis found that only 7% of Philly apartments get inspected each year. In contrast, many other cities have stepped up code enforcement by requiring routine inspections, sometimes using outside inspectors to increase capacity, or implementing reforms such as requiring inspections across a landlords holdings if a significant violation is found in one unit. READ MORE: Philly inspects only 7% of rental units each year, leaving tenants vulnerable In Philadelphia, inspections are complaint-driven. Campbell insists that she did complain to the citys Department of Licenses and Inspections but said inspectors never visited her apartment. Shemeka Moore, a spokesperson for L&I, acknowledged that the agency had received four maintenance complaints related to the complex over the last two years. However, the complaints were all unit specific, meaning inspectors were dispatched to only a handful of the nearly 100 apartments there. Although Moore maintained that all four complaints had been investigated, she said that two of those investigations were still ongoing and that none of the complaints was substantiated because inspectors were not able to gain access to the property. As a result, L&I has not issued a single code violation to the complex over that time, even though the apartments fire alarm certification expired several months ago. The last enforcement action there came in October 2022, when inspectors marked a violation related to a leaky roof resolved, city records show. Campbell says her apartment developed new structural problems that L&I would likely have flagged had inspectors visited her unit like the collapsed ceiling. The agency is not required to inspect for other issues, like mold. For Campbell, the situation has left her feeling alone and helpless. Sometimes Im just so scared about being a mom now, she said. I want to always protect my kids. And I just felt like that was out of my control. I couldnt protect my baby. Ties to a troubled nonprofit The complex where Campbell lives operates through a convoluted management chain. A private property manager, Arco, runs day-to-day operations through a contract with HELP USA, a New York City-based nonprofit with ties to the family of former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. That nonprofit, in turn, has since 1997 held a ground lease with a second nonprofit, a subsidiary of Community Council Health Systems (CCHS). CCHS, which owns and is headquartered at the site, has been in duress since former executives pilfered from its bank accounts. READ MORE: Nonprofit executives misspent millions with no accountability Earlier this year, an Inquirer investigation detailed the missing millions frittered away, according to auditors, on questionable real estate deals, purchases of artwork, and more than $84,000 in 76ers tickets, among other things. And, all the while, the nonprofits services, like providing mental health treatment, suffered as the $16 million-a-year organization hemorrhaged money. HELP USA, which last year reported $120 million in revenue, has had its own controversies some centering on a now-closed homeless shelter on Wards Island in New York, where residents reportedly complained of frequent heat outages and where a person was trapped in an elevator for four days. Despite the turmoil within both nonprofits, the organizations doubled down on their operations at Campbells complex. Earlier this year, they signed a joint agreement extending HELP USAs ground lease for a century. A HELP USA spokesperson refused to comment. A lawyer for Community Council said the nonprofit does not have any obligations with respect to the maintenance or monitoring of the property, and the rent is nominal. However, in 2022, the related nonprofit reported $5.7 million in rental income. An attorney for the nonprofit described this as an error by a prior accountant and said the organization would submit an amended disclosure. Campbells lawyer, Jordan Strokovsky, contended that HELP USAs management of the property led directly to Jahnaes death. For years, HELP USA didnt care about the health and safety of Essie Campbell and her kids, and now a 12-year-old girl is dead because of it. Complaints ignored Campbells concerns about the apartment started as soon as she arrived in 2016. She described a bait-and-switch, in which the property manager showed her one unit then rented her a different one, in dire condition. Jahnae, her second-oldest, tried to help Campbell make the best of the situation. Campbell used to call her daughter Mom, because Jahnae loved to cook elaborate meals, and to take care of her siblings. She was my backbone, Campbell said. The familys asthma worsened in the apartment. As Campbell noticed more leaks, she began peppering property managers with complaints. READ MORE: A notorious landlord neglected tenants for years. Authorities paid little attention until he committed voter fraud. She watched water stains spreading across her ceiling for months. In 2022, the ceiling collapsed into her dining room. She submitted requests for repairs, but the hole remained. I have severe asthmatic children that get sick and need/require multiple hospital visits, she wrote in a May 2023 complaint, attaching a doctors note requesting the removal of the carpet. In July, she texted a property manager that she was at the emergency room with four of her children. She got no response. In September, she wrote a letter to the property manager, pleading for help and noting that the hospital visits were getting more frequent. To Campbells surprise, in February 2024, a property manager notified her that a carpet-cleaning company was being dispatched to her unit. The workers never arrived. On March 7, Campbell wrote another letter the last one while Jahnae was still alive. I was trying to be her voice and let them know, My baby is getting sick, Campbell said. Reliving a nightmare At the nonprofit Community Legal Services, housing attorneys devote extensive resources to fighting evictions and keeping people in their homes but theres less recourse to address chronic maintenance issues. CLS housing attorney Osarugue Grace Osa-Edoh said a recent survey by the organization found that the vast majority of renters were suffering adverse health effects from their housing conditions. One in four cited mold contamination as the top maintenance concern. Habitability issues, including mold, lead, pest infestation, significant leaks, plumbing, and electrical problems, can destabilize housing for tenants, and can cause serious and pervasive health problems, she said. READ MORE: Empire of Neglect: How the Puretz family cashed in while poor renters paid the price After the night Campbell rushed her daughter to the hospital, Jahnae was on life support for two weeks first at Penn Presbyterian and then at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. After Jahnaes death, she said, the landlord finally moved her family to a new, nicer unit. Shed like to move away but fears trading a dangerous apartment for a dangerous neighborhood. But staying so close to the apartment that she believes killed her daughter feels to her as if shes reliving the nightmare daily. Campbell said that no matter where they live, Jahnaes absence would be felt. Im used to a family of seven: me and my children. Thats all I have. Now, when I make dinner, Im making six plates and yelling, Who didnt get their plate yet? And I have to remember shes not here, Campbell said. I was used to taking six children to school, making six doctors appointments. Im losing my mind trying to figure out, Who am I missing? Who am I leaving out? We were strongly drawn to partner with RAA due to their compelling strategy and platform for growth, the underlying quality of the business and the relative stability and profitability of the insurance market in South Australia, said Richard Feledy (main picture, right side), Allianzs managing director. Weve got to change the way we do things because the world is changing. We need to be more innovative, open-minded, and thoughtful as to how we attract and retain talent. It cant just be one way is the right way; there should be multiple channels and approaches as to how we bring talent into the business, she said. With Anthony stepping into a national role and Michael joining us, our leadership team of experts in the accident and health sector is now even stronger. AHI has been operating for over 25 years, and these appointments highlight our dedication to growing our position as a leading specialist agency, he said. Its an exciting time for the Agile group as we develop the Lloyds Syndicate, and weve been able to continue working with the leading Aviation Syndicates in Lloyds. Weve had fantastic support from the broker community, and I am very pleased to be leading this next phase of our offering in the region, Connor said. Suncorp is pushing the boundaries of insurance innovation. They appreciate that theyre not in the business of just insuring assets, but of delivering confidence and better experiences and outcomes for their policyholders, he said. I want to make sure that impacted Floridians and insurance companies hear me loudly and clearly we are watching, Albritton said after being sworn in last week. He highlighted legislative efforts to foster competition and stabilize rates while improving claims processes for consumers. This is a great example of where the flexibility of insurance and the willingness of our industry to innovate. Sometimes we're able to do so where bankers, where lenders aren't able to do so. We work very well together in that regard, Leonard said. "If we want to get a complete picture, be able to [make] accurate projections of what the impact is or [of] catastrophes in climate risk, we've got to bring private and public together," he said. "It's too big for one to do by themselves." "This allows parents some relief until their children are in kindergarten or first grade to not have to continue to re-enroll them," Gonzalez-Rojas said. She noted that frequent re-enrollment requirements can disrupt access to essential services like vaccines, checkups, and doctors appointments. We have built up an exceptionally strong team of underwriters in London and Dubai, and this milestone enables us to better serve all of our clients, increasing the amount of specialist capacity that is available in the region, Shah said. This year, ABIR has added two new partners to the program: Lloyds, the long-standing global insurance and reinsurance marketplace, and The Institutes Knowledge Group, a provider of online education and designations in insurance and risk management. Each will lead one of the 14 sessions. In the latest edition of the Big Question series, a host of industry experts give their verdict on where the industry is going right and wrong with artificial intelligence. Among those offering their thoughts are representatives from: AmTrust E&S, Upland Capital Group, Flow, AXA XL, Skyward Specialty Insurance, Liberty Mutual Insurance, MSIG USA, Acrisure London Wholesale, RT Specialty, At-Bay Insurance, Davies Group and Ascend. Texass workers compensation market is stable and steadily growing. The workers comp market is one of the few consistently profitable lines in the state, according to the Workers Compensation Annual Report 2024 from the Insurance Council of Texas. Texas has the countrys fourth largest workers comp direct written premium, with $2.7 billion in 2023, behind California ($11.9 billion), New York ($3.5 billion) and Florida ($3.4 billion). Texas accounts for 4.8% of the U.S. workers comp market, which totaled $8.4 billion in 2023. That year, Texas workers comp had a net underwriting profit of $348.4 billion and direct losses totaling $1.03 billion, up 14.28% over 2022. The 2023 loss ratio was 39.98%. Health Care Costs There are 26 certified networks offering workers comp healthcare services in Texas. Network claims typically have lower overall healthcare costs than non-network claims at the six- and 12-month benchmarks. While the vast majority of both network (97%) and non-network claims (94%) involved professional services, non-network claims had a higher share of hospital services (29%) than did network claims (25%). Conversely, more network claims involved pharmacy expenses (27%) than non-network (24%). Of employees who received network care, 63% said they were satisfied, versus 55% of those who received non-network care. Prompt attention to injuries may help lower costs. Injured employees who waited eight or more days to receive treatment accrued 27% higher median medical expenses ($798) than those who were seen within a week ($629). In 2022, 82% of claimants received non-emergency care within seven days. Access to care Fewer doctors offer workers compensation services, but those who do are seeing fewer patients. The number of dedicated doctors working with workers compensation patients dropped 4% between 2017 and 2022. At the same time, the number of claims handled by each participating physician dropped 7%, and new claims fell 3%. However, the numbers may reflect more patients receiving treatment from physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses. Topics Profit Loss Texas Workers' Compensation Liberty Mutuals Safeco Insurance has agreed to take the personal lines business of Main Street America, marking the second time in two months that Safeco has stepped in to assume a personal lines book of business from another insurer. Main Street America, a Jacksonville, Florida-based insurer founded about 100 years ago in Keene, New Hampshire said in late August it was going to focus on commercial lines for small businesses. It also writes farm and ranch, and fidelity and surety bond products. This represents one of the largest book transfer opportunities for Safeco and our agents and reinforces our position as a leading personal lines carrier for independent agents, said Luke Bills, president of independent agent distribution, U.S. Retail Markets, Liberty Mutual Insurance. This partnership will amplify our growth potential in several states and pave the way to expand our network of agency relationships, he added. Main Street Americas renewal book of business includes auto, home, renters, condo, umbrella, landlord, motorcycle, RV and watercraft policies, and expands Safecos presence in 22 states. In September, Safeco Insurance said it entered into a book transfer agreement with Columbia Insurance Group, a Central and Midwest regional carrier. The Columbia, Missouri-based mutual agreed to transfer its entire personal auto and umbrella lines business in eight states to Safeco, effective for renewals at the start of 2025. In 2021, title insurer First American Financial Corp. got out of the P/C insurance business with a book transfer agreement with Safeco and Heritage Insurance Holdings. Safeco and Main Street America said the transition will begin in the second quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. Main Street America became a part of American Family Insurance in 2018 and rebranded to Main Street America Insurance from Main Street America Group in 2020. The company said it writes more than $1.1 billion in annual premium all via independent agents. Richard Vaughn, head of sales at Main Street, said the agreement with Boston-based Safeco offers another option for our agents to continue to provide high quality service and protection for their personal lines clients. The insurer said many of its 4,000 independent agents are appointed with Safeco, and those who are not will be able to apply. Insurance carriers may want to examine policy language and what information they request from insureds after the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a lower courts ruling which could force Argo Group to cover claims that a wood-treating company caused a South Carolina fence builders cancer. The Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from Argonaut-Midwest Insurance Co., a specialty insurer that had written commercial liability coverage for a treating company later purchased by Koppers Performance Chemicals Inc. The declination to hear the case essentially upholds a U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeal ruling from June 2024 that found that Argos policies, while ostensibly for Koppers Hawaii operations, applied nationwide. The 4th Circuit judges explained that the treating operations were in Hawaii, as Argo had argued, but the policy language does not limit coverage to that state. The policies define policy territory, in relevant part, as (1) the United States of America, its territories or possessions, or Canada,' the appeals court noted. Nowhere do the policies expressly limit commercial general liability coverage to bodily injury arising out of the Hawaii locations listed in the policies. The court applied Hawaii contract and insurance law, interpreting the ambiguity in the policies in favor of the insured. But the case began a half a world away, when fence builder Phillip Riley and his wife sued New York-based Koppers and other lumber companies in 2014. Riley alleged that he had developed cancer from years of exposure to chromated copper arsenate, the green-tinted, arsenic-containing compound that was widely used for decades to make lumber resistant to decay, fungus and termites. The federal government in 2003 struck an agreement with the wood industry to end the use of arsenate, but CCA is still employed for some ground-contact lumber applications. Rileys lawsuit, like thousands that were filed across the country, contends that Koppers and others failed to warn of the dangers of CCA before it was discontinued. When Riley may have been exposed to the toxins proved to be a key point in the case. Argonaut-Midwest noted that the Koppers policy period was from 1979 to 1982, when Riley was just a toddler, well before he began working in his familys fence business. A lower court found that Koppers initial complaint, in its suit against Argo after lawsuit defense and coverage was denied, did not clearly allege that the injury happened during the policy period. But the 4th Circuit judges pointed out that Argo, after the lawsuit was filed, had requested more information from Koppers about the dates of Rileys alleged exposure. In response, Koppers provided Rileys deposition testimony, in which the fence builder said he had been exposed since birth due to the familys regular use of treated lumber in its long-running fence business. Riley grew up in the business locale and later worked in the fence operations. The appellate judges found that this information should have prompted a duty to defend the lawsuit against Koppers. The 4th Circuit cited previous court rulings that held that extrinsic information, outside of a lawsuit complaint, can alert an insurer to the possibility of coverage. Rileys deposition testimony indicated that Riley was alleging exposure since birth. That was enough to trigger a duty to defend, 4th Circuit Judge Marvin Quattlebaum wrote in the June opinion. Accordingly, Argonaut has failed to show that there is no genuine issue of material fact as to whether a possibility existed that Koppers would have incurred liability for a claim covered by the policies in the Riley lawsuit. The case now goes back to the federal district court in South Carolina to determine the extent of Argos legal defense and coverage liability for Koppers. Because Argonaut alleges that its duties to defend and indemnify hinge on its counterclaims, we remand this matter for further proceedings, the 4th Circuit judges wrote. Argo Group, a subsidiary of Brookfield Wealth Solutions, and its attorneys in the case declined to comment on the court decisions. Topics USA A claim provision requiring insureds to seek underinsured benefits from their auto insurer within three years of an accident is unenforceable in New Hampshire because it restricts the right of insureds to obtain the same benefits they would have received if underinsurance were not an issue. The New Hampshire Supreme Court, noting that such a provision could require insureds to seek underinsurance benefits before they even know if the other party is underinsured, ruled that such a requirement in a Geico General Insurance Co. contract violates the public policy behind the motor vehicle statute governing uninsured motorist coverage (RSA 264:15). The overall goal of the [uninsured motorist] statute is to promote a public policy of placing insured persons in the same position that they would have been if the offending uninsured motorist had possessed comparable liability insurance by broadening protection for those injured in accidents involving uninsured motorists, the court stated. Thus while state law gives insureds three years after an accident to sue the other driver for damages, Geicos three-year underinsurance claim deadline denies them the same benefits because it is tied to the date of the accident and not to when they discover that the other driver is underinsured. Because the contractual limitations provision unreasonably restricts the plaintiffs ability to obtain the same benefits they would have been entitled to had the alleged tortfeasor had comparable liability insurance coverage, the court concluded that it violates the public policy underlying the statute. The ruling was a win for Shane and Maura Pelissier, who sought compensation for damages arising out of a July 29, 2017 automobile accident. They filed suit against the driver they said was responsible for the accident prior to the expiration of the three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. During the course of that litigation they learned that the drivers liability insurance policy limit was less than their accident-related medical expenses. By then it was November 2021 more than four years after the accident. Geico denied their underinsured motorist claim relying on the provision that required them to file for underinsured motorist benefits within three years of the date of the accident. Less than three months after Geico denied their claim but four and a half years after the accident, the Pelissiers sued Geico for underinsured motorist benefits. Geico maintained that the three-year provision triggered by the date of the accident does not violate the public policy because it provides the plaintiffs with the same rights they would have had if the tortfeasor had comparable liability coverage. The high court disagreed with Geico, concluding that the insureds ability to recover for their injuries is restricted as compared to a person injured in an accident caused by a motorist with liability coverage equal to the liability coverage purchased by the insureds. New Jersey is using a mix of buyouts and barriers to tackle flooding in two vulnerable locations. Officials this week announced funding to buy and demolish homes in flood-prone sections of Cranford, a Union County community about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southwest of New York. They also unveiled funding for the next phase of a series of flood walls, levees and other measures to reduce the risk of flooding in Middletown in northern Monmouth County. The state Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are allocating $3.5 million for buyouts of homes in Cranford as part of the Blue Acres program to acquire and raze homes in areas where floods have repeatedly caused damage. Nick Angarone, the departments chief resilience officer, said in a statement that the state has been working hard to implement a statewide climate resilience strategy to better protect lives and property. However, in many cases, buyouts are the only way to ensure that safety and well-being of property owners by moving them out of harms way, he said. Cranford experienced serious flooding during Tropical Storm Ida in 2021. The buyouts are voluntary. Since the program began in 1995, the state has bought about 1,200 homes in flood-prone areas, usually along rivers. The program has yet to find willing sellers along the oceanfront, where storm damage was severe during Superstorm Sandy in 2012, but where property values have made the land too valuable to part with for many owners. Also this week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the awarding of a nearly $62 million contract for the Port Monmouth storm reduction program in Middletown. It includes construction of floodwalls and levees, improvements to drainage systems and implementation of environmentally sustainable practices to preserve the areas natural resources. Middletown, a Raritan Bay community about 45 miles (72 kilometers) south of New York, also experienced significant damage from Sandy. This project began as a promise after Sandy: to rebuild smarter, stronger, and protect our communities from climate change, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, a Democrat who represents the area, said in a statement. With this final phase underway, Port Monmouth will finally have the protection it needs for the future. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Flood New Jersey The Connecticut city of West Haven said it is being reimbursed more than $1 million from its insurer to cover the cost of federal pandemic relief funds stolen three years ago by two city employees. Then-state Rep. Michael DiMassa and John Bernardo were involved in a scheme that defrauded the city and taxpayers of $1.2 million. Mayor Dorinda Borer pursued recovery of the stolen Covid-19 money for taxpayers and was recently notified of a $1.2 million settlement with the citys carrier, The Hartford Financial Services Group. According to the Hartfords fidelity crime claims division, after applying $79,177.98 the city has received in court-ordered restitution and the $100,000 deductible, the net loss to be covered by insurance is $1,037,363.82. This is a huge victory, Borer said. DiMassa, 32, of West Haven was arrested on October 20, 2021. On November 1, 2022, he pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In May 2023, he was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment, followed five years of supervised release, for his involvement in the schemes that resulted in the theft of more than $1.2 million dollars in funds from the city. He was also ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. DiMassa was ordered to pay $856,844.45 in restitution. On June 14, 2022, Bernardo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On March 22, 2023, he was sentenced to 13 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay $58,927.25 in restitution. According to court documents, DiMassa was a Connecticut state representative who was also employed as the administrative assistant to the West Haven City Council. In April 2020, the state was allocated money under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to help local governments pay costs incurred in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. From July 2020 through September 2021, West Haven received approximately $1,150,257 from this fund. DiMassa, who was authorized to approve the designated relief funds for reimbursement, conspired with others to steal these funds and other funds through the submission of fraudulent invoices, and subsequent payment, for Covid relief goods and services that were never provided. In one scheme, DiMassa conspired with John Bernardo, who was employed by the citys office of Community Development Administration. In January 2021, DiMassa and Bernardo formed Compass Investment Group, LLC, which fraudulently billed the city for consulting services purportedly provided to the West Haven Health Department that were not performed. From February 2021 through September 2021, the city paid Compass a total of $636,783.70. DiMassa made several large cash withdrawals from the Compass bank account, some of which were made shortly before or after he made a large cash buy-in of gaming chips at the Mohegan Sun Casino. According to court documents, DiMassa also conspired with his now wife, Lauren DiMassa, through the submission of fraudulent invoices for services related to a youth violence prevention program. West Haven paid approximately $147,776.10 to Lauren DiMassa, who never provided any services to the city. On July 14, 2022, Lauren DiMassa pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On March 23, 2023, she was sentenced to six months of imprisonment and ordered to pay $147,776 in restitution. In a third scheme, DiMassa conspired with John Trasacco, of West Haven, using fraudulent invoices from L&H Company and JIL Sanitation Services, two companies controlled by Trasacco, for goods and services, including personal protective equipment, HVAC maintenance, and cleaning services for various municipal and school buildings, including one school that had been vacant for several years. Trasaccos companies received approximately $431,982 through this scheme. On December 2, 2022, a jury found Trasacco guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. On April 3, 2023, he was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay $143,994 in restitution. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The case was prosecuted by attorneys in the office of Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the district of Connecticut. Topics Fraud COVID-19 Private equitys advance into the insurance sector exacerbates the risk of fire sales that disrupt the functioning of financial markets, the Bank of England warned. A growing number of PE firms in the US have acquired life insurers, while British insurance firms have transferred some of their risk to PE-backed reinsurers, the central bank said in its twice yearly Financial Stability Report published Friday. The PE-backed firms tend to target higher returns via greater risk-taking, often by investing in illiquid private assets, the BOE said. Officials are concerned that a potential sharp and correlated deterioration in these investments could amplify risks across global insurers. That could spark asset fire sales which disrupt corporate funding markets, the BOE warned. Loss of policyholder confidence could also create a liquidity stress, the report said. The central bank said it supports the Prudential Regulatory Authoritys work to mitigate risk in the sector. The global regulatory response may require enhanced disclosure of PE activity in the insurance sector, it said. The BOEs concern lies in a scenario where PE-sponsored corporate assets fall sharply. Life insurance subsidiaries are increasingly holding debt sponsored by the same PE firm that owns the insurer, the report said. In such a scenario, the firms may see a fall in solvency ratios that triggers termination of reinsurance contracts, meaning the original insurer must take on the risk again known as a recapture event. The subsequent increase in capital requirements may force insurers to sell assets at steep discounts to raise cash, exacerbating market stress. The findings come at a busy time for insurance dealmaking. Britains Pension Insurance Corp., an insurer and provider of bulk annuities, was exploring a sale last year. PIC, whose backers include CVC Capital Partners Plc, drew interest from buyout firms including Apollo Global Management Inc., according to reports at the time. In Italy, Cinven-backed insurance consolidator Eurovita went into administration in 2023 after it fell short on solvency requirements when bond-market volatility hit portfolios and clients were seeking to pull money. Photograph: The offices of Raiffeisen Bank International AG in Prague, Czech Republic, on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. Photo credit: Milan Jaros/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Carriers The United Nations top court [this] week begins hearings on the legal obligation of countries to fight climate change and the consequences for states of contributing to global warming, the outcome of which could influence litigation worldwide. While the advisory opinions of the International Court of Justices (ICJ) are non-binding, they are legally and politically significant. Experts say the ICJs eventual opinion on climate change will likely be cited in climate change-driven lawsuits in courts from Europe to Latin America and beyond. (Editors note: This Reuters article was originally published on Friday, Nov. 29). The hearings begin a week after developing nations denounced as woefully inadequate an agreement reached at the COP29 summit for countries to provide $300 billion in annual climate finance by 2035 to help poorer nations cope with climate change. Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatus special envoy for climate change and the environment, said it was imperative fossil fuels be phased out and more money provided to poorer nations bearing the brunt of climate change, such as his Pacific island nation. Were not seeing that in the outcome of the COPs, Regenvanu told Reuters. We are hoping (the ICJ) can provide a new avenue to break through the inertia we experience when trying to talk about climate justice, he added. Fijis Attorney General Graham Leung called the hearings an historic opportunity for small island developing states in their quest for climate change justice. Climate Litigation Climate litigation is on the rise. Earlier this year, Europes top human rights court ruled that the Swiss government had violated the rights of its citizens by failing to do enough to combat climate change. But it also rejected two other cases, pointing to the complexities of the growing wave of climate litigation. Vanuatu, one of the small developing nations that pushed for an ICJ advisory opinion, says it disproportionately suffers the effects of climate change as a result of increasingly intense storms and rising sea levels. Vanuatu will be the first of 98 countries and twelve international organizations to present arguments to the ICJ, also known as the World Court. It is the United Nations highest court for resolving international disputes between states and can be tasked by the U.N. General Assembly to give advisory opinions. In 2023, the assembly asked it for a formal opinion on questions including the legal obligations of states to protect the climate system and whether large states that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions may be liable for damages, in particular to small island nations. As COP29 failed to provide a clear direction for climate justice and ambition, any developments from the ICJ will now only become more weighty, said Lea Main-Klingst, a lawyer with ClientEarth. Aside from small island states and numerous Western and developing countries, the court will also hear from the worlds top two emitters of greenhouse gases, the United States and China. Oil producer group OPEC will also give its views. The hearings will start at 10 a.m. (0900 GMT) local time on Monday and run until Dec. 13. The courts opinion will be delivered in 2025. (Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg; editing by Richard Lough and Mark Potter) Topics Lawsuits Chinas ByteDance is suing a former intern for $1.1 million, alleging he deliberately attacked its artificial intelligence large language model training infrastructure, a case that has drawn widespread attention within China amid a heated AI race. The parent company of TikTok is seeking 8 million yuan ($1.1 million) in damages from the former intern, Tian Keyu, in a lawsuit filed with the Haidian District Peoples Court in Beijing, the state-owned Legal Weekly reported this week. While lawsuits between companies and employees are common in China, legal action against an intern and for such a large sum is unusual. The case has drawn attention due to its focus on AI LLM training, a technology that has captured global interest amid rapid technological advances in so-called generative AI, used to produce text, images or other output from large bodies of data. ByteDance declined to comment on the lawsuit on Thursday. Tian, whom other Chinese media outlets have identified as a postgraduate student at Peking University, did not immediately respond to emailed messages. Tian is alleged to have deliberately sabotaged the teams model training tasks through code manipulation and unauthorized modifications, according to Legal Weekly, which cited an internal ByteDance memo. In a social media post in October, ByteDance said it had dismissed the intern in August. It said that, while there were rumors that the case had cost ByteDance losses in millions of dollars and involving over 8,000 graphics processing units, these were seriously exaggerated. (Reporting by Liam Mo and Brenda Goh; editing by Kevin Liffey) Topics InsurTech Artificial Intelligence China The province of British Columbia can bring a class action lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies for opioid harms on behalf of multiple governments across Canada, the countrys Supreme Court ruled on Friday. In 2018, BC sued more than 40 drug manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, alleging they fueled the harms of the opioid epidemic by deceptively underplaying the drugs dangers in their marketing. BC was challenged by some companies when it tried to bring a class action on behalf of other Canadian federal, provincial and territorial governments and agencies that pay for care and treatment related to the opioid crisis. The appeal by Sanis Health Inc., Shoppers Drug Mart Inc., Sandoz Canada Inc. and McKesson Canada Corp. was dismissed Friday by the Supreme Court of Canada, deeming BCs ability to bring a class action constitutional. The original BC civil claim was brought against companies including Apotex Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co, Johnson & Johnson, Purdue Pharma LP, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and Loblaw Cos. Ltd. A claim against Purdue was settled for C$150 million ($107 million) in 2022. Photograph: British Columbia was challenged by some companies when it tried to bring a class action on behalf of other Canadian federal, provincial and territorial governments and agencies. Photo credit: Eric Baradat/AFP/Getty Images Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits Canada 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. Competitors have criticized Microsofts 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 including Amazon and Google, which compete with Microsoft in cloud computing, criticized Microsofts licensing policies, and its integration of AI tools into its Office and Outlook. Given that Microsoft is the worlds 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 Microsofts 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 regarding competition in artificial intelligence, and started looking into Microsofts $650 million deal with AI startup Inflection AI. 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. Alphabets 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 Googles 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. The Trump administration was an aggressive enforcer of the antitrust laws, said Andre Barlow, a lawyer with Doyle Barlow & Mazard, noting it filed suits against Google and Facebook. When administrations change, the agencies do not necessarily drop ongoing investigations, he added, noting that changes in administration can lead to evolving enforcement priorities and shifts in how aggressively certain types of conduct are scrutinized. 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. Suspicious behavior on T-Mobile US Inc.s network devices tipped off the company to a breach that was potentially part of a sprawling cyber-espionage campaign that has raised urgent questions about the exposure of a critical sector of the economy. Jeff Simon, T-Mobiles chief security officer, said in an interview with Bloomberg News that while the behavior wasnt inherently malicious, it was unusual enough to draw the attention of the companys network engineers. In recent weeks, the engineers had spotted unauthorized users running commands on the companys network devices, seeming to probe the structure of the network, Simon said. Upon discovery, the engineers booted the bad actors from the network before they got deeper into the network or accessed customer data. That was what initially clued us into some suspicious behavior, discovery-type commands being run on some of our routers and commands that have been known to be related to Salt Typhoon, he said. Salt Typhoon is the name of an alleged Chinese state-sponsored hacking group that is believed to be behind the campaign. China has repeatedly denied involvement. T-Mobile is the first carrier to publicly offer a profile of markers potentially associated with Salt Typhoon, a name given to the hacking group by Microsoft Corp. US officials have accused Chinese state-sponsored hackers of a broad and significant spying campaign that has breached multiple telecommunications companies, but the companies believed to be prime targets have said little themselves. The hackers, embedded in routers and burrowing deeper into communications networks for months, were able to access details of those subject to lawful surveillance targets potentially exposing US efforts to track down foreign agents, according to two people familiar with the matter. They also spied on communications belonging to what the FBI has said is a limited number of people in government and politics, according to the US. That included President-Elect Donald Trump, Vice President-Elect JD Vance and staffers for Vice President Kamala Harris. AT&T and Verizon were among the companies breached in the hacking campaign, according to the Wall Street Journal. T-Mobile said it, too, was breached with methods that appeared similar to those used by Salt Typhoon. However, T-Mobile said it was able to contain the intrusion before it left network routers and reached customers phones. The company said the threat originated from awireline - or non-wireless providers network that connected to T-Mobiles. On Friday, the White House summoned leaders from the telecommunications industry to a meeting to try to address the series of intrusions that Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, recently described as a sprawling and catastrophic infiltration. The meeting, which included representatives from AT&T, T-Mobile and Lumen Technologies Inc., lasted about two hours and focused on plotting a path forward with both the private and public sectors, according to participants. Telecommunications companies alone are not likely to have success withit if we dont work together, said Simon, who represented T-Mobile at the meeting.And so thats really what I came out with, is Lets find ways to work together, private-sector companies and public sector, to be able to combat this sophisticated threat.' AT&T Chief Executive Officer John Stankey and Lumen CEO Kate Johnson attended the meeting, according to representatives from both companies. Verizon didnt respond to a request for comment Tuesday. The industry has been sharing more information internally in recent months, Simon said, particularly when its details the companies can use to combat Salt Typhoon. Threat intelligence firms, security research companies and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have also shared intelligence, he said. I cant promise that absolutely every single one participates at the same level. But in general, we are sharing with them, they are sharing with us, he said, specifically calling out Verizon as a standout partner in sharing intelligence with the rest of the community. T-Mobile believes its network was less exposed to the threat partly because its the only carrier with an end-to-end 5G network, meaning traffic does not pass over older equipment from the 2G, 3G and 4G eras, and it has minimal contact with older wired infrastructure, like cable or copper networks. The 5G technology standard has enhanced encryption and privacy protections built into it, and the physical devices are also guaranteed to be newer. Most companies are not regularly, regularly refreshing their 2G infrastructure. Theyre putting that money into the 5G or similar, Simon said. Photograph: The T-Mobile headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. Photo credit: David Ryder/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Cyber JOHNSON COUNTY Tony Coleman recognizes the signs all too well. A cow drools strings of saliva. Then it starts to limp, each step slower. Then it grows stiff. Then its quick. Theres nothing to be done. The cow dies. Since early 2023, the Grandview rancher has watched more than 35 of his 150 Black Angus cattle perish. July was especially brutal. In the span of a week, Coleman lost a 3-week-old calf; a cow; and Little Red, a strong bull full of spirit, leaving Coleman with nothing but unanswered questions. This is destroying our lives, Coleman said. You never know what youre going to get every day when you get down here. Next door, James Farmer has lost two calves, and found two of his wifes beloved horses toppled to the ground like dominos, their bodies swarmed by buzzards. Its hard for me to tell her, because I know shes gonna break down, he said. Why are our animals dying? Just back to back? It never ends. Months before, the men said they noticed a gag-inducing sewage smell drifting from smoking piles of fertilizer on their neighbors property. Heavy rains then washed some of the fertilizer onto their land. Soon after, they said they found fish floating dead in the stock ponds their livestock drink from. They contacted the county with their concerns, triggering a nine-month investigation. Thats when their cattle and horses began to die. An environmental crime investigator in Johnson County collected samples of the dead animals tissue and organs, the water they drank from, the soil and the fertilizer that was applied next door. After the county received test results, the two families finally got their answer: The animals had been killed by something in the fertilizer. The fertilizer had been made with biosolids, part of an effort to find a climate-friendly method to recycle municipal sewage. But the fertilizer also contained synthetic and highly hazardous chemicals known as PFAS, which are found in hundreds of household products and have had devastating effects on farms and ranches that inadvertently spread them on their land. An untold number of farms and ranches across Texas and the rest of the nation may have also used fertilizer made from sewage tainted with these forever chemicals which dont break down in the environment without knowing it. PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals used since the 1940s that have a singular ability to repel oil and water and resist heat. They are used in products like nonstick cookware, pizza boxes, waterproof mascara, toilet paper, soaps and rain jackets. There are more than 12,000 types of PFAS, but researchers have only studied the health effects of roughly 150. They can contaminate food and water and build up in the body over time. Exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to cancer, low birth rates and birth defects, damage to the liver and immune system, and other serious health problems. One study found the chemicals in the blood of nearly 97% of all Americans. Due to their widespread use in consumer products, forever chemicals have been discharged into waterways by chemical manufacturers, trucked to landfills with household trash or flushed into city sewers via toilets, sinks, showers and washing machines. Then they end up in local wastewater treatment plants where the solids are separated from sewage. Fertilizer companies who are often paid to haul these biosolids away process them into fertilizer thats sold to farmers and ranchers as a cheaper alternative to chemical fertilizers. A number of Texas wastewater plants have contracts with fertilizer companies to take their biosolids, including Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Arlington. Nationally, more than half of sewage sludge was treated and spread on land, according to one study; 19 billion pounds of it was spread on American farms between 2016 and 2021, the nonprofit Environmental Working Group found in 2022. Wastewater treatment and biosolids experts call this an environmental win-win because those solids dont go to landfills or incinerators processes that create greenhouse gasses, which contribute to climate change. But nobody knows how much of that fertilizer is contaminated with PFAS, which can be absorbed by crops, consumed by livestock, and then enter the food supply. There are no requirements to test biosolids for PFAS, or to warn farmers and ranchers that they could be using contaminated fertilizer made with biosolids on their land. Some people are saying, [PFAS contamination] are isolated incidents. No, theyre not. I guarantee that this is a problem in every single state that uses biosolids, said Kyla Bennett, a former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency employee who is now a science policy director for the nonprofit group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. The reason were not hearing about it all over the country, in all 50 states, is because nobodys looking for this problem, Bennett added. According to EPA data analyzed by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group in 2022, an estimated 5% of all crop fields in the U.S. up to 20 million acres could have used fertilizer made with biosolids. In Texas, more than 157,000 dry metric tons of biosolids-based fertilizer were applied to agricultural lands in 2018. While the EPA recently set limits for a handful of the chemicals in drinking water, those rules do not cover biosolids. The evidence is out there that PFAS are a health hazard, Bennett said. We shouldnt have to wait [for the EPA to act]. Without federal regulations, some states have taken action, requiring wastewater treatment plants to test their biosolids for PFAS or setting their own limits for PFAS in biosolids. Texas is not among them. State environmental regulators said in a statement theyre not required to by law. Coleman and other Johnson County farmers who know their land is contaminated are now faced with an existential dilemma: Do they sell their cattle and their crops, knowing theyre likely laced with PFAS, or face financial ruin? Coleman and Farmer have both decided not to sell any cattle. That means the men now run zombie farms. They pay to feed animals and harvest hay that they wont sell a single 900-pound steer could sell for $4,800, Coleman said. Everything we plant here is just sucking this [PFAS] stuff up, Coleman said. The cows drink the water and eat the grass. For them there is no escaping. Anxiety in Johnson County In February, Johnson County residents packed the courthouse and listened intently as Dana Ames, an environmental crime investigator for the county, and other local officials explained the findings from the nine-month investigation into the noxious smells and dead livestock. Ames, who spent $35,000 of the countys money on the investigation and sent samples to a lab in Pennsylvania, told residents that the liver of the Colemans stillborn calf contained 610,000 parts per trillion of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS, one of the many types of forever chemicals. The tissue from a calf belonging to Farmer that died a week after being born tested at 320 ppt of PFOS. Currently, there are no federal food safety standards for PFAS. In Maine, which in 2016 became the first state to detect PFAS contamination at a farm, state officials issued limits for beef containing PFOS at 3.4 parts per billion and milk containing PFOS at 210 parts per trillion meaning that beef or milk exceeding these levels should be considered unsafe for consumption. Maine, which has discovered 78 contaminated farms and shut five of them down, has been the only state to set its own PFAS limits for food. Samples of the pond water where the ranching families livestock drink from ranged from 84 ppt to 1,333 ppt of PFAS. The county also tested the fertilizer their neighbor spread on his farm and found 27 types of PFAS chemicals, including four out of the five the EPA has set limits for in drinking water. These people were led to believe this was safe and a cheap fertilizer, County Commissioner Larry Woolley said at the meeting. And this isnt just isolated to this one incident or multiple counties. This is going on all over. The amount of beef and milk thats gone into the food chain, who knows what their PFAS levels are? The level of victimization is widespread, he added. The Colemans, Farmer and four other local farmers have sued Synagro, the Maryland-based company that produced the biosolids-based fertilizer applied on their neighbors fields, and Renda Environmental, a Texas-based fertilizer company that sold to the neighbor before Synagro. The lawsuit claims the companies knew about the contaminants in the fertilizer and failed to provide adequate warnings to its customers. Synagro denies the allegations. Kip Cleverley, a spokesperson with the company, said the company did its own testing on the land where the fertilizer was applied and preliminary results found PFAS levels in the single digits parts per trillion in the surface water. The company did not provide its test results to the Tribune, saying its analysis was still in progress. The data strongly suggests that the farm where biosolids were used could not be a source for the PFAS allegedly found on the plaintiffs farms, Cleverley said. Renda Environmental told the Tribune the company does not comment on pending litigation. In a separate lawsuit filed against the EPA in June by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility on behalf of the farmers, the group claimed the agency failed to implement restrictions on PFAS in biosolids despite knowing the health risks posed by the chemicals. Johnson County later joined the suit. My heart breaks [for the farmers], said Bennett, the groups science policy director. It could be years until the EPA sets biosolids regulations. Somebody needs to hold their feet to the fire farmers are losing their livelihoods. The biosolids used to create the fertilizer that allegedly contaminated the Colemans and Farmers farms came from Fort Worths Village Creek Water Reclamation Facility, which treats sewage from 1 million people, many industries and 23 communities in North Texas. It generates between 27,000 to 31,000 tons of biosolids per year. Mary Gugliuzza, spokesperson for Fort Worth Water, said the fertilizer pellets produced by Synagro meet EPA and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requirements. Gugliuzza added the city had tested some of its biosolids for PFAS even though its not required. Those results showed PFAS in the biosolids, but Gugliuzza said thats the case at wastewater facilities across the country. Synagro has contracts with more than 1,000 municipal wastewater plants, industrial, and agricultural customers in North America including Fort Worth to turn biosolids, which one employee described as resembling chocolate milk, into fertilizer that it markets as nutrient rich and environmentally friendly. In 2022 Synagro processed 6.5 million tons of biosolids nationwide. The [EPA] has not suggested that any changes in biosolids management is required because of the presence of trace amounts of PFAS, Cleverly, the company spokesperson, said. In September, the EPA responded to the lawsuit saying it has complete discretion over which pollutants to regulate under federal law so it cant be sued. But the agency is now studying the presence of PFAS in wastewater and sewage sludge nationally and conducting a risk assessment on the use of biosolids and sewage sludge containing the two most widely used and studied forever chemicals PFOA and PFOS focusing on health risks through exposure to soil, water, crops, meat and dairy. It expects to publish the results by the end of this year, which will determine whether new federal rules are necessary. Who should be responsible for removing forever chemicals? In Texas, most biosolids end up in a landfill. But the rest is diverted for agricultural use in Texas. At San Antonios wastewater treatment plant, water is removed from sewage sludge by using a machine that squeezes it between two tensioned belts or by spreading it in drying beds so the sun evaporates the moisture. Once its dried to a crumb-like texture, the biosolids are piled into black mountains then transported to other facilities where two Texas compost companies turn it into fertilizer. Pitched as a cost-effective way to improve soil fertility, biosolids have been applied to land in the U.S. since the 1970s. Scientists say they contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that helps plants grow. The EPA only requires wastewater treatment plants to test biosolids for heavy metals and pathogens that can be harmful to health. If the EPA issues new restrictions on PFAS in biosolids, utilities fear they are likely to bear the responsibility for removing the chemicals from wastewater. If we are required to treat a particular chemical that is not covered in the way you already treat, you have to design a whole new system, said Ed Guzman, the senior vice president and chief legal and ethics officer at the San Antonio Water System. You have to put it in place and that all takes time. It takes money. The cost of removal is significant: A 2023 report by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency found that it would cost between $2.7 million and $18 million per pound to remove and destroy PFAS from municipal wastewater, depending on facility size, and between $1 million and $2.7 million per pound of PFAS removed from biosolids. Adam Krantz, the CEO of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, a group representing municipal wastewater treatment agencies, said the cost of remediation could be passed down to water utility customers, but argues that polluters should pay.It really is the corporate polluter that needs to foot the bill for this as the wrongdoer, he said. Others, like Janine Burke-Wells, executive director for the North East Biosolids & Residuals Association, which represents wastewater treatment facilities and biosolids producers, said that the responsibility to curb PFAS should fall on everyone. Unless we really eliminate all the sources of PFAS theres always going to be a background level because [PFAS] is in everything, Burke-Wells said. One county doing what it can In Johnson County, Woolley drives his silver pickup down rural roads, pointing out hay bales and miles of milo grain, corn and wheat crops the county commissioner says have been blessed by heavy rainfall earlier this year. Woolley, a former agriculture teacher who moved to Grandivew in 1982, says hes spent sleepless nights worrying about PFAS impacts on ranching families in this county of 180,000 residents. I lay awake at night thinking of the magnitude of this whole deal. Its just crazy, Woolley said. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I think theres gonna be so much public outcry on this its gonna be hard for our state officials to ignore that. Following the countys investigation, Woolley led the charge to pass a local resolution urging farmers to stop using biosolids on their land. The resolution called for Fort Worth to stop sending its biosolids to fertilizer companies until the TCEQ tests them for the presence of PFAS and asked the EPA to set limits on PFAS in biosolids. The resolution also called on state lawmakers to regulate the application of biosolids-based fertilizer on farmland or give power to counties to do so. Thats the hard part, Woolley said. We dont have authority to ban biosolids. In July, neighboring Ellis County passed a similar resolution calling for regulation and legislation to restrict the application of biosolids on farms and ranches until further testing is done. Since then, Kaufman, Henderson, Somervell and Wise counties have done the same. Woolley has traveled around the state to sound the alarm about PFAS at conferences for county officials. He said he and his staff are preparing to go to Austin to meet with state lawmakers during the next legislative session. He hopes they will introduce new bills that will address PFAS contamination in biosolids, including giving counties money to test for the contaminants, and require TCEQ to test biosolids statewide for forever chemicals. So far, there have been no bills filed by state lawmakers regarding PFAS contamination in biosolids ahead of the legislative session that begins in January. In 2021, Michigan began requiring all municipal wastewater treatment plants to test their biosolids for PFAS before spreading them on agricultural land. The state also began prohibiting the application of biosolids containing more than 150 parts per billion of PFOS on agricultural land. Since then, the state has lowered that threshold to 100 ppb and added another type of PFAS to the list, PFOA. What experts refer to as the Michigan model has now been embraced by other states including California, Wisconsin and Washington. Connecticut and Maine have banned the use of biosolids on agricultural fields. Ellen Mallory, a professor of sustainable agriculture at The University of Maine, said state response has been crucial given the lack of standards at the federal level. The important part here is its really hard to have any response to PFAS contamination if we dont have any standards. So a state like Texas that has no standards, what do you do? How do you help farmers determine if their food is safe or not? she said. Meanwhile, Tony Coleman and his wife are still watching their livestock die. They pack dead cattle in a big cooler, load them onto a trailer and drive 140 miles to a laboratory at College Station where vet technicians perform a necropsy and remove tissue to be tested for PFAS. The couple both work two jobs and are looking for a third. Theyre worried they have lost the ability to make a living off their own land. We cant consciously sell you a side of beef and then you eat it and you get sick. What kind of people does that make us? Coleman said. Disclosure: San Antonio Water System has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2024/12/02/texas-farmers-pfas-forever-chemicals-biosolids-fertilizer/. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. Photo: Tony and Karen Coleman stand over a plot of land where they buried a deceased calf and bull on their property in Grandview on Aug. 5, 2024. Credit: Azul Sordo for The Texas Tribune Topics Texas Agribusiness Chemicals Rebecca McCabe, with Aon since 2015, has been named Carolinas market leader, based in Charlotte. McCabe has recently served as interim market leader and sales director at Aon, and now replaces Kathleen Lynch, who left Aon earlier this year, according to news reports and press releases. McCabe will report to Jerry Ferriera, regional managing director for Aons southeastern U.S. region. Aon is a global, British-American insurance broker and risk management firm. Topics Leadership Aon It says much for TU Dublin School of Art and Design BA in Visual Art (BAVA) degree programme on Sherkin Island in West Cork that two of its graduates have won the prestigious RDS Taylor Art Award for their degree projects in the past seven years. Mary K Sullivan won in 2018 for her installation, At Home, At War, while Sorcha Browning has just been announced as the 2024 recipient for her film installation, Eden. Such has been the success of TU Dublins BAVA programme, developed in collaboration with Uillinn: The West Cork Arts Centre in Skibbereen and the Sherkin Island Development Society, that the three partners launched a Masters Programme in Art and Environment in 2020. The Masters Programme is largely based at Uillinn, where the seven 2024 graduates are presenting their work in an exhibition called Meshworking, which runs until 21st December. The seven - Niamh Seana Meehan, Dianne Curtin, Terry Farnell, D. Martins, Hina Khan, Niamh Ni Chearbhaill and Fiona Hayes - were all invited to create projects that combine ecological research, artistic innovation and community engagement. Hina Khan. Picture: Emma Jervis Niamh Seana Meehan is a dedicated sea swimmer, and has long used water, and particularly the experience of floating, as part of her practice. I did my primary degree in the UK, at De Montfort University in Leicester, she says. I live in South Armagh, and a lot of my work at that time was to do with leaving home and crossing the water. Ive always been interested in islands, and I did a lot of my research on Inishbofin in Co Galway. Meehan was on a residency at the Guesthouse in Shandon, Cork, when she first heard of the Masters programme. We went on a trip to Sherkin Island, and I fell in love with the place straight away, she says. Enrolling on the programme, Meehan drove down from South Armagh twice a month to participate. She relished the time she got to spend on the islands of West Cork. We visited Sherkin, Cape Clear, Whiddy and Bere Island. On each, a local person or an artist resident on the island would share their knowledge of the area. Meehan is showing two works she made as part of her Masters at Uillinn. One is called Swallowed by the Tide, and is inspired by my experience of swimming at Templetown beach in Co Louth. The other is called Staying Dry for Now. Theres a soft sculpture you lie down in, to listen to an audio recording. The recording features a dream-like narrative of floating in a body of water and transforming into an aquatic being. Despite the mileage she clocked up over the year, Meehan was delighted with her time on the Masters. West Cork is a fantastic place, she says. Theres a real sense of community. And because there were just seven of us on the programme, we got to be good friends. Dianne Curtin. Picture: Emma Jervis Dianne Curtin is from Union Hall, and completed BAVA in 2022 before committing to the Masters programme. The Masters allowed me to expand on a topic Ive been working on for some time now, asking if environmental factors are an influence on gender-based violence," she says. "The obvious example is Covid-19. When women were stuck at home with their abusers, the figure went crazy, and that was all over the world. But that is also the case for women who have been displaced by climate events; they are often at their most vulnerable to becoming victims of abuse. Curtin saw her Masters as an opportunity to explore making work in Virtual Reality. In my installation at Uillinn, I invite the viewer to wear a cape and a headset. The cape is something that women traditionally wore for protection almost as a shield - for centuries. The headset allows you to view a video. What VR does very well is it puts the viewer in the picture. Its very immersive; you feel like you are part of the work. The video is about 3.5 minutes long. It features three women, all wearing the cape: one is on the street in Cork; another is alone in a forest; and the third is on a deserted beach, where shes burning testimonials of abuse on a fire, as part of a healing process. Curtin will be on hand for anyone wishing to engage with the project. The experience is consent-guided, she says. Ill be at Uillinn for the next few weeks, and after that I hope to take the project further. Im hoping to expand on what Ive done already, and find other places to exhibit it in. Id like to continue working with VR. Some people call it the Empathy Machine; the immersive experience can be very powerful. Terry Farnell with one of his pieces. Picture: Emma Jervis Terry Farnell also came to the Masters programme directly from BAVA. I lived on Sherkin Island for over twenty years, but I had to move out two years into my degree, he says. Id been renting a house that the owner wanted to sell, and I couldnt find another one to rent. I live in Baltimore now. Farnells research on the Masters was focused on global warming. His project at Uillinn is called Songs on the Horizon, and features two artworks. One is inside the gallery. Theres a periscope in a fish tank. The surface represents order, and Ive put shrimps and larvae in the water to create movement below. Theres an audio element to it too; a recording that goes into the depths of the sea, where the whales are singing, and up into the atmosphere, where theres the cries of red kites. My second work is outside, in the Caol stream that flows past Uillinn. Theres a raft with three pipes catching the current; these extend into three vertical pipes with tin whistles on top that make a constant peeping noise. What Im trying to do with both these works is translate science into art, and show how order and chaos can both be found in a dynamic system such as the climate. Farnell describes himself as retired. He's been glad of the break since completing the Masters, but hopes to begin work on some other projects shortly. I worked as a photographer for many years, and Ive got photographs on Sherkin going back to 1993; thats a project I must look into, putting those online. Id also like to work on a pinhole photography project, with songs and poetry. He has nothing but good to say of his Masters experience. The seven who started all finished, he says. We got on really well together. Theres talk of us having a yearly meet-up to discuss our projects, and some of us might even collaborate in the future. Unprecedented excitement and hysteria led thousands of fans to John F Kennedy International Airport in New York City on February 7, 1964, with placards and banners to welcome The Beatles and jumpstart their American invasion. The British rock band consisted of Sir Paul McCartney, 82, John Lennon, who died aged 40 from gunshot wounds, George Harrison, who died aged 58 following a battle with cancer, and 84-year-old Richard Starkey also known professionally as Ringo Starr who all originated from Liverpool, England. On that plane coming to the United States, they had no idea if anyone would be waiting for them, or the degree to which Capitol Records, writers and reporters did not want them to succeed. They wanted them to fail and worked against them, says Beatles 64 director David Tedeschi, known for Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story By Martin Scorsese, Pretend Its A City, and Vinyl. At Carnegie Hall their second American concert the establishment was appalled when they heard the rock and roll music these kids were playing in the hallowed halls and banned their promoter [Sid Bernstein]. Beatles 64: George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lenon, and Paul McCartney arriving at JFK airport. Beatles 64 is a new documentary on Disney+ produced by American filmmaker Martin Scorsese, 82, who directed Shutter Island and The Wolf Of Wall Street, and producer Margaret Bodde who has worked with Scorsese on Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese, and The 50 Year Argument. It captures the electrifying moment of The Beatles first visit to America. It features never-seen-before footage of the band and their legion of young fans who helped fuel their ascendence. The Grammy, Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for the 1970 documentary film Let It Be and Ivor Novello Award-winning rock band, who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in their first year of eligibility, 1988 achieved record-breaking levels of critical and commercial success. From Rubber Soul and Revolver to Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road, its no surprise that the music The Beatles made also has estimated sales of 600 million units worldwide, and holds the record for the most number-one albums in the UK Albums chart and most number-one hits on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Beatles 64: Policemen hold back fans in the US. For one longtime fan who is featured in the documentary alongside a few others, when he first heard The Beatles on the radio, it was like the lights came on. But what was it like for Tedeschi and Bodde? Well, I must have heard The Beatles songs somehow in the atmosphere, but I remember specifically getting a hold of my brothers [copy of the] White Album [The Beatles] and just being captivated by everything about it. The mystery of that white cover, the look of these guys with their actual long hair at that point not the long hair of 1964 and the double record set, which at that time implied a statement of serious intent, says Bodde. And also of just the prolific flowering of creativity. So every song to me was like its own sonic world. And from that point on, I just remember being very focused on The Beatles and wanting to learn more about them and hear everything that they had ever recorded. They were always a touchstone throughout my life. My parents had a stereo system. They listened to classical music every night for a few hours, and it was a very adult thing. Thats what they did. Thats what adults did in my world, after dinner, youd listen to classical music, not the kids, but the adults. And my sister was very musical, and she would in the afternoon, before my parents got home, play the Red and Blue Albums over and over and over again, says Tedeschi. And when she wasnt in the house, behind her back, I would take her albums out and I would play them, which, of course, was very dangerous, because vinyl is a tactile medium and can scratch, it wears down, like if you play a record too many times it doesnt play anymore. But I loved the music so much I just kept on doing it and she was generous enough. She never even called me out. She must have known. The Beatles departing from their plane. Beatlemania was the term used to capture the teenage excitement that followed the Liverpool band while on tour between 1963 and 1966. It would usually be screaming young girls who had a strong spiritual connection to their music and found their softer masculine style irresistible mop-top hairstyles, matching bespoke suits and chunky Cuban heel boots. Fans collected strange memorabilia, including towel pieces, wigs and seat numbers. Its what helped set the tone for the weird and wonderful music fandom and stan culture we see today. Tedeschi believes its hard to say if fans would have responded to The Beatles in the same way in 2024. It was a moment when the world was very different. The record industry thought that rock and roll guitar music was done, but I think The Beatles redirected them and represented a generational shift, he says. I think the fact that they were really charming, handsome, talented, fun, and completely foreign to Americans, but were also very familiar made a difference. I think humour is a big part of it too. They were funny, real and authentic, so it didnt seem like there was as much of a distance between them and their audience, says Bodde. I think that the young people could imagine hanging out with The Beatles, being their pal, their girlfriend. They had an approachability and didnt seem high and mighty. They were working class, so people felt like they could relate to them, and the music was just so phenomenal. Beatles 64 is now streaming on Disney+ Ive been practicing yoga for 15 years, but until recently Id never been to a sound bath. Id heard about sound therapy, mainly among people who were already into things like yoga and meditation. Lately, Ive noticed sound baths popping up more frequently, both as standalone events, and as part of wellness retreats. As increasing numbers of people are trying sound baths and feeling the benefits, I was curious to find out more and experience it for myself. The first thing to know about a sound bath, is that it has nothing to do with water. Instead, participants are bathed in a variety of sounds. Cork-based yoga teacher and sound practitioner, Mary Kelly, explains: Its a holistic form of therapy where youre playing different instruments to allow sounds and vibrations to wash over everyones body. "The vibrations and frequencies are believed to be able to help calm the mind, the body, and create a very meditative state, and then, in turn, help with physical and emotional wellbeing. Mary has been teaching yoga for more than 10 years, and decided to train in sound therapy a couple of years ago. She holds sound baths in Douglas and other locations around Cork. Although this is a recent addition to Marys work, she has already gathered an impressive collection of instruments: I have an addiction to buying sound instruments. Ive actually banned myself from buying anything at the moment because its ridiculous. Mary Kelly hosting a sound bath at a recent yoga retreat. Marys range of instruments includes crystal bowls, two gongs, an Indian instrument called a shruti box, drums, shakers, and Tibetan singing bowls. Although she has a wide variety of instruments, Mary says this isnt essential for sound practitioners. You dont need to have that many instruments to hold a sound bath. You could literally just do a sound bath with crystal bowls, she says. During a typical session, Mary welcomes everyone into the space, and gives a short introduction so people know what to expect. She begins with a meditation, and then people usually lie down during the sound bath. You can use plenty of props and everything to allow yourself to be comfortable, says Mary. Normally it could be anything from 45 minutes to an hour. At the end of the session, Mary gives participants some information to support them after the sound bath: Ill give them a debrief of a few things that might be able to support them over the next few days, while theyre still processing everything, like meditation, getting out in nature, and drinking plenty of water. One of the things Mary values about this practice is its accessibility. Absolutely everyone and anyone can come and do a sound bath, and I think thats the beauty of it, she says. You dont have to do anything but lie down. Whereas its a bit different if youre doing a yoga retreat, or a meditation class, or a breath work class, where its more active. Curious to experience a sound bath for myself, I visit Heart Space Yoga Studio in Midleton, where owner Shama Marcella Vilas Boas offers sound healing sessions. Shama is from Brazil and has been living in East Cork for 11 years. Spirituality has been always part of my life since I was very, very young, she says. Shama became interested in sound therapy when she did her Kundalini yoga teacher training, and has been facilitating sound bath sessions since 2017. She remembers trying a sound bath for the first time. I completely fell in love when they started playing the gongs. I started feeling all that vibration coming through my body like tingling in every cell of my body. I had such a deep experience, she says. Journalist Emer Harrington joins the class hosted by Shama of Heart Space Yoga studio in Midleton. Picture: Eddie O'Hare When I arrive at the studio, Shama has a variety of instruments already set up, and mats laid out with bolsters, cushions, and blankets. I feel some nervous excitement at the thought of trying something new, and Shama soon puts me at ease. A short meditation at the beginning of the session helps me to relax. After I lie down and get comfortable, I close my eyes and listen. Shama blends a variety of sounds together, from loud, reverberating gongs, to soft, tinkling chimes. I really feel immersed in it, as though a wave of sound is washing over me. I dont just hear the sounds, I feel them in my body. Some of the sounds make me feel awake and energised, while others make me feel much more relaxed and calm. During the session, the sounds transport me to different natural environments. The low, deep sound of the gongs remind me of wild, rugged landscapes, while the gentle chimes remind me of light rain. Afterwards, Shama explains that certain instruments and sounds are connected to different elements. You have lovely sounds that represent the fire, the water element, the air element, she says. Then we have very earthy elements that I add into it. Clients have told Shama that sound baths have boosted their wellbeing in a variety of ways. I have people that say, Oh, I had a really good sleep after the sound bath, she says. Ive had people saying that they were very stressed and tense, and they felt completely relaxed afterwards. Occasionally, people might find that sound experiences can bring up more challenging emotions. Shama leaves time for sharing and questions at the end of a session, and her door is always open. I do a little check in to see how everyones feeling, and they can always contact me after the session to ask me questions, she says. After experiencing it, Im curious about why sound has such a powerful effect on us. Shama believes we connect with sound because it is a form of energy, just like us. Sound is energy. We are energy. It speaks to every cell of our body. It transports us. It has the capability to uplift us, she says. Journalist Emer Harrington joins the class hosted by Shama of Heart Space Yoga studio in Midleton. Picture: Eddie O'Hare Shama believes that sound has the ability to transform our experience. When you are watching a horror movie, if you mute it, theres no effect. But if you unmute and listen to the background music behind the movie, you start getting palpitations and wondering whats going to happen. "The sound brings your body into that state of fight or flight, she explains. But when you listen to relaxing sounds or music, it brings you into a state of wellbeing. Sound practitioners have different approaches, and no two sound baths are the same. There are many styles of sound baths, and the instruments all have their own frequencies and people respond to them differently. If you try a sound bath and it doesnt work for you, Shamas advice is to find another one. Its different for everyone. Its really about trying and seeing what suits you, she says. Every sound bath, even if you come here 1,000 times, is always going to be different. Having tried it, I can understand why people choose sound baths to relax. In a busy world, practices that help us to slow down and take care of ourselves are essential. We need to find time for ourselves, to nurture ourselves, to get to that place where we can totally relax, says Shama. Because we live such busy lives, finding things like this that can help us to reset is so important. Watch as hundreds of Santas took to the streets of Cork for the RDJ Cork Santa Cycle, a festive 7 km ride through the city. The event brought holiday cheer while raising funds for local charities. An intoxicated motorist with two passengers swerved over and back across a country road at almost twice the speed limit laughing and ignoring calls to slow down until the car collided with a ditch and spun through the air before landing in a stream some six metres below the road. Garda Declan Lynch gave evidence at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where Selvin Foley, aged 21, of Fernville, Lower Cove, Kinsale, County Cork, was jailed for 18 months. Paula McCarthy defence barrister said that, fortunately, all of the occupants were able to get out of the car after the collision. The defendant walked all the way to Kinsale community hospital for treatment for his own injuries. He indicated at a very early stage his intention to plead guilty, the defence barrister stated. Det Garda Lynch said in terms of previous offending and sentencing, that often on the night before he was to appear in court for a sentence he would commit another offence. He had a very troubled and difficult background. He has the capacity to work and contribute to society. He is working in prison and getting on well there. His father believes he will have the capacity to work on his release from prison, Ms McCarthy said. Judge Helen Boyle imposed an 18-month jail term on the accused on the charge of endangerment on February 4, 2024. Evidence Det Garda Lynch said the accused man drove a Volkswagen Passat at 140kph in an area where there was an 80k speed limit. The circumstances were that he was socialising that night with a young man and a young woman both of whom were slightly younger than himself. They decided to go into Cork at around 2.30am to go to a McDonalds and get some food. The accused decided to drive by way of backroads and, in the course of the journey, he veered over and back across the centre white line, laughing as he drove at speeds of 140kph. His passengers asked him to slow down but he kept going until he made an attempt to brake at a bend where the car became airborne, spinning over a couple of times before it landed upside down in a stream outside the Rising Sun pub in Ballinhassig. The crash was not reported until 8.30am by which time everyone had walked away from the car. It turned out that when he spoke to paramedics he told them the car crashed but that he was the only one in the car in at the time. However, later in Kinsale community hospital he said there were two others in the car at the time. Judge Boyle said: In terms of the gravity of the offence you drove having consumed alcohol at 140kph in an 80 zone, crashed through a ditch, somersaulted and landed in a stream. You and your two passengers were very lucky you were able to walk out of the car. It could have caused death or injury to you or your passengers. Mitigating factors include your signed plea of guilty, you have saved the State the time and expense, and saved the witnesses the time and trauma of coming to court. You are a very young man 21 now. You suffer from depression and mild developmental disorder, and have a limited capacity to understand and communicate which you mask. Unfortunately, in your young life you have suffered multiple losses. You have a history of self-harm. You are hardworking and eager to learn and mannerly to staff and other prisoners. The judge imposed a sentence of two and a half years and suspended the last year. The father of double-murderer Yousef Palani is seeking a judicial review against the State over a decision to stop his Jobseeker's and Disability Allowances. Juma Palani is taking High Court action against the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), the chief appeals officer, the minister for social protection, the minister for justice, Ireland, and the Attorney General. His son, Yousef Palani, was jailed for life last year for the murders of two gay men, Michael Snee and Aidan Moffitt, and for stabbing Anthony Burke all of which happened over a four-day period in Sligo. Palani was aged 23 at the time of the murders, and he selected his victims using an online dating app in April 2022. The remains of Mr Moffitt, 42, were discovered in his home on April 11. The body of Michael Snee, 58, was found the next day, also at his home. Now, Juma Palani is seeking an order quashing the January decision of "disallowing" the claims for Jobseeker's Allowance and Disability Allowance. Mr Palani is further seeking the quashing of a decision to seek repayment of monies paid out in respect of the allowances. The applicant is also seeking a declaration that the State "erred in law and fact and/or exercised their discretion improperly and in excess of their jurisdiction in determining, pursuant to the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996, that there are reasonable grounds to infer that the applicant engaged in criminal activity". Mr Palani submits in his application that no evidence supporting that assertion has been produced. Mr Palani is also seeking a declaration that the respondents are in breach of, and have failed to vindicate, "the applicant's procedural rights under the Constitution and the European Court of Human Rights Act". Mr Palani submits that he applied for Jobseeker's Allowance in August 2006 and for Disability Allowance in February 2021. Decision The applicant says in his statement of grounds that he attended a garda interview in May 2023 and a final disallowing decision was made in January 2024, followed by a February 2024 decision seeking the repayment of all monies in respect of the claims. Mr Palani's lawyers submit that the investigation into the applicant's allowances had been carried out unlawfully and without a permitting certificate to do so. In February 2024, the applicant's solicitor wrote to the relevant State parties requesting "any evidence for concluding that the applicant was engaged in criminal conduct and might engage in threats and intimidation of deciding officers" as defined in the act. "The applicant has maintained his position throughout his dealings with the respondents that he is not engaged in any criminal activity and does not constitute a threat to staff," Mr Palani's lawyers said. Mr Palani submits that, had there been any evidence implicating him as having engaged in criminal activity, he should have been given an opportunity to respond to it as required "by fair procedures, natural, and constitutional justice". Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty adjourned the matter to reappear at the High Court next week. The man who has overseen his last election in Cork City after more than three decades of service has hailed the transparency of Irelands democratic process. Long-serving Cork City returning officer Martin Harvey described the paper-based proportional representation system as fool-proof. Returning officers play a central role in the democratic process. They ensure that the election is administered effectively and that the experience of voters and those standing for election is a positive one. They are responsible for the conduct of local government and Dail elections, including publishing the notice of election, administering the nomination process, printing the ballot papers, publishing the notice of poll, statement of persons nominated and notice of situation of polling stations, the provision of polling stations, appointing Presiding Officers and Poll Clerks, managing the postal voting process, verifying and counting the votes and declaring the result. Mr Harvey, who oversaw his first election 35 years ago, oversaw some 200 staff who were involved in the counting of votes for Cork North Central and Cork South Central at the Nemo count centre over the weekend. He was joined at the venue early on Sunday by members of his extended family to wish him well as he began overseeing the final count of what will be most likely his last election before his retirement as city sheriff next June. Outgoing returning officer Martin Harvey with his family at the general election count centre in Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins Speaking afterwards, Mr Harvey said he does not favour the e-voting system. Here, you have a paper trail system from start to finish, all the way along, from when you mark your ballot paper to the time it is counted here, he said. There is a paper trail, it is counted and it is absolutely full of integrity and everything is transparent, the process is see-through. It is a good system and long may it remain. He paid tribute to the staff in his office, including Stephanie and Julie, and all of the count staff and supervisors in the count centres. They are unbelievable. I most certainly could not have done this without all of their help and assistance. They are fantastic people, he said. He also paid tribute to all the candidates, and members of the media, with whom he engaged over the years. We have always worked very well and that has made my job much easier, he said. Whoever takes over for me, I wish them the very best, he said. It is a great process. You get great enjoyment out of it, great satisfaction out of it at the end of a days work. A woman assaulted in Cork city was still critically ill on Monday night as a charity volunteer was hailed a hero for saving her. The 36-year-old woman from Cork city is understood to have been assaulted by a number of people on St Patricks Street at around 8pm on Sunday night. The incident occurred close to a soup run organised by Kindness Krew volunteers outside the former Savoy cinema and the woman is known to homeless services in the city. Gardai said on Monday night that they are following a definite line of enquiry but said no arrests had been made. The woman remained in the intensive care unit of Cork University Hospital on Monday night as gardai continued their investigations. CCTV footage has been harvested from the city centre and witnesses have also been interviewed. An incident room has been set up in Anglesea Street garda station. Jess Tobin, one of the volunteers, said one volunteer from the soup run went to the injured woman and administered CPR before emergency services arrived at the scene. She said: She had done CPR training because of her voluntary work. She saved that girls life. She described the injured woman as a lovely person who was no trouble to anybody. She said volunteers with Kindness Krew each have candles lighting in their homes for the injured woman. Gardai are asking anyone who was in the area between 7pm and 8pm on Sunday night to come forward, and are asking anyone who has phone or dash cam footage to provide it to investigating officers. Anyone with information is asked to contact Angelsea Garda Station on 021 4522000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station. Saturday saw the makeup of the 34th Dail become a little bit clearer. The day began with a large portion of the 174 seats still to be filled but by it's conclusion, we were left with just 40 or so candidates to be elected. The Irish Examiner were covering all 43 constituencies to keep an eye on the twists and turns Our live blog for the overall results is still up and running - you can follow along here. Here is how day two broke down 8.40pm Looking to catch up? Here are a few pieces to bring you up to speed. Elaine Loughlin on giving chase to Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch after he missed out on a seat in Dublin Central; From the power of celebrity to the generational divide, Paul Hosford looks at the 10 things we've learned from Election 2024; Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns toasts her party's election success and becoming a new mother. The Mick Clifford Podcast: Who are the winners and losers from Election 2024? The best buachaill? A Cork count centre staffer has become, for many, the face of the election thanks to his quirky choice of novelty t-shirts; And of course, you can follow all the results as they land at the Irish Examiner's Election Results Hub. 8.35pm Done and dusted in Dublin South-West. People Before Profit's Paul Murphy has taken the final seat there, joining Labour's Ciaran Ahern, Fianna Fail's John Lahart, Fine Gael's Colm Brophy and Sinn Fein's Sean Crowe. There is also a big upset in Mayo. Aontu's Paul Lawless has taken the fifth and final seat there - giving the party their second TD to go alongside Peadar Toibin. On the 11th count, he and Fine Gael's Keira Keogh have been elected without reaching the quota. 8.30pm Fianna Fail's James Lawless is the first candidate to be elected in Kildare North. He exceeded the quota of 9,505 on the 8th count. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats' Elisa ODonovan has conceded defeat to Conor Sheehan of Labour in the fight for the final 4th seat in Limerick City. 8.15pm Donna McGettigan of Sinn Fein and and Joe Cooney of Fine Gael have both been elected in the four seat Clare constituency without reaching the quota. Meanwhile, Social Democrats candidate Sinead Gibney has finished on top in Dublin Rathdown with 10,612 votes, with Fine Gael's Maeve OConnell and Shay Brennan of Fianna Fail also being elected following the final count. 7.45pm The Green Party have avoided a complete wipeout. Party leader Roderic O'Gorman has managed to hang on in Dublin West without reaching the quota. He and Solidarity/People Before Profit's Ruth Coppinger have taken the final two seats. Ms Coppinger secured 7,165 votes and Mr OGorman 6,080 votes following the transfer of Labours John Walshs votes. Aontus Ellen Troy was eliminated in the 13th count. 7.30pm In Kerry, Danny Healy-Rae has followed in the footsteps of his brother Michael by getting re-elected to the Dail. He has won the third seat in the constituency after exceeding the quota. He and his supporters serenade the Kerry count centre with a rendition of 'red is the rose'. 7.18pm We are all finished in Dublin Mid-West. The man best known for 'unparliamentary language' Paul Gogarty has returned to the Dail as an Independent. He had lost his seat in 2011. He has been joined by Shane Moynihan of Fianna Fail on the final count. Neither man reached the quota. 7pm A major surprise in the capital and it's more good news for the Social Democrats. Their candidate Eoin Hayes has managed to take the last seat in Dublin Bay South - ahead of incumbent TD Chris Andrews of Sinn Fein. 6.45pm Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has thanked the staff of Cork University Maternity Hospital for her care over the weekend after she gave birth to a baby girl on election day. In a statement, Ms Cairns said that she and her family were treated with incredible care and kindness throughout my pregnancy and this weekend. 6.35pm Maurice Quinlivan of Sinn Fein, has been elected after Count 13 in Limerick City. Earlier, Kieran ODonnell of Fine Gael took the 2nd seat. Yesterday Willie ODea of Fianna Fail topped the poll taking the first seat. 6.27pm Green Party minister Catherine Martin has lost her seat in Dublin Rathdown after being eliminated following the ninth count. Ms Martin became the latest Green Party member to lose their seat on Sunday evening when she finished with 5,881 votes against a quota of 9,752. 6.15pm On the 15th count in Clare, Fianna Fail's Cathal Crowe has been elected. 6pm Another one over the line in Dublin Mid-West. It's more good news for Fine Gael as Emer Higgins holds on to her seat. 5.33pm Two more declarations have landed and two more constituencies have finished up. Conor D McGuinnness has taken the final seat in Waterford for Sinn Fein. He has outlasted Independent candidate Matt Shanahan. While in Tipperary South, Michael Murphy has become the first Fine Gael TD to be elected in the county in nearly 14 years. He has been joined by independent Seamus Healy who failed to reach the quota. The 74-year-old independent former TD, regains the Dail seat he lost in 2020. 5.25pm Back to Wicklow and to the race for the last of four seats - and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said his chances of holding onto the final seat are tight. Mr Donnelly is locked in a two-way race for the last seat in the four-seat constituency with Taoiseach Simon Harris Fine Gael running mate Edward Timmins. Its going to be tight, obviously, he said. It was always going to come down to the last seat in Wicklow. Well see how things go. 5.17pm Both James Browne of Fianna Fail and Johnny Mythen of Sinn Fein have been elected in Wexford after exceeding the quota. Labour's George Lawlor has taken the final seat in the constituency but failed to reach the quota. The constituency is now complete. 5.15pm The most recent elections in Kildare South mean that we now have half of the 174 seats filled for the 34th Dail. 5.10pm The decimation of the Green Party is continuing. Malcolm Noonan, a junior minister for the party, has lost his seat in Carlow-Kilkenny. 5pm In Kildare South, Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh of Sinn Fein and Mark Wall of Labour have taken the final two seats in the four-seater constituency. 4.50pm No further elected officials just yet but there is more bother for the Green Party. Aontus Ellen Troy has jumped ahead of the party leader Roderic OGorman in the latest Dublin West count, pushing him into sixth place and away from the much-coveted fifth seat in the constituency. Ms Troy sits on 3,657. People Before Profit's Ruth Coppinger is on 4,142, still a way off the quota of 7,373. Mr OGorman, now in sixth place, has 3,491 votes. 4.15pm Dramatic scenes in the RDS as Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch left the building after he failed to get elected in Dublin Central. 4pm In Kerry, Sinn Fein's Pa Daly has taken the second of five seats to be elected. While in Clare, Timmy Dooley has returned to Dail Eireann, with the 13th count taking him over the quota. There's also a massive result in Dublin North-West. Rory Hearne of the Social Democrats has taken top billing, winning a seat in the constituency. He's joined by sitting TDs Fianna Fail's Paul McAuliffe and Sinn Fein's Dessie Ellis. Meanwhile, in Meath East, Sinn Fein's Darren O'Rourke has retained his seat. He joins Justice Minister Helen McEntee in the constituency. 3.32pm Gerry Hutch has been eliminated in the Dublin Central constituency as Labour's Marie Sherlock has claimed the final Dublin Central seat. Mr Hutch ran out of the count centre shortly before it was confirmed that he had missed out on a seat. He ran through the car park of the RDS count centre being pursued by members of the media before turning onto the main road and continuing to run away. 3.25pm Kieran ODonnell has been elected in Limerick City filling the second seat in the four-seater constituency. The Fine Gael TD won re-election with 8,755 votes. Maurice Quinlivan of Sinn Fein, who topped the poll in the constituency last year, must wait a little longer to cross the line; he is 88 votes shy of being re-elected. The vote in Limerick County has been completed, with the full details available on the Irish Examiner's Election Results Hub. Roscommon-Galway has chosen its three TDs for the 34th Dail, re-electing Michael Fitzmaurice yesterday, after topping the poll. He was joined this afternoon by Claire Kerrane and Dr Martin Daly to the second and third seats respectively. Dr Daly was elected without reaching the quota. The final two seats were filled shortly after 3pm. Meanwhile, in the capital, Fianna Fails Jim OCallaghan has been elected in Dublin Bay South in the 10th count with significant transfers of 2,370 votes from Fine Gaels James Geoghegans surplus. 3.20pm Sinn Fein has requested a partial recheck of votes for outgoing TD Martin Browne. The party want a check done on his votes in the Tipperary South constituency and they also want a check done on votes for his nearest rival, independent Seamus Healy. The call was made after the redistribution of votes for count four, which left Mr Browne with the lowest number of votes out of the four remaining candidates. He has 6,237, and Mr Healy has 79 more, with 6,316. A party official said Sinn Fein had requested the partial recheck of votes between the two men and that "we have reserved our position in terms of any other requests". This could mean they could go for a full recount of votes, however, there is no guarantee they will get it. Michael Murphy, who is expected to be the second TD elected for the constituency, has 10,056 votes while Fianna Fails Imelda Goldsboro, the other contender for the third seat, has 7,271. As a result of the fourth count, Mr Brown has been eliminated, pending the outcome of the partial recheck. 3.10pm Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch has arrived at the RDS where he looks unlikely to take the final seat in Dublin Central. Speaking briefly to reporters, Mr Hutch said he believed he had achieved the large vote because people want to change. When asked by RTE crime correspondent Paul Reynolds to comment on a Special Criminal Court case, he said the reporter was "like a dying wasp". 3.05pm Sinn Feins Sean Crowe has become the first TD to be elected in the Dublin South West constituency. Mr Crowe, who has been a TD for the area since 2002, with the exception of the period between 2007 and 2011, was elected on the sixth count following the elimination of the Social Democrats candidate Ross OMullane. In 2020 Mr Crowe was elected on the first count with almost 30 per cent of the first preference vote. 3pm Fine Gaels Paschal Donohoe, who won the third of four seats in Dublin Central, said that the election results show that the centre has held up in Irish politics. However, on government formation, Mr Donohoe would not be drawn on a rotating taoiseach arrangement, saying that this would be worked out in the process of coalition negotiations. We have to see who else will be elected. Lets see who the bigger party is when all the seats are filled, Mr Donohoe said. While Mr Donohoe said there is a chance a government could be formed before Christmas, he believes the more important objective is ensuring that a lasting coalition is formed. 2.50pm Sinn Fein's Mark Ward has been elected in Dublin Mid West on the ninth count. He is the second TD home after his party colleague Eoin O Broin who was elected on the first count on Saturday in the five-seat constituency. 2.20pm Fine Gael minister Paschal Donohoe has been elected in Dublin Central, filling the third of four seats in the constituency. The remaining seat is a battle between Gerry Hutch and Labour's Marie Sherlock. Mr Hutch is on 5,194 votes just 124 votes ahead of Ms Sherlock. With Mr Donohoe having a surplus of 1,518 votes, this should put Ms Sherlock well ahead of Mr Hutch to give her the final seat. Across the country, in Galway East Sinn Fein's Louis OHara and Fine Gael's Pete Roche have taken the final two of the four seats in the constituency. 1.30pm Results are continuing to roll in, this time from Mayo where two people have been elected. Fine Gael's Alan Dillion and Fianna Fail's Dara Calleary have both won seats in the five-seater after the eighth count. Elsewhere, Cathal Berry has lost his seat in Kildare North. The Independent TD was eliminated on the 10th count. 1pm Back to Dublin Central, and Labour's Marie Sherlock has gained significant ground and is closing in on Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch. It is now predicted that there may be the slimmest of margins between the two candidates who will be battling it out for the final seat in the four-seat constituency. Mr Hutch had gained a 2,000 vote lead on Ms Sherlock, however, there are now just 482 votes between them after the surplus of newly elected Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon was distributed. It is expected that Fianna Fail's Mary Fitzpatrick will be eliminated next, with her transfers pushing Fine Gaels' Paschal Donohoe over the line to take the third seat. Labour supporters in the count centre at the RDS are now feeling increasingly confident that Mr Donohoe's surplus could then elect Ms Sherlock. However, it could be the slimmest of margins. After being elected in Dublin Bay South, Labour leader Ivana Bacik said Ms Sherlock is "fighting valiantly". Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald topped the poll and was elected last night. 12.55pm Political editor Elaine Loughlin gives an update from the RDS in Dublin. 12.50pm Another big name is gone, this time in Wexford. Independent 4 Change candidate Mick Wallace has been eliminated on the eighth count in the four-seat constituency. The former TD and former MEP had said he would not be at the count today in Loreto Secondary School. He is in Italy for a fundraiser in memory of his son who passed away in June. His bid to return to the Dail failed when he received a total of 2,420 votes which will now be distributed among the remaining candidates. His return to Irish politics backfired after his old vote in Wexford collapsed in comparison to when he last stood in the county in 2016. At the time he got 7,917 votes with an 11% share of the vote, he left his seat to be elected to the European Parliament in 2019. He lost his seat in June Elsewhere, in Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael's James Geoghegan and Labour leader Ivana Bacik were both elected on the ninth count. Labour leader Ivana Bacik celebrates in the RDS Count Centre in Dublin, following the announcement that she has retained her seat. Picture: Leon Farrell / RollingNews.ie Speaking after her election, Ms Bacik reiterated that she would first speak to both the Greens and Social Democrats to attempt to establish a central-left bloc to go into wider government negotiations. Ive said consistently that we are serious about delivering change, that we want to offer people and communities the change that is so badly needed, Ms Bacik said. We are serious about doing that and thats why I have said consistently that after the election, after we know the shape of the next Dail, the first people we will speak to will be those other parties and groupings who share our vision, our centre-left vision and our values. The Labour leader said that her party had seen significant gains and that they would be re-entering the Dail with a bigger parliamentary party. Asked directly if Labour would go in with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail alone, Ms Bacik declined to say and reiterated her plans for a centre-left bloc. 12.25pm In the closely watched Dublin Central constituency, Gary Gannon has gotten over the line for the Social Democrats having exceeded the quota. Mr Gannon passed out Fine Gael's Paschal Donohoe to take the second seat in the four-seater, after Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald was elected on Saturday night. Speaking after his election, Mr Gannon said his party wants to go into government, but the Social Democrats had key red lines that needed to be adhered to. "We've made our red lines really clear right from the start, if the other party leaders want to talk about living up to them - of course we'll talk," Mr Gannon said. "For the moment, we're just really proud of what we've done with the Social Democrats." Asked, given the Green wipeout, if he was worried about the impact of the Social Democrats going into government, Mr Gannon said it is the least of his concerns. Mr Gannon said that change will be carried out through implementing policy and passing budgets. "The housing crisis is not inevitable. It can't be seen as that so we need people of conviction, politicians who have lived experienced, who were politicised by poverty, will actually stand up and actually say that this is the difference that we can make," he added. Meanwhile, Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch is still in contention for the final seat in the constituency. He has 5,021 votes after eight counts just over 1,100 votes ahead of Labour's Marie Sherlock who is currently in fifth. 12.15pm Brian Stanley, the former Sinn Fein TD, has been elected in Laois. The now Independent was elected on count 8. He took the last of three seats in Laois with the count now complete. A full breakdown or results in the constituency can be found here. 12pm A second count has been completed in Kerry, and Michael Healy Rae is still the only TD to have gotten over the line. His massive surplus of 5,513 has just taken place with brother Danny Healy Rae receiving just under half his number twos, bringing Danny to 11,236, still off the quota of 13,083. Sinn Feins Pa Daly is now at 12,272 and is leading the pack. The gap between Fianna Fails Michael Cahill and Fine Gaels Billy OShea has stretched with Mr OShea now 486 votes behind. Two candidates have been eliminated in count two independents Mary Fitzgibbon and John OLeary and their combined vote of 543 is now being distributed in Killarney. 11.42am Fianna Fail's Lisa Chambers has been eliminated on the seventh count in Mayo. The Senator lost her Dail seat in 2020 and failed to regain it this time around. She was eliminated with 6,706 votes, with the surplus being 11,812. 11.40am Another big name eliminated, this time in Dublin Rathdown. Independent candidate and former Fine Gael minister Alan Shatter has lost his seat on the fifth count. First elected in 1981, the 73-year-old was a Fine Gael TD for 30 years, during which he served as minister for justice and minister for defence. Running as an independent this time around, Mr Shatters campaign largely focused on the abolition of inheritance tax. He finished with 1,925 votes. 11.25am Junior minister Anne Rabbitte has been eliminated on the ninth count in Galway East, in what will come as a blow to Fianna Fail. Anne Rabbitte. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photo The outgoing Minister of State for Disabilities was widely expected to retain her seat and has held a high profile since her election to the Dail in 2016. The result confirms that three of the four seats in Galway East will be occupied by new faces. Ms Rabbittes party colleague, Albert Dolan, was elected this morning after longstanding independent TD Sean Canney became the first candidate to meet the quota. 11.15am Housing Minister Darragh OBrien has been elected for Fianna Fail in Fingal East. 10.55am Mattie McGrath has been elected in Tipperary South on the second count. He said he hopes the Rural Independents Group of TDs who get elected will talk to anybody who wants to talk to us about the next Programme for Government. Im delighted that all that hard work by my team, my office and myself has paid off," he said. There is no replacement for hard work. Hopefully all of my colleagues in the Rural Independents group will get back in and we look forward to talks for the Programme for Government. 10.50am Counting has also resumed in Tipperary. The surplus from Michael Lowry who was elected to Tipperary North last night has yet to be distributed. Labour's Alan Kelly is expected to get the second of the constituencys three seats. The fight for the third seat is between Fianna Fail candidates Ryan OMeara and Michael Smith. 10.27am Independent Gavin Pepper has been eliminated on the sixth count in Dublin North West. Mr Pepper had been lamenting earlier this week that he still hadnt put up his Christmas decorations and chose to go and buy his Christmas tree on Saturday instead of going to the count centre. 10.15am And we are off again in Fingal. After the sixth count in Fingal East, which saw the elimination of his running mate, Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien of Fianna Fail is about 60 votes shy of the quota. In neighbouring Fingal West a recount is likely following the elimination late last night of Lorraine Clifford Lee of Fianna Fail. She was fewer than 40 votes behind independent Tony Murphy. 10am Counting has resumed in Wicklow where Fianna Fail TD and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is battling to hold onto his seat. A tight race is unfolding for the final spot in the four-seat constituency between Donnelly (3,553 votes), Independent candidate and former Fine Gael Cllr Shay Cullen (3,232) and Fine Gaels Cllr Edward Timmins (3,050). Bray-based Sinn Fein TD John Brady and Delgany-based Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore both look set to retain their seats. A 5,000-plus surplus for Taoiseach Simon Harris - who was elected on the first count at 9.30pm on Saturday - is being counted this morning. These transfers will play a key role in deciding where the final seat goes. If party loyalty holds firm, Harriss running mate Edward Timmins looks set to benefit most. Sample tallies indicate that as many as 40 per cent of his transfers will go to the west Wicklow based councillor. Harris said on Saturday night he was cautiously optimistic that Timmins will get over the line. However, tallies indicate that a smaller but significant proportion of Harriss transfers - about 10 per cent - will go to Donnelly, who is also based in the Taoiseachs hometown of Greystones. Newtownmountkennedy-based Cllr Shay Cullen, meanwhile - formerly of Fine Gael - is expected to attract transfers from a range of candidates. Party and regional loyalties will all have a role to play in determining where the final seat goes. Most seasoned election observers, however, see Timmins as favourite to take a second seat for Fine Gael at the expense of Stephen Donnelly. Counting underway in Kildare South this morning 9am Counting has resumed for day 2 in numerous centres across the country this morning. In Galway West, counting began after a lecture was delivered to count staff, instructing them not to engage in social media while they are involved in the counting process. 8.55am There was plenty of action across the country throughout Saturday, with many count centres running late into the night before TDs reached their respective quotas. See the full list of TDs who have been elected so far at the Irish Examiner Results Hub. 8.45am Mattie McGrath is expected to be the next TD to be elected in Tipperary. He topped the poll in Tipperary South but was just shy of the votes he needed to reach the quota. At the Thurles count centre, he, along with the rest of the Rural Independents Group of TDs, said they will "talk to anybody who wants to talk to us about the next Programme for Government. Im delighted that all that hard work by my team, my office and myself has paid off," he said. There is no replacement for hard work. Hopefully all of my colleagues in the Rural Independents group will get back in and we look forward to talks for the Programme for Government. Michael Lowry was the first TD to be elected, topping the poll last night in Tipperary North. Counting is due to resume at 9.30am. As the dust settles on the general election, the focus has now shifted to the road ahead and towards a new government. With all the counting complete, Fianna Fail has emerged as the biggest party in the country with 48 seats, followed by Sinn Fein with 39 seats and Fine Gael with 38. With the magic number for a Dail majority at 88, the two outgoing main government parties Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will fall just short of that majority at 86 seats. So whats next? In the days ahead, the parties will meet and take stock of the election and set out their priorities for going into government. As no party will have a majority, a coalition will have to be formed which will lead to parties negotiating to see if they can agree on a programme for government, and agree on who should be taoiseach. Officially, the largest party (or largest group of parties) nominate someone to be taoiseach and a Dail vote is held. If the nominated person gets a majority of votes, they become taoiseach and they then nominate a tanaiste and Cabinet of ministers. In 2020, when the Dail resumed after that general election, four party leaders (Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan) were proposed for nomination in the Dail. None of the four received enough votes in the Dail so none were named as taoiseach. In that instance, Mr Varadkar and the ministers who had been in place before the election stayed in their roles in an acting capacity. After months of negotiations, Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party agreed on a programme for government and formed a coalition. More than four months after the 2020 general election, Micheal Martin was nominated as taoiseach in the Dail and voted in, hence forming a government. This time around, there will be plenty more negotiations with a number of parties having previously outlined who they will (and will not) talk to. Who will talk to who? With Fianna Fail and Fine Gael seemingly in the driver's seat, the two old Civil War parties will be first on the list to talk about re-entering power together. Sinn Fein is continuing to press for a change of government, calling for other parties of the left to work together to push Fine Gael out of government. Labours Ivana Bacik has been clear she wanted to form a centre-left bloc, including the Social Democrats and the Greens, to have a significant negotiation force for coalition talks. However, Fianna Fail has previously said it would not go into government with Sinn Fein, with leader Micheal Martin citing "serious differences" between the parties. Independents could also play a role in supporting a coalition of the major parties. When will the Dail return? When President Michael D Higgins dissolved the Dail last month, he set the return date as Wednesday, December 18. New and returning TDs will arrive at Leinster House that Wednesday, with the first business of the day set to be the election of a new Ceann Comhairle by secret ballot. The outgoing Ceann Comhairle, Sean O Fearghail, is not due to seek re-election, so it is wide open for a new candidate to take on the role. With an agreement of a new government unlikely before December 18, there will be symbolic nominations for taoiseach but no candidate will get over the line. When will we get a government formed? It is not clear when a formal government agreement will be reached. Over the weekend, the notion a government would be able to be set up by Christmas was downplayed, with Fianna Fails Jack Chambers setting out on Monday it would not happen. However, he did tell RTE's Morning Ireland it would not take five months to form a government, like it did in 2020. Negotiations themselves will focus on policy detail and coalition operation, with compromise likely to be required on both sides to get a programme for government agreed. It will likely take time and set the overall agenda for five years of government. Once agreed, the parties will bring the agreement to their members to vote on. If agreed, it will then go to a Dail vote and a new Taoiseach and government will be elected. Given the current figures and likely coalition makeup, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is poised to retake the taoiseachs office at least for a time in a new government. 1. Birthday boy elected Newly elected Fianna Fail TD Albert Dolan took the second seat in the Galway East constituency, dislodging the now former Fianna Fail TD Anne Rabbitte. The day he was elected also coincided with his 26th birthday. While speaking with RTEs Fran McNulty, his mother appeared with a birthday cake and a crowd of supporters singing Happy Birthday. So you can see Fran, the count centre is alive here, Mr Dolan said, as the singing concluded while he held a Victoria sponge cake. 2. Gogartys return In Dublin Mid-West, there was a return of Paul Gogarty after 13 years outside of the Dail. Widely known in Irish pop culture for his outburst in 2009, where he hit out at Labour TD Emmet Stagg in the "unparliamentary language" incident. A former Green, Mr Gogarty has contested every election in the constituency since it was established in 2002 and had since served as a local councillor in the Lucan area. 3. The older the wiser The Dail will welcome two familiar faces when it returns, as Fianna Fails Pat the Cope Gallagher and Independent Seamus Healy won their seats in Donegal and Tipperary South respectively. The pair are the only members of the over-70s club this term. Mr Gallagher holds the title of the oldest sitting TD at 76, while Mr Healy is 74. Both men lost their seats in the 2020 general election, but did not let that mark the end of their political career. In the outgoing Dail, there were only two septuagenarians as well: Bernard Durkan, 74, who was not re-elected this time around, while 71-year-old Fergus ODowd chose not to run. 4. Son-in-law of Sean ORourke takes seat It was a good day for Labour, particularly across Dublin and Cork, as they swept into seats. Among those to claim a seat was Ciaran Ahern, a local councillor in Dublin South West who took the fourth spot in the tough constituency. Irish Labour leader Ivana Bacik with new Dublin South West TD Ciaran Ahern canvassing in Kimmage, ahead of thegeneral election. Picture: Gareth Chaney/PA He is the son-in-law of former RTE broadcaster Sean ORourke as well as husband of well-known human rights lawyer Maeve ORourke. 5. Shock win in Dublin Independent councillor Barry Heneghan became one of the more surprising people to win a seat. After attracting a large number of transfers he was elected to Dublin Bay North on the final count without meeting the quota. With 6% of first preferences in the tally, a seat in the Dail felt a long way off on Saturday, with Mr Heneghan himself admitting he was unsure he could get over the line, but things turned around on Sunday evening. The new TD is among the youngest of the new batch at 26. 6. Who let the dogs out? Michael Healy Rae has no shortage of supporters in the Kingdom, but he met one who may just be the smallest and cutest of them all. While at the count centre at the weekend, Mr Healy Rae met a miniature pooch wearing a "Vote No 1 Michael Healy Rae" badge that was almost the same size as himself. Michael Healy-Rae, the popular Independent TD, topped the poll in Kerry with an expeted tally of an impressive 18,000+ votes. Picture: Domnick Walsh Eye Focus LTD Mr Healy Rae posed for picture with his new furry friend who was wrapped up for the weather with a red jumper and yellow rain jacket on with his little paws just peeking out of the sleeves. Ireland always welcomes #DogsAtPollingStations every time the people head to the polls, perhaps this is the start of #DogsAtCountCentres. 7. Ex-Greens outnumber Greens With Roderic OGorman being the sole representative for the Green Party in the next Dail, it looks like it could be lonely on the opposition benches. What could make it worse is the fact that there will now be more former Green Party members in the Dail than active Green TDs. This is due to the re-election of Paul Gogarty, as well as the election of Liam Quaide in Cork East for the Social Democrats who left the party in 2023. 8. Family affair Irish political dynasties have always been part of the political landscape, and there is a new one to add to the list after Aisling Dempsey won a seat. Ms Dempsey is the daughter of former Fianna Fail minister Noel Dempsey. Ms Dempsey is the first woman to be elected in the Meath West constituency. 9. Doherty on top Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty came out on top in the polls, gaining the highest vote in the country with 18,898 first preferences. Although it was the highest vote in this election, it is actually over 3,000 fewer votes than he got in 2020 when he got the second-highest number of votes. SF's Pearse Doherty celebrates his re-election in Donegal. Picture: North West Newspix Mr Doherty beat some tough competition from Michael Healy Rae who got over 18,000. The Donegal TDs popularity had some suggesting he take over as party leader after Sinn Feins poor showing in the local and European elections earlier this year. 10. First TD born in 21st century It was a tight fought battle for the last seat in Cork North Central, with Labours Eoghan Kenny eventually beating Mick Barry amid a recount of votes. Mr Kenny is now the youngest TD elected to the 34th Dail at just 24 years old, having been born in February 2000. This makes him the first ever person to be born in the 21st century to be elected to Dail Eireann. In what is possibly the most high profile loss of this general election, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly lost his seat in the early hours of Monday morning. After two days and 13 counts, the Fianna Fail minister lost out to Taoiseach Simon Harris's running mate Edward Timmins. The pair had been battling it out for the final seat but, having gotten just 6% of first preferences and with transfers strongly favouring Mr Timmins, Mr Donnelly just could not close the gap. In the hours before he lost the Wicklow seat, Mr Donnelly said that his chances of re-election were hampered by a strong "government vote" for Mr Harris and the loss of a seat in the constituency changes. In the months before the election, there were signs that Mr Donnelly was somewhat nervous about his chances. The decision to run him as the sole Fianna Fail candidate in the constituency appeared to indicate that the party shared his concern. This weekend was not the first time Mr Donnelly faced a long and anxious wait to find out his fate. In 2020, he was not elected until the 15th count failing to meet the quota. It was a tough election but, on that occasion, he scraped through. When the Government was eventually formed over four months later, Mr Donnelly took on the role of minister of health. The position has long been considered to be something of a poison chalice as, due to decades of mismanagement of the HSE, it means anyone who takes the position inherits a wealth of complex problems. However, it should be noted that the last three taoisigh Simon Harris, Leo Varadkar, and Micheal Martin all held the position prior to leading their respective parties and the country. When you add the fact that a large part of Mr Donnelly's four years in health was spent trying to contend with a global pandemic and its ripple effect across the entire health sector, it is difficult to come out unscathed. Mr Donnelly said BAM had committed to a June 2025 completion deadline for the new children's hospital, but this has been met with great scepticism by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) and the opposition. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins Mr Donnelly was also dogged by the enormous money pit that the new children's hospital has become, along with the number of children suffering while waiting for years to undergo spinal surgery. While the hospital was signed off by the outgoing taoiseach, the cost of the project continued to spiral, the completion date was pushed back multiple times, and relations between the Government and BAM deteriorated under Mr Donnelly's watch. Mr Donnelly said BAM had committed to a June 2025 completion deadline, but this has been met with great scepticism by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) and members of the opposition. The resignation of the interim chief executive of Children's Health Ireland days before the country went to the polls cast further doubt on the minister's promises. In October, Mr Donnelly told Cabinet that the number of children waiting more than four months for surgery is expected to fall from 129 to 87 by the end of this year. It was too little, too late for the parents and the electorate. No doubt, over the coming weeks Mr Donnelly will be trying to figure out where it all started to go wrong. Going by election results, his decline began when he joined Fianna Fail. In 2011, a relatively unknown 35-year-old Stephen Donnelly was elected as a Wicklow TD taking 9% of first-preference votes. At this time he worked closely with now-Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore, whom he had encouraged to enter politics. The two shared a busy office in Greystones and were well received by their constituents. Ahead of the 2016 election, the Wicklow duo were the founding members of the Social Democrats with Mr Donnelly serving as co-leader alongside Catherine Murphy and Roisin Shortall. It was at this time that Mr Donnelly hit his popular peak. In four elections, Mr Donnelly has campaigned as an Independent, a Social Democrat, and a Fianna Failer. File Picture: Leah Farrell/ RollingNews.ie Running as a Social Democrats TD on the promise of ensuring transparent governance and providing a strong economy that can underpin our society and communities, Mr Donnelly took 20% of the first-preference vote in Wicklow and was elected on the first count. Just seven months later, Mr Donnelly made the shock announcement that he was leaving the party he had helped to establish but had not decided whether he would continue as an independent TD or join a party. "Ultimately, I couldn't ask people to believe in something I no longer believed in myself. Having tried, and failed, to get it working, the only honest option left was to step down," he said of the Social Democrats. The following year, he made his choice and announced he was joining Fianna Fail a party he had been vocally critical of in the past. This did not sit well with some of those who had elected him as a Social Democrats TD, which had been positioned as an alternative to the centrist parties of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. One of the reasons Mr Donnelly gave for leaving the Social Democrats was that he had "hoped to create something fresh, outward-looking, and brave". People then watched him join a party that has been in and out of power since the founding of the State, a party they did not view as fresh and brave. As a result, Mr Donnelly saw his first preferences share plummet from 20% to 7%. In four elections, Mr Donnelly has campaigned as an Independent, a Social Democrat, and a Fianna Failer. His inconsistency in his position may make voters wary of where he will stand in five years' time. Perhaps now, it is the electorate that feels he is asking people to believe in something that he is no longer sure of himself. Two different emotional worlds. One occupied by us media folk, rushing between radio and TV studios, making judgments, arguing statistics, explaining seat losses and gains, high as the proverbial kite on adrenalin and self-importance. The other occupied by the politicians in their local count centres, some of them still not elected as we enter this new week. Watching the long paper scarves of voters intentions being sorted and re-sorted while they hope their pile gets a bit higher than the pile of another candidates votes, their insides crimped by the need to pretend optimism. In an even worse section of that emotional world are the politicians who have lost. Either lost their existing seat or lost their chances of occupying a Dail seat or their hard-won high office. The uncertainty may be the worst thing. Worse even than the sentence of expulsion. Once a candidate listens to the returning officer eliminate them, that announcement ushers them into a sequence of manageable inevitabilities. Assuming, of course, that theyre not among the unfortunates who got roughly 107 votes and who disappear pretty much without trace and without deposit. They dance a ritual dance, those unfortunates who know for sure theyre not going to make it. No strong men grabbing them around the thigh to lift them shoulder high. No thumbs raised, no high fives. No pile of warm approving bodies. Instead, the few indelibly faithful pat them helplessly on the back and stand away to allow them to do the perp walk to get in front of the RTE cameras where they stand and wait until the studio discussions are put to one side to allow them their three minutes. God love them, they always start by thanking their friends and supporters. And should probably end there, because participating in ones own post-mortem dissection is rarely productive. Talking about achievements notched up, when the personification of those achievements has been roundly rejected by the electorate, is as sad as placing an old phone on the top of a coffin to commemorate the connectedness of the dead. The parade of the losers is dealt with by the media presenters in a manner close to Albert Pierrepoints approach to executing criminals: once the pre-departure rituals have been observed and the weight measured for the drop, speed is of the essence. They stand in front of the camera, do those unfortunates, with grey faces on them. Clare Daly announcing herself for the European election in May in which she lost her seat; her absence from Ireland for so many years and changing her constituency may have been factors in her losing out in the general election. File picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos That two-second pause before they get to answer the brightly-dressed presenter allows the concentration of more misery than seems possible in so short a time. They talk; then theyre gone. Still central in their own lives, but electoral roadkill to media. If they are famous for any reason, some analysis may be devoted to their failure. And thats invariably how it is described. Unimaginable, the rage and sadness they must experience as they head home in their cars, hearing on radio the condemnation of their campaign and person delivered by experts they may never have met. The ones who were going for a seat they hadnt held up to that point are often baffled by the sudden absence of interest in them. Up to election day, they were surrounded by party VIPs, rolling up one after another in support of the newcomer, backed up by local VIPs, introducing them on the doorsteps with convinced enthusiasm. Now, the fear of loser contagion keeps people away from them. Nothing quite like the silent calm of career extinction. Taking a chance on the canvass Up to election day, they will have been twitchy because of the strange will-they-wont-they reality of canvassing: one person beckoning them from three houses away with a furious urgency. This because a door has actually opened to reveal an actual human of probable voting age, and the opportunity to reach and woo such a human must not be missed. Meanwhile, other canvassers are stuffing leaflets into letterboxes in front doors distinguished by no response from inside. Eugene Magee, an old friend, was once canvassing for the late Seamus Brennan when he encountered one of those doors. He reached into his back pocket for a particular leaflet, dreamed up by Brennan, which was personalised with a scrawled signature, telling the home-owner that Seamus was desolate not to have encountered them but was eager to serve, the implication being that it was he who had inserted the leaflet in the letterbox, even though the reality was that Seamus was miles away at the time. In this particular instance, the letterbox was one of those low-down ones, sitting at ankle level in the front door. When Eugene bent down to get the leaflet into the hall, he realised too late his open umbrella was going to compete with tree branches overhead. Reacting too quickly to this, he trapped his hand in the letterbox and found himself betwixt and between, terrified that the homeowner would arrive behind him and find him delivering a note that wasnt 100% truthful in its messaging. It took him a minute to work out that he should let go of the umbrella and free his trapped letter-box hand. It was one of those funny moments for which no equivalent exists after a campaign failure. Nothing is funny when you lose. Self-deprecatory war stories are told only by the victors. Having held a seat, or even more so, if you have held an Oireachtas role, the emotional shock of the post-election silence is enormous, as is the sense of betrayal caused by the absence of supporters who couldnt get enough of you for the previous three weeks. For some candidates like, for example, Clare Daly thats complicated by her absence from Ireland for so many years, and complicated also by changing her constituency, both effectively isolating her, leaving her to lick her wounds on her own. Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher: 'He never stopped being a local TD in Donegal.' File picture Its worth pointing out the contrast presented by Pat The Cope Gallagher, who never disappeared into Europe, and who never changed his attitude to service when he lost his European Parliament seat when Fianna Fail added Thomas Byrne to the ticket. The Cope never stopped being a local TD in Donegal, an old colleague of his told me yesterday. He looked after all the local problems people had just as hed always done. In consequence, a 76-year-old has made a spectacular return to the Oireachtas and made a tongue-in-cheek pitch in one radio interview for a job that would keep him there until he is well into his eighties. When asked if hed want the Ceann Comhairle job, which carries with it the benefit of not having to run for your seat in the following election, The Cope managed to point out that he had a lot of relevant experience, having served as Leas Ceann Comhairle for several years. Faithful service, down all the days, still has a political payoff. As does humour. A Fianna Fail politician once told me that he loved working with the Green Party, because they were like kamikaze politicians. In other words, they knew they probably would not be re-elected so they threw themselves into their work at the expense of their own futures. In 2020, the Green Party elected 12 TDs. In 2024, it is down to one. Party leader Roderic OGorman will be the sole Green Party representative in the 34th Dail. As someone who painstakingly tracked progress on environmental commitments in the 2020 programme for Government for the past four years, as part of Friends of the Earths annual Report Card of Government, I agree with the sentiment of the kamikaze politicians. The programme for Government had nearly 300 environmental commitments requiring attention far more than any previous programme. Simply getting the work done required laser focus and, for the most part, the work got done with over 85% of those commitments addressed this year based on our analysis. Most people believe the last Government did not do enough to advance climate action, and that opinion is confirmed by the many climate and environmental targets we have not achieved. However, it would be impossible to point to any Government before this that did more with respect to climate action. From reforming climate legislation and lowering emission for the first time in 30 years to securing the EU Nature Restoration Law, this Government did more for the environment than any before it Much of the credit for that is due to the tireless work of the 12 Green Party TDs who comprised of just 14% of Government representatives. Green-minded voters have expressed worry that the Green Partys annihilation in the general election marks the end of progress on climate action. There is much talk that climate was not a priority issue in this election. However, much has changed in the political landscape since 2020. While evaluating the political party manifestos this year for climate action as part of UCD Earth Institutes analysis for Friends of the Earth Ireland, it came as a shock to me to see both the Labour Party and Social Democrats outperform the Green Party in their climate commitments. Not to say the Green Partys B performance was bad, but Labours and the Social Democratss approach to the climate challenge was surprisingly impressive with both big-picture thinking and specific implementation plans for faster and fairer climate action. Green Party leader Rodric O'Gorman, right, at the Dublin West count centre at Phibblestown Community Centre on Sunday evening. Picture: Niall Carson/PA The Green Party has always said they did not want to be the only green party who prioritised climate action, and it appears that day has finally come. Even the bigger political parties were good on some elements of climate action, particularly in developing renewable energy and grid infrastructure and supporting home energy retrofits, though they received failing grades for lacking sufficient commitment to phase out fossil fuels. No matter what formation this new Government takes, there are several combinations of political parties who could prioritise climate action. Cost-of-living was the dominant issue in this election, giving the impression that climate action was not important to voters or political parties. However, within manifestos, all political parties except Aontu had at least one chapter outlining their approach to climate action. Most even made the connection between high energy and transport bills and our over-reliance on imported fossil fuels, requiring urgent expansion of renewable energy and public transport infrastructure. However, this connection was not as clearly made in discussions about the cost-of-living, which was a missed opportunity to join the dots between climate action and social justice. Climate action did appear as a topic in both of RTEs leaders debates, though much of the discussion defaulted to carbon tax While many, including myself, have advocated for carbon tax as one tool to influence cleaner purchasing decisions, it is a relatively small and somewhat ineffective tool in helping us make the enormous changes required to reduce emissions to the extent we have committed to in legislation. Political leaders need to be pushed hard to explain exactly what they will do to reduce emissions in line with national and international commitments, rather than default to a lazy narrative about whether we should or should not have a carbon tax that has already existed in Ireland for 24 years. The Green Partys electoral losses may feel like a setback for climate advocates, but they do not spell the end of meaningful climate action. The progress achieved over the past four years demonstrates that environmental priorities can drive policy, even under immense political and public pressure Other parties have stepped up their climate commitments, signalling a broader political consensus on the need for urgent action. The task now is to hold this new Government accountable for delivering on these commitments while ensuring that climate remains central to public and political discourse. Climate action is no longer the burden of one party it is a shared responsibility that must transcend election cycles. Dr Cara Augustenborg is an assistant professor in environmental policy at UCD. My heart into my mouth. I love your majesty. According to my bond; no more nor less. - Cordelia to her father, King Lear, in Shakepeare's King Lear When we were children, our father would ritually stop at a monument in the centre of Galway city and regale us with the story James Lynch FitzStephen, mayor of Galway in 1493. Its less of a monument, really, and more the derelict ruins of a medieval building. A window, with a plaque and an ominous skull and crossbones underneath. Long before the historical walking tours became popular in the city, he would defiantly observe the same storytelling routine despite our groans of impatient disapproval. It was at this window the mayor hung his son, Walter, who had confessed to the murder of a Spanish merchant sailor by the name of Gomez. The pair had duelled, apparently over Gomezs wife who Walter had developed a fondness for. Appalled by his son's act of execution, Lynch sentenced him to be hanged, but struggled to find anyone willing to carry out the hanging. And so, in order to appropriately uphold justice regardless of familial bond, James Lynch FitzStephen hanged his own son from the window of his Lombard Street home. Great story, which - despite the efforts of historians - has never been comprehensively confirmed nor denied, not that that ever bothered my father. So too the etymology of the word lynching, which I long believed to have its orgins in Galway (though that ranks as a rather dubious honour). Regardless of its veracity, the effect on us as children was profound. Though his retelling was always humorous and flamboyant, my dad's message was clear: Stay away from Spanish merchants' wives. Or else. President Joe Biden accompanied by his son Hunter Biden and his grandson Beau leave a book store as they walk in downtown Nantucket Mass., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Late Sunday evening President Joe Biden announced he would be exercising the privilege of his office to pardon his son, Hunter, who was recently convicted in two separate federal cases - one for gun possession, the other for tax evasion. The pardons mean that, despite Biden junior facing up to several years in federal prison, with one forgiving stroke of his father's geriatric hand, Hunter Bidens record is wiped clean. It stands to be one of the last significant acts of presidency that has spiralled into a moral abyss during the last 18 months. That a man who has shown so little empathy - nay - flagrant disregard for millions of Palestinians whose lives hes played such a violent role in destroying, could be so suddenly overcome by emotional weakness to grant clemency to his own son, points to a man so out of touch and uncaring of his legacy, he just doesnt care. You could forgive any father - burdened with the power to pardon his delinquent son - for being conflicted by the responsibility. But, Joe Biden is not just any father, he is the President of the United States. And Hunter Biden is not just any son, he is a 54-year-old man, not a teenager just starting out in life. The trauma of Biden's personal life is well known and heartbreaking by any standard - losing his first wife, Neilia, and year-old daughter Naomi in a tragic car accident and, much later, the death of his son Beau from brain cancer. Hunter Biden steps into a vehicle as he leaves federal court, Thursday, September 5, 2024, in Los Angeles, after pleading guilty to federal tax charges. Picture: AP Photo/Eric Thayer Compounding those losses, undoubtedly, is Hunter Biden's battles with addiction. But, while nobody would wish any one of those challenges on a foe, surely a prerequisite to rule is the ability to separate church and state - as it were - and never put your family before country? According to recent studies done by the NGO Innocence Project, over 20,000 falsely convicted people are currently incarcerated in US prisons, and the number is steadily rising. The vast majority of those wrongfully convicted are African American males. Data from the National Registry of Exonerations reveals that a total of 238 wrongfully convicted people were exonerated in the US in 2022 alonethats more than five people every week. Tellingly, these innocent individuals spent an average of 12 years behind bars before being exonerated. Such statistics put Biden's nepotistic clemency into perspective. So too the fact that - despite President Obama promising to shut the facility - Guantanamo Bay remains open today, housing 30 prisoners, most without charge or trial. A visit to the facility late last year by a UN Special Rapporteur confirmed that Guantanamo Bays legacy of torture and degradation is ongoing, even if the enhanced interrogation torture methods technically ended years ago. President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden leave Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Johns Island, S.C., after attending a Mass, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022. Biden is in Kiawah Island with his family on vacation. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Which brings us to the largest open air prison in the world, and another that Biden has all but held the keys to: Gaza. There is little point in quoting the number of dead there, because any official figures are wildly underestimated and educated guesses put the number in or around 100,00 people. Suffice to say, it is no longer adequate to rank Biden as just a material supporter of Israel and Netanyahu, but a direct accomplice. A co-conspirator, unlikely to ever answer for the myriad of war crimes he has enabled. To that end, the president's pardoning of his middle-aged son is hardly surprising, and quite unimportant. All it does is confirm what we already knew; that these people in positions of extreme power are only ever in it for themselves. If it happened in the Global South, America would decry it as an example of an uncivilised people, but their mask of mores slipped long ago. The facade of empire crumbling like the arguments of a hypocritical fool drunk on a high stool. Just with a loaded gun on his hip. Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have deployed in Syria to back the governments counter-offensive against a surprise advance by insurgents who seized the largest city of Aleppo last week, officials said. Insurgents led by jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a two-pronged attack on Aleppo and moved into the countryside around Idlib and neighbouring Hama province. The push is among the rebels strongest in years and raised the prospect of another violent front reopening in the Middle East, at a time when US-backed Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon both Iranian-allied groups. It also risks drawing Russia and Turkey each with its own interests to protect in Syria into direct confrontation. The Syrian opposition insurgency launched a two-pronged attack on Aleppo and the countryside around Idlib (AP) Government troops built a fortified defensive line in northern Hama in an attempt to stall the insurgents momentum while jets pounded rebel-held lines on Sunday. On Monday, Syrias military said that their air strikes alongside Russias killed 400 insurgents over the past 24 hours. It said that government forces were mobilising to encircle the rebels in the countryside of Aleppo, Hama, and Idlib. In a phone call with Syrian President Bashar Assad, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran was willing to provide all the support needed to push back the insurgency. He echoed comments from Irans top diplomat Abbas Araghchi, who visited Mr Assad on Sunday before traveling to Turkey one of the rebels main backers. Iran has been one of Mr Assads principal political and military supporters and has deployed military advisers and forces after 2011 protests against Mr Assads rule turned into an all-out war. Tehran-backed Iraqi militias already in Syria mobilised and additional forces crossed the border to support Mr Assads government and army, said the Iraqi militia official. The rebels are backed by Turkey (AP) According to the UK-based opposition war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, some 200 Iraqi militiamen crossed into Syria overnight through the strategic Bou Kamal crossing. They were expected to deploy in Aleppo to support the Syrian armys pushback against the insurgents, the monitor said. The rebel offensive in Syria has caused concern among neighbouring countries that the conflict could spill over. In Iraq, Interior Ministry spokesperson Brig Gen Miqdad Miri said that security forces have deployed in greater numbers to protect their large border with Syria. The advance by the insurgents is a huge embarrassment for Mr Assad, and it comes at a time when his allies Iran and the groups it backs, and Russia are preoccupied with their own conflicts. Russia, whose intervention in Syrias civil war on behalf of Mr Assad was crucial in turning the conflict in his favour, has said it will continue to support him. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday: We, of course, continue to support Bashar Assad, we continue our contacts at the appropriate level and analyse the situation. To ensure people in Aleppo have a safe environment, weve worked with the @SYRedCrescent to enhance the Sewage Companys capacity by reinforcing manhole covers in the city. pic.twitter.com/HW8zM4sdIa ICRC Syria (@ICRC_sy) November 26, 2024 A position will be formed regarding what is needed to stabilise the situation. Syrian and Russian air strikes on rebel positions continued mostly in Hama and Idlib provinces. At least 10 civilians were killed in Idlib city and province, according to the Syrian Civil Defence in opposition-held areas. Syrian Kurds were fleeing the fighting in large numbers after Turkish-backed rebels seized Tel Rifaat from rival US-backed Kurdish authorities. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces largely withdrew and called for a humanitarian corridor to allow people to leave safely in convoys toward Aleppo and later to Kurdish-led north-eastern regions. Navigating through traffic congestion without understanding the cause can be highly frustrating, especially in today's digital age. Google Maps has addressed this concern by integrating one of Waze's most sought-after features incident reporting. This update, aimed at improving user navigation, provides real-time alerts on accidents and other issues encountered along selected routes. Key Updates in Google Maps Google Maps, owned by the same company as Waze, now benefits from Waze's user-driven incident reporting system. This feature allows drivers to receive detailed information about road conditions, such as accidents and roadblocks, directly within the app. The data comes from both platforms, creating a comprehensive source of traffic information for users. Previously, Google Maps could indicate traffic levels but lacked insights into the causes of congestion. With this integration, users gain clarity, enabling them to make more informed commuting decisions, especially when pressed for time. User Feedback and Functionality Reports from Reddit users confirm the rollout of this promised update. Incident alerts now appear during active navigation, helping drivers anticipate and respond to obstacles on their route. Waze's crowd-sourced model ensures the accuracy and relevance of these reports, as they are continuously updated by its extensive community of contributors, known as Wazers. Read Also: Google Gemini Spotify Integration Is Now Here and It Can Stream Content via the AI App No Need For Both Apps for Detailed Traffic Reports This update eliminates the need for users to juggle between Waze and Google Maps to access detailed traffic data. Users can now rely solely on Google Maps to receive Waze's incident reports while navigating their selected destinations. The feature is accessible on smartphones and integrated systems like CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring wide compatibility. Background on Google Maps and Waze For over a decade, Google Maps and Waze have operated as complementary navigation tools. Google Maps offers a broader range of services, including public transport and pedestrian navigation, whereas Waze specializes in real-time traffic data for private vehicle users. Despite their complementary nature, Google's management of these apps has faced scrutiny. The company was previously subject to antitrust complaints for allegedly leveraging its dominant position to stifle competition and enforce exclusive agreements with developers. Despite these challenges, both apps remain widely used for their unique functionalities, serving millions of users worldwide. Enhanced User Experience By integrating Waze's crowd-sourced incident reports, Google Maps takes a significant step in unifying its offerings. This update not only enhances the app's usability but also reinforces Google's commitment to delivering seamless navigation experiences. Chinese FM meets counterparts of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan Xinhua) 13:49, December 02, 2024 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) CHENGDU, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Tajikistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirojiddin Muhriddin and Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, respectively, after the fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting in southwest China's Chengdu on Sunday. When meeting with Nurtleu, Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China and Kazakhstan are permanent friendly neighbors with geographical proximity, shared ideas and close people-to-people ties. Deepening cooperation in an all-round way conforms to the common interests of the two countries and the common expectations of the two peoples, Wang said. He called on the two sides to fully deliver on the major common understandings between the two countries' leaders, consolidate political mutual trust, firmly support each other, jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, make progress in the building of the China-Kazakhstan community with a shared future, and advance their respective modernization efforts. Nurtleu said Kazakhstan appreciates China's support for Central Asian countries in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence, and regards China as a reliable and permanent comprehensive strategic partner and a diplomatic priority. He noted that Kazakhstan reaffirms its adherence to the one-China principle and firm support for China in safeguarding its core interests on Taiwan and issues related to Xinjiang and Xizang. Kazakhstan is willing to strengthen the synergy of development strategies with China and implement the important consensus of the two heads of state in a high-quality manner, to usher in another "golden 30 years" of bilateral relations, he said. When meeting with Muhriddin, Wang recalled that in July this year, the two heads of state jointly announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era, opening up new prospects for bilateral relations. China supports Tajikistan in following a development path suited to its national conditions and opposes any interference by external forces in Tajikistan's internal affairs, Wang said. He added that China is ready to work with Tajikistan to accelerate each other's development and revitalization efforts through tangible cooperation. Muhriddin said that Tajikistan cherishes the high-level mutual trust between the two heads of state, firmly adheres to the one-China principle and will never waver in its commitment. He added that Tajikistan fully agrees with and supports the series of global initiatives put forward by China and stands ready to deepen all-round cooperation with China. During his meeting with Saidov, Wang stressed that Uzbekistan is China's first all-weather comprehensive strategic partner in the new era, which highlights the unique and strategic nature of China-Uzbekistan relations. Wang said that the two sides should work toward achieving more high-quality outcomes in their all-round cooperation. He called on the two sides to continuously expand and strengthen cooperation in key areas, promote cooperation in emerging sectors, deepen energy cooperation, and strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation in combating the "three forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as transnational organized crime. Saidov expressed the willingness to actively learn from China's successful experience, deepen the Belt and Road and all-round mutually beneficial cooperation with China, and push forward the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. Uzbekistan welcomes more Chinese tourists and is willing to take further measures to facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries, he noted. Following the meeting, China and Uzbekistan signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Tajikistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirojiddin Muhriddin in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Today Cloudy. High around 65F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight Cloudy skies with periods of rain late. Low near 60F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Tomorrow Thunderstorms in the morning, then partly cloudy late. High around 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. President Joe Biden has granted a formal pardon to his son Hunter, who is currently facing sentencing for two criminal cases, despite prior assurances that he would not intervene in Hunters legal matters. No reasonable person reviewing the facts of Hunters cases could come to any conclusion other than that he was singled out solely because he is my son and that is wrong, the president declared in a statement, describing it as a miscarriage of justice. Donald Trump, the US President-elect, criticized Bidens decision in a post on his TruthSocial platform. Does the pardon Joe gave to Hunter extend to the J-6 Hostages, some of whom have been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of justice! he stated, referencing those convicted of storming the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, following Mr. Trumps false claims of winning the 2020 election. The clemency grant indicated that Biden had issued a full and unconditional pardon to Hunter for any offenses occurring between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024. This action is likely to provoke renewed scrutiny regarding the independence of the US judicial system, particularly as president-elect Mr. Trump moves to appoint loyalists to critical positions in the FBI and Justice Department. The younger Biden was found guilty earlier this year for lying about his drug use when acquiring a firearm a felony and has also pleaded guilty in a separate tax evasion case but has not yet been sentenced. Joe Biden characterized his sons impending sentencing as a miscarriage of justice He was set to be sentenced on December 16. I have acknowledged and taken responsibility for my errors during the darkest times of my addiction mistakes that have been used to publicly shame and humiliate me and my family for political gain, Hunter stated yesterday, noting that he has remained sober for over five years. During my struggles with addiction, I wasted numerous opportunities and advantages I will never take the clemency I have received today for granted and will dedicate my rebuilt life to assisting those who are still suffering. Mr. Biden had consistently stated he would refrain from pardoning his son. I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I honored my word even as I witnessed my son being unfairly and selectively prosecuted, President Biden remarked in his statement. The charges against him arose only after several of my political adversaries in Congress instigated them to undermine me and oppose my election, he added. I have faith in the justice system, but as I have grappled with this matter, I also believe raw politics have tainted this process, resulting in a miscarriage of justice, he continued. Mr. Biden indicated that he made his decision to grant the pardon over the recent weekend. The president, along with his wife Jill Biden and their family, including Hunter, spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts, and returned to Washington on Saturday evening. Heres the reality: I have faith in the justice system, yet as I wrestled with this issue, I also believe raw politics have corrupted this process, leading to a miscarriage of justice once I made this decision over the weekend, there was no reason to postpone it further, he shared. I hope that Americans will comprehend why a father and a president would arrive at this decision. Simultaneously, criminal proceedings against Mr. Trump have stalled following a comprehensive ruling on presidential immunity by the Supreme Courtessentially ensuring that Mr. Bidens Republican rival will likely never face incarceration, even after his significant conviction for falsifying business records in May. Plea deal that fell apart Throughout history, US presidents have utilized pardons to assist family members and political allies. Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother for past cocaine offenses, while Mr. Trump pardoned the father of his son-in-law for tax evasion, although in both instances, those individuals had already served their prison sentences. Republicans have argued that Hunter Biden has received too lenient treatment Hunter Biden pleaded guilty in a tax evasion trial in September, facing a potential sentence of up to 17 years. For the separate gun-related charge, he was looking at a possible 25-year sentence. His attorneys claim he is only facing charges due to his fathers position as president. Hunter Biden has paid the overdue taxes, along with the penalties imposed by authorities, and had previously negotiated a plea deal that would have kept him out of jail however, that agreement collapsed at the last minute. His case has long been a contentious issue for the Biden family, particularly during this election season when Republicans have accused Hunter Biden of receiving preferential treatment. President Bidens withdrawal from the presidential race in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris diminished much of the Republican fervor to target his son. Nevertheless, prosecutors seemed unwilling to extend leniency, rejecting a proposed Alford plea, where Hunter Biden would acknowledge guilt due to the high likelihood of conviction but maintain his innocence. US President Joe Biden announced that he has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who faced convictions for making false statements on a gun background check and illegally possessing a firearm, as well as pleading guilty to federal tax charges. Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. Since the day I took office, I committed to not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I have upheld that promise, even while witnessing my son being selectively and unfairly prosecuted, he stated in a release from the White House. The White House had consistently maintained that Mr. Biden would not grant a pardon or commute the sentences of his son, a recovering drug addict who has been a focal point for Republican criticism, including from President-elect Donald Trump. Joe Biden mentioned that the decision came over the weekend. No reasonable person looking at the facts surrounding Hunters cases can arrive at any other conclusion than that he was targeted solely because he is my son, Mr. Biden remarked. He disclosed that the decision was made over the weekend. The president, along with his wife, Jill Biden, and their family, including Hunter, celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts, before returning to Washington on Saturday night. Heres the truth: I have faith in the justice system, but as I contemplated this, I also believe that raw politics have tainted this process, resulting in a miscarriage of justice. Once I arrived at this decision over the weekend, I saw no reason to postpone it, Mr. Biden explained. I hope that Americans can understand why a father and a President would come to this conclusion, he added. Hezbollah has announced it conducted a defensive warning strike on an Israeli military position located in the contested Shebaa Farms region, citing ongoing Israeli ceasefire violations that include airstrikes and shelling in Lebanon. The Israeli military reported that Hezbollah fired two missiles, resulting in no casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would respond strongly to the assault. Earlier, Lebanons state-operated National News Agency (NNA) indicated that Israeli forces had discharged two artillery shells towards the southern Lebanese town of Beit Lif in the Bint Jbeil area, while heavy machine gun fire was directed at Yaroun. No injuries were reported in these incidents, according to NNA, but another Israeli strike resulted in injuries in the town of Talousa. Israel reached a ceasefire agreement with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah last week; however, the conflict in Gaza persists. The truce, which took effect on 27 November, specifies that Israel will refrain from conducting offensive military operations against civilian, military, or other state targets in Lebanon. In return, Lebanon will prevent any armed groups, including Hezbollah, from undertaking operations against Israel. Lebanon and Israel have already exchanged accusations regarding breaches, with Lebanon asserting that the violations have turned deadly. A fatality occurred due to an Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese town of Marjayoun, approximately 10 km from Israels northern border, as reported by Lebanons health ministry. According to Lebanese state security, an Israeli drone strike resulted in the death of a member of its force while on duty in Nabatieh, located 12 km from the border. State security condemned this as a flagrant violation of the ceasefire. The Lebanese army also reported that an Israeli drone struck an army bulldozer in northeast Lebanon close to the border with Syria, injuring one soldier. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to inquiries concerning the incidents in Marjayoun and Nabatieh. It issued a statement claiming it had targeted military vehicles operating near Hezbollah military installations in Lebanons Bekaa Valley and military vehicles close to the Syrian border. The Israeli military admitted that a Lebanese soldier was injured in one of its attacks, noting that the situation is under review. Lebanons parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah and Beiruts main negotiator in the ceasefire discussions, stated that Lebanon has recorded at least 54 Israeli violations thus far. In a statement released by his office, Mr. Berri urged the committee responsible for monitoring the ceasefire to urgently initiate its work and to compel Israel to cease its violations and withdraw troops from Lebanese territory. The ceasefire arrangement includes a monitoring mechanism overseen by the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon and chaired by the United States, which will monitor, verify, and assist in ensuring enforcement of the ceasefire. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denied any breaches of the agreement, asserting that the issue lies with Hezbollahs movement of weapons and operations south of the Litani River, in violation of last weeks arrangement. Israel is committed to the successful implementation of the ceasefire, but we will not accept a return to the situation as it was on 6 October 2023. Should violations occur, Israel will enforce the agreement, he stated. Public broadcaster Kan and other Israeli media reported that US envoy Amos Hochstein, who played a key role in brokering the ceasefire after weeks of shuttle diplomacy, had cautioned Israel against potential violations. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich remarked that Israel needs to deliver a powerful blow to Hezbollah after it reportedly made a big mistake by firing into Israeli territory. Children walk past buildings that were destroyed during Israeli attacks on Beirut. Gaza has the highest number of child amputees UN UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that Gaza now has the highest number of child amputees per capita anywhere in the world, with many losing limbs and undergoing surgeries without even anesthesia. In remarks delivered on his behalf at a Cairo conference aimed at increasing humanitarian aid, Mr. Guterres called upon the international community to establish a foundation for sustainable peace in Gaza and throughout the Middle East. The UN Chief described the condition in war-torn Gaza as appalling and apocalyptic, warning that the circumstances faced by Palestinians in the region could represent the gravest international crimes. The conflict in Gaza erupted following an attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, leading to 1,208 deaths, predominantly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Israels retaliatory actions have resulted in the deaths of 44,446 individuals in Gaza, according to its health ministry, including 37 fatalities in the past 24 hours. Mr. Guterres emphasized the devastating impact of the conflict and the urgent necessity for international intervention. Malnutrition is rampant Famine is imminent. At the same time, the health system has collapsed, he added. The Secretary-General also condemned the severe restrictions placed on aid delivery, labeling current levels as grossly insufficient. According to UNRWA, only 65 aid trucks per day have been able to enter Gaza in the past month, compared to a pre-war average of 500. Delegates from around the world are pictured during a humanitarian conference for Gaza in Cairo. International aid organizations have consistently raised alarms regarding the deteriorating situation in Gaza, cautioning that civilians are on the verge of famine. They have reported that aid shipments reaching Gaza are currently at their lowest since the onset of the conflict. Israel, which imposed a total siege on the Hamas-controlled territory early in the conflict, has attributed aid-related issues to what it describes as the incapacity of relief organizations to manage and distribute large volumes of aid. Latest Middle East updates Mr. Guterres asserted that the blockade of aid to Gaza is not a crisis of logistics but instead a crisis of political will and a failure to respect fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. UNRWA reported that all of its attempts to deliver aid into northern Gaza had been either denied or impeded between 6 October and 25 November amid intense fighting in the region. Mr. Guterres stated that UNRWA serves as an irreplaceable lifeline for millions of Palestinians, adding that if UNRWA is forced to cease operations, the responsibility for replacing its essential services would fall on Israel. Israeli forces targeted residential buildings in nighttime assaults in northern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals in one of the buildings in the town of Beit Lahiya, according to Palestinian medical personnel. Kaja Kallas, the EUs new top diplomat, along with the head of the European Council, Antonio Costa, has arrived in Kyiv as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with Ukraine on their inaugural day in office. We came to deliver a clear message: we are with Ukraine, and we will continue to provide our full backing, stated Mr. Costa. The new leadership team of the European Union aims to affirm its steadfast support for Kyiv during this critical juncture, nearly three years after Ukraine began its struggle against Russias full-scale invasion. Concerns are growing regarding the future of US assistance once Donald Trump takes office in January, with worries that he may pressure Ukraine into making difficult concessions for a swift peace agreement. He indicated that this action is a response to Ukraine receiving approval to target areas within Russia using US and British missiles, and he has warned of potential retaliation against the nations supplying these arms. It is an honor to be in Kyiv alongside @eucopresident Costa and Commissioner Kos. This marks my first visit since assuming office, and my message is unequivocal: the European Union desires Ukraine to triumph in this conflict. We will do everything necessary to achieve that. pic.twitter.com/swv1ZVAlyL Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) December 1, 2024 As winter sets in, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraines power infrastructure, while Ukraines weary forces are struggling against Moscows relentless advances on the frontlines. The situation in Ukraine is extremely dire, remarked Ms. Kallas, a former prime minister of Estonia. However, its evident that the costs are equally high for Russia. The incoming EU leaders, including the blocs senior officials and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, were scheduled to engage in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. On Friday, Mr. Zelensky appeared to lay the groundwork for his stance in anticipation of any forthcoming peace negotiations. He urged NATO to provide guaranteed protections for regions of Ukraine under Kyivs control to halt the active fighting and suggested he would be willing to delay efforts to reclaim other territories taken by Russia. If we are discussing a ceasefire, we need assurances that Putin will not return, Mr. Zelensky conveyed to Sky News. Ms. Kallas noted that the strongest security guarantee is NATO membership. We must certainly deliberate on thisif Ukraine decides to take a stand, how can we ensure peace so that Putin does not advance further? she said. Since the onset of the war, the EU has consistently stood in support of Ukraine. From the first day of our mandate, we are reaffirming our steadfast backing for the Ukrainian populace. Proud to be in Kyiv with @kajakallas and @Marta1Kos. pic.twitter.com/hlBxXCVVh7 Antonio Costa (@eucopresident) December 1, 2024 NATO diplomats suggest that the prospect of the alliance extending membership to Ukraine seems low, due to concerns from various member states about becoming embroiled in conflict with Russia. Ms. Kallas remarked that the EU shouldnt exclude any options when it comes to the possibility of sending European troops to help uphold any ceasefire. We should maintain strategic ambiguity regarding this, she commented. Mr. Trump has expressed skepticism about the continuation of the USs substantial aid for Ukraine, urging European nations to increase their contributions. Ms. Kallas stated that the EU would adopt a transactional language aimed at persuading Mr. Trump that supporting Ukraine is in the best interest of the US. Aid for Ukraine is not a charitable act, she asserted. A victory for Russia certainly emboldens nations like China, Iran, and North Korea. The new EU foreign policy chief emphasized that the bloc would persist in ensuring Ukraine is positioned as strongly as possibleif and when it decides the moment is right to enter negotiations with Russia. However, she acknowledged that it is becoming increasingly difficult for the 27-member bloc to find common ground on new strategies to escalate support for Ukraine. This war has been persistent for quite some time, and it is growing harder to communicate this to our citizens, she explained. Nevertheless, I see no alternative. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad aimed to bolster support from his allies yesterday, following a surprising rebel offensive that resulted in government forces losing control of Aleppo for the first time since the onset of the civil war in the country. According to military sources, Russian and Syrian jets launched strikes on the rebel-held city of Idlib in northern Syria, as Mr. Assad vowed to defeat the insurgents who had moved into Aleppo. The army also reported that it regained several towns that had been overtaken by rebels in recent days. An Islamist-dominated rebel alliance attacked Iranian- and Russian-backed government forces on Wednesday, coinciding with a fragile ceasefire in neighboring Lebanon between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, which had seen two months of intense conflict. For the first time since the civil war began over a decade ago, the countrys second-largest city is no longer under the control of Syrian regime forces, he stated. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Damascus to meet with Mr. Assad, stating before his departure that Tehran would strongly support the Syrian government and army, as reported by Iranian state media. After their discussions, Mr. Assad highlighted the significance of allies and friends support in countering foreign-backed terrorist attacks. Armed anti-regime groups are employing heavy weaponry against the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Mr. Araghchi arrived late yesterday in Ankara, where he is anticipated to meet Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan before discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to the Observatory, Syrian and Russian aircraft have conducted lethal strikes in support of government forces. They reported that strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals in Aleppo and nine civilians in the rebel stronghold of Idlib. Russias military confirmed its assistance to Syrian government forces in repelling terrorist aggression in the provinces of Idlib, Hama, and Aleppo. The Russian and Syrian warplanes targeted a gathering of terrorist organization commanders and large groups of their members in Aleppo province, resulting in dozens of casualties, as conveyed by a military statement released by Syrian state news agency SANA. The statement also noted that warplanes destroyed a considerable vehicle convoy carrying terrorist munitions and equipment in Idlib. Resident Umm Mohamed noted that strikes in her area took the life of her daughter-in-law, who left behind five children, including a young girl with injuries. Thank God their injuries were minor, she expressed. Foreign interference is not the root of Syrias flareup Turkey Turkey, which supports rebel factions within Syria, dismissed any notion of foreign interference being responsible for the offensive initiated by jihadists in the northern region. At this time, attributing the events in Syria to foreign interference would be erroneous, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated. In 2016, the Syrian army, backed by Russian airpower, reclaimed rebel-held areas of Aleppo, a city recognized for its iconic citadel. Damascus has also depended on Hezbollah fighters to recover regions of Syria lost to rebels early in the conflict, which began in 2011 when the government suppressed protests. However, Hezbollah has sustained significant losses while engaging in its conflict with Israel. Prior to this offensive, HTS, previously associated with Al-Qaedas Syrian branch, already controlled considerable portions of the Idlib region, the last major rebel stronghold in the northwest. HTS also retained territory in neighboring Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia provinces. According to the Observatory, the most recent fighting has resulted in over 412 deaths, primarily among combatants but also including at least 61 civilians. The organization indicated that the rebel advances experienced minimal resistance. The army reinforced its positions around Hama, Syrias fourth-largest city located about 230km south of Aleppo, and dispatched reinforcements to the northern surrounding province. Rebels captured dozens of towns across the northern region, including Khan Sheikhun and Maaret al-Numan, situated approximately halfway between Aleppo and Hama, according to the Observatory. The airstrikes affecting parts of Aleppo marked the first such actions since 2016. Rebels have secured control over numerous towns in the north. Weak government Aaron Stein, president of the US-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, commented that Russias presence has diminished noticeably, and immediate airstrikes have limited effectiveness. He described the rebel advance as a reminder of the regimes weakness. Aron Lund of the Century International think tank remarked: It appears that Aleppo is beyond the regimes grasp, and unless they can mount a counteroffensive soon, orunless Russia and Iran provide significantly more support, I doubt the government will regain control. A government stripped of Aleppo cannot be considered a functional government of Syria, he added. Yesterday, the US and its allies France, Germany, and Britain called for de-escalation in Syria while advocating for the protection of civilians and infrastructure. The current escalation highlights the urgent necessity for a Syrian-led political resolution to the conflict, in alignment with UNSCR 2254, stated a document issued by the US State Department, referencing the 2015 UN resolution endorsing a peace process in Syria. The US continues to maintain hundreds of troops in northeastern Syria as part of an anti-jihadist coalition. UN envoy Geir Pedersen remarked that the latest developments present severe risks to civilians and have grave implications for regional and international peace and security. Departing Aleppo Within Aleppo city, streets remained largely deserted and many shops were closed yesterday as frightened residents chose to remain indoors. Nevertheless, there was still a significant exodus of civilians from the city, as reported by witnesses and residents. Rebel fighters displaying the opposition flag traversed the city, according to resident Yusuf Khatib, who communicated via phone. He noted that some rebels established positions at street intersections. Syrian troops that had previously retreated from the city were regrouping, with reinforcements dispatched to assist in the counteroffensive. Ahmad Tutenji, a merchant in the upscale New Aleppo neighborhood, expressed surprise at the armys swift departure, stating, I am shocked at how they fled and abandoned us. Abdullah al Halabi, a pensioner whose neighborhood was bombed near the central area of Qasr al Baladi, voiced concerns that the community might witness a repeat of the Russian-led bombings that resulted in thousands of casualties a decade ago. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcomed AIDS survivors, advocates, and families who have lost loved ones to the disease for a display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt at the White House. This marks the first time in its decades-long history that the quilt has been shown there. The occasion, in honor of World AIDS Day, included speeches from the Bidens and Jeanne White-Ginder, whose son Ryan White passed away due to AIDS in 1990. Both Joe and Jill Biden became emotional during their speeches, expressing their sympathy for those in attendance who had lost family and friends. President Bidens first wife, Neilia, and their infant daughter, Naomi, tragically died in a car accident in 1972, and his son, Beau, who was raised by Jill Biden, succumbed to cancer in 2015. The event commemorating World AIDS Day showcased speeches by the Bidens and Jeanne White-Ginder, who shared the story of her son Ryan White, a teenage victim of AIDS. As I gaze at this beautiful quilt, adorned with vibrant colors and names in bold letters, I see it through the eyes of a mother, thinking of those mothers who wove their pain into a patchwork panel for the world to remember their children, said Ms. Biden. This movement is intricately woven into the fabric and history of America, illuminating the memory and legacy of all the sisters and brothers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, moms and dads, partners and friends we have lost to this devastating disease, Mr. Biden stated. We stand united in the fight against this epidemic. Once their speeches concluded, the president and first lady strolled hand in hand past sections of the quilt, pausing to examine it closely before returning to the White House. According to the World Health Organization, 42.3 million people have died since the onset of the AIDS epidemic. 12/02/2024 By Brett Buckner Jax State ROTC cadet Wesley Lacy has been named a Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG), ranking 97th out of 5,200 students. Such recognition means that in the National Order of Merit List, Lacy earned more points for things related to ROTC, life, and college in general. Members of the ROTC are ranked among their peers according to GPA, extracurriculars, teams in college, work, service hours and leadership. The determining factor is how well cadets perform at Advanced Camp, a 35-day training event in Fort Knox, Ky., designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Advanced Camp is the capstone leader development opportunity for all Cadets between their Military Science (MS) III and MS IV years of ROTC. At Advanced Camp, Lacy earned the Recondo Badge, which was given to the top cadets at Advanced Camp. "(It) validated the efforts that I have put in behind the scenes to help project my military career and future civilian job opportunities," said Lacy, a senior nursing major. "Being a Distinguished Military Graduate will enhance my military career by helping me get the branch of officer I want when I graduate, as well as helping me on the civilian side by building my resume." Lacy is a fifth-generation soldier. His great-great-grandfather served in WWI. His great-grandfather served in WW2 and Korea. His grandfather served in Vietnam and Desert Shield/ Desert Storm. His father served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and Kuwait, and his oldest brother served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Lacy enlisted in August 2020 as a Combat Medic to get a background in Medicine and contracted with ROTC at Jax State in 2022. Being from a military family contributed to his enlisting and contracting with ROTC. "But it went deeper than that," Lacy said. "I wanted to and still want to serve my country and let that lineage live on." After graduation, Lacy will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Alabama National Guard and plans to work in the Emergency Department of a hospital in either Alabama or Georgia. Being in the ROTC has provided more opportunities to further his military career by allowing him to enroll in specialty schools like Airborne School. It's also taught him that resiliency and hard work pay off. "I had many setbacks along the way after starting Jax State and ROTC, but in the end, it has all been worth it," he said. "Upon graduation, I will get to have the civilian career I have dreamed of, have set my military career up for success, have met many great people along the way and built lifelong relationships." ( Middle East Monitor ) Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon accused the army on Sunday of committing war crimes in the northern Gaza Strip and attempting to hide these crimes from the public, Anadolu Agency reports. I speak on behalf of the commanders who serve in northern Gaza. There are war crimes being committed there, Yaalon told the Israeli public broadcaster KAN. IDF (army) soldiers are putting their lives at risk and will be subject to lawsuits in the International Criminal Court, he said. I have to warn about what is happening there (in northern Gaza) and what they are trying to hide from us, where they are committing war crimes. On Saturday, the former defense minister accused Israel of carrying out ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of leading the country to ruin. I take responsibility for what I said about ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza, Yaalon said. He also criticized far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrichs call for the displacement of Gazas population. Smotrich is proud of the opportunity to reduce Gazas population by half, he said. What do you call that? He has no moral issue with killing two million Gazans. We were once a democratic state. Last month, Smotrich had called for the reoccupation of Gaza and suggested reducing its population by half through encouraging what he calls the voluntary migration of Palestinians from the territory. Several Israeli ministers have called for re-occupying Gaza and reducing its Palestinian population by encouraging what they term as voluntary migration amid Tel Avivs deadly onslaught on the enclave. Since Oct. 5, Israel has launched a large-scale ground operation in northern Gaza to allegedly prevent Palestinian resistance group Hamas from regrouping. Palestinians, however, accuse Israel of seeking to occupy the area and forcibly displace its residents. Since then, no humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and fuel, was allowed into the area, leaving most of the population there on the verge of imminent famine. More than 2,300 people have since been killed, according to Palestinian health authorities. The onslaught was the latest episode in Israels genocidal war on the Gaza Strip that has killed nearly 44,400 people, mostly women and children, since Oct. 7, 2023. On Nov. 21, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its deadly war on Gaza. READ: Over 415,000 displaced Gazans sheltering in UN schools: UNRWA Via Middle East Monitor Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 2, 2024) - Canterra Minerals Corporation (TSXV: CTM) (OTCQB: CTMCF) ("Canterra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional assays from the maiden drill program at its 100% owned Buchans Project in the Central Newfoundland Mining District (Figure 1), Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Canterra's Buchans Project hosts the world-renowned, past producing Buchans Mine as well as the undeveloped Lundberg open pit resource. Lundberg is one of seven undeveloped critical mineral deposits held by Canterra within the Central Newfoundland Mining District, Newfoundland and Labrador's most prolific past producing volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") mining district. Canterra's deposits represent Newfoundland's second-largest undeveloped critical minerals inventory. Drill Highlights - Buchans Project(1&2): 1.53% copper equivalent ("CuEq") over 105.00 m (0.46% Cu, 2.05% Zn, 1.00% Pb, 5.61 g/t Ag & 0.10 g/t Au) from 68 m below surface (hole H-24-3533) including 5.39% CuEq over 14.00 m (1.11% Cu, 8.85% Zn, 4.98% Pb, 8.37 g/t Ag & 0.12 g/t Au) over (0.46% Cu, 2.05% Zn, 1.00% Pb, 5.61 g/t Ag & 0.10 g/t Au) from 68 m below surface (hole H-24-3533) 2.00% CuEq over 78.00 m (0.61% Cu, 2.93% Zn, 1.35% Pb, 4.74 g/t Ag & 0.06 g/t Au) from surface (H-24-3532) including 2.96% CuEq over 22.00 m (0.95% Cu, 4.31% Zn, 1.81% Pb, 7.01 g/t Ag & 0.09 g/t Au) over (0.61% Cu, 2.93% Zn, 1.35% Pb, 4.74 g/t Ag & 0.06 g/t Au) from surface (H-24-3532) Previously announced 2024 Buchans drilling results (November 13, 2024 news release) also include: 2.58% CuEq over 60.25 m (0.74% Cu, 3.92% Zn, 1.16% Pb, 11.5 g/t Ag & 0.16 g/t Au) from surface (H-24-3531), including 3.71% CuEq over 26.00 m (0.95% Cu, 6.13% Zn, 1.63% Pb, 13.9 g/t Ag & 0.20 g/t Au) 0.97% CuEq over 121.45 m (0.41% Cu, 1.08% Zn, 0.54% Pb, 4.41 g/t Ag & 0.04 g/t Au) (H-24-3527) These results expand the known mineralization at depth and laterally and will be included in updates to the resource estimate at the Lundberg deposit, the largest and most advanced copper-zinc-lead deposit within the Central Newfoundland Mining District. Chris Pennimpede, President and CEO of Canterra, commented: "We are thrilled with these results that further confirm the Lundberg Deposit as a foundational asset for long-term development of the district. These results also highlight the copper content of this open pit resource located on a brownfield site, with excellent infrastructure and situated favourably within a mining-friendly jurisdiction. Canterra's goal is to grow its current critical minerals resource base to over 40 million tonnes and we look forward to expanding our exploration efforts in the near term towards discovery of new high-grade resources comparable to the project's historical production that established Buchans as one of the world's highest grade VMS mining districts." Drilling - Key Points: H-24-3533 extends near-surface mineralization from a depth of approximately 68 metres ("m") below surface to approximately 240 m below surface, extending stockwork mineralization approximately 60 m below the 2019 pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate and approximately 25 m northeast of previous resource drilling. H-24-3532 was collared approximately 25 m north of hole H-24-3531 to further test the Lundberg deposit in an area of mine infrastructure where historical drilling is limited and assay records are incomplete. This hole collared in mineralization at a depth of 4 m and extended higher grade stockwork sulphide mineralization to a vertical depth of approximately 80 m, extending assay information approximately 25 m north of previous resource drilling. Results from this drill hole are also expected to support future resource modelling. Table 1. Assay Highlights. Previously released assays in italics (November 13, 2024). CuEq (revised) as per metal prices of November 25, 2024. See notes at end of release. Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m) Cu% Zn% Pb% Ag g/t Au g/t CuEq (%) Comments H-24-3533 68.00 173.00 105.00 0.46 2.05 1.00 5.61 0.102 1.53 Lundberg incl. 83.00 124.00 41.00 0.79 3.83 1.82 8.05 0.172 2.73 " " incl. 96.00 110.00 14.00 1.11 8.85 4.98 8.37 0.122 5.39 " " and 141.00 173.00 32.00 0.35 1.07 0.56 3.18 0.039 0.90 " " and 228.00 236.95 8.95 1.04 0.06 0.06 2.71 0.072 1.18 " " H-24-3532 4.00 82.00 78.00 0.61 2.93 1.35 4.74 0.060 2.00 Lundberg incl. 5.00 65.00 60.00 0.71 3.47 1.58 5.47 0.067 2.35 " " incl. 16.00 49.00 33.00 0.82 4.01 1.76 6.08 0.078 2.70 " " incl. 22.00 44.00 22.00 0.95 4.31 1.81 7.01 0.091 2.96 " " incl. 32.00 35.00 3.00 0.94 8.52 3.68 7.80 0.122 4.82 " " H-24-3531 0.75 61.00 60.25 0.74 3.92 1.16 11.50 0.159 2.58 Lundberg incl. 4.00 60.00 56.00 0.74 4.15 1.23 10.74 0.139 2.65 " " incl. 6.00 32.00 26.00 0.95 6.13 1.63 13.94 0.204 3.71 " " incl. 46.00 54.00 8.00 0.53 3.14 1.11 7.83 0.037 1.94 " " H-24-3530 abandoned in old workings H-24-3529 270.10 272.10 2.00 0.04 0.39 0.26 6.9 0.054 0.36 Two Level horizon and 318.25 331.25 13.00 0.07 0.36 0.19 1.7 0.057 0.31 Lundberg H-24-3528 96.50 99.80 3.30 0.04 0.62 0.30 8.4 0.082 0.48 Lundberg incl. 97.30 98.80 1.50 0.06 1.04 0.52 13.5 0.139 0.80 " " H-24-3527 67.55 189.00 121.45 0.41 1.08 0.54 4.4 0.035 0.97 Lundberg incl. 67.85 81.00 13.15 1.76 1.69 1.01 13.4 0.077 2.76 " " incl. 137.00 147.00 10.00 0.27 2.83 1.20 4.2 0.041 1.56 " " and 239.70 240.40 0.70 4.23 1.46 0.15 9.7 0.077 4.93 " " H-24-3381EXT 133.00 145.00 12.00 0.23 0.46 0.32 1.6 0.022 0.49 Lundberg incl. 135.00 144.00 9.00 0.26 0.54 0.41 1.8 0.021 0.57 " " Buchans Project The Buchans Project is an advanced critical minerals project that hosts a significant undeveloped mineral resource adjacent to the past producing Buchans Mine. This brownfield project covers 83.25 square kilometres near the town of Buchans and includes the past producing Buchans Mine operated by Asarco from 1928 to 1984. The project's undeveloped resource, the Lundberg deposit, is a VMS stockwork sulphide deposit comprising a large, near-surface resource located beneath and adjacent to workings of the previously mined, high-grade Lucky Strike massive sulphide orebody. At Lucky Strike, Asarco is reported to have mined 5.6 million tonnes(4) of high-grade ore averaging 18.4% Zn, 8.6% Pb, 1.6% Cu, 112 g/t Ag & 1.7 g/t Au. Lucky Strike's historic production is a significant portion of the former Buchans Mine's past production that is reported to have totaled 16.2 million tonnes(4) at an average grade of 14.5% Zn, 7.6% Pb, 1.3% Cu, 1.37 g/t Au & 126 g/t Ag mined from five orebodies. Lundberg Deposit The Lundberg copper-zinc-lead deposit includes In-pit Indicated Mineral Resources containing 156 million pounds Cu, 566 million pounds Zn, 237 million pounds Pb, 3.1 million ounces Ag, & 37,000 ounces Au as well as In-pit Inferred Mineral Resources totaling 380,000 tonnes containing 3.0 million pounds Cu, 17 million pounds Zn, 9 million pounds Pb, 270,000 ounces Ag, & 38,000 ounces Au) and assigns 97.8% of the In-Pit resources to the Indicated category. Table 2: Lundberg Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate - Effective Date: February 28, 2019 NSR Cut-off ($US/t) Category Tonnes Cu % Zn % Pb % Ag g/t Au g/t NSR ($US/t) 20 Indicated 16,790,000 0.42 1.53 0.64 5.69 0.07 54.98 Inferred 380,000 0.36 2.03 1.01 22.35 0.31 72.95 Mineral Resources were prepared in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (MRMR) (2014) and CIM MRMR Best Practice Guidelines (2019). Mineral Resources are defined within an optimized pit shell with pit slope angles of 45 and an overall 2.9:1 strip ratio (waste: mineralized material) Price assumptions used were US$1.20 /lb Zn, US$1.00 /lb Pb, US$3.00 /lb Cu, US$1250 /oz Au, and US$17 /oz Ag. Metallurgical recoveries to concentrates are based on the "Centralized Milling of Newfoundland Base Metal Deposits - Bench Scale DMS and Flotation Test Program" (Thibault & Associates Inc., 2017). Metal recoveries are 83.0% Cu, 13.3% Au, and 7.84% Ag in the copper concentrate, 84.3% Pb, 10.5% Au, and 50.3% Ag in the lead concentrate, and 87.2% Zn, 8.28% Au, and 14.8% Ag in the zinc concentrate. Net Smelter Return (NSR) $US/t values were determined by calculating the value of each Mineral Resource model block using an NSR calculator. The NSR calculator uses the stated metal pricing, metallurgical recoveries to concentrates, concentrate payable factors and current shipping and smelting terms for similar concentrates. Pit optimization parameters include: mining at $3 US per tonne, processing at $15 US per tonne, and G&A at $2 US per tonne (total $20 US per tonne). Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off value of $20 US/t NSR within the optimized pit shell and is considered to reflect reasonable prospects for economic extraction by open pit mining methods. Mineral Resources were interpolated using Inverse Distance Squared methods applied to 1.5 m downhole assay composites. Results of an interpolated Inverse Distance Squared bulk density model (g/cm3) were applied. Mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resource tonnages have been rounded to the nearest 10,000. Totals may vary due to rounding. Figure 1. Canterra's Central Newfoundland Mining District properties. Figure 2. 2024 drill collar locations relative to limits of Lundberg stockwork mineralization (projected vertically to surface). Newfoundland and Labrador Junior Exploration Assistance Canterra gratefully acknowledges the financial support it may receive from the Junior Exploration Assistance Program in relation to the Company's Buchans drilling program. QA/QC Protocols Core and rock samples, including standards, blanks and duplicates, were submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. in Springdale, Newfoundland for preparation and analyses. All samples were acquired by saw-cut (NQ drill core) with one-half retained for reference and one-half submitted for analyses. Samples were submitted in sealed plastic bags delivered by Canterra personnel to Eastern's assay laboratory, an accredited assay lab conforming to ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Samples were analyzed using the Au (Fire assay) 30g + ICP-34 method utilizing a 200 mg subsample dissolved in four acids and analyzed by the ICP-OES analytical technique. Over-limits for Cu, Pb, Zn and Ag were analyzed using the atomic absorption method where a 0.200 g to 2.00 g sub-sample was digested with three acids. Eastern Analytical Ltd. achieved ISO 17025 accreditation in February 2014 (for more details on the scope of accreditation visit the CALA website). Canterra also routinely submits representative pulps prepared by Eastern to ALS Geochemistry's laboratory in Moncton New Brunswick as additional independent check assays. Qualified Person Paul Moore MSc. P.Geo. (NL), Vice President of Exploration for Canterra Minerals Corporation, a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the technical disclosure in this news release for accuracy and either prepared or supervised its preparation. About Canterra Minerals Canterra is a diversified minerals exploration company focused on critical minerals and gold in central Newfoundland. The Company's projects include six mineral deposits located in close proximity to the world-renowned, past producing Buchans mine and Teck Resources' Duck Pond mine that collectively produced copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold. Several of Canterra's deposits support current and historical Mineral Resource Estimates prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves current at their respective effective dates. Canterra's gold projects are located on-trend of Calibre Mining's Valentine mine currently under construction and cover a ~60 km extension of the same structural corridor that hosts mineralization within Calibre's mine project. Past drilling by Canterra and others within the Company's gold projects intersected multiple occurrences of orogenic style gold mineralization within a large land position that remains underexplored. Notes: (1) True widths estimated to be a minimum of 90% of reported core lengths. Copper equivalents (CuEq) based on total contained copper and metal prices as of November 25, 2024 (Cu - US$4.09/lb, Zn - US$1.37/lb, Pb - US$0.91/lb, Ag - US$30.31/oz and Au - US$2,625.71/oz). (2) Copper Equivalent % = Cu% + ((Pb% * 22.046 * Pb Rec.* Pb price) + (Zn% * 22.046 * Zn Rec. * Zn price) + (Ag g/t/31.10348 * Ag Rec. * Ag price) + (Au g/t/31.10348 * Au Rec. * Au Price))/(Cu Price * 22.046 * Cu Rec.). Metal recoveries are assumed to be 100% (Rec.) (3) Lundberg mineral resource details available in Technical Report titled: "NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate on the Lundberg Deposit, Buchans Area, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada"; dated May 16, 2024, effective date March 12, 2024; prepared by Matthew Harrington, P.Geo., of Mercator Geological Services, an independent QP as defined under NI 43-101 (report available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or the Company's website at www.canterraminerals.com). (4) Past production figures from Kirkham, R.V., ed., 1987, Buchans Geology, Newfoundland. Geological Survey of Canada, Paper 86-24, 288 p. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF CANTERRA MINERALS CORPORATION Chris Pennimpede President & CEO 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 press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements with respect to estimated mineral resources, the opening of avenues for substantial discoveries within the belt, the Buchans Project being ripe for a modern approach with significant exploration potential for high grade VMS mineralization, the Company anticipating being strongly positioned to unveil the next mineral discovery in central Newfoundland. 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 discusses 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 statements. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects.; as well as those risks and uncertainties identified and reported in the Company's public filings under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. TORONTO, Dec. 2, 2024 /CNW/ - Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV: PNPN) (OTCBB: PNPNF) (Frankfurt: IVV) is pleased to present a thorough exploration update on its discovery of the Lion Zone at its Nisk Project near Nemaska Quebec. The Company is also pleased to be publishing the drill assay database to date for the Lion Zone on the company's website. Based on assays reported to the market to date, the Lion Zone has been intercepted across a strike length of 550 meters. This mineralized zone is adjacent to an ultra mafic rock unit that outcrops at surface for 1.8 kilometers. So far as part of the winter drill program, the Company has been drilling west of the established 550 meters of strike length, stepping out at 150 meter increments. Already drilled with assays pending are holes 76, 78, 79, 80, 81 along the western strike extension (see Figure 1 below). The purpose of these holes was to test the potential continuation of the Lion Zone to the west and the plunging nature of the deposit along strike. Figure 1 below is a plan view showing the current lateral extent of the zone against the overall strike length of the ultramafic unit, to which mineralization is associated. The semi-massive to massive chalcopyrite-rich mineralized zone appears to be plunging with a rake of 45 degrees to the west; implying that the vertical extent of the zone is equivalent to its lateral extent. Based on the core logging from those holes, and the correlation so far in 2024 between core logging and eventual assays, the Company decided to collar Hole 80 to the west of Holes PN-24-074 and PN-24-075 by 150 meters to test further extension of the Lion Zone. Power Nickel CEO Terry Lynch comments, "The Lion Zone has been one of the most compelling base metal discoveries in the past year all around the world, as shown by both the caliber of talent attracted to the project like Dr. Steve Beresford and the new investors we have welcomed as shareholders. Our exploration team has used an array of tools including downhole EM to track this mineralized area over 550 metres and its open to the east and west and at depth. Our 30,000 metre drill program is incorporating all these scientific insights into future drilling efforts. We have two drills rolling on Lion now and a third is being added after Christmas. In the past we have shared core photos of holes before assays were reported because our exploration team believed that visual core logging was allowing them to determine where to place the next set of holes before receiving assays. The assays have backed up that assumption year to date so far. I am thrilled we have successfully stepped out an additional 150 meters to further test the potential of the Lion zone." The Lion Zone Exploration Process All drill holes at the Lion Zone are planned to answer some specific questions about the zone continuity, and/or to test areas that have shown favourable signs to be hosting new mineralized zone in the vicinity of the initial discovery. Core logging is the basis for the 3D litho-structural model being developed internally. The model compiles all information being gathered and aims to become part of the tools being used in targeting. The semi-massive to massive and stringers nature of the Lion Zone, combined with its particular mineralogy makes it something that can be "detected" by the appropriate geophysical tools. Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) deployed by FLEET Technology is an indirect way to obtain information on the rock density contrasts, from which the contact between two distinct rock masses can be deduced. Airborne EM Surveys are particularly useful to detect the electro-electromagnetic properties of the massive sulfides. Ground EM is in final stages of collection and analysis. Downhole EM is now routinely used to detect massive sulfides 'off hole'. The EM surveys are being paired with a renewed focus on geochemistry, utilizing Dr. Beresford's experience with geochemistry in polymetallic systems, help defining "a location within the system", and therefore to be in a better position to interpret favourable target areas, by using such geochemistry vectors. In polymetallic systems, a 3-end members metallic zonation can be observed (and explained from a chemical point of view). The zonation involves a Nickel-rich component, evolving towards a Copper-rich component, while a noble metal component also interacts in the mix at different stages. "It's been an exciting time for the exploration team. GeoVector has done a great job executing on the ground as we manage the many facets of the program. Dr. Steve Beresford has successfully implemented into our regimen the critical importance of downhole EM and we have gained a terrific amount of data on the structure of the mineralized zone giving us high confidence on our next exploration moves. It is exciting to have developed an understanding of the mineral system in 2024 and look forward to sunlighting the full potential of the Lion Zone in 2025." commented Ken Williamson, VP Exploration of Power Nickel. The 2025 Winter Exploration Program The first priority of the winter exploration at the Lion Zone, the plan is to drill west of the existing strike length followed by the eastern extension and at depth. By tackling the near surface potential lateral extensions, successful hits would equate to expanding the top portion of Lion Zone, or to the discovery of a new near surface zone. Misses near surface aren't ruling out the presence of mineralization deeper, the same mechanisms leading to genesis of the Lion Zone are hypothesized to have been at play all along the ultramafic "sheet", and as all holes as now "EM-surveyed", this approach will also cover the presence of any potential EM anomalies as far down as the range allowed by the survey too. On the regional front, the plan is to conduct a scout drilling program between Nisk and Lion with relatively short holes and using the downhole EM surveys as a guide for deeper drilling. Across the entire Nisk Project, the Company would expect to complete the 30,000 metres of drilling in the winter program by end of April. Figure 2 below is a Longitudinal view across the Lion Zone Area, presenting the location of Lion Zone against the ultramafic extent. Figure 3 following presents 4 cross-sections along with the position of 5 representative intersections. QAQC and Sampling GeoVector Management Inc ("GeoVector") is the Consulting company retained to perform the actual drilling program, which includes core logging and sampling of the drill core. All samples were submitted to and analyzed at Activation Laboratories Ltd ("Actlabs"), an independent commercial laboratory for both the sample preparation and assaying. Actlabs is a commercial laboratory independent of Power Nickel with no interest in the Project. Actlabs is an ISO 9001 and 17025 certified and accredited laboratories. Samples submitted through Actlabs are run through standard preparation methods and analysed using RX-1 (Dry, crush (< 7 kg) up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g) and pulverize (mild steel) to 95% passing 105 m) preparation methods, and using 1F2 (ICP-OES) and 1C-OES - 4-Acid near total digestion + Gold-Platinum-Palladium analysis and 8-Peroxide ICP-OES, for regular and over detection limit analysis. Pegmatite samples are analyzed using UT7 - Li up to 5%, Rb up to 2% method. Actlabs also undertake their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. GeoVector's QAQC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results. The results presented in the current Press Release are complete within the mineralized intervals, but results are still pending for the top portion of both holes reported. QAQC and data validation was performed on these portions of the holes where assays are fully integrated, and no material error were observed. Qualified Person Kenneth Williamson, Geo, M.Sc., VP Exploration at Power Nickel, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. About Power Nickel Inc. Power Nickel is a Canadian exploration company focusing on developing the High-Grade Nickel Copper PGM, Gold and Silver Nisk project into potentially Canada's next poly metallic mine. On February 1, 2021, Power Nickel (then called Chilean Metals) completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE: TSXV). The NISK property comprises a large land position (20 kilometres of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding the high-grade nickel-copper PGM, Gold and Silver mineralization with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone, the Lion discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential poly metallic deposits. In addition to the Nisk project, Power Nickel owns significant land packages in British Colombia and Chile. Power Nickel is expected to finalize the reorganization of these assets in a related vehicle through a plan of arrangement. To obtain Power Nickel's Corporate Presentation, please use the following link: http://powernickel.com/corporate_presentation.pdf For further information, readers are encouraged to contact: Power Nickel Inc. The Canadian Venture Building 82 Richmond St East, Suite 202 Toronto, ON Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor it's Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This message contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "indicates," "opportunity," "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, among others; raising sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward; to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of nickel and other metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if accepted, to obtain such licenses and approvals in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the applicable project; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 2, 2024) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to release the Company's financial results for Q1 FY 2025, and announces that the Company has entered into an agreement to amend certain terms and draw down a further USD $4,000,000 ("Tranche 3") of its Senior Secured Financing Facility (the "Financing Facility") provided by Nebari. Financial Highlights Q1-FY25 During the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, the Company achieved the following: Mine operating income of CAD$1,529,978 Record revenue of CAD$10,468,452 3,129 ounces (oz) of gold sold, and 1,093 oz of silver sold Average realized gold selling price of CAD$3,332 per oz Cost of sales per gold oz of CAD$2,843 (net of silver revenue) Mine Operations Highlights Q1-FY25 During the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, the Company achieved the following mining physicals: Total 54,829 tonnes mined 21,852 tonnes of waste mined 32,977 tonnes of mineralized material mined at average grade of approximately 4.83 Au g/t Total capital development of 283 meters Total operating development of 666 meters Decline advancement of 163 meters and vertical development of 155 meters Mine production during the quarter was impacted by mine equipment availability in July and August as two underground loaders and a single boom jumbo were out of service for repairs. A new underground loader arrived on site in September resulting in improved equipment availability. Despite the mine equipment utilization issues, the mine was still able to deliver 32,977 tonnes of mineralized materials at 4.83 g/t Au, including 28,922 tonnes of mineralized materials at 5.16 Au g/t and 4,055 tonnes of lower grade mineralized materials at 2.46 Au g/t. The Company will stockpile the lower grade materials (mineralized materials below 3 Au g/t) with the intention of feeding the lower grade mineralized materials once the mill expansion has been completed and excess milling capacity is available. In the near term, the Company will continue to add mining equipment to improve equipment availability and invest in critical mine infrastructure projects such as the raise bore and mine ventilation project which started in October 2024 and scheduled for completion in January 2025. Pilot Plant Operations Highlights Q1-FY25 During the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, the Company achieved the following mill physicals: 31,391 tonnes of mineralized material processed at an average head grade of 4.6 Au g/t Record 3,639 oz of gold recovered 2,889 oz gold dore poured 3,129 oz gold refined and sold Overall 78.2% recovery achieved for the quarter Record 81.3% recovery achieved in September 81 days of mill operations in the quarter 11 days of mill downtime, including 9 days for scheduled mill maintenance Approximately 1,889 oz of mineralized material (primarily gold) was retained within the mill circuit as in process store of metal as of September 30, 2024, with an additional 112 oz of gold dore stored in inventory. Mill production during the quarter was impacted by a scheduled nine-day mill maintenance shutdown in July 2024, which was conducted to maintain and upgrade the Tuvatu processing plant facilities. These upgrades will have a significant impact on processing efficiency and cost savings moving forward. Major upgrades completed during the shutdown include re-lining the primary ball mill with rubber liners, replacing the bowl/mantle for the cone crusher, replacing the #1 conveyor belt, replacing the grinding and gravity circuit piping with flexible slurry hoses, and installing new detox feed pumps and feed splitter box for the detox circuit. Despite the down time from July, the Company nevertheless achieved a record quarterly gold production of 3,639 oz recovered for the three-month period ending September 30, 2024. This marks three consecutive quarters of record production during the pilot plant phase of operations at Tuvatu. The Company advises that it has not based its current mine development plan on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability, and as a result there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level either of the recovery of minerals or of the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit. Drilling Highlights Q1-FY25 Lion One has a total of five drills currently operating at Tuvatu. Three drills are located underground and are engaged in grade control and infill drilling, while two drills are located on surface, engaged in near mine exploration, extension, and infill drilling. During the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, the Company completed 9,809.9 meters of diamond drilling in 65 completed holes, with a further 5 drill holes still in progress. September 2024 Quarter Exploration Summary Activity Number # of drill holes completed 65 # of drill holes in progress at end of Quarter 5 # of meters drilled 9,809.9 # of drill core samples submitted for analysis 13,984 # of channels excavated and sampled 164 # of samples from channel sampling 1,701 # of surface rock chip samples collected 96 # of samples analyzed in Lion One Laboratory 20,748 On October 1, 2024, the Company reported significant new high-grade gold results from near-mine exploration and infill drilling at the West Zone target, located 300 m to the west of to the Tuvatu Gold Mine in Fiji. Highlights of West Zone exploration and infill drilling: 105.20 g/t Au over 2.1 m (including 248.35 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-636, from 67.8 m depth) 70.07 g/t Au over 2.1 m (including 73.43 g/t Au over 1.2 m) (TUDDH-647, from 144.5 m depth) 102.38 g/t Au over 1.2 m (TUDDH-645, from 97.7 m depth) 19.82 g/t Au over 5.1 m (including 68.88 g/t Au over 0.9 m) (TUDDH-636, from 34.5 m depth) 146.61 g/t Au over 0.6 m (including 289.85 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-645, from 164.3 m depth) 24.16 g/t Au over 3.3 m (including 96.78 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-652, from 173.5 m depth) 49.72 g/t Au over 0.8 m (including 78.61 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TUDDH-755, from 52.94 m depth) 42.44 g/t Au over 1.8 m (including 61.66 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (TUDDH-636, from 60.6 m depth) 7.68 g/t Au over 4.2 m (including 28.63 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-645, from 142.4 m depth) 14.86 g/t Au over 2.0 m (TUDDH-636, from 228.8 m depth) *All drill intersects are downhole lengths, 3.0 g/t cutoff. Subsequent to the quarter end, on November 12, 2024, the Company reported that development of a new near-surface roscoelite-bearing high-grade gold zone had commenced at Tuvatu. Roscoelite is a rare green to black vanadium bearing mica mineral, the presence of which is a defining characteristic of alkaline gold systems such as Tuvatu. It is directly associated with higher-grade gold occurrences and as such it is an important indicator mineral in these systems. An initial bulk sample of the near-surface roscoelite zone at Tuvatu returned 11.6 g/t gold from 861 tonnes of mineralized materials mined at full mining widths. The Company is enhancing its mine plan with this gold-rich roscoelite material, which is already being processed through the pilot plant. Roscoelite veining is directly related to high-grade gold mineralization at the nearby Vatukoula gold mine in Fiji where over 7 million ounces of gold have been produced over the last 95 years. Roscoelite is also observed in association with gold mineralization at the Porgera gold mine in PNG, which has been a top ten ranked gold mine globally and which has produced over 25 million ounces of gold. Vatukoula and Porgera are both alkaline gold systems similar to Tuvatu. At Porgera, the most economically significant veins are the Stage II quartz-roscoelite-pyrite veins with native gold, found in the Roamane fault zone. Similar Stage II quartz-roscoelite-pyrite veins are also observed in the new near-surface roscoelite zone at Tuvatu. Nebari Tranche 3 Draw Down In addition to releasing the quarterly financial results, the Company also announces that it has entered into an agreement to amend certain terms and drawn down a further USD $4,000,000 ("Tranche 3") of its Senior Secured Financing Facility (the "Financing Facility") provided by Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP, Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund I, LP, and Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund II, LP (collectively, "Nebari"), previously announced on January 13, 2023 and January 2, 2024. Including the gross up for the original issue discount, Tranche 3 represents a further US$4,347,826 of principal under the Financing Facility. Proceeds from the Financing Facility have to date facilitated construction and commissioning of the Company's 100% owned Tuvatu Gold Mine in Fiji, and Tranche 3 will facilitate investments as part of a Mine Enhancement Plan to stabilise and increase current production and prepare the mine to support future expansion of the process plant. The Company has now fully drawn down the Financing Facility. In addition to amending the terms of the Financing Facility to facilitate drawing down Tranche 3, the Company amended certain reporting covenants. Interest on the first USD $23 million drawn in Tranche 1 of the Facility remains at 8% (plus three-month SOFR), and amortization is on the Maturity Date 42 months from the original closing date, and no closing fees were payable. The USD $8 million drawn under Tranche 2 was subject to an 8% original issue discount and interest remains at 10% plus SOFR, with progressive amortization over 42 months from the Tranche 2 funding date, and closing fees equal to 2% of the amount funded. The USD $4 million drawn under Tranche 3 is subject to an 8% original issue discount and interest is 10% plus SOFR, with progressive amortization over 6 months from 30 June 2025, with closing fees equal to 2% of the amounts funded. In connection with the drawdown of Tranche 3, the Company has agreed to issue Nebari an aggregate of 4,142,759 common shares in the capital of the Company as a loan bonus in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company has also agreed to amend the exercise price of the 15,333,087 share purchase warrants issued to Nebari as part of the Financing Facility to an exercise price of $0.38 per warrant. All other terms of the warrants remain the same, including the acceleration provision that requires Nebari to exercise the warrants that can be triggered upon the volume weighted average price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange being in excess of 200% of the exercise price of the warrants on each of 20 consecutive trading days. The issuance of the share loan bonus and amendment of share purchase warrants is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Competent Persons Statement The information in this report that relates to mineral exploration at the Tuvatu Gold Project is based on information compiled by the Lion One team and reviewed by Melvyn Levrel, who is the company's Senior Geologist. Mr Levrel is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration, and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' (JORC code). Mr Levrel consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on the information in the form and context in which it appears. Mr. Patrick Hickey, P. Eng., MBA, who is an officer of the Company, is a Qualified Person under the meaning of Canadian National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for the development and engineering content of this report. Lion One Laboratories / QAQC Lion One adheres to rigorous QAQC procedures above and beyond basic regulatory guidelines in conducting its drilling, sampling, testing, and analyses. The Company operates its own geochemical assay laboratory and its own fleet of diamond drill rigs using PQ, HQ and NQ sized drill rods. Diamond drill core samples are logged and split by Lion One personnel on site and delivered to the Lion One Laboratory for preparation and analysis. All samples are pulverized at the Lion One lab to 85% passing through 75 microns and gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that return grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are re-analyzed by gravimetric method, which is considered more accurate for very high-grade samples. Duplicates of 5% of samples with grades above 0.5 g/t Au are delivered to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia for check assay determinations using the same methods (Au-AA26 and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61). The Lion One lab can test a range of up to 71 elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 23 important pathfinder elements with an aqua regia digest and ICP-OES finish. About Lion One Metals Limited Lion One Metals is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver BC, with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Walter Berukoff, Chairman & CEO Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility or the adequacy or accuracy of this release This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. 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 Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries 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: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Accelerated Mining and Stacking Activities at Santana Gold Project Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 2, 2024) - Minera Alamos Inc. (TSXV: MAI) (the "Company" or "Minera Alamos") is pleased to provide an operations update and select financial highlights from the third quarter of 2024. For a full overview please refer to the Q3 Financial Statements and MD&A filed on sedarplus.ca on November 29th, 2024. "The third quarter was our first full quarter of production from the Nicho Main Deposit and efforts are focused on expanding working areas in the new pit to allow for increased mining and stacking rates which continue to accelerate and are now approaching 2022 levels. In addition, we have initiated the construction of the first phase of leach pad expansion at the project which will further assist in the operational efficiencies. As the lag between mining and stacking and subsequent gold leaching recovery closes, we anticipate an improvement in the financial performance of the Santana operations as we progress later in Q4 and into 2025," stated Darren Koningen, CEO. "In parallel with the progress at Santana, the last few months have seen the Company announce a significant planned acquisition of Sabre Gold Mines and its flagship Copperstone gold mine in Arizona alongside a modest financing which ensures sufficient operational flexibility during a period of significant growth for the Company. We believe both moves are positive developments for the Company and its shareholders as we prepare for a busy 2025 with development activity on multiple fronts at Santana, Cerro de Oro and Copperstone." Q3 Operational Summary and Q4 Outlook The third quarter of 2024 represented the first full quarter of the restart in mining operations at the Santana gold project's Nicho Main Zone. The focus of the new mine plan was primarily to open up the areas of operation at the new pit so that mining and stacking activities can be increased at the Santana mine. In the Q3 period this led to 3,800 ounces of mined gold being stacked on the leach pad from the new Nicho Main Zone pit, surpassing the total mined and stacked gold for the entire 2023 year. As of September 30, 2024, recoverable gold inventory on the leach pad totaled 8,199 ounces, an increase of 2,041 ounces of recoverable gold since June 30, 2024, net of the gold produced and sold. Subsequent to the quarter end, mining and stacking activities continued to increase with a total of 1,788 ounces mined in the month of October, of which 1,585 ounces were stacked on the heap leach pad with the remainder stockpiled for crushing prior to placement on the heap leach pad. Total mining rates approached our baseline target of 7,000 tpd (waste and mineralized material) during October, as the benefits of the expanded mining fleet were realized and the pit areas available for equipment access continued to increase. Projections for mining rates in November are trending at a similar level. The average grade of mineralized material mined during Q3-2024 (and October) was 0.60 g/t which remains in-line with forecast levels. The overall strip ratio for Q3-2024 was 1.84:1 waste/mineralized material. The Company anticipates beginning the Phase 2 leach pad expansion at Santana towards the end of Q4 which will increase the area available for site leaching operations by 40%. This leach pad expansion will allow for more efficient leaching activities as the ramp up of mining operations continues into 2025 with a better separation of the active leaching areas from the stacking of newly mined material. The larger Phase 3 pad expansion is awaiting Permit Amendment approval and will allow the Company to execute on the larger future planned expansion of activities at Santana. In August, the Company made the final payment as part of its Cerro de Oro gold project acquisition. With the US$1,000,000 cash payment and 500,000 share issuance having been made, the Company is now the 100% owner of the royalty-free Cerro de Oro gold project which is currently being permitted for construction. On October 28, 2024, the Company announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement whereby the Company will acquire all the issued and outstanding shares of Sabre Gold Mines Corp. pursuant to a plan of arrangement ("Transaction") ( see news release dated October 28, 2024 ). The proposed acquisition adds a complementary low capital intensity gold development project that could be brought back in to production around the beginning of 2026 running in parallel with the plans for Santana and Cerro de Oro in Mexico. Subsequent to September 30, 2024, the Company and Auramet have amended the loan facility agreement to extend the term of the maturity date from October 30, 2024 to November 29, 2024 and that if the Company determines that it will extend the term of the remaining loan facility by six months the standby payment of USD$400,000, subject to TSXV approval may be made with the issuance of the Company's common shares. As of September 30, 2024, the Company is currently carrying the loan facility as a current liability. This extension would have recorded $3,600,000 of current portion of debt as long-term debt, increasing the Company's working capital position as at September 30, 2024. Given a shift in sentiment and expectations that the new Mexican administration will begin to work through the industry-wide permitting slowdowns from recent years, the Company anticipates extending the Auramet loan and is working on refinancing options for the loan outstanding. On November 20, 2024 the Company announced that it has entered into an agreement with National Bank Financial Inc. as lead underwriter and bookrunner, and on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively, the "Underwriters"), pursuant to which the Underwriters will purchase 28,333,000 common shares (the "Shares") of the Company at a price of C$0.30 (the "Offering Price") per Common Share, on a "bought deal" private placement basis, with a right to arrange for substituted purchasers, pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption ("LIFE"), for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of approximately C$8.5 million (the "Offering"). The Company has also granted NBF an option exercisable at any time up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Offering, to purchase for placement up to an additional 5,000,000 Shares at the Offering Price, for additional gross proceeds of up to C$1.5 million. The private placement is expected to close on December 5th, 2024. Selected Financial Data: The following selected financial data is summarized from the Company's Interim Unaudited Financial Statements and related notes thereto (the "Financial Statements') for the quarter ended September 30th, 2024, and the Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the quarter ended September 30th, 2024 (all numbers in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated). A copy of the Financial Statements and MD&A is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While much of the Q3 activity was mining focused, the Company recorded deferred revenue of $3,453,562 in exchange for the sale of 1,000 ounces of gold, which had been extracted from the Santana gold mine leach pad and is undergoing further refinement. The Company will record the deferred revenue as revenue in early Q4, which will have a positive $1,738,017 impact on the working capital position of the Company (which reflects the net positive difference of the deferred revenue being extinguished from current liabilities and the corresponding operating costs associated with the gold sold in the work-in-progress inventory). Loss from the re-start of mine operations of $436,177 compared to a loss of $273,314 in the corresponding quarter in 2023. The net loss for the quarter includes a significant non-realized foreign exchange loss ($8,172,207) on the Company's inter-company loans which is primarily due to the weakening of the Mexican peso during the quarter as compared to the Canadian dollar. The Company's functional currency and presentation currency is the Canadian dollar and the functional currency for its Mexican subsidiaries is the Mexican Peso. The unrealized (loss) or gain is associated with the Company's historical accumulated inter-company funding of its operating Mexican subsidiaries (to be repaid in the foreseeable future) which is sent in Canadian dollars and then converted to Mexican Pesos. The Mexican subsidiaries revalue the Mexican pesos at the end of each period generating a non-cash foreign exchange (loss) or gain. Cash and Cash Equivalents of $5,966,559 compared to $8,608,289 as at June 30 th , 2024. The drop in cash balance reflects primarily the increased mining and stacking activity in Q3 as well as non-recurring items including the final US$1,000,000 payment that has resulted in 100% ownership of the Cerro de Oro project. Both the Company's cash position and overall working capital will significantly improve upon closing of the $8.5 million bought deal private placement (outlined above) expected on Dec 5th, 2024 as well as from the adjustments noted elsewhere in this release. Cautionary Statement The Company made its production decision at the Santana gold mine without having completed a feasibility study demonstrating economic and technical viability. As such, there may be increased uncertainty of achieving planned production levels, estimated recovery of gold, the costs associated with such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit. Historically, such projects have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure. Mr. Darren Koningen, P. Eng., Minera Alamos' CEO, is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical content of this press release under National Instrument 43-101. About Minera Alamos Inc. Minera Alamos is a gold production and development Company. The Company has a portfolio of high-quality Mexican assets, including the 100%-owned Santana open-pit, heap-leach mine in Sonora that is currently going through the start-up of operations at the new Nicho Main deposit. The 100%-owned Cerro de Oro oxide gold project in northern Zacatecas has considerable past drilling and metallurgical work completed and the proposed mining project is currently being guided through the permitting process by the Company's permitting consultants. The La Fortuna open pit gold project in Durango (100%-owned) has a positive, robust preliminary economic assessment (PEA) completed, and the main Federal permits are in place. Minera Alamos is built around its operating team that together brought three open pit heap leach gold mines into successful production in Mexico over the last 14 years. The Company's strategy is to develop very low capex assets while expanding the projects' resources and continuing to pursue complementary strategic acquisitions. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking information and Minera Alamos cautions readers that forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations of Minera Alamos included in this news release. This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements", which often, but not always, can be identified by the use of words such as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". These statements are based on information currently available to Minera Alamos and Minera Alamos provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements include timing, cost estimates and statements with respect to Minera Alamos' future plans, objectives and goals with respect to the Cerro de Oro gold mine including the receipt of permits and construction timeline, and the satisfaction by the Company of the closing conditions to draw the Remaining Amount. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions that, by their very nature involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, the economics of processing methods, project development, reclamation and capital costs of Minera Alamos' mineral properties, the ability to complete a preliminary economic assessment which supports the technical and economic viability of mineral production could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons. Minera Alamos' financial condition and prospects could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: an inability to finance and/or complete an updated resource and reserve estimate and a preliminary economic assessment which supports the technical and economic viability of mineral production; changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with Minera Alamos' activities; and other matters discussed in this news release and in filings made with securities regulators. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of Minera Alamos' forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on Minera Alamos' forward-looking statements. Minera Alamos does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by Minera Alamos or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company does not have a feasibility study of mineral reserves, demonstrating economic and technical viability for the Santana project, and, as a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit. Historically, such projects have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure. 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. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 2, 2024) - Pasofino Gold Limited (TSXV: VEIN) (FSE: N07A) ("Pasofino" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has appointed Brett A. Richards, as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. With over 37 years of extensive experience in the mining and metals industry, Mr. Richards brings invaluable knowledge as Pasofino advances its strategic initiatives. As an accomplished mining executive, Mr. Richards has a proven track record in operational management, project development, construction, and corporate business development. Mr. Richards has held several CEO roles in West Africa and has led the construction and commissioning of three (3) mines in his career, two (2) of those mines are in West Africa, the third mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mr. Richards was most recently CEO of Goldshore Resources and remains a director and large shareholder. Mr. Richards also serves as a director on the boards of Nickel 28 Capital Corp., and Midnight Sun Mining. In addition to his appointment, the Company has granted Mr. Richards 1,000,000 incentive stock options under the Long-Term Incentive Plan. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.60 per option, are valid for a term of 18 months from the date of grant and will vest in equal installments over a 12-month period. Under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company, totaling 11,703,459 common shares, are reserved for issuance. The granting of the options is subject to regulatory approval. Chairman of Pasofino Dan Betts stated: "The Pasofino board of directors is pleased to make the announcement of the appointment of Brett Richards as its Chief Executive Officer. Brett joined the Pasofino board back in October 2024, to assist in leading the Company, and it is now important to appoint him to lead all matters in this regard. The board is eager to provide its full support to Brett over the coming months to achieve its objectives". Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Richards stated: "I am pleased to be named CEO of Pasofino so we can move the Company forward in a progressive and constructive manner". Warren Greenslade will revert to General Manager of the Dugbe Gold Project, based in country and at site. Mr. Greenslade has announced his intention to resign from the Company, effective January 31, 2025, to pursue other opportunities, and will work through a transition and handover over the forthcoming two (2) months. Mr. Richards commented: "On behalf of the Pasofino board of directors, we would like to thank Warren for his service and wish him well in his new endeavors." Closing of Final Tranche of Non-Brokered Private Placement The Company also announces the closing of the second and final tranche of its non-brokered private placement of units (the "Offering"), initially announced on October 4, 2024. The first tranche closed on October 30, 2024, with the Company issuing 4,770,767 units for gross proceeds of $3,339,537.20. The second and final tranche, completed on October 31, 2024, added 36,000 units for additional gross proceeds of $25,200. The Offering consisted of a non-brokered private placement of units ("Units") priced at $0.70 per Unit. Each Unit comprised one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitled the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.90 per share for a period of 18 months from the date of issuance. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a four-month hold period under applicable securities laws, expiring on March 1, 2025. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to advance the development of the Dugbe Gold Project and for general working capital purposes. The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. 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 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 any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. ABOUT THE DUGBE GOLD PROJECT The 2,078 km2 Dugbe Gold Project (the "Project") is in southern Liberia and situated within the southwestern corner of the Birimian Supergroup which is host to most West African gold deposits. To date, two deposits have been identified on the Project; Dugbe F and Tuzon discovered by Hummingbird in 2009 and 2011 respectively. The deposits are located within 4 km of the Dugbe Shear Zone which is thought to have played a role in large scale gold mineralization in the area. A significant amount of exploration in the area was conducted by Hummingbird up until 2012 including 74,497 m of diamond coring. Pasofino drilled an additional 14,584 m at Tuzon and Dugbe during 2021. These deposits have a combined Mineral Resource Estimates dated 17 November 2021 with total Measured and Indicated of 3.3 Moz with an average grade of 1.37 g/t Au, and 0.6 Moz in Inferred. Following the completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study in June 2022 a Mineral Reserve Estimate was declared, based on the open-pit mining of both deposits over a 14-year Life of Mine. A technical report for the Dugbe Gold Project was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 and filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and on the Company's website. In addition to the existing deposits there are many gold prospects within the Project including the Bukon Jedeh area and the DSZ target on the Tuzon-Sackor trend where Pasofino has discovered a broad zone of surface gold mineralisation in trench and outcrop along strike from Tuzon. At this and several of the other prospects no drilling has been carried out to date. In 2019, Hummingbird signed a 25-year Mineral Development Agreement ("MDA") with the Government of Liberia providing the necessary long-term framework and stabilization of taxes and duties. Under the terms of the MDA, the royalty rate on gold production is 3%, the income tax rate payable is 25% (with credit given for historic exploration expenditures), the fuel duty is reduced by 50%, and the Government of Liberia is granted a free carried interest of 10% in the Project. ABOUT PASOFINO GOLD LTD. Pasofino Gold Limited is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSXV (VEIN). Pasofino, through its wholly owned subsidiary, owns 100% of the Dugbe Gold Project (prior to the issuance of the Government of Liberia's 10% carried interest). Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking statements" that are based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterised by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "indicate", "may", "will", "should" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "could" or "might" occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding the ability to raise the funds to finance its ongoing business activities including the acquisition of mineral projects and the exploration and development of its projects. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to, the ability to execute its strategic initiatives; the ability to advance the Dugbe Gold Project; the ability to apply the proceeds as intended; the ability to obtain requisite regulatory approvals, including from the TSX Venture Exchange and relevant authorities; the results of exploration and business activities; fluctuations in commodity prices; geopolitical risks; the availability and timing of external financing on acceptable terms; operational and logistical challenges; and the risks outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR+. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stallion Uranium Corp. (the Company or Stallion) (TSX-V: STUD; OTCQB: STLNF; FSE: FE0) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Matthew Schwab as CEO of the Company effective November 29th, 2024. Mr. Schwab is an acclaimed exploration geologist and experienced executive located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where he has played pivotal roles in the discovery and development of multiple significant uranium deposits. Matthew Schwabs Career Highlights: Senior Exploration Geologist at NexGen Energy Ltd. where he was instrumental in the targeting and discovery of the Arrow uranium deposit in February of 2014. Member of the development team with Hathor Exploration Ltd., who contributed to the sale of the Roughrider deposit to Rio Tinto in January of 2012 for $654M. Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of Axiom Exploration Group Ltd., an international consulting firm focused on the provision of geological, geophysical, and environmental services to the mineral exploration and natural resources sectors. Former President, CEO, Senior Advisor, and Founder of multiple successful private consulting firms in the mineral exploration and E&P sectors of the Canadian mining and petroleum industries. More recently, President & CEO of Kraken Energy Corp., a CSE listed uranium exploration and development company where he successfully assembled a portfolio of high value uranium properties in the southern United States. Drew Zimmerman, outgoing CEO of Stallion Uranium said, Stallion pivoted into the uranium market two years ago with the conviction that uranium and nuclear power were going to see a renaissance unlike any other. Given that view, we established key landholdings in the underexplored southwestern Athabasca Basin and built on those initial claims through a JV with Atha Energy to hold the largest land package in the region with the sole focus of finding the next world class uranium deposit. The Stallion team has done incredible work to transform that land package from the unknown into 9 tier-one targets with incredible discovery potential. As Stallion moves into a more technical phase of exploration, Im excited to announce that Matthew Schwab, with a history of discovery in the basin, will lead the team to drive that exploration success! I look forward to supporting the Company in my new role as an active board member. Stallion extends its gratitude to Drew Zimmerman for his dedication and leadership over the past four years. His hard work and diligence have provided a strong foundation for the Company moving forward. Mr. Zimmerman will remain on the board of the Company, and Stallion wishes Mr. Zimmerman all the best in his future endeavors, knowing that he will bring his enthusiasm, vision, and expertise to bear wherever he goes. Matthew Schwab, Stallions incoming CEO and Director stated, With a continually growing and ever evolving worldwide uranium sector, I am excited for this opportunity to lead the team at Stallion Uranium and move back into the Athabasca Basin. I have great confidence that together with the group of professionals at Stallion, we can leverage our combined experience to take full advantage of our current land package while seizing new opportunities to become a leading exploration company in one of the worlds most prolific uranium districts. With surging demand and division of global supply, now is the time to move forward aggressively to provide Fuel for the Future with Uranium and Stallion Uranium is poised to make that vision a reality. About Stallion Uranium Corp. Stallion Uranium is working to Fuel the Future with Uranium through the exploration of roughly 2,700 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. For more information visit stallionuranium.com. On Behalf of the Board of Stallion Uranium Corp. Drew Zimmerman Director Corporate Office: 700 - 838 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 0A6 T: 778-686-0973 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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 contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, forward-looking statements) that relate to the Companys current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as will likely result, are expected to, expects, will continue, is anticipated, anticipates, believes, estimated, intends, plans, forecast, projection, strategy, objective and outlook) are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this material change report should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date they are made. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 2, 2024 /CNW/ - New Found Gold Corp. ("New Found" or the "Company") (TSXV: NFG) (NYSE-A: NFGC) is pleased to announce the results of the second phase of channel samples from the Keats Trench and an update on the Iceberg Trench at the Queensway Project ("Queensway"), located on the Trans-Canada Highway 15km west of Gander, Newfoundland. Keats Trench Phase II Highlights: Channel No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) True Width (%) Zone KM-24-01-32 1.75 8.90 7.15 14.78 85-95 Keats Trench Including 2.65 3.35 0.70 126.01 85-95 KM-24-01-35 0.00 3.90 3.90 10.37 80-90 Keats Trench Including 0.00 1.30 1.30 14.23 80-90 Including 3.35 3.90 0.55 22.49 80-90 KM-24-01-37 0.00 2.00 2.00 39.57 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.00 0.50 0.50 157.75 90-100 KM-24-01-39 0.00 2.80 2.80 11.53 90-100 Keats Trench Including 1.60 2.10 0.50 50.49 90-100 KM-24-01-43 5.90 10.55 4.65 10.25 75-85 Keats Trench Including 7.60 9.00 1.40 32.10 75-85 KM-24-01-45 0.00 4.95 4.95 73.63 85-95 Keats Trench Including 0.00 2.25 2.25 158.74 90-100 KM-24-01-47 0.80 3.10 2.30 26.85 90-100 Keats Trench Including 1.55 2.05 0.50 115.51 90-100 KM-24-01-48 0.75 5.60 4.85 12.19 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.75 1.55 0.80 64.37 90-100 KM-24-01-49 0.90 13.60 12.70 6.00 90-100 Keats Trench Including 1.30 1.85 0.55 111.22 90-100 KM-24-01-50 0.00 2.35 2.35 54.25 85-95 Keats Trench Including 0.55 1.60 1.05 120.76 85-95 KM-24-01-53 0.00 6.95 6.95 147.98 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.00 3.60 3.60 267.38 90-100 And Including 1.70 2.85 1.15 720.35 90-100 Including 6.30 6.95 0.65 93.66 90-100 KM-24-01-54 0.00 2.80 2.80 192.00 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.65 2.80 2.15 249.13 90-100 KM-24-01-55 0.30 3.15 2.85 220.67 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.30 0.95 0.65 139.73 90-100 Including 1.70 3.15 1.45 368.83 90-100 And Including 1.70 2.30 0.60 587.00 90-100 KM-24-01-56 0.00 2.85 2.85 330.71 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.00 2.25 2.25 418.12 90-100 And Including 0.50 1.10 0.60 1300.00 90-100 KM-24-01-57 1.65 12.95 11.30 2.44 85-95 Keats Trench KM-24-01-59 1.00 12.55 11.55 58.62 80-90 Keats Trench Including 2.80 3.53 0.73 258.82 80-90 Including 6.63 7.48 0.85 400.00 35-45 Including 10.05 10.75 0.70 119.32 90-100 Including 11.40 11.90 0.50 53.15 75-85 KM-24-01-60 0.00 14.20 14.20 22.09 80-90 Keats Trench Including 8.40 12.20 3.80 70.86 80-90 KM-24-01-61 1.20 18.35 17.15 9.81 75-85 Keats Trench Including 11.85 15.80 3.95 38.42 90-100 KM-24-01-62* 0.00 2.40 2.40 27.61 80-90 Keats Trench KM-24-01-63 0.00 14.55 14.55 36.63 65-75 Keats Trench Including 3.90 4.55 0.65 26.45 80-90 Including 6.40 8.20 1.80 266.21 50-60 And Including 7.30 8.20 0.90 509.00 50-60 KM-24-01-64* 0.60 4.65 4.05 455.33 55-65 Keats Trench And Including 1.85 2.80 0.95 1494.00 55-65 KM-24-01-65 0.00 5.81 5.81 16.77 70-80 Keats Trench Including 0.93 2.72 1.79 39.34 70-80 Including 4.72 5.43 0.71 10.09 70-80 KM-24-01-66 1.50 5.53 4.03 136.85 60-70 Keats Trench Including 2.35 5.53 3.18 172.49 60-70 KM-24-01-68* 0.00 4.40 4.40 83.10 50-60 Keats Trench Table 1: Keats Trench Channel Sample Highlights Infill veining in secondary structures with multiple orientations crosscutting the primary host structures are commonly observed which could result in additional uncertainty in true width. Undulations in the bedrock surface could also result in additional uncertainty in true width. Composite intervals reported carry a minimum weighted average of 1 g/t Au diluted over a minimum channel length of 2m with a maximum of 4m consecutive dilution. Included high-grade intercepts are reported as any consecutive interval with grades greater than 10 g/t Au. Grades have not been capped in the averaging and intervals are reported as channel length. * Full composite composed of samples greater than 10 g/t Au, no Including interval inserted. The Phase II channel sampling program at Keats was designed to increase sample density along high-grade veins to determine grade variability and assess vein domains oblique to the Phase I ( September 23, 2024 ) systematic channel sampling grid. ) systematic channel sampling grid. The channel sampling results have demonstrated good continuity of high-grade gold mineralization across 77m of strike on the East-West Vein (" EW Vein ") and 60m of strike on the Keats Main Vein (Figures 2 and 3). of strike on the East-West Vein (" ") and of strike on the Keats Main Vein (Figures 2 and 3). These veins form principal components of the Keats Zone and are associated with the Keats-Baseline Fault Zone (" KBFZ "). They extend well beyond what is exposed in the Keats Trench both along strike and to depth and are also found in association with other high-grade vein arrays that host significant gold mineralization at Keats. "). They extend well beyond what is exposed in the Keats Trench both along strike and to depth and are also found in association with other high-grade vein arrays that host significant gold mineralization at Keats. The Keats Main Vein has been drill defined over 520m of strike with an average down-dip extent of 200m and ranges in true width from 1- 4m . The EW Vein has been structurally stacked and forms a series of at least five high-grade vein panels that range in strike length from 20- 90m and are drill defined to depths of 120m , with true widths ranging from 1- 5m . of strike with an average down-dip extent of and ranges in true width from 1- . The EW Vein has been structurally stacked and forms a series of at least five high-grade vein panels that range in strike length from 20- and are drill defined to depths of , with true widths ranging from 1- . EW Vein highlights from Phase II include 455 g/t Au over 4.05m in KM-24-01-64, 137 g/t Au over 4.03m in KM-24-01-66, 331 g/t Au over 2.85m in KM-24-01-56, and 221 g/t Au over 2.85m in KM-24-01-55. These infill intervals compare well with the along strike Phase I channel samples and nearby drilling. In areas with increased vein complexity, intervals can be upwards of 10m wide as demonstrated by the following Phase II highlights of 58.6 g/t Au over 11.55m in KM-24-01-59, 22.1 g/t Au over 14.20m in KM-24-01-60, and 36.6 g/t Au over 14.55m in KM- 24-01-63 and results from Phase I. in KM-24-01-64, 137 g/t Au over in KM-24-01-66, 331 g/t Au over in KM-24-01-56, and 221 g/t Au over in KM-24-01-55. These infill intervals compare well with the along strike Phase I channel samples and nearby drilling. In areas with increased vein complexity, intervals can be upwards of wide as demonstrated by the following Phase II highlights of 58.6 g/t Au over in KM-24-01-59, 22.1 g/t Au over in KM-24-01-60, and 36.6 g/t Au over in KM- and results from Phase I. Keats Main Vein highlights from Phase II include 73.6 g/t Au over 4.95m in KM-24-01-45, 54.3 g/t Au over 2.35m in KM-24-01-50, and 26.9 g/t Au over 2.30m in KM-24-01-47. These infill results are typical widths and grades of this segment of the exposed Keats Main Vein and demonstrate good continuity comparing well with the along strike Phase I channel samples and neighbouring drilling. in KM-24-01-45, 54.3 g/t Au over in KM-24-01-50, and 26.9 g/t Au over in KM-24-01-47. These infill results are typical widths and grades of this segment of the exposed Keats Main Vein and demonstrate good continuity comparing well with the along strike Phase I channel samples and neighbouring drilling. The Keats Trench exposed a 200m by 70m wide area, roughly corresponding to the surface expression of a portion of the Keats Main Zone, previously obscured by overburden. by wide area, roughly corresponding to the surface expression of a portion of the Keats Main Zone, previously obscured by overburden. The Phase II channel sampling program consisted of 41-lines with a total sampled length of 305m consisting of 455 individual samples. The Keats Trench Phase I channel sampling program was completed across the entire bedrock surface in the trench and consisted of a 27-line sampling grid spaced 7.5m apart, covering a total length of 1,782m that includes 2200 individual samples. Iceberg Trench Update: A surface trench at the Iceberg Zone was announced on July 3, 2024 , to excavate between 1-12 metres of overburden that covers the projection of the Iceberg Zone at the bedrock surface, exposing 220m of strike length over a 105m wide area (Figure 4). , to excavate between 1-12 metres of overburden that covers the projection of the Iceberg Zone at the bedrock surface, exposing of strike length over a wide area (Figure 4). Excavation and preliminary geological mapping of the Iceberg Trench is now complete exposing a continuous 220m long segment of the Iceberg Zone. The exposed mineralization in the Iceberg Trench shows a continuous linear fault segment containing broad quartz veins with near perfect correlation to the Company's drill defined geological model (Figures 4 and 5). long segment of the Iceberg Zone. The exposed mineralization in the Iceberg Trench shows a continuous linear fault segment containing broad quartz veins with near perfect correlation to the Company's drill defined geological model (Figures 4 and 5). The Company intends to conduct systematic channel sampling to assess the grade distribution of the Iceberg Trench in 2025. Greg Matheson, COO of New Found, stated: "Channel sampling of the Keats Trench has given us greater confidence in the grade distribution of both very high-grade vein domains and secondary structural orientations that may have been missed through drilling alone. The Phase I program successfully defined broad zones of high-grade mineralization along with many geological insights. The Phase II sampling program has given us a considerable amount of data for understanding grade variability and clearly demonstrates good continuity of high-grade gold both in the EW and Keats Main Vein domains in addition to other secondary vein zones within the KBFZ. This detailed assessment of variability is extremely important when dealing with coarse gold systems like we have at Keats and elsewhere at the Queensway Project. The information gained from the Keats Trench will also support the initial mineral resource estimate the Company has scheduled for Q2 2025 (November 6, 2024). "The Iceberg Zone was another blind discovery at the project and until recently only defined through drilling alone. It's truly impressive to see the accuracy of the drill defined model and the continuous nature of the Iceberg Zone along the entire 220m excavated interval. Similar to Keats, we will aim to channel sample the zone at a much higher density than has been tested through drilling and build a detailed assessment of grade distribution at Iceberg." Channel Details Channel No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) True Width (%) Zone KM-24-01-28 0.45 3.30 2.85 5.39 90-100 Keats Trench Including 2.00 2.45 0.45 30.82 90-100 KM-24-01-29 0.00 2.25 2.25 2.22 90-100 Keats Trench KM-24-01-30 No Significant Values Keats Trench KM-24-01-31 No Significant Values Keats Trench KM-24-01-32 1.75 8.90 7.15 14.78 85-95 Keats Trench Including 2.65 3.35 0.70 126.01 85-95 KM-24-01-33 0.90 5.35 4.45 1.24 85-95 Keats Trench KM-24-01-34 0.00 2.00 2.00 1.03 90-100 Keats Trench KM-24-01-35 0.00 3.90 3.90 10.37 80-90 Keats Trench Including 0.00 1.30 1.30 14.23 80-90 Including 3.35 3.90 0.55 22.49 80-90 KM-24-01-36 No Significant Values Keats Trench KM-24-01-37 0.00 2.00 2.00 39.57 90-100 Keats Trench KM-24-01-37 0.00 0.95 0.95 83.32 90-100 Including 0.00 0.50 0.50 157.75 90-100 KM-24-01-38 No Significant Values Keats Trench KM-24-01-39 0.00 2.80 2.80 11.53 90-100 Keats Trench Including 1.60 2.10 0.50 50.49 90-100 KM-24-01-40 1.67 7.57 5.90 8.67 45-55 Keats Trench Including 2.15 2.90 0.75 31.46 75-85 Including 6.60 7.57 0.97 23.92 45-55 KM-24-01-41 0.40 8.05 7.65 2.86 55-65 Keats Trench Including 6.40 7.20 0.80 12.06 55-65 KM-24-01-42 0.00 2.67 2.67 5.17 85-95 Keats Trench Including 1.28 1.84 0.56 21.04 85-95 KM-24-01-43 5.90 10.55 4.65 10.25 75-85 Keats Trench Including 7.60 9.00 1.40 32.10 75-85 And 15.25 17.70 2.45 2.79 75-85 KM-24-01-44 0.00 2.25 2.25 2.22 90-100 Keats Trench KM-24-01-45 0.00 4.95 4.95 73.63 85-95 Keats Trench Including 0.00 2.25 2.25 158.74 90-100 KM-24-01-46 1.20 3.35 2.15 7.07 90-100 Keats Trench Including 2.05 2.70 0.65 20.69 90-100 KM-24-01-47 0.80 3.10 2.30 26.85 90-100 Keats Trench Including 1.55 2.05 0.50 115.51 90-100 KM-24-01-48 0.75 5.60 4.85 12.19 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.75 1.55 0.80 64.37 90-100 KM-24-01-49 0.90 13.60 12.70 6.00 90-100 Keats Trench Including 1.30 1.85 0.55 111.22 90-100 KM-24-01-50 0.00 2.35 2.35 54.25 85-95 Keats Trench Including 0.55 1.60 1.05 120.76 85-95 KM-24-01-51 No Significant Values Keats Trench KM-24-01-52 No Significant Values Keats Trench KM-24-01-53 0.00 6.95 6.95 147.98 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.00 3.60 3.60 267.38 90-100 And Including 1.70 2.85 1.15 720.35 90-100 Including 6.30 6.95 0.65 93.66 90-100 KM-24-01-54 0.00 2.80 2.80 192.00 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.65 2.80 2.15 249.13 90-100 KM-24-01-55 0.30 3.15 2.85 220.67 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.30 0.95 0.65 139.73 90-100 Including 1.70 3.15 1.45 368.83 90-100 And Including 1.70 2.30 0.60 587.00 90-100 KM-24-01-56 0.00 2.85 2.85 330.71 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.00 2.25 2.25 418.12 90-100 And Including 0.50 1.10 0.60 1300.00 90-100 KM-24-01-57 1.65 12.95 11.30 2.44 85-95 Keats Trench KM-24-01-58 2.10 11.07 8.97 1.05 85-95 Keats Trench KM-24-01-59 1.00 12.55 11.55 58.62 80-90 Keats Trench Including 2.80 3.53 0.73 258.82 80-90 Including 6.63 7.48 0.85 400.00 35-45 Including 10.05 10.75 0.70 119.32 90-100 Including 11.40 11.90 0.50 53.15 75-85 KM-24-01-60 0.00 14.20 14.20 22.09 80-90 Keats Trench Including 8.40 12.20 3.80 70.86 80-90 KM-24-01-61 1.20 18.35 17.15 9.81 75-85 Keats Trench Including 11.85 15.80 3.95 38.42 90-100 KM-24-01-62* 0.00 2.40 2.40 27.61 80-90 Keats Trench KM-24-01-63 0.00 14.55 14.55 36.63 65-75 Keats Trench Including 3.90 4.55 0.65 26.45 80-90 Including 6.40 8.20 1.80 266.21 50-60 And Including 7.30 8.20 0.90 509.00 50-60 KM-24-01-64* 0.60 4.65 4.05 455.33 55-65 Keats Trench And Including 1.85 2.80 0.95 1494.00 55-65 KM-24-01-65 0.00 5.81 5.81 16.77 70-80 Keats Trench Including 0.93 2.72 1.79 39.34 70-80 Including 4.72 5.43 0.71 10.09 70-80 KM-24-01-66 1.50 5.53 4.03 136.85 60-70 Keats Trench Including 2.35 5.53 3.18 172.49 60-70 KM-24-01-67 0.70 9.45 8.75 1.31 65-75 Keats Trench KM-24-01-68* 0.00 4.40 4.40 83.10 50-60 Keats Trench Table 2: Summary of composite results reported in this press release for Keats Trench channel samples Infill veining in secondary structures with multiple orientations crosscutting the primary host structures are commonly observed which could result in additional uncertainty in true width. Undulations in the bedrock surface could also result in additional uncertainty in true width. Composite intervals reported carry a minimum weighted average of 1 g/t Au diluted over a minimum channel length of 2m with a maximum of 4m consecutive dilution. Included high-grade intercepts are reported as any consecutive interval with grades greater than 10 g/t Au. Grades have not been capped in the averaging and intervals are reported as channel length. * Full composite composed of samples greater than 10 g/t Au, no Including interval inserted. Channel No. Azimuth () Length (m) Channel Start UTM E Channel Start UTM N KM-24-01-28 120 5.25 5427464 5427464 KM-24-01-29 126 4.35 5427468 5427468 KM-24-01-30 119 3.95 5427482 5427482 KM-24-01-31 120 7.30 5427497 5427497 KM-24-01-32 121 8.90 5427500 5427500 KM-24-01-33 122 6.00 5427501 5427501 KM-24-01-34 162 1.20 5427493 5427493 KM-24-01-35 35 5.30 5427490 5427490 KM-24-01-36 14 3.25 5427489 5427489 KM-24-01-37 68 0.95 5427503 5427503 KM-24-01-38 94 1.35 5427511 5427511 KM-24-01-39 122 9.30 5427520 5427520 KM-24-01-40 121 9.85 5427525 5427525 KM-24-01-41 121 9.00 5427526 5427526 KM-24-01-42 153 2.67 5427493 5427493 KM-24-01-43 117 24.05 5427506 5427506 KM-24-01-44 163 3.65 5427504 5427504 KM-24-01-45 166 4.95 5427524 5427524 KM-24-01-46 115 5.25 5427528 5427528 KM-24-01-47 119 4.00 5427531 5427531 KM-24-01-48 121 5.60 5427535 5427535 KM-24-01-49 119 13.60 5427541 5427541 KM-24-01-50 151 5.30 5427523 5427523 KM-24-01-51 115 3.20 5427526 5427526 KM-24-01-52 61 1.25 5427520 5427520 KM-24-01-53 119 6.95 5427537 5427537 KM-24-01-54 177 2.80 5427537 5427537 KM-24-01-55 183 3.15 5427537 5427537 KM-24-01-56 184 2.85 5427536 5427536 KM-24-01-57 118 16.80 5427548 5427548 KM-24-01-58 118 16.55 5427553 5427553 KM-24-01-59 62 14.05 5427544 5427544 KM-24-01-60 62 15.20 5427542 5427542 KM-24-01-61 62 20.10 5427539 5427539 KM-24-01-62 167 2.40 5427536 5427536 KM-24-01-63 126 15.70 5427530 5427530 KM-24-01-64 119 5.50 5427525 5427525 KM-24-01-65 300 8.92 5427524 5427524 KM-24-01-66 297 9.40 5427525 5427525 KM-24-01-67 118 9.45 5427528 5427528 KM-24-01-68 119 5.60 5427525 5427525 Table 3: Details of channels reported in this press release Queensway 650,000m Drill Program Update The Company is currently undertaking a 650,000m drill program at Queensway. Sampling, Sub-sampling, and Laboratory All channel samples are collected directly from the bedrock. A geologist examines the bedrock and marks out the intervals to be sampled and the cutting line. Sample lengths are mostly 1.0 metre and adjusted to respect lithological and/or mineralogical contacts and isolate narrow (<1.0m) veins or other structures that may yield higher grades. Technicians saw the channel along the cut line, producing two lines 5 cm apart and approximately 6-8 cm deep. The sample is removed from the bedrock and placed into sample bags. Individual sample bags are sealed and placed into totes, which are then sealed and marked with the contents. New Found has submitted channel samples for gold determination photon assay or screened metallic at ALS in Thunder Bay, Ontario. ALS is an ISO-17025 accredited laboratory for the photon assay and screened metallic methods. Samples submitted to ALS received gold analysis by photon assay whereby the entire sample is crushed to approximately 70% passing 2 mm mesh. The sample is then riffle split and transferred into jars. For "routine" samples that do not have VG identified and are not within a mineralized zone, one (300-500g) jar is analyzed by photon assay. If the jar assays greater than 0.8 g/t, the remaining crushed material is weighed into multiple jars and submitted for photon assay. For samples that have VG identified, the entire crushed sample is riffle split and weighed into multiple jars that are submitted for photon assay. The assays from all jars are combined on a weight-averaged basis. For samples which returned values >350 g/t, the samples were submitted for screen metallic. All jars were analysed, with results combined as a weighted average. For the screened metallics assay, the entire coarse fraction (sized greater than 106 microns) is fire-assayed, and two splits of the fine fraction (sized less than 106 microns) are fire-assayed with a gravimetric finish. Channel sample design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control, and interpretation of results are performed by qualified persons employing a rigorous Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with industry best practices. Standards and blanks account for a minimum of 10% of the samples in addition to the laboratory's internal quality assurance programs. Quality Control data are evaluated on receipt from the laboratories for failures. Appropriate action is taken if assay results for standards and blanks fall outside allowed tolerances. All results stated have passed New Found's quality control protocols. New Found's quality control program also includes submission of a duplicate channel for 2% of the channel sample intervals. In addition, approximately 1% of sample pulps for mineralized samples are submitted for re-analysis to a second ISO-accredited laboratory for check assays. The Company does not recognize any factors sampling, or recovery that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the assay data disclosed. The assay data disclosed in this press release have been verified by the Company's Qualified Person against the original assay certificates. The Company notes that it has not completed any economic evaluations of its Queensway Project and that the Queensway Project does not have any resources or reserves. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Greg Matheson, P. Geo., Chief Operating Officer, and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Matheson consents to the publication of this press release dated December 2, 2024, by New Found. Mr. Matheson certifies that this press release fairly and accurately represents the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this press release. About New Found Gold Corp. New Found holds a 100% interest in the Queensway Project, located 15km west of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, and just 18km from Gander International Airport. The project is intersected by the Trans-Canada Highway and has logging roads crosscutting the project, high voltage electric power lines running through the project area, and easy access to a highly skilled workforce. The Company is currently undertaking a 650,000m drill program at Queensway and is well funded for this program with cash and marketable securities of approximately $28 million as of December 2024. Please see the Company's website at www.newfoundgold.ca and the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Acknowledgements New Found acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Contact To contact the Company, please visit the Company's website, www.newfoundgold.ca and make your request through our investor inquiry form. Our management has a pledge to be in touch with any investor inquiries within 24 hours. New Found Gold Corp. Per: "Collin Kettell" Collin Kettell, Chief Executive Officer 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 Statement Cautions This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, relating to exploration, drilling and mineralization on the Company's Queensway gold project in Newfoundland and Labrador; the Keats and Iceberg surface trenching programs and the expected next steps, timing and benefits of such programs; assay results; the interpretation of drilling and assay results, the results of drilling programs, mineralization and the discovery of zones of high-grade gold mineralization; plans for future exploration and drilling and the timing of same; the merits of the Queensway project; future press releases by the Company; and funding of the drilling program. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "interpreted", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "aims", "suggests", "indicate", "often", "target", "future", "likely", "pending", "potential", "goal", "objective", "prospective", "possibly", "preliminary", and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "can", "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of exploration, drilling and assay results, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's Annual Information Form and Management's discussion and Analysis, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire - December 2nd, 2024 Prismo Metals Inc. (Prismo or the Company) (CSE: PRIZ) (OTCQB: PMOMF) is pleased to announce the offering (the Offering) of a minimum of 13,500,000 units of the Company (Units) up to a maximum of 20,000,000 Units at an issue price of $0.15 per Unit for minimum gross proceeds of $2,025,000 up to $3,000,000 in gross proceeds. Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (a Share) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Share for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of issue at an exercise price of $0.25. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to conduct up to approximately 5,000 of meters of drilling at the Companys Hot Breccia copper project in Arizona and for general corporate purposes. There may be circumstances, however, where, for sound business reasons, a reallocation of funds may be necessary. The Units will be issued on a private placement basis pursuant to various prospectus exemptions, including the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the LIFE Exemption) under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions (NI 45-106), as well as the accredited investor and friends, family and business associate, and minimum amount exemptions provided under sections 2.3(1), 2.5 and 2.10 of NI 45-106, respectively (the Non-LIFE Exemptions). Under the LIFE Exemption, the Offering is subject to a minimum subscription of 13,500,000 Units. The Offering will also be made available to existing shareholders of the Company who, as of the close of business on December 2, 2024, held Shares (and who continue to hold such Shares as of the closing date of the Offering), pursuant to the existing securityholder exemption set out in BC Instrument 45-534 Exemption From Prospectus Requirement for Certain Trades to Existing Security Holders (the Existing Securityholder Exemption). The Existing Securityholder Exemption limits a shareholder to a maximum investment of CAD$15,000 in a 12-month period unless the shareholder has obtained advice regarding the suitability of the investment and, if the shareholder is resident in a jurisdiction of Canada, that advice has been obtained from a person that is registered as an investment dealer in the jurisdiction. If the Company receives subscriptions from investors relying on the Existing Securityholder Exemption exceeding the maximum amount of the Offering, the Company intends to adjust the subscriptions received on a pro-rata basis. Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with NI 45-106, the Units sold under the Offering pursuant to the LIFE Exemption will be offered in all the Provinces of Canada except Quebec, and such securities are expected to be immediately freely tradeable and will not be subject to a hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an offering document related to the Units issuable pursuant to the LIFE Exemption that can be accessed under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Companys website at www.prismometals.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision. The Units issued pursuant to the Non-LIFE Exemptions and the Existing Securityholder Exemption will be subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date of the Offering under applicable Canadian securities laws, in addition to such other restrictions as may apply under applicable securities laws of jurisdictions outside Canada. The Company may pay finder's fees to eligible finders in connection with the Offering, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and Canadian Securities Exchange policies. The securities being offered have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons or persons in the United States, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press 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 any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Prismo Metals Inc. Prismo (CSE: PRIZ) is mining exploration company focused on two precious metal projects in Mexico (Palos Verdes and Los Pavitos) and a copper project in Arizona (Hot Breccia). Prismo Metals Inc. 1100 - 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6 Contact: Alain Lambert, Chief Executive Officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Steve Robertson, President This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Jason Frame, Manager of Communications This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as intends or anticipates, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would or occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the expected closing date of the Offering; the anticipated proceeds to be raised under the Offering; the intended use of any proceeds raised under the Offering; and the payment of any finders fees in connection with the Offering. 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: delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required regulatory approvals for the Offering; market uncertainty; the inability of the Company to raise the anticipated proceeds under the Offering; the inability of the Company to utilize the anticipated proceeds of the Offering as anticipated; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration projects or capital expenditures, including in respect of the Companys proposed drill programs; the uncertainty of mineral resource exploration cost estimates; health, safety and environmental risks; worldwide demand for metals; metals prices and other commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations; environmental risks; competition; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws, royalties and environmental regulations. In making the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation: the Company will obtain the required regulatory approvals for the Offering; the Company will be able to raise the anticipated proceeds under the Offering and on the timetable anticipated; and the Company will use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated. 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. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES * Drilling intersection includes 4.5 g/t gold over 5 metres * Located 3 kilometres to the northeast of the Butia Deposit Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 2, 2024) - Lavras Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGC) (OTCQX:LGCFF) ("Lavras Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to release the results from three new drillholes testing the Olaria Gold Target("Olaria" or "Olaria Gold Target"), located within the central portion of the Lavras do Sul Intrusive Complex (LDIC) of the LDS Project in southern Brazil. Gold mineralization was intersected in all three of the new holes reported in this news release at the Olaria Gold Target. The Olaria target, approximately 3 kilometres to the north of Lavras Gold's Butia Gold Deposit, is within the larger Caneleira Mining Concession. The purpose of these drillholes was two-fold: (1) to test the downdip potential of an historical drillhole (LDH-105, drilled in 2007 by a predecessor company) that tested the Olaria Gold Target along a postulated east-west structure; and (2) to test for gold mineralization across a reinterpreted northeast-southwest trending structure. Historical drillhole LDH-105 was drilled on an azimuth of 220 degrees and encountered nine discrete intervals of gold mineralization ranging from 1.00 m to 12.00 m with gold grades ranging from 0.4 g/t gold to 4.5 g/t gold. The best intercept was 12.00 m grading 4.5 g/t gold from 26.0 metres. The new Lavras Gold drill holes, 24CNO-001 and 24CNO-007, were oriented with an azimuth of 200 degrees and successfully tested the down-dip potential and western strike extension of historic hole LDH-105. These new holes generally intersected multiple-narrow to moderate intervals of low to high gold grade ranging from 1.00 m to 11.00 m wide with grades ranging from 0.3 g/t gold to 9.0 g/t Au. These holes confirmed the down-dip extension of mineralization to vertical depths of about 300 metres. However, a recent reinterpretation of the Olaria geology by Lavras geologists suggested that a possible northeast-southwest structure was a more important 'controlling' feature that required testing to confirm the hypothesis. Drillhole 24CN-002 was oriented with an azimuth of 290 degrees and designed to test for potential of gold mineralization across an interpreted northeast-southwest trending structure. The hole encountered 56.0 metres of continuous gold mineralization grading 1.0 g/t gold from 152.0 metres down the drill core (about 134 metres vertical). This is followed by an 8.0 metre interval grading 0.5 g/t gold. There are several higher-grade sub-intervals within the 56.0 metre intercept including 4.00 m grading 4.5 g/t gold from 180.0 m (and including 1.0 m grading 9.2 g/t gold from 183.0 m), and 3.00 m grading 2.7 g/t gold from 202.0 m. The Olaria Gold Target remains open to the northeast, southwest and at depth. These new results continue to move Lavras Gold toward its medium to longer-term goal of demonstrating the district-scale exploration potential of the LDS Project. Lavras Gold's shorter-term objective is defining an economically viable gold project at Butia and Fazenda do Posto also part of the LDS Project. HIGHLIGHT Drilling Hole 24CNO-002 returned: 56.0 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from 152.0 metres, and including: 2.0 metres grading 1.4 g/t gold from 170.0 metres, and including 4.0 metres grading 4.5 g/t gold from 180.0 metres, and including 1.0 metres grading 9.2 g/t gold from 183.0 metres, and including 7.0 metre grading 1.6 g/t gold from 201.0 metres, and including 3.0 metre grading 2.7 g/t gold from 202.0 metres, and and including: 8.0 metre grading 0.5 g/t gold from 241.0 metres. "While our primary focus remains defining the mineralized footprint in the Butia/Fazenda do Posto area, our team is extremely pleased to make an important new gold discovery so quickly after launching our regional exploration strategy at our Olaria Gold Target. This new discovery supports our thesis that gold mineralization is on a district scale at the LDS Project with the entire district proving to be highly prospective. Olaria is located about 3.1 kilometres northeast of Butia/Fazenda do Posto and demonstrates a different style of mineralization than the Butia/Fazenda do Posto area," commented Lavras CEO Michael Durose. "Olaria represents a structurally controlled cataclastic-style of mineralization within the Lavras do Sol Intrusive Complex. This is very different compared to the metasomatic style of disseminated mineralization found along the western edge of the intrusion at Butia and Fazenda do Posto. Nevertheless, a long continuous interval of potentially economic gold mineralization over more than 50 metres at depths relatively close to surface confirms that Olaria has significant exploration potential. Next steps will be to try and expand the size of the mineralized footprint along strike to the northeast and southwest of Olaria, and to test for continuity of gold mineralization up-dip closer to surface. The goal is to build gold inventory and add to the existing resources on the LDS Project." Click here for commentary from CEO Michael Durose on today's drilling results. [* Footnote: Butia hosts near-surface mineral resource of 377,000 ozs. of gold in the Measured & Indicated categories and 115,000 ozs. of gold in the Inferred category, as detailed in the report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource for the Butia Gold Prospect, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil", prepared for Lavras Gold by authors VMG Consultoria e Solucoes Ltda., with an effective date of January 25, 2022 and an amended report date of November 15, 2024. Cerrito hosts a mineral resource 188,000 ozs. of gold, in the Indicated category and 293,000 ozs. of gold in the Inferred category as detailed in the report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource for the Cerrito Gold Prospect, Rio Grand do Sul, Brasil", prepared for Lavras Gold by authors VMG Consultoria e Solucoes Ltda., with an effective date of May 31, 2022 and an amended report date of November 15, 2024.These reports are available on the Company's website and www.sedarplus.ca under Lavras Gold's issuer profile.] Discussion of Drill Results - Olaria Gold Target Figure 1 shows the location of the mineral showings on the LDS Project. Olaria is situated approximately 3.1 kilometres northeast of Butia - the most advanced gold deposit on the LDS Project. Olaria is one of several gold exploration targets located within the Caneleira concession area centered on historical gold workings, and within a large kilometre-scale gold in soil anomaly defined along the western portion of the Lavras do Sul Intrusive Complex. The purpose of the current drilling program at Olaria is to establish a gold resource by testing the gold grade and continuity of mineralization along structures hosting the gold and to gain insight into the geological controls of gold mineralization. A total of 986 metres of drilling in three new drillholes tested the Olaria gold discovery. Including historical drillhole LDH-105, the total drilling in this area is 1,155 metres. The locations of the drillholes are shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3, which illustrate a cross section of gold composites and gold assay results respectively looking northeast. The inset maps show a plan view of the drillhole layout. Figure 4 shows a cross section of the drillholes looking southeast with gold composites. Table 1 summarizes assay results including newly disclosed results in this press release, and historical results disclosed previously (LDH-105). Table 2 tabulates drillhole information including collar coordinates and drillhole depths. Drillhole 24CNO-002 was collared 150 metres southeast of historical drillhole LDH105 and drilled with an azimuth of 290 degrees and inclined 60 degrees. The purpose was to test the potential for gold along a postulated northeast-southwest structure. The hole confirmed a thick continuous zone of disseminated gold mineralization within a brick-red coloured cataclastic zone of hydrothermally altered monzonite granites at a vertical depth of 134 metres. Highlights of the hole are shown below. 56.0 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from 152.0 metres, and including: 2.0 metres grading 1.4 g/t gold from 170.0 metres, and including 4.0 metres grading 4.5 g/t gold from 180.0 metres, and including 1.0 metres grading 9.2 g/t gold from 183.0 metres, and including 7.0 metre grading 1.6 g/t gold from 201.0 metres, and including 3.0 metre grading 2.7 g/t gold from 202.0 metres, and and including: 8.0 metres grading 0.5 g/t gold from 241.0 metres. Figure 5 shows a photo of the typical mineralized zone. The cataclastic host rock is typically a dark scarlet red and consists of fragments of feldspar, 1-2 very finely disseminated sulphides in the matrix to potassium feldspar phenocrysts and dark green to black phengite mica. The sulphide minerals include pyrite +- galena+- sphalerite. It is noteworthy that the cataclastic zone extends for about 130 metres of thickness, and that the gold mineralization occurs continuously for 56 metres enveloped within this cataclastic zone. Elevated silver grades are noteworthy (see Table 1 for details). This mineralized cataclastite contrasts significantly from the fresh monzonite granite that is shown in Figure 6. There are local zones of quartz brecciation with sericite and disseminated sulphides hosting gold (see Figure 7). Several high-grade sub-intervals are noted, including a 1.0 metre interval averaging 9.2 g/t gold (see Figure 8) within the cataclastite and including very fine-grained disseminated sulphides along with cross-cutting centimetre-scale quartz-carbonate veinlets. The Lavras team noted that if the 1.0 m interval of 9.2 g/t gold high-grade sample was cut to 5.0 g/t gold, then the 56.0 metre mineralized interval averages 0.9 g/t gold down from 1.0 g/t gold. This demonstrates the relatively robust nature of this zone of gold mineralization and the potentially moderate impact of the nugget effect. More work is required to establish this characteristic. Drillhole 24CNO-001 was collared 100 metres northwest of historical drillhole LDH-105 in the northwestern portion of the Olaria Gold Target (see Figure 3 and Figure 4). The hole was drilled on an azimuth of 200 degrees at an inclined angle of 60 degrees and designed to test the lateral continuity and downdip extension of gold mineralization encountered in historic hole LDH-105 that intercepted multiple intervals of gold mineralization including 12.0 metres grading 4.5 g/t gold. Multiple zones of gold mineralization were encountered throughout hole 24CNO-001associated with mineralized cataclastite. Elevated silver values were also found (see Table 1). Highlights of drillhole intercepts are detailed below. 1.0 metre grading 1.0 g/t gold from 127.0 metres 11.0 metres grading 0.6 g/t gold from 139.0 metres, including 6.0 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from 139.0 metres, 7.0 metres grading 0.3 g/t gold from 190.0 metres 2.0 metres grading 0.9 g/t gold from 210.0 metres 7.0 metres grading 0.6 g/t gold from 247.0 metres Drillhole 24CNO-007 was collared 50 metres north of historical drillhole LDH-105 and drilled along an azimuth of 200 degrees and an inclination of 60 degrees. The hole was designed to test the down-dip extension of historical drill hole LDH-105 that intercepted multiple intervals of gold mineralization. Multiple zones of modest grade gold mineralization were encountered throughout hole 24CNO-007 confirming the downdip extension of mineralization to vertical depths of more than 300 metres. Highlights are as follows. 11.0 metres grading 0.4 g/t gold from 191.0 metres 1.0 metre grading 9.0 g/t gold from 221.0 metres 3.0 metres grading 1.3 g/t gold from 260 metres 9.0 metres grading 0.7 g/t gold from 342.0 metres Interpretation and Next Steps The targets on the Caneleira concession are interpreted to be structurally controlled cataclastic gold systems associated with important northeast trending structures. Typical alteration minerals include hematite, sericite and intense silicification. Gold appears to be associated with fine-grained to very fine-grained disseminated sulphides (typically pyrite+-galena +-sphalerite). Historical drillhole LDH-105 completed in 2007 by Lavras Gold's predecessor company, Amarillo Gold, tested the Olaria Gold Target. The drillhole was oriented 220 degrees and inclined 60 degrees. The hole returned multiple intervals of gold mineralization across an interpreted east-west trending structure with highlights from Table 1 as follows: 12.0 metres grading 4.5 g/t gold from 26.0 metres 3.0 metres grading 1.2 g/t gold from 68.0 metres 2.0 metres grading 0.4 g/t gold from 79.5 metres 3.0 metres grading 0.7 g/t gold from 108.0 metres 5.0 metres grading 0.5 g/t gold from 114.0 metres 2.0 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from 135.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 0.5 g/t gold from 148.0 metres 2.0 metres grading 0.5 g/t gold from 152.0 metres 3.0 metres grading 2.7 g/t gold from 160.0 metres Lavras Gold's geologists have reviewed this historic drill core that is stored on site and confirm that the gold intervals referenced above correspond visually to zones of mineralization and alteration characterized by cataclastic textures. Although new drillholes 24CNO-001 and 24CNO-007 confirmed the lateral and down-dip extension of gold mineralization found in historical drillhole LDH-105, these holes were designed to test the thesis that a predominantly east-west structure was controlling the mineralization at Olaria. This thesis appears to be incorrect since generally multiple moderate grade gold intercepts were encountered where it was expected that potentially thicker zones of gold mineralization would be found. It is possible that these intercepts are clipping the western edge of a gold zone that is trending northeast-southwest as discussed below. Drillhole 24CNO002, designed to test a northeast-southwest striking structure, has returned a very significant result - 56.0 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold. This hole appears to have crossed the mineralizing structure that has a northeast-southwest trend. As mentioned previously, northeast trending structures are thought to play an important role in localizing and focusing gold mineralization within the Lavras district. Next steps for the Olaria drilling will include completing a scissor hole that will be drilled in a southeast direction and at a shallower depth relative to drillhole 24CNO-002, followed by testing for extensions to this zone of mineralization by stepping out along strike to the northeast and southwest. Approximately 15,000 metres of a 25,000-metre drilling budget has been completed on the LDS Project since the beginning of 2024. Most of the drilling has focused on Butia and Fazenda do Posto. Drilling is on-going at both targets with two drills. A third drill has been mobilized to the Caneleira concession where numerous exploration targets have been defined through surface exploration work including soil geochemistry, favourable structural patterns identified by a drone magnetic survey and air photo interpretation, and old workings including trenches and pits that have been sampled. This includes on-going drilling of the new Olaria discovery among other targets that will be tested. In addition to drilling activities, the geology team is completing on-going field related activities including prospecting, geological mapping, and rock sampling with the goal of defining further future drill targets. Table 1. Summary of Drillhole Composites from the Olaria Gold Target Drill Hole From (metres) To (metres) Interval (metres) Gold grade (grams/tonne) Silver grade (grams/tonne) Comment 24CNO-001 110.00 120.00 10.00 0.32 4.39 Mineralized cataclastite 127.00 128.00 1.00 0.98 0.71 Mineralized cataclastite 139.00 150.00 11.00 0.59 1.26 Mineralized cataclastite Including 139.00 145.00 6.00 0.96 2.14 Mineralized cataclastite 190.00 197.00 7.00 0.28 0.11 Mineralized cataclastite 210.00 212.00 2.00 0.90 0.46 Mineralized cataclastite 247.00 254.00 7.00 0.64 0.38 Mineralized cataclastite 24CNO-002 152.00 208.00 56 0.97 1.72 Mineralized cataclastite including 170.00 172.00 2 1.38 0.39 Mineralized cataclastite Including 180.00 184.00 4 4.53 7.53 Mineralized cataclastite Including 183.00 184.00 1 9.16 8.27 Mineralized cataclastite Including 201.00 208.00 7 1.60 1.76 Mineralized cataclastite and 202.00 205.00 3 2.73 2.34 Mineralized cataclastite 241.00 249.00 8 0.50 1.053 Mineralized cataclastite including 245.00 247.00 2 1.10 2.25 Mineralized cataclastite 298.00 299.00 1 0.40 0.94 Mineralized cataclastite 24CNO-007 139 140 1 0.34 0.14 Mineralized cataclastite 149 157 8 0.29 2.86 Mineralized cataclastite 160 161 1 0.39 1.03 Mineralized cataclastite 172 182 10 0.30 2.04 Mineralized cataclastite 191 202 11 0.39 1.10 Mineralized cataclastite 216 218 2 0.38 1.23 Mineralized cataclastite 221 222 1 8.94 9.18 Mineralized cataclastite 231 235 4 0.55 0.784 Mineralized cataclastite 260 263 3 1.26 0.64 Mineralized cataclastite 280 281 1 1.80 0.51 Mineralized cataclastite 306 307 1 0.75 1.68 Mineralized cataclastite 342 351 9 0.65 0.45 Mineralized cataclastite LDH-105 26 38 12 4.54 Trace Mineralized cataclastite 68 71 3 1.20 Trace Mineralized cataclastite 79.5 81.5 2 0.40 Trace Mineralized cataclastite 108 111 3 0.70 Trace Mineralized cataclastite 114 119 5 0.50 Trace Mineralized cataclastite 135 137 2 1.00 Trace Mineralized cataclastite 148 149 1 0.50 Trace Mineralized cataclastite 152 154 2 0.50 Trace Mineralized cataclastite 160 163 3 2.70 Trace Mineralized cataclastite Assumes 0.25 g/t gold cut-off grade, no top cut. The Company has been targeting larger intersections of greater than 0.25 g/t gold. Intersections lower than this threshold may provide exploration insight and may therefore be disclosed. Intervals represent drill core interval; true widths have not been determined at this time. Table 2. Olaria Drillhole Coordinates Drill Hole Easting Northing Elevation (metres) Azimuth (Degrees) Dip (Degrees) Start Depth (metres) Final Depth (metres) 24CNO-001 220499 6588835 314.0 200 -60 0 312.9 24CNO-002 220634 6588672 313.0 290 -60 0 309.0 24CNO-007 220558 6588813 319.0 200 -60 0 363.7 LDH-105 220539 6588742 314.5 220 -60 0 169.7 Figure 1. Regional Soil Geochemistry Anomalies versus Geology of the Lavras do Sul Intrusive Complex and Known Mineral Showings. Figure 2. Cross Section View Looking Northeast of Olaria Drillholes. (Inset Map is Plan View) Showing Composites Gold Results. Figure 3. Cross-Section Looking Northeast of Olaria Drillholes. (Inset map shows plan view) showing Lithology and Gold Assay Grades. Figure 4. Cross-Section Looking Southeast of Olaria Drillholes. (Inset map shows plan view) showing Lithology and Composite Gold Grades. Figure 5. Hole 24CNO-002. 168.0-169.0 m. Broken Dark Red Hematite Alteration in Feldspar Minerals, Carbonate, Muscovite (phengite mica), very fine-grained sulphides in matrix grading 0.58 g/t Au. This is typical of the cataclastic texture seen in the interval 152.0 m to 208.0 m. Figure 6. Relatively Fresh Monzonite from Drillhole 24CNO-02 showing Potassium Feldspar, Plagioclase, Quartz and Biotite with weak hematite alteration. This sample from Drillhole 24CNO-002 spans the interval 272.0 m to 273.0 m. Figure 7. Fractured, brecciated quartz mass with sericite alteration and disseminated sulphides. This sample is from Drillhole 24CNO-002 from 172.00 metres to 173.00 metres and grades 0.57 g/t Au. Figure 8. 24CNO-002 183.0m to 184.0 m. High grade cataclastic texture 183.0m-184.0 m - Olaria discovery. Broken dark red hematite alteration in feldspar minerals, carbonate veinlets, muscovite (phengite mica). Very fine-grained sulphides in matrix (9.16 g/t Au, 8.27 g/t Ag, 250 ppm Pb). About the LDS Project The LDS Project is centred on the town of Lavras do Sul in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It is approximately 320 kilometres, or a 4.5-hour drive, from the state capital of Porto Alegre. The Company, through its subsidiary, holds directly or indirectly, contractual interests over 37 mineral rights covering 23,000 hectares. The LDS intrusive complex is a multiphase intrusive centre that is surrounded by coeval volcanic rocks to the east. Geologically, LDS is in the far south of the Neoproterozoic Mantiqueira Province, a 2,700-kilometre-long belt of tectonically and magmatically accreted terrains that stretch as far south as the coastline of central Uruguay and north into southern Bahia State in Brazil. The most advanced targets are the Butia and Cerrito Gold Deposits. Butia has a mineral resource estimate 377,000 ozs. of gold (Measured & Indicated) and 114,100 ozs. of gold (Inferred). Cerrito has a mineral resource estimate of 188,000 ozs. of gold (Indicated) and 293,500 ozs. of gold (Inferred). See Resources & Reserves on the Lavras Gold website. About Lavras Gold Corp. Lavras Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGC) (OTCQX: LGCFF) is a Canadian exploration company focused on realizing the potential of its highly prospective gold district in southern Brazil. The Company's Lavras do Sul Project is located in Rio Grande do Sul State and is primarily an intrusive hosted gold system of possible alkaline affinity. More than 24 gold prospects centred on historic gold workings have been identified on the property, which spans more than 23,000 hectares. Follow Lavras Gold on www.lavrasgold.com, as well as on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Michael Durose, President & CEO for Lavras Gold Corp., is the qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. On Behalf of Lavras Gold Corp. "Michael Durose" President & CEO Additional Technical Notes: Quality Assurance & Quality Control: For the Fazenda do Posto Gold Deposit, sample handling, preparation, and analysis are monitored through the implementation of formal chain-of-custody procedures and quality assurance/quality control programs designed to follow industry best practices. All drill hole samples in this drilling program consist of split NQ diamond drill core. Drill core is logged and sampled in a secure facility located in Lavras do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Drill core samples for gold assay are cut in half using a diamond saw and submitted to ALS Laboratories Inc. in Goiania, Goias State, Brazil for preparation by crushing to 85% passing 1.0 mm, riffle splitting to obtain 500 g aliquots, and pulverizing to 85% passing 75 microns. Pulps are shipped to ALS Laboratories Inc. in Lima, Peru and analyzed by a 50g fire assay and AAS finish. Three 50g aliquots are taken for samples in the mineralized zone and one aliquot is taken in fresh rocks. The average grade of the three aliquots is used to determine the final grade of the mineralized sample. Certified standards, non-certified blanks and field duplicates are inserted into the sample stream at regular intervals, so that QA/QC accounted for about 10% of the total samples. Results are routinely evaluated for accuracy, precision and contamination. Lavras Gold has been targeting larger intersections of greater than 0.25 g/t gold. Intersections that are lower than this threshold may provide exploration insight and may therefore be disclosed. The Company maintains a robust QAQC program that includes the collection and analysis of duplicate samples and the insertion of blanks and standards (certified reference material). Disclaimer: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward looking statements: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's further 2024 and 2025 drill plans and future results at the LDS Project are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, 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, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, 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. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. HIGHLIGHTS Multiple priority targets with Lithium Response Ratios greater than 40 have been identified for follow-up work Additional targets were identified within the newly acquired Falcon Extension claims, extending along the southern boundary of the ZigZag Property Completed purchase of a 100% interest in strategic claims situated within Caribou Lake greenstone belt along strike and contiguous to the Seymour and Falcon Lithium trends Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 2, 2024) - Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) ("Volta" or the "Company") is pleased to announce encouraging geochemical results from the recent mobile metal ion (MMI) soil sampling program completed at the Falcon West Lithium Project, located in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Northwest Ontario, Canada. Targeted to test zones delineated by the high-resolution aeromagnetic and LIDAR surveys as prospective for lithium-bearing pegmatites has yielded five new priority and five secondary targets with anomalous lithium response ratios. Figure 1. Falcon West soil results with additional targets generated. Soil sampling was completed to identify lithium, cesium, and tantalum (LCT) minerals, as well as signature minerals such as tin, in addition to dispersion minerals, such as rare-alkali biotite, tourmaline, and holmquistite (a lithium mineral that typically occurs immediately adjacent to, typically within 5 to 20 metres, spodumene mineralization). In detail, the survey consisted of a series of sample lines spaced every 100m oriented orthogonal to the dominant local NE-SW ice-flow direction. Samples within each line are spaced by approximately 50m (or 25m when following up on the 2023 anomalous results). The 2024 survey covers an area of roughly 3km2 and consists of 330 soil samples. Combined with the 2023 survey, the soil survey covers 4.5km2, totalling 591 samples. The MMI soil geochemical technique is based on the partial extraction of soil samples systematically collected from a specific depth below the organic soil horizon. The method has been utilized on a wide range of commodity types, from precious and base metals to rare earth elements. The MMI Process utilizes proprietary partial extraction techniques and specific combinations of ligands to keep metals in solution and relies on strict adherence to a sampling procedure. The MMI process does not indicate the grade of mineralization responsible for an MMI anomaly nor the depth of the source region for the anomaly. Accordingly, pairing the MMI results with geophysical surveys provides an effective tool for defining drill targets in terrain where prospective targets are buried by overburden. A peak-to-background ratio, Response Ratio, involves determining a background value for each element in a survey area and rationing all the data to that background (average of the lowest quartile). This reduces the effects of time and temperature during the extraction process, allows for the splicing of different data batches, reduces the effects of sampling in different types of soil, and facilitates multi-element data presentations for interpretation. The sizeable cluster of targets, which covers an area of approximately 2.5km by 1.5km suggests that the Falcon West Pegmatite Swarm is significantly larger than has been outlined by work to date. The results of this soil sampling program warrant further exploration to potentially discover more lithium-bearing pegmatites within the claim boundaries. The next work program on Falcon West will involve overburden stripping of priority targets to develop additional drill targets. The Company is also pleased to announce that it has completed the purchase of a 100% interest in the strategic set of claims in the Seymour Lithium Camp. Additional detail on this purchase was provided in the Company's press release dated November 22, 2024, available on the Company's website at voltametals.ca or under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Tims, P.Geo., who is an independent Qualified Person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The QP and the Company have not completed sufficient work to verify the historical information on the Properties, particularly regarding historical exploration, neighbouring companies, and government geological work. For more information about the Company, view Volta's website at www.voltametals.ca. ABOUT VOLTA METALS LTD. Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) is a mineral exploration company focused on lithium, cesium, and tantalum and is based in Toronto, Ontario. It has optioned and is currently exploring a critical minerals portfolio of lithium, cesium, and tantalum projects in Northwestern Ontario, considered one of the most prolific emerging hard-rock lithium districts in the world. To find out more about Volta and its flagship Falcon West Project, please visit voltametals.ca Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, plans, strategies, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will," "may," "should," "anticipate," "expects," and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information in this news release includes but is not limited to, the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the Offerings and the receipt of all necessary approvals for the Offering. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators; the fact that Volta's interests in its mineral properties are options only and there are no guarantee that such interest if earned, will be certain; the future prices and demand for lithium; and delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary approvals, permits and authorizations required to carry out its business plans. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as required by law. TORONTO / Dec 02, 2024 / Business Wire / Trigon Metals Inc. (TSX-V: TM, OTCQB: PNTZF) (Trigon or the Company) announces its operating and financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Shareholders and interested parties are invited to join a conference call hosted by Trigon management, tomorrow, Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time to discuss the results. Dial-in details for the call can be found near the end of this press release. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated. Highlights Achieved a key milestone at the Kombat Mine having mined an average of 980 tonnes of ore per day from underground operations over 30 days. The Companys streaming agreement with Sprott Private Resource Streaming and Royalty (B) Corp. and Sprott Mining Inc. includes a term requiring the Company to achieve average production of 900 tonnes per day from underground operations over 30 consecutive days by October 31, 2025. Trigon achieved this target 13 months earlier than contractually required. Second quarter copper production was 2,137,159 pounds at C1 cash costs (1) of $3.46 per pound of copper produced. of $3.46 per pound of copper produced. Silver production during the quarter was 33,852 ounces Negative Adjusted EBITDA (1) of $1.4 million. EBITDA was negatively impacted by pump failure during the quarter, lower grades and higher lead content. Rennie Morkel, President and COO of Trigon, commented, While this quarter presented some operational challenges, we are proud to have achieved a critical milestone by reaching our underground production target of 900 tonnes per day at the Kombat Mine, well ahead of schedule. This accomplishment de-risks the project and protects our balance sheet, positioning us for stronger performance moving forward. Jed Richardson, CEO and Executive Chairman of Trigon, commented, As we optimize underground operations and plan for mill expansion, we remain confident in our ability to unlock the full potential of the Kombat Mine and deliver value. The Company is exploring strategic options to sufficiently capitalize the operation and limit dilution for shareholders. Mining & Milling Operations Open pit ore contributed significantly to production in Q2, lowering the overall grade going into the mill. This was compounded by delays in accessing higher-grade portions in the mine as dewatering was slowed. The Companys decision to pause its open pit mining activities (see press release dated September 19, 2024) came into effect at the beginning of Q2, allowing Trigon to focus on mining and milling higher grades from underground, owing to the following factors: The successful recommissioning of the underground mine with commercial production declared on April 30, 2024, Ability to mine 900 tonnes per day average over a 30 day period, The significant grade differential and positive contribution of the underground mining operations when compared to the open pit operations. Current constraints on milling capacity at the Kombat Mine limit plant throughput to 1,000 tonnes per day, which leads to the preferential feeding of higher-grade underground ore. The Company can fill any production shortfall by feeding existing lower-grade stockpiles until underground production reaches full steady state. Table 1: Operating and Financial Highlights (Reported in USD) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 June 30,2024 MINING OP Ore Mined (tonnes) 46,115 29,715 OP Copper Grade % 1.15% 1.23% OP Silver Grade (g/t) 2.83 9.98 UG Ore Mined (tonnes) 69,917 57,070 UG Copper Grade 1.79% 2.05% UG Silver Grade (g/t) 20.29 11.44 Total Ore Mined (tonnes) 116,032 86,785 MILLING Ore Processed (tonnes) 77,295 70,483 Copper recovery (%) 92.1% 88.3% Copper Concentrate Production (tonnes) 4,214 3,876 Concentrate Grade (Cu %) 21.2% 27.1% Concentrate Grade (Ag g/t) 260 271 Copper Product Produced (tonnes) 969 1,045 Copper Product Produced (lbs) 2,137,159 2,302,726 Silver Product Produced (oz) 33,852 33,399 SALES Copper Concentrate Sold (dry metric tonnes) 4,547 4,596 Copper Concentrate Sold (lbs) 10,024,407 10,132,434 Copper Product Sold (tonnes) 961 968 Copper Product Sold (lbs) 2,118,640 2,134,072 Realized copper price (per lb) $ 3.25 $4.18 C1 cash cost/lb (100% payability) (1) $ 3.46 3.23 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS ($ in 000's, except per share amounts) Revenues $7,164 $10,032 Gross Profit $(2,201) $ 1,941 EBITDA $(2,732) $654 Adjusted EBITDA $(1,436) $1,800 Cash flow from operations $1,986 $70 Net (loss) income $(6,903) $(2,215) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 March 31, 2024 Net (loss) income attributable to shareholders of the Company $(6,242) $(2,108) Per share (basic) $(0.16) $(0.05) Per share (diluted) $(0.16) $(0.05) Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $909 $1,173 OP = Open Pit UG = Underground (1) EBITDA, net income (loss) attributable to owners of the Company, income (loss) per share attributable to owners of the Company, net (cash), working capital, C1 cash cost, copper production are non-IFRS measures. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Please refer to the Companys discussion of Non-IFRS measures in its Management Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Lead Penalties The lower than expected realized copper price was the result of high lead penalties on the shipped concentrate. Changes to the mine plan to compensate for pumping delays led to mining ore with higher lead in the upper portions of the mine. The high lead content in much of the shipped copper concentrates resulted in high penalties, which are deducted from the net smelter revenue and reflected in the lower than expected realized price. Towards the end of the quarter, an extra flotation capacity was used to float off some of the lead in what is best described as a rougher concentrate with high lead and some copper. This has yet to be separated into a saleable product and is collecting in the lead circuit thickeners. Fortunately, mining has moved deeper in the mine and away from the high lead areas, and lead penalties are not expected to be a problem going forward. Exploration Update Trigon is allocating $2.5 million to $3.5 million to exploration programs for reserve and resource replacement and on other exploration prospects in and around Kombats existing infrastructure and landholdings in the Kombat Valley. On August 29, 2024, Trigon announced the results of drilling from the new zone identified in the vicinity of Shaft #3 of the Kombat Mine. These areas are outside the proven and probable mine reserves estimates published in March 2024. Mineralization in these areas was initially detected in surface drilling in 2023 and some historic drill work dating back to when Goldfields operated the mine. The holes classified as follow-up have yielded positive results and are outlined below. Total volumes and tonnage for a mineral resource estimate have yet to be quantified. At present, drilling is spaced to define a mineral resource estimate in the indicated mineral resource category. Trigon continues its underground drilling operations, with approximately 3,500 meters planned by year-end. Drilling Results Overview: E600-017: 3.32% Cu over 7 metres E600-018: 2.08% Cu over 4 metres E600-044: 2.65% Cu over 3 metres E600-045: 2.48% Cu over 3 metres E600-047: 2.14% Cu over 5 metres E600-055: 2.61% Cu over 2 metres E600-056: 2.06% Cu over 2 metres E600-065: 2.21% Cu over 4 metres The Company is focused on expanding its reserves and mine plan at Shaft #3 at the Kombat Mine as it opens up more working faces in an area with untapped extraction capacity. Currently, all ore is being extracted from the decline ramp adjacent to Shaft #1, which limits the Company to 1,000 tpd. Bringing in new ore from the second unused decline at Shaft #3 is expected to enable Trigon to ramp up extraction to support plant throughput moving from 1,000 tpd to 2,000 tpd next year. Furthermore, the Trigon exploration team is working to better understand and subsequently better predict the mineralization in the footwall/dolomites. Apart from the well-understood mineralization along the steep contact between the phyllites and the dolomites, the geology team encounters high-grade mineralization in the dolomites only, and away from the contact where most resources and reserves occur. Once better understood, the exploration and mining geology team aims to better predict these areas and find additional mineralization underground. Plant Expansion Full-year capital expenditures for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 are funding dependent and are projected to range from $10 million to $11 million. The capital expenditure guidance assumes an exchange rate of 18 NAD per 1 USD. Trigon plans to expand the mills throughput from 30,000 tonnes per month to 60,000 tonnes per month to cater for additional material from the underground operations. Management believes the additional tonnage from the underground operations will lower operating costs and amplify profitability. 2025 Production and Cost Guidance Following second quarter operating performance at the Kombat Mine, the Company is revising down its 2025 copper production guidance from 12,125,000 to 13,448,000 pounds of copper to 8,315,000 to 9,250,000. The Company has also reduced its expected mined and processed copper grades to between 1.52% to 1.79%. The Company's updated cost guidance for 2024 assumes a foreign exchange rate of 18 NAD per USD silver price of $30 per ounce and a copper price of $4.33 per pound. Table 2: Financial Year 2025 Guidance FY 2025 Guidance Description Unit Floor Ceiling Underground Mining Tonnes 250,000 280,000 Ore Grade % 1.52% 1.79% Processing Tonnes 260,000 312,000 Copper Produced Tonnes 3,770 4,200 Copper Produced lbs 8,315,000 9,250,000 Cash Cost $/lbs 3.45 3.15 Conference Call Details The Company will hold a conference call to discuss these results on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. EST (8:00 a.m. PST). Please pre-register at the link provided below. Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 Time: 11:00 a.m. EST/8:00 a.m. PST Dial in: Canada/USA: 1-800-990-4333 Toronto: 1-289 514-5000 New York: 1-646-769-9600 please dial in 5-10 minutes prior and ask to join the call Pre-Register: Registration link: https://emportal.ink/3B4LXEX Replay: Canada/USA toll-free: 1-888-660-6264 Replay Passcode: 99483# Qualified Person The technical information presented in this press release has been reviewed and approved for disclosure by Fanie Muller, P.Eng, VP Operations of Trigon, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Trigon Metals Inc. Trigon is a publicly-traded Canadian exploration and development company with its core business focused on copper and silver holdings in mine-friendly African jurisdictions. Currently, the company has operations in Namibia and Morocco. In Namibia, the Company holds an 80% interest in five mining licences in the Otavi Mountainlands, an area of Namibia widely recognized for its high-grade copper deposits, where the Company is focused on exploration and re-development of the previously producing Kombat Mine. Cautionary Notes This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding the Companys mining operations, the financial results of the Company, the timing and results of mining activities, the Companys strategies and the Companys abilities to execute such strategies, the Companys expectations for the Kombat mine, the economic viability of the Kombat mine, the Companys ability to obtain financing, the Companys ability to expand or replace mineral resources and reserves, the projected costs and production at the Kombat mine, planned capital expenditures, the prices of copper and silver, foreign currency exchange rates, and the Companys future plans and objectives. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statements or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. 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. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO, NYSE AMERICAN: BTG, NSX: B2G) (B2Gold or the Company) announces that it is closely monitoring a strike that began on November 29, 2024, by certain employees at the Companys Fekola Mine in Mali. Under the notice provided to the Company by the Fekola workers union, the strike commenced on November 29, 2024 with a seven day duration ending on December 5, 2024. The Company is continuing to operate the Fekola mill at full throughput capacity during this period and still expects to be toward the lower end of its annual production guidance for the Fekola Mine of between 420,000 and 450,000 ounces of gold in 2024. The health, safety and security of B2Gold employees remains the Companys foremost priority. During the seven-day strike period, the Company is continuing to operate critical infrastructure and the mill on a reduced roster, maintaining the expected gold production profile during the period. It is important to note that under Malian legislation, employees are authorized to provide minimum service, and participation in strikes is not compulsory for employees who elect to continue to work. The Company believes that the labour action is primarily in response to the action B2Gold has taken against a small number of Fekola employees that previously engaged in illegal activities detrimental to productivity at the Fekola Mine, including go slow actions by the mining employees and an illegal sit in at the Fekola management office in August 2024. During this period, B2Gold urged all Fekola employees to avoid involvement in these illegal activities and, in line with Malian law, Fekolas current union agreements and the B2Gold employee code of conduct, has commenced the disciplinary process for those employees who chose to engage in the illegal activities. B2Gold remains ready and willing to participate in meetings with the Fekola workers union to reach a resolution, and will continue to adhere to legal procedures, respecting the rights of all its employees, inviting the union to engage in a constructive dialogue, and providing the authorities with all requested information. Fekola has well-documented and recognized procedures for raising any form of grievance, as well as established engagement platforms in place with union representatives, to engage on issues concerning B2Golds employees. B2Gold is committed to the highest standards for integrity and transparency and will continue to focus on safe and sustainable mining at Fekola, which brings great benefits to the workforce, the surrounding communities and the State of Mali. In addition, the Company continues to make progress with the State of Mali on their respective deliverables and implementation of the necessary steps under the Memorandum of Agreement signed in September 2024, including the issuance of the necessary permits to commence exploitation at Fekola Regional (located 25 kilometers north of the Fekola Mine). Upon issuance of the exploitation permit for Fekola Regional, mining operations will begin with initial gold production expected to commence in early 2025, with the potential to generate approximately 80,000 to 100,000 ounces of additional gold production on an annualized basis from Fekola Regional sources through the trucking of open pit ore to the Fekola mill. B2Gold continues to have a strong working relationship with the Malian Government. About B2Gold B2Gold is a low-cost international senior gold producer headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 2007, today, B2Gold has operating gold mines in Mali, Namibia and the Philippines, the Goose Project under construction in northern Canada and numerous development and exploration projects in various countries including Mali, Colombia and Finland. B2Gold forecasts total consolidated gold production of between 800,000 and 870,000 ounces in 2024. ON BEHALF OF B2GOLD CORP. Clive T. Johnson President and Chief Executive Officer Source: B2Gold Corp. The Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American LLC neither approve nor disapprove the information contained in this news release. Production results and production guidance presented in this news release reflect total production at the mines B2Gold operates on a 100% project basis. Please see our Annual Information Form dated March 14, 2024, for a discussion of our ownership interest in the mines B2Gold operates. This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, including: projections; outlook; guidance; forecasts; estimates; and other statements regarding future or estimated financial and operational performance, gold production and sales, revenues and cash flows, and capital costs (sustaining and non-sustaining) and operating costs, including projected cash operating costs and AISC, and budgets on a consolidated and mine by mine basis; future or estimated mine life, metal price assumptions, ore grades or sources, gold recovery rates, stripping ratios, throughput, ore processing; statements regarding anticipated exploration, drilling, development, construction, permitting and other activities or achievements of B2Gold; and including, without limitation: remaining well positioned for continued strong operational and financial performance in 2024; projected gold production, cash operating costs and AISC on a consolidated and mine by mine basis in 2024; total consolidated gold production of between 800,000 and 870,000 ounces (including 20,000 attributable ounces from Calibre) in 2024; trucking of selective higher-grade saprolite material from Fekola Regional to the Fekola mill having the potential to generate approximately 80,000 to 100,000 ounces of additional gold production per year from Fekola Regional sources; and the receipt of the exploitation permit for Fekola Regional and Fekola Regional production expected to commence in early 2025. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond B2Gold's control, including risks associated with or related to: the volatility of metal prices and B2Gold's common shares; changes in tax laws; the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; not achieving production, cost or other estimates; actual production, development plans and costs differing materially from the estimates in B2Gold's feasibility and other studies; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; climate change and climate change regulations; the ability to replace mineral reserves and identify acquisition opportunities; the unknown liabilities of companies acquired by B2Gold; the ability to successfully integrate new acquisitions; fluctuations in exchange rates; the availability of financing; financing and debt activities, including potential restrictions imposed on B2Gold's operations as a result thereof and the ability to generate sufficient cash flows; operations in foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations in Mali, Namibia, the Philippines and Colombia and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally; remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure; fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks, including local instability or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; the reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; the lack of sole decision-making authority related to Filminera Resources Corporation, which owns the Masbate Project; challenges to title or surface rights; the dependence on key personnel and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; community support for B2Gold's operations, including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; conflicts with small scale miners; failures of information systems or information security threats; the ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting as required by law, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; compliance with anti-corruption laws, and sanctions or other similar measures; social media and B2Gold's reputation; as well as other factors identified and as described in more detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in B2Gold's most recent Annual Information Form, B2Gold's current Form 40-F Annual Report and B2Gold's other filings with Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which may be viewed at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively (the "Websites"). The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect B2Gold's forward-looking statements. B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to B2Gold's ability to carry on current and future operations, including: development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; B2Gold's ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; foreign exchange rates; taxation levels; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry. B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. B2Gold does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities B2Gold will derive therefrom. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Germany's top criminal court on Friday rejected an appeal by a Gambian hitman convicted over a string of politically motivated killings, including the assassination of an AFP journalist. Bai Lowe was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the Gambian death squad known as the Junglers, which was tasked with carrying out illegal killings on the orders of former dictator Yahya Jammeh. A regional court in the northern German city of Celle last year found Lowe guilty of crimes against humanity, murder and attempted murder, but the Gambian appealed against the decision. After considering Lowe's objections, the federal court of justice in Karlsruhe said it had rejected the appeal and confirmed the hitman's life sentence. The federal court said it did not find "any fundamental procedural errors" or "any legal error" in the original trial. Lowe was found to have participated in crimes including the killing of AFP correspondent Deyda Hydara, who was gunned down in his car on the outskirts of Gambia's capital Banjul on December 16, 2004. Lowe was found guilty of acting as a driver for the Junglers and helping to stop Hydara's car on the night of the murder. Hydara was an editor and co-founder of the independent daily The Point and a correspondent for AFP for over 30 years. As well as having a role in Hydara's death, Lowe was said to have been involved in the attempted assassination of lawyer Ousman Sillah and the murder of former Gambian soldier Dawda Nyassi. Lowe emigrated to Germany in 2012, saying he was seeking asylum as a political refugee who feared for his life under Jammeh. In 2013, Lowe gave a detailed interview to a US-based Gambian radio station, in which he described his participation in the Junglers. A transcript of the conversation would become a key piece of evidence for prosecutors during Lowe's trial. Lowe was eventually arrested in March 2021 in Germany, where his trial was held under "universal jurisdiction". The legal principle, espoused by German courts, allows a foreign country to prosecute crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide, regardless of where they were committed. The International Criminal Court on Friday slapped down a request by Mongolia to appeal a decision saying Ulaanbaatar breached its obligations when it failed to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit. The Russian leader was in Mongolia in early September despite an arrest warrant issued against him by the Hague-based court, for the alleged illegal deportation of Ukrainian children after his troops invaded their country in 2022. "The Chamber rejects Mongolia's request for leave to appeal," pre-trial judges said in a ruling. The ICC in late October accused Mongolia -- a member state -- of failing to arrest Putin and said the matter would be referred to its oversight body, the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), for further action. The Rome Statute, the court's founding treaty signed by all member states, compels countries to arrest wanted suspects. Mongolia a few days later applied for leave to appeal the decision, as well as for two judges to be disqualified. It also asked the court to put the appeals decision on ice until there was a decision about the judges' position. But on Friday, the court denied Mongolia's requests. Judges said its decision and its referral to the ASP could not be appealed, as it did not "constitute a formal court ruling on the merits or on a procedural matter of the case". It was "rather a compliance assessment concerning the duty to cooperate with the Court," the judges said. The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March 2023. It said there were "reasonable grounds to believe" that Putin "bears responsibility for the war crime of unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children to Russia. Kyiv says thousands of Ukrainian children were forcibly deported from orphanages and other state institutions after Russian forces took control of swathes of the country in its 2022 invasion. Russia said it moved some children away from areas close to the fighting for their own protection. Moscow has dismissed the warrant as having no consequence, but the Mongolia trip marked Putin's first to an ICC member in the 18 months since it had been issued. Last year he called off a visit to a BRICS summit in South Africa, another ICC member, after internal and external pressure on Pretoria to arrest the Russian leader should he attend. Israel's former defence minister Moshe Yaalon on Saturday accused the Israeli army of "ethnic cleansing" in the Gaza Strip, sparking an outcry in the country. "The road we are being led down is conquest, annexation and ethnic cleansing," Yaalon said in an interview on the private DemocratTV channel. Pressed on the "ethnic cleansing" appraisal, he continued: "What is happening there? There is no more Beit Lahia, no more Beit Hanoun, the army intervenes in Jabalia and in reality the land is being cleared of Arabs." The north of the Gaza Strip, which includes the areas Yaalon mentioned, has been the target of an Israeli offensive since October 6 aimed at preventing the Palestinian militant group Hamas from regrouping. Yaalon, 74, was the head of the Israeli army between 2002 and 2005, just before Israel's unilateral withdrawal from Gaza. He served as defence minister and deputy premier before resigning in 2016 over disagreements with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. There was immediate anger in Israel at his comments. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said it was a "shame" for Israel to "have had such a figure as army chief and defence minister". Netanyahu's Likud party, to which Yaalon once belonged, slammed his "empty and dishonest remarks", calling them "a gift to the ICC and to the camp of Israel's enemies". The statement was a reference to the International Criminal Court, which has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and his ex-defence minister Yoav Gallant on suspicion of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza. The war in the Palestinian territory erupted after 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 44,382 people in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the UN considers reliable. Earlier this month, a UN special committee pointed to "mass civilian casualties and life-threatening conditions intentionally imposed on Palestinians". Israel's prosecution of the war in Gaza was "consistent with the characteristics of genocide", the committee said, in the first use of the word by the UN in the context of the current war in Gaza. Israel has rejected the United Nations assessment as "anti-Israel fabrications". Ivory Coast's former first lady Simone Gbagbo on Saturday announced she would run for president in 2025, vowing to build a new and improved version of the west African nation. Nicknamed the "Iron Lady", Gbagbo is the ex-wife of former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, the first former head of state to face trial for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. The tribunal in The Hague subsequently acquitted him. "I have agreed to be a candidate in the presidential election of October 2025," Gbagbo told her political movement's first convention in Moossou, near the economic capital Abidjan. "Because I deeply believe that every Ivorian, whatever their condition, is capable, if they really want to, of transcending all kinds of hardship in order to dream, to create, to build and to succeed," the 75-year-old added. "I would like to make you a bold offer: that of building an Ivory Coast that is totally transformed, modernised and prosperous, in an Africa that is free of complexes, developed, equipped, indispensable, strong and respected by all." Gbagbo was arrested at the same time as her husband in April 2011 following a bloodbath triggered by Laurent Gbagbo's refusal to concede defeat in a 2010 election. Pitting Gbagbo against longtime rival and current President Alassane Ouattara, that crisis left some 3,000 people dead. In 2015, Simone Gbagbo was sentenced to 20 years' jail on charges of undermining state security, before benefitting from an amnesty law in the name of national reconciliation in 2018. Were Laurent Gbagbo not ineligible to run due to a two-decade jail sentence for his role in the looting of a bank, Simone Gbagbo, representing the Movement of the Capable Generations, would be facing off against her former spouse. Their divorce, which Laurent Gbagbo requested on his return to Abidjan in June 2021 following his acquittal by the international tribunal, was officially granted in 2023. Besides the estranged Gbagbos, former prime minister Pascal Affi N'Guessan and ex-trade minister Jean-Louis Billon have likewise declared their tilts at the presidency. Incumbent Ouattara is yet to indicate whether he will seek a fourth term. At least two people were killed when Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces attacked a camp for displaced people in the North Darfur region, activists said on Monday. The Zamzam camp, south of the regional capital El-Fasher, was hit by heavy rocket and artillery fire from the RSF on Sunday morning, said the local resistance committee in El-Fasher. The "indiscriminate" attack killed at least two people and wounded a dozen others, said the committee, one of hundreds of volunteer groups coordinating aid in Sudan. The northeast African country has been gripped by a war between the regular army and RSF that has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 11 million since April last year. Both sides face accusations of war crimes, including targeting civilians, shelling residential areas, and blocking or looting aid. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, after visiting Sudan and neighbouring Chad last week, called for immediate international action to address the crisis. "It is a tough situation out there, the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world. And I've been talking to local people to host communities," Fletcher said in a weekend statement. Nearly 26 million people -- about half the population -- face the threat of mass starvation in Sudan as both warring sides have been accused of using hunger as a weapon of war. "These numbers are staggering, and we cannot turn our backs," Fletcher said. As the International Criminal Courts prosecutor pushes on with arrest warrants against leaders of Israel and Myanmar, the courts supporters meet in The Hague this week to decide on the regular knotty problem of how much states are willing to pay for justice for atrocity crimes. Every year the representatives of the now 124 member states (Ukraine will join officially in January) that fund the ICC meet in the Hague or New York to discuss the budget. This year prosecutor Karim Khan has provided a welcome fillip to the mood by announcing last week his intention to seek an arrest warrant against Myanmars military ruler, in relation to the alleged crimes against the Rohingya and their deportation over the border into Bangladesh, which is an ICC member state. But this years context looks particularly strained. The ICC states parties face a decision on how to investigate the prosecutors alleged sexual misconduct. And, come January, when Donald Trump becomes the US president again, the court is likely to face sanctions in retaliation against the arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, a staunch ally of the coming US administration that will pose an even greater challenge. They have the potential to sanction the actual institution, which would be an absolute disaster. It is an existential threat for the court, says Maria Elena Vignoli of Human Rights Watch. We don't know what ultimately will come down, says James Goldston, the head of Open Society Justice Initiative, an NGO, but they are potentially devastating. No question about that. Growing outside pressure The court was long criticised for its focus on Africa. All the individuals who have been tried since 2002, when the court became active, are Africans. Its six successful prosecutions have all been for medium-level rebel commanders across that continent. Now the court has been able to break out into Asia, Europe and the Middle East and challenge some of their heads of state or governments for their alleged responsibility in crimes against humanity. But 2025 also looks set to be the year when the states finally have to decide where they stand on implementing international justice rules and how they can fix some of the flaws in the body they built. The vulnerabilities of the international criminal court have been visible on several fronts. After Putins indictment by the court a cyber-attack in 2023 caused a return to paper binders and USB flash drives to run cases. A whopping 4.3 million Euros is still needed to fix those systems and restore security. Russia has opened criminal cases against elected officials. Former prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has also spoken of the bullying tactics she says were employed against the courts officials by Israel. And Israel continues to be suspected of targeting the court. Meanwhile, the office of the prosecutor is being asked to do more and more. States continue to refer situations. Last week Chile along with Costa Rica, Spain, France, Luxembourg and Mexico called on the prosecutor to focus on women in Afghanistan, and earlier this year Lithuania pointed to crimes against humanity in neighbouring Belarus. This year the Office of the Prosecutor requested an additional 9.31 million (a 15.4 per cent increase) on last year. But the committee on budget and finance admonished the prosecutors office for over-reliance on external contractors and urged it to get its human resources recruitment system in order. Slow internal reforms It was in 2019 that states decided that a root and branch review of the court was needed. The Independent Expert Review led by South African Justice Richard Goldstone exposed some ugly truths about the failures of parts of the Rome Statute system to operate effectively in dealing with atrocity crimes and poor morale in key areas like the Prosecutors office. The reform process has been implemented by states, with reports to the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) every year. OSJI Goldston (no relation) notes that some reforms are trickling through theres now a process of vetting for candidates for senior roles and judges have recently changed certain rules which now allow them to move at a pace that at least more approximates the expectations of various stakeholders than before. But, he says, at the same time, I think there has not been sufficient progress in addressing what the independent expert review identified as a really challenging, very toxic environment internally for many staff of the court when it came to their work environment and the lack of trust that was exhibited apparently by many members of the staff, of the internal disciplinary processes and review processes that ostensibly existed to address concerns about harassment and hostility in the workplace. I just don't think we've seen enough progress in respect of that. Should Karim Khan step aside? That continued poor work environment and the mistrust in the internal disciplinary procedures embodied in the court's own Independent Oversight Mechanism publicly erupted via a sexual misconduct allegation against the prosecutor himself. The alleged victim refused to cooperate with the courts investigators. Instead, members of Khans office have leaked alleged elements of the situation to members of the media. The prosecutor has now agreed that an investigation is needed. How independent it will be of the court and what it would cover, including any allegations of a smear campaign against him, are still unclear. Against that backdrop, several senior NGO figures have called for the prosecutor to temporarily step aside while such an investigation is proceeding without prejudice, of course, to his right to be presumed innocent and without taking any sides about the allegations that have emerged, says Goldston. There's no reason why stepping aside and leaving it in the hands of his capable either one or both deputies and the staff that support them should in any way prejudice the progress of any continuing investigation or prosecution. Alix Vuillemin of Womens Initiatives for Gender Justice, whose organisation wrote jointly with FIDH on this matter, agrees that the best, perhaps the most gracious thing to happen would be for him to step aside for the moment. He's clearly indicated he won't. Perhaps we can help change his mind, since he took a very strict zero tolerance approach with his own staff, that could be a measure of fairness. ICC prosecutor Karim Khan is facing allegations of sexual harassment; several NGO activists want him to step aside for the duration of the investigation. Shutterstock / Bumble Dee Vuillemin though points out the bigger picture that the rules around this issue are very vague. She recalls how the first ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo advocated hard for the independence of his office from potential state interference and the court ended with a relatively weak internal oversight mechanism: And now we see the consequences of that. (Allegations of misconduct against Moreno Ocampo were subject to an internal investigation whose conclusions were never disclosed.) It is also hard to see how a prosecutor would not be automatically weakened by having to step aside, and with him the whole institution. Victims interest and outside influence So what is the solution? It's a very tricky question, says Vuillemin, because of the precedents that this may create, particularly because, of course, of potential for politicisation and the risks that could come in in future. Under the Rome Statute, states can remove a prosecutor by a majority secret ballot if they are found to have committed serious misconduct or a serious breach of his or her duties. Instead of anything like such a drastic step, Vuillemin is asking the states to focus on the allegations, and particularly being survivor-centred in all of this, not to be distracted by the politics around this, but to focus first on this particular situation. The system at the ICC to address these sorts of allegations may not be broken, but [it is] insufficient. As states are absorbing the flurry of judicial activity in the last few months at the court and especially the issuance of an arrest warrant against Netanyahu, there is a risk that any investigation into the man pressing for that arrest warrant, Karim Khan, could be politicised. At the moment observers say that the ASPs president Paivi Kaukoranta is playing her cards close to her chest. Vuillemin says it should be up to external independent investigators as to where their inquiry leads. Any, good proper investigator or team of investigators will necessarily judge the credibility of the allegations, she says. They will over the course of their work find out quickly enough if there's any reason to broaden the scope of their mandate. I cannot imagine that it would not be part of their terms to investigate potential outside influences, as Khan has suggested. Two separate issues Stephen Rapp is the former US ambassador at large for war crimes, and a former chief prosecutor at UN tribunals. He sees the dangers of how the sexual misconduct allegations can be weaponised against the courts most sensitive investigation. These are entirely separate issues, he emphasises. The cases that the court pursues on every front should continue to be pursued at the same time as there is an appropriate investigation of alleged misconduct by Khan or if there are allegations against other persons. But Goldston notes that the allegations are already are being used or misused in ways that are not helpful to the court. Nevertheless, he says, the fact that enemies of the court are willing to misuse these kinds of allegations for their own purposes doesn't, in my view, mean that the prosecutor or the court itself should forgo what is the professionally and ethically responsible thing to do, which is, in his view, to step aside temporarily. Which budget for 2025? Eventually the meat of the debates will be around the threats to the court and its functioning, and the budget needed for its work. The baseline problem is that the court is operating in a situation of chronic underfunding, says Vignoli. After several years of a group of countries pushing for zero nominal growth, which was completely arbitrary, she says, since 2022 there's been an acknowledgement that the workload of the court has increased. Some of the states that in the past were more stingy, less progressive in terms of the court's budget like France, Canada, the U.K., Japan, and Germany were being much more progressive. There have been budget increases over the past three years, but they have been overall minimal and they have not solved the underlying problem of chronic underfunding. This year, the Court has proposed an annual budget of 202,612,400 euros, representing an increase for 2025 of 19,113,200 (or 10.4 per cent) over the approved budget for 2024. But the Budget and Finance Committee concluded that a total increase of 6.6 per cent should be sufficient. The proliferation of special funds A notable feature of the last couple of years has been the proliferation of special funds to support specific aspects of the courts work. We are very wary about voluntary contributions overall, says Vignoli. To start with there is a lack of transparency. When states decided to give some extras for the Ukraine investigation, the Office of the Prosecutor established a special trust fund and designated three areas to which the 33 million euros now raised is going: improving the analysis of information, sexual and gender-based crimes along with those against children, and psychological support. But Vignoli is concerned there's little public information about how that money is used besides the three main buckets. A separate Trust Fund for cooperation was also established of some 125,000 euros for working with local justice actors in the Democratic Republic of Congo and capacity building at the Central African Republic special court. We're not saying they shouldn't be there, says Vignoli. But they have been used over the past few years to fill gaps that were left in the regular budget. And that is a problem because voluntary contributions are not meant to cover the core activities of the court. There's also the issue of politicisation, when a minister of foreign affairs of State X makes a contribution and then says, we just gave X million for Ukraine or for Palestine. It's problematic in terms of perception. And there's an issue of sustainability. States use this as an excuse to keep the general budget down. It creates this vicious cycle, where the court doesn't have enough, so asks for voluntary contributions. And then states say, look, we've given you voluntary contributions so we don't need to raise the budget. It's hard to break this cycle. US sanctions With the arrest warrants announcement by ICC judges in the Palestine situation, the court now faces political fractures in the system. France has declared that it is not obliged to follow the ICC rulings on head of state immunity, and would not arrest Netanyahu if he visited Paris. There is also direct fire from across the US political spectrum, in defence of Israels war. When Donald Trump was last in power in Washington between 2016 and 2020, his administration froze the assets of the then-prosecutor Bensouda and a member of her staff. Many observers expect the new Donald Trump administration, which takes office on January 20, 2025, and the Republican-majority US Congress to adopt sanctions against the International Criminal Court or its staff. AFP / Allison Robbert then-prosecutor Bensouda and a member of her staff. It's a very fraught situation, says Goldston, who points out that the incoming Senate majority leader has made clear his desire that the Congress act on that threat of sanctions as soon as it comes into being in January. And that the Trump administration itself has the power to impose sanctions, by executive order, in addition to anything Congress does. Goldston warns of the potential consequences of sanctions: The sanctions could be really a devastating blow to the court, simply because such sanctions in principle can essentially cut off the court's ability to function, its ability to retain and command and preserve the services of a variety of vendors, of banking services, of all kinds of things, or IT services, which are likely to have dollar components that run through the U.S. In addition, he says the courts cooperation agreements with a number of other states would be likely to suffer. When I was [U.S.] ambassador at large for six years [under Obamas administration], we worked very hard to become a non-party partner, and to work with the court on a case-by-case basis as our law allows, recalls Rapp. That provided very specific assistance in bringing the two fugitives Bosco Ntaganda and Dominic Ongwen to the court. They surrendered to our officers, and we worked very hard to get them to the ICC, where to date they're the two strongest cases with the longest sentences of any of the six cases that have gone through trial and sentenced at the court. Frankly, these courts need that kind of assistance from states if they're going to be successful. Their own warrants, and their own orders are, in the end, meaningless without state cooperation, and that includes the cooperation of non-parties. And obviously, any effort to go after the court and to sanction its prosecutor or his staff or other arms of the court or the court itself would necessarily undermine that effort to achieve accountability for the crimes being committed in Ukraine. Other clouds on the horizon Double standards are clear, Goldston stresses. It was not long ago that some of the same people calling for sanctions [against the ICC] now in respect of Israel and Palestine were going out of their way to applaud the court for its work in respect of Ukraine and support charges against President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I think it is worth underscoring the fact that even in the narrower view of certain elected officials, this court serves an interest of addressing serious crimes in certain situations. What will the ASP actually do though? The ASP is a very important platform and forum for states to express support for the work of the court, and explicitly condemn these threats, especially sanctions. But that's not enough. It will also be an opportunity to have conversations with EU countries to see where they are with active preparation and support, says Vignoli. Meanwhile, the court is also gearing up for a special review meeting on the fourth crime in the Rome Statute - that of aggression. And Vanuatu along with other states wants to change the courts statute with a new crime of ecocide to be added. Definitely we are going to talk about it and build support at the ASP, Vanuatus special envoy on climate change Ralph Regenvanu told Justice Info. But he was not sure if now would be the best time to put the issue to a vote. Other huge clouds on the ICCs horizon include the limited functioning of the Trust Fund for Victims, the reparations arm of the Court. The Budget and Finance Committee complains that the Trust Fund still has not put a transparent fundraising strategy together. That is despite the awards made by the courts judges of more than 86 million euros for reparations in the cases of Ntaganda in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ongwen in Uganda. And then there is concern that the courtrooms in The Hague are going to look growingly empty, even though the Prosecutor has been busy applying for arrest warrants, with arrests not happening (see our article tomorrow). We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Monday, December 2, 2024 - Bibirioni MCA Christopher Ireri is still in a coma after he was abducted last Thursday during a chaotic burial in Limuru attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This was revealed by Gachagua who said the MCA was dumped at Kinale Forest after being taken in circles. "Officers of the DCI in the notorious Subaru cars that are unmarked abducted, in clear view of everybody, Peter Mwathi (former Limuru MP) and the MCA of Bibirioni. Peter Mwathi was taken around in circles for 8 hours before he was dumped along Bypass. "The MCA for Bibirioni who had spoken very strongly was taken around and abandoned in Kinale Forest where he was picked and he is now in hospital in a coma," he said. During the interview with NTV, Gachagua also accused Limuru MP John Kiragu of planning the attack at the Limuru funeral where the two politicians were abducted. The former DP said the same people who attacked him and his team were seen in a video escorting the MP to safety. "People who were captured on video attacking the second deputy president on the same occasion are seen escorting the MP of the area to safety. You don't need rocket science to connect the dots," he said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 2, 2024 - A middle-aged lady is on the run after reportedly stabbing her boyfriend to death after suspecting that he was cheating on her. The deceased man, identified as Ben, was a student at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Kitale. He was brutally murdered 3 days before his graduation after a confrontation between him and his girlfriend ensued, leaving his family devastated. Police have since launched a manhunt for the killer lady. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Monday, December 2, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has maintained that he is a truthful man and would never do anything that would harm Kenyans. Speaking during an interview yesterday, Gachagua detailed how he used to evade President William Ruto during the launch and implementation of government projects that he did not support. According to Gachagua, some of the projects undertaken by Ruto forced him to devise means to avoid being associated with them. He highlighted the Affordable Housing project by the President as one of the unpopular areas where he dodged his boss and mingled with the public whenever there was a state function on the same. ''The President was accusing me of not going to launch houses. I told him that people are not interested in these houses. These citizens are the ones who have employed us on this job and they are not interested,'' he added. Interestingly, Gachagua narrated that he would escape from the President during an event and go listen to the public's view regarding the same project. To achieve this, he revealed that he would gauge how much time Ruto would take to make a speech during the launch before he would embark on his hiding tactics. ''Many times I would go with the President and he would start speaking on many issues for between 15 to 30 minutes depending on the mood he is in and depending on the response of the crowd,'' added Gachagua. ''I would gauge how long he would take while speaking because I had studied him. During this time I would go and mix with the people. They would clearly say they are not interested.'' Gachagua stated that his reluctance to support certain government decisions led to the fallout with his boss. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 2, 2024 - Githunguri Member of Parliament, Gathoni Wamuchomba, has been recognized as the best-performing MP at both national and county levels. The recognition came during the Jamhuri Awards ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi on Saturday. Speaking after receiving the award, Wamuchomba expressed her gratitude, dedicating the recognition to her supporters and constituents. "Elated to receive two awards during the Jamhuri Awards last evening: the best MP in Kenya and the best in Kiambu County A win for me is a win for all who follow and support me," she said. Wamuchomba is among several public figures acknowledged for their transformative contributions to the nation since Kenya became a republic in 1964. The awards ceremony is part of a 10-day celebration organized by the government, featuring a series of events leading up to this years Jamhuri Day festivities on December 12. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 2, 2024 Kenyans have been left at sea as to who is speaking the truth between the government of President William Ruto and the Catholic Church regarding the presidents donation to Soweto Church. This is after the church and Rutos government differed on whether or not the money had been returned after Catholic Archbishop Phillip Anyolo rejected it. In a statement on Saturday, Anyolo revealed that they had returned all the rejected money that Ruto had donated to them. However, Rutos government, through the National Assembly Leader of the Majority Kimani Ichung'wah, noted the church was being dishonest. According to Ichungwah, all of Rutos rejected money was yet to be returned by the Catholic Church. At the same time, Ichungwah noted that the Catholic Church was also dishonest in telling Kenyans that it had returned part of the money that was a pledge and had not been handed over to them. ''I want to insist that the money that Ruto contributed to the Catholic Church has not been returned yet. I want to ask elected leaders to respect elected leaders because they have also been chosen by God to serve Kenyans,'' Ichung'wah stated. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 02, 2024 - Police at Dennilton, in the Sekhukhune District of Limpopo, South Africa, have launched a manhunt for a 45-year-old man who stabbed his wife, Moagabo Madisha, to death. The incident took place on Monday at the couples home in Ntoane village. Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said preliminary investigations revealed that the 42-year-old victim was stabbed by her husband following a domestic dispute. The suspect fled the scene, and emergency medical services were called to transport the victim to a local hospital, where she was certified dead upon arrival. Police have opened a case of murder and an extensive search has been launched for the husband who is on the run. Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has expressed outrage over the incident, especially as the country has just launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. "This is a setback for us, as we continue to lose more women at the hands of their partners. The investigating team must ensure the suspect is tracked down and arrested," said Hadebe. Anyone with information that can lead to the apprehension of the suspect should contact the investigating officer, Constable Malose Lamola at 060 674 2649, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or the nearest police station. Information can also be submitted via My SAPS App." Monday, December 2, 2024 - A staff at Magunas Supermarket has reached out to renowned blogger Cyprian Nyakundi to lament over the poor working conditions. According to the disgruntled staff, they report to work at 7:10 am and leave at 10PM without overtime compensation. After the long shift, they are forced to clean the building by the management before going home. Read the message from one of the employees. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Monday, December 02, 2024 - Houston police have arrested a man accused of fatally stabbing his sister and her child. According to the police, Kendrick Rayvon Fisher, 29, was arrested and charged with capital murder. Hes accused of fatally staabbing the 28-year-old mother and her two-year-old daughter. Both were found dead early Friday morning, Officers said they were called to the apartment on Richmond near Shadowbriar by someone who flagged them down, saying that the woman and child were being held hostage. When police went to the apartment, they said they found Fisher asleep on the couch. When they searched the rest of the apartment, they found the lifeless bodies of the mother and child with stab wounds. Fisher reportedly had injuries that police said were consistent with a physical struggle. Police said he also had blood on his clothes. Fisher was questioned by Houston police detectives and was charged with capital murder and booked in the Harris County Jail. According to KHOU 11s Jason Miles, the woman and the suspect are brother and sister. The suspect is the uncle of the toddler. Monday, December 2, 2024 - Bishop Ben Kiengeis friend Elias Njau, the man accused of stabbing his lover Florence Kamau 18 times, has opened up about his controversial love life. Speaking in a candid interview, Elias revealed that he is married to another woman called Wairimu, whom he fell in love with and married while he was still a student at Kenyatta University. Despite Elias falling in love with Florence and secretly marrying her as a second wife, his wife got to know about their affair 4 months ago. Florence reportedly got Wairimus phone number and called her, informing her that he was also married to Njau and they had a child. Florence got my wifes phone number from a close friend and called her, informing her that we were in love, he said. One day, Njau returned home from a business meeting at night and found his wife crying and when he got concerned, she informed him that Florence had called her to inform her about their affair. Njau, who describes his wife as prayerful, claimed that he was able to solve the issue with his wife. We discussed the issue and solved it amicably. I informed her that I had a child with Florence who needed a present dad, he said. Watch the video. Monday, December 02, 2024 - Sx workers in Belgium can now have job contracts that allows them to be entitled to health insurance, pensions, sick leave, and maternity leave. Belgium is the first country in the world to pass a law to give labour rights to sx workers. The move follows the countrys 2022 decision to decriminalize sx work. Under the new regulations, sx workers will have access to health insurance, paid leave, maternity benefits, unemployment support and pensions. The legislation also establishes rules on working hours, pay and safety measures, addressing a long-standing gap in legal protections for those in the industry. This is an incredible step forward, said Isabelle Jaramillo, coordinator of Espace P, an advocacy group involved in drafting the legislation. It means their profession can finally be recognized as legitimate by the Belgian state. From the employers perspective, this will also be a revolution. Theyll have to apply for a state authorization to hire sx workers, Jaramillo said. Under the previous legislation, hiring someone for sx work automatically made you a pimp, even if the arrangement was consensual, said Jaramillo. Now, Theyll have to apply for state authorization to hire employees. Employers must now obtain authorization, adhere to strict safety protocols, and meet background requirements, including no prior convictions for sxual assault or human trafficking. They must provide clean linens, condoms, and hygiene products, and install emergency buttons in workspaces. Independent sx work remains permitted, but unregulated third-party hiring or violations of the legal framework will be prosecuted. Critics argue the law cannot fully address the stigma and risks tied to the trade, especially for undocumented sx workers. Theres still a lot of work to be done, said Jaramillo, emphasizing the need for better police and judicial training to protect marginalized workers. While countries such as Germany and the Netherlands have legalized sx work, none have implemented labor protections as comprehensive as Belgiums. Monday, December 2, 2024 - Presidential aspirant and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has blasted President William Ruto for congratulating Tanzania on surpassing Kenya in trade within the East African Community (EAC). In a statement, Omtatah called Rutos move deeply concerning. Omtatah went ahead and lectured Ruto on how to revive Kenya's economy instead. "President Rutos commendation of Tanzania for overtaking Kenya in trade within East Africa is deeply concerning," Omtatah said in a statement. "Rather than celebrating our neighbors growth, this statement inadvertently highlights the failure of Kenyas current policies to sustain its regional economic leadership." The Senator asserted that Kenya's declining economy was not accidental and stemmed from key decisions made by Ruto, including burdensome taxation, unpredictable business policies, and widespread corruption. "These factors have driven investors across the border, leading to increased unemployment, reduced tax revenues, and a sharp decline in Kenyan exports," he opined. "The cracks caused by these ill-conceived policies are weakening Kenyas economic foundation, making it harder for businesses to thrive and for citizens to sustain their livelihoods." Omtatah noted that significant changes needed to be made in Rutos administration for Kenya's economy to replenish. "A thriving economy cannot be built on over-taxation, corruption, and disruptive governance. It requires transparency, consistent policies, and a business-friendly environment that inspires confidence among investors and citizens alike," he stated. In his parting shot, he acknowledged that Kenya had the potential to reclaim its position as the region's powerhouse only if decisive actions were taken to address the critical challenges he had highlighted. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 02, 2024 - Russian President, Vladimir Putin has approved a record-breaking defense budget, setting aside a staggering third of the governments total spending. The budget for 2025, which was published Sunday, allocates about $126 billion (13.5 trillion rubles) to national defense which is about 32.5% of government spending. The defense budget is about $28 billion (three trillion rubles) higher than the previous record set for 2024. Russias war in Ukraine is the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II. Moscow is currently making gains at key spots along the front lines and fighting a counteroffensive in Kursk region, the site of Kyivs only major military success this year. The new three-year budget forecasts a slight reduction in military spending for 2026 and 2027. Lawmakers in both houses of the Russian parliament approved the budget. The slow, grinding war has drained the resources of Ukraine as well as Russia. Ukraine has received billions of dollars in help from its Western allies, including more than half a billion in new military equipment pledged by Germany on Monday. How much aid will continue to come from the United States once President-elect Donald Trump takes office remains to be seen and even though Russia has more weapons, more ammunition and more personnel, the strain on its economy and population is growing. Monday, December 2, 2024 Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga mocked former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for falling into a trap he had set up for him at State House. While addressing a crowd in Vihiga during ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi's Thanksgiving Ceremony, Raila took the opportunity to openly speak on Gachagua's woes, including the former DP's impeachment. Using his trademark riddles, the African Union Commission chair hopeful talked about 'traps' that were allegedly set up by Gachagua in government to ensure Raila was kept away from a possible collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza regime. "A trap was set up to catch a mouse, but the one who set up the trap was the one who went down," Raila said. "He went to State House talking about how he was setting up a trap for Baba. He said there would be no handshake, no coalition government (Nusu mkate). Where is Gachagua now?" Raila added amid cheers from the crowd. The former Prime Minister was referring to Gachagua's infamous comments in the past where the former Deputy President suggested he had set up traps to ensure Raila did not set foot into government. "My boss and I had agreed we set up traps so that Raila does not join the government through the backdoor, I would check the traps every morning and evening," Gachagua claimed. However, Gachagua was the one who got trapped instead after he was hounded out of government by President William Ruto and his allies through impeachment. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 2, 2024 - Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has expressed his confidence in the Kenya Kwanza government's determination to revive the economy. Speaking at a church service at Gospel Outreach Church in Kyuso, Mwingi North, on Sunday, Kindiki assured Kenyans facing tough economic times that relief was on the horizon. According to the deputy president, President William Ruto's administration will stabilise the economy before the 2027 General Election. He stated that the country's economic outlook was dire, but the current administration had taken measures to get the economy back on track. I want to assure Kenyans that in the two to three years, our economy will be where it is supposed to be. "Where we have come from is far. The hardest part of the journey is getting behind us as micro indicators are looking good, Kindiki said. Highlighting government achievements like reducing fuel prices, Kindiki urged Kenyans to remain patient with Ruto's administration. The price of fuel has stabilised, the cost of food has come down, and the exchange rate is good. "I just ask for a little patience, and we will get to where we want to be. For the first time in 10 years, Kenya will not import a single bag of sugar. For the first time in many years, Kenya will not import maize. "We know we are not there yet, and so much is yet to be done, but we will get there," Kindiki said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 2, 2024 - President William Ruto has called on the church not to view his government as an enemy but rather as a development partner. This is after the Catholic Church rejected his personal donation of Ksh5.8 million that he gave to St Anna and Joakim parish in Soweto, Nairobi, saying it was illegal money. Speaking during a church service in Kimana, Kajiado County, while attending an Interdenominational Church service, Ruto asked the church to divert its energy and help him transform the country for the good of everybody. ''There is no need to throw words at each other, there is no need for all that, I want to ask these people to tone down on the verbal exchanges. "They should relax, there is no competition'' Ruto stated. While referencing the Catholic Church for rejecting his personal donation, Ruto challenged religious leaders not to bring conflicts that do not exist. According to Ruto, the recent discussions between the government and the church regarding the decision to make a personal contribution, especially amid ongoing economic and social challenges, highlighted a conflict that didn't exist. ''There is no competition between the church and others, no competition between the church and the state as they are all the same thing,'' Ruto stated. ''I am asking you Kenyans that this country is the same thing, therefore we cannot thrive on division. "The church and the state must work together,'' he added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 2, 2024 - Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has weighed in on the removal from office of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking in Vihiga County on Sunday during ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsis Thanksgiving Ceremony, Raila said the same traps Gachagua had set to prevent him from accessing State House had caught the former Second-In-Command. You saw recently somebody was saying that he has laid traps everywhere at the State House, traps were to prevent any handshake or coalition government. Where is he now? Raila posed. He added, A trap was set up to catch a mouse, but the one who set up the trap was the one who went down. In 2022, after the Kenya Kwanza government took power, Gachagua said he had set traps in all corners at State House to prevent Raila from seeking a coalition government. I have rearranged the State House and placed traps in all corners, there is nowhere he (Raila) will pass without me knowing, Gachagua stated. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 2, 2024 - Former Limuru Member of Parliament Peter Mwathi has broken his silence after he was abducted while attending the disrupted funeral service in the company of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking during a press conference, Mwathi claimed that he was abducted by people he believed were detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The former MP said he was apprehended by DCI officers while attempting to escape the chaos at the event. ''We took off and ended up on a road. My assistant asked for a taxi to drive us away from Naivasha. "On the way towards the flyover, we were stopped by two Subarusone black stopped in front of us, two men got out and one green was at the back,'' Mwathi narrated. He added that his abductors threatened him using guns shortly after onboarding him on one of the cars, further raising questions on why they had to follow him that long. ''Mark you, all these guys were hooded, including the driver with masks and ban clavers. They told me not to look at any of their directions, after which they asked me to look at the shotguns that they had at the moment,'' he added. Additionally, the former lawmaker also revealed that the youth who disrupted the burial chased him as he was making his address with the sole intent of killing him. ''They ran after us and I want to make this clear that they had intention. For the first time, I ran frantically for two kilometres,'' Mwathi stated. ''You know those guys were carrying machetes, pangas and some of them have got these nut rungus,'' he added, Mwathi stated that after long hours of torture and grilling by his abductors, he was later dumped along the Southern bypass in Nairobi. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 2, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized the new health scheme, the Social Health Authority (SHA), which manages the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Speaking during an interview yesterday, Gachagua claimed that SHA is a big scam created by President William Ruto to steal from Kenyans. Gachagua clarified that he did not want to associate himself with projects marred with controversies and graft claims such as SHA, suggesting this led to his fallout with Ruto. I defended everything that was above board. Registration of farmers for fertiliser programme, I defended, I worked on it, coffee reforms I defended, tea reforms I defended anything that was above board. But issues of corruption, issues of theft of public funds, I could not go and defend, Gachagua stated. While defending his decision, the former DP claimed Ruto hurried to implement SHA because he was targeting the Sh104 billion that they put up to run the system instead of upgrading the NHIF system which would have cost less than a billion. If something is good, people should be rushing to register, he criticised SHA, adding that Ksh104 billion spent on the programme was daylight robbery. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 02, 2024 - Popular South African radio personality Criselda Kananda, who has been living with HIV for over 20 years, continues to face discrimination despite the progress made in public awareness and education. Sharing her journey, Kananda highlighted the ongoing challenges and the need for societal transformation to address stigma. When asked how revealing her status had impacted her life, she said, It has had a profound effect on my life. It has allowed me to connect with others who share similar experiences and are battling to accept. Ive also become more resilient and proactive about my health. On the changes in perception she has encountered since disclosing her status, Kananda observed, I have noticed a mix of reactions from others. Some people have been incredibly supportive, while others have displayed an interesting form of discrimination ... I would be reduced to just being an Aids activist. Many people still hold misconceptions about HIV, which leads to fear and discrimination. Kananda acknowledged the governments efforts in addressing HIV but called for more strategic prioritization. The government has made strides in educating the public. Additionally, funding for prevention programmes and access to healthcare services should be prioritised and not only directed to donors to reduce new infections effectively, she said. Recounting how she discovered her status, Kananda shared, I discovered my status during a routine check-up as a pregnant woman when I was tested for HIV. Initially, I felt a wave of shock and fear. When asked about societal support, she expressed her hopes for a more inclusive environment. I would like to see society foster a more inclusive and understanding environment for people living with HIV. For people living with HIV to take personal responsibility for their health needs, she said. Kananda also spoke about the impact of HIV on her personal relationships and love life. Living with HIV has certainly influenced my personal relationships and love life. Initially, I was apprehensive about dating and sharing my status, bored by having to teach ignorant adults about the basics of HIV and having to reduce myself to manage perceptions. However, Ive learned the importance of open communication and honesty. Monday, December 2, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said the state had planned to assassinate him during the Limuru burial chaos last week. In an interview with NTV on Sunday, Gachagua said the attack was well-planned and that even his security detail had been withdrawn a week before. The former DP linked the incident to rising tensions after he attended a Muranga music concert, which turned chaotic after he was denied permission to speak. Gachagua accused Limuru MP John Kiragu of suspicious behavior, pointing out that he sat away from the VIP tent and was on his phone for most of the event. Peter Mwathi was shouted at when he talked. Heavily hooded masked guys came to our tent and removed the metal tent. "They were armed with stones, others with sticks and they charged at me. Guys surrounded me and formed a human shield. Gachagua stated. The events of Limuru are very sad, a carefully worked out scheme to take away my life was hatched and carried out. It started with the withdrawal of security officers around me, he added. Gachagua pointed out that he would have been injured had it not been for the young people who formed a protective shield around him. Two of my men laid on top of me to protect me. One of them was hit on the head with an iron bar and is still recovering in the hospital, Gachagua stated. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 2, 2024 - Three criminals who have been waylaying members of the public and robbing them of valuables along Kisumu - Nairobi road near CFAO center have been arrested by undercover officers drawn from Kasagam Police Station. Oblivious of a sting operation to end their reign of terror, the trio who were part of a five-man gang pounced on the officers using an array of crude weapons, too late to realize they had carried the wrong weapons in a battle of guns. Outsmarted, three of the five obeyed orders to surrender, dropping their weapons as the other two scooted off like terrified warthogs. The latter, having been identified, are being hotly pursued amidst calls to surrender at the Kasagam station. The arrested, Elly Omondi Oyugi, 22, and Isaac Ochieng, 22 have been placed in custody pending arraignment while Wesley John Oyugi, 27, is in hospital undergoing treatment. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Monday, December 02, 2024 - A woman in Zimbabwe has sought court intervention against her husbands unrelenting demands for intimacy, citing emotional and physical distress caused by his actions. Nancy Chihota, in her testimony, accused her husband, Benny Hizaki, of forcing her into intimate acts even during deeply personal moments, including her mothers funeral. With tears still on my cheeks, he forced himself on me, Chihota told the court, recounting an incident just before she departed to mourn her mother. Despite her grief and exhaustion, she said Hizakis demands continued unabated upon her return from the funeral. Chihota revealed that Hizaki insists on daily intimacy regardless of her condition, stating, He insists on being intimate every day when he comes home from work, even if Im on my monthly periods. She also disclosed that Hizaki had threatened to marry a second wife if she continued to resist his advances, a threat that has further strained their relationship. I still love him, but because of the way he acts, sometimes I feel like Im losing interest in him, she admitted. In his defence, Hizaki leveled a shocking accusation against Chihota, claiming she had concealed her HIV status. She has been taking antiretroviral drugs for the past five years, and she never told me, Hizaki alleged. He expressed feelings of betrayal, saying, I feel like I should punish her for those five years. He said despite this, he maintained his love for his wife, though he admitted the revelation had fractured their trust. I also love her, but she cant be trusted, he remarked. Magistrate Meenal Narotam, after hearing both parties, ruled in favour of Chihota, granting her a protection order against Hizaki. The ruling highlighted the importance of setting boundaries within a marriage and emphasized mutual respect and understanding between partners. The case has ignited discussions around the complexities of marital relationships, the limits of conjugal rights, and the need for partners to prioritize each others emotional and physical well-being. Monday, December 02, 2024 - A 44-year-old South African woman, Faith Nongcebo Ntombela, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the m8rder of her husband, Captain Zwelakhe Ntombela. She was sentenced on Friday, November 29, 2024, by Durban High Court, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as the Hawks) said. Zwelakhe Ntombela, an officer, who was stationed at Durban Metro Police, was shot and killed on May 3, 2023, while arriving home in Umlazi, Hawks KZN spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said. A case of murder was reported to the Umlazi police station and the case docket was allocated to Hawks members from Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation for intensive investigation. "During investigation it was discovered that his private and service firearms were stolen by his wife before the shooting incident," Mhlongo said. In July last year, Mzo Btombela, 28, was arrested by the Hawks members working with National intervention Unit at Msinga area where he was hiding and Captain Ntombelas firearms were recovered at Mzos homestead in KwaMaphumulo. Mhlongo said Mzo Ntombela's arrest led to the arrest of his accomplices, Nongcebo, Khulani Cele and Sithembiso Khumalo. Faith Ntombela, an uMlazi court employee, was assisted by her co-accused, primary school principal Sithembiso Khumalo, 53, in finding a hitman to kill her husband. Mzo Ntombela appeared in court and he pleaded guilty, before he was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for murder. "On Friday Nongcebo was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 10 years imprisonment for theft of firearms and two years imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice. Her sentence will run concurrently. Cele and Khumalo will continue with the trial in April 2025," Ntombela said. KwaZulu-Natal Hawks Provincial Head, Major General Lesetja Senona, welcomed the sentence. THE DART is finally coming to mid-Kildare after an Bord Pleanala gave the green light to extend the electrified network between Hazelhatch (Celbridge) and Heuston Station, and on to the rest of the city via the Phoenix Park Tunnel, and the link to the main line at Connolly. Approximately 15kms of track between Hazelhatch and Heuston will be electrified, as will a further five kms between Heuston and the Tunnel to Connolly. This is expected to quadruple traffic along this line from 5,000 passengers an hour, to 20,000 after all the new DART+ carriages are acquired. Of this, approximately half of the Hazelhatch-Heuston stretch will be broadened to a four-track line to ParkWest and Cherry Orchard Station, about 200m inside the M50. This is expected to provide a service every 10 minutes through the new stations at Adamstown, Clondalkin-Fonthill, ParkWest-Cherry Orchard, to a new station AT Heuston West for populations at Clancy Quay and Islandbridge, through to the re-opened station at Drumcondra on the northside, and on to Connolly. The application was lodged in May 2023, granted last week and work is expected to start in 2026, pending the allocation of funding, and is a key element of the NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy, 2022-2042. The procurement process will now commence for the construction stage contracts, and may even surpass the 1bn estimate tagged on the similar project for Maynooth announced in July. Similar line extensions are also expected to be announced to Drogheda, and Wicklow in coming months, and the long-term goal of the plan would be to finally extend both Kildare lines out to Kilcock and Kildare town or Monasterevin by the mid-40s. Outgoing Transport Minister James Lawless confirmed the massive extension of the DART into Kildare and the new station as well. Further extensions would see residents of the Naas and Kilcock areas brought into the loop, bringing a 10-minute service onto your doorstep, really turbo charging commuting options for the Kildare public. He further indicated that a brand new park-and-ride station for Naas commuters is being considered in the vicinity of Millenium Park, and halfway out the Caragh. It means that tens of thousands more Kildare commuters could soon be connected directly to the Dublin rapid rail network. In the follow-up to Budget 2025, Minister Lawless has secured funding to prepare for the future rollout of DART to Sallins/Naas on the southwest line, and to Kilcock on the west line. This will being the DART services even further than the already agreed extensions to Hazelhatch and Maynooth on the respective lines, he said. The benefit of the DART+, as opposed to what we already have, is that it is fully electrified, highly regular, highly reliable service, much better capacity, far greater service levels and effectively a 10-minute service on your doorstep. In terms of the Sallins connection, the trains already coming to Hazelhatch and Celbridge as part of the DART+ project, Ive asked them to bring it further down to Sallins. and as part of that we may see a second station around Millenium Park. In order for the DART plus to be extended from Hazelhatch to Naas, and Maynooth to Kilcock funding must be first secured and then added to Irish Rails capital plan, said Cllr Bill Clear, Lawlesss opponent IN LAST Fridays election. The only funding that is secured is Dublin to Hazelhatch and Dublin to Maynooth. Unfortunately we have a long way to go yet, he noted. Standing on the platform of Sallins Station he added: This station serves a population of 50,000 and its non-inclusion in the DART+ scheme was shameful. It wouldve given us a Metro-style service every 20 minutes, but unfortunately were now stuck with a service where everyones crammed on to the train, theres not enough carriages, and when you get into Heuston buses are not there. Unfortunately, without this people are getting back into their cars, so public transport needs to be improved drastically. IT was the old Tory Enoch Powell who first coined the phrase all political careers end in failure, and so it was on day three of the Kildare North count, when Fine Gael grandee Bernard Durkan (79) lost his Dail seat for the first time in 42 years. On the 12th count, after the distribution of Bill Clears impressive 5,458 votes, Reada Cronin (SF) became the third candidate to surpass the quota of 9,505, but her surplus was not enough for cover the gap between Durkan and fifth place Naoise OCearuil. Earlier, the outgoing Minister for Transport from Sallins James Lawless (FF) was first across the threshold, topping the quota in the eighth count, to be followed by newcomer Aidan Farrelly from Clane who held impressively on to the seat of his outgoing boss Catherine Murphy of the Social Democrats. The 16 candidates took quite a while to weed out, and this was not helped by having the whole count suspended on Saturday. Re-commencing at 9am on Sunday morning from scratch, Lawless wouldnt be elected for almost 13 hours, and returning officer Mark Stafford suspended the count again at midnight after the distribution of Labours Angela Feeney with still only one candidate elected. Going into an anticipated third day, Farrelly crossed the line on the 11th count, but the final result was not complete until 2.48pm when, on the 12th count and final Cronin surpassed the quota with 1,148 transfers from Clear. With Durkan more than 1,500 votes adrift in sixth, both Naoise O Cearuil (FF) and Joe Neville (FG) were deemed elected without reaching quota. This means that with Aidan Farrelly, Kildare North has returned three parliamentary first timers, while the county goes without a Durkan in the Dail for the first time in 42 years. 3pm We are finished in Kildare North with Reada Cronin (SF), Joe Neville (FG) and Naoise O'Cearuil (FF) filling the last three seats. They join James Lawless (FF) and Aidan Farrelly (SD). 1.22pm Close to the distribution of Bill Clear's 5,458, and that will finalise it we think. Cronin is only 272 shy of a quota, and Durkan (6th) is 1,323 behind O'Cearuil for the final seat. Next declaration will elect Neville and O'Cearuil without reaching quota. 8.48am Counting resuming in Kildare North this morning after Aidan Farrelly of Social Democrats was elected after 11pm last night. His surplus will now be distributed. Naoise O Cearuil and wife Aly at the count hall in Punchestown 9.50pm Count 9 just announced. No one was elected in this round. James Lawlesss transfers spread easily across the remaining FF and FG candidates. And with that, Soc Dems Aidan Farrelly is still within grasp of the next seat. Eliminated in this round was Angela Feeney (Lab), with 4213 votes up for transfer in the next count. James Lawless celebrating in Punchestown with supporters after being the first elected in Kildare North Photo: Aisling Hyland 8.15pm Count 8 was just announced. James Lawless (FF) has been elected after receiving 684 votes in transfer from Evie Sammon (FG), bringing him well above quota to 10,007. 502 surplus votes from Lawless are to be distributed in the next count. 7.20pm It looks like one or possibly two candidates could be elected for Kildare North in the next count with 3410 votes from Evie Sammon to be distributed. Currently, James Lawless (FF) is on 9323 and Aidan Farrelly (SD) is on 9207 with only a couple hundred votes left for both to make quota at 9505. 6.30pm Count 7 for Kildare North has just been announced, with the bulk of transfers from Una OConnor (Aon) going to Bill Clear with 832 votes transferred, with a total of 4373 votes. Eliminated this round was Evie Sammon (FG) who left 3410 votes for transfer in the next count. 6.05pm As Kildare South candidates and party members leave the hall, the Kildare North side gets busier, patiently awaiting their next count. 5.55pm Fiona O'Loughlin's director of elections Richard Meehan reflects on a bitter disappointment. The Newbridge vote just doesnt make sense, he said. "The town was crying out for a TD, and it doesnt have one." 5.05pm Spare a thought for Senator Fiona OLoughlin (FF) who has narrowly missed out on a seat in two consecutive elections. 4.58pm Count 12 has been announced and Kildare South count is concluded, with both Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh (SF) and Mark Wall (Lab) elected to the Dail. They will join Martin Heydon (FG) and outgoing ceann comhairle Sean O Fearghail as the constituency TDs. 4.55pm Count 6 for Kildare North. No candidate has met quota for election. Aontus, Una OConnor has been eliminated with 3026 votes for distribution. 4.30pm All camps in Kildare South anxiously awaiting news of where Martin Heydons surplus votes might have gone. Count 12 should be along soon, as will more updates. Yes Daddy! as Martin Heydon celebrates with family Photo: Aisling Hyland 3.31pm Martin Heydon is elected on count 11 in Kildare South. Great scenes as he is lifted on shoulders in Punchestown. His surplus of 650 votes will now be distributed. Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh is on 10141, Mark Wall is 9739 and Fiona O'Loughlin is 9124. 3.30pm Count 5 for Kildare North. No candidate elected as of yet. Eliminated was Vincent P. Martin with 2162 votes for distribution. 3pm Kildare South is busy with candidates and their teams anticipating Cathal Berrys transfers and where they will go. No word yet. 2.50pm No news as of yet in Kildare South. Everyone is awaiting the next set of counts. 2.02pm Count 4 for Kildare North. Reada Cronin (SF) gets a good bump from her running mate Caroline Hogan (+930 votes) but not much else to report. Irish Freedom Partys Gerry Waters is eliminated, and his 1,254 votes will be distributed. 2pm Count ten for Kildare South just announced with Chris Penders votes going mostly to Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh (SF) who has now reached 9426 votes, and Mark Wall, who picked up 1239 votes, getting him to 8744 in total. Fiona O Loughlin is on 8312 getting additional 408. Cathal Berry was eliminated in this round, leaving 4767 votes up for distribution. 1.30pm Looks like Mark Wall (Lab) has picked up good chunk of Social Democrat Chris Penders vote which will put him ahead of Senator Fiona OLoughlin after the next count. We shall see. Awaiting the next count. 1.15pm Some nervous heads looking at the transfers of Chris Pender being counted. Fionn Brophy keeping a close eye on the count in Punchestown on Sunday 12.45pm Kildare Norths third count with the bulk of Leah Whelans distributed votes going to Soc Dems Aidan Farrelly bringing him to 8222. Caroline Hogan (SF) was eliminated in this round, with 1365 votes for distribution in the next count. 12.30pm Count nine for Kildare South has just been announced. Melissa Byrnes transfer numbers mostly went to Cathal Berry with 627 and Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh with 467 extra. Social Democrats Chris Pender has been eliminated in this round, with 3888 votes to distribute. 399 votes between senators Fiona O'Loughlin and Mark Wall. 12.20pm Here's a look at Kildare North from our own Finian Coghlan. 'Plenty of drama in this fight yet.' 11.35am Count 8 in Kildare South. Distribution of Anthony Caseys votes (1362). Melissa Byrne of Aontu is eliminated with 2380 votes. Her transfers will be very interesting. 11.30am Second count for Kildare North was just announced. PBPs Leah Whelan was eliminated in this count, with 1175 votes to distribute. 11am Minister of state James Lawless, poll topper in Kildare North, was in great form and hoping to retain a ministers seat in the next government. "I am delighted, it's the best election I have ever had. I have topped the poll in a local election but never in a general and in a constituency where I am not campaigning in a third. It's particularly gratifying." Read more here 10.30am Seventh count in Kildare South. Distribution of II candidate Willie Cartons votes. Mark Wall (Lab) gets a small bump. Anthony Casey of the Irish Freedom Party bows out with 1362 and his votes will now be distributed. 10am First count in Kildare North. James Lawless tops the poll with 8734 first preference votes. Quota is 9505. Sean Gill (The Centre Party) and Avril Corcoran (Irish People) have been eliminated. 9.50am Set to have announcement in Kildare North shortly. 9.15am So, here is a recap of where we are. Patricia Byrne has been eliminated in Kildare South and her vote is now being distributed. Martin Heydon has topped the poll with over 9,000 but has yet to reach quota. It seems the remaining two seats will be filled by either Fiona OLoughlin (FF), Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh (SF) or Mark Wall (Lab) with the latter having the most to do. Over in Kildare North, we are still waiting a first count as it was unexpectedly suspended at 10pm. Minister James Lawless (FF) looks set to top the poll with cllr Aidan Farrelly (SD) and Deputy Reada Cronin (SF) on course to claim seats based on tally figures. It gets interesting after that with cllrs Naoise O Cearuil (FF) and Joe Neville (FG) in position for the last two seats but veteran TD Bernard Durkan still in the hunt. There are a trio of candidates further back, Angela Feeney (Lab), Evie Sammon (FG) and Bill Clear (Ind) and you cant rule out a prospect that one of them proves transfer friendly to put them in the frame. Saturday 11.44pm Count 5 in Kildare South and outgoing TD Patricia Byrne has been eliminated with 762 votes. Counting will resume in the morning at 9am. We are going to bid good night and see you all in the morning. 11.00pm The next count in Kildare South will be the final one of the night. It looks like Patricia Ryan, who topped the poll in 2020, will be eliminated. 10.48pm Fourth count in Kildare South with the distribution of Tom McDonnells 534 votes. Doesnt move the needle much. Green Partys Monaa K Sood has been eliminated on 618 votes. Her votes will now be distributed. 10.40pm No clear word on what has happened in Kildare North but it appears a pretty significant issue has arisen. Count staff in Kildare North are still working despite the announcement that the count had been suspended. 10.05pm This is mad. Kildare North count has been suspended until tomorrow morning. No first count tonight. 10.02pm Third count in Kildare South and cllr Tom McDonnell, who garnered national headlines when he was elected in the local elections earlier this year, had been eliminated. His 534 votes will now be distributed. 9.45pm Fine Gaels Martin Heydon is delighted at topping the poll for Kildare South at this years general election. He said: It's a lovely feeling to top the poll again. I topped it in 2011 and 2016 and I won the second seat last time. It won't happen tonight, but tomorrow I will be elected for four terms. If someone had told me that back when I first was elected at 32 years of age, I would have never believed it. In a way, when you serve for a while, it's nearly more satisfying than the first time, because the first time they're taking a chance on you, and at this time you really feel they're voting based on your track record. Theres no greater feeling in politics. 9.30pm Our reporter Finian Coghlan has a bit of analysis of the first count here in Kildare South. The man in the sweating seat in this three-seater is Senator Mark Wall (Lab) on 6,654 votes, a troublesome 587 behind the last seat of ORaghallaigh. 9.10pm Count 2 in Kildare South, the distribution of ONeill and Dorans combined 275 votes. People Before Profits Rob Cosgrave is eliminated and his 505 votes will now be distributed. No sign yet of a Kildare North vote. 8.35pm First count in Kildare South. Quota is 10,734. Martin Heydon tops the poll with 9,262 followed by Fiona OLoughlin (7489), Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh (7241), Mark Wall (6654). Other notables include Chris Pender (3157), Cathal Berry (3007). Outgoing TD Patricia Ryan gets 678 votes. Independent Leanne ONeill and Edel Doran of Independent Ireland have been eliminated and their surplus will now be distributed. 8.15pm Weighing the vote bundles in Punchestown Photo: Aisling Hyland 7.59pm Senator Mark Wall with wife Michelle 7.50pm I think its fair to say that a first count may not have been as imminent as we thought! 7.10pm First results expected imminently 7.05pm As people went to the polls yesterday, Kildare North poll topper James Lawless went to see Gladiator II. The outgoing minister of state gave his review. "It was enjoyable, not as good as the first one. I was hoping to see Conclave but times didn't suit! Paul Mescal in it gives an extra interest!" He added: The dream of Rome... the dream of North Kildare! To keep his mind off things, he also did the Parkrun in Naas this morning! 6.35pm Martin Heydon has entered the count hall with his family a short while ago. Looking happy and deservedly so. Bit of chat that the tally figures may not be entirely accurate and some candidates may get a bump that could alter the picture. 6pm Adjudication on doubtful votes for both Kildare South and Kildare North will now take place Fianna Fail in the hunt for a second seat in Kildare North with James Lawless and Naoise OCearuill However Fiona OLoughlin on Kildare South - a key target gain- is in a 3 way scrap for two seats with Sinn Feins Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh & Labours Mark Wall Barry Lenihan (@BarryLenihan) November 30, 2024 5.25pm Bit of a lull here after the tallies but it seems a first count result for either Kildare North and Kildare South is still some way off. There still hasnt been the adjudication of spoiled votes which normally takes a bit of time. 5.06pm So here is the lay of the land in Kildare South, Martin Heydon will top the poll for Fine Gael followed by Senator Fiona OLoughlin. Sinn Feins Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh has performed remarkably well and is in third with Mark Wall of Labour currently outside the last seat. It seems unlikely that Independent TD Cathal Berry can stay in the hunt while outgoing TD Patricia Ryan will not be re-elected. Transfers, of course, will be crucial to determining the final outcome. 5.00pm Fianna Fails, James Lawless, in the lead on final tally before the first count, with Social Democrats Aidan Farrelly and Sinn Feins Reada Cronin close behind. As it stands, Fianna Fails Naoise O Cearuil is in place for the fourth seat. It could possibly be a battle between Fine Gaels Joe Neville and Bernard Durkan for a seat with both very close in numbers. 4.40pm Final tally Kildare North James Lawless FF 8350 Aidan Farrelly SD 7116 Reada Cronin SF 6426 Naoise O Cearuil - FF- 5581 Joe Neville FG 5145 Bernard Durkan FG 4463 Angela Feeney Lab 3211 Evie Sammon FG 2928 Bill Clear Ind - 2812 Una OConnor - Aon 2034 Vincent P. Martin GP 1957 Gerry Waters IFP 1193 Caroline Hogan SF 1181 Leah Whelan PBP-S 1062 Avril Corcoran TIP 533 Sean Gill CPI - 72 4.35pm Quota expected to be around 10,000 in Kildare South 4.30pm The final tally in Kildare North 3.30pm Sinn Fein very happy with Ni Raghallaigh performance in Kildare South. In Kildare North, talk that Fianna Fail could get a second seat with Naoise O Cearuil doing well and potentially transfer-friendly while James Lawless will top the poll. 3.18pm Final tally Kildare South Cathal Berry Ind 2814 Melissa Byrne Aon 1572 Willie Carton II 906 Anthony Casey IFP 868 Rob Cosgrave PBP-Sol 467 Edel Doran II 131 Martin Heydon 8655 Tom McDonnell 477 Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh SF 6807 Fiona OLoughlin FF 7003 Leanne ONeill Ind 159 Chris Pender SD 2922 Patricia Ryan Ind 655 Moona k Sood GP 535 Mark Wall Lab 6393 3.05pm Final tally figure for Kildare South 2.45pm Tally figures for Kildare South of 85 per cent of boxes 2.33pm With 70 per cent of the boxes tallied in Kildare North, James Lawless is leading with 6,200 votes for Fianna Fail with Aidan Farrelly of the Social Democrats on 5157. Sinn Feins Reada Cronin sits at 4672 with cllrs Joe Neville and Naoise O Cearuil both at around 3900. Fine Gael's Bernard Durkan is further back at 3,367 while Evie Sammon of Fine Gael and former Social Democrat Bill Clear are at 2200 and 2086 respectively. 2.30pm 80 per cent of vote tallied in Kildare South. Martin Heydon on 7,000. Mark Wall, Fiona OLoughlin and Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh all around the 5400-5500. Ni Raghallaigh strong showing has surprised some while Wall appears to have increased his vote from 2020. Cathal Berry is back at over 2,000 while former Sinn Fein TD Patrica Ryan is further adrift. 2.10pm In Kildare North, with 60 per cent of boxes tallied, Fianna Fails James Lawless is leading the way with 5,200 votes. Social Democrats Aidan Farrelly will also be very pleased with his showing so far with 4,500 votes. Sinn Fein Reada Cronin stands at 4,00 votes with Fine Gaels Joe Neville and Naoise OCearuil of Fianna Fail at 3,700 and 3,300 votes respectively. Veteran Fine Gael TD Bernard Durkan has 2,900 in this five-seater. 2pm Count staff working away 1.55pm The first count is going to get underway shortly in both constituencies with ballots being sorted 1.50pm 60 per cent of boxes tallied in Kildare South. Heydon very strong at over 6,000 votes. Mark Wall of Labour also doing very well at 4,400 followed by Fianna Fails Fiona OLoughlin (4,200) and Sinn Feins Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh (4,100). Outgoing TD is Cathal Berry at 1,900 while Patricia Ryan who topped the poll is currently at 295 votes. KILDARE SOUTH, 43pc of boxes tallied Martin Heydon (FG) 26pc Fiona OLoughlin (FF) 16pc Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh (SF) 15.8pc Mark Wall (LAB) 14.2pc Cathal Berry (IND) 6.8pc Chris Pender (SD) 6.7pc@irishtimes #ge24 Fiachra Gallagher (@fiachragllagher) November 30, 2024 State of play in KILDARE NORTH with 42pc of boxes tallied Joe Neville (FG) 15.1pc Aidan Farrelly (SD) 14.9pc Reada Cronin (SF) 12.2pc Naoise O Cearuil (FF) 11.6pc James Lawless (FF) 11.4pc Bernard Durkan (FG) 8.9pc@irishtimes #ge24 Fiachra Gallagher (@fiachragllagher) November 30, 2024 1.11pm Incomplete tally figures in Kildare South show Martin Heydon leading the pack with over 5000 votes. Sinn Feins Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh and Senator Fiona OLoughlin of Fianna Fail are following behind with a little over 3600 votes and Mark Wall of Labour over 3500. Independent Cathal Berry stood at 1482 vote in this early tally and Sinn Fein TD Patricia Ryan are polling in the hundreds but youd imagine many boxes favourable to the pair have yet to be opened. 1pm First counts have yet to start here in Punchestown. Incomplete tally figures have been emerging which show Sinn Fein and Labour doing well in Kildare South. Long way to go yet. Michael Bolton Over 30,00 decisions on Irish citiznenship was made in 2024, the most made since records began. Figures published showed by the Department of Justice show a significant increase on the 20,000 decisions made in 2023. Over 6,000 new Irish citizens, hailing from 140 countries around the world, will be granted citizenship in seven ceremonies being held on Monday and Tuesday. Speaking ahead of the ceremonies, Minister McEntee said; I would like to congratulate all of our newest Irish citizens, as well as their family and friends joining them on this special day. "I encourage our new citizens to continue to contribute to building inclusive communities. In forging connections between our cultures, we can enrich our social fabric. "Our new citizens play an essential role fuelling growth in our economy. They also contribute immensely to industries where we have labour shortages like construction, agriculture and healthcare. They also make our workforce more diverse and inclusive. Significant changes have been introduced in the Citizenship Division of the Department of Justice to speed up the application process for applicants, including the introduction of an online digital application, online payments, and eVetting. Going forward, it is envisaged that the majority of applications based on residency will receive a decision within 12 months. To date, over 191,000 people have received Irish citizenship since 2011. Former government minister and Carlow-Kilkenny TD, Malcom Noonan has claimed he has left a 'legacy for the people of Ireland that will stand the test of time'. The Kilkenny TD lost his seat in count eight on Sunday evening as the Green Party retained just one seat nationally in General Election 2024. Mr Noonan, an established politician from Kilkenny City spent over 15 years as a county councillor and five as Minister for State and Electoral Reform. "While we are deeply disappointed that it hasn't worked out for us, we are immensely proud of everything we achieved over that time," Noonan commented. FOR MORE GENERAL ELECTION NEWS, CLICK HERE "I know in my heart that I have been an impactful Minister for nature (Ireland's first), heritage and electoral reform. I leave a legacy for the people of Ireland that will stand the test of time. "I have also worked tirelessly for this constituency and our office led by Linda has made a real difference in the lives of people and for community and business interests that we represented," he added. "It's not easy being the party that has to lead on the transformational change needed to future proof our country. These issues cannot be avoided or ignored by the next government and much of what we need to do is locked into law," Mr Noonan remarked. "It has been an honour to have served the people of Kilkenny and this constituency. I wish the five TDs to be elected here all the very best and hope that honesty, hard work, co-operation and integrity will prevail among them for the common good." The former Green Party TD also thanked his family and party colleagues for their support. "Finally I'm thinking of my dad who thankfully saw me elected to Dail Eireann before he departed. Not bad for a boy from Larchfield as he would say. Peace and Love to you all, cherish our precious democracy and be kind to each other," he concluded. Fianna Fail will undoubtedly look back at their General Election 2024 campaign in Carlow-Kilkenny as a huge success. Not only did the party retain their two sitting TDs of John McGuinness and Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, but they also added a third seat following the election of Peter 'Chap' Cleere. Chap told Kilkenny Live following his election that Fianna Fail's strength in the constituency is due to the 'work rate' of each individual candidate. "Everybody is trying to go out and win their own seat," he said. "We're very fortunate in Carlow and Kilkenny that we have strong candidates. It's a huge achievement." Kilkenny's new Fianna Fail TD admitted that there were some nerves after the RTE exit poll on polling day showed Fianna Fail trailing behind Sinn Fein and Fine Gael, but expressed his delight at the support shown to him by local voters. Meanwhile, his party colleague, John McGuinness stated that the return of North West Kilkenny to the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency will be a 'main item on the agenda' when he returns to government. FOR MORE GENERAL ELECTION NEWS, CLICK HERE Bridget is a new short film written by Cloonen natives, Anne Williamson and Brian Clancy and is performed by The Fionn MacCumhaill Players. Filmed by Diceman Productions in Kilkenny this short film has sold out all previous venues. The film tells the story of Bridgets final days and her murder. Bridget Cleary was burned to death in 1895 by her husband who claimed she was a changeling. Many stories have been written and filmed about the case that rocked the world over 100 years ago causing uproar in a small rural village called Cloneen in Tipperary. The story became known as the last witch burning in Ireland. Bridgets ordeal began when she started to take walks up past the fairy fort in Kylenagranagh close to her home. She was a very independent and beautiful woman who was a seamstress and was well educated, a rare thing for a woman back then. When she developed bronchitis after getting caught in the rain one evening she took to the bed with a fever. Despite the doctor saying it was bronchitis her husband had other ideas and sought the help of a local medicine man for a cure to rid her of the fairies. He also got neighbours and relations to help to administer these potions by holding her down and forcing her to drink the awful potions amongst other vile things. On March 15 things finally took a vicious turn and he burned her in the house while her relations watched in horror doing nothing to stop him. This short film was done in the hope the shadows of secrecy and shame can once and for all be banished from the little village and Bridget's name and grave can finally be marked with respect. She was buried at night with no mourners. Brian Clancy and Anne Williamson have also co- produced the film. Ann has been at the helm as director of the Fionn MacCumhaill Players for years and she has directed this most recent production. Bridget is played by Mullinahone native Vicky Maher and the villainous Michael Cleary is played by Clonmels John Patrick Morris. Members of cast and the director will be available for questions and a short talk afterwards. Bridget will be shown at The Watergate Theatre on January 15 at 7.30pm. watergatetheatre.com As I covered in March, DOC had been keeping Cathedral Cove closed for over a year, despite it being very simple to safely access it. The previous Labour Ministers did nothing to get it reopened. They allowed DOC to talk about it being closed for many many years. But Tama Potaka told DOC to find a way to get it open before summer, and they have. He announced: The Government has delivered on its promise to restore public walking access to the popular Mautohe Cathedral Cove in time for Summer 2024-2025. It is great to have the second most popular tourist attraction in NZ re-opened. Go and enjoy it. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr Flying Tigers photo exhibition in Xinjiang highlights China-U.S. friendship Xinhua) 13:52, December 02, 2024 The opening ceremony of a photo exhibition dedicated to the Flying Tigers is held in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 30, 2024. The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault. They came to China to help Chinese people fight the invading Japanese troops. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) URUMQI, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition dedicated to the Flying Tigers kicked off this weekend in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Co-sponsored by the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and Xinjiang's government departments, the exhibition features 312 rare photographs and six artifacts, highlighting the enduring friendship between Chinese and American people. "We have scheduled the tour in 14 cities and Urumqi is our fourth stop," said Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation. He expressed hope that the exhibition tour would help more people know about the history of the close cooperation between China and the United States in the fight against Japanese invaders during World War II. The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault. They came to China to help Chinese people fight the invading Japanese troops. While the Flying Tigers did not directly engage in enemy forces in Xinjiang, they share a lesser-known connection to the autonomous region. Greene recounted attempts to establish alternative flight routes over the Himalayas, known as the Hump route, to circumvent Japan's blockade of strategic materials in 1942. "Meng Chin, one of my friends, managed to fly over the towering Kunlun and Tianshan mountain ranges, reaching an airstrip near Urumqi from Karachi in Pakistan," he said. On his first visit to Xinjiang, Greene expressed his excitement at seeing the majestic Tianshan Mountains, sampling local cuisine, and experiencing the warm hospitality of people from various ethnic groups in the autonomous region. Clifford Long Jr., vice chairman of the foundation as well as the son of a Flying Tigers pilot, said that it's always emotional to talk about that history. "My father was in China for just a short period, but it's one of the most memorable times of his life," he added. He said he had brought his father to China in 1994 and 2004, and that his father was thrilled by the remarkable progress made by the Chinese people. On Sunday, the foundation established partnerships with seven schools across Xinjiang. "We hope through activities online and offline, we can enhance mutual understanding and friendship between young people in the two countries," Greene said. The foundation initiated the Flying Tigers Friendship School and Young Leaders Program in 2022 to promote the spirit of the Flying Tigers among Chinese and American students and deepen mutual respect and cooperation. To date, the program has partnered with nearly 60 schools across China. Noting that the relationship between the United States and China is the "most important relationship on the planet" and a "guidepost and touchstone to the future," Greene said, "There's nothing Americans and the Chinese can't do together and that's what we're teaching our kids." People visit a photo exhibition dedicated to the Flying Tigers in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 30, 2024. The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault. They came to China to help Chinese people fight the invading Japanese troops.(Xinhua/Ding Lei) A delegation of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation visit a photo exhibition dedicated to the Flying Tigers in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 30, 2024. The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault. They came to China to help Chinese people fight the invading Japanese troops. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, gestures as he visits a photo exhibition dedicated to the Flying Tigers in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 30, 2024. The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault. They came to China to help Chinese people fight the invading Japanese troops. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Students of Urumqi Bayi High School visit a photo exhibition dedicated to the Flying Tigers in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 30, 2024. The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault. They came to China to help Chinese people fight the invading Japanese troops. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) A delegation of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation visit a photo exhibition dedicated to the Flying Tigers in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 30, 2024. The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault. They came to China to help Chinese people fight the invading Japanese troops. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Regulator aims to prevent side effects of Commercial Act revision By Jun Ji-hye The ruling bloc is seeking to amend the Capital Markets Act to clarify the responsibilities of boards of directors in safeguarding shareholders' interests during mergers or spinoffs, according to the financial regulator, Monday. The amendment is in response to an opposition-led bill that aims to expand directors' fiduciary duties under the Commercial Act, shifting the focus from loyalty solely to companies to also include the protection of shareholders. Regulators believe the amendment to the Capital Markets Act could address concerns arising from the revision of the Commercial Act, such as increased litigation, slower decision-making, and attempts to seize control of company management. By limiting directors' loyalty duties to shareholders and applying them only in specific circumstances, the amendment aims to mitigate these side effects and reduce the risk of management challenges. Since the Commercial Act revision, as a general law applicable to all companies, could lead to significant unintended side effects, we hope the proposed amendment to the Capital Markets Act will be discussed more intensively in the National Assembly as an alternative, Kim Byoung-hwan, chairman of the Financial Services Commission, said during a media briefing. Under the amendment proposed by the government, when a listed company engages in any of the four activities specified in the Capital Markets Act mergers, spinoffs, significant transfers of business or assets, or comprehensive share exchanges and transfers the board of directors will be explicitly required to make efforts to protect the legitimate interests of shareholders. The board must prepare and disclose a statement detailing the purpose of the merger, expected benefits and the appropriateness of the merger price to ensure the protection of shareholders interests. The amendment also aims to oblige directors to transparently disclose how the merger prices are assessed, to ensure that the price reflects the companys intrinsic value rather than relying on a uniform formula. In addition, the government intends to extend the Korea Exchanges review period for measures aimed at protecting general shareholders of subsidiaries following physical spinoffs, lengthening it from the current five years to an indefinite period. The government and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) have pushed for the amendment in response to the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), which has been advocating for a revision of the Commercial Act to broaden the scope of directors' fiduciary duties to include the protection of shareholders. The DPK has argued that decisions neglecting the interests of minority shareholders and causing them harm have become widespread. It contends that this issue is a key driver of the so-called Korea discount and has proposed amending the Commercial Act as a solution to address the problem. This proposal, however, has faced opposition from the business community due to concerns that it would apply not only to listed companies but also to unlisted companies, excessively restrict corporate autonomy and hinder business activities. The government acknowledges the need for greater transparency in corporate governance and better protection of minority shareholders. However, due to the potential side effects of the Commercial Act revision, it views the introduction of targeted regulations through the Capital Markets Act amendment as a more appropriate approach. According to the government, this approach would prevent the misuse of lawsuits, minimize disruptions to business operations, and address uncertainties. The revision would apply to approximately 2,400 listed companies and would be limited to four specific actions, including mergers and spinoffs. The government plans to submit the amendment bill to the Assembly this week. "By introducing provisions that require the board of directors to protect shareholders legitimate interests, we expect that adhering to these procedures will ensure the legality of the transaction," Kim said. This is expected to enhance predictability, compared to the proposed Commercial Act revision, which include both the company and shareholders as the subjects of directors fiduciary duties. North Korea has decided to convene a plenary meeting of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) late this month, state media reported Tuesday, amid anticipation as to what message the North will send toward U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The WPK's politburo decided Monday to hold the 11th plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the WPK in late December, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). It did not specify the date for the meeting. The meeting will be held to "review the execution of the Party and state policies in 2024, confirm orientation of struggle for 2025 and discuss and decide on a series of important issues arising in achieving the comprehensive development of socialist construction," the KCNA said. In recent years, North Korea has used a year-end party plenary meeting to lay out policy directions for the next year, including those on the country's nuclear programs, and issues messages targeting South Korea or the United States. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may use the upcoming WPK meeting to set forth his U.S. policy line as the gathering will be held weeks before Trump will take office in late January. Last month, Kim said his past diplomacy with the U.S. only confirmed Washington's hostile polity toward Pyongyang, pledging to bolster the buildup of North Korea's nuclear arsenal. Kim and Trump held rare summits in Singapore in 2018 and Vietnam in 2019. But the Hanoi talks ended without a deal due to a failure to narrow differences over the scope of North Korea's denuclearization steps and sanctions relief by Washington. At last year's party meeting, the North's leader declared inter-Korean ties as those between "two states hostile to each other," and vowed not to seek reconciliation and unification with South Korea. (Yonhap) A U.S. State Department spokesperson reiterated Monday that North Korean troops in combat against Ukrainian forces are "legitimate" targets, amid news reports about troop casualties on the battlefield. Matthew Miller, the spokesperson, made the remarks as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said in an interview with Japan's Kyodo news agency that North Korean troops, who were deployed to western Russia, have been killed or injured during fighting. "We have been very clear that any North Korean soldier that was introduced out of the battlefield is, of course, a legitimate target," Miller told a press briefing. Asked if the United States has any information on the number of North Korean casualties, Miller said it does not. He also repeated that upwards of around 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia's western front-line Kursk region. The spokesperson underscored the need for China to "do more" when it comes to Russia's war in Ukraine and its military cooperation with North Korea. "We continue to think that they need to do more," he said. "We have been quite clear with them in our engagements that the actions that Russia has taken both to invade Ukraine, but also to strengthen its security partnership with North Korea ... are destabilizing to the region and ought to be things that China should be concerned with, and that they ought to do more to express that concern." (Yonhap) 'Beijing's visa exemption for Korean travelers will spur economic cooperation' By Lee Hyo-jin, Joint Press Corps BEIJING China will respond accordingly to trade policies targeting Beijing that might be introduced by the incoming Donald Trump administration, according to Qu Weixi, vice president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation (CAITEC), a think tank under Chinas Ministry of Commerce. Founded in 2015, CAITEC is the first think tank directly established by the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. It operates multiple research centers focused on economics and trade policy. Of its 340 staff members, more than 200 are professional researchers. Speaking to Korean reporters in Beijing on Monday, Qu said, Looking back at his [Trumps] first term, we saw that many of the promises he made during the election campaign were not fully realized once he took office. So, its hard to predict his actions now. We will wait, but whatever policies emerge, we will respond with countermeasures. His remarks come as Trump has reiterated plans to impose additional tariffs on Chinese imports. Last week, Trump stated he would introduce a 10 percent tariff on top of existing duties. There has been much talk about raising tariffs, but if that happens, it is the American people who will bear the brunt, Qu said, citing U.S. studies showing that such measures disproportionately affect middle and lower-income Americans by driving up consumer prices. Qu also addressed speculation that China might weaponize its rare earth supplies. He dismissed such claims, saying environmental concerns rather than political motives drive Chinas plans to limit mining. Weaponizing rare earths would not benefit China. When discussing industrial and supply chain cooperation, everything is interconnected. Strangling one area to gain an advantage will achieve nothing, he said. On Korea-China relations, Qu expressed optimism for closer economic collaboration through trade agreements aligned with Beijings modernization efforts. China will stabilize its economic growth through measures such as expanding domestic demand and promoting foreign trade. In this process, China-Korea trade is expected to gain momentum, he said, urging both countries to expedite second-stage negotiations for the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He also called for resuming trilateral FTA negotiations with Japan and making progress on a broader Asia-Pacific free trade area. The researcher also said that the two countries should expand cooperation in green and digital sectors, saying, "Both countries should encourage, support and promote open and innovative cooperation between their businesses, fostering joint R&D efforts and sharing research outcomes to establish a stable partnership." Moreover, Qu highlighted Chinas commitment to openness, referencing Beijings recent decision to exempt Korean nationals from visa requirements for stays of up to 15 days. He expressed hopes that a reciprocal step by the Korean government on Chinese nationals would further strengthen ties between the two countries. He said, We expect the tourism industries of both countries to develop rapidly. Increased exchanges and business interactions will foster mutual understanding and create a better environment for China-Korea economic cooperation." By Jhoo Dong-chan The Singapore Chamber of Commerce Korea (SingCham Korea) hosted its first-ever end-of-year gala, Friday, with government officials and business leaders from Korea and Singapore in attendance. About 200 guests, including Singapores Ambassador to Korea Eric Teo, attended the event to not only celebrate the success of bilateral cooperation between the two countries but also provide attendees with an opportunity to network, strengthen relationships and enjoy after-dinner performances. It has been a very hectic but very productive year for the relationship between Singapore and South Korea, Teo said during his welcome remarks for the gala at Signiel Seoul Hotel in Songpa District, Seoul, Friday. He is also the honorary patron of SingCham Korea's operations. Both countries agreed that we will work towards upgrading our bilateral relationship into a strategic partnership in 2025 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Korea, the Singapore Embassy in Seoul looks forward to working closely with SingCham Korea. My sincere thanks to SingCham Korea Chairman Justin Yong and his team for inviting me and my wife for this evening's gala. In return, SingCham Korea Chairman Justin Yong expressed his gratitude to the ambassador for his and the embassys support in the chambers operations since its founding. (2024) was the year of growth. One of our greatest achievements this year is gaining official recognition as a nonprofit organization in Korea. This journey has taken no less than three years to accomplish. This milestone has not been easy. Id really like to thank you all, Yong said during his welcome address for the event. As we reflect on the future, lets also remember Helen Keller who once said: Alone, we can do so little, but together we can do so much. This chamber, this community and this evening, none of it would have been possible without each and every one of you. Together, lets build something extraordinary, and together we will continue to thrive. Thank you. Accompanying the dinner, SingCham Korea showcased performances representing the pop culture of both countries, featuring artists such as Nat Ho from Singapore and Hyewon and Crowe from Korea's 1MillionDance Studio. Along with the Embassy of Singapore, several local and Singaporean companies, including CapitaLand, UOB, Songdo Wellness Medical Checkup Center, Wishcompany and Youngjin Tax Corp., sponsored SingCham Koreas gala evening. CapitaLand is one of Asias leading real estate groups that entered the Korean market in 2002, while UOB is one of Asias leading financial groups with a global network of 500 branches and offices in 19 countries providing services in the area of corporate loans, bank guarantees and foreign exchange. The Songdo Wellness Medical Checkup Center provides a wide range of diagnostic and preventative health services in Incheon. Founded in 2010, Wishcompany has rapidly grown into one of the leading beauty and cosmetics companies, offering various product brands including Dear, Klairs and By Wishtrend. Youngjin Tax Corp. also offers not only accounting services but also licensing, tax, legal and labor services. The United States on Monday announced a new semiconductor export control package against China, including curbs on high-end chips for artificial intelligence (AI) that are likely to affect the Korean industry. The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) unveiled the package on the Federal Register, including restrictions on exports of high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips. Two Korean firms Samsung Electronics and SK hynix and Micron Technology lead the global HBM market. The package comes as President Joe Biden is set to leave office on Jan. 20 with President-elect Donald Trump expected to adopt a tough policy stance on China. It is in line with Washington's efforts to limit China's access to key technologies on national security grounds. "This action is the culmination of the Biden-Harris Administration's targeted approach, in concert with our allies and partners, to impair the PRC's ability to indigenize the production of advanced technologies that pose a risk to our national security," Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said. PRC stands for China's official name, the People's Republic of China. For the latest package, the BIS applied Foreign Direct Product Rules, under which a product, produced in a foreign country, is also subject to restrictions if it is made using U.S. technology, software or tools. The HBM curbs -- with a compliance date of Dec. 31 target chips with a memory bandwidth density greater than 2 gigabytes per second per square millimeter, according to the BIS. The curbs could affect Samsung as it ships some of its HBM products to China, while little immediate impact is expected for SK hynix given that the company exports all of its HBM products to the United States, according to industry observers. The BIS stressed the importance of curbs on HBM commodities for AI applications that it said can enable advanced military and intelligence applications, lower the barriers to entry for non-experts to develop weapons of mass destruction, support offensive cyber operations and assist in using mass surveillance to commit human rights abuses. The Commerce Department also announced new controls on 24 types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME) and three types of software tools for developing or producing semiconductors as well as the addition of 140 entities linked to China's military modernization to its "Entity List." The department established new Foreign Direct Product controls for certain SME items that originate in foreign countries, but are produced with U.S. technology, software or tools a move that could affect Korean-made chipmaking equipment exports. Japan, the Netherlands and 31 other countries, which implement export controls equivalent to those of the U.S., are excluded from certain SME license requirements for exports, but Korea is not among those countries. Of the 140 entities added to the export control list, two are Korea-based companies ACM Research Korea and Empyrean Korea. China's foreign ministry vowed to take "resolute measures" in response to the fresh export curbs. "We have repeatedly made clear our position on this issue. China firmly opposes the U.S.' overstretching the concept of national security, abusing export controls, and maliciously blocking and suppressing China," Lin Jian, the ministry's spokesperson, told a press briefing. "This type of behavior seriously violates the laws of market economy and the principle of fair competition, disrupts international economic and trade order, destabilizes global industrial and supply chains, and will eventually harm the interests of all countries," he added. (Yonhap) A search and rescue operation is under way in the sea off the southeastern county of Uljin on Monday after a leisure boat with three people on board went missing the previous day, police said. The Uljin Coast Guard said families of the sailors reported around 8 p.m. Sunday that contact with the 0.6-ton boat had been lost. The boat reportedly departed from Uljin's Jiksan Port, about 230 kilometers from Seoul, at 1 p.m. on the same day to go fishing. The Coast Guard mobilized 13 patrol ships and two helicopters to search for the boat. (Yonhap) Korea's oceans ministry said Monday that it plans to implement an enhanced crackdown on Chinese boats fishing illegally in the West Sea this week in cooperation with the Coast Guard. The country will work to round up boats fishing or operating illegally in Korea's Exclusive Economic Zone from Tuesday to Thursday, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. During the operation, authorities will focus on cracking down on Chinese fishing boats engaging in unauthorized fishing activities or submitting false reports about their catch. The ministry added that it will take strong actions against fishing boats that violently resist lawful inspections. "We will continue to work closely with related organizations to protect the maritime resources in our waters and enforce order among Chinese fishing boats through stern crackdowns," Oceans Minister Kang Do-hyung said. (Yonhap) One person died and two others were severely injured in a fire presumed to have been started by a butane gas explosion in an apartment building in the southeastern city of Pohang on Monday, officials said. The three are members of the same family, with the 60-year-old father found dead in a room in their apartment unit and his two sons, aged 21 and 24, respectively, suffering burns, according to police. Police said they received a call that the father was attempting to start a fire by pouring out oil and igniting butane gas. The two sons are too badly injured to give an account of the incident, police said. The fire began at 11:33 a.m., and the big flames were put out by 11:51 a.m. About a dozen other people inhaled smoke from the fire, including one who was taken to a hospital. (Yonhap) The Supreme Court has upheld lower courts' rulings in favor of psychological damage compensation for hundreds of victims of the brutal crackdown on the 1980 pro-democracy uprising in the southwestern city of Gwangju, judicial officials said Monday. In the ruling finalized by the top court last Thursday, the government was ordered to pay 43 billion won ($30.6 million) to 854 Gwangju uprising-related victims and their families to compensate them for their psychological sufferings. District and appellate courts, recognizing the need for mental damage compensation in line with the Constitutional Court's ruling, set compensation for arrest, detention or imprisonment at 300,000 won per day, while awarding 5 million won for injuries without disabilities. In case of disabilities caused by injuries, a compensation of 30 million won was recognized, with 15 million won added for every 5 percent increase in the labor ability loss rate. The lawsuit was launched in November 2021 after the Constitutional Court ruled in May of the same year that past compensation failed to properly address and heal the psychological pains of the victims. On May 18, 1980, the military cracked down on demonstrators, including students, protesting against then President Chun Doo-hwan, who had taken power in a military coup a year earlier. The harsh quelling of the uprising left more than 200 dead and 1,800 others wounded. (Yonhap) Around 60,000 non-regular school workers will go on strike this week to demand better pay and working conditions, their union said Monday. Union representatives said at a press conference that the workers, who are mostly involved in providing school meals and childcare, will stage a one-day strike Friday after negotiations with the education ministry and local education offices failed to produce an agreement despite multiple rounds of talks since June. The union said non-regular workers number 170,000 nationwide, accounting for 41 percent of all school staff. Of them, around 60,000 are expected to take part in the strike. Should the walkout go ahead, some schools will likely replace Friday's lunch meal with bakery goods and milk and hire substitute personnel to provide childcare. (Yonhap) President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged Monday to introduce measures to ease the burden on small merchants from delivery app commission fees, as part of efforts to boost sluggish domestic consumption. Yoon vowed to implement measures during a public policy discussion session to support small merchants by addressing business challenges, such as high delivery fees, no-shows and malicious online reviews. He said the government has allocated a record 59 trillion won ($42 billion) in next year's budget to support small businesses and self-employed individuals to help stimulate domestic demand and consumption. "The government will provide unprecedented support for small merchants and the self-employed, as their difficulties remain unresolved," Yoon said during the debate held in Gongju, about 120 kilometers south of Seoul. Yoon proposed cutting delivery commission fees for micro business owners over 30 percent within three years and exempting all traditional markets from all these fees. He also announced plans to introduce measures later this month to reduce the commission rates for mobile gift certificates, currently ranging from 5-15 percent, and to shorten the lengthy settlement period. In response to the estimated annual loss of 4.5 trillion won due to no-shows, Yoon vowed to introduce a reservation deposit system to alleviate the burden on businesses and establish consumer dispute resolution standards. To address malicious online reviews by customers, around 90 consultation centers will be established to handle such issues promptly, he said. (Yonhap) Proportion of inmates aged 60 or older more than doubles in 9 years By Jung Min-ho Koreas aging population is driving changes in many sectors of society, and its prisons are no exception. According to the Ministry of Justices annual report on its correctional facilities, Monday, the number of inmates aged 60 or older last year was 6,504, a significant increase from 2,801 in 2014. Meanwhile, their proportion of the total incarcerated population more than doubled to 17.1 percent from 8.4 percent. This means one out of six prisoners is in their 60s or older today. This bodes ill for the nations prison management system, which is already struggling with many other problems, according to experts. As that population grows, many new challenges are expected. For example, more prisoners may exhibit signs of cognitive decline including dementia, a disease that is more common in older people, and more inmates may need wheelchairs or other physical assistance to move around. Given that the government has a legal obligation to provide adequate health care services, it, at least in principle, would require major reforms to more than 50 correctional facilities across the country in order to address that change, experts say. All this could mean significantly higher medical costs for prisoners. The number of inmates diagnosed with mental illnesses has already been increasing in recent years, an inspector at the National Human Rights Commission of Korea told The Korea Times. That is becoming a major problem as the size of the medical staff responsible for their health isnt keeping up due to low wages and frequent lawsuits from prisoners among other reasons. However, the aging issue has largely been ignored by politicians who see little incentive in addressing it. Yet by neglecting it, he said they fail to fulfill their legal responsibility to achieve one of the key purposes of operating such facilities: rehabilitation, or to help criminals reform their behavior and reintegrate into society. In recent months, five bills have been proposed at the National Assembly to address prison-related issues, but none were related to aging. In the latest issue of the official magazine published by the Korea Correctional Service, Park Soon-yong, a senior prison officer at the Daejeon Regional Correction Headquarters, offered several ideas to improve the system. One is to develop education programs that would be more effective for older prisoners. He said current programs do not target specific groups, which could mean less effectiveness. Another suggestion is to build new facilities for older prisoners and introduce prison officers who specialize in handling and educating such inmates. But establishing new facilities exclusively for elderly prisoners costs a considerable amount of money, Park wrote. Also, such a move could draw complaints and concerns from those who think the prison system would be turned into some sort of a nursing facility. To address such issues, there should be a social consensus on the policy direction in terms of how to treat older inmates. The aging prison population is a reflection of a larger change the country is undergoing amid its persistently low birthrate. According to the ministrys annual report, the number of prison officers in their 40s and 50s accounted for nearly 75 percent of the total in 2023. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok on Monday expressed strong regret over the main opposition party railroading a downsized budget bill for next year, accusing the party of politicizing the proposal despite ongoing bipartisan negotiations. The revised budget, passed by a parliamentary special committee controlled by the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) last week, offers 677.4 trillion won ($483.5 billion) for the national budget for 2025, 4.1 trillion won less than the government's initial proposal. Rival parties are expected to clash over the revised proposal during a plenary parliamentary session scheduled for later in the day. "The world is waging a war without gunfire, yet the opposition is holding the budget hostage for political strife, depriving our businesses of the essential resources they need," Choi said during a press conference, condemning the DPK's actions as "irresponsible." The budget cuts specifically target the entirety of funds allocated for "special activities" of the presidential office's secretariat and national security office, as well as those for the prosecution, state audit agency and the police. The DPK argues that agencies like the prosecution have failed to provide proper receipts for their use of the budget in the past. The government and the ruling People Power Party argue such expenses must remain confidential to ensure operational effectiveness. "Over the past three years, drug-related crimes have increased 1.5 times, and deepfake crimes have surged fivefold. Cutting 100 percent of the confidential investigation budget raises serious concerns about our ability to respond to such crimes," Choi told the joint press conference. The revised proposal also halves the government's 4.8 trillion-won reserve fund to 2.4 trillion won. "This will inevitably disrupt the government's support plans for people's livelihoods and regional economies that are still struggling," Choi said, citing potential risks stemming from both domestic and international challenges, including possible trade policy shifts under the incoming U.S. administration. The minister further expressed concerns about the reduced research and development budgets for key industries, such as semiconductors and biotechnology, arguing that the cuts could undermine the country's competitiveness in such critical sectors. The statutory deadline for approving the national budget is Monday, but the National Assembly has met the deadline only twice in the past two decades. "The opposition party must withdraw its unprecedented unilateral budget reduction proposal and engage in sincere negotiations," Choi urged. (Yonhap) President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating slid to 25 percent last week after rising for three consecutive weeks, a survey showed Monday. According to the survey by Realmeter and commissioned by a local news outlet, the positive assessment of Yoon's performance fell 0.7 percentage point from the previous week, while the negative assessment rose 0.7 percentage point to 71 percent. The survey was conducted on 2,509 adults from Monday to Friday last week and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points, with a confidence rate of 95 percent. Yoon's approval rating reached 25.7 percent in the third week of November, marking a six-week high attributed to increased support in conservative strongholds before falling back to 25 percent last week. In a separate survey conducted by the same pollster on 1,002 individuals aged 18 and over on Thursday and Friday, the approval ratings of the two major rival parties both increased. Support for the ruling People Power Party rose 2 percentage points from the previous week to 32.3 percent, while the figure for the main opposition Democratic Party inched up 0.3 percentage point to 45.2 percent. (Yonhap) The state audit agency urged the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea on Monday to halt its planned impeachment of the agency chief over issues related to the relocation of the presidential office. Choi Dal-young, secretary general of the Board of Audit and Inspection, issued the appeal hours before the party was to introduce an impeachment motion against BAI Chair Choe Jae-hae at a plenary session of the National Assembly. "I understand the main grounds for the impeachment are that the BAI is carrying out targeted inspections of the previous administration while letting off the current administration through its inspections," Choi said during a press briefing at the BAI headquarters. "We are inspecting the current administration's work strictly and fairly under the same standards." The DPK has pushed for Choe's impeachment, citing various issues with the BAI's audit of suspected irregularities in the presidential office relocation carried out in 2022 in line with a campaign pledge of President Yoon Suk Yeol, as well as Choe's refusal to submit related documents for a parliamentary audit. "We earnestly plead with you to immediately stop the impeachment attempt against the chair of the Board of Audit and Inspection, who is the chief of a constitutionally independent body," Choi said. (Yonhap) National Assembly speaker delays tabling of budget bill, calls on parties to reach agreement By Kwak Yeon-soo Rival parties clashed during a plenary parliamentary session, Monday, over the National Assemblys decisions to postpone tabling a budget bill for next year and introduce a motion to impeach the chief state auditor and three prosecutors related to the relocation of the presidential office and first lady investigation. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik announced the delay of presenting the bill at around noon, just two hours ahead of the plenary session, asking rival parties to reach an agreement by Dec. 10 the last day of the parliamentary regular session that kicked off in September. His remarks came after holding separate meetings with floor leaders of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). After much consideration, we have decided not to present the budget bill at todays plenary session. I sternly urge the ruling and opposition parties to reach an agreement by Dec. 10, Woo said during an emergency press conference, Monday, stressing that a swift handling of the budget should be the Assembly's top priority in the wake of an economic crisis. The decision came after the DPK, which holds 170 of the 300 Assembly seats, railroaded the 2025 budget proposal through a parliamentary committee last week despite opposition from the PPP. The budget proposal amounts to 677.4 trillion won ($482 billion), 4.1 trillion won less than the governments initial proposal. It includes cuts to the special activity budgets of the presidential office and the National Security Office, as well as specific operational and special activity expenses for the prosecution and the Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea. It also cut the governments reserve fund in half from 4.8 trillion won to 2.4 trillion won. Earlier in the morning, the PPP held a general meeting of its lawmakers to discuss measures to counter the DPKs unilateral push to pass the downsized budget proposal and visited Woos office in protest. The DPKs push to unilaterally pass the downsized budget bill is aimed at paralyzing the government, PPP Chairman Han Dong-hoon said during a Supreme Council meeting. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok accused the DPK of politicizing the proposal despite ongoing bipartisan negotiations. "We express deep regret over the DPKs irresponsible action of railroading a downsized budget bill for next year. The world is waging a war without gunfire, but the opposition is holding the budget hostage for political gains. The partys plan consists of many problems that may present challenges to the peoples lives and our economy," Choi said during a press conference. The DPK, on the other hand, expressed strong regret over Woos decision to delay tabling the opposition-led budget bill. The government and the ruling party are only interested in securing special activity expenses. It is questionable whether things will change if the negotiation period is extended, Rep. Park Chan-dae of the DPK said. At the plenary session in the afternoon, the DPK reported impeachment motions against Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) Chair Choe Jae-hae and three prosecutors at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, including its chief Lee Chang-soo. The impeachment motion will be put to a plenary vote on Wednesday. The DPK took issue with Choes audit of the presidential residence relocation and alleged violations of the Act on Testimony and Appraisal Before the National Assembly, such as failing to submit requested materials during parliamentary hearings. It also accused the three prosecutors of failing to indict first lady Kim Keon Hee over her alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme. Earlier in the morning, the BAI held a press conference, urging the DPK to halt its impeachment attempt of its chief over issues related to the relocation of the presidential office. "We are a constitutionally independent body. We earnestly request the DPK to immediately stop the impeachment attempt against our chief, said Choi Dal-young, secretary general of the BAI. Korea's agricultural ministry said Monday the heavy snowfall that hit the country in late November has damaged 359 hectares of agricultural facilities. It marked the largest snow-related damage since 2018, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The damage occurred after Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi areas, along with several other regions in the country, received record-level snowfall for November last week, leading to casualties and property damage. Gyeonggi Province reported the largest agriculture-related damage, totaling 260 hectares, including 150 hectares of greenhouses and 73 hectares of ginseng cultivation areas. North Chungcheong Province also experienced losses spanning 32 hectares of farmland. "The government plans to complete investigations on damages at farms with insurance coverage within a week," Vice Agricultural Minister Park Beom-su said in a statement, noting the country will make efforts to help farms promptly restore their operations. (Yonhap) By Arthur I. Cyr Next February, the war in Ukraine will reach its third anniversary. Russia has announced a more flexible policy regarding the possible use of nuclear weapons, creating global concern. Yet this is testimony to the undeniable weakness of this aggressor nation. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine remains as energetic and committed as ever, including traveling to the U.S. and elsewhere to generate support. Time magazine named him Person of the Year for good reasons. The war in Ukraine proceeds with devastating, perhaps irreparable damage to the influence and reputation of Vladimir Putin, and also the military of Russia. Rightly, the Red Army of the Soviet Union was greatly respected, and greatly feared by the nations occupied by that enormous force. After all, this was the military that fought and ultimately destroyed the bulk of the enormous war machine of Nazi Germany. The vast majority of the mechanized units of the Wehrmacht were deployed on the Eastern Front, a theater where the war was literally a fight to the collective death, without the restraints present in combat involving American, British and others in the West. Clearly, Putin and associates miscalculated how easily Russias military would be able to occupy Ukraine and take control, in Cold War fashion. As in armed conflicts throughout history, the determination and courage of the people of Ukraine have been a vital factor. But Russian forces have also proven extraordinarily deficient. Mechanized weapons and equipment have broken down to a striking degree, many units proved ineffective and general disorganization has accompanied the large but clumsy invasion. Clear by now is that the end of the Soviet Union also opened the door to corruption and decay, undeniably and extraordinarily widespread. In a particularly shocking development, dead Russian soldiers have simply been left where they lie on the battlefield by retreating comrades. Not abandoning comrades, alive or dead, is a traditional tenet of military culture. The Biden administrations provision of Patriot missile defense and other systems to Ukraine is important. The Patriot is part of a great revolution in military technologies over the 20th and 21st centuries. In World War II, various changes created a much more fluid battle environment. The tank and other motorized vehicles, long-range heavily armed aircraft, modern electronic communications and other innovations drastically altered the characteristics of fighting. One important invention is the Tube-launched Optically tracked Wire-guided missile, or TOW, a relatively portable lethal anti-tank weapon. The German V-1 rocket of World War II was a very early example of a guidance system within a missile. Related technologies have evolved to an extraordinary degree since that time. In the spring of 1972, North Vietnam launched a massive armored invasion of South Vietnam. TOW missiles, usually launched from helicopters, completely devastated large numbers of Soviet-supplied tanks along with other targets. This offensive was decisively defeated. Other Precision-Guided Munitions include the Stinger anti-aircraft missile. This weapon proved important in defeating the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, over a decade starting in 1979. From 1973, the Pentagon began a satellite network for earth navigation. The Global Positioning System (GPS) solved the fundamental problem in war of accurately locating the enemy, plus your own position. Precision munitions along with advanced weaponry in general, massive logistical and supply capabilities and skilled professionals were vital to the remarkable Allied liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation in 1991. But Russia continues to press the war. Once inaugurated, President Donald Trump should press for peace. Arthur I. Cyr (acyr@carthage.edu) is author of After the Cold War American Foreign Policy, Europe and Asia (NYU and Palgrave/Macmillan). By Shin Hye-suk The first snow arrived in November, and the excitement took me by surprise. In the morning, I rushed outside to see the snow already beginning to accumulate. I marveled at the delicate flakes fluttering down, lost in the magic of it all, wondering, "Why does the first snow always feel so romantic and magical?" As I walked behind my house, I tried to capture the marvelous scene snow-covered trees and a sky painted with pastel hues, like a living oil painting by Monet. It felt like a dream, and I was filled with the joy of a child, fully immersed in the beauty around me. Later, I drove through downtown Seoul, where the snow had already been cleared from the streets. I thought about how, in recent years, I had longed for a simpler life in the countryside. But now, the swift snow removal and the serene, snow-covered streets made me appreciate the city more. I embraced it with contentment and a new attitude of acceptance. "Amor fati," I thought, or love of fate. Everything seemed perfect that day. Even the music on the radio, accompanied by the DJ's cheerful voice, sounded sweeter than usual. I smiled, recalling the many people out early, their faces bright with joy at the first snow. I especially remember an 83-year-old grandmother with gray hair and sparkling eyes. "Im still so excited when it snows, even at my age!" she said. "I saw the news last night and couldnt wait to see the snow this morning. Please take a picture with that beautiful red maple tree!" Her enthusiasm was inspiring, and I marveled at how, at 83, she embraced the world with the wonder of a child. This moment inspired me to reflect on Nietzsche's philosophy, which divides human development into three stages: the camel, the lion and the child. The camel, bears the weight of social expectations, living by others' rules. The lion symbolizes rebelliousness, challenging authority to forge a new path. The child embodies freedom, creativity and play a state of true liberation. In society, many of us move between these stages, sometimes weighed down like camels and other times rebelling like lions. But Nietzsche believed the ideal is to return to the childlike state, where we can experience the world with innocence, joy and imagination. It seems our society, even in Korea, despite its rapid economic growth, is still in its infancy in areas like politics and culture, with many caught between the stages of camel, lion and child. I, too, find myself in this in-between space, searching for the courage to embrace the child within me. Living like a child, as Nietzsche suggests, requires self-assurance and the courage to move forward unburdened by others' opinions. Like the joyful 83-year-old grandmother who embraced the first snow with excitement, we can find freedom by embracing life with a child's heart. Shin Hye-suk (sinesu@naver.com), who also goes by Shindy, completed a doctorate in sociology and has devoted two decades of her life to academic pursuits at a university in Japan. She is also a florist and has served as president of the Rotary International Seoul Club Korea. Call for urgent reforms and political unity Koreas economy is currently undergoing a precarious path marked by stagnant growth, vulnerable sectors, and looming uncertainties. The country is experiencing a rare and troubling convergence: a simultaneous decline in industrial production, consumer spending, and investments. This triple downturn, witnessed over the last five months, is unprecedented. These declines are a harbinger of deeper economic troubles that could lead to a prolonged period of low growth, with projections indicating a drop to the 1 percent range next year, well below the nation's potential growth rate of 2 percent. This situation is exacerbated by structural issues, external pressures, and, perhaps most worryingly, a political gridlock that impedes the necessary reforms needed to revitalize the economy. Recent economic indicators paint a dismal picture. After a modest GDP contraction of 0.2 percent in the second quarter of this year, Korea's economy managed only marginal growth of 0.1 percent in the third quarter. In October, the industrial production index (excluding agriculture and fisheries) fell 0.3 percent, retail sales declined 0.4 percent, and facility investments experienced a sharp drop of 5.8 percent. These indicators point to a broader economic slowdown, raising concerns that the country may be entering a phase of stagnation. The Bank of Korea has projected GDP growth to remain below 2 percent for the next few years, with estimates of 1.9 percent for 2025 and 1.8 percent for 2026. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) also predicts Korea to continue experiencing GDP growth lower than its potential for at least six consecutive years, signaling a weakened economy. The lackluster growth stems from a range of domestic challenges, most notably the persistent weakness in consumer spending and increasing uncertainty over international trade. These concerns have been exacerbated by ongoing tensions with the United States, particularly under the policies of President-elect Donald Trumps administration. The economic stagnation is compounded by structural problems that continue to hinder Koreas growth prospects. Outdated regulations and an inflexible labor market make it difficult for businesses to innovate and compete globally. Meanwhile, Koreas economy faces additional pressure from high levels of debt, particularly in sectors suffering from limited productivity, which weaken economic vitality. The nations heavy reliance on exports presents another significant vulnerability. While exports have grown for 14 consecutive months, fueled by strong semiconductor sales, the growth rate has slowed considerably. This dependence leaves the economy exposed to risks such as a potential trade war or new tariff measures from the United States, which could exacerbate existing challenges and further strain economic stability. The looming threat of prolonged low growth requires immediate action from the government. The Yoon Suk Yeol administration must focus on revitalizing the economy through comprehensive reforms and resist the temptation of temporary stimulus measures that provide only short-term relief. Rather than relying on optimistic projections, the government must face reality and embark on bold economic restructuring measures. The key to overcoming the current crisis lies in corporate restructuring, labor market reforms, and the removal of outdated regulations that stifle business growth. The government must foster a more conducive environment for innovation and investments by facilitating research and development and nurturing a highly skilled workforce. Providing businesses with access to cutting-edge technologies and encouraging voluntary innovation will be essential for creating sustainable jobs and driving long-term economic growth. Addressing these systemic challenges is the only way Korea can escape its low-growth trap and revitalize its economy. However, these reforms will not be possible without political cooperation. The government and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) must put aside their partisan battles and prioritize the nations economic recovery. The DPK has been criticized for focusing more on internal political issues, such as investigating first lady Kim Keon Hee and defending its embattled leader, Lee Jae-myung, rather than working toward the nations economic well-being. It is imperative for both parties to engage in meaningful dialogue, make necessary compromises and collaborate in addressing the structural challenges that hinder the economy. In many ways, Koreas economic troubles mirror those of other nations that have faced similar structural hurdles. The United States, for example, has managed to boost its potential growth rate through focused efforts on innovation, deregulation, and investments in education and technology. Korea must adopt a similar approach by reforming its economy to make it more resilient to external shocks and capable of sustaining long-term growth. Korea stands at a critical crossroads. The path forward will require difficult but necessary reforms to address the structural weaknesses in its economy, coupled with political unity to ensure effective governance. Without urgent action, the country risks slipping into a cycle of low growth that could persist for years to come. It is time for both the government and opposition parties to set aside their differences and work together to ensure a prosperous future for Korea. Washington's sanctions on Beijing have caused losses for Korean businesses too, says Huawei official By Lee Hyo-jin, Joint Press Corps SHANGHAI Korean chipmakers have been disadvantaged by U.S. sanctions, which prohibit them from cooperating with Huawei, according to an official at the Chinese telecom giant. The official also expressed the companys willingness to resume business with Korean firms. "Before the sanctions, there was considerable cooperation with Korea in the semiconductor sector. We purchased about $10 billion worth of chips annually from Samsung and SK hynix. However, since the U.S. sanctions, we can no longer procure semiconductors from them. This has undoubtedly caused losses for Korean companies," the official told Korean reporters during a media tour of its R&D hub in Pudong District, Shanghai, Friday. "If there were no sanctions, we would purchase advanced Korean products." The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that American sanctions have spurred rapid development in China's semiconductor market and the firm's self-sufficiency drive, stating, "Since we cannot procure from outside, we have no choice but to source domestically." However, the outlook for renewed cooperation between Huawei and Korean chipmakers remains grim, with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump poised to return to office in January. During his first term, Trump targeted Huawei by restricting its access to cutting-edge semiconductors and working to exclude the company from global markets. He implemented a ban on the supply of semiconductors produced using U.S. equipment, software, and designs to the Chinese company without prior approval. This policy created significant challenges for Korean semiconductor firms, complicating their business operations and supply chains. Responding to concerns about Trumps potential trade policies, the Huawei official said, "Its difficult to comment on a hypothetical situation. When the initial sanctions were imposed, it was a challenging period for us." Nonetheless, the official emphasized Huawei's commitment to globalization, as articulated by its founder. He also said that despite bans in some European Union member states on Huaweis involvement in critical 5G infrastructure, the companys operations in countries like Germany, Spain, France and Italy remain steady. "Europe is rational in its approach, focusing on better products and solutions," he said. Huaweis R&D center in Pudong District, established in 2000, currently employs over 20,000 people, focusing on the development of smartphones, smart driving technologies and wireless mobile internet. However, they will soon move to a new R&D facility in Qingpu District, Shanghai. After beginning operations in March, the newly built center aims to become a key hub for Huaweis advancements in 5.5G, AI and cloud computing. Outside of China, Huawei has established R&D centers in other countries leveraging regional strengths, officials said. For instance, in France, where there is a strong tradition of art and visual production, the firm established an art research center. In Russia, which has a rich history in mathematics, Huawei set up research facilities that focus on mathematical technologies. This year marked a critical juncture for Huawei, which employs 207,000 people and operates in over 170 countries and regions. "The year 2024 marked the dawn of the 5.5G commercialization era. Many companies around the world, including those in China, have already introduced 5.5G services," another official said as she guided reporters through the exhibition hall. "It was also the inaugural year for AI-powered devices, with artificial intelligence becoming an integral part of everyday life." The exhibition hall showcased the firm's latest innovations, including AI advancements in autonomous driving technologies and mobile broadband. Korea's industry minister said Monday that the country plans to foster cooling equipment for data centers as one of its new export engines amid the growing demand for infrastructure to support the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun made the remark during his visit to LG Electronics's chiller production line in Pyeongtaek, some 60 kilometers south of Seoul, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Chillers refer to equipment used in data centers to prevent overheating by circulating water through pipes. "Amid the growing popularity of generative AI platforms, including ChatGPT, energy consumption by data centers has risen sharply," LG Electronics said in a statement, noting that chillers have also emerged as their key infrastructure. During the visit, Ahn noted that while Korea maintained growth in outbound shipments for 14 straight months through November, the country needs to foster new export engines to sustain the momentum, citing AI-related products. "Data centers are key infrastructure for the AI industry, and the ministry has been supporting AI chips, electronic equipment and cooling systems as next-generation export engines," Ahn added. The minister also stated that the government will provide 350 billion won ($250 million) in trade insurance for exports of such cooling equipment, in addition to offering other necessary support, including finding new buyers. Korea's exports of cooling equipment, including those for data centers, are anticipated to reach $2.6 billion in 2024, up from $2.4 billion in 2023, the ministry said. Over the January-October period this year, the amount totaled $2.2 billion. (Yonhap) Rebellions and Sapeon Korea, two artificial intelligence chipmakers in Korea, have completed their merger process and established an integrated company, company officials said Monday. The merged entity, expected to have an estimated corporate value of 1.3 trillion won ($927.9 million), has been named Rebellions, with the original Rebellions CEO Park Sung-hyun set to lead the company, according to the officials. The merger was completed about six months after the two companies announced their integration plan aimed at creating a company with stronger competitiveness in the global AI chip market. Rebellions was an AI chip fabless startup established in 2020, and Sapeon Korea was an AI chip processor affiliate of SK Telecom, the nation's leading mobile carrier. The new Rebellions said it plans to make inroads into the United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan and other global markets in cooperation with its strategic investors, like SK Telecom and SK hynix. The company will also work to gain leadership in PyTorch, an open source machine learning framework, and actively respond to the global AI supply using its chiplet technology, which enables the assembly of various types of chips in a package. "The reshaping of the global AI semiconductor market has already begun with Nvidia's dominance," Park said, vowing to lead the new company with a sense of duty to foster the nation's AI chip industry. (Yonhap) More than half of Korean companies operating in Vietnam have experienced technology theft by their employees this year, a state-funded research institute said Monday. The Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade (KIET) conducted a poll of 335 Korean firms that have business operations in Vietnam during the July-October period to look into the Southeast Asian market's business environment. Nearly 55 percent of the companies said they "have experienced technology leaks and threats" by foreign and Korean employees, rival companies and others in the Southeast Asian nation, the KIET survey showed. The ratio was sharply up from 34.6 percent surveyed in the country's third-largest trading partner last year. Of those who stole technologies and made threats, foreign employees accounted for 28.3 percent, followed by partner firms and rival firms at 22.1 percent each and Korean employees at 20.4 percent. By industry sector, most automobile and component companies, along with 42.9 percent of petrochemical firms, said foreign employees were involved in technology leaks. In contrast, 40 percent of semiconductor companies said Korean workers stole their technologies and blackmailed them. More than 50 percent of the companies pointed to a lack of security in personnel and document management as the main cause of technology leaks. The institute said the companies need to strengthen their own security measures, and the government needs to provide systemic support, such as technology protection guidelines, security system consulting services and a guidebook that assists companies in case of international legal disputes. (Yonhap) Korea's media regulator said Monday it has put Telegram on the list of foreign platform partners it is cooperating with to block the distribution of illicit content online. The list now consists of 12 platforms, including Google, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, according to the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC). With the enlistment, the KCSC said it can now request Telegram to swiftly respond to illicit content on its platform, such as sexually exploitative materials and information on narcotics. The move comes as part of the KCSC's measures aimed at eradicating various crimes related to online platforms, devised after a series of deepfake pornography targeting young women on Telegram sparked public outrage earlier this year. In September, the KCSC also set up a hotline with Telegram. The KCSC said it will work to further deepen its cooperation with Telegram to prevent the proliferation of illicit content via online platforms and protect domestic internet users. (Yonhap) Govt vows to make shipbuilders team up for $43 billion project By Park Jae-hyuk Expectations are rising that the recent reconciliation between HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Hanwha Ocean could lead the Royal Canadian Navy to place an order with one of them to build 12 submarines, worth 60 billion Canadian dollars ($43 billion), to replace its aging fleet. The likelihood of one of them winning the order and collaborating with the other to build the submarines has increased further after Japan reportedly decided to withdraw its bid. Last Thursday, Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Minister Seok Jong-gun told lawmakers in a meeting at the National Assembly that the state arms procurement agency will make sure that HD HHI and Hanwha Ocean team up for the Canadian submarine bid. Attributing the recent failure to join the Australian frigate project to the fierce rivalry between the two Korean shipbuilders, the minister also told reporters last Tuesday that he will meet their CEOs on Dec. 17 to ask them to cooperate with each other for the Canadian submarine project. His remarks came after the two companies stopped their legal battle over HD HHI not being excluded from a project to construct the ROK Navys next-generation destroyers, even though its employees were found guilty of stealing destroyer design data from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, now renamed Hanwha Ocean. Before dropping the lawsuits against each other, HD HHI and Hanwha Ocean had even competed in introducing each of their submarine technologies to Vice Adm. Angus Topshee, the commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, who visited Korea last month to look around their shipyards. Both shipbuilders cited national interests as the reason for their decisions. We hope our decision will boost cooperation among domestic shipbuilders and lead to increased naval vessel exports, HD HHI said. Hanwha Ocean said that it believes withdrawing the complaint is the right action for serving the national interests, given the necessity of deploying next-generation Aegis destroyers in a timely manner and expanding Koreas defense exports. When the Australian Navy shortlisted Japans Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Germanys ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems last month for the 11 billion Australian dollar ($7.25 billion) project to build a new fleet of general-purpose frigates, industry experts pointed out that the legal battle between the Korean shipbuilders led them to expose their weaknesses, despite their ability to supply high-performance warships at lower prices. Both Japan and Germany were able to make all-out efforts for the project, responding to Australias request to develop its western industrial facilities, said Moon Keun-sik, a professor of Hanyang University Graduate School of Public Policy who was formerly a Republic of Korea Navy submarine commander. The DAPA minister also said that defense companies sometimes need to cooperate with each other, when their competition goes against the national interests. The government will contemplate how to help in winning the Canadian submarine project, he said. On Nov. 21, The Hill Times reported that Japanese companies decided not to take part in the procurement bid for the Royal Canadian Navys new submarines. Citing the Japanese Embassy in Ottawa, the Canadian newspaper reported that multiple other sourced informed that Mitsubishi will not be putting forward the Taigei-class submarine as a potential replacement for Canadas fleet of Victoria-class submarines. As a result, Koreas in-service submarines have been mentioned as faster options to replace the Canadian fleet than those of Germany and Sweden. Considering the deadline for delivery and the capability of sailing under the Pacific Ocean to contain Chinas expansion, it is highly likely that Hanwha Ocean or HD HHI will receive the order, SK Securities analyst Han Seung-han said. Unionized workers of South Korea's top steelmaker POSCO held a ceremony Monday to demonstrate their intention to launch their first-ever strike, officials said. Last week, 72.25 percent of its 7,934 members voted for a walkout, as management has refused to accept the union's demand of an 8.3 percent hike in basic wage and other incentives. If the union goes ahead with the collective action, it will be the first such move since the company's foundation in 1968. "We still have time to reach a deal within this year," labor chief Kim Sung-ho said. "But we have never made the strike decision easily. If we should take the path, we will go ahead with it without hesitation." The strike decision came after the national labor relations commission decided to end its arbitration in mid-November as the two sides failed to narrow differences. Negotiations are still under way between labor and management. (Yonhap) By Nam Hyun-woo Samsung Biologics workers and management jointly launched a donation program in affiliation with stores and restaurants in the biotechs home city of Incheon, the company said Monday. Samsung Biologics held an agreement signing ceremony at its headquarters in Incheon, marking the official launch of the program, called Nanum Store (sharing store). The program was initiated following a proposal from the labor union to create a community-focused donation program, with management working alongside the union to develop it. When Samsung Biologics employees make purchases at participating local stores, the stores allocate 5 to 15 percent of the transaction amount as donations. A total of 20 local stores and restaurants are participating in the program. Donations accumulated through the program will be funding Save the Children or the Incheon Social Welfare Council on a quarterly basis. These donations are used to support children and youth in Incheon, including those requiring long-term medical care or those facing financial hardships while pursuing their education. Samsung Biologics said this program, participated by both large businesses and small stores, will be able to make its contributions to supporting children and boosting the local economy. Along with the latest program, the company said it is running a number of donation programs to share the joy of contributing among its young employees. Since last year, Samsung Biologics has been running the Nanum Photo Booth, where employees can take selfies by donating 1,000 won. The company also runs Nanum Kiosk to help employees easily make financial donations by tagging their ID cards. More than 10,000 donations are made through the kiosks. We express our deep gratitude to the local shops and restaurants that joined the Nanum store program, Samsung Biologics CEO John Rim said. We will double our efforts to support neighbors in need based on our cooperative spirit between labor and management and our mission as a biotech dedicated to saving lives. Samsung Biologics labor union head Park Jae-sung said the program pursues mutual growth with the local community based on the cooperation between the union and the company, adding that we will realize our vision of creating a sustainable future by fostering shared values and strengthening collaboration. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday named Lebanese-American businessman Massad Boulos as his senior advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, the latest family member to be appointed to a key position. "I am proud to announce that Massad Boulos will serve as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs," Trump posted on Truth Social of the appointment, which puts his daughter Tiffany's father-in-law in a major White House position. Boulos was a key emissary for the Trump campaign, helping to mobilize Arab American and Muslim voters, many of whom were disaffected with White House policy on the war in Gaza. The businessman will take over a difficult portfolio, with Israel's war raging in Gaza, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon seeing early violations, and rebel forces in Syria making advances against the government of Bashar al-Assad. Boulos's son, Michael, is married to Trump's daughter Tiffany. A day earlier, Trump appointed Charles Kushner the father of his son-in-law Jared as the U.S. ambassador to France. "Massad is an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the International scene," said Trump of his pick for the Middle East advisor job. "He has been a longtime proponent of Republican and Conservative values, an asset to my Campaign, and was instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American Community." The Republican referred to Boulos as "a dealmaker." Trump often promised on the campaign trail to bring a swift end to the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere, without specifying how he would do so. (AFP) The Syrian military rushed reinforcements to the northwest and launched airstrikes Sunday in an attempt to push back insurgents who seized the countrys largest city of Aleppo, as Iran pledged to help the government counter the surprise offensive. Iran has been a key political and military ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad in the country's long-running civil war, but it was unclear how Tehran would support Damascus in the latest flareup that began Wednesday. Insurgents led by jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a two-pronged attack on Aleppo and the countryside around Idlib that day, before moving toward neighboring Hama province. On Sunday, government troops created a strong defensive line in northern Hama, as they attempted to stall the insurgents momentum, according to Britain-based opposition war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Meanwhile, jets pounded the cities of Idlib and Aleppo, killing at least 25 people, according to the Syrian civil defense group that operates in opposition-held areas. The surge in fighting has raised the prospect of another violent, destabilizing front reopening in the Middle East at a time when Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, conflicts that have repeatedly threatened to ignite an even wider regional war. It also risks drawing Russia and Turkey each with its own interests to protect in Syria into direct heavy fighting against each other. The insurgents announced their offensive Wednesday, just as a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel began, raising some hope that tensions in the region might be calming. The surprise offensive is a huge embarrassment for Assad, and it comes at a time when his allies Iran and groups it backs and Russia are preoccupied with their own conflicts. According to a statement from Assads office, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reassured the Syrian leader during a visit to Damascus that Tehran was ready to support the government in their counteroffensive. Arab leaders, including Jordans King Abdullah II and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have also called Assad to express their solidarity. The insurgents took over most of Aleppo on Saturday and made gains in the surrounding province. They also seized the main water pumping station for city and it is no longer working, Syrian Minister of Water Resources Moataz Qattan told the pro-government radio station Sham FM. Elsewhere, rebel commander Col. Hassan Abdulghani said the insurgents advanced in the countryside around Idlib, putting all of the province of the same name under their control. They also claimed to have entered the city of Hama, but there was no independent confirmation of that. In Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province, military vehicles abandoned by Syrian troops dotted the roads. People posed and took pictures of themselves atop one abandoned tank on a highway, while the insurgents grabbed munitions and shells from them before continuing their push deeper into Syria. The insurgents vowed to push all the way into Damascus, but life in the Syrian capital remained normal with no signs of panic. In southeastern Aleppo, however, the main road out of the city was gridlocked as people fled the fighting, and gas stations in the area were short on fuel. The rebels also made it into Tel Rifaat, a town near Aleppo held by U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces, according to pro-government pan-Arab Al Mayadeen TV. Tel Rifaat is far from the large swaths of northeastern Syria that are controlled by the Kurdish troops, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces. A statement from the insurgency called on the SDF to leave the areas near Aleppo that they hold and retreat to their bastions in the northeast. Despite being at odds politically with the Syrian government, the Kurdish-led administration has opposed the insurgency and accused Turkey, the main back of Syrian opposition groups, of trying to displace the Kurdish population. Turkish officials have said a limited offensive by the rebels was planned to stop government attacks on opposition-held areas in recent weeks, but it expanded as government forces began to retreat. The United Nations special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said the push by the rebels poses a risk to regional security and called on resuming diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNNs State of the Union that the U.S. is watching the situation carefully. There are about 900 American troops in Syria's northeast far from where the insurgency is happening who are meant to guard against a resurgence by the extremist Islamic State group. The group leading the rebel advance is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., and Sullivan said Washington has real concerns about the designs and objectives of that organization. At the same time, of course, we dont cry over the fact that the Assad government, backed by Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, are facing certain kinds of pressure, he added. According to Syrian state news agency SANA and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the army overnight pushed back insurgents in the northern countryside of Hama province. Syrian state media said government resupply included heavy equipment and rocket launchers while Syrian and Russian airstrikes targeted weapon depots and insurgent strongholds. Sham FM said the Syrian army shot down drones belonging to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in northern Hama. Syrian state television claimed government forces had killed nearly 1,000 insurgents over the past three days, without providing evidence or details. Government airstrikes in Idlib and Aleppo killed at least 25 people, of which 14 are women and children, according to the Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, that operates in opposition-held areas. Residents could be seen fleeing through ash-covered streets. Men lowered a child from the high floor of a building whose facade was blown off. Airstrikes also struck in and around Aleppo, including near a hospital in the city center, killing 12 people, including at least eight civilians, according to the White Helmets and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The 2016 battle for Aleppo was a turning point in the war between Syrian government forces and rebel fighters after 2011 protests against Assads rule turned into an all-out war. After appearing to be losing control of the country to the rebels, the Aleppo battle secured Assads hold on strategic areas of Syria, with opposition factions and their foreign backers controlling areas on the periphery. (AP) Stellantis Chief Executive Carlos Tavares resigned abruptly on Sunday, two months after a profit warning at the maker of Jeep, Fiat and Peugeot cars that has lost around 40 percent of its value this year. The company said it would seek to find a replacement CEO in the first half of 2025. Senior Independent Director Henri de Castries said in a statement that different views emerged in recent weeks among major shareholders, the board and Tavares resulting in the CEO's resignation. Stellantis said in a statement on Sunday that its board, including Chairman John Elkann, accepted the CEO's resignation "with immediate effect" and that a new interim executive committee, chaired by Elkann, would be established. Previously regarded as one of the most respected executives in the auto industry, Tavares' approach came under scrutiny after slumping sales in North American led the automaker in September to issue a profit warning on its 2024 results. That included a forecast for a cash burn of up to 10 billion euros ($10.6 billion), mostly due to slow sales and bloating inventories in its North American market, the group's profit powerhouse. The warning triggered a wide reshuffle of the group's top management, including changes of its chief financial officer and of its head of North American operations, but initially spared Tavares. After that, however, Stellantis said Tavares was not seeking a new CEO term and would retire at the end of his current mandate, in early 2026. The process to select a new CEO was initially set to be completed by the final quarter of next year. Stellantis shares have lost around 40 percent of their value this year, while shares of U.S. rival Ford Motor are down 7 percent this year and General Motors up 55 percent. Elkann, the scion of the Agnelli family which founded Fiat and is the top Stellantis shareholder through its investment company EXOR, thanked Tavares for his role in the creation of Stellantis, the world's fourth- largest carmaker by sales. Other big shareholders include the Peugeot family and the French government, through public investment bank BPIfrance. 'It couldn't get worse' Jeff Laethem, who owns a Stellantis dealership in Detroit, said he was relieved at the news of Tavares resignation. The last year has been punishing for him as inventory has built up and sales of once-dependable vehicles dropped. It couldnt get worse, Laethem said, adding his nearby GM dealership has not faced the same challenges. Stellantis dealers have become more vocal with their displeasure in the last few months, sending a letter outlining their concerns to Tavares in September. Sales of the automaker's vehicles through the third-quarter of this year were down 17 percent in the U.S. compared to the year-ago period, with significant losses across the Dodge, Ram, Jeep and Chrysler brands. The automaker has been struggling to sell even 2023 model-year cars, data provided to Reuters by car-shopping app CoPilot shows. There are 112 days of supply on dealer lots of Ram 1500 pickup trucks and Jeep Wagoneers, CoPilot data shows, about 20 days higher than their respective rivals, the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford Expedition. 'New ideas and fresh forces' A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that tensions grew after the board felt Tavares was moving too quickly and focusing on near-term solutions to save his reputation, not working in the best interests of the company. The sudden announcement on Sunday indicated that the fissures between the board and Tavares had to be severe, given that the parties decided it was better to operate with no CEO on a short-term basis, Bernstein analysts said. Fabio Caldato, a portfolio manager at AcomeA SGR, which holds Stellantis shares, said "new ideas and fresh forces are needed to plan the company's future." Tavares has led Stellantis since its creation in early 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot owner PSA. The company has 14 brands, and Tavares warned underperformers among the portfolio were at risk of being axed. His outspoken style has often seen him in conflict with counterparts including U.S. unions and the Italian government, which complained about his decisions to reduce auto production in Italy. In America, the United Auto Workers union threatened a nationwide walkout, alleging Stellantis failed to keep the commitments it made in a contract finalized last year. Stellantis said it has complied with the labor agreement. "Tavares is leaving behind a mess of painful layoffs and overpriced vehicles sitting on dealership lots," UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement. (Reuters) The president of the International Criminal Court lashed out at the United States and Russia for interfering with its investigations, calling threats and attacks on the court appalling. The court is being threatened with draconian economic sanctions by another permanent member of the Security Council as if it was a terrorist organization, Judge Tomoko Akane, in her address to the institutions annual meeting, which opened on Monday. Akane was referring to remarks made by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, whose Republican party will control both branches of Congress in January, and who called the court a dangerous joke and urged Congress to sanction its prosecutor. To any ally, Canada, Britain, Germany, France, if you try to help the ICC, were going to sanction you, Graham said on Fox News. This marks the first time the global court of justice calls out a sitting leader of a major Western all. Graham was angered by an announcement last month that judges had granted a request from the courts chief prosecutor Karim Khan to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas military chief for crimes against humanity in connection with the nearly 14-month war in Gaza . The decision has been denounced by critics of the court and given only milquetoast approval by many of its supporters, a stark contrast to the robust backing of an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin last year over war crimes in Ukraine. Grahams threat isnt seen as just empty words. President-elect Donald Trump sanctioned the courts previous prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda , with a travel ban and asset freeze for investigating American troops and intelligence officials in Afghanistan. Akane on Monday also had harsh words for Russia. Several elected officials are being subjected to arrest warrants from a permanent member of the Security Council, she said. Moscow issued warrants for Khan and others in response to the investigation into Putin. The Assembly of States Parties, which represents the ICCs 124 member countries, will convene its 23rd conference to elect committee members and approve the courts budget against a backdrop of unfavorable headlines. The ICC was established in 2002 as the worlds permanent court of last resort to prosecute individuals responsible for the most heinous atrocities war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression. The court only becomes involved when nations are unable or unwilling to prosecute those crimes on their territory. To date, 124 countries have signed on to the Rome Statute, which created the institution. Those who have not include Israel, Russia and China. The ICC has no police force and relies on member states to execute arrest warrants. U.S. President Joe Biden called the warrants for Netanyahu and the former defense minister outrageous and vowed to stand with Israel. A year ago, Biden called the warrant for Putin justified and said the Russian president had committed war crimes. The U.S. is not an ICC member country. France said it would respect its obligations but would need to consider Netanyahus possible immunities. When the warrant for Putin was announced, France said it would lend its support to the essential work of the court. Another member country, Austria, begrudgingly acknowledged it would arrest Netanyahu but called the warrants utterly incomprehensible. Italy called them wrong but said it would be obliged to arrest him. Germany said it would study the decision. Member Hungary has said it would stand with Israel instead of the court. Global security expert Janina Dill worried that such responses could undermine global justice efforts. It really has the potential to damage not just the court, but international law, she told The Associated Press. Milena Sterio, an expert in international law at Cleveland State University, told the AP that sanctions against the court could affect a number of people who contribute to the courts work, such as international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney . Clooney advised the current prosecutor on his request for the warrants for Netanyahu and others. Sanctions are a huge burden, Sterio said. Also hanging heavy over the meeting in the Hague, are the internal pressures that Khan faces. In October, the AP reported the 54-year-old British lawyer is facing allegations he tried to coerce a female aide into a sexual relationship and groped her. Two co-workers in whom the woman confided reported the alleged misconduct in May to the courts independent watchdog, which says it interviewed the woman and ended its inquiry after five days when she opted against filing a formal complaint. Khan was never questioned. He has denied the claims. The Assembly of States Parties has announced it will launch an external probe into the allegations. Its not clear if the investigation will be addressed during the meeting. The court, which has long faced accusations of ineffectiveness, will have no trials pending after two conclude in December. While it has issued a number of arrest warrants in recent months, many high-profile suspects remain at large. Member states don't always act. Mongolia refused to arrest Putin when he visited in September. Sudans former President Omar al-Bashir is wanted by the ICC over accusations related to the conflict in Darfur, but his country has refused to hand him over. Last week , Khan requested a warrant for the head of Myanmars military regime, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, for attacks against the countrys Rohingya Muslim minority. Judges have yet to decide on that request. It becomes very difficult to justify the courts existence, Sterio said. (AP) China on Monday condemned Lithuanias expulsion of three Chinese diplomats as relations between the two countries continue to sour. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused Lithuania of expelling its diplomats and declaring them persona non grata without any reason, according to a statement posted on the ministrys website. China strongly condemns and firmly rejects this wanton and provocative action, the spokesperson said. The spat comes amid an investigation into the suspected involvement of a Chinese ship in severing two undersea data cables , one of which runs under the Baltic Sea between Lithuania and Sweden. Sweden has asked China to cooperate in explaining the cables rupture. Lithuania on Friday announced it had notified Beijing of declaring three members of the non-accredited staff of Chinas diplomatic mission persona non grata, and that they had to leave the Baltic nation within a week. The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry did not specify who the people were or what they had done but cited provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and other international laws. When asked to clarify what had happened, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry referred The Associated Press to its original notice. It added the presence of several other staff members of Chinas diplomatic mission in Lithuania would be decided in the near future. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused Lithuania of having again taken detrimental action that further exacerbates the relations. China calls on Lithuania to immediately stop undermining Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stop creating difficulty for bilateral relations, the spokesperson said, adding that Beijing reserved the right to take countermeasures. Neither foreign ministry made specific reference to the Chinese ship in the Baltic. The dispute comes three years after China downgraded ties with Lithuania to below ambassador level in retaliation for the Baltic nation allowing Taiwan, the island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory, to open a representative office. China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and prohibits other countries from having formal ties with Taipei. (AP) Luhan did it again, and EXO-Ls are living for it! On December 1, the Chinese soloist held a Douyin (Chinese TikTok) Live where he interacted anew with his fans. Through this livestream, viewers were once again gifted with another "crumb" as Luhan played his former co-EXO member D.O.'s "That's Okay." As the song began playing, Luhan also hummed and sang along D.O.'s solo track, but immediately apologized and asked the viewers to "not hate on me." "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I can't help it. It's just so good," he said. "Please, just don't hate on me tomorrow, that's all I ask. Don't hate on me, don't bash me, okay? You're not allowed to hate on me tomorrow." luhan singing along to kyungsoos 'thats okay' when it was playing during his douyin live! oh! wooo! *sings along* im sorry! im sorry! i cant help it, its just so good~ please, just dont hate on me tomorrow, thats all i ask~ dont hate on me, dont bash me, okay? pic.twitter.com/3yaI5cOP3O (@milkteus) December 1, 2024 Following his livestream, EXO-Ls' comments spilled over social media, expressing their surprise and amazement. Some also reminisced the old days when Luhan was still an EXO member. A fan wrote on X, "My Lu Bae, no real fans [are] gonna hate you. You are doing so right. No need to apologize, hesitate, and worry. Do whatever you want. I am with you. EXO-Ls [are] with you." "I'm tearing up. What the hell," another one said. Then, one EXO-L expressed, "Who says we hate you? HAHAHAHA I'm praying for EXO's OT11 interaction bye." Meanwhile, Luhan also trended on multiple online platforms and forums as he also held a Douyin Live on November 29, where he played EXO's "The First Snow." During the broadcast, the former EXO member mentioned his former label and its founder, saying: "I don't care about SM anymore, anyway. Lee Soo Man is gone, so I'm going to play it since it's snowing in Beijing, too." His "unbothered" attitude garnered praise from fans, while many others expressed their desire for a collab or reunion. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. By David Young, PA A Stormont vote on continuing post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland has been pencilled in for December 10th, the Assemblys speaker has said. The democratic consent process is a key element of the UK and EUs Windsor Framework deal and is designed to give local elected representatives a say on the contentious trade rules that now operate in the region. The framework, and its predecessor the Northern Ireland Protocol, require checks and customs paperwork on goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. Under the arrangements, which were designed to ensure no hardening of the Irish land border post-Brexit, Northern Ireland continues to follow many EU trade and customs rules. This has proved highly controversial, with unionists arguing the system threatens Northern Irelands place in the United Kingdom. Edwin Poots, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, updated MLAs on Monday. Photo: Mark Marlow/PA. Advocates of the arrangements argue they help insulate the region from negative economic consequences of Brexit. A dispute over the so-called Irish Sea border led to the collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022 an impasse that lasted two years. Under the terms of the framework, a Stormont vote must be held on articles five to 10 of the Windsor Framework, which underpin the EU trade laws in force in Northern Ireland, before they expire. The vote must take place before December 17th. Based on the numbers in the Assembly, MLAs are expected to back the continuation of the measures for another four years, even though unionists are set to oppose the move. MLAs from Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance Party, which all favour continuation, submitted the required motion to table the debate and vote over the weekend after Stormonts first and deputy first ministers failed to reach an agreement to do it jointly themselves. The process to trigger the vote began at the end of October when Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn sent a letter to the Speaker Edwin Poots asking First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly to table a motion by the end of November. Given the DUP is opposed to a continuation of arrangements that have brought added red tape on trade with the rest of the UK, it was not unexpected that a motion calling for their extension was not forthcoming from the joint office of a Sinn Fein First Minister and a DUP deputy First Minister. Once the one-month time period for Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly to table the motion expired at the end of November, it was open for other MLAs in Stormont to do it on an individual basis. That was done on Sunday December 1 by Sinn Feins Philip McGuigan, the Alliance Partys Eoin Tennyson and the SDLPs Matthew OToole when they submitted a motion to the Assemblys Business Office that proposed the continuation of the trading arrangements. First Minister Michelle ONeill (left) and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly did not table the motion, clearing the way for individual MLAs to do so. Photo: Peter Morrison/PA. With the motion submitted, the Northern Ireland Office must provide explanatory material to all MLAs outlining information about the workings of the arrangements and the Governments stated position on their continuation. Mr Poots told MLAs that Mr Benn wrote to him on Monday morning providing that material for onward distribution to members. It will now be for the Business Committee to determine the arrangements for a debate on that motion, he said. Last Tuesday the Business Committee agreed provisionally that time be set aside on Tuesday 10th of December should the motion be tabled. The Business Committee will confirm arrangements at its meeting tomorrow afternoon. DUP leader Gavin Robinson has already made clear his party will be voting against continuing the operation of the Windsor Framework. Unlike other votes on contentious issues at Stormont, the motion does not require cross-community support to pass. If it is voted through with a simple majority, the arrangements are extended for four years. In that event, the Government is obliged to hold an independent review of how the framework is working. If it wins cross-community support which is a majority of unionists and a majority of nationalists then it is extended for eight years. The chances of it securing such cross-community backing are highly unlikely. THE 30-year American accused of murdering his father in the five star hotel in Laois was further remanded in custody when he appeared by video link at Portlaoise District Court earlier this morning. Henry McGowan with an address at 114 Clinton Street, Brookyn, New York, USA is charged with murder in Ballyfin Demense, Ballyfin, on Tuesday 12 November. At this mornings hearing defending solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said that Mr McGowan was consenting to the states request to be remanded in custody to allow time for a book of evidence in the case to be prepared. Mr Fitzgerald also asked that DVD footage and memos of interviews from the evidence gathered by gardai during his time of questioning when arrested be provided to Mr McGowans consulting psychiatrist to assist the doctor in his assessment of his client. Prosecuting Detective Garda Ger Galwey said he had no difficulty in supply the consultant with that information. Judge Andrew Cody remanded Mr McGowan in custody to Friday 13 December sitting of Cloverhill District Court. CAROLINE Dwane Stanley, the wife of re-elected Independent Dail candidate Brian Stanley, held nothing back in the election count centre when she lashed out at her Sinn Fein colleagues, accusing them of running a toxic, dirty, despicable and disgusting campaign against Brian. In October, then Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley, resigned from the party following an internal investigation on foot of a complaint made against him by a party member. Since then, Ms Dwane Stanely, who remains a Sinn Fein councillor, held her counsel, until she arrived in the count centre in Portlaoise on Sunday, where she hit out at both her party locally and at the party leadership. Speaking to the ***Laois Nationalist***, cllr Dwane Stanley said: I am relieved that Brian got elected, but a tinge of sadness, too, because of the road weve had to travel over the past few months. Its been very tough and hard on our whole families. Behind the exterior, we are human beings, like everybody else. Brian has two children, Laura and Mark, and a granddaughter Leah and we watched in horror and shock what has gone on over the past few months. But behind the scenes, our families have been dealing with this. Asked why she had not commented publicly on the issue that her husband was dealing with and why was she speaking publicly about it now, she said: I had my own reasons for remaining silent. The first thing that anybody would do would be to try and to protect their family. That was my first and major priority. Everything else came after that, including Sinn Fein. My family comes front and centre as my number one priority. Also, I wasnt going to engage with the media circus with what was going on and that was another reason why I decided to remain silent until the general election was out of the way and that I couldnt have been accused by anyone of trying to sabotage their campaign. Now that the election is behind us, Im in a position to comment. When asked whether she was going to remain a Sinn Fein member, she said: At the moment Ive questions I want answers to from the party leadership and why our family was treated so despicable. His family watched on in horror as Brian was practically criminalised under Dail privilege from a party that he had given over 40 years of his life to. Sadly, over the past few months I havent had a phone call from the party leadership, absolutely nobody from it. It did surprise me, because the party has a care of duty to all members and that included me. While she said she was not angry over the way she has been treated by Sinn Fein, she said that she was disillusioned. Asked if she was disillusioned enough to resign from the party, she said: I want my questions answered first and Im going nowhere until I get those questions answered. And, If I dont get the answers, Ill make my decision then. I want to know whats Sinn Feins stance on blackmail. Theyre silent on blackmail. I also want to know why Sinn Fein dealt with four recent cases involving party members differently, compared to why Brians private life, involving two adults, and how that was investigated? So what is the process in Sinn Fein in handling investigations, she said. Asked if she had asked those questions of the party leadership, cllr Dwane Stanley said: Nobody has contacted me. The party held meetings here, there and everywhere around Laois and I wasnt asked to a single one of them. I was not contacted at all about any one of those meetings. I wasnt contacted to campaign for the Sinn Fein candidate in Laois. All I got from the local party was standard emails, like every party member received. Weve had leading party members such as Mary Lou McDonald, Pearse Doherty and Matt McCarthy, who came out and said that Brian had a very fair, confidential and transparent hearing. But they brought evidence before that inquiry, that local members in Laois were going around with the complainants complaint in their arse pocke, flashing it around and showing it to everybody. They tried to destroy Brians name and reputation before he even put his foot inside the door to allow him the opportunity to speak about it. Asked had she any comment to make on her party colleague Maria McCormacks election bid in Laois, she said: No, but what I would say is that, sadly and unfortunately, members of Sinn Fein in Laois ran a toxic, dirty, despicable and disgusting campaign against Brian. I will stand over that because I have the proof and have the contents of what was said about Brian after he left the party from their own Laois Sinn Fein WhatsApp page. A member of that group came to me and said they were very concerned that I and my family were being targeted. Ive had the contents of that WhatsApp group for the past few weeks. At any time I could have exposed that, but decided not to and not to stoop to that level. She said: Today is my familys and Brians day and now I am in a position to speak about what we had to endure. Eoin Reynolds A criminal who admitted to having an assault rifle in a Dublin residential area wants to be moved from his current prison after witnessing a murder in a cell, a court has heard. Eric O'Driscoll (22) was due to have a sentencing hearing on Monday morning before the Special Criminal Court having pleaded guilty earlier this year to possession of a .223 calibre Remington AR-15 semi-automatic rifle at Ratoath Drive in Finglas on January 9th, 2022, in circumstances giving rise to the reasonable inference that he did not have it for a lawful purpose. O'Driscoll's barrister Seamus Clarke SC told the three-judge court on Monday that his client wished for the hearing to go ahead having "witnessed a murder inside prison, in a cell". Following sentencing, it is expected that O'Driscoll would be moved to a different prison. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, presiding, adjourned the hearing for logistical reasons. O'Driscoll was due to go on trial later this year with his brother Glen Ward (31), who faces a charge of possession of an AR-15 rifle and another of reckless discharge of a firearm at Ratoath Drive in Finglas on January 1st, 2022. PRNewswire Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], December 2: The highly anticipated 2024 Malaysia E-Commerce Product Selection Expo officially launched at MITEC, marking a significant milestone for Malaysia's growing trade relations with China. With over 200 leading Chinese and local brands showcasing their products, the Expo is poised to strengthen bilateral economic ties and expand business opportunities across Southeast Asia. The event, which carries a transaction volume projection of RM60 million, celebrates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China this year. Also Read | Dipika Patel Allegedly Dies by Suicide: Surat BJP Mahila Morcha President Found Dead, Family Suspects Foul Play. "As the famous Chinese saying goes: 'The predecessors plant trees, and the next generation enjoys the shade.' This reminds us that the efforts of past leaders have laid a strong foundation, upon which we continue to build our shared prosperity and collaborative growth. Now, it is our responsibility to carry forward and expand upon that legacy," stated Albert Chan, Managing Director of JMM Holding and JMM Exhibition, the Expo organiser, in his opening remarks. Diverse Exhibitor Participation Reflects Growing Bilateral Engagement Also Read | Kolkata Fatafat Result Today: Kolkata FF Result for December 2, 2024 Declared, Check Winning Numbers and Result Chart of Satta Matka-Type Lottery Game. The Expo stands out for its diverse participation, featuring nearly 200 exhibitors from both Malaysia and China, spanning a wide range of sectors including new energy solutions, smart electrical technologies, fashion, lifestyle products, and home innovations. Chan emphasized the transformative potential of this event as a platform where bilateral business connections can flourish and local consumers benefit. "With 80% of exhibitors from China and 20% from Malaysia, this distribution clearly highlights the strong interest from China-based companies seeking to leverage Malaysia as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia," Chan noted. The presence of international business delegations from China and Pakistan further underscores the significance of the inaugural Expo, highlighting Malaysia's pivotal role as a multicultural and multilingual hub for regional trade across Southeast Asia. A Strong Commitment to Bilateral Collaboration The Malaysia E-Commerce Product Selection Expo arrives at a time of heightened cooperation between Malaysia and China, particularly as the two nations celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2024. The event also coincides with China's recent announcement of a 30-day visa-free policy extension for Malaysian citizens, which is expected to further boost cross-border partnerships. "This initiative reflects the deepening ties between our two nations and signals greater opportunities for collaboration in the months and years ahead," Chan remarked. He emphasized that the Expo symbolizes decades of mutual trust and shared goals, offering a key opportunity for businesses to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new avenues for growth. Supporting Malaysia's ESG Vision Aligned with Malaysia's national commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities, as outlined in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the 2025 National Budget, which allocates over RM300 million to the transition of the local energy sector, the Expo showcases cutting-edge green technologies. These innovations include solar photovoltaics (PV), energy storage systems, charging piles, lighting, domestic appliances, and other eco-friendly solutions, in line with the Malaysian government's goal of achieving 31% renewable energy by 2025 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Expo Anticipates RM60 Million in Trade Transactions and 15,000 Visitors As a landmark inaugural event, the 2024 Malaysia E-Commerce Product Selection Expo is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors and facilitate RM60 million in trade transactions over the course of its three-day run. The positive outlook for the event reflects the growing role of Malaysia-China collaboration in driving economic growth, innovation, and sustainability. The success of this year's Expo is expected to pave the way for broader participation in future editions, further strengthening bilateral trade ties and positioning Malaysia as a key regional business hub. Looking Ahead: A Strong Outlook for Future Growth The 2024 Malaysia E-Commerce Product Selection Expo is jointly organized by the Malaysia Guangdong Chamber of Commerce (MGCC) and supported by several prominent organizations, including the Malaysia-China Friendship Association (PPMC), The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia (TEEAM), and the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM), etc. On top of that, recognizing shifts in consumer behaviour post-pandemic, JMM Exhibition has also extended the event's reach through partnerships with over 120 local multiracial live-streamers throughout the 3 days exhibition, blending online and offline shopping experiences to boost trade volumes. This strong backing from key industry associations reinforces the event's credibility and bolsters the organizers' confidence in its success. "With Kuala Lumpur marking the first step in this journey, this Expo serves as a pivotal milestone, and we look forward to expanding our footprint across Southeast Asia in the years to come," Chan added. The opening ceremony was attended by YB Tuan Ng Chin Tsai, Member of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly for Temiang, Dato' Tang Zhi Nian, President of the Malaysia Guangdong Chamber of Commerce, and Dato' Sri Foo Yong Hing, Deputy President of the organization. For the latest updates on the 2024 Malaysia E-Commerce Product Selection Expo, please stay tuned to: Website: www.jmmexhibition.com.my (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) PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 2: Emerald Tyre Manufacturers Limited is, one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of industrial tyres, proposes to open its Initial Public Offering on December 05, 2024, aiming to raise Rs 47.37 Crore (At Upper Price Band) by the fresh issue of 49,86,000 equity shares to be listed on the NSE Emerge platform. Also Read | 'The Great Indian Kapil Show': Govinda and Krushna Abhishek Reconcile; Actor Credits Wife Sunita Ahuja for Supporting Nephew's Career (Watch Video). The issue size is 51,85,200 equity shares at a face value of Rs10 each with a price band of Rs 90 - Rs 95 Per Share. Equity Share Allocation Also Read | Latest Government Jobs Notifications: Apply for 15 Posts of Inspector (Hindi Translator) at recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in; Know Recruitment Process, Salary and Other Details. * QIB Anchor Portion: Up To 14, 64,000 Equity Shares * Qualified Institutional Buyer: Up To 9, 76,800 Equity Shares * Non-Institutional Investors: Not Less Than 7, 33,200Equity Shares * Retail Individual Investors: Not Less Than 17, 11,200Equity Shares * Market Maker: Up To 3, 00,000 Equity Shares The net proceeds from the IPO will be utilized for capital expenditure, general corporate expenses and offer expenses. The anchor portion will open on December 04, 2024, and close on December 04, 2024. The issue of public bidding will open on December 05, 2024, and close on December 09, 2024. The Book Running Lead Manager to the Issue is GYR Capital Advisors Private Limited, The Registrar to the Issue is Link Intime India Private Limited Chandhrasekharan Thirupathi Venkatachalam, Chairman & Managing Director of Emerald Tyre Manufacturers Limited, expressed, "This IPO marks an important chapter in Emerald Tyre journey, strengthening our commitment to delivering exceptional tyre solutions under the trusted 'GRECKSTER' brand. With over a decade of experience, we have established a strong presence in both domestic and global markets. Our extensive portfolio offers a wide range of tyre solutions designed for various sectors of the Material Handling Industry. The GRECKSTER brand is synonymous with advanced technology, exceptional performance, durability, and adherence to the highest global quality standards. The proceeds from the IPO will enable Emerald Tyres to expand its global footprint, diversify our product offerings, and strengthen the company's financial foundation. This growth will not only elevate our operational capabilities but also provide greater value to our clients through innovative and high-quality tyre solutions." Mohit Baid, Director of GYR Capital Advisors Private Limited, said, "We are pleased to support Emerald Tyre Manufacturers Limited on this exciting IPO journey. With a solid track record of 20 years, the company is a manufacturer and exporter of industrial tyres. It is also the most preferred OEM supplier for its product range in India. The company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to technological innovation, product excellence and customer satisfaction. The IPO proceeds will enable Emerald Tyres to strengthen its operational capabilities through strategic capital investments, further expand its product portfolio and meet increasing global demand. We believe a strong management team, combined with its established customer relationships and expanding portfolio, positions it well for future success. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to achieve new milestones." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 2: INTERFEL, the Interbranch Association for Fresh French Fruit and Vegetables, is bringing a unique range of French apples to Mumbai, offering Indian fruit lovers a taste of exceptional flavor and sustainable cultivation. This season, Indian consumers will enjoy celebrated varieties like Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Royal Gala, Granny Smith, and Kissabel--a vibrant red-fleshed apple available only during the French season. Also Read | WWE RAW Tonight, December 2: CM Punk To Open the Show, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez Take On Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane and Other Exciting Events on Monday Night RAW. A Resilient Harvest Amid Changing Climates Despite global agricultural challenges, France's apple orchards have shown resilience. Severe frosts in Eastern Europe have led to significant production drops, with European yields expected to reach just 10.2 million tons. France, however, anticipates a stable yield of 1.463 million tons in 2024, thanks to sustainable farming practices like precision irrigation and eco-friendly pest management. These methods ensure high-quality apples that support both consumer health and the environment. Also Read | ????? 10 ????????? ????????? ????????????????????? ??????. Experiencing the Flavours of France at Mumbai's Exclusive Apple Showcase On December 1st, at Mumbai's IFBE, INTERFEL hosted an immersive media event to introduce these French apple varieties to India. Chef Darius Madon, of NATIVE, delighted guests with a specially curated four-course menu showcasing each apple variety's versatility and live cooking demonstrations. From dishes like Chilled Apple Salad, Red Wine poached apple, to Pepper Timbale with Apple Jus and Royal Gala and Cranberry galette. Guests had a chance to sample apples transformed into unique culinary creations, highlighting the rich flavours and potential of each variety. Event attendees enjoyed tastings of both classic favourites and the new varieties adding an exciting twist to the lineup with its striking colour and distinctive taste. French Apples Available at all Major Retailers For those eager to experience French apples firsthand, they are now available at major supermarkets across Indian cities. Over the coming months, INTERFEL will celebrate these apples with store consumer activities, including tastings, games, and roadshows, allowing everyone to experience the charm of French apples. About INTERFEL Founded in 1976, INTERFEL represents every French fresh fruit and vegetable industry stage, from production to distribution. Recognized as a national agricultural interprofessional association, INTERFEL includes producers, cooperatives, exporters, wholesalers, retailers, and the catering sector. Through a network of over 1,300 apple growers, INTERFEL works to advance sustainable and eco-friendly practices across the sector. As a platform for interprofessional dialogue, INTERFEL promotes fresh fruit and vegetable consumption and defends the sector's interests on both national and international levels. Key initiatives include research, experimentation, and adapting supply to market demands. With 75,000 companies and 450,000 jobs across the industry, INTERFEL is committed to fostering quality, responsibility, and innovation. #enjoyitsfromeurope #frenchapples #fruitvegfromfrance Instagram and Twitter: @FruitVegFromFR (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) VMPL New Delhi [India], December 2: Galgotias University, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a student-centric learning environment, recently hosted a two-day event Supercharge' 24 powered by Apple. The event aimed to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators by providing students with unparalleled exposure to global app development trends, insights, and success stories. The event featured prominent app developers who shared their journey, passion for app development, and the transformative role technology played in bringing their ideas to life. Through engaging sessions, workshops, and interactive Q&A discussions, students had the unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the challenges and triumphs of these innovators. Also Read | Vikrant Massey Announces Retirement From Acting at 37: Check Out His Upcoming Movies Scheduled to Release in 2025. A harmonious blend of creativity and technology drives truly inspiring innovation.The theme found resonance all through the multitude of sessions at the event. Sandeep Ranade, Founder of Apple Design Award winning app NaadSadhana, while sharing his experience attributed the passion behind the creation of the app to his personal need to beat the time crunch from a busy IT career and practicing Hindustani classical music, gaining easier access to an orchestra with a mobile app with intelligent jugalbandis created dynamically in real time. Indie developer, Mustafa Yusuf - founder of productivity apps such as Tasks and Karo, emphasised that small problems can provide unconventional channels to manifest one's knowledge and skills to big ideas and bigger solutions. He believes that today's students are rightly positioned to leverage the opportunities that have been made available through program such as iOS Student Developer Program powered by Apple and Infosys at the Galogotias University and events like Supercharge' 24 to find their passion and translate them to successful apps that empower users. His app Karo received an honourable mention as the top featured app on the App Store, inspiring students to find their own such gateways to success. Also Read | UPI Transactions Reach Record High 16.58 Billion Mark and Value of INR 23.40 Lakh Crore, Likely To Touch 25 Billion a Month in 2025. Spotlighting best practices of combining design and technology to create apps that touch people's emotions and bring focus on how the interfaces makes users feel and operate the app, conversations with innovators revolved around themes that can help apps achieve higher levels of usability and translate them to great apps. A key theme that resonated with all students was on inclusivity allowing the apps to be accessed beyond the barriers of language, disabilities, locations, culture etc. The wide array of Apple products that enable users to unlock their potential and translate ideas to reality were highlighted throughout the two day workshop. For students at Galgotias University, the experience was nothing short of transformative with many feeling motivated and equipped with fresh perspectives on leveraging technology to address real-world challenges. The event not only deepened their understanding of the app development process but also highlighted the importance of creativity, resilience, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving landscape. Reflecting on the event, one student shared, "hearing the stories of these developers was incredibly inspiring. It gives me the confidence to pursue my own ideas and a deeper understanding of how technology can create meaningful impact. This event has truly changed the way I view my future in app development. The impact of this event is profound and it aligns with Galgotias University's mission to nurture future-ready graduates by bridging the gap between academia and industry. By bringing global expertise directly to its students, the university is setting a benchmark for innovative, experiential learning. Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of the Galgotias University, says "the University is extremely delighted at receiving the invaluable support from Apple in the establishment of the iOS Development Center. The center provides the students with a unique advantage to develop technical and problem solving skills that will serve them well in their careers. This event reflects Galgotias University's continued commitment to offering world-class educational experiences." Since its founding in 2011, Galgotias University has been at the forefront of providing quality education and global exposure, preparing students for careers in a rapidly changing technological landscape. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 2: As wedding season approaches, Lotus Arts de Vivre, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision, showcases a curated collection of luxurious gifts that are perfect for newlyweds. Combining timeless design, cultural heritage, and functional elegance, these pieces are sure to become cherished additions to any home. Also Read | India Beat Japan by 211 Runs in ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2024; Mohammad Amaan, Hardik Raj, KP Karthikeya Help IND U19 Register Dominating Win Over JPN U19. Known for its dedication to preserving the rich artistry of Asia, Lotus Arts de Vivre's each piece tells us a unique story, making them not just gifts, but lasting symbols of beauty, meaning, and connection. Among the standout offerings is the Cinnamon Bowl with Sterling Silver Cheetah, a stunning creation made from aromatic cinnamon wood and featuring a hand-carved silver Cheetah. Symbolizing prosperity and harmony, this elegant bowl is both a work of art and a functional piece, complete with a glass base and cinnamon oil to preserve its rich fragrance. Also Read | Alia Bhatt in 'Chamunda'? Actress To Collab With 'Stree 2' Producer Dinesh Vijan For Supernatural Thriller. For those looking to add a little joy and serenity to their home, the Happy Monks sculpture offers a playful yet meaningful touch. These hand-carved figures, representing peace and happiness, make for a delightful and thoughtful gift that brings positive energy to any space. For a more bold and contemporary statement, the Brown Leather Bulldog Stool combines modern design with symbolic significance. Made from premium leather, this versatile piece adds character and charm, perfect for couples who appreciate both style and function. For those who prefer a blend of artistry and everyday practicality, the Wooden Tissue Box with Sterling Silver Rooster & Hen and Carved Leaf Teak Bowl with Scarab Frog are stunning options. The tissue box, crafted from fine wood, elevates any room with its sophisticated design, while the teak bowl adorned with intricately carved Scarab frogs symbolizes transformation and renewal, making it a beautiful reflection of the journey ahead in married life. Each of these pieces is handcrafted by skilled artisans, offering not only luxury but also a meaningful, enduring gift that will be treasured for generations. Whether adding a touch of elegance to the home or embodying a cultural legacy, Lotus Arts de Vivre's creations are the perfect way to celebrate the start of a couple's new life together. For more information, visit: Lotus Arts de VivreInstagram: @lotusartsdevivre Mumbai StoreShop No.3, Suleman Chambers, Battery Street, Colaba, Mumbai - 400001Contact: 9820991007 Delhi StoreLotus Arts de Vivre Boutique @ Strrot Adjoining DDA Park, R.K. Ashram Marg, New Delhi 110001Contact: 9953122222 (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) (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], December 2 (ANI): The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) on Monday conducted search operations at three companies engaged in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) said in a release. According to the release, these cases arise from the alleged fraudulent availing of subsidies amounting to Rs 297 crores cumulatively by all three companies under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) II scheme of the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI). Also Read | Vasai: Pet Dog Dies From Trauma After Witnessing Owners Hit by Speeding Car During Night Walk in Maharashtra's Yashwant Smart City, Probe Underway. The three companies, for claiming subsidies, had allegedly shown compliance with the applicable guidelines to the MHI, which was subsequently found to be incorrect and false. Upon investigations by SFIO, it is revealed that several restricted parts under the PMP guidelines were either directly or indirectly imported from China, thereby flouting the PMP guidelines under FAME-II, the release added. Also Read | Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2024: BEST Announces Special Services, Central Railway To Run 12 Additional Mumbai Local Trains for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Death Anniversy on December 6; Know Details Here. During the search operations, evidence like digital data, books, and other material has been recovered, the MCA added in the release. It added that further investigation is in progress. The FAME II scheme was launched in the year 2019 to promote electric and hybrid vehicles in India. The FAME-II scheme and the Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) guidelines stipulated the manufacturing of some key components in India for the vehicle to be eligible for a subsidy under the scheme. SFIO is a multi-disciplinary organisation under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, consisting of experts in the fields of accountancy, forensic auditing, law, information technology, investigation, company law, capital markets, and taxation for detecting and prosecuting or recommending for prosecution white-collar crimes/frauds. The SFIO investigates and prosecutes complex corporate frauds assigned under section 212 of the Companies Act 2013. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], December 2: Religious tourism has become increasingly popular with millions seeking divine experiences each year. In India. Umrah during Ramadan stands out as a leading choice among Muslim travelers. Ramadan the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar holds deep meaning as it honors the revelation of the Holy Qur'an. During this sacred month. Muslims worldwide engage in fasting prayers and acts of devotion. Also Read | India Beat Japan by 211 Runs in ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2024; Mohammad Amaan, Hardik Raj, KP Karthikeya Help IND U19 Register Dominating Win Over JPN U19. At Talbiya Umrah Private Limited. We are proud to be known as one of the best umrah and hajj company in India for delivering top-tier Ramadan Umrah services. For 2025. we have carefully curated a range of Ramadan Umrah packages to suit diverse preferences. Whether you seek a 20 days Ramadan Umrah Package start-of Ramadan package a 15 day Ramadan Umrah package semi-deluxe experience, or an 18 days Ramadan Umrah package with Eid celebrations. We have options for everyone. Additionally. Our full month Ramadan Umrah packages (with or without Eid) and the Shaban with Ramadan Umrah package provide flexibility for worshippers. Every detail has been exactly planned to ensure a meaningful and hassle-free journey. About Talbiya Umrah Pvt. Ltd. Also Read | Alia Bhatt in 'Chamunda'? Actress To Collab With 'Stree 2' Producer Dinesh Vijan For Supernatural Thriller. Talbiya Umrah Private Limited is proud to be one of India's most trusted and professional providers of high-quality Hajj and Umrah services. Our reputation is backed by support from the All India Hajj Umrah Tour Operators Association and the Ministry of Minority Affairs (Govt. of India). Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Iraq Embassy. We are also an IATA-approved and ISO-certified company reflecting our commitment to quality and reliability. We specialize in offering comprehensive packages including Ramadan Umrah Packages 2025 and Hajj Umrah Packages, Iraq Ziarat tours, Islamic Tours and International Tour Package . Our services extend to visa assistance ensuring your journey is smooth and hassle-free. Built on values of comfort quality and care. We treat every visitor like family delivering safety convenience and unmatched service throughout your sacred journey. Choose us for an experience that exceeds expectations. "For us every Haji is family. Just as we care for our own. we extend the same love and attention to each Haji." says the Founder of Talbiya Umrah Pvt Ltd. Details of the Ramadan Umrah Packages 2025 Experience an emotionally inspiring Umrah in Ramadan with Talbiya Umrah's well-crafted packages. These Ramzan Umrah packages are designed to cater to diverse preferences offering durations from 15 days to a full month including Eid celebrations. Every package includes premium accommodation delicious meals seamless transportation and guided Ziyarat tours. Package Details with Rates: * 1st 20 Days Ramadan Umrah Package :Quint Rs1,09,999 | Quad Rs1,17,999 | Triple Rs1,24,999 | Twin Rs1,49,999 * Last 18 Days Ramadan Umrah Package:Quint Rs1,14,999 | Quad Rs1,22,999 | Triple Rs1,29,999 | Twin Rs1,54,999 * 15 Days Ramadan Umrah Package (Semi Deluxe) :Quad Rs1,24,999 | Triple Rs1,38,999 | Twin Rs1,64,999 * Full Month Ramadan Umrah Package (with Eid):Quint Rs1,49,999 | Quad Rs1,54,999 | Triple Rs1,64,999 | Twin Rs1,89,999 * Full Month Ramadan Umrah Package (without Eid):Quint Rs1,44,999 | Quad Rs1,49,999 | Triple Rs1,59,999 | Twin Rs1,84,999 * Shaban with Ramadan Umrah package :Quint Rs89,999 | Quad Rs94,999 | Triple Rs1,02,999 | Twin Rs1,14,999 How to Book the Packages Booking a package with us is quick and easy. You can get in touch through email by sending your queries or booking requests to support@talbiyaumrah.com. If you prefer speaking to someone directly. You can call us at +91 88000-15676 or +91 11-4213-7064, and our team will assist you with your booking. Alternatively. You can visit our website at www.talbiyaumrah.com where you can browse through our packages and book online at your convenience. For those who prefer a personal touch feel free to visit our office at Plot Number-04, Ground Floor, Pocket-II, Jasola New Delhi-110025 and we will be happy to help you in person. Conclusion Talbiya Umrah Pvt. Ltd. offers a matchless opportunity for Muslims to fulfill their divine journey during Ramadan with our diverse and well-planned Ramzan Umrah packages 2025. Whether you're seeking a 15 day Ramadan Umrah Package semi-deluxe experience for a full month Ramadan Umrah Package with Eid or a Shaban with Ramadan Umrah package. We have something to suit every need. Our team ensures that every detail is taken care of, providing you with Umrah in Ramadan that is both meaningful and hassle-free. Choose Talbiya Umrah Pvt. Ltd. for a truly inspiring journey experience. Where comfort quality and devotion come together to make your divine journey notable. Book your package today and make your Ramadan Umrah journey one to remember. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. 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 [India], December 2 (ANI): A recent study by the University of Oxford "From Gridlock to Growth How Leadership Enables India's PRAGATI Ecosystem to Power Progress" illustrates how Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Initiatives has transformed the problems, its monitoring and resolution of various projects of the government. The report says India's PRAGATI platform offers a compelling case study of how digital governance can drive progress. Also Read | Al-Nassr vs Al Sadd Live Streaming Online, AFC Champions League Elite 2024-25: Get Match Telecast Time in IST and TV Channels To Watch Football Match in India. Pragati was launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has become an acronym for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation of projects. It has transformed the way India manages its large-scale infrastructure projects and social sector programs. The University of Oxford report has all the good words for PMs initiatives, it said, "The platform symbolizes India's commitment to overcoming bureaucratic inertia and fostering a Team India mindset and culture of accountability and efficiency." Also Read | Karnataka Board Exam Time Table 2025: KSEAB SSLC, PUC 2 Exam Schedule Announced at kseab.karnataka.gov.in, Check Complete Date Sheet Here. PRAGATI has brought together diverse stakeholders from central and state governments onto a single platform and this collaborative approach has been instrumental in addressing some of the most complex challenges in infrastructure development, from land acquisition to inter-ministerial coordination. The initiatives leveraged real-time data, drone feeds, and video conferencing to not only accelerate project timelines but also ensured that the benefits of development reach even the most remote corners of the country. The report said that the economic impact of PRAGATI is evident. According to studies by the Reserve Bank of India and the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, for every rupee spent on infrastructure, India sees a gain of 2.5 to 3.5 rupees in GDP. This multiplier effect underscores the critical role that well-executed infrastructure projects play in driving economic growth. In addition, the focus on timely implementation has brought economic benefits, contributing to India's resilience during global economic uncertainties. PRAGATI's ripple effects have spread beyond economic growth. They have helped foster social progress and environmental sustainability. By fast-tracking projects that provide essential services like roads, railways, water, and electricity, PRAGATI has improved the quality of life for millions of Indians. It has incorporated sustainability into its core operations, facilitated faster environmental clearances and promoted the use of green technologies. This holistic approach ensures that India's development is both inclusive and sustainable. The report said, "The lessons from PRAGATI are particularly relevant as nations worldwide grapple with the Middle-Income Trap. The platform demonstrates that governance innovation, coupled with strategic investments in infrastructure, can create the conditions necessary for sustained economic growth and social progress." It added, "By embracing digital tools and fostering collaboration across all levels of government, India has charted a path that other emerging economies can emulate". (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Imphal, Dec 2 (PTI) Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday said that 29 suspected Bangladeshis possessing Aadhaar cards issued in Assam were apprehended in Imphal West district. Acting on a tip-off, police nabbed the suspected Bangladeshis employed in a bakery in Mayang Imphal Bengoon area on Monday, he said. Also Read | Palghar Shocker: Fungus, Live Larvae Found in 'Chikki' for Students at 2 Zilla Parishad Schools, Parents Say Health of Children Is at Risk. "They possessed Aadhaar cards issued in Assam and were arrested on the basis of suspicion. They violated norms of Inner Line Permit of Manipur government," he told reporters. As the documents showed they were from Assam, the 29 people will be handed over to Assam authorities on Tuesday, he said. Also Read | Vasai: Pet Dog Dies From Trauma After Witnessing Owners Hit by Speeding Car During Night Walk in Maharashtra's Yashwant Smart City, Probe Underway. A revenue department official who issued them ILPs was also suspended, the CM said. "The Centre has allowed ILP in Manipur for the protection of the people of the state. What will happen if those involved in implementing it are engaged in such corrupted practices?" he wondered. "We suspect there might be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh in Manipur," he added. On media queries about Laishram Kamalbabu Singh who went missing from an army camp at Leimakhong in Kangpokpi district, the CM said, "Security forces are searching for him. Yesterday, helicopters were used by the army to look for him. Teams have been sent to search for him but no information about his whereabouts has been received yet." (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], December 2 (ANI): Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal lashed out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, accusing him of failing to ensure security in Delhi. His remarks came after AAP MLA Naresh Balyan, who allegedly received repeated threats from a gangster, was arrested in an extortion case. Also Read | Coimbatore Shocker: PG Trainee Doctor Places Pen Camera Inside Nurse Washroom in Tamil Nadu Hospital, Arrested. Kejriwal also visited Tilak Nagar to meet victims of recent firing incidents, highlighting what he termed a collapse of law and order in the capital. Addressing a public gathering, he said, "Being the Union Home Minister, the law and order is the responsibility of Amit Shah. We want him to provide security to the people of Delhi. We don't want any politics. We only want you to do your work..." Also Read | Jharkhand Shocker: 2 Arrested in Connection With 'Sexual Abuse' of Girls at Palamu Shelter, BJP Demands High-Level Probe Into Incident. He also highlighted the threats faced by AAP MLA Naresh Balyan. "Our MLA Naresh Balyan received threats from a gangster 35-40 times last year. He filed written complaints with the police five times. Our MLA is the victim, yet yesterday he was arrested. What message does this send? That if you receive a threat and complain about it, you will be arrested? This is not the right message. We must be sympathetic toward victims who face such threats. We request Amit Shah to make every effort to establish peace in Delhi," the former Chief Minister added. Notably, Naresh Balyan was produced before Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Sunday and sent to two days' police custody. He was arrested by the Delhi Police's Crime Branch on Saturday in connection with an extortion case. Earlier, on Thursday, Kejriwal addressed the media, emphasizing that the responsibility for law and order in Delhi rests with the Union government. He also contrasted this with his responsibilities as Chief Minister, saying, "Ten years ago, I was given the responsibility of schools, electricity, health, and water. I fixed it all. The condition of the water has improved. But the responsibility of security in Delhi is of the Centre. Amit Shah's responsibility is to maintain law and order in Delhi. Amit Shah has failed to fix the law and order in ten years. Delhi is being called the rape capital, the gangster capital. Today, women and businessmen are the most scared." Kejriwal also stated that law and order in Delhi have deteriorated, with gang wars reminiscent of those in Mumbai. "Nearly 20 people have lost their lives in gang wars on the Yamuna side alone," he added. In a separate incident, a man threw liquid at Kejriwal during his padyatra in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar area. (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, December 2: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Monday attacked the Centre over the Adani issue and threatened to launch a protest in support of the opposition's demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the allegations against the business group. In a statement, the SKM, an umbrella organisation of several farmers' bodies, also said that protests will be held in Uttar Pradesh on December 4 against proposed privatisation of electricity sector in the state. The SKM accused the NDA government at the Centre of shielding industrialist Gautam Adani, against whom bribery allegations have been made in a US court. "The case registered against Adani Group in the USA corroborates SKM's demand of no privatisation of the electricity sector and prepaid smart meters that will impose huge exploitation of the people," the SKM said. Gautam Adani Breaks Silence on US Fraud Charges, Says Every Attack Makes Us Stronger, Every Obstacle Becomes Stepping Stone for More Resilient Adani Group. "NDA government had signed an agreement with SKM on December 9, 2021 and assured not to proceed on the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 without consulting SKM. However, the Prime Minister violated the same, waving a green flag to the corporate cronies to commercialise the electricity sector thus endangering the development of both production and service sectors," the statement said. The SKM claimed that procedure against the Adani Group had been started in the US court at least two years back, but no investigations were initiated on this in India. "This is a total failure of the Administration under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah," it said. Gautam Adani Indictment: India Has Not Received Any Communication on Legal Matter Involving Private Firms and Individuals, Says MEA. The SKM, which led the farmers' protests at Delhi borders in 2020-21 against now-repealed three farm laws, also slammed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar for allegedly not allowing a debate on the Adani issue in Parliament. "SKM strongly condemned the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Speaker of Rajya Sabha Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar for not allowing debate in the Parliament on the demand of the Opposition to investigate the serious graft charges against the Adani Group brass," the statement said. "The SKM will be forced to call for mass protest in support of the demand for discussion in the Parliament and Joint Parliamentary Committee investigation," it said. The statement further said that SKM Uttar Pradesh State Coordination Committee has issued a call to conduct protests against the proposed privatisation of electricity sector in the state on December 4. "SKM calls upon all its State leadership to intensify the struggle against privatisation of electricity and boycott the prepaid smart meters," 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) New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) Mahindra group Chairman Anand Mahindra's response to stinging criticism of the group's vehicles on social media, taking it as a fuel of "hunger to succeed" has won hearts of netizens, even with fellow industrialist Harsh Goenka terming it as a 'masterclass'. Responding to a post on X by an user, who had used derogatory words to describe the company's vehicles asking it to improve vehicle quality, fix service issues and employee attitude, Mahindra acknowledged, saying, "We have a long way to go". Also Read | Uber Shikara in Srinagar: Uber Rolls Out Asia's First Water Transport Service in India With Shikara Bookings on Its App (See Pics and Videos). He further said, "But please consider how far we have come. When I joined the company in 1991, the economy had just been opened up." Mahindra recollected "a global consulting firm strongly advised us to exit the car business since we had no chance, in their view, of competing with the foreign brands that would enter". Also Read | UP Shocker: Man Arrested for Sexually Harassing 7-Year-Old Girl in Muzaffarnagar. Yet, he added, "Three decades later, we are still around and competing fiercely. We have used all the surrounding cynicism, scepticism' and even rudeness, as in your post -- to fuel our hunger to succeed." The veteran industrialist further wrote, "Yes, we have miles to go before we sleep. There is no room for any complacency and continuous improvement will continue to be our mantra. But thank you for feeding the fire in our bellies..." Reacting to his post, RPG Enterprise Chairman Harsh Goenka wrote, "Masterclass in reacting to an irate customer." The X user, who ignited the conversation, later clarified that he is not an M&M customer, having cancelled a booking he found out after research that the company's vehicle is "not for me because I can not handle service centre visits". The user admitted that he has "always been a big fan of Anand sir" and would want to buy a Mahindra vehicle as soon as he finds it according to his benchmarks. Mahindra's post had over 18 lakh views receiving over 2,500 replies. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, December 2: BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar on Sunday stated that a meeting will be held to select the BJP's legislative leader, with an announcement to be made ahead of the oath ceremony. Mungantiwar said, "The meeting will take place to choose our legislative leader. The representatives come from the centre with the names. After choosing the names, the announcement will be made officially. The announcement will be made ahead of the oath ceremony..." Earlier in the day, Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, said he has recovered from a fever and is in good health. Shinde, who had been suffering from a throat infection and fever for the past few days, mentioned that he had retreated to his native village in Satara district to take a break after a hectic election schedule. Devendra Fadnavis' Name Approved as Maharashtra CM; Legislature Party Meeting in Next 2 Days, Says Senior BJP Leader. "I am doing good now. I came here to rest after the hectic election schedule... I did not take any leave during my 2.5 years as the Chief Minister. People are still coming to meet me. This government will listen to the people," he told reporters. Shinde had been suffering from a fever and throat infection for the past two days, according to his family doctor. The caretaker CM, who travelled to Satara on Friday evening, also reflected on the strong unity among the Mahayuti alliance leaders. "Our government's work over the past 2.5 years will be remembered in history. This is why the people gave us a historic mandate and denied the opposition even the chance to elect a Leader of the Opposition. All three allies of the Mahayuti have a good understanding. The Chief Minister candidate will be decided tomorrow," he said. Maharashtra Government Formation: Devendra Fadnavis Urges Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde To Return From Satara, Talks on Portfolios Likely. The Mahayuti alliance, led by the BJP, secured a landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections held on November 23. However, the alliance has yet to finalize its Chief Ministerial candidate. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats in the 280-member Assembly, while its allies--the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, and the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar--won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. (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, Dec 2 (PTI) The Congress on Monday alleged that a Gujarat BJP leader carried out a Rs 6,000 crore ponzi "scam" and demanded an SC-monitored CBI probe into it. Congress spokesperson and party's Gujarat unit chief Shaktisinh Gohil said BJP leader Bhupendra Jhala formed a company and started a scheme wherein he promised to double the amount in two years. Also Read | Uttarkashi Mosque Dispute: Prohibitory Orders Remain Around Mosque After Hindu Outfits Mahapanchayat; Congress Slams BJP. "Farmers, poor people and pensioners were convinced by his words and they all invested Rs 6,000 crore in his scheme. That BJP leader disappeared after taking Rs 6,000 crore of the common public," he said at a press conference at the AICC headquarters here. There was no immediate response from the BJP or the accused on the allegations. Also Read | Dhanbad Road Accident: Woman Lawyer Dies After Coming Under Wheels of Earthmover in Jharkhand; Locals Protest. Gohil claimed that the epicentre of the NEET paper leak was Gujarat and the person caught in the case was a BJP leader. "Along with this, the person from whose place drugs were recovered in Surat also turned out to be a BJP leader. The person who supplied the drugs was also associated with the BJP. It is clear that those who commit fraud and cheating are associated with the BJP only," he alleged. Showing Jhala's picture, Gohil said, "This is Bhupendra Jhala. Wearing the BJP cap and sash... he is absconding." Gohil also showed pictures of Jhala with other BJP leaders. "We demand that this entire matter should be investigated by the CBI, monitored by a sitting judge of the Supreme Court. The BJP should answer in this matter that what relation do their senior leaders have with this?" he said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Puducherry [India], December 2 (ANI): The effects of Cyclone Fengal have been devastating after the storm made landfall, causing extremely heavy rainfall in coastal regions of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The union territory witnessed severe flooding, especially in areas surrounding the Sankaraparani River, with over 200 residences in NR Nagar inundated. The people living in the area remain stranded as the Indian Army along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are working together in rescue operations. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi To Watch Vikram Massey-Starrer 'Sabarmati Report' Film in Parliament's Balyogi Auditorium Today. The rescue teams are making efforts to save the lives of those stranded in their houses due to flooding. The army has deployed boats to navigate the flooded streets of Puducherry and evacuate residents. Local authorities, including the District Collector and the Public Works Department Minister, are also on the ground, assessing the situation and expediting relief efforts. Also Read | UPI Transactions Reach Record High 16.58 Billion Mark and Value of INR 23.40 Lakh Crore, Likely To Touch 25 Billion a Month in 2025. The Indian Army conducted multiple rescue operations on Sunday across several areas in the city. The rescue operations were conducted in flood-hit areas in the Union Territory, including Krishna Nagar, Kuber Nagar, and Jiva Nagar. The operations successfully evacuated hundreds of residents from these inundated areas, saving over 200 lives in Krishna Nagar and Kuber Nagar alone. On Sunday afternoon, the rescue efforts were ongoing in Jiva Nagar, with 30 soldiers deployed to help stranded people. Additionally, the evacuation operations in other vulnerable areas are also underway. Indian Army troops from the Chennai Garrison Battalion, operating under the Dakshin Bharat Area, were mobilized in the early hours of Sunday to assist in rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Puducherry. Requisitioned by the Puducherry District Collector around 1 am, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) column consisting of one officer, six Junior commissioned officers and 62 other ranks was deployed swiftly. The team left Chennai at 2 am and covered a distance of 160 kilometres overnight, reaching Puducherry around 5:30 am. The team led by Major Ajay Sangwan was briefed about the critical situation in the Krishna Nagar area upon reaching Puducherry. The water level in some localities of Krishna Nagar rose to nearly five feet, leaving residents of nearly 500 houses stranded. The efforts made by the Indian Army during its rescue operations started at 6:15 am, with over 100 individuals being evacuated in the first two hours. Earlier, Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Sunday said that the city had received 50 centimetres of rainfall overnight which has led to flooding. Rescue teams are working to evacuate stranded people, he 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, December 2: With the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for 2025, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Meenakshi Lekhi said on Monday that the party's poll manifesto is being prepared after extensive discussions with the public. The BJP has begun its preparations for the Delhi Assembly polls by holding various meetings over the past few days. "The Sankalp Patra of the BJP and the manifesto are being prepared after holding discussions with the public. The BJP has issued a WhatsApp number, a hashtag, and a website to gather feedback from the public," the BJP leader told ANI. Meenakshi Lekhi also emphasized that the party aims to address the concerns of the people of the National Capital. Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: BJP Leaders Hold Meeting Ahead of State Polls (Watch Video). "We want to address the issues of the people of Delhi. We will go among the public and also hold meetings with people at our central office. We will ask the people for their views and prepare a manifesto," she said. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party leader (BJP) Parvesh Verma said on Monday that the BJP-ruled states have delivered all of their promises made over the past 11 years. Verma also expressed confidence that the BJP will form the next government in Delhi following the assembly elections expected in 2025. "The BJP delivers whatever it promises. We have shown it during the eleven years of the Modi government in the BJP-ruled states," the BJP leader told ANI. Parvesh Verma further claimed, "Our government is going to be formed for the next five years in New Delhi," he added. Meanwhile, the BJP leaders held a meeting for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, which was attended by the Delhi BJP President, Virendra Sachdeva, and other party members. There Will Be No Alliance in Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: Arvind Kejriwal Rules Out AAP Tie-Up With Congress. On November 21, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released its first list of 11 candidates for the Assembly Elections in Delhi. The elections in Delhi are expected to be held in early 2025. However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has yet to announce the official dates. In the 2020 Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party won 62 out of the 70 seats in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. (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], December 2 (ANI): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Delhi High Court challenging a trial court's decision that declined to take cognizance of its supplementary chargesheet in the Delhi Waqf Board money laundering case. The trial court had also ordered the immediate release of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan from judicial custody, citing a lack of necessary sanctions to proceed with the case. During the hearing, the Delhi High Court questioned the ED to clarify its position regarding the predicate offense and the issue of sanctions in light of the provisions under PMLA. Court fixed January 13, 2024 for detail hearing in the matter while refused to issues notice in the matter Also Read | Hyderabad Shocker: Unhappy With Sister's Inter-Caste Marriage, Brother Kills Woman With Hunting Sickle in Ibrahimpatnam; Police Launch Manhunt To Nab Accused. Meanwhile the court has also asked the ED to place on record the several order passed by trial court during consideration of said chargesheet. The ED argued that the trial court had wrongly released Khan without considering the rigorous requirements of PMLA, particularly Section 45, which deals with bail and other procedural safeguards. Also Read | Kanpur Shocker: Man Kills Wife and Mother-in-Law After Heated Argument Over Suspected Extramarital Affair, Arrested. The ED also pointed out that the trial court could have addressed the issue of cognizance during a bail application hearing, but instead chose to release Khan without examining the merits of the charges or whether the necessary sanctions had been obtained. On November 14, the trial court declined to take cognizance of the supplementary chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan in the Delhi Waqf Board money laundering case, and ordered his immediate release from judicial custody. The ED filed supplementary chargesheet on October 29, alleging that Khan laundered money generated through corruption within the Delhi Waqf Board. While passing its order, the trial court judge stated that there was sufficient evidence to proceed against Khan, but pointed out that there was no sanction to prosecute him. The case alleges that Khan, during his tenure as chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board, illegally recruited individuals in violation of norms and government guidelines. The ED claims that Khan received significant proceeds from these illegal recruitments and used the funds to purchase immovable assets in the names of his associates. (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], December 2 (ANI): Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Monday questioned the government over stopping protesting farmers at Delhi-Noida border and said it should support them. He said it is the right of farmers to get proper compensation for lands acquired by the government. Also Read | Delhi CM Atishi Orders Probe Into Cracks on Nand Nagri Railway Over Bridge and Under Bridge. "Till the government provides a subsidy to the farmers, they will not be successful. Farming is not a profitable business...It is the right of the farmers to get compensation from the government...On one hand, the loans of industrials are waived off, but the farmers are not even given subsidies," the Congress leader told ANI. "The government should support the farmers...I support the demands of the farmers...Why are the farmers stopped on the border of Delhi?," the MP asked. Also Read | Baap of Chart aka Mohammad Nasiruddin Ansari Among 7 Finfluencers Banned by SEBI for Up to 1 Year, Know Why. A three-tier security plan was put into effect and security forces were deployed in parts of Noida-Delhi ahead of the farmers 'Delhi Chalo' protest march. The protesting farmers demanded "proper compensation" for their lands acquired by the Uttar Pradesh government. "In Gautam Buddha Nagar, there are three authorities, Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna, where farmers' lands have been acquired. Even the court has asked the authorities to pay 64 per cent more compensation to the farmers... The farmers were even promised 10 per cent land, but not all farmers are being given that," farmer leader Rakesh Tikait 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) Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], December 2 (ANI): Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has approved granting municipality status to Dhari Gram Panchayat in Amreli district. The new Dhari Municipality will be created by merging the neighbouring Gram Panchayats--Prempara, Haripara, Vekariyapara, and Navapara-Linepara--with Dhari Gram Panchayat, said a statement from CMO on Monday. Situated 6 kilometres from Ambardi Safari Park and the ancient Galdhara Khodiyar Mata Temple, Dhari is also home to the Gir East Sanctuary and its forest areas, drawing many tourists year-round. Also Read | Vasai: Pet Dog Dies From Trauma After Witnessing Owners Hit by Speeding Car During Night Walk in Maharashtra's Yashwant Smart City, Probe Underway. This decision by the Chief Minister aims to promote tourism by improving facilities for visitors to the Ambardi Safari Park and Gir East Sanctuary, while also enhancing local employment opportunities and socio-economic conditions. As around 25 villages in Dhari taluka are located in forest areas, the formation of the municipality will facilitate quicker and more effective firefighting services and response teams in the event of forest fires. The approval of municipality status to Dhari will facilitate holistic development, boost tourism, and improve the ease of living by providing enhanced civic facilities. Also Read | Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2024: BEST Announces Special Services, Central Railway To Run 12 Additional Mumbai Local Trains for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Death Anniversy on December 6; Know Details Here. Dhari Municipality will be the 160th municipality in the state. Currently, there are 22 'A' class, 30 'B' class, 60 'C' class, and 42 'D' class municipalities, making a total of 159. With the addition of Dhari, this number will increase. Moreover, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel has approved the proposal to include Juvanpura-Sadatpura village and the surrounding society area within Idar Municipality in Sabarkantha. Addressing the long-standing demand of the people of Ider, the Chief Minister has decided to merge these two Gram Panchayats with Ider Municipality. This unification will expand Ider City's boundaries, facilitating the smooth implementation of TP schemes and development plans, and thereby accelerating the area's overall development. Earlier, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched "Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana" under the Suposhit Gujarat Mission to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi.', said a statement from CMO on Monday. In addition to the midday meal provided under the PM Poshan Yojana, students from Balvatika to Grade 8 in government and grant-in-aid primary schools across the state will receive nutritious snacks through this initiative. (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], December 2 (ANI): As many as 19 locations under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 were searched by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Ahmedabad Zonal Office on November 29, 2024, in multiple cases related to the misappropriation of government funds in post offices in Gujarat. The action was in consequence of the cases being investigated by ED on the basis of several FIRs registered by ACB, and CBI, said a press release on Sunday. In one of the cases, the accused Sub Postmasters in conspiracy with the accused private person fraudulently reopened earlier closed Recurring Deposits (RD) accounts and then fraudulently closed the same and, thereby, misappropriated the government money amounting 606 Recurring Deposit accounts amounting to Rs 18.60 Crore, the release said. Also Read | Kerala School Holiday: Educational Institutions, Anganwadis To Remain Shut Today As IMD Issues Red Alert for Wayanad and 3 Other Districts. In another case, the accused, while working as Sub Post Master in Criminal conspiracy with others had committed misappropriation of government money amounting to Rs. 9.97 Crore during the period of 16.10.2019 to 21.11.2022. The accused public servant adopted a modus operandi of manually uploading fake payments through the utility tool - SAP (Departmental Software) in the Daily Transaction Report of Mengni Sub Office in the head of old KVP Principal amount and old KVP interest, said the release. In a separate case, Recurring Deposit (RD) accounts of the Ravalwadi post office, once closed were again closed twice or thrice with higher denominations and in different names of depositors, by creating closure documents fraudulently. Instead of depositing the accepted amount, the fraudster diverted the closure amount of fraudulent RD accounts to new accounts under various schemes by mentioning re-investment on a forged RD closure form. Another technique of cheating customers was that the fraudster used to accept deposits from their customers for opening new accounts, issuing passbooks to them by reusing old passbooks/ new fake passbooks but in fact, they didn't open any accounts in their names in Sanchay post/ FINACLE, said the release. Also Read | Madhya Pradesh Shocker: Woman Marries 2 Men Through Court Marriage During 2-Month Period in Balaghat, Later Decides To Stay With Second Husband. Further, in another case, the accused (the then Sub Postmaster, Surajkuji Sub Post Office, Jamnagar Division, Jamnagar) knowingly used forged documents as genuine, for the purpose of pecuniary advantage and thereby, misappropriated the Government Money and caused wrongful loss to the Post Offices to the tune of Rs 2.94 Crore. In the other case, the accused persons (Savings Bank Postal Assistant Chotila Sub Post Office, LSG Postal Assistant Surendranagar Head Post Office and Sub Post Master, Chotila) have entered into a criminal conspiracy and they misappropriated the funds from various types of postal deposit accounts causing wrongful loss to the Post Offices to the tune of Rs.1.57 Crore. As a result of searches conducted amounts to the tune of Rs 1 Crore (approx.) were seized. Further, details of various immovable properties exceeding Rs 1.5 Crore have been recovered. Further investigation is under progress, said the release. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh) [India], December 2 (ANI): With the anticipated launch of PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation announced that the lift-off for the satellites will be happening on December 4 (Wednesday), at 4:06 PM from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The mission will entail the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C59 carrying around satellites weighing approx. 550kgs in a highly elliptical orbit. Also Read | Rangareddy Road Accident: 3 Killed As Truck Runs Over Vegetable Vendors in Telangana. The PROBA-3 mission is an "In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission" by the European Space Agency (ESA). https://x.com/isro/status/1863552602446631258 Also Read | Uttarkashi Mosque Dispute: Prohibitory Orders Remain Around Mosque After Hindu Outfits Mahapanchayat; Congress Slams BJP. Posting about the anticipated launch on X, the space organisation said, "The PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 Mission, the 61st flight of PSLV and the 26th using PSLV-XL configuration, is set to carry ESA's PROBA-3 satellites (~550kg) into a highly elliptical orbit." "The mission goal is to demonstrate precise formation flying," said ISRO in a statement regarding the launch. The mission consists of 2 spacecrafts, namely Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC) which will be launched together in a "stacked configuration" (one on top of another). PSLV is a launch vehicle which helps carry satellites other various other payloads to space, or according to ISRO's requirements. This launch vehicle is India's first vehicle to be equipped with liquid stages. The first PSLV was launched successfully in October 1994. (ANI) The PSLVC-59 will have four stages of launch, according to ISRO. The total mass which the launch vehicle will be lifting off is around 320 tonnes. The Space organisation also highlighted how this launch mission also exemplifies the "trusted precision" of the PSLV and collaboration with other agencies. "This mission exemplifies the trusted precision of PSLV and the collaboration of NSIL (NewSpace India Limited), ISRO, and ESA," read the post. The last launch of the PSLV was PSLV-C58, launching the XPOSAT satellite into an "Eastward low inclination orbit on January 01, 2024." The satellite was also called (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite), it is the country's first dedicated scientific satellite from ISRO to carry out research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], December 2 (ANI): Anantnag police in Jammu and Kashmir said they have attached a residential property of a Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) accused worth Rs 5 crore. The accused has been identified as Firdous Ahmad Bhat. Also Read | Vasai: Pet Dog Dies From Trauma After Witnessing Owners Hit by Speeding Car During Night Walk in Maharashtra's Yashwant Smart City, Probe Underway. In a major operation, Anantnag police attached a double-storied residential property under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). The property, registered in the name of Firdous Ahmad Bhat, resident of Hugam Lonepora, Srigufwara, spans 1 kanal and 10 marlas (Survey No. 5419/561 Min) and is valued at approximately Rs 5 crores, police said in a statement. The attachment is linked to case First information report (FIR) No. 57/2024 of police station Mattan and was executed in the presence of a duly constituted police team and the executive magistrate, ensuring full compliance with legal protocols, it added. Also Read | Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2024: BEST Announces Special Services, Central Railway To Run 12 Additional Mumbai Local Trains for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Death Anniversy on December 6; Know Details Here. This action represents a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation into unlawful and subversive activities in the region. It highlights the firm commitment of Anantnag Police to neutralise threats to national security and to maintain peace and order in the city, it added. Anantnag Police, in close coordination with other agencies, remains resolute in its mission to take stringent action against individuals and entities involved in activities that jeopardise the Nation's sovereignty and integrity, 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) Mumbai, Dec 2 (PTI) Mumbai Police, investigating the murder of NCP local functionary Sachin Kurmi, on Monday invoked stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the arrested persons, officials said. Kurmi, a leader of the Byculla division of Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was stabbed to death by three unidentified assailants in October when he was taking a stroll after dinner. Also Read | Vasai: Pet Dog Dies From Trauma After Witnessing Owners Hit by Speeding Car During Night Walk in Maharashtra's Yashwant Smart City, Probe Underway. The crime branch of Mumbai Police arrested three persons during the investigation. "Mumbai Police on Monday invoked provisions of MCOCA against the arrested accused in the case," an official said. Also Read | Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2024: BEST Announces Special Services, Central Railway To Run 12 Additional Mumbai Local Trains for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Death Anniversy on December 6; Know Details Here. It is important to note that confessions made to the police under MCOCA are admissible as evidence in court. It is also difficult to secure bail under the stringent provisions. (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], December 2 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Monday lashed out at Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP) amid the chaos over their proposed visits to Sambhal. He accused both opposition parties of indulging in politics over riots and deaths, saying that they are the ones who cause disruption. "Indulging in politics over riots and deaths is the character of Congress and Samajwadi Party. Ek to aag lagate hain (They are the ones who disrupt). Why are they sending the delegation (to Sambhal)? The court asked for the survey to be carried out in line with the Constitution. Congress supports claims made by Waqf, but when a Hindu party goes to court...they want to stand with rioters. This shows Congress' role in the politics of polarisation," BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla told ANI. Also Read | Jabalpur Shocker: Man Poses As Rahul on Shaadi.com, Rapes Woman at Darpan Hotel in Lordganj After Calling Her To Discuss Marriage; Arrested. His reaction comes after a 15-member delegation of Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders including MLAs and MPs were stopped from visiting Sambhal district by the Uttar Pradesh Police earlier this week. Congress delegation is also scheduled to visit the violence-affected district today. BJP leader Poonawalla further attacked BJP and SP for indulging in the politics of "competitive appeasement politics." He accused the opposition parties of indulging in votebank politics and siding with the "rioters." Also Read | Dipika Patel Allegedly Dies by Suicide: Surat BJP Mahila Morcha President Found Dead, Family Suspects Foul Play. "This is what I call the politics of CAP - Competitive Appeasement Politics. Kon jyada bada dangaiyo ka bhaijaan ban sakta hai (who can appease the troublemakers more). Kon votebank ke naam par Sambhal main aag laga sakta hai (who can cause disruption in Sambhal in the name of votebank). A competition is ongoing over this. Samajwadi Party says that lower courts would set fire. They go and stand with the rioters and raise questions to the police. Congress is also doing similar kinds of politics. Ask Congress, did they form a delegation for Ram Gopal Mishra who was killed by Jihadi elements in Bahriach? No delegation from Samajwadi Party or Congress went for him," BJP leader Poonawalla said. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai was asked to delay his Sambhal visit, the party leader said that he would go to Sambhal "peacefully." "They have issued me a notice and have asked me that my visit will cause chaos. Certainly, we also don't want chaos but peace to prevail. The atrocity and injustice that was done there by the police and the government, I want my leadership to know this. They (police) gave me notice but I will go there peacefully," Rai told ANI. Earlier in the morning, Uttar Pradesh Police issued a notice to Congress state president Ajay Rai asking them not to visit violence-hit Sambhal. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], December 2 (ANI): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday stated that India's declining population is a concerning issue, noting that according to modern population science, a society vanishes when its fertility rate falls below 2.1. He also underlined that the fertility rate should be above three or four for the society to survive. Also Read | Coimbatore Shocker: PG Trainee Doctor Places Pen Camera Inside Nurse Washroom in Tamil Nadu Hospital, Arrested. "The decline in population is a matter of concern. Modern population science says that when the fertility rate of a society goes below 2.1, that society vanishes from the earth. The society gets destroyed even without any crisis. In this way, many languages and societies have disappeared. The population should not fall below 2.1. Our country's population policy was decided in 1998 or 2002, and it also mentions that the population of a society should not be less than 2.1. We need more than two or three; this is what population science says. The number is important for the survival of society," Bhagwat said, addressing the Kathale Kul Sammelan in Nagpur. Taking a dig at Bhagwat's statement, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned whether the RSS chief would give Rs 1,500 to people who have more children. Also Read | Jharkhand Shocker: 2 Arrested in Connection With 'Sexual Abuse' of Girls at Palamu Shelter, BJP Demands High-Level Probe Into Incident. "I want to ask Mohan Bhagwat, what will he give people for giving birth to more children? Will he give Rs 1,500 into the bank accounts of those who give birth to more children? Will he introduce a scheme for this?... When Mohan Bhagwat is trying to make someone close to him the CM, he might as well introduce a scheme for this," Owaisi remarked. Meanwhile, Congress leader Tariq Anwar launched a scathing attack on the RSS chief's statement, saying that the Sangh family seemed confused. "The Sangh family seems confused. On one hand, BJP leaders allege that Muslims are having more children, that their population is increasing, and it should be stopped with a limit of two children. On the other hand, Mohan Bhagwat is saying that the population should not decrease because it is harmful to our civilization and heritage," Anwar 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) New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) Taking up the concerns of domestic steel industry, the steel ministry on Monday proposed for a 25 per cent safeguard duty on import of certain steel items into the country. The proposal came at a meeting between Union Minister of Steel H D Kumaraswamy and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in the national capital, sources said. Also Read | Philippines 'Food Poisoning': 3 Dead, 32 Hospitalised After Eating Endangered Sea Turtle Stew. Senior officials from both the ministries and executives of top steel making companies like SAIL, Tata Steel, JSW Steel and AMNS India also attended the meeting, they said. "Held a meeting with stakeholders from the steel and metallurgical coke industries along with my colleague & Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel @HD_Kumaraswamy ji," Goyal said in a post on X. Also Read | Indian Navy Hopes To Sign INR 90,000 Crore Deals for 26 Rafale Marine Combat Aircraft, 3 Scorpene Submarines by Next Month, Announces Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. "With both industries playing a vital role in India's development journey, discussed ways to boost production, enhance quality, and further strengthen global competitiveness," the minister said. According to Kumaraswamy, the two ministries discussed ways to collaborate and ensure ease of doing business for domestic players. "We discussed ways for our ministries to collaborate and ensure ease of business for the steel and heavy industries, key sectors driving India's growth," Kumaraswamy wrote on X. "Strengthening the steel and heavy industries sector is critical for building a self-reliant India, and we will work tirelessly to create an enabling environment for its growth and global competitiveness," he said, adding, "Together, we aim to foster innovation, boost domestic production, and enhance India's position as a global manufacturing hub." During the meeting, the steel ministry proposed for a 25 per cent safeguard duty on steel imports to address the issues being faced by the domestic industry, the sources said. Domestic steel players have been consistently raising their concerns over rising cheap steel imports from select nations, affecting their competitiveness. Speaking to PTI recently, Steel Minister Kumaraswamy said that the industry has apprised the ministry about their challenges and the government is working to address the issues related to steel imports. Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik last month said around 62 per cent of steel imports are landing from FTA (free trade agreement) countries at nil duty and any duty hike will not have any impact on these shipments. There is a genuine problem and the ministry is aware of that, Poundrik said. India's steel imports were at 5.51 million tonnes (MnT) in April-September 2024-25, higher from 3.66 MnT in the year-ago period, as per research firm BigMint. Imports from China have surged to 1.85 MnT during that period from 1.02 MnT in April-September period of financial year 2023-24, it said. Think tank GTRI has said that the FTAs need careful scrutiny as some FTAs allow Indian firms to partner with foreign producers and re-import steel at concessional rates, raising concerns about competition. "Port delays and red tape are choking India's steel user industries. Over 10,000 steel user units face financial strain due to delays at ports and unclear regulatory requirements. Essential imports for manufacturing industries face excessive scrutiny," GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava has said. India has free trade agreements with countries like Japan, South Korea, Mauritius and the ASEAN bloc. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Hyderabad, Dec 2 (PTI) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday virtually inaugurated 32 exclusive 'transgender clinics' aimed at providing quality healthcare services to the transgender community. Reddy launched the clinics during an event where appointment letters were handed over to 442 newly recruited civil assistant surgeons and 24 food safety officers. Also Read | Gurugram Shocker: Cab Driver Nabbed for Robbing Woman Passenger at Gunpoint in Sector 83. An official statement said the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Transgender Persons, in collaboration with the health department, is setting up a "Mythri Trans Clinic" exclusively for transgender persons in all 33 district hospitals across the state. The initiative aims to deliver high-quality healthcare services to the transgender community. The statement highlighted that transgender individuals often face difficulties in accessing quality healthcare, primarily due to societal discrimination. This "pervasive bias" can lead them to seek medical help from unqualified persons or self-medicate, posing serious risks to their health and well-being. Also Read | Gurugram Road Accident: 1 Killed, 3 Hurt as Speeding Baleno Rams into Parked Vehicle on Golf Course Road in Sector 53. The lack of accessible healthcare options exacerbates the vulnerabilities of transgender persons and underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure they receive competent and respectful medical care. "This initiative marks a significant milestone in India, as it establishes the first comprehensive state-wide healthcare support system specifically designed for transgender persons through dedicated transgender clinics," the statement said. The clinics are staffed by a dedicated team that includes specially trained personnel in transgender healthcare. This team comprises a medical doctor, a counselor, and a transgender individual serving as a "Community Champion," working together to provide comprehensive care and support tailored to the needs of transgender persons. The services offered at the 'transgender clinics' include general health counseling and support, HIV-related services, and other health support. The clinics also provide information on all government welfare schemes, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and benefits. The clinics will operate two days a weekevery Tuesday and Thursday, from 9 am to 1 pm, the statement 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, Dec 2 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, accused in a defamation case, on Monday informed a court that the threshold in political defamation cases was high as electoral parties were subjects of public discourse. Senior advocate Ramesh Gupta, representing the CM, made the submission before Special Judge Vishal Gogne while arguing against the summon issued to her by a magisterial court on a BJP leader's complaint. Also Read | Delhi Chalo March: Why Are Farmers Protesting Again? From MSP To Land Acquisition Act, Know Key Demands of Kisan Andolan Here. The senior counsel argued that the complainant, Praveen Shankar Kapoor, was not defamed by her as she made the alleged defamatory statement against the BJP. He (Kapoor) is not a victim of defamation. The appellant made statement against the BJP. If it is taken to be true, BJP is victim or aggrieved, can file a complaint A political party may have lakhs of members, but all cannot file defamation complaint. In this case, the threshold is very high," he argued. Also Read | 'No Voter Should Be Excluded': Supreme Court Seeks Election Commission Stand Over Increasing Number of Electors per Polling Station to 1,500. The court will hear the arguments of the complainant in the matter on December 16. On November 22, the special court stayed the proceedings in the case before the magisterial court. BJP spokesperson Kapoor accused Atishi and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of defaming him through a purported claim that several AAP MLAs were approached by the saffron party with cash to bring down the state government. While the magisterial court issued summons to Atishi on May 28, it refused to summon Kejriwal as an accused in the case. The court on July 23 granted bail to Atishi after she appeared before it in pursuant to the summons. Atishi was reported to have claimed that 21 AAP MLAs were contacted by the BJP, which offered Rs 25 lakh to each of them, to switch over to the saffron camp. Accusing Atishi of making false claims about poaching attempts on the AAP MLAs, Kapoor moved the court with a criminal defamation complaint and argued she had failed to furnish evidence to support her claim. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 2 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday issued a notice to Congress state president Ajay Rai asking them not to visit violence-hit Sambhal. In the notice given to Ajay Rai, he has been informed that "keeping in mind the peace and communal sensitivity in Sambhal district, he should cooperate in the public interest and postpone his proposed program so that the order passed by the District Magistrate of Sambhal district, Section 163 BNSS is not violated." Also Read | Ahmedabad: Man Undergoes Angioplasty Under PM-JAY in Bapunagar, Dies After Experiencing Chest Pain and Uneasiness; Family Alleges Medical Negligence. "Due to this no outsider/social organization/public representative will enter the boundary of Sambhal district without the permission of the competent officer. Going to Sambhal district with the delegation of Congress Party on 02.12.2024 is not appropriate from the point of view of peace and order," the notice further read. A Congress delegation led by the party's Uttar Pradesh chief is scheduled to visit Sambhal where a stone-pelting incident took place on November 24. Also Read | Kerala School Holiday: Educational Institutions, Anganwadis To Remain Shut Today As IMD Issues Red Alert for Wayanad and 3 Other Districts. "All the party workers decided that we will stay in one place at our party office. It is our good fortune that we stayed here today and decided the strategy for the future as to how we will go and what we will do...We will try and follow the Gandhian way since they have been deployed in large numbers outside...Our workers will try to leave by 10:30 AM. It is their job to stop them, they will stop us, it is our job to go and we will try to go. There is only one reason to go, the atrocities and injustice that they have done there, the way people were beaten up there, the way they were shot in the head, the government is scared of all these things that the government will be exposed," Ajay Rai told ANI. The Uttar Pradesh Congress chief and other Congress leaders stayed in the party office in Lucknow last night. On Sunday, amid massive security, a three-member judicial committee conducted an inspection near the Shahi Masjid area in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal on Sunday where a stone-pelting incident took place on November 24. Tensions in Sambhal have been high since November 19, when a local court ordered a survey of the mosque. Clashes between protestors and police over the court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid resulted in four deaths. (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, Dec 2 (PTI) Union food processing minister Chirag Paswan on Monday said there are endless possibilities of investments in Bihar, especially in the food processing sector. He was speaking at the Food Processing Investors' Meet which is part of the 'Bihar Business Connect 2024 - a Global Investors' Summit'. Also Read | Delhi Chalo March: Why Are Farmers Protesting Again? From MSP To Land Acquisition Act, Know Key Demands of Kisan Andolan Here. The summit witnessed the signing of 14 Letters of Intent (LoIs), committing investments worth Rs 2,181 crore and the creation of 4,175 jobs across the state. In his address, Paswan said: "There are endless possibilities in Bihar, and the government is working diligently to utilise them fully. Our society is changing rapidly, in which the demand for processed food is going to increase continuously. In such a situation, this is the best time to invest in this sector." Also Read | Wipro Bonus Share Record Date: Wipro Announces Bonus Shares in 1:1 Ratio, Fixes December 3 as Record Date All Details Here. Bihar is a major producer of many products like litchi and butter, using which investors can expand their business and actively contribute to the efforts of the state and central government to increase the income of farmers, he said. The central government and the food processing ministry are ready to provide all possible support to Bihar as well as the investors, Paswan said. Nitish Mishra, Minister, Department of Industries & Tourism, Bihar, said, the state is currently providing a golden opportunity for investment. The interest of investors and the readiness of the government can be gauged from the fact that in the last few months Bihar approved investments worth Rs 5,500 crore. "Besides that, we have also made subsidies and incentives easily available to investors. By investing in Bihar, investors can also take advantage of the markets of nearby countries. For example, India's exports from Bihar are about Rs 50,000 crore. Hence, when it comes to the scope of investing in Bihar, sky is the limit," he said. Amrit Lal Meena, Chief Secretary of Bihar, stated, "Bihar's strategic location and agricultural abundance provide unmatched opportunities for investors. With a strong focus on policy reforms, infrastructure development, and industry-friendly governance, we are dedicated to building a vibrant ecosystem that accelerates economic growth and creates sustainable employment opportunities." The event also witnessed active participation from other key departments, including livestock and fisheries, highlighting a collaborative approach to driving growth in the food processing ecosystem. Investors shared invaluable suggestions, contributing significant insights to enhance the strategic direction of the initiatives. (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, Dec 2 (PTI) The Delhi Police has arrested a 29-year-old man involved in a hit-and-run incident in which a woman constable on duty was injured near Africa Avenue Road in southwest Delhi, an official said on Monday. The accused, identified as Raghav Gupta, a resident of Janakpuri, was apprehended and the offending vehicle, a Hyundai i20 car, was seized, the official said. Also Read | Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2024: BEST Announces Special Services, Central Railway To Run 12 Additional Mumbai Local Trains for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Death Anniversy on December 6; Know Details Here. The incident occurred on November 18, when the woman constable posted at RK Puram police station was heading to her duty near Sarojini Nagar Depot. At 5.15 pm, while crossing the road, she was struck by a rashly-driven car. The driver fled the scene, leaving her injured, police said, adding she was admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre. Also Read | Delhi Chalo March: Why Are Farmers Protesting Again? From MSP To Land Acquisition Act, Know Key Demands of Kisan Andolan Here. An FIR was registered and an investigation launched. Police team scanned CCTV footage from the area and identified the offending vehicle, and a notice under Section 133 of the Motor Vehicles Act was served to its owner. Gupta was subsequently arrested and the vehicle was seized. The accused has been charged for his reckless driving and for fleeing the scene after causing injury, 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) Lucknow, Dec 2 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday ordered a third-party audit of the Har Ghar Nal Yojana under the Jal Jeevan Mission, emphasising quality and timely execution. While reviewing the programme's progress, Adityanath warned against compromising quality in public interest initiatives, an official statement said. Also Read | Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2024: BEST Announces Special Services, Central Railway To Run 12 Additional Mumbai Local Trains for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Death Anniversy on December 6; Know Details Here. He underscored the importance of promptly restoring damaged roads, urging necessary guidance from public representatives, it added. Adityanath ordered the appointment of nodal officers for each project to ensure coordination with local public representatives and completion within the stipulated time. Also Read | Delhi Chalo March: Why Are Farmers Protesting Again? From MSP To Land Acquisition Act, Know Key Demands of Kisan Andolan Here. The statement said, "He also highlighted that departmental officers' accountability would be assessed based on these standards. The chief minister reiterated the mission's core goal -- delivering pure drinking water consistently to every household." "He emphasised third-party verification and mandated nodal officers to oversee quality and timelines. The review covered Jal Jeevan Mission projects across Uttar Pradesh, including in the Bundelkhand and the Vindhya regions," it added. During the review of community contributions under the mission, the chief minister was informed that 40,951 projects had been approved at a total cost of Rs 1,52,521.82 crore (Rs 1.52 lakh crore). This includes Rs 71,714.68 crore each from central and state contributions, with an additional Rs 9,092.42 crore from community contributions for village infrastructure, the statement said. The solar-based nature of most projects has increased the overall cost by Rs 13,344 crore but an additional Rs 6,338 crore will be received from the central government, it stated. The state government is projected to save around Rs 1 lakh crore in maintenance and operations over the plan period, it added. It was also reported that 33,229 schemes in Uttar Pradesh were powered by solar energy, with approximately 900 MW of solar panels installed. "The central government has recognised this initiative as a best practice. These solar projects are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 13 lakh metric tons annually," the statement said. Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Minister of State Ramkesh Nishad and others attended the meeting. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mexico City, Dec 2 (AP) Eight people are dead and two others are wounded after gunmen pulled up to a roadside stand in north-central Mexico and opened fire on customers and bystanders, authorities reported Sunday. Prosecutors in the cartel-ravaged state of Guanajuato said the shooting occurred late Saturday in the town of Apaseo el Grande. Also Read | Donald Trump Pick Kash Patel Must Prove Hell Restore Public Faith in FBI, Leading GOP Senator Says. Eight men died just outside the stand, which was selling a traditional type of milk-based fudge. Another man and a woman were wounded in the attack, but there was no immediate report on their condition. Local media reported that a paramedic was one of those killed in the shooting. The state ambulance and paramedic agency said an emergency medical technician had died late Saturday, but did not confirm whether he was one of those killed in the attack. Also Read | Pakistan: Nearly 200 Militants, Including 24 Commanders, Killed in Military Operations in November. Video posted on social media showed men's bodies with apparent head wounds scattered among motorcycles parked outside the stand. The town of Apaseo el Grande, and its sister community of Apaseo el Alto, have been hit by mass shooting attacks in recent years which experts say are related to warring drug cartels. There have been a series of mass shootings at bars, clubs and businesses in the area since at least 2018. Guanajuato, an industrial and farming hub, has for years had the highest number of homicides of any of Mexico's 32 states. The Jalisco cartel and the local Santa Rosa de Lima gang have been locked in a years-long turf battle in the state. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mexico City, Dec 2 (AP) It's been called the closest the world has ever come to a vaccine against the AIDS virus. The twice-yearly shot was 100 per cent effective in preventing HIV infections in a study of women, and results published Wednesday show it worked nearly as well in men. Also Read | Donald Trump Pick Kash Patel Must Prove Hell Restore Public Faith in FBI, Leading GOP Senator Says. Drugmaker Gilead said it will allow cheap, generic versions to be sold in 120 poor countries with high HIV rates mostly in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. But it has excluded nearly all of Latin America, where rates are far lower but increasing, sparking concern the world is missing a critical opportunity to stop the disease. This is so far superior to any other prevention method we have, that it's unprecedented, said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS. She credited Gilead for developing the drug, but said the world's ability to stop AIDS hinges on its use in at-risk countries. Also Read | Pakistan: Nearly 200 Militants, Including 24 Commanders, Killed in Military Operations in November. In a report issued to mark World AIDS Day on Sunday, UNAIDS said that the number of AIDS death last year an estimated 630,000 was at its lowest since peaking in 2004, suggesting the world is now at a historic crossroads and has a chance to end the epidemic. The drug called lenacapavir is already sold under the brand name Sunlenca to treat HIV infections in the US, Canada, Europe and elsewhere. The company plans to seek authorisation soon for Sunlenca to be used for HIV prevention. While there are other ways to guard against infection, like condoms, daily pills, vaginal rings and bi-monthly shots, experts say the Gilead twice-yearly shots would be particularly useful for marginalised people often fearful of seeking care, including gay men, sex workers and young women. It would be a miracle for these groups because it means they just have to show up twice a year at a clinic and then they're protected, said UNAIDS' Byanyima. Such was the case for Luis Ruvalcaba, a 32-year-old man in Guadalajara, Mexico, who participated in the latest published study. He said he was afraid to ask for the daily prevention pills provided by the government, fearing he would be discriminated against as a gay man. Because he took part in the study, he'll continue to receive the shots for at least another year. In Latin American countries, there is still a lot of stigma, patients are ashamed to ask for the pills, said Dr Alma Minerva Perez, who recruited and enrolled a dozen study volunteers at a private research center in Guadalajara. How widely available the shots will be in Mexico through the country's health care system isn't yet known. Health officials declined to comment on any plans to buy Sunlenca for its citizens; daily pills to prevent HIV were made freely available via the country's public health system in 2021. "If the possibility of using generics has opened, I have faith that Mexico can join, said Perez. Byanyima said other countries besides Mexico that took part in the research were also excluded from the generics deal, including Brazil, Peru and Argentina. To now deny them that drug is unconscionable. she said. In a statement, Gilead said it has an ongoing commitment to helping enable access to HIV prevention and treatment options where the need is the greatest. Among the 120 countries eligible for generic version are 18 mostly African countries that comprise 70 per cent of the world's HIV burden. The drugmaker said it is also working on establishing fast, efficient pathways to reach all people who need or want lenacapavir for HIV prevention. On Thursday, 15 advocacy groups in Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, Guatemala and Colombia wrote to Gilead, asking for generic Sunlenca to be made available in Latin America, citing the alarming inequity in access to new HIV prevention tools while infection rates were rising. While countries including Norway, France, Spain and the US have paid more than $40,000 per year for Sunlenca, experts have calculated it could be produced for as little as $40 per treatment once generic production expands to cover 10 million people. Dr Chris Beyrer, director of the Global Health Institute at Duke University, said it will be enormously useful to have Sunlenca available in the hardest-hit countries in Africa and Asia. But he said the rising HIV rates among groups including gay men and transgender populations constituted a public health emergency in Latin America. Hannya Danielle Torres, a 30-year-old trans woman and artist who was in the Sunlenca study in Mexico, said she hoped the government would find a way to provide the shots. Mexico may have some of the richest people in the world but it also has some of the most vulnerable people living in extreme poverty and violence, Torres said. Another drugmaker, Viiv Healthcare, also left out most of Latin America when it allowed generics of its HIV prevention shot in about 90 countries. Sold as Apretude, the bi-monthly shots are about 80 per cent to 90 per cent effective in preventing HIV. They cost about $1,500 a year in middle-income countries, beyond what most can afford to pay. Asia Russell, executive director of the advocacy group Health Gap, said that with more than 1 million new HIV infections globally every year, established prevention methods are not enough. She urged countries like Brazil and Mexico to issue compulsory licences, a mechanism where countries suspend patents in a health crisis. It's a strategy some countries embraced for previous HIV treatments, including in the late 1990s and 2000s when AIDS drugs were first discovered. More recently, Colombia issued its first-ever compulsory licence for the key HIV treatment Tivicay in April, without permission from its drugmaker, Viiv. Dr Salim Abdool Karim, an AIDS expert at South Africa's University of KwaZulu-Natal, said he had never seen a drug that appeared to be as effective as Sunlenca in preventing HIV. The missing piece in the puzzle now is how we get it to everyone who needs it, he said. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dhaka [Bangladesh], December 2 (ANI): The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has condemned a false and harassing case accusing 70 minority lawyers and two journalists from Chittagong of fabricated charges, including 'crude bomb' explosions and car vandalism. In an official statement on Sunday, the council said the case was filed with the ulterior motive of obstructing the sedition case brought against Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and forcibly preventing the publication and dissemination of related news, which violates human rights and the rule of law. Also Read | Donald Trump Pick Kash Patel Must Prove Hell Restore Public Faith in FBI, Leading GOP Senator Says. The council also demanded that the Bangladeshi government and law enforcement authorities immediately withdraw the false case and take urgent steps to release the lawyers and journalists. The case was filed on Saturday at the Kotwali police station in Bangladesh. Also Read | Pakistan: Nearly 200 Militants, Including 24 Commanders, Killed in Military Operations in November. Meanwhile, on Saturday, ISKCON Kolkata alleged that Bangladeshi authorities had arrested two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, as well as the secretary of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata Radha Raman said that the monks were arrested on Friday by the police while on their way home after meeting Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on charges of sedition on November 25. "On November 29, when Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari were returning after meeting Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, they were arrested by the police. We are also receiving information that the secretary of Chinmoy Krishna Das has also been arrested," Radha Raman said in a self-made video. He further claimed that rioters also vandalised the ISKCON centre in Bangladesh. The situation in Bangladesh has been tense since spiritual preacher Chinmoy Krishna Das was charged with sedition for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above Bangladesh's national flag in Chittagong on October 25. Following Das's arrest, a lawyer was killed during clashes between police and alleged followers of the spiritual guru in the Chattogram Court Building area on November 27. On Friday, India expressed concern over the rise of "extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation" in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India has consistently and strongly raised the issue of targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladeshi government. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chinese authorities strengthen cooperation to fight trans-border telecom fraud Xinhua) 14:34, December 02, 2024 BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- China's prosecution and public security authorities have strengthened joint efforts to combat cross-border telecom fraud, with eight major cases placed under joint oversight, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) announced on Sunday. This initiative builds on previous joint efforts between the SPP and the Ministry of Public Security, which have overseen 13 significant cross-border telecom fraud cases since 2022. The eight cases, originating from provinces including Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian, cover a range of criminal activities. These include recruiting people from within China and trafficking them abroad to engage in fraudulent schemes, as well as serious violent crimes such as unlawful detention and intentional injury. From January to October 2024, enhanced asset recovery and fraud prevention measures from the authorities resulted in the freezing of 235.9 billion yuan (32.83 billion U.S. dollars) in defrauded funds, safeguarding the public from financial losses, according to the SPP. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to intensifying efforts to track down and prosecute telecom fraud criminals, pledging to protect the public's legitimate rights and defend lives and property. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Dubai [UAE], December 2 (ANI/WAM): Bolt, one of the international leading ride-hailing platforms present currently in over 600 cities across 50 countries, launched its operations today, 2nd December in the UAE. The launch of the e-hailing platform coincides with UAE's Eid Al Etihad marking the nation's commitment to progress, unity and providing world-class services to its residents and visitors. Also Read | Attack on Bangladesh Mission in Agartala: Interim Government Demands Thorough Investigation Into Attack on Diplomatic Mission Amid Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Launching on this landmark day reinforces Bolt's dedication to aligning with the UAE's vision of progress and technological advancement, ensuring that the country continues to offer premium and sustainable services in all sectors, including transportation. Bolt's debut into the UAE market supports the Dubai government's directives to transition 80 per cent of taxi trips to e-hailing in the coming years. Using the user-friendly Bolt app, consumers can easily book rides, track their driver, and make payments through their smartphones. Also Read | Philippines 'Food Poisoning': 3 Dead, 32 Hospitalised After Eating Endangered Sea Turtle Stew. Mansoor Alfalasi, CEO, Dubai Taxi Company, expressing his delight said, "Since the announcement of the launch of Bolt in October this year, we are pleased to see its operations come to fruition. Dubai has always experienced an influx of visitors creating an unprecedented demand for transportation. Bolt's arrival adds a valuable choice for our community, ensuring that getting around UAE is easier and more accessible than ever through cross-functional mobility that integrates cars, taxis, micro mobility solutions, and more." "The initial fleet will consist of limousines listed by reputed fleet partners on the Bolt platform including DTC vehicles. The fleet is set to meet Dubai's rising demand by offering affordable and luxury transport options. The next phase of expansion will include the introduction of taxi services on the app, creating a versatile and sustainable mobility ecosystem in Dubai. The vision is to ultimately explore the potential of expanding to other emirates and across varied verticals which include delivery services, e-scooters and car rentals in the near future.", he added. Eduard Suchanek, Regional Manager Middle East & North Africa, said: "Launching Bolt in the UAE on such a momentous occasion as the 53rd Eid Al Etihad is a testament to our commitment to the country's vision of progress and innovation. It marks another milestone for the company as it expands across the Middle East after successfully establishing its presence in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Dubai's strategic location makes it an ideal destination for visitors from around the world creating an exemplary platform for Bolt to capitalize on the increasing market demand. (ANI/WAM) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Taipei, Dec 2 (AP) China on Monday condemned Lithuania's expulsion of three Chinese diplomats as relations between the two countries continue to sour. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused Lithuania of expelling its diplomats and declaring them persona non grata without any reason, according to a statement posted on the ministry's website. Also Read | Guinea Football Stampede: Dozens, Including Children, Killed in Stampede Following Clashes at Soccer Match (Watch Videos). China strongly condemns and firmly rejects this wanton and provocative action, the spokesperson said. The spat comes amid an investigation into the suspected involvement of a Chinese ship in severing two undersea data cables, one of which runs under the Baltic Sea between Lithuania and Sweden. Also Read | 'Donald Trump's 100% Tariff Threat on BRICS Remains Unclear, Need To See if US Laws Permit Sanctions', Says Former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao. Sweden has asked China to cooperate in explaining the cables' rupture. Lithuania on Friday announced it had notified Beijing of declaring three members of the non-accredited staff of China's diplomatic mission persona non grata, and that they had to leave the Baltic nation within a week. The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry did not specify who the people were or what they had done but cited provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and other international laws. When asked to clarify what had happened, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry referred The Associated Press to its original notice. It added the presence of several other staff members of China's diplomatic mission in Lithuania would be decided in the near future. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused Lithuania of having again taken detrimental action that further exacerbates the relations. China calls on Lithuania to immediately stop undermining China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stop creating difficulty for bilateral relations, the spokesperson said, adding that Beijing reserved the right to take countermeasures. Neither foreign ministry made specific reference to the Chinese ship in the Baltic. The dispute comes three years after China downgraded ties with Lithuania to below ambassador level in retaliation for the Baltic nation allowing Taiwan, the island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory, to open a representative office. China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and prohibits other countries from having formal ties with Taipei. (AP) (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], December 2 (ANI): External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar extended congratulations to Kaja Kallas on her appointment as the Vice President of the European Union (EU) Commission and the EU Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar wrote, "Congratulate @kajakallas on your appointment as the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of @EU_Commission. Look forward to working together to further our strategic partnership". Also Read | Attack on Bangladesh Mission in Agartala: Interim Government Demands Thorough Investigation Into Attack on Diplomatic Mission Amid Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1863550949865705959 India and the European Union have seen various interactions at high level in recent times. Also Read | Philippines 'Food Poisoning': 3 Dead, 32 Hospitalised After Eating Endangered Sea Turtle Stew. The two had recently held the 5th Strategic Partnership Review Meeting on November 22 in Brussels. During the meeting, it was observed that both sides underlined the importance of the India-EU Strategic Partnership in addressing global challenges. They reiterated their shared commitment to promoting a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. India welcomed the European Union's increasing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. Both sides emphasized that the rules-based international order must respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of disputes. India and the EU share a historic partnership, formalised in 2004 and marked by extensive cooperation in trade, climate action, and strategic affairs. The EU remains one of India's largest trading partners, with agreements like the TTC bolstering technological and economic ties. As per Euro News, Kaja Kallas had resigned as Estonia's Prime Minister earlier this year to become the European Union's foreign policy chief. Kallas was the first woman Prime Minister of Estonia and under her leadership, Estonia has been one of Europe's most vocal backers of Ukraine, Euro News reported. Kaja Kallas has taken over from Josep Borrell Fontelles who was the previous U High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission. Fontelles had wished Kallas success in a post on X. In a twitter exchange Kallas told Josep Borrell Fontelles," Dear @JosepBorrellF, It is an immense honour to follow in your footsteps after 5 difficult years @eu_eeas in shaping EU foreign and security." Fontelles replied, "Dear @kajakallas many thanks for your kind words. In this very challenging era I wish you all the success in making Europe more united and stronger in the world." (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], December 2 (ANI): The fourth edition of India- Malaysia Joint Military Exercise 'Harimau Shakti' commenced today at Bentong camp, Pahang district, Malaysia. The exercise will continue till December 15. Also Read | Attack on Bangladesh Mission in Agartala: Interim Government Demands Thorough Investigation Into Attack on Diplomatic Mission Amid Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. According to a Defence Ministry release, the Indian contingent comprising of 78 personnel, is being represented by a battalion of Mahar Regiment. The Malaysian contingent is being represented by 123 personnel from the Royal Malaysian Regiment. 'Harimau Shakti' is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Malaysia. Last edition was conducted in Nov 2023 at Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya, India. Also Read | Philippines 'Food Poisoning': 3 Dead, 32 Hospitalised After Eating Endangered Sea Turtle Stew. The release said that the aim of the joint exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. The exercise will focus on operations in the jungle environment. The exercise will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will be focused on cross-training between both armies, including lectures, demonstrations, and practices of various drills in jungle terrain. "In the final phase, both armies will take active part in a simulated exercise, wherein troops will execute various drills "including anti-MT ambush, occupation of harbour, carrying out recce patrol, ambush and an attack on area taken over by the terrorists,"the release said. The exercise will enable both sides to share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting joint operations and will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies. The joint exercise will also enhance defence cooperation, further augmenting bilateral relations between the two friendly nations. (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], December 2 (ANI): Senior Italian Minister Adolfo Urso, currently on a visit to India, met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh to strengthen bilateral cooperation between India and Italy. The discussions focused on initiatives to enhance collaboration in the space sector. Also Read | Attack on Bangladesh Mission in Agartala: Interim Government Demands Thorough Investigation Into Attack on Diplomatic Mission Amid Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das. "A high-level official delegation from #Italy, led by Senior Italian Minister Mr Adolfo Urso, called on to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Italy is also providing technical support to G20 Satellite for Environment & Climate, which was announced by PM Sh@narendramodiduring G20 Summit in 2023. Italy hosted 75th International Astronautical Congress at Milan this year while India will be hosting a similar global conference at New Delhi next year," Union Minister Jitendra Singh said in a post on X. https://x.com/DrJitendraSingh/status/1863595174779044268 Also Read | Philippines 'Food Poisoning': 3 Dead, 32 Hospitalised After Eating Endangered Sea Turtle Stew. "Together, we can achieve remarkable milestones that benefit our two nations and the world as a whole," he added. Italy hosted the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan this year while India will be hosting a similar global conference in New Delhi next year. In a statement by the Department of Space, it was observed that the two Ministers focused on advancing collaborative efforts in science, technology, innovation, and Space exploration. Senior Italian Minister Adolfo Urso holds multiple portfolios including Enterprises & Space and is currently in India on a visit. Department of Space noted in a press statement that India and Italy have enjoyed a long-standing partnership in scientific research, particularly through the Synchrotron facility, Elettra, in Trieste. Indian scientists are the second-largest users of this facility after their Italian counterparts. Since 2016, the jointly constructed diffraction beamlines 'XRD2' and 'XPRESS' have supported cutting-edge research in material science and engineering. Jitendra Singh noted, "These collaborations reflect the mutual trust and shared vision of our two nations. The upcoming Executive Programme of Cooperation for 2025-2027 will further energize our partnership by funding joint research projects." During the meeting. Minister Singh underscored the country's achievements, saying, "India ranks third globally in terms of StartUps, with unicorns flourishing in a dynamic economy. This ecosystem provides fertile ground for Indo-Italian partnerships in entrepreneurship and innovation". To build on this momentum, the two Ministers proposed an Indo-Italian Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme. This initiative aims to connect startups, academic institutions, and policymakers from both countries, fostering a culture of innovation and shared expertise, the Department of State noted. Discussions were also held to expand opportunities in space collaboration. Jitendra Singh remarked, "India's space industry is undergoing a transformative phase. Collaborating with Italy can accelerate advancements in satellite technology, deep-space exploration, and other frontier areas." In a significant move, the meeting also explored potential partnerships in Industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and quantum technologies. The high-level dialogue reflects the commitment of India and Italy to strengthen their bilateral ties and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. In his concluding remarks, Jitendra Singh said, "This partnership is about building a shared future driven by innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. Together, we can achieve remarkable milestones that benefit our nations and the world." (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Moscow, Dec 2 (PTI) Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to travel to India next year as part of the established framework for reciprocal annual engagements between the leaders of the two nations, the Kremlin has said. President Putin has received an invitation to visit India from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said at a recent media briefing. Also Read | Philippines 'Food Poisoning': 3 Dead, 32 Hospitalised After Eating Endangered Sea Turtle Stew. The dates for Putin's visit will be set in early 2025, he said. "Our leaders have an agreement to hold meetings once a year. This time, it's our turn," the diplomat noted. Also Read | Deeply Regrettable: India on Breach of Premises of Bangladesh Mission in Agartala. "We received Mr Modi's invitation and we will certainly consider it positively... We will figure out the tentative dates early next year," Ushakov said. Putin and Modi maintain regular contact, holding telephone conversations once every couple of months. The two leaders also hold in-person meetings, particularly on the sidelines of international events. In July, Prime Minister Modi made a two-day visit to Moscow to take part in the 22nd Russia-India summit. In October, he visited the Russian city of Kazan for the BRICS group's summit. In November, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov in a video interaction with senior Indian Editors in Delhi referred to the strong bilateral relationship between India and Russia, and said that Putin's visit is on the cards. However, he did not give any specific timeline or make a definitive announcement of the visit. "We are looking forward to the visit. The dates will be mutually worked out soon," Peskov had said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dubai, Dec 2 (AP) US Navy destroyers shot down seven missiles and drones fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels at the warships and three American merchant vessels they were escorting through the Gulf of Aden. No damage or injuries were reported. US Central Command said late Sunday that the destroyers USS Stockdale and USS O'Kane shot down and destroyed three anti-ship ballistic missiles, three drones and one anti-ship cruise missile. The merchant ships were not identified. Also Read | Volkswagen Workers To Go On Warning Strikes in Germany Amid Refusal To Rule Out Mass Layoffs and Potential Plant Closures. The Houthis claimed the attack in a statement and said they had targeted the US destroyers and "three supply ships belonging to the American army in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Houthi attacks for months have targeted shipping through a waterway where $1 trillion in goods pass annually over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Israel's ground offensive in Lebanon. A ceasefire was announced in the latter last week. Also Read | Indian Passengers, Stranded at Kuwait Airport Following Technical Snag in Gulf Air Flight GF 005, Finally Depart for Manchester (See Pics). The USS Stockdale was involved in a similar attack on Nov. 12. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai, December 2: The Bombay High Court on Monday came down heavily on the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) for taking "lightly" the probe into the killing of Badlapur school sexual assault case accused in a shootout. Stressing the need for a fair investigation in all cases, a division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan said the conduct of the CID in the present case raises doubt and a wrong inference that it does not want to provide all information to the magistrate conducting inquiry into the shootout. The accused, Akshay Shinde (24), was arrested in August for allegedly sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur area of Maharashtra's Thane district. He was killed by police in a shootout on September 24. The high court sarcastically remarked that cases are transferred from local police to the CID because of the latter's competence. The HC was irked after noting certain loopholes in the probe and documents submitted to the magistrate who is conducting an inquiry into the accused's death. Adarsh School Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Dada Took Off My Clothes, Harrowing Revelation by Victim Girl to Her Parents. "How can the state CID take it so lightly? This is a matter that concerns custodial death. What was expected from you (CID), now what to expect from you," the HC said. The bench said the entire conduct of the CID raises doubt on the investigation and a "wrong and adverse" inference is drawn. "Because of your conduct itself you are raising suspicion and doubt on yourself. What investigation are you conducting?" the court said. The bench questioned as to why medical papers pertaining to the case were not collected. "Why is the CID not collecting information properly and why are we forced to test it? Don't test our patience now. Medical papers are not collected. Are you deliberately trying to withhold information from the magistrate? That is the inference we are drawing," the HC said. "Because of the CID's competence, cases are transferred to the state CID," it added. The bench said its endeavour was to ensure all documents are collected and submitted to the magistrate for a proper inquiry to be done and for a report to be submitted. "Investigate the case properly and submit all statements properly to the magistrate, only then the magistrate can prepare a proper report," the bench said. The court noted that fairness has to be writ large in every investigation and even an accused and their family have rights. Adarsh School Badlapur Sexual Abuse Case: From Massive Protests to CM Eknath Shindes Response, Here Are 10 Key Details. The bench was informed that all documents and information have been submitted to the magistrate and whatever remains would be handed in one week. The court posted the matter for further hearing on January 20, 2025, by when the magistrate would have to submit the report to the court. As per police, accused Akshay Shinde forcibly took a pistol from one of the cops in a police van on September 24 when he was being taken from the Taloja prison in Navi Mumbai to Thane for questioning in another case. Shinde then shot three rounds inside the van, one of which hit and injured a police officer. In retaliation, one shot was fired by another police officer which hit Shinde and he was killed. The police claimed Shinde's handcuffs were removed as he had asked for water. He was given water from a bottle inside the van. The probe into the killing was later handed over to the state CID. Akshay Shinde's father Anna Shinde has filed a petition in the HC claiming his son was murdered in a fake encounter. Mumbai, December 2: Police have arrested two persons for allegedly duping a businessman of nearly Rs 18 crore by illegally selling him a land owned by the Maharashtra government's agency CIDCO in Navi Mumbai, an official said on Monday. The role of some officials of the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and revenue department is also under the scanner for allegedly helping the accused in the crime, he said. The Navi Mumbai police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) on Friday arrested the two accused, identified as Muazzam Maqsood Bhaiji and Ibrahim Bhaiji, on charges of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy, the official said. During the probe, the police found their property has been acquired by CIDCO, for which they received compensation, but they later allegedly forged property documents and sold the same plot to the businessman, he said. Navi Mumbai Land Fraud: Four Booked for Duping People of Over Rs 1 Crore in Land Deals by Producing Fabricated Documents. The police were also searching for their associates -- Tulsi Jashnani and Gautam. Another accused, Mahesh Alimchandani, died last year, as per the police. The businessman, Vinay Chawla, in a police complaint filed last year claimed he was lured into investing money in the land, the official said. Real Estate Scam in Mumbai: 2 Developers, 1 Construction Supplier Allegedly Dupe Actor-Politician Kajal Sanjay Nishad of INR 70 Lakh Over Disputed Goregaon Flat; Probe Launched. The complainant alleged that Jashnani, Alimchandani, some local real estate agents and the arrested accused handed him forged NOCs (no objection certificates) and fraudulent documents of the property, he said. Search was on for a real estate agent and some others involved in the fraud, the police added. New Delhi, December 2: The Congress on Monday said that the fall in the GDP numbers for the last quarter highlights the "unimpressive" manufacturing growth and the failure of 'Make in India' which, it claimed, has become 'Make-believe in India'. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a statement, said the GDP growth figures released three days back for the quarter July-Sept 2024 revealed a "dramatic fall". Equally noteworthy and concerning is that manufacturing growth slowed to a shocking 2.2 per cent, he said, lamenting that export growth has also decelerated to 2.8 per cent. "The data belies the dismal reality of the prime minister's decade-old promise to make India a new global hub for manufacturing exports. "The unfortunate reality is that ten years after the Government's flagship Make in India scheme was launched, India's manufacturing is stagnating, and our exports are faltering," Ramesh claimed in his statement, a day after party leader Rahul Gandhi raised similar concerns. The BJP has alleged that the Congress' attempt to "paint a picture of economic doom with selective data and half-truths" is misleading. BJP leader Amit Malviya said that "crying foul over a 5.4 per cent GDP growth rate is laughable when it is one of the highest globally". Rahul Gandhi Expresses Concern Over Indias GDP Growth Rate Declining to Its Lowest in 2 Years, Says New Thinking Needed for Economy, Cant Progress When Handful Accrue Its Benefits. "Your persistent doom-mongering is not just baseless but reflects an inability to acknowledge progress," Malviya said while refuting Gandhi's criticism. Ramesh claimed that the share of manufacturing in India's Gross Value Added has fallen from 18.1 per cent in 2011-12 to 14.3 per cent in 2022-23 and the number of manufacturing workers has fallen from 51.3 million in 2017 to 35.65 million in 2022-23. He said India's share in global merchandise exports has also largely stagnated, and exports are falling as a share of India's GDP. "In fact, growth in India's share of global exports grew much faster in the 2005-15 period, largely corresponding to Dr. Manmohan Singh's tenure as Prime Minister," he claimed. In the all-important employment-intensive sectors like garments, exports have fallen from USD 15 billion in 2013-14 to USD 14.5 billion in 2023-2024 and India has been left way behind by countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, he claimed. "These depressing results are ultimately a result of the Modi Government's failure to boost private investment in manufacturing. The hype over tax cuts and production-linked incentives does not match the reality. "Further, in sector after sector evidence has piled up on how continued cheap imports from China are destroying Indian manufacturing - over a third of MSMEs in the stainless steel production industry in Gujarat alone are lying closed on account of such imports from China. There are numerous such instances," the Congress leader claimed. India's Q2 GDP Slows to 5.4%, Sharply Lower Than Reserve Bank Estimates of 7%. "Make in India has simply become Make-Believe in India," Ramesh alleged. India's economic growth slowed to a near two-year low of 5.4 per cent in the July-September quarter of this fiscal due to poor performance of manufacturing and mining sectors as well as weak consumption, but the country continued to remain the fastest-growing large economy, data showed on Friday. The gross domestic product (GDP) had expanded by 8.1 per cent in the July-September quarter of the 2023-24 fiscal and 6.7 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal (April-June 2024). The previous low level of GDP growth at 4.3 per cent was recorded in the third quarter (October-December 2022) of the financial year 2022-23. The data also showed that the growth of private final consumption expenditure (PFCE), which indicates consumer spending, decelerated to 6 per cent in the September quarter from 7.4 per cent in April-June this year. The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, observed on December 2 each year, serves as a reminder of the global effort needed to eradicate slavery in all its forms. This day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others in 1949. While the formal abolition of slavery is a significant historical milestone, the day emphasises that slavery still persists in various forms, including human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. The United Nations and other humanitarian organisations use this day to raise awareness about modern-day slavery and advocate for continued global efforts to combat it. On International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2024, share these International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2024 quotes, HD images, anti-slavery sayings, messages and wallpapers to eradicate the contemporary forms of slavery. December 2024 Festivals, Events and Holidays Calendar: Complete List of Important National and International Days and Dates. Slavery, though illegal in most countries, continues to affect millions of people worldwide, with vulnerable individuals subjected to exploitation in industries such as agriculture, domestic work, manufacturing, and even in the sex trade. The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery highlights the need for continued vigilance and action. Governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and individuals are called to increase awareness, strengthen legal frameworks, and support victims of trafficking. Moreover, the observance aims to challenge the systemic factors that allow slavery to persist, such as poverty, lack of education, gender inequality, and weak legal enforcement. As you observe International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2024, share these International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2024 quotes, HD images, anti-slavery sayings, messages and wallpapers. International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Quotes International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image) International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Quotes International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image) International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Quotes International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image) International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Quotes International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image) Efforts to combat modern slavery have been gaining momentum, with global initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act. These frameworks focus on addressing the root causes of slavery while providing resources and support for victims. The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery calls upon the global community to unite in a common purpose: to eradicate slavery once and for all. Educational programs, partnerships with law enforcement, and the empowerment of marginalised communities are all essential components in achieving this objective. In addition to the legal and policy-oriented efforts, individuals and businesses also play a key role in supporting this cause. Ethical consumerism, where consumers are encouraged to make purchasing decisions that consider the working conditions behind the products, is one way to reduce the demand for forced labour. As awareness grows, so too does the responsibility of society to ensure that future generations live in a world free of slavery. The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery continues to be an essential observance in the global fight for human dignity and freedom. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 02, 2024 07:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Kerala police arrested the neighbour of a trader in connection with the theft of over Rs 1 crore and 267 sovereigns of gold from the latter's residence in Kannur district about two weeks ago. The accused, Lijeesh (45), was taken into custody on Saturday by an investigation team formed to probe the case, the police said. New Delhi, December 2: Meta reportedly plans to build a fibre-optic subsea cable that will extend around the world. The project is expected to cost more than USD 10 billion and span over 40,000 KM. As the parent company of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, Meta is likely to enhance its internet infrastructure to support its user base and services. The subsea cable might be solely owned by Meta, highlighting a major step in its strategy for reliable data traffic globally. As per a report of TechCrunch, Meta, the Mark Zuckerberg-owned company, plans to build a USD 10 billion subsea cable spanning the world. The project is still in its early stages, with plans laid out but no physical assets yet. According to reports, Meta is expected to share more information about the project in 2025. It will likely include details about where the cable will go and how much data it can handle. Meta Planning To Introduce Ads to Threads by Early 2025: Report. The initial plan is said to have a budget of around USD 2 billion. However, as the project develops, the amount is expected to increase, possibly exceeding USD 10 billion. The undersea cable would provide Meta with a specific path for transmitting and receiving data globally. It is said that this cable will connect the east coast of the US to India, passing through South Africa, and then return to the west coast of the United States from India via Australia. OpenAI Sued by Canadian News Companies Group Over Commercially Using Copyrighted Content Without Seeking Permission: Report. According to reports, Meta is the second-largest contributor to internet usage around the world. The various platforms owned by Meta, which have millions of users, make about 10 per cent of all fixed internet traffic and 22 per cent of all mobile internet traffic. Fibre-optic undersea cables have been an important part of communication systems for a long time. In the case of Meta's new project, it is said that the idea has being developed from the company's operations in South Africa. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 02, 2024 08:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Independent candidate Aisling Moran has expressed her disappointment in her loss in the recent election, having been eliminated on the eighth and final count. The Dail Eireann hopeful has thanked her supporters and campaign crew, and has promised to continue to disrupt the applecart as a Laois County Councillor for the Portarlington/Graiguecullen municipal district. I am very thankful to everyone who has voted for me, it was a fantastic campaign and I couldnt have asked for more, Cllr Moran said. We started at four councillors, Ben Brennan, James Kelly, Tommy Mulligan and myself. Then we grew to a team of over 75. There was great energy and positivity from the team, and from everyone on the doorsteps, she said. Pictured: Ballylinan based Independent election candidate Aisling Moran Im just disappointed that we are going back to the same old same old. Whilst people say they want change, unless they vote for it, they aint gonna get it, and I keep saying that. We are where we are now, and we just have to move on, Cllr Moran said. Im still a councillor, so I will still be disrupting the applecart. Hopefully now Ill get a bit of relaxation over the next day or two, before Im back out working again. Having previously told the Leinster Express/Laois Live of her intention to shake up the smug cosy consensus of the same old, same old,, the candidate has hinted that she may run again in the future. Yes I probably would run again, Id have to think about it, she said. It is a lot of work and a lot of stress, but I enjoyed it. I love people, and I love working with people, so we will just have to wait and see how it goes, she said. Pictured: Laois' four independent county councillors: Ben Brennan, Aisling Moran, Tommy Mulligan and James Kelly. Cllr Moran has hit out against the lack of gender equality amongst Laois elected candidates, hoping that Laois will someday elect a woman. One thing I need to say is that we have never had a female TD in Laois, and I think we are probably one of the only counties in Ireland that havent, said Cllr Moran. Thats not a great reflection on Laois, because what is the reason? I hope we arent turning into the US, where they just dont want women, she said. When a woman is put on a committee, or introduced into something, they give so much, and they give a completely different perspective. Watch below: Cllr Aisling Moran speaks with the Leinster Express / Laois Live at the count centre in Laois. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leinster Express | Laois news (@laoisnews) We have a little bit more empathy. We need men and women, but I think that Laois should really think about this. We need to start looking at voting in women. The councillor has thanked her family and friends for their fantastic support over the course of the campaign. My wife Fiona has been my rock, she took every bit of stress off me and organised the whole lot. The kids have been brilliant, Charlie, Alex and Millie, Cllr Moran said. I have had such a brilliant team, Gavin Deering, John Whelan, Aisling Kitely, Sinead Quinn, there are just so many to talk about. But a few in particular I have to mention, Marion Walsh my aunt, she came out with us every single day, and I have to say a massive thank you to her, she said. It has been a fantastic campaign and a great learning curve, well have to go from here. In the future, if you want change, youve got to vote for it, Cllr Moran finished. Newly elected Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird from Portlaoise holds the amazing record of being a public representative for 45 years, a long wait to get up the ladder to Dail Eireann. He was first elected in 1979 to a very different Ireland. The country was controlled by a Fianna Fail Government and the Catholic church, and the year is remembered for Pope John Paul II's visit, petrol shortages, industrial disputes, IRA bombings and the launch of RTE Radio 2. Deputy Aird told the Leinster Express / Laois Live why as a teenager he wanted to be a politician. "There was an election for the town commission in Portlaoise and I stood for election. I had a huge interest in politics all my life. My father had no interest so it skipped a generation and hit me. In 1927 my grandfather was the first, first time candidate and he topped the poll. Here am I in 2024, the first first time candidate to go for the Dail and top the poll too," he said. Recalling his first election, he said "it was great. We were trying to see if we were going to be elected in that photograph". He still holds the record of being the youngest ever representative elected in Laois, and has remained one his whole adult life, now aged 64. "I never knew anything else. I was only a young fella. Im a public representative all my life. I got phone calls during the election checking it with me because theres nobody left who was elected in 1979 in politics and here am I going for one of the biggest jobs you can get. "Its unbelievable. This is a dream. Like Nelson Mandela said, a dreamer never gives up. I always dreamt that someday my opportunity might come and it did, he said. He expects to make himself heard in the chambers of Dail Eireann, where he will be a smaller fish in a much bigger pond. How many times was my voice not heard in Laois County Council? I can guarantee you theyll hear me. And so will the Ceann Comhairle I can tell you that, he said. From Investment to Win-Win: Fosun's Decade-Long Journey of Globalization in Portugal HONG KONG, Dec. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Portugal, as well as the tenth year of Fosun's deep engagement in the Portuguese market. As a global innovation-driven consumer group rooted in China, Fosun has grown into the largest Chinese private enterprise with the largest investment in Portugal since entering the market in 2014. Its local ecosystem is primarily focused on insurance, banking, and healthcare, including Fidelidade (Portugal's largest insurance company), Luz Saude (one of the largest healthcare groups), and Millennium BCP (Portugal's largest listed privately-owned bank). Fosun adheres to its strategy of being "rooted in China, globally operated." Over the past decade, it has continuously expanded its investment footprint in Portugal, deepened its industry operations, and actively fulfilled its long-term commitments to the country. Fosun has not only supported the local operations of its three Portuguese enterprises but also facilitated their rapid growth into international markets, particularly in Portuguese-and-Spanish-speaking countries, making it a model of Sino-Portuguese economic cooperation. Investment Presence in Portugal In 2013, impacted by the Eurozone financial crisis, Portugal faced severe financial shortages, with an unemployment rate reaching 17%. To reduce public debt, the Portuguese government implemented a series of privatization measures. Fosun, closely monitoring overseas investment opportunities, identified a suitable opportunity during this period. In May 2014, Fosun acquired Portugal's leading insurance company, Fidelidade, for approximately ?1 billion, marking the beginning of its investment in Portugal. Later in October, with Fosun's support, Fidelidade acquired a 96% stake in Espirito Santo Saude's hospital operations for ?460 million (later renamed Luz Saude). After completing its investments in Portugal's insurance and healthcare sectors, Fosun gained market recognition for its efficient execution capabilities. Driven by a positive outlook on the Portuguese market and confidence in its global operational capabilities, Fosun acquired a 16.7% stake in Millennium BCP for ?175 million in November 2016, later increasing its stake to approximately 20%, further consolidating its influence in Portugal. Industry Operations + Ecosystem Synergy Driving Growth Fosun holds an 85% stake in Fidelidade, the leading player in Portugal's insurance market, with a market share of approximately 30%. Years of industrial investment and operations have reinforced Fosun's strengths in "insurance + investment". Leveraging its resources, Fosun has helped Fidelidade diversify its asset allocation, broadening its scope across real estate, tourism, healthcare, and consumer sectors in Portugal and Europe. This collaboration has fostered mutual growth between Fidelidade and Fosun. As of June 30, 2024, Fidelidade's gross written premiums reached ?2.808 billion, a year-on-year increase of 5.9%, with net income reaching ?104 million, up 5.3% year-on-year. Luz Saude operates 29 medical facilities, covering 75% of Portugal's population, and is the only professional medical institution in Portugal to offer Chinese-language guidance services. Fosun has supported Luz Saude in expanding its hospitals, creating nearly 1,000 jobs. Additionally, Fosun facilitated a partnership between UnionPay International and Millennium BCP, resulting in the successful issuance of Europe's first UnionPay card by a local financial institution, providing convenient services for international clients visiting Portugal. With the support of Fosun, Fidelidade, Luz Saude, and Millennium BCP have established a synergistic "insurance + healthcare + banking" ecosystem, creating significant cross-sector synergies. For instance, local families purchasing Fidelidade insurance can access premium medical services through Luz Saude and financial products through Millennium BCP. This ecosystem strategy has enabled the three companies to empower each other, expanding profit margins. Jorge M. Correia, Chairman of Fidelidade, said: "We have observed that successful companies of the future will have strong ecosystems. We have built a robust synergy between insurance, healthcare, and wealth management. This is a result of Fosun introducing its ecosystem approach, helping us access more resources and achieve growth." Actively Expanding Overseas Markets from Portugal Fidelidade's success in Portugal has demonstrated to Fosun the replicability and growth potential of its business model. Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International, stated: "Portugal boasts an open market, a favorable investment environment, and a steadily progressing government, making it one of the most important countries for Fosun's global development outside of China. There is also immense room for future growth. Fosun will further position Portugal as a critical gateway for investments in Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries, strengthening its connections with more global markets and regions." In early 2019, Fidelidade acquired a 51% stake in La Positiva, a leading insurance company in Peru, expanding its operations to Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Nicaragua. This significantly broadened its market presence in Latin America. Currently, Fidelidade ranks first in market share in Bolivia and third in Peru. In Africa, Fidelidade has actively expanded into Portuguese-speaking markets, particularly in Mozambique and Angola. This international expansion strategy has created additional growth opportunities for Fidelidade while also validating Fosun's successful globalization strategy. As of the first half of 2024, Fidelidade's operations span 13 countries across Europe, Africa, and Latin America, achieving growth in both domestic and international markets. The share of international business has continued to increase, with total gross written premiums from international markets reaching ?885 million, accounting for over 30% of the total, a significant rise from 6% in 2017. International business also contributed approximately ?51 million in net profits, representing over 40% of total profits. In September 2024, Fitch Ratings upgraded Fidelidade's Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating from "A" to "A+" and its Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from "A-" to "A", with a stable outlook. This represents the highest rating Fitch has assigned to a financial institution in Portugal. Accelerate Digital Transformation Moreover, Fosun has enhanced operational efficiency and competitiveness through digital transformation, accelerating the digital progress of its Portuguese businesses. For example, Fidelidade launched the MyFidelidade app, offering users convenient online insurance management services, including policy viewing, claims submission, information updates, and access to resources. As of June 30, 2024, the app had over 1.6 million registered users, accounting for more than 15% of Portugal's total population, with digital channel sales increasing by 16% year-on-year. Luz Saude provides the MyLuz digital platform for patients, enabling them to access medical records, billing, payments, and appointments for both in-person and virtual consultations. In 2023, nearly 2 million telemedicine consultations were conducted, with severe cases accounting for 41% of the total. Millennium BCP offers robust online and mobile banking services, allowing customers to manage accounts, conduct transactions, and access financial products anytime. In 2023, BCP achieved a record consolidated net profit of ?856 million, a more than fourfold year-on-year increase, underscoring the positive impact of digitalization on financial performance. Innovation and Responsibility Go Hand in Hand Fosun always adheres to the original aspiration of "Self-improvement, Teamwork, Performance and Contribution to Society", which aligns seamlessly with Fidelidade's focus on individual and family well-being and its commitment to "business for good". In early 2016, under the principle of "Innovation and People-oriented Development", Fosun Foundation, in collaboration with Fidelidade and Luz Saude, launched the sustainable innovation project "Protechting Global Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition". The name "Protechting" is derived from the words "Protection" and "Technology", aiming to support young people in the "Internet+" era in realizing their entrepreneurial dreams. The initiative encourages youth to deeply integrate the internet with health, medical care, insurance, and ESG fields, inspiring new ideas and leveraging innovation to enhance quality of life. In 2017, the Protechting Global Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub was established in Macau, further promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among young people in Hong Kong and Macau. Since 2018, the Protechting competition has developed over 40 pilot projects and achieved 5 commercial collaborations. To date, the Protechting competition has been held seven times, consistently focusing on entrepreneurial-minded young innovators. It connects with outstanding companies between China and abroad, providing a platform for young entrepreneurs to learn and exchange ideas. Experts in management, marketing, investment, and technology are invited to offer professional guidance to participants. In May this year, the top three teams from Protechting 6.0 were invited to China for visits, exchanges, and roadshows, showcasing the creativity and energy of Europe's young innovators while seeking more business collaboration opportunities in China. Protechting has had a significant impact on fostering innovation at Fosun, while also promoting cross-cultural exchange in various fields, particularly in innovation. In addition, the annual Fidelidade Community Award allocates ?750,000 each year to support the social inclusion of people with disabilities, promote healthy living, and care for the elderly. Its impact on the Portuguese community continues to grow. Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International, said: "Fosun's vision of globalization is not limited to a 'two-way exchange' between the world and China. It also extends to the endogenous growth of ecosystem enterprises both at home and abroad, encouraging them to actively expand beyond their local markets within their respective fields." "Fosun's 'global organization + local operations' model has evolved into a unique and valuable capability. Portugal serves as our gateway to investing in Europe and as a key entry point for other Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries. Fidelidade exemplifies the success of Fosun's globalization strategy." Reflecting on a decade of investment in Portugal, Fosun has worked hand-in-hand with local companies, achieving sustained growth while creating long-term value for the local market. Looking ahead, Fosun aims to focus on developing enterprises where it has already established advantages, with innovation and globalization as core engines, to build sustainable, predictable, and steadily profitable enterprises. SOURCE Fosun 1 december 2024 at 20:30 News published onand distributed by: Neo Medical's Spine Care Platform Fully Approved Under EU Medical Device Regulation Directive Neo Medical SA (Neo), a Swiss technology company specializing in spine surgery, today announced the approval of its entire product portfolio under the European Union's (EU) Medical Device Regulation (MDR) EU 2017/745, confirming compliance with the world's highest quality control standards for medical devices. Certification allows Neo to continue supporting customers across all markets, delivering and innovating solutions that seek to improve the long-term outcomes of surgical spine care without interruption. "Full MDR certification is an important milestone in Neo's history. From the outset, we committed to a program of long-term clinical evaluation. MDR certification acknowledges the strength and validity of our life-cycle approach to safety, using data to evaluate and guide every step we take," said Vincent Lefauconnier, Neo's co-founder and CEO. "The new standards represent a huge step up in stringency for EU medical device certification processes. The tighter oversight has led some manufacturers to reconsider their commercialization strategy in Europe, with 70% of companies manufacturing surgical instruments withdrawing individual products from the EU market.1 There will be no such impact on our portfolio, and this moment represents a huge opportunity to expand and accelerate our market reach and show our full commitment to our home market." Introduced in 2017, MDR aims to create a transparent and sustainable regulatory framework, modernizing the EU regulatory system to better address current market needs and reflect the improved capabilities and potential of new technologies. The new regulation places even greater emphasis on safety, risk management, and whole-lifecycle oversight for medical devices than the Medical Device Directive (MDD) it replaces. For Class III and Class IIb implantable devices, MDD certification is set to be replaced by MDR at the end of December 2027, and by the end of December 2028 for all other devices. "MDR approval secures Neo's ongoing European and global market access, providing a stable foundation for commercial growth and our exciting program of technological development. Ensuring that each and every one of our spine surgery products will be available to all users beyond the 2027 and 2028 deadlines, certification reaffirms our absolute commitment to patient safety and product quality," added Mr. Lefauconnier. Compliance with the MDR requires manufacturers to focus on three overall components to market a medical device in the EU. Quality management system (QMS): Medical devices must be developed with an appropriate QMS in place, ensuring the device meets its stated purpose through strict controls around design, manufacturing, and post-market, life-cycle oversight. Medical devices must be developed with an appropriate QMS in place, ensuring the device meets its stated purpose through strict controls around design, manufacturing, and post-market, life-cycle oversight. Clinical evidence : Clinical evidence requirements are higher for MDR approval than they were in the MDD. Manufacturers must demonstrate the safety and efficacy of their devices with a risk/benefit analysis based on clinical evidence gathered on the devices under approval. : Clinical evidence requirements are higher for MDR approval than they were in the MDD. Manufacturers must demonstrate the safety and efficacy of their devices with a risk/benefit analysis based on clinical evidence gathered on the devices under approval. Regulatory systems and process: Compared to the MDD, the MDR requires more extensive quality control processes and in-depth scrutiny of the technical documentation supporting a full, new conformity assessment process from MDR Notified Bodies, including post-market clinical performance reports, regulated risk management processes, technical documentation, and more. About Neo Medical Neo Medical is a Swiss company combining the latest advances in biomechanics and intraoperative augmented reality to set new standards in spine fusion surgery. Uniquely designed to support treatment of any operable thoracolumbar condition in a single procedural platform, the company's portfolio seamlessly integrates proprietary force control technologies with first-of-its kind, intraoperative, AI-driven augmented reality data capabilities to improve patient outcomes, reduce environmental impacts, and lower healthcare-associated costs. Coupling its technologies with a ?SmartService' distribution model, Neo Medical's services optimize processes in and out of the OR, enhancing operational efficiency at every stage of the perioperative process, and contributing to a more sustainable healthcare system. With a strong European presence and proven leadership, the Company is rapidly expanding in the U.S. and elsewhere around the globe. Based near Lausanne, Switzerland, Neo Medical has operating subsidiaries in the US, Spain, France, and Germany. In addition to the lead investor Gyrus, its shareholding base includes institutional players such as Swisscom Ventures, Verve Ventures, 4FO, and Credit Suisse Entrepreneur Capital. To learn more, please visit www.neo-medical.com. References available here. 2 december 2024 at 02:05 News published onand distributed by: Power Up Your Future: Sungrow Sets the Vision for the Future of Energy Storage in Italy MILAN, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow successfully hosted its Power Up Your Future ESS Experience Day in Milan (21st of November), gathering over 200 esteemed participants from across Italy's and Europe's energy landscape. The event that took place in an area that in the past was devoted to electric energy productions, machineries and components and today stands as an icon of renovation and design, confirmed Sungrow's unwavering commitment to innovation and its role as a leader in advancing energy storage solutions to support Italy's ambitious renewable energy goals. As Mr. Lewis Jindong Li, President of Sungrow Europe stated in his opening speech, "We have always recognized Europe as a key player in the global energy transition. We are proud to introduce our innovative liquid-cooled energy storage solutions in Italy, and provide an opportunity to foster collaboration among thought leaders and industry experts who are at the forefront of the energy transition." The discussions centered around the challenges and solutions associated with deploying Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Italy, a nation striving to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. With a target of 30% renewable energy in total consumption by 2030, Italy has made significant strides in reducing natural gas dependency and accelerating renewable adoption. However, ensuring grid stability and optimizing renewable energy output remain critical challenges -- ones that BESS solutions are uniquely poised to address. The importance of ESS for Italy's grid was highlighted by Mr. Fabio Zanellini, President of the Technical Commission of ANIE, while it was mentioned during the event by Dr. Cai Zhuang, General Manager, Product Center of Energy Storage BU at Sungrow, Italy is expected to have the biggest share in new BESS in Europe in the 2024-2028 period, with 7.7GWh which account for over 30% of the total estimated new installations in the region*. Exploring BESS Trends and Innovations The event featured insightful presentations and panels with policymakers, academic leaders, and industry experts, who shared their perspectives on energy storage trends, case studies, and the role of innovative solutions like Sungrow's PowerStack 200CS for commercial & industrial projects and PowerTitan 2.0 for utility-scale applications. Both solutions are designed to enhance grid stability, maximize renewable energy utilization, and reduce operating costs, aligning seamlessly with Italy's evolving energy needs. At the same time the unwavering commitment of Sungrow to the utmost levels of safety, was demonstrated through the insights from the recent Burn Tests of the PowerTitan 2.0 that Sungrow successfully performed under completed under the oversight of DNV (Det Norske Veritas) experts. Setting the technological Benchmark Utilizing its cutting-edge liquid-cooled technology, Sungrow's latest BESS, the PowerTitan 2.0 and the PowerStack 200CS were showcased for the first time in Italy. The attendees had the opportunity to discover these innovative products in person. The PowerTitan 2.0, ideal for large-scale projects, offers unparalleled grid-forming capabilities, improving the stability and resilience of electrical grids, while its scalability, low footprint and high energy efficiency make it perfect for long-term energy storage. On the other hand, the PowerStack 200CS is tailored for C&I use, focusing on reducing operational costs, optimizing energy consumption, and enabling seamless renewable energy integration for businesses. Together, these systems represent Sungrow's commitment to sustainable energy solutions, offering reliability, performance, and flexibility in addressing the dynamic challenges of the modern energy landscape. Bridge to a Sustainable Future Sungrow's event also underscored its dedication to empowering its partners with best-in-class technologies and services that enable a cleaner, more sustainable future. Under this scope, the event hosted very interesting case studies, such as the one presented by Mr. Richard Thwaites, CEO of Penso Power. Penso Power along with BW ESS have recently constructed the impressive 100MW / 331MWh Bramley Battery Storage Project, in the UK, for which the first delivery of the PowerTitan 2.0 in Europe took place. On the C&I side, Glayx Srl provided a detailed view of the sector, with Mr. Francesco Del Medico, CEO and Business Development Manager of the company, presenting an insightful speech on the challenges and opportunities of the BESS for C&I projects. Partnerships are a key point for the development of successful ESS projects that are sustainable from a technical, environmental and financial point of view. According to Ms. Vittoria Gratarola, Product Manager at Sungrow Italy, "to reach a successful execution of ESS projects is dependent from a comprehensive management of a number of factors, that involve not just the design and delivery of the system, but also a careful oversight of all stages of the project lifecycle, from planning and installation to operation, maintenance, and long-term optimization. It is essential to fully understand that an Energy Storage System is much more than a battery and the comprehensive management is what makes an ESS project successful." With the success of the Power Up Your Future ESS Experience Day in Milan, Sungrow reaffirmed its role as a trusted partner in Italy's energy transition, laying the groundwork for future collaborations that will shape the country's journey toward a greener and more sustainable energy landscape. *Data from SolarPower Europe 2024. About Sungrow Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 27 years. As of June 2024, Sungrow has installed 605 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world's No. 1 on PV inverter shipments (S&P Global Commodity Insights) and the most bankable Asian energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects in over 170 countries, supported by a network of 490 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit www.sungrowpower.com. Contact: Mina Zhang [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2570559/image.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344575/Logo.jpg 2 december 2024 at 02:51 News published onand distributed by: Countertop Workers Exposed to Serious Lung Disease CHICAGO, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Durable and attractive, engineered stone countertops are a popular feature in modern American kitchens, but the workers who build them are risking their health. A growing number of these countertop workers are developing silicosis, a serious and long-term lung disease, according to a study being presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). "This is a new and emerging epidemic, and we must increase awareness of this disease process so we can avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment for our patients," said the study's lead author Sundus Lateef, M.D., diagnostic radiology resident at the University of California in Los Angeles. Silicosis is caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust produced in construction, coal mining and other industries. The prognosis is poor, with gradually worsening lung function leading to respiratory failure. The disease also makes patients more vulnerable to infection in the lungs, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, autoimmune disease and lung cancer. In recent years, a resurgence of silicosis has been reported in engineered countertop workers. Engineered stone countertops are made from quartz aggregate held together with a resin binder. They contain substantially more crystalline silica than natural stone versions. Workers who cut, shape, grind and polish these countertops may be exposed to significant amounts of silica dust. For the study, Dr. Lateef and colleagues studied the imaging features of silicosis at a large urban safety-net hospital outside of Los Angeles with few historic cases of the disease. The study group included 55 engineered stone countertop workers diagnosed with silicosis using available CT and pulmonary function tests. In a preliminary analysis of 21 workers, 100% were male and Hispanic with median age of 43 years and a median exposure of 18 years. All patients were symptomatic. Patients commonly had atypical and advanced features of silicosis. Shortness of breath and cough were the most common symptoms. Primary clinicians recognized silicosis at the initial encounter in only four of 21 cases (19%), while radiologists recognized it in seven of 21 cases (33%). Alternative diagnoses, such as infection, were initially suggested in most cases. Nearly half of the patients (48%) had atypical imaging features. "Silicosis may present with atypical features that may catch radiologists off guard in practice regions where silicosis is not traditionally diagnosed, which can lead to delays in diagnosis," Dr. Lateef said. The results highlight a need for more awareness and better recognition of imaging features associated with silicosis. "These new cases of silicosis demonstrate radiology findings different from the historical disease, and doctors may not be aware of the diagnosis when they see these images," Dr. Lateef said. Silicosis is preventable with workplace safety measures such as proper ventilation, wet cutting and sanding, and respiratory protection. However, research has shown that more than half of California workplaces exceed the maximum permissible exposure limit to silica dust during workplace inspections. Exacerbating the problem is the fact that many workers are Spanish-speaking Latino immigrants who are vulnerable to unsafe workplace conditions. "There is a critical lack of recognition of exposure and screening for workers in the engineered stone manufacturing industry," Dr. Lateef said. "There needs to be a push for earlier screening and advocacy for this vulnerable population, which in our case were Spanish-speaking immigrant workers." As part of an effort to improve screening and advocacy for workers, Dr. Lateef and colleagues are working on the ongoing California Artificial Stone and Silicosis (CASS) Project. The project aims to promote respiratory health among vulnerable workers in the state's countertop fabrication industry. Co-authors are Andrea Oh, M.D., Jonathan Hero Chung, M.D., Jane Fazio, M.D., Nader Kamangar, M.D., M.S., Sheiphali Gandhi, M.D., M.P.H., Robert J. Tallaksen, M.D., and Karoly Viragh, M.D. Note: Copies of RSNA 2024 news releases and electronic images will be available online at RSNA.org/press24. RSNA is an association of radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists promoting excellence in patient care and health care delivery through education, research and technologic innovation. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Illinois. (RSNA.org) For patient-friendly information on chest CT, visit RadiologyInfo.org. SOURCE Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2 december 2024 at 05:00 News published onand distributed by: The LYCRA Company Previews Bio-Derived LYCRA EcoMade Fiber at ISPO The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, announced today that it is promoting its bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber at ISPO, December 3 to 5. The company is showcasing samples featuring the renewable elastane in Hall A3, Stand 101, and offering visitors a fully immersive VR experience to learn about the product. It will also be featured in the Sustainability Hub (Hall A2) and is the subject of a presentation. Bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber won two ISPO Textrends Awards for Fall/Winter 2026/27. In the fibers and insulation category, this renewable elastane won a "Top 5 Award," and a garment made with the same fabric was recognized as a "Selection" in the pants & tights category. The Brazilian activewear and swimwear brand LIVE! produced the fabric and leggings using preview samples of this highly anticipated fiber. Launching in 2025, bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber will be the world's first large-scale commercially available renewable elastane. The award-winning product previewed at ISPO contains 70 percent renewable content and is certified under the USDA Bio-Preferred Program. The fiber delivers equivalent performance to the original LYCRA fiber, and no re-engineering of fabrics, processes, or garment patterns is required. "We believe bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber represents an exciting future where we can make real, transformative change in the industry without sacrificing performance," said Steve Stewart, The LYCRA Company's chief brand and innovation officer. "We are thrilled to receive this recognition from ISPO and applaud our customer LIVE! for creating the award-winning fabric and garment." The LIVE! brand is renowned for its high-quality, sustainable apparel, and its UpFit Capsule Collection includes the ISPO award-winning leggings, Bermuda-length leggings, a top, and a jumpsuit. These garments made with bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber provide exceptional comfort, fit, and flexibility with the added benefit of being a more sustainable fiber. "At LIVE!, we believe the future of fashion must balance innovation with environmental responsibility," said Joice Sens, founder and creative director at LIVE!. "This collection embodies the spirit of LIVE! FUTURE, our sustainable innovation lab, and highlights the importance of partnerships like this one with the LYCRA brand, enabling us to develop products that combine cutting-edge technology with reduced impact." Steve Stewart is presenting "All In: The Power of Partnership" on ISPO's Green Stage on December 4 at 16:00 CET. His presentation details how collaboration has been critical to commercializing bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber and bringing it to market. Visit The LYCRA Company's ISPO Event Page for show information and to discover the range of sustainable solutions fueling its exhibit: COOLMAX and THERMOLITE EcoMade fibers made from textile waste, and LYCRA FiT400tm fiber designed for circularity, are made with the planet in mind. To learn more about bio-derived LYCRA EcoMade fiber, visit this webpage for product information. About The LYCRA Company The LYCRA Company is a leading global fiber and technology solutions provider to the apparel and personal care industries committed to offering sustainable products using renewable, pre-, and post-consumer recycled ingredients that reduce waste and help set the stage for circularity. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, United States, it owns the LYCRA, LYCRA HyFit, LYCRA T400, COOLMAX, THERMOLITE, ELASPAN, SUPPLEX and TACTEL brands. The LYCRA Company adds value to its customers' products by offering unique innovations that meet the consumer's need for comfort and lasting performance. Learn more at lycra.com. LYCRA, COOLMAX and THERMOLITE are trademarks of The LYCRA Company. 2 december 2024 at 05:05 News published onand distributed by: Global Times: White paper outlines China's rural road devt, achievements in new era BEIJING, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- China's State Council Information Office on Friday released a white paper titled "China's Rural Roads in the New Era" to outline the achievements and vision of rural road development in the new era and to share China's experience. In terms of general achievement, the white paper said that by the end of 2023, the total length of rural roads reached 4.6 million kilometers, an increase of 21.7 percent over 2013, enough to circle the equator 115 times. So far, the country has put in place a rural transport infrastructure network in which county roads connect rural and urban areas, township roads crisscross, and village roads facilitate travel between households and farmland, the white paper said. Paved roads totaled 4.22 million kilometers and accounted for 91.8 percent of total rural roads, representing an increase of 27.2 percentage points over the past decade. The white paper also highlighted increasing accessibility in rural areas, citing the statistic that paved roads have been built in about 30,000 towns and townships and over 500,000 administrative villages. Since 2014, more than 1.4 million km of rural roads have been built or upgraded in previously poor areas, all towns, townships and administrative villages where conditions allow had been connected to paved roads by 2019, and all such villages had been connected to bus services by 2020, the white paper noted. Experts said that China's achievements in rural roads and poverty reduction highlight the country's people-centered development philosophy. Meanwhile, China has actively shared its experience with other developing countries and helped them improve their infrastructure, making significant contributions to sustainable development on a global scale. People-centered approaches China's people-centered approaches were highlighted in the white paper, with the word "people" appearing more than 50 times in the 39-page English version of the white paper. Better transport has cleared bottlenecks that had long held back economic and social development in poor areas, and has laid a solid foundation for rural people to realize moderate prosperity in all respects, it said. Li Guoxiang, a researcher from the Rural Development Institute, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that rural road construction is one of the most outstanding achievements of the government in the development of rural areas, and it is one of the measures that farmers are the most satisfied with. He said that rural roads have played an irreplaceable role in solving overall poverty in some parts of China. After the construction of unimpeded rural roads, the connection between rural areas and the outside world, and the endogenous driving force of rural development will continue to increase, otherwise, most of the government's poverty alleviation measures will be no more than short-term relief. "To get rich, build roads first", this is the truth recognized by the central government and farmers, said Su Wei, a professor from the Party School of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee. Road building is a basic, guiding and backbone project for poverty alleviation. Without rural roads, it would have been difficult for China to achieve its goal of eliminating extreme poverty, said Su. In addition to poverty alleviation, Su said road building is also a prerequisite for rural revitalization and integrated urban-rural development. According to Su, the accessibility of rural roads is one of the most important factors for rural people to get out of isolation and move toward modernization. With the development of the transportation network, various materials, information and funds can enter the countryside more smoothly, and farmers can also have more access to better education, medical care and other social resources, which plays a basic role in their integration into modern society. In advancing rural revitalization across the board, the government continues to integrate rural roads into the overall economic development of rural areas, by supporting modernization of rural industries, boosting rural tourism and making efficient use of distinctive resources in rural areas, according to the white paper. According to the white paper, the steady development of transport facilities in rural areas has attracted more capital, projects and talent to the countryside, creating more job opportunities and broadening the avenues for income growth. China has built paved roads in rural tourist destinations, industrial parks, sources of resources and minerals, and other points of economic growth, which has made travel in remote areas and particularly in mountainous areas more convenient, reads the document. In May this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for unremitting efforts to upgrade rural roads to facilitate rural development. He ordered that rural roads be built well, managed well, maintained well and used well. For this reason, these roads have become known as "Four-Wells Rural Roads." Currently, rural road construction projects provide work for about 80,000 people, enabling an annual average per capita income increase of around 8,500 yuan (about $1,182.57), the white paper noted. Rural road management and maintenance provide about 850,000 jobs, offering an annual average per capita income of approximately 13,000 yuan, it said. Shared experience The white paper also noted that China has shared its development experience and helped construct rural road infrastructure in other developing countries over the years, contributing substantially to poverty reduction, people's wellbeing and sustainable global development. These efforts include providing technical standards for highway engineering suited to different national conditions. China's highway standards have been applied in hundreds of projects in dozens of countries around the world, including Indonesia's Surabaya-Madura Bridge Project and Mozambique's Maputo-Katembe Bridge Project, according to the white paper. China has also played an active role in building new platforms and mechanisms for global transport cooperation and in promoting knowledge and experience sharing. For instance, it has established the Global Sustainable Transport Innovation and Knowledge Center as a platform for cooperation and exchanges and for sharing China's experience in rural road development with the international community, the white paper said. China has also shared its experience through international training sessions. The country has held 28 such sessions, including a program on road design and management in Botswana, and an advanced training program on highway engineering for countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, the white paper said. Additionally, China has also provided aid and assistance to several rural road infrastructure projects in other developing countries. Since 2018, China has supported 24 developing countries including Cambodia, Serbia, Rwanda, Namibia, Vanuatu and Niger in highway and bridge construction and maintenance, helping them improve their transport infrastructure, according to the white paper. "What makes China's approach special is that we have taken rural road construction as a prerequisite for poverty alleviation and rural development," said Li, "and this exemplary role and successful experience was seen by other developing countries." China's ability in building and maintaining roads in areas with complex terrain is even stronger than those of some developed countries, Li said, noting that China's concept of community with a shared future for mankind makes it generous in helping other developing countries to step out of poverty by using China's experience. Su said China's ability to mobilize all kinds of resources at the grassroots level may be its unique advantage, but China's concept of putting people first and forming synergy between the government and the market is something other developing countries can learn from. SOURCE Global Times 2 december 2024 at 05:35 News published onand distributed by: NEW FOUND INTERSECTS 455 G/T AU OVER 4.1M, 148 G/T AU OVER 7.0M AND 58.6 G/T AU OVER 11.6M AT KEATS WITH PHASE II TRENCH CHANNEL SAMPLES VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 2, 2024 /CNW/ - New Found Gold Corp. ("New Found" or the "Company") (TSXV: NFG) (NYSE-A: NFGC) is pleased to announce the results of the second phase of channel samples from the Keats Trench and an update on the Iceberg Trench at the Queensway Project ("Queensway"), located on the Trans-Canada Highway 15km west of Gander, Newfoundland. Keats Trench Phase II Highlights: Channel No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) True Width (%) Zone KM-24-01-32 1.75 8.90 7.15 14.78 85-95 Keats Trench Including 2.65 3.35 0.70 126.01 85-95 KM-24-01-35 0.00 3.90 3.90 10.37 80-90 Keats Trench Including 0.00 1.30 1.30 14.23 80-90 Including 3.35 3.90 0.55 22.49 80-90 KM-24-01-37 0.00 2.00 2.00 39.57 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.00 0.50 0.50 157.75 90-100 KM-24-01-39 0.00 2.80 2.80 11.53 90-100 Keats Trench Including 1.60 2.10 0.50 50.49 90-100 KM-24-01-43 5.90 10.55 4.65 10.25 75-85 Keats Trench Including 7.60 9.00 1.40 32.10 75-85 KM-24-01-45 0.00 4.95 4.95 73.63 85-95 Keats Trench Including 0.00 2.25 2.25 158.74 90-100 KM-24-01-47 0.80 3.10 2.30 26.85 90-100 Keats Trench Including 1.55 2.05 0.50 115.51 90-100 KM-24-01-48 0.75 5.60 4.85 12.19 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.75 1.55 0.80 64.37 90-100 KM-24-01-49 0.90 13.60 12.70 6.00 90-100 Keats Trench Including 1.30 1.85 0.55 111.22 90-100 KM-24-01-50 0.00 2.35 2.35 54.25 85-95 Keats Trench Including 0.55 1.60 1.05 120.76 85-95 KM-24-01-53 0.00 6.95 6.95 147.98 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.00 3.60 3.60 267.38 90-100 And Including 1.70 2.85 1.15 720.35 90-100 Including 6.30 6.95 0.65 93.66 90-100 KM-24-01-54 0.00 2.80 2.80 192.00 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.65 2.80 2.15 249.13 90-100 KM-24-01-55 0.30 3.15 2.85 220.67 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.30 0.95 0.65 139.73 90-100 Including 1.70 3.15 1.45 368.83 90-100 And Including 1.70 2.30 0.60 587.00 90-100 KM-24-01-56 0.00 2.85 2.85 330.71 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.00 2.25 2.25 418.12 90-100 And Including 0.50 1.10 0.60 1300.00 90-100 KM-24-01-57 1.65 12.95 11.30 2.44 85-95 Keats Trench KM-24-01-59 1.00 12.55 11.55 58.62 80-90 Keats Trench Including 2.80 3.53 0.73 258.82 80-90 Including 6.63 7.48 0.85 400.00 35-45 Including 10.05 10.75 0.70 119.32 90-100 Including 11.40 11.90 0.50 53.15 75-85 KM-24-01-60 0.00 14.20 14.20 22.09 80-90 Keats Trench Including 8.40 12.20 3.80 70.86 80-90 KM-24-01-61 1.20 18.35 17.15 9.81 75-85 Keats Trench Including 11.85 15.80 3.95 38.42 90-100 KM-24-01-62* 0.00 2.40 2.40 27.61 80-90 Keats Trench KM-24-01-63 0.00 14.55 14.55 36.63 65-75 Keats Trench Including 3.90 4.55 0.65 26.45 80-90 Including 6.40 8.20 1.80 266.21 50-60 And Including 7.30 8.20 0.90 509.00 50-60 KM-24-01-64* 0.60 4.65 4.05 455.33 55-65 Keats Trench And Including 1.85 2.80 0.95 1494.00 55-65 KM-24-01-65 0.00 5.81 5.81 16.77 70-80 Keats Trench Including 0.93 2.72 1.79 39.34 70-80 Including 4.72 5.43 0.71 10.09 70-80 KM-24-01-66 1.50 5.53 4.03 136.85 60-70 Keats Trench Including 2.35 5.53 3.18 172.49 60-70 KM-24-01-68* 0.00 4.40 4.40 83.10 50-60 Keats Trench Table 1: Keats Trench Channel Sample Highlights Infill veining in secondary structures with multiple orientations crosscutting the primary host structures are commonly observed which could result in additional uncertainty in true width. Undulations in the bedrock surface could also result in additional uncertainty in true width. Composite intervals reported carry a minimum weighted average of 1 g/t Au diluted over a minimum channel length of 2m with a maximum of 4m consecutive dilution. Included high-grade intercepts are reported as any consecutive interval with grades greater than 10 g/t Au. Grades have not been capped in the averaging and intervals are reported as channel length. * Full composite composed of samples greater than 10 g/t Au, no Including interval inserted. The Phase II channel sampling program at Keats was designed to increase sample density along high-grade veins to determine grade variability and assess vein domains oblique to the Phase I ( September 23, 2024 ) systematic channel sampling grid. ) systematic channel sampling grid. The channel sampling results have demonstrated good continuity of high-grade gold mineralization across 77m of strike on the East-West Vein (" EW Vein ") and 60m of strike on the Keats Main Vein (Figures 2 and 3). of strike on the East-West Vein (" ") and of strike on the Keats Main Vein (Figures 2 and 3). These veins form principal components of the Keats Zone and are associated with the Keats-Baseline Fault Zone (" KBFZ "). They extend well beyond what is exposed in the Keats Trench both along strike and to depth and are also found in association with other high-grade vein arrays that host significant gold mineralization at Keats. "). They extend well beyond what is exposed in the Keats Trench both along strike and to depth and are also found in association with other high-grade vein arrays that host significant gold mineralization at Keats. The Keats Main Vein has been drill defined over 520m of strike with an average down-dip extent of 200m and ranges in true width from 1- 4m . The EW Vein has been structurally stacked and forms a series of at least five high-grade vein panels that range in strike length from 20- 90m and are drill defined to depths of 120m , with true widths ranging from 1- 5m . of strike with an average down-dip extent of and ranges in true width from 1- . The EW Vein has been structurally stacked and forms a series of at least five high-grade vein panels that range in strike length from 20- and are drill defined to depths of , with true widths ranging from 1- . EW Vein highlights from Phase II include 455 g/t Au over 4.05m in KM-24-01-64, 137 g/t Au over 4.03m in KM-24-01-66, 331 g/t Au over 2.85m in KM-24-01-56, and 221 g/t Au over 2.85m in KM-24-01-55. These infill intervals compare well with the along strike Phase I channel samples and nearby drilling. In areas with increased vein complexity, intervals can be upwards of 10m wide as demonstrated by the following Phase II highlights of 58.6 g/t Au over 11.55m in KM-24-01-59, 22.1 g/t Au over 14.20m in KM-24-01-60, and 36.6 g/t Au over 14.55m in KM- 24-01-63 and results from Phase I. in KM-24-01-64, 137 g/t Au over in KM-24-01-66, 331 g/t Au over in KM-24-01-56, and 221 g/t Au over in KM-24-01-55. These infill intervals compare well with the along strike Phase I channel samples and nearby drilling. In areas with increased vein complexity, intervals can be upwards of wide as demonstrated by the following Phase II highlights of 58.6 g/t Au over in KM-24-01-59, 22.1 g/t Au over in KM-24-01-60, and 36.6 g/t Au over in KM- and results from Phase I. Keats Main Vein highlights from Phase II include 73.6 g/t Au over 4.95m in KM-24-01-45, 54.3 g/t Au over 2.35m in KM-24-01-50, and 26.9 g/t Au over 2.30m in KM-24-01-47. These infill results are typical widths and grades of this segment of the exposed Keats Main Vein and demonstrate good continuity comparing well with the along strike Phase I channel samples and neighbouring drilling. in KM-24-01-45, 54.3 g/t Au over in KM-24-01-50, and 26.9 g/t Au over in KM-24-01-47. These infill results are typical widths and grades of this segment of the exposed Keats Main Vein and demonstrate good continuity comparing well with the along strike Phase I channel samples and neighbouring drilling. The Keats Trench exposed a 200m by 70m wide area, roughly corresponding to the surface expression of a portion of the Keats Main Zone, previously obscured by overburden. by wide area, roughly corresponding to the surface expression of a portion of the Keats Main Zone, previously obscured by overburden. The Phase II channel sampling program consisted of 41-lines with a total sampled length of 305m consisting of 455 individual samples. The Keats Trench Phase I channel sampling program was completed across the entire bedrock surface in the trench and consisted of a 27-line sampling grid spaced 7.5m apart, covering a total length of 1,782m that includes 2200 individual samples. Iceberg Trench Update: A surface trench at the Iceberg Zone was announced on July 3, 2024 , to excavate between 1-12 metres of overburden that covers the projection of the Iceberg Zone at the bedrock surface, exposing 220m of strike length over a 105m wide area (Figure 4). , to excavate between 1-12 metres of overburden that covers the projection of the Iceberg Zone at the bedrock surface, exposing of strike length over a wide area (Figure 4). Excavation and preliminary geological mapping of the Iceberg Trench is now complete exposing a continuous 220m long segment of the Iceberg Zone. The exposed mineralization in the Iceberg Trench shows a continuous linear fault segment containing broad quartz veins with near perfect correlation to the Company's drill defined geological model (Figures 4 and 5). long segment of the Iceberg Zone. The exposed mineralization in the Iceberg Trench shows a continuous linear fault segment containing broad quartz veins with near perfect correlation to the Company's drill defined geological model (Figures 4 and 5). The Company intends to conduct systematic channel sampling to assess the grade distribution of the Iceberg Trench in 2025. Greg Matheson, COO of New Found, stated: "Channel sampling of the Keats Trench has given us greater confidence in the grade distribution of both very high-grade vein domains and secondary structural orientations that may have been missed through drilling alone. The Phase I program successfully defined broad zones of high-grade mineralization along with many geological insights. The Phase II sampling program has given us a considerable amount of data for understanding grade variability and clearly demonstrates good continuity of high-grade gold both in the EW and Keats Main Vein domains in addition to other secondary vein zones within the KBFZ. This detailed assessment of variability is extremely important when dealing with coarse gold systems like we have at Keats and elsewhere at the Queensway Project. The information gained from the Keats Trench will also support the initial mineral resource estimate the Company has scheduled for Q2 2025 (November 6, 2024). "The Iceberg Zone was another blind discovery at the project and until recently only defined through drilling alone. It's truly impressive to see the accuracy of the drill defined model and the continuous nature of the Iceberg Zone along the entire 220m excavated interval. Similar to Keats, we will aim to channel sample the zone at a much higher density than has been tested through drilling and build a detailed assessment of grade distribution at Iceberg." Channel Details Channel No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) True Width (%) Zone KM-24-01-28 0.45 3.30 2.85 5.39 90-100 Keats Trench Including 2.00 2.45 0.45 30.82 90-100 KM-24-01-29 0.00 2.25 2.25 2.22 90-100 Keats Trench KM-24-01-30 No Significant Values Keats Trench KM-24-01-31 No Significant Values Keats Trench KM-24-01-32 1.75 8.90 7.15 14.78 85-95 Keats Trench Including 2.65 3.35 0.70 126.01 85-95 KM-24-01-33 0.90 5.35 4.45 1.24 85-95 Keats Trench KM-24-01-34 0.00 2.00 2.00 1.03 90-100 Keats Trench KM-24-01-35 0.00 3.90 3.90 10.37 80-90 Keats Trench Including 0.00 1.30 1.30 14.23 80-90 Including 3.35 3.90 0.55 22.49 80-90 KM-24-01-36 No Significant Values Keats Trench KM-24-01-37 0.00 2.00 2.00 39.57 90-100 Keats Trench KM-24-01-37 0.00 0.95 0.95 83.32 90-100 Including 0.00 0.50 0.50 157.75 90-100 KM-24-01-38 No Significant Values Keats Trench KM-24-01-39 0.00 2.80 2.80 11.53 90-100 Keats Trench Including 1.60 2.10 0.50 50.49 90-100 KM-24-01-40 1.67 7.57 5.90 8.67 45-55 Keats Trench Including 2.15 2.90 0.75 31.46 75-85 Including 6.60 7.57 0.97 23.92 45-55 KM-24-01-41 0.40 8.05 7.65 2.86 55-65 Keats Trench Including 6.40 7.20 0.80 12.06 55-65 KM-24-01-42 0.00 2.67 2.67 5.17 85-95 Keats Trench Including 1.28 1.84 0.56 21.04 85-95 KM-24-01-43 5.90 10.55 4.65 10.25 75-85 Keats Trench Including 7.60 9.00 1.40 32.10 75-85 And 15.25 17.70 2.45 2.79 75-85 KM-24-01-44 0.00 2.25 2.25 2.22 90-100 Keats Trench KM-24-01-45 0.00 4.95 4.95 73.63 85-95 Keats Trench Including 0.00 2.25 2.25 158.74 90-100 KM-24-01-46 1.20 3.35 2.15 7.07 90-100 Keats Trench Including 2.05 2.70 0.65 20.69 90-100 KM-24-01-47 0.80 3.10 2.30 26.85 90-100 Keats Trench Including 1.55 2.05 0.50 115.51 90-100 KM-24-01-48 0.75 5.60 4.85 12.19 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.75 1.55 0.80 64.37 90-100 KM-24-01-49 0.90 13.60 12.70 6.00 90-100 Keats Trench Including 1.30 1.85 0.55 111.22 90-100 KM-24-01-50 0.00 2.35 2.35 54.25 85-95 Keats Trench Including 0.55 1.60 1.05 120.76 85-95 KM-24-01-51 No Significant Values Keats Trench KM-24-01-52 No Significant Values Keats Trench KM-24-01-53 0.00 6.95 6.95 147.98 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.00 3.60 3.60 267.38 90-100 And Including 1.70 2.85 1.15 720.35 90-100 Including 6.30 6.95 0.65 93.66 90-100 KM-24-01-54 0.00 2.80 2.80 192.00 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.65 2.80 2.15 249.13 90-100 KM-24-01-55 0.30 3.15 2.85 220.67 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.30 0.95 0.65 139.73 90-100 Including 1.70 3.15 1.45 368.83 90-100 And Including 1.70 2.30 0.60 587.00 90-100 KM-24-01-56 0.00 2.85 2.85 330.71 90-100 Keats Trench Including 0.00 2.25 2.25 418.12 90-100 And Including 0.50 1.10 0.60 1300.00 90-100 KM-24-01-57 1.65 12.95 11.30 2.44 85-95 Keats Trench KM-24-01-58 2.10 11.07 8.97 1.05 85-95 Keats Trench KM-24-01-59 1.00 12.55 11.55 58.62 80-90 Keats Trench Including 2.80 3.53 0.73 258.82 80-90 Including 6.63 7.48 0.85 400.00 35-45 Including 10.05 10.75 0.70 119.32 90-100 Including 11.40 11.90 0.50 53.15 75-85 KM-24-01-60 0.00 14.20 14.20 22.09 80-90 Keats Trench Including 8.40 12.20 3.80 70.86 80-90 KM-24-01-61 1.20 18.35 17.15 9.81 75-85 Keats Trench Including 11.85 15.80 3.95 38.42 90-100 KM-24-01-62* 0.00 2.40 2.40 27.61 80-90 Keats Trench KM-24-01-63 0.00 14.55 14.55 36.63 65-75 Keats Trench Including 3.90 4.55 0.65 26.45 80-90 Including 6.40 8.20 1.80 266.21 50-60 And Including 7.30 8.20 0.90 509.00 50-60 KM-24-01-64* 0.60 4.65 4.05 455.33 55-65 Keats Trench And Including 1.85 2.80 0.95 1494.00 55-65 KM-24-01-65 0.00 5.81 5.81 16.77 70-80 Keats Trench Including 0.93 2.72 1.79 39.34 70-80 Including 4.72 5.43 0.71 10.09 70-80 KM-24-01-66 1.50 5.53 4.03 136.85 60-70 Keats Trench Including 2.35 5.53 3.18 172.49 60-70 KM-24-01-67 0.70 9.45 8.75 1.31 65-75 Keats Trench KM-24-01-68* 0.00 4.40 4.40 83.10 50-60 Keats Trench Table 2: Summary of composite results reported in this press release for Keats Trench channel samples Infill veining in secondary structures with multiple orientations crosscutting the primary host structures are commonly observed which could result in additional uncertainty in true width. Undulations in the bedrock surface could also result in additional uncertainty in true width. Composite intervals reported carry a minimum weighted average of 1 g/t Au diluted over a minimum channel length of 2m with a maximum of 4m consecutive dilution. Included high-grade intercepts are reported as any consecutive interval with grades greater than 10 g/t Au. Grades have not been capped in the averaging and intervals are reported as channel length. * Full composite composed of samples greater than 10 g/t Au, no Including interval inserted. Channel No. Azimuth () Length (m) Channel Start UTM E Channel Start UTM N KM-24-01-28 120 5.25 5427464 5427464 KM-24-01-29 126 4.35 5427468 5427468 KM-24-01-30 119 3.95 5427482 5427482 KM-24-01-31 120 7.30 5427497 5427497 KM-24-01-32 121 8.90 5427500 5427500 KM-24-01-33 122 6.00 5427501 5427501 KM-24-01-34 162 1.20 5427493 5427493 KM-24-01-35 35 5.30 5427490 5427490 KM-24-01-36 14 3.25 5427489 5427489 KM-24-01-37 68 0.95 5427503 5427503 KM-24-01-38 94 1.35 5427511 5427511 KM-24-01-39 122 9.30 5427520 5427520 KM-24-01-40 121 9.85 5427525 5427525 KM-24-01-41 121 9.00 5427526 5427526 KM-24-01-42 153 2.67 5427493 5427493 KM-24-01-43 117 24.05 5427506 5427506 KM-24-01-44 163 3.65 5427504 5427504 KM-24-01-45 166 4.95 5427524 5427524 KM-24-01-46 115 5.25 5427528 5427528 KM-24-01-47 119 4.00 5427531 5427531 KM-24-01-48 121 5.60 5427535 5427535 KM-24-01-49 119 13.60 5427541 5427541 KM-24-01-50 151 5.30 5427523 5427523 KM-24-01-51 115 3.20 5427526 5427526 KM-24-01-52 61 1.25 5427520 5427520 KM-24-01-53 119 6.95 5427537 5427537 KM-24-01-54 177 2.80 5427537 5427537 KM-24-01-55 183 3.15 5427537 5427537 KM-24-01-56 184 2.85 5427536 5427536 KM-24-01-57 118 16.80 5427548 5427548 KM-24-01-58 118 16.55 5427553 5427553 KM-24-01-59 62 14.05 5427544 5427544 KM-24-01-60 62 15.20 5427542 5427542 KM-24-01-61 62 20.10 5427539 5427539 KM-24-01-62 167 2.40 5427536 5427536 KM-24-01-63 126 15.70 5427530 5427530 KM-24-01-64 119 5.50 5427525 5427525 KM-24-01-65 300 8.92 5427524 5427524 KM-24-01-66 297 9.40 5427525 5427525 KM-24-01-67 118 9.45 5427528 5427528 KM-24-01-68 119 5.60 5427525 5427525 Table 3: Details of channels reported in this press release Queensway 650,000m Drill Program Update The Company is currently undertaking a 650,000m drill program at Queensway. Sampling, Sub-sampling, and Laboratory All channel samples are collected directly from the bedrock. A geologist examines the bedrock and marks out the intervals to be sampled and the cutting line. Sample lengths are mostly 1.0 metre and adjusted to respect lithological and/or mineralogical contacts and isolate narrow (<1.0m) veins or other structures that may yield higher grades. Technicians saw the channel along the cut line, producing two lines 5 cm apart and approximately 6-8 cm deep. The sample is removed from the bedrock and placed into sample bags. Individual sample bags are sealed and placed into totes, which are then sealed and marked with the contents. New Found has submitted channel samples for gold determination photon assay or screened metallic at ALS in Thunder Bay, Ontario. ALS is an ISO-17025 accredited laboratory for the photon assay and screened metallic methods. Samples submitted to ALS received gold analysis by photon assay whereby the entire sample is crushed to approximately 70% passing 2 mm mesh. The sample is then riffle split and transferred into jars. For "routine" samples that do not have VG identified and are not within a mineralized zone, one (300-500g) jar is analyzed by photon assay. If the jar assays greater than 0.8 g/t, the remaining crushed material is weighed into multiple jars and submitted for photon assay. For samples that have VG identified, the entire crushed sample is riffle split and weighed into multiple jars that are submitted for photon assay. The assays from all jars are combined on a weight-averaged basis. For samples which returned values >350 g/t, the samples were submitted for screen metallic. All jars were analysed, with results combined as a weighted average. For the screened metallics assay, the entire coarse fraction (sized greater than 106 microns) is fire-assayed, and two splits of the fine fraction (sized less than 106 microns) are fire-assayed with a gravimetric finish. Channel sample design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control, and interpretation of results are performed by qualified persons employing a rigorous Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with industry best practices. Standards and blanks account for a minimum of 10% of the samples in addition to the laboratory's internal quality assurance programs. Quality Control data are evaluated on receipt from the laboratories for failures. Appropriate action is taken if assay results for standards and blanks fall outside allowed tolerances. All results stated have passed New Found's quality control protocols. New Found's quality control program also includes submission of a duplicate channel for 2% of the channel sample intervals. In addition, approximately 1% of sample pulps for mineralized samples are submitted for re-analysis to a second ISO-accredited laboratory for check assays. The Company does not recognize any factors sampling, or recovery that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the assay data disclosed. The assay data disclosed in this press release have been verified by the Company's Qualified Person against the original assay certificates. The Company notes that it has not completed any economic evaluations of its Queensway Project and that the Queensway Project does not have any resources or reserves. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Greg Matheson, P. Geo., Chief Operating Officer, and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Matheson consents to the publication of this press release dated December 2, 2024, by New Found. Mr. Matheson certifies that this press release fairly and accurately represents the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this press release. About New Found Gold Corp. New Found holds a 100% interest in the Queensway Project, located 15km west of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, and just 18km from Gander International Airport. The project is intersected by the Trans-Canada Highway and has logging roads crosscutting the project, high voltage electric power lines running through the project area, and easy access to a highly skilled workforce. The Company is currently undertaking a 650,000m drill program at Queensway and is well funded for this program with cash and marketable securities of approximately $28 million as of December 2024. Please see the Company's website at www.newfoundgold.ca and the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Acknowledgements New Found acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Contact To contact the Company, please visit the Company's website, www.newfoundgold.ca and make your request through our investor inquiry form. Our management has a pledge to be in touch with any investor inquiries within 24 hours. New Found Gold Corp. Per: "Collin Kettell" Collin Kettell, Chief Executive Officer 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 Statement Cautions This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, relating to exploration, drilling and mineralization on the Company's Queensway gold project in Newfoundland and Labrador; the Keats and Iceberg surface trenching programs and the expected next steps, timing and benefits of such programs; assay results; the interpretation of drilling and assay results, the results of drilling programs, mineralization and the discovery of zones of high-grade gold mineralization; plans for future exploration and drilling and the timing of same; the merits of the Queensway project; future press releases by the Company; and funding of the drilling program. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "interpreted", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "aims", "suggests", "indicate", "often", "target", "future", "likely", "pending", "potential", "goal", "objective", "prospective", "possibly", "preliminary", and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "can", "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of exploration, drilling and assay results, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's Annual Information Form and Management's discussion and Analysis, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. SOURCE New Found Gold Corp. 2 december 2024 at 06:30 News published onand distributed by: Apollo Silver Provides Corporate Update VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollo Silver Corp. ("Apollo Silver" or the "Company") (TSX.V: APGO, OTCQB: APGOF, Frankfurt:6ZF0) is pleased to provide a corporate update and outlook for the Company. Highlights: Successfully mitigated single asset risk and bolstered existing mineral inventory through optioning the high-grade Cinco de Mayo Silver Project ("Cinco de Mayo" or the "Project") in Chihuahua, Mexico (see news release dated September 23, 2024) (see news release dated September 23, 2024) Completed C$13.5M financing (see news release dated November 11, 2024) (see news release dated November 11, 2024) Strengthened board and management with the additions of Messrs. Alex Tsakumis and Amandip Singh, respectively (see news release dated October 3, 2024) (see news release dated October 3, 2024) Engaged a team of highly qualified professionals with ties to the local community and a track record of success in navigating community relations and social licencing requirements, at Cinco de Mayo Commencing maiden barite resource estimate and follow up gold exploration program at the Calico Silver Project ("Calico") in San Bernardino, California, in 2025 Interim President and CEO, Andrew Bowering, commented, "In what has been a productive 2024, the Company has been executing on its vision for the future. We have successfully entered into an option agreement to acquire the Cinco de Mayo Project, mitigating single asset risk. Furthermore, we completed a financing that significantly strengthens our treasury, allowing us to continue to build long term shareholder value across our portfolio of North American silver projects." Cinco de Mayo Transaction Terms On September 20, 2024, the Company entered into an earn-in and option agreement with MAG Silver Corp. ("MAG") and its subsidiary, Minera Pozo Seco, S.A. de C.V., pursuant to which the Company has the option to acquire Cinco de Mayo (the "Option"). To satisfy the Option, and acquire a 100% interest in Cinco de Mayo, the Company must first obtain the necessary licencing and permits to access the property and conduct mining activities on Cinco de Mayo, followed by completing no less than 20,000 metres of exploration drilling within five years. Upon completion of those terms and subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, Apollo Silver must issue to MAG common shares equivalent to 19.9% of the then issued and outstanding common shares of the Company on a non-diluted basis. In addition, Apollo Silver will grant MAG the right to maintain its 19.9% stake by participating in any subsequent financing for an additional four year period. During the Option term, the Company will control all exploration and development activities on the Project and will be responsible for all expenses associated with maintaining Cinco de Mayo in good standing. Financing and Treasury On November 11, 2024, the Company announced that it closed its fully subscribed and upsized private placement of C$13.5 million (the "Financing"). The Financing received strong support, including investment from Mr. Eric Sprott, and several institutional investors including but not limited to: Jupiter Asset Management Limited, Commodity Capital AG, Primevestfund and Terra Capital Natural Resources Fund. The Company currently has working capital of approximately C$13.5 million and is expecting to commence barite resource estimation work at Calico and additional exploration on the recent gold discovery Calico in the new year. The Company is sufficiently funded to continue its ongoing community initiatives and negotiations with the local community to restore access to Cinco de Mayo, satisfy its ongoing general working capital requirements, and be able to commence future exploration work at Cinco de Mayo, once access is restored. Upcoming Events The Company will be participating in an east coast non-deal roadshow visiting New York City, Hartford, and Philadelphia January 13-15, 2025. Apollo Silver management will also be speaking at the Vancouver edition of the Metals Investor Forum January 17-18, 2025, followed by participating in the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference and AME Round Up 2025 from January 20-23, 2025. Management will also be participating in Michael Campbell's 2025 World Outlook Financial Conference February 7-8, 2025, online and in person at The Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver, British Columbia. A list of future events will be available on the Company's website in the new year. About Apollo Silver Apollo Silver has assembled an experienced and technically strong leadership team who have joined to advance world class precious metals projects in tier-one jurisdictions. The Company is focused on advancing its portfolio of two significant silver exploration and resource development projects, the Calico Project, in San Bernardino County, California, and the Cinco de Mayo Project, in Chihuahua, Mexico. Please visit www.apollosilver.com for further information. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Andrew Bowering Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Andrew Bowering Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation with respect to the potential of the Calico Project and the Cinco de Mayo Project (together, the "Projects"); timing and successful completion of the maiden barite resource estimate at the Calico Silver Project; the Company's ability to advance, develop and eventually permit the Projects; future silver production; timing and plans of further gold exploration at the Calico Project; the ability of the Company to obtain social license and, in connection therewith, the permission of the local Ejido assembly in order to gain surface access at the Cinco de Mayo Project; the ability of the Company to gain the necessary permits in order to operate the Cinco de Mayo Project; expected timing, commencement and results of future drilling or exploration activity at the Projects. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of the management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may have caused actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Company's projections and estimates; realization of mineral resource estimates, interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; and changes in Project parameters as plans continue to be refined. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of silver, gold and barite; the demand for silver, gold and barite; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective matter; and the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. 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 forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and 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 contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's expected financial and operational performance and the Company's plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. 2 december 2024 at 06:45 News published onand distributed by: WELL Health Completes Acquisition of Jack Nathan Health's Canadian Clinical Assets Begins to Operate Clinics at Wal-Mart with Intent to Grow Network, and Improve Accessibility to Quality Healthcare Across Canada WELL has completed the acquisition of the Canadian clinical assets from Jack Nathan Medical Corp. including a network of 13 owned and operated clinics, which generated revenue of over $9 million in the past 12 months. The portfolio of owned and operated clinics is expected to operate profitably on an adjusted EBITDA basis in 2025, following immediate synergies with WELL's shared services program and application of WELL's clinic transformation program. WELL also acquired 59 licensee clinics that generate approximately $2.2 million annually in high margin revenue and will become the model for WELL's new 'Affiliate Clinic' business stream. WELL has also entered into various agreements with Walmart Canada that provide a framework to support the potential expansion of WELL's clinical network within Walmart Canada's footprint of over 400 locations over time. The acquired clinics will be rebranded as WELL Health Medical Centres, and will reflect WELL's tech enabled approach to delivering quality healthcare over time. VANCOUVER, BC and TORONTO, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL) (OTCQX: WHTCF) ("WELL" or the "Company"), a digital healthcare company focused on improving health outcomes through technology and empowering healthcare providers globally, is pleased to announce the closing of the previously announced transaction (the "Transaction") to acquire the Canadian clinical assets of Jack Nathan Medical Corp. (TSXV: JNH) ("Jack Nathan"). The Transaction includes a network of 13 owned and operated primary care clinics across 10 Canadian cities and a clinic licensing business with 59 licensee clinics under WELL's new Affiliate Clinic business model. Hamed Shahbazi, Founder and CEO of WELL, commented "This acquisition marks another significant milestone for WELL as we expand our clinical footprint to include Walmart stores in Canada. The addition of Jack Nathan's network of owned and licensee clinics strengthens WELL's position as the largest clinic owner-operator in the country and introduces a new business model that gives healthcare providers another way to partner with WELL. Through the newly acquired licensing arrangement with Walmart Canada, WELL gains a unique opportunity to deliver care conveniently in high-traffic, densely populated areas within Walmart Canada's footprint of over 400 locations, including geographies not currently served by WELL. We look forward to working with Walmart Canada for years to come." The Transaction includes a total of 72 clinics, comprising 13 owned and operated clinics and 59 licensee clinics. This represents a slight adjustment from the originally announced clinic counts, as some clinics initially categorized as owned and operated were transitioned to the licensee model prior to close. The owned and operated clinics collectively generated over $9 million in revenue in the past twelve months and are expected to be EBITDA-positive within the next twelve months following the closing. Meanwhile, the licensee clinics contribute over $2.2 million in annual high-margin revenue, further enhancing WELL's financial performance and expanding its clinic network. Dr. Michael Frankel, WELL's Chief Medical Officer, commented "We are very pleased to have begun operating healthcare clinics at Walmart stores across Canada and welcome more than 90 physicians that have joined the WELL medical family through this transaction. This expansion aligns with WELL's long-term vision of building a well-integrated, pan-Canadian network of healthcare clinics, while bringing greater value to both patients and providers." The licensee clinics form the foundation of WELL's new primary care "Affiliate Clinic" business model. This model will allow WELL to generate high-margin rental income from clinics without directly managing their day-to-day operations. As WELL expands the Affiliate Clinic model, WELL plans to support these clinics by recruiting and placing physicians, providing comprehensive technology solutions, and offering operational support to help optimize performance. In the meantime, WELL will act as a property manager for these clinics to address operational needs. This scalable approach empowers healthcare providers to independently operate their clinics while benefiting from WELL's tools and infrastructure, aligning with WELL's mission to enhance clinic efficiency and support high-quality patient care. The acquired clinics will be rebranded as WELL Health Medical Centres, and will reflect WELL's tech enabled approach to delivering quality healthcare. WELL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES CORP. Per: "Hamed Shahbazi" Hamed Shahbazi Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director About WELL Health Technologies Corp. WELL's mission is to tech-enable healthcare providers. We do this by developing the best technologies, services, and support available, which ensures healthcare providers are empowered to positively impact patient outcomes. WELL's comprehensive healthcare and digital platform includes extensive front and back-office management software applications that help physicians run and secure their practices. WELL's solutions enable more than 38,000 healthcare providers between the US and Canada and power the largest owned and operated healthcare ecosystem in Canada with over 200 clinics supporting primary care, specialized care, and diagnostic services. In the United States WELL's solutions are focused on specialized markets such as the gastrointestinal market, women's health, primary care, and mental health. WELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WELL" and on the OTC Exchange under the symbol "WHTCF". To learn more about WELL, please visit: www.well.company.?? Forward-Looking Statements? This news release contains "Forward-Looking Information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including, without limitation: information regarding the Transaction and the Company's goals, strategies and growth plans with respect to the operated and licensed clinics. Forward-Looking Information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies. Forward-Looking Information generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "will", "could", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "goal" or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information and the Forward-Looking Information is not a guarantee of future results or performance. WELL's comments expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Information are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and conditions, many of which are outside of WELL's control, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information. Forward-Looking Information are qualified in their entirety by inherent risks and uncertainties, including: that the revenue and margins generated by the new Affiliate Clinic model may be different than anticipated; that WELL's role in supporting the Affiliate Clinics may be different than anticipated; WELL's ability to successfully integrate the newly acquired clinics into its clinic network; WELL's ability to develop and maintain its commercial relationship with Wal-Mart Canada Corp.; direct and indirect material adverse effects from adverse market conditions; risks inherent in the primary healthcare sector in general; regulatory and legislative changes; litigation risk; that future results may vary from historical results; an inability to realize the expected benefits and synergies of acquisitions; that market competition may affect the business, results and financial condition of WELL and other risk factors identified in documents filed by WELL under its profile at www.sedar.com, including its most recent Annual Information Form and its most recent Management, Discussion and Analysis. Except as required by securities law, WELL does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise.? SOURCE WELL Health Technologies Corp. 2 december 2024 at 07:00 News published onand distributed by: Avicanna Completes First Delivery of Proprietary Topical Products to Multinational Pharmaceutical Company TORONTO, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avicanna Inc. ("Avicanna" or the "Company") (TSX: AVCN) (OTCQX: AVCNF) (FSE: 0NN), a commercial stage, international biopharmaceutical company focused on the commercialization of evidence-based, cannabinoid-based products, is pleased to announce the initial delivery of its proprietary topical products into Europe as a part of the previously announced exclusive supply agreement with a multinational pharmaceutical company. "We are pleased to compete first delivery of our products and are excited about the potential of these innovative products in the German and European over the counter markets. These formulations were developed though our Canadian R&D platform and manufactured through South American operations with our source of cannabinoids including, CBD and CBG. This combination acts as a validation of our long-term business model and international expansion plans for our proprietary and evidence-based products," stated Aras Azadian, CEO at Avicanna Inc. The products include 3% CBD localized cream and the 2% CBD and 0.5% CBG transdermal gel utilizing the Company's patented deep tissue technology. The 3% CBD localized cream, as well as the 2% CBD and 0.5% CBG transdermal gel products completed human irritation and real-world evidence studies. Avicanna previously disclosed the exclusive supply agreement for the products to multinational pharmaceutical company, which required pre-requisite testing and analysis for registration under cosmetics regulations prior to importation into the German market for their initial launch. The multinational pharmaceutical company manufactures and markets a wide range of pharmaceutical products and other products across 4 continents and has established commercial infrastructure in the European region that will be utilized for the initial launch of the selected products. The multinational pharmaceutical company has committed to launch the initial products in 6 European countries during 2025 with expectations of further expanding throughout the European region shortly after. Avicanna has earned licensing fees for meeting specific milestones this year. Additionally, the parties agreed to specific minimum order quantities and commercial milestones for the multinational pharmaceutical company to maintain the exclusivity. The products were manufactured using the Avicanna's Colombian operations while utilizing Avicanna's own source of Aureus branded organic and sustainable cannabinoids including CBD and CBG from its majority owned subsidiary, Santa Marta Golden Hemp S.A.S. Avicanna carries out its operations in compliance with all applicable laws in the jurisdictions in which it operates. About Avicanna: Avicanna is a commercial-stage international biopharmaceutical company focused on the advancement and commercialization of cannabinoid-based products and formulations for the global medical and pharmaceutical market segments. Avicanna has an established scientific platform including R&D and clinical development leading to the commercialization of more than thirty proprietary, evidence-based finished products and supporting four commercial stage business pillars. Medical Cannabis formulary (RHO Phytotm): The formulary offers a diverse range of proprietary products including oral, sublingual, topical, and transdermal deliveries with varying ratios of cannabinoids, supported by ongoing patient and medical community education. RHO Phyto is an established brand in Canada currently available nationwide across several channels and expanding into new international markets. The formulary offers a diverse range of proprietary products including oral, sublingual, topical, and transdermal deliveries with varying ratios of cannabinoids, supported by ongoing patient and medical community education. RHO Phyto is an established brand in Canada currently available nationwide across several channels and expanding into new international markets. Medical cannabis care platform (MyMedi.ca): MyMedi.ca is a medical cannabis care platform formed with the aim to better serve medical cannabis patients' needs and enhance the medical cannabis patients' journey. MyMedi.ca is operated by Northern Green Canada Inc. and features a diverse portfolio of products and bilingual pharmacist-led patient support programs. MyMedi.ca also provides specialty services to distinct patient groups such as veterans and collaborates with public and private payers for adjudication and reimbursement. MyMedi.ca provides educational resources to the medical community to facilitate the incorporation of medical cannabis into health care regimens. MyMedi.ca is a medical cannabis care platform formed with the aim to better serve medical cannabis patients' needs and enhance the medical cannabis patients' journey. MyMedi.ca is operated by Northern Green Canada Inc. and features a diverse portfolio of products and bilingual pharmacist-led patient support programs. MyMedi.ca also provides specialty services to distinct patient groups such as veterans and collaborates with public and private payers for adjudication and reimbursement. MyMedi.ca provides educational resources to the medical community to facilitate the incorporation of medical cannabis into health care regimens. Pharmaceutical pipeline: Leveraging Avicanna's scientific platform, vertical integration, and real-world evidence, Avicanna has developed a pipeline of proprietary, indication-specific cannabinoid-based candidates that are in various stages of clinical development. These cannabinoid-based drug candidates aim to address unmet medical needs in the areas of dermatology, chronic pain, and various neurological disorders. Leveraging Avicanna's scientific platform, vertical integration, and real-world evidence, Avicanna has developed a pipeline of proprietary, indication-specific cannabinoid-based candidates that are in various stages of clinical development. These cannabinoid-based drug candidates aim to address unmet medical needs in the areas of dermatology, chronic pain, and various neurological disorders. Active pharmaceutical ingredients (Aureus Santa Martatm): Active pharmaceutical ingredients ("API") supplied by the Company's majority owned subsidiary Santa Marta Golden Hemp SAS ("SMGH") is a commercial-stage business dedicated to providing a various forms high-quality CBD, THC and CBG to the Company's international partners for use in the development and production of food, cosmetics, medical, and pharmaceutical products. The business unit also forms part of the Company's supply chain and is a source of reliable input products for its consumer retail, medical cannabis, and pharmaceutical products globally. SOURCE Avicanna Inc. Stay Connected For more information about Avicanna, visit our website or contact Ivana Maric by email at [email protected]. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information contained in this news release may be identified by the use of words such as, "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "expect", "anticipate", "believe, "intend", "plan", "forecast", "project", "estimate", "outlook" and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information contained in this news release includes, without limitation, statements related to the Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the receipt of all approvals of the Toronto Stock Exchange in connection with the Offering, statements with respect to the Company's future business operations, the opinions or beliefs of management and future business goals. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to current and future market conditions, including the market price of the common shares of the Company, and the risk factors set out in the Company's annual information form dated April 1, 2024, filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dcae12e8-bf1c-48a7-b31b-40d96ce53f29 2 december 2024 at 07:30 News published onand distributed by: Thesis Gold Announces $7.0 Million Private Placement Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thesis Gold Inc. ("Thesis" or the "Company") (TSXV: TAU | WKN: A3EP87 | OTCQX: THSGF) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an agreement with Clarus Securities Inc. ("Clarus") and Cormark Securities Inc. ("Cormark" and together with Clarus the "Lead Agents") to act as Lead Agents on behalf of a syndicate of agents (the "Agents"), in connection with a best-efforts marketed equity private placement of up to approximately C$7.0 million (the "Offering"). Dr. Ewan Webster, President and CEO, commented "This financing ensures that we are well-positioned to continue advancing our 2025 strategic objectives, including the completion of our Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), the initiation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and preparations for a highly anticipated summer exploration program. With these critical milestones on the horizon, we remain focused on delivering value to our shareholders." The Offering will consist of up to 11,666,667 common shares (the "Common Shares") at a price of $0.60 per Common Share for gross proceeds of up to approximately $7.0 million. The Offering will be conducted on a "best efforts" basis by way of a private placement to "accredited investors" or pursuant to other available prospectus exemptions under National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions in all Provinces of Canada, and such other jurisdictions as may be agreed to by the Company and the Lead Agents, subject to the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals. The Company does not expect that the Offering will result in the creation of any new control person of the Company. The Offering is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Common Shares may also be offered in the United States and to U.S. persons pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D ("Regulation D") under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), to a limited number of institutional accredited investors that satisfy one or more of the criteria of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) of Regulation D. "United States" and "U.S. person" have the respective meanings assigned in Rule 902 of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period in accordance with the policies of the Exchange and applicable securities laws. The Company intends to use the net proceeds raised from the Offering to fund advancement of the Company's mineral projects and for general working capital purposes. The Offering is scheduled to close on or before December 17, 2024, and is subject to certain conditions. On behalf of the Board of Directors Thesis Gold Inc. "Ewan Webster" Ewan Webster Ph.D., P.Geo. President, CEO, and Director About Thesis Gold Inc. Thesis Gold Inc. is a resource development company focused on unlocking the potential of its 100% owned Lawyers-Ranch Project, located in British Columbia's prolific Toodoggone Mining District. The recently completed Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA)[1] highlights robust project economics, including a 35.2% after-tax IRR and an after-tax NPV5% of C$1.28 billion, demonstrating the potential for significant value creation. Over the next 12 months, Thesis is dedicated to advancing the Project through critical development milestones, including the initiation of a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and progressing permitting and environmental work. The Company will also continue to evaluate multiple high-potential exploration targets across the district, aiming to build on the substantial resource growth potential identified in the PEA. Through these strategic moves, Thesis Gold intends to elevate the Ranch-Lawyers Project to the forefront of global precious metals ventures. [1] Please refer to the Company's Preliminary Economic Assessment titled, "Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment, Lawyers Gold-Silver Project" with an effective date of August 30, 2024 filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, which also provides details of the Company's mineral resource estimates. The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc, P.Geol., P.Geo., and Carly Church, P.Eng., PMP,?Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. For further information or investor relations inquiries, please contact: Dave Burwell Vice President Corporate Development Email: [email protected] Tel: 403-410-7907 Toll Free: 1-888-221-0915 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. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings and the future plans or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, 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. 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, which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. 2 december 2024 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: Spectral Medical Provides November Tigris Trial Update ? 136 patients enrolled ? Company to host Tigris Trial Update Call December 16, 2024 TORONTO, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spectral Medical Inc. ("Spectral" or the "Company") (TSX: EDT), a late-stage theranostic company advancing therapeutic options for sepsis and septic shock, today provided an update on the Company's Tigris trial, a Phase 3 follow-on study evaluating the use of Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion ("PMX") in a randomized controlled trial of adults treated for endotoxemia and septic shock. Tigris Enrollment: 136 patients enrolled at end of November 2024 Experienced significantly lower than anticipated patient enrollment in October and November due to the impact of Hurricane Helene on the medical supply chain. The disruption in production of critical intravenous fluids persists. This has led to a rationing of saline, and 5L are required to prepare PMX for each treatment. For more information on Hurricane Helene's impact on the supply of critical intravenous fluids, see the following link: Letter to Health Care Leaders and Stakeholders on Impacts of Hurricane Helene from Secretary Becerra | HHS.gov The Company continues to focus on finalizing the Tigris trial within the reasonably shortest timelines. While the medical supply chain issues have negatively impacted enrollment since October, management believes these supply disruptions to be short term in nature. As such, the Company is projecting full enrollment closer to the end of the first quarter of 2025. Dr. John Kellum, Chief Medical Officer of Spectral, stated, "Despite the continued saline shortage impacting patient enrollment, our Tigris sites remain engaged and enthusiastic in driving towards finalizing enrollment, as we continue to see strong performance across trial sites for screening." Spectral Medical Tigris Trial and Corporate Update Call Chris Seto, Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. John Kellum, Chief Medical Officer, will host the call followed by a question-and-answer session. All interested parties are invited to participate. CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS: Date: Monday, December 16, 2024 Time: 10:00 a.m. ET Dial-in: 1-877-407-0792 or 1-201-689-8263 https://callme.viavid.com/viavid/?callme=true&passcode=13744665&h=true&info=company&r=true&B=6 Participants can use Guest dial-in #s above and be answered by an operator OR click the Call me link for instant telephone access to the event. *Available 15 minutes prior to scheduled start time. Replay Dial-in: 1-844-512-2921 or 1-412-317-6671 Available December 16, 3:00 p.m. ET, until December 30, 11:59 p.m. ET Conference ID: 13750410 About Spectral Spectral is a Phase 3 company seeking U.S. FDA approval for its unique product for the treatment of patients with septic shock, Toraymyxintm ("PMX"). PMX is a therapeutic hemoperfusion device that removes endotoxin, which can cause sepsis, from the bloodstream and is guided by the Company's Endotoxin Activity Assay (EAAtm), the only FDA cleared diagnostic for the risk of developing sepsis. PMX is approved for therapeutic use in Japan and Europe and has been used safely and effectively on more than 340,000 patients to date. In March 2009, Spectral obtained the exclusive development and commercial rights in the U.S. for PMX, and in November 2010, signed an exclusive distribution agreement for this product in Canada. In July 2022, the U.S. FDA granted Breakthrough Device Designation for PMX for the treatment of endotoxic septic shock. Approximately 330,000 patients are diagnosed with septic shock in North America each year. The Tigris Trial is a confirmatory study of PMX in addition to standard care vs standard care alone and is designed as a 2:1 randomized trial of 150 patients using Bayesian statistics. Endotoxic septic shock is a malignant form of sepsis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RANrHHi9L8. The trial methods are detailed in "Bayesian methods: a potential path forward for sepsis trials". Spectral is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol EDT. For more information, please visit www.spectraldx.com. Forward-looking statement Information in this news release that is not current or historical factual information may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Implicit in this information, particularly in respect of the future outlook of Spectral and anticipated events or results, are assumptions based on beliefs of Spectral's senior management as well as information currently available to it. While these assumptions were considered reasonable by Spectral at the time of preparation, they may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned that actual results are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the company's ability to raise capital and the availability of funds and resources to pursue R&D projects, the recruitment of additional clinical trial sites, the rate of patient enrollment, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the success of Baxter's commercialization efforts, the ability of Spectral to take advantage of business opportunities in the biomedical industry, the granting of necessary approvals by regulatory authorities as well as general economic, market and business conditions, and could differ materially from what is currently expected. The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this statement. For further information, please contact: Ali Mahdavi Chris Seto Capital Markets & Investor Relations CEO Spinnaker Capital Markets Inc. Spectral Medical Inc. 416-962-3300 [email protected] [email protected] 2 december 2024 at 08:05 News published onand distributed by: Amentum Appoints Darren Burton as Chief People Officer Amentum (NYSE: AMTM) today announced the appointment of Darren Burton as Chief People Officer, effective immediately. Burton will lead all aspects of the company's talent strategy and talent management that supports a diverse global workforce. Amentum, with 53,000 employees in approximately 80 countries across all 7 continents, is a global leader in providing advanced engineering and technology solutions for the United States, the U.K. and other allied nations, as well as commercial markets. "Darren brings over two decades of experience in proven strategies designed to attract and motivate top talent to thrive in competitive and disruptive business environments," said John Heller, Chief Executive Officer of Amentum. "We welcome him to our senior leadership team where he will play an integral role leading the employee experience through talent management, employee engagement, and performance development." Most recently, Darren served as the chief people officer at Eightfold AI, an AI-based talent intelligence platform provider. Prior to that, he served as the vice chair of human resources of KPMG and a member of its management committee. Darren was also a member of the board of directors of KPMG U.S. Foundation Inc., a public charity committed to workforce development and community sustainability. Before KPMG, he was a senior HR executive at the Raytheon Company, most recently serving as vice president of human resources and security for Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services Company where he oversaw all HR strategies and initiatives for the $6 billion organization's 16,000 employees and led HR efforts for more than ten acquisitions. Prior to Raytheon, Darren served in human resources leadership roles for IBM. "I'm excited to join Amentum at such a landmark time," said Darren. "I look forward to the challenge of harmonizing and improving the employee journey while attracting innovative talent to this newly merged, leading global solutions provider." Burton earned a BA with honors in sociology from the University of Oswego and a master's degree in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University. About Amentum Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science, security and sustainability. Our people apply undaunted curiosity, relentless ambition and boundless imagination to challenge convention and drive progress. Our commitments are underpinned by the belief that safety, inclusion and well-being are integral to success. Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, we have more than 53,000 employees in approximately 80 countries across all 7 continents. Visit us at amentum.com to learn how we advance the future together. Follow @Amentum_corp on X Follow Amentum on LinkedIn 2 december 2024 at 08:20 News published onand distributed by: Full Scope Insights and Copenhagen Changery Form Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Multinational Consulting Capabilities Full Scope Insights LLC (FSI) and Copenhagen Changery ApS (CPH) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership that expands their consulting services to serve companies operating across international markets, particularly in the fields of sustainability reporting and global regulatory compliance. This collaboration is designed to help their clients navigate the increasingly complex regulatory landscape driven by the global push for enhanced sustainability transparency. The evolving sustainability reporting environment, which remains fueled by rising global regulations, presents significant challenges, especially for mid-market organizations with limited resources. These challenges range across compliance, reporting, resourcing, governance and technology. In particular, the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which introduces rigorous reporting requirements, including the Double Materiality Assessment (DMA), will affect a wide range of companies. To meet these new standards, companies must establish robust reporting strategies, governance frameworks, and compliant reporting systems. Under the CSRD, a broad spectrum of companies will be required to report on both financial materiality?how sustainability issues impact their financial performance?and impact materiality?how their activities affect the environment and society. In the United States, new state-level regulations like California's SB253 and SB261 are setting heightened compliance standards for both U.S. and international companies doing business in the state. California regulations require large companies to disclose greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (SB253) and climate-related financial risks (SB261), aligning closely with the EU's CSRD, which also emphasizes transparency on climate risks and impacts. For global companies, harmonizing reporting strategies across emerging local, federal and multinational regulations is becoming essential to effective risk management, regulatory compliance, and strengthened corporate responsibility. The partnership between FSI and CPH provides comprehensive support for companies in scope of these increasing international regulations, particularly multinational organizations, financial institutions and capital funds with broad portfolio activities and international subsidiaries. Together, FSI and CPH will offer comprehensive and cost-effective solutions for meeting the regulatory requirements including Double Materiality Assessments and customized CSRD compliance roadmaps for European requirements and robust Greenhouse Gas Inventories aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and additive to the development of TCFD climate strategies. As part of these services, companies will also benefit from FSI and CPH's solutions which are crafted to meet both CSRD and California's limited assurance requirements, ensuring the traceability, reliability, and independent verification of their sustainability data. FSI and CPH also deliver ESG due diligence and risk assessment services supporting M&A for corporate growth and platform investment initiatives. By employing holistic, strategic approaches to risk mitigation, corporate planning, and capital allocation, the partnership supports companies in proactively leveraging forward-looking insights to enhance resilience and inform decision-making at the management, board, and equity levels. Lee Ballin, Partner and Head of FSI's Sustainability Advisory Practice, said: "This partnership strengthens our ability to guide clients through the complexity of global sustainability regulations. By joining forces with CPH, we can better equip companies to not only meet the CSRD requirements but also leverage sustainability as a driver of business value." Thomas Vejlemand, Partner and Co-Founder of CPH, added: "Our combined expertise in sustainability advisory, strategic management, and compliance offers companies the tools they need to transform regulatory challenges into opportunities. Partnering with FSI we also strengthen our approach for financial materiality assessments and financial reporting. Together, we're empowering our clients to navigate sustainability reporting with confidence and precision." About Full Scope Insights Based in the United States, Full Scope Insights (FSI) is a boutique management consulting firm founded in 2022. FSI specializes in delivering tailored solutions for middle-market companies, with core practices in finance & strategy, sustainability, and growth & positioning. FSI's clients span private equity funds, private equity-owned businesses, and public companies across a range of industries, including oil & gas, energy technology, manufacturing, software, and industrial services. For more information, visit www.fullscopeinsights.com. About CPH Changery Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Copenhagen Changery (CPH) was founded in 2024 by former Big 4 consulting leaders and business executives. The firm is a strategy consulting company with core practices within business strategy & growth, digitalization & transformation and ESG & sustainability. CPH is building a network of experts and partners to expand its reach of services and middle-market client companies. Visit cphcopenhagen.en. 2 december 2024 at 09:05 News published onand distributed by: Murphy Family to Return to Independent Pork Production Through Agreement with Smithfield WALLACE, N.C. and SMITHFIELD, Va., Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Murphy Family Ventures and Smithfield today announced a definitive agreement that will re-establish the Murphy family farming business, which was founded by Wendell Murphy in 1962 and largely credited with creating the modern swine industry, as one of the largest independent pork producers in the United States. Smithfield has evolved over the last 10 years into a more streamlined consumer packaged goods company. Murphy Family Ventures and Smithfield have signed an agreement that will establish a Murphy-owned farming business with capacity to produce approximately 3.2 million hogs annually for Smithfield's fresh pork operations. The company, which will be majority owned by the Murphy family, will assume ownership of 150,000 sows ? and the market hogs they produce ? currently owned by Smithfield. Smithfield will provide production services, including the supply of feed and transportation services. "The Murphy family has enjoyed the past 24 years as a contract growing partner with Smithfield and we look forward to restoring our heritage as an independent producer," said Dell Murphy, president and CEO of Murphy Family Ventures. "This agreement represents a generational transfer of independently owned swine production capabilities in North Carolina." "Smithfield has evolved over the last 10 years into a more streamlined consumer packaged goods company focused on value-added fresh pork and packaged meats delivered from a portfolio of popular brands recognized for quality and taste," said Shane Smith, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods. "With this agreement, we continue this transformation while ensuring a supply of hogs from a family farming operation with a long history in and a strong commitment to best practices in American pork production." Murphy Family Ventures and Smithfield expect to close the transaction by the end of the year. About Murphy Family Ventures Murphy Family Ventures (MFV) is a true family-owned company that opened in December 2004. As a management operation, MFV provides a wide array of support services to businesses owned by the Murphy family and others. Since its inception, the organization has expanded to provide those services to a diverse group well beyond its heritage of agriculture. About Smithfield Foods Smithfield Foods is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. SOURCE Smithfield Foods, Inc. 2 december 2024 at 16:15 News published onand distributed by: The United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the FBC Center Sign MOUs with Cuttington University, AMEU and Nimba University Apple products say on the box assembled in China," leaving the mystery of who did the assembling. Owners of a new iPad might be surprised to learn one of the answers: Chinas biggest electric-vehicle maker. BYD, known globally as Teslas most formidable EV competitor, has a second business manufacturing electronics, and it has grown to assemble more than 30% of Apples tablets, according to industry executives and analysts. The Chinese company said it had more than 10,000 engineers and around 100,000 employees dedicated to the fruit chain," the local term for Apples supply chain. The combination of brand-name carmaker and contract electronics manufacturer makes sense to BYD executives, who say both businesses draw on the companys core competence of making precision devices at low cost. View Full Image Luxshare, on display at an electronics show in Shanghai, is one of the Chinese manufacturers with which Apple is working. Photo: VCG/Getty Images Apples rising dependence on two China-based contractorsBYD and iPhone assembler Luxsharepoints to the difficulty of shedding Chinese manufacturing. The U.S. push to limit imports from the country is likely to expand in the second Trump administration. Apple has been diversifying its supply chain to countries such as India and Vietnam and often turns to Chinese partners for expertise. We could not do what we do without them," Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook told Chinese state media on a visit to Beijing in late November, his third to China this year. In the first Trump administration, Cook successfully lobbied the president to exempt electronics including the iPhone from a tariff on Chinese-made goods. An EV resembles a smartphone on wheels because both rely on batteries, chips and software. The blending of cars and phones is increasingly part of everyday business in China. BYD, which stands for build your dreams," supplies parts and contract manufacturing for both. One client is Xiaomi, a top smartphone maker that ventured this year into sporty sedans. BYD helps assemble the Xiaomi phones and supplies some technology for its cars, Xiaomi founder Lei Jun said in April, describing BYD founder and chairman Wang Chuanfu as a friend. Another BYD customer is Huawei, which makes both phones and EV software and sometimes displays phones and cars side-by-side in its showrooms. Cook, on a visit to Shanghai in March, met BYDs Wang at Apples office, where Wang and his staff showed Cook a miniature model of the iPad production system. Cook said on Chinese social media that BYD was among the Apple suppliers pushing the boundaries of whats possible." For Apple, which abandoned hopes of making its own EV, working with BYD helps it diversify its suppliers away from Foxconn, the Taiwanese assembler that makes the most iPhones and iPads. BYD isnt in line to assemble completed iPhones, according to industry executives and analysts, but it is taking a bigger role in iPhone parts such as the titanium frame. BYD has said it also works with Apples rival Samsung, supplying hinge-related components to some of Samsungs foldable phones. BYD made news recently when its third-quarter revenue of about $28 billion exceeded Teslas figure of $25 billion, the first time BYD had come out on top. The feat was possible because of BYD Electronic, the companys contract-manufacturing arm, which had revenue of about $6 billion in the quarter. Wang, a chemist by training, started BYD three decades ago as a battery maker, and the company received an investment in 2008 from Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway, which is also an Apple investor. In its early days, BYD was often accused of imitation and landed in litigation with global leaders such as Sony and Foxconn. Legal battles between BYD and Foxconn, typically involving allegations of trade-secret theft and employee poaching, date back nearly two decades and continue to this day. BYDs relationship with Apple began around 2009, when BYD started processing components, according to a company history published recently. It gradually won Apples trust and was tapped to provide structural components such as metal, glass, ceramics and sapphire as well as assembly services, according to the book. View Full Image Graphic: WSJ In its 2019 annual report, BYD Electronic highlighted a breakthrough in its business with a major North American client. The company said it had successfully entered the supply chain for the clients core products and started mass production, a passage that industry insiders said referred to Apple and BYDs production of iPads. Today, BYD Electronic, listed separately on the Hong Kong stock exchange, has taken responsibility for some of Apples sensitive work, such as titanium parts for the frame of Apples latest iPhone Pro models, said Ivan Lam, an analyst with Counterpoint Research. The company likes to boast that its robot drillers can carve patterns on the surface of an eggshell without cracking it. It has used acquisitions to expand, including the purchase of facilities in two Chinese cities last year from U.S.-based Apple supplier Jabil for about $2 billion. One of BYDs responsibilities is helping Apple diversify its China-centric manufacturing, and it has helped Apple in countries such as Vietnam. BYD already makes smartphones in India for brands such as Xiaomi and could expand there if asked by Apple, said Counterpoints Lam. BYD said its next big thing would be developing AI-powered robots together with Nvidia for factories. It is like we are raising many fish in a pool, and honestly, were not entirely sure which area of the market will mature in the future," said BYD battery executive Wang Haoyu at an event this year, citing the company founders philosophy. When a fish matures, we can scoop it out." Write to Yang Jie at jie.yang@wsj.com The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies is altering the kind of job offers being made by companiesand the educational qualifications required of studentsat India's top technology colleges. As the older IITsBombay, Kharagpur, Kanpur, Madras, Delhi, Roorkeebegan placement season on Sunday, 1 December, the fat salaries on offer were not only for BTech and computer science graduates, but equally for Masters and PhD profiles in chemistry, physics and mathematics who can work on complex modelling programs. These problem solvers will then be responsible for working on artificial intelligence (AI) programs and algorithms. Modelling is a method in which companies use different permutation combinations to figure out the result of a particular scenario. Last year we hired just over 100 from IITs," Vijay Krishnan, chief technological officer of Palo Alto-based Turing, a data and training solutions partner to leading AI companies, said in an email response to Mints queries. This coming year, we will probably come close to doubling last year's number." The company will head for both older IITs and newer ones including Palakkad, Tirupathi, and Bhubaneswar to recruit from the campuses. To be sure, the second- and third-generation IITs, and the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), had begun placements in August-September to get a head start. Also read | AI, algo trading companies set to steal the show at IIT placements Krishnan told Mint that the firm will look at software developers, data scientists, machine learning specialists, and business analysts. We are also looking for subject matter experts at the Masters and PhD level in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology..." Mint reported on Friday that IITs will see a host of AI and high-frequency trading (HFT) firms and the regular consultants and manufacturing companies recruit students with skills in cognitive science, data scientists, quantitative strategists and developers, and AI-focused developers, researchers and application engineers. Narayanan Ramaswamy, partner & leader for education and skill development practice, at consulting firm KPMG pointed out that the changing dynamics of industry, particularly evolution of AI, has changed the nature and requirement of jobs on offer for IIT studentsfor example, from product managers and software developers to AI professionals, design or modelling experts, and researchers. The companies face rapidly changing technical environment in the future (some can be disruptivefor instance, quantum computing can change industry completely)," Ramaswamy said. So, companies are not only picking candidates with strong fundamentals, but also the ones with innovative, problem-solving skills and who are adaptable to the evolving environment." In fact, the war to get more students who have research in their resume is palpable. We would love for more fresh graduates to choose deep tech jobs over HFT and consulting. The deep tech option is much better for their long-term career development and insulates them against AI replacing their jobs in consultancies and arbitrage firms," said US-based Abacus AI, which is looking to hire during the IIT placements. Also read | IIT graduates flock to edtech: A new career frontier with high salaries The IITs scrambled to get recruiters last year (Batch of 2024) on the back of sluggish demand for new and expensive talent, while batches of 2022 and 2023 were lapped up in a jiffy. The batch of 2025 may get on to a more comfortable start, but the worry continues for the placement teams and the students, according to some placement teams from both old and new IITs that Mint spoke with. Students getting hired are not necessarily assured of a long career with the recruiting company. An HFT firm mentioned in its job description that there will be three outcomes at the end of the first year for new hirings, according to a student sitting for placements in one of the oldest IITs. One will have to go for another round of interview for the post of a quant developer; the second option will be the role of a junior quant researcher," said this student, who spoke anonymously. However, if neither works out, then the one-year old employee may face termination." The HFT is offering 60-66 lakh for this India-based role, the student added. Placement executives across the older IITs say the compensation offered by some of the companies includeGraviton Research Capital ( 90 lakh) for India-based roles, and Da Vinci ( 2.2 crore) for international roles. Japan's Sony Corp. has more than 10 roles on offer, including that of an AI engineer, with salaries up to 95,33,840 yen ( 53 lakh). Honda Motor Companys R&D unit will hire an AI research engineer at 88,72,000 yen ( 49 lakh). Also read | Mint Primer | IIT hiring: Will it be a rocky one for the batch of 25? Hedge fund WorldQuant ( 92 lakh), algo trading firms Databricks ( 45 lakh), NK Securities Research ( 80 lakh) and Squarepoint Capital ( 66 lakh) will target AI specialists. IT and consulting firm Accenture and American Express are offering around 21 lakh for similar skills. Other top jobs on offer include roles at Goldman Sachs ( 50 lakh), Boston Consulting Group (BCG, 20-23 lakh), and at Microsoft's Hyderabad and Bengaluru offices ( 51 lakh). Consulting firm BCG is now visiting IIT Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Guwahati, and Roorkee. BCG is open to candidates from all profiles, including BTech and dual degrees," said Natarajan Sankar, managing director and partner and head of recruiting for BCG India in an emailed reply to Mints queries. We are experiencing steady growth at BCG India, and our hiring plans will remain consistent with previous years as we continue to increase headcount in a sustainable manner." Flipkart is looking for software developers and associate product managers for 26-32 lakh, while Samsung may pay 24-69 lakh for multiple profiles including those based in South Korea. And read | IITs chase recruiters to avoid a repeat of last year's scramble In the race to become a national brand, Puravankara Ltd, a Bengaluru-based real estate company, will set aside up to 2,000 crore for acquiring land in the next 12 months. The group plans to triple its land bank to about 45 million square feet from the current 15 msf of net developable area in the next three years. It is also planning to make a beeline for Delhi NCR in FY26. To kickstart the ambitious plan, the group is now in advanced talks with private equity investors. In the next 12 months, we will deploy anywhere between another 1,500 to 2,000 crore, for new acquisitions in both residential and commercial spaces," Abhishek Kapoor, group chief executive and executive director at Puravankara told Mint in an interview. We aspire to be a national player. But our focus really in a big way on substantial growth, will be between Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi." About 80% of the groups focus will be on the key large markets, but it will continue to look at opportunities in the other markets like Goa and Kochi, Kapoor said. Puravankara is accessing multiple routes of investment to fund these acquisitions. Earlier this year, the groups wholly-owned subsidiary, Provident Housing, raised 1,150 crore from HDFC Capital Advisors, the real estate private equity arm of HDFC group. The group also received approval from its board to raise up to 1,000 crore through qualified institutional placement (QIP) mode, according to company filings on BSE. They are now in talks with more private equity players and looking to deploy its internal accruals to fund upcoming projects. We are in advanced conversations with multiple private equity partners for our residential commercial platforms," Kapoor said. And of course we have internal accruals which we've seen grow to almost 2,000 crore in the last half year." The group has an alternative investment fund (AIF) which they have already taken to market and deployed and is now returning capital, Kapoor said. Between all of this, I think we'll be continuing to scale our acquisitions and commensurate with our plan of launches." Pan-India strategy As it expands across India, the group will largely focus on the sub- 2 crore category of houses. Kapoor explained that this strategy will be applied to most of the country but it will change for markets like Mumbai and Delhi-NCR. As for South India, the companys strategy and goals are clearto continue to do 80% of their business in the sub- 2 crore category. There is a very limited quantum of opportunity in Mumbai at sub- 2 crore category, both on possibility of supply and demand," he said. These numbers will be slightly different because now we are actively pursuing opportunities on the redevelopment side in Mumbai. We've already signed three redevelopment projects, and we are working on a few more. So the pipeline is quite robust." Puravankara secured redevelopment rights for two housing societies in Mumbai last year, with a gross development value (GDV) of 1,500 crore. In September, the group acquired rights for another projectMiami Apartments at Breach Candy, entering the uber-luxury south-Mumbai market. The property can command rates as high as 1,25,000 to 1,40,000 per sq. ft. It also acquired a 12.75-acre land parcel in Thane, with a potential GDV of 4,000 crore through its wholly-owned subsidiary Purva Oak Pvt. Ltd. Delhi venture The group is looking to enter the Delhi-NCR market next year, and is currently evaluating opportunities there. They are most likely to venture into the Delhi market with the Puravankara brand, which offers luxury and uber luxury projects. So the idea is to start with Puravankara. So far, that's what we're working on, but we are getting opportunities for Provident as well, between Gurugram and Delhi," he said. Of course, there are some opportunities that have come up in Noida as well. Let us see what we conclude." Also Read: Piramal unfazed even as Trump return may fuel uncertainty in its biggest market On the demand side, today 35% of the demand across cities is in the mid-segment market ( 50 lakh to 2 crore). The issue is, supply has significantly dropped in that space," said Rahul Purohit, co-founder and chief business officer at Square Yards. I think no other player is exploring that segment." Purohit explained that it's a good idea to foray into this market as the luxury market has become cluttered, due to a bull run over the last two years. Legacy players have moved to the luxury segment due to rising cost of construction and price of land. Obviously, the luxury market gives a better margin to a developer because they can charge a premium," he said. However, there is a shortage of supply in the mid-market segment, he said. Puravankara's rival, Signature Global, which started with affordable housing projects costing 15-30 lakh ventured into mid-income housing priced at 45 lakh and above in 2020. In 2024, it launched its first two premium projectsDeluxeDXP at Dwarka Expressway, Gurugram and Titanium SPR at Southern Peripheral Road, Gurugram. Both projects, that were priced at 3.5-5.5 crore saw good sales, Mint reported earlier. Macrotech Developers Ltd has also planned to transition away from entry-level housing towards the upper end of the mid-income and beyond" segment, Abhishek Lodha, MD and CEO of Macrotech, said in the second quarter earnings call. As a consequence of that, we will be moving from about 85-90% of our sales coming from lower mid-income and entry-level housing to 50%, obviously, over a period of 3 years," he said. Others have a different view. While they are talking about the 80-20 kind of a division, the revenue from their 20% market can be higher than their 80% market if they focused on luxury and uber luxury in Mumbai and NCR," said Gulam Zia, executive director at Knight Frank India. For most of the developers whoever is targeting an above-average growth in the revenuethey cannot afford to miss the Mumbai market and the super luxury projects." Burden of acquisitions While the company has a robust strategy, it is currently reporting losses amid acquisitions. The companys net loss widened by over 50% to 17.06 crore in Q2FY25, compared with 11.22 crore loss in the same quarter the previous year. In the first half of the year, the company suffered a total net loss of 5 crore, according to company filings. On the upside, its revenue grew by 36% year-on-year to 520 crore. In the last six months, the group has already invested around 945 crore in land, with a potential gross development value of 9,700 crore from 5.8 million square feet of new acquisitions. Puravankara currently has 28 ongoing projects. The group has three brands on the residential side: Puravankara, offering luxury and uber luxury, Provident, with mid-and-mass offerings and Purva land, which looks at plotted development. The group has also forayed into commercial real estate, which comprises 10% of their business, with over three million square feet currently approved and in different stages of construction. Kapoor said that the group has gone through a transformation in the last decade, due to consolidation in the industry. I think the industry consolidated quite severely during that period, and that has given an opportunity also for brands like Puravankara to be part of that consolidation process and take more and more market shares," he said. Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy Ltd is planning to increase the number of its fuel retail outlets with a focus on rural areas and new highways, even as it explores ways to expand its compressed natural gas (CNG) business, its chief marketing officer Madhur Taneja said. Currently, the refining and oil-marketing company has a network of 6,500 outlets across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Telangana. "So we are at 6,500 retail outlets right now. You can look at our past performance and try to do your algorithms and numbers. We are usually shy about making claims and then trying to chase those numbers. But yes, our past performance, if it is a barometer, you would see us growing and definitely taking a fair share of the market. The market is looking extremely strong, so you can expect us to definitely participate and take a fair share from that market," he said. In August 2017, Ruias-owned Essar Group sold Essar Oil, its refining and fuel retailing business, to Russian oil giant Rosneft and an investment consortium led by global commodity trading firm Trafigura and UCP Investment Group for 86,000 crore. Essar Oil was rebranded as Nayara Energy following its takeover. Expansion spree Taneja said that the company would look at expansion through addition of new retail outlets and also boost its business through existing customers with improved services with the use of technology and the evolution of new business models like 'deliver to home'. "We are going to pivot our business on two levers. One is, of course, continue expanding the network so that we make this particular product more accessible, because convenience and accessibility are going to be the mainstay. So, we are going to be doing that. Having said that, it is not only rural. It's (retail network) also going to grow in India with new highways as they come along because of a lot of investment in infrastructure. The second pivot is going to be around the existing customers. We do see millions of transactions happening, upwards of 150 million transactions every month (at Nayara fuel outlets). And those transactions are important for us. These transactions will grow. And for us, it's going to be how we are going to use the technology to bring in that delight with the customer," he said. On when the company wants to come up with new business models including home delivery of fuels, he said that developments are expected going ahead on this front. He also noted that the company is carrying out pilots for several services including those for vehicles and tyres, lubricants, food and conveniences for its customers and added that they are largely in the exploratory phase currently. Regarding the expansion of its CNG business, Taneja said that the business is still small and CNG is sold at just a few outlets along with petrol and diesel. The company would explore if it could co-locate CNG and petrol refilling stations. "There would be alternative energy, battery charging, etc, which will come in, some part of CNG will keep coming in..There is going to be definitely some more development. While right now, the percentage contribution of other revenue streams (like CNG, battery) is not even 0.1% for the industry, I think that this is a market which we should closely look at. This (alternative energy) will grow. So we'll explore...Our experience has been that if you co-locate CNG and petrol, then there is a conflict in customer profile, and one rubs off adversely on the other...," Taneja said. Also Read: PM asks farmers to eye global markets via natural farming On Nayara Energy's plans to set up two new ethanol plants in the country, he said that that the company has already purchased two parcels of land in Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Nayara has already announced to set up the plants with a cumulative investment of 600 crore. This is in line with the government's plans to achieve 25% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025. He also said that although sustainable aviation fuel is still being considered and evaluated for production by the company, it is part of its larger environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. Indias bankruptcy courts are indignant at being used by creditors as a tool to recover dues from companies that are not really bankrupt, and for wasting their time. On 19 November, judicial member Mahendra Khandelwal of the Delhi bench of the NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) pulled up Engine Lease Finance B.V., the engine lessor of budget airline SpiceJet, for keeping a settlement pending in the IBC forum to leverage settlements with the airline. Both the Ld. Counsels submitted that the parties are trying to settle the matter amicably therefore, sought time. Pleadings are complete. The adjournment on the similar ground was sought on the last date of hearing i.e. 08.10.2024. Last opportunity is given to the parties to either settle the matter, failing which the matter will be proceeded as per law," the NCLT order stated. Engine Lease Finance B.V. is among several lessors that have filed insolvency claims against SpiceJet. Mints research reveals that as of November 2024, 16 insolvency claims have been filed against the airline, primarily by lessors and some service vendors. Of these, five claims have been withdrawn after settlements, two are in the process of being settled, seven remain pending with the insolvency tribunal, and two have been dismissed by the tribunal. None of the claims has advanced to full insolvency proceedings. Emailed queries to SpiceJet remained unanswered till press time. Improper leverage Lawyers have pointed out that using insolvency proceedings in this manner for recovery is not the intended purpose of the IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code). Dinesh Jotwani, co-managing partner at New Delhi-based law firm Jotwani Associates, noted that while financial creditors may turn to the NCLT as a last resort, the trend of operational creditors using the forum for recovery raises concerns. Operational creditors include lessors, vendors and suppliers to an entity, and financial creditors are lenders including banks and other institutions. SpiceJets case highlights a growing trend where creditors use the IBC forum to pressure corporate debtors into settlement," said Alay Razvi, managing partner at law firm Accord Juris. Creditors are aware that initiating IBC proceedings can force corporate debtors into settling their outstanding dues. The IBC is meant to resolve genuine insolvency cases, not to serve as a tool for creditors to force settlements." Kalpit Khandelwal, partner at law firm Aekom Legal, noted that the airline business is unique because its liabilities often exceed its assets. SpiceJets case is unusual, as multiple IBC proceedings have been filed against the airline by both operational and financial creditors in a short period," Khandelwal said. Last week, Ireland-based aircraft lessor Aircastle withdrew its insolvency case against SpiceJet after reaching a $5.6 million settlement. This marks another instance of the airline resolving disputes after raising 3,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement (QIP) this September. Similarly, SpiceJet reached agreements with Celestial Aviation, Alterna Aircraft, and Raymach Technologies. Despite these settlements, SpiceJet still faces further insolvency claims. In the last week of October, the NCLT issued notices regarding claims from lessors Sabarmati Aviation and JetAir 17, while Falgu Aviation Leasing Ltd filed an insolvency plea over an $8.1 million default. All of these entities are operational creditors. Since the covid-19 pandemic, SpiceJet has struggled with legal and financial challenges. Its domestic market share has sharply dropped from 7.3% in January 2023 to just 2.3% in August 2024, and it currently has 36 grounded planes. Despite raising funds, experts warn that the airlines situation remains fragile. The funds SpiceJet is receiving are being used to settle disputes, rather than for expansion, acquiring more aircraft, or launching new routes," said Mark Martin, CEO of Martin Consulting. The larger picture While creditors have the right to withdraw insolvency claims under Section 12A, citing grounds such as settlement, the Supreme Court and NCLAT have repeatedly held that insolvency courts are not intended for debt recovery against solvent companies. Last year, the NCLAT (National Company Law Appellate Tribunal) rejected an insolvency petition filed by Tricolite Electrical Industries Ltd. against Wipro Ltd., clarifying that bankruptcy law cannot be used to recover debt from solvent companies. The Chennai bench emphasized that the IBC is not intended as a recovery tool for creditors. Though the SpiceJet case is unusual, experts note that the wave of insolvency claims against large, solvent companies is not a new trend. This practice is not entirely new," said Ayesha Rai, partner at law firm DMD Advocates. Atul Tandon, an insolvency professional and director at NPV Insolvency Professionals Private Limited, pointed out that the fear of losing control over companies has prompted debtors to settle debts amounting to 10.22 trillion by March 2024, a figure three times the recovery made by creditors through resolution plans. Mint earlier reported that Indias bankruptcy regulator, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), is considering mandatory mediation between defaulting companies and creditors before insolvency proceedings are initiated. This proposal, still under public consultation, aims to reduce the number of insolvency petitions filed, such as those seen in the SpiceJet case. Also Read: Logistics firm files insolvency plea against SpiceJet amid ongoing creditor settlements With the proposed out-of-court settlement mechanism under the IBC, the tactic of using IBC proceedings as leverage may continue, especially in cases involving large corporate debtors," said Smiti Tiwari, partner at law firm Khaitan Legal Associates. Unless there are cases where NCLT/NCLAT take a strict view on malicious prosecution, this practice is likely to continue." Data from the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) shows that about 80% of the out-of-court settlements, once bankruptcy proceedings were initiated, were for debts up to 10 crore. This includes 845 of a total 1,070 petitions that were withdrawn after being admitted for bankruptcy proceedings between October 2016 and March 2024. Investors rarely turn against the founders they back, but Info Edge (India) Ltd has taken an unusual step. Last week, the consumer internet group filed a first information report (FIR) against Rahul Yadav, founder of its portfolio company 4B Networks, and several key executives, alleging misuse of company funds. Those named in the FIR include Devesh Singh, Pratik Choudhary, and Sanjay Saini While Info Edge clarified in an exchange filing that the move would not materially affect its business operations, the FIR signals a rare showdown between an investor and a portfolio company founder. Mint breaks down the development. What led to the FIR? The dispute dates back to early 2023, when 4B Networks, a real estate-focused platform led by Yadav, failed to provide critical financial information requested by Info Edge, which owns a 65% stake in the company. By June 2023, Info Edge had initiated a forensic audit following repeated failures to obtain financial details and disclosures about related-party transactions. Despite investing 280 crore in 4B Networksincluding 275 crore in equity and 12 crore as debtthe company faced financial turmoil, defaulting on salaries and vendor payments while exhibiting glaring lapses in corporate governance. Read this | Forensic auditors knock at startup doors as edgy investors look to fix issues early These issues escalated as Broker Network, operated by 4B Networks, teetered on the brink of collapse. Info Edge eventually wrote off its entire 280 crore investment, citing an inability to recover confidence in the firms financial health. The FIR, filed last week, alleges fraudulent misuse of funds by Yadav and his associates. Who is Rahul Yadav? Rahul Yadav rose to prominence in 2012 when he founded Housing.com, securing 550 crore in a funding round led by Japans SoftBank just two years later. However, his meteoric rise was marred by controversies, including confrontations with investors. In 2015, the IIT-Bombay dropout reportedly sent an angry mail to Shailendra Singh, managing director of Sequoia (now Peak XV), wrongly accusing him of unethical practices, which triggered a public fallout. To be clear, Sequoia was not an investor in the company. Yadavs behaviour toward employees and investors eventually led to his ouster from Housing.com in 2015. His subsequent ventures, such as Intelligent Interfaces, also faced governance and financial management challenges. At 4B Networks, Yadav attempted to secure additional funding, including a 50 crore investment proposal from a Dubai-based property dealer. However, the offer came at a drastically reduced valuation99% lower than the prior funding roundfurther straining relations with Info Edge, which had flagged concerns about financial transparency and cash burn. What are the implications of this case? The FIR underscores the growing emphasis on corporate governance and accountability in the Indian startup ecosystem. Read this | From growth at all costs to sustainable growth: the maturing of Indian startups According to Jasmine Damkewala, senior partner at Circle of Counsels, the move highlights Info Edge's commitment to transparency within its portfolio companies. It may also help the firm recover a portion of its investment while safeguarding its reputation. For Yadav, however, the outlook is less certain. The allegations of fraudulent activities could damage his reputation and impact his future entrepreneurial venture and may raise serious concerns among investors and stakeholders which should make it very difficult for him to ever obtain funding for any new venture," Damkewala said. Manmeet Kaur, partner at Karanjawala & Co., added that the Economic Offences Wing or an investigating agency would need to prove the alleged misuse of funds and suspicious financial transactions. The agencies would be required to establish money trail and link the person to the siphoning." Have there been other similar cases? While this is one of the first instances of an investor filing an FIR against a portfolio company, corporate governance lapses in Indias startup ecosystem have triggered several legal cases in recent years. In 2022, BharatPes parent company filed a case with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against former managing director Ashneer Grover and members of his family, alleging financial misconduct. The case escalated into a broader dispute, leading to the EOW filing a FIR. By September, the fintech startup dropped the legal action and reached a settlement with the Grovers. Last year, car servicing startup GoMechanic faced similar challenges when its early investors, including Peak XV Partners, Orios Venture Partners, and Chiratae Ventures, filed a complaint with the Haryana Polices EOW against its founders, alleging fund misappropriation. Fashion e-commerce startup Zilingo faced internal turmoil when co-founder and ex-CEO Ankiti Bose filed a criminal complaint against fellow founder Dhruv Kapoor and ex-COO Aadi Vaidya. She accused them of cheating, criminal intimidation, conspiracy, and harassment, alleging they misled her and investors to gain financial advantages and coerced her into giving up her shares and business under false pretences. Edtech giant Byjus is also embroiled in legal disputes after a group of early investors approached the National Company Law Tribunal, raising concerns about governance failures, financial mismanagement, compliance lapses, and changes in leadership earlier this year. While Byjus does not have a criminal history, multiple investigations are still underway. Also read | Profitability: The new benchmark for startups seeking investor approval The FIR against Rahul Yadav marks a turning point in Indias startup ecosystem, underscoring zero tolerance for financial misconduct and setting a precedent for investor-founder accountability. Car dashboards have an array of indicators that illuminate to warn of trouble. If the boardrooms of Europes carmakers had similar systems they would be lit up like a Christmas market. Volkswagen (VW), the largest of the lot by sales, is bracing for strikes beginning on December 1st in response to its plan to close three factories in Germany and cut wages. Northvolt, a once-promising Swedish battery startup in which VW and BMW invested, has collapsed into bankruptcy. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Donald Trump is threatening to upend supply chains by imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada. These troubles come amid an already difficult year for Europes auto industry. Since April the combined market value of the continents five biggest carmakers by salesVW, Stellantis, Renault, BMW and Mercedeshas plunged from more than 300bn ($320bn) to below 200bn, as a string of gloomy profit forecasts has spooked investors (see chart). In Europe demand has shrunk and competition is intensifying from Chinese electric-vehicle (EV) firms. The pie has become smaller, and we have more guests at the table," Oliver Blume, vws boss, has said. At the same time, the overseas businesses of European carmakers have hit a pothole. Sales in China have slumped, and profits in America are under threat, too. Philippe Houchois of Jefferies, a bank, describes it as a downturn like no other". Yet efforts to slash costs at home to stay competitive are hitting stiff resistance from unions and politicians. View Full Image Will-the-trouble-ever-end-for-Volkswagen-and-its-r Not long ago European carmakers were on a tear. A shortage of microchips during the pandemic helped them pursue a strategy of value over volume", as they prioritised putting scarce chips into their most profitable vehicles.VW broke its record for operating profit each year from 2021 to 2023. Stellantis (whose largest shareholder, Exor, is a part-owner of The Economists parent company) generated its highest-ever revenue and profit in 2023. BMW and Mercedes also enjoyed bumper years. A restructuring programme at Renault also began to pay off. Lately, however, the picture has darkened. Demand for cars in Europe has stalled and may be headed for structural decline. Europe will never return to its pre-pandemic heights of 16m sales a year, concedes Arno Antlitz, vws chief financial officer. In 2023 total sales were a little over 11.5m vehicles, up on the previous year but well below their peak. This year they are expected to be lower, and few in the industry forecast much growth next year. As the chip famine has ended, production has swung back towards less profitable cars. Margins are likely to dwindle further if price wars break out to meet stiff new emission targets on the EUs path to banning sales of petrol cars by 2035. Stricter rules next year will require a higher share of vehicles the industry sells to be EVs, which are currently less profitablethan fuel-guzzling ones. European carmakers are also being squeezed on price at home by Chinese competitors. Although there was a small dip after tariffs on imported evs were introduced by the European Union in October, Chinese carmakers still account for one in ten sales of new evs in Europe, according to Schmidt Automotive Research, a consultancy.That share will rise further. byd and Chery, two Chinese carmakers, are setting up factories in Europe to serve the continent directly. Meanwhile in China, European firms are losing out to domestic rivals. The worlds largest car market has long been an important source of profit for Europes auto industry. Those days are drawing to an end. According to ubs, a bank, foreign brands market share has plummeted from 63% in 2020 to 37% now, with Chinese carmakers proving better at stuffing their vehicles with the whizzy technology that the countrys consumers demand. VW has been hit especially hard. Once the biggest car company in China by some distance, its market share has fallen from 19% in 2019 to 14% today. It may slip into the single digits by 2030, says ubs. Business in China is also getting harder for Germanys upmarket firms. BMW and Mercedes earn 48% and 37% of their operating profit, respectively, in the country. Although they have so far shed only a few percentage points of market share, both rely heavily on petrol cars in a country where half of sales are now electric. The sales in China of Porsche, another fancy European brand, have plunged by 27% since 2022. Stellantis, which has largely pulled out of China, is nevertheless in a battle with Chinese competitors in South America and the Middle East, both important regions for the firm. Its bigger problem, though, is its plunging profit in North America. A misguided decision to raise prices for its pickups and suvs, to bring them closer to those of Ford and General Motors, has backfired as customers have turned away. Last month it announced that its North American revenue fell by 42%, year on year, in the quarter from July to September. Ballooning inventories have led it to cut production and temporarily close factories. The American market is set to become thornierstill for European carmakers under MrTrump. VW importsnearly two-fifths of the cars it sells in America from north and south of the border, as does Stellantis. If Mr Trump also levies tariffs on imports from the EU that would worsen the pain. Although two-thirds of the cars bmw sells in America are manufactured there, the rest are imported from the eu, according to Berenberg, a bank. All this points to a painful period of readjustment for Europes carmakers that will need to start with tackling overcapacity at home. Efforts to do so, however, are already encountering resistance. VWs unions are not the only ones taking industrial action. Last month Italian auto workers staged a one-day walkout, their first national strike in 20 years. Strikes have also hit auto suppliers in France and have been threatened at two tyre plants set to close by 2026. Politicians, too, are taking a dim view of factory closures. Possible wrong management decisions from the past must not be at the expense of employees," Olaf Scholz, Germanys beleaguered chancellor, has said in relation to VWs planned closures. Carlos Tavares, the boss of Stellantis, has been chastised by the Italian government for sending jobs to low-cost countries. But unless European car companies can deal with rising costs and sliding sales their plight will only worsen. The warning lights are flashing more urgently now. 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com Manufacturing conditions across much of Asia looked slightly stronger midway through the fourth quarter, the latest surveys show, but trepidation about U.S. tariffs and the economic hit theyll deal is taking some of the shine off the data. The suite of Asia purchasing managers indexes for November shows the region is still generally upbeat and navigating elevated geopolitical and economic risk well so far, said Katrina Ell, senior economist at Moodys Analytics. But despite the positivity, Asias export-oriented economies face risks from President-elect Donald Trumps proposed tariffs on U.S. imports, she said. Economies running large trade surpluses with the U.S., especially China and Vietnam, remain highly at risk," she said. That has yet to be reflected in the PMI readings released on Monday, which continued to show many producers feeling optimistic about their prospects in the year ahead. Hopes for a pickup in sales and demand bolstered South Korean firms 12-month outlook for output, and drove Taiwanese manufacturers confidence to a three-month high, the data indicated. New export orders also rose, touching a four-month peak in South Korea and climbing to the highest since February 2022 in Taiwan. In Taiwan, Asia, Europe and North America were all cited as sources of higher demand, which is impressive in the context of the underlying weakness presently apparent in much of the global manufacturing economy," said Paul Smith, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence. The headline S&P Global manufacturing PMI for Asean increased for the first time in six months in November, backed by a solid rise in production in Southeast Asia, the data showed. New orders rose in China too, climbing at the quickest pace since February 2023 amid renewed export growth, while business confidence hit an eight-month high, according to the Caixin PMI compiled by S&P Global. However, export order strength could be down to frontloading of shipments as manufacturers try to get ahead of tariffs, economists say. Trump vowed tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese goods during his campaign and has announced additional tariffs of 10% in the wake of his election win. We expect Chinas new export orders to strengthen further in the next few months, as U.S. importers engage in stockpiling. This will spill over and boost activity among Asian manufacturers plugged into Chinese supply chains," said Erica Tay, an economist at Maybank. If pre-emptive stockpiling is behind the regional upturn that means current strength is borrowing from future demand, which will weigh on output in the second half of next year, Tay said. Another source of uncertainty centers on which other Asian economies may be in the firing line. Trumps protectionist rhetoric wont be limited to China," said analysts at BMI, a Fitch Solutions company. They see tariff threats as a negotiating tactic that will be used on others too. Among the top candidates are Vietnam, Japan and South Koreaall major contributors to the U.S. trade deficit, a parameter BMI reckons plays a part in designating tariffs targets. In a potential sign that the U.S. could widen its tariff scope, Trump in a post on X over the weekend took aim at Brics, an organization of nine countries, including Brazil, Russia and India. We require a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new Brics currency, nor back any other currency to replace the mighty U.S. dollar or, they will face 100% tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. economy," according to Trumps post. OCBC senior economist Lavanya Venkateswaran said the post underlines the risk that Indias economy faces from U.S. protectionism, even if discerning potential threats from reality remains a challenge. How Asias manufacturers handle the trade frictions remains to be seen. Economic developments at home and abroad will play a role too. Capital Economics thinks South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam will hold up better than others but expects weak global growth to weigh on Asias export-oriented manufacturing sectors in the near term. Domestic demand is unlikely to offer a major boost as labor markets cool further, economist Shilan Shah said in a note. Write to Fabiana Negrin Ochoa at fabiana.negrinochoa@wsj.com New Delhi: The Centre may roll out a 9,000 crore scheme to support the manufacturing of components for batteries that power electric cars and back up clean energy systems, two people aware of the discussions said. The Union heavy industries ministry, which discussed the plan with industry executives at a meeting in the first week of November, will take up the matter with other ministries next, the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. "These are initial talks underway now. A stakeholder consultation was held recently. The consideration is for incentives of about 9,000 crore. Inter-ministerial consultations are likely to be held going ahead," one of the two people mentioned above said. Manufacturing of electrodes--battery components that carry electricity--is capital-intensive, the person said, adding local manufacturing requires research and development. According to the second person cited above, Reliance Industries Ltd, Hindalco Ltd, Ola Electric Mobility, Epsilon Advance Chemicals, Amara Raja Energy & Mobility and Himadri Specialities were among 30-40 companies that attended the ministry's meeting with battery manufacturers, electrolyzer makers and companies planning giga factories. Queries sent to the companies as well as the ministries of heavy industries, new and renewable energy and finance remained unanswered. Also read | Indias 20GWh battery capacity yet to take off due to visa issues for Chinese technicians Batteries cost about 40% of an electric vehicle, and a push to make local components may bring EV prices on par with conventional fuel vehicles. Even though battery making has picked up since production-linked incentives for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries were announced in 2021, manufacturers still depend heavily on imported components. The scheme, if finalized, would also support India's goal to become a hub for electrolyzers and green hydrogen. "The key components in battery manufacturing are anode, cathode, adhesive, electrolyte, copper foil and aluminium foil. All these components would require government support for indigenous manufacturing at the initial stage. And these sectors, once developed, would cater to the export market as well, including the US and Europe, apart from the domestic market," said Debi Prasad Dash, president of the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA). Currently, China supplies most components, including anodes and cathodes, to battery makers worldwide, just as it dominates ACC batteries, Dash said. A PLI-like scheme for such items will also boost the Make In India initiative, he said. Electrodes are the costliest components of a battery cell, with cathode and anode costing about 21% and 15% respectively, an industry report showed. According to the report by OMI Foundation, a mobility and transport think tank, raw materials for synthetic graphite that goes into anodes can be sourced from petroleum and steel. Since India is a major producer of petroleum products and steel, it has strong potential in the segment, said Pradeep Karuturi, head of Centre for Clean Mobility at the foundation who wrote the report 'EV-Ready India: Localizing Anode Production for a Greener Tomorrow'. Also read | GEAPP plans 2GWh battery storage capacity in India Vikram Handa, managing director, Epsilon Advanced Materials said: The government of Indias initiative to consider fiscal support for component manufacturing ecosystem in the ACC Sector like anode, cathode, electrolyte, and copper foil will prove as a significant step towards building a self-reliant and sustainable battery ecosystem. This will also attract investments, drive innovation, and reduce dependency on imports, and strengthen Indias role in the global battery supply chain. Localizing the production of anode and cathode materials is much essential for a sustainable, and efficient supply chain for the EV and ESS industries, while also mitigating geopolitical risks and developing talent." Anode manufacturing facility typically begins at an annual capacity of at least 20,000 tonnes, and the cost of 100,000 tonne annual capacity is about $1 billion. For cathode manufacturing, the cost would be somewhat higher," Karuturi of OMI Foundation said. India has the seventh largest reserve of natural graphite, out of which about 203.6 million tonnes is yet to be discovered, he said. While the country has immense potential to cater serve domestic anode manufacturing, the absence of large mines is an issue, he said. Demand for anodes may rise in parallel with the increasing need for lithium-ion batteries, and it may reach 286 kilo tonne per annum by 2030, based on the Niti Aayog's projected lithium-ion battery demand of 260 GWh in India. "While it remains uncertain whether India will have the full 260 GWh of battery production capacity by 2030, this projection reflects the immense opportunity for anode production to meet domestic needs and potential export markets, underscoring the strategic importance of scaling up local anode manufacturing," the OMI report said. And read | Critical minerals push to benefit battery-makers, electronics firms In 2021, the Union cabinet approved the 18,100 crore PLI scheme for ACC batteries to build manufacturing capacity of 50 GWh. So far, the government has awarded 40GWh capacity to Ola Electric Mobility, Rajesh Exports Ltd and Reliance Industries under the scheme. Discussions with industry executives also come ahead of the phased manufacturing programme (PMP) for the government's EV subsidy scheme PM E-drive. This programme is set to enlist components used to manufacture EVs that have to be sourced indigenously, as well as components that are allowed to be imported, and the timeline before which their imports will be curbed. Indias telecom regulator has tightened regulations to counter spam and unsolicited messages. One measure is mandating the traceability of commercial messages from senders. This led to speculation that OTPs, or one-time passwords, could get delayed and adversely affect transactions initiated by consumers such as bank transfers and online payments. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has clarified that the issue will not arise. On Saturday, it extended the 1 December deadline to implement the measure to 11 December. Will OTPs still get affected? Mint explains. What measures has the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India taken to curb spam messages? In August, Trai mandated that all message trails must be traceable from 1 November 2024. This move is aimed at enhancing accountability by tracking the origin of messages. To allow for technical upgrades and declarations by principal entities (PEs) and telemarketers (TMs), Trai gave them time till 30 November. PEs are entities that send commercial messages to telecom subscribers, and they include banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, trading companies, and businesses. On Saturday, Trai extended this deadline to 10 December. This means that from 11 December, the traceability requirements kick in. Apart from telcos, Trai is working with central and state governments departments, and entities regulated by the Reserve Bank of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India to raise awareness. Will traceability disrupt non-spam messages? Trai has clarified that message traceability is not intended to disrupt non-spam messages. The primary goal is to enhance the ability to track and block spam. While there may be some initial teething issues as service providers adjust to the new regulations, Trai has assured that the mandate will not lead to delays in message delivery or disrupt the timely receipt of OTPs. Why is there a concern over OTPs not getting delivered? While a typical Indian consumer gets a handful of text messages or SMSs every day, shes bound to get at least one OTP message a day. India has over 1 billion mobile phone users, which translates into at least 1 billion OTPs sent on an average every day. OTP is required as part of two-factor authentication for safer financial transactions. The method is used for non-financial transactions as well, which means the number of OTPs sent daily could exceed 1 billion. Telecom companies estimate the number at 1.6-1.7 billion OTPs a day. If the entities that send OTPs or the telcos that provide the service do not adhere to Trais rules on message traceability, OTP delivery can get affected. Have telcos or entities raised concerns on implementing this measure? Telcos have said they were ready to implement tools to ensure traceability of messages. However, some PEs and TMs have yet to register their complete chain on the distributed ledger technology platform. Messages including OTPs sent by such unregistered PEs and TMs could face delivery delays or disruption. According to Trai data, more than 27,000 PEs have already registered their chains with telcos and further registration is in progress. Telcos have sent and continue to send warning notices to PEs and TMs that have not yet implemented the changes. Has there been any improvement in spam call volumes after TRAIs intervention? TRAI said in a statement last month that the number of complaints against unregistered senders, as reported by telcos, reduced 13% to 1.63 lakh in September 2024 and 20% to 1.51 lakh in October 2024 from 1.89 lakh in August 2024. It also disconnected 275,000 phone numbers and blocked services to 50 entities as part of a crackdown against pesky callers and unregistered TMs. According to private consumer research firm LocalCircles, which surveyed over 14,000 responses from mobile subscribers located in 309 districts of India last month, 27% confirmed a reduction in pesky calls. Investors have flocked to a pair of turbocharged exchange-traded funds to ride the momentum in bitcoin, but they contain hidden risks that arent widely understood. The ETFs seek to amplify the daily return of MicroStrategy, the software company that has turned itself into a bitcoin buying machine. Using complex derivative bets, they aim to offer double the daily return of the stockto the upside or downside. The funds, from asset managers Tuttle Capital Management and Defiance ETFs, are inherently risky. MicroStrategy itself is a leveraged bet on bitcoin, holding some $35 billion of the cryptocurrency. But bullish investors have swelled its market value to almost $90 billion, or more than twice the value of the bitcoin it holds. Skeptics say this is unsustainable. The Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF and the T-Rex 2X Long MSTR Daily Target ETF were designed for investors who want to place an even more aggressive bet on the stock. Collectively the two funds have ballooned to roughly $5 billion in assets since launching in August and September respectively. Some analysts say the funds are contributing to the furious rally in MicroStrategy shares. They warn that if the stock were to drop 51% in a single day, the ETFs could be completely wiped out, a blowup similar to what happened with some volatility-linked ETFs after the 2018 market episode dubbed Volmageddon. On top of that, the two 2X ETFs havent been working as intended in recent days. MicroStrategy shares rose 9.9% Wednesday, but the T-Rex fund rose just 13.9%, instead of the 19.8% target. The funds performance disappointed when the stock declined, too. Its share price dropped 10.7% on Nov. 25 when MicroStrategy fell 4.4%. The performance caused an uproar among investors on social media who questioned the discrepancy and said they felt cheated. Jesse Schwartz, a 36-year-old winemaker and day trader in Washington state, has been using the funds as a tool to amplify his exposure to the stock. He was surprised to see the shares werent performing as advertised. Schwartz called his broker, Charles Schwab, to ask about the discrepancy and wasnt satisfied with the explanation. He sold all of his shares by the end of the week. Its disappointing to say the least," Schwartz said. Im getting more than the full risk to the downside and then not getting rewarded on the upside." Niche fund managers have launched dozens of single-stock ETFs since they were first approved by regulators in 2022. Until this point, the funds have largely worked as advertised. Popular funds that aim to double the daily return of Nvidia and Tesla tend to track closely to their target, thanks to their use of financial contracts known as total return swaps. Proponents of the funds say they give regular investors access to strategies long used by Wall Street. Critics argue they can be dangerous because they dont offer diversification. In the case of the MicroStrategy funds, they add leveraged exposure to a volatile stock that moves in relation to an unpredictable cryptocurrency. They warn the hype is part of a broader investor euphoria for speculative assets that will eventually collapse. View Full Image MicroStrategy holds some $35 billion of bitcoin. Photo: Kevin Sikorsky The managers of the MicroStrategy funds say they might be struggling to hit the 2x targets because their prime brokersfirms that provide securities lending and other services to professional investorshave reached the limit of the swap exposure they are willing to offer. Leveraged ETFs typically achieve their desired result through the use of swaps, which are widely available for the biggest, most liquid stocks. Swap contract payments are tied directly to the performance of an underlying asset and allow a fund to double the daily performance of a stock or index with precision. Matt Tuttle, who runs the Tuttle Capital and Rex Shares 2x long MicroStrategy fund, said he cant get anywhere close to the amount of swaps he needs for his booming fund. He says his prime brokers are offering him $20 million to $50 million in swaps when at one point last week he could have used $1.3 billion. Both Tuttle and Sylvia Jablonski, the chief executive of competitor Defiance ETFs, said they are turning to the options market instead to achieve leveraged outcomes for their MicroStrategy funds. Traders can effectively use options to double the daily return of an asset, but analysts say it is more of an inexact science. Options prices fluctuate, and big buyers like the ETFs can move the market. The use of options is the primary reason tracking has worsened, Tuttle said. The Defiance ETF dropped nearly three times as much as the underlying stock on Nov. 25. On Friday, it fell 1.76% when MicroStrategy was down just 0.35%. Analysts say the introduction of the leveraged MicroStrategy ETFs has accelerated moves in the stock. The ETFs have to increase or decrease their exposure every day to achieve a leveraged outcome. The network of market makers offering swaps and options often buys or sells actual MicroStrategy shares to hedge their exposure. Its like putting a lead weight on your foot when youre driving a car. You can still deal with the gas, but the default mode is going to be floored," said Dave Nadig, an ETF industry veteran formerly at VettaFi and FactSet. Alexander Osipovich contributed to this article. Write to Jack Pitcher at jack.pitcher@wsj.com Dolly Khanna is one of Indias well-known super-investors, or as I like to call them, Indias Warren Buffetts. Her impressive portfolio is managed by her and her husband, and theyre known for their strategic stock picks. With a net worth exceeding Rs. 451.7 crore according to Trendlyne.com, Khanna publicly holds 18 stocks. She is known for having a keen eye for hidden gems and her focus on long-term growth and diversification. According to data from Screener.in (which records super-investors holdings above 1%), Khanna added three stocks to her portfolio as of the September quarter. What makes these fresh additions fascinating is that they arent even on the radar of India's biggest investment houses. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) manage billions in assets and employ teams of analysts, but have stayed away from three companies that Khanna finds worthy of investment. The obvious question is: what does Khanna see that the DIIs dont? Or is there some other reason why she invested? In any case, the fact that these companies may have escaped institutional attention while passing Khanna's stringent investment criteria makes this a compelling setup. Lets take a look at the three stocks in question. #1 20 Microns Ltd First in the list is 20 Microns Ltd, in which Khanna bought a 1.29% stake as of the September quarter, according to exchange data. The company is Indias largest producer and supplier of ultrafine industrial minerals & speciality chemicals, and has a market cap of 789 crore. As we said earlier, DIIs (which include mutual funds) hold a measly 0.02% of the company. Foreign institutional investors holdings, however, have grown in small increments in recent quarters, from 0.72% in the September 2023 quarter to 1% in the September 2024 quarter. This may be a small number, but keep in mind this investment comes amid a record exodus of FIIs from the Indian stock market. One of the reasons for Khannas investment could be the companys acquisition of 545,454 shares in its Malaysian subsidiary, 20 Microns SDN BHD, for about 25 crore. The subsidiary specialises in trading calcium carbonate and producing superfine limestone powder products. Also read: FMCG stocks have disappointed. Can the big 4 pull off a turnaround? The companys steady financial growth could be another reason for Khannas investment. Sales grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%, from 480 crore to 777 crore, between FY19 and FY24. Net profits over the same period increased from 25 crore to 56 crore, at a CAGR of 18%. Ebitda rose from 69 crore in FY19 to 106 crore in FY24, at a CAGR of 9%. The operating profit margin at the end of FY24 was 14%, and has been between 12% and 14% over the past five years. The current share price is about 224, having grown 580% in absolute terms or a CAGR of 46% from 33 five years ago. View Full Image Source: TradingView Note that during the September quarter, when Khanna was reported to be buying the stock, its price had spiked. Since then, there has been a sharp correction in the price. This was probably triggered by an increase in its debt from 121 crore as of the March quarter to 131 crore as of September quarter. Another reason could be the decline in operating profit margin from 15% to 13% as of September quarter. Yet another reason could be the acquisition of the Malaysian subsidiary. What Khanna sees as an opportunity, others may have seen as an additional burden on the companys finances. The stock is currently trading at a price to earnings ratio of 13.3, below the industry average of 19.5. Part of this could be attributed to the recent selloff. The 10-year median PE ratio of the stock is 9.31. 20 Microns has started serving customers in Eastern Europe, Russia, Italy, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other markets. The company has also launched new products and is looking forward to competing with Chinese products. #2 Emkay Global Financial Services Ltd Emkay Global Financial Services Ltd (EGFSL) offers a range of financial services including stock broking, asset management, wealth management, investment banking, and financial product distribution for both institutions and individuals. Its market cap is 706 crore. DIIs holding no stake in the company while FII holdings fell from 1.17% as of the March quarter to 0.77% as of the September quarter. As of FY24, the companys asset management wing (portfolio management service and alternative investment funds) had 902 crore in assets under management, up 38% year-on-year. Its wealth management AUM grew 42% year-on-year to 3,177 crore. With more than 43,500 customers, the companys total assets under management was 37,544 crore as of FY24, according to its annual report. These encouraging numbers are perhaps another reason why Khanna decided to invest. Another, of course, is the growing number of investors in India. The total number ofdemataccounts in India touched 175 million in September, according to a Motilal Oswal report. About 4.4 million new accounts were added during the month, resulting in an average addition of 4 million accounts a month so far in FY25. Also read | Potential best-performing stocks for December: A seasonality analysis With a rise in the number of high-networth individuals, the industry could be on the verge of a boom. According to the Financial Services Industry Report by India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the number of ultra-high-networth individuals (UHNWIs) is estimated to increase by 63% from 12,069 in 2022 to 19,119 in 2027.India is also expected to have 1.66 million HNWIs in 2027. Coming to the financials, sales grew from 147 crore in FY19 to 314 in FY24, at a CAGR of 16%. Net profit grew at a CAGR of 32%, from 9 crore to 32 crore, over this period. Ebitda grew at a CAGR of 19%, from 23 crore to 56 crore. The operating profit margin was 15% in FY19 and 18% in FY24. The stock price has shot up to 283 from 68 five years ago, clocking 316% absolute growth and 34% compound annual growth. View Full Image Source: TradingView Emkay stock trades at a PE ratio of 13.64, lower than the industry average of 15.2. Its 10-year median PE ratio is a modest 13.25. All in all, Emkay has shown solid financial performance in the past few years. Club that with its impressive AUM growth and you might just see why Khanna decided to swim against the tide to pick up a stake in the company. #3 POCL Enterprises Ltd POCL Enterprises Ltd is one of Indias leading manufacturers of metallic oxides such as lead oxides and zinc oxide, apart from PVC stabilisers and zinc and lead themselves. It has a market cap of 545 crore. No DIIs or FIIs had a stake in the company as of the September quarter. Given that its a micro cap company, it isnt a shock that DIIs are keeping their distance. So, what could have sparked Khannas interest in the stock? Well, Indias auto sector is booming and electric vehicles (EV) are the next big thing. So its no wonder that Indias battery ecosystem is also picking up speed. POCLs main business selling products used to make batteries has consistently brought in more than 60-65% of total earnings in the past few years. With electric vehicles becoming more common worldwide, companies that supply auto parts are finding new growth areas. Its no wonder that Indian Brand Equity Foundation predicts that India's EV battery market will grow from $16.77 billion to $27.70 billion in just five years Also read: Is Tesla a better opportunity than Indian automakers? The companys sales grew at a CAGR of 20% from 454 crore in FY19 to 1,120 crore in FY24. The company made a loss of 6 crore in FY19 and a net profit of 18 crore FY24, implying a CAGR of 37%. Ebitda grew from 4 crore in FY19 to 39 crore in FY24, at a CAGR of 57%. The operating profit margin improved from 1% in FY19 to 4% in FY24. The stock has shot up to 195 from 6 just five years ago, clocking 3,150% absolute growth and a CAGR of 101% over this period. View Full Image Source: TradingView The stock currently trades at a PE ratio of 19.7, almost half the industry average of 38. Its 10-year median PE ratio is 11.2. The company laid out its expansion plans in its latest investor presentation. It plans to set up an additional refining and smelting unit with a capacity of 11,000 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and 11,000 MTPA, respectively. POCL also plans to expand and upgrade its lead oxide facilities to improve efficiency as it is currently running at full capacity. Management is also exploring the possibility of selling and exporting zinc. Whos right, Khanna or DIIs? Well never know what Khanna sees in these three stocks that DIIs dont. Maybe the DIIs see something she hasnt. Either way, time will tell who made the right call. Add these stocks to your watch list and see how the story plays out. For more such analysis, read Profit Pulse. Note: We have relied on data from Screener.in, Trendlyne.com and Tijorifinance.com throughout this article. Only in cases where the data was not available have we used an alternative but widely used and accepted source of information. The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educational purposes only. Suhel Khan has been a passionate follower of the markets for over a decade. During this period, he was an integral part of a leading equity research organisation in Mumbai as its head of sales & marketing. He now spends most of his time dissecting the investments and strategies of Indias super-investors. Disclosure: The writer and his dependants do not hold the stocks discussed in this article. India, the third largest electricity producer, is gradually shifting to renewable sources of energy to meet its rising power demand. The country's installed solar power capacity stands at 92.19 gigawatts (GW), a 35x growth since 2014, according to the data as of October 2024. The National Institute of Solar Energy has projected that India can generate ~748GW of solar power, assuming 3% of the wasteland area is covered by solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. This potential is 8x the present capacity of 92.19GW. The Government of India is constantly making efforts to promote the use of solar energy through various schemes and benefits. The government aims to reduce the projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030 and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070. The government has also allocated 10,000 crore for solar power grid projects in the Union Budget 2024-25, a rise of 110% over the amount allocated in the Union Budget 2023-24. Now, the question arises: Which company will directly benefit from this increased demand for solar power? We are referring to product manufacturers as well as allied companies. Perhaps the company best placed is Borosil Renewables Ltd, the largest manufacturer of solar glass in India. Solar glass is used in solar photovoltaic modules, roof-top solar panels, utility-scale solar projects, and greenhouses. What to expect? Borosil Renewables manufacturs textured low iron solar glass ranging between 2mm and 6mm thickness, and sheet length up to 3500mm and width up to 2500mm. The company is the largest solar glass manufacturer in India with a capacity of 1,350 tonnes per day (TPD), of which, 350 TPD is at the companys manufacturing facility at Tschernitz in Germany's Brandenburg. In 2022, the company acquired Interfloat Group, Europes largest solar glass manufacturer, consisting of Glasmanufactur Brandenburg (GmbH), which operates the 350 TPD facility at Tschernitz. Borosil Renewables reported 58.7% of total consolidated sales from domestic markets and 41.3% from international markets, predominantly from the European Union, Turkey, America, Middle East, and North Africa regions. The company reported a profit for the nine months ending 30 September 2024 and earnings per share (EPS) of 0.97 and 0.69, respectively. As per screener.in, the company has a median sales growth of 27.5% for last 10 years, and the stock is trading at ~6.7x the book value. Nearly 61.6% of total shareholding is with promoters, while FIIs hold around 4.2%, DIIs around 0.2%, and the public holds around 34% of total shares, as of September 2024. Players in the solar glass industry View Full Image Solar glass manufacturers Globally, China is the largest manufacturer of solar glass. However, in India, Borosil Renewables is the largest manufacturer of solar glass by capacity. A few of the competitors are Vishakha Renewables Pvt. Ltd from Gujarat, Gold Plus Glass from Delhi, and Triveni Renewables Pvt. Ltd from Andhra Pradesh. Since the competitors are private limited companies, the comparison is made only on the production capacity as shown above. Borosil Renewables has ~43% share in the solar glass installed capacity, while Vishakha Renewables has ~28% share. Other players have less than a 15% share in the solar glass installed capacity. Main concern According to Borosil Renewables report, solar glass is a significant component imported into India with a 10% import duty in the solar module ecosystem. This makes imports from low-cost countries a concern for domestic manufacturers. Countries like China drop their prices when the duties are increased. So, companies have proposed anti-dumping duties and minimum import price (MIP) per tonne of solar glass. Recently, Borosil Renewables released information on its application to the ministry of commerce and industry for alleged dumping of solar glass from China and Vietnam into India. The company stated that the ministry of commerce and industry, in its preliminary findings, has recommended imposition of provisional anti-dumping duty, pending completion of the investigation, vide its notification dated 5 November 2024", and the matter is now with the ministry of finance. Why Borosil Renewables? The following points help us understand why Borosil Renewables may be well placed to tap into the big solar energy opportunity: Borosil Renewables, being the leader in solar glass manufacturing, has shown a consistent growth in revenues over the last ten years. There are new entrants for solar PV module manufacturing in India. Since Borosil Renewables is a reputed company, the new entrants might prefer to use their products, considering the experience and reliability. Recent news of imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports of solar glass from China and Vietnam in India will increase the sales of domestic solar glass manufacturers in coming times. Borosil Renewables has submitted a draft letter of offer for a rights issue in June 2024, With the raised money, the company is estimating to repay outstanding borrowings of 128.1 crore, which will address the concerns over low-interest coverage ratio of the company. The company plans to invest around 211.1 crore in the geosphere from money to be raised through the rights issue. This will reduce the cost of raw materials and increase profitability in coming times. So, with the growing use of solar energy for power generation and alternative applications, the companies manufacturing solar glass as well as solar PV modules will gain a lot. Borosil Renewables has expertise in the field of glass manufacturing and should remain a preferred supplier for solar glasses to solar PV module manufacturers as well as for alternative applications of solar energy. For more such analysis, read Profit Pulse. Having said that, as we said before, the big risk is low-cost imports, as there were no duties on solar glass earlier. However, the government has recently introduced a 10% customs duty on solar glass imports. Further, as discussed above, if the government approves the anti-dumping duty on imports of solar glass and MIP per tonne, Borosil Renewables will potentially gain the most from this opportunity. Note: We have relied on data from www.screener.in as well as the companys presentation throughout this article. Only in cases where the data was not available have we used an alternative but widely used and accepted source of information. The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educative purposes only. Mohit Bhambhani is a seasoned financial professional with over 13 years of experience in the field of financial research and corporate advisory. He also has substantial experience in Indian stock markets. With an analytical approach, he studies the performance of companies deeply, bringing value to the readers. Disclosure: The writer/his dependents hold the stocks of Borosil Renewables Ltd discussed in this article. Mauritius is an important gateway for Indias strategic and economic partnership with Africa. Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is in a position to leverage its geographic location, robust economic policies and regional agreements to facilitate trade and investment between India and Africa in consonance with Indias Africa strategy as laid down by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) reshaping the continents economic landscape, Mauritiuss strategic importance to India is expected to grow. The relationship between India and Mauritius is rooted in shared history and cultural ties, with a large Indian diaspora in Mauritius forming a natural bond between the two nations. This foundation has been complemented by decades of economic cooperation. India has been consistently ranked as one of Mauritiuss largest trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching $697.4 million in 2023. Also read: Mauritius keen to set up shop in GIFT City A significant milestone in this partnership was the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), which came into force on 1 April 2021. This not only facilitates trade in goods and services, but also creates a framework for collaboration in high-growth sectors such as pharmaceuticals, information and communication technology, biotechnology and financial services. Through CECPA, around 310 exports items from India (including agricultural products, textiles and electronics) have got market access at concessional customs duties in Mauritius. Indian service providers got access to around 115 sub-sectors within 11 broad service sectors, including professional services, computer related services, research and development and other business services. Mauritius got preferential access to Indian markets through over 600 tariff lines . Mauritius as a bridge: The island nations role as a conduit to Africa is reinforced by its membership of the AfCFTA, which integrates 54 African nations into a single market of over 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.1 trillion. Through AfCFTA, intra-African trade is expected to grow by 52% by 2025. Mauritiuss active role in AfCFTA, combined with the benefits of CECPA, makes it an ideal base for Indian businesses to access Africas vast market. The use of English as a language, availability of a skilled workforce and strong IT infrastructure make it particularly attractive for Indian IT and IT-enabled services companies looking to expand their African presence. Further, Mauritiuss well-established financial institutions provide a reliable perch from which to navigate complex regulatory environments across the continent. The countrys preferential trade agreements within African regional blocs such as COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) and SADC (Southern African Development Community) further strengthen Indian companies access to African markets. An economic transformation that spells investment opportunities: Mauritius has undergone a significant transformation over the years, emerging as a financial hub. Its policies, such as tax incentives, streamlined regulations and infrastructure development, have created a business-friendly environment that has attracted foreign direct investment inflows of approximately $340 million in the first half of 2024. Indian companies like Sun Pharma has established vaccine production facilities in Mauritius to serve African nations, while Indian information technology firms have set up software development hubs to cater to the growing African tech market. Cross-border financial flows have expanded significantly since the implementation of the CECPA. Indian banks and fintech companies have partnered with Mauritian firms to develop innovative financial solutions tailored for African markets. There is synergy between Mauritiuss financial expertise and Indias technological innovation that can foster a dynamic ecosystem to support trade, investment, economic growth and various south-south collaborations. Maritime security and Indias Sagar vision: Beyond economic collaboration, Mauritius is integral to Indias Sagar vision: Security and Growth for All in the Region. Launched in 2015, Sagar underscores Indias commitment to ensuring maritime security, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region. Mauritius, situated at a strategic location in the western Indian Ocean, is a key partner in advancing Indias maritime diplomacy. Defence cooperation forms a significant part of this partnership. India has provided Mauritius a $100 million defence line-of-credit, which underscores the depth of this relationship. These measures enhance Mauritiuss ability to monitor its maritime domain and secure vital trade routes, aligning with Indias broader objective of countering Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean Region. A shared vision for the future: Mauritiuss economic strategies and alignment with Indias objectives underscore its pivotal role in shaping the future of India-Africa trade and cooperation. The nations emphasis on innovation, skill development and public-private partnerships also aligns well with Indias growth and Africa strategy. In Mauritius, India has a stable and reliable partner in an important part of the world that provides Indian businesses easy access to African markets. This partnership, bolstered by shared cultural ties and aligned economic goals, ensures mutual benefits and long-term growth. By leveraging Mauritiuss unique position, India is not only securing its strategic and economic interests, but also contributing to the broader regions prosperity. This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration, paving the way for a future of shared growth, stability and opportunities in the Indian Ocean Region and Africa. These are the authors personal views. The author is professor, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) A U.S. Navy destroyer can fire dozens of cruise missiles within minutes. Reloading the deadly warship back in port can take two months. In a war against China, that could be a fatal weakness. To overcome the delay, Navy engineers pulled a 30-year-old crane out of storage, wired it up to computers, and used it to build a new prototype reloading system called the Transferrable Reload At-sea Method. TRAM, as it is known, promises to slash the time needed for missile reloading, potentially to just days. The ability to rearm at sea will be critical to any future conflict in the Pacific," said Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro after a recent test of TRAM off the California coast, to which The Wall Street Journal was granted exclusive access. Until recently, the Navy didnt feel much need for speed in rearming its biggest missile-firing warships. They only occasionally launched large numbers of Tomahawk cruise missiles or other pricey projectiles. Now, Pentagon strategists worry that if fighting broke out in the western Pacificpotentially 5,000 miles from a secure Navy basedestroyers, cruisers and other big warships would run out of vital ammunition within days, or maybe hours. Seeking to plug that supply gap, Del Toro tasked commanders and engineers with finding ways to reload the fleets launch systems at remote ports or even on the high seas. Otherwise, U.S. ships might need to sail back to bases in Hawaii or California to do soputting them out of action for weeks. Slow reloading has been causing the Navy headaches in the Red Sea. Warships deployed there to defend cargo ships from Houthi rebels in Yemen must sail through the Suez Canal and to ports in Greece or Spain to reload, leaving the fight for extended periods. We should have developed this capability fully decades ago," said retired Navy Admiral James Stavridis. Again and again, after firing a significant load of TomahawksI had to pull my warships off the line to rearm," said Stavridis, a former Supreme Allied Commander Europe of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The Navy only reloads the launchers from solid ground or in sheltered harbors because it is a delicate operation. Engineers in the 1990s proposed systems for reloading at sea, but available technology wasnt precise enough to transfer missiles from a platform constantly in motion, such as a ship or floating dock. The U.S.s inability to restock missile launchers at sea is notable because America long ago performed engineering feats such as linking spacecraft orbiting the moon. The military routinely refuels military planes soaring above the clouds. Engineers say that the ocean surfacewhile more familiarpresents uniquely vexing physics challenges due to currents, wind and the mix of air and water. Now digital advances including 3-D printing, specialized radar and motion-detectors of the kind found in cellphones, have allowed the Navy to revisit the idea. Newfound urgency is speeding up work toward a solution. We are transforming the way we fight," said Del Toro onboard the USNS Washington Chambers, a supply ship, during the TRAM test. He watched as crews zip-lined a dummy missile container to the cruiser USS Chosin sailing alongside and as technicians operated the experimental crane to position the 20-foot-long box over the ships launch cells. Del Toro, whose term ends with the Biden administration, wants equipment like TRAM included in ship modernization work planned over the coming years. Today, the only U.S. warships that can be sustained indefinitely at sea and continue fighting are its 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and nine smaller amphibious assault ships, none of which carry vertical missile silos. TRAM could increase that number roughly fivefold, taking the total to around 100 warships without building a single new hull. Until then, the Navy is seeking new rearming sites at friendly ports. In September, U.S. sailors and logisticians for the first time reloaded a missile onboard the USS Dewey, a destroyer, at an allied naval base in Darwin, Australia. At the Deweys deployment base in Yokosuka, Japan, missiles are reloaded from a barge that meets the destroyer at an anchorage in the harbor, but it is a sheltered area and the waters are calm. In a war, ports the U.S. uses in Japan and Guam could be targeted by Chinese missiles, prompting the Navy to seek havens further away. If conflict were to erupt, or if something were to happen, being able to go to various different locations around the Indo-Pacific, it makes it much faster for us to reload," said Cmdr. Nicholas Maruca, the Deweys captain. From the South China Sea, Darwin is a roughly 4-day journey under normal sailing conditions, compared with a roughly three-week journey to the U.S. West Coast. Reloading at sea could slash that downtime even further, but it would be a dicey operation. Missiles in their boxes, which resemble slender shipping containers, can weigh more than 6,000 lbs. They must slide smoothly into tightfitting launch cells because jostling could damage delicate guidance systemsor worse. These are supersonic rockets. There is a lot of fire and gas involved with this," Maruca said. If you drop the missile, thats not good." For decades, the Navy has provisioned its ships on the high seas by sending basic supplies across cables strung between them. It routinely refuels ships using hoses supported in this way. The connections require the ships to sail at nearly identical speeds, maintaining a constant distance. The equipment is designed so connections can be severed instantly if needed, such as if attacked. Loading a warship with dozens of missiles using a crane on the supply ship would be dangerously slow. TRAM is designed to make the process faster and safer. Creating the TRAM mechanism was still challenging. To start work, Navy experts early this year pulled the mothballed 1990s prototype out of storage, disassembled it and drafted digital plans to reverse-engineer it, with help from some archived drawings. Putting the new plans in a computer simulation, they located the mechanisms weakest points and added about 300 lbs. of steel reinforcement, said Ryan Hayleck, the projects technical leader. The Chosins deck also needed reinforcing to handle the new load. Technicians wired up both ships and the crane with sensors to understand how all the elements moved and what stresses they faced, all with the aim of refining designs. Navy Chief Engineer Rear Admiral Peter Small said the scads of data couldnt have been collected through land-based tests and will guide the next steps. Its safe to say that the TRAM of today is not your TRAM of yesteryear," said Del Toro. Write to Daniel Michaels at Dan.Michaels@wsj.com and Mike Cherney at mike.cherney@wsj.com The 70th annual session of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, held Nov. 22-25 in Montreal, hit a snag on its first evening when violent activists tried to disrupt the event. Metropolitan police were unprepared for the organized assault. So was Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who seems to have had no inkling of the possible security risks that a NATO summit in his country might present. No, the Canadian leader wasnt out to lunch. He was at a Taylor Swift concert in Toronto. Canada is an important U.S. ally in continental security through organizations like the North American Aerospace Defense Command. But Ottawa doesnt deliver on its NATO commitment to spend 2% of its gross domestic product on defense and has said it wont do so any time soon. As the NATO-summit fiasco demonstrates, even internal security can be an afterthought for the woke prime minister. But it depends on whose ox is being gored. The hatred unleashed in Montreal was classic anticapitalist, antisemitic extremism. An estimated 800 students and activists, some waving Palestinian flags, took part in the demonstrations. Some rampaged through the streets, smashing the windows of businesses and the convention center where the summit was to convene and burning cars. Fox News reported that they threw small explosive devices" and burned an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu." According to CTV News they chanted Free Palestine, and Israel is terrorist, Canada is complicit, as they lit smoke bombs. Metal barriers were also thrown in the street to keep riot police away." The Canada Press reported that Divest for Palestine Collective called the effigy burning a legitimate expression of collective anger against the political indifference at the heart of an ongoing colonial genocide." The Montreal Gazette reported that on Saturday morning windows were boarded up, police tape blocked several entrances and there was a heavy presence of private security guards and police officers." Around noon, Mr. Trudeau weighed in with a tweet, calling the riot appalling" and insisting acts of antisemitism, intimidation, and violence must be condemned wherever we see them." He added that there must be consequences, and rioters held accountable." On Sunday Montreal police said they expected to make numerous arrests. Yet by Monday afternoon only three people had been detained. Government failure to protect property and personal security rarely goes down well with law-abiding citizens. In this case Canadians have an additional reason to resent their government: the unequal application of the law, too often administered according to the politics of the left-wing ruling class, no friend to Israel. Consider what happened to Canadian journalist Ezra Levant, who went to an anti-Israel rally in Toronto last weekend. Demonstrators were paying homage to the late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel. Mr. Levant, who is Jewish, wanted to film the event. He was armed with only a camera. Toronto police told him to remain in a designated media area. But he wanted to walk among the demonstrators where he could record what they were doing and saying. Video of the confrontation shows Mr. Levant being pushed along a sidewalk by the officers as demonstrators chant get him out." Hes told that his presence" is inciting the potential for violence." Mr. Levant, who was in a public space, was neither violent nor threatening. He did, however, verbally dispute the authority of the police and they arrested him in the interest of peace" and public safety." He was handcuffed and led away to cheers from the crowd. The police have a role in keeping the peace. But the original provocation was the protesters decision to celebrate Sinwar in a largely Jewish neighborhood. Mr. Levant maintains his rights were breached and says he plans to sue. The events of last weekend provide Canadian conservatives with one more example of selective justice. Many are still seething from the governments handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. When truckers launched a nationwide protest against its restrictive policies, the prime minister, an avid fan of progressive causes like Black Lives Matter, branded their views unacceptable" and tried to punish them. This included threats to freeze the bank accounts of antivaccine protesters without due process. Things have only deteriorated further since Israel came under attack. As National Post journalist Michael Higgins noted last weekend, no one begrudges Mr. Trudeau his leisure time at a pop concert and he cant control the schedule of marauders. But what happened in Montreal was only the latest outbreak of anti-Israeli extremism. As Mr. Higgins wrote, These pro-Palestinian/Hamas-supporting demonstrations have been happening since the savagery of October 7 and the Liberal government and Trudeau have been missing in action." The hoodlums trashing of Montreal caught the government off-guard. But somehow Mr. Levant was immediately intercepted, labelled a troublemaker and carted away. Something isnt right in Canadas democracy." Write to OGrady@wsj.com If Google were a ship, it would be the Titanic in the hours before it struck an icebergriding high, supposedly unsinkable, and about to encounter a force of nature that could make its name synonymous with catastrophe. The trends moving against Google are so numerous and interrelated that the Justice Departments attempt to dismantle the companythe specifics of which were unveiled Nov. 20could be the least of its problems. The companys core business is under siege. People are increasingly getting answers from artificial intelligence. Younger generations are using other platforms to gather information. And the quality of the results delivered by its search engine is deteriorating as the web is flooded with AI-generated content. Taken together, these forces could lead to long-term decline in Google search traffic, and the outsize profits generated from it, which prop up its parent company Alphabets money-losing bets on things like its Waymo self-driving unit. The first danger facing Google is clear and present: When people want to search for information or go shopping on the internet, they are shifting to Googles competitors, and advertising dollars are following them. In 2025, eMarketer projects, Googles share of the U.S. search-advertising market will fall below 50% for the first time since the company began tracking it. In responding to government antitrust inquiries, Google itself makes this point often: Evidence at trial shows we face fierce competition from a broad range of competitors." This shift is due largely to users bypassing Google to start their search for goods on Amazon. Its handing Amazon billions in advertiser dollars. Meanwhile, TikTok has less than 4% of U.S. digital ad revenue, but significant potential to expand its share of the pie. A recent TikTok pitch to advertisers reported on by The Wall Street Journal said that 23% of its users searched for something within 30 seconds of opening the app, and its global search volume was three billion a day. The second threat is the rise of answer engines" like Perplexity which, well, do what they say on the tin. OpenAI has added internet search to ChatGPT, Meta Platforms is exploring building its own search engine, and even AI chatbots that cant search the internet are proving increasingly capable at addressing many questions. Theyre also becoming ever more widespread, as Microsoft and Apple integrate them directly into the operating systems of all the devices they make or support. Google had this seemingly insurmountable position in search, until AI came around, and now AI is to search what e-commerce was to Walmart," says Melissa Schilling, a professor of management at New York Universitys Stern School of Business. Another comparable moment was when Microsoft missed the importance of the smartphone, and the iPhone upended its dominance of consumer computing, she adds. Of course, Google is hard at work trying to make sure that if anyone is going to disrupt the search paradigm with AI, its Google itself. Earlier this year, Google rolled out AI summaries of its own search results to all users in the U.S. The company has said that such innovation is in direct response to intense competition from AI at both startups and tech giants. The third trend that threatens Google is one the company may not be able to do much about, and that makes it the most dangerousthe degradation of the overall ecosystem of websites that Google has shaped, and on which it depends. Much has been said about how search results are declining overall, no matter how we search the web, because of the proliferation of AI-generated content. Absent any other trends, this would by itself be a huge problem for Google. But the companys responseeliminating the need to click on links at all by offering AI-generated summariescould accelerate the decline of the web. The reason is that the internet is an ecosystem, with Google as one of the primary providers of trafficand therefore revenue. Without the traffic that Google sends across the web, the incentive and resources to continue producing websites attractive to Googles search algorithm will decline. Joerg Klueckmann, head of marketing at European fintech giant Finastra, worries about just that. Once more people are relying on AI to answer questions as much as early adopters like him are, traffic to websites will dry up. And then, what do you do with your search-engine marketing team? What does that mean for all the websites we have out there?" This process has already begun. While Google reported strong revenue growth last quarter, the rate at which people clicked on ads that appear in search results was down 8% compared with a year ago, according to data from advertising platform Skai. Its not clear why this is happening, but one logical conclusion is that its the result of Googles own AI-based summaries, which eliminate the need to click on sponsored links or scroll down to where the ads are. One study from January by search-engine-optimization software company Authoritas found that Googles AI answers in its search results could upend rankings and traffic to existing websites. And ad sales firm Raptive has projected that the full rollout of this change to search could erase $2 billion in revenue for publishers. Even though the rise of AI has the potential to finally unseat Google, its likely to take a long time before Googles dominance truly fades, says David Yoffie, a professor at Harvard Business School. We know from behavioral economics that people tend to get into certain routines, and in the absence of a spectacularly better product, people tend to stick with that," he adds. After the governments recent victory in an antitrust case against Google, the Justice Department is proposing that the search giant should be prevented from giving preferential access to its search engine on devices that use its Android mobile operating system. Its also proposing that it sell off its popular Chrome browser, among other remedies. Kent Walker, Googles president of global affairs, has described the Justice Departments proposal as wildly overbroad" and said it would harm Americans and Americas global technology leadership." He said Google would file its own proposed remedy to the court in December. It will take years for the Justice Department case to be resolved, and the ultimate remedy is unlikely to be as significant as what the Justice Department has proposed. The most likely outcome is that Google negotiates some sort of consent decree with the Trump administrationjust as Microsoft did with the administration of George W. Bush, says Yoffie. As with its attempt to break up Microsoft, the governments case against Google may be outpaced by competitive forces far more powerful than antitrust enforcement. Despite Christians comprising only 57% of the Indian population, Christmas is widely celebrated across the country, especially in South and Northeast India, with participation from non-Christians in the festivities. Credit : PIXABAY Shifts have already begun and will continue to take place through Christmas Eve. Each shift is two hours, and every volunteer can sign up for as many as they wish. Whether with a group or solo, the Salvation Army needs holiday bellringers. Fianna Fails Robert Troy and Fine Gaels Micheal Carrigy have been confirmed as the two final TDs that will represent Longford Westmeath in the 34th Dail. They were elected, shortly after 3.40am this morning (Monday, December 2), on the 15th and Final Count following the distribution of the 4,484 votes of Independent Ireland candidate Paul Hogan. Troy picked up 804 votes and finished on 10,331, thereby exceeding the quota of 10,315 by 16 votes. Carrigy received 291 votes bringing his total to 9,208 and he was deemed elected without reaching the quota. The success of Troy and Carrigy means that outgoing Longford-town based Fianna Fail TD Joe Flaherty has lost his seat. He finished on 6,563 votes. WATCH | Longford Westmeath General Election 2024 - Jubilant scenes as Micheal Carrigy takes Dail seat It was evident from early on Saturday morning as ballot boxes were being tallied at TUS Athlone that Flahertys seat was in serious jeopardy and while a chink of light emerged on Sunday afternoon, hinting that eliminations and transfers might spark a Houdini like revival, the great recovery didnt materialise and Fianna Fails worst fears were confirmed. While FF lost their seat in Longford, Fine Gael reclaimed their seat in the county courtesy of Fine Gael Senator Micheal Carrigy. The postmaster will be the first TD from the village of Ballinalee since Fine Gaels General Sean Mac Eoin in 1965 and he is the first Longford based FG TD since the 2016 General Election when James Bannon lost his seat following the infamous Siege of Kenagh count. Senator Carrigy ran a highly successful campaign, tapping into the new energy message of FG party leader Simon Harris and perhaps more importantly, building on the ground work of the FG party during the local elections last June. WATCH | Ecstatic Kevin 'Boxer' Moran elected to Dail on count 14 in Longford Westmeath and shouts 'I'm back' Deputy Troy, after winning four consecutive elections is the most experienced TD in the Longford Westmeath constituency, although his success will be somewhat tainted by the fact that in 2020, as a four -seat constituency, FF captured two seats and this time around as a five-seater FF managed to win just one seat. Troy and Carrigy will join Peter Burke (Fine Gael), Sorca Clarke (Sinn Fein) and Kevin Boxer Moran (Independent) in the 34th Dail. In summary, FG (2) gained a seat in the constituency, FF (1) lost a seat, SF retained their seat and the Boxer returned with aplomb to nail the extra seat that was on offer. WATCH: Jubilant Sinn Fein TD Sorca Clarke gives her reaction after taking the second Longford-Westmeath Dail seat At a glance ELECTED (quota 10,315) Peter Burke (Fine Gael), 1st Count 10,864 Sorca Clarke (Sinn Fein), 13th Count 10,878 Kevin Boxer Moran (Independent), 14th Count 10,450 Robert Troy (Fianna Fail), 15th Count 10,331 Micheal Carrigy (Fine Gael), 15th Count 9,208 (without reaching quota) Eliminated Candidates Donal Jackson (Independent) 2nd Count Charlotte Keenan (Independent) 2nd Count Paul Bradley (Independent) 2nd Count Carol Okeke (Green Party) 3rd Count Dympna Cunniffe (Fianna Fail) 4th Count Tanya Cannon (Fine Gael) 5th Count Margaret Alacoque Maguire (Ireland First) 6th Count Dave Smyth (People Before Profit Solidarity) 7th Count Louise Heavin (Independent) 8th Count Fidelma Bennett (Labour) 9th Count Laura ONeill (Aontu) 10th Count Gerry Warnock (Independent) 11th Count Barry Campion (Sinn Fein) 12th Count Paul Hogan (Independent Ireland) 14th Count Joe Flaherty (Fianna Fail) 15th Count Commenting on the lineup and agenda for upcoming ICMSA Annual General Meeting to be held on 2 December in the Clare Radisson outside Limerick, the Associations President, Denis Drennan, said that the message they were getting back strongly from members attending the Area and County meetings was the need to focus strongly on core farmer concerns. Mr. Drennan said that with that feedback in mind, the agenda and tone of the AGM was going to be for farmers, by farmers with political and non-farming input to be kept to a minimum for 2024. Its time that we heard from those individuals and organisations charged with directly developing and strategizing for the Irish farm sector and the wider agri-food sector. READ NEXT: Longford County Council's new Corporate Plan sets out strategic objectives for next five years Conor Galvin, Chief Executive of Ornua will speak on the dairy market outlook and whether well see the recent rally carry through to Peak Production in 2025 and beyond. We also expect to hear what Ornuas plans are in the event of the introduction of the tariffs threatened by the incoming Trump Administration, said Mr Drennan. Brendan Gleeson, Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine has kindly accepted our invitation to speak to the AGM and his theme is Key Farm Policy Issues to 2030?, where he will outline what the Department believe will be the key policy changes facing Irish farmers over the next six years. READ NEXT: Thought provoking Longford play 'Cardboard Coffin' returns for Bog Lane Theatre run Its also fair to say that theres a lot of farmers with questions about the efficacy and relevance of Bord Bias schemes and we are confident that Jim OToole, Bord Bia Chief Executive will be able to field those and throw some light on some of the more controversial areas. Theres so much to get through and we greatly value our tradition of robust and businesslike Q & A of speakers while extending to them all the respect and welcome that they deserve. The venue is excellent, and Id urge our great Longford members to travel if possible and join us and participate in what promises to be another great ICMSA event. Ring or email to 061-314677 or info@icmsa.ie and indicate intention to attend because the numbers will be capped, said Mr Drennan. The announcement that almost 1,400 Longford homes, businesses and farms near Ballymahon can now connect to fibre broadband on the NBI network has been welcomed by local political representatives. The National Broadband Plan sees the delivery of high-speed broadband access to almost 8,500 premises in Longford. Ballymahon councillor, Pat O'Toole, says the announcement is very welcome. It's great for business, for farmers, and for private individuals, so much is done online now having a high-speed connection is essential. Up to this fibre connections were a scarce commodity," he added. READ NEXT: Longford County Council's new Corporate Plan sets out strategic objectives for next five years To date 9,000 premises in Longford are included in the States Intervention Area. This sees NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. It is the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, and county Longford will receive 34M of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan. Cllr O'Toole says such investment is very necessary: We have seen the crews out working to deliver the service and it is a great boost to the area, we have had a poor service up to this. People have relied on satellite service, which can be patchy. There are 1,392 Longford premises in the Ballymahon deployment area that can join the NBI network. READ NEXT: Thought provoking Longford play 'Cardboard Coffin' returns for Bog Lane Theatre run National Broadband Ireland is calling on people living nearby to visit nbi.ie/map/ and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect. The Ballymahon Fianna Fail councillor says the development is very important for local enterprise: Woking from home is a big thing, this is a very progressive step to make that possible for many people. National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the National Broadband Plan (NBP). Almost 1,400 Longford properties in its Ballymahon deployment area can now avail of a high-speed fibre broadband connection, which also covers the rural townlands of Keenagh and Barry. Works have already been completed in other parts of Longford and there are a total of 8,493 premises that can now pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across the county with 2,362 connections made so far. One of Longford's most innovative drinks companies, Richmount Cordial, have added a new product to their line with their latest offering. Richmount Elderflower Liqueur is a delicious new creation from award winning cordial makers David and Martina Burns in Carrickboy. The couple farm the finest elderflowers and elderberries and are transforming them into not only the most exquisite cordials, but now also liqueur. The latest product from the Longford business comes on the market just in time for Christmas. With a limited run of just a thousand bottles, demand for this small batch, seasonal release is likely to be high. READ NEXT: Longford County Council's new Corporate Plan sets out strategic objectives for next five years This is Richmount Cordials first foray into alcoholic beverages. The 500ml bottles come in at 20% ABV and are available from off licences countrywide at around 30. Its currently stocked in Nallys Circle K and Wilder & Gold in Ballymahon and in Longford town youll find it in Hanlons Gala and Daviss SuperValu. This is the culmination of our dream to create an Elderflower Liqueur and we are confident that it is an outstanding product, capturing the essence of the freshest Irish elderflower from our own farm, said Martina Burns, We have limited production in 2024 to ensure we maintain our commitment to premium quality. Ideal for cocktails and spritzers, Richmount Elderflower Liqueur is unique on the market as the only Irish made elderflower liqueur. READ NEXT: Judge left with 'no option' but to jail uninsured Longford drunk driver This artisan product is made from elderflower blossoms handpicked once a year in the late spring. It has a delicate flavour with a light, refreshing taste. It is balanced on the palate, enhancing and elevating a wide range of cocktails. David and Martina Burns are well established on the Irish market with their successful brand featuring products such as Richmount Elderflower Cordial, Richmount Elderberry Cordial and Richmount Sparkling Elderflower. They are no strangers to awards including the prestigious Irish Food Writers Guild Drink Award, McKennas Guide and Blas na hEireann. The Burns have established Irelands largest elderflower orchard on the family farm, Richmount in Carrickboy, Longford and now boasts more than 2,000 trees. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: December 02 2024 Charles Weiss and Marvin Sandoval Allegedly Dumped a U-Haul Trucks Worth of Garbage in the Long Island Pine Barrens. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Charles Weiss, 32, of Coram, and Marvin Sandoval, 28, of Ronkonkoma, were arrested for violating Suffolks new Evergreen Law by allegedly dumping a pile of construction waste and household debris in a remote wooded area within the protected Long Island Central Pine Barrens Region. Last December, I stood with the County Executive, Sheriff, and other law enforcement partners charged with protecting our environment to announce the Evergreen Initiative, said District Attorney Tierney. The Long Island Pine Barrens are necessary to the health of our ecosystem, but at the same time, is incredibly fragile. I am fully committed to preserving our natural heritage and will take any and all actions necessary to deter and defend against pollution. Any person who is caught dumping trash or any other debris in our county parks will face the full strength of the law, said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. I thank District Attorney Ray Tierney and the Suffolk County Park Rangers and Police Department for their dedication to protecting our parklands and communities. According to the investigation, on November 6, 2024, Weiss and Sandoval allegedly loaded a U-Haul box truck with construction waste and household debris and then drove into a remote wooded area within the Long Island Central Pine Barrens Region where they dumped the contents of the truck onto the forest floor. The materials they allegedly dumped consisted of pieces of wood furniture, used paint cans, paint rollers, shower doors, chandeliers, large pieces of styrofoam, a sink, a granite countertop, tools, and multiple bags of household garbage. The defendants alleged conduct was uncovered by two civilian witnesses who had the good conscience and initiative to sift through the pile for any identifying information and then contact law enforcement. A joint investigation between the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office, Suffolk County Park Rangers, and the Town of Riverhead Police Department identified Weiss and Sandoval, who had allegedly solicited a job of cleaning up a house for a $1,000 fee and then, instead of proper disposal, allegedly selected the Pine Barrens as their dump site. About the Evergreen Initiative In December 2023, District Attorney Raymond Tierney, County Executive Ed Romaine, and Sheriff Errol Toulon, along with leadership of the New York State Police, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Suffolk County Park Rangers, Long Island Pine Barrens Law Enforcement Commission, and Crime Stoppers, announced the Suffolk County Evergreen Initiative - a collaborative plan to curb illegal dumping on county property and within the Central Pine Barrens Region by ramping up and coordinating enforcement, imposing harsher fines, and enhancing civilian incentive to report dumpers. In early 2024, the Suffolk County Legislature amended Suffolk County Code 433-7 to raise the maximum fines for dumping in the Pine Barrens Region to $15,000 for individuals and $25,000 for corporations. It additionally mandated that 33% of fines collected from convictions under the statute would be remitted to members of the public who provided information leading to the arrest and conviction of offenders. This award was designed to spur the interest and assistance of the public in identifying and preventing illegal dumping in this largely unsurveilled area. The Evergreen Initiative thus relies heavily on deterrence and citizen stewardship as a means of protecting an otherwise vulnerable and voiceless victim. The amendments were thereafter signed into law by the County Executive and enacted in March 2024. About the Pine Barrens The Long Island Pine Barrens Region, also referred to as the Long Island Pine Barrens Preserve, Central Pine Barrens Area, Core Preservation Area or Compatible Growth Area, is Long Islands largest natural area and its last remaining wilderness, covering more than 100,000 acres. The Pine Barrens Region overlays and recharges a vast portion of Long Islands sole-source aquifer. All of Long Islands drinking water comes from underground wells fed by this aquifer. The majority of the Carmans River and Peconic River and their watersheds exist within the Pine Barrens. The Pine Barrens are a vital stopping point for various species of migratory birds and Long Islands last undisturbed home to a vast array of local wildlife. The health of all of Long Island is utterly dependent on the integrity of the Pine Barrens. In recognition of its extreme ecological significance not just as a wildlife preserve but sole source of drinking water New York State enacted the Long Island Pine Barrens Maritime Reserve Act in 1990 and, along with it, the Central Pine Barrens joint planning and policy commission. On November 27, 2024, Weiss and Sandoval were each arraigned on charges of violating section 433-7 of the Suffolk County Code (the Evergreen Law). Riverhead Town Justice Court Judge Sean Walter ordered both Weiss and Sandoval were released on their own recognizance. Weiss and Sandoval are both due back in court on January 8, 2024. Weiss is being represented by William Newman, Esq., and Sandoval is being represented by Robert Strecker, Esq. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Williams of the District Attorneys Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Thomas Smith of the Suffolk County Police Departments District Attorney Squad, with investigative assistance provided by Suffolk County Park Rangers and members of the Riverhead Town Police Department. Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law. The commanding officer of the IDFs 91st Galilee Division, Brigadier General Shai Klapper, visited IDF forces in Lebanon on November 29. (IDF photo) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on December 2 that Hezbollah had carried out an attack in the area of Mount Dov in northern Israel. Netanyahu said that Hezbollahs attack, which consisted of mortar fire, constitutes a severe violation of the ceasefire, and Israel will respond forcefully. Israel has asserted since the agreement began on November 27 that any Hezbollah violations would be met with force. Israel and Lebanon signed the ceasefire, but Hezbollah is expected to abide by it. The IDF said it carried out airstrikes on the evening of December 2 in response to the Hezbollah attack. Hezbollah took responsibility for the attack on Mount Dov. Hezbollah views this area as part of Lebanon and considers it a disputed area. Hezbollahs mortar fire came after the US and France expressed concern that Israel was violating the ceasefire. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on December 2 that he spoke with Frances foreign minister. I emphasized that Israel is not violating the ceasefire understandings but rather enforcing them in response to Hezbollahs violations. The presence of Hezbollah operatives south of the Litani is a fundamental violation of the agreement, and they must move north. Israel is committed to the successful implementation of the ceasefire understandings and will not return to the reality of October 6, 2023, Saar said. The clashes with Hezbollah on December 2 happened after daily incidents in Lebanon in which Israel accused the Iranian-backed group of violating the ceasefire. For instance, on November 28, the IDF said it had identified several suspects in vehicles in southern Lebanon who were breaching the conditions of the ceasefire. The IDF fired on the suspects. In another incident, the Israeli Air Force struck a site it said Hezbollah was using to store medium-range rockets. The IDF remains in southern Lebanon and will actively enforce violations of the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli military said. The next day, November 29, the commanding officer of the IDFs 91st Galilee Division, Brigadier General Shai Klapper, visited southern Lebanon. It was one of several visits by Israeli commanders to troops in the field in the wake of the ceasefire. On the same day, the IDF struck a Hezbollah rocket launcher in Lebanon. On November 30, the IDF hit a site on the Syria and Lebanon border that it said was used to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah. Israel has said it will prevent weapons being smuggled to Hezbollah so that the group cant rearm after the ceasefire. More Israeli strikes followed, including on a vehicle loaded with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), on a vehicle moving near a rocket manufacturing site, and on Hezbollah rocket launchers. On December 1, the Israeli military said it monitored several armed terrorists adjacent to a church in southern Lebanon that was actively used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization. The [Israeli] troops fired toward the terrorists and eliminated them. This incident happened near the Lebanese village of Khiam, likely in response to Hezbollah mortar fire into the Mount Dov area. Hezbollah has faced several crises in the wake of the conflict with Israel, and the group is holding funerals for its fallen members, including many commanders. In addition, the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad, backed by Iran and a Hezbollah ally, has faced setbacks in Syria as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a military group in Idlib, took over Aleppo and forced regime forces to flee. In the past, Hezbollah fighters have served in Syria to fight alongside the Assad regime, including in the area of Aleppo. As such, Hezbollah faced not only Israeli airstrikes between November 28 and December 1 but also losses to its influence and allies in Syria. Israeli officials have repeatedly stressed that Israel will strike Hezbollah if it violates the ceasefire, which Israel says the Iranian-backed group has already done numerous times. We will respond decisively to Hezbollahs severe violation of the ceasefireand will continue to do so, IDF Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi said on December 2. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also said that Israel would respond. What was will not be, Katz said, referring to the period before Israels Operation Northern Arrows. Israeli political leaders from across the political spectrum also supported the strikes on Hezbollah in various posts on social media. 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). Black Friday is the biggest shopping event of the year, but Cyber Monday is often the best time to get a good deal on a new iPhone, accessories, or other Apple gear. We check prices on iPhone models all year round, so at any point you can check out our best iPhone deals article for up-to-date info on the top deals. We have separate advice for readers looking to buy an iPhone 16 in the U.S. and the U.K. In fact, if you want one of the latest iPhone 16 models you can already save money with the U.K. Cyber Monday deals, see below for details. You can find all the best Cyber Monday deals below, as well as some advice on where to look and what to look out for. Well be updating this page imminently, as the discounts come in. If youre looking for other Apple products, check out our mega roundup of the best Cyber Monday Apple deals. iPhone deals for Cyber Monday 2024: Our advice Apples newest iPhones are the iPhone 16 ($799/799), 16 Plus ($899/899), 16 Pro ($999/999), and 16 Pro Max ($1,199/1,199). It is unlikely that we will see large discounts on these new iPhones over Black Friday, but any saving is worth having. The iPhone 15 ($699/699) and 15 Plus ($799/799) and 14 ($599/599) and 14 Plus ($699/699) are still offered for sale, as well as the iPhone SE ($429/419). It is likely that most of the deals will be on these older iPhone handsets. You can save some money by buying an older iPhone, but youll be giving up some newer features, most notably Apple Intelligence. The only phones capable of Apple Intelligence are the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the set of iPhone 16 handsets. This might not matter to you now, but it may do in the future, so just keep this in mind when making your purchase. If you see an offer on the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max we recommend buying one. These were great phones, capable of Apple Intelligence. The leap from the iPhone 15 Pro to the iPhone 16 Pro is not nearly as big as that from the iPhone 15 to iPhone 16. We dont recommend buying an iPhone SE even if its free through a carrier as its several years old and is due to get an update in early 2025. iPhone deals in the U.S. for Cyber Monday 2024 Its very rare to find a deal on an unlocked iPhone 16, but there are some discounts on previous models: iPhone deals in the U.K. for Cyber Monday 2024 In the U.K. and many countries it is easy to buy an unlocked iPhone and resellers often offer discounts. Here is our pick of the best U.K. iPhone deals this Black Friday. For the latest deals on specific models, check the automated price comparison tables at the bottom of this article. iPhone deals from U.S. carriers for Cyber Monday 2024 In the U.S., the only big iPhone deals you can find come from carriers, and have a lot of strings attached. Typically, you have to buy a phone on a multi-year installment plan and get your discount in the form of monthly bill credits. These might change over Black Friday, but the offers are likely to still have strings attached. These are the deals that are available from the three major U.S. carriers. Conditions always apply hereyou may need to have a specific plan, open a new line, or trade in a device. Most U.S. carrier deals require you to buy the phone on an installment plan, and then you get the discount as bill credits toward your monthly payment. AT&T: Get up to $1,000 in bill credits when you buy a new iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max and trade in your old phone, with a qualifying unlimited plan. T-Mobile: Get up to $830 in bill credits toward the purchase of any iPhone 16 model when you trade in your old phone and join the Go5G plan. Verizon: Get up to $100 in bill credits toward any iPhone 16 Pro model with a trade-in and the activation of a new line on the Ultimate Unlimited plan. Amazon: Amazon has partnered with Boost Infinite, a new carrier owned by Dish that primarily uses T-Mobile and AT&T towers for now. $65/mo gets you a free iPhone 16 Pro and unlimited talk, text, and data. Restrictions apply. iPhone accessories deals for Cyber Monday 2024 Many of the best deals are going to be on iPhone accessoriescases, chargers, cables, and the like. There are way too many such products to keep track of, and many small discounts come and go throughout the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale. We highlight only the most interesting bargains; products that are rarely discounted or exceptionally good prices on accessories we recommend. U.S. U.K. You can also find more Apple accessory Black Friday deals. Also check out our round-up of the Best iPhone 16 cases and the Best iPhone 15 cases. You might also find some deals among our best earbuds for iPhones and best over-ear headphones. And dont forget to look at our best AirPods Cyber Monday deals. Does Apple discount iPhones for Cyber Monday? Rather than discount its products, every year Apple holds a shopping event from Black Friday (November 29) to Cyber Monday (December 2). Apples Black Friday deal takes the form of gift card offers, rather than actual savings. We can confirm what Apple is doing for Black Friday 2024: if you buy an iPhone 15 from Apple you can get a voucher for $75/60, buy an iPhone 14 and get a $50/40 Apple Gift Card, but an iPhone SE and get a $25/20 Apple Gift Card. Just note that these handsets are not compatible with Apples new Apple Intelligence features, which may or may not matter to you now, but might do in the future. Plenty of resellers and carriers do have Black Friday offers on iPhones. Below you will find the best ones weve seen as well as advice on what to look out for so that you can get the best deal. Is Apples Cyber Monday deal any good? Rather than discount its products, every year offers gift card offers rather than actual savings. For 2024 the gift card amounts are $75/60 for the iPhone 15. This is a decent saving If you want to buy one of these phones. You could use your $75 voucher to buy a case or something else from the Apple Store, or even credit it to your account to pay for subscriptions for a few months. 2024 2023 2022 iPhone 15 $75 n/a iPhone 14 $50 $75 iPhone 13 n/a $50 $50 iPhone SE $25 $25 $50 Below are up-to-date tables that show the best offers right now on the various Apple iPhones. iPhone 16 deals iPhone 16: From $799/799 iPhone 16 Plus: From $899/899 iPhone 16 Pro: From $999/999 iPhone 16 Pro Max: From $1,199/1,199 iPhone 15 deals iPhone 15: From $799/799 iPhone 15 Plus: From $899/899 iPhone 15 Pro: was from $999/999 iPhone 15 Pro Max: was from $1,199/1,199 Retailer Price 1479 View Deal Product Price iPhone SE (third-generation) deals iPhone SE: from $429/429 Retailer Price 559 View Deal Macway FR 576 View Deal Product Price Cyber Monday 2024: Best deals for Apple products Check out these roundups for the best Apple deals: Delivery Hero said on Monday that freelance riders at its Glovo unit in Spain will be hired as employees. "Glovo management decided to change from a freelance model to an employment based model for its delivery riders in Spain to avoid further legal uncertainties leading to an increase of contingencies," the company said in a statement. The German delivery company said the move would dent its 2025 adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (adj. EBITDA) by 100 million euros ($105.09 million). It also confirmed its 2024 guidance. Spain fined Glovo 79 million euros in 2022 for failing to contribute to social security and make other payments from 2018 to 2021 as it did not hire its delivery riders under formal contracts. In January 2023 the country's Labour Ministry fined the delivery service a further 56.7 million euros for similar reasons, a source told Reuters. In May 2021, Spain passed one of Europe's first laws relating to gig-economy workers' rights, requiring riders for food delivery platforms be made employees on formal labour contracts. This came into effect in August that year. The labour ministry said that Glovo had refused to give labour contracts to more than 10,600 riders in Spain's second and third-largest cities, Barcelona and Valencia, since the riders law came into effect. Maintaining global vision, China staunch supporter of global development 14:55, December 02, 2024 By He Yin ( People's Daily China has been deepening international cooperation in poverty reduction, continuously sharing its anti-poverty experiences with other developing countries. For instance, the Cambodia-China Friendship Village for Poverty Alleviation Project has brought enormous changes to a local impoverished village, significantly improving villagers' livelihood; and in Madagascar, with hands-on guidance from Chinese agricultural experts, local farmers saw a substantial increase in hybrid rice yields. In Fiji, China's Juncao technology has not only enabled local farmers to grow high-quality edible and medicinal mushrooms, but also boosted livestock farming by providing premium livestock feed; and in Guyana, solar-powered streetlights donated by Chinese companies illuminate the nights of Moraikobai village, making it safer in the dark for villagers. These cooperation stories highlight China's active role and lasting contributions to global poverty alleviation efforts. "China will always be a member of the Global South, a reliable long-term partner of fellow developing countries, and a doer and go-getter working for the cause of global development." These remarks were made by Chinese President Xi Jinping in his speech on Fight Against Hunger and Poverty at the Session I of the 19th G20 Summit. During the speech, Xi once again pointed out that prosperity and stability would not be possible in a world where the rich become richer while the poor are made poorer, and countries should make global development more inclusive, beneficial to all, and more resilient. He also outlined China's eight actions for global development. His remarks fully demonstrated that China, always maintaining a global vision, is committed to building a just world of common development with all parties and is always ready to help people in other developing countries break free from poverty. China is always active in sharing its experiences in poverty alleviation and supporting developing countries in exploring their own unique approaches to poverty reduction and sustainable development in line with their specific national conditions. China has hosted a range of seminars and exchange activities, including the ASEAN-China Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction, the International Forum on Sharing Poverty Reduction Experience, the Africa-China Poverty Reduction and Development Conference, and the International Seminar on Poverty Eradication and Responsibility of Political Parties, to share its poverty reduction experiences with other developing countries. It has trained over 400,000 development personnel for over 180 countries and regions, significantly enhancing their capacity building in poverty reduction. In August this year, during an official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka toured two villages in Malipo county, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao autonomous prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan province, to learn about China's poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. He also visited a poverty eradication-themed exhibition in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian province, where he had exchanges with the Party School of Ningde Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China on poverty reduction experiences and took extensive notes. He was impressed by the remarkable achievements in poverty eradication and development that China has accomplished under Xi's leadership. Pursuing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation is an important part of China's eight actions for global development. In 2019, Xi delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, during which he stressed, "We need to take a people-centered approach, give priority to poverty alleviation and job creation to see that the joint pursuit of Belt and Road cooperation will deliver true benefits to the people of participating countries and contribute to their social and economic development." Since the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was proposed over 11 years ago, China has signed BRI cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations, yielding a large number of signature projects and "small yet beautiful" programs focusing on improving people's livelihood. According to a research report by the World Bank, by 2030, the BRI is expected to lift 7.6 million people in partner countries out of extreme poverty and 32 million people out of moderate poverty. The practical Belt and Road cooperation has provided significant momentum to global poverty reduction efforts. Poverty alleviation is one of the eight priority areas of cooperation under the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and the implementation of the initiative will significantly advance global efforts to reduce poverty. In 2021, Xi proposed the GDI at the general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he emphasized the importance to stay committed to development as a priority, stay committed to a people-centered approach, and stay committed to benefits for all. He said that the GDI aims to build a global community of development, safeguard and improve people's livelihoods through development, and address unbalanced and inadequate development among and within countries. Three years on, the GDI has helped make available nearly $20 billion in development funding and launch more than 1,100 projects. More than 100 countries and international organizations have supported and participated in the GDI, and more than 80 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI. China has consistently highlighted development as the "golden key" to tackling poverty issues. In September this year, at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Xi noted that China will work vigorously with Africa to promote personnel training, poverty reduction and employment, enhance the sense of gain, happiness and security of the people in the course of modernization, and ensure that all will benefit from the process. He announced that in the next three years, China will work with Africa to take ten partnership actions for modernization, many of which will help African countries reduce poverty. In addition, China is pursuing high-standard opening up, and unilaterally opening its doors wider to the least developed countries (LDCs). It has announced the decision to give all LDCs having diplomatic relations with China zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines. These measures expanding market access for their products are expected to improve people's livelihood and deliver tangible poverty-reduction outcomes in these countries. It is the common aspiration of developing countries to build a just world of common development, leave poverty in the past, and turn the vision of poverty eradication into reality. China will continue working hand in hand with other countries to create a world where peaceful development, mutual benefit, and shared prosperity are the hallmarks of modernization, and strive for the goal of eradicating poverty through common development. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) UPDATE: Heres what will happen to Lowells Mill No. 5 after it closes in January Lowells longtime mall that has been the epicenter of shopping and events in the city is closing next year. Mill No. 5 will permanently close at the end of January 2025, the business wrote in an Instagram post on Thursday, Nov. 28. We want to thank our community for over a decade of support. We are heartbroken to say the least, the post reads. We hope that we will see you this holiday season. Come support the shops and take in the magic while it lasts. While the textile mill that Mill No. 5 occupies was built in 1873, the mall did not come into fruition until 2013. The malls website describes itself as an indoor streetscape of salvaged storefronts with great coffee, a movie theater, farmers market, independent shopping, and events. Patrons were shocked to hear about Mill No. 5s closure and shared their frustration on social media that the business made the announcement on Thanksgiving. They also shared their memories of the mall and its impact on the community. The mill was a safe space when being home wasnt. I dont drive and it has been the easiest place to do different things without having to walk around an entire city. Ive made memories here with an insane amount of people, one Instagram user wrote. Im nauseated, heartbroken, and confused. We needed something like this. We needed it to last lifetimes. This is truly a devastating loss for the city. Im genuinely disappointed by this quick decision and turnaround time, another Instagram user wrote. Its not just the businesses that are affected, its an entire community of people who relied on the space to be there. My heart goes out to all of those directly affected by this decision, and I hope that we can continue grow together as a community, even though it has to look different now." A reason for Mill No. 5s closure was not provided. MassLive has reached out for more information. AGAWAM The Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery Wreaths Across America project is still seeking sponsors for its annual effort to place a wreath on every grave. The wreath laying is scheduled for Dec. 14. SPRINGFIELD A 71-year-old Florida man appeared in a Springfield courtroom Monday to answer to murder charges stemming from the double slayings of a young woman and man in 1978. After the hearing, a prosecutor said it could take more than three years for the case to go to trial. 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Jimmy CarterSe preparer pour le passage dun cycloneMeteo du 7 janvier 2024Deces 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 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nest en vigueur a MauricePluie: 140 mm a Riche en Eau en 24 heures[Video News] Les consignes de Pravind Rughoo pour les Late Night ShoppersApercu du temps pour Rodrigues du 31 decembre 2024 jusquau 03 janvier 2025Apercu du temps pour Maurice de mardi 31 decembre 2024 jusquau vendredi 03 janvier 2025Communique du Ministere du Bien-etre de La Famille: Fermeture des crechesCommunique du National Emergency Operations CommandAvertissement de fortes pluies pour Maurice ( 30-12-2024)Communique National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management CentreVeille de fortes pluies en vigueur a Maurice (30-12-2024)Que quelques heures pour voter pour votre chanson de lannee sur R1Homelie de Mgr Durhone a loccasion de la messe de Noel a la prison de Melrose147.8 mm a Riche en eau en 24 heuresTrois zones perturbees dans le nord de la region[Document] Export and Import Price Indices for 3rd Quarter 2024Deces de Jimmy CarterFin de la Veille de fortes pluies pour MauriceDeux zones perturbees et une perturbation tropicaleOrages dans lOuestSoft Robotics to debut at CES 2025Bulletin meteo special pour AgalegaPremiere cohorte de femmes certifiee en gestion de pepiniere au sein de lAgri-Hub de la Vallee de FerneyLegend Hill ouvre son paradis panoramique aux Mauriciens en mars 2025Communique du National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre ( 29/12/2024)30.2 mm de pluie en trois heures a Riche en Eau[Document] 50 mm de pluie pour les premiers 15 jours de decembre 2024[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 28 decembre 2024[Video News] Dawood Rawat a rencontre les investisseurs dans la BAIBulletin de Veille de fortes pluies pour MauriceUne voiture detruite par les flammesThe 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024Recrutement de personnel de cabine dEmirates Airlines a Mauriceblink by Emtel annonce les 10 premiers gagnants de la 2 edition de sa campagne blink & WinMerck Foundation Chairman and First Ladies share their partnership journey in Transforming Patient Care Landscape[Video news] Message de fin dannee de Paul Berenger[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 27 decembre 2024Avis de fortes pluies en vigueur a AgalegaSarat Lallah retrouve la MT Towerle Premier ministre a rendu hommage au Dr Manmohan Singh,Revocation de lInformation and Communication Technologies (Registration of SIM) Regulations 2023Amaresh Singh Ramlugan, nomme president du Conseil dAdministration de la MBCDecisions du Conseil des Ministres du 27 decembre 2024Apercu du temps pour Rodrigues du 28 au 31 decembre 2024Apercu du temps pour Maurice du 28 au 31 decembre 2024 by Tanya Gazdik , December 1, 2024 A new milestone has been reached for ecommerce on Black Friday, with consumers spending a record $10.8 billion online, up 10.2% year-over-year, according to Adobe Analytics data. This is more than double what consumers spent in 2017, when Black Friday drove $5.03 billion in online spend. On Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., $11.3 million was spent online every minute, per Adobe Analytics. Mastercard SpendingPulse, which measures retail sales across all forms of payment, found that online sales on Black Friday had increased by nearly 15%, but that in-store sales had increased by only 0.7%, for an overall increase of 3.4%, according to The New York Times. advertisement advertisement "The early shopper data from Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, indicate that fewer shoppers went to stores on Black Friday this year than last year," according to Forbes. "The decline is a sign of how the purpose and functionality of stores has changed." According to retail analytics company RetailNext, which monitors foot traffic in tens of thousands of stores, the decline was 3.2% on Black Friday. (On Saturday, also an important retail date historically, in-store traffic was down by 0.8%.) Jewelry, electronics and apparel were the top purchases, with discounts playing a role in consumer decisions. I think its the consumer being mindful about how theyre using their dollar and purchasing power, knowing they have so many choices, Michelle Meyer, chief economist at the Mastercard Economics Institute, told The New York Times. She said that in-store spending had been strong going into the holiday weekend, but on Black Friday itself, it was sluggish. Taylor Swift fans flocked to Target for an exclusive merch drop on Black Friday. This year, the retail giant teamed up with the 34-year-old pop star to offer a range of special items, including a Black Friday-exclusive version of The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology on vinyl and CD, as well as Swifts official The Eras Tour book, according to Billboard. Toys were a major growth driver, with online sales up 622% compared to average daily sales in October 2024, according to Adobe. Other growth drivers on Black Friday included jewelry (online sales up 561%), appliances (up 476%), personal care (up 440%), apparel (up 374%), and electronics (up 334%), per Adobe. Shopify, an ecommerce site, reported that it set a new record for its Black Friday sales, which reached $5 billion globally, according to CNN Business. The average cart price for U.S. shoppers was about $157, with many looking for products like t-shirts, skincare and vitamins. A majority of online shoppers chose to use their mobile devices to shop on Black Friday, with 55% of online sales conducted with a mobile device, accounting for $5.9 billion in spending, Adobe Analytics said. This represented a 12.1% increase over a year ago. Other online sales were done on desktop computers and other devices, per USA Today. Shoppers are making the most of seasonal deals and enjoying a balance of experiences spending and gifts for all loved ones, said Steve Sadove, senior advisor for Mastercard, in a news release. Theyre more strategic in their shopping though, prioritizing promotions that they believe hold the greatest value opening their wallets, but with more intentional distribution. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, December 2, 2024 OpenAI -- which is restructuring into a for-profit company from a non-profit -- continues to hint at adding advertising to its AI-powered search engine as it seeks to find ways to generate revenue. Google, Microsoft and newcomer Perplexity have already begun to add ads to their engines as the world turns from asking questions in a search query to receiving direct answers from questions. Following the mass exodus at OpenAI, the company has undertaken a hiring spree of advertising talent with experience at advertising agencies and rivals such as Meta and Google. Adam Koppel, creative director, joined OpenAI from 72&Sunny about five months ago. Dane Vahey has been working at OpenAI for the past year as head of strategic marketing. He came from NexHealth as head of marketing. Many executives have joined OpenAI in the past few months to support creative and a move into enterprise marketing. Charlie Gschwend joined OpenAI five months ago as creative director at OpenAI. Previously he worked as a freelancer and at Rosewood Creative. advertisement advertisement Carrie Lorenzo, who supports enterprise marketing, joined OpenAI four months ago and was formerly head of marketing at NexHealth. OpenAI is attempting to determine the best ad model for the for-profit as it plans to be thoughtful about when and where it implements ads, Sarah Friar, chief financial officer at OpenAI, told the Financial Times. Friar previously held leadership roles at Nextdoor, Square and Salesforce. The company also now has a head of media partnerships -- Varun Shetty, who joined OpenAI in January from Meta, where he worked as director of business development and product partnerships. OpenAI in May hired Shivakumar Venkataraman, who previously led Googles search advertising team, as vice president. Today, OpenAIs largest sources of revenue comes from the access to its API, which enables businesses and developers to build with its technology, and data that enables it to answer questions more accurately and predict the next question. However, this situation will change in the future. by Steven Rosenbaum , Featured Contributor, December 2, 2024 Australia has taken a bold step to protect its youngest citizens online, enacting a world-first law that bans social media platforms from allowing users under 16 years old. Passed with overwhelming support in both houses of Parliament, the legislation imposes fines of up to AUD 50 million ($33 million USD) on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X for systemic failures to enforce the age restriction. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the move as a win for parents and children alike, declaring it a significant moment in holding tech platforms accountable for their role in safeguarding mental health and preventing online harm. Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them, Albanese said, according to an AP story. The law, he emphasized, is not about punishing children who circumvent the rules but about sending a clear message to tech giants: Clean up your act. advertisement advertisement However, while the legislation has been hailed as groundbreaking by some, it has also drawn significant criticism. In a Substack post, former Guardian technology editor and author of Social Warming Charles Arthur described the law as well-intentioned but deeply flawed. Arthur pointed out that similar age restriction policies in South Korea, such as the now-repealed Youth Protection Revision Act, were circumvented by tech-savvy teens who used identity theft and other methods to bypass the rules. Laws like these can inadvertently drive children to adopt workarounds, such as VPNs, fake profiles, or other tools, effectively encouraging them to become digital outlaws, Arthur wrote. The focus should be on making platforms genuinely safer for all users, not pushing kids to the fringes of the internet. Arthur isnt alone in his concerns. Critics have warned that the laws hasty passage -- described by Meta as rushed -- has left significant questions unanswered. Sunita Bose, managing director of Digital Industry Group Inc. an advocate for tech platforms in Australia, argued that the legislation lacks clarity. 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, she said. Mental health advocates have also raised alarms about the potential unintended consequences of the ban. Senator David Shoebridge of the Greens party highlighted that for many young people, particularly those in rural areas or from marginalized communities, social media is a vital lifeline. This policy will hurt vulnerable young people the most, especially in regional communities and especially the LGBTQI community, by cutting them off, he told the Australian Senate, as quoted in an AP article. On the other hand, parents and child safety advocates argue that bold actions are necessary to combat the escalating risks children face online. Sonya Ryan, founder and CEO of the Carly Ryan Foundation, has dedicated her life to protecting children from online predators after her 15-year-old daughter Carly was murdered by a 50-year-old man who posed as a teenage boy online. For Ryan, the Senates vote represents a monumental moment in child safety. This is too late for my daughter, Carly, and the many other children who have suffered terribly and those who have lost their lives in Australia, Ryan told the New York Post. But let us stand together on their behalf and embrace this together. For Ryan and others, the new law sends a clear signal that governments will no longer tolerate platforms shirking their responsibilities in favor of profit. These companies have had years to act, and they havent. Now its time for governments to step in, said Wayne Holdsworth, whose teenage son took his own life after falling victim to an online sextortion scam, according to an AP article. Holdsworth, who advocated for the age restriction, called the Australian Senate decision a source of immense pride. The debate over the legislation reflects a broader global tension among parents, legislators, and the tech industry over who bears the ultimate responsibility for protecting children online. While exemptions in the law -- such as for educational platforms like Google Classroom and health services like Kids Helpline -- offer some flexibility, the lack of clarity about how platforms will verify ages without compromising user privacy remains a sticking point. Julie Inman Grant, Australias eSafety Commissioner, expressed confidence that tech companies will rise to the challenge. Theyve got financial resources, technologies, and some of the best brainpower, Grant told The New York Times. If they can target you for advertising, they can use the same technology and know-how to identify and verify the age of a child. Still, critics like Arthur caution that the law risks doing more harm than good, potentially isolating children from their peers while leaving harmful content unaddressed. This doesnt put a duty of care on tech platforms to improve their content or algorithms, Arthur wrot. It just pushes the problem down the road. Yet for many parents, the risks of inaction are simply too great. As Dany Elachi, co-founder of the Heads Up Alliance, a network of parents advocating for delayed use of social media, put it, When you think your child might be isolated, thats what puts parents under a lot of pressure. If everybody misses out, no one misses out. This is the crux of the issue: a growing divide between those who see the legislation as a necessary first step in regulating an industry that has long operated without accountability and those who view it as a clumsy overreach that could backfire. For parents and teens struggling to navigate the fraught intersection of social media freedoms, age limits, and platforms that seem unwilling to prioritize safety, the stakes couldnt be higher. Ultimately, the message from Australias Parliament is clear: If platforms wont act, governments will. For all its flaws, the law reflects a growing call to impose sweeping changes on how tech companies approach their duty of care to users. If this trend continues, the era of tech giants operating with impunity may soon come to an end. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, December 2, 2024 Drug discounter GoodRx has agreed to pay $25 million to settle class-action claims that it wrongly shared consumers' health information with Meta Platforms, Google and Criteo for ad purposes, according to court documents filed Friday. If accepted by U.S. District Court Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin in San Francisco, the settlement will resolve a lawsuit brought by consumers in February 2023, soon after the Federal Trade Commission unveiled an enforcement action against GoodRx over alleged privacy lapses. The FTC alleged in its complaint that the drug discounter repeatedly violated promises to never share personal health information with advertisers or other third parties. The agency specifically alleged that GoodRx shared sensitive information -- prescription medications and personal health conditions, personal contact information, and unique advertising and persistent identifiers -- with third-party ad companies. advertisement advertisement GoodRx settled that matter by agreeing to pay $1.5 million, to refrain from sharing users' health data for ad purposes, and to obtain people's express consent before disclosing their health data for non-advertising purposes. The company said at the time that it didn't agree with the allegations. It also didn't admit wrongdoing. GoodRx added that the settlement focused on an old issue that was proactively addressed almost three years ago, before the FTC inquiry began." The class-action complaint by consumers largely reiterates the FTC's allegations, but also includes claims that GoodRx violated various state consumer protection laws by allegedly misrepresenting its policies regarding data. For instance, the consumers alleged that between October 2017 and March 2019, GoodRx's privacy policy stated we never provide advertisers or any other third parties any information that reveals a personal health condition or personal health information. The plaintiffs in the class-action also sued Google, Meta and Criteo. Those companies have urged Martinez-Olguin to throw out the claims against them for numerous reasons. Among other arguments, the three companies say that even if the allegations in the complaint were proven true, they wouldn't show that the tech platforms intended to receive sensitive health data. Criteo also argues the complaint makes only vague and factually unsupported allegations about Criteos business generally, and lacks any explanation of how GoodRx allegedly used Criteo, how Criteo's technology worked, or whether GoodRx allegedly configured Criteo's technology to send the company data. Martinez-Olguin hasn't yet ruled on the request. This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy Privacy Policy , and our Terms of Use Preschool education improves allophone children's development and needs broader access to quality daycare services. Trusted Source School Readiness and Early Childhood Education and Care Services Among Dual Language Learners Go to source Trusted Source Preschool education improves cognitive, social, and emotional skills in allophone #children. #french #language #medindia Advertisement How Preschool Programs Help Non-French-Speaking Kids Advertisement Skills for Bilingual Kids Advertisement Daycares Role in Childrens Success School Readiness and Early Childhood Education and Care Services Among Dual Language Learners - (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2826096) Children face difficulty in learning and communication in kindergarten as they learn French which is not their mother tongue.This can negatively impact their educational journey however, a new study by Sylvana Cote found that preschool education can help bridge the gap between children with French as their mother tongue and those who learn French as their second or 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 journalBeing 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 crucial for language acquisition. It takes a village to raise a child, and in this case, the village is preschool, summarizes Professor Cote.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.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, and Persian.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. Its a preventive measure to ensure better integration for children, concludes Cote. This is the first study to specifically examine preschool services' impact on allophone children's readiness to enter 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.Source-Eurekalert Pushpa 2: The Rule has been on a rampage since the makers opened its advance bookings. According to film journalist Himesh Mankad, Pushpa 2: The Rule sold over 1 lakh tickets in 26 hours across the national chains (in Hindi). Sukumars mass actioner Pushpa 2: The Rule sold 79,000 tickets in PVR INOX and 21,000 tickets in Cinepolis (till Sunday night). Mythri Movie Makers A report by Pinkvilla stated, The film is scoring bumper results in chains like MovieMax and Rajhans too, with the latter looking to hit the 40,000 tickets mark by Wednesday night, topping previous best KGF 2 (32,386 tickets) by a margin of 30 percent. In MovieMax, the film has sold over 5500 tickets for the opening day alone, and will be aiming to be closer to the 30,000 tickets mark by Wednesday night, topping previous best, Stree 2 (21,780 tickets) by a margin of 40 percent. Total tickets sold across all languages and advance collection Pushpa 2: The Rule has sold 6.6 lakh tickets across all languages and has collected Rs 30.92 crore three days before release. Mythri Movie Makers According to a report by Sacnilk,Pushpa 2 has earned Rs 10.57 crore, while the Hindi version stands at Rs 10.14 crore. In terms of tickets sold, the Hindi version leads with 3,40,892 tickets, compared to 2,73,519 for the Telugu version. This shift is rare in Indian cinema. While the Telugu 2D version dominates other languages, the Hindi version is leading in 3D and IMAX formats. Interestingly, the first Pushpa earned around 13 crore in Hindi during its opening weekend, and Pushpa 2 is expected to surpass that on its first day. The highest opener of 2024 Interestingly, Kalki 2898 AD was the biggest opener of 2024, collecting Rs 95 crore in India, which was a Telugu movie starring Prabhas in the lead role. The Army is seeking 300 lieutenants from oversaturated combat arms fields to voluntarily transfer into understaffed roles. Lieutenants currently branched in armor, infantry, combat engineer and field artillery can apply between Jan. 7 and Feb. 17 to transfer to adjutant general, air defense, finance, logistics and signal corps, the service announced in November. Additionally, the service is also looking to fill in space operations, public affairs, simulations operations and information technology fields. Read Next: 160 Years Later, Descendants of Army's Sand Creek Massacre Still Wait for Justice "Maybe they're looking for company command time but in a branch with a long wait queue, or they didn't get their initial branch of choice upon commissioning. This is a retention tool for those who want to stay and serve rather than to separate and seek opportunities elsewhere," Maj. Jesse Lansford, who analyzes personnel placement for Army Human Resources Command, said in a news release, adding that no officers will see forced reassignments. The move comes after Military.com reported in September that the service is aiming to slash Reserve Officers' Training Corps, or ROTC, scholarship funding from an annual $315 million budget to a total of $100 million through the rest of this decade cutting the number of officers who can be commissioned by between 2,500 and 4,000 in that time period. The service also sought a separate batch of young officers to transfer out of combat arms earlier this year. The move to cut funding for the ROTC, which produces three-fourths of Army officers, would not affect any cadets currently enrolled but would reduce class sizes in the coming years. Service planners routinely adjust the number of troops within the ranks, which can sometimes be difficult to calculate years ahead of time. In recent years, the service overinvested in combat arms roles -- highly sought-after and competitive branches for cadets -- while underinvesting in support roles. Some service planners behind the scenes have also raised concerns over the growing cost of college, making what has historically been a relatively cheaper way to produce officers a more painful hit to the service's budget, which has been relatively flat. With a bloat of officers in certain fields, such as combat arms, the service has effectively had to create ad hoc roles for them. Combat arms lieutenants build their careers off the framework established while platoon leaders. A shortage of platoon leader spots and then delegating those officers to office work can kill their careers before they begin. The move also comes as the Army is reorganizing its forces and shifts away from counterterrorism operations, which dominated its mission for two decades. "We want to be postured for large-scale combat operations," Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told reporters in February. "We looked at where were there pieces of force structure that were probably more associated with counterinsurgency, for example, that we don't need anymore." Traditional ground forces will still play a central role as the service looks to posture itself in the Pacific to counter China's growing influence. Roles such as air defense that received less emphasis during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will likely need more nurturing amid a proliferation on the battlefield of low-cost drones and missiles, which are a generally new threat to U.S. troops, particularly from Iran. Air defense has been severely undermanned even as it has been a key part of the force's presence in Africa, Europe and more recently Israel, where an Army Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery, or THAAD, was deployed to help defend against Iranian missile attacks. Related: ROTC Scholarships Could Be Slashed This Decade as Army Deals with Glut of Officers Marines with Skin Condition Affecting Mostly Black Men Could Now Be Booted Under New Policy A new Marine Corps policy says troops with a genetic skin condition that can cause pain and scarring from shaving and mainly... Scrutiny of the military's Osprey aircraft is ramping up as family members of an Air Force special operations airman who was killed in a crash last year have filed a civil wrongful death lawsuit against the aircraft's manufacturers, and members of Congress are demanding that officials ground the troubled aircraft and change the culture of secrecy around its issues. Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher, 24, was one of eight airmen killed during a training mission on Nov. 29, 2023, when their CV-22 Osprey, call sign Gundam 22, had a mechanical issue and crashed off the southern coast of Japan. His estate filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas on Friday -- the one-year anniversary of the crash. The lawsuit named Boeing and Bell Textron, the manufacturers of the aircraft, as well as Universal Stainless and Alloy Products, a subcontractor that provided metal for the aircraft's gearbox, which an internal investigation has implicated in the crash. The lawsuit alleges those companies "had prior awareness of the high risk for crashes, including documented concerns with the alloy manufacturing for pinion gears in the aircraft's gearbox," Galliher's estate said in an emailed statement. Read Next: The Army Needs Hundreds of Officers to Leave Combat Arms "The family's paramount goal is to get the Osprey grounded until it is shown that the manufacturers and their suppliers have taken the appropriate remedial measures to ensure the Osprey is safe to fly, and to ensure that the manufacturers give the military the proper information so that pilots in the future will have a complete and accurate picture of the integrity of their craft," Alice Forbes, an attorney for the fallen airman's estate, said in an emailed statement Monday. Galliher was a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and joined the Air Force in August 2017, according to an Air Force Special Operations Command news release last year. He was a direct support operator assigned to the 43rd Intelligence Squadron out of Yokota Air Base, Japan. He was also an honor graduate of Basic Military Training, a distinguished graduate of the Air Force's Cryptologic Language Analyst Course, and honor graduate of the Defense Language Institute's Chinese Language Course, according to the AFSOC release. Military.com was the first to report on the cause of the 2023 accident and exclusively revealed internal safety board investigation findings that showed that the fracturing of a single high-speed planetary pinion gear, a major factor in the Nov. 29 crash, was comparable to seven other failures stretching back to 2013. Forbes told Military.com in an emailed statement that, during the discovery process of the civil lawsuit, the "hope is to ascertain the true core causes of the crash, so remedial measures can be taken to prevent another senseless tragedy." In addition to Galliher, the crash also claimed the lives of Maj. Jeffrey T. Hoernemann; Maj. Eric V. Spendlove; Maj. Luke A. Unrath; Capt. Terrell K. Brayman; Tech. Sgt. Zachary E. Lavoy; Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage; and Senior Airman Brian K. Johnson. Military.com recently reported that Universal Stainless -- the subcontractor responsible for building the gear that failed on Gundam 22 -- has a long history of problems stemming back to 2001, when a lawsuit alleged the company was making substandard steel for aircraft parts. However, it appears that Congress has not been kept up-to-date on those issues. The rudimentary nature of some of the 19 questions three lawmakers from Galliher's home state pose in a Nov. 25 letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his staff reveals that lack of transparency. One of the first questions is simply a request to know when the office handling the Osprey became "first aware of the mechanical problems at the root of the V-22 crashes?" Representatives for Boeing and Bell Textron said in emailed statements to Military.com that they do not comment on ongoing or pending litigation. Universal Stainless has not returned multiple requests for comment from Military.com submitted through the company's website. The Galliher family cited Military.com's reporting in a press statement last week announcing its plans to file the lawsuit. In August, Galliher's widow, Ivy Groshong-Galliher, published an opinion piece in Newsweek titled "Ground This Military Plane Before More People Die" in which she expressed her heartbreak and worries about the V-22 Osprey. "Jacob didn't have to die, and it's not hard to figure out where to place the blame," she wrote. The Galliher estate's lawsuit follows similar legal action taken in May related to another Osprey crash. The Galliher estate joins the families of four Marines killed in a 2022 V-22 Osprey training crash in 2022 in California who also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Bell Textron and Boeing, as well as Rolls-Royce, which designs and manufactures the engines. In addition to the family lawsuits, lawmakers are also seeking accountability related to the Osprey. Two senators and a U.S. congressman who represent Massachusetts, where Galliher was from, are demanding answers from the Pentagon and calling for the Osprey's grounding. In the Nov. 25 letter, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and Rep. Richard Neal, all Democrats, say that "the aircraft should be grounded, and should not be deployed again until the platform's significant deficiencies are fully addressed." The letter, which heavily cites Military.com's previous reporting on the Gundam 22 crash and other issues with the Osprey program, argues that the Pentagon has not been honest with Congress about the full scope of the issues facing the aircraft. Specifically, the three lawmakers go after the Air Force's practice of keeping its Safety Investigation Board, or SIB, reports -- the more detailed and honest but confidential of the two reports any mishap investigation produces -- from not only the public but Congress as well. "We also urge DoD to reconsider its policies to keep the entirety of SIB investigations from the public," the three Massachusetts lawmakers argued, noting that such investigations "include recommendations to address the future safety of weapons." "Failing to share that information with Congress harms congressional oversight and our ability to help protect service members from future mishaps and accidents," the letter says. The response from the Air Force and the military office that oversees the Osprey to Military.com has been a refusal to answer most of the questions that the findings raise. Neither the military nor Bell Textron has even been willing to say whether Universal Stainless is still making parts for the aircraft. Furthermore, the Air Force moved to make accessing those reports more onerous, requiring some maintainers to sign nondisclosure agreements in order to receive information about crashes and mishaps. Transparency advocates who spoke with Military.com in October said that the new policy is heavy-handed and hides important safety information from the public. According to the lawmakers' letter, the air service has launched an investigation into how the SIB report was obtained by the press. Warren, Markey and Neal say that "the past failures of this program, its continuous cause for concern, and the lives lost -- as well as the fact that members of the press have already obtained the report -- merit the public release of this report to restore service members' trust in this program." They urged that any disciplinary action against those who released the report "take into account the compelling public interest benefits of the release of this information to protect the lives and safety of service members." Related: Steel Company Tied to Deadly Air Force Osprey Crash Faced Defective Parts Lawsuit in 2001 SEOUL, South Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed his country will invariably support Russias war in Ukraine as he met Russia's defense chief, the Norths state media reported Saturday. A Russia military delegation led by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday, amid growing international concern about the two countries expanding cooperation after North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia last month. The official Korean Central News Agency said that Kim and Belousov reached a satisfactory consensus on boosting strategic partnership and defending each countrys sovereignty, security interests and international justice in the face of the rapidly-changing international security environments in a Friday meeting. Kim said that North Korea will invariably support the policy of the Russian Federation to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity from the imperialists moves for hegemony, KCNA said. North Korea has supported Russias invasion of Ukraine, calling it a defensive response to what both Moscow and Pyongyang call NATOs reckless eastward advance and U.S.-led moves to stamp out Russias position as a powerful state. Kim slammed a U.S. decision earlier in November to let Ukraine strike targets inside Russia with U.S.-supplied longer-range missiles as a direct intervention in the conflict. He called recent Russian strikes on Ukraine a timely and effective measure" demonstrate Russia's resolve, KCNA said. According to U.S., Ukrainian and South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent more than 10,000 troops to Russia and some of them have already begun engaging in combat on the frontlines. U.S., South Korean and others say North Korea has also shipped artillery systems, missiles and other conventional weapons to replenish Russias exhausted weapons inventory. Both North Korea and Russia havent formally confirmed the North Korean troops movements, and have steadfastly denied reports of weapons shipments. South Korea, the U.S. and their partners are concerned that Russia could give North Korea advanced weapons technology in return, including help to build more powerful nuclear missiles. Last week, South Korean national security adviser Shin Wonsik told a local SBS TV program that that Seoul assessed that Russia has provided air defense missile systems to North Korea. He said Russia also appeared to have given economic assistance to North Korea and various military technologies, including those needed for the Norths efforts to build a reliable space-based surveillance system. Belousov also met North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol on Friday. During a dinner banquet later the same day, Belousov said the the two countries' strategic partnership was crucial to defend their sovereignty from aggression and the arbitrary actions of imperialists, KCNA said. In June, Kim and Putin signed a treaty requiring both countries to provide immediate military assistance if either is attacked. It's considered the two countries biggest defense deal since the end of the Cold War. KYIV, Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin approved budget plans, raising 2025 military spending to record levels as Moscow seeks to prevail in the war in Ukraine. Around 32.5% of the budget posted on a government website Sunday has been allocated for national defense, amounting to 13.5 trillion rubles (over $145 billion), up from a reported 28.3% this year. Lawmakers in both houses of the Russian parliament, the State Duma and Federation Council, had already approved the plans in the past 10 days. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine since February 2022 is Europes biggest conflict since World War II and has drained the resources of both sides. Kyiv has been getting billions of dollars in help from its Western allies, but Russia's forces are bigger and better equipped, and in recent months the Russian army has gradually been pushing Ukrainian troops backward in eastern areas. New EU leaders in Kyiv pledge continued support for Ukraine New European Council President Antonio Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, marking their first day in office with a strong message of support for Ukraine. Their visit comes as doubts are deepening over what Kyiv can expect from a new U.S. administration led by Donald Trump. From day one of the war, the EU has stood by the side of Ukraine, Costa posted on X, together with a photo of himself, Kallas and EU enlargement chief Marta Kos. From day one of our mandate, we are reaffirming our unwavering support to the Ukrainian people. Speaking at a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Costa reiterated the EU's recent commitment to help Ukraine continue through the war, including 4.2 billion ($4.4 billion) to support Ukraines budget and 1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) of assistance every month from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. Asked whether the EU would step up funding if Trump withdrew support, Costa said the block would stand for Ukraine as long as necessary. Zelenskyy said that any future ceasefire negotiations with Russia would need to include representatives from the EU and NATO, because Ukraine seem its future security in both alliances. However, he said he failed to see what any such negotiations would focus on, adding that Ukraine would never legally recognize any occupation of our lands by the Russian Federation. He urged the outgoing Biden administration to use the remaining two months in office to exert influence over those few European skeptics about our future. I see nothing, I personally see no risks, and most NATO countries see no risks from the recommendation regarding the positive future of Ukraines membership in NATO. Zelenskyy said Friday that an offer of NATO membership to territory under Kyivs control would end the hot stage of the war. 3 killed in Ukraine and a child dies in a drone attack in Russia On the ground in Ukraine, three people died in the southern city of Kherson when a Russian drone struck a minibus on Sunday morning, regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin said. Seven others were wounded in the attack. Meanwhile, the number of wounded in Saturday's missile strike in Dnipro in central Ukraine rose to 24, with seven in serious condition, Dnipropetrovsk Gov. Serhiy Lysak said. Four people were killed in the attack. Moscow sent 78 drones into Ukraine overnight into Sunday, Ukrainian officials said. According to Ukraines air force, 32 drones were destroyed and a further 45 drones were lost, likely having been electronically jammed. In Russia, a child was killed in a Ukrainian drone attack in the Bryansk region bordering Ukraine, according to regional Gov. Alexander Bogomaz. Russias Defense Ministry said that 29 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight into Sunday in four regions of western Russia: 20 over the Bryansk region, seven over the Kaluga region, and one each over the Smolensk and Kursk regions. NEW YORK President-elect Donald Trump is demanding the immediate release of Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, saying that if they are not freed before he is sworn into office for a second term, there will be HELL TO PAY." Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity," Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social site. He added that, "Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW! It was not immediately clear whether Trump was threatening to directly involve the U.S. military in Israels ongoing campaign against Hamas in Gaza. Trump allies have said he hopes there will be a ceasefire and hostage release deal before he returns to office early next year. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office declined comment. But the country's president, Isaac Herzog, welcomed Trump's comments in a social media post. "Thank you and bless you Mr. President-elect @realDonaldTrump," he wrote on X. "We all pray for the moment we see our sisters and brothers back home!" The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage on Oct. 7, 2023. Some 100 are still held inside Gaza, around two-thirds believed to be alive. Trumps threat came hours after the Israeli government confirmed the death of Omer Neutra, a dual US--Israeli citizen, whose body is still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza, according to the Israeli government. Days earlier, Hamas released a hostage video of Edan Alexander, who was serving in the Israeli military when he was taken by Hamas to Gaza. Filmed under apparent duress, Alexander calls on Trump to work to negotiate for his freedom and that of the remaining Hamas hostages. The Biden administration is mounting a last-ditch effort to try to restart talks between Israel and Hamas now that it has brokered a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. But the administration has said that Hamas has yet to show a willingness to reengage in negotiations and that the group isnt concerned for its own lives or the lives of Gaza civilians. Israels retaliatory offensive for the attack has left at least 44,429 Palestinians dead, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The war has destroyed vast areas of the coastal enclave and displaced 90% of its population of 2.3 million people often multiple times. Associated Press writers Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report. There are certain movies every Marine has seen. We can slip Full Metal Jacket quotes into any conversation and avoid admitting to anything by shouting, You cant handle the truth! But for Marines of a certain age, a 2008 miniseries tops them all. Generation Kill took audiences beyond the Silent Drill Platoon recruiting commercials and massaged media releases to see and hear what was really going on in the early days of the war in Iraq. Five years after the 2003 invasion, the words of Rolling Stone journalist Evan Wright came to life on HBO. Wrights articles and book inspired the seven-part miniseries. It, in turn, drove countless would-be Marines to the recruiting office to crank out pull-ups and earn their seat in a Marine Corps Humvee. But aside from the series portrayal of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Generation Kill is a quintessential road-trip series full of unforgettable characters, knee-slapping jokes and -- of course -- some great vehicles. Microwave some popcorn for this one, folks. Heres a look at all the rides from one of the greatest stories to come out of the Global War on Terrorism. Humvees for Everyone It might not be listed along the leading actors in the credits, but the Humvee was absolutely a star in this series. (HBO) Theres hardly a minute of screen time that passes in Generation Kill without a Humvee sharing the spotlight. The vehicle isnt just a mode of transportation in the series; its part of the team. To the Marines of the 1st Recon Battalion, it was a fighting position, a home away from home and a music venue. For Cpl. Josh Ray Person (played by James Ransone), it was a platform to voice unfiltered hot takes on, well, everything. It's been a minute since we've seen Humvees this naked, hasn't it? (HBO) These days, its easy to view the Humvee the same way we view a retired professional athlete: The shine has worn off, and theyre shadows of their former selves. There was a time when both were world beaters, though. When we look back on the rise and fall of the Humvee, the 2003 push to Baghdad was arguably its greatest moment. That was when open tops, pintle-mounted M2s and ripping across the desert at top speed reigned supreme. Old-School Cool M35 Before the beloved MTVR, the Marine Corps moved on a fleet of M35 trucks. (Courtesy photo) If you watch closely, you can spot the occasional M35 cargo truck in Generation Kill. Its not one of the primary vehicles in the series, but its inclusion pays homage to the logistics Marines who made the 2003 blitz possible. The initial push into Iraq took place years before the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, or MTVR, entered production in 2005. Prior to the seven-tons arrival, cargo and service members moved around the battlespace in older vehicles like the five-ton M939 and M809. Before that, it was all about the M35 deuce-and-a-half. The 2.5-ton M35 (hence the nickname) entered service in 1950. Popular Mechanics reported at the time that the groundbreaking truck could drive underwater, haul 10,000 pounds at 60 mph and drive 340 miles without refueling. The Marine Corps loves to hang onto old gear, so it wouldnt have been unusual to see an old M35 still kicking around in 2003 (lets be real, I wouldnt be shocked to see one today). Want to buy an M35 of your own? Auto auction house Classic.com has seen examples sell for as little as $8,000 recently. Land-Locked Amphibious Assault Vehicle Amphibious vehicles in the desert? Yes, it happened. (HBO) In Episode 2 of Generation Kill, we get a peek at a destroyed Amphibious Assault Vehicle on the highway. Its a stationary prop that you could easily overlook, but its deceptively significant. You might be wondering why theres an amphibious vehicle so far from the ocean. Thats fair; deserts are odd places for water landings. But the Marine Corps used the AAV quite a bit in Iraq -- not because it was the best vehicle for the job, but because it was available. It was arguably better than the aluminum-skinned Humvees of the era, and that was enough to put it in harms way. Then again, its not like the AAV was that much better. After all, the Marine Corps acquired the vehicle to battle the waves, not explosives, and its vehicles armor had to be thin to float. It could stop 7.62x39mm rounds and light shrapnel, but thats about it. As the Tampa Bay Times reported after a roadside bombing killed 14 Marine reservists in 2005, Even Doug Coffey, a senior official at BAE Systems, the London international defense and aerospace company that manufactured the vehicle in the early 1970s, called the AAV one of the more vulnerable vehicles on the battlefield." Decades later, even the AAVs buoyancy is being called into question. The Marine Corps Times reported in 2021 that AAVs would no longer take part in regularly scheduled deployments. The decision followed the deaths of eight Marines and one sailor off the coast of California in 2020. Pretend LAV-25 Does that Light Armored Vehicle look off to you? (HBO) Generation Kill follows a group of reconnaissance Marines, so it makes sense that Light Armored Reconnaissance would make an appearance. There are at least two points in the series (in Episodes 2 and 5) when we get a glimpse of LARs chariot. The vehicle in question is the LAV-25 light armored vehicle. Its a nimble armored vehicle that can deploy a 25mm chain gun, an M240 medium machine gun, smoke grenades and six Marines (in addition to the crew of three). It can break 60 mph and become amphibious with a few minutes of preparation. The real LAV-25 is a force to be reckoned with -- actually, just avoid tangling with LAR Marines entirely. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Pollich) In passing, that seems to be whats on the screen -- but its not. The nose angle is too blunt, and theres a solid axles differential visible underneath the vehicle. The LAV has a slick underside with independent suspension, so it looks as if HBO put a pickup truck in a costume for these shots. I can forgive them for that, though: I imagine real LAV-25s had better things to do in 2008 than star in an HBO miniseries. M1A1 Abrams Marine Corps tanks didn't lose very often in Iraq, but it wasn't unheard of. (Courtesy photo) Yes, theres even an M1A1 tank in Generation Kill, if only for a second. Given the Iraqi armys affinity for tanks, it seemed as though the American invasion would result in one of historys epic tank battles. That never materialized, and Iraqi tanks were basically a nonfactor. Some were neutralized by American air power, some were defeated in combat, and many crews presumably got the hell out of town before they ended up making a sequel to the Gulf Wars highway of death. That isnt to say that U.S. tank crews didnt suffer casualties of their own. While its difficult to destroy an Abrams with improvised explosives, its not impossible. This scene is a reminder that nobody is safe in war. Generation Kill Defines an Era Rolling Stone journalist Evan Wright created a masterpiece. (HBO) Generation Kill is as much a road-trip story as it is a war story. Its a coming-of-age tale, too. Through seven episodes, viewers get to watch inexperienced young men travel across a foreign land, forge unlikely friendships with an embedded journalist and become hardened combat vets in the process. Ill admit that watching it isnt quite as fun now that we know the Global War on Terrorism went on for another 20 years. Theres another layer of bitterness to it. The presence of iron sights and unarmored Humvees reminds us that the fight lasted long enough to span generations of U.S. service members and military technology. Some things never change, though. The vehicles, weapons and equipment might look different now than they did in 2003, but the fighting will always be done by young men with rifles. That, and questionable singing ability. Want to Know More About the Military? Be sure to get the latest news about the U.S. military, as well as critical info about how to join and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox. The Inventor of Google: A Visionarys Journey to Create the Worlds Most Advanced Search Engine (The Inventor of Google: A Brief History) Google was created by Larry Page and Sergey Brin while they were Ph.D students at Stanford University in California. Their vision was to create a search engine that would revolutionize the way people find information online. Their quest for innovation began when they noticed that there was no single source of information on the internet that could provide answers to all their questions. They saw an opportunity to merge different sources of information and create a one-stop-shop for users. In 1998, they founded Google with just $2 million in funding. At first, it was difficult to get traction because of its revolutionary idea. However, Page and Brin refused to give up and continued to work tirelessly to improve the. One of the key features of Google is its ability to understand human language. The founders spent years developing natural language processing algorithms that allowed their search engine to understand the nuances of human language. This made it possible for users to ask complex questions and receive accurate results. Another innovative feature of Google is its ability to display images and videos alongside text-based search results. This made it possible for users to quickly identify relevant content without having to click through multiple pages. Despite its success, Google faced numerous challenges during its early years. It struggled to compete with other search engines like Yahoo and Microsofts Bing. But Page and Brin remained committed to their vision and continued to innovate. Today, Google is one of the most widely used search engines in the world. Its dominance can be attributed to its ability to understand natural language and provide relevant results quickly. Googles innovation has had a profound impact on the way we search for information online. For example, Googles innovations have transformed the way people gather news and stay informed. Its image recognition technology allows users to quickly identify relevant images from web pages. And its voice search technology has made it easier than ever for users to interact with websites using voice commands. In conclusion, the inventor of Google was a visionary who believed in the power of innovation to change the world. His commitment to his vision and dedication to improving the search engine made him one of the most successful entrepreneurs in history. (The Inventor of Google: A Brief History) Googles story reminds us that even in the face of great challenges, it is possible to achieve greatness if we remain committed to our vision and continue to innovate. If you have a dream and a vision, dont let fear hold you back. Embrace the challenge and pursue your dreams with passion and determination. Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected]) HAMLIN TOWNSHIP, MI Illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns bouncing off sparkling snow, these nighttime winter hikes are always magical. Ludington State Park will host four lantern-lit hikes in January and February. The free events include a three-quarter mile hike, a bonfire and hot chocolate. The 4,800-acre park, nestled between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, closed the day after Labor Day and is scheduled to reopen on July 1. The closure includes almost everything north of the entry booth where a $3.2 million construction project is underway; it mostly involves repaving roads and parking lots. The Friends of Ludington State Park is working around the project to host this annual event series. RELATED: Popular trail gets upgrades during 10-month construction closure at Up North state park We understand how enjoyable Ludington State Parks winter activities are for our local and out of town visitors, said Jim Gallie, Ludington State Park manager. With the park open south of the Big Sable River, we decided that there was no reason why we couldnt move the lantern-lit snowshoe hikes over to that side of the river. The Friends of Ludington State Park were happy to help us host opportunities for people to get outside and enjoy the winter evenings, just in a different part of the park. The hikes are scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Jan. 4 and 18, and Feb. 1 and 15 on a lollipop-shaped trail south of the Big Sable River. Limited parking will be available at the Amphitheater/Skyline Trail parking lot south of the parks toll booth. Carpooling is encouraged. RELATED: 1930s Lake Michigan beach house gets upgrades amid $3M state park project For information on Friends events, volunteer opportunities, membership and donations, click here. The park closure includes all campgrounds and campsites, all northern trails, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, the main Lake Michigan beach area and the Hamlin day-use areas, including the beach, Hamlin Dam, the boat launch, and picnic areas along the Big Sable River. Almost everything north of the entry booth is closed while areas south of the booth are open. RELATED: What Ludington State Park will look like after $3M in upgrades Find more details on whats open here. The project is part of $250 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan, or ARPA, that was made available to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in 2022 to help address a long list of needs at state parks. RELATED: Whats still open at popular Up North state park during construction? We have a list Ludington State Park is known for its seven miles of sandy Lake Michigan beachfront, an iconic lighthouse and a one-mile stretch of Big Sable River thats popular for fishing, paddling and tubing. The park also features 21 miles of marked trails through wetlands, marshes, dunes and forests, plus two water trails. Hamlin Lake is popular for recreation, including boating, hiking, fishing, paddling and swimming. The park, 8800 M-116 north of Ludington, is especially in demand for camping. It has three modern campgrounds with 352 campsites. PARADISE, MI -- If 28 inches of snow sounds heavenly to you then head up to Paradise, Michigan where a thick, white blanket is weaving across the Upper Peninsula. Tahquamenon Falls State Park welcomed winter after the Thanksgiving-weekend storm covered the trails, trees and waterfalls. With the snow came several seasonal closures, including the River Trail, which runs between the Upper and Lower Falls, and the road to the Lower Falls. Visitors can still access the Lower Falls by foot. You can park by the entrance booth and hike past the closure gate, roughly one mile, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. RELATED: New forest boardwalk at Tahquamenon Falls will replace aging staircase to viewing area Construction is also rerouting hikers this winter. Hikers are being redirected to the Lower Falls Island while crews work on a 180-foot section of boardwalk at the Lower Falls. A 900-foot-long boardwalk with benches is also coming to the Upper Falls. These projects are part of the 202 projects the DNR is overseeing as part of funding through the American Rescue Plan Act. RELATED: Tahquamenon Falls winterizes riverside campground to add sites during construction Both loops at the Lower Falls Campgrounds at Tahquamenon Falls are also undergoing upgrades during the shoulder season. However, winter camping is still available at the state park. For the first time ever, the park has winterized the Rivermouth Campground along Tahquamenon River. Both the modern and rustic side of the campground will be maintained and staffed. In addition to 20 campsites there is also a two-bedroom camber cabin and a three-bedroom fully furnished lodge. MANCHESTER, MI Ellen Supers was exposed to a career in education at an early age and it wasnt long until she was hooked. Growing up in Manchester, her mother was a kindergarten teacher, and when in high school, she said there was a period she got to spend time in the classroom with young children as a cadet teacher. After graduating from college, Supers taught a year in Missouri before returning to her hometown district, teaching kindergarteners for close to a decade and first graders another decade later. I just knew once I left high school that thats what I wanted to do, she said. I wanted to do early childhood education. Its all Ive ever done. During the last few years, however, Supers said she began to diverge a bit, expanding her repertoire to teach STEM to young kids. Now, shes in a full-time STEM and library media position at Klager Elementary School in her 21st year of teaching in Manchester. Supers recently discussed her background, teaching career and achievements with MLive/The Ann Arbor News. Ann Arbor News: Was there a specific experience that inspired you to get into the field of education? What about teaching called to you? Ellen Supers: I love that excitement about the younger kids. Now, that Im in STEM, I love watching them, even at such a young age, learn how to collaborate and problem-solve, use design thinking, that type of stuff. Its amazing to watch it in the young kids and how natural it comes to them. Its a lot of discovery-based, inquiry-based learning with the kids, teaching the kids to ask questions and explore and use a growth mindset. So, kind of learning through their struggles, which is not exactly what theyre always comfortable doing. Its exciting to see even the whole aspect of asking questions and things like that. It kind of goes against the ways that we used to teach, and its just exciting because they are figuring these things out and working through difficult situations and learning to fail forward and grow from their mistakes. AAN: Education has seen a number of changes, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. What are some of the biggest challenges youve faced as an educator, or in what ways would you say youve most evolved? Supers: I think at this age, the biggest challenge that we face would be the social-emotional component of learning. Like with our younger students, were finding more and more students, for whatever reason, need additional support and modeling with those soft skills (involved with) social-emotional learning. So, we incorporate that a lot more into our lessons and our everyday activities, and I dont think that was always the case (before). For whatever reason, some might say COVID, some might say thats just the way kids are now (with) technology or anything like that, btu we do a lot of that, teaching those relationships and those skills and working together and communicating and expressing and identifying emotions. AAN: Is there a moment in your career that stands out as particularly rewarding? Supers: Moving into this full-time STEM position was definitely a moment for me because, maybe pre-COVID, several years ago, there was no STEM program at Klager and I started just within my classroom with a few local grants. And then, from there, the next year, we branched out to where I was working kind of like I got released time to do one day a week with students and with a STEM program and watching it build into a full-time position. Knowing that I had a hand in that, so thats definitely rewarding. A position in a program that I helped create at the elementary level. Weve incorporated (more features). We have a greenhouse this year. The community gardens have been part of it. Were really branching out. Not just in the classroom, with the community as well. AAN: What is your favorite aspect of the job? Supers: Not sure who said it, but I once heard somebody say every child needs at least one adult whos like irrationally crazy about him or her and like your biggest fan. And I think thats what I love about this age. I get to be that person for these kids, be that person who is just so excited for them and excited to see them every day. If you know a K-12 educator in Washtenaw County who might make a good subject for the weekly Meet the Teacher series, send an email with their contact information to jsmith@mlive.com. If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. Family Farm & Home is opening its second Muskegon County store in Whitehall on Friday, May 1. (MLive file photo)The Flint Journal FENTON, MI Family Farm & Home has announced that its Fenton location, which has been purchased by Kroger, will close permanently in January 2025. According to a statement from Family Farm & Home, the company is relocating its Fenton store, located at 15100 Silver Parkway, to the former site of a Kmart store located at 4290 W. Vienna Road in Vienna Township. The Clio-area Family Farm & Home store is set to open in March of 2025. Related: Family Farm & Home set to open new store inside former Clio-area Kmart After being open for a decade, Family Farm & Home said it is being forced to close its Fenton location by Krogers purchase of the Fenton Village Marketplace, which is the site of the companys Fenton store and a former Michaels store. The company thanked its Fenton-area customers in the statement for their patronage and said it has been honored to serve the local community. Although its Fenton location is closing on Jan. 12, Family Farm & Home still has several stores in communities surrounding Fenton, including Swartz Creek, Howell, Burton and Corunna. Also: Plans for new Kroger location approved by Fenton Planning Commission All employees at the Fenton store were offered positions at other Family Farm & Home locations in the area, and 80% of them accepted these offers. Family Farm & Home is a chain that sells a variety of products, including farming supplies, animal feed, hardware, work clothing, and footwear. Family Farm & Home strives to provide excellent customer service, treating customers like family, and fulfilling their lifestyle needs by providing the best quality products and expert advice, at prices that make sense, Family Farm & Home co-president Bob Tarrant said in the statement. Family Farm & Homes stores are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Additional information about Family Farm & Home can be found at FamilyFarmandHome.com and on the companys Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok pages. Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter. Chadwick Shane Mobley (bottom right, in orange) was arraigned Monday, July 17, 2023, in Lapeer County District Court on first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree felony murder and felony firearm charges in the November 2011 death of Andrea Eilber. (Joey Oliver, MLive.com) FLINT, MI The second man accused of the 2011 murder of Andrea Eilber in Lapeer County will have to wait for a new jury trial start date. The trial for Chadwick Mobley originally scheduled to begin on Tuesday Dec. 3, before Circuit Court Judge Michael Nolan wont begin this week. A new start date has not yet been set, Mobleys attorney Frederick Miller told MLive-The Flint Journal. Miller didnt give a reason for the delay. Attorneys will meet for a status conference on Friday, Dec. 6, according to court records. Mobley, who is charged with first-degree murder, felony murder and felony firearm, was identified as a suspect after Kenneth Grondin, the victims girlfriend, had his conviction overturned by the Michigan Court of Appeals. Hes been incarcerated at the Lapeer County Jail since June 2023. Mobley was charged after newly tested DNA evidence led police to believe he was a suspect. Related: Who killed Andrea Eilber? What a new suspect means for man originally charged DNA found on a cigarette butt collected at the scene of the murder produced a match to Mobley, according to affidavits obtained by MLive/The Flint Journal. Mobley entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment in July 2023. Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter. HOLLAND, MI Police are investigating after a residence in Holland was hit by multiple gunshots while the homeowner was inside. No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made, Holland police said. BUENA VISTA TWP, MI An adult with special needs is fighting for her life after being shot by her grandfather who mistook her for a burglar breaking into his Buena Vista Township home. About 7:55 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, police responded to a reported shooting within a house in the 5000 block of Cabot Street. They arrived to find a 26-year-old woman in the living room with a gunshot wound to her stomach, said Buena Vista Township Police Detective Russ Pahssen. Officers determined the woman had arrived at her grandparents house with her grandmother about 7:15 p.m., Pahssen said. The younger woman was watching TV in the kitchen while her grandparents were lying on their bed in their room, Pahssen said. As they were in bed, the 63-year-old grandfather heard a noise. From his position, he looked through his bedrooms open doorway and saw what appeared to be a shadow move across a mirror there, Pahssen said. He had apparently forgotten his granddaughters presence. Thinking an intruder was in his home, the grandfather pulled a .44-caliber handgun from under his pillow and walked to the end of the hallway. He saw a silhouette in the living room, failed to recognize the form as his granddaughters, and fired one shot, Pahssen said. On recognizing his error, the grandfather began rendering aid to his wounded granddaughter as his wife called 911, Pahssen said. The wounded woman was taken to an area hospital, where she underwent surgery that night to stop internal bleeding. She had a second surgery the next day to reconstruct internal organs, Pahssen said. She remains in critical condition as of Dec. 2. Police brought the grandfather to headquarters for questioning but released him. The .44 was legally owned by and registered to the grandfather, Pahssen said. He was really upset, Pahssen said of the grandfathers mood. He couldnt believe he did it. He was very remorseful, but you gotta have better gun safety. He encouraged gun owners not to keep their firearms under their pillows, nor to pull the trigger without being sure what youre shooting at. Once Pahssen has wrapped his investigation, hell send his findings to the Saginaw County Prosecutors Office for review. Library officials say everyone has a right to see their story in the materials offered at public libraries. Thats why many of them are backing a proposed law disqualifying nearly all attempts by residents to ban books from public library shelves. Sometimes we forget that all ages, all abilities, all interests, all races, all religions, the rich, the poor, the traditional, the nontraditional families they all have First Amendment rights as well, and we want to make sure that they can find materials of interest in the public library, said Debbie Mikula, executive director of the Michigan Library Association (MLA). Sometimes those are books or materials that may be unconventional, may be unpopular, may be unacceptable to some, but those who are looking for those books deserve to have those books within their public libraries. Mikula said the MLA, which represents the nearly 400 public library systems in the state, is in total support of two new bills that would effectively thwart nearly all attempts by residents to ban books in public libraries. Introduced by Democrats in November, the bills have yet to have a hearing in the state House. The bills would forbid books and other materials from being removed from public libraries if the reason someone wants the material removed is based on content involving race, sexual orientation, gender identity and all other categories protected by Michigans civil rights law. The proposed law would also disqualify all attempts to remove a library material unless a court with jurisdiction over the library has ruled that the material is obscene or otherwise unprotected by the First Amendment an extremely high bar. Related: Outright war: Gender Queer and the attack on Michigan libraries All public libraries in the state would be required to adopt policies outlining these new standards or face civil action by the Michigan Attorney Generals Office. The attorney general would also be able to compel a public library to return a unlawfully-removed book to its shelves. Libraries at universities and schools are excluded from the bills. Some critics of the bills, like state Rep. Bryan Posthumus, R-Rockford, have said the bills would take away control from locally elected public library boards in deciding what is appropriate for their communitys library shelves. The proposed legislation comes as communities in Michigan and the U.S. continue to have heated debate over what is acceptable content in public libraries, with these conversations largely centered around LGBTQ and sexual content or themes around race. In Michigan, the outrage has led to a public library briefly being defunded , a prosecutor considering charges against librarians for not removing a book and other incidents. Efforts to remove books from public libraries in Michigan, and across the U.S., skyrocketed in 2021. In 2020, there were at least three titles requested to be removed from public libraries in Michigan, according to the American Library Association. That number jumped to at least 438 titles in 2021, 360 titles in 2022 and then 67 titles in 2023. It wasnt clear if any book had successfully been removed from a public library during that time, said Mikula, who added theres been somewhat of a lull recently in removal requests. While books can be removed from libraries for being unused or damaged, legal experts have previously told MLive that removing books from library shelves because of their viewpoints would violate the First Amendment. The intent of the proposed legislation, which the MLA helped draft, is to provide standards for all public libraries to protect the First Amendment rights of all library patrons. I believe in parents' rights, but I believe in parents rights to the point where I can direct and dictate what my own children read but because I have First Amendment rights and I dont want to violate anybody elses First Amendment rights, they have the ability to choose what their own children read, Mikula said. If someone is constantly saying, Were going to remove specific books, it may not be the right fit for you, but it may be the right fit for someone else. And no individual, no group should make sweeping decisions that take that process of choice away from the reader. Related: Proposed Michigan law would shield LGBTQ books from being pulled off library shelves One thing not addressed by the proposed legislation is the ability of public libraries to move controversial books behind staff counters or otherwise hide them away, something Mikula likened to censorship. Thatll be the decision of the local libraries, Mikula said. Local libraries are locally funded, locally controlled, so there are certain things that we tried to address the biggest issues. Certainly they have prerogative to make other decisions. Again, the library board sets policy, so we wanted to make sure that policy was created that addressed some of the biggest issues. Much of the conversation about removing books from public libraries has been centered on minors seeing books in the young adult section that opponents deem sexually explicit. Under the bills, book removal requests from people outside of the librarys jurisdiction would not be considered. A person must also certify that theyve read, watched or listened to the entire material before submitting a challenge to the material. Once a library considers a request to remove a title, the bill outlines that the title could not be considered again for removal until a year has passed. Jenny Marr, executive director of the Capital Area District Library, said these policies would establish guardrails and weed out a number of extraneous requests that libraries have been fielding, such as those from out of state or continuous ones on a specific title. It makes sure people really want to have a serious conversation about a title and not just because they saw a post on social media about it, Marr said. A lot of library directors have lost hours and hours of staff time having to respond to everything that comes through. This makes it so that those requests can still come in, but theres some limits on it. It cant be constant inundation of these requests. But its still there. Its an important part of what we do is to have these important conversations with our communities, but it keeps it from taking up all of our time. Mikula pointed to a public library system in Caro that she said received roughly 37 requests within the span of a couple of months all aimed at removing Gender Queer: A Memoir from the shelves. The young adult graphic novel was the most targeted book in the U.S. in 2023, according to the ALA. Mikula said the dozens of duplicate requests resulted in taxpayer dollars being wasted not only on staff time in responding to each request but also on attorney fees. Whether the Michigan House takes up the bills in lame duck remains to be seen. Democrats maintain a majority in both the House and Senate, with that majority in the House ending next year. Marr hopes a hearing is called on the bills so that any fears and concerns around the bills can be addressed. In the end, I hope people dont get distracted by worrying about particular titles that they have seen or heard about or have a feeling about, because in the end these bills arent about titles theyre about protecting everybodys right to read, Marr said. It doesnt matter how you align yourself politically; these really are for everybody, because everybody has a right to see their story in a library, and this is about protecting that right. The pair of bills were introduced by state Reps. Carol Glanville, D-Walker, and Veronica Paiz, D-Harper Woods with 21 other Democratic co-sponsors. DETROIT -- A right-handed pitcher who briefly played for the Detroit Tigers is returning to Korea for a seventh season. William Cuevas, 34, has agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with his longtime Korean club, the KT Wiz. Cuevas made just one appearance for the Tigers in 2017, retiring a single batter while allowing three hits and four runs. For many players teetering on the edge of a big-league career, such a performance could spell disaster. For Cuevas, however, it turned out to be the beginning of a more lucrative path overseas. A native of Venezuela, Cuevas originally came up in the Boston Red Sox system and joined the Tigers before the 2017 season. After pitching in Korea from 2018-2022, Cuevas returned to the States in 2023, signing a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. But with no big-league promotion imminent, the Dodgers gave him his release in June so he could once again return to Korea. Cuevas posted a 2.60 ERA over 114 innings in the final four months of the Korean season, earning a re-upped guaranteed contract in 2024. He logged 31 starts and 173 1/3 innings this year in Korea, which was enough to earn him another opportunity in 2025. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for three counties in West Michigan and the forecast shows some spots in this targeted area could see a foot of snow or more on Monday, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Heavy snow could impact Mondays morning and evening commutes. The warning runs from 1 a.m. Monday to 1 a.m. Tuesday. It covers the counties of Ottawa, Allegan and Van Buren. This includes the cities of Jenison, Grand Haven, South Haven and Holland. While West Michigan as a whole will see some general snow amounts of 1 to 4 inches on Monday, the trio of counties under the warning could see heavy snow totaling 8 to 12 inches. The biggest accumulations are expected west of Kalamazoo and south of Holland. This snowfall would impact both the I-96 and I-94 corridors. The NWS meteorologists in Grand Rapids caution that this heavy snow could make travel difficult at times on Monday. From the forecast notes this evening: Lots of complexity to the winter warnings/advisories because we expect the bands of heaviest snow to shift around quite a bit. The warning for Ottawa, Allegan, and Van Buren starts at 1 AM tonight. It is already snowing there and roads may become slick this evening, but we think the greater threat for impacts beyond whats typical will wait until the warning timeframe. The overarching theme for all of West Michigan is expect localized bursts of heavy snow, rapidly changing road conditions and visibility, and snow totals that could differ greatly across even a single county. Chinese scientists breed high-yield mushroom strain aboard space mission People's Daily Online) 15:35, December 02, 2024 A new tremella strain, HT108, undergoes experimental trials at a mushroom research institute in Gutian county, Ningde city, southeast Chinas Fujian Province. The new variety's fruiting bodies face downward, distinguishing it from the main variety, Gutian Tremella Tr21. (People's Daily Online/Li Weiyi) A new tremella strain developed through space radiation breeding aboard China's Shenzhou-16 mission shows 10 percent higher productivity than its original variety. "Compared to the main variety, the HT108 strain grows faster and contains more polysaccharides, while maintaining stable traits," said Sun Shujing, head of a mushroom research institute headquartered in Gutian county, Ningde city, southeast China's Fujian Province, which is a major tremella-producing area in China. The institute, jointly established by Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University and Gutian county, announced the breeding developments on Nov. 25. Sun Shujing (first from right), head of a mushroom research institute in Gutian county, Ningde city, Fujian Province, examines the growth of the new tremella strain HT108 with experts. (People's Daily Online/Li Weiyi) Sun said researchers developed HT108 using the starting strain of Gutian Tremella Tr21, Fujian's primary tremella variety. The specimen traveled to space aboard Shenzhou-16 on May 30, 2023, for radiation-induced breeding, yielding the mutated strain in May 2024. The institute has conducted experimental trials and evaluations of HT108 at multiple tremella factories and mushroom facilities. After four successful harvests, the strain shows promising commercial potential. A side-by-side comparison shows the new tremella variety HT108 alongside the main variety, Gutian Tremella Tr21. (People's Daily Online/Li Weiyi) The new variety produces yellow fruiting bodies with compact, well-formed clusters and thick, inward-curling folds, Sun explained. The fresh weight of the new strain is 10 percent higher than the original, and its nutritional quality remains comparable, with no significant difference in the fruiting bodies, she added. The total phenol and flavonoid content has increased by 55.56 percent and 60 percent, respectively, demonstrating higher yield and richer active ingredients. "HT stands for Hangtian (aerospace). This strain spent five months in space and was later activated at our research institute, where it underwent two rounds of screening based on different criteria," Sun said. Researchers record data for the new tremella variety HT108 at a yield measurement site. (People's Daily Online/Li Weiyi) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Jeff Bezos is betting on AI chip startup Tenstorrent to take on Nvidia 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 GST GoM on cess likely to seek extension from Council, examining legal aspects 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. 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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 Sunil Matkar 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 Anishaa Kumar 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 Commentary: China's visa-free policy demonstrates greater openness Xinhua) 08:03, December 02, 2024 Tourists from Switzerland pose for a group photo in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, or Qiniandian, at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Expanding visa-free policy is a milestone in China's journey toward greater openness and also shows its confidence on the global stage. Starting Saturday, China extended its unilateral visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from nine more countries. So far, the policy on a trial basis has been applied to 38 countries since its launch a year ago. Meanwhile, China has signed mutual visa exemption agreements with 157 countries, covering different types of passports. China will not shut its door but will instead open it wider to the outside world. This is not only an official commitment China has made but has also been translated into concrete and efficient actions. The visa-free policy is a major measure to facilitate people-to-people exchanges and businesses and advance high-standard opening up. Greater openness brings more two-way benefits. Easy cross-border travel adds to the growth momentum and vitality of the Chinese economy. Meanwhile, the huge Chinese market provides countless opportunities for win-win cooperation of businesses and shared growth with other countries. International arrivals have surged with the support of the measures. In the third quarter of 2024, China logged nearly 8.2 million inbound trips made by foreigners, up 48.8 percent year on year. Among these, about 4.9 million entered visa-free, a remarkable rise of 78.6 percent from the same period last year. Trust and understanding are more critical than ever in a world fraught with rising trade barriers and geopolitical tensions. Visa-free travels help foster authentic connections, allowing visitors to experience China's high-speed railway service, the real life of ordinary people and their hospitality, and the rich Chinese culture. These first-hand experiences counteract misleading narratives of China in certain Western media and help promote a correct understanding of the largest developing country. China's visa-free policy fits perfectly with the 2,500-year-old Confucian proverb: "It is such a joy to have friends coming from afar." This sincerity is also demonstrated by streamlining the procedure of traveling to China and making life and work in China more convenient and comfortable for foreign friends. Places including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong Province have improved payment services to make online shopping and transportation more problem-free. Chinese telecom providers help foreign friends access and use the 5G network more conveniently. The visa-free policy expansion and other measures are in line with China's call for building a world economy characterized by cooperation, openness and innovation, among others. Recent policies, such as removing all restrictions for foreign investors in manufacturing and allowing the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in select cities, highlight China's determination and actions to pursue economic globalization that is more dynamic, inclusive and sustainable through joint efforts with others. Opening up is a defining feature of Chinese modernization. China is committed to building new, open and higher-standard economic systems and welcomes friends from all countries to share in the dividends of its development. Its visa-free policy symbolizes more than just easier travel. It is a gateway to stronger global ties and common prosperity amid the headwinds of rising protectionism. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) China condemns Lithuania's demand for Chinese diplomats to leave Xinhua) 16:24, December 02, 2024 BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- China strongly condemns and firmly rejects Lithuania's demand for Chinese diplomatic personnel to leave the country within the time required, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday. On Nov. 29, Lithuania's Foreign Ministry, without any reason, declared relevant diplomatic personnel of the Office of the Charge d'Affaires of China in Lithuania "persona non grata" and demanded that they leave the country within the time required, according to the spokesperson. "China strongly condemns and firmly rejects this wanton and provocative action," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson noted that on issues concerning China's Taiwan region, Lithuania has been acting in serious violation of the one-China principle and breached the political commitment Lithuania made in the communique on the establishment of China-Lithuania diplomatic relations, adding this has caused severe difficulty for bilateral ties. Three years on since the downgrade of bilateral ties with China, Lithuania has again taken detrimental action that further exacerbates the relations, the spokesperson said. China calls on Lithuania to immediately stop undermining China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stop creating difficulty for bilateral relations. "China reserves the right to take countermeasures against Lithuania," the spokesperson noted. "We hope the upcoming new government of Lithuania will follow the prevailing international consensus, abide by the one-China principle, and foster conditions for the normalization of China-Lithuania relations," the spokesperson said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Veer Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 Manish M. Suvarna is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He writes on the Indian money markets, RBI, Banks and NBFCs. He tweets at @manishsuvarna15. Contact: Manish.Suvarna@nw18.com Manish M. Suvarna 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 Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Adrija Chatterjee USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Yaruqhullah Khan 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 Farmers' protest march in Delhi today: What are they demanding Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Kisan Pehchan Patra: All about Centres farmer ID initiative that aims to digitise agri sector 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 December 02, 2024 / 17:51 IST Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir said, "In two to three days the cabinet berths of the Jharkhand government will be announced. We (Congress) will hold discussions with JMM and decide on the cabinet berths..." On the statement of JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah, he says, "Every government of a nation is constitutionally duty bound to ensure that the people of the nation are safe, borders are protected and protect the minorities." He further said, "In the Congress Working Committee we cleared that the 1991 resolution which was passed in parliament which states that the status quo (of the religious places) should be followed and even some leaders of BJP and RSS are saying that till where will we keep on finding a temple inside the mosque but some elements are keen on finding that." Maharashtra CM News: Outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shindes push for the home ministry has become a key point of contention within the Mahayuti alliance, highlighting the ongoing power struggle in Maharashtras government. Known for his long-standing interest in the portfolio, Shinde sees the home ministry as critical to managing the states law and order and exerting significant political influence, especially in controlling the police force. Despite Shinde leading the coalition as chief minister, the BJP, which remains the dominant partner, continues to hold sway in the power-sharing negotiations. Many BJP legislators believe Shindes insistence on the home ministry stems from his recognition of the portfolios strategic importance. Meanwhile, according to a senior BJP leader, Devendra Fadnavis has been finalised as the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The election of the BJP legislature party leader will take place in a meeting today, clearing the way for Fadnavis to take charge. Shinde, for his part, has expressed full support for the BJP's decision and reiterated that the Shiv Sena stands behind the alliances collective decision. There is also speculation that Shindes son, Shrikant Shinde, could be appointed as one of the Deputy Chief Ministers, with the Shiv Sena reportedly eyeing the Home portfolio. The new Mahayuti government, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, will take the oath of office in a grand ceremony scheduled for December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend. Although the alliance secured a resounding victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, winning 230 of the 288 seats, the complete government structure remains to be finalized. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena with 57 and NCP with 41. Surabhi Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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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 People of Maharashtra want me back as Chief Minister: 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. 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I Accept Potato traders to go on strike from Tuesday as talks with Bengal govt fail 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 We grant bail and next day you become Minister: SC to Senthil Balaji 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. 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 DP Satish is Group Editorial Advisor - South, Network 18. 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 Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. 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. 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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 'Bored' Chinese man puts out own fake arrest warrant with Rs 3.51 lakh reward. What cops did Stella Dey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Karnataka IPS officer, 26, on his way to first job posting, dies in car accident Stella Dey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept This country's young adults are 'renting' fake partners. Candidates must be fit, take good pics Stella Dey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Stella Dey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Israel says Hezbollah fires at disputed border zone in first attack since ceasefire began 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 Earth's orbit may soon be a danger zone, know why Rajni Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Danish Khan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Reshab Shaw 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 This cover image released by Rowman & Littlefield shows Dead Air: The Night That Orson Welles Terrified America by William Elliott Hazelgrove. Harare A 47-year-old man, Tonderai Robert Mugabe, has filed a High Court application claiming to be the secret son of the late Zimbabwean president, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, and is seeking a share of his estate. This stunning revelation comes five years after Mugabes death in Singapore on 6 September 2019, about two years after his 37-year reign as Zimbabwes head of state. Tonderai alleges he was born on April 20, 1977, at the Chimoio base in Mozambique during the liberation war, to Hilda Maeka and the late president. He claims his mother, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Paidamoyo, died in 1995 from hypertension-related complications and was posthumously accorded liberation hero status. Tonderai states that his mothers secrecy surrounding his fathers identity stemmed from fears of upsetting Mugabes wife, Sally Mugabe. According to Tonderai, his maternal grandfather, Thomas Maeka, attempted unsuccessfully to have the Mugabe family acknowledge Tonderai. Tonderais mother worked in one of the offices in Mozambique, that is when she met Robert Mugabe, Thomas Maeka explained. We did not know the father of the baby she brought from the war because she was secretive about it. We only got to know about it when Tonderai met some senior party officials in Harare. From there, I had numerous interactions with one of Mugabes close relatives, but nothing materialised. He always promised me that he was going to talk to Mugabe about the issue, but he would get evasive each time I made follow-ups. We eventually kept quiet. Tonderais narrative details a challenging upbringing in Glen Norah after the war. He attended Shiriyedenga Primary School in Glen Norah A, initially supported by his mother, but later resorted to scrap metal trading to fund his education after her death. He recounts his mothers entrepreneurial spirit: My mother was one of the first people to get into business after the war. She had a number of knitting machines which she used to generate income. The turning point came during a chance encounter at Zanu PF headquarters. His aunt, Bridget Mugabe, revealed his true parentage. In a statement recounted by Tonderai, Bridget stated that her daughter, Lawrencia, had also been involved in confirming the information. Lawrencia, in an affidavit dated February 11, 2020, stated: I, Lawrencia Machengedza Mugabedeclare that Tonderai Maeka was born at Chimoio base in Mozambique in 1977. I was there when he was born, Gabriel Tonderai Mugabe. We separated when the mother took him to Cde Fay Chung (who was in charge of the sub-camp). After the war, we thought he and his mother had died because we could not find them. Later on, he was found by Tete Bridget, who is my mother. He is the son of Robert Gabriel Mugabe, Tonderai further explains that the secret was kept to avoid upsetting Sally Mugabe. I was kept a secret because of fears that Amai Sally Mugabe could be angry at the President (Mugabe). Information that I have gathered shows that she was going to be receptive since she was unfortunate not to have children after Nhamodzenyikas passing, he stated. Tonderais application to the High Court seeks to reopen Mugabes estate, citing Bona Mugabe, the appointed estate manager, the registrar of births and deaths, and the master of the High Court as respondents. He requires Mugabes death certificate to obtain a birth certificate acknowledging Mugabe as his father. He also states that he underwent DNA testing which confirmed a 99.997871% probability of a familial relationship with a half-sibling, further supporting his claim. Despite this, the registrar of births and deaths has refused to issue him with a birth certificate. Tonderais attempts to contact Bona Mugabe through her lawyers, Messrs Hussein Ranchold and Company, have been unsuccessful. He argues that the estate was closed prematurely without considering his claim. It was wrong and therefore unprocedural for the estate to be closed without looking into my claim and pronouncing a decision, he submitted. With the evidence adduced so far, in particular, the DNA results, I am entitled to the late Robert Gabriel Mugabes death certificate so that I get a corrected birth certificate. On that basis, the executor should be compelled to release the deceaseds death certificate to me for purposes of correcting my birth certificate as required by the registrar of births and deaths. The matter is currently before High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi. Mugabes first wife, Sally, died in 1992 without children. He married Grace in 1996, and they had three children: Bona, Robert Junior, and Chatunga. The legal battle over the inheritance of one of Zimbabwes most prominent figures is now underway. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares Harare A controversial amendment to the Broadcasting Services Act, currently before Parliament, proposes making the acquisition of a car radio licence mandatory for motorists in Zimbabwe. This means motorists will be required to obtain a licence from the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) before they can obtain vehicle insurance or renew their vehicle licence. The Bill aims to significantly boost ZBCs revenue streams by enforcing a previously unenforceable requirement. While the current law stipulates that all car radios must be licensed, it has been relatively easy for motorists to avoid compliance. This amendment seeks to eliminate that loophole. Clause 15 of the Bill introduces a new provision that prohibits the sale of motor insurance to individuals without a valid ZBC radio licence or a valid exemption certificate. The clause explicitly states: The Zimbabwe National Road Administration and every motor insurance company shall only issue a motor vehicle licence and motor insurance policy respectively to individuals who either hold a current radio licence issued by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation or a valid exemption certificate from ZBC unless the vehicle to be insured is not equipped with a radio receiver. The Bill also outlines a process for motorists whose vehicles are not equipped with a radio receiver. These individuals will be required to sign a declaration form confirming the absence of a receiver to obtain an exemption. This measure aims to prevent any potential circumvention of the new regulations. The proposed changes follow recent Cabinet approval and are intended to create a more supportive environment for the broadcasting sector in Zimbabwe. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, explained the rationale behind the amendments following Cabinets approval: In terms of the amended Act, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation revenue base will be broadened since it will be mandatory for all motorists to have a current radio licence before either disposing of their vehicles or purchasing motor vehicle cover or policy. Dr Muswere highlighted the importance of securing revenue for the national broadcaster, emphasizing its legal obligation to broadcast events of national and public interest. He differentiated ZBCs mandate from that of commercial broadcasting stations, which are not legally bound to cover national events such as state funerals, pandemic awareness campaigns, and parliamentary proceedings. He said it was important for a national broadcaster to accrue revenue from licences, as it was mandated by the law to air national and events of public interest, a statement clarified the ministers position. Dr Muswere also confirmed that ZBC will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the new regulations, indicating a proactive approach to enforcement. The governments commitment to reforming the media landscape is evident in its support for this Bill. The Second Republic has actively pursued media reforms over the years, aiming to encourage media diversity and pluralism by introducing more broadcasters into the market. The impact of this Bill will be significant, considering the number of registered vehicles in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration reports 1.2 million registered cars, although an average of only 800,000 pay vehicle licences annually. While many unlicensed vehicles are presumed to be off the road, the potential revenue increase for ZBC through this mandatory licensing could be substantial. The Bills passage through Parliament will determine whether this significant shift in broadcasting revenue collection will become a reality. Debate on the Bill is expected to generate considerable discussion and scrutiny. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares By Lambert Strether of Corrente. Bird Song of the Day Northern Mockingbird, Southeast Greenway, Mueller, Travis, Texas, United States. All sang. A lot going on! * * * In Case You Might Miss * * * Politics So many of the social reactions that strike us as psychological are in fact a rational management of symbolic capital. Pierre Bourdieu, Classification Struggles * * * Biden Administration Here are the times that Biden, the White House said they wouldnt pardon Hunter [The Hill] Dear Hunter! Trump Transition Pete Hegseths Secret History [Jane Meyer, The New Yorker]. The deck: A whistle-blower report and other documents suggest that Trumps nominee to run the Pentagon was forced out of previous leadership positions for financial mismanagement, sexist behavior, and being repeatedly intoxicated on the job. More: A trail of documents, corroborated by the accounts of former colleagues, indicates that Hegseth was forced to step down by both of the two nonprofit advocacy groups that he ranVeterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for Americain the face of serious allegations of financial mismanagement, sexual impropriety, and personal misconduct. A previously undisclosed whistle-blower report on Hegseths tenure as the president of Concerned Veterans for America, from 2013 until 2016, describes him as being repeatedly intoxicated while acting in his official capacityto the point of needing to be carried out of the organizations events. The detailed seven-page reportwhich was compiled by multiple former C.V.A. employees and sent to the organizations senior management in February, 2015states that, at one point, Hegseth had to be restrained while drunk from joining the dancers on the stage of a Louisiana strip club, where he had brought his team. And much else. Previously undisclosed is delicately put. From whom did Meyer get the report? Trump and His Team Are Laughing at Bidens Commitment to Decorum [Rolling Stone]. Some of us have been laughing about it, an incoming Trump administration official tells Rolling Stone. [Democrats] spend all this time calling Donald Trump a Nazi and Hitler, and now its just: Smile for the camera!' Indeed. Liberal Democrats can really turn on a dime. Its amazing! Can Bhattacharya rescue the reputation of the scientific establishment? [Washington Examiner] By Betteridges Law, no. Campaign Finance A Chinese national, charged with fraud by the SEC, just sent Donald Trump $18 million [Popular Information]. Chinese Crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun paid $6.2 million for a banana sold by Sothebys as conceptual art and then ate it last Friday. The banana is not Suns most notable recent purchase. On November 25, Sun purchased $30 million in crypto tokens from World Liberty Financial, a new crypto venture backed by President-elect Donald Trump. Sun said his company, TRON, was committed to making America great again.. Suns decision to buy $30 million in WLF tokens has direct and immediate financial benefits for Trump. The #Resistance Will the 2025 Womens March galvanize or repel? [The Hill]. Multiple women leaders of left-leaning or non-profit womens organizations who I have reached out to since the election have said they have no interest in participating in the next womens march, scheduled for Jan. 18, 2025, nor did they know others who planned to participate. All asked for anonymity for fear of alienating funders or colleagues, but responses ranged from a declarative f-that to a more thoughtful take that marching would be performative. There appear to be three central issues as to why some women leaders who otherwise have been at the forefront of the contemporary womens movement for so long are now turning away from the 2025 march. [(1)] While millions took to the streets and the event inspired a flurry of civic activity in the immediate term, it was not sustained, especially in this years election cycle [(2)] [F]issures in the leadership and strategy of the first march have never been addressed. The 2017 event, which sprung from a call by activist Bob Bland on Facebook, was complicated and divisive from the start, despite the massive show of unity on the march day. [(3)] Finally, marching does not, in this case, advance the real work that needs to be done to organize and transform electoral politics over the long term. Hmm. I think the possibility of schooling behavior, as with the instant and overwhelming support for Kamala when she was blessed by authority, is being underestimated here. Further, that marching does not advance the real work is so unsurprising it sounds like a rationalization. Since when did an NGO do real work, anyhow? Spook Country Note on the FBI [Matt Taibbi, Racket News]. The transformation of the FBI back into a J. Edgar Hoover-style domestic spy service with sweeping political ambition has been a long-developing story, obscured by a political anomaly. In the first phase of this nightmare, between 2001 and 2016, the post-9/11 Bureau used the pretext of an enhanced counterintelligence mandate to throw off some mild restraints that had been placed on it the last time it had to be slapped down, i.e. after the Church Committee hearings in the 1970s. The second phase of its transformation took place after the election of Donald Trump, when the Bureau remade itself on the fly as a kind of government-in-exile, empowered by an outpouring of public and media support to view itself as a counterweight to the Trump government. This dichotomy has probably helped prevent a full portrait of the FBIs makeover from appearing. The more troubling aspects to phase one were mostly found in reports by a then-adversarial ACLU or in testimonials of agents and investigators who spoke out in places like Democracy Now! or the Southern Poverty Law Center, with examples being people like Colleen Rowley and Mike German. The post-Trump exposes of FBI excess meanwhile often appeared in places like Mollie Hemingways The Federalist or broadcasts by the likes of Tucker Carlson or even sites like The Conservative Treehouse, and the signature FBI whistleblowers of this period were agents like Steve Friend, Garrett OBoyle and Marcus Allen, testifying in front of Republican elected officials like Jim Jordan. They were all really talking about the same subject, but their complaints were broadcast to different audiences at different stages of the Bureaus evolution. No Background Checks, No Problem? [Politico]. The potential end of the formal vetting process will be front and center when the Senate considers Trumps nominees in January. So will an even more attention-getting question raised by Trumps selections: Should we move past the expectation that presidential appointees should have squeaky-clean personal records? But a quieter conversation is going on already among insiders who work on the often infuriating background-check ritual: What would such a transformation mean for how the capital does business? Right now, it would seem to me that if youve got a significant problem, you probably dont apply for these jobs in the first place, said Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney and current University of Michigan law professor who has written about the clearance process. But if you know that the background check is no longer very rigorous, you might give it a shot.' Lincoln on Grant, pilloried as a drunk: I need this man. He fights. Would Grant have made it through our current process? Probably not! Democrats en deshabille Why Democrats FEAR Populism (And Keep Losing) (video) [Nathan J. Robinson, Current Affairs, YouTube]. Normally, I dont link to Current Affairs, because Nathan J. Robinson union-busted his own magazine, but for Thomas Frank, I will make an exception.l Realignment and Legitimacy The Political Economy of the Urban-Rural Divide (PDF) [Keith Orejel, LPE Project]. But something fundamentally new occurred in the mid-to-late 1990s. A yawning gap opened between urban and rural voters, with rural Americans voting in ever larger margins for the Republican Party and their metropolitan counterparts doing the same for Democrats. While political strategists and commentators tended to point to cultural interpretations for this divideeverything from Christian Nationalism to White Rural Ragesuch explanations fail to account for the fact that this transformation occurred simultaneously across the entire nation, and indeed, in many other advanced industrial countries as well. As I will lay out in this post, the urban-rural divide was first and foremost a product of political economy. Starting in the 1990s, the Democratic Party emerged as the champion of a new globalized, knowledge economy, whose centralizing tendencies concentrated the most sophisticated and profitable enterprises in metropolitan areas. As a result, the historic party of industrial workers morphed into the home of highly educated metropolitan professionals. Meanwhile, rural areas struggled to adapt to the global era, becoming a repository for slow growth sectorsmanufacturing, retail, construction, agriculture, and gas and oilthat provided mostly low paying, unskilled jobs. The Republican Party capitalized on this decline, arguing that their economic agenda of low taxes, minimal government spending, and weak regulations was critical to the well-being of rural industries and their largely non-college educated employees. By examining the emergence of the urban-rural divide in detail, we can see that the results of last weeks election were by no means inevitable. The Democratic Partys collapse in the countryside was the predictable consequence of decisions to prioritize certain constituencies to the neglect of others. If the party is ever again to capture a sufficient governing majority to enact the social and economic agenda our country needs, it wont be through eking out 2% higher turnout in the suburbs. It will be through transforming the Democratic Party into an organization that once again can compete in both urban and rural counties. Yep! Syndemics I am in earnest I will not equivocate I will not excuse I will not retreat a single inch AND I WILL BE HEARD. William Lloyd Garrison * * * Covid Resources, United States (National): Transmission (CDC); Wastewater (CDC, Biobot ; includes many counties; Wastewater Scan, includes drilldown by zip); Variants (CDC; Walgreens); Iowa COVID-19 Tracker (in IA, but national data). Infection Control, Emergency Management, Safety, and General Thoughts (especially on hospitalization by city). Lambert here: Readers, thanks for the collective effort. To update any entry, do feel free to contact me at the address given with the plants. Please put COVID in the subject line. Thank you! Resources, United States (Local): AK (dashboard); AL (dashboard); AR (dashboard); AZ (dashboard); CA (dashboard; Marin, dashboard; Stanford, wastewater; Oakland, wastewater); CO (dashboard; wastewater); CT (dashboard); DE (dashboard); FL (wastewater); GA (wastewater); HI (dashboard); IA (wastewater reports); ID (dashboard, Boise; dashboard, wastewater, Central Idaho; wastewater, Coeur dAlene; dashboard, Spokane County); IL (wastewater); IN (dashboard); KS (dashboard; wastewater, Lawrence); KY (dashboard, Louisville); LA (dashboard); MA (wastewater); MD (dashboard); ME (dashboard); MI (wastewater; wastewater); MN (dashboard); MO (wastewater); MS (dashboard); MT (dashboard) ; NC (dashboard); ND (dashboard; wastewater); NE (dashboard); NH (wastewater); NJ (dashboard); NM (dashboard); NV (dashboard; wastewater, Southern NV); NY (dashboard); OH (dashboard); OK (dashboard); OR (dashboard) ; PA (dashboard); RI (dashboard); SC (dashboard); SD (dashboard); TN (dashboard); TX (dashboard); UT (wastewater); VA (wastewater); VT (dashboard); WA (dashboard; dashboard); WI (wastewater); WV ( wastewater ); WY ( wastewater ). Resources, Canada (National): Wastewater (Government of Canada). Resources, Canada (Provincial): ON (wastewater); QC (les eaux usees); BC (wastewater); BC, Vancouver (wastewater). Hat tips to helpful readers: Alexis, anon (2), Art_DogCT, B24S, CanCyn, ChiGal, Chuck L, Festoonic, FM, FreeMarketApologist (4), Gumbo, hop2it, JB, JEHR, JF, JL Joe, John, JM (10), JustAnotherVolunteer, JW, KatieBird, KF, KidDoc, LL, Michael King, KF, LaRuse, mrsyk, MT, MT_Wild, otisyves, Petal (6), RK (2), RL, RM, Rod, square coats (11), tennesseewaltzer, Tom B., Utah, Bob White (3). Stay safe out there! Sequelae: Covid Nearly half of NYCs aspiring drivers failed their DMV road tests this year [Gothamist]. : Nearly half the Big Apples would-be motorists have failed their driving tests so far this year. That failure rate 48% is higher than the statewide average of 43%, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The odds of flunking the test within the city has risen steadily since the COVID-19 pandemic: In 2021, the failure rate in the city was 41%, the data shows. Odd! I wonder why these Google Trends results: Tis a mystery! Elite Maleficence I guess we have our answer on why the teachers unions were silent on school ventilation and masking: For more on the Great Barrington Declaration, see here. A look back at what COVID was really like [Kevin Drum]. Epidemiologists initially said that COVID was spread by droplets. Thats because the evidence pointed that way[1]. When evidence piled up that aerosol transmission was also important, they changed their public statements[2]. But their safety guidance didnt change, because in most cases it didnt matter how the virus was spread[3]. Standard epidemic hygiene was mostly the same either way[4]. I rarely see so much error crammed into a single paragraph. Links on request, but I think readers know all this stuff. [1]. No. There was never any evidence for droplet dogma in general, or for Covid in particular. The epidemiologists spoke from ideology, not science. [2]. No. They fought changing public statements tooth and nail, as the recent UK hearings showed; at least one wrong WHO tweet is still up (last I checked, and Ive been checking for years. [3] Of course it matters how the virus is spread. If the virus does not spread like smoke you dont have to open the windows! Or use a Corsi-Rosenthal box. [4] No. In the beginning, and in the more beknighted facilities still, handwashing is recommended against Covid. But Covid is not transmitted by fomites. Somebody tell Drum to stay in his lane. * * * TABLE 1: Daily Covid Charts Lambert here: Even though the Covid numbers seem low, please remember that the data is not nearly as good as it once was, that it lags, and that the downside risks of catching Covid are considerable. For those who have developed their own personal protocols, I wouldnt relax them. Maybe next year. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan just had a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Nov. 24 in which the former reportedly talked up plans to expand cooperation as the two countries have done in recent years. Part of that includes years of Moscow holding the hands of Erdogan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in an effort to mend ties due to Turkiyes key role in the dirty war effort to topple the Assad government. Beijing was also interested in seeing that reconciliation happen and were led by Erdogan to believe it was in the cards and that Turkiyes days of launching jihadi operations were over. The Turkish people are also overwhelmingly against the Israel-US rampage through the Middle East, and Erdogan has spent the past year-plus railing against their crimes and selling the people on stopping the flow of supplies to Tel Aviv vital for its genocidal operations (in reality hes only been disguising it). Erdogan stabbed them all in the back when it launched its paramilitary forces in northwestern Syria into action last week in the most intense fighting in northwestern Syria since 2020, when Russian-backed government forces seized areas previously controlled by opposition fighters. US proxies Ukrainian neo-Nazis, Islamic fundamentalists, and Zionist genocidaires are all converging on Syria in a renewed attempt to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad or at least peel off more territory ahead of any potential settlement and weaken the influence of Tehran in the country. Turkiye, as the biggest backer of the Islamist paramilitaries Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, is playing a central role. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is denying Ankara involvement, but while thats implausible enough given that Turkiye has long provided all types of support, its even more so considering that the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army militia reportedly participated in the battle alongside HTS. Elsewhere, Turkish security sources are saying they attempted to prevent the offensive but were unsuccessful while adding that its only a limited offensive. While many in various corners are celebrating the offensive thinking this will weaken Russia (reports are that Russia is having to send reinforcement to Syria) and finally topple the hated Assad, a few things to keep in mind: -HTS arent rebels, theyre the strongest iteration of AQ, ever -Turkiyes SNA/partnership with HTS dont make it a threat to Israel, as Turkiye actively aids Israel (see: Aleppo) -US/West is in favor of, if not behind this operation (see: scumbag thinktankers celebrating) Lindsey Snell (@LindseySnell) November 29, 2024 What Is Turkiye Doing in Syria? Here is the state of the situation in Syria as of Sunday morning, according to Elijah J Magnier: The Syrian opposition forces, primarily led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Ahrar al-Sham, with support from Islamist jihadist groups, have launched a significant ground offensive over the past 48 hours in rural Idlib, rural Aleppo, and parts of Aleppo city supported by drones and armoured battalions. In a rapid and well-coordinated advance, they have captured dozens of villages, including strategic areas along the M4 and M5 international highways connecting Damascus to Aleppo and Aleppo to Latakia, as well as the critical cities of Saraqeb and most of Aleppo. With the Syrian armys defensive lines nearly nonexistent, it appears only a matter of time before opposition forces gain complete control of Aleppo city. Reclaiming these losses would require tens of thousands of troops, a resource the Syrian army does not currently possess. Some reports now say that the opposition groups are already in control of Aleppo and Syrian government forces fell back to prepare for a counterattack. The Turkish-backed offensive is conveniently timed to coincide with the Lebanon ceasefire, and according to Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli officials view the advance on Aleppo as an opportunity to weaken Syria. That is unsurprising as its widely believed that Israel, thwarted in its ground invasion of Lebanon, has circled back to its previous backup plan following its 2006 failure in Lebanon, which is to eliminate Irans ability to resupply Hezbollah via Syria. Turkiye is helping. As Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh said on 29 November, the Turkish-HTS offensive comes within the framework of serving the goals of the Israeli occupation entity and its sponsors. Not only are Erdogans denunciations of Tel Aviv empty words, but it appears he is actively conspiring with Netanyahu and the US in Syria. According to AFP and Russias Izvestia, Turkish intelligence gave the green light to and is helping to direct the offensive. It was coordinated between Turkish, Ukrainian, and French intelligence, with Israeli backing and US approval. HTS also receives considerable support from Ukrainian special forces with a focus on drone warfare to target Russian and Syrian positions a connection facilitated by the Turks. The US, like Turkey, is denying any involvement in the HTS-led offensive, but claimed the reason for Syrias problems are Assads reliance on Russia and Iran. Elsewhere in Syria, Israel is working in tandem with ISIS. Heres what Syrian researcher, former soldier and journalist Ibrahim Wahdi told Vanessa Beeley about one such IAF attack on Syrian forces in Palmyra: Local sources said that the Zionist aggression on the SAA and auxiliary forces in Palmyra city came during their rest after returning from military missions in the central Syrian desert. According to field sources these units had been engaged in fierce clashes with ISIS terrorist groups in the Al Shoula area of the Deir Ezzor desert after they had been spotted infiltrating from within the US-imposed 55km exclusion zone around the US unlawful military base of Al Tanf on the border with Jordan, taking advantage of heavy fog to try and advance towards Syrian allied positions. The Syrian allied forces routed the ISIS terrorists and caused significant injures and deaths among their ranks. Israel attacked Palmyra from the Al Tanf protected airspace therefore we can conclude that Israel was supporting the ISIS terrorist operations with airstrikes against the forces that have been entirely responsible for the defeat of ISIS in Syria with the help of the Russian Airforce since September 2015. Beeleys conclusion: Israel is trying to decimate the Syrian Air Defence capability, demoralise and deplete Syrian armed forces and to destroy the essential infrastructure that provides a road link to Lebanon and the Hezbollah resistance forces. At the same time the US and Israel are bombing the Al Bukamal border crossing with Iraq to try to close the land bridge between Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. Thus they are intending to isolate both Lebanon and Syria from their allies and to break the links in the Resistance chain of supply which includes humanitarian aid, energy resources to combat the US occupation of Syrian resources, and military equipment to support the Resistance. The plan is clear to deplete Syrian military capability and to keep the Syrian Arab Army busy on multiple fronts in the north-west (Idlib), in the north (Turkiye and former Free Syrian Army proxies), in the north-east (US and Kurdish Contras), in the east (US base at Al-Tanf incubator for terror gangs including ISIS) and in the south (possible land invasion by Israel and Druze separatists backed by Israel, remnants of illegal armed groups in Daraa and surrounding countryside). HTS (at that time still known as Al Nusra) and other jihadist groups previously had control of the majority of Syrian territory in the mid-2010s, before a major intervention by Russia, Iran and Hezbollah swung the situation in the other direction. According to Military Watch, the only reason HTS can continue to operate northwestern Syria is because Turkey has the area under its protection with military bases. Past Syrian efforts to defeat HTS and retake Idlib were squashed by the Turks, including air and artillery support to target Syrian positions and protect jihadists. Turkey by assisting HTS and others in the current offensive if not directing it is violating the 2019 agreement it sponsored along with Russia and Iran to freeze the line of the conflict. Since that 2019 agreement the US has kept up sanctions in an effort to strangle Syria while Israel continued to bomb groups that it claimed were Iranian revolutionary guards or Hezbollah militants. It would appear Erdogan simply used the 2019 freeze not to work towards a permanent peace with Assads Syria, but to rearm and prepare. Erdogan Calculations Erdogans interests in this case overlap with the US-Ukraine-Israel group. The diehard neo-Ottoman ambitions of Erdogan and his clique, which wish to see Turkey strengthen its influence over much of the former empire, coincide with the US-Ukraine-Israels desire to curtail Russian and Iranian influence curtailed in the region. At the bare minimum Turkiye is looking to get more territory under its and its proxies control in Syria ahead of any permanent settlement (potentially under Trump II) for refugee return and which would also allow Ankara better positioning to neutralize the Kurdish forces it sees as a threat. Turkiye hosts more than three million Syrians, which Erdogan is under pressure domestically to do something about, and has been accused of coercing thousands into signing declarations of voluntary return. As the security environment strengthens in Syria, Erdogan says more Syrians will be expelled from Turkiye. Turkish President Erdogan: Voluntary returns to Syria will accelerate. pic.twitter.com/MDlOzRQoTy Clash Report (@clashreport) November 29, 2024 Thats the generous view. The other is that all Erdogans talk about joining the BRICS, SCO, statements against Israel, thawing ties with Assad, (Syria wants Erdogan to withdraw troops and Islamist paramilitary groups before normalizing ties, which Erdogan refuses to do) have been a big head fake. Burning Moscow Again Ankara faces a difficult balancing act with Moscow. Turkiye does not want to see Russia (or Iran) become too strong in the region and has always used the US as a counterweight. At the same time, Russia and Turkiye have a mutually beneficial economic relationship one that has been critical to Erdogans political survival and helpful to Moscow in bypassing Western sanctions. The US is increasingly putting that arrangement under strain by slapping more sanctions on Turkish and Russian entities, including recent restrictions on Gazprombank, which is linked to the Russian gas giant. Ankara is trying to get the US to agree to a waiver, a decision Washington would be unlikely to take without something in return. Turkiye gets nearly half of its natural gas and a quarter of its oil from Russia on good deals. Russia even showed flexibility on payment to help Erdogan get re-elected this year. Russian tourism to Turkiye has gone through the roof since the war in Ukraine and western sanctions started. Russia is also completing work on a nuclear power plant in Turkiye, a major milestone for the country on a deal beneficial to Turkiye, which includes the training of nuclear engineers by the Russians. Not only that, but Ugur Gurses, a former Turkish central banker, believes the Russians were using that plant to transfer funds by purchasing Turkish bonds instead of direct bank transfers in a boost to Turkiyes foreign reserves in a bid to help Erdogan get re-elected, which he did in the closest call in his two-decade rule. Erdogans calculations in Syria likely conclude that Russia cannot retaliate too hard yet. Erdogan similarly reneged on a deal with Russia last year when he returned Azov fighters in Turkish custody to Ukraine in violation of a prisoner exchange deal. While Moscow would no doubt be furious over Turkish support for the Syrian offensive, Russia also wants to ensure going forward that Turkiye will continue to keep the Turkish Straits closed to NATO warships thereby keeping them out of the Black Sea. Russia wants to continue to send oil and gas to and through Turkiye to remaining European customers. Russia also needs to maintain good ties with Azerbaijan, which is close to Israel and Turkiye, for transport corridor purposes. Meanwhile, Turkiye is getting a lot of good will from the West recently. It looks like the US is rethinking the sale of F-35s to Turkiye, which was dropped from the program over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense system. It was rumored that Turkiye would have to hand over the S-400s for readmission to the F-35 program, but in light of the recent developments in Syria, maybe thats not what the Americans were after. Der Spiegel recently reported that Germanys Federal Security Council, which meets in secret, is approving the sale of $368 million worth of heavy weaponry to Turkiye, as well as reconsidering Turkiyes request to purchase Eurofighter warplanes. Thats big news as it marks the end of a years-long unofficial embargo imposed by Western allies on Turkiye, which has hampered its defense sector development. Burning China and the SCO One of the biggest items on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) agenda at this summers summit, which Turkiye attended, was the resolution of the Syria issue. The SCO has always emphasized the importance of combating terrorism and radicalism, especially in Central Asia where the US has tried to stir up trouble in recent years to no avail as investment by China and Russia in these countries dwarfs what the West has on offer. The recent summit, however, was seen as an expansion of the SCOs ambitions to become the security provider to the Eurasian continent. What the SCO wants to guard against above all else is efforts by the West to use terrorism or any other division strategies to thwart the growing power and economic integration of its member states. Erdogan attended the SCO summit and played up Turkiyes potential contributions to the organization. Here he is alongside President Xi Jinping: The organization has become one of our important dialogue channels with Asia owing to our dialogue partner status, which weve held since 2013, he said. Our many years of experience fighting terrorism show that international cooperation is essential to dealing with this threat. In this context, we are ready to further strengthen our dialogue with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. In reality, Erdogan has done more supporting of terrorism than fighting. The Idlib governate straddling the Turkish border controlled by jihadist groups and supported by Ankara for is the primary hub of Islamist terror operations not only in Syria but also one of the biggest in the world. Erdogan had an opportunity to wind that down, but instead looks to be doubling down, and Beijing is sure to be upset with his latest demonstration that he cannot be trusted. Erdogan, once an outspoken critic of Beijing due to its alleged treatment of Uyghurs, a Muslim minority of Turkic origin in western China, has almost completely dropped his criticism in recent years. Both Erdogan at the SCO summit and FM Fidan on his summer trip to China (where he said Turkiye will not allow activities in Turkiye that undermine Chinas territorial integrity in reference to support for jihadists that could aid Xinjiang separatists) were asking for more investment from Beijing in Turkiye. (The EU-27 countries still contribute 59 percent of Turkiyes foreign direct investment inflows.) Beijing was slowly obliging. Chinese automotive company BYD recently announced that it will construct a $1 billion plant in western Turkiye. Ali Baba is planning to invest $2 billion in Turkiye. The Chinese lithium-ion power batteries company Farisis started production at a plant near Istanbul last year. Ankara is also in separate talks with Chinese EV makers SAIC Motor Corp., Chery Automobile, and Great Wall Motor Co for investments in factories in Turkiye. One wonders if Beijing is rethinking. Uyghur-led Turkestan Islamic Party advertising its involvement in the insurgent offensive, participating in the battles extended from Saraqeb in Idlib countryside to Morek in north Hama countryside pic.twitter.com/q6XRlVObVH Aymenn J Al-Tamimi (@ajaltamimi) November 30, 2024 Shortsighted Calculations? Erdogans ongoing support for extremist groups not only puts the economic relationship with China and Russia at risk, but if hes doing so in part due to promises from the West, that could end up coming back to bite him. Like Erdogan, the US-led West is not agreement-capable, and any sanctions relief, F-35 deals, or Zangezur corridor promises could be snatched away as quickly as theyve been gifted. Theres also a good chance that Turkiye is throwing in with the losing side. An Iranian response to Israel is supposedly still coming. This renewed push by US proxies in Syria makes it more likely its going to be a strong one this time. And the Moscow and Damascus response is already underway in Syria. From Military Watch: it was reported that over 400 militants were killed in the first 24 hours of engagements. The casualties were reported by deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, Captain 1st rank Oleg Ignasyuk, who stated: Illegal armed units linked to the Jabhat Al Nusra terrorist organization started to attack government-controlled areas in the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib at 7:50 a.m. on November 27. The Syrian army, backed by Russias Aerospace Forces, is engaged in heavy fighting. Terrorist units suffered major troop and equipment losses in the past 24 hours. At least 400 militants were eliminated. The figures appear credible when considering Al Nusas demonstrated ability in the past to absorb massive casualties during its offensives, as well as the heavily fortified nature of the Syrian Arab Armys positions between Aleppo and the Idlib governate where the jihadist groups forces are based. Reports have indicated that foreign advisors supporting the offensives of have also been killed, with both Turkiye and Ukraine having provided such support to Al Nusra in the front. Russian jets very active in Syria right now. Their job is to deplete militant resources, destroy logistics, inflict as many casualties as possible, anything that slows them down. Air power cant hold a city, but it can make life very unpleasant for the bad guys and buy time. Russians With Attitude (@RWApodcast) November 30, 2024 According to Larry Johnson at Sonar21, Reports on Telegram indicate that Syria, with ample support from Russia, are responding effectively to defeat the HTS attack. As referenced above, Russia might want Turkiyes cooperation on the Black Sea and economic fronts for now, but for how much longer is it deemed necessary? Put another way, at what point does the cost of catering to Erdogan outweigh the benefits? Maybe Russia, armed with its actual wonder weapons (as opposed to the imaginary Western ones), decides itll deal with the consequences of the Turkish straits being opened to NATO warships. Maybe Moscow decides it has enough other oil and gas customers, and itll take the hit by forgoing the exports to Turkiye and southeastern Europe. And there are other nations willing to help Russia bypass sanctions although not in the EU customs union like Turkey. Russia likely doesnt want an even worse Turkiye headache at this time, but once Ukraine is eventually wrapped up, it could be bad news for Erdogan and his inner circle. It could be bad news even sooner if the majority of Turks figure out hes playing them with all his fiery rhetoric against Israel. We recently wrote about the potential spread of the Middle East conflict to the Caucasus region. All the major players from the Middle East conflicts are heavily involved in geopolitical maneuvering in the Caucasus. With Turkiyes dramatic step into the ring and the Georgia color revolution attempt in full swing, as well as ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan tensions with a heavy American presence in the former, it unfortunately looks like were inching closer to the Caucasus becoming another theater of the increasingly global New Cold War conflict. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. Readers will remember that, based on their Covid performance under two administrations, I have often called for the CDC to be burned to the ground, the rubble plowed under, and the ground salted. Now President-elect Trump has picked Jay Bhattacharya, who backed COVID herd immunity, to lead National Institutes of Health, so perhaps the same fate awaits NIH. and I should not be too picky about the accelerant used or the match thrown there, either. Bhattacharya is a professor of medicine, economics, and health research policy at Stanford University, notionally allowing him to appropriate the honorific Dr., which the press obseqiously bestows upon him, but out here in reality hes no more a Dr. than Jill Biden. Bhattacharya also allows himself to assume the title physician in his Wikipedia entry, which is unfortunate. According to the Federation of State Medical Boards, [M]ost jurisdictions restrict individuals holding a physician credential from publicly representing themselves as physicians unless they hold a medical license in that jurisdiction. However, no Jay (Jayanta) Bhattacharya is licensed to practice in the state of California. Wikipedia also deems Bhattacharya to be a scientist as does (real scientist) an uncharacteristically careless Matt Taibbi but thats only true if you regard mainstream economics as a science. It isnt. Bhattacharya is also an author at the dark-monied Brownstone Institute[1]. Readers will recall that Brownstones Tom Jefferson was First Author for John Conlys now discredited anti-masking study at the Cochrane Institute (actual scholarship here), and that Brownstones Carl Heneghan was functionally an Unlisted Author, though he didnt list himself in credits. Neither disclosed their Brownstone affiliation. All this violated Cochranes famously strict standards, although when Cochrane Library editors engaged with the authors while writing their Statement, these matters never came up. Suffice to say I dont have a great deal of confidence in how Brownstone, or its authors, do business. Which brings us to Bhattacharyas main claim to fame: his co-authorship (with Martin Kulldorff and Sunetra Gupta) of the Great Barrington Declaration (so called; the town of Great Barrington, MA has repudiated any connection). The Great Barrington Declaration (GBD) was published on October 4, 2020 (that is, not even a year into our multi-year Covid pandemic, and before the first release of Operation Warp Speed vaccines in December, 2020). GBD takes the form of an open letter; there are signatures at the bottom and everything. Formally, then, GBD is a genre piece, as Science-Based Medicine points out: Id like to take a trip down memory lane to revisit various examples of science denialists using similar declarations, petitions, and open letters to give the false appearance of strong scientific support for their positions. Why? Because declarations like this, although they can be used for good (such as when US climate scientists recently signed an open letter to Congress reaffirming the overwhelming scientific consensus that human activity is the primary driver of climate change and the overall warming of the climate), more frequently such letters are propaganda for pseudoscience. Indeed, such declarations, open letters, and petitions signed by physicians and scientists represent a technique that goes back at least to the tobacco companies lining up lists of doctors to testify to the safety of cigarettes. (One particularly ludicrous example from R.J. Reynolds in the 1940s claimed that 113,597 doctors preferred their cigarettes.) The idea was (and is) to give the false impression of a scientific controversy where none exists and to appeal to the authority of scientists and doctors to support their claims. GBD uses the RJ Reynolds technique, even having a form at the bottom for co-signers, which eminent Medical and Public Health Scientists and Medical Practitioners like Dr Johnny Bananas and Prof Cominic Dummings happily took advantage of. Substantively, GBD is ideology aside remarkable chiefly for its utter lack links or cites, or evidence of any kind; if we published GBD as a post at Naked Capitalism, readers would laugh at us, as well they should. Be that as it may, GBD has two main points: herd immunity and focused protection. The Harvard Crimson summarizes: Their declaration calls for those with the lowest risk of death from the virus to go about their lives as they would have prior to the pandemic while keeping the more immunologically vulnerable under continued social distancing hence the term focused protection. The idea behind this strategy rests on herd immunity, which is when a large enough proportion of the population becomes immune to a disease that its transmission becomes unlikely. Immunity without a vaccine, however, requires infection. To quote GBD itself Id pull on my yellow waders, but my hazmat suit has booties already on herd immunity: As immunity builds in the population, the risk of infection to all including the vulnerable falls. We know that all populations will eventually reach herd immunity i.e. the point at which the rate of new infections is stable and that this can be assisted by (but is not dependent upon) a vaccine. Our goal should therefore be to minimize mortality and social harm until we reach herd immunity. And on focused protection: The most compassionate approach that balances the risks and benefits of reaching herd immunity, is to allow those who are at minimal risk of death to live their lives normally to build up immunity to the virus through natural infection, while better protecting those who are at highest risk. We call this Focused Protection [reverential caps in the original]. Adopting measures to protect the vulnerable should be the central aim of public health responses to COVID-19. By way of example, nursing homes should use staff with acquired immunity and perform frequent testing of other staff and all visitors. Staff rotation should be minimized. Retired people living at home should have groceries and other essentials delivered to their home. When possible, they should meet family members outside rather than inside. A comprehensive and detailed list of measures, including approaches to multi-generational households, can be implemented, and is well within the scope and capability of public health professionals. Those who are not vulnerable should immediately be allowed to resume life as normal. Simple hygiene measures, such as hand washing and staying home when sick should be practiced by everyone to reduce the herd immunity threshold. Schools and universities should be open for in-person teaching. Extracurricular activities, such as sports, should be resumed. Young low-risk adults should work normally, rather than from home. Restaurants and other businesses should open. Arts, music, sport and other cultural activities should resume. People who are more at risk may participate if they wish, while society as a whole enjoys the protection conferred upon the vulnerable by those who have built up herd immunity. Since 2020, an enormous literature, a vast and tangled polemic, has grown up around GBD; it would take many days for your humble blogger to follow the twists and turns. So I will simplify matters by asking the following question for each claim: What did the authors have to know at the time they made the claim for the claim to be true? That seems to me to be the most fair, since were not holding Bhattacharya responsible for scientific work done subquently from October 2020. Lets take each in turn. Ill quote the initially plausible same passages, but this time Ill add some helpful notes. First, Herd Immunity[2]: As immunity builds[A] in the population, the risk of infection to all including the vulnerable falls. We know that all populations[B] will eventually reach herd immunity i.e. the point at which the rate of new infections is stable and that this can be assisted by (but is not dependent upon[C]) a vaccine. Our goal should therefore be to minimize mortality[D] and social harm until we reach herd immunity. [A] For this to have been true, there must be no waning immunity. How did the authors know that? (In fact, breakthough infections were real, and a mountain of evidence shows that multiple reinfections are frequent.) [B] For this to have been true, there must be no immune escape. How did the authors know that? (In fact, SARS-CoV-2 mutates often, as the continuing waves of infection from new variants show.) [C] For this to have been true, there must be a case of herd immunity being achieved through infection, without vaccinations[3]. Were the authors familiar with such a case? [D] For this to have been true, mortality must be the only medical test of successful anti-Covid policy. How did the authors know this, in October 2020, without knowledge of long-term sequelae? (In fact, Long Covid is a serious issue, as is the impact of Covid on the labor force generally. Now, Focused Protection. There are many more notes, because theres so much more handwaving: The most compassionate approach that balances the risks and benefits of reaching herd immunity, is to allow those who are at minimal risk of death[E] to live their lives normally to build up immunity to the virus through natural infection, while better[F] protecting those who are at highest risk. We call this Focused Protection [reverential caps in the original]. Adopting measures[G] to protect the vulnerable[H] should be the central aim of public health responses to COVID-19. By way of example, nursing homes should use staff with acquired immunity and perform frequent testing of other staff and all visitors[I]. Staff rotation should be minimized[J]. Retired people living at home should have groceries and other essentials delivered to their home[K]. When possible, they should meet family members outside rather than inside[L]. A comprehensive and detailed list of measures, including approaches to multi-generational households, can be implemented[M], and is well within the scope and capability of public health professionals. Those who are not vulnerable[N] should immediately be allowed to resume life as normal. Simple hygiene measures, such as hand washing[O], and staying home when sick should be practiced by everyone to reduce the herd immunity threshold. Schools and universities should be open for in-person teaching[P]. Extracurricular activities, such as sports, should be resumed. Young low-risk adults should work normally, rather than from home. Restaurants and other businesses should open. Arts, music, sport and other cultural activities should resume. People who are more at risk[P] may participate if they wish, while society as a whole enjoys the protection conferred upon the vulnerable by those who have built up herd immunity[R]. [E] Comment: As in [D], mortality must be the only medical test of successful anti-Covid policy. [F] Comment: Better is doing a lot of work there. Better than nothing? [G] For this to have been true, the proper measures must have been known. Did the authors know them? (In fact, there was great controversy, helped not at all by CDCs twists and turns on non-pharmeceutical interventions, isolation periods, etc.) [H] For this to have been true, the vulnerable must be separable from the non-vulnerable. How do the authors know that is possible? (In fact, it is not; see here and here). [I] For this to have been useful that is, to convert should into shall there must be sufficient staff on the labor market with acquired immunity, and nursing homes must be able to test for it. How did the authors know that was possible? (In fact, nursing home practice on Covid was a scandal and a debacle, and thats before we get to Cuomo turning them into death traps). [J] For this to have been true, nursing homes must be capable of minimizing staff rotation. How did the authors know they could? (In fact, many nursing home staff are part-time, and work at several nursing homes.) [K] [I] For this to have been useful that is, to convert should into shall essentials must be known. How did the authors know that was possible? (For example, prescription drugs would vary by the household.) [L] Comment: Bhattacharya seems to have no notion or carefully omits indoor ventilation, as with HEPA filters, Corsi-Rosenthal boxes (invented August 2020), or simply opening windows. [M] For this to have been true, multi-generational approaches must be implementable. How did the authors know that they were? (Since Bhattacharya merely handwaves with approaches, it seems likely they are not (unless one considers non-pharmaceutical interventions, which I dont think Bhattacharya has in mind. See here and here.) [N] Comment: As in [H]. [0] For this to have been true, Covid would have had to be transmitted by fomites. How did the authors know this? (In fact, #CovidIsAirborne. [L], meeting outdoors, suggests that Bhattacharya advocates airborne transmission. Here, Bhattacharya advocates fomite transmission. Does Bhattacharya believe that protecting the vulnerable or even a coherent Declaration is possible with no theory of tranmission?) [P] For this to have been true, airborne tranmission in school facilities would have had to be ruled out. Did the authors know that it had been? (In fact, airborne tranmission of Covid in schools is significant.) [Q] For this to have been true, people would have to be aware of that their risks are. How did the authors know that was possible? (In fact, Covid transmits asymptomatically. You might not even know that you have it. Since the damage from Covid is cumulative, people already infected with Covid cannot necessarily know their own risks, absent frequent testing, with Bhattacharya does not advocate.) In summary, I hesitate to use the word fantasy to characterize GBD. However, handwaving and wishful thinking will certainly do. Protecting the vulnerable my sweet Aunt Fanny. So much for the charlatan part. Now for eugenics. Why would be characterize Bhattacharyas work as eugenicst? Respectful Insolence makes the case: I would argue that eugenics has basically won out over public health. Because SARS-CoV-2 killed mainlyalthough far from exclusivelythe elderly and those with chronic illnesses, views aligning with that of antivaccine crank Del Bigtree, in June 2020 encouraged his followers to catch this cold in order to help achieve natural herd immunity. The unspoken subtext that reveals the eugenicist intentusually denied and maybe even not acknowledged, but there nonethelessis how Bigtree also ranted about those most at risk of COVID-19 having made themselves that way by engaging in high risk behaviors that led to chronic disease, such as drinking and smoking to excess and overeating. (Obesity is a major risk factor for severe disease and death from COVID-19.) Of course, the one risk factor for severe disease and death from COVID-19 that no one has any control over is how old we were when the pandemic hit, given that the risk of severe disease and death climbs sharply with age. I like to point out that, as much as GBD proponents claim that focused protection would keep the elderly safe, it couldnt, cant, and wont, because unless you quarantine all the elderly indefinitely they will have interaction with the low risk younger people out there necessary to help take care of them. One only has to look at the debacles that occurred in nursing homes early in the pandemic to appreciate how focused protection was always a pipe dream, a concession tacked onto the eugenicist vision of the GBD to make it seem less eugenicist. If you think Im going too far, just look back a bit. Do you remember how often COVID-19 minimizers would justify doing less (or nothing) to stop the spread of disease because it only kills the elderly? I do, and such rhetoric came not just from bonkers antivaxxers like Del Bigtree, either. Do you remember the arguments against vaccinating children against COVID-19 because it only kills a few hundred of them a year? I do. Never mind that, on a yearly basis, COVID-19 kills about as many children as the measles did before the vaccine was licensed 60 years ago, adjusted for population? Its a leading cause of death among children now. Bioethics-based arguments not to vaccinate children against COVID-19 are the same old antivax arguments against vaccinating children, just recycled for a new virus, with esteemed doctors telling us that we need to accept children dying of COVID-19 as a matter of course. Lebensunwertes Leben. In practice, thats exactly what GBD brought about. Id find Bhattacharya and GBDs compassion a lot more persuasive if theyd run a full court press on ventilating schools (and not just shoving kids back into air filled with lethal pathogens), and if their idea of delivering essentials to the elderly was anything more than a pipe dream. I mean, dont these guys have the budget to write some model legislation? * * * In any case, the first Trump administration embraced GBD immediately upon its release, in October 2020: The White House is embracing a controversial herd immunity strategy in response to the coronavirus, according to a briefing given by anonymous senior officials. The strategy would allow the virus to spread freely with the belief that most of the population would develop a degree of immunity. It advocates shielding the more vulnerable to limit loss of life. Two administration officials, who were not authorized to give their names, gave the briefing to media organizations. They cited a controversial document, the Great Barrington Declaration. Of course, it didnt take long for reality to catch up with the herd immunity fantasy. To cite but one of many example, in 2021: COVID-19 herd immunity? Its not going to happen, so what next? Any notion that COVID-19 was going to last for just a few months was very much misplaced in 2020. Especially after it was recognised that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was largely spread through the airborne route, all indications were that it would cause repeat bouts of waves. This is what happened in the flu epidemic of 1918. In addition very few scientists predicted that we would see the type of mutations that occurred over such a short period of time. This has resulted in the virus becoming both more transmissible and more able to evade immune responses. The evolution of the virus has been so rapid that the Delta variant, which is currently dominating the world, is at least twice as transmissible as the ancestral virus that was circulating. What this means is that herd immunity is no longer a discussion the world should be having. We should start to avoid using that term in the context of SARS-CoV-2, because its not going to materialise or is unlikely to materialise during our lifetimes. Oh well. Never mind[4]. Let er rip (which Biden, after all, did, rationalizing and normalizing GBD with his vax only policy of mass infection without mitigation). Lets look on the bright side: Bhattacharya is now head of the NIH (rather like David Frum becoming a Democrat and venerated editor of The Atlantic after doing so much to get us into Iraq). Jake, its The Swamp. You can still make bank even when your mistakes are deadly! Normalcy hath its charms, I suppose. NOTES [1] From DeSmogBlog: According to its website, Brownstone Institute accepts no quid pro quo donations and receives no money from governments, pharmaceutical companies, or other large and well-known foundations such as the Gates Foundation.21 The Brownstone Institute offers potential contributors the option to donate via cryptocurrency, which it describes as a non-taxable event, suggesting that donors do not owe capital gains tax on the appreciated crypto that is donated and can typically deduct the fair market value of the donation on their taxes. The organization states that it do[es] not and will not share donor names. Those names presumbly being one or more squillionaires, quite possibly from Silicon Valley, and perhaps crypto bros. [2] Taking Bhattacharyas version of herd immunity as read. For a less simplified version, see here. [3] JAMA, Herd Immunity and Implications for SARS-CoV-2 Control: [T]here is no example of a large-scale successful intentional infection-based herd immunity strategy. There are only rare instances of seemingly sustained herd immunity being achieved through infection. The most recent and well-documented example relates to Zika in Salvador, Brazil. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, as other countries in Europe were locking down in late February and early March of 2020, Sweden made a decision against lockdown. Initially, some local authorities and journalists described this as the herd immunity strategy: Sweden would do its best to protect the most vulnerable, but otherwise aim to see sufficient numbers of citizens become infected with the goal of achieving true infection-based herd immunity. By late March 2020, Sweden abandoned this strategy in favor of active interventions; most universities and high schools were closed to students, travel restrictions were put in place, work from home was encouraged, and bans on groups of more than 50 individuals were enacted. Far from achieving herd immunity, the seroprevalence in Stockholm, Sweden, was reported to be less than 8% in April 2020,7 which is comparable to several other cities (ie, Geneva, Switzerland, and Barcelona, Spain). The population of the United States is about 330 million. Based on World Health Organization estimates of an infection fatality rate of 0.5%, about 198 million individuals in the United States are needed to be immune to reach a herd immunity threshold of approximately 60%, which would lead to several hundred thousand additional deaths. [4] Brownstone Institute, 2023: While reasonable at the time, the Declarations confidence in herd immunity proved overambitious. I hope the annotations have persuaded you that Bhattacharyas confidence at the time was grossly misplaced. As for overambitious. BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA! Herd immunity was the conceptual linchpin of the entire enterprise! Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Washington, Dec 2 : US President Joe Biden on Sunday pardoned his son Hunter Biden of conviction in gun-related charges in Delaware and has pleaded guilty to tax evasion in California. Biden reversed his earlier pledge in doing that to not pardon his son. "Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter," Biden said in a statement. "From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently." Hunter Biden is the President's only surviving son, younger to Beau Biden, who was a war veteran and attorney general of the family's home state Delaware. Hunter Biden was convicted on two counts of filing false information on forms he filled out to buy a firearm in 2018. He had lied that he was not using narcotics at the time. And the third count refers to possessing a firearm when he was using drugs. He was tried in a federal court in Wilmington, the family's hometown in Delaware state. They took only three hours to reach the verdict after the two sides wrapped up their final arguments pronounced on Monday. At the time of Hunter Biden's conviction in June, President Biden had said, "As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery. As I also said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that." Hunter Biden was facing 25 years for conviction in the arms case and more than a decade for tax evasion. Biden said in the Sunday statement: "The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the courtroom -- with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal been held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter's cases." The President further said, "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion that Hunter was singled out only because he is my son -- and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter -- who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, they've tried to break me -- and there's no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough." In conclusion, Biden added, "For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. They'll be fair-minded. Here's the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice -- and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision." Mumbai, Dec 2 : Bollywood actress Ananya Pandays rumoured beau Walker Blanco cheered for her as she won an award for her work in the film Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. Blanco took to his Instagram story section, where he shared a picture of the actress holding the award. He captioned it with a red heart and clapping emoji. Ananya re-shared the story and wrote Walkieee" with a blushing emoji. This is not the first time that Blanco, a former model from Chicago, cheered for the actress. On her birthday in October, he took to his Instagram and shared a sweet note, featuring a photo of the actress. In the image, Ananya was seen smiling with her hand resting on her head. He captioned the post back then: Happy birthday beautiful. You are so special. I love you Anniee!" The message caught fire on social media as everyone speculated about their relationship status. It was in August, when the chatter about Ananyas relationship with Blanco started doing the rounds on social media. The two had reportedly met during a pre-wedding festivities, where the actress reportedly referred to Blanco as her partner. Ananya, who was previously reported to be dating Bollywood actor Aditya Roy Kapur, was last seen in the screenlife thriller film directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. It also stars Vihaan Samat. It premiered on Netflix on 4 October 2024. It was last month, when it was announced that the actress and Lakshya Lalwani, who made his film debut with Kill, will be seen sharing screen space together in the upcoming romantic movie Chand Mera Dil. Ananya and Lakshya took to their respective Instagram handles, where they shared several posters from the upcoming movie, which hinted that the movie is all about love. The two captioned the post: Pyaar mein thoda paagal hona hi padta hai Chand Mera Dil, directed by Vivek Soni. Coming to cinemas in 2025. @lakshya @karanjohar @adarpoonawalla @apoorva1972 @somenmishra @vivek.sonni @marijkedesouza @paranjapetushar @dharmamovies. The film, which will release in 2025, is directed by Vivek Soni, who has previously made Meenakshi Sundareshwar, starring Sanya Malhotra and Abhimanyu Dassani in 2021. New Delhi, Dec 2 : US President Joe Bidens surprise move to issue a sweeping pardon for eldest son Hunter Biden, convicted for gun crimes and tax violations charges, has sparked off a flurry of reactions and backlash from within the political fraternity, including President-elect Donald Trump, and raised questions about the indictment against the Adani Group. Bidens move to pardon his son is seen as a big U-turn from his earlier resolve and has also reignited debate on the impartial functioning of the US Department of Justice and whether it remains susceptible to political interference. Biden justified the move by saying that the case against his son was politically motivated and designed to "break" him and his son Hunter. Notably, in his previous statements, Biden often vowed to uphold the rule of law and not use his Presidential powers to pardon his son. President-elect Trump termed this move as a "miscarriage of justice" Meanwhile, a fierce debate has begun in US power corridors on whether the Department of Justice is "controlled" by political powerhouses. There is a wider feeling that the Adani indictment by the Department of Justice is also politically driven by the outgoing Biden government. Also, many political and geopolitical experts believe that once Trump takes over, the Indictment against Adani could be reversed as well. Kashyap Patel, lawyer, investigator and a stern critic of the US deep state, has spoken about "partisan" and "motivated" practices and also called for a drastic overhaul of the US law enforcement and Intelligence agencies. "All people in the Department of Justice are just looking for their next promotion," said Patel, who has been named as the next FBI Director by Trump. Notably, it was the Department of Justice, along with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), that accused Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and other group officials of bribery charges. While US Presidents son Hunter Biden was convicted of charges, Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and senior executive Vneet Jaain were only accused by the DoJ and SEC. "The defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty," said the DoJ in a public statement. The DOJ and the SEC filed an indictment and a civil complaint in the New York District Court against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, and Vneet Jaain, key executives of Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL). However, the Adani Group had refuted the allegations, terming it 'baseless', and said it would seek legal recourse to defend itself. Moscow, Dec 2 : Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India in early 2025 following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, confirmed Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. The visit is being planned as part of the ongoing commitment to annual meetings between the two leaders. "Our leaders have an agreement to meet once a year. This time, it is our turn," Ushakov said during a press briefing. He added that Russia has received the invitation from PM Modi and would respond positively. "We will figure out the tentative dates early next year," he noted. The announcement underscores the deep ties between New Delhi and Moscow, even as global geopolitical tensions continue to shape international relations. Putin's visit to India will focus on strengthening strategic cooperation in critical areas such as Defence, energy, and trade. The last visit by the Russian President to India took place on December 6, 2021, during the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi. Meanwhile, PM Modi held two high-profile visits to Russia this year. He attended the 22nd Russia-India Summit in July and later participated in the BRICS Summit held in Kazan in October. During the BRICS meeting, PM Modi reiterated India's commitment to promoting peace in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. "We are in regular contact regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As I have mentioned before, we believe that disputes should be resolved peacefully. India fully supports the earliest establishment of peace and stability," the Prime Minister had remarked during his bilateral meeting with Putin in Kazan. PM Modi also conveyed India's readiness to assist in resolving the conflict, emphasising a humanitarian approach. "In all our efforts, humanity remains our priority, and we are prepared to provide assistance wherever possible," he said. Putin's anticipated visit comes at a time when the global spotlight remains fixed on the Russia-Ukraine war and the wider ramifications for international diplomacy. The visit is expected to fortify the ties between New Delhi and Moscow as both nations navigate pressures from Western powers. While Russia has faced isolation from several countries due to the conflict, India has continued to maintain a balanced approach, emphasising dialogue and peace. India's non-alignment with the International Criminal Court (ICC) also allows Putin to travel to New Delhi without concerns over the ICC arrest warrant issued for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Putin has significantly limited his international travels in recent years due to the ICC's warrant, which obliges member nations to detain individuals facing such charges. However, India's status as a non-signatory to the Rome Statute means it is not obligated to enforce the warrant, providing a safe platform for bilateral discussions between the two nations. As Putin's visit approaches, discussions are likely to centre on bolstering partnerships in Defence, energy, and trade -- pillars of the India-Russia relationship. With a focus on countering global economic and political pressures, the visit is expected to reaffirm the longstanding camaraderie between New Delhi and Moscow. New Delhi, Dec 2 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi watched 'The Sabarmati Report', the film based on the 2002 Godhra train burning, in the Parliament Library building on Monday. The pictures of PM Modi watching the movie while seated in the midst of fellow Parliamentarians also created much buzz on social media, with many netizens dropping their comments. After watching the film based on the Godhra train carnage, the Prime Minister also gave a thumbs up to the filmmakers and lauded their efforts. "Joined fellow NDA MPs at a screening of 'The Sabarmati Report.' I commend the makers of the film for their effort," wrote PM Modi on X. Vikran Massey, the leading actor described this as the 'highest point of his career.' "I watched the film with the Prime Minister and all the Cabinet ministers and many MPs. It was a very special experience. I am very happy. This is the highest point of my career," Massey told reporters after the film screening. Earlier, PM Modi along with his Cabinet colleagues and fellow National Democratic Alliance (NDA) MPs arrived at the Balayogi Auditorium at 4 PM for the special screening of the film. Last week, the Prime Minister lauded the film for 'revealing the truth' behind the Godhra train tragedy that left 59 people, including women and kids dead. "It is good that this truth is coming out, and that too in a way common people can see it. A fake narrative can persist only for a limited period of time. Eventually, the facts will always come out," PM Modi said while praising the film starring Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna and Ridhi Dogra. The film has been declared tax-free in several BJP-ruled states including Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Haryana, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Many BJP Chief Ministers including Yogi Adityanath, and Nayab Singh Saini have already watched the film and praised the filmmakers for bringing the stark truth of the Godhra incident and 'exposing' the narrative builders for political motives. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Windy. A mix of clouds and sun giving way to showers this afternoon. High 66F. Winds SSW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.. Tonight Rain showers this evening mixing with snow showers overnight. Low 31F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precip 60%. New research reveals that keeping a consistent sleep schedule can dramatically lower heart disease risks, challenging the focus on sleep duration alone. Study: Sleep regularity and major adverse cardiovascular events: a device-based prospective study in 72,269 UK adults. Image Credit: Olga Strel / Shutterstock A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health investigated associations between sleep regularity and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). There has been an increased interest in research on the effects of sleep regularity on health. Sleep regularity is defined as the intraindividual variability in sleep-wake timing. Despite the limited literature in this domain, the consensus is that regularity in daily sleep timing is crucial for health. A recent study found that sleep regularity more robustly predicted mortality than sleep duration. Furthermore, irregular sleep patterns may disrupt circadian rhythms, hormonal regulation, and metabolic processes, contributing to increased cardiovascular risk. Further, sleep irregularity may be associated with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and poorer cardiovascular outcomes. MACE is a composite clinical endpoint aggregating several fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular endpoints responsible for most of the CVD burden. Whether or not healthy sleep duration could alleviate or eliminate the adverse effects of irregular sleep patterns on health is unknown. About the Study Biological Mechanisms Behind Irregular Sleep and Heart Risk: Irregular sleep disrupts circadian rhythms and triggers hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and metabolic disturbances, all of which elevate cardiovascular risks. In the present study, researchers assessed the associations between sleep regularity and the risk of MACE in older and middle-aged adults. Participants from the United Kingdom (UK) Biobanks accelerometry sub-study who wore wrist accelerometers were included. Participants with insufficient wear time, missing covariate or accelerometry data, history of MACE at baseline, and those who did not monitor sleep were excluded. Sleep was measured using data from accelerometers worn on the dominant wrist for 24 hours/day for one week. The Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) was calculated using an algorithm and was scored 0100. In addition, sleep duration was determined using a validated algorithm. Participants were stratified as regular sleepers (SRI > 87.3), moderately irregular sleepers (SRI: 71.687.3), and irregular sleepers (SRI < 71.6). SRI captures variability in bedtime, wake-up time, sleep duration, and sleep interruptions, making it a comprehensive measure of sleep regularity. MACE was the primary outcome measure; it was defined as any fatal cardiovascular event or the incidence of non-fatal stroke, myocardial infarction, or heart failure. Covariates included age, ethnicity, sex, discretionary screen time, coffee intake, Townsend area deprivation index, alcohol intake, smoking status, physical activity, mental health issues, family history of cancer or CVD, shift work status, medication use, and sleep troubles. Body mass index was excluded as a covariate due to its role as a mediator in the causal pathway. Associations between MACE and SRI were investigated using Cox proportional hazards regression models, adjusted for covariates. In addition, a minimal dose was calculated to provide conservative point estimates. It was defined as the SRI score associated with 50% of optimal risk reduction. The researchers also performed joint SRI and sleep duration analyses. Analyses accounted for competing risks using the Fine-Gray subdistribution method. Findings Practical Recommendations for Better Sleep Regularity: Strategies to improve sleep regularity include maintaining consistent sleep-wake times, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimizing sleep environments for consistency. Overall, the analytic sample comprised 72,269 participants, aged 62.1 years, on average, at recruitment. The mean follow-up duration was 7.8 years. More regular sleepers (61%) met the recommended sleep duration, viz., 79 hours/day and 78 hours/day for those aged 1864 and 65 years, respectively, than irregular sleepers (47.8%). Irregular and moderately irregular sleepers had a higher MACE risk than regular sleepers. Analyses of MACE subtypes revealed explicit associations between irregular sleepers and the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. For instance, irregular sleep was linked to a 45% higher risk of heart failure. Further, SRI was non-linearly associated with the risk of MACE, with steeper risk reduction at higher SRI scores. The minimal dose was 77.1, corresponding to a 15% decline in MACE risk. The median SRI score (80.8) was associated with an 18% decrease in MACE risk. Joint analyses indicated that adequate sleep duration could offset the risk of MACE for moderately irregular sleepers only. Repeating the joint analysis with only shift workers yielded similar results. These findings highlight that individuals should aim for an SRI score above 80 for cardiovascular benefits, with incremental improvements observed closer to a perfect score of 100. Conclusions The findings suggest a strong association between irregular sleep and MACE risk and that sleep regularity may be more relevant in modulating the risk than adequate sleep duration. Disruptions in circadian rhythms caused by irregular sleep may contribute to cardiovascular risk through mechanisms such as increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and elevated blood pressure. Notably, joint analyses showed that irregular sleep was associated with a greater MACE risk, irrespective of whether participants met the age-specific recommendations for sleep duration. A minimum SRI score was associated with a 15% reduction in MACE risk, while the median score was associated with an 18% decrease. This suggests that people should aim for SRI above 80. Overall, the findings underscore the need to consider sleep regularity in clinical practice and public health guidelines. Future studies should explore interventions that target sleep regularity, such as consistent sleep schedules and bedtime routines, to improve cardiovascular health. The study also emphasizes the inclusion of sleep regularity alongside sleep duration in frameworks such as the American Heart Associations Lifes Essential 8. As respiratory viruses surge, new research underscores how masking and testing policies in hospitals directly influence infection rates, shaping future strategies for patient and staff safety. Study: Testing and Masking Policies and Hospital Onset Respiratory Viral Infections. Image Credit: Ground Picture / Shuttersstock.com In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers investigate how changes in hospital policies for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing and masking have influenced the rate of nosocomial or hospital-acquired respiratory viral infections. The impact of masking and testing on hospital-acquired infections Reinstating masking for healthcare workers alone during a respiratory viral surge resulted in a 33% decrease in hospital-acquired respiratory infections, underscoring its targeted effectiveness. Respiratory viral infections caused by pathogens like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 pose significant risks in healthcare settings, especially for vulnerable hospitalized patients. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, masking, and routine viral testing were adopted worldwide to limit both within-community and in-hospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Several studies have demonstrated that these measures effectively reduced hospital-acquired infections, minimizing complications and patient mortality. However, as COVID-19 vaccination rates increased and public health emergencies subsided, many institutions ceased these precautions. Emerging research suggests that lifting these measures may lead to higher nosocomial infection rates, especially when viral activity in the community is high. Despite these concerns, few studies have systematically quantified the consequences of discontinuing testing and masking or examined the potential benefits of reinstating targeted interventions. Understanding the relationship between policy changes and infection rates is critical for developing strategies to safeguard hospitalized patients and healthcare staff during periods of heightened respiratory viral transmission. About the study Respiratory viral trends showed that while early cases were dominated by SARS-CoV-2, influenza and RSV surged post-testing and masking discontinuation, correlating with changes in infection control measures. The current study's researchers investigated the impact of changes in hospital protocols for SARS-CoV-2 testing and masking on the rate of hospital-acquired respiratory infections. To this end, a cohort analysis across 10 hospitals within the Massachusetts General Brigham system was performed between November 2020 and March 2024. The 10 hospitals included tertiary, community, and specialty care settings. Four policy phases were investigated: universal masking and testing before the Omicron period, universal masking and testing when the Omicron variant was in circulation, cessation of these masking and testing measures, and reinstatement of masking for healthcare workers. Nosocomial infections were defined as positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results occurring over four days after admission. Comparatively, community-acquired infections reflected those that were identified within the first four days. Data were collected on testing compliance and frequency, with adherence measured based on the number of admissions with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Statistical analyses included a Poisson interrupted time-series model to estimate changes in infection rates while adjusting for community infection trends and seasonality. Additionally, a review of 100 randomly selected hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 cases after the cessation of universal testing was conducted to verify classification accuracy while assessing symptom onset, exposure history, and PCR cycle thresholds. The study's overarching aim was to isolate the effects of testing and masking policies while addressing limitations such as possible misclassification and variable policy compliance. All findings were adjusted to exclude biases from seasonal variations or changes in community infection rates. Study findings Analysis of 100 hospital-onset SARS-CoV-2 cases post-policy changes revealed that 89% had new respiratory symptoms, while 27% had confirmed exposure, affirming the classification of these cases as hospital-acquired. Discontinuing universal masking and SARS-CoV-2 testing was associated with a significant rise in hospital-acquired respiratory viral infections, whereas reinstating masking for healthcare workers significantly reduced these infections. During the period of universal masking and testing, hospital-onset infections accounted for 2.9% of the weekly ratio to community-onset cases. This ratio increased to 15.5% after these measures ended and subsequently decreased to 8% following the reintroduction of healthcare worker masking. Specifically, a 25% rise in hospital-acquired infections was observed after masking and testing measures were discontinued. Thereafter, a 33% reduction was observed after healthcare workers resumed masking. Of hospital-onset SARS-CoV-2 cases analyzed after the masking and testing policies were discontinued, 89% exhibited new respiratory symptoms, 80% were associated with PCR cycle thresholds under 30, and 27% of cases had known exposures to SARS-CoV-2. These findings confirm the importance of masking and testing during periods of increased community transmission. Although SARS-CoV-2 cases dominated early in the study, influenza and RSV cases rose following the removal of universal measures. This transition aligned with changes in testing frequency, which were significantly reduced from 92.9% to 26.5% of admissions after the cessation of routine testing. Conclusions COVID-19 masking and testing policies significantly influenced the rates of nosocomial respiratory viral infections. Furthermore, reintroducing masking for healthcare workers effectively reduced nosocomial infections, particularly during periods of heightened community transmission. These findings demonstrate the value of adaptive infection control strategies in healthcare settings to balance resource use with patient safety. Thus, policymakers should consider targeted interventions like masking for healthcare workers to mitigate risks during respiratory viral surges. Carolyn Dickens, 76, was sitting at her dining room table, struggling to catch her breath as her physician looked on with concern. "What's going on with your breathing?" asked Peter Gliatto, director of Mount Sinai's Visiting Doctors Program. "I don't know," she answered, so softly it was hard to hear. "Going from here to the bathroom or the door, I get really winded. I don't know when it's going to be my last breath." Dickens, a lung cancer survivor, lives in central Harlem, barely getting by. She has serious lung disease and high blood pressure and suffers regular fainting spells. In the past year, she's fallen several times and dropped to 85 pounds, a dangerously low weight. And she lives alone, without any help a highly perilous situation. Across the country, about 2 million adults 65 and older are completely or mostly homebound, while an additional 5.5 million seniors can get out only with significant difficulty or assistance. This is almost surely an undercount, since the data is from more than a dozen years ago. It's a population whose numbers far exceed those living in nursing homes about 1.2 million and yet it receives much less attention from policymakers, legislators, and academics who study aging. Consider some eye-opening statistics about completely homebound seniors from a study published in 2020 in JAMA Internal Medicine: Nearly 40% have five or more chronic medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease. Almost 30% are believed to have "probable dementia." Seventy-seven percent have difficulty with at least one daily task such as bathing or dressing. Almost 40% live by themselves. That "on my own" status magnifies these individuals' already considerable vulnerability, something that became acutely obvious during the covid-19 outbreak, when the number of sick and disabled seniors confined to their homes doubled. "People who are homebound, like other individuals who are seriously ill, rely on other people for so much," said Katherine Ornstein, director of the Center for Equity in Aging at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. "If they don't have someone there with them, they're at risk of not having food, not having access to health care, not living in a safe environment." Research has shown that older homebound adults are less likely to receive regular primary care than other seniors. They're also more likely to end up in the hospital with medical crises that might have been prevented if someone had been checking on them. To better understand the experiences of these seniors, I accompanied Gliatto on some home visits in New York City. Mount Sinai's Visiting Doctors Program, established in 1995, is one of the oldest in the nation. Only 12% of older U.S. adults who rarely or never leave home have access to this kind of home-based primary care. Gliatto and his staff seven part-time doctors, three nurse practitioners, two nurses, two social workers, and three administrative staffers serve about 1,000 patients in Manhattan each year. These patients have complicated needs and require high levels of assistance. In recent years, Gliatto has had to cut staff as Mount Sinai has reduced its financial contribution to the program. It doesn't turn a profit , because reimbursement for services is low and expenses are high. First, Gliatto stopped in to see Sandra Pettway, 79, who never married or had children and has lived by herself in a two-bedroom Harlem apartment for 30 years. Pettway has severe spinal problems and back pain, as well as Type 2 diabetes and depression. She has difficulty moving around and rarely leaves her apartment. "Since the pandemic, it's been awfully lonely," she told me. When I asked who checks in on her, Pettway mentioned her next-door neighbor. There's no one else she sees regularly. Pettway told the doctor she was increasingly apprehensive about an upcoming spinal surgery. He reassured her that Medicare would cover in-home nursing care, aides, and physical therapy services. "Someone will be with you, at least for six weeks," he said. Left unsaid: Afterward, she would be on her own. (The surgery in April went well, Gliatto reported later.) The doctor listened carefully as Pettway talked about her memory lapses. "I can remember when I was a year old, but I can't remember 10 minutes ago," she said. He told her that he thought she was managing well but that he would arrange testing if there was further evidence of cognitive decline. For now, he said, he's not particularly worried about her ability to manage on her own. Several blocks away, Gliatto visited Dickens, who has lived in her one-bedroom Harlem apartment for 31 years. Dickens told me she hasn't seen other people regularly since her sister, who used to help her out, had a stroke. Most of the neighbors she knew well have died. Her only other close relative is a niece in the Bronx whom she sees about once a month. Dickens worked with special-education students for decades in New York City's public schools. Now she lives on a small pension and Social Security too much to qualify for Medicaid. (Medicaid, the program for low-income people, will pay for aides in the home. Medicare, which covers people over age 65, does not.) Like Pettway, she has only a small fixed income, so she can't afford in-home help. Every Friday, God's Love We Deliver, an organization that prepares medically tailored meals for sick people, delivers a week's worth of frozen breakfasts and dinners that Dickens reheats in the microwave. She almost never goes out. When she has energy, she tries to do a bit of cleaning. Without the ongoing attention from Gliatto, Dickens doesn't know what she'd do. "Having to get up and go out, you know, putting on your clothes, it's a task," she said. "And I have the fear of falling." The next day, Gliatto visited Marianne Gluck Morrison, 73, a former survey researcher for New York City's personnel department, in her cluttered Greenwich Village apartment. Morrison, who doesn't have any siblings or children, was widowed in 2010 and has lived alone since. Morrison said she'd been feeling dizzy over the past few weeks, and Gliatto gave her a basic neurological exam, asking her to follow his fingers with her eyes and touch her fingers to her nose. "I think your problem is with your ear, not your brain," he told her, describing symptoms of vertigo. Because she had severe wounds on her feet related to Type 2 diabetes, Morrison had been getting home health care for several weeks through Medicare. But those services help from aides, nurses, and physical therapists were due to expire in two weeks. "I don't know what I'll do then, probably just spend a lot of time in bed," Morrison told me. Among her other medical conditions: congestive heart failure, osteoarthritis, an irregular heartbeat, chronic kidney disease, and depression. Morrison hasn't left her apartment since November 2023, when she returned home after a hospitalization and several months at a rehabilitation center. Climbing the three steps that lead up into her apartment building is simply too hard. "It's hard to be by myself so much of the time. It's lonely," she told me. "I would love to have people see me in the house. But at this point, because of the clutter, I can't do it." When I asked Morrison who she feels she can count on, she listed Gliatto and a mental health therapist from Henry Street Settlement, a social services organization. She has one close friend she speaks with on the phone most nights. "The problem is I've lost eight to nine friends in the last 15 years," she said, sighing heavily. "They've died or moved away." Bruce Leff, director of the Center for Transformative Geriatric Research at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, is a leading advocate of home-based medical care. "It's kind of amazing how people find ways to get by," he said when I asked him about homebound older adults who live alone. "There's a significant degree of frailty and vulnerability, but there is also substantial resilience." With the rapid expansion of the aging population in the years ahead, Leff is convinced that more kinds of care will move into the home, everything from rehab services to palliative care to hospital-level services. "It will simply be impossible to build enough hospitals and health facilities to meet the demand from an aging population," he said. But that will be challenging for homebound older adults who are on their own. Without on-site family caregivers, there may be no one around to help manage this home-based care. Biology textbooks may need a revision, say Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists, who present new evidence that an armlike structure of mammalian brain cells may be a different shape than scientists have assumed for more than a century. Their study on mouse brain cells shows that the cells' axons - the armlike structures that reach out and exchange information with other brain cells - are not the cylindrical tubes often pictured in books and on websites but more like pearls on a string. A report on the findings is published online Dec. 2 in Nature Neuroscience. Understanding the structure of axons is important for understanding brain cell signaling. Axons are the cables that connect our brain tissue, enabling learning, memory and other functions." Shigeki Watanabe, Ph.D., associate professor of cell biology and neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Scientists have known that pearl-like structures in axons, referred to as axon beading, can develop in dying brain cells and in people with Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases due to the loss of membrane and skeletal integrity in neurons. Under normal conditions, axons are thought to be shaped like tubes with a mostly constant diameter and occasional bubble-like structures (synaptic varicosities that hold globs of neurotransmitters, which enable signaling to other brain cells). Watanabe had initially seen repeated axon pearling in the nervous system of worms and grew more curious about the structures after a discussion with Swiss scientist Graham Knott, Ph.D. A research team from Harvard University had published a study in 2012 that identified repeated "skeletal" components in axons, so the pair of researchers discussed experiments to get rid of the axon skeleton to see if the pearl structures disappear, says Watanabe. Johns Hopkins graduate student and study first author Jacqueline Griswold tested the idea but found no effect on axon pearling. Then, Watanabe and Griswold worked with theoretical biophysics colleague Padmini Rangamani, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, to look more closely at axons' physical properties. To be able to see axons on brain cells (neurons), which are 100 times smaller than the width of a human hair, the scientists used high pressure freezing electron microscopy. Like standard electron microscopy, which shoots beams of electrons at a cell to outline its structure, Watanabe and his team froze mouse neurons to preserve the structures' shape. "To see nanoscale structures with standard electron microscopy, we fix and dehydrate the tissues, but freezing them retains their shape - similar to freezing a grape rather than dehydrating it into a raisin," says Watanabe. The researchers studied three types of mouse neurons: ones grown in the lab, those taken from adult mice and those taken from mouse embryos. The neurons were nonmyelinated (they were without the myelin insulating cover that surrounds the axon). The researchers found the bubbly, pear shape of axons among all of the tens of thousands of images taken of the tissue samples. The scientists named the pearl-like structures in which the axon swells "non-synaptic varicosities." "These findings challenge a century of understanding about axon structure," says Watanabe. The scientists also used mathematical modeling to see if the axon membrane influenced the shape or presence of the pearl on a string structure. They found that simple mechanical models could be used to explain these structures very effectively. Furthermore, experiments with the mathematical model and mouse brain samples showed that increasing the concentration of sugars in the solution around the axon or decreasing tension in the axonal membranes reduced the pearl structures' size. In another experiment, the scientists removed cholesterol from the neuron's membrane to make it less stiff and more fluid-like. Under this condition, they found less pearling in both mathematical models and mouse neurons, along with reduced ability of the axon to transmit electrical signals. "A wider space in the axons allows ions [chemical particles] to pass through more quickly and avoid traffic jams," says Watanabe. The scientists also applied high frequency electrical stimulation to the mouse neurons, which made pearled structures along axons swell, on average, 8% longer and 17% wider for at least 30 min after stimulation and increased the speed of electrical signals. However, when cholesterol was removed from the membrane, the axon's pearls lost their swollen state and had no change in the speed of electrical signals. The research team plans to examine axonal "arms" in human brain tissue taken with permission from people having brain surgery and those who have died from neurodegenerative diseases. This work formed the basis of a recently awarded Multiple Principal Investigator grant to Watanabe and Rangamani from the National Institute of Mental Health. Funds for the research were provided by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the Marine Biological Laboratory Whitman Fellowship, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Collaborative Pair Grant and Supplement Award, the Brain Research Foundation Scientific Innovations Award, a Helis Foundation award, the National Institutes of Health (NS111133-01, NS105810-01A11, DA055668-01, 1RF1DA055668-01), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (FA9550-18-1-0051), the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, a McKnight Foundation scholarship, a Klingenstein-Simons Fellowship Award in Neuroscience, a Vallee Foundation scholarship, the National Science Foundation and the Kavli Institutes at Johns Hopkins and UC San Diego. Other researchers who conducted the study are Chintan Patel, Renee Pepper, Sumana Raychaudhuri, Quan Gan, Sarah Syed and Brady Maher from Johns Hopkins, Mayte Bonilla-Quintana, Christopher Lee, Cuncheng Zhu and Miriam Bell from the UC San Diego, Siyi Ma from the Marine Biology Laboratory, Mitsuo Suga and Yuuki Yamaguchi from JEOL in Tokyo, and Ronan Chereau and U. Valentin Nagerl from the Universite de Bordeaux in France. Study highlights significant associations with autoimmune hypothyroidism, vitiligo, and other conditions, while family members show no increased risk Autoimmune disease frequently occurs in women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). It is postulated that women with POI might be at hereditary risk for autoimmune disease, which has genetic underpinnings. A recent study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism examined the association of autoimmune risk among women with POI and their close relatives. About the study The current study was population-based, using electronic health records (EHR) from 1995 to 2022. These records were maintained by two healthcare systems serving 85% of Utah residents. The study included 610 women, all with POI, and their first-, second-, and third-degree relatives. The occurrence of autoimmune disease in this cohort was traced, and the relative risk estimate was calculated by comparing the recorded risk with the population risk for autoimmune disease. Increased autoimmune risk among women with POI The study showed that at least 25% of women with POI had one or more autoimmune diseases. In 80% of these cases, the diagnosis was hypothyroidism. A similar percentage had a single autoimmune disorder. Of the 22% with more than one autoimmune disorder, there were ten or fewer women who had adrenal insufficiency, all of whom had APS type 1 or 2. The relative risk varied with the specific condition. The risk of autoimmune hypothyroidism was seven times that of the general population, and the risk of psoriasis was fourfold. The relative risks for SLE, adrenal insufficiency, and T1DM were all increased between 4.1 and 4.7 times. Women with T1DM may have a lower ovarian reserve, perhaps due to poorer blood supply or glycosylation due to hyperglycemia rather than autoimmunity per se. The odds for RA were 5.6-fold, while celiac disease and vitiligo risks were raised to 15- and 7.6-fold, respectively. No increased risk in family members Interestingly, the risk for autoimmune disease was not raised in the family member cohort. Earlier research has established that certain autoimmune disorders, including T1DM, Crohns disease, and psoriasis, occur among close relatives. Others, like SLE, do not show this association, perhaps because they are less common. Hence, studies are likely to be underpowered. Again, autoimmune disease has high heritability, as shown by higher rates of the same autoimmune disorder among identical twins compared to fraternal. However, environmental exposures and variations in sex steroid levels may also play a role in the development of autoimmune disease, while some cases may have been missed. Overlapping genes may further complicate the scenario. Conclusions The analysis confirms prior studies showing that multiple autoimmune diseases are more likely among women with POI. The conditions contributing most to this increased risk include autoimmune polyglandular syndrome types 1, 2, 3, and 4 and autoimmune hypothyroidism. However, autoimmune hypothyroidism is not a cause of POI, according to current knowledge. The authors emphasize that the absence of increased risk for autoimmune disease among family members does not mean that there is no genetic predisposition for autoimmune disease in POI. They suggest that other factors in addition to shared POI and autoimmune genetic risk play a role in the increased autoimmune disease burden in POI. Pharmaceutical manufacturing relies on the core tenets of quality, safety, and efficacy. Batch release represents a critical component of this assurance process, and this meticulously controlled procedure must be overseen by a Qualified Person (QP). This article explores the nuances of QP certification and batch release within the European Union (EU), detailing the stringent procedures and regulations involved in this process. The batch release process Batch release is a comprehensive process that involves confirming that each medicinal product batch adheres to predefined regulatory requirements and quality standards. This process involves a number of key steps: Manufacturing and testing verification This initial step thoroughly reviews each batch's manufacturing, packaging, and testing records. Relevant documentation, such as batch records, analytical test results, and certificates of analysis (CoA), is scrutinized to confirm compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and any requirements outlined in the product's Clinical Trial Authorization (CTA) or Marketing Authorization (MA). QP certification The QP certifies the finished product batch by verifying appropriate manufacturing and testing records. This certification represents a formal declaration that the specific batch adheres to all GMP standards and the relevant requirements of its CTA or MA. QP certification can be performed by an authorized QP associated with the EU manufacturer or undertaken by an importer specified in the CTA or MA. The role of the Qualified Person (QP) The role of the QP is enshrined in law in the EU, highlighting its importance to the pharmaceutical industry. QPs are highly qualified individuals with extensive GMP experience who typically hold advanced degrees in pharmacy, biology, or chemistry. Their role is key to ensuring patient safety and producing each batch of medicinal products to a suitably high standard. The QP must observe new medicine as it moves through the supply chain, ensuring consistently high quality and confirming that it adheres to relevant regulations. Assuming that this is accomplished and all appropriate documentation is in order, the QP is then able to approve certification and release. The EU's Control Authority Batch Release of Vaccines and Blood Products document and its subsequent iterations guide the QPs certification process. This demanding protocol ensures that each product batch adheres to strict quality requirements before entering the market. QP certification versus batch release QP certification is key to the batch release process, but it is also important to distinguish between the two. The QP certification step is mandatory, ensuring that the batch in question adheres to regulatory and GMP standards. Other quality personnel within the organization may, however, manage the release of the batch into the market. QP certification remains a prerequisite for batch release in every case throughout the EU, underscoring the QPs central role in ensuring and maintaining product integrity. Importation and the final stages of manufacturing The importation process is regarded as the final manufacturing stage for medicinal products originating outside the EU. These countries are called third countries, and these products must undergo rigorous quality testing upon arrival in the EU to ensure compliance with relevant EU regulatory standards. This step is essential in verifying that products adhere to all necessary quality and safety criteria. Following testing, these products are required to receive QP certification before being transferred to saleable stock. Batch release may only proceed following a comprehensive review of batch records. This ensures that every production and quality control process is appropriately documented and remains compliant with EU regulations. This layered approach to product scrutiny is key to maintaining the highest quality standards for medicinal products destined for sale within the EU. Regulatory compliance and patient safety The EUs strict requirements for QP certification and batch release emphasize its dedication to patient safety. Subjecting each batch to thorough verification and certification by a qualified and authorized QP ensures that only products meeting the highest quality standards are released into the EU market. Reliable QP certification services DS InPharmatics understands the batch release process's importance and QP certification's central role in achieving and maintaining these high standards. The companys team of experts is dedicated to guiding its customers through this complex landscape and supporting them in understanding and achieving QP certification. Working with DS InPharmatics helps ensure that products meet regulatory requirements while upholding the highest standards of quality. The company can offer QP certification and batch release services, while support from a Manufacturing Import Authorization (MIA) site ensures it can meet all regulatory prerequisites. Partnering with DS InPharmatics affords manufacturers access to unmatched QP certification and batch release expertise. The companys professionals are well-versed in EU regulations and remain committed to ensuring patient safety via a series of stringent quality assurance practices. The team is available to help its clients navigate the challenges of pharmaceutical compliance, from the initial batch verification stage to the final market release. Acknowledgments Produced from materials originally authored by Meranda Parascandola from Design Space InPharmatics LLC. About Design Space InPharmatics LLC DSI provides regulatory, technical, and project management consulting services to healthcare product companies that manufacture and/or market pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, and cellular and gene therapy products. Since 2007 we have provided our clients with innovative strategies and exceptional quality work products intended to enhance product development, approval, and marketing presence. Whether advocating CMC strategy, directing CMC operations, or developing CMC submission content that represents the best interests of emerging biotech, we focus on the critical CMC issues and build programs that enhance development. Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments. Mini India to Host Customer Meetup in Bangalore, Convoy Drive to Kickstart on Dec 7 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 14:28 IST Those who are interested in participating in the event, can visit authorised dealers and register themselves. Mini United Debuts. (Photo: Mini) The German car maker Mini, owned by BMW, is all set to host a one-of-a-kind celebration named MINI United in Bengaluru. According to the details shared by the brand via official release, the event will take place on 7 December 2024, allowing all the Mini owners to meet at one place and get to know the community better. It has been informed by the company that the event will see participation from MINI enthusiasts hailing from multiple cities including Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and other key cities in South India. related stories Heres How to Register Those who are interested in participating in the event, can visit authorised dealers and register themselves. All About Event The company in its official release says that MINI United India will be filled with excitement, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories. The MINI owners across India will be driving their iconic cars to create the largest MINI convoy in Indias history. The meetup point will feature engaging activities designed to foster connections among MINI owners, celebrating the spirit of unity that defines the MINI family. Statement from Top Official Commenting about the same, Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India said, MINI has always been more than a car its an attitude, a bond, and a celebration of self-expression. Since 1959, MINI has inspired generations with its unmistakable design, agile performance, and pioneering spirit." In addition, he said. With MINI United, were bringing this legacy to life in a way only MINI can. This event is about more than gathering MINIs, its about uniting people. Its about discovering the new MINI family, sharing stories, and celebrating the bold, adventurous spirit that every MINI embodies. MINI United is where individuality thrives, and community comes alive." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Location : Bangalore Rural, India First Published: December 02, 2024, 14:23 IST Stocks To Watch: Tata Motors, Cipla, Religare, ONGC, Cochin Shipyard, And Others Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 07:34 IST Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Tata Motors, Cipla, Religare, ONGC, Cochin Shipyard, and others will be in focus on Monday's trade Stocks To Watch Stocks to Watch on December 2: Markets gained nearly 1% last week, marking the second consecutive week of advances despite mixed signals. Today, shares of Greaves Cotton, Biocon, Tata Motors, Hyundai, and Cipla, among others, will be in focus due to various news developments. Eicher Motors: Eicher Motors will be in the spotlight as Royal Enfield reported a total of 82,257 units sold in November. related stories Tata Motors: Tata Motors posted a slight increase in total sales to 74,753 units, with domestic sales amounting to 73,246 units in November. Hyundai Motor India: Hyundais total sales declined by 7% to 61,252 units, with domestic sales at 48,246 units in November. Maruti Suzuki: Maruti Suzuki recorded total sales of 181,000 units in November, with domestic sales at 153,000 units. Cipla: Ciplas stock may be in focus today as the companys promoters plan to sell up to 1.72% of their stake in the company through block deals. Religare Enterprises: Religare Enterprises has received warning letters from stock exchanges for delaying the disclosure of the RBIs refusal to approve the appointment of Rakesh Asthana as additional director. The company disclosed the RBIs decision only after stock exchanges intervened in late October, despite receiving the letter from the central bank in May. ONGC: ONGC Videsh (OVL), the overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), has completed the $60 million acquisition of Norwegian firm Equinors stake in an oilfield and an associated pipeline in Azerbaijan. The acquisition includes a 0.615% stake in the offshore Azeri Chirag Gunashli (ACG) oilfield and a 0.737% share in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline. Power Mech Projects: Power Mech Projects announced that it has won an order worth Rs 510 crore (excluding GST) from Adani Power. The order involves mechanical construction work for the 2800 MW Raipur Phase-II Ultra Supercritical Thermal Power Project in Chhattisgarh. Cochin Shipyard: The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Cochin Shipyard for the Short Refit and Dry Docking (SRDD) of INS Vikramaditya at a cost of Rs 1,207.5 crore. KEC International: KEC International secured multiple orders worth Rs 1,040 crore in its Transmission and Distribution (T&D) business in international markets. These include supplying towers, hardware, and poles for projects in the Americas and 220 kV transmission lines in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Biocon: Biocon Biologics announced that the U.S. FDA has approved YESINTEK (Ustekinumab-kfce), a biosimilar to Stelara (Ustekinumab), for the treatment of Crohns disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Plaque Psoriasis, and Psoriatic Arthritis. 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: December 02, 2024, 07:34 IST UltraTech, Shree, JK Cement Rally Up To 3% On Expectation Of Stronger Demand In December Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 13:45 IST Cement stocks saw a strong rally on December 2, led by Ultratech Cement, which surged over 3%; Here's what investors should know Cement shares in demand today; Here's why Cement stocks saw a strong rally on December 2, led by Ultratech Cement, which surged over 3% to top the Nifty 50 gainers list. The rally was driven by optimism from Jefferies, which expressed confidence in a recovery for Indian cement companies in the second half of the fiscal year. Other cement stocks, including Shree Cement, India Cements, JK Lakshmi Cement, JK Cement, Andhra Cements, and ACC, also saw gains of 2-3%. Jefferies highlighted Ultratech Cement as its top pick among large-cap stocks and JK Cement as its favorite mid-cap stock, citing bottoming-out prices and improving demand conditions as key drivers for growth. related stories Demand growth has moderately improved in October-November, and recovery should continue into Q4 with a revival in government capex," the firm stated, forecasting 8-10% volume growth in H2FY25, compared to flat performance in H1FY25. Regionally, Northern India outperformed in November, with prices firming up due to restricted supply in Delhi following construction bans. However, Central India, including Lucknow and Bhopal, faced pricing pressures across construction materials. The Southern region, in contrast, saw price declines due to sluggish demand and increased competition. Ultratech Cement further gained traction after announcing plans to expand its Kukurdih units production capacity from 2.7 MTPA to 3.3 MTPA through debottlenecking. The company stated that this capacity expansion was part of its ongoing program, and its total cement capacity now stands at 156.66 MTPA, including overseas capacity. As part of its ongoing capacity expansion programs, the company has identified an opportunity for debottlenecking at its integrated unit at Kukurdih, Chhattisgarh. The units capacity has increased by 0.6 mtpa (million tonne per annum), i.e. from 2.7 mtpa to 3.3 mtpa," UltraTech Cement said in a regulatory filing on Friday after market hours. Debottlenecking is a process that involves identifying and removing bottlenecks in a system to increase production capacity and efficiency. UltraTechs ambitious capacity expansion capitalises on the substantial long term growth potential of Indias cement sector. Its growth trajectory aligns closely with Indias broader growth story, the company said. By increasing its scale, the company will meet the rising demand for cement nationwide. Increase in Government spending on Infrastructure sector and rising demand from the urban housing sector is expected to generate a sustainable volume growth of 7-8 per cent in future years, the company said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, Prabhudas Lilladher echoed the positive sentiment, expecting improved cement demand in H2FY25, supported by government infrastructure spending, a strong monsoon boosting the rural economy, and steady urban housing demand. The brokerage also favored Ultratech Cement and ACC as its top picks in the sector. 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: December 02, 2024, 13:44 IST What Is Presidential Pardon That Joe Biden Has Granted To Son Hunter In Gun, Tax Fraud Cases? Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 14:35 IST Article II, Section 2 of the United States Constitution grants the president the authority to issue pardons for federal offenses, barring cases of impeachment. The Supreme Court characterises this power as an act of grace, however, it is bound by structural constitutional constraints Joe Biden, who had previously stated that he would not interfere with Department of Justice proceedings, defended his decision by arguing that his son, Hunter, was 'selectively and unfairly prosecuted' by political opponents. (AP Photo) As Joe Biden prepares to leave White House, he has reneged on his public promise and granted presidential pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, who has faced sentencing this month for tax and weapons violations. Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter," Biden said in a statement. It is a full and unconditional pardon," according to a copy of the executive grant of clemency with CNN. related stories Biden, who had previously stated that he would not interfere with Department of Justice proceedings, defended his decision by arguing that his son was selectively and unfairly prosecuted" by political opponents. What Is The Pardoning Power Of President? Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution grants the president the authority to issue pardons for federal offenses, barring cases of impeachment. The Supreme Court has characterised this power as an act of grace" aimed at promoting justice and public welfare. However, the power is not limitless and is bound by structural constitutional constraints. President Not Above Law: Self-pardons or pardons intended to interfere with the investigation into the presidents action violate constitutional principles, including the Take Care Clause and Oath Clause, which require president to act in the public interest rather than for personal gain. Moreover, the principle that no one is above the law remains fundamental. The framers explicitly rejected the idea of an unaccountable president, stressing that US presidents, unlike monarchs, are subject to the law". Protect Constitutional Rights: The pardon power cannot override other constitutional provisions, such as individual rights. In 1915, the Supreme Court ruled that a president could not impose a pardon that violated the Fifth Amendments protection against self-incrimination. Similarly, pardons interfering with judicial powers, such as those for individuals held in contempt of court, would undermine the judiciarys constitutional role. Cant Violate Criminal Law: Presidential pardons issued as part of bribery schemes or to obstruct justice would violate federal laws. Promising pardons to hinder cooperation with criminal proceedings constitutes obstruction. Shield Future Lawbreaking: Pardons intended to encourage lawbreaking violates the presidents constitutional duty to uphold law. Donald Trumps suggestion to pardon individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol attack could be viewed as an endorsement of insurrection, directly contravening the presidents oath to defend the Constitution against domestic threats. How Government Ensures Pardon Power Is Not Abused Judiciary: Federal courts can rule on the constitutionality of pardons, as in Burdick v. United States, where the Supreme Court determined that pardons cannot be forced upon individuals. Provide remedies to victims whose rights have been infringed upon; develop case law to guide the president Congress: Through oversight and impeachment, Congress can address abuses, as evidenced by the articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon for obstruction of justice through pardon-related actions. Executive: The Department of Justice investigates the potential misuse of pardon power. Prosecute criminal uses of the pardon power, as when pardons are used to obstruct justice. Attorneys advise and assist with pardons and uphold oath of office to defend the Constitution. What Is Hunter Bidens Case? Hunter Biden was convicted in June for illegally buying and possessing a gun as a drug user. He pleaded guilty in September to nine tax offences, stemming from $1.4 million in taxes that he didnt pay while spending on escorts, strippers, cars and drugs. Special Counsel David Weiss, who was Trump-appointed US attorney, began investigating Hunter Biden in 2018 and filed both indictments in 2023. As president, Joe Biden had the authority to shut a probe or dismiss charges, but he did not interfere in the matter at that time. Hunter was due to be sentenced in December, facing potential prison terms of up to 25 years for the gun charges and 17 years for tax offences. Federal guidelines, however, suggested he might have avoided incarceration altogether. This is the latest example when an outgoing president has used pardon power to help a family member. When Presidents Have Used Pardon Power Donald Trump granted pardon to his son-in-law Jared Kushners father, Charles, in 2020, after Kushner pleaded guilty years earlier to witness tampering, tax evasion and illegal campaign contributions. Charles, who has close ties to Trump from their real estate connections, is now being considered for the role of US Ambassador to France. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner married in 2009. President Bill Clinton granted a pardon to his half-brother Roger Clinton, who had been convicted in 1985 for a drug-related offence, on his final day in office in 2001. He also faced scrutiny from Congressional Republicans, who investigated him for receiving a large sum of money from foreign sources. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Billy Carter, brother of US President Jimmy Carter, tried to secure a deal with Libya, hoping to earn half profits. However, a Senate Judiciary subcommittee concluded in October 1980, just before Jimmy Carter lost the election, that Billy did not affect US policy. Abraham Lincoln granted pardons to many individuals, including 265 Dakota Indians, an Ohio Congressman known as a Copperhead, and Emilie Todd Helm, the wife of Confederate General Benjamin Hardin Helm and half-sister of Mary Todd Lincoln. First Published: December 02, 2024, 13:19 IST Why Has Russia Been Accused Of Increasing Hybrid Warfare, Will This Provoke NATO? Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 17:51 IST Political leaders and intelligence analysts in the West suspect that Russia is using espionage, sabotage and cyberattacks, disinformation and political interference to conduct hybrid warfare More than 500 Russian diplomats since early 2022 have been expelled from European countries, of which, at least 400 were spies, said Britains MI5 secret service. (AP Photo) Russia has been accused of increasing hybrid warfare since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. More recently, some Western politicians and intelligence agencies suspect that Kremlin could be behind the recent three incidents German logistics company DHLs cargo plane crash in Lithuania, destruction of two underwater data cables in Baltic Sea, and pro-Russian right-wing extremist leader Calin Georgescu winning the first round of Romanias presidential election. Hybrid warfare means broadening of military operations to include espionage, sabotage, explosions and cyberattacks and online threats, propaganda and disinformation campaigns to de-stabilise democracies. related stories Let us look at how the hybrid warfare has become a weapon of mass destruction, what is the point and will this trigger retaliation from NATO. What Are Hybrid Warfare Tactics Employed By Russia? More than 500 Russian diplomats since early 2022 have been expelled from European countries, of which, at least 400 are spies, said Britains MI5 secret service. Russian embassies and consulates, which are equipped with state-of-art communications and espionage, are considered Russian territories and cannot be entered by host states with Russian permission. The Dutch secret service has alleged that Russia is deploying spies into Western institutions as businessmen. Some drew attention to a hacked conversation between German army officials discussing the countrys Taurus missile system, according to Deutsche Welle. There are reports that a parcel that should have been sent by air freight went up in flames at a DHL logistics centre in Leipzig in Germany, suggesting Russian sabotage at play. In another incident, a Russian-captained Chinese freighter damaged two undersea cables reportedly last week. The incident is similar to the one that occurred in October 2023. Last month, a warehouse in London where aid for Ukraine was stored was destroyed in an arson attack. Germanys Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) warns that the risk of malicious cyberspace activity is higher than ever". Before Russias attack on Ukraine, Russia-linked groups were active in Germany engaging in cyberespionage and financially motivated ransomware attacks", the BSI states, as quoted by Deutsche Welle. It also stressed that the number of DDOS attacks by pro-Russia hacktivists have increased sharply. DDOS or distributed denial-of-service attacks involves flooding websites, servers, smartphones and IoT devices with excessive traffic until they crash due to overload. Disinformation includes the deliberate propagating of false and alternative narrative, often that appeals to certain number of people in the society. Pro-Russian or anti-Ukrainian narratives are spread through trolls or media outlets to promote falsehoods. Political interference is another tactic to destabilise a democracy. After the 2016 US elections, investigators concluded there had been concerted Russian interference, denied by Moscow, with the aim of damaging Hillary Clintons chances, in favour of Donald Trump. In April, the Czech secret service uncovered a propaganda website called Voice of Europe, believed to be financed by Moscow. The site is suspected of paying bribes to some members of European Parliament. Hack and leaks are also part of the hybrid warfare strategies, which involves hacking politicians or parties, institutions and steal and publish confidential information. Assassination political figures is another part of hybrid warfare. A Chechen ex-commander, who allegedly fought against Russia during the second Chechen war, was killed in Berlins Tiergarten Park. In 2006, there was an attack on Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko and the assassination attempt against Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in 2018. All were carried out on British soil. The key distinguishing features of hybrid threats are they almost never involves an actual kinetic" attack, which means someone opening fire with a weapon. They are often subtler and more dangerous. Will NATO Retaliate? NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on November 4, Russia is conducting an intensifying campaign of hybrid attacks across our allied territories, interfering directly in our democracies, sabotaging industry and committing violence." According to Article 5 of NATO, any attack committed on a member will be treated as a threat on the alliance. Article 5 has only been invoked once since NATO was established in 1949 shortly after the September 11, 2001, attacks in the US. The increasing ramp-up of the Russian military potential means a direct military confrontation with NATO becomes one possible option for the Kremlin," German intelligence chief Bruno Kahl said this week, as reported by Al Jazeera. He predicted that the Russian military could become capable of attacking NATO by the end of the decade". However, Keir Giles, a senior consulting fellow at the London-based Chatham House think tank, told Al Jazeera NATO allies are unlikely to invoke Article 5 against Russia. He stressed this is the whole point of calling it a hybrid war instead of a real war. How To Tackle Hybrid Warfare? An analysis published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said the West lacks" an ability to respond quickly to Russias hybrid warfare. This makes Europe vulnerable, it underlined. The US-based Center for European Policy Analysis has made suggestions for an EU hybrid threats policy. These include enforcing punitive measures such as sanctions and supporting independent Russian-language media to counter disinformation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A German army officer and hybrid security expert, Sonke Marahrens, said Russians are trying different warfare tactics tailored to the respective European states. One must expect a very broad spectrum of attacks in the future", said Marahrens. NATO and the EU have set up the Hybrid CoE in Finland to tackle hybrid warfare. Finland has stayed neutral since the Second World War which saw it cede territory to the USSR. First Published: December 02, 2024, 16:39 IST 'Crocodile Tears': Mamata's Appeal To PM Modi For UN Peacekeepers In Bangladesh Draws BJP Ire Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 14:17 IST West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's remark came days after Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested and charged with sedition in Bangladesh. Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested and charged with sedition in Bangladesh | Image/X West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday called for the deployment of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Bangladesh and sought Prime Minister Narendra Modis intervention to assure the safety and security of the religious minorities in the neighbouring country. Banerjees remark came days after Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested and charged with sedition in Bangladesh, with several reports claiming that two monks who had gone to give him medicines in jail were also arrested on Friday. related stories Addressing the West Bengal Assemblys winter session, Banerjee said, The Government of India can take this matter up with the United Nations. So a peacekeeping force can be sent to Bangladesh." We have families properties and loved ones in Bangladesh. We accept whatever stance the Government of India takes on thisbut we condemn atrocities on religious grounds anywhere in the world and appeal to the union government, and the Prime Minister, to intervene," she said. Banerjee further claimed that she had spoken with the chief of the ISKCONs Kolkata unit and extended her support, saying We will not tolerate if Indians are attacked in Bangladesh." Mamata Should Stop Shedding Crocodile Tears: BJP The BJP attacked Mamata over her stance for Hindus in Bangladesh calling it crocodile tears". The party alleged that she herself had targeted the Hindu religious organisations to consolidate her Muslim vote bank". Mamata Banerjee should stop shedding crocodile tears for Hindus in BangladeshNot too long ago she had personally targeted monks and Hindu religious organisations like the Ramakrishna Mission, Bharat Sevashram Sangha and ISKCON in West Bengal, to consolidate her Muslim vote bank. Thousands of saffron-clad sadhus and lakhs of Hindu devotees had hit the streets in Kolkata, in protest," Amit Malviya posted on X. She is vile and a Hindu-hating hypocrite. West Bengal needs to get rid of her to save itself from meeting the same fate as Hindus of Bangladesh," he added. Mamata Backs Centre The arrest of Hindu monks and reports confirming attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh triggered sharp reactions from Indian leaders, who have condemned the incident and called for intervention from the PM Modi-led government. On Thursday, Banerjee said that her government will back the centre on the issues involving attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh, reported news agency ANI. 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," she said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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," news agency PTI quoted Mamata Banerjee as saying. Earlier, the Ministry of Externa Affairs condemned the arrest and denial of bail to Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and urged the Bangladesh government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus, a religious minority in the country. First Published: December 02, 2024, 13:17 IST Birth Rate And Religious Balance: Decoding RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's 3 Children Appeal Written By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 16:02 IST What began as a call for a uniform population policy through a resolution passed by RSS in ABKM meeting in 2015 has now escalated into exhortations for Hindus to have three children RSS chief Mohan Bhagwats speech on Sunday in Nagpur appears to be a reminder to Hindus about their seemingly diminishing influence. (PTI File) For nearly a decade, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been expressing its concern over Indias shifting demographic balance, pointing to the declining growth rate of the Hindu population and the steady rise in the Muslim population, or at least about Hindus having a lower population index. Even as statistics point out that total fertility rate (TFR) among Muslims, too, has dropped, it is still higher than the TFR of Hindus. related stories What began as a call for a uniform population policy through a resolution passed by the RSS in the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM) meeting in 2015 has now escalated into exhortations for Hindus to have three children a sign of the Sanghs growing unease. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwats speech on Sunday in Nagpur appears to be a reminder for the government to impose a policy and to Hindus about their seemingly diminishing influence. His recent statements, including the advice to Hindus to have at least three children, apparently suggest a shift from demanding state intervention to now advocating for community-level solutions. This reflects the Sanghs acknowledgement of the limitations of policy alone in addressing demographic anxieties. Diminishing population is a matter of concern. It is so because the Loksankhya Shastra says that if we go below 2.1, then that society perishes, no one will destroy it, it will perish on its own," Bhagwat said. He urged Hindus to have at least three children, so that the society can survive". Bhagwats assertion is a step forward from the Sanghs old demand for a comprehensive population policy through which there can be regulation and also a religion-specific balance over the population index. RSS FLAGS ALARM ON HIGHER MUSLIM GROWTH Almost nine years ago, the Sangh passed a resolution after its national executive meeting in 2015. The resolution, titled ABKM 2015 Challenge of Imbalance in the Population Growth Rate, stated: The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal is of the opinion that the severe demographic changes brought forth by the analysis of the religious data of Census 2011 highlight the necessity of the review of population policy. Vast differences in growth rates of different religious groups, infiltration and conversion resulting in religious imbalance of the population-ratio, especially in border areas may emerge as a threat to the unity, integrity and cultural identity of the country." Although Bharat was one of the early countries in the world to announce as early as in 1952 that it will have population planning measures, it was only in 2000 that a comprehensive population policy was formulated and a population commission was formed. The policy aimed at achieving a stable but healthy population by the year 2045 by optimising the fertility rate to the ideal figure of 2.1 total fertility rate [TFR]," it said. The growth in the Muslim population was mentioned in the resolution. It also reflected the growing unease in the Sangh structure over the population data in the country. The rate of growth of the Muslim population has been much higher than the national average, in the border districts of Border States of the country like Assam, West Bengal and Bihar, clearly indicating the unabated infiltration from Bangladesh," the RSS said in its resolution. It is also a fact that the infiltrators are usurping the rights of citizens of these states and are becoming a heavy burden on the already scant resources apart from creating socio-cultural, political and economic tensions. The religious imbalance of the population in the North Eastern states has assumed serious proportions," added the Sangh. Nagpur, Maharashtra | RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says, The decline in population is a matter of concern. Modern population science says that when the population (fertility rate) of a society goes below 2.1, that society vanishes from the earth. That society gets destroyed even when pic.twitter.com/05fuy2dVKs ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2024 HINDUS NEED TO RECALIBRATE The RSS has always been upfront in speaking about its ideological causes, most of them deemed pro-Hindutva, as the opposition bloc often describes it. But the Sanghs statements define its actions as well. Days after the BJP achieved a resounding victory in Maharashtra, Bhagwat, while addressing a programme in Nagpur, called for survival strategies for the Hindu population. It also shows that the Sangh continues to focus on and revolve around its ideological causes. Far from being confined to election strategies and post-election calculations of forming the government, the RSS views and analyses the demographic trend as an existential challenge to Indias cultural and civilisational ethos. This perhaps explains Bhagwats urging of Hindus to recalibrate their priorities in the face of what he perceives as an unequal demographic contest. The Sanghs concern about the shift in demographic data in India is probably rooted in its vision for the nation to remain a Hindu Rashtra", albeit culturally. HINDU GROWTH RATE SLOWS DOWN Data from successive censuses over the past few decades and multiple other national and international surveys have shown that the growth rate of the Hindu population is slowing. Even though the Muslim population has also been decelerating, it still continues to grow at a comparatively higher rate than Hindus. These figures have prompted the Sangh to push for a uniform population policy, which is primarily aimed at bringing all communities under the same regulatory framework, particularly in states where the Muslim population is perceived to have almost outpaced the Hindu growth rate. #BreakingNews | Karti Chidambaram takes a jibe at Mohan Bhagwats 3 children statement @KartiPC in conversation with @AmanKayamHai_ | Avantika Singh | Listen in to more political reactions pic.twitter.com/EOMF6awJzL News18 (@CNNnews18) December 2, 2024 WHAT DO THE STATISTICS SAY? According to Pew Research Centre statements over demographic trends of religious groups in India and population statistics by World Population Review, Muslims make up approximately 14.2% of Indias population, as estimated data of 2024 says. Hindus continue to remain the majority at around 79.8%. However, over the decades, India has witnessed a modest increase in the share of Muslims, growing by around 4% since 1951, while the share of Hindus declined by almost the same amount. This shift is largely attributed to the varying fertility rates among religious groups. However, the gap has significantly narrowed in recent decades. The reports also say that Muslims in India, who traditionally have had higher fertility rates than Hindus, have also seen their average fertility rate drop sharply, from 4.4 children per woman in 1992 to 2.6 in 2015. In comparison, Hindu womens fertility rates declined from around 3.3 to 2.1 over the same period. SANGHS WAY OF DEALING WITH DEMOGRAPHIC ANXIETY The critics, however, dismiss these narratives as communal", alarmist" or fear-mongering". The RSS meticulously frames its position as a cultural imperative rather than a political one. The Sangh, through its documents and speeches, argues that the demographic trend will have broader implications for Indias societal fabric, from representation in governance to preserving traditional and cultural identities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all At the same time, the RSS also faces the challenge of reconciling these propositions with its ideas and efforts of promoting economic development and womens empowerment. Larger families are generally seen to be conflicted over aspirations for upward mobility. Apart from such speeches, the demographic push is now also evident in the RSSs grassroots campaigns. Through its vast network of shakhas, the Sangh also emphasises traditional family values, while imbibing the idea of population balance" into its cultural outreach. First Published: December 02, 2024, 13:14 IST Deeply Regrettable: India On Breach Of Bangladesh Mission In Agartala Published By : PTI Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 22:10 IST Protesters breached the premises of Bangladesh assistant high commission in Agartala. Activists from the Hindu community stage a protest over alleged atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, in Agartala. (IMAGE: PTI) India on Monday described as deeply regrettable" an incident of breach of premises at the Bangladesh assistant high commission in Agartala and said consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances. The comments by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) came hours after thousands of people took out a massive rally around the Bangladeshi mission in the capital city of Tripura protesting the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh as well as attacks on minorities in that country. related stories Over 50 protesters reportedly entered the premises of the Bangladeshi mission in Agartala, triggering concerns among those present at the complex. The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable," the MEA said. It said the government is taking action to step up security for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and other missions of the country in India. Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances," the MEA said in a statement. The government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their deputy/assistant high commissions in the country," it said. India on Friday said the interim government in Bangladesh must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities as it expressed serious concern over the surge" of extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence against Hindus. New Delhi also hoped that the case relating to Das, arrested on a charge of sedition, will be dealt with in a just, fair and transparent manner. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The relations between India and Bangladesh came under strain after the interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus came to power following the stepping down of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country. First Published: December 02, 2024, 19:35 IST Massive Traffic Jams, Tight Security At DND Flyway As Farmers March From Noida To Delhi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 18:46 IST Farmers Protest in Delhi Today: Farmers are marching from Noida to Delhi to demand compensation, benefits under new agricultural laws, causing significant traffic disruptions at the Delhi-UP border. Farmers Protest in Delhi: Farmers to March From Noida To Delhi Today (Photos: ANI) Heavy traffic jams and heightened security were seen on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border as members of the farmer organisation began their march from Noida and Greater Noida towards Delhi on Monday. (However, the restrictions have been lifted in the evening after the farmers agreed to leave the protest site. To read the updated story, Click Here) related stories A video shared by news agency ANI also showed police, RAF personnel and riot control vehicles deployed at the Chilla border. #WATCH | Police, RAF personnel and Riot Control Vehicle deployed at Delhi-UP Chilla border, in view of a call by some farmer organisations to march to Delhi over their various demands pic.twitter.com/vLMqqX45b6 ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2024 The march was announced by Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) leader Sukhbir Khalifa on Sunday, who said that the farmers are demanding compensation and benefits under the new agricultural laws. #WATCH | Noida, Uttar Pradesh: Massive traffic snarl at DND flyway as farmers from Uttar Pradesh are on a march towards Delhi starting today. pic.twitter.com/HPVgEiRQUV ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2024 Additionally, farmer organisations, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM, non-political), have also planned marches towards Delhi on foot beginning December 6. #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Security heightened in Noida as farmers from Uttar Pradesh are on a march towards Delhi starting today. pic.twitter.com/X67KeeUDba ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2024 We are ready for our march towards Delhi. Tomorrow, December 2, we will start our march towards Delhi from under the Maha Maya flyover (In Noida). At noon, all of us will reach there and demand our compensation and benefits as per the new laws," Sukhbir Khalifa told news agency ANI on Sunday. Meanwhile, Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyan Singh Rana slammed the upcoming farmers march to Delhi, arguing that they lack legitimate issues. Speaking to ANI in Karnal, Rana said, They have no issues. The previous farmers agitation had an issue- the three farm laws. Those three laws were later repealed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The farmers agitation has caused losses to Punjab." Rice miller industries from Punjab moved to Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. We will not let anyone play with the law and order situation in Haryana. They should talk to their chief minister and sort out their problems," he added. Earlier, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandhair informed that the farmers protesting at the Shambhu border (Punjab-Haryana border) will also march towards Delhi on December 6 to press their demands, including a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP). On October 26, farmers gathered in large numbers from Badhrukha in Sangrur district to protest against the government and press on their multiple demands including timely paddy procurement. The protests blocked national highways in the Phagwara, Sangrur, Moga, and Batala areas of Punjab. FARMERS MARCH TODAY: TRAFFIC TO BE AFFECTED In an advisory, Police Commissionerate Gautam Budh Nagar on Sunday said barricades would be up and vehicles would be checked on the stretch from Gautam Budh Nagar to Delhi on Monday. The traffic may also lead to some diversions, he said. The police also issued a helpline number 9971009001 and advised commuters to use the metro to avoid inconveniences. The police, in an X post, also suggested route diversions to avoid traffic congestion. 9971009001 pic.twitter.com/cs0pgES6SG POLICE COMMISSIONERATE GAUTAM BUDDH NAGAR (@noidapolice) December 1, 2024 Farmers under the banner of the SKM and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. A panel of three the then Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal and Nityanand Rai held talks with the farmer representatives on February 18. The farmers had then rejected the Centres proposal of buying pulses, maize and cotton at the MSP by government agencies for five years. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Besides a legal guarantee on the MSP, the protesters had been demanding farm loan waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice" for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21. ALSO READ | Farmers Protest: Noida Police Issues Traffic Advisory | Check Routes To Avoid First Published: December 02, 2024, 07:32 IST Infiltration Attempts May Be High This Season, Warn Intel Agencies, Ask Forces To Look For Secret Supply Bases Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 09:29 IST Sources also noted that drone movements have reached an all-time high, signaling that terror outfits are increasingly attempting to send supplies via drones this year A senior official mentioned that Kathua, Samba, and some areas in Punjab are particularly vulnerable, along with other regions in Rajouri. (PTI) This season, there are likely to be increased infiltration attempts as the weather is supporting terrorist groups in J&K. According to sources, central intelligence agencies alerted security forces few weeks ago that infiltration is expected to be high, with groups of two to six terrorists attempting to enter Indian territory instead of large groups. Terror outfits are not involving local terrorists in attacks on forces and civilians in Jammu and Kashmir and are using On-Ground Workers (OGWs) for shelter and as local guide, a senior intelligence official told News18. Intelligence agencies have instructed forces to look for secret supply bases and areas that could serve as shelters for these terrorists. related stories A senior official mentioned that Kathua, Samba, and some areas in Punjab are particularly vulnerable, along with other regions in Rajouri. We have intensified patrolling in vulnerable areas, and necessary systems, including CCTV, have been checked to track and record any movement. Other security measures, such as increased force deployments, have also been implemented. We have also alerted the Village Defence Guards (VDGs) to keep an eye on suspicious individuals, especially in villages close to the border," a senior BSF official told News18. Sources also noted that drone movements have reached an all-time high, signaling that terror outfits are increasingly attempting to send supplies via drones this year. Officials believe that the rise in drone activity, coupled with a high number of infiltration attempts, will make this season particularly challenging for security forces. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This year, the Border Security Force (BSF) has shot down nearly 270 drones along the Punjab border, more than double the number from last year and a 1,300 per cent increase from 2021. While there is a significant rise in drone activity, there has been a decrease in the total recovery of drugs smuggled via drones. Officials believe this suggests that drones are primarily being used to transport arms and ammunition to fuel terrorism in India. The total number of weapons recovered by the BSF has already surpassed last years figure (272) by the end of September (307). According to BSF data, until September, the BSF has recovered the highest number of rifles and guns from the border areas, with a nearly 50 per cent rise in the recovery of rifles. Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India First Published: December 02, 2024, 09:29 IST Kanpur Man Kills Wife Over 'Extra-Marital Affair', Strikes Mother-In-Law To Death With Iron Rod Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 14:43 IST The incident took place on Sunday night in Chakeri area's Friends colony when Joseph Peter killed Kamini Singh and her mother Pushpa. Representative Image (ANI Image) A 41-year-old man was arrested here for allegedly killing his wife over suspected infidelity and his mother-in-law, who tried to intervene in the couples fight, police said on Monday. The incident took place on Sunday night in Chakeri areas Friends colony when Joseph Peter alias Badal, hailing from Bulandshahr district, killed Kamini Singh (39) and her mother Pushpa (62), they said. related stories The accused suspected that his wife, who worked at a private canteen, had an extra-marital affair with a man from Delhi, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (east) Rajesh Srivastava told PTI. Joseph had hired an auto to take Kamini for an outing on Sunday, but she refused, leading to a heated altercation between the couple, Srivastava said. In a fit of rage, Joseph hit Kamini on her neck with a sharp-edged weapon, resulting in her death, he said. He also killed his mother-in-law by striking her with an iron stick on the head, after she tried to intervene in the couples dispute, the DCP said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Their neighbour called the police after hearing shrieks from Josephs house, the DCP said, adding that police found Kamini and Pushpa lying dead in a pool of blood upon reaching there. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, police said. First Published: December 02, 2024, 14:43 IST Kerala Lottery Results, December 3 & December 2, 2024 (Today & Yesterday): Win Win W-798 Winners Announced; Full List Here! Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 07, 2024, 09:10 IST Live Kerala Lottery Results: Here's FULL LIST of winning numbers for Win Win W-798 lucky draw for Monday, December 2. Kerala Lottery Win Win W-798 Result: The first prize winner of Win Win W-798 will get Rs 75 lakh. (Image: Shutterstock) KERALA LOTTERY WIN WIN W-798 RESULT ON MONDAY, 2.12.2024, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Win-Win W-798 lucky draw for Monday, December 2, 2024. The winner of the first prize will get Rs 75 lakh. The second and third-place winners are entitled to Rs 5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively. Check the Live Updates and Full List of Winning Numbers below. ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Results 7.12.2024: Karunya KR-683 Winners; First Prize Rs 80 Lakh! related stories FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR WIN-WIN W-798 LOTTERY Winning number for 1st prize of Rs 75 lakh is WH 334811 (CHITTUR) Agent Name: M SHOUKATHALI Agency No.: P 2034 Winning number for 2d prize of Rs 5 lakh is WJ 313456 (NEYYATTINKARA) Agent Name: THANKAMANI C Agency No.: T 947 Winning numbers for 3rd prize of Rs 1 lakh are WA 873595 WB 322275 WC 318422 WD 308026 WE 107287 WF 116241 WG 569187 WH 432456 WJ 688801 WK 320719 WL 794440 WM 101366 Winning numbers for Consolation prize of Rs 8,000 are WA 334811 WB 334811 WC 334811 WD 334811 WE 334811 WF 334811 WG 334811 WJ 334811 WK 334811 WL 334811 WM 334811 Winning numbers for 4th prize of Rs 5,000 are 0166 0286 1251 1484 1589 2329 2598 4492 6357 6388 7238 7402 7783 8664 9103 9117 9922 9932 Winning numbers for 5th prize of RS 2,000 are 0265 0577 2501 3505 3681 5859 5892 6614 7221 8775 Winning numbers for 6th prize of Rs 1,000 are 0361 7656 6567 8386 1285 4915 2619 4812 6350 9934 2989 5404 0690 1479 Winning numbers for 7th prize of Rs 500 are 0140 0171 0339 0516 0646 0770 0824 0923 0974 1008 1307 1356 1418 1495 1809 1876 1986 2047 2299 2363 2394 2797 2810 2850 2859 2896 3304 3327 3328 3346 3378 3422 3526 3639 3826 4254 4297 4969 4996 5034 5069 5094 5159 5416 5436 5468 5732 5837 5935 6001 6382 6452 6519 6575 6627 6663 6866 6950 7095 7121 7293 7354 7515 7528 7664 7875 7959 7994 8307 8374 8419 8444 8462 8690 8778 9437 9451 9478 9888 9960 9989 9990 Winning numbes for 8th prize of Rs 100 are 0067 0070 0156 0160 0220 0407 0565 0578 0729 0811 0837 0878 0890 0893 1603 1604 1620 1632 1718 1721 1801 1823 1877 1950 2027 2212 2289 2305 2322 2339 2390 2473 2478 2509 2610 2673 2764 2860 2969 3020 3230 3302 3338 3421 3450 3515 3520 3574 3641 3696 3741 3768 3860 3865 3906 3921 4096 4100 4227 4259 4327 4395 4396 4608 4620 4625 4644 4770 4781 4830 4867 4897 4998 5021 5052 5063 5126 5271 5382 6165 6200 6342 6358 6397 6414 6427 6532 6747 6855 6857 6989 7078 7110 7191 7334 7429 7660 7966 7988 8053 8063 8200 8243 8247 8256 8290 8332 8338 8455 8499 8605 8754 8777 9039 9170 9297 9368 9379 9386 9446 9479 9778 9781 9830 9845 9933 HOW TO CHECK KERALA WIN-WIN W-798 LOTTERY RESULTS? The Win-Win W-798 lottery results will be made available on the Kerala Lottery Departments official website, www.keralalottery.info. Participants can also verify the results by visiting the Kerala Government Gazette office in person. HOW TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY? Check your ticket number against the draw results published in the Kerala Government Gazette to check if you qualify for the award. You have a chance of winning if both numbers match. Winners have 30 days from the result announcement to claim their winnings at the Kerala Lottery headquarters in Gorky Bhavan. They must produce both the winning ticket and identification proof for verification. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY? A photocopy of the winning ticket with self-attestation on both sides. Passport-sized photos signed by a Gazette official. PAN card copy with the participants signature on it. Online prize money receipt form and submit it with a revenue stamp attached. Identity proof documents such as PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, voter ID and ration cards. HOW TO DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS? Go to www.keralalotteries.info or keralalotteryresult.net, the official website of the Kerala Lottery Department. Select the link for Win-Win W-798 Result. Each winning number should now be visible in the result. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Locate the download link on the web page. Click on the link to get the lottery results in PDF format. Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India First Published: December 02, 2024, 09:00 IST Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 22:21 IST Maharashtra New CM 2024 Updates: The suspense over the new Maharashtra Chief Minister is likely to end on Wednesday as the BJP is slated to elect its legislative party leader in the legislative party meeting tomorrow. The BJP on Monday named Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani as central observers for its Maharashtra legislature partys meeting, where the MLAs will elect their leader. The BJP has already announced that the new chief minister will take oath on December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders. Though the party has not made any formal announcement, a senior BJP leader on Sunday claimed Devendra Fadnavis name has been finalised for the CMs post. Meanwhile, Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who returned to Mumbai from his village a day ago after being unwell, cancelled all his appointments and meetings on Monday after doctors advised him to take rest, prompting BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis to call him up to get an update on his health, sources told News18. On Sunday, Shinde reiterated his earlier statement that the BJP would decide on the new Chief Minister and assured his full support, ruling out any differences in the alliance over the government formation. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 132 seats in the recently-held elections, is proceeding cautiously, as the aspirations of its allies, especially Shiv Sena, are high. Man Held After 600 Km Chase For Setting Neighbours Car On Fire In Delhi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 21:28 IST As per the CCTV footage, Bhasin and two of his friends were seen stepping out of their car in the middle of the road and smashing the windshield of the Ciaz. Bhasin, runs an event management business and lives in Lajpat Nagar (Representative image) A 28-year-old man was arrested for setting his neighbours car on fire reportedly over a parking dispute in Delhis Lajpat area on Monday. The police tracked down the accused around 600km away from national capital in Uttar Pradeshs Amethi. The accused, Rahul Bhasin runs an event management business and lives in Lajpat Nagar with his brother and his family, the police said, as reported by news agency PTI. related stories The incident happened on late Saturday night. Bhasin had an ongoing dispute over parking with his neighbour, Ranjeet Singh (48). Owing to one such argument, he decided to set Chauhans car on fire with his friends. On November 29, Singh lodged a complaint against Bhasin for allegedly damaging his Maruti Suzuki Ciaz parked outside his house, the officer said. The entire incident was caught on CCTV. As per the CCTV footage, Bhasin and two of his friends were seen stepping out of their car in the middle of the road and smashing the windshield of the Ciaz and parking his own Mahindra Thar on the middle of the road and leaving. Acting on the complaint, police seized the Thar and a probe was initiated. On the intervening night of November 30 and December 1, the accused brought thinner and set the bonnet of Singhs car on fire," the officer further said. A team was formed to track and nab Bhasin. With the help of human intelligence and technical inputs, the team managed to track him down in Amethi in UP on Sunday, the police said. The police said that Bhasin was apprehended last year over the same issue. Singh told police that the accused and his friends would often indulge in fight with him and his family members.He also said that Bhasin would often pick fights with him after consuming alcohol, and that he informed the local police every time and they took actions. The police said that accused has been brought back to Delhi and is being interrogated. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Further investigation in the matter is underway, the police said. (With inputs from PTI) Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 02, 2024, 21:28 IST Nafithromycin: India's First Indigenous Antibiotic Is Here, Targets Drug-Resistant Pneumonia Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 22:42 IST Nafithromycin, marketed under the trade name Miqnaf, marks a significant milestone in Indias fight against antimicrobial resistance Indian health experts have a reason to be enthusiastic about nafithromycin, which is an innovative antibiotic developed indigenously by Wockhardt with critical support from the BIRAC under the DBT. (Image: PIB/News18) A solution to the global problem of excessive prescription of and dependence on antibiotics may be here. And, it could be a ray of hope for India the largest consumer of these drugs due to poor quality prescription and the ease of buying them over the counter, as per a health survey. According to a draft note accessed by News18, Indias first indigenous antibiotic is ready to roll. Nafithromycin, marketed under the trade name Miqnaf, marks a significant milestone in Indias fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). related stories Indian health experts have a reason to be enthusiastic about this drug, which is an innovative antibiotic developed indigenously by Wockhardt with critical support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the department of biotechnology. It addresses the global health crisis of AMR by targeting community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP), a condition responsible for more than two million deaths annually. ALSO READ | Avoid Giving Antibiotics Before Conducting Diagnostic Tests: NMCs New Norms To Curb Anti-microbial Resistance Here is all you need to know: Efficacy: Nafithromycin is 10 times more effective than azithromycin and achieves comparable outcomes with a shortened three-day regimen. Nafithromycin is 10 times more effective than azithromycin and achieves comparable outcomes with a shortened three-day regimen. Targets pathogens: It effectively treats both typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria. It is an oral drug developed with the aim of tackling community respiratory infections. It effectively treats both typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria. It is an oral drug developed with the aim of tackling community respiratory infections. Safety: Superior tolerability with minimal side effects and no significant drug interactions. Superior tolerability with minimal side effects and no significant drug interactions. Global recognition: This is the first antibiotic of its class developed globally in more than 30 years. The drug has undergone extensive clinical trials in the United States of America, Europe, and India over 14 years, supported by an investment of Rs 500 crore. At present, it awaits final manufacturing approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Experts said nafithromycin is considered to be especially effective in treating drug-resistant pneumonia with a cure rate of 96.7 per cent. It is 10 times more potent than azithromycin, and a safer, faster and more tolerable solution for patients. It is all set to be integrated into the prime ministers flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme so that it is easily accessible for all. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The drug stands as a testament to Indias growing capabilities in biotechnology, exemplifying how public-private collaboration can deliver life-saving innovations. As AMR escalates at a global level, this breakthrough positions India at the forefront of addressing a critical healthcare challenge. This achievement aligns with the central governments vision of self-reliance and leadership in biotechnology, fostering hope for future advancements in AMR solutions. First Published: December 02, 2024, 22:35 IST 'Weapons Over Welfare Of People': Navy Chief Slams Pakistan's 50-Ship Force Aim Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 13:29 IST Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has emphasised that oceans are open for operations for even China and Pakistan, as long as security isn't compromised. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi (Photo: ANI) The oceans are open to all for operations, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said on Monday, after he was asked about the presence of Chinese and Pakistani ships in the Indian Ocean. The Navy chief also slammed Pakistans Navy and said the country has decided to choose weapons over the welfare of its people. We are aware of the surprising growth of the Pakistan Navy. They aim to become a 50-ship force. Seeing their economy, it is very surprising how they are building or getting so many ships. They have decided to choose weapons over the welfare of their people. So good luck to them," the Navy chief said. related stories Addressing a media briefing ahead of Navy Day, Admiral Tripathi also commented on the activities of Pakistan and China in the Indian Ocean Region. The oceans are open to all. Anybody can operate in the oceans till the time they are not affecting our security. Countries are free to come and operate," he said. We have an established structure to monitor the activities and its a great initiative. Piracy has been brought down and is under control now," the Navy chief said. We are keeping a watch on extra-regional forces including the PLA Navy, their warships and their research vessels and know what they are doing and where they are," he added. #WATCH | Annual Navy Day press conference | Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi says, We have also kept a close watch on the activities of extra-regional forces operating in the Indian Ocean region including the PLA Navy units- whether it is their warships, their research pic.twitter.com/3FJxieLOc4 ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2024 At the briefing, the Navy chief also said that India is set to seal the proposed procurement of 26 naval variants of Rafale jets and three additional Scorpene submarines soon. The Navy chief also said that 62 ships and a submarine are currently under construction within the country as part of efforts to boost its naval power. A large number of platforms are waiting for induction in the next year and at least one ship will be inducted into the Navy, he said. We have redoubled efforts to include niche technologies into the force," Admiral Tripathi said. The procurement of Rafale-M (naval variant) and the Scorpene submarines is likely to be finalised next month, he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In July last year, the defence ministry approved the purchase of the Rafale-M jets from France, primarily for deployment on board the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. On Pakistans efforts to increase its maritime prowess, Admiral Tripathi said the Indian Navy is ready to deal with any possible threat from neighbouring countries. First Published: December 02, 2024, 13:20 IST No Food, Lodging For Bangladeshis: Tripura Hoteliers Temporarily Bar Services Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 23:31 IST The All Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners' Association on Monday said Bangladeshi citizens will not be allowed to take up lodgings in hotels of the state in a notification. Tripura hoteliers said services will be temporarily suspended for Bangladeshi tourists in the state. (IMAGE: PTI/NEWS18) The All Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association on Monday said Bangladeshi citizens will not be allowed to take up lodgings in hotels of the state in a notification. Earlier, the city witnessed protests against alleged attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh following a regime change there. A protest outside the Bangladesh mission in Agartala saw the premises of the Assistant High Commissioner (AHC) of Bangladesh breached, leading to the External Affairs Ministry to issue a statement where it said such breaches were deeply regrettable". related stories We are putting up posters at hotel front desks barring Bangladeshi nationals from entering the hotel premises and we have ramped up our security checks," Bhaskar Chakraborty, secretary of the association, said. The notification said that the hoteliers have vowed to not provide service to Bangladeshi nationals w.e.f. December 2". All the hoteliers have to display a sticker poster in this concern at the reception which will be provided by the association. The association will issue a press release in this concern immediately," the statement said. Over 50 protesters reportedly entered the premises of the Bangladeshi mission in Agartala, triggering concerns among those present at the complex. The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable," the MEA said. It said the government is taking action to step up security for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and other missions of the country in India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances," the MEA said in a statement. (with inputs from Poulami Kundu) Location : Agartala, Tripura First Published: December 02, 2024, 23:14 IST PM Modi Ensured PRAGATI Of 340 Infrastructure Projects Worth $200 Billion: Oxford Study Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 19:06 IST The study said the hands-on involvement of Indias top leader, Narendra Modi, is a key feature of the PRAGATI platform and an essential component of its success The study says PM Modi has taken a leading role reviewing each of the 340 infrastructure projects that have moved through the platform. (PTI File) An Oxford University study has credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his signature PRAGATI platform for acceleration of 340 key infrastructure projects in India worth 201 billion dollars, including projects that were due for three to 20 years. Since its inception nine years ago, PRAGATI has had an outsized impact on Indias infrastructure development. By June 2023, 340 projects worth INR 17.05 lakh crore ($205 billion) had gone through the PRAGATI review process," the study released on Monday said. The study said the hands-on involvement of Indias top leader, Narendra Modi, is a key feature of the PRAGATI platform and an essential component of its success". related stories The study says Modi has taken a leading role reviewing each of the 340 infrastructure projects that have moved through the platform. This scrutiny lends weight and urgency to infrastructure initiatives, helping rally resources, expedite decision-making, galvanise teams, and motivate workers on the ground. As a result, many large and important projects that have languished for a host of big and small reasons have jolted back to life," the study says. PRAGATI represents a wonderful amalgamation of technology and governance, ensuring silos are removed and projects are completed on time. Over the years, these sessions have led to substantive benefits, which have greatly benefitted people. Am glad that the effectiveness of Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 2, 2024 PM Modi in a post on X wrote: PRAGATI represents a wonderful amalgamation of technology and governance, ensuring silos are removed and projects are completed on time. Over the years, these sessions have led to substantive benefits, which have greatly benefitted people. Am glad that the effectiveness of PRAGATI has been recognised in the study by @OxfordSBS and @GatesFoundation." The study has been co-authored by Soumitra Dutta, Peter Moores Dean and Professor of Management at Said Business School, and Mukul Pandya, Associate Fellow, Said Business School, University of Oxford. Having worked as a chief minister for more than 12 years, Mr. Modi had a clear understanding of how such issues often play out on the ground The success of many PRAGATI projects can be traced directly to a small video-conferencing room at the Prime Ministers South Block office in New Delhi. There, often on the last Wednesday of every month, Mr. Modi convenes with his senior aides and at least one additional secretary who oversees PRAGATI. Joining via video conference are the Cabinet Secretary, all chief secretaries of states, and secretaries of the central ministries. These gatherings, which typically last 90 minutes, are well planned," the report says. The report has specifically listed eight transformative infrastructure projects in rail, road, power, and air projects, explaining the role PRAGATI played in streamlining their execution. This includes the Jammu Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Project, and the Navi Mumbai Airport. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The eight projects Bogibeel Rail and Road Bridge in Assam: It was conceptualised in the Assam Accord of 1985 and then sanctioned in 1998. It was to provide both rail and road connectivity between the northern and southern banks of the Brahmaputra River. Originally budgeted at Rs 1,000 crore, the final price tag for the project was Rs 5,920 crore. Following a PRAGATI review in May 2015, officials visited project sites more often, elevating the urgency of bottlenecks, streamlining efforts between state and central agencies, and expediting the projects progress. As a result, the bridge, which had been in the making for more than two decades, saw its inauguration in December 2018. Jammu Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link, J&K: Despite a year-round tourism industry, the vibrant Kashmir Valley has historically had just a single mode of transport connecting it to the Himalayan territory of Jammu and the rest of India. The plan to nestle a railway line within the Himalayas traversing mountains, gorges, and ridges marked a long, arduous, and technologically challenging journey. Approved in 1995, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) required innovative tunnelling in treacherous terrain. The project includes 38 tunnels, one of them nearly 13 km long. The line also passes over 931 bridges, including the Chenab Rail Bridge, the worlds highest railway bridge, which sits 359 metres over the Chenab River. When the project was first listed in the PRAGATI portal in 2015, a decade had passed with no construction. PRAGATIs intervention ushered in a paradigm shift at all levels of execution and administration. By the time the USBRL came up for its second PRAGATI review in 2020, construction of the line was three-quarters complete. The full rail line is now expected to be inaugurated in 2025. Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL): Conceived in stages, the first phase became operational in 2017, with the second phase expected to be completed in 2026. A third phase could be operational by 2028 and will include two new elevated lines. With the projects rail corridors snaking through the city, the acquisition of vast swathes of land was a Herculean task. Since becoming operational in 2017, the 42 km and 40 stations of Phase 1 have served as an urban rejuvenator. The tangible benefits include a drastic cut in congestion, an uplift in air quality, and a dependable transport mode. Haridaspur-Paradeep Rail Connection, Odisha: The Paradeep Port is the essential gateway, for which an 82-km Haridaspur-Paradeep rail line was approved in 1997. For a decade, the project moved at a snails pace due to insufficient funds. In 2018, PRAGATI gave the ministry of shipping authority to acquire equity in the SPV, effectively breaking the deadlock by diluting the contentious investors influence. The Haridaspur-Paradeep rail line was inaugurated in 2020. Since then, the project has reduced the travel time and distance between mining regions in Odisha and Paradeep Port by half, helping to lower transportation costs and boost business. Dahisar-Surat Section, National Highway 8, Maharashtra and Gujarat: The construction of the Dahisar-Surat segment of National Highway 8 (now NH 48) is an example of how a few specific last-mile issues can hobble a project, threatening to undermine significant amounts of already-completed work. The projects goal was designed as an expansion of a 239-km four-lane highway into six lanes and the addition of service roads that would cater to previously underserved communities. Construction began in February 2009 and was slated to finish by August 2011. By 2014, eight kilometres remained unfinished due to two points of contention. Varanasi-Aurangabad Section, National Highway 2, UP and Bihar: Spanning 192 km, this road-widening project aims to better connect Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Aurangabad in Bihar. When the Varanasi-Aurangabad stretch of National Highway 2 came under PRAGATI review in 2016, land acquisition was a major challenge, in part due to Bihars antiquated land records. Litigation with landowners and encroachments along the highway also held back progress. After five years, only 20% of the road widening had been completed. The widened highway is now scheduled for completion later this year. North Karanpura Thermal Power Plant, Jharkhand: To keep up with electricity demand in the worlds fastest-growing major economy, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) received approval to build a 1,980 megawatt thermal power plant in Jharkhands Chatra district in 2014. PRAGATI reviews in 2015 and 2021 helped expedite lease agreements for government land and secure an agreement with the Water Resources Department for withdrawal from the Garhi River. Scheduled to be operational later this year, the plant will not only help promote Indias national growth ambitions, but deliver new employment opportunities to an area with high unemployment and a consistent electricity supply to an area plagued by power outages. Navi Mumbai Airport, Maharashtra: Over the past several decades, the city of Mumbai, Indias economic capital, has grown exponentially, while its airport struggled to keep up. The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) was designed to alleviate the crippling air traffic bottlenecks and to help the region fulfil its economic aspirations. Approved in 2007, land acquisition proved to be a formidable challenge for the project. A PRAGATI review in 2015 helped project stakeholders find resolutions to these challenges. The Prime Ministers Office connected directly with the chief secretary of Maharashtra to help the villagers. Land acquisition was successfully completed in 2019. Construction on NMIA finally began not long after a second PRAGATI review in 2021. On course to be commissioned by an updated targeted timeline of December 2024, the airport is a symbol of what is possible when ambitious leadership and digital technology drive governance. First Published: December 02, 2024, 17:29 IST Jennifer Lopez Reflects on Tackling Imposter Syndrome in Hollywood; 5 Ways You Can Deal With It Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 12:50 IST Jennifer Lopezs story is a testament to the transformative power of self-belief and perseverance JLo candidly discussed the obstacles she faced and how her unwavering self-belief helped her defy stereotypes and carve a place for herself in an industry that wasn't always welcoming. Jennifer Lopez, recently opened up about her journey in Hollywood, sharing insights from her early struggles as a Latina actress. With a career spanning over two decades, JLo candidly discussed the obstacles she faced and how her unwavering self-belief helped her defy stereotypes and carve a place for herself in an industry that wasnt always welcoming. Speaking on Varietys Awards Circuit podcast, Lopez reflected on the slow yet meaningful progress Hollywood has made toward diversity and inclusion. Positive change is slow and it is but as long as were moving in the right direction, thats what matters," she said. related stories Lopez recalled her early years in the industry when the lack of roles for Latina actresses often relegated her to auditioning for stereotypical parts. I was auditioning for roles that required accents and leaned on cliches. I kept asking myself, Why cant I just play a romantic lead? Why cant I be the girl next door? That belief that conviction that I belonged was what helped me break those moulds." Confronting Stereotypes and Embracing Self-Belief Lopezs breakthrough roles in films like Anaconda and later her success in romantic comedies proved that she was more than capable of challenging stereotypes. However, the journey wasnt without its challenges. Growing up in the Bronx as the daughter of Puerto Rican parents, Lopez faced what many from underrepresented backgrounds experience: imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is real, especially when you come from neighborhoods like I did," Lopez shared. Theres always that voice that says, You dont belong here. Youre not good enough. But Ive learned the power of what you tell yourself. When those doubts creep in, you need to replace them with, No, Ive worked hard. I do belong here. That shift in mindset changes everything." What is Imposter Syndrome? Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling of self-doubt or inadequacy, often despite evident success. Its common among high-achievers and those navigating environments where they feel underrepresented. Symptoms can include attributing success to luck, downplaying achievements, or constantly fearing failure. How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome Jennifer Lopezs journey offers valuable lessons in combating this phenomenon. Here are some strategies inspired by her experiences: top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Acknowledge Your AchievementsReflect on your hard work and accomplishments. Recognize that your success is a result of your dedication, skills, and resilience. Change the Inner NarrativeReplace negative self-talk with affirmations. Instead of doubting your abilities, remind yourself of your qualifications and the value you bring. Seek Mentorship and CommunitySurround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Mentors and peers can provide valuable perspective and reassurance. Celebrate Your UniquenessEmbrace your identity and the unique perspective it brings. JLos determination to be more than a stereotype is a reminder that authenticity is powerful. Be Patient with ProgressChange, whether personal or societal, is often slow. Celebrate small victories and stay focused on long-term goals, just as Lopez emphasized in her reflection on Hollywoods evolving diversity. Jennifer Lopezs story is a testament to the transformative power of self-belief and perseverance. By confronting imposter syndrome and challenging stereotypes, she not only paved her way to success but also inspired countless others to break barriers and embrace their own worth. First Published: December 02, 2024, 12:50 IST Shield Yourself This Flu Season: Get Vaccinated and Stay Healthy Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 09:46 IST Influenza prevention is a shared responsibility. People have to make a lot of effort to avoid the flu. Influenza, often mistaken for a common cold, is a far more serious global health concern than perceived. Each year, the virus affects an estimated one billion people globally, leading to 290,000 to 650,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Influenza is one of the commonest causes of influenza-like illness (ILI); and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) which often leads to hospitalization. In India, the situation is particularly concerning. Influenza subtypes A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) as also Influenza B are known to circulate widely. As per the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), there are nearly 15,000 reported cases of H1N1 influenza in India this year until August 31, 2024, which is approximately two times the cases seen in 2023. Unlike temperate regions such as the U.S. or Europe, where a flu season is confined to winter months, India experiences year-round influenza activity, with different peaks in different areas of the country, with most peaks during monsoons and winter. This persistent threat puts a significant strain on Indias healthcare system, as it struggles to manage a surge of patients presenting flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and those who require hospitalization. related stories Dr. Parvaiz Koul, Former Director and Ex-officio Secretary, SKIMS, Srinagar shares all you need to know. Vulnerable populations at risk Although influenza can be self-limiting, not infrequently it can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, respiratory failure and even surge in non-respiratory events like cardiovascular events. Patients who are at risk for serious outcomes of influenza infection include those with chronic respiratory, heart, neurological, metabolic (diabetes) or liver disorders as also those at extremes of age (less than 5 years and more then 65 years). Pregnant females and patients who are immunocompromised are also at high risk. Even healthy individuals are not exempt from the diseases far-reaching societal and economic impact, as it can lead to missed workdays, reduced productivity, and increased medical expenses. Vaccination: A Crucial Line of Defense Vaccination is regarded as the most important public health intervention in the prevention, transmission of influenza infection and its potential adverse consequences. The Ministry of Health recommends vaccination for high-risk groups and nearly all physician bodies emphasize on yearly influenza vaccination. However, despite the clear and present danger, Indias vaccination rates remain alarmingly low. It is therefore imperative for healthcare physicians to educate patients regarding influenza vaccination and ensure that they receive their annual shot. WHO recommends annual influenza vaccinations as the most crucial step in preventing the disease. Physician advocacy is most crucial as they are regarded as the most trusted medium of implementing any health care intervention. Proactive Prevention: A Shared Responsibility top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Influenza viruses are continuously evolving, requiring annual updates to vaccine formulations. The World Health Organization continuously monitors influenza viruses and recommends seasonal influenza vaccine compositions twice a year for the northern and southern hemisphere influenza seasons. This close monitoring of influenza is carried out to predict the most likely strains to circulate during the upcoming flu season and inform the vaccine manufacturers for development of appropriately matched vaccine. The vaccine composition is updated every year based on the surveillance results as there is a constant evolution of the viruses by antigenic changes. For the ongoing 2024-2025 winter flu season, the WHO-recommended Northern Hemisphere 2024/2025 influenza vaccine is now available in India. This provides an excellent opportunity for an opportunity for communities to be protected against the disease. Influenza prevention is a shared responsibility. By taking proactive steps, we can collectively safeguard public health, protect our loved ones, and build a more resilient healthcare system. First Published: December 02, 2024, 09:46 IST Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Celebrate Wedding Anniversary in Chic Black Outfits in New York City Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 13:57 IST The couple twinned in stylish black ensembles as they enjoyed a romantic dinner date, with Priyanka flaunting a sultry mini dress and Nick opting for a sharp, tailored look. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas in NYC Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas marked their wedding anniversary with a romantic dinner date in New York City, where they were spotted twinning in chic black outfits. Priyanka stole the spotlight with a stunning black mini dress, exuding confidence and sophistication. The dress, designed with a one-shoulder cut, featured a form-fitting silhouette that accentuated her toned figure, along with a wrap design, asymmetrical neck and hemline, and a long sash embellished with grey rope-like fringe. The waist showcased a delicate grey crochet detail. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Patty Cardona (@jerryxmimi) related stories To complete her look, Priyanka accessorized with bold black knee-high boots from the Giuseppe Zanotti X Nicolo Beretta collection, a sleek mini bag with a patterned design, and sparkling jewelry, including diamond earrings, rings, and a pendant necklace. She topped it off with a black leather jacket boasting an oversized, relaxed fit, with drop shoulders, notch lapels, and a zipper-front design. Her beauty look featured soft waves, berry-toned lips, and glowing skin, with shimmery eye makeup and a fresh, radiant finish. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Nick, matching his wife in style, wore a black tailored shacket with pressed collars and a boxy silhouette, layered over a black polo shirt and straight-leg pants. His ensemble was completed with black Chelsea boots, a ring, and a buzz cut, while his beard was neatly trimmed, adding to his sharp look. The couple was seen strolling hand in hand in midtown Manhattan, with Priyanka posing for the paparazzi and flashing a victory sign as they made their way to their vehicle. The pair looked effortlessly stylish and full of love as they celebrated their special day. First Published: December 02, 2024, 13:57 IST Sara Ali Khan In Rajasthan: Top 5 Things You Must Do In The Culturally Rich State Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 11:32 IST Sara Ali Khan is currently vacationing in Jodhpur. Inspired by her travel, here are five top things that you must do in Rajasthan. Sara Ali Khan was earlier seen devouring a Rajasthani thali. Sara Ali Khan is fuelled by a deep spirit of wanderlust. The actor was earlier spotted in Kedarnath where she took a break to unwind after her hectic schedule. Currently, she is vacationing in Rajasthan. The actor often takes to her social media to share snippets from her vacation. From devouring a Rajasthani thali to taking a safari in the Thar Desert, she has done it all. In case Sara Ali Khan has influenced you to travel to Rajasthan, then here are the top five things that you must do in the culturally rich state. related stories 1. Explore The Palaces and Forts In Jaipur From the iconic Hawa Mahal to the majestic City Palace, Jaipur is dotted with stunning palaces and forts that help you soak in its rich history and culture. The Pink City is a reminder of Rajasthans royal past. 2. Visit Jaisalmer The desert city of Jaisalmer is famous for the Jaisalmer Fort a living fort that houses shops, temples, and hotels within its walls. Apart from that, you can also take an exhilarating camel safari through the dunes and witness the vast desert. 3. Take A Trip To Udaipur Udaipur has fascinating architecture to feast your eyes on. From the Lake Palace which is situated in the middle of Lake Pichola to the Jag Mandir, Udaipur can be romantic and cosy. 4. Soak In Spirituality In Pushkar The Pushkar Lake is one of the most sacred lakes in India and is surrounded by temples. Explore the lake and the many temples of various significance located around it. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 5. Witness The Wildlife in Ranthambhore National Park Famous for its population of tigers, the park offers an exciting opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts. You can take a safari and get an opportunity to see the flora and fauna up close. Additionally, you can also visit the Ranthambhore Fort which is located within the park. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 02, 2024, 11:30 IST Sobhita Dhulipala Radiates In Red At Her Pelli Kuthuru Ceremony Ahead Of Wedding With Naga Chaitanya Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 15:59 IST For her Pelli Kuthuru ceremony, Sobhita Dhulipala opted for a red saree with a matching red blouse. She looked resplendent as she participated in the pre-wedding ritual. Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya are set to tie the knot on December 4. Bride-to-be Sobhita Dhulipala is just days away from her grand wedding to Naga Chaitanya. Ahead of the wedding, she kickstarted her wedding festivities. Earlier, she had shared pictures from her Mangalsnanam ceremony. As she gets closer to her big day, she shared pictures from her Pelli Kuthuru ceremony. The actor opted for a classic red saree and looked as resplendent as ever. Taking to her Instagram, she shared a carousel post that included images from her Pelli Kuthuru ceremony. The first picture showed her seated in the middle surrounded by her sister and brother-in-law. The second picture showed her smiling as she sat in a chair for the ceremony. Other pictures show her smiling and blushing as she was blessed by her elders and close family members. related stories Take a look at the pictures here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sobhita (@sobhitad) For the Pelli Kuthuru ceremony, Sobhita opted for a red saree which was adorned with traditional gold motifs all over. She paired the saree with a matching full-sleeve round-neck blouse. She tied her hair in a middle partitioned ponytail and opted for traditional South Indian antique jewellery which added a touch of heritage to her look. Along with the gold jewellery, she also opted for multi-coloured bangles which elevated her look. What Is The Pelli Kuthuru Ceremony? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In Telugu communities, the Pelli Kuthuru ceremony is a special way for the brides family to welcome her into their home and bless her for marriage. The bride is bathed with turmeric, rose water, and other holy and auspicious ingredients during this ritual. It is believed that the turmeric brings a natural glow to the brides face and protects her from the evil eye. The blend of customs, rituals, and celebrations is celebrated with gusto in South Indian communities. Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala are set to tie the knot on December 4. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 02, 2024, 15:28 IST 5 Farm-to-Home Experiences Across India for a Sustainable Getaway Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 01, 2024, 22:36 IST These farm-to-home destinations are more than just a refreshing escapethey embody the ideals of responsible tourism, wellness, and sustainability Whether youre looking to reconnect with nature or discover new ways of living sustainably, these farm-to-home experiences are sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired If youre yearning for an escape that combines comfort, sustainability, and authentic farm-to-table experiences, these farm stays across India offer a perfect balance of nature, organic living, and relaxation. With each destination rooted in eco-friendly practices and a deep connection to the land, these retreats provide more than just a getaway; they offer a chance to embrace a slower, more mindful lifestyle, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and fresh, locally sourced produce. Whether youre looking to reconnect with nature or discover new ways of living sustainably, these farm-to-home experiences are sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired. Auks Farm, Darjeeling (West Bengal) related stories Auks Farm, located in the village of Soreng in the Darjeeling district, West Bengal, is a remarkable destination for travellers seeking peace and a close connection with nature. Situated 25 kilometers from both Darjeeling and Kalimpong, this farm stay is nestled amid the breathtaking Himalayan foothills, providing guests with panoramic views of rolling hills, lush green farmlands, and majestic mountain ranges. Surrounded by forests, fields, and stunning views of the Himalayas, Auks Farm provides a break from the fast-paced urban life. Whether its enjoying the cool mountain breeze, watching clouds drift over the peaks, or strolling through the farmlands, guests at Auks Farm are treated to a serene and immersive experience in nature. Activities such as birdwatching, pottery workshops, and hiking trails ensure theres plenty to explore beyond the plate. The breathtaking sunset views and commitment to sustainability make this a standout retreat. Dewalokam Farm Stay, Kerala Set amidst Keralas lush greenery, Dewalokam is a serene riverside retreat that celebrates the regions rich agricultural heritage. The farm grows a variety of spices, vegetables, and fruits, all used in the delicious home-cooked meals served to guests. Beyond the dining experience, visitors can enjoy yoga sessions, Ayurveda therapies, and guided treks through nearby forests. Dewalokams emphasis on organic farming and wellness makes it a holistic getaway. Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling (West Bengal) A heritage plantation with a colonial charm, Glenburn Tea Estate offers visitors a glimpse into the world of tea production. Guests can stroll through the estates verdant fields, enjoy tea-tasting sessions, and partake in tours of the processing units. The farm-to-home experience is completed with fresh ingredients sourced locally, paired with breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range. The estates luxurious hospitality and immersive activities make it a dream destination. Hideout Farm, Maharashtra Tucked away in the hills of Maharashtra, Hideout Farm is an eco-conscious retreat for those seeking simplicity and connection with nature. Known for its permaculture principles, the farm produces a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are used to prepare fresh, wholesome meals. Visitors can participate in workshops on organic farming, sustainable living, and natural building. Its rustic charm and commitment to an eco-friendly lifestyle make it a haven for mindful travelers. The Goat Village, Uttarakhand top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all High in the Garhwal Himalayas, The Goat Village combines traditional mountain hospitality with a sustainable ethos. Guests stay in stone cottages built using locally sourced materials and enjoy meals prepared from the farms organic produce. Activities include helping with farming tasks, exploring scenic trekking trails, and learning about local village life. The retreat is an excellent example of community-based eco-tourism, supporting both conservation efforts and the livelihoods of locals. These farm-to-home destinations are more than just a refreshing escapethey embody the ideals of responsible tourism, wellness, and sustainability. By opting for these retreats, youre not just booking a holiday, but embracing a lifestyle that doesnt harm nature, supports local communities, and prioritizes health. Whether youre unwinding in a remote village or learning new sustainable practices, these farm stays offer a chance to disconnect from the world and reconnect with what truly matters: nature, nourishment, and mindfulness. First Published: December 01, 2024, 22:36 IST Allu Arjun Accused Of Hurting Sentiments, Complaint Filed Ahead Of Pushpa 2 Release; Here's Why Published By : IANS Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 07:42 IST Pushpa 2: The Rule, which is undoubtedly the most awaited film of the year, is set to release in theatres on December 5. Besides Allu Arjun, Pushpa 2 stars Rashmika Mandanna. A case has been registered against Telugu superstar Allu Arjun ahead of the release of his highly-anticipated movie Pushpa 2: The Rule. During a recent promotional event in Mumbai, Allu Arjun had addressed his fan base as Army". This has hurt the sentiment of a man named Srinivas Goud as he has now lodged a complaint against the actor at the Jawahar Nagar Police Station in Hyderabad, objecting to the usage of the word for his fan base. In a video, Srinivas, who is the president of Green Peace Environment and Water Harvesting Foundation, said, We have filed a complaint against Tollywood star Allu Arjun requesting him not to use the word army for his fan base. Army is an honourable post; theyre the ones who protect our country, so you cant call your fans that. There are many other terms he could use instead". related stories Meanwhile, Pushpa 2: The Rule, which is undoubtedly the most awaited film of the year, is set to release in theatres on December 5. The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna, in the role of Srivalli, and Malayalam superstar Fahadh Faasil. Earlier, during the event, Allu Arjun highlighted Rashmikas unwavering support, calling her the kind of person who uplifts everyone around her. Allu Arjun said, I want to take two minutes and thank her for everything she has done for this film. Her support is immense. There is no way this film is complete without Srivallis support. Me and my director have so much admiration for her because we keep shooting every day, and she comes once in a while. When she comes, those days are so pleasant. She leaves me like such a sweet girl, bringing in so much beautiful, positive energy". Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, Pushpa 2: The Rule is directed by Sukumar. The music of the film is composed by Devi Sri Prasad who earlier won the National Award for his chartbuster soundtrack in Pushpa: The Rise. First Published: December 02, 2024, 07:42 IST Nargis Fakhri's Sister Aliya Arrested In US For Killing Her Ex-Boyfriend; Mother Denies Charges Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 03, 2024, 00:28 IST While Nargis Fakhri has not yet commented on the matter, her mother has spoken out in defense of Aliya. Nargis Fakhri's sister was arrested and denied bail in the Criminal Court. Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhris sister, Aliya Fakhri, has been arrested in connection with the deaths of her ex-boyfriend, Edward Jacobs, and his friend, Anastasia Star Ettienne, in a fire in Queens, New York. Authorities allege that Aliya set fire to a two-storey garage, causing the victims to die from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. She has been denied bail and charged with their murders. District Attorney Melinda Katz described the incident as a malicious act, stating, This defendant maliciously ended the lives of two people by setting a fire that trapped a man and woman in a raging inferno." She continued, The victims tragically died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries," according to a report from Daily News. related stories While Nargis Fakhri has not yet commented on the matter, her mother has spoken out in defense of Aliya. She expressed disbelief at the allegations, stating, I dont think she would be killing someone. She was a person who was caring for everybody. She tried to help everybody," as reported by multiple news outlets. According to The Post, Edward Jacobs mother revealed that Jacobs and Aliya had ended their relationship a year before the tragic incident. Despite the breakup, Aliya reportedly continued to pursue him. The report also clarified that Jacobs and Ettienne were not in a romantic relationship but were simply friends. One of the key pieces of testimony came from a witness at the crime scene who attempted to rescue Anastasia but was forced to jump over a barrier to escape the fire. The witness stated that Anastasia had gone back into the burning building to try and save Edward Jacobs. The witness also shared that Aliya and Edward had an abusive relationship", which is believed to have played a part in the fatal fire. We had to jump over it to escape. Star jumped over with me, but then she went back in to save [Jacobs]. It was an abusive relationship. She had told everyone before that she was going to burn his house down, that she was going to kill him. We just laughed it off," the witness revealed, as reported in various media outlets. As for Nargis Fakhri herself, she gained fame with her impressive performance in Rockstar (2011) alongside Ranbir Kapoor, which earned her a lot of attention. She is currently busy shooting the final schedule of Housefull 5, where she shares the screen with Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Tiger Shroff, Sanjay Dutt, and Sonam Bajwa. First Published: December 03, 2024, 00:28 IST Prince Narula Slams Yuvika for 'Lying' About Informing Him Of Baby's Delivery: 'Vlogs Mein Jhooth...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 21:19 IST Prince also re-shared a story by Jaya Kishori that advocated for staying silent for mental peace, even when one isnt at fault. Yuvika Chaudhary and Prince Narula fell in love with each other on Bigg Boss 9 and have been together ever since. (Photo: Instagram) Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudharys personal life has become the centre of public attention after Prince accused his wife of keeping him in the dark about their babys delivery date. The drama unfolded when Prince made a YouTube vlog, criticising Yuvika and her family for not informing him about the delivery. Yuvika, in her defence, shared a vlog of her own but refrained from publicly discussing their relationship. However, this didnt sit well with Prince, who later lashed out on Instagram. On December 2, 2024, Prince took to Instagram to post a cryptic story, indirectly addressing Yuvika. Without naming her, he remarked how some people fabricate lies in their vlogs to appear innocent, while those who remain silent are deemed wrong. His post read: Kuch log vlogs mein jhooth bol ke, sache ban jate hai. Or kuch log chup rahe kar galat sabit ho jate hai. Is zamane mein rishte se jada vlogs important hai." (Some people lie in vlogs and appear honest, while others stay silent and are considered wrong. In todays times, vlogs matter more than relationships.) related stories Prince also re-shared a story by Jaya Kishori that advocated for staying silent for mental peace, even when one isnt at fault. Commenting on it, Prince added, So true." The tension reportedly began after their babys birth when Yuvika chose to stay with her mother for the traditional 45 days post-delivery. This decision sparked online trolling against Prince for not being present. To clarify his side, Prince shared in a vlog that Yuvika had not informed him about the delivery date, and he learned about it from someone else. He recalled, Pehle jab baby hona tha toh mujhe pata hi nahi tha, mai Pune mein shoot le raha tha. Suddenly mujhe pata chal kisi se aaj delivery hai. Mere liye surprise rakha hua tha, mujhe laga pata nahi kaisa surprise hai. Thoda ajeeb sa lag raha tha, mai bhag kar aaya. Yaha aaya toh parents ko call kiya, vo bhi gussa ho gaye the." (When the baby was about to be born, I had no idea. I was shooting in Pune when I suddenly heard from someone that the delivery was today. It was supposed to be a surprise for me, but I found it strange. I rushed back, called my parents, and they were upset too.) First Published: December 02, 2024, 21:19 IST Vikrant Massey Announces Retirement: Know All About His Diverse Family Background Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 10:37 IST While Vikrant continues to win applause for his professional achievements, he once reflected on his family dynamics. Vikrant Massey is married to Sheetal Thakur. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Fans were left disheartened as Vikrant Massey announced his retirement from acting in a heartfelt late-night post on December 1. Expressing his gratitude to fans for their indelible" support, Vikrant said, Its time to recalibrate and go back home." The actor has, time and again, opted for diverse roles, proving his acting finesse in films like 12th Fail, Lootera and the recently released The Sabarmati Report. While Vikrant continues to win applause for his professional achievements, he once reflected on his family dynamics. In an earlier conversation, he revealed how his family embodies diversityhis father, a Christian, is married to a Sikh, while his brother, Moeen, embraces Islam. Vikrant himself is married to actress Sheetal Thakur, a Hindu. On Shubhankar Mishras podcast earlier this month, Vikrant Massey said, My brother does Laxmi puja on the occasion of Diwali. His conversion is his personal choice. But we celebrate Diwali and Holi together here. On the occasion of Eid, we celebrate it at his place, having biryani. Today, that fulcrum is absent (in society)." related stories My father has been to Vaishno Devi temple (located in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir) six times. He is a Christian and goes to church twice a week even now. But thats what India has always been like. You will find Christians whose name is Rahul, Rohit etc. We ourselves go to gurudwaras and many Hindus go to Ajmer Sharif Dargah (located in Rajasthan). This is our Hindustan. Why is it so surprising? Theres a temple in my house. My sons name is Vardaan. This is the fabric of our country," added the actor. Vikrant Massey was last seen in The Sabarmati Report, based on the Godhra Riots of 2002. Directed by Dheeraj Sarna and jointly produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoors Balaji Motion Pictures, Amul V Mohan and Anshul Mohan, the film starred Raashii Khanna and Riddhi Dogra in the key roles. Next up for the actor are two more films before his exit from acting, as Vikrant mentioned in his retirement post. Both his upcoming releases are scheduled to hit the theatres in 2025. Vikrant Masseys announcement has undoubtedly left fans in shock. While many are grappling with the news, there is a glimmer of hope among fans that this might just be a temporary pause in his career and that the actor would return. First Published: December 02, 2024, 10:37 IST Who Is Sobhita Dhulipala? Meet Naga Chaitanya's Soon-To-Be Wife After His Divorce From Samantha Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 03, 2024, 03:20 IST Sobhita Dhulipala gained widespread recognition through Prime Videos Made in Heaven (2019), where she played Tara Khanna, a wedding planner. Sobhita Dhulipala during her pre-wedding ceremony. Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala surprised everyone by officially announcing their engagement in August. The couple is set to tie the knot on December 4 at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad. Their engagement, held on August 8, marked a new chapter in their relationship, which has reportedly spanned over a year and a half. Chaitanyas father and veteran actor Nagarjuna shared the happy news on X. Who Is Sobhita Dhulipala? related stories Sobhita Dhulipala has become a prominent name in Indian cinema, known for her bold choice of roles and charismatic screen presence. Born on May 31, 1992, in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh, Sobhita first rose to fame as a finalist in the Femina Miss India 2013 pageant, where she earned multiple titles. She made her acting debut in Anurag Kashyaps Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016), playing the layered character of Smrutika Naidu alongside Vicky Kaushal. Her nuanced performance earned critical praise and set the tone for her acting career. Sobhita gained widespread recognition through Prime Videos Made in Heaven (2019), where she played Tara Khanna, a wedding planner navigating the complexities of high society. Her portrayal resonated with viewers, establishing her as a versatile talent in the OTT space. Her other notable projects include Bard of Blood, The Night Manager, Kurup, and Ponniyin Selvan. On the global stage, Sobhita made her Hollywood debut in Monkey Man, directed by Dev Patel. In the film, she played Sita, a call girl serving corrupt elites. The movie was widely praised for its intense action sequences. Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanyas Love Story Rumours about Sobhitas relationship with Naga Chaitanya, a well-known actor in Telugu cinema, first started circulating in 2022. The two remained tight-lipped about their personal lives until their engagement in August. Naga Chaitanyas Past Marriage Naga Chaitanya was previously married to Samantha Ruth Prabhu, one of Telugu cinemas most celebrated actors. The couple wed in 2017 but announced their separation in October 2021, citing irreconcilable differences. As the wedding date approaches, fans of both Sobhita and Naga Chaitanya are eagerly awaiting this new chapter in their lives. First Published: December 03, 2024, 03:20 IST Opinion | How Media Played Mani Shankar Aiyar in Maharashtra Elections Written By : News18.com Last Updated: December 01, 2024, 18:45 IST In the assembly election of Indias richest state, whereas Muslim candidates and voters demonstrated that UP CM Yogi Adityanaths batenge to katenge slogan has merit, Hindu voters must have reacted to the journalistic fraternitys shamelessly selective damning of Hindutva too Eknath Shinde with Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. (PTI) While the fraternity of journalists in the leftist-masquerading-as-neutral media slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for raising slogans like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths batenge to katenge and Prime Minister Narendra Modis ek hain to safe hain, they were Muslim candidates and voters from the community in the recent Maharashtra assembly election who demonstrated the point. In these rare polls, Muslims did not vote en bloc, en masse for one anti-BJP party many Muslim women, the Election Commissions data indicate, voted for the saffron party while, in a way, Hindus voted in the manner generally Muslims do! related stories Statistics showing PM Modi, CM Yogi are right In certain constituencies, the presence of several Muslim candidates resulted in a division of the communitys votes. For instance, in Aurangabad East, where the Muslim electorate exceeds 37 per cent of the voter population, All India Majlis e Ittehad ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) state president and former MP Imtiaz Jaleel was defeated by the BJPs Atul Save who won by a margin of 2,161 votes. Save received 93,274 votes while Jaleel garnered 91,113. Afsar Khan of VBA, who secured 6,507 votes, and Samajwadi Partys (SP) Abdul Ghaffar Syed, who received 5,943 votes, further fragmented the Muslim votes, leading to Jaleels loss. In Aurangabad Central, which has over 38 per cent Muslim voters, the AIMIMs Siddiqui Naseruddin Taquiuddin ranked second with 77,340 votes. Pradeep Jaiswal of Shinde Sena, who led by 8,119 votes, won the seat while Balasaheb Thorat from the Shiv Sena (UBT) came in third with 37,098 votes. Similarly, in Bhiwandi West, the BJPs Mahesh Choughule triumphed over the SPs Riyaz Azmi by 31,293 votes, with the Muslim electorate also divided among AIMIMs Waris Pathan, who received 15,800 votes, and independent candidate Vilas Patil, who garnered 31,579 votes. Interestingly, the AIMIM achieved a modest outcome in Maharashtra, winning only one of the 16 seats it contested. However, the party played a crucial role in downgrading the MVA performance in at least six assembly constituencies during the recent elections. The Hyderabad-based party nominated 12 Muslim and four Dalit candidates, primarily targeting regions with substantial populations of Muslims and the sections of Hindus and Buddhists whose prime concern appears to be their respective caste identities. The AIMIMs only victory came from Malegaon Central where Mufti Mohammad Ismail triumphed by a slim margin of just 162 votes. This constituency, with a Muslim voter demographic of 78 per cent, saw Ismail narrowly defeat Asif Shaikh Rasheed from the curiously named Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra. The Samajwadi Partys Nihal Ahmed finished third with 9,624 votes while the BJP did not contest this seat. Likewise, in Dhule City, where Muslims constitute 22 per cent of the electorate, the AIMIMs Shah Farook Anwar secured second place with 70,788 votes. The BJPs Omprakash Agrawal won decisively, leading by 45,750 votes, while Uddhav Senas Anil Gote finished third with 24,304 votes. The AIMIMs presence in this constituency likely diverted a large number of votes, affecting the MVAs overall performance. In Solapur City Central, which has nearly 25 per cent Muslim voters, the AIMIMs Farooq Shabdi garnered 61,428 votes, finishing in second place. The BJPs Devendra Kothe won the seat by a substantial margin of 48,850 votes. The Indian National Congress (INC), once a formidable competitor, managed a mere 16,385 votes. In Nanded South, where Muslims make up more than 23 per cent of the electorate, AIMIMs Syed Momin Syed Mukhtar received 15,396 votes, while Farooque Ahmed from Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi contributed 33,841 votes to the oppositions total. The seat was ultimately won by Anand Tidke of Shinde Sena, who triumphed over Congresss Mohanrao Hambarde by a slim margin of 2,132 votes. Among the areas that witnessed a marginal impact of the division of Muslim votes, in Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, Abu Azmi, the Maharashtra unit chief of the SP, successfully defended his seat with a margin of 12,753 votes. Nevertheless, AIMIMs Ateeque Ahmad Khan garnered 42,027 votes, which considerably narrowed Azmis victory margin. In Karanja, where nearly 21% of voters are Muslim, the AIMIMs Mohammad Yusuf Mohammad Shafi Punjani obtained 31,042 votes to rank third. The BJPs Sai Prakash Dahake won against NCP (Sharad Pawar) candidate Patni Gyayak Rajendra by a margin of 35,073 votes. Why selectively blame one party, one community? So, what was objectionable in the two slogans? Maybe the fact that they werent expressed in English! When primary school-going children are taught united we stand, divided we fall" as a part of their moral science lessons, no parent cries polarisation". However, in the case of the Maharashtra election, the secular media found nothing wrong with the Maha Vikas Aghadis (MVA) act of entertaining demands from National Ulema Council, Maharashtra, and All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Sajjad Nomani, which included quotas for Muslims in state contracts and favoured treatment in recruitment for police forces. Worse, in the first week of November, Akbaruddin Owaisi made a veiled reference to his infamous take away the police for 15 minutes" threat at a rally of the AIMIM, which must have scared the daylights out of many a Hindu voter. But it was only when the BJP responded with the two slogans mentioned above that the leftist commentators collectively cried foul. Mercifully, someone in the INC accepted the folly in his post-result analysis. Maulana Sajjad Nomani should have stuck to guiding the community on religious affairs. His call confused the community and helped the BJP polarise the Hindu votes. If the maulana is interested in politics, he should fight elections," said Asif Farooqui, the general secretary of the INCs Mumbai unit. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Added to the theory that Muslim mobilisation must have triggered Hindu counter-polarisation, the people of Maharashtra must have reacted to the brazenly biased media commentary, as every day they were being told during the campaign that, out of the two large communities, Hindus alone were communal". Viewed from this angle, can the media that fashionably calls itself mainstream" not be branded as the BJPs force multiplier? They behaved like opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mani Shankar Aiyar, so prone to making remarks that hurt the majority, whenever they open their mouths, they transfer votes in big chunks to the very party they are supposed to beat in the electoral contest! The author is a senior journalist and writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: December 01, 2024, 18:45 IST Opinion | Socialist, Secular In Preamble: Why Supreme Court Upheld The Status Quo Written By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 15:48 IST Regardless of their presence in the Preamble, the words socialist and secular have had limited impact on India's policies. The SC refused to strike them down for valid reasons, which has nothing to do with ideology On the eve of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, a two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court refused to strike down the words socialist and secular inserted in the Preamble. (Representative image) On the eve of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India, a two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court refused to strike down the words socialist" and secular" inserted in the Preamble through the Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act, 1976, during the Emergency. Opposition to these two words had begun shortly after the Swaran Singh Committee (1976), set up by the AICC, proposed a series of amendments to the Constitution. The late legal luminary Nani A. Palkhivala in his article in the now-defunct Illustrated Weekly of India on 4 July 1976 argued that the Preamble is part of the Constitution Statute, but not part of the Constitution itself. Article 368 deals only with amendments to this Constitution," but not to the Constitution Statute. Moreover, no Parliament could amend the historical past, as the Preamble refers to the most momentous event in India (We, the People, P.196). related stories The brevity and clarity of the 7-page judgement, delivered by the two-judge Bench of Chief Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar, is appreciable from a legal point of view. However, it refused to make any distinction between the Constitution and the Constitution Statute, maintaining that the scope of Article 368 extends to the Preamble as well. This columnist, who recently located the gazette dated 26 November 1949 notifying the Constitution (1949), believes the judges are correct. The Preamble has been treated as part of the Constitution, contrary to what Nani A. Palkhivala suggests, who possibly did not refer to the gazette notification. The Supreme Court basically refused to be third chamber" (a term used by Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constituent Assembly on 10 September 1949), reposing its faith in the wisdom of the legislature to amend the Constitution under Article 368. It also chose to abide by judicial continuity by citing a series of judgements like Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, S.R. Bommai v Union of India, and R.C. Poudyal v. Union of India where the SC had declared secularism" as a basic feature of the Constitution. In short, the Court did not find any compelling necessity to revisit the insertion of the words socialist" and secular" in the Constitution through the Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act, 1976. The higher judiciary has the power to review legislative enactments, whether statutory or constitutional. This is consistent with the existence of the written Constitution, which both defines and delimits the powers of various organs of the state e.g. legislature, executive and judiciary. A written Constitution, as Durga Das Basu stated in his Tagore Law Lectures (1969), is an instrument to set up a limited government. Therefore, the SC might still have the last word on interpreting the Constitution. The Constitution itself (vide Articles 132, 133, 145 etc) contains provisions for appellate jurisdiction of the SC involving substantial question of law as to the interpretation of this Constitution". II However, history shows, and petitioners must know, that courts dont give judgements as academic exercise for the mental satisfaction of the petitioners. They use their judicial scalpel to provide relief in a demonstrable case of abuse. The Constitution itself has a provision for the right to constitutional remedies. One could move the Supreme Court directly under Article 32 if rights granted in Part III of the Constitution, i.e. Fundamental Rights, are abridged. If one looks at the trajectory of basic structure doctrine" developed by the Supreme Court, one notices that the trigger came from real or perceived assaults by the legislature and executive on rights granted under Part III of the Constitution. It might be noted that prior to the Constitution (44th Amendment) Act, 1978, Part III contained the Right to Property (before it was moved out to Part XII and enshrined as Article 300A). Whether it was Golak Nath v State of Punjab (1967) or Kesavananda Bharti v State of Kerala (1973), cases which led to the development of the basic structure doctrine," both were about an assault on the right to property. It was in the case of Indira Nehru Gandhi v Raj Narain (1975) that the Supreme Court had the opportunity to consciously apply the basic structure doctrine" for the first time. It was essentially an election petition, where the validity of an election was at stake. However, those were the days of the Emergency, and the Supreme Court could not overturn Article 329A, inserted through the Constitution (39th Amendment) Act, 1975, which was meant to protect the election of the Prime Minister and the Speaker (despite the fact that there are no specific elections for them, and both are elected as ordinary parliamentarians under the Representation of the People Act, 1951). Finally, Article 329A was omitted by the Constitution (44th Amendment) Act, 1978, enacted after the Janata Party government came to power. The Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act, 1976, brought sweeping changes to the Constitution. It severely upset the harmonious balance among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. The dominant theme of Indira Gandhis regime was to strengthen the executive at the cost of the legislature and judiciary. Many of the detrimental influences of the 42nd Amendment were mitigated by the Janata Party government through the Constitution (43rd Amendment) Act, 1977, and the Constitution (44th Amendment) Act, 1978. However, the bitter fact is that the Janata Party shied away from undoing the changes to the Preamble. Instead, it chose a backhand method to define in the Constitution (45th Amendment) Bill, 1978 the word secular as equal respect for all religions" and socialist as free from economic, social, religious, and political exploitation" by amending Article 366, which pertains to definitions. However, as ill luck would have it, the particular amendment was lost in the Rajya Sabha during voting on the Bill. Thereafter, no government has tried to omit the twin words from the Preamble. The Supreme Court saw no compelling need either to disturb the status quo in the absence of any political groundswell. III The SC judgement defends the validity of the words secular and socialist as they were inserted into the Preamble in 1976. The Court believes that the spirit of secularism and socialism already pervaded the Constitution of India before they were formally incorporated into the Preamble in 1976. The Supreme Court judgment links the socialism of the Preamble to the concept of a welfare state, rather than any particular economic model. India has accepted a mixed economy, with the co-existence of the public and private sectors. The judgement states that in 1949, the term secular was considered imprecise, as some scholars and jurists interpreted it as being opposed to religion. Over time, India developed its own interpretation of secularism, wherein the State neither supports nor penalises the profession and practice of any religion. The columnist is reminded of a lecture he attended, in which Dr LM Singhvi, the late eminent jurist and scholar, claimed credit for translating the word secular as panth nirpeksh for the Hindi version of the Constitution. In ordinary Hindi, one would use dharm nirpeksh for secular, which, according to Dr Singhvi, is a travesty. It may be recalled that the Constitution (58th Amendment) Act, 1987, by amending the heading of Part XXII and inserting Article 349A into the Constitution, made it possible for the President to issue Hindi translations of updated versions of the Constitution. Until then, only the original version of the Constitution of India (1949) was available in Hindi, the official language of the Republic. IV The presence of the words secular" and socialist," or their absence prior to 1976, did not, by itself, make any recognisable difference in government policies. It was at its 60th session in Avadi (1955) that the Congress resolved to build a socialist pattern of society, where the principal means of production are under social ownership and control, production is progressively speeded up, and there is equitable distribution of national wealth." While we cite the nationalisation of banks (1969) and the nationalisation of coal mines (1973), carried out by Indira Gandhis government, as recognisable steps towards socialism, it was actually the nationalisation of insurance companies in 1956 that provided the early impetus. Here, credit must be given to Feroze Gandhi, her husband, who was not afraid to go against his own partys government. On December 6, 1955, MC Shah, the then Minister of Revenue and Civil Expenditure, moved the Insurance (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha. The next speaker after the minister was Feroze Gandhi, who spoke for an hour and fifty minutes, as this was his maiden speech in the House. According to his biographer, Tarun Kumar Mukhopadhyay (1992), this speech led to new legislation and governmental measures that left a permanent mark on the life of the nation (Feroze Gandhi: A Crusader in Parliament, p.21). Ferozes maiden speech," adds Mukhopadhyay, sounded the death knell for the private insurance business. He earnestly appealed to the government to intervene and put an end to the malpractices that prevailed in the insurance business in the country" (p.37). There was no mention of socialism in the Preamble when the President of India promulgated the Life Insurance (Emergency Provisions) Ordinance, 1956, in January 1956, which vested the Government of India with the management of all life insurance business in India. Finally, in 1973, the general insurance business was also nationalised without the benefit of an amendment to the Preamble. On the other hand, the presence of socialism did not stand in the way of LPG" (acronym credited to the late TN Seshan), or Liberalisation, Privatisation, and Globalisation, which were heralded by the Narasimha Rao government, fuelling the Indian economy since 1991. Symbolically, enough private players were re-allowed in the insurance sector in 1994, followed by the establishment of a statutory regulatory body, IRDA (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority), in 2000 during the Vajpayee government. V As regards secularism, the nation had long been hurtling in a questionable direction. In the mid-1960s, we tried to pursue a Puritan version of secularism. In 1966, when MC Chagla, one of the enlightened ministers in Indira Gandhis cabinet, brought the Benaras Hindu University Bill, he proposed deleting the word Hindu" from the name of the university. He promised in Parliament that if the name was changed, he would make a corresponding alteration with regard to Aligarh Muslim University by deleting the word Muslim" (Roses in December: An Autobiography, p.371). However, his plans did not succeed, as a massive student protest on the BHU campus stalled the first step. He appointed the liberal-minded and progressive Nawab Ali Yavar Jung as Vice-Chancellor of the AMU to stem the rise of Muslim communalism. The Vice-Chancellor narrowly survived an assassination attempt (Roses in December, p.378). However, within a few years (September 1969), an Indian delegation travelled to Rabat to join the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), but found itself with egg on its face when the host, Morocco, cancelled Indias participation at Pakistans insistence, after communal violence erupted in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Indias secularism has been running with the hares and hunting with the hounds. Indias distorted secularism reached its acme during the UPA-I and II governments, when a Ministry of Minority Affairs was established, the Sachar Committee and Ranganath Misra Commission were notified, and even a draft Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence (Access to Justice and Reparations) Bill, 2011, which penalised Hindus for being in the majority, was put into the public domain. The situation had gone from bad to worse, which provoked nationalist forces to reorganise, playing a major role in catapulting Narendra Modi to power. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While this government has done several things to stem the rot in the name of secularism, a lot of things have become fait accompli, and it is doubtful whether even Modi would be able to reverse them. The writer is author of the book The Microphone Men: How Orators Created a Modern India (2019) and an independent researcher based in New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: December 02, 2024, 15:48 IST Fadnavis Dials Eknath Shinde To Enquire About His Health Amid Maharashtra CM Suspense Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 18:26 IST Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis on Monday contacted caretaker CM Eknath Shinde to inquire about his health, said sources. Eknath Shinde returned to Mumbai early on Monday after recovering from a brief illness in his hometown Satara | File Image/PTI Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis on Monday called caretaker CM Eknath Shinde to inquire about his health, said sources familiar with the matter, with suspense still brewing over the new CMs face. Reports claimed that Shinde, who returned to Mumbai early Monday morning after recovering from a high fever in his hometown Satara, has cancelled all his appointments following doctors advice to rest. related stories Even after 10 days of the Maharashtra election results, the formation of the new government remains in limbo, with Mahayuti leaders yet to decide on the new CM. All eyes were on Shinde, with expectations that discussions on power-sharing would resume after his comeback from a brief illness. However, the official announcement on government formation is expected to hit further delay owing to Shindes health conditions. BJP To Decide On New CM Face On his return to Thane on Sunday, Shinde had reiterated that the BJP, which emerged as the single largest party in the Maharashtra elections with 132 seats, would decide on the new Chief Minister and assured his full support, ruling out any differences in Mahayuti over government formation. Shinde added that he will sit together with BJPs Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leader Ajit Pawar to discuss issues pertaining to power-sharing in Mahayuti. With meetings between the three leaders seeming unlikely today, Shiv Sena leaders have indicated that the meeting could take place on Tuesday. Reacting to media reports suggesting discontent in Mahayuti parties over the CMs position, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat said, Eknath Shinde has said this in a press conference that Mahayuti govt will be formed. He also said that I am not a hindrance, we (Shiv Sena) dont have any demand." After saying things with this much clarity, I think putting allegations against him isnt good. Whatever senior leaders will decide, we will accept that. There is no difference in Mahayuti. I think there will be a meeting between the leaders Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar regarding portfolios and all the confusion will be cleared," he added. What Next In Maharashtra? According to sources, BJP leader Vijay Rupani is reaching Mumbai on Tuesday evening (December 3) followed by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on December 4 morning. The BJP legislature party meeting will be held on December 4, and the leader will be elected by that evening, sources said. Sources said the oath-taking ceremony for the new Mahayuti government will take place on December 5 evening at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior NDA leaders in attendance. Shrikant Shinde Clears Air Shiv Sena MP Srikant Shinde, the son of Maharashtras caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Monday said the speculation about him getting the deputy CMs post in the new state government was false and baseless. In a post on X, the parliamentarian also said he had the chance of becoming a minister at the Centre after the Lok Sabha polls held earlier this year, but he refused it and he wanted to focus on working for the party organisation. He said the rumours escalated after his father went to the village for two days and took rest due to ill health. The news that I will be the deputy chief minister has been circulating with question marks for the past two days. There is no truth to this, and all such news is baseless," the Kalyan MP said on X. He said despite an opportunity to become a minister in the central government after the Lok Sabha elections, he had turned it down to focus on strengthening the party organisation. I have no desire for a position of power. I make it clear once again that I am not in the race for any ministerial position in the state," he said, reinforcing his commitment to work for his Lok Sabha constituency and Shiv Sena. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Acknowledging the medias enthusiasm and competition, Shrikant Shinde urged them to refrain from distorting the facts. I hope that the discussions about me will at least stop now," he added. In the recently concluded state polls, the Mahayuti won 230 of the 288 assembly seats. The BJP led with 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena got 57 and NCP 41 seats. First Published: December 02, 2024, 14:01 IST INDIAs Block: Rahul Gandhis Focus On Issues That Dont Really Matter To Public Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 19:30 IST While the Congress has planned an EVM Jagao Yatra, on the lines of Bharat Jodo, and invited INDIA bloc parties to join in, most of them have showed little interest Rahul Gandhi (left) and Mallikarjun Kharge at the INDIA alliance meeting at the Parliament House complex, in New Delhi, on Wednesday. (PTI) The picture of Rahul Gandhi at the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc meeting called by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge says it all. He was clearly in command and outlined the plan. Sources say that Gandhi told those attending the meeting that crony capitalism and EVMs are peoples issues". related stories When only corporates benefit and the electoral process is flawed and alternatives are denied, how can it not be a peoples issue," he asked, said sources. The meeting was skipped by INDIA bloc founder member, the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The party, which had skipped a meeting for the third time, told News18: We are clear that we want to take on the Modi government on peoples issues." As per the TMC, issues such as crony capitalism and EVMs dont resonate with people. Look at the areas where Gandhi has campaigned. If what he said had mattered to people, why did the Congress lose?" EVMS, CRONY CAPITALISM Allies such as the TMC, Samajwadi Party (SP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are not enthusiastic about the Congresss obsession" with EVMs and crony capitalism. While the Congress has planned an EVM Jagao Yatra, on the lines of Bharat Jodo, and invited INDIA bloc parties to join in, most of them have showed little interest. Some also asked that whether this yatra would travel through states where the Congress won the polls. TMC sources say that the Congress needs to introspect on the loss rather than blame EVMs. INDIA INDIA pic.twitter.com/fMvJJOR5Tr Congress (@INCIndia) December 2, 2024 ALLIES, BUT DIVIDED Beneath the divide in the INDIA bloc is also real politik. For example, in Delhi, it is clear that AAP and Congress wont be allies. In Bengal, the TMC and Congress can never see eye to eye. In UP, Akhilesh Yadav has said that the Congress is finished. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A few in the Congress raised their voices meekly to say that while EVMs and industrialists was a concern, the party must look at peoples issues a hint the Rahul Gandhi coterie refused to take. With it now being apparent that the INDIA bloc is no longer a powerful alternative to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), will Gandhis obsession and belief add to the disarray? First Published: December 02, 2024, 16:03 IST Raut Says Following Fadnaviss Advice Could Have Saved MVA Government. Heres What It Was Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 14:54 IST Raut says keeping the home department with Sena would have helped Uddhav Thackeray prevent Eknath Shindes rebellion. While Fadnavis hasn't reacted, Raut's statement may not go down well with allies Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar) In the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government, home portfolio was given to Sharad Pawar-led NCP. (PTI) Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut on Monday claimed that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, formed in Maharashtra in 2019, would not have collapsed if the Shiv Sena had retained the home department. Speaking to the media, Raut alleged that senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis had privately advised Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray to keep the home department with him and not alliance partners. The department was, however, given to the Nationalist Congress Party (then united NCP). related stories According to Raut, the strategic error allowed rival factions within the Shiv Sena, particularly the one led by current caretaker CM Eknath Shinde, to weaken the coalition and ultimately join hands with the BJP. Raut has reignited discussions on the internal dynamics that led to the fall of the Uddhav Thackeray-led coalition in June 2022, at a critical juncture ahead of the formation of the Mahayuti government. #WATCH | Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, " In Maharashtra, such a govt was in power that was wrong as per constitution, with the support of Supreme Court. Dy Chandrachud is responsible for thisit has been 10 days, they have a huge majorityBJP themselves have a pic.twitter.com/n14ey8RpUT ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2024 TENSIONS WITHIN MVA The MVA combine, comprising the Sena UBT, Congress and Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, is attempting to project a united front amid the resurgence of the BJP-Shinde Sena-NCP (Ajit Pawar) combine. While the Shiv Sena UBT leader did not explicitly name the Congress and NCP, his remarks underscore the friction that occasionally surfaced during the MVA governments tenure. The home department, which is seen as a critical portfolio in maintaining political control, was assigned to NCPs Anil Deshmukh, who later faced corruption allegations. Rauts statement implies that if the Sena had been in charge of this key ministry, it could have handled dissent within its ranks more effectively, potentially averting the rebellion led by Shinde. His remarks also suggest dissatisfaction with the internal distribution of portfolios during the MVA regime, a topic that has often been a source of debate among the coalition partners. Rauts remarks come at a time when the Shiv Sena UBT is attempting to consolidate its position after the split with Shindes faction. By bringing up the collapse of the MVA government, Raut may be aiming to highlight the challenges the alliance faced and deflect criticism from his partys leadership. However, this could also create tensions within the MVA, as it indirectly casts aspersions on the Congress and NCPs handling of governance during the coalitions tenure. ADVANTAGE BJP With the Mumbai civic body elections approaching, the MVA partners are under pressure to present a unified narrative. The BJP is likely to use Rauts comments to question the stability and cohesiveness of the MVA. By highlighting internal disagreements within the erstwhile coalition, the BJP can strengthen its narrative that the MVA was an opportunistic alliance rather than a principled political front. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Fadnavis has not yet responded to Rauts allegations. However, BJP leaders could use this opportunity to emphasise their role in bringing stability to the state after the fall of the MVA government. Rauts statement also raises questions about the coalitions ability to learn from its past mistakes. While the remarks could serve to highlight the Sena UBTs perspective, they also risk alienating its current allies, the Congress and NCP. First Published: December 02, 2024, 14:40 IST 'Khichdi Politics': Annamalai Jabs Actor Vijay, Says His Political Entry Won't Dent BJP Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 10:13 IST Annamalai was on education break for months and rejoined active politics with a jibe at actor Vijay who joined politics recently. K Annamalai and actor Vijay (PTI Image) Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai has taken a jibe at actor Vijay, who floated his own political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam earlier this year, stating that his ideology is an aggregation of all existing ideologies" and such Khichdi politics" has not succeeded anywhere. Annamalai returned to Tamil Nadu after a three-month education break at Oxford and rejoined active politics with a fiery jibe at actor Vijay on Sunday. related stories Vijays political ideology is an aggregation of all existing ideologies. Khichdi politics has not won anywhere," Annamalai said. Vijays Political Entry Not To Dent BJPs Prospects: Annamalai Annamalai, who unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 from Coimbatore, said that the entry of Vijay into the political spectrum will not dent BJPs prospects in the state. Vijay seems to align with the ideologies of the Dravidian parties. As a result, the votes traditionally shared between the two major Dravidian parties (DMK and AIADMK) may now be split among three contenders moving forward," he told reporters at Chennai Airport on Sunday. He expressed confidence that the nationalistic votes will get consolidated for the BJP. We are not scared of anyone. The BJP is strong in Tamil Nadu," he said. Annamalai also welcomed his entry into politics and said that one has to be active all the time on the ground in politics. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all How often has he stepped out into the field after his first conference?" he said. Vijay had floated his party earlier this year and said that his party would not contest the Lok Sabha Elections and the objective of his new outfit is to contest and register victory in the 2026 Assembly Elections. First Published: December 02, 2024, 10:11 IST Fadnavis Calls Up Shinde, Ajit Pawar Lands In Delhi As Maharashtra CM Suspense Continues Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 03, 2024, 11:26 IST Maharashtra New CM: The BJP will now hold its legislative party meet on December 4 to decide Maharashtra's next CM The suspense for Maharashtra's next CM continues as Mahayuti allies are yet to finalise a power-sharing formula. (PTI) Maharashtra Government Formation: The wait for Maharashtras next Chief Minister continues as Mahayuti parties are yet to decide the allocation of key portfolios, ahead of the oath-taking ceremony on December 5 in Mumbai. While Eknath Shindes earlier stand cleared the way for a BJP CM to take the helm, another day went by without any official announcement. All eyes are now on the key BJP legislative meeting tomorrow (December 4) at 10 am at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, where the party is expected to announce their pick as the next CM face of Maharashtra, weeks after the Mahayuti alliance won a thumping victory over the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). related stories Notably, BJP has already announced that the oath-taking ceremony will take place on the evening of December 5 at Azad Maidan, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top leaders. NCP leader Ajit Pawar is currently in Delhi for talks on government formation. What To Expect On December 4? The BJP is holding a legislative party meeting tomorrow, where it is expected to announce its Legislature Party Leader and the CM face of Maharashtra. This comes as the state unit of the BJP announced that the oath-taking ceremony of the Mahayuti government will take place on December 5 evening, much to the shock of the Shinde Sena. Following the election of the BJP legislature party leader, the name of the Maharashtra CM is expected to be announced in the meeting. Meanwhile, preparations for the oath-taking ceremony are in full swing at Azad Maidan, according to Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Devendra Fadnavis name has been finalised as the new CM of Maharashtra, a senior BJP leader told news agency PTI on Sunday. The two-time CM was widely seen as a frontrunner for the top post after the landslide Mahayuti victory. Another BJP source told CNN-News18 that Maharashtra caretaker CM Eknath Shinde is likely to be appointed as Deputy Chief Minister. Ajit Pawar Reaches Delhi For Govt Formation Talks NCP leader Ajit Pawar has reached Delhi to meet BJPs top leadership for talks over government formation. He is likely to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the second time within a week to discuss the formula of distribution of Cabinet berths and allocation of ministries. While the Ajit Pawar faction has thrown its weight behind a CM from the BJP, the three parties are locked in tense negotiations over power-sharing in the cabinet, with Shinde seeking the home ministry vital for maintaining law and order, much to BJPs reluctance, while NCP gunning for the finance ministry. Shinde, Ajit Pawar and Fadnavis had planned to meet on Friday to huddle over government formation but it was put on hold after Shinde flew to his native village in Satara district after feeling unwell. He said discussions would resume on Monday, but todays meeting was also cancelled. Devendra Fadnavis Dials Shinde Amid Ill-Health Eknath Shinde on Monday cancelled all his appointments and meetings after doctors advised him to take rest, as he is recovering from ill-health in his hometown Satara. Following this, todays Mahayuti meeting was cancelled and Devendra Fadnavis called Shinde to check on his health. On his return to Thane on Sunday, Eknath Shinde had reiterated that the BJP, which won 132 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, will take the final call on the next CM of the state, ruling out any differences within the alliance over the government formation. Shinde said he would discuss power-sharing talks with Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. Shiv Sena legislators earlier made a unanimous decision to elect Eknath Shinde as the legislative party group leader, while NCP legislators chose Ajit Pawar for the same position. Eknath Shindes Son Rules Out Deputy CM Post Reports have floated that Eknath Shinde is pushing for his son Shrikant in the deputy CM position once the main leader is finalised. However, Shrikant Shinde put to rest all rumours suggesting that he would be nominated as the deputy CM, calling such reports false and baseless". In a post on X, Shrikant Shinde said he had the chance of becoming a Union Cabinet minister after the Lok Sabha polls but denied it as he wanted to focus on working for the partys organisation and his constituency. I have no desire for a position of power. I make it clear once again that I am not in the race for any ministerial position in the state," he said, while urging the media to refrain from distorting facts". BJP Appoints Central Observers For Legislative Party Meet top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, the BJP announced Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani as the central observers for the highly anticipated Maharashtra legislative party meeting on Dec 4. Rupani will reach Mumbai tomorrow, while Sitharaman is expected to arrive on Wednesday. The party has informed about sending both of us to Maharashtra as observers, we are going as observers for the process of selecting the party leader in Maharashtra. The central office will tell when the parliamentary party meeting will be held there, we will go there and meet everyone, then whatever happens we will tell the high command and then the leader will be elected," Rupani told news agency ANI. First Published: December 02, 2024, 22:05 IST Maharashtra CM Deadlock To End Today? Meetings To Resume As Shinde Returns After Break Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 10:31 IST Maharashtra New Chief Minister: Eknath Shinde is likely to hold meetings with Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar today as talks for new Mahayuti government continue. Maharashtra CM: Maharashtra New Chief Minister suspense likely to end today (PTI Image) Maharashtra CM Suspense: Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde returned to Thane from his native village in Satara on Sunday evening, paving the way for the resumption of power-sharing talks among the Mahayuti allies which is likely to take place today. Shinde had gone on a two-day trip to Dare in Satara on Friday cancelling the scheduled meeting with Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. Speculations were rife that he was upset with the way the new state government was shaping up and discontented with the reported denial of the home department to Shiv Sena. related stories Deadlock Over Home Department, Deputy CM Post? However, Shinde, upon his return to Thane last evening, told reporters that he had taken a two-day break due to a hectic election campaign. His doctors earlier stated that Shinde had fallen ill and had a sore throat and he was on medication. Upon being asked if Shiv Sena had insisted on the home department and whether he wanted his son Shrikant Shinde to be the deputy chief minister, Shinde seemed to dodge the question stating that the Mahayuti allies BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena would decide the government formation through consensus. We have already had a meeting with Amit Shah and will soon have another meeting of the three Mahayuti leaders. We will take an appropriate decision after this," he said. What Happened In Meeting With Amit Shah? On November 28 night, Shinde, Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah who reportedly decided the outline for power-sharing. Shah also reportedly told Shinde in a separate meeting that the BJP would retain the home department. The Shiv Sena has also pointed to Fadnavis retaining Home in the previous government in which he was demoted from CM to Deputy CM, and thus the party wants the same principle to be applied in Shindes case, according to reports. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Both parties are also keen on clinching the Speakers post and the Shiv Sena is reportedly mounting pressure on the BJP for this. However, the BJP is reportedly not willing to let go of either the Home Department or the Speakers post. Its been over a week since the results of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections were announced on November 23 and the Mahayuti retained power with a huge majority, but the suspense on the CM name has been on ever since. First Published: December 02, 2024, 08:24 IST Samsung To End Support For PC-Linking App With Android 15 Update: Know More Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 12:10 IST Samsung has offered the mode that allows you to double up the phone into a powerful computer. Samsung has offered this feature for many years on its phones Samsung is taking a long time to bring its Android 15-based One UI version to the devices. The company is likely to introduce it with the new Galaxy S25 series that is rumoured to launch in January 2025. But some of the big changes coming to the One UI 7 version could leave people with confusion about how Samsung is planning for its future One UI releases. Samsung DeX Mode For PC Linking Coming To End? related stories Samsung is reportedly cutting the support for its PC link mode called DeX with the One UI 7 version. The news is not exactly confirmed by the brand but recent hints suggest the change is inevitable. Samsung is one of the few brands out there that has realised the value of a mobile-to-desktop linking and for that it has offered the DeX on its powerful phones. You can actually project your mobile phones screen on the big monitor and even seamlessly transfer files between the two devices. But the Galaxy S25 models are unlikely to have this feature. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The update comes via a Samsung website page, where it says, DeX for PC on Windows will end support from the One UI 7 version. The app on Windows for DeX will stop working, and it seems Samsung has an alternative in place for people who still want to use the functionality. Windows PCs now come with their own Link to Windows feature that is Microsofts native linking feature between a phone and a PC. It seemingly would be replacing the DeX Windows app, and allow people to continue to use the feature through this app in the coming months. The beta One UI 7 version should be rolling out soon and well get a better idea about this change when it is available to test. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: December 02, 2024, 08:30 IST Baby Shark Played On Loop At Canada Mall To Drive Away Homeless Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 11:36 IST The decision to play Baby Shark was made by the mall's management as a way to discourage loitering in areas deemed unsafe for overnight stays. Montreal mall faces backlash over anti-loitering measure. (Photo Credits: X) A shopping mall in Montreal, Complexe Desjardins, has caused quite an uproar after they used the tune of the childrens song, Baby Shark, to keep the homeless away from the emergency exit staircases. The specific song has been playing in the mall for well over a year, allegedly because of security issues" relating to the homeless people passing through the area. Critics have described it as cruel and unusual" as well as being ineffective in addressing the root causes of homelessness. The management of the mall reportedly decided to use the song because whenever the song is played, people avoid lingering in areas that the mall management deems unsafe to spend the night around. Jean-Benoit Turcotti, a Complexe Desjardins spokesperson said in an email to CBC News that this sound solution" has improved the so-called problem within the mall. related stories However, critics cited by the news agency have noted that such an approach simply moves vulnerable persons from one place to another without addressing the issue of homelessness. Sam Watts, the CEO of Welcome Hall Mission, also criticised the mall for using this strategy because such antics cannot solve the issues of homelessness. He told CBC News: It isnt possible to resolve the complexities of homelessness by using juvenile tactics that are conceived to exclude people. You dont solve a problem by displacing a problem." David Chapman, director of Resilience Montreal, echoed these sentiments, labelling the practice as inhumane and indicating that it reflects a deeper systemic issue: the problem of inadequate accommodation in the city. In the last 10 years in Canada, theres been a movement away from funding homeless day shelters and night shelters and were beginning to see the consequences of that," he told the media outlet. Watts also noted that homelessness has been on the rise in Montreal, with more than 5,000 people using emergency shelters or transitional housing. He said this rise was also due to the pandemic effects on housing stability. While Baby Shark as the prevention from homelessness is not an exclusive case of Montreal, versions of it are seen across other cities and make for a disputed ethical question on how society handles visible homelessness. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A similar approach was adopted by a clothing store owner, Leon Drzewiecki, in Nanaimo, British Columbia. He used to play Baby Shark on his shops loudspeakers. While speaking with Canadian local CTV News, Drzewiecki described the song as a cheap, fun way to deter people" and, though the lyrics are not overtly aggressive, they say it has been running from stores close time till morning. In yet another instance, officials in West Palm Beach, Florida, used the same approach to deter people from taking naps on the patio of a city-owned rental building. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 02, 2024, 11:36 IST 'Behave Humanly': Bengaluru Auto Drivers Ask For More Fare From Hindi-Speaking Passenger Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 16:18 IST Just one driver appeared to be non-discriminatory as he offered both a ride to Koramangala for Rs 200. Language-based discrimination still exists in several Indian states. (Photo Credits: Instagram) The Hindi-Kannada language debate in Bengaluru has long been a hot-button issue. To see whether the situation has improved or not, two social media influencers chose to experiment with some local auto drivers. One of them represented the Hindi-speaking people living in Bengaluru, while the other woman communicated in Kannada. What unfolded next shed light on language-based discrimination that perhaps still exists in several Indian states. The two content creators approached a few autorickshaws to inquire about the fares for some popular destinations. One driver immediately rejected the Hindi-speaking woman when she asked if he would go to the HSR Layout. The man, however, accepted the same ride from the Kannada-speaking woman. Then, for Indiranagar, an auto driver demanded Rs 300 from the Hindi-speaking woman but later lowered the fare to Rs 200 when a passenger asked in Kannada. related stories One driver appeared to be non-discriminatory as he offered both a ride to Koramangala for Rs 200. The next person, however, ignored the Hindi-speaking woman while her fellow passenger could have easily convinced the driver in the local language. View this post on Instagram A post shared by JINAL MODI (@jinalmodiii) One of the two influencers, Jinal Modi, shared the video on Instagram, and the post soon went viral across the internet. Many viewers were irked by the behaviour of the auto drivers and slammed them for allegedly normalising racism". One of them said, Real heights of stupidity and discrimination happen in Bengaluru." One person, however, felt this kind of content would do nothing but initiate more hatred". Another user wondered why these people glorify regional disparity and discrimination without any shame". An individual simply said that such people staying in Bengaluru and other states should learn to behave humanly". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A user left disappointed after realising that love for language" has now become more important than virtues like humanity, humility, kindness and generosity". Another viewer, however, doubted it to be scripted content as he claimed, Auto drivers in Bengaluru never discriminate locals or migrants and they will charge everyone exorbitant." A user simply noted, Language enforcement isnt right." Another reckons, Kannada people are just insecure about their language." The video has already garnered more than 50 lakh views since being dropped on Instagram. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 02, 2024, 16:09 IST Bored Chinese Man Posts Fake Arrest Warrant, Offers Rs 3.51 Lakh Reward For Himself Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 18:05 IST In his post, he said that he had extorted 30 million yuan from a company and that he had a submachine gun and 500 bullets. The post amassed over 350,000 views and significant engagement within hours, the news outlet added. (Representative Image) A Chinese man was temporarily taken into police custody last month after he issued a fake arrest warrant against himself on social media. On November 11, 2024, Wang pulled this rather eccentric act as a result of boredom and to attract attention. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Wang, who created an account with the fake name haoyunsuishiyou" (translated as have good luck anytime"), shared a Wanted Order" and identified herself as a Chinese actor Wang Yibo. In his post, he said that he had extorted 30 million yuan from a company and that he had a submachine gun and 500 bullets. The suspect promised a 30,000 yuan reward to anyone who led him to Yibo. related stories The post amassed over 350,000 views and significant engagement within hours, the news outlet added. Qinyuan County police reportedly saw Wangs post and began their investigation on November 12. In response to the inquiries, Wang could not produce any firearms and there was no evidence that he engaged in the alleged extortion. When he was interrogated, Wang admitted that he made the whole story up out of frustration and boredom. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Wang has sparked crucial legal questions on what happens when people disseminate fake news or information. In Chinese law, producing fake information which alarms the public may result in severe consequences. A criminal coercive measure" was brought against Wang for his activities following which he may be detained or have his freedom restricted for a certain period. In a statement obtained by the South China Morning Post, the police warned the public that the internet is not beyond the reach of the law. Fabricating a story and spreading it are both criminal acts. Anyone who concocts or circulates rumours will face judicial consequences." Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 02, 2024, 18:05 IST Brain Rot: All About Oxfords Word Of The Year Which Dates Back To 1854 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 12:08 IST Oxford has chosen "brain rot" as its Word of the Year for 2024. Read on to know more about its meaning and origin. 'Brain rot' became Oxford's word of the year for 2024. (Representative image/Getty) Do you endlessly scroll through Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or memes? If so, theres a term for people who get caught in this mindless scrolling brain rot". And Oxford has chosen it as its Word of the Year for 2024. The word was selected from a shortlist of six contenders: brain rot, demure, dynamic pricing, lore, romantasy, and slop. Before diving deep into the origins of the word brain rot, which saw a 230 per cent increase in its usage from 2023 to 2024, let us first take a look at its meaning. related stories What is brain rot? According to the definition provided by Oxford University Press, which publishes the Oxford English Dictionary, brain rot is the supposed deterioration of a persons mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as a result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging". In simpler words, it refers to something characterised as likely to lead to such deterioration". Brain rot dates back to 1854 The term brain rot was first used in 1854 by the American naturalist and essayist Henry David Thoreau in his book Walden. The word was used a few times throughout the nineteenth century. The word was selected after over 37,000 people voted in its favour, followed by a public discussion, and a detailed analysis of language data. Read| Enshittification Declared Word Of The Year By Australias Macquarie Dictionary Brain rot speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time. It feels like a rightful next chapter in the cultural conversation about humanity and technology. Its not surprising that so many voters embraced the term, endorsing it as our choice this year," said Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages. He added, I find it fascinating that the term brain rot has been adopted by Gen Z and Gen Alpha, those communities largely responsible for the use and creation of the digital content the term refers to. These communities have amplified the expression through social media channels, the very place said to cause brain rot. It demonstrates a somewhat cheeky self-awareness in the younger generations about the harmful impact of social media that theyve inherited." What do other shortlisted words mean? Demure When used to describe a person, demure refers to someone who is reserved or restrained in appearance or behaviour". When applied to clothing, it stands for not showy, ostentatious or overly revealing". The earliest use of the word dates back to 1377 in the Oxford English Dictionary, where it refers to the sea being calm". Dynamic pricing This refers to the practise of varying the price for a product or service to reflect changing market conditions", particularly the changing of a higher price at a time of greater demand". Also Read| Toxic is Oxfords Word of the Year as #MeToo and Political Climate Gain Spotlight The term is a translation of the Swedish term dynamiska prisbildning". Although Swedish economist Gunnar Myrdal coined the original term, it entered the English language in 1929, after economist Erik Lindahl translated Myrdals work. Lore Lore, as per Oxford, is a body of (supposed) facts, background information, and anecdotes relating to someone or something, regarded as the knowledge required for a full understanding or informed discussion of the subject in question". The word traces its origins back to Blickling Homilies, a set of Old English sermons dating back about 1,000 years. Romantasy As the word suggests, romantasy refers to a genre of fiction that blends the elements of romantic fiction and fantasy, typically featuring themes of magic, the supernatural, or adventure alongside a central romantic storyline". The term was first used in 2008 by Random House in Germany, who applied it as a genre label for the German translation of an English romantic fantasy novel. Slop The word slop refers to art, writing or other content generated using AI, shared and distributed online in an indiscriminate or intrusive way, and characterised as being of low quality, inauthentic, or inaccurate". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Originally, the term was used in the mid-19th century to describe overly sentimental literature. In 2023, Oxford crowned rizz" as the word of the year. Cambridge Dictionary chose manifest" as their word of the year for 2024, following 1,30,00 website searches for this wellness-related term. Dictionary.com chose demure" which is influenced by a TikTok trend, and Collins Dictionary selected brat" after Charli XCXs album release. First Published: December 02, 2024, 12:02 IST Dare To Go Naked? This French Museum Is In Headlines For Hosting Unique Exhibition Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 11:30 IST The Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean (Mucem) in France is hosting an exhibition called Naturist Paradises, where guests can explore the art completely naked. Mucem features over 600 items gathered from naturist communities. (Representative Image) A museum in Marseille, France, is offering a truly unique experience for art lovers and adventure-seekers alike. The Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean (Mucem) is hosting a special exhibition titled Naturist Paradises, where visitors can explore art completely naked. Held once a month in collaboration with the French Naturist Federation (FFN), the exhibition delves into the history of naturism in Europe. Featuring over 600 items, including photographs, films, magazines, everyday objects, as well as paintings, drawings, books, prints and sculptures," the exhibit offers a rare glimpse into naturist communities and their cultural heritage. According to The New York Times, visitors attending the Naturist Paradises exhibition at Mucem are required to undress in a designated changing area before entering the gallery. Some guests opt to wrap themselves in towels or sarongs as they make their way through the museums lobby to the warmly heated exhibition space. The museum had ensured the gallery was heated after initial complaints about the cold, as shared by curator Amelie Lavin. Visitors were allowed to wear shoes and other accessories. A man wore a fedora with casual slides, while a woman wore a stunning necklace. In classic French style, an older gentleman draped a small pink towel around his neck like a scarf. related stories Speaking with the portal, Jule Baumann, one of the visitors, said, Normally, bodies are so sexualized. I liked the idea of being in a place where its just normal to be naked." Meanwhile, Stephane Deschenes, the president of the International Naturist Federation, said, I always say that nudity is a tool, a very effective tool, to get people to achieve body acceptance. But its not the objective. We are constantly trying to rationalize, and justify, and explain it." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to Deschenes, France is considered the leading destination for naturist vacations, attracting around two million tourists annually. Of these visitors, half are locals, while the other half come from various countries around the world. Mucem highlights that France has become the top destination for naturist tourism, thanks to its mild climate and access to three seas. This favourable environment has fostered the growth of well-established naturist communities, which are less common in other European countries, with Switzerland being a notable exception. In many parts of France, naturism is practised more casually. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 02, 2024, 11:28 IST Its My Hobby: Japanese Man Who Broke Into 1,000 Homes Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 16:40 IST Police pointed out that no cases of theft were reported about his house invasions. The man was arrested on November 25. (Representative/File Photo) A 37-year-old man from Japan was arrested after he broke into more than 1000 houses for stress relief. The man was arrested on November 25, 2024, in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, for breaking into the house of a self-employed person. Having realised the presence of the man in the compound, the homeowner and his wife alerted the security, leading to the mans arrest. When questioned by the police, he reportedly stated: Breaking into other peoples homes is a hobby of mine, and I have done it more than 1,000 times," as reported by The Japan Times. related stories I get so thrilled that my palms sweat when wondering if someone will discover me or not, and it relieves some stress". Notably, police pointed out that no cases of theft were reported about his house invasions. This bizarre incident is not an isolated one. In another case from Japan, a 17-year-old girl was prosecuted posthumously after her suicide led to the death of another woman. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to a Japan Today report, on August 31, 2024, the teenager jumped off the building at NewMan shopping mall building, which is in Yokohama, and landed on Chikako Chiba. Both were taken to a hospital and unfortunately, they both died from their injuries later in the day. The police have claimed that the girl was old enough to understand the risks that her actions might have for the people below. On these grounds, she has been charged legally after her demise. The deceased girl has been accused of gross negligence resulting in death" by the authorities. Critiques have rolled in over this decision with many noting it as another futile and wasteful venture to prosecute a dead person. People have reacted with anger, giving it names such as peak government ridiculousness", and questioning the rationale behind certain actions, the news outlet reported. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 02, 2024, 16:40 IST Startup Founders Reveal Struggles Of Raising A Baby While Running A Business: 'It Was Very' Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 10:06 IST In a detailed post on LinkedIn, the startup founder explained that managing both responsibilities of being new parents and entrepreneurs was harder than expected. The couple has been asked pros and cons of running a business and raising a child. (Representative Image) A Bengaluru based couple, who also runs a startup, opened up about the challenges they faced raising a child while managing their business. In a detailed post, Puneet Manuja, co-founder of YourDOST, explained that managing the two responsibilities was harder than expected. They often had sleepless nights and worked extra hours. The couple has been asked many times about the pros and cons of running a business together while raising a child. According to Puneet, some days, he and his wife wondered if they were giving enough time to their family or their company. He also shared a screenshot of a message his wife sent to their office team, announcing the arrival of their newest family member. Taking to LinkedIn, the entrepreneur wrote, One of the most challenging situations for us as a couple founders is balancing our new born (Rudra) with our other baby YourDOST. It was very easy to give an (idealistic) answer when we did not have him. Things are very different than we anticipated. Richa and I being a couple founders, a lot of people have asked us of the pros and cons of the same. We have always seen more pros than cons (especially because of our complementary skills). But running a company together while raising our newborn was overwhelming. Sleepless nights turn into long workdays. The guilt of not being able to give our 100% to either role was (and is) real. Some days, we questioned if we were doing enough as parents or as leaders." related stories Puneet Manuja discovered the importance of involving their son in their daily work routine. With support from their team, family and their companys mental health services, they found ways to make it work. A friend of theirs, who had similar experiences while growing his own business, suggested bringing their child to the office. This turned out to be a positive decision. Now, as their son is 1.5 years old, the company continues to grow. He acknowledged the tough journey but highlighted how it taught them resilience, empathy and the importance of asking for help." He further encouraged other parents facing similar challenges, that its okay to struggle and that they are not alone. The entrepreneur shared a screenshot of a message from his wife in the company WhatsApp group, which read, Rudra is in the office today. If he creates any trouble and disturbance, please do let me know (please do without any hesitation) so that we can ensure things are sorted. We are also learning." Reacting to the post, a user wrote, It can be overwhelmingly overwhelming to take care of the two babies simultaneously. Be kind to yourself and to each other." Another shared, We dont believe that parents should have to choose between their careers, their lives or being parents. Parents shouldnt have to feel guilt over taking up space." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all One more added, Its great that youre leaning on your team and family for support. I am sure the experiences you are sharing will definitely resonate with many other parents who are facing similar challenges." Since the inspiring post was shared on LinkedIn, it has garnered over 86 reactions. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 02, 2024, 10:06 IST 'Tickets On Me': Vir Das' Sweet Gesture For Fan Waiting To Watch Him Perform Live Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 16:35 IST The fan, who is a student from Vadodara, earlier reached out to Vir Das during his Wanted tour and sent a message to him, sharing a desire to watch his show. In an update on the earlier post, Das shared he met the fan, who refused any freebies. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Comedian-actor Vir Das, who recently hosted the 52nd International Emmy Awards, garnered praise on the internet for his heartfelt gesture toward a fan waiting for more than two years to watch him perform live. The fan, who is a student from Vadodara, had earlier reached out to the comedian during his Wanted tour and sent a message to him, sharing a desire to watch his show. related stories A screenshot shared from the fans direct message to Das on Instagram read, Hey Vir, big fan from Vadodara. I have always wished to attend one of your shows and this Wanted tour was the only string of hope I was holding on to." Explaining his financial concerns, the person wrote, Unfortunately, I am not earning yet. So, I begged my father as much as I could and he, for very obvious reasons (financial constraints), denied. I am a student and I leave for Canada for my further studies in July. I will start earning then you come to Toronto or somewhere near there, I will be able to attend your show. This is now the string of thread I will be holding on to for now! Good luck for the remaining Wanted tour Vir, always rooting for you." Later, the fan shared an update and said she was finally attending the comedians Mindfool tour in Toronto. Hi Vir, I did start earning, and I will be attending your Mindfool tour in Toronto. Hehe. So so so so excited for this," the person wrote. Responding to the fan, Das offered the person free tickets for the show. Hey, kid. If you see this before the show, my team has DMed you. Your tickets are on me. Im so proud of you." In the caption, Das wrote his team was trying to get in touch with the fan, but has not received any response. If you see this, Im proud of you. You waited over two years to see me and made the sweetest promise. Youre NOT paying. Please respond to my team," he added. In an update on the earlier post, Das shared he met the fan, who refused any freebies. Sharing that he had massive respect for the person, Das met her with a piece of cake. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Alongside a photograph of himself with the fan, Das wrote, Finally met kid after my show and she is studying psychology. Her dad is very proud." Interestingly, the fan also didnt show up empty-handed and brought a diary for him. If you are kids parents, would just like to say, well done. You raised a strong character," the comedian concluded. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 02, 2024, 16:35 IST Why Vietnam Youth Is Hiring Partners To Keep Families Happy Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 15:20 IST A number of young Vietnamese are postponing marriage for careers. Renting love to keep families happy in Vietnam. (Representative Image) For a long time, society has determined a certain age for everything, including jobs, marriage and kids. Our parents, too, have become accustomed to such established, but not necessarily appropriate, norms. To tackle this, youths in Vietnam are renting partners. The phenomenon is a result of growing pressure on youth from their families to get married and have kids. Hence, they have opted for something different to work around the problem without necessarily going for the marriage. related stories The demand for partners on rent" has led to the formation of social media groups where people pay for someones company on certain occasions. According to the Vietnamese local VnExpress, these agreements mean strict leases banning affection and sexual involvement, stressing the business-like aspect of the deal. For instance, Minh Thu, a 30-year-old woman from Nam Dinh province said she once paid a man to pretend to be her boyfriend. She needed to present a partner to her parents at a social event, so she spent several hundred US dollars on this arrangement. She told VnExpress: On the day he came to my house, he helped my mum cook and chatted with my relatives. Its been a long time since Ive seen my parents so happy and proud of me." Vietnamese culture puts emphasis on marriage as a major milestone. Most parents express concerns about their childrens single status labelling it as the success or failure of their parenting skills. The pressure is further fueled by the quest to have a grandchild when parents are still strong enough to help with their upbringing. Experts observed that such an arrangement (renting partners) is a safety net towards increasing pressure young adults receive from their families. Nguyen Thanh Nga, a researcher at the Academy of Journalism and Communication in Vietnam, told vnExpress: If exposed, families could experience significant emotional damage and lose trust. Additionally, renting a partner is not legally protected in Vietnam, so women should be especially cautious." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Although this behaviour may help ease the immediate parental pressure, it highlights other concerns about effective communication within a family. According to the sociologist Dr Pham Thi Thuy, the parents often do not agree with their childrens decisions and, therefore, conflicts occur. Dr Pham told VnExpress, Marriage should follow the childrens plans, but it is often forced to fit their parents schedule." Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 02, 2024, 15:20 IST Bangladesh Wants Friendly Ties With India, Says Foreign Adviser Amid Attacks On Hindus Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 22:32 IST Bangladesh foreign adviser Hossain said attacks on minorities are isolated and took place during other regimes as well. Bangladesh foreign adviser Touhid Hossain had earlier dismissed reports of attacks on Hindus and minorities as propaganda. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) Bangladesh foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Monday said that Bangladesh wants a normal and friendly" relationship with India based on mutual interests. We want to keep a normal relation with India based on mutual interests," he said. related stories According to Bangladeshi news outlet The Daily Star, Hossain briefed foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka at state guest house Padma on reports of attacks on religious minorities. We are not saying that there are no such incidents of attacks on minorities, but those are isolated and happen more or less during all regimes," Touhid was quoted as saying. He also responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee comments where she called for the deployment of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Bangladesh and sought Prime Minister Narendra Modis intervention to assure the safety and security of the religious minorities in the neighbouring country. I would like to see this as Mamata-like remarks. I dont understand why she has made such remarks. (It is) as usual that goes with her persona," Hossain further added. The relations between India and Bangladesh came under strain after the interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus came to power following the stepping down of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country. Protests outside Bangladesh missions across the country, especially in states that share borders with the country, have rocked Indian cities leading to additional security measures at those buildings. The recent spate of protests erupted following the arrest of a Hindu, ISKCON monk Chinmay Krishna Das Prabhu. He has been charged of sedition but his supporters claim he is being persecuted for demanding an end to alleged atrocities on Hindus and other minorities of Bangladesh following the regime change. Bangladesh foreign adviser Touhid Hossain had earlier dismissed reports of attacks on Hindus and minorities as propaganda. A section of the media, especially in India, is engaged in spreading such propaganda. We assured the diplomats that Bangladesh, as a society, has always upheld communal harmony," he said. Hindus living in Bangladesh have taken to the streets on several occasions since the change of regime to demand justice for attacks on them by Islamist hardliners. Islamist hardliners and several Bangladeshi political parties see Hindu Bengalis of Bangladesh as ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her party, Awami Leagues backers and have carried out attacks on them since student-led protests led to her ouster and forced her to flee to India. Tripura Hoteliers Temporarily Withdraw Services For Bangladeshis Agartala, Tripuras capital city, has been witnessing protests against alleged reports of attacks on Hindus in front Bangladeshs mission in the city. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Protesters breached the Assistant High Commissioner (AHC) of Bangladesh in Agartala on Monday leading to the External Affairs Ministry to issue a statement where it said such breaches were deeply regrettable". Following these developments, the All Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association, said its withdrawing lodging services to Bangladeshi citizens temporarily. Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: December 02, 2024, 21:29 IST 'We Can Exist As People': Belgium's Sex Workers Hail New Law Granting Them Labour Rights Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 09:32 IST Belgium decriminalised sex work in 2022, joining other countries which took a similar step, including Germany, Greece, the Netherlands and Turkey. The protests in support for labour laws for sex workers in 2022 | Image/Facebook@UTSOPI Belgium introduced a new law, the first of its kind globally, recognising the rights of sex workers and granting them access to health insurance, pensions, maternity leave, and sick days, just like any other profession. Belgium decriminalised sex work in 2022, joining other countries which took a similar step, including Germany, Greece, the Netherlands and Turkey. However, establishing employment rights and contracts for sex workers is world-first. related stories This is radical, and its the best step we have seen anywhere in the world so far. We need every country to be moving in that direction," Erin Kilbride, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, was quoted as saying by BBC. Sex Workers Hail New Law The sex workers across Belgium, for whom the job is a necessity, hailed the new law and shared their struggle from the past when such legislation didnt exist. Its an opportunity for us to exist as people," said Sophie, a sex worker and a mother of five who was left with no option but to continue work during the ninth month of her pregnancy due to financial pressures, reported BBC. I couldnt afford to stop because I needed the money," said Sophie, adding that her life would have been much easier had she had a right to maternity leave, paid by her employer. Emphasising the significance of the new law, Victoria, president of the Belgian Union of Sex Workers (UTSOPI), said, If there is no law and your job is illegal, there are no protocols to help you. This law gives people the tools to make us safer." Victoria, who served as an escort for 12 years, said before 2022 when sex work was illegal, she found herself in unsafe conditions, with no choice over her clients and her agency taking a big cut of her earnings. Recalling her struggles, Victoria told BBC that she was once raped by a client. The situation turned drastic when she went to the police to report the incident. She (the lady police officer) told me sex workers cant be raped. She made me feel it was my fault because I did that job," Victoria said, adding that she left the station crying. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Belgiums landmark legislation took shape after 2022 protests that were sparked by the lack of state support for sex workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will come into effect on December 1, recognising the rights of sex workers. Location : Belgium First Published: December 02, 2024, 09:13 IST Bushra Bibi An ISI Stooge? Buzz Grows In Pakistan As Imran Khans Wife 'Defies' Instructions | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 19:34 IST Sources told CNN-News18 that the former PM wanted Bibi to go to Juman Park after her release, but it was a no-show, adding that her choice of words in videos for Khan was irrelevant to the current struggle A faith healer, Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan became close when he turned to her for spiritual guidance in his political career. The pair married in 2018. (AFP) Is former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khans wife Bushra Bibi an ISI stooge created to take over her husbands party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)? The question seems to have triggered a buzz in Pakistan amid reports of differences between Khan and his third wife. Sources told CNN-News18 that Bibi has refused to take instructions from Khan, noting that the former PM wanted her to go to Juman Park after her release but it was a no-show. Instead of appearing at Juman Park, she was seen in KPK doing nothing. Despite Khans clarification that his wife is not a political leader, she released her video recordings," they said. related stories They added that her choice of words in videos Yahudi lobby, Jihad and Sharia are irrelevant in Khans current political fight and except asking people to come to D Chowk on November 24, she spoke on a range of issues but did not utter a word against Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir. There are serious allegations about her movement. She gave a scripted speech at D-Chowk and then fled with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur." According to sources, the stage is set for Imran Khans murder so that the army can say he was killed due to bad prison conditions. Sources say Bibis sudden appearance is a tactical move" to keep Imran Khans party afloat while he remains behind bars. Sources say Bibi left Adiala jail on October 24 but hasnt visited Khan since or attended her court case. Khan has been jailed since August 2023, sidelined by dozens of legal cases he claims were confected to prevent his comeback in elections this year marred by rigging allegations. Since the February vote, his party has defied a government crackdown with regular rallies. However, on Tuesday last week, more than 10,000 protesters surged into the city, defying a lockdown and a ban on public gatherings to skirmish with 20,000 security forces enlisted to turn them back. Bushra Bibi was released from jail in October, nine months after she was imprisoned alongside her husband in the run-up to elections, becoming the key figure in the resistance. In the chaos of protests that turned Pakistans capital into a battleground, Bibi has emerged as a new figurehead. Since being released from jail, Khans third wife has stepped up in his defence and roused his fanatic followers. It was assumed that there was an understanding that she is a non-political person, hence she will not be a threat," analyst Asma Faiz, an associate professor of political science at Lahore University of Management Sciences, told news agency AFP. However, the events of the last few days have shown a different side of Bushra Bibi." A faith healer, Bibi and Khan became close when he turned to her for spiritual guidance in his political career. The pair married in 2018, the same year Khan was elected prime minister after an insurgent campaign. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Khan, in comments made to his team from jail and posted on social media, has however played down her influence. She has no connection with politics", he said ahead of the protest. As she is my wife, she only transmits my messages," he assured before the demonstrations. (With AFP inputs) Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: December 02, 2024, 19:32 IST 'Flagrant Violation': Lebanon Says 2 Killed In Israeli Strikes Despite Fragile Ceasefire Published By : Reuters Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 18:40 IST Lebanon and Israel brokered a truce that came into effect on November 27, saying neither side can carry out military operations. The hard-fought ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel appears increasingly fragile, as both sides have accused the other of violating the truce. (Reuters) At least two people were killed on Monday in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, Lebanese authorities said, as a ceasefire ending more than a year of hostilities between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah appeared increasingly fragile. The truce, which came into effect early on Nov. 27, stipulates that Israel will not carry out offensive military operations against civilian, military or other state targets in Lebanon, while Lebanon will prevent any armed groups, including Hezbollah, from carrying out operations against Israel. related stories Lebanon and Israel have already traded accusations of breaches, and on Monday Lebanon said the violations had turned deadly. One person was killed in an Israeli air attack on the southern Lebanese town of Marjayoun, about 10 km (six miles) from the border with Israel, Lebanons health ministry said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Lebanons state security said an Israeli drone strike had killed a member of its force while he was on duty in Nabatieh, 12 km from the border. State security called it a flagrant violation" of the truce. There was no immediate comment from Israeli officials. Public broadcaster Kan and other Israeli media outlets said on Monday that US envoy Amos Hochstein, who brokered the ceasefire after weeks of shuttle diplomacy, had warned Israel against alleged violations. The Israeli government did not immediately comment on the reports. Location : Beirut, Lebanon First Published: December 02, 2024, 18:40 IST Former Drummer Of My Chemical Romance Bob Bryar Dies At 44 Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 11:16 IST Bob Bryar who played on the bands career-defining rock opera, The Black Parade, has died, according to the band Bob Bryar replaced drummer Matt Pelissier in 2004 and left the band in 2010. Bob Bryar, a former drummer with My Chemical Romance who played on the bands career-defining rock opera, The Black Parade," has died, according to the band. He was 44. The band asks for your patience and understanding as they process the news of Bobs passing," a spokesperson for My Chemcial Romance said in a statement Sunday related stories The statement did not include any additional details. Bryar replaced drummer Matt Pelissier in 2004 and left the band in 2010. Bryar moved on from the music business and later auctioned off a drum kit to raise money for an animal adoption center in Williamson County, Tennessee. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Next year, the band will embark on a 10-date North American stadium tour, where they will perform The Black Parade," released in 2006, in full. My Chemical Romance formed in 2001 and released four studio albums across their career, first breaking through with 2004s Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge." They announced their breakup in 2013; a year later, they released a greatest hits collection titled May Death Never Stop You." In 2019, they announced a reunion, later revealing theyd privately reunited two years earlier. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: December 02, 2024, 09:44 IST George Clooney Feels 'Duped' By Barack Obama After Democrats' Election Debacle. Here's Why Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 23:19 IST George Clooney published a strongly-worded op-ed in July asking Joe Biden to quit the presidential race, which changed the tide of the polls. George Clooney was a close confidante of Barack Obama and reportedly wrote the op-ed against Biden on his advice. (Reuters) Things are not going well in the Democratic camp particularly between Hollywood star George Clooney and former US President Barack Obama after Vice President Kamala Harris big defeat to President-elect Donald Trump in the November 5 election. For those unaware, Clooney, a Democrat, was one of the top fundraisers for outgoing President Joe Biden but ultimately played a huge role in his exit from the presidential race. In July, Clooney wrote a strongly-worded op-ed where he questioned Bidens fitness for office and said he was not the same man as in 2020. related stories Its devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fund-raiser was not the Joe big F-ing deal Biden of 2010. He wasnt even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate," Clooney wrote in his opinion piece, offering the names of several contenders including Harris. Was he tired? Yes. A cold? Maybe. But our party leaders need to stop telling us that 51 million people didnt see what we just saw." Reports claim Clooney was a close confidante and was told to publicly ask Biden to step out of the race on the instructions of the ex-president. However, after Trump got a thumping victory over Harris in the November 5 elections, Clooney is reportedly upset with Obama for manipulating" him. Why Does George Clooney Feel Duped? The main reason why the Oceans Eleven actor feels upset with Obama is that his opinion piece is largely regarded as the final nail in the coffin for Bidens re-election ambitions, as he dropped out of the race under pressure from Democrats and nominated Kamala Harris in his place. George is furious with Obama for disappearing after the election disaster and leaving him holding the bag for pushing the plan with his Hollywood pals," an insider told Ok! Magazine. The source said Obama knew he would look like a traitor if he had called for Biden to step aside himself, so he convinced Clooney instead and is now walking away from the debacle. Trumps victory led critics to slam Clooney for his role in Bidens decision to step down from his campaign. I wish he never opened his mouth. Joe should not have been talked down. Yeah Im mad at everyone who convinced Joe to go. He would have beat him again," said a user on X. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The source told OK! Magazine that Clooney felt duped" after Harris defeat and has vowed to never become anyones political water boy" anymore, saying George feels he stepped up and took a bullet for the team". Before Bidens exit, Clooney hosted a successful star-studded fundraiser for Biden in June. However, things changed after Bidens poor debate performance against Trump, which heightened scrutiny on his age and mental fitness. I love Joe Biden. As a senator. As a vice president and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him. Believe in his character. Believe in his morals But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time," Clooney said. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: December 02, 2024, 23:19 IST 'He Was Singled Out': Joe Biden Pardons His Son Hunter In Gun Crime, Tax Cases Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 09:50 IST Joe Biden termed charges against his son politically motivated stating that he was singled out only because Hunter was his son. Outgoing US President Joe Biden with son Hunter Biden (AP Photo) Outgoing US President Joe Biden on Sunday (local time) issued a full and unconditional pardon" to his son Hunter, who faced sentencing on gun crime and tax convictions, stating that he was singled out only because he was his son. Biden termed the charges against his son politically motivated and said that he believes in the justice system. related stories Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter," Biden said in a statement. It is a full and unconditional pardon," according to a copy of the executive grant of clemency. President-elect Donald Trump does not have the authority to revoke this official clemency grant. Hunter Biden was convicted earlier this year on federal gun and tax charges. He was set to appear in Delon, California soon where he potentially would have faced lengthy prison sentences. Notably, by making this move, Biden broke a promise he had made publically and repeatedly both before and after quitting the 2024 presidential race. Both he and his chief White House spokesperson had stated, even when Trump won the race to the White House on November 5, that Biden would neither pardon nor commute Hunters sentence, CNN reported. What Did Joe Biden Say In Pardon Statement? For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further," he added. Biden said that he has always said he would never interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making since his first day in office. and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted," he said. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions," Biden said. Biden explained that he issued the pardon because his son was selectively and unfairly prosecuted," claiming that Hunter was treated differently" compared to others who committed similar offenses. The president accused his political opponents in Congress of instigating" the charges as part of an effort to attack me and oppose my election." I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would make this decision," Biden concluded. What Next For Hunter Biden? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As per CNN, the pardon by the President will ensure that Hunter is not sentenced by the courts on the charges against him, thus diminishing any chances of his being lodged in jail. Once the judges who are hearing his cases are informed about the pardon, they are expected to cancel the hearings in which they would have pronounced the sentences. The hearings for the gun case were scheduled for December 12 and it was December 16 for the tax case. In June, Hunter Biden was convicted by a jury for illegally purchasing and possessing a firearm, following a deeply emotional trial that exposed his struggles with drug addiction and family turmoil. Later, in September, he pleaded guilty to nine tax-related offenses for failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes, despite spending extravagantly on escorts, strippers, luxury cars, and drugs, according to the report. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: December 02, 2024, 07:15 IST Impeachment Bid Filed Against Philippine Veep Who Threatened President Bongbong Published By : Associated Press Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 17:24 IST Civil society activists in the bid accused Sara Duterte of violating the Philippine constitution. Akbayan Partylist representative Perci Cendana, center, shows a received copy of an impeachment complaint they filed against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte by several prominent opponents and activists, including former Senator Leila de Lima, left, at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Philippines. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO) An impeachment complaint was filed Monday against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, who is facing a legal storm over a death threat she made against the president and her alleged role in extra-judicial killings of drug suspects, corruption and failure to stand up to Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea. The impeachment bid filed by several prominent civil society activists in the House of Representatives accuses Duterte of violating the countrys Constitution, betrayal of public trust and other high crimes," including the death threats she made against the president, his wife and the speaker of the House of Representatives. related stories Duterte did not immediately issue any response to the impeachment bid, which accused her of about two dozen alleged crimes. Were hoping that with this complaint, we can end the nightmare that our vice president has brought to the people," said Rep. Percival Cendana, who gave the required endorsement of the complaint. The vice presidents threats showed the extent of respondents mental incapacity, her depravity and lack of mental fitness to continue holding the high office of vice president of the Philippines," said a copy of the complaint seen by The Associated Press. The same constitute not only betrayal of public trust but also a high crime which would warrant her immediate impeachment from office." Duterte, a 46-year-old lawyer, was also accused in the complaint of having unexplained wealth and of allowing a continuation of the extra-judicial killings of drug suspects begun by her father, a former mayor of southern Davao City, when she held that position in the past. The vice presidents legal troubles have unfolded with the backdrop of her increasingly bitter political feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his allies. She said in online news conference on Nov. 23 that she has contracted an assassin to kill Marcos, his wife and Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were killed, a threat she warned was not a joke. She later said she was not threatening him but was expressing concern for her own safety. The impeachment complaint will be scrutinized by the Philippine Congress, which is dominated by allies of Marcos and his cousin and key backer, Romualdez, who also has been politically at odds with the vice president. The process could take weeks or months. Congress is to start its Christmas recess on Dec. 20 and resume on Jan. 13. Many legislators will then start campaigning for reelection before May 12 midterm elections. The House has been investigating the alleged misuse of 612.5 million pesos ($10.3 million) of confidential and intelligence funds received by Dutertes offices as vice president and education secretary. She has since left the education post. She has refused to respond to questions in detail in tense televised hearings. Duterte also vehemently protested when her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, was ordered temporarily detained for allegedly hampering the inquiry. Lopez has been released from hospital detention. Philippine police have filed criminal complaints against Duterte and her security staff for allegedly assaulting authorities and disobeying orders in an altercation in Congress over Lopezs detention. Duterte has accused Marcos, his wife and Romualdez of corruption, weak leadership and attempting to muzzle her because of speculation she may seek the presidency in 2028. The National Bureau of Investigation subpoenaed Duterte to face investigators about her threats against them. The police, military and the national security adviser immediately boosted the security of the Marcoses after the threats. The president has said an impeachment of Duterte would waste time while the country faces other challenges, but her opponents have said they will proceed to foster accountability and the rule of law. Marcos and Duterte won landslide victories as running mates in the 2022 election but have since fallen out over key differences. The two offices are elected separately in the Philippines, which has resulted in rivals occupying the countrys top political posts. Marcos and Duterte differ on their approaches to Chinas territorial claims in the South China Sea and their views on the deadly anti-drug crackdown conducted by Dutertes father, Rodrigo Duterte, who was the previous president in addition to ex-mayor of Davao. The complainants in the impeachment, including former military officers from a group called Magdalo, accused her of refusing to condemn Chinese aggressive actions against Philippine forces in the South China Sea. The complainants did not cite China by name. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The brutal drug crackdown left thousands of mostly poor suspects dead in killings mostly by police that are being investigated by the International Criminal Court as a possible crime against humanity. The impeachment complaint cited a key witness to the killings, former police officer Arturo Lascanas, as saying that Sara Duterte allowed the extra-judicial killings of drug suspects to continue in Davao city when she served as its mayor. The drug crackdown was launched by her father when he was mayor. Location : Manila, Philippines First Published: December 02, 2024, 17:23 IST Indian Passengers, Stranded In Kuwait For Over 13 Hours, Depart For Manchester Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 09:11 IST Indian passengers stranded for 13 hours at Kuwait Airport departed for Manchester early Monday aboard a Gulf Air flight. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait confirmed their departure. Indian passengers depart for Manchester (Photo: X/@indembkwt) Nearly 60 Indian passengers, stranded at the Kuwait airport for more than 13 hours, took off for Manchester in the wee hours of Monday. In an X post, the Indian embassy in Kuwait confirmed Gulf Air flight to Manchester took off at 4.34 am today. Gulf Air flight to Manchester finally departed at 0434 hours today carrying stranded Indian passengers among others. Embassy team was on the ground till the flight departed," the post read. related stories Gulf Air flight to Manchester finally departed at 0434 hours today carrying stranded Indian passengers among others. Embassy team was on the ground till the flight departed. pic.twitter.com/47GVer4Bs4 India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) December 2, 2024 Indian passengers travelling via a flight from Mumbai to Englands Manchester had been stranded after their Gulf Air flight made an emergency landing. They complained of problems, including not being assisted or being provided food. Videos on social media also showed some passengers arguing with the airport authorities. Some alleged they were harassed and only flyers from the European Union, the UK, and the US were given accommodation by the airline. They alleged bias and harassment against those holding Indian, Pakistani, and other Southeast Asian nation passports. In an X post, the Indian embassy in Kuwait on Sunday said they immediately took up the matter with Gulf Air and also clarified the visa rule in Kuwait for Indians. It also said a team from the embassy was at the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline, adding passengers had been accommodated in two airport lounges. Efforts are being made to accommodate passengers in the airport hotel which is currently unavailable due to the ongoing GCC Summit. It may be noted that Indian nationals do not fall under visa on arrival facility in Kuwait. All government offices are closed today due to the GCC Summit being hosted by Kuwait," it said. Embassy @indembkwt had immediately taken up the matter with Gulf Air in Kuwait. A team from Embassy is at the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline. Passengers have been accommodated in 2 airport lounges. pic.twitter.com/1OySe3KGLc India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) December 1, 2024 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to some passengers, the flight made a U-turn before it landed in Kuwait. They said the announcement of the flight diversion came 20 minutes before landing. First Published: December 02, 2024, 08:43 IST Kash Patel, Trump's Indian-Origin Pick For FBI Chief, Joins X; Elon Musk Reacts Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 11:11 IST Elon Musk, who has been picked to head the newly created efficiency department in Trump 2.0, congratulated Kash Patel on being nominated to run the FBI. Elon Musk congratulated Kash Patel on being nominated to run the FBI | Image/File (AP) Indian-Americal Kash Patel, who was recently nominated for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director by US President-elect Donald Trump, joined social media platform X on Sunday. In his first post after joining X, Patel wrote, Hello X," garnering more than 10 million views and 26,000 comments, including one from the social media platforms owner himself, Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur. related stories Musk, who has been picked to head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the upcoming Trump administration, congratulated Patel on being nominated to run the FBI. Congratulations on being nominated to run the @FBI! Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 1, 2024 Who Is Kash Patel? All You Need To Know Patel, a former Republican House staffer and a deep state" critic, was followed by more than four lakh people within hours of joining the social media platform. Born in 1980 to parents of Gujarati descent who emigrated from East Africa, Patel completed his undergraduate programme at the University of Richmond before returning to New York to earn his law degree and a certificate in International Law from the University College London Faculty of Laws in the United Kingdom. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Stepping into the legal field, the 44-year-old started working as a public defender in Florida, appearing for his clients in state and federal courts. Later, he took a significant jump, joining the Department of Justice as a prosecutor. In the recently held US elections, where the Republicans emerged stronger than the Democrats, Patel was seen campaigning for ally Trump in his presidential bid against Kamala Harris. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: December 02, 2024, 11:05 IST Pakistan Court Sends Imran Khan To 14-day Judicial Remand In Seven Fresh Cases Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 16:47 IST The new cases were registered against Khan for his recent calls for protests that resulted in violent incidents across Pakistan. Imran Khan on November 13 called for a 'final call' protest to his supporters that led to violence across Islamabad. (Reuters/File) An anti-terrorism court Monday sent former prime minister Imran Khan on a 14-day judicial remand in connection with seven cases related to the recent protests by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. Khan, 72, was presented before the anti-terrorism court judge at Adiala jail, where he has been incarcerated for months, after the completion of a six-day police remand in a separate case about his partys September 28 protest in Rawalpindi. related stories Judge Amjad Ali Shah presided over the hearing, during which the court approved Khans judicial remand in the New Town police station case, as well as in six other cases. The judge rejected a police request for physical remand in six other cases registered between September 28 and October 5. He ordered that Khan should be sent to jail on judicial remand. The former premier was arrested in six cases related to the protests by his party. Seven cases, including the New Town case, had been registered against him for the protests on Sept 28, Oct 4, and Oct 5. The new cases have been registered against Khan in various police stations for giving calls of protests that resulted in violent incidents. Khans party launched a protest on November 24 to give a sit-in at D-Chowk in Islamabads Red Zone, where most government buildings are located. The protest, which turned violent, left some security personnel and civilians dead. The protest was promoted by Khan who on November 13 issued a final call" for nationwide protests, demanding the restoration of the PTIs electoral mandate, the release of detained party members, and the reversal of the 26th Amendment, which he said had strengthened a dictatorial regime". So far, he has not been arrested in the latest 28 cases related to the November 24 protest. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Khan was arrested by the Rawalpindi police in the New Town police after he was granted bail in the second Toshakhana case last month. Dozens of cases have been registered against him since his government fell in April 2022 due to a no-confidence vote. Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: December 02, 2024, 16:47 IST PM Modi Invited Putin To India, Dates To be Figured Out Soon, Says Kremlin Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 02, 2024, 13:15 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Putin have met on numerous occasions in the recent past. PM Modi has invited Putin to visit India. PM Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin (PTI Image) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India and the dates for the high-profile visit will be announced early next year, Kremlin said on Monday. Putin, who has not travelled much internationally since the beginning of the Ukraine war, will embark on a visit to India as part of an agreement to hold meeting once a year. related stories Kremlin On PM Modi-Putin Meeting Our leaders have an agreement to hold meetings once a year. This time, its our turn," Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov said at a briefing. We received Mr. Modis invitation and we will certainly consider it positively," he added. Ushakov said that the tentative dates for the Russian Presidents visit will be decided in early 2025. The proposed meeting between the two leaders will be on the back of a series of meetings lately in which PM Modi and Putin met and held discussions over a range of issues. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Both leaders maintain regular contact, holding telephonic conversations once every couple of months. PM Modi and Putin have also held several in-person meetings, particularly on the sidelines of international events. In July, PM Modi made a two-day visit to Moscow to take part in the 22nd Russia-India Summit. In October, the Prime Minister visited Kazan for the BRICS Summit where both leaders met in a bilateral meeting. Location : Moscow, Russia First Published: December 02, 2024, 13:15 IST Kash Patel is President-elect Trump's pick to lead the FBI come January, and he may now be the most controversial of the nominees standing. As a New York Times profile notes, few nominated for any federal post "have come with quite so much bravado, bombast or baggage." The 44-year-old Long Island native is a former federal prosecutor now routinely described as a fierce Trump loyalist. Some highlights from coverage: A threat: CNN notes that Patel has suggested decimating the agency he has been chosen to lead. In a September podcast interview, he called for FBI headquarters in DC to be razed and converted into a "museum for the deep state." The "deep state" is a big theme of Patel's, as evidenced by the title of his 2023 book, Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy. In it, he argues for a "comprehensive housecleaning" of the Justice Department. President Biden has pardoned his son Hunter, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions and reversing his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family members, per the AP. The president had previously said he would not pardon his son or commute his sentence after his convictions in the two cases in Delaware and California. The move comes weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges, and less than two months before President-elect Trump is set to return to the White House. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is stepping down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroen, and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales. The world's fourth-largest carmaker announced that its board accepted Tavares' resignation Sunday, effective immediately. Stellantis noted Sunday that the process of finding a new, permanent CEO is "well under way." In the meantime, the company says a new interim executive committee, led by chairman John Elkann, will be established. More from the AP: While America celebrated Thanksgiving, the UK's senior official responsible for Russia policy was testifying across the pond about the assassination attempts against former spy Sergei Skripal and daughter Yulia Skripal . Among the biggest revelations from Jonathan Allen, who spoke in London at the inquiry into the 2018 Novichok poisonings: that the decision to OK the move against the Skripals "would have gone to [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin," not a "rogue" Russian intel group, per Politico . Allen, head of defense and intelligence at the UK's Foreign Office, noted during his three-hour testimony that, due to the "highly bureaucratic" nature of the Russian government and the "enormous" risks of using the nerve agent Novichok in the UK, he believes that only Putin could've been behind the attempt to take down the father-daughter duo in Salisbury. Allen also testified that Putin may have wanted to kill Sergei Skripal because he had confidential intel on the Russian president's "criminal embezzlement" of money made from the production of rare metals, per the Guardian. Allen also said Thursday that he believed Russia actually wanted Britain to figure out who was behind the poisonings of the Skripals, who both survived the attempt on their lives. "Use of a nerve agent in this way is clearly going to be traced back to Russia," he said, per the BBC. "That's why I believe it wasn't intended to remain covert entirelyit was meant to act as a warning, in my view." Russia's government has consistently denied having anything to do with the Skripal poisonings, which also injured a local police officer. (More Sergei Skripal stories.) Nearly 1,000 "highly endangered" animals are heading back home to Madagascar, thanks to what CNN calls the "largest ever" repatriation initiative between the African nation and Thailand. The news outlet reports that an anti-trafficking police raid in May in the Thai province of Chumphon turned up 1,117 tortoises and lemurs, eight of which were found deceased. The spider tortoises, radiated tortoises, and brown and ring-tailed lemurs discovered during the police operation are all included on the "most endangered" list under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. AFP reports that 16 of the ring-tailed lemurs headed home on Sunday, arriving in the Madagascar capital of Antananarivo. More than two dozen brown lemurs are set to be sent to the East African nation over the next week or so, to be followed eventually by the 900-plus tortoises, for a total of 963 animals. They will be quarantined and examined by vets before being sent back into their "natural habitats," per Madagascar's Ministry of Environment. AFP notes that Thailand is a big "transit hub" for animal smugglers who try to hawk exotic creatures in places like China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The country also happens to be the largest legal importer and exporter of CITES-labeled species native to Madagascar. Chalermchai Sri-on, Thailand's environmental minister, calls the repatriation a "significant step" in cutting down on wildlife trafficking. His Madagascar counterpart, Max Andonirina Fontaine, adds, "When two countries really collaborate together, we can really make a success story." (More endangered species stories.) It's like a work-study program, cartel-style. The New York Times reports that drug cartels in Mexico have been aggressively recruiting chemistry students from college campuses to ramp up their fentanyl game. The overriding goal is to figure out how to produce their own synthetic opioids from scratch and avoid importing from China. If the plan works, it would represent what US drug officials characterize as "a terrifying new phase in the fentanyl crisis," write Natalie Kitroeff and Paulina Villegas. In their reporting, they spoke with seven fentanyl cooks in Mexico, along with three chemistry students, and others involved in the recruitment effort. The story lays out how cartels typically import the raw materials for fentanyl, chemical compounds known as precursors, from overseas. It doesn't take much skill to turn these precursors into the drug, but the new goal is for the cartel to learn how to make the precursors themselves. "It would make us the kings of Mexico," says one of the chemistry students, who has been cooking fentanyl for six months. Another twist: One chemistry professor in Sinaloa State says students are enrolling in chemistry courses for the sole purpose of learning how to synthesize drugs. Read the full story. (Or check out other stories about Mexican cartels.) President-elect Trump's choice of Kash Patel to lead the FBI is drawing plenty of criticism on the left and plenty of praise from the MAGA wing. But in the Atlantic, David Frum argues that the real controversy isn't the decision to pick Patel but to fire current FBI chief Christopher Wray. Modern FBI directors serve 10-year terms that overlap presidencies, but Trump plans to replace Wray upon taking office even though he has three years left. The danger, in Frum's view: "Trump is declaring his intention to reinvent the FBI as something it has never been before: an instrument of personal presidential power, which will investigate (or refrain from investigating) and lay charges (or refrain from laying charges) as the president wishes," he writes. The International Criminal Court's president has criticized the US and Russia for impeding its investigations with threats and sanctions. Judge Tomoko Akane highlighted the seriousness of these actions during the court's annual meeting in The Hague, addressing remarks from US Senator Lindsey Graham who called on Congress to sanction the court's prosecutor. These reactions come in response to ICC arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others, which Senator Graham condemned, calling the court a "dangerous joke." Judge Akane also noted Russia's retaliatory arrest warrants against ICC officials following actions taken against President Vladimir Putin. The Assembly of States Parties, representing 124 member nations, is meeting to elect officials and review the court's budget amidst these tensions. The ICC, established in 2002 to prosecute severe crimes like genocide and war crimes, faces challenges in enforcement as it relies on member states to carry out arrests. International responses have varied; some countries have pledged to respect their treaty obligations, while others have criticized or resisted the ICC's warrants. The situation underscores tensions within global justice systems, with experts warning that continued pressure could weaken international law. Concurrently, the ICC's prosecutor Karim Khan faces personal allegations of misconduct, prompting an external investigation that might be addressed at the meeting. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) UPDATE Dec 2, 2024 6:35 PM CST The search for five people believed to be aboard a fishing vessel that capsized in rough seas in the Gulf of Alaska has been suspended, the Coast Guard said Monday. The search lasted nearly a day and covered more than 108 square nautical miles. "We stand in sorrow and solidarity with the friends and family of the people we were not able to find over the past 24 hours," Chief Warrant Officer James Koon, a search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska, said in a statement. Responders found seven empty cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights but no other sign of the Wind Walker or its crew, the AP reports. Dec 2, 2024 12:16 PM CST The US Coast Guard is searching for five people after a fishing boat capsized in rough weather and seas near Alaska's capital of Juneau. The crew of the approximately 50-foot boat, the Wind Walker, sent a mayday call that the vessel was overturning around 12:10am Sunday, but the Coast Guard's attempts to get more information from the crew went unanswered, according to a Coast Guard press release. The Wind Walker is believed to have capsized in waters off Point Couverden, southwest of Juneau, the AP reports. At least three people died and dozens more were hospitalized in the Philippines after eating stew made with the meat of an endangered sea turtle. Officials say at least 32 members of the Teduray indigenous tribe were hospitalized with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, the BBC reports. Local official Irene Dillo says dogs, cats, and chickens that ate the leftovers also died. Sea turtles that have eaten contaminated algae or contaminated prey can be toxic when eaten by humans, the BBC notes. The eating of sea turtles and other endangered species is banned, "but we can't monitor everyone," Dillo said, per Palawan News. The turtle was eaten by residents of a seaside village in Maguindanao del Norte Province on the island of Mindanao. "It was unfortunate because there is so much other seafood in their villagelobsters, fish," Dillo told the BBC. Local officials have been ordered to step up enforcement of laws against hunting and eating sea turtles. Earlier this year, eight children and one adult died in Zanzibar after eating turtle meat. (More Philippines stories.) The Public Safety Report is compiled from criminal complaints filed in state and federal courts, as well as some police blotter information, trooper dispatches, fire department reports and interviews with public safety officials. Individuals named as arrested and/or charged with crimes in this report are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law. Bahrain Lights Up in UAE Colors to Celebrate 53rd National Day of UAE Bahrain Lights Up in UAE Colors to Celebrate 53rd National Day of UAE TDT | Manama Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com The Kingdom of Bahrain joined the United Arab Emirates in celebrating the 53rd National Day of the sisterly nation with a stunning display of solidarity and shared history. Landmarks and vital installations across Bahrain's governorates were illuminated in the colors of the UAE flag, showcasing the deep-rooted ties between the two countries. The celebration reflects the Kingdoms commitment to strengthening its brotherly relations with the UAE, underscoring decades of close historical, cultural, and economic partnerships. Citizens and residents alike admired the displays, which symbolize a shared vision for unity and cooperation in the region. Bahrains participation highlights the mutual respect and enduring bond between the two nations. As Bahrains skyline gleamed with the UAEs flag colors, it became a beacon of fraternity, celebrating the UAEs milestones and a shared Gulf heritage. TDT | Manama Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, participated at the 45th GCC Summit, held in the state of Kuwait, yesterday. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister affirmed Bahrains steadfast commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination among GCC countries across various fields. His Royal Highness emphasized the significance of deepening collaboration to serve mutual interests, achieve shared aspirations, and bolster the regions progress and prosperity. Highlighting the importance of unity, HRH Prince Salman stressed the GCCs pivotal role in advocating for Arab and Islamic causes, advancing developmental initiatives, and consolidating regional security and peace. HRH called for intensifying efforts to align with the visions of GCC leaders to unlock greater achievements. Expressing appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Kuwaiti leadership and people while participating in the summit, chaired by the Emir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, at the Bayan Palace, HRH Prince Salman commended Bahrain-Kuwait relations as a testament to Gulf unity. HRH the Crown Prince also participated in the summits closing session, which culminated in the signing of the Joint Communique. This reaffirmed the leaders shared vision to address regional challenges and enhance collective efforts. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com His Excellency Essam bin Abdulla Khalaf, Chairman of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), has announced the conclusion of the third edition of Cityscape Bahrain 2024, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The exhibition achieved unprecedented success, with real estate transactions exceeding BD341 million. Khalaf highlighted that this achievement reflects the attention and support given to Bahrains real estate sector by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the follow-up of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, further solidifying Bahrains position as a global investment destination and a centre for sustainable growth in real estate. Leadership Khalaf noted that this years event extended the success of its previous editions, showcasing Bahrains leadership in hosting investment-focused exhibitions and events. It attracted significant participation from developers, investors, and property seekers, enhancing Bahrains status as a competitive regional and international economic hub. The third edition of Cityscape Bahrain 2024 saw record-breaking figures, with over BD341 million real estate transactions concluded. Confidence These numbers underscore the high level of confidence in Bahrains real estate sector and its ability to attract premier investment opportunities. The exhibition featured participation from over 40 prominent local, regional, and international real estate companies, presenting innovative projects that combine modernity and sustainability. These projects catered to diverse investor interests, blending luxury with cutting-edge trends in sustainable and technological advancements within the real estate industry. Specialised conference This years event included a specialised conference discussing the latest trends in the sector and the second Bahrain Real Estate Innovation Competition, which encouraged young talents to showcase creative ideas and innovative concepts. These initiatives reflect Bahrains commitment to nurturing future leaders in the real estate industry and aligning with the aspirations of the next generation to shape a sustainable and prosperous future. VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 2, 2024 /CNW/ - Today infinitii ai inc. ("infinitii ai" or the "Company") (CSE: IAI) (FSE: 7C5) (OTC: CDTAF), a leader in AI-driven predictive analytics software for Smart City water and Smart Industry infrastructure applications that rely on time-series data, released financial highlights for the period ended September 30, 2024. A complete set of September 30, 2024 Interim Financial Statements and Management's Discussion & Analysis has been filed at www.sedarplus.ca. Key financial highlights Strong revenue growth : infinitii ai achieved $718,680 in Q1 FY2025 revenue, representing a 35% increase compared to $534,144 for the same period last year. This marks a strong acceleration in growth, with revenue in Q1 FY2025 increasing at twice the pace of FY2024's annual revenue. : infinitii ai achieved in Q1 FY2025 revenue, representing a 35% increase compared to for the same period last year. This marks a strong acceleration in growth, with revenue in Q1 FY2025 increasing at twice the pace of FY2024's annual revenue. Improved profitability : The Company significantly reduced its quarterly loss from operations to $95,932 , a 62% improvement compared to a loss of $251,695 in Q1 FY2024, demonstrating strong operational efficiency and cost management. : The Company significantly reduced its quarterly loss from operations to , a 62% improvement compared to a loss of in Q1 FY2024, demonstrating strong operational efficiency and cost management. Optimized cash flow: Cash required by operating activities decreased to $302,873 , an 8% improvement over the prior-year period, reflecting disciplined financial management alongside accelerating growth. Management's quarterly commentary "Our revenues in Q1 FY2025 grew at twice the pace of FY2024's annual revenue growth, representing a 35% increase from the same period last year," stated Jean Charles Phaneuf, CEO of infinitii ai. "This important milestone highlights the traction of our sales strategy presented at the Company's Annual General Meeting on November 21st." "This strategy sees us engaging with a wider network of engineering and hydrologist firms, sensor and flow metering equipment providers, as well as boots-on-the-ground infrastructure services collaborators," continued Phaneuf. "Additionally, we are focused on upselling customers with our new generation of machine learning software that brings real-time predictive insights that inform operational decision-making." Financial highlights and year-over-year results for FY2024-Q1 For the period ended September 30, 2024 , the Company generated $718,680 in revenues compared to $534,144 for the period ended September 30, 2023 , a 35% increase compared to the three-month period ended September 30, 2023 . , the Company generated in revenues compared to for the period ended , a 35% increase compared to the three-month period ended . Operating expenses of $814,612 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024 , increased slightly by 4% compared to $785,839 in the three-month period ended September 30, 2023 . for the three-month period ended , increased slightly by 4% compared to in the three-month period ended . During the period ended September 30, 2024 , the cash required by the Company's operating activities of $302,873 decreased by 8% compared to $329,904 required for the period ended September 30, 2023 . , the cash required by the Company's operating activities of decreased by 8% compared to required for the period ended . The FY2025-Q1 loss was $95,932 compared to $251,695 in in the three-month period ended September 31, 2023 , a decline of 62%. Operational highlights for FY2024-Q1 On July 10, 2024 , the Company closed an oversubscribed private placement in the amount of $1,024,997 . The financing was led by ThreeD Capital Inc. alongside other long-time shareholders. , the Company closed an oversubscribed private placement in the amount of . The financing was led by ThreeD Capital Inc. alongside other long-time shareholders. On July 16 2024, the Company announced its partner AECOM had won its second competitive bid this year with the City of Hamilton . This latest sales achievement installed infinitii flowworks real-time data monitoring software at 112 sites throughout the city as part of the City of Hamilton's Wastewater Quality Management System. 2024, the Company announced its partner AECOM had won its second competitive bid this year with the . This latest sales achievement installed infinitii flowworks real-time data monitoring software at 112 sites throughout the city as part of the Wastewater Quality Management System. On August 15, 2024 , the Company announced it had won a competitive bid with the City of Vancouver , providing the city with access to infinitii flowworks real-time data monitoring software as part of a three-year contract. , the Company announced it had won a competitive bid with the , providing the city with access to infinitii flowworks real-time data monitoring software as part of a three-year contract. On August 19, 2024 , "York Region's Comprehensive Approach to Tackling I&I in Wastewater Systems" presentation won an award at the 2024 International Water Association conference. This was the second award in two years achieved by the Region's Inflow & Infiltration Reduction Team for their use of infinitii ai machine learning software. , "York Region's Comprehensive Approach to Tackling I&I in Wastewater Systems" presentation won an award at the 2024 International Water Association conference. This was the second award in two years achieved by the Region's Inflow & Infiltration Reduction Team for their use of infinitii ai machine learning software. On September 26, 2024 , the Company announced that TREKK Design Group LLC ("TREKK") had increased its infinitii ai install base beyond Kansas City, MO, Omaha, NE , Cedar Hill, MO and St. Louis, MO to 11 TREKK clients that include municipalities and other engineering services companies. About infinitii ai inc. Trusted in environmental monitoring for many of the largest water infrastructure utilities in the U.S. and Canada, infinitii ai has evolved into a machine learning software leader that serves water utility customers in cities and municipalities including Toronto, Seattle, Miami-Dade County, Montreal, Boston, Dallas, Region of Peel, York Region and Los Angeles County, among others. The Company services customers via a trusted partner network that includes engineering and IT services companies like AECOM, Core & Main, Kerr Wood Leidal Ltd., K2 Geospatial and SCG Flowmetrix. infinitii ai software performs real-time analysis, checks flow monitoring status, sets alarms through a single interface, accepts all types of data from any source and offers predictive (what will happen) and prescriptive (what should happen) analytics. Whether it's real-time, historic, wireless, satellite, SCADA or public data sets including USGS, NOAA and weather forecasts it doesn't matter where the data originates, infinitii ai transforms raw data into actionable information. Visit www.infinitii.ai to learn more. The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. Forward-looking statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of infinitii ai, including the expectation of future revenue growth. Although infinitii ai believes that the expectations and assumptions upon which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because infinitii ai can provide no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. infinitii ai disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE infinitii ai inc. Nathan Rudyk, Director, Corporate Communications, [email protected], +1 778 200 2093, infinitii ai inc. "The past recipients of the Order of the White Rose are all young women driven by extraordinary passion, which makes them exceptional citizens," said Maud Cohen, President, Polytechnique Montreal. "Makenna Kuzyk has that same passion. It has the power to change the world, and so it must be encouraged to the greatest extent possible. Makenna is a pioneer, and we are all extremely proud to help her take the next steps in her impressive and promising academic journey. I have no doubt that her career will be nothing less than stellar, and this honour bestowed on her today is fully deserved." "Today, we remember the 14 women in engineering whose lives were taken in 1989, and we find strength in the trail that they blazed for future generations," Ms. Kuzyk said. "In my case, that trail leads to the stars. Our space program is an incredible, powerful mission that aims to expand the frontiers of discovery for the betterment of life on Earth. Not only that, but the secrets of the skies cannot be unlocked by any one person, and I want to be part of the team promoting co-operation between the countries exploring space together. This vision isn't just about pushing back the frontiers of space travel; it's also about building a better future that honours the people who came before us, and about sustaining our planet and its inhabitants to come." Reaching for the skyand beyond Makenna Kuzyk is the first womanand just the second civilianto have been admitted to the International Test Pilots School Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering program. Her aim is to conduct research on the impacts of living in microgravity. As she continues in her five-star university career, Ms. Kuzyk hopes to help boost the visibility of women in the aerospace industry, encouraging more of them to pursue careers in that field. A recipient of the Brooke Owens Fellowship, a prestigious international award for women in the industry, she is keenly aware of the underrepresentation of women in certain fields, including aerospace. The only woman in her aerodynamics course at the University of Alberta, she founded Mission SpaceWalker, a student club dedicated to advancing space researchand that is 100% female. "I wanted young girls to know that their dream of flying to space need not remain simply a dream: that it can become a reality," said Ms. Kuzyk, who today is also a mentor with Zenith Pathways, which awards a fellowship that pairs students with Canadian aerospace companies to complete internships, an accolade she received herself two years ago. For Ms. Kuzyk, who recently obtained her pilot's licence, Mission SpaceWalker is very much a launching pad that, thanks to her team's many technological achievements, is propelling her toward a career in space science. Her quest has even taken her to the United Nations, where she contributed to efforts to attract more women to the male-dominated astronaut field, in which women's representation is barely 11%. Makenna Kuzyk may have her eyes constantly focused on the sky, but she keeps both feet planted on the ground, taking inspiration from the values of resilience instilled in her by her mother, who immigrated from Vietnam. Outstanding women who will be the leaders of tomorrow The white rose has become the symbol for Polytechnique Montreal's commemorations of the tragic events of December 6, 1989, during which 14 women lost their lives and many other people were injured. Created in 2014, the Order of the White Rose pays tribute to those killed and wounded as well as to family members, faculty, staff and students who were caught up in this tragedy that had a profound impact on Quebec and all of Canada. Nathalie Provost, who was injured on December 6, 1989, and Michele Thibodeau-DeGuire, who in 1963 was the first woman to graduate from Polytechnique Montreal in civil engineering, are the scholarship's "godmothers." Michele Prevost, a full professor at Polytechnique and a member of the university's Board of Directors, was the chair of this year's Order of the White Rose jury. The jury, established by Polytechnique, comprised the deans of engineering of Dalhousie, McGill and Queen's universities, Universite de Sherbrooke, the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo. Applications for the Order of the White Rose scholarship are assessed based on the candidate's academic record, technical achievements and engagement toward the greater good. "The Order of the White Rose is the custodian of our collective memory of the femicide of December 6, 1989, and through the scholarship and its recipients, we keep the flame of remembrance burning for these extraordinary women who were my classmates and, sadly, are no longer with us," said Ms. Provost. Ms. Thibodeau-DeGuire added: "All of the young women who are candidates for our Order of the White Rose scholarship every year are exceptional. They are our leaders of tomorrow, future agents of change and transformation for our society, sources of inspiration and pride for all of usin short, proof that our common future is in good hands." For her part, Professor Prevost noted: "Year after year, the women who apply for the Order of the White Rose are all truly outstanding, and I am always impressed by their journeys. They are among the very best at their respective universities, and without a doubt will be leaders in the future. I am sure that through their passion and unwavering commitment, each of them will help make the world a better place." The Order of the White Rose scholarship: a vital role that will soon grow Thirty-five years after the mass femicide on its campus, and on the occasion of the 10th awarding of the Order of the White Rose scholarship, Polytechnique Montreal is looking to the future and now plans to provide financial assistance to 14 young Canadian woman engineers each year, in memory of the 14 victims of December 6, 1989. It will do so thanks to a partnership between Polytechnique, the McCall MacBain Foundation and a circle of benefactors. This initiative, made possible by the generous contribution of the McCall MacBain Foundation, will over time inspire other donors to widen that circle and boost support for emerging women engineers. While ever-mindful of the essential task of remembering and honouring the legacy of the victims of December 6, Polytechnique is also resolutely focused on the future, advancing initiatives to ensure that women in engineering and future female engineers in Quebec and the rest of Canada can take their rightful place. Accordingly, there will eventually be 14 scholarships awarded annually to promote careers in the engineering trades to young women across the country. Media kit Photos, profiles, logos, news release: https://polymtl.info/ORB2024 About Polytechnique Montreal Founded in 1873, Polytechnique Montreal is one of Canada's largest engineering education and research institutions. It is located on the Universite de Montreal campus, the largest French-language university campus in the Americas. With more than 61,500 graduates to date, Polytechnique has educated over 22% of the Ordre des ingenieurs du Quebec's current membership. Polytechnique offers more than 120 programs taught by over 300 professors, and welcomes in excess of 10,000 students yearly. NOTES: The archived live stream of the event is available at the following links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/587290437159416 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7264704308590350336/comments/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pJ7PJGE_Wc RELATED LINKS SOURCE Polytechnique Montreal MEDIA INFORMATION AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS: Christian Merciari, Media relations, Polytechnique Montreal, 514 742-8586, [email protected] President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the Department of Defense reportedly had to step down from a pair of nonprofit veterans groups he headed after workers filed allegations of mismanagement and sexual misconduct. The New Yorker reports Pete Hegseth was forced out of Concerned Veterans for America, which he worked as president of from 2013 until 2016, after a whistle-blower report that includes an anecdote of him being held back from trying to dance on a stage with strippers. From the report: (It described) him as being repeatedly intoxicated while acting in his official capacity to the point of needing to be carried out of the organizations events. The detailed seven-page report which was compiled by multiple former C.V.A. employees and sent to the organizations senior management in February, 2015 states that, at one point, Hegseth had to be restrained while drunk from joining the dancers on the stage of a Louisiana strip club, where he had brought his team. The report also says that Hegseth, who was married at the time, and other members of his management team sexually pursued the organizations female staffers, whom they divided into two groups the party girls and the not party girls. In addition, the report asserts that, under Hegseths leadership, the organization became a hostile workplace that ignored serious accusations of impropriety, including an allegation made by a female employee that another employee on Hegseths staff had attempted to sexually assault her at the Louisiana strip club. The report also detailed how another organization he ran ran up enormous debt that it was unable to pay its bills. It comes after documents surfaced that accused him of sexual assault in 2017. A woman told police that she was sexually assaulted after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a detailed investigative report made public late. Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. The Defense Department has a budget exceeding $800 billion, with about 1.3 million active-duty troops and another 1.4 million in the National Guard, Reserves and civilian employees based worldwide. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco. The would-be assassin of former President Ronald Reagan has a new business venture, he announced Monday. John Hinckley Jr., who shot and wounded Reagan in 1981 and was acquitted by reason of insanity, had spent decades in a Washington mental health hospital after the assassination attempt. Since being freed from court oversight in 2022, Hinckley has spent recent years posting videos of his music and promoting live shows. And on Monday, Hinckley announced he would be opening up a music store. Ill be opening a music store in Williamsburg, Va. The address is 455 Merrimack Trail. Grand opening is in a week or two! he wrote on social media platform X. Ill be opening a music store in Williamsburg, Va. The address is 455 Merrimack Trail. Grand opening is in a week or two! John Hinckley (@JohnHinckley20) December 2, 2024 Hinckley has also promoted his live music shows on X, but has noted that some venues have cancelled on him in the past. He also posts his music to his YouTube channel. After the 2024 election, Hinckley told his followers to stop with the negative comments. A lot of the comments on my Twitter/X feed have been alarming, so I have to keep reminding people that I am a changed person from the way I was in 1981, he wrote in a blog post. My songs are about peace and love and overcoming hard times. A lot of people have told me that listening to my songs helps them get through their day. I strive for positive vibes, not the negativity you see everywhere today, he added. Hinckley told The New York Times in a July interview that he uses music to redeem himself. People have different definitions of redemption, Hinckley told The New York Times. My definition of redemption is to make amends for all the negativity that I created in 1981. Im trying to redeem myself through positive music, through a thing that people really like as opposed to the things they really hated about me, in 1981. He also said in the interview that while he enjoys living in Williamsburg, Va. because people do not bother him, he has thought about living in more music-centered cities like Nashville, Los Angeles or New York. Im basically a struggling musician, he told the Times. Ive had a lot of people say to me, John, youre like so many other struggling musicians. And its true. I am. Hinckley did not provide any other details about his music store on social media on Monday. Critics are calling out supporters of President-elect Donald Trump for panning President Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son on Sunday night. Biden pardoned his son to spare him from a possible prison sentence for felony gun and tax convictions. The move comes after the president repeatedly said he would not consider a pardon for his own son. Many Democrats and Republicans, including Trump, quickly criticized Biden for his decision. But some pundints were also quick to point out that Trumps supporters did not criticize Trump for his controversial pardons of his top allies and family members, including Paul Manfort, Roger Stone and Charles Kushnerthe father-in-law of Ivanka Trump. Nikki Haley was among those criticized for her comments on Bidens pardon while remaining silent on Trumps controversial pardons. Biden pardons his son, which he promised not to do. Not just for the crime at hand but for everything going back 11 years. Then skips town and goes to Africa. This is why no one trusts politicians. Democrats stop trying to justify this. It only makes you look more out of touch. Politics at its worst, Haley wrote on social media platform X. But political commentator Ed Krassenstein replied: I think what Biden did was wrong, just like I think Trump pardoning Manafort and Stone were wrong. Can you say the same? While some Democrats did criticize Biden for the decision, many noted that it is no different from Trumps pardons when he was in office. The outrage that Trump supporters have displayed since yesterday's pardon of Hunter Biden by his Father is contrasted with their utter silence and indifference after the many more, and infinitely more egregious pardons issued by Trump during his first term West Wing Report (Edited by Paul Brandus) (@WestWingReport) December 2, 2024 Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) also called out Trump supporters who have defended the president-elect despite being indicted on numerous felonies. If you defended the 34x felon, who committed sexual assault, stole national security documents, and tried running a coup on his countryyou can sit out the Hunter Biden pardon discussion, he wrote on X. Ron Filipkowski, Trump critic and editor-in-chief of MeidasTouch, also blasted conservatives for taking issue with Bidens decision. He pointed out that Trump has pardoned plenty of controversial figures and has promised to pardon those who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the Captial. Trump pardoned a dozen drug traffickers, bypassed & ignored DOJ input, pardoned dozens of Republican elected officials, business cronies, lawyers, friends, donors and campaign officials. Promised to pardon J6ers who beat cops. I dont care about Joe pardoning his last son, he said. This is just a small handful of the hundreds of pardons Trump gave to drug traffickers, violent felons, fraudsters, donors, friends, cronies, wealthy businessmen, campaign aides, and Republican politicians. https://t.co/HisKTUVoEe Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) December 2, 2024 Biden, who time and again pledged to Americans that he would restore norms and respect for the rule of law after Trumps first term in office, ultimately used his position to help his son, breaking his public pledge to Americans that he would do no such thing. In a statement released Sunday evening, Biden said, I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice. The presidents sweeping pardon covers not just the gun and tax offenses against the younger Biden, but also any other offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden sent shockwaves through Washington as many criticized the move, saying that it would only tarnish the presidents legacy. The Democrat president pardoned his son on Sunday night to spare him from a possible prison sentence for felony gun and tax convictions. The move comes after the president repeatedly said he would not consider a pardon for his own son. Now, political pundits on both sides of the aisle are criticizing Biden for the move. Former Rep. Joe Walsh, a Republican and harsh critic of President-elect Trump, ripped the decision in a statement posted to social media platform X. This is utter bullshit, just plain wrong, & stupidly selfish. Shame on you @POTUS, youve given Trump license now to dole out favors to his family & wealthy friends. And when he does, youve given his supporters the opportunity to say everyone does it. And btw Biden, you lied, Walsh wrote on X. He went on to reiterate that Biden previously said he would not pardon his son. Biden lied. Shame on him. He lied. So the next time Trump lies, Americans can just shrug their shoulders and say all politicians lie. Way to go Joe Biden. Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) December 2, 2024 Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) also panned Biden for his decision, saying it sets a bad precedent." While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation, Polis wrote on X. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation. Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a Presidents son, he added. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin said that the pardon " further weakens the fragile trust in our institutions that hold power to account." And journalist Chris Cillizza said it was a colossally selfish decision. A colossally selfish decision that will allow every Trump supporter to note that Democrats say one thing and do another https://t.co/vvQ8GkC14l Chris Cillizza (@ChrisCillizza) December 2, 2024 Meanwhile, Republicans are also jabbing Biden for pardoning Hunter Biden. Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! Trump wrote on Truth Social. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) also weighed in on Sunday. This pardon is Joe Bidens admission that Hunter is a criminal. Biden tried to throw President Trumps sons in jail, but he lets his son off free even though hes a convict. His FBI and DOJ raided Barrons bedroom and Melanias closet at Mar-a-Lago, she wrote on X. Joe Biden is a liar and a hypocrite, all the way to the end. Biden, who time and again pledged to Americans that he would restore norms and respect for the rule of law after Trumps first term in office, ultimately used his position to help his son, breaking his public pledge to Americans that he would do no such thing. In a statement released Sunday evening, Biden said, I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice. The presidents sweeping pardon covers not just the gun and tax offenses against the younger Biden, but also any other offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A cold case breakthrough has led to murder charges against a Canadian man accused of killing a New Jersey woman in 1997 and dumping her body off a dirt road in Somerset County. Robert Alan Creter, 60, of Winnipeg, was extradited to New Jersey on Nov. 26, more than 27 years after Tamara Tammy Tignors body was found in Bridgewater, Somerset County Assistant Prosecutor Michael McLaughlin said at a press conference. Its been 9,885 days since her body was found, McLaughlin said, crediting investigators with continuing the hunt for Tignors killer. They never gave up in the pursuit for justice. Tignor, 23, was found Nov. 4, 1997, strangled on a dirt access road off of Gilbride Road near Washington Valley Park in Bridgewater Township. A detective from the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office inspects the gravel trail off of Gilbride Road in Bridgewater leading back to the clearing where the body of Tamara Tignor was found in 1997. NJNP Photo/Tony Kurdzuk No suspects were developed at the time, but DNA evidence was collected, and an eyewitness told police they last saw Tignor getting into an orange van. Those two elements that were crucial in identifying Creter, McLaughlin said. Creter, a day laborer who has lived in Canada since 2002, was born in Canada and adopted by an American family as a small child. He lived in the Middlesex and Somerset county areas around the time of Tignors death, McLaughlin said. Creter has a criminal record in New Jersey including terroristic threats and weapons charges in 1995, and theft and forgery charges in 1999, according to court documents. Advances in DNA technology allowed police to match evidence collected at the scene to Creter in 2023 through the Combined DNA Index System, a national FBI database that stores DNA collected from crime scenes and convicted offenders, McLaughlin said. Detectives then determined that Creter had access to a van that matched the description provided by the witness, McLaughlin said. Its unclear if Creter and Tignor knew each other. News reports at the time of her death say Tignor occasionally lived in Keyport with her mother, but was known to frequent Newark. McLaughlin said investigators at the time were able to talk to friends of hers in the Newark area. Tignor is believed to have gotten into Creters van about 27 miles away from where her body was found, McLaughlin said. When asked if she got into the van in Newark, McLaughin said, thats a good explanation of what 27 miles away is, without specifying the location. Forensic genealogy, or the use of commercial DNA services like AncestryDNA, were not used to identify Creter, McLaughlin said. All those advances in technology do not replace the passion that the women and men on this case have, and that initial response and how phenomenal crime scene investigators were, State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan said. Telling Tignors mother about the arrest was incredibly emotional, McLaughlin said. She was very thankful for our detectives today, and our detectives at the time. Tignors mother called police every year on the anniversary of her daughters death, asking for updates, McLaughlin said. As recently as last month, she called but police were unable to provide any updates until Creter was on American soil, McLaughlin said. Creter is being held in the Somerset County Jail and will make a first court appearance on Wednesday. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch. The man was stretchered off the beach and rushed to a nearby hospital. A beachgoer was stung by a cone snail at Collins Flat Beach in Manly, NSW on Saturday. Source: Instagram/northernbeachesadvocate A beachgoer has been hospitalised after he was stung by a marine animal at a popular beach over the weekend, and it's a deadly threat not many people are aware of when they don their swimmers. The man, in his 20s, stood on a cone snail with some of the species having a venom so potent it can kill humans within the hour, one marine snail expert told Yahoo News. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at Collins Flat Beach in Manly, Sydney and emergency services rushed to his aid. NSW Ambulance confirmed to Yahoo News the man was stung on his left foot but was conscious and able to converse with first responders when they arrived. It is understood several paramedic crews arrived at the location, and the man showed no signs of respiratory distress despite the venom of these marine creatures containing deadly neurotoxins. The beachgoer was immobilised to restrict any likely venom spread and was stretchered off to a local hospital. Some species of cone snail can kill humans within the hour. Source: Stephen Smith/Whats in the Bay at Minnie Water Deadly beach threats moving down Australian coast There are over 800 species of cone snails and they are common throughout northern parts of the country. They are typically found as far south as southern Queensland but recent sightings suggest they're making their way further down the coast to NSW locations, including Sydney, and in Victoria. ADVERTISEMENT "A lot of tropical species are extended south as the warm water currents move down the coast due to climate change," marine snail expert Richard Lewis told Yahoo News. "The deadly ones are usually further north." This sentiment was echoed by Stephen Smith from Southern Cross University who previously told Yahoo News "there is evidence over the last 20 years of a shift southwards." One snorkeller recently spotted many cone snails at one hotspot in Coffs Harbour in NSW and warned beachgoers not to be fooled by their pretty appearance. The species are credited to be one of the most effective deliverers of venom, with "harpoon-like barbed darts" coated with a cocktail of neurotoxins shooting into prey. ADVERTISEMENT However, there has only been one death recorded in Australia from a cone sail and it occurred almost a century ago in 1935. Worldwide, there has been 30 human deaths linked to cone species. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Koalas are facing multiple threats in the wild, so ecologists have established a healthy population inside a remote property. Disease is one of the biggest threats facing endangered koalas in Australias north. So conservationists have created an insurance population within a fenced off 400-hectare predator-free sanctuary that's bigger than the area of Sydney. Drones were flown above the Barrington Tops, north of Newcastle, to detect the animals high in the trees. They were brought down and tested by medical experts for chlamydia, a bacteria thought to have been introduced by livestock, that leads to infertility and death. Veterinarian Dr Julien Grosmaire told Yahoo News it's straightforward to rid koalas of the disease, but without fencing koalas simply get reinfected. Of the eight koalas detected at the property five tested positive so they were given medical treatment. Koalas are declining fast. Theyre rapidly heading towards extinction. Weve already seen localised extinctions in some areas, so the time to do something is now, and we cant delay any longer, Grosmaire said. ADVERTISEMENT Need more stories from our weird and wonderful world? Subscribe to our newsletter. Each koala was given a health-check by EVE medical staff. Source: Supplied Will there be more than eight koalas kept as an insurance population? The project is a collaboration between vets and ecologists from Endeavour Veterinary Ecology (EVE) and Aussie Ark, which was formed in 2011 to create insurance populations of Tasmanian devils after the species was listed as endangered. By 2050, koalas will likely be extinct in the wild across NSW, and possibly Queensland. While they are considered abundant in Victoria and South Australia, many conservationists are worried that ongoing habitat destruction and climate change will lead to their decline in those states. ADVERTISEMENT Koalas at the Barrington Tops sanctuary have been fitted with tracking devices which are monitored using a solar-powered cellular antenna at one of the propertys highest points. Aussie Arks Tim Faulkner explained the project is about more than just eight koalas. Once we secure this disease-free population, we can start building that number, and building on from this project, he said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. A Westward Ho! resident has celebrated her 100th birthday with a special day of events. Lily Holdsworth, who was born in Rotherhithe, London, marked the milestone on 29 November, surrounded by family, friends, and staff at her care home. The celebration featured a visit from Exmoor Zoo, a birthday cake delivery, and classical music performed by Ashley Barker. The Deputy Mayor also attended to offer birthday wishes. Lilys life began in London, where she lived with her parents and older sister Florrie. During World War II, Florrie joined the Womens Land Army, while Lily left school to work sewing uniforms for troops. After the factory was destroyed in a bombing raid, she moved on to operate heavy engineering machinery, a role traditionally held by men. It was during this time that she met Fred, a skilled toolmaker and Home Guard member. The couple married in August 1945 and settled in Forest Hill before moving to Crawley in 1952 and later to North Devon in 1969. In North Devon, Lily worked at Green Shield Stamps and Fine Fare in Barnstaple before later taking a role at a greengrocers in Braunton. She was known for her sewing and knitting skills, creating everything from bridesmaid dresses to jumpers and welly socks for Fred. Fred passed away at 55, leaving Lily a widow for 46 years. She has two daughters, six grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Staff at the care home described the day as magical and noted that her family and friends all think highly of her. Last week, Yahoo spoke to a shaken Queensland mum whose family developed irritations from the Anko bedding. Her family's not the only one. Multiple shoppers have claimed Kmart's Christmas-themed bedding left them with skin irritations, despite washing the sheets first. Source: AAP/Supplied A popular Kmart Christmas-themed product has been recalled due to a chemical defect putting customers at risk. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has now warned that the Christmas-themed quilt cover sets emit a "strong chemical odour that may cause reactions to consumers" because the product "did not cure properly during the manufacturing process". Yahoo News Australia previously reported customers developed skin irritations and had to be hospitalised as a result of exposure to the Anko branded bedding sets It comes a week after a spokesperson for the retail giant told Yahoo News Australia it had "taken the proactive step of notifying the ACCC of a voluntary product recall." "The public recall notice will follow in the coming days," they said. ADVERTISEMENT Last month, Yahoo spoke to a Queensland-based Kmart lover who said she'd bought the retailer's Christmas bedding for her own bed and her young son's. The Gold Coast woman opted to remain anonymous, but she said within days, her son quickly developed asthma symptoms and after two weeks with the sheets, her husband woke up in the early hours of the morning suffering chest pain. She said she was overwhelmed by the smell of "jet fuel" after unwrapping the bedding something many other shoppers also reported online and her husband was eventually hospitalised. "He was genuinely scared," the mum recalled, explaining that as paramedics arrived, they instantly told her to take the blanket off him. "One of the paramedics walked in and turned it over and said to get it off him," she claimed. "They had seen complaints about the blankets, and multiple cases with everything from rashes to chest pains and they all have this blanket. I thought that was crazy." One Queenslander said after she laid the sheets on her bed, her husband suffered a severe asthma attack and ended up in hospital. Source: Supplied Customer confusion after 'fuel-smelling' Anko sheets causing skin irritations The man was taken to hospital where ECG and blood tests did not indicate that he had any underlying condition. "Now we've all just got weird burning in our eyes and stuffy noses," she said. "From what I've Googled it seems to be some kind of chemical exposure." ADVERTISEMENT Another Aussie also reported "nearly fainting" and "vomiting" after using the sheets, as well as "other gastro symptoms and sudden sharp intense jaw and shoulder pain". Speaking to Yahoo, a Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson said "as an organisation, we have not been made aware of any issues relating to this item" but they were unable to comment on individual matters. For their part, a Kmart spokesperson previously told Yahoo the sheets "are safe", but last week made the decision to remove them from shelves as a precaution. The discount giant confirmed that a product recall will be issued for the Mr & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and the Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set. Full refunds are also available for affected customers. ADVERTISEMENT "We take the quality and safety of all our products very seriously. We have noted the concerns about an odour with this product," the spokesperson said. "While the product is safe, it is important to us that our customers enjoy using our products and have made the decision to withdraw the product from sale". "If customers have any questions, we ask them to contact Kmart Customer Service on 1800 124 125." Key details of Anko Christmas bedding The products were sold between 22 September and December 4 of this year. The identifying product features the following keycodes: Mr & Mrs Claus Quilt queen bed set (43435029) Christmas Elf Reversible Quilt single bed set (43434862) Merry Christmas Pillowcase (43434848) Santa & Elves Pillowcase (43434855) Christmas Quilt single bed set (43434879) ADVERTISEMENT Kmart shoppers are advised to "stop using the product immediately." and "Return the quilt cover to your nearest Kmart store for a refund." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. President Biden not only spared his son Hunter the humiliation of two felony convictions he also saved him from what might have been a significant stretch of time in a federal prison. Hunter Biden, 54, pleaded guilty to nine federal tax charges in Los Angeles in September for falsifying records and failing to file returns dating to a period when he was hooked on crack, alcohol and easy cash. He faced up to 17 years in federal prison during a scheduled sentencing hearing in Los Angeles on Dec. 16, but would most likely have served no more than 36 months behind bars, according to sentencing experts. A jury in Wilmington, Del., in June found Mr. Biden, the presidents younger son, guilty of three felony counts for lying on a federal firearms application after an extraordinary seven-day trial. That trial made painfully public Mr. Bidens crack addiction, reckless behavior and ruinous spending narrated by three former romantic partners, including the widow of his brother, Beau Biden. Hunter Biden likely would not have qualified for a pardon recommendation under the criteria used by the Justice Departments Office of the Pardon Attorney, which is tasked with identifying and vetting worthy clemency recipients. The office mostly recommends full pardons for people who have already served their sentences. Hunter Biden has not been sentenced, let alone served his sentence. Presidents have unchecked authority to grant clemency to anyone they choose, regardless of the pardon attorneys recommendations. During his first term in office, President-elect Donald J. Trump routinely granted clemency to people who had not been recommended by the pardon attorney, including to some who had been previously rejected by the office and others who had yet to be sentenced. Before Trump, reaching into the middle of an ongoing case to give a full pardon was almost unheard-of, said Margaret Love, who ran the Justice Departments clemency process from 1990 to 1997 as the United States pardon attorney. Codi Walmsley, 15, has extensive bandaging over his body now to protect his burns. Hot oil splashed onto Codi Walmsley while he was working at a mechanic's workshop in Hamilton, Victoria last week. Source: GoFundMe/Supplied A young teenager on a work experience stint has suffered severe burns after an "explosion" at a mechanic's workshop caused hot oil to shoot towards his face and hands last week. It was only Codi Walmsley's third day on the job last Wednesday when the 15-year-old removed a radiator hose from a car, and the oil started to shoot out in the Hamilton workshop in Victoria. "The hot radiator fluid burned and scolded him as it came out," his aunty Brook Walmsley told Yahoo News. "He put his hands up over his face to protect it, which is why his hands are so substantially bad... it was a freak accident." After his colleagues rushed to his aid and splashed cold water onto his skin to minimise the burns, Codi was rushed to a local hospital before he was medically airlifted to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne where he immediately received surgery. The young teenager now faces an uncertain recovery. Source: Supplied Teenager's body covered in bandages to help burns heal After being in an induced coma in the intensive care unit for several days, Codi is now conscious and "still himself" but has a long and uncertain recovery ahead of him. ADVERTISEMENT "He'll have to go in for skin grafts on Thursday and we'll need to see how he's healed. It's a little too early to tell how things will turn out." Brooke said, explaining half of his body is covered in bandages. "They've put like a cellophane on his skin to help with the burns, and then they've put another layer over it, like a mask, and then they've got the bandages on top too." Now facing the prospect of spending Christmas in hospital, the family are desperately trying to remain positive while they have no idea what long-term impacts Codi will face creating a GoFundMe to assist with the cost of travelling to Melbourne to be with him. "It's a pretty testing time for the whole family," Brooke said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. For years, President Bashar al-Assad of Syria was able to beat back opposition fighters with the help of Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. Now, with those allies weakened or distracted by their own conflicts, rebels have seized the opportunity to shift the balance of power. The rebel fighters spent months training and preparing for a surprise offensive, but even they may not have predicted how quickly they would advance. On Saturday, the rebels said they had captured almost all of Aleppo, one of Syrias biggest cities, and they now control a broad stretch of land in the west and northwest of the country, according to the rebels and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor. The timing of the assault and its success, analysts say, reveal the vulnerabilities of Mr. al-Assads once formidable coalition. The Syrian civil war started 13 years ago when peaceful anti-government protests were met with brutal crackdowns, escalating into a conflict between forces loyal to Mr. al-Assad and rebels. Over time, the combatants drew support and foreign fighters from regional and international powers. Do I dare say we had agreed to give each other grace or show each other grace by doing that kind of support for one another? Solomon Dumas, current dancer The idea of grace is that we receive blessings when we dont even deserve it. I think when you watch the piece, you understand that its not forcing anything, but its just an extension, an expansion of a thought. And you dont leave the theater needing to feel like, Oh, Ive got to go to church! If that happens, good for you. Its like when Mr. Ailey said he wants to hold up a mirror to society to show people how beautiful they are; I do believe that Ron is a manifestation of that expression. Brown We come back to Come Sunday, which is probably the explanation of Grace, because they get another chance. And so the couples get to hug each other and say, Im sorry that I behaved the way I did. So theyre kind of asking for forgiveness. And then they get another chance. Except for their young son [an unofficial character in the dance] who still steps out because he didnt learn the lesson. And then hes scolded by the mother god. Its one of my favorite moments in the piece. Coral Dolphin, current dancer Its almost like [the son figure] raises his voice with me. And as a mother god figure, I tell him to settle down. You can see it in the movement, Im like, Calm down. He comes at me hard, and I come at him softer. And you can see that there is this sense of me trying to soothe his spirit. He does this repetitively and it speeds up. I put my hand on his back and his head to just tell him to stop. Release it. Let it go. Give it to God. And then his movement becomes a bit slower, softer, like mine. And we become a reflection of one another. And then we all walk through the light. Olaiya I cry every time it ends because you feel like you went through the journey with them to find their grace, to be comfortable with their grace, to be at one. Thats the piece. It doesnt matter how many times youve seen it, it gets you. It grabs you. You hold your breath through the whole dance, and at the end, you just got nothing but to scream. Once an ambitious upstart and now a reliable highlight of the art worlds calendar, Art Basel Miami Beach returns for its 22nd in-person edition from Friday to Sunday with 286 galleries from around the world. For most collectors, curators, advisers and dealers, it marks the last major event of the year before the holidays arrive. For a seller or a buyer looking to make a big deal, the time is now. Housed as always in the Miami Beach Convention Center, the event is also the last major art fair in a year full of them, including previous Art Basel editions in Hong Kong in March; Basel, Switzerland, in June; and Paris in October. Not to mention four far-flung Frieze fairs and a couple put on by the European Fine Art Foundation. The Miami Beach fair is both large and popular last year, 79,000 people attended. So here are some ways to navigate the big event. The Jewish Museum in New York has acquired a video installation by the artist Ruth Patir that was commissioned for the Venice Biennale. It was never displayed, since Patir and the curators insisted that Israels pavilion not open until an agreement was reached for the return of hostages taken in the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023 and for a cease-fire in the Gaza war. Patirs (M)otherland will debut in March at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Jewish Museum announced Monday, and then will travel to New York after the Jewish Museums collection galleries are reinstalled later next year. The museum declined to disclose the price it paid for (M)otherland, which comprises five videos, one made in reaction to the Gaza war and offering a personal view of global tragedy. Four video pieces use ancient female figurines retrieved by archaeologists from the eastern Mediterranean to dramatize Patirs decision to freeze her eggs after learning that she carries the BRCA gene mutation an odyssey through an Israeli social system that encourages childbearing and aggressively funds fertility procedures. The small figurines, blown up to life-size dimensions and digitally animated, walk the halls of Israeli clinics, check their iPhones in the waiting rooms, and inject themselves with hormones. I am healing, but its an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye, he added. I have been quietly spending the summer recuperating at home, and I am feeling positive about the progress I have made in my healing and recovery thus far. He provided an update on Good Morning America late last month. I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July, he said. Its been four months now since I havent been able to see, and my left eyes not the greatest. Theres hope and encouragement that it should be OK. Asked about a possible new album, he replied: Going into the studio and recording, I dont know, because I cant see a lyric for a start. I cant see anything, I cant read anything, I cant watch anything. John did not respond to requests for comment on Monday sent through his talent agencies. When The Devil Wears Prada opened in Chicago in 2022 with a different cast, The New York Times said in a review, The songs unfold pleasantly enough, with flashes of glam and morsels of wit, but they tend to feel last-season. The musical is based on the 2006 film and the 2003 best-selling semi-autobiographical novel by Lauren Weisberger. The London production stars Vanessa Williams. An ancient bronze thought to be a likeness of the Roman emperor Septimius Severus is to be reunited with its long lost torso after a Danish museum agreed that its sculpture of a bearded mans head had been looted and should be returned to Turkey. The torso, which for years stood in the Roman Court of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, was returned to Turkey in 2023 after its seizure by investigators who said it had been looted. Since then, the Turkish government has been petitioning the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen, requesting the return of the 2,000-year-old head to complete the statue. Last week, the Danish museum said its researchers had concluded that the artifact, which has been in its collection since 1970, was likely to have been excavated illegally from Bubon, a site in the southwest of Turkey that investigators say was heavily looted in the 1960s. The Danish museum said it had made its decision after prolonged research. Exceptionally strong arguments and scientific documentation are required to separate a work from the museums collection, Gertrud Hvidberg-Hansen, the museums director, said in a statement. In the case of this object, both criteria were present. The pay comes from a 2018 award that said Mr. Musk would get all the options only if Teslas stock price soared and its sales and earnings grew strongly. Few expected Mr. Musk to achieve all of those targets because Tesla was still struggling to sell enough electric cars to become profitable. But Teslas business took off and its stock rocketed higher, allowing Mr. Musk to earn all the options in the following years. He has to hold them for five years. The shareholder who brought the suit, Richard J. Tornetta, contended that Teslas board had not acted independently of Mr. Musk when devising the package and that the company had provided materially misleading information to investors. In her January ruling, after a trial in 2022, Chancellor McCormick said, The process leading to the approval of Musks compensation plan was deeply flawed. To try to get the judge to change her mind, Teslas lawyers argued that shareholders were sufficiently informed when they overwhelmingly voted again for the package in June. But in her ruling on Monday, Chancellor McCormick wrote that the Tesla lawyers arguments had several flaws. Among them was that they could not hope to flip a decision based on evidence they created after trial. She also said a stockholder vote standing alone cannot ratify a conflicted-controller transaction, referring to a situation in which a major shareholder has influence over a board and its decisions. In any case, Chancellor McCormick said, the June vote was flawed because the board presented materially misleading information to shareholders in the proxy statement urging them to ratify Mr. Musks pay package again. If Democrats want to understand one of the reasons the Republican Party is ascendant, they can look to President Bidens pardon on Sunday for his son Hunter. In its rank mendacity, political hypocrisy, naked self-dealing and wretched example, it typifies so much of what so many Americans have come to detest about what the MAGA world calls the swamp. Start with the mendacity. Last December, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, insisted, Ive been very clear: The president is not going to pardon his son. The president reiterated the point in early June, when he told ABCs David Muir that he would not pardon Hunter if his son was convicted, as he later was, of three felony charges related to his purchase of a gun while he was addicted to drugs. The younger Biden also faced separate criminal tax charges. It was always a good bet that the president would break his word as soon as it was politically safe to do so. But he doubled down on dishonesty in his statement about the pardon, claiming Hunters prosecution was a result of political pressure on the judicial process. Nonsense. The charges stem from Hunters reckless lifestyle, abetted and financed by his willingness to trade shamelessly on the family name. A previous plea agreement between Hunter and federal prosecutors fell apart last year under scrutiny from a federal judge. More obnoxious is the hypocrisy. Every year, federal prosecutors file hundreds of cases against persons charged with lying on the Firearms Transaction Record, or Form 4473, which is required from anyone buying a firearm from a licensed gun dealer. In 1993, then-Senator Biden made that form a key part of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. How is it that the same president who made both gun control and stricter tax enforcement key parts of his political message suddenly sees his own sons transgressions as nuisance offenses? Nomar Leonardo Melo Cabral was weeks into his first semester in college when an unexpected bill from Stony Brook University arrived in his inbox. Mr. Melo Cabral, 19, is the first in his family to attend college in the United States, and he was tempted to panic. Instead, he called on a resource many young people in his position dont have: an advocate from OneGoal New York, a mentorship program that has been working with him since high school. I was thinking, I have a bill. Its all over, he recalled. An adviser from OneGoal helped him resolve the issue with the college so he could focus again on his classes. I realized, I have someone to help me, he said. He is one of 15,000 students across the country enrolled in OneGoal, a Chicago-based nonprofit group that helps students from low-income backgrounds prepare for college and navigate an admissions process that is stressful for even the wealthiest families in the United States. After the Supreme Courts decision last year to ban affirmative action in college admissions, OneGoal is an especially timely and vital balm. A vast majority of OneGoal students are eligible for free or reduced lunch; 94 percent identify as a member of a racial minority group. Americans who are committed to fairness and equity and who want to help such students will have to find creative ways of doing so. Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza is one of the few remaining hubs for medical services in the area. Since Israels war in Gaza began, the hospital itself has also been a site of conflict. The Israeli military has accused Hamas of using the hospital as a base, which Gaza officials have denied, and has raided it repeatedly since Oct. 7, 2023. Parts of the facility have been damaged and destroyed from both direct attacks and bombardments occurring nearby. In late October, most of the staff members were detained or expelled by Israels military. Few doctors and nurses remain, and they care for sometimes upwards of 100 patients. One of those doctors is the hospitals current director, Hussam Abu Safyia, a pediatrician who is also the lead physician in Gaza for the humanitarian organization MedGlobal. In October 2023, he wrote a guest essay for Opinion describing the dire situation he was witnessing as casualties mounted during the first month of Israels offensive. Since then, the situation at the hospital has become much worse. Dr. Abu Safyia, who isnt a surgeon, has had to operate on patients because of the lack of trained surgeons. He has had to decide who gets treatment and who doesnt, given the dwindling resources available. And he has had to navigate a tense situation with the surrounding Israeli forces. He has had to do all this while grieving his son, who was killed in late October of this year and is buried on the hospitals grounds. Last month, MedGlobal reported, Dr. Abu Safyia was wounded by shrapnel resulting from an Israeli airstrike and required surgery. For a week in October and November, Dr. Abu Safyia sent Times Opinion audio and video messages describing the day-to-day situation at the hospital and the difficulties he and his remaining staff members face. Here are edited excerpts, most of them translated from the Arabic. Oct. 30 Yesterday, for the first time in my life, I walked into the operating room to perform surgery, on the stomach of a 4-year-old child whose house was destroyed by bombing. He was bleeding a lot from his stomach, but I somehow managed to perform the operation, and thank God, I was able to save that childs life. He justified his action on the ground that his son had been selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. In his statement, he said, No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. There is something to this argument. The presidents political adversaries have long been obsessed with trying to prove that Mr. Biden was somehow involved with his sons misdeeds, many of which appear to have stemmed from his long-term addiction to drugs. Despite years of pursuit, including a spurious impeachment investigation, Mr. Bidens critics never came close to proving that he had anything to do with his sons criminal behavior, or that he benefited in any way from it. President-elect Trumps promise to seek retribution against his enemies also probably played a role in Mr. Bidens decision. The unusually broad scope of the pardon suggests that Mr. Biden was attempting to forestall attempts by the new administration to prosecute his son. The fact remains that Hunter Biden stood convicted of 12 felonies and he was, in fact, guilty of all of them. Prosecutors played hardball with the younger Mr. Biden, which is something that prosecutors sometimes, even often, do. But those other guilty defendants didnt have the president of the United States to bail them out. Mr. Bidens love for his son, as well as his anger about the way he was treated, was understandable, but the presidents consummate act of nepotism has stained the record of the Biden presidency. Mr. Bidens merciful treatment of his son might be more defensible if he had extended the same kind of grace to others who received rough treatment in the legal system. But to date, he has issued only 26 pardons and 132 commutations. (In eight years, President Barack Obama issued 212 pardons and 1,715 commutations.) Mr. Biden had earlier made two grand announcements about pardons, but they amounted to less than they appeared. Last December, he said that he was planning to pardon everyone who had been prosecuted for simple possession of marijuana under federal or District of Columbia law. This past June, he announced that he was going to pardon members of the armed services who had in previous years been subjected to courts-martial for being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or intersex. But those actions were mostly symbolic. Though thousands of people were theoretically eligible for these pardons, few chose to go through the cumbersome process: about 200 for marijuana and not even 100 for the courts-martial. Its true that other presidents have exercised the pardon power to reward their relatives and punish their political enemies. In his final days in office, President Bill Clinton pardoned his half brother, who had years earlier been convicted and served a prison sentence for drug trafficking. President George H.W. Bush blamed the independent counsel Lawrence Walsh for his failed re-election campaign and pardoned all of the defendants in Mr. Walshs prosecutions in the Iran-contra affair. In a remote village church hall this year, one of my colleagues in the Red Cross spoke with about 20 men in mismatched military uniforms. They were members of one of the more than 100 armed groups sprawled across the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This mineral-rich region has been ravaged by conflicts for 30 years. Conscious of the mood in the room and careful to avoid tension, my colleague, a soft-spoken Congolese man whose identity Im keeping private for his safety, broached the uneasy subject of sexual violence, which had persisted in the region for decades but surged greatly as fighting had escalated in 2023. At the beginning, they denied it ever happened, he told me. As the discussion in this mountainous village progressed, denial gave way to justification: A man cannot go without a woman, one man said. And even more troubling: Women want it they just dont know how to ask. But eventually, the men began sharing real-life situations and debating them. Someone mentioned that local tradition prohibited touching women when going into combat, a phrase my colleague noted, since it offered insight into the culture. He tried to understand what these men believed about sexual violence and use it in his arguments against it. The conversation was part of a pilot program the International Committee of the Red Cross has been conducting to try to better address sexual violence in armed conflict. Last year, the United Nations recorded a 50 percent increase in verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence. According to the I.C.R.C., over 120 armed conflicts are happening today, a sharp increase from the number at the start of the millennium. And when new wars erupt, gruesome accounts of sexual violence almost always follow images of death and destruction. Last week I argued that the blows Israel inflicted on Iran and its most important proxy, Hezbollah, would have vast consequences for the military balance in the region. It has only taken a few days for those consequences to start showing up. Donald Trump reportedly wants the regions conflicts quieted down by the time he comes to office. Hey good luck with that. For starters, with Iran and Hezbollah weakened by Israel, the leader they were protecting most, the beleaguered Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, took a body blow in the last few days when anti-government rebels in Syria swept in from their countryside redoubts and swept out Assads army from virtually all of Aleppo, the second largest city in Syria. Alas, though, many of these Syrian rebels are not boy scouts the group leading the charge, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is a former Al Qaeda affiliate and if Assad were toppled from power in Damascus, Syria, it could draw Israel in and destabilize the whole Levant. Interestingly, Turkey, which backs some of these rebel groups and had been restraining them, may have given the green light for the attack. Turkey has long been Irans archrival for regional domination. At the same time, a Western intelligence source tells me, a rancorous debate is afoot within Irans leadership over who is responsible for letting Hezbollah drag both Iran and Hezbollah into a devastating war with Israel on behalf of Hamas when Israel had not even attacked Hezbollah. As a result, Hezbollahs rocket forces, meant to deter Israel from ever bombing Irans nuclear facilities, have now been shattered. JOSE LEON CERRILLO never thought hed live in a French-style turn-of-the-20th-century townhouse. For nearly 15 years, the 48-year-old Mexican artist had rented a boxy midcentury dwelling in Mexico Citys quiet Anzures neighborhood thatd proved the perfect background to his Modernist-leaning geometric installations. After its owner declined to sell the property, Cerrillo spent years looking for something similar. That never materialized, but he did find a mansion on one of the most desirable blocks of the once-bohemian, now-gentrified neighborhood of Roma Norte. This is it, he recalls thinking, even though it was antithetical to what Id had in mind, from the period to the area. The townhouse was designed around 1913 by Jose G. de la Lama, one of many properties that the architect and developer built in the so-called Porfirian style, named for the Francophile dictator Porfirio Diaz, whose taste, like that of the countrys elite, had been informed by Paris. And yet, behind the facades ornate corbels and garlands, de la Lama also incorporated features that urbane Mexicans expected at the time: The three-story, 5,700-square-foot building goes deep into its plot, with a triple-height atrium separating its front half, which contained its primary rooms, from what were once service areas in the back section. Lightning never strikes twice! Right? Wrong! Thus began Clive Barness review of the first post-Merman Gypsy on Broadway, staged by Laurents. Lansbury had shattered the town, Barnes wrote, just as Merman had, but in an altogether different way. After reading that review in the library at Swarthmore College, where I was a sophomore, I hied myself to New York and scored cancellation tickets. (And yes, I cried when Lansbury appeared in the aisle.) She probably understood the language of vaudeville better than any Rose, and she struck clear-cut, music-hall-style poses that she proceeded to fill in with rippling shadows. Her Rose had a sharp alacrity, a smiling confidence pocked with suggestions of a restless narcissism. You never forget your first. I can recall the chills I felt when Lansbury suddenly turned feral with the lyrics Momma is gonna see to it! in the peppy first-act finale Everythings Coming Up Roses, or when in a hypnotized state of self-delusion, she kept bowing to a silent audience after Roses Turn. 1989 Tyne Daly Savage, sexy, funny, common as dirt, and absolutely wonderful, Laurents, who also directed this version, wrote of his latest Rose. Best known as an amiable star of the buddy cop TV show Cagney & Lacey, Daly floored audiences with her uncompromising ferocity here. This was a woman who understood just how lowdown the world of on-the-road vaudeville and burlesque was, and how hard you had to be to survive it. Hers was a boldly unsentimentalized Rose, who never once played for sympathy, and the erotic anger of her Roses Turn was a shocker. I could get only mezzanine seats for this one, but Dalys nuclear heat blasted through the distance between me and the stage. A former Kansas police detective who had been accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting two women over several years while on duty was found dead on Monday, the first day of his trial on federal civil rights charges. Roger Golubski, 71, died of a fatal gunshot wound at his home in Edwardsville, west of Kansas City, Kan., according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The police had responded to a 911 call reporting the sound of a gunshot and found Mr. Golubski dead on his back porch, the bureau said, adding that there were no signs of foul play. Mr. Golubksi had been scheduled to appear in a federal courtroom in Topeka on Monday morning for the start of jury selection. Prosecutors later told the judge that Mr. Golubski had died and requested that the case be dismissed, The Associated Press reported. His lawyer, Christopher Joseph, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In court on Monday, Mr. Joseph told the judge that his client, who faced a maximum sentence of life in prison, was despondent about the media coverage, according to CNN. Several Democrats in Congress spoke out on Monday against President Bidens decision to issue a broad pardon of his son Hunter Biden, criticizing the action as one that would further erode Americans already waning faith in democracy and the rule of law. Many Democratic lawmakers, particularly progressives, have defended Mr. Bidens move as the justified action of a concerned father who fears that President-elect Donald J. Trump will abuse his power and follow through on his threats to seek retribution against his rivals. But others, especially moderate members of Congress, said the presidents decision to pardon Hunter Biden which he repeatedly vowed he would not do would cause further damage to democratic norms. Im disappointed this was the decision that he landed on here, Representative Jason Crow, Democrat of Colorado, said of President Biden in an interview. He promised he would not do this. I think it will make it harder for us going forward when we talk about upholding democracy. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Democrat of Washington, said the presidents move offered proof of a two-tiered justice system that treated the wealthy and politically powerful differently from everyday Americans. The police officers came for Ayshem Mamut a week ago at her home in northwest China. They told her to pack her bags. She could have been taken to a prison, a detention center or an internment camp, just like many other ethnic Uyghur Muslims who have vanished, sometimes for years. But four days later, the 73-year-old Chinese citizen was in Virginia having a Thanksgiving meal with two sons she had not seen in 20 years and four grandchildren she had never met. She sometimes talked, sometimes cried, as they ate traditional Uyghur dishes of noodle soup, lamb stew, broiled chicken, salad and rice with chickpeas. Last week, U.S. officials said that China had freed three American men, one of them an F.B.I. informant, in exchange for two imprisoned Chinese spies and at least one other Chinese citizen. But as part of that deal, China also quietly agreed to allow Ms. Mamut and two other Uyghurs, one an American citizen, to leave the country for the United States. But the Proud Boys have often benefited from their bonds with law enforcement, which has at times appeared to side with them, especially when they have squared off against leftists who are openly critical of the police. The trial of Mr. Lamond will serve as a sort of cautionary tale along those lines, depicting the challenges that officers face in getting close but not too close to the political extremists they are meant to monitor and police. When Mr. Lamond first encountered Mr. Tarrio in July 2019 at a right-wing rally in Washington, he was an intelligence specialist who had spent more than 20 years in the Metropolitan Police Department. The two men quickly struck up what appeared to be a congenial and mutually beneficial relationship, their messages show. They called each brother and occasionally met for drinks at one of Mr. Tarrios favorite watering holes near Union Station. Perhaps seeking to ingratiate himself to his source, Mr. Lamond often painted himself as a political ally, insulting the Black Lives Matter movement and calling Mr. Tarrio in early November 2020, after Mr. Trumps electoral defeat was officially announced, to offer his condolences. At the same time, however, he was constantly pumping Mr. Tarrio for information about the Proud Boys and their plans especially after it was clear that Mr. Trump and his allies were going to challenge his loss not only in the courts but also on the streets. Often fielding questions from his colleagues in the police department and from agents in the F.B.I. and Secret Service, Mr. Lamond persuaded Mr. Tarrio to keep him informed about the Proud Boys movements as hundreds of members of the group came to Washington for pro-Trump rallies on both Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. Fire the top ranks of the F.B.I. Encourage Congress to demand testimony exposing every single bit of filth and corruption at the agency, and withhold its funding until the documents come in. Prosecute leakers and journalists. Replace the national security work force with people who wont undermine the presidents agenda. These are among a long list of changes Kash Patel recommended in his 2023 book, Government Gangsters. President-elect Donald J. Trump has now said he intends to make Mr. Patel the next F.B.I. director. Mr. Trump had wanted to install Mr. Patel as deputy F.B.I. director during his first term, but Attorney General William P. Barr, who portrayed him as manifestly unqualified in his own memoir, told the White House that Mr. Patel would become deputy F.B.I. director over my dead body. Mr. Barr has since been banished from Mr. Trumps circle, and Mr. Patels book and other past statements are coming under fresh scrutiny as a guide to his aspirations. Some of what he has said is hyperbole, but other things would be within his power should he be confirmed by the Senate. Even with so many appointees already under fire, Mr. Trump has doubled down on defiance as he assembles his next administration. Rather than turning to more credentialed and respected choices with easier paths to Senate confirmation, Mr. Trump in rapid-fire fashion keeps naming more ideological warriors, conspiracy theorists and now even family members to senior government positions. Most striking is his decision to push out the F.B.I. director, Christopher A. Wray, a career law enforcement veteran he himself appointed in his first term, and turn the nations premier investigative agency over to Kash Patel, who calls himself an avenger against the supposed deep state. Mr. Patel, seen as a provocateur of the first order, was widely considered a disruptive force and even dangerous by other Trump advisers who spent much of the last administration trying to keep him out of positions of power. While attention focused on Mr. Patel, Mr. Trump over the weekend also named the fathers-in-law of two of his children to important jobs. He announced that he would nominate Charles Kushner, the father of Ivanka Trumps husband, Jared Kushner, and a felon pardoned by Mr. Trump at the end of his last term, to be ambassador to France. And he tapped Massad Boulos, the father of Tiffany Trumps husband, Michael Boulos, to be his White House senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. The persistence in advancing unconventional appointments underscores how determined Mr. Trump is to surround himself this time with loyalists he can trust to carry out his agenda, including retribution against his perceived enemies. Mr. Trump has accused President Biden of using the Justice Department and F.B.I. to come after him, although there is no evidence that Mr. Biden was involved in the cases of the last few years. In asking the Supreme Court to hear the case, Food and Drug Administration v. Wages and White Lion Investments, No. 23-1038, the agencys lawyers cited another appeals court that had reached the opposite conclusion. The Fifth Circuits decision has far-reaching consequences for public health and threatens to undermine the Tobacco Control Acts central objective of ensuring that another generation of Americans does not become addicted to nicotine and tobacco products, they wrote, quoting from the other appeals courts decision. The Fifth Circuits decision is an outlier, Curtis E. Gannon, a lawyer for the agency told the justices on Monday. He added that common sense tells us that a flavor like Mothers Milk and Cookies is going to be disproportionately attractive to children. Eric N. Heyer, a lawyer for the manufacturers, said the agency had engaged in a bait-and-switch by saying that certain kinds of scientific studies were not required and then rejecting the applications for failing to provide them. F.D.A. never communicated that there was going to be an end-all-and-be-all litmus test as to whether there was this comparative efficacy evidence, he said. But several justices said the 2009 law itself required a showing that the benefits of the products outweighed their costs. The statute makes it the litmus test, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said. Youre trying to change the statute, but the statute is very clear: Tell us that your product is going to help adults stop smoking cigarettes and show us that youth is not going to start. There was little question, Justice Elena Kagan said, that the agency had determined that the flavored liquids at issue were aimed at minors. Everybody basically knows that flavors are particularly dangerous in terms of kids starting the use of smoking products, she said, adding, Blueberry vapes are very appealing to 16-year-olds and not to 40-year-olds. A Wisconsin judge on Monday struck down portions of a 2011 law that stripped most government workers in the state of collective bargaining rights and set off fierce demonstrations. The ruling by Judge Jacob Frost of the Dane County Circuit Court is certain to be appealed. But his decision provided at least a temporary victory to labor unions and Democrats in Wisconsin, who turned out by the thousands to protest the law more than a decade ago and who have been trying ever since to take it off the books. Restoring union freedoms to Wisconsin workers will strengthen Wisconsins middle class, lift up the voices of workers and lead to better public services for our communities, said Stephanie Bloomingdale, the president of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, in a statement. Republicans passed the law, known as Act 10, shortly after winning control of state government in the 2010 elections, arguing that limits on public sector unions were necessary to balance the budget and attract business investments. They advanced the legislation despite large-scale protests at the State Capitol in Madison and an attempt by Democratic lawmakers to scuttle the vote by fleeing to Illinois. Cristina Nambendi receives training on farming techniques from an American-funded program in Angola. But when asked if she had ever heard of President Biden or knew much about the United States, she looked stumped. When asked about China, however, her eyes lit up. What I hear and what I see is that they are building tall buildings and houses, and they are selling stuff, said Ms. Nambendi, 47, who has been farming corn and beans for more than two decades in this southern African nation. Mr. Biden visits Angola on Monday in his only trip to Africa as president and what is scheduled to be his last foreign trip in office. He will be there to promote the Lobito Corridor, an 800-mile railway project funded in part by the United States that is meant to be his signature initiative on the continent and an answer to Chinas outsize influence across many African nations. Thousands of Georgians demonstrated in front of their countrys parliament for the fifth night in a row on Monday, widening a political crisis that has set the countrys pro-Russian government against those who want closer ties with the West. At the center of the clash is the announcement last week by the governing Georgian Dream party that the country would put talks on European Union membership on hold until 2028. The president, Salome Zourabichvili, who favors accession to the E.U., has encouraged the thousands who have taken to the streets nightly to protest the delay. We want our European destiny to be returned to us, she told Frances Inter Radio on Monday. The protests, which began last Thursday in Tbilisi, the capital, have spread to cities across the country, in a sign of the widening anger with the government. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany paid a surprise visit to Ukraine on Monday, his first in more than two years, to reaffirm his countrys support amid mounting concern in Kyiv that the West could scale back military aid and push for a negotiated settlement with Russia. Mr. Scholzs trip came two weeks after he held a phone call with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to discuss potential paths to end the war. Ukrainian officials denounced that outreach, saying that it broke Mr. Putins diplomatic isolation from the West and bolstered Moscows position ahead of possible peace talks. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine was particularly critical, warning that Mr. Scholzs phone call risked opening a Pandoras box by encouraging more leaders to engage with Mr. Putin, ultimately legitimizing the Russian presidents position. Mr. Scholzs visit to Kyiv on Monday appeared, at least in part, aimed at easing those tensions, and he announced that his country would deliver $680 million of military equipment to Ukraine by the years end, part of a bigger package announced in the fall. Mr. Neutras parents, Orna and Ronen, have been high-profile public campaigners for the release of their son and the roughly 100 other hostages still held in the Gaza Strip, about half of whom are believed to remain alive. We are private and not very political, and yet we find ourselves caught up in the middle of the most controversial geopolitical war in decades, Orna Neutra, his mother, wrote in an opinion essay for The New York Post in August. Our life as we knew it, is gone. Since their sons capture, Mr. Neutras parents have addressed the Republican National Convention, met at the White House with President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, and visited the Pentagon and the House of Representatives. They have also criticized Mr. Netanyahu, writing in The Post that they questioned his sincerity and sense of urgency in pursuing the release of the hostages. On Monday, the prime minister praised their son as a hero of the Israeli army. Omer was a man of values, blessed with talents and a Zionist in every aspect of his being, Mr. Netanyahu said in a statement. He immigrated to Israel to enlist in the I.D.F., chose a combat path and was chosen to command and lead, he said, referring to the Israel Defense Forces. The renewed conflict was complicating matters for another group opposed to Mr. al-Assad: Kurdish fighters who had held parts of Aleppo province and who rebel officials said on Monday were evacuating the area by bus. Viewed by Turkey as a historical enemy, and too weak to take on the Syrian rebels leading the advance, analysts said, the Kurdish fighters had little choice but to take the rebel leaderships offer of safe passage to northeastern Syria, where the United States has partnered with their commanders in the fight against the Islamic State for much of the last decade. The Observatory said one of the strikes on Monday had hit a camp for displaced people in northern Idlib. The White Helmets, a Syrian civil defense group that said it had responded to the strike, said it had recovered the bodies of five children and two women and taken 12 more for medical treatment. The rebels responded with at least one drone strike, including one on a group of military officials in northern Hama, according to rebel officials. A rebel spokesman who gave his name as Ali al-Rifai said that one of those targeted was Maj. Gen. Suhail al-Hassan, a special forces commander who became notorious among the Syrian opposition for his role in overseeing the bombing of civilian areas. It was unclear if General al-Hassan, who is subject to U.S. sanctions, survived. The New York Times could not independently verify the information from either side. Videos and photos posted by the group and by a local media activist, which were verified by The New York Times, showed torn-up tents and families belongings lying in broken heaps among olive trees at what they said was the site of the strike on the camp for the displaced. President-elect Donald J. Trump on Monday demanded that the hostages taken in the Hamas-led attack on Israel be released from Gaza before his inauguration in January, or there will be hell to pay in the Middle East for those responsible. Writing on Truth Social, and without naming any militant group, Mr. Trump said in his post: If the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity. Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW! About 250 hostages were captured in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct, 7, 2023, and about 100 of them remain in Gaza, with about a third believed to be dead, according to the Israeli authorities. The Biden administration has been working since last year with Israel and international mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, on a cease-fire deal that would include release of the hostages. It was not clear what tactic Mr. Trump might take that has not already been taken already by Israel, which has killed many of Hamass leaders and thousands of its fighters, while leveling much of Gaza. The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees has said it is suspending aid deliveries through the main crossing into Gaza because of lawlessness and violence, accusing Israel of failing to ensure safe conditions for aid workers to provide humanitarian assistance. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the agency, known as UNRWA, said in a statement on Sunday that it would stop sending aid through the crossing despite a deepening hunger crisis in Gaza because it had become unnecessarily impossible to do so safely. The road out of this crossing has not been safe for months, Mr. Lazzarini said. He said political decisions by Israel had limited the amount of aid getting into Gaza and also created a dangerous and chaotic environment for delivering the relatively few supplies that have entered through the crossing, Kerem Shalom. Mr. Lazzarini said Israel had failed to provide safe passage on roads designated for use by aid trucks, and that Israels military had targeted local police officers, leading to a breakdown of law and order. Gazas police force answers to what remains of the Hamas-run government in the territory. Shikoku Banks leadership has come up with a bizarre way of reassuring clients of its commitment promising to pay with their lives if found guilty of financial irregularities. Banking executives are always held to high ethical standards, considering that they handle the wealth of thousands, sometimes millions of people, but while they face serious punishment in case of fraud or embezzlement, they arent quite expected to pay with their lives. That is not the case with the management of Shikoku Bank, a financial institution whose top 23 executives, including President Miura, signed a blood oath requiring them to commit seppuku if found guilty of engaging in financial irregularities, embezzlement or other fraudulent activities. Rooted in the code of honor of Japans samurai era, the bizarre pledge posted on Shikoku Banks website went viral sparking reactions varying from admiration to disbelief. Photo: Unsplash Anyone employed by this bank who has stolen money or caused others to steal from the bank will pay for it with his or her own property and then commit suicide, an announcement on the Shikoku Banks website states. This pledge is part of a document signed and stamped in blood by all 23 employees, including President Miura, of the Thirty-seventh National Bank, the predecessor of Shikoku Bank, to ensure the proper handling of finances. Seppuku is a type of ritual suicide that allowed samurai to uphold their honor after failing their lord. Employees of Shinkoku Banks predecessor, the Thirty-Seventh National Bank, signed a similar pledge since its founding in 1878. The bizarre pledge drew comparisons between Japanese and American bank executives, with the latter known to take almost no responsibility for mishandling clients finances. Philippe de Backer KKR has named Philippe de Backer managing director of European public affairs, effective January 1. Based in the global investment giants London office, de Backer will report to Ken Mehlman, global head of PA & co-head of the global impact group. De Backer was a member of the European Parliament, focused on financial regulation, industrial policy and infrastructure investment. He also did stints in Belgiums government as Secretary of State for Social Fraud, Privacy, and the North Sea, as well Minister of Administrative Simplification, Digital Agenda, Telecom, and Postal Services, De Backer also has counseled consulting firms and private equity funds on healthcare investing and life sciences. Mehlman said de Backers "expertise can help us anticipate policy change, make better investments and ensure that our firm remains at the forefront of responsible investment in todays dynamic and highly complex European environment. KKR has 550 staffers across 11 EMEA offices that manage about $100B in assets. It expects to complete the acquisition of FGS Global from WPP by the end of the month. Roscrea's Fianna Fail hopeful for a seat in the Dail, Councillor Michael Smith, has been eliminated after this morning's recount of votes for the North Tipperary constituency, where Michael Lowry was elected on Saturday night and Labour's Alan Kelly is poised to take the second seat. Following a count this morning after tense scenes in the Tipperary count centre in Thurles last night, Fianna Fail's Michael Smith has been eliminated after the distribution of Fine Gael's, Dr. Phyll Bugler 5,000 votes. The request for a full recount last night was cancelled and after an examination of the ballots this morning, Independent Jim Ryan was only three votes ahead of Michael Smith - while last night before the recount was suggested the results indicated that Cllr. Smith had the lead by only two votes. Thurles Independent, Jim Ryan, who won a very impressive vote after a short campaign and competing against the heavyweights of the constituency on their home turf, is still in the race - but short of a remarkable upset it looks like he will be next eliminated and Fianna Fail's 29-year old first time candidate from Cloughjordan, Ryan O'Meara, looks set to take the third and final seat. Michael Smith's votes will be distributed in the next count. The updated results from count nine are: Alan Kelly - 11,088 Ryan O'Meara - 7,781 Jim Ryan - 6,364 Michael Smith - 6,361. Michael Smith's votes will now be distributed amongst the remaining candidates. The Offaly domestic violence support service (ODVSS) have announced their new charity initiative, in hopes to raise much needed funds for the organisation. The ODVSS has run a variety of events and campaigns throughout the last number of years to continue raising vital funds to provide essential services and advocate for victims of domestic abuse and violence. The Christmas swim challenge is open to all who are willing to participate. Speaking with Anne Clarke, a key worker in the service, she said, "The date (or dates) is up to the individual person. We are asking, as we know there is a lot of cold swimmers, particularly around Banagher and that, is to set a challenge for yourself and do 12 days over the 12 days of Christmas, or even just in December, they can either get a sponsorship card from ourselves or they can set up a fundraising page through our iDonate page," "By setting up this page, proceeds go directly to us and there is no middleman, so to speak," she added. The organisation very much depend on the generosity of the public to support all their fundraisers, so they can help the men and women trapped in these terrifying and unsafe situations. Founded in 1997, the group was originally named Offaly Women in Crisis, and came about as result of the work of volunteers whose lives had been affected by domestic violence. At the core of the organisation's beliefs is to provide support and services for victims of domestic violence and their children at a local level, and campaign for societal and legislative changes that will lead to the elimination of violence and abuse. Information, advocacy and support is given by one to one confidential support, an information line with telephone support, accompaniment to Court and other services, and outreach services which are located in Birr, Edenderry, Ferbane, Banagher, Shannonbridge and Clara. For more information, you can call the service on 057 935 1796. DURING the latest meeting of Birr 20|20 Vision, held in the Birr Council offices on Wednesday November 20th, the community group confirmed that they remain committed to their Anaerobic Digester project. The members decided that they would remain committed to their reference/working group overseeing the AD project, which they hope to expand to include greater representation of the farming community. The reference group will explore the possibilities for AD in Offaly, said Chairperson Denis Shine, and hope to stimulate educational programmes on AD (through the agricultural colleges) as well as a greater awareness of its potential benefits both environmentally and in terms of job creation, should AD be developed with ancillary activities. The government wants to build 200 Anaerobic Digesters around Ireland by 2030. However, many months have passed and only a few ADs have been built. Without State or private enterprise support an AD is too big an endeavour for most groups because it could cost 10 million to construct a single Digester. Groups such as Birr 20:20 are hoping that the next government will turn into reality the commitment of the present government and row in strongly behind the scheme. In Birr 20:20, said Denis, we hope to see the development of educational programmes in Birr's LOETB and in Gurteen College in conjunction with the Anaerobic Digester project. From the perspective of an organisation like Birr 20|20 Vision, the community group says on its website, whose concern is the welfare of the society for whose betterment it exists, Anaerobic Digestion is a process which will facilitate the farming community to achieve the goals set out for that sector in the Climate Action Plan of Government and which, in addition, has the capacity to support a significant number of jobs at very different skill levels if the range of Anaerobic Digester products and opportunities are fully developed locally. Nationwide Anaerobic Digestion so developed could well play a major role in sustaining the rural economy of Ireland. An Anaerobic Digester is a sealed, oxygen-free tank designed for the anaerobic digestion of sewage or other organic waste by microorganisms. The Digester is typically used as a means of waste disposal or energy production. A dramatic and worrying scene unfolded in one of Dublin's most popular spots, Grafton Street, at the height of rush hour, over the weekend. After spotting a lorry driver attempt to drive down the pedestrianised street, gardai were quick to apprehend the driver, suspecting he could be under the influence of alcohol or substances. Upon being pulled over, the authorities came across at least five cans of alcohol in the vehicle, with one can brazenly being in the cup holder. Quick action from the gardai on patrol ensured the vehicle was seized before any significant harm was caused. READ MORE: Christmas taxi fare hike slammed for unfair impact on workers The official An Garda Siochana account took to their social media to share details and photos of the incident, which could have ended much worse if it has not been for the fast-acting officers on the busy street. Taking to X, they gave a stark warning: "Think you could get away with drinking and driving? The driver of this lorry thought so, just as he started driving down Grafton Street at rush our in front of our members who were on the beat. They were quick to step in and stop him before he could go much further." . The male operating the lorry was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and was later released from custody without charge, pending further investigation. With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information. BYD launches second Ro-Ro ship for NEV exports BYD's second roll-on/roll-off ship (Ro-Ro ship), the BYD CHANGZHOU, has officially begun operations. Loaded with nearly 5,000 BYDs new energy vehicles (NEVs) at Jiangsu's Lianyungang and Taicang ports, the vessel is now en route to Europe. Photo credit: BYD Wang Junbao's Weibo ROX Motor enters Saudi Arabian market Chinese new energy vehicle startup ROX Motor on Dec. 1 signed an agreement with Laith Al Obaidi Group to exclusively handle the former's operations in Riyadh and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Since debuting at the Abu Dhabi Motor Show in April, ROX Motor has set up sales and service networks in over 20 countries. Dongfeng NAMMI 01's monthly production surpasses 10,000 units On November 29, Dongfeng Motor held a ceremony at its Xiangyang plant to mark the NAMMI 01's monthly production exceeding 10,000 units for the first time since its mass production began in December last year. RoboSense's revenue surges 91.5% YoY in Q1-Q3 2024 LiDAR solution provider RoboSense released its unaudited financial results for the nine months ending September 30, 2024, reporting robust growth across key metrics. Changan Automobile's new energy vehicle sales exceed 100,000 units in Nov. 2024 Changan Automobile announced on the first day of December that its monthly new energy vehicle (NEV) sales surpassed 100,000 units for the first time in November. Huawei's HIMA delivers 41,931 vehicles in Nov. 2024 Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), Huawei's smart car alliance, announced it delivered 41,931 vehicles in November 2024. In the Jan.-Nov. period, HIMA's total vehicle delivery volume reached nearly 400,000 units. Leapmotor's monthly deliveries surpass 40,000 units for first time in Nov. 2024 In November 2024, Chinese new energy vehicle company Leapmotor saw its monthly deliveries surpass 40,000 units for the first time, reaching 40,169 vehicles, according to its announcement on the first day of December. BAIC Group announces $70.35 million investment in Pony.ai On November 29, BAIC Group officially announced a strategic investment of $70.35 million in autonomous driving company Pony.ai. Li Auto's monthly deliveries exceed 45,000 vehicles for 6 consecutive months On December 1, Chinese new energy vehicle maker Li Auto announced its latest delivery figures, revealing a total of 48,740 vehicles delivered in November 2024. This marks an 18.8% year-on-year growth and the sixth consecutive month of surpassing the 45,000-unit delivery mark. Chery Holding refreshes monthly sales record in Nov. 2024 Chery Holding reported a record-high monthly sales volume of 280,463 vehicles in November 2024, which jumped 32.2% year over year, according to the company's announcement on December 1. Xiaomi SU7's monthly deliveries exceed 20,000 units for second month in a row Xiaomi EV recently announced that deliveries of the Xiaomi SU7 exceeded 20,000 units in November 2024, marking the second consecutive month of achieving this sales mark. Great Wall Motor posts YoY, MoM rise in Nov. 2024 vehicle sales In the November 2024, Great Wall Motor ("GWM") recorded a sales volume of 127,394 new vehicles, which climbed 3.7% over the previous year, and also rose 9.07% over the previous month. Geely Auto Group's new energy vehicle sales surge 94% YoY in Nov. 2024 Geely Automobile Holdings Limited ("Geely Auto Group" or "the Group") announced on the first day of December that its monthly automobile sales volume amounted to 250,136 units in November 2024, growing 27% year on year (YoY) and 10% month on month (MoM). BYD's monthly vehicle sales reach another record high in Nov. 2024 BYD Company Limited ("BYD") reported sales of 506,804 new vehicles for the month of November 2024, marking a remarkable year-on-year surge of 67.87% and a month-on-month rise of 0.83%. Notably, the figure represents another record-breaking performance in BYD's monthly vehicle sales. XPENG posts two-digit YoY, MoM leap in Nov. 2024 vehicle deliveries XPeng Inc. ("XPENG"), a main Chinese smart electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, announced record-breaking deliveries for November 2024, with 30,895 vehicles delivered. This marks a 54% surge year-over-year and a 29% rise from the previous month. NIO boasts 28.9% YoY jump in Nov. 2024 vehicle deliveries On the first day of December, Chinese smart electric vehicle maker NIO Inc. ("NIO" or the "Company") announced its November 2024 delivery results, achieving 20,575 vehicles of monthly deliveries, a 28.9% jump year-over-year. Geely Holding, Hangzhou Urban Construction & Investment Group team up in green smart transportation field On November 28, 2024, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group ("Geely Holding") signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Hangzhou Urban Construction & Investment Group Co., Ltd. ("HZCT") to collaborate in areas such as new energy, green smart transportation, geoinformation, industrial investment, ecological co-construction, and talent exchange, according to a post on the WeChat account of Farizon Auto, the commercial vehicle subsidiary under Geely Holding. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On the first day of December, Chinese smart electric vehicle maker NIO Inc. ("NIO" or the "Company") announced its November 2024 delivery results, achieving 20,575 vehicles of monthly deliveries, a 28.9% jump year-over-year. NIO ES6; photo credit: NIO Of the vehicles NIO delivered last month, 15,493 units were from its premium NIO brand and 5,082 units were from its family-oriented ONVO brand. As of November 30, 2024, NIO's cumulative deliveries have reached 640,426 vehicles. November 25, 2024, marked NIO's 10th anniversary. NIO commented that over the past decade, the Company has distinguished itself with innovative product designs, groundbreaking technology, and redefined business models. Backed by its in-house technological capabilities, extensive nationwide power network, and engaged user community, NIO has built a strong foundation for future growth. Looking forward, the Company is committed to delivering continuous innovation, exceptional products, and fostering a shared growth community to contribute to a sustainable future. In a significant step toward globalization, NIO inaugurated its first NIO House in the Middle East and North Africa region on November 28, 2024, in Abu Dhabi. Its first battery-swapping station in the region is also set to be opened by the end of the year. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- In the November 2024, Great Wall Motor ("GWM") recorded a sales volume of 127,394 new vehicles, which climbed 3.7% over the previous year, and also rose 9.07% over the previous month. For the first eleven months of this year, GWM's vehicle sales amounted to 1,098,006 units, edging down 1.81% from a year earlier. Among the vehicles sold last month, 35,999 units were contributed by the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, indicating a 15.2% year-on-year increase. The company's year-to-date NEV sales totaled 279,530 units. In addition, GWM also reported a sales volume of 43,186 vehicles for its overseas market business, showing a jump of 21.66% compared to the year-ago period. For the Jan.-Nov. period, the company's overseas market sales stood at 411,848 units. Photo credit: Great Wall Motor GWM announced that the sales of vehicles priced over 200,000 yuan amounted to 31,283 units last month, displaying a 36.7% jump from a year ago. Breaking down the sales performance by specific brands, HAVAL ranked highest with 78,386 vehicles sold last month, representing a 4.5% growth from the year-ago period. WEY brand recorded a sales volume of 7,046 vehicles, which zoomed up 145.85% over a year earlier. Both Great Wall Pick-up and ORA brands faced a year-on-year drop in their respective November sales. In addition, TANK sold 20,189 vehicles in the month, gaining a year-on-year rise of 8.68%. Regarding the year-to-date performance, HAVAL, Great Wall Pick-up, and ORA brands saw their respective vehicle sales decrease over the prior-year period, while both WEY and TANK boasted a two-digit year-on-year jump. MA XUEJING/CHINA DAILY China has been deepening international cooperation in poverty reduction, continuously sharing its anti-poverty experiences with other developing countries. For instance, the Cambodia-China Friendship Village for Poverty Alleviation Project has brought enormous changes to a local impoverished village, significantly improving villagers' livelihood; and in Madagascar, with hands-on guidance from Chinese agricultural experts, local farmers saw a substantial increase in hybrid rice yields. In Fiji, China's Juncao technology has not only enabled local farmers to grow high-quality edible and medicinal mushrooms, but also boosted livestock farming by providing premium livestock feed; and in Guyana, solar-powered streetlights donated by Chinese companies illuminate the nights of Moraikobai village, making it safer in the dark for villagers. These cooperation stories highlight China's active role and lasting contributions to global poverty alleviation efforts. "China will always be a member of the Global South, a reliable long-term partner of fellow developing countries, and a doer and go-getter working for the cause of global development." These remarks were made by Chinese President Xi Jinping in his speech on Fight Against Hunger and Poverty at the Session I of the 19th G20 Summit. During the speech, Xi once again pointed out that prosperity and stability would not be possible in a world where the rich become richer while the poor are made poorer, and countries should make global development more inclusive, beneficial to all, and more resilient. He also outlined China's eight actions for global development. His remarks fully demonstrated that China, always maintaining a global vision, is committed to building a just world of common development with all parties and is always ready to help people in other developing countries break free from poverty. China is always active in sharing its experiences in poverty alleviation and supporting developing countries in exploring their own unique approaches to poverty reduction and sustainable development in line with their specific national conditions. China has hosted a range of seminars and exchange activities, including the ASEAN-China Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction, the International Forum on Sharing Poverty Reduction Experience, the Africa-China Poverty Reduction and Development Conference, and the International Seminar on Poverty Eradication and Responsibility of Political Parties, to share its poverty reduction experiences with other developing countries. It has trained over 400,000 development personnel for over 180 countries and regions, significantly enhancing their capacity building in poverty reduction. In August this year, during an official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka toured two villages in Malipo county, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao autonomous prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan province, to learn about China's poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. He also visited a poverty eradication-themed exhibition in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian province, where he had exchanges with the Party School of Ningde Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China on poverty reduction experiences and took extensive notes. He was impressed by the remarkable achievements in poverty eradication and development that China has accomplished under Xi's leadership. Pursuing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation is an important part of China's eight actions for global development. In 2019, Xi delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, during which he stressed, "We need to take a people-centered approach, give priority to poverty alleviation and job creation to see that the joint pursuit of Belt and Road cooperation will deliver true benefits to the people of participating countries and contribute to their social and economic development." Since the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was proposed over 11 years ago, China has signed BRI cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations, yielding a large number of signature projects and "small yet beautiful" programs focusing on improving people's livelihood. According to a research report by the World Bank, by 2030, the BRI is expected to lift 7.6 million people in partner countries out of extreme poverty and 32 million people out of moderate poverty. The practical Belt and Road cooperation has provided significant momentum to global poverty reduction efforts. Poverty alleviation is one of the eight priority areas of cooperation under the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and the implementation of the initiative will significantly advance global efforts to reduce poverty. In 2021, Xi proposed the GDI at the general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he emphasized the importance to stay committed to development as a priority, stay committed to a people-centered approach, and stay committed to benefits for all. He said that the GDI aims to build a global community of development, safeguard and improve people's livelihoods through development, and address unbalanced and inadequate development among and within countries. Three years on, the GDI has helped make available nearly $20 billion in development funding and launch more than 1,100 projects. More than 100 countries and international organizations have supported and participated in the GDI, and more than 80 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI. China has consistently highlighted development as the "golden key" to tackling poverty issues. In September this year, at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Xi noted that China will work vigorously with Africa to promote personnel training, poverty reduction and employment, enhance the sense of gain, happiness and security of the people in the course of modernization, and ensure that all will benefit from the process. He announced that in the next three years, China will work with Africa to take ten partnership actions for modernization, many of which will help African countries reduce poverty. In addition, China is pursuing high-standard opening up, and unilaterally opening its doors wider to the least developed countries (LDCs). It has announced the decision to give all LDCs having diplomatic relations with China zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines. These measures expanding market access for their products are expected to improve people's livelihood and deliver tangible poverty-reduction outcomes in these countries. It is the common aspiration of developing countries to build a just world of common development, leave poverty in the past, and turn the vision of poverty eradication into reality. China will continue working hand in hand with other countries to create a world where peaceful development, mutual benefit, and shared prosperity are the hallmarks of modernization, and strive for the goal of eradicating poverty through common development. XINHUA Police clash with Development Officers; Several injured, four arrested Posted by Editor on December 2, 2024 - 2:35 pm A protest by Development Officers took place in front of the Ministry of Education at Isurupaya, Battaramulla leading to a tense situation as police attempted to disperse the demonstrators. The protest involving around 500 Development Officers caused severe traffic congestion on the Kottawa-Borella Road (174 bus route) with the road completely blocked near the Ministry. The Development Officers who have been teaching for four years are demanding to be absorbed into the permanent teaching service. Two Development Officers attached to the teachers service were injured and four others were arrested during the protest in front of the Education Ministry, police said. Reportedly, several police officers were injured during the clash. A special meeting was held yesterday (December 1) at the Ministry of Education to address the issue focusing on the recruitment of Development Officers into the teaching service in line with Supreme Court directives and the recommendations of the Public Service Commission. UPDATE 06:00 PM: The four protesters arrested during a tense situation in front of the Ministry of Education today have been ordered to be remanded until December 10, 2024 after being produced before the Kaduwela Magistrates Court. Meanwhile, three police officers including a Sub-Inspector have reportedly been injured during the incident with one of them currently being treated in the ICU. Dr. George McKenna and Jackie Goldberg (Image by LAUSD) Details DMCA The last time Steve Zimmer set foot in the LAUSD Board Room was in 2017 when he represented Board District 4. The Charter School Industry had just conducted one of its trademark campaigns against him, full of lies and personal attacks, and he was, understandably, demoralized by the process. Nick Melvoin took over his seat and Zimmer disappeared from the LAUSD. Last week, driven by the retirement of LAUSD Board Member Dr. George McKenna III, Zimmer returned to the Board Room for the first time in seven years to express his gratitude to his friend and mentor. He was in good company as a long line of dignitaries, former students, and others touched by his leadership gathered to pay tribute to a man who has served the students of Los Angeles as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and representative of Board District 1. At the end of the ceremony, McKenna rang a bell signifying the end of his service, but it was only symbolic as there was a long meeting (clocking in at almost seven hours) in front of him. Tuesday was also the last regularly scheduled meeting for Board President Jackie Goldberg. This was her second stint on the board for the former high school teacher who also served from 1983 to 1991. Goldberg is retiring after a long career as a public servant having also been a member of the Los Angeles City Council (1993 - 2000) and the California State Assembly (2000-2006). McKenna and Goldberg found themselves on the LAUSD Board after tragedies had struck the District. McKenna was preceded by Marguerite LaMotte, who died in 2013 while attending an education conference. Goldberg replaced Ref Rodriguez after the Charter School Industry representative was forced from office after he pleaded guilty to felony charges related to his campaign to unseat Bennett Kayser. McKenna and Goldberg were already enjoying retirement when they were called to serve again. The intention of both of these Board Members was to fill in as representatives for their respective Board Districts until an election could be held to name a replacement for the balance of the terms. However, in both cases, the majority representing the Charter School Industry refused their offers and they were forced to follow through with their threats to run in those elections. In the meantime, students and parents were left unrepresented. In the 2014 Special Election primary, McKenna ran in a field of seven candidates that also included future Trump staffer Omarosa Manigault and Sherlett Hendy Newbill, who won this year's election to be his successor. McKenna came in first with 44.6%, but since this was less than 50% of the vote and Los Angeles does not use ranked-choice voting, a runoff election was needed. McKenna beat Alex Johnson in that election 52.8% to 47.2%. These elections were my introduction to LAUSD School Board politics and McKenna was the first campaign I ever volunteered for. Ten candidates ran in the 2019 Special Election to replace Rodriguez in Board District 5. Goldberg's competitors included Graciela Ortiz, who failed in this year's attempt to succeed her, and Dr. Rocio Rivas, who after redistricting went on to represent Board District 2. After winning 48.2% of the vote in the primary, Goldberg beat Heather Repenning in the runoff election 71.3% to 28.7%. Throughout their time on the Board, both of these representatives set the example of developing and mentoring the future generations of Board Members. Current Board Member Rivas and future Board Member Newbill are past members of Goldberg's and McKenna's staff. Fidencio Joel Gallardo, who also ran in the BD5 primary, serves as Goldberg's Educational Innovation Deputy. While both Board Members are leaving behind strong legacies, they would have been stronger had they stepped down before their final terms. For the first time in decades, public school supporters held a majority on the Board after the election of Rivas in the 2022 election. Unfortunately, much of this opportunity was squandered with little meaningful action taken to undo years of control by the Charter School Industry. I had high hopes when Goldberg, with her years of government experience, became President of the Board, but, under her leadership, community engagement was further eroded, the delivery of Special Education services was diminished, and the Superintendent was allowed to operate largely unchecked. Fortunately for the children of Los Angeles, both educators still had a bit of fire left in them as they plowed through their last regular Board Meetings. Goldberg, a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation, sponsored a resolution that set the LAUSD's path forward under a president "who campaigned on an anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ agenda." McKenna, a black man who grew up in the segregated South, gave a powerful speech that conveyed the need for hope and humor as we enter the dark days ahead. The experiences of these groundbreaking politicians will be missed as the Board begins a new era next month. However, their influence will continue to echo through the LAUSD by way of the students they inspired and the staff they mentored. That is the legacy they share with all those in the field of education. _____ Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own. Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The deadliest strike on Syria in terms of casualties was carried out by Israel on November 20, with American military complicity. Most of the dead were officers and soldiers in the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), the only national army in Syria. Israel struck the Industrial School and the western residential area near the bakery in Palmyra, the city best known for its Roman-era antiquities and a UNESCO World Heritage site in the central desert, and under the administration of President Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights in the UK, 82 persons were killed when the Israeli jets bombarded Palmyra after being launched from within the airspace of the illegal US military base, Al-Tanf, in eastern Syria. Locals reported numerous ambulances transported the wounded to Tadmur National Hospital. Al-Tanf base is an area near the Iraqi border, illegally occupied by the US military, and is approximately 218 kilometers from where Israel struck in Palmyra on Wednesday. Earlier this month, troops from the SAA foiled an ISIS ambush that originated from the area in the vicinity of the US military base. According to detailed reports over the last couple of years, ISIS and other Radical Islamic terrorist groups have received training inside the Al-Tanf base. They are given logistical support to carry out attacks against the SAA in the desert region. Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria since 2011 targeting the SAA. Israel claims many of their targets in Syria are linked to Iran and Hezbollah, the Lebanese resistance organization. Following the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, the strikes on Syria have intensified. Last week, Israel carried out attacks in the Homs province bordering Lebanon. Syria and Iran have accused the US and Israel of arming and giving medical attention to ISIS while using them to attack the SAA and Hezbollah. The US troops occupying Syria use ISIS sleeper cells when needed, and are operating out of the US base in Al Tanf. Because the US force is so small in Syria, they rely on local mercenaries the US has trained, weaponized, and paid to provide security to the illegal base. The mercenaries are Mugawir al-Thawra, a group of Syrian men following the same Radical Islam ideology as ISIS, Al Qaeda, Jibhat al-Nusra, and the Muslim Brotherhood. Although their paychecks are cut at the Pentagon, that doesn't change their ideology. The US military uses what assets they have at hand, and terrorists are rebels against the central government. In late 2015, a small force of 50 American troops arrived in northeast Syria to defeat ISIS. The US claims the US coalition defeated ISIS; however, it was the US, the SAA, Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah all fighting ISIS which contributed to the defeat of ISIS. ISIS was finally defeated in early 2019. The US chose not to partner with the SAA, Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah who had the biggest fighting force on the ground against ISIS. Instead, a political decision was taken to train, weaponize, and pay a Communist separatist group in Syria, the Kurds, which has about 225,000 fighters. The US choice to militarily and politically support a Kurdish separatist group, linked to the PKK, angered President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. The PKK is an internationally banned terrorist group which have killed over 30,000 people over three decades. The PKK is the biggest enemy and security threat to Turkey, which shares a long border with Syria and is near the US-sponsored Kurdish militias, the SDF and YPJ. For years, Turkey has asked the US to stop their partnership and support of the Kurdish separatists in Syria. Although Turkey and the US are members of NATO and have been close allies for decades, Washington has insisted on supporting the Kurdish separatists in Syria. On November 21, Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, stated that the essential elements of Turkey's policy toward Syria include purging the country of terrorist elements. He referred to the SDF and YPJ and their links to the PKK, and called for continuing the war against a "separatist terrorist organization". The Kurdish Communists occupy the northeastern region of Syria in what they call The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). Recently, they began conducting non-declared municipal elections in Deir Ezzor province, one more step toward declaring an independent state. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Brussels, September 2024 - The SHERPA project (Solutions for Hydropower plants to Enhance operational Range, Performance, and improve environmental impAct), funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe Program, officially kicked off this month. The project, which will run for 42 months, brings together a consortium of seven key partners across Europe to develop innovative solutions that will significantly improve the performance and sustainability of hydropower plants (HPPs). The project's ProfessionalCV has grounded its roots in the CV writing industry. They have secured a position ahead of all resume-helping companies in Ireland. What is that makes them different? They can deliver high-quality tasks at affordable charges. You can hire them and protect your job application from being rejected. Have you ever thought about the logic hidden behind writing an appealing CV? Or have you ever sat alone thinking about Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Maxwell Starwhisper, a Toronto-based physicist and cosmologist, unveils Four Cosmos Hypotheses, a groundbreaking framework that redefines our understanding of the universe. These interconnected ideas challenge conventional science and resonate with the latest discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Starwhisper's hypotheses provide compelling theoretical support for JWST's observations, such as the intricate structure of early galaxies and the surprising symmetry in cosmic formations. Quantum Coupling: Extends quantum On November 28th, the Embassy of Cote d'Ivoire to the United Kingdom, under the leadership of Her Excellency Amani Sara, successfully hosted the Cote d'Ivoire-Scotland Round Table Meeting in London. This strategic event, organised in collaboration with the Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA), brought together a delegation of 25 Scottish businesses and educational institutions alongside key representatives from Cote d'Ivoire, including the Investment Promotion Center of Cote d'Ivoire (CEPICI). Key Participants Melbourne, Australia - AusOptic, specialists in fiber termination tools, optical test equipment, lab components, and sensing instruments, are proud to join the community at the 25th Congress of the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP), co-locating with the NFO-17, the 2024 ANZCOP, and the 2024 COMMAD. From 2-5 December 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, AusOptic will be presenting a selection of new products and hosting representatives from their international A 44-year-old California man has been arrested after another man was found dead in the aftermath of a Salem apartment fire, the Salem Police Department said. Firefighters discovered Kristopher Douglas Stokes, 38, dead in the early hours of Saturday morning following a suspicious apartment fire in the 1100 block of Chemeketa Street Northeast around 2:45 a.m., officials said. The state medical examiner ruled the death a homicide. An officer arrested David James Damon Alexander on Commercial Street NE near Division Street NE in Salem, police said. Alexander faces charges of second-degree murder and third-degree robbery. No details of the homicide have been released as the investigation continues. The cause of the fire is also still under investigation, Salem police spokesperson Angela Hedrick said. The Salem Fire Department said the blaze burned only one apartment in the building. A man listed in court documents as David James Alexander and born in 1979 was booked Oct. 30 in Multnomah County on a string of charges, including menacing, escape III, disorderly conduct and theft. Oregon court records indicate he has a felony battery conviction in Californias San Bernadino County in 2000, a misdemeanor battery conviction in Los Angeles County in 2004 and a felony assault conviction in Thurston County, Wash., in 2006. He is being held at the Marion County Jail. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive; dperry@oregonian.com After an outpouring of concerns about recent electricity rate increases and their burden on families throughout the state, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden took the unusual step of demanding some direct answers from Portland General Electric. And PGE has now responded, pointing to higher open-market power costs and increasing industrial demand from data centers and other big users. SAO PAULO Brazils Federal Police in late November formally accused far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others of planning a coup to keep him in office. The agency described a multi-step scheme, substantiated by evidence and testimony, in an 884-page report. The plan included systematically sowing distrust of the electoral system among the populace, drafting a decree to give the plot a veneer of legal basis, pressuring top military brass to go along with the plan, and inciting a riot in the capital. Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet will now decide whether to formally charge the accused parties, toss the investigation or request more testimony to understand each persons participation in different parts of the alleged plot before deciding who stands trial on which counts. Bolsonaro and his main allies have denied any wrongdoing or involvement and accuse the authorities of political persecution. Here is a breakdown of the plans key elements as laid out in the report and how they are supposedly connected. Sowing doubt about Brazils voting system Police allege that efforts to disseminate fake news about Brazils electronic voting system began in 2019, Bolsonaros first year in office, but were conducted more strategically and intensively as his 2022 reelection bid drew near. Police say so-called digital militias comprised of thousands of social media accounts linked to pro-Bolsonaro propaganda, as well as other prominent right-wing influencers and politicians, spread propaganda claiming the voting system could be tampered with. Bolsonaro also openly expressed admiration for Brazils military dictatorship (1964-1985), which he claimed saved the country from communism. The narrative of an impending illegitimate election defeat helped Bolsonaro rally tens of thousands of supporters to multiple street demonstrations and also muster many to set up camp outside military barracks and headquarters to pressure leaders. Three months before the election, Bolsonaro invited dozens of diplomats to the presidential palace for a nationally televised meeting in which he presented supposed vulnerabilities of the voting system, without providing any evidence. Following Bolsonaros loss in 2022 to leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Bolsonaros Liberal Party questioned results at the countrys top electoral court, arguing voting devices made in specific years could have permitted fraud. The electoral court swiftly dismissed the claims. They spread false studies on the vulnerabilities of the electronic voting machines through the Liberal Party, in an attempt to create a factual basis for a presidential decree that would set the coup in motion, the report says. A draft decree to set the coup in motion In January 2023, Brazilian police found a draft decree in the home of Bolsonaros former justice minister Anderson Torres. It was one of many versions drafted either at the far-right leaders behest or with his knowledge, police say. The former president presented the document, unsigned, to the commanders of the three divisions of the armed forces on Dec. 7, seeking their support. Investigators say the draft decree shows Bolsonaro and his allies sought to create a committee to probe alleged fraud and crimes in the October 2022 vote, so they could later suspend the powers of the nations top electoral court and possibly convene a new election. The navys commander was ready to comply with the decree, but army and air force leaders objected to any plan that would prevent Lulas inauguration, the report said. Those refusals are why the plan did not go ahead, according to witnesses who spoke to investigators. Many legal experts including say evidence that former president presented the draft to military leaders and supported for different versions of the document are very damaging. (The goal) was to unduly intervene in elections, said Luiz Henrique Machado, a law professor at the IDP university in the capital Brasilia. In Brazil, it is the electoral prosecutors' office and the top electoral court that have the final word about electoral legislation. In an interview with website UOL published Thursday, Bolsonaro said he discussed with military leaders moves including decreeing a state of emergency and other exceptional measures that would have suspended the rule of law for the public good. He said such measures are provided for by the constitution, so there is nothing unseemly about evaluating those options. What is being said is absurd. For my part, there has never been any discussion of a coup, Bolsonaro told journalists in Brasilia on Monday. Plan to assassinate the president-elect On Nov. 19, Brazils Federal Police arrested four army special operations officers and a federal police officer accused of plotting in 2022 to assassinate Lula, vice-president-elect Geraldo Alckmin and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The arrested men were all mentioned in a police report that was unsealed later. The assassination plan sought to leave Bolsonaros ticket as the only remaining valid one in the 2022 runoff, police say. As for de Moraes, he led a five-year probe into fake news and threats against Supreme Court justices, which has led some far-right allies and supporters being barred from social media and even imprisoned. In early 2023, he presided over the nations top electoral court when it declared Bolsonaro ineligible for office until 2030 over abuse of power related to a meeting he convened with foreign ambassadors to spread lies about the voting system. Gen. Walter Braga Netto, Bolsonaros 2022 running mate and former defense minister, greenlit the assassination plan at a meeting with the plotters inside his home, investigators added. Federal Police portray the retired general as one of the plots leaders, also involved in pressuring military leaders to sign onto the coup. Braga Netto said in a statement on Tuesday that he never plotted a coup. He added that several of the documents seized from one of his aides, including writings, drafts and media reports were preparatory material to answer media requests and to prepare for testimony in congressional hearings. The police report contains no indication that any attempt to assassinate Lula or Alckmin was put into motion. However, investigators found messages and documents indicating that the plotters were monitoring and following de Moraes at the time. Police said they found evidence that retired Brig. Gen. Mario Fernandes, one of the officers arrested who had been serving as interim general secretary of the presidency, also visited the protest camps outside military installations, including at the army headquarters in Brasilia. Investigators said they have evidence that he gave instructions and financial support to the protesters. Jan. 8 uprising Federal Police linked Bolsonaro and some of his top ministers to the Jan. 8, 2023 riot in which supporters of the former president, many of whom had been camped outside army headquarters for months, ransacked the Supreme Court, Congress and presidential palace in Brasilia. The protesters had pleaded for the armed forces to keep the leftist leader out of office and their uprising which came after Lula was sworn in was an attempt to force military intervention and oust the new president, police say. The riot appears in the report as one of several other actions to pressure the army commander to join the coup detat. Police also say that Brig. Gen. Fernandes sent a message in November 2022 to Gen. Marco Antonio Freire Gomes, then the Armys commander, discussing the need for a triggering event for a coup. Defendants, including Bolsonaro, have argued that the riot was an isolated event, and many legal experts have noted that the reports evidence of a connection between it and a broader plot is tenuous. It is clear that the alleged coup plotters had contacts with people camped outside military barracks, people who were there on Jan. 8. But how much of that contact was transformed into planning, coordination, stimulus for those people to take public buildings that day? That is to be debated, it is going to be discussed in the process and the collection of more evidence, said Joao Pedro Padua, a professor of criminal law proceedings at the Universidade Federal Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro. Bolsonaro left for the United States days before Lulas inauguration on Jan. 1, 2023 and stayed there three months, keeping a low profile. The police report alleges he was avoiding possible imprisonment related to the coup plot and awaiting the fallout from the uprising. -- The Associated Press On Sunday at 3:59 p.m. an updated air stagnation advisory was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until Friday at 8 p.m. for Oregon Lower Treasure Valley. The weather service says to anticipate, "For the Dense Fog Advisory, visibility one to two miles in dense fog. For the Air Stagnation Advisory in valleys, an extended period of stagnant air, with light winds and little vertical mixing. This is due to an inversion near the surface that will continue to trap pollutants." "Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems. Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous especially along Interstate 84 from Fruitland, Idaho through Huntington, Oregon," explains the weather service. "If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you. State air quality agencies highly recommend that no outdoor burning occur and that residential wood burning devices be limited as much as possible. According to state air quality agencies, prolonged periods of stagnant air can hold pollutants close to the ground where people live and breathe. Check with your local burn agency for any current restrictions in your area." Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Lecta Announces the Spin-Off of Its Self-Adhesive Business The spin-off includes the creation of the new company Lecta Self-Adhesives Espana, S.L.U., which will take over all activities, agreements and commercial relationships relating to the Lecta's self-adhesives business. The spin-off includes the creation of the new company Lecta Self-Adhesives Espana, S.L.U., which will take over all activities, agreements and commercial relationships relating to the Lecta's self-adhesives business. Nov. 29, 2024 (Press Release) - Lecta has announced the spin-off of its Self-Adhesives business unit from Torraspapel S.A.U. This spin-off will be effective as of January 1, 2025. It entails the creation of the new company Lecta Self-Adhesives Espana, S.L.U., which will take over all activities, agreements and commercial relationships relating to the Lecta's self-adhesives business, including all its self-adhesive products. This strategic decision reflects Lecta's transformation and specialization of the Lecta Group that has taken place in recent years, which already envisaged the spin-off of its distribution business in Southern Europe and is now focused on its self-adhesive materials unit. With this new structure, Lecta seeks to optimize the management and profitability of the business through specialization, increase production efficiency and analyze and adapt the opportunities of each business unit to market demands and the needs of its customers. Lecta Self-Adhesives Espana, S.L.U. will take over Torraspapel S.A.U.'s position in all agreements and commercial relationships related to its self-adhesives business division, as well as transferring all assets linked to this area across the board. This change will not affect Lecta's commitment to quality of service and customer satisfaction, given that the new structure will allow for significant improvements in processes and product offerings. Lecta Self-Adhesives Espana S.L.U. will maintain its headquarters at Llull Street 331, 08019 Barcelona, Spain. Lecta is a leading European manufacturer and distributor of specialty papers for labels and flexible packaging, coated and uncoated paper for publishing and commercial printing, and other high-value innovative products such as its range of environment-friendly, 100% recyclable and biodegradable functional papers. SOURCE: Lecta Billerud Announces New Financial Targets and Significant Investments in Escanaba and Quinnesec Mills in U.S. Dec. 2, 2024 - Billerud is today hosting a Capital Markets Day in Stockholm, where the updated strategy will be presented. Ahead of this event, the Board of Directors has decided on new long-term financial targets and on strategic investments in North America. Billerud's updated strategy, "Way Forward", reflects the company's ambition to continue to be a leader in high performance paper and packaging materials. It aims to evolve towards paperboard while remaining committed to graphic and specialty paper in Region North America, and to strengthen the performance in Region Europe. "Going forward we will prioritize profitability over growth and drive performance," said Ivar Vatne, President and CEO of Billerud. "We will leverage the growing demand for fiber-based packaging and Billerud's attractive niche positions, strong manufacturing capabilities and flexible production system. Successful delivery on our plans will enable a strong and competitive Billerud. We target to achieve EBITDA of above SEK 6 billion through our strategic initiatives." Focus On Capital Efficiency, Profitability and Cash Flow Billerud's new financial targets emphasize the importance of capital efficiency, profitability and cash flow. Targeted levels for return on capital employed (ROCE) and EBITDA margin are to be achieved over a business cycle. The new targets are: Return on capital employed (ROCE) >11% EBITDA margin >15 % Cash conversion >80% Billerud's previous financial targets were net sales growth of 3-4% per year, and EBITDA margin of above 17%. The principles governing the company's indebtedness and return to shareholders remain: The ratio of interest-bearing net debt to EBITDA <2.5 (unchanged) Dividends >50% of the net profit (unchanged) Vatne explained, "The premises for pulp, paper and packaging production in Europe have changed since the beginning of 2022. As the tight European wood market and elevated fiber costs is a structural change, we revise the EBITDA margin target from 17% to 15%. In parallel, we reintroduce a target for return on capital employed (ROCE) and introduce a target for cash conversion." Investments in Paperboard Production in North America Billerud is committed to maintain its leading positions in the North American markets for graphic paper and specialty label paper, as well as to gradually evolve towards packaging materials to optimize capacity utilization. Billerud's Board of Directors has today decided on a strategic investment program of approximately SEK 1.2 billion in the Escanaba mill and SEK 0.2 billion in the Quinnesec mill (both mills are located in Michigan). These investments will enable the transition towards paperboard production. "We have an exciting plan in North America going forward, benefitting on sizable market opportunities, coupled with our attractive Midwest location, competitive assets and excellent paperboard capabilities in Billerud," Vatne said. "The evolution investments will be carried out in phases and in alignment with the mills' scheduled maintenance shutdowns to minimize production disruptions. The upgrade of the woodyard in Escanaba is set to begin immediately, with the bulk of the work scheduled for the second half of 2025." Billerud's total investments in 2024 will amount to around SEK 2.5 billion. In 2025, the total investments are estimated to amount to around SEK 3.4 billion, whereof SEK 1.2 billion is strategic capex. The annual mill maintenance investments (so called "base capex") is estimated to amount to SEK 2.2 billion in the years 2025-2027. Billerud provides paper and packaging materials that challenge conventional packaging for a sustainable future. The company has production units in Sweden, USA, and Finland. SOURCE: Billerud One of the most fun things you can use artificial intelligence for is image generation. You simply write a descriptive text and then the AI service creates the image you want. No special commands are required, you just type your text in plain language, for example A cat playing chess or A blue wallpaper for Windows 11. If youre not happy with the result, just add more details. You can then download the image you have created and use it however you like. Copyright only applies to material created by humans, not by machines. One of the pioneers of AI images is the Dall-E service from Open AI. Its the same company behind the chatbot Chat GPT and you can access both services in one place. However, a more convenient way to create images is to use the Microsoft Designer service. Further reading: How not to get bamboozled by AI content on the web What is Microsoft Designer? Microsoft has built Dall-E into a more graphically appealing shell where you can not only create new images. You can also edit existing images by, for example, deleting distracting objects or removing the background so that the subject is the only thing left. You can also change the character of your image to make it look like a cartoon, a classic piece of art or something else. Microsoft Designer can also create Facebook updates, invitations, restaurant menus and more that mix images, text and graphics. Again, just type a description of what you want to create. Is Designer available in multiple places? The tools from Designer are also built into several Microsoft services, so you can access it by clicking the Copilot icon on the far right of your Edge browser, for example. How do I get started on my computer? Foundry To use Microsoft Designer on your computer, go to designer.microsoft.com and click Sign in in the top right corner. If you dont have a Microsoft account, click Create one. Being signed in with a Microsoft account is a requirement to run Designer. What about the app? If you want to use your mobile phone or tablet, open the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) and search for Microsoft Designer. Install the app, open it, and sign in. You will also need to accept the Microsofts Terms of Service. The Designer app looks different from the website, but the concept is the same. Does it cost money? Foundry The free Microsoft Designer account has limitations that are removed if you upgrade to Copilot Pro. It costs $255/month and gives you more features across all Microsoft AI services. In the case of Designer, for example, you get 100 boosters per day instead of 15 as in the free version. A booster is the payment you use when you create and download AI images. To upgrade to Copilot Pro, click on the profile picture in the top right corner and select Account Information and Settings. Can I edit images? Foundry Microsoft Designer can create new images and edit your existing ones. To do the latter, tap Edit with AI and choose what you want to do, such as Remove Background (give the image a white background), Generative Erase (remove individual details), or Rework Image (give the image a new character). Make your selection and select Upload from this device to select the desired image. Make the edit and select Download to save. In our example, you see the bow of a boat and by selecting it, we can remove it and replace with water. How do I design? Foundry Microsoft Designer can also layout invitations, brochures, social media images, and more. To do this, click Design from scratch, choose what you want to do, and follow the instructions. Of course, what they look like and what you can do depends on what you have chosen. When youre done, select Download. For example, how about making a stylish menu or menu board with the Designer layout tool? How Designer works Foundry 1. Get started Click here to return to the Designer home page. 2. Menu Bring up a menu showing the services tools. 3. Your works Everything you have created in Designer can be found here. 4. Quick search Search for the tool you want to use. 5. Create Press the blue Create button and choose what you want to do in Designer. 6. Settings and preferences Open your account and make other settings for the service. 7. Generate Let Designer create new images with AI. 8. Edit Use the service to finalize images. 9. Design Create a brochure or any other document. 10. Shortcuts Quick launch common tasks from here. 11. Examples Here you see pictures of what Designer can create. Rest your mouse to see the text prompt that has been used. Behold the InWin Infinite, the most ridiculously over-the-top PC case that isnt shaped like a sneaker or a shark. InWin showed off this slab of curved glass and aluminum back at Computex in Taipei, but its finally ready to sell if youre ready to plop down 6,776 on the thing. Thats a hair under $7,093 in American Freedom Bucks. What could possibly make a PC case worth more than the price of an okay used car? Nothing. Its nothing, okay? You can stop reading now. But if you simply must continue, InWins promotional material cant stop gushing about the 180-degree curved glass that covers the front of the enclosure. Enclosure might be a generous description the design is so piecemeal that its obviously not going to provide much of anything in terms of actually separating your parts from their surrounding area for cooling or dust protection, even if it presents them in a pristine, cable-free way with back connector support. The cases signature aspect is the way its massive base rotates the entire upper portion by 45 degrees, while the glass panel rotates in the opposite direction. This is so you have easy access to the internals for modification though from what I can see, actually getting at the power supply would still be a huge hassle. And note that in its closed position, all your cables for monitors and accessories will be popping out of the top. Novel, I suppose, but it seems like itd ruin the designer look. On the tech side of things, the Infinite supports eight PCIe slots, a 250mm power supply, graphics cards at a length of 370mm, and two 2.5-inch internal storage drives. (Seriously? Just two little ones?) You get room for one 120mm fan on the rear and three on the front, with an option for a 360mm radiator instead. The whole thing isnt quite a meter tall and wide, and it weighs just over 103 pounds. Thats unpacked and set up, without parts. (Its over 220 pounds just to ship it in a protective crate.) InWin This thing seems tailor-made for those esports mansions filled with teenagers shilling online casinos they cant legally use in most countries. You cant buy it in most countries, either the listing is only up on InWins EU store at the moment, shown as sold out, and it doesnt appear to be present at all on the US store. My heart bleeds. In a recent interview with Variety, the co-founder of the iconic hip-hop trio The Fugees, Pras Michel, spoke out for the first time since facing the possibility of 22 years in prison. The Fugees, founded in 1990, is an N.J. group that is made up of Pras, Lauryn Hill, and Wyclef Jean. Last April, Michel was found guilty of 10 counts in a corruption case, which linked him to $4.5 billion embezzled from 1Malaysia Development Berhad, or 1MDB, a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund. A jury found Pras guilty of violating campaign finance laws during Barack Obamas 2012 reelection bid and illegally lobbying the Donald Trump administration in 2017. The government now considers him a Chinese spy, and the rapper, 52, is now facing over two decades of prison time. Michel stated in his interview with the magazine that he didnt want to be a spy. I dont know if subconsciously it was a bit exciting for me too, Michel said. I like spy movies, but I never wanted to be a spy. I dont think thats sexy. But a part of it felt like that. Technically, Im a foreign agent, he continued. A press release that followed shortly after the verdict from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs stated the rapper was also involved in conspiring to make and conceal foreign and conduit campaign contributions during the 2012 U.S. presidential election. Mr. Michel sought to use his celebrity and access to influence U.S. government officials on behalf of undisclosed foreign interests, said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Departments National Security Division. This is an affront to the rule of law, and we will use the full range of tools at our disposal to hold accountable those who would covertly aid foreign actors seeking to interfere with our democratic system of government. The Fugees reunited for their 25th reunion at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia last year, and Michel was in attendance. Since then, the other two founding members have kept their distance from him. The trio announced a tour to celebrate Lauryn Hills highly decorated album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, only to cancel the tour three days before its start. His bail prevented him from touring with the group and he acknowledged the challenges that have come from the distancing. Im done with that. Theyre going to Europe [to tour]. I cant go, so, he said in the interview. Its what it is. You cant give people that kind of energy. So you could be frustrated, you could be disappointed, but I really believe in my path and in my journey, and I believe whats mine, no ones going to be able to take it away from me. So its better that you have a small group of people who really believe in you and believe in what youre doing than to have 100 people around you, and the minute something happens boom. People just disappear. Michel told Variety that he plans to fight the conviction, adding that he may end up continuing that fight in prison. Im going to fight, and Im going to appeal, but theres a possibility that Im going in while Im fighting, Michel said. Its just the reality. TikToker Jiare Schneider, who had been missing for 10 days, was found dead last week in a wooded area near his home in Georgia. The Clayton County Police Department said that Schneiders body was found in a vehicle near the intersection of Brown Road and Poston Road in Jonesboro on Nov. 26, according to People. This morning, a group of us gathered, and we came out here, and we went to the woods and there he was, family friend Germequa Bell told FOX 5 Atlanta. We knew when he disappeared that something was up. Schneider, who went by the handle Big_Homie_TooTall on Instagram and TikTok, was last seen traveling near that intersection, police said. The vehicle he was found in matched the description of a silver Toyota 4Runner his family said he had borrowed for a night out, news reports said. We did find the vehicle deep in the woodlice, which indicates there was a fast speed approaching the intersection, Clayton County Police Department spokesperson Lt. Ricky Porter said to Fox 5. Schneiders family said they used cell phone location data to find his body. Schneider leaves behind a young son who has been diagnosed with a chromosomal disorder known as DiGeorge Syndrome. His son, thats all we can think about his son, Bell said to Fox 5. Police have not released a cause of death for Schneider. The incident has been turned over to the Criminal Investigations Division for further investigation, People reported. A taste of wine country has arrived in the heart of Palm Springs with the opening of the HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room & Wine Lounge. The ribbon-cutting took place on Nov. 26. Owned by vintners Craig and Kathryn Hall, the new location will feature wine offerings from its three family-owned, luxury wine brands: HALL, WALT, and BACA Wines. This luxury Tasting Room & Wine Lounge aims to elevate the local wine scene, to help educate guests about its world-class wines and share what makes the Napa Valley wine region exceptional, a press release said. Our new Tasting Room & Wine Lounge is a celebration of the craftsmanship and passion that go into every bottle we make, Kathryn Hall, vintner and owner of HALL Family Wines, said in the release. We cannot wait to share our wines and experiences with both Palm Springs locals and visitors alike. With its dynamic atmosphere and appreciation of luxury, Palm Springs is the perfect home for our newest location I have enjoyed visiting Palm Springs for most of my life and I look forward to being a part of the community. Situated on the renowned Palm Canyon Drive and at the lobby level of the Thompson Palm Springs Hotel, HALL Napa Valleys Tasting Room & Wine Lounge features a sleek, 1,278-square-foot space that combines luxury with a relaxed desert vibe. The venue is designed to embody wine country hospitality, offering guests an immersive, educational experience. Visitors can explore the unique flavors and nuances of Californias most notable wine regions, while also gaining insights into each wine reflecting its location, climate, terroir, and HALLs winemaking process. The space embodies the essence of mid-century modern style, with an open layout that seamlessly integrates elements of the surrounding desert landscape and views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Additionally, the Tasting Room location builds on exciting developments burgeoning along Palm Canyon Drive. With the opening of Thompson Palm Springs and Lola Rose Grand Mezze in October, the Tasting Room further draws in epicureans and oenophiles for an innovative, and new experience in Palm Springs. Further plans for the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road include a new restaurant, Bar Issi, from Los Angeles-based Boujis Group opening in 2025. Situated on the renowned Palm Canyon Drive and at the lobby level of the Thompson Palm Springs Hotel, HALL Napa Valleys Tasting Room & Wine Lounge features a sleek, 1,278-square-foot space that combines luxury with a relaxed desert vibe.HALL Napa Valleys Tasting Room & Wine Lounge We are thrilled to announce our expansion into Palm Springs, said Mike Reynolds, President of HALL Family Wines. We hope that adding a location in Southern California makes it more convenient for fans of our wines to have a wine-country experience, which is closer to their home. At the heart of the new HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room & Wine Lounge is its carefully curated selection of wine offerings that highlight Napa Valley appellations. Guests are invited to enjoy curated wine flights and unique tasting experiences, with options to purchase wines by glass or bottle. The HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room & Wine Lounge will offer a range of wine tasting experiences for guests in Palm Springs, including: LAmour de Blancs flight offers a refreshing journey through HALL Family Wines selection of elegant white wines, including its popular HALL Sauvignon Blanc and WALT Chardonnay. Zinfandel Lane highlights BACAs most notable and vibrant Zinfandels, with fanciful names such as Home Base, Somersault, and I Spy. Pinot Noir enthusiasts will enjoy the 1000 Miles of Pinot flight, featuring WALTs single vineyard Pinot Noirs, each reflecting its unique vineyard origins spanning 1,000 miles up and down the West Coast. Wine selections range from WALTs most popular Pinots such as Close Pepe, Bobs Ranch, Shea and more. Cuvees with Character tasting highlights the HALL Family Wines most notable and top-rated wine blends that stand out for their exceptional quality. Elegant Expressions of Place experience allows guests to enjoy the HALL Familys fan favorites, offering a well-rounded exploration of the brands best offerings. Wine selections include WALT Blue Jay, BACA Home Base, and various HALL Cabernets. A Taste of Terroir flight provides an opportunity to savor world-class HALL Cabernet Sauvignon wines that embody the essence and uniqueness of Napa Valley terroir. Each tasting is meticulously curated to provide a comprehensive and delightful vineyard exploration. Says Kathryn Hall, vintner and owner of HALL Family Wines, 'Our new Tasting Room & Wine Lounge is a celebration of the craftsmanship and passion that go into every bottle we make.'HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room & Wine Lounge As part of the tasting experiences, guests can enhance their journey with thoughtfully curated food pairings by Lola Rose Grand Mezze. Reservations are recommended and walk-ins are welcome. New York State Troopers say they rescued a woman who was stranded in a snowstorm over the weekend as she was on her way to get a heart transplant. A 64-year-old woman left the Rochester area with her husband on Friday to get the transplant at the Cleveland Clinic when they ended up stuck on State Route 5 in the Chautauqua County town of Portland. She had a battery-powered heart pump when the snow and road conditions worsened, troopers said. The womans husband contacted a nurse from the clinic, who contacted New York State Police to locate the couple with a NYSP Utility Task Vehicle. Troopers transported the woman to the Jamestown Airport in Chautauqua County clear of the storm and she was flown by plane out of the area to Cleveland Clinic for the heart transplant. This is an incredible story of perseverance and coordination! The actions of the Troopers, medical staff, and transportation teams highlight how critical teamwork and quick thinking can save lives, even in the face of severe weather conditions. Its heartening to see such dedication to ensuring a patient received a life-saving heart transplant despite the challenges posed by the snowstorm, said Trooper James OCallaghan, Troop A Public Information Officer. The woman has not been identified, but a Facebook user thanked police on behalf of her family. Words will never express the extreme gratitude my family and I have for you, they wrote. Thats my mom you saved! God bless each and every one of the officers involved in helping her get to safety and get her to her hopefully new heart. The incident was one of more than 100 incidents involving troopers assisting disabled vehicles and collisions along I-90 from Erie County to the Pennsylvania state line between Thanksgiving and Sunday, police said. Its not a Pennsylvania Farm Show without a new milkshake flavor. For the upcoming show, the Pennsylvania Dairymens Association announced its latest entry mint. Visitors can purchase the shakes during the Farm Show, which runs Jan. 4-11 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg. They can also grab them a day early when the shows food court opens at noon Jan. 3 with free parking. But for those who cant wait the shakes also will be available throughout December at select pre-Farm Show pop-ups. The Dairymens Association is partnering with The Giant Company, to host the pop-ups, with free shakes for the first 100 people in line at each location. The first pop-up will take place at Giant at 3301 Trindle Road in Camp Hill from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 6. Other pop-ups will be held at the following locations: Giant at 1255 Carlisle Road in York from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 7. Giant at 5005 Jonestown Road in Lower Paxton Township from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 13. Its an annual tradition for the Dairymen to sell vanilla, chocolate and mix milkshakes as well as fried mozzarella cheese cubes, grilled cheese sandwiches, ice cream and white and chocolate milk during the Farm Show. Through the sales, the organization raises proceeds to support programs including Fill A Glass With Hope, PA Farm Bureau Mobile Ag Education Lab and PA Dairy Princess and Promotion Program. This is not the first year the Dairymen are selling a limited-edition shake flavor. Last year, the group sold salted caramel and in the past featured orange cream and black raspberry. By Ford Turner, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS) HARRISBURG Recently elected state lawmakers may be on the new-session payroll this week, but will not be sworn in until early January a situation that at least one of their number wants to change. Rep. Russ Diamond, R- Lebanon, issued a proposal to colleagues on Sunday in the form of a co-sponsorship memo that said he plans to seek a constitutional amendment to make the swearing-in date Dec. 1. Mr. Diamond said there have been questions and confusion about when lawmakers can be sworn in. A recent cost-of-living increase pushed lawmakers' base salary to about $110,000, and Mr. Diamond said in his memo that an idle General Assembly during December costs taxpayers at least $2.3 million. The other part of his logic, he said in an interview, is the effect of a constitutional amendment passed in 2021 that limits a governor-declared disaster emergency declaration to 21 days without an extension by the Legislature. If one occurs this week, Mr. Diamond noted, it would expire well before lawmakers were sworn in. It is not that we need to be in full swing with a billion bills being heard, Mr. Diamond said. We just need to be prepared to act. Mr. Diamonds memo is one of many that are likely to be filed in the opening days of the new, two-year legislative session that began for many purposes on Dec. 1. Memos are a way of publicizing and gauging support among colleagues for a concept that may soon afterward be submitted in the form of a bill. Democratic Rep. Bob Merski whose hometown, Erie, was under a disaster emergency declaration on Monday said in a phone interview that he disagreed with Mr. Diamonds logic. Constitutional amendments in Pennsylvania must be approved twice by lawmakers before going before voters. During the February 2021 vote in which the 21-day rule passed the House, Mr. Merski was a no vote. That was done at the height of COVID as a politicization tool, Mr. Merski said. Referring to the 21-day limit that exists now when many lawmakers are not sworn in Mr. Merski said, You are seeing the results of decisions that were rushed at the height of a pandemic. Gov. Josh Shapiro on Saturday designated Erie County as being under a disaster emergency declaration as huge amounts of lake-effect snow buried parts of the county. Referring to Mr. Diamonds statements about lawmakers' activity during December, Mr. Merski pointed out that many attend meetings, set up new offices, deal with constituent matters and do other work during the month. What has Mr. Diamond done all these years, during December? Mr. Merski said of the 11th-year lawmaker from Lebanon County. All 203 state representative jobs and half of the 50 state Senate positions were up for election on Nov. 5. The winners will be sworn in in early January. Another Democrat, Rep. Scott Conklin of Centre County, said his chief concern about the proposal was that sometimes a county does not certify election results until after Dec. 1. That would preclude the affected member from being sworn in on Dec. 1, Mr. Conklin said. Nonetheless, he said he liked such outside the box proposals that prompt lawmakers to discuss how things are done in Harrisburg. Mr. Diamond introduced a similar bill last session. It failed to advance beyond committee level. There really wasnt much conversation about it, he said. Nonetheless, Mr. Diamond added, We are a functioning, full-time legislature, and the constitution says we are a continuing body. But we cant be a continuing body if we have five weeks where we cant do anything. (c)2024 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Pennsylvania State Police are seeking the publics help in locating a man who went missing in York County on Sunday morning. Richard Rinehart, age 58, was last seen on Manchester Street in Glen Rock around 6:40 a.m., according to a missing persons notice from PSP. Rinehart may be at particular risk of harm or injury and may be confused, according to state police. Rinehart is believed to be driving a white 2009 Lincoln MKX, license plate LPM7493, according to state police. He is described as 5 feet, 7 inches tall and 155 pounds. Rinehart has green eyes and glasses with gray, balding hair. He was last seen wearing sweatpants, a puffy black coat, and a ballcap, according to police. Anyone who sees Rinehart or who has information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911, or contact the PSP York barracks directly at 717-428-1011. By Victor Peskin The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on Nov. 21, 2024, for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and one leading Hamas official. Those named in the action are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity relating to the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by the Palestinian militant group and the subsequent ongoing siege and bombing of Gaza by the Israel Defense Forces. In May 2024, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan sought arrest warrants for three senior Hamas leaders, accusing them of extermination, murder, taking hostages and committing rape and other acts of sexual violence. Two of those Hamas leaders, Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, have since been killed by Israeli forces. It has been reported that a third leader, Mohammed Deif, had also been killed by Israeli forces in August. But the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber still issued an arrest warrant for Deif, explaining that his death has not been confirmed. Allegations against Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant include starving Palestinians in Gaza, intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population, as well as persecution and willful killing. The ICC, an independent tribunal based in The Hague, Netherlands, prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes the latter being a legal term that includes attacking civilians and committing other wartime violations, such as blocking humanitarian aid. The arrest warrants, which the Israeli government in a statement rejected with disgust, mean, in theory, that those accused could face arrest should they travel to one of the ICCs 124 member states. Israel is not a member state of the court, but the State of Palestine has been a party to the Rome Statute, which set up the court, since 2015. As a scholar of human rights and international courts, I think it is important to emphasize that the arrest warrants do not mean that those accused will necessarily face arrest or trial. The ICC, in line with other contemporary international criminal tribunals, lack any enforcement powers of their own. That means in the Israel-Hamas situation, the ICC may never be able to arrest suspects or bring them to trial. These international courts therefore have a mixed record of holding senior political and military leaders accountable for their crimes. Its only if and when political leaders fall from power that there is any chance that their governments will arrest and hand them over to international courts for prosecution. The challenge for international courts Take the example of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, since March 2023, has defied an ICC arrest warrant for allegedly committing war crimes during the Ukraine war. As long as Putin remains in power, there is practically no prospect of his arrest. International criminal tribunals such as the ICC have a twofold problem. First, these tribunals do not have an actual international police force to carry out arrests. Second, governments implicated in their leaders alleged crimes often try to obstruct international tribunals by not turning over suspects and by seeking to attack the tribunals as biased. The enforcement problem, as my scholarship has shown, can allow the leaders of a powerful country such as Israel or an entity like Hamas to evade arrest warrants from international courts as long as the suspects remain within their country or territory. Because Israel is not an ICC member state, it never agreed to abide by court rulings or arrest warrants and does not otherwise accept the courts jurisdiction. The U.S. and other countries, including Qatar, which in recent years has hosted a number of senior Hamas members, are also not ICC members and do not face a legal obligation to make arrests. As such, Netanyahu and Gallant could still travel to meet with U.S. leaders in Washington, D.C., without fear of arrest. But they will now likely avoid travel to European Union countries, all of which are part of the ICC and would be obliged to arrest Netanyahu. All of this may also contribute to Israels further international isolation and pressure over its wartime conduct. Issuing arrest warrants for the Hamas leaders also threatens to stigmatize Hamas internationally. The U.S., which at times has strongly opposed the ICC but has also supported the court on an ad hoc basis, as has happened in the ICCs Ukraine situation, has previously warned that issuing arrest warrants for Israeli leaders could compromise a potential cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Milosevics fall from power Not all arrest warrants fail. The trial of Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic in the mid-2000s illustrates how international tribunals might be able to prosecute alleged war criminals once they fall from power. In 1993, as the war in Bosnia was still being fought, the United Nations Security Council set up a special court, called the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, to address crimes committed during the regional wars. This court indicted Serbian nationalist leader Slobodan Milosevic for war crimes and crimes against humanity in 1999 during the ongoing Kosovo war. Milosevics alleged crimes in Kosovo included a massive ethnic-cleansing campaign waged against Kosovar Albanians, the largest ethnic group there. Milosevic later faced additional charges for alleged crimes in Bosnia and Croatia. But Milosevic was still in power when the indictment was issued, and his government shielded him from arrest. Milosevic lost a presidential election in late September 2000 and, after widespread protests, stepped down. The U.S. promised the new democratic government in place in Serbia substantial economic assistance to speed its postwar recovery. This helped prompt the Serbian government to arrest Milosevic and then transfer him to the the international tribunal in June 2001. Relatives and supporters of hostages held by Palestinian militants in Gaza chant during a demonstration calling for their release on April 27, 2024. Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images A potential playbook for Israeli leaders Milosevics trial was launched in February 2002, but he died in prison in 2006, shortly before the end of his trial. His trial still shows that under specific circumstances, international courts can overcome their lack of enforcement powers and bring high-level suspects to trial. International political pressure and incentives often serve an essential role in this process. As long as any political and military leaders facing potential arrest remain in power, it is likely that no amount of political pressure or promises will persuade Israel, Qatar or other countries to cooperate with an international court and turn over any leaders, if they are indicted. And history also shows that even if Hamas leaders are overthrown or Israeli leaders lose elections, theres no guarantee that potential suspects will ever stand trial at the ICC. There is broad public opposition to the ICC in Israel. Despite the fact that Khas, the ICCs chief prosecutor, has also sought to prosecute Hamas leaders for the atrocities of Oct. 7, Israeli politicians have reacted to the courts arrest warrants with outrage. Moreover, at least in the short term, it is highly unlikely that the U.S., which announced that it fundamentally rejects the ICCs actions against Netanyahu and Gallant, will apply the type of pressure against its close ally, Israel, that it successfully applied on Serbia for Milosevics arrest after his fall from power. This story was updated from an article originally published on June 22, 2022. By Bill Barrow, The Associated Press ATLANTA Already reeling from their November defeats, Democrats now are grappling with President Joe Bidens pardoning of his son for federal crimes, with some calling the move misguided and unwise after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who disregarded the law. The president pardoned Hunter Biden late Sunday evening, reversing his previous pledges with a grant of clemency that covers more than a decade of any federal crimes his son might have committed. The 82-year-old president said in a statement that his sons prosecution on charges of tax evasion and falsifying a federal weapons purchase form were politically motivated. He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice, said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who along with Biden and other White House officials insisted for months that Hunter Biden would not get a pardon. That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats, angry that Bidens reversal could make it harder to take on Trump, who has argued that multiple indictments and one conviction against himwere a matter of Biden and Democrats turning the justice system against him. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wrote of Biden on the social media platform X. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation, the governor continued, a reference to the president invoking fatherhood in explaining his decision. Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a Presidents son. President Joe Biden arrives at Amilcar Cabral international airport on Sal island, Cape Verde Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, en route to Angola as he makes his long-promised visit to Africa. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)AP Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., said on X: This wasnt a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers. Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet said Biden put personal interest ahead of duty with a decision that further erodes Americans faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all. Michigan Sen. Gary Peters said the pardon was an improper use of power that erodes faith in government and emboldens others to bend justice to suit their interests. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., called the pardon understandable if viewed only as the action of a loving father. But Bidens status as our nations Chief Executive, the senator said, rendered the move unwise. Certainly, the president has Democratic defenders who note Trumps use of presidential power to pardon a slew of his convicted aides, associates and friends, several for activities tied to Trumps campaign and first administration. Trump pardoned Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, as well as his son-in-laws father, Charles Kushner who he just appointed US ambassador to France, wrote prominent Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper on X. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said there is no standard for Donald Trump, and the highest standard for Democrats and Joe Biden. Harrison pointed to Trumps apparent plans to oust FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with loyalist Kash Patel and suggested the GOPs pursuit of Hunter Biden would not have ended without clemency. Most people will see that Joe Biden did what was right, Harrison said. First lady Jill Biden said Monday from the White House, Of course I support the pardon of my son. Democrats already are facing the prospects of a Republican trifecta in Washington, with voters returning Trump to the White House and giving the GOP control of the House and Senate. Part of their argument against Trump and Republican leaders is expected to be that the president-elect is violating norms with his talk of taking retribution against his enemies. Before beating Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump faced his own legal troubles, including two cases that stemmed from his efforts to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Those cases, including Trumps sentencing after being convicted on New York state business fraud charges, have either been dismissed or indefinitely delayed since Trumps victory on Nov. 5, forcing Democrats to recalibrate their approach to the president-elect. In June, President Biden firmly ruled out a pardon or commutation for his son, telling reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case: I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him. As recently as Nov. 8, days after Trumps victory, Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying: Weve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no. The presidents about-face came weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges. It capped a long-running legal saga for the younger Biden, who disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 a month after his fathers 2020 victory. The sweeping pardon covers not just the gun and tax offenses against the younger Biden, but also any other offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024. Hunter Biden was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when, prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He had been set to stand trial in September in a California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. In his statement Sunday, the president argued that such offenses typically are not prosecuted with the same vigor as was directed against Hunter Biden. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election, Biden said in his statement. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. Associated Press journalists Will Weissert aboard Air Force One and Darlene Superville, Mary Claire Jalonick and Michael Tackett in Washington contributed to this report. 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 skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low near 65F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Mount Pleasant, SC (29464) Today Areas of patchy fog early. Sun and clouds mixed. High 73F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 65F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. PR-Inside.com: 2024-12-02 01:25:52 Press Information Published by ACN Newswire +65 6304 8926 e-mail https://www.acnnewswire.com/ # 541 Words ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926 Chigasaki, Japan, Dec 2, 2024 - (JCN Newswire) - ULVAC, Inc. (HQ: Chigasaki, Kanagawa) has started accepting orders for the ENTRON-EXX, a new multi-chamber deposition system for semiconductor applications. The ENTRON-EXX builds on the proven productivity and flexibility of its predecessor, the ENTRON-EX W300, while offering enhanced data intelligence and expandability.After building on the proven productivity and flexibility of the widely adopted predecessor model that was first released in 2005, we developed the ENTRON-EXX. The ENTRON-EXX is a cutting-edge platform designed to meet the evolving needs of increasingly advanced and complex semiconductor manufacturing processes. This next-generation system takes performance to new heights. With its flexibility, enhanced data collection and analysis capabilities and a highly scalable design, the ENTRON-EXX empowers the future of semiconductor innovation.Key Features of ENTRON-EXX:1. Maximizing Factory Space Efficiency:Maximizing factory space efficiency is the key to boosting productivity, and flexibility is the solution. The ENTRON-EXX offers two versatile platform options, Single and Tandem[1], enabling customers to select the best platform to fit their factory spaces, thereby achieving maximum productivity per unit of space.2. Enhanced Data Collection and Analysis Capabilities:To meet the demands of increasingly complex semiconductor manufacturing, the ENTRON-EXX significantly enhances its data collection and analysis capabilities. With real-time processing of large data volumes, it empowers customers to improve yields, optimize preventative maintenance, and enhance overall operational efficiency.3. Highly Expandable System Design:The ENTRON-EXX features a highly expandable design, enabling quick module additions and swapping. This system can seamlessly adapt to evolving needs, providing customers with an optimized environment for both development and mass production.ULVAC, as a "Field of Potentiality for the Future[2], is committed to pioneering advances in the semiconductor industry through its innovative application of vacuum technology.[1] A Single platform features a single transfer chamber (Core), offering a simple and space-efficient design. A Tandem platform features two transfer chambers (Cores) arranged in sequence, selected for complex process requiring higher productivity.[2] Field of Potentiality for the futureULVAC formulated its "Vision 2032", envisaging an ideal configuration of the ULVAC Group in 2032, while continuing to be a "Field of Potentiality" for the future. This concept is inspired by the physical potentiality that occurs in a vacuum field: changes in energy and matter. It is also the potentiality of change in the individual, which can lead to the potential to change in the spirit animating society. The ULVAC Group is committed to advancing core vacuum and peripheral technologies and understanding the needs of its customers while addressing social challenges, and continuously creating valuable products and technologies.About ULVAC, Inc.Since its founding in 1952, ULVAC, Inc. has been a comprehensive vacuum equipment manufacturer, providing manufacturing equipment, components, analytical instruments, materials, and services based on its core technology - vacuum technology. Working with customers across a wide range of industries, including semiconductors, electronic components, displays, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, ULVAC is committed to driving cutting-edge innovation and creating new value. For the fiscal year ending June 2024, the ULVAC Group recorded consolidated sales of 261.1 billion yen and has approximately 6,200 employees.For more information, please visit our official website at https://www.ulvac.co.jp/en/ For more information:ULVAC, Inc. Strategic Planning DepartmentTEL: +81-467-89-2023Inquiry Form: https://www.ulvac.co.jp/en/contact/general.html Why Didn't Rome Reunify, When China Did? The Historian's Craft 20241110 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQlP1eFvwMI 6 2000 , . Why Didn't Rome Reunify, When China Did? The Historian's Craft 20241110 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQlP1eFvwMI One of the perennial questions of history is why the Roman Empire never reunified, or at least why the former region of the Roman Empire never reunified into one state, when the Chinese Empire seemingly did. So what's the reason for this? Can we offer any sort of answer? Well, possibly. one of the perennial questions that comes up in the study of history is why after the 6th Century or so the Roman Empire never reunified the Mediterranean and this is often paired with an observation mainly being that despite the fragmentations and the period of disunity China always seems to reunite before we get into this I just want to issue a brief caveat this is a question that does not necessarily have a specific onesize fits all answer after all we're talking about opposite sides of Eurasia and timelines easily covering about 2,000 years or so in part because China still exists and Rome does not so I want to stress that this video is looking at a particular argument and a particular way of framing an answer you do not have to agree with it and it is not necessarily in each and every aspect correct the argument that we're briefly exploring here largely comes to us from the work of Walter shidel a professor of Roman history at Stanford University whose research focuses on the Roman economy and the comparative study of ancient empires notably Rome and China so I'm trying to condense a whole lot into a short video it's not the only thing his work discusses but it is an important part of it so with that said in Chinese history one of the Main Stays of the historiography is the dynastic cycle the rise and fall of various dynasties and although it's accepted questioned or rejected depending on what scholar you're currently reading it's one of the lenses through which Chinese history has traditionally been viewed the history of Rome and perhaps more broadly the history of Europe or the Mediterranean does not have this there have been attempts to reunify the Mediterranean as Rome did and a non-exhaustive list would take into account the conquests of Justinian the Arab caliphates and the Ottomans when you compare this to China it seems that there was a more successful run of reunifying the core territory of China which you could then possibly argue means that the Romans either did something correct or got really lucky and then everybody else either did not replicate that success or they tried and then they did something wrong and this is where we get into the argument being explored in this video this has more to do with the manner in which China was continually reunified and then the consequences for the eastern and the Western extremities of Eurasia when you outline the succeeding dynasties that successfully controlled what would be considered the core quote unquote of China what you're looking at is the following the key Point here in this particular line of argument is that after the sway Dynasty there was a shift in where the military power during the unification comes from in short it begins to come from the step these dynasties are not simple shift and rulership from one to the next very often Civil War and Imperial fragmentation is the rule here not the exception with competing Empires often overlapping so with that in mind this is less of a continuous rise and fall of states and more of a competition of States both ethnically Chinese and non-chinese over a long-standing political tradition and peace of territory with historically claimed justifications to rulership the tongue Dynasty the Mongols the Ming and then the Ching all either have familial connections to the Eurasian step come from the step itself or otherwise come from the north of China in doing so it sort of fits into this pattern you see in medieval and early modern Eurasian history where many of the large Empires seem like they emerg from the Eurasian step in part this has to do with what the Anthropologist Thomas Barfield calls Shadow Empires essentially there are groups of political units that we call peer States and these are cities or small states that are just powerful enough to compete with each other but which aren't strong enough to fully dominate the region on the outskirts of that zone of competition is a political unit that is to a degree related to these peer States but due to their position at the edge they are able to or perhaps forced to establish a system of political and military organization which is slowly able to intrude upon and then conquer and integrate the weakened Court there are examples of this from ancient history that do not come from the Eurasian step the city of Rome and Italy or the kingdom of Macedon would be two examples but the point that this particular argument is trying to make is that after the Classical period the unifying forces for China emerge from the step and other large territorial States tend to be dotted along step but this doesn't really extend into Europe all that much there is the panonian Basin but the extent of that grassland is not overly large and it's probably not enough to fully support numbers along the lines of say the Manu armies during the mingqing transition period so you end up with the argument that essentially it's the proximity to the Eurasian step along a wide Frontier Zone that enables step-based political units to impose eminy on at least the northern half of China and then eventually the southern half as well the Mediterranean does not have this sort of Frontier this isn't to say that China is simply open to the step there are certainly plenty of geographical barriers in place but after Rome the Mediterranean is never again able to come under the hegemony of one power although it's not for lack of Trion this is probably in chael's view a good thing because the ensuing competition among the European States due to the general lack of a territorial core that is continuously fought over encouraged the growth of those individual states and the ensuing conflict eventually result in the very late medieval and the early modern State building projects with the result of that being Europe and eventually the world as we understand it today 1,34 Hongde Li @howareyou4400 2 One obvious reason: Classical China since 221BC uses a unified written system which records the meaning of the language rather than its pronunciations. Over time different parts in China may have their spoken language evolving independently but they all corresponds to the same writing symbols. Therefore in a sense they all use the same language and thus are the "same people". Roman uses multiple languages and these languages continue to evolve and split, hence different regions in Europe soon have "different people". 162 @chillin5703 3 I think the better question is, why didnt a successor state successfully conquer the former lands of the Roman empire? Because when "China" reunifies, its not like its the exact same state each time. It's different provinces and peoples claiming the legacy of China, its institutions, its legitimacy, and culture (however you define that). Europe, the Middle East, and even North Africa had plenty of states/peoples claiming to adhere to the Roman legacy. If one had managed to conquer its former territories, we might view it the same way we view China--the capital simply moving from Rome to somewhere else. 1354 12 @speedwagon6-e1b 2 Speaking of Chinese history, I recommend anyone seeing this comment to dive into Chinese history. Every dynasty has something interesting and unique aspects to offer. I love Roman history too, but I personally dont think anything comes even close to Chinese history when it comes to how interesting it can be. 215 @sanneoi6323 2 As a Chinese person I would say it's because we have, at our core, a contiguous landmass of nearly culturally and ethnolinguistically identical peoples, the natural state of which is unification. Every time China was divided it was simply political, not along regional cultural or ethnolinguistic lines. The Mediterranean does not have same culture all over it, was only united cause conquest, and Rome lived on as some sort of cultural heritage for parts of Europe. 12 @biocapsule7311 3 Simply put, Han Chinese identity is invested in the people and the cultural identity. Dynasties comes and goes, Chinese people have always understood that, even non-han rulers to integrate. Roman identity is invested in Rome, not the rest of the Empire, everything is about Rome. Most of the empire are not even citizens, and have no real attachment to Rome or the Empire. So when it falls apart, no one is really that attached. How can you be attached to a city you have never seen in your life. Take the Holy Roman Empire, they claim the inheritors of Roman but Rome isn't even in their Territory. 68 @chaomingli6428 9 I think one of the key factors is the Chinese writing system is not a spelling system, which made it possible to spread and maintain a similar culture and beliefs across time and space. That makes the Chinese civilisation unique. 25 @-g6k 3 As a Chinese i can tell you with confidence, china is a culture more than a country, we have the agreement that we were we are and we will always a unity, we are together, we share the same language same system and all the same. 19 @dewinmoonl 9 There are 3 kinds of civilizations. Sea merchants, farmers, and herdsman. If you look at Rome, it's sea merchants. Put it more harshly, pirates. You wage war and take loots as a mean to enrich the country. To keep the empire growing, it must expands outwards. China builds on farmers, you work the land and development infrastructures, dams, bridges, roads. It doesn't need to expand outwards, thus more stable to run for long time. 42 @LP18888 5 I would give credit to Qin Shi Huang Di, the first emperor. He was the one that instilled the everlasting message of unification of China. 25 @onlyfacts4999 3 After Franks conquered Gaul, the local Roman people quickly became assimilated as Franks. This pattern holds for the Arabs conquests in Middle East and North Africa, Slavic conquest of the Balkans, the Turkic conquest of Anatolia, the Anglo-Saxon conquest of Britain etc. Even in Italy, the Lombards created a lasting legacy in the form of Lombardy. Meanwhile the rulers of former Roman lands were eager to identify their legacies as Roman, such as the Holy Roman Empire and the Sultana of Rum. It seems that Rome did not leave behind strong cultural identity for common people to hold on to, so only the aristocracy and powerful are interested in a Roman revival. 425 2 @lobstereleven4610 3 I recently listened to a podcast called "China Talk" where they interviewed Yasheng Huang, an econ professor fro MIT regarding his book "The Rise and Fall of the East" where he made a point that the imperial exam system established during the Sui Dynasty contributed a lot to the unification of multiple Chinese Dynasties in funneling competent people into an intellegenica class that was directly under the imperial system. It was a really interesting listen. I would highly recommended it. 254 30 @basileus_angelos_v 2 "Because China still exists, and Rome does not" I cried hard 13 @zzhao2127 7 This coming from the steppe argument is really absurd, as most of the Chinese dynasties did not emerge from the steppe... The only real exception is the mongols. 33 @jayreed9370 3 The Chinese proverb goes 'The empire, once divided, must unite. The empire, once united, must divide.' Have you read your Romance of the Three Kingdoms? 58 1 @daveweiss5647 3 It crosses my mind that the city of Rome was always kind of "on the frontier" of classical age Mediterranean civilization... besides Carthage there was no other real large city until Rome created its colonies in the west... the core of Mediteranian Civilization was the east... so essentially when Rome and Carthage fell to the Barbarians the core of the civilization did survive until 1453... 226 2 @lianghao7128 4 According to my humble point of view, I think the biggest reason is only one, because Emperor Qin Shihuang not only unified China, but more importantly, he unified language, currency, weights and measures, driveway, vehicle specifications and so on. This has created people's cultural and economic mutual recognition. Rome can't be unified because a Frenchman will never consider himself an Englishman, because their language, culture and economy are completely different. 5 @WSOJ3 4 Roman didnt reunite because Latin didnt work out, but Chinese characters did. Because everyone shared the same readable pictogram in an era without telecommunications, China was able to build a unified culture; Rome couldnt. This was the unique advantage of a pictographic writing system vs a phonetic writing system in the era prior to telecommunications. With modern telecommunications, phonetic systems reigne supreme, and China modernized its language to adapt the telecommunication era via a combination of the Mandarin pronunciations, the Pinyin system, and the simplification of the pictographics. 13 @stephenkellett7836 2 I think one of the main infouences would also be that Rome and China are only similar in the political sense that both are empires which dominated a large region for a long time, but the similarities breakdown after that. It's like the assumption that sweet potatoes must be related to potatoes, because both are high-calorie tubers. However, they're just superficially similar. The geography, culture, and historical context of Rome and the Han dynasty are just fundamentally different. It'd be easier to identify all of the similarities between the two than the differences. 16 @Leo_ofRedKeep 3 Grain produced in North Africa used to be the reason for its being conquered by Rome. After that production stopped, it seems that half of the empire was no longer worth warring over. 153 @chenmacro 1 It is because of the core Chinese culture - Confucianism. Confucianism is not only the ideology but also the main stream education system since Han dynasty. Successful Confucianism scholars then run the country government, especially after Sui Dynasty when the Imperial examination was introduced to select the scholars every year to be the officials. In the history, China falls few times due to the internal collapse and the invasion from northern nomadic groups, similar as Germanic barbarians invades the Roman empire. When the nomadic groups entered into China, they needed the Confucianism scholars to help manage the massive agriculture civilization. Sooner or later, they converted themselves to be Chinese or fully adapted the Chinese culture. Confucianism focus more on the collectivism vs. the western culture focus more on the individualism. Chinese knows how important it is to unite together to form the power. Some times China split into many pieces, but they always reunite again and rise up. The unity of the nation is hard-coded in Chinese mindset, that's the reason China can't let go Taiwan. 5 @hwasiaqhan8923 2 Roman was entirely a citizenry idea while China and Chinese is a cultural and ethnic one, unified China was also founded on the combination of many Chinese states, these people share similar culture and language. Rome is much more diverse demographically. 16 @TurkishDebater 2 Short answer: because the Turks, Germans, the Slavs, and the Arabs didn't allow it to happen. Long Answer: Rome was destroyed by the Huns and conquered by the Germanic tribes. After this, the idea of unifying Rome became impossible because no one actually wanted to unify it, but they just used it as a justification for conquering former Roman territory. 202 8 @hannibalyin8853 2 Chinese don't differentiate people for its skin color and faces, if you speaks the same language, writes the same words as I am, you are my homies, it's that simple. 8 @korakys 3 I'd say a full Mediterranean empire can only hold together when the capital is in the west, but that inevitably the capital will move to the east because that is where the wealth and greatest danger was. The geography of the huge internal sea made it very hard to unify all shores of it and it could only really be done if you started in the west. Once the North European Plain became civilised and wealthy it was even harder to unify the Med due to too many nearby competing powers. 112 @slizzysluzzer 2 Maybe the real question we should be asking is, 'how did Rome manage to unify the Mediterranean basin at all?' 82 @TempAcct-e6k 3 I would argue against this viewpoint, pretty vehemently. China has a cultural unifying force, the Tang, Song, and Ming all followed the Sui and stand in very stark contrast to his argument. 12 @linshitaolst4936 13 Qin Shi Huang unified China and established the first feudal monarchy in China. Although this dynasty only existed for 15 years before splitting, his greatest contribution was to create a concept for various ethnic groups and regions in later China that China must be unified and inherit the mandate of the previous dynasty 14 @pixelfiend7292 2 Because China was mostly centralized around a flat land (north Chinese plain). This allowed it to easily unify, unlike Rome which had many mountains and rivers that divided its territory. Additionally Chinese people had a unified social structure, and related languages. The only Latin parts of the empire were France, Spain, and Italy, and these werent united because of mountain ranges. Most people in the Roman Empire had no desire to be a part it, a German living in Gaul and a Jew living in philistine had no cultural or historic connection to each other. Most people outside of Italy werent even citizens, one can make a good argument that Rome itself was really just Italy and a bunch of territory controlled by Italy. If you look at it through that lense, then Rome did unify, it just didnt take back its controlled territory and client states. 16 @berendboer8459 3 I've been thinking about this question from time to time ever since reading Viktor Lieberman's "Strange Parallels", and what I keep coming back to is the territorial aspect of the Mandate of Heaven. Since the mandate appointed control of the Tianxia to a single emperor, it was not only legitimate but also legitimizing to try and reconquer a broken apart empire. Simply put, if you manage to do it, thats proof that youve got the right to rule. Since no radically different justification of rule was introduced until modern times (rulers from the steppe often found it more convenient to adopt the Chinese one), we keep seeing people trying to rebuild China. In contrast, the rulers of successor states of the Roman empire justified their rule mostly on the basis of being good Christians or Muslims, and were not bothered to specifically recreate the empires territory. Hence why the realm of Charlemagne, the HRE and later Russia are all claimed to be new Roman Empires despite being progressively further away from the territory of the original. The only ones who seem to place importance in the territorial aspect are the Byzantines, but after the Caliphate takes their lands in Africa they are never again able to even get close to reconquering the whole thing. Obviously we cant point to a singular cause for such a broad question, but since I dont see a very strong geographical reason why reconquering China should be easier than reconquering the Roman empire, I place a lot of importance on the ideologies of those doing the reconquering. And if in one region that ideology comes with a strong territorial aspect, while in the other that is lacking, it doesnt surprise me that we see only one of those empires reconstituted time and again. 61 1 @nsmt48 1 It was the Mongols who wanted to unite humanity: they unified China, united all of Central Asia, and ended the wars between the Eastern Slavs. It was on the remnants of the Mongol state that modern China, the Russian Empire/Soviet Union emerged. As for Europe: the Mongols did not conquer Europe, as we know. But if they had, Europe would be united now. 1 @isimerias 3 Any Mediterranean power always has to contend with proximity to Persia, which is much more similar to China in its enduring nature. The more fragmented geography, contrary to China, made it far more difficult for a Roman core to continuously exert dominance over the Mediterranean. I would even argue that if not for the continuous rivalry with Persia, Rome would have probably been able to handle barbarian incursions with ease and probably only have to deal with its own constant civil wars lol 124 2 @Vermilion2049 4 Simple answer. The Romans did not assimilate the population under one culture with one language enough for the people to identify themselves as one people. 3 @alexcheng1560 3 the empire, long divided, must unite 58 1 @jamesmasters2386 3 I really appreciate the nuanced caveats that front load this interesting topic and analysis. Very refreshing to hear that humility and makes the analysis very easy to take for what it is. Personally, I find the suppositions taken to be convincing and useful, as one lense to apply, to the comparison of the evolution of civilizations in the East and West. Not that it makes me an authority by any means, but, I was fortunate to have lived in China briefly in the early 2000s. I find the contrast and similarities both fascinating. The history that my contemporary experiences are built on, will always be both fascinating and informative in the present. 28 @bordaz1 2 That the Roman Republic ever unified the Mediterranean was the anomaly, and it probably had to do with a period of tranquility throughout Eurasia. Because once the forces of migration pushed the Goths, Franks, and Vandals onto the Rhine-Danube frontier, then it became almost impossible for one emperor in Rome to defend that frontier, leading to the East-West split. 26 @jingshen5679 12 Language is likely a factor here, if not the most important one. The Chinese language, however the pronuonciation might change, remain the same written form and same characters. Whereas for Indo-european alphabetical language, the spelling changes alone with the pronuonciation shifts, and thereby quicklt splits into many languages in over a couple of generations, creating many "ethinc groups" out of natural evolution of language and regional dialogues. There are many many european languages whose difference is minor comparing with the differences between Cantonese and Mandrian, but the written form of the two is still the same. In fact, you can write chinese to communicate with a Japanese because of the partially shared written Kanji 7 @carstengrooten3686 3 I think an impirtant factor is that the Roman Empire was based around a giant sea. This means that any power that wants to reunite it must have naval superiority over the entire Mediterranean. And the Romans were the only ones to be so dominant over both land and sea at the same time. Furthermore, the invaders in China were a uniting force, whereas for Rome the Germanic invasions would only further disintegrate the Empire, but this could be considered an extension of the steppe conquerer hypothesis. But I think the possibility of reunification died after the muslim conquest of north Africa and the Middle-East. The Arabs were semi-nomadic, but in contrast with the Manchus ir Mongols, they would assimilate conquered territories into their culture instead of being assimilated themselves. But again, due to the geographical position of being centered on a sea, the Arabs could not easilly conquer north of the Pyrenees. Combined with their dominant culture this created a strong disparity between core territories of the former empire. They now had very different languages and conflicting religions that could not coexist within one empire. If these cores were to reunite, they would at least have had to be converted to the same religion. But as no power was able to reach naval dominance like the Romans had before 1000 AD, they grew culturally so far apart that they themselves probably lost interest in conquering they other cores. China on the other hand stayed much more linguistically, religiously and culturally similar after the cores broke up, which allowed for outside powers to unite them. The Roman territories lacked this presence of steppe neighbours of sufficient strength (although the Huns and Bulgars did attack the Byzantines), but even if they had such a neighbour, maybe if the Sahara was steppe instead of desert, the conquerers would struggle to cross the seas into the northern half and if they would eventually conquer all of the former Roman empire, they would not be able to hold it together for long due to the strong cultural and religious differences that had grown between the different places. 46 1 @ender7278 3 That's a very long way of saying Europe has a less centralizing geography, which is bloody obvious to any historian. 8 @walking_luggage8105 4 It's actually not about the geography and how easy it was to conquer the lands. The key factor behind China's re-unification - the culture and the "middle kindgom" identity. And because of the middle kingdom identity, a recurring theme in Chinese history is one where whenever the central government became weak and people were dissatisifed, someone would organize the people and overthrew the old dynasty. But in the process, during dynastic transitions China often ended up with multiple warlords and factions fighting to be the sole emperor of the middle kingdom. And this sort of dynastic transitions used to last for a few decades until one faction defeats all other factions and became the ruling family for China for the couple of hundred years. Then the cycle repeated. The Mongols and the Manchus realized this and this is why they adapted a policy where they self-assmilated into the mainstream middle kingdom culture. The Manchus was more sinosized than the Mongols and they were able to maintain governance over China much longer than the Mongols did. 5 @baselius662 2 The pattern of Chinese history is that of a abroudly Chinese heartland with shifting borderlands. The Roman heartland, the Mediterranean, became divided primarily after the muslim conquest. Without the Mare nostrum, the centre of power collapsed and remained divided between local power centres. The Byzantine Empire shifted to the mountains of Anatolia, the muslims kept Egypt and Syria, while power in Europe shifted from Italy to the north of the alps. 7 @Ivan-pr7ku 2 Geography plays a major role in retaining a succession chain of a civilization. The Mediterranean basin is far more complex and challenging than the conditions the various Chinese states and dynasties had to go through. Most of Europe is cross rigged with mountain ranges and protruding peninsulas, in fact the total shoreline of Europe is twice as long as that of Africa alone. All this doesn't make for an easy accommodation to any unifying force. The fact that Rome managed to hold the Mediterranean Sea as its own for so long is a historical aberration, worthy of respect. The first and the only state to achieve this so far. 30 @overworlder 3 The difference between land and sea. Seas are not population or political units. One of the typical factors in periods of contraction of Roman and East Roman power was neglect of the fleets. 42 @deiansalazar140 3 Honestly I just think it's because of the huge wide inland sea and vast outside areas where it's easy to invade with little strategic depth in land in comparison to tall China. China has layers of defenses, while Rome has sparse wide areas of defense with less depth that once one is broken, it's easy to conquer wide areas, but in China it's just a single valley like the Wei river valley that's easy to contain unlike in Europe. I recommend Gates of Kilikien for good videos on this. 55 1 @pchaneyo 4 The main point is not the political reunification or not. Main question is : why has roman civilization disappeared and why has Chinese civilization not disappeared after invasions by Mongols and Mandchous. 3 @Bamboo-fk5dm 2 Because it's extremely difficult to (re-)conquer some places across the sea... Even the existence of the Roman Empire was a miracle... 23 @maxis2k 3 What I was taught in the past is that various groups would rise to conquer China. But once they did, they saw there were systems in place that were so good at controlling the population and government, and for generating wealth, that they would adopt these systems. And effectively become "Chinese" in culture and language, even if they weren't ethnically. Rome did the same thing for a long time. They just did it in reverse, conquering the territory themselves and then instituting Roman systems in that conquered territory. If this is correct, it would explain why reunification and adoption stopped in the late Empire period. Because the empire itself was contracting. So the lands they lost or never conquered didn't have Roman political or cultural systems. And a lot of the states that rose up in this way didn't want to emulate the empire that was either their brutal oppressors of the past and/or seen as a dying empire. But most everyone in East Asia seemed to want a connection to Chinese culture in some way. Even if they didn't want to be a part of them politically (Korea, Japan, Khmer, Siam, etc). 26 @JoySeekingDisciple 4 China is not yet unified without Taiwan. 2 @1ycan-eu9ji 4 Rome was an empire, constituting of many provinces which were just captured territories, while China was a civilization 2 @zhanibek_kk 8 Its way simpler than that. The military power after Sui didnt come from the steppe. Tang, Song and Ming were all Han. China just had ultra low taxes compared to every other country before 1911. Whenever the empire collapse life got much worse, and when it got back together, life got better. The opposite was true of Rome as taxes increased endlessly and ruined the people. Life got better everywhere but Britain when the empire collapsed, so there was no desire from the common people to see it reunify. 9 @anotherelvis 3 Charlemagne did his best. 32 1 @thomasantn 3 Mongols, Xiongnu/Huns and the current China's three northeastern provinces in ancient time (kingdom of Khitan, Jin and Manchu) were like European's Germanic tribes and Norwegians to Han Chineses living in the Central Plain, i.e. the Middle Kingdom. They were considered the barbarians from north. Several times they managed to break through the Great Wall and either occupied the northern portion of the Middle Kingdom (Khitan and Jin) or completely occupied the MK (Mongol's - 92 years, Manchu - 243 years). But in the end, Han Chinese always beat them back, overthrew them and kicked them out (Xiongnu and Mongols) or completely absorbed them (Khitan, Jin and Manchu). 2 @Tom_Quixote 3 I found this video to be a bit unfinished. Shadow empires? And why exactly was the steppe so important for China's centre of power? It's like the video should have been 4 minutes longer where you wrapped up the loose ends. 10 @Daniel-jm7ts 2 If you think about the Mediterranean is by nature a dividing factore, especially the north is divided between mountainous peninsulars (iberia, italy, balkans, anatolia) and historically only the roman empire was able to conqure them all despite numberous other attempts by others. So shouldnt the question be how rome, as a historically exception, was even able to unite this massive geographical region in the first place rather than why noone else was able to? 16 @notoriousbigmoai1125 3 Why did Zoroastrianism decline to the point of near extinction, but Hinduism is still one of the largest religions today despite both Persia and India being conquered by Islam? 20 1 @dgvsscf 1 1 2 3 4 5 1 @r0ky_M 2 As Prof. Mary Beard of Cambridge said citing another scholar: "We should be amazed that Rome held it together for so long in the first place" 9 @chumleyk 2 Simply put, there was just too much equal competition in Europe for it to reunify. 4 @YeOldeBoBSMITH 2 I think the geography is crucial here. Northern China is much flatter and easier to unify than the rugged south. This is especially true for mobile cavalry based armies. Any force that is able to control the North China plain (The traditional center of power in china) has the resources and centralization of power to conquer the rest of china, even if it takes decades. Before the Southern Song, the north had all the economic advantages (Silk Road, Grand Canal, The Yellow River, Population, Production, etc.). The periods of division can be seen as result of the mountainous and jungle terrain of the south delaying full unification even against overwhelming odds. 4 @Anhilare 3 there's also the importance of written language. in china, there was only ever one written language, chinese, which everyone used: to be literate meant to write in classical chinese. meanwhile, over in rome, there was latin, greek, egyptian, and aramaic in use in writing for centuries already, with latin just being the newest of many. this allowed everyone to keep their ethnic identity intact, and their descendants have preserved it to this day. after the collapse of rome, this didn't end, with armenian, german, arabic, and more arising as additional widely-used identity-preserving literary languages. contrast this with china, where every conquered ethnicity, lacking a written language (until MUCH later), was basically doomed to have their language (and therefore their identity) erased, with this process ongoing today (take the hmong peoples as an example). the hieroglyphic system chinese uses also prevents the literary language from splitting into many pieces, unlike what ultimately happened to latin after rome failed to reunite after 1000 years (and what's currently happening to arabic). 5 @rainmcmey 3 The geography of the Mediterranean basin doesnt lend itself to political unity in the way the core of China does, is something that has to be taken into account. The North China Plain and Yangtze Delta are extremely flat, and MASSIVE. For one of the most habitable and populous regions on earth to have that much of pull towards unity, its difficult to see how it would not be a large, centralised power most of the time. Its simultaneously flat, lush, and easily defined in its boundaries. There is no comparable feature in Europe. Perhaps if there were a significant north-south mountain range somewhere east of the Rhine, France could be a decent analogue, but as it is, France has always been squabbling over its eastern border with German states. Honestly the best IRL analogue to Chinas situation might be Britain, especially the south-east (which has, incidentally, been fairly continuously unified), but Britains core does not logically lead to Mediterranean-centric expansion. The best comparatives on the Mediterranean are the Po Valley, the Nile Delta, Tunisia, the south-western valleys of the Iberian peninsula, and the Thracian plains - all of which have formed the core regions of separate powers, and none of which are more than a tenth the size of Chinas core. Rome pulled off something semi-miraculous which, realistically, has probably been been unachievable since. Europe is a mess of peninsulas, mountains, and valleys that could only be conquered in totality through overwhelming advantages in numbers, sociocultural tech, and military/political organisation. It probably couldnt have been done before Rome, and theres probably never been a point since Rome when it could have been done again. 5 @wyattw9727 3 I feel like the simplest explanation is just ethnic groups and the power they wielded, along with the disunity of the core ethnic groups as well. Italians are, demonstrably from history at least, a bag of cats that only seem to get along when somebody is threatening them, or one of the cats is big enough to krump the others in line. Virtually as soon as Roman domination collapsed in the West, the Italic mountain tribes just buzz off to be independents paying lip service as most to lowlander power. The North, center, and south relatively split into their own areas, and some fragment even further into fiercely sovereign republics/petty kingdoms. It takes nearly a thousand years to cobble Italy back into a somewhat integral border, and further time than that to wholly reunify it. And this is without the further issues of Germans being incredibly distinct from Italic peoples, Germans internally being incredibly independent, France being a demographic mess for centuries and taking forever to restore its OWN integrity after the collapse of the Merovingian and Carolingian state (which possibly in a sense is a new 'roman dynasty' in the sense of being another large geographic area unifying lots of territory under the same faith no less while comparing things to ancient and medieval China). Meanwhile, from at least my more limited comprehension of Chinese history, every Chinese dynasty is either the Yellow River using its immense agricultural, and thus industrial output to suppress and rule everything in its surroundings - or a steppe group which manages to usurp this power in addition to northernly domination by their respective host. Also also more musing, but Europe has huge population clusters around rivers or coasts scattered all over the place, along with the 'center' of the Roman Empire truly being an ocean which acted as a highway. Meanwhile the Chinese are locked in place by mountains and deserts which are semi impassable by large forces. It's a continental empire with continuous land borders rather than an oceanic empire with discontinuous borders. 25 @mrpocock 2 The Europe and North Africa empires seem to flip between empires of roads and empires of boats. You can't hold the shores of the med if you don't control the sea. And you can't trade efficiently if you can't secure the shipping. You can have a road empire of Northern Europe or Eurasia, but not of the Mediterranean. 3 @TaoYuanHuang 3 1. China has been united, not reunited. 2. China dynasty passes from one to another. 3. ROME is only one of the dynasty. The comparison is very strange. 1 @alicelund147 2 It is something about the Northern invaders of China getting assimilated in to China. They took over and ruled instead of creating new political and cultural entities. Yes in West Rome the Germanic Kingdoms adopted local dialects of Latin and part of their culture but it was completely new nations with different economies, military organization, way of rule and administration etc. Rome was replaced by something new. Germanic peoples, Slavic Peoples, Arabs and Turkic Peoples didn't just take over the rule of Rome, they created new nations with new cultures. Rome was gone for good, there was no Rome left to reunite. 4 @PrimeChaosVC 5 European tends to lean towards this, "disunity equates to development of individual states and competition advance them faster one way or the other". This statement is made because for the past 200 years, European colonial powers dominated the rest of the world, but ignored the fact that China was ahead in technology, economy and social develop for most part of the past 2000 years. European raise to colonization and eventual dominance was an exception, just like the Mongol's conquest. I am glad I live to see the west crumbling in almost breakneck speed today. Reverting back to their original state of condition. While the rest of the world, especially East Asia and Southeast Asia, rises in overall GDP, Trade value and development. We have to thank the European/West for their ability to create 2 devasting wars, WWI and WWII to "compete" against themself, and the current rapid decline of US hegemony for ignoring internal issues while profiting from wars like the true colonial powers of the Traditional West. 1 @fobusas 3 I think it's more complicated than it's mostly down to proximity to Eurasian steppe. First, Europe was kind of united many times. Besides the examples already mentioned, Holy Roman Empire, Habsburg dynasty, Napoleon, Hitler, Soviet Union, they all had sizes similar to Rome. And currently, European Union. But most importantly, geography. Europe as way too many defensible places: lots of large islands, peninsulas, continental seas, mountains and big rivers. Its why Europe had so many small but powerful nations, because worst come pass, they can barricade behind. 11 @CaocaoXI 13 Yes. This is one of the best questions. One of the biggest differences is in China, the is a very obvious division between the agricultural land and nomadic land, about where the Great Wall is built. So Chinese empires were all based on agriculture. Its always inherited the agricultural civilization. No matter where the rulers were from or what they did for living, once they conquered China, they would become Chinese and followed the same system. In the west, The Roman empire was based on trading power around the Mediterranean Sea. So was the Arabic empire trading between the west and the east. So with in the territory, ways of living was a lot more diverse . So when the central power is weaker, it is harder to reunite. 2 @alexzero3736 2 What the main difference between Europe and China? Why Empire was holding together under Odoacer and Theodoric? And Justinian reconqured it. Because there was local support for empire, for Rome. Belisarius told his troops that locals are citizens of Rome just like them. And local people helped to reconquer Northern Africa and Italy, they rised against Goths and participate in repairs of Rome walls. But after that, European mentality chaged to seeking self-determination and individual liberties. Italy became land of city-states and republics. They resisted French and Spanish (Aragon) influence... ( see Italian wars). Republic of Venice or the Pope alwas stepped in if someone breaked balance in Italy, to put that country down. 3 @404dino 4 Geography matters and as a Chinese I would add cultural factors: around 200 BC the 1st empire unified official writing and grammar so different ethnic groups speak their own languages in life but writes the same text for business and government matters. Then in 100 BC, the 2nd empire set Confucianism as official ideology and official teaching in schools. After that no matter how empires fall and rise, people in this land can always relate themselves to people from the past. Even today, middle school students can read text from 2000 year old tomb stone directly and understand its meaning. With this common sentiment, after the collapse of an empire, it's only natural for a rising regional warlord to reunify China and inherit the Chinese culture. Image Roman empire made Latin its official language and Christianity official ideology from day 1, and requires them in business, government and schooling matters, and for a good 200 years, Roman might still be around today @Ktotwf 3 Mountains, Rivers, Jesus 11 @linphilip6389 1 Reason is simple. The Chinese had many many wars in the past 5000 years fighting for land and resources. Later they came to realize that the only way to avoid war is to have one big country where we all can live and share and help each other. Slowly people migrate from north to south and east to west. This has now become the philosophy of chinese: we want to know one and other in order to get along, we work together to make a bigger pie that would feed all. @NineNoRouge 3 This is a question i have never thought of but need answered now. I suppose part of the answer will be geography. 5 @ninersnation3298 19 it is so fascinating that the chinese empire still intact. the romans, the persians, the ottomans, the kenghis khans, they're all shattered into many smaller countries. @LittleMushroomGuy 3 Completely misses Translatio Imperii. The Goths started seeing themselves as Romans, The Franks and Germans saw themselves as the successors to Rome, Germans and Austrians saw themselves as the successors to the Holy Roman Empire etc. And now with the EU we have another "Rome" 2 @FrostsGamingHub 9 Throughout Chinese history, there have been many instances of ethnic integration and wars, but the concept of the "Central Plains" (Zhongyuan) has never changed. Our ancestors believed that the concept of the nation is subordinate to culture and ethnicity. @stevens1041 3 I have mixed feelings about this topic. The Qing, which ruled China from the 1600s to 1911, were not Han people. So that's quite a long amount of time where China isn't quite you know, the China of the Tang or the Ming. When China threw off the Qing in 1911, the country still was not reunited at all, but continued as a concept, and the country was stuck in the War Lords era and Civil War Era. Always left out of the conversation for some reason, is that the Americans and the Soviets saved China and helped bring it into being in modern times. A unified China wouldn't exist without America and the Soviet Union, despite the differences each of those sides had about what the future of China should look like, politically. In summary: China isn't an inevitable concept. There are a lot of times in the modern period (1600-onwards) where it looked like China might have disappeared. 95 2 @bb9a 2 An empire thats bacically a coast around a sea has a massive perimeter to defend for its land area. There are the iberia-magreb regions, celtic region, greco- balkan-italian region, levantine arab region and the African Egyptian region. There's like 4 main separate groups brought together by the med 1 @safi164 3 Mediterranean if we look at it was never unified.. Even during the hey day of the Roman Empire it was basically Latin speaking west mean while Greek speaking East.. Later on by medieval era it got divided into three parts with Latin Speaking West, Greek Speaking East and Arabic speaking South and South East.. Compared to that Ancient China was always culturally and linguistically united in some way... BEDMINSTER, N.J., Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Biocodex, a global pharmaceutical company and long-time pioneer in the treatment of rare pediatric diseases, will present seven studies at the upcoming AES 2024 Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, CA, from December 6-10. The studies focus on the use of stiripentol and its impact on patients with Dravet syndrome. Carla Schad, M.D., Biocodex North American Medical Officer, previewed what providers can expect to see from Biocodex at AES this year. DIACOMIT (stiripentol) is indicated for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome in patients taking clobazam and who are 6 months of age or older and weigh 15 pounds or more. There are no clinical data to support the use of DIACOMIT alone in Dravet syndrome. "Biocodex USA is thrilled to be attending AES this year. We are dedicated to bringing new data to our health care providers and researchers; but most importantly, our AES attendance will highlight our partnerships with Thought Leaders and Advocates. At Biocodex, our commitment and promise are to always keep the patient first." Key scientific and patient-focused data include: Poster Number Title of Poster Poster on Display Author Present Time 1.145 Best Practice Communication during the First Diagnosis Consultations with Caregiver of Young Children with Dravet Syndrome: An International Delphi Consensus 12:00 PM 6:00 PM Session 1, Saturday December 7, South Hall H, Level 1 12:00 PM -2:00 PM 1.413 Efficacy of Stiripentol Beyond Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures: A Retrospective Analysis of DRAVET and Non-Dravet Patient Records 12:00 PM 6:00 PM Session 1, Saturday December 7, South Hall H, Level 1 12:00 PM -2:00 PM 1.414 Therapeutic Maintenance of Stiripentol in Dravet Syndrome: A Comprehensive Literature Analysis 12:00 PM 6:00 PM Session 1, Saturday December 7, South Hall H, Level 1 12:00 PM -2:00 PM 1.491 Real World Utilization of Stiripentol by United States Prescribers: A Holistic Approach to Dosing 12:00 PM 6:00 PM Session 1, Saturday December 7, South Hall H, Level 1 12:00 PM -2:00 PM 3.406 Results of the DIAVEY study: a European post-marketing safety survey on stiripentol use 8:00 AM 2:00 PM Session 3, Monday December 9, South Hall H, Level 1 12:00 PM 1:45 PM 3.416 Results of a Long-Term Post-Marketing Surveillance Study on Stiripentol Safety and Efficacy in a Large Cohort of Japanese Patients 8:00 AM 2:00 PM Session 3, Monday December 9, South Hall H, Level 1 12:00 PM 1:45 PM 3.417 Stiripentol use in Dravet patients in the USA 8:00 AM 2:00 PM Session 3, Monday December 9, South Hall H, Level 1 12:00 PM 1:45 PM Symposia & CME Programs at the AES 2024 Annual Meeting Biocodex will be hosting two informational symposia at this conference focusing on the following: Symposia Title Description Speaker Time, Location Communicating a Diagnosis of Dravet Syndrome (DS) to Parents/Caregivers: An International Delphi consensus An informative program surveying the best practices in communicating a Dravet Syndrome (DS) diagnosis to parents/caregivers from the international Delphi consensus. This program will help practitioners facilitate a more structured diagnostic consultation and offer further support to parents at the time of diagnosis. Katherine Nickels, MD 4:30 PM 5:30 PM Saturday, December 7 Los Angeles Convention Center, Exhibition Hall Optimizing a Treatment Option for Patients With Dravet Syndrome An informative presentation that discusses the impact of Dravet syndrome, signs and symptoms of the disease, as well as the importance of early intervention. Learn about an approved therapy for patients with Dravet syndrome. James W. Wheless, BScPharm, MD, FAAP, FACP, FAAN, FAES 10:15 AM 11:15 AM Sunday, December 8 Los Angeles Convention Center, Exhibition Hall Biocodex is also sponsoring a CME program on Saturday, December 7, 6:00 PM 9:00 PM in the JW Marriot, Los Angeles California titled, "Mortality Risk with Dravet Syndrome: Let's Check That Box." This program will explore the importance of the following in Dravet syndrome: early diagnosis, risk factors for increased mortality, ways to improve communication with caregivers about increased mortality risk and evaluating the impact of targeted therapies on mortality risk. About Dravet Syndrome Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe genetic epilepsy that most commonly begins before the age of one when an otherwise normally developing child begins having frequent, prolonged seizures.1 These seizures can cause lasting damage, which over time can lead to developmental and cognitive delays, affecting coordination, language, and behavior.2 Its incidence is estimated to be 1 in 16,000 births.3 About Biocodex Founded in 1953, Biocodex is a French family-owned pharmaceutical company that leverages life sciences, placing health and its balance at the heart of its corporate initiatives, innovations, and development for the benefit of patients worldwide. A pioneer and leader in human microbiota health by marketing the first probiotic strain, the global organization has developed its activities around three strategic areas: microbiota, women's health, and orphan diseases. It has also expanded its expertise by investing in other health areas, such as pain management, respiratory and ENT pathways, and neurology. Present in 115 countries through its subsidiaries and partners, Biocodex emphasizes its territorial roots, which are central to its corporate social responsibility, producing in France for over 50 years across most of its value chain. The Biocodex global organization is comprised of 1,700 employees who share common values, embodied in their daily missions and rooted in the company's DNA. To learn more about Biocodex visit: www.biocodex.us/en/ To learn more about DIACOMIT visit: www.diacomit.com INDICATION DIACOMIT (stiripentol) is indicated for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome (DS) in patients taking clobazam who are 6 months of age and older and weighing 7 kg or more. There are no clinical data to support the use of DIACOMIT as monotherapy in Dravet syndrome. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION CONTRAINDICATIONS None WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS Somnolence DIACOMIT can cause somnolence. Monitor patients for somnolence, particularly when DIACOMIT is used concomitantly with other CNS depressants or clobazam, which is also known to cause somnolence. Decreased Appetite and Decreased Weight DIACOMIT can cause decreases in appetite and weight. The growth and weight of pediatric patients treated with DIACOMIT should be carefully monitored. Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia DIACOMIT can cause significant declines in neutrophil and platelet counts. Hematologic testing should be obtained prior to starting treatment with DIACOMIT and then every 6 months. Withdrawal Symptoms As with most antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), DIACOMIT should be gradually withdrawn to minimize the risk of increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus. Risks in Patients with Phenylketonuria (PKU) DIACOMIT for oral suspension contains phenylalanine, which can be harmful to patients with PKU. Before prescribing DIACOMIT for oral suspension to a patient with PKU, consider the total daily intake of phenylalanine from all sources, including DIACOMIT for oral suspension. DIACOMIT capsules do not contain phenylalanine. Suicidal Behavior and Ideation AEDs, including DIACOMIT, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Patients treated with any AED for any indication should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions that occurred in at least 10% of DIACOMIT-treated patients and more frequently than on placebo were somnolence, decreased appetite, agitation, ataxia, decreased weight, hypotonia, nausea, tremor, dysarthria, and insomnia. PREGNANCY There are no adequate data on the developmental risks associated with the use of DIACOMIT in pregnant women. Based on animal data, DIACOMIT may cause fetal harm. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to AEDs, such as DIACOMIT, during pregnancy. Physicians are advised to recommend that pregnant patients taking DIACOMIT enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry (information at www.aedpregnancyregistry.org). This can be done by calling the toll-free number 1888233-2334 and must be done by patients themselves or their caregiver. To report suspected adverse reactions, contact Biocodex at 1866330-3050 or FDA at 1800FDA1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Please see full DIACOMIT Prescribing Information at www.DIACOMIT.com. References: 1. Dravet C. The core Dravet syndrome phenotype. Epilepsia. 2011;52 Suppl 2:3-9.doi:10.1111/j.1528-1167.2011.02994. 2. Genton P, Velizarova R, Dravet C. Dravet syndrome: the long-term outcome. Epilepsia. 2011;52 Suppl 2:44-49. doi:10.1111/j.1528-1167.2011.03001. 3. Wu YW, Sullivan J, McDaniel SS, et al. Incidence of Dravet Syndrome in a US Population. Pediatrics. 2015;136(5):e1310-e1315. doi:10.1542/peds.2015-1807 2024 Biocodex, Inc. All rights reserved. DIACOMIT is a registered trademark of Biocodex, Inc. SOURCE Biocodex, Inc. HONG KONG, Dec. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CNOOC Limited (the "Company", SEHK: 00883 (HKD Counter) and 80883 (RMB Counter), SSE: 600938) today announces that Huizhou 26-6 Oilfield Development Project has commenced production. The project is located in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, with an average water depth of approximately 110 meters. The main production facilities include a new intelligent drilling production platform, as well as the adaptively-modified "NAN HAI FEN JIN" FPSO. A total of 19 development wells are planned to be commissioned, including 2 oil production wells and 17 gas production wells. The project is expected to achieve a peak production of approximately 20,600 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2027. The main products include light crude and natural gas. Huizhou 26-6 Oilfield Development Project is CNOOC Limited's first deep buried hill reservoir development project in the South China Sea. The Company has been actively adopting the state-of-art technologies. The first intelligent offshore drilling production platform in China was built for this project, to realize efficient development of the offshore oil and gas resources. The new project will contribute to the economic and social development of the GuangdongHong KongMacao Greater Bay Area. CNOOC Limited holds 100% interest in this project and is the operator. End Notes to Editors: More information about the Company is available at http://www.cnoocltd.com. *** *** *** *** This press release includes forward looking information, including statements regarding the likely future developments in the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, such as expected future events, business prospects or financial results. The words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company as of this date in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet the current expectations and predictions of the Company is uncertain. Actual results, performance and financial condition may differ materially from the Company's expectations, including but not limited to those associated with macro-political and economic factors, fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, the highly competitive nature of the oil and natural gas industry, climate change and environmental policies, the Company's price forecast, mergers, acquisitions and divestments activities, HSSE and insurance policies and changes in anti-corruption, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering and corporate governance laws and regulations. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company cannot assure that the results or developments anticipated will be realised or, even if substantially realised, that they will have the expected effect on the Company, its business or operations. *** *** *** *** For further enquiries, please contact: Ms. Cui Liu Media & Public Relations CNOOC Limited Tel: +86-10-8452-6641 Fax: +86-10-8452-1441 E-mail: [email protected] Mr. Bunny Lee Porda Havas International Finance Communications Group Tel: +852 3150 6707 Fax: +852 3150 6728 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE CNOOC Limited HIMAXX TO LAUNCH NEW PREMIUM DIVISION FOCUSED ON COLE HAAN SHANGHAI, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Cole Haan, the iconic American lifestyle brand and retailer of premium men's and women's footwear and accessories announces an exclusive distribution agreement with HiMaxx, a pioneering retailer in China. In conjunction, HiMaxx announces a new premium branded division, focused on Cole Haan, under Co-Founder and Board Member, Jason Hou. Established in 1928, Cole Haan is an American brand renowned for its heritage and classic designs integrated with innovative breakthrough technologies. Now distributed in nearly 100 countries, Cole Haan has earned a reputation for crafted innovation in footwear throughout the World. "Cole Haan is a leading global lifestyle brand. This premium position requires an equally exceptional retail development and operating expert with proven success throughout Mainland China and Hong Kong. We are pleased with our selection of HiMaxx to drive our business forward," said Jack Boys, CEO of Cole Haan. "We look forward to expanding our presence in China through new distribution with HiMaxx, a retail leader in the ever-evolving China retail landscape," added Adrian Santos, Senior Vice President, International at Cole Haan. "China is an exciting and dynamic market that is vital to the growth of the Cole Haan brand. HiMaxx provides the right infrastructure and brand stewardship needed to achieve our long-term plans for the region." HiMaxx, which has established a leading multi-brand outlet for footwear, clothing, accessories, and beauty, has created a new premium division and will assume operation of more than 30 existing stores in Hong Kong and Mainland China, with plans to expand the Cole Haan footprint throughout China. "When we founded HiMaxx in 2017, we always envisioned a multi-channel strategy for our company. We have spent the past seven years perfecting our real estate development, distribution systems, and retail operating platform. This next phase of our development, partnering with Cole Haan, a global leader in crafted and innovative footwear and accessories, will add another vital dimension to the HiMaxx company. My partner, Jason Hou, will focus on building this division and growing the Cole Haan brand to elevate consumer experience throughout China," said David Wang, Founder & CEO of HiMaxx. Cole Haan's plans to expand in China come at a pivotal time, as demand for premium footwear in the region continues to grow. Most recently, the brand launched its latest innovation, riginalGrand 2.0 with Skyweave technology, in Fall 2024. The innovative oxford features dynamically tuned trusses for exceptional, spring-like cushioning, exemplifying Cole Haan's commitment to combining style and performance. About Cole Haan Cole Haan is a global American lifestyle brand distributed in over 100 countries across the world serving always-connected, active professionals with innovative footwear and lifestyle accessories. With a nearly 100-year heritage, Cole Haan infuses its products with time-honored craftsmanship and modern innovation, making footwear and lifestyle accessories that customers wear from work, to workout, to weekend. Cole Haan's mission is to inspire customers to live extraordinary lives. Visit www.colehaan.com About HiMaxx HiMaxx is a leading membership-based retail company in China. Since its establishment, it has opened 40 large-scale stores across the country and is rapidly expanding. HiMaxx's core business focuses on the retail of globally renowned brands in apparel, footwear, and beauty products. HiMaxx has established partnerships with numerous world-famous brands and hundreds of distributors. The company's business scope includes brand retail, distribution, E-commerce and commercial real estate operations. With the principle of customer-first, HiMaxx has served millions of members. Visit www.hpcang.com For more information, contact: Jimmy Everett [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Cole Haan Christie's International Real Estate Has 100+ Affiliates in Almost 50 Countries and Territories Around the World and Maintains a Close Partnership with the Christie's Auction House @properties is the 8th Largest Residential Brokerage in the US by Sales Volume1 Best-in-Class Title & Mortgage Offerings in Key Markets Will Also Be Included NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Compass Inc. (NYSE: COMP) ("Compass"), Christie's International Real Estate, and @properties have announced that they will be joining forces in a move to accelerate domestic and international growth opportunities. Christie's International Real Estate has global reach with a network of 100+ independently owned domestic and international Affiliates across 50 countries and territories. @properties is the 8th largest residential brokerage in the United States by sales volume, with operations in Greater Chicago, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Metro Atlanta (through the Ansley Real Estate Brand). @properties' Northern California operation, under the Christie's International Real Estate Sereno brand, will become an independent brokerage while maintaining its network affiliation. Compass plans to continue to grow the independent affiliate network through the Christie's International Real Estate brand both domestically and internationally. "This partnership will allow us to empower strong independent brokerages and broker-owner entrepreneurs around the world who are Affiliates under Christie's International Real Estate," said Robert Reffkin, Compass Founder and CEO. "Our companies share the same passion for empowering entrepreneurial agents. Together, we will be able to provide unparalleled resources and support to help everyone succeed and deliver exceptional client experiences." "Compass shares our commitment to enhance the real estate industry through technology, marketing, and exceptional service and to embrace the local, independent broker through the Christie's International Real Estate and @properties brands," said Thad Wong, @properties Co-CEO. Mike Golden, @properties Co-CEO, added, "This is a very complementary union that respects our unique brands and empowers agents to provide an even better experience for the clients they serve." This addition will also include best-in-class title and mortgage businesses (namely, Proper Title and Proper Rate) as well as a lead-generation business (Suburban Jungle), which is in-line with Compass's long-term strategy to add high-margin services to its portfolio. Conference Call Details & Investor Materials Compass is hosting an investor conference call on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET to discuss the transaction details. The conference call will be accessible via the Internet on the Compass Investor Relations website https://investors.compass.com. You can also access the audio webcast via the following link. Accompanying materials detailing the specifics of the transaction and a recording of the conference call will be available online under the SEC Filings and Events & Presentations sections of the Compass Investor Relations website: https://investors.compass.com. About Compass Compass is the largest residential real estate brokerage in the United States by sales volume2. Founded in 2012 and based in New York City, Compass provides an end-to-end platform that empowers its residential real estate agents to deliver exceptional service to seller and buyer clients. The platform includes an integrated suite of cloud-based software for customer relationship management, marketing, client service, brokerage services and other critical functionality, all custom-built for the real estate industry. Compass agents utilize the platform to grow their business, save time and manage their business more effectively. For more information on how Compass empowers real estate agents, one of the largest groups of small business owners in the country, please visit www.compass.com . About @properties @properties is a Chicago-based real estate services company that owns and operates real estate brokerage firms in seven states, multi-state title and mortgage companies, Proper Title and Proper Rate, and the Christie's International Real Estate network. @properties is also the creator of pl@tform, a proprietary brokerage-technology software that enables agents to digitally manage all aspects of the client relationship and real estate transaction through one fully integrated system. Since its start in 2000, the company has been led by co-founders and co-CEOs, Thad Wong and Mike Golden. For more information, visit https://www.atproperties.com/. About Christie's International Real Estate Christie's International Real Estate is a global luxury real estate network with over 100 independently owned brokerage Affiliates in almost 50 countries and territories. The brand is closely aligned with Christie's world-leading art and luxury business. Through the invitation-only network, Christie's International Real Estate and its members offer incomparable service to a global clientele of luxury homebuyers, sellers, developers, and investors. For more information, visit https://www.christiesrealestate.com/. Disclosure Channels Compass uses its Investor Relations website, https://investors.compass.com, as a means of disclosing information which may be of interest or material to its investors and for complying with disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. We intend to announce material information to the public through filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, the investor relations page on our website (www.compass.com), press releases, public conference calls, public webcasts, our X (formerly Twitter) feed (@Compass), our Facebook page, our LinkedIn page, our Instagram account, our YouTube channel, and Robert Reffkin's X (formerly Twitter) feed (@RobReffkin) and Instagram account (@robreffkin). Accordingly, investors should monitor each of these disclosure channels. Safe Harbor Statement This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are statements other than statements of historical facts, and statements in the future tense. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed transaction, expected timeline, our expected future performance, including expected financial results, and our expectations for operational achievements and synergies after the closing of the proposed transaction. Forward-looking statements are based upon various estimates and assumptions, as well as information known to us as of the date of this press release, and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: our ability to consummate the proposed transaction on the expected timeline or at all (including due to inability to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals or obtaining such approvals subject to conditions that are not anticipated), the risk that a condition of closing of the proposed transaction may not be satisfied or that the closing of the proposed transaction might otherwise not occur, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance or condition that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, including in circumstances requiring us to pay a termination fee, the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues, risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction, the risk that the proposed transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the ability of @properties to retain its key agents and personnel, unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the proposed transaction, potential litigation relating to the proposed transaction that could be instituted against the parties to the merger agreement or their respective directors, managers or officers, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto and other risks set forth in our annual report on Form 10-K and our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Significant variation from the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements could cause our actual results to vary, and the impact could be significant. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those predicted or implied or such uncertainties could cause adverse effects on our results. Reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. More information about factors that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, or that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements is included under the captions "Risk Factors," "Legal Proceedings" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which are available on the Investor Relations page of our website at https://investors.compass.com/ and on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. All information herein speaks as of the date hereof and all forward-looking statements contained herein are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we do not assume any obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release. Transaction Details The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including obtaining regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in 2025. Investors can find additional details on the transaction in Compass' investor presentation and Form 8-K filed with the SEC in conjunction with this press release. The 8-K and investor presentation are also available in the SEC Filings and Events & Presentations sections of the Compass Investor Relations website at https://investors.compass.com. 1 @properties was ranked the number eight real estate brokerage in sales volume for 2023 by Real Trends in March 2024 2 Compass was ranked the number one real estate brokerage in sales volume for 2023 by Real Trends in March 2024 SOURCE COMPASS SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a compelling initiative coinciding with the national STOPTOBER campaign, DOJO, a pioneering innovator in the vaping industry, powered by VAPORESSO, proudly announces the launch of the "Create to Change 2024 Smoke-Free Round Tour Project." This global public campaign, beginning in the UK, aims to generate innovative, health-oriented experiences while fostering a culture of smoking cessation through collective creativity. Rooted in DOJO's "CREATE & SHARE" philosophy, the campaign showcases how small actions can inspire transformation and foster meaningful change. DOJO_CREATE TO CHANGE_BYEBYE VAN DOJO is joining forces with over 120 retail partners across the UK to implement creative strategies to encourage smoking cessation. Collaborative activities form an important part of the overall initiative and are divided into creative cigarette folding and the co-creation of art advocacy. Hundreds of retail partners are responding to this call to action, symbolically breaking prop cigarettes to demonstrate their commitment to quitting. Concurrently, event-goers are collaborating to create art installations that embody their resolve to embrace a smoke-free lifestyle, thereby promoting the anti-smoking message and inspiring wider participation. This part of the initiative goes beyond mere participation; it seeks to empower individuals by emphasizing their role in the smoking cessation journey. Through the act of breaking symbolic cigarette props, retail partners experience the profound determination needed to quit smoking. In doing so, they cultivate a sense of ownership and responsibility towards a smoke-free future. Additionally, by engaging in the co-creation of themed artworks, event participants articulate their commitment to health and well-being while encouraging others to take similar strides. Together with DOJO, they use their small actions to help create a better world. Moreover, DOJO introduces the "DOJO BYEBYE VAN," a vibrant tour campaign set to travel through London, Bristol, Birmingham, and Manchester. This creatively designed vehicle is a dynamic platform for interactive, community-oriented smoking cessation activities. By engaging the public in enjoyable and innovative ways, the campaign seeks to further the dialogue around smoking cessation and inspire collective action. Each stop along the tour will feature a range of captivating activities, including hands-on workshops that invite participants to explore their creativity while contributing to the cause. As thousands engage in this collaborative effort, they deepen their commitment to healthier lifestyles through artistic expression. The relaxed environment created by DOJO fosters a rich exchange of ideas, allowing participants to share their stories of quitting and reinforcing the positive values associated with a smoke-free life. The "Create to Change 2024 Smoke-Free Round Tour Project" represents an innovative approach to public good advocacy within the industry. By addressing the social dimensions of smoking cessation, DOJO aims to lower barriers to acceptance and cultivate a proactive societal attitude towards quitting. The ultimate vision is to lead society toward a smoke-free future, placing human-centered creativity at the forefront of this mission. Through this groundbreaking initiative, DOJO, as a human-centered vaping brand, aims to inspire the entire vaping industry to reassess its societal obligations and embrace innovative approaches for sustainable advancement. About DOJO DOJO is a space of cultivation, a space for a like-minded community to work together in pursuit of a better self and world. We are united in our mission to enhance the vaping experience by crafting superior quality products guided by our "Create & Share" philosophy. DOJO exists for vapers, which is why DOJO is constantly driven by innovation, dedicated to high-end quality, and consumer-centered commitment. SOURCE DOJO Direct Sales and Distribution Partners Drive Expansion of Client Base HOUSTON, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FINBOA Inc., a leading innovator in intelligent process automation for regulatory compliance in financial institutions, has reported a commendable 46% year-over-year increase in third-quarter revenue, indicating a steady growth trend. Since the start of the year, 44 new financial institutions have adopted FINBOA's Payment Disputes, bringing FINBOA's total customer base to more than 250 financial institutions nationwide. Achieving a 50% increase in add-on sales demonstrates success in expanding business with existing clients. "The FINBOA team is entering the final quarter of 2024 with strong momentum," said Raj Singal, CEO and Founder of FINBOA. "With the launch of innovative offerings like our business intelligence product for disputes, we are confident in sustaining this growth into 2025. We look forward to unveiling new partnerships and expanding our solutions to drive further success." Driving Efficiency and Compliance FINBOA's Payment Disputes SaaS solution helps financial institutions ranging from hundreds of millions to tens of billions in assets reduce compliance costs, mitigate risks and enable more efficient dispute resolution. About FINBOA FINBOA provides intelligent process automation software to banks and credit unions to simplify dispute processing and improve regulatory compliance by eliminating manual systems. Solutions include FINBOA Payment Disputes along with companion products, FINBOA BI Disputes and AutoDecision. FINBOA delivers transformative software proven to enable institutional growth by reducing operational costs and risk. In 2024, FINBOA received industry accolades including the US FinTech Awards 2024: Banking Tech of the Year, PayTech USA Award: Tech of the Future, Finovate Award finalist, CU Times Luminary Award for Product Innovation, Jack Henry Associates' Cobalt Integrator's Award and selection for the ICBA ThinkTech Accelerator's program; as well as being named to the INC 5000 list of fastest growing U.S. businesses. Headquartered in Houston, FINBOA is trusted to help over 250 financial institutions nationwide achieve targeted business outcomes and peace of mind. Learn more at www.finboa.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and X Twitter. SOURCE FINBOA BEIJING, Dec. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 15, in Lima, Peru, during the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, Chilean President Gabriel Boric presented Chinese President Xi Jinping with the fourth volume of the collection Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, in Spanish language, which he had brought at the Santiago International Book Fair, and asked the Chinese president to sign on the title page, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Such scenes are familiar in the Chinese president's interactions with foreign leaders. Impressed by the success of the Chinese path, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in his foreword for the Uzbek edition, said Xi's book offers important inspiration and guidance on governing a country, developing a market economy that fits national features, and protecting public interests, the Xinhua News Agency reported. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the publication of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China. So far, the four-volume collection, which has been translated into over 40 languages and distributed across more than 180 countries and regions, has been widely regarded as the "golden key" to understand the Chinese miracle and the "revelation" to address global development problems. Several foreign scholars who have participated in the translation, publication, and in-depth study of the collection shared their stories with the Global Times about why this publication continues to be popular around the world. An authoritative source for understanding China Wirun Phichaiwongphakdee, director of the Thailand-China Research Center of the Belt and Road Initiative, regarded the signing of a contract with the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration to translate and publish the Thai version of the fourth volume of the collection as one of the most notable achievements of the research center this year. As the translator, Wirun feels that his involvement in this project is profoundly significant. "During reading and translating the fourth volume, I felt as if I were consulting a sage. We are committed to providing an authoritative source for Thailand and the international community to understand the governance strategies of China in the new era through precise and authentic translation," Wirun told the Global Times. Having studied in China since 1997, Wirun has a deep understanding of China. He believes that the country's development is reflected not only in the increasingly rich material and spiritual lives of its people, but also in the confidence and patriotism of its citizens, as well as the strategic vision of its leaders for the development of human society. The Thai language edition of the book Xi Jinping: The Governance of China Volume 1 was officially released in Thailand in April 2017, receiving a warm response and significant attention from mainstream Thai society, with then prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha recommending the book to cabinet members multiple times. Wirun, who has long engaged in research on China, has carefully studied the first volume of the collection. "The content of this book has greatly inspired me. The path China has taken is precisely the experience that developing countries like us need to learn from. I feel honored to participate in the translation and publication of its Thai version from the second volume," he said. The translation of this book enables the international community to gain a systematic understanding of the treasure trove of ideas created by China's leadership. He hopes that more people can better perceive the governance philosophy and global vision of the Chinese top leader through the book. During the translation process, he and his team meticulously considered how to express the original meaning accurately while ensuring that Thai readers could grasp the essence of the content. "For instance, in the first topic of Volume II, President Xi quotes the saying from The Book of Rites: The Great Learning, 'Win popular support, and you win the country; lose it, and you will lose the country.' Through our study, we understood the meaning of this ancient saying, and then translated it directly into Thai while clearly explaining that President Xi's intention in quoting it is to emphasize that the Communist Party of China (CPC) must adhere to a people-centered approach and stand with the people, which is the fundamental guarantee for overcoming difficulties and risks," Wirun said. The director believes that the viewpoints, concepts, and experiences articulated in this collection hold significant reference value not only for Thailand, but also for the world today. "The collection has a profound impact on the countries of the Global South. China, as a member of the Global South, has shown these governments a direction for development and allowed countries around the world to envision their own paths to modernization," he stressed. An eastern perspective for multilateralism In Kathmandu, Nepal, the Belt and Road Bookstore has been positioning the collection prominently on its bookshelf. "The book's performance locally has been outstanding. Readers often express how the insights within the book help them understand China's governance philosophy and the transformative reforms of the last decades," Kiran Gautam, president of Current Publication Pvt Ltd from Nepal, told the Global Times. Current Publication Pvt Ltd is one of the most influential publishing institutions in Nepal and is the parent company of the Belt and Road Bookstore. Gautam shared with the Global Times his observations about the readers of the collection at the bookstore. "I met a young entrepreneur, who shared how the book inspired him to explore governance models suitable for Nepal to me. Such personal stories resonate deeply with me, as they reflect the cultural and intellectual bridges we strive to build through our bookstore," Gautam said. Born in a family dedicated to promoting relations between Nepal and China, Gautam noted that the decision to introduce and publish the collection stemmed from his family's legacy and his personal mission to provide Nepalese readers with authentic insights into modern China. "Nepalese readers are curious about China's development model, particularly its remarkable achievement in poverty alleviation a challenge that resonates closely with Nepal's developmental goals." In Gautam's view, the wisdom of the Chinese top leader shown in the book is one of the most valuable public goods that China offers to developing countries. "For example, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by President Xi has tremendous benefits for developing countries like Nepal. He is not only seeking happiness for the Chinese people, but is also opening his arms to the whole world," Gautam said, noting that this is also one of the reasons why his bookstore is named after the BRI. Inspired by President Xi's vision for the BRI and the Global Civilization Initiative, which emphasizes mutual exchange among different civilizations, Gautam is committed to promoting collaboration between Nepalese and Chinese publishers, continuing to publish stories that resonate with both countries' readers. Gautam noted that the book market in Nepal is very small. Although both China and India are neighbors of Nepal, Nepalese literature is more influenced by India. He has been dedicated to promoting Chinese culture in the South Asian region through book publishing. A star in international book fairs Driven by a love for China and a desire to participate in the translation and the overseas promotion of the collection, both Wirun and Gautam often find themselves invited to local academic events related to China as "experts on Chinese issues." "When we actively recommend this collection as 'first readers,' the feedback we receive from readers is that it is always a source of pride and comfort," Wirun noted. Wirun also pointed out that in recent years, the collection has attracted considerable attention at book fairs abroad, particularly in BRI partner countries. For example, at the 28th Lima International Book Fair, which concluded in August 2024, the number of readers purchasing the fourth volume increased compared to previous years, with buyers ranging from politicians and scholars to university professors, students, and seniors, Meng Kexin, director of La Voz de la Colonia China, the oldest Chinese newspaper in South America, told the Global Times. On November 5, during a reader meeting for Xi Jinping: The Governance of China held in Lima, lawyer and legal expert Francisco Tiburcio Uceda remarked that attending this event allowed them to deeply appreciate the thoughts and vision of a world-class leader, while also strengthening knowledge and cultural exchanges between nations, according to Meng. Meng shared a moment he observed at the Lima International Book Fair with the Global Times: A young man lingered in front of the shelf displaying Xi's book for a very long time, taking photos of specific chapters with his phone. "Readers around the world are inspired by Xi's thoughts in the collection, and through witnessing the significant changes brought by China like the Chancay Port project and the China-Laos railway, they see a tangible manifestation of Chinese wisdom. Moreover, many of them firmly believe that this Chinese wisdom will provide them with greater benefits in the future," Wirun said. SOURCE Global Times SAN DIEGO, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - In a significant advancement for national cybersecurity, GoSecure, a major U.S. provider of cybersecurity and professional security services, proudly announces its strategic partnership with SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA). Recently launched by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Semiconductor Research Corporation Manufacturing Consortium Corporation (SRC) with a substantial combined investment, SMART USA represents a strategic national effort to enhance semiconductor design and manufacturing processes. This critical initiative underscores GoSecure's dedication to advancing the security protocols necessary to protect America's technology infrastructure from evolving threats. Under this partnership, GoSecure will lead the deployment of cutting-edge cybersecurity measures for SMART USA, ensuring robust cyber threat monitoring, rapid incident response, and meticulous reporting. The security strategies will be tailored specifically to protect the SMART Backbone and Marketplace, with technology and operational support provided in collaboration with the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII) at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and Idaho National Labs. Neal Creighton, CEO of GoSecure, expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, "Our role in this partnership underscores our commitment as an American enterprise to the fortification of the national tech sector. By integrating our top-tier cybersecurity capabilities with SMART USA's groundbreaking semiconductor research, we aim to establish a secure framework that not only protects but also promotes innovation within the industry." Jeff Schmidt, GoSecure's Senior Research Security Advisor, will enhance the partnership by joining the SMART USA Business Operations team. His extensive experience in cybersecurity will inform strategic initiatives to minimize risks associated with the extensive R&D portfolio managed by SMART USA. "Through our collaborative efforts with SMART USA, we are setting a new standard for the integration of cybersecurity in the semiconductor manufacturing process," said Schmidt. "Our proactive measures are designed to preemptively address potential security threats, ensuring the integrity and resilience of the operations." The collaboration between GoSecure and SMART USA is expected to drive significant advancements in the way cybersecurity is integrated into the research and development of semiconductor technologies. By implementing state-of-the-art security measures, the partnership aims to protect critical technological assets while fostering an environment where innovation can thrive without the risk of disruption. About GoSecure: GoSecure is a recognized cybersecurity leader, delivering innovative Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) solutions and expert advisory services. GoSecure Titan managed security solutions deliver multi-vector protection to counter modern cyber threats through a complete suite of offerings that extend the capabilities of our customers' in-house teams. GoSecure Titan MXDR offers a best-in-class mean-time-to-respond, with comprehensive coverage across customers' networks, endpoints, and inboxes. For over 10 years, GoSecure has been helping customers better understand their security gaps, improve organizational risk, and enhance security posture through advisory services provided by one of the most trusted and skilled teams in the industry. SOURCE GoSecure, Inc. MIAMI, Dec. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WEAM is pleased to present a new, historic exhibition, Forbidden Fruit: The Art of Cuban Sexuality, which will open on December 2nd, 2024 to start off Miami Art Week. For press inquiries & information concerning these exhibitions, please contact: [email protected] Curator and collector Antonio Permuy standing in front of "Nocturno en el patio" (2018) by Miguel Fleitas. Exhibition: Forbidden Fruit: The Art of Cuban Sexuality Curated by: Antonio Permuy, joined by assistant curator Karina Sirven Location: WEAM, 1205 Washington Avenue, Miami, FL Dates: December 2, 2024 - July 2025 Opening: December 2nd, 6-7pm Press & VIP preview, 7-10pm public opening WEAM is proud to present the museum's first-ever exhibition of Cuban art, a notable and historic exhibition, as it is the largest known exhibition dedicated to Cuban erotic art ever held, on-or-off the island. It spans more than 70 artists and over 150 works across painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography from the last 90 years. The featured works span from the legendary Cuban "Vanguardia" (Vanguard) generation, who are credited with creating modern Cuban art, up to contemporary artists, to bridge as well as contrast contemporary works with the works of previous decades, stretching back to the early 1930s. Forbidden Fruit is noted for its ambitious scale and taboo-breaking, genre-bending approach to curation. The fullest range of sexuality is showcased, from the subtle, lyrical, abstract, and symbolic to the palpable and explicit. Sexuality is explored through various themes, including spirituality, mythology, and nature, to the surprisingly dark landscapes of the psychological. Curator, critic, collector, and art patron Antonio Permuy is donating more than 30 works by 26 artists spanning painting, drawing, sculpture and pyrography, primarily by Cuban artists. The collection includes work by several notable artists including Josigancio, Ramon Unzueta, Carlos Navarro, Ramon Alejandro, Adriano Nicot, Miguel Fleitas, Neith Nevelson, and AGalban. This generous gift marks the largest donation of art WEAM has ever received outside of the Wilzig family, and also marks the largest set of donations ever made by Permuy, who has previously donated works to the permanent collections of other prominent cultural and educational institutions, including the Patricia & Philip Frost Art Museum at FIU. Most of the donated works by Cuban artists will also feature in the upcoming Forbidden Fruit: The Art of Cuban Sexuality exhibition, curated by Antonio Permuy, and joined by assistant curator Karina Sirven. Regarding the donation, the Director of WEAM, Helmut Schuster said, "It would be too easy to thank Antonio Permuy for his generous donation on behalf of the Wilzig family and the museum. His donation means much more- it is a gift to the residents of the city of Miami who will now call the donated works of art their own, and will include them in their collective memory for generations." In addition to the famed Vanguardia, the four generations represented in the exhibition include most members of the prominent "Grupo GALA" the first known Latin American artist association in Florida: Enrique Riveron, Rafael Soriano, Jose Mijares, and Baruj Salinas. Forbidden Fruit also marks Salinas' final career exhibition, as well as that of Margarita Cano, who both passed away in 2024 after selecting their works for this exhibition. Subsequent generational artists include global record-setting artist Josignacio, late Magical Realism painters Juan Gonzalez and Ramon Unzueta, and Pop artist Carlos Navarro. Other notable featured artists include Servando Cabrera, Ramon Alejandro, Miguel Fleitas, Adriano Nicot, Pedro Hernandez and AGalban. Visit weam.com to get your ticket for the opening reception. Forbidden Fruit also features three works by guest artist, famed American photographer Mariette Pathy Allen. These three works, taken in Havana, bridge Forbidden Fruit with Mariette Pathy Allen: Breaking Boundaries, a special retrospective guest exhibition from the Kinsey Institute, which will also be opening at WEAM that evening. Breaking Boundaries showcases photographs by Mariette Pathy Allen that capture the love, beauty, intimacy, joy, and heartache of transgender and gender-expansive communities across the globe, offering a powerful look into the evolution of attitudes toward transgender, non-binary, gender-fluid, and gender non-conforming individuals. This exhibition opens on December 2nd and will remain on view through July 2025. SOURCE Wilzig Museum Building Over 600 Church Leaders Gather for Third Annual Archdiocesan Leadership Conference JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Archdiocese of Johannesburg's third annual archdiocesan leadership conference (ALC) drew more than 600 participants to Holy Family College, featuring prominent business leader Mark Lamberti as keynote speaker. The conference, centered on the theme "Synodality in Action," brought together church leaders, youth representatives, and parish administrators to explore collaborative leadership approaches in both religious and secular contexts. Lamberti, known for his leadership of three major multinational companies, shared insights on how synodal principles align with modern business practices. "I believe that life is a journey of choices which I must make towards the goal of discovering every dimension of my God-given potential," Lamberti stated, emphasizing the importance of mission-driven leadership in both corporate and religious contexts. The keynote address highlighted three key elements of effective leadership: stakeholder capitalism, clear organizational mission, and strong leadership principles. Lamberti's presentation demonstrated how Catholic values can successfully integrate with business practices, particularly in addressing social justice and ethical decision-making. The conference, organized by the Department of Evangelisation, Youth Department, and Family Life Department, featured 24 sessions , with nine specifically focused on youth leadership. Topics included forming young disciples, prophetic youth leadership, youth involvement in charity work, and the implementation of synodal practices in various church contexts. Fr Bruce Botha, episcopal vicar of the Department of Evangelisation, emphasized that "Synodality without implementation remains just a nice idea," setting the tone for a conference focused on practical application of synodal principles. The event concluded with a concelebrated Holy Mass, led by Fr Nkosinathi Nkabinde, the vicar of marriage and family life, and Fr Abel Maluleka, the vicar of youth. About Archdiocese of Johannesburg The Archdiocese of Johannesburg is a metropolitan diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in South Africa, serving the greater Johannesburg region. Through various departments including Evangelisation, Youth, and Family Life, the Archdiocese works to promote spiritual growth, leadership development, and community engagement among its parishes and faithful. Media Contact: Communication Jhb Archdiocese [email protected] 011 402 6400 PORTO, Portugal, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 9, Medit, a global leader in digital dentistry solutions, hosted its two-day MeditWave 2024 in Porto, Portugal. This dynamic gathering of dental professionals from around the world fostered valuable exchanges and showcased the latest innovations in digital dental workflows. MeditWave 2024 in Porto Brings Together Global Experts to Shape the Future of Digital Dental Solutions Programs offered participants opportunities to learn new techniques, explore emerging technologies, and gain insights into the advanced applications of Medit's digital dental solutions. A panel discussion, led by Medit's CEO Han Ryu, CTO Michael Lee, and CCO Ryan Choi, explored the latest trends shaping the digital dentistry landscape. Hands-on courses and discussions at MeditWave covered topics such as "Solving Difficult Scanning Cases Together" and "Future Trends and Technologies of Intraoral Scanners." Medit product specialists guided participants through practical exercises, providing actionable insights into advanced scanning techniques. The event also featured a "Power Talk" session, where participants shared complex patient cases they successfully resolved using Medit's intraoral scanner technology. Topics included "Deprogramming Occlusion" and the "All-on-X procedure with Medit," fostering a collaborative environment for in-depth knowledge exchange and open innovation. One participant commented, "MeditWave provided an invaluable opportunity to meet Medit's leadership team and fellow dental professionals, exchange real-life patient cases, discuss emerging trends, and explore potential advancements in digital tools. This level of direct interaction has been rare, yet essential in advancing digital practices." The insights and ideas exchanged at MeditWave will play a pivotal role in guiding Medit's future product and software development, with a commitment to addressing key industry challenges and enhancing digital workflows for clinicians worldwide. "Engaging with digital dentistry experts from around the globe and sharing real-world cases with the Medit intraoral scanner series have reinforced our commitment to delivering scanner solutions that truly address user needs. Medit will continue advancing its technology to provide the highest quality services for patient care," said a Medit leadership team member. In order to find more information about MeditWave 2024 in Porto, visit Medit's official website. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2568992/MeditWave_2024_Porto_Brings_Together_Global_Experts_Shape_Future_Digital.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1798058/Logo_MEDIT_Logo.jpg LONDON, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Action on World Health (AWH), the international campaign group committed to reforming the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched the 'Bell Review'; a working group of 9 experts including former WHO and United Nations (UN) officers and advisors, who will recommend proposals to either radically reform, or replace, the WHO. Dr. David Bell Led by Dr David Bell, a former WHO medical officer and scientist with extensive experience in international health foundations and philanthropic institutions, the working group will examine how an international health organization, jointly controlled by Member States, should operate to most effectively address global disease burdens and priorities. It will then determine whether such reform is feasible, given the WHO's current approach (or suggest what other structure might serve the international community instead). Dr David Bell has assembled an expert team, including former WHO and UN officials, and consultants from the fields of academia, public health and international law, who are passionate about the world's health but concerned with the direction of its institutional structures. Like AWH, they believe that the WHO should reflect the will and well-being of sovereign individuals, communities, and the national governments who represent them instead of imposing its will on them. The 'Bell Review' working group, basing its approach on established best principles and practices for international public health, will systematically examine the WHO's current approach: Phase 1 (reporting in five months): 1. The principles for an international health organization to adhere to 2. The purpose of an International Health Organization 3. What the place of the WHO in the international health landscape should be 4. Better governance 5. Where the WHO is succeeding and failing Phase 2 (reporting in ten months): 6. Addressing the WHO's limitations and key drivers of failure 7. The necessary approaches to reforming (or replacing) the WHO AWH Co-founder and Chairman, Nigel Farage, commented: "With Donald Trump in The White House, this is a once in a generation opportunity to reform the WHO. Founded on noble principles, it has repeatedly let the world down, whilst building a billion-dollar global health empire that takes power away from countries and their citizens. Our highly respected group of experts, assembled by David, will recommend reforms that respect national sovereignty and stop interference in people's lives. The bureaucrats who run the WHO can no longer ignore the growing dissatisfaction from people across the world. It either reforms or gets replaced!" Dr David Bell added: "I and my colleagues have been increasingly concerned with the departure of the WHO from its roots. Only through the right set of reforms can the WHO return to core public health principles and its reputation be saved. Or a body more fit for purpose and reflective of the will of the world's peoples replaces it." To learn more about the Bell Review, visit www.actionwh.org. Action on World Health is an international campaign group committed to reforming the World Health Organization (WHO). Our Mission Take Back Control Health policies that infringe on national sovereignty must remain under the control of nation states - not unelected global bodies. Instead of one-size-fits-all treaties and mandates that dictate or put pressure on governments to implement public health measures that interfere with domestic policies, the WHO should advise and facilitate international cooperation; Stop The Failures National politicians should hold those responsible for the WHO's failings during COVID-19 to account, and reform its processes so the next pandemic is either prevented, identified and/or treated more quickly and effectively; Cut Costs ending the enormous amount wasted on luxury travel and thousands of staff; with countries cutting their contributions to all non-essential programs; and ending the funding by private citizens, corporations, and other non-State actors to avoid them gaining influence; Restore Freedoms Bodily autonomy, individual freedom, and personal responsibility are principles that no organization should undermine, especially an unelected and unaccountable one. Public health decisions and policies should be made by nation states, and a review is needed among all countries to determine which powers need repatriating to their citizens. Stop The "Pandemic Treaty" The proposed new Pandemic Preparedness Treaty, and amendments to International Health Regulations (IHR) agreed at the 77th World Health Assembly in June 2024, will hand over unprecedented powers from countries to the WHO if they are not stopped. They would allow the WHO to dictate national public health policies and restrict fundamental freedoms in a future pandemic. The WHO should not be dictating terms to countries and their citizens, so we call upon national governments which have until April 2025 to reject the IHR amendments and instruct the WHO to cancel the "Pandemic Treaty". Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2570385/AWH.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2570386/AWH_Logo.jpg SOURCE AWH AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sequoia Financial Group, LLC (Sequoia Financial), an SEC-registered wealth manager with $21.5 billion in assets under management (AUM) as of Sept. 30, 2024, and Eide Bailly LLP, a top 20 national accounting firm, have completed their previously announced strategic partnership. As part of the agreement, Sequoia Financial has acquired Eide Bailly's wealth management practice, adding 22 employees and $1.6 billion in assets as it plans to expand in the western United States, where Eide Bailly has a significant presence. Akron, Ohio-based Sequoia Financial currently has 16 offices in nine states, primarily in the Midwest, East and Southeast U.S. regions. Headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, Eide Bailly has 40 U.S. offices, with a major footprint in the western United States. Sequoia Financial plans to roll out its branded wealth management operations in Eide Bailly offices in markets including Los Angeles, Phoenix and Salt Lake City. The firm also aims to hire as many as 40 advisors in 2025 as it expands its presence west of the Mississippi River and intends to boost its acquisition efforts in key wealth management markets there. Following the partnership agreement with Eide Bailly, Brad Kelley, previously principal and wealth leader for Eide Bailly Advisors, is now an executive vice president of corporate development for Sequoia Financial, responsible for leading joint initiatives between the two firms. He reports to Chris Thom, executive vice president and chief strategy & partnerships officer. Brett Meyer, CFA, previously investment strategy director for Eide Bailly Advisors, is now head of investor relations for Sequoia Financial's investment research team, reporting to Nick Zamparelli, chief investment officer. Meyer is responsible for content and messaging for the firm's public and private investment platform. "We expect our partnership with Eide Bailly to reap significant benefits as we deliver expanded accounting and wealth management services to each other's clients throughout the country," said Tom Haught, CEO of Sequoia Financial. Sequoia Financial has been serving individuals and families since 1991. The firm launched Sequoia Sentinel in 2023 to expand its family office services. The firm's tailored services include asset management, tax management, wealth transfer, asset transactions, and charitable planning to meet the challenges inherent to generational wealth. It also has expertise in executive compensation, estate planning dynamics, family governance, and special-needs planning. About Sequoia Financial Group Sequoia Financial Group, LLC, founded in 1991, takes a client-centered approach to providing wealth management services, including asset management, estate and retirement planning, fiduciary consulting, and family wealth. Sequoia Financial builds and maintains strong relationships that emphasize long-term planning to help clients reach their financial and life goals. The firm was named by Barron's as one of the top RIA firms in the U.S. in 2024 for the sixth consecutive year. Sequoia Financial had $21.5 billion in assets under management as of Sept. 30, 2024. For more information, visit www.sequoia-financial.com. Media Contact: Margaret Kirch Cohen Newton Park PR, LLC +1 847-507-2229 [email protected] Richard Chimberg Newton Park PR +1 617-312-4281 [email protected] Investment advisory services offered through Sequoia Financial Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Registration as an investment advisor does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The tax and estate planning information offered by the advisor is general in nature. It is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Tax preparation is done by a 3rd party and not Sequoia Financial Group. On September 18, 2024 Sequoia placed 28th on the Barron's list for the year 2024 (41st in 2023, 48th in 2022, 66th in 2021, 64th in 2020 and 47th in 2019). Barron's weighs dozens of qualitative and quantitative components, including assets managed, the size and experience of teams, regulatory record of the advisors and firms, succession planning, technology spending, and staff diversity based off a 102-question survey. Investment performance isn't an explicit component because not all advisors have audited results and because performance figures often are influenced more by clients' risk tolerance than by an advisor's investment-picking abilities. No fees in any years awarded were paid or incurred to receive this recognition. $18,950 was spent in 2023, $6,940 was spent in 2022, $8,500 was spent in 2021, $0 in 2020, and $17,240 in 2019 for marketing collateral associated with the award to be used on social media, our website, and email signatures. To view the full Barron's rankings, click here. SOURCE Sequoia Financial Group, LLC PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) annual convention, a major event in language education, took place from Nov. 22 to 24 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Taiwan's delegation, led by the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET), included representatives from Taiwan's Ministry of Education, Overseas Community Affairs Council, National Academy for Educational Research, Steering Committee for the Test of Proficiency-Huayu, the Fulbright Taiwan Foundation for Scholarly Exchange, 13 universities, and industry partners. In all, 20 institutions promoted Taiwan's strengths in Mandarin education. The delegation was joined by Taiwan's six Education Division offices in the U.S. to advance collaboration in Mandarin education. As a landmark event, sponsored by the American Institute in Taiwan has partnered with the Ministry of Education Taiwan and FICHET to organize the first Taiwan-U.S. Mandarin Education Symposium during the ACTFL conference to deepen educational cooperation between Taiwan and the United States. A featured session, chaired by Dr. Randall Nadeau, executive director of the Fulbright Taiwan Foundation, included discussions with key figures in U.S. Mandarin education, including Taiwan's representative to New York, Ambassador and Director General Tom Chih-Chiang Lee, Ingrid Larson, Managing Director of the American Institute in Taiwan Washington Headquarters, and ACTFL President L.J. Randolph Jr. Through these discussions, the event aimed to foster further collaboration in Mandarin education between the two nations. Speakers included Alabama's incoming education commissioner, Eric Mackey, and representatives from New Jersey City University and University of Pennsylvania, who shared their experiences with Taiwan's Mandarin programs. Christine Loven-Santos, principal of Denver Language School, also attended, underscoring the growing importance of Mandarin in the U.S. K-12 education system and setting a foundation for future collaboration in early education. Ambassador Lee highlighted Taiwan's reputation as a hub for Mandarin education, noting its supportive learning environment, high-quality teaching resources, safe and free society, and unique blend of traditional and modern culture. With more than 3,000 American students currently studying Mandarin in Taiwan, the country's appeal as a learning destination is growing. FICHET Chairperson Wu Cheng-Chieh noted that under the Taiwan-U.S. Education Initiative and Taiwan's Mandarin Education 2025 Program, 21 Taiwanese universities have established partnerships with 70 U.S. institutions, and five Mandarin learning centers are now operating in the U.S. Taiwan has sent 147 Mandarin teachers to the U.S. this year alone to support these initiatives and meet the growing demand for Mandarin education. The Learning Mandarin in Taiwan Pavilion, designed with a futuristic theme, highlights Taiwan's strength as a tech-driven nation and its connections to global technology development. Participating universities are showcasing diverse Mandarin programs, including customized courses, professional studies, and cultural immersion, aimed at attracting more international students to Taiwan for a comprehensive cultural and linguistic experience. On the evening of Nov. 22, the FICHET hosted the Taiwan Night reception at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, featuring remarks from Chairperson Wu, Ambassador Lee, and Sara Mathews, Director, Office of Press and Public Diplomacy, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. The event fostered vibrant exchanges between Taiwan and U.S. representatives, sparking new partnerships and reinforcing Taiwan's reputation as a top destination for learning Mandarin. SOURCE Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET) NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tatu City, Kenya's first mixed-use Special Economic Zone (SEZ), has been appointed as the Regional Office and National Contact Point for the World Free Zones Organization. The appointment recognizes Tatu City SEZ's leadership in advancing SEZ development and economic transformation in East Africa. Group Chief Operating Officer of Rendeavour and Country Head of Tatu City Preston Mendenhall, and CEO of the World Free Zones Organization Dr. Samir Hamrouni sign an agreement appointing Tatu City as the National Contact Point and Regional Office for World Free Zones Organization during the 9th African Special Economic Zones Annual Meeting 2024. The appointment was formalised during the 9th African Economic Zones Organization Annual Meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. The event, commissioned by President William Ruto, brought together over 400 global experts, policymakers, and business leaders to shape the future of African SEZs. The gathering was hosted by the Kenya Special Economic Zones Authority, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry and key SEZ stakeholders. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Samir Hamrouni, CEO of the World Free Zones Organization, said, "The selection of Tatu City as both the National Contact Point and Regional Office is a testament to its excellence as a Special Economic Zone. Tatu City has demonstrated the capacity to represent Kenya and the region effectively and support World Free Zones Organization's global vision of fostering economic growth and innovation through free zones." Solomon Mahinda, Executive Vice President of Tatu City, added: "We are deeply honoured by this appointment and excited to strengthen our collaboration with the World Free Zones Organization. As the National Contact Point and Regional Office, Tatu City will spearhead efforts to attract impactful investments, promote best practices, and enhance regional collaboration, driving sustainable economic growth in Kenya and across Africa." As the National Contact Point, Tatu City will represent Kenya in the global free zones network, facilitating stakeholder cooperation. As the Regional Office, it will oversee membership expansion, regional activities, and World Free Zone Organization initiatives while elevating African SEZs on the global stage. This new role builds on Tatu City's active leadership in SEZ development. A founding member of the Association of Special Economic Zones (ASEZ) in Kenya and a member of the Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO), Tatu City has consistently championed innovation, governance, and sustainability in SEZs. Late last year, Tatu City was also appointed to the AEZO Steering Committee, further solidifying its leadership in Africa's SEZ ecosystem. During the AEZO Gala Dinner Awards, Tatu City was recognised for its exceptional SEZ operational best practices and unwavering support for AEZO's initiatives. Tatu City exemplifies the transformative power of SEZs. Currently, 26,400 people live, work, or study within the city, with this population expected to grow to 250,000 upon full completion. The development is home to 88 businesses, including global investors and local enterprises. Among recent investors is Hewatele, which is building a KES 2.8 billion medical oxygen plant with funding from U.S., Canadian, Finnish and Danish governments and the Soros Economic Development Fund. For more information about Tatu City, please visit: https://www.tatucity.com/ For more information about Rendeavour, please visit https://www.rendeavour.com/ For more information about World FZO, please visit: https://www.worldfzo.org/# Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2570841/Tatu_City_and_Rendeavour.jpg SOURCE Tatu City; Rendeavour NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tatu City, Kenya's first mixed-use Special Economic Zone (SEZ), has been appointed as the Regional Office and National Contact Point for the World Free Zones Organization. The appointment recognizes Tatu City SEZ's leadership in advancing SEZ development and economic transformation in East Africa. Group Chief Operating Officer of Rendeavour and Country Head of Tatu City Preston Mendenhall, and CEO of the World Free Zones Organization Dr. Samir Hamrouni sign an agreement appointing Tatu City as the National Contact Point and Regional Office for World Free Zones Organization during the 9th African Special Economic Zones Annual Meeting 2024. The appointment was formalised during the 9th African Economic Zones Organization Annual Meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. The event, commissioned by President William Ruto, brought together over 400 global experts, policymakers, and business leaders to shape the future of African SEZs. The gathering was hosted by the Kenya Special Economic Zones Authority, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry and key SEZ stakeholders. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Samir Hamrouni, CEO of the World Free Zones Organization, said, "The selection of Tatu City as both the National Contact Point and Regional Office is a testament to its excellence as a Special Economic Zone. Tatu City has demonstrated the capacity to represent Kenya and the region effectively and support World Free Zones Organization's global vision of fostering economic growth and innovation through free zones." Solomon Mahinda, Executive Vice President of Tatu City, added: "We are deeply honoured by this appointment and excited to strengthen our collaboration with the World Free Zones Organization. As the National Contact Point and Regional Office, Tatu City will spearhead efforts to attract impactful investments, promote best practices, and enhance regional collaboration, driving sustainable economic growth in Kenya and across Africa." As the National Contact Point, Tatu City will represent Kenya in the global free zones network, facilitating stakeholder cooperation. As the Regional Office, it will oversee membership expansion, regional activities, and World Free Zone Organization initiatives while elevating African SEZs on the global stage. This new role builds on Tatu City's active leadership in SEZ development. A founding member of the Association of Special Economic Zones (ASEZ) in Kenya and a member of the Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO), Tatu City has consistently championed innovation, governance, and sustainability in SEZs. Late last year, Tatu City was also appointed to the AEZO Steering Committee, further solidifying its leadership in Africa's SEZ ecosystem. During the AEZO Gala Dinner Awards, Tatu City was recognised for its exceptional SEZ operational best practices and unwavering support for AEZO's initiatives. Tatu City exemplifies the transformative power of SEZs. Currently, 26,400 people live, work, or study within the city, with this population expected to grow to 250,000 upon full completion. The development is home to 88 businesses, including global investors and local enterprises. Among recent investors is Hewatele, which is building a KES 2.8 billion medical oxygen plant with funding from U.S., Canadian, Finnish and Danish governments and the Soros Economic Development Fund. For more information about Tatu City, please visit: https://www.tatucity.com/ For more information about Rendeavour, please visit https://www.rendeavour.com/ For more information about World FZO, please visit: https://www.worldfzo.org/# Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2570841/Tatu_City_and_Rendeavour.jpg TOKYO, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TeraBox ("TeraBox" or "the Company"), a globally trusted cloud storage service headquartered in Tokyo, has released its third quarter 2024 transparency report, revealing that during the reported period, 514,123 pieces of content involving the dissemination of illegal content were taken offline, including 211,735 of links that infringed intellectual property rights. 420 related accounts were also terminated during the same period. The goal of publishing these reports is to establish and maintain platform security and compliance. Particularly in the past quarter, incidents such as the spread of terrorist content and the sexual assault case involving a female doctor have further reinforced the determination of the team to resolutely oppose the dissemination of harmful content. These reports reflect the Company's concrete actions and commitment to maintaining content compliance and protecting user rights. With a reporting cycle of 90 days, this is TeraBox's second report, and the Company will continue to disclose updates on a quarterly basis to combat illegal content. Guided by TeraBox's Takedown Guidance Policy, the Company takes swift action on publicly reported links by users, including disabling access to these links and closing associated accounts to ensure compliance with community standards and legal requirements. While it is not yet possible to eliminate all potential illegal information, TeraBox remains committed to continuously improving its ecosystem and enhancing technological capabilities. Public supervision is welcomed, and the Company firmly believes this is a critical way to improve service quality. Strong principles, including protecting user rights and providing a safe platform for file storing, sharing and transmission, are TeraBox's top priorities. A firm stance on infringing content and user complaints is maintained while always prioritizing the fight against the dissemination of illegal content. The Company reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of illegal content dissemination. TeraBox's security technology ensures the safety and reliability of its current global business operations, and to aid continuous future development in security, users are encouraged to contact the 24/7 customer service at [email protected] or message directly via Terabox's social media platforms on Facebook or X (formerly Twitter) in order to work together to maintain a safe and trustworthy platform environment. Additionally, users, partners, regulators, employees, investors, and the wider community are encouraged to learn more about TeraBox on its official website, YouTube channel, and its popular Referral Program. About TeraBox TeraBox, developed by Flextech Inc., is a globally trusted cloud storage service headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The service proudly holds the ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701, and ISO/IEC 27018 certifications, demonstrating its commitment to top-tier standards of data safety. With a focus on intelligent, efficient, and secure cloud storage, TeraBox is dedicated to providing users with innovative and user-friendly solutions for their data storage needs. Download the TeraBox App on Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, and Windows devices, or visit www.terabox.com for online access. SOURCE Flextech Inc. The global thin film and printed battery market is set for explosive growth, with projections indicating a surge to $904.94 Million by 2031. This remarkable expansion, driven by proliferation of 5G, rising demand for wearable devices and growing focus on sustainability. NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new comprehensive report from The Insight Partners, "Thin Film and Printed Battery Market Size and Forecast (2021 - 2031), Global and Regional Share, Trend, and Growth Opportunity Analysis Report Coverage: By Voltage Rating, Chargeability, Application, and Geography", the global thin film and printed battery market is observing significant growth owing to the miniaturization of electronics and rising demand for connected devices. For Detailed Market Insights, Visit: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/thin-film-and-printed-battery-market The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. In general, the thin film and printed battery market comprises a vast array of voltage rating, chargeability, application, and geography, which are expected to register strength during the coming years. Market Overview and Growth Trajectory: Thin Film and Printed Battery Market Growth: According to an exhaustive report by The Insight Partners, the Thin Film and Printed Battery Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by expansion of healthcare industry and continuous research and development. The market, valued at $197.31 Million in 2023, is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.0% during 20232031. For More Information and To Stay Updated on The Latest Developments in The Thin Film and Printed Battery Market, Download The Sample Pages: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00008884/ Miniaturization of Electronics: In today's fast-paced world, consumer electronics have become integral to everyone's lives. From smartphones to wearable devices, the demand for smaller and more powerful gadgets continues to rise. As consumer electronics continue to shrink in size, traditional battery technologies struggle to keep up with the demand for compact and long-lasting power sources. Thin film and printed batteries, micropower sources, have emerged as a solution to this problem. These thin energy storage devices offer high energy density in a small form factor, making them ideal for powering the ever-shrinking consumer electronics, propelling the thin film and printed battery market growth. In order to meet the demands of miniaturization, researchers are exploring new materials and designs to enhance energy storage capacity while reducing the size of these batteries. Nanotechnology, for instance, has played a crucial role in developing thin film and printed batteries with higher energy densities and improved cycle life. The applications of thin film and printed batteries extend beyond just smartphones and wearable devices. They are also utilized in medical implants, hearing aids, wireless earphones, and even miniature drones. These energy storage solutions are revolutionizing industries and enabling the development of innovative products that were once unimaginable. Thus, the growing miniaturization of electronic devices has become an important thin film and printed battery market trend. Country Insights: According to the thin film and printed battery market forecast, the market in Germany is expected to grow significantly owing to the rise in digitization, 5G implementation, and technological adoption. These high-performance battery systems are essential for the future of industries such as consumer electronics and medical, as they enable sustainable and safe operations. This surge in demand creates significant opportunities for Germany to leverage technological advancements, paving the way for success in the battery market. The convergence of advanced micro battery cells and digital technologies is poised to bring about a revolution across the above industries. This presents Germany with a significant opportunity to establish itself as a key player on the global stage in this pivotal field. By leveraging its expertise in battery technology and embracing digital advancements, Germany can capitalize on this transformative shift and drive innovation and growth in the battery industry. In June 2023, Valmet Automotive inaugurated its first battery plant in Germany, signifying a crucial milestone toward achieving ambitious growth objectives. Thus, all the above factors fuel the thin film and printed battery market growth in Germany. Stay Updated on The Latest Thin Film and Printed Battery Market Trends: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00008884/ Geographical Insights: The Asia Pacific held the largest market share in 2023, followed by North America and Europe. Thin Film and Printed Battery Market Segmentation, Applications, Geographical Insights: Based on voltage rating, the thin film and printed battery market is divided into below 1.5 V, 1.53 V, and above 3 V. The below 1.5 V segment held the largest market share in 2023. In terms of chargeability, the market is segmented into rechargeable and Single-Use. The rechargeable segment held a larger share of the market in 2023. In terms of application, the market is segmented into consumer electronics, medical devices, smart packaging, smart cards, wireless sensors, and others. The consumer electronics segment held the largest market share in 2023. The thin film and printed battery market is segmented into five major regions: North America , Europe , Asia Pacific , Middle East and Africa , and South and Central America . Purchase Premium Copy of Global Thin Film and Printed Battery Market Size and Growth Report (2023-2031) at: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPRE00008884/ Key Players and Competitive Landscape: The Thin Film and Printed Battery Market is characterized by the presence of several major players, including: Molex LLC Varta AG Renata SA Enfucell Flexible Electronics Ltd STMicroelectronics Samsung Sdi Co Ltd Excellatron Solid State LLC Ultralife Corporation Ilika Imprint Energy These companies are adopting strategies such as new product launches, joint ventures, and geographical expansion to maintain their competitive edge in the market. For Region-Specific Market Data, Check Out Brief Sample Pages: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00008884/ Thin Film and Printed Battery Market Recent Developments and Innovations: "The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) based in the canton of Zurich launched a spin-off company called BTRY. The company plans to drive forward the coming generation of battery technology with an innovative thin-film battery. The thin-film solid-state battery developed at the Empa Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics provides greater safety and quicker charging times, lasts longer, is not sensitive to temperature, is noncombustible, and can be manufactured in a more environmentally friendly way than lithium-ion batteries." launched a spin-off company called BTRY. The company plans to drive forward the coming generation of battery technology with an innovative thin-film battery. The thin-film solid-state battery developed at the Empa Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics provides greater safety and quicker charging times, lasts longer, is not sensitive to temperature, is noncombustible, and can be manufactured in a more environmentally friendly way than lithium-ion batteries." "Ilika, a developer and manufacturer of advanced solid-state battery technology, announced the successful shipment of its first batch of Stereax batteries from its manufacturing facility in the UK to its customer, Blink Energy. The initial shipment consists of single-layer Stereax M50 cells, which have been allocated to Blink Energy, a provider of device-agnostic power and communications platforms for ocular devices. The M50 cells can be used individually. These cells are also the building blocks for Ilika's M300 batteries, which are made up of six M50 cells connected in parallel. The ultra-thin profile of the M50 cells is particularly advantageous for Blink Energy, which designs products to power and connect smart ocular devices." "Ultralife Corporation announced that it had acquired Excell Battery Company. The acquisition will further help Ultralife Corporation increase its capabilities in mission-critical applications, such as downhole drilling, OEM industrial and medical devices, automated meter reading, mining, and marine. Based in Canada with US operations, Excell is a key independent designer and manufacturer of high-performance smart battery systems, battery packs, and monitoring systems to customer specifications." Need A Diverse Region or Sector? Customize Research to Suit Your Requirement: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPRE00008884/ Conclusion: Thin film batteries are being increasingly used in fitness bands, smartwatches, headsets, and other wearable electronic devices because of their improved recharge rate and small size. Also, the growing adoption of 5G is raising the demand for connected electronic devices. In addition, the increasing use of smart cards, such as EMV chip card technology, is propelling the demand for thin film and printed batteries worldwide. As smart cards are created at high temperatures of 130150 degrees Celsius, which degrades the organic content of ordinary batteries and prevents them from functioning, the demand for thin film and printed batteries is increasing for the production of smart cards. Furthermore, the growing miniaturization of electronic devices is expected to create growth opportunities for the thin film and printed battery market during the forecast period. With projected growth to $904.94 Million by 2031, the Thin Film and Printed Battery Market represents a significant opportunity for battery manufacturers, raw material suppliers, end-users (OEMs), investors, industry stakeholders, and others. By staying abreast of market trends, embracing innovation, and focusing on quality and performance, companies can position themselves for success in this dynamic and evolving market landscape. Related Report Titles: About Us: The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials. Contact Us: If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us: Contact Person: Ankit Mathur E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +1-646-491-9876 Press Release: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/pr/thin-film-and-printed-battery-market Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2520492/The_Insight_Partners_Logo.jpg SOURCE The Insight Partners ScreenPoint Medical to Showcase Innovative FDA Cleared Capabilities including Breast Density Assessment and Temporal Comparison to Elevate Radiologist Performance CHICAGO, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ScreenPoint Medical is showcasing a new FDA clearance for innovative new capabilities of its industry leading Breast AI Transpara here at the 110th Annual Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) meeting, December 1-4, 2024 (South Hall #5316). The most clinically validated Breast AI on the market, Transpara provides radiologists with a 'second pair' of eyes to help detect cancers earlier and reduce recall rates. ScreenPoint will highlight its latest advancements, which include Transpara 2.1: an updated algorithm based on additional training and insights gathered from luminary users around the world. Transpara 2.1 is compatible with options for breast density (BIRADS and volumetric) and temporal comparison. Allowing suspicious areas on a current study to be analyzed against up to 3 priors over 6 years, the robust temporal comparison capability will be the first of its kind in the market. The Transpara 2.1 algorithm is both CE marked and FDA cleared. With the algorithm improvements, the system standalone performance is demonstrated to be in the top 10% of radiologists in a presentation by Alejandro Rodriguez Ruiz, PhD at ECR 2024. "Taking tissue changes into account for characterization of findings is a long awaited feature of AI," said Professor Nico Karssemeijer, PhD, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of ScreenPoint Medical. "We are very excited about the significant improvement of Transpara performance when priors are used, especially when more priors with a longer time interval are included, which is in line with radiologists' experience. Our solution is designed for screening and diagnostic use to truly improve clinical workflow. Use of priors hardly increases computation time, and we provide the user with information about the effect of priors on the final result to increase confidence and transparency." In addition to the introduction of Transpara 2.1, the clinical and workflow benefits of Transpara on improving the mammography screening process are the subject of several studies being presented this week at RSNA in scientific sessions: In the prospective study, "Putting It In Perspective: AI Triage Streamlining Screening Mammogram Turnaround Time (Tat) Amid Staff Shortages," (S2-SSBR01-5, Sunday, December 1 , 10:30-11:30 AM ), researchers from UMass Memorial Health evaluated the potential of AI software for prioritizing interpretation to reduce turnaround time (TAT) in breast cancer detection and diagnosis. Results demonstrated that using Transpara scoring to prioritize reading has tremendous workflow and workload benefits. , ), researchers from UMass Memorial Health evaluated the potential of AI software for prioritizing interpretation to reduce turnaround time (TAT) in breast cancer detection and diagnosis. Results demonstrated that using Transpara scoring to prioritize reading has tremendous workflow and workload benefits. The study "Implementation Of A Convolutional Neural Network based Detection Software As An Independent Third Reader In The German Mammography Screening: A Prospective Study," (S5-SSBR02-4, Sunday, December 1 , 2:30-3:30 PM ), evaluated the impact of using AI software in mammography as an independent third reader in the German breast cancer screening program on detection rates and on the screening process. Using Transpara as decision support increased the cancer detection rate, specifically invasive cancers. , ), evaluated the impact of using AI software in mammography as an independent third reader in the German breast cancer screening program on detection rates and on the screening process. Using Transpara as decision support increased the cancer detection rate, specifically invasive cancers. The ability of AI to aid radiologists in improving cancer detection in women with dense breasts was evaluated in the study, "Performance Of An Artificial Intelligence System On Screening Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Cases In Dense And Not Dense Breasts," (T7-SSBR07-6, Tuesday, December 3 , 3-4:00 PM ). Researchers showed that studies marked by Transpara have a strong predictive value for cancer, and the algorithm performs similarly well in dense and non-dense breasts. With 35+ peer-reviewed publications, Transpara is the only breast AI algorithm evaluated in large-scale real-world screening populations multiple times (including UCLA, Capital Region of Denmark, Lund University in Sweden, Norwegian Cancer Registry, Reina Sofia Hospital Cordoba). Research shows that up to 45% of interval cancers can be found earlier using Transpara, while helping to reduce workload and optimize workflow. About ScreenPoint Medical ScreenPoint Medical translates cutting edge machine learning research into technology accessible by radiologists to improve screening workflow, decision confidence and breast cancer risk assessment. Transpara is trusted by radiologists globally because it has been developed by experts in machine learning and image analysis and updated with user feedback from world-renowned breast imagers. See all the proof at: https://screenpoint-medical.com/published-evidence/peer-reviewed-publications Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1582198/ScreenPoint_Medical_Logo.jpg Celebrate the dedication of the agency's top dogs from across the country WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today released the 2025 TSA Canine Calendar, an annual tradition honoring the agency's more than 1,000 explosives detection canines working across the United States. The 2025 TSA Canine Calendar is now available for immediate download. TSA uses canines as a critical component of its multilayered security strategy. Each year, about 300 new canine recruits complete an intensive 16-week training program at the TSA Canine Training Center , located at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas. During training, these highly skilled canines are paired with their handlers, master the art of detecting a variety of explosives odors, and socialize to adapt to busy transportation environments before reporting to their permanent duty stations. The 2025 TSA Canine Calendar highlights 13 extraordinary canines selected from more than 80 entries submitted by TSA teams nationwide. Each month features photos and fun facts about these canine heroes. This year's lineup includes: Argo : Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) : Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Arina : Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) : Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Badger : Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) : Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Barni : San Francisco International Airport (SFO) : International Airport (SFO) Bely : Charleston International Airport (CHS) : International Airport (CHS) Beny : Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) : Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Birdie : Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) : Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) Bruno : Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) : Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) Carlo : Kansas City International Airport (MCI) : International Airport (MCI) Dodo : Portland International Airport (PDX) : International Airport (PDX) Hary : Richmond International Airport (RIC) : International Airport (RIC) Kipper : San Diego International Airport (SAN) : International Airport (SAN) Smokie: Dallas Love Field (DAL) The calendar features Cutest Canine Contest winner, Barni, a five-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer explosives detection canine at San Francisco International Airport. Barni combines a calm and professional demeanor with a sweet and playful side and enjoys chasing squirrels, greeting his four-legged co-workers and playing fetch with a squeaky ball. TSA canines and their handlers are vital in detecting explosives and deterring threats across all transportation modes. These teams exemplify dedication, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to transportation security and keeping the traveling public safe. For a behind the scenes look at what it is like to be an explosives detection canine handler, see our Explosives Detection Canine Handler video. Visit TSA.gov for more information about TSA's Explosives Detection Canine Program. SOURCE Transportation Security Administration More than 99 Million Ballots Processed During 2024 General Election On Average, Ballots Were Delivered from Voters to Election Officials Within One Day WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the United States Postal Service released its 2024 Post-Election Analysis Report, outlining the agency's steps to process more than 99.22 million ballots in the 2024 general election. The full report can be read here: 2024 Post-Election Analysis Report. "In 2024, the Postal Service once again admirably performed our role of efficiently and effectively delivering the nation's ballots," said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. "As we continue to transform the nation's postal network to better meet the demands of the modern mailing and shipping customer, we stand ready to work with policymakers at all levels to make the nation's effective vote by mail process even stronger." The Postal Service's success in 2024 was the result of a deepened focus on operational precision and integrated communications, the engagement of the USPS Election and Government Mail Services team and execution of longstanding, proven operational processes and procedures, including extraordinary measures. As in previous general elections, the Postal Service deployed extraordinary measures in the final weeks of the election season to swiftly move Ballot Mail entered close to or on Election Day and/or the state's return deadline. Extraordinary measures began on Monday, Oct. 21, continued nationwide through Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and extended through the last day in each state that boards of elections accepted completed mail-in ballots as timely. In 2024, the Postal Service's extraordinary measures included but were not limited to: extra deliveries and collections; special pick-ups; specialized sort plans at processing facilities to expedite delivery to boards of elections; and local handling and transportation of ballots. Key 2024 Election Mail Performance Statistics As part of the nation's critical infrastructure, USPS is responsible for processing, transporting, and delivering the nation's Election Mail safely, securely, and on time. During the General Election, USPS processed more than 99 million ballots. On average, Ballot Mail sent from voters to election officials were delivered within one day. 99.22 Million Ballots Processed in the 2024 General Election: During the general election period of September 1 November 15 , the Postal Service delivered at least 99.22 million ballots to or from voters.* 99.88 Percent of Ballots Delivered to Election Officials Within a Week: The agency successfully processed, transported and delivered 99.88 percent of ballots from voters to election officials within seven days, and 99.64 percent within five days.** 97.73 Percent of Ballots Delivered from Voters to Election Officials Within Three Days: The Postal Service successfully returned 97.73 percent of ballots from voters to local election officials in fewer than three days. 1 Day Average Delivery Time for Ballots from Voters to Election Officials: On average, the Postal Service delivered ballots from voters to election officials within one day. 3.37 Billion Pieces of Political and Election Mail Delivered in 2024: The total mail volume surpassed 3 billion mailpieces for both Political and Election Mail tracked. As an essential part of the nation's disaster response network, readiness and preparation for natural disasters are standard procedure for the Postal Service. In September and October 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated portions of Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina just weeks before the election. However, through the deployment of extraordinary measures in the weeks before Election Day, voters in the impacted areas who chose to use the mail to vote received performance comparable with the rest of the nation. Recommendations To Improve the Nation's Vote by Mail System in Future Election Cycles The Postal Service is both a national service and a world-class logistics organization. As such, consistent policies are needed nationwide to ensure that operations run smoothly, that the 640,000 USPS employees understand what is expected of them, and the millions of customers can have trust in the Postal Service's ability to deliver for them. At the same time, when it comes to the delivery of Election Mail, there are 50 states and nearly 8,000 election jurisdictions that are far from uniform in their election laws and practices, and that often do not consider how the mail system works. This can result in a mismatch of timeframes, deadlines, ballot return suggestions and the practical reality of using the mail. Many of these laws and practices were not established with the Postal Service's operations in mind. As USPS continues to transform the nation's postal network to better meet the demands of the modern mailing and shipping customer, the organization stands ready to work with policymakers at all levels to continue educating them on how the mail works. While the Postal Service provides effective, efficient, and reliable service for all mail, including Election Mail, there are long-standing recommendations that policymakers should consider to help expedite the transport of mail-in ballots to and from voters including: Following and implementing USPS recommendations on mail piece preparation Applying visibility tools to Election and Ballot Mail Better understanding of Postal Operations Continuing voter education initiatives on state laws and reasonable mailing deadlines *Total volume reflects volume that was identifiable as Ballot Mail by the Postal Service. **Performance data for outbound Ballot Mail (sent from local boards of elections to voters) includes only those ballots that were properly identified as ballots and consistent with our service performance measurement rules. Performance data for inbound Ballot Mail (sent from voters to local boards of elections) includes both those ballots that were properly identified as ballots and consistent with our service performance measurement rules as well as the volume identified by a survey for which data is available from 10/21/2024 to 11/13/2024. Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to nearly 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com. Contact: Martha Johnson [email protected] usps.com/news SOURCE U.S. Postal Service BEIJING, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Grand Opening Ceremony of Great Yucun Village Study Tour Conference & the Establishment Ceremony of Zhewenyanxue Yucun Research and Practice Base was held in Yucun Village in Anji County, Huzhou City of east China's Zhejiang Province on Friday. To deeply explore the local cultural tourism and study tour resources, Yucun Village launched the "Yucun Study Tour" brand, joining hands with provincial cultural commissioners to create a comprehensive study tour brand integrating ecological civilization ideology study, youth study in rural areas, and cultural tourism experience study. At present, the study tour industry has become a new driving force for rural revitalization, as well as a catalyst for accelerating the transformation and upgrading of the rural cultural tourism industry. Yucun Village is now actively planning a development blueprint for the study tour industry, deeply integrating its comprehensive study tour education and cultural tourism resources to build an integrated industry platform and establish the Yucun study tour brand, and collaborating with multiple institutions and partner projects to jointly create an industrial ecology integrating study tour and cultural tourism. During the event, Yucun Village launched the "Great Yucun Study Tour" brand VI and the "Yucun Study Tour" mini-program. Four Yucun global partner projects joined hands with Yucun Village to develop the study tour industry. Six education practice bases reached cooperation with the village to jointly promote the industrialization of the characteristic study tours in Anji County. It is noteworthy that under the promotion of the provincial cultural commissioners, a cultural tourism development company affiliated to Zhejiang Cultural Industry Investment Group Co., Ltd. will join hands with Yucun Village to build the Zhewenyanxue Yucun Research and Practice Base, promoting the high-quality development of the study tour industry by relying on the advantageous resources in the cultural industry of Zhejiang Cultural Industry Investment Group. In the next stage, Yucun Village will fully upgrade the study tour routes, spatial scenes, and experiential content, add five new scenarios for study tours, attract more partners, experts, and scholars to join the study tour curriculum system, and cooperate with the Yucun Global Youth Development College to fully promote the study tour industry to a new level, said a local representative. Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/343371.html SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Dhaka, Dec 2 : The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has expressed shock and concerns over a "false and harassing case" accusing 70 minority lawyers and two journalists from Chittagong. The case filed with the Kotwali police station on November 30, accuses them of being involved in crude bombs explosions and vandalising vehicles. In an official statement on Sunday, the council said the case was filed with the ulterior motive of obstructing the sedition case brought against ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and forcibly preventing the publication and dissemination of related news, which violates human rights and the rule of law. The council also demanded that the Bangladeshi government and law enforcement authorities immediately withdraw the false case and take urgent steps to release the lawyers and journalists. Meanwhile, on Saturday, ISKCON Kolkata alleged that Bangladeshi authorities had arrested two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, as well as the secretary of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, Radha Raman, said that the monks were arrested on Friday by the police while on their way home after meeting Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on charges of sedition on November 25. "On November 29, when Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari were returning after meeting Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, they were arrested by the police. We are also receiving information that the secretary of Chinmoy Krishna Das has also been arrested," Radha Raman said in a self-made video. He further claimed that rioters also vandalised the ISKCON centre in Bangladesh. The situation in Bangladesh has been tense since spiritual preacher Chinmoy Krishna Das was charged with sedition for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above Bangladesh's national flag in Chittagong on October 25. Following Das's arrest, a lawyer was killed during clashes between police and alleged followers of the spiritual guru in the Chattogram Court Building area on November 27. On Friday, India expressed concern over the rise of "extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation" in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India has consistently and strongly raised the issue of targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladeshi government. Jammu And Kashmir, Dec 2 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has evoked sharp criticism from the Jammu and Kashmir BJP unit on Sunday after comparing the situation of Bangladesh -- which is under public scrutiny for alleged attacks on its minorities -- with that of India. Addressing party workers in Jammu, Mufti said: "Our Hindu brothers are facing oppression in Bangladesh but if we do the same thing with minorities here (in India), then what is the difference? We have such a great country, known worldwide for its secular character." The remark drew considerable flak with J&K BJP leaders accusing her of making "anti-national" remarks by comparing the situation in Bangladesh to that of India. Former J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina called Mufti's comments "wrong and condemnable", stating that Bangladesh is notorious for severe human rights violations, including attacks on minorities, harassment of women, and the desecration of statues of its founder. "The J&K government should take serious note of the anti-national statement of Mehbooba and her conspiracies. Action should be taken against her," he added. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma accused Mufti of using such statements to revive her party after its poor performance in the recent Assembly elections. "The PDP is completely finished and Mehbooba is making such statements to provoke Muslims in an attempt to re-establish her party. She is trying to mislead the people by such types of statements, knowing fully that Muslims in the country, especially in J&K are safe," he said, adding that there is no comparison between the situation in Bangladesh and India. PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday termed the November 24 Sambhal incident unfortunate and compared the situation of minorities in India to that in Bangladesh. The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir expressed concern over the recent claims on mosques and shrines. "...Today, I am afraid that the situation we saw in 1947 is being recreated. When the youth talk about jobs, they don't get them. We don't have good hospitals or education... They are not improving the condition of roads but are trying to demolish mosques in search of temples. The Sambhal incident is very unfortunate. Some people were working in shops and were shot," Mufti told reporters in Jammu. Commenting on the controversy surrounding the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Mufti said, "Ajmer Sharif Dargah, where people from all religions offer prayers, is the biggest example of brotherhood. Now they are trying to dig into it to search for a temple." The situation in Bangladesh has been marked by increasing violence against minority communities, with temples being destroyed after the arrest of a former priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das. The international community has expressed concern over the situation, and India's Ministry of External Affairs has said that it is "concerned" about the safety and security of Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh. Regarding the Sambhal incident in Uttar Pradesh, a mob clashed with the police during a survey of a Mughal-era mosque under court orders. Four people were killed, and dozens, including policemen and officials, were injured in the violence that ensued hours after the survey. Ramallah, Dec 2 : Four Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire in Jenin, the northern West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Ministry said on Sunday in a press statement that the four victims, whose identities were still unknown, died during an "occupation assault" on the town of Sir, southeast of Jenin as reported by Xinhua news agency. Jenin Governor Kamal Abu Rab told Xinhua that the victims' identities could not be confirmed due to the severe damage and charring of their bodies. He added that the Israeli army had detained the corpses. The Ministry statement did not provide further details about the incident. Local sources and eyewitnesses told Xinhua that an Israeli drone targeted a room in the village of Sir earlier on Sunday morning. The strike was followed by search and sweep operations conducted by the Israeli army in the area. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Sunday that with the direction of the Israeli Security Agency, an Israeli Air Force aircraft struck and "eliminated a terrorist cell" in the Jenin area. Following the strike, IDF soldiers conducted a targeted raid at the site. They reportedly found three weapons on the militants' bodies, along with additional weapon parts, military vests, and explosive materials. Since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, tensions have escalated across cities, refugee camps, and villages in the West Bank. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, more than 800 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes in the West Bank during this period. New Delhi, Dec 2 : The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has intervened and come to the rescue of around 60 Indian passengers travelling via a flight from Mumbai to England's Manchester, who got stranded at Kuwait airport for 13 hours after their Gulf Air flight made an emergency landing. The passengers also complained of severe problems, including not getting "food or help". The Indian embassy in Kuwait said on Sunday in a post on X that they immediately took up the matter with Gulf Air and also clarified the visa rule in Kuwait for Indians. The ordeal of the passengers started after their flight made an emergency landing following an engine fire incident. A chaotic video surfaced on social media showing the passengers of Gulf Air arguing with the airport authorities. The passengers alleged they were harassed and only flyers from the European Union, the UK, and the US were given accommodation by the airline. They alleged bias and harassment against those holding Indian, Pakistani, and other Southeast Asian nation passports. The Indian embassy in Kuwait in the post on X said a team from the embassy is at the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline, adding passengers have been accommodated in two airport lounges. "Efforts are being made to accommodate passengers in the airport hotel which is currently unavailable due to the ongoing GCC Summit. It may be noted that Indian nationals do not fall under visa on arrival facility in Kuwait. All government offices are closed today due to the GCC Summit being hosted by Kuwait," it said. Passengers said their flight took a U-turn before it landed in Kuwait. They said the announcement of the flight diversion came 20 minutes before landing. Gulf Air has not given a statement on the matter yet. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a post on X that the passengers have been accommodated in two airport lounges as of now, as the airport hotel is unavailable due to the ongoing GCC Summit. "Food and water is available for the stranded passengers at the lounges," it said. The embassy further said that Gulf Air had informed that the flight for the stranded passengers to Manchester had been scheduled for 3.30 a.m. on Monday. New Delhi, Dec 2 : Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi on Monday gave a Suspension of Business notice in the Rajya Sabha on the issue of Ajmer Sharif Dargah petition and also cited the recent violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambal. The MP gave the notice under Rule 267 (Notice of Motion for Suspension of rules) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Council of States (Rajya Sabha), saying that "This House suspend Zero Hour and relevant rules relating to Question Hour and other scheduled business to deliberate on the recent public discourse surrounding the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan." He said the Ajmer Sharif Dargah is an integral aspect of India's composite culture and heritage. "However, a recent petition questioning its historical identity has made citizens anxious. This development comes in the backdrop of the tragic events in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, where violence led to the loss of precious lives and widespread unrest," the Congress MP said. He further said in the notice that such incidents are part of a disturbing pattern of rising tensions which diminish social harmony. "Promoting harmony and brotherhood among all Indians, transcending religious, linguistic, and regional differences is not only a fundamental duty of every citizen, but is also key to ensuring India's unity and integrity. This House must deliberate on the broader implications of these incidents to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring harmony across the country." The petition over which the Congress MP has expressed concerns is regarding the claim that the Ajmer Sharif Dargah was built over a Shiva temple. The petition was recently admitted by a court in Ajmer which issued notices to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Ajmer Dargah Committee and the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs on the matter. In Sambhal, violence erupted on November 24 when a survey team on the Court's orders had reached the mosque to carry out a survey. Four persons were killed and many more injured in clashes. The mosque is at the centre of a legal battle after some petitions claimed it was built on the site of a Hindu temple. It was in this connection that a local court ordered its survey. The residents opposed the survey and the situation snowballed into full-blown violence. Seoul, Dec 2 : South Korea's industry minister said on Monday that the country plans to foster cooling equipment for data centres as one of its new export engines amid the growing demand for infrastructure to support the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun made the remark during his visit to LG Electronics Inc.'s chiller production line in Pyeongtaek, some 60 kilometers south of Seoul, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Chillers refer to equipment used in data centres to prevent overheating by circulating water through pipes, reports Yonhap news agency. "Amid the growing popularity of generative AI platforms, including ChatGPT, energy consumption by data centres has risen sharply," LG Electronics said in a statement, noting that chillers have also emerged as their key infrastructure. During the visit, Ahn noted that while South Korea maintained growth in outbound shipments for 14 straight months through November, the country needs to foster new export engines to sustain the momentum, citing AI-related products. "Data centres are key infrastructure for the AI industry, and the ministry has been supporting AI chips, electronic equipment and cooling systems as next-generation export engines," Ahn added. The minister also stated that the government will provide 350 billion won (US$250 million) in trade insurance for exports of such cooling equipment, in addition to offering other necessary support, including finding new buyers. South Korea's exports of cooling equipment, including those for data centers, are anticipated to reach $2.6 billion in 2024, up from $2.4 billion in 2023, the ministry said. Over the January-October period this year, the amount totalled $2.2 billion. Meanwhile, South Korea's exports extended on-year gains to the 14th straight month in November, on the back of the strong performance of chips. Outbound shipments rose 1.4 per cent from a year earlier to $56.3 billion last month, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Chandigarh, Dec 2 : A day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Chandigarh to review the progress of three newly introduced criminal laws aimed at overhauling the criminal justice system, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is reaching here on Monday evening. Newly recruited Indian Police Service (IPS) officers from across the country will attend the event on enforcement, judicial procedures and evidence management on the new laws with Chandigarh Police delivering a detailed presentation on the integration and functioning of various applications. Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, is the first city in the country where 100 per cent implementation of all three laws has been completed. The local police will showcase the functionalities of applications such as e-Sakshya, Nyay Setu, Nyay Shruti and e-summons, which have been developed by the National Informatics Centre in collaboration with the National Crime Records Bureau. The Prime Minister is expected to stay in the city for three hours, while the Home Minister will stay overnight in one of Raj Bhawans on Monday. Special arrangements are also being made at Punjab Engineering College (PEC) for the Prime Minister's visit. PM Modi's visit comes less than two months after his visit to Panchkula, near here, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Panchkula on October 16. After the swearing-in ceremony, the Prime Minister held a meeting with chief ministers of the National Democratic Alliance at IT Park in Chandigarh. Home Minister Shah last visited the city on August 4 to review the implementation of the three new criminal laws. He had also launched the four newly developed national apps and was given a demonstration of various pillars of the interoperable criminal justice system functioning under criminal laws. In view of the visit of PM Modi and Home Minister Shah, Chandigarh has been declared a "no flying zone" till December 3. "Movement of V.V.I.P. is scheduled to Chandigarh on 03.12.2024. So, in view of emerging threats due to recent trends of carrying out terrorist attacks by using drones fitted with improvised explosive device by anti-national elements and keeping in view of the security of V.V.I.Ps and general public, it becomes imperative to declare the area of U.T., Chandigarh as 'no flying zone' for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles," says order by the Deputy Commissioner. This order will not be applicable to law enforcement agencies, including police, paramilitary, the Indian Air Force, SPG personnel and persons authorised by competent government authority. "Any breach of this order would invite action under Section 223 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and other relevant provisions of law," the order added. News / National by Staff reporter A family from Cross Roads, Mangwe, was left in shock after discovering they had buried the wrong body two months ago, a mistake that saw them laying to rest a Lesotho citizen instead of their relative.The exhumation of the Lesotho citizen's body took place last Friday, with officials from Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Lesotho in attendance. On the same day, the correct body, that of Bambanani Ndebele, was buried.Speaking to CITE, the deceased's uncle, a distressed Mike Ndebele, recounted the painful ordeal. He explained that his nephew had died in South Africa two months ago, but a mix-up led to the wrong body being sent to Zimbabwe for burial."My nephew died in South Africa two months ago, and due to a misplacement of bodies, the wrong body was brought to Zimbabwe, and we buried it. Later, we discovered the mistake, and the Lesotho family is now on their way to collect their relative's remains," Ndebele said.Sources close to the family revealed that Bambanani had been stabbed in South Africa.Ndebele shared that despite body viewing processes conducted both in South Africa and Zimbabwe, the family struggled to identify the deceased."Body viewing was done both in South Africa and here in Zimbabwe, but identifying someone in a coffin is often difficult. Some family members and even children raised concerns, saying the body didn't look like him, but their concerns were dismissed," he said."This incident has deeply hurt us as a family," Ndebele added.Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena, confirmed that police had received a memorandum about the incident in August. However, she stated that they were not informed about the exhumation. National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi also indicated that he was unaware of the case.Cultural activist Sfiso Ngwenya Magwegwe said body viewing is important in traditional funeral practices, describing it as a critical step in identifying the deceased and providing closure for grieving families."Traditionally, the deceased would stay with the family for a day or half a day before burial, but with the advent of mortuaries, families must now identify the body at the mortuary to prevent mix-ups," he explained.Magwegwe added that cultural families often call elders to confirm the deceased's identity by examining specific features, and mortuaries may be asked to double-check in cases of doubt."Body viewing allows families to ensure they are burying the right person and helps console the grieving. However, in our culture, this process is typically reserved for close family members," he said.Magwegwe also noted cultural restrictions on taking photographs during body viewing, as such images could be misused in rituals.Dr. Samukele Hadele noted that it is important to identify the body at the point of collection and dressing of the body."In African tradition, body viewing is a way of paying last respects and bidding farewell. However, it is also a family's duty to safeguard the dignity of the deceased. This responsibility should not be left solely to undertakers," Dr. Hadele said. New Delhi, Dec 2 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended warm wishes to BJP National President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda on his birthday, praising his significant contributions to the party and the nation. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi lauded Nadda's dedication and leadership, stating, "Birthday wishes to BJP National President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda Ji. I have known Nadda Ji for years and have witnessed his remarkable contributions to our Party." "He has carried out every organisational, legislative, and executive responsibility with utmost diligence. He is at the forefront of efforts to ensure a healthier India. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life," PM Modi posted. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also wished Nadda, appreciating his leadership and role in strengthening India's health sector. "Heartiest birthday wishes to BJP National President and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda ji. Under your leadership, the organisation is witnessing a wonderful period of expansion and trust. Also, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi ji, you are making a commendable contribution in strengthening the health sector of the country. I pray to God for your long life and good health," Shah wrote on X. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his greetings, highlighting Nadda's simplicity and tenacity. "Greetings and warm wishes to BJP National President J.P. Nadda ji on his birthday. His simplicity, humility, and tenacity are remarkable. He has been instrumental in scripting several success stories for the party. Naddaji is also making commendable efforts in strengthening India's health sector. Praying for his long and healthy life," Singh posted. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also extended his wishes, describing Nadda's public service as inspirational. "Heartiest congratulations to the honourable national president of BJP, J.P. Nadda ji on his birthday. Your efficient leadership and commitment towards public service is an inspiration for all of us. I wish you a long and healthy life," he wrote. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath joined in, conveying his blessings. "Heartiest congratulations to the Honorable National President of BJP and Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda ji on his birthday! I pray to Lord Shri Ram for your healthy, long, and glorious life," he posted. New Delhi, Dec 2 : Violence is never far from the surface in the restive Middle East. Hardly had the guns gone silent on the Lebanon-Israel front, fierce fighting has broken out further north in Syria as a terrorist outfit has suddenly become active, raising the danger of renewed instability and escalation due to the competing strategic interests of several superpowers and regional powers in the country. Islamist terrorists of the Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham -- formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra and said to be affiliated with Al Qaeda, and its allies, moved out of their "sanctuary" in Syria's Idlib last Wednesday (November 27) to attack Aleppo, the country's second-biggest city, in the largest incident of its kind since the 2020 truce. Rebels are said to control a large part of the city and are seeking to advance southwards into Hama and further. While Syria has mobilised its forces to tackle the insurgents, allies Russia and Iran have lent diplomatic and military support as the situation remains fluid. The latter flare-up also has to be seen in consonance with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the tensions between Iran and Israel, the far-from-settled situation in south Lebanon, and the coming presidency of Donald Trump in the US. While the motivations of the terrorist group are yet to be known, save from the usual rhetoric, several theories are already doing the rounds. And the bedrock of all this is the point of who benefits -- or suffers -- from the unfolding situation. Take your pick from Syria's freshly embattled President Bashar Al Assad, Russia, Turkey, Iran, the US, or Israel. The Syrian President is the hardest hit by the development given his regime is still grappling with the aftermath of over a decade-long civil war, sanctions by the West, and diplomatic isolation. However, the support extended by fellow Arab states, especially the Gulf monarchies, will be a boost amid fears that the domestic conflict could be rekindled. Turkey comes into prime focus given it had supported groups fighting against the Syrian regime after the revolt broke out in 2011 amid the 'Arab Spring', that it retains a military presence in Idlib, and its reaction to the outbreak of the fighting has been equivocal. However, since this year, it has been pressing for a rapprochement with Damascus, and the renewed violence can only affect the normalisation process -- or be a gambit to force it. Furthermore, it also hinders Ankara's action against Kurdish militias which it considers a major threat. On the other hand, Russia, which helped turn the tide for Assad after it intervened on his side militarily in 2016 and has deployed aerial power against the advancing terrorists, is perceived as another -- indirect -- target of the current episode. Russia holds an edge against Ukraine and steadily making battlefield gains against its neighbour, which faces a shortage of men and materiel and is apprehensive of the changes the Trump presidency might bring. In such a situation, the brewing crisis in Syria may be intended to distract Moscow -- more than the Kursk incursion did -- to rush to support one of its oldest allies. Similarly, for Iran, which intended to turn a new page in its fraught relations with the West under a new moderate President and obtain relief from sanctions, the Syrian flare-up is the latest hindrance in its efforts. Even as President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi seek to better relations with Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries, the situation in Gaza, the missile exchanges with Israel, the row in the International Atomic Energy Agency, and what it sees as attempts to curb its influence by degradations of its regional allies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and now, Syria make their task harder. Predictably, Araqchi, who has reached Syria, and President Pezeshkian himself have blamed Israel, the US, and some European nations for the upsurge of violence and destabilisation. On the other hand, the US, which continues to maintain a military deployment in oil-producing areas of eastern Syria, can only welcome the disquiet that the new round of fighting will evoke in Syria, as well as Russia and Iran. Israel also would not take amiss the renewed tension in one of its more long-standing and obdurate foes, and a blocked Iran-Lebanon route. However, the consequences could be sombre. In the short term, the new wave of refugees who would seek to flee to Turkey and further would further exacerbate tensions in Europe, where immigration is increasing a right-wing, populist, and nativist tilt -- which does not augur well for the EU. In the long term, the use of Islamist terror in advancing strategic goals is a reckless gambit that perversely seems attractive -- despite the resultant and fatal blowback. How the Syrian crisis will pan out can only be anticipated. (Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in) Lucknow, Dec 2 : Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Monday slammed the opposition parties for politicising the Sambhal violence and emphasised that the government would not allow anyone to violate the law. His remarks come after the police prevented delegations from the Samajwadi Party (SP) on November 30 and the Congress on December 2 from visiting Sambhal, citing restrictions on the entry of outsiders in the violence-hit region. Heavy police deployment stopped the leaders from leaving their residences, sparking criticism from both parties. Earlier, SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav had condemned the BJP-led state government, calling the restrictions a "failure" of governance and administration. Congress leaders termed the situation "anarchy" and "hooliganism" by the state government. Responding to these allegations, Pathak said, "The way opposition parties are politicising the Sambhal issue is not appropriate. Our primary goal is to ensure peace in the region. The matter is currently sub judice, and we will fully comply with the court's decision." "Yesterday, a judicial commission visited Sambhal. We are ready to take impartial action based on their findings. The government is committed to upholding the law and will not let anyone disrupt peace," he told IANS. Accusing the opposition of 'political opportunism,' Pathak said, "Whether it is the Samajwadi Party or the Congress, they are making these statements solely for electoral gains. Meanwhile, we are focused on strengthening law and order across the state and will not tolerate any breach of the law." Pathak also took a swipe at the SP, saying, "We have heard threatening statements from the Samajwadi Party numerous times in such matters. These statements have no place in politics, and we remain committed to maintaining peace and order." The Sambhal incident involved violent clashes triggered by a court-mandated survey of the disputed Mughal-era Jama Masjid, where claims of a Harihar temple allegedly existing within its premises led to tensions. The unrest resulted in fatalities, injuries, and significant property damage, prompting authorities to impose restrictions and maintain a heavy police presence in the area. New Delhi, Dec 2 : A protest rally will be held on Tuesday in Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh by Hindu Ekta Manch under the banner of Sarv Hindu Samaj to condemn the atrocities being committed against minorities in Bangladesh. The rally aims to highlight the ongoing violence and seeks collective action to safeguard the rights of the Hindu community. Prominent religious leaders and citizens have expressed their concerns on social media, calling for solidarity and unity among Hindus worldwide. Dr Gopal Prasad Khattar, Dharma Acharya, emphasised the urgent need for Hindu unity: "This is time to wake up. If we don't act, we will regret it later. Everyone knows what is happening in Bangladesh and who is responsible for it. I earnestly request all of you to gather on December 3 and join the rally. It is a chance to show the world that Hindus are united. I also appeal to shopkeepers and business owners to close their establishments on this day and participate fully in this cause." Pandit Tarun Tiwari Bhagvatacharya, Narmadapuram, stressed the importance of raising a collective voice: "The atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh are deeply alarming. To protest against this, we have organised a large rally on Tuesday. He further mentioned that it is not just a rally but a call to all Hindus to come together and raise their voices against the injustice faced by our community. "I urge everyone to join and make this rally a resounding success," he added. Mahamandaleshwar Yashodanandan Ji Maharaj highlighted the need for a powerful demonstration. He said, "In our neighbouring country, Bangladesh, extremists are committing horrific acts against those who follow the Hindu religion. This is unacceptable and deeply condemnable. To protest these atrocities, we are organising a large rally in Narmadapuram. I urge everyone to participate and show their support." "Our voices must be so loud that they resonate across borders and compel Bangladesh to take notice. Let us come together to demonstrate the strength and unity of Sanatan Dharma," he added. Mahant 1008 Shri Narayan Das Ji Maharaj also appealed to the Hindu community: "I call upon the entire Hindu society to join the rally and raise their voices against these atrocities. Your participation will strengthen our cause and showcase our resolve to stand against injustice." The rally, being organised by Hindu Ekta Manch, has invited participation from all religious organisations and community members. It is expected to begin at 1 p.m. and will serve as a platform for the Hindu community to express its concerns over the deteriorating condition of Hindus in Bangladesh. Hyderabad, Dec 2 : A Sub-Inspector of Police shot himself dead with his service revolver in Telangana's Mulugu district on Monday. Hyderabad, Dec 2 (IANS) A Sub-Inspector of Police shot himself dead with his service revolver in Telanganaas Mulugu district on Monday. Rudrarapu Harish, who was serving as the SI at Wajdeu Police Station, killed himself at a resort near Mullakatta village in Eturanagaram mandal on Monday morning. The SI had checked into Harita Resort on Sunday and was said to be with a woman when he resorted to the extreme step. Police found the body of the cop in a pool of blood. The reasons for the SIas suicide are yet to be ascertained. Police suspect that personal problems might have driven him to end his life. The police officeras body was shifted to a government-run hospital for autopsy. The police have registered a case and took up an investigation. Harish hailed from Venkateshwarlapalli village in Jayashankar Bhupalapally district. After attending the duty on Sunday, he checked into the resort with a woman. Her identity was not known. The incident created a flutter as it came a day after seven Maoists were killed in an encounter with police in the same district. The extremists of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) were killed in an exchange of fire with elite anti-Maoist force Greyhounds at Pulakomma forest area in Eturanagaram mandal. The encounter came eight days after the Maoist rebels allegedly hacked to death two villagers including a gram panchayat secretary at Penugolu colony in Wajedu mandal of the same district on suspicion that they were working as informers for the police. The killings took place under the limits of Wajedu Police Station, where Harish was serving as the SI. The officer was said to be under pressure. The Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have reported several incidents in recent months in which police officers killed themselves with their service weapons. Most of them took extreme steps due to personal reasons. New Delhi, Dec 2 : Long-term exposure to antibiotics may significantly raise the risk of Parkinson's disease, finds a study. To validate the findings on Asians, researchers from the Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea examined 298,379 people aged 40 years and older who underwent a national health examination in 2004-2005. The findings, published in the Neurology Clinical Practice journal, showed that the risk of Parkinson's was statistically higher (29 per cent higher) in people exposed to antibiotics for more than 121 days, compared to those not exposed to antibiotics. Further, compared to people exposed to antibiotics for 1-14 days, those exposed to antibiotics for more than 121 days had a 37 per cent higher risk of Parkinson's disease. "Extended usage of antibiotics was linked to a higher incidence of PD, even after controlling for several risk variables," said the researchers while calling out for further research to warrant the causation and mechanisms. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that affects movement, causing tremors, stiffness, and balance issues. In a post on X, Dr. Sudhir Kumar from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad highlighted the role of the gut as the potential reason behind the associations between antibiotics and Parkinson's disease. "Antibiotic use can alter the gut microbiota. This alteration can last for several years. Antibiotics can alter the gut-brain axis," Kumar said. He noted that antibiotics could also have neurotoxic effects on the brain. The neurologist suggested that antibiotics should be used cautiously, given the potential harms of long-term antibiotic exposure. Another recent study, published in the journal Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, showed that treatment with two or more courses of antifungals raised the risk of Parkinson's disease by 16 per cent. On the other hand, people who received five or more courses of penicillin antibiotic treatment had an approximately 15 per cent lower risk of developing the disease. Jerusalem, Dec 2 : Israel's military confirmed that it had carried out several strikes in Lebanon over the past two days, describing the actions as efforts to "thwart" violations of the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. In a statement, the military said that it had targeted a church used by Hezbollah militants. According to the statement, the militants -- identified by the Israeli side as members of Hezbollah's Khiam ground defence, anti-tank missile, and artillery units -- had reportedly fired at Israeli troops from the church, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the Israeli news outlet Ynet. "Over the past day, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) operated in several locations in Lebanon to remove threats to the State of Israel that were in violation of the ceasefire agreement," the statement read. "The IDF remains in Lebanon and acts against any threat to the State of Israel." Earlier on Sunday, French diplomats warned that Israel had violated the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon in at least 52 separate incidents. France cautioned that such breaches risk undermining the fragile agreement. The ceasefire, signed last week, was intended to halt the deadly cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah that erupted last October. New Delhi, Dec 2 : Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Monday strongly condemned the growing trend of communal polarisation across the country by politicising temple-mosque issues and asked if people were "going to keep looking for temples under every mosque and create chaos." Referring to recent disputes involving places of worship, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader highlighted the dangers of such actions and called for immediate intervention to prevent further unrest. Speaking to IANS, she remarked, "Are we going to keep looking for temples under every mosque and create chaos in the country? This is an attempt to polarise the nation further. It is crucial to put an end to such actions immediately." She referenced RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's earlier statement, urging people to stop searching for temples beneath mosques, and reminded everyone of the Supreme Court's directive after the Ram Mandir verdict. Chaturvedi expressed concerns over the increasing misuse of the Places of Worship Act in various district courts, leading to violence and loss of life. Citing the recent violence in Sambhal that claimed over four lives, she warned that such disputes could spread to places like Ajmer, Nizamuddin, and Haji Ali, exacerbating communal tensions as the same issues arose regarding Ajmer Sharif dargah in Rajasthan. She also criticised the Uttar Pradesh government for failing to maintain law and order in Sambhal during the recent unrest. Emphasising the responsibility of the ruling party to prevent violence and ensure peace she remarked, "The loss of lives and property in Sambhal clearly shows the UP government's failure. Either they were incapable of controlling the situation, or they allowed it to escalate for political gains." She called it "unfortunate" that Opposition leaders like Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress members were prevented from visiting Sambhal to interact with affected communities and promote peace. On Maharashtra politics, Chaturvedi criticised the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, calling it unstable. She pointed to acting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's recent absence from key meetings and the ongoing delays in announcing a new government. "If everything is fine, why did Shinde return to his village after meeting BJP leaders in Delhi? This ongoing uncertainty is against Maharashtra's interests," she stated. She urged for a swift resolution, noting that despite rumours of a swearing-in on December 5, no formal notice has been issued by the Governor's office or any coalition parties. Patna, Dec 2 : The impact of Cyclone Fengal is intensifying cold conditions across Bihar, with severe cold expected in the next two days, as per the Meteorological Department's forecast. A significant weather change is anticipated over the next four-five days, with minimum temperatures likely to drop by three-four degrees Celsius. Authorities have issued alerts and urged residents to exercise caution during this period. On Monday, the sky is expected to remain cloudy due to the cyclone, though no rainfall is forecast. By Tuesday, the region will experience a cold wave accompanied by dense fog, increasing the chill factor significantly. According to recent observations, Dehri in Rohtas district was the coldest place in Bihar over the past 24 hours, recording a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius. Residents are advised to stay updated with weather reports and take necessary precautions to protect against the cold. The cold wave in Bihar is being driven by two primary factors: Snowfall in the northern hilly regions and the indirect influence of Cyclone Fengal. While Fengal's direct impact is concentrated in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where thunderstorms and rain have been reported, its peripheral effects are contributing to the drop in temperatures and changes in weather patterns in Bihar. In the last 24 hours, Bihar's capital, Patna, witnessed notable weather fluctuations. The maximum temperature in Patna's airport area was recorded at 26.1 degrees Celsius, while the minimum was 14.6 degrees Celsius. Other cities in Bihar experienced similar dips in temperature. The met department has registered temperature of 15.1 degrees Celsius in Muzaffarpur, 14 degrees Celsius in Darbhanga, 13.7 degrees Celsius in Bhagalpur, 13.1 degrees Celsius in Gaya, and 15.9 degrees Celsius in Begusarai district. Dense fog was reported in Begusarai, reducing visibility to zero during the morning hours. Foggy conditions are expected to persist, and residents are advised to take precautions, especially while commuting. The Meteorological Department has warned of further declines in temperature in the coming days, urging people to remain cautious. Damascus, Dec 2 : Turkish-backed factions launched an offensive on Kurdish-held areas in Aleppo province, leading to the isolation of over 200,000 Syrian Kurds, a war monitor reported. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the attack, dubbed 'Operation Dawn of Freedom,' has targeted rural Aleppo, where over 200,000 Syrian Kurds reside, Xinhua news agency reported. The Observatory said the Turkish-backed forces, operating under the Syrian National Army banner, have captured several areas, including the city of Tel Rifaat, and imposed sieges on others, cutting off roads and preventing civilians from fleeing to safety. The assault has also been accompanied by a communication blackout, leaving residents unable to reach the outside world, said the Observatory. In response, the Kurdish Autonomous Administration in Syria has declared a general mobilisation to resist the advancing forces. Tel Rifaat and its surrounding areas have been under Kurdish control since 2016 and have become a refuge for Kurds displaced by previous Turkish military operations. This offensive coincides with a broader escalation in Syria, where rebel groups such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied opposition factions are conducting major operations against government-controlled areas. The Turkish government regards certain Kurdish groups in Syria, particularly the People's Protection Units (YPG), as a significant threat to its national security due to their alleged ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. Damascus, Dec 2 : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad pledged to continue combating terrorist organisations 'with full strength and determination' during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Speaking in Damascus, Assad emphasised that Syria's fight against the rebels serves not only national interests but regional stability. "Confronting terrorism, dismantling its structure, and drying up its sources benefits the entire region," Assad told Araghchi, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the state news agency SANA. The Syrian President highlighted the importance of support from allies in countering foreign-backed terrorist attacks. Araghchi conveyed a message of support from the Iranian leadership, reaffirming Iran's commitment to Syria's territorial integrity and its readiness to provide comprehensive backing in the ongoing conflict. Araghchi's visit occurs amid escalating tensions, with Syrian military forces engaged in significant combat operations against rebel groups. Activists reported that recent rebel advances have resulted in the loss of control over Aleppo and Idlib provinces. Also on Sunday, the Syrian government convened an extraordinary session on the situation in Aleppo, admitting the current challenges faced by state institutions. "...the circumstances were harsh and difficult. Preparations by foreign countries and global Intelligence agencies, along with unlimited funding and support (to rebel groups), made dealing with the situation difficult in the beginning," the government said in a statement. The government pledged to closely monitor developments in Aleppo, with each minister responsible for overseeing state institutions within their purview to make necessary decisions swiftly. Sanaa, Dec 2 : Yemen's Houthi group announced that it had targeted a US destroyer and three military supply ships in a 'qualitative and joint military operation.' "We carried out an operation targeting an American destroyer and three supply ships belonging to the US military," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV channel. He identified the supply ships as the 'Stena Impeccable', the 'Maersk Saratoga', and the 'Liberty Grace' but did not disclose the name of the targeted destroyer. The operation, conducted in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden, involved 16 ballistic and winged missiles as well as a drone, Sarea claimed. He described the strikes as 'accurate and direct.' Sarea warned that the Houthis would escalate their operations in the declared maritime operations zone, encompassing the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, until Israel halts its actions in Gaza. "We will continue to carry out military operations at an escalating pace against Israel and the United States of America," he said. Earlier in the day, the Houthis claimed responsibility for launching a rocket at Israel, asserting it hit a 'vital target' in the Jaffa area. However, Israeli media reported that the Israel Defence Forces intercepted and destroyed the rocket, launched from northern Yemen, early on Sunday. Since November 2023, the Houthi militia, which controls much of northern Yemen, has intensified its attacks on Israeli cities and disrupted shipping in the Red Sea linked to Israel. The group has framed these actions as solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Kolkata, Dec 2 : The detectives of Kolkata and West Bengal Police are trying to track the kingpins of a major racket operating out of the India-Bangladesh bordering district of Nadia, who are mainly responsible for creating fake Indian identities for Bangladeshi infiltrators. Sources aware of the development said that during the last week as many as five illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators with fake Indian identities, one in Kolkata and four in Nadia, were nabbed by the sleuths. The common point in the arrested five people was that in all these cases their fake Indian identity documents were created in Nadia district by racketeers operating from there. In case of the man arrested from Kolkata, Selim Matabbar a.k.a. Safiq Sardar, he even managed to get a fake Indian passport in the name of Ravi Sharma. The Investigating Officials have also come to know of his prior links with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Sources said that this common factor of all their fake Indian documents being sourced from Nadia district has prompted the Investigating Officials to recheck the impounded papers of all the Bangladeshi infiltrators who had been arrested from Nadia district in the last few years. Records also have been sought from the Nadia district police of the details of the particular cases in the district where agents involved in creation of such fake Indian identities were arrested during the last few years. In the case of one person arrested in Kolkata, not only did he manage to get a fake Indian passport for himself, he also managed to get a job at a hotel in the Park Street area in Kolkata by virtue of that fake Indian identity. He was nabbed by the cops from the same hotel on the morning of November 30. Sources said that the Investigating Officials are also trying to figure out how deep was his association with the BNP before illegally crossing over to the Indian side. On the same day, the cops of Nadia district police arrested four illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators namely Sumi Akhtar, Iman Biswas, Shankar Biswas and Rupkumar Biswas from Mazdia under Krishnaganj Police Station in Nadia. New Delhi, Dec 2 : US President Joe Biden's surprise move to issue a sweeping pardon for eldest son Hunter Biden, convicted for gun crimes and tax violations charges, has sparked off a flurry of reactions and backlash from within the political fraternity, including President-elect Donald Trump, and raised questions about the indictment against the Adani Group. New Delhi, Dec 2 (IANS) US President Joe Bidenas surprise move to issue a sweeping pardon for eldest son Hunter Biden, convicted for gun crimes and tax violations charges, has sparked off a flurry of reactions and backlash from within the political fraternity, including President-elect Donald Trump, and raised questions about the indictment against the Adani Group. Bidenas move to pardon his son is seen as a big U-turn from his earlier resolve and has also reignited debate on the aimpartiala functioning of the US Department of Justice and whether it remains susceptible to political interference. Biden justified the move by saying that the case against his son was politically motivated and designed to "break" him and his son Hunter. Notably, in his previous statements, Biden often vowed to uphold the rule of law and not use his Presidential powers to pardon his son. President-elect Trump termed this move as a "miscarriage of justice"a Meanwhile, a fierce debate has begun in US power corridors on whether the Department of Justice is "controlled" by political powerhouses. There is a wider feeling that the Adani indictment by the Department of Justice is also politically driven by the outgoing Biden government. Also, many political and geopolitical experts believe that once Trump takes over, the Indictment against Adani could be reversed as well. Kashyap Patel, lawyer, investigator and a stern critic of the US deep state, has spoken about "partisan" and "motivated" practices and also called for a drastic overhaul of the US law enforcement and Intelligence agencies. "All people in the Department of Justice are just looking for their next promotion," said Patel, who has been named as the next FBI Director by Trump. Notably, it was the Department of Justice, along with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), that accused Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and other group officials of bribery charges. While US Presidentas son Hunter Biden was convicted of charges, Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and senior executive Vneet Jaain were only accused by the DoJ and SEC. "The defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty," said the DoJ in a public statement. The DOJ and the SEC filed an indictment and a civil complaint in the New York District Court against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, and Vneet Jaain, key executives of Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL). However, the Adani Group had refuted the allegations, terming it 'baseless', and said it would seek legal recourse to defend itself. Mumbai, Dec 2 : A delegation from Jagrato Bangla submitted a memorandum to the Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh on Monday, urging him to address the ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and to secure the immediate release of detained ISKCON priests. Jagrato Bangla is an organisation representing the Hindu Bengali-speaking community. It focuses on the preservation, development, and promotion of the Bengali language, literature, traditions, and culture. The organisation actively protests against the atrocities committed against Bengali-speaking individuals worldwide and provides assistance to the victims. BJP Mumbai Vice President Acharya Pawan Tripathi, also a member of the delegation, spoke to IANS, saying, "We have requested the Deputy High Commissioner to take action against the atrocities being committed on Hindus in Bangladesh, where their homes are being burned, people are being killed, and women are being mistreated. We also demanded the release of Hindu saints who have been wrongfully arrested." According to Tripathi, the Deputy High Commissioner assured the delegation that he would raise the matter with officials in Dhaka and make efforts to resolve the issue. Tripathi criticised the "fundamentalist mindset" he believes is responsible for the violence. "This extremist ideology, prevalent in Bangladesh and Pakistan, is behind these atrocities against Hindus and other minorities. It is essential that such thinking does not spread to India. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, 'Ek hai to safe hai' (Unity ensures safety). Only by staying united can we protect ourselves," he added. The violence against Hindus in Bangladesh has reportedly escalated since the formation of the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Reports detail numerous instances of arson, looting, and desecration of Hindu temples and deities. The arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, sparked outrage. Days later, another priest, Shyam Das Prabhu, was reportedly detained in Chattogram after attempting to visit Chinmoy Krishna Das in jail. In response, Hindu groups in India have been organising rallies and prayer meetings to support the Hindu community in Bangladesh and demand the release of the priests. New Delhi has expressed concern over the rise of extremist rhetoric and violence in Bangladesh. The government has taken note of individuals like Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam, who allegedly led the "Anti-Discrimination Student Movement," which contributed to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. These radicals reportedly continue to incite violence against Hindus and organisations like ISKCON, labelling them as agents of the Awami League. New Delhi, Dec 2 : Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Delhi President, Kapil Khanna, announced on Monday that the civil society of Delhi will stage a protest in front of the Bangladesh High Commission on December 10, in response to the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu minority leader in Bangladesh. The arrest has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Hindus in Bangladesh. Speaking to IANS at a protest in New Delhi over the atrocities on Hindus, Khanna expressed the anger within the community both in Delhi and worldwide. "There is immense anger in the Hindu community right now. To express this, lakhs of people from civil society will protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission on December 10. Hindus are no longer willing to tolerate this situation," Khanna said. He emphasised the demand for security for Hindus in Bangladesh, urging the United Nations and the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety of the minority community. Khanna highlighted the deteriorating situation for Hindus in Bangladesh, noting that since 1947, any incidents affecting the community are often portrayed as actions against the state. "We are being oppressed, our religious places are being destroyed, and our revered saints are being imprisoned instead of protected. This is unacceptable," he added, condemning the arrest of the monk, who is associated with the ISKCON. Das was arrested on charges of sedition after allegedly disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag, a claim denied by his supporters. His arrest led to protests, during which a lawyer was killed in clashes between Das' supporters and the police. Das has been denied bail, and the Dhaka High Court rejected a petition to ban ISKCON's Bangladesh chapter, which the authorities have labelled a 'radical organisation' that poses a threat to national security. Khanna reiterated the demand for the United Nations and the Bangladeshi government to provide adequate security for Hindus and religious leaders facing persecution. New Delhi, Dec 2 : The Delhi High Court on Monday agreed to examine a plea filed by senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia against the trial court's decision taking cognisance of the prosecution complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged liquor policy scam case. New Delhi, Dec 2 (IANS) The Delhi High Court on Monday agreed to examine a plea filed by senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia against the trial courtas decision taking cognisance of the prosecution complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged liquor policy scam case. A bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri issued notice and sought response from the federal anti-money laundering agency in the matter. In his petition, Sisodia contended that the trial court took cognisance of the alleged offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) without any prior sanction having been obtained by the ED for prosecution. The plea added that the trial court should have not taken cognisance of ED's prosecution complaint without sanction since he held a public office at the time of the commission of the alleged money laundering offence. Senior advocate Vikram Chaudhari, appearing on Sisodiaas behalf, cited former Union Minister P. Chidambaramas case where trial court proceedings were stayed in the alleged Aircel-Maxis money laundering case for lack of sanction. In a brief hearing, the Justice Ohri-led Bench remarked that in the absence of sanction for prosecution, the trial cannot commence as per the apex court ruling in the Bibhu Prasad Acharya case. The matter will be heard next on December 20, along with a similar petition filed by AAP supremo and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal seeking a stay of trial proceedings on the grounds of lack of sanction. In August this year, the Supreme Court granted bail to Sisodia, saying that he cannot be kept behind bars for an unlimited period of time in the hope of a speedy completion of trial in the excise policy case. Pronouncing the verdict on Sisodiaas bail pleas, a Bench presided over by Justice BR Gavai had said: "In the present case, in ED as well as CBI matter, 493 witnesses have been named and the case involves thousands of pages of documents and over lakh pages of digitised documents." "It is thus clear that there is not even a remotest possibility of the trial being concluded in the near future. In our view, keeping the appellant behind bars for an unlimited period of time in the hope of speedy completion of the trial would deprive him of the Fundamental Right of Liberty given under Article 21 of the Constitution." The Bench, also comprising Justice K.V. Viswanathan, held that on account of a long period of incarceration running for around 17 months and the trial not having commenced, the senior AAP leader has been deprived of his right to a speedy trial. Rejecting the contention that Sisodia, if granted bail, may tamper with the evidence, the Supreme Court had said that the prosecution case majorly stems from documentary evidence, which has already been seized by the CBI and the ED. The SC refused to accept central agenciesa submission that Sisodia should not be allowed to visit the Delhi Chief Ministeras Office or Delhi Secretariat. In an earlier judgment delivered on October 30 last year, the top court had denied bail to the former Deputy Chief Minister but said that if the trial proceeds slowly in the next three months, he may apply for bail afresh. New Delhi, Dec 2 : Maharana Pratap Sena's national president, Rajvardhan Singh Parmar will address a press conference and file a petition in court on Monday, urging authorities to examine the historical authenticity of his claim that the revered Ajmer Dargah was originally a Hindu temple. In a press release, Parmar stated that a memorandum has already been submitted to the President of India, requesting an official investigation into the matter. Speaking to IANS, Rajasthan state president of the Maharana Pratap Sena, Uday Lal Banjara, remarked, "Our ancestors have always told us how temples were demolished during the Mughal era and replaced with mosques or dargahs. We will present our case and abide by the decision of the court or the government." He reiterated Parmar's demands, stating that letters have been sent in the past to prominent leaders, including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, BJP leader Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah. These letters called for a detailed investigation into the claims that the Ajmer Dargah stands on the remnants of a Shiva temple. "We are not spreading hatred or targeting any religion or community. This is about uncovering historical truth through proper legal and archaeological methods," Banjara clarified. He added that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) should investigate the site, but emphasised that the decision ultimately depends on the government. Earlier on November 27, Hindu Sena national president Vishnu Gupta filed a petition in a civil court in Ajmer, seeking notices to the Ajmer Dargah Committee, the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the ASI to investigate the site. A group of former bureaucrats and diplomats, including former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung also wrote to the Prime Minister, expressing concern over rising demands to investigate medieval mosques and dargahs. They emphasised the syncretic and pluralistic traditions of India and warned against using such claims to divide communities. Ajmer Dargah, one of the most sacred Sufi shrines in Asia, holds significance for Muslims and people of other faiths alike, symbolising India's rich heritage of unity in diversity. New Delhi, Dec 2 : The Global South is not responsible for the damage to the global environment, which has been caused by the developed countries who enjoyed the benefit of low-cost energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday. The Minister was speaking at the inaugural session of the CII Partnership Summit 2024 here. Trade Ministers from Italy, Israel, Bhutan, Bahrain, Algeria, Nepal, Senegal, South Africa, Myanmar, Qatar and the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia are partner countries at the Summit. Minister Goyal highlighted that each of the partner countries has shared responsibilities towards the environment, but countries present at the summit are not responsible for the damage to the environment. Therefore, the responsibilities towards shared supply chains and sustainability will have to be met through common but differentiated responsibility, he said. While all have to work together, everybody needs to be given responsibility based on their contribution to the environmental problem, he added. Addressing the participants, Goyal said that India offers a trusted hand of friendship and partnership to countries of the Global South. Sharing the common themes mentioned at the session, he pointed out that stability, space, satellite and sustainability were most spoken of by the officials in attendance and emphasised that the world today needs these discussions. Speaking about strengthening the economies of the partner countries, the Minister underlined the need for liquidity to ensure financial stability to fund the future. Elaborating further, the Minister noted that liquidity coupled with lifestyles needs deeper reflection. "Consumption waste is not going to make the world a better place to live in and the world will have to reflect on lifestyles and a circular economy. While pursuing the goal of a good lifestyle we have to be conscious of the waste and of the carbon footprint that we leave," Goyal pointed out. He said there is a need to curb the consumption pattern and that the environmental challenge is not a function of the carbon emitted through manufacturing. He said the issue needs to be looked into as a function of the carbon footprint caused by consumption. The Minister also spoke of inclusivity being at the core of all development activities across the world. He stressed that innovation, industry, infrastructure, investment and initiative will help the countries become more inclusive. They underlined the need to augment global trade and tourism among the partner countries to foster growth and inclusivity. He also emphasised energy as the driver and single-most contributor to economic growth in the world. Energy will determine the future, he said. Reflecting on the summit, the Minister noted that synergy among the partner countries can send a message of oneness to the world. He said that India has always stood for peace and dialogue. Diplomacy, as suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will have to be encouraged to tackle the geopolitical challenges the world is facing today and partner countries must align with each other's interests to achieve the goal of common peace and prosperity, the Minister added. Noida, Dec 2 : Traffic chaos gripped roads on Delhi-Noida border on Monday as law enforcers put up barricades and diverted vehicles in their attempt to prevent protesting farmers from Uttar Pradesh to march towards Parliament to demand guaranteed MSP and press other demands. The protesters' gathering point near the Maha Maya flyover in Noida grew bigger by noon as Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and supporters of other farmers' organisations broke some barricades and attempted to march towards New Delhi. Besides restricting the movement of heavy vehicles on the Yamuna Expressway and the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, Noida Police issued a traffic advisory ahead of the protest. However, many office-goers were caught unawares by the curbs and diversions, causing kilometre-long jams near the DND flyway, Kalindi Kunj and Chilla border points. "I should have opted for work-from-home today," said a motorist stuck in the gridlock. The protesting farmers are demanding benefits under the new agricultural laws and better land compensation, along with better prices for farm produce, pensions and waiver of debt. "We will not turn back till the government accepts our demands," said a protesting farmer, sporting a green Nehru cap. The law enforcers, who were also posted at Ghaziabad's UP Gate, put up cargo containers on roads to block the protesting farmers' path. Some protesters, wearing red caps and holding flags of communist organisations, managed to climb the containers and shout slogans. Delhi Police officials and policemen were also present in large numbers in the city's territory, firmly holding barricades and barriers created on roads to prevent farmers' entry into the national capital. Personnel from the Rapid Action Force joined Delhi Police in keeping vigil on the border. While the protest march gradually moved towards Delhi, the Supreme Court, in a matter related to farmers protesting in Punjab, cautioned demonstrators against obstructing highways and adding to traffic disruption on Khanauri border in Sangrur district. The apex court reminded the protesting farmers that public inconvenience could not be permitted even if they had the right to peaceful protest. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan asked farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal to urge his fellow protesters to hold a peaceful demonstration, without putting other road users to inconvenience. Farmers have been continuing their agitation at the Khanauri border since February 13 when their march to Delhi was halted by law enforcers. The farmers have also been protesting at the Shambhu border in Haryana. Farmers from both the Shambhu border and the Khanauri border now plan to restart their march towards Delhi from December 6. New Delhi, Dec 2 : While the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill brainstorms over the proposed reforms in the contentious legislation, Chairman Jagdambika Pal on Monday took the Mamata dispensation to task for 'disregarding and deriding' the Parliamentary democracy. The JPC chairman, furious over the Mamata government's resolution against the Centre's Waqf (Amendment) bill, told IANS that this was a highly objectionable move and amounted to belittling the authority of the biggest temple of democracy. "TMC government is bringing resolution only to send a message to the Muslim community that it stands with them. This is nothing but minority appeasement," he told IANS. "When JPC is debating the Waqf bill, the Mamata government is bringing a resolution against it. What does it want to achieve with this? Do they have no respect for Parliamentary democracy?" he asked. Notably, the Mamata-led Trinamool Congress is set to move a motion in the West Bengal Assembly opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also expected to share her views on the bill, which is currently under consideration by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). This has already set the stage for a heated exchange between TMC and Bengal BJP. The JPC chairman also lashed out at Kalyan Banerjee, a TMC lawmaker and an Opposition member in the Parliamentary panel for his 'provocative' and communally charged remarks. "Kalyan Banerjee says that wherever the Muslim community offers prayers, that land will become the property of the Waqf Board. He must give suggestions in JPC meetings rather than loudmouthing in public," said Jagdambika Pal in a stern message to the TMC lawmaker. Meanwhile, the JPC has asked the state governments to furnish details of properties that have been claimed by the Waqf Board, using Section 40 of the Act. Notably, Section 40 of the Waqf Act, one of the most contentious provisions, purportedly gives them the power to decide whether any property belongs to them or not. Speaking on the issue, Pal said, "We have asked the state governments to share details. If needed, we will summon the chief secretary or minority department secretary of the respective states." Hyderabad, Dec 2 : The iconic Arts College building of Osmania University will become the third trademarked building in India after the Taj Mahal Hotel and the Bombay Stock Exchange. The application for a trademark for the exterior design of the Arts College was filed in April 2024 and it has been accepted for publication in the TM Journal. The process of registration is expected to be completed in the next 4-5 months. Subhajit Saha, TM agent and founder of Resolute4IP, filed the application for the Osmania University with the help and support of Prof G.B. Reddy, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) OU, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The Arts College building has been an intrinsic part of Osmania University and Hyderabadas aesthetic appeal since 1939. The building in pinkish granite stone is a blend of the pillar and lintel style of Ajanta and Ellora, with arches signifying the Indo-Saracenic tradition. Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan had inaugurated the Arts College building on December 4, 1939. A blend of Qutub Shahi and Mughal architecture, the granite structure was designed by Belgian architect Monsieur Jasper. With 164 vast rooms and a plinth of 2.5 lakh square feet, the Arts College is one of the last major structures built by the Nizam. This will be the third trademarked building in India after the famous Taj Mahal Hotel and Bombay Stock Exchange. Saha hoped that OU Arts College would become a brand now. He further stated that more and more Iconic buildings with such beautiful architecture and legacy will follow the trend of registering their building images. Buildings like the T-HUB, T Works, and even the Telangana Secretariat can be a fit case to register as a trademark. Dr GB Reddy, himself an IPR expert and IPR chair, took this lead and initiative and mentioned that the TM for the Arts College building of Osmania University will resonate a long way with its alumni and stakeholders across the globe. The concept of trademarking buildings started in the US. Owners of such a trademark have the exclusive right to use the trademark of the building to market their goods and services in any form like merchandise, cups, mugs, and gift articles. Some examples of TM filed and registered in the US include the Empire State Building in New York, the art deco spire of the Chrysler Building and the faAade of the New York Stock Exchange. However, this trend has now spread and caught up with The Eiffel Tower in France and the Sydney Opera House which are also trademarked buildings. New Delhi, Dec 2 : India's organic food products export reached $447.73 million in the first eight months of this fiscal (FY25), and are set to surpass last year's export figures, the Parliament was informed on Monday. In the current financial year, the total amount of organic food product exports reached 263,050 metric tonnes (MT) till November 25 and the export of organic food products stood at $494.80 million last fiscal (FY24), Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Navneet Singh Bittu, told the Lok Sabha in a written reply. The ministry has not allocated any specific funds to incentivise the industries for producing organic products. However, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, provides financial assistance to its member exporters, including exporters of organic food products, he added. Further, the APEDA is implementing the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). The programme involves the accreditation of Certification Bodies, standards for organic production, promotion of organic farming and marketing, etc. The total number of organic-certified processing units under the National Programme for Organic Production in India is 1,016. In September, the APEDA announced a partnership with global retail chain LuLu Group International (LLC) to showcase a wide range of certified Indian organic products in its stores across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The APEDA will facilitate connections between the organic growers in India, including Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Cooperatives and the LuLu Group. This will ensure that Indian organic products reach a wider global audience. The authority is dedicated to promoting Indian agro and processed food exports. The agency works towards organising B2B exhibitions in different countries, exploring new potential markets, and working closely with the Indian Embassies to promote natural, organic, and Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged agro-products, the minister told the house. The export of organic food products stood at $494.80 million last fiscal (FY24), said Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Navneet Singh Bittu, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. The ministry has not allocated any specific fund to incentivise the industries for producing the organic products. However, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, provides financial assistance to its member exporters, including exporters of organic food products. Further, APEDA is implementing the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). The programme involves the accreditation of Certification Bodies, standards for organic production, promotion of organic farming and marketing, etc. The total number of organic certified processing units under the National Programme for Organic Production in India are 1,016. In September, APEDA announced a partnership with global retail chain LuLu Group International (LLC) to showcase a wide range of certified Indian organic products in its stores across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). APEDA will facilitate connections between the organic growers in India, including Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Cooperatives and the LuLu Group. This will ensure that Indian organic products reach a wider global audience. The authority is dedicated to promoting Indian agro and processed food exports. The agency works towards organising B2B exhibitions in different countries, exploring new potential markets, and working closely with the Indian Embassies to promote natural, organic, and Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged agro-products. Quito, Dec 2 : At least ten people, including Ecuadorians and Colombians, were killed in an armed attack in El Guabo, a town in the coastal province of El Oro in southern Ecuador, local media reported. Witnesses said the armed assailants opened fire indiscriminately on several people sleeping in a rental house early Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency. Initial investigations suggest the attack may be linked to ongoing conflicts between organised criminal groups, according to local police. The incident was reported around 5:00 a.m. local time after residents heard gunshots and discovered several bodies along a nearby road. El Oro province has been under a state of emergency since October 3, following a sharp rise in violence and insecurity. The measure, set to last 60 days, also applies to seven other regions of the country, including the capital, Quito, all grappling with escalating crime. Since the beginning of the year, Ecuador has seen a surge in violence, including homicides, kidnappings, and extortion. In response, President Daniel Noboa declared an "internal armed conflict" in January against 22 criminal gangs labelled as "terrorist." New Delhi, Dec 2 : Samajwadi Party's Sambhal MP Ziaur Rahman Barq on Monday accused the government of stalling parliamentary proceedings, asserting that the violence in Sambhal deserves a thorough and transparent debate. "The House is not functioning, and for this, only the government is responsible," Barq said. He stressed the need for public awareness of the events surrounding the Sambhal violence. "The nation should know what happened in Sambhal and who is responsible. If the government believes it acted rightly, why is it avoiding a debate?" he asked. Barq also criticised the government's restrictions on opposition delegations attempting to visit Sambhal. "We tried to visit Sambhal to understand the ground reality, but we were stopped. These actions aim to cover up the government's failures and a possible conspiracy," he alleged. Responding to Barq's statements, BJP MP Dinesh Sharma dismissed the opposition's claims, accusing them of using the issue to stir communal discord. "The opposition just wants to visit Sambhal to spread communalism. Under the Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath, all temples and mosques are safe," Sharma asserted. He accused opposition leaders of exploiting the situation for political gains rather than seeking solutions. Several Samajwadi Party and Congress leaders, including its Sambhal MP Barq, were stopped from entering the violence-hit district, as the administration has extended the ban on the entry of outsiders and public representatives into Sambhal till December 10 to maintain "peace and order". Violence in Sambhal erupted amid protests after the officials arrived for the second court-monitored survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandausi on November 24, leaving four dead and many injured. The locals have alleged that the four youths died from police bullets, whereas the police have denied the claims. The police have arrested several persons over involvement in the violence. Authorities have since imposed restrictions and a heavy police presence to restore order. However, the situation in Sambhal is now normal with shops and other business establishments open and Internet services restored. Jaipur, Dec 2 : Foundation Day of Jharkhand, Nagaland, and Assam were celebrated in Rajasthan's Raj Bhavan on Monday where the Governor interacted with residents of these states and extended his greetings. Jaipur, Dec 2 (IANS) Foundation Day of Jharkhand, Nagaland, and Assam were celebrated in Rajasthanas Raj Bhavan on Monday where the Governor interacted with residents of these states and extended his greetings. Highlighting the purpose of the celebration, the Governor emphasised that observing the foundation day of states at Raj Bhavan aims to bring the concept of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" to life. While discussing the foundation days of Jharkhand, Nagaland, and Assam, the Governor shared insights into the culture, art, and heritage of these states and remarked that India is home to the worldas oldest cultural traditions, with ancient texts containing references to the names and places of various states. Paying tribute to Birsa Munda for his fight against British rule in Jharkhand, the Governor noted that the state plays a leading role in preserving tribal heritage. Speaking about Nagaland's history and Assam's rich cultural legacy, he called for drawing inspiration from the artistic traditions of these states. The Governor further stated that celebrating state foundation days at Raj Bhavan showcases India's unity in diversity, embodying the spirit of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" and fostering cultural connections. He also engaged with residents of these states to learn about their contributions and encouraged them to actively participate in Rajasthanas development. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also met the Governor in Raj Bhavan and discussed various issues related to the development of the state. On Sunday, the Karnataka Raj Bhavan also celebrated the Foundation Day celebrations of Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Nagaland, and Assam showcasing the rich traditions, art, and heritage of these diverse states to the forefront. In his address, the Governor of Karnataka, Thaawarchand Gehlot, emphasised India's vast cultural tapestry, stating that each state in India is unique due to its distinct characteristics and religious and cultural heritage. New Delhi, Dec 2 : Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent statement on the need to check a declining fertility rate has sparked a debate across the political spectrum. Bhagwat advocated for couples to have at least three children, citing concerns over India's declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR). He warned that if a society's TFR falls below 2.1, it risks extinction. While his remarks were supported by some parties, many others criticised them as regressive. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi sarcastically questioned the suggestion, asking, "What will he give people for having more children? Will he offer Rs 1,500 to those who do so?" The Congress also condemned the comments, describing them as detrimental to India's progress. The BJP and Shiv Sena defended Bhagwat's remarks, arguing that he was raising a valid concern about demographic stability. Speaking to IANS, Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi dismissed Owaisi's criticism, stating, "Bhagwat only suggested that 2-3 children are necessary for population stability. It is stated in a report." Taking a dig at the AIMIM chief, he added, "Owaisi's remarks show his lack of understanding. He criticises the Sangh for the sake of opposing it." BJP spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi highlighted the issue of population imbalance, saying, "Population instability is unfavourable for any country." "Some communities are growing, while others are shrinking. For example, the Parsi community's population is dwindling. Population balance is crucial for the well-being of all communities," he told IANS. Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC defended Bhagwat, emphasising that his remarks were rooted in demographic science. "What has Mohan Bhagwat said? He said that if a family has three children, then the population crisis can be avoided," she told IANS. "If the RSS chief says such things, he is saying by citing demographic science. And the people in the Opposition, who are talking about population stability, are only engaging in polarisation politics," she added. "In this statement, only demographic science was cited, and it was highlighted that some communities have less population, while some have much. To keep a country safe, educated and self-reliant, he has talked about having three children; there is nothing wrong in it," she added. Srinagar, Dec 2 : Jammu & Kashmir Police on Monday attached the property of a notorious drug peddler in Kupwara district in northern Kashmir. Police said that in a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, police station Sogam in Kupwara district has attached the residential house of Lateef Ahmad Chouhan son of Jalal Din Chouhan, resident of Surigam Lolab. This action pertains to Case FIR No. 61/2017 under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act registered at Police Station Sogam. The action was taken under Section 68(F) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS). The attachment order was executed in the presence of Dy SP Lolab, Tehsildar Lalpora, and SHO Sogam. The residential property was identified during the investigation as being illegally acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking. This decisive step underscores Kupwara Police's commitment to eradicating the drug menace from the region. "Kupwara Police appeals to the public to actively support this mission by providing any information regarding drug-related activities. Public cooperation is crucial in combating this social evil," the police statement said. Police across J&K have been aggressively acting against drug smugglers and peddlers to prevent the illicit trade that affects the youth of the UT. Intelligence agencies say that drugs are mostly smuggled into the UT from across the line of control (LoC) and the international border (IB). The funds so generated are used for aiding and assisting terrorism. It is also believed that once youths are addicted to the use of these substances, they become easy pawns at the hands of terrorists and the handlers of terror operating from across the border. Police have also been attaching the properties of drug peddlers and smugglers as it is believed that such properties are acquired by the involved persons from the proceeds of illicit trade in drugs. Jaipur, Dec 2 : Udaipur MP Mannalal Rawat said on Monday that the recent approval of the anti-conversion bill in Rajasthan, which was passed during a Cabinet meeting, will curb attempts to mislead the tribal communities, thereby halting conversions. He also expressed his long-standing support for such legislation, having actively advocated for it while emphasising that the bill would have a profound impact on southern Rajasthan, a region where tribal culture has been under sustained attack, allegedly as part of an international conspiracy in recent years. The MP further alleged that leaders of the Bharatiya Adivasi Party (Baap Party), which has gained traction in the region, openly deny their tribal Hindu identity. "They have encouraged conversions by promoting practices that discourage tribal women from adhering to traditional customs, such as applying vermilion or wearing a mangalsutra," he alleged. Rawat had previously raised concerns in the Lok Sabha about attacks on tribal culture in southern Rajasthan. In response, the Union Law Minister referred to the Constitution to affirm that tribals are Hindus. He also highlighted that BJP state in-charge Radha Mohan Agarwal and state president Madan Rathore held a key meeting with him in Delhi to discuss the issue. Udaipur division in-charge and Bhilwara MP Damodar Agarwal also participated in a meeting in which Rawat outlined the growing problem of conversions in southern Rajasthan, leading to the formulation of an action plan to protect tribal rights and promote cultural awareness. Following the meeting, the state in-charge and state president visited the region and emphasised the need to implement the action plan. Rawat was appointed as the convener of the Birsa Munda Janjati Gaurav Workshops, which were organised across Udaipur and Banswara to educate the tribal community about their cultural heritage. Through these workshops, tribals were encouraged to embrace their Hindu identity and unite against conversion, taking a collective pledge to preserve their cultural and social unity. Islamabad, Dec 2 : Four militants were killed and two policemen injured when police in Pakistan's east Punjab province repelled a terrorist attack, an official statement said. The incident happened on Sunday in the Mianwali district of the province, where some 20 militants stormed a police station, the district's police said in a statement. The police inside the station were alert, and because of its prompt response, "the terrorists' plot was foiled, and they fled the scene," reports Xinhua news agency, citing the statement. The attack triggered a fire exchange between the two sides in which the militants were killed, it said. Police took custody of the bodies, and an investigation is underway to probe their identities. No group has claimed the attack yet. Hyderabad, Dec 2 : The body of Kannada actress Shobitha Shivanna, who was found dead at her residence here, was handed over to her relatives on Monday after an autopsy while Cyberabad police have intensified the probe into the incident. A large number of relatives of the film and television actress rushed to Hyderabad from Bengaluru after learning about her death. The police handed over the body of the 29-year-old to her relatives after the autopsy at the government-run Osmania General Hospital. Shobithaas mortal remains were later taken to Bengaluru, where her family lives. The last rites are likely to be performed on Tuesday. The actress was found dead at her residence in Kondapur of Gachibowli here on Sunday. Shobitha was found hanging by her husband Sudheer Reddy who broke open the door of the bedroom when there was no response to multiple knocks on the door. Hailing from Sakleshpur in Karnatakaas Hassan district, she had been residing in Hyderabad with her husband, a software engineer, for the past two years. The reasons for Shobhitaas alleged suicide were not known. Police reportedly found a suicide note, reading: "Everything perfect- if you want to commit suicide, you can do it". Gachibowli police registered a case and took up an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Police have intensified the probe into the case and are investigating all angles. The investigating officers were trying to ascertain if she had any psychological problems. They were recording statements from her family, friends, and neighbours as part of the investigation. Shobithaas father-in-law Bucchi Reddy has said that Shobitha and Sudheer Reddy were living a happy married life. He said the couple did not have any problems. He also claimed that the family looked at Shobitha as their own daughter. Shobitha was part of Kannada serials such as "Brahmagantu", "Ninidale", and "Mangala Gowri". She also featured in a few Kannada movies including "ATM: Attempt to Murder". She had stopped acting after her marriage. Police found that Sudheer Reddy had sent the marriage proposal after coming across her profile on a matrimonial site. Mumbai, Dec 2 : Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Priyanka Chaturvedi, on Monday drew the attention of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar to the plight of Hindu minorities in strife-torn Bangladesh and sought plans to rescue them if needed. In separate letters to PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar, Chaturvedi has urged them to "engage bilaterally with Muhammad Yunus, the head of the Bangladesh caretaker government," to hold his administration accountable for the targeted violence against the minority Hindus there. "Additionally, plans for potential rescue and support operations for Hindus in Bangladesh should be considered to safeguard their lives and dignity," exhorted the SS(UBT) Rajya Sabha MP in her letter. Justifying her contentions, Priyanka Chaturvedi said that since August, India has witnessed the widespread attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, targeting their places of worship, homes and business establishments. "Despite the Indian government raising the issue, the situation has deteriorated alarmingly. The crisis has intensified with the arrest of Vaishnavite leader and ISKCON member Chinmoy Krishna Das who has been denied bail by the Bangladeshi authorities followed by attacks on three Hindu temples," Priyanka Chaturvedi pointed out. Moreover, attempts to ban the ISKCON in Bangladesh, along with the arrest of at least two more Brahmacharis, have further escalated tensions, and these developments have fostered a climate of fear and panic among the Hindu minority in that country, she said. Further exacerbating the matter, the Bangladeshi authorities have reportedly frozen the bank accounts linked to ISKCON, and citing security concerns, barred more than 63 Brahmacharis from entering India, though they hold valid visas and travel documents, added Priyanka Chaturvedi. "Such actions are not only discriminatory, but also appear to be deliberate attempts to restrict the Hindu religious community and undermine their rights," said Priyanka Chaturvedi, expressing concern. She called upon the PM and EAM to treat the matter with the utmost seriousness and solicited their prompt response and action on it, even as the predicament of Hindus and other minorities like Christians and Buddhists in Bangladesh continues to perturb the Indian polity plus the masses for the past five months. Agartala, Dec 2 : Protests against atrocities on the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh continued in Tripura with hundreds of activists on Monday staging a demonstration here near the office of the Assistant High Commissioner (AHC) of the neighbouring country. The activists of the 'Hindu Sangharsh Samiti' also submitted a memorandum to the AHC, urging the caretaker government to stop atrocities on the Hindu community and protect their lives and properties. 'Hindu Sangharsh Samiti' leader Sankar Roy said that the attacks on the lives and properties of Hindus in Bangladesh became a daily affair in the neighbouring nation and the security forces remained a silent spectator. "During the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war, thousands of Hindus fighting the war sacrificed their lives and eventually, after the country became a sovereign nation, people of the Hindu community contributed a lot to the development of the country," Roy told the media. The 'Hindu Sangharsh Samiti' in its memorandum said that it also urged the International Human Rights Commission, United Nations as well as other nations to intervene in the Bangladesh situation and stop atrocities against Hindus. Earlier, various organisations, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chowdhury, former minister and senior Congress leader Birajit Sinha separately urged the Bangladesh government to stop atrocities on Hindu minorities. Meanwhile, one of the largest private healthcare facilities in Agartala, has decided to stop services for Bangladeshi patients following protests by some local activists over atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh and reported disrespect of India's national flag. Responding to the protests, the Chief Operating Officer of the private hospital, also announced the closure of the hospital's Bangladesh desk. After a private hospital in Kolkata announced not to provide medical treatment to the patients from Bangladesh over reported attacks on minorities and disrespect to the Indian flag, a multi-specialty private hospital in Agartala also followed suit. An executive of the private hospital in Agartala on Sunday said that they consider the dignity and respect of India first and also the inhuman atrocities of the minorities in Bangladesh can not be ignored. The Agartala hospital's decision follows a similar move by a private hospital in Kolkata which recently announced it would discontinue medical treatment to Bangladeshi patients over the same issue. New Delhi, Dec 2 : US researchers have, in a study on Monday, found a link between hidden belly fat, known as visceral fat, and abnormal proteins in the brain -- hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Visceral fat refers to the accumulation of fat around internal organs such as the liver, heart, kidneys, and the mesentery of the intestine. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which lies beneath the skin, visceral fat is metabolically active and poses greater health risks. The study, presented at the ongoing annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), showed that visceral fat can predict the risk of Alzheimer's up to 20 years before the earliest symptoms of dementia appear. The study included 80 cognitively normal midlife individuals (average age: 49.4 years), of which about 57.5 per cent were obese, and the average body mass index (BMI) of the participants was 32.31. Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri examined the association of BMI, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, liver fat fraction, thigh fat, and muscle, as well as insulin resistance and HDL (good cholesterol), with amyloid and tau deposition in Alzheimer's disease. A higher level of visceral fat was related to increased amyloid -- accounting for 77 per cent of the effect of high BMI on amyloid accumulation. Other types of fat did not explain obesity-related increased Alzheimer's pathology, the team said. "Our study showed that higher visceral fat was associated with higher PET levels of the two hallmark pathologic proteins of Alzheimer's disease -- amyloid and tau," said lead study author Mahsa Dolatshahi, post-doctoral research associate at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR) at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. The study also showed that higher insulin resistance and lower HDL were associated with high amyloid in the brain. The effects of visceral fat on amyloid pathology were partially reduced in people with higher HDL. The team urged for lifestyle modifications to reduce belly fat and cut down the development of Alzheimer's disease. "This study goes beyond using BMI to characterize body fat more accurately with MRI and, in so doing, reveals key insights about why obesity can increase risk for Alzheimer's disease," Dr. Dolatshahi said. Jaipur, Dec 2 : Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra on Monday criticised the state government for bringing in the anti-conversion bill and labelled it as a political tool to divide Hindus and Muslims. The conversion bill is a political tool to polarise Hindus and Muslims for electoral gains. A similar legislation was introduced during Vasundhara Raje's tenure as Chief Minister but it failed to pass. When the bill will be introduced in the Assembly, we will present our arguments. But this move reflects BJP's strategy to play the Hindu-Muslim card for political mileage," said Dotasra. He emphasised that sufficient legal provisions exist to address such concerns and claimed the BJP is attempting to distract the public from pressing issues by reigniting this debate. Responding to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's comments on the slowing Hindu population rate, Dotasra referred to Bhagwat's statement in which he said that 'There is no need to look for a 'Shivling' in every mosque', saying that all religions should be respected. Dotasra also expressed dismay over the BJP ignoring Bhagwat's call to refrain from such divisive activities. "It is unfortunate that the BJP, which owes its rise to power to the RSS, is disregarding Bhagwat's advice," he added. Commenting on the BJP government's decision to appoint administrators in municipal bodies ahead of elections, Dotasra accused the administration of bypassing public representatives. He claimed the government had delayed preparations for municipal and Panchayat elections, such as voter lists and reservations, to justify appointing administrators. He alleged the BJP is implementing a "Gujarat model" in Rajasthan, sidelining elected representatives and allowing bureaucrats to dominate governance. "Funds from the Centre meant for Panchayati Raj are being misallocated, and elections are being delayed, violating constitutional mandates," Dotasra asserted. Addressing the internal discord in the BJP, particularly Minister Kirodi Lal Meena's statements after his brother's election defeat, Dotasra pointed out the turmoil within the party, noting that Meena's absence from the Cabinet meeting further highlighted these tensions. Dotasra said that the BJP has failed to fulfil its promises and urged the Rajasthan government to focus on governance rather than on divisive politics. Mumbai, Dec 2 : Actress Kavika Kaushik, who is known for the television show 'FIR', has come out in support of Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi against Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Recently, the actress took to her X, formerly Twitter, and shared a post in which she heaped praise on Vivek. She quote tweeted a post where the user mentioned Vivek's net worth to be around Rs. 1200 crore. The actress wrote, "A superb actor, stood up for his woman, fought against the biggest speaking truth but we as a country are charmed with Swag, dadagiri and roasting". Kavita's bitterness for Salman also stems from her appearance on the reality show 'Bigg Boss' where she was schooled by the superstar for harassing Rubina Dilaik and her husband Abhinav Shukla. During a press conference in 2003, Vivek had accused Salman of threatening him, because of his relationship with actress Aishwarya Rai, who had a messy breakup with Salman. Aishwarya reportedly dated Vivek for a few years. However, the tiff with Salman proved to be a costly affair for Vivek as the latter alleged that the superstar used his influence to take away movies from him. Eventually, the actress tied the knot with Abhishek Bachchan in April 2007. They welcomed their daughter, Aaradhya, in 2011. Meanwhile, Vivek is married to Priyanka Alva. The couple has a son and a daughter. Vivek even went on to publicly apologise to Salman at an event. Meanwhile, the rumours of Aishwarya's separation with Abhishek Bachchan have been doing rounds. Abhishek was alleged to have an entanglement with actress Nimrat Kaur during the making of their streaming movie 'Dasvi'. New Delhi, Dec 2 : Practice drills in jungle terrain and simulated exercise on anti-terrorist action will be the key highlights of the fouth edition of India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise Harimau Shakti which commenced on Monday at Bentong camp, Pahang district, Malaysia. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from December 2 to 15. The Indian contingent comprises 78 personnel from a Battalion of Mahar Regiment. The Malaysian contingent is represented by 123 personnel from The Royal Malaysian Regiment. The aim of the exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. The exercise will focus on operations in jungle environment. Joint Exercise Harimau Shakti is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Malaysia. The last edition was conducted in November 2023 at Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya. The exercise will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will be focused on cross-training between the two Armies, including lectures, demonstrations, and practices of various drills in jungle terrain. In the final phase, both Armies will take part in a simulated exercise, wherein troops will execute various drills including anti-MT ambush, occupation of harbour, carrying out recce patrol, ambush and an attack on an area taken over by the terrorists. Exercise Harimau Shakti will enable both sides to share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for conducting joint operations. It will facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies. The Joint Exercise will also enhance defence cooperation, further augmenting bilateral relations between the two friendly nations. On Sunday, the first edition of Joint Table Top Exercise, CINBAX, between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army commenced at Foreign Training Node, Pune. The exercise will be conducted from December 1 to 8. The Cambodian Army contingent comprises 20 personnel with an equal number of Indian Army personnel from an Infantry Brigade taking part in the exercise. Exercise CINBAX is a planning exercise aimed to war-game the conduct of joint Counter Terrorism (CT) operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. Munnar, Dec 2 : A conference was held in Kerala on Monday which called for gender-inclusive and responsible tourism practices in the state. The event called for building a tourism landscape that celebrates diversity, empowers women and protects the environment by adopting sustainable and gender-inclusive practices in all verticals of tourism. The conference was titled, 'The Kerala Declaration of Gender Inclusive and Women Friendly Tourism'. The declaration, signed by an entire spectrum of stakeholders including state agencies, also unveiled a four-point "Call to Action" advocating collective efforts to secure the goals set out by the initiative. The declaration pointed to an urgent need for fostering gender inclusivity, accessibility, and climate-responsive practices in the tourism sector while prioritising the safety, well-being and empowerment of women in the tourism economy. It also emphasised the need to promote gender-sensitive practices across all areas of tourism to ensure fair representation of women, gender minorities, and other under-represented groups, guaranteeing equality in opportunities, leadership and decision-making. It called for organising capacity-building programmes for women in entrepreneurship management, formulating and implementing robust policies to prevent harassment and exploitation of women and children by putting in place effective prevention and response mechanisms. The declaration pitched for equitable pay and safe working conditions for women, reskilling and upskilling and leveraging of media and marketing campaigns to break stereotypes about gender roles in tourism. The declaration underscored the critical role of women in protecting the environment, especially in promoting climate-responsive tourism practices, encouraging ecotourism and responsible tourism that supports the local community. It noted that women can play a lead role in developing Responsible Tourism (RT) that aligns with local customs and practices, forging partnerships with local communities, reducing leakages in benefits, and supporting medium and micro enterprises through equitable business practices. The "Call to Action" pledged to take forward the gender-inclusive and responsible tourism model to make it a transformative force on the ground. These include integration of gender inclusivity and RT practices as the core principles of tourism planning, with a special focus on women-friendly initiatives, strengthening collaboration across sectors and stakeholders to share knowledge, resources and strategies, continuous monitoring and reporting to ensure gender inclusivity, transparency and accountability, advocacy of policies that protect women's rights in tourism and addressing gender-based challenges and enhancing safety and empowerment. The action plan is aligned with the larger goal of fostering a sustainable and inclusive tourism model that benefits local communities, businesses, destinations, travellers and governments, and called for all stakeholders to embrace this vision. The signatories to the historic Kerala Declaration include State Minister for Tourism P.A. Mohamed Riyas, UN Women India Country Representative Susan Ferguson, Chairman International Centre for Responsible Tourism Global, Dr. Harold Goodwin and numerous others. Gurugram, Dec 2 : Gurugram Municipal Corporation Gurugram (MCG) Commissioner Ashok Kumar Garg on Monday issued a show cause notice against an Assistant Engineer (AE) and Junior Engineer (JE) for negligence in work and not discharging his duties properly. The MCG Commissioner issued the show cause notice under Rule-8 of the MC Act against Assistant Engineer (Enforcement) Krishna Kumar and Junior Engineer Milan Yadav while presiding over the 'Samadhan Camp' organised in the MCG office on Monday. "Any negligence regarding the work of the general public will not be tolerated and action will be taken under the rules against the concerned officers and employees who show negligence," Garg said. During the hearing of a complaint related to illegal construction from village Jharsa, the Complainant Rahul Kumar said that illegal construction is being done by his neighbour, about which he has been continuously complaining since September 10, but no action has been taken by the concerned officials. On this, the MCG chief immediately spoke to the Assistant Engineer over the phone and directed him to take action if a satisfactory answer was not received. Meanwhile, in another complaint, the complainant informed the Commissioner that the Junior Engineer in their area did not pick up the phone. The Municipal Commissioner issues a show cause notice against the concerned JE. In his complaint, the woman alleged that the security wall of a park located in Indira Colony-1 was demolished by some people due to which the movement of anti-social elements in the park has increased while others have also started parking vehicles encroaching on the park. "Despite complaining about this several times in the past, no action has been taken and neither does the junior engineer pick up the phone," the complaint added. Mumbai, Dec 2 : The meeting slated for Monday between the MahaYuti alliance partners -- the BJP, Shiv Sena and the NCP -- to discuss issues related to the government formation in Maharashtra has been called off after Caretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena supremo Eknath Shinde cancelled his day's programmes as doctors advised him to take rest due to illness. Meanwhile, NCP President and caretaker Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar left for Delhi as he is likely to meet Home Minister Amit Shah to hold discussions on the formula of distribution of Cabinet berths and allocation of ministries among the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Ajit Pawar-led NCP has announced its support for Devendra Fadnavis for the chief ministerial position, while Shinde has said that he will not be a hurdle or a speed-breaker, but he will abide by Prime Minister Narendra Modias decision on the CM post. This is the second time in the last four days MahaYutias meeting was cancelled. Shinde, Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar had planned to meet on Friday to huddle over government formation but it was put on hold after Shinde flew to his native village Dare in Satara district. Shinde, who is unwell, had returned from his native village Dare in Satara district on Sunday evening, and is taking rest at his Thane residence as per the doctor's advice. He had told reporters on Sunday that he and two Deputy CMs would take forward discussion on Monday on the chief minister's post, distribution of portfolios and party-wise berths in the new Cabinet. Shinde reiterated that in the last two-and-a-half years, he had worked as the 'common man's chief minister', saying that the people would like him to be the chief minister again, especially in the wake of MahaYutias landslide victory in the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly election. The stalemate still continues as Shinde remains stuck to his demand for the allocation of the Home Department, though the BJP seems to be reluctant to leave it from its quota. Besides, Shinde has not yet opened his cards about whether he will join the government as the deputy chief minister or depute one of his close confidants. Incidentally, Shiv Sena legislators elected Eknath Shinde as the legislature party group leader, while NCP legislators unanimously chose Ajit Pawar as the legislature party group leader. The BJP will hold the legislators' meeting on Wednesday (December 4) to elect its group leader. The party has deputed former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as observers. The delays in arriving at a consensus among three partners shocked Shiv Sena as state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday unilaterally announced that the swearing in ceremony of the new cabinet would take place on December 5 at 5 p.m. at the Azad Maidan in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shiv Sena has taken a serious objection against Bawankuleas announcement, citing that the BJP is yet to choose its legislature party group leader and the MahaYuti alliance have not yet staked claim to the formation of government. BJP legislator Shrikant Bharatiya clarified that there are no differences among the MahaYuti partners saying that the party legislators will soon meet to elect the legislature party group leader. ''Maharashtra's next chief minister will be from the BJP. The name will be finalised by the partyas central leadership," he added. Meanwhile, Eknath Shinde's son Shrikant Shinde, a Shiv Sena MP, on Monday scoffed at media reports about him becoming the deputy chief minister. He clarified that he had no desire for any position in the government. "Even after the Lok Sabha elections, I had the opportunity to take up a ministerial position in the Central government. However, considering the work for the party organisation, I had declined that offer. I have no desire for any post in the government. I am not a part of any race in the state government and I would like to clarify this once again that I will continue to work diligently for my Lok Sabha constituency and for the Shiv Sena party," Shrikant Shinde said. New Delhi, Dec 2 : India on Monday stepped up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and its Deputy and Assistant High Commissions in the country following a rising number of protests being held against the atrocities being committed on the Hindu community in the neighbouring nation. After a demonstration was held near the office of the Assistant High Commissioner (AHC) of Bangladesh in Tripura earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was quick to point out that diplomatic missions should not be targeted under any circumstances. "The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable. Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances. Government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their Deputy/Assistant High Commissions in the country," read a MEA statement. Several protest rallies have been held in Tripura over the past few days against atrocities on the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh. On Monday, hundreds of activists had turned up outside the AHC office to submit a memorandum that urged the interim government in Dhaka to protect the lives of Hindus in Bangladesh along with their properties. The protestors also cited that thousands of Hindus had sacrificed their lives during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and also contributed massively in the country's growth after its independence. The memorandum also urged the International Human Rights Commission, United Nations as well as other nations, to intervene in the Bangladesh situation and stop atrocities against Hindus. Earlier, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chowdhury, former minister and senior Congress leader Birajit Sinha separately urged the Bangladesh government to stop atrocities on Hindu minorities. One of the largest private healthcare facilities in Agartala had decided to stop services for Bangladeshi patients following protests by some local activists. The Agartala hospital's decision follows a similar move by a private hospital in Kolkata which recently announced it would discontinue medical treatment to Bangladeshi patients over the same issue. The minorities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus, have come under a severe attack by Islamist elements in Bangladesh after the formation of the interim government in the country headed by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Last week, after the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote who is also associated with Iskcon Bangladesh, India had spotlighted that 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, reported from Bangladesh. Kolkata, Dec 2 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday that the Union government should ensure the release of the state's 85 fishermen who have been detained in neighbouring Bangladesh after they crossed the international coastal borders. "Some fishermen from our state inadvertently crossed the international coastal borders and now they have been detained in Bangladesh. We have appointed advocates for them. The Union government has also been informed about the matter but nothing has happened as of yet. The Union government to look into the matter seriously," the Chief Minister said while addressing the state Assembly on the sixth day of the winter session of the House. She added that the Union government should initiate the process and ensure that these fishermen come back to their respective homes. The Chief Minister also pointed out that a fishing trawler from Bangladesh similarly crossed the international coastal borders inadvertently and entered the waters in West Bengal. "But since they had the valid documents along with them they were allowed to go back," said the Chief Minister. She also explained to the House why her government has decided to ban the export of potatoes and onions to other states. "Some people are exporting potatoes outside the state for extra profit. But the motto of our government is to ensure that first the internal demands in West Bengal are met and then only the surplus can be exported to other states. I will not tolerate exports of onions and potatoes to other states keeping our government in the dark," she said. She added that the internal production of onions in West Bengal meets only 75 per cent of the internal requirement. "So exports of onion from that internal production to other states can never be allowed," the Chief Minister said. New Delhi, Dec 2 : The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) Helen Keller Awards celebrated 25 years on Monday, honouring 17 individuals and organisations for promoting inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the workforce. Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, commended the collective efforts that have driven the disability inclusion movement forward. "With a significant portion of India's population living with disabilities, inclusion of disabled people in the workplaces should become a mandate, hence ensuring that everyone receives equal opportunity to not just live a dignified life but also contribute to the nation's development," he said. Recognised as one of the most prestigious awards in the disability sector, the Helen Keller Awards continue to inspire leaders and redefine the employment landscape, promoting financial independence for PwDs. Reflecting on the award's legacy, Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP, expressed optimism and gratitude, saying, "This celebration is a tribute to individuals and organisations that have relentlessly worked toward empowering persons with disabilities." "Over the past 25 years, we've witnessed a sea change in infrastructure and attitudes, moving beyond treating persons with disabilities as beneficiaries to recognising them as equal contributors. Looking ahead, we foresee transformative advancements in technology, AI, and private-sector collaborations that promise to further redefine accessibility," said Ali. This year, 17 individuals and organisations across India were recognised for their outstanding contributions. The award for Role Model Persons with Disabilities was presented to Basant Sahu from Chhattisgarh; Nishtha Thaker from Gujarat; Resham Talwar from Delhi; and Dilip Kumar Dahyalal of Gujarat. The award for Role Model Supporters of Increased Employment for Persons with Disabilities was presented to Ashish Verma of Hyderabad; Ameesha Prabhu from Mumbai; and Ajay Govind of Dehradun. The Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred upon Thilakam Rajendran for her tireless dedication to disability inclusion. Established in 1999, the NCPEDP-Helen Keller Awards were introduced at a time when employment opportunities for PwDs were rarely discussed. Noida, Dec 2 : Agitating farmers virtually held Noida and Greater Noida to ransom on Monday, disrupting Delhi-Noida traffic for hours before retreating in late afternoon on an assurance from the authorities. The suspension of the stir allowed the removal of barricades and the restoration of normal traffic. Law enforcers removed barricades from Noida-Greater Noida expressways and other roads on the Delhi border late Monday afternoon, paving the way for smooth traffic after farmers deferred their march to the National Capital for a week. The farmers retreated in the late afternoon on an assurance from the authorities that their concerns would be addressed soon. The relief for motorists came just before the evening rush hour and tested the persuasion skills of the authorities who managed to convince the representatives of the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and supporters of other farmersa organisations to give them one week to look into their demands. Hundreds of farmers had gathered for a "Dilli Chalo" march to demand guaranteed MSP and press other demands. They agreed to retreat, for now, following talks with officials from Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). While giving the officials one weekas time to accept their demands, the protesting farmers decided to camp at the Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida. The farmers claimed they would march towards Delhi if their demands were not met within a week. Earlier, protestors started arriving at the Maha Maya flyover in Noida, the assembly point for the aDilli Chaloa march, in the morning. Around noon, the members of Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and supporters of other groups broke barricades and attempted to march towards New Delhi. Besides restricting the movement of heavy vehicles on the Yamuna Expressway and the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, Noida Police issued a traffic advisory ahead of the protest. However, many office-goers were caught unawares by the curbs and diversions, causing kilometre-long jams near the DND flyway, Kalindi Kunj and Chilla border points. The protesting farmers are demanding benefits under the new agricultural laws and better land compensation, along with better prices for farm produce, pensions and waiver of debt. Earlier, law enforcers put up cargo containers on roads to block the protesting farmersa path. However, some protesters, wearing red and green caps and holding flags of the communist farm organisation, All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), managed to climb the containers and shout slogans. Delhi Police officials and policemen were also present in large numbers in the city's territory, firmly holding barricades and barriers created on roads to prevent farmersa entry into the national capital. Personnel from the Rapid Action Force also joined Delhi Police in keeping vigil. While the protest march gradually moved towards Delhi, the Supreme Court, in a matter related to farmers protesting in Punjab, cautioned demonstrators against obstructing highways and adding to traffic disruption on Khanauri border in Sangrur district. The apex court reminded the protesting farmers that public inconvenience could not be permitted even if they had the right to peaceful protest. Seoul, Dec 2 : South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged Monday to introduce measures to ease the burden on small merchants from delivery app commission fees, as part of efforts to boost sluggish domestic consumption. Yoon vowed to implement measures during a public policy discussion session to support small merchants by addressing business challenges, such as high delivery fees, no-shows, and malicious online reviews, Yonhap news agency reported. He said the government has allocated a record 59 trillion won ($42 billion) in next year's budget to support small businesses and self-employed individuals to help stimulate domestic demand and consumption. "The government will provide unprecedented support for small merchants and the self-employed, as their difficulties remain unresolved," Yoon said during the debate held in Gongju, about 120 kilometres south of Seoul. Yoon proposed cutting delivery commission fees for micro business owners by over 30 per cent within three years and exempting all traditional markets from all these fees. He also announced plans to introduce measures later this month to reduce the commission rates for mobile gift certificates, currently ranging from 5-15 per cent, and to shorten the lengthy settlement period. In response to the estimated annual loss of 4.5 trillion won due to no-shows, Yoon vowed to introduce a reservation deposit system to alleviate the burden on businesses and establish consumer dispute resolution standards. To address malicious online reviews by customers, around 90 consultation centres will be established to handle such issues promptly, he said. Srinagar, Dec 2 : For the first time since he became the 'Mirwaiz' (Head Priest) after the assassination of his father in 1990, Maulvi Umar Farooq, Chairman of separatist Hurriyat Conference, on Monday lauded the J&K Police. Srinagar, Dec 2 (IANS) For the first time since he became the aMirwaiza (Head Priest) after the assassination of his father in 1990, Maulvi Umar Farooq, Chairman of separatist Hurriyat Conference, on Monday lauded the J&K Police. Delivering a sermon at a mosque here today, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq welcomed the move of police against the assets of drug peddlers. He appreciated the governmentas move to attach properties of drug peddlers in Kashmir as part of its efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the Valley. "It is encouraging to see the administration taking decisive steps. When good measures are taken by the authorities for the welfare of the society, they should be appreciated by all," he said. Mirwaiz Umar laid stress on the need for collective action to improve societal conditions against the growing menace of drug addiction in Kashmir. He called for a united effort to combat this epidemic. "The vast network of mosques across the region could serve as pivotal centres in this fight. Mosque committees can collaborate and implement effective ways to tackle drug addiction in every area." "There is a need to involve community members in tackling the drug menace as they can keep an eye on the suspected people in their respective areas and help in their rehabilitation," he said. The use of drugs has come to be recognised as a major problem troubling the local youth. It is also believed by intelligence agencies that drugs are used by various terror outfits to addict youth so that under the lure of drug intoxication, they can be persuaded to join the terrorist ranks. Police have started an aggressive campaign throughout the UT to specifically target drug smugglers through the attachment of their properties acquired by using the funds generated from the illegal trade. New Delhi, Dec 2 : The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned hearing on the bail plea of former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee in connection with the money laundering case linked to the alleged cash-for-school job scam. A bench, headed by Justice Surya Kant, decided to defer the hearing to review the period of custody undergone by Chatterjee in the ED as well as the CBI case. As per the computerised case status reflected on the apex court website, the matter is tentatively listed for hearing on December 4. In the previous hearing, the Bench, also comprising Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, hinted at granting relief to Chatterjee and expressed concern over the delay in the commencement of the trial. Questioning the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as to how long can Chatterjee be kept behind bars, the Justice Kant-led Bench had asked, aHow long can we keep him behind bars? This is a case where more than 2 years have passed. If ultimately he (Chatterjee) is not convicted, what will happen?" It had also flagged the poor conviction rate in the cases lodged by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). In response, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, appearing for the ED, had highlighted that there were serious corruption charges against the former West Bengal minister as jobs were offered to undeserving candidates after receiving bribes. ASG Raju added that Partha Chatterjee was under the CBI custody in the predicate offence and if released on bail, he will influence the witnesses to retract their statements. On the other hand, senior advocate Mukul Rohtagi, appearing on Chatterjeeas behalf, had contended that the former minister had been under custody for over two years and there was no likelihood of early completion of the trial. Rohtagi, instructed by advocate Misha Rastogi, also raised suspicion on the timing of arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) saying that Chatterjee was arrested after two years of registration of the FIR when his bail petition in the ED case was pending adjudication before the top court. Thereafter, the apex court had asked ASG Raju to apprise it about the period of custody undergone by Chatterjee in the ED as well as the CBI case. The top court, on October 1, had issued notice to the ED and asked the federal anti-money laundering agency to file its reply within two weeks. Earlier, the Calcutta High Court had rejected Chatterjeeas bail plea. After being denied bail in the lower court multiple times, Chatterjee approached the high court, contending that he had no connection with the huge amount of cash recovered from the residence of his close aide Arpita Mukherjee, and should be granted bail. The ED had recovered huge quantities of cash and gold from the twin residences of Mukherjee in July 2022, which the latter had claimed were kept there by Chatterjee. In the course of the investigation, the ED also confiscated some property in the form of land plots or residential houses indirectly or jointly held by the Trinamool Congress leader and his close associates and relatives. Chatterjee was arrested from his residence by the ED in July 2022. Since then, after the initial days of central agency custody, his address had been a cell at Presidency Central Correctional Home in south Kolkata. Two weeks ago, the Calcutta High Court delivered a split verdict on Chatterjeeas bail plea in the corruption case registered against him by the CBI in the same alleged multi-crore cash-for-school job scam. While Justice Arijit Bandopadhyay pronounced in favour of bail for Chatterjee and eight others accused in the case, Justice Apurba Sinha Roy rejected the bail for Chatterjee and four others. However, the bail pleas of four persons were allowed both by Justice Bandopadhyay and Justice Sinha Roy. The division bench ordered the matter to be placed before Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam. Last week, it was announced that a single-judge Bench of Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty will look into the matter, including the bail plea of Chatterjee. New Delhi, Dec 2 : The Delhi Police on Monday said that it has busted a gang of auto-thieves in the Burari area of north Delhi and has arrested five members of the gang, including three minors, leading to the solving of at least 58 cases of vehicle theft. The police launched the operations after several cases of bike and auto thefts were lodged in Burari. It constituted a dedicated team to work on the cases and nab the culprits. The team members started analysing CCTV footage, at least from 250 sources, of all the spots during which 6 persons were found involved in all vehicle thefts and the face of one of them was found clearly captured in the CCTV cameras while stealing the motorcycle of one of the complainants, it said. aThe team members finally reached Khajuri Chowk, Bhajanpura, and activated their informers and shared the photographs of the suspects to the secret sources to find out the clues about the culprits. Finally, the team succeeded in identifying one of the suspects," a police statement, said, adding that he was picked up and questioned and revealed that two other persons who live in Khajuri Khas used to hire them to steal two-wheelers from different areas of Delhi and paid Rs 1,000 per motorcycle. It said, the team members along with a local staff of Loni Border Police Station, reached the warehouse of Md Farooq at 100 Foot Road, near Tyagi Builder, Saraswati Vihar, Loni, Ghaziabad, and found 11 bikes parked there and multiple parts of bikes scattered everywhere. Md Farooq was interrogated and admitted that he had been dealing in stolen vehicles for the past one year, the statement said further. "He had purchased about 300-350 two-wheelers from them in the last 5-6 months. Prior to that, he used to purchase stolen bikes from other auto thieves who had also sold about 200-250 bikes to him. He used to dismantle the bikes in parts at his warehouse and then sell those parts to his customers," police said. Police arrested Md Farooq and all the bikes and parts recovered from his warehouse were taken into the police's possession. Accused persons, namely Md Farooq and Hasan Khan, were taken on remand and during interrogation, nine more two-wheelers were recovered at their instances. Efforts are being made to trace out the remaining co-accused persons and to affect more recovery, the police said. During interrogation from accused Hasan Khan, it was disclosed that he is a drug addict and due to his addiction, he used to steal two-wheelers. He and his friends used to hire minor children to steal two-wheelers from all over Delhi. They used to sell the stolen vehicles to Md Farooq, who is a permanent resident of West Bengal. He has been living in Indirapuri, Loni on rent for the last 8-10 years and is an auto mechanic by profession, the police added. Ahmedabad, Dec 2 : In a bid to achieve its Net Zero goals, Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, on Monday said it has entered into a strategic partnership with Finland-based technology and engineering company Coolbrook. As part of the partnership, Ambuja will implement Coolbrookas proprietary RotoDynamic Heater (RDH) technology to significantly reduce its fossil fuel dependence and carbon emissions. By harnessing renewable electricity for zero carbon high-temperature process heating, Ambuja Cements will significantly reduce its fossil fuel dependence. "Our strategic partnership with Coolbrook is exciting as it is a testament to our commitment to Net Zero targets. This move further strengthens our industry leadership in sustainability. We continuously seek out innovations which drive efficiency and decarbonisation across our cement manufacturing value chain," Adani Group Cement Business CEO Ajay Kapur said. "Leveraging our Adani Groupas green power generation capabilities, we will be able to reduce fossil fuel dependence, costs, and emissions, ultimately delivering the best value for our stakeholders," Kapur added. The RDH technology utilises mechanical energy to generate high temperatures using green power at highly competitive rates. The process can replace/minimise fossil fuels used for reaching high temperatures in cement kiln precalciner, crucial for cement manufacturing and multiple other applications. "Ambuja Cementsa strong commitment to sustainability and leadership position in renewable energy makes them an ideal partner for us to expand our offerings and drive the global energy transition," Coolbrook CEO Joonas Rauramo said. Being a carbon-free process, it can significantly reduce emissions from the use of conventional fuels in a cement plant. This technology further advances Ambuja Cementsa industry leadership in driving decarbonisation across its cement manufacturing process. This will complement Ambuja Cements' target of improving AFR to 28 per cent and achieving green power of 60 per cent by 2028, said the company. Ambuja Cements, with its subsidiaries, has taken the Adani Groupas cement capacity to 89 MTPA with 22 integrated cement manufacturing plants and 21 cement grinding units across the country. Kolkata, Dec 2 : West Bengal Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday for seeking to send UN peace-keeping forces to Bangladesh, saying that Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh and Mamata Banerjee in Bengal are the same. "The Chief Minister has placed a proposal on the floor of the Assembly seeking to send peace-keeping forces to Bangladesh. What was 'her' police in the state doing when the 'jihadis' were 'obstructing' Hindu religious festivals across the state? Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh and Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal are the same," said the LoP while addressing a rally at the Benapole-Petrapole Indo-Bangladesh border in North 24 Parganas district as a protest against the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh as well as the arrest of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) monks by Bangladesh Police last week. Reacting to Adhikari's comparison between Yunus and Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh said that the LoP is making baseless allegations. "Instead of protesting at the Benapole-Petrapole border, the state BJP leaders should go to New Delhi and urge the Union government to intervene in Bangladesh. The West Bengal government cannot interfere in the external affairs of the other countries," Ghosh said. Ghosh added that the silence of the Union government on the Bangladesh issue seems suspicious of whether it is a plot of the BJP to provoke the Hindus in West Bengal and exploit the developments in Bangladesh. Earlier, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sought the intervention of the United Nations (UN) in the ongoing crisis in neighbouring Bangladesh, saying that the Union government should consider peace-keeping forces in Bangladesh following the UN intervention On Monday, the protesting workers blocked the movement of cross-border goods vehicles at the Benapole-Petrapole border for 24 hours. The LoP claimed if normalcy is not restored and the attacks on minority Hindus are not stopped in Bangladesh, then the goods traffic movement will be blocked for five consecutive days next week. New Delhi, Dec 2 : The Ministry of Ayush has witnessed a transformative journey over the last decade, with the Ayush market growing exponentially -- from $2.85 billion in 2014 to $43.4 billion in 2023, said Union Minister Shripad Yesso Naik on Monday. With exports doubling from $1.09 billion to $2.16 billion, he noted that the country has positioned itself as a global leader in traditional medicine. Since its inception in 2014, the Ayush Ministry has driven significant advancements in public health, education, research, and economic development, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Naik outlined the significant strides made in the Ayush sector by highlighting the Ministry's efforts in integrating traditional Indian medicine into mainstream healthcare. The Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power also lauded the Ministry for expanding Ayush infrastructure in the country. He stated that with the Ministry's efforts, the country now has more than 755,780 registered Ayush practitioners, 886 undergraduate and 251 postgraduate colleges with an annual intake of 59,643 UG students and 7,450 PG students. About 3,844 Ayush hospitals and 36,848 dispensaries have also been set up, while over 43,000 studies are hosted on the Ayush Research Portal, emphasising evidence-based healthcare. The Ministry has also led digital transformation through initiatives like Ayush Grid, e-Sanjeevani telemedicine, and AI integration for improved healthcare delivery. Ayush Telemedicine has brought quality healthcare to remote regions, Naik stated. "The global presence of Ayush significantly strengthened through strategic collaborations and initiatives," he added. The Ministry has initiated 24 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) at the country-to-country level, and 48 institute-to-institute level MoUs fostering collaborative research. Ayush Information Cells are currently operational in 39 locations across 35 countries They serve as vital hubs for disseminating knowledge and building global awareness, Naik said. The Ministry has also collaborated with over 103 countries to promote Ayush systems, and established the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar which led to the recognition of traditional medicine in ICD-11 in 2024, Naik said. Ayodhya, Dec 2 : The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is gearing up to commemorate the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha (sanctification) of the Ram Lala idol, held on January 22 this year. The historic event was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, alongside other dignitaries. In a statement issued on Monday, the trust announced plans to ceremonially mark the occasion as "Pratishtha Dwadashi." "The Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla Sarkar in the Mandir is now near its first anniversary. The trust has prepared a plan to ceremonially celebrate the day as Pratishtha Dwadashi," a statement of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra said on Monday. The trust also provided updates on the progress of the temple construction, stating that the remaining work on the complex has gained significant momentum. The remaining construction work of the mandir complex has gained significant momentum. Among the mandirs being constructed within the precincts -- Shiv Mandir, Surya Mandir, Durga Mata Mandir, Ganpati Mandir, Annapurna Mandir, and Hanuman Mandir -- some have taken clear shape, while the construction of others is progressing rapidly." "The construction work of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir's shikhar is also reaching completion. The progress of the construction has become increasingly evident," the statement said further. The Pran Pratishtha ceremony held earlier this year was a landmark event, attended by over 7,000 guests. Representatives from major spiritual and religious sects, tribal communities, prominent personalities, and leading industrialists joined the celebrations. The event showcased India's rich diversity and unity. During his address at the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi described the event as a "historic moment," symbolising the nation's journey from overcoming a "complicated past" to embracing a bright future. He also emphasised the significance of the temple as a unifying force for the country. The Ram Mandir's construction follows a decades-long legal and socio-political struggle. In November 2019, the Supreme Court's five-judge bench delivered a landmark judgment, granting the disputed land to a trust for the temple's construction. The foundation stone for the temple was laid by Prime Minister Modi on August 5, 2020, marking a crucial step in the realisation of the centuries-old aspiration. Srinagar, Dec 2 : J&K Police on Monday attached a property worth Rs 5 crore under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in Anantnag district. Police said that a double-storeyed Residential property under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) was attached today in Anantnag district. "The property, registered in the name of Firdous Ahmad Bhat, resident of Hugam Lonepora, Srigufwara, spans 1 kanal and 10 marlas (Survey No. 5419/561 Min) and is valued at approximately Rs 5 crores. The attachment is linked to Case FIR No. 57/2024 of Police Station Mattan and was executed in the presence of a duly constituted Police team and the Executive Magistrate, ensuring full compliance with legal protocols," an official said. He added that this action represents a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation into unlawful and subversive activities in the region. "It highlights the firm commitment of Anantnag Police to neutralise threats to national security and maintain peace and order," he said. Meanwhile, police today seized a truck and arrested the driver whose possession of 211 Kg of poppy straw was recovered during checking in the Udhampur district. Police also attached the residential house of a drug peddler in the Sogam area of Kupwara district today. On Sunday, ten drug peddlers were arrested by police in Srinagar district. Intelligence agencies say that the drugs are mostly smuggled into the J&K from across the line of control (LoC) and the international border (IB). The funds so generated are used for aiding and assisting terrorism. It is also believed that once youth are addicted to the use of these substances, they become easy pawns in the hands of terrorists and the handlers of terror operating from across the border. Police have also been attaching the properties of drug peddlers and smugglers as it is believed that such properties are acquired by the involved persons from the proceeds of illicit trade in drugs. New Delhi, Dec 2 : India is a rising economic power and a gateway for investments, the global leaders said on Monday. Global leaders participated in the inaugural session of the CII Partnership Summit 2024 in the national capital. Trade Ministers from Italy, Israel, Bhutan, Bahrain, Algeria, Nepal, Senegal, South Africa, Myanmar, Qatar and the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia are partner countries at the Summit. Speaking to IANS, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Royal Government of Bhutan, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji says: "India is a rising economic power. There are a lot of foreign investment companies thriving in India and who are more interested in the region. So we are here to connect that network reach out because Bhutan is increasing focus on foreign direct investments (FDI) in renewable energy, IT enabled services and hospitalities." Serigne Gueye Diop, Minister of Commerce and Trade, Republic of Senegal, says: "India was one of the leaders in economic investment last year, both globally and in Senegal, my country, and in Africa. That's why we believe that India is now a gateway for African investment. At the same time, it is a very strong partner in technology, IT, and artificial intelligence." He added that in Senegal, more than 100 companies investing in India today. "We believe that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there is much more to come in terms of collaborative investment, both in the economy and in technology," he added. Myanmar Deputy Minister of Commerce, U Min Min says: "As Myanmar is a neighboring country of India, we have long-standing diplomatic and historical ties. Today, we have the opportunity to meet not only with regional countries but also with countries from all over the world. This gives us a chance to discuss trade, investments, and technologies across various sectors, where we can exchange views and experiences." Earlier, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India offers a trusted hand of friendship and partnership to countries of the Global South. Sharing the common themes mentioned at the session, he pointed out that stability, space, satellite and sustainability were most spoken of by the officials in attendance and emphasised that the world today needs these discussions. Speaking about strengthening the economies of the partner countries, the Minister underlined the need for liquidity to ensure financial stability to fund the future. Elaborating further, the Minister noted that liquidity coupled with lifestyles needs deeper reflection. New Delhi, Dec 2 : Amidst a vibrant reading session, author Amrita Tripathi unveiled her latest novel, 'The Other Sister' here on Monday. The book delves into the lives of a group of friends navigating post-pandemic Delhi. New Delhi, Dec 2 (IANS) Amidst a vibrant reading session, author Amrita Tripathi unveiled her latest novel, aThe Other Sistera here on Monday. The book delves into the lives of a group of friends navigating post-pandemic Delhi. Tripathi told IANS that her book focuses on social media, especially the millennial generation and the contours of our relationships in this world in which we are so well-connected and yet isolated. Interacting with readers at Kunzum Books at M-Block market in Greater Kailash here, Tripathi said the story captures the trauma of people who are unable to communicate, adding that it deals with issues like faith, relationships and stress. The author said it took her nine years to come out with her third novel which will be launched mid-month and also feature in the upcoming Bangalore and Jaipur lit fests. According to the publisher, aThe Other Sistera weaves a complex web, with a fair share of drama featuring an absent mother, a rotating cast of friends and lovers, an attentive but distant brother, and Akira, who defies description. It is a haunting exploration of young lives in disarray; a social media generation thatas hyper-connected yet somehow still isolated and misunderstood. The book features Maya as an urban millennial with a very full life. So it comes as a shock to her friends when she goes offline and ghosts them all of a sudden. As their enquiry into her absence gets increasingly frantic, Maya herself oscillates between fear and honesty, therapy and godmen, superstition and nostalgia. Crushed by generational trauma and long-hidden secrets, she chases faith and love in the most hopeless places, knowing that the only way out is through. Amrita Tripathi is an Indian author and podcaster. She is the founder-editor of The Health Collective, which focuses on mental health and storytelling, and founder of Tap in Tribe, a network empowering women in leadership. Tripathi has twenty years of work experience in the mediaa"she has been a news anchor and journalist, as well as the former head of content partnerships for Twitter India. She hosts the podcast #SayAgain, talking to leaders and change-makers about their own journeys, as well as what makes them tick. The author of two previous novels, Amrita has also co-authored the Mindscape series of books on mental health as well as a book on Indiaas suicide crisis. Goma, Dec 2 : At least nine people were killed in an incursion involving Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels overnight Sunday in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to military sources reached by Xinhua. The rebels attacked PK20, a village on the Mbau-Kamango road, in Beni, eastern North Kivu province, the epicenter of hostilities between the military and many armed groups, said the sources, who requested anonymity. Several villagers were kidnapped and remain missing. Katuho Kinos, a local civil society leader, said at least 14 people were killed, a toll that is likely to rise as search operations continue. "There are several houses burned," he told local media outlets. "For now, this is a provisional assessment." The ADF, founded in the 1990s by several opposition movements in Uganda, was defeated by the Ugandan army, but its members have remained active in the eastern DRC. The ADF declared its affiliation with the Islamic State in 2017. Since late 2021, the Ugandan and DRC militaries have launched joint operations against ADF rebels in the eastern DRC, Xinhua news agency reported. The DRC army's fight against the ADF started in 2016, when government troops went deep into the forest of the Beni territory to hunt down ADF rebels, who have also been targeted by a special brigade consisting of Tanzanian, Malawian, and South African peacekeepers. In 2017, at least 15 Tanzanian peacekeepers were killed in an ADF attack on their base in Beni. Patna, Dec 2 : Union Minister of Food Processing, Chirag Paswan, highlighted the immense potential of the food processing sector in Bihar during the Food Processing Investor's Meet 2024 held in Patna on Monday. Paswan emphasised the collaborative efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in fostering growth in this sector, aiming to benefit farmers and bolster Bihar's economy. Paswan identified "infinite possibilities" in the food processing industry, urging stakeholders to envision India as a "world food basket." He underscored the importance of taking Indian food products and brands to international markets, emphasising the pride and identity it would bring to the country. He said that the event aligns with the government's goal of doubling farmers' income, a vision championed by PM Modi, adding that the need to connect Bihar's agricultural base with food processing, ensuring farmers directly benefit from advancements in this sector. "Nitish Kumar is committed to provide investor-friendly facilities in Bihar. The events like the investor meets are designed to attract investments that enhance the value chain from farms to markets," he said. He added that as an agriculturally rich state, Bihar has the potential to emerge as a leader in the food processing sector. Paswan also encouraged farmers and entrepreneurs to seize opportunities to modernise agricultural practices and integrate them with processing technologies. He said that the focus on food processing in Bihar represents a strategic effort to leverage the state's agricultural strengths. "By creating infrastructure and policy support for investors, Bihar aims to boost employment in rural areas, create value-added products for domestic and international markets and enhance farmers' profitability through better access to processing and export channels," the minister said. Union Minister Chirag Paswan articulated a vision for Bihar's development in alignment with India's broader aspirations for 2047. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a goal of transforming India into a developed country by the 100th anniversary of independence in 2047 and it required the comprehensive development of all Indian states, including Bihar," he said. He said that the Central government, under PM Modi's leadership, is focused on bridging the divide between rural and urban areas to ensure balanced progress. "This approach aims to uplift villages and connect them with the growth trajectory of urban centres," he said. He said that the investments in the food processing sector can serve as a catalyst for industrialisation, creating a ripple effect on other industries and improving Bihar's economic landscape. "Such initiatives are expected to generate employment opportunities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas and enhanced focus on food processing ensures better prices for agricultural produce," Paswan said. Kolkata, Dec 2 : Potato traders in West Bengal have decided to stick to their stand on going for an indefinite strike from Monday night after a meeting with state Agriculture Minister Becharam Manna earlier in the day failed to resolve their grievances According to the West Bengal Progressive Potato Tradersa Association, which has called the strike, they have decided to carry forward with their planned stir since the minister failed to give assurances on when the state government will relax the curbs on sending the vegetable to other states. However, till the time the report was filed, there was no indication from the state government on when the restrictions will be lifted. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, addressing the Assembly, clearly said that her government will not allow the export of potatoes and onions to other states before meeting the internal demands. Following the decision of the traders to continue with their strike, apprehension is there that the price of this staple vegetable in West Bengal might skyrocket further in the coming days. Already the prices of two popular varieties of potatoes, namely 'Jyoti' and 'Chandramukhi', are substantially high in the retail markets with the prices ranging between Rs 35 and Rs 42 a kg. This is the second time within little over three months that the potato traders in the state, under the auspices of the Progressive Potato Tradersa Association, have called for a strike. The last time they called for a strike was in August. An association office bearer pointed out that currently around 6.5 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes are there at the cold storages in the state, which is much higher than the internal requirement of 3 lakh metric tonnes in December. Hence, he added, in such a situation the restriction on export of potatoes to other states is totally irrational. Tehran, Dec 2 : The Iranian security and intelligence forces have killed four and arrested three members of a "separatist terrorist team" in an operation in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Monday. In the operation, the forces of the provincial intelligence department and police and the Quds Base of the Ground Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps killed four armed members of the group, Tasnim quoted Mehdi Shamsabadi, public prosecutor of the provincial capital of Zahedan, as saying, without specifying the date of the operation. He said that the ringleader of the "terrorist team and two of his accomplices" were arrested, stressing that the "terrorist" team received the blows before being able to carry out any anti-security operation, Xinhua news agency reported. Shamsabadi added that some ammunition and weapons were seized during the operation, noting that the group was created with the "all-out support of certain European states' intelligence services" to undermine security in southeastern Iran. Bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, Sistan and Baluchestan province has witnessed several "terrorist" attacks on both civilians and security forces in recent years. Patna, Dec 2 : Purnea Police in Bihar arrested Rambabu Yadav for allegedly threatening independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, alias Pappu Yadav on Monday. Pappu Yadav, a prominent figure in Bihar politics, has been vocal about receiving multiple life threats, reportedly from individuals claiming association with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The accused, Rambabu Yadav, a resident of Dumaria village in Bhojpur district, had allegedly made a video call threatening Pappu Yadav, demanding an apology to Lawrence Bishnoi. Purnea Police tracked his location and apprehended him from his native place in Bhojpur. Further investigation is underway. Over the past two months, Yadav claims to have received over 20 threats, many purportedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The threats included ominous death warnings via WhatsApp messages, including one from a Pakistani number that mentioned "final preparations" and a direct warning to "enjoy your last day." Purnea Police have intensively questioned Rambabu Yadav to understand the motive and verify links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, led by notorious criminal Lawrence Bishnoi, is known for its involvement in high-profile crimes, including extortion and murder. The gang's alleged threats against political figures reflect a dangerous trend of organised crime influencing public figures. In light of the threats to his life, a close friend recently gifted Yadav a bulletproof car to enhance his security. The threats seem to stem from his outspoken nature and his bold stance against organized crime, particularly on the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Yadav had previously posted on social media, expressing his determination to dismantle the Lawrence Bishnoi gangas network within 24 hours if permitted by law. This statement appears to have made him a target for retaliation. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, known for its involvement in high-profile crimes, recently took responsibility for the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui in Mumbai. Srinagar, Dec 2 : Asia's first water transport service, "Uber Shikara", is now available in J&K's picturesque Dal Lake. Srinagar, Dec 2 (IANS) Asia's first water transport service, "Uber Shikara", is now available in J&Kas picturesque Dal Lake. Uber rolled out Asiaas first water transport service with shikara bookings on its app. Tourists visiting the Dal Lake will now enjoy a hassle-free travel experience with the launch of Uber's first water transport service 'Uber Shikara'. This innovative initiative aims to combine technology with tradition allowing travellers to pre-book shikara rides through the popular ride-hailing app. The service was launched by Uber India and South Asia President Prabhjeet Singh, who booked the inaugural shikara ride via the app. "Uber Shikara is our humble attempt to blend technology and tradition, enhancing accessibility and uplifting tourism in the breathtaking landscape of Kashmir," he said. Uber Shikara marks a significant milestone for the company as it is the first water transport offering in Asia after similar services in select European countries like Italy (Venice). Uber has partnered with seven local shikara owners with plans to expand the fleet based on user demand. Rides will be available at government-regulated rates, ensuring fair pricing for tourists. The seven shikaras are stationed at Nehru Park, an island park located in the heart of Dal Lake. Importantly, Uber will not charge any fees from its shikara partners ensuring that the full fare goes directly to the boat operators. Uber's Director of Communications Ruchika Tomar said: "Anyone who comes to Srinagar must experience a shikara ride, which is a timeless activity on every traveller's bucket list. Our service brings together the magic of technology and Kashmir's traditional charm, providing a seamless experience for travellers." Each Uber Shikara ride can accommodate up to four passengers and is available for one-hour bookings daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rides can be scheduled from 12 hours up to 15 days in advance. Uber has previously established its presence in Srinagar with cab services, and now with the introduction of Uber Shikara, it aims to revolutionise the way tourists experience the boat ride inside the Dal Lake. New Delhi, Dec 2 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday asserted that more than 80 per cent of households in Assam are provided with tap water connection under the Har Ghar Jal initiative of the Central government. Sarma met Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil at his office chamber at Shram Shakti Bhawan in the national capital today. The Chief Minister apprised Union Minister Patil about the significant strides made by the state in implementing the Prime Minister's vision of Har Ghar Jal with more than 80 per cent tap water connections. Discussing the roadmap ahead for the scheme, the Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to assist the state to take the Har Ghar Jal initiative further and to ensure its saturation. The Union Minister assured the Chief Minister that his Ministry would fully assist Assam in achieving saturation point under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, Chief Secretary, Assam, Ravi Kota and senior officials from the Ministry of Jal Shakti were present during the discussions. Har Ghar Jal (water to every household) is a scheme initiated by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India under the Jal Jeevan Mission in 2019 with the aim to provide 55 litres of tap water to every rural household per capita per day regularly on a long term basis by 2024. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on X, "Assam is vigorously implementing Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of Har Ghar Jal and we have so far achieved over 80 per cent of our tap water connection target." "To take the Jal Jeevan initiative further & ensure its saturation in the State, I held a meeting with Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @CRPaatil ji today and discussed the roadmap ahead for the project," he added. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Chief Minister held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed various development issues with him. Gadchiroli : , Dec 2 (IANS) A dreaded and 'most wanted' woman Maoist with a reward of Rs 2 lakh on her head, has laid down arms before the Gadchiroli Police, a top official said here on Monday. She has been identified as Jyoti Dassa Kulmethe, alias Tara, 28, who turned a rebel at the age of 20, joining the Aheri Dalam as a member, and surrendered during the ongoing 'Naxal Week' in the district. Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Neelotpal said that Kulmethe was involved in three murders, eight encounters with the security forces, plus another crime of dacoity, with cases lodged against her in different police stations. Talking about her criminal career, Neelotpal said that she had thrown her lot with the Reds in 2016 and was a member of the Aheri Dalam, and later transferred to the Bhamragad Dalam where she functioned till date. She participated in the brutal murders that were reported in Mauja-Kothi (2021), Mildapalli (2013) and Tadgaon (2024) areas in the Maoist-infested district. Kulmethe was directly involved in eight police encounters with security forces in the past eight years that took place in Kavatharam (2016), Sheda-Kishtapur and Asha-Nainer (2017), Moremetta (2019), Aldandi and Yerdalmi (2020), Kakurmad in Chhattisgarh (2021), at Hikekar forests (2024), and finally a dacoity in Kapevancha-Rajaram (2022). In view of her bloody record, the state government had announced a bounty of RS Two Lakhs a few years ago, but post-surrender she will be entitled to a rehabilitation and reward of Rs 4.5 lakhs, plus other benefits. Besides Neelotpal, other officers from the Maharashtra Police and CRPF involved in planning and implementing the surrender included Sandip Patil, Ajaykumar Sharma, Shambhu Kuma, Sumit Verma, said an official. Neelotpal said that with Kulmethe's return to the social mainstream, a total of 31 most wanted and vile extremists, including several women, have surrendered to the security forces in the past two years. Kohima/Gangtok, Dec 2 : Sikkim Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia, met his Nagaland counterpart Temjen Imna Along at the Tourist Information Centre, Kisama in Kohima on Monday on the sideline of Hornbill festival, officials said. The Tourism Ministers of the two northeastern states discussed avenues for collaboration between Sikkim and Nagaland in promoting sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, and enhancing inter-state tourism initiatives. "The importance of fostering partnerships to leverage the unique cultural and natural assets of their respective states were highlighted by both the Ministers," a senior government official said. Earlier, Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia visited the kiosk set up by the Sikkim government's Tourism department at the ongoing Hornbill Festival 2024. "During his interaction with the team, he commended their efforts in showcasing Sikkim's tourism potential on such a prestigious platform and extended his best wishes for their continued success," an official statement mentioned. Showcasing the traditional and diverse culture, customs and vibrant life of Nagaland, the 10-day-long 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival began at the picturesque Naga heritage village Kisama on Sunday evening. With the beating of Naga gongs, the sounding of log drums, and the traditional war cry, the annual Hornbill Festival, named after the colourful forest bird, commenced coinciding with the 62nd Nagaland Statehood Day celebrations. The 25th edition of the festival will showcase a collaborative cultural experience with Japan, the USA, the United Kingdom (Wales), Peru and Bulgaria as country partners while Sikkim and Telangana will be the partner states. Padma Bhushan, Grammy, and Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman and envoys of many countries were also present in the inaugural ceremony. "It has become a festival where we not only enjoy and curate our unique culture and traditions, our way of life, food, art and crafts, but also it has become a focal point for the networking of people," Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along said. Organised by Nagaland's Tourism and Art and Culture department, the Hornbill Festival displays the northeastern state's deep-rooted traditions and its rich cultural heritage in all its ethnicity, diversity and grandeur. The festival is also a tribute to the great Hornbill, a bird revered by the Naga people for its alertness and grandeur. For the thousands of foreign and domestic tourists and guests, it is an opportunity to get a comprehensive understanding of the Naga people, their land and their rich culture. Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio were the chief hosts of the festival. Jaipur, Dec 2 : Rajya Sabha MP Madan Rathore said on Monday that the government is planning to introduce AC trucks in the state for the ease of drivers who are the backbone of the country's economy. Speaking about initiatives taken by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Rathore said that plans have been made to introduce air-conditioned (AC) cabins in N-2 and N-3 category trucks manufactured after June 2025. He added that additionally, work is underway to upgrade National Highway 8, connecting Jaipur to Ajmer, into an eight-lane road. In response to Rathoreas query in the Rajya Sabha, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari detailed the measures aimed at improving driver efficiency and reducing fatigue. Rathore highlighted that the AC kits, compliant with Indian Standards (IS), will be provided by chassis manufacturers for installation. This initiative aims to improve driver comfort, particularly during long-haul journeys in extreme temperatures of up to 44a"47AC, enhancing efficiency and road safety. "Truck drivers are integral to the nationas supply chain and road safety. Providing them with a comfortable environment will mitigate fatigue and boost productivity," Rathore emphasised. To address the rising traffic volume on NH 8, which links Jaipur, Kishangarh, Ajmer, and Beawar, Rathore announced plans to widen the Jaipur-Kishangarh stretch to eight lanes. The Ministry has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this upgrade, with work to proceed based on its findings, fund availability, and priority. Currently, the NH 48 segments from Jaipur to Kishangarh and Kishangarh-Ajmer-Beawar are six lanes. The expansion aims to ensure smoother transit and reduce congestion on this critical route connecting Rajasthanas capital with other major cities. These measures reflect the governmentas commitment to enhancing infrastructure and the well-being of transport workers, fostering both economic growth and safer roadways, said Rathore. Imphal, Dec 2 : Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Monday said that police during a recent drive detected 29 persons flouting Inner Line Permit (ILP) guidelines who have been deported and sent to their home states. The Chief Minister said that on November 30, a police team conducted an ILP checking drive in the Mayang Imphal Bengoon area and during the drive, 29 individuals who were working in a bakery were detected with the Labour category of ILP. Verification through the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West district was found to have been issued not in compliance with the Manipur ILP guidelines, 2019, he said. Singh said that those Labour Category ILPs were cancelled and the apprehended 29 individuals have been deported and sent to their respective home states. The Home Department has issued instructions to the District Administration concerned and the Deputy Labour Commissioner to conduct a detailed inquiry into such lapses and initiate stern action against the involved government officials. The Chief Minister said that the state government has constituted a committee at the state level to review the overall implementation of ILP in the state with the Commissioner (Home) as Chairman and representatives of UIDAI, Chief Electoral Officer, Land Resource Department, DCs and Senior Superintendent of Police of districts are members. Direction has been issued to submit the committeeas report within 15 days, he said. In view of the unrest in Bangladesh, all the northeastern states including Manipur, have further strengthened their vigil and drive against the infiltrators. The ILP under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 is an official travel document that allows an Indian citizen to visit the ILP-enforced state and areas for a limited period and with a specific purpose. The ILP, which aims to protect the identity and existence of the Indigenous people, has been in force in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur. Obtaining the ILP is mandatory for anyone, both Indian citizen and foreigner, who is not an indigenous inhabitant of these northeastern states, to obtain the permit to enter these states for a specified period. Agitations are being held on and off to promulgate the ILP in Meghalaya. Following the political crisis in neighbouring Bangladesh, various tribal bodies, and civil society organisations in some northeastern states are demanding enforcement of the ILP very strictly to prevent the influx of illegal immigrants into the northeastern states. New Delhi, Dec 2 : A total of 6,654 property owners have taken part in 10 special camps organised by the Delhi Development Authority over the past two days in unauthorised colonies, Delhi Lt Governor V.K. Saxena said on Monday. In a social media message in Hindi, the L-G said in the single window camp on Pradhan Mantri-Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY) scheme 1,028 applications were received for ownership rights. A total of 710 old applications were cleared of deficiencies, 275 applications were approved and 231 Conveyance deeds and authorisation slips were executed in various unauthorised colonies. "These figures are encouraging. I request my sisters and brothers living in unauthorised colonies of Delhi to participate enthusiastically in the upcoming camps and join the campaign of the Prime Minister to provide ownership rights in all the unauthorised colonies of Delhi," he wrote. On Sunday, the L-G visited the camp site at Shyam Vihar, Najafgarh, and interacted with the beneficiaries regarding their satisfaction about the various services offered in the camp. On this occasion, Saxena also distributed certificates of ownership to 40 beneficiaries. He also directed DDA to clear all pending 62,000 applications expeditiously while also disposing of the fresh applications in a mission mode so as to benefit the maximum number of people. On the instructions of the L-G, the DDA started the camp for the people residing in the unauthorised colonies of Delhi. The camps will be held every Saturday and Sunday from November 30 to December 29 in the 10 processing centres located in these unauthorised colonies. Saxena said that the PM-UDAY Scheme was launched in Delhi with the Prime Minister's commitment to provide ownership rights to people in unauthorised colonies and these camps would significantly help in disposing of the applications that are pending for the last few years. On the occasion, MP West Delhi Kamaljeet was Sehrawat in Najafgarh and MP New Delhi Bansuri Swaraj was present at the camp site of Khirki Extension, Malviya Nagar. Some of the services that are offered in these camps include matters related to issue of conveyance deed and authorisation slip, GIS Survey, new registration and assistance regarding bond and notarization. These camps are located in Burari, Najafgarh, Aya Nagar Ext, Karawal Nagar, Budh Vihar Colony, Nangloi, Khirki Extension, Malviya Nagar and New Ashok Nagar. The details of the camps are available on DDA's website www.dda.gov.in. Chennai, Dec 2 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a release of Rs 2000 crore from the National Disaster Relief Funds (NDRF) as an interim relief for the rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts following massive devastation by Cyclone Fengal. In his letter to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister highlighted that the torrential rains, coupled with heavy winds, wreaked havoc across various districts in Tamil Nadu. The Chief Minister pointed out that the calamity resulted in the loss of 12 lives, inundation of 2,11,139 hectares of agricultural and horticultural land, destruction of 1,649 kilometres of electric conductors, 23,664 electric poles, and 997 transformers. Cyclone Fengal has also damaged 9,576 kilometres of roads, 1,847 culverts, and 417 tanks, besides causing extensive damage to infrastructure, houses, and huts. "The deluge has caused extensive disruptions, inundating vast areas, displacing populations, and severely impacting infrastructure and livelihoods. A total of 69 lakh families and 1.5 crore individuals have been adversely affected by this calamity," the Chief Minister said. He further added that the districts of Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Kallakurichi, in particular, received rainfall equivalent to an entire season's average more than 50 cm in a single day, resulting in widespread flooding and severe damage to infrastructure and crops. After detailing the steps taken by the State government to mitigate the aftermath of the calamity, Stalin said the initial assessment by the State estimates that Rs 2,475 crore is required for temporary restoration efforts. "Despite our best efforts, the scale of this disaster has overwhelmed the State's resources, and we urgently need financial assistance to manage the fallout of this natural disaster. Given the magnitude of destruction and the urgent need for restoration, I humbly request the immediate release of an interim relief amounting to Rs2,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund," the Chief Minister said. He further said that this assistance would significantly aid emergency restoration and rehabilitation efforts. The Chief Minister also urged the Prime Minister to depute a central team at the earliest to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the damages. Stalin has also requested the Centre to extend further financial assistance to address the unprecedented adverse impact on infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods in the affected districts. Itanagar, Dec 2 : Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday said that hydropower is one of the most effective sources of revenue generation as the state alone holds 50 per cent of India's total hydropower generation capacity. Addressing an official function, the Chief Minister said that if the proposed power projects with a total generation capacity of 35,000 MW are monetised in terms of revenue gained by the state in the next 10 years, it would be an astounding Rs 10,000 crore per year. Khandu informed that the central government has agreed to give 26 per cent equity share from each project to the state besides the existing quota of 12 per cent free power. While mentioning the increasing revenue collection in the state exchequer, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state's revenue generation is slated for a massive upward trend in the coming years. "The more revenue we generate, the more we can uplift the living conditions of our people," he observed. Five hydropower projects with a total generation capacity of 2,626 MW are now in the pipeline in the Shi-Yomi district, which would greatly benefit the northeastern region. To execute the power projects, MoUs have been signed earlier with reputed Central government agencies that include National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVN). Praising the people of Aalo in West Siang district, for reposing faith in BJP, Khandu announced the sanctioning of the much-needed road connecting Jirdin and Eyi via Bumri in West Siang, a promise he had made before the elections. He also assured to develop the tourism site along the Yomgo River in Aalo township and sought a proper plan and design. Earlier, Khandu inaugurated the newly constructed Multipurpose Hall and a walkway along the banks of the Yomgo River. On Sunday, the Chief Minister visited Silluk Village, the cleanest village of Arunachal Pradesh in the Mebo Sub-Division of East Siang district. The village has earned the Chief Minister's Award for Cleanest Village consecutively for three terms. In a public meeting at Silluk village, the Chief Minister assured to expedite the process of flood protection proposal and equipping the Mebo CHC with doctors and manpower. At Pasighat, Khandu inspected the under-construction Smart Guest House, the Smart Market Upgradation project and the Smart Recreation Centre being developed under the Smart City Mission. Guwahati, Dec 2 : In the Sribhumi district of Assam, at least 500 traders have announced that they will no longer be importing or exporting to Bangladesh due to the rising violence against minorities and disrespect for the Tricolor in the neighbouring country. On Monday, the traders assembled at a river port close to Sribhumi town, where some of them set fire to Bangladeshi goods that had previously been shipped here. The Karimganj District Export-Import Coordination Committee's Amaresh Roy stated that they oppose violence against Bangladesh's religious minorities, including Christians and Hindus. He said: "They continuously disparage India without cause, but most recently, we witnessed an insult to our national flag there; this is intolerable. The nation comes first for us, and we do not wish to carry on doing business with that kind of nation." According to Roy, the Sribhumi district is home to several trade unions, and the coordination committee serves as a forum for them all. "We have jointly taken the decision and the trade will be discontinued until the normalcy returns in Bangladesh," he stated. There are 13 land ports and four water ports in northeastern India, including Bangladesh and Sribhumi. The busiest land ports are Sutarkandi in Sribhumi, Dawki in Meghalaya, and Akhaura in Tripura. Coal, stone, limestone, ginger, onion, rice, dry chilli, and fruits are the main exports from the northeast. Wooden furniture, plastics, cement, GI sheets, waste cotton, iron rods, fish, pickles, soft drinks, biscuits, and a few other food items are also being imported to Bangladesh. Roy claimed that following the onset of the widespread violence in Bangladesh on August 5, commerce was suspended for about two months. "The majority of traders in Bangladesh were hiding for political reasons, and the country's major banks refused to provide Letters of Credit (LC). However, the trade began in October," he added. Large-scale demonstrations against violence against Hindus in Bangladesh were held in the Barak Valley region of Assam, which is made up of the districts of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi. Following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das of Iskcon last week, the protest grew more intense. Joining the traders, local MLA from the Sribhumi district Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha declared that they would not permit any trade with Bangladesh until the attacks on Hindu minorities ceased. In a letter to the District Commissioner of Sribhumi, Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi, he wrote, "As the sentiment of the people of Sribhumi District is on high regarding the arrest of Chinmoykrishna Das & due to targeting the Hindu religious minority community. I hereby request you to stop the export & import with Bangladesh via the Sutarkandi Border and Sribhumi Steamerghat through the riverine route till the situation normalises in Bangladesh." However, Dwivedi underlined that the government has not issued an order to halt commerce with Bangladesh and that they will not interfere until such orders are issued. "These transactions take place between private parties, and independent businessmen are free to choose who they want and do not wish to do business with. We have no say in the matter. There is not an official embargo on imports; all I can say is that no order from the appropriate authorities has been issued," he mentioned. Agartala/Guwahati, Dec 2 : Security of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission (AHC) offices in Guwahati and Agartala further strengthened in view of the protests against atrocities on the minority Hindu community in the neighbouring country, officials said on Monday. A senior police officer in Agartala said that Director General of Police (Intelligence) Anurag and Deputy Inspector General (Intelligence and Southern Range) Krishnendu Chakraborty on Monday afternoon visited the AHC office in Agartala and spoke to the officials of the Bangladesh mission. The official said that the DG (Intelligence) and the DIG (Intelligence) assured the AHC officials that foolproof security would be provided to the mission. Numbers of security personnel of Tripura Police have been increased in and around the AHC office on the outskirts of Agartala city, the official said. A senior official in Guwahati said that the security in the AHC office there also increased. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement in Delhi said that security have been stepped up for the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi and its Deputy and Assistant High Commissions in the country following a rising number of protests being held against the atrocities being committed on the Hindu community in the neighbouring country. After a demonstration was held near the office of the AHC of Bangladesh in Agartala earlier in the day, the MEA was quick to point out that diplomatic missions should not be targeted under any circumstances. "The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable. Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances. Government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their Deputy/Assistant High Commissions in the country," read the MEA statement. On Monday, hundreds of activists had turned up outside the AHC office to submit a memorandum that urged the interim government in Dhaka to protect the lives of Hindus in Bangladesh along with their properties. The activists of the 'Hindu Sangharsh Samiti' also submitted a memorandum to the AHC, urging the caretaker government to stop atrocities on the Hindu community and protect their lives and properties. 'Hindu Sangharsh Samiti' leader Sankar Roy said that the attacks on the lives and properties of Hindus in Bangladesh became a daily affair in the neighbouring nation and the security forces remained a silent spectator. "During the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war, thousands of Hindus fighting the war sacrificed their lives and eventually, after the country became a sovereign nation, people of the Hindu community contributed a lot to the development of the country," Roy told the media. The 'Hindu Sangharsh Samiti' in its memorandum said that it also urged the International Human Rights Commission, United Nations as well as other nations to intervene in the Bangladesh situation and stop atrocities against Hindus. Earlier, various organisations, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chowdhury, former minister and senior Congress leader Birajit Sinha separately urged the Bangladesh government to stop atrocities on Hindu minorities. Meanwhile, one of the largest private healthcare facilities in Agartala, has decided to stop services for Bangladeshi patients following protests by some local activists over atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh and reported disrespect of India's national flag. Responding to the protests, the Chief Operating Officer of the private hospital, also announced the closure of the hospital's Bangladesh desk. After a private hospital in Kolkata announced not to provide medical treatment to the patients from Bangladesh over reported attacks on minorities and disrespect to the Indian flag, a multi-specialty private hospital in Agartala also followed suit. An executive of the private hospital in Agartala on Sunday said that they consider the dignity and respect of India first and also the inhuman atrocities of the minorities in Bangladesh can not be ignored. The Agartala hospital's decision follows a similar move by a private hospital in Kolkata which recently announced it would discontinue medical treatment to Bangladeshi patients over the same issue. The minorities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus, have come under a severe attack by Islamist elements in Bangladesh after the formation of the interim government in the country headed by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Last week, after the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, India had underlined that 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, reported from Bangladesh. Los Angeles, Dec 2 : Rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs has broken his silence against a new lawsuit against him in which he's accused of dangling a fashion designer over a 17th floor balcony as he threatened to kill her. Bryana 'Bana' Bongolan filed the lawsuit against the 55-year-old rapper for $10 million, reports 'Mirror UK'. The lawsuit alleged the incident occurred on September 26, 2016, after a "freak off" party. The rapper has now released a statement on the latest lawsuit allegations through his attorney. As per 'Mirror UK', in a statement, they said, "As we have shared previously, anyone has the right to file a lawsuit, regardless of the evidence they may or may not have". The statement continued, "Since last year, Ms. Bongolan has expressed an intention to sue Mr. Combs and has sought legal representation to pursue her claims. Mr. Combs firmly denies these serious allegations and remains confident they will ultimately be proven baseless". Combs' attorneys concluded, "He has unwavering faith in the facts and in the fairness of the judicial process. In court, the truth will come to light, demonstrating that the claims against Mr. Combs are without merit". Bongolan's lawsuit against Diddy was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on November 27, 2024. Bongolan claimed she was not involved in the "freak off" before her alleged attack took place. Her lawsuit read, "The only purpose of dangling someone over a balcony is to actually kill them or to intentionally terrorize them and rob them of any concept of dominion over their own bodily autonomy and safety. It should be no surprise that is exactly what happened to Ms Bongolan". The fashion designer claimed she and her girlfriend at the time were sleeping in a bedroom in Cassie Ventura's apartment when they were "violently" awoken by Combs banging on the door. She alleged the rapper was drunk after partying. Agartala, Dec 2 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday night condemned the breach of security at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission (AHC) office in Agartala during the protests against the atrocities on Hindus in the neighbouring country. In social media posts, the Chief Minister said that a number of people gathered at the foot of the Gandhi statue in Agartala to protest against the massive attack on Hindus in Bangladesh and staged a peaceful sit-in. "But some youths suddenly tried to enter the office of Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala. I condemn this incident. Peaceful agitations/protests can continue but such behaviour is absolutely not desirable," Saha said. According to a senior Tripura police official, the security of the Bangladesh AHC office in Agartala further strengthened in view of the protests against atrocities on the minority Hindu community in the neighbouring country. He said that Director General of Police (Intelligence) Anurag and Deputy Inspector General (Intelligence and Southern Range) Krishnendu Chakraborty on Monday afternoon visited the AHC office in Agartala and spoke to the officials of the Bangladesh mission. The official said that the DG (Intelligence) and the DIG (Intelligence) assured the AHC officials that foolproof security would be provided to the mission. Numbers of security personnel of Tripura Police have been increased in and around the AHC office on the outskirts of Agartala city, the official said. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement in Delhi said that security has been stepped up for the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi and its Deputy and Assistant High Commissions in the country following a rising number of protests being held against the atrocities being committed on the Hindu community in the neighbouring country. After a demonstration was held near the office of the AHC of Bangladesh in Agartala earlier in the day, the MEA was quick to point out that diplomatic missions should not be targeted under any circumstances. "The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable. Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances. Government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their Deputy/Assistant High Commissions in the country," read the MEA statement. On Monday, hundreds of activists had turned up outside the AHC office to submit a memorandum that urged the interim government in Dhaka to protect the lives of Hindus in Bangladesh along with their properties. The activists of the 'Hindu Sangharsh Samiti' also submitted a memorandum to the AHC, urging the caretaker government to stop atrocities on the Hindu community and protect their lives and properties. 'Hindu Sangharsh Samiti' leader Sankar Roy said that the attacks on the lives and properties of Hindus in Bangladesh became a daily affair in the neighbouring nation and the security forces remained a silent spectator. New Delhi, Dec 2 : Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has directed the Chief Secretary (CS) to conduct an enquiry into the faulty execution and maintenance of the Nand Nagri Railway Over Bridge and Railway Underbridge, which were built between 2011 and 2015. Atishi has expressed her strong displeasure over the findings that these bridges, initially expected to last for 70 years, developed major cracks within months of completion. "I fail to understand if such huge discrepancies existed as pointed in the report, then why no action was taken against the contractor and the erring officials. It is shocking to note that while the normal life of a flyover is more than 70 years, these bridges started developing cracks within just 2-3 months of its completion. This is a clear indication that there was rampant corruption in the execution of the project," Atishi said in a statement. She has instructed the Chief Secretary to conduct an enquiry against all the officers involved in framing of the tender, awarding work contract and supervising execution of the work in 2011-15. She also instructed the CS to conduct an enquiry against the third party agency that conducted the quality control work after the completion of the project. Atishi asked the CS to take the strongest possible action against all the officers and contractors who were responsible for the gross negligence in the execution and maintenance of the project. Meanwhile, a status report submitted to CM Atishi revealed that significant structural issues were identified soon after the project's completion. According to the report, the critical panel of the carriageway connecting Nand Nagri to Durgapuri showed signs of distress during initial construction itself. In 2019, a consultancy firm hired to investigate the matter recommended halting heavy vehicle movement on the bridge and replacing the deck slab entirely due to the defective construction, says the statement. CM Atishi said that the bridges, which cost nearly Rs 100 crore, not only caused a grave loss to the public exchequer but also endangered public lives. New Delhi, Dec 2 : BSF troopers, supported by advanced technical countermeasures and reliable intelligence inputs, successfully intercepted four Pakistani drones and two heroin consignments in a single day along the Punjab border, an official said on Monday. "The recovered drones included two DJI AIR 3S and two DJI Mavic 3 Classic models, found in farming fields in Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts. Along with the drones, two consignments of heroin, weighing 541 grams and 750 grams were also intercepted," a statement read. The statement further mentioned that "BSF's diligent efforts, supported by the Punjab Police, have once again thwarted the nefarious plans of cross-border narcotics syndicates, demonstrating their strong commitment to curbing the drug menace and securing the border against smuggling activities". The BSF is a central armed police force under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is responsible for guarding the country's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday conveyed his greetings on the occasion of BSF Raising Day saying their vigilance and courage contribute to the safety and security of the country. The Border Security Force celebrated its 60th Raising Day after it came into being in 1965. The Prime Minister lauded their dedication and service. In his message, he highlighted the BSFas role as a vital line of defence, commending their exceptional service. PM Modi wrote on X, "Warm wishes to the Border Security Force on their Raising Day! The BSF stands as a critical line of defence, embodying courage, dedication and exceptional service. Their vigilance and courage contribute to the safety and security of our nation." The BSF while marking its day has stated that the force remains committed to their moto. "As #BSFturns60 today, we, the Seema Prahari, proudly rededicate ourselves to the service of our Nation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold our motto." Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on the occasion that the soldiers never think twice about laying down their lives for the nation. HM Shah wrote on X, "The soldiers of the @BSF_India have safeguarded the honor and the ambitions of Bharat with the fiercest determination, never thinking twice to lay down their lives for it. Their valor and sacrifices are the undying wellspring of inspiration that has raised generations of patriots to ensure that our nation continues to flourish forever. My solemn homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty." Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment also extended her warm greetings to the courageous personnel of BSF. She wrote on X, "...Your unwavering valor and sacrifices safeguard Bharat's honour and inspire generations to serve selflessly. A heartfelt salute to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice. Jai Hind." The BSF is the world's largest border-guarding force securing the 6,386.36 km long International Borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. On the occasion of its Raising Day, the Border Security Force reiterated its commitment to the nation and its motto alifelong dutya. Islamabad, Dec 3 : Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will pay an official visit to Saudi Arabia on December 3-4 to attend the One Water Summit, the Foreign Ministry said. The summit, a joint initiative of Saudi Arabia, France, Kazakhstan, and the World Bank, aims to promote global cooperation and a coherent international approach towards water resource management through high-level political commitments, a Foreign Ministry statement said on Monday. At the summit, the Prime Minister will deliver a keynote address at a roundtable focusing on restoration, preservation, and adaptation in the context of freshwater resources and wetlands, the statement said. It added that he will also highlight steps being taken by Pakistan to promote water conservation, strengthen climate resilience, improve water quality, create livelihoods, and conserve biodiversity, Xinhua news agency reported. Pakistan will also underline the importance of international cooperation to tackle the impact of climate-induced floods, erratic and extreme weather patterns, and heat stress on water resources and ecosystems, calling for meaningful international collaboration for sustainable water resource management. Sharif is also expected to hold bilateral meetings and engagements on the forum's sidelines. The summit is being held on the sidelines of the next high-level session of the 16th session of COP16 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). It aims to contribute to ongoing United Nations discussions and processes to enhance global water governance, accelerate action on SDG6 on water and sanitation, and build on the momentum of the UN Water Conference in 2023. The forum will also act as an incubator for solutions in preparation for the next UN Water Conference in 2026, and integrate its agenda into the other existing water processes and initiatives such as the World Water Forum, the Dushanbe Conference, and the World Water Week. "The One Water Summit's ambition is to scale-up projects by stimulating partnerships between states, international organisations, local authorities, development and private banks, businesses, philanthropies, scientific experts, NGOs, and civil society, in line with previous One Planet Summits," the forum's website said. Ankara, Dec 3 : Turkish and Iranian Foreign Ministers have expressed the need to defuse tensions following large-scale clashes between Syrian government forces and rebel militants in northwestern Syria. In a joint press conference following a meeting with his Iranian counterpart in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Monday that his country has repeatedly issued warnings to all parties of the conflict to avoid escalation of tensions, Xinhua news agency reported. "Recent developments in Syria show the need for compromise between the Syrian government and armed opposition forces, and Turkey is ready to contribute to such a dialogue if necessary," he stressed. "Turkey does not wish to see a further escalation of civil war in Syria," Fidan said, stressing that problems unresolved in the past since the start of unrest in Syria led to the current situation. He added that Turkey and Iran "saw eye-to-eye" in cooperation against terrorism, and Ankara would not allow terrorist groups to exploit instability in Syria. For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that his country also does not want an escalation of hostilities in Syria, according to the semi-official Anadolu Agency. Tehran shares common concerns with Turkey regarding regional developments, particularly in Syria, Araghchi pointed out. Both Ministers pledged to support the territorial integrity of Syria and that they are ready to implement what is required of them within the Astana format talks between Russia, Iran, and Turkey, Anadolu added. Russia, Iran, and Turkey launched a process in January 2017 in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, which aims for a peaceful settlement in Syria. Regional players Turkey and Iran have intensified diplomatic discussions since the start of large-scale clashes between Syrian government forces and rebel militants. Tehran was a staunch ally of the Syrian government during the civil war that broke out in 2011, while Ankara supported rebel factions. Tehran, Dec 3 : Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has discussed the latest regional developments with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to statements published on the website of the Iranian President's office. In a phone call with al-Assad on Monday, the two sides called for cooperation among the regional and Muslim states to counter terrorism in the West Asia region and Syria, Xinhua news agency reported. Noting that retaining Syria's national sovereignty and territorial integrity was Iran's regional strategy, Pezeshkian expressed confidence that Syria would overcome "Israel's conspiracies" against its national security and stability while assuring that Tehran would stand by the Syrian government and people. Pezeshkian added that Iran "seriously and closely" followed up on Syria's developments, saying the country was ready to provide the Syrian government with any assistance to help it overcome its current crisis. The Syrian President, for his part, praised diplomatic efforts by Iran in expressing solidarity with the government and people of Syria and helping resolve the Arab state's crisis. Al-Assad noted that the movements by the "terrorist" groups in Syria were a new stage of the war waged against his country's independence and security as part of the "plots" by the US and Israel, "whose main objective is to divide Syria and create a country in the northern part of the Arab state." He called on the region's countries to know that "what today is referred to as the resistance axis is an axis to counter the West's hostility and domination against our region, and if the axis is damaged or its countries' independence is undermined, other states will not be safe from the harms and consequences". In a separate phone conversation with the Qatari emir, Pezeshkian pointed to the "terrorist" groups' recent movements in northern Syria, noting that the spread of insecurity and terrorism in the region was in no country's interest. Pezeshkian called on regional countries to play their role and participate in countering terrorism, stressing, "We want a secure region where Muslim countries' territorial integrity is retained, and all regional peoples can live in peace and calm." The Iranian President said that to that end, regional countries' leaders should step up to ensure the region's security and prevent foreign interference. He praised Qatar's efforts and "pivotal" role as a mediator in helping resolve regional crises, especially the war in Gaza. Qatar's emir, for his part, said his country shared common positions with Iran on regional issues, especially those of Gaza and Lebanon, and the one regarding the necessity to ensure the retention of Syria's territorial integrity. He called for the continuation of bilateral cooperation and consultations to resolve those issues, noting, "We believe that what is taking place in Syria shows that only through resorting to dialogue and political solutions, stability and security will be guaranteed in the Arab state." The Qatari emir voiced his country's readiness to play its role in restoring calm in Syria through reaching a political agreement. Puducherry, Dec 3 : Puducherry's Education Minister, A. Namachivayam, has said that government and private schools, as well as colleges will remain closed on Tuesday due to heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal. Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy said on Monday that the Puducherry government has announced to provide relief assistance of Rs 5,000 each to all ration cardholders affected by Cyclone Fengal. "Due to cyclone Fengal, Puducherry received 48 per cent rainfall, which was unexpected. The Puducherry government has decided to provide relief assistance of Rs 5,000 to all ration cardholders affected by the cyclone," Rangaswamy told reporters. "Additionally, due to heavy rainfall, 10,000 hectares of crops in the Puducherry state have been damaged. Therefore, we have decided to provide Rs 30,000 per hectare to affected farmers. Cyclone Fengal has left a trail of destruction in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. The recent floods have damaged 50 boats, and the government has announced a relief package of Rs 10,000 for their repair," he added. The cyclone resulted in extremely heavy rainfall in coastal regions of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Particularly affected was the Sankaraparani River in Puducherry, where more than 200 residences in NR Nagar were inundated. The people living in the area remain stranded as the Indian Army along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are actively involved in rescue operations. The Union Territory witnessed severe flooding, especially in areas surrounding the Sankaraparani River in Puducherry, where over 200 residences in NR Nagar were inundated. The rescue teams are focused on saving lives, with boats deployed to navigate flooded streets and evacuate affected residents. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Fengal weakened into a deep depression on Sunday after making landfall near the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast on November 30. Puducherry recorded 46 cm rainfall in 24 hour period, crossing the previous best 21 cm record of October 31, 2004, and breaking a 30-year record. "The Cyclonic Storm FENGAL (pronounced as FEINJAL) over north coastal Tamil Nadu & Puducherry remained practically stationary during the past 12 hours, weakened into a deep depression, and lay centered at 11:30 hours IST of today, the 1st December 2024 over the same region near latitude 12.0AN and longitude 79.8AE, close to Puducherry, about 30 km north of Cuddalore, 40 km east of Villupuram and 120 km south-southwest of Chennai," the weather department said last week in a post on X. In Money, Lies, and God (Bloomsbury, Feb.), journalist Katherine Stewart reports on Americas growing antidemocratic movement. How did a movement to undermine democracy take root in the U.S.? Because people havent been paying attentionto the money thats been invested in it, to the misinformation bubble that money has funded, and to the networks that developed. The machinery has been developed over decades. That machinery has promoted catastrophism and a persecution narrativethe idea that American culture and society is so thoroughly corrupt that were on the brink of an apocalypse, and therefore, that the rules dont apply. You write that the growth of the movement over the past 15 years has been breathtaking. What most contributed to that growth? The capture of the judiciary, the proliferation of disinformation and conspiracism, the networks that formed between various elements of the right, and the amounts of money involved. You have super-wealthy people committed to the idea that in order to preserve and increase their wealth, subverting democracy is to their benefit. So the money flowing into this movement has increased tremendously. What else do you highlight about the movement? I draw attention to various groups that are working alongside the Christian nationalist movement, to the intellectual elementa collection of reactionary thinkers who are essentially hammering out a new fascist ideologyand to the movements shifting demographics. Some Pentecostal Latino congregations, in particular, have been drawn into hard right political networks because theres been significant outreach to them. And I make a final point that should be underscored. This is not a social or cultural movementthis is a political movement, and its now quite explicitly authoritarian and antidemocratic. In earlier times, there was talk about winning over voterstoday, its explicitly about a minority establishing minority rule. Has Trumps reelection changed your thinking? I wish the outcome had been different. Its not like I didnt see it coming. But I had hoped that this book, when it came out, would be less relevant. Is the anti-democrats financial advantage insurmountable? Theres a lot of liberal money, but its spent differently. The right has invested in networks, specifically in these Christian nationalist movements, that draw in pastors and give them sophisticated data tools to turn out the vote. Its incredibly targeted. On the liberal side, political giving goes to politicians. But if a politician loses, the money goes away. Investing in networks and infrastructure is a more efficient use of money. One respected Republican political operative said, This is a movement that could fit into a phone booth. Now that phone booth will be moving into the White House. How far is too far? Its a question many are asking themselves as technology continues its rapid expansion, and its the question at the core of Jill Tews YA science fiction debut, The Dividing Sky (Joy Revolution). Before Tew began questioning humanitys trajectory, she was a girl growing up in Atlanta who loved the possibility of the future. Spending evenings watching Farscape (which she recognizes she probably should not have been watching as a child with my dad, she says) and blazing through the Animorphs series, where a Black female protagonist was a big deal for me, Tew developed a love of storytelling early on. But during her high school years when Tew thought about her own future, she wanted to make a choice based on what I knew about the world and what my parents had taught me, which is that you need to be able to provide for yourself. She opted for the practical route, pursuing a degree in business at the University of Pennsylvania. Tew became an exemplary model for success: postgraduation, she kickstarted her career as a management consultant. It was within the corporate setting, where Tew had so little time for herself that she became willing to outsource any activity from delivering groceries to caring for her dog, that the first inkling of her dystopian YA debut was planted. Eventually, Tew pivoted to more creative work developing online courses on crafting, but the possibility of becoming a writer didnt emerge until 2014. Following a movie night screening of Divergent, Tew remembered what it was she loved about dystopian storytelling. Walking home from the theater, I remembered what it feels like when sci-fi stories come alive, she recalls. I remembered what it feels like to see a tale well told. She realized, I dont want to spend the rest of my days making PowerPoint slides. In 2020, with the publishing industry in disarray due to the pandemic, Diana M. Pho, a former editor at Tor, hosted an online contest to discover emerging authors of science fiction. The selected manuscript earned a years worth of developmental edits from Pho. Tew, the winner of the contest, had spent six years since that movie night working on a parallel universes science fiction story for adults, and with Phos help polishing her manuscript, she was ready to query. That book is how Tew hooked her agent, Jennifer Azantian at Azantian Literary Agency, whom Tew says she admired for being one of the few agents at the time who refused to believe that sci-fi was dead. Though that adult title didnt get any takers, Tew was armed with new industry know-how and returned to her initial idea of societys technology going too far. She wrote the first draft of The Dividing Sky in 90 daysa stark shift from her first project. Shed wake up early in the morning to write before spending the day caring for her youngest children, who were three and four at the time. Azantian recognized the potential in this new venture, and Tew says they both hoped that the editor who ended up acquiring the book understood and didnt try to simplify it or water it down. The Dividing Sky found its home in 2022 with David and Nicola Yoons YA imprint Joy Revolution, and editor Bria Ragin. Though the imprint was in its early stages, Tew believed in the Yoons mission to amplify BIPOC love stories. I loved the idea of an imprint that was looking at stories by authors of color, about characters of color, in the full breadth of everything that we go through in life, Tew says. Under Joy Revolution, Tews tale underwent a tonal shift, she says, noting that the book had originally been halfway between a true dystopian adventure and a romance. Ragin provided the insight to bring the stakes closer and more intimate, making for a true melding of the sci-fi and romance genres. I feel like it does both genres really well, Tew says. Its asking these big questions like At what point are we trading something maybe we dont want to give up? and also has a really satisfying, rewarding love story at the end. The Dividing Sky has earned several starred reviews and was selected as an Indie Next Pick and a PW Best Book of 2024. Tew is moving full speed ahead: the prequel to The Dividing Sky, titled An Ocean Apart, set in the near future in a flooded Miami, is scheduled for release in 2025. And her middle grade debut, Kaya Morgans Crowning Achievement, which sold to Disneys Freedom Fire imprint in a six-figure deal, is also due out next year. For Tew, what has mattered most is offering young readers a flashlight in a world that can often feel dark. I wrote this book as a beacon into the night, Tew says. This is what life feels like for me right now. And for a reader to say its resonating is all I wanted and all I can ask for. Two women representing different continents and generations are the latest recipients of the coveted Herralde Prize from Barcelona-based publisher Editorial Anagrama. For only the second time, two authors shared this annual award for an unpublished novel written in Spanish. Now the youngest recipient in the awards history, 28-year-old Xita Rubert grew up between Barcelona and Galicia, and currently lives in New York City, while completing her PhD at Princeton University. The other winner is Cynthia Rimsky, 62, a Chilean author of ten previous novels, who lives in Buenos Aires, where she is a professor at the Universidad Nacional de las Artes. Rubert and Rimskys novels were published by Anagrama in Spain on November 27, with publication in Latin and South America to follow this month. Both novels received advances of 15,000 with the prize, which undoubtedly puts the books on the radar of international publishers who may be interested in their translation, said Anagramas editorial director Silvia Sese. I pay special attention to the Herralde, said HarperVias editorial director Juan Mila, who worked in Spain for many years, including at such publishing houses as Planeta and Salamandra. Its the best endorsement for many authors on their way to becoming well established in Spanish, and eventually internationally, he said, recalling such notable winners as Roberto Bolano, the last Chilean to receive the prize, which was awarded in 1998 to his breakout novel The Savage Detectives. Other previous recipients include Javier Marias, Alvaro Enrigue, and Mariana Enriquez. Rimskys winning novel, Clara and Confusion, is her first with Anagrama, which is handling translation rights for the author in partnership with the Indent Agency. Ruberts The Key Biscayne Affair is her follow-up to My Days with the Kopps, published by Anagrama in 2022, which was also translated into German and Portuguese. Ruberts novel, according to her agent Marina Penalva of Casanovas & Lynch, combines elements of American noir and British humor. The story follows a divorced father who takes his son and daughter to live for a year on the small island off the coast of Miami, with an eccentric cast of millionaires, diplomats, intellectuals, and outcasts reminiscent of Patricia Highsmiths novels, Penalva said, as well as the TV series White Lotus and the film Marriage Story, in its depiction of a difficult divorce and custody battle. As for Rimskys Clara and Confusion, the novel is an avant garde romantic comedy, according to Juan Pablo Villalobos, a previous Herralde winner and now jury member. Centering on a plumber who falls in love with a conceptual artist, the book was inspired by workers Rimsky met while building a new house. Each of Cynthia Rimskys books unfolds a gaze more attentive to the inexhaustible complexity of lesser lives than to the plot, said Chilean novelist Simon Lopez Trujillo. Many of Spains literary prizes are sponsored by publishers and given to unpublished manuscripts, which gives authors a direct path to submitting work. Later in the process, the books benefit from the publicity surrounding the announcement. Anagramas publishing schedule for Herralde winners is fast to seize on momentum. Their editors work on a tight schedule to release the award-winning books shortly after they are announced, said Daniel Saldana Paris, the 2021 Herralde finalist for The Dance and the Fire. The official announcementusually one winner and one finalistis always the first Monday in November, with publication later in the month. This approachpublishers awarding prizes to authors for unpublished manuscriptsis different from the award system in the U.S. as well as the U.K. and other European countries. Traditionally, when an author receives prize recognition, the awards jury has been given the opportunity to consider the works critical reception; furthermore, for most literary awards, jury members represent a cultural institution, rather than a specific publisher. There are exceptions that follow the Spanish model in the anglophone world, most notably the Novel Prize. Started in 2020 and jointly awarded by Fitzcarraldo (U.K./Ireland), New Directions (North America), and Giramondo (Australia/NZ), the Novel Prize is an innovative collaboration between the three literary publishers to recognize and jointly publish new literary fiction in English. But in Spain, almost all publishers offer prizes, some extraordinarily lucrative. The countrys largest publisher, Planeta, awards 1 million for its major prize, and 200,000 to the finalist. The awards have championed enduring works, such as The Sound of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vasquez, published through Penguin Random House Spains Alfaguarda Prize, and The Time of Cherries by Montserrat Roig, published via Planetas Sant Jordi Prize for Catalan-language novels. Anagrama is owned by the Italian publishing company Feltrinelli and the house remains independent of Planeta and Penguin Random House, the two corporate publishers that dominate the Spanish book industry, which was the intention of Jorge Herralde, who founded Anagrama in 1969. The prize that carries his name still stands out for the number of great hispanophone authorsSpanish and Latin American alikewhom it has recognized since the prize was established in 1983. The Herralde has maintained a very high level of literary prestige over the years, said Maria Lynch, director of Casanovas & Lynch, which represents a handful of Herralde winners, including Andres Barba and Mariana Enriquez, along with now Rubert. Scouts and international publishers pay attention to it. Jeremy Wang-Iverson is a literary publicist living in Barcelona. The reelection of Donald Trump is rightfully being seen as repudiation of wokeDEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and CRT (Critical Race Theory). Trump is planning to root out the toxic, often deadly, ideology in federal departments. First comes the abolishment of fake history, work Trump started toward the end of his hoax- and impeachment-beleaguered first term with the White House Conference on American History on Constitution Day 2020. Looking forward to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, he said that radicals burning American flags want to burn down the principles enshrined in our founding documents. . . . In order to radically transform America, they must first cause Americans to lose confidence in who we are, where we came from, and what we believe. The summer 2020 rioting, which included attacks on historical monuments, was the direct result of decades of left-wing indoctrination in our schools. . . . Our children are instructed from propaganda tracts, like those of Howard Zinn, that try to make students ashamed of their own history. As one of the panelists, I drew upon my book, Debunking Howard Zinn. As President Trump also said, the 1619 Project rewrites American history to teach our children that we were founded on the principle of oppression, not freedom. I was then writing Debunking The 1619 Project. I have monitored the creator, New York Times race reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones, since the initial project came out in August 2019 as a special issue of the New York Times Magazine accompanied by a newspaper supplement. Hannah-Jones presented 1619, when the first Africans arrived in Virginia, as her own discovery and aims to replace 1776 with 1619 as the year of our foundingof a slavocracy. Hannah-Jones and an interlinking network of nonprofits and for-profit companies have found a cash cow in the 1619 Project. By 2021, two spin-off booksa childrens book and an expanded collection of writings and art, had been published by Penguin Random House. Films were produced by Oprah Winfrey. Hannah-Jones was garnering speaking fees averaging $25,000 at universities on a twice-monthly basis. By January 2022, she was commanding $55,000 to appear at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. These are veritable lovefests. Hannah-Jones refuses to engage in scholarly debate. When I revealed that she had admitted on Twitter that slaves were not kidnapped by Europeans but were bought from African chiefs, she blocked me after accusing me of affirming white supremacy. She applies the same racial interpretation to current events. On CNN, she justified the 2020 riots as necessary to make white Americans confront racial injustice and on MSNBC categorized them as part of black Americans historical push further to democracy. On public radio, she called the January 6, 2021, protest an insurrection, and to hold onto white power, as she elaborated, upon receiving an award from the Roosevelt Institute. Recently, on a CNN panel, Hannah-Jones in discussing the anti-woke vote for Trump, said, When I hear anti-woke, I hear anti-Black. That included the majority of Latinos who self-identify as white. During the discussion of the harmful effects of DEI in the military, Hannah-Jones contended that the military has long been woke as the first institution in the United States to integrate. Racial polarization, she insisted, was bad for military strengththus falsely equating DEI with integration (and reversing her own position in the 1619 Project). But Hannah-Jones seeks to increase racial polarization. From her Project, schoolchildren, beginning in second grade, learn about blacks being strung from trees, beaten, assassinated . . . in their front yards, firebombed, and mauled by dogsby white Americans. Her childrens book, Born on the Water, taught beginning in pre-kindergarten, promotes her lie that mommies and daddies were kidnapped from Africa by white men and enslaved. Educators Defying the Law For good reason, many states have outlawed the 1619 Project, Critical Race Theory, and DEI in public schools. But educators flaunt state laws. For example, in Texas, K-12 administrators state that they dont say 1619 Project but do teach its principles, while college officials there rebrand DEI with such names as belonging or Campus Access and Engagement. Such strategies are shared at education conferences. Nonprofits funded by left-wing billionaires and American taxpayers are pushing the 1619 Project through free materials, education workshops, and financial incentives. In this way, taxpayers subsidize the New York Times and Penguin Random House. The taxpayer-supported Smithsonian Institution was a partner in developing the 1619 Projects newspaper supplement and hosted a symposium on The 1619 Project featuring Hannah-Jones on October 30, 2019. The Pulitzer Center (receiving funds from Mark Zuckerberg, who has also promoted The 1619 Project on his Facebook platform) and the Mott Foundation, are funding lesson-writing and pushing the 1619 Project into schools and institutions, including prisons. During the Pulitzer Center December 13, 2021, webinar, New York Times Magazine editor Jake Silverstein moderated a conversation between education coordinator Donnalie Jamnah and Hannah-Jones. These webinars give sales pitches for New York Times classroom subscriptions and offer tips on skirting laws, for example, by assigning the Project as alternate readings. Teachers facing legal barriers share their stories in learning communities, and with the help of organizational partner PEN America, learn how to understand education censorship laws. They also get $5,000 grants to teach the 1619 Project. To fight censorship, Penguin Random House used a consortium of bookstores, a nonprofit that distributes diverse books (partially funded by Penguin Random House), and Hannah-Jones via Twitter to encourage fans to purchase copies to donate to libraries, schools, organizations, and after-school programs. Learning for Justice, the educational arm of the nonprofit Southern Poverty Law Center, which has promoted The 1619 Project from its inception with bogus surveys, has with the Pulitzer Center written book guides for Penguin Random House. Other collaborators include the nonprofit Anti-Defamation League and the Zinn Education Project, and the NEA and the AFT teachers unions. Yet, the New York Times is the main copyright holder to the two 1619 Project books published by Penguin Random House. Five Years of 1619 Project Indoctrination The Pulitzer Centers five-year report brags that over one million people had engaged with the reading guides we published in 2019 as the first initiative for this partnership [sent to 3500 schools for fall semester 2019]. Five-hundred-and-forty-one educator partners reach over 25,000 pre-K-12th grade students and over 2,500 adult learners. They facilitated 203 events and workshops attended by over 15,000 people. Their programs built partnerships with over 120 K-12 schools and districts in 30 states and Washington, D.C. and with professors at 22 colleges and universities in 15 states; they facilitated 17 workshops at academic education conferences and collaborated with Penguin Random House to connect professors of education with 1619 resources135 curricular materials at 1619education.org. They had also designed and hosted three annual 1619 Education Conferences and connected with teachers through collaborative events with the National Council for the Social Studies (Hannah-Jones spoke at the 2020 conference) and the National Council of Teachers of English (Hannah-Jones at the 2021 conference). Taxpayers pay for educators expenses. Indeed, the Pulitzer Center sees the questions the Project raises about how we define the United States and understand its history as more relevant than ever as they look ahead to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Rain on the 250-Year Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence Already, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond is planning to display artifacts from the groups oppressed by the White male property-own[ing] foundersIndians, women, and slaves, along with the original copy of Lord Dunmores November 1775 proclamation that offered freedom to enslaved people in Virginia who fought for the crown, reports Sean Salai. The 1619 Project uses this evidence in its argument that America began as a racist nation. Indeed, Hannah-Jones claims that protecting slavery was a major reason for the American Revolution. In her book, The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, she fails to note such events as the battles of Lexington and Concord (on April 19) and that George Washington assumed command of the Continental Army on July 3well before Dunmores Proclamation. According to the America250 website, partners include the National Congress of American Indians, the National Womens History Museum, and a dozen federal agencies, including the Smithsonian Institution. But the Smithsonian has gone far astray from its mission of the increase and diffusion of knowledge through scientific, technological, and cultural collections and eventsfrom choosing a display featuring Black Panthers, hip-hop, Black Lives Matter, and Anita Hill, over an exhibit of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, hosting teacher workshops on using Zinns Marxist history, collaborating on the 1619 Project, and posting the notorious Whiteness web page. In spite of public outcry, the whiteness poster presenting such characteristics as individualism, politeness, the nuclear family, the scientific method, Christianity, hard work, self-reliance, delayed gratification, and English common law-based justice as hallmarks of white privilege, remains, as does plagiarist Robin DiAngelos video, Deconstructing White Privilege. The propagandizing continues with curation of the January 6, 2021, protest as a violent attempt to subvert the election and a related website created with the University of Alabama Department of Religious Studies offering interpretive essays on such things as Christian Nationalism and who does and does not count as white in America. In her contribution on Blacks for Trump, Melissa Matthes, a full professor at the United States Coast Guard Academy, misrepresents the Gospel of Matthew, claiming that by recruiting Black men slaves, Trump was able to secure the victory. . . . There, 1619 Project contributor Anthea Butler claims that democracy itself hung on gallows erected on the Capitol grounds. Calling the protestors insurrectionists, eager executioners, and a lynch mob, she speculated that had Pence been captured and marched out to the gallows, it would have confirmed the barbarity and murderous intent that has undergirded American history. The essay remains even though Georgia Congressman Barry Loudermilk is seeking answers about the illegally placed symbolic (non-weightbearing) gallows constructed at 6:30 a.m. We should investigate how tax dollars support the 1619 Project and other propaganda and the tax-exempt status of nonprofits claiming to do educational work. 'Domestic investors are opening up to the idea of high-growth Internet companies as a pool of value creation.' 'They like the execution that they see with Zepto, and for us, that is the most important factor.' Photograph: Kind courtesy Zepto Aadit Palicha, co-founder and chief executive officer of quick commerce firm Zepto, says the latest $350 million fundraise is one of the largest ever from domestic investors. This will allow the company to give more shareholding to Indian investors as it eyes an IPO sometime next financial year. "Quick commerce is going to create many more D2C brands than e-commerce today. E-commerce largely played in big-ticket categories like smartphones, fashion, and large-scale electronics, which are capital intensive and have a high barrier to entry. However, to build a beverage, packaged food, or nutraceutical brand is a lot easier, with much lower barriers to entry," Palicha tells Aryaman Gupta and Shivani Shinde/Business Standard in a video interview. What is making investors queue up to invest in Zepto? Earlier this financial year, we resoundingly proved the unit economics of our model. We turned around about 70 per cent of our dark stores to be fully earnings before Ebitda free cash flow positive, including all back-end supply chain and software costs. Those stores are also turning free cash flow positive faster -- now in eight months, down from 23 months earlier. From a return on equity perspective, it used to take us about Rs 3.9 crore (Rs 39 million) in capex and operating burn for a store to turn profitable. Now it only takes Rs 1.5 crore (Rs 15 million). We've been able to turn our stores profitable rapidly, even as we scaled from zero to $1 billion gross merchandise value (GMV) in two-and-a-half years. This was seven months ago. Seeing this trajectory, our investors urged us to invest in the business, which is why we were able to raise over $1 billion quickly. Since April-May, we've been multiplying our dark store count, and from the base of $1 billion (GMV), we have grown well over twofold in a short period. We are the fastest-growing Internet company in India now, and the economic profile still makes sense. As long as our mature stores continue to turn profitable and we are only losing money due to store launches, that is a good place to be. There are very few Indian consumer companies that have that kind of return profile for incoming investors. IMAGE: Aadit Palicha, right, and Kaivalya Vohra, co-founders, Zepto. Photograph: Kind courtesy Zepto/Linkedin What is Zepto's shareholding pattern post-fundraise? Would you also be raising more funds, especially before the IPO? We are over 30 per cent domestically owned after the fundraise. Kaivalya Vohra (co-founder) and I own almost 20 per cent of the company, and we will go public with around that share still with us. We are not planning to raise another fund. We don't have the clear go-ahead on that yet. But it might end up happening in a quarter or two. We have around $1.3 billion in cash balance, so we don't need more primary capital. We would mostly raise secondary capital to bring on more high-quality domestic investors before the IPO. What is Zepto's current scale? And have cash burns increased significantly? We are operating over 600 dark stores and doing close to around 900,000 orders a day. Our average order value (AOV) has grown: we are expecting to touch Rs 540 to Rs 550 by next month, up from Rs 450 about eight months ago. We have crossed 6 million Zepto Pass (membership plan) subscribers. We have also gone from 6,000 to 14,000 SKUs, and we will continue to multiply that over the next 12 months. Cash burn is primarily due to capex and working capital for our operational setups. We are launching hundreds of stores each quarter and getting the requisite return on investment from that. The Ebitda curves of each of the stores we are launching are getting better than those we launched in the past. Putting in that upfront investment today, we are looking at a very healthy balance sheet. It (cash burn) is in our control right now, and is reflecting in the rapid scale that we are delivering today. We are going to get to profit after tax breakeven on a much higher base than this year, within the next financial year. We could very well be near that milestone right before the IPO. FMCG firms are reporting a slowdown in urban consumption. What have you observed? We are not seeing consumers slow down spending. On the contrary, we are seeing an increase. The middle class in urban India is not shrinking; it is expanding. What we see is that big players are losing share to innovative Indian entrepreneurs who are building FMCG startups. We have thousands of such new-age brands on our platform. That is where the (consumer) spend is going. For instance, there are startups like Go Zero in ice cream or Let's Try in chips and snacking, which are taking away shares from established brands and have built multi-Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion) brands in a very short period of time. We are seeing that the consumer in urban India is expanding their spending on such brands. Quick commerce is going to create many more D2C brands than e-commerce today. E-commerce largely played in big-ticket categories like smartphones, fashion, and large-scale electronics, which are capital intensive and have a high barrier to entry. However, to build a beverage, packaged food, or nutraceutical brand is a lot easier, with much lower barriers to entry. Quick commerce is skewed towards these types of brands. We will create 10x more Mamaearths and BoAts in the next three or four years. Photograph: Kind courtesy Zepto/Linkedin Lately, quick commerce has been in the spotlight due to its impact on kirana stores. There is also concern that the current fundraise allows firms like yours to engage in predatory pricing. What is your comment on this? We have $1.3 billion in cash balance. If they believe that 80 per cent of that is going to unsustainable customer acquisition strategies, that figure is inaccurate. It would assume that we would spend a billion dollars in the next 12 months, which is not happening. Secondly, the same data quoted by CAIT (Confederation of All India Traders) from a Datum Intelligence report, which says quick commerce has taken almost $5 billion in sales from kirana stores, also states that $46 billion of new consumption has been added to India in the last year. If that is the case, then where did the remaining $41 billion go? Mathematically, it is impossible for us to take business away from kirana stores. Over the next five years, the consensus among analysts like Datum Intelligence, Goldman Sachs, CLSA, BCG, Redseer, and even Invest India, is that the Indian grocery consumption market will add $200 billion to $250 billion in sales. Even if quick commerce grows 1,500 per cent over that period, we will be less than half of the incremental consumption that gets created. In terms of predatory pricing, only 0.2 per cent of the units sold on the Zepto platform were below the cost price of the manufacturer in FY24. There is no real data behind it (allegations). It is hyperbole, in a manner that is counterproductive to the value that we are creating. The regulator has indicated concerns about food safety and expiry dates on products among quick commerce players. We are working with the government in good faith to sort that out. Quick commerce is seen as an urban phenomenon. What is your expansion strategy into tier II+ markets? We are live in about 20 cities, having recently launched in Nashik, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Surat. We are about to launch in Tier-II cities like Vadodara and Kurukshetra. We are in expansion mode right now. The demand we are seeing is very exciting. The time taken to hit 1,000 orders per day is faster in Tier-II and -III cities than in Tier-I regions because customers in these areas don't have many (offline) options and services available to them. There is also a cost arbitrage. Rent, delivery, manpower, and back-end supply chain costs are cheaper. We will go beyond quick commerce being an urban phenomenon in the next few months. Do you think there is more appetite among domestic investors for another large round? It's hard to say. We haven't kicked off the process (of raising funds), and we don't know what the demand will be like. But if we keep scaling the way we are, hopefully, there should be demand. Domestic investors are opening up to the idea of high-growth Internet companies as a pool of value creation. They like the execution that they see with Zepto, and for us, that is the most important factor. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com Link your UPI app to a separate bank account or wallet that has only a limited sum. Indians have lost Rs 485 crore (Rs 4.85 billion) to frauds on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) across 632,000 incidents reported until September of the current financial year, according to data from the ministry of finance. "Post-Covid, UPI transaction volumes have grown significantly due to the convenience UPI offers in undertaking both large and small transactions," says Vikram Babbar, partner, EY forensic and integrity services-financial services. "But UPI frauds also tend to impact many people due to its massive user base," adds Babbar. Key methods of fraud Phishing links: Fraudsters send spam links via SMS, e-mails, or other means, enticing victims to click on them. "These links either install malware, extract sensitive banking information, or trick users into entering their UPI PIN, resulting in unauthorised transactions," says Babbar. Prashant Mali, an advocate and expert on cybercrime, informs that fraudsters often impersonate trusted entities, like banks, e-commerce platforms and other service providers, to trick victims into entering their UPI PIN. QR code manipulation" Frauds linked to QR codes have also grown. "Users scan QR codes with a certain set of expectations. Instead, their accounts get debited," says Amit Dubey, author and cyber security evangelist. QR code frauds take a variety of forms. Fraudsters send QR codes claiming they are for cashback offers or refunds. Scanning these codes leads to phishing Web sites or malware installation, allowing fraudsters to steal credentials or initiate unauthorised transactions. Fraudsters also place fake QR codes over legitimate ones -- on parking meters, donation boxes, etc. When users scan them, the payment goes to fraudsters' accounts. Sometimes, scanning a QR code installs malware on a victim's phone, which intercepts OTPs (one-time passwords) or accesses the UPI app and carries out unauthorised transactions. OTP theft: WhatsApp accounts of 40 to 50 Gurugram-based doctors were hacked recently. The fraudsters posed as representatives of an organisation sending Diwali gifts. Since the gifts were expensive, the doctors were told to verify themselves online. They were asked to dial a number. In fact, dialling this number activated call forwarding. All incoming calls got redirected to the fraudsters' phones. The scammers then attempted to log into the doctors' WhatsApp accounts. When WhatsApp sent a voice OTP to verify the login, the fraudsters intercepted the OTP, logged into the doctors' accounts, and gained control over them. They then used these WhatsApp accounts to message the doctors' family, friends, and colleagues, asking for money. Many complied. How to stay safe Never open links from unknown senders and unverified sources. "Avoid downloading apps or executable files from suspicious links," says Babbar. Mali suggests verifying the identity of the person requesting money before responding. Link your UPI app to a separate bank account or wallet that has only a limited sum. "This will minimise potential losses," says Babbar. Dubey suggests setting daily transaction limits on UPI apps. Mali warns that QR codes are for sending money, not for receiving it. Nowadays, security apps (like Mobi Armour) are available. "An app like this one can scan QR codes, links, and Wi-Fi networks and ensure it is safe," says Dubey. Update your UPI app regularly to avail of the latest security features. To keep transactions secure, Mali suggests using only trusted apps and platforms for UPI transactions. If you get a suspicious request from, say, your bank, verify the request by calling its customer care number. Mali also suggests keeping yourself updated about the latest tactics being employed by fraudsters. STEPS TO TAKE IF YOU FALL PREY TO SCAM Block the fraudulent number to end further communication Notify your bank to block your account and prevent further loss If you inform the bank within three days of the crime, it is likely to reverse the transaction after verification and refund 100% of your money Use NPCI's redressal mechanism to file a complaint with the merchant's name and QR code information Call 1930, the national helpline number, to report cybercrime, and request that your bank account be blocked; you can also lodge a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in File an FIR at the local police station Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients. Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com Half of all medical tourists arriving in India, some 325,000 out of a total of 635,000 annually, are Bangladeshis, explains Aakar Patel. IMAGE: Devotees pray to Lokenath Brahmachari as they observe the Rakher Upobash festival at a temple in Dhaka, November 12, 2024. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters 'India and Bangladesh share deep-rooted bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities. The outstanding nature of bilateral ties is reflected in an all-encompassing partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust, and understanding. This partnership has evolved as model for bilateral relations for the entire region and beyond.' These are the words of India's foreign ministry, published in its 'brief on India-Bangladesh bilateral relations' of 2024. Currently there are three railway trains operating between the two countries: Maitri Express (since 2008, connecting Kolkata and Dhaka); Bandhan Express (since 2017, connecting Kolkata and Khulna); Mitali Express (since June 2022, between New Jalpaiguri and Dhaka). Additionally five bus services routes are operational between India and Bangladesh connecting Kolkata, Agartala and Guwahati to Dhaka and further up to Khulna. I took the train to Khulna just a few weeks before the Covid pandemic broke out and it will surprise Indians to know how many from across the border use it. This train link was resumed in 2017 after having been closed during the 1965 war. Bangladesh is India's biggest trading partner in South Asia and India is the second biggest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia. Bangladesh exported $2 billion of goods to India in FY 2023-2024. In FY 2023-2024, the total bilateral trade has been reported as $14 billion, meaning that it is heavily skewed in favour of India. The foreign ministry's note says that India issues medical attendant visa to three Bangladeshis to accompany one medical patient into India -- a highly liberalised process uniquely extended to Bangladesh. Our visa operations in Bangladesh constitute the largest visa operations India conducts worldwide, in terms of application centres present across the host country, the volume of applications received per day as well as number of visas processed and issued. This has taken a hit after Sheikh Hasina's government was overthrown and India reduced its diplomatic presence in Bangladesh. The damage from our reduced presence has accrued to India because the liberal visa process has been highly favourable to Indian business, especially medical tourism. Indeed, half of all medical tourists arriving in India, some 325,000 out of a total of 635,000 annually, are Bangladeshis. On the other hand, what Pakistanis must go through to visit India can be explained through the visit made from Lahore by friends of mine to Bangalore in October 2024. One of them walked across through the Attari-Wagah border and flew to Bangalore from Amritsar on a Thursday night. The next day, he was at the police station to register his entry into Bangalore. Pakistanis are given city-specific visas that require them to register at each city's police stations on entry and exit. The day after that, Saturday, he was again at the police station to record his exit, because the police station would be closed on Sunday. He left on Sunday for Delhi and on Monday had to report to the police station there. And so on. I can empathise with my friend because on some of my visits to Pakistan I have also been given identical 'reporting' visas. They are meant to discourage people from coming and this is the lot of those who actually secure a visa; most people are denied. This harshness is reciprocal and both sides mirror what the other does. Some 2.5 million Bangladeshi tourists come to India annually compared to about 40,000 Pakistanis. In the first half of 2024, according to the ministry of tourism's data, Bangladeshis were the number one tourist arrivals into India, above the US, UK and Canada, which is remarkable given the number of Indian origin people in the latter three countries. The number of Bangladeshi tourists was about 500,000 a year till 2010 and in each of the three years before that it was around that number. Then it doubled to around 1 million in 2014 and it has since doubled again in the Modi decade. The number of Bangladeshis coming over is remarkable also for the fact that in the same period the rhetoric in India from the political party in office has been one of contempt towards Bangladeshis. Even in the election campaign that just ended, the message to voters from the BJP leadership was peppered with the threat of 'outsiders'. Given this constant scare-mongering, most Indians will likely think that the visa regime with Bangladesh is the same as we have with Pakistan. It is not and a look at the actual numbers shows that the BJP has continued with the wise actions of previous governments in building relations with Bangladesh through allowing more free movement of their people. This is, to repeat, beneficial to India as the numbers show. Of course, movement between the two countries is not as free as it is with another neighbour, about whom our foreign ministry's note reads: 'India and Nepal share close and friendly relations characterized by age-old historical and cultural linkages, open border and deep-rooted people-to-people contacts'. The language is similar to that describing our relations with Bangladesh, but there is one difference. That is, of course, the fact that we have an open border with Nepal and no visa and not even a passport is required for nationals on either side to visit or find employment in the other country. Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer and you can read Aakar's earlier columns here. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com He could have blazed a trail that few Indian judges had. It was a missed opportunity of a lifetime, notes Ramesh Menon. IMAGE: Then Chief Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud on a ceremonial four-judge bench convened to bid him farewell, November 8, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo What legacy does Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud leave behind, and how will history remember him? He was elevated to the position when there was so much political and social churning in India with imminent dangers plaguing various democratic institutions. There were many expectations that he would emerge as a shining liberal judge, an articulate dissenter, a defender of liberty and a saviour of democracy. More importantly, he was expected to have the courage to speak truth to power. There were enough reasons for such an exalted expectation, as he was erudite and had shown an expansive sense of Constitutional jurisprudence in his previous judgments. Moreover, he had a two-year tenure where he could have triggered change that would have consequences for generations. Few people in history are bestowed with a lifetime opportunity to bring about change and ensure that generations benefit from it. Chandrachud was blessed with such an opportunity. History will spell out what he did not do. IMAGE: A five-judge Constitution bench consisting of then Chief Justice Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra during the hearing of State Bank of India's application seeking an extension till June 30 to submit details of electoral bonds to the Election Commission, March 11, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo He spoke to adoring audiences, upholding the importance of individual liberty, freedom of speech, religious pluralism, Constitutional safeguards and principles. But much of what he said in public was missing when judgments were written. He had the opportunity to step in and restore the autonomy of institutions like the Election Commission when the current political dispensation decided to keep him out of the selection process so that it could appoint whom it wanted. He did not protest. Nor did he protest when they would suggest new names not on the recommended list. He could have restored a legitimately elected government in Maharashtra. It was not enough for his judgment to say that the governor had erred in his decision to appoint Eknath Shinde as chief minister. The court said it could not restore the Uddhav Thackeray government as he had resigned! He could have stopped bulldozer justice that BJP governments indulged in, bulldozing houses of those who they thought were criminals. It started in Uttar Pradesh and spread to Haryana, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh. One of the biggest scandals that rocked the country was the use of Pegasus software for secret surveillance by the government of politicians, journalists and other citizens. Chandrachud did not act, especially when the government defiantly told the court that it would not cooperate. He led a bench that refused to set up an investigation into the alleged quid promo arrangements that electoral bonds could have facilitated, especially between the ruling party and the government. Various media organisations had, in their investigations, found out that there was a clear connection. The biggest beneficiaries of the bonds was the BJP. He could have restored faith and credibility in the electoral process when questions of the Electoral Voting Machines were raised, when the Election Commission was delaying uploading voter turnouts and results, when there was a mismatch between votes casts and counted, and lastly, when ruling party politicians violated the Model Code of Conduct. IMAGE: Chandrachud and his wife Kalpana Das call on President Droupadi Murmu, November 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Chandrachud said numerous times that undertrials must not be kept in jail for unlimited periods in public speeches and media interviews, but his court did little to make this a norm. Some undertrials, like 80-year-old social activist Stan Swamy, died in jail in 2021 waiting for bail. So jail continues to be the norm for thousands of prisoners, many of them innocent. It is ironic that while hardened criminals who are convicted quickly get bail, others who are undertrials have been deliberately kept in jail. Numerous activists, journalists, academics, and dissenters with government policy languish for long periods in jail. A case in point is student leader Umar Khalid, who has been jailed for over three years without bail. After many years, only some of those accused in the Bhima Koregaon case were released; the others continue to languish. Professor G N Saibaba, who had a disability of 90 per cent, was in jail for almost ten years before being released, though he was not convicted of any offence. He recently died a broken man. This was a case in which Chandrachud could have intervened and ensured that justice was delivered to him and thousands of others. IMAGE: Chandrachud being presented a memento by Supreme Court Bar Association President Kapil Sibal, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Attorney General R Venkatramani and other members of the legal fratenity at his farewell, November 8, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo He was part of a bench that dismissed a demand for an investigation into the mysterious death of Justice B H Loya, who was then hearing a fake encounter case in Gujarat. There were allegations that he was being pressured and did not give in. There were inconsistencies in the theory that Loya died of a heart attack in Nagpur to order an investigation. Recommendations of the collegium for the appointment of judges were openly disregarded by the Executive, which soft-pedalled or rejected them despite lakhs of cases pending in Indian courts. During his watch, vacancies of judges in high courts increased as the government did not act on recommendations for appointment. He could have slapped contempt charges on the government for not following the recommendations. He did not. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi attends the Ganesh Puja at the Chandrachud home in New Delhi, September 11, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Chandrachud, who invited Prime Minister Narendra D Modi to his house for a puja, raised ethical questions. Judges are free to follow their faith and should not be targeted for it, but there is no need to wear it on your sleeve. Judges are seen with great respect by the poorest of the poor in the country as their only hope for justice, as they know how the Executive, the Legislature, and media have often failed them. But when Chandrachud declares that he invoked God's blessings before the Ram Janmabhoomi judgment, one is left wondering where the principles laid down by law and jurisprudence stand. Judgments are written after examining the legal aspects of the case, not by divine intervention. The Supreme Court verdict allowed the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site where the Babri Masjid once stood. It said that the 2.77-acre land belonged to Ram Lalla. It asked the Centre to allot a five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board elsewhere to build a mosque. He allowed a survey at Varanasi's 17th century Gyanvapi mosque to determine whether it was built over a temple. This despite the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which mandates maintaining the religious character of places of worship that was prevalent on August 15, 1947. IMAGE: Chandrachud and Kalpana Das arrive to attend Justice Sanjiv Khanna's oath-taking ceremony as the 51st Chief Justice of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan, November 11, 2024. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo Chandrachud was part of Constitution benches before he became the chief justice that passed some praise-worthy judgments recognising privacy as a fundamental right, decriminalising homosexuality and adultery, giving women the right to choose whom they wanted to marry, and allowing women to enter the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. One remarkable one was striking down the scandalous electoral bond scheme. He said it was unconstitutional and arbitrary, having the potential to lead to a quid pro quo arrangement between political parties and donors. However, he refused a probe into it. He also saw projects like live-streaming court cases, setting up the Supreme Court's data centre and the accessible digital repository of judgments that anyone can access, and ensuring the translation of Supreme Court judgments into Indian languages. This will certainly help the lower courts in the states. However, in two years, he could have blazed a trail that few Indian judges had. It was a missed opportunity of a lifetime. He will be remembered more for the lost opportunities than his scholarly erudition. What we need to see now is where he goes after his retirement. Ramesh Menon, award-winning journalist, educator, documentary film-maker and corporate trainer, is the author of Modi Demystified: The Making Of A Prime Minister. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com 'Slogans like 'Ek hai toh safe hai' and 'Batenge toh katenge' resonated with voters.' IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath holds the BJP manifesto at an election meeting in support of BJP candidates Pratap Sarnaik (Ghatkopar East) and Narendra Mehta (Mira Bhayandar) for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Dr Vikas K Jambhulkar, associate professor and head of the department of political science at the Rashtasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University in Nagpur discusses the BJP's clean sweep of Vidarbha in the Maharashtra assembly election with Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com. Out of the 62 seats in Vidarbha, the BJP and Congress were locked into a direct fight in 36 seats. While the BJP wrested 38 seats (48 for Mahayuti) in Vidarbha, the Congress could win just nine seats, six less than what it had won in the 2019 assembly election. "They (the BJP and RSS) had a man-to-man kind of marking system wherein they mobilised a large number of voters on the ground on polling day. That is why we saw the increase in the number of percentage of the people who voted," explains Dr Jambhulkar. What role did the RSS play in the BJP's victory in Vidarbha? The RSS worked hard on the ground mobilising to come out and vote. The RSS indeed played a major role in terms of mobilisation of the people. The programmes given by the BJP were quite definitive and groundbreaking. The Laadki Bahin scheme and its penetration cutting across various social and religious strata was one of the most important aspects of why the BJP performed so well. Obviously, this scheme, to a very large extent, worked in favour of the BJP and the Mahayuti coalition. The BJP could win only the Nagpur and Akola Lok Sabha seats but swept Vidarbha in the Vidhan Sabha election. What is it that the BJP did right? The winning (Mahayuti) coalition were absolutely well synchronised. Their campaign was well synchronised. That was backed up by women-centric schemes that materialised into cash transfers directly into the accounts of the women just before the elections. This created a certain level of confidence among the women and the immediate benefit actually works psychologically in the favour of the party implementing this scheme and that's what actually happened. Secondly, they had a very effective messaging strategy. Slogans like 'Ek hai toh safe hai' and 'Batenge toh katenge' actually resonated (among voters). Isn't this surprising that religious polarisation became an issue in a region that has perennially suffered due to agrarian crisis and farmers' suicides? Vidarbha, historically, has never voted on communal lines. In Vidarbha, in the recent past, we haven't seen any communal polarisation and there has always been a strong counter resistance to such kind of polarisation, particularly in Vidarbha. But this time it could have appealed to voters who had voted for the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) before and led these voters to put their lot behind the Mahayuti candidates. That is where the shift has taken place. Along with this (communal polarisation), for these voters [who earlier voted for the SS (UBT) and NCP (SP)] the continuation of welfare schemes rolled out by the Mahayuti government mattered the most. And while the text remained the Laadki Bahin scheme the subtle polarisation on religious lines based on these two slogans underlines the sub-text of the Mahayuti's performance in Vidarbha. The third is the organisational strength of the BJP, both in terms of its presence at the ground level and the RSS working for the party. The BJP is a well-oiled machinery in a way. They have a robust presence at the grassroots level where people were able to network, mobilise people and even brought them to the voting booth. They (the BJP and RSS) had man-to-man kind of marking system wherein they mobilised a large number of voters on the ground on polling day. That is why we saw the increase in the number of percentage of the people who voted. These factors played an important role in terms of bringing a greater voters' slide towards the BJP. The BJP won only two Lok Sabha seats out of the 10 in Vidarbha, but swept the assembly polls by winning 37 seats out of the 62 it contested. What explains this strong turnaround? IMAGE: BJP leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Nitin Gadkari, Chandrashekhar Bawankule and others pay tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar before Fadnavis's nomination rally at Sanvidhan Chowk in Nagpur, October 25, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo It's quite baffling and certainly we will require more time to understand what exactly has taken place when more data comes in and more research is pulled out. To begin with one knows for sure that during the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP was complacent; probably they had taken it for granted that it (the pro-incumbency of the Narendra Modi government) will work in their favour. For the first time after two elections, the agenda was set by the Congress, particularly the 'Constitution khatre main hai' narrative. It was for the first time that the BJP reacted to an agenda that was set by the Congress and they were caught in the blind. Probably that is why the narrative went in favour of the INDIA coalition and the BJP lost heavily in the parliamentary elections. Why did the Congress, which won five Lok Sabha seats in Vidarbha in 2024, fail to continue with its momentum in the region? While the Congress was not complacent, their whole narrative backfired. They did put up a fight (with its 'Constitution khatre main hai' narrative) but that didn't resonate with the electorate because this was a state and not national election. Moreover, the kind of campaign which the Congress built up was hardly any challenge to the campaign that the BJP-led coalition was throwing at them. The BJP was able to set up the narrative particularly with the Laadki Bahin scheme. The Congress didn't have any strong response to it rather than just an assurance that they will increase the amount to Rs 3,000. The Mahayuti coalition concentrated more on how their schemes were benefitting women. If you remember, in 2014 the BJP's campaign was more concentrated on galvanising the youth and their voting percentage had increased; so the youth segment was targeted. In 2024 they concentrated on women when they saw that the number of women voters was rising and it was necessary to increase women's vote share in their favour. The Laadki Bahin scheme was launched with an eye on this rising number of women voters. Once they succeeded in doing this they straightaway had an advantage over the INDIA coalition. They were banking upon a 3 to 4 per cent shift in women voters in their favour and that is what they succeeded in doing, resulting in a massive sweep for the Mahayuti. Why didn't issues like the agrarian crisis, farmers' suicides, falling soya bean and cotton prices play any role in who the people voted for in this election? The Mahayuti government came up with welfare schemes which cut across classes -- whether farmers, workers, daily wagers and women. The benefits of these welfare schemes appealed across classes. They were able to successfully mobilise all these sections. They had also launched a scheme for youth, particularly to counter the unemployment narrative. They came up with a stipend scheme and internship programme where they gave Rs 10,000 to students as remuneration. They created this programme whereby they provided internships to young students and that helped them control the damage they could have suffered from the issue of unemployment. While keeping the Laadki Bahin scheme at the centre of their welfare schemes, the Mahayuti designed and articulated other schemes to revolve around their flagship welfare programme. This greatly nullified the Congress' Lok Sabha narrative where they even promised Rs 8,000 in the accounts of women and unemployed. HANGZHOU, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- At a well-equipped factory in Machakos County, Kenya, local workers are busy assembling smart meters on a streamlined production line. With an annual capacity of 400,000 units, the factory plays a key role in improving energy efficiency across the region. Zhejiang Chint Instrument & Meter Co., Ltd., based in east China's Zhejiang, owns the factory. Fan Hongyan, regional head for southeast Africa, noted that 90 percent of the factory's workforce are local employees, and the company offers regular training for young people from nearby communities. It aims to collaborate with more countries like Kenya to integrate green and low-carbon practices into all aspects of production, manufacturing, services and daily life, Fan said. His vision has been echoed at the ongoing 2024 Mayors Exchange Conference on Maritime Silk Road City Influence in Zhejiang's Wenzhou, where participants are focusing on strengthening win-win cooperation and fostering innovation among cities along the Maritime Silk Road. From smart ports and intelligent manufacturing to sustainable urban planning, these cities demonstrate how technology can transform governance and quality of life, said Saleem Mandviwalla, chairman of the Senate Finance and Budget Committee of Pakistan. He noted that China's latest initiative to train young Pakistani professionals in advanced technologies ensures that young people in Pakistan are equipped to lead the transformation. China has played a consistent role in fostering mutual benefits through similar initiatives. Data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that by the end of 2023, Chinese companies had established 17,000 overseas enterprises in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, with direct investment stock exceeding 330 billion U.S. dollars. Last year, direct investment from Chinese companies in these countries totaled 40.71 billion U.S. dollars, a 31.5 percent increase from the previous year. These mutual benefits are amplified by China's expanding visa-free entry list. "China's mutual visa exemption policy has accelerated personnel exchanges," said Pov Somnang, special assistant to the secretary-general of ASEAN. He highlighted the fruitful cooperation between China and ASEAN in areas such as tourism, media partnership, think-tank exchange, and international communication among civil organizations. "We view the Maritime Silk Road not just as a trade network but as a transformative force connecting distant civilizations, enriching humanity's shared cultural heritage, and laying the foundation for today's interconnected world," Hisham El-Zimaity, secretary general of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, said at the conference. IHS Towers, an independent owner, operator and developer of shared communications infrastructure, has signed a definitive agreement to sell its 70% interest in IHS Kuwait to Zain Group. The sale includes its approximately 1,675 sites and an additional estimated 700 sites managed in Kuwait. Zain is a leading telecommunications operator across the Middle East and Africa, serving 47.2 million active customers, with a commercial presence in eight countries. IHS explains that the terms of the transaction reflect an enterprise value of US$230 million for the IHS Kuwait portfolio, implying a transaction multiple of 14.2x based on an estimated IHS Kuwait Adjusted EBITDA after leases. This, says IHS, represents a significant premium compared to the current valuation multiple of the IHS Towers group. Entering into this agreement is part of IHS Towers' ongoing strategic review targeted at shareholder value-creation options. The proceeds will primarily be utilised to reduce company debt. Sam Darwish, Chairman & CEO, IHS Towers, explains: The transfer of IHS Kuwait to Zain, the largest mobile network operator in Kuwait, not only highlights the significant value contained within our portfolio but will also allow us to further reduce our net leverage. IHS has over 40,000 towers across its ten markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Cote dIvoire, Egypt, Kuwait, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia. This transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including government and regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the first half of 2025. The 10 Kuki-Zo youths, who were killed in an alleged gunfight with CRPF, received multiple fatal bullet injuries and most of them were fired from behind, according to the post-mortem examination reports. IMAGE: Clashes between Kukis and Meiteis continue to devastate Manipur, resulting in numerous deaths and widespread displacement. Photograph: ANI Photo A detailed analysis of all the 10 autopsy reports showed that there were no other recorded torture marks on their bodies other than bullet injuries and the impact of such wounds. As per the documents, the 10 youths, including one minor, were identified as Ramneilien (29), Fimlien Kung Ngurte (31), Elvis Lalropei Zote (21), Lalthanei (22), Joseph Lalditum (19), Francis Lalzarlien (25), Roulneisang (30), Lalsiemlien Hmar (30), Henry Lalsanglien (25) and Robert Lalnuntluong (16). The Manipur Police on November 11 claimed 10 suspected militants were killed in a fierce gunfight with security forces after insurgents in camouflage uniforms and armed with sophisticated weapons fired indiscriminately at Borobekra police station and an adjacent CRPF camp at Jakuradhor in Jiribam district. The post-mortem reports also mentioned that most of them were in camouflage and khaki dresses when they were brought for autopsy at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) in Assam. Interestingly, while six bodies were brought to SMCH the next day on November 12, four reached the hospital on November 14 and were in early stages of decomposition. The approximate time of death for the bodies on which autopsy was conducted on November 12 was 24-36 hours before, while those arriving on November 14 were 72-96 hours. Only in the case of Hmar, the approximate time since death was 48 to 72 hours prior to conducting the autopsy on November 14. All bodies bore the wounds of multiple bullet entry and exit marks, even more than a dozen in some of the deceased. The bullets hit the young men all over their body parts from head to foot, and most of them were shot from their behind, according to the autopsy reports signed by different sets of three doctors. The reports also mentioned that one eye each was missing from the bodies of Ngurte, Lalzarlien, Hmar and Lalsanglien. The doctors kept the opinion regarding the cause of deaths pending till the receipt of the chemical analysis reports of viscera from the Directorate of Forensic Sciences (DFS) in Guwahati. The funeral of these 10 youths along with two other Kuki-Zo men will be held in Manipur's Churachandpur district on December 5, a leading organisation of the community has said. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), a key organisation of the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur, had earlier decided that the funeral of the Kuki-Zo youths would not be conducted till their post-mortem examination reports were handed over to the families. After the bodies were airlifted from Silchar to Churachandpur on November 16, they have been kept in the local hospital morgue till now. While ITLF claimed that the deceased Kuki-Zo youths were village volunteers, the Manipur government asserted that they were militants. 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. It started after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. Outgoing United States President Joe Biden on Sunday issued a full and unconditional pardon to Hunter Biden arguing that he was singled out only because he was his son. IMAGE: US President Joe Biden with his son Hunter Biden. Photograph: Craig Hudson/Reuters For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. They'll be fair-minded. Here's the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further, Biden said in a statement Sunday night. Hunter Biden was convicted early this year on federal gun and tax charges and was set to appear soon in Delon, California, where he faced the potential of lengthy prison sentences. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted, Joe Biden said. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently, said the president. Biden said the charges in his cases came about only after several of his political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose his election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter's cases, he said. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, he said. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, they've tried to break me and there's no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough, Joe Biden said. Farmers from different parts of Uttar Pradesh demanding adequate compensation for their lands acquired by the government marched towards Delhi on Monday but were stopped at the Noida-Delhi border where they sat on a dharna. IMAGE: RAF personnel stand guard at Delhi-Noida border as security beefs up ahead of farmers 'Delhi Chalo' march, in Noida on Monday. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo The farmers said if their demands were not met within seven days, they would again march towards Delhi. Raising slogans of 'Bol Kisan, Halla Bol', the protesting farmers gathered at the Mahamaya flyover on the Dadri-Noida link road and began their 'Delhi Chalo' march around 11:30 am. Massive traffic snarls caused inconvenience to commuters crossing the Delhi-Noida borders as police set up multiple layers of barricades and deployed heavy security to stop the march, which coincided with Parliament's Winter Session. Bumper-to-bumper traffic was witnessed at Noida's Chilla border for several hours as the protesters, waving banners and flags of various farmer groups, crossed the initial barricades. They were finally stopped near Dalit Prerna Sthal, around a kilometre from the Chilla border, an entry point to Delhi, where senior police officers tried to pacify them. IMAGE: A traffic snarl is seen at Delhi Noida Direct Flyway (DND Flyway). Photograph: ANI Photo Traffic on the stretch resumed around 6 pm after the protesting farmers gave a week's time to fulfil their various demands, including the payment of land acquisition dues, as mandated by the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. In a statement, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) -- an umbrella organisation of 12 farmers' bodies -- said the farmers had decided to stay at Dalit Prerana Sthal for the time being following assurances from the authorities that the chief secretary would meet to 'discuss and settle their demands'. It said the agitation would continue till their demands were met. 'The Yogi Adityanath government has failed to ensure justice to the farmers. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Uttar Pradesh government has not revised the land circle rate since 2017 and landowners have been denied adequate, lawful compensation and other benefits assured by the Land Acquisition Act, 2013,' it said. Shashikant, a member of the SKM's national executive, told PTI that the protest was organised under the aegis of the SKM's Gautam Buddh Nagar unit. IMAGE: Kisan Ekta Sangh members raise slogans as they gather at Maha Maya flyover to begin their 'Delhi Chalo' march. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo According to the Bharatiya Kisan Parishad, farmers from 20 districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Aligarh and Agra, took part in the march. The Bharatiya Kisan Union's Agra district unit chief Rajveer Lawania said, "We are on alert. Some farmers from the Agra division were part of Monday's protest in Noida. If needed, more will join the stir." "As of now barely, 100-odd farmers from Agra division took part in the protest but the numbers can increase if the demand for allocation of 10 per cent developed plots for farmers displaced by land acquisition, along with employment benefits and rehabilitation for children of landless farmers, are not met." Naresh Chaudhry, head of the Kisan Union Samyukt Morcha's Amroha unit, told PTI on the phone from Delhi that the government was not paying the correct price for their lands. "We are demanding that the anomaly be corrected." Chaudhry, who was part of Monday's stir, added that members of the Kisan Union Samyukt Morcha's Amroha unit had returned after participating in the agitation. IMAGE: Kisan Ekta Sangh members gather at Maha Maya flyover. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo Meanwhile, the SKM said in a release that it would hold protests all over Uttar Pradesh against 'privatisation of electricity' on Wednesday. Due to the march and checking by police, commuters travelling via Chilla border, DND flyway, Delhi Gate and Kalindi Kunj faced heavy traffic for hours. Greater Noida resident Aprajita Singh said the barricades caused major inconvenience. "It took me about an hour to get through that stretch. The police set up barricades on both sides of the Delhi-Noida border, causing significant traffic congestion, especially on the carriageway from Noida to Delhi," she said. Amit Thakur of Noida said he ditched his car due to the heavy traffic and took the metro to work. IMAGE: Kisan Ekta Sangh members gather at Maha Maya flyover in Noida. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo A senior Delhi Police officer said checking was conducted at the border points and drones were used for surveillance. Joint Commissioner of Police (Southern Range) SK Jain said the Delhi Police coordinated with its Noida counterpart. "Since Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita is imposed in the New Delhi area and Parliament is in session, protests without permission are strictly prohibited," he said. "We have increased security at both borders. Proper barricades, jersey barriers and hydra cranes have been deployed. We will stop those who will try to forcibly enter the city," he added. A group of farmers from Punjab, led by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), has called for a march towards Delhi on December 6. The group has been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13. India on Monday described as 'deeply regrettable' an incident of breach of the premises of the Bangladesh consulate in Agartala by a group of people protesting the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in the neighbouring country. IMAGE: Security beefed up after protesters broke out police barricades during a protest against atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh, at the Assistant High Commission in Agartala on Monday. Photograph: ANI Photo The comments by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) came hours after the protesters reportedly barged into the assistant high commission of Bangladesh and allegedly resorted to vandalism. The MEA said consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances and that the government is beefing up security at the Bangladeshi missions in India. In Agartala, thousands of people took out a massive demonstration near the Bangladeshi mission protesting the arrest of Das as well as attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh. 'The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable,' the MEA said. It is understood that the Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi is lodging a protest over the 'breach' at its mission in Agartala. In its statement, the MEA said the government is taking action to step up security for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and other missions of the country in India. 'Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances,' it said. 'The government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their deputy/assistant high commissions in the country,' it said. In a statement in Dhaka, the Bangladesh foreign ministry said it 'deeply resents' the 'violent demonstration and attack by a large group of protesters of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti' on the premises of the assistant high commission. The protesters were allowed to enter the premises by 'breaking down the main gate', it alleged. It said the protesters 'vandalised the flag pole, desecrated the national flag of Bangladesh and also damaged properties inside the assistant high commission'. The Bangladesh foreign ministry further alleged the local police personnel 'in charge of protecting the premises were found not to be active in containing the situation'. It said 'attack' on the mission violates the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and called upon the Indian counterpart to initiate a 'thorough investigation' into the incident, prevent any further acts of violence against Bangladesh's missions and ensure the security of Bangladeshi officials. There have been a spate of attacks on minorities including on the Hindu community in Bangladesh in the last few months. India on Friday said the interim government in Bangladesh must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities as it expressed serious concern over the 'surge' of extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence against Hindus. New Delhi also hoped that the case relating to Das, arrested on a charge of sedition, will be dealt with in a just, fair and transparent manner. Das was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday last in connection with a sedition case. "Our position on the matter is very clear -- the interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing on Friday. "We are concerned at the surge of extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggeration. We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps for the protection of minorities," he added. The relations between India and Bangladesh came under strain after the interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus came to power following the stepping down of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country. Shiv Sena MP Srikant Shinde, the son of Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Monday said the speculations about him getting the deputy CM's post in the new state government were false and baseless. IMAGE: Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde with his son Shrikant Shinde. Photograph: ANI Photo In a post on X, the parliamentarian also said he had the chance of becoming a minister at the Centre after the Lok Sabha polls held earlier this year, but he refused it and he wanted to focus on working for the party organisation. More than a week after the Mahayuti clinched a massive victory in Maharashtra polls with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 132 seats, the new government is yet to be sworn in. The oath-taking ceremony of the Mahayuti government is scheduled for December 5 evening at Azad Maidan in Mumbai in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The name of Devendra Fadnavis has been finalised as the new chief minister of Maharashtra, a senior BJP leader claimed on Sunday night. Eknath Shinde left for his native village in Satara district on Friday amid speculation that he was not happy with the way the new government was shaping up. The caretaker CM reached Thane on Sunday afternoon. Shrikant Shinde on Monday said the swearing-in ceremony of the Mahayuti coalition government has been a bit delayed, and currently there are lot of discussions and rumours. He said the rumours escalated after his father went to the village for two days and took rest due to ill-health. "The news that I will be the deputy chief minister has been circulating with question marks for the past two days. There is no truth to this, and all such news are baseless," the Kalyan MP said on X. He said despite an opportunity to become a minister in the central government after the Lok Sabha elections, he had turned it down to focus on strengthening the party organisation. "I have no desire for a position of power. I make it clear once again that I am not in the race for any ministerial position in the state," he said, reinforcing his commitment to work for his Lok Sabha constituency and Shiv Sena. Acknowledging the media's enthusiasm and competition, Shrikant Shinde urged them to refrain from distorting the facts. "I hope that the discussions about me will at least stop now," he added. In the recently concludes state polls, the Mahayuti won 230 of the 288 assembly seats. The BJP led with 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena got 57 and NCP 41 seats. Amid speculation that his son Shrikant Shinde might get the deputy CM's post and Shiv Sena is keen on the Home portfolio, Eknath Shinde on Sunday said the Mahayuti allies will decide the government formation through a consensus after sitting together. The suspense over who will be Maharashtra's new chief minister will end on December 4, when the state Bharatiya Janata Party legislature party elects its new leader, a senior party functionary said on Monday. IMAGE: Maharashtra's caretaker CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP chief Ajit Pawar meet Union home minister Amit Shah, in New Delhi on Thursday. Photograph: ANI Photo Earlier in the day, the BJP named Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani as its central observers for the legislature party meeting. Devendra Fadnavis, two-time former chief minister, is widely seen as the frontrunner for the top post. The meeting will be held Wednesday morning in Vidhan Bhawan, a party functionary said. In the November 20 state assembly polls, whose results were declared three days later, the Mahayuti won 230 of the 288 assembly seats. The BJP led with 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena got 57 and NCP 41 seats. BJP leader Girish Mahajan, who is considered close to Fadnavis, visited Eknath Shinde's house in Thane Monday evening. Bharat Gogawale, MLA of the caretaker CM's Shiv Sena party, on Monday claimed that Shinde did not want to be a part of the new dispensation in the state. "I was with (Shinde) saheb the day before. We were all with him. He told us that he will be outside 'power' (government) and work from outside. But we all insisted that he work from within the government," Gogawale said. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Monday said the home portfolio should be given to it. Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat said 'it is a convention that if BJP gets the CM post, then the home ministry should be with (the party that gets) deputy CM' "The home portfolio being with us will be good for the Mahayuti alliance," Shirsat said. There were reports that caretaker CM Eknath Shinde had conveyed his displeasure at not being given a second chance as CM by retreating to his village Dare in Satara district, but he attributed the visit to a need for rest after a hectic election campaign. Shinde left for his native village in Satara district on Friday amid speculation that he was not happy with the way the new government was shaping up. The caretaker CM returned to his residence in Thane on Sunday afternoon. Shinde's sudden 'illness' and decision to head to his native village after talks in Delhi with the BJP leadership had raised eyebrows. "I called PM Modi and told him that I would not be an obstacle... we (the Mahayuti alliance that won the election) will go with what he decides," Shinde told reporters, four days after the election results were out. The BJP has already announced that the new chief minister will take oath at 5 pm on December 5 at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders. Preparations for the ceremony are underway. The BJP's two main allies in the Mahayuti coalition, the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party, are each tipped to be given deputy CM positions in the new government. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, son of Eknath Shinde, dismissed media reports that he may get the deputy CM's post in the new state government. In a post on X, the Lok Sabha member said he had the chance of becoming a minister at the Centre after this year's Lok Sabha polls, but refused it as he wanted to focus on working for the party organisation. "I have no desire for a position of power. I make it clear once again that I am not in the race for any ministerial position in the state," he said. Amid speculation that Shiv Sena is keen on the home portfolio, Eknath Shinde on Sunday said the Mahayuti allies will decide the modalities of government formation through consensus. NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Monday flew to Delhi, while Eknath Shinde and Fadnavis remained in Mumbai, meeting workers and leaders of their parties. Responding to a media report claiming that he had spoken of raising the Ladki Bahin scheme grant for women from Rs 1,500 per month to Rs 2,100 with effect from Bhaubeej next year, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar on Monday said he had merely pointed out that it is the state cabinet which will decide on this issue. People's Democratic Party supremo Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday likened the "oppression" of Hindus in Bangladesh to the condition of minorities in India, as she objected to the recent surveys of mosques. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti. The Bharatiya Janata Party hit out at the PDP chief, demanding action against her "anti-national" remarks comparing the situation in Bangladesh with India. Mehbooba Mufti also asserted that the majority of Hindus in the country were secular and called for a united fight against the forces trying to divide people on religious lines, as she warned against a repeat of 1947-like riots. "As we have heard, our Hindu brothers are facing oppression in Bangladesh but if we do the same thing with minorities here (in India), then what is the difference? We have such a great country, known by the world over for its secular character," she said at a gathering of party workers. "Here (in India), we harass the minorities and demolish their mosques in search of 'shivlings'. If any Hindu raises their voice (against atrocities) in Bangladesh, he is jailed and people like Umar Khalid are put behind bars here. What is the difference? I don't see any difference," she said. She said the situation in the country was not good. "Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Sardar (Vallabhbhai) Patel, (BR) Ambedkar made this country a home for Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians. Gandhi even sacrificed his life for it," Mehbooba Mufti said. However, she said people were being pitted against each other on the basis of religion. "I am afraid we are being pushed towards a 1947-like situation," the former chief minister of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state said. Attacking the BJP, she said the Centre had failed to provide jobs, education, good hospitals and roads to the people and was diverting people's attention by targeting mosques on the pretext of finding temples beneath them. "This is exactly what is happening in the country. Four innocent youngsters were recently killed in Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh) but who will speak for them? Anyone doing so will be put in jail like Umar Khalid, who is behind the bars for the past four years. In the prevailing conditions, there is no one to listen, Mehbooba Mufti said. The PDP leader referred to a petition claiming that the Ajmer Sharif dargah was built over a Shiva temple and said people of different faiths, including Hindus and Sikhs, visited the 800-year-old shrine -- a glaring example of "Ganga-Jamuni" culture. "They also want to dig up this shrine in search of a temple... For how long will this continue?" she asked. The PDP president said people needed to stand up to counter this, otherwise "what is the difference between Bangladesh and our country?" "The majority of Hindus in our country are secular. We have to stand up to counter this emerging situation as we have to live together and there is no other way," she said. The BJP slammed the PDP supremo for comparing India with Bangladesh, saying her remarks were "completely wrong and condemnable". "The world is aware of the worst kind of human rights violations in Bangladesh where the minority community is facing targeted attacks, women insulted and an elected prime minister forced to flee the country, besides the statues of its founder being desecrated," the BJP's former Jammu and Kashmir chief Ravinder Raina said. "The Jammu and Kashmir government should take serious note of the anti-national statement of Mehbooba Mufti and her conspiracies. Action should be taken against her," Raina told PTI on the sidelines of a party function. The government and opposition parties reached an agreement on Monday to break the week-long impasse in Parliament with the dates announced for a discussion on the Constitution, to mark its 75th year of adoption, in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. IMAGE: Proceedings in both Houses were adjourned for yet another day on Monday amid protests by opposition members over the Adani indictment row, recent violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal and other issues. Photograph: ANI Photo The Lower House will take up the discussion on the Constitution on December 13 and 14, and the Upper House on December 16 and 17, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said following a meeting Speaker Om Birla held with floor leaders of different parties. Opposition parties had demanded discussions in both Houses of Parliament to mark the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly. Rijiju told reporters that all parties have agreed to allow Parliament to function from Tuesday, and both Houses will take up their listed agenda items. He expressed confidence that Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will function smoothly from Tuesday. Following back-channel talks, the breakthrough was achieved at the meeting chaired by Birla and attended by Gaurav Gogoi of the Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's T R Baalu and Trinamool Congress's Kalyan Banerjee among others besides Rijiju and his deputy in the ministry Arjun Ram Meghwal. Several opposition leaders, who attended the meeting, also echoed Rijiju's views about Parliament functioning smoothly from Tuesday. Asked about other issues being raised by the opposition such as the Sambhal violence and the unrest in Manipur, Rijiju said Birla has made it clear that any matter can be raised in line with the rules, while requesting parties to allow Parliament to function smoothly. Sources said the Samajwadi Party may be allowed to raise the Sambhal issue and the Trinamool Congress the events in Bangladesh following the deposition of the Sheikh Hasina government. The Congress has been persistent in raising the issue of indictment by United States prosecutors of Adani Group chairperson Gautam Adani and other company officials on bribery and fraud charges. This coupled with vociferous opposition protests over matters such as the Sambhal violence and Manipur unrest have resulted in constant adjournments of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha since the Winter Session began on November 25. However, some other opposition parties, especially the TMC, have not attached the same priority to the Adani row and want Parliament to discuss a host of different issues, including unemployment, price rise and the Centre's alleged discrimination against opposition-ruled states in fund allocation. The TMC has skipped opposition meetings on formulating the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA)'s joint strategy during the session. A TMC source said his party cannot be there just to stamp its approval on the Congress' agenda. The Congress and many of its allies have also been vocal in targeting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for its alleged attack on the Constitution under the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP on the other hand has projected the main opposition party as the principal violator of constitutional norms and spirit when it was in power, asserting that the Modi government has strengthened constitutional practices and principles during its over 10-year tenure. Proceedings in both Houses were adjourned for yet another day on Monday amid protests by opposition members over the Adani indictment row, recent violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal and other issues. Rijiju said every party expressed their concern over the deadlock in Parliament. The government, he said, noted that MPs from across the country want to voice their issues and that it was not appropriate to waste taxpayers' money due to the continuing logjam. In a breather to filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, the Andhra Pradesh high court on Monday restrained the state police from taking coercive steps in cases registered against him in the state, for a week. IMAGE: Ram Gopal Varma. Photograph: ANI Photo Several cases have been registered in Andhra Pradesh against Varma accusing him of posting morphed photographs of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and their family members in an 'indecent' manner on social media. Justice Harinath N posted the matter to December 9 for hearing, granting relief until then to the filmmaker. Varma's advocate Rajagopallavan Tayi argued that pictures posted on social media platform 'X' are posters in promotion of a movie he made. The director committed no offence and the complainants are not aggrieved persons to lodge a complaint. Tayi told PTI that on behalf of his client, he moved the HC seeking it to club all the cases against Varma and treat them as one. The petition is likely to come up on December 11. Prakasam district police served two notices to Varma asking him to appear before them for questioning in connection with the case against him. However, Varma failed to show up, but expressed his willingness to appear 'digitally' before the authorities. Meanwhile, Varma in a press conference in Hyderabad on Monday pulled up a section of media, saying it is creating hype over the issue and speculating that he was avoiding arrest by absconding. He further said no one can control social media reach. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to travel to India next year as part of the established framework for reciprocal annual engagements between the leaders of the two nations, the Kremlin has said. IMAGE: Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photograph: ANI Photo President Putin has received an invitation to visit India from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said at a recent media briefing. The dates for Putin's visit will be set in early 2025, he said. "Our leaders have an agreement to hold meetings once a year. This time, it's our turn," the diplomat noted. "We received Mr Modi's invitation and we will certainly consider it positively... We will figure out the tentative dates early next year," Ushakov said. Putin and Modi maintain regular contact, holding telephone conversations once every couple of months. The two leaders also hold in-person meetings, particularly on the sidelines of international events. In July, Prime Minister Modi made a two-day visit to Moscow to take part in the 22nd Russia-India summit. In October, he visited the Russian city of Kazan for the BRICS group's summit. In November, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov in a video interaction with senior Indian Editors in Delhi referred to the strong bilateral relationship between India and Russia, and said that Putin's visit is on the cards. However, he did not give any specific timeline or make a definitive announcement of the visit. "We are looking forward to the visit. The dates will be mutually worked out soon," Peskov had said. South African telco Vodacom says it has launched the first 4G base station in the village of Thathe Vondo in Thohoyandou, Thulamela Municipality in Limpopo province as part of its effort to expand rural coverage in the country. The new 4G site, located in Thathe Vondos Tshivhase Nature Reserve, will serve thousands of households in the area that up to now had no mobile coverage at all, Vodacom said in a release issued Thursday. Vodacom said the site in Thathe Vondo is part of the telcos Rural Coverage Network Expansion Programme, which aims to expand network coverage for people who live in deep rural areas of South Africa. Vodacom said it has invested over R750 million in network rollout and capacity upgrades in the past two years across Limpopo province. In the past financial year alone, Vodacom Limpopo has deployed 14 new base station sites in Thohoyandou. Earlier this month, Vodacom Limpopo said it had activated ten new base station sites, including two 5G and eight 4G LTE sites, connecting people in Malamulela, Polokwane, Lebowakgomo, Burgersfort and Hoedspruit. Omphile Mosegedi, executive head of operations for Vodacom Limpopo, said the base station in Thathe Vondo will empower communities there to gain access to digital services and the economic benefits therein. As a result of this deployment, school-going kids can now access the internet for the first time and have the option of using online learning platforms, whilst those who are actively looking for jobs can now use their smartphones to access jobs portals that are zero-rated for Vodacom subscribers, he said in a statement. Crucially, community members who previously had to travel long distances to make calls and do banking will be doing this on their devices from the comfort of their homes without incurring and save on travelling costs. The Supreme Court on Monday sought the Election Commission's response on a PIL challenging its decision to increase the maximum number of voters from 1,200 to 1,500 at every polling station, saying no elector should be excluded. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo While asking the poll panel to clarify its stand, a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar said, "We are concerned. No voter should be excluded." The bench therefore directed senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing the poll panel, to file a short affidavit explaining the rationale behind the decision to increase the number of voters per polling station. "Senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the Election Commission, says on instruction that they will explain the position by way of a short affidavit. Let the affidavit be filed within a period of three weeks," said the bench. Singh said the bench knew about the consistent allegations on EVMs, adding, "They will keep on coming. The polling has been happening like this since 2019 and political parties are being consulted before this in every constituency." The senior lawyer said polling stations could have multiple polling booths and political parties were consulted in each constituency when the total number of voters was raised per EVM. Singh further said voters were always permitted to cast their votes, even beyond the prescribed time. The bench, which will hear the matter on January 27, 2025, asked the EC to provide a copy of its affidavit to the petitioner before the next date of hearing. The PIL, filed by Indu Prakash Singh, challenged two communications issued by the EC in August, increasing the number of voters per polling station in each constituency across India. The plea said the decision to increase the number of voters per polling booth was arbitrary and not based on any data. On October 24, the top court refused to issue any notice to the poll panel but allowed the petitioner to serve the copy to the standing counsel of the poll panel so that its stand on the issue is known. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the petitioner, contended that increasing the number of voters from 1,200 to 1,500 would lead to the exclusion of underprivileged groups from the electoral process as an individual would take longer to cast their franchise. He submitted longer queues and waiting time at the polling stations would dissuade voters from going to cast their votes. The bench, however, said the poll panel wanted more participation and with the use of EVMs, it took a shorter time compared to ballot papers as the poll panel intended to considerably reduce the time taken to cast votes by increasing the number of EVMs at booths. The petitioner, however, said the poll panel's decision would impact voters during the assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand (since concluded) and Bihar and Delhi to be held in 2025. The petitioner said elections were normally held for 11 hours and it took around 60 to 90 seconds to cast a single vote, and therefore 660 to 490 persons could cast their vote in a day at one polling station with one EVM. Considering the average voting percentage to be 65.70 per cent, it was perceivable that a polling station prepared to accept 1,000 electors, saw about 650 people turning up, said the petitioner. The plea said there were booths where the elector turnout was in the range of 85-90 per cent. "In such a situation, about 20 per cent of voters will either end up standing in the queue beyond the voting hours or due to long waiting times, will abandon exercising their right to vote. Neither is acceptable in a progressive republic or a democracy," argued the PIL. The assembly polls were fought under Eknath Shinde's leadership and it is now up to the Bharatiya Janata Party's central leadership to decide on how to maintain his stature, the caretaker Maharashtra chief minister's aide and former state minister Deepak Kesarkar said on Monday. IMAGE: Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addresses a press conference, in Satara on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo Shinde's contribution should be duly recognised, Kesarkar said at a press conference in Mumbai. Though the Mahayuti, comprising the Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party, won 230 out of 288 assembly seats in the November 20 polls, results of which were declared on November 23, the formation of a new government has taken time. The BJP earlier announced the swearing-in ceremony will be held on December 5 at south Mumbai's Azad Maidan in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Our leader has already proven who truly represents the Shiv Sena. Now it is up to Delhi (BJP central leadership) to decide how to maintain his stature. We will not interfere in that decision," Kesarkar said. On the delay in government formation, he said, "The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for December 5. But many baseless rumours are being circulated. Eknath Shinde, as the caretaker chief minister, has no role in these delays. The BJP's internal selection process is their matter. Shinde has already conveyed that he will accept any decision made by them." He dismissed reports of dissatisfaction or discord within the Mahayuti, describing them as misinformation spread by the opposition. "This is a significant victory for us because it comes after years of vote polarisation. We fought the election under Eknath Shinde's leadership, and his contribution should be duly recognised. Opposition leaders, after securing very few seats, are now looking for excuses and creating unnecessary speculation," Kesarkar said. Asking leaders and the media to refrain from making speculative comments about the Mahayuti, Kesarkar said, "Three parties working together require discussions. This is normal. It does not mean anyone is upset. Shinde is not unhappy, and the alliance is firmly united." Amid reports of attacks on Hindus and other minorities in neighbouring Bangladesh, a youth from Kolkata claimed he was beaten up in Dhaka by unidentified persons after they learnt he was a Hindu from India. IMAGE: Sayan Ghosh claimed he was beaten up in Dhaka by unidentified persons. Photograph: X Twenty-two-year-old Sayan Ghosh, who hails from Belgharia area on the northern fringes of the West Bengal capital, had gone to Bangladesh on November 23 and had put up at a friend's place, and the family treated him as their own son. "However, as me and my friend went out for a stroll late in the evening on November 26, a group of four-five youths accosted me around 70 metres from my friend's residence. They asked me about my identity. As I told them I was from India and a Hindu, they started kicking and punching me and even attacked my friend who tried to save me," Ghosh told PTI. "They even snatched my mobile phone and wallet at knife-point. No bystander came to our rescue. There was no policeman nearby. After the incident, we went to Shyampur police station but they refused to lodge any complaint. Instead, they repeatedly asked me why I visited Bangladesh. After I showed them my passport and visa, and after speaking to my friend and his family members, they were satisfied and asked me to get my wounds treated," he said. Ghosh claimed that, however, that he was denied treatment at two private medical facilities and finally went to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. "I received treatment there three hours after the incident. I had several stitches done on my forehead and head and even had injury in my mouth," Ghosh, still struck by horror, said. Ghosh could finally lodge a complaint with Belgharia police station upon his return to Kolkata on November 30 as neither the immigration nor Bangladesh Border Guards at Darshana border outpost registered his complaint officially. "I was too scared to visit the Indian High Commission in Dhaka fearing for the safety of me and my friend's family," he added. After staying at his friend's house for three days after the incident, Ghosh was taken to the railway station by his friend in the early hours of November 29 and he took a train for Darshana. From Darshana, he crossed over to Gede, on the Indian side, in the morning of November 29 and took a Sealdah-bound local train to reach Belgharia. The young man, who wished that the issue not be politicised, said he intended to lodge a complaint with the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata. "The youths were locals having some connections and probably that is why the police did not initiate any action against them and did not lodge my complaint," he said. "I could not imagine such a nightmarish situation awaiting me in a neighbouring country where people speak the same language as us and share similar food habits," he said. A Bangladesh Deputy High Commission official in Kolkata said the interim government was committed to ensuring the safety of every citizen, from all communities, as well as tourists and look into complaints once lodged for fair investigation. Villupuram district in north Tamil Nadu continued to reel under unprecedented flooding on Monday following extremely heavy rainfall, virtually blocking access to villages and residential colonies as bridges and roads overflowed, inundating huge acreage of standing crops and affected rail and road traffic, leaving passengers stranded. IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inspects the Cyclone Fengal-affected areas, at Nappalayam in Villupuram on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo A total of 48 trains via Villupuram were affected, and Southern Railway in the evening announced restoration of services with speed restrictions and underlined that all efforts were underway to restore all the services in the route. In Tiruvannamalai, tragedy unfolded as five bodies were recovered from a house crushed by a boulder that rolled down a hilltop following a mud slip on the night of December 1 during rains. A search was on for two more people. Vehicles were submerged up to two feet and the roads came completely under water in several parts of Villupuram, and nearby Cuddalore, where residents were stunned by the flooding. River Thenpennai was in spate, trees were uprooted in several areas and electricity poles were tilted. Several houses, particularly tiled tenements, at Aragandanallur in Villupuram were almost submerged with water level rising over 4 feet. Parts of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts, in west Tamil Nadu, too witnessed floods unseen in the past two decades. Uthangarai in Krishnagiri district received a whopping 50 cm rainfall, Villupuram district received upto 42 cm, and Harur in Dharmapuri received 33 cm. Cuddalore and Tiruvannamalai recorded 16 cm, and all of which was from 8.30 am on December 1 to 8.30 am, on the following day. In Villupuram district alone, 3,617 persons have been housed in 65 relief shelters and 15 disaster relief teams are operational. Many vehicles, including cars and vans were dragged by floods from a road at Uthangarai into low-lying area, shocking people. Several of the vehicles were owned by local tour operators. Road access from Uthangarai to towns such as Krishnagiri and Tiruvannamalai has been affected due to heavy inundation. A senior India Meteorological Department official in Villupuram told PTI that the extremely heavy rainfall was due to the presence of remnants of Cyclone Fengal in land areas. On the night of November 30, the cyclonic storm made the landfall near Puducherry. With water rising above the danger level on an arterial bridge between Vikravandi and Mundiyampakkam in Villupuram, Southern Railway on Monday morning suspended operations in that key stretch, leading to cancellations, diversion and short termination of services, which includes express and superfast trains. As a result, people flocked to the bus station, resulting in chaotic crowds and the traffic on the key Chennai-Tiruchirappalli national highway, in and around Villupuram, was also hit in view of flooding. Well-connected Villupuram is the easy link between Chennai, other northern parts of the state and the central and southern regions of Tamil Nadu. Villupuram is located about 160 km from state capital Chennai. As portions of a bridge were washed away, link to many villages near Aarani in Tiruvannamalai district was cut off. Similarly, bridges elsewhere, including the one at Karunapuram near Tindivanam, were submerged and water overflowed into nearby areas, virtually cutting access to villages. Water entered the Gingee government hospital prompting authorities to shift patients to hospitals elsewhere. Authorities diverted the Aaraniyaru surplus water to Chennai. A farm produce warehouse was submerged at Vikravandi and many bags, containing groundnuts and other produce could be seen floating on water. Raging flood water gushed towards low-lying areas and many localities of Villupuram town, nearby urban hubs and villages, and parts of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri were also marooned, bearing the brunt of the rain fury. The Pochampalli police station in Krishnagiri district came under about 3 feet water and all around the premises, water could be seen moving with huge force. In Nilgiris, a 50-year old man was killed in a rain related incident. In Puducherry, which witnessed 48.4 cm rains and four rain-related deaths, Chief Minister N Rangasamy announced a slew of relief measures, which includes Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 5,000 to each of the 3.54 lakh families under the Public Distribution system. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, meanwhile, visited Villupuram on Monday and interacted with the affected people and distributed relief to them. Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin also has held inspection in Villupuram. The government extended the deadline till December 10 for payment of power bills in six flood-hit districts of Villupuram, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Tiruvannamalai. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief Edappadi K Palaniswami visited Krishnagiri and urged the government to provide compensation to farmers and affected people. On floods pushing vehicles into low-lying areas, Palaniswami said the owners, belonging to ordinary families, were dependent on vehicles for their business and batted for compensation to them. The depression, the remnant of cyclonic storm Fengal over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, weakened into a Well Marked Low Pressure Area on December 2 over north interior Tamil Nadu, the IMD said adding it is likely to emerge over southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea off north Kerala-Karnataka coasts around 3rd December 2024. BRATTLEBORO Former town manager Peter Elwell is asking Representative Town Meeting members to vote to rescind the acceptable community conduct ordinance, calling it "unnecessary" and "flawed." "At best, this ordinance constitutes the paternalistic othering of an entire class of people who are financially distressed and already marginalized by failed systems in our community, state, and country," Elwell said in an email sent to RTM members Saturday. "At worst, it criminalizes poverty in Brattleboro." A special RTM is scheduled for Dec. 12 following a successful petition drive to vote on repealing the ordinance. Town Manager John Potter previously said the ordinance establishes "community standards in certain areas and certain properties" with fines and no-trespass orders issued for violations at the discretion of police. At a recent panel, members of the Community Safety Organizing Team proposed an "alternative vision," including the establishment of a community center and an emotional support program in Brattleboro potentially using opioid settlement funds from the state if approved by a committee. 'Alternative vision' for community safety proposed BRATTLEBORO As Representative Town Meeting members prepare to debate if the new Acceptable After nearly three years of keeping distance from town government, Elwell said he feels "compelled to speak out now." He retired in 2021 after seven years as town manager and serves on the Charter Revision Commission. "I believe it is ethically and practically important for retired municipal leaders to step away and leave room for their successors to do Town business without the potentially confusing or distracting involvement of those of us who once held significant authority but are no longer involved in the details of Town issues and actions," he wrote. Elwell said he's speaking only for himself, as he's board president at Groundworks Collaborative and former interim deputy executive director for the organization. He also serves on the board of the Housing and Homelessness Alliance of Vermont. In the letter, Elwell described much of the ordinance as being "too vague." "One exception is the clearly worded clause that prohibits the essential bodily functions of urination and defecation, despite the Towns refusal to install port-a-potties downtown or even allow port-a-potties to be installed on Town property," he wrote. "While the waiver provisions of the ordinance give the appearance of compassion and support, they lack detail and may not work. They concentrate in individual Town administrators the power to judge someones intentions or willingness to receive help, without due process or checks and balances." Elwell said the ordinance's restorative process depends on "overloaded systems (for drug treatment and/or mental health support) that are beyond the Towns control, thereby diluting or defeating their effectiveness as alternatives to punishment." He suggested parts of the ordinance appear to be unconstitutional and could open the town up to lawsuits. Adoption of the ordinance by the Select Board in September was "too rushed," Elwell wrote, "resulting in a flawed and segregated action. Some who opposed the ordinance at that time were willing to work with the Town to improve it or to have community-based supports accompany it. The Select Board rejected this integrated approach and pushed ahead." Brattleboro board approves acceptable conduct ordinance, downtown safety plan funding BRATTLEBORO Forward momentum continues with the town addressing concerns about crime and u Elwell also questioned the prudence of board approval of what he described as "unprecedented unbudgeted expenditures almost $700,000 for this year and tentatively almost $1 million for next year primarily to fund nine additional personnel in the Police Department." Acknowledging the board felt "significant community pressure" to address issues downtown, he said the decision violates "one of the most basic principles of managing public finances" as surpluses from fund balance were tapped to pay for a recurring expense. "Violating this principle leads to financial instability and forces unpleasant choices (e.g. higher taxes vs. unwelcome service cuts)," he wrote. "We are painfully experiencing this reality in the current self-created budget crisis. Substantial cuts in all other areas of Town government are now being considered in order to pay for the Police staffing decisions ..." Elwell estimates it will take months or years to correct what he called a "budget mistake." Overturning the ordinance will "prevent the numerous and varied harms that implementing it would otherwise cause to individual people and to our community as a whole," he wrote. Potter referred the Reformer to the Select Board for comments, as town staff aren't in a position to offer opinions. Board Chairman Daniel Quipp, who voted against the ordinance, declined to comment. Select Board Vice Chairwoman Elizabeth McLoughlin told the Reformer she will be responding to Elwell's letter and the proposal for opioid settlement funds. She has defended the ordinance and serves on the state committee looking at how to spend the settlement money. Board member Richard Davis, who also voted against the ordinance, said he agrees with Elwell that the passage of the ordinance was rushed. "My opposing vote at the time was an expression of my feeling that we should try other options proposed before enacting the ordinance and then review its appropriateness at a later date to see if things change enough to make it either unnecessary or needing rewriting," he said. Davis said he also agrees with Elwell that the town shouldn't use one-time funds for projects with recurring costs. Davis and Franz Reichsman voted against the expenditure. "I said that we should not be making such a large expenditure when we did not have a formulated budget, meaning that this appropriation vote lacks context in relation to what the town can afford," Davis said. Board member Peter "Fish" Case said he has "nothing but the utmost respect" for Elwell and "always found him to be a true professional." "I would be lying if I didnt find some disappointment with his letter, not so much the content, rather the approach," Case said. "Peter spent a decent amount of time laying the foundation of his past experience with town government and how it works, yet he never reached out to contact a Select Board member or our town manager to discuss these issues. So for that reason please register my disappointment." Case said if he had been given the opportunity to discuss the issue with Elwell, he would have reminded him that an ordinance can be improved if things aren't working as planned. "I may have also asked if we want a town where anything goes or if there is a way we can draw some healthy boundaries, which at the end of the day is all were trying to do," Case said. "Also, the constant narrative that the ordinance is criminalizing poverty is so false that I was shocked to see it in a letter from a former town manager and community leader." Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Areas of fog early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High 58F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies with a few showers after midnight. Low around 45F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Southeast Asian data centre operator Bridge Data Centres (BDC) says it has signed an electricity supply agreement (ESA) with Malaysian energy company TNB to supply renewable energy for its planned hyperscale data centre in Johor. Under the ESA and a bilateral energy supply contract signed on Friday, TNB will supply 400MW of power to BDCs MY07 data centre, which is BDCs newest facility currently under construction in the Johor suburb of Ulu Tiram, according to a press release posted on W.Media. MY07 is designed as a hyperscale data centre that BDC which is backed by Bain Capital says will serve growing demand for digital infrastructure in the region. The agreement which was facilitated by TNBs green subsidiary, TNB Renewables was signed under the Malaysian governments Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS) framework that was officially launched in September. The CRESS framework aims to liberalise Malaysias energy sector and encourage adoption of green energy by enabling an open grid access system that allows companies to access green electricity supply more easily. Under CRESS, third parties can supply or purchase electricity via the grid with a predetermined system access charge. The government hopes that CRESS will enable renewable energy to account for 70% of Malaysias energy capacity by 2050. The CRESS initiative comes as the Malaysian government is also pushing to develop the country as a key data centre hub for southeast Asia. As part of that push, the Malaysian Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation has vowed to address sustainability issues in the data centre sector. TNB president and CEO Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan said the deal with BDC represents Malaysias fastest ESA delivery to meet a data centres energy needs. Through the TNB Green Lane Pathway initiative, combined with our One-Stop Centre services, we are proud to guarantee rapid deployment of energy solutions within just 12 months, he said in a statement. BDC CEO Eric Fan said the agreement establishes a framework for BDC to incorporate renewable energy into its operations, demonstrating a shared commitment between TNB and BDC toward sustainability and carbon reduction. Yasaman crossed more than half a dozen countries on foot, bus, and boat and paid thousands of dollars to smugglers to reach Mexico. Yasaman, an Afghan woman whose name has been changed to protect her identity, believed she was within touching distance of realizing her dream: entering the United States. But her hopes came crashing down on January 20, when new U.S. President Donald Trump declared an emergency on the southern border with Mexico as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration. As part of the executive order, U.S. authorities shut down the CBP One mobile app -- the only legal way for migrants to make an appointment with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, request asylum, and enter the country legally. "I don't know what to do now," said Yasaman, who arrived in Mexico in November 2024. "I'm waiting [for] what Trump will decide next about migrants." Yasaman, speaking by telephone from Mexico, said she received a notification on January 20 that read: "Existing appointments scheduled through CBP One are no longer valid." The shutdown of the app will affect thousands of migrants, including Afghans, hoping to enter the United States legally. Around 1 million appointments had been scheduled through CBP One since it was introduced in January 2023. Not Happy In Brazil Mexico has been a relatively new route for thousands of Afghan migrants seeking a new, better life in the United States. RFE/RL contacted the United Nations refugee agency and the Mexican migration authorities to find out how many U.S.-bound Afghan migrants are currently in Mexico. We have not received a response. An Afghan migrant who spoke to RFE/RL from the southern Mexican city of Tapachula estimated there were up to 1,500 people from Afghanistan in that city alone. Karimullah, whose name has been changed over privacy concerns, said Afghan migrants live in rented apartments, relying on the "limited amount of money" they have brought from Afghanistan or borrow from their relatives abroad. "Families go hungry for days while waiting for money from relatives," he said. A former civil rights activist, Karimullah fled Afghanistan after the hard-line Taliban returned to power in August 2021. After running out of money to pay for food and rent and as she was still waiting to get an appointment through CBP One, Yasaman got a job as a kitchen helper at a restaurant in the capital, Mexico City. Like many other Afghan migrants in Mexico, both Karimullah and Yasaman had already been offered asylum in other safe countries -- in their case Brazil, which has issued thousands of humanitarian visas for Afghan nationals since 2021. Asked by RFE/RL why they didn't want to stay in Brazil, where they had been given free accommodation and food, both Karimullah and Yasaman said they did not see a "good future" there due to a lack of jobs and other opportunities. Instead, many Afghans pay money to people-smugglers to take them through Bolivia, Peru, Equador, Colombia, Panama, and other countries to reach the U.S.-Mexico border. 'Life For Immigrants Not What It Used To Be' Some cross the border illegally. Ehsan Khan, a 26-year-old former driver from Kabul, entered the United States illegally in November 2024, hoping to get settled in the country before Trump closes the U.S. borders. After spending two months at an immigration detention facility, Khan was released on January 11 with an electronic ankle bracelet for authorities to monitor his movements. Speaking from San Diego by phone, Khan told RFE/RL that Afghan migrants should think twice before coming to the United States, because "the life in America for immigrants is not what it used to be." Khan did not give details of his new life in the United States but said it isn't worth the traumatic journey he had through Honduras and Guatemala, where he said he "was beaten by thieves who demanded money" and witnessed his best friend drown in the sea. "I saw my friend screaming for help as he drowned and I looked helplessly. I wanted to jump into the water, but I knew I couldn't swim. His parents often call me from Kabul and ask about him, and we cry," Khan said. Back in Mexico City, Yasaman is determined to enter the United States "by any means, legally or illegally." "I don't have a life or home in Afghanistan to go back to," Yasaman said. "I see my future only in America." 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. RFE/RL photojournalist Tamuna Chkareuli was resting at home on November 28 after covering several days of street protests that followed Georgias disputed parliamentary elections. Then she watched live from her apartment as Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced his government would delay EU accession talks until 2028. In her own words, Chkareuli describes what happened next. I was physically and emotionally worn out after covering the election protests. It felt like they were going nowhere, but when I saw the announcement that the government is going to suspend the countrys European course I knew that people would be going back out onto the street so I packed my things and headed out the door. When I arrived at the parliament there were already hundreds of people gathered outside. Usually big protests in Georgia have music and people are somewhat cheerful. This time, though, the atmosphere was just angry. There were none of the usual political leaders giving speeches; it was purely a spontaneous, angry, loud crowd. People didn't wait for anyone to call them to the protest; they came out of rage. Police in riot gear were lined up on both sides of the parliament. Thats when I noticed another aspect of this protest that was unusual -- the police were using really vulgar language. When protestors were cursing them the cops were swearing right back and giving people the finger. They were saying crass things about peoples mothers, just really extreme curses. Id never experienced anything like that in previous protests Ive covered. At around 2 a.m. the protests were getting more intense and protestors managed to break off some fencing. They were using it as a sort of protective barricade around the flanks of the parliament building while holding an EU flag as the water cannons began to work. The water cannon vehicles make a kind of roaring sound before they start to spray so it gives you a chance to find shelter. There were claims that there was some kind of agent in the water fired by those cannons. Wherever the water reached my skin it felt like it was burning. Soon my shoes got filled with water, I was wet all over and my skin was burning. I realized I wasnt able to keep on working so I went back to the RFE/RL office where colleagues gave me some shoes that were dry, but several sizes too big. I know from previous protests that arrests usually start in the early hours of the morning when the crowd has thinned out and police can work more easily. At around 5 a.m. I went back to where the protests had been pushed back to near the Rustaveli Theater. I knew something was about to happen. At around 6:30 a.m. there were less than 100 protestors left and the police came at people like an avalanche, just a black horde. They were beating people badly. They would attack a protestor, knock them to the ground, and beat them with their fists and kick them in the ribs. Then they would drag them away. The women were screaming. I was taking pictures and me and my colleague, cameraman Ilia Ratiana were keeping an eye on each other and moving together as police chased people all the way down the street. The cops had been really aggressive to journalists all night and they tried to block Ratiana's lens when we passed by, swearing at us. One photographer, Aleksandre Keshelashvili, was arrested and severely beaten that night. I had never experienced this level of aggression from the police before. Toward the center, near the Academy of Sciences, I photographed the police beating a very young person. Then some other young protestors came and were trying to protect the kid being beaten. They were screaming and the police started to chase them too. In Tbilisi we have lots of 24-hour pharmacies and the young protestors ran into one to take refuge. The cops went in and I heard screams inside as they tried to drag the kids outside but they werent able to get them. When the police came back out they were really fired up and aggressive and they attacked my colleague David Tsagarelli. They knew he was a journalist; his media vest was impossible to miss. But as the police ran past him, they punched him in the stomach. We helped him to some steps nearby and he sat there to get his breath back. We gathered some footage from bystanders that had captured the attack then we returned to the office. BUCHAREST -- The ruling center-left Social Democratic Party (PSD) has won Romania's parliamentary elections, one week after the shock victory of a far-right candidate in the first round of the country's presidential election. Here are five takeaways from the December 1 vote: 1. Forming A Government Might Not Be Easy As expected, the PSD, which won 23 percent of the vote, didn't win a majority, so will be looking to form a coalition government. The PSD -- Romania's most dominant party in the postcommunist period -- was previously in a strained coalition with the center-right National Liberal Party (PNL), which came in third place with 14 percent. The most likely government coalition would be an alliance of the pro-Western parties -- so, uniting the PSD, PNL, and the center-right Save Romania Union (USR.) Theoretically, that would be possible as such a coalition would have 52 percent of seats in parliament. The main obstacle is getting the USR on board. The party of Elena Lasconi, who is competing against the far-right candidate Calin Georgescu in the presidential runoff on December 8, set itself up as an antiestablishment and anti-corruption party and has been very critical of PSD- and PNL-led governments, especially for their inaction on corruption. Additionally, the USR's lack of administrative experience raises doubts about its ability to govern effectively within a coalition. And there is plenty of bad blood. In 2021, the USR withdrew from a coalition government with the PNL, citing differences over governance and reforms. That led to a political crisis and the eventual formation of the PNL-PSD coalition, which was opposed by the USR. 2. The Presidential Runoff Will Be Crucial So much hinges on the presidential runoff on December 8 between center-right candidate Lasconi and far-right candidate Georgescu. If a pro-Western coalition between the PSD, PNL, and USR is secured, it could function with Lasconi as president. But if Georgescu wins, the country could be thrown into a political crisis. Such a scenario would pit a president who is a supporter of Russia and who wants peace in Ukraine under any circumstances against a governing coalition wanting the exact opposite. There could be another scenario. If a PSD-PNL-USR government is in place and proves to be effective, it could impeach Georgescu, a scenario that has happened before when parliament voted twice to remove President Traian Basescu in 2007 and 2012. (Both decisions were overturned in national referendums.) 3. Electing A Prime Minister Given the fears of instability, choosing a prime minister has become a matter of urgency. In Romania, the prime minister usually comes from the party gaining the most electoral votes. But if a government has not been formed and a prime minister not chosen before the presidential runoff, then a new president could nominate a prime minister from a party other than the PSD. Marcel Ciolacu, the current prime minister and leader of the PSD, is the most likely candidate. His political star is fading, though, with his recent tentative resignation as PSD leader and third-place finish in the first round of the presidential election on November 24. Here Lasconi is key -- and she is also in a bit of a bind. If she supports a PSD prime minister, it would be a political compromise undermining her antiestablishment, anti-corruption stance. That could have an impact on her showing in the presidential runoff, as she would be seen by her supporters as selling out and joining the establishment she has frequently railed against. But to win the presidential election, Lasconi also needs to be seen as a candidate of unity and compromise. In conservative Romania, having a male prime minister supported by a clear majority would serve her candidacy well. If Lasconi doesn't support a PSD candidate, it could lead to a delay in forming a coalition. That could mean a caretaker government and new parliamentary elections early next year. 4. The Far-Right Factor With many Romanians unhappy about the economy, corruption, and what they see as the failed promises of EU membership, far-right parties have won around 32 percent of the seats in parliament. The far-right, ultranationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) party won 18 percent of the vote, coming in second place. If the pro-Western parties fail to reach an agreement on a governing coalition and a prime minister in the next day or so, it's possible that the PSD could form a government with the AUR and other smaller far-right parties. That's unlikely, however, due to the deep ideological differences between the PSD and far-right parties. The Social Democrats and Ciolacu have said many times that they are committed to EU membership and the country's pro-Western orientation, and would be running the risk of being tainted by such an alliance. 5. Keeping On A Pro-Western Course Despite the vicissitudes of Romania's politics, the country's pro-Western position is deeply entrenched across the Romanian political spectrum and among the elite. It was President Ion Iliescu, after all, a former communist, who set Romania on course for EU and NATO membership in the early 2000s. Many Romanians were shocked last week with Georgescu's success in the first round of the presidential election. That shock likely contributed to the election's turnout of 52 percent, the largest for parliamentary elections in 12 years. The turnout is expected to be even higher in the second round of the presidential vote on December 8, with many Romanians mobilizing against the far-right candidate. All bets would be off, though, if Georgescu wins the election, as the president plays a key role in shaping the country's foreign relations and representing Romania on the international stage. A Chinese company that owns a California electronics distributor has sent hundreds of shipments of restricted dual-use technology to Russia since the Kremlins invasion of Ukraine, including to sanctioned companies with ties to the Russian military. At least one component manufactured by the company, Yangzhou Yangjie Electronic Technology Company Limited, was found in a Russian weapons guidance system recovered from the battlefield in Ukraine, according to a public database maintained by the Ukrainian military. Yangjie Technology, located in the city of Yangzhou northwest of Shanghai, has sent more than 200 shipments of specific goods to Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion in February 2022, according to customs records obtained by C4ADS, a Washington-based, nonprofit data-analysis and global-research organization. The listed contents of those shipments -- totaling at least 238 -- included electronic components categorized as "high-priority" by the United States due to their potential use in Russian weapons systems, according to the data obtained by C4ADS and shared with RFE/RL, which independently corroborated more than 150 such shipments. At least 17 such shipments were sent to a Russian electronics firm hit by U.S. sanctions, customs records show. The findings further highlight the difficulty Western countries have had in trying to choke off the Russian military's access to Western technology for use in its weapons and operations as its war on Ukraine continues. China's relationship with Moscow has deepened over the course of the war, both strategically and economically, while Beijing has also aimed to limit blowback from the West, in particular the United States, its largest trading partner. Washington and the European Union have sanctioned some Chinese companies for providing dual-use technologies that aid Russian forces on the battlefield. After months of pressure, China in October released new export-control regulations aimed at constraining shipments of dual-use goods to Russia. Still, Western officials have said the flow of goods from China has played a significant role in boosting Russia on the battlefield in Ukraine. The items shipped by Yangjie Technology, according to the customs records, include certain types of diodes, as well as specific transistors, an electronic device that amplifies or switches electrical currents. The Ukrainian military has recovered least one diode produced by Yangjie Technology from a module used in a Russian guidance system known as UMPK, according to a Ukrainian database of foreign-made components in Russian weapons systems. UMPK is used to provide guided, navigational ability to air-dropped bombs -- known as glide bombs -- that Russia has deployed to devastating effect in Ukraine. Yangjie Technology also sent at least 173 shipments of "high-priority" dual-use technology to the Russian company Simmetron Electronic Components. Simmetron was hit with U.S. sanctions in May 2023 as part of a broad series of measures aimed to "degrade the Russian Federation's capacity to wage war against Ukraine." At least three of those shipments were sent to Simmetron in August-September 2023, customs records show. Neither Yangjie nor Simmetron responded to e-mails from RFE/RL seeking comment. California Connections A major Chinese electronics and semiconductor manufacturer, Yangjie has been listed on the Shanghai stock exchange since 2014. Last year, the company's international shares -- Global Depository Receipts began trading on the Swiss stock exchange. As part of the deal, the company appointed U.S. financial services giant Citibank to be the depository bank, serving as the go-between for traders buying and selling the international shares. Citigroup declined to comment specifically on the company's knowledge or awareness of possible sanctions violations. "Citi is committed to conducting business with clients in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We have controls, policies, and processes in place to monitor adherence to these obligations including sanctions," a spokeswoman said in an e-mail. In 2015, Yangjie closed on a deal to buy a U.S.-based semiconductor company called Micro Commercial Components, which says it makes high quality discrete semiconductors, some of which can be used in military technology. Headquartered in Simi Valley, California, Micro says its manufacturing plants are located in China and Vietnam, with research facilities in Japan, China, and Taiwan. In an e-mail to RFE/RL, Micro Commercial Components said it complies with all U.S. sanctions and guidelines. The company forwarded a copy of its export compliance policies that read: "The buyer must fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the purchase, sale, shipment, export, re-export, transfer, or use of the products." A Russian company called VM Components, working under the name Platan and describing itself as a leading provider of electronics components in Russia, received more than three dozen shipments from Yangjie as well, according to customs records. VM Components is part of a network of companies that work closely with another sanctioned company, JSC Roselektronika, and a Russian entity owned by the Federal Security Service, Russia's main domestic security agency, records reviewed by RFE/RL and C4ADS reveal. The entity is known more widely as the FSB Criminalistics Institute, or by its military code, 34435. A December 2020 joint investigation by Bellingcat, The Insider, CNN, and Der Spiegel found Russian security service officers linked to the poisoning of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny in August of that year worked under that military unit. Navalny died in a Russian prison under unclear circumstances in February 2024. It is unclear from customs records whether the FSB Criminalistics Institute received specific items shipped by Yangjie. VM Components did not respond to a written request for comment. RFE/RL's Riin Aljas contributed to this report. CORRECTION: This story has been updated to clarify the location of Micro Commercial Components' manufacturing facilities. Gardai have released a statement today confirming three men were arrested in relation to the recent spate of burglaries in the North-West region. The arrests were were made in counties Dublin and Kildare as part of 'Operation Thor'. The statement read: "Gardai have arrested three men as part of an operation targeting an organised criminal group suspected of committing burglaries of residential and commercial properties in the North-Western Region and elsewhere nationwide. "The search operation took place in Dublin and Kildare on Friday, 29th November 2024. Four vehicles have been seized, including a high performance Blue BMW, and a substantial amount of suspected stolen property has been recovered. "Gardai from divisions across the North-Western Region, supported by National and Regional resources, arrested three males (one 50s, two in their 20s), who are currently detained at a Garda Station in the North-Western Region pursuant to Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006." Gardai also confirmed that investigations are "focusing on recent burglaries across Mayo/Roscommon and Longford. As charges are brought the specific locations, dates and additional details will become available." Travel Advisory Issued Ahead of PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah's Visit to Chandigarh Residents and commuters are advised to follow the instructions and reroute their journeys to minimize disruptions. PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah's Visit to Chandigarh Latest News: Ahead of the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the Chandigarh Police has released a comprehensive travel advisory to ensure public safety and seamless traffic management. Citizens have been advised to take note of the restrictions and cooperate with the authorities. PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah's Visit to Chandigarh Latest News: Key Highlights of the Advisory 1. Traffic Restrictions on December 2, 2024: Advertisement - Movement will be restricted on Dakshin Marg at several points, including Airport Light Point, Hallo Majra Light Point, Poultry Farm Chowk, Tribune Chowk, Sector 17/21 Chowk, and Sarovar Path at Old Labour Chowk. Routes such as Sector 43/49 Chowk and Him Singh Chowk will also be affected. 2. Additional Restrictions on December 3, 2024: Traffic diversions will remain in place on the previously mentioned routes, along with additional areas like Housing Board Chowk and Sector 43. Commuters are advised to plan their travel accordingly. 3. Parking Guidelines: Specific areas have been declared no-parking zones to avoid congestion. Visitors are requested to park only in designated parking spaces. 4. Public Cooperation Requested: Advertisement Citizens are urged to stay updated through the Chandigarh Traffic Polices social media platforms. The police have requested the public to avoid restricted routes and ensure compliance with traffic regulations. 5. Appeal for Patience: The police have apologized for any inconvenience caused and emphasized the need for these measures to ensure a secure environment during the high-profile visit. Residents and commuters are advised to follow the instructions and reroute their journeys to minimize disruptions. For further updates, refer to the official Chandigarh Traffic Police communication channels. Farmers Protest: Security Heightened in Noida as Farmers March Towards Delhi Causes Traffic Delays The heightened security follows a series of earlier protests by other farmer groups. Farmers Protest: The Noida Police has tightened security and implemented rigorous checks ahead of the farmers Delhi Chalo march, which has caused significant traffic congestion at the Chilla Border. A comprehensive traffic advisory has been issued to manage the situation. The protest, organized by the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) in collaboration with other groups like the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), is centered around demands for compensation, agricultural reforms, and a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Advertisement Long queues of vehicles were spotted at the Chilla Border as police conducted inspections to manage the flow of protestors heading toward Delhi. Sukhbir Khalifa, a leader of the BKP, announced that the march would begin today at noon from the Maha Maya flyover in Noida. We will march to Delhi to demand compensation and benefits under the new laws, Khalifa shared during an interaction with ANI. Both Noida and Delhi Police are monitoring the situation closely, with barricades and diversions in place to ensure safety and control traffic bottlenecks. Commuters in the Delhi-NCR region have been advised to plan alternative routes to avoid affected areas. Advertisement Farmers from Uttar Pradesh are expected to converge at Delhis Parliament complex, where the Winter Session is in progress, to press for five key demands. These demands include guaranteed MSP and adequate compensation under new agricultural policies. The heightened security follows a series of earlier protests by other farmer groups, such as the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, which has also planned a march toward Delhi later this week. Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with the arrangements and stay informed through official updates to minimize inconvenience. Sri Akal Takht Sahib Imposes Punishment on Sukhbir Singh Badal, Read Full Verdict Jathedar Raghbir Singh announced the following directives for Sukhbir Singh Badal and other core members. Sukhbir Singh Badal Tankhaiya Verdict by Sri Akal Takht Sahib latest News Today: Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal authority of the Sikh community, has delivered its verdict on the controversial pardon granted to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim during the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) government. The punishment includes symbolic acts of repentance for Sukhbir Singh Badal, members of the core committee, and cabinet leaders of the 2015 Akali Dal government. The Punishment Jathedar Raghbir Singh announced the following directives for Sukhbir Singh Badal and other core members: Advertisement Cleaning Duty: On December 3, Sukhbir and others must clean the bathrooms of Sri Darbar Sahib from 12 noon to 1 pm. On December 3, Sukhbir and others must clean the bathrooms of Sri Darbar Sahib from 12 noon to 1 pm. Service in Langar: After cleaning, they will bathe and serve in the langar (community kitchen). After cleaning, they will bathe and serve in the langar (community kitchen). Prayer: They are required to recite Sri Sukhmani Sahib as part of their repentance. They are required to recite Sri Sukhmani Sahib as part of their repentance. Public Atonement: Sukhbir Singh Badal must sit outside Sri Darbar Sahib with a spear and wear a placard acknowledging his misdeeds. Sukhbir Singh Badal must sit outside Sri Darbar Sahib with a spear and wear a placard acknowledging his misdeeds. Symbolic Offerings: They will serve in an Rs 11,000 pot and donate Rs 11,000 to Golak (religious donation box). They will serve in an Rs 11,000 pot and donate Rs 11,000 to Golak (religious donation box). Tree Plantation: Leaders are ordered to plant and maintain 1.5 lakh saplings, with immediate instructions to plant 1.25 lakh trees. Leaders are ordered to plant and maintain 1.5 lakh saplings, with immediate instructions to plant 1.25 lakh trees. Return of Misused Funds: Money spent on advertisements during the SAD government is to be returned to the SGPC account with interest. Sukhbir Singh Badal and other involved leaders will be held responsible for ensuring the repayment. Money spent on advertisements during the SAD government is to be returned to the SGPC account with interest. Sukhbir Singh Badal and other involved leaders will be held responsible for ensuring the repayment. In a historic decision, the title Fakhr-e-Qaum (Pride of the Community) awarded to former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in 2011 was also revoked posthumously. Restitution and Organizational Reform The verdict also includes directives aimed at financial accountability and restructuring within the Shiromani Akali Dal: Leadership Elections: The Akal Takht has instructed that the election for the SAD president be conducted within six months. New Hirings: Sri Akal Takht Sahib also directed to get the new hirings done. Advertisement Admissions and Denials During the proceedings, Sukhbir Singh Badal admitted to the mistake of pardoning Ram Rahim. However, other leaders, including Prem Singh Chandumajra, denied any wrongdoing. Senior leaders such as Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Daljit Singh Cheema, Karnail Singh Panjoli, and Gurcharan Singh Grewal also refuted the allegations. Statements from the former cabinet members of the SAD government (2007-2017), executive committee members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in 2015, and SGPC head advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami were recorded. Admissions by Sukhbir Singh Badal During the proceedings, Singh Sahibans asked several critical questions that elicited candid admissions from Sukhbir Singh Badal. He openly acknowledged the following: Advertisement Neglect of Panthic Issues: When asked if he had neglected Sikh interests during the Akali government, Badal admitted, "Yes." When asked if he had neglected Sikh interests during the Akali government, Badal admitted, "Yes." Promotion of Officers Involved in Violence: He confessed to promoting and giving tickets to officers responsible for killing innocent Sikhs. He confessed to promoting and giving tickets to officers responsible for killing innocent Sikhs. Influence in Pardoning Ram Rahim: He admitted to using his influence to get the Dera Sacha Sauda chief, Ram Rahim, pardoned, including summoning Jathedars to his residence to discuss the pardon. He admitted to using his influence to get the Dera Sacha Sauda chief, Ram Rahim, pardoned, including summoning Jathedars to his residence to discuss the pardon. Patronage of Sacrilege Accused: Badal accepted responsibility for supporting individuals linked to sacrilege incidents and the martyrdom of Sikhs during related protests. Badal accepted responsibility for supporting individuals linked to sacrilege incidents and the martyrdom of Sikhs during related protests. Behbal Kalan Firing Incident: He admitted to making mistakes regarding the handling of the Behbal Kalan firing case. He admitted to making mistakes regarding the handling of the Behbal Kalan firing case. Misuse of Golak Funds: Badal also confessed to misusing funds from Golak (religious offerings) and misappropriating resources for publicity purposes. (For more news apart from Sukhbir Singh Badal Tankhaiya Verdict by Sri Akal Takht Sahib latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Sukhbir Singh Badal Visits Sri Akal Takht Sahib on Wheelchair Ahead of Tankhaiya Verdict The announcement of the Tankhaiya verdict has drawn significant attention from Sikh devotees and political observers alike. Sukhbir Singh Badal Tankhaiya Verdict by Sri Akal Takht Sahib latest News Today: Former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal arrived at Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar on a wheelchair today, ahead of the much-anticipated Tankhaiya (religious misconduct) verdict. The Akali leader, seen in a wheelchair, was accompanied by several senior SAD leaders and party supporters as he made his way to the highest temporal seat of the Sikh community. Advertisement The visit comes amid significant speculation regarding the decision by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib on the charges against Sukhbir Singh Badal. The matter pertains to alleged violations of Sikh religious norms during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab. Badal had earlier sought forgiveness and expressed his willingness to accept the Takhts directive with humility. The announcement of the Tankhaiya verdict has drawn significant attention from Sikh devotees and political observers alike. The Akal Takht Jathedar is expected to issue a directive that could impact not only Badal's political future but also the perception of religious discipline within the Sikh community. The SAD leadership has faced criticism over incidents involving decisions perceived as contradictory to Sikh principles. Many within the community view the upcoming verdict as a pivotal moment in maintaining the sanctity of Sikh traditions. Advertisement (For more news apart from Sukhbir Singh Badal Tankhaiya Verdict by Sri Akal Takht Sahib latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) December 2, 2024 A roundup of local and world news Newsflash Newsroom, 02.12.2024, 13:55 ELECTIONS Romanias new Parliament will be comprised of 7 political parties. In Sundays general elections, the Social Democratic Party in power won the largest number of votes, around 22%, followed by the sovereigntist AUR party with roughly 18%, double their figure in the last election 4 years ago. Third comes the National Liberal Party, another member of the ruling coalition for the past 4 years, which won some 14% of the votes, and 4th is the right-of-centre USR party, with around 12%. The 5% parliamentary threshold was also made by the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania, the extremist party S.O.S. Romania led by the controversial MEP Diana Sosoaca, and the newly founded sovereigntist Young Peoples Party (POT). The turnout was over 52%, the highest in the last 20 years. Outside Romania, some 800,000 Romanian nationals voted, 3 times more than in the previous parliamentary election. COURT The Constitutional Court of Romania is expected to decide today whether to validate or cancel the first round of the presidential election of November 24. On Thursday, the Constitutional Court judges requested the recount of all ballots, after receiving a complaint that votes obtained by a candidate who had withdrawn from the race at the last minute had been transferred to another contender. The recount decision was criticized by most of the candidates in the race, who warned that a possible cancellation of the November 24 election would generate tensions and instability. If the Constitutional Court validates the first round, the second round will take place on Sunday, December 8 between the top two candidates Calin Georgescu, running independently and widely seen as a pro-Russian extremist, and the president of the USR party (opposition), Elena Lasconi. NATIONAL DAY Romanias National Day, marked on December 1, was celebrated on Sunday throughout the country with parades, military and religious ceremonies, shows, artistic events, and fireworks. The traditional parade took place in the capital city, attended by over 2,500 Romanian and foreign military personnel. President Klaus Iohannis, who hosted his last National Day reception as head of state, sent a message of unity and solidarity to overcome crises and move forward with dignity. GAUDEAMUS The Gaudeamus Book Fair, organised by Radio Romania, takes place between December 4 and 8. This years edition has the writer Mircea Cartarescu as honorary president. The official opening of the 31st edition takes place on Wednesday, December 4, at Radio Romanias stand at the fair. The 200 participants have prepared hundreds of events on this occasion. PARDON The outgoing US President Joe Biden has announced that he has pardoned his 54-year-old son Hunter, who was found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm, of lying to prosecutors, and who pleaded guilty to tax fraud. When he took office, Biden promised not to interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making. Now, the president, who leaves office on January 25, says Hunter Biden was selectively and unfairly prosecuted simply because he is his son. President-elect Donald Trump, a Republican, has described the move as an abuse. AID The UK will increase by GBP 19 mln its humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the situation is catastrophic, the British international development minister, Anneliese Dodds said ahead of traveling to Cairo for a conference on the subject, AFP reports. Dodds says that the people of Gaza are in vital need of food and shelter during the winter and that the Cairo event will be an opportunity to come up with concrete solutions to the humanitarian crisis. Dodds insists that Israel must act immediately to guarantee unhindered access for humanitarian aid to Gaza, while international aid organisations accuse the Israeli authorities of not allowing aid trucks to enter the besieged Palestinian territory in sufficient numbers. The UK has committed to a total of GBP 99 mln in humanitarian aid for the Palestinian territories this year, the British government said. (AMP) The Social Democratic Party (PSD) is set to win Sundays parliamentary elections in Romania PSD is ranking first in the parliamentary elections in Romania, followed by AUR, PNL and USR. Photo: roaep.ro Radio Romania International, 02.12.2024, 07:00 The Social Democratic Party (PSD) is set to win Sundays parliamentary elections in Romania, after 98% of the vote count. According to partial returns, PSD got 22.54% of the votes for the Chamber of Deputies. In second place is the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) with 17.75%, followed by the National Liberal Party (PNL) with 13.60% and the Save Romania Union (USR) with 11.99%. Coming next are SOS Romania with 7.10%, the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) with 6.49% and POT with 6.24%. The parties got similar results in the race for the Senate. PSD got 22.90% of the votes, AUR18.07%, PNL14.49%, USR11.91%. They are followed by SOS Romania7.51%, UDMR6.54% and POT 6.18%. The rest of the parties and alliances failed to pass the 5% electoral threshold. 7,981,120 Romanians went to the polls, the voter turnout was 52.50%. Statements marking the National Day of Romania Romanians celebrated National Day on December 1 Military parade marking the National Day (Credits: presidency.ro) Leyla Cheamil, 02.12.2024, 13:50 Romanians celebrated their National Day on Sunday, December 1, this year marking 106 years since all provinces with a Romanian-majority population united under a single central authority. Therefore, December 1, 1918 marks the establishment of the Romanian national state. At the end of World War I, all provinces inhabited by Romanians, previously under the authority of the Austro-Hungarian and Tsarist empires (Transylvania, Banat, Bukovina and Bessarabia) united into the Kingdom of Romania. President Klaus Iohannis, who hosted his last reception as head of state marking the National Day, conveyed a message of unity and solidarity to overcome crises and move forward with dignity. The Romanian people is strong and attached to democratic values and will continue to defend these values, the president said. Klaus Iohannis urged Romanians to look back with gratitude at the sacrifices and the fight for unity and sovereignty, but also forward to the future that must be built with wisdom. On December 1, 1918, our forbearers managed to fulfill their dream of having a single country, achieving, in Alba Iulia, the Great Union. Since then, we have gone through wars, dictatorship, a revolution, serious health and economic crises. Driven by unity and solidarity in the face of common objectives, we have always managed to overcome these crises, to adapt and to rise stronger than before. In turn, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said that this years National Day is more important than ever, underlining the need for a Parliament that keeps things in check, so as not to slide down a dangerous slope. This December 1 is about choosing between stability and chaos, between development and austerity, Prime Minister Ciolacu said. The Prime Minister highlighted the need to strike a balance so as to maintain Romania on a pro-European track, to continue investments with European funds and for people to keep their jobs and pensions. Senate Speaker Nicolae Ciuca also highlighted the duty to put stability, dialogue and respect for citizens first, in the context of the current period marked by challenges and important decisions. Now is the time to remember the sacrifices of our ancestors, who laid the foundation of a united and sovereign state, but also the responsibility we have to carry their legacy forward, Nicolae Ciuca said in a message marking the National Day. I hope this day will bring us together, regardless of our differences of opinion, around the values that define us as a nation: unity, solidarity and hope for a better future. Romania has the resources and potential to grow, but this requires hard work, honesty and courage, Nicolae Ciuca also pointed out. (VP) The Outcome of the Parliamentary Elections in Romania This years elections for the Parliament of Romania have decided that its structure include seven political groups A polling Station in Romania Corina Cristea, 02.12.2024, 14:00 Pro-European parties have mustered the votes of 57% of the Romanians who went to the polls to cast their ballot for the countrys future legislature, whereas the so-called sovereignist, isolationist political groups have gathered 32%. The elections registered a record high turnout, over 52% the largest in the past 20 years. And seven political groups have cleared the minimum 5% threshold to become part of the new Legislature. The incumbent ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) got most of the votes followed by the sovereignist AUR, which doubled its number since the last election four years ago. The co-ruling National Liberal Party, a.k.a PNL, has obtained a better result than its leader in the last weeks presidential election. The number of votes it won was close to that obtained by the centre-right USR. The Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania has also cleared the minimum threshold and so has the extremist-sovereignist SOS Romania party led by the controversial MEP Diana Sosoaca as well as the newly-established Young Peoples Party (POT) founded by Ana-Maria Gavrila, who had made it to Parliament on AUR tickets four years ago. Shortly after the exit-polls on Sunday night leaders of the seven parties made statements. Through their vote in the Parliamentary elections the Romanians said they wanted the continuation of the countrys European and Euro-Atlantic progress, Social-Democrat leader Marcel Ciolacu said. This is an important signal the Romanians have sent the political class to continue to develop the country on European money but at the same time to protect our identity, national values and faith, the AUR leader, George Simion, said. According to him the Romanians want a change and the representatives of his party will ensure the observance of the national values and democracy and that dialogue is the solution to Romanias future. The interim PNL president, Ilie Bolojan, has thanked the Romanians for their interest in the election and has assured them the Liberals will continue to support the state reforms. In turn, the USR leader, Elena Lasconi, has made an appeal to unity for defending democracy and European values. Most of the Romanians abroad have endorsed the AUR party, but options also included USR, SOS Romania and POT. Turnout abroad was also significant, standing at roughly 800 thousand voters, three times higher than in the 2020 election. The largest number of voters was reported in Britain, but also in Italy and Germany. (bill) Assa Abloy (ASS.L), a Swedish maker of products related to locks, doors, gates, and others, said on Monday that it has acquired Premier Steel Doors and Frames, an American maker of hollow metal doors and frames, metal building door systems, and aluminium windows. "The acquisition will be accretive to EPS from the start," Assa Abloy noted. Nico Delvaux, CEO of Assa Abloy, said: "This acquisition delivers on our strategy to strengthen our position in mature through adding complementary products and solutions to our core ." This will also complement the acquirer's current product portfolio and boost its presence in the southern U.S. Founded in 1964, Premier has its main office and factory in Monroe, Louisiana. For the full-year 2023, Premier had posted sales of $40 million, with a strong EBIT margin. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Northern Star Resources Limited (NST.AX), a gold producer and exploration company, Monday announced that it has agreed to acquire De Grey Mining Limited (DEG.AX) in a Court-approved scheme of arrangement for a total of around A$5 billion or $3.25 billion. In Australia, Northern Star closed Monday's regular trading 5.25% lesser at A$16.59, while De Grey closed 29.61% higher at A$1.97. The company will acquire De Grey and its flagship project, Hemi, a low-cost, long-life and large-scale gold development project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The companies have entered into a binding Scheme Implementation Deed or SID. Under the deal, De Grey shareholders will receive 0.119 new Northern Star shares for every De Grey share they own. This values each De Grey share at A$2.08 or $1.35. The scheme consideration represents a premium of 37.1 percent to De Grey's last closing price of A$1.52 on November 29. The De Grey Board fully supports the deal and plans to vote in favor, as long as no better offer comes up and an independent expert confirms the deal is in the best interests of De Grey shareholders. After the scheme implementation, Northern Star shareholders will own about 80.1 percent of the combined company, and De Grey shareholders will own around 19.9 percent. Northern Star's Managing Director and CEO, Stuart Tonkin, said, "De Grey's Hemi development project will deliver a low-cost, long-life and large-scale gold mine in the Tier-1 jurisdiction of Western Australia, enhancing the quality of Northern Star's asset portfolio to generate cash earnings." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News U.S. Navy destroyers have repelled a series of attacks by Houthi militants in the Gulf of Aden at the weekend. USS Stockdale and USS O'Kane successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden on Saturday and Sunday, the U.S. Central Command said in a press release. The missile destroyers were escorting three U.S. merchant vessels along the volatile sea trade route. "The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), three one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems," Centcom said. It noted that the attacks did not cause any injuries or damage to any vessels, their crews or civilians. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Solo by MYOB addresses a critical challenge faced by 1.5 million sole operators in Australia: managing the complexities of running a business solo without the necessary tools and support. Many of these entrepreneurs struggle with the time-consuming and often overwhelming task of handling business adminusing outdated methods like shoeboxes, spreadsheets, or piecing together multiple tools that dont integrate well. This lack of streamlined processes not only eats up valuable time but also hinders growth, making it harder for sole operators to focus on what they do best: building and growing their businesses. Here are some ways Solo by MYOB helps sole operators: Simplifies Business Management: Solo by MYOB consolidates invoicing, expense management, and payments into one easy-to-use app, saving time and reducing the complexity of managing business tasks. Boosts Productivity: With features like snap and scan OCR for quick expense capture and GenAI support for real-time troubleshooting, the app helps sole operators save an average of 17 hours per month. Seamless Digital Transition: The app helps operators move away from manual methods like shoeboxes and spreadsheets, providing a digital foundation to streamline their operations. On-the-Go Payments: Tap to Pay functionality allows sole operators to process payments easily wherever they are, making transactions faster and more convenient. Community Support: The app connects users with a network of like-minded businesses, offering peer advice, tips, and support to help them navigate challenges and grow. Future Growth: With powerful tools and a digital foundation, Solo by MYOB positions sole operators to scale their businesses as they grow, without feeling overwhelmed by administrative tasks. Solo by MYOB solves these problems by offering an all-in-one mobile app that simplifies key business tasks. With features like invoicing, expense management, and on-the-go payment processing, it removes the need for multiple apps and manual tracking. The snap and scan optical character recognition (OCR) speeds up expense capture, while the GenAI digital assistant provides real-time troubleshooting, helping users solve issues quickly without needing extensive technical knowledge. The app also helps users build a solid digital foundation, eliminating the traditional chaos of physical paperwork and spreadsheets. By offering seamless integration and easy-to-use features, Solo by MYOB frees up valuable timesaving sole operators an average of 17 hours per month. This productivity boost allows them to spend more time focusing on growing their business, rather than getting bogged down by administrative tasks. Beyond the apps functionality, Solo by MYOB fosters a sense of community. Sole operators can connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, exchange advice, and gain insights from community leaders, helping them feel less isolated and more supported. This connection can be crucial in navigating the ups and downs of running a business alone, offering a sense of camaraderie and shared experience. MYOB CEO Paul Robson said that running a business solo should not mean business owners need to go it alone. For more than three decades, weve invested deeply in SMEs and mid-market businesses, and their accountants and bookkeepers, to help manage the complexities that come with a growing and established business. In that time, weve seen extraordinary transformation within the SME sector. Currently, 61% of Australian SMEs are classified as a non-employing business, but this community is expanding at a rapid rate. More than any other segment, Australias 1.5m sole operator businesses need the right support to help them navigate the challenges of managing a business, as they work on aligning their passion and vision with the foundational requirements of building something new. Solo by MYOB is about making this critical audience feel more connected and supported. We are committed to our purpose of helping Australian businesses start, survive and succeed and this new app will provide sole operators with a flying start to their future as Australias next generation business owners, said Paul. Despite the clear productivity and performance advantages of digitisation, more than half a million sole operators in Australia do not use digital business admin tools, a challenge that becomes much harder to overcome as a business grows and evolves. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. A sharp escalation in fighting in Syria's second largest city of Aleppo has displaced thousands and caused heavy civilian casualties, prompting urgent warnings from senior UN officials about the growing humanitarian crisis and threat to regional stability. Syrian jet planes, with the support of Russian forces, have intensified air strikes targeting opposition forces in northern Syria. The allies are strongly retaliating against rebel forces who stormed Aleppo last week, and control most of the city. The sharp escalation in fighting in the Aleppo Governorate is spreading to parts of Idleb and Hama. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the violence in Aleppo has forced thousands to flee, many seeking refuge in unsafe open areas. Curfews were imposed in Aleppo City, and all public facilities, including universities and schools, have been suspended. Hospitals are said to be overwhelmed with injured individuals, while banks and ATMs running out of cash. The latest fighting is deepening the humanitarian crisis in Syria, which is already under pressure with the influx of more than half a million returnees and refugees from Lebanon since September. Meanwhile, the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have called for a Syrian-led political solution to the conflict. "We are closely monitoring developments in Syria and urge de-escalation by all parties and the protection of civilians and infrastructure to prevent further displacement and disruption of humanitarian access," a statement released by the Governments of these allied nations showed. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The Eurozone manufacturing sector contracted further in November on stronger declines in factory orders, production, purchasing activity and inventories, survey results from S&P Global showed on Monday. The final HCOB factory Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 45.2 in November from 46.0 in October. The pace of decline was stronger than seen on average over the current period of decline. "These numbers look terrible," Hamburg Commercial Bank Chief Economist Cyrus de la Rubia said. "It's like the eurozone's manufacturing recession is never going to end. As new orders fell fast and at an accelerated pace, there's no sign of a recovery anytime soon." Factory production declined at a faster pace with investment goods segment remaining the worst performer. There was a sharp and accelerated fall in new orders. This extended the current sequence of shrinking new to just over two-and-a-half years. The survey showed that the backlogs of work declined sharply and incomplete order levels fell for the thirtieth month. Job losses accelerated and employment declined at the steepest pace since August 2020. Companies reduced their purchasing activity and pre-production inventories in response to worsening demand conditions. Data showed a third consecutive monthly fall in operating costs faced by factories. The decline was the slowest seen over this period. This helped firms to offer discounts on their goods. Prices charged were reduced to the greatest extent since August. Manufacturers remained optimistic of growth over the coming twelve months with the positive sentiment hitting a three-month high. However, confidence remained subdued by historical standards. The downturn was centered on its three largest economies, namely Germany, France and Italy. Spain reported slower improvement. The German manufacturing sector remained deep in contraction territory. The headline HCOB final manufacturing PMI held steady at 43.0, which was below the initial estimate of 43.2. The PMI survey signaled a deepening downturn in the French manufacturing sector. The factory PMI registered 43.1 in November, down from 44.5 in October. The flash reading was 43.2. Italy's manufacturing sector fell deeper into contraction zone in November with muted demand conditions remaining central to the downturn. The PMI dropped to 44.5 from 46.9 in the previous month. Meanwhile, Spain's manufacturing activity continued to expand albeit at a slower pace in November. The index declined to 53.1 in November from 54.5 in October. Official data released today showed that the euro area unemployment rate remained unchanged at seasonally adjusted 6.3 percent in October. The number of unemployed declined 3,000 from the previous month. Compared to last year, unemployment was down 411,000. The youth unemployment rate rose only marginally in October but remained at an elevated level. The rate came in at 15.0 percent, up from 14.9 percent in the previous month. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. President Biden has embarked on a three-day visit of Angola. "He will highlight the transformation and deepening of the U.S.-Angola relationship and will also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening our partnerships across Africa," the White House said ahead of his travel. It marks the first visit of a U.S. president to Africa in nearly a decade, since 2015, and also the first-ever visit by a sitting U.S. president to Angola. During the three-day tour beginning on Monday, Biden will meet with his Angolan counterpart, President Joao Lourenco, in capital Luanda. The U.S. and Angola will announce a new global security partnership to strengthen capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease, SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL said at a news conference. "The President will be highlighting how since January 2021, U.S. departments and agencies in the Prosper Africa Initiative have closed 12 deals in Angola with a combined value of $6.9 billion. He will share how the U.S. government is making important investments to increase access to nutritious food, strengthen agribusiness, and increase food storage capacity in the country," the official told reporters. Together, the U.S. and Angola are working closely to expand impactful, high-standard economic opportunities and improve regional peace and security. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Pharmaceutical company Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc. (AQST) announced Monday the receipt of positive feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to its planned NDA submission for Anaphylm (epinephrine) Sublingual Film. Anaphylm has the potential to be the first and only orally delivered epinephrine product for the treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, if approved by the FDA. In a written response, the FDA agreed with the Company's planned NDA content and format for the submission, planned safety evaluation, and planned pediatric trial, which has commenced at both U.S. and Canadian sites. The FDA also provided further guidance on additional data views to be included in the planned NDA submission and continued to emphasize their focus on pharmacokinetic sustainability for a single dose. In addition, the FDA requested minor modifications to the Company's pediatric trial protocol. The company said it has incorporated these FDA requested changes in the final pediatric trial protocol and do not expect these changes to have any significant impact on the planned timing of the pediatric trial. Finally, the FDA noted that due to the new route of administration and the data supporting this route of administration, an advisory committee meeting may be necessary. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The FDA has approved 43 novel drugs so far this year (January-November), compared to 52 during the same period last year. As we step into the final month of the year, let's take a look at the biotech companies whose drugs are under regulatory review in the U.S., with crucial decisions expected in December. BeiGene Ltd. (BGNE) The FDA decision on BeiGene's Tevimbra in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma is due in December. Tevimbra, administered by intravenous infusion once every 3 weeks, is already approved in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after prior systemic chemotherapy that did not include a PD-(L)1 inhibitor. Approved in March of this year, the drug was commercially launched in the U.S. in October. The FDA is also reviewing Tevimbra as a first-line treatment for patients with unresectable, recurrent, locally advanced, or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Although the decision deadline passed in July 2024, no decision has been reached yet for this particular indication. The drug is approved in the European Union and Australia for the treatment of metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer and squamous oesophageal cancer. In China, Tevimbra is approved for 13 indications. Sales of Tevimbra were $163 million in the third quarter of 2024, representing growth of 13% compared to the prior-year period. BGNE is currently trading at $211.01, down 1.86%. Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IONS) Ionis Pharma's investigational drug Olezarsen, proposed for the treatment of familial chylomicronemia syndrome, is under priority review by the FDA, with a decision due on December 19, 2024. Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome (FCS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by extremely elevated triglyceride levels in the blood. This leads to a build-up of large triglyceride-containing particles in the blood called chylomicrons, which can result in severe complications. People with FCS are at high risk of acute pancreatitis, a painful condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. They may also experience long-term health problems like fatigue and frequent, severe stomach pain. Olezarsen is designed to lower the body's production of apoC-III, a protein produced in the liver that regulates triglyceride metabolism in the blood. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs to treat FCS. IONS is currently trading at $36.09, up 1.01%. Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (LXRX) The FDA decision on Lexicon Pharma's drug candidate Zynquista as an adjunct to insulin therapy for glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease is expected on December 20, 2024. Zynquista is an oral dual inhibitor of two proteins responsible for glucose regulation known as sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter types 1 and 2 (SGLT1 and SGLT2). SGLT1 is responsible for glucose absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, and SGLT2 is responsible for glucose reabsorption by the kidney. This is Zynquista's second go-around with the U.S. regulatory agency. The FDA had declined to approve Zynquista in March 2019. In October of this year, an FDA panel, that scrutinized Zynquista, voted against it, saying that the drug's benefits do not outweigh the risks. Zynquista was granted marketing authorization in the European Union in April 2019 as an adjunct to insulin therapy to improve glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, the European Commission withdrew the drug from the European Union in March 2022 at the request of Guidehouse Germany GmbH, the holder of Zynquista's marketing rights in Europe, which opted not to sell the product. LXRX is currently trading at $0.79, down 0.84%. AstraZeneca plc (AZN) The FDA decision on Datopotamab deruxtecan, proposed for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer who have received prior systemic therapy, is due on December 20, 2024. Datopotamab deruxtecan, a specifically engineered TROP2-directed DXd antibody-drug conjugate, is being jointly developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca. TROP2 is a protein broadly expressed in the majority of NSCLC tumours. There is currently no TROP2-directed ADC approved for the treatment of lung cancer. In a phase III trial, Datopotamab deruxtecan showed a median overall survival of 14.6 months in a subgroup of patients with nonsquamous NSCLC while docetaxel, the current standard of care chemotherapy, demonstrated a median overall survival of 12.3 months. If approved, Datopotamab deruxtecan could be the first TROP2-directed antibody-drug conjugate for patients with lung cancer. AZN is currently trading at $66.98, down 0.95%. Zealand Pharma A/S (ZEAL.CO) Zealand Pharma's novel glucagon-like peptide-2 agonist, once-weekly Glepaglutide, proposed for the treatment of adults with short bowel syndrome dependent on parenteral support, is at the FDA altar, awaiting a decision on December 22, 2024. Short bowel syndrome is a rare, chronic, and debilitating condition that leads to reduced ability of the intestines to absorb nutrients. It is associated with serious medical issues such as liver and kidney failure, metabolic disorders, chronic fatigue, and severe infections that can be life-threatening. Shire's GATTEX is the first and only FDA-approved glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analog for individuals aged 1 year and older with short bowel syndrome (SBS) who rely on parenteral support. The drug generated global annual sales of over $850 million in fiscal 2023. Glepaglutide, if approved, can reduce both the burden of parenteral support and of daily dosing of the existing GLP-2 treatment (GATTEX) for people living with SBS and intestinal failure, according to the company. Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc. (RYTM) Rhythm Pharma has sought to expand the use of IMCIVREE to include children as young as 2 years old for its approved indications, and a decision is due on December 26, 2024. IMCIVREE, a melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist, is already approved in the U.S. to treat adult and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older for chronic weight management of obesity caused by proopiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency, and Bardet-Biedl syndrome. The drug is also approved in Europe and the UK. The label expansion to treat patients at an even earlier age will positively affect the lives of these children and their families, according to the company. IMCIVREE generated global annual sales of $77.4 million in 2023 compared to $16.9 million in 2022. RYTM is currently trading at $60.71, down 2.14%. Soleno Therapeutics Inc. (SLNO) Soleno's New Drug Application seeking approval of DCCR (diazoxide choline) for Prader-Willi syndrome in individuals four years and older who have hyperphagia is under Priority Review by the FDA, with a decision due on December 27, 2024. The Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder with the hallmark symptom being hyperphagia, a chronic and life-threatening condition characterized by feelings of intense, persistent hunger, food pre-occupation, and an extreme drive to seek and consume food. It is also associated with behavioral problems, cognitive disabilities, low muscle tone, short stature (when not treated with growth hormone), the accumulation of excess body fat, developmental delays, and incomplete sexual development. In a phase III trial setting involving PWS patients, DCCR showed promise in addressing hyperphagia, as well as several other symptoms such as aggressive/destructive behaviors, fat mass, and other metabolic parameters. If approved, DCCR would be the first treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome with hyperphagia. According to Robert W. Baird analyst, Brian Skorney, DCCR could generate over $800 million in peak U.S. sales, with the potential to exceed $1 billion globally after approvals. SLNO is currently trading at $50.99, down 3.26%. Checkpoint Therapeutics Inc. (CKPT) Checkpoint Therapeutics' investigational drug, Cosibelimab, is back at the FDA altar, awaiting a decision on December 28, 2024. Cosibelimab, an anti-programmed death ligand-1 ("PD-L1") antibody, is proposed for the treatment of adults with metastatic or locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation. This is the company's second attempt to secure FDA approval for Cosibelimab. The U.S. regulatory agency had declined to approve Cosibelimab last December mainly due to inspection findings at a third-party manufacturer. No concerns about the clinical data package, safety, or labeling for the approvability of Cosibelimab were raised then, according to the company. Checkpoint was founded by Fortress Biotech, Inc. (FBIO). Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer, with more than 1 million cases diagnosed annually in the U.S. The U.S. cSCC market opportunity is valued at over $1 billion. Will Cosi get a piece of the pie in the blockbuster market opportunity? CKPT is currently trading at $4.34, down 1.14%. Mirum Pharmaceuticals Inc. (MIRM) Mirum Pharma's Chenodiol, proposed for the treatment of patients with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, is under FDA review, with a decision anticipated on December 28, 2024. Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare, progressive inherited disorder, where the body cannot break down cholesterol properly - causing toxins (e.g., cholestanol and bile alcohols) to build up throughout the body over time. The signs and symptoms of CTX include neonatal cholestasis (jaundice or bile flow interruption), chronic diarrhea, the development of bilateral cataracts before the age of 18, development of tendon xanthomas (fatty deposits in the tendons) during teenage years or later, and neurologic deterioration. Chenodiol, originally developed by Travere Therapeutics Inc. (TVTX), was acquired by Mirum when Travere sold its bile acid product portfolio to Mirum last year. The drug is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of people with radiolucent stones in the gallbladder. MIRM is currently trading at $45.07, down 2.49%. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY) The FDA decision on Bristol Myers Squibb's (BMY) Biologics License Application for the subcutaneous formulation of Opdivo co-formulated with Halozyme's proprietary recombinant human hyaluronidase across all previously approved adult, solid tumor Opdivo indications is expected on December 29, 2024. Opdivo is approved as monotherapy, monotherapy maintenance following completion of Opdivo plus Yervoy combination therapy, or in combination with chemotherapy or cabozantinib. The currently approved formulation of Opdivo is intravenous administration and is indicated for the treatment of melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma, renal cell carcinoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, urothelial carcinoma, MSI-H or dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and gastroesophageal junction cancer. Opdivo generated global sales of $2.36 billion in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 4% over the year-ago quarter. BMY is currently trading at $59.16, down 0.10%. Neurocrine Biosciences Inc. (NBIX) Neurocrine Biosciences has two New Drug Applications for Crinecerfont under priority review by the FDA, with decisions expected on December 29 and December 30, 2024. Crinecerfont, an investigational, oral, selective corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 receptor (CRF1) antagonist being developed to reduce and control excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and adrenal androgens, is proposed for the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a rare genetic condition that results in deficiency of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase (21-OHD) that alters the production of adrenal hormones which are essential for life. If left untreated, CAH can result in salt wasting, dehydration, and even death. The company has sought approval for Crinecerfont as a capsule formulation and as an oral solution formulation. If approved, Crinecerfont would be the first new treatment option for CAH in 70 years. Crinecerfont has the potential to become a blockbuster, according to analysts. NBIX is currently trading at $127.59, up 0.66%. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News With new Amaze B Segment sedan, launch date set on December 4th 2024, Honda Cars sales prospects may be improved drastically One of the most iconic car manufacturers in the world, Honda, is a prominent brand in Indian automotive market. The company is among the leading sedan makers of India and has had a massive impact on Indian car buyers. Soon, Honda will launch the newest iteration of Amaze sub 4m sedan soon. Honda Cars Sales Nov 2024 For the month of November 2025, Honda Cars India Ltd posted a total sales figure of 10,726 units. These constitute both units sold in domestic market and shipped to global export markets. In the domestic market, Honda currently sells Amaze B Segment sedan, City C Segment sedan and Elevate C Segment SUV. Domestic sales performance from Honda in the month of November 2024 fell short, registering decline in sales in both YoY and MoM prospects. Exports, on the other hand, registered a massive uproar in MoM aspect, when compared to units shipped in October 2024. Breaking down the numbers, Honda Cars India Ltd sold a total of 5,005 units in the domestic market. When compared to the 8,730 units sold in November 2023, a year ago, there was a 42.67% YoY decline in sales. Volume loss from this sales decline stood at 3,725 units YoY. If we compare Hondas domestic sales in MoM aspect, we can see that Honda had sold 5,546 units in October 2024. Thus registering in a MoM decline in sales of 9.75%. Resulting in a MoM volume loss accounting to 541 units. With the launch of new Amaze, there may be a better sales proposition for HCIL in the domestic market. Exports Thrived While HCILs sales endeavors in domestic market saw a decline post the exciting festive season, exports have been thriving for the brand. The company exports multiple models from India and recently launched WR-V SUV in Japan (rebadged Honda Elevate SUV) is among the notable ones. HCIL shipped a total of 5,721 units last month from Indian ports. When compared to the 3,161 units shipped a year ago (November 2023), Honda registered a solid 80.99% YoY growth in exports. Thus resulting in a volume gain of 2,560 units in exports last month. Statement from Honda Cars India Ltd Mr. Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, Our sales performance in November was in line with our plan. As we approach the launch of All New 3rd Generation Amaze in a few days from now, the production of the new model will ramp up from December. There is lot of excitement among customers for the new Amaze highlighting a strong market connection for the brand. On the other hand, our exports have been growing backed by strong demand for Elevate in export markets. The recent update to KTM 250 Duke by the company brought LED headlights with LED DRLs along with a 5-inch TFT instrument cluster KTM India has just revised the price of one of its popular offerings, 250 Duke. This quarter-litre street fighter from KTM goes up against Bajaj Dominar 250, Suzuki Gixxer 250 and similar motorcycles. To boost sales and clear year dealer inventory, 250 Duke gets revised pricing for a limited period of time. 250 Duke Year-End Discount In India, KTM is expected to launch the new 390 Adventure soon. New generation 250 Adventure is also spied testing and speculations suggest a launch in H1 2025. Ahead of all this, KTM is offering attractive year-end discounts on its quarter-litre offering, 250 Duke to boost sales and increase footfall into the showrooms. The new price for KTM 250 Duke is Rs 2.25 lakh (Ex-sh), which is a straight Rs 20,000 discount on its Ex-sh price tag. Prior to this pricing revision, KTM 250 Duke used to command a price tag of Rs 2.45 lakh (Ex-sh). As per KTM, the revised pricing of Rs 2.25 lakh (Ex-sh) is for a limited period only. As the name suggests, it is a year-end discount and the new pricing stays till December 31st, 2024 or, till stocks last. In the companys portfolio, it slots above 200 Duke and below 390 Duke and is known to be a decent middle ground, where performance and riding experience are concerned. It has to be noted that KTM recently gave 250 Duke a feature update where it received massive improvements in its instrumentation department. This is due to the 5-inch TFT screen borrowed from 390 Duke. Other notable change was the addition of LED headlights and boomerang-shaped LED DRL from its bigger and pricier sibling. Quick Shifter Standard Fitment 250 Duke is powered by a 249cc DOHC 4V liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that is capable of generating 30.6 bhp of peak power at 9,250 RPM and 25 Nm of peak torque at 7,250 RPM, mated to a 6-speed gearbox, slipper clutch and a bi-directional quick shifter that is offered as standard fitment. Other notable cycle parts include WP Apex USD telescopic front forks, rear mono-shock unit, front and rear single disc brake with dual-channel ABS, 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyres. The company unveiled their new flagship large capacity motorcycles and new technology at EICMA 2024. KTM also took the veil off upcoming 390 Adventure lineup along with 390 Enduro and 390 SMC. Some of these motorcycles are expected to launch in India some time in 2025. With the launch of Next Gen Hyundai Venue, the competition against Nexon, Brezza, Sonet, XUV3XO and others will intensify The sub 4m SUV segment has emerged as one of the most important segments in Indian automotive industry. Ever since the inception of this segment, there have been a few stalwarts in this field like Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza (then Vitara Brezza), Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV3XO (then XUV300), Kia Sonet and others. Next Gen Hyundai Venue Render Being one of the stalwarts of this segment, Hyundai Venue is still in its 1st Generation facelifted avatar. While rivals have gotten more competitive, Hyundai Venue will spawn a 2nd Generation version as spy shots have emerged from South Korea. Based on that, we have a render of what it could look like in the future, with a few design inspirations from Hyundais Ioniq lineup. Since their launch, Nexon had two major updates, XUV300 and Vitara Brezza completely shed their former identities and evolved to XUV3XO and Brezza. Sonet recently got a major update and so did Magnite. Hyundai Venue, however, got one major update, but it still feels slightly outdated in this comparison. While Hyundai Venue is ahead of Sonet and XUV3XO in terms of sales, rivals like Brezza and Nexon are way ahead. A new generation or even a 2nd facelift for Venue could spruce things up. Our render of Next Gen Hyundai Venue, penned by Pratyush Rout, incorporates a new design that brings modernity and newness into Venues appeal with a few elements from Hyundais Ioniq range. For starters, there is a new fascia with our render, but it still adheres to Venues distinct identity. The parametric grill is smaller, making way for a faux grill above it, finished in gloss black. This is where the Hyundai logo resides, flanked by pixel-like triple LED DRL units that also double as turn indicators. Headlights are still below DRLs, but this time, they are vertically arranged triple-slat LED projector units. Below the main parametric grill, we now have a bull-bar effect accentuated by silver trim in our render. Faux skid plate finished in silver can also be seen at the bottom of front bumper. Our render has rear disc brakes too, something that Venue currently lacks in non N Line versions. Another major element in this render is the new aerodynamic wheel design. Muscular bonnet creases, blackened A and B pillars, silver roof rails and chunky C Pillars are carried over. Side profile remains similar to current model in this render. The 1.2L NA Petrol, 1.0L Turbo Petrol and 1.5L Turbo Diesel engines are likely to remain identical to current model too. All-new Interiors Where we expect major changes with Next Gen Hyundai Venue is in interiors. The overall layout is kind-of old now, as rivals have been offering more modern-looking interiors. Like Sonet, new Venue might incorporate larger 10.2-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, premium audio system, among others. On any given day of last year, 140 women and girls died at the hands of their partner or a close relative, according to the United Nations. This means that every ten minutes, a woman was killed somewhere in this world. In Europe, 64 percent of these victims died at the hands of their intimate partners, 58 percent in the Americas. On the other hand, women in Africa and Asia were more likely to be killed by family members than by partners. To bring attention to this scourge, the sixteen days between the observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, and Human Rights Day, celebrated on December 10, are dedicated to campaigning around the world in an effort to raise awareness and mobilize people everywhere and bring about change against gender-based violence. Gender-based violence remains pandemic, with one in three women worldwide experiencing intimate partner and/or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime, said Chris Lu, U.S. Representative for UN Management and Reform. Ambassador Lu stressed that the prevention and response to all forms of gender-based violence is a cornerstone of the U.S. commitment to promoting democracy, advancing human rights, and furthering gender equity and equality. Nonetheless, despite the decades-long effort, the dire conditions that women and girls continue to face around the world remain at pandemic levels, said U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. From Afghanistan to Sudan, Haiti to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, conflict and crises around the world continue to exacerbate pre-existing inequalities that increase the risk of gender-based violence, she said. To address the individual and societal costs of gender-based violence, governments must support interventions that are comprehensive, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered. The voices of survivors are critical in the global effort to end GBV. We must break the stigma against speaking out and offer opportunities for empowerment. Thirty years ago, then-Senator Joe Biden wrote the Violence Against Women Act. This law changed the way the United States responds to gender-based violence, as it recognizes that violence against women is a human rights abuse. The United States stands in solidarity with all women and girls, both at home and around the world, said Ambassador Lu. Today, we stand together to renew our commitments and redouble our efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in all its forms. The United States remains opposed to proposals to annex the West Bank or construct Israeli settlements in Gaza, said Ambassador Robert Wood, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations. Settler violence in the West Bank remains a cause for concern, warned Ambassador Wood. Recent incidents include those in Jurat Al Khiel, near Hebron, where Palestinians were attacked by scores of extremist settlers who damaged property, assaulted civilians, and released dogs to attack residents. In the Palestinian village of Jalud, south of Nablus, dozens of extremist settlers reportedly killed livestock, attacked homes, and set fire to vehicles. Ambassador Wood urged the government of Israel to deter extremist settler violence and protect all communities from harm. This includes intervening in, preventing, and stopping attacks." He also called on Israel to facilitate humanitarian access to Gaza, restore the flow of commercial goods, and address persistent lawlessness that prevents aid from reaching Palestinians. At the same time, the Security Council has an obligation not to let Hamas off the hook. Not after the misery, death, and destruction they sparked 13 months ago, stated Ambassador Wood. Hamas has cynically demonstrated that it prefers the war continue, including by rejecting multiple ceasefire offers and other formulas that would bring much-needed relief to Palestinian civilians desperate for an end to the fighting. We must not cave into Hamas demands or allow it to dictate the course of events. Rather, we must increase pressure on Hamas to implement Resolution 2735 without condition and without delay. Toward that end, the United States has imposed additional sanctions on Hamas political leaders and fundraisers. Only after we reach a ceasefire agreement with hostage release consistent with Resolution 2735, stressed Ambassador Wood, will it be possible to chart a new path forward in Gaza that enables Palestinians to rebuild their lives free from Hamas tyranny. The United States also fundamentally rejects the International Criminal Courts decision to issue arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The United States will continue to support diplomacy on the ground, and to encourage steps to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza who did not start this conflict and are relying on the international community to help end it. In mid-November, the Republic of the Philippines was struck by Super Typhoon Man-yi. The natural disaster, known locally as Super Typhoon Pepito, was the seventh tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines since September. The storm affected more than 850,000 people and damaged critical infrastructure in the country. The United States is committed to helping the Philippines recover from the typhoon, said U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a recent trip to the Philippines. Assistance will include $1 million through the U.S. Agency for International Development to support humanitarian partner organizations providing emergency shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene assistance, and other essential relief supplies. During his visit, Secretary Austin met with Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro and signed a General Security of Military Information Agreement as well as broke ground on a new bilateral Combined Coordination Center. These actions will improve joint bilateral exercises, operations, and humanitarian response efforts to address common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. These challenges include the Peoples Republic of Chinas dangerous actions in the South China Sea. Several lawful operations by the Philippines have encountered repeated harassment by the PRC. These actions are dangerous and escalatory measures to enforce their expansive South China Sea maritime claims, said Secretary Austin. We stand with the Philippines, and we condemn dangerous actions by the PRC against the lawful Philippine operations in the South China Sea. America is profoundly committed to the defense of the Philippines. Our commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty is ironclad. And let me say again that the Mutual Defense Treaty applies to armed attacks on either of our armed forces, aircraft, or public vessels, including our coast guards anywhere in the South China Sea, he said. According to the United States, the meetings between the U.S. and Philippine defense officials reaffirms the strength of the alliance and underscore both nations commitment to peace, security, and shared values in the Indo-Pacific region. The family commemoration for victims of the Nanjing Massacre is held in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 1, 2024.(Xinhua/Li Bo) NANJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The 2024 family commemoration for victims of the Nanjing Massacre was launched on Sunday in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province. It came less than a fortnight before China's national memorial day on Dec. 13, which was inaugurated ten years ago. Families of the victims paid tribute to their loved ones in front of a "wailing wall" outside the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. This wall has the names of 10,665 victims killed 87 years ago engraved on it. On Dec. 13, 1937, invading Japanese troops captured Nanjing, then the Chinese capital. Over a period of six weeks, these invaders killed more than 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers. Among the mourners was 95-year-old Xia Shuqin. "I will come as long as my health permits. It's hard not to be here," she said. On Dec. 13, 1937, then eight-year-old Xia narrowly survived the brutal killing spree, with seven out of nine members of her immediate family slaughtered. Her father knelt down and begged them not to hurt civilians, but was shot dead. Her mother and one-year-old sister, who hid beneath a table, were pulled out by the invaders. They dashed the baby to the ground and stabbed her to death. Later, Japanese soldiers raped her mother and killed her. Xia's grandparents were also murdered by the invaders, while her two elder sisters were raped and killed. She hid in a quilt and lost consciousness after being stabbed three times. Xia is among the 32 registered Nanjing Massacre survivors -- with an average age of over 94. The Chinese government has preserved survivors' testimonies in both written documents and video footage. These records of the massacre were listed by UNESCO on the Memory of the World Register in 2015. However, as the survivors are getting old and dying, their descendants are recognized as important for passing on memories and telling the truth about the atrocities. Chang Xiaomei carefully traced the names of her family on the "wailing wall" with a black pen, murmuring "this is my grandpa, this is my grandma..." Her dad Chang Zhiqiang, who has passed away, used to see the memorial hall as his "second home," because "the names of his missed ones are all on this wall," said Xiaomei. "He told me to come here not just to mourn our dead relatives, but also to commemorate our tens of thousands of compatriots," she continued. Chang Zhiqiang witnessed six of his family members tortured and killed in the Nanjing Massacre -- including his youngest brother who was then still a baby in arms and was tossed into the air by Japanese soldiers using a bayonet. Xiaomei has documented his father's life in a book to show the impact the nightmare had on him. This book was published in Chinese, English and Japanese. "With my efforts I hope that more people can come to know and remember that history, understand the value of peace, and cherish the life that we have today," she said. "Inheritors are the main force in passing on historical memory, and they have a deeper understanding of the mission and various ways of doing it," said Zhou Feng, curator of the memorial hall, noting that more people will be granted the status of official inheritor of historical memories regarding the Nanjing Massacre. After the commemoration ceremony, Xia bade farewell to her fellow survivors. Before she left, she gazed attentively at the names of her family on the "wailing wall." "I am already 95, but I am still waiting," she said emotionally. "I am waiting for the day that the Japanese government formally admits to the crime that it had committed, and apologizes to us." Staff members present a flower basket during the family commemoration for victims of the Nanjing Massacre in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 1, 2024.(Xinhua/Li Bo) Nanjing Massacre survivor Xia Shuqin attends the family commemoration for victims of the Nanjing Massacre in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 1, 2024.(Xinhua/Li Bo) Nanjing Massacre survivor Liu Minsheng (front) attends the family commemoration for victims of the Nanjing Massacre in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 1, 2024.(Xinhua/Li Bo) Students use black pens to renew the names on the "wailing wall" outside the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 1, 2024.(Xinhua/Li Bo) Nanjing Massacre survivors Ai Yiying, Liu Minsheng, Xia Shuqin (from L to R, front) with their families attend the family commemoration for victims of the Nanjing Massacre in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 1, 2024.(Xinhua/Li Bo) Nanjing Massacre survivors Ai Yiying (2nd R) searches for the names of her relatives, the victims of the Nanjing Massacre, in front of the "wailing wall" outside the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 1, 2024.(Xinhua/Li Bo) A representative uses black pens to renew the names on the "wailing wall" outside the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 1, 2024.(Xinhua/Li Bo) Staff members present flower baskets during the family commemoration for victims of the Nanjing Massacre in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 1, 2024.(Xinhua/Li Bo) Editor: Zhang Zhou Krueger proposed optimizing the European rail network and logistics hubs to improve efficiency. BERLIN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The China-Europe freight train service has become a cornerstone of economic ties between China and the European Union (EU), providing essential support for industries requiring time-sensitive and reliable logistics, Olaf Krueger, chairman of the International Rail Freight Business Association, told Xinhua in an interview. The imminent arrival of the 100,000th China-Europe Freight Train in Duisburg, Germany, marks a historic milestone for this rail link, which has emerged as a vital economic bridge. Krueger emphasized its pivotal role in enhancing trade and supply chain efficiency. "Rail transport has made a significant contribution to the strong economic growth between China and the countries of the European Union. This transport option on the Silk Road has developed expansively and has been used in particular for time-critical transport," he noted. Krueger praised railway workers for reducing transit times and improving transfer efficiency at gauge junctions. Recalling the challenges they faced, he highlighted how Chinese workers managed to transfer cargo at the China-Kazakhstan border during harsh winters with two meters of snow. "These photos have gone around the world, and the railwaymen involved must still be thanked today for this great effort," he said. Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the railway has become a dependable logistics solution for goods requiring prompt delivery, seeing significant growth as an option for time-sensitive shipments. "European companies have increasingly relied on the railway to optimize supply chains. Its stability and reliability ensure 'just-in-time' deliveries, which are essential for many industries," Krueger said. He highlighted how importers of Chinese goods benefit from shorter transit times and faster market responses. European companies with production facilities in China have also come to depend on the rail network for material transport between factories. "Rail's reliability prevents production delays and maintains supply chain continuity," he explained. The retail sector is another key beneficiary, with many discount chains using the China-Europe Railway Express to ship non-food promotional items. "Retailers are increasingly demanding 'just-in-time' services, and the Railway Express meets these needs effectively," Krueger said. As demand for rail services continues to grow, particularly from central and western China, Krueger stressed the importance of expanding railway infrastructure. "This is particularly necessary in difficult political and economic situations, as alternative transport solutions are required in the event of delivery restrictions in both maritime transport and air freight," he said. Krueger proposed optimizing the European rail network and logistics hubs to improve efficiency. Italy, he noted, is a key consumer market with increasing demand for both imports and exports. "More logistics terminals in Italy would boost container utilization rates on both legs of the journey," he suggested. He also advocated for improved rail links to ports such as Piraeus in Greece. "Expanding rail connections in Southern and Eastern Europe will enhance efficiency and foster economic integration," he added. "Efficient transport connections are a prerequisite for the continuation and deepening of diplomatic relations between China and the EU," Krueger said. A Long March-12 carrier rocket carrying two experimental satellites blasts off from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in the southern island province of Hainan, Nov. 30, 2024. China on Saturday night successfully launched a new carrier rocket into space from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in the southern island province of Hainan. The Long March-12 carrier rocket sent two experimental satellites into their planned orbits. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng) WENCHANG, Hainan, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- China launched a new carrier rocket into space on Saturday night from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site on the southern island province of Hainan. The Long March-12 carrier rocket sent two experimental satellites into their planned orbits. The launch mission was a complete success, according to Hainan provincial authorities. The rocket was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. With a length of about 62 meters and a diameter of 3.8 meters, it features a two-stage design. It is currently the country's largest single-core carrier rocket in payload capacity. The rocket is designed with a carrying capacity of no less than 12 tonnes in low Earth orbit and no less than 6 tonnes in 700-km sun-synchronous orbit. It achieves an optimal match between the diameter of the rocket body and the number of engines, with its first stage using four liquid oxygen-kerosene engines, which not only increases its carrying capacity but also allows for the transport of the rocket by railway to various launch sites across the country. The rocket also uses a series of new technologies, including rocket health diagnostics management, cold helium pressurization, and aluminum-lithium alloy tanks. Its fairing has standard diameter configurations of 4.2 meters and 5.2 meters, which can be adapted to different mission requirements. The Long March-12 carrier rocket is ready for frequent launch missions. It will effectively enhance China's ability to place satellites into sun-synchronous orbits and set up a multi-constellation network in low Earth orbit. Saturday's launch was the 548th flight mission of the Long March rocket series. Editor: JYZ Ukrainians participating in the National Cashback program accumulated UAH 250 million in November, which is twice as much as a month earlier, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine reports. According to information on the department's website, the number of program participants also increased from 1.9 million to more than 4 million. "The number of program participants and the amount of accrued cashback continue to grow steadily. The program creates a complex effect: citizens receive financial support in the form of 10% cashback, the state receives taxes for the Armed Forces, local manufacturers have orders and create jobs," the report quotes First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko as saying. It is specified that the cashback payment for November will take place at the end of December, and for December - in February 2025. National Cashback funds will not be taxed. The Ministry emphasized that in order to receive the cashback payment on time, it is necessary to activate the card for payments in the Diia application. Citizens who have a National Cashback card will also be able to use it to receive other assistance from the state - UAH 1,000 of winter eSupport. Leading national retail chains, pharmacies, petrol stations, as well as a significant number of regional chains and individual stores participate in the National Cashback program. A total of 1,600 manufacturers have already joined the program. Cashback is available on 340,000 Ukrainian-made goods. Photo: president.gov.ua German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who arrived in Kyiv on Monday morning, announced the provision of a new package of military support to Ukraine in the amount of EUR 650 million. "Germany will remain the strongest supporter of Ukraine in Europe. At a meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, I will announce additional armament worth EUR 650 million, which should be delivered in December," Scholz wrote on the social network X on Monday morning. "Ukraine can rely on us. We say what we do. And we do what we say," the German Chancellor stressed. Earlier, the DPA reported that Scholz arrived in Kyiv, publishing his photo on the platform of Kyiv railway station. ASIA Afghanistan Expected Council Action In December, the Security Council will convene for its quarterly open briefing on Afghanistan. Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva; Ambassador Andres Montalvo Sosa (Ecuador) in his capacity as the chair of the 1988 Afghanistan Sanctions Committee; an official from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); and a representative of civil society are expected to brief. Closed consultations are scheduled to follow the briefing. The Council is also scheduled to renew the mandate of the Monitoring Team assisting the 1988 Afghanistan Sanctions Committee in December. UNAMAs mandate expires on 17 March 2025. Key Recent Developments Afghanistan continues to grapple with one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. According to OCHAs September update, 23.7 million Afghansapproximately half of the countrys populationrequire humanitarian assistance. Despite the scale of the crisis, the Afghanistan Human Needs and Response Plan for 2024 remains critically under-resourced, with only 40 percent of the required $3.06 billion funded at the time of writing. OCHAs October update notes that this shortfall has left 3.7 million people without access to healthcare services, impacted emergency housing for those left without shelter following floods and earthquakes, and affected the provision of food assistance. The human rights situation in Afghanistan also remains dire, particularly for women and girls. UNAMAs latest report on the human rights situation in the country, which covers July to September and was published on 1 November, notes that the Taliban have continued to impose restrictions on the freedom of movement of Afghan women and to deprive both women and girls of secondary and tertiary education. It also describes steps that Taliban officials have taken to implement the Law on the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice since it was ratified in late August, such as sending letters instructing female staff of public hospitals to be accompanied by a male relative when travelling to and from work and deploying officials in different locations to monitor compliance. The Taliban have also continued to carry out public executions and publicly flog individuals accused of committing crimes. Several UN officials have recently commented on the restrictions imposed on women and girls by the Taliban. On 23 September, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanded that the Taliban remove all discriminatory restrictions against women and girls immediately. In an 11 October statement marking the International Day of the Girl, Otunbayeva called on the Taliban to reverse their ban on educating girls over the age of 12, saying that as each day passes, even greater damage is being done to the lives of women and girls. Afghanistan is being taken backwards, not forwards, in its quest for peace, recovery, and prosperity. In late September, Australia, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands announced that they had taken formal steps to call on Afghanistan to cease violating the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). On 26 September, 22 additional member states issued a joint statement expressing support for the initiative, which is being pursued under Article 29 of CEDAW. Pursuant to this provision, any dispute between parties to CEDAW regarding the interpretation or application of the Convention that is not settled by negotiation shall be submitted to arbitration and, if the parties cannot agree on the organisation of that arbitration within six months, they may refer it to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Against this backdrop, the Taliban have continued to pursue greater engagement and closer relations with the international community. On 10 October, Uzbekistan accepted the credentials of a Taliban-appointed ambassador, becoming the third country to do so after China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Taliban officials have reportedly agreed on a cooperation roadmap with Kazakhstan aimed at boosting economic relations and increasing trade, and have also sought to participate in a recent BRICS summit and reiterated their interest in joining Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. Representatives of the Taliban attended the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11 to 22 November. The conference marked the first occasion that Taliban officials have participated in UN climate talks since August 2021, when the group returned to power. On 3 September, Guterres announced the appointment of Georgette Gagnon as his new Deputy Special Representative (Political) for Afghanistan. Human Rights-related Developments In a 1 November statement, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan Richard Bennett warned that the lack of a strong, cohesive response from the international community has already emboldened the Taliban. He expressed deep concern about shrinking civic space; the situation of minorities, journalists, former government and security officials, judges, and lawyers in Afghanistan; the use of corporal and capital punishments; and credible allegations of sexual violence. He also urged the international community to adopt and implement a comprehensive human rights-centred action plan for managing the situation in Afghanistan. In his latest report covering developments from January to August 2024, Bennett noted that the Taliban have further entrenched and intensified their institutionalised system of gender oppression and exclusion of women and girls, repressed civil society and the media, and disregarded principles of justice, non-discrimination, equality and the rule of law. The report calls on the Taliban to reverse their policies and practices that violate Afghanistans international obligations and urges states to ensure that normalisation of engagement with the Taliban is based on measurable and independently verified improvements in human rights. It also recommends that member states support the codification of gender apartheid as a crime against humanity. Key Issues and Options The Talibans ongoing refusal to adhere to many of Afghanistans international obligations, especially those concerning women and girls, is a major issue for the Council and directly undermines the recommendations set out in the report of the independent assessment on Afghanistan requested by resolution 2679 and the related Doha format. (For more information on the independent assessment, see our 27 November 2023, 8 December 2023, and 28 December 2023 Whats in Blue stories.) Council members could decide to hold a closed Arria-formula meeting with a representative of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) to receive an update on the independent assessment process and discuss possible next steps in light of the Talibans actions. Such a meeting could also give members an opportunity to ask questions about the working groups on the private sector and counter-narcotics that participants in the third Doha meeting agreed to establish. At the time of writing, it appears that the working group on counter-narcotics is scheduled to begin work shortly. Extending the mandate of the Monitoring Team assisting the 1988 Afghanistan Sanctions Committee is another issue for Council members. The Council could choose to extend the mandate for another year without making any substantive changes, as it has generally done in recent years. The Council could also consider reviewing the 1988 Afghanistan sanctions regime more broadly. Apart from the humanitarian exception established by resolution 2615, the regime has not been updated since the Taliban seized power in August 2021. Such a review could analyse whether the regime is fit for purpose and whether it needs to be updated in light of current circumstances. The threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan remains an issue. According to the latest report of the Monitoring Team assisting the 1267/1989/2253 Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, which was issued on 22 July, there is heightened concern among member states regarding the threat posed by terrorist groups based in Afghanistan, particularly the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K)ISILs Afghan affiliateand Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Council members could hold an informal meeting with a counter-terrorism expert, which would give members a chance to discuss possible options for bolstering the Councils efforts to manage this threat. Council Dynamics While Council members are generally united in their desire to see a prosperous, peaceful Afghanistan free from terrorism and ruled by an inclusive government, they have been divided over how to achieve this goal. Some members, including the P3 (France, the UK, and the US) and other like-minded states, have argued that the Taliban must adhere to international norms if they want to obtain international recognition and receive economic and development aid from the international community. Several of these members appear to favour maintaining pressure on the Taliban, particularly regarding their policies and practices that violate the rights of women and girls. China and Russia, on the other hand, have contended that the international community should provide assistance to Afghanistan without linking it to other issues, such as human rights, and appear to prefer dialogue and engagement with the Taliban without any increased pressure. China has sent an ambassador to Kabul and, on 30 January, became the first country to accept diplomatic credentials from a Taliban envoy. Beijing has emphasised, however, that it has not officially recognised the Taliban regime as Afghanistans government. The Taliban recently attended the sixth meeting of the Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan in Russia, where Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a separate meeting with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Russia has also reportedly decided to remove the Taliban from its list of designated terrorist organisations and has called on western countries to lift relevant sanctions. The divisions among Council members were on display in late August when Japan, the penholder on the file, circulated a draft press statement criticising the Law on the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. While the draft press statement was supported by a majority of members, it was blocked by China and Russia. In opposing the draft, both members apparently made several arguments, including that the law was an internal matter that was still being studied by UNAMA, that womens rights had already been mentioned in several Council products and that other issues also required attention, and that the press statement could jeopardise future engagement between the international community and the Taliban. There are also different viewpoints among Council members regarding the implementation of the independent assessment on Afghanistan. China and Russia have emphasised the importance of taking the Talibans views on the independent assessment into account and have questioned the added value of a UN Special Envoy. Other members, including the UK and the US, have previously expressed support for the recommendations of the independent assessment, including the appointment of a UN Special Envoy. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON AFGHANISTAN THE SECURITY COUNCIL Briefing by the Outgoing Chairs of the Security Councils Subsidiary Bodies Expected Council Action As is customary in December, the outgoing chairs of the Councils subsidiary bodies are expected to provide a briefing on their experiences. The representatives of the five members completing their two-year terms on the Council at the end of 2024 and the subsidiary bodies they each chaired are: Ambassador Pedro Comissario Afonso (Mozambique)the Ad Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa; Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl (Switzerland)the 1718 Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) Sanctions Committee; Ambassador Vanessa Frazier (Malta)the 1267/1989/2253 Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee and the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict; Ambassador Andres Montalvo Sosa (Ecuador)the 1988 Afghanistan Sanctions Committee and the 1540 Committee (non-proliferation); and Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki (Japan)the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee, the 2713 Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee, and the Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. Background The practice of briefings by the outgoing chairs of subsidiary bodies was established during the Colombian presidency of the Council in December 2002. It is considered an important aspect of promoting transparency in the work of the sanctions committees and working groups. Since not all subsidiary bodies produce an annual report, this December briefing has also served over the years as a means of creating a publicly accessible institutional memory of these bodies activities. Key Recent Developments At this briefing, the chairs will be able to review developments within their committee or working group during their two-year term, assess their experience, suggest recommendations for improvements, and provide advice to their respective successors. Ambassador Pedro Comissario Afonso (Mozambique) may highlight the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa in facilitating the annual consultative meeting between the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council in the past two years. He may also mention the Working Groups contribution to facilitating discussions in May and July on the implementation of resolution 2719 on the financing of AU-led peace support operations. Additionally, he may refer to the joint meeting with the Working Group on peacekeeping operations held in August to provide Council members with the opportunity to discuss the drawdown, reconfiguration and exit of UN peace operations. As the chair of the 1718 DPRK Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl (Switzerland) is likely to mention that the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the Committee expired on 30 April after Russia vetoed a resolution that would have extended the mandate in late March. She could also refer to the Committees June 2023 decision to update its guidelines for obtaining exemptions for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Ambassador Vanessa Frazier chaired two committees during Maltas Council term. Regarding the 1267/1989/2253 Islamic State in ISIL (Daesh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, Frazier is likely to refer to the adoption of resolution 2734 of 10 June, which extended the mandates of the 1267 Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and the Office of the Ombudsperson for another three years, until June 2027. Frazier could also mention the findings of the latest report of the 1267 Monitoring Team, which was issued on 22 July. Among other matters, the report indicates that there is heightened concern among member states regarding the threat posed by terrorist groups based in Afghanistan. It also says that contiguous territorial gains by ISIL affiliates in the Sahel have continued to threaten regional security and stability and notes that groups in West Africa have improved their coordination. In briefing about the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, Ambassador Frazier might highlight the unprecedented levels of violence perpetrated against children in armed conflict in the past year. In this regard, the Secretary-Generals latest annual report on children and armed conflict, dated 3 June, documented 32,990 grave violations against children, of which 30,705 were committed in 2023 and 2,285 were committed earlier but verified in 2023. Frazier might emphasise that the conclusions issued by the Working Group play an important role in encouraging conflict parties to take concrete action aimed at preventing and ending violations against children. The Working Group has adopted conclusions on 11 country situations during Maltas two-year chairmanship. Frazier may stress the importance of the Working Group following up on the implementation of its conclusions, including through holding videoconference briefings with relevant UN Country Task Forces on Monitoring and Reporting (CTFMRs) and by conducting country visits. In this regard, Frazier may note that the Working Group travelled to Nigeria in July 2023. At the time of writing, the Working Group was scheduled to conduct a visit to Colombia in early December. As part of his briefing, Ambassador Andres Montalvo Sosa (Ecuador) will cover the work of the 1988 Afghanistan Sanctions Committee. He might highlight the findings of the latest report of the Monitoring Team assisting the Committee, which was issued on 8 July. According to the report, member states remain concerned by the Talibans ability to manage the threat posed by ISIL-K and are also worried about Al-Qaidas activities in the country. Ambassador Montalvo has also chaired the 1540 Committee. He is expected to highlight the important role that resolution 1540 plays in the global non-proliferation architecture. (Adopted in 2004, resolution 1540 aims to prevent non-state actors from obtaining access to weapons of mass destruction and encourages enhanced cooperation in this regard.) He may refer to the importance of voluntary national implementation action plans, which are intended to help member states identify their priorities for implementing resolution 1540. During this years annual briefing from the chairs of the counter-terrorism-related committees, Montalvo said that 38 states had submitted a total of 47 national implementation plans to the 1540 Committee. He added that nine states had designated their national points of contact to the Committee this year, bringing the total number to 155 countries. Montalvo is also likely to cover the Committees outreach activities, such as the open briefing for member states mandated by resolution 2663 held on 9 and 10 October. (Resolution 2663 was adopted on 30 November 2022 and renewed the 1540 Committees mandate for ten years.) In 2024, the Committee participated in 32 outreach events organised by member states and international, regional and subregional organisations and relevant civil society. Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki will speak about the three subsidiary bodies Japan has chaired. He may describe the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committees continued work in support of the Councils overall objective of securing peace and stability in Libya, including through sustained engagement with the Libyan Investment Authority about the possible reallocation of the funds investments. Yamazaki may also offer his reflections on the upcoming renewal of the sanctions measures and the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the Committee, which is expected to take place in January 2025. Ambassador Yamazaki may also describe his experience serving as the chair of the Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 2713 (2023). He may note that the Committee met four times in informal consultations this year, including a meeting on 11 October to deliberate on the Panel of Experts final report, which was circulated to Council members on 25 October. The report noted that Al-Shabaab remains the most significant threat to the peace and security of Somalia and that its ability to carry out complex attacks against the Somali government, ATMIS, and international forces remains undiminished. Of the 18 recommendations provided in the report, 15 are under Committee consideration. Yamazaki is also likely to highlight the Committees decision to add three individuals to its sanctions list on 21 May. Japan has also been the chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions (IWG) since 1 January 2024. As part of his briefing, Ambassador Yamazaki is expected to cover the activities of the IWG over the last year. The IWG held formal meetings every four months or so, holding three meetings so far in 2024. Yamazaki is expected to brief on the progress made in updating Note 507 (this is the note of the Security Council containing the compendium of its working methods) to incorporate the presidential notes adopted since 2017. Members continue to negotiate the draft updated Note 507, and at press time it was unclear when the IWG would adopt the revised Note 507. Kazuyuki may also cover the debate on working methods held during Japans presidency in March, which focused on the implementation of Note 507. Council Dynamics The divide over sanctions is particularly stark between the P3 (France, the UK, and the US) and others, on the one hand, and China, Russia, and African countries, on the other. The P3 often maintain that measures like arms embargoes and targeted sanctions, such as asset freezes and travel bans, are essential for mitigating violence and supporting the implementation of peace agreements. In contrast, China, Russia, and African members of the Council acknowledge sanctions as a useful tool but criticise cases where sanctions remain in place for years without adjustments to account for progress. Russia and others have also accused Western countries of downplaying the humanitarian impacts of both Security Council sanctions and those imposed outside the UN context. In the past two years, the Councils discussions on sanctions have been particularly challenging when major powers have strategic interests at stake. In March, negotiations to renew the mandate of the Panel of Experts of the 1718 DPRK Committee were long and contentious, with Russia advocating for annual renewals of the sanctions regime and China proposing changes including reduced reporting frequencyseveral of which other members found unacceptable. The draft resolution that would have extended the mandate of the Panel ultimately failed to pass due to Russias veto. Several other sanctions-related draft resolutions also failed to achieve unanimous adoptions. On 31 May, a resolution extending the authorisation for inspecting vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya for an additional 12 months received six abstentions from Algeria, China, Guyana, Mozambique, Russia, and Sierra Leone. On 10 June, Russia abstained on a resolution reviewing and extending sanctions targeting ISIL (Daesh) and Al-Qaida. Resolution 2731 of 30 May, which renewed the South Sudan sanctions regime until 31 May 2025, was also adopted with a vote of nine in favour and six abstentions (Algeria, China, Guyana, Mozambique, Russia, and Sierra Leone). However, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2745 of 30 July, lifting the arms embargo on the Central African Republic (CAR). The Security Council unanimously adopted resolutions renewing the sanctions regime on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sudan, and Haiti for one year. At the time of writing, the new appointments of chairs for the Councils subsidiary bodies for 2025 had not been finalised. After the annual Security Council elections were moved forward from October to June in 2016, there have been significant changes in how chairs of the Councils subsidiary bodies are appointed. In July 2016, Council members agreed on a presidential note concerning the preparation of newly elected members during the transitional period between the election and the beginning of their term, including the selection and preparation of chairs of subsidiary bodies. The note established a more consultative process for the chairs appointment, co-led by a permanent member and the chair of the IWG, and stipulated that the appointments should be completed by 1 October. That deadline has so far never been met, although in 2023, members were able to agree by mid-October. The Council agreed on a presidential note on 21 August 2023 (S/2023/615) that if the appointment of chairs and vice chairs have not been agreed to by before 1 January, as a contingency measure, the responsibilities of Chairs of all of the subsidiary bodies of the Council during the month of January shall devolve to the President for the month of January. While the permanent members hold the pen on most sanctions mandate renewals, elected members chair all sanctions committees and other formal and informal subsidiary bodies of the Council. Elected members have called for permanent members to share the responsibility of chairing these bodies. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON SUBSIDIARY BODIES AFRICA Democratic Republic of the Congo Expected Council Action In December, the Security Council will hold a briefing and consultations on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The anticipated briefer is Bintou Keita, the Special Representative and Head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). The Council is also expected to renew MONUSCOs mandate, which is set to expire on 20 December. Key Recent Developments The security situation in eastern DRC remains fragile, with the Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) rebel group further expanding its presence in North Kivu province. The Secretary-Generals most recent report, published on 20 September, noted that the ceasefire between the Rwandan and Congolese military forces has largely held while clashes between the M23 and other armed groups persisted. Other armed groups operating in eastern DRC, such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the Cooperative pour le developpement du Congo (CODECO), also continue to target civilians in North Kivu and Ituri provinces of eastern DRC. Regional diplomatic efforts to address the security situation in eastern DRC and ease regional tensions, particularly between the DRC and Rwanda, are ongoing. The two countries have engaged in mutual recriminations over alleged support for their proxies in the conflict. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 while Rwanda asserts that the DRC supports the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR), an ethnic Hutu armed group active in eastern DRC that was implicated in the 1994 genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda. The Group of Experts assisting the 1533 DRC Sanctions Committee has corroborated these assertions in its reports. On 30 July, the DRC and Rwanda signed a ceasefire agreement in Luanda under Angolas auspices, which took effect on 4 August. Based on the agreement, the ceasefire will be monitored by the Ad-Hoc Verification Mechanism established as part of the Luanda processa regional initiative under the leadership of Angolan President Joao Lourenco to ease tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. Following the development of a concept of operations by technical experts from both sides, the reinforced Ad-Hoc Verification Mechanism was launched on 5 November at the border post in Goma in the presence of the foreign ministers of Angola, the DRC, and Rwanda. Following the signing of the ceasefire agreement, the foreign ministers of the DRC and Rwanda have engaged in discussions on a peace proposal put forward by Angola, aimed at finding a lasting solution to the long-standing conflict in eastern DRC. These discussions have resulted in an agreement by the two parties to a plan to neutralise the FDLR. Rwanda would then ease what it has described as defensive measures. Difficulties have emerged, however, regarding the implementation of this plan. The Congolese government would like the international community to impose targeted sanctions on Rwanda for its alleged destabilising actions and is demanding the immediate, unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory. Rwanda denies that its troops are in eastern DRC, maintaining that it has only implemented defensive measures to address security threats. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame were in Paris to attend the Francophonie Summit on 4 and 5 October. French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly met with the two leaders separately to encourage them to continue to engage in dialogue to achieve a comprehensive settlement through the Luanda process. The foreign ministers of the two countries were scheduled to meet again in Luanda on 16 November under Angolas facilitation, but there is no indication that the meeting took place as planned. Regarding the implementation of the disengagement plan agreed with the Congolese government and endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 2717 of 19 December 2023, MONUSCO concluded the withdrawal of its forces from South Kivu in June. The process faced some challenges, however, including a lack of adequate resources such as logistics and manpower and the deteriorating security situation. In resolution 2746, the Council urged MONUSCO to consolidate the handover of responsibilities to the DRC government in South Kivu and to continue to jointly plan the next steps of the gradual, responsible and sustainable withdrawal of the mission before further moving forward. According to the Secretary-Generals 20 September report, MONUSCO has started the transition planning processes in North Kivu and Ituri through the provincial transition teams with particular attention to strengthening national institutions and capacities to protect civilians. On 6 August, the Security Council adopted resolution 2746 authorising MONUSCO to provide operational and logistical support to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), operating in the eastern DRC since December 2023. SADC convened an extraordinary summit on 20 November to discuss the situation in eastern DRC and received an update on the progress of SAMIDRC one year after its deployment to the region. The summit, among other things, extended SAMIDRCs mandate by one year. Council members received the Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of this resolution and a report on the activities of SAMIDRC, including coordination with MONUSCO, which were due by 15 November. Sanctions-Related Developments In November, the Chair of the 1533 DRC Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu (Sierra Leone), accompanied by members of the committee, visited Angola, the DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda as part of the committees regular engagement with countries in the region to exchange views on the peace and security situation in the eastern DRC and discuss the implementation of the 1533 DRC sanctions regime. Human Rights-Related Developments On 5 November, the UN Human Rights Councils Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group examined the DRCs human rights record. Chambu Mwavita Chantal, DRCs Minister of Human Rights, outlined measures taken since the 2019 UPR. She reported that the DRC had ratified the AU Convention for the Protection of Internally Displaced Persons. She also highlighted the establishment of the National Fund for reparations to victims of conflict-related sexual violence and other crimes, alongside a decree creating One Stop Centres to improve multisectoral services for sexual violence survivors. On 8 October, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk presented a report (A/HRC/57/76) to the Human Rights Council on the activities of the UN Joint Human Rights Office in the DRC. He noted that the number of victims of human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international humanitarian law, continues to grow. Turk mentioned that detention conditions across the DRC are deteriorating, including in facilities run by the intelligence services. On 7 October, the Human Rights Council adopted a resolution (A/HRC/RES/57/34) on technical assistance and capacity-building in the DRC. The resolution condemned human rights violations and the illicit exploitation of natural resources, particularly in conflict-affected eastern DRC, where ongoing violence continues to displace significant populations. Key Issues and Options A key issue for Council members in December will be MONUSCOs mandate renewal. Unlike the past two years, the Congolese government is no longer pushing for the mission to leave. After MONUSCOs withdrawal from South Kivu, Council members also feel that the conditions are not yet favourable for the mission to draw down in North Kivu and Ituri, the two remaining provinces where the mission continues to operate. A possible option for Council members is to renew the missions mandate for another year while also considering strengthening MONUSCOs capacity to support the development of DRCs national institutions and its capacity to protect civilians. The other major issue is how to support ongoing regional efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict in eastern DRC through diplomatic means. In their 25 October press statement, Council members expressed their unwavering support for ongoing mediation efforts through the Luanda Process, urged the scrupulous implementation of the 30 July ceasefire agreement, and called on both parties to fully cooperate with Angola to accelerate the implementation of the harmonised plan for the neutralisation of the FDLR and the disengagement of foreign forces. In order to provide Council members with an update on the ceasefire agreements implementation and ongoing discussions to achieve a comprehensive settlement through the Luanda process, a possible option would be for the US Security Council presidency to invite Angola to brief the Council in a private meeting. This could allow Council members to exchange ideas about how the Council can support this process. Another option would be to hold a meeting in the informal interactive dialogue format to bring together high-level officials from Angola, the DRC, and Rwanda for a discussion with the Council. The logistical and operational support provided by MONUSCO to SAMIDRC is an impending issue. The Secretary-Generals report will inform this discussion on the implementation of resolution 2746 and SAMIDRCs report on its activities, including coordination with MONUSCO. Council Dynamics Council members remain seriously concerned about the security and humanitarian situation in the eastern DRC. They all seem to agree that the solution to this long-standing issue is political, and they continue to support regional efforts. In this regard, they welcomed the signing of the ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda within the framework of the Luanda process. Some Council members continue to call for external actors to stop supporting armed groups in eastern DRC. In particular, the US, France, Switzerland, and Slovenia remain vocal about the issue and regularly mention Rwandas role in the region. Council members also agree on the need to address the root causes of the crisis in eastern DRC. Some members have repeatedly expressed concerns about the illegal exploitation of natural resources and the proliferation of weapons, which help to fuel the conflict in the region. Council members continue to stress that the MONUSCO disengagement process must be implemented in a gradual, conditions-based, and responsible manner. At the September meeting on the situation in the DRC, several Council members stressed the need to learn lessons from the withdrawal of MONUSCO from South Kivu, avoid leaving a security vacuum, and decide on the next steps based on the evolving security situation on the ground. Some Council members underscored the protection of civilians as a matter of priority in this regard. Others highlighted the issue of safety and security, condemning attacks against peacekeepers. In particular, China referenced attacks on MONUSCO convoys, Global Positioning System jamming and other security incidents mentioned in the Secretary-Generals 20 September report on MONUSCO. France and Sierra Leone are the co-penholders on the DRC. Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu (Sierra Leone) chairs the 1533 DRC Sanctions Committee. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO In Hindsight: The Financing of AU-led Peace Support Operations: What Next? Introduction On 21 December, it will be one year since the adoption of resolution 2719 through which the Council authorised support for African Union-led peace support operations (AUPSOs) from UN assessed contributions on a case-by-case basis. The adoption of this landmark resolution is widely regarded as a significant milestone in UN-AU cooperation. Council members are expected to receive the first report on its implementation in December. Discussions within the Council on this issue have gained momentum, particularly regarding potential test cases to be considered under resolution 2719. This months In Hindsight examines the prospects and challenges in this regard and anticipates what lies ahead. Laying the Groundwork The implementation of resolution 2719 has been a major focus for the UN and the AU over the past year. They established a joint task force involving the relevant departments of the UN Secretariat and the AU Commission organised around four key workstreams to develop a shared understanding of the resolution and its implementation. These are: joint planning, decision-making and reporting; mission support; financing and budgeting; and human rights compliance and protection of civilians. The task force held in-person meetings in Addis Ababa, the AUs headquarters, in May, and in New York in July, to develop a joint AU-UN roadmap for implementing the resolution. The roadmap was endorsed at the 8th UN-AU High-Level Conference in Addis Ababa on 21 October, underscoring the commitment of both organisations to ensure institutional and operational readiness for any future authorisation by the Council of a new AUPSO under resolution 2719. In their 20 May presidential statement, Council members requested an update on the implementation of the resolution ahead of their Annual Joint Consultative Meeting with the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), which was to take place in October in New York. Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee provided the update on 2 October during the annual briefing on cooperation between the UN and regional and subregional organisations in maintaining international peace and security, highlighting the joint UN-AU efforts to operationalise resolution 2719. Over the last couple of years, the financing of AUPSOs has been a recurring topic of discussion during the annual consultation between members of the two councils. This year, the topic was discussed during the informal seminar, held in a retreat format in Tarrytown, New York, from 16-17 October, preceding the annual consultation on 18 October. (For more, see the In Hindsight on UN-AU Cooperation: A Path Toward Networked Multilateralism or Fractured Responses? in our November 2024 Monthly Forecast.) Additionally, the Security Councils Ad-Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa provided a platform for discussions on the implementation of resolution 2719. During its meeting in May, Council members engaged in a broad reflection on the issue, and in June, they received updates on the work of the joint UN-AU task force regarding the development of the roadmap. Possible Test Cases Since the adoption of resolution 2719, several potential test cases have emerged. The most attention has been given to Somalia, which appears to have the necessary conditions for the application of resolution 2719. In other cases, such as Sudan, certain conditions, such as a ceasefire or a cessation of hostilities agreement, may need to be in place before it can be considered a serious test case. Additionally, the deployment of a force in the Sahel region currently seems remote but remains under consideration. Somalia The AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)which is expected to replace the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) when its mandate expires by the end of Decemberhas been at the top of the list of potential test cases. The Security Council, pursuant to resolution 2748, requested the UN and the AU to develop a mission design and financing options for the new mission and submit their recommendations by 15. The deadline was moved to 30 November following a request by the Secretary-General for additional time to finalise consultations with the AU. The report was eventually circulated to Council members on 26 November. While there appears to be broad agreement on the deployment of the AUSSOM, there is a divergence of views among Council members regarding how the mission should be financed. In particular, the US appears strongly opposed to considering the missions financing under resolution 2719, arguing that it is premature to do so, especially given that some milestones outlined in the joint UN-AU roadmap are not expected to be implemented until mid-2025. They include those related to mission support in line with the AU Compliance Framework, which aims to ensure that AUPSOs adhere to international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and applicable standards of conduct and discipline, as well as other processes related to unit requirements for contingent-owned equipment, self-sustainment, and specialised assets. It seems that the US has circulated a non-paper outlining its position on the matter and proposing a two-year bridging mechanism to allow more time to put in place the necessary conditions for the implementation of the resolution. The US has also apparently indicated that it is considering all options, including vetoing any resolution that might prematurely trigger resolution 2719 on Somalia. The UK, the penholder on Somalia, had been amenable to considering AUSSOM under resolution 2719, but its position seems to have evolved. Apparently, the UK has argued that it might be unrealistic to trigger the resolution before the end of this year and that instead an interim arrangement for at least one year should be considered. However, the AU has argued that there is nothing in resolution 2719 to suggest that a bridging mechanism should be used. Although the US referred to needing to fulfill some milestones of the joint roadmap in explaining its position, both the UN and the AU made it clear that the delivery of the joint roadmap should not be understood as a prerequisite for implementing resolution 2719, but rather as a framework for continuously strengthening overall performance and impact of the African Union and United Nations, based on decades of lessons, operational experience and collaboration[1]. Pobee also stressed this position in her 2 October briefing to the Council, reaffirming the UN and the AUs readiness to support any specific peace support operation that the Council decides to authorise under resolution 2719. Somalia, the host country and an incoming Council member, and the AUPSC (through its 28 October communique) have expressed a desire for a dedicated funding mechanism within the framework of resolution 2719 to avoid the financial challenges faced by previous missions. The AUPSC has also expressed a clear intention to use part of the interest accrued from the AU Peace Fund investment and the Crisis Reserve Facility (CRF) to substantially contribute to the financing of AUSSOM, demonstrating its commitment to sharing the financial burden. Some African members have also maintained that waiting for ideal conditions to trigger resolution 2719 is neither realistic nor productive, while other members have emphasised the urgency of addressing the situation in Somalia, warning that any delay in action could lead to failure and undermine the resolutions effectiveness. Sudan Amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan and growing concerns for the protection of civilians, there have been calls for the deployment of an independent force with a mandate to protect civilians, including by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan in its early September report. In this context, some Council members have been considering a range of options, including the possibility of deploying an AUPSO, potentially authorised under resolution 2719. The US, which opposes triggering this resolution in the case of Somalia and has voiced a preference for the first test case of resolution 2719 to be a new mission, appears to be a strong proponent of such action in Sudan. It has emphasised that the international community should, in close collaboration with African partners, begin considering options to establish a compliance and monitoring missionone that could strengthen the protection of civilians and support the implementation and durability of any future local or nationwide cessation of hostilities. However, the Secretary-General, in his report to the Council pursuant to resolution 2736 of 13 June, which requested him to make recommendations for the protection of civilians in Sudan, stated that at present, the conditions do not exist for the successful deployment of a UN force to protect civilians. Following the Secretary-Generals report, the UK and Sierra Leone co-facilitated Council negotiations on a draft resolution that, among other things, encouraged the Secretary-General to strengthen planning to support a ceasefire agreement, including through monitoring and verification together with other international stakeholders, particularly the AU. While several Council members supported this proposal, others expressed reservations, arguing that it is premature to discuss such mechanisms in the absence of a ceasefire agreement. The text went through several iterations before being tabled for a vote on 18 November, but it was not adopted due to a veto by Russia, which argued, among other things, that the resolution was based on a flawed understanding of who holds primary responsibility for protecting civilians in Sudan. (For more, see our 17 November Whats in Blue story.) Sahel Another potential test case under discussion is the deployment of a regional force in the Sahel region. One of the key reasons the Secretary-General has strongly supported a new generation of AUPSOs under Chapter VII of the UN Charterwith guaranteed and predictable funding, including through assessed contributionsis the relevance of such potential initiatives for West Africa and the Sahel, which are facing severe security challenges. On 25 September 2022, the UN, AU, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (FC-G5S) jointly launched a high-level independent Panel, led by the former President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, to conduct a strategic assessment of the underlying challenges in the Sahel. The Panels report was expected to provide recommendations, including the possibility of an AU-mandated regional response. However, its work was complicated by the coup in Niger and other subsequent regional developments, such as the dissolution of the FC-G5S and the formation of a new alliance of military juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Meanwhile, on 7 July, the ECOWAS summit in Abuja discussed the possibility of activating a regional force to combat terrorism, including the establishment of a 5,000-strong force. In this regard, the summit directed the President of the ECOWAS Commission to consult with the AU, particularly within the framework of resolution 2719 and the outcomes of the review conducted by the Issoufou panel. Subsequently, the Panels report and recommendations were considered by the UN-AU High-Level Conference in Addis Ababa on 21 October, where both sides agreed to jointly advance the Panels key recommendations through their respective organs and institutional mechanisms. However, to date this case has not gained traction in the Security Council. What Lies Ahead? Prior to the expiration of the ATMIS mandate on 31 December, members will need to decide whether its follow-on mission (that is, AUSSOM) will be authorised under resolution 2719. The upcoming negotiations will be informed by the joint UN-AU report, which recommended a hybrid implementation of resolution 2719 to support AUSSOM. First, this would entail a reconfigured and streamlined UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), which will continue to be financed through UN assessed contributions, providing logistical support to AUSSOM. Second, 75 percent of the AUSSOM troop reimbursements would be covered from UN assessed contributions. According to the joint UN-AU report, this option not only reduces the overall cost (it does not exceed the current cost for UNSOS and ATMIS), but troop reimbursements would be offset by the savings generated from the reconfigured UNSOS. Based on the report, the UN and the AU hope this will persuade Council members, especially some financial contributors, who believe that applying resolution 2719 could increase the overall cost. A key issue is whether the US will continue to oppose a decision authorising AUSSOM under resolution 2719. Although the US has maintained the view that AUSSOM is not a good candidate for the application of resolution 2719, it supported resolutions 2741 of 28 June and 2748 of 15 August, thereby clearing the way for discussions on authorising AUSSOM under resolution 2719. If the US position is inflexible, the penholder is likely to lean towards proposing a compromise that would maintain the current status quo at least until mid-2025. There are, however, serious concerns that with a change in the US administration taking place in January 2025, postponing this decision until next year could result in the fate of resolution 2719 remaining in limbo for the next four years. The discussion regarding the case of Sudan is likely to continue over the coming months. Despite the 18 November veto by Russia, some Council members, such as the US, appear keen to continue shining a spotlight on Sudan. Members may also continue to pursue an outcome on the humanitarian situation. (For more, see the brief on Sudan in our November 2024 Monthly Forecast.) While the Secretary-Generals first annual report on the implementation of resolution 2719, due by 21 December, may not provide much new informationsince Council members already received oral updates in Octoberit could provide an opportunity to call for a meeting to discuss the resolutions future and the challenges ahead. Resolution 2719 was a milestone towards acknowledging the need for more reliable and sustainable funding for AU-support peace operations. While there are several obstacles still to be overcome, only once a test case is chosen will members be able to determine if this is a model that has the potential to move the UN towards a new regional partnership in peace operations. In this regard, December may be another watershed moment as members decide if they are willing to take that critical step. [1] Joint AU-UN Roadmap for the Operationalization of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023) SECURITY COUNCIL AND WIDER UN STRUCTURE International Criminal Tribunals Expected Council Action In December, the Security Council is scheduled to hold its semi-annual debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). The President of the IRMCT, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, and the Chief Prosecutor of the IRMCT, Serge Brammertz, are expected to brief during the debate and to meet with the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals prior to that. Background and Key Recent Developments The IRMCTwith branches in The Hague, the Netherlands; and Arusha, Tanzaniafocuses on completing the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), which closed in December 2017 and December 2015, respectively. Its tasks have included hearing the remaining trials and appeals from the ICTY and the ICTR, locating fugitives indicted by the ICTR, assisting national jurisdictions with requests related to prosecuting international crimes committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, monitoring cases referred to national courts, enforcing sentences, protecting witnesses and victims, and preserving archives. The IRMCT was established in 2010 by resolution 1966, which said that the Mechanism shall continue the jurisdiction, rights and obligations and essential functions of the ICTY and ICTR and that it should be a small, temporary and efficient structure, whose functions and size will diminish over time, with a small number of staff commensurate with its reduced functions. Under resolution 1966, the IRMCT was mandated to operate for an initial period of four years and for subsequent periods of two years unless the Council decides otherwise. The Council most recently extended Brammertzs term in resolution 2740, which was adopted on 27 June with 14 votes in favour and Russia abstaining. It incorporated several new elements, including requests for two reports from the Secretary-General by 31 December 2025: one regarding the administrative and budgetary aspects of the options for possible locations of the archives of the ICTR, the ICTY, and the [IRMCT]; and another concerning options for transferring certain remaining functions of the IRMCT, including supervision of sentences and the provision of assistance to national jurisdictions. Resolution 2740 also recalled the Councils request in resolution 2637 of 22 June 2022 for the production of clear and focused projections of completion timelines for all the [IRMCTs] activities and took note of the information that the IRMCT submitted to the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals in response to this request. (For more information on resolution 2740, see our 27 June Whats in Blue story.) The Councils most recent semi-annual debate on the IRMCT took place on 11 June. Gatti Santana and Brammertz briefed. In her briefing, Gatti Santana noted that active proceedings in the final core crimes cases before the IRMCT had ended and said that the IRMCT had therefore completed its transition to becoming a truly residual institution. She also provided an update on several of the IRMCTs remaining tasks, including supervising the enforcement of sentences; managing, preserving, and facilitating access to the archives of the ad hoc tribunals and the IRMCT; and offering support to victims and witnesses who took part in proceedings. During his briefing, Brammertz said that his office had now accounted for all of the fugitives indicted by the ICTR, thereby completing one of the residual tasks of the IRMCT. In this regard, Brammertz referred to the IRMCTs 15 May announcement regarding the deaths of the remaining two fugitives, Ryandikayo and Charles Sikubwabo. The remainder of Brammertzs briefing focused primarily on the IRMCTs ongoing work assisting national authorities with pursuing accountability for crimes committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. He noted that his office had received 629 requests for assistance during the previous two years and had met with prosecutors from several different member states, including Belgium, Canada, Eswatini, France, Mozambique, South Africa, the UK, and the US. The IRMCTs Appeals Chamber began a review hearing in the case Prosecutor v. Gerard Ntakirutimana on 18 November. Ntakirutimana is seeking a review of his convictions after a witness allegedly recanted his evidence against him. On 8 November, IRMCT officials travelled to Belgrade and held preparatory meetings regarding the monitoring of contempt proceedings in the Seselj et al. case. Key Issues and Options Continuing to monitor the work of the IRMCT and the implementation of its mandate is a key issue for the Council. In this context, members could choose to use the closed format of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals to have a frank discussion with Gatti Santana and Brammertz regarding the next phase of the IRMCTs operations. Members could also use this format to seek more information about the IRMCTs completion timelines. Members may also ask if there is anything the Council can do to help with the IRMCTs ongoing work, including the tasks referred to by Gatti Santana and Brammertz during the 11 June semi-annual briefing. Council Dynamics Council members generally have a positive assessment of the IRMCT and the progress it has made, with the exception of Russia. During the semi-annual briefing on 11 June, Russia strongly criticised the IRMCT, saying that its reports had failed to answer to the key question as regards the ultimate and reasonable timeframe for winding down the IRMCT and/or transferring all its functions and instead retain vague references to the year 2052, which cannot be considered reasonable. Russia also argued that the IRMCT should have closed long ago and called for the transfer of its remaining functions to national authorities and UN entities. Other Council members expressed positive views regarding the IRMCT and its work during this meeting. Russia has regularly criticised the appointment of Brammertz, who was the ICTY prosecutor from 2008 until its closure in 2017, and it has abstained on the bi-annual resolutions appointing him as prosecutor since 2016. Russia was also consistently critical of the ICTY. The negotiations concerning resolution 2740, which most recently extended Brammertzs term, were lengthy, difficult, and contentious. Russia apparently objected to many aspects of the draft text, provided comments on almost every paragraph, reiterated the criticisms of the IRMCT that it raised during the semi-annual debate, and pushed strongly for a concrete timeframe and deadline for the transfer of the mechanisms remaining functions. While some of Russias suggestions were supported by China, they were largely opposed by other Council members. (For more information on the negotiations, see our 27 June Whats in Blue story.) Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNALS UN DOCUMENTS ON INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNALS MIDDLE EAST Iran Expected Council Action In December, the Security Council is expected to convene a briefing on the Secretary-Generals biannual report on the implementation of resolution 2231 of 20 July 2015, which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Irans nuclear programme. The Council will also receive reports from its 2231 facilitator, Ambassador Vanessa Frazier (Malta), and the Joint Commission, which was established to oversee the implementation of the JCPOA and comprises the current parties to the agreement: China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, and Iran. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, Frazier, and a representative of the European Union (EU) in its capacity as coordinator of the Joint Commission are expected to brief the Council. Background In May 2018, then-US President Donald Trump announced that the US, which was originally a signatory to the JCPOA, was withdrawing from the agreement and went on to impose unilateral sanctions on Iran. Although Iran formally remained in the JCPOA, it took steps that directly contravene its terms, including enriching uranium to levels beyond the JCPOA-mandated limits and removing cameras and monitoring equipment required by the agreement. In August 2020, referring to those violations, the US tabled a draft Security Council resolution that would have indefinitely extended the arms-related restrictions on Iran that were set to expire later that year under resolution 2231. After the draft resolution failed to garner the requisite number of votes for adoption, the US claimed that it had triggered the snapback mechanism, which is a provision in resolution 2231 that allows any party to the agreement to reinstate the UN sanctions against Iran that were in place prior to the JCPOA. Other Council members argued that this move was invalid because of the US withdrawal from the agreement, however. Following the election of current US President Joseph Biden, the US, Iran, and other parties to the JCPOA began talks in April 2021 in Vienna to revive the agreement. Those discussions progressed until August 2022, when the EU circulated what it described as a final draft agreement. Iran reportedly insisted as a condition for accepting the deal that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) close its investigation into traces of enriched uranium that it had discovered at three undeclared sites in Iran in 2019. The US and European parties to the JCPOA objected to this demand, which they viewed as a separate issue related to Irans obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the countrys NPT Safeguards Agreement, which every non-nuclear NPT state party is required to conclude with the IAEA to ensure that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. In a November 2022 resolution, the IAEA Board of Governors censured Iran and directed it to comply with the IAEAs investigation. In response, Iran announced that it had started enriching uranium to 60 percent purity at its Fordow nuclear facility, approaching the roughly 90 percent level required to produce a nuclear weapon and well above the 3.67 percent limit imposed by the JCPOA. With negotiations to revive the JCPOA stalled, Iran has continued to expand its production of highly enriched uranium and its cooperation with the IAEA has grown increasingly strained. After the IAEAs February 2023 quarterly verification and monitoring report said that the agency had detected traces of uranium enriched to 83.7 percent at the Fordow facilitya near weapons-grade level that Iran claimed was accidentalthe IAEA and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran issued a 4 March 2023 joint statement permitting the IAEA to conduct additional verification and monitoring activities, but little progress has been made since then in implementing those commitments. Additionally, in September 2023, Iran withdrew the designation of several IAEA inspectors assigned to conduct verification activities in Iran under the NPT Safeguards Agreement. Key Recent Developments At its June quarterly meeting, the IAEA Board of Governors adopted a new resolution censuring Iran, put forward by France, Germany, and the UK (known within the Joint Commission as the E3 countries). Referring to the above disputes, the resolution called on Iran to fulfil its NPT-required safeguards obligations, implement the 4 March 2023 joint statement, and re-certify IAEA inspectors, among other actions. The IAEAs most recent verification and monitoring report, dated 19 November, documented a further increase in Irans uranium stockpiles. It estimated that the country held a total of 182.3 kilograms of 60-percent enriched uranium, an increase of 17.6 kilograms from the agencys previous report and enough to reduce the countrys breakout capacitythe amount of time that it would take to produce enough fissile material for one nuclear weaponto one week or less, according to a 21 November technical analysis of the IAEAs findings by the non-partisan Institute for Science and International Security. However, the IAEA report also noted that during high-level discussions between the agency and Iran in mid-November, Iranian officials discussed the possibility of halting the countrys production of 60-percent enriched uranium and later took preparatory steps to do so at two of the countrys nuclear facilities. In a joint statement at the November meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors, the E3 described Irans proposed concession as long overdue yet still insufficient and called on Iran to also immediately dispose of its existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium and to comply with its obligations under the NPT, JCPOA, and 4 March 2023 joint statement. The E3 then introduced another resolution censuring Iran, which referred to the countrys continued failure to cooperate with the IAEA and requested the agency to produce a comprehensive and updated assessment on the possible presence or use of undeclared nuclear material in connection with past and present outstanding issues regarding Irans nuclear programme. The resolution was adopted with 19 votes in favour, three against (Burkina Faso, China, and Russia), and 12 abstentions. On 28 July, Masoud Pezeshkian assumed office as President of Iran, following elections to succeed former president Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a 28 May helicopter crash. A former surgeon and lawmaker who is considered a political moderate, Pezeshkian has expressed greater interest than his predecessor in resuming nuclear talks with the West. In his 24 September address at the general debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, he said that his country was ready to engage on the issue, and that [i]f JCPOA commitments are implemented fully and in good faith, dialogue on other issues can follow. In response to the November resolution adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors, however, Iranian officials announced that they would launch a new series of advanced centrifuges, which would further increase the countrys enrichment capacity. It remained unclear at the time of writing whether Iranian authorities still intended to implement their commitment to halt production of 60-percent enriched uranium. While JCPOA negotiations remain dormant, continued regional fall-out from the Israel-Hamas war has sharply raised geopolitical tensions and further weakened prospects for reviving the deal. In April, Iran and Israel engaged in direct military confrontation for the first time when Iran launched drone and missile strikes against Israel in response to the latters bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus. Israel retaliated by striking an air defence battery in Iran. Subsequently, following Israels assassinations of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July and Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut in September, Iran conducted another attack against Israel on 1 October, launching approximately 200 ballistic missiles at the country, most of which were intercepted by Israeli and US air defence systems. On 25 October, in retaliation for that assault, Israel launched airstrikes that hit Iranian missile manufacturing plants and air defence systems, as well as an undeclared nuclear research facility, according to media reports. The Security Council held meetings on 14 April, 2 October, and 25 October to discuss the exchange of attacks. Human Rights-Related Developments On 1 November, Mai Sato, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, presented her first report to the Third Committee of the General Assembly, identifying three priority areas for her mandate: transparency, gender, and the right to life. Sato emphasised her commitment to adopting a gendered and intersectional approach in assessing the human rights of all Iranians. She also voiced concern over the states response to the Women, Life, Freedom movement and over the Bill to Support the Family by Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab. Regarding the right to life, she stated that her examination would focus on not only the use of the death penalty, but also on the lethal use of force by State agencies, deaths in custody, laws that condone or excuse the killings, and practices that fail to properly investigate potential unlawful deaths. The Special Rapporteur called on Iran to engage in direct communications and grant her unhindered access to the country. In a 13 September press release, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Iran warned that the Iranian government had escalated its suppression of the fundamental rights and activism of women and girlstwo years after the unlawful death in custody of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini sparked the Women, Life, Freedom movement. The FFM stated that security forces had intensified entrenched patterns of physical violence, including beating, kicking, and slapping women and girls who are perceived as failing to comply with the mandatory hijab laws. On 2 September, UN experts raised alarm over a surge in executions in Iran, with at least 93 individuals executed in Augustdouble the 45 executions reported in July. The experts noted that 41 of these executions were for drug offences, contravening international standards that limit the use of the death penalty to the most serious crimes. They urged Iran to immediately stop the execution of individuals sentenced to death. Key Issues and Options As the prospects for reviving the JCPOA grow increasingly remote, the key issue for the Security Council is how to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Analysts have suggested that Irans actions since the US withdrawal from the agreement, including its uranium enrichment activities, are likely to make a return to the original terms of the agreement and full compliance with those terms difficult. This is in part because of the institutional knowledge acquired by Irans nuclear programme and the IAEAs diminished monitoring capabilities, which prevent it from establishing a new baseline against which to measure compliance with a future agreement. The Iranian governments apparent support for Hamas in Gaza and the Russian war effort in Ukraine have also made reviving the JCPOA politically difficultif not impossiblefor Western countries. In this context, it appears that a scaled-back deal offering Iran more limited sanctions relief in exchange for more modest restrictions on its nuclear activities may be the most plausible negotiated option currently under consideration by JCPOA parties. Alternatively, if Council members decide that no agreement is viable, they could initiate the snapback mechanism. The P3 countriesFrance, the UK, and the US under President Bidenhave typically maintained that their red line for initiating the snapback is the detection of weapons-grade uranium in Iran, but that calculus may change if geopolitical tensions continue to rise and as the October 2025 expiration of the JCPOA approaches. The comprehensive report on Irans nuclear activities requested by the IAEA Board of Governors at its November meeting could inform Council members decision on whether to pursue a new agreement or initiate the snapback. Council Dynamics The P3 and other Western countries remain concerned about Iranian activities that contravene the JCPOA, the countrys lack of cooperation with the IAEA, and what they consider to be its destabilising support for its proxy groups in the Middle East and for Russia in Ukraine. While these countries assert that they remain committed to a negotiated deal if Iran takes steps to alter its behaviour, Western unity could fracture upon Trumps return as US president next year, as his administration may be less willing than the current one to consider diplomatic efforts to curb Irans nuclear activities. China and Russia, for their part, remain supportive of Iran. Both countries have previously blamed the US for the collapse of the JCPOA, criticising it for withdrawing from the deal and imposing unilateral sanctions on the Iranian regime. They have alsoconsistently voted against the censure resolutions adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON IRAN UN DOCUMENTS ON IRAN MIDDLE EAST Iraq Expected Council Action In December, the Security Council will hold an open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on the situation in Iraq. Special Representative and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan will brief the Council on recent developments in the country and the Secretary-Generals most recent reports on UNAMI and the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-party nationals and missing Kuwaiti property. Key Recent Developments The security situation in Iraq remains tense amidst regional fallout from the Israel-Hamas war. Following the outbreak of the conflict, Iraqi militia groupsconsidered Iranian proxies forming part of the countrys axis of resistance across the Middle Easthave launched repeated drone and missile strikes against Israel as well as US military assets in the region. The frequency of attacks against Israel has increased in recent months, including a 3 October drone strike on an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) base in the Golan that killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded 24 others. In addition, Iran has reportedly considered using the Iraqi militia groups to retaliate against Israel for its 25 October airstrike against Iran. The militias belong to an informal coalition known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which has ties to Iraqs formal security forces, straining the countrys relations with Israel. In identical letters dated 18 November addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, Israeli Minister for Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar expressed concern about the increase in attacks conducted by the Iran-backed militias, which he described as a blatant violation of international law that have the potential to further drag the region into a very dangerous escalation. The letter emphasised Iraqs obligation to prevent the use of its territory for attacks, invoked Israels right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and called on the Security Council to take immediate action to address the situation. In response, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani called Israels allegations a pretext for aggression against Iraq that would expand the war in the region. The regional situation has also raised tensions between Iraq and the US. After the US retaliated in February for previous Iraqi militia strikes against US military bases in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria, some Iraqi officials called for the withdrawal of the 2,500 US troops stationed in the country as part of the international coalition combatting the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh). In a 25 January statement, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced that the US-Iraq Higher Military Commissionwhich had been established in August 2023 to begin phasing down the US-led military coalitionwould start discussions on the transition to an enduring bilateral security partnership between the two countries. Subsequently, in a 27 September joint statement, the countries announced a transition plan under which the majority of US coalition forces would withdraw from Iraq by September 2025. In a briefing call with reporters, senior US officials emphasised that the agreement did not constitute a US withdrawal from Iraq but rather a transition to a bilateral security relationship in which the US will continue to advise and assist and enable [Iraq] in conducting necessary counter-[ISIL] operations. On the political track, parliamentary elections were held in Iraqs Kurdistan region on 20 October. Of the 100 seats up for election, the regions two main rival partiesthe Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)won 39 seats and 23 seats, respectively. The elections were originally scheduled to be held in 2022 but were repeatedly delayed because of disagreements about election modalities between Kurdish and federal Iraqi officials and between the KDP and PUK. In a 23 October statement, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Farhan Haq congratulated the region for successfully holding the elections in a calm and peaceful manner and commended the efforts of Iraqs Independent High Electoral Commission in conducting them. On 31 May, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2732, renewing UNAMIs mandate for a final 19-month period. The renewal followed the completion of the independent strategic review of the mission requested by resolution 2682 of 30 May 2023which had previously renewed UNAMIs mandateand a subsequent letter dated 8 May from al-Sudani addressed to the Secretary-General that requested UNAMIs mandate to be terminated definitively by the end of 2025. Acceding to this request, resolution 2732 renewed UNAMIs mandate for one non-extendable term until 31 December 2025 and directed the Secretary-General to streamline the missions tasks to focus on select priority areas during the transition period, including technical electoral assistance to Iraqi authorities; facilitating progress on outstanding issues between Iraq and Kuwait; and supporting a range of humanitarian and development activities. The resolution also requested the Secretary-General to prepare a transition and liquidation plan by 31 December 2024 for the transfer of UNAMIs tasks and the missions orderly and safe drawdown. According to the Secretary-Generals most recent report on UNAMI, which was circulated to Council members on 26 November, an integrated working group at the UN headquarters was established in June to provide strategic direction for the transition planning process. UNAMI has also undertaken a mapping exercise of its activities to plan for their transfer to other UN entities and partners, while the UN country team has taken steps to integrate relevant UNAMI tasks into the forthcoming 2025-2029 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Iraq. On 5 June, the Council received the final biannual briefing from the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Daesh/ISIL in Iraq (UNITAD). The meeting followed the adoption of resolution 2697 of 15 September 2023, which renewed the team for a final one-year term at the Iraqi governments request. At the June meeting, Acting Special Adviser and Head of UNITAD Ana Peyro Llopis briefed the Council on the teams 12th and last biannual report, dated 24 May, which covered UNITADs accomplishments over the course of its mandate and gave an update on drawdown preparations. On 17 September, the team concluded its mandate and ceased operations. On 15 July, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Mohamed Al Hassan of Oman as Special Representative and Head of UNAMI, succeeding Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert of the Netherlands, who had served in the position since 2018. Al Hassan assumed his duties in Iraq on 10 October. Human Rights-Related Developments On 10 October, Amnesty International urged Iraqi lawmakers to reject proposed amendments to the countrys Personal Status Law, warning that they would eliminate the current legal marriage age of 18 for both girls and boys, paving the way for child marriages, as well as stripping women and girls of protections regarding divorce and inheritance. The proposed amendments would also grant religious councils of the Sunni and Shia sects of Islam the authority to create their own code of Sharia rulings on personal status matters within six months of the laws passage, undermining the rights of women and girls and their equality before the law. Amnesty International stressed that the amendments violate international agreements that Iraq has ratified, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The organisation emphasised that ensuring the safety, dignity and rights of women and girls is not only a state obligation under international human rights law but also a moral imperative that all Iraqi institutions must uphold. Key Issues and Options The key issue for the Security Council is to oversee UNAMIs orderly and safe drawdown, in accordance with resolution 2732. To this end, Decembers briefing will provide Council members with an opportunity to review progress on implementing the missions streamlined mandate and transferring tasks to other UN entities and partners. The simultaneous withdrawal of the international anti-ISIL/Daesh coalition, UNITADs recent termination, and the volatile regional situation are additional factors for Council members to consider as the transition proceeds. In this context, the Council could invite a civil society representative to the December briefing to provide additional perspectives on the potential impact that UNAMIs closure and the phasing out of other forms of international support may have on Iraqs political and security situation, including protections for vulnerable groups. The Council could also consider convening a separate closed discussion on UNAMIs transition and liquidation plan that resolution 2732 requested the Secretary-General to prepare by 31 December. That discussion could include briefers from the UN entities that will be taking over some of the missions tasks. Council and Wider Dynamics Council members are broadly supportive of the Iraqi government and the assistance provided by the UN. In light of the relative stability that Iraq has enjoyed since al-Sudani assumed office in October 2022, members were also largely in agreement on accommodating Iraqs request to draw down UNAMI, adopting resolution 2732 unanimously. During those negotiations, however, some members held diverging views about the extent to which the closure should be contingent on progress on indicators proposed by the independent strategic review. (For more information about the negotiations, see our Whats in Blue story of 30 May.) More broadly, the current regional situation has exacerbated geopolitical tensions, which have also affected Iraq. US and Iranian military operations in the country have strained Baghdads relations with both Washington and Tehran while stoking concerns about a direct confrontation between the US and Iran in the Middle East. The escalating situation has also raised alarm about a possible retaliatory strike by Israel on Iran-backed militias in Iraq, which could open an additional front in the regional conflict. The Iraqi government routinely declares that it seeks a balanced relationship with regional and international security partners and does not wish to become a theatre for geopolitical competition. The US is the penholder on Iraq issues in general, and the UK is the penholder on Iraqi-Kuwaiti issues. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON IRAQ UN DOCUMENTS ON IRAQ Overview In December, the US will hold the presidency of the Security Council. The US plans to organise two signature events during the month. The first will be a briefing on women, peace and security (WPS) focused on the power of intergenerational dialogues and partnerships between young and senior women peacebuilders in advancing peace and security. The second signature event is a briefing on artificial intelligence (AI) under the agenda item Maintenance of international peace and security. There may be a ministerial-level meeting on a country-specific issue towards the end of the month, but the topic had yet to be confirmed at the time of writing. The US also intends to convene a briefing on Ukraine. In December, the Council is scheduled to hold its semi-annual debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). Council members are also expected to vote on a draft resolution extending the application of the standing humanitarian exemption created by resolution 2664 of 9 December 2022 to the 1267/1989/2253 Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh) and Al-Qaida sanctions regime. (While resolution 2664 applied to all other UN sanctions regimes indefinitely, it modified the 1267/1989/2253 regime for an initial two-year period.) The outgoing chairs of the Security Councils subsidiary bodies are also expected to brief the Council on their experiences in facilitating the work of those bodies. African issues that are expected to be discussed in December are: Middle Eastern issues that will be addressed this month include: The only Asian issue planned in December is Afghanistan. The Council will hold its quarterly meeting on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and renew the mandate of the Monitoring Team assisting the 1988 Afghanistan Sanctions Committee. On the Americas, there will be a briefing by the chair of the 2653 Haiti Sanctions Committee. Regarding non-proliferation, the Council is expected to receive a briefing on the Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of resolution 2231 of 20 July 2015, which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Irans nuclear programme. Other issues could be raised in December depending on developments in contexts such as Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), Lebanon, Syria, and Ukraine. Council members are also currently negotiating several draft resolutions, including on Myanmar and children and armed conflict, which may be voted on during the month. AFRICA Somalia Expected Council Action In December, the Security Council is expected to renew the 2713 Al-Shabaab sanctions regime, including the provision for maritime interdiction, which expires on 15 December. In addition, the Council will decide on the mandate of the Panel of Experts supporting the 2713 Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee, which expires on 15 January 2025. The Council is also expected to decide on the successor mission to the African Union (AU) Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), whose mandate expires on 31 December. In line with resolution 2748 of 15 August, which most recently extended ATMIS mandate, the Secretary-General, jointly with the AU Commission Chairperson, submitted his report on the overall design of the follow-on mission and a range of options for financing it, on 26 November. In a 13 November letter, the Secretary-General requested additional time to finalise consultations on the report, which was due by 15 November. Responding to this, the Council extended the deadline until 30 November. Key Recent Developments On 2 October, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened a high-level meeting of the National Consultative Council (NCC), which brings together the leaders of the federal government of Somalia (FGS) and the federal member states (FMS) to advance the Somali governments priorities. (Puntland has not participated in the NCC meetings since January 2023, when it declared its intention to act independently until the finalisation of a new Somali constitution.) During the meeting, the FGS presented its plan to implement universal suffrage for national and regional elections to end the indirect clan-based election system. The meeting ended in a stalemate, however, after Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe withdrew from the meeting, rejecting the FGS plan in light of upcoming regional elections. (In July, Jubalands parliament approved a constitutional amendment removing the two-term limit for the presidency.) The NCC reconvened on 27 October without the participation of Jubaland and Puntland, concluding its session on 30 October. The communique adopted following the meeting established a single electoral committee under federal supervision and noted that a new electoral bill would be introduced in the parliament. It said that the NCC would schedule local elections for June 2025 and regional elections for September 2025. In a 9 November statement, the FGS condemned Madobes decision to appoint an electoral committee to organise indirect elections in Jubaland state. The statement asserted that the decision violates agreements reached between federal and regional leaders to unify national and regional elections, implement direct elections, and establish a single border and election commission. In response, on 10 November, Jubaland announced its decision to suspend working relations with the FGS, becoming the second FMS, after Puntland, to take such a step. On 19 November, Somalilands electoral commission declared Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the Waddani Party as the winner of the presidential election, defeating incumbent Muse Bihi Abdi. (Somaliland is a self-proclaimed republic in northern Somalia.) The presidential elections had been delayed twice since 2022. Following the announcement of results, Somali President Mohamud reportedly expressed his commitment to reconciliation talks with Somaliland. The most recent round of discussions between Somalia and Somaliland concluded on 29 December 2023 in Djibouti. Those discussions, mediated by Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, marked the first high-level engagement between the two parties since 2020. However, the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland signed on 1 January significantly heightened regional tensions. The MoU reportedly allows Ethiopia, which is a landlocked country, to obtain access to the Gulf of Aden in exchange for formal recognition of Somaliland. In light of this agreement, several Somali officials have expressed the view that Ethiopia should withdraw its troops deployed in Somalia by the end of December, when ATMIS is expected to complete its drawdown and exit. In October, President Mohamud visited the capitals of the other four ATMIS troop-contributing countriesBurundi, Djibouti, Uganda, and Kenyaand met with their respective heads of state to discuss their potential support for Somalias security transition. However, he did not visit Ethiopia. Amid strained relations with Ethiopia, Somalia has continued to strengthen its military ties with Egypt, which has offered to contribute to the elements of the follow-on mission to ATMIS. Media reports suggest that on 3 November Egypt delivered heavy weaponry to the Somali government in Mogadishu. This was the third delivery of military support since the two countries signed a defence cooperation agreement on 14 August. (For background and more information, see the brief on Somalia in our October 2024 Monthly Forecast and 2 October Whats in Blue story.) Human Rights-Related Developments On 10 October, the Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted a resolution (A/HRC/RES/57/27) on providing assistance and capacity-building to Somalia in the field of human rights. The resolution expressed concern about the heightened risks of violence, abuse, and human rights violations faced by internally displaced persons, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children, young people, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities. It urged Somalia to end the culture of impunity by holding perpetrators accountable through prompt and thorough investigations and by committing resources to justice sector reforms. On 7 October, Isha Dyfan, the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Somalia, presented her report (A/HRC/57/80) to the HRC. She highlighted concerns about arbitrary arrests, detentions, and extrajudicial killings by Somali security forces. For instance, on 2 March, Somali police reportedly opened fire to disperse protesters from the Abgaal/Hawiye clan in Mogadishu, killing one man and injuring three women. Dyfan also highlighted other issues, including the lack of accountability for human rights violations and significant weaknesses in Somalias justice system. She recommended strengthening reconciliation mechanisms to mitigate clan violence, establishing a civilian casualty tracking system to enhance transparency, and improving womens access to justice by enforcing the 30 percent quota for womens representation in elected and administrative positions within the justice system. Sanctions-Related Developments The 2713 Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee held informal consultations on 11 October to receive a briefing from the Panel of Experts on its final report, dated 15 October. The report noted that Al-Shabaab remains the most significant threat to the peace and security of Somalia and that its ability to carry out complex attacks against the Somali government, ATMIS, and international forces remains undiminished. The report highlighted that attacks on bases, diversion of weapons from the Somali National Army and ATMIS bases, spillovers from regional conflicts, and illicit trafficking networks remain the key sources of resupply for Al-Shabaab. On 15 October, the Secretary-General released a report indicating that progress on achieving the indicators on the ten benchmarks outlined in his 15 September 2022 technical assessment report on Somalias weapons and ammunition capacity had been incremental at the federal government level. It noted that an urgent challenge is extending the weapons and ammunition management frameworks, processes, and structures to the federal member state level, considering the different needs, priorities, and perspectives of each state. It added that countering the illicit flow of arms and ammunition into Somalia also remains a critical issue. Key Issues and Options One of the key issues for Council members in December is the extension of the 2713 Al-Shabaab sanctions regime and the mandate renewal of the Panel of Experts supporting the committee. Members may draw on the findings of the 15 October progress report and the recommendations contained in the panels 15 October final report. The likely option for Council members is to renew the measures outlined in resolution 2713 and extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts for another year. An important issue for Council members is Somalias security transitionthe drawdown of ATMIS and the establishment of the follow-on mission, which is expected to assume responsibilities from 1 January 2025. A related issue is the financing for the follow-on mission, given the divergences among Council members on the possible funding options. At press time, members had just received the Secretary-Generals report and were considering the various options. Members will need to make a decision ahead of ATMIS mandate expiry on 31 December. If they are unable to agree to the post-ATMIS security arrangements by then, one option would be to extend ATMIS for a limited period of time. Also, a pertinent issue is the escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, which may undermine regional peace and security, including Somalias ongoing offensive operations against Al-Shabaab, and the ATMIS transition process. One option for Council members would be to issue a press statement encouraging the parties to exercise restraint and make efforts to de-escalate tensions, while expressing support for initiatives in this regard. Another option is for members to request a briefing in consultations from the Secretary-General on the potential for this situation to undermine Somalias security transition and regional peace and security. Another issue is how to continue supporting the Somali government in achieving its national priorities, including the constitutional review and electoral processes. Additionally, addressing the increasing tension between the federal government and some federal member states is a matter of concern for several Council members. Council and Wider Dynamics Council members support the Somali governments priorities and recognise the many challenges the country faces, including the persistent insecurity caused by the terrorist activities of Al-Shabaab. They also support ongoing efforts to fight the group, including the implementation of sanctions to degrade Al-Shabaab. Although Council members agree on the need to provide security support for Somalia post-ATMIS, views differ on how such efforts should be financed. Somalia, an incoming elected Council member for the 2025-26 term, and several current members have suggested financing the follow-on mission under resolution 2719 of 21 December 2023 on the financing of AU-led peace support operations (AUPSOs). However, other Council members, such as the US, are apparently not keen on this option. In its remarks at the 3 October Council briefing on Somalia, the US emphasised the importance of establishing the necessary mechanisms to effectively implement the framework outlined in resolution 2719. It cautioned against what it views as the premature application of this framework. It appears that the US has produced a non-paper to explain its position. Apparently, it notes that the milestones outlined in the AU-UN joint roadmap for implementation of 2719 are not expected to be completed before mid-2025. (The roadmap was endorsed at the eighth annual AU-UN conference, convened on 21 October.) Against this backdrop, the US has proposed a two-year bridging mechanism to provide additional time to develop the 2719 framework and address budgetary and logistical challenges. This proposal, however, has elicited differing views. The UK appears to support the view that applying the 2719 framework in Somalia before the end of the year would be premature and has therefore supported the establishment of a bridging mechanism. It seems that the Councils EU members (France, Malta, and Slovenia) are concerned that such a mechanism could imply additional obligations for financial contributors to ATMIS. The AU has apparently argued that resolution 2719 does not envisage a bridging mechanism. Another area of debate is whether resolution 2719 could be applied exclusively to specific financing obligations or should be all-encompassing. Some Council members and the AU seem to be supportive of selective application of resolution 2719, such as for troop reimbursements, while continuing the logistics support for the follow-on mission through the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), which is financed through UN-assessed contributions. It appears that the range of options for financing developed by the AU outlines a set of approaches through which resolution 2719 could be applied in Somalia. The US non-paper, on the other hand, apparently argues that support extended to AUPSOs under 2719 encompasses all categories of support, including logistics. (Please see this months In Hindsight for more information on the application of resolution 2719.) Council members remain concerned about the escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. At the 3 October Council meeting, several members, including Slovenia, Switzerland, and the US, expressed deep concern over the increased tensions. In its remarks, the US stressed the need to ensure that regional strains do not disrupt the planning and deployment of a post-ATMIS mission. It cautioned against security gaps that could aggravate the humanitarian crisis and alluded to the additional costs associated with changes in troop contributors. (For background, see the brief on Somalia in our October Monthly Forecast.) Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON SOMALIA Status Update since our November Forecast Bosnia and Herzegovina On 1 November, the Council held its semi-annual debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) (S/PV.9774) and unanimously adopted resolution 2757, renewing the authorisation of the EU-led multinational stabilisation force (EUFOR ALTHEA) until 1 November 2025. DPRK (North Korea) On 4 November, the Council convened for an open briefing on the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) (S/PV.9775). France, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Slovenia, the UK, and the US requested the meeting after the DPRK launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on 31 October. Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Mohamed Khaled Khiari briefed. The DPRK participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. On 26 November, the Chair of the 1718 DPRK Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl (Switzerland), briefed Council members in closed consultations on the 90-day report regarding the Committees work. South Sudan On 7 November, the Security Council convened for an open briefing on the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) (S/PV.9778), followed by closed consultations. Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of UNMISS Nicholas Haysom briefed on the Secretary-Generals latest 90-day report, which was published on 25 October and covered developments from 16 July to 15 October. Merekaje Lorna, Secretary-General of South Sudan Democratic Engagement, Monitoring and Observation Programme, also briefed the Council. Kenya and South Sudan participated under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. Threats Posed by Ransomware Attacks against Hospitals and Other Healthcare Facilities and Services On 8 November, the Security Council convened for a briefing on Threats posed by ransomware attacks against hospitals and other healthcare facilities and services (S/PV.9779). The meeting, which was held under the Threats to international peace and security agenda item, was requested by the US, with support from France, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea (ROK), and the UK. The briefers were World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Eduardo Conrado, President of Ascension, a faith-based private healthcare organisation in the US. Middle East, including the Palestinian Question On 4 November, Security Council members held closed consultations, at Russias request, to discuss the implementation of resolution 2735, which welcomed a ceasefire proposal for the war in Gaza announced by the US in May 2024. Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari briefed. On 6 November, Council members held closed consultations on the healthcare system in Gaza and developments regarding the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus briefed. On 12 November, the Security Council held a briefing under the Protection of civilians in armed conflict agenda item to discuss the risk of famine in northern Gaza (S/PV.9781). Guyana and Switzerland, the Councils co-focal points on conflict and hunger, joined by Algeria and Slovenia, requested the meeting after the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Famine Review Committee issued an alert on 8 November noting that there is a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip. Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ilze Brands Kehris, and the Director of the Office of Emergencies and Resilience at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Rein Paulsen briefed. On 18 November, the Security Council convened for a briefing titled Ending the war and securing durable peace under The situation in the Middle East agenda item (S/PV.9787). This was one of the signature events of the UKs November Council presidency. Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland briefed. On 20 November, the Security Council voted on a draft resolution (S/2024/835) on the war in Gaza, which was put forward by the Councils ten elected members (E10). The draft resolution demanded an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire to be respected by all parties and reiterated the Councils demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The draft text failed to be adopted owing to a veto by the US. The remaining 14 members voted in favour. On 25 November, the Security Council held its monthly meeting on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (S/PV.9794). Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory Muhannad Hadi briefed. Counter-Terrorism On 14 November, the Council convened for the annual open briefing on the work of its counter-terrorism-related committees (S/PV.9784). Ambassador Vanessa Frazier (Malta), chair of the 1267/1989/2253 Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee; Ambassador Amar Bendjama (Algeria), chair of the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC); and Ambassador Andres Montalvo Sosa (Ecuador), chair of the 1540 Committee briefed. Central African Republic On 14 November, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2759, extending the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) for another year, until 15 November 2025 (S/PV.9783). This was the first unanimous adoption of a resolution extending MINUSCAs mandate in four years. Sudan/South Sudan On 5 November, the Security Council held a briefing (S/PV.9777), followed by closed consultations, on the Secretary-Generals semi-annual report regarding the implementation of the mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) (S/2024/740). The report, covering developments from 16 April to 1 October, was circulated to Council members on 14 October. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, briefed the Council. Sudan and South Sudan participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. On 14 November, the Security Council adopted resolution 2760, renewing UNISFAs mandate for another year, until 15 November 2025. The resolution also extended for one year the missions support for the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM). The resolution was adopted with 14 votes in favour and one abstention (Russia), marking the first abstention on a UNISFA resolution since the missions establishment in 2011. Lebanon On 19 November, Council members held a briefing in consultations on the Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of resolution 1701 (S/2024/817). Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed. Haiti On 20 November, the Security Council held an open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on Haiti (S/PV.9792). The meeting was requested by China and Russia to discuss a proposal by Ecuador and the USthe co-penholders on Haitito transform the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission authorised by resolution 2699 of 2 October 2023 into a UN peacekeeping operation. Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca and Kenyan National Security Adviser Monica Juma briefed the Council, as well as two civil society representatives: Dr. Jean William Pape, Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Center of Global Health at Weill Cornell and the Director of the Haitian medical services provider GHESKIO, and Dan Cohen, an American journalist and documentary filmmaker. Myanmar On 20 November, the Council convened for a private meeting on Myanmar (S/PV.9791). The UK, the penholder on the file and the Councils president in November, scheduled the meeting. Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar Julie Bishop and Special Envoy of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chair on Myanmar Alounkeo Kittikhoun briefed. Hitting the Ground Running The 22nd annual workshop for incoming members of the UN Security Council, titled Hitting the Ground Running, was held on 21 and 22 November on Long Island, New York. The government of Finland convened the workshop in cooperation with Security Council Report (SCR) and the Security Council Affairs Division of the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (SCAD). Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, former Foreign Minister of Ghana and former Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, gave the keynote address on 21 November during a fireside chat with members. On 22 November, Council members held three sessions on the work of the Council: State of the Council 2024: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead; Working Methods and Subsidiary Bodies; and Lessons Learned: Reflections of the Class of 2024. Protection of Humanitarian and UN Personnel On 26 November, the Security Council held an open briefing on the Secretary-Generals recommendations on measures to prevent and respond to attacks against humanitarian and UN personnel, which the Council requested through resolution 2730 of 24 May (S/PV.9795). Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security Gilles Michaud, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Director of Financing and Partnerships Lisa Doughten, and co-founder of Humanitarian Outcomes Abby Stoddard briefed the Council. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/marta.kosmarko Negotiating Fundamentals cluster 1 regarding the EU accession process with Ukraine may be opened in the first half of 2025, most likely in April-May, said Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos in a blitz interview with Interfax-Ukraine in Kyiv. "We are now preparing everything possible, doing the screening and we hope that in some time in the first half of next year we will be able to open the first cluster which is fundamentals So, even if we do everything possible, probably it won't be earlier than April next year. But once we will start, then we will go on quickly," she said following her visit to the Ukrainian capital on December 1. Kos noted that she was very pleased to visit Kyiv on her first day as Enlargement Commissioner. "Enlargement is one of the priorities of the whole European Commission and it is also a priority for Ukraine, for your government, for your parliament and even for civil society which I met today," the European Commissioner said. She stressed that Ukraine is doing immense progress, since making this amount of reforms in the time when the country is on war, it's something unprecedented and congratulations for this. "My task as Commissioner for Enlargement is to support your government to first start the negotiation process and then bring it to the end. This is tough work. It's a lot of technical work. It's a lot on both sides, in Brussels and also here," Kos said. She recalled that according to the new methodology, the Fundamentals is the first to open and the last to close. "Today I've heard a wish that we could open as much as possible clusters next year," the European Commissioner added. Kos noted that the timing of the closing of the negotiating clusters depends on the candidate country. "We will assist you, I will work day and night to help you to go through this process but most of the work is done on your side," the European Commissioner for Enlargement said. According to her, meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna demonstrated a very positive attitude towards the EU accession, and both sides will work hand in hand t to enable Ukraine to become a member of the European Union. Kos clarified that Enlargement today is different than it was five years back or when my country Slovenia was entering the EU in 2004. At that time mostly we have seen the accession process through the economic classes as an economic process. "Today, especially because of you being our candidate, it is about much more. It is about securing peace, freedom and prosperity. And these are actually the reasons why the European Union has been established. To secure peace, freedom and prosperity. And it is now in our hands to enable you joining us," the European Commissioner said. She found it difficult to name the timing of Ukraine's possible EU accession, recalling that the negotiation process covers more than 30 chapters. "Once we will come to the final line of the accession process, then all the member states have to give green light," she said. "But you are on a very good way, because of Ukraine, we have a new dynamic, a positive dynamic in all the candidate countries," Kos said. AFRICA Sudan Expected Council Action In December, Ambassador Joonkook Hwang (the Republic of Korea), the chair of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee, is expected to brief the Council on the committees work. At press time, a meeting on the situation in Sudan more broadly is possible. Key Recent Developments Since launching its offensives in late September, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has made significant progress in reclaiming strategic locations in Khartoum and surrounding areas from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Despite these advances, the conflict remains intense, with both sides engaged in fierce urban warfare. In October, the SAF intensified its military operations in Al Jazira and Sennar states, achieving notable successes, including the recapture of Dinder, a strategic town linking Sennar and Gedaref states and the Jebel Moya mountain region. On 23 November, the SAF reportedly regained control of Sinja, the capital of Sennar state, after five months of RSF occupation. (For background and more information, see the brief on Sudan in our November 2024 Monthly Forecast and 11 November Whats in Blue story.) On 12 November, the Council held a high-level briefing on the situation in Sudan. Briefing at the meeting, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) Rosemary DiCarlo strongly condemned the RSFs attacks on civilians and the SAFs indiscriminate airstrikes in populated areas. She stressed that both parties bear responsibility for the ongoing violence, highlighting that a cessation of hostilities is the most effective way to protect civilians. DiCarlo pointed to the continued escalation of military operations, the recruitment of new fighters, and intensified attacks by both sides, enabled by considerable external support, including a steady influx of weapons into the country. She criticised the role of external actors in fuelling the conflict, describing their involvement as unconscionable and illegal. DiCarlo said that the Personal Envoy of Secretary-General Ramtane Lamamra is considering the next phase of his engagement with the warring parties, including another round of proximity talks focused on commitments related to the protection of civilians. She urged immediate action to implement the Jeddah Declaration, signed by both parties on 11 May 2023 and highlighted the importance of a compliance mechanism to hold the parties accountable to their commitments. She underlined the need to make progress on achieving local ceasefires that could create avenues for dialogue and potentially lay the ground for a more comprehensive agreement. (For background and more information, see our 11 November Whats in Blue story.) On 18 November, the Council failed to adopt a draft resolution, co-authored by the UK and Sierra Leone, which aimed at advancing measures to protect civilians in Sudan. While 14 Council members voted in favour, Russia vetoed the draft resolution, citing concerns about undermining Sudans sovereignty and stressing the need to consult with the Sudanese government before taking any actions on the ground. The General Assembly discussed the situation in Sudan in a plenary session on 26 November, in accordance with General Assembly resolution A/RES/76/262, which states that the General Assembly is expected to convene within 10 working days of the casting of a veto by one or more permanent members of the Security Councila debate on the situation as to which the veto was cast. On 13 November, the Sudanese central authorities extended the authorisation for the Adre crossing at the Chad-Sudan border, allowing cross-border humanitarian operations to continue for an additional three months. On 22 November, the World Food Programme (WFP) announced a major scale-up in its operations in Sudan, with over 700 trucks delivering 17,500 tonnes of food aid to support 1.5 million people, including 14 high-risk hotspots facing severe food insecurity and risk of famine. On 22 November, the first aid convoy reached North Darfurs Zamzam camp, where famine was declared in August, marking the first delivery of assistance to the camp since the famine conditions were confirmed. On 24 November, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher travelled to Port Sudan in his first visit after assuming this role in mid-November. In his meetings with Sudanese authorities, he discussed ways to address constraints to the delivery of aid, the need to increase the presence of humanitarian personnel in areas worst affected by the hostilities to scale up the response, and how to increase the delivery of aid across borders and across conflict lines. Fletcher also visited Chad to meet with Sudanese refugees and the host communities, as well as local Chadian authorities and officials of the humanitarian agencies. On 25 November, al-Burhan announced the decision to permit all relevant UN agencies to establish supply hubs in El Obeid in North Kordofan, Kadugli in South Kordofan, and Ad-Damazin in Blue Nile. The decision also allowed UN personnel to accompany aid convoys and oversee the distribution of humanitarian assistance. Human Rights-Related Developments In a 5 November statement, several UN experts condemned the escalating violence against civilians in Sudan, as the ongoing conflict has driven the humanitarian crisis to catastrophic levels. The experts voiced deep concern over the systematic use of sexual violence as a weapon of war largely by the RSF, particularly in Al Jazira state and across conflict-affected regions. This widespread campaign of abuse, primarily targeting women and girls, includes rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, and human trafficking, accompanied by extreme violence amounting to torture. On 29 October, the Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Seif Magango, underscored Commissioner Volker Turks deep concern about escalating hostilities in Al Jazira state, which are further exacerbating the risk of attacks against civilians, ethnically motivated violence and atrocity crimes. The statement highlighted that on 25 October, at least 124 people were reportedly killed in an RSF attack on Al-Seriha village. This followed two other RSF assaults on the nearby towns of Tamboul and Rufaa. Reports suggest that hundreds of people were killed in Tamboul amid widespread lootings. Additionally, there were at least 25 reported cases of sexual violence in several villages in Sharq Al-Jazira locality, including assaults on three medical personnel. The statement reiterated Turks call on all parties to strictly adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, emphasising the critical need to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix, over 340,000 people have been displaced from Al Jazira State to neighbouring states since the conflict re-escalated there on 20 October. Key Issues and Options The overarching issue for the Security Council is how to halt the ongoing fighting and support efforts to achieve a sustainable ceasefire across Sudan. The levels of intercommunal violence and insecurity throughout the country are a related concern. In light of the continuing violence, the lack of implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, and the failure of mediation initiatives to achieve meaningful breakthroughs, Council members need to address several questions, including: how to bring the Sudanese warring parties to the negotiating table; how to protect civilians and enforce compliance with international humanitarian law; how to ensure accountability for past and ongoing crimes; how to stop the flow of arms into the country, fuelling the conflict, and how to mitigate the regional spillover effect of the conflict. Council members could continue efforts to adopt a product that: strongly condemns the ongoing violence across the country and indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure; demands an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities; reiterates the Councils demand to the RSF to halt the siege of El Fasher; expresses deep concern about the dire humanitarian situation and urges the parties to the conflict to ensure rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access for the delivery of life-saving assistance for civilians in need; demands that all parties to the conflict ensure the protection of civilians, including by fully implementing the 11 May 2023 Jeddah declaration; and builds on the Secretary-Generals recommendations for the protection of civilians, contained in his 21 October report, and expresses support for locally negotiated ceasefires and humanitarian pauses as well as for establishing a monitoring and verification mechanism in case of a ceasefire. The US, as Council president for December, may consider holding a high-level briefing on Sudan, inviting inputs from DPPA and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Additionally, it may invite a Sudanese civil society representative to provide insights, among other things, on the critical protection challenges faced by civilians. Another option for Council members could be a visiting mission to Sudan in early 2025 to assess the situation on the ground and engage with relevant stakeholders. This mission could also provide an opportunity for Council members to visit the refugee camps in neighbouring countries, particularly Chad. Council Dynamics The negotiations over the draft resolution proposed by the UK and Sierra Leone, and Russias subsequent veto, unveiled critical divisions within the Security Council regarding the crisis. At the outset, members converged on the need to respond to the deteriorating security and humanitarian situations, although their positions were shaped by differing priorities and approaches to key issues. These disagreements were evident in discussions on protecting civilians, implementing ceasefire mechanisms, and addressing accountability for violations of international humanitarian law. (For background and more information, see the brief on Sudan in our November 2024 Monthly Forecast and 17 November Whats in Blue story.) In its 18 November explanation of vote, Russia argued that the draft resolution was based on what it perceived as false understanding as to who bears responsibility for protecting civilians in Sudan and for control and security of the countrys borders, as well as who has the authority to invite foreign forces and determine engagement with UN officials to address challenges and coordinate assistance. On the possibility of deploying an independent force in Sudan, it cautioned that proceeding without the consent of Sudanese central authorities, amid an active and widespread conflict could lead to negative consequences and undermine Sudans trust in the UN. It rejected external accountability mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court, as ineffective and emphasised that justice should remain a sovereign prerogative of Sudan. Furthermore, Russia accused some countries of applying double standards by advocating ceasefires and civilian protection in Sudan while overlooking violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The US accused Russia of months of obstruction and manipulation within the Council, and of advancing its own political objectives by playing both sides of the conflict. It also condemned Russias inconsistency, noting that while it claims to support African nations, it voted against a resolution supported by African countries. Such actions, it argued, disregard the urgency of addressing the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. In a broader critique, the US rejected Russias accusations of hypocrisy, pointing to egregious violations of Ukrainian sovereignty and targeting of civilian infrastructure. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON SUDAN MIDDLE EAST Syria Expected Council Action In December, the Council expects to hold two meetings on Syria: one on political and humanitarian issues and another on the chemical weapons track. Key Recent Developments Conflict escalated significantly in Syria in late November. On 27 November, anti-government forces led by the Security Council-listed terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a major offensive in the north-western Aleppo governorate, resulting in significant territorial changes and the most intense fighting in the region since 2020. In the following days, rebel groups advanced into the city of Aleppo, seizing control of most areas, including the airport, amidst reports of a withdrawal by Syrian government forces. Although the situation on the ground remains fluid, media sources suggest the rebels have established control in areas between Aleppo and the rebel-controlled Idlib province, capturing key towns south of Aleppo along the main Aleppo-Damascus highway. Rebel groups also claim to have seized the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in the eastern countryside of Idlib. At the time of writing, media reports suggest that rebel forces were advancing towards Hama, a government-controlled city south of Aleppo. The number of casualties from the recent hostilities remains unclear, with some reports estimating that over 327 people had been killed, including civilians and combatants from both sides. Meanwhile, Russian and Syrian forces have intensified airstrikes in recent days, targeting rebel positions in Idlib and Aleppo. On 30 November, the SOHR reported that Russian and Syrian forces conducted 23 airstrikes in Idlib, killing four civilians and injuring 19 others. On the same day, airstrikes reportedly struck central Aleppo, resulting in the deaths of 16 civilians and 20 insurgent fighters. The Israel-Hamas war has intensified tensions and violence in the Middle East, including in Syria. Israel has continued to strike positions in Syria that it claims are associated with Iranian forces and affiliated militants, including Hezbollah. Iran-linked proxies, in turn, have attacked US and allied forces stationed in the region, including in Syria. On 14 November, airstrikes reportedly hit residential buildings in the Mazzeh and Qudsaya areas of Damascus, resulting in at least 15 casualties. The Israeli military claimed that the strikes targeted military sites and the headquarters of Palestinian Islamic Jihad. On 20 November, Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple locations in and around Palmyra in central Syria, hitting key military sites, including a weapons depot. There were at least 79 fatalities, marking one of Israels deadliest operations in Syria. Israels military operation in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions, has worsened the plight of Syrian refugees living in Lebanon. In her remarks at the 21 November Council briefing on Syria, Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Edem Wosornu noted that over 540,000 people have fled to Syria from Lebanon since late September, more than half of them are children and two-thirds are Syrians who had been refugees in Lebanon. Wosornu highlighted the severe impact of airstrikes near Lebanon-Syria border crossings, allegedly conducted by Israel, noting that two of the five official border crossings are now impassable for vehicles due to damage. On 27 November, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire, although both sides accused the other of violating it in the ensuing days. In late October, Turkey intensified its military operations in northern Syria following the 23 October attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries headquarters near Ankara, which killed five people and injured 22 others. The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) claimed responsibility for the attack, prompting Turkish forces to target areas in the Kurdish-held Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The strikes by Turkish forces reportedly targeted critical infrastructure, including water facilities, power and gas stations, and dispensaries, resulting in at least 17 deaths and 69 injuries. According to media reports, Turkish airstrikes in north-east Syria have cut off access to electricity and water for more than one million people in a region that has experienced severe drought conditions in recent years. There were more than 100 attacks by Turkey between October 2019 and January, targeting oil fields, gas facilities, and power stations in AANES. Turkey has reportedly declared all infrastructure and assets associated with the PKK and Kurdish militia YPG to be legitimate military targets. Amid deteriorating security and humanitarian situations across the country, the political process remains at a standstill. The Syrian Constitutional Committee has not met since June 2022 because Russia, a close ally of Syria, has opposed Geneva as the venue for the talks following Switzerlands imposition of sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. On 11-12 November, members of the Astana format (Iran, Russia, and Turkiye) convened the 22nd high-level meeting in Astana. The representatives assessed the impact of regional developments on Syria and discussed the security, humanitarian, and economic situations on the ground, as well as counter-terrorism efforts. Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen has continued his efforts to revitalise the Syrian political process, including through engaging with relevant regional and international stakeholders. During the Astana meeting, Pedersen held discussions with representatives of the Astana guarantors and the Syrian government. On 19 November, he met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Jordan. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Jordanian foreign ministry highlighted Safadis call to intensify efforts to end the Syrian crisis and address all its consequences, including by creating appropriate conditions for the voluntary return of refugees. The 25 October report of the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on the progress on the verification of and destruction of Syrias chemical weapons stockpile said that the 28th round of consultations between the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) of the OPCW and Syrian authorities took place in Damascus from 10 to 18 September. Although inspections were scheduled for 18 to 24 September, the Secretariat recalled the inspection team due to deteriorating security conditions in the region. The report concluded that considering the unresolved gaps, inconsistencies, and discrepancies, the declaration submitted by Syria cannot be considered accurate and complete in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. Human Rights-Related Developments Addressing the 1 November meeting of the General Assemblys Third Committee, the Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, Paulo Pinheiro, warned that Syria is being pulled into the catastrophic conflict that is engulfing the region. He highlighted the dire conditions faced by those fleeing hostilities in Lebanon and crossing into Syria. Pinheiro expressed deep concern about reports of displaced Syrians being subjected to abuse, arrests, and extortion by predatory armed actors at checkpoints. He reported a resurgence of violence throughout Syria, including clashes in Deir-ez-Zor between government-backed tribal fighters and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a primarily Kurdish group opposing the Syrian government; mutual shelling between the SDF and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army in northern Aleppo; and increased attacks by pro-government forces in and around Idlib, resulting in civilian casualties and displacement. Pinheiro criticised the near impunity for crimes and violations in Syria over the past decade, saying that international acquiescence has normalised disregard for international law. He echoed calls for immediate ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, citing the grave implications for Syria and its people amid escalating regional conflicts. Key Issues and Options A key concern for Council members is the ongoing hostilities across multiple front lines in Syria. Persistent violence and the lack of accountability on all sides threaten to destabilise the country further. A related issue is addressing the evolving security landscape in the country and its immediate and long-term implications. The recent hostilities in northern Syria have resulted in significant shift in frontlines, driven by advances by HTS and other armed opposition factions. The presence of terrorist and other armed groups remains a significant threat to the security and stability of the country. At the same time, the deteriorating socioeconomic conditions in Syria are a further strain on the population. Addressing the spillover effects of the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Lebanonas well as de-escalating rising tensions in the region, including in Syriais also an issue of importance for the Council. One option would be for the Council to request a briefing from the Secretary-General addressing the recent advances of HTS and the impact of regional escalation on Syria. Another critical issue is addressing the growing humanitarian needs across Syria. Compounding this challenge is the refugee crisis, exacerbated by regional hostilities. In his 1 November statement, Pinheiro said that before current hostilities, only 1.7 percent of refugees expressed an intention to return to Syria in the short term, citing concerns about safety and security inside Syria as key obstacles. Despite the escalating violence in the country and worsening humanitarian situation, the international community is not addressing the gravity of the situation. At the time of writing, Syrias 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), which called for $4.07 billion, was only 29.4 percent funded. At the 21 November briefing on Syria, Wosornu said that the UNHCR-led inter-agency emergency appeal for the displaced from Lebanon to Syria, amounting to $324 million, had only received $55 million. The need to break the underlying political impasse in the country and support the Special Envoys work in this regard is another key issue. The Council could consider holding a private meeting with stakeholders to discuss strategies for overcoming the impediments to the resumption of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, including the issue of venue, and support Pedersens efforts to reinvigorate the political process. Another option is for the Council to issue an outcome that would: Express strong concern about the persisting violence across Syria, the spillover effects of regional escalation on the country, and the resulting humanitarian consequences; Call on relevant stakeholders to de-escalate tensions in the region and within Syria and make efforts toward a nationwide ceasefire; Call on all actors to uphold the obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure; Express strong support for the efforts of the UN and humanitarian actors on the ground; Call on the international community to scale up the humanitarian response in Syria, including through enhanced funding; and Express support for Pedersens efforts to reinvigorate the political process. Council Dynamics Syria continues to be one of the most divisive files on the Councils agenda. China and Russia are supportive of the Syrian government, emphasising the need to respect the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity and drawing connections between unilateral coercive measures on Syria and the countrys challenging humanitarian and economic situations. In contrast, the P3 (France, the UK, and the US) and other like-minded members criticise the government for violating international humanitarian law and human rights law, arbitrarily detaining people, not engaging meaningfully in political dialogue, and not creating conditions for the safe and voluntary return of refugees. Ensuring accountability for violence against civilians also remains a key issue for these members. Council members remain concerned about the spillover of regional violence into Syria and the plight of refugees and returnees fleeing Lebanon into Syria under adverse circumstances. While China and Russia highlight the measures taken by the Syrian government to facilitate the entry and movement of displaced people, others, including the P3 members, have expressed concerns about reports of abuses against returnees. These members maintain that returns under duress do not indicate that conditions in Syria are conducive to the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of the refugees. In light of the worsening humanitarian situation, several members have stressed the importance of sustained humanitarian access in Syria. Members, including Malta, the Republic of Korea, Slovenia, and the US, have highlighted the need to keep all cross-border and cross-line routes open, ensuring that aid delivery remains efficient and predictable for as long as necessary. Russia has consistently criticised the presence of US forces in Syria, accusing them of contributing to the countrys instability. China and Russia have also regularly condemned Israeli attacks in Syria and underscored the importance of respecting Syrias sovereignty and territorial integrity. The US has asserted that its military deployment is solely aimed at combating ISIL/Daesh. It has also criticised the Syrian government for allowing Iranian-backed militias to operate within its territory. Additionally, some members, including the UK and the US, have condemned Syrian and Russian forces for targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, particularly in the north-west, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. With regard to the chemical weapons track, Council members have displayed starkly different views over the years on a range of related issues, including responsibility for the use of chemical weapons in Syria, the credibility of the work of the OPCW, and numerous procedural aspects of the OPCWs decision-making bodies. While several members have consistently expressed support for the OPCWs work, maintaining that it is credible and essential, other members, such as China and Russia, claim that its work is biased and politicised. Switzerland is the penholder on the Syria humanitarian file. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON SYRIA EUROPE Ukraine Expected Council Action In December, the US is expected to convene a meeting on Ukraine. Additional meetings on Ukraine are possible, depending on developments on the ground. Key Recent Developments On 8 November, former US President Donald Trump was re-elected to the presidency, a development closely monitored by Kyiv due to its potentially significant impact on the conflict in Ukraine. As the US remains Ukraines largest provider of military assistance, the election marked a critical juncture in shaping US foreign policy, with the leading candidatesTrump and Vice President Kamala Harrisarticulating starkly divergent approaches to the ongoing conflict. President-elect Trump has repeatedly claimed that he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, although he has not provided specific details on how to achieve that goal. While Trump has criticised the scale of US military support to Ukraine, he has also suggested using such aid as leverage in peace talks. At an event in Florida on 14 November, Trump said that his administration will focus on the Russia-Ukraine war, emphasising the need for the war to stop. Russian officials have expressed optimism that Trumps re-election could provide an opportunity to reset US-Russia relations. During a 7 November meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club, a Moscow-based think tank and discussion forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed Moscows willingness to explore the possibility of improving relations with the US. Putin also reiterated Russias readiness for peace talks with Ukraine but argued that negotiations must be based on current realities on the ground. The prospect of the US reducing or ceasing military support to Ukraine has raised concerns in many European capitals. The US remains the largest military donor to Ukraine, having committed approximately $57 billion in military assistance since February 2022. In a 16 November interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he expects the war to end sooner because of the change in the policy of the US. He stressed that Ukraines priority is to defend a strong position in preparation for any future negotiations. Following the US presidential election, hostilities in Ukraine escalated as both parties sought to consolidate their positions in anticipation of potential policy shifts from Washington. On 18 November, the US reportedly lifted restrictions on Ukraines use of US weapons, including the long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), enabling Ukrainian forces to strike targets inside Russia. Previously, the US had resisted easing these restrictions, citing doubts over their impact on conflict dynamics in Ukraines favour. There were also concerns about provoking Moscow as Russian authorities have repeatedly warned that such actions could further escalate the conflict. The US government has refused to comment on media reports regarding the lifting of restrictions on Ukraines use of US weapons. During a 19 November press briefing, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh suggested that Russia had escalated the conflict by deploying troops from the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea to fight in the war. She underscored that US actions were focused on ensuring that Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself. According to media reports, Ukraine deployed US-supplied ATACMS to strike targets in Russias Bryansk region on 19 November and the UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles in Russias Kursk region on 20 November. The UK government has declined to comment on reports regarding its lifting of restrictions, citing operational concerns as the reason. In a 21 November televised address, Putin warned that the use of Western weapons against targets inside Russia had introduced elements of a global nature to the conflict. He argued that such attacks could not occur without the direct participation of military specialists from the countries producing these weapons. Putin further cautioned that Russia would consider targeting military facilities of countries enabling the use of their weapons against Russian infrastructure. Putin also confirmed that, in response to these developments, Russia conducted an attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro on 21 November using what he described as a new conventional intermediate-range missile with a speed of approximately 3 kilometers per second, rendering it effectively impossible to intercept. On 19 November, Putin signed an executive order revising Russias nuclear doctrine, effectively lowering the threshold for deploying nuclear weapons in response to a wider range of conventional threats. The updated doctrine states that Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack against it or its allies, as well as to aggression against Russia and/or Belarus using conventional weapons that pose a critical threat to their sovereignty and/or territorial integrity. Notably, the revised doctrine also states that aggression by any non-nuclear state with the participation or support of a nuclear state shall be considered as a joint attack by them. At a 19 November press briefing, Singh said that the US had no indications that Russia was preparing to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine and noted that the development did not require the US to change its nuclear posture at this time. The Security Council held two meetings on Ukraine in November. On 18 November, the Council convened for a high-level briefing to mark 1,000 days since the start of Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The meeting was a signature event of the UKs November Council presidency. (For more information, see our 17 November Whats in Blue story.) On 27 November, the Council convened for a briefing on Ukraine. Ukraine, supported by the US, requested the meeting in a 25 November letter, which said that Russia had used a new intermediate-range ballistic missile in a 21 November attack on the city of Dnipro. Human Rights-Related Developments On 29 October, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine submitted a report to the General Assembly. The report highlighted that sexual violence as a form of torture has been widespread in detention facilities under Russian control. This included rape, attempted rape, beatings, electric shocks, burns, forced nudity, threats of sexual mutilation, and intrusive body searches. The Commission also noted that Russias continuous attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure have caused blackouts, affecting millions of civilians. These power cuts have severely impacted the rights to health and education, particularly for children, older people, and those with disabilities or medical conditions. The report presented evidence showing that Russian services coordinated the acts of torture in Russian detention facilities, with a clear division of labour and orders from superiors. A sense of impunity among perpetrators was also noted. The Commission concluded that Russian authorities have implemented a policy encouraging torture against civilians and prisoners of war, constituting a crime against humanity. The Commission recommended that Russia immediately: cease aggression and all acts of violence against civilians and prisoners of war in violation of international human rights and international humanitarian law; end the use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment against civilians and prisoners of war; and take necessary measures to prevent sexual and gender-based violence. Key Issues and Options The overarching priority for the Council is to promote a solution to the conflict in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and to facilitate dialogue among the parties to that end. One option is for the Council to issue a presidential statement recalling S/PRST/2022/3 of 6 May 2022, which expressed support for the Secretary-Generals efforts in search of a peaceful solution. The presidential statement could encourage the Secretary-General to appoint a personal envoy to explore openings for a peaceful settlement to the war. While the Secretary-General has the authority to appoint such an envoy on his own initiative, the Councils request could provide important political backing. Such a draft presidential statement could be initiated by the E10, and members could consider discussing elements of such a product at permanent representative level in order to determine possible areas of agreement between Russia and the US before a draft text is produced. The Council has held 102 formal meetings on Ukraine since the start of the war in February 2022 and approximately 98 percent have been public meetings. This has allowed members to present their positions on the conflict but not to discuss possible solutions. If there is interest in discussing current ideas for a ceasefire, members could choose to meet in a closed format, such as consultations, a private meeting, or an informal interactive dialogue. Council and Wider Dynamics The Security Council remains starkly divided on the conflict in Ukraine and the appropriate framework for achieving a peaceful resolution. Ukraine and several of its allies on the Security Council have advocated for a just peace, conditioned on the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraines internationally recognised borders. Russia, in contrast, maintains that any settlement must reflect current realities on the ground, which, in its view, would require the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the four partially occupied regions in Ukraine: Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia. Other Council members have emphasised the need for de-escalation, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities without any preconditions. Such a move could effectively freeze the front lines, leaving Russia in control of substantial territory in eastern and southern Ukraine. Some of these members also call for inclusive dialogue that takes into account the security concerns of all parties. During the Group of 20 (G20) Summit held on 18 and 19 November in Brazil, G20 members reached consensus on a joint declaration welcoming all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace, emphasising the importance of upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter to promote peaceful, friendly, and good neighbourly relations among nations. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON UKRAINE UNDOF (Golan) Expected Council Action In December, the Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which expires on 31 December. Ahead of the mandate renewal, an official from the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) is expected to brief Council members in closed consultations on the Secretary-Generals latest 90-day report on UNDOF, due on 2 December, and the most recent developments. Background and Key Recent Developments UNDOF was established following the conclusion of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement (the 1974 agreement) between Israel and Syria, which ended the Yom Kippur War. Its mandate is to maintain the ceasefire between the parties and supervise the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces as well as the areas of separation (a demilitarised buffer zone) and limitation (where Israeli and Syrian troops and equipment are restricted) in the Golan. Carrying out the mandate entails monitoring violations of the 1974 agreement, reporting them, and liaising with both sides. Such violations regularly include unauthorised personnel and equipment present in the areas of separation and limitation, weapons fired, and drones and aircraft travelling across the ceasefire line. The Secretary-Generals most recent report on UNDOFs activities, dated 24 September, noted that the ceasefire between Israel and Syria generally held during the reporting period of 21 May to 20 August. It said, however, that violations of the 1974 agreement persisted, observing that the overall security situation in UNDOFs area of operations remained volatile, and raised concerns about the safety and security of the military and civilian personnel of UNDOF and Observer Group Golan (OGG)comprised of military observers from the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO). The report added that UNDOF maintained its assessment that UN personnel in its area of operations faced a significant threat from explosive remnants of war, including unexploded ordnance and mines, as well as a probable threat from localized violence, including the possible presence of sleeper cells of armed groups. It further observed that although the security situation in the northern and central parts of UNDOFs area of operations on the Bravo side (Syrian Golan) generally remained calm, the southern sector continued to be volatile, with security incidents reportedly occurring within the area of limitation, including along UNDOF patrol routes in Syrias south-western Daraa Governorate. During the period covered by the Secretary-Generals report, UNDOF observed the continued presence of Syrian security forces within the area of separation as well as Israels Iron Dome air defence systems, artillery systems, and multiple rocket launcher systems in the area of limitation on the Alpha side (Israeli-occupied Golan). The presence of this military equipment and personnel in the areas of separation and limitation constitutes a violation of the 1974 agreement. The Golan has not been spared from the rising regional tensions, driven by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that erupted on 7 October 2023, and the recent escalation of hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border. These developments have heightened concerns about broader instability in the region, with the Golan experiencing increased security risks and the potential for spillover violence from neighbouring conflicts. On 3 October, a drone attack targeted an Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) base in the Golan, killing two IDF soldiers and injuring 24 others. While Israeli media reports have attributed the attack to the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq, some reports have disputed this claim. There have also been reports of instances in which missile strikes, allegedly conducted by Israel from the direction of the Golan, targeted locations around Damascus. In a 7 October letter to the president of the Security Council, Syria alleged that Israel conducted airstrikes on 1-2 October in the Mazzeh neighbourhood of Damascus, which killed six civilians and injured 12 others. On 5 November, Israeli airstrikes targeted areas south of Damascus, which it claimed belonged to Hezbollah, while Syria alleged that the strikes targeted civilian sites in the Sayeda Zeinab area and had caused some damage. During the 23 October Council meeting on Syria, Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen said that the IDF has been carrying out some construction activity in the Golan in the vicinity of the area of separation. As part of this activity, UNDOF observed an Israeli battle tank and excavators cross the ceasefire line into the area of separation. Media reports suggest that the construction, which began in July, includes extensive earthworks and the building of trenches and embankments, with Israeli troops and equipment encroaching into the demilitarised zone. Key Issues and Options A key priority for the Council in December is the renewal of UNDOFs mandate. A related issue is ensuring that UNDOF personnel are equipped with the necessary resources to fulfil the missions mandate, along with maintaining the safety and security of peacekeeping personnel. Another key issue is the challenges the mission faces in carrying out its mandate amidst continuing violations of the 1974 agreement by the parties, such as the restrictions on the movement and access of UNDOF personnel. Since early March 2020, the IDF have restricted the movement of UNDOF and OGG personnel through the Alpha gate at the Quneitra crossing, requiring advance notice of the movement, thereby hindering the operational and administrative activities of the mission. The Secretary-Generals 24 September report noted that the access restrictions imposed by the IDF have hampered the progress on the reconstruction of UN observation post 52 on the Bravo side, in particular following the events of 7 October 2023. A related concern is the ongoing hostilities in the region and the risk of a broader escalation. Members may consider issuing a press statement urging all parties to uphold international law and their obligations under the 1974 agreement. The statement could also express concern over the potential escalation stemming from these violations, the risks posed by localised violence, and the threat of spillover from neighbouring conflicts to the safety of peacekeepers. Council Dynamics The unanimous adoption of resolution 2737 of 27 June, which reauthorised UNDOFs mandate for six months, illustrated that the Council remains united in its view that UNDOF plays an important role in regional stability. Despite deep divisions in the Council regarding the Syria file and opposing positions by the UNDOF co-penholdersRussia and the USabout who holds sovereignty over the Golan, as well as antagonism over other files such as Ukraine and Gaza, the two countries continue to consider UNDOF as a separate issue on which they agree. The difficult dynamics on other Council files were not evident during the straightforward negotiations on UNDOFs mandate in June, and no Council member felt that an explanation of vote was necessary following the adoption. Some Council members believe that the situation has turned into a protracted conflict owing to continued violations of the 1974 agreement by both sides. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN Documents on UNDOF (Golan) AFRICA UNOCA (Central Africa) Expected Council Action In December, the Security Council will hold a briefing and consultations on the Secretary-Generals semi-annual report on the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and the implementation of the UNs regional strategy to combat the Lords Resistance Army (LRA). Special Representative and Head of UNOCA Abdou Abarry is expected to brief. The mandate of UNOCA expires on 31 August 2027. Key Recent Developments The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) held its Ordinary Summit on 18 October in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The summit, among other things, considered reports on the political and security situation in the central African region, including the transition processes in Gabon and Chad. In this regard, the summit received reports from Faustin Archange Touadera, President of the Central African Republic and the ECCAS Facilitator for the transition in the Gabonese Republic, and Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo and ECCAS Facilitator for the transition in the Republic of Chad, who was represented at the summit by his minister of regional integration. Following the August 2023 coup in Gabon that led to the overthrow of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who had ruled the country since 2009, ECCAS suspended the country from all its activities. It also temporarily relocated the ECCAS headquarters from Libreville to Malabo. On 31 August 2023, the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) suspended Gabon from all activities and organs of the AU until constitutional order is restored. The Gabonese transitional government has made serious efforts to show its commitment to restoring constitutional order. In November 2023, it announced plans to hold elections in August 2025 and convened a national dialogue in April in which more than 600 people participated, including opposition and civil society representatives. Several recommendations were submitted to the transitional government at the conclusion of the meeting, including a two-year transition period that could be extended for another 12 months under exceptional circumstances, and a seven-year presidential term, renewable once. At its ordinary summit, held in Equatorial Guinea on 9 March, ECCAS decided to lift the suspensions imposed on Gabon. The summit also instructed the ECCAS Commission President to undertake an advocacy mission to explain this decision to the AU and the UN. Members of the AU Peace and Security Council visited Gabon from 12 to 14 September as part of their direct engagement with countries suspended from the AU because of unconstitutional changes of government. In accordance with the communique adopted following the field visit, the AUPSC members reaffirmed their solidarity with the Gabonese authorities for their commitment towards the completion of the transition process and the return to constitutional order in line with the adopted Transition Roadmap to be completed by August 2025. On 16 November, Gabon conducted a referendum on a new constitution, which, according to provisional results, had widespread support from the population. In an 18 November press statement, the Chairperson of the AU Commission congratulated the Gabonese transitional government and people on the referendum, which is expected to pave the way for the return of constitutional order. Chad conducted a presidential election in May, marking the conclusion of a transition period that began following the death of President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. Announcing the provisional election results, Chads electoral commission declared Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, the late presidents son, the winner with 61 percent of the vote. Chad is set to hold legislative, provincial, and municipal elections in December, marking the first such elections since 2011. However, elements of the Chadian opposition that have contested the outcome of the presidential election are threatening to boycott these elections. On 28 October, 40 Chadian soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack targeting a military base located in Chads border region with Nigeria. Media reports indicate that Boko Haram, a terrorist group operating in the Lake Chad region, was behind the attack. Chads President Mahamat Idriss Deby reportedly threatened to withdraw from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which was composed of forces from Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria that are fighting against the terrorist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad Basin. Nigers decision to suspend its participation in the MNJTF following the July 2023 coup in that country had already raised concerns about creating a security vacuum that could result in an upsurge in terrorist attacks. Deby apparently accused the MNJTF of failing to eliminate the security threats posed by terrorist groups. Cameroon is set to hold presidential elections in February 2025. There has been anxiety and speculation about the health of the countrys long-serving president, Paul Biya, who marked 42 years in power in November because of his recent absence from the public eye. It appears that he was in Europe, where he reportedly spends much of his time. Many of his supporters are encouraging him to run for re-election. Religious leaders have called for his resignation, however, citing concerns about his age (91) and health, and have urged him to allow a new generation to assume leadership of the country. Cameroon continues to be plagued by violence in its Anglophone northwest and southwest regions. Key Issues and Options The political and security situations in several parts of Central Africa continue to be key concerns for the Council. Council members are therefore likely to be interested in hearing Abarrys assessment of transition processes and elections in the region. The recent constitutional referendum in Gabon and the upcoming elections in Cameroon may be of particular interest to Council members. A possible option for the Council in December is to invite an ECCAS representative to provide additional insights into these situations based on the outcome of the recent ECCAS summit in Malabo. The continued threat of terrorism in the Lake Chad basin remains a matter of serious concern. Council members recognise the important role played by MNJTF in fighting Boko Haram and ISWAP there. They will likely condemn the recent attack in Chad and underscore the need to continue supporting the MNJTF in neutralising these groups. A related issue is how to address the root causes of the conflicts in the region. Council members continue to support the Regional Strategy for the Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience of the Boko Haram-affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin developed by the Lake Chad Basin Commission with the support of the AU and to call for expediting its implementation. Council and Wider Dynamics Council members support a holistic regional approach to addressing the peace and security challenges in Central Africa, based on cooperation between UNOCA and the various regional mechanisms. Several members tend to underscore challenges in the region related to political transitions; humanitarian crises, including the rising number of refugees and internally displaced persons; the threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism; and the adverse effects of climate change. The issue of unconstitutional changes of government remains contentious within the Security Council, with some members arguing that such changes do not always lead to instability. A more pressing concern, however, is the challenge faced by the AU and its regional mechanisms in addressing the rising tide of coups across the continent. In the case of the central African region, the Chadian transitional authorities have defied the AUPSCs decision, barring them from standing in elections. The AUPSC appears to have refrained from reacting to the situation, which analysts warn could set a dangerous precedent for other transitional processes, including in Gabon, which is set to hold elections in August 2025, undermining the AUs principles and norms on unconstitutional changes of government. During the UNOCA mandate renewal in August, China and Russia apparently broke silence over the Secretary-Generals draft letter, which contained strong human rights and gender language. (UNOCAs mandate was established and is renewed through an exchange of letters between the Secretary-General and the Security Council rather than through the adoption of a resolution). Eventually, Council members reverted to the Secretary-Generals 3 August 2021 letter that last renewed UNOCAs mandate to achieve the necessary consensus. Following UNOCAs mandate renewal, Council members revived discussions on the UNOCA draft presidential statement, which they had been negotiating over the past three years but on which they were unable to agree, apparently because of differences on several issues, including references to climate change. Finally, after long and arduous negotiations, Council members agreed on the draft presidential statement in November, which expresses support for the regional offices work. (For more, see our 1 November Whats in Blue story.) Mozambique and the UK are the co-penholders on UNOCA. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON UNOCA AFRICA West Africa and the Sahel Expected Council Action In December, the Security Council will hold a briefing on West Africa and the Sahel. The Special Representative and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simao, is expected to brief. Key Recent Developments Simaos latest briefing to the Council on the situation in West Africa was on 12 July. During the session, he expressed concern about rising insecurity and humanitarian crises in West Africa, as well as a lack of cooperation among countries in the region to address these challenges. He referred in particular to the difficult relations between some countries in the region and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In this regard, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigerthree countries led by military juntas that came to power through coups detatcreated the Alliance of Sahel States or lAlliance des Etats du Sahel (AES) in September 2023 and jointly announced on 28 January that they were withdrawing from ECOWAS. The decision reflected deteriorating relations between the three countries and ECOWAS in recent years, as the regional bloc sought to pressure military authorities to restore constitutional order. On 6 July, the leaders of the three AES countries convened in Niamey for their first summit, during which they signed a treaty designed to strengthen military and economic ties among them. Terrorist attacks continue to undermine stability in the Sahel. According to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), a non-profit research organisation which gathers and assesses data on political violence globally, reported fatalities across the AES countries reached a record-high 7,620 in the first half of 2024an increase of 9% compared to the same period in 2023, 37% compared to 2022, and a staggering 190% compared to 2021. The AES countries are also losing large swaths of territories to terrorist groups. This appears to be the case in the Malian regions of Gao and Menaka and in Burkina Faso, which has reportedly lost almost half of its territory to terrorist groups. Al-Qaida affiliate Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) killed approximately 200 people in Barsalogho, Burkina Faso, on 24 August. On 17 September, JNIM attacked a police academy and the international airport in Bamako, Mali, killing scores of people. Council members condemned these attacks in Burkina Faso and Mali in press statements issued on 29 August and 20 September, respectively. At least seven military personnel from Russias Africa Corps reportedly died in clashes with JNIM in central Mali on 22 November. Mali continues to face political instability. On 20 November, President Assimi Goita, Malis military leader, fired his prime minister, Choguel Kokalla Maiga, following a 16 November speech in which Maiga criticised the government for postponing the holding of elections to return Mali to democratic rule. Goita appointed Major General Abdoulaye Maiga as the new prime minister on 21 November. Some analysts see the appointment of General Maiga, a Goita ally unrelated to his predecessor, as a sign that the military is consolidating its control over the country. Issa Kaou NDjim, a Malian politician, was detained on 13 November after he claimed that the military leaders in neighbouring Burkina Faso had fabricated evidence of a failed coup attempt in that country. He was reportedly charged with disparaging the leader of a foreign state. On 25 May, Burkina Fasos military leaders extended the countrys transition to civilian government by an additional five years, starting on 2 July 2024, following a national consultation in Ouagadougouwhich most political parties boycotted. When the head of the countrys military junta, Captain Ibrahim Traore, took power in a September 2022 coup, he had promised to return Burkina Faso to civilian rule by 1 July 2024. In keeping with Nigers announcement in March that it was ending its military cooperation with the US, the US completed the withdrawal of its 1,100 military personnel in Niger in mid-September. The US had operated two airbases in the country, conducting counter-terrorism operations. At the same time, the Nigerien government has established military ties with Moscow, with Russian forces arriving in Niamey in April. On 7 July, the possibility of deploying a regional counter-terrorism force was discussed during the ECOWAS summit in Abuja. In this regard, the summit directed the President of the ECOWAS Commission to consult with the AU, particularly within the framework of resolution 2719 (on financial support for AU peace support operations through UN- assessed contributions) and the outcomes of the review conducted by the Issoufou panel that was launched in 2022 to conduct a strategic assessment of the underlying challenges in the Sahel. Subsequently, the panels report and recommendations were considered by the UN-AU High-Level Conference in Addis Ababa on 21 October, where the two organisations agreed to jointly advance the panels key recommendations through their respective organs and institutional mechanisms. Key Issues and Options The threat of terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel region is a key issue. There seems to be growing concern about the stability of the AES countries in the face of terrorist groups intensifying their attacks and expanding control of territories. There is also the risk that Sahel-based terrorist groups will expand into coastal West African states. How the Council might support counter-terrorism security mechanismssuch as the AES, the Accra Initiative, and the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad basinto counter this threat is a key issue. The political transitions and restoration of constitutional order in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger is another key issue, as is the regions surge in attempted coups detat. Addressing structural conflict drivers in the Sahel, such as poor governance, under-development, and climate change, through the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS) or other avenues remains a key issue. The humanitarian situation in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin and violations against civilians by Sahel countries militaries also remain significant concerns. One option for the Council would be to request a briefing from the Secretary-General on options for enhancing security in the Sahel region. This could include, for example, proposals for the deployment of an AU peace support operation largely funded through resolution 2719 or developing a mechanism for the provision of logistical and operational support for regional counter-terrorism initiatives (such as the Accra Initiative or the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin). The Secretary-General could convey to Council members the contents of the report of the Independent High-level Panel on Security, Governance and Development in the Sahel (that is, the Issoufou Panel), which focuses on strategies for tackling security and development challenges in the Sahel. The report has been shared with the UN Secretariat, but Council members have not had access to it. Council members could also consider holding a closed Arria-formula meeting or an informal interactive dialogue with ECOWAS representatives to discuss strategies for how the Council can most effectively collaborate with this sub-regional body to enhance security in West Africa and the Sahel. Given that the Council meets less frequently on the Sahel region since the closure of the UN Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and the termination of the Mali sanctions regime in 2024, another option is for members to request ad hoc briefings when developments in the Sahel warrant Council attention. Council Dynamics There is broad concern in the Council about the threat of terrorism and the dire humanitarian crises affecting West Africa and the Sahel. However, Council discussion on this region has become increasingly divisive in recent years. The US and European members are worried about Russias growing influence in the region and its ties with the military juntas. While Russia supports the views of the AES states in the Council, several members are troubled by the unconstitutional changes of government in the region. Sierra Leone, a West African country, is among those members who believe it is important for the Council to maintain attention to the region, including how it might support regional efforts to prevent terrorist violence from expanding into coastal countries. Sierra Leone and Switzerland are co-penholders on UNOWAS. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON WEST AFRICA AND THE SAHEL THEMATIC ISSUES Women, Peace and Security Expected Council Action On 3 December, the Security Council will hold an open briefing titled Investing in the Transformative Power of Intergenerational Leadership on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). This is one of the signature events of the US December presidency. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo and one or more civil society representatives are the anticipated briefers. No outcome is expected. The briefing apparently intends to emphasise the importance of dialogue and partnerships across generations of women peacebuilders in advancing the WPS agenda. It seems that the US intends to highlight the perspectives, contributions, and challenges faced by diverse women peacebuilders from different generations, including the frequent exclusion of youth voices from peace processes, and identify strategies to strengthen partnerships and dialogue between young and senior women peacebuilders. It appears that the briefing will explore ways in which the Security Council can advance these issues and strategies for states, the UN, and other international organisations to better recognise the contributions, local solutions, and priorities of women peacebuilders from across generations. Council members that have signed on to the Shared Commitments on WPSEcuador, France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, the UK, and the USare expected to deliver a joint statement ahead of the meeting. Background and Recent Developments A recent University of San Diego study on intergenerational peacebuilding among women notes that crises involving inequality, violence, health, environmental challenges, and food and water insecurity affect people across generations, necessitating the involvement and leadership of people of all generations to address them and build lasting peace. The report stresses the importance of better recognising, supporting and encouraging the efforts and potential of womens intergenerational peacebuilding at both national and international levels. Among other findings, the report concludes that working across generations improves effectiveness and reach, and stresses the importance of meaningful participation, recognition of legitimacy, as well as sufficient funding for intergenerational work. The report puts forward several recommendations for international organisations and funders, including incorporating an intergenerational lens into programming and events, integrating age into existing institutional frameworks on inclusion, and ensuring that women of all ages and experience levels can meaningfully participate and are not tokenised. In May, the Security Council held a debate titled Maintenance of international peace and security: the role of women and young people. The Council received briefings from DiCarlo, UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Julio Felipe Paullier Olivera, and AU Youth Ambassador for Peace for West Africa Simone Mbode Diouf. In her briefing, Bahous said that intergenerational dialogues in conflict-affected countries can have a powerful impact in communities searching for a way out of violence and division and stressed the importance of ensuring representation of women and young women across decision-making bodies. She called for dismantling power structures and harmful norms that hinder the full and meaningful participation of young women and girls and that diminish their voices and their crucial contributions as leaders in their own right. Diouf stressed the importance of empowering young women and recognising their potential as political actors. Among other recommendations, she called for encouraging collaboration and dialogue between young women and other stakeholders to bridge generational and gender gaps. At the April ministerial-level debate on The role of young persons in addressing security challenges in the Mediterranean, Sarra MessaoudiRegional Lead of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Coalition on YPShighlighted several challenges faced by young people such as systematic barriers to meaningful participation in peace, political and security processes. Noting the lack of implementation of Security Council resolution 2728 on the war in Gaza, she said that young people are questioning the international system, international law, and the veto power, as well as the imposition of peace agreements that we didnt participate in shaping and that do not meet our expectations. Women civil society representatives briefing the Security Council have highlighted patterns of exclusion and violence that cut across generations of women in several contexts on the Councils agenda. In her briefing to the Security Council at the WPS open debate in October 2023, Hala Al-Karibthe Regional Director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa, a network of around 100 womens organisations from across the regiondescribed the ongoing war in Sudan as the result of decades of violence against civilians, violence that has impacted nearly every aspect of womens lives. She noted that the military takeover during the transitional period which followed the ouster of former President Omar al-Bashir illustrates how only paying lip service to the WPS agenda, without insisting on womens rights and womens meaningful participation in peace and political processes, is not enough to overcome the repressive patriarchal status quo. Key Issues and Options The pivotal issue for the Security Council remains the full implementation of the WPS agenda and its impact on the ground. The Councils failure to take urgent action to expedite an end to the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, among other situations, has had devastating consequences for women in these regions, with Council members, including the US and Russia, using the veto, or threat thereof, to stop action to facilitate a resolution of these crises. (For options on these situations, see the briefs on The Middle East, including the Palestinian question (MEPQ), Ukraine, and Sudan in our November Monthly Forecast.) When the General Assembly convenes in response to a veto in the Council, members could highlight the impact of the use of the veto on women in that situation. Regarding the 3 December open briefing, Council members could in their statements request the UN to provide more information in regular briefings and reports on how UN peace operations support dialogue and partnerships across generations of women peacebuilders in the context of their work to deliver on the WPS mandate. As the briefings organiser, the US could prepare a chairs summary of the meeting to capture salient themes of the discussion to be circulated in a Council letter. Reprisals continue to be an issue of concern. The 2024 Secretary-Generals annual report on WPS says that five women civil society representatives reported reprisals in connection with their briefings to the Council in 2023. More recently, during the 21 November Security Council meeting on the situation in Syria, Russia and Syria sharply criticised the participation of Sawsan Abou Zainedin, the Chief Executive Officer of the Syrian civil society network Madaniya. In a 21 November letter to the UK, the Councils president for that month, Russia expressed deep disappointment with the presidencys choice to invite Zainedin and further criticised her intervention (S/2024/848). Following a briefing by the Executive Director of the Israeli NGO BTselem, Yuli Novak, at the 4 September meeting on the MEPQ, a member of the Israeli parliament wrote to the Israel Police Commissioner demanding the opening of an investigation, claiming that through her briefing Novak had violated the Israeli Penal Law provision on aiding the enemy during war, which is punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment. In line with resolution 2242 on WPS and the 1 December 2021 Statement of Shared Commitments on WPS, members should continue to invite diverse women civil society representatives to brief the Council regularly and follow up on their information and recommendations. As continuing reprisals against briefers show, it is essential that members and the UN take all possible measures to keep briefers safe, in consultation with the briefer, including carrying out risk assessments, developing protection plans, and responding to any reprisals. Council Dynamics While notable implementation gaps persist, most Council members are supportive of the WPS agenda. However, dynamics remain difficult, with Russia and China often challenging the inclusion of language on WPS in Security Council products. The prevalent assessment, including among several Council members and civil society actors, is that the dynamics on this file remain difficult and unconducive to the adoption of new WPS thematic outcomes, challenges exacerbated by the Councils polarisation and ineffectiveness on the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Russia has regularly argued that the Security Council should focus on situations that pose a direct threat to international peace and security and that its engagement on WPS should be limited to the consideration of womens issues in a context of the maintenance of peace and security and in connection to situations that are on the Councils agenda. Russia has also expressed scepticism regarding the youth, peace and security agenda, including at the May debate, arguing that attributes such as age and gender cannot be the determiningand much less the onlycriteria for involving certain individuals in decision-making processes, especially on such sensitive issues as the maintenance of peace and security. Russia might express similar views at the December WPS briefing. The UK is the penholder on WPS, and the US is the penholder on conflict-related sexual violence. Sierra Leone and Switzerland are the co-chairs of the Informal Experts Group on WPS. Malta is the coordinator of the Shared Commitments initiative. RELEVANT Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY MIDDLE EAST Yemen Expected Council Action In December, the Security Council will hold its monthly meeting on Yemen. UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and a representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) are expected to brief. The mandate of the UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) expires on 14 July 2025. Key Recent Developments On 13 November, Council members held their monthly meeting on Yemen in closed consultations. Grundberg and OCHA Head in Geneva and Director of the Coordination Division Ramesh Rajasingham briefed. It seems that the Special Envoy reiterated his concerns about the escalating regional tensions amid fallout from the Israel-Hamas war and their negative effects on his mediation efforts. One permanent Council member apparently argued that the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebel group were willing to sign a political roadmap and questioned the link between the regional escalation and the internal political process. Grundberg is said to have responded that even if a political roadmap is signed, its implementation would be difficult given the situation in the wider region. At the same time, he emphasised that an agreement between the sides was still possible, while reiterating that support from the region and the international community more broadly was needed in order to re-open the space for mediation. As the political process stalls, the economic situation in the country continues to deteriorate, pushing many Yemenis into poverty. A 31 October World Bank report noted that the Houthis ongoing blockade of oil exports had contributed to a 42 percent drop in fiscal revenues for the Yemeni government in the first half of 2024, preventing the government from providing essential services to the population. In light of the volatile environment in Yemenincluding the effects of the regional escalation and the economic warfare waged by both sides against each otherthe prospects for resuming oil exports and restoring unrestricted internal transport, trade, and finance appear remote, according to the report. It emphasised, however, that a durable truce and peace agreement could pave the way for swift economic recovery, supported by external assistance, reconstruction efforts, and post conflict reforms. At the 13 November meeting, Grundberg apparently referenced his efforts to prepare the groundwork for potential progress on economic recovery in the future, including the resumption of oil and gas exports and the resumption of pension distributions to civil servants. Another area of discussion during the 13 November meeting was the Houthis ongoing detention of national UN staff and other personnel from civil society organisations. The briefers and many Council members apparently reiterated calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained staff and expressed concern regarding the reported referral of some personnel for criminal prosecution. It seems that Rajasingham updated members about OCHAs programme prioritisation exercise that aims to minimise staff exposure to risk in Houthi-controlled areas. He is said to have noted that OCHA and the UN Country Team in Yemen are reviewing the programming in Houthi-controlled areas with utmost care to ensure that life-saving assistance continues to reach all in need. Rajasingham apparently also reported that OCHA is consulting extensively with donors to finalise the list of activities that will be de-prioritised, while noting that some programmes have already been suspended. Prior to the closed consultations on 13 November, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2758, a straightforward renewal of the 2140 Yemen sanctions regimecomprising targeted financial and travel ban measuresfor another year, until 15 November 2025. (The targeted arms embargo on the Houthis established through resolution 2216 in April 2015 is open-ended.) On 18 November, Council members issued a press statement marking one year since the 19 November 2023 Houthi attack and seizure of the MV Galaxy Leader, a Japanese-operated vessel affiliated with an Israeli businessman. The statement demanded the immediate release of the vessel and its 25 crew members. Among other things, members condemned the continued Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and stressed the importance of the UN targeted arms embargo in curbing risks to the maritime security of vessels along the coast of Yemen. The text was authored by Japan and the US, the co-penholders on the Red Sea crisis. Key Issues and Options Insulating Yemen from destabilising regional tensions and reinvigorating the stalled intra-Yemeni political process are overarching priorities for the Council. Members are likely to continue to call on Yemeni parties to exercise restraint and to take confidence-building measures to create conditions conducive to the resumption of talks. In this regard, members could encourage implementation of the economic de-escalation agreement reached on 23 July between the Houthis and the Yemeni government. The conflicts harmful effects on children in Yemen are another matter of concern. The final report of the Panel of Experts supporting the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee, dated 11 October, said that the Houthis had recruited large numbers of Yemeni youth and children, with confidential sources reporting 142 cases of recruitment and use in Yemen between 15 September 2023 and 31 July. The report also noted the Houthis use of summer camps, where children are indoctrinated with jihad ideology and trained in combat skills. It referenced reports of children being shot by Houthi forces in or near these camps and incidents of sexual violence against children in the camps. An option for the Council would be to invite to its next Yemen meeting a briefer who can discuss ways to address violations committed against children, such as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba or a UNICEF representative. This session could be held in closed consultations to allow for a frank exchange. The 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee could also invite Gamba to brief the committee. Her last such briefing took place in June 2022. Council Dynamics Council members remain united in their support for achieving a peaceful solution to the conflict in Yemen. However, some divisions have deepened since the eruption of the Red Sea crisis in November 2023. The P3 members (France, the UK, and the US) have criticised the Houthis destabilising actions, while Council members such as Algeria, China, and Russia have emphasised that ending the conflict in Gaza is critical to resolving the crisis in the Red Sea. Some of the Councils permanent members have exchanged recriminations during Council meetings on Yemen, with the US alleging that Russia is considering transferring weapons to the Houthis and Russia saying that retaliatory strikes by the UK and the US against the Houthis were destabilising the situation in Yemen. The UK and the US have also been calling for the Council to take further action to impede Irans supply of arms to the Houthis, including by strengthening the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM), which inspects ships travelling to Houthi-controlled ports to ensure compliance with the arms embargo against the group. The UK, the penholder on Yemen, apparently chose to pursue a straightforward renewal of the 2140 Yemen sanctions regime because of the complex Council dynamics on the file in the past year. After the adoption of resolution 2758, Russia argued that a straightforward renewal was optimal in the current circumstances, since it helped to preserve Council unity against the backdrop of heightened regional instability. Some aspects of the negotiations were apparently difficult, as the US made several proposals aimed at strengthening the text that were unpalatable to some other members. These included a provision imposing an assets freeze on the Houthis as an entity. Speaking after the vote, the US regretted the Councils inability to adopt further measures that could help curtail the Houthis destabilising activities in the region and urged the Council to use all the tools at its disposal, including targeted sanctions, to address the threat posed by the group. (For more information, see our 12 November Whats in Blue story.) It seems that some members have opted to pursue options outside the Council to strengthen support for Yemen. For instance, the US has noted that it has provided one million dollars to UNVIM and has called on other member states to make additional contributions to the mechanism. Additionally, on 19 November, the Permanent Mission of the UK to the UN hosted an event to launch the Yemen Maritime Security Partnership, a multinational body chaired by the Yemeni government through which member states could support the Yemeni Coast Guard. As part of this initiative, the UK announced that it will provide boats, training, and assistance to the Yemeni Coast Guard to help it protect Yemens coasts, which will help guarantee the freedom of navigation and contribute to the limitation of the UKs involvement in the Red Sea. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON YEMEN Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/11260 On the night of December 2, the Russian occupiers attacked the territory of Ukraine with 110 Shahed-type attack UAVs and other types of drones, according to the command of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "As of 08:30, the destruction of 52 enemy UAVs was confirmed in Kyiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytsky, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Poltava, Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Fifty location drones were lost probably due to the counteraction of the electronic warfare means of the Defense Forces," the message posted on the Telegram channel says. In addition, six UAVs left the controlled airspace in the direction of Russia and Belarus. Another drone remains in Ukraine's airspace in the air. The information is being clarified and updated. The air attack was repelled by anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units and mobile fire groups of the Air and Defense Forces of Ukraine. Early-years brand Mothercare swung into the red in the first half after a sharp decline in revenues, but hopes that its new 30m joint venture in South Asia and recent refinancing will support growth going forward. The company, which primarily operates a franchise partnership model, said in October that it has entered into a new partnership with India's Reliance Brands, covering markets in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Bangladesh. It also announced revised financing arrangements, reducing secured debt facilities by 60% to 8m and the annualised cash interest cost by over 75%. "We have immediately utilised this new India joint venture and refinancing as a springboard for a de-leveraged Mothercare to explore the full bandwidth of growth opportunities through connections with other businesses, the development of our branded product ranges and licensing within and beyond our existing perimeters," said chairman Clive Whiley. Mothercare, which in its heyday had more than 150 domestic stores, no longer has directly owned shops in the UK but sells through Boots as its exclusive UK franchise partner, while distributing its products through partners in 31 international markets. Turnover totalled just 21m in the six months to 28 September, down from 29m the year before, with total global retail sales from franchise partners falling to 121.2m from 137.2m. The company said that was mainly due to continuing uncertainty in the Middle East, its largest single market, and the ongoing need for franchise partners to clear old inventory. Meanwhile the total number of stores it had a presence in fell to 440 from 500 the year before. As a result, Mothercase recorded a loss before tax of 1.8m for the first half, down from a profit of 1.7m a year earlier. The stock was down 3.6% at 4p in early deals on Monday, taking the year-to-date loss to 42.5%. AIM-listed Supreme confirmed on Monday that it has bought Typhoo Tea out of administration for 10.2m in cash. The deal includes Typhoo Tea's stock and trade debtors with a book value of 7.5m and Supreme said it expects the integration of the business to proceed without disruption to existing operations or customer service levels. For the year ended 30 September 2024, Typhoo generated unaudited revenue of about 20m and a loss before tax of approximately 4.6m. Supreme's said that under its ownership, it is expected that Typhoo Tea will operate on a capital light, outsourced manufacturing model, which the board believes can generate a gross profit margin of around 30%, with "a much reduced" overhead base. Supreme chief executive Sandy Chadha said: "The acquisition of Typhoo Tea marks a significant step in our broader diversification strategy and brings one of the most iconic UK consumer brands into the Supreme family. "I believe Typhoo Tea will thrive under our ownership, further benefitting from Supreme's significant market reach and successful track record in creating brand loyalty, making us an ideal fit for this business. "Having established our Soft Drinks division earlier in the year, we believe the addition of Typhoo Tea and its highly complementary blend of great value and premium tea brands, creates tangible cross sell and product innovation opportunities in the near-term, alongside avenues into credible UK retailers that Supreme has been looking to partner with." At 1040 GMT, Supreme shares were up 5.6% at 176.40p. Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, said: "The Typhoo Tea brand lives on. Supreme has bought the loss-making business out of administration, spotting an opportunity to snap up a well-known brand on the cheap and diversify its interests to be less reliant on sales of vaping products. "Supreme is a real hotchpotch of a business, also selling a broad range of products including batteries and vitamins. While it has existing interests in the drinks sector, Typhoo will take it into a new segment of that market. "Supreme has a plan to make Typhoo profitable again, but buying any business out of administration comes with significant turnaround challenges." Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Kettles will be whistling in celebration at Typhoo HQ now that an historic British brand will stay on the shelves. The deal with Supreme had been brewing for some time, and there will be relief that the details have been poured over and the acquisition has been agreed. Typhoo has faced a super-tough time not just because of falling sales, but the production issues which beset the company after trespassers caused damage at its plant on Merseyside. "For staff, there will be relief that many jobs will be saved, particularly just before Christmas. However, its highly likely that Supreme will want to steam ahead and find efficiencies to cut costs and try and coax the company back to profit. Its clearly got a bargain brew for Typhoo by buying the brand out of administration. It has loyal custom it can build on, but also will spy new opportunities given teas wellness image to tie into the ambitions of its supplements and multivitamin arm. There are clearly opportunities ahead to appeal to health-conscious consumers and future Typhoo product launches look likely focus on this trend." The Colombo Port terminal project led by Adani Ports is progressing as planned, with no reported issues, according to Sirimewan Ranasinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). Ranasinghe expressed satisfaction with the project's progress, emphasizing the SLPA's commitment to periodic reviews to ensure the venture remains on schedule. "There is no reason to complain. This project is on track", he stated. The project is being developed in collaboration with SLPA and John Keells Holdings. Ranasinghe, who assumed the role of SLPA chairman in October, underlined the administration's focus on maintaining transparency across all projects. He clarified that recent allegations involving Adani group executives in unrelated matters have no bearing on the Colombo Port terminal initiative. The terminal, strategically positioned on major global shipping routes, aims to strengthen Sri Lanka's position as a key transshipment hub. The facility is expected to be operational by February 2025, enhancing connectivity for economies around the Bay of Bengal. In November 2023, the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced a $553 million investment in the project, though funds are yet to be disbursed as the DFC continues its due diligence. Sri Lankas government, under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has expressed its commitment to continuing projects previously agreed upon with India, viewing them as essential to the nation's economic recovery. The president's administration believes halting major initiatives could harm Sri Lankas investment climate. Adani-led project. His advisors reportedly recognize the importance of maintaining confidence among international investors. Dissanayake, who is scheduled to visit New Delhi later this month, has not raised concerns about the. His advisors reportedly recognize the importance of maintaining confidence among international investors. The Port of Colombo, the largest and busiest transhipment hub in the Indian Ocean, is set to benefit significantly from the new terminal. This development aligns with Sri Lanka's strategy to leverage its geographic location and bolster regional trade infrastructure. In a significant milestone highlighting the strengthening strategic partnership between India and the United States, the 4th India-USA Space and Geospatial Business Summit was held at HICC Madhapur. The summit, organized by the Geospatial World Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Geospatial World, brought together prominent stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and research. It focused on exploring and enhancing the potential of the geospatial and space sectors for innovation, economic development, and sustainability. With bilateral trade in geospatial and space technologies projected to grow from $2.5 billion in 2024 to $10 billion by 2030, the summit underscored how shared investments in technology, policy alignment, and manufacturing can accelerate global progress, a press release said. Sanjay Kumar, CEO of Geospatial World, highlighted Indias thriving geospatial sector, valued at $1.92 billion, as a global hub for cost-effective geospatial services. The partnership between India and the US spans multiple sectors, including trade, defense, education, and healthcare, cementing a robust framework for innovation, he said. Jennifer Larson, US Consulate General in Hyderabad, emphasised the citys role as a leader in geospatial data processing. Hyderabad processes more geospatial data than anywhere else in the world. Our joint initiatives in space exploration and geospatial technologies are taking us closer to the cosmos while addressing critical global challenges like climate change, disaster management, and food security, Jennifer Larson said. Larson underscored the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) with geospatial data, enabling sophisticated analyses to tackle global issues. By the next summit, I hope we will witness bold advancements in areas like visa facilitation and expanded space cooperation, contributing to our $10 billion trade goal, she said in conclusion. The summit discussions centered on practical strategies to strengthen collaboration, such as technology transfer, advanced manufacturing for geospatial equipment, and enhancing Indias position as a solution provider. Dr. Rajeev Jyoti, Director (Technical) at IN-SPACe, Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, Srikant Sastri, Chairman of the Geospatial Data Promotion & Development Committee (GDPDC), and other experts from the sector shared their insights during the event. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trip's dates are likely to be finalized in early 2025, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, as reported by the Russian Embassy. "Our leaders have an agreement to hold meetings once a year. This time, its our turn," the diplomat noted. We received Mr. Modis invitation and we will certainly consider it positively. We will figure out the tentative dates early next year, Yury Ushakov said.The diplomat stated, "Our leaders have an agreement to hold meetings once a year. This time, it's our turn". He further said, "We received Mr. Modi's invitation and we will certainly consider it positively". Ushakov noted, We will figure out the tentative dates early next year. It is to be further noted that this will be Putin's first visit to India since the beginning of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in 2022. India has always advocated peace and diplomacy for resolving conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Putin and Prime Minister Modi maintain regular communication, speaking on the phone every few months, as per the Russian Embassy in India. They also meet in person, and this year, the two leaders met twice, with PM Modi traveling to Moscow in July for the 22nd Russia-India summit. PM Modis official visit to Russia in July was his first bilateral visit since taking office for a third term. During the visit, he was honored with Russia's highest national award, The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, in recognition of his efforts to strengthen India-Russia relations. From a warm hug to driving an electric car for his 'dost' (friend) PM Modi, the rapport between the two leaders drew significant attention. During his visit to Russia, PM Modi held both a bilateral and informal meeting with President Putin. The two leaders also toured the Rosatom Pavilion at the VDNKh Exhibition Centre in Moscow.In October, Prime Minister Modi visited Kazan, Russia, for a two-day trip to attend the BRICS Summit. He thanked President Putin, the Russian government, and the Russian people for their warm hospitality. PM Modi also shared key moments from his visit to Russia on X (formerly Twitter). Two Hollywood comedy dynasties will soon be united: Eddie Murphys son, Eric Murphy, proposed to Martin Lawrences daughter, Jasmin Lawrence, on Wednesday, Nov. 27. The happy couple shared the heartwarming moment with their followers through a video posted on Instagram on Saturday, Nov. 30. The video, set to Eric Benets romantic ballad Spend My Life with You, begins by showcasing a beautifully decorated room filled with candles, rose bouquets and white flower petals scattered across the floor. The clip captures Jasmins emotional reaction as she enters the stunning setup for the first time, with a variety of flattering angles. In the video, two guitarists can be seen as the couple enters the room, which appears to be a private space adorned with a large red heart on the wall and images of colorful butterflies. Eric is then seen kneeling and presenting the ring, leading Jasmin to exclaim, Its beautiful. Oh my gosh, before happily saying, yes. The couple sealed the moment with a kiss, a scene made dreamy by beautiful lighting and professional videography. The photogenic couple captioned the post: Were engaged!! God truly blessed us with a love that feels like destiny. We couldnt be more excited for this next chapter , they continued. Special thank you to everyone who made this moment so beautiful!! The bride-to-bes famous dad, Martin Lawrence, 59, commented on his daughters relationship with the son of the Beverly Hills Cop star, during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel Live, saying that she and Eddies son could potentially conceive a comedy super-baby together. We havent talked about it, Martin said of himself and Eddie, 63. We kind of just stay out of their business and let them do their own thing, and respect their thing. He added: Im gonna try to get Eddie to pay for it, to which Eddie later responded, on a different outlet: Thats not how it goes. My daughter [Bria] just got married, and I had to pay really had to pay, the Coming 2 America star continued, referring to the tradition that the father-of-the-bride foots the wedding bill said. You have to do the same, Martin. There can be no invitation to NATO of part of Ukraines territory Zelenskyy Only a part of the territory of Ukraine cannot receive an invitation to NATO, since this will be an automatic recognition that all other territories are not Ukrainian, therefore the invitation must be for all territories, explained Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "There can be no invitation to NATO of part of the territory of Ukraine. This is an automatic recognition that all other territories are not only in danger, and all other territories are not Ukrainian ... If this is an invitation, then only for all territories," Zelenskyy said at a press conference following a meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa in Kyiv on Sunday. At the same time, the head of the Ukrainian state stressed that the fifth article of the North Atlantic Treaty cannot operate throughout the country during the war, since NATO countries are "against the risks of involving them in the war." "Ukraine has never involved anyone in this war, I mean about the armies of NATO members," the president added. Zelenskyy also noted that if he raises the issue of the participation of NATO troops in the war in Ukraine, "half of the allies will reduce their support." A New York Lottery player has claimed $7 million after winning a jackpot-prize Cash4Life ticket, according to lottery officials. The Wantagh-based E Squared 11 Limited Liability Company (LLC) has claimed a $1,000 a Day for Life top prize after matching all six numbers drawn in the April 17, 2024, Cash4Life drawing. This top prize guarantees a minimum payout of $7 million. The winning ticket was purchased at Sunrise Liquor Store, located at 1851 Sunrise Hwy #14 in Bay Shore, New York. Juarez opted to receive a single lump sum payment totaling $4,557,000, after required withholdings. The winning numbers for that evening were: 10, 14, 32, 55, 56, and Cash Ball 2. Winning numbers for the Cash4Life game are drawn from a field of 1 to 60. The cash ball is drawn from a separate field of 1 to 4. To win the Cash4Life top prize, match the six numbers on your ticket to the winning six-number combination drawn five numbers plus the cash ball. The top prize is $1,000 a day for life. It is payable as a for-life annuity (minimum of 20 years) of $365,000 per year or a one-time lump sum payment at the election of the winner. The amount of the lump sum payment is equal to the estimated cash required to purchase the annuity. The Cash4Life drawing takes place daily at approximately 9 p.m. The odds of winning the jackpot prize are 1 in 21.8 million. Order your official NY Lottery tickets online at Jackpot.com and never miss a draw again. Click here to get a free ticket with your first deposit. Players can securely check their tickets on the New York Lottery app. The New York Lottery continues to be North Americas largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing $3.8 billion in fiscal year 2023-2024 to benefit public schools in New York State. New Yorkers struggling with a gambling addiction, or who know someone who is, can find help by calling the States toll-free, confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (467369). If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. For weeks, drones have been flying at night over sections of northern New Jersey, sometimes traveling in groups, leaving residents frustrated at the lack of information. Nancy Read, who lives on Ironia Road in Mendham, told NJ Advance Media on Sunday that she has been seeing groups of drones for long periods of time between 8 and 10 p.m. near the Randolph Regional Animal Shelter. One is stationery, the others are in and out of the tree line, she said in a Facebook message. Its strange. Theyre out there for hours, never during the day. Mike Walsh, who lives on the border of Randolph, Chester and Mendham, first heard the drones overhead Nov. 18. Hes seen them daily since, except for Thanksgiving, and one snowy night. He estimated the larger ones were the size of a car. One night he drove over to a ridge near Black River Middle School in Chester, where he counted eight drones flying at once. He also saw multiple drones above Randolphs Company 4 Firehouse on Dover-Chester Road. I dont know if theyre casing stuff, or worse, said Walsh, who reported the drones to Mendham and Randolph police. They said they were getting briefed, but theyre not giving any answers, he said. Morris Township police notified residents last week that an investigation was underway and asked for reports of additional sightings. The Morris County Prosecutors Office directed inquiries to the FBI Newark field office, which did not respond to emailed requests for information over the weekend. The FBI confirmed an ongoing investigation to the Daily Record. At Picatinny Arsenal in Rockaway Township, home of U.S. Army research and development laboratories, officials were investigating reports of drones overhead on Nov. 18, according to official comment given to The War Zone, a news site covering the military. Messages left with the Federal Aviation Administration, local police and Picatinny Arsenal were not immediately returned. All I can say is its very weird, Read said. Even more weird that no one can track them or find out who they are and what theyre doing. Staff reporter Eric Conklin contributed reporting. Syracuse, N.Y. Police released the name of a pedestrian who was killed on Nov. 24 in Syracuse when she was struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run accident. The woman killed was Jill Barth, 60, of Clay, Syracuse police said Monday. Barth was hit at about 12:05 a.m. Nov. 24 near Shiftys Bar and Grill, 1401 Burnet Ave., Syracuse police said in a news release. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, John D. Adamy, 48, of Scott Avenue, was charged on Nov. 26 with leaving the scene of the accident without reporting it, resulting in death, according to police and jail records. He is being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center jail on $400,000 bail bond or $200,000 cash. The night of the accident, Adamy stopped his vehicle, a 2004 Cadillac Deville, but then left the scene, police said in court documents. The collision was caught on surveillance videos, police said. Adamy turned himself in to police 58 hours after the hit and run, according to court documents. After being read the Miranda rights, Adamy said I would like to consult with a lawyer, I killed a lady and want to know if Im facing 10 or 20 years, police said in the court documents. Barth worked as a clerk at the Taft Road post office for more than 30 years, according to her obituary. Barth, who survived non-Hodgkins lymphoma cancer, enjoyed local bands and having fun with her friends, her obituary said. She loved the outdoors, gardening, hiking and was an amateur rockhound at the beach, the obituary said. Calling hours will be 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Krueger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Road, Mattydale. A prayer services will begin 9:15 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home followed by a 10 am Mass at Christ the King Church in Liverpool. The burial will be private. *** Jill M. Barths obituary *** A winter travelers delight is now going to be easier than ever to get to. Greenlands capital, Nuuk, is now home to the territorys first international airport and theyre planning on starting direct flights with a New York City area airport. The airport officially opened on Nov. 28, complete with a 7,217-foot-long runway, according to CNN. United Airlines will be partnering with the new airport to bring nonstop seasonal flights from Newark, New Jersey, that will take just over four hours starting in June of 2025. On average, 130,000 tourists visit the land of ice and snow via cruises or flying into one of the smaller airports on the island, CNN reported. That number, thanks to the new airport, is expected to jump, with each flight adding $200,000 to Greenlands economy. Before the new airports opening, traveling by air to Greenland meant flying into smaller cities, such as Kangerlussuaq to the north or Narsarsuaq, further south. As former U.S. military bases built during World War II, both are able to accommodate larger planes, CNN wrote. The new airport will serve as the base for Air Greenland, which will operate an Airbus A330neo plane on a route to Copenhagen, Denmark. It will be able to handle 800 passengers an hour. Flights will also link Nuuk to Reykjavik, Iceland. Greenland may be the worlds largest island, but it only has around 56 miles of paved roads. Two additional airports will be opening to residents and tourists alike in 2026, giving the arctic territory a part of the Kingdom of Denmark new opportunities. Flags will be flown half-staff at New Yorks state buildings in honor of a 21-year-old New Yorker who died after Hamas attack on Israel. On the day of the funeral of Omer Neutra, a dual American-Israeli citizen who was born in New York City and grew up on Long Island, flags will lower across New York, according to a written statement. For months weve prayed for the safe return of Omer Neutra and all those kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th. This horrific news shakes all New Yorkers to our core, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. Ive met with Omers brave family and learned so much about this incredible young man. As we mourn this tragedy, let us continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages, an end to the war without Hamas in power, and a lasting peace. Neutra was presumed captive for 14 months, but ultimately was killed during [the] October 7 Hamas terror attacks. He served as an Israeli Defense Forces soldier, the statement detailed. Governor Hochul has met with his parents, Orna and Ronen Neutra, to discuss the urgent need to bring all hostages home. The governor has repeatedly and aggressively called for the safe return of all hostages taken by Hamas, including during a 2023 visit to Israel and at multiple memorial and remembrance events, the statement said. While the date of Neutras funeral has yet to be determined, it will be announced in the near future after his family decides on a date. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz paid tribute to the memory of the fallen heroes of Ukraine on Independence Square. According to a video posted on the Telegram channel "We are Ukraine", the leaders of the countries laid flowers at the national memorial to the fallen heroes on the Maidan, thereby honoring their memory. Later, Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram: Together with Chancellor, we honored the memory of all our warriors whose lives were taken by Russian aggression. Eternal memory to all Ukrainians, to all our heroes, who lost their lives to Russia's criminal actions. Black Doves Netflix Black Doves is the British spy thriller I didnt know I needed. Thats because as well as being a story about covert spooks, its also a melancholic examination of desires hold, a body count banger with John Wick vibes, a ticking clock geopolitical drama, a farcical comedy of English manners, and a meditative dialogue about the killers creed. Theres probably another element or two I missed, but every time Ben Whishaws triggerman greeted Keira Knightleys undercover operative with a hello, darling! I stopped keeping count. Keira Knightley in Black Doves. Credit: Ludovic Robert/Netflix Yes, thats quintessential English rose Keira Knightley and the voice of Paddington Bear, Ben Whishaw. The casting of this six-part series is unconventional and to the credit of all involved its the narrative that changes shape, not the stars. After a tension-filled cold-open, where a trio of Londoners connected by an unknown thread is done away with, Black Doves takes shape around survival and vengeance. But from the second episode on, it keeps opening unexpected new fronts. This caper is eclectic to the point of recklessness. Knightley plays Helen Webb, the note-perfect wife of Tory cabinet minister Wallace Webb (Andrew Buchan). Helen has been spying on her own husband since she met him a decade prior, but when her lover is among the trio coldly killed, she goes in search of vengeance even if it means her own exposure. Helens worried boss, Reed (Sarah Lancashire), recalls from exile Helens old friend, contract killer Sam Young (Whishaw), to protect her. Soon they are trading bon mots and leaping from the window of an exploding building. Advertisement Exclusive Eating outThe scoop An insiders guide to Marmelo, Melbournes much-anticipated new party season hotspot Ross and Sunny Lusted open their long-awaited restaurant and bar project in what has just become one of the citys most vibrant pockets. Ardyn Bernoth December 3, 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, January 2025. See all stories . Sydney restaurant power couple Ross and Sunny Lusted intend Marmelo to be a love letter to Melbourne when it opens on Thursday, December 5. The 90-seat dining room and bar is the final piece in the revitalisation of a city block that has also recently birthed boutique hotel Melbourne Place and its restaurant and bar, Mid Air, 12 storeys above Russell Street. Double-height windows frame a gritty laneway that runs down one side of Marmelos dining room, and Victorian produce stars on a menu cooked largely over charcoal or in a wood oven. The Russell Street entrance to the main dining room at Marmelo. Anson Smart I love Melbournes markets and Im tapping into them along with smaller individual farmers. There is so much incredible produce in Victoria, says Ross Lusted. Advertisement The restaurant is also a tribute to the Portuguese influences threaded through the countries in which the Lusteds lived and worked for a decade before they opened the three-hatted Bridge Room (now closed) and Woodcut in Sydney. Ross and Sunny Lusted at the entrance to their new restaurant. Anson Smart I grew up in South Africa, where the influence of Portugal was always a part of our food, says Ross Lusted. Then we were lucky enough to see the impact of Portuguese food across the world. And Ive also seen the influences and spices that then fed back from as far as India, Africa and the Americas, to make Portuguese food unique. Marmelo, which means quince in Portuguese, will bring a local spin to dishes from this relatively unsung cuisine in Melbourne. Murray cod croquette with hot mustard sauce from Marmelo. Anson Smart Advertisement A traditional croquette dish usually made with Portuguese bacalhao (salted cod), for example, will be made with local Murray cod and served sliced open, sluiced with hot mustard sauce. Marmelo is an idea I have been thinking about for years, he says. I originally intended to open it in Sydney but I am so glad we are in Melbourne. The whole concept has become more elevated, which feels exactly right for this city. Bar snacks and cocktails at Mr Mills, the bar beneath Marmelo. Anson Smart On Thursday, the Lusteds will also open Mr Mills, Marmelos subterranean sibling, a more casual bar and late-night supper club. Classic Iberian starters such as swordfish in olive oil with grilled peppers will sit alongside more substantial dishes, including mussels escabeche with pickled carrots, and fillet steak with whipped anchovy, potato crisps and fried egg. A bergamot and green apple margarita, and rhubarb and bay leaf Americano are among the cocktails on offer. Advertisement Ross and I love the vibrancy of Melbourne and all of its culinary offerings, so it is an honour to be welcomed into the local dining community, says Sunny Lusted. We cant wait to share our take on the food of the Iberian peninsula. Menu at Portuguese-leaning Marmelo in the CBD. Anson Smart Insiders guide to Marmelo What to eat After an appetite-prompting starter of salted Murray cod croquette ($12) with a sharp mustard sauce, shoot straight for the elevated take on Portugals best-known dish: charcoal chook. Marmelos version is made with richly flavoured Aurum Poultry cockerel, char-grilled with African spices and served with fried potatoes ($55). Advertisement What to drink A two-pronged approach is best. Enter Mr Mills under the neon sign in the rear laneway and sit up at the bar for a tomato and anchovy oil martini, then head up the internal stairs to the 28-seat Bar Marmelo for a Ginjinha (ginja for short), a Portuguese liqueur enjoyed as both aperitif and digestif. You can also have the liqueur in dessert form poured over cherries in tiny chocolate cups. Where to sit Its possible to stroll into Marmelo where the Russell Street-facing bar does not require bookings. The round table in the front window will be the hottest pozzie here, where, if you sit sipping your ginja, a new level of love for this now humming pocket of the city will be born. If you are fully committing to a big night out, bring seven friends and sit at the table in front of the kitchen, where you can see Lusted and his charcoal flames in action. A painting of quinces (marmelo in Portuguese) is central to the restaurants decor. Anson Smart Advertisement Whats the vibe Mitchell & Eades is the interior design studio, and they have mixed old-school azulejos (traditional hand-painted tiles) and a still life of quinces with a striking chartreuse metal staircase and a snaking light fixture running the length of the restaurant. These are set against a backdrop of huge windows overlooking a wheelie bin-strewn laneway framed in a way that makes you proud to be a Melburnian. Marmelo is open Tue-Sat noon-late from December 5. Mr Mills is open Tue-Thu 5pm-late, Fri-Sat 4pm-late from December 5. Ground floor, 130 Russell Street, Melbourne, marmelorestaurant.com.au Exclusive Russell Streets stunning new rooftop serves up big Med flavours and all-new city views Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement Exclusive Eating outRestaurant news After five years, world-renowned Lune Croissanterie finally lands in Sydney and its worth the wait An exclusive first look at Kate Reids cult bakerys flagship Sydney store, where 65 employees will produce up to 5400 warm, buttery croissants every day. Bianca Hrovat December 2, 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 Lune Croissanterie is ready to land in Sydney. After five years, two stalled developments and a pandemic, the world-renowned bakery is set to open its NSW flagship store at the Rosebery Engine Yards, with an anticipated launch on Saturday, December 7. It will be the largest and most important opening by the Melbourne-based croissanterie yet. In the converted factory, more than 65 employees will produce up to 5400 warm, buttery croissants daily. Shortly after Rosebery opens, a second satellite store in Martin Place will follow, its launch date under wraps until opening day. 1 / 7 A first look inside Lune Croissanterie in Rosebery, ahead of its opening. James Brickwood 2 / 7 Inside the cube at Lune Rosebery, where bakers will work in view of customers. James Brickwood 3 / 7 Lunes team of bakers have been training for a year for the opening of Lune Rosebery. James Brickwood 4 / 7 Morning buns, made with a swirl of cinnamon-topped croissant dough, being prepared at Lune Rosebery. James Brickwood 5 / 7 Some of the first croissants to come out of the oven at Lune Rosebery. James Brickwood 6 / 7 Bakers at Lune Rosebery Engine Yards prepare for opening day. James Brickwood 7 / 7 Lune founder Kate Reid outside the bakerys Rosebery flagship. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide Its an emotional moment for founder Kate Reid, who has transformed Lune from a one-woman wholesale operation in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood into a phenomenon commanding hours-long queues, attracting international media attention (notably being named best croissants in the world by The New York Times) and, before the end of the year, opening seven stores across three states. I didnt anticipate this when I started Lune 12 years ago, Reid says. Advertisement Lune founder Kate Reid outside The Cube production kitchen at Lune Rosebery. Edwina Pickles [It was] this tiny little business, just me, and now were probably going to be pushing 270 staff Its become so much more than just a croissant, Reid says. Reid admits she burst into involuntary tears on a crowded Surry Hills street in early November. The first batch of Lune croissants to be laminated, proved and baked in Sydney had come out of the oven. The fit-out for the Martin Place store was nearly complete. When a Sydney-based friend called to ask where they should meet, Reid could say come to Lune. It was the first time Ive told someone to meet me at a Lune in Sydney. It was amazing, she says, her eyes welling up again. Its been an emotional day. The move to Sydney feels momentous partly because of the long, tumultuous journey and partly because of what success in Sydney could mean for Lunes future. Advertisement Lune Croissants, baked at the Rosebery site. Edwina Pickles Reid and her business partners, restaurateur Nathan Toleman and hospitality professional brother Cameron Reid, have pursued a Sydney store since 2019. Demand was huge: word had spread about the woman who traded in her career as a Formula 1 aerodynamic engineer to become a pastry chef, applying the same uncompromising precision to baking viennoiserie as she once did to race cars. Her croissants were dubbed the prototype for all others by UK-based chef and cookbook author Yotam Ottolenghi. Reid says they arent the best croissants in the world, just subjectively the way I want to eat a croissant. They are meticulously crafted swirls of light, golden pastry with a characteristic crisp outer shell a reverse-engineered formula, refined only slightly over the years. The queue outside Lune in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Chris Hopkins Advertisement Lune Fitzroy became a travel destination for Sydney fans, who showed off their Lune bags at the airport and called for their own store over email and social media. A serendipitous email from a Sydney property developer in late 2019 led the trio to inspect the first proposed site for Lune in Chippendale. To Reid, it felt like a sign from the universe that they needed to expand their fledgling pastry empire. The site was incredible, she says. But the pandemic had other plans. COVID-related construction delays resulted in the Chippendale site falling through, and a second site in Darlinghurst failed to eventuate after complications with its heritage listing. Meanwhile, Lune opened its first Queensland outpost in Brisbane, and locked in the Martin Place site too small to accommodate full-scale production but ideal for retail. Lune founder Kate Reid at Lune Rosebery, which she considers a monumental opening for the Melbourne bakery. Edwina Pickles In January, determined to make good on their promise to open a Sydney store in 2024, Cameron set off on a manic tour of 11 properties across the city. Advertisement I think everything happens for a reason, Reid says. When he landed on the Rosebery Engine Yards, it was literally like hed found Lunes Sydney home. Lune Rosebery intends to be an evolution of the Fitzroy store, a production hub capable of accommodating seated customers and supplying thousands of croissants in-store and at Martin Place. As in Fitzroy, the site features a temperature-controlled glass cube where bakers (each trained for more than a year at Lune bakeries in Brisbane or Melbourne) work in full view. After a few months, theyll introduce a distinctly Sydney-style Lune Lab, an experimental three-course menu using croissant dough to create sweet and savoury dishes. It might just be the croissant in the sky at the moment, but weve got to dream big. Lune founder Kate Reid Advertisement Reid says shed like to collaborate with a Sydney chef on the first Lune Lab offering. Kylie Kwong, who recently closed her South Eveleigh restaurant Lucky Kwong, is her first choice. Shes iconic to Sydney, and shes this formidable woman thats trailblazed the way for female chefs in such an inspiring way, says Reid. Her cooking is so incredibly delicious, and Id love to see what she could do with Lune pastry. Both Sydney outlets will offer coffee from Ona (recently crowned Good Food Guide cafe of the year), a seasonal pastry menu that changes monthly, and a menu of Lune classics such as pain au chocolat, ham and gruyere croissants, and morning buns (croissant pastry baked with cinnamon, brown sugar and orange zest). A 2017 Melbourne Lune Lab pastry, with pork hock and pea vol-au-vent with celeriac remoulade. Roslyn Grundy Each store has its own take on the signature Lune aesthetic: clean, sculptural lines, textural stone and dark, earthy metals. Advertisement It isnt how youd usually describe a bakery, but its such a sexy store, Reid says of the Martin Place site. Close to the new metro station, she anticipates the Sydney CBD store will become the busiest Lune to date. It will have the smell of croissants pumping all the way down Castlereagh Street, she says. And, no doubt, long lines of people. Reid is keenly aware that customers sacrifice hours of their day to sample Lunes products, and shes determined to make the wait worthwhile, with exceptional service and fresh-out-of-the-oven pastries. It can be a real pilgrimage [so] I want them to walk into Lune and feel special and feel like were grateful for that time theyve given, she says. Kate Reid, founder and co-owner of Lune Croissanterie. Edwina Pickles Advertisement Success in Sydney is critical to Lunes future. For Reid, it is the greatest proving ground. If Lune can make it in Australias most populous city, its greatest tourist destination, and in its taste-making hospitality scene, it can probably make it anywhere. Plans for a 2025 Lune world tour have already begun, and theres tentative talk of pop-ups in Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai and Hong Kong. And in the distant future, who knows? Maybe a store in London or New York, a long-held aspiration for Reid. We cant just stop after Sydney. Its like trying to stop a freight train, she says. It might just be the croissant in the sky at the moment, but weve got to dream big. Lune Rosebery, 115-151 Dunning Avenue (entry via Mentmore Avenue), Rosebery, will open on Saturday, December 7. Lune Martin Place, shop N80, Metro Martin Place, 1 Elizabeth Street (enter via Castlereagh Street), Sydney, will open on an undisclosed date. lunecroissanterie.com These exciting new venues are set to make Martin Place Sydneys go-to hospo hub Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. He worked with the best, but it was Faheem Noors four-year-old daughters discovery that helped inspire the menu at his new restaurant, Ruma. Chef Faheem Noor has worked in the restaurant kitchens of Gordon Ramsay and Tetsuya Wakuda, but inspiration for a dish on the opening menu at his new Sydney restaurant, Ruma, arrived from an unlikely source: Noors four-year-old daughter, Maia. Her favourite food is caviar, Noor says a little sheepishly. The four-year-old was eating another of her favourites, popcorn chicken, and started loading caviar on top. It tasted great. I love fried chicken, so Ive paired it with [bite-sized] fried chicken. Bite-sized chicken with caviar was inspired by the chefs four-year-old daughter. Pat Stevenson Ruma, which opens on Wednesday, December 4, is a 120-seat eatery in the space where Little Jean previously traded in Double Bay. They [Little Jeans owners] used to make their own cheese and bread, it was sold, then COVID hit, Noor explains. He wants to fashion Ruma as an accessible eatery in the style of Blackwood, in Bondi, and Potts Points Pina. Its been nearly five months since investigative journalist Nick McKenzie broke one of the biggest stories of the year, and exposed what he called an unholy alliance between gangland figures, and one of the most powerful labour unions in the country. He revealed that the CFMEU had become a fiefdom in which bikies and stand-over men, among others, were given positions of power on building sites - many of them government-funded projects. The culture they created was toxic and now, the saga is at a critical juncture. Today, Nick McKenzie, on the Morning Edition podcast, talks about the legal pushback in the form of a High Court challenge. And also, the illegal resistance to the clean-out, including a possible death threat aimed at the administrator, who now has private security. Almost two years after sourcing a stolen Italian passport, chartering a private plane in Western Australia and fleeing to Thailand, high-ranking Hells Angels chief Rodrigo Elices life on the run was over. Sitting handcuffed aboard a flight from Manila to Melbourne after weeks of country-hopping while trying to escape extradition to Australia to face dozens of firearm and drug charges, Elices was a man with nowhere left to run. Rodrigo Elices on the flight from Manila to Melbourne. In footage posted to TikTok on Saturday that has since amassed almost 10 million views, Elices peered over the rows of seats at passengers, occasionally offering a wink or a smile, according to the creator of the viral video. I think its been a long journey for him being in custody over in Thailand, Manila and a number of other countries, so I think by the time he got back into the country, he sort of succumbed to the fact that he was going to face court in NSW for these offences, NSW Police Raptor Squads Detective Inspector Matthew Smith said on Monday. Residents of a busy street in one of Sydneys most exclusive suburbs awoke to heavily armed tactical police officers swarming a home during an hours-long police operation. Prince Albert Street in Mosman was closed off just after 7am on Tuesday, when officers executed a firearms prohibition order, NSW Police said in a statement. Heavily armed police swooped on a house in Prince Albert Street, Mosman. Credit: Mosman Collective Residents told the Mosman Collective website that officers entered a home near the Buena restaurant and removed a man very quickly. When the riot squad van turned up, we were very alarmed, and police had a loudhailer they were using to warn the man they were coming for him, a resident told the Mosman Collective. Teenagers are breaking into driver cabins on Sydney trains, tampering with controls and dangling from carriages, risking life and limb for clout on social media. One teenage boy, caught up in the escalating trend, regrets chasing the 30-second rush before he was slammed into a pole and almost killed on the tracks. Videos uncovered by the Herald show groups of teenagers, sometimes masked, sometimes in school uniform, forcing open the locked doors into rear crew cabins on Sydney trains. The teenagers, once inside the empty cabin, pull and push on the controls and blow the horn. A parliamentary inquiry into the LNP governments proposed changes to youth justice laws has drawn heavy criticism from youth advocates and peak organisations, with concerns the legislation violates human rights and disregards evidence-based approaches. The Making Queensland Safer Bill was introduced to parliament on Thursday. While it has been referred to a committee for further examination, it is almost certain to pass given the LNP, which has a majority in parliament, promised to make it a government priority. Public hearings to consider the legislations impact began in Brisbane on Monday with the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee hearing from a range of experts and advocates, including those affected by youth crime. David Crisafulli promised to prioritise legislative changes to youth crime laws if elected, and has so far kept his word. Credit: Matt Dennien Youth Advocacy Centre chief executive Katherine Hayes acknowledged the tragedies that had occurred because of young offenders, but rejected the bills punitive aims. Zelenskyy after meeting with new President of European Council: Well do everything to justly and quickly end the war Photo: https://www.facebook.com/zelenskyy.official President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting with the new President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, who arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, and discussed with him the prospects for ending Russia's war against Ukraine and strengthening the European Union. We discussed our vision for European and global affairs current challenges and prospects Peace is the foundation, and we will continue to do everything possible to end this war, which Russia has unleashed not only against Ukraine but also against a united Europe, as soon as possible and to strengthen Europe both the EU institutions and the policies that support every European nation, Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Sunday following the meeting. He noted that Costa arrived in Ukraine on his first day in office and that "such a symbolic start to work reflects the main priorities of all of us in Europe." I am grateful for the support Ukraine has received since the very first day of Russias full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy added. Receptionists, cleaners, sales assistants and hospitality workers living on their own in a one-bedroom unit would not fare much better. Housing stress is usually defined as a household spending more than 30 per cent of its income on rent. Research by the Everybodys Home campaign group showed renters in Brisbane were paying $199 per week more to rent a unit, and $259 more to rent a house, compared to the beginning of 2020. Essential workers are increasingly being priced out of renting near their workplaces and the absence of these workers in our communities affects all of us, Everybodys Home said. The group is among those calling for social housing criteria to be expanded to support more people, so it is not just a safety net for people on the lowest incomes. The national rental affordability index released last month showed it was unaffordable for the average household to rent in every city outside the ACT, the one jurisdiction in Australia where a rent cap has been implemented. According to the index, not a single Brisbane suburb was affordable. Housing researcher Dr Adam Crowe from Curtin University said more people were being forced to rent long-term. We have a significant portion of the population that 10 to 20 years ago would have been able to move into home ownership. But now, they are living in the rental sector a lot longer, he said. And, if youre on less than $100,000 a year income and youre a single-income household youre going to struggle to find anything affordable. He said Brisbane, like Sydney and Melbourne, was becoming a city where if you are on that moderate to middle income its becoming very difficult to chose where you want to live and the quality of your home as well. Loading Its aggravating, its frustrating, and it shows where we place our values as a society. He said creating housing diversity in established suburbs and better utilising middle-ring suburbs was key to providing more affordable homes. The new LNP state government has promised to build 53,500 social and affordable homes by 2044 and also committed to opening up approvals for church and charity land to be used for social homes, potentially providing another 10,000 by 2044. Thomsons boss and owner of Esquire Male Grooming, Mark Rabone, empathises with his apprentice. The 53-year-old barber estimates that just under 50 per cent of his income goes to paying the rent. Mark Rabone and his apprentice Lauren Thomson at Esquire Male Grooming. Credit: Markus Ravik Two years ago, he sold the Gold Coast hinterland acreage where he lived with his family to be closer to civilisation, but found he was not in a position to buy in a beachside suburb. Its not a lot of fun, he said of renting. Weve just moved for the third time. After the first year, the landlord was intending to build. We then moved to a smaller place ... and after a year [there] the landlords have moved back. It has been 16 months since Hamad was booted to his native Iraq a period marked by more than 120 firebombings and numerous shootings linked by police and underworld sources to his rise to power. In July 2023, the gangland boss was being exiled from Australia, but the move would have no effect on his growing power in Melbournes underworld, a rise that police and corrections authorities had been unable to stem even while he was locked up inside one of the most secure prison units in Victoria. It was the 39-year-olds first taste of freedom in nearly a decade, and the deal he struck to pay for his own expulsion let him leave the country on something of his own terms. Hamad was even allowed to stop to change from prison garb into high-end streetwear. A private charter plane, paid for by Hamad, was considered too risky, given his official classification by immigration authorities as a dangerous person. After spending eight years in a maximum security prison, Hamad was picked up in a van and driven to Melbourne Airport, catching a Qatar Airways flight on which he and his security escort of Serco guards took up an entire row of seats. It should have been a warning sign. The deportation of drug trafficker Kazem Hamad to Iraq was a comfortable affair for someone law enforcement had designated as a major organised crime threat. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. On the morning of the same day Hamad was escorted out of the country in 2023, masked men were breaking into a mausoleum in Preston to steal and defile the body of Meshilin Marrogi , sister of one of his greatest enemies, gang boss George Marrogi . This story is based on information provided by seven police and underworld sources, court proceedings, and law enforcement intelligence documents obtained by The Age . Police suspect he is the kingpin in Melbournes tobacco war in which rivals set fire to each others shops and other venues in a battle for control of the illegal tobacco trade and also involved in drug trafficking and other violent crimes. Now the Iraqi citizen seems out of reach to Australian law enforcement as prosecutors are reluctant to share information with Iraqi counterparts and seek his extradition for fear local authorities might execute him. He was already the boss of a major Melbourne underworld crew that had been building its power and wealth while he spent eight years in jail for heroin trafficking. When he was in prison, police suspect his cousin, Ahmed Al Hamza, and other figures controlled the syndicate. Hamad was arriving in a country he hadnt seen since his early teens, but he had laid the groundwork for expanding his reach in Australia. Its now clear authorities were unprepared for how rapidly and violently he could make his mark from 13,000 kilometres away. If it had happened 20 years ago before smartphones, encrypted messaging apps and cryptocurrency Hamads deportation might have put an end to his rise in Melbournes underworld. This was just the start of what they suspect were Hamads revenge acts, which he would wage in the midst of a turf war for control of the citys illicit tobacco industry that police believe he had ignited months before. Six days later, long-time enemy and underworld heavyweight Mohammed Akbar Keshtiar, known as Afghan Ali , was gunned down on a South Yarra street. Hamad is the prime suspect for ordering the hit, police and underworld sources say. Hamad, who spent only days in Baghdad after being deported to Iraq, also shifted to Dubai. The emirate has a reputation as the go-to destination for Australian crime figures on the run or seeking sanctuary, partly due to the apparent disinterest of local authorities in the extensive criminal histories of those setting up a base there or the source of the wealth they flagrantly display. Now 27, he moved to Dubai, setting up an operational base for a new Melbourne underworld force run almost exclusively from overseas. Al Hamza would be forced to flee Australia in 2022 for the Middle East in the wake of investigations linking him to huge drug importations. Some of the future gang members were just 11 years old when Hamad went to prison in 2015. But during the tobacco war in 2023-24, they would be willing to shoot at perceived rivals and their property on behalf of a boss they had never met. Police intelligence obtained by The Age shows Al Hamza had forged a powerful street crew that would be linked to more than a dozen violent incidents as it fought rivals in the drug trade. Within months of Hamads release from jail and deportation, Australian law enforcement realised they had a big problem on their hands. While Hamad was in prison and Al Hamza in the Middle East, the duo used intermediaries to concoct a plan to take over the illicit tobacco trade in Melbourne, which had turned into a black market worth hundreds of millions of dollars due to steeply rising taxes. In Australia, his name began coming up in investigations into Melbournes tobacco war. Police suspect he ordered extortions, firebombings, bashings and shootings. The firebombing of a Moonee Ponds tobacco shop in June 2023 was linked to the Hamad syndicate. Credit: Nine News Hamad was soon enjoying his freedom racing along Dubais highways in a Ferrari and partying with associates and underlings who had flown in, first-class, to confer with the new boss. The property belonged to an Australian bikie boss, Mark Buddle, who lived there before meeting Hamad behind bars in Australia. Hamad got the apartment keys, along with control of a multibillion-dollar drug-trafficking network. He moved into a luxury apartment in the Sunrise Bay Tower, a 34-storey waterfront development with a private beach. The university of advanced criminality How Hamad went from a mid-tier drug dealer when jailed in 2015 to a gangland boss by 2023 is a story that goes to the heart of the way Australias prison system fails to manage organised crime figures. Bikies, gang members, mafia and Middle Eastern organised crime figures pose a particular problem for the corrections system, which is primarily focused on keeping order over a population of highly dangerous offenders. Members of one bikie club, for example, are housed together in units to prevent conflict with members of other clubs. Mark Buddle inside a prison van leaving Melbourne Magistrates Court in August 2022. Credit: Jason South But prison provides a perfect environment for new connections to be made, alliances to be formed and plots to be hatched. Its a constant problem for us, a police source said. Corrections isnt there to stop these guys from plotting; theyre only interested in the most efficient and safe way to hold them. Its like a criminal convention in there. This is precisely what happened between Buddle and Hamad, according to police and underworld sources. In 2022, Buddle was arrested and extradited to Australia from Turkey, where he was sent to Barwon Prison to await trial on drug trafficking charges. His jail neighbour? Kazem Hamad. An exercise yard in Barwon Prisons highest-security Olearia unit. Credit: Jason South Despite near-constant isolation, CCTV surveillance and monitoring, these two high-profile and high-risk prisoners managed to plan a vast new criminal enterprise. They did it in one-hour run-outs exercise time in a prison yard filled with individual cages. The guards dont really give a shit who does run-outs together, and its a place for people to talk when theyre not going to be overheard, a former inmate said. Loading In a bail hearing for a Hamad lieutenant in May, Detective Leading Senior Constable Matthew Lindsay testified that police intelligence showed numerous indications that Hamad and Buddle had become allies. This included a relative of Hamads visiting Buddle in prison after Hamads expulsion from the country. When Kaz was over in the United Arab Emirates, he was staying in Mark Buddles apartment. So theyre pretty connected, Lindsay testified. Hamad and Al Hamza could not be contacted for comment. The Iraqi conundrum Hamad was only in Dubai for about two months before UAE authorities scooped him off the street and deported him to Iraq. The move was apparently sparked by information about Hamads activities handed over by Australian law enforcement. As the firebombings were hitting a fever pitch in Melbourne and Hamad was being linked to increasingly violent crimes, Victoria Police called a press conference in December 2023 to announce Hamad without naming him had become a major law enforcement target. This particular person had resided for a short period of time in a country that he felt comfortable, and in relative luxury, in Dubai, Detective Inspector Graham Banks said. He no longer lives there. And that is no small part to the joint approach of Victoria Police and [the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission]. Whatever was in the intelligence dossier handed to their counterparts in the UAE, the information wasnt enough to warrant Hamad being arrested locally or extradited to Australia. It could be described as a serious error. In Dubai, at least, there were some eyes on Hamad and his activities, much as there had been on a host of other organised crime figures who had found refuge there. Iraq, on the other hand, is practically an information black hole. How dumb is the government? If Kaz was such a threat he could have been in their hands in Dubai why did they get him kicked out? an underworld source said. Police and underworld sources say Hamad is living in a fortified community for the wealthy in a suburb of Baghdad. He is surrounded by heavily armed personal security. Unlike Buddle and other alleged criminals who have been returned to Australia, Hamad never became an Australian citizen. Al Hamza renounced his Australian citizenship in favour of his Iraqi nationality. Evening shoppers in downtown Baghdad. Credit: AP Why would the Iraqis ever give him up? Kazs not Australian, hes an Iraqi citizen. Australia invaded that country, turned it into a war zone, the underworld source said. Iraq never handed its citizens to any f---ing Western country. Never. Theyre [Hamads gang] not even committing crimes in Iraq. Its just a base. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton and detectives tackling organised crime have conceded they are presented with difficulties while Hamad is based in Iraq. Thats the complexity about a global world and serious organised crime, Patton said during an interview in August. Its a big problem. Good bilateral relationships are key to successful extraditions, said Donald Rothwell, a professor of international law at the Australian National University. But Australia doesnt have an extradition agreement with Iraq, and co-operation between the two nations is close to non-existent. The only avenues to extradite Hamad are through a 1930s extradition treaty between Iraq and the United Kingdom that Australia inherited, or under a 1988 United Nations convention against drug trafficking that allows signatories to petition other signing states for the extradition of suspected drug offenders. But even then, the request relies on the goodwill of Iraqi authorities to honour the international arrest warrant and hand over one of their citizens. The Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) is reluctant to send prosecution briefs overseas for fear offenders could be executed by local authorities, police and legal sources speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters told The Age. Drug trafficking is punishable by death or life imprisonment in Iraq, meaning Hamads life could be placed in jeopardy by the sharing of Australian-sourced intelligence or evidence implicating him in the drug business. The Victorian OPP has blocked previous attempts by Victoria Police to have the federal Attorney-Generals Department seek Hamads extradition, amid worries an execution could become a diplomatic headache for Australia. Federal authorities have come under significant criticism in the past for providing information that has led to Australians being arrested, jailed and even executed overseas for drug offending, such as in the case of the Bali Nine. I think that given the political sensitivity around any extradition related to this matter and the sensitivity in terms of sharing certain material with the Iraqi authorities, Victoria Police will be somewhat constrained in terms of providing a very wide-ranging prosecution brief, Rothwell said. State and federal prosecutors referred questions about extradition policy to the Attorney-Generals office. Death penalty risks associated with Australian extradition requests to other countries are carefully considered by the attorney-general prior to a request being made, a spokesperson told The Age. There is a long-standing policy of successive Australian governments to not share information that could contribute to the application of the death penalty. Streets of fire October 2024 marked two significant occasions. The number of tobacco war-related fires hit 100 in Victoria and the Lunar taskforce, a special police unit formed when Hamad erupted on the scene, was one year old. While Hamads enemies former tobacco kingpin Fadi Haddara, bikie-turned-boxer Suleiman Sam the Punisher Abdulrahim and others have been subjected to attempted hits and other violence, Hamad has remained protected by distance and his layers of security in Iraq. Hamads crew has also allegedly intimidated and threatened its enemies and witnesses into silence. Three prosecution cases have collapsed in the past year after people withdrew statements or refused to co-operate with police. The syndicate has also been able to tap into what appears to be a bottomless supply of contract arsonists, car thieves and gunmen willing to be hired anonymously to do attacks for a few thousand dollars. The syndicate controls shops in South Australia and Western Australia and has staked a claim over a chunk of Melbournes northern suburbs. Police have publicly described Hamads brother, Maytham, as the tobacco war puppeteer. He is in home detention in Perth, charged with laundering $270,000 cash and intends to plead not guilty. He is not accused of involvement in other more serious crimes that Hamad is suspected of committing, including drug trafficking. Loading My view is that the major player [Hamad] is not going to settle for a particular [territory], Inspector Banks told The Age. This is why Ive never thought the friction is going to be over. He might consolidate a position, and then hell start moving into somewhere else. Its not one geographical area. While the market is what it is, I cant see it stopping. Police have arrested more than 90 people over the tobacco war, but the kingpins and those accused of the most serious crimes remain out of reach. For [offenders] who are not citizens, its very, very challenging for police, Banks said. John Silvester lifts the lid on Australias criminal underworld. Subscribers can sign up to receive his Naked City newsletter every Thursday. Thats all for the blog today. Thanks for joining us. To recap the days local news, a Halls Head mother charged with careless driving over a Wheatbelt car crash that killed her twin daughters has pleaded guilty to the offence and will be sentenced in March next year. Rachel van Oyen with her twin daughters, Macey and Riley, who died in a crash in February. Credit: Facebook Rachel Van Oyen, 32, was travelling on Great Eastern Highway in Carrabin when her Toyota Camry sedan veered off the road and crashed into a tree. Also news from the courts four people accused of murdering teenager Cassius Turvey have formally pleaded not guilty to the charges. Cassius, a 15-year-old Noongar Yamatji boy, died in a Perth hospital 10 days after an incident as he walked home from school with friends on October 13, 2022. Brodie Lee Palmer, 29, Mitchell Colin Forth, 26, Jack Steven James Brearley, 23, and Aleesha Louise Gilmore, 22, pleaded not guilty in the WA Supreme Court on Monday. And almost two years after sourcing a stolen Italian passport, chartering a private plane in Western Australia and fleeing to Thailand, high-ranking Hells Angels chief Rodrigo Elices life on the run was over. Sitting handcuffed aboard a flight from Manila to Melbourne after weeks of country-hopping while trying to escape extradition to Australia to face dozens of firearm and drug charges, Elices was a man with nowhere left to run. Have a lovely evening and we look forward to you joining us again tomorrow. Most Australians think university fees should be cheaper and student loans should be lower, giving Labor a green light for higher education reforms as it goes to the election with a pledge to cut HECS debts by $16 billion. An exclusive survey reveals 54 per cent of Australians believe it is a good idea for the government to cut debts by 20 per cent for the 3 million Australians with student loans, while only 27 per cent say it is a bad idea. But the key adviser who helped devise the HECS regime in the 1980s, Australian National University professor Bruce Chapman, warned on Monday against the fantasy of free education and rejected the idea of cancelling all student debt a promise the Greens are making to young Australians. Labors HECS policy is targeted at young Australians, whose votes it hopes to avoid losing to the Greens. Credit: Fairfax Media The survey, conducted last month for this masthead by research company Resolve Strategic, found 45 per cent of eligible voters backed reducing student fees while 26 per cent said degrees should be free. It was 25 years ago that Annie Madden stood up inside the NSW parliament and told the gathering of hundreds of MPs, police, reform advocates and academics at Bob Carrs drug summit that discrimination is killing us. Madden, at the time chief executive of the NSW Users and AIDS Association, was the only active drug user to speak at the summit in 1999. As another takes place in Sydney this week, Madden recalls feeling compelled to raise her voice by a sense things were not going as reform advocates had hoped. I was sitting there on the first day, and I actually became quite concerned about the narrative evolving this kind of prohibition, just say no, abstinence approach that was starting to develop on that day, she said. I could see us sliding backwards. Annie Madden, the executive director of Harm Reduction Australia, proved a persuasive voice at the 1999 drug summit. Credit: Justin McManus Her message that stigma associated with the current drug laws was persuasive. Her evidence was important in pushing the summit toward reforms such as the medically supervised injecting room in Kings Cross. Last winter, I spent three weeks in the beautiful Blue Mountains, hunkered down in a place called Varuna, The National Writers House, which is the most prestigious institution for developing literature in Australia. Each year, hundreds of writers apply for fellowships and 33 are awarded to emerging and established writers across Australia. Mick Dark (son of Eleanor Dark) and Varunas first executive officer Rhonda Flottmann, at Varuna in 1990. Credit: Troy Howe Set in lovely gardens, Varunas five-bedroom house, with two writing studios, was the former home of Eleanor Dark, a successful novelist in the 1930s-50s. Her son Mick bequeathed her estate as a residence for writers working on fiction, non-fiction and poetry. It was an act of incredible generosity from the Dark family, who still take a keen interest in the property. I was lucky enough to have Eleanors studio in the orchard as my writing room. At night, Id join the other five writers by the fire for dinner. The Syrian civil war that the world had tried to hope away and forget has again erupted into international headlines. And the West will, again, seek to find one side to praise and support. In 2011, as the civil war emerged from a series of violent convulsions of predominantly Sunni Syrians pushed beyond endurance by Assads murderous regime, I travelled from Baghdad to the Kurdish regions to better understand the dynamics of the conflict. At the time, I was an Australian diplomat, working as the deputy head of mission in Iraq. Syrian President Bashar Assad. Credit: AP What I found reminded me of the song by The Clash. Assad if he stays there will be trouble; if he goes it could be double. I had no sympathy for Assads regime, having been briefly detained and questioned by Assads secret police in 2006 while travelling privately around Syria, but personal prejudices had to be weighed with an appreciation for the complexity of the conflict. What quickly became clear is that Syria and its conflict is a mosaic of combatants rather than a dichotomy of good versus evil. Loyalties usually reflect a persons religion or ethnicity. The Sunnis hate the Iran-aligned Assad regime; Assad himself is the inheritor of atrocities by his fathers regime against the Sunni, including the destruction of Hama and slaughter of many of its inhabitants in 1982; the Kurds want an autonomous homeland; and the Turkmen are no friends to Assad or extremist Sunnis. PHILIPSBURG:---On December 2, 2024, at approximately 7:30 AM, the Police Central Dispatch received multiple calls reporting a single-vehicle accident at the intersection of Mountain Dove Road and Ground Dove Road in Point Blanche. According to reports, a small car had slammed into a wall, with a passenger trapped inside. Police patrols, paramedics, and fire department personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers encountered the male driver of a white Hyundai Atos, who was complaining of chest pain. Paramedics promptly attended to him. After concerted efforts by the emergency responders, the female passenger, who was trapped in the back seat, was successfully extricated. She complained of pain in her back and neck. Both victims received medical assistance on-site before being transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further treatment. Preliminary investigations by the Traffic Department indicate that the vehicle reportedly lost power while ascending Ground Dove Road, causing it to roll backward uncontrollably and collide with the wall on Mountain Dove Road. The Traffic Department of the KPSM is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. KPSM Press Release. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz visited wounded warriors in Kyiv, the press service of the Office of the President of Ukraine has said on Monday. Zelenskyy and Scholz discussed with defenders the nature of their wounds, received while defending Ukraine in Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk and Sumy regions, and the progress of their treatment. "Thank you for your service and defense of Ukraine. You are the heroes. Ukraine honors and is proud of its defenders. Get well and take care of yourselves," the Ukrainian President said. The Ukrainian defenders thanked the Chancellor for the assistance provided by Germany, in particular for air defense systems. Scholz wished the warriors a speedy recovery. Zelenskyy also presented awards to the medical staff and military personnel. "Thank you for your work. It is challenging work that is not covered by the media and is not on air. But it is vital because you bring our guys back to life. Thank you and take care of yourselves," he said. Infineon wins prestigious award in the category Electrical Engineering and Electronics. The company makes significant progress in implementing its ambitious sustainability strategy. German Sustainability Award is Europe s largest award for ecological and social commitment. Infineon Technologies AG has won the German Sustainability Award in the Electrical Engineering and Electronics category. The jury is of the opinion that Infineon has assumed a leading role in the field of sustainability and serves the sector as a beacon for successful transformation, the judges said in their statement. The German Sustainability Award recognizes companies which make effective and exemplary contributions to transformation and which function as role models within their industry. We are particularly honored and delighted to win the German Sustainability Award, said Elke Reichart, Member of the Management Board and Chief Digital and Sustainability Officer at Infineon, who accepted the award in Duesseldorf. We at Infineon work hard to drive decarbonization and digitalization and to create a more sustainable future. This award is recognition, as well as an incentive to be a role model in sustainability and to continue rigorously implementing our ambitious sustainability strategy together with our employees, customers and partners. Infineon is pursuing a comprehensive and ambitious decarbonization strategy. The company is making good progress towards the goal it defined in 2020: achieving climate neutrality by 2030. Since then, emissions have been reduced by more than two thirds while revenue has almost doubled. Moreover, Infineon is intensifying its collaboration along the entire supply chain. As a pioneer in its industry, Infineon this year began reporting emissions at the individual product level, referred to as the Product Carbon Footprint. The data is already available for half of all Infineon products today. Infineon s semiconductors are decisive in making the generation, transmission, storage and use of energy more efficient. A recent example of sustainable product innovation by Infineon is a new type of energy-saving silicon carbide (SiC) module, whose developers were nominated for the 2024 Deutscher Zukunftspreis. The solution increases the energy efficiency of existing high-performance electrical applications such as solar and wind power plants and train drives. Among other things, the module also facilitates the efficient electrification of large drives such as those found in agricultural and construction machinery, ships and aircraft. In concrete terms, a single electric locomotive equipped with the new drive system saves around 300 megawatt hours per year, which corresponds to the annual energy requirements of 100 single-family homes. The German Sustainability Award is Europe s largest award for ecological and social commitment. The jury of the German Sustainability Award (DNP) selected winners in 100 different sectors from among around 2000 competing companies. The German Sustainability Award works together with the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), WWF Germany, PwC Germany, Leuphana University Luneburg (CSM Luneburg) and numerous other industry associations to design and implement the competition. Learn more about the 2024 Sustainability Report of Infineon here (https://www.infineon.com/dgdl/Sustainability+at+Infineon+2024.pdf?fileId=8ac78c8b92bced620193690fe6b8008a). About Infineon Infineon Technologies AG is a global semiconductor leader in power systems and IoT. Infineon drives decarbonization and digitalization with its products and solutions. The Company had around 58,060 employees worldwide (end of September 2024) and generated revenue of about 15 billion in the 2024 fiscal year (ending 30 September). Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the OTCQX International over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: IFNNY). Further information is available at https://www.infineon.com/ Follow us:X (https://twitter.com/Infineon)- Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Infineon)- LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/infineon-technologies) Press contact: Diana Kaaserer diana.kaaserer@infineon.com Original-Content von: Infineon Technologies AG, ubermittelt durch news aktuell Top telescope pick! (Image credit: Celestron) Looking for a telescope for the next night sky event? We recommend the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ as the top pick for basic astrophotography in our best beginner's telescope guide. The night sky tonight and on any clear night offers an ever-changing display of fascinating objects you can see, from stars and constellations to bright planets, the moon , and sometimes special events like meteor showers. Observing the night sky can be done with no special equipment, although a sky map can be very useful, and a good telescope or binoculars will enhance some experiences and bring some otherwise invisible objects into view. You can also use astronomy accessories to make your observing easier, and use our Satellite Tracker page powered by N2YO.comto find out when and how to see the International Space Station and other satellites . We also have a helpful guide on how you can see and track a Starlink satellite train. You can also capture the night sky by using any of the best cameras for astrophotography, along with a selection of the best lenses for astrophotography. Read on to find out what's up in the night sky tonight (planets visible now, moon phases, observing highlights this month) plus other resources (skywatching terms, night sky observing tips and further reading) Related: The brightest planets in March's night sky: How to see them (and when) Monthly skywatching information is provided to Space.com by Chris Vaughan of Starry Night Education, the leader in space science curriculum solutions. Follow Starry Night on Twitter @StarryNightEdu and Chris at @Astrogeoguy Editor's note: If you have an amazing skywatching photo and would like to share them with Space.com's readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com. Calendar of observing highlights Saturday, March 1 - Earthshine moon with Mercury and Venus (after sunset) Earthshine moon with Mercury and Venus (after sunset) (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) The western sky after sunset on Saturday, March 1, will provide us with a spectacular sight and a lovely photo opportunity. The sliver of a crescent moon will shine below Venus and above Mercury. Venus and the moon will linger for about an hour longer after Mercury sinks below the rooftops around 6:30 p.m. local time. Keep an eye out for Earthshine on the moon . Sometimes called the Ashen Glow or the Old Moon in the New Moon's Arms, the phenomenon is visible within a day or two of new moon , when sunlight reflected off Earth and back toward the moon slightly brightens the unlit portion of the moon's Earth-facing hemisphere. A backyard telescope will reveal that Venus also has a crescent phase, while Mercury will show a gibbous shape. Monday, March 3 - Mare Crisium (evening) Mare Crisium (evening) (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) On Monday evening, March 3, the pretty crescent of the young moon will host the dark oval of Mare Crisium. This 345-mile (556-kilometer) diameter basin is easy to see using your unaided eyes, binoculars, and any telescope. It is located near the eastern edge of the moon, just north of the moon's equator (the up-down red curve). The wobble of the moon, known as lunar libration, shifts Mare Crisium higher and lower, and closer and farther from the moon's edge at various times Wednesday, March 5 - Half-Moon with Jupiter and the Pleiades (evening) Half-Moon with Jupiter and the Pleiades (evening) (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) On Wednesday evening, March 5, after dusk, the nearly half-illuminated moon will shine to the lower right (or celestial northwest) of the brilliant planet Jupiter. The bright little Pleiades Star Cluster, which is best viewed in binoculars (orange circle), will be positioned about a palm's width below the moon. Those viewing the trio later, or in more westerly time zones, will see the moon shifted closer to Jupiter and farther from the cluster. Look early, as they will set in the west around midnight local time. Thursday, March 6 - First Quarter Moon meets Elnath First Quarter Moon meets Elnath (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) The moon will complete the first quarter of its orbit around Earth, measuring from the previous new moon, on Thursday, March 6, at 11:32 a.m. EST or 8:32 a.m. PST or 16:32 GMT. At first quarter, the 90-degree angle formed by the Earth, sun, and moon will cause us to see our natural satellite as a half-moon with its eastern hemisphere illuminated. At this part of the lunar cycle, the moon always rises around noon and sets around midnight, allowing it to be seen in the afternoon daytime sky, too. The evenings surrounding first quarter are the best ones for viewing the lunar terrain when it is dramatically lit by low-angled sunlight. After dusk on Thursday evening, the bright star Elnath, which marks the northern horn tip of Taurus, the Bull, will shine just to the moon's upper left. Saturday, March 8 - Mercury at greatest eastern elongation near Venus (after sunset) Mercury at greatest eastern elongation near Venus (after sunset) (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) After sunset on the evenings surrounding Saturday, March 8, Mercury (orbit shown in red) stretches to its widest separation of 18.1 degrees east of the sun and also its maximum visibility for its current apparition. With Mercury positioned in the western sky above the nearly upright evening ecliptic (green line), this appearance of the planet will be an excellent one for Northern Hemisphere observers but a poor showing for observers located in the Southern Hemisphere. The optimal viewing times at mid-northern latitudes will be around 6:30 p.m. local time. Viewed in a telescope (inset), the planet will exhibit a waning, half-illuminated phase. Much brighter Venus, itself showing a slim crescent phase, will be positioned a generous palm's width to Mercury's upper right (or 7 degrees to the celestial north). Saturday, March 8 - Moon joins Mars in Gemini (all night) Moon joins Mars in Gemini (all night) (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) Once the sky darkens on Saturday evening, March 8, bright reddish Mars and Gemini's two brightest stars, Castor and Pollux, will appear around the bright gibbous moon. Mars and the moon will be close enough together to share the view in a backyard telescope or binoculars (orange circle). The "twin" stars will shine off to their left (or celestial northeast). As the night wears on, the moon's eastward orbital motion will carry it between Mars and Pollux, and the diurnal rotation of the sky will rotate the twins above the moon and Mars . Sunday, March 9 - Daylight Saving Time Begins Daylight Saving Time Begins (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) For jurisdictions that adopt Daylight Saving Time (DST), clocks should be set forward by one hour at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, March 9. For stargazers, the time change and the fact that sunsets occur 1 minute later each day near the March equinox will mean that dark-sky observing cannot commence until much later in the evening possibly after the bedtime of junior astronomers. The difference from local time to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the astronomers' Universal Time (UT) decreases by one hour when DST is in effect. Daylight Saving Time will end on November 2, 2025. Tuesday, March 11 - Bright moon near Regulus (all night) Bright moon near Regulus (all night) (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) Once the sky begins to darken on Tuesday, March 11, the bright, white star Regulus, which marks the heart of Leo, the Lion, will appear several finger widths below the bright, waxing gibbous moon close enough for them to share the view in binoculars (orange circle). Early risers on Wednesday morning can look above the western horizon to see the moon shining much closer to the star. Also designated Alpha Leonis, Regulus' position less than one degree north of the ecliptic (green line) causes it to be occasionally occulted by the moon and planets. The white, B-class star is located 79 light-years away from our sun. Wednesday, March 12 - Venus dances with Mercury (after sunset) Venus dances with Mercury (after sunset) (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) In the western sky, after sunset on the evenings surrounding Wednesday, March 12, the inner planets Mercury and Venus will dance with one another. Both planets will be swinging sunward in their orbits and dropping lower night over night. Mercury and much brighter Venus to its right will be cozy enough to share the view in binoculars (orange circle) from March 8 onward. At closest approach on Wednesday, they will be 5.5 degrees apart. Good binoculars or a backyard telescope will show that Venus has a very slim, 5%-illuminated crescent phase (inset), while Mercury will be smaller and 26%-illuminated. Friday, March 14 - Full Crow Moon and Total Lunar Eclipse Full Crow Moon and Total Lunar Eclipse (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) The moon will reach its full phase on Friday, March 14, at 2:55 a.m. EDT or 06:55 GMT, which converts to 11:55 p.m. PDT on Thursday, March 13. To a casual glance, the moon will appear full on both Thursday and Friday night. The March full moon, known as the Worm Moon, Crow Moon, Sap Moon or Lenten Moon, always shines in or near the stars of Leo or Virgo. The indigenous Ojibwe people of the Great Lakes region call this full moon Ziissbaakdoke-giizis "Sugar Moon" or Onaabani-giizis, the "Hard Crust on the Snow Moon". For them, it signifies a time to balance their lives and to celebrate the new year. The Cree of North America call it Mikisiwipisim, the "the Eagle Moon" - the month when the eagle returns. The Cherokee call it Anvyi, the "Windy Moon", when the planting cycle begins anew. This full moon will pass directly through the Earth's umbral shadow, producing a total lunar eclipse visible across the Americas and a partial eclipse in the Pacific and western Europe and Africa. The lower left (southwestern) rim of the full moon will start its trip through the weaker penumbral shadow at 11:57 p.m. EDT on Thursday (03:57 GMT), very slightly darkening it. The first "bite" out of the moon will appear when it contacts the central umbra at 1:09 a.m. EDT (05:09 GMT). It will be fully darkened into a reddened, so-called " Blood Moon " from 2:26 to 3:32 a.m. EDT (06:26 to 07:32 GMT). The moon will finally move clear of the Earth's umbral shadow at the final "bite" time of 4:48 a.m. EDT (8:48 GMT) on Friday morning. Lunar eclipses are completely safe to view and photograph without filters. This lunar eclipse will be followed two weeks later by a partial solar eclipse on March 29 . Saturday, March 15 - Bright moon approaches Spica (all night) Bright moon approaches Spica (all night) (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) After the bright, waning gibbous moon clears the rooftops in the southeast during mid-evening on Saturday, March 15, Virgo's brightest star, Spica will be twinkling to its lower left (or celestial east). As the night wears on, the moon will drift closer to the star while Earth's rotation carries them west. Before sunrise on Sunday morning, the star will have shifted to the moon's upper left. On Sunday evening, skywatchers in a zone stretching from eastern Africa and south across the Indian Ocean to southeastern Australia can watch the moon occult Spica. Lunar occultations of stars are safe to observe with unaided eyes, binoculars, and telescopes. Use an app like Starry Night to look up the timings where you live. Sunday, March 16 - Evening Zodiacal Light (after dusk) Evening Zodiacal Light (after dusk) (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) If you live in a location where the sky is free of light pollution, you might be able to spot the Zodiacal Light during the two weeks that precede the new moon on March 29. Starting on Sunday, March 16, after the evening twilight has faded, you'll have about half an hour to check the western sky for a broad wedge of faint light extending upward from the horizon and centered on the ecliptic below the planet Jupiter. That glow is the zodiacal light - sunlight scattered from countless small particles of material that populate the plane of our solar system . Don't confuse it with the brighter Milky Way, which extends upwards from the northwestern horizon in the evening at this time of year. Thursday, March 20 - March Equinox March Equinox (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) On Thursday, March 20, at 4:01 a.m. EDT or 1:01 a.m. PDT and 09:01 GMT, the sun will cross the celestial equator traveling north, marking the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere and the beginning of northern spring. Days and nights will be of equal length on that day, and the sun will rise due east and set due west. At mid-northern latitudes on the March equinox, the amount of daylight added to each day peaks at 3 minutes. Thursday, March 20 - Moon shines near Antares (pre-dawn) Moon shines near Antares (pre-dawn) (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) In the southern sky on Thursday morning, March 20, early-morning sky-watchers can see the bright, waning gibbous moon shining several finger-widths to the right of Antares , the bright, reddish star that marks the heart of the Scorpion. The duo will be cozy enough to share the view in binoculars (orange circle). Observers located in most of Australia, southern New Zealand, and westernmost Antarctica can watch the moon occult Antares with unaided eyes, binoculars, and telescopes. Use an app like Starry Night to look up the timings where you live. Saturday, March 22 - Third Quarter Moon Third Quarter Moon (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) The moon will reach its third quarter phase on Saturday, March 22, at 6:29 a.m. EST, 3:29 a.m. PST or 11:29 GMT. Third quarter moons rise around midnight in your local time zone, and then remain visible in the morning daytime sky. At third, or last, quarter the moon is 50%-illuminated on its western side, towards the pre-dawn sun. The week of dark, moonless evening skies that follow this phase are ideal for observing deep sky targets in binoculars and telescopes, especially springtime galaxies. Sunday, March 23 - Earth crosses Saturn's ring plane (pre-dawn) Earth crosses Saturn's ring plane (pre-dawn) (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) On Sunday, March 23, Earth 's orbit will carry us from the north side to the south side of the plane defined by Saturn's rings, an event that happens every fourteen to seventeen Earth years. On that date, the planet's very thin rings will effectively vanish for a number of hours, leaving the planet as a simple, unadorned globe. During the days and weeks surrounding the crossing, the rings appear through backyard telescopes as a thin line drawn through Saturn . Unfortunately, this crossing will occur while Saturn is only 10 degrees from the pre-dawn sun and well below the slanted morning ecliptic for observers at mid-northern latitudes. Those viewing Saturn from mid-southern latitudes will have the best chance to see Saturn without rings, but the view will be hampered by morning twilight and atmospheric turbulence and haze over the eastern horizon. The next ring plane crossing will be in October 2038, when Saturn will be 28 degrees from the morning sun. Saturday, March 29 - New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) The March new moon will occur on Saturday, March 29, at 6:58 a.m. EDT, 3:58 a.m. PDT, and 10:58 GMT. This new moon will also produce a very deep partial solar eclipse visible across the northeastern USA and Canada, Greenland, most of Europe, northwestern Africa, and northern Russia. After the moon's penumbral shadow first contacts Earth at 08:50:43 GMT in the Atlantic Ocean north of Belem, Brazil, it will sweep northwestward through the New England states and the Canadian Maritimes, across Quebec and Nunavut, then over the pole and southward through northern Russia until it lifts off Earth north of Krasnoyarsk at 12:43:45 GMT. The instant of greatest eclipse, with the moon blocking 94% of the sun's diameter, will occur on the northeastern coast of Hudson Bay, Canada, just after sunrise at 6:47 a.m. EDT or 10:47:27 GMT. This new moon will also generate large tides worldwide. Monday, March 31 - Earthshine moon below Jupiter (after sunset) Earthshine moon below Jupiter (after sunset) (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) In the western sky after sunset on Monday, March 31, the very slender crescent of the young moon will resemble the Cheshire Cat's smile when it shines below bright Jupiter and the Pleiades Star Cluster setting up a wonderful wide-field photo opportunity. Uranus will be positioned between them but will not be easily seen without a telescope. Watch for Earthshine on the moon. Sometimes called the Ashen Glow or the Old Moon in the New Moon's Arms, the phenomenon is visible within a day or two of new moon, when sunlight reflected off Earth and back toward the moon slightly brightens the unlit portion of the moon's Earth-facing hemisphere. Visible planets in March Mercury Mercury will spend the first two weeks of March shining with far brighter Venus. (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) Mercury will spend the first two weeks of March shining with far brighter Venus above the western horizon after sunset. This will be Mercury's best evening apparition of the year for Northern Hemisphere observers but a poor one for those viewing the innermost planet from mid-southern latitudes. Mercury will achieve only an 18-degree separation from the sun at gits reatest elongation on March 8. After mid-month, Mercury will fade into the twilight, pass the sun at inferior solar conjunction on March 24, and join the eastern pre-dawn sky for April. From mid-northern latitudes, the optimal window for seeing Mercury in early March will be 7:30 p.m. local time. Mercury's orbital motion between Earth and the sun during March will cause the planet to steadily decrease in apparent brightness while its illuminated phase in a telescope (only after the sun has completely set), will decrease from 72%-full gibbous to a slender crescent. Its apparent disk size will almost double from 6.2 to 11 arc-seconds. On March 11-12, the dance of the inner planets will position Mercury less than a palm's width to Venus' left (or 5.6 degrees to its celestial southeast). On March 1, the very slim crescent moon will make a lovely sight when it shines above Mercury and to Venus' lower left. Venus Venus will end its lengthy domination of the western evening sky. (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) During March, brilliant Venus will end its lengthy domination of the western evening sky. On March 1, it will gleam at magnitude -4.75. Venus will share the early evening sky with less bright Mercury, passing less than 6 degrees to the upper right (or celestial northwest) of that planet on March 11-12. On March 1, the young crescent moon will make a lovely photo opportunity near both planets. Before Venus gets too low each evening, strong binoculars or a backyard telescope will show the planet's crescent phase waning from 14% to 3% illuminated and a disk that grows in size from 49.5 to 59 arc-seconds. Though it will begin in March, setting about 1.5 hours after sunset, the planet's sunward shift each day as it travels retrograde through Pisces will be so rapid that by mid-month, it will be completely embedded within twilight and increasingly harder to locate after sunset. Venus' very northerly declination will allow it to become visible above the eastern horizon just before sunrise a few mornings ahead of its passage of the sun at inferior conjunction on March 22-23. By month's end Venus will gleam brilliantly over the eastern horizon before sunrise. Mars Mars will spend March travelling slowly eastward through central Gemini. (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) Mars will spend March travelling slowly eastward through central Gemini while it serves as the right-hand (or southwestern) vertex of a triangle with Gemini's brightest stars, Castor and Pollux . The planet will be well-positioned for observation from dusk until the wee hours. As Mars recedes from Earth during March, the red planet will decrease in brightness from magnitude -0.26 to +0.44. Meanwhile, telescope views will show Mars' apparent disk size reducing from 10.8 to 8.2 arc-seconds and its illuminated phase waning to gibbous. On March 8, the bright, waxing gibbous moon will shine just to the upper left (or celestial north) of Mars. Jupiter Jupiter will be well-placed for evening observation during March. (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) The bright planet Jupiter will be well-placed for evening observation during March. The gas giant will gleam high in the southwestern sky after dusk and set in the hours after midnight. Jupiter will spend all month creeping eastward about a palm's width above (or about 6 degrees to the celestial northeast of) Taurus' brightest star, orange Aldebaran. Binoculars will reveal Jupiter's four large Galilean moons flanking the planet in different arrangements every night. A backyard telescope will show Jupiter's equatorial stripes on a disk that will decrease a little in size from 39.4 to 36.1 arc-seconds over the month, while a better quality instrument will reveal the Great Red Spot every 2nd or 3rd night, Jupiter's Galilean satellites frequently eclipsing and occulting one another, and times when they cast their round, black shadows on the planet. On March 4, a weekly series of double shadow transits that are visible in different parts of the world will commence. The waxing half-moon will shine near Jupiter on March 5 and 6. Saturn Saturn's rings will be obscured completely for a day or so on March 23. (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) Since Saturn will pass the sun at solar conjunction on March 12 while in eastern Aquarius, it will only be visible with difficulty from tropical latitudes in the opening and closing days of March. Earth will cross Saturn's ring plane on March 23, obscuring its thin rings completely for a day or so - but the planet will be only 10 degrees west of the sun in the eastern pre-dawn sky and virtually impossible to see. Uranus Uranus will be observable from dusk until late evening. (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) As March begins, magnitude 5.8 Uranus will be observable from dusk until late evening, but its observing window will shorten by about an hour over the month. The planet, which is visible in a backyard telescope or binoculars on moonless nights, will spend the month moving slowly eastwards near the Taurus - Aries border and about 7.5 degrees below (or celestial southwest) of the bright Pleiades Cluster. On March 4, the bright, waxing crescent moon will shine several finger widths to the right (or celestial north) of Uranus. Neptune Neptune will be hidden from view this month. (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) Neptune, in western Pisces, will be hidden from view during all of March. On March 20, it will pass the sun and enter the eastern pre-dawn sky, but the faint, magnitude 7.95 planet will not become observable again until the end of April. Skywatching terms Gibbous: Used to describe a planet or moon that is more than 50% illuminated. Asterism: A noteworthy or striking pattern of stars within a larger constellation. Degrees (measuring the sky): The sky is 360 degrees all the way around, which means roughly 180 degrees from horizon to horizon. It's easy to measure distances between objects: Your fist on an outstretched arm covers about 10 degrees of sky, while a finger covers about one degree. Visual Magnitude: This is the astronomer's scale for measuring the brightness of objects in the sky. The dimmest object visible in the night sky under perfectly dark conditions is about magnitude 6.5. Brighter stars are magnitude 2 or 1. The brightest objects get negative numbers. Venus can be as bright as magnitude minus 4.9. The full moon is minus 12.7 and the sun is minus 26.8. Terminator: The boundary on the moon between sunlight and shadow. Zenith: The point in the sky directly overhead. Night sky observing tips Adjust to the dark: If you wish to observe fainter objects, such as meteors, dim stars, nebulas , and galaxies, give your eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Avoid looking at your phone's bright screen by keeping it tucked away. If you must use it, set the brightness to minimum or cover it with clingy red film. Light Pollution: Even from a big city, one can see the moon, a handful of bright stars, and the brightest planets - if they are above the horizon. But to fully enjoy the heavens especially a meteor shower, the fainter constellations , or to see the amazing swath across the sky that is the disk of our home galaxy, the Milky Way rural areas are best for night sky viewing. If you're stuck in a city or suburban area, use a tree or dark building to block ambient light (or moonlight) and help reveal fainter sky objects. If you're in the suburbs, simply turning off outdoor lights can help. Prepare for skywatching: If you plan to be outside for more than a few minutes, and it's not a warm summer evening, dress more warmly than you think is necessary. An hour of winter observing can chill you to the bone. For meteor showers, a blanket or lounge chair will prove to be much more comfortable than standing, or sitting in a chair and craning your neck to see overhead. Suspect freed from custody over suicide capsule death in Switzerland Geneva, Dec 2 (AFP) Dec 02, 2024 A man held since September over the death of a US woman inside a controversial suicide capsule in Switzerland was released from custody Monday, though he remains under suspicion. A 64-year-old woman took her own life on September 23 inside the space-age looking Sarco capsule at a Swiss woodland retreat, outside a village near the German border. Several people were arrested at the scene, with all but one being quickly released. The public prosecutor in the northern canton of Schaffhausen did not name the remaining suspect in custody. However, The Last Resort, an assisted dying organisation, had recently said the association's co-president Florian Willet -- the only other person present at the death -- was the man still being held. The public prosecutor's office said in a statement that it had originally opened criminal proceedings on the grounds of incitement and aiding and abetting suicide, with strong suspicion of intentional homicide. "Based on the latest investigation status, there is still a strong suspicion of the crime of incitement and aiding and abetting suicide, but no longer of intentional homicide, even if the autopsy report... is not yet available," it said. "The public prosecutor's office has therefore released the last detained person from custody," it said, adding: "The presumption of innocence applies." - Pod fills with nitrogen - The Last Resort presented the Sarco pod in Zurich in July, saying they expected it to be used for the first time within months. The capsule fills with nitrogen and causes loss of consciousness and death by hypoxia within five minutes, according to the organisation. The portable human-sized pod, self-operated by a button inside, has raised a host of legal and ethical questions in Switzerland. Active euthanasia is banned in the country but assisted dying has been legal for decades. Swiss law generally allows assisted suicide if the person commits the lethal act themselves, and The Last Resort said it saw no legal obstacle to its use in the country. However, on the same day the Sarco was used, Switzerland's Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider told lawmakers that the device was "not legal". The Last Resort said the person who died -- who was not named -- was a 64-year-old woman from the midwestern United States. She "had been suffering for many years from a number of serious problems associated with severe immune compromise", the organisation said. The Sarco was invented by Philip Nitschke, a leading global figure in right-to-die activism. The 3D-printable capsule cost more than 650,000 euros ($680,000) to research and develop in the Netherlands over 12 years. The organisation said future reusable Sarco pods could cost around 15,000 euros. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz discussed additional strengthening of the Ukrainian air defense during a meeting in Kyiv. "Today, we also discussed with the Chancellor additional strengthening of the Ukrainian air shield and air defense systems that Germany is helping us with," Zelenskyy said at a joint press conference with Scholz on Monday. The head of state also thanked Germany for the announced defense assistance package worth EUR 650 million. According to Zelenskyy, the aid package names not only its volume, but also a clear delivery schedule December this year. Lebanon army says Israeli drone hits post in east, wounding soldier Beirut, Lebanon, Dec 2 (AFP) Dec 02, 2024 Lebanon's army said an Israeli drone strike wounded one of its soldiers in the eastern region of Hermel on Monday, the latest such raid since an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire last week. "An enemy drone struck an army bulldozer at a position, injuring one soldier," the army said, five days after a ceasefire ended more than a year of war between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah armed group. The ceasefire deal, which was intended to end the more than year-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, went into effect early on Wednesday. The deal has reduced the level of fighting, but Israel has launched multiple strikes against targets it says were violating the truce. As part of the terms of the agreement, the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers will deploy in southern Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws over a period of 60 days. Hezbollah is also meant to withdraw its forces north of the Litani river, about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border, and dismantle its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Israel stepped up its campaign in south Lebanon in late September after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges begun by Hezbollah in support of its ally Hamas following the Palestinian group's October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel. Chad not seeking to 'replace' France after breaking military ties: president N'Djamena, Dec 2 (AFP) Dec 02, 2024 Chad's president has said his country does not plan to shift allegiance to another foreign ally after breaking off military cooperation with France, at a time when other states in the region are strengthening ties with Russia. General Mahamat Idriss Deby spoke after Thursday's announcement that Chad was scrapping a defence accord with the former colonial power, removing France's last foothold in the Sahel region. "Chad is in no way seeking to replace one power with another, much less intending to change masters," Deby told reporters on Sunday. The move aimed "to refocus our partnership with France on other areas that will have a more positive impact on our respective people's daily lives," Deby said. He said Chad's military accords with France had become "obsolete" and did not match the "political and strategic realities of our time". "Chad will continue to play its full role and take its place at the heart of initiatives for strengthening peace and security on the African continent." France was forced in 2022 and 2023 to remove its troops from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger after military leaders close to Moscow took over in those countries. Deby has sought closer ties with Moscow in recent months, but talks to strengthen economic cooperation with Russia have yet to bear concrete results. The landlocked central African nation faces a threat from Boko Haram and other militant groups. It borders the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya and Niger, all of which host Russian paramilitary forces from the Wagner group. strs-cld/rlp/js Angola to host summit in DR Congo and Rwanda peace process Luanda, Dec 2 (AFP) Dec 02, 2024 Ceasefire-broker Angola will host a summit on December 15 to advance peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda about the DRC's troubled east, the presidency said on Monday. Since 2021 the Kigali-backed and largely ethnic Tutsi M23 rebel militia has seized swathes of the eastern DRC, displacing thousands and triggering a humanitarian crisis. Angola in early August mediated a fragile truce that stabilised the situation at the front line. But since the end of October, the M23 has been on the march again, and continued to carry out localised offensives. Despite violations of the ceasefire, the DRC and Rwanda are maintaining diplomatic dialogue through Angola's mediation. Early in November, the two central African neighbours launched a committee to monitor ceasefire violations, led by Angola and including representatives from both the DRC and Rwanda. "As part of ongoing efforts to find a lasting solution" to the conflict, Angolan President Joao Lourenco decided to organise the summit, which will take place in the capital Luanda. Kinshasa and Kigali last week approved a concept of operations document, a "key instrument" supposed to set out the terms by which Rwandan troops will disengage from Congolese territory, according to Angola's foreign ministry. The plan, used by the military to set the timeline of an operation and the organisation of its resources, will guide the implementation of the harmonised plan intended to bring peace between the two neighbours. A previous draft of the plan dated in August sets out the dismantling of a militia created by former ethnic Hutu leaders involved in the Rwandan genocide in 1994 as a precondition for Rwanda withdrawing its troops. Often portrayed by Kigali as a threat to its security, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) is one of various disparate militias fighting alongside the Congolese armed forces against the M23. For the past three decades, the DRC's mineral-rich east has been plagued by internal and cross-border violence. Malian army kills members of new separatist alliance Bamako, Dec 2 (AFP) Dec 02, 2024 The Malian army has killed a leader and several members of a newly formed separatist rebel coalition operating in the volatile north of the country, according to information from both sides. The army said in a statement on Monday that it had "neutralised" eight men, which it described as "high-ranking terrorist operatives, during a large-scale operation carried out in Tinzaouatene" near the Algerian border a day earlier. A new alliance of mainly Tuareg-led armed separatist rebels on Sunday reported the deaths of seven of the eight suspects named by the army, including one of the coalition's leaders Fahad Ag Almahmoud. The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) said its members were killed in "synchronised drone strikes". Azawad is the name of the territory claimed by the separatists in northern Mali. The FLA had been created a day earlier in Tinzaouatene with the dissolution and merger of several separatist and pro-independence groups. The alliance describes itself as a "politico-military entity" with "the objective of leading to the total liberation of Azawad". The separatists resumed hostilities against the state and the army in 2023 as the United Nations stabilisation mission was pushed out by the ruling junta. The West African country has been ravaged by jihadist violence since 2012 and has been under military rule since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021. Dozens of Malian soldiers and fighters from the Russian paramilitary group Wagner were killed in Tinzaouatene at the end of July during fighting against separatist rebels and jihadists. The junta has vowed to restore Mali's sovereignty and stability, describing both jihadists and separatists as "terrorists". "These terrorists were involved in several targeted attacks against civilians and the FAMa (Malian Armed Forces)", the army said, referring to the eight separatists killed on Sunday. It added that Tinzaouatene was being used by separatist fighters "as a strategic base for the planning and execution of actions harmful to the security of the region". Sunday's operation "considerably reduced the operational potential of the terrorist group concerned", it said. Since 2023, armed separatist groups have lost control of several towns in the north, following an offensive by the Malian army that culminated in the capture of Kidal, a bastion of independence and a major sovereignty issue for the central government. bur-mk-sjd-lal/acc/ju Syrian Kurds arrive in safe areas after Turkish-backed offensive Beirut, Lebanon, Dec 2 (AFP) Dec 02, 2024 Syrian Kurds fleeing an onslaught by Ankara-backed groups that seized the town where they were living began arriving Monday in Kurdish-held safe areas further east, a local official said. The US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had said earlier on Monday that it was seeking to evacuate Kurdish civilians around Aleppo province to areas it controls. "A small batch of people has arrived in Tabqa. The remaining displaced people will arrive successively within hours," SDF spokesman Farhad Shami told AFP. He said a convoy of about 200 vehicles was headed for the Kurdish-held town. Syria has been locked in a civil war since 2011, following a crackdown on democracy protests by President Bashar al-Assad. The conflict morphed over time, drawing in foreign powers and jihadists, killing 500,000 people and displacing half of the population. Syria's Kurds have suffered multiple waves of displacement since 2011, and have again found themselves on the front lines in the latest violence. Last week, the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and allied factions launched a lightning offensive from northwestern Syria near the Turkish border, wresting swathes of territory from government control, including Syria's second city Aleppo. Days later, Turkish-backed groups launched an attack on the strategic Kurdish-held Tal Rifaat area. A Syria war monitor said late Sunday that around 200,000 Syrian Kurds were "besieged by pro-Turkey factions" who took over the town of Tal Rifaat and nearby villages in Aleppo province. And on Monday, the head of the SDF, Mazloum Abdi, said his organisation was looking to move Kurds living in Tal Rifaat and parts of Aleppo to areas under Kurdish control in Syria's northeast. "The situation in northwest Syria has developed rapidly and suddenly, with our forces facing intense attacks from multiple fronts," the SDF commander in chief said in a statement. "Following the collapse and withdrawal of the Syrian army and its allies, we intervened to establish a humanitarian corridor between our eastern regions, Aleppo, and the Tal Rifaat area, with the aim of protecting our people from potential massacres. "However, the attacks of the armed groups backed by the Turkish occupation have disrupted this corridor." Abdi said that despite the offensive, "our forces continue to resist to protect our people residing in the Kurdish neighbourhoods of Aleppo". Israel strikes Lebanon after Hezbollah claims first attack since truce Jerusalem, Dec 2 (AFP) Dec 02, 2024 Israel conducted air strikes in Lebanon on Monday after vowing retaliation for an attack claimed by Hezbollah, the militant group's first since a fragile ceasefire between the two sides took effect last week. Both Israel and Hezbollah faced accusations on Monday of breaching the truce, which came into force on Wednesday to end a war that has killed thousands in Lebanon and sparked mass displacements on both sides of the border. While the ceasefire has largely brought fighting to a halt, Israel launched strikes against targets it says were violating the agreement. On Monday, Hezbollah said it had launched an attack targeting an Israeli position in "the occupied hills of Kfar Shouba", in a disputed part of the border area between Israel and Lebanon. The Israeli army said that Hezbollah had launched two projectiles towards one of its posts in the area of Har Dov, Israel's term for the disputed Shebaa Farms. After the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of a "serious violation" and vowed to "respond forcefully". "We are determined to uphold the ceasefire and respond to any violation by Hezbollah, no matter how minor or serious," he said. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also vowed a "harsh response". Shortly afterwards, the Israeli military said it was "striking terror targets in Lebanon". Lebanon's official National News Agency reported strikes on areas of south Lebanon, where Hezbollah has long held sway, that are located around 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the border with Israel. - 'Aggressive actions' - Earlier in the day, Lebanon's powerful parliament speaker Nabih Berri, had accused Israel of violating the truce. "The aggressive actions carried out by Israeli occupation forces... represent a flagrant violation of the terms of the ceasefire agreement," said Lebanon's powerful parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who helped mediate the truce on behalf of ally Hezbollah. The fighting escalated after Israel moved its focus from Gaza to Lebanon in September to secure its northern border from Hezbollah attacks, dealing the Iran-backed Shiite Muslim movement a sequence of stunning blows. Also Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in a call of "the need for all sides to respect the ceasefire in Lebanon", the foreign ministry said. Saar rejected accusations that Israel had violated the truce. "We hear claims that Israel is violating the ceasefire understandings in Lebanon. On the contrary! Israel is enforcing them in response to Hezbollah's violations, which demand immediate action," he said in a statement. He also said Hezbollah had attempted to move weapons in southern Lebanon and their presence "south of the Litani river is the most basic violation of the understandings". Under the deal, Hezbollah must withdraw its fighters from areas south of the river, and dismantle its military infrastructure in the south. As part of the agreement, the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers will deploy in southern Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws over a period of 60 days. - 'Threats' - A committee involving France, UN peacekeepers, Israel, Lebanon and chaired by the United States is tasked with maintaining communication between the various parties and ensuring violations are identified and dealt with to avoid any escalation. "We ask the technical committee formed to monitor the implementation of this agreement where it stands on ongoing violations... that have exceeded 54 breaches," Berri added, urging it to "oblige Israel to stop its violations and withdraw from territories it occupies". The United States said Monday it believed that a ceasefire was still holding in Lebanon and that it was looking at potential violations. Israel escalated its campaign against Hezbollah in late September after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges launched by the militant group in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas and its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Earlier on Monday, Lebanon's health ministry said an Israeli strike killed one person in the country's south, while the Lebanese army said an Israeli drone wounded a soldier in the east. The Israeli military said it was "aware of reports regarding a soldier from the Lebanese military who was injured in one of the strikes and the incident is under investigation". Israel's army said was responding to "several acts by Hezbollah in Lebanon that posed a threat to Israeli civilians in violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon". burs-raz/ser People say Chengdu, home of giant pandas, is a city that you don't want to leave. Visiting giant pandas, drinking tea in a park, experiencing the relaxed slow life... Let's join Xinhua reporter Sandra Ahmed and find more about the beautiful China in Chengdu. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Ukraine is looking for ways to protect 20 more special facilities from Russian attacks as there are not enough air defense systems for the necessary protection due to dense missile strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said on Monday. "We talked with Olaf [German Chancellor Olaf Scholz] about strengthening air defense. [...] And I gave one example. I won't tell it to you publicly, because I don't want Russia to understand what I'm talking about. But I gave an example of how we are now looking to protect two dozen more special facilities. And we don't have enough, because of so dense missile strikes, we just don't have enough air defense systems," the Ukrainian head of state said at a joint press conference with Scholz in Kyiv. Zelenskyy also thanked Germany for its help in strengthening Ukrainian skies, but noted that the air defense systems provided were not enough. "The question is not about Germany. It is a matter of partners in principle. There are partners who keep air defense systems," he said. Six more children from the temporarily occupied territories were returned to Ukraine last week as part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative of the President, Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak said. "While in the temporarily occupied territories, these children were constantly under threat of deportation and psychological pressure, and 16-year-old boys were threatened with forced mobilization into the Russian army. The children say that in the occupied territories, it is normal practice for boys to be taken to the city without parental consent and registered for military service instead of going to school. One of the rescued boys often skipped classes for this reason, which saved him from receiving a summons. In addition, all children in schools were taught propaganda rather than science they were forced to sing the Russian anthem, learn history rewritten by Russia, and practice military training skills," Yermak said in his Telegram channel. He thanked Save Ukraine and other partners involved for organizing the rescue mission to return the children home and reunite them with their families. "Thousands of children are still in the temporarily occupied territories and on Russian territory. Returning them all home is our responsibility and the task of the president. We continue to work," Yermak said. Here are the Cyber Monday laptop deals you need to know about Best Cyber Monday deals on Lego sets you can still shop Best Cyber Monday 2024 travel deals to shop now Best coffee machine deals for Black Friday 2024 Best mattress deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024 This game-changing new commitment will boost the reach and the sustainability of the Multibank programme, one of the best tools we have to provide essential goods to the people who need them the most. I have always believed that companies have a responsibility to give back to the world; to do good, not just to do well. 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 And if you care so much about the sovereignty of the Falklands being in the hands of the Falkland Islanders, why not have a referendum of the Chagossians and ask them to settle who should have sovereignty over those islands? If it is to be a reprise of the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael governing partnership of the last mandate, one of the major questions is around the position of taoiseach, and whether the parties will once again take turns to hold the Irish premiership during the lifetime of the new government. It is narrow, of course, and the bend on the descent is a bit sharp, but until now it has never been the cause of accidents of this seriousness. He claimed it was due to blackmail from the bloc, but many people worry that the administration is growing more autocratic and intends to forge deeper connections with Russia rather than Europe. You are the best thing that ever happened in my life. You take care of me. You help me see the good in everything. You help to guide me and pick me up when I feel off or down. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz discussed common opportunities to work with partners in the coming weeks and months. "Of course, we discussed our common opportunities for the coming weeks and months of work with the parties and with other partners, possible meetings, possible agreements. We must implement all opportunities to strengthen Ukraine, both at the front and in diplomacy," Zelenskyy said at a press conference with Scholz in Kyiv on Monday. According to him, it is essential for Ukraine that Germany, as the leader of support, does not reduce it in 2025, in particular, financial support, "and this will be the right signal for all our other partners." Photo: president.gov.ua Germany will deliver the sixth IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine, as well as launchers for the Patriot system in December of this year, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said. "Support for air defense remains central to us. We have already delivered five IRIS-T systems, three Patriots, more than 50 Gepards.... And we want the military assistance we provide, including in the area of air defense and military assistance, to be exactly that. The sixth IRIS-T system will be delivered in December, as well as launchers for the Patriot," Scholz said at a press conference in Kyiv following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Scholz also stressed that Germany is unwavering in its support for Ukraine and will not reduce its assistance. He added that Russia's shelling of Ukraine's energy infrastructure is "unacceptable," which is why Germany has provided Ukraine with urgent winter support. The German Chancellor said the total amount of aid provided by Germany to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion is about EUR 28 billion. In particular, five complete IRIS-T sets, three Patriot systems, more than 50 Gepard anti-aircraft mounts with missiles, shells and spare parts have been transferred to strengthen the air defense. "In 2025, we will also supply air defense systems, howitzers, combat and reconnaissance drones. In addition, six armed Sea King helicopters. I say this very clearly to Putin here in Kyiv today: we do not get tired. And we will support Ukraine as long as it is needed," Scholz said. It is essential for Ukraine that Germany does not reduce its support next year Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy notes the importance of sanctions pressure on Russia and maintaining Germany's support for Ukraine next year. "All opportunities to strengthen Ukraine both at the front and in diplomacy must be realized. This also concerns the level of support for Ukraine it is essential for us that Germany, as the leader of support, does not reduce it next year, and, in particular, financial support this will be the right signal for all partners," Zelenskyy said in Telegram on Monday evening following a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. "We must also continue the pressure of sanctions on Russia for the war Putin must not be allowed to adapt to the pressure," the head of the Ukrainian state said. He also said the key to security on the continent "is geopolitical certainty," which "most European nations already have, but which has not yet been ensured for Ukraine." A total of 744,350 voters cast their ballots in the diaspora by Monday at 3:00 AM in the parliamentary elections, according to real-time data provided by the Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP). According to AEP, from the opening of the polls on Friday at 8:00 PM until Monday at 3:00 AM, 770,138 Romanian citizens turned out to vote, and 4,343 voters cast their ballots by mail, bringing the total number of votes cast abroad to 774,481. The highest number of Romanian voters was in the United Kingdom - 142,100, Italy - 128,302, Germany - 122,389, Spain - 95,364, and the Republic of Moldova - 81,021. Additionally, 39,079 Romanian citizens voted in France, 34,357 in Belgium, and 26,957 in Austria. In the diaspora, voting by mobile ballot is not allowed. The data is presented in real-time on the website www.roaep.ro. Voting in the diaspora for the parliamentary elections took place over two days, Saturday and Sunday, according to local hours. The Ministry of Finance on Monday attracted 710.3 million RON from banks, through a benchmark government bond issue with a residual maturity of 53 months, at an average yield of 7.17% per annum, according to data published by the National Bank of Romania (BNR). The nominal value of the additional issue amounted to 500 million RON and banks submitted bids amounting to 985.3 million RON. The Ministry of Finance planned to borrow 5 billion RON from commercial banks in December 2024, to which 600 million RON can be added through additional non-competitive bidding sessions related to bond auctions. The total amount of 5.6 billion RON is 895 million RON lower than the 6.495 billion RON scheduled in November 2024 and will be used to refinance public debt and finance the state budget deficit. Kharkiv Tractor Plant will soon present the second modified version of the domestic demining machine. As Deputy Head of Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Yevhen Ivanov reported at the second mine action conference in Ukraine on Monday, three specialized machines, which were developed, certified and are being produced at , Kharkiv Tractor Plant are involved in demining in the region. Their production was made possible thanks to the support of the UN World Food Programme and the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD Ukraine). "This is truly the first successful case in the country, when a mine-clearing machine was developed, certified and put into production from start to finish. Next week, a modified version of this machine will be presented. We are not stopping. And there are already developments, which are being joined by our other enterprises, which were previously engaged in civil engineering. There will be more machines," Ivanov assured. The deputy head of the region drew attention to the fact that the cost of Ukrainian-made mine-clearing machines is on average EUR 120,000, while foreign analogues are EUR 600,000-700,000 and more. Ivanov attributed the availability of all necessary spare parts in the country and the possibility of prompt repair to the advantages of domestic special equipment. "If it takes months to repair imported equipment, we take weeks. All spare parts are available We have resources, we have people, and we have coordination. More special equipment means saving, first of all, the lives of our deminers, our civilian specialists," Ivanov summed up and added that the frontline regions of Ukraine really need more resources and more equipment for demining. As reported, in 2023, Kharkiv Tractor Plant developed, certified and launched into production a model of a demining machine based on the T-150 tracked tractor. The city of Oradea was represented, from November 29 to December 1, at the largest tourism fair in Poland - Tour and Travel Warsaw, Visit Oradea informed in a press release on Monday. According to the source, Romania, as an official partner of the 30th edition, benefited from a stand strategically located at the main entrance of the fair, an initiative carried out with the support of the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism. The 215-square-meter stand hosted 21 co-exhibitors, including local organizations, public authorities and tour-operators, with the aim of promoting a complete and authentic image of Romania. The official opening ceremony was attended by the Romanian Ambassador to the Republic of Poland, Cosmin Onisii. One of the key attractions presented to visitors was the direct flights between Oradea and Warsaw, introduced in June this year. This connection facilitates the access of Polish tourists to Oradea and positions the city as a top destination for city breaks. "It is an honor for us to be present at the Romanian stand, especially now, when Oradea and Warsaw are closer than ever. Starting this year, we have direct flights between Oradea and Warsaw, operated four times a week, which makes it even easier for Polish tourists to discover the beauties of the city," said Renata Usvat, marketing specialist at Visit Oradea, on the main stage of the fair. The Romanian stand was enlivened by the Folk Ensemble "Bihorul", which offered authentic artistic moments throughout the fair, very much appreciated by the visitors. President Hotels & Resort Baile Felix was also present at the stand, promoting Baile Felix as a SPA and recreation center. Attendees were invited to discover the resort's modern facilities and the benefits of the thermal waters in this area, highlighting Baile Felix as a perfect complementary destination for Oradea. Romania's National Day, December 1, was celebrated with a special moment on the main stage, with the Romanian State Anthem being sung by the entire Romanian delegation at the Romanian stand and Romanian dishes being tasted by the fair visitors. At the same time, the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, also on the occasion of Romania's National Day, displayed on all digital billboards of the outdoor campaign in Poland, the festive message "Happy Anniversary, Romania!". The campaign, launched on November 16 and active until December 15, 2024, promotes Romania as a tourist destination through attractive images and messages designed to boost visibility, as well as the interest of Polish tourists. Throughout the fair, a TVR International production team recorded the key moments from Romania's stand in order to broadcast them in a video on December 22, 2024. "By participating in this complex and prestigious event, Visit Oradea reaffirms its commitment to promoting Oradea as a first-class tourist destination, thus supporting the development of local tourism and attracting international tourists," the press release further specifies. Save Romania Union (USR) First Vice President Dominic Fritz declared on Monday that according to the parallel count, party leader Elena Lasconi would be 5,000 votes ahead of the Social Democratic candidate Marcel Ciolacu in the presidential election, with her margin widening compared to the initial report, inform agerpres.ro. "This is why we see no reason why the Constitutional Court could annul these elections. And it is really of utmost urgency that we are able to start campaigning for the second presidential round," the mayor of Timisoara city told a press conference held at the USR headquarters. Fritz reiterated USR's criticism of the vote recount decision, calling the process "non-transparent." He stressed, however, that there is "absolutely no indication" that the order validated by the first-round vote has changed. "We said it right from the start that this recount process is problematic, unnecessary and will not be able to somehow put to rest all the questions about these results. Precisely because it is a non-transparent process. At the moment, through the representatives we have, we are informed that Mrs. Lasconi is leading Mr. Ciolacu by over 5,000 votes. Yet we only have 50 representatives for 9 million votes... of course I cannot rule out that ballot bags will appear, or will vanish, that minutes will appear. That is precisely why we were clear from the beginning that this process should have been much more transparent," Fritz argued. Asked if the USR has contacted PSD to ask for their support for Elena Lasconi's presidential bid, he replied that the Save Romania Union is in contact "with the leaders of all parties," including PSD, and said that he expects PSD to continue on the pro-European path it has followed in recent years. "Despite all the criticism we have and have had against the PSD, the pro-European orientation of this party has never been questioned in recent years. And I expect that this clear line of the PSD - pro-Europe, pro-NATO - which was also visible in their foreign policy, in the government's stance towards Ukraine... this line should continue, and that hopefully the PSD does not try to copy the isolationists' strategies. Because, in the end, if they try to copy something, the people will vote for the original anyway," he specified. Dominic Fritz indicated that the USR will have official discussions with the PSD and the PNL to ensure the necessary support for Elena Lasconi, adding that such informal discussions are already taking place, because "the situation is much too serious for self-conceit to prevail." "As soon as we have the CCR ruling, Elena Lasconi and the USR team will hold talks with all the parties. And we won't engage in these discussions already drawing red lines to keep certain subjects off limits. We are going there with an open heart and with the firm desire to save Romania from a catastrophe. (...) We will engage in these discussions with maturity and responsibility for Romania. In the process, we will keep in mind that we did not win 30 - 40 or 50% of the vote, but just as much as we did. But it's not the allocation of government seats the most important thing today. We have a functional government, what is important is to have a president," Dominic Fritz declared. ST. LOUIS COUNTY A locally based water utility company has announced $325 million of debt financing from Brookfield, a global investment firm. Central States Water Resources said the money will go toward water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across its national footprint, helping fund projects and drive growth. The company owns and operates more than 900 water and wastewater systems. Central States Water Resources was founded in 2014 after its founder Josiah Cox received an MBA from Washington University. Now, its the fastest-growing investor-owned water utility in the United States, according to a news release. The company acquires and repairs water systems in Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, serving almost half a million customers. Cox said the firm is committed to investing in old and deteriorating water infrastructure, especially in small, underserved communities. This financing is a testament to the confidence Brookfield has in our mission to bring safe, reliable and environmentally responsible water resources to every community in the U.S., Cox said in a statement. Brookfield Asset Management is a Canadian-based global real estate investment firm with more than $1 trillion of assets under management. There is a history of under-investment in our water infrastructure, Eric Wittleder, deputy chief information officer of Brookfields infrastructure debt business, said in a statement. We are thrilled to partner with CSWR and look forward to working with them as they continue to tackle this issue, improving water quality and reliability for customers. RBC Capital Markets acted as the financial adviser, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius served as legal advisers to the utility company, while Paul Hastings was the lenders counsel. Central States Water Resources is headquartered in west St. Louis County. 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 Continuing with her promise to work both sides of the congressional aisle for solutions, U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski has landed a leadership role in a U.S. House group. Budzinski, a Democrat who represents part of the Metro East area, has been tabbed by colleagues to be the new vice chair for the New Democrat Coalitions policy committee. According to Budzinskis office, the group is composed of more than 100 Democrats, describing themselves as pragmatic, who are willing to work with Republicans to advance policies. Budzinski served as the Coalitions Freshman Leadership Representative for the 118th Congress. When first joining the House in 2023, Budzinski said in a statement that the coalition quickly became a home for me, both because of my incredible colleagues but also because of our practical, often bipartisan, approach to tackling our countrys toughest challenges. The committee is led by one of Budzinskis state mates, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, a Democrat from the northern Chicago suburbs. And nothing says working across the aisle better than bringing cash back to your home district. Before the Thanksgiving weekend, Budzinski stopped in Madison County to deliver funds aimed to improve water quality. A $5 million check went to expand the East Alton water treatment plant and bring it up to federal standards. Another check, for $850,000, was dropped on Wood River to help the city build a stormwater detention pond. JEFFERSON CITY A St. Louis County Republican wants Missourians to weigh in on abortion again after voters decided to enshrine reproductive rights in the state constitution last month. Rep. Justin Sparks, a Wildwood Republican who is mounting a bid for House speaker, filed a resolution Monday that would go before voters, asking them to block the right to an abortion. The move helps set the stage for the upcoming legislative session as Republicans debate how and whether to respond to voters after they overturned the GOP-backed abortion ban at the polls this year. Lawmakers arent set to return to action in Jefferson City until Jan. 8, meaning there wont be any immediate movement on Sparks proposal. Sparks measure came days before a Jackson County judge is set to hold a hearing on a lawsuit seeking to overturn Missouris abortion ban by Thursday, when Amendment 3 is to take effect. A 51.6% majority of Missouri voters supported Amendment 3 in the Nov. 5 election, creating the right to abortion up to fetal viability. Prior to the election, Sparks had sharply criticized House Majority Leader Jonathan Patterson, R-Lees Summit, for comments he made that legislators would respect the will of the voters on Amendment 3. After the election, Sparks announced he was challenging Patterson for speaker. Patterson, following a House GOP caucus meeting, later said Republicans would move forward with plans to address Amendment 3. If approved, Sparks constitutional amendment would say nothing in the state constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion. The Missouri Constitution protects a persons right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Sparks amendment would also say every in utero human child is a person. The legislative effort follows legal action by the states two Planned Parenthood chapters to overturn Missouris near-total ban. The day after the election, the states two Planned Parenthood chapters filed a lawsuit in Jackson County seeking to block Missouris ban on or before Thursday. A hearing on the case is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Jackson County. The Missouri attorney generals office is asking the court to dismiss Planned Parenthoods lawsuit. In a separate legal opinion, however, Attorney General Andrew Bailey said the amendment would generally forbid the state from enforcing its near-total ban. Amendment 3 followed Missouris implementation of a near-total abortion ban in June 2022 after the reversal of Roe v. Wade. The law approved by Republican legislators only allows for abortions in medical emergencies. In addition to Sparks resolution, state Rep. Brian Seitz filed bills Monday to ban abortion when a fetal heartbeat is detected and a measure to protect children born alive during or after an abortion or an attempted abortion. A third bill by Seitz would say unborn children are entitled to the same rights, powers, privileges, justice, and protections as are secured or granted by the laws of this state to any other human person. JEFFERSON CITY Although a judge last week upheld a 2023 state law banning some gender-transition medical care for minors, Republican lawmakers signaled Monday they arent done pushing for laws affecting transgender Missourians. On the first day to file legislation for the start of their annual session in January, GOP lawmakers filed at least five proposed changes in state law that could keep the controversial issue in the spotlight over the next five months. Included in the early mix are bills that would set tougher parameters for people to change their gender designation on state-issued drivers licenses, which became a flashpoint after a transgender woman in Ellisville sparked outrage for using a womens locker room at a private gym. Amid complaints about the process from conservative lawmakers, Gov. Mike Parsons administration altered its policy for changing the gender marker on licenses, making the process harder by requiring a court order or proof of gender reassignment surgery. Rep.-elect Brandon Phelps, R-Warrensburg, and Rep. Justin Sparks, R-Wildwood, introduced separate measures, both of which would modify the process for changing gender designations on state-issued identity documents. Sparks, a member of a conservative faction in the House known as the Freedom Caucus, has launched a long-shot bid to become speaker of the chamber, arguing House Majority Leader Jon Patterson, R-Lees Summit, isnt conservative enough. Patterson, a Lees Summit physician, has been the House Republicans presumptive choice for speaker for the past year. Phelps proposal would require an applicant seeking to change the gender on their state ID to provide medical documentation or a court order to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Along with the drivers license proposal, Sparks has introduced legislation that would address the biological definition of male and female. Rep.-elect Cathy Jo Loy, R-Carthage, filed a similar bill named the Defining SEX Act. It defines a female as an individual who has a reproductive system that produces, transports, and utilizes eggs for fertilization. A male is an individual who produces, transports, and uses sperm for fertilization. Loy also has taken a page out of the Washington, D.C., playbook, calling for a change that would make bathrooms in the state Capitol for men or women only. Loys proposal follows U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican, who introduced a bill to ban transgender women from using facilities on federal property like bathrooms and locker rooms that dont correspond with the sex assigned at birth. I will be offering that as an amendment to the rules in January when I am sworn in! Loy posted on social media. Rep. Hardy Billington, a Poplar Bluff Republican who is on Pattersons leadership team, introduced House Bill 35, which modifies provisions relating to gender transition procedures. The ongoing focus comes just a week after a southern Missouri judge upheld a ban on gender-transition surgeries for children and teenagers younger than 18, as well as hormones and puberty blockers for minors who had not started those treatments as of August 2023. The law expires in August 2027. Most adults still are allowed to access gender-affirming health care under the Missouri law, but Medicaid wont cover it. Three parents from St. Louis County and their minor children who are transgender challenged the limits in a lawsuit filed last year. They argued the minors had been prevented from obtaining medically necessary and evidence-based care and that the government had usurped parental judgment and decision-making authority. Missouri is among at least 26 states that have adopted restrictions or bans on transgender care for minors. Federal judges have struck down the bans in Arkansas and Florida as unconstitutional, though a federal appeals court has stayed the Florida ruling. A judges orders is in place temporarily blocking enforcement of the ban in Montana. New Hampshire restrictions are to take effect in January 2025. New European Commissioner for Defense holds first conversation with Umerov New European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius of Lithuania spoke about his first conversation in office with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. "My first teleconference call with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov," Kubilius said on the X social network on Monday He noted that it was "a good exchange on a way forward as regards the military assistance to Ukraine." Kubilius pointed out that "Ukraine's ability to defend itself is a major input in Europe's readiness for the most extreme military contingencies." Kubilius, a former Lithuanian prime minister, is known as an advocate of aid to Ukraine, and became the first separate European Commissioner for Defense. Previously, this area of responsibility was combined with the position of the EU's top diplomat. It was previously reported that in his new position, Kubilius will work on developing the European Defence Union and increasing investment and industrial potential. Beiersdorf AG demonstrated resilience in recent trading, posting a modest gain of 0.79 percent to reach 123.78. The Hamburg-based consumer goods companys stock, while showing strength in daily trading, remains positioned significantly below its 52-week high of 147.80, yet comfortably above its annual low of 120.10. Despite a year-to-date decline of 5.21 percent, the company maintains a robust market capitalization of 30.7 billion, securing its position as a significant component of the DAX 40 index. Recent trading patterns have shown promising signals, with the stock generating a technical buy signal through the MACD indicator in late November, suggesting potential upward momentum. Analyst Projections and Dividend Expectations Market analysts maintain an optimistic outlook for Beiersdorf, with an average price target of 143.80, supported by multiple buy recommendations from industry experts. Financial projections for the current fiscal year anticipate earnings per share of 4.30, while shareholders can expect an increased dividend payment of 1.05, up from the previous years 1.00, reflecting confidence in the companys continued business development and financial stability. Ad Beiersdorf Stock: New Analysis 03 December Fresh Beiersdorf information released. Whats the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. Read our updated Beiersdorf analysis Beiersdorf AG demonstrated resilience in recent trading, posting a modest gain of 0.79 percent to reach 123.78. The Hamburg-based consumer goods companys stock, while showing strength in daily trading, remains positioned significantly below its 52-week high of 147.80, yet comfortably above its annual low of 120.10. Despite a year-to-date decline of 5.21 percent, the company maintains a robust market capitalization of 30.7 billion, securing its position as a significant component of the DAX 40 index. Recent trading patterns have shown promising signals, with the stock generating a technical buy signal through the MACD indicator in late November, suggesting potential upward momentum. Analyst Projections and Dividend Expectations Market analysts maintain an optimistic outlook for Beiersdorf, with an average price target of 143.80, supported by multiple buy recommendations from industry experts. Financial projections for the current fiscal year anticipate earnings per share of 4.30, while shareholders can expect an increased dividend payment of 1.05, up from the previous years 1.00, reflecting confidence in the companys continued business development and financial stability. Ad Fresh Beiersdorf information released. Whats the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends. A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning II performs during Misawa Air Fest at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 8, 2024. (Andre Medina/U.S. Air Force) This story has been corrected The U.S. Air Force will begin deploying F-35A Lightning II fighters to northeast Japan in spring 2026, according to a Misawa city base affairs official. The Pentagon in July announced plans to send 48 of the fifth-generation fighters to Misawa Air Base to replace 36 F-16 Fighting Falcons. The announcement gave no date for the arrival of the F-35As, the variant built for conventional takeoffs and landings. However, the Tohoku Defense Bureau, part of Japans Ministry of Defense, provided the deployment timeline to the local government last month, the city official told Stars and Stripes on Monday. Some Japanese government officials may speak to the press only on condition of anonymity. Misawas F-16s are scheduled to begin departing Misawa in summer, the official said by phone. The base will build infrastructure to support the new aircraft, but the city government hasnt been told about any change to the number of airmen at Misawa, the official said. A spokesman for Misawas 35th Fighter Wing, Capt. LeeRoy Stark, said by phone Monday that he was awaiting clearance from U.S. Forces Japan to comment. The wings two F-16 squadrons train to destroy enemy radar and missile launchers via precision bombing. Its a mission that would see them cross the Korean Demilitarized Zone to suppress North Korean air defenses if war broke out on the peninsula. Misawa, which the Air Force shares with the Japans Air Self-Defense Force, has been home to Japanese F-35As since 2018. The U.S. stealth jet deployment is part of a force modernization program in Japan that includes stationing 36 F-15EX Eagles on Okinawa as replacements for 48 F-15C/Ds and swapping a squadron of Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni with F-35C Lightning IIs. The plan, coordinated with the Japanese government, reflects over $10 billion of capability investments to enhance the U.S.-Japan Alliance, bolster regional deterrence, and strengthen peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, the Defense Department announced July 3. In South Korea, 7th Air Force is upgrading its F-16s with improved avionics closer to fifth-generation capabilities, and retiring its A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft and shifting its role onto Lightning IIs, F-16s and South Korean fighters, the Air Force said in November. The Pentagon in the 2022 National Defense Strategy identified China as a global pacing challenge and an aggressive presence in the East and South China seas. The Departments plan to station the Joint Forces most advanced tactical aircraft in Japan demonstrates the ironclad U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan and both countries shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, the statement said. The aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrives at its new homeport, Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Nov. 22, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan Two sailors assigned to the USS George Washington died within days of the aircraft carriers arrival at its new homeport in Japan, a ship spokesman confirmed Monday. The deaths of Petty Officer 2nd Class Cuyler Burnett Condon and Seaman Dimitri Isacc Morales are currently under investigation, USS George Washington spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Mark Langford said by email Monday. The aircraft carrier arrived at Yokosuka, home of the U.S. 7th Fleet, on Nov. 22. Condon, an electricians mate nuclear from Texas, was found unresponsive at a base hotel room on Nov. 22. Medical staff from U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka responded and pronounced Condon dead at the scene, Langford said. Morales, an electricians mate fireman, was found unresponsive somewhere off base in Yokosuka on Nov. 25. Local emergency responders declared Morales dead, Langford said. Our thoughts and prayers are with USS George Washingtons crewmembers and families following the loss of their Sailors, he wrote. Grief counseling and support services are available to the crew. The Naval Criminal Investigation Service is probing both deaths and is working with Japanese law enforcement on Morales case, Langford added. A spokesman for NCIS, headquartered in Quantico, Va., did not respond to email and phone queries early Monday. Yokosuka police officers responded to the scene of Morales death, a spokesman said by phone Monday. He declined to provide additional details since the case is under investigation. Some government officials in Japan are required to speak with the media only on condition of anonymity. Condon enlisted in the Navy in January 2019. He attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill., and underwent nuclear training before reporting to the George Washington in January 2021, according to a biography shared by Langford. Morales enlisted in July 2022 and trained at Great Lakes before reporting to the carrier in October 2023, according to his biography. (Noga Ami-rav/Stars and Stripes) Its never too soon to start making a list and checking it twice especially when its a list of books for military families. A list of this years new books includes gift ideas for kids and adults and features a diverse cast of characters: a patriotic rat, bilingual airplanes, letter writers, diplomats, moms, dads, soldiers, sailors, Marines and Muammar Gaddafi. Its quite a list. Read on and start making yours. Maggie the Military Rat by Monica Voicu Denniston is a picture book about a patriotic rat who wants to serve her country somehow. She becomes discouraged when shes told she isnt big enough to join the military. Shes also unwelcome in the kitchen and too small to write letters to deployed troops. However, Maggie eventually finds she is just the right size for friendship with a little girl whose military father is deployed. This hopeful book emphasizes the importance of friendship and encourages children with the message that their contributions matter, even if they seem small to the big world. Air Force pilot Teri Weber is the author of a new picture-book series called Operation Aviation (Operacion Aviacion) about military aircraft. Each of the three stories was released this year in both English and Spanish, with translations by Gabriella Aldeman. Fly with Mytai (Vuela con Maytai) is about an F-22 Raptor training with his team. Toad the Tanker (El Tanquecito introduces a KC-135 Stratotanker providing fuel to other aircraft. Moose on a Mission (La Mision de Alce) features a C-17 Globemaster carrying cargo around the world. The books also show other types of aircraft in action and how they interact and support one another. Readers in both languages are treated to rhyming stories in every book in this series. The Islanders: Shipwrecked, by Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May is the third book in a middle-grade adventure series featuring military kid Jake Potter. In this new book, Jake and his friends, Macon and Lovie, learn valuable lessons about survival and friendship when an afternoon boat trip turns dangerous. Shipwrecked is the sequel to NYT bestsellers, The Islanders and The Islanders: Search for Treasure. This chapter-book series is notable for its well-rounded portrayal of a military childs life, encompassing more than deployments and moves. Never Goodbye. Always See You Later! by Valerie McNulty is a personalized love letter to every military child, the author says. This picture book is written as a letter from a deploying parent to a child and explores the parents emotions as well as the childs. The reassuring story can be helpful to military families navigating long-distance relationships by starting conversations and validating childrens feelings about deployment. My Dearest Bea: Love Letters from the USS Midway 1951-1952, by Peyton Roberts, is a book about a real-life letter writer, the authors grandfather. In her book, Roberts notes that the hardship of military life sometimes bears unexpected gifts. Peyton has taken one of those giftsa trove of love letters from her sailor grandfather to his beloved wife at homeand turned it into another. Weaving her own reflections and her grandfathers letters into a poignant expression of love and loss, the author has created an homage to the grandparents who made her childhood magical. In Broadway in Benghazi: Comedy, Tragedy, and Diplomatic Drama in Gaddafis Libya, author Anna Marie Linville says of military life, Every time you move, it is as if you have died and been reincarnated somewhere else. You spend a year or two, or if youre lucky, maybe three in one place suddenly, you are raptured away to a new universe where the rules have changed, but you have not. You are forced to adapt or go mad. Linvilles memoir is certainly about adaptation, especially to life in Libya when her Army husband was assigned to be defense attache at the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli in 2008. It is sometimes about madness, like the anarchy that followed Gaddafis fall, and the deaths of Americans at Benghazi, friends and colleagues of the author and her husband. Theres even some reincarnation as Linville discovers new life with each transition. Above all, its the story of individuals, Linville and a varied cast of real-life characters whose lives intersect her own and whose stories she tells skillfully. For this and for its front-row perspective of historic events, this book is hard to put down. Military Brat, by Pete Masalin is a coming-of-age story of a young boy in a military family. The narrative follows his journey to become a cadet at the Citadel Military College of South Carolina and eventually a member of the United States Marine Corps. The protagonist, Finn Makenin, grows through his adventures, experiences, and moves. Drawing on his own experiences as a military brat, Citadel graduate, and Marine veteran, Masalin spins an uplifting tale that will be familiar and encouraging to readers in military families. In The Wives, author Simone Gorrindo says a fellow Army wife told her, Life is not necessarily easier together, but it is better. In this memoir, Gorrindos personal story takes her from a full life as a book editor in New York to lonely months as a military wife in small-town Georgia. Her loneliness is exacerbated by her husbands deployments, and some of this story is painful to read. But a hopeful thread runs through ita thread of friendship. The authors kinship with other Army wives illustrates the ways military spouses with little in common come together to make life better, even when they cant make it easier. This is the encouragement the wives in Gorrindos story give to one another, and this book offers the same gift of encouragement to its readers. Terri Barnes is a book lover, book editor and author of Spouse Calls: Messages from a Military Life, based on her long-running column in Stars and Stripes. Find her online at terribarnesauthor.com. An AI logo is seen painted on a building like a circuit board in Hangzhou, in China's eastern Zhejiang province on Oct. 30, 2024. (STR/AFP via Getty Images/TNS) (STR, AFP, Getty Images via TNS) (Tribune News Service) The U.S. unveiled new restrictions on Chinas access to vital components for chips and AI, escalating a campaign to contain Beijings technological ambitions but stopping short of earlier proposals that would have sanctioned more key Chinese firms. The Department of Commerce slapped fresh curbs on the sale of high-bandwidth memory chips made by U.S. and foreign companies, likely affecting South Koreas SK Hynix Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. as well as Idaho-based Micron Technology Inc. The agency also expanded existing controls on chipmaking gear, including products made by U.S. firms at foreign facilities, but with carveouts for key allies, such as Japan and the Netherlands. It also blacklisted 140 additional Chinese entities accused of acting on Beijings behalf, affecting a handful of suppliers to Huawei Technologies Co. That includes gear maker SiCarrier as well as chipmakers Qingdao SiEn, SwaySure, and Shenzhen Pensun Technology Co., or PST. The long-in-development rules fell short of earlier proposals, Bloomberg News reported last week, setting off a widespread rally among semiconductor supply chain players from Tokyo Electron Ltd. in Asia to ASML Holding NV in Europe. Specifically, the Biden administration elected not to add to the entity list two firms that they had previously considered: Shenzhen Pengjin High-Tech Co., which makes semiconductor equipment, and ChangXin Memory Technologies Inc., which is trying to develop AI memory chip technology. The administrations goal, building on years of evolving trade restrictions, is to slow Chinas domestic development of advanced semiconductors and artificial intelligence systems that may help its military. The U.S. will restrict the PRCs ability to produce technologies key to its military modernization or repression of human rights, the Bureau of Industry and Security said in a statement. China strongly opposed the new chip restrictions, criticizing the U.S. move as economic coercion that seriously threatened the stability of global supply chains. The U.S. continues to generalize the concept of national security, abuses export control measures, and implements unilateral bullying, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement Monday. China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its own rights and interests. Biden officials debated the measures and negotiated with foreign counterparts for the better part of a year. Major chip companies including U.S. gear makers Lam Research Corp., Applied Materials Inc. and KLA Corp., as well as rivals Tokyo Electron and ASML spent months lobbying their respective governments, urging an approach that preserves what each sees as fair access to the lucrative China market. The controls unveiled Monday impose restrictions on the sale to China of two dozen types of manufacturing equipment and three software tools, with exemptions for countries that can impose such controls themselves, according to a senior administration official. The idea, the official said, is to create a pathway for those countries like Japan and the Netherlands to enact comparable curbs. Neither Tokyo nor The Hague has publicly said they will do so. The scope of the measures is a near-term positive relief to investor concerns of escalating export controls, Citi analyst Kevin Chen wrote last week. Still, there could be future restrictions under the Trump administration next year. The rules do cover the foreign facilities of U.S. companies, using a provision known as the foreign direct product rule, or FDPR. That authority allows Washington to control goods made overseas that use even the tiniest amount of U.S. technology. The use of FDPR, even with exemptions, is an effort to prevent U.S. toolmakers from avoiding trade restrictions by locating their manufacturing in other countries. A recent report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank, found that U.S. gear suppliers have increasingly exported products to China from non- U.S. countries since 2016, and especially since 2019. This action is the culmination of the Biden-Harris Administrations targeted approach, in concert with our allies and partners, to impair the PRCs ability to indigenize the production of advanced technologies that pose a risk to our national security, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a statement. No Administration has been tougher in strategically addressing Chinas military modernization through export controls. The new controls restrict the sale of high-bandwidth memory chips essential AI components that handle data and are in addition to existing curbs affecting advanced logic chips, which serve as the brains of devices. The memory rules apply to HBM2 and more advanced chips, a senior administration official said, and use FDPR to control both U.S. and foreign firms. The global leader in providing HBM chips is South Koreas SK Hynix, followed by Micron and Samsung. There are exemptions to the rule, the official said, that allow Western companies to package HBM2 chips in China. Those exemptions are limited to packaging activities that present low risk of technology being diverted to Chinese firms, according to the official. With assistance from Foster Wong. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Japanese police arrested a U.S. civilian who allegedly had a live bullet in her carry-on luggage at Naha Airport, Okinawa, Nov. 30, 2024. (Naha Airport) NAHA, Okinawa A civilian employee from Kadena Air Base, home of the 18th Wing, was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of attempting to carry live ammunition through a security checkpoint at Naha Airport, according to Okinawa Prefectural Police. The woman, 24, was found with a handgun bullet in her bag while passing through the airports international terminal around 10 a.m. Saturday, a police spokesman said by phone Monday. She told investigators the bullet belonged to her, the spokesman said. She was taken into custody at the airport about two hours later, detained at Tomishiro Police Station, and released the following day. Her case has been forwarded to the Naha Public Prosecutors Office for further review, the spokesman said. Stars and Stripes is choosing not to identify the woman until charges are filed. The spokesman said travelers should carefully check their belongings for prohibited items. Anyone carrying live ammunition could face arrest, as seen in this case, and it could disrupt their travel plans, he said. Its customary in Japan for some government officials to speak to the media on condition of anonymity. We can confirm that a Kadena-based [status of forces agreement] member was involved in an incident at Naha Airport due to unintentionally carrying unused small arms rounds in their luggage, Maj. Alli Stormer, 18th Wing spokeswoman, said in an email Monday afternoon. We are unable to provide any additional information regarding this situation at this time. The United States plans to send Ukraine an additional $725 million in military aid, the package is expected to include counter-drone systems and ammunition, the Associated Press said. "The U.S. is preparing to send Ukraine an additional $725 million in military assistance, including counter-drone systems and munitions for its High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, which could indicate more of the longer-range missiles are headed to the battlefield," the AP said on its website on Monday. The new aid package was announced to the publication by two American officials on condition of anonymity. However, they did not confirm whether the new package includes ammunition for HIMARS. They also said that Ukraine insisted on receiving more longer-range missiles to hit additional targets in Russia. The AP said the package will include more antipersonnel landmines, which Ukraine is counting on to slow Russian and North Korean forces in Russia's Kursk region. AP recalls that President Joseph Biden has pledged to spend all military aid funds approved by Congress in 2024 for Ukraine by the end of his term on January 20, which amounted to about $7.1 billion in weapons from the Pentagon's stockpile. Ukraine received the latest aid package from the United States on November 20, for $275 million, which included ammunition for missile systems, as well as artillery and anti-tank weapons. A Patriot surface-to-air missile system assigned to the U.S. Army's 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade fires during an exercise with the Dutch military at McGregor Range, N.M., on May 11, 2024. Patriot missiles will now be produced in Germany for the first time, according to European and U.S. defense contractors. (David Rincon/U.S. Army) GRAFENWOEHR, Germany Construction has begun on a facility in southern Germany that will produce upward of 1,000 Patriot missiles for NATO allies, as member nations act to boost munitions stockpiles depleted in the defense of Ukraine. German government officials broke ground last month on an assembly line facility in Schrobenhausen, approximately 85 miles southwest of Tower Barracks in Grafenwoehr. The site, a joint venture between European missile conglomerate MBDA and U.S.-based Raytheon, will be the first Patriot production facility outside the United States. Russias war on Ukraine shows the great importance of ground-based air defense and the high consumption of ammunition in a symmetrical, high-intensity conflict, MBDA spokesman Guenter Abel said Friday. The limiting factor for NATO for numerous missile systems remains the ammunition supply. The challenge is to ramp up production quickly. Missile deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, Abel said. The new facilities will feature several thousand square feet of added production space, a large bunker and storage space, a German Defense Ministry statement said Nov. 18. MBDA plans to increase its workforce at the site by 25%, to over 1,700 employees, by the end of next year. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, left, poses in front of a Patriot launcher with Bavarian governor Markus Soder on Nov. 18, 2024, at the groundbreaking of a new assembly line facility that will produce Patriot missiles in Schrobenhausen, Germany. (Twitter) The missiles produced at Schrobenhausen will be sent to U.S. allies Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain, and will replace stocks donated to Ukraine, according to NATO statements. They can be sold to other countries like Ukraine within the rules of U.S. export regulations, said a German Defense Ministry official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to agency rules. Patriot batteries have been operated by at least eight U.S. allies in Europe and Ukraine to defend against cruise and ballistic missiles, drones and aircraft, according to a Raytheon statement earlier this year. The initial $5.5 billion contract, part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, was awarded in January by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. It was awarded to COMLOG, a joint venture between Raytheon and MBDA. A follow-on $478 million contract was awarded to Raytheon to replenish German missile stocks for shells supplied to Ukraine, a NATO statement in August said. MBDA and Raytheon were chosen due to their long-standing partnership, which goes back decades, Abel said. COMLOG has already maintained more than 5,000 Patriot missiles for German and European consumers. Since the site aside from the new facility has been churning out missiles since 1959, it already has robust security to protect against potential spies and saboteurs, Abel said. In November, U.S. authorities said American defense industrial sites in Europe should step up their security over concerns that Russian saboteurs could target them. Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report. President Donald J. Trump stands with United States Naval Academy cadets during the 120th Army-Navy Game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Dec. 14, 2019. (James E. Harvey/U.S. Army) WASHINGTON Two Democratic senators are calling on President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to issue a directive prohibiting the mobilization of active-duty troops against Americans before President-elect Donald Trump returns to power. Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said they want protections in place in case Trump makes good on his threat to root out the enemy from within by utilizing the National Guard, or if really necessary, by the military. The senators said they fear Trump will invoke the Insurrection Act beyond its legal limits in a quest to target political opponents. The law allows the president to deploy military personnel within U.S. borders in narrow circumstances of insurrection, rebellion or extreme civil unrest. As many of us wrote previously, it is antithetical to what those in uniform have sworn to protect and defend, and a serious threat to our democratic system to weaponize the military to advance the presidents political interests, the senators wrote in a letter to Biden and Austin on Sunday. During his first term, Trump came close to putting active-duty troops on the streets of Washington to tamp down racial justice protests in 2020. Active-duty units were deployed to the outskirts of the capital before the defense secretary at the time, Mark Esper, sent them home without telling the White House. I couldnt trust they wouldnt reverse my decision, Esper later wrote in his book. He also wrote that Trump launched into a tirade and accused his defense secretary of betrayal after Esper told reporters he did not support using the Insurrection Act to stamp out the unrest. Warren and Blumenthal said Sunday that a new policy directive must make clear that the Insurrection Act should only be used in instances when state or local authorities are so overwhelmed and that the chief executive of the state requests assistance or attacks against the U.S. government overwhelm state or local authorities. The directive should also state that the president must consult with Congress to the maximum extent practicable before invoking the act, the senators wrote. They urged Biden and Austin to shore up guidelines as soon as possible given the uncertainty created by a recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity. The court ruled in July that occupants of the Oval Office are entitled to a presumptive immunity from prosecution for all their official acts. The implications of the decision are unclear, according to scholars, and Warren and Blumenthal said they are worried confusion could spill over to the military. Service members are obligated to reject unlawful orders, but it is reasonable to assume that they may not be fully aware of their rights and responsibilities, the senators said. If unaddressed, any ambiguity on the lawful use of military force, coupled with President-elect Trumps demonstrated intent to utilize the military in such dangerous and unprecedented ways, may prove to be devastating, Warren and Blumenthal wrote. Photo: https://t.me/vitaliy_klitschko Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko met with German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who visited the Ukrainian capital on Monday, and noted the need to strengthen military support for Ukraine from Germany and other international partners, Kyiv City State Administration said on its website. "During the conversation, I emphasized that specific actions in support of Ukraine by Germany and other partners need to be strengthened, because the situation at the front is critical. That is why I once again asked the German Chancellor to provide Ukraine with Taurus missiles. Together with the missile systems received from the United States, Great Britain and France, they are capable of improving the military situation and strengthening Ukraine's position. Ukraine must have strong negotiating positions," Klitschko said after the meeting. He noted the importance of not giving in to blackmail from Vladimir Putin, in particular nuclear, "if we want peace and stability to return to Europe." "We need to not just end the war. But on such conditions that the national interests of Ukraine are not affected. Otherwise, peace will be an illusion, a pause before new aggression from Russia," the mayor of the Ukrainian capital said. He also stressed that reliable security guarantees must be a necessary condition for any diplomatic agreements. "The only real guarantee of Ukraine's security is its membership in NATO. The whole of Ukraine, not just part of its territory, must receive an invitation to membership. Without Ukraine, building a new, effective security system in Europe is impossible," Klitschko said. Mary O'Sullivan wanted to see her son have a good life, counsel said A loyal employee has been given a suspended sentence for stealing over 16,000 from her non-profit employers petty cash box over a four-year period. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Mary O'Sullivan, of Belclare Park, Ballymun in Dublin, had falsified receipts and kept incomplete accounting records. The 52-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of deception, four counts of using a false instrument and four counts of false accounting. O'Sullivan had overseen the petty cash process for her employer, Leargas and taken 16,024 between 2016 and 2019. She has no previous convictions and has not come to recent negative attention. The offending came to light after a review was carried out in 2019 into irregularities in the petty cash, which was used to cover small expenses in the office of Leargas, a not-for-profit organisation which manages international and national exchange programmes in youth work, education and training. The petty cash float rarely exceeded 300 and was held in a steel box with a key at O'Sullivan's desk. A petty cash book was used to record transactions and a receipt had to be provided for reimbursement, the court was told. An investigating garda told the court there was some pushback from O'Sullivan during the review. She was asked to reconcile the petty cash account for 2019 but appeared to delay doing this. On December 3, 2019, she was asked to hand over the reconciliation of petty cash account. Three days later, she also handed over a bag of receipts and the petty cash book. O'Sullivan said several receipts had not yet been recorded in the petty cash book. The court heard that the petty cash accounts between 2016 and 2019 were not complete and there were discrepancies. The review also found that a number of receipts were altered or incorrect. Some receipts had been altered by pen to change the date or had the date stamp removed. O'Sullivan was interviewed by gardai voluntarily four times. During interview, she passed blame to her colleagues, suggested money was moved around for budget purposes, and claimed all receipts relating to the petty cash were either in the office or in storage. She told gardai the entries in the petty cash book were accurate, or any omissions were due to a backlog in her work. In a later interview, O'Sullivan suggested she had been bullied, set up and had been a loyal employee. She said the petty cash book was a true reflection of petty cash and maintained the receipts were in storage. The court heard gardai carried out searches of storage boxes, but nothing of evidential value was found. Mary O'Sullivan O'Sullivan started working with Leargas in 2009 as a temp, becoming a permanent employee in the accounts department in 2016. As a result of the review, her employment with Leargas was terminated. The garda agreed with defence counsel that O'Sullivan didn't give any trouble during the investigation and her plea was of assistance to the prosecution. It was further accepted that an independent audit found a number of weaknesses in Leargas's internal accounting systems. O'Sullivan's counsel said his client was experiencing a period of financial hardship at the time of her offending, in part as her son had recently started college. She wanted to see her son have a good life, counsel said, adding that O'Sullivan chose to go down the wrong route and will have to live with the consequences. Counsel said O'Sullivan put her head in the sand about her offending but is remorseful and accepts responsibility. A sum of 16,024 was also available as restitution. A number of references, letter of apology and other documents were handed to the court. O'Sullivan is working and also supports her parents. He asked the court not to impose an immediate custodial sentence. Judge Orla Crowe today described O'Sullivan's blaming of other people as a "shameful course of action". She imposed a two-year sentence but fully suspended it on OSullivan entering into a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. She ordered that the 16,024 be paid to Leargas. Eric ODriscoll (22), from Finglas, appeared before the non-jury court this morning to be sentenced for possessing an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle in 2022 A Dublin criminal waiting to be sentenced for a firearm offence by the Special Criminal Court is anxious to move prisons after witnessing a murder. Eric ODriscoll (22), from Finglas, appeared before the non-jury court this morning to be sentenced for possessing an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle in 2022. He had previously pleaded guilty to having the military grade weapon while his brother, Glen Ward (31), is also before the court on firearms offences with his case listed for mention later this month. Mr Jusitce Kerida Naidoo, presiding today said that they wanted the same composite of the non-jury court to deal with both cases and that they wanted to adjourn the sentencing hearing. He said this was a purely logistical matter and that they wanted the same judges to deal with both cases, if possible. Seamus Clarke SC, defending ODriscoll, told the court that his client wanted the sentencing hearing to proceed as he is anxious to move to another prison once he is sentenced. "He witnessed a murder that happened inside the prison in his cell, Mr Clarke told the court. Reporting restrictions have been imposed on naming the prisons that both defendants are being held in, their addresses, and their next court appearance dates. Mr Justice Naidoo said the court would prefer that the same judges deal with both cases and adjourned sentencing until a later date. Eric ODriscoll will be sentenced on that date while Glen Ward is also due to appear that day. His case was briefly mentioned before the court today, with a trial date previously vacated by the court. ODriscoll pleaded guilty to possession of a .223 calibre Remington AR-15 semi-automatic rifle at Ratoath Drive in Finglas on January 9, 2022, in circumstances giving rise to the reasonable inference that he did not have it for a lawful purpose. He was charged with four further firearms offences but Sean Gillane SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), previously said the plea meets the prosecution's case. Glen Ward faces a charge of possession of an AR-15 rifle and another of reckless discharge of a firearm at Ratoath Drive in Finglas on January 1, 2022. The victims heartbroken parents saying they have been left with a void that will never be filled A 22-year-old man has received the mandatory sentence of life in prison for murdering his one-time friend by stabbing him in the neck, with the victims heartbroken parents saying they have been left with a void that will never be filled. He never thought his days were numbered by someone who would attack him from behind, said Inga and Victor Mamaliga of their son Marius (19), in an emotional victim impact statement delivered to the Central Criminal Court today during the sentencing of Brandon Gavin. Gavin, of Brookdale Road, Rivervalley, Swords, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Mamaliga at Forest Court, Swords, on the evening of February 23, 2023, with the jury in his trial hearing that he told gardai that Mr Mamaliga came at him so he defended himself, claiming that he feared for his life as he owed a drug debt of 2,500. The trial heard witness evidence that Mr Mamaliga had sold drugs in the past and that Gavin owed him money. The jury, however, agreed with the prosecution case that Gavin's claim he had acted in his own defence was "self-serving nonsense". Evidence was heard that Gavin had been messaging women on Tinder just minutes before he stabbed Mr Mamaliga and that on the day before the attack, the defendant's phone had searched for "prison sentence for murder in Ireland". The jury heard that Mr Mamaliga was sitting in the drivers seat of his car with two friends, when Gavin got into the rear passenger side, reached across into the front seat, and stabbed him once in the neck with a knife before fleeing the scene. Despite receiving assistance at the scene from passersby, including an off-duty paramedic, Mr Mamaliga was brought to hospital in a critical condition and died three days later, on February 26. State pathologist Dr SallyAnn Collis told the jury that, despite medical intervention at the scene of the stabbing, Mr Mamaliga suffered hypoxic brain injury which was caused by the deprivation of oxygen to the brain due to blood loss. The jury at the Central Criminal Court in November deliberated for close to five hours before returning their unanimous verdict against Gavin. In a victim impact statement, delivered to the sentencing court today on behalf of Inga and Victor Mamaliga by John D. OKeefe, patron of Advocates for Victims of Homicide, the grieving pair said that the death of a child can "bring parents to their knees", as they deal with "unbearable pain that will stay with them until the end of their days". Nothing will be able to fill the void in the hearts of the parents who have lost a child, they said, describing their son as a young man who had hopes and dreams, who worked and studied and never thought his days were numbered by someone who would attack him from behind. They said that it had been unbearable for them to be present in the courtroom, where they had to listen to how their child was killed and to look at the defendant, who they said had shown no remorse for what he did. They said that since the death of their son, the morning sun doesnt shine, and even food doesnt taste the same, adding that everywhere they go and every step they take, they always think of Marius, who he was and who he would have become. Instead of kissing and hugging our child, we go to the cemetery to lay flowers at his grave, they said, outlining how Marius murder had brought their entire family into darkness. We lost a part of our souls and hearts and have been left with a void that will never be filled, they said, going on to tell the court that they needed psychological counselling and medical treatment for anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. He is our hero, and we will be proud of him until the end of our lives, they said, encouraging others to love your children, give them your time, so that later you can get to enjoy the people they have become. The victim impact statement concluded with a reading of the W.H. Auden poem, Funeral Blues. In a short letter to the court written by Gavin and delivered by his barrister, Dean Kelly SC, the defendant said that he knew what he had done has ruined many lives, and he asked for Mr and Mrs Mamaligas forgiveness for the pain and grief he has caused them. Thanking the Mamaliga family for their victim impact statement and extending her deepest sympathy to them for the loss of their son, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon said she must impose the mandatory sentence of life in prison on Gavin. David O'Callaghan allegedly crashed a van into entrances of the landmark State buildings after suffering "delusional fantasies" THE DPP has decided that the case of a man accused of ramming the gates of Aras an Uachtarain, the Custom House and Government Buildings in Dublin must be sent to the Circuit Court. David O'Callaghan, 40, of The Fairways, Woodbrook Glen, Bray, Co Wicklow, allegedly crashed a van into entrances of the landmark State buildings after suffering "delusional fantasies" in the early hours of August 2. The following day, Mr O'Callaghan's bail was set at 350 but also required the approval of a 5,000 independent surety. He was held and a psychiatric report ordered, but he later took up bail and appeared again at Dublin District Court on Thursday. Judge William Aylmer noted the DPP issued a direction for trial on indictment, meaning the case will be heard at the higher level with wider sentencing powers. Judge Aylmer granted the State an adjournment and ordered Mr O'Callaghan to appear again on January 9 to be served with the prosecution's book of evidence and the granting of a return for trial order. He has yet to plead to several counts of criminal damage to gates at the three locations within 15 minutes. His bail hearing on August 3 was told that the damage at Aras an Uachtarain was valued at 4,750. A damage estimate was not given for the other locations, but gardai believed it to be in the tens of thousands of euros. David O'Callaghan His bail terms state that he should not go to the city centre or Phoenix Park, contact any public representative, or post online about the case. Unemployed Mr O'Callaghan, who has yet to indicate a plea, is accused of offences under the Criminal Damage Act, which can carry a maximum 10-year sentence. The charges involve claims he damaged the entrance gate at Phoenix Gate Lodge, Aras an Uachtarain, Phoenix Park, D8. He was further charged with three counts of criminal damage around the houses of the Oireachtas: the main gates of the Department of an Taoiseach, Merrion St Upper, the rear gates of Leinster House, Merrion Square West, and the North Road gate at Government Buildings, Merrion St Upper. He was also accused of damaging the main gates of the Custom House, Dublin 1. Damaged gates at Aras an Uachtarain Garda William McCarthy had said the accused's mental health problems had exacerbated, and he had "delusional fantasies". The court heard he told gardai he believed his family members were not real and that they had been replaced by actors, spiking him with drugs and waking him every day at 5 am with an aerosol hallucinogenic. It was claimed Mr O'Callaghan believed members of the government, social welfare, and the president were also orchestrating this and that ramming the gates would "put an end to the torment he had been subjected to." The court heard he allegedly posted the photo on social media to raise awareness of his situation. They recruited women from vulnerable backgrounds and handled all aspects of the operation, including advertising, transportation, and accommodation 35 per cent of Irish people say they are stressed all the time. Photo: Stock image Members of an alleged Czech vice gang have been accused of running a large-scale prostitution operation in Ireland. Police said the gang made almost 400,000 from organising prostitutes to work on the island of Ireland. The alleged leaders of the group could face up to 12 years in prison, while the others could be sentenced to as many as 10 years. They recruited women from vulnerable backgrounds and handled all aspects of the operation, including advertising, transportation, and accommodation. A spokesman for the National Centre against Organised Crime (NCOZ), said the suspects face charges of pimping and participating in an organised criminal group. The vice ring was first set up in 2019 with suspects alleged to have played various roles in the operation. Police said women were recruited to work as prostitutes from the socially weaker strata of society and the suspects controlled communication with customers. They are also accused of setting up transport, accommodation and advertising the sex-for-sale service. Within the group, the so-called "operators" who were supposed to plan shifts and direct customers to individual prostitutes on a daily basis. Prostitutes were then supposed to pay the main organisers an agreed part of the profit for the sexual services provided by them, police stated. To maintain secrecy, all communication between the suspects was done via closed apps on mobile phones using nicknames. In this way, from 2019 to the present, the organized group was supposed to obtain and at the same time distribute a financial sum of at least CZK 10 million. In the event of a final conviction and guilty plea, the main organisers face up to 12 years in prison, while the other accused women face up to 10 years in prison. On the case codenamed TERZUZ, NCOZ criminal investigators also collaborated with foreign police forces. The case is being taken by the district state prosecutors office in Melnik in the Czech Republic. Padraig Nally died last week aged 81 A farmer who became a cause celeb after he shot dead a man who had trespassed on his land has passed away at 81 years of age still being remembered for the incident on his isolated farmhouse in Mayo in 2004. Dead man accused of abusing boy A controversial farmer described as a mentor and father-figure to Hollywood A-Lister Jonathan Rhys Meyers died earlier this week and was laid to rest in his native Cork yesterday. Christopher Crofts who acted almost as agent for Meyers during his formative years as a young actor died at the Beech Lodge Care Facility in Bruree, Limerick on Wednesday. His funeral procession left his Buttevant home yesterday afternoon and he was interred on his adjoining farm. Crofts involvement in the career of Jonathan Rhys Meyers is well documented as was the farmers arrest in Morocco in 2007 after he was accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old homeless boy. The late Christopher Crofts Crofts first came in contact with Rhys Meyers at a time when the young actor was working in a pool hall in Cork after he was expelled from school by North Mon in Cork. A wealthy farmer, who ran a 650-acre property in Buttevant, he took the teenager under his wing. Rhys Meyers later described Crofts as a surrogate father-figure. Crofts agreed to allow the youngster to live with him and his three children, two boys and a girl. Crofts patronage afforded Rhys Meyers the chance to pursue an acting career which would see him star alongside Keira Knightley, Tom Cruise and Scarlett Johansson. Crofts, for a time, became an almost agent for him, vetting scripts and giving advice. When asked later about her sons relationship with Croft, Jonathan Rhys Meyers mother would later say she never saw anything untoward in the friendship. I have the utmost respect for Christopher, she said. He came at the right time for Jonathan and was a stabilising influence at an age when he could have got into trouble. He helped stabilise him and gave him a male role model. Crofts, himself, was also eager to make it clear that his relationship with Meyers was that of a surrogate father. I always felt he chose me, said in an interview. I, personally, am gay, but Ive never fancied him. Weve always had a father-son relationship. I could see he needed stability and structure in his life and a phone. His association with Rhys Myers was, however, publicly and irrevocably tarnished in 2007 when Crofts, who had a home in Morocco for over two decades, was accused and found guilty of drugging and sexually abusing a 15-year-old homeless boy. He spent more than four months in a Moroccan jail before a High Court judge annulled the rest of his 12-month sentence and charges for inciting a minor to prostitution were dropped. Rhys Meyers always stood by his former mentor, but the intense publicity and scrutiny into his relationship with the dairy farmer had an effect. Tributes were yesterday paid to Crofts on a book of condolence set up under his death notice on the website RIP. You were a force to be reckoned with Chris, read one. Thank you for your friendship, hospitality and lots of laughs over the years. If there is an afterlife, please say hello to Elizabeth and Rosemary for me. Rest easy my friend. Another mourner wrote: Christopher was unpredictable and certainly left a lasting impression on everyone who were lucky enough to have known him. We have so many great memories of every time he called A bright light has gone out. The gang boss is one of the countrys most active burglars, has dozens of convictions and was previously mentioned in a Criminal Assets Bureau case against one of his closest associates in the High Court It is believed the burglary gang use phone signal jammers to hamper garda communications. Photo: Getty Gardai have arrested three alleged senior members of Irelands most prolific burglary gang in a special policing operation on Saturday night. The west Dublin gang is linked to an estimated 500 burglaries across Ireland in the past two years. A 50-year-old career criminal, who is alleged to be the leader of the organised burglary gang, was arrested in an operation in north Kildare. Two younger relatives were also arrested during the operation. The gang boss is one of the countrys most active burglars, has dozens of convictions and was previously mentioned in a Criminal Assets Bureau case against one of his closest associates in the High Court. All three are being questioned at garda stations in Co Sligo under organised crime legislation and can be detained for up to a week. The surveillance and arrest operation was carried out by officers from the north-western region, where the gang has been particularly active. It has emerged that a location in north Kildare is close to where a number of associates of the gang were involved in a stabbing incident after a row with each other last April. The gang has been using a sophisticated 5G phone signal-jamming device in its attempts to interfere with garda communication systems A number of items of potentially huge evidential value have been seized by gardai, but the main vehicles the gang have been using in their burglary spree have not yet been recovered. Last week, the Irish Independent revealed that the gang has been using a sophisticated 5G phone signal-jamming device in its attempts to interfere with garda communication systems. It has used this when travelling around the country on a burglary spree that has netted them hundreds of thousands of euro. The phone signal jammer was noticed by gardai on CCTV while they were investigating the attempted early-morning break-in of a shop in the west in August. Two searches of a property in Clondalkin, Dublin, were carried out by gardai on Saturday and more arrests are expected to be made as part of the investigation. The gang has used a high-speed car with a variety of false registration plates to target homes and business across the country. It is also suspected of using a number of different cars to carry out four early-morning burglaries of four businesses in Galway, Cavan and Roscommon in September over the space of three days. The gang is also believed to have a habit of driving away from filling stations without paying for fuel, as well as stealing designer goods and even, during one incident in rural Co Roscommon last year, two packets of beef and a packet of ham from a victims fridge. Last month, more than 18,000 worth of jewellery and rare coins were stolen from a property at Williamstown, Co Galway They are really not fussy what they take and at the moment it seems they are acting with impunity across the country, a source said. The north-western garda region has been particularly hard hit by the roving gang, which has been involved in a number of high-end burglaries. Last month, more than 18,000 worth of jewellery and rare coins were stolen from a property at Williamstown, Co Galway. Sources say violence has rarely been used by the criminals because they prefer to target unoccupied homes and businesses. There has been a spate of business burglaries, particularly in the west of Ireland, where the gang has been able to quickly disable alarm systems before breaking into shops, pubs and filling stations. Zelenskyy signs decree on sanctions against manufacturers, suppliers of drones for Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on a package of sanctions against Russian and some other individuals and legal entities working for the Russian military system. "These are developers, manufacturers and suppliers of drones for the occupier, individuals helping to import critical components to Russia, and also training drone operators. In total, more than a hundred entities," Zelenskyy said in an evening video address on Monday. He reported on working with partner countries to synchronize their sanctions with Ukrainian ones. Two trials were required to try the OCG members, one of which lasted 23 months the countrys longest-running criminal trial. Eighteen members of an international crime group (OCG) have been convicted in the UK in the countrys largest detected drugs investigation ever. The group, based in north-west England with associates in the Netherlands, is believed to have smuggled billions of pounds worth of heroin, cocaine and cannabis into the United Kingdom in importations containing more than 50 tonnes of drugs. Two trials were required to try the OCG members, one of which lasted 23 months the countrys longest-running criminal trial. The second trial ran over nine months and reporting restrictions were lifted today at Manchester Crown Court. Between the indictment period of August 2015 and September 2018, six drugs seizures with a total street value of 40m (approximately 48,000) were connected to the OCG. But NCA investigators found that the OCG were responsible for at least 240 importations within that period, which could potentially be valued at 6 million in total. The court heard how the gang set up a series of front companies and warehouses in England and the Netherlands to avoid detection from authorities. They concealed their drugs in packages containing pungent food products such as onions, garlic, and ginger, at times buying between 40 to 50 tonnes of onions per week. The offenders also evaded suspicion by using encrypted communications, faking documents, changing their names by deed poll, and acquiring live and defunct businesses as a front for their drugs importations. The criminal charges against the group related to five separate smuggling plots, one of which saw the leader of the OCG, Paul Green (59), who was jailed for 32 years, creating a fake paper trail to smuggle 1.1m of amphetamine base oil in bottles of cream which had been bought in Belgium and hidden inside a van. A Border Force dog sniffed out the drugs on 29 March 2016, but the OCG continued its operations. The offenders also used a front company cloned from a legitimate business in Cornwall in an attempt to smuggle almost 1m of cocaine into the UK, renting a warehouse in the Netherlands to hide the drugs inside boxes packed with ginger to be delivered to warehouses in Bolton, Wigan and Ormskirk. But things came crashing down in September 2016 when a Dutch haulage driver with no involvement in crime became suspicious and called the police, who discovered the 8kg of cocaine. And just a month later, the OCG was caught trying to smuggle 57kg of amphetamine, worth about 1.1m, from the Netherlands to the UK by Dutch officials who had been listening to their phone calls. Foot soldier Russell Leonard (47) and another man who cannot be named for legal reasons, were responsible for transporting the haul to the UK but were stopped by Dutch police en route. Leonard was handed a 24-year jail sentence. Ringleader Paul Green was jailed for 32 years In 2017, the OCG recruited Sohail Qureshi (64), Khaleed Vazeer (58), and Ghazanfar Mahmood (53), to develop a new transport route into the UK. They joined forces with a Dutch criminal group led by Barbara Rijnbout (53) and Johannes Vesters (54), who were jailed for 18 years and 20 years respectively after being extradited from the Netherlands. The NCA and Dutch Police began working together in 2018, which led to the seizure of 450kg of cocaine and heroin and two tonnes of cannabis across three seizures at two British ports and one port in the Netherlands. When group leader Green was arrested, officers recovered almost 10,000 in cash from his home, while bank statements showed he and his wife spent more than 26,000 on watches and jewellery within a six month period. Judge Paul Lawton told the offenders: It was only the dedication, persistence and professionalism of the National Crime Agency working in conjunction with their Dutch counterparts that the scale and complexity of your operation was unmasked. The harm caused beyond the importation is incalculable. You facilitated the distribution of drugs by organised crime groups the length and breadth of the country. The evidence disclosed drugs being dispatched to locations as far apart as London and Scotland. What you were actually distributing was addiction, misery, social degradation and in some cases death. All of that was foreseeable and known by you. You were also facilitating serious organised crime on a national scale and the violence that forms an inherent part of that culture. Richard Harrison, NCA Regional Head of Investigations, said: The offenders smuggled huge quantities of drugs into the UK. They had absolutely no ethics. They stooped incredibly low and left a trail of devastation for entirely innocent people by cloning businesses and stealing identities. Tackling the drugs threat is a top priority for the agency and this investigation shows the lengths we will go to in order to protect the public. We worked with a wide array of partners at home and abroad, all of whom provided crucial assistance in helping us put these criminals behind bars. Some days it could be simple tasks, just to go to Tesco and be able to run around. Were very grateful for their services. We would be lost without them. Young Richard and his family got to meet Santa Claus at the Magical Cabin in the Ilac Centre An Irish family whose boy was born with an extremely rare disorder have told how the support of an Irish charity has proved a lifeline. Five-year-old Richard Doyle is one of just 150 children in the world born with a rare disease which impacts him both physically and developmentally. Mum Ciara says discovering that Jack and Jill provides nursing support hours to children like Richard made a huge difference to her family. It means she and husband Richie know their little boy is receiving the best care in the family home, allowing them to spend time with big sis Isabelle (8) who dotes on her little brother. Theyre actually amazing, says Ciara. Wed be so lost without Julie, our Jack and Jill nurse she cares for Richard, but she really minds all of us. She makes sure Im alright. Shed randomly texts me on a normal day. Shed ask if there was anything she could do? It actually gives us time to have a bit of time with Isabelle. Im a diabetic, if I have an appointment, Julies always there. Some days it could be simple tasks, just to go to Tesco and be able to run around. Were very grateful for their services. We would be lost without them. Having first been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Richard has since been diagnosed with conditions including dystonia and DYNC1H1. It means that the five-year-olds needs are complex. Young Richard with big sis Isabelle We always got told he had cerebral palsy, level four in all four limbs. And then Richard started rolling around and bum shuffling a bit, says Ciara. They did different blood tests on him and he actually has this rare genetic disorder that only 150 people in the world have. He has a condition called DYNC1H1. It can affect your whole body. The family first began to wonder if something was wrong when they noticed Richard was having feeding problems as a baby. He was two weeks early, and he was 11lbs 3ozs, recalls Ciara. He was a whopper, but he could never suck a bottle. They thought it was reflux. But I swear it took over two hours to get an ounce of milk into the baby. Richard physically wasnt drinking. I couldnt get my head around it. In those early months, she says, it felt like she was bringing him to the doctor on a weekly basis. In December, he got bronchiolitis. It wasnt bad, but because he wasnt drinking, I thought: I have to bring him into Crumlin. Richard and his family During an examination, doctors noticed that one of Richards legs was fractionally shorter than the other. It prompted a series of events that led to their little boys original diagnosis. All of a sudden, our world got turned upside down, says Ciara, who lives with her family in Ballybrack in Dublin. We didnt know what was going on. We were told hed need a carer and hed be a wheelchair user. This is obviously hard to take in, and we were trying our best. As they learned more about Richards condition, the family found an amazing pre-school for their boy called Kildarton. It was here that she first learned about Jack and Jill, which provides in-home nursing care for children like Richard. I was really apprehensive to have someone else looking after him, explains Ciara. He is really attached to me and I was worried about how having someone else in our home would work for us. Thankfully, their nurse is now very much a part of the family dynamic. She is all of our best friends, says Ciara. The support is just amazing and she is so accommodating to our needs and is always helping me plan ahead for the times I might need her. This week the family had an eagerly awaited visit to Santas Magical Cabin, which this year has donated Santa visits to Jack and Jill families at its six locations nationwide. We are so happy to be going to visit Santas Magical Cabin in The Ilac Centre, as Richard is due to go back into hospital a few days after our visit for an operation on his hips. He needs to get screws which were fitted two years ago replaced. This is something that will have to be done every two years as he continues to grow. Its a great opportunity to make some lovely memories for Isabelle and Richard, and then hopefully all will go to plan regarding his operation and we can all be home together for Christmas as a family. Jack and Jill Its a great opportunity to make some lovely memories for Isabelle and Richard, and then hopefully all will go to plan regarding his operation and we can all be home together for Christmas as a family. He was actually a really special Santa. He was so nice, and he knew Richard was having his operation, so he wished us well and told us hed be looking after us. In 2023, Jack and Jill supported 534 families across Ireland with in-home nursing care and respite support. Today, there are 416 families under their care, and 3,040 families have been supported by Jack and Jill since it was founded 1997. For further information about the work the charity does and how you can support it, log on to jackandjill.ie Malachy Steenson was knocked out of the race in Dublin Central where he was up against Gerry Hutch who he bizarrely suggested was put into this race by the State to prevent a Steenson victory Far-right candidates failed to make any significant impact in the general election with all their highest profile candidates looking on course to lose out on seats last night. Gavin Pepper, who successfully claimed a council seat in Dublin in the recent local elections, failed to translate that success to the General Election where he got 5.5pc of first preference votes, placing him seventh in the three-seater constituency of Dublin North West. Pepper had indicated he didnt think he was doing well on polling day, saying, It seems I could be in a bit of trouble, and pleading with people to go out and vote for him. Malachy Steenson, who also won a seat on Dublin City Council in the local elections, was knocked out of the race in Dublin Central where he was up against Gerry Hutch who he bizarrely suggested was put into this race by the State to prevent a Steenson victory. Gavin Pepper Tom McDonnell, who believes a secret cabal of Khazarian Jews are running the world and are trying to flood Europe with immigrants as part of plot to replace Irish people, received 1.2pc of the vote in the Kildare South constituency, according to tallies. The builder from Newbridge hit the headlines after he was elected to Kildare County Council in the local elections when he said Irish people were in danger of dying out because Irish women were not breeding enough. In an interview with the Sunday World after the local elections, he said he said he has no problem with mixed-raced relationships as most black women have fine bodies. McDonnell, who says he is not far-right, was recently convicted of criminal damage arising out of an incident at a house in Blackrock in Dublin. Philip Dwyer, who was recently pictured waving a baton on the campaign trail in Wicklow, received less than one per cent of the vote in that constituency, according to tallies. Dwyer, like Steenson, suggested there was a conspiracy afoot to prevent his electoral success. Anti-immigrant activist Derek Blighe, who was recently convicted of threatening and abusive behaviour, secured around 4pc of first preferences in Cork North Central constituency. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael set to return to power as Independent TDs will seek to open talks about supporting a new coalition in the coming days Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is held shoulder high as his party looks set to take most seats in the new Dail Fianna Fail is predicted to become the biggest party in the Dail with 45 seats, Sinn Fein the second largest with 40 and Fine Gael the third with 39 once the counting of votes in General Election 2024 has concluded. The prediction by Trinity College Professor of Politics Michael Gallagher, which comes with the proviso it was made live on RTE mid-afternoon on Saturday, would give a Fianna Fail-Fine Gael coalition a combined strength of 84 TDs just a few short of the 87 plus required to form a government. Professor Gallagher also predicted Labour and the Social Democrats will end up with 9 seats each, People Before Profit with 5 and the Green Party with 1 while the remaining seats will be divided among the rest. The professors predictions came on Saturday as boxes of votes were being dumped for counting on tables at count centres across the country. So far, his predictions have borne out with Fianna Fail now on 43 seats, Fine Gael and Sinn Fein each on 36, Labour on nine, the Green Party returning just one TD. People Before Profit have three elected TDs so far while the Social Democrats have 11. Independent TDs will seek to open talks about supporting a new Fianna Fail-Fine Gael coalition in the coming days. With the two parties going to be only a handful of seats short of an overall majority, Independent Ireland believes there is a deal to be done. Separately Michael Healy Rae said he is prepared to support Micheal Martin becoming Taoiseach if he gets a compensation package for Kerry in return. But Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik told The Indo Daily podcast that a government propped up by independents could be disastrous for the country. She plans to reach out to the Social Democrats and the Green Partys remaining TD, Roderic OGorman, in a bid to get a centre-left grouping to negotiate together. Were not content to sit on the sidelines and say whats wrong with things. We want to play a part in improving things, she said. As yet there has been no formal contact between Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin. Fianna Fail was in celebratory mood on Saturday with outgoing housing Minister Darragh OBrien describing the unfolding election results as the start of really significant chapter of Fianna Fail in Dublin. In Dublin in particular we are doing well. We will retain what we have and possibly gain another three or four additional seats. Despite this, the party had a high profile casualty as Health Minister Stephen Donnelly lost his seat in Wicklow. Elsewhere, the running of celebrity candidate Grainne Seoige in Galway West proved an abject failure. Tanaiste Micheal Martin who was elected on Saturday on the first count with 4,000 votes to spare - said it was obvious from the early General Election 2024 indications that there was "a very clear route back to Government" for Fianna Fail. He refused to comment on whether the Social Democrats, who are set to make major Dail gains, will be the obvious Coalition partners for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. FG leader Harris celebrates topping the poll In the same Wicklow constituency where Stephen Donnelly was struggling, Taoiseach Simon Harris topped the poll. And on the back of a difficult election campaign, his party is already lining itself up to re-enter government with Fianna Fail. Scandal hit Senator John McGahon, who the Taoiseach ultimately decided not to canvass with in Louth, will not be joining his colleagues in the Dail this time out. McGahon received just over 6pc of the first preference votes in the constituency. By lunch-time Saturday, it was already apparent that the Green Party was facing an election disaster. Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman confirmed the Greens expected to lose three-quarters of their seats. He said his party will likely only have two or three TDs in the Dail when the votes are fully counted, compared to 12 going into the contest, however, OGorman was the only Green TD relected. Media minister Catherine Martin lost her seat after an uphill battle for the final seat in the four-seater Dublin Rathdown constituency with a sixth-place finish in the tallies with 8pc of first preferences. "It's clear the Green Party has not had a good day," a rueful Mr O'Gorman admitted at the count centre in Dublin West. Sinn Fein Arriving in the RDS on Saturday evening, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said she felt her party had performed very well in the 2024 general election. I said in the course of the campaign that I believed another five years of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail is bad news for our society, our communities, for families who are struggling, for our housing crisis and nobody should forget the record homeless number we saw on election day itself. The counts are still under way. We know we are in play in a number of constituencies: five, six, maybe seven. Other parties of the left similarly have secured a mandate. My first port of call will be with those parties. Former Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley, who controversially left the party in October, polled strongly in Laois, and was elected to the final seat. Social Democrats The Social Democrats were in party mood on foot of popular leader Holly Cairns and her partner Barry Looney announcing the birth of a healthy baby girl on Friday. And their mood only got better as the ballot boxes were opened. On the back of a series of bumper returns, the party were expecting to secure at least 10 seats and as many as 12 up from six in the last election. They are now on 11 seats. The partys childcare spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore TD said yesterday that the Social Democrats want to go into government if the party can secure commitments on key policy areas. Labour Labour leader Ivana Bacik was comfortably re-elected in Dublin Bay South with the partys candidates polling well in a number of constituencies. Aontu Peadar Toibin of Aontu was very upbeat and said his party could get up to 4 per cent and might be contention for as many as four seats. Were growing and weve passed out People Before Profit, Independent Ireland and if the votes go the way I think theyre going we may even pass out the Green Party. The party have currently gained two seats. People before Profit People Before Profits leader Richard Boyd-Barrett was elected in Dun Laoghaire ahead of the Green Partys Ossian Smyth who lost his seat. Paul Murphy, who was on 7.6pc of the first preferences in Dublin South West constituency, also retained his seat having improved his first preference from last time out. Far Right More than 100 people stood for far-right parties or as far-right independents in the local elections in June. Of these, five were elected: Patrick Quinlan (National Party); Gavin Pepper (independent); Malachy Steenson (independent); Tom McDonnell (independent) and Glen Moore (Irish Freedom Party). All five of the far-right councillors ran in the general election. Gavin Pepper and Malachy Steenson did best of the five polling at around 5pc with none of the five coming close to election. Similarly Derek Blighe and AJ Cahill who ran under the National Alliance banner in Cork North-Central and Galway West failed to make an impact while Philip Dwyer and Dolores Webster picked up less than 1pc of the votes in their respective constituencies. Chloe Ferris was in her 20s and passed away in the early hours of Sunday A woman who died suddenly at a Belfast city centre nightclub over the weekend has been described as beautiful inside and out. Named locally as Chloe Ferris, she was in her 20s and passed away in the early hours of Sunday after an incident at Lux nightclub. Emergency services were called at around 2.20am to reports of two women who were unconscious. A spokesperson from Healy Brothers Funeral Directors confirmed that Ms Ferris a beauty technician from Belfast was pronounced dead at the scene. The other woman, believed to be a friend of Ms Ferris, remains in hospital and is receiving treatment. A death notice published by the funeral directors said: The death has occurred of Chloe Ferris, who passed away on 1st December 2024. Beloved daughter of Declan and Sharon, much-loved sister of Christopher, Declan, and Barry, cherished aunt, niece, cousin, part of the Sister Squad, and friend to many. R.I.P. Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on her soul. Deeply regretted by her heartbroken mother, father, and the entire family circle. Lux nightclub Described as beautiful inside and out by those who knew her, many took to social media to express their condolences. One friend wrote: The nicest friend with the purest soul. Glad to have been your friend. Another commented: Heartbreaking. Chloe was the most beautiful person, both inside and out. Thinking of her friends and family at this very sad time. Beauty training academy Enhance Belfast also posted a tribute online: Absolutely heartbreaking, our lovely student Chloe. Sending so much love to her family and friends. Ms Ferris former primary school, St Clares PS in Belfast, expressed their condolences online, adding: Thinking of one of our past pupils who died suddenly today, Chloe Ferris. Deepest sympathy to her mum, dad, and brothers at this heartbreaking time, from all staff, past and present. Sinn Fein councillor for the Court district electoral area, Claire Canavan, addressed the news in a social media post, describing it as absolutely tragic. She wrote: Devastating news about Chloe Ferris. It is absolutely tragic that a young woman has so suddenly lost her life. I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Ferris and Dynes families and friends as they come to terms with this heartbreaking news. SDLP councillor Gary McKeown added: This is terrible news, and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who died. For something like this to happen is tragic, but it is particularly poignant at this time of year. Sinn Fein MLA Orlaithi Flynn also added her sympathies. The west Belfast MLA said: I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn that a young woman lost her life in the early hours of Sunday morning in Belfast city centre. This is an absolute tragedy, and I want to extend my deepest condolences to the womans family and friends who have woken today to this unthinkable and heartbreaking news. My thoughts are also with another woman and her loved ones as she remains in hospital today undergoing treatment. Police have appealed for anyone who may be able to assist their investigation to contact them. A PSNI spokesperson said: Police enquiries are at a very early stage, and anyone who believes they may have information that could assist can contact police on 101, or submit information online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. She told her fellow Im A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here campmates that shes never been in love despite her extensive dating history. Watch: Maura and Jane take part in tonight's Bushtucker trial - Fright at the End of the Tunnel Maura Higgins has lifted the lid on her relationship status in the Im A Celebrity jungle, admitting that she was seeing someone before going on the show. The Love Island star stirred things up last month when she entered the camp with Reverend Richard Coles, joining the likes of Coleen Rooney, McFlys Danny Jones, and boxer Barry McGuigan. In last nights episode, the campmates opened up about their love lives, with Maura admitting that she was seeing someone before making her way Down Under, amid rumours that shes been linked to The Only Way is Essex star Pete Wicks. Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse asked the Longford lady if she was single, to which she replied: I am, but I was seeing someone before I came in but Im not in a relationship. Richard then asked: Was it exclusive? Or if Ive put you on the spot, sorry! And Maura paused before admitting: I dont know. Radio 1 presenter Dean McCullough questioned: Is it someone we would know? which caused Maura to smile and say: Yeah... A delighted Richard then added: Well thats great, go Maura! Maura also revealed that she missed her mystery man during her stint in the jungle but told her fellow campmates that shes never been in love despite her extensive dating history. The 34-year-old, who celebrated her birthday on the reality show last week, has previously been in relationships with her Love Island co-stars Curtis Pritchard and Chris Taylor, Strictly Come Dancing pro Giovanni Pernice, and recently called things off with Hollywood stunt double Bobby Holland Hanton. Richard recalled that he knew his true feelings for his late partner after meeting his eyes in a crowd as he offered: I think youll know when it happens, its just different. And Dean asked Maura if things felt different with her new beau, and she said: "It does, but then is it because weve known each other for a long time? Before entering the jungle, Maura declared that she was very much single as she batted off rumours that she was romantically involved with Pete Wicks. When The Sun asked about her dating Pete, Maura replied: Im not, Im not. Where have you heard that? I mean, I date, but Im very much single. And honestly, I just think the interest in my dating life is so boring. Everyone goes on dates, but then youre like... Mauras in a relationship with this person, this person. When pressed on whether she had been on a date with Pete, she retorted: I mean, Ive been on a date with many people. Maura and Pete had been keeping a low profile in recent weeks since they were spotted kissing outside the Broadwick Hotel in Soho in August while enjoying an alfresco lunch. The pair, who have always maintained that they are "just friends", were then seen getting very close at the Pride Of Britain Awards afterparty in October where MailOnline claims Maura was seen by onlookers planting a kiss on Pete's nose before they both kissed. This latest development came weeks after they were seen "all over each other" when Maura joined Pete and his Strictly co-stars in the pub. An onlooker told The Sun: "They were chatting to Pete's co-star Wynne Evans and it was very clear they were more than just friends. "Things have clearly turned romantic as they were all over each other. "At one point she ran her hands through his hair under his hat, and they were cuddling loads too. "They looked really cosy and comfortable with each other." Big-hearted volunteers will be out in full force in February 2025 as part of the Heart Foundations biggest fundraiser of the year, the Big Heart Appeal. The Heart Foundation is calling on New Zealanders to gift a couple of hours of their time on Friday February 21 and Saturday February 22, 2025 by volunteering as a Big Heart Appeal street collector and raising funds for heart research. There are a million New Zealanders living with cardiovascular disease," said Heart Foundation medical director Dr Gerry Devlin. Its still the number one killer, in New Zealand and globally. Our work has never been more urgent. Funds raised help us to make a big difference whether it is supporting research that results in improved treatments and medications or investing in overseas training for our young cardiologists so we can offer world-class care in New Zealand," Devlin said. Outcomes for those affected by heart attacks and other heart conditions have greatly improved thanks to Heart Foundation-funded work, but there is still much to be done. Brian, an 80-year-old retired engineer, has been a dedicated Heart Foundation volunteer and area coordinator for the past two years, inspired by his own journey with heart health. Devlin said significant gaps remain in research, diagnosis and care of women with heart disease. It is an area we are investing in, on a national and international scale, and we hope this research will make a major impact on womens cardiovascular health. Annemarie Crampton from Porirua, who lost her father and husband to heart disease, is among the volunteers getting ready to support the Big Heart Appeal street collection and says she does it for the future of her family. "I do it for my daughters, for my family, and for all the families who have been touched by heart disease. Its important to keep raising awareness and funds so that we can make a difference. "Volunteering is really easyits not scary at all, said Crampton. People are kind and supportive, and you meet such nice people in your community. Sign up to get involved this February with the Big Heart Appeal street collection. Photo/Supplied. Crampton wants to encourage others to become a volunteer street collector too. When youre collecting, so many people stop to share their stories. Theyve either had heart surgery or have lost someone to heart disease. Its not just a mans diseasemany women are affected too, and thats something that really worries me for my daughters. Sign up here to get involved with the Big Heart Appeal street collection this February and volunteer on either Friday February 21 or Saturday February 22 2025. Heart disease at a glance: Heart disease is New Zealands single biggest killer, claiming the lives of more than 6,500 New Zealanders every year thats one person every 90 minutes. More than 180,000 New Zealanders are currently living with heart disease. Since 1968, the Heart Foundation has funded more than $95 million in research and specialist training. As a charity we rely heavily on the generosity of everyday Kiwis to support our life-saving work. *Including high blood pressure, around a million New Zealand adults are living with cardiovascular disease. The reverberations of the Erebus disaster are still being felt 45 years later, said the MInistry for Cutlure and Heritage on Thursday. Thursday, November 28, marked 45 years since the Erebus disaster. It remains New Zealands largest loss of life from a disaster during peacetime, said Secretary for Culture and Heritage, Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae. On November 28, 1979, Air New Zealand sightseeing flight TE901 crashed into the slopes of Mt Erebus, Antarctica. Everyone on board lost their lives. "We reflect on the 257 people who were on the flight. Whether passenger or crew, they were loved. "Families across Aotearoa and around the world immediately felt the huge loss and have carried pain and grief since that fateful day." Leauanae.said the enormity of the disaster and its aftermath shocked New Zealand, with the reverberations still being felt today. "I also want to acknowledge Operation Overdue, who, whether in Antarctica, Aotearoa or overseas, strived to bring those of TE901 home. The nature of this work was harrowing and required enormous courage and resilience. "For some of the families, the work of Operation Overdue meant they were able to bury their loved ones, while some remain to this day, at rest on the slopes of Mount Erebus." Manatu Taonga is also sharing the stories of those who were on TE901, to help present and future generations of New Zealanders learn more about the people onboard or part of Operation Overdue. These have been written by Erebus families and members of Operation Overdue. "These stories are a powerful testament to the people lost on 28 November 1979, and will contribute to ensuring that people across Aotearoa and further afield never forget about flight TE901," said Leauanae. Work continues to progress a National Erebus Memorial. "Erebus families and members of Operation Overdue deserve a national space of remembrance - a place to come together and touch the names of their loved ones, especially those who were unable to lay their loved ones to rest after the tragedy. "New Zealanders for generations to come also need a place to reflect on the people and the legacy of flight TE901, for example the improvements in aviation safety that were a result of the disasters learnings." A small number of potential sites for the Memorial are under active consideration, and the Ministry is also exploring alternative locations if these sites are unable to be progressed. "We remain committed to realising a National Erebus Memorial as soon as we can. We are seeking a site where Erebus families and the Memorial are warmly welcomed," said Leauanae. Moe mai ra koutou i runga i te aroha. Kei te pae o mahara, kei te kokonga ngakau hoki koutou e noho ana mo ake tonu atu. With love, rest easy. You remain in our thoughts and our hearts for evermore. The Bay of Plenty Times was contacted about a second horses death. Its owner, Oropis Chris Rugaas, spoke of her heartbreaking loss of Rocky in a similar fashion to Remi. On November 6 Waitao resident Donna Matheson put down her badly injured 14-year-old mare Remi on November 6 after it ripped through a wire fence during Guy Fawkes. Rockafella, 17, also known as Rocky, was the second horse in the Western Bay of Plenty euthanised last month because of what were believed to be fireworks-related injuries. A Bay of Plenty woman who had to put her breeding stallion down after the animal was severely injured during Guy Fawkes has added her support to calls for banning public fireworks sales. Rugaas, the owner and breeder of Rockafella, said her coloured mixed sport horse was found in a paddock on November 8 with both back legs covered in blood and severe cuts. One leg was slashed down to the bone. Rugaas said she looked out her window about 7am that day and saw Rocky was in a different paddock to the one she had left him the night before and couldnt work out how he got there. Rocky sustained severe cuts to both back legs and was euthanised. Rugaas said a neighbour told her people were letting off fireworks in a gully area about midnight. I believe it was townies who did not live in this area letting them off, Rugaas said. From what I saw in the paddock, Rocky must have been woken up, bolted, and skidded into the wire fence and through it, and the damaged wire has sliced both legs. One leg was worse than the other, it was sliced right down to the bone. She said she hosed Rockys legs down, gave him some feed mixed with an anti-inflammatory painkiller and called a vet, but the vet was too busy to come to the property straight away. Her uncle collected antibiotics from the clinic. Oropi stallion Rockafella suffered leg injuries. Rugaas said her uncle showed the vet photos of Rockys injured legs and was told it would cost about $8000 to treat the animal, he would probably have bone infections, and it could take up to two years to mend. Ive been having a pretty hard time with my finances and have nothing left in the kitty ... and I knew if I had just bandaged Rockys legs it would be all too much for him with the summer heat and the flies, so I decided the most humane thing was to put him to sleep. It was a heartbreaking decision, but stallions need their back legs for breeding. Rugaas said she had been breeding sport horses for dressage, eventing and show jumping events for more than 25 years. Rocky was euthanised on November 8. Photo / Chris Rugaas Rocky was a lovely horse, with an amazing temperament, and very special bloodlines. One of its relatives had gone to the Olympics. Its sire Pintado Desperado had the same bloodlines as NZB Galdalf, Mark Todds 2008 Olympics mount. Rugaas said Rocky had probably sired about 50 progeny, including his latest colt, Stash, born about three weeks ago. And all his foals have his nature and they have all been easy horses to work with. Two mares in the same paddock as Rocky were likely in foal to him. Oropi resident Chris Rugaas with some of her sport horses, including newly-born colt Stash which was sired by Rockafella. Photo / Sandra Conchie Rugaas said she was struggling with losing Rocky and wanted fireworks sales to the public banned, except for controlled displays. My emotions are pretty up and down at the moment and I have mainly been hiding away from other people. Im wallowing at home, really. Im trying to deal with it all as best I can. Too many animals are getting injured and frightened. Fireworks are terrible things, and they need to introduce far stricter rules on their use. Natalie Crotty, who lives in Welcome Bay, told the Bay of Plenty Times she agreed. Crotty said she had to put her sport horse, Chief, 21, down last year after it suffered horrendous cuts down to the bone in his legs following a similar fireworks-related incident about 10 years ago. Chief was sired by a different stallion that had belonged to Rugaas. She said despite spending thousands of dollars and nursing Chief back to health, it was never the same horse, could never be ridden and had developed severe arthritis, hence her decision to euthanise him. I fully support Donna and Chris calls for fireworks sales direct to the public to be banned. Ive supported the Animal Justice Partys Ban the Boom campaign for years. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds earlier said she was considering all options relating to calls for the ban and impacts of private fireworks use. More than 75,000 people have signed Animates Vetcare NZs petition calling for a ban on fireworks sales to the public, and the SPCA and NZ Veterinary Association also advocated for bans. Hundreds of posts on Tauranga social media pages have also called for action particularly in rural areas of Welcome Bay. Fire and Emergency New Zealand community education manager Tom Ronaldson said fireworks cause damaging, preventable fires, and injuries. Ronaldson said previous legislative changes had seen individual products prohibited and tightening of controls around sale and sale periods. However, the concerns we hold around injury and damage remain. Fire and Emergency supports further restrictions on the public sale of fireworks. Wed rather people didnt buy fireworks but if people are going to purchase fireworks, then before lighting them they should always check it is safe to do so by visiting www.checkitsalright.nz, clicking on fireworks and then checking its all right to light. -Bay of Plenty Times. Court documents say the couple have had a joint declared income of less than $17,000 a year since 2018 and allegedly lived a lifestyle that didnt match it with expensive holidays, the purchase of high-value vehicles and extensive property renovations being carried out. The assets belong to a couple and include two Hastings houses one in Flaxmere and one in Camberley which are registered in the womans name. Police have obtained a restraining order over two houses, three cars, a motorcycle and $68,000 in cash found in a Louis Vuitton handbag and allegedly linked to $1.5 million worth of methamphetamine dealing. Police raided and searched several properties linked to the couple on March 12 this year. The man was found by police and arrested several days later. He was charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply, supplying methamphetamine, participation in an organised criminal group, unlawful possession of a firearm and failing to carry out obligations regarding a computer search. Police found just over $70,000 in cash, including the money in the handbag, at a house the couple were renting near Tauranga. They also found a pistol and ammunition, along with a money-counting machine and multiple mobile phones, items commonly associated with drug-dealing. In an application to the High Court seeking a restraining order over the couples assets, police also said they had analysed encrypted messaging from the mans phones. They alleged the messages were consistent with methamphetamine distribution, which is said to involve at least 11kg [of the drug] with a purchase price of at least $1.54 million. The application was made under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009, which allows assets tainted by significant criminal activity to be forfeited to the Crown. The seizure of assets is commonly a two-stage process police seek a restraining order early in the case to stop assets being disposed of, and then apply for a forfeiture order, often much later when the associated criminal proceedings have been resolved. In this case, the police application was served on the man in prison. He is next due to appear in the Manukau District Court in February. Neither the man nor the woman opposed the restraining order application and it was granted by High Court Justice Karen Grau, to run until July 16, 2025. The police application said the handbag containing $68,100 was found at a property the couple were renting near Tauranga. Officers also found another $2062 in a television cabinet, and $2000 in a Mazda ute parked outside. The Mazda, a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro and a classic Ford Falcon, registered in the names of relatives of the man, were also included in the restraining order. So was a bank account belonging to the woman. The application did not say how much was in it. BEIJING, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, recently delivered important instructions on the program to study and develop Marxist theory in the new era. Xi pointed out that studying and developing Marxist theory is the fundamental and strategic program of the Party's ideological and theoretical development. Over the past 20 years, those involved in the program have always focused on the central tasks and served the overall situation, producing a large number of high-quality research results. The program has also played an important role in the study, research and publicity of the Party's innovative theories, consolidating the guiding position of Marxism in the realm of ideology. Xi stressed that on the new journey in the new era, we must uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, focus on the study, publicity and implementation of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, make efforts to deepen systematic and theoretical research and interpretation, and strive to render the study and publicity more targeted and effective, so as to make the Party's innovative theories more popular among the people. We must adhere to integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities and fine traditional culture, proceed from China's realities, carry forward Chinese cultural traditions, build a solid academic foundation, conduct in-depth research on major issues in our great efforts to build a strong country and achieve national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, accelerate the development of an independent knowledge system in Chinese philosophy and social sciences and nurture high-caliber theoretical talent, so as to make greater contributions to adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. A meeting concerning work on the program to study and develop Marxist theory was held in Beijing on Nov. 29. Xi's important instructions were studied at the meeting. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. In his speech, Cai pointed out that Xi's important instructions profoundly expounded on the status and role of the program to study and develop Marxist theory, and clarified the requirements for the task of upholding fundamental principles while breaking new ground in promoting the study, research and publicity of the Party's innovative theories. In his instructions, Xi expressed the hope that efforts would be made to integrate the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities and fine traditional culture in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Xi's instructions provide important guidelines for the implementation of the program in the new era. Cai pointed out that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has attached great importance to strengthening the Party through ideological endeavor and theoretical development. General Secretary Xi has issued a series of expositions on studying and developing Marxist theory, which have provided answers to the fundamental questions concerning upholding and developing Marxism. At the same time, the expositions have systematically clarified the targets, basic principles, tasks and work in the study and building of Marxist theory. We must thoroughly understand the significance of the "Two Affirmations," act on the "Two Upholds," and thoroughly study the related theories and implement them, Cai said. Cai stressed that to innovate the program of studying and developing Marxist theory, it is imperative to regard the study, research, and publicity of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the fundamental task, ensure that the studies and education are more targeted and effective, further make the research and interpretation more systematic and theoretical, and ensure that the publicity and popularization work is more attractive and influential. He also called for efforts to advance the research on the basic tenets of Marxism, further answer the questions concerning China's specific realities, further explore the contents and values of fine traditional Chinese culture, intensify efforts to research on and have a command of integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities and fine traditional culture, and continue to bring out vitality for theoretical creation. We should adhere to the Party's innovative theories as guidance, meet the requirements the times have laid out for us, have a thorough understanding of China's realities, and systematically refine and summarize defining concepts and original theories, so as to advance the development of an independent knowledge system in philosophy and social sciences. We should strengthen organizational leadership, improve institutional mechanisms, enhance incentives and support, foster a healthy academic environment, and accelerate the formation of a well-coordinated, scientifically-managed, and innovation-driven work framework. Li Shulei presided over the meeting, and Shen Yiqin attended the meeting. Leading officials from the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance), the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee, the Ministry of Education, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences delivered speeches, and so did representatives from the consulting committee of the program and theoretical work platforms, and relevant experts and scholars. Those who attended the meeting included members of the Central Leading Group for Public Communication and Cultural Work, leading officials from the department in charge of the program, central media and cultural institutions, and relevant people's organizations, as well as some members of the program consulting committee, experts and scholars, along with leading officials from the publicity departments of local Party committees and key universities under the central management. We will work hand in hand to enable Ukraine to become a member of the EU Marta Kos Photo: https://www.facebook.com/marta.kosmarko Blitz interview with Interfax-Ukraine of Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos Text: Dmytro Koshovyy -- How was your first day in your new position in Kyiv? -- I'm very happy that on my first day being Commissioner for Enlargement I visited Kiev, especially because enlargement is one of the priorities of the whole European Commission and it is also a priority for Ukraine, for your government, for your parliament and even for civil society which I met today. Your country is doing immense progress. Making this amount of reforms in the time when the country is on war, it's something unprecedented and congratulations for this. My task as Commissioner for Enlargement is to support your government to first start the negotiation process and then bring it to the end. This is tough work. It's a lot of technical work.It's a lot on both sides, in Brussels and also here. We are now preparing everything possible, doing the screening and we hope that in some time in the first half of next year we will be able to open the first cluster which is fundamentals. This is the new methodology when we always start with the fundamentals and close with the fundamentals. Today I've heard a wish that we could open as much as possible clusters next year. It's not only about opening, we have also to close it. -- Are there any clusters that could be closed as early as next year? -- No, this will take time but mostly it is up to a candidate country because it is a merit-based process. We will assist you, I will work day and night to help you to go through this process but most of the work is done on your side. I am positively surprised how much energy I could feel with your president, Mr. Zelensky, with the president of the government. I met the vise-prime-minister, Olga Stefanichina, who is a partner for me. So, a huge amount of energy, a very positive attitude towards the EU accession. So, we will work hand in hand to enable Ukraine to become a member of the European Union. Why is this so important? Enlargement today is different than it was five years back or when my country Slovenia was entering the EU in 2004. At that time mostly we have seen the accession process through the economic classes as an economic process. Today, especially because of you being our candidate, it is about much more. It is about securing peace, freedom and prosperity. And these are actually the reasons why the European Union has been established. To secure peace, freedom and prosperity. And it is now in our hands to enable you joining us. I feel a huge responsibility, but at the same time a huge honour that I am the commissioner who is doing this work. -- On your opinion, when Ukraine becomes a member of the EU, it's maybe 5 years? -- We don't know yet, because what I'm responsible for are the negotiations, and there are more than 30 chapters. Once we will come to the final line of the accession process, then all the member states have to give green light. But you are on a very good way, because of Ukraine, we have a new dynamic, a positive dynamic in all the candidate countries. -- Last question. As I understand, the next step is the opening of the first cluster? It's maybe January, February? -- No, probably April, May. There is so much to do, and there is a decision-making process in the Council. So, even if we do everything possible, probably it won't be earlier than April next year. But once we will start, then we will go on quickly. You harm not only your victims and everyone around them, but also your own family and life when youre caught. Your actions are destructive, selfish and completely inexcusable, she said as Tauranga man Joshua Oliver abandoned his pursuit for ongoing name suppression. The identity of a man who violated a woman after a work party can finally be revealed - and his victim is sending a message to those who commit sexual violence. Warning: This story deals with details of sexual assault and may be upsetting. Oliver was found guilty by a jury on a charge of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection but couldnt be named until now due to a suppression order. The woman he abused said in her victim impact statement that his attack was one of the most extreme violations a person can endure. During a trial earlier this year, the court heard there had been a work event at the Tauranga races. A group had gone to a house following the event and the victim, who was connected to the workplace and was friends with the homeowner, said she had been having a good time catching up with longstanding friends and people she had just met. Joshua Oliver was found guilty by a jury on a charge of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection but couldnt be named until now due to a suppression order. She had been very drunk and struggled to remember large parts of the evening. The woman went to bed in one of the spare rooms but said she woke in the early hours to the man forcefully violating her. She went back to sleep after telling him to Get the f*** off me, but said when she woke later that morning and went to the bathroom, she had felt sore. She looked in the bathroom mirror and thought, What the f***, has this really happened? At the mans sentencing, she told the judge the physical and emotional aftermath had been severe she had not been able to sit comfortably in the days following the attack and was in pain as she drove to the police station and attended medical examinations. Oliver had been seeking permanent name suppression for reasons that cannot be reported. His application was declined by Judge Bill Lawson on November 1 and Olivers counsel indicated the judges ruling would be appealed. Joshua Oliver was sentenced in the Tauranga District Court. However, the Tauranga District Court registry confirmed the appeal had been abandoned and his interim suppression lapsed. The woman he attacked told NZME, following the lapse of name suppression, that she wanted to send a message to those who commit sexual violence about the impact their actions had on others. She said survivors of sexual violence were speaking out, the world was changing, and offenders could not escape accountability. Oliver was sentenced at the start of November to six years and three months imprisonment and was ordered to pay $2500 for emotional harm. The woman told the judge his actions had affected her life, and her family, immensely. This has robbed our kids of precious time with their mother, she said. Once very involved with their schooling and activities, Im now rarely able to pick them up or drop them off at school. They had lost the carefree, happy mother they once knew as she sometimes struggled to get out of bed and was in constant fear for their safety. They wake me at night, scared and needing reassurance, only to find a mother who herself is terrified from being woken. It had affected her relationship with her husband as the joy of [their] connection has been overshadowed by these painful memories of being raped. I know this has affected him immensely. It is not easy to live knowing that another man has violated your wife in such a hideous way. The woman said the trial had been retraumatising, but she had wanted to ensure Oliver never did something like this again. During the trial, she said she had been very drunk on the night she was violated, and couldnt remember large portions of the evening. She had been shown to a bedroom, and effectively passed out, before she awoke to the man forcefully violating her. Judge Lawson told Oliver the woman had been in an environment where she was entitled to feel safe. You were both escorted to separate rooms and she was entitled to expect that she would remain in that room free from any interference or contact from you, he said. You took advantage of her vulnerability. You seriously penetrated her ... while she was sleeping, or blacked out. You held her in place to allow that to occur. Judge Lawson also took into account Olivers letter of remorse, however. It makes it clear that you accept that you have offended in this way against the victim, and you accept that you have caused physical and emotional trauma to her. The judge gave a 5% discount for remorse, off a starting point of seven years and four months imprisonment. Your expression of remorse identifies that you have thought this through ... You have accepted that your behaviour was the cause of significant impact on the victim. Very often in cases like this, we find the victims left in a state of doubt because the defendants maintain their innocence and do not accept the verdict. Here you have accepted what you have done. Oliver also offered an emotional harm repayment of $2500. The judge said that while that couldnt repay the financial loss the woman and her family had suffered, it did represent a manifestation of the remorse expressed. Oliver was also given a 10% discount for background factors. SEXUAL HARM Deaths by drowning are on track to be the lowest since 2018, but advocates are still urging people to stay vigilant around the water. Water Safety New Zealand numbers show there have been 61 drownings so far in 2024. That is 17 fewer than last year, and 22 fewer than the 10-year average. Chief executive Daniel Gerrard said the reduction was something to celebrate, but the numbers were expected to increase before the year is over. "It is down 26 percent year to date, based on the 10 year average, but the predictive modelling is still saying there's likely to be 70 fatalities in total for the year. So we're still looking at potentially a fatality, one every three days [until the end of the year]." Gerrard said people needed to remain vigilant and keep safety at front of mind when heading out to beaches and rivers this summer. The drop in drowning deaths shows the impact of good messaging and education, he said, leading to actions like keeping small kids close and choosing safe places to swim. "If you're not a particularly good swimmer, going for a swimmer at Piha beach is perhaps the not the best choice. And it's things like that we're starting to see more and more." Gerrard said the efforts put into education and water skills training for children had also made a difference, with drownings in under 24 year olds at record lows. "We're giving more education opportunities to our little people, so little New Zealanders have more skills and knowledge than they ever have," he said. "We've been spending - and I'm talking about the entire water safety community - has really been focusing on providing skills and knowledge to young New Zealanders. What that's now translating to is those primary school aged kids are much safer, and the numbers are representing that." The drowning statistics still show the same trouble areas, however, with men making up the majority of drownings, and many happening at unpatrolled beaches, or involving alcohol. "This is a male problem in New Zealand - 85 percent of the fatalities are male. It's still around going to the beach and getting in trouble in some of those environments - and often they are unpatrolled beaches." He encouraged New Zealanders to make smarter swimming decisions this summer, like going to a patrolled beach, and said people should stay out of the water if they were not sure it was safe. -RNZ. The first weekend of the spectacular Christmas light and music show in Malaga has turned the city centre into a hive of activity. On Saturday 30 November, iconic spots such as Calle Larios, the Alameda and Paseo del Parque were packed with thousands of people eager to enjoy the light show that kicks off Christmas celebrations in the city. It not only attracted locals from Malaga, but visitors from nearby Andalusian provinces such as Cadiz and Granada, as well as national Spansih tourists from as far as Galicia and people from other countries such as the United Kingdom Italy and Sweden. Families, groups of friends and couples took the opportunity to stroll around and soak up the festive atmosphere in every corner, on a day marked by huge crowds and a collective Christmas spirit. An unexpected phenomenon added a peculiar touch to the day when sudden fog blanketed the city centre just before the first light show on Calle Larios. The dense fog, which added to the atmosphere, engulfed streets and added to the intrigue. "It's a curious thing, it gives it a touch of mystery," visitors said as they waited for the light show to kick off. For some, like Antonio Mel, attending the lights switch-on is a tradition that cannot be missed. The Marbella resident returns to Calle Larios every year to enjoy the atmosphere. "The decorations are the same as last year," he said, but pointed out that what really attracts him is the energy and Christmas spirit that permeates every corner. "It's a unique feeling, to feel how the whole city vibrates with Christmas. I wouldn't trade that for anything," he added. Meanwhile, for Ludovia Alibrando, an Italian tourist, the experience is completely new. Together with two friends, she visited Malaga to see the light show. "We don't have this in Italy," she said. "It's as if the whole city is transformed into a Christmas story, something I've never seen before," she added. Nuria Nael travelled from even further away. The young Swiss woman who is currently on Erasmus in Seville, did not want to miss the opportunity to visit Malaga. "They are better than the ones in my country because here there is more atmosphere, and the music gives them that special touch of joy," she said. "It's something I didn't expect, and it was definitely worth the trip. I'm sure I'll remember it forever," she added. Joy and dancing The atmosphere in the centre of Malaga on Saturday was a true Christmas scene. Father Christmas hats adorned the heads of everyone, from children to adults joining in the celebrations. Groups of friends danced to the rhythm of the songs that filled the air, while others sang spontaneously, forming impromptu choruses that brought applause and smiles. Parents carried their children on their shoulders so they could better enjoy the lights and not miss a single detail of the show, while couples walked hand in hand, absorbed in the magic of the scenery. In the middle of the crowd, a group of women stood out above the rest, due to their overflowing joy and dances that brought smiles to the faces of everyone who passed by. Victoria Gonzalez, leading her group of ten friends, kept shouting "Merry Christmas" to those who crossed her path. These visitors, who travelled from Guadix, in Granada, pointed out how much they love the Christmas celebration in Malaga. "Whenever we can we come because they are beautiful, and the atmosphere is unique," Gonzalez said. "It's something that brings people together, coming here is like living a special moment together," she added. Javier Rios, another visitor from Granada, decided to combine his stay at a campsite in the city with a visit to the centre to enjoy the show. "Everything Malaga does is beautiful, and the lights are no exception," he said. Matias Stuber Malaga Monday, 2 December 2024, 12:28 | Updated 12:42h. Compartir Some 200 residents gathered outside the lantern festival at Malaga's Parque del Oeste on the opening night to protest against the private event being held in a public space. The festival will run until 15 February, whereby during this time, the land occupied by the company operating the festival cannot be used for any other reason than to visit the festival, which costs between 15 and 20 euros. This is the reason behind a series of protests by local residents who called out the town hall for ceding a public space for the operation of a private business. Protesters cried out, "open up our park", as visitors attended the festival's opening night on Saturday 30 November, including Malaga mayor Francisco de la Torre and councillor Teresa Porras. The atmosphere was tense at times as protestors banged on screens erected to block the view into the park. Almost in unison, slogans were chanted against what the residents considered a misappropriation of public space. "Paco, the park is not yours" and "park yes, business no", the demonstrators yelled out. Among those attending the protest were elderly people, young people and entire families. Some were local residents and others came from other neighbourhoods. One of them, Juan Miguel Lopez, 74, came from Cruz de Humilladero. "This is not about where you live. It's about protesting against the act of taking away a public asset of Malaga society so that a few people can do business," he told SUR. "It's not just that they are closing the park until February. It's that an agreement has been signed for the next five years. Are we, the residents, really going to have to settle for this, without being able to use a place that we use on a daily basis for five years," local resident Angela Gonzalez pointed out. Schroeppel, N.Y. A Central New York man was killed in a rollover crash possibly due to winter weather Monday morning, deputies said. Theodore Grader, 66, of Phoenix was driving a 2022 Subaru Forester south on County Route 57 in Schroeppel, when the vehicle went off the road, said Lt. Andy Bucher, a spokesperson for the Oswego County Sheriffs Office. The Subaru went down an embankment and overturned. Deputies were dispatched to the crash near North Shore Road at about 3:22 a.m. Grader was pronounced dead at the scene, Bucher said. Poor weather and hazardous road conditions may have been a contributing factor, Bucher said in a news release. The crash comes the day that many Central New York residents woke up to snow. Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com. Fort Valley, Ga A former Syracuse sex offender has been sentenced to life in prison for beating his nine-month-old son to death at a Georgia gas station. Christopher Palmer, 43, beat his son, Cody Palmer, inside an RV at a Buc-ees gas station in Fort Valley Georgia on Jan. 30, 2022. A jury found him guilty of murder on Nov. 25. In a fit of rage, Christopher Palmer beat his son, breaking his ribs and legs, according to an article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The boy died days later at an Atlanta hospital, and Palmer was charged with his death. The case became news across the South. Cody Palmer became known as the Buc-ees Baby by prosecutors and the media. His father tried to say that he fell but experts and medical exams on the boy revealed that he had a history of physical abuse, according to the report. Palmer had a history of arrests back in Central New York. He was charged with second-degree sexual abuse out of the town of Geddes in 2014, according to court records. He was sentenced to a year in jail. The victims were two girls, ages five and seven, according to the New York state sex offender registry. At one point he was also on the countys Top Ten Most Wanted List for failing to appear in court on his sexual abuse charge, according to Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard archives. He was also wanted by the Cicero police for a petit larceny charge from Walmart. In 2021 he was sentenced to nine months in the Onondaga County jail for failing to update his address on the sex offender registry, according to court records. He was also charged with third-degree burglary in 2005 and second-degree burglary in 2006, both in Oneida County, according to a Georgia indictment. Palmers wife, Shelly Deanna Rooks, 28, of Georgia, was charged as well. Due to her low IQ and disabilities, she will likely never be tried, according to the Atlanta paper. She was also abused by Palmer, prosecutors said. She testified he duct-taped her and the boys mouths, poured bleach on her, and tied her to the RV with a dog leash. Cody Palmers two brothers, one of who took the stand to tell the court why Cody was beaten to death, have been placed into foster care. The Peach County Sheriff told the court the three boys had been enduring torture until the night they were rescued from the trailer by first responders. Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com. 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. Syracuse, NY A 33-year-old man was shot in the back Monday afternoon, Syracuse police said. Officers responded to the 100 block of Fordham Road after receiving a report of shots fired around noon, the Syracuse Police Department said in a news release. When they arrived, officers could not locate any evidence of shots being fired. Soon after, the man arrived at Upstate University Hospital in a private car with a gunshot wound to his back, police said. The victim is reported to be in stable condition, with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Officers believe the two incidents are connected, but they dont know where the shooting occurred, police said. The investigation is still ongoing. Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to contact them at (315) 442-5222. mystiikmonk Newbie Join Date: Apr 2023 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 23 Thanked: 239 Times Masai Mara - Kenya Trip After many years of waiting, my wife and I (she, too, has now grown passionate about wildlife) finally planned our trip for this September, starting from Bangalore. Itinerary: Route: Bangalore Mumbai Nairobi and back via the same route (Indigo Airlines). Accommodation: A one-day extra stay at an Airbnb near Nairobi Airport, both before and after the road trip to Masai Mara. Trip Timelines: Arrival in Nairobi: We landed early in the morning. Immigration took about 45 minutes. Sim Card Setup: The biggest wait was the line at the airport for a Safaricom SIM card (which works best in remote areas). This process took an additional 40 minutes. First Day: Checked into our Airbnb and rested for the day. Next Day: Our cab was ready for the road trip to Masai Mara. Masai Mara: For the next five days, we were immersed in safaris from before sunrise to after sunset. Accommodation in Masai Mara: We stayed inside the Mara Reserve, right next to the Mara River. Booking: We booked the entire trip through Nature Wanderers, a group weve traveled with for other wildlife destinations. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a seamless and enriching wildlife experience. Reflections: Words cannot do justice to the serenity of Masai Mara. The wait, the anticipation, and the magical moments in the wild summed up to an experience of a lifetime. Highlights: Witnessed all the Big Cats. Saw cheetahs hunting twice. Spotted all the Big Five. Observed not just the majestic big cats but also their adorable cubs. Sharing some pictures because they capture the essence of our journey far better than words ever could. Since I was a kid, National Geographic, Discovery, and BBC have been my go-to sources for exploring the flora and fauna of the wild and marveling at the natural wonders of the Earth. This early fascination instilled in me an inherent wish to witness these wonders in real life. Later, when I discovered that Masai Mara, Kenya, is where much of this magic unfolds, it immediately shot to the top of my bucket list.After many years of waiting, my wife and I (she, too, has now grown passionate about wildlife) finally planned our trip for this September, starting from Bangalore.Itinerary: Route: Bangalore Mumbai Nairobi and back via the same route (Indigo Airlines). Accommodation: A one-day extra stay at an Airbnb near Nairobi Airport, both before and after the road trip to Masai Mara.Trip Timelines: Arrival in Nairobi: We landed early in the morning. Immigration took about 45 minutes. Sim Card Setup: The biggest wait was the line at the airport for a Safaricom SIM card (which works best in remote areas). This process took an additional 40 minutes. First Day: Checked into our Airbnb and rested for the day. Next Day: Our cab was ready for the road trip to Masai Mara. Masai Mara: For the next five days, we were immersed in safaris from before sunrise to after sunset. Accommodation in Masai Mara: We stayed inside the Mara Reserve, right next to the Mara River.Booking:We booked the entire trip through Nature Wanderers, a group weve traveled with for other wildlife destinations. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a seamless and enriching wildlife experience.Reflections:Words cannot do justice to the serenity of Masai Mara. The wait, the anticipation, and the magical moments in the wild summed up to an experience of a lifetime.Highlights: Witnessed all the Big Cats. Saw cheetahs hunting twice. Spotted all the Big Five. Observed not just the majestic big cats but also their adorable cubs.Sharing some pictures because they capture the essence of our journey far better than words ever could. The big picture: The story of Copilot+ PCs serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in introducing new architectures to an established market. While the potential for AI-enhanced computing is undeniable, the path to widespread adoption may be longer and more complex than wishful marketing claims. Microsoft has been aggressively promoting its Copilot+ PCs since their launch in May. The tech giant's marketing campaign includes a five-second clip declaring these devices are "The fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever." This bold claim has been challenged by users though. A Community Note attached to a promotional post by Microsoft on X points out that Copilot+ PCs, which exclusively use Snapdragon processors, fall short in raw computing power compared to high-end systems equipped with Intel or AMD chips. This performance gap is especially noticeable in demanding applications and gaming scenarios, where the Arm-based architecture of Snapdragon processors struggles with compatibility issues. The fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever Windows (@Windows) November 7, 2024 Despite ambitious forecasts from manufacturers like Qualcomm, suggesting that Arm PCs could capture 50 percent of the Windows PC market within five years, current market data paints a different picture. In the third quarter of 2024, the first full quarter of Copilot+ PC availability, sales of these devices represented only a fraction of overall laptop shipments, according to Mercury Research data. Research firms have been hesitant to provide specific figures for Copilot+ PC sales, instead grouping them with other AI PC laptops featuring Intel Core Ultra 200V and AMD Ryzen AI 300 chips. Even this broader category accounted for less than 10 percent of total shipments. The push for Arm processors in PCs gained momentum following Apple's successful integration of M-series chips into MacBooks in 2020. The primary selling point has been exceptional energy efficiency, with Snapdragon X-powered PCs promising battery life measured in days rather than hours. However, in the years and months it's taken Qualcomm and Microsoft to put together the "AI PC," Intel and AMD have significantly closed the gap in battery performance with their x86 processors. Recent reviews suggest that the latest offerings from the traditional PC chipmakers now achieve battery life comparable to their Arm-based counterparts. The most significant hurdle for Copilot+ PCs based on the Arm architecture are compatibility issues with many productivity applications and games (or slower performance due to a necessary emulation layer). Furthermore, some of the advanced AI features touted by Microsoft, such as the controversial Windows Recall, are not yet available on Copilot+ PCs. The company cites ongoing privacy and security concerns as reasons for the delay, but ultimately it means that early adopters don't have access to the full suite of promised capabilities. Surely there's still an audience for Copilot+ PCs. For those focused primarily on basic productivity tasks and web-based applications, the devices can present a compelling package, even if you don't have much use for the NPU. However, for users requiring maximum performance or broad software compatibility, traditional x86-based systems from Intel and AMD continue to hold the advantage. While innovative in some respects, the current generation of Copilot+ PCs fall short of the revolutionary promise suggested by Microsoft's marketing. The big picture: Apple has long been a strong proponent of privacy as a fundamental human right, which is reflected in services like Apple Intelligence and Private Relay. However, one Apple employee claims that none of the company's privacy protections extend to its workforce and is now taking the matter to court. Apple is facing a new lawsuit alleging that the company has been spying on its employees by monitoring their activities on personal devices and iCloud accounts. According to Semafor, the suit was filed on Sunday in a California state court by Apple employee Amar Bhakta. He claims that Apple routinely engages in "physical, video, and electronic surveillance" of employees working from home and that this invasive monitoring continues even after individuals leave the company. Bhakta, who has been working on Apple's advertising technologies since 2020 and leads a team of seven professionals, further alleges that Apple has weaponized its privacy policies in ways that violate California law. For instance, he claims that Apple tried to silence him when he spoke publicly about digital advertising and even forced him to edit his LinkedIn profile to remove details about his role at the company. This isn't the first time Apple has faced accusations of spying on its employees' devices. According to the lawsuit, Apple provides company-issued hardware and work-only iCloud accounts but actively discourages employees from using them. Instead, the company promotes setting up work devices with personal accounts, which could give Apple access to non-work activities. That said, several factors suggest the case might not hold up under close scrutiny. For one, Bhakta could have safeguarded his privacy by using a work-only iCloud account. Additionally, there's no concrete evidence that Apple is interested in monitoring employees' personal lives. It's also possible that the information Bhakta shared on LinkedIn included details Apple considers trade secrets or misrepresentations of internal company matters. Interestingly, Bhakta is represented by Jahan Saga of Outer & Golden and Chris Baker of Baker Dolinko & Schwartz, both seasoned attorneys specializing in cases against companies accused of mistreating employees. Notably, Baker represented Susan Fowler in her high-profile case against Uber involving sexual harassment and discrimination under former CEO Travis Kalanick. Image credit: Niels Epting As the adoption of cryptocurrencies continues to rise globally, businesses are embracing innovative payment solutions to meet customer expectations in the digital age. Crypto payment gateways have become indispensable, providing merchants with secure, efficient, and scalable options for handling digital transactions. By 2025, the competitive landscape for these gateways has evolved significantly, with providers focusing on delivering cutting-edge features, top-tier security, and broad cryptocurrency support. What Are Crypto Payment Gateways? Crypto payment gateways are platforms designed to help merchants accept digital currencies for goods and services. Acting as intermediaries, they streamline transactions involving popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT). Some gateways even specialize in niche industries, such as gambling, by providing tailored solutions. These platforms enable a seamless connection between customers' digital wallets and merchants' payment systems, ensuring transactions are fast, secure, and easy to manage. Key features like instant cryptocurrency-to-fiat conversion, fraud prevention tools, and integration with e-commerce platforms make these gateways invaluable for businesses aiming to attract a tech-savvy, global audience. Industries like e-commerce, gaming, and digital services particularly benefit from these solutions, as they reduce reliance on traditional banking, lower transaction fees, and offer access to a rapidly growing market of cryptocurrency users. Why Choose Crypto Payment Gateways? Crypto payment gateways offer businesses an efficient and secure way to embrace digital currencies. They simplify the complexities of handling multiple currencies, provide lower transaction fees than traditional methods, and deliver near-instant, fraud-resistant transactions. With blockchain technology ensuring robust security, protection against chargebacks, and the option for real-time fiat conversion to manage volatility, these gateways are well-suited for businesses looking to stay competitive in a digital-first economy. The ease of integration further ensures that businesses can quickly adopt these solutions and start benefiting from modernized payment systems, greater efficiency, and an expanded customer base. Top 5 Best Crypto Payment Gateway 1. NOWPayments NOWPayments is at the forefront of cryptocurrency payment innovation, offering businesses and individuals powerful tools to accept crypto payments seamlessly across websites, online stores, and social media platforms. As a non-custodial service, it ensures merchants have complete control over their funds, establishing itself as a trustworthy and secure choice for digital transactions. With support for over 300 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT), NOWPayments provides unparalleled flexibility. This extensive coverage enables businesses to cater to a wide variety of customer preferences, making it an ideal partner for global commerce. What Sets NOWPayments Apart NOWPayments stands out with features designed to optimize operations and enhance value for businesses: Non-Custodial Architecture : Merchants retain full ownership of their assets, ensuring a high level of trust and eliminating third-party risks. : Merchants retain full ownership of their assets, ensuring a high level of trust and eliminating third-party risks. Expansive Cryptocurrency Support : Compatibility with more than 300 digital assets makes NOWPayments one of the most comprehensive platforms available. : Compatibility with more than 300 digital assets makes NOWPayments one of the most comprehensive platforms available. Instant Crypto-to-Fiat Settlements : This feature shields businesses from cryptocurrency market volatility, ensuring stable revenue streams. : This feature shields businesses from cryptocurrency market volatility, ensuring stable revenue streams. Low Transaction Fees : Starting at just 0.5%, NOWPayments offers cost-effective solutions that maximize profitability. : Starting at just 0.5%, NOWPayments offers cost-effective solutions that maximize profitability. Seamless Integration : APIs and plugins for popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento simplify adoption, regardless of a business's size. : APIs and plugins for popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento simplify adoption, regardless of a business's size. Global Accessibility: With a user-friendly design and worldwide reach, NOWPayments empowers businesses to tap into the global market effortlessly. Tailored Solutions for Every Industry NOWPayments is built to serve diverse business needs, offering tailored solutions whether you're looking for a Bitcoin payment gateway, an Ethereum gateway for e-commerce, or a USDT gateway for industries such as gaming and gambling. Developers can use its API to create custom workflows, while merchants benefit from pre-integrated plugins for major e-commerce platforms. In addition to its robust cryptocurrency support, NOWPayments bridges traditional and decentralized financial systems with blockchain-based and fiat-to-crypto gateway options. This flexibility helps businesses stay competitive in an ever-evolving financial landscape while offering secure, efficient, and versatile payment methods to their customers. A Reliable Partner for the Future NOWPayments delivers cutting-edge cryptocurrency payment solutions with unmatched innovation and security. Whether you're a startup or an established enterprise, NOWPayments offers the tools and flexibility needed to navigate the future of digital commerce confidently. Elevate your payment systems with NOWPayments and take your business to new heights in the cryptocurrency era. Services Offered: Cryptocurrency Payment Processing : Simplifies accepting multiple cryptocurrencies for goods and services, enabling businesses to cater to diverse customer preferences. : Simplifies accepting multiple cryptocurrencies for goods and services, enabling businesses to cater to diverse customer preferences. Automated Coin Conversion : Converts incoming cryptocurrencies into a preferred digital asset automatically, streamlining fund management for merchants. : Converts incoming cryptocurrencies into a preferred digital asset automatically, streamlining fund management for merchants. Secure Custody Service : Ensures safe storage of digital assets, allowing for effortless conversions within the custody balance for enhanced asset control. : Ensures safe storage of digital assets, allowing for effortless conversions within the custody balance for enhanced asset control. Mass Payouts : Supports bulk cryptocurrency transactions, ideal for managing payroll, affiliate commissions, and other high-volume disbursements. : Supports bulk cryptocurrency transactions, ideal for managing payroll, affiliate commissions, and other high-volume disbursements. Fiat-Crypto Conversion : Offers seamless crypto-to-fiat and fiat-to-crypto conversions, bridging the gap between traditional and decentralized financial systems. : Offers seamless crypto-to-fiat and fiat-to-crypto conversions, bridging the gap between traditional and decentralized financial systems. Recurring Subscription Payments : Facilitates automated recurring crypto payments, making it perfect for subscription-based businesses and services. : Facilitates automated recurring crypto payments, making it perfect for subscription-based businesses and services. Donation Tools : Provides customizable widgets, buttons, and links for organizations to receive cryptocurrency donations with ease. : Provides customizable widgets, buttons, and links for organizations to receive cryptocurrency donations with ease. Point of Sale (POS) Solutions: Offers dedicated tools for accepting crypto payments in physical stores, ensuring seamless integration with retail operations. Fee Structure: Standard Service Fee : A nominal 0.5% fee applies to each transaction. : A nominal 0.5% fee applies to each transaction. Exchange Fees : An additional 0.5% fee is incurred for transactions requiring currency conversions. : An additional 0.5% fee is incurred for transactions requiring currency conversions. Custody Conversion Fees : Conversions performed within the custody balance are charged a 0.5% service fee without any associated network fees. : Conversions performed within the custody balance are charged a 0.5% service fee without any associated network fees. Mass Payouts Fee : Bulk cryptocurrency payouts incur no service fees, with only blockchain network fees applied. : Bulk cryptocurrency payouts incur no service fees, with only blockchain network fees applied. Fixed Rate Exchange Option: Choosing the fixed exchange rate option applies a flat transaction fee of 1%, regardless of transaction volume. These offerings and a transparent fee structure make this platform a reliable, secure, and cost-effective solution for managing cryptocurrency transactions, empowering businesses to embrace the future of digital payments with confidence. Advantages: Comprehensive Cryptocurrency Support: NOWPayments empowers businesses to accept payments in over 300 cryptocurrencies, allowing them to meet diverse customer demands and facilitate smooth international transactions. NOWPayments empowers businesses to accept payments in over 300 cryptocurrencies, allowing them to meet diverse customer demands and facilitate smooth international transactions. Full Control for Merchants: As a non-custodial platform, NOWPayments ensures that merchants retain complete ownership of their funds, eliminating the risks associated with third-party custodianship and enhancing trust. As a non-custodial platform, NOWPayments ensures that merchants retain complete ownership of their funds, eliminating the risks associated with third-party custodianship and enhancing trust. Real-Time Fiat Conversion: To safeguard against market volatility, NOWPayments offers instant crypto-to-fiat conversion, providing businesses with stable and predictable revenue streams. To safeguard against market volatility, NOWPayments offers instant crypto-to-fiat conversion, providing businesses with stable and predictable revenue streams. Affordable and Transparent Fees: With transaction fees starting as low as 0.5%, NOWPayments is a highly cost-effective solution, especially for businesses managing significant transaction volumes. With transaction fees starting as low as 0.5%, NOWPayments is a highly cost-effective solution, especially for businesses managing significant transaction volumes. Seamless Integration: The platform provides ready-to-use plugins and APIs compatible with major platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, enabling effortless implementation. The platform provides ready-to-use plugins and APIs compatible with major platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, enabling effortless implementation. Global Accessibility: NOWPayments' worldwide availability helps businesses break geographical barriers, reaching and serving an international customer base. NOWPayments' worldwide availability helps businesses break geographical barriers, reaching and serving an international customer base. Enhanced Privacy for Customers: Cryptocurrency payments inherently offer more privacy than traditional payment methods, appealing to customers who value discretion and security. Cryptocurrency payments inherently offer more privacy than traditional payment methods, appealing to customers who value discretion and security. Scalable Solutions for Growth: With flexible integration options and adaptable features, NOWPayments is suited to businesses of all sizes, from startups to global enterprises. Drawbacks to Consider Limited Offline Features : Designed primarily for online transactions, the platform may not fully accommodate businesses needing offline point-of-sale capabilities. We also offer offline solutions, you can check here https://nowpayments.io/pos . : Designed primarily for online transactions, the platform may not fully accommodate businesses needing offline point-of-sale capabilities. We also offer offline solutions, you can check here . Technical Expertise Needed: Businesses with minimal technical knowledge may require additional support for API integration or custom solutions. Our API integration is very easy and intuitive, and with 24/7 customer support, this process is one of the easiest integrations on the market. Why NOWPayments Stands Out NOWPayments offers a robust cryptocurrency payment gateway with significant advantages, such as broad crypto acceptance, unparalleled security, and instant fiat conversion. These attributes make it a top choice for businesses seeking to integrate cryptocurrency payments into their operations. While the platform's potential is vast, businesses should be aware of the technical and market challenges that come with adopting cryptocurrency to maximize the benefits. The Future of Digital Transactions NOWPayments is a reliable partner for businesses ready to embrace cryptocurrency as a payment option. With its scalability, efficiency, and cutting-edge features, NOWPayments offers everything needed to navigate the future of digital payments confidently. Discover how NOWPayments can transform your transaction systems and position your business for success in the cryptocurrency era. 2. BVNK Founded in 2021 and headquartered in London, BVNK is revolutionizing the way businesses handle payments in the modern financial landscape. Combining the power of blockchain technology with traditional fiat systems, BVNK enables businesses to send, receive, store, and convert currencies with unprecedented speed and efficiency. With its regulated infrastructure and innovative API platform, BVNK bridges the gap between banks and blockchains, processing an impressive $6 billion in annualized transactions. Seamless Financial Integration BVNK empowers businesses to navigate both the fiat and crypto worlds effortlessly. Its robust offerings include stablecoin settlements, currency conversion, and payments in over 20 fiat currencies and 13 cryptocurrencies. By leveraging BVNK's multi-currency wallets and wallet-as-a-service capabilities, businesses can create tailored financial solutions while staying compliant with global regulations. The platform simplifies financial transactions, allowing businesses to adopt crypto payments at checkout, manage cross-border payouts, and transition seamlessly between financial systems - all without needing their regulatory approval. BVNK's commitment to speed and simplicity makes it an ideal partner for forward-thinking businesses. Global Compliance and Trust BVNK operates as a globally regulated payments platform, boasting eight regulatory licenses and approvals. These include recognition as a Financial Services Provider by South Africa's FSCA, a Virtual Assets Service Provider by the Bank of Spain, and an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) in both the UK (FCA) and Europe (Malta Financial Services Authority). These credentials provide businesses with safe, reliable access to global payment systems backed by industry-leading compliance expertise. Services Offered: Stablecoin Settlements and Currency Conversion: Facilitates seamless transactions and conversions between stablecoins and various fiat currencies. Facilitates seamless transactions and conversions between stablecoins and various fiat currencies. On/Off-Ramps: Provides efficient mechanisms for businesses to enter and exit the cryptocurrency market, ensuring smooth transitions between fiat and digital assets. Provides efficient mechanisms for businesses to enter and exit the cryptocurrency market, ensuring smooth transitions between fiat and digital assets. Payments and Payouts: Supports transactions in over 20 fiat currencies and 13 cryptocurrencies, catering to a diverse range of business needs. Supports transactions in over 20 fiat currencies and 13 cryptocurrencies, catering to a diverse range of business needs. Multi-Currency Wallets for Businesses: Offers secure wallets that support multiple currencies, simplifying fund management across different financial systems. Offers secure wallets that support multiple currencies, simplifying fund management across different financial systems. Wallet-as-a-Service for White-Label Solutions: Enables businesses to integrate customized wallet solutions under their brand, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty. Fee Structure: BVNK's fee structure is tailored to individual business needs. For detailed information, businesses are encouraged to contact BVNK's sales team to receive a customized quote. Advantages: Regulatory Compliance: BVNK holds eight licenses and regulatory approvals, including recognition as a Financial Services Provider by South Africa's FSCA, a Virtual Assets Service Provider by the Bank of Spain, and an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) in both the UK (FCA) and Europe (Malta Financial Services Authority). This extensive regulatory framework ensures secure and compliant operations. BVNK holds eight licenses and regulatory approvals, including recognition as a Financial Services Provider by South Africa's FSCA, a Virtual Assets Service Provider by the Bank of Spain, and an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) in both the UK (FCA) and Europe (Malta Financial Services Authority). This extensive regulatory framework ensures secure and compliant operations. Comprehensive Currency Support: Supports transactions in over 20 fiat currencies and 13 cryptocurrencies, providing flexibility and broad market reach for businesses. Supports transactions in over 20 fiat currencies and 13 cryptocurrencies, providing flexibility and broad market reach for businesses. Advanced Technology: Utilizes cutting-edge technology to facilitate fast and secure transactions, enhancing operational efficiency. Utilizes cutting-edge technology to facilitate fast and secure transactions, enhancing operational efficiency. Customizable Solutions: Offers white-label wallet services, allowing businesses to provide personalized financial solutions to their customers. Disadvantages: Limited Public Fee Information: Specific details about BVNK's fee structure are not publicly disclosed, requiring businesses to contact the sales team for personalized quotes. Specific details about BVNK's fee structure are not publicly disclosed, requiring businesses to contact the sales team for personalized quotes. Relatively New Market Presence: Established in 2021, BVNK is a newer entrant in the payments industry, and businesses may seek more established providers with longer track records. BVNK offers a robust and innovative platform for businesses seeking to integrate both fiat and cryptocurrency transactions. Its comprehensive services, regulatory compliance, and advanced technology position it as a compelling choice for modern financial operations. 3. BitPay BitPay, established in 2011 and headquartered in Georgia, USA, is a leading cryptocurrency payment processor. The platform enables businesses to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, aiming to attract new customers while reducing fees and chargebacks. Since its inception, BitPay has processed over 10 million transactions totaling $5 billion. Services Offered: Payments: Facilitates cryptocurrency transactions for businesses, allowing them to accept payments in various digital currencies. Billing: Provides tools for invoicing clients in cryptocurrencies, streamlining the billing process. Payroll and Payouts: Enables companies to disburse salaries and other payments in digital currencies. Wallets: Offers secure wallets for storing and managing cryptocurrencies. Fee Structure: BitPay employs a tiered fee system based on monthly transaction volumes: Less than $500,000: 2% plus $0.25 per transaction. $500,000 to less than $1 million: 1.5% plus $0.25 per transaction. Over $1 million: 1% plus $0.25 per transaction. Advantages: Global Reach: BitPay supports transactions in multiple cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins, catering to a diverse customer base. BitPay supports transactions in multiple cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins, catering to a diverse customer base. Security: Utilizes two-factor authentication and secure APIs to ensure safe transactions. Utilizes two-factor authentication and secure APIs to ensure safe transactions. Integration: Offers plugins and integrations with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, simplifying the adoption of cryptocurrency payments for businesses. Offers plugins and integrations with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, simplifying the adoption of cryptocurrency payments for businesses. Volatility Protection: Locks in exchange rates at the time of sale, protecting merchants from cryptocurrency price fluctuations. Disadvantages: Fee Structure: The tiered fee system may be higher compared to some competitors, especially for businesses with lower transaction volumes. The tiered fee system may be higher compared to some competitors, especially for businesses with lower transaction volumes. Limited Cryptocurrency Support: Supports 16 cryptocurrencies, which is fewer than some other payment processors. Supports 16 cryptocurrencies, which is fewer than some other payment processors. Customer Support: Some users have reported challenges with customer service responsiveness. BitPay offers a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to integrate cryptocurrency payments, providing robust security and integration features. However, considerations regarding fees, cryptocurrency support, and customer service are important for potential users. 4. Coinbase Coinbase Commerce, established in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, USA, is a leading cryptocurrency payment processor that enables businesses to accept digital currencies seamlessly. The platform supports 10 cryptocurrencies and reported a transaction volume of $92 billion in the last quarter, encompassing both payments and trades. Services Offered: Payments: Facilitates cryptocurrency transactions, allowing businesses to accept payments in various digital currencies. Facilitates cryptocurrency transactions, allowing businesses to accept payments in various digital currencies. Custom Checkout Design: Provides tools to create tailored checkout experiences that align with a business's branding. Provides tools to create tailored checkout experiences that align with a business's branding. Invoicing: Enables businesses to generate and send invoices in cryptocurrencies, streamlining the billing process. Enables businesses to generate and send invoices in cryptocurrencies, streamlining the billing process. Reporting: Offers comprehensive reporting features to monitor and analyze transaction data. Offers comprehensive reporting features to monitor and analyze transaction data. Wallet: Provides a secure wallet solution for storing and managing digital assets. Fee Structure: Coinbase Commerce charges a 1% fee for all crypto payments. After a customer makes a payment, this fee is collected in the settlement currency of the transaction. For instance, if a customer makes a $100 purchase in ETH, and the settlement currency is USDC, Coinbase Commerce will collect 1 USDC (1% of the payment amount) as the fee. Advantages: Global Reach: With multiple licenses across the US, UK, APAC, and EU, Coinbase Commerce offers a secure and compliant platform for global payments. With multiple licenses across the US, UK, APAC, and EU, Coinbase Commerce offers a secure and compliant platform for global payments. Security: Utilizes advanced security measures, including two-factor authentication and secure APIs, to ensure safe transactions. Utilizes advanced security measures, including two-factor authentication and secure APIs, to ensure safe transactions. Integration: Offers plugins and integrations with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, simplifying the adoption of cryptocurrency payments for businesses. Offers plugins and integrations with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, simplifying the adoption of cryptocurrency payments for businesses. Volatility Protection: Locks in exchange rates at the time of sale, protecting merchants from cryptocurrency price fluctuations. Disadvantages: Limited Cryptocurrency Support: Supports 10 cryptocurrencies, which is fewer than some other payment processors. Supports 10 cryptocurrencies, which is fewer than some other payment processors. Fee Structure: The 1% transaction fee may be higher compared to some competitors, especially for businesses with lower transaction volumes. The 1% transaction fee may be higher compared to some competitors, especially for businesses with lower transaction volumes. Customer Support: Some users have reported challenges with customer service responsiveness. Coinbase Commerce offers a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to integrate cryptocurrency payments, providing robust security and integration features. However, considerations regarding fees, cryptocurrency support, and customer service are important for potential users. 5. CoinGate CoinGate, established in 2014 and headquartered in Lithuania, is a cryptocurrency payment gateway that enables businesses to accept over 70 different cryptocurrencies. Since its inception, CoinGate has processed approximately 3.8 million transactions. Services Offered: Payments: Facilitates cryptocurrency transactions for businesses, allowing them to accept payments in various digital currencies. Facilitates cryptocurrency transactions for businesses, allowing them to accept payments in various digital currencies. Trading: Provides a platform for buying and selling cryptocurrencies. Billing: Offers tools for invoicing clients in cryptocurrencies, streamlining the billing process. Fee Structure: Payments: 1% per transaction. Fiat Withdrawals: 0-1%, depending on the method. Currency Purchases with Fiat: 1-8%, varying based on the payment method and currency. Advantages: Wide Cryptocurrency Support: Supports over 70 cryptocurrencies, providing flexibility for businesses and customers. Supports over 70 cryptocurrencies, providing flexibility for businesses and customers. Integration: Offers plugins and integrations with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, simplifying the adoption of cryptocurrency payments for businesses. Offers plugins and integrations with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, simplifying the adoption of cryptocurrency payments for businesses. User-Friendly Interface: Provides an intuitive platform for managing transactions and services. Disadvantages: Regulatory Licenses: CoinGate is not licensed as a money transmitter or an electronic money institution. However, all fiat payments processed via the platform are facilitated through licensed payment partners, namely Nexpay, IBS, and Nuvei. CoinGate is not licensed as a money transmitter or an electronic money institution. However, all fiat payments processed via the platform are facilitated through licensed payment partners, namely Nexpay, IBS, and Nuvei. Fee Structure: The 1% transaction fee for payments is competitive, but the 1-8% fee for currency purchases with fiat may be higher compared to some competitors. The 1% transaction fee for payments is competitive, but the 1-8% fee for currency purchases with fiat may be higher compared to some competitors. Customer Support: Some users have reported challenges with customer service responsiveness. CoinGate offers a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to integrate cryptocurrency payments, providing robust security and integration features. However, considerations regarding fees, cryptocurrency support, and customer service are important for potential users. Conclusion Adopting cryptocurrency payment gateways is no longer optional for businesses aiming to maintain a competitive edge. Selecting the optimal gateway calls for an in-depth evaluation of elements such as fee structures, supported digital assets, security standards, and integration ease. When these factors align with a business's goals and customer preferences, the gateway can serve as a powerful tool to streamline transactions, enhance operational efficiency, and expand access to new markets. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. On December 2, families from Baku's Garadagh neighborhood who had previously been internally displaced and were temporarily housed in pioneer camps, sanatoriums, dormitories, and administrative buildings across Azerbaijan were sent back to the city of Jabrayil, Trend reports. At this stage, another 35 families (133 people) moved to the city of Jabrayil. Jabrayil residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation. Currently, about 30 thousand people live in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. Among them are former internally displaced persons who have returned to these areas, as well as employees involved in the implementation of restoration and construction projects, employees of local departments of various government agencies, as well as specialists employed in healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy institutions that have resumed their activities. Jabrayil district is situated on the Karabakh Range and Geyen Plain, southeast of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. The Armenian army took over the district on August 23, 1993. The district sustained damage totaling 13.928 billion US dollars as a result of the occupation. About 400 people, 13 of whom were children, were slain in the Jabrayil district between 1988 and 1993 for their valiant resistance against the Armenian invaders. Up to 2,000 communities, tent camps, freight cars, and dorms were established by IDPs from Jabrayil in 58 regions of the republic. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the UAE Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion of the national holiday of the UAE - Independence Day, Trend reports. "Your Highness, On the occasion of your countrys national holiday Independence Day, it is my great pleasure to extend sincere congratulations and best wishes to you and, through you, to your entire nation on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan. Under your leadership, the United Arab Emirates has achieved remarkable success, becoming one of the worlds most developed and highly accomplished countries. The Azerbaijan-UAE interstate relations, founded on brotherhood, mutual respect, trust, and support, are currently experiencing dynamic and comprehensive development. Our active political dialogue provides a strong foundation for further expanding our cooperation across all areas. Your two visits to Azerbaijan this year are a testament to the high level of our fraternal relations. In recent times, the relations between our countries have entered a qualitatively new phase, with new areas identified for the development of our cooperation. The significant steps we have taken in the energy sector, particularly in the field of green energy, are gratifying. In this regard, I would like to specifically highlight the effective activities of your countrys Masdar company in the renewable energy sector in Azerbaijan. Furthermore, I commend the successful collaboration established between Azerbaijans COP29 Presidency and the UAEs COP28 Presidency. I believe that our countries will continue working together to advance climate action. I am confident that we will successfully continue our joint efforts to strengthen the Azerbaijan-UAE friendship and reliable partnership, and to expand our cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally. On this joyous occasion, I wish you robust health, happiness, success in your presidential activities, and the brotherly people of the United Arab Emirates everlasting peace and prosperity," the letter reads. Desertification talks open in Saudi Arabia as experts fire warning Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dec 2 (AFP) Dec 02, 2024 UN talks aimed at halting the degradation and desertification of vast swathes of land start in Saudi Arabia on Monday after scientists fired a stark warning over unsustainable farming and deforestation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called it a "moonshot moment": a 12-day meeting for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), looking to protect and restore land and respond to drought amid the onslaught of climate change. The last such meeting, or "Conference of the Parties" (COP) to the convention, held in Ivory Coast in 2022, produced a commitment to "accelerating the restoration of one billion hectares of degraded land by 2030". But the UNCCD, which brings together 196 countries and the European Union, now says 1.5 billion hectares (3.7 billion acres) must be restored by decade's end to combat crises including escalating droughts. A day before the talks in Saudi Arabia, home to one of the world's biggest deserts, a new UN report warned that forest loss and degraded soils were reducing resilience to climate change and biodiversity loss. "If we fail to acknowledge the pivotal role of land and take appropriate action, the consequences will ripple through every aspect of life and extend well into the future, intensifying difficulties for future generations," UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw said in the report. Land degradation disrupts ecosystems and makes land less productive for agriculture, leading to food shortages and spurring migration. Land is considered degraded when its productivity has been harmed by human activities like pollution or deforestation. Desertification is an extreme form of degradation. - 'We are a desert country' - Activists accused Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, of trying to water down calls to phase out fossil fuels at last month's COP29 UN climate talks in Azerbaijan. However, desertification is a perennial issue for the arid kingdom. "We are a desert country. We are exposed to the harshest mode of land degradation, which is desertification," deputy environment minister Osama Faqeeha told AFP. "Our land is arid. Our rainfall is very little. And this is the reality. And we have been dealing with this for centuries." Saudi Arabia is aiming to restore 40 million hectares of degraded land, Faqeeha told AFP, without specifying a timeline. He said Riyadh anticipated restoring "several million hectares of land" by 2030. So far 240,000 hectares have been recovered using measures including a ban on illegal logging and expanding the number of national parks from 19 in 2016 to more than 500, Faqeeha said. Other ways to restore land include planting trees, crop rotation, managing grazing and restoring wetlands. UNCCD executive secretary Thiaw told AFP he hoped the talks would result in an agreement to accelerate land restoration and develop a "proactive" approach to droughts. "We have already lost 40 percent of our land and our soils," Thiaw said. "Global security is really at stake, and you see it all over the world. Not only in Africa, not only in the Middle East." - 'COP charade' - Thousands of delegates have registered to attend the December 2-13 COP16 talks in Riyadh, including "close to 100" government ministers, Thiaw said. The event starts just days after the separate COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan came to a contentious end, as a pledge of $300 billion to help poorer countries transition to cleaner energy was slammed as too low by developing nations. Matthew Archer, assistant professor in the Department of Society Studies at Maastricht University and author of "Unsustainable: Measurement, Reporting and the Limits of Corporate Sustainability", was dismissive of the desertification talks. They are part of the "COP charade (that) is totally incapable of facilitating the kind of political action that might sufficiently address the socioecological crises we are facing", he told AFP. "I wouldn't hold my breath for COP16 to yield a tenable solution to desertification," added Archer. New research calls for 'radical rethink' on drought Paris, Dec 2 (AFP) Dec 02, 2024 Record-breaking droughts are becoming a "new normal" for billions of people yet few countries are taking the threat seriously, researchers warned in a global snapshot of the scourge on Monday. The launch of the "World Drought Atlas" comes as governments convene in Saudi Arabia for the COP16 summit on land degradation and desertification. Droughts are being made worse by human-caused climate change and longer and harsher dry spells can contribute to the depletion of fertile soils as they gradually turn arid. The EU and UN, which backed the research, said droughts were "one of the world's most costly and deadly hazards" and the report should serve "as an urgent wake-up call for world leaders". This year is almost certain to be the hottest on record and has been marked by destructive droughts from Ecuador to Morocco and Namibia to the Mediterranean. Droughts are "less visible and attract less attention than sudden events like floods and earthquakes" but should not be underestimated, the researchers warned. Apart from those directly impacted, droughts can have knock-on effects on energy production, global trade, and industries like shipping. By 2050 some three out of four people could be affected in some way by drought, said the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the European Commission Joint Research Centre, which co-launched the research. - Cascading effects - Through dozens of maps, graphics and case studies, the World Drought Atlas aims to show "how drought risks are interconnected... and how they can trigger cascading effects, fuelling inequalities and conflicts and threatening public health". Droughts can, for example, hinder the production of hydroelectric power, sparking higher energy prices or power outages. During a heatwave, this could lead to hospitalisations or even death should people be unable to use fans or air conditioners for relief. Droughts also disrupt shipping through major corridors like the Panama Canal and place further water stress on small-scale farmers, the atlas added. The research "challenges governments, business leaders, and policy makers at all levels to radically rethink how they make decisions and manage drought risk", said UNCCD head Ibrahim Thiaw. Nations at the COP16 summit in Riyadh between December 2 and December 13 should take the findings "seriously", he added. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called the meeting a "moonshot moment" to protect and restore land and respond to drought. The UNCCD, which brings together 196 countries and the EU, said 1.5 billion hectares (3.7 billion acres) of land must be restored by decade's end to combat crises including escalating droughts. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Active political dialogue between Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides a strong foundation for further expanding our cooperation across all areas, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in a congratulatory letter sent to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking the UAE's National Day Independence Day, Trend reports. "The Azerbaijan-UAE interstate relations, founded on brotherhood, mutual respect, trust, and support, are currently experiencing dynamic and comprehensive development. Our active political dialogue provides a strong foundation for further expanding our cooperation across all areas. Your two visits to Azerbaijan this year are a testament to the high level of our fraternal relations. In recent times, the relations between our countries have entered a qualitatively new phase, with new areas identified for the development of our cooperation. The significant steps we have taken in the energy sector, particularly in the field of green energy, are gratifying. In this regard, I would like to specifically highlight the effective activities of your countrys Masdar company in the renewable energy sector in Azerbaijan. Furthermore, I commend the successful collaboration established between Azerbaijans COP29 Presidency and the UAEs COP28 Presidency. I believe that our countries will continue working together to advance climate action. I am confident that we will successfully continue our joint efforts to strengthen the Azerbaijan-UAE friendship and reliable partnership, and to expand our cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally," President Ilham Aliyev said. Collection Your December hit list: The hot, new and just-reviewed places to check out, right now These openings will see you through the silly season of group catch-ups, no matter your budget (hot tip: make it a lunch date with $12 Thai noodles or an $18 chicken pie). Plus four (count em) new rooftop bars perfect for toasting the year that was. This was after an uncomfortable experience in November when shadow minister Brad Battin and fellow Liberal MP Ann-Marie Hermans held a rally to protest against a lack of consultation over the renaming of Berwick Springs Lake. State MPs attended a seminar late last week at which previous targeting of Liberal MPs was discussed as well as protection strategies. So concerned is the Victorian Liberal Party about neo-Nazis gatecrashing its events that it has sought advice from an expert security firm. The lake was renamed Guru Nanak Lake, in honour of the founder of Sikhism. The protest meeting was gatecrashed by a small group of men dressed in black, including Thomas Sewell, the leader of the National Socialist Network. The MPs were caught unawares and quickly left. The neo-Nazi group later referred to the event as the Liberal Party Klan rally. Labor Premier Jacinta Allan was highly critical of the Liberal Party and put out a press release titled: What is it about the Liberals and Neo Nazis? The briefing on Thursday also referred to the controversial Let Women Speak Rally held in March last year which led to Opposition Leader John Pesutto suspending and later expelling MP Moira Deeming from the party room. Several groups of protesters arrived at the steps of parliament that day, without Deemings knowledge or approval, including neo-Nazis who performed the salute. Deeming condemned the men and later sued Pesutto for defamation over his public comments on the event. Electricity subsidies and the Queensland governments public transport handouts, coupled with a big increase in defence spending, is likely to have kept the economy growing over the past three months. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed public spending lifted by 2.1 per cent over the September quarter, adding 0.7 percentage points to total economic growth. The Queensland government has committed to net zero emission buses by 2025. Credit: Felicity Caldwell The bureau will tomorrow release the September national accounts with public spending the key driver of growth that economists are tipping is likely to be around 0.4 to 0.6 per cent. Without the big contribution from government spending, the economy may have contracted. The single largest increase in public spending was on defence capital goods which jumped by 34 per cent over the past three months to more than $4.4 billion. Over the past year spending on defence capital goods has lifted by 56 per cent. In the quarter, government spending on capital goods such as roads and railways and defence lifted by 6.8 per cent. But the federal governments energy subsidies, which it is using to reduce inflation, and the now departed Miles governments 50 public transport fares in Queensland also contributed to the lift in public spending. Loading The Reserve Bank has previously noted government spending has been a key factor in overall growth and the inflation pressures facing the country. While the energy subsidies and cheap public transport are treated as government spending, they flow directly to households. Separate figures from the bureau showed the sixth consecutive current account deficit which rose by $2.2 billion in the quarter to $14.1 billion. The trade surplus halved to $3.3 billion, the smallest its been since 2018. That was due to a further fall in the prices for Australias key export commodities such as iron ore. Trade will add just 0.1 percentage points to tomorrows overall GDP result. Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulithu on the occasion of the national holiday of the Lao People's Democratic Republic - Republic Day, Trend reports. "Dear Mr. President, On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate you and, through you, your entire nation on the occasion of the national holiday of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Republic Day. We attach great importance to the development of Azerbaijan-Laos friendship. I fondly remember our meeting in Kazan this October, which took place in an atmosphere of sincerity and mutual trust. I believe that, through our joint efforts, we will achieve the development of our friendly relations and the further deepening of our mutually beneficial cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, in line with the interests of our peoples and by utilizing existing opportunities. Taking this opportunity, I would like to invite you to visit Azerbaijan. On this festive day, I extend my best regards to you and wish the friendly people of your country everlasting peace and prosperity," the letter reads. A week after Tracey Butler and her husband moved into their new home in 2018, she noticed people in full hazmat suits walking around her street. We thought it was a gas leak, she said. The next day, the Queensland Department of Environment knocked on her door to tell her they were conducting tests to see what was in the atmosphere. I asked why were they wearing full hazmat gear... they replied, we dont know what chemicals are out there from these facilities, we dont want to breathe it in our lungs, Butler said. What followed over the next six years was thousands of residents of Ipswich, southwest of Brisbane, complaining of odours coming from several waste management facilities, known as the Swanbank landfill, surrounding their suburb. Various descriptions of the smell range from raw sewage, ammonia, ethanol, rotting compost, sour milk and decaying animal bodies. Three Swanbank landfills were major sources of odour complaints in Ipswich. Credit: Mark Solomons We havent slept with our window open in six years, Butler said. Its easier to close up the house than to wake up and vomit everywhere. Last week, waste management company Cleanaway was handed a landmark fine totalling $600,000 for those odours. Residents and Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding now want the long-term impact of exposure to the potent smells to be investigated. Loading The previous Queensland government had declined numerous requests ... for a public health inquiry, Harding said. The new LNP government campaigned on the promise of establishing a comprehensive public health inquiry to assess the health risks. Then-opposition health spokesperson Ros Bates said, Labor has ignored this issue for too long, leaving Ipswich residents in the dark about the potential dangers to their health. A month into its new term, the Crisafulli government is yet to respond to requests for an update on the status of those plans. I look forward to meeting with the new Health Minister Tim Nicholls on this matter as a priority, Harding said. Viewing the penguins at St Kilda will remain free after the state government dumped a plan to charge visitors $24 each to view the beloved little birds. Watching the penguins return to their burrows along the breakwater has always been a free activity, but Parks Victoria sought to impose a fee after the $53 million redevelopment of St Kilda Pier. At their peak, the St Kilda penguins attracted crowds of thousands in 2019. Credit: Simon Schluter Environmental group Earthcare which used to provide volunteers to assist with the viewing and other St Kilda stakeholders were told last week that the plan to charge each visitor had been approved by Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos. The group rallied more than 500 community members to write a letter to Dimopoulos, urging him to reconsider the planned charges. Detectives are investigating after a 62-year-old carer was allegedly beaten to death with a hammer inside a home in Melbournes south-west, as police grapple with seven possible homicides across the city in less than a week. Police were called to the home in Everwin Drive, Werribee, about 7.10pm on Monday after the man was found inside with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital but died several hours later. Nine News reported on Tuesday that the carer was named Kenneth Magee. Officers arrested a 55-year-old Werribee man at the scene. No charges have been laid. The owner of a string of pubs across the country has apologised after claiming patrons would be banned from celebrating Australia Day at its venues because the day causes sadness and hurt. Hospitality giant Australian Venue Co owns 200 pubs and bars, including well-known venues in Perth such as the Parkerville Tavern, Market Grounds, Raffles Hotel and The Court. Parkerville Tavern WA. It also operates the Bassendean Hotel, Guildford Hotel and the Claremont Hotel. The company announced on Monday that it would not celebrate Australia Day, because the public holiday caused sadness for some members of our community and hurt for some of our patrons and our team. Four people accused of murdering teenager Cassius Turvey have formally pleaded not guilty to the charges. Cassius, a 15-year-old Noongar Yamatji boy, died in a Perth hospital 10 days after an incident as he walked home from school with friends on October 13, 2022. Cassius Turvey was 15 when he died. His family gave permission for his photo to be used. Brodie Lee Palmer, 29, Mitchell Colin Forth, 26, Jack Steven James Brearley, 23, and Aleesha Louise Gilmore, 22, pleaded not guilty in the WA Supreme Court on Monday. Chief Justice Peter Quinlan will preside over the high-profile trial that is scheduled to start on February 10, with the matter returning to court for pre-trial hearings on January 30 and 31. My instinctive reaction to news of the pardon given to Hunter Biden by his father, President Joe Biden, was that here is a father in complete, consuming agony over the fate of his only living son. But more is in play here than a fathers unrelenting grief over the welfare of his child. There is family history and emotion, and then there is politics. Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, in 2010. Credit: AP Joe Bidens firstborn son, Beau Biden, was destined to continue his fathers legacy in politics, but died from cancer. Hunter and his activities in his business and personal life from commercial relationships in Ukraine to uncontrolled substance abuse were the target of scorched earth investigation by Republicans in Congress, especially in the House of Representatives. Over the past two years, Republicans made every effort to find evidence linking Hunter to his father, with the intent of moving to impeach President Biden for corruption. They failed. No such evidence was found because no such evidence exists. Its one thing for a president to pardon his son. Its another to do it like this. President Joe Bidens pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, on Monday (AEDT) is exceptional not just because of the pardons recipient the closest family member to receive a pardon in history but also for its sheer breadth, according to experts on presidential pardons. President Joe Biden accompanied by his son Hunter Biden in Nantucket over the Thanksgiving holiday. Credit: AP Biden didnt just pardon his son for his convictions on tax and gun charges, but for any offences against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024. Thats a nearly 11-year period during which any federal crime Hunter Biden might have committed and there are none we are aware of beyond what has already been adjudicated cant be prosecuted. It notably covers when he was appointed to the board of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma in 2014 all the way through to Sunday, well after the crimes for which he was prosecuted. WILMINGTON, Mass., Dec. 2, 2024 -- UniFirst Corporation , a North American leader in providing customized business uniform programs, facility service products and first aid and safety services, has unveiled a striking new paint scheme for the UniFirst No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. This new design, created in partnership with 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports, is set for the 2025 season. Driven by 2020 Cup Series Champion Chase Elliott, the all-new UniFirst No. 9 Chevrolet will compete in five races next year. The vibrant design complements UniFirst's corporate rebrand, reflecting the company's commitment to modernity and boldness. The company's signature green and gray palette paired with its "u mark", the mark of unbeatable service, and sleek racing stripes are predominantly featured. Elliott and the entire No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports race team will also sport uniforms that incorporate the company's colors and logo. "The new No. 9 UniFirst Chevy paint scheme takes our racing presence to a new level," said David Katz, UniFirst Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "This bold design aligns perfectly with our brand evolution and captures our energy and momentum. Collaborating with Hendrick Motorsports has been an exciting opportunity to create something that not only represents UniFirst but also resonates with NASCAR fans." The No. 9 UniFirst Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will debut on March 23 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, followed by an April 6 appearance at Darlington Raceway. It will later take to the track at Michigan International Speedway on June 8, Richmond Raceway on August 16 and make its final appearance at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL on October 5. UniFirst will also serve as an associate sponsor of the No. 9 entry for all other races throughout the 2025 campaign. The 2025 NASCAR season celebrates the 10th year of UniFirst's multi-year partnership with Hendrick Motorsports, marking the sixth year that UniFirst has proudly sponsored Elliott and the No. 9 team. UniFirst is the Official Workwear Provider of Hendrick Motorsports, supplying work clothing and uniforms to the team, as well as to its sister company, Hendrick Automotive Group. For more information on UniFirst, visit UniFirst.com. About UniFirst Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., UniFirst Corporation is a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniform and workwear programs, facility service products, as well as first aid and safety supplies and services. Together with its subsidiaries, the company also manages specialized garment programs for the cleanroom and nuclear industries. In addition to partnering with leading brands, UniFirst manufactures its own branded workwear, protective clothing, and floorcare products at its three company-owned ISO-9001-certified manufacturing facilities. With more than 270 service locations, over 300,000 customer locations, and 16,000-plus employee Team Partners, the company outfits more than 2 million workers every day. For additional information, contact UniFirst at 888.296.2740 or visit UniFirst.com. Follow UniFirst on Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram. About Hendrick Motorsports Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history. At the sport's premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (14), points-paying race victories (312) and laps led (more than 82,000). It has earned at least one race win in a record 40 different seasons, including an active streak of 39 in a row (1986-2024). The team fields four full-time Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Headquartered on more than 100 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Facebook, Instagram and X. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a meeting with Carlos Pinto Pereira, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Communities of Guinea-Bissau, in an expanded format, Trend reports. The meeting details were shared in a post on Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs official X page. The two foreign ministers discussed prospects for expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation, enhancing mutual contacts, strengthening the legal framework for cooperation, and sharing expertise between the two nations during the meeting. Azerbaijani FM also briefed his counterpart on the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel On December 1, the European Union entered a new political era with the inauguration of its retooled European Commission (EC). The event capped months of political wrangling, backroom negotiations, and institutional horse-trading, paving the way for a leadership team charged with tackling a laundry list of challenges set to shape Europes trajectory for the next five years. The lineup, approved by the European Parliament on November 27, reflects the shifting sands of European politics. With 370 votes for and 282 against, the Ursula von der Leyen-led Commission faces high-stakes mandates in foreign policy, climate strategy, defense, and digital transformation. The appointments have already triggered heated debates across Brussels corridors of power, signaling that this will be a term defined as much by its ambitions as by its inevitable clashes. Key Power Moves: Kallas and Fitto Take Center Stage One of the standout picks is Kaja Kallas, the former Estonian Prime Minister, now the EUs High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Known for her hawkish stance on Russia and staunch advocacy for Ukraine, Kallas represents the Unions doubling down on pressure against Moscow while strengthening its alignment with Washington and NATO. Kallas To-Do List: Fortify the EUs sanctions regime against Russia. Deepen partnerships with NATO and G7 allies. Amplify support for Ukraine in its battle against Russian aggression. While her appointment thrills Atlanticists, skeptics worry that her hardline rhetoric could alienate neutral players and complicate relationships with the Global South. Meanwhile, Raffaele Fitto, a far-right heavyweight from Italy, has taken the helm as Vice-President of the Commission, marking an unprecedented ascension of a hard-right figure to such a senior position. Fittos portfolio includes overseeing multi-billion-euro regional development budgetsa move critics argue could funnel resources to conservative strongholds at the expense of the EUs climate goals. The Climate Conundrum: Ambition Meets Reality The climate agenda gets a high-profile steward in Teresa Ribera, Spains former Minister for Environmental Transition, now Commissioner for Climate and Competition. Riberas primary task will be accelerating the EUs flagship Fit for 55 program, which aims to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. Riberas Focus Areas: Decarbonizing Europes industries and transportation systems. Scaling up renewable energy infrastructure. Financially supporting nations dependent on hydrocarbons. Despite her credentials, Riberas record has detractors. Spains catastrophic floods during her tenure exposed vulnerabilities in disaster preparedness, raising doubts about her ability to lead the EUs climate push under pressure. Security First: Kubilius and the New Defense Portfolio For the first time in EU history, defense gets a dedicated portfolio, with Andrius Kubilius, Lithuanias former Prime Minister, taking charge. His appointment signals Brussels commitment to bolstering its strategic autonomy amid growing geopolitical threats, from Moscow to Beijing. Kubilius Playbook: Threat Analysis: Tackle state and non-state risks, from cyberattacks to terrorism and climate-related instability. Defense Tech Investments: Scale up Europes defense industry and cut reliance on non-EU suppliers. NATO Alignment: Ensure EU efforts complement existing NATO commitments. Joint Defense Initiatives: Foster collaboration among member states in arms development and military tech. Kubilius portfolio reflects a bold leap toward European strategic autonomy. Yet, fears persist that bolstering EU defense capabilities could undermine NATOs central role and strain transatlantic ties. Industrial Policy: France Flexes Its Muscles France scored a win with Stephane Sejournes appointment as Commissioner for Industrial Policy. The move underscores Paris determination to dominate the EUs industrial sovereignty narrative, a crucial lever for competing with economic powerhouses like the U.S. and China. Sejournes Mandate: Expand microelectronics production and green technology innovation. Push Europes industries to meet climate goals while minimizing disruptions. Fortify economic security by reducing dependency on global supply chains. The appointment follows a bitter fallout between Thierry Breton, a key player in the previous Commission, and von der Leyen, with clashes over technological independence and industrial policy. Sejourne, viewed as a more cooperative figure, represents a recalibrated French push for influence, signaling a shift toward balancing national priorities with broader EU goals. The Broader Shift: A Union Tilting Right The revamped European Commission encapsulates the political rightward shift sweeping through Europe. The summers European Parliament elections saw a surge in support for right-centrist parties, led by the European Peoples Party (EPP). Once a bastion of moderate conservatism, the EPP, under Manfred Weber, has recalibrated to appease growing nationalist and populist currents. New EPP Priorities: Tightened migration controls, including stricter border enforcement and redistribution mechanisms. A renewed focus on defense autonomy, including expanded EU-NATO collaboration. Economic protectionism, with initiatives like "Invest in Europe" aimed at bolstering domestic industries and reducing reliance on imports. This pivot reflects the EUs attempt to stay relevant to increasingly polarized electorates while navigating the fine line between adaptation and fragmentation. High Stakes, High Expectations The new European Commission enters a turbulent political landscape, juggling ambitions for unity with the realities of division. With the war in Ukraine, an unfolding energy crisis, climate imperatives, and the restructuring of global security systems dominating the agenda, the stakes have never been higher. As the EU embarks on this transformative chapter, its ability to walk the tightrope of reform and cohesion will define whether it emerges as a decisive global playeror remains mired in the gridlock of compromise. For leaders like von der Leyen, Kallas, Kubilius, and Sejourne, the coming months will serve as both a proving ground and a pressure cooker. In Brussels, the clock is tickingand the world is watching. Shifting Priorities: A New Balance of Power The formation of the new European Commission in 2024 is emblematic of a political landscape in flux. Intense debates and hard-fought compromises underscored the process, revealing key priorities and exposing internal rifts. The shifting dynamics mirror both evolving public sentiment and the pressing geopolitical realities confronting the European Union. One striking outcome was the redistribution of portfolios, reshaping member states' influence within the EU. Oliver Varhelyi: Hungarys former Commissioner for Enlargement, was reassigned to oversee health and animal welfare. The move is widely viewed as a deliberate demotion, signaling the EUs disapproval of Viktor Orbans authoritarian policies. Marta Kos: Slovenias new Commissioner for Enlargement, now leads the charge on Ukraines EU accession. Kos has made clear her commitment to driving reforms in Kyiv and coordinating reconstruction efforts with G7 partners. Kaja Kallas: The New Face of EU Foreign Policy The appointment of Kaja Kallas, Estonias former Prime Minister, as High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stands out as a pivotal moment. Known for her unflinching stance against Russia and unwavering support for Ukraine, Kallas embodies the EUs resolve to adopt a more assertive posture in global affairs. Key Goals for Kallas: Bolstering sanctions against Russia. Deepening strategic ties with NATO and the United States. Advancing EU interests in global conflicts by enhancing diplomatic engagement. While Kallas has been praised for her focus and clarity, her appointment is not without detractors. Critics warn that her sharp rhetoric could alienate neutral states and complicate relations with nations in the Global South. Formation of the Commission: Balancing National and EU Interests The creation of the new European Commission involved intense politicking, with national interests often clashing with EU-wide priorities. Oliver Varhelyi: Despite opposition from European Parliament members, Hungary retained its seat on the Commission. However, shifting Varhelyi to a less influential portfolio represents a compromise aimed at appeasing critics. Raffaele Fitto: The far-right Italian politicians appointment as Executive Vice-President sparked controversy. Backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Fittos rise reflects the growing clout of nationalist forces in the EU. Critics fear his policies could favor conservative strongholds at the expense of pan-European objectives like climate action. These appointments underscore how domestic politics and national agendas continue to shape the EUs institutional makeup. The Challenges Ahead for the Commission The revamped Commission faces a daunting array of challenges: EU Enlargement: Fast-tracking Ukraine and the Western Balkans into the EU demands considerable political will, economic resources, and overcoming skepticism among member states. Climate Agenda: Disputes over funding for the Fit for 55 program and the green transition highlight tensions between Eastern and Western Europe. The Rightward Drift: The rise of nationalist forces in Italy, Hungary, and beyond threatens the EUs unity and its ability to reach consensus on key policies. Geopolitical Turbulence: The escalating war in Ukraine, strained relations with China, and evolving U.S. priorities demand a nimble and cohesive EU response. Von der Leyens High-Wire Act For Ursula von der Leyen, securing a second term as Commission President was just the beginning. Her ability to manage the competing priorities of 27 member states while maintaining the EUs coherence will determine her legacy. Von der Leyen must prove that this Commission can respond effectively to external pressures while fostering internal stability. The successor failureof her leadership will shape whether the EU emerges as a robust global actor or succumbs to internal divisions. Strategic Autonomy: A Bold New Frontier The creation of the Defense and Space portfolio is a landmark moment, signaling the EUs ambition to carve out a more autonomous role in global security. The appointment of Andrius Kubilius, Lithuanias former Prime Minister, underscores this shift. Kubilius Mandate: Defense Industry Cooperation: Foster cross-border investment in arms production and innovation to reduce reliance on external suppliers. Defense Technology Advancements: Prioritize cutting-edge developments to address threats like cyberattacks and space competition. NATO Alignment: Ensure EU defense strategies complement the Alliances commitments. Kubilius faces resistance from member states wary of undermining NATOs central role. His success hinges on navigating these concerns while delivering tangible results. The Baltic Duo: Kallas and Kubilius Lead the Charge The appointments of Kallas and Kubilius reflect a Baltic-led shift in EU priorities. Both leaders have long championed tougher stances on Russia and a stronger EU defense posture. Kallas focuses on transatlantic ties, sanctions against Russia, and robust support for Ukraine. Kubilius complements this by driving defense and space policy, aiming to enhance the EUs internal security infrastructure. Their leadership will test the EUs ability to adapt to new challenges while overcoming internal divisions. Experience Matters: Sefcovic and Dombrovskis as Anchors of Stability Amid sweeping changes, the retention of seasoned veterans like Maros Sefcovic and Valdis Dombrovskis provides much-needed continuity. Sefcovic: With 15 years in the Commission, he will focus on trade, economic security, and institutional transparencycritical areas during economic turbulence. Dombrovskis: The Latvian leader continues to oversee economic reforms, lending stability despite a diminished role in the Commission hierarchy. Their expertise ensures steadiness as the EU navigates a rapidly evolving political and economic landscape. Right-Centrism: The New Political Normal The 2024 European Parliament elections underscored the EUs political pivot to the right. The European Peoples Party (EPP), under Manfred Weber, has shifted its rhetoric to address the rise of nationalist and populist movements. EPPs Focus Areas: Stricter Migration Controls: Tightening borders and redistributing asylum responsibilities among member states. Defense Autonomy: Expanding EU-NATO synergies while bolstering internal defense capabilities. Economic Protectionism: Promoting policies like "Invest in Europe" to strengthen the internal market and reduce dependency on external suppliers. This shift reflects the Unions attempt to stay relevant in an era of polarized electorates and rising global challenges. A Pivotal Era for the EU The European Union stands at a crossroads, navigating between stability and transformation. The new Commission, led by figures like Kallas, Kubilius, and von der Leyen, must balance the competing demands of internal cohesion and external pressures. The success of this Commission will determine whether the EU consolidates its role as a global poweror falters under the weight of its ambitions. The clock is ticking, and the stakes couldnt be higher. New Focus Areas of the EPP: A Strategic Shift Tougher Migration Policy: Stricter border control and redistribution of migration flows, reflecting rising voter demand for greater immigration oversight. Strengthened Defense Cooperation: Prioritizing the EUs strategic autonomy in defense to counter global security threats. Economic Protectionism: Supporting the internal market, reducing reliance on external suppliers, and investing in European industries. These policy shifts highlight the European Peoples Partys (EPP) efforts to retain relevance by appealing to more radical voter bases, adopting sharper, less centrist rhetoric to counter the rise of nationalist movements across the Union. Key Priorities of the New European Commission 1. Migration Policy Reform. Migration remains one of the EUs thorniest issues. The new European Commission is doubling down on tightening border controls and redistributing migration flows among member states. These measures aim to restore socio-economic stability while aligning with public demand for more stringent migration policies. 2. Defense and Security: Strategic Autonomy. The newly created position of Commissioner for Defense and Space, held by Andrius Kubilius, signals the EUs intent to assert greater independence in security matters. Key initiatives include: Joint investments in the defense industry to foster innovation and collaboration. Strengthening European defense technologies to reduce reliance on non-EU suppliers. Aligning EU defense efforts with NATO commitments to avoid redundancy while maintaining transatlantic ties. Despite its ambition, this agenda faces pushback from member states wary of diluting NATOs primacy or weakening the U.S.-EU security partnership. 3. Economic Protectionism. In response to global economic instability and mounting competition from China and the U.S., the EU is recalibrating its economic policies: Strengthening the internal market to boost resilience. Reducing dependency on external suppliers to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities. Promoting initiatives like the "Invest in Europe" policy to protect European industries and spur domestic innovation. These strategies aim to secure the EUs economic stability and technological independence in a volatile global environment. Global Challenges: A New Agenda for the EU The Commission takes office at a time of unprecedented global crises: War in Ukraine: Supporting Ukraines EU membership bid and reconstruction remains a top priority. Energy Crisis: Finding sustainable, long-term solutions to reduce fossil fuel dependence and enhance energy security. Climate Change: Implementing the Fit for 55 program and fostering the adoption of green technologies across the Union. Restructuring Global Security: Developing a unified defense strategy led by Kaja Kallas and Andrius Kubilius to position the EU as a key player in international security frameworks. Right-Centrism and the Future of the EU The political shift to the right within the EUs institutions reflects a recalibration to address growing public discontent and geopolitical instability. By prioritizing migration control, defense autonomy, and economic protectionism, the right-centrist agenda seeks to position the Union as a stabilizing force in uncertain times. The Commissions Challenges: Maintaining Unity: Bridging divides among member states amidst the rise of nationalist trends. Responding to External Pressures: Balancing strategic autonomy with commitments to NATO and the U.S. Pursuing Internal Reforms: Managing differing national priorities to maintain progress on shared EU goals. The Path Forward The new European Commission enters its mandate with lofty ambitions and a daunting to-do list. Strengthened by a right-centrist political wave, the focus on security, migration, and economic protectionism underscores a pragmatic response to todays realities. Success Hinges On: Adapting swiftly to evolving challenges while navigating internal political tensions. Reassuring citizens through decisive actions that address immediate concerns. Reasserting the EUs leadership role on the global stage through cohesive, impactful policies. Through strategic planning and collaborative governance, the Commission can turn this period of transformation into an opportunity to solidify the EUs stature as a global power. The stakes are high, but so is the potential for renewed unity and leadership in an increasingly fragmented world. Bakunetwork Photo: Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree amending the "Regulations on the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan," approved by the decree of the President of Azerbaijan No. 1785 on January 12, 2018, Trend reports. In this regard, the head of state signed a new decree. According to the decree, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport will be considered the central executive authority responsible for implementing state policy and regulation in the areas of digital development, e-government, telecommunications, postal services, space activities, high technologies (including digital technologies, information technologies, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, nano-, bio-, and other innovation-driven technologies), personal data, and transport (road, rail, sea, and air transport, as well as navigation). Until now, the institution was considered the central executive authority responsible for implementing state policy and regulation in the field of transport (except in cases defined by the President), including maritime transport and civil aviation, communications (telecommunications and postal services), e-government, space activities, and high technologies (information technologies, microelectronics, nano-, bio-, and other innovation-driven technologies). Every couple should produce at least 3 kids Staff Reporter : The RSS Chief asserts that Indias Total Ferility Rate must be at least 3, which currently is 2.1 Expressing concern over declining population growth rate, Sarsanghachalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Dr Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said Indias Total Fertility Rate (TFR), the average number of children a woman gives birth to in her lifetime, should be at least 3, well above the present one of 2.1. He was speaking as a chief guest at the silver jubilee annual celebration of Kathale Pariwar at the Platinum Jubilee Hall of the BRA Mundle School, South Ambazari Road. About 400 members of the Kathale Pariwar from across India attended the programme and prominent persons with distinguished contributions in different fields were felicitated on the occasion. Bhagwat also highlighted the vital role of families, and warned that according to population science, if a societys total fertility rate dipped below 2.1, it could face extinction. A declining population is a serious concern. Demographic studies suggest that when a societys total fertility rate falls below 2.1, it risks facing extinction. This decline does not necessarily require external threats; a society can gradually fade away on its own, Bhagwat said. Many languages and cultures have already disappeared due to this. It is essential to maintain a fertility rate above 2.1," Bhagwat said, and emphasised that kutumb (family) as an integral part of society and every family served as a vital building bloc. Our countrys population policy, clearly says that the total fertility rate should not be below 2.1. Now when we say 2.1, it is not feasible to have children in fraction. So, this means it should be more, at least three. The (population) science says so, the RSS chief said. The RSS chief also said that there had been conflicts around the world due to arrogance and prejudice. In such a situation, it is important to spread Indian culture worldwide. Indian culture is not limited to caste, language, or region. In India, values are given the highest importance. We do not consider the person as the center of society, but rather the family. To maintain culture, we must follow the principles that guide family life, he observed. Caste has no place in religious scriptures. However, due to certain behaviours within families, caste discrimination still exists in society. Bhagwat also mentioned that the name Hinduism was a later addition. He believed that the true human religion, which aimed for the well-being of all people, existed for a long time. Sanjay Kathale and Uday Kathale were honoured in the event and Madhushree Kathale proposed vote of thanks. (With inputs of PTI) 295 absconding warrantees held in Night Combing Operation Staff Reporter : Continuing a rigorous campaign Night Combing Operation against absconding criminals and warrantees, police have nabbed total 295 absconding warrantees in the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. It may be noted that under the direction of Superintendent of Police, Sampat Upadhyay (IPS) police are conducting a special night combing campaign under the supervision of Additional SP (City), Anand Kaladgi (IPS), Additional SP (Crime), Samar Verma, Additional SP (Traffic), Pradeep Kumar Shende, Additional SP (Rural), Suryakant Sharma, Additional SP (Rural), Sonali Dubey, CSPs, DSPs and SDOPs to apprehend the absconding warrantees and taking preventive action against listed criminals. During the night combing, 2 to 3 teams from every police station led by SHOs and Sub Inspectors conducted a rigorous search for warrantees and absconding criminals from 12 midnight to 2:30 am on Sunday. Police have apprehended 138 non-bailable, 157 bailable warrantees and 117 arrest warrantees who were absconding since a long time. The special campaign will be continued in coming days for implementing preventive policing in the district and maintaining law and order arrangements in the district. Blood donation camp conductedat MIHAN-SEZ, Nagpur Business Reporter : IN A laudable initiative to support the noble cause of saving lives, a Blood Donation Camp was conducted under the guidance of the Dr Pravin Kumar, Development Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, MIHAN-SEZ, Nagpur, in collaboration with the GSK Blood Bank, Ramdaspeth. The event saw an overwhelming response from employees of the companies in MIHAN-SEZ and well-wishers who came forward to donate blood and contribute towardsensuringasteadysupply for patients in need. Ateam of medical professionalsfrom GSKBloodBank, equippedwith modern blood collectionfacilities, ensured that theprocesswassafe, andefficientforall donors. On the occasion, DrOnkareshwar Kanchangire, Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Nagpur and SpecifiedOfficer of MIHAN-SEZ emphasised the importance of collectiveeffortsinaddressing theneedfor blood and other essential medical resources. Bofors scandal CBI to send LR to US for info from investigator Hershman By Abhishek Shukla : NEW DELHI A Letter Rogatory (LR) is a written request sent by the court of one country to the court of another country to obtain assistance in the investigation or prosecution of a criminal matter. The CBI will soon send a judicial request to the United States seeking information from private investigator Michael Hershman who had expressed willingness to share with Indian agencies crucial details about the Rs 64-crore Bofors bribery scandal of the 1980s, officials said Sunday. The CBI has also informed a special court, which is hearing the agencys plea for further probe into the matter, about the developments. The process to send the Letters Rogatory (LR) was initiated in October this year, and it is expected to take around 90 days before the formal request is sent to the US, aimed at obtaining information to further investigate the alleged bribery case, the officials said. A Letter Rogatory is a written request sent by the court of one country to the court of another country to obtain assistance in the investigation or prosecution of a criminal matter. While the Delhi High Court had exonerated former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 2004, a year later, it quashed all charges against the remaining accused, including the Hinduja brothers, in the politically sensitive case. Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, the alleged middleman in the payoff case, was discharged in 2011 by a court which allowed the CBI to withdraw prosecution against him. The case involves allegations of a Rs 64-crore bribe in a Rs 1,437-crore deal with Swedish firm Bofors in the 1980s during the then Congress Government for the supply of 400 155mm field howitzers, which played a significant role in Indias victory during the Kargil war. The case was closed in 2011. Hershman, head of the Fairfax Group, visited India in 2017 to attend a conference of private detectives. During his stay, he appeared on various platforms, alleging that the investigation into the scam was derailed by the Congress Government and stated he was willing to share details with the CBI. The CBI took note of his claims in several interviews and announced in 2017 that the matter would be investigated according to due process. The agency informed the special court that, following Hershmans revelations, it plans to reopen the investigation. The CBI had previously sent letters and reminders to US authorities on November 8, 2023, December 21, 2023, May 13, 2024, and August 14, 2024, but received no information, with the US authorities requesting additional time. The central agency has now opted to pursue the LR route, where a competent court sends a formal request for information to the relevant authorities in the US, subject to clearance from the Indian Government. The CBI had registered the case in 1990, three years after a Swedish radio channel had alleged that bribes were paid by Bofors to politicians and defence officials of India to clinch the deal. The allegations created a big scandal for the Rajiv Gandhi Government and have been used by rival parties to target the Congress. The CBI filed the chargesheets in 1999 and 2000. The Delhi High Court had exonerated Rajiv Gandhi in 2004, nearly 13 years after he was assassinated by LTTE in a suicide attack. In 2005, the High Court quashed all charges against the remaining accused, noting that the CBI failed to prove that the money transferred by Bofors to various agents by Quattrocchi was meant to be paid as a bribe to public servants in India. The CBI appealed against the 2005 decision in apex court in 2018 but it was dismissed on the grounds of delay. The Supreme Court, however, allowed it to raise all the points in an appeal filed by advocate Ajay Aggarwal in 2005. COMBAT CYBER CRIME Cyber Help Desk launched in all 37 urban police stations across Bhopal Staff Reporter : Cyber Help Desk inaugurated by Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra at Habibganj Station In a significant move to curb cyber crime, Cyber Help Desk initiative has been launched in all 37 urban police stations across Bhopal from Sunday. The Cyber Help Desk was inaugurated by Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra at Habibganj Police Station. The first complaint under the new system was registered at this station, following a complaint from a retired Assistant Director of Horticulture. Responding to The Hitavadas query, Police Commissioner Mishra said that five to six experts will be present in every police station. Such stations which have larger areas of jurisdiction will accommodate around 10 experts. The number will be dependent on the requirement and population of the area. According to police, a team of around 400 police personnel will manage Cyber Help Desks. Prior to this, all officers and staff at the stations underwent a six-day training programme to enhance their efficiency and technical knowledge. The training focused on various aspects of cyber crime prevention, technical analysis, public awareness, and investigations. Officers and staff from all 37 police stations in the city, ranging from inspectors to constables, were part of the training. During the training, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Akhil Patel emphasised on the importance of working in a chain system to trace the root cause of cyber crime. He also pointed out that technical knowledge and resources are essential for effectively tackling cyber crimes and dealing with future challenges. DCP Patel shared insights on technical difficulties encountered during cyber crime investigations, the coordination with other states, and the collection of digital evidence, guiding the officers on how to handle these issues effectively. Notably, with rise of cyber crime in recent years, victims previously had to travel to Cyber Crime Branch to file complaints, which was time-consuming and often inconvenient, given that there was only one Cyber Crime Station in the city. Introduction of Cyber Help Desks at all police stations will allow victims to file complaints at their nearest station, reducing delays and providing quicker assistance. From December 1, victims of cyber fraud involving amounts up to Rs 5 lakh can now file complaints directly at their local police stations. This initiative will enable quicker action from police, including freezing the fraudulent funds, thus increasing chances of a refund for the victims. The six-day training included detailed instruction on how to upload cyber crime complaints to portals like NCCRP, JMIS, and CIER. Officers were trained on how to gather information from social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X, as well as from banks for account details and call data records (CDR). They also learned how to collect digital evidence and other vital information necessary for investigations. First case filed after inauguration A 65-year-old retired Assistant Director of Horticulture Jai Govind Lala, a resident of Lajpatrai Society, Habibganj Police Station area, became a victim of cyber fraud. Lala had ordered a product worth Rs 250 from Snapdeal. When the delivery did not arrive within the expected time, he searched for the Snapdeal customer care number on Google and called to file a complaint. The person on the other end of the call claimed to be an employee of Snapdeals call centre. The fraudster informed Lala that the amount for the order was still pending, and it needed to be paid online. In response, Lala clarified that he had already transferred the amount. The fraudster, in the guise of providing assistance, sent a link and instructed Lala to open it and follow the directions provided, assuring him that his issue would be resolved. Following the fraudsters instructions, Lala opened the link and as a result, Rs 1.5 lakh was deducted from his account in three separate transactions. After the money was transferred, accused stopped answering calls and Lala could not contact him again. Lala had placed the order on September 15, 2024, and the fraud occurred on September 19, 2024. He reported the incident to the police, which is currently investigating the matter. Fadnavis to be Maharashtra CM, BJP meet on it soon MUMBAI : Eknath Shinde said he would support the BJPs decision to pick the new Chief Minister. THE name of Devendra Fadnavis has been finalised as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra who will be elected as the legislature party leader in a meeting to be held either on December 2 or 3, a senior BJP leader said on Sunday night. Earlier in the day, outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said he would support the BJPs decision to pick the new Chief Minister. The name of Devendra Fadnavis has been finalised as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The meeting to elect the new BJP legislature party meeting will be held on either December 2 or 3, a senior BJP leader told PTI. Amid speculation that his son Shrikant Shinde might get the deputy CMs post and Shiv Sena is keen on the Home portfolio, Eknath Shinde said the Mahayuti allies- BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena- will decide the Government formation through consensus after sitting together. More than a week after the Mahayuti clinched a massive victory in Maharashtra polls with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 132 seats, the new Government is yet to be sworn in. The oath-taking ceremony of the new Mahayuti Government is scheduled for December 5 evening at the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend it. The BJP is moving cautiously as aspirations of its allies, especially Shiv Sena, grew after the massive poll victory. Despite Shindes insistence on Mahayuti unity, some leaders of allies spoke in different voices. Former Union Minister and BJP leader Raosaheb Danve said if the undivided Sena and BJP had contested the elections together, they would have won more seats. The BJP legislature party meeting to elect the leader, who will be the partys chief ministerial pick, is yet to be held even though Shiv Sena and NCP have elected Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as their legislature party leaders, respectively. A senior Mahayuti leader said the allies will jointly decide whether only the Chief Minister and Deputy CMs will take oath on December 5 or Ministers will also be sworn in. Shinde had left for his native village in Satara district on Friday amid speculation that he was not happy with the way the new Government was shaping up. He developed a high fever in his village. Talking to reporters in his village on Sunday before leaving for Mumbai, Shinde said, I have already said the decision on CMs post taken by the BJP leadership will be acceptable to me and Shiv Sena and will have my full backing. On speculation that Shrikant Shinde will be made a Deputy CM in the new Government and whether Shiv Sena has staked the claim for the home portfolio, Shinde replied, Talks were on. A meeting took place in Delhi last week with (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah, and now we three alliance partners will discuss the nitty-gritty of Government formation after sitting together, he said. Responding to a query on his health, the Shiv Sena leader said he was fine now and had come to his native village to get some rest. Shinde reiterated that there are no differences among Mahayuti allies and pointed out that the BJP is yet to announce its legislature party leader. There are no ifs and buts. My health is fine now. The work of our Government will be written in golden words in the history, he said. Shinde landed in Thane on the late Sunday afternoon. Though the oath-taking ceremony of the new Government just four days away, there seems no clarity on the schedule of the much-awaited BJP legislature party meeting. A BJP leader claimed the partys MLAs have not been informed yet regarding the timing of the legislature party meeting. A day earlier, BJP leaders confirmed that the meeting will be held on December 2. Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare said, We will sit together and decide whether only Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers will take oath or Ministers will also be sworn in. Differences among Mahayuti allies, meanwhile, came out in the open on Sunday. Had Shiv Sena not split into two, and contested Assembly elections with the BJP, our victory would have been bigger than what we achieved today. We had also won comfortably in the 2019 Assembly elections, Raosaheb Danve said. He claimed the Shiv Sena split because of Sanjay Raut, a close aide of Uddhav Thackeray. You wait for six months, and Raut will cause a rift between Uddhav and his son Aaditya as well, he added. Separately, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Gaikwad, who won the Buldana constituency by a wafer-thin margin against Shiv Sena (UBT) nominee Jayashree Shelke, levelled serious allegations. Local MP and Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav of Shiv Sena called Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and confidante of Uddhav Thackeray to field Jayashree Shelke. BJPs Sanjay Kute passed on the same message to Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab to field Shelke against me, he claimed. The Mahayuti won 230 of the 288 Assembly seats. The BJP led with 132 seats, while the Shiv Sena got 57 and NCP 41. We contested only 85 seats. Without Ajitdada, we could have won 90-100 seats. Shinde never asked why Ajit Pawar-led NCP was inducted in his Government, Gulabrao Patil, a Minister in the outgoing Government, told a regional news channel. Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya aligns classroom learning with industry requirements: Vaishnaw VADODARA : THE Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in Gujarats Vadodara has been set up with a clear vision to align classroom learning with industry requirements and it will soon be among the top ten institutes in India, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said here. Addressing the 2nd convocation of GSV as its Chancellor, Vaishnaw said BTech and MBA courses it offers have been carefully designed, adding the university will supply talent required by large corporations in the aviation, semiconductor and other sectors all over the world. The High-Speed Skill Training Institute in Vadodara will soon be merged with GSV, he added. The Union Minister requested Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who too was present at the function, for land so that its campus could be expanded to cater to the requirement of its students in the coming years. There was a time some 30 years ago when I was a student like you and when there was a very large gap between college education and industry requirements. Behind this was the narrow mindedness of those who were then in power. They did not think about the future, Vaishnaw said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi worked with a vision for a university which was the best in the world in logistics and transportation sectors. I had the fortune to implement this forward thinking of the PM. From the start we worked with a clear focus that what is taught in the classroom and what is required in the industry should align, Vaishnaw said. PM Modi changed the direction in India through the National Education Policy (NEP) by offering education which could be of lifelong use by linking industry, society, culture, philosophy and heritage, he said. Courses were being designed keeping in mind industry requirements, Vaishnaw said, and pointed out that the main reason for American higher educational institutions to be valued today was because they are linked with industry. The manner in which you have conducted the courses, I am confident that in the coming five years, GSV will be in the top ten in any ranking. And during JEE counselling, people will like to vie for (admission to) GSV compared to other universities. It will happen soon because the industry and government are investing in this, the Union minister asserted. A total 239 students from BSc, BTech, BBA and MBA streams were conferred degrees during the ceremony. The GSV is a central university under the Ministry of Railways and was established by an Act of Parliament on December 6, 2022. GSV is the first and only university in India to focus on the entire transport and logistics sector, with railways, aviation, shipping, ports, highways, roads and waterways, etc. Being its scope of work. Panel seeks details of Waqf properties from State Govts NEW DELHI : The parliamentary committee scrutinising the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has sought details from various state governments about the veracity and updated details of Waqf properties which, according to the Sachar committee, they had occupied in an unauthorised manner, sources said. The parliamentary committee, whose tenure has been extended by Lok Sabha till the last day of the next Budget Session, has also sought from the states details of the properties claimed by Waqf boards exercising Section 40 of the Waqf Act. Section 40, an amendment effected during the Congress-led UPA Governments tenure in 2013, is one of the most hotly contested features of the existing law as it has given Waqf boards the power to decide if any property belongs to the Waqf or not. The proposed law, which has faced flack from Opposition parties and various Muslim groups for its alleged attempts to interfere in religious matters, has sought to curb this power while making a slew of other changes in the existing Act. The sources said the parliamentary panel has decided to get an update on the points made by the Sachar Committee on the Waqf properties that are allegedly in unauthorised occupation of state governments or their official agencies. The Sachar Committee was informed by various State Waqf boards during 2005-06 about the alleged unauthorised occupation. The parliamentary panel has been collecting information from States through the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs. Sources said the panel headed by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal has noted that there were 316 such properties in Delhi, 60 in Rajasthan and 42 in Karnataka reported to the Sachar Committee in 2005-06. While 53 of them were in Madhya Pradesh, 60 were in Uttar Pradesh and 53 in Odisha. The committee has sought updates from all these six States, the sources said, adding that, the panel has got information from several other States. The chief ministers of the above States may kindly investigate in detail into the veracity of this information in the Sachar Committee Report... And update this Committee in detail, a source said, citing the communication. State governments have also been urged to share details of the cases where their agencies are involved in a legal dispute with Waqf boards over ownership or possession of any property, with the panel noting that the Sachar Committee had stated its list was not exhaustive. The UPA Government constituted the Sachar Committee in 2005 to study the social, economic and educational status of the Muslim community in India. It submitted its report in 2006 highlighting the poor status of Muslims on all these indicators as it recommended a host of measures. Lok Sabha had, on November 28, adopted a resolution to extend the tenure of the Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill till the last day of the Budget Session of Parliament next year. The parliamentary panels meetings have become a political battleground, with the ruling BJP and Opposition members vociferously debating the changes proposed by the Government. Opposition members had been calling for extending its tenure, which was to end on November 29, and the committee took a unanimous decision to seek more time despite Pals earlier assertion that he was ready with the draft report. He has asserted that he has accommodated the views of every Opposition member, rejecting their allegation of bulldozing the proceedings of the panels meetings. APs NDA Govt dissolves Waqf Board AMARAVATI : Chandrababu Naidu-led NDA Government in Andhra Pradesh has dissolved the State Waqf Board nominated by the previous Government. The Minorities Welfare Department on Saturday (November 30) issued a Government Order, withdrawing the GO issued in October last year, constituting the Waqf Board. The then Government of YSR Congress Party had constituted the 11-member Waqf Board following a High Court order. Three of them were elected members while the remaining were nominated. On a petition challenging the process followed to constitute the Waqf Board, the Andhra Pradesh High Court on November 1, 2023, stayed the election of the chairperson of the State Waqf Board. The GO number 75 issued on Saturday mentions that the Chief Executive Officer of the State Waqf Board brought to the Governments attention the prolonged non-functioning of the Board and the pendency of writ petitions questioning the legality of G.O. Ms. No. 47 to resolve the litigations and prevent an administrative vacuum. Minorities Welfare Department Secretary Kati Harshvardhan stated in the latest GO that after careful consideration of the observations made by the High Court and in the interest of maintaining good governance, protection of Waqf properties and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Waqf Board, the Government hereby withdraws G.O. Ms. No. 47 dated 21.10.2023, with immediate effect. Meanwhile, Minister for Minority Welfare N Md Farooq said in a statement that the coalition Government withdrew the GO issued by the previous Government. He said, after some individuals had approached the High Court, challenging the nomination of Waqf Board members, the High Court had passed interim orders to stay the election of the chairperson. The Minister stated that due to legal issues, there was a vacuum in the functioning of the Waqf Board and to overcome it, the coalition Government issued a new GO, withdrawing the earlier GO. The coalition Government headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is committed to the protection and management of Waqf properties and the welfare of minorities. The Government is taking steps in this direction, Farooq said. In September, the coalition Government appointed TDP leader Shaik Abdul Aziz as Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board. Abdul Aziz, a former Mayor of Nellore, is currently the TDP President for the Nellore parliamentary constituency. The dissolution of the Waqf Board constituted by the previous Government may clear the decks for constituting the new Board headed by Abdul Aziz. PM Modi expresses concern over threats from digital, AI frauds Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the first day at the DGP/IGP Conference, in Bhubaneswar. (ANI) BHUBANESWAR : PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed concern over the potential threats generated on account of digital frauds, cybercrimes and AI technology, particularly the potential of deepfake to disrupt social and familial relations. Addressing the concluding session of the 59th All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police, the Prime Minister also called for the use of technology to reduce the workload of the police constabulary and suggested that the police station be made the focal point for resource allocation. Deliberations were held on emerging security concerns along the border with Bangladesh and Myanmar, trends in urban policing and strategies for countering malicious narratives, according to an official statement. In-depth discussions were held on existing and emerging challenges to national security, including counter-terrorism, leftwing extremism, cybercrime, economic security, immigration, coastal security and narco-trafficking. Modi noted that wide-ranging discussions were held on national and international dimensions of security challenges and expressed satisfaction on the counter strategies that emerged during the conference, the statement said. As a counter measure to the potential threats generated by digital frauds, cybercrimes and AI technology, the Prime Minister called on the police leadership to convert the challenge into an opportunity by harnessing Indias double AI power of artificial intelligence and Aspirational India. Appreciating the steps taken in urban policing, Modi suggested that each initiative be collated and implemented entirely in 100 cities. He expanded the mantra of SMART policing and called on the police to become strategic, meticulous, adaptable, reliable and transparent. The SMART policing idea was introduced by the Prime Minister at the 2014 conference in Guwahati. It envisaged systemic changes to transform the Indian police to be Strict and Sensitive, Modern and Mobile, Alert and Accountable, Reliable and Responsive, Techno-savvy and Trained (SMART). Further, a review of the implementation of the newly-enacted major criminal laws, initiatives and best practices in policing, and the security situation in the neighbourhood was undertaken. Discussing the success of hackathons in solving some key problems, the Prime Minister suggested deliberating on holding a national police hackathon. He also highlighted the need for expanding the focus on port security and preparing a future plan of action for the purpose. Recalling the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the Union home ministry, Modi exhorted the entire security establishment -- from the ministry to the police station level -- to pay homage on his 150th birth anniversary next year by resolving to set and achieve a goal on any aspect that would improve police image, professionalism and capabilities. He urged the police to modernise and realign itself with the vision of Viksit Bharat. Modi also offered insight and laid a roadmap for the future. About 250 officers in the rank of director general and inspector general of police physically attended the three-day conference while more than 750 others participated virtually. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, among others, attended the meeting. Since 2014, the Prime Minister has taken a keen interest in the conference. Free flowing thematic discussions over breakfast, lunch and dinner are held at the conference. This provides an opportunity for senior police officers to share their views and recommendations on key policing and internal security issues affecting the country to the Prime Minister. Till 2013, the annual meet was held in New Delhi. In 2014, after the Modi Government assumed power, it was decided to hold the event, organised by the home ministry and the Intelligence Bureau, outside the national capital. Accordingly, the conference was organised in Guwahati in 2014; Dhordo, Rann of Kutch, in 2015; National Police Academy, Hyderabad, in 2016; BSF Academy, Tekanpur, in 2017; Kevadiya in 2018; IISER, Pune, in 2019; Police Headquarters, Lucknow, in 2021; the National Agricultural Science Complex, Pusa, Delhi, in 2023, and Jaipur in January 2024. Continuing with this tradition, the conference was organised in Bhubaneswar this time. The number of business sessions and topics have also increased, with a focus on improving policing in the service of the people. Before 2014, the deliberations largely focused on national security. Since 2014, the conferences have a twin focus on national security and core policing issues, including prevention and detection of crime, community policing, law and order and improving the polices image, among others. Earlier, the conference was Delhi-centric with officers coming together only for the meet. Residing on the same premises over two to three days has served to build a heightened sense of unity among officers of all cadres and organisations since 2014, officials said. Direct interaction of the polices top brass with the head of Government has resulted in a convergence of views on crucial challenges and the emergence of doable recommendations. In the past few years, the topics have been selected after detailed discussions with the highest echelons of the police service. Once selected, several interactions on the presentations are held before committees of directors general of police to encourage participation and incorporate ideas from the field and from younger officers. As a result, all presentations are now broad-based, content-intensive and carry a set of cogent, actionable recommendations, the officials said. Since 2015, detailed follow-up of the recommendations of past conferences has become the norm and is the topic of the first business session, attended by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. The recommendations are tracked by the conference secretariat, led by the Intelligence Bureau, with the help of nodal officers in the States. Decisions made in the past few conferences brought significant policy changes, leading to improved policing, including setting higher standards for effective policing in rural and urban areas and improved methods of modern policing based on smart parameters, the officials added. Strong anti-rape laws can eliminate menace: TMC leader Abhishek AMTALA (WB) : TRINAMOOL Congress (TMC) National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday said only a strong anti-rape law can effectively eliminate the menace of rape in the country. He made the remark at a doctors convention organised to announce the launch of the Sebaashray health camp programme. Addressing the gathering, Banerjee said, At a time when the country was protesting the RG Kar rape-murder, rape incidents kept occurring in every 10 minutes, according to official data. Hence, I reiterate that only a strong anti-rape law can eliminate this menace. The Centre should act immediately and implement it through an ordinance if it wishes. Banerjee also highlighted the delay in the approval of the Aparajita Woman and Child Bill, 2024, which he claimed has been pending with the President for two months. If this amendment is passed, it can be implemented across the country. We have demonstrated our intent to tackle such crimes by introducing this law. I have condemned the RG Kar incident and said such perpetrators have no right to live. They should be given capital punishment, he added. If the President doesnt give assent to the Aparajita Bill, I will bring a private members Bill, he added. Why, in the name of continuing trial at various courts, should taxpayers money be spent to keep alive such threats to society for years, instead of fast-tracking trials under a designated anti-rape law with stricter provisions at one court? Recalling that the BJP-led Centre had brought an ordinance to take away the powers of Delhi Government, Banerjee claimed, The Modi Government even went against the Supreme Court to extend the tenure of the Enforcement Directorate director. Why isnt the Centre bringing any ordinance in connection with rape? They can do it in a day. Alleging that the BJP has some rapists and murderers in its rank and file, the young Diamond Harbour MP said, That is why, despite having peoples mandate, neither the BJP-led Government at the Centre nor the states ruled by the party has brought any ordinance to effectively stop rape or introduced an anti-rape Bill. Flagging the Sarada trial, Banerjee said, Ten years have passed, but trial is yet to begin though it is under the ambit of central agencies. People believe that handing over cases to the CBI or ED will expedite the probe and bring offenders to book. Therefore, I am of the view that if a law is not brought for stringent action in cases of heinous crimes, there will be similar incidents, he said. Slamming the Opposition CPI(M) and BJP for orchestrating protests over the heinous incident at RG Kar, he said, They attempted to retain control by using junior doctors. The way the CM spoke to junior doctors on multiple occasions and took administrative action, you wont find in any other State, he said. He emphasised that the State would continue to support the doctors providing healthcare to the public, stating, There is no difference between the doctors and the State Government. We would request them not to resort to any ceasework like in past, as the death of a single patient should be prevented. But I appreciate how the doctors work under such circumstances, and our CM has allocated hundreds of crores of rupees for their safety and security, he said. Banerjee announced that the Sebaashray programme would begin on January 2, with 40 health camps being organised daily for 10 days in each Vidhan Sabha constituency. The programme will begin in Diamond Harbour and continue for 70 days, covering seven constituencies. In the last five days, 280 follow-up camps will be held across these constituencies. So far, over 1,200 doctors have signed up for these camps, he noted. Additionally, Banerjee revealed plans for another convention in April, which is expected to host 5,000 doctors. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Communities of Guinea-Bissau, Carlos Pinto Pereira, during the latter's official visit to Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The meeting was announced on the official X page of Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The meeting between Ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Carlos Pinto Pereira was followed by an expanded discussion with delegations from both sides. The ministers discussed the prospects of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Guinea-Bissau, exploring areas such as politics, economy, humanitarian affairs, tourism, energy, and more. Bayramov emphasized the importance of mutual contacts between the two nations, highlighting high-level visits and discussions, including the participation of the President of Guinea-Bissau during the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan. The meeting also focused on the implementation of a political consultation mechanism to enhance the development of relations. The ministers underlined the significance of scholarship programs, expanding economic and trade ties, natural resource development, and sharing best practices in public service delivery, education, and training. Bayramov noted that Azerbaijan is ready to cooperate in implementing the 'ASAN xidmet' model for public services, which provides efficient services to citizens. The ministers also reaffirmed Azerbaijans commitment to strengthening its ties with African countries, including Guinea-Bissau. This includes efforts made during Azerbaijan's chairmanship in the Non-Aligned Movement, notably the resolution on Ensuring equal, reasonable, timely and universal access to COVID-19 vaccines and support for Africa and small island developing states in the post-pandemic era. Further collaboration on multilateral platforms like the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was also emphasized. Additionally, Bayramov briefed Pereira on the post-conflict situation in the region, highlighting large-scale restoration and construction projects in the liberated territories, demining efforts, and the peace and normalization process with Armenia. After the meeting, Bayramov and Pereira signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations between Azerbaijan and Guinea-Bissau. In conclusion, the ministers held a press conference to address the outcomes of their discussions," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said. 5th China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Chengdu Xinhua) 08:04, December 02, 2024 CHENGDU, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held on Sunday in southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu, saw extensive discussions among the foreign ministers on comprehensively advancing cooperation and making political preparations for the second China-Central Asia Summit scheduled for next year. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, chaired the meeting. Attendees included Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Kulubaev Zheenbek Moldokanovich, Tajikistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, and Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. Wang noted that the China-Central Asia Mechanism has been in place for four years, during which the six countries, driven by good neighborliness, solidarity and pragmatism, have worked together to promote its development. He said that significant progress has been made since the first summit in Xi'an last May, with over half of the relevant projects being implemented or making substantial progress. The two sides have established ministerial platforms in areas such as trade, customs, agriculture, transportation, and industrial investment, Wang said, adding that China is willing to enhance cooperation with Central Asian countries and align development strategies. Speaking at the meeting, the foreign ministers of the five Central Asian countries noted that based on the principles of equality and mutual respect, China and Central Asia enjoy a high level of mutual trust and extensive cooperation, establishing an exemplary model of relations among neighboring countries. According to the ministers, the Central Asian countries express their support for China's cooperation proposals and their willingness to collaborate on the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation, and jointly build a China-Central Asia community with a shared future. They also voiced support for China's rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The six foreign ministers agreed on establishing a themed cooperation year every two years to foster high-quality development in China-Central Asia relations. After the meeting, Wang summarized the outcomes and consensus in a joint press conference with the five Central Asian countries' foreign ministers. Wang emphasized the importance of the guidance by the heads of state in ensuring the success of the summit in Kazakhstan next year. He said that China and Central Asian countries will start drafting a summit joint declaration, an action plan for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, a permanent good-neighborliness and cooperation treaty, and agreements in other significant areas. To achieve modernization and deepen cooperation on all fronts, Wang said that the six countries should focus on six priority areas, namely, trade facilitation, industrial investment, connectivity, green mining, agricultural modernization, and streamlined people-to-people exchanges. China is ready to expand cooperation with Central Asia in BeiDou Navigation Satellite System applications, poverty reduction and alleviation, desertification control, higher education, and cultural exchange, Wang said. He also stressed maintaining regional peace and security, noting that the six countries agreed to jointly combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, firmly oppose external interference in Central Asian countries' internal affairs and creating chaos and turbulence in Central Asia, and support Afghanistan in achieving peace and reconstruction. China and Central Asian countries should enhance mutual learning among civilizations and the sharing of governance experiences, said Wang, adding that over the next three years, China will provide 1,500 training opportunities and 600 scholarships for Central Asian countries. In promoting multilateralism, Wang said that the six countries pledged to uphold multilateralism and international fairness and justice. He said the six countries should continue to strengthen coordination in global affairs, solidarity and cooperation among the Global South to promote an equal and orderly multi-polar world and economic globalization that benefits all. China and Central Asian countries reaffirmed their commitment to preserving peace and security and defending the outcomes of World War II, Wang said. On Sunday, the foreign ministers also attended the launching ceremony of the "Tianfu" cross-border freight truck service to Central Asia. The transport service now connects 20 cities across five Central Asian countries. Plans are underway to expand the service to cover major Central Asian cities within three years. Additionally, the ministers inaugurated a China-Central Asia center for the exhibition and promotion of commodities, which features national pavilions for the five Central Asian countries to showcase and promote their products. The center will serve as a new platform for collaboration in trade, education, culture, and tourism between China and Central Asia. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) YAOUNDE, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of the National Assembly of Cameroon, Zhang Qingwei, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, led a delegation to visit Cameroon from Thursday to Sunday. During the visit, he met with Cameroonian Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute and held talks with National Assembly Speaker Cavaye Yeguie Djibril and First Vice President of the Senate Aboubakary Abdoulaye. China and Cameroon are good friends, brothers, and partners, always adhering to mutual support, equality and mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation, Zhang said. China is willing to work with Cameroon to implement the important consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), strengthen the alignment of development strategies, deepen cooperation in various fields, and promote the in-depth development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Cameroon, he said. The Cameroonian side expressed gratitude for China's strong support in its national development. It reaffirmed its adherence to the one-China principle, highly praised the fruitful outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and expressed the willingness to continue strengthening friendly exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries while further deepening bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, infrastructure, health, and international affairs. During the visit, Zhang also attended the completion and handover ceremony of the China-assisted National Assembly complex in Cameroon and visited the Confucius Institute at the University of Yaounde II. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on conducting political consultations between Azerbaijan and Guinea-Bissau has been signed, Trend reports. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov announced the development during a press conference with Carlos Pinto Pereira, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Communities of Guinea-Bissau. Bayramov pointed out that exchange of information on African issues, in particular the West African region, is important for Azerbaijan. The processes taking place in the South Caucasus region are also important for them. I also informed the other side about the processes that are taking place after Azerbaijan has fully restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty, he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Guinea-Bissau has consistently supported Azerbaijans numerous initiatives during its presidency in the Non-Aligned Movement, said Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov, Trend reports. Bayramov made the statement during a press conference alongside Carlos Pinto Pereira, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Communities of Guinea-Bissau. The Azerbaijani minister emphasized that Guinea-Bissau's support had further strengthened bilateral cooperation between the two countries. "We discussed the creation of opportunities for students from Guinea-Bissau to study at higher educational institutions in Azerbaijan, as well as the allocation of educational scholarships for students from Guinea-Bissau. Azerbaijan's ties with African countries have grown even stronger during our presidency in the Non-Aligned Movement. The visit of Guinea-Bissau's President to Azerbaijan during COP29 contributed to the development of new cooperation opportunities between our two countries," Bayramov added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met today with Venezuelan Deputy Foreign Minister Tatiana Pugh Moreno, Trend reports. According to the information, the meeting discussed issues on the agenda of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Venezuela, and prospects of cooperation in the spheres of trade, energy, tourism, agriculture, culture, and education. Noting the existence of an intensive political dialog between the two countries, as well as contacts within the framework of various visits and international events, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stressed the importance of such discussions in terms of defining concrete plans in various areas of cooperation. Moreover, it was stressed that cooperation based on mutual support and solidarity within the framework of international organizations, especially the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement, is a source of satisfaction, and the importance of further strengthening cooperation within multilateral platforms was noted. At the same time, it was mentioned that the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Venezuela will be celebrated in 2025, and the possibility of implementation of joint initiatives and activities in this direction was emphasized. Tatiana Pugh Moreno congratulated Azerbaijan on the successful holding of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) last month, the high level of organization of the event and noted that the outcome of COP29 is one of the important contributions to the efforts to combat climate change. In the course of the meeting, the parties also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest. The Foreign Ministries of the two countries also held the second round of political consultations. The Azerbaijani delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov, while the delegation of the Venezuelan side was headed by Deputy Minister Tatiana Pugh Moreno. The prospects of bilateral and multilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Venezuela plans for further development of relations, joint initiatives, as well as other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest were discussed during the political consultations. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a telephone conversation with Maka Botchorishvili, the newly appointed Georgian Foreign Minister, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry. Minister Bayramov congratulated his counterpart on her appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the newly approved government of Georgia and wished her success in her new role. The parties discussed the current state of friendly and strategic partnership between the two countries, the ongoing plans, and prospects for further development of these ties. The parties emphasized that the existing highest political dialogue between the two countries, regular visits, and mechanism of political consultations, contributed to fostering the strategic partnership. The FMs also exchanged views on regional issues and cooperation within the international organizations. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. The Italian press published an article by Mehran Jamalkhanli, a student of Riga Technical University, dedicated to the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change - COP29, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's State Committee for Work with Diaspora. Touching upon the importance of the event, the author emphasized that the conference serves as a platform for expanding global cooperation to reduce the negative consequences of climate change. He also noted that the boycott organized by some Western countries against COP29 remained inconclusive. In his article, Mehran Jamalkhanli described that despite its rich natural resources, Azerbaijan has taken serious steps to combat climate change. He talked about the country's contribution to global energy security within the framework of COP29, the information of the State Committee reads. Moreover, it was noted that Mehran Jamalkhanli is the son of the vice president of the Naples-Baku Association Elnur Jamalkhanov. The full text of the Azerbaijani article can be found at the link. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Following the I State Program of "Great Return" to the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan that were liberated from 30 years of Armenian occupation, the subsequent group of displaced persons who departed this morning arrived in Jabrayil city, Trend reports. According to information, 129 people, consisting of 34 families, returned to the city of Jabrayil today. Tears of delight filled the eyes of the former IDPs who arrived in the city as they were reunited with their motherland. They were greeted with considerable fervour. Residents of Jabrayil town, who returned to their native lands, expressed gratitude to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for all-round state care. They also expressed gratitude to the brave Azerbaijani army, heroic soldiers and officers who liberated our lands from occupation, wished repose to the souls of martyrs who died in this way, and patience to their families. All conditions have been created in the new buildings constructed in Jabrayil city on the instructions of the Head of State for the resettlement of the families. To date, about 30,000 people are currently living in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, along with former internally displaced persons who resettled there, working on the implementation of projects in the region, as well as performing official duties in local subdivisions of certain state institutions, working in resumed health care, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy institutions. Jabrayil district lies nestled in the embrace of the Karabakh Range and Geyen Plain, tucked away in the southeastern corner of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. On August 23, 1993, the Armenian army and gangs took over the district. The district sustained damage totaling 13.928 billion US dollars as a result of the occupation. About 400 people, 13 of whom were children, were slain in the Jabrayil district between 1988 and 1993 for their valiant resistance against the Armenian invaders. Up to 2,000 communities, tent camps, freight cars, and dorms were established by IDPs from Jabrayil in 58 regions of the republic. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. An archive has been established to collect personal data and documents related to the deported population of Western Azerbaijan, Fuad Huseynov, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, told Trend. Huseynov emphasized that a special commission, working together with the Ministry of Justice and other relevant bodies, has continued efforts to gather archival documents belonging to the Western Azerbaijanis and has formed an informational database. I am hopeful that, as a result of our country's policy, the concept of returning to Western Azerbaijan will be successfully implemented, he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Students of Professor Rovshan Ibrahimov from the Department of Azerbaijani and Turkish Languages at the renowned Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) in South Korea participated in a speech contest on the Azerbaijani language, Trend reports via the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of Azerbaijan. The university holds the event every December, focusing on both Azerbaijani and Turkish languages. "The event was graced by representatives from the embassies of Azerbaijan and Turkiye in the Republic of Korea, who presented awards to the winners. Korean students delivered captivating performances. The first-place winner, Pe In-hye, shared his experience with the Koroglu epic, revealing how, after battling a serious illness and falling into depression, the story inspired him and transformed his perspective on life. The second-place winner, Kim Da-bin, expressed his intention to pursue a master's degree in Azerbaijan, aiming to deepen his understanding of the country's economy. Third-place winner Yun Soo-jin discussed his passion for sports, particularly volleyball, and provided insights into the development of the sport in Azerbaijan," the state committee said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The Orange County Retired Teachers will meet at Wesley United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall located at 401 N. 37th St. in Orange on Monday, Dec. 9th at 10:30 a..m. Sandra Dickey will present a special reading of Cajun Night Before Christmas for their Christmas program. Bring your favorite dish for a covered dish luncheon. They are collecting canned goods for the Womens Care Center in Vidor. Any canned goods you can bring would be appreciated. All Orange County retired teachers and school personnel are invited to attend. Invite prospective first time members to sign up for a free lunch and free membership dues in TRTA and OCTRA. They should sign up by the Dec. 9 meeting to be assured of space at the meeting which will be held Dec. 11 at Roberts Steakhouse in Orange. Participation helps keep the local and state organizations strong. The Bridge City High School Alumni Foundation has become an official 501(c)(3) organization. This opens up new opportunities to better serve current and future alumni of Bridge City High School, ensuring that the legacy of excellence continues to thrive. The journey to becoming a 501c3 organization is both challenging and rewarding. For the Bridge City High School Alumni Foundation, it began with a vision: "To better serve our current and future alumni of Bridge City High School." Founding members dedicated countless hours to research and understand the intricacies of nonprofit status. They navigated through paperwork, legal requirements, and regulations that seemed daunting. Support from local community members played an essential role in this process. Their encouragement is helping fuel the foundation's commitment to excellence. One of the primary advantages is tax-exempt status. Donations are now deductible for donors, encouraging more contributions to support future projects. Those who wish to donate receive a tax deduction for 2024 if done by Dec.31, fostering generosity within the community. Grants from federal and state programs now become accessible which can further enhance the Foundation's initiatives to enrich the lives of students at Bridge City High School. Being recognized as a charitable organization reassures potential supporters their contributions will be used effectively in targeted fields like nursing or welding programs. This trust can increase donor engagement and foster lasting partnerships in the community. Through scholarships and grants, the foundation aims to help lift some of the financial burdens on students pursuing excellence in their ongoing education. By engaging alumni and local businesses in philanthropic efforts, it seeks to create lasting partnerships that will enrich the school's programs. The vision includes not only immediate assistance but also sustainable growth for generations of Bridge City graduates. The Bridge City High School Alumni Foundation has a remarkable track record of success stories that inspire both current students and alumni alike. Many graduates have gone on to excel in diverse fields-be it Education, Legal, Medical, Business, Philanthropy, Music, Art, or Industry and many others. One Bridge City Alumni was bestowed the National Horatio Alger Award for outstanding Americans who exemplify dedication, purpose, and perseverance in their personal and professional lives. In-class workshops led by experienced alumni offer invaluable insights into navigating their chosen industries. Making a Difference for Bridge City High School Students: With the community's support, the foundation can better serve future alumni of Bridge City High School. Any donation to the Bridge City High School Alumni Foundation is greatly appreciated. Donations can be mailed to: Bridge City High School Alumni Foundation PO Box 42 Bridge City, TX 77611 PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3L4CAP4FXDSBW Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/Franklin-Scales For further information, please visit: https://www.bchsalumni.com/ Media Contact: Bridge City High School Alumni Foundation Attn: Media Relations Bridge City, TX [email protected] BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. The symposium Woman in the Turkic World has been held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's State Committee for Work with Diaspora. Meanwhile, the event featured academic discussions on the state and development of women's participation in public-political life in different countries, as well as proposals for further activities. President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar attended the symposium and made a speech. The Head of State highly appreciated the activities of the women of the Turkic world and wished them success. Head of the Media, Communications, and Analytical Research Department of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora Vasila Vahidgizi spoke on Women's rights in Azerbaijan at the event. She noted that in 1918 our country was the first in the East to grant women the right to vote, which was the brightest indicator of Azerbaijan's determination to build a state based on the rule of law. The determination of the main principles of the policy in our country related to women's rights and achievement at the state level is connected with the name of national leader Heydar Aliyev. This policy is continued today by President Ilham Aliyev at a high level and enriched with new criteria. Azerbaijani women are represented in the highest state positions in the country, thus ensuring gender equality. The symposium participants were also informed about the long-term projects implemented by the State Committee to provide legal assistance to Azerbaijanis living abroad and the work of Azerbaijani Sunday schools opened to ensure the right of the new generation of the Diaspora to receive education in their native language. Afterward, a short film reflecting the return of Azerbaijani IDPs, including women, to their native homes was shown, which aroused great interest among the participants. President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar met the Azerbaijani delegation and gave an interview to Diaspor TV, which is the YouTube channel of the State Committee. In the interview he stated: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attaches great importance to Turkic states, noting that together we can move more confidently into the future, and this is extremely important for us. I highly appreciate the activity of President Ilham Aliyev; especially, I want to note that after the victory in Karabakh, even more wonderful work is being done. Tatar and the organizers of the symposium presented books telling about the history and culture of Azerbaijan, as well as gifts symbolizing our national cultural values. Members of the Trinamul Mahila Congress today staged demonstrations across the state demanding implemantion of the Aparajita Bill which proposes to ensure women safety and security. The two day demonstration programme came to an end today. The Bill also proposes stringent action against the accused in rape and rapemurder cases. The West Bengal Legislative Assembly has passed the Bill, which awaits assent of the President. A special session of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly was held to discuss the Bill which was subsequently passed. The Trinamul Mahila Congress will seek an appointment with the President and on getting it a 15 member delegation comprising women MPs and MAs will meet her in Delhi. Demonstrations were held in all the 343 blocks in the state between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. In North Kolkata, a demonstration was organised by Shyampukur Assembly Trinamul Women Congress. Dr Shashi Panja, state minister for Women and Child Development and Social Welfare and Industries addressed the gathering. In south Kolkata a similar meeting was addressed by Mrs Chandrima Bhattacharya, president Trinamul Women Congress. On Saturday, two rallies were taken out in north and South Kolkata. Advertisement The procession in north Kolkata started from Shyambazar Five Point Crossing and ended at Hedua while in the south it was organised from Jadavpur and ended at Gol Park. The rallies had been led by Dr Panja and Mrs Bhattacharya respectively. Mr Abhishek Banerjee, national general secretary of Trinamul Congress had earlier said the trail process in rape and rape-murder cases should be expedited so that the accused is punished early. Meanwhile, Trinamul Congress chairperson Miss Banerjee has asked party leaders to ensure that on social media only party-related issues should be uploaded and no personal matters should be uploaded. Trinamul Congress will leave no stone unturned to secure another mandate in the 2026 Assembly election. The party has decided that no breach of discipline or anti-party statement by any leader will be tolerated and the leaders have been instructed to build intense social contact with the people. Advertisement The Serampore Municipality and the Serampore Hotel Business Fraternity have joined forces to organise a ten-day festival during the ongoing Christmas celebration. This innovative initiative aims to highlight the towns rich heritage, traditions, sociocultural aspects, and nearly three-century-old Inn culture. The ten-day festival will centre around UNESCOrecognised landmarks such as the century-old St. Olavs Church, the historic Danish Tavern, the riverbank, and Netaji Subhash Avenue. The primary goal is to create a grand Christmas celebration that evokes a festive spirit while honoring Serampores rich history and cultural traditions. Historically, around 1786, an Englishman named Mr. Parr opened a new tavern to accommodate travellers passing up and down the river. The tavern offered breakfast, dinner, supper, lodging, wine, liquor, a cafe, and a billiard table. The renovated Danish Tavern today carries on this centuries-old Inn culture. Advertisement To ensure the success of the festival, a meeting was held at the Danish Tavern. Attendees included Serampore Municipality Chairman Giridhari Shaw, Vice Chairman, all four Council Members, and representatives from the Serampore Hotel Business Fraternity. Santosh Singh, Serampore Town President and Council Member, has taken up a special initiative to uphold the towns rich heritage, traditions, and culture amidst the grand Christmas celebration. Advertisement A group of Indian passengers travelling from Tripura to Kolkata on a Shyamoli Paribahan bus were subjected to a terrifying ordeal when their bus was attacked in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh. The bus was intentionally rammed by a truck and then by an auto-rickshaw, after which the passengers were threatened with death and subjected to anti-India slogans. Tripuras Transport and Tourism Minister strongly condemned the incident and urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Indian passengers. The state government and administration are in constant communication with Bangladeshi authorities to address the situation. As a result of the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, including attacks on minorities and stricter Indian visa policies, there has been a significant decline in flight services between Kolkata and Bangladesh. Biman Bangladesh Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines have reduced their flight frequencies, while IndiGo continues to operate its twice-daily schedule but is closely monitoring the situation. The decline in passenger demand is evident in the reduced number of flights and passengers between the two countries. This has raised concerns among stakeholders, who are urging for a resolution to the unrest to restore confidence in travel between India and Bangladesh. Advertisement Advertisement One more monk attached to the International Society For Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was arrested in Bangladesh, vice-president and spokesman of the ISKCON Kolkata, Radharaman Das claimed on Saturday. He said that the second monk of the society who has been arrested is Shyam Das. He claimed that Das went to meet monk and spokesperson of Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote Chinmoy Krishna Das, popularly known as Chinmoy Prabhu, who was arrested earlier this week by Bangladesh Police, at the correctional home where he is housed now. Advertisement Bangladesh Police also took Shyam Das in custody, Radharaman Das claimed. He posted a picture of Shyam Das on his official X handle and questioned whether the arrested monk looked like a terrorist. Advertisement Does he look like a terrorist? #FreeISKCONMonks Bangladesh. The arrest of innocent #ISKCON brahmacharis are deeply shocking and disturbing, the comments posted on Radharaman Das official X handle read. In another post made on his X handle, Radharaman Das claimed that another ISKCON centre at Bhairav Bangladesh has been vandalised. He also posted a video of the vandalised ISKCON centre. Earlier on Thursday, Radharaman Das claimed that the ISKCON centre in Bangladeshs Shibchar had been forcibly shut down by a group of people. He also told IANS that the reply of the Bangladesh government to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on the arrest of Chinmoy Prabhu was highly frustrating. Several protests have already been organised in Kolkata over the arrest of Chinmoy Prabhu as well as attacks and atrocities on the minority Hindus in Bangladesh. Now with the arrest of Shyam Das, the protests are likely to aggravate in the city in the coming days. Today, SBISA (State Bank of India Staff Association) and SBIPA (State Bank of India Pensioners Association) organized a mega blood donation camp in association with the Durgapur Sub Divisional Volunteers Blood Donors Association to raise awareness and celebrate World AIDS Day at the administrative office in Durgapur. Nand Kishor Singh, General Manager (Network-3) Bengal Circle, Prashant Singh, Deputy General Manager Durgapur Module, and Anjani Srivastav, Regional Manager Durgapur (Region-4), inaugurated the event by watering a plant and cutting a ribbon. Dr. Sourav Chatterjee, SDM Durgapur, and other dignitaries were present to encourage the bankers efforts in raising awareness about the need for voluntary blood donation and dispelling AIDSrelated misconceptions. Nand Kishor Singh, General Manager (Network-3) Bengal Circle, said, SBI, being the banker to every Indian, continues to dedicate itself to promoting the social health and well-being of every citizen. Prashant Singh, Deputy General Manager, Durgapur Module, said, SBI always strives to serve society in times of crisis, be it floods, pandemics like COVID, or earthquakes. Advertisement I commend our staff for their active participation. On this occasion, 100 units of blood were donated by present and retired SBI members, demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility. All donors were honoured with a certificate and a token gift. The DVBDA team, doctors, and para-medical staff conducted the necessary tests on the donors. Three superspecialty hospitals in Durgapur, The Mission Hospital, The Healthworld Hospital, and the Sub Divisional Hospital of Durgapur, participated in the program to ensure the smooth conduct of the blood donation camp. Advertisement A tragic incident has unfolded in Raghunathganj 2 Block, where a man named Atabur Rahman, a resident of Mithipur Gram Panchayat, succumbed to injuries allegedly inflicted by a Trinamul Congress leader, Mithun Sheikh. According to allegations, Atabur had paid a bribe to secure a house under a government housing scheme. However, despite the payment, he did not receive the promised house. When he confronted the TMC leader to demand a refund, a violent altercation ensued, resulting in Atabur being brutally beaten. The severity of the assault caused Atabur to be admitted to NRS Hospital in Kolkata, where he passed away. While the accused TMC leader has denied all allegations, the incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests in the area. This is not an isolated incident. Several allegations have surfaced against ruling party members of extorting cut money in exchange for houses under housing schemes. Discontent over housing lists has led to protests in various regions. Advertisement To address transparency concerns, a survey has been initiated for the Banglar Bari project, with 800 teams deployed across districts. However, protests continue to emerge from multiple districts as the survey progresses. In another disturbing incident in Brahmapur, Bansdroni, a son brutally assaulted his elderly father and confined him to their home. Police intervention was necessary to rescue the elderly man. Despite the polices presence, the son attacked both the officers and a civic volunteer. However, the son was not arrested. Advertisement Union Minister of State for Education and Development of the North Eastern Region, and BJP state president, Sukanta Majumdar, has written to the Bangladesh government demanding the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das, Swami Chinmoyananda, and two of his aides. The minister expressed deep concern over the recent arrest of Brahmachari Shyam Das, who was detained while visiting Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu. The ministers letter highlights the growing concern over the treatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and calls for the protection of religious freedom. Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has announced a protest at the India-Bangladesh border in Petrapole to demonstrate solidarity with the arrested monks and to condemn the attacks on Indian tourists. Advertisement Mahamandaleshwar Swami Paramatmanandaji Maharaj of the Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara, representing the Indian saint community, has also expressed strong condemnation of the attacks and arrests, warning of potential protests by saints from across India if the monks are not released. Two Indian tourists who recently visited Bangladesh reported being attacked by fundamentalists and subjected to harassment by the Bangladeshi police. Both victims have filed complaints with the local authorities and plan to lodge complaints with the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission. Advertisement BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Mastercard is deepening its collaboration with Kazakhstan, focusing on digital transformation, tourism development, and cybersecurity, said Sanzhar Zhamalov, General Director of Mastercard in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, in an interview with Trend. Zhamalov highlighted the companys recent initiatives in the region, including signing a Digital Country Partnership (DCP) program in 2023. "We are actively working in several areas at once," he noted. "Mastercard supports GovTech by participating in reviews, sharing best practices, and organizing forums and workshops. Our expertise is highly valued in areas such as open banking and blockchain project development". Mastercard is implementing advanced cybersecurity solutions in Kazakhstan, including the Risk Recon platform. Global solutions like these are crucial for ensuring the security and stability of the countrys growing digital ecosystem," said Zhamalov. The company is also a key partner in promoting tourism. "Weve provided Kazakh Tourism with access to the Mastercard Tourism Innovation Hub to create solutions for the industry and share expertise," Zhamalov explained. This year, Mastercard conducted two master classes with the Visit Almaty Bureau, leveraging data from the Mastercard Tourism Insights Platform. "Almaty attracts interest from nearly 30% of those searching for tourist information about Central Asia. Around 20% of visitors to the city explore Shymbulak, a well-known ski resort. Insights like these help our partners develop strategies to attract tourists," he added. Under the DCP program, Mastercard is expanding its consulting services in Kazakhstan. "Weve established a regional advisory hub for the CIS and Eastern Europe in Almaty and significantly increased our team, tripling the number of consultants within a year," Zhamalov said. "Mastercard fully supports Kazakhstans ambition to lead Central Asia in digitalization," Zhamalov emphasized. "Our focus is on fostering the digital economy and advancing fintech in the region". Digital tenge rollout He further noted that Mastercard is playing a key role in the development of Kazakhstan's digital tenge project, which is currently in the testing phase and expected to be fully implemented by the end of 2025. "The digital tenge project is currently operating in test mode, focusing on public procurement and social payments," Zhamalov explained. "The three-stage implementation of the project is set to be completed by late 2025, at which point it will be fully launched, paving the way for new financial services". Zhamalov emphasized that the digital tenge serves as a bridge between traditional finance and the emerging digital asset ecosystem. "Its implementation opens new opportunities for targeted social payments, improves the efficiency of public procurement, optimizes cross-border payments, and enables programmable payments," he said. Mastercard has been actively involved in the digital tenge initiative, reflecting its growing interest in cryptocurrency trends. "Kazakhstani legislation allows for piloting and testing crypto projects, and some local banks have already taken advantage of this framework," Zhamalov noted. In November 2023, the Eurasian Bank unveiled the first debit card in digital tenge, issued on the Mastercard platform, during the Financiers Congress of Kazakhstan. The inaugural transaction was made by the Chairman of the National Payment Corporation of Kazakhstan. "The funds in the digital tenge account were instantly converted into traditional tenge, enabling payments anywhere in the world," Zhamalov said, highlighting the seamless integration of the system. Earlier, Mastercard partnered with Eurasian Bank to facilitate the first crypto-to-fiat transaction in Kazakhstan. The digital tenge debit card issued by Eurasian Bank marked a milestone as the first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) card in Eurasia. "We are proud to have collaborated with the National Bank of Kazakhstan, the National Payment Corporation, and Eurasian Bank on this innovative project," Zhamalov said. "Its an excellent example of public-private partnership and a significant step forward for the digital economy". Zhamalov also highlighted the practical benefits of the digital tenge card for both consumers and businesses. "The CBDC debit card allows cardholders to continue making purchases at over 100 million Mastercard acceptance points worldwide, ensuring confidence in the security of their payments, backed by the international payment system," he explained. "For businesses, the card offers greater payment flexibility without requiring costly infrastructure upgrades". Support for digitalization of SMEs in Kazakhstan Mastercard is prioritizing the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) globally, including in Kazakhstan, as part of its comprehensive approach to supporting businesses, said Zhamalov. "Small and medium-sized businesses in many countries form a large part of the national economy. Globally, Mastercard has recognized the support of digitalization of small and medium-sized businesses as one of its priority tasks and has developed a comprehensive approach in this area," Zhamalov stated. He pointed out that in Kazakhstan, business owners can apply for Mastercard business cards through nine local banks, including Altyn Bank, Halyk Bank, Kaspi, and others. "These cards enable companies to pay for goods and services, withdraw cash, top up balances, and manage a wide range of business expenses, such as fuel, office equipment, and online services," Zhamalov said. Mastercard business cards also offer features tailored to company needs, allowing CEOs and accountants to set limits and restrictions and distribute cards to employees. "A business card allows, on the one hand, to control all transactions and, on the other hand, to increase the transparency of the company's work for regulatory authorities," he added. In addition to convenience, Mastercard business card holders enjoy numerous benefits through the Easy Savings Specials platform. "This platform, available in Kazakh and Russian, provides access to more than a hundred international discounts and several local promotions," Zhamalov said. Global partners include Google, Adobe, Meta, and Qatar Airways, while local promotions feature Rixos Aktau, Yandex Direct, and others. Mastercard is also collaborating with the Ministry of Trade to enhance e-commerce capabilities for SMEs. "We have been developing the School of e-Commerce for SMEs for several years. Here, businesses can learn how to create a website, integrate online payments, and promote services online," Zhamalov explained. He noted that the program has recently expanded to Uzbekistan. Digital finance development in Kazakhstan Noting that Kazakhstan is leading the way in digital finance within the CIS and Europe, Zhamalov spoke about the findings of a large-scale fintech study conducted with RISE Research, the National Payment Corporation of Kazakhstan, and Tarlan Payments, which surveyed over 100 companies. "The share of non-cash payments in Kazakhstan reached a record 89% in 2024," Zhamalov stated. "Additionally, the number of active online banking users increased 4.6 times, from 5 million to 23.1 million, between 2019 and 2023". The growth of the fintech sector is fueled by significant venture investments, which accounted for 40% of all venture funding in Kazakhstan in 2023. "The number of fintech startups has reached 200, with many focusing on specialized areas such as crypto exchanges, eKYC, anti-fraud systems, and digital lending," he explained. Key trends shaping Kazakhstans fintech market include the integration of AI, the synergy between fintech and GovTech, new financial products for SMEs, BNPL services, and the rise of digital financial assets. Zhamalov emphasized that these developments signal Kazakhstans growing maturity in fintech and its global leadership in digital finance innovation. Cashless payment milestones Further speaking, Zhamalov noted that, globally, cashless transactions are expanding in various formats. "For instance, mobile payments dominate e-commerce in China, while digital wallets lead in Europe, accounting for 49% of global e-commerce turnover. At physical points of sale, however, traditional card payments still hold the majority share at 51%," said Zhamalov. He emphasized Kazakhstan's significant progress in cashless transactions, noting a twentyfold increase over the past five years. "Each resident of Kazakhstan, on average, holds cards from at least two banks. However, there remains room for further personalization of financial products and services and improvements in user experience," the general director said. Digital-first solutions, such as instant online card issuance, seamless payments, and accessible credit and installment options, are expected to drive the market's growth. "Segmentation and well-designed product offerings are essential. For instance, premium clients in Kazakhstan now enjoy package deals that go beyond the card itself, including airport lounge access, fast-track services, insurance, and cashback programs," Zhamalov explained. He also highlighted innovations like eco-friendly cards offered by Eurasian Bank, business cards with installment options launched by Bank CenterCredit, and a card supporting the Aral Sea conservation initiative issued in collaboration with Freedom Bank. Looking ahead, Zhamalov pointed to the importance of user experience, security, and trust in technology. "AI-driven projects, cryptocurrencies, open banking, and blockchain are transforming payment methods. The development of regulatory frameworks will play a crucial role, and Mastercard is committed to contributing to these efforts," he stated. Cross-border payments remain a priority as the global economy becomes increasingly interconnected. "People conduct business, shop, and transfer money across countries. Cross-border payments and transfers are a key focus for us, and we are planning new initiatives in this area next year," Zhamalov noted. Mastercard's new cybersecurity technology in Kazakhstan Mastercard has made substantial investments in enhancing cybersecurity, Zhamalov shared. "Over the past five years, Mastercard has invested $7 billion in strengthening cybersecurity," he said, emphasizing the companys commitment to safeguarding customer and cardholder transactions. One of Mastercard's key solutions, RiskRecon, was introduced in Kazakhstan this year. Zhamalov described it as a leading technology in artificial intelligence and data analysis. "RiskRecon is a cloud service that automates the assessment of cybersecurity for organizations and their counterparties," he explained. The system evaluates approximately 40 parameters, enabling companies to proactively manage cyber risks and protect critical intellectual property and customer data. RiskRecon is available to a wide range of businesses in Kazakhstan, including banks, online stores, and retailers. "With the help of advanced scanning and assessment technologies, organizations can better respond to indirect cybersecurity threats in their business ecosystems," Zhamalov added. Companies using the service also gain access to Mastercards training webinars to enhance their cybersecurity knowledge. Zhamalov pointed out that cybercrime is a pressing global issue, with threats becoming increasingly sophisticated. "The evolution of malware, increase in third-party risks, social engineering, and cybercrimes for hire are becoming commonplace for individuals and companies around the world," he said. He noted that the average global cost of a data breach in 2023 reached $4.45 million, marking a 15-percent increase compared to the previous three years. Discussing cybersecurity readiness, Zhamalov highlighted variations across industries. "Banks generally have more robust cybersecurity programs and are more likely to hire highly skilled professionals compared to sectors like education or charitable organizations," he noted. In Kazakhstan, Mastercard assessed 19 banks and found their average cybersecurity score to be 7.5 out of 10, slightly below the global banking industrys average of 8.2. Mastercard's initiatives reflect its commitment to addressing the rising complexity of cyber threats. "Cybersecurity remains at the cornerstone of our business, and we are proud to bring innovative solutions like RiskRecon to Kazakhstan to support companies in building resilience against cyber risks," he said. Mastercard eyes green initiatives in Central Asia Zhamalov outlined the companys plans to deepen its regional engagement and accelerate business development in the area. "We have fundamentally changed our approach to business development in Kazakhstan and Central Asia by creating a hub in Almaty," said Zhamalov. "My appointment is closely tied to the localization of Mastercards business in Kazakhstan, and one of my key tasks is to build a local office that will help expand our business in the region. We are recruiting more local specialists who will play a pivotal role in maintaining Mastercards operations in Central Asia and the CIS from Almaty. The number of employees is steadily growing, and at the same time, we are undergoing a major transformation of our operational activities". Zhamalov emphasized that Kazakhstan is a priority market for Mastercard, highlighting the countrys robust cashless payment infrastructure and its young, tech-savvy population. "Kazakhstan has a high proportion of young people who are particularly receptive to new technologies, and Almaty boasts high-quality human capital a large pool of young professionals with international education and experience," he explained. "We also see the governments strong desire to develop the digital economy, and this aligns perfectly with our goals. We are working together to realize this vision". Looking back at the evolution of investment trends in the country, Zhamalov noted a significant shift in focus. "10-15 years ago, foreign investors were primarily interested in resource-based sectors like oil, gas, and metals. Now, we are in a new era of transformation, and investors are increasingly looking to non-resource companies. Kazakh fintech companies, for example, are gaining international attention and expanding into foreign exchanges. By creating a digital economy, Kazakhstan is building a new platform for business growth and attracting global investors. Mastercards global expertise in supporting and consulting local businesses is in high demand," Zhamalov said. Mastercard is also setting its sights on expanding its efforts in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. "We are focusing more on ESG in the region, as environmental protection and responsible consumption are key priorities for our company," said Zhamalov. "We will continue to implement programs like Digital First or Digital Only cards, which reduce the use of plastic. In Kazakhstan, we are already issuing eco-cards made from recycled plastic in collaboration with our partner, Eurasian Bank, which has also become the first Kazakhstani company to join Mastercards Priceless Planet Coalition". The official added that Mastercard is also working on bringing more Kazakhstani banks into the Priceless Planet Coalition, a global initiative aimed at combating climate change through collaboration with the Conservation International Fund and the World Resources Institute. "We will soon announce that another Kazakhstani bank has joined the Priceless Planet Coalition. As we see the growing negative impact of climate change in our region, we believe its essential to focus on eco-friendly projects," he said. Looking forward, he expressed confidence in Mastercards future in Central Asia. "Our payment, technology, and environmental initiatives are in great demand across Central Asia. There is excellent potential for Mastercard to operate and collaborate here, helping to develop the cashless economy and promoting these countries on the global stage. I am very optimistic about the future," Sanzhar Zhamalov concluded. Stock Market ended higher for the second consecutive session and touched a one-month high on Monday. Nifty crossed 24,300, intraday, amid buying across sectors, led by realty, media, and metals. The recovery was primarily driven by gains in heavyweight stocks, including Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, Infosys, and Bharti Airtel, which collectively supported the markets upward movement. Advertisement At close, the Sensex was up 445.29 points or 0.59% at 80,248.08, and the Nifty was up 144.90 points or 0.6% at 24,276. Advertisement On Nifty, 33 closed the session in the green, with UltraTech Cement (4%) emerging as the top performer. It was followed by Apollo Hospitals, Grasim Industries, Shriram Finance, JSW Steel, Adani Ports & SEZ, Tech Mahindra, and 16 other stocks, which rose between 1% and 3.5%. On the losing side were HDFC Life Insurance falling by 2.7% followed by Cipla, NTPC, SBI Life Insurance, Britannia Industries, HUL, Kotak Mahindra Bank, L&T, and IndusInd Bank, all of which ended the day with losses exceeding 0.5%. On BSE, over 240 stocks touched their 52-week high on the BSE including Affle India, Caplin Labs, Coforge, Divis Labs, Dixon Technologies, eClerx Services, Info Edge, Kaynes Technologies, KEC International, Laurus Labs, Lloyds Metals, Medplus Health, PB Fintech, Praj Industries, Suven Pharma, Syngene International, Vedant Fashions, among others. Nifty Realty emerged as the top performer among the sectoral indices, gaining 3.04%. Other sectoral indices including Nifty Consumer Durables, Nifty Pharma, Nifty Media, Nifty Auto, Nifty Infra, and Nifty IT ended the session with gains ranging from 0.80% to 2%. On the downside, Nifty PSU Bank was the worst performer, slipping by 0.2%, while Nifty FMCG also saw a mild decline of 0.05%. Shares of cement companies rallied led by Ultratech Cement, which surged nearly 4% to top the Nifty 50 gainers list after Jefferies expressed optimism about a recovery for Indian cement companies in the second half of the fiscal year. Other players, including Shree Cement, India Cements, JK Lakshmi Cement, JK Cement, Andhra Cements, and ACC, also advanced by 0.5-5%. The BSE midcap and smallcap indices rose 1% each. The market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies rose to Rs 449.72 lakh crore, from Rs 446.47 lakh crore in the previous session. Among some of the key individual performances, shares of Hyundai Motor India slipped over 1% after the company reported a sharp decline in November sales. Cochin Shipyard shares hit a 5% upper circuit after the company signed a Rs 1,000 crore contract with the Ministry of Defence. Cipla shares fell nearly 1.4% after as many as 1.4 crore shares or 1.7% equity of the company changed hands in four block deals. The Indian rupee touched another record low of 84.70 against the US dollar. The students from Delhi Universitys Jesus and Mary College (JMC) staged a protest against the college administration over the discrepancy in the examination result.The protest received support from ABVP also as DUSU Secretary Mitravinda was also in the protest with the students. A protesting student said, For the past year, our college has been facing an ongoing issue with Essential Repeat (ER) in our results. We have appeared for our exams, yet the college has marked ER and Fail in our results. Whenever the issue was raised, the college said that the ERs will be resolved. However, even this was communicated to us only recently. Previously, our messages and emails were ignored, she said. Now college is saying to reappear for all the ER exams even though we have proof that we have passed all the exams, the student mentioned. Advertisement Moreover on November 28, a meeting was arranged where faculty members addressed our doubts and assured us that the college would resolve the ERs. But just 8 hours later, they completely reversed their statement and are now denying any resolution, she said. Advertisement Many students have also visited the DU Examination Centre, but every time, they send us back, saying its the colleges fault. This issue persists year after year. Furthermore, when we request meetings with college authorities or ask them to speak with our parents, they refuse and continue to ignore our c Thousands of farmers on Monday gathered and staged a demonstration near the Maha Maya flyover in Noida in the National Capital region (NCR) in the wake of a Delhi Chalo protest march called by several farmers groups to press for their demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). The protesting farmers reportedly broke some of the barricades and tried to march towards Delhi. However, they were stopped by the security personnel. Advertisement Police personnel, along with the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and a riot control vehicle, have been stationed at the Chilla border to prevent protesters from entering Delhi. In the wake of the protest, long traffic jams hit the Delhi-Noida border on Monday. Advertisement One of the protesting farmers said, We will not step back till the government accepts our demand. Another protesting farmer said, We were marching forward according to our plan. The administration blocked the road, not us. We will continue moving forward. Farmer leader and national spokesperson of Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU), Rakesh Tikait, talking to a news agency in UPs Aligarh, informed that the farmers were stopped at Maha Maya flyover. He said the farmers want to march towards Delhi because solutions to their issues will come from Delhi only. The farmers want to march towards Delhi, but the police are stopping them, the farmer leader said. Talking to a news agency on security arrangements at various places in view of the farmers protest, a senior Delhi police official informed that Section 163 of BNS has been imposed in the New Delhi area due to the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.The official said be it the district border, DND or Kalindi, security has been beefed up. Notably, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday urged the farmers for resolution of issues through dialogue and discussion. He also stressed on the need for the welfare of the farmers to attain a developed country status. Speaking at an event in the city, he said, We must remember that we do not fight with our own people, we do not deceive our own people, we deceive the enemy. Our own people are embraced. How can one sleep when the problems of farmers are not being solved swiftly? I call upon my farmer brothers that the resolution of problems in this country happens through dialogue and understanding. The VP vowed to resolve the farmers problems and said his doors are 24X7 open for them. FIR actress and former Big Boss contestant Kavita Kaushik has stirred social media with her recent tweet. She lauded Vivek Oberoi for building an empire for himself while staying true to his principles. While showering praises, she took a subtle dig at people celebrating Swag, dadagiri and roasting. Kavita didnt mention any names directly, however, several users interpreted it as a dig at Salman Khan. Salman and Viveks public feud is well-known and now Kavitas comment has sent fans into a frenzy. Talking to social media Kavita re-shared a post. It read, Vivek Oberoi has a net worth of Rs 1200 cr which is higher than that of Ranbir Kapoor and Allu Arjun. In the caption, the television actress praised the Omkara actor for taking a stand for his women. Moreover, she called him a superb actor. A superb actor, stoop up for his woman, fought against the biggest speaking truth. but we as a country are charmed with Swag, dadagiri and roasting. Advertisement A superb actor, stoop up for his woman, fought against the biggest speaking truth. but we as a country are charmed with Swag, dadagiri and roasting . https://t.co/PIpXj4sjNd Advertisement Kavita Kaushik (@Iamkavitak) December 1, 2024 Following this, curious netizens did some digging and soon a Reddit discussion emerged. Several users believe her comment is a dig at Salman Khan. Fans noted that her older tweets suggest that Kavita was once a fan of the superstar however, her perception of Bhai changed following Big Boss 14. For those unaware, Kavita Kaushik was a wild card contestant on Bigg Boss 14. Her negative portrayal on the show upset the actress deeply. Earlier, speaking to Bollywood Hungama, she claimed that Salman Khan didnt have an interest in hearing her side of the story during disputes on the show. He doesnt listen. He is not interested. During that time, Kavita made headlines over her fallouts with fellow contestants Eijaz Khan, Abhinav Shukla and Rubina Dilaik. Also Read: Amid divorce rumours, Abhishek Bachchan has some advice for married men Moreover, a few years ago, in an interview with Hindustan Times, Kavita refuted that she had a close rapport with Salman. She said, I wouldnt call it a close rapport. No. Salman and his family including Sohail Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Salim uncle and Helen aunty have seen FIR. Salim uncle had invited me over for lunch and he told me, We really enjoy your show. They have been very gracious to me by hosting a feast for me just because they liked the show. Recently, the K-pop girl group NewJeans organised a press conference to announce its contract termination with ADOR. Following this, the parent label, HYBE, which also manages other celebrated K-pop bands including BTS witnessed a major dip in its market cap. Following the press conference, the label issued that the girl group had no legitimate grounds to announce contract termination. However, a big financial blow has now hit HYBE, amounting to almost half a billion dollars. On November 28, NewJeans, comprising Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, held an emergency press conference in Samseong-dong, Seoul. They made the move to address their concerns regarding their contract with ADOR. The group announced the termination of their contract with ADOR. This comes after a lengthy feud between former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and parent label HYBE. The termination was effective November 29 at Midnight EST. For the unversed, after a lengthy dispute, Min Hee Jin announced her resignation effective November 20. Advertisement Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by NewJeans (@newjeans_official) Now, as per CNBC, HYBEs market capitalisation is seeing a whopping dip of $423 million. Notably, the label is the biggest K-pop agency in South Korea and has several subsidiaries including ADOR. The label is also responsible for managing the globally renowned K-pop boy band, BTS. At the conference, the members took turns explaining the rationality behind their decision and the groups future. They revealed that they sent a letter of certification on November 13. It asked ADOR to rectify the significant breaches of the exclusive contract within 14 days. Moreover, they iterated that the failure to meet the demands might result in the termination of their contract. The K-pop group said, ADOR does not have the will or ability to protect NewJeans. If we remain here, it will be a waste of our time, and our mental distress will continue. More than anything, there is nothing that we can gain in terms of our work, so the five of us think that there is no reason at all for us to remain at ADOR. Also Read: 2024 Melon Music Awards: aespa, Jungkook, SEVENTEEN, IU clinch big wins In response, ADOR issued a statement saying that NewJeans has no grounds to announce their terminations. Moreover, the agency still wants the group to continue working together. The statement read, We regret that a press conference to announce the termination of the exclusive contract was planned and conducted even before receiving a response to the certification of contents and without sufficient review. ADOR, as a part of the exclusive contracts, has not violated the contracts. And claiming that trust has been unilaterally broken does not constitute grounds for termination. Additionally, the label also added, We hope that even now, we can open our hearts and have sincere conversations together. ADOR will do our best to support NewJeans in their activities and help them grow further as global artists. Chiranjeevi, one of the most respected stars in Indian cinema, is reportedly set to collaborate with director Srikanth Odela for an exciting new project. Sources suggest that the film will be produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri of SLV Cinemas, the same banner behind the recent hit Bhagavanth Kesari. While the project is in its early stages, specific details about the plot and cast remain under wraps. Advertisement Currently, Chiranjeevi is focused on filming Vishwambhara, a project directed by Mallidi Vassishta. Advertisement Once that film is completed, Chiranjeevi is likely to begin working with Srikanth Odela on this new venture. In the midst of these developments, Chiranjeevi recently received the prestigious ANR National Award in Hyderabad. He got it from the hands of none other than Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan. The award ceremony, held to mark the 100th birth anniversary of legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao, was an emotional moment for Chiranjeevi. As Bachchan took the stage to honor him, he praised the actor for his generosity and unwavering friendship. I feel deeply honored to be part of this moment, celebrating my dear friend Chiranjeevi, Amitabh Bachchan shared. Whenever I call, he is always there, and I have great respect for him. Thanks to Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna for including me in your films. I now proudly consider myself a member of the Telugu film industry, Bachchan added, referring to his collaborations with Chiranjeevi in recent films. Chiranjeevi, visibly touched, expressed his gratitude with humility. As a gesture of respect, he bowed before Bachchan and touched his feet, seeking blessings from the legendary actor. Chandrababu Naidu-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has dissolved the State Waqf Board nominated by the previous government. The Minorities Welfare Department on Saturday (November 30) issued a Government Order, withdrawing the GO issued in October last year, constituting the Waqf Board. Advertisement The then government of YSR Congress Party had constituted the 11-member Waqf Board following a High Court order. Three of them were elected members while the remaining were nominated. Advertisement On a petition challenging the process followed to constitute the Waqf Board, the Andhra Pradesh High Court on November 1, 2023, stayed the election of the chairperson of the State Waqf Board. The GO number 75 issued on Saturday mentions that the Chief Executive Officer of the State Waqf Board brought to the governments attention the prolonged non-functioning of the Board and the pendency of writ petitions questioning the legality of G.O. Ms. No. 47 to resolve the litigations and prevent an administrative vacuum. Minorities Welfare Department Secretary Kati Harshvardhan stated in the latest GO that after careful consideration of the observations made by the High Court and in the interest of maintaining good governance, protection of Waqf properties and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Waqf Board, the government hereby withdraws G.O. Ms. No. 47 dated 21.10.2023, with immediate effect. Meanwhile, Minister for Minority Welfare N. Md. Farooq said in a statement that the coalition government withdrew the GO issued by the previous government. He said after some individuals had approached the High Court, challenging the nomination of Waqf Board members, the High Court had passed interim orders to stay the election of the chairperson. The minister stated that due to legal issues, there was a vacuum in the functioning of the Waqf Board and to overcome it, the coalition government issued a new GO, withdrawing the earlier GO. The coalition government headed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is committed to the protection and management of Waqf properties and the welfare of minorities. The government is taking steps in this direction, Farooq said. In September, the coalition government appointed TDP leader Shaik Abdul Aziz as chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board. Abdul Aziz, a former Mayor of Nellore, is currently the TDP president for the Nellore parliamentary constituency. The dissolution of the Waqf Board constituted by the previous government may clear the decks for constituting the new Board headed by Abdul Aziz. The Winter Session of Parliament resumed on Monday but both the Houses were adjourned for the day due to persistent sloganeering by opposition members who demanded discussion on the Adani issue as well as the violence in Manipur and Sambhal. Since the Session commenced on November 25, proceedings of both Houses have been washed out amid opposition uproar. Advertisement As soon as the Lok Sabha met for the day, Opposition members were up on their feet. Advertisement Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged Members to allow the Question Hour to function normally, but the Opposition ruckus continued. The din drowned out the reply being given by Union minister Jayant Chaudhary. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was scheduled to brief the Lower House on important developments in Indias relationship with China. The briefing follows recent talks between the two countries, during which they reached an agreement on the disengagement and patrolling process at friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 was introduced before the House was adjourned for the day. Earlier, it was adjourned till noon. The Lok Sabhas business of the day also included the introduction of bills relating to banking laws and amendments to the Railways Act, 1989. In the Rajya Sabha, chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar rejected 20 notices received under Rule 267. His pleas to allow the House to function went unheeded as Opposition members started protesting. Dhankhar referred to Murphys Law, which states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong, adding that it appears that there exists a deliberate effort to actualise law to impede this Houses proper functioning. He said, Honble Members, it appears that a deliberate algorithm exists to actualise Murphys Law: Anything that can go wrong will go wrong, in this August House, consequently impeding the proper functioning of Parliament. We find ourselves achieving precisely the antithesis of what our Constitution ordains. What we are doing is a spectacle of absolute disdain to the people! Requesting members to allow the House to run, he said, In reverence to the framers of our Constitution and the innumerable patriots who made the supreme sacrifice, I implore you all to allow the Parliament to function. Do not make it dysfunctional! Earlier, Dhankhar extended birthday greetings to Health Minister and BJP chief Jagat Prakash Nadda and BJP member Tejveer Singh in the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned within a few minutes of resuming after an earlier adjournment amid protests. Earlier, the House was adjourned till 12 noon. In the Rajya Sabha, bills pertaining to regulation and development of oilfields and design, manufacture, use and sell aircrafts were to be introduced. Several members in the Rajya Sabha moved adjournment notices ahead of the session. Congress member Manickam Tagore moved an adjournment motion notice to discuss the need for investigating allegations levelled by the US Justice Department against Gautam Adani in connection with bribery and corruption allegations. He cited public interest as the justification to move the adjournment motion. AAP member Raghav Chadha gave a Suspension of Business notice in the House of Elders to discuss the atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh and the arrest of three Hindu priests, including Chinmoy Krishna Das. Floor leaders of the INDIA parties, after a meeting at the Congress Parliamentary Party office chaired by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, have decided to meet the Speaker to request his intervention in the smooth functioning of the House. A scuffle broke out between Uttar Pradesh Police and Congress leaders outside the state party office here on Monday as a delegation led by state party unit chief Ajay Rai attempted to leave for violence-hit Sambhal. The delegation was stopped by the police, citing restrictions in the area. Rai, along with other party leaders, protested outside the Congress office, raising slogans against the governments decision to block their visit. The leaders demanded the right to meet people affected by the recent violence in Sambhal. Advertisement The DCP and other police officials have said that they will inform us when the restrictions are lifted. There are restrictions in Sambhal till December 10. The day the police will inform us that the restrictions have been lifted, a delegation of the Congress party will visit Sambhal, he told reporters. Advertisement Congress leader and senior politician P L Punia echoed Rais sentiments, saying, We were going there to meet the people and for restoration of peace. Unfortunately, we were stopped. We will certainly go there. The police maintained that the restrictions in Sambhal were necessary to prevent any escalation of tension in the violence-hit district. The state police had also recently stopped a Samajwadi Party (SP) delegation from visiting the violence-hit region after the district magistrate served a notice to Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, refraining him from visiting the district given the law and order situation. The Oppositions visits to Sambhal come amid heightened tensions in the area, where the situation remains sensitive following last months violence during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid. During the survey, a mob allegedly pelted stones at the police. Vehicles were torched as the police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. According to reports, five people were killed, allegedly in police firing, during the clashes. Senior BJP leader and former Maharashtra minister Sudhir Mungantiwar stated here on Monday that Devendra Fadnavis would be the Maharashtra chief minister. He said, The decision will be taken during a meeting of the BJP Legislative Party scheduled on Wednesday. The BJP does not intend to spring any surprises. Advertisement Mungantiwar claimed that Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is not averse to the decision. If someone has made demands, it does not mean he is angry. Shinde will be respected and, I think, he will be part of the Mahayuti government, Mungantiwar said. Advertisement Incidentally, Mungantiwar is the second political leader to predict Fadnavis elevation as the chief minister of Maharashtra after Shinde-led Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat, who too made a similar prediction. Shirsat, the MLA from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (West) had said, Eknath Shinde has said in a press conference that the Mahayuti government would be formed. He also stated that he wont be a hindrance and that he did not have any demand. Shirsat, while dismissing the claims of discord within the alliance, acknowledged that clarity was still needed regarding cabinet portfolios in the soon-to-be-formed government. There are no differences in the Mahayuti. I believe there will be a meeting between Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar to discuss portfolios and all confusion will be resolved soon, he added. Meanwhile, Shinde, who was scheduled to hold a meeting with Shiv Sena MLAs led by him on Monday, cancelled the meeting as his doctor is said to have advised him to rest. Another meeting scheduled between Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar in Mumbai on Monday was also cancelled. As a result, Shinde remained at his residence in Thane. However, hectic lobbying for ministerial posts went on at the posh Malabar Hill residence of Devendra Fadnavis located in South Mumbai since Monday noon. BJP leaders seen at the residence of Fadnavis included Chandrakant Patil, Rahul Narvekar, Girish Mahajan, and Madhuri Misal. It is learnt that the Maharashtra BJP Legislature Party will meet on Wednesday (December 4) to elect its leader, who will serve as the states next chief minister. As things stand, Fadnavis remains the frontrunner to the top post. Accordingly, all BJP MLAs have been instructed to be in Mumbai by Tuesday (December 3) afternoon for the legislature party meeting. After the BJP Legislature Party elects its leader, who is widely expected to be Fadnavis, the leaders of the BJP-backed Mahayuti alliance are expected to announce it officially before meeting Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan at the Raj Bhavan. The oath-taking ceremony of the BJP-dominated Mahayuti government is scheduled at 5 pm evening on Thursday, December 5, at the historic Azad Maidan ground in Mumbai, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is expected to attend the event. On November 29th, the Anhui Museum welcomed a group of special guests. Diplomatic Envoys participating in the "Opportunities in China: International Communication Event of High-Quality Development of Anhui for Diplomatic Envoys in China" came to Anhui Museum to personally experience and witness the profound historical and cultural heritage of Anhui Province. This event not only provided a window for diplomatic envoys to deeply understand the local culture and development achievements of China but also showcased the unique charm of Anhui as an important part of China's cultural and economic development. Through the visit, diplomatic envoys were able to closely appreciate Anhui's rich historical relics, feeling its long history and heritage. From ancient exquisite porcelain and paintings to modern industrial heritage, each exhibit tells the stories and changes on the land of Anhui. Diplomatic Envoys first visited the ancient civilization exhibition area. They showed great interest in these cultural relics. Subsequently, diplomatic envoys learned about Anhui's fruitful achievements in technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and cultural prosperity, such as leading technologies in fields like quantum communication, artificial intelligence, and intelligent manufacturing, as well as the inheritance and innovation of traditional cultural arts such as Hui culture and Huangmei opera. During their visit, diplomatic envoys expressed that entering the Anhui Museum gave them a deeper understanding and appreciation of Anhui's history and culture. They also expressed confidence and anticipation for Anhui's high-quality development in the new era. They stated that they would actively promote Anhui's development achievements and successful experiences to their respective countries, contributing to the strengthening of friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and other nations. Source: cri.cn ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 2. The bonds of friendship and neighborly goodwill are tightening, and the fruitful growth of Kazakh-Chinese cooperation across the board is coming to light, Trend reports. This was discussed during a meeting between President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Kazakhstan, Zhang Xiao. It was noted that the relations between Kazakhstan and China are dynamic and multifaceted: active political dialogue is maintained, trade and economic ties are strengthening, and cultural exchanges are taking place. "Our countries actively interact on the international stage within the framework of the UN, SCO, CICA, and also in the format of 'Central Asia-China,'" Tokayev emphasized. In turn, the Chinese ambassador thanked Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and confirmed Beijing's commitment to the further progressive development of comprehensive strategic partnership. The President of Kazakhstan, in recognition of Zhang Xiao's merits, awarded him the "Dostyk" Order of the II degree. China serves as a significant geopolitical and economic ally for Kazakhstan. A record trade turnover between the two nations is anticipated this year. In the initial ten months of this year, it attained $36.5 billion. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Security has been heightened at the Delhi-UP Chilla border as farmers from Uttar Pradesh, under the banner of various organisations, prepare to march towards Delhi on Monday to press for their demands. The protest, spearheaded by the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and supported by groups like the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), are protesting to highlight issues related to compensation, agricultural reforms, and a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). Advertisement In view of the proposed march, police personnel, along with the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and a riot control vehicle, have been stationed at the Chilla border to prevent protesters from entering Delhi. Advertisement Speaking on the situation, DCP East Delhi Apoorva Gupta said, We received advance information about the farmers march. No permission has been granted for the protest to enter Delhi, as the Parliament session is ongoing. We are coordinating with Noida Police to ensure no law-and-order situation arises and that traffic is not disrupted. Security forces are deployed at all major and minor Delhi-UP borders. The march, organised by the BKP and other farmer groups, is set to begin at noon under the Maha Maya flyover in Noida, with BKP leader Sukhbir Khalifa leading the first group. The farmers are demanding compensation and benefits under the new agricultural laws, along with broader reforms to support their livelihoods. The Delhi Police have cited the ongoing Parliament session as a reason to deny entry to protesters, aiming to avoid disruptions in the capital. National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Monday expressed deep concern over the ongoing survey of the 800-year-old shrine of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah Sharif in Ajmer and emphasized its immense cultural and spiritual value. He noted that such sacred sites represent Indias shared heritage and play a pivotal role in preserving the secular fabric of the nation. He cautioned that these matters must be handled with utmost sensitivity to safeguard communal harmony. Dr. Abdullah also urged the Central Government to prioritize robust safety measures to protect the sanctity of Muslim shrines and mosques across the country. Advertisement Addressing senior party leaders in Srinagar, he emphasised the importance of rigorous preparation for the upcoming Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat elections. Underscoring the need to field young and educated candidates to ensure effective governance at all levels, Dr. Abdullah said, A government is strong only when the foundation of the party at the grassroots level is robust. He stressed the need to strengthen party cadres and work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Advertisement Reaffirming the partys commitment to fulfilling its manifesto promises, the former chief minister expressed confidence in the leadership of Omar Abdullah to deliver on these commitments for the betterment of the people. Earlier, additional general secretary Dr. Mustafa Kamal, along with provincial president advocate Showkat Ahmad Mir, extended a warm welcome to Dr. Abdullah following his successful completion of Umrah. The event was attended by several prominent leaders, including MLAs Ali Mohammad Dar, Dr. Mohammad Shafi, Salman Ali Sagar, Ahsan Pardesi, Showkat Ganie, state spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, district president Peer Afaq Ahmed, provincial president womens wing Kashmir Sabiya Qadri and other senior leaders, functionaries, and workers. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday dedicated Rs. 13.25-crore newly constructed Dhalli Bus stand, in Shimla to the public and also inspected the facilities being provided. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who also holds the transport portfolio was also present on the occasion. Speaking on the sidelines of the function, the chief minister said the previous BJP government merely laid the foundation stone for the construction of Dhalli and Theog bus stands without allocating any budget. All this was done purely for electoral gains and not in the name of development, he said, adding that his government allocated rupees five crore last year and an additional rupees five crore this fiscal for the completion of the bus stand at the earliest to facilitate the public. He added that a modern HRTC workshop to cost Rs. 24 crore was also being constructed in the area and would be completed at the earliest. The Chief Minister said that the previous BJP government deceived the public with their hollow promises. Their double-engine Centre-state government completely failed at all the fronts and during the fag end of their regime distributed freebies worth Rs. 5,000 crore ahead of assembly elections in 2022. However, the people ultimately rejected BJPs governance model, said Sukhu, adding that the present government carries out the foundation stones of the development projects after ensuring proper budgetary provisions and ensuring timely completion of such projects. Later, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the modernization of the Dhalli Vegetable Mandi, projected to cost Rs. 36 crore the work of which would begin within a month and will be completed in one and a half years. He further stated that a new parking would be also constructed at Dhalli. Sukhu emphasized the state governments efforts to strengthen the road infrastructure. He said the state government was prioritising road construction and added that the Parwanoo-Shimla four-lane highway to Dhalli would be ready within two years. He also revealed plans to construct Asias tallest bridge in the state. The chief minister also inaugurated a community center and parking facility in Cemetery, Sanjauli, constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.65 crore. Addressing a public gathering in Dhalli, Sukhu emphasised the governments initiatives to strengthen the rural economy. Himachal Pradesh has become the first state to provide a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs. 45 per liter on cow milk and Rs. 55 per liter on buffalo milk, said the Chief Minister, adding that the farmers in Rohru expressed their gratitude for the same. He further stated that to bolster rural income, the government was purchasing wheat and maize, produced with natural farming, at an MSP of Rs. 40 and Rs. 30 per kilogram, respectively. The Chief Minister said that during last years natural calamity, Rs. 100 crore were allocated for round-the-clock road connectivity in Shimla and Kinnaur so as to ensure that horticulture produce reaches the markets well in time. Despite losses exceeding Rs. 10,000 crore due to the monsoon-led disaster and no assistance from the Centre, the state government provided a special relief package of Rs. 4,500 crore for relief and rehabilitation, he stated. Sukhu said that the MSP on apples has been increased by Rs. 1.50 and all the dues of the farmers under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) have been cleared with a one-time release of Rs. 153 crore. Universal cartons were introduced this year to ensure fair pricing for apple growers, and new CA stores, including one at Parala, were being constructed to enhance storage facilities. Efforts were underway to double-lane Parala-Rajgarh road which will reduce the transportation costs. Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar said that a blueprint for modernizing the Dhalli Vegetable Mandi was ready. The government aims to establish multi-purpose markets at strategic locations and link them nationwide to facilitate the farmers, he added. Advertisement BJP Yuva Morcha activists raised threatening slogans against former BJP leader Sandeep Warrier, who recently defected to the Congress. The slogans were allegedly chanted during a rally in Kannur held to commemorate KP Jayakrishnan Masters martyrdom day. Warrier has been accused by party members of betraying the BJP for financial gain. Advertisement A video clip of the rally surfaced, showing Yuva Morcha activists shouting slogans such as, You betrayed the organization for 30 pieces of silver. If you continue to misuse our martyrs and disrespect the organization, we will bring you down in broad daylight. Advertisement Responding to the threats, Sandeep Warrier criticized the BJP, calling the incident the biggest proof of the partys intolerance and asserting that his decision to leave the saffron party was justified. Warrier also accused the BJP of harboring the real betrayer within its ranks. He criticized the party for limiting the commemoration of Jayakrishnan Masters martyrdom to Kannur district, attributing this to internal conflicts. He further raised concerns about the absence of BJP State President K Surendran at this years memorial event. KP Jayakrishnan Master, a prominent BJP youth leader, was brutally murdered on 1 December 1999, allegedly by CPI-M workers, while teaching his students in a classroom. Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India in 2025 for the annual India-Russia Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President Putin has received an invitation to visit India from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the dates for his visit will be set in early 2025, Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov said at a briefing. Advertisement Our leaders have an agreement to hold meetings once a year. This time, its our turn, the diplomat noted. We received Mr. Modis invitation and we will certainly consider it positively, he added. Advertisement We will figure out the tentative dates early next year, Mr Ushakov said. The Russian leader has remained in regular touch with PM Modi despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. In July, the Indian leader visited Moscow to take part in the 22nd India-Russia Summit. In October, Mr Modi visited Russia again for the BRICS Summit which was held at Kazan. The announcement underscores the deep ties between New Delhi and Moscow, even as global geopolitical tensions continue to shape international relations. Mr Putins visit to India will focus on strengthening strategic cooperation in critical areas such as Defence, energy, and trade. The last visit by the Russian President to India took place on December 6, 2021 for the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi. In all his meetings with Mr Putin, the Indian leader has impressed upon him the need to bring the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to an end and resolve issues between Russia and Ukraine through peaceful diplomatic talks. In a setback to LDF government in Kerala, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the Kerala High Court order cancelling the state cabinet decision to appoint R Prasanth, son of late CPI-M MLA K.K. Ramachandran Nair in government service. A Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, refused to interfere with the Kerala High Court order cancelling the state cabinet decision to appoint R Prasanth, son of late CPI-M MLA K.K. Ramachandran Nair, as assistant engineer in PWD and dismissed the petition filed by the Kerala government challenging the High Court order. The Supreme Court held that appointment under compassionate grounds are only for children of government employees. The court asked how an MLAs son be given an appointment under compassionate ground. Advertisement The High Court division bench found that the appointment of Prasanth as assistant engineer in PWD was arbitrary and in violation of rules. State cabinet in 2018 decided to appoint Prasanth as an engineer following the demise of Ramachandran Nair who was the MLA representing Chengannur Advertisement The court found that the government violated provisions of Article 14 and 16 of the Constitution. If that happens, it would be nothing but absolutely crippling equality and equal protection of laws, making the qualified candidates wait outside to get a government job, the court observed. Kerala government has approached the Supreme Court with an appeal challenging the Kerala High Court order. In the appeal filed in the Supreme Court, the state government pointed out that the High Courts decision to order termination of the employee on a public interest petition was legally wrong. The state government in its plea argued that under Article 39 of Kerala Subordinate Service Rules, the state government can create a new post and appoint an eligible candidate The plea has now been dismissed by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court expressed deep dissatisfaction on Monday with five state governments, including Delhi, for failing to compensate construction workers for their loss of livelihood due to a halt in construction activities caused by severe air pollution. The top court has summoned the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan to appear via video conferencing on December 5 to address the lack of disbursement of welfare funds. Advertisement A bench comprising Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih emphasized the need for accountability, stating, We want proof of payment. None of the NCR states have complied with our direction to pay compensation to construction workers. Not even proof of a penny being paid has been shown. Let the Chief Secretaries appear, and then they will take this matter seriously. Advertisement Despite requests from the legal representatives of the states to avoid summoning the Chief Secretaries and assurances that payments would be expedited, the court insisted on their virtual presence. Put it on record, the bench remarked, It is our experience that progress happens only when higher authorities are summoned. The court was critical of the lack of action, noting the plight of construction workers who remain uncompensated. We expected at least one NCR state to show that payments have been made to a sizable number of workers, but nothing has been done, the bench observed. Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, representing the Delhi government, stated that payments would begin once eligible workers are verified, adding that 19,000 workers had been identified. However, the bench remained firm, responding, We want proof of payment, not assurances or directions. The session also highlighted alarming ground realities presented by court commissioners, who reported threats to their safety during field assessments. Local toll operators and police officials told us about the involvement of criminals and musclemen. We feel very unsafe, one commissioner reported, describing ongoing issues like unchecked stubble burning at night on Delhis outskirts. Acknowledging the safety concerns, the court assured armed security for commissioners willing to continue their duties. We cannot allow members of the bar to face such risks, the bench said. The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday, December 5, 2024. YSRCP MP from Tirupati, Maddila Gurumoorthy has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, proposing the idea of conducting two Parliament sessions every year in south India. This proposal is rooted in the broader goal of strengthening national integration while addressing the practical challenges faced by lawmakers during the extreme weather conditions in Delhi, particularly in winter and summer, he wrote in his letter dated November 28. Advertisement The letter said even prominent leaders, including B R Ambedkar and Atal Behari Vajpayee, had discussed the idea. The law maker noted that the extreme weather conditions in the national capital impacted the Parliaments functioning. Advertisement The climate in Delhi during these seasons severely impacts the daily functioning of Parliament. The harsh winter chills and scorching summer heat make it increasingly difficult for members of Parliament and Parliament officials to work efficiently, not to mention the detrimental effect on the overall quality of life in the city, he said in his letter copy of which was also sent to Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. Saying that the core thought behind this initiative is to allow for more peaceful and productive sessions in a region with a more favourable climate, ensuring smoother legislative processes, he also mentioned about past instances when this idea was discussed. Gurumoorthy also referred to Independent MP Prakash Vir Shastri who had also introduced a private members bill to this effect in 1968. We believe that conducting sessions in Southern India would bring Parliament closer to the people of the region, thereby fostering a greater sense of inclusion. It would also reduce the logistical and climatic challenges faced in Delhi, allowing for more efficient and effective governance, he added. The Tirupati MP also said that holding sessions in South India would serve as a symbolic gesture of national unity and decentralisation, showing that the Parliament represents the entire country, not just its capital city. Hence, I humbly urge you to kindly consider this proposal with a positive outlook. I sincerely believe that this initiative will benefit the entire nation and help Parliament function in a more inclusive and efficient manner, Gurumoorthy said in his letter. The global transportation giant, Uber, on Monday launched its innovative Shikara service in Srinagars Dal Lake. Announcing the launch, Uber wrote on X: Introducing Uber Shikara in Srinagar! The perfect blend of tradition and tech. Now you can book your serene Shikara ride up to 15 days in advance. With just a tap on the Uber app, you are ready to set sail. Experience Dal Lake like never before. #UberShikara Advertisement Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has congratulated all the stakeholders of the tourism sector of J&K on the launch of Uber Shikara services in Srinagar. Advertisement In a social media post, the Lieutenant Governor said the launch of Uber Shikara services will provide visitors a seamless way to experience the timeless charm of Shikara rides. Commending the Uber for their futuristic vision, he said the Uber Shikara in Srinagar is a testament to creative ways technology can enhance our cultural heritage. The Lieutenant Governor posted on X: Launch of Uber Shikara in Srinagar is a testament to creative ways technology can enhance our cultural heritage. This offering in the upcoming tourist season will provide visitors a seamless way to experience the timeless charm of Shikara rides, a hallmark of J&Ks beauty. I commend Uber for their futuristic vision, enabling convenient access to serene experiences while boosting local tourism. Together, we are showcasing the splendor of the crown of India to the world. Winter is upon us, & people of J&K invite you all to enjoy this magical season in paradise, he added. Bangladesh is a country I visited at different times. I went there as a child with my parents and sisters and recall the sheer joy of travelling through the rural areas which were dotted with ponds, each of a different colour. Green during the day when its deep, cool waters, reflected the trees around it. Blue and silver at dawn when it mirrored the sky above. Golden when the sun went down in the horizon. It was delightful to jump into these lakes, swim or simply splash around. The countryside was also streaked with rivers of varying sizes. There were gurgling streams which we waded through on foot. There were wide, wild rivers, which we crossed on boats. The surrounding scenery seemed surreal. There were orchards of mangoes and jackfruits on the banks. The fruits dazzled like gigantic gems in the sun. It was fairytale like. Floating down those rivers on our cozy boats was no less enchanting than the simulated rivulet in Disneyland which I visited many times with my family as a child. I still recall the song, This is a small world after all. It is. Bangladeshi ponds and rivers are no different than Indian ones. British drew an artificial border through it. The Radcliffe Line. The utterly ugly, invisible, imaginary partition which divided us. Otherwise we are the same people with the same land, same landscape. Advertisement In childhood, it did not occur to me that we are different. I had as much fun, floating my paper boat in a village puddle during Monsoon in Bangladesh as I did in a rustic town in India, where a relative lived. Advertisement The differences, political, personal grew glaring when I visited and lived in Bangladeshs capital city Dhaka for a while when my husband got a job there. I was told that as journalist I could not work. Yet, even then, a decade or two earlier, it was still friendly. There was mutual love between the Bangladeshi Bengalis and the Bengalis of Indias West Bengal. We shared the same language, with a few differences in dialects. We shared the same culture. We shared Rabindranath Tagore as the creator of our respective national anthems. Todays turn of events is disturbing. Religious fanatics have taken over. They are fanning flames of hatred. They have forgotten the fight from which stemmed the very idea of Bangladesh. The idea that Bengali is our common language, our common culture, our common identity. The freedom fighters of Bangladesh, when it was East Pakistan, gave up their lives to extricate the land and the language of the Bengalis from the tyrannical and oppressive rulers of West Pakistan. Today these martyrs images are being attacked, their statues are being defaced. Their names are being sullied. Their reputation is being tarnished. Since violence broke out in Bangladesh in August, I visited the border at Bongaon. It was telling that a wall image of Mujibur Rahman, thus far considered a founding father of Bangladesh, had been whitewashed. Elsewhere images of his visage had been blackened. I also went to Taki, through which runs the riverine border between India and Bangladesh. I took a boat ride on the Ichhamati River, on one bank of which lies Bangladesh and on the other, India. There is an imaginary line that runs through the river. It is the border. Boats on the Indian side does not cross over to the other side. Boats from the Bangladeshi side do not cross over into this side. Our boatman told us the tales of the camaraderie that existed between people of the two sides. Our love for each other is really visible during the Festival of Durga Puja, he said cheerfully. See that enclosure there? He asked, pointing towards a canopied area on the Bangladeshi side. That is where the Durga pratimas (clay idols) would be gathered before the immersion procession started. His face fell when he narrated the next bit. This year there was no immersion from their side. They did not celebrate. They have completely stopped Durga Puja. Our boatman said it was a time of year he and other boatmen as well as all the locals cherished. It was a time to meet mid-stream and smile together, laugh together. Our boatman took us to the mid-point. We do not have permission to go further. I looked down at the deep. There was no line. There was no difference. A leaf floated in the river. It was dawn and the water was clear, blue and silver. It was a golden, fallen leaf. I did not know whether it was from a Bangladeshi tree or an Indian one. One side of it fell on the Bangladeshi side and the other on the Indian side. A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Sunday slammed US arms sales to Taiwan and strongly condemned its attempt to weaponise the region. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to the US announcement of approving 385 million US dollars of arms sales to Taiwan, Xinhua news agency reported. Advertisement Chen also criticised the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan, stating that paying protection fees would bring Taiwan no security, only self-destruction. Advertisement Stop soliciting US support for Taiwan independence as such efforts are doomed to fail, he added. Chen said that the US move is simply inconsistent with the US leaders commitment to not supporting Taiwan independence and seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982. The spokesperson called on the United States to immediately stop arming Taiwan. Dont ever underestimate Chinas determination to take strong and resolute countermeasures to firmly defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, he added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced his readiness to end the hot phase of the conflict with Russia in exchange for Ukraines membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported. If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we need to put the territory of Ukraine that is under our control under the NATO umbrella. We need to do it fast, Zelensky was cited as saying, as per Xinhua news agency. Advertisement Later, Ukraine could get back the territories, which are now controlled by Russia, in a diplomatic way, Zelensky said, noting that NATO invitation should recognise Ukraines internationally recognised borders. Advertisement Zelensky stressed that a ceasefire is necessary to guarantee that Russia does not return to seize more Ukrainian territory. Meanwhile, the Russian side seems to have a very low-profile response toward this. The Kremlin has so far been silent on Zelenskys remarks. Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma, commented in his Telegram channel, Moscow will no longer allow Western countries to arm Kyiv under the guise of an agreement. He called on Ukrainian politicians to abandon their ambition to join NATO. Kyiv is seeking to join NATO, this is the key to moving forward, not the end of the war. The idea of freezing the conflict is also unacceptable, he said. On Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the Russian army has liberated 88 settlements in the Donetsk and Lugansk region, the Zaporozhye, Kursk and Kharkov Regions in the fall of 2024. Job Title: Zonal Coordinator (5 Jobs) Organisation: Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda Reports to: Director Partnership About US: Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) was established in 1992 by an Act of Parliament (Cap 208) and is under the Office of the President of the Republic of Uganda. The Act provides for the Commission to Oversee, Plan and Coordinate AIDS Prevention and Control activities throughout Uganda. Job Summary: To oversee the successful implementation of HIV Programs and act as a linkage between UAC and SCEs in assigned regions / Zone. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Establish partnerships and advocate for greater involvement of Self Coordinating Entities and stakeholders in the National HIV/AIDS Response at the District Level i.e. PLHIV, Local Government, Parish Development Committees, Local Councils, Faith Based Organizations, and Cultural Institutions in HIV/AIDS issues at community level. Provide guidance to the districts and partners in planning and coordination of HIV/AIDS prevention and control Programs. Collaborate with districts and partners in the implementation HIV/AIDS prevention and control Programs. Coordinate with the district structures and partners in the preparation of UAC advocacy events at National and Sub-National Level. Initiate and undertake regular technical meetings, supervision visits with districts and implementing Partners in the HIV/AIDS Response in order to review implementation, identify implementation bottlenecks and agree on resolutions. Disseminate HIV Messages, Reports, Guidelines, Regulations, and Policies at zonal / district level, and act as a resource person on HIV/AIDS information at the district level. Build the capacity of Non state actors/ Partners on accreditation and certification for state actors. Support monitoring and surveillance on the implementation of HIV/AIDS guidelines, policies, regulations at districts and implementing Partners. Supervise staff at the Zonal offices i.e. Program Assistant, Driver etc. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: Qualifications: A Bachelor Degree in Social Sciences or Humanities from recognized awarding institutions. Post Graduate Diploma or Masters degree qualification in Public Administration or Management or Development Studies from a recognized awarding institution. Experience: A minimum of eight (8) years of working experience, three (3) of which must have been served at Senior Management level in Government or equivalent level of experience in any other reputable organization. Competences: Effective Communication skills Lobbying and advocacy Team work and interpersonal Relations Good knowledge of UACs policies, regulations and programmes Planning, organizing and coordinating Concern for quality and standards Ethics and integrity Project Management skills Good Computer Skills Negotiation Skills How to Apply: All applications indicating the title of the position being applied for should be addressed to the Director General, Uganda AIDS Commission, Plot 1-3 Salim Bay Road Ntinda, P.O Box 10779, Kampala or sent by mail to [email protected] Applicants should attach the following to their applications Letter expressing interest Detailed curriculum vitae with names, addresses, and phone contacts of three professional referees Copies of relevant academic/professional certificates Copies of previous appointments letters or contract agreements. Any period of employment not backed up by a letter shall not be considered as relevant experience Copy of National Identity Card Deadline: 20th December 2024 at 5.00pm NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and will be required to present your original Academic Transcripts, Certificates and National Identity Card during interviews. UAC is an equal opportunities employer. For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Date Posted 2024-12-01T20:43 Valid Through 2024-12-20T17:00 Employment Type FULL_TIME Hiring Organization Uganda AIDS Commission Job Location Kampala, Kampala, Kampala , 0256, Uganda Related Jobs Photo: State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom have shot the breeze about sharing information in the taxation arena, Trend reports, citing the State Tax Service under the countrys Ministry of Economy. Deputy Head of the Service Samira Musayeva held a video conference meeting with Angela MacDonald, Deputy Director General of the UKs Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The meeting highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation between the two agencies and expressed satisfaction with the progress made through enhanced interaction. The discussions focused on strategic goals in improving tax administration and ongoing reforms aimed at developing a sustainable economy. The participants also exchanged views on collaboration mechanisms and joint efforts to improve the tax environment. Additionally, the International Tax Administration (IOTA) addressed issues related to the priorities defined during Azerbaijan's presidency and coordination within the organization. The meeting further covered the organization of practical programs and the format for bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The advantages of joint efforts to enhance transparency in the global tax environment, promote effective cooperation, and reduce tax evasion were also emphasized, the State Tax Service said in a statement. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Many Indians apparently do not feel safe while flying with domestic airlines in India. This comes on the heels of the countrys aviation regulator repeatedly pulling up almost all pan-national airline companies on multiple safety violations. Domestic airlines have been penalised for multiple crore rupees on various counts by the regulator DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) over the past year. The fines peaked last winter at about a whopping Rs 3 crore as fog threw schedules into disarray and cancellations and delays were reported from across the country. The culprits even included the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, where delayed passengers plonked down on the tarmac to eat their food. Those fined for the chaos that followed fog delays also included low-cost carriers like Indigo and SpiceJet. With winter on and fog days enveloping us any day now, the question is, will the previous winters mayhem, which saw hundreds of thousands inconvenienced and even incidents of violence where frustrated passengers hit pilots, repeat? Now, a survey amongst desi fliers finds that many do feel that domestic airline companies do not pay enough attention to safety. A LocalCircles survey released on Monday said that 3 in every ten fliers felt that airliners were cutting corners on safety protocols since Covid. While 18 per cent said that it was always perfect, a sizeable 43 per cent stated that it was mostly fine but there have been some exceptions. If that wasnt worrisome, another 30 per cent said airlines were cutting corners when it came to safety, in varying degrees. A LocalCircles statement said that while a large number of passengers felt all was well, they did not have visibility to any violation that was not customer-facing and happening at the back end. If those were added, the numbers would look worse, it said, adding, While airlines cite growth in the industry and inability of infrastructure and resources to keep up with it as the reason behind some of the issues perceived by the consumers, the reality is the airlines need to do better and the DGCA and Ministry of Civil Aviation need to hold them more accountable than they are being held today. In its annual safety report released two months ago, DGCA said that it had improved significantly last year compared to the previous two years. However, many airlines were fined in recent months for laxes, including repeat-offender Air India under the Tatas, whose liability peaked at Rs 1 crore plus a fine for not carrying enough emergency oxygen on its IndiaUS routes. New entrant Akasa was fined Rs 30 lakh in October for multiple regulatory violations. This Friday, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) cracked the whip at market leader Indigo for a security protocol breach and asked it to cough up 5 lakh rupees as a fine. The fourth edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise, HARIMAU SHAKTI, began at Bentong camp in Pahang district of Malaysia on Monday. The event, conducted alternatively in India and Malaysia, will continue till December 15. The exercise aims to boost the joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI, which will focus on operations in the jungle environment, will be conducted in two phases. Cross-training between both armies, including lectures, demonstrations, and practices of various drills in jungle terrain, will form the first phase of the exercise. The second phase will be a simulated exercise, wherein troops will execute various drills, including anti-MT ambush, occupation of harbour, carrying out a recce patrol, ambush and an attack on area taken over by the terrorists. ALSO READ: Counter-terror, cyber, hybrid warfare on agenda as India, Cambodia begin joint military exercise CINBAX The exercise will foster interoperability, bonhomie, and camaraderie between the two armies, and will help both sides share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures of conducting joint operations. The Indian contingent comprising of 78 personnel is represented by a Battalion of Mahar Regiment, while the Malaysian contingent is represented by 123 personnel from The Royal Malaysian Regiment. The last edition was conducted in Nov 2023 at Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya, India. The inaugural edition of joint table top exercise, CINBAX, between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army aimed to wargame conduct of joint counter terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, began at Foreign Training Node in Pune on Sunday. The exercise, which will last till December 8, will focus on discussions regarding the setting up of Joint Training Task Force for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance apart from planning of counter terror operations. The exercise will also involve discussion on information operations, cyber warfare, hybrid warfare, logistics and casualty management, and HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief) operations among others. ALSO READ: Global interest in India's BrahMos missile soars Exercise CINBAX will be conducted in three phases. While Phase-I will focus on preparations and orientation of participants for counter terror operations during UN peace keeping missions, Phase-II will involve conduct of the table top exercises. Phase-III is about finalisation of plans and summing up. This will bring out practical aspects of the theme-based training and aims to enable the participants to comprehend the procedures through situation-based discussions and tactical exercises, the defence ministry said in a release. The exercise will also showcase weapons and equipment of the Indian origin promoting Atmanirbharta and indigenous capabilities in defence production. READ MORE: 4 'I's to success: CDS General Anil Chauhan's blueprint for defence self-reliance The first edition of the joint exercise between India and Cambodia will focus on enhancing trust, camaraderie and achieving desired level of interoperability between troops of both the sides. It will also enhance the joint operational efficiency of both the Armies while undertaking peace keeping operations. The Cambodian Army contingent comprises 20 personnel and the Indian Army contingent is also comprising 20 personnel from an Infantry Brigade. West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and several BJP MLAs joined hundreds of saints and monks near the India-Bangladesh border at Petrapole in North 24 Parganas to demand the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh. The protesters also warned the interim government of Bangladesh led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus of dire consequences if atrocities against Hindus are not stopped. They threatened to impose an economic ban on Bangladesh by stopping all kinds of trade happening through the Petrapole landport. ALSO READ | Bangladesh stops dozens of ISKCON members from crossing into India Today I participated in a Protest March & Rally held at Petrapole, North 24 Parganas; the largest international checkpost on the India-Bangladesh border. Thousands of Monks, Devotees of ISKCON and general Sanatani People gathered to protest against the arrest of spiritual leaders pic.twitter.com/lZWEoamp8a Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) December 2, 2024 Speaking at the protest rally, organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, LoP Adhikari said, We had announced that trade through the Petrapole border will remain closed today. The closure began at 6 am and will continue for 24 hours. This is just a trailer of whats coming next. He further threatened that if the situation in Bangladesh does not improve, Hindus in West Bengal will suspend exports of essential commodities for five days next week, followed by an "indefinite strike" on exports to Bangladesh starting in 2025. ALSO READ | Bangladesh freezes bank account of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das; India calls for protection of all minorities The Nandigram MLA also touched upon the issue of a section of Bangladeshis dishonouring the Indian national flag, saying, We will force the new Razakars to surrender as we did in 1971. He also went on to talk about the Indian Armys role in liberating Bangladesh from Pakistan. Carrying the national flag and chanting "Jai Shri Ram," LoP Adhikari marched toward Zero Point, where he protested by releasing balloons. Following this, he headed towards the immigration centre where a crowd had been protesting since morning. Meanwhile, the monks who had participated in the protest rally stressed the need for Hindu unity. They demanded that the genocide of Hindus must be stopped in Bangladesh and Chinmoy Krishna Das be released in the next court hearing. The leader of the opposition acknowledged the same and claimed that Mondays event symbolised the unity of Hindus of all sections and backgrounds. Thousands of people have gathered here. They are not from the BJP. They are Hindus who have come together. The Supreme Court on Monday observed that everyone has right to protest peacefully in a democratic setup but it should not cause inconvenience to the public. The Supreme Court was hearing a habeas corpus plea seeking the whereabouts of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who was on hunger strike at Khanauri border and was removed on November 26. #WATCH | Noida, Uttar Pradesh: Traffic congestion seen at Chilla Border as farmers from Uttar Pradesh are on a march towards Delhi starting today. (Drone visuals; shot at 12:10 PM) pic.twitter.com/8DguXl6u9Z ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2024 Hearing the plea, A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan disposed the petition after noting that Dallewal has joined the farmerss protest and even persuaded a fellow protester to end the hunger strike. However, as the protesting farmers are set to march to the national capital on Monday, the apex court advised Dallewal to persuade other protesters not to block main roads. "In a democratic setup, you can engage in peaceful protests but do not cause inconvenience to people. You all know that the Khanauri border is a lifeline for Punjab. We are not commenting on whether the protest is right or wrong," the bench told Dallewals counsel, PTI reported. The bench observed Dallewal could persuade the protesters to organise peaceful protests without causing any inconvenience to people. The national capital has been fortified in view of protesting farmers proposed Delhi Chalo march on Monday. The farmers will start marching from Noida to the national capital demanding various guarantees from the Union government, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price for crops. Farmers have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. Besides MSP, the farmers are also demanding waiver of farm loans, pension for farmers and farm labourers, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 and compensation to the kin of farmers who died during its 2021 agitation. The Supreme Court slammed the National Capital Region states for non-payment of subsistence to daily wagers affected by GRAP IV restrictions in Delhi. The apex court ordered chief secretaries of Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh to appear virtually for the hearing on Thursday. Hearing pleas regarding measures to curb pollution in Delhi, a bench comprising Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih rapped the states for not complying with its order regarding paying subsistence to daily wagers from funds collected as labour cess by states. The bench had ordered the payment of subsistence as daily wagers were affected due to the ban on construction works under GRAP IV regulations. We find that none of the NCR States: Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, have reported compliance with the order regarding payment of subsistence allowance to construction workers. None of the states pointed out to us that anyone has been paid so far. We direct the chief secretaries of these states to remain present through videoconferencing on the next date, the bench ordered. The bench added, We make it clear that unless substantial compliance with actual payment of amounts to the construction workers is reported we will have to consider initiating action against the contempt of courts act against erring officers, Live Law reported. The apex court refused to relax GRAP IV restrictions in the national capital and rapped the Delhi government authorities and Delhi police for its poor implementation. The bench refused to relax the restrictions on Monday and said there needs to be a consistent downward trend. Taking note of reports filed by court commissioners, the bench directed Delhi police and the Commission for Air Quality Management to appoint sufficient personnel to man entry points to Delhi. The Delhi government was directed to take action against contractors communicating the movement of court commissioners. The apex court directed Delhi police to provide protection of armed police personnel for court commissioners. The Court permitted Delhi government to carry out the sewage repair works repair of only those roads which are in dire condition. However we make it clear that not a single vehicle shall be used for this purpose which is not permissible in accordance with law, the bench ordered. The contentious Swabhimani Samavesha (rally for self-respect) in Hassan on December 5, which was conceived as a show of strength of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, will now be a Congress party event. The CMs close aides who had planned the rally to prep up the sulking image of Siddaramaiah embattled in the MUDA land allotment case are now miffed as KPCC chief D.K. Shivakumar has taken over the preparations for the rally, determined to showcase the event as a celebration of the achievements of the Congress government. The Siddaramaiah faction had hoped to project the Kuruba strongman as the champion of Ahinda (an acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits) and also picked Hassan in the Vokkaliga heartland, a strong JDS bastion, to get even with JDS patriarch H.D. Devegowda who had vowed to rest only after uprooting the corrupt Congress government. The unilateral decision of the Siddaramaiah faction to host a mega convention, claiming it to be a thanksgiving meet organised by the oppressed classes organisations, did not go down well with the Shivakumar faction and also several other leaders who wanted it to be held under the party banner. An anonymous letter to AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge had reportedly expressed concern over the tendency of hero worship in the party and cautioned the party against misuse of the party platform for personal gains. Interestingly, the banners and posters used for the publicity by Siddaramaiah faction referred to the event as Sri Siddaramaiah Swabhimani Janandolana Samavesha (Sri Siddaramaiah fight for self-respect public rally). In the peak of the conflict, both the chief minister and deputy chief minister landed in Delhi and met the party leadership separately. While Siddaramaiah convinced Rahul Gandhi saying the event would help the Congress party consolidate the Ahinda votes in the JDS bastion, the party high command gave a thumbs up to Shivakumars idea of hosting the event under the party banner. Shivakumar, on his return to Bengaluru, held a meeting with leaders from Mysuru, and also announced he would lead the team in the preparation for the Hassan rally. The high command has instructed me to take up the responsibility of organising the Hassan event and I invite all those who believe in equality and the Constitution to join hands with us. We have directed the district ministers to mobilise people for the event, said Shivakumar. Some ministers who have been identified with Siddaramaiahs camp skipped the preparatory meeting chaired by Shivakumar. Earlier, senior leaders including Home Minister G. Parameshwara said that the convention was planned in Tumakuru, following the bypoll sweep by the party. However, they expressed surprise that some leaders had zeroed in on Hassan and started the preparation on their own. Shivakumar also informed that the top brass of the party were more keen on the state government holding the much-delayed zilla and taluk panchayat elections, instead of the political rallies. The Hassan rally is reminiscent of the Siddaramotsav the 75th birthday celebration of Siddaramaiah held in Davangere on August 3, 2022, which was seen as a bid to project him as the next chief minister. It was also a trigger for an open showdown between the two warring factions. Shivakumar had wanted it to be a programme to highlight the 168 peo-people poll promises implemented by the Congress government during Siddaramaiahs first stint as the chief minister (2013-2018). Rahul Gandhi who attended the rally brokered peace and forced the two leaders to hug each other on dais. JDS leader and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy mocked the Ahinda convention in Hassan, claiming that Siddaramaiah was doing what he has done earlier (hosting Ahinda convention). He is doing the same drama he once did while quitting the JDS, said Kumaraswamy. Siddaramaiah claimed that he had not quit the JDS, but was expelled from the party by Devegowda. It may be recalled that Siddaramaiah, who was in the JDS, was the deputy chief minister in the Congress-JDS coalition government led by Dharam Singh. On July 24, 2005, Siddaramaiah attended an Ahinda rally held in Hubballi and Devegowda expelled him from the party and sacked him from the post of DCM, suspecting anti-party activities. Siddaramaiah, who formally joined the Congress party during a rally held in Bengaluru in September 2006, in the presence of Smt Sonia Gandhi, served as the leader of the opposition and later rose to the post of the chief minister in 2013. This time, the Hassan rally was designed to reassert his position within the party and to project him as the champion of the Ahinda, as most of his pro-people schemes cater to the oppressed classes of people. However, the Shivakumar camp seems to have succeeded in reining in the rival faction. -- Around 60 Indian passengers flying from Mumbai to Manchester were stranded at Kuwait International Airport for more than 13 hours, alleging that they were denied food, blanket and accommodation. Indian PAX stuck at @KuwaitAirports since 12 hrs after Manchester bound @GulfAir flight GF005 was diverted. PAX alleged harrasment & also alleged that the airline has provied accomodation to only EU,UK & US citizens. @RamMNK @MoCA_GoI@indembkwt Video credit: Passenger pic.twitter.com/pBcJDtUMRS Daanish Anand (@Daanish_Anand) December 1, 2024 Gulf Air flight GF 005 made an emergency landing. The Indian embassy revealed that they reached out to Gulf Air regarding the incident. The passengers alleged that only flyers with the US, the UK and European Union passports were given food and accommodation by the carrier. Videos showed angry passengers arguing with the airport authorities. Passengers with passports of Pakistani and Southeast Asian countries were also reportedly denied water, food and accommodation. Reading WHY BHARAT MATTERS while getting stuck in Kuwait without any help All British Passport holders got their hotels sorted with On-arrival visa while #IndianPassport holders have been left stranded without any info, food, or any kind of help. @DrSJaishankar@GulfAir#GF5 pic.twitter.com/5qUNEP8rMO Shivansh (@shiv4nsh) December 1, 2024 Arzoo Singh, one of the Indian passengers told ANI that they could not leave the airport as they did not have a transit visa. Later, the airport authorities agreed to accommodate senior citizens and passengers with infant inside the airport. The embassy said their officials were at the airport to assist the passengers, adding that they were accommodated in two airport lounges, adding that the airport hotel is currently unavailable due to ongoing GCC Summit. Embassy @indembkwt had immediately taken up the matter with Gulf Air in Kuwait. A team from Embassy is at the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline. Passengers have been accommodated in 2 airport lounges. pic.twitter.com/1OySe3KGLc India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) December 1, 2024 The embassy clarified that Indians do not have visa on arrival facility in Kuwait and that all government offices are closed due to the GCC Summit. It added that a flight was scheduled at 3.30 am on Monday for the passengers flying to Manchester. The flight eventually departed at 4.34 am. Three months after excommunicating senior Sikh leaders including former Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh on charges of religious misconduct, the five high priests of Akal Takht, the highest temporal power of Sikhs, announced the punishment after the leaders accepted their mistakes. The Akal Takht also withdrew the title, Fakhr-e-Quam, conferred on late Punjab CM Prakash Singh Badal. Addressing the guilty Sikh leaders from the Akal Takhts pulpit, inside the Golden Temple, the five priests headed by Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh asked the leaders if they confessed to the the charges against them. They were asked to reply in only yes or no. Badal accepted all the charges, even though earlier he had publicly denied them. The priests said the guilty leaders should undergo religious punishment by cleaning the washrooms, utensils, shoes of devotees, while wearing a plaque, admitting they were guilty, around their necks. The priests also announced that the resignations of all the Akali leaders be accepted and the process of fresh recruitment be started to strengthen the party, which was initially set up over 100 years ago for protection and representations of the Sikh issues. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who appeared at the Golden in a wheel chair owing to fractured leg, and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, the rebel Akali leader, were asked to perform the duties of a sevadar outside the gurudwara wearing the robes. They will do the similar penance at at Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Damdama Sahib, Darbar Sahib at Muktsar and Fatehgarh Sahib for two days each. They will also clean utensils. The other Akali leaders like Sucha Singh Langah, Hira Singh Gabria, Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Daljit Singh Cheema and Gulzar Singh Ranike, Bibi Jagir Kaur, Prem Singh Chandumajra, Surjit Singh Rakhra, Bikram Singh Majithia, Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Charanjit Singh Atwal, and Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, were also told to clean washrooms at the Golden Temple for one hour. The charges against the Sikh leaders were for different acts during the Akali governments 10 years tenure from 2007 onwards. There were on five counts, particularly for granting pardon to controversial Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim on charges of blasphemy as he had tried to impersonate the 10th Sikh Guru. The other count was if Sukhbir Badal had called the then Takht Jathedars to his residence to pressurise them on granting pardon to Ram Rahim. Sukhbir took a few second before accepting the crime. The Akl Taskt priests adopting a stern tone repeatedly asked the leaders to tell the truth and not lie. The other charges pertained to firing on the Sikhs protesting against the sacrilege incidents and rewarding those police officers who were responsible of killing Sikh youth in fake encounters. The Akal Takht gave out religious punishment without imposing any political sentence as it was conjectured. It asked the warring factions of the Akali Dal to strengthen the party and undertake membership drive and conduct internal elections to rejuvenate the party. The Akali Dal had been paying the political cost as its voting percentage sharply dropped in the last few elections. Now, this sentence may initiate the process of its revival amongst the Sikh masses. But who will assume the leadership and if unity is achieved within the two factions remain to be seen. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. The Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) CJSC briefed European logistics companies about the new opportunities created by the Middle Corridor at the European Silk Road Summit in Vienna, Trend reports via the CJSC's statement. The event speaker, ADY Chairmans Advisor Emil Mammadov, took the stage to shed light on the Middle Corridor, highlighting Azerbaijan's pivotal role in its growth and the blossoming of regional and international cooperation at ADY to ramp up the volume of transit freight transportation. He emphasized the importance of integrating the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway line to unlock the potential of the Middle Corridor. It was pointed out that the BTK offers a shorter and faster route for the effective transportation of transit and export cargoes from China to Europe, with an annual capacity of five million tons. Mammadov pointed out that European logistics operators and freight forwarding companies could take advantage of new opportunities for regional transport by intensifying the use of the Middle Corridor. The official also briefed the participants on the establishment of a cargo base that will move from the West to the East, the potential for transporting goods via the Middle Corridor through Turkiye and the BTK, and the work that ADY is doing in this direction. Speaking about ADY's development of the Middle Corridor, he emphasized the completion of the BTK's modernization last year and the creation of a joint venture with the Georgian side for the route's efficient operation. He also mentioned the establishment of another joint venture between Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan for the Middle Corridor's development. The official said that ADY launched the first export block train from Azerbaijan to China this month, giving an additional boost to the development of the Middle Corridor. He claims that the export block train, which consists of 62 units of 40-foot containers, will transport cargo from Azerbaijan to China via Kazakhstan to the port of Xi'an, one of the country's largest land ports, by the end of this year. Furthermore, he drove home that, with the participation of railway organizations from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Central Asia, and Europe, a consultative meeting of railway administrations' leaders was held in Baku this year to establish the Eurasian Transport Route International Association involving the Austrian Transport Route. Mammadov concluded that the main goal of the new route is to increase freight turnover by revitalizing the southern branch of the Middle Corridor. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The Bashar al-Assad regime gave up control of Aleppo within three days, thanks to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Lebanon conflict that saw ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. On the heels of Arab Spring, the rebels in Syria captured Aleppo for the first time in 2012 and held on to it until 2016 when the Assad troops took back control of the city. The rebels, Heiat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), first gained prominence in 2020 when Turkey intervened in Syria's Idlib region on its border. Rebels in Syria have breached the outskirts of Aleppo after staging two car bomb attacks - Syrian Observatory for Human Rights According to war monitor, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions were able to enter the outskirts of the Al-Hamdaniya and New Aleppo https://t.co/2WN26VLrBb pic.twitter.com/rRhPv3IEbd Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) November 29, 2024 How Syrian rebels took advantage of two wars Russia has been fighting in Ukraine since 2022 while in the Middle East, Israel has defeated Iranian proxies Hamas and Hezbollah in Gaza and Lebanon respectively. With its allies engaged in continuous war elsewhere, the supply of arms to the Syrian troops were depleted, allowing the rebels to take advantage of the situation. Russia had earlier withdrawn its S-300 missile systems from Syria when the Ukraine war started. Tel Aviv has also pounded Iranian proxies in Syria following the Hamas attack on Israel. Iran is cautious in intervening in the new offensive in Syria as it could prompt further bombing from Israel side. On Monday, it was reported that the Assad forces have bolstered security in Hama, which lies south of Aleppo, and pushed back the rebels advancing towards them. Russia has also supported the regime with airstrikes and supply of heavy equipment. In Aleppo province, the rebels have taken control of a military base on the city outskirts and 15 villages besides cutting of the highway that connects Aleppo and Damascus. Captain Omer Maxim Neutra, the 21-year-old US-Israeli soldier missing since the October 7 Hamas attacks, was confirmed to have not survived the day by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday. We are devastated to announce that the IDF has confirmed that American-Israeli hostage Omer Neutra (21) was murdered by Hamas on October 7. His body remains held hostage in Gaza. Our hearts are with Omers parents, Orna and Ronen, and his family, who have fought tirelessly for pic.twitter.com/y6qto4WLkS Israel (@Israel) December 2, 2024 Israel confirmed that Cpt. Omer Neutra was not taken hostage by the retreating Hamas fighters as they suspected to date. Instead, it was his lifeless body that was taken across the border by the Gaza-based fighters after the tank platoon commander was killed in action, IDF said. Who was Captain Omer Maxim Neutra? Born and brought up in New York's Long Island, Neutra stalled his plans for higher education at Binghamton University to join the ranks of IDF. It was a year he spent in Israel that influenced him to join the military service despite his parents being in the US, TOI said. ALSO READ | Who is Edan Alexander? Israeli-US hostage's mother reacts as he begs Trump to push ceasefire deal in Hamas video Captain Neutra was attached to the 77th Battalion of the 7th Brigade at the time of the Hamas attack, ABC News said in a report. Omer's parents Orna Neutra and Ronen Neutra were very vocal about the need to seal a hostage release deal with Hamas at the earliest. They had made public appearances in Washington after holding a meeting with administration officials at the White House. How did Captain Omer Neutra die? According to the IDF, Neutras death was declared by the Military Rabbinate based on fresh intelligence input. On the morning of October 7, 2023, the day of the bloody cross-border attack by Hamas fighters, Captain Omer was in charge of an IDF tank stationed near the southern community of Nahal Oz. He was guarding the strategically vulnerable area along with his crew -- Sgt. Shaked Dahan (driver), Sgt. Nimrod Cohen (gunner) and Sgt. Oz Daniel (loader)-- as Nahal Oz is situated close to the Gaza border. ALSO READ | How Israel rescued four hostages from Hamas captivity: 'Similar to the Entebbe raid' Once the assault on southern Israel began, their tank was neutralised by the Hamas fighters using an RPG and explosive devices, the Times Of Israel said in a report. Although the entire crew survived the assault, they were captured and taken to Gaza along with several other Israelis. ALSO READ | Israeli hostage rescued by IDF was alone in a tunnel after escaping captors Sergeant Daniel's passing was confirmed by the IDF in February while Sergeant Dahans death was announced in November. Now, the news of Neutra not making it across the border alive means Sergeant Nimrod is the only surviving member of the tank crew. Israeli hostages in Gaza Strip According to Tel Aiv, 97 of the 251 hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7 remain in Gaza. 109 civilians gained their freedom during a truce in November 2023. In the war that followed the attacks, eight hostages were rescued by the IDF while the bodies of 37 others were recovered. As the world looks forward to the next total solar eclipse, scientists are already preparing for a unique type of eclipsean "artificial" one. Heres what that means and why its capturing attention. The European Space Agency (ESA) has been working on the Proba-3 (short for 'Project for OnBoard Autonomy") mission for over 14 years. This long-term project has been carefully planned and developed, showcasing years of dedication and advanced scientific efforts. The Proba-3 mission is scheduled for launch on December 4, 2024, at 4:08 PM IST. It will take off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota using ISRO's PSLV-XL rocket which is equipped with additional boosters for enhanced thrust. This mission aims to study the Suns corona, the faint and dim outer layer of the suns atmosphere, by detecting its tiny, subtle features more effectively. The Proba-3 mission includes two separate, three-axis stabilized spacecraft: the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) ,Weighing 340 kgs and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC), Weighing 200 Kgs. These spacecraft will travel close to each other in a highly elliptical orbit around Earth. At the nearest point, known as the perigee, they will be about 600 kilometers above Earth, while at the farthest point, called the apogee, they will reach up to 60,530 kilometers. The orbit will have a 59-degree inclination, meaning it is tilted at a 59-degree angle compared to Earths equator. In this type of orbit, the spacecraft will take about 19.7 hours to complete one full circle around Earth. Proba-3 is a special mission involving two spacecraft that fly in perfect formation, maintaining a distance of just 150 meters between them in orbit. The "Occulter" is designed to block the Sun's bright disc, using a 1.4-meter-wide occulting disk aligned perpendicular to the Suns light, creating an artificial solar eclipse. This disk will create a shadow approximately 8 cm wide at a distance of 150 meters, explained space expert Girish Linganna. The second spacecraft, called the "Coronagraph", is designed to study the Suns corona in detail. The corona, which is the Suns faint outer layer, is typically visible only during a total solar eclipse. The Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) is equipped with a scientific telescope that has a 5 cm aperture. A natural solar eclipse lets scientists study the Suns corona for about 10 minutes, and there are usually 1-2 such eclipses each year. In contrast, Proba-3 will provide six hours of observation time, equal to the coverage of 50 natural eclipses in a year. This extended viewing will give researchers a much better understanding of the Suns corona than ever before, added Linganna. Experts point out that the Sun's corona is surprisingly over a million degrees hotter than its surface, even though it's farther from the core. This strange temperature difference has puzzled scientists for years and is still being studied. Scientists are working hard to understand the Suns corona, not just to learn more about the Sun itself, but also because its where solar weather, like solar storms and eruptions, begins. These events, such as coronal mass ejections, can send powerful bursts of energy into space. When they reach Earth, they can disrupt satellites, mess with communication systems, and even cause power outages. Understanding the corona helps us prepare for and protect against these effects. One of the most exciting aspects of the Proba-3 mission is its potential to transform the way we study space weather. The Suns corona is the source of solar winds and coronal mass ejections, which can have significant effects on Earths magnetic field and the operation of satellites. Proba-3s ability to study the Suns atmosphere in such detail will provide valuable insights into these phenomena and help scientists better understand space weather and its impact on Earth. This knowledge will be critical for protecting space-based infrastructure and ensuring the safety of future space missions, remarked Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India. Furthermore, the mission will have important implications for the future of space exploration. The formation-flying technologies demonstrated by Proba-3 could be applied to a wide range of missions, from Earth observation satellites to interplanetary exploration. By enabling multiple satellites to work together in close formation, Proba-3 opens the possibility of building larger, more powerful space telescopes, conducting more detailed Earth observations, and performing complex in-orbit servicing tasks, such as satellite repairs and de-orbiting. The ability to operate multiple satellites as a single cohesive unit will unlock new possibilities for both scientific research and commercial applications in space, added Kesan. The mission is planned to run for two years. After the mission ends, the satellites' orbit will gradually shrink because of the gravitational pull from the Sun and Moon. This will cause the satellites to naturally re-enter Earths atmosphere about five years after launch, following ESA's Zero Debris policy. The Proba-3 mission is backed by 13 ESA member countries. Spain contributes the most, covering 38 percent of the funding, followed by Belgium at 34 percent. Poland and Romania each contribute around 4 percent, while Austria, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the UK each provide about 3 percent. The missions total budget under ESAs General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) is Euros 200 million which includes the launch, operations and ground stations, science payload development and operations and the procurement of two spacecraft and development of formation-flying technologies. India's PSLV-XL rocket was selected because it can handle the weight of the Proba-3 satellites (550 kg) and place them into their highly elliptical orbit. ESA's Vega-C rocket doesnt have enough power for this mission, while using the Ariane-6 rocket would be too expensive for a budget-friendly technology demonstration. ESA has carried out three Proba missions to date: Proba-1 in 2001, Proba-2 in 2009, and Proba-V in 2012. Proba-1 was launched as a secondary payload aboard Indias Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Shriharikota launch site on October 22, 2001, said Linganna. Proba-3 is known as ESAs technology demonstration mission. Indian solar physicists are likely to get exclusive access to the data from the Proba-3 mission. Some Indian scientists also worked with Belgian researchers to help design the missions scientific objectives. Shortly after the launch, India plans to hold a meeting with ESAs Proba-3 team to discuss ways to use data from both Proba-3 and Aditya L1, Indias first solar mission launched in 2023, for joint research. This collaboration will give Indian scientists a chance to contribute to new discoveries about the Sun. The interim government in Bangladesh has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident where a group of protesters breached the premises of its consulate in Tripuras Agartala on Monday. Dhaka said the protesters had broken down the mission's main gate, damaged property inside, vandalised the flag pole and desecrated the national flag, leaving staff with a "deep sense of insecurity". "The government of Bangladesh calls upon the government of India to take immediate action to address this incident, to undertake a thorough investigation ... to prevent any further acts of violence against the diplomatic missions of Bangladesh," said an official statement. Earlier in the day, thousands of people took out a massive rally near the Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner's office in Agartala demanding the immediate release of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and stoppage of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. The protest was organised by the Hindu Sangharsh Samity, a VHP affiliate. According to police, a six-member delegation of Hindu Sangharsh Samity was allowed inside the assistant high commission to submit a memorandum, but a few "additional people" entered the premises and raised 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans. "However, there was no breach of peace or trouble inside the Bangladesh mission as we drove out the protesters immediately," West Tripura Additional SP Chiranjib Chakraborty was quoted as saying by PTI. The Ministry of External Affairs termed the incident as deeply regrettable and said diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances. The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable. Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances, the MEA said in a statement. Our statement on breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, Agartala https://t.co/hVVB0SITQn pic.twitter.com/li8TtmwfS8 Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 2, 2024 Government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their Deputy/Assistant High Commissions in the country, it said. In the wake of rebels gaining control of Aleppo, Iranian-backed Iraqi militias crossed into Syria overnight to help the government fight these rebels. Tehran pledged to aid the Damascus government. Avoiding the official border crossing, at least 300 fighters, from the Badr and Nujabaa groups, crossed late on Sunday using the dirt road. Also read | Aleppo: Viral video shows Syrian Islamic rebels storming Iran's consulate; embarrassed Tehran blames Israel According to a senior Syrian military source, fresh reinforcements are being sent to aid the comrades on the front lines in the north. Iran's constellation of allied regional militia groups has long been integral to the success of pro-government forces in subduing rebels who rose up against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011, and they have long maintained bases in Syria. Also read | Aleppo Syria rebel war explained: Who are Islamic group HTS and why Iran, Israel wary of al-Qaeda-linked jihadists? Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Monday that Syria's military was capable of confronting the rebels but referring to the regional militia groups Tehran backs, he added that "resistance groups will help and Iran will provide any support needed". Syrian government and Russian warplanes intensified attacks on Monday in areas held by rebels in the northwest. Also read | Did Russia kill the leader of the Islamist group HTS hours after his men stormed Syria's Aleppo? In a big blow to the Bashar-al-Assad regime, rebels took control of Aleppo last week reigniting a conflict that had appeared frozen for years after civil war front lines stabilised in 2020. Russia retains an air base in northern Syria, though it has been engaged in war with Ukraine. Syria's conflict erupted in a rebellion against Assad's rule in 2011 and the rebels held much of Aleppo from 2012 until 2016, when government forces retook it with help from Russia and Iran-backed militia in a major turning point of the war. The rebels include mainstream groups backed by Turkey, as well as the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham which was formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda. Turkey also has a military presence in a strip of Syrian territory along its border. Russia's support turned the military balance decisively in Assad's favour continues to support the Syrian president and is analysing the situation on the ground, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. The Tulare Lake in Californias San Joaquin Valley began to dry up in the late 1850s. The magnificent water body, home to numerous plants, animals and birds, met an untimely death after Americans decided to reshape the land for farming and other activities. Ecosystems dependent on the waterbody, which was the largest body of fresh water west of the Mississippi River, were destroyed and Native American communities also suffered. Tulare Lake is making a comeback. Once the largest fresh water lake west of the Mississippi, it was dried in 1899 by diverting waters for ag irrigation. With historic rain and snow, its re-emerging. Heres a few shots from todays filming in Corcoran, CA. pic.twitter.com/7JN8oT9Hyh Tim Sarquis (@TimSarquis) March 23, 2023 Now, after 130 years, Tulare Lake is brimming with life again. "Nature taking revenge on humans", the overused cliche in environment reportage, seems befitting here as the lake has swallowed up over 94,000 acres of private farmland -- living up to the name of California's ghost lake. It will be years before the water fully recedes from the farmland, US media reports quote experts as saying. To the surprise of the locals, who have only heard about the placid history of the homeland, the ecosystem that had gone extinct with the lake is also making a comeback. Plants that have not appeared in the area for many decades are sprouting on the banks of the waterbody. Ducks, egrets, and waterfowl have started flocking the region yet again, Earth.com said. What happened to California's Tulare Lake? As reporters raised in Central California seeing Tulare Lake today was awe-inspiring and fear inducing when thinking about the effects of human-caused climate change. Thanks for taking me out there @esth3rquinta! pic.twitter.com/D7crVE6fpx Ezra David Romero (@ezraromero) May 5, 2023 Hundreds of irrigation canals crisscrossing the valley were constructed by US settlers, diverting water away from the lake. This was a purposeful act to convert inundated or desert land into arable farmland. Such efforts taken to reshape the land resulted in the extinction of flora and fauna in the area that depended on the lake. How did Tulare Lake come back to life? According to reports, nature showed its magic when Tulare Lake gushed over the irrigation systems that were constructed to obstruct its flow many generations before. The "ghost lake" roared back to life in 2023 as a consequence of the massive winter storms in California and snowmelt from Sierra Nevada. Farmlands, estimated to be over thousands of acres, that produced pistachios, almonds and cotton among other products now stand destroyed or completely submerged as the lake overwhelmed constructions designed to drain the basin. Ghost lake returns after 130 years and buries 94,000 acres of farmland For the first time in about 130 years, Tulare Lake reappeared in Californias San Joaquin Valley, stirring both wonder and concern among locals and experts alike as it submerged almost 100,000 acres of pic.twitter.com/qqXFFZKte7 Lank (@otcbroker) December 2, 2024 However, challenges are galore for the local community and authorities as constructions submerged by the reborn lake include storage facilities used to store chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Tools, electrical wires and equipment also have been eaten up by the water, reports said. After naming Charles Kushner as the envoy to France, President-elect Donald Trump has picked Massad Boulos, father-in-law of his daughter Tiffany, as the senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Boulos was heavily involved in campaigning for Trump in Arab American communities in swing states. As a result, Trump won the majority Arab American city of Dearborn Heights on his way to sweeping Michigan and other swing states. Also read | Why Trump picked Charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law Jared as envoy to France People in the Arab American community were angered by US President Joe Biden's backing of Israel leading to the Gaza and Lebanon offensive. Boulos has been a longtime proponent of Republican and Conservative values, an asset to my campaign, and was instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American Community, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Also read | Matt Gaetz, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard... : Understanding Trump's logic behind cabinet picks By roping Boulos, the Trump administration attempts to bring peace to the Middle East. Who is Massad Boulos? Being a Lebanese businessman, Boulos has long-standing ties with the political figures in the country. Boulos relocated to Texas during his teenage years to study at the University of Houston. His professional journey began in Nigeria, where he advanced to leadership positions at SCOA and Boulos Enterprises. "Massad is a dealmaker and an unwavering supporter of PEACE in the Middle East. He will be a strong advocate for the United States, and its interests," said Trump. Boulos helped capitalise on dissension within the Democratic base over support for the Israeli offensive in Gaza, where more than 44,000 people have died since Hamas' attacks on October 7 last year. It was also reported that Boulos contested a parliamentary seat in 2009 and maintained connections with Lebanon's Christian political establishment. However, Boulos said he holds no party affiliations. By naming Boulos, Trump has again raised questions about conflicts of interest and nepotism. Charles Kushner is the father of Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner. Jared and Ivanka Trump got married in 2009. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) has announced that Bangladesh has stopped 63 monks from crossing over the Indian side during the weekend despite furnishing valid documents This comes as Iskcon devotees protested in Kolkata amid global outrage over violence aginst Hindus in Bangladesh. VIDEO | A prayer meeting is being organised at ISKCON Temple in Kolkata over atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. #Bangladesh #Bangladeshcrisis (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/b2Ddwif65p Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 1, 2024 Why did Bangladesh bar Iskcon monks? The Bangladesh authorities reportedly stopped the Iskcon monks from entering India, alleging "suspicious acitvities". Imtiaz Ahsanul Quader Bhuiyan, who is in charge of Benapole immigration police, told the Daily Star that they received instructions from higher authorities not to permit them from entering India. The monks hailing from different parts of Bangladesh reached Benapole border on Satuday evening and Sunday morning. However, the authorities did not explain the nature of suspicions. Clarifying ISKCON's position and support for religious rights in Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/dtP6Qu0NoR ISKCON (@iskcon) November 28, 2024 One of the Iskcon members, Saurabh Tapander Cheli, told media that he was travelling to India to attend a religious ceremony and that the immigration authorities sent him back without any reason. Two monks, Rudraproti Kesab Das and Ranga Nath Syama Sundor Das, were arrested on Friday and slapped with sedition charges for delivering medicines to fellow Iskcon monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in prison. Chinmoy is to be produced in Bangladesh apex court on Monday following his arrest on November 25. The Indian external affairs ministry said it is concerned over the attacks on Hindus and other minorities in the neighbouring country, urging Bangladesh to ensure a "fair and transparent" trial for Chinmoy. Mumbai, Dec 2 (PTI) The Bombay High Court on Monday in an interim order restrained a Pune-based eatery from using the name 'Burger King' until a trademark infringement plea by the US giant Burger King Corporation is heard and disposed of. The company in August filed an appeal in the high court, challenging an order passed by a Pune court the same month dismissing its suit alleging trademark infringement against the namesake eatery. The Burger King Corporation had also filed an application in the HC, seeking an interim injunction against the Pune eatery owners -Anahita Irani and Shapoor Irani - from using the name 'Burger King' pending hearing and final disposal of its appeal. The HC in August extended the ad-interim order granted by the Pune court in January 2012 restraining the eatery from using the name 'Burger King'. The HC had then started hearing the company's interim application seeking interim injunction against the Pune-based eatery pending final hearing of its appeal. A division bench of Justices A S Chandurkar and Rajesh Patil on Monday, while passing its order on the interim application, said the appeal filed by the company needs to be heard and the entire evidence needs to be looked into. "Until then the interim order (restraining the Pune-based eatery from using the name Burger King) is required to be continued," the HC said. The bench expedited hearing into the appeal and also directed both the appellant (Burger King) and the defendant (Pune-based eatery) to maintain their financial transaction records and tax documents of the last 10 years until disposal of the appeal. The fast-food company in its suit sought an injunction against the Pune-based eatery from using the name 'Burger King' as it was causing a huge loss and damage to the company and harming its goodwill, business and reputation. The Pune court had dismissed the 2011 suit filed by the Burger King Corporation, noting the city-based eatery 'Burger King' was operating since 1992 which was even before the US burger giant opened shop in India. The company's counsel, Hiren Kamod, had submitted to the HC that the Pune court erred in holding that the eatery was using the name 'Burger King' in India much before the US company opened its first fast food joint here. "The plaintiff company presently has over 400 Burger King joints in India of which six are in Pune," Kamod said. New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) Intensifying its crackdown on finfluencers, markets regulator Sebi on Monday restrained seven entities, including Mohd Nasiruddin Ansari, who ran unauthorised investment advisory services in the name of 'Baap of Chart', for up to one year. The regulator also directed the entities -- Nasiruddin Ansari, Rahul Rao Padamati, Tabraiz Abdullah, Asif Iqbal Wani, Golden Syndicate Ventures Pvt Ltd (GSVPL), Mansha Abdullah and Jadav Vamshi -- to refund Rs 17.2 crore within three months. Ansari runs a profile on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by the name of 'Baap of Chart' where he used to offer buy/sell recommendations in the stock market. The recommendations were given in the garb of providing educational training related to the securities market, according to Sebi. Additionally, the regulator slapped a penalty of Rs 20 lakh on Ansari, Rs 2 lakh each on Padamati, Tabraiz Abdullah, Wani, GSVPL, Mansha Abdullah, and Vamshi. "In my view, unregistered investment advisors like Nasir can put investors at great risk by misleading them. "Without holding any registered IA (Investment Advisory) certificate, Nasir, aided and abetted by the remaining noticees, provided investment advisory services and promised unrealistic returns to investors with the objective of raising money through course fees," Sebi's whole-time member Amarjeet Singh said in the final order. The fact that Nasir made losses by trading in the securities market, meant that he was aware that it is impossible to deliver such returns. Despite this, false promises of unrealistic assured returns using trading strategies were made to investors/clients, Singh said. The theatrics and showmanship in the trailer videos on YouTube issued by Md. Nasir/Baap of Chart also appear to be aimed at creating illusion of unnatural returns by drawing in gullible and uninformed viewers to join his "classes", thereby inducing them to trade in the securities market, he added. Sebi also found that Ansari was assuring returns, undertaken with an intent to influence the clients to purchase "educational courses' offered through Baap of Chart. He (Ansari) also concealed the losses made by him in the securities market in his own account. Ansari has, therefore, indulged in fraudulent activity in violation of regulatory norms, Singh said. Sebi also noted that Ansari, Padamati and GSVPL have failed to comply with the directions in the interim order on opening an escrow account and depositing the illegal proceeds therein. These being the proceeds of an illegal activity, are liable to be refunded to the respective clients of the noticees, Sebi said. Therefore, Sebi concluded that while Nasir was the face of Baap of Chart and provided investment advice, even though he was not registered with Sebi, the remaining entities aided and abetted Nasir in the business. The regulator also found that the noticees have collected Rs 17.20 crore as fees in respect of unregistered investment advisory activity and have violated the provisions of market norms and IA regulations. Accordingly, Ansari has been banned from the securities market for a year and the six others have been banned for six months. The present proceedings emanate from an interim order-cum-show cause notice issued on October 25, 2023, by Sebi against Ansari, GSVPL, Padamati, Tabraiz, Wani, Mansha, and Vamshi, as the unregistered investment advisory activities of the entities were prima facie found to be in violation of IA (Investment Advisers) norms and PFUTP (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices) rules. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. OPEC Secretary General HE Haitham Al Ghais welcomed Jose Antonio Zabalgoitia, Ambassador of Mexico to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative to International Organisations in Vienna, for a bilateral meeting at the OPEC Secretariat, Trend reports. The meeting was centered around current developments in the global oil and energy markets, with a particular focus on the significance of the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) in ensuring market stability. The SecGen expressed OPECs deep appreciation for Mexico's ongoing contributions as a vital partner in the Declaration of Cooperation, a collaborative initiative that has played a crucial role in stabilizing global oil markets. Discussions also explored opportunities to strengthen the relationship between OPEC and Mexico, identifying ways to enhance future cooperation. New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) Renewable energy platform O2 Power on Monday said it has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with East Central Railways to supply 100 MW of electricity. The renewable power under this agreement will be supplied from O2 Power's installed capacity of 360 MW, across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka, according to a company statement. According to the statement East Central Railways, a key division of the Indian Railways, will benefit from this partnership by advancing its decarbonization goals and contributing to the national mission of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, according to the statement. The renewable energy supplied under this agreement will directly power ECRs operations, reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing energy sustainability. Parag Sharma, Founder and CEO, O2 Power, said, "This PPA with ECR is a significant step in enabling Indian Railways to go green. At O2 Power, we are proud to contribute to this transformative journey by ensuring a round-the-clock (RTC) supply of clean energy to the grid." O2 Power's renewable energy projects with a total portfolio of 6GW+ span across multiple states. O2 Power is a renewable energy platform in India established in 2020 by Singapore-based investment company Temasek and Stockholm-based investment firm EQT Infrastructure. The company focuses on developing, constructing, and operating renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power. New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) Fresh out of bumper USD 350 million funding this time from marquee domestic investors, quick commerce company Zepto says it is on a clear path to becoming a full Indian-owned entity and hitting PAT positive milestone, as co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha exudes optimism about a possible IPO in 2025. In an interview with PTI, Palicha strongly countered allegations about the quick commerce model disrupting and stunting the growth of traditional kirana stores. He asserted that these and other "narratives" are not grounded in real data and underrate the "net positives" achieved so far by the industry, including job creation. Palicha further said that instant 10-minute delivery models like that of Zepto have generated lakhs of jobs, been wage-additive, and created all-around "value" for both consumers and workers. Moreover, the quick commerce model executed at a scale for groceries and items of daily use is unseen, unmatched globally, he said adding that this goes to showcase the unique strengths of Indian technology. Armed with data and numbers, Palicha refuted allegations that have been levelled by a group of retail distributors including around predatory pricing, saying that 99.8 per cent of products sold on the platform were above cost. "So the predatory pricing allegation similar to the other 'data-free narratives' created about quick commerce over the past few years, doesn't actually stack up and we are happy to have anyone who doesn't believe it to come to our office and take a look at our books because it is a mathematical fact," he said. On key issues like food quality safety, he admitted there have been concerns about how the industry can make the processes more consumer-friendly. Palicha said that the industry welcomes the scrutiny, and added the company's own interests are aligned with the customers. "So we're not at loggerheads with FSSAI...We look at them as a partner that can help us serve our customers better," he said. Citing some estimates, Palicha said that India is poised to see over USD 200 billion dollar of incremental consumption. "It is economically impossible that the kirana store is shrinking... We are growing but so are the kirana stores, and so are other formats of commerce," he said. According to him, allegations around predatory pricing "do not stack up" either. "The reason why such narratives are particularly dangerous is because it actually hides from all the net positive we've done for the country," he said. A case in point is that the quick commerce industry in three years has created 4.5 lakh jobs, he said adding that average wages at over Rs 20,000 too are at a level "meaningfully higher" than jobs in the informal sector. "...most importantly, this is Indian technology, it's a real infrastructure. I think it's a fantastic thing, and we should be celebrating new Indian technology. Nowhere else in the world at scale you can tap a button on your phone and get your day-to-day essentials like shampoos and rice delivered in 10 minutes," he said. The round included investments from Indian HNIs, family offices, and leading financial institutions. The fundraise was led exclusively by Motilal Oswal's Private Wealth division. Palicha said the purpose of the round was purely to increase domestic ownership on the way to IPO sometime in the calendar year 2025. "That's our ambition...of course, capital markets may change, but for now we're optimistic if the business continues to perform as well, that we will go public in calendar 2025," he said. On the status of the company's plans of shifting domicile to India from Singapore, Palicha said the company is moving swiftly on that and all boxes are either checked or close to being checked. "We're willing to commit that within the next financial year, sometime in FY26 we will become a full Indian-owned company... that's our ambition and objective, and it looks quite likely that we're going to get there...So what I can tell you is that we will be a domestic company within the next financial year" he said. With business growing rapidly, Zepto is looking to expand to over 50 cities by next quarter, taking its footprint over and beyond about two dozen cities right now. "In April-May 2024 we hit a billion dollars in top line. we're already multiplied on that base, and we expect to continue to multiply. Very soon we (will) make another large milestone on hitting another big top-line threshold...we are growing rapidly and multiplying on a scale of billions of dollars in the top line, one of the fastest-growing consumer companies in the country right now," he said. As per Palicha, more and more stores are turning profitable, and within shorter time spans of 23 months profitability timelines have come down to 8 months. "In the next financial year, we will be PAT positive. We are quite confident and that hopefully will be a positive signal to the markets," he said. Palicha said the company is seeing "phenomenal results" on Zepto Cafe, which is margin additive and increasing customer stickiness and retention for the core business. "We will get to Rs 1,000 crore business in Zepto Cafe alone...customers love it. It's giving us more frequency and retention in the core business...People are opening the app multiple times," he said. On competition from rivals like Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart, he said competition is a "good thing" and pointed out that the market is "genuinely quite large". "There is plenty of room for everybody, so we feel good about it, in a nutshell, and we just focus on our own execution... We don't think too much about competition, and we think the market is large enough," he said. New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) In a groundbreaking move, small businesses such as street vendors can now get loans of up to Rs 5 lakh from Muthoot FinCorp ONE just on the basis of the daily transactions they do using QR-code. Muthoot FinCorp ONE, a strategic business unit and the digital platform of Muthoot FinCorp Ltd (MFL) will offer loans with daily repayment options to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) that use QR-code based apps for daily collections, the NBFC said in a statement. This is in line with a 'New Credit Assessment Model' for small businesses, which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced in her Budget presentation on July 23. Under the model, banks were required to assess small businesses based on their 'digital footprints' and not on their balance sheets. According to a report by IFC (International Finance Corporation), India's nearly 6 crore MSMEs contribute 31 per cent to the GDP, employ nearly 13 crore people, and make up 45 per cent of exports. Yet, despite being the backbone of the economy, they remain extremely credit-starved. The current addressable credit gap for MSME in India runs into a few lakh crore rupees. "This lending product leverages QR-code transaction histories to offer credit to small business owners who often lack formal financial access despite demonstrating strong cash flows," the Muthoot statement said. Muthoot FinCorp ONE also helps them grow as their loan repayment is simplified through automated daily deductions/repayments, thereby providing financial flexibility. Helped by strategic partnerships with the country's top digital payment platforms, this lending programme represents a breakthrough in India's digital lending landscape, combining the benefits of data-driven credit assessment, end-to-end digital journey and automated repayment options to MSMEs nationwide. Chandan Khaitan, the CEO of Muthoot FinCorp ONE, notes that India has roughly 60 million Informal Micro Enterprises (IMEs). It is one of the largest employment creators in the country and contributes significantly to the country's GDP. "The aim of a QR-code-based lending program is to make credit accessible to such IMEs who traditionally face barriers in accessing formal finance. This product is designed around their daily business needs, enabling sustainable growth. By aligning credit access with digital cash flow data, we offer MSMEs a new path to financial strength," he said. This approach, he said, enables quick funds access with daily automatic repayments, eliminating manual effort. "Using this method, we streamline lending and support financial growth while promoting repayment discipline among small businesses. This is financial inclusion in action, driving a significant impact on Indias entrepreneurial community. Since launch we have enabled more than 75,000 IMEs," he said. Muthoot FinCorp ONE's QR-code based lending program aligns with Muthoot FinCorp Ltd's mission to empower the lives of the common man, by making loans more accessible and affordable for small business owners. Thomas John Muthoot, Chairman and Managing Director, Muthoot FinCorp Ltd, said, "Muthoot FinCorp ONE's QR-code-based lending program is a transformative initiative for India's MSMEs, particularly in underserved regions. By harnessing technology and leveraging trusted partnerships, we have created a lending solution that is simple, scalable, and tailored to the daily cash flow needs of small business owners." The initiative, he said, aligns with the Finance Minister's vision, articulated in the last Budget, to promote financial inclusion for MSMEs by moving from conventional assessment methods to leveraging customers' digital footprints. "By underwriting loans based on their digital transactions, this product opens up new credit opportunities for an underserved and excluded segment, empowering them to grow and thrive," he said. Muthoot FinCorp ONE's QR-code-based lending program marks a key step towards the adoption of Government of India's upcoming initiative of Unified Lending Interface (ULI). With this new programme, lenders will benefit from the simplicity of facilitating credit through ULI, while borrowers will enjoy a seamless and hassle-free loan process. This integration will further streamline the credit ecosystem, enhance customer experience, and accelerate a nationwide shift toward digital lending, paving the way for greater financial inclusion among small businesses. Muthoot FinCorp ONE is an SBU (Strategic Business Unit) of Muthoot FinCorp Ltd which provides an all-in-one comprehensive financial app or platform that is revolutionising the way people manage their finances online. Across lending, investing, saving, or making payments, the platform seeks to make it seamless and convenient for its customers to access the right financial products and services required through their various life stages. Muthoot FinCorp Ltd, the flagship company of 138-year-old business conglomerate Muthoot Pappachan Group (MPG), is India's leading non-banking financial company (NBFC). The firm offers more than two dozen financial products and services across India through its more than 3,700 branches, including gold loans, loan against property and business loans, along with products from its Group companies such as two-wheeler loans, affordable housing loans and used car loans. New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) Taking up the concerns of domestic steel industry, the steel ministry on Monday proposed for a 25 per cent safeguard duty on import of certain steel items into the country. The proposal came at a meeting between Union Minister of Steel H D Kumaraswamy and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in the national capital, sources said. Senior officials from both the ministries and executives of top steel making companies like SAIL, Tata Steel, JSW Steel and AMNS India also attended the meeting, they said. "Held a meeting with stakeholders from the steel and metallurgical coke industries along with my colleague & Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel @HD_Kumaraswamy ji," Goyal said in a post on X. "With both industries playing a vital role in India's development journey, discussed ways to boost production, enhance quality, and further strengthen global competitiveness," the minister said. According to Kumaraswamy, the two ministries discussed ways to collaborate and ensure ease of doing business for domestic players. "We discussed ways for our ministries to collaborate and ensure ease of business for the steel and heavy industries, key sectors driving India's growth," Kumaraswamy wrote on X. "Strengthening the steel and heavy industries sector is critical for building a self-reliant India, and we will work tirelessly to create an enabling environment for its growth and global competitiveness," he said, adding, "Together, we aim to foster innovation, boost domestic production, and enhance India's position as a global manufacturing hub." During the meeting, the steel ministry proposed for a 25 per cent safeguard duty on steel imports to address the issues being faced by the domestic industry, the sources said. Domestic steel players have been consistently raising their concerns over rising cheap steel imports from select nations, affecting their competitiveness. Speaking to PTI recently, Steel Minister Kumaraswamy said that the industry has apprised the ministry about their challenges and the government is working to address the issues related to steel imports. Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik last month said around 62 per cent of steel imports are landing from FTA (free trade agreement) countries at nil duty and any duty hike will not have any impact on these shipments. There is a genuine problem and the ministry is aware of that, Poundrik said. India's steel imports were at 5.51 million tonnes (MnT) in April-September 2024-25, higher from 3.66 MnT in the year-ago period, as per research firm BigMint. Imports from China have surged to 1.85 MnT during that period from 1.02 MnT in April-September period of financial year 2023-24, it said. Think tank GTRI has said that the FTAs need careful scrutiny as some FTAs allow Indian firms to partner with foreign producers and re-import steel at concessional rates, raising concerns about competition. "Port delays and red tape are choking India's steel user industries. Over 10,000 steel user units face financial strain due to delays at ports and unclear regulatory requirements. Essential imports for manufacturing industries face excessive scrutiny," GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava has said. India has free trade agreements with countries like Japan, South Korea, Mauritius and the ASEAN bloc. New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has conducted search operations at the premises of Hero Electric Vehicles, Benling India Energy and Technology, and Okinawa Autotech Internationall for fraudulently availing subsidies worth Rs 297 crore under the government scheme for making electric vehicles. "During the search operations, evidences like digital data, books and other material have been recovered. Further investigation is under progress," the release issued by the corporate affairs ministry said on Monday. These cases arise from the fraudulent availing of subsidies amounting to Rs 297 crore cumulatively by all the three companies under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) II scheme of the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI). The FAME II scheme was launched in 2019 to promote electric and hybrid vehicles in India. The scheme and the Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) guidelines, stipulated manufacturing of some key components in India, for the vehicle to be eligible for subsidy under the scheme. According to the release, the SFIO has conducted search operations at Hero Electric Vehicles Pvt Ltd, Benling India Energy and Technology Pvt Ltd and Okinawa Autotech Internationall Pvt Ltd. "The three companies, for claiming subsidies had deceptively shown compliance with the applicable guidelines to the MHI, which was subsequently found to be incorrect and false," it said. Upon investigations by the SFIO, it was revealed that several restricted parts under the PMP guidelines were either directly or indirectly imported from China thereby flouting the guidelines under the scheme. The probe agency comes under the corporate affairs ministry. New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) The group of ministers (GoM) on GST compensation cess, under Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, on Monday decided to seek about 6-month extension from GST council for submission of report, an official said. The GoM, which includes members from Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, was mandated to submit its report to the GST Council by December 31. "The GoM decided that there are many legal issues involved in the compensation cess matter and different facets of law have to be discussed threadbare, which would take time. It was decided to seek extension of time for submission of report to the council," the official said. The official further said that 5-6 months of extension could be sought from the Council. "We have time till March 2026 to take a decision on cess. Hence there is still time to discuss and also a legal opinion may have to be taken on the issue," the official said. In the GST regime, compensation cess at varied rates is levied on luxury, sin and demerit goods over and above the 28 per cent tax. The proceeds from the cess, which was originally planned for five years after GST roll-out or till June 2022, was used to compensate states for revenue loss incurred by them post the introduction of GST. In 2022, the Council decided to extend the levy till March 2026 to repay the interest and the principle amount of the Rs 2.69 lakh crore worth loan taken in the 2021 and 2022 fiscal years to make good states' revenue loss during Covid years. With just one-and-a-half year remaining for the cess to end, the GST Council in its 54th meeting on September 9 decided to set up a GoM to decide the future course of the cess. In the previous meeting of the GoM on October 16, states recalled the discussions that took place in the 7th GST Council meeting held on December 22-23, 2016, wherein the then Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that the compensation cess could be merged with the tax once the 5-year period of the levy ends. Before the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1, 2017, Centre and states had agreed to levy cess on certain luxury, sin and demerit goods over and above the 28 per cent tax rate. The proceeds from the cess, which was called compensation cess, would go towards compensating states for revenue loss suffered post GST implementation for a 5 year period. As per the minutes of the 7th GST council meeting, Jaitley had stated that the Council in its previous meetings had discussed the mechanisms for funding compensation. "...finally the formulation that was agreed upon was the one which was least burdensome for consumers, namely to collect cess on certain luxury and demerit goods in excess of 28 per cent tax, and that after five years, this cess could be merged with the tax," said by Jaitley as per the minutes of the 7th Council meeting. Sources said that states also suggested that once it is decided to merge the cess with taxes, no new goods should be added to the list of luxury, sin and demerit goods. States were of the view that since the compensation cess ends in March 2026, the only way to restructure it is to merge the levy with the taxes and bring about separate tax rates for the items on which cess is levied, a source had said. Frankfurt, Dec 2 (AP) Volkswagen workers launched rolling two-hour strikes Monday at nine plants across Germany to underscore their resistance to pay cuts and factory closures the company says are necessary to cope with a slack European auto market. The work stoppages included the company's base plant at Wolfsburg, where workers were to rally against a cost-cutting drive by the automaker's management in which they face the threat of the company's first plant closures in its home country. The so-called warning strikes, a common tactic in German wage negotiations, are taking place as part of talks for a new labor agreement after a mandatory peace period that bars strikes expired on Sunday. The IG Metall industrial union said any job actions beyond those occurring on Monday would be announced later. The company is demanding a 10% pay cut for 120,000 German workers and has said it can't avoid shedding factory capacity that is no longer needed. Employee representatives say the company has proposed closing three of its German plants. Thorsten Groger, the regional leader of the IG Metall industrial union in Lower Saxony, where Volkswagen is headquartered, said that the company won't be able to overlook the walkouts. If necessary, this will be one of the toughest conflicts Volkswagen has ever seen. The company hasn't publicly detailed its plans but is facing a drop in demand in Europe, higher costs and increasing competition from Chinese automakers. Volkswagen built factories to supply a European car market of 16 million in annual vehicle sales, but now faces demand for around 14 million, Volkswagen brand head Thomas Schaefer was quoted as saying in the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. Since Volkswagen has a quarter of the market, that represents a loss of 500,000 cars a year. For years, strong profits in China helped cover higher costs but the changing environment now means that it's high time to address this, Schaefer said. Volkswagen argues that it must lower costs in Germany to levels achieved by competitors and by Volkswagen plants in eastern Europe and South America. Chief employee representative Daniela Cavallo has said employees should not shoulder the burden of management failures to develop attractive products and come up with a cheaper, entry-level electric vehicle. The walkouts began at a plant in Zwickau in eastern Germany and were to continue at plants in Braunschweig, Chemnitz, Dresden, Emden, Hanover, Kassel, and Salzgitter. The next negotiations are slated for Dec 9. (AP) NSA NSA Kuwait City, Dec 2 (PTI) Several Indian passengers of a Manchester-bound Gulf Air flight were stranded at the Kuwait airport for nearly 20 hours and were flown out of the city to their destination on Monday morning. The Gulf Air flight from Bahrain to Manchester was diverted to Kuwait due to a technical glitch. Gulf Air GF5 took off from Bahrain at 2.05 am local time on December 1 but a snag forced the plane to land in Kuwait at 4:01 am, as per reports. With several passengers complaining that they had been stranded at the airport for many hours, the Indian embassy in Kuwait took up the matter with Gulf Air, according to social media posts. In a series of posts on X, the embassy said its team reached the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline. Passengers were accommodated in two airport lounges. Food and water were made available for the stranded passengers at the lounges, as per the embassy. "Gulf Air flight to Manchester finally departed at 0434 hours today carrying stranded Indian passengers among others. The embassy team was on the ground till the flight departed," the embassy said in a post. A stranded passenger, on Sunday, took to X, alleging that Indian passengers were left without help. Lucknow, Dec 2 (PTI) Peru-based research facility CIP (International Potato Center) is set to establish a branch in Agra, with an investment of around Rs 120 crore on a 10-hectare site, the Uttar Pradesh government said on Monday. The CIP centre in Agra will provide access to high-quality potato seeds, leading to better crop yields and increased farmer incomes. Also, it will address the shortage of potato seeds and focus on developing highly productive and processable potato varieties, said an official statement released here. Farmers will have the opportunities to learn advanced potato cultivation techniques and enhance productivity, it said. According to the statement, the branch is being opened on the initiative of the chief minister Yogi Adityanath-led state government, with support from the Centre. Uttar Pradesh being the country's largest potato producer, with double-cropping practised in several districts like Kannauj and Farrukhabad, farmers in the state are poised to reap maximum benefits from this initiative, the statement said. Neighbouring states like Bihar and West Bengal, as well as other South Asian potato-growing nations, will also reap significant advantages, it said. While Uttar Pradesh leads the nation in total potato production, West Bengal surpasses it in per-hectare yield, producing 29.9 metric tonnes compared to UP's 25.48 metric tonnes. "Closing this productivity gap becomes more achievable with dedicated research centers," it noted. Although potato cultivation occurs across all districts, key commercial hubs include Kannauj, Farrukhabad, Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Aligarh, Meerut, Bulandshahr, Bareilly, Lucknow, and Barabanki. Potatoes are a staple in Indian cuisine, making them indispensable in any vegetable-based dish. While generally affordable year-round, their high demand sometimes leads to shortages that capture media attention. The introduction of cost-effective sea exports is expected to stabilize supply, reducing such shortages and related concerns. "From the outset, the Yogi government has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing potato farmers' challenges," the state government statement said. "Transparent licensing processes for cold storage facilities, as well as development of mega food parks and processing clusters, are also underway, reflecting rapid progress in enhancing storage and value-added processing capabilities," it added. Lucknow, Dec 1 (PTI) Lucknow-based storyteller Himanshu Bajpai enthralled audiences in Russia over the weekend with his dastan centered on the friendship between legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor and lyricist Shailendra. "Dastan Raj Kapoor-Shailendra Ki" (The Story of Raj Kapoor-Shailendra), a dastangoi performance which Bajpai presented at the Indian Embassy in Moscow on Saturday, commemorated the birth centenary of the 'Showman of Hindi Cinema'. December 14, 2024 marks the 100th birth anniversary of Raj Kapoor. Bajpai's performance, translated from Urdu into Russian by Pragati Tipnis, resonated with both Indian and Russian audiences. Deputy Chief of Mission Nikhilesh Giri praised Bajpai's storytelling for transporting the audience to the bygone era. "It's a mesmerising art form, and Bajpai is instrumental in bringing it to new heights. We hope to invite him back to Russia next year," Giri said at the event. According to Tipnis, this was the first time that people in Russia experienced the "magnificent Indian tradition" of dastangoi. Dastangoi is a centuries-old traditional art of storytelling in Urdu. Derived from the Persian words 'dastan' (story) and 'goi' (to tell), it involves narrating long, intricate tales with dramatic flair. "The dastan performances have brought the two nations closer," she added. Bajpai performed the same 'dastan' on Sunday at the world-famous Writers' Village in Peredelkino, a hub for global literary figures established during the Soviet era under the aegis of authors like Maxim Gorky. "This was the first Indian cultural programme hosted at the prestigious venue," Bajpai told PTI from Moscow over phone. Raj Kapoor, the filmmaker and actor of iconic Hindi films "Awara", "Barsaat", "Shree 420", "Mera Naam Joker", and "Sangam", found large audiences in the erstwhile Soviet Union with his movies and music enjoying popularity in the country. His long-time friend Shailendra penned lyrics for many of his films. During his performance, Bajpai said the dastan begins with a story in post-independence India when Shailendra recited his powerful poem "Jalta Hai Punjab" at a poetry recital which was attended by Raj Kapoor. "Impressed by Shailendra's work, Raj Kapoor requested him to write for his films, but Shailendra declined, stating he did not write for money," added Bajpai. However, in 1949, when Shailendra needed financial assistance, Raj Kapoor lent him Rs 500, a handsome amount at the time, marking the beginning of a lifelong friendship. "The story delves into the creation of iconic songs like 'Awara Hoon', which Shailendra wrote without hearing the film's plot, and which was initially rejected by Raj Kapoor before becoming a milestone in Indian cinema," he said. Bajpai recounted another anecdote which explored the origins of the song "Ramaiya Vastavaiya" from the iconic 1955 film "Shree 420". The storyteller said the track was inspired by an encounter between Raj Kapoor's team, including music composer duo Shankar-Jaikishan and Shailendra, with a Telugu-speaking waiter named Ramaiya at a roadside eatery during the making of the music of "Shree 420". "The 'dastan' concludes with the tale of their collaboration on 'Teesri Kasam'," Bajpai added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has committed up to $80 million to North Africa Fund III (NAF III), a fund launched by RMBV, marking its first independent fundraising effort, Trend reports. NAF III will invest in mid-cap companies in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, aiming to drive long-term capital growth through equity and equity-related investments. The fund plans to raise up to $300 million to support businesses in North Africa, particularly in healthcare, education, financial services, and consumer staples, where RMBV has a proven track record. The investments will target companies that align with the regions growing consumer dynamics. Alongside financial support, RMBV will receive technical assistance to develop and implement a gender action plan. Anne Fossemalle, EBRD Director for Private Equity Funds, emphasized the banks commitment to supporting private equity in North Africa, stating that EBRDs investment would catalyze further capital inflows into the region. Ahmed Badreldin, Managing Partner of RMBV, expressed gratitude for EBRDs trust and highlighted the partnership's shared goal of driving sustainable growth and supporting mid-cap companies in the region. RMBV will focus on companies with potential for growth and resilience, managed by capable teams, with a strategy to deliver strong returns and foster regional leadership. Mathura, Dec 2 (PTI) BJP MP and renowned actress Hema Malini has said that the Hindi film 'The Sabarmati Report' exposes the truth behind the 2002 train burning incident at Godhra in Gujarat that was kept hidden for years. While visiting her parliamentary constituency Mathura on Sunday during a break from the Winter Session of Parliament, Malini watched the matinee show of the film at Roopam Cinema Hall. Talking to reporters later, she said 'The Sabarmati Report' was "a very good film" and cleared several misconceptions about the event. Produced by Ekta Kapoor and directed by Dheeraj Sarna, 'The Sabarmati Report' was released on November 15 this year. The film is based on the 2002 Godhra train incident and features Vikrant Massey, Raashi Khanna and Ridhi Dogra in key roles. "It is a very good movie. It shows what really happened. There were so many misconceptions about this incident (the Godhra case). People were saying it was an accident, but the film reveals otherwise. We all know that the truth has been hidden for years, and this movie has brought it to light," she said. She also praised Kapoor's efforts and Massey's performance. Speaking about the atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, Malini remarked, "What is happening there is not right. It should not happen. We have raised this issue with the government and discussed it with the prime minister. The government is working on this matter." Expressing her surprise over the violence, the actress said, "It is shocking that for so many years, everyone (Hindus and Muslims) lived together in harmony. Suddenly, everything has changed. Hindus are targeted every time." Geneva, Dec 2 (AP) For the first time in Switzerland, a multinational company faces a criminal trial Monday on charges of bribing a foreign public official, with alleged payments totalling about USD 5 million, to win lucrative oil industry contracts in Angola. Commodities trader Trafigura Group said Sunday it intended to defend itself against allegations that its former parent company did not have reasonable and necessary measures in place at the time to prevent unlawful payments to a former employee of Angola's state oil company. The case underscores renewed allegations of bribery in the commodities trading business, which have ensnared other big participants such as Swiss-based Glencore, and Gunvor, which is based in Cyprus but has major operations in Switzerland. Last December, Swiss federal prosecutors announced that the company and three people a former high-level Trafigura employee, a former official with Angolan state oil company Sonangol, and an ex-Trafigura employee acting as an intermediary were indicted for alleged roles in bribery. The former Angolan official has been charged with having accepted bribes of more than 4.3 million euros and USD 604,000 from Trafigura Group between April 2009 and October 2011. Trafigura said it has invested significant resources in strengthening its compliance programme over a number of years. The defendants are entitled to a presumption of innocence as the court case plays out in Switzerland. The trial at the Swiss federal criminal court in the southern city of Bellinzona is set to run through December 20 but could be extended into January. Trafigura, with headquarters in Singapore, operates in sectors like oil and petroleum, metals and mining, and gas and power, and has more than 12,000 employees around the world. (AP) GSP Wellington, Dec 2 (AP) It is the world's rarest whale, with only seven of its kind ever spotted. Almost nothing is known about the enigmatic species. But on Monday a small group of scientists and cultural experts in New Zealand clustered around a near-perfectly preserved spade-toothed whale hoping to decode decades of mystery. I can't tell you how extraordinary it is, said a joyful Anton van Helden, senior marine science adviser for New Zealand's conservation agency, who gave the spade-toothed whale its name to distinguish it from other beaked species. For me personally, it's unbelievable. Van Helden has studied beaked whales for 35 years, but Monday was the first time he has participated in a dissection of the spade-toothed variety. In fact, the careful study of the creature -- which washed up dead on a New Zealand beach in July is the first ever to take place. None has ever been seen alive at sea. The list of what scientists don't know about spade-toothed whales is longer than what they do know. They don't know where in the ocean the whales live, why they've never been spotted in the wild, or what their brains look like. All beaked whales have different stomach systems and researchers don't know how the spade-toothed kind processes its food. They don't know how this one died. Over the next week, researchers studying the 5-metre (16-foot)-long male at an agricultural research centre near the city of Dunedin hope to find out. There may be parasites completely new to science that just live in this whale, said van Helden, who thrilled at the chance of learning how the species produces sound and what it eats. Who knows what we'll discover? Only six other spade-toothed whales have ever been found, but all those discovered intact were buried before DNA testing could verify their identification. New Zealand is a whale-stranding hotspot, with more than 5,000 episodes recorded since 1840, according to the Department of Conservation. The first spade-toothed whale bones were found in 1872 on New Zealand's Pitt Island. Another discovery was made at an offshore island in the 1950s, and the bones of a third were found on Chile's Robinson Crusoe Island in 1986. DNA sequencing in 2002 proved that all three specimens were of the same species and that it was distinct from other beaked whales. But researchers studying the mammal couldn't confirm whether the species was extinct until 2010, when two whole spade-toothed whales, both dead, washed up on a New Zealand beach. But none has been studied before. On Monday, the seventh of its kind, surrounded by white-aproned scientists who were measuring and photographing, appeared relatively unblemished, giving no clue about its death. Researchers pointed out marks from cookiecutter sharks normal, they said, and not the cause. The dissection will be quiet, methodical and slower than usual, because it is being undertaken in partnership with Maori, New Zealand's Indigenous people. To Maori, whales are a taonga - a precious treasure - and the creature will be treated with the reverence afforded to an ancestor. Members of the local iwi, or tribe, will be present throughout the dissection and consulted at each turn, allowing them to share traditional knowledge and observe customs, such as saying a karakia - a prayer - over the creature before the study begins. According to our beliefs and our traditions, this whale is a gift of Tangaroa, deity of the ocean, said Tumai Cassidy from the local people Te Runanga Otakou. It's very important for us to respect that gift and to honour the whale. The iwi will keep the jawbone and teeth of the whale at the end of the dissection, before its skeleton is displayed in a museum. 3D printing will be used to replicate those parts, using a CT scan taken of the whale's head this week. It all builds a richer picture for that species but also tells us how it interacts with our oceans, Cassidy said. It's thought that spade-toothed whales live in the vast Southern Pacific Ocean, home to some of the world's deepest ocean trenches. Beaked whales are the ocean's deepest divers for food, and the spade-toothed may rarely surface, adding to its mystery. The assembled scientists on Monday included a few who had travelled from abroad to see the whale, which was put in refrigerated storage after its discovery. What we are interested in is not only how these animals died, but how they lived, said Joy Reidenberg, a comparative anatomist from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. In discovering how they live, we are hoping to find discoveries that we can apply back to the human condition. (AP) GSP Athens, Dec 2 (AP) Authorities on the Greek islands Rhodes and Lemnos declared a state of emergency Monday after storms battered the islands, leaving two dead and widespread damage. Rescue teams, assisted by the military and local authorities, rescued many older residents in flood-hit areas, after strong winds and torrential rain over the weekend flipped cars, caused power outages and damaged roads. Two men were killed in a flooded village on Lemnos, while scores of people were evacuated and taken to hotels in the island's main port. Vassilis Kikilias, the minister for climate crisis and civil protection, urged residents in storm-hit areas to comply with evacuation orders that are announced using cellphone push alerts. It is a thousand times better to comply with potentially excessive warnings than to face tragedy, the minister told private Skai television. Kikilias has pointed to climate change as the cause of worsening weather conditions in Greece in recent years, including an unprecedented series of heatwaves that intensify wildfires, a severe drought this year and massive floods in central Greece in 2023. Rail travel on the Greek mainland was disrupted Monday. Weather warnings remained in effect for islands of the eastern Aegean islands, as well as parts of central and southern mainland Greece. (AP) GSP Islamabad, Dec 2 (PTI) Internet users across Pakistan faced disruption in accessing various online platforms on Sunday, according to a media report. Popular platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have either been suspended or were operating at reduced speeds, leaving users frustrated with limited access. Around 52 per cent of the users reported issues in sending messages. Users in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and other parts of the country also reported issues with TikTok and Instagram throughout the day, according to the Dawn newspaper. People in Pakistan are facing slow internet speed after the government reportedly installed a firewall to monitor anti-state content on social media apps. The government downplayed the outages, dismissing concerns about the firewall situation as blown out of proportion. While speaking to Geo News on Sunday Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that the situation with the firewall was blown out of proportion and a web management system has been operating in the country for 10 years. There is nothing controversial about a country working on its cyber security, she said, adding that the entire world used different cyber security mechanisms. She said that the security paradigm of the world was shifting towards information and technology (IT) similar to the economic paradigm. Fatima said that given Pakistan faced millions of cyber attacks daily, it was getting increasingly difficult to detect terrorist activity in the country. At least two online tools have negated the Pakistani governments claims of uninterrupted internet services. The Dawn newspaper analysed data from these tools, which track network stability and monitor internet outages in real-time, and found that users were unable to access or had limited access to several social media services on Sunday. According to Internet Outage Detection and Analysis (IODA), a tool developed by the Internet Intelligence Lab at the Georgia Institute of Technology, these disruptions lasted for hours. The tool, which measures internet connectivity and detects outages in near real-time, found that the network remained stable at the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) level throughout the day. However, despite the stable network, IODA reported disruption in the internet based on its examination of traffic to Google services. Online tools tracking internet disruptions use traffic to popular websites and services as a benchmark to determine internet stability in a region. In the case of IODA, it uses traffic headed to Google services search engine, YouTube, Gmail, etc from a geographic location as the benchmark to determine any abnormality in internet access. The issues with accessing Google services, reported by IODA, were also corroborated by another tool, Downdetector. The tool, which tracks outages of social media websites, reported persistent complaints by users about issues with Gmail and YouTube. Downdetector, which bases its analysis on users complaints, also reported disruption in WhatsApp throughout the day. Islamabad, Dec 2 (PTI) An anti-terrorism court Monday sent former prime minister Imran Khan on a 14-day judicial remand in connection with seven cases related to the recent protests by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Khan, 72, was presented before the anti-terrorism court judge at Adiala jail, where he has been incarcerated for months, after the completion of a six-day police remand in a separate case about his party's September 28 protest in Rawalpindi. Judge Amjad Ali Shah presided over the hearing, during which the court approved Khan's judicial remand in the New Town police station case, as well as in six other cases. The judge rejected a police request for physical remand in six other cases registered between September 28 and October 5. He ordered that Khan should be sent to jail on judicial remand. The former premier was arrested in six cases related to the protests by his party. Seven cases, including the New Town case, had been registered against him for the protests on Sept 28, Oct 4, and Oct 5. The new cases have been registered against Khan in various police stations for giving calls of protests that resulted in violent incidents. Khan's party launched a protest on November 24 to give a sit-in at D-Chowk in Islamabad's Red Zone, where most government buildings are located. The protest, which turned violent, left some security personnel and civilians dead. The protest was promoted by Khan who on November 13 issued a final call for nationwide protests, demanding the restoration of the PTIs electoral mandate, the release of detained party members, and the reversal of the 26th Amendment, which he said had strengthened a dictatorial regime. So far, he has not been arrested in the latest 28 cases related to the November 24 protest. Khan was arrested by the Rawalpindi police in the New Town police after he was granted bail in the second Toshakhana case last month. Dozens of cases have been registered against him since his government fell in April 2022 due to a no-confidence vote. The Hague (Netherlands), Dec 2 (AP) The top United Nations court took up the largest case in its history on Monday, hearing the plight of several small island nations helpless in combating the devastating impact of climate change that they feel endangers their very survival. They demand that major polluting nations be held to account. After years of lobbying by island nations who fear they could simply disappear under rising sea waters, the UN General Assembly asked the International Court of Justice last year for an opinion on the obligations of States in respect of climate change. The stakes could not be higher. The survival of my people and so many others is on the line, said Arnold Kiel Loughman, attorney-general of the Vanuatu archipelago nation. As the principal legal officer of my country, I have come before this court because domestic legal remedies are unable to address a crisis of the scope and magnitude," he said during the opening session of two weeks of hearings. "States have obligations ... to act with due diligence, to prevent significant harm to the environment, to prevent, to reduce the emissions and provide support to countries like mine to protect the human rights of present and future generations, he said. Any decision by the court would be non-binding advice and couldn't directly force wealthy nations into action to help struggling countries. Yet it would be more than just a powerful symbol since it could be the basis for other legal actions, including domestic lawsuits. In the decade up to 2023, sea levels have risen by a global average of around 4.3 centimetres (1.7 inches), with parts of the Pacific rising higher still. The world has also warmed 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 Fahrenheit) since preindustrial times because of the burning of fossil fuels. Vanuatu is one of a group of small states pushing for international legal intervention in the climate crisis but it affects many more island nations in the South Pacific. Cynthia Houniuhi, the head of the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change that initiated the case, said climate change was undermining the sacred contract between generations. Without our land, our bodies and memories are severed from the fundamental relationship that define who we are. Those who stand to lose are the future generations. Their future is uncertain, reliant upon the decision making of a handful of large emitting states, she told the court, referring to China, India and the United States. Joie Chowdhury, senior attorney at the Centre for International Environmental Law, said the conduct of major polluters responsible for the climate crisis and its catastrophic consequences is unlawful under multiple sources of international law. Vanuatu's climate change envoy Ralph Regenvanu told the court that since 1990, emissions have increased by over 50 per cent, reaching an all time high in 2023. He added that a handful of readily identifiable states have produced the vast majority of historic and current greenhouse gas emissions. Yet other countries, including my own, are suffering the brunt of the consequences. The Hague-based court will hear from 99 countries and more than a dozen intergovernmental organizations over two weeks. It's the largest lineup in the institution's nearly 80-year history. Last month at the United Nations' annual climate meeting, countries cobbled together an agreement on how rich countries can support poor countries in the face of climate disasters. Wealthy countries have agreed to pool together at least USD 300 billion a year by 2035 but the total is short of the USD 1.3 trillion that experts, and threatened nations, said is needed. For our generation and for the Pacific Islands, the climate crisis is an existential threat. It is a matter of survival, and the world's biggest economies are not taking this crisis seriously. We need the ICJ to protect the rights of people at the front lines, said Vishal Prasad, of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change. Fifteen judges from around the world will seek to answer two questions: What are countries obliged to do under international law to protect the climate and environment from human-caused greenhouse gas emissions? And what are the legal consequences for governments where their acts, or lack of action, have significantly harmed the climate and environment? The second question makes particular reference to small island developing States likely to be hardest hit by climate change and to members of the present and future generations affected by the adverse effects of climate change. The judges were even briefed on the science behind rising global temperatures by the UN's climate change body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, ahead of the hearings. (AP) PY PY Islamabad, Dec 2 (PTI) An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan on Monday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and 93 others in a case related to last weeks protests in Islamabad by his party supporters. Khan, who has been incarcerated since 2023, had on November 13 issued a final call for nationwide protests to be held on Nov 24, demanding the restoration of the PTIs electoral mandate, the release of detained party members, and the reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. The main protest in Islamabad ended in clashes in which 12 PTI supporters were killed, according to the party, while hundreds were arrested. The Islamabad Police submitted a list of 96 suspects in the Islamabad-based Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), including prominent leaders of PTI, such as Khan, Bibi, Gandapur, former president Arif Alvi, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, PTI Chairman Gohar Khan, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan and several others. It asked the court to issue their arrest warrants and ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra accepted the request and issued non-bailable arrest warrants for 96 suspects. The first information report (FIR) registered after the protest included various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act. It accused the PTI leaders of attacking police personnel under a conspiracy and using government employees for their purposes during the protest. It also said that the actions of protesters led to locals being trapped in their homes and spread fear and panic. Khan was already sent to jail on judicial remand in seven cases related to protests between September 28 and October 5. Dozens of cases have been registered against him since his government fell in April 2022 due to a no-confidence vote. Atlanta, Dec 2 (AP) Already reeling from their November defeats, Democrats now are grappling with President Joe Biden's pardoning of his son for federal crimes after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who disregarded the law. The president pardoned Hunter Biden late Sunday evening, reversing his previous pledges with a grant of clemency that covers more than a decade of any federal crimes his son might have committed. The 82-year-old president said in a statement that his son's prosecution on charges of tax evasion and falsifying a federal weapons purchase form were politically motivated. That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats, angry that Biden's reversal could make it harder to take on Trump, who has argued that multiple indictments and one conviction against him were a matter of Biden and Democrats turning the justice system against him. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation, Colorado Gov Jared Polis wrote of Biden on the social media platform X. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation, the governor continued, a reference to the president invoking fatherhood in explaining his decision. Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a President's son. Rep Greg Stanton said on X: This wasn't a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers. Certainly, the president has plenty of Democratic defenders who note Trump's use of presidential powers to pardon a slew of his convicted aides, associates and friends, several for activities tied to Trump's campaign and administration. Trump pardoned Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, as well as his son-in-law's father, Charles Kushner who he just appointed US ambassador to France, wrote prominent Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper on X. Sorry, but Biden was right to pardon his son Hunter to protect him against Kash Patel's weaponized FBI, Cooper concluded, referring to Trump's apparent plan to oust FBI Director Christopher Wray in favour of a loyalist who has talked of going after political opponents and journalists. Democrats already are facing the prospects of a Republican trifecta in Washington, with voters returning Trump to the White House and giving the GOP control of the House and Senate. Part of their argument against Trump and Republican leaders is expected to be that the president-elect is violating norms with his talk of taking retribution against his enemies. Before beating Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump faced his own legal troubles, including two cases that stemmed from his efforts to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Those cases, including Trump's sentencing after being convicted on New York state business fraud charges, have either been dismissed or indefinitely delayed since Trump's victory on Nov 5, forcing Democrats to recalibrate their approach to the president-elect. In June, President Biden firmly ruled out a pardon or commutation for his son, telling reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case, I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him. As recently as Nov 8, days after Trump's victory, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying, We've been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no. The president's about-face came weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges. It capped a long-running legal saga for the younger Biden, who disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 a month after his father's 2020 victory. The sweeping pardon covers not just the gun and tax offenses against the younger Biden, but also any other offences against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024. Hunter Biden was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when, prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He had been set to stand trial in September in a California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanour and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. In his statement Sunday, the president argued that such offenses typically are not prosecuted with the same vigour as was directed against Hunter Biden. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election, Biden said in his statement. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son... I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. (AP) SCY SCY Tapachula (Mexico), Dec 2 (AP) A small migrant caravan has set out from southern Mexico, heading north, but is unlikely to reach the US border after authorities broke up two other small caravans headed to the United States over the weekend. About 1,500 migrants mostly from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras set out walking on Sunday from Tapachula, a city near Mexico's southern border with Guatemala. They set out at night, to avoid the scorching daytime heat in the region. The two other small caravans had set out in November, after Donald Trump's election, but both were broken up weeks later by Mexican authorities. Some migrants were bused to cities in southern Mexico, and others were offered transit papers. Some in the caravan that set out Sunday said they would be willing to stay and find work in the industrial cities of northern Mexico. Most migrants cannot work, or cannot find work, in Tapachula, a city flooded with migrants. Santos Modesto, a migrant from Honduras, said most of those in the caravan would say they want to get to the US so they could "achieve a better life for their families. But I think a lot of people here, if there were opportunities in Monterrey and surrounding areas, they would stay there, Modesto said, because there are a lot of Cubans and Venezuelans who would rather stay here than return to their country. The migrants said they were also concerned that Trump may eliminate the cellphone app CBP One that makes asylum claims more orderly after his Jan 20 inauguration. About 1,450 appointments are made available daily, encouraging migrants to get an appointment before they show up at the border. There are a lot of reports that he has said he is going to do away with CBP One, that there are going to be deportations, the biggest deportation, but you have to have faith in God, said Venezuelan migrant Francisco Unda, 38. Trump has threatened to slap 25% tariffs on Mexican products unless the country does more to stem the flow of migrants to the US border. Last week, Trump said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had agreed to stop unauthorised migration across the border into the US Sheinbaum wrote on her social media accounts the same day that migrants and caravans are taken care of before they reach the border. Sheinbaum has said she is confident that a tariff war with the US can be averted but her statement the day after she had a phone call with Trump did not make clear who had offered what. Apart from the much larger first caravans in 2018 and 2019 which were provided buses to ride part of the way north no caravan has ever reached the US border walking or hitchhiking in any cohesive way, though some individual members have made it. For years, migrant caravans have often been blocked, harassed or prevented from hitching rides by Mexican police and immigration agents. They have also frequently been rounded up or returned to areas near the Guatemalan border. (AP) SCY SCY BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the application of the law On Amendments to the Tax Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan and implementation of the law On Approval, Entry into Force of the Tax Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan and related legal regulation issues," Trend reports. According to the information, paragraph 164.1.20 has been added to the document. Under this paragraph, humanitarian organizations registered in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan following the established procedure, as well as goods imported as humanitarian aid by other legal entities and individuals with the consent of the relevant executive authority, are exempt from value-added tax. The document stipulates that the Cabinet of Ministers has the authority to adopt the above decision. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Mumbai, Dec 2 (PTI) The Bombay High Court on Monday came down heavily on the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) for taking "lightly" the probe into the killing of Badlapur school sexual assault case accused in a shootout. Stressing the need for a fair investigation in all cases, a division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan said the conduct of the CID in the present case raises doubt and a wrong inference that it does not want to provide all information to the magistrate conducting inquiry into the shootout. The accused, Akshay Shinde (24), was arrested in August for allegedly sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur area of Maharashtra's Thane district. He was killed by police in a shootout on September 24. The high court sarcastically remarked that cases are transferred from local police to the CID because of the latter's competence. The HC was irked after noting certain loopholes in the probe and documents submitted to the magistrate who is conducting an inquiry into the accused's death. "How can the state CID take it so lightly? This is a matter that concerns custodial death. What was expected from you (CID), now what to expect from you," the HC said. The bench said the entire conduct of the CID raises doubt on the investigation and a "wrong and adverse" inference is drawn. "Because of your conduct itself you are raising suspicion and doubt on yourself. What investigation are you conducting?" the court said. The bench questioned as to why medical papers pertaining to the case were not collected. "Why is the CID not collecting information properly and why are we forced to test it? Don't test our patience now. Medical papers are not collected. Are you deliberately trying to withhold information from the magistrate? That is the inference we are drawing," the HC said. "Because of the CID's competence, cases are transferred to the state CID," it added. The bench said its endeavour was to ensure all documents are collected and submitted to the magistrate for a proper inquiry to be done and for a report to be submitted. "Investigate the case properly and submit all statements properly to the magistrate, only then the magistrate can prepare a proper report," the bench said. The court noted that fairness has to be writ large in every investigation and even an accused and their family have rights. The bench was informed that all documents and information have been submitted to the magistrate and whatever remains would be handed in one week. The court posted the matter for further hearing on January 20, 2025, by when the magistrate would have to submit the report to the court. As per police, accused Akshay Shinde forcibly took a pistol from one of the cops in a police van on September 24 when he was being taken from the Taloja prison in Navi Mumbai to Thane for questioning in another case. Shinde then shot three rounds inside the van, one of which hit and injured a police officer. In retaliation, one shot was fired by another police officer which hit Shinde and he was killed. The police claimed Shinde's handcuffs were removed as he had asked for water. He was given water from a bottle inside the van. The probe into the killing was later handed over to the state CID. Akshay Shinde's father Anna Shinde has filed a petition in the HC claiming his son was murdered in a fake encounter. Bhubaneswar, Dec 2 (PTI) Strongly opposing the change in the design of the Polavaram multi-purpose project in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, BJD on Monday announced it will take the matter to Delhi. A delegation of the opposition party in Odisha would leave for Delhi on Tuesday and meet top officials of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Central Water Commission and Ministry of Tribal Affairs and submit memoranda on the adverse impact of the Polavaram project on Odisha, said BJD coordination committee chairperson Debi Prasad Mishra. Mishra said the party's seven Rajya Sabha MPs will join the delegation in Delhi. He said party president Naveen Patnaik had earlier constituted a fact-finding committee comprising senior leaders on Polavaram dam, which after visiting the impact zones, submitted the report to him. According to the committee, the project will have an adverse impact on the people of Malkangiri, Mishra said, adding that around 200 villages in Motu and Padi blocks of the district will be inundated. He said the Odisha government in 2007 had moved the Supreme Court alleging that impact assessment study was not made before allowing the project to be implemented by the Andhra Pradesh government. Mishra said the Supreme Court in 2022 had directed the Centre to convene meetings between Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. However, no such meeting took place, he said, adding that apart from legal battle, BJD has decided to highlight the issue in Delhi. "How can the Centre allow a project which will inundate 200 tribal villages?" the BJD leader asked at a press conference here. The BJD leader said that the Andhra Pradesh government unilaterally changed the design of the dam project notwithstanding its adverse impact on Odisha. While the initial design was made with water bearing capacity of Polavaram dam project at 36 lakh cusecs of water, it was later enhanced to 50 lakh cusecs of water. "Therefore, the backwater of the project will inundate around 200 villages, a large patch of forest and revenue land in Malkangiri district," Mishra said, blaming the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre which in the budget allocated Rs 15,000 crore for completion of the controversial Polavaram project. New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu will be on a five-day visit to Odisha from Tuesday, during which she will offer prayers at the Jagannath temple in Puri besides attending other programmes, an official statement on Monday said. During her visit, the president will unveil a statue of Santali writer and educator Pandit Raghunath Murmu and visit the Adim Owar Jarpa Jaher in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, it said. She will have darshan and perform puja at the Jagannath temple on December 4, the statement issued on Monday by the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. President Murmu will also attend the 75th anniversary celebrations of Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya in Puri on December 4, it said. On the same day, she will attend the Navy Day celebrations and operational demonstrations at the Blue Flag Beach in Puri. On December 5, the president will attend the 40th convocation ceremony of the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology in Bhubaneswar. Later on the same day, she will inaugurate a judicial complex in the state capital, the statement said. On December 6, Murmu will interact with students and residents at Uparbeda village -- her birth place. On the same day, she will interact with students and teachers at the Mahila Mahavidyalaya in Rairangpur. On December 7, the president will lay foundation for/inaugurate various projects, including the Bangiriposi-Gorumahisani, Buramara-Chakulia, and Badampahar-Kendujhargarh rail lines; a tribal research and development centre in Rairangpur; Dandbose Airport, Rairangpur; and sub-divisional hospital, Rairangpur, the statement said. Jaipur, Dec 2 (PTI) Muslim organisations in Jaipur on Monday appealed to the Supreme Court to stop attempts to "tamper" with the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and other religious places, and maintain the status quo of mosques by not allowing their survey. They also demanded that lower courts be instructed to fully comply with the Places of Worship Act, 1991, and not entertain petitions seeking surveys of religious places. "An attempt is being made to end the status quo of mosques in the name of survey by filing false court cases claiming temples existed at mosque sites," Mohammad Nazimuddin, convenor of the joint committee Tahaffuz-e-Auqaf, said in a statement. The Supreme Court should stop tampering with the Ajmer Dargah and other religious sites where no survey should be allowed, he added. Advocate and state president of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, Syed Saadat Ali, said a lower court accepting a petition claiming a Shiva temple existed at the site where the Ajmer Sharif Dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Rahmatullah Alaih stands today is not only worrisome, but also against the Constitution. AIMIM's Rajasthan unit chief, Jameel Khan, said, "The Ajmer Dargah is a symbol of religious unity, and under the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the nature of a religious place cannot be changed. Such petitions are being filed to vitiate the atmosphere." He also appealed to the top court to maintain the goodwill of the country by dismissing such petitions. New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) Delhi Police has nabbed five people, including three juveniles in a case of murder, an official said on Monday. "So far a total of five people -- two women and three juveniles -- have been held in the case," said a police officer. The officer further said the accused have been identified as Mohammad Akhtar (62), Mohammad Maksood (49), Angoori (35) and Maksood's wife Juhi (34). "Police custody remand of Maksood has been taken. The team is working on establishing the entire sequence of events leading to the incident and examining if someone else is also a part of the conspiracy," said the officer. A man was stabbed to death while crossing a park in west Delhi's Naraina six months after his elder brother was killed in a similar attack, police said on Sunday. Police had apprehended two juveniles for the murder, which took place on Saturday. Chennai, Dec 2 (PTI) A special court here on Monday convicted and sentenced senior BJP leader H Raja in two cases, one relating to making remarks against DMK MP Kanimozhi and the other about demolishing Periyar statues in the state, a few years ago. The Special Court for trial of criminal cases related to MPs/MLAs sentenced the BJP National Secretary to six months' simple imprisonment in both cases and imposed a total fine amount of Rs 5,000. The court suspended the sentence for 30 days to enable him to file an appeal against the order. Later, Raja told reporters that his team of advocates will face the matter legally. Regarding his comments about demolishing the statues of rational leader E V Ramasamy 'Periyar', the court said, "Such type of venomous messages cannot be accepted in the society governed by the rule of law." An ideology may not be acceptable to someone, but it has to be opposed by another ideology and not by show of force, provocation, incitement, the court said. "This court has no hesitation to hold that the message as found in the social media (of Raja) is highly condemnable and it is also highly provocative in nature and has all the potential to disturb communal harmony and peace and it may also lead to violence and rioting," Assistant Sessions Judge/Special Judge G Jayavel said. Raja had allegedly put out a social media post in 2018, about breaking the statues of EV Ramasamy in Tamil Nadu, after a statue of Communist leader Lenin was pulled down in Tripura. The judge sentenced Raja to six months' simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 3000 on the BJP leader. Similarly, in the other case pertaining to his social media comments against Kanimozhi, daughter of former chief minister, the late M Karunanidhi, the court found Raja guilty. The court handed down six months' simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 3,000. In both cases, Raja was convicted under IPC sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation, with intent to cause riot) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace). Additionally, he was found guilty under IPC section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) for his remarks about Kanimozhi. Palakkad, Dec 2 (PTI) A Kerala police report stated that there was no need for further investigation into the allegation against the Congress party of bringing black money during the Palakkad bypoll campaign, citing lack of evidence. Only based on this black money allegation raised by the ruling CPI(M) and BJP, the police raided the hotel rooms where prominent Congress women leaders were staying when Palakkad bypoll campaign was on. The report submitted by the Special Branch DySP to the Palakkad District Police Chief mentioned that there was no need for further investigation into the matter as there was no evidence of black money. No further investigation is required in the case, a senior police officer told a news channel. The probe was carried out on a complaint filed by the CPI(M) Palakkad district secretary E N Suresh Babu alleging that black money was involved. Police had conducted a midnight raid at a hotel in Palakkad on suspicion of the arrival of black money where prominent Congress women leaders such as Bindu Krishna and Shanimol Usman, were staying in early November amidst the heated campaign for the Palakkad Assembly byelection. This raid has triggered a political row. The raid followed the CPI(M)'s demand for a probe after CCTV footage emerged showing a Congress worker arriving at the hotel with a blue trolley bag. The Congress-led UDF had accused the Left party of releasing the footage to the media. CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan had stated that the black money issue would cause a setback for the UDF candidate Rahul Mamkootathil in the by-election. The BJP also highlighted the issue in its campaign. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Mamkoottathil, the newly elected MLA of Palakkad, said on Monday the case was part of a political game. The allegation was part of a political game by the CPI(M) and BJP to undermine the publics interest in the by-election, he said. He also expressed gratitude towards the people of Palakkad for understanding the political motives behind the controversy. Kochi, Dec 2 (PTI) Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan asserted on Monday that the disputed land in Munambam is not Waqf property and vowed that eviction will not be allowed under any circumstances. Addressing the residents who have been publicly protesting at Munambam for the 51st day, Satheesan said: "It is only the Waqf Board, appointed by the state government, that claims that the land belongs to Waqf. The Congress-led UDF has demanded a permanent solution to resolve the issue. Satheesan further said, Land where people reside, where certain conditions apply, and land sold after collecting payment cannot be classified as Waqf property. Considering these factors, the Munambam land does not fall under Waqf jurisdiction. Hence, the local residents have full rights to it. Attempts were made to portray the land issue in Munambam as a conflict between Christians and Muslims, he alleged. In response, the UDF leadership, including Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihad Thangal and Deputy Leader of Opposition P K Kunhalikutty, engaged in discussions with various Muslim organizations. A meeting of Muslim organizations, convened by Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal in Kozhikode, expressed unanimous support for the residents of Munambam. It is a matter of pride that all Muslim organizations in Kerala stood in solidarity with the local community of Munambam, he stated. Satheesan along with UDF MLAs and MPs from the Ernakulam district visited the protesters to express solidarity. In the coastal village of Munambam, in Ernakulam district, residents have alleged the Waqf Board was unlawfully claiming their land and properties, despite the people holding registered deeds and land tax payment receipts. Though the CPI(M)-led LDF government appointed a judicial commission as part of its efforts to resolve the issue the local people are continuing their strike in Munambam. The UDF stands firmly with the people of Munambam and will expand this strike, the Leader of Opposition said. "As a political movement, we will work alongside the people of Munambam to find a permanent solution to this issue and not allow anyone to exploit this situation to create divisions," he added. Claiming that the matter could be resolved in 10 minutes, the Opposition Leader said that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resolved a similar issue related to farmers land there, by issuing a special order and the Kerala government can also resolve the issue here on the same model. Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 2 (PTI) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a warning of significant rainfall in Kerala due to cyclone Fengal, currently positioned as a strong low-pressure area over northern Tamil Nadu. The system is expected to intensify as it moves towards the Arabian Sea, passing over northern Kerala and Karnataka by December 3, the IMD said. Kerala is forecast to experience light to moderate rain across most regions on Monday, with isolated areas likely to receive very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, it added. On Tuesday, heavy to very heavy rain is anticipated in the northern and central parts of the state. Intermittent light to moderate rain with occasional thunderstorms is expected to persist over the next five days, IMD said. Red alerts have been issued for five northern districtsKasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuramon Monday. Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts are under an orange alert, while Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta are on a yellow alert. State Revenue Minister K Rajan urged residents to stay vigilant as rainfall is likely to intensify in northern Kerala. According to the IMD, a red alert signifies extremely heavy rain exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours, an orange alert indicates very heavy rain between 11 cm and 20 cm, and a yellow alert warns of heavy rain ranging from 6 cm to 11 cm. The district administration in Kasaragod has declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, tuition centres, anganwadis, and madrasas, on Tuesday. However, model residential schools will remain open, the administration clarified. Earlier on Monday, similar holidays were declared for educational institutions, including professional colleges and anganwadis, in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kottayam, and Wayanad districts. Shimla, Dec 2 (PTI) An anonymous source network, known as SIINS, is helping Shimla Police in combating drug abuse, dismantling interstate drug gangs and apprehending key figures in the drug trade, an official said Monday. SIINS (Social Intelligence Integrated Network System) integrates social participants, including womens groups (mahila mandals), school and college students, conscious civilians, ex-servicemen, retired police officers, taxi operators and hoteliers to collaborate with Shimla Police in gathering information about drug peddlers and users, he said. Till November this year, Shimla police had arrested 557 individuals in 237 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. This includes 21 females, 142 interstate drug operatives, and 35 Nepalese nationals, police said. "Information collected through SIINS, particularly from Mahila Mandals and college students, helped the police arrest 52 drug peddlers who had become both addicts and suppliers in the Rohru and surrounding areas, along with the kingpin Shahi Mahatma," SP Shimla Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi told PTI on Monday. Shahi Mahatma, alias Shashi Negi, an apple trader, who was supplying 'chitta' (adulterated heroin) and running a large-scale drug operation in Shimla, was arrested on September 20, he said. In another case, information gathered from taxi operators and hoteliers helped police arrest 15 interstate drug suppliers, who were identified through suspicious activities at specific hotels Additionally, inputs from the transport department in Rampur, Theog and Nankhari areas of the district contributed to the arrest of several drug peddlers, Gandhi said. The modus operandi involved generating orders for drugs via WhatsApp, initiating supplies, and making deliveries where the delivery person and final receiver never directly interacted. Participants in the supply chain operated like unrelated units, making it difficult to trace, the SP said. "SIINS is proving to be effective in eradicating drug abuse and smuggling in Shimla. The aim is to use SIINS to end scourge of drug abuse, which is severely affecting the youth and their families, while also reducing drug-related crimes like theft, burglary, and chain snatching," the SP said. The system tracks drug peddlers, categorising them as active or inactive, and identifies high-risk areas suffering from severe drug abuse. Through feedback from local residents, SIINS has revealed that the illegal trade in 'chitta' (adulterated heroin) is worth approximately Rs 45 crore in the district, the police added. 'Chitta' (Diacetylmorphine), semi-synthetic opioids, mainly derived from heroin is highly dangerous and lethal as the consumption increases with passage of time and its overdose could even result in death, former Director State Forensic Science laboratory Arun Sharma. It is smuggled into Himachal Pradesh from Delhi and Punjab, with one gram selling for around Rs 5,000, he said, adding that rural areas in Shimla have become hubs for 'chitta' distribution. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Swedbank Lithuania are jointly providing a 48.4 million euro loan facility to support the development of SIRIN PARK GARIUNAI, a modern logistics park in Vilnius, Lithuania, Trend reports. The EBRD's share of the loan amounts to 24.2 million euros, with 15.8 million already allocated and an additional 8.4 million reserved for future expansion. This co-financing agreement, which also involves SIRIN Development, a major logistics real estate developer in the Baltic States, will enable the construction of approximately 100,000 square meters of sustainable warehouse space. The park, strategically located near the Vilnius-Kaunas motorway, will feature energy-efficient technologies and target BREEAM Excellent certification. Tomas Kairys, EBRD Head of the Baltic States, emphasized the projects contribution to enhancing Lithuania's green logistics infrastructure. Vlaho Kojakovic, EBRD Head of Real Estate, noted that the project aligns with the bank's real estate strategy for sustainable development, focusing on green building practices. Swedbanks Martynas Trimonis highlighted the long-standing partnership with SIRIN Development, which has provided over 100 million euros in financing. Laurynas Kuzavas, CEO of SIRIN Development, stated that the investment will accelerate the transformation of an outdated industrial site into a modern logistics hub, contributing to economic growth and sustainability in the region. SIRIN Development is the largest logistics real estate developer in the Baltic States, managing over 333,000 square meters of logistics space across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The EBRD has invested more than 1.7 billion euros in 136 projects in Lithuania. New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 12 noon on Monday amid protests by opposition members over the Adani indictment row, recent violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal and other issues. As soon as the House met after the weekend break, many opposition members, including those from the Congress, were on their feet, raising the indictment of industrialist Gautam Adani in a US court on bribery charges, among other issues. Some members were in the Well of the House while other opposition members stood in the aisle and raised slogans. Speaker Om Birla asked the opposition members to allow the Question Hour and said they could take up their issues later. Amid the din, one question was taken up. However, the opposition members ignored the speaker's pleas, following which he adjourned the House till 12 noon. The Lok Sabha proceedings were washed out last week as well due to the protests by the opposition members on the same issues. Before the House assembled, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju was seen speaking to Congress leader K C Venugopal near the opposition benches. Congress member Gaurav Gogoi and DMK leader T R Baalu were also present. After the House was adjourned, some of the opposition leaders including Congress' Venugopal, DMK's Baalu, TMC's Kalyan Banerjee and Samajwadi Party members Dharmendra Yadav and Zia ur Rehman Barq were seen going to the speaker's office together. The Adani Group has maintained that Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar have not been charged with any violation of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in the indictment that authorities filed in a New York court in an alleged bribery case. Kolkata, Dec 2 (PTI) ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson Radharamn Das on Monday claimed that Advocate Ramen Roy, who had defended Bangladesh's Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu in a legal case there, was brutally attacked in the neighbouring country and is fighting for his life in a hospital. According to Das, Roy's only "fault" was defending Prabhu in court, and a group of Islamists ransacked his home. The attack left Roy critically injured, and he is currently in the ICU, fighting for his life, ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson claimed. Please pray for Advocate Ramen Roy. His only 'fault' was defending Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu in court. Islamists ransacked his home and brutally attacked him, leaving him in the ICU, fighting for his life. #SaveBangladeshiHindus #FreeChinmoyKrishnaPrabhu, he posted on X along with a picture of Roy in ICU. PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of the post. Speaking to a Bengali news channel, Das, also ISKCON Kolkata vice president, said, This brutal attack on advocate Roy is a direct consequence of his legal defence of Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu. It reflects the growing danger faced by those who defend the rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Chinmay Krishna, who served as a spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday while en route to Chattogram to attend a rally. He was denied bail and sent to jail on Tuesday by a court in the neighbouring country. Historically, Hindus made up approximately 22 per cent of Bangladesh's population during the 1971 Liberation War. The Hindu population, once a substantial demographic in Bangladesh, has experienced a significant decline in recent decades, with the minority community now comprising only around 8 per cent of the country's total population. This drop is largely attributed to a combination of socio-political marginalisation, exodus and sporadic violence over the years. Bhubaneswar, Dec 2 (PTI) Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy on Monday said that state MLAs will take part in the Navy Day celebrations on December 4 in Puri, in which President Droupadi Murmu will also be present. Padhy, in a statement in the House, said that Odisha lawmakers will travel to the pilgrim town in special buses and they may take their spouses to witness the navy's valour. The House is likely to be adjourned on the occasion to facilitate the MLAs' visit to Puri. "The formal notification with regard to MLAs' visit and adjourning the House on December 4 may be issued on Tuesday," a senior official at the assembly secretariat said. Meanwhile, for the second consecutive day on Monday, the navy personnel performed a full-dress rehearsal at Puri beach ahead of the event. The show is scheduled to begin at the Blue Flag Beach in Puri at 3.45 pm on Wednesday. A host of events including bomb burst manoeuvres, submarine sail past, anti-submarine firing, anti-air firing, combat free fall and horn pipe dance will be performed by the naval forces on the occasion. As many as 15 warships and 40 aircraft will take part in the celebration. The event aims at showcasing Indian Navy's multifaceted competencies, enhancing maritime awareness among citizens and commemorating India's rich seafaring heritage. The Indian Navy and Odisha government are working in tandem to ensure smooth organisation of the event. Special arrangements have been made for local spectators and tourists. Jammu, Dec 2 (PTI) Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated all stakeholders of the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir on the launch of Uber Shikara services in Srinagar, describing it as a testament to the creative ways technology can enhance cultural heritage. "The launch of Uber Shikara services will provide visitors with a seamless way to experience the timeless charm of Shikara rides," the LG said in a post on X on Monday evening. Commending Uber for its futuristic vision, he reiterated that the Uber Shikara in Srinagar reflects innovative methods of blending technology with cultural heritage. "The launch of Uber Shikara in Srinagar is a testament to the creative ways technology can enhance our cultural heritage," he said. Sinha said that this offering, in the upcoming tourist season, will provide visitors with a seamless way to experience the timeless charm of Shikara rides, a hallmark of J&K's beauty. "I commend Uber for its futuristic vision, enabling convenient access to serene experiences while boosting local tourism," he added. The LG further stated, "Together, we are showcasing the splendor of the crown of India to the world. Winter is upon us, and the people of J&K invite you all to enjoy this magical season in paradise." Lucknow, Dec 2 (PTI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday announced plans to establish compressed biogas plants using cow dung, with the Uttar Pradesh government providing land for these projects. The announcement was made as he chaired a Pradeshik Cooperative Dairy Federation meeting at his official residence here, according to a statement. Adityanath emphasised the need for comprehensive training for employees of milk cooperative societies and ensuring they have access to necessary equipment. "To foster healthy competition among milk cooperatives and unions, there should be proactive engagement with villages and farmers, aiming to strengthen operations and boost productivity," he said. The chief minister highlighted the importance of educating farmers about breeding superior dairy animals and providing scientific training. "These measures," he noted, "will not only enhance milk productivity but also increase farmers' incomes." Recognising the pivotal role of women in the dairy sector, he pointed to the success of the Balinee Milk Producer in Bundelkhand as a model for empowering women. He stressed that women's participation in milk cooperatives and unions should be further encouraged to promote self-reliance. Accountability and goal-setting at all levels within milk unions were also underscored. He called for improved milk quality testing and increased milk collection capacity. He said, "The Dairy Federation should develop a robust model to maximise benefits for farmers, rewarding those who excel in the sector." Additionally, the Chief Minister announced plans to establish compressed biogas plants using cow dung, with the state government providing land for these projects, according to the statement. As global conflicts escalate, with Russian President Vladimir Putin threatening nuclear action in Ukraine and rising tensions in the Middle East, the United States and its allies are taking steps to inform citizens about how to respond in the event of a nuclear attack. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued detailed guidance in a 258-page document titled Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation. The document warns that a nuclear event would be one of the most catastrophic incidents in U.S. history and outlines steps to minimize harm. FEMA advises that a nuclear explosion may occur with little to no warning and stresses three critical actions: get inside, stay inside, and stay tuned. Remaining indoors for at least 24 hours is essential to avoid harmful radiation exposure from fallout, which is most dangerous in the first few hours after a detonation. Fallout takes time to settle back to ground level, often more than 15 minutes for areas outside the immediate blast zone, FEMA states, emphasizing that this window allows time to take protective action. The agency urges families to avoid attempting to reunite outside their homes and to stay informed through reliable media channels for safety updates. Recent studies have identified Hawaii, California, Nevada, Arizona, and New York as high-risk states during a nuclear apocalypse. Conversely, Vermont, Maine, and Louisiana are considered among the safest states. Globally, countries such as Iceland, New Zealand, and Switzerland have been suggested as potential sanctuaries in the event of a nuclear conflict. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A Jewish student from the United States living in Ireland was severely assaulted last month in Dublin in what authorities are investigating as a possible antisemitic hate crime, The Irish Times reported Saturday. The attack occurred on November 9 when three men confronted the victim, who was wearing a Star of David necklace. According to the report, one of the men asked if he was Jewish. After confirming he was, the men attacked him, causing a concussion before security intervened. One suspect has been arrested, and prosecutors are reportedly considering hate crime charges. Israels ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, condemned the attack, citing an alarming increase in anti-Israel rhetoric in Ireland, which she said often mutates into antisemitism. Despite the assault, the victim has chosen to remain in Ireland, vowing to stand against antisemitism. Meanwhile, controversy erupted at the Rolling Stone UK Awards 2024 in London, where Irish guitarist Carlos OConnell of the band Fontaines D.C. used his acceptance speech to denounce Zionism and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring, Free Palestine, [expletive] Netanyahu and [expletive] Zionism. Ireland is considered one of the European Unions most critical nations of Israel, having recognized Palestinian statehood alongside Spain and Norway earlier this year. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) MSNBC commentators erupted over Kash Patels nomination for FBI director, making dramatic comparisons to conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and controversial FBI founder J. Edgar Hoover, and painting Patel as a figure willing to disregard constitutional constraints. Kash Patel as FBI director would be like crossing Alex Jones with J. Edgar Hoover, MSNBC contributor Hayes Brown claimed, dismissing Patel as a conspiracy theorist eager to weaponize the FBI for partisan purposes. With all of the conspiracy theorizing and his eagerness to fan the flames of Trumps worst instincts, this nomination defies precedent and logic. April Ryan of The Grio took aim at Patels revisionist take on the January 6 Capitol riot, criticizing his alignment with Donald Trumps narratives. For Americans, January 6 wasnt a picnic or a Capitol tour, she scoffed. It was a violent attack on democracy, complete with vandalism, defecation, and life-threatening chaos. How can someone so complicit be trusted to uphold the Constitution as head of the FBI? Ryan continued her tirade by predicting that partisan loyalty among Republican senators could smooth Patels path to confirmation. This is not about qualificationsits about loyalty to Trump, she alleged, likening Patels nomination to a test of whether public outrage can derail Trumps plans. Despite their hand-wringing, the panel offered little concrete evidence that Patels confirmation was imminent, relying instead on hyperbolic rhetoric and worst-case hypotheticals to frame their opposition. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. The next meeting of the Azerbaijan-Russia Business Council was held in Baku. In addition to officials, the event was attended by representatives of more than 90 members of the Council - institutions and organizations working in various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, mechanical engineering, petrochemistry, banking, logistics and other areas, the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) said, Trend reports. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov emphasized the development of cooperation between the two countries, noted the importance of the partnership mechanism of the Azerbaijan-Russia Business Council in the context of diversifying economic and trade relations. It was said that the work carried out in the direction of implementing joint investment projects and realizing bilateral trade potential further strengthens ties between business circles, which contributes to the economic development of both countries. Samad Gurbanov, who informed about the activities of the Azerbaijan-Russia Business Council, created by the business circles of the two countries, spoke about the work carried out by the institution in the direction of developing trade and business ties between the two countries and supporting the interests of the Azerbaijani business community. According to the agenda of the meeting, elections to the Board of the Council were held, Emin Agalarov, founder of Agalarov Development, became the Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan-Russia Business Council, AZPROMO Executive Director Yusif Abdullayev and Director of Nardaran Invest LLC Gambar Benenyarli were elected as Deputy Chairmen. The newly elected Chairman of the Board, Emin Agalarov, noted the importance of the Councils activities in activating business dialogue between entrepreneurs and expanding partnership opportunities for the business communities of both countries. At the event, Samed Gurbanov was awarded a Certificate of Honor for his contribution to the development of economic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation. The Business Council, which has been operating since 2016, actively cooperates with the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the Russian-Azerbaijani Business Council and other government agencies and specialized public organizations of the two countries. Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, the 22-year-old terrorist accused of a shooting spree targeting an Orthodox Jewish man on the way to shul on Shabbos morning, Chicago police officers, and paramedics in West Rogers Park, has been found dead in Cook County Jail, officials said. His death is believed to be a suicide by hanging. The visibly Jewish victim, who was wearing a yarmulka and a tallis, was walking in the 2900 block of West Farwell Avenue on October 26 when Abdallahi fired at him from behind. Prosecutors said the Jewish man heard the gunshot and felt pain in his shoulder but did not realize he had been shot until noticing a hole in his jacket. Surveillance footage captured Abdallahi firing at the victim and then running away while attempting to clear a jammed semi-automatic pistol. Moments later, he returned to the scene on foot after parking his car nearby. Abdallahi, an illegal immigrant from Mauritania who had been living in the U.S. for at least two years and worked at an Amazon warehouse, had been hospitalized for gunshot wounds sustained in a shootout with police during the rampage. He had been housed in the jails medical facility, Cermak Health Services, since November 15. Jail staff found him unresponsive in his cell during a routine check at approximately 3:30 p.m. Emergency measures were taken, and Abdallahi was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities say there is no evidence of foul play. An autopsy was performed, but results are pending, according to the Cook County Medical Examiners Office. Authorities said data from Abdallahis phone showed extensive planning and antisemitic motivations. He reportedly saved the locations of shuls on multiple occasions in the days before the attack and conducted internet searches for Jewish Community Center and a suburban gun store. Prosecutors also stated that his phone contained over 100 antisemitic and pro-Hamas images and videos. It took the city of Chicago a week before they even called this a hate crime let alone a terror attack, even as YWN published video footage of the terrorist yelling Allah Akbar as he shot at paramedics and police. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Donald Trumps drive to upend the FBI was welcomed by Republican senators although it was not clear on Sunday how strongly members of the incoming majority party would embrace his move to install ally Kash Patel as the next director of the Justice Departments top investigative arm. Patel, a onetime national security prosecutor who is aligned with the president-elects rhetoric about a deep state, must prove to Congress he will reform & restore public trust in FBI, said Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, in line to be the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman when Republicans take control in January, in a post on X. Patel lacks the high-level legal and management experience that FBI directors, including Robert Mueller, James Comey and Christopher Wray, who now holds that job, had before their nominations. Its a 10-year term, and Trump named Wray in 2017 after firing Comey. So Trumps announcement late Saturday means Wray must either resign or be fired after Trump takes office on Jan. 20, 2025. Every president wants people that are loyal to themselves, said Sen. Mike Round, R-S.D., on ABCs This Week. But he called Wray a very good man picked by Trump himself, and I dont have any complaints about the way that hes done his job right now. A president has the right to make nominations, Rounds said, before noting the job is normally for 10 years, a length meant to insulate the FBI from the political influence of changing administrations. Well see what his process is, and whether he actually makes that nomination. And then, if he does, just as with anybody who is nominated for one of these positions, once theyve been nominated by the president, then the president gets, you know, the benefit of the doubt on the nomination, but we still go through a process of providing advice and consent under the Constitution, Rounds said. He added: That can be sometimes advice, sometimes it is consent. Other Republicans who appeared on the Sunday news shows at the end of the Thanksgiving holiday and before returning to work this week were in Patels corner. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., said Patel represents the type of change that we need to see in the FBI. The entire agency needs to be cleaned out. He told NBCs Meet the Press that there are serious problems at the FBI. The American public knows it. They expect to see sweeping change, and Kash Patels just the type of person to do it. He said Patel has relevant experience to head the FBI and hes the one that can see through the fix here. During Trumps first term, Patel was an aide to the then-Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee before taking roles at the White House National Security Council and later at the Defense Department. Patel played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution, Trump wrote Saturday night in a social media post. Patel has called for a comprehensive housecleaning of government workers who are disloyal to Trump and has referred to journalists as traitors, promising to try to prosecute some reporters. The selection is in keeping with Trumps view that the governments law enforcement and intelligence agencies require a radical transformation and his stated desire for retribution against supposed adversaries. It also shows how Trump, still fuming over years of federal investigations that shadowed his first administration and later led to his indictment, is moving to place atop the FBI and Justice Department close allies he believes will protect rather than scrutinize him. Grassley said in his post that Wray has failed at fundamental duties and that it was time to chart a new course 4 TRANSPARENCY +ACCOUNTABILITY at FBI. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said Patel was a very strong nominee and he thought Patel would be confirmed. All of the weeping and gnashing of teeth, all the people pulling their hair out, are exactly the people who are dismayed about having a real reformer come into the FBI, Cruz told CBS Face the Nation. To Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a Judiciary Committee member like Cruz, Patel has more experience than just about anybody coming into this position, she said on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures. Democrats said they would oppose him. Trump wants to replace his own appointee with an unqualified loyalist, said Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, who is expected to the the ranking Democrat next year on the Judiciary Committee, in a statement. The Senate should reject this unprecedented effort to weaponize the FBI for the campaign of retribution that Donald Trump has promised. That sentiment was shared by Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who said on NBC: Patels only qualification is that he agrees with Donald Trump that the Department of Justice should punish, lockup and intimidate Donald Trumps political opponents. (AP) The 13-year civil war in Syria has roared back into prominence with a surprise rebel offensive during which they seized Aleppo, one of Syrias largest cities and an ancient business hub. The push is among the rebels strongest in years in a war whose destabilizing effects have rippled far beyond the countrys borders. It was the first opposition attack on Aleppo since 2016, when a brutal air campaign by Russian warplanes helped Syrian President Bashar Assad retake the northwestern city. Intervention by Russia, Iran and Iranian-allied Hezbollah and other groups had allowed Assad to remain in power within the 70% of Syria under his control. Insurgents led by jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched the two-pronged attack on Aleppo last week and moved into the countryside around Idlib and neighboring Hama province. The Syrian military has rushed reinforcements and launched airstrikes as they attempted to stall their momentum. The surge in fighting has raised the prospect of another violent front reopening in the Middle East, at a time when U.S.-backed Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both Iranian-allied groups. Robert Ford, the last-serving U.S. ambassador to Syria, pointed to months of Israeli strikes on Syrian and Hezbollah targets in the area, and to Israels ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon last week, as factors providing Syrias rebels with the opportunity to advance. Russia, Assads main international backer, is also preoccupied with its war in Ukraine. Heres a look at some of the key aspects of the new fighting: Why does the fighting in Aleppo matter? Assad has been at war with opposition forces seeking his overthrow for 13 years, a conflict thats killed an estimated half-million people. The conflict started as one of the Arab Spring popular uprisings in 2011 against Arab dictators, before Assads brutal response to what had been largely peaceful protests turned the conflict violent. Some 6.8 million Syrians have fled the country since then, a refugee flow that helped change the political map in Europe by fueling anti-immigrant far-right movements. The roughly 30% of the country not under Assad is controlled by a range of opposition forces and foreign troops. The U.S. has about 900 troops in northeast Syria, far from Aleppo, to guard against a resurgence by the Islamic State. Both the U.S. and Israel conduct occasional strikes in Syria against government forces and Iran-allied militias. Turkey has forces in Syria as well, and has influence with the broad alliance of opposition forces storming Aleppo. Coming after years with few sizeable changes in territory between Syrias warring parties, the fighting has the potential to be really quite, quite consequential and potentially game-changing, if Syrian government forces prove unable to hold their ground, said Charles Lister, a longtime Syria analyst with the U.S.-based Middle East Institute. Risks include if militants with the Islamic State extremist group see the renewed fighting as an opening, Lister said. The Islamic State, a violently anti-Western and repressive organization, in 2014 notoriously declared a self-styled caliphate that seized parts of Syria and Iraq. The Islamic States Syria and Iraq branch no longer controls any territory, and is not known to be playing a role in the current fighting. But is still a lethal force operating through sleeper cells in the two countries. Ford said the fighting in Aleppo would become more broadly destabilizing if it drew Russia and Turkey each with its own interests to protect in Syria into direct heavy fighting against each other. What do we know about the group leading the offensive on Aleppo? The U.S. and U.N. have long designated the opposition force leading the attack at Aleppo Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, known by its initials HTS as a terrorist organization. Abu Mohammed al-Golani emerged as the leader of al-Qaidas Syria branch in 2011, in the first months of Syrias war. It was an unwelcome intervention to many in Syrias opposition, who hoped to keep the fight against Assads brutal rule untainted by violent extremism. Golani and his group early on claimed responsibility for deadly bombings, pledged to attack Western forces, confiscated property from religious minorities and sent religious police to enforce modest dress by women. Golani and HTS have sought to remake themselves in recent years, focusing on promoting civilian government in their territory as well as military action, researcher Aaron Zelin noted. His group broke ties with al-Qaida in 2016. Golani cracked down on some extremist groups in his territory, and increasingly portrays himself as a protector of other religions. That includes last year allowing the first Christian Mass in the city of Idlib in years. By 2018, the Trump administration acknowledged it was no longer directly targeting Golani, Zelin said. But HTS has allowed some wanted armed groups to continue to operate on its territory, and shot at U.S. special forces at least as recently as 2022, he said. Whats the history of Aleppo in the war? At the crossroads of trade routes and empires for thousands of years, Aleppo is one of the centers of commerce and culture in the Middle East. Aleppo was home to 2.3 million people before the war. Rebels seized the east side of the city in 2012, and it became the proudest symbol of the advance of armed opposition factions. In 2016, government forces backed by Russian airstrikes laid siege to the city. Russian shells, missiles and crude barrel bombs fuel canisters or other containers loaded with explosives and metal methodically leveled neighborhoods. Starving and under siege, rebels surrendered Aleppo that year. The Russian militarys entry was the turning point in the war, allowing Assad to stay on in the territory he held. This year, Israeli airstrikes in Aleppo have hit Hezbollah weapons depots and Syrian forces, among other targets, according to an independent monitoring group. Israel rarely acknowledges strikes at Aleppo and other government-held areas of Syria. (AP) Iran will begin enriching uranium with thousands of advanced centrifuges at its two main nuclear facilities at Fordo and Natanz, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said Friday, further raising tensions over Tehrans program as it enriches at near weapons-grade levels. The notice from the International Atomic Energy Agency only mentioned Iran enriching uranium with new centrifuges to 5% purity, far lower than the 60% it currently does likely signaling that it still wants to negotiate with the West and the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. However, it remains unclear how Trump will approach Iran once he enters office, particularly as it continues to threaten to attack Israel amid its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip and just after a ceasefire started in its campaign in Lebanon. Trump withdrew America from the accord in 2018, setting in motion a series of attacks and incidents across the wider Mideast. Irans mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment over the IAEAs report. Tehran had threatened to rapidly advance its program after the Board of Governors at the IAEA condemned Iran at a meeting in November for failing to cooperate fully with the agency. In a statement, the IAEA outlined the plans Iran informed it of, which include feeding uranium into some 45 cascades of its advanced IR-2M, IR-4 and IR-6 centrifuges. Cascades are a group of centrifuges that spin uranium gas together to more quickly enrich the uranium. Each of these advanced classes of centrifuges enrich uranium faster than Irans baseline IR-1 centrifuges, which have been the workhorse of the countrys atomic program. The IAEA did not elaborate on how many machines would be in each cascade but Iran has put around 160 centrifuges into a single cascade in the past. Its unclear if Iran has begun feeding the uranium yet into the centrifuges. Tehran so far has been vague about its plans. But starting the enrichment at 5% gives Tehran both leverage at negotiations with the West and another way to dial up the pressure if they dont like what they hear. Weapons-grade levels of enrichment are around 90%. Since the collapse of Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers following the U.S. unilateral withdrawal from the accord in 2018, it has pursued nuclear enrichment just below weapons-grade levels. U.S. intelligence agencies and others assess that Iran has yet to begin a weapons program. The U.S. State Department said in a statement to The Associated Press it was deeply concerned with Irans announcement that it is choosing the path of continued escalation as opposed to cooperation with the IAEA. Irans continued production and accumulation of uranium enriched up to 60% has no credible civilian justification, it added. Iran, as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, has pledged to allow the IAEA to visit its atomic sites to ensure its program is peaceful. Tehran also had agreed to additional oversight from the IAEA as part of the 2015 nuclear deal, which saw sanctions lifted in exchange for drastically limiting its program. However, for years Iran has curtailed inspectors access to sites while also not fully answering questions about other sites where nuclear material has been found in the past after the deals collapse. Iranian officials in recent months, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, had signaled a willingness to negotiate with the West. But Iran also has launched two attacks on Israel amid the war. Kazem Gharibabadi, an Iranian diplomat, said in a post on the social platform that he met with EU diplomat Enrique Mora, criticizing Europe as being self-centered while having irresponsible behavior. With regard to the nuclear issue of Iran, Europe has failed to be a serious player due to lack of self-confidence and responsibility, Gharibabadi wrote. For his part, Mora described having a frank discussion with Gharibabadi and another Iranian diplomat. Those talks included Irans military support to Russia that has to stop, the nuclear issue that needs a diplomatic solution, regional tensions (important to avoid further escalation from all sides) and human rights, he wrote on X. (AP) A Historical Parallel The thoughts expressed in this article are likely to ellicit emotional reactions on all sides. But lets try to use reason and logic to understand the underlying points. True, there is a difference between the parallel and the current situation, which will be addressed in Part II with a discussion of the fifth chapter of the Rambam in Hichos Melachim.. Lets first read Part I, however. Please try not to comment, until you have readboth Part I and Part II. In the interest of brevity, this article has been kept to less than 4900 words. Part I Imagine for a moment, we are in America in the early 1760s. George Washington and the fathers of this country see that things are not going so well, vis avis England. A war will probably happen in the next two decades or so. But there is a group of people that could potentially be a resource of much manpower. The Native American population was on the continent far before George Washington and crew. Why not forcibly recruit them to do battle with the British? What? Their leaders disagree? Jail them all. It soulnds somewhat unfair, does it not? Is there a parallel with the anti-Chareidi sentiment that is now prevalent in Eretz Yisroel? Lets take a brief survey of some of the history. But lets also Early Medieval Scholars Immigration Rav Shimshon of Shantz (d.1215): He was one of the most prominent Baalei HaTosfos scholars who wrote commentaries on the Talmud that expanded on Rashis earlier work. His immigration with 300 other Tosafists in 1211 was remarkable for several reasons. This move occurred during the time of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, when travel was extremely dangerous. Leading 300 prominent scholars to make this journey demonstrated incredible commitment and likely helped preserve Torah scholarship in the Holy Land during a turbulent period. His arrival with such a large group of scholars would have significantly boosted the Jewish scholarly presence in the region. Rav Yechiel of Paris (d.1268): As a leading Rav in Paris, his departure came after participating in the famous Disputation of Paris in 1240, where he defended the Talmud against accusations. His establishment of a yeshiva in Acre (then under Crusader control) was particularly significant as it created an important center of Torah learning in the Holy Land at a time when such institutions were rare there. Acre was a major port city and trading hub, which likely helped his yeshiva attract students and maintain connections with Jewish communities in Europe. Ramban (Rav Moshe ben Nachman, 1194-1270): The Rambans arrival and establishment of a synagogue in Jerusalem in 1267 marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history. He was already renowned as one of the greatest Jewish scholars, known for his biblical and Talmudic commentaries, philosophical works, and medical expertise. His synagogue became a symbol of Jewish continuity in Jerusalem and helped reestablish the Jewish presence in the city. The fact that this synagogue still exists today (though rebuilt several times) demonstrates its enduring significance as a symbol of Jewish resilience and continuity. Historical Impact: These three migrations established a pattern of religious scholars returning to the Holy Land that would continue for centuries. They helped maintain Jewish scholarly life in Israel during a difficult period and created institutions that would serve as models for future Jewish settlement. Their actions also reinforced the religious and cultural connection between diaspora Jews and the Land of Israel. These moves were particularly significant because they occurred during the Crusader period, when travel to and settlement in the Holy Land was extremely dangerous. Their willingness to face these risks demonstrated the profound religious and cultural significance of living in the Holy Land. Chasidic Aliyah The late 18th century marked a transformative period in Jewish history. The Chasidic movement, founded by the Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760), was rapidly spreading throughout Eastern Europe, bringing new vitality and spiritual enthusiasm to Jewish life. This period also saw significant political changes with the partitions of Poland, increasing Russian control over Jewish communities, and the early stirrings of the Enlightenment movement. Rav Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk (1730-1788) was one of the most influential early Chasidic leaders, whose decision to lead a mass aliyah proved groundbreaking. Born in Vitebsk in modern-day Belarus, he became a disciple of the Maggid in his youth and became known for his profound mystical insights and leadership abilities. He authored several important Chasidic works, including Pri Haaretz and Likkutei Amarim. Understanding Rav Menachem Mendels aliyah requires understanding his teacher, the Maggid of Mezheritch (1704-1772). The Maggid was the primary disciple and successor of the Baal Shem Tov, and he transformed Chasidism from a popular movement into a structured system. He emphasized the importance of spiritual leadership and the role of the tzaddik, and his teachings greatly influenced Rav Menachem Mendels approach to Jewish life and the importance of the Land of Israel. The 1777 aliyah journey itself was remarkable. The organization of 300 Chasidim and their families likely totaled over 1000 people, presenting enormous logistical challenges for such a large group traveling together. The journey required complex financial arrangements to support the community, faced the dangerous nature of travel at that time, and necessitated navigating the political complications of obtaining necessary permissions. Upon arrival in the Holy Land, the settlement process began with the group initially settling in Safed. They later moved to Tiberias due to various challenges. The community established new Chasidic courts and study halls, created systems for supporting the community economically, and maintained connections with Chasidic communities in Europe through letters and emissaries. The immediate effects of this migration were profound. The movement established the first organized Chasidic presence in the Holy Land, created new centers of Chasidic learning and practice, developed support systems for future waves of Chasidic immigration, and strengthened connections between the Land of Israel and Eastern European Jewish communities. The religious impact of this aliyah established precedent for Chasidic leadership making aliyah and created a new synthesis of Chasidic thought with the holiness of the Land. The movement developed unique practices combining Chasidic customs with Holy Land traditions and influenced future waves of Chasidic immigration. Culturally, it strengthened the emotional connection between Chasidim and the Land of Israel, created new patterns of communication between Holy Land and diaspora communities, established new customs and traditions specific to Chasidim in the Holy Land, and influenced the development of charitable support systems for Holy Land communities. The social impact of this movement created a new model for organized group aliyah and established patterns for maintaining religious communities in the Holy Land. The community developed systems for integrating new immigrants and influenced future settlement patterns. Historically, this represented the first large-scale Chasidic immigration to the Holy Land, created the foundation for future Chasidic communities in Israel, influenced the development of pre-modern Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel, and established important precedents for later religious aliyah movements. The impact of this aliyah continues to resonate today. Many current Chasidic communities in Israel trace their roots to this movement, and the letters and teachings from this period continue to be studied. The model of organized religious immigration they established influenced later movements, and the connections they established between Holy Land and diaspora communities continue to shape Jewish life. This aliyah movement marked a crucial turning point in Jewish history, establishing patterns and connections that would influence Jewish life for generations to come. It demonstrated the possibility of maintaining traditional Jewish life in the Holy Land while building new institutions and communities. The success of this movement, despite numerous challenges, helped pave the way for future waves of religious immigration to the Land of Israel and contributed to the ongoing Jewish presence there. The Talmidei haGra Aliyah The early 19th century witnessed a significant migration movement that would profoundly impact the Jewish presence in Jerusalem. This movement began in 1807 when the disciples of the Vilna Gaon (known as talmidei haGra) embarked on a historic journey to settle in the Holy Land. The first wave of this movement was led by Rav Menachem Mendel of Shklov, a distinguished scholar and devoted student of the Vilna Gaon. Rav Menachem Mendels decision to lead this group to Jerusalem was deeply influenced by the teachings of the Vilna Gaon, who had emphasized the supreme importance of settling in the Land of Israel. The Vilna Gaon himself had attempted to make this journey but was unsuccessful, making his disciples successful settlement even more meaningful. This initial group faced numerous challenges upon their arrival in Jerusalem. The city at that time was under Ottoman rule and living conditions were extremely difficult. The Jewish community was small and impoverished, yet Rav Menachem Mendel and his followers persevered in establishing themselves and creating new institutions of Torah learning. Shortly after the first groups arrival, a second wave of the Vilna Gaons disciples arrived under the leadership of Rav Yisroel ben Shmuel of Shklov, who would become one of the most influential figures in the Jerusalem Jewish community until his passing in 1839. Rav Yisroel brought with him not only the scholarly traditions of the Vilna Gaon but also new approaches to community organization and development. The impact of these two waves of immigration was transformative for Jerusalems Jewish community. These scholars brought with them the Lithuanian tradition of intense Torah study and analytical thinking, which would significantly influence the character of Jerusalems religious life. They established new yeshivas and study halls that would become models for future institutions. Rav Yisroel ben Shmuel of Shklovs contribution was particularly significant. He authored several important works, including Peat HaShulchan, a comprehensive guide to the agricultural laws applicable in the Land of Israel. This work demonstrated the practical application of Torah law to life in the Holy Land and became an essential reference for future generations. The talmidei haGra movement also established new systems for supporting Torah scholars in Jerusalem. They developed networks of communication and support with Jewish communities in Eastern Europe, creating patterns of charitable giving that would sustain Jerusalems Torah institutions for generations to come. These scholars also played a crucial role in reviving ancient customs and practices specific to the Land of Israel. They meticulously studied and documented the agricultural and ritual laws unique to the Holy Land, helping to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application after centuries of exile. The legacy of this movement extends far beyond its immediate impact. The educational institutions and scholarly traditions established by these disciples of the Vilna Gaon became the foundation for what would later develop into the Jerusalem Lithuanian yeshiva world. Their emphasis on serious Torah study and strict adherence to Jewish law helped shape the character of Jerusalems religious community. The movement also strengthened the connections between the Jewish communities of Lithuania and Jerusalem, creating lasting bonds that would facilitate future waves of immigration and support. Their success in establishing themselves in Jerusalem, despite the numerous challenges they faced, served as an inspiration and model for later groups of religious immigrants. The influence of the talmidei haGra movement continues to be felt in Jerusalem today, particularly in the approach to Torah study and the organization of religious institutions. The movements emphasis on combining deep Torah scholarship with practical implementation of Jewish law in the Land of Israel remains a defining characteristic of Jerusalems religious community. This historical migration represents a crucial link in the chain of Jewish return to the Holy Land, demonstrating how dedicated scholars could overcome significant obstacles to establish new centers of Torah learning and observance. Their success helped pave the way for future waves of religious immigration and contributed significantly to the development of Jerusalem as a center of Torah scholarship. The Charedi Communities The early immigrants to the Holy Land succeeded in establishing vibrant ultra-Orthodox communities in both Safed and Jerusalem. These settlements would become centers of Torah learning and religious life that continue to influence Jewish communities today. The Jerusalem community became particularly noteworthy under the name Kollel haPerushim, which represented a new model of religious community organization in the Holy Land. Rav Zundel of Salant, who lived from 1786 to 1866, emerged as one of the most significant figures in this community. His influence extended far beyond his personal scholarship and piety. Most notably, he served as the spiritual mentor to Rav Yisroel Salanter, who would later establish the Mussar movement, a revolutionary approach to Jewish ethical development and character refinement. Rav Zundels teaching methods and personal example profoundly shaped Rav Yisroel Salanters understanding of how ethical and moral development should be integrated into traditional Torah study. Rav Zundels impact on Jerusalems Jewish community was further extended through his son-in-law, Rav Shmuel Salant, who lived from 1816 to 1909. Rav Shmuel Salant would become one of the most beloved and influential rabbis in Jerusalems history. His tenure as the chief Rav of Jerusalem, spanning over three decades from 1878 to 1909, was marked by remarkable developments in the citys Jewish community. During his leadership, Rav Shmuel Salant demonstrated exceptional administrative abilities alongside his Torah scholarship. He worked tirelessly to unite Jerusalems diverse Jewish communities and establish new institutions to serve their needs. His approach to leadership was characterized by wisdom, compassion, and an ability to bridge differences between various segments of the community. The influence of Kollel haPerushim under these leaders extended far beyond Jerusalem. They established new standards for religious scholarship and community organization that would be emulated by other Jewish communities throughout the Land of Israel. Their success in creating sustainable religious institutions helped establish Jerusalem as a premier center of Torah learning. Rav Shmuel Salants leadership style was particularly noteworthy. He was known for his ability to maintain peace between different factions within the Jerusalem community while upholding high standards of religious observance and scholarship. His decisions on matters of Jewish law were respected throughout the Jewish world, and his influence helped establish Jerusalem as a central authority in matters of Jewish law and custom. The legacy of these early communities and their leaders continues to influence Jewish life in Jerusalem today. The institutions they established, the scholarly traditions they maintained, and the models of leadership they demonstrated helped shape the character of Jerusalems religious community. Their success in building sustainable religious institutions while maintaining high standards of Torah scholarship and ethical behavior set important precedents for future generations. The development of these communities also demonstrates how the early waves of religious immigration to the Holy Land succeeded in establishing lasting institutions that would serve as foundations for future growth. The combination of scholarly excellence and practical leadership exhibited by figures like Rav Zundel of Salant and Rav Shmuel Salant created a model of religious leadership that balanced traditional learning with the practical needs of community development. Their influence extended beyond their immediate community to impact the broader Jewish world. The connection between Rav Zundel and the Mussar movement, through his student Rav Yisroel Salanter, shows how the Jerusalem community maintained vital connections with developments in Jewish thought and practice throughout the Jewish world. This helped establish Jerusalem not only as a center of traditional learning but also as a source of new developments in Jewish religious life. These early communities thus played a crucial role in establishing Jerusalem as a center of Torah scholarship and religious life, setting patterns of community organization and religious leadership that would influence Jewish communities for generations to come. Their success in building lasting institutions while maintaining high standards of religious observance and scholarship demonstrates the profound impact that dedicated leadership can have on the development of religious communities. Pre-Dates Them All The religious Jewish return to the Land of Israel through the Chasidic and Lithuanian movements represents a remarkable historical phenomenon that significantly predated modern political Zionism. These early Aliyah movements, beginning in the early nineteenth century, established thriving Jewish communities in the Holy Land long before any secular or nationalist movements emerged. The Chasidic immigration led by Rav Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk in 1777, and the movement of the Vilna Gaons disciples beginning in 1807, were groundbreaking organized efforts to resettle the Holy Land. These groups were motivated purely by religious devotion and the ancient Jewish connection to the land, rather than by modern nationalist ideologies. Their arrival and successful establishment of communities occurred more than a century before the first Zionist Congress in 1897. These early immigrants, who formed what became known as the Yishuv haYashan (Old Settlement), created stable, sustainable Jewish communities based on Torah study and traditional Jewish life. Their success in establishing these communities demonstrated that organized Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel was possible, though their motivations and methods were entirely different from those of the later Zionist movement. The contrast between these early religious settlers and the later Zionist movement is striking. While the first Zionist Aliyah of the 1880s is often portrayed as the beginning of modern Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel, the religious communities of the Yishuv haYashan had already been flourishing for generations by that time. These religious Jews had already established synagogues, study halls, charitable institutions, and functioning communities in cities like Jerusalem, Safed, and Tiberias long before the arrival of the first Zionist pioneers. Its particularly significant that these religious communities managed to establish themselves during the Ottoman period, under much more difficult conditions than those faced by later immigrants. They created systems for supporting Torah scholars, maintained connections with Jewish communities abroad, and developed the infrastructure necessary for traditional Jewish life without any of the organizational or financial support that would later be available to Zionist settlers. The success of these early religious settlements serves as a historical testament to the continuous Jewish presence in and connection to the Land of Israel. While the Zionist movement would later promote the idea of making the desert bloom, these religious communities had already demonstrated the possibility of rebuilding Jewish life in the Holy Land through their faith and determination. The religious nature of these early communities shaped their character in fundamental ways. Unlike the later Zionist settlements, which often focused on agricultural development and political autonomy, these religious communities centered their lives around Torah study, prayer, and the fulfillment of religious commandments specific to the Land of Israel. Their presence maintained an unbroken chain of traditional Jewish life in the Holy Land that connected directly back to ancient times. The term Yishuv haYashan itself reflects the historical priority of these communities. By the time the Zionist movement began, these religious communities were already considered old in contrast to the new Zionist settlements. This terminology underscores the fact that organized Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel did not begin with Zionism but rather with these religious pioneers who arrived generations earlier. These early religious settlers faced enormous challenges, including poverty, disease, and political instability. Yet they persevered and built lasting institutions, many of which continue to exist today. Their achievement in establishing and maintaining these communities for over a century before the arrival of political Zionism demonstrates the depth and strength of the traditional religious connection to the Land of Israel. The historical record clearly shows that the organized return to the Land of Israel began not with political Zionism but with these religious movements of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Their success in establishing sustainable communities, driven solely by religious devotion, set important precedents for future Jewish settlement in the land, though their religious character and goals were fundamentally different from those of the later Zionist movement. This chronological priority of religious settlement over political Zionism remains an important historical fact that helps us understand the complex nature of modern Jewish presence in the Land of Israel. By the dawn of the twentieth century, the Yishuv haYashan (Old Settlement) of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community had developed into a well-structured and deeply rooted society. This community had spent generations building and refining their institutions, creating a complete religious infrastructure that supported every aspect of traditional Jewish life. The kehillah (community) structure they established was sophisticated and multifaceted, with organized systems for providing religious services, charity, and social support. These communities were led by renowned Torah scholars who served not only as spiritual leaders but also as guides in all aspects of communal life. These great rabbis, through their scholarship and leadership, helped maintain high standards of religious observance and learning while also dealing with the practical challenges facing their communities. The educational system they created was particularly noteworthy. Their yeshivos (advanced Torah academies) had become centers of intense Torah study, attracting scholars from throughout the Jewish world. The chadarim (elementary schools) and Talmud Torahs (religious schools) provided comprehensive religious education for children at all levels. These institutions were dedicated to transmitting traditional Jewish knowledge and values without any deviation from traditional methods or content, ensuring the preservation and continuation of authentic Torah education. This educational framework was remarkable for its comprehensiveness. From early childhood through advanced study, students received thorough training in Jewish texts, laws, and customs. The curriculum remained focused purely on religious studies, maintaining the traditional approach to Jewish education that had been developed over centuries in European Jewish communities. The success of these educational institutions was evident in the growing number of children they served and in the high level of Jewish scholarship they produced. The students who emerged from these schools were thoroughly versed in Jewish texts and traditions, prepared to carry forward the communitys religious way of life. This educational system played a crucial role in ensuring the continuation of traditional Jewish life in the Holy Land, creating new generations of scholars and community leaders who would maintain and strengthen these institutions. The religious communitys achievement in establishing such a complete and self-sustaining system of Jewish life and education, well before the arrival of modern Zionist settlements, demonstrated their success in recreating traditional Jewish community structures in the Holy Land. Their focus on maintaining undiluted Torah education and traditional Jewish life created a strong foundation that would enable their community to maintain its distinct character even as new waves of Jewish immigration brought different approaches to Jewish life in the Land of Israel. This well-established community, with its developed institutions and strong leadership, would prove crucial in preserving traditional Jewish life in the Holy Land through the many changes and challenges that the twentieth century would bring. The strength of their institutions and the clarity of their educational approach helped ensure the survival and growth of traditional Jewish life in the Holy Land, maintaining an unbroken chain of Torah tradition in the land of their ancestors. Historical Context of Current Tensions This historical reality makes the current anti-Charedi sentiment not just politically problematic but historically ironic. These communities were maintaining Jewish continuity in the land of Israel through periods of extreme hardship, preserving Torah learning and Jewish tradition when such dedication required tremendous sacrifice. To now treat them as if they are somehow less legitimate or less committed to the welfare of the Jewish people in Israel represents a tragic misreading of history and a fundamental injustice to those who maintained Jewish presence in the Holy Land long before the modern state came into being. The parallel with Native Americans helps illuminate the deep ethical problems with attempting to forcibly reshape communities that predate the current political structure. Just as we now recognize the profound injustice of historical attempts to forcibly assimilate Native American communities, we should be equally troubled by attempts to coerce change in Charedi communities that have maintained their traditional way of life in the Holy Land for generations before the modern state existed. PART II The deep and painful divide between Israels Chareidi communities and its other communities both secular and national religious stands as a festering wound in the nations social fabric, one whose consequences have become increasingly apparent with each passing crisis. This division, far from being a mere theological disagreement, has profound implications for Israels national security and social cohesion. In Part I we discussed the moral issues involved in forcibly drafting a community that pre-dated a newer community. But there is a crucial difference when there is an existential imperative. The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 5:1) thus writes that one of the three categories of milchemes mitzvah (in addition to waging war against Amalek, and war against the Seven Nations of the Land of Israel) is saving members of Klal Yisroel from their enemies. This is in any Yishuv and it certainly applies in Eretz Yisroel In the post October 7th world, there is a clear halachic imperative that calls upon every Jew to defend their brethren from murderous attacks. This sacred duty has manifested itself three times previously: In the desperate battles of 1948 during the existential crisis of 1967 throughout the harrowing days of 1973, And, of course, most recently in the aftermath of the catastrophic security failures surrounding the October 7th atrocities. There is a problem, however. How can untrained people all of a sudden come to their brethrens aid and fulfill the Rambam in Hilchos Malachim? The Chareidi Dati Leumi world and the Dati Leumi world have opted to join up with the IDF in either a frum Battalion or in the regular forces. The Chareidi world and their leaders have not, and that is perhaps because of the historical record. And the historical record speaks volumes: secular Zionists and IDF leadership have demonstrated, time and time again, a deeply troubling pattern of marginalizing and dismissing their observant brothers and sisters. The manifestation of this deeply entrenched antipathy permeates every aspect of military service. For decades, an impenetrable glass ceiling loomed over most observant Jewish soldiers, crushing their aspirations for advancement within the IDF. Even now, with just two observant generals serving, this ceiling has merely cracked rather than shattered completely. The supposedly accommodating policy regarding prayer time has become a source of bitter resentment, as the IDFs poorly conceived implementation forces secular soldiers to shoulder additional burdens while their observant comrades pray, creating unnecessary tension and division. The treatment of Shabbos observance represents perhaps the most egregious assault on religious dignity. For observant Jews, the Sabbath carries the same weight and significance as a national flag does for any patriotic people. Yet week after week, IDF procedures and protocols force observant Jews to metaphorically trample their own flag through expected Shabbos violations. While the principle of Pikuach Nefesh (preservation of life) rightfully supersedes Sabbath observance, the arrogance of secular IDF staff in appointing themselves arbiters of these deeply religious matters matters for which they show utter contempt is nothing short of shocking. The state of Kashrus in IDF facilities stands as a testament to institutional indifference. The rampant mixing of milk and meat, the barely existent adherence to Kashrut standards, and widespread certification fraud effectively force observant soldiers to choose between proper nutrition and religious conviction. The IDFs aggressive push toward gender integration, while perhaps well-intentioned, has become a cudgel with which to bash religious sensibilities. The disgust and derision shown toward those uncomfortable with mixed-gender situations, forced exposure to womens singing, and numerous other provocations some seemingly intentional create an environment of hostility rather than unity. The requirement for special permission to maintain traditional dress codes subjects observant soldiers to the whims of commanders who often harbor open disdain for religious practices. The pervasive influence of secular Zionism, with its misguided attempt to replace divine connection with nationalist fervor, has created deep spiritual conflicts. Perhaps most destructively, some Israelis actively foment hatred toward the Chareidi population for their non-participation in national defense a situation ironically created by the very institutions now condemning it. The tragedy lies in the missed opportunity: the government and IDF could have easily created a separate infrastructure for observant Jews, similar to Mishteret Israels independent yet cooperative relationship with the IDF. Historical precedent exists in abundance, from World War Two to numerous multinational operations where armies operated under separate administrations while pursuing common goals. Menachem Begins vision for the Altalena could have provided a blueprint for such cooperation. Instead, in one of the darkest chapters of Israeli history, future IDF leadership chose to open fire on their own brothers, spilling Jewish blood in a horrific display of internal division. So what is the answer? Todays fractured reality is the bitter harvest of decades of deliberate marginalization and dismissal of religious concerns. However, hope does remain. Through the establishment of something akin to a National Guard entity specifically designed for the religious population, with an independent administration mirroring, say, Mishteret Israels model, these seemingly insurmountable divisions could begin to heal. This administration should not be a sham, but rather it should be made up of Chareidi individuals who realize that there is a Rambam Hilchos Malachim perek hay obligation. The independent administration is absolutely key. Such an organization would enable the Chareidi population to fulfill their halachic obligation to defend their fellow Jews during such a time of existential crises, while maintaining their religious and theological integrity and independence. The current crisis demands nothing less than this bold reimagining of how Chareidi Jews can serve their nation during an existential crisis without compromising their Torah observance. The author can be reached at [email protected] The views reflected in this op-ed do not necessarily represent those of YWN. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review. Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant excoriated former Defense Minister Moshe Bogie Yaalon for claiming that Israel is carrying out ethnic cleansing in the northern Gaza Strip. Yaalons words are lies that aid our enemies and harm Israel, Gallant stated on Sunday. I saw the IDF soldiers and commanders up close when I led the difficult war against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. The IDF operated according to the highest standards applicable in the complex and difficult war forced on us. Orders and directives were always given in accordance with the law and the spirit of the IDF. I suggest to Yaalon not to disgrace his security past, learn the facts, retract his statements, and apologize to the IDF soldiers, Gallant concluded. In an interview with Democrat TV on Motzei Shabbos, Yaalon, who also served as an IDF Chief of Staff, said: We are currently being dragged to occupation, annexation and the carrying out of ethnic cleansing. Look at the northern Gaza, transfer, call it whatever you want to settle there a Jewish yishuv. Thats the issue. We must not be confused because those who want to confuse us are leading us to nothing less than destruction. After all, what is happening there? There is no Beit Lahiya, there is no Beit Hanoun, operations are currently taking place in Jabaliya they are essentially clearing the area of Arabs. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has confirmed plans to enforce restrictions on mosques using loudspeakers to broadcast the Adhan, the Islamic call to prayer. The measure, first reported by Channel 12, grants police the authority to enter mosques, seize loudspeaker equipment, and issue fines for violations. Ben Gvir defended the policy in a post on X, stating he is proud of the initiative, which he claims will eliminate unreasonable noise from mosques, which have become a hazard for the residents of Israel. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Labor MK Gilad Kariv warned on X that Ben Gvirs actions endanger the State of Israel and cautioned that his policies could escalate tensions, writing, he wont stop until in the end, a match sets the barrel on fire. Hadash-Taal MK Ahmad Tibi also denounced the move, accusing Ben Gvir of building his base on hatred and persecution of Arabs and holding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accountable for what he described as the pyromaniac ministers rampage. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The White House is actively working on a potential ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza, though no deal has been finalized yet, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told NBC. The announcement comes amid ongoing violence and high-level regional discussions about the crisis. We are working actively to try to make it happen. We are engaged deeply with the key players in the region, and there is activity even today, Sullivan said, according to an NBC transcript. There will be further conversations and consultations, and our hope is that we can generate a ceasefire and hostage deal, but were not there yet, he added. Sullivan emphasized President Joe Bidens close coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the matter. He also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu that day (of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire), and Prime Minister Netanyahu told him he agreed, the time is right. The moment is now, Sullivan said, referring to efforts for a truce between Israel and Hamas. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan tells CNN that the ceasefire in Lebanon makes a deal to end the war in Gaza more likely than it was before. When asked if Sen. Lindsey Graham saying President-elect Trump wants a Gaza ceasefire deal before inauguration helps or hurts the negotiations, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says the key thing motivating Hamas is not American politics or the American presidential transition. But Sullivan adds there has been very good coordination between the Biden administration and the Trump transition team on all of the aspects of the crisis in the Middle East. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A senior Syrian rebel official has revealed that last weeks surprise offensive against Syrias military coincided with the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the timing, according to the rebel leaderidentified by Israels Channel 12 only as Ywas calculated to counter the anticipated movement of Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters fleeing from Lebanon into Syria. The rebel official said that the renewed offensive against Syrian President Bashar Assads forces aims to prevent Hezbollah from establishing a permanent presence in the region. We will not allow Irans proxies to entrench themselves in our liberated areas, he said, referring to territories under rebel control in provinces like Idlib and Aleppo. The official said the rebels broader goal is to overthrow the Assad regime and create a unified Syria that would maintain peaceful relations with its neighbors, including Israel. It will be a country based on equality and justice for all Syrian citizens without exception, he added. Exiled Syrian opposition leader Fahad Al Masri also called on Israel to take decisive action against Iran and its proxies in Syria. We urge the Israeli leadership to strike Iranian-backed militia positions in Homs, Damascus, and near the Lebanon border, Al Masri told Channel 12. This will weaken Hezbollah and Irans influence in Syria. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) By Rabbi Yair Hoffman The breathtaking complexity and intellectual rigor of the field of Kashrus often goes unappreciated, even by those well-versed in Jewish law. Deep within this vast ocean of knowledge lies an absolutely riveting debate that captures the essence of how nuanced this field truly is: Does a particular ligament count among the crucial 16 tendons that render a chicken treif? This fascinating controversy pits two towering giants of halachic scholarship against each other the brilliant Rav Shmuel Vosner ztl (pictured on the right) and the masterful Rav Meir Brandsdorfer ztl (on the left). What follows is nothing short of a intellectual feast a careful translation of their remarkable responsa, each one a masterpiece of logical reasoning and deep analysis. But the story doesnt end there! To uncover current practice, this author had the extraordinary privilege of consulting with none other than Rav Avrohom Rubin himself, shlita universally acknowledged as the worlds preeminent authority on Tzumas HaGiddin. Though this rich topic could fill volumes, in the interest of brevity, it has been distilled into less than 7,500 words. And as for Rav Rubins illuminating response? Stay tuned until tomorrow. Rav Shmuel Vosner ztl Shaivet HaLevi Vol. IX #149 I was asked by distinguished rabbis and those responsible for kosher supervision in poultry slaughterhouses regarding the number of tendons relevant to determining treifah (non-kosher status) in the tzomes hagidin (tendon junction) of fowl, which Chazal defined in Tractate Chullin 76b as having sixteen tendons in birds. According to the legal ruling in Siman 56, we follow the Rambams opinion that if even one of these tendons is majority severed, the bird is treif (non-kosher). 5 89 The Question The doubt that arose among these rabbis stems from finding a very small tendon in the junction area that doesnt extend like the other tendons from the knee joint downward, but rather runs from bottom to top until it disappears into the flesh. Instead, it emerges from the cartilage above the knee joint and is very small, less than a fingers width. Runs Horizontally It doesnt run from bottom to top but rather horizontally, forming a kind of small loop above the actual tendons, and ends immediately at the bottom of the shin bone. Although visually it might resemble a tendon in color and quality, its location, size, and shape bear no resemblance to the other tendons. Some wish to be stringent and count this among the sixteen tendons, since without it they are missing one from the total count. However, I am inclined to disagree. Analysis Part 1 The Rambam writes in Laws of Ritual Slaughter, Chapter 8, Law 14: The number of these tendons in a bird is sixteen, beginning from the bone below the extra toe until the end of the leg. This clearly excludes the aforementioned tendon that begins above the knee joint and doesnt run along the leg at all. Although it is known that the early authorities testified that the Rambam retracted this language, that was because the scales bone isnt relevant to tendon junction injuries except above it, but the reality and nature of the tendons remains unchanged. Ravads Position The Ravad wrote there: It is true that they descend downward, but they connect and strengthen at the knee joint, and from there they provide life and sustenance to the body. None of this applies to that small tendon. Further Analysis The Rashba writes in his Toras HaBayis that while the upper limit of the tendon junction in birds isnt explicitly defined, one could say they follow the same rules as small cattle, otherwise they would have needed to specify differently. They Would Have Mentioned it If there were such a distinction among the sixteen tendons in birds, where one runs horizontally for a small distance less than a fingers width and ends approximately where the other fifteen begin, how could our teachers have omitted this from us? Furthermore, bird tendons are not like those of small cattle, where this phenomenon is not found at all. The Rans Position The Ran states that the measure of the tendon junction in birds extends from the beginning of the shin bone that connects to the leg until they are absorbed into the flesh, after which they no longer have the status of tendon junction. The Raah wrote similarly. If this applies only to fifteen strands but the sixteenth already ends at the beginning of the shin and isnt absorbed into the flesh, and its structure and form are completely different from the other tendons, how could our teachers have placed such a stumbling block before us? Rather, there is certainly no room for doubt here. The Holy One, Blessed be He, created this small cord to connect and tie the knee joint with the shin or to tie and strengthen the tendons below, but it does not provide vitality to the body as the early authorities defined regarding the other tendons. The Meiris View Consider also the Meiris language on this matter. He writes: And in birds, its measure is also from the head of the middle knee joint until it begins to enter the flesh in the bone called gainul, and this too is white but not entirely white, as when they begin to enter the flesh they start to redden. Mar bar Ashi was slightly more stringent, holding that when they begin to enter the flesh they are not yet red but rather have an intermediate, luminous color. All these signs and color progressions are absent in this small cord that forms a small loop. The Meiri later writes, after explaining the fineness of bird tendons, that they extend as we explained regarding animals until they begin to enter the flesh. The Rashbas Response See also the Rashbas response in Siman 36 regarding bird tendon junctions, where he explains why the Talmud didnt specify the measure of bird tendon junctions. He writes that this was due to the great variance in bird sizes, from very small to very large birds, and therefore they gave a sign based on small cattle to clarify the matter for both small cattle and birds. If you were to say that this small cord is one of the sixteen tendons in birds something we never learned anything similar about in small cattle, where they properly extend into the bones flesh above then they came to explain but failed to clarify such a fundamental point about birds. The Eshkols Position In the Sefer Eshkols section on eighteen types of treifot, it states: In birds their number is sixteen; if one of them is severed in the majority it is treif. They begin as in animals, and from where they are absorbed in the flesh they no longer have the law of tendon junction. That small tendon neither begins where animal and fifteen bird tendons begin, nor is it absorbed into the flesh. Contemporary Views I have also seen the Teshuvas Maharsham, Volume 1, Siman 110, but nothing can be derived from there. On the contrary, the discussion there completely ignores this loop tendon, as it never occurred to him to consider such a thing as one of the sixteen tendons that provide vitality to the bird. Conclusion ll the language of the early authorities regarding this tiny tendon, which is distinct in its smallness and simplicity and doesnt run from bottom to top at all, clearly requires by Torah logic that it is not part of the tendon junction. If one of the sixteen tendons is missing, this is due to lack of expertise, not because the count should be completed by something that isnt a junction tendon at all. Anyone who wishes to be stringent about this must bring decisive proof to contradict all of the above. Final Note My dear friend, the distinguished and complete scholar Rabbi Avraham Rubin of Rehovot, in his precious book Amudei Shesh on the laws of bird tendon junctions, Chapter 1:6, wrote to consider this small tendon as one of the sixteen tendons stringently, and cited my name as if I too was concerned about this. While this may be so, I have now studied the topic as above and seen that matters clearly lean toward leniency. As long as there is no proof to be stringent, the matter remains in its presumption of kosher status. One who wishes to be stringent for themselves may do so, but should not impose this on others. Rav Meir Brandsdorfer ztl Knei Bosem Vol. II #40 With Hashems help. In the holy city of Jerusalem, may it be built and established, Tuesday when it is good was repeated, in the portion Behold I give him My covenant of peace, 15th of Tammuz 5739. Greetings and blessings to my dear friend, the distinguished rabbi and scholar Rabbi Avraham Yisrael Rubin, may he live long and good years, Rabbi and decisor in Rehovot. The Question Regarding his question about the small tendon found on the inner side of the shin bone of the fowl near the joint running horizontally across the bone at an angle, lying like a bolt across one of the other tendons that run along the bone lengthwise, whether it should be counted among the sixteen tendons or not. Analysis Part 1 In my humble opinion, I see no reason to doubt whether this small tendon should be counted among the sixteen tendons any more than the other tendons found there. The characteristics of the tendon junction are explicitly stated in Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah (Section 56:5) that they are white, hard, and thick as stated in the Talmud (Chullin 76a). It is explained in the Tur and Shulchan Aruch (ibid 56:9) that the characteristics of the tendon junction in fowl are the same as in animals, except that in animals there are only three tendons, while in fowl there are sixteen tendons as explained in Shulchan Aruch (ibid 56:7-8). The later authorities have already determined that the tendon junction of fowl is universally accepted to be both in front and behind the leg, and experience shows that they also extend to the sides of the leg externally, and somewhat to the inner side of the leg, and among all of them there are only sixteen tendons and no more. Detailed Analysis of the Tendon Count One who wishes to understand the fundamentals of these matters and examines carefully the reality and nature of the tendon junction in fowl will see that it is more reasonable to say that this small tendon is indeed part of the tendon junction and completes the count of sixteen tendons, since it has all the characteristics of the tendon junction being white, hard, and thick more so than other tendons found there that lack these characteristics. This is particularly true according to what is written in the Daat Torah (end of subsection 4) that he checked and found in geese and chickens that there are eleven on the outer side and five on the inner side. One who carefully examines the reality of the inner tendons of fowl will find only four tendons there (besides this small tendon) that could reasonably be considered part of the tendon junction: one somewhat wide tendon lying along the sides of the bone which splits into two near the lower joint appearing like a fork, another tendon slightly in front of it, and two other tendons in front of those opposite the middle of the bone, and this small tendon is the fifth one. Additional Analysis of Other Tendons Beyond these five tendons, there are several other very thin tendons found there which are not likely to be counted among the tendon junction since they are not hard and thick like the other tendons. There is also one tendon found there that differs in its nature from the other tendons it is not as thick as the other tendons, is harder than the other tendons, is attached to the shin bone, and does not stretch like the other tendons. It seems reasonable that this too is not part of the tendon junction. Blood Vessels and Other Considerations There is also one tendon that is neither white nor hard like the other tendons, and logic suggests that it is merely one of the blood vessels and not part of the tendon junction, as written by the Beit Yosef (beginning of section 56) in the name of the Rashba and Ran, who wrote in the name of the Raavad that among the inner tendons there are other strands which are blood vessels, and they are not white like those called the tendon junction, nor are they strong and hard like them. Although the Raavad was speaking there about the tendon junction of animals, it is possible that the same applies to fowl. Further Analysis of the Tendon Count This is what appears to me initially based on the words of the Daat Torah who wrote simply that he checked and found in geese and chickens that there are eleven on the outer side and five on the inner side. According to this, we must say that the other tendons found on the inner side are not counted among the tendon junction. However, regarding the main point that the Daat Torah wrote simply that there are eleven tendons on the outer side, this requires investigation in my humble opinion, since in reality only nine tendons are found there. It appears he wrote this based on what he wrote there that among those tendons on the outer side, there are two that are wide at their beginning for about a fingers width and afterward split into two. Thus, each of these two tendons counts as two, making eleven tendons on the outer side. Discussion of Measurement Standards In my humble opinion, this requires investigation according to what we hold regarding measuring the tendon junction in fowl within a fingers width from where they begin, as written by the Rama (ibid section 9), and as he himself wrote (subsection 14). Thus, it follows that in the place where the treifah status of the tendon junction applies, namely within a fingers width from where they begin, there are only fourteen tendons there, and only after a fingers width from where they begin, where the treifah status of the tendon junction no longer applies, do they split and become sixteen. This cannot be accepted as stated because it explicitly emerges from the words of the Talmud (ibid 76b) and in the Shulchan Aruch (ibid section 8) that in fowl there are sixteen tendons, and if one of them is severed it is treif. Thus, it is clearly explained that in the place where the treifah status of the tendon junction applies, there must be sixteen tendons. Analysis of Intertwined Tendons Furthermore, in my humble opinion this entire matter requires investigation, as it is explained in the Shulchan Aruch (ibid section 6) that those tendons that are absorbed within each other like male into female are not included in the tendon junction. This originates from the words of the Raavad brought by the Beit Yosef (ibid) who explained thus what Abaye said (ibid 71a) that absorbed ones are not part of the tendon junction. It is obvious that this law applies to fowl as well, and so it is explicitly explained in the words of the Meiri. The Meiris Position The Meiri states: In fowl there are many tendons, numbering sixteen, and they are all thin. There is no specificity whether they are on the inner or outer side and they are all called tendons, except that some are absorbed into others and are not counted as tendons, neither for completing the count nor for the laws of prohibited tendons. One can see that this is indeed true, as two of the nine outer tendons in fowl are absorbed throughout their length from their beginning until above the place where the tendon junctions treifah status applies, within one wide tendon. (However, the Meiris words require investigation as they suggest there are several such tendons that are absorbed into each other, while in reality only one such tendon is found containing two other tendons.) Numerical Analysis According to this, there are only eight tendons on the outer side of the fowls leg, and thus three tendons are missing from the count of sixteen tendons of the tendon junction. Therefore, we must say that the three inner tendons I mentioned above, which seemed unlikely to be part of the tendon junction, do complete the count of sixteen tendons meaning there are eight outer tendons and eight inner tendons. This contradicts what the Daat Torah wrote that there are eleven tendons on the outer side and five on the inner side, unless we say that these two tendons that split into two count as two even though within the measurement where the treifah status of the tendon junction applies they appear as one, because they can be split into two. Discussion of Rashis Position This is similar to what we find with Rav Ashi who checked and found fifteen, and there was one that was twice the size of its companions he split it and found two. Nevertheless, even according to this, one tendon is still missing from the count of sixteen, and therefore one of the three inner tendons mentioned above must complete the count. Practical Implications However, in practice there isnt much of a practical difference for us since we are not anyway expert in checking the tendon junction in fowl, as written by the Rama (ibid section 9). Therefore, even if we assume these tendons are not part of the tendon junction, neither for completing the count nor for the laws of prohibited tendons, certainly this deficiency in these tendons is no less severe than any other complete deficiency in the place of the tendon junction, where we dont rely on our examination because it is difficult to check and becomes invalid easily, as written by the Rama. Exception for Large Fowl Nevertheless, there is practical relevance even for us regarding checking the tendon junction in large fowl like turkey and the like, where we do rely on our examination as written by the Pri Megadim and other later authorities. In these cases, we require all tendons to be complete and intact, including even those tendons mentioned above which seemed unlikely to be part of the tendon junction. This is explained in the Bachs words that even where we rely on our expertise in checking the tendon junction, this is only when we find all sixteen tendons. Detailed Requirements If one checks and finds only fifteen tendons and one appears thick to him, he should not split it and separate it into two. For although we find that Rav Ashi did this, we are not expert in this splitting and separation into two. Even one who is expert in checking the tendon junction should not rely on this to separate them, as written by the Bach. The Beit Yosef wrote similarly in the name of the Rokeach, and so wrote the Daat Torah. Further Analysis of Expertise Requirements It has already been explained above that only by combining all the outer and inner tendons together is the count of sixteen tendons completed without needing to rely on splitting. Therefore, we require all tendons to be complete and intact without any deficiency, and without this we do not rely on our expertise in checking the tendon junction even in large fowl, since we dont rely on splitting. Conflicting Opinions Furthermore, it appears that since we have no clear ruling in the words of the authorities regarding which tendons are counted among the sixteen and which are not, and their words contradict each other for the Daat Torah wrote that he checked and found eleven tendons on the outer side and five on the inner side, while in the name of the Chiddushei HaRazah he wrote that he checked and found three tendons on the outer side and thirteen on the inner side (which seems astonishing as it appears to contradict reality), and I have already shown above that one could argue there are eight tendons on the outer side and eight on the inner side therefore, for each and every one of the tendons found around the leg in the place where the treifah status of the tendon junction applies, we must be concerned that it is among the sixteen tendons, and we require all of them to be complete and intact without any deficiency. Variations in Tendon Characteristics Although there are several tendons among them that differ somewhat in their nature and are not white, hard, and thick like the other tendons, nevertheless, it is not universally agreed that the tendon junction of fowl must exactly resemble in appearance and touch the tendon junction of animals. What is written in the Shulchan Aruch that the characteristics of the tendon junction in fowl are like those in animals, which originates from the Tur in the name of the Rashba in Torat HaBayit, primarily refers to the sign of where the tendons extension ends, not to the characteristics of the tendons themselves. The Raahs Position As the Raah wrote in Bedek HaBayit regarding what the Rashba wrote about the characteristics of fowl tendon junction being like those of animals: This is incorrect, for the characteristics of animal tendon junction do not apply to fowl at all. In animals where there are three that are considered the tendon junction and there are others, these characteristics apply. But in fowl where all are tendon junction, these characteristics dont apply. Rather, the main point regarding fowl is that once they are absorbed into the flesh, they no longer have the status of tendon junction. Resolution of Contradicting Views The Rashba in Mishmereth HaBayit responded to this that his intention too was only to mark the place where the tendons extend, and the Raah didnt understand his intention in this. From both their words it is clear that in fowl, all are considered tendon junction. The Meil Tzedakas Analysis The Meil Tzedaka (Siman 37) has already elaborated on explaining the words of the Rashba and Raah, writing that the Raah had a different version of the Rashbas words, as brought in the Kesef Mishneh in his name. The version states: The Rashba further wrote that the measure of tendon junction in fowl is reasonably assumed to have the same characteristics mentioned regarding small cattle, because regarding small cattle no fixed measure was given but rather characteristics were given regarding their body, their thickness, and their appearance, and these are the same characteristics in fowl as well. Further Discussion of the Rashbas View From this language it is clear that the Rashba held that the characteristics of the tendons themselves in fowl are exactly similar to the characteristics of tendons in animals. The Raah properly objected to this, saying that in fowl all are considered tendon junction. Nevertheless, he concludes there that according to the law, even the Rashba agrees with the Raah that all are considered tendon junction, and he checked and found there are no more than sixteen tendons. Even if perhaps more are found, we still require all of them to be complete and intact, as he explains there with reasoning, and his words are cited in the Daat Torah. Additional Considerations See further in Daat Torah where he wrote simply that the sign of whiteness is not effective at all in fowl. He wrote this based on the words of the Darchei Moshe in the name of the Issur VHeter, who wrote in the name of the Rosh that the tendon junction in fowl are thin and red. Thus it is clear from all this that in fowl all are considered tendon junction even if they differ from the characteristics of animal tendon junction. The Yad Yehudas Position Indeed, in the Yad Yehuda, he wondered about this regarding the Issur VHeter who wrote this in the name of the Rosh, as this is not found at all in the Roshs words. The Rosh only wrote that there are sixteen tendons. It is evident from his words that he held that the characteristics of fowl tendon junction are like those of animals also regarding the body of the tendons that they are white, hard, and thick. Further Analysis of Tendon Characteristics Nevertheless, regarding the main point, it is clear from his words that he agrees that in fowl all are considered tendon junction and there are only sixteen tendons which surround the entire leg, as written by the Rambam in his Commentary on the Mishnah: Those tendons that surround the fowls leg which are similar to these extra ones (the Rambams intention here is that they are similar to the tendon junction of animals) and they are sixteen He also brought the above-mentioned language of the Raah, from all of which it is clear that among all of them together there are no more than sixteen tendons and all are considered tendon junction. The Raavans View I saw there that he wrote in the name of the Raavan that in fowl there are sixteen tendons and one of them is thick and splits into two and is counted as two if all are intact it is kosher and if one of them is severed it is treif. He wrote about this that it appears from the Raavans words that Rav Ashi did not check because of any deficiency, but only to know if it is true that sixteen tendons are found, and he saw that one was thick and split it and found that they were indeed two. Important Distinctions It appears from the Raavans words that this is so in all fowl and we dont actually need to split it, rather this is the way it is one is thick which typically splits and is counted as two. This is unlike the words of the Daat Torah who wrote that two of the outer tendons split into two. Further Analysis of Tendon Numbers According to the Raavans words, on the outer side of the leg there are only nine tendons besides the tendon that is absorbed within its companion which is not counted among the tendon junction. On the inner side there are seven more tendons that are part of the tendon junction. Thus, according to what was written above that there are eight inner tendons, we must say that one of them is not part of the tendon junction. If we say that the Raavan does not accept the Raavads position that tendons absorbed within each other are not part of the tendon junction, then we would need to say that two extra tendons on the inner side are not part of the tendon junction. Practical Application However, I wrote all this only for theoretical discussion, because we do not have the ability to determine which tendons are part of the tendon junction and which are not. We require all tendons surrounding the leg to be complete and intact without any deficiency at all, as explained above. Second Major Topic: Blood Clots Regarding what he further asked about finding a deficiency between the tendons, such as if blood clotted there or rot was found between the tendons if the deficiency passes after washing with water and no trace of the deficiency remains, is it kosher or treif? The source of this law is from what the Rama wrote that since we are not expert in checking the tendon junction of fowl because it is difficult to check and becomes invalid easily, therefore in any place where there is a wound in the place of the tendon junction, even if it is only swollen and blood has clotted, since it requires checking and we are not expert in fowl, it is treif. Analysis of Blood Clots and Defects The source is from the Issur VHeter, as explained in the Darchei Moshe. However, the Shach wrote in the name of the Levush that this applies only when the blood has clotted so much that the tendons are almost unrecognizable due to the blood, but for a small amount of clotted blood, why should we declare it treif when we see no deficiency in the tendons? He also wrote similarly in the name of the Maharshal in his commentary on the Issur VHeter and in his Yam Shel Shlomo that one needs to examine if it appears from the swelling that there is rot and decay and there is concern that one of the tendons was severed, then we should declare it treif. Implications of These Rulings It is explicitly clear from their language that even though the deficiency is not visible in the tendons themselves, but is only visible between the tendons, we are still concerned about the severing of one of the tendons, as the Rama wrote in his reasoning because it is difficult to check and becomes invalid easily. Therefore, the Maharshal, Levush, and Shach wrote that only with a significant deficiency where there is concern about tendon severing should we declare it treif, but with a minor deficiency, why should we declare it treif as long as we dont see any deficiency in the tendons themselves? Conclusions About Washing Away Defects Therefore, it seems simple and clear that even if the deficiency passes through washing and no trace of the deficiency remains, it still maintains its treif status even though no deficiency is visible in the tendons themselves. This is because even initially the treif status wasnt due to visible deficiency in the tendons themselves, but rather due to the deficiency around the tendons we are concerned about the tendons as well. Therefore, what difference does it make if the deficiency passed through washing with water? The original concern about the tendons remains in place, and this is obvious. Third Major Topic: Partial Severing Regarding what he further asked about if one of the tendons in fowl is severed or rotted only in its minority, whether it should be declared kosher or treif. This question is one of the most common in our time, particularly in those fowl where deficiency is clearly visible in the place of the tendon junction, especially in the wide tendon under the skin on the outer side of the leg in the place where tendon junction treifah applies, where it is damaged in its minority and begins to rot and break. Previous Rulings I have already written in my work Kneh Bosem (Vol. 1, Section 48) that even though to our eyes the majority of the tendon still appears whole and healthy, nevertheless it is treif, as written by the Daat Torah in the name of the Em LBinah that if rot has affected even a minority of the tendon junction itself, one should forbid it even in animals according to our practice. Source of the Em LBinahs Ruling The source of the Em LBinahs words comes from the Levushei Serad, as one can see upon examination. However, the Levushei Serad simply stated that when damage reaches the tendon junction itself, it is treif even in animals, without specifying whether he meant even if the damage reaches only a minority of one of the tendons it is treif, or only if it reaches the majority. Similarly, in the Em LBinahs Snifei HaShulchan, he left this matter unspecified. Detailed Analysis of the Law However, in the Em LBinah, he analyzes the intention of the Levushei Serad and deduces from what he wrote in his explanation that when some damage is visible in the tendon junction itself, it is certainly treif even in animals, for we are not expert in tissue deterioration, and whenever we see that damage has affected the place of the tendon junction itself, it is certainly treif. From this language of some damage in the tendon junction itself, it is proven that he means to say that even where the damage has affected only part of the tendon, it is treif. Different Types of Damage In the Snifei HaShulchan, he questions whether if part of one of the tendons in an animal is found cut, even in its minority, whether we should declare it kosher according to our practice. He suggests that perhaps the authorities only declared it kosher specifically when it was cut gently and one knows with certainty that no more was touched or damaged, but not when it is found this way and we dont know how it happened. Analysis of Expertise Requirements The Em LBinah clarified his doubt about this because although we are expert in checking the tendon junction in turkey and certainly in animals, nevertheless the Shach wrote that this leniency applies only when it has reconnected, since according to several authorities no examination is needed. Therefore, the Rama was lenient in considering us expert in examination. However, when it is still broken, since there is such a significant deficiency and examination is required according to most authorities, we should forbid it even in animals. Practical Implications Therefore, it seems clear that only in animals where we are expert in examination was this a matter of doubt. But in fowl, where we hold that with a complete deficiency in the place of the tendon junction it is treif because we are concerned that one of the tendons may have been damaged and we are not expert in examination, as written by the Rama, certainly when there is a deficiency in the tendon junction itself that requires examination, since we are not expert, it is treif. Further Considerations Nevertheless, he concludes that even in fowl there is room for doubt about this, because one could argue that only with a deficiency in the place of the tendon junction, just as we are not expert in checking the tendon junction, similarly we are not expert in discerning if the disease has affected the tendon junction. Disease is more noticeable in flesh than in the tendon junction itself, and since disease has affected around the tendons, we are also concerned about the tendons themselves. Distinction Between Types of Damage However, when there is no deficiency around the tendons but only the tendon is cut in its minority and the cut is clearly visible within the tendon, one could say that if it had spread further it would also be visible within the tendon and we are indeed expert in this. Nevertheless, he concludes that it seems to him more appropriate to be stringent rather than lenient in this matter. The Daas Torahs Position The Daas Torah wrote simply that for us, who are not expert in checking the tendon junction in fowl, even when a minority of the tendon is severed it is forbidden even in cases of significant financial loss. He wrote similarly in the name of the Kanfei Yonah to be stringent in this even regarding animals. Analysis of Different Types of Damage It is clear from their words that whether cut or severed, and whether rotted or damaged, even if only a minority of one of the tendons in the tendon junction is affected, it is treif for us who are not expert in checking the tendon junction. One who examines the words of the Em LBinah will see clearly that although in both of his doubts namely regarding a cut tendon minority and regarding a rotted tendon minority he ruled stringently even regarding animals, nevertheless it is clear that in the case of a rotted or damaged minority of the tendon, the matter was more obviously forbidden to him than in the case of a cut minority of the tendon. Explanation of Different Severities The distinction between these cases is explained in his words: Where it was severed due to disease and rot that affected the place of the tendon junction and the tendons themselves, even though the deficiency is only visible in a minority of the tendon, since we are not expert in tissue deterioration and flesh that a doctor would scrape away, we are concerned that the damage has spread further even though its not yet visible to the eye. This applies even to animals. However, in the case where a minority of the tendon was cut due to some cause not related to disease and rot, there was initially room to say that since the cut is clearly visible within the tendon to the extent it was cut, there is no reason to be concerned about more than this, for if it had spread further it would also be visible. Nevertheless, he ultimately ruled stringently in this case as well, even regarding animals. Further Opinions This is also clear in the words of the Daas Torah, who ruled stringently regarding cases where some rot has affected the tendon junction itself, even in animals, following the Em LBinahs ruling. However, regarding a cut minority of the tendon, he tended toward leniency at least for animals in cases of significant financial loss when the thick tendon remains intact. The Minchas Yosefs View Similarly, it is clear from the words of the MinchatsYosef that in the case of a cut minority of the tendon, he strongly questioned the fundamental position of the Em LBinah and elaborated his objections. Since no deficiency is visible except for what was cut from the minority of the tendon, we are indeed expert enough to discern that no more was cut. Resolution of the Minchat Yosefs Position Nevertheless, he ultimately agreed with the Em LBinahs ruling, suggesting that perhaps since counting the tendons is difficult and we are not expert, we should be concerned that perhaps one tendon was completely severed and we dont recognize it. However, when damage has reached the tendon junction itself, he cited the Em LBinahs words and simply wrote to distinguish between a cut minority of the tendon and a rotted minority of the tendon, stating that in fowl it is certainly treif, for if we are not expert in checking tendons with rotted flesh, how much more so with rot in the tendon itself. However, regarding animals he remained uncertain. The Kaf HaChaims Unusual Position I found something puzzling in the Kaf HaChaim regarding the Shulchan Aruchs ruling that if the majority of one of the tendons in fowl is severed it is treif. He wrote in the name of the Pri Toar that if it is exactly half, it is permitted. Then he wrote in the name of the Zivchei Tzedek that we are not expert in this and our practice is to declare treif any deficiency in the tendon junction of fowl, and even if to our eyes we see meut mizeir (very little) we declare it treif. Thus it is explicitly clear from his words that even with the slightest deficiency in the tendon junction of fowl we declare it treif. Analysis of Terminology Looking at the Zivchei Tzedek himself, who wrote in abbreviation that even though to our eyes we see mem ayin mem (which he interpreted as meut mizeir very little) we declare it treif, this is puzzling because from the flow of his language it appears more likely that he meant mechtzah al mechtzah (exactly half), meaning he was addressing the Pri Toars words that if it is exactly half it is permitted. He wrote that we are not expert in discerning that it is not more than half and even with exactly half we declare it treif. Further Analysis of the Kaf HaChaims Interpretation Perhaps the Kaf HaChaim arrived at his understanding of the Zivchei Tzedek because from the flow of his language it appears he wasnt speaking only about severance through cutting, but rather about any deficiency in the tendon junction, as he wrote our practice is to declare treif any deficiency in the tendon junction of fowl. Therefore, it seemed more appropriate to him that the abbreviation meant meut mizeir (very little). As explained above, there is a distinction between a cut minority of the tendon and other deficiencies in a minority of the tendon, where in this case everyone agrees that for us who are not expert in checking fowl tendon junction, even a minority makes it treif. Final Practical Ruling According to what has been explained, it seems simple in my humble opinion regarding the common deficiency found in our time in the wide tendon, that even with the slightest deficiency where it begins to rot or break, even though to our eyes the majority of the tendon still appears whole and healthy, for us who are not expert in checking fowl tendon junction, it is universally considered treif. Response to Common Arguments I have heard many argue that only with a slight deficiency in the thin tendons can we properly say that even though to our eyes it appears to be only a slight deficiency, we are still concerned that the damage may have spread further but is not yet visible. However, with a slight deficiency in the wide tendon where to the eye the majority of the tendon appears whole and healthy without any deficiency at all, particularly where only the slightest deficiency is visible and the entire tendon remains whole and healthy, we can rely on our expertise that the damage has not spread further and declare it kosher. Conclusion In my humble opinion, it is not appropriate to rely on this at all. Besides the fact that we dont find this distinction anywhere and none of the authorities mentioned this distinction, but rather stated simply that when damage reaches the tendon junction itself it is treif, the matter is inherently decisive that a slight deficiency in the wide tendon is more severe than a deficiency in one of the other tendons. This is according to what I brought above from the words of the Raavan that the thick tendon splits into two and is counted as two, and therefore with a slight deficiency in the wide tendon, even though the majority is still whole and healthy, there is concern that half or the majority of one of them has already been compromised. This is what appears to me in clarifying his questions. May the Holy One, blessed be He, help us not to stumble in matters of law and may we merit to arrive at proper legal conclusions, Amen. From me, your friend who seeks your well-being with an eternal love, Meir Brandsdorfer. The author can be reached at [email protected] BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. SOCAR Green, a subsidiary of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), will collaborate with American company Schlumberger (SLB) to conduct a thorough study of the geothermal energy potential in the countrys Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur economic regions, SOCAR said in a response to Trend. According to SOCAR, this partnership aims to expand the use of alternative and renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan, aligning with global trends in renewable energy adoption. SOCAR publicly announced its decarbonization goals during COP28, with a focus on increasing the use of geothermal energy. During COP29, SOCAR Green and SLB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore geothermal energy potential in Azerbaijan. "A key objective in achieving our energy transition goals is the expansion of alternative and renewable energy sources. To this end, during COP29, SOCAR Green and the American company SLB signed a MoU to jointly explore Azerbaijan's geothermal energy potential. The MoU outlines a commitment to fostering collaboration in renewable energy, with a particular focus on geothermal energy. Under the agreement, joint efforts will take place in Azerbaijan's Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions, as well as other parts of the country. Activities will include comprehensive studies of geothermal energy potential, resource assessment, feasibility evaluations, design work, and the selection of priority areas. This partnership is not only a significant step in advancing Azerbaijans green energy goals but also contributes to the broader expansion of renewable energy sources and the reduction of carbon emissions. With SLBs extensive expertise in geothermal energy, the cooperation is expected to introduce advanced design solutions, innovative approaches, and cutting-edge technologies to help accelerate the growth of renewable energy in Azerbaijan. Additionally, the agreement will facilitate a thorough exploration and assessment of the country's geothermal energy resources. Furthermore, this collaboration highlights SOCARs growing global reputation in the decarbonization efforts and underscores its pivotal role in Azerbaijans energy transition," the company said in its statement. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The IDF on Monday morning announced that Cpt. Omer Maxim Neutra, Hyd, 21, a lone soldier from New York, was murdered on October 7 and his body is being held hostage in Gaza. Omer, zl, served as a tank platoon commander in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade. One of the most disturbing images from October 7 shows Nukhba terrorists brutally pulling IDF soldiers from a tank they set on fire. Omer was the commander of that tank and was abducted along with his tank crew. Omer was thought to have been abducted alive but after new intelligence information recently came to light, the Military Rabbanut declared his death. Omer, Hyd, is survived by his parents, Ronen and Orna, and his brother Daniel. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The Shin Bet and the Courts Administration on Monday recommended that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahus testimony in his trial next week be moved from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. Netanyahu was scheduled to take the stand next week in his corruption trial at a courthouse in Jerusalem but following highly classified information about security issues, the case will likely be moved to a fortified underground room at the Tel Aviv District Court. After reviewing the various threats and based on relevant information, including some received from the IDF, and after advice from a security expert, we report our position is that the Prime Ministers testimony at this time at the Jerusalem District Court should be avoided, even if there is a safe room on the same floor of the building, the Shin Bet wrote. Shin Bet representatives presented top secret information to court officials on threats against Netanyahu amid the war in Gaza that pose challenges to his security. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The State Prosecutors Office on Monday submitted an indictment to the Haifa District Court against the four suspects who fired flares at Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahus home in Caesarea last month, causing a fire. Rear Adm. (res.) Ofer Doron, 63, his son Gal Doron, 27, from Zichron Yaakov, Itay Yaffe, 62, from Pardes Chana, and Amir Sadeh, 62, from Haifa, were charged with acts of terror, reckless use of fire, and attempted arson after they fired marine flares in the area of the Prime Ministers residence in Caesarea. Doron and his son were also charged with obstructing judicial proceedings and the prosecution requested their detainment until the end of the proceedings against them. The indictment states that the four defendants are members of the Caesarea Focus group, which organized demonstrations and protests, mainly about 150 meters away from Netanyahus private home in Caesarea, with the goal of exerting pressure on the government to prevent it from carrying out actions they opposed, and ultimately to bring about its overthrow. In September, Doron and Sadeh, leaders of the protests against Netanyahu, were summoned for a conversation with Shin Bet representatives who clarified the legal limits of the protests, including a clear message not to fire any pyrotechnics toward the Prime Ministers residence. Despite the warning, Doron and Sadeh planned to fire pyrotechnic devices above Netanyahus house. Doron obtained two expired marine distress flares, which contained incendiary material and gunpowder. These are flares that emit a burning body that produces fire and red smoke reaching a height of about 300 meters, lasting approximately 40 seconds with an intensity of 30,000 burning candles. The flare has the potential to harm the person operating it and can cause serious injury if it hits a person directly. On Motzei Shabbos, November 16, the four arrived at the meeting point in two vehicles, with Doron equipped with a bag containing the distress flares and gloves. They scanned the streets near the Prime Ministers residence and assessed the deployment of police forces in the area and security personnel around the house. From the meeting point, they walked for about a quarter of an hour along sandy paths, some of which were surrounded by vegetation, to avoid encountering police checkpoints and being captured by security cameras located in the area, with some of them turning off their mobile phones and others switching them to airplane mode. Approximately 270 meters from the Prime Ministers residence, Gal Doron and Yaffe launched the flares while wearing gloves, under the guidance of Ofer Doron, who filmed the launch on his phone with the aim of distributing the video on social media. The indictment states that all of this was carried by the defendants who were aware that the house is located in a residential neighborhood that contains additional homes and a childrens playground, and knowing that security personnel are located within the compound of the Prime Ministers house. It further states that the defendants acted in a reckless manner that could endanger human life or cause injury, driven by an ideological-political motive, in their view, to convey a message to the Prime Minister and the public, that the protest activity in Caesarea has not ceased, and to create a cumulative effect of significant pressure on the Prime Minister, which they believed will ultimately lead, in their opinion, to the advancement of the protests goals, while anticipating, as a likely close possibility, that the launch of the flares would instill fear or panic in the public, including among the people in the vicinity of the Prime Ministers house and even among the Prime Minister and his family, with the flare launch posing a real risk of serious physical harm. The defendants were aware of the possibility that their actions could cause a fire in a populated area, including the area of the Prime Ministers residence or its vicinity, as a likely near certainty, while taking an unreasonable risk of causing this outcome. One of the flares crossed the Prime Ministers residence and fell about 150 meters away from it, while still burning, into a bush adjacent to a security booth located at the site, igniting the bush and scorching its leaves. The guard who witnessed the fire and the smoke produced by the flare panicked, quickly left the booth to avoid harm, and reported it on the security details network. Following the report, another guard took a fire extinguisher and headed towards the booth, and then the second flare shot by the defendants landed about two meters from him, in the entranceway of the Prime Ministers residence, while burning in a large flame and emitting smoke and a beam of light. The guard rushed to extinguish the flare with the extinguisher, and a police officer put out the first dying flare that was still burning. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The Biden administration warned Israel it is violating the Lebanon ceasefire agreement, Ynet reported on Monday, a day after France issued the same message to Israel. According to the report, the message was conveyed to Israel by US envoy to the Middle East Amos Hochstein Hochstein delivered a message from the White House saying that the visible and audible return of Israeli drones to the skies over Beirut constitutes a violation of the terms. He also said that both Israel and Lebanon need to show restraint. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar spoke to his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot on Monday morning and explained that Israel was not violating the cease-fire agreement in Lebanon but enforcing it due to Hezbollahs violations. Hezbollahs presence south of the Litani is a fundamental violation of the agreement, Saar said. They must move north. He called on the Lebanese government to clearly authorize the Lebanese army to carry out the actions required of it under the agreement. Since Monday morning, the IDF has carried out three strikes against Hezbollah terrorists who were violating the ceasefire in southern Lebanon. IDF forces also fired a warning shot at Lebanese people approaching the border. Lebanese media reports on Monday said that the IDF carried out three separate strikes in southern Lebanon, and a motorcyclist was killed in what appears to be a targeted assassination. Lebanon claimed that the victim of the strike was a member of the Lebanese security services. Earlier on Monday, Lebanese army forces claimed in a statement that Israel attacked a military vehicle of the regular army in violation of the ceasefire agreement. According to the armys announcement, the attack was carried out using an Israeli UAV against a Lebanese military bulldozer while it was performing construction work near the border with Syria. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Hezbollah fired two rockets at the Mount Dov area on Monday afternoon for the first time since the ceasefire came into effect last week. The fire was likely directed at IDF positions on Mount Dov. There were no casualties. The projectiles landed in open areas. The IDF confirmed that the terrorist organization Hezbollah carried out two launches a short time ago towards the Mount Dov area which landed in open areas. There are no casualties. Meanwhile, as Hezbollah repeatedly violates the ceasefire, the Biden administration and France have accused Israel of violating the truce, accusations which likely emboldened Hezbollah. Shortly after the launch of the rockets, Hezbollah claimed responsibility, stating: On Monday evening, the Islamic resistance carried out a defensive response as a preliminary warning, aimed at the Ruwaisat al-Alam site of the Israeli enemy army in the occupied Shebaa farms. Hezbollah accused Israel of ceasefire violations that included what they said was fire directed at civilians and airstrikes in various areas of Lebanon, which led to the death of civilians and injuries to others. The statement added that this was in addition to the ongoing violation of Lebanese airspace by hostile Israeli aircraft all the way to the capital, Beirut, and the efforts of the authorities to stop these violations have failed. After a Hezbollah mortar attack on an IDF position in the Mount Dov area, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz both vowed a firm response. Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman responded to the report: Enough with the conceptzia. Only when the Israeli government understands that agreements cannot be made with terrorists only then will the State of Israel be able to restore deterrence and security for its citizens. We must not wait for this to cost us in blood. Earlier on Monday, Lebanon accused the IDF of violating the ceasefire, as soldiers who remained in Lebanon operated in various areas against Hezbollah, including destroying buildings and attacking gunmen. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Mid-market firms could add an extra 35bn to the economy by 2030 with the right support, according to NatWest. Paul Thwaite, the banks chief executive, has today led calls for a step change to help these companies, which already add 420billion in value to the economy each year. These firms with between 100 to 2,500 staff and turnover between 25m and 500m are the critical backbone of our economy. That is the verdict of todays report, by consultancy Oliver Wyman and NatWest. But a lack of united lobbying efforts and a worsening skills gap are among the challenges holding the sector back. Thwaite called for bold and sustained action to help these firms create a stronger, more inclusive economic future for us all. Critical: Mid-market firms with between 100 to 2,500 staff and turnover between 25m and 500m are the backbone of our economy Topps Tiles has hit back at a major shareholder who accused the firm of numerous failures and called for an overhaul of its management and strategy. MS Galleon, which owns a 29.9 per cent stake in Britain's largest tile retailer, warned the business was in 'significant danger' of losing further market share to rivals. In an open letter written by its managing director, Piotr Lipko, the Vienna-based company blamed Topps' leadership for multiple 'strategic missteps and operational failures.' Lipko claimed the business had displayed a 'complete failure' to adapt to the changing retail backdrop and had shown a 'continued lack of engagement and willingness' to listen to MS Galleon's concerns. He also lambasted Topps Tiles for a 'disastrous' takeover of CTD Tiles, whose brands and intellectual property, along with 30 stores, were bought out of administration in August. It urged the company to perform a 'comprehensive review' of its leadership and strategy to help create a more omnichannel and only-focused business. Boardroom row: Topps Tiles is battling its biggest shareholder MSG, which has called for its chairman to be ousted and for two representatives to take seats on its board The letter was published two days after the results showed Topps Tiles' slumped to a 16.2million pre-tax loss in the year ending 28 September following a 9.1 per cent drop in like-for-like revenues. MS Galleon said the group's sales had been comparably weaker than those of peers such as Wickes, Victorian Plumbing, and Screwfix owner Kingfisher. In response, Topps Tiles noted its like-for-like sales had remained flat since 2019 despite the broader UK tile market having contracted by around 20 per cent over the same period. Paul Forman, its chairman, said: 'Our latest results show that we continue to take market share, consistently outperforming the wider tile market despite very challenging trading conditions. 'We believe this demonstrates the effectiveness of our strategy, which has the full support of the board.' Under its 'Mission 365' strategy announced in May, Topps Tiles is targeting annual revenues of 365million and adjusted pre-tax margins of between 8 and 10 per cent over the medium term. The Leicestershire-based group hopes to achieve this by branching into new product categories, boosting B2B sales and developing the online Pro-Tiler and Tile Warehouse businesses. It said the CTD acquisition would 'significantly accelerate' its growth among B2B customers and was finalised after the 'appropriate' due diligence with advisors. Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, said that while Topps Tiles has robustly defended its strategy, 'with the share price close to decade lows, there are cracks in the facade of the company's argument.' He added: 'The current management argue they are taking share in a difficult market. 'However, doing less badly than the competition is not the most compelling argument to make, even if it is a valid one.' Topps Tiles shares were 0.25 per cent lower at 39.9p by midday on Monday, taking their declines this year to around 18 per cent. Thames Water has hired a turnaround specialist as it fights to avoid collapse and renationalisation. The stricken company has appointed Julian Gething in the newly created role of chief restructuring officer as it seeks to cut a deal with creditors and bring in fresh funds. Gething, 59, is a partner at turnaround consultancy Alix Partners who early in his career worked on the administration and wind-up of media tycoon Robert Maxwells publishing empire following his death in 1991. Thames Water has a huge debt pile that could stand at close to 18billion by March. Turnaround specialist: Thames Water has appointed Julian Gething in the newly created role of chief restructuring officer as it seeks to cut a deal with creditors The UKs biggest water and sewage firm, it has asked potential investors to submit rescue plans by Thursday this week. Castle Water, which was co-founded by Tory party donor and treasurer Graham Edwards, will offer to inject 4billion, according to Bloomberg. The boss of Londons AIM market has called for Labour to rule out any further tax raids after it was targeted in Rachel Reevess Budget. AIM was hit when the Chancellor halved the inheritance tax relief available on shares in the junior market from 100 per cent to 50 per cent. That was not as bad as some had feared, amid speculation that the business relief tax break would be abolished in its entirety for AIM shares. But the junior market which underperformed the rest of the London market ahead of the Budget amid the speculation has continued to struggle since then. AIMs boss, Marcus Stuttard, told the Mail that in order to close the gap investors must have reassurance that Reeves will not come back for more. He said: The market is looking for some certainty from government that there will be no further changes to business relief. Budget pain: London's Aim junior market was hit when the Chancellor halved the inheritance tax relief available on shares in the junior market from 100% to 50% AIM which is part of the London Stock Exchange Group argues that as a key platform for pioneering growth companies to raise funds where they might be scarce elsewhere, it makes an important contribution to the UK economy. It has enjoyed a range of benefits from tax relief schemes in recognition of the role that AIM plays in supporting this vital segment of the economy. But it is down by nearly 10 per cent over the past six months. That compares unfavourably with Londons blue-chip FTSE 100, which is roughly flat over the same period. Stuttard said: We have got really good quality businesses, we have got that scale, but what the market wants is that certainty. The comments came as Peel Hunt analysts predicted that, far from saving money as the Treasury intended, cutting tax breaks on AIM shares could end up costing more than 2billion. That is because the fall in value of the index of 7billion so far will mean less capital gains tax is paid on share sales, while the reduction in capital available to growth companies will mean fewer jobs. In September, accountants Grant Thornton reported that AIM companies contributed 35.7billion to UK GDP and directly supported more than 410,000 jobs. French borrowing costs spiked and the euro fell yesterday as the Paris government teetered on the brink of collapse and bleak figures revealed a further downturn for Europes manufacturing sector. The market turbulence came as Right-wing and Left-wing parties said they would back a no-confidence motion against prime minister Michel Barnier in the coming days. Barnier made a dramatic appeal to French MPs urging them not to back the move which would be the first time a French government has been brought down by a no-confidence vote since 1962. We are at a moment of truth, he said. The French will not forgive us for putting the interests of individuals before the future of the country. Yields on French ten-year bonds the return demanded by investors for lending to the government spiked, briefly overtaking those issued by Greece. The narrowing of the gap between the two countries borrowing costs illustrates how, while Greece has fought back from its chaotic debt crisis more than a decade ago, France Europes second biggest economy has sunk into the mire. Under fire: French Right-wing and Left-wing parties said they would back a no-confidence motion against prime minister Michel Barnier (pictured) in the coming days At the same time, the gap between French bonds and those issued by Germany has increased. That spread a gauge of the premium charged by investors for holding Frances debt widened to 0.9 percentage points last week, the highest since 2012, and rose close to that level again yesterday. The euro, meanwhile, dipped below $1.05 against the US dollar, closing in on a two-year low. Sterling surged close to 1.21 versus the euro in a boost for British travellers heading to the continent over Christmas. France has been pushed into political turmoil after snap elections earlier this year that gave no bloc a parliamentary majority. That has left Barnier struggling to pass a budget bill that sets out 50billion worth of tax hikes and spending cuts as he seeks to repair the countrys debt-laden public finances. The lack of support saw the prime minister say he would ram the bill through without a vote. That led National Rally leader Marine Le Pen to say she would put forward a no-confidence motion, with the Left-wing parties expected to do the same. It came as closely-watched purchasing managers index (PMI) showed the downturn in the eurozones manufacturing sector deepened last month. The PMI index, compiled by S&P Global and Hamburg Commercial Bank, sank from 46 in October to 45.2 in November on a measure where the 50-mark separates growth from contraction. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov has met with a delegation of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Communities Carlos Pinto Pereira, Trend reports. Meanwhile, it was noted that the meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministries of Energy and Natural Resources, as well as the State Oil Company of this country, along with Environment Minister of Guinea-Bissau Viriato Cassama. The meeting assessed the possibilities of cooperation in the energy sector in order to develop bilateral relations. Guinea-Bissau showed interest in Azerbaijan's experience in oil and gas production, geological exploration, energy transition, and decarbonization, and discussions were held on potential areas of cooperation. In the course of the talk, information was given about the projects of international importance implemented by Azerbaijan in conventional energy, including gas supplies to 12 countries. It was noted that Azerbaijan is achieving success in the field of energy transition and decarbonization and that the projects, for which more than 2 billion dollars of investments have been attracted in the shortest possible time and which are under implementation, are aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the installed energy capacity up to 33%. Moreover, such issues as the formation of a new legislative base, cooperation with international investors, the course on energy transition, and the creation of interconnectors of "green" energy between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, Europe, and Central Asia were discussed. The sides also exchanged views on COP29 energy initiatives, the information says. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Irelands Minister for Health has failed to be re-elected and has lost his seat in Wicklow, which he has held since 2011. Fianna Fails Stephen Donnelly is now one of the biggest casualties in the countrys election after he was eliminated in the early hours of Monday morning. He lost out to the Irish premiers running mate Richard Timmins, who secured the second seat for Fine Gael in the consistency. Mr Donnelly faced a tough fight to retain his seat in the constituency after boundary changes saw it reduced from five to four seats. Mr Timmins benefitted from a huge surplus from the party leader, after he topped the poll with 5,000 votes to share. Mr Donnelly had a long wait to have his fate confirmed at the count centre in Greystones, with counting finally ending shortly before 5.30am on Monday. Earlier, Mr Donnelly said it was always going to be very tight. We knew Simon (Harris) would take a huge vote, he said. The government vote, if you like, in the constituency was strong actually, but when you are sharing a constituency and hometown with a taoiseach and moving from a five-seater to a four-seater, when you put those two things together, obviously, it creates a lot of pressure. So I think we all knew it was going to come down to the final seat. It was going to come down to transfers. Mr Donnelly was first elected in the constituency as an Independent candidate in 2011. He went on to help co-found the Social Democrats in July 2015 with Roisin Shortall and Catherine Murphy. His popularity during the 2016 general election campaign surged, and he topped the poll in Wicklow as a member of the Social Democrats, with 14,348 first preference votes, representing a share of 20.9% of the vote. Soon after the election, he left the party following a number of disagreements with the co-leaders as he wanted the party to enter Government formation talks with Fine Gael. However, Ms Murphy and Ms Shortall opposed the move. After sitting as an Independent for a while, he then joined Fianna Fail in early 2017. This ultimately led to a dent in his votes in the 2020 general election when his share dropped to 7.7%. He was eventually elected on the 15th count after three days of counting. Mr Donnelly was appointed as Minister for Health by party leader Micheal Martin, and held the position throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. He oversaw the introduction of landmark legislation around mandatory disclosure for patients in the aftermath of the CervicalCheck controversy. In October, he said he was laser focused on having the 2.2 billion-euro National Childrens Hospital opened by the end of next year. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is advising consumers in Ireland who have vouchers for Homebase to use them as soon as possible to avoid being left out of pocket. Provisional liquidators were appointed to the UK-based parent company of the DIY retailer last month, sparking some concerns for customers in this country. In a statement the CCPC says it's aware of the concerns and that it is engaging with the liquidators who have confirmed that stores in Ireland will continue to accept gift vouchers during the "provisional liquidation phase" and have committed to honour outstanding orders. Consumers who have vouchers for Homebase are being advised to use any gift vouchers they have or risk being left out of pocket. READ NEXT: Christmas taxi fare hike slammed for unfair impact on workers Brian McHugh, chairman of the CCPC, said: "consumer calls and emails to our helpline raised concerns for CCPC consumer protection officers. We contacted Homebase's liquidators late last week to ensure consumers continue to be protected while stores are operating." Following reports of outstanding orders and confusion around consumer rights in Homebase stores in Ireland, the CCPC has acted to ensure consumers are protected and their rights upheld. Link for more information: https://t.co/Ki8ZvYEPnx pic.twitter.com/OV83J8ZibJ CCPC (@CCPCIreland) November 30, 2024 The CCPC says it expects customers in Ireland will begin to receive calls from this Monday in respect of any outstanding orders. To date, the appointment of provisional liquidators in the UK has not had any impact on staff working in the eight Homebase stores in Ireland. A court has cleared the way for the State to dispose of a cargo ship which was seized following one of the largest drugs' hauls in Irish history. The State has been paying 100,000 every week since the MV Matthew was seized in dramatic fashion when the specialist wing of the Irish Defence Forces, the Army Rangers, stormed it off the South Coast in September 2023. Working with customs officers, they seized 2.2 tonnes of cocaine, worth an estimated 157 million. Eight men are due to go on trial next year at the Special Criminal Court to face charges in relation to the haul. John Berry SC, for the State, previously told the court that the ship was formally forfeit to the State on November 19, 2023. The State had maintained the ship to allow access for the defence legal teams. READ ALSO: ALERT: Temperatures to plummet to -2 with 'frost and ice' forecast from Met Eireann At a hearing this Monday, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo ordered that the State is no longer obliged to make the ship available for inspection. The judge put a stay of two weeks on the order but has allowed the State to "put into train" the process of disposal immediately. None of the defence teams objected to the order but they will have an opportunity to raise any issues when the matter is mentioned before the court again next Monday. Mr Berry said the process of disposal is likely to take more than one month. Photo: Electronic Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) and the Cybersecurity Service under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport have signed a memorandum of cooperation, Trend reports via the Service. The memorandum seeks to coordinate collaborative efforts to enhance public understanding regarding information security, personal data protection, and regulations governing social media usage. As part of the agreement, the Cybersecurity Service will hold knowledge-sharing sessions, educational events, and training for students. Additionally, representatives of the service will participate as guest speakers at events organized by the university. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Press service of the President of Kyrgyzstan BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 2. The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov, has arrived in South Korea on an official visit, Trend reports citing the press service of the Kyrgyz President. According to the service, Zhaparov was welcomed at Seoul Airport by Cho Koo-rae, Vice Minister for Strategy and Intelligence at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with other senior officials. During his visit, bilateral talks are planned between President Zhaparov and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, as well as with the Speaker of the National Assembly of South Korea, Woo Won-shik. The leaders are expected to discuss the full spectrum of Kyrgyz-South Korean bilateral cooperation, and future development prospects, and exchange views on regional and international issues. Additionally, Zhaparov will meet with the President of the Assembly and Chairman of the Global Growth Institute, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The Kyrgyz President will also hold discussions with South Korean business leaders. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 2. The treaty on the deepening and expanding allied relations between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan has been ratified, Trend reports, citing the press service of the Kyrgyz president. Kyrgyzstans President Sadyr Zhaparov signed the law on the ratification of the treaty on Monday. The treaty was originally signed in Astana on April 19, 2024. The law was approved by the Kyrgyz Parliament on October 30, 2024. The primary objective of the treaty is to further strengthen the friendly relations between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan in the spirit of alliance and strategic partnership. The agreement supplements the Treaty of Eternal Friendship from April 8, 1997, and the Treaty on Allied Relations from December 25, 2003. It also opens new opportunities for the further development of bilateral cooperation. "The treaty will provide additional impetus to the comprehensive development of bilateral cooperation in the political, military-technical, economic, investment, transit-transport, water-energy, scientific-technical, and cultural-humanitarian fields, as well as in migration and environmental security between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan," the President's press service noted. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, December 2. The Rogun Hydropower Plant (HPP) in Tajikistan will enable the supply of energy to neighboring countries, Muhammad Al-Jasser, chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group, said during the 28th International Investment Conference in Riyadh, Trend reports. We just signed a $150 million loan a month ago to partially finance the Rogun Dam. The $6 billion dam will generate 3,750 megawatts of electricity for the surrounding countries of Tajikistan, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the CIS countries. This is a project of significant impact. We have another one in Pakistan as well, the Mohmand Dam, he said. The chairman advised the members that corporate governance, the predictability of policies, and the robustness of the regulatory framework in those countries are very important. He emphasized that investors have many options and will carefully select where to invest. Investors will prioritize low-risk opportunities over high-risk ones. He pointed out that the member countries have made progress in this area and are performing well, with the exception of those that are fragile or least developed. The organization is continuously working with these countries to elevate them to the level of the other member countries. Designed to generate electricity, regulate water flow, and reduce the risks of floods and droughts, the Rogun Hydropower Plant (HPP) serves a multi-purpose purpose. At 335 meters, it will be the tallest dam in the world. Tajikistan intends the facility to meet its energy needs and produce electricity for export to neighboring countries, thereby supporting the use of renewable energy and contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 2. Uzbekistan and China have tied the knot on an agreement to waive the visa requirements, making travel between the two countries a walk in the park, Trend reports. The document was signed during Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidovs visit to China. According to the fine print of the deal, citizens can waltz in and out without a hitch, skipping the visa hassle for a stretch of up to 30 days while passing through the lands of both nations. The international treaty enters into force after the parties have completed the necessary domestic procedures. To note, the number of Chinese citizens visiting Uzbekistan totaled 57,700 from January through October 2024. This figure has shot up by 63.1 percent, adding 22,300 people to the mix compared to the same stretch in 2023. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Over the Thanksgiving Holiday rising star activist local political activist Justice Horn shared a scathing social media rebuke of local political grassroots action. More importantly . . . Activist Justice Horn contends that collecting recall petitions at a local shooting range is a display of political intimidation that's racially motivated. This kinda thing might seem like standard social media beef but these kind of ALLEGATIONS CAN TURN SERIOUS VERY FAST if any threat against an elected official is suspected. And so . . . We share this publicly posted note citing the "Target Time" event along with the screencaps so that readers can judge for themselves . . . "I think its absolutely disgusting that folks are setting up shop at a shooting range in Blue Springs to collect signatures. "Frank is the first Black man to hold the office of County Executive and this move by those seeking to remove him screams passive racismand Ill say it, its plain racist." Check the screencap & read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com . . . Justice Horn: "Tactics like these are used and have been used to intimidate Black folks in the past and I see its still being use today." Developing . . . Cancer didn't kill this Kansas City, Kansas cop and so he reportedly/apparently turned the gun on himself. And it's very likely that he didn't do it because he was convinced of his innocence. Here's the roundup and confirmation regarding former po-po who CLEARLY didn't deserve to be remembered fondly . . . "The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said Gulobski died from a gunshot wound. The death is not being investigated as a homicide. He was 71 years old. "Law enforcement set up a crime scene outside Golubskis home on Monday morning for an investigation. A warrant had been issued for his arrest when he failed to appear in court on Monday morning." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Roger Golubski fails to appear at trial, declared dead as police respond outside home The Department of Justice alleges Golubski assaulted two teenage victims over several years in the late 1990s and into the 2000s. Court confirms death of Roger Golubski, disgraced former KCK detective scheduled to begin trial Monday Former Kansas City, Kansas, police detective Roger Golubski was set to stand trial beginning Monday. Ex-KCK detective Roger Golubski found dead before trial The federal trial for former Kansas City, Kansas police detective Roger Golubski was supposed to start Monday, but Golubski did not show up. On Sunday a small gathering of locals protested outside Independence, Missouri Police headquarters following the deadly police shooting a mother and her infant daughter during an altercation wherein officers were attacked with an extremely large kitchen knife. From our perspective . . . The story has reignited local divisions between some supporters of police and constant critics of law enforcement . . . In reality, most reasonable people want (and are willing to wait) for more police accountability and transparency on this case to ensure that the lives of other youngsters are protected in the future. For now, here's a roundup of tonight's coverage . . . "The Independence Police Department released an edited video of the moments leading up to their death last week as IPD said it was committed to transparency in this case. "The investigation by the Eastern Jackson County Police Involved Incident Team is still underway, but family members of Pike and Hope are asking for more information about how the situation escalated to Pike grabbing a knife and an officer shooting their gun at the two. "On Sunday, family members gathered alongside members of KC LEAP (Law Enforcement Accountability Project) asking for the IPD to release the full video unedited for all to see." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Family of mother and baby killed by Independence police call for full release of video from incident The family of Maria Pike and her baby Destinii Hope rallied outside of Independence Police headquarters Sunday and demanded transparency from investigators. Independence Police released highly-edited footage of the incident last week. Shooting victim's family 'still trying to heal' after body cam footage "They show the whole public the video a day before Thanksgiving?" asked Fellisha Holder, Destinii's aunt. Family of Independence mother and infant killed during police shooting gather for press conference Family members of Maria Pike, 34, and Destinii Hope, two months old, continue their search for accountability nearly one month after the two were shot and killed by an Independence police officer. Developing . . . As always, the biggest debate here isn't about the merits of the effort . . . But the placement of these facilities that are mostly in Northeast & East Side neighborhoods . . . Check-it: No one deserves to sleep on the streets any night of the year, said Doug Langner, the Executive Director of Hope Faith, a shelter in Kansas City. Dozens of people waited outside Hope Faiths doors for hours before the facility opened at 6 p.m., but the staff expected a full house later in the evening . . . Hope Faith has 135 beds, but that Kansas City as a whole needs more shelter beds for the homeless. Hope Faith also wants to turn its winter warming shelter into a year-round operation with the goal of ending the cycle of homelessness. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Kansas City's homeless shelters open for winter Homeless shelters across Kansas City opened for the first time of the winter season on Sunday. It's part of Zero KC's extreme weather plan to keep shelters open every night from December 1 to March 1, regardless of the temperature. 'Need is all over our city': Cold weather shelters across KC area long for capacity to meet growing need Cold weather shelters across the Kansas City area long for the capacity to meet the metro's growing need for homeless assistance services. Developing . . . TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 2. Uzbekistan completed bilateral negotiations on accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) with the Philippines, Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan on WTO Issues Azizbek Urunov wrote on his LinkedIn page, Trend reports. Despite it being Sunday, we had a signing ceremony on the conclusion of bilateral negotiations with the Philippines in Geneva at the Philippines mission, he said. He noted that the Philippines is one of four countries with which Uzbekistan finished negotiations past two months, making the total number of conclusions twenty-two, including the other three: El Salvador, the US and China. The working group for Uzbekistan's entrance to the WTO was formed in 1994. The procedure was officially reinstated after the fourth meeting of the working group in July 2020. Four additional meetings of the working group occurred between 2022 and 2024. Uzbekistan is gearing up to throw its hat in the ring for WTO membership before the 14th ministerial conference rolls around in Cameroon in 2026, according to Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev, who is at the helm of the country's delegation at the eighth meeting of the working group on Uzbekistan's bid to join the WTO. The WTO was established on 1 January 1995; however, its trading system dates back fifty years. The WTO comprises 166 members, representing 98 percent of global trade. All members have entered the system by agreement; hence, membership entails a balance of rights and responsibilities. More than 20 nations are in negotiations to join the group. All WTO members are required to undergo regular evaluations of their trade policies and procedures, with each assessment including reports from the respective country and the WTO Secretariat. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Here's a peek at "prayerful" efforts to overturn a recent election result for overtly religious reasons. Local news often downplays the religious language in their reporting but it's important to understand EXACTLY the motivation of many elected leaders in Jeff City . . . And realize that there are ongoing divisions amongst Republicans on this issue. Check-it . . . Pro-life groups are turning to Missouri's Republican-controlled state legislature, where Amendment 3 is expected to dominate the agenda in January. State Representative Justin Sparks is poised to lead efforts to counter the new law. "I'm doing this because I'm convicted that I must do this," Sparks said. "I prayed about this and considered it prayerfully, and I believe I am called to do this." Sparks plans to challenge presumed House Speaker Jon Patterson, who previously stated that lawmakers should respect the voters' decision. Sparks, however, believes voters were misled. "The voting public only sees 50 words on the ballot," Sparks explained. "After people voted, interviews showed overwhelmingly that most people thought Amendment 3 was about contraception, in vitro fertilization, or ectopic pregnancies. Most had no idea that we were talking about unrestricted, taxpayer-funded abortion." If elected Speaker, Sparks plans to propose legislation to put new restrictions on abortion back on the ballot within two years. "We would identify specific legislation to tackle Amendment 3, completely deconstruct it from our constitution, and replace it with a guiding framework that would outlaw abortion in Missouri again," he said. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. The solution to the FATF problem in Iran can solve many problems of the country, Iran's Minister of Economy and Finance Abdolnaser Hemmati told reporters, Trend reports. According to him, the adoption of BFT and the Palermo Convention in the country will not lead to Iran's withdrawal from FATF. Hemmati said a lot of efforts should be made to remove Iran from the FATF blacklist. The fact that Iran is on the FATF blacklist poses a lot of problems. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is an intergovernmental body that regulates the rules for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. At the last meeting of this organization, Iran was warned that if the country's program of steps is not improved, Iran may be added to the list of non-cooperative countries. Iran has complied with 37 out of 41 FATF steps. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Iran is ready to negotiate about its nuclear program under international legal norms and rules, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry Esmaeil Baghaei said at a press briefing in Tehran on December 2, Trend reports. According to him, Iran respects international law and regulations. Baghaei said that Iran's nuclear program has a peaceful goal based on the decision of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and national security-based calculations and assessments. The spokesperson noted that the meeting of the foreign ministers of Iran and three European countries (the UK, France, and Germany) discussed not only Iran's nuclear program but also many different issues. To note, the International Atomic Energy Agency adopted a resolution on November 21 with 19 votes in favor, 12 abstentions, and 3 against Iran. The resolution urged Tehran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency on a number of issues and also called for a credible document on uranium residues at two undeclared sites on Iranian territory. Meanwhile, in January 2016, Iran and the P5+1 group (the US, Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany) implemented the Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action concerning Irans nuclear program. However, in May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the deal and reimposed sanctions on Iran. Bangladesh Mission in Tripura stormed by Hindu Sangharsh Samiti supporters The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala the capital of Northeast India state of Tripura, was on Monday December 02, 2024 stormed by the supporters of the Hindu Sangharsh Samit Monday December 2, 2024 10:22 PM , ummid.com News Network New Delhi/Agartala/Dhaka: The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala the capital of Northeast India state of Tripura, was on Monday December 02, 2024 stormed by the supporters of the Hindu Sangharsh Samit. The attack on the Bangladeesh mission came during the protest over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. Chinmoy Krishna Das is facing the sedition charges following his arrest over the allegations that he desecrated the Bangladesh national flag. Chinmoy Krishna Das was associated with Sri Sri Ravi Shankars International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Dhaka. He was however banned from the ISKCON temple in Dhaka after allegations against him was raised over his involvement in illicit sexual acts, according to media reports. Watch Video The Bangladeshi Assistant High Commission in Agartala (Tripura, India) was attacked by extremist Hindutva gang. The national flag of Bangladesh has been desecrated. What do they really want to achieve? We strongly condemn this attack and call upon the Government of India to pic.twitter.com/Y6ZWGtqVI4 Rupom Razzaque (@rupom) December 2, 2024 Talking over phone with Prothom Alo, A journalist from Agartala said that the supporters of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti entered the Assistant High Commission, took down the Bangladesh flag, set it on fire, and caused some vandalism inside the building. The journalist further said that for several days, protests and processions had been held in Agartala and surrounding areas under the banner of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti. The protesters suddenly entered the premises of the Assistant High Commission around noon on Monday (December 02). "Deeply Regrettable" India described the incident as "deeply regrettable". In a statement released soon after the attack, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: "The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable. Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances. Government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their Deputy/Assistant High Commissions in the country," the MEA said. Bangladesh calls for probe Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government Monday said it deeply resents, what it called, "the violent demonstration and attack by a large group of protesters of the Hindu Sangarsha Samiti on the premises of the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala", and called for immediate action and a thorough investigation into the incident. The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry in a statement in the evening reminded the Indian government about the Vienna Convention and said it is the responsibility of the host country to protect diplomatic missions. "As it is the responsibility of the host government to protect the diplomatic missions from any form of intrusion or damage, the government of Bangladesh calls upon the government of India to take immediate action to address this incident, to undertake a thorough investigation into the incident and to prevent any further acts of violence against the diplomatic missions of Bangladesh in India, including the safety and security of the diplomats and the non-diplomatic members of staff and members of their families," the foreign ministry said. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home JEE Advanced 2025 on May 18, Check Important Dates IIT Kanpur has released the dates of JEE Advanced 2025 and is yet to release the date and schedule of Architecture Aptitude Test AAT 2025 Monday December 2, 2024 5:18 PM , ummid.com News Network JEE Advanced 2025 Date: IIT Kanpur today (Dec 02) released JEE Advanced 2025 exam date and schedule though is yet to confirm online process of registration and application. IIT Kanpur is the examination conducting body for this years JEE Advanced the qualifying entrance exam for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and NITs. It released the important dates on JEE Advanced official website jeeadv.ac.in. JEE Advanced 2025 Date According to the time table released by IIT Kanpur, JEE Advanced this year will be held in online mode on Sunday May 18, 2025 in two shifts. While JEE Advanced Paper 1 will be held on May 18, 2025 from 09:00 am to 12:00 pm, Paper 2 will be held on the same day from 14:30 to 17:30. Registration process for JEE Advanced normally begins after JEE Main result is declared. The IIT Kanpur however has not yet released the details of online registration process for JEE Advanced 2025. JEE Advanced 2025 Admit Card Download Date IIT Kanpur is also yet to release the exact date and time of release JEE Advanced 2025 admit card. Once released, JEE Advanced admit card will be available for download till May 18 the date of the exam to be held in Online Mode. Candidates planning to appear in JEE Advanced this year should note that the response sheet and JEE Advanced answer keys and OMR sheet will be released soon after the exam. The exact date and time will be released later on. Candidates should also note that IIT Kanpur has released the dates of JEE Advanced 2025 but it is yet to release the date and schedule of Architecture Aptitude Test AAT 2025. Candidates should also note that round-wise counselling for JOSAA 2025 will start after the result of JEE Advanced 2025 is declared. The IIT Kanpur had earlier released new Eligibility Criteria for this years entrance exam, which is applicable for both local and foreign candidates. Candidates planning to appear for JEE Advanced this year can in the meantime visit the official website "jeeadv.ac.in" for eligibility, syllabus, age limit and mock test. JEE Advanced 2024 Toppers JEE Advanced 2024 was held in India and abroad on Sunday May 26, 2024. The JEE Advanced 2024 result was declared on June 09, 2024. Ved Lahoti, Aditya and Bhogalapalli Sandesh had respectively secured All India Rank 1, AIR 2 and AIR 3 in the JEE Advanced 2024. The female JEE Advanced topper in 2024 was Dwija Dharmeshkumar Patel - IIT Bombay. 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 Karnataka 2nd PUC Class 12th 2025 Time Table (Tentative) Released As per the Class 12th 2nd PUC 2025 exam Time Table, the first paper will be held on March 01 and the last paper will be held on March 19, 2025 Monday December 2, 2024 7:13 PM , ummid.com News Network Karnataka 2nd PUC (Class 12th) March 2025 Exam: The Karnataka Pre-University Department has released on its website kseab.karnataka.gov.in the Tentative Time Table of II PUC (2nd year or Class 12th also called as Plus Two) Annual Examination to be held in March 2025. The department has released the 2nd PU Time Table of all three streams including Science, Commerce and Humanities (Art). According to the 2nd PUC final time table released by the Karnataka Pre-University Department, the exam will start on March 01 and continue till March 19, 2025. Karnataka 12th Maths Paper Date The exams will begin with Kannada/Arabic paper on March 01, 2025, English language paper will be held on March 15, 2025. The all-important Mathematics, along with Education, paper will be held on March 03, 2025. The History and Physics papers will be held on March 07, Accountancy, Optional Kannada, Geology and Home Science papers will be held on March 10, Chemistry, Psychology, Hindustani Music and Basic Maths on March 12, Sociology, Electronics and Computer Science on March 18 whereas Geography and Biology on March 17, 2025. The II PUC March 2025 according to the tentative time table will end on March 19, 2025 with Hindustani Music, Information Technology, Retail, Automobile, Healthcare, Beauty and Wellness. All papers will be held from 10:15 am to 01:30 pm. Karnataka 2nd PUC (Class 12) Result 2024 In 2024, Karnataka 2nd PUC or 12th exam was held from March 01 to 22, 2024. The Karnataka 2nd PU Class 12th Result 2023 was declared on April 10, 2024. The overall pass percentage in 2024 was 81.15%. The Pass Percentage of Science stream was 89.96%, pass percentage of Arts stream was 68.36 and that of Commerce stream was 80.94%. The Department of Pre-University, Government of Karnataka is the organization for implementation of higher secondary education in the state. We function under the Department of Primary and Secondary Education. 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 Karnataka SSLC 2025 (Tentative) Time Table released Karnataka Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) 2025 exam will start on March 20 and will continue till April 02, 2025, according to the Tentative Time Table released on the official website Monday December 2, 2024 4:43 PM , ummid.com News Network Karnataka SSLC Time Table 2025: The Karnataka SSLC - Secondary School Leaving Certificate 2025 exam, will start on March 20, 2025 according to the tentative Time Table (Datesheet) released by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, Bengaluru on its official website KSEAB. Karnataka SSLC 2025 exam will start on March 20 and continue till April 02, 2025, as per the Karnataka SSLC Class 10 time table released on the board's official website kseab.karnataka.gov.in. As per the time table and date sheet released by the Karnataka Education Department, SSLC Class X 2025 exam will begin on Thursday March 20, 2025 with First language (Kannada, Telugu, Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Urdu, English, Sanskrit) as the first paper. Maths, Science papers date The all important Mathematics paper will be held on March 27, Social Science on March 22, English and Kannada (Second Language) on March 24, Urdu and other regional language (Third Language) paper on March 29, 2025. The 2025 Karnataka SSLC Class 10 exam will end with Science / Political Science papers on April 02, 2025. Students who have registered for the Karnataka SSLC Class 10 exam 2025 should note that the time table released now is tentative. The Final Time Table will be released after assessing objections, if any, later on. Karnataka SSLC Result 2024 In 2024 , Karnataka SSLC exam was held from March 25 to April 06, 2024. The Karnataka SSLC Result 2024 was declared on May 09, 2024. The overall pass percentage in 2024 was 73.40%. The Karnataka Education board was established in 1966. It's headquartered at Bangalore, India. The board carries out the several activities that include changes in the programmes of study, prescribing syllabus, conducting examinations, granting recognition to schools and providing direction, support and leadership for all secondary educational institutions under its jurisdiction. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Lebanon Ceasefire and Future of Hezbollah The ceasefire in Lebanon apart from giving respite to the beleaguered Lebanese, will also be a litmus test for the Hezbollah on whether it can continue to flourish as a political and militant outfit in Lebanon or not Monday December 2, 2024 11:24 AM , Asad Mirza The ceasefire in Lebanon apart from giving respite to the beleaguered Lebanese, will also be a litmus test for the Hezbollah on whether it can continue to flourish as a political and militant outfit in Lebanon or not. It would not be wrong to say that the whole of the world and the Middle East and in particular Lebanon took a cautious sigh of relief as the fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, was announced last week. The main concern however was whether this ceasefire could hold?, as claims and counter claims by attacks and incursions by both the parties were reported in the first twenty-four hours. But precariously so far, the ceasefire has been held by both the parties. While fighting may be over, or at least paused, attention now shifts to another challenge facing Lebanon and Hezbollah: internal reckoning. In addition, what ace does Iran has, as it ordered its proxy to agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon. But the larger question is whether Hezbollah will be able to survive this ceasefire as a political and militant group in Lebanon or not. While some segments of the Lebanese population and Hezbollahs supporters, see the ceasefire as a victory for the party, others have decried the bloodshed and destruction caused by a conflict they did not back. Hezbollah opened a limited battlefront against Israel on 8 October 2023 in support of Hamas and Palestinians under attack in the Gaza Strip. The conflict started last year after Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel following Hamass October 7 attack, before Israel launched a full-scale invasion in September. Imad Salamey, a Middle Eastern politics expert at the Lebanese American University, told UK-based website Middle East Eye that Hezbollahs claim of victory holds little weight outside its core constituency. The war was not widely popular among the Lebanese people, many of whom are more focused on the devastating economic losses inflicted during the conflict. For more than a year, the conflict was mostly limited to clashes in the border areas between Lebanon and Israel. However, the picture changes in September, when Israel exploded thousands of pagers used by Hezbollah members before launching a widespread bombing campaign across the country followed by a ground invasion. More than 3,900 people in Lebanon were killed and over a million displaced. While Lebanese have largely acted in solidarity with those displaced and killed by Israel, and stood by their compatriots in the face of Israeli forces, how the conflict has shifted domestic political dynamics may determine Lebanon's fate for years to come. In fact, the presence of Hezbollah and its militant arm has been a point of contention for decades in Lebanese politics. Salamey says that Hezbollah is likely concerned about growing opposition within Lebanon, which could create two polarised camps, one supporting Hezbollah and the other pushing for disarmament. To suppress dissent and maintain control, Hezbollah may feel compelled to take domestic actions, including using its influence to neutralise political opponents or deter their activities through various actions, he added. In contrast, Qassim Qassir, an analyst close to Hezbollah, told MEE that the group remains reassured about its internal political position in Lebanon. The group is currently reviewing its latest actions and will define its future vision and is reassured that the results of the battle were in its favour, according to Qassir. Qassir said further that these people have so far failed to take advantage of the war and its consequences to score political points against Hezbollah. The US-brokered ceasefire agreement is intended to erode Hezbollahs ability to operate freely in its bastion of southern Lebanon, barring the group from having a military presence south of the Litani River. Those close to Hezbollah say it is unclear whether that means its fighters many of whom are residents of villages and towns in the south would be able to return. Hezbollahs ability to continue firing heavier projectile barrages deeper into Israel, including anti-tank missiles and drones, shows it still possesses potent military capabilities. People close to the group also point to its ability to prevent Israel from advancing deep into Lebanon, killing about 50 Israeli soldiers, as proof of its capability. Unlike in 2006, when Hezbollah was able to ignore a similar deal that ended a war that year, the group will now have to show that it is actively complying with the terms of the ceasefire. The weak Lebanese state already worn out by a yearlong conflict and festering economic crisis could pay the price if it does not. That may open the door to opponents demanding the dismantling of Hezbollah, which remains a powerful representative of the countrys Shias, one of its largest communities, with vast reach into the levers of the state. Hezbollahs victory narrative will be embraced for now by its constituency, many of whom will be relieved to be able to start going back home. But the message will be undermined without massive reconstruction, compensation, and resumption of social welfare in the face of widespread destruction and displacement. The World Bank estimates the war has caused $8.5 billion in damage and economic losses more than one-third of Lebanons GDP. Hezbollah insists that money for reconstruction will not be an issue, but given that its own main backer Iran has its own economic woes and Hezbollahs unpopularity with other Middle Eastern governments, it is unclear who may contribute funds for reconstruction, and with what conditions. As powerful a representative as Hezbollah remains for Lebanons Shia, its domestic political rivals are always looking for an opportunity to exploit claims that the group brings nothing but trouble to the country as a whole. These rivals include Christian leaders who are keen to shift the levers of power in Lebanons sectarian power-sharing system in their favour. The danger as in Lebanons past that such challenges to power end up in sectarian violence is a spectre the country has long lived with. Janna Kadri and Tala Alayli, in their piece on the website Al Mayadeen opines that Hezbollahs steadfast ability to endure and confront one of the most technologically advanced militaries on the planet highlights its endurance power. David Pratt, Foreign Editor with The Herald on Sunday sums it up pithily opining that by steadfastly championing Palestinian rights and opposing external domination, Hezbollah amplified its influence far beyond Lebanons borders. It became a beacon of resistance against the forces of oppression, inspiring solidarity across diverse communities united in the pursuit of justice. Sayyed Nasrallahs role as a rallying figure cemented this legacy, while also galvanising a shared vision of dignity and sovereignty in defiance of foreign domination. Through its actions and narrative, Hezbollah solidified its position not just as a regional force but as an emblem of global resistance against colonialism and imperialism, Pratt wrote further. Perhaps nowhere will the post-ceasefire political landscape be tested more than in the countrys south, much of which are inhabited by Lebanons Shia population and therefore Hezbollah heartlands. (The writer, Asad Mirza, is a New Delhi-based senior commentator on national, international, defence and strategic affairs, environmental issues, an interfaith practitioner, and a media consultant.) Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Mehbooba Mufti compares India with Bangladesh over targeting of minorities Former Chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti compared the situations in India and Bangladesh while expressing concerns over the targeting of minorities in the two countries Monday December 2, 2024 10:22 AM , ummid.com News Network Jammu: Former Chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti compared the situations in India and Bangladesh while expressing concerns over the targeting of minorities in the two countries. "In Bangladesh, atrocities are being committed on Hindus. If atrocities are committed on minorities in India also, then what is the difference between India and Bangladesh? I don't find any difference between India and Bangladesh," she said while talking to reporters in Jammu. Mehbooba Mufti was responding to questions over Sambhal Jama Masjid survey and the consequent violence in which four Muslim youths were killed in firing and petitions filed at various other places seeking survey of as many as 12 mosques. "Today, I am afraid that the situation which was during 1947, we are being taken towards that direction. When the youth talk of jobs, they don't get it. We don't have good hospitals, education... They are not improving the condition of roads but are trying to demolish the mosque in search of a temple. The Sambhal incident is very unfortunate. Some were working in shops and were shot," Mehbooba Mufti said. Party President Ms. Mehbooba Mufti ( @MehboobaMufti ) while speaking in Jammu compared Indias treatment of minorities to Bangladesh, warning against compromising the secular fabric. Cites rising communal tensions, joblessness, poor infrastructure & electoral discrepancies as pic.twitter.com/Oym2BGRh3s J&K PDP (@jkpdp) December 1, 2024 There are incidents of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh ever since Sheikh Hasina of Awami League was ousted from Power in August this year. While Bangladesh official statement is that the attacks on minorities in the country are not communal, and some Hindus who were targeted during the unrest were because of political reasons. The officials also cited attacks on Muslim supporters of Awami League, but at the same time assuring that the government is responsible for the safety and security of the minorities. India on the other hand has scaled up its criticism of the Bangladesh administration under Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of systematic targeting of Hindus. Charges and counter charges between the officials of the two countries took ugly turn last week when monk associated with Sri Sri Ravi Shankars ISKCON was arrested under sedition charges. India condemned the arrest of the ISKCON monk while Bangladesh calling it the internal matter asked India to take care of the rights of its own minorities. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. The Mockery of Places of Worship Act 1991 If Mohan Bhagwat has said that finding a Shiva temple under every mosque is wrong, then who are the people behind the recent cases of Gyanvapi, Mathura, Bhojshala of Banaras and Sambhal and Ajmer Sharif? Monday December 2, 2024 2:02 PM , Dr Suresh Khairnar [AI generated image used here for representation] On 24 October 1989, during the Ramshila Puja procession in Bhagalpur, riots started which soon spread to almost the entire Bhagalpur Commissionerate. During the riots, an attempt was made to destroy the places of worship and homes of the people of the minority community in more than three hundred villages. And after demolishing their places of worship, we saw with our own eyes, the words Ramjis temple, Durgas temple, Hanumanjis temple written on the debris with black tar or red ochre. Thirty years later, it seemed that the existence of every Muslim living in India is in danger along with their places of worship. We have spoken about the Bhagalpur riots wherever we got the opportunity to speak. And wherever our articles were published, it is written there too that Communalism will remain the central point of the Indian politics for the next fifty years. And everyday issues will become secondary. It has been thirty-five years since this happened today. On 13 September 1991, the then Home Minister Shankarrao Chavan in the government of Prime Minister Narasimha Rao presented a bill in the Parliament to pass a law regarding places of worship . This law was passed on 18 September 1991. According to this law, any change in the religious identity of any place of worship in the country which was established before 15 August 1947 is prohibited. And the person doing so will be sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined. The only reason for making this provision was to maintain peace and harmony among the people of all religions living in the country. Because, the dispute over Babri Masjid had been going on for the last 40 years. Due to this, riots have also taken place after tension arose in Bhagalpur, Gujarat and various places of the country. Therefore, a provision of three years imprisonment and fine to the person creating controversy over these places of worship had been made in the resolution passed in the Parliament in 1991. And even though the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has succeeded in coming to power at the centre due to the Babri Masjid dispute, it has not amended this law yet. While the 1991 law is in place, the lower courts registered cases of Gyanvapi of Banaras , Mathura, Bhojshala of Dhar in Madhya Pradesh and the latest disputes of Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh and Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan, and has even given verdicts to conduct an ASI survey. Is this not a violation of the 1991 law? And instead of punishing the person who did this, our courts are accepting the cases presented and giving very surprising verdicts on it. The only reason for this is that after hundred years of propaganda by the RSS, many people in our judicial process, police and various walks of life are responsible for hatred against the minority communities. That is why they are daring to register cases while ignoring the 1991 Places ofWorship Act. On the other hand, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has said: It is wrong to find a Shiva temple under every mosque in our country! Despite Bhagwat's assertions, who are the people raising the cases of Gyanvapi, Bhojshala, Mathura, Sambhal and Ajmer Sharif? And who are the people who have registered these cases? Similarly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also called the people involved in mob lynching regarding cow slaughter as a gang of extortion goons. But what action was taken against the people who killed Akhlaq and Junaid in mob lynching in Uttar Pradesh? Instead, some people belonging to the RSS asked PM Modi to take back his statement! Also, Mahatma Gandhis name is included among those who do morning prayers for the Sangh. But who are those people who call Mahatma Gandhis murder as slaughter, shoot his photos even today, and speak in a language below the belt about him? If Mohan Bhagwat has said that finding a Shiva temple under every mosque is wrong, then who are the people behind the recent cases of Gyanvapi, Mathura, Bhojshala of Banaras and Sambhal and Ajmer Sharif? Who are the people giving them a hype? The hypocrisy and double-faced language of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been going on since its inception. This is part of their war strategy. What has been the role of the Sangh volunteers in the riots from Bhagalpur to Gujarat? This has now come to light. Many people have praised Mohan Bhagwat for saying that finding a Shiva temple under every mosque is wrong. So my request to Mohan Bhagwat is: If he wants, he can immediately stop the ongoing controversies of Gyanvapi, Mathura, Bhojshala, Sambhal and Ajmer Sharif. Because the people with mischievous minds who do this are also his own. Justice Madan, who investigated the Jalgaon-Bhiwandi riots of Maharashtra in the 70s, has clearly written in his report: Whether the people of the Sangh were involved in any riot or not is a different matter. But what the Sangh tries to teach its volunteers in the daily shakhas through its intellectual games, gitos, works to create hatred against the minority communities." Therefore, according to the Indian Penal Code, it does not matter whether the members of the Sangh were directly involved in any riot or not. The propaganda that the RSS does in its daily shakhas, ultimately bursts out and finds expression in the riots. The RSS has a lot of objections about the partition that happened 77 years ago and keeps on harping on the issue of Akhand Bharat. Even the map of India that the Sangh has includes present Pakistan, Bangladesh and even Afghanistan. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia has also imagined a federation of India. But for that, all the people living in this region will have to live in an atmosphere of mutual trust, love and brotherhood. Nor will it happen by creating riots like Sambhal, Gujarat or Bhagalpur, and by making allegations and counter-allegations like temple-mosques, cow slaughter, love jihad, land jihad, vote jihad? Is the Sangh taking any initiative to resolve the current disputes in India - from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Nagaland to Okha? Or is this happening because of the Vivekanand Kendra, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram or various units of the Sangh behind these disputes? If you look inside yourself even this much, it will be of great help in the journey towards Akhand Bharat! [The writer, Dr Suresh Khairnar, is Ex. President of Rashtra Sewa Dal] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have held a phone conversation, Trend reports via the Kremlin's statement. The two leaders zeroed in on the rapidly evolving dynamics in Syria. "Unconditional support was expressed for the actions of the legitimate Syrian authorities in restoring constitutional order and territorial integrity, and the importance of coordinating efforts within the 'Astana format' with the participation of Turkiye was emphasized," the statement said. The conversation also addressed current issues regarding the development of Russian-Iranian cooperation in various areas, including in light of the agreements reached between Putin and Pezeshkian following their talks in Kazan on October 23, 2024. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. Georgian police have detained Zurab Japaridze, the leader of the opposition party "Girchi More Freedom," in Tbilisi, Trend reports citing foreign media. Japaridze was arrested along with several supporters in the Vake district after a protest action outside the Parliament building was dispersed overnight. The precise allegations facing the opposition leader are currently ambiguous, and the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has yet to provide an official statement. Notably, in April of this year, during protests in Tbilisi against the "Foreign Influence Transparency" bill, law enforcement forces, including special units and tear gas, dispersed the protest and detained several people, including Zurab Japaridze. Zurab Japaridze is a well-known opposition politician in Georgia. He co-founded the "Girchi" party in 2015 and established the "Girchi More Freedom" party in 2020. He also ran in the 2018 presidential election, receiving 2.3 percent of the vote. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Remarks: Notification on the end of life of 3B5GSAT (international designator 2021-022AF). ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Dec, 2024) Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtayev, on Monday met with the Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan to explore avenues for enhancing business opportunities and bilateral relations. The meeting emphasized trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries,said a press release issued here. During the discussion, Minister Jam Kamal Khan shared highlights from his recent visit to Uzbekistan, expressing admiration for the countrys infrastructure and rapid development. The progress in Uzbekistan is remarkable, and I was particularly impressed by its railway system, the minister said, underscoring the importance of learning from Uzbekistans advancements. The minister highlighted the newly launched flights between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, noting their high occupancy rates as a sign of significant potential for collaboration. He identified religious tourism and other sectors as areas ripe for growth and called for further efforts to facilitate travel. Stressing the need for a streamlined visa process, he advocated measures to ensure genuine visitors while maintaining rigorous scrutiny. Ambassador Tukhtayev agreed on the untapped potential of bilateral trade, emphasizing sectors like agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. He reassured the minister of the Uzbek Embassys round-the-clock availability to facilitate coordination and promote business ties. The ambassador also stressed the importance of sustained hard work and collaboration to achieve mutual goals. Minister Jam Kamal Khan proposed partnerships with local airlines to boost trade and travel connectivity and suggested organizing business-to-business (B2B) interactions during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs expected visit to Uzbekistan. The idea of holding a business forum during the visit also featured prominently in their discussions. Concluding the meeting, the minister conveyed greetings to Uzbekistans President and other officials, emphasizing the deepening ties between the two nations. Both sides agreed to work closely to unlock the full potential of their relationship. MIRPUR ( AJK) : Dec 02 (APP), (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point news - 2nd Dec, 2024) Tourists from various parts of the country started rushing to scenic snow-clad Neelam valley of Azad Jammu Kashmir, after over three months of dry weather, the higher reaches of the picturesque valley lashed with first highest snowfall since mid last night, bringing delight to residents and tourists. Tourist hotspots in the picturesque top mountainous terrain of the picturesque valley witnessed varying degrees of medium to high level snowfall. The popular snow-clad resorts turned scenic valley into playgrounds for tourists from various parts of Pakistan and AJK capturing memorable moments and expressing joy by playing in the snow. Meanwhile, forecast anticipates the possibility of light to moderate rain or snow in many places at both sides of the LoC in J&K state, with heavy snowfall expected in isolated higher reaches of Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir Division, including districts such as Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Shopian, Anantnag, and Kulgam, says a report reaching here on Monday from across the line of control ( LoC). The residents of these high-altitude areas have been strictly advised to exercise caution and avoid venturing into avalanche-prone zones over the next 24 hours, the AJKSDMA declared. It recommend that the people stay informed about the situation and adhere to safety guidelines to mitigate the risk of potential avalanches in the snow clad areas. ENDS/ APP/ ahr (@ChaudhryMAli88) SARGODHA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Dec, 2024) Deputy Commissioner Income Tax, Ali Kalyar, has said a decisive crackdown is underway against people involved in selling cigarettes without paying the income tax. Talking to media on Monday, he revealed that in recent days, cigarettes worth over Rs 300 million, which were brought to market without paying the required tax, had been seized. The involved parties were warned that the crackdown would continue until they comply with tax regulations. Ali Kalyar emphasized that while national companies print tax details on every cigarette pack, certain companies find it challenging to adhere to this practice. Such companies were directed to manually stamp their packs before distributing them in the market. Additionally, these companies are now required to maintain complete records of their manually stamped packs. The Deputy Commissioner made it clear that there would be no leniency for companies or sellers violating these directives. Informational banners and flex boards were displayed across the region to create public awareness about the initiative, Ali Kalyar. Furthermore, he urged citizens to ensure that the cigarettes they purchase carry the tax payment stamp. Avoid buying unstamped cigarettes to help hold accountable those harming Pakistans economy, he added. (@ChaudhryMAli88) MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Dec, 2024) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will launch a crackdown against banned single-use plastic especially plastic shopping bags less than 75 microns from December 10 across the province. Assistant Director Environment, Hameed Akhtar, informed APP here on Monday that amendments to the "Production and Consumption of Single Use Plastic Product Regulations 2023" had been notified and shopkeepers were given a deadline of December 9 and a crackdown would be launched after it. He said that a fine of Rs5,000 to Rs50,000 would be imposed on violators after serving a seven-day prior notice. The premises where banned single use plastic is found could be sealed and materials confiscated. District plastic management committees would be established at the district level and deputy commissioner would be the head of the committee. Likewise, the registration and renewal fee have also been revised. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Monday informed that over 54,000 applications have been received under the Government Hajj Scheme till to date ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Dec, 2024) The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Monday informed that over 54,000 applications have been received under the Government Hajj Scheme till to date. According to the spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt, the final deadline for submitting applications is on Tuesday, December 3. He said the number of applications is expected to increase further by midnight. He said it is anticipated that the quota for the Government Hajj Scheme will be fully subscribed by the end of the day. The spokesperson attributed the surge in applications to the facility of installment-based payment for Hajj expenses under the regular scheme, which made the pilgrimage more accessible compared to previous years. As soon as the application process concludes, he said the Hajj flight schedule will be finalized, with accommodations being secured in Madina in line with the flight itineraries. Additionally, arrangements for accommodation, meals, transportation, and logistical services, including Maktab allocations, will be completed in Saudi Arabia, he added. Umar Butt urged overseas Pakistanis to ensure their participation in the scheme by sending sponsorship funds no later than December 3. He said the government remains committed to facilitating a smooth and well-organized Hajj journey for all pilgrims under the official scheme. (@FahadShabbir) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Dec, 2024) Human rights activists and organizations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have strongly criticized India for perpetuating systemic subjugation and exploitation of the Kashmiri people, describing it as modern-day slavery. According to Kashmir Media Service, on the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, the rights activists and watchdogs have expressed concern over widespread abuses, citing forced disappearances, torture, and detentions as part of Indias efforts to suppress the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination. They mentioned that Indian forces have institutionalized sexual violence against Kashmiri women, which is a heinous manifestation of modern slavery. They argued that Indias actions, including demographic changes, property seizures, and silencing dissent, aim to erode Kashmiri identity and culture. However, the resilience of the Kashmiri people continues, with many reiterating their commitment to achieving freedom from what they describe as Indian slavery. Urging the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take action, the advocates of Kashmiris fundamental rights have called for the implementation of UN resolutions that reflect the will of the Kashmiri people. They emphasized that Indias strategies to suppress Kashmiris will fail and reiterated their determination to resist any attempts to reduce them to subjugation. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Dec, 2024) "Heartiest congratulations to the leadership and people of the UAE on their 53rd National Day," says the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in his tweet on Monday. The premier said "We take pride in the remarkable journey of progress and prosperity achieved by the UAE, a vision brought to life by the wisdom and foresight of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. " This visionary path has been carried forward by my brothers, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum," he added. Shehbaz said that Pakistan has always stood as a steadfast brother and partner to the UAE and assured that,"we will continue to strengthen our historic and fraternal ties, transforming them into mutually beneficial economic partnerships". Long live Pakistan-UAE friendship! (@ChaudhryMAli88) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif extended her heartfelt congratulations to the leadership and people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on their 53rd National Day LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Dec, 2024) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif extended her heartfelt congratulations to the leadership and people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on their 53rd National Day. In her message issued here on Monday, the CM highlighted the enduring ties between Pakistan and the UAE, built over decades of cooperation and mutual respect. CM Maryam Nawaz praised the UAE for being a remarkable example of innovation and progress on the global stage while preserving its ancient traditions. She acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Pakistan's workforce to the UAE's development and emphasized the strong cultural and economic bond between the two nations. "The UAE stands as a beacon of progress for the world and holds a pivotal position in the Muslim world. Pakistan cherishes its diplomatic and economic support, which has been unwavering in times of need," she said. The CM also noted that the UAE has always stood by Pakistan during testing times and expressed gratitude for the solidarity shared by the two nations. Referring to the UAE as a "second home" for Pakistanis, CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized the deep connection between the people of both countries, stating, "Our hearts beat as one." She prayed for the UAEs continued prosperity and stability and reaffirmed Pakistans commitment to strengthening this vital relationship. (@Abdulla99267510) Victim used to attend tuition lesions with Adil who allegedly abused him for four to five months LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Dec 2nd, 2024) Gulshan Ravi police arrested the suspect Adil for his alleged involvement in sexually abusing a 10 years old boy in the area. The complainant stated that the victim, a Grade-4 student, used to attend tuition lessons with Adil, who allegedly abused him for four to five months. The police confirmed that the suspect, who was identified as Adil, was arrested, and a case was registered against him. The matter was now handed over to the investigation wing for further inquiry. Meanwhile, SP Iqbal Town Bilal Ahmed commended SHO Gulshan Ravi Adeel Anjum and his team for arresting the suspect. The SP said that the criminals involved in such heinous crimes against children and women would be strictly punished under the law. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 2. The US wants to see serious and credible political process in Syria, said the US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller during a briefing, Trend reports. "In the immediate term, what we want to see are de-escalation and protection of civilians and minority groups. But our overall policy remains the same. We want to see a serious and credible political process to end this civil war once and for all with a political settlement consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254. That resolution calls for a process facilitated by the United Nations where the Syrian regime and the opposition groups would negotiate a path forward for Syria," he said. Miller said it's important that path to be Syrian-led and to have a process that ultimately leads towards elections. "That's what we want to see over the long term. But in the short term, we want to see a de-escalation of the situation and protection of civilians," he explained. A coalition of Syrian rebels launched a swift and coordinated assault, swiftly capturing Aleppo along with several towns in the neighboring Idlib and Hama provinces, according to the U.K.-based monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The offensive is being spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a militant group that evolved from the former al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra. In response to the rebel advances, Syrian and Russian fighter jets launched a series of airstrikes targeting the newly captured rebel-held territories. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia said on Monday they would bar Georgian officials from entry over the country's crackdown on mass protests against shelving European Union membership talks Vilnius, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Dec, 2024) Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia said on Monday they would bar Georgian officials from entry over the country's crackdown on mass protests against shelving European Union membership talks. Tens of thousands of people have taken part in four straight nights of protests in Georgian cities, with the police using tear gas and water cannon to disperse some rallies. Lithuania and Estonia posted a list of 11 sanctioned officials on X, with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis saying they were "denied entry into Lithuania due to their responsibility for human rights abuses". The list included Georgian Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and Georgian tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely regarded as the country's most powerful person though without any official government position. "Ivanishvili is considered to be the formulator of the Georgian government's policy, and is therefore responsible for the repression of pro-Western individuals in the country," the Estonian foreign ministry said in a statement. Georgia's interior ministry has said about 150 demonstrators have been arrested in the latest protest wave, while the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association put the number at 200. "Suppression of those protests, hundreds of people arrested, beaten up... cannot stay without consequence," Latvia's Foreign Minister Baiba Braze told Latvia's public broadcaster. The Black Sea nation has been rocked by turmoil since the ruling Georgian Dream party claimed victory in October 26 parliamentary election that the pro-European opposition said was fraudulent. "We fully support European aspirations of Georgian people," Lithuania's deputy foreign minister Egidijus Meilunas told reporters on Monday. (@ChaudhryMAli88) ANKARA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Dec, 2024) A bear was trapped and killed on Monday after a two-day stay in a Japan supermarket, Kyodo news reported on Monday. Authorities used honey, apples, and bread as traps, and the bear was caught in a storage area at the rear of the store located in the prefectural capital of Akita. The bear, who dined out in the store's meat section, entered the supermarket Saturday morning when the staff was preparing for the start of the day's operations. A 47-year-old male employee attacked by the bear sustained facial and other injuries, according to the police. Pristina, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Dec, 2024) A blast on a canal vital to Kosovo's water and power supplies has sparked a war of words with Serbia, with fears it could further escalate tensions between the two Balkan nations. The explosion late Friday punched a hole in a canal providing water to hundreds of thousands of people and the cooling systems at two coal-fired power plants that generate most of Kosovo's electricity. Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti immediately pointed the finger at arch-rival Serbia, calling the incident a "terrorist attack". He went on to say that Belgrade was copyping the Russian "playbook" in Ukraine, trying to knock out power and heating in Kosovo during the frigid winter months. "This is the reason why we raise the alarm over Russia's alliance with Serbia," said Kurti, as he highlighted the alleged seizure of Russian and Serbian military insignia during follow-up raids. Serbia has been quick to hit back, with officials denying responsibility and saying the incident would be used as a pretext by the Pristina government to crack down on Serbs living in Kosovo. Serbia and Kosovo, which has a large ethnic Albanian majority, have been at loggerheads since the end of a war in the late 1990s between Belgrade's forces and ethnic Albanian separatists in what was then a province of Serbia. Serbia has never recognised Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence. But tensions have been particularly high over the last year, centred on the fate of Kosovo's Serbian minority. - 'Sophisticated' sabotage - "If an investigation concludes Serbia's involvement, Kosovo may interpret it as an act of war, escalating tensions dramatically," Shpetim Gashi, an independent analyst based in Pristina, told AFP. Others have said that the nature of the blast in Kosovo's restive north -- home to many of its ethnic Serbs -- points to a level of sophistication that would rule out amateur sabotage. "Considering how much police presence and control there has been in the north, this suggests some level of sophisticated organisation," said political analyst Agon Maliqi. "The targeting of critical infrastructure suggests awareness of large scale systemic impact," he added. Observers have urged caution until an investigation provides definitive evidence identifying a culprit. Jeffrey Hovenier, the US ambassador to Kosovo, said Monday that Washington was "not in a position to say who is behind the attack". "It's early on and these things require careful investigation," he added. The attack on the canal comes just months ahead of parliamentary elections in Kosovo, with Kurti hoping his hardline policies targeting Serbia will secure him another term. Since taking office in 2021, Kurti has overseen wide-ranging moves to dismantle the parallel system backed by Belgrade to provide social and political services to Kosovo's Serbs -- including banning Serbia's Currency, car licence plates, and closing its post offices and banks. The policies have been regularly slammed by Belgrade, but also by Kosovo's closest diplomatic partners in the US and Europe, who have accused Kurti of recklessly escalating regional tensions. "This was an opportunity for [Kurti] to highlight that the north is not fully under Kosovo's control," said Ognjen Gogic, a Belgrade-based political scientist. "He can justify deploying the Kosovo Security Force to the north." - 'Political boost' - Meanwhile in Serbia, the explosion could be seen as a welcome distraction for those in power after a fresh wave of domestic discontent, analysts said. President Aleksandar Vucic has faced a string of protests after 15 people died when a concrete roof collapsed at Novi sad's train station on November 1. Public outrage at the tragedy has sparked nationwide demonstrations, with many blaming the deaths on systemic corruption. With both sides potentially benefiting from a new crisis, "the immediate impact is that security tensions return to the forefront of the agenda in both Kosovo and Serbia, giving a political boost to both leaders," said Maliqi. A former Israeli defence minister has accused Israel of committing war crimes and ethnic cleansing in besieged Gaza, The New York Times reported on Sunday, noting that it was a rare critique from a member of the security establishment at a time of war NEW YORK, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Dec, 2024) A former Israeli defence minister has accused Israel of committing war crimes and ethnic cleansing in besieged Gaza, The New York Times reported on Sunday, noting that it was a rare critique from a member of the security establishment at a time of war. The comments by Moshe Yaalon, the ex-defence minister, came amid mounting international criticism of the Israeli militarys deadly attacks in Gaza, but allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately denied his charges Yaalon served as the Israeli militarys chief of staff during the second 'intifada' and as Netanyahus defence minister during the 2014 Israeli war in Gaza, the longest conflict between Israel and Hamas before the current war. But he broke with Netanyahu in 2016 and has since become a critic of the Israeli leader. At an event on Saturday, Yaalon denounced Netanyahus government for its aggression in Gaza. The path theyre dragging us down is to occupy, annex and ethnically cleanse, look at the northern strip, Yaalon said. He also said Israel was being pulled in the direction of building settlements in Gaza, a notion that is supported by far-right politicians in Netanyahus government. When the interviewer at the event asked Yaalon to clarify whether he thought Israel was on the way to carrying out ethnic cleansing, he responded: Why on the way? Whats happening there? Whats happening there? Theres no Beit Lahia. Theres no Beit Hanoun. Theyre now operating in Jabaliya. Theyre basically cleaning the territory of Arabs, he said, referring to towns and cities in northern Gaza where a renewed Israeli offensive has caused extensive damage in recent months. Tens of thousands of Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza since Oct 7, 2023. the war began in response to the deadly Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023. Yaalon doubled down on his accusations on Sunday, saying on public radio that Netanyahus government was exposing Israeli commanders to lawsuits at the International Criminal Court and was putting their lives at risk. Im speaking in the name of IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) commanders who are operating in the northern strip, Yaalon told the Reshet Bet radio station. They reached out to me expressing fear about whats happening there. He later said, in an apparent reference to the government: At the end of the day, theyre perpetrating war crimes. The Israeli military declined to comment on Mr. Yaalons accusations, which came ten days after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, his former defence minister for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza, the Times said in a dispatch. Netanyahus office has rejected the accusations against the men in the warrants, calling them absurd and false and accusing the court of being motivated by antisemitism. Israels Communications Minister, Shlomo Karhi, said Yaalon crossed all the red lines. while Tally Gotliv, a firebrand Likud lawmaker, called him worse than our biggest enemies. Israel has called on Palestinians from the northernmost reaches of Gaza to evacuate on several occasions since the war began last fall, including in the first week of the conflict and again in October. Tens of thousands of people have heeded those warnings and fled, but many are believed to have remained in the area, either because they cannot or do not want to leave. In recent months, aid organizations and world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in North Gaza. During that time, Israel has allowed little humanitarian aid to enter. Last month, Israel banned imports of commercial goods, claiming that Hamas was benefiting from their sale. North Gaza is the northernmost of Gazas five governorates. Some Palestinians from Gaza also took note of Yaalons comments. Akram Atallah, a Palestinian columnist originally from Jabaliya, said he considered Yaalons remarks to be extremely important. This remark strengthens the Palestinian narrative of what is happening in Gaza, he said. And it isnt coming from an Arab official or a sympathetic member of the international community. Its coming from someone who was a general at the top of the Israeli system. Meanwhile, Israeli troops killed two people in Jenin in the West Bank on Sunday, the Palestinian health ministry said in a statement. The two Palestinians were killed due to the [Israeli] occupations aggression on the village of Siir in the Jenin district, it added. Israeli forces had earlier announced the Sunday attack, claiming an Israeli "aircraft conducted a strike on 'terrorists' in ... Jenin. Israeli occupation forces have killed more than 100 Palestinians and injured scores of others across the Gaza Strip over the past day. Following the attack, the Israeli forces closed the area to rescue teams heading to the scene to help, the Palestinian Red Crescent said. Israeli forces were preventing our teams from reaching the bombing site near the village of Siir, it added. Two eyewitnesses reported seeing the Israeli forces removing two Palestinian bodies from a bullet-riddled vehicle. Two vehicles near a wooded area were also destroyed. At least 797 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed by Israeli forces since tensions escalated last October after the Israeli regime unleashed a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip. France's Prime Minister Michel Barnier faced being deposed by a hostile parliament Monday when his government presents a social security financing plan that has the opposition up in arms Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Dec, 2024) France's Prime Minister Michel Barnier faced being deposed by a hostile parliament Monday when his government presents a social security financing plan that has the opposition up in arms. The conservative Barnier, who formed a minority government in September after an inconclusive general election, lives under the constant threat of a no-confidence vote that could force him to quit. Key to any such vote is Marine Le Pen, parliamentary leader of the far-right National Rally (RN) that has opposed several parts of the government's 2025 budget plan, including the social security financing to be debated in the lower-house National Assembly on Monday. In the latest concession to the RN, the prime minister's office said it was scrapping plans for a less generous prescription drug reimbursement policy from next year. If Barnier fails to get a parliamentary majority for his measures, he is expected to use executive powers to adopt them without a vote, a procedure under article 49.3 of the French constitution. Such a move could trigger a vote of no confidence that he could survive only if Le Pen's party abstains, with Barnier having little hope of finding any left wing support. A no-confidence motion could come as early as Wednesday. If the government falls, it would be the first successful no-confidence vote since a defeat for Georges Pompidou's government in 1962, when Charles de Gaulle was president. - 'Accept to negotiate' - RN party leader Jordan Bardella said Monday that a censure motion was likely. "The National Rally will trigger a no-confidence vote, except of course if there is a last-minute miracle," he told RTL radio. Le Pen reacted icily Sunday after Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin said the government did not plan any further changes to the social security budget plan. "We have taken note," she told AFP, calling the stance "extremely closed-minded and partisan behaviour". She demanded in an interview with La Tribune newspaper that Barnier accept further "discussion" about her party's wishes. "All Mr Barnier has to do is accept to negotiate," she said. Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon on Monday said Barnier's team remained "open to dialogue" to find a compromise. The RN is the largest single party in the 577-seat National Assembly, with more than 140 deputies. On Thursday, Barnier scrapped a previously planned increase on an electricity tax, in a concession to critics. Saint-Martin has highlighted that the budget proposals have already been discussed by a parliamentary commission ahead of Monday's debate and changed following talks between National Assembly deputies and upper house senators. "To reject this text is to reject a democratic agreement," he said. - Debt threat - The Senate, where right wing parties have a majority, partly approved the 2025 budget Sunday, giving a green light to government revenue projections, in a vote boycotted by the left. The Socialist party, part of the left-wing opposition, told Barnier it would vote against him if he used article 49.3 to push through a budget. Saint-Martin warned that the fall of the government would raise the risk premium on French government debt that has reached rare heights because of the country's shaky financial situation. France escaped a debt downgrade by S&P last week, with the ratings agency saying that "despite ongoing political uncertainty, we expect France to comply -- with a delay -- with the EU fiscal framework and to gradually consolidate public finances". Barnier has promised to improve France's fiscal position by 60 billion Euros ($64 billion) in 2025 in the hope of cutting the public-sector deficit to five percent of gross domestic product, from 6.1 percent of GDP this year. Oslo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Dec, 2024) Norway has suspended plans to start giving licences for deep-sea mining next year that had faced opposition from environment groups and international institutions, a party allied with the centre-left government said on Sunday. Norway, Western Europe's biggest oil and gas producer, had planned to become one of the world's first countries to start handing out rights to tens of thousands of square kilometres (miles) of seabed. But the small Socialist Left Party said it had blocked the move in return for supporting the minority government's 2025 budget. "There will be no announcement of exploration rights for deep-sea mining in 2024 or 2025," the party said in a statement. The energy ministry did not immediately comment on the move. But Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoer said it was only a postponement. "We should be able to accept that," he told TV2 television. Parliament gave approval in January for allowing mining rights for some 280,000 square kilometers (108,000 square miles) of seabed. After promising to visit Africa two years ago at the U.S. Africa summit in Washington, President Joe Biden makes his first presidential trip to the continent where he is visiting Angola with a quick stop in Cabo Verde. Analysts in Africa say the trip shouldve come sooner and some are asking why Angola is the primary destination given its troubling human rights record. White House officials say President Joe Biden is looking forward to visiting the continent after a promise he made in 2022. But some analysts tell VOA that Bidens trip, which comes weeks before he steps down, wouldve had more weight if he had done it earlier. Louw Nel, senior political analyst for Oxford Economics Africa, spoke to VOA from South Africa. I think his trip is less significant than it wouldve been otherwise just because of the fact that he withdrew as presidential candidate and, of course, now [is] not returning for a second term. So, it really feels like an afterthought to his presidency, said Nel. After a short stop in the island nation of Cabo Verde off Africas northwestern coast, President Biden heads south to Angola. There, officials say he plans to focus on U.S. leadership on trade, investment, and infrastructure in Africa. Hell also recognize Angolas President Joao Lourencos regional leadership and global partnership on trade, security, and health. More importantly, President Biden will highlight one of his signature initiatives, the investment of the Lobito Corridor a regional railway project linking natural resource-rich areas stretching from the Angolan port of Lobito to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. The corridor is part of a wider joint effort between multiple partners aimed at closing the infrastructure gap in growing economies around the world, officials say. Dr. Frances Brown, special assistant to the president and senior director for African Affairs at the National Security Council, speaking about the broader benefits associated with the project. What I found really notable about the Lobito Corridor is that it isnt just about a railroad or critical minerals. Its also about the communities that are strengthened along the way, its about more access to education, its about agricultural products moving to market, and its about increases in digital connectivity, said Brown. Last year, U.S.-Angola trade totaled approximately $1.77 billion, making Angola Americas fourth-largest trade partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. Angola has vast mineral deposits and is Africas third largest oil producer. But according to Amnesty International, the countrys natural resource wealth has not translated to prosperity for most of its people, resulting in numerous peaceful protests against poverty, unemployment and high cost of living. Nel says some Angolans may see a benefit with this Biden visit. Many ordinary Angolans will recognize that Angola desperately needs to diversify its economy, and this is an enormous opportunity to do so, to move away from oil and gas and bolster other parts of the economy and it has massive potential, said Nel. But others including human rights campaigners and opposition parties, Nel says, will feel aggrieved by President Bidens visit because they see the Lourenco administration as being rewarded despite growing concerns about the shrinking space for independent civil society organizations and freedom of expression. In a new report, Amnesty International said that anyone who publicly criticizes the Lourenco government risks arrest. And if human rights are central to President Bidens foreign policy, then he must demand Angolas government immediately free arbitrarily detained government critics. Adriano Nuvunga, who runs the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Mozambique, echoes that sentiment. I commend the people of Angola and president Lourenco for hosting President Biden. It means a lot for the people of Angola. While I commend them, I would also want to encourage President Biden to ask those tough questions to President Joao Lourenco," said Nuvunga. "We have a number of human rights defenders in Angola that are detained unjustly, unfairly for doing nothing. They are languishing in jails, some of them in critical conditions, said Nuvunga. Nuvunga hopes that this could be addressed during this trip. The dazzling shower of the tourbillon A crowning achievement of Abraham-Louis Breguet's inventions and inseparable from the Maison's technical expertise, this mechanism, as complex as it is poetic, reveals the gentle rhythm of its dance within a setting that sparkles brilliantly on the Classique Tourbillon 3358 timepiece. Surrounded by a dazzling array of diamonds that the tourbillon, this remarkable innovation patented in 1801 to counteract the effects of gravity on a watchs movement, performs its coryphee-like magic, laying down its undulating beats, powered by the manually wound in-house calibre 187D. Classique Tourbillon 3358 Breguet Positioned at the base of the precious face of the Classique Tourbillon, the ingenious regulator thus echoes the passage of hours and minutes, together tracing the silhouette of a harmonious lemniscate. Abraham-Louis Breguet, at the centre of gravity In the early years following his arrival in France, the Neuchatel-born watchmaker honed his skills with great horologists such as Ferdinand Berthoud and Jean-Antoine Lepine. However, it was under the guidance of Abbe Joseph-Francois Marie that he developed a passion for science, particularly mathematics and physics. The Cartesian talent of Abraham-Louis Breguet guided him in all his mechanical endeavours and technical innovations, which he developed in his workshop on the Ile de la Cite, in the very heart of Paris. Among these inventions, considered the foundation of modern watchmaking, is the "tourbillon regulator," a term borrowed from astronomy to describe a system that places all the elements of the escapement on a moving part that rotates on its own axis. The purpose of the tourbillon, as explained by Abraham-Louis Breguet when he patented his creation on June 26, 1801 (patent of 7 Messidor Year IX), is to counteract the harmful effects of Earths gravity that disrupt the precision of pocket watches, thereby mitigating discrepancies in timekeeping. Classique Tourbillon 3358 Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358, the lyricism of technique The latest addition to the collection, this reference embodies two of the major forces born from the genius of Abraham-Louis Breguet to offer a timepiece as precise as it is legible: the performance of mechanics and aesthetics to enhance information retrieval. The technical spirit thus acts in tandem in this piece, operating within the manually wound in-house calibre 187D, which houses the tourbillon encircled by gold and diamonds, and in the mastery of several gem-setting techniques, like the hypnotic "snow" setting The in-house calibre 187D tourbillon The new Classique Tourbillon 3358 is powered by the calibre 187D, a manually wound movement crafted by Breguet in its workshops in LOrient, in the Vallee de Joux, Switzerland. Assembled with 187 components and incorporating 21 jewels, this high-performance heart, equipped with a Breguet balance spring in steel, beats at the gentle frequency of 2.5 Hz, or 18,000 vibrations per hour. Once fully wound, it offers a power reserve of 50 hours. Back of the Classique Tourbillon 3358 Breguet The in-house calibre 187D featuring contemporary finishings, welcomes the "tourbillon regulator," created by Abraham-Louis Breguet over two centuries ago. Like a metronome that keeps time with a rotation completed in one minute, it ensures the watchs precision regardless of its position. On the Classique Tourbillon 3358, it appears transparently at the bottom of the dial through a circular aperture framed by an elliptical polished gold ring. A ribbon of diamonds adorns the slightly curved gold bridge that holds it in place. On the back of this model, equipped with a sapphire glass, the main plate is adorned with a shimmering decoration, manually stippled using a diamond burr. The material is delicately hollowed out to reveal reflections and reliefs, creating an effect reminiscent of the Moons ashen surface. While the process is identical for all pieces, their final appearance is unique, thanks to the additional soul instilled by the artisans. A lemniscate of diamonds and mother-of-pearl To beautifully accompany the rhythmic rotations of the regulator, the Maison has chosen to cover the centre of the dial with brilliant-cut diamonds using the jewelers snow-setting technique. Utilizing six different diameters, the artisans have set each precious stone on the gold disk in a random arrangement. Skilfully placed in tight rows to mask any trace of the supporting metal, the gems transform the face of the Classique Tourbillon 3358 into a dazzling landscape. Along the flange, ribbons of diamonds form arcs of circles emanating from the ovoid opening at 6 oclock, converging toward a wide ring of natural white mother-of-pearl, off-centred at 12 oclock. This iridescent ring bears the hour track composed of black Breguet numerals, which are swept over by two delicate Breguet-style open-tipped hands in blued steel. To perfect this luminous harmony, the 35mm case, crafted in 18K white gold and with a refined thickness of 9.3mm, features a bezel and lugs adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds. The crown, positioned on the fluted caseband, is topped with a rose-cut diamond. This new Classique Tourbillon 3358 is offered with a sky-blue alligator leather strap, connected by a triple-blade gold folding clasp set with diamonds. The Roman Catholic Church called on the president of El Salvador Sunday not to lift the country's ban on gold mining. Archbishop Jose Luis Escobar Alas asked President Nayib Bukele not to reverse the ban, which has been in place since 2017. "It will damage this country forever," Msgr. Escobar Alas said in a homily. That view has also been voiced by civic and environmental groups. On Wednesday, Bukele called the 7-year-old ban on metals mining "absurd," and claimed unmined gold would be "wealth that could transform El Salvador," in comments 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 country's water resources from contamination. 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 president's boosterism. "It's not true that there's green mining, it's paid for with lives, kidney, respiratory problems and leukemia that aren't 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. It marks 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. Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby has defended his decision to break military ties with France, saying at a news conference Sunday that their defense pact no longer meets Chads security needs. The decision requires France to withdraw its troops from the central African nation and echoes growing anti-French sentiment with civil society groups who say it is long overdue. Deby said military ties with France that have existed for close to 65 years are in no way helping to rescue Chad from what he calls growing security challenges, including terrorism and armed conflicts. In a Sunday broadcast on state TV, Deby said his decision to end cooperation agreements with the French military is part of a promise he made during his May 23 inauguration, ending three years of military transition. In the message, Deby said he would build reciprocal relations only with friendly nations that respect each other's independence and sovereignty and assist each other in times of crisis. Deby promised to stop ties with countries he said behaved as if Chad had remained their colony. The central African state first announced that it was ending military ties with France last week. The announcement came after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Chad and was told that Chad's military is strong enough to protect civilians and their property, according to government officials. Last Friday, the French foreign ministry said it had taken note of Chads decision to end the military agreement with Paris, but gave no further details. Deby's decision has reignited debates on what civil society and opposition groups call France's overbearing influence provoking tensions in several African countries, especially Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger and Senegal. Mamadou Doudet, coordinator of Chads Patriotic Movement, an opposition political party, said he was part of several dozen civil society organizations and opposition parties that met in Chad's capital, N'Djamena, on Monday to ask Deby to order the departure of over a thousand French troops stationed in Chad. Doudet said the presence of French troops in Chad is of no use. He said Chad's civil society and opposition find it very difficult to understand why French troops did not assist Chad last month when Boko Haram attacked and killed 40 Chadian soldiers in a military garrison in Lake Chad shared by Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria and Niger. It is not the first time Chadian civil society and opposition groups sought the expulsion of French troops. In November 2023, the groups said Deby should ensure some 1,000 French troops stationed in Chad and several thousand others expelled from Niger should leave Chad before the end of 2023. Yet, close to 1,000 French troops remain in Chad. On Monday, the Concertation Group of Chad's Political Actors, or GCAP, condemned Debys decision to end military cooperation with France. GCAP spokesperson Max Kemkoye said Chad's military is not strong enough to handle the many security challenges facing the country. He accused Deby of not consulting his government before making the decision, a claim VOA could not independently verify. The president of the International Criminal Court lashed out at the United States and Russia for interfering with its investigations, calling attacks on the court "appalling." "The court is being threatened with draconian economic sanctions by another permanent member of the Security Council as if it was a terrorist organization," Judge Tomoko Akane said in her address to the institution's annual meeting, which opened on Monday. Akane was referring to remarks made by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, whose Republican party will control both branches of Congress in January, and who called the court a "dangerous joke" and urged Congress to sanction its prosecutor. "To any ally, Canada, Britain, Germany, France, if you try to help the ICC, we're going to sanction you," Graham said on Fox News. Graham was angered by an announcement last month that judges had granted a request from the court's chief prosecutor Karim Khan to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas' military chief for crimes against humanity in connection with the nearly 14-month war in Gaza. This marks the first time the global court of justice calls out a sitting leader of a major Western ally. ICC faces challenges on arrest warrants Graham's threat isn't seen as just empty words. President-elect Donald Trump sanctioned the court's previous prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, with a travel ban and asset freeze for investigating American troops and intelligence officials in Afghanistan. Akane on Monday also had harsh words for Russia. "Several elected officials are being subjected to arrest warrants from a permanent member of the Security Council," she said. Moscow issued warrants for Khan and others in response to the investigation into Putin. The Assembly of States Parties, which represents the ICC's 124 member countries, will convene its 23rd conference to elect committee members and approve the court's budget against a backdrop of unfavorable headlines. The ICC was established in 2002 as the world's permanent court of last resort to prosecute individuals responsible for the most heinous atrocities war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression. The court only becomes involved when nations are unable or unwilling to prosecute those crimes on their territory. To date, 124 countries have signed on to the Rome Statute, which created the institution. Those who have not include Israel, Russia and China. The ICC has no police force and relies on member states to execute arrest warrants. The decision to warrant issues for Netanyahu and Israel's ex-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has been denounced by critics of the court and given only milquetoast approval by many of its supporters, a stark contrast to the robust backing of an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin last year over war crimes in Ukraine. U.S. President Joe Biden called the warrants for Netanyahu and the former defense minister "outrageous" and vowed to stand with Israel. A year ago, Biden called the warrant for Putin "justified" and said the Russian president had committed war crimes. The U.S. is not an ICC member country. France said it would "respect its obligations" but would need to consider Netanyahu's possible immunities. When the warrant for Putin was announced, France said it would "lend its support to the essential work" of the court. Another member country, Austria, begrudgingly acknowledged it would arrest Netanyahu but called the warrants "utterly incomprehensible." Italy called them "wrong" but said it would be obliged to arrest him. Germany said it would study the decision. Member Hungary has said it would stand with Israel instead of the court. Global security expert Janina Dill worried that such responses could undermine global justice efforts. "It really has the potential to damage not just the court, but international law," she told The Associated Press. Milena Sterio, an expert in international law at Cleveland State University, told the AP that sanctions against the court could affect a number of people who contribute to the court's work, such as international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney. Clooney advised the current prosecutor on his request for the warrants for Netanyahu and others. "Sanctions are a huge burden," Sterio said. Accusations against Khan Also hanging heavy over the meeting in The Hague are the internal pressures that Khan faces. In October, the AP reported the 54-year-old British lawyer is facing allegations he tried to coerce a female aide into a sexual relationship and groped her. Two co-workers in whom the woman confided reported the alleged misconduct in May to the court's independent watchdog, which says it interviewed the woman and ended its inquiry after five days when she opted against filing a formal complaint. Khan was never questioned. He has denied the claims. The Assembly of States Parties has announced it will launch an external probe into the allegations. It's not clear if the investigation will be addressed during the meeting. Khan took the floor after Akane. He didn't address the accusations against him or the threats against the court directly, other than to say the institution was facing "unprecedented challenges." Instead he highlighted his office's recent request for an arrest warrant against the head of Myanmar's military government and said he planned to request warrants related to Afghanistan and Sudan in the coming months. Late last week, six countries including France, Luxembourg and Mexico asked Khan's office to look into possible crimes in Afghanistan since the Taliban took control in 2021. While Khan isn't obligated to open an investigation in response to such a request, historically court prosecutors have done so. The court, which has long faced accusations of ineffectiveness, will have no trials pending after two conclude in December. While it has issued a number of arrest warrants in recent months, many high-profile suspects remain at large. Member states don't always act. Mongolia refused to arrest Putin when he visited in September. Sudan's former President Omar al-Bashir is wanted by the ICC over accusations related to the conflict in Darfur, but his country has refused to hand him over. Last week, Khan requested a warrant for the head of Myanmar's military regime, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, for attacks against the country's Rohingya Muslim minority. Judges have yet to decide on that request. "It becomes very difficult to justify the court's existence," Sterio said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged $680 million in military aid for Ukraine as he pledged support for the country during a visit Monday to Kyiv. Scholz said Ukraine can rely on Germany, and that his visit was meant to reinforce that commitment. He said the new military equipment is set to be delivered to Ukraine this month. The visit comes amid questions about future Western aid for Ukraine with the United States set to go through a change of leadership in January. Ukraines military said Monday it shot down 52 of 110 drones that Russian forces launched in attacks overnight. The intercepts took place over the Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Poltava, Sumy, Vinnytsia and Zhytomyr regions, the air force said. Viacheslav Negoda, the head of the military administration of Ternopil region, said on Telegram that Russian attacks killed one person and injured several others. Officials in Cherkasy said falling drone debris damaged several residential buildings. Russias Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down 15 Ukrainian aerial drones. The ministry said it destroyed drones over the Kursk, Bryansk and Belgorod regions, and over Russia-occupied Crimea. Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters Ireland's two long-dominant center-right parties looked likely to form a new government as results came in Sunday from a fractured national election, though with a reduced vote share and complex coalition negotiations ahead. In an exception to the global anti-incumbent mood, outgoing governing parties Fianna Fail and Fine Gael took the two largest shares of the vote, narrowly ahead of left-of-center opposition Sinn Fein. Under Ireland's system of proportional representation, vote share does not translate neatly into seats in parliament. With about two-thirds of results declared, Fianna Fail was on course to be the biggest party in the 174-seat Dail, the lower house of parliament, with Fine Gael and Sinn Fein battling for second place. It's certain that no party will have enough seats to govern on its own, and the most likely outcome is a coalition between Fianna Fail, led by Micheal Martin, and Fine Gael under outgoing Prime Minister Simon Harris. In that case either Harris or Martin or possibly both, if they strike a job-sharing deal will become Ireland's next premier, known as the taoiseach. Sinn Fein, which aims to reunify the Republic of Ireland with the U.K. territory of Northern Ireland, lacks a clear path to power because the other two parties say they won't work with it, partly because of its historic ties with the Irish Republican Army during three decades of violence in Northern Ireland. Ireland uses a complex system of proportional representation in which each of the country's 43 constituencies elects several lawmakers and voters rank candidates in order of preference. As a result, it can take days for full results to be known. "The people of Ireland have now spoken," Harris said. "We now have to work out exactly what they have said, and that is going to take a little bit of time." The cost of living especially Ireland's acute housing crisis was a dominant topic in the three-week campaign, alongside immigration, which has become an emotive and challenging issue in a country of 5.4 million people long defined by emigration. The results of Friday's election mean Ireland has partly bucked the global trend of incumbents being rejected by disgruntled voters after years of pandemic, international instability and cost-of-living pressures. The next government, like the last, will likely be led by two parties that have dominated Irish politics for the past century. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have similar policies but are longtime rivals with origins on opposing sides of Ireland's 1920s civil war. After the 2020 election ended in a virtual dead heat, they formed a coalition, propped up by the Green Party. The Greens had a devastating result, losing all but one of their 12 seats. This time, the winning parties may turn to left-leaning Labour or the Social Democrats, or to independent lawmakers, for support. For all the focus on migration, anti-immigration independents made few breakthroughs. Ireland does not have a significant far-right party to capitalize on the issue. Reelected Fine Gael lawmaker Paschal Donohoe said the main theme of the election was "the center holding." Nonetheless, the new government will face huge pressure to ease rising homelessness, driven by soaring rents and property prices, and to better absorb a growing number of asylum-seekers. The big parties' share of the vote continues to decline, and voter disaffection expressed itself in support for small parties and independent candidates. One of the more unorthodox independents was reputed organized crime boss Gerry "the Monk" Hutch, who saw a groundswell of support after he was bailed on money-laundering charges in Spain in November in order to run for election. Hutch, who last year was acquitted of killing a gangland rival, came within a whisker of winning a seat in Dublin. The top United Nations court will take up the largest case in its history Monday, when it opens two weeks of hearings into what countries worldwide are legally required to do to combat climate change and help vulnerable nations fight its devastating impact. After years of lobbying by island nations who fear they could simply disappear under rising sea waters, the U.N. General Assembly asked the International Court of Justice last year for an opinion on the obligations of States in respect of climate change. We want the court to confirm that the conduct that has wrecked the climate is unlawful, Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh, who is leading the legal team for the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, told The Associated Press. In the decade up to 2023, sea levels have risen by a global average of around 4.3 centimeters (1.7 inches), with parts of the Pacific rising higher still. The world has also warmed 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times because of the burning of fossil fuels. Vanuatu is one of a group of small states pushing for international legal intervention in the climate crisis. We live on the front lines of climate change impact. We are witnesses to the destruction of our lands, our livelihoods, our culture and our human rights, Vanuatus climate change envoy Ralph Regenvanu told reporters ahead of the hearing. Any decision by the court would be non-binding advice and unable to directly force wealthy nations into action to help struggling countries. Yet it would be more than just a powerful symbol since it could serve as the basis for other legal actions, including domestic lawsuits. On Sunday, ahead of the hearing, advocacy groups will bring together environmental organizations from around the world. Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change who first developed the idea of requesting an advisory opinion together with World Youth for Climate Justice plan an afternoon of speeches, music and discussions. From Monday, the Hague-based court will hear from 99 countries and more than a dozen intergovernmental organizations over two weeks. Its the largest lineup in the institutions nearly 80-year history. Last month at the United Nations annual climate meeting, countries cobbled together an agreement on how rich countries can support poor countries in the face of climate disasters. Wealthy countries have agreed to pool together at least $300 billion a year by 2035 but the total is short of the $1.3 trillion that experts, and threatened nations, said is needed. For our generation and for the Pacific Islands, the climate crisis is an existential threat. It is a matter of survival, and the worlds biggest economies are not taking this crisis seriously. We need the ICJ to protect the rights of people at the front lines, Vishal Prasad, of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, told reporters in a briefing. Fifteen judges from around the world will seek to answer two questions: What are countries obliged to do under international law to protect the climate and environment from human-caused greenhouse gas emissions? And what are the legal consequences for governments where their acts, or lack of action, have significantly harmed the climate and environment? The second question refers to small island developing States likely to be hardest hit by climate change and to members of the present and future generations affected by the adverse effects of climate change. The judges were even briefed on the science behind rising global temperatures by the U.N.s climate change body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, ahead of the hearings. The case at the ICJ follows a number of rulings around the world ordering governments to do more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In May, a U.N. tribunal on maritime law said that carbon emissions qualify as marine pollution, and countries must take steps to adapt to and mitigate their adverse effects. That ruling came a month after Europes highest human rights court said that countries must better protect their people from the consequences of climate change, in a landmark judgment that could have implications across the continent. The ICJs host country of The Netherlands made history when a court ruled in 2015 that protection from the potentially devastating effects of climate change is a human right and that the government has a duty to protect its citizens. The judgment was upheld in 2019 by the Dutch Supreme Court. Renewed rocket launches from Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and a wave of retaliatory strikes by Israel are intensifying pressure on a days-old ceasefire aimed at calming tensions in the troubled region. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) late Monday carried out a series of strikes across Lebanon, accusing the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terror group of defying the deal by targeting Israel with rockets. Hezbollahs launches tonight constitute a violation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, the IDF said in a statement on its Telegram channel. The State of Israel demands that the relevant parties in Lebanon fulfill their responsibilities and prevent Hezbollah's hostile activity from within Lebanese territory. Israel said its targets included dozens of Hezbollah rocket launchers, terrorist fighters and other Hezbollah infrastructure. Lebanons Health Ministry late Monday said Israeli strikes in the towns of Haris and Talousa killed nine people and injured three others. The ministry said earlier that Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed two more. The flurry of strikes followed a Hezbollah rocket attack on an Israeli military position in the disputed Shebaa Farms area, which Hezbollah described as a defensive warning strike. But despite the revived hostilities and tough talk from both Israeli and Hezbollah officials, U.S. officials expressed hope Monday that a temporary peace will prevail. "Broadly speaking, it's our assessment that despite some of these incidents that we're seeing, the ceasefire is holding" Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder said Monday during a briefing with reporters. We will continue to work with partners in the region to ensure that the ceasefire has the best potential for succeeding," he added. U.S. State Department officials Monday, likewise, said they have not seen indications that the ceasefire is in danger of collapsing, despite accusations by both side of violations. This is work that's ongoing, said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. We take all of them very seriously, and we work through the [ceasefire] mechanism that we set up to adjudicate them. Negotiators from the United States and France have touted the ceasefire deal as a chance to forge a more permanent cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, and end fighting that erupted following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hezbollah ally Hamas on Israel. During its attack, Hamas killed about 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage. There are still about 100 hostages held in Gaza, with about one-third believed to be dead. Israeli officials announced Monday that Omer Neutra, an Israeli American soldier who was presumed captured in the 2023 attack, is now believed to have been killed, without explaining how it arrived at that assessment. In a statement, U.S. President Joe Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden were devastated and outraged to learn of Neutras killing, saying he had visited with Neutras parents less than a month ago. To the families of those still held hostage in Gaza, Biden said, We see you. We are with you. And I will not stop working to bring your loved ones back home where they belong. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in a statement that the countrys hearts are with Neutras family. We must fulfill the ultimate imperative: to return Omer and all our abducted men and women the living to their families, and the fallen and murdered to be laid to rest, Herzog said. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump echoed that call Monday, issuing a warning on his social media platform. [I]f the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America, he added. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW! In its counteroffensive in Gaza, Israel has killed more than 44,400 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish in its death toll between civilians and combatants. Israel, without providing evidence, says it has killed more than 17,000 militants. A top U.S. national security official said Sunday that a ceasefire in Gaza is now more likely following the ceasefire reached in Lebanon. The U.S. and other negotiators may have a chance to end 14 months of fighting in Gaza, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNNs State of the Union show but declined to make a prediction, because weve come close before. Herzog said Sunday, "There are negotiations taking place behind the scenes, and it can be done. Sullivan told NBCs Meet the Press show, We are engaged deeply with the key players in the region, and there is activity even today. There will be further conversations and consultations, and our hope is that we can generate a ceasefire and hostage deal, but we're not there yet. Sullivan spoke after Hamas on Saturday released a videotape of one of the hostages, Israeli American Edan Alexander. Speaking under duress, Alexander blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, saying, "The prime minister is supposed to protect his soldiers and citizens, and you abandoned us. Sullivan said the video was a cruel reminder of Hamas' brutality and of the fact that they are holding so many hostages from so many countries. The United States, Qatar and Egypt have spent much of the past year trying to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the remaining hostages. But the talks have been stalemated, with Israel rejecting Hamas' demand for a complete withdrawal from the territory, and Israel vowing that any vestige of Hamas control in the narrow territory along the Mediterranean Sea will be erased. Some material in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Authorities in Pakistan reported Monday that armed clashes between rival Sunni and Shiite Muslim tribes in a northwestern district bordering the border with Afghanistan have resulted in at least 133 deaths within the past two weeks. The sectarian violence in Kurram in the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa flared up late last month when gunmen ambushed a Shiite vehicle convoy, killing 52 passengers, including women, children, and security personnel escorting them. No group assumed responsibility for the bloodshed, which triggered retaliatory attacks and arson by Shiite tribesmen in the predominantly Sunni village where the convoy was ambushed. The clashes have since escalated into revenge attacks districtwide, leaving more than 80 people dead and nearly 200 injured. The provincial government facilitated a week-long ceasefire between the warring groups, which allowed the two sides to exchange hostages but failed to halt hostilities. Kurram, situated on the Afghan border, is the sole Pakistani district where Shiites constitute the majority of the population, deviating from the national average where Sunnis hold the majority. Ali Amin Gandapur, the provincial chief minister, Monday led a Cabinet meeting where members were briefed on efforts to restore peace in the region. Local media quoted Gandapur as telling the meeting that those responsible for the chaos, spreading sectarian hatred, and inciting murder and destruction would be treated as terrorists. A land dispute between Sunni and Shiite groups sparked weeks of clashes in Kurram earlier this year, killing more than 100 people between August and October. The violence had compelled authorities to halt all traffic to and from the district until early November, when tribal elders brokered a temporary ceasefire, enabling travelers to resume their journey. The November 21 convoy attack and subsequent clashes, however, forced authorities to again close the highway linking the district to the rest of Pakistan, citing security reasons. Residents have reported a shortage of food, fuel, and medicine due to repeated road closures, causing significant hardships across Kurram, which has a population of nearly 800,000. Gandapur announced Monday that the government was taking steps to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Kurram. He indicated that authorities were considering deploying helicopters to deliver food and medical supplies to the most affected areas. Trade activities between Pakistan and landlocked Afghanistan through the Kharlachi border crossing in the mountainous district have also been disrupted. Sectarian violence in Kurram erupted amid a surge in militancy in several Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts near or along the Afghan border, the southwestern province of Balochistan, and elsewhere in Pakistan. Nationwide militant attacks have resulted in the deaths of 68 Pakistani security personnel and 50 civilians in November alone, as reported by the Islamabad-based independent Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. The Pakistani military has also stepped-up counter-militancy operations, killing dozens of insurgents. In a statement released Sunday, the Pakistani military announced the killing of eight militants in what it said were intelligence-driven operations conducted in two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It also confirmed the deaths of two Pakistani soldiers, including an officer, as a result of these operations. On a two-day visit to Hawaii, Taiwans president Lai Ching-te met with the state's governor and congressional representatives as part of a Pacific island tour that has already triggered criticism from Beijing. On Sunday, Chinas Foreign Ministry said it strongly condemned U.S. support for Lais visit and had lodged a complaint with the U.S. It also denounced a newly announced U.S. weapons sale to Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its own territory. China will closely monitor the situations development and take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity, said the statement. Hawaii was Lai's first stop on a weeklong voyage that will later take him to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau. They account for three of the 12 countries Taipei has formal diplomatic relations with. Hawaii's Gov. Josh Green on Saturday hosted Lai at the state's emergency management agency where they discussed disaster preparedness. Green, who was a longtime emergency room physician before becoming governor, posted on social media that he and Lai discussed how their experiences in health care informed their governance. Lai is also a physician by training and obtained a Master of Public Health degree from Harvard University. Together, we extended a warm aloha to Lai and his delegation, highlighting Hawai'is shared values of resilience and collaboration with Taiwan, Green said in an Instagram post. Lai also visited Bishop Museum, Hawaiis leading museum of natural history and Native Hawaiian culture. In the evening, Lai posed for photos with Hawaii congressional representatives and state lawmakers at a dinner banquet with the Taiwanese American community. U.S. Rep. Ed Case, a Democrat who represents Honolulu in Congress, said on social media that he told the audience that our ties endured on shared values and interests to advance mutual goals and meet shared challenges. It is unclear whether Lai with meet with any senior officials from the Biden administration or anyone from the incoming Trump administration during his Hawaii stay. President-elect Donald Trump said in an interview with Bloomberg in July that Taiwan should pay for its defense. The island has purchased billions of dollars of defense weaponry from the U.S. Trump evaded answering whether he would defend the island from Chinese military action. The new arms deal announced by the U.S. State Department Friday includes $385 million in spare parts and equipment for a fleet of F-16s, as well as support for a tactical communication system to Taiwan. The U.S. is obligated to help the island defend itself under the Taiwan Relations Act but maintains a position of strategic ambiguity over whether it would ever get involved if Taiwan were to be invaded by China. Former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen drew vocal opposition from China when she stopped in New York last year on her way to Latin America. Tsai met with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy at the time. The Chinese military also launched drills around Taiwan last year as a stern warning over what it called collusion between separatists and foreign forces days after Lai, then Taiwans vice president, stopped over in the U.S. China also strongly objects to leading American politicians visiting the island as it views any official contact with foreign governments and Taiwan as an infringement on its claims of sovereignty over Taiwan. Washington switched its formal recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he had appointed American Lebanese businessman Massad Boulos, the father of one of his sons-in-law, as his Middle East adviser. "Massad is a skilled negotiator and a steadfast advocate for PEACE in the Middle East. He will be a staunch defender of the United States and its interests," Trump wrote on Truth Social, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas has been plaguing the region for more than a year. A longtime Republican, Boulos built his fortune selling automobiles in Nigeria. The 2022 marriage of his son Michael Boulos to Donald Trumps daughter Tiffany propelled him into the newly elected billionaires inner circle. Boulos took an active part in the presidential campaign, working to convince the Arab community in some key states to vote for Trump. "Massad is an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected business leader with extensive experience on the international stage," the president-elect, who is due to take office on January 20, said. A Maronite Christian, Boulos had tried to get elected as a parliamentarian in Lebanon, without success. During the presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly said he would end the conflict between Israel and Hamas, without ever revealing a plan to do so. Boulos had explained in October that he shared the same philosophy. Israel "has military objectives to achieve, namely to get rid of Hamas' infrastructure and its capacity to launch new attacks," he said in an interview with Sky News. But "they have to do it very quickly. (...), It cannot last forever," he added. His appointment comes days after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite Islamist movement allied with Hamas and Iran. This truce in Lebanon gives hope for progress in the Middle East to the administration of Joe Biden, still in power for a few weeks. In the wake of the Lebanon deal, the United States is "actively" working toward a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Jake Sullivan, the current White House national security adviser, said Sunday. But "we're not there yet," he said. On Saturday, Trump also named Charles Kushner, the father of his other son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, as U.S. ambassador to France. An unusual choice for a diplomatic role: Kushner spent a year in federal prison for tax fraud before being pardoned by Trump toward the end of his first term in the White House. King Frederik X of Denmark pleased his subjects by making a public appearance with his wife, Queen Consort Mary, and three younger children, 17-year-old Princess Isabella and 13-year-old twins Vincent and Josephine. The royal family attended a rehearsal of the Nutcracker Christmas ballet. The honored guest of the evening was the mother of the crowned king, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe, who acted as a production and costume designer. ADVERTISIMENT Frederick X's son Vincent chose a white shirt and a blue suit, which he complemented with a dark coat, just like his father. Meanwhile, the king's daughters imitated Mary in their looks Isabella wore a bright purple coat and let her hair down, while her older sister Isabella chose a gray ensemble and twisted her strands into light curls. The only one missing from the red carpet was the couple's eldest son, 19-year-old Crown Prince Christian, who became the heir to the throne when his father was crowned King of Denmark on January 14, 2024. Crown Prince Christian of Denmark The future heir to the throne was born on October 15, 2005, in Copenhagen. In September 2006, Danish Minister of Border Affairs Per Stig Mller officially signed a handwritten document confirming the king's son's place in the line of succession. ADVERTISIMENT Christian was the first member of the Danish royal family to attend kindergarten. He was also the first Danish monarch to attend the public school Tranegord School in Hellerup. In June 2022, shortly after the end of his first year at the gymnasium, it was announced that the prince would no longer attend the school after repeated allegations of bullying and violence at the institution emerged. Thanks to the abdication of his grandmother, Crown Prince Christian became the next in line to the throne immediately after his 18th birthday. The young man even became regent for the first time in January 2024, when his parents were on a state visit abroad. ADVERTISIMENT Princess Isabella Isabella was born on April 21, 2007. She was the first girl to be born to the Danish royal family since the birth of her great aunt, Queen Anne Marie of Greece, in 1946. After the passage of the 2009 Danish referendum on succession (abolishing the male-favored primogeniture), Isabella became the first princess in Danish history not to be succeeded by a younger brother when Prince Vincent was born in 2011. Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine The twins Vincent and Josephine were born on January 8, 2011. The boy was born 26 minutes earlier than his sister, becoming the third in line to the throne. Shortly after the birth, while talking to the press, Frederik X joked that he had named his newborn son Elvis because the twins share a birthday with Elvis Presley. Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote about how King Charles of Great Britain did not invite his youngest son for Christmas: Harry and Meghan will have a "bitter" Christmas Eve. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced Sunday his nomination of Lebanese American businessman Massad Boulos to serve as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Boulos is the father-in-law of Trumps daughter Tiffany. He was a member of Trumps election campaign, working on the outreach to Arab American communities in the key state of Michigan amid dissatisfaction with the Biden administrations response to Israels offensives against militants in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Trump won the state in last months election after losing there to President Joe Biden in 2020. Massad is a dealmaker, and an unwavering supporter of PEACE in the Middle East, Trump said on his Truth Social site. He will be a strong advocate for the United States, and its interests, and I am pleased to have him on our team! Trump on Saturday named Kash Patel to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation, saying he is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and America First fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people. Patel, 44, held three defense, intelligence and national security posts in the first Trump administration but has endeared himself to the incoming chief executive by vowing to clean out the deep state at the FBI. He also said he would launch a campaign of retribution against Trumps adversaries, including FBI agents who have investigated the once-and-future president, journalists and others. During his first term, Trump suggested naming Patel as the deputy FBI director, but then-Attorney General William Barr, now a Trump critic, said the appointment would only occur over my dead body. Patel has vowed to close the FBI headquarters in Washington and dispatch many of its agents across the country to fight crime, not launch more intelligence-gathering operations. Trumps first hurdle in installing Patel as the FBI director is that there already is an FBI director, Christopher Wray, who was appointed by Trump and whose 10-year term extends to 2027. Trump would have to fire Wray or Wray would have to resign before Patel could take over. FBI directors are appointed to decade-long terms by design, so that their tenures and investigative directives are not subject to the political whims of the moment. But Trump already fired one FBI director, James Comey, in 2017, before naming Wray. Trump says the FBI is badly broken and has lost the confidence of America. Patel faces a Senate confirmation hearing and is likely to face tough questioning about how he would run the agency and oversee its more than 10,000 criminal investigative agents and another 25,000 staff members. Patels appointment comes on top of other unconventional Trump appointments: vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to oversee the health and human services department, talk show host Pete Hegseth, a decorated military officer with scant managerial experience, to be the Pentagon chief, and Tulsi Gabbard, a Democratic-congresswoman-turned-staunch-Trump-defender, as director of national intelligence. Trumps first nominee to be attorney general, former Congressman Matt Gaetz, dropped out after eight days as he faced widespread scrutiny of his alleged sexual misconduct and illicit drug use; charges Gaetz has denied. Some Republican senators praised Patels appointment. Republicans will hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate next year, meaning Patel could lose the support of three senators and still be confirmed, with Vice President-elect JD Vance casting the decisive tie-breaking vote if needed. Senator Bill Hagerty, a Tennessee Republican, told NBCs Meet the Press that Patel "represents the type of change that we need to see in the FBI. ... The entire agency needs to be cleaned out." There are serious problems at the FBI, Hagerty said. The American public knows it. They expect to see sweeping change, and Kash Patel's just the type of person to do it." Another Republican senator, Ted Cruz of Texas, said Patel was a "very strong nominee" and he thought Patel would be confirmed. "All of the weeping and gnashing of teeth, all the people pulling their hair out, are exactly the people who are dismayed about having a real reformer come into the FBI," Cruz told CBS' "Face the Nation." A third Republican, Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota, said, "Every president wants people that are loyal to themselves." But he called Wray "a very good man, adding, "I don't have any complaints about the way that he's done his job right now." Democrats are almost certain to oppose the nomination. Senator Chris Murphy told NBC, "Patel's only qualification is that he agrees with Donald Trump that the Department of Justice should punish, lock up and intimidate Donald Trump's political opponents." Some material in this report came from The Associated Press. The recent rapid advance by opposition fighters in Syria shows that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must reconcile with his own people and hold dialogue with the opposition, the Turkish foreign minister said Monday. At a joint news conference in Ankara with his Iranian counterpart, Hakan Fidan said Turkey and Iran, which support opposing sides in Syria's civil war, have agreed to resume diplomatic efforts along with Russia to restore calm days after insurgents launched a lightning offensive and captured almost all of the country's largest city, Aleppo. The swift advance by fighters that Turkey supports was a huge embarrassment for Assad and it comes at a time when his allies Iran and groups it backs and Russia are preoccupied with their own conflicts. The push is among the rebels' strongest in years and raises the prospect of another violent front reopening in the Middle East when U.S.-backed Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both Iranian-allied groups. Fidan, whose country has backed forces opposed to Assad, blamed the recent flare-up of the conflict on the Syrian government's refusal to enter a dialogue with the opposition that Turkey supports. "Recent developments show once again that Damascus must reconcile with its own people and the legitimate opposition," the Turkish minister said. "Turkey is ready to make all the necessary contribution toward this." Fidan's comments emerged amid Turkish frustration that recent efforts toward a reconciliation with Assad have fallen flat. The comments indicated that the shock offensive launched by opposition fighters could be aimed at pressuring the Syrian leader to engage in political talks. Turkey has been seeking to normalize ties with Syria to address security threats from groups affiliated with Kurdish militants along its southern border and to help ensure the safe return of more than 3 million Syrian refugees. Assad has insisted that Turkey's withdrawal of its forces from northern Syria be a condition for any normalization between the two countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who visited Assad on Sunday before traveling to Ankara, reiterated Tehran's full support for the Syrian government. Iran has been one of Assad's principal political and military supporters and has deployed military advisers and forces after 2011 protests against Assad's rule turned into an all-out war. Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have deployed in Syria to back the government's counteroffensive against the insurgents, an Iraqi militia official and a war monitor said Monday. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition war monitor, some 200 Iraqi militiamen riding on pickups crossed into Syria overnight through the strategic Bou Kamal crossing. They were expected to deploy in Aleppo to support the Syrian army's pushback against the insurgents, the monitor said. The rebel offensive in Syria has caused concern among neighboring countries that the conflict could spill over. In Iraq, Interior Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Miqdad Miri said security forces have deployed in greater numbers to protect their large border with Syria. Fidan reiterated Turkey's support for Syria's territorial integrity, but suggested that Turkey would not hesitate to intervene against Syrian Kurdish militia groups that Turkey considers to be terrorists if they "exploit the environment of instability." "It was a mistake to ignore the legitimate demands of the opposition and for the (Syrian) regime not to sincerely engage in the political process," Fidan said. "Turkey will never, ever allow terrorist organizations that seek to exploit the environment of instability, Fidan said. "We will eliminate any threat to our national security and our people wherever it emerges." Both Fidan and Araghchi said Turkey, Iran and Russia would convene a new three-way meeting to address the conflict in Syria. "We have decided to hold closer consultations and dialogue, and with God's permission, we will cooperate to further improve the situation toward peace and stability in our region," Araghchi said. Russia, whose intervention in Syria's civil war on behalf of Assad was crucial in turning the conflict in his favor, has said it will continue to support him. "We continue our contacts at the appropriate level and analyze the situation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Monday. "A position will be formed regarding what is needed to stabilize the situation." As Syrian and Russian jets continued pounding targets, two airstrikes hit a group of four hospitals and the health directorate building in Idlib city, the Syrian Civil Defense force that operates in opposition-held areas, known as the White Helmets, said. Two people in Idlib University Hospital died after their oxygen machines turned off following the strikes. Ceiling panels and doors at the hospital were blown off, while ambulances and vehicles outside were severely damaged according to footage taken by a journalist with The Associated Press at the hospital. At least 15 civilians were killed in Idlib city and province, according to the White Helmets. Syrian Kurds were fleeing the fighting in large numbers after Turkish-backed rebels seized Tel Rifaat from rival U.S.-backed Kurdish authorities. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces largely withdrew and called for a humanitarian corridor to allow people to leave safely in convoys toward Aleppo and later to Kurdish-led northeast regions. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. U.S. President Joe Biden pardons his son Hunter. Iran is likely to be high on the foreign policy agenda of the incoming Trump administration. Protesters rallied in Georgia's capital for a fourth straight night on Sunday. Photo: David LaChapelle for New York Magazine The first episode of NBCs Saturday Night aired live from New York on October 11, 1975, and looked like literal trash gray, brown, muted, somehow both dusty and wet, with sets that appeared to have been left on the sidewalk for a few days. The center stage was paved in real brick, as if the show were being performed not just in New York but on it as well. Its what New York was at that time and still is, creator Lorne Michaels told Rolling Stone in 1979. Deteriorated, run-down, and loved because of it. It probably would be easier to make Saturday Night Live in Los Angeles. It definitely would be cheaper. No longer would the crew need to cram about a dozen sets into a paltry 6,000 square feet of valuable Manhattan real estate every week. But SNL isnt easy. Its cramped. Its indulgently difficult to produce. New York and SNL were made for each other. They were made by each other by reverently mythologizing their history while also irreverently demolishing it to make way for whatever was new and next, like a postwar building thats periodically renovated to keep up with trends. Later this winter, the show will be throwing itself a series of birthday parties celebrating 50 years on the air. The stamina required to do the same show, at the same place, at the same time, 20-odd times a year is unfathomable in the modern TV landscape. Its even more extraordinary as far as New York institutions go. In the same stretch of time, Studio 54 went from a chic nightlife spot to a generic rock venue to a Broadway theater, and CBGB went from a punk-rock breeding ground to a store selling $1,900 studded Alice Cooper leather biker jackets. SNL, meanwhile, has become so interwoven into the pace of New York City and how we organize its place in the culture that it feels unbound by time, as if it had always existed and always will. In the 1970s, the culture was not lacking for depictions of New York. So many iconic movies were made during this time, about this time, that its version of the city as dangerous, depraved, and degraded lingered for decades. SNL started from the same image, but where the movies wallowed in darkness, SNL found a joke, acting as a built-in end-of-week release valve to the tension of living in this city and in this country. When Mayor Adams was indicted this fall, SNL had Devon Walker impersonate him days later, defending himself for accepting flights from Turkish-government officials. (New York City needs me in first class: Shoes off. Tie off. Bracelets on. Getting my shoulders rubbed by a nice Turkish lady named Bahar.) When Steve Buscemi was punched by a stranger last spring, six days later on SNL an NYPD sergeant (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) held a press conference to say Stop punching character actors in the face. To say nothing of the years of sketches and jokes about rats, pigeons, and lanternflies. SNL has built a reputation as the way New York sees America, but its also always been the way America sees New York. By design, as a variety show, it does not require any one person to like every sketch. Take a November episode in which host John Mulaney performed his sixth musical parody about hyperspecific New York curiosities. Previous installments have covered subway churros and Times Square gift shops that sell I NY tighty-whities. The latest one was about milk sold at the Duane Reade in Port Authority. The morning after it aired, my colleagues picked it apart like callers into a New York sports-radio show. We all agreed that 2018s Diner Lobster, about ordering lobster at a Greek diner, is still the best of the set. It had focused on one musical (Les Miserables) and an observation that could only have been made by someone living here, while increasingly these sketches have become musical pastiches of tourist-level observations. Sure, this made us the 50,000,000th New Yorker to say SNL was funnier in the past. But like all of our institutions, SNL exists partly to be argued over and complained about, mirroring the love-hate relationship the rest of the country has with New York. SNL is less the Yankees than the Knicks; following it means hoping that one of these days, they are going to figure it all out and create a full season of perfect sketch comedy. But such perfection is both impossible and wrongheaded, as it wouldnt properly reflect the reality of existing in this city. Instead, we enjoy that the show captures the feeling of making the show, of anxiously, hurriedly, ambitiously trying to figure it all out in real time. Every week, they fail to do so, and yet it airs anyway. Isnt that special? IN THE PORTFOLIO: Fred Armisen, cast (200213) Alec Baldwin, 17-time host (19902017) Vanessa Bayer, cast (201017) Candice Bergen, five-time host (197590) Aidy Bryant, cast (201222) Dana Carvey, cast (198693) Chevy Chase, cast and writer (197576) Michael Che, writer (2013present), cast (2014present) Ellen Cleghorne, cast (199195) Billy Crystal, cast (198485) Jane Curtin, cast (197580) Pete Davidson, cast (201422) Rachel Dratch, cast (19992006) Nora Dunn, cast (198590) Jimmy Fallon, cast (19982004) Tina Fey, writer (19972006), cast (20006) Will Forte, cast (200210) Janeane Garofalo, cast (199495) Ana Gasteyer, cast (19962002) Bill Hader, cast (200513) Darrell Hammond, cast (19952009), announcer (2014present) Marcello Hernandez, cast (2022present) James Austin Johnson, cast (2021present) Leslie Jones, cast and, writer (201419) Colin Jost, writer (2005present), cast (2014present) Chris Kattan, cast (19962003) Julia Louis-Dreyfus, cast (198285) Steve Martin, 16-time host (19762022) Kate McKinnon, cast (201222) Tim Meadows, cast (19912000) Seth Meyers, cast (200114), writer (200314) Tracy Morgan, cast (19962003) Garrett Morris, cast (197580) John Mulaney, writer (200813), six-time host (201824) Mike Myers, cast (198995) Laraine Newman, cast (197580) Don Novello, writer (197880 198586), cast (197980, 198586) Cheri Oteri, cast (19952000) Chris Parnell, cast (19982006) Nasim Pedrad, cast (200914) Jay Pharoah, cast (201016) Joe Piscopo, cast (198084) Amy Poehler, cast (20018) Maya Rudolph, cast (20007) Andy Samberg, cast (200512) Molly Shannon, cast (19952001) Sarah Sherman, cast (2021present) Martin Short, cast (198485) Sarah Silverman, cast and, writer (199394) David Spade, writer (199091), cast (199096) Cecily Strong, cast (201222) Jason Sudeikis, writer (20035), cast (200513) Julia Sweeney, cast (199094) Terry Sweeney, writer (198081 198586), cast (198586) Kenan Thompson, cast (2003present) Christopher Walken, seven-time host (19902008) Kristen Wiig, cast (200512), five-time host (201324) Casey Wilson, cast (20089) Bowen Yang, writer (201819), cast (2019present) Sasheer Zamata, cast (201417) Photo: David LaChapelle for New York Magazine Photo: David LaChapelle Photo: David LaChapelle Photo: David LaChapelle Photo: David LaChapelle SAAAAAAAAAM! SAMANTHA MILLER! You are breaking my tiny, cold heart into a million little pieces, and I need you to stop it right now. I dont know about any of you, but I watched several scenes of Somebody Somewheres penultimate episode (again, heartbreak) peeking through my hands while covering my eyes like I was watching some (adorable) horror film. When Sam went on her date with Iceland, I felt like a mama bird who sent her baby bird out into the world, and all I could do was watch that sweet baby bird try to be brave and do things outside of her comfort zone. My anxiety level is only now coming back down to normal. The thing is, the date goes so well! Or, it does until Sam gives up on herself partway through. Shes had issues in the past with not giving other people a chance Tricia called her out on this last season during Sams fight with Joel but if anything, this season really shows us that the person Sam refuses to give a chance to is herself. Im Mr. Hollands Opusing just thinking about it. The structure of this episode written and directed by Lennon Parham is a wonder. While it is most definitely about The Date and Sam putting herself out there and the aftermath of that, it is also very much about Sam and Joel finding their way back to each other. Even though Sam confronted her friend about sharing her personal shit with his boyfriend, things between them havent been exactly the same. Sure, part of the reason Sam hasnt talked much about Iceland is because shes scared and defeatist and overwhelmed, but the fact that she has confided about the entire situation with Tricia before Joel is telling. The episode is bookended with conversations between the two friends. On the first day of the date (although not even we, the audience, know this yet), Sam and Joel meet up at the Chef, where she doesnt mention anything about her plans. Admittedly, they have a lot to talk about since Joel comes in hot, having just caused a fender bender his outsize reaction to it would have you believe he just killed someone while getting too invested and emotional over the episode of Glennon Doyles We Can Do Hard Things podcast hes listening to. The reveal that the person Joel hit was the tiniest, oldest woman and his what have I done? reaction is top tier. Sam can see Joel is spiraling, and its she who brings up having a sleepover like they used to, with tinis and tickle fights and maybe some sobbing over Richard Dreyfusss greatest role. Its exactly what Joel needs, and while he doesnt know it since hes the only one crying here, its exactly what Sam needs too. Tricia is the only one who susses out what Sams up to, and on the list of Somebody Somewhere characters who would most help ease anxiety, she would be at the bottom. (Even if she was so lovely just a few short episodes ago, reminding Sam that nobody knows what theyre doing, etc., Im still crying about it.) Yelling at Sam as she walks out the door to think about her outfit and put a curl in her hair and definitely consider lip gloss isnt exactly offering the most calming presence, but moments later we see that Sam does in fact take all of that advice. This scene, in which Sam is getting ready for her date, is yet another example of how Somebody Somewhere operates on a higher level than so much of whats on TV. Its quiet and short, and yet it tells us everything we need to know about how Sam is feeling. She keeps changing shirts, keeps messing with her hair, and finally she breaks down into tears. Then she gathers herself up, tries to remind herself this isnt a big deal, and writes herself a little note. We see exactly how nervous and scared she is but more important, we see her resilience. Friends, she is still going on this date. Later, shell tell Joel that she really is trying so hard to make positive changes in her life, and we know shes telling the truth we see it right here. One of the best things about Sam Miller is the fact that even through her crippling self-esteem issues and her fears of rejection and abandonment, the woman cannot help but be herself. She never tries to cover up who she is she doesnt get a whole new wardrobe for this date or pretend that shes feeling confident and carefree knocking on Icelands door. She is endearingly open with him about how nervous she is, and, yes, she would very much like Wesley around to be her emotional support pup. But Icelands nervous, too and he definitely combed his hair for this. He is so into her. Their little walkabout date is so awkward and wonderful. Eventually, Sam even admits that she wrote a list of things to talk about in case things got weird. Iceland demands to read it and answer every question she has for him about dogs, music, and Iceland. You guys, when Sam makes another self-deprecating joke, and Iceland says matter-of-factly, I dont like how you always put yourself down, I had to pause the episode. I had to process. What a thing to say! I guess my bar is on the floor, but what a perfect and lovely thing to say to this woman. Iceland!! Their conversation is flirty in its own special way, things are going great, and the moment seems right for Iceland to lean in for a sweet kiss. Its great until its not. Sam is overwhelmed. She starts crying and backs away. Iceland is worried he upset her, but it wasnt anything he did. Sam utters one devastating sentence as an explanation: Maybe I dont have the emotional infrastructure for this. They continue to walk Iceland so badly wants to fix this but you know Sam is in her head about it now, and any magic that was brewing is gone. Ive never been more thankful that Sam and Joel have already planned to do in-person tuck-ins that night. The evening starts by addressing Joels current mental state, which is, uh, not great. Sam knows the sobbing over the minor car bump isnt really about the car or the sweet old lady, and sure enough, Joel breaks down into tears talking about how good his life is, how great things are with Brad and with Sam, and yet he feels like something is missing. Whats wrong with wanting a little bit more? Sam asks. When Sam brings up religion, he really starts crying. She thinks he should go see Pastor Deb, even if he feels like hes burned that bridge. Why doesnt he just try and see what happens? Whats the harm in trying? But soon Joel turns the heart-to-heart to Sam. He wants to know about her life. And she finally opens up to him about Iceland and the date and the kiss. When he asks her how shes feeling about all this, I cant imagine hes anticipating the vulnerable, heartbreaking answer she gives. She tells him how much she likes Iceland and how all of this brings up deep, deep-seated feelings of self-hate. I just keep thinking about what if he got to know me how could he want that? The sentiment is more than enough to break your heart, thinking about how Sam still sees herself, but you know what really brought me to tears? The speed with which Joel responds, How could he not? Full disclosure: I am tearing up right now just writing about it. Everybody needs a friend like Joel. This is not news, but it deserves to be repeated. Joel turns Sams advice around on her: Why dont you just try and see what happens? And the episode ends with this second conversation between the two friends, laughing and crying and fucking up some doughnuts together. Sam and Joels friendship is stronger than its ever been, and both of them are better off because of it. Tender Moments Only Somebody Somewhere could find a perfect metaphor for Sam working hard to make changes in her life in those gross foot peels. Sam tells Joel how the peel theyre doing for their slumber party works: First, itll be horrifying, then itll be disgusting, and then youll have the babiest, softest feet you ever did see. In life, sometimes, youll have to shed parts of the old you and itll be hard and maybe gross and definitely scary, but, oh baby, on the other end of it? Thats the good stuff. What? Sometimes I just wanna be a bad, bad boy! Fred tells Joel and Sam when hes caught picking up a cheeseburger and fries at the Chef. Fred Rococo forever!! Why am I so proud of Tricia for being so good at her job? When she practices her cancer-research fundraising-event presentation for Mitch with Sam, I just wanted to hug her. Its that mama bird energy this show brings out, Im telling you. While I cant hug a fictional character (yet), Ill settle for Sam and Tricias manifest chant/gigglefest. Well, if you dont like Clair de lune, youre an asshole, right? VULTURE NEWSLETTER Keep up with all the drama of your favorite shows! Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. Peru hosted the international beauty pageant Mrs. Planet 2024, where Tatyana Fedorishcheva, a 33-year-old admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin from Crimea, won. In the final of the event, which could hardly be called prestigious as it was held in a shopping center and was attended by only 35 participants from different countries, the Russian model appeared in an "empress" costume. ADVERTISIMENT According to Russian media reports, she promised to spend the money she won to support the occupiers in their war against Ukraine. It is noted that Fedorishcheva refused to participate in some contests, such as dancing or high-heeled fashion shows, because she had an accident at the age of 14 and lost one foot. "It was difficult! It really was. There are so many participants, and the preparation of the Latin girls is such that I never dreamed of, even with my experience," the Russian woman said about the pageant. According to the native of Crimea, she did not face any "prejudice" at Mrs. Planet 2024 because of her citizenship, and almost all the participants associate Russia with snow, vodka and Putin. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, the 33-year-old Putin fan once again demonstrated Russia's imperialist narratives on the international stage, as she appeared in the final of the competition dressed as Catherine II. She explained her choice of bow as follows: "I want to stand out with a real national image. Although the organizers did not like it very much. They asked me for a long time to "be like everyone else" and bring wings and a feather bikini, but I refused. Even though we have the Firebird, our culture is much richer than the image of a fairy-tale bird." ADVERTISIMENT Tatiana Fedorishcheva decided to confirm the "multifacetedness" of Russian culture with an original gift. Shortly before the final of the contest, she announced that she wanted to visit Easter Island and give the locals buckwheat and sprats. Interestingly, however, the model's victory in the beauty pageant did not cause much excitement among Russians themselves. "Why does Mrs. Planet take place in a school cafeteria?" "It looks more like a kindergarten party." Earlier, Fedorishcheva won the title of third runner-up at the Miss Ocean World pageant in India. There, she performed in a stylized Black Sea Fleet uniform to a video with Putin, which violated the rules. Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that the "good Russian" Zemfira, who finances the war in Ukraine, took to the stage with a Ukrainian poster. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Ryan Dunne A 22-year-old man has received the mandatory sentence of life in prison for murdering his one-time friend by stabbing him in the neck, with the victims heartbroken parents saying they have been left with a void that will never be filled. He never thought his days were numbered by someone who would attack him from behind, said Inga and Victor Mamaliga of their son Marius (19), in an emotional victim impact statement delivered to the Central Criminal Court on Monday during the sentencing of Brandon Gavin. Gavin, of Brookdale Road, Rivervalley, Swords, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Mamaliga at Forest Court, Swords, on the evening of February 23rd 2023, with the jury in his trial hearing that he told gardai that Mr Mamaliga came at him so he defended himself, claiming that he feared for his life as he owed a drug debt of 2,500. The trial heard witness evidence that Mr Mamaliga had sold drugs in the past and that Gavin owed him money. The jury, however, agreed with the prosecution case that Gavin's claim he had acted in his own defence was "self-serving nonsense". Evidence was heard that Gavin had been messaging women on Tinder just minutes before he stabbed Mr Mamaliga and that on the day before the attack, the defendant's phone had searched for "prison sentence for murder in Ireland". The jury heard that Mr Mamaliga was sitting in the drivers seat of his car with two friends, when Gavin got into the rear passenger side, reached across into the front seat, and stabbed him once in the neck with a knife before fleeing the scene. Despite receiving assistance at the scene from passersby, including an off-duty paramedic, Mr Mamaliga was brought to hospital in a critical condition and died three days later, on February 26th. State pathologist Dr SallyAnn Collis told the jury that, despite medical intervention at the scene of the stabbing, Mr Mamaliga suffered hypoxic brain injury which was caused by the deprivation of oxygen to the brain due to blood loss. The jury at the Central Criminal Court in November deliberated for close to five hours before returning their unanimous verdict against Gavin. No remorse In a victim impact statement, delivered to the sentencing court on Monday on behalf of Inga and Victor Mamaliga by John D. OKeefe, patron of Advocates for Victims of Homicide, the grieving pair said that the death of a child can "bring parents to their knees", as they deal with "unbearable pain that will stay with them until the end of their days". Nothing will be able to fill the void in the hearts of the parents who have lost a child, they said, describing their son as a young man who had hopes and dreams, who worked and studied and never thought his days were numbered by someone who would attack him from behind. They said that it had been unbearable for them to be present in the courtroom, where they had to listen to how their child was killed and to look at the defendant, who they said had shown no remorse for what he did. They said that since the death of their son, the morning sun doesnt shine, and even food doesnt taste the same, adding that everywhere they go and every step they take, they always think of Marius, who he was and who he would have become. Instead of kissing and hugging our child, we go to the cemetery to lay flowers at his grave, they said, outlining how Marius murder had brought their entire family into darkness. We lost a part of our souls and hearts and have been left with a void that will never be filled, they said, going on to tell the court that they needed psychological counselling and medical treatment for anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. He is our hero, and we will be proud of him until the end of our lives, they said, encouraging others to love your children, give them your time, so that later you can get to enjoy the people they have become. The victim impact statement concluded with a reading of the W.H. Auden poem, Funeral Blues. In a short letter to the court written by Gavin and delivered by his barrister, Dean Kelly SC, the defendant said that he knew what he had done has ruined many lives, and he asked for Mr and Mrs Mamaligas forgiveness for the pain and grief he has caused them. Thanking the Mamaliga family for their victim impact statement and extending her deepest sympathy to them for the loss of their son, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon said she must impose the mandatory sentence of life in prison on Gavin. Blackwater Distillery has released a whisky, which was first made two hundred years ago at the long-closed Clashmore Distillery in West Waterford. Working with local historian Liam Dunne and whisky archivist Charley Roche, Blackwater Distillerys Head Distiller John Wilcox has remade the kind of whisky made at Clashmore and enjoyed in West Waterford two centuries ago. The resulting whisky is matured exclusively in sherry wood and the high oak content is typical of whiskies from this period and also reflects the kind of grains grown in West Waterford at this time, primarily used to feed horses. Prior to the establishment of Blackwater Distillery, Clashmore was the last distillery in Waterford and it was closed by the 1840s. The distillery chimney still straddles the river Greagagh, which runs through the heart of the village. The first bottle of this limited release of only 420 bottles was presented by Caroline Senior of Blackwater Distillery to Glynnis Casey, Clashmore Tidy Towns; Richard Casey, Jazz Fitzgerald and Richard Torney, Clashmore & Kinsalebeg Community Council. "Its very exciting to see history come to life like this," said Richard Casey, Clashmore & Kinsalebeg Community Council, adding that "its great publicity for the village." Richard Torney agreed, "I love Irish whisky," he said, "so thats the best bit!" On behalf of Blackwater Distillery, Caroline Senior said, "two hundred years after it first opened, its fantastic to be able to celebrate Clashmore distillery." As a thank you to the community of Clashmore, Bottle No. 1 has been donated to the Clashmore and Kinsalebeg Community Council for fundraising purposes. This will be raffled at the Christmas Market on Sunday, December 8, in Clashmore and all funds raised will go to the West Waterford Rapid Response Vehicle Appeal. Klearcom, a global leader in cloud-based testing and monitoring solutions for IVR systems and phone numbers, was thrilled to be selected as the Rising Star at the prestigious Deloitte 2024 Technology Fast 50 Awards. This accolade highlights Klearcom's growth, innovative solutions, and commitment to enhancing customer experience (CX) for businesses worldwide. Headquartered in Waterford, Klearcoms cutting-edge SaaS platform leverages AI, machine learning, and real-time monitoring to optimize IVR systems in over 100 countries. The Rising Star award is a testament to the companys dedication to addressing critical telecom challenges and delivering customer service solutions for clients, such as Pfizer and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Winning the Rising Star award reflects the hard work and passion of our team, said Liam Dunne, CEO of Klearcom. Were proud to be recognized as a disruptor in the technology sector and are excited to continue driving innovation in the customer experience space. The Deloitte Fast 50 Awards celebrate the fastest-growing and most innovative technology companies in Ireland, highlighting industry leaders who are making significant contributions to the tech ecosystem. The Rising Star category specifically recognizes companies that demonstrate exceptional potential and are poised for future success. With offices in Waterford, New York, and Ahmedabad, Klearcom continues to expand its reach and develop innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for seamless customer experiences. Supported by the NDRC Accelerator at Arclabs and Propellor Business Incubation Centre, Klearcom is well-positioned to lead the charge in CX transformation on a global scale. Celebrating the win on the night was Liam Dunne, Co-founder and CEO; Christine Ramsey, Head of Client Operations; Tomas Piacek, Director of Sales; Siobhan Oates, Chief Financial Officer; and Mark Rohan, Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer. Nominations Meanwhile, Klearcom is one of two Waterford companies nominated for awards at the SFA National Business Awards. Klearcom has been shortlisted in the innovation and exporter of the year category, while Copper Coast Renewables in Kilmacthomas has been shortlisted for the best emerging small business. The finalists in the SFA National Business Awards 2025 were 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. The strong response to the awards programme highlighted "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. As the dust settles and the election staffers pack up the tables and store the ballot boxes safely away, the winners and losers of the General Election in Waterford have become clear. From history being made to historic holds being restored, here's our sense of who has come out of the count centre holding their head high. Poll topper David Cullinane of Sinn Fein. Photo: Joe Evans Winner: Sinn Fein secure their first Deise double After what seemed like a week of waiting, but the Returning Officer assured us all was only 12 counts, we received confirmation that Sinn Fein had secured two seats. Sinn Fein learned their lessons from the General Election in 2020, when the Sinn Fein spokesperson for Health and the first TD to be elected this year, David Cullinane received nearly 40% of the first preference vote, doubling the quota. Deputy Cullinane's impressive surplus transferred left and secured a seat for the Green Party's Marc O Cathasaigh. There were some inevitable regrets in Sinn Fein's Parnell Square headquarters that they hadn't run two candidates. 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. Running two candidates is not without risk, however, as Fine Gael found out four years ago - splitting the first preference votes and failing to get either candidate over the line on transfers. In Waterford, Deputy Cullinane was always expected to get elected - likely in the first round. This was borne out in reality, with the Sinn Fein man waltzing home to raucous applause. It was his west Waterford party colleague who was the risk. McGuinness strategically positioned himself as a TD for West Waterford and Dungarvan, seeking to secure both the surplus vote of his better-known friend but also the non-partisan support in his locality. We can look back now and question whether the major parties should have run a blocking candidate, which could have reduced the west transfers - as former Minister Martin Cullen did - but nothing can take away the image of McGuinness singing Oro Se do Bheatha 'Bhaile atop the crowd now. Amid a mild national underperformance compared to 2020, Sinn Fein can walk away with their heads held very high having secured the Deise double! Marc O Cathasaigh lost his seat on the 8th count. O Cathasaigh left Green with envy 'Who will be blamed for the failure of Waterford Airport's development?' we asked before the General Election as blame was being passed around like a hot potato. The candidates for blame were 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 of Transport, or Minister James "pig in a poke" Lawless' party colleague Minister Mary Butler - who was quick to distance herself from the comments. Reelected Minister of State Mary Butler, Fianna Fail, pictured centre, with Anne Cummins and Winnie Power. Ultimately it was the Green Party, nationally and locally, to receive much of the blame for government failures in the past four years. O Cathasaigh was quick to note the national picture following his elimination, noting that he would feel there would be more need for introspection had his fortunes differed from the national picture. Instead, only his party leader looks set to retain his seat out of the Green cohort. He is one of two sitting TDs to lose his seat, yet it is hard to include O Cathasaigh as a loser. Truly it is the Green Party who lost this seat - O Cathasaigh is merely an unwilling passenger of a sinking ship. Newly elected TD John Cummins of Fine Gael with a hug for his wife Inga. Photo: Joe Evans Dail dreams realised by John Cummins Former Senator Cummins, flanked by former Senator Cummins, was hoisted high above his crowd of supporters. Political posters were raised and toddlers were held aloft as Fine Gael in Waterford corrected a surprising absence from the Deise's Oireachtas lineage. John, like his father Maurice, had reached the heights of the Seanad and John, like his father Maurice, had ambitions of higher office. On his second attempt, he achieved that dream - made even sweeter, he said, by finally getting the Cummins name into the Dail. In 2020, Fine Gael suffered from running two separate candidates, with Dungarvan Councillor Damien Geoghegan splitting the vote with the newly elected TD. This time, the party sought to invest heavily into Cummins' campaign. One rival TD had noted ahead of the election that Fine Gael had more election posters in a single housing estate than they could afford for their entire campaign. Cummins credited his ground team for the victory, but the time spent raising his prominence as a Senator was certainly a factor. John Cummins TD doesn't need to raise his head, his team raised him instead. Independent Matt Shanahan lost his Dail seat on the 12th count. Shanahan's shenanigans pipped to the post Cummins may diplomatically give the credit to his canvassing team, but his odds were certainly improved when Independent TD Matt Shanahan was surrounded by controversy and attracted significant criticism due to projecting an election message onto the side of the hospice ward at UHW. Politically, Shanahan is often considered to have a similar stance to the major political parties, and indeed refused to rule out joining them if the deal was right when asked by this publication. His error was likely to his rivals' gain - especially as we worked through 12 counts. An incumbent TD, Matt Shanahan was elected in 2020 by favourable transfers, the strong topical nature of, at the time, his campaign's single issue 24/7 cardiac care and the poor performance of Fine Gael in Waterford. None of these factors were in play this time as Fine Gael got their strategy right, the Deise looks more towards the airport, and transfers were entirely unpredictable. Still, he managed to get within 993 votes of fourth position and it went down to the line. In reality, the 639 vote advantage McGuinness had over his Independent rival would grow to 993 in the final round but it could easily have been very different. Shanahan's two-to-one sweep of Dr Ronan Cleary's transfers in the tenth count made a last-minute surge look momentarily possible. The historical connections between Councillor Mary Roche and Shanahan coopting each other into council seats left Shanahan in a decent position as her 4,887 were set to be distributed. There were 1,853 non-transferable votes in the final count that could easily have swayed the vote in Shanahan's favour, but unlike in 2020, the transfers went against Shanahan. A loud and constant voice for Waterford in the Dail, Shanahan said it was too early to discuss a possible Seanad run as the odds stacked against him. He may have lost this election, but it is likely he will be back. The left's Labour-ious transfers The soft left-wing parties will be disappointed by their showing in the election this year. The likely election of two Sinn Fein TDs in Waterford was always going to make life difficult for the soft-left parties of the Greens, Labour and the Social Democrats. In Waterford especially, the Green Party always looked like it was in trouble, but Labour and the Social Democrats would both have hoped to mount a stronger challenge in the Deise. In the red corner, looking to revive the historical union vote in Waterford, Sadhbh O'Neill and the Labour Party will be disappointed with their results of just 2.8% of the first preference vote. The Social Democratic candidate, Mary Roche was the last to be eliminated - leading to the runoff 12th count - her car wrapping undoubtedly leading to her strongest General Election performance yet. Cllr Mary Roche was eliminated on the 11th count. Both Sadhbh O'Neill and Mary Roche will be dismayed that the left-pack transfers were so inconsistent and didn't allow them to challenge for the final seat, yet both built a national profile at a key time with the Seanad elections just around the corner. Overall, a mixed bag. Not the Right time? The much-discussed far-right was too splintered and factionalised in Waterford to build a meaningful challenge. Certainly vote transfers to Dr Ronan Cleary of Aontu allowed him to survive until the 10th count yet his only impact on the final seating was to whom his transfers would go. Transfers across the board were extremely inconsistent, the far-right was not immune to that either. The stack of independent candidates spread their first preference votes extremely thin, and transfers were anything but predictable - Killian Mangan benefitted about as much from the elimination of Aaron Joyce and Mark O'Neill as anyone else. There were mild concerns raised during the campaign that the right could pose a challenge but ultimately, it petered out. Maybe this just wasn't the Right time for Aontu Et. Al. Twenty two acute healthcare workers have become the first people in Ireland to graduate with a Higher Diploma (level 8) in Operational Excellence in Healthcare. This postgraduate course has been developed by St Jamess Hospital in partnership with South East Technological University (SETU) to train future hospital leaders. The course aims to tackle the complex challenges facing the health service, while driving sustainable and systematic improvements. The programme is designed to empower staff to lead transformative projects to improve patient care and outcomes. The 22 participants include consultants, nurses, operations managers, laboratory and facilities management staff and senior allied healthcare professionals, all of whom completed the course successfully this year. Commending the graduates achievement, CEO of the HSE, Bernard Gloster said: Providing exceptional services amid increasing demand and evolving challenges calls for bold, innovative solutions; these graduates have demonstrated a commitment to driving meaningful change through projects that have the potential to create lasting improvements for our healthcare system and our patients. The course focuses on real-world applications, with students developing projects to tackle existing inefficiencies, offering their own unique perspective as healthcare workers. For example students Ricardo Paco, Orla Fitzpatrick, Nuala Hannon and Stuart Garrett aimed to address fragmented and manual patient processes, which proved time consuming for staff. They designed the Visual Hospital Management System, a dedicated platform for multidisciplinary teams to proactively coordinate discharges and improve patient flow and bed management. This digital solution aims to enhance communication across the hospital. Student Cathy ODonoghue examined the requirement for two-hour fasting for clear fluids before procedures involving anaesthetics. She found the fasting requirement was causing patients to fast longer than needed, leading to unnecessary fluid deprivation and patient discomfort. The primary outcome was reduced pre-operative fluid deprivation time for fasting patients, which resulted in decreased anxiety, headaches, nausea and improved patients' overall experience. South East Technological University Lean Programme Director, Darrin Taylor noted the high standards of the projects produced by course participants: The St Jamess staff demonstrated extraordinarily high levels of commitment and engagement throughout the programme, and in the context of the known sectoral challenges and continuing post Covid legacies. It was so energising to see the fresh approaches and innovative thinking, which will have real-life impact for patient care and ways of working in Ireland. Director of Lean Transformation at St. Jamess Hospital, Fiona Keogan added: Our vision is underpinned by a system-wide improvement programme that adopts Lean Transformation as a foundational approach, embedding excellence throughout every level of the organisation. We want to support staff to deploy their skills and experience to lead meaningful change. "The Higher Diploma in Operational Excellence has enabled us to build competency and capacity in foundational improvement skills like recognising waste and non-value-added processes." CEO of the hospital, Mary Day said: At St Jamess Hospital, our guiding philosophy, and approach of continuous improvement is transforming services for the better. Education is at the heart of that and this course and its participants will be the hospital leaders of the future, helping us to achieve our strategic ambitions. Whilst at the count centre in Waterford, we asked a number of long-serving local politicians about the Irish democratic process, which was on full show for all to see during the Waterford Constituency General Election count last weekend: Busy sorting out the ballot papers. Photo: Joe Evans Stalwart of the Fine Gael party in Waterford, Liam Brazil said: Ireland has probably the best democracy of all times. We saw it here today at the count, the tally was 99.9% right, and that would happen in no other country in the world. You can see what happened in England and America and you can see Ireland is the best in the world at this. "You can see whats happening in front of you here and I think we should stick with that and I do believe its the best way and the way forward here in Ireland. Cllr Mary Roche being interviewed by Dymphna Nugent of WLR FM Meanwhile, Social Democrat councillor and general election candidate Mary Roche said: I think this is an extremely good exercise in democracy. I love coming to the count to see how it all happens and where it all pans out. Its very open, its very transparent and you can see where the votes are going. Is it slow? Yes it is, but that gives people the time to get their heads around whats coming as well, which I think is fair, because behind every politician is a human. Politician is a dehumanizing term, and people think theyre a sort of automaton that can take any form of criticism, but theyre not. Cllrs Eamon Quinlan, Tom Cronin, John O'Leary and Mayor of Waterford Cllr Jason Murphy pictured with reelected TD Mary Butler. Mayor of Waterford City and County and Fianna Fail councillor, Jason Murphy added: When you look around at whats happening throughout the world, I think we always have to be so protective of our democracy here. Its a fantastic thing to see it in action here today, and it takes a lot to put yourself on a poster no matter what political party or independent you are, and thats to be celebrated, its something in Ireland were very good at. The stand out party performance in this election is surely that of Fine Gaels John Cummins. Despite trenchant criticism here and in local and social media, Mr Cummins deserves huge congratulations for the performance of a life-time, showing grit, determination and a relentless focus on taking a seat for Fine Gael. This was a Cummins vote though, rather than a Fine Gael vote. Remember the last government had not delivered on the main Waterford asks, 24/7 cardiology, new SETU engineering building and Waterford Airport. It would be hard to find an area controlled by Fine Gael ministers in the last government where Waterford really benefited. Even in FDI industry, the story is sparse. We can go to Kilkenny and see where the IDA directed a new Abbott plant to employ up to 1,000 workers, but can find no similar, major new FDI industry here. Mr Cummins, his father, friends and family, campaigned with their hands hanging, yet persuaded the local electorate that the best chance of delivery to this constituency of the asks listed above, lay with Fine Gael in the coming administration. Mr Cummins himself referenced those key deliverables in his victory speech. Hopefully, local trust will be repaid sooner rather than later. Mr Cummins and his supporters have not been shy in laying out his ministerial ambitions so it remains to be seen just how his deep, personal loyalty to Fine Gael and the last Taoiseach will be repaid by Simon Harris. We await developments. In the run up to the election it was obvious that dissatisfaction with government in Waterford would manifest itself in different ways here. There was no surprise that David Cullinane topped the poll, even though Sinn Feins portion of the first preference vote here (32.8%) declined since the 2020 election (38.3%). The work being done on the ground, in the community, by people like Cllr John Hearne has a huge local impact, even though many people were very unhappy with Mr Cullinanes sometimes obvious unwillingness to mention Waterford issues in the Dail. Even in the current Sinn Fein manifesto, the word Waterford is not mentioned in any of its 177 pages. A mandate of 20,000 votes carried responsibilities. Mr Cullinane is of course Sinn Fein spokesman on health and maybe his actions were constrained and determined by party HQ, but if Sinn Fein is again not in government, which seems likely, he must be more vocal on local issues. The loss of Marc O Cathasaighs seat was not unexpected. Regardless of his apologists, it was the airport what done it! The Green Party leadership could hardly be said to repay loyalty. The elevation of an Offaly county councillor, Pippa Hackett, to the Seanad and subsequently to a super junior ministry at cabinet by Eamon Ryan, instead of Marc O Cathasaigh, smacked of cronyism and Leinster elitism. The Waterford constituency has always had many green sympathisers and a loyal Green Party following, presumably from closeness to the sea, with an MEP, a TD and several local councillors. All are now gone, including decent representatives like Grace OSullivan, Jody Power and Marc O Cathasaigh. If the Greens are to re-emerge, prosper and push their many decent policies, some leadership understanding of basic politics is surely required. Something about ends justifying means comes to mind. What can one say about Mary Butler of Fianna Fail except that she breezed through the election? Although 24/7 cardiology has not been delivered as per the well-known photo of herself and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin outside UHW (Fianna Fail will deliver 24/7), the second cath lab has been built, staff at UHW has grown by almost 900 people and consultant numbers have grown to 165. The delivery of a hugely important UHW surgical hub, under construction in Maypark Lane, was a huge plus for her. Ms Butler enjoys very favourable national profile and has carefully managed support from traditional Fianna Fail voters in mid and west Waterford. She has an uncanny ability to evade blame despite heavy criticism in local and social media for lack of capital investment at UHW. She certainly has ministerial ambition and will surely figure at some level in the next administration, especially if Micheal Martin, as is likely, is Taoiseach. Ms Butlers loyalty to the Cork man is legendary. Should she return to the Department of Health, it is self-evidently a case of much done, very much more to do! Matt Shanahan was Waterfords most determined advocate in the last Dail. Never has the word Waterford been raised more passionately in Dublin. He relentlessly pursued equality of resources for Waterford projects with a phenomenal work rate. He ranks among our best TDs. We may repent his losing a Dail seat at leisure, but thats Realpolitik in German terms. Fighting three major party machines as an independent is deeply challenging. The advent of Mary Roche for the Soc Dems, an articulate, high profile, former mayor of the city, based in the same geographic area as Mr Shanahan, flashed warning lights for his supporters. So it came to be. Some suggest the shining of a political advert on a UHW wall was a late, massive and self-inflicted PR disaster for Mr Shanahan. Some saw it as a storm in a tea cup, others thought it entirely insensitive. Well never know, but events dear boy, events! Mary Roche polled extremely well, partly as a result of an extremely effective performance on RTE radios Drivetime. She may now run for the Seanad? Is the old adage of city votes staying in the city, as articulated by the late, Labour mayor, councillor Liam Curham, shattered, by the huge transfer from Roche to Sinn Feins Conor McGuinness? More likely, the eastern electorate voted Number 1 Mary Roche and Number 2 Mary Butler or John Cummins, causing a dearth of possible transfers to Shanahan, while the western county electorate voted Number 1 Mary Butler or John Cummins and Number 2 Conor McGuinness, who held his lead through all the counts. He played the west Waterford TD bit to great advantage. Hopefully he will effectively speak for and represent the constituency at large in the next Dail. We are divided enough. Is the result a local return from independents to a traditional party vote? The next 12 months will tell a tale. REVIEW: Ed Byrne at Theatre Royal Comics think and reflect deeply on their art. On their subject matter. On what makes situations funny. Byrne explains the premise very well. Most comic situations actually originate in some form of tragedy or misfortune. The TD who loses his seat the fat man on the banana skin the lotto winner who loses his fortune the unfaithful lover that gets dumped. Mark Twains comic formula for Tragedy + Time = Comedy is defiantly accurate. Tragic events may not be immediately funny but become comic with the passage of time. I once bought Eircom shares! Byrne takes it further tonight when he takes us on a journey around his little brother Pauls death from liver cancer during Covid. He acknowledges Pauls complicity in his own demise "to be honest, there was a fair amount of user failure here, although other factors combined. Including a broken heart. Hes guessing that Paul a comedy writer, director and producer would be happy that his big brother would turn tragedy into comedy. The gig isnt solely about Pauls experience as he wastes away in hospital because it also focuses on the typical angsty brother-brother relationship that led to a 12-month row that began at a green traffic light that continued with both of them exiting the car onto the pavement! while Pauls prognosis only ran to 16 months. Ed is honest and acknowledges his own pettiness in the row I dont even know what the argument was about now as his reflection moves to regret "hold your loved ones close while you can being right when someone is hurting means youre probably wrong. Its at moments like this that you know just how good Ed Byrne is. I worried about the storyline. In less experienced hands, this could have been a meltdown. But Byrne has thought a lot about it and he knows where hes going with his material. The humour is often blacker than black. Paul left his own instructions and wanted Disco Inferno with Burnin, burnin, burnin blasting out as the casket entered the Crematorium furnace. He expands on the long Irish Goodbye as he describes the boredom of the long hospital wait for someone to pass away. Because dying isnt easy. For anyone. Theres a high-pitched disbelief, bordering on hysteria, with some of his musings. Like calorie deniers who think calories are a made-up thing or Covid deniers who believe that it was all phooey! Hes got a YouTuber that has a dedicated channel to those who passed away on this day and hes screening it on his rear-screen projection. Theres a centenarian whos popped his clogs at 105 that lists cause of death: unknown. His little brother Paul is also listed along with Eds picture! Its a raw show and I didnt see it coming. Its a show that has many stories the friction that occurs from sharing a room, death and bereavement, issues that matter and issues that dont, lifes lessons. And above all burying the hatchet before its too late. Loved it. British filmmaker Steven Knight, creator of the series "Peaky Blinders" with Oscar-winning Cillian Murphy, sent a gift to the legendary National Guard unit from Kharkiv. The warriors of "Peaky Blinders" received three dozen hats from England by Garrison Tailors brand - these hats have become an attribute of the iconic gangsters from Birmingham. ADVERTISIMENT In particular, the gift was decorated with the autograph of Murphy, who played the main role in the series. Yaroslav Chyzhenko shared the photos of the Ukrainian defenders on his Facebook page. The world learned about the Kharkiv-based unit "Peaky Blinders" after a BBC story showed the soldiers defending Kharkiv region during the Russian offensive in the north. The soldiers did not miss the opportunity to hand over their caps to the famous actor. ADVERTISIMENT The star received a gift from Ukrainians - he kept one of the caps as a souvenir, and signed and sent the other back to Ukrainians, writes Vysokyi Zamok. Currently, Ukrainian defenders of the special forces group "Peaky Blinders" of the separate special forces detachment "Omega" of the National Guard of Ukraine are destroying Russian occupiers in the hottest spots of the front. Earlier, OBOZ.UA talked to Myroslav Kuvaldin, who is at war, about his adult sons, his Russian mother and his traitorous colleagues: "I have seen my wife only once in a year". Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Sex offenders will be kicked out of the Australian Defence Force and potential leaders tested for emotional intelligence under a sweeping overhaul to combat the crisis of military personnel taking their own lives at alarming rates. The federal government released on Monday its response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, announcing it had accepted 104 of the 122 recommendations, with a further 17 recommendations under review. Defence Minister Richard Marles and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing the governments response on Monday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen A statutory agency will be established to drive reforms to decrease suicide rates in the military, and a wellbeing agency focused on the transition from military to civilian life will be created within the Department of Veterans Affairs. A formal inquiry will also be set up into sexual violence in the ADF. The terms of reference and timing are still to be determined. I first realise the car key has disappeared while emptying my pockets into the lockers by the Grand Canyon Skywalk a semi-circular glass walkway protruding 1.2 kilometres above the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon. Its down there somewhere ... This leads to a series of photos in which my wife and children are posing gleefully above one of natures greatest natural wonders, and I look like Ive pressed the nuclear button by accident. Once off the Skywalk, I confess. Then I retrace steps, rifling through everyones bag with panicked-yet-pedantic precision. After begging all the shuttle bus drivers to search their buses, with no joy, the only logical explanation is that Ive locked the car, then shut the boot on the key. Residents said one attack hit a crowded residential area in the centre of Idlib, the largest city in a rebel enclave near the Turkish border, where about 4 million people live in makeshift tents and dwellings. Iran has been a key political and military ally of Assad in Syrias long-running civil war, but it was unclear how Tehran would support Damascus in this latest flare-up, which began on Wednesday. An abandoned Syrian army tank on a highway on the outskirts of Khan Sheikhoun, south-west of Aleppo. Credit: AP Insurgents led by jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a two-pronged attack on Aleppo and the countryside around Idlib, before moving towards neighbouring Hama province. On Sunday, government troops created a strong defensive line in northern Hama as they attempted to stall the insurgents momentum, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition war monitor. Meanwhile, jets pounded Idlib and Aleppo, killing at least 15 people, said a group that operates in opposition-held areas. The total death toll from Syrian and Russian strikes since November 27 had climbed to 56, including 20 children, the White Helmets said in a statement on X. Loading The surge in fighting has raised the prospect of another violent, destabilising front reopening in the Middle East as Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, conflicts that have repeatedly threatened to ignite an even wider regional war. It also risks drawing Russia and Turkey each with its own interests to protect in Syria into direct heavy fighting against each other. The insurgents announced their offensive on Wednesday, just as a ceasefire between the Lebanese Hezbollah militant group and Israel began, raising hope that tensions in the region might calm. The surprise offensive is a huge embarrassment for Assad, and it comes when his allies Iran and groups it backs and Russia are preoccupied with their own conflicts. A statement from Assads office quoted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying Tehran was ready to support Damascus in its counteroffensive against the insurgency. Araghchi appeared in a photograph with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh in Tehran. However, Iranian state media also released a clip purportedly showing Araghchi dining in a restaurant in Damascus. A Syrian opposition fighter photographs a comrade stepping on a portrait of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo. Credit: AP Arab leaders including Jordans King Abdullah and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have also called Assad to express their solidarity. The insurgents took over most of Aleppo on Saturday and made gains in the surrounding province, including capturing a military academy and a strategic town on the highway linking the city with Damascus and the coast. They also took control of the citys main water pumping station, which is no longer working, said Syrian Water Resources Minister Moataz Qattan on the pro-government radio station Sham FM. Rebel commander Colonel Hassan Abdulghani said the insurgents advanced in the countryside around Idlib, putting the province of the same name under their control. They also claimed to have entered the city of Hama, but there was no independent confirmation of that. Abdulghani said 65 Syrian troops were taken prisoner in eastern Aleppo. In Khan Sheikhoun, in Idlib province, military vehicles abandoned by Syrian troops dotted roads. People posed and took pictures of themselves on an abandoned tank on a highway, while insurgents grabbed munitions and shells from them before continuing to push deeper into the country. Loading The insurgents vowed to push all the way into Damascus, but life in the Syrian capital remained normal, with no signs of panic. In south-eastern Aleppo, however, the main road out of the city was gridlocked as people fled the fighting, and petrol stations in the area were short on fuel. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNNs State of the Union programthat the US, which has about 900 troops in Syria, is watching the situation carefully. The American forces, which are in the north-east and far from Aleppo, are guarding against a resurgence by the extremist Islamic State group. The group leading the rebel advance is designated a terrorist organisation by the US, and Sullivan said Washington has real concerns about the designs and objectives of that organisation. At the same time, of course, we dont cry over the fact that the Assad government, backed by Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, are facing certain kinds of pressure, he said. Syrian state news agency SANA and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that overnight the army pushed back insurgents in the northern countryside of Hama province. Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh (left) and Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Tehran last month. Credit: AP Syrian state media said government resupply included heavy equipment and rocket launchers while Syrian and Russian airstrikes targeted weapon depots and insurgent strongholds. Sham FM reported the Syrian army shot down drones belonging to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in northern Hama. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a president would come to this decision. Biden said he made the decision at the weekend. The president spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts, with Hunter and his family. In June, Biden categorically ruled out a pardon or commutation for his son, telling reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case: I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him. Joe and Hunter Biden in downtown Nantucket on Friday. Credit: AP As recently as November 8, days after Trumps victory over Kamala Harris, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying: Weve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no. Hunter was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when, prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He was to stand trial in September in the California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $US1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanour and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. Hunter said he was pleading guilty in that case to spare his family more pain and embarrassment after the gun trial aired salacious details about his struggles with a crack cocaine addiction. Hunter Biden with Jill Biden (left) and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, outside court after a jury found him guilty of gun charges in Delaware in June. Credit: AP The president, whose son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015, said his opponents had sought to break Hunter with selective prosecution. He said people were almost never brought to trial for felony charges over how they filled out a gun form, and said others, who were late in paying taxes because of addiction but paid them back with interest and penalties as his son had, typically received non-criminal resolutions to their cases. The tax charges carry a maximum penalty of up to 17 years in jail and the gun charges are punishable by up to 25 years in prison, though federal sentencing guidelines were expected to call for far less time, and it was possible Hunter would avoid prison entirely. Credit: Matt Golding David Weiss, the Trump-appointed US Attorney in Delaware who negotiated the plea deal, was subsequently named a special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland to have more autonomy over the prosecution of the presidents son. Hunter Biden was supposed to be sentenced this month in the two federal cases, which the special counsel brought after a plea deal with prosecutors, that would probably have spared him prison time, fell apart under scrutiny by a judge. Under the original deal, Hunter was supposed to plead guilty to misdemeanour tax offences and would have avoided prosecution in the gun case as long as he stayed out of trouble for two years. But the plea hearing unravelled last year when the judge raised concerns about unusual aspects of the deal. Hunter was subsequently indicted in the two cases. The sweeping pardon covers not just those offences, but also any other offences against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024. Loading Hunters legal team this weekend released a 52-page white paper titled The political prosecutions of Hunter Biden which described the presidents son as a surrogate to attack and injure his father, both as a candidate in 2020 and later as president. His lawyers have long argued that prosecutors bowed to political pressure to indict the presidents son amid heavy criticism by Trump and other Republicans of what they called the sweetheart plea deal. Representative James Comer, one of the Republican chairman leading congressional investigations into Bidens family, blasted the presidents decision to issue his son a pardon, saying that the evidence against Hunter was just the tip of the iceberg. Its unfortunate that, rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability, Comer said on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. Loading Biden is hardly the first president to deploy his pardon powers to benefit those close to him. In his final weeks in office, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, father of his son-in law, Jared Kushner, as well as multiple allies convicted in special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Trump over the weekend announced plans to nominate the elder Kushner to be the US envoy to France in his next administration. Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, who has pledged to dramatically overhaul and install loyalists across the Justice Department after he was prosecuted for his role in trying to subvert the 2020 presidential election, said in a statement: That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what president Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people. Hunter said in an emailed statement that he would never take for granted the relief granted to him and vowed to devote the life he has rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport, he said. Hunter Bidens legal team filed on Sunday night in Los Angeles and Delaware, asking the judges handling his gun and tax cases to immediately dismiss them, citing the pardon. In finalising his cabinet, Donald Trump has come to resemble an American Caligula, the Roman emperor rumoured to have considered appointing his beloved stallion as consul. So unorthodox have been the president-elects appointments that I half expected him to nominate his golf cart as the new transportation secretary. Certainly, theres been a bread and circuses feel to the staffing of the new administration, a phrase coined in Roman times to describe how leaders won the approbation of the populace not through the proficiency of public servants but by something more performative. Crowd-pleasing gimmickry. Attention-grabbing stunts. How fitting, then, that the formation of Trump 2.0 should coincide with the release of Gladiator II. Illustration by Dionne Gain After selecting Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a vaccine sceptic, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, and Linda McMahon, a wrestling impresario, to become education secretary, Trump now wants Kash Patel to head up the FBI. This mega-MAGA 44-year-old, who served during Trumps first term as a White House political enforcer, has a side hustle in selling pro-Trump merchandise. As well as penning Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy, he has written a childrens book, The Plot Against the King, which, as The Atlantic reported, features a wizard named Kash who sets out to save King Donald from the sinister machinations of Hillary Queenton. At least the American republic can breathe a sigh of relief that former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz will not become attorney-general. A MAGA diehard who promotes himself on his website as Trumps Ultimate Defender, he fell victim to what it is tempting to call Gaetzgate, a scandal combining accusations of sexual misconduct and drug use. Now, though, from a perch at the FBI, Patel could become Trumps Ultimate Prosecutor. The dream of living a peaceful life on a picturesque Greek island can become a reality thanks to a program on Antikythera in the Aegean Sea. The island, located between Crete and the Peloponnese, invites new residents by offering a monthly stipend of 500 euros for three years. ADVERTISIMENT The initiative is aimed at combating population decline and attracting young families, as most of the current residents are over 50 years old, the Daily Express reports. Financial support and living conditions Each family that moves to Antikythera will be able to receive a total of 18,000 euros over three years. In addition, free housing and meals are offered. The island promises a peaceful rural life with access to electricity and internet, although there is only one grocery store with basic goods during the winter months. ADVERTISIMENT Unique community and opportunities The island currently has only 45 permanent residents, creating a close-knit and friendly community. Particular attention is paid to attracting young families in order to restore youthful energy to the island and ensure its development. Antikythera can be reached by ferry from Crete or the neighboring island of Kythira. History and culture Antikythera is known for the discovery of the famous Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient Greek analog computer used to predict astronomical events. Found in 1901, it is considered one of antiquity's most important technological artifacts. Natural beauty and wildlife The island is famous not only for its historical heritage but also for its wildlife. Antikythera is an important stopover for migratory birds between Europe and Africa, attracting many ornithologists and bird watchers. Life on Antikythera is a vivid example of how to combine the preservation of historical heritage with modern initiatives to attract new residents and develop remote parts of the world. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA's Telegram and Viber channels to keep up with the latest developments. Under the auspices of the WCO/JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) Joint Project and in collaboration with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), the WCO conducted the first two Working Group (WG) activities of the Master Trainer Programme (MTP) on Risk Management (RM) and Post Clearance Audit (PCA) for the Pacific Islands countries, namely Fiji, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. The two Sub-regional activities took place at the WCO Asia Pacific Regional Training Center in Suva, Fiji, from 11 to 15 November 2024. These new MTPs follow the notable success of the MTPs on HS and CV, conducted from 2021 to 2024, and were launched to support the Pacific Islands Customs Administrations in developing a Regional Experts Pool for more sustainable capacity building in the region. The new MTPs saw the integration of two new WCO Members, Palau and Solomon Islands. The objective of MTP is to establish a more self-sustainable and autonomous training capacity in key Customs work areas in the participating regions by developing a pool of well-qualified trainers and training materials/programmes that meet regional needs. To this end, the MTP trains the same nominated participants (WG members) through five WG and intersessional activities over 2-3 years. Upon completing the MTP, the Master Trainers are expected to deliver training on RM and PCA in their respective administrations and for the benefit of other countries in the region. The opening ceremony was attended by Ms. Shelini Kumar, Director Border and Customs, FRCS, Mr. Satoshi Wakasugi, Resident Representative, JICA Fiji Office, and representatives from the Oceania Customs Organization, the Pacific Islands Forum and the Australian Border Force. These distinguished participants highlighted and emphasized the importance of the MTP in supporting the enhancement of expertise and the capacity to handle the increasing complexity of Customs and border management in the participating countries. Thirty (30) Customs officials nominated by eight Customs administrations in the Pacific Islands gathered at RTC Fiji in Suva for the workshops. Throughout the two Working Group activities, each WG member shared the issues and challenges that their respective Customs administrations face in implementing RM and PCA and their efforts to strengthen the application of RM and PCA functions. WCO and Japan Customs experts shared their knowledge and expertise on RM and PCA from global and national perspectives and contributed to improving the knowledge and expertise of the WG members to enable them to become quality trainers. At the end of the working group activities, WG members developed their collective work plans to achieve the objectives of the MTP through progressive follow-up activities. They expressed deep appreciation to the WCO and JICA for this new opportunity and to the participating experts for their dedication and for sharing their valuable knowledge and expertise. The WCO and JICA welcomed the strong ownership and commitment demonstrated by the WG members from the very outset and reaffirmed their support for the continuing efforts of Customs administrations in the Pacific Islands to ensure sustainable capacity development. The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has marked a significant milestone in the countrys journey towards a streamlined, technology-driven Customs environment with the launch of the Electronic Advance Ruling tool (e-ART) and the e-Tariff platform. This development, supported by two World Customs Organisation (WCO) programmes, namely the EU-WCO Harmonized System (HS) Africa Programme and the United Kingdom funded Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, is a key part of NamRAs digitisation strategy reinforcing Namibias commitment to modernising trade facilitation, improving transparency, and enhancing efficiency in Customs operations. The launch event took place on 7 November 2024 in Windhoek, Namibia, and brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including representatives of the trading community. In conjunction, the e-Tariff platform was launched by NamRA in partnership with the UN Development Programme as a highly complementary digital solution. NamRAs new e-ART is a major development, allowing traders to receive binding decisions on tariff classification and the origin of goods before shipment. The e-ART builds on the previous support rendered by the HS-Africa Programme on Advance Ruling, and is also part of Namibias multi-year strategic partnership with the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, which supports the countrys alignment with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The e-ART, together with the e-Tariff platform, offers traders a comprehensive, user-friendly online database to access real-time information on tariffs, trade agreements, and duty calculations. These integrated solutions enhance predictability and streamline business processes, creating a more attractive trade environment in Namibia. Voices of Inspiration and Collaboration The event included remarks from key figures in the global trade and Customs community. A video message from WCO Secretary General, Mr. Ian Saunders, congratulated NamRAs on its significant achievement, highlighting the values it reflects, including strong partnership, dedication, political will, and a commitment to excellent customer service. Mr. Federico Berna, representing the EU Delegation to Namibia, and Ms. Helena Kerr, representing the United Kingdom, also delivered speeches, reaffirming the European Unions and the United Kingdoms strong support for Namibias ongoing digital transformation in customs. Representing the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Mr. Donald Ndwandwe, provided an overview of digital initiatives within the SACU region and emphasised the importance of regional coordination in driving trade modernisation. NamRA Commissioner Mr. Sam Shivute concluded that the e-ART system and e-Tariff platform will empower traders to make informed decisions and reduce uncertainty in Customs processes. The successful launch of these digital solutions underscores NamRAs commitment to modernising trade facilitation in line with WCO standards and global best practices. By enabling accurate, pre-shipment rulings and providing real-time tariff information, the e-ART and e-Tariff platform help position Namibia as a competitive trade hub in the region. The event also showcased the strength of collaboration between NamRA, the WCO and other key partners. As Namibia continues its digitisation journey, these partnerships will continue to support the country towards a more transparent, efficient, and competitive customs environment, ultimately benefiting traders and fostering sustainable economic growth. NASA showed giant houses where astronauts will live on the Moon. The agency also demonstrated a robot assistant that will collect the materials needed for construction. ADVERTISIMENT The space agency is now preparing to send people to the lunar surface. The Artemis III mission should take place no earlier than September 2026, TheSun reports. NASA plans to have astronauts land on the Moon's south pole, marking the beginning of long-term plans for a permanent human presence on the Earth's satellite. According to scientists, in the future, the US agency hopes to be able to mine lunar regolith, a layer of surface rock, to create accessible structures on the Moon. The vision of the experts is to create "fully equipped facilities and buildings to support a permanent settlement on the Moon and a vibrant space economy." ADVERTISIMENT Robots will be used to work on the satellite's surface. NASA has already tested virtual versions of mining robots in computer simulations, which have been internally nicknamed "Moon Tycoon." A real version of the robot excavator will fly to the Moon "in the next few years" to demonstrate that it can successfully collect "up to 10 metric tons of regolith," experts say. "This will be the first excavation for mining to utilize the resources of Mars," said NASA robotic engineer Jason Schuler. ADVERTISIMENT Once NASA is able to successfully collect rock from the Moon, it will be able to begin testing the actual construction of structures on the Moon's surface, experts say. One of the options is a type of building with a Class III structure. According to engineers, a Class I building is constructed on Earth and then delivered to the Moon. For Class II, the structure must be assembled directly on the surface of the satellite. Class III is when the building is completely made on the Moon from local resources. Scientists plan that when the stone is collected on the Moon, it will then be possible to 3D-print any building that NASA needs. ADVERTISIMENT NASA says that Class III construction will work not only on the Moon but also on Mars. Importantly, the material that NASA will collect with the robot is not just for space homes. The agency said it could use the material to build 50-meter towers, long roads, and large launch pads. NASA said it would provide "asset and crew protection" from "thermal and radiation" hazards. The goal of the construction would be to ensure that these systems would last at least 10 years. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra presented new interactive tour projects on its territory. The goals of the programs are: "excursion freedom" and an interesting approach to the study of history, as well as the popularization of Ukrainian history. Oboz.ua found out where and how you can get to the new-technology walks around the Lavra. ADVERTISIMENT If you have a gadget with a screen and an Internet connection, you can travel to the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra from anywhere in the world. You just need to follow three steps: download the freegenGO app, register, choose the desired historical period. Once done, you can enjoy the walk with audio accompaniment. The app is available in two languages: Ukrainian and English. You can also choose different periods of history, each of which will introduce you to a dozen prominent personalities: Nestor the Chronicler, Ilya Muromets, Alipiy of the Caves, and others. This feature allows you to learn more about the desired period of history and its figures and prevent confusion in historical facts. The periods available are: the princely era, the Lithuanian-Cossack era, and the modern era. ADVERTISIMENT If you are using the app abroad, you will be able to take virtual tours with audio narration on behalf of famous personalities. Visiting the Lavra physically will add interesting features such as scanning QR codes, earning special points, participating in quizzes, etc. This is a particularly interesting format for school-age children, as they turn into real researchers. After passing a certain stage, children can answer the questions of the audio guide and earn extra points or lose them. Inquisitive adults will also be pleased with the walk and the abundance of useful information. All you need to do is ADVERTISIMENT visit the Lavra, scan one of the three QR codes, follow the instructions in the app. The tour "Lavra from a New Angle" will take you through the courtyards and streets of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, allowing you to look into the: The Assumption Cathedral, many churches, cell buildings and beyond the walls to the Lower Lavra. The mission lasts 45 minutes and consists of 9 main points on the map and is designed for a personal visit to the Lavra. Entrance to some sites is possible only with a ticket. ADVERTISIMENT The freegenGO app itself has many virtual tours, articles, and blogs that will be useful and interesting to travelers around the world. Some tours are available only after payment and most are absolutely free. We would like to remind you that you can also visit the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra virtually through the official website lavra.ua. A specially designed 3D tour allows you to examine in detail the architectural structures on the territory of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, as well as look inside churches, cathedrals, cells and caves. And all this without crowds, queues, and ticket purchases. Follow the interesting travel news from Oboz.ua to know how to travel in a modern and interesting way. Previously, we wrote about the best destinations for extreme tourism in Ukraine and children's amusement parks in Poland for interesting winter vacations. Leesville, LA (71446) Today Thunderstorms during the morning will give way to mostly sunny skies this afternoon. High near 75F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Clear skies. Low 49F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Atlantic Technological University (ATU) honoured one of Irelands most distinguished figures, Mrs Mary Robinson, with an honorary doctorate at a special ceremony at ATU's Mayo campus in Castlebar on Monday, December 2. Mrs Robinson served as President of Ireland from 1990 to 1997 and as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002. An Adjunct Professor for Climate Justice at Trinity College Dublin, Mrs Robinson was a member of The Elders, an independent group of global leaders working for peace, justice, and human rights. She had been widely celebrated for her leadership, including receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former U.S. President Barack Obama. Between 2013 and 2016, she served as the United Nations Secretary Generals Special Envoy in roles focusing on the Great Lakes region of Africa, climate change, and El Nino and climate resilience. Her advocacy extended through her foundation, the Mary Robinson Foundation Climate Justice, which championed equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Addressing the audience, Mrs Robinson said that receiving an honorary doctorate on a campus in her native Mayo was a particularly special honour. She also called on the end of double standards in international law and the need for the world to do more in the fight against climate change. ATU President Dr Orla Flynn said Mrs Mary Robinson was an inspiration to all: "This was an extraordinary moment for Atlantic Technological University. Honouring Mary Robinson, particularly in her native Mayo, was an incredible privilege for us, and her achievements resonated deeply with our drive to empower future generations. Mrs Robinson has been an inspiring figure for decades both in Ireland and around the world. We were truly honoured to have such an icon of our country accept this recognition from ATU." Mrs Robinson was nominated for the honour by a member of ATU staff, and her nomination was approved by the Honorary Doctorate Sub-Committee of the universitys Governing Body. Maura McNally SC, Chair of ATU Governing Body, said: "Mary Robinson is a trailblazer whose legacy inspires us all. Her unwavering commitment to human rights, climate justice, and ethical global leadership made her a fitting recipient of this honour. We were privileged to celebrate her achievements as part of the ATU community." The ceremony marked the final conferring event of 2024 for ATU, following two months of graduations that celebrated the achievements of over 5,000 students across its campuses. This honorary doctorate was one of the largest events hosted by the university since its formation, highlighting the importance of the occasion for the ATU community and beyond. If you dream of escaping from the winter cold and enjoying the warmth and beauty of nature, Sao Miguel Island is the perfect place for your vacation. This Portuguese island, located in the Atlantic Ocean, fascinates with its picturesque landscapes, mild climate, and variety of activities. ADVERTISIMENT Sao Miguel, known as the "Green Island," impresses with lush vegetation, picturesque lagoons, and volcanic craters. The average monthly temperature in winter is about 18 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for recreation and outdoor walks, Express writes. One of the main attractions of the island is whale and dolphin watching. The Azores are considered one of the best places in Europe for this fascinating activity. During the marine excursions, you will have the opportunity to see huge whales, playful dolphins, and other marine life in their natural environment. For nature lovers, San Miguel offers many hiking trails that lead to fascinating natural attractions. Be sure to visit the Sete Cidades caldera, a huge volcanic crater with two lakes of different colors, or the Fogu Lagoon, located in the crater of the volcano. ADVERTISIMENT If you're more of an outdoor enthusiast, the island has all the conditions for that: surfing, diving, kayaking, and much more. And for those who prefer a more relaxing vacation, walks through the picturesque towns where you can enjoy the local cuisine and culture are ideal. The capital of the island, Ponta Delgada, impresses with its colonial architecture, narrow streets, and numerous cafes and restaurants. Here you can visit historical monuments, and museums, and enjoy the atmosphere of a real Portuguese city. San Miguel is an island that combines wildlife, rich history, and modern comforts. Regardless of whether you are looking for active recreation or a relaxing outdoor vacation, this island is sure to enchant you. Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. The Court of the Chernivtsi Region has sentenced three members of an organized criminal group who systematically exported counterfeit cigarettes disguised as empty gas carriers abroad. The case involves more than 800,000 cigarettes, including tobacco products bearing the Marlboro trademark, owned by Philip Morris Brands Sarl. ADVERTISIMENT Sayenko Kharenko's attorneys supported the case in court. The court ruled to impose a cumulative fine amounting to approximately UAH 4.5 million to be paid to the state budget, prohibited the offenders from transporting excisable goods in the future, and ordered the confiscation of the seized property, including the semi-trailers used in the illegal activities. It also ordered the destruction of all counterfeit tobacco products (over 800,000 cigarettes), printing equipment, and packaging materials. This is Philip Morris' second successful case in Ukraine to defend the company's brands in court. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of protecting the interests of legal businesses that systematically pay taxes and contribute to the state budget. This is especially important during a full-scale war in Ukraine when every contribution to the budget is critical. ADVERTISIMENT To recap: In February 2024, customs officers together with the State Bureau of Investigation detained gas carriers on the border of Ukraine and Romania that were registered as empty. After inspection, 335 boxes of counterfeit Marlboro cigarettes were found in the tanks. This is the first time law enforcement officers have been able to expose a systematic scheme for smuggling counterfeit Marlboro cigarettes into the EU. The case became high-profile and attracted the attention of international partners and G7 ambassadors. The illicit tobacco market remains a critical problem in Ukraine. According to Kantar-Ukraine research, in July 2024, the illegal rate amounted to 14.6%, decreasing from a historic high of more than 25% as of October 2023. State budget losses are estimated at UAH 20 billion a year. New energy deals signed between South Africa and India during Matla-Urja Conference The Matla-Urja Energy Conference held on 27 and 28 November at Wits Business School (WBS) gave rise to two significant agreements between South Africa and India These agreements relate to assisting Eskom with its power plant renovation and modernisation plans through training provided by Indias National Power Training Institute (NPTI) and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). The inaugural Matla-Urja Energy Conference was co-hosted by WBS and the Consulate General of India, Johannesburg and brought together top energy executives and industry leaders from both countries to discuss common challenges in the just energy transition, and explore investment opportunities. We share many challenges with India on the journey to the energy transition, relating to moving from a high carbon economy to a low carbon economy while addressing the major issues of unemployment and poverty. The conference was a convergence of two BRICS nations, ahead of next years G20 Summit in South Africa, to thrash out solutions and build strategic partnerships for the benefit of both our energy sectors, says Professor Maurice Radebe, Head and Director of Wits Business School. During the conference, it was announced that India will be providing Eskom with a Powerplant Control Room simulator for training purposes in Eskoms drive to renew and repurpose its power stations across the country. Speaking at the conference, Eskom CEO Dan Marokane said: NTPC and Eskom are both state utilities with vast operational experience. There is much that we can learn from each other. Like South Africa, India has been running coal operations for many years and I think if we come together we can really make magic in terms of performance on both sides. Later on at the conference, another memorandum of understanding (MOU) was announced between WBSs Africa Energy Leadership Centre (AELC) and the NPTI, an integrated power training institute that falls within Indias Ministry of Power. The agreement focuses on the skilling of youth in the energy sector, specifically in renewable energy, data analytics, transmission and distribution. We can look forward to many short-term areas of collaboration between ourselves and the NPTI, such as webinars, student exchanges and joint training initiatives. However, I see huge potential for longer-term areas of growth, such as in research and working papers, sharing of regulatory and environmental policy best practice, and possible joint qualifications, says Dr David Phaho, Director of the AELC. Dr Tripta Thakur, Director General of the NPTI says: We are excited at the prospect of building strong ties with the AELC, not only for the benefit of our respective energy sectors but for the benefit of the global energy transition as a whole. I believe this MOU will be start of a long and very productive engagement. The cathedrals and churches of Ukraine impress with their beauty, atmosphere, and grandeur. The historical value of these architectural monuments is on par with the spiritual aspects. Each church or cathedral has its own rich history that is still preserved within its walls. The uniqueness of the architecture and the ability to ascend to heaven both spiritually and physically distinguish the largest churches and cathedrals of Ukraine from others. Today, we will tell you about the most magnificent spiritual locations in Ukraine that will give your trip unique viewing platforms for "meeting the sky". ADVERTISIMENT Kyiv Pechersk Lavra - the main bell tower Visiting the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra has always been an interesting activity for both children and adults. There are many museums on its territory: the Museum of Printing, the Museum of Microminiatures, the Museum of Theater, Music and Cinema, the Museum of Historical Treasures, and the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts. Today, the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Reserve covers 24 hectares. Tourists like to visit the near and far caves and climb the Great Lavra Bell Tower, as they can see a stunning panorama of the capital from there. The main Lavra bell tower was built from 1731 to 1745. Its height is 96 m 52 cm, and if you count the part that goes underground, add another 6 m. ADVERTISIMENT It's hard to believe, but the walls of the first tier are 8 meters thick. In order to get as close as possible to "heaven", you will have to walk up 372 steps. Your efforts will not be in vain. Towers of St. Olga and Elizabeth Church - Lviv For more than a century, the Church of St. Olga and St. Elizabeth in Lviv has been the tallest building in the city. The neo-Gothic architectural style attracts attention and impresses with its elegance. The tops of the church's towers reach 88 meters, and you can climb 71 meters. The towers of the church are open to the public, so you have the opportunity to see Lviv from the palm of your hand. But do not rush to climb, because on the way you can look into the Gothic windows at different heights and enjoy the rays of light that play picturesquely on the walls. ADVERTISIMENT Holy Annunciation Cathedral in Kharkiv - the bell tower Today this church impresses not only with its height, but also with its bright lantern decoration in the evenings. If you look at the temple without lighting, it may seem that it is striped. This effect is achieved thanks to the red bricks and white plaster. The height of the cathedral reaches 80 meters. The panorama of the city from the main bell tower is stunning. It is especially beautiful here at sunrise and sunset. We hope it will be safe in Kharkiv soon and you will be able to add this beauty to your memories. ADVERTISIMENT The bell tower of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Sumy The city of Sumy preserves a historical architectural monument and a spiritual center that tells about the events of the 18th century and the Ukrainian Revolution. The 56-meter-high bell tower of the church was not built immediately, but only at the end of the 19th century. Its parts were made in England and brought to Ukraine. Climbing up to the bell tower's observation deck, you will see not only a beautiful panorama, but also the temple's decoration, which is not visible to the eyes from the ground. The most magnificent churches and cathedrals of Ukraine will be an atmospheric and picturesque addition to any of your travels in Ukraine. Include these spiritual experiences in your itineraries and share your photos with the whole world. ADVERTISIMENT The central dome of St. Michael's Cathedral in Cherkasy In the central park of Cherkasy there is a building with a cross on its central dome that ends at 74 meters high. This year, the Orthodox church began a new stage in its spiritual life, coming under the care of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Measuring 58 meters long and 54 meters wide, the church has an almost square base. Its walls can accommodate up to 12,000 believers. Unfortunately, there is no information about access to the central tower of the church, but when visiting Cherkasy, be sure to visit the church. Its interior and atmosphere are inspiring. Earlier we wrote about 5 houses on lakes near Kyiv for a warm autumn weekend. Read also about the best places for extreme tourism in Ukraine. Almost 1800 penguin eggs were counted on Galindez Island, where the Ukrainian Antarctic station Akademik Vernadsky is located. Now there are about 4 thousand birds there. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the biologist of the 29th UAE Svitozar Davydenko on Facebook. He noted that penguins are increasingly taking over the station's neighborhood every year. "There are already eggs in about 900 nests, mostly two. A pair of parents take turns hatching them: while one goes to feed in the ocean, the other stays on the nest. Then they change," the report says. Subantarctic penguins raise their young in nests built of rocks. Instead, king and emperor penguins warm their eggs on their feet. However, these species do not live near the Akademik Vernadsky station and appear there only occasionally as guests. ADVERTISIMENT When to expect baby penguins on Galindega The first penguin eggs appeared in early November, so the chicks will start hatching by mid-December, as the incubation period lasts about 34-36 days. The National Antarctic Research Center notes that Ukrainian scientists are monitoring penguins and other birds in the context of climate change research. In particular, the migration of sub-Antarctic penguins over the past 20 years is one of the clear evidence of warming in the Antarctic. The Ukrainian Antarctic station "Akademik Vernadsky" is located on Galindez Island in the Argentine Islands archipelago. As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Ukrainian scouts conducted an unusual operation on Zmeiny Island, evacuating 15 cats to the Sirius shelter. The rescue was supported by the Come Back Alive and MacPaw Foundation. The approach of winter frosts makes the carefree life of numerous cats and kittens living on Zmeiny Island difficult. Therefore, the fighters of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine's Special Forces "Timur", who were patrolling the island, decided to do an important thing - evacuate 15 animals from the island to the "big land". Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy knew in advance about German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's call to Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin. But he does not believe it was the right thing to do; Putin's international isolation should continue because it weakens Russia. ADVERTISIMENT The head of state said this at a joint press conference with Scholz. The politicians held it on December 2 in Kyiv, where the chancellor arrived on an official visit. "I knew that Mr. Chancellor would communicate with the Russian side," Zelenskyy said. "I really believe that Putin's isolation sanctions, diplomatic, etc. strengthens Ukraine and weakens Russia," he added. The President does not believe that other leaders should communicate with the head of the aggressor state. "After one conversation, there is a second, third, and fifth conversation, because sometimes people want to take the leadership for themselves. And I believe that this may simply be followed by a wave of recognition of Putin," Zelenskyy explained, adding that this does not strengthen Ukraine. "We have much more in common with Germany than we have differences. Even if we have different opinions on this issue," he summarized. As reported by OBOZ.UA: Earlier, Olaf Scholz said about his conversation with the Russian "president" that it was not pleasant. He claims that he called on the international war criminal to withdraw his troops from the territory of Ukraine and assured that the West would not stop supporting Kyiv. Scholz had his first phone conversation with Putin in two years on November 15. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! 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... Out of the 9,000 North Korean soldiers currently on the territory of the Russian Federation, 2,000 have already been transferred to the combat units of the Russian occupiers. Presumably, the command of the aggressor country plans to use them in active combat either in Ukraine or in the Kursk region, or the DPRK army personnel will remain on the second line of defense, which also poses a danger to Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by a representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Andrii Cherniak in an interview with "Donbas Realii." In particular, he confirmed Bloomberg's information that the DPRK could send up to 100,000 of its military to Russia. "Of course, there is a possibility that if North Korea is involved in a war, in active hostilities, they may increase their contingent. We do not rule out this possibility, and according to the DIU, yes, it can really be up to 100 thousand," said Andrii Cherniak. According to him, this can happen through certain agreements under which North Korea will be able to "trade with Russia" for the resources it needs. ADVERTISIMENT "Whether it's technology, food, or some new weapons. They are asking for everything. I think that in accordance with this, there will be some inflows of personnel," the DIU representative said. He also said that the 11,000 DPRK troops in Russia, "although they are not many in number," still pose a danger to Ukraine and the region from which they came. "We do not yet know in what role they will participate in the fighting, but we understand that those soldiers who survive and return to the territory of North Korea will be people who have been trained in the rules of modern warfare," Cherniak explained. It has been established that North Koreans are undergoing both general military training and specific training as UAV operators at the Kursk region training grounds. "After they return home, they will be trained specialists who, firstly, understand how to operate UAVs themselves. Secondly, they will be instructors. 11 thousand, or however many of them will return, instructors who will be able to teach the million-strong North Korean army new conditions of warfare, new conditions of combat operations," the intelligence official said. ADVERTISIMENT Therefore, these soldiers pose a danger to South Korea, Japan, and all democratic countries in the region, Cherniak warned. Regarding Russia's plans to use the DPRK contingent, there may be three scenarios. Currently, there are 9,000 servicemen in the operational reserve, and 2,000 have already been transferred to combat units of the Russian Armed Forces. "There are three options here. Either they will take part in active hostilities on the territory of Ukraine. Either they will take part in active hostilities on the territory of Russia, or in the territory of Kursk. Either they will remain in the operational reserve on the second line of defense, which, in principle, is also dangerous for Ukraine. Why? Because it will make it possible to release a certain number of Russian servicemen who will be involved in active combat operations," the DIU representative said. ADVERTISIMENT According to him, 2,000 North Koreans have been sent to a marine brigade and an airborne division. "If they have already been assigned to units that are engaged in active combat operations, then we can say with certainty that they have already joined the fighting. Maybe they are not on the front line. They may not be on the front lines, but they are still ensuring aggression against Ukraine, ensuring the killing of Ukrainian servicemen," Cherniak said. He also commented on the information of The Wall Street Journal that the DPRK army in Russia is led by General Kim Yong Bok: "According to our information, there are indeed three generals in charge of the North Korean troops in Russia. They are hidden as much as possible, they are guarded as much as possible. They are in closed camps, they are being trained, but they are trying to hide them as much as possible from everyone." This file photo taken on Feb. 16, 2022 shows Du Liqun (2nd R), head nurse of the HIV/AIDS ward, communicating with colleagues at the Fourth People's Hospital of Nanning, in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Xinhua/Lu Boan] NANNING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) Often dubbed the "forbidden zone of life," the HIV/AIDS ward at the Fourth People's Hospital of Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has become a bastion of hope, where fearless medical warriors battle to preserve life against all odds. For nearly two decades, this team has served as a beacon, shining light into the darkest corners for those in need of HIV/AIDS care. In 2005, the hospital became the first in Nanning, and the only one in Guangxi at the time, to establish a specialized HIV/AIDS ward. At the helm was Du Liqun, the ward's head nurse, who, at 40, embraced her daunting responsibilities with courage. Since then, Du has remained deeply committed to this unique ward, where she has witnessed the struggles and challenges faced by both patients and healthcare workers, as well as their moments of hope and resilience. Du recalled that the early days of the AIDS ward were fraught with challenges. When it was first set up, many of the beds had to be assembled by the nurses themselves. Support staff who were initially recruited left as soon as they discovered the ward would be admitting AIDS patients. As the medical team prepared to confront the virus, they were met with immense pressure. While Du had received specialized HIV/AIDS training in Beijing and Guangzhou, the reality of treating patients in this setting was overwhelming. The work involved far more than just administering injections and changing dressings. Nurses had to assist with turning patients in their beds and cleaning their wounds, tasks that required both physical stamina and emotional resilience. Many newly diagnosed patients grappled with paralyzing fear, crippling anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. The healthcare workers had to offer constant emotional support, calming them and encouraging them to cooperate. Safety was always a primary concern. The medical staff, as well as their families and colleagues, were acutely aware of the risks involved. To minimize the dangers, they constantly reminded one another to follow strict protocols and exercise caution during all patient interactions. Despite their unwavering vigilance, accidents would occasionally happen. Just six months after the ward opened, a nurse was accidentally pricked by a used needle. After immediate treatment, the nurse developed symptoms similar to acute HIV infection high fever, body aches, and rashes. Fear and anxiety quickly spread throughout the department. Fortunately, after six months of ongoing tests and medication, it was confirmed that the nurse had not contracted HIV. In 2014, a patient expressed her desire to have a child. Du worked closely with her, advising her to stay on antiviral medication until her viral load became undetectable. Throughout the pregnancy, the patient received regular check-ups and special care during delivery. Thanks to the team's support, the patient gave birth to a healthy baby in 2015, and the infant was later confirmed to be free of the virus. Du often muses that such a monumental task is never the burden of a single soul. Every success and recognition belongs to the collective effort of the entire team, as well as the steadfast support of their families. Today, a robust team of 151 members, spanning a diverse range of ages, tirelessly serves both the outpatient and inpatient departments. Among them is a post-90s nurse couple, Yang Jianghua and Wu Yajing, who have devoted themselves to the ward. Yang said that AIDS sufferers not only endure physical pain but also profound emotional distress. As a nurse, he sees himself as both their medical provider and spiritual guardian. Having worked in the ward for nearly seven years, Wu vows to continue using her nursing skills to offer compassion and hope to every patient she cares for, bringing light in their darkest moments. This combo photo taken on May 11, 2024 shows the post-90s nurse couple Wu Yajing (L, top) and Yang Jianghua (R, bottom) working at the HIV/AIDS ward at the Fourth People's Hospital of Nanning, in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Xinhua/Lu Boan] (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Wang Shasha A Bulgarian girl raises her hand to ask questions during the "Talking with Taikonauts" event in Sofia, Bulgaria, Nov. 30, 2024. Three Chinese astronauts, or taikonauts, connected with Bulgarian youth via video link on Saturday, sharing their experiences in space exploration and answering questions about life aboard the Tiangong space station. [Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua] SOFIA, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) Three Chinese astronauts, or taikonauts, connected with Bulgarian youth via video link on Saturday, sharing their experiences in space exploration and answering questions about life aboard the Tiangong space station. Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze, members of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceflight mission, fielded 15 questions from Bulgarian participants aged 8-22 during the event "Talking with Taikonauts." Topics ranged from comfort in spacecraft and spacesuits to daily activities like eating, using gadgets, and working on the space station. The event marked several milestones, including the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria, the 155th anniversary of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), and the 45th anniversary of Bulgaria's first astronaut Georgi Ivanov's mission. It featured space science lectures, a quiz, and an exhibition showcasing a mock-up of the Tiangong space station. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, in a letter to the event, emphasized the opportunity to deepen cooperation between the two countries in areas such as cultural exchange, space exploration, and high technology. He highlighted the potential for innovative partnerships to accelerate technological progress and provide opportunities for young people. Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli noted that China's rapidly advancing space industry is fostering international collaboration, with over 150 intergovernmental space cooperation agreements signed with more than 50 countries and organizations as of November 2023. Bulgaria's Deputy Minister of Education and Science Nikolay Vitanov described astronauts as symbols of the human spirit and the pursuit of knowledge, which transcends borders and unites humanity. Members of the Bulgarian Parliament, Atanas Atanasov and Gabriel Valkov, praised the event as a meaningful platform for scientific exchange and strengthening bilateral relations. "Such events should happen more often, so we can understand more about China, and also about Bulgaria," Valkov said. Cai Xuzhe (C, on screen), Song Lingdong (R, on screen), and Wang Haoze (L, on screen), members of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceflight mission, speak via video link during the "Talking with Taikonauts" event in Sofia, Bulgaria, Nov. 30, 2024. Three Chinese astronauts, or taikonauts, connected with Bulgarian youth via video link on Saturday, sharing their experiences in space exploration and answering questions about life aboard the Tiangong space station. [Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua] (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Wang Shasha Lowering the mobilization age in Ukraine makes neither political nor practical sense. Although some U.S. officials have repeatedly advised our country's leadership to mobilize 19-year-olds, Ukraine has not and will not agree to this. Moreover, the Armed Forces of Ukraine do not need to recruit such young men. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by Oleh Dombrovskyi, spokesperson for the operational command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine "West." He noted that the mobilization age cannot depend on foreign political influence. "Mobilization from the age of 18 is only the intentions and opinions of officials in the United States. We are guided by the requirements of our current legislation, as well as the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," emphasized the spokesman for the OC "West." He reminded that it is the sovereign right of our country to decide at what age mobilization should begin. As reported by OBOZ.UA, Ukrainian legislation stipulates that only Ukrainians aged 25 to 60 can be mobilized. According to Dombrovskyi, this is due to various, purely practical things. "The appropriateness of mobilization from the age of 18 will depend on the situation on the front line. Of course, if the time demands it, the rules may be revised. But for now, there is no such need. We can provide enough people for the security and defense forces of Ukraine," he said. The military also referred to the ten-year experience of the Russian-Ukrainian war. This experience also shows "that we do not need to mobilize Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 25." It should also be noted that adults under the age of 25 can join the army of their own free will. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine also does not consider lowering the mobilization age in Ukraine and has not taken any such initiatives. Instead, they are preparing motivational contracts for citizens aged 18-25. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The result of the recent Berlin Transport Company (BVG) staff council election in Berlin has revealed the extent of opposition to the public service union Verdi, the bargaining agent for public transport workers. For the first time, in this election Verdi lost its majority on the staff council in Berlin amongst bus drivers. Partition wall of the Action Committee list for the BVG staff council elections at the Mullerstrae depot This is despite the fact that the Verdi contract commission used upcoming negotiations in January as the basis for a scurrilous election manoeuvre. Shortly before the election, the contract commission surprisingly announced a relatively high demanda pay increase of 750 per month, plus a driving/rotating shift allowance of 300, plus a shift allowance of 200, plus a 13th months salary as a Christmas bonus. Even so, the union suffered a significant loss in votes. The question of how to take forward the struggle against Verdi has assumed increasing importance. In our Action Committee List election appeal, we wrote, We are facing major confrontations. The BVG management and the Berlin Senate are planning massive social attacks as part of further privatisation. This is exactly what is now happening. Immediately after the staff council election, the Senate announced its austerity plans for next year. The planned cuts total over 3 billion and affect all areas except the police and internal security, the armed forces, and military installations. The budget for the mobility, transport and environment sector alone is to be cut by around 660 millionalmost 20 percent of the sectors total budget. Drastic austerity measures are being prepared for the BVG. Although Verdi is represented on the BVG supervisory board and its economic committee, and participates in all company planning, precise information is being withheld to prevent protests. Media reports only state that all areas of the BVG are affected. Investment is being particularly heavily cut, and 100 million euros are to be slashed from ongoing operations. These amount to cuts of over 10 percent. Everyone can imagine the impact this will have on working conditions. Even now, vehicles are being used that are in poor condition and sometimes unsafe. Staff absences will further increase pressure at work. The cancellation of subsidies for the purchase of electric buses will also have an impact on working conditions, with loan financing resulting in additional costs and further pressure to reduce spending. The upcoming contract negotiations will take place under completely new conditions. The Senate, the BVG and the municipal employers associations are planning massive social cuts and are relying on Verdi to enforce them against the workforce. Therefore, our opposition to Verdi, which took very concrete forms in our intervention in the staff council election, must be transformed into a conscious rebellion to break the Verdi dictatorship and take the coming contract struggle into our own hands. The fact that Verdi has lost its majority to represent bus drivers for the first time is a very important step, but the struggle has only just begun. First, Verdi still has a majority on the central staff council (GPR), and second, Verdi continues to dominate contract negotiations as the union at the company. Its officials on the supervisory and economic committees continue their intensive cooperation with management and the Senate. Above all, however, and most importantly, none of the opposition lists standing in the election has a perspective to counter the various manoeuvrings of the BVG management, the municipal employers association (KAV), the Senate and Verdi. To do that, they would have to advocate a fundamentally different political programme directed against the subordination of workers to the capitalist priority of maximising profits. This was already evident on 19 November at the constituent meeting of the new GPR. Janine Kohler, the previous chairwoman, was re-elected. She has been a Verdi staff councillor for 24 years and has been on the GPR for 12 years. For the past four years, Kohler has been deputy chair of the GPR. A few weeks ago, she took over as chair following the retirement of Lothar Stephan. Kohler has been a member of the BVG supervisory board for many years and has been involved in all decisions regarding the gradual privatisation of the company, the deterioration of working conditions and the reduction of wages. In an interview with the Berliner Zeitung newspaper, she explicitly spoke out against a struggle against management. Her goal is cooperation, not conflict. She said: We have to tackle the issues togetherwith the management of the company. Our task is to discuss them at eye level with the employer, to develop constructive proposals and find solutions. This is not possible if we are in conflict with the employer. Although Kohler plays a key role in the confusing machinations of the BVG, Verdi, the KAV and the Senate, none of the major critics of Verdi who stood candidates in the staff council election such as the groups Kraft durch Basis (Rank-and-File Power), Klare Kante or Offene Liste dared to confront her at the constituent assembly. Although it was known that Verdi has only a slim majority of 16 votes in the 29-member GPR and that there are divisions in the Verdi camp, no one ran against Kohler, either individually or in agreement with other lists. Not a critical word was uttered, and as far as can be seen from the reports, there were no opposing votes, and at most just a few hesitant abstentions from Kraft durch Basis. This is nothing other than cowardice in the face of the enemy and a betrayal of those who voted. It became clear at this first meeting of the GPR that none of the opposition lists represents an alternative to Verdi. This is an important lesson that will be repeated at future GPR meetings and will no doubt be reflected in the work of the staff council. The reason for this is not personal, but political. Despite some fierce criticism, all the opposition lists advocate the same programme as Verdi. That is, they all accept the capitalist framework, subordinate themselves to the profit orientation, and spread the illusion that better negotiations will lead to better results. This attitude completely underestimates the real role of Verdi. It is not just a matter of bad negotiators and corrupt bureaucrats. Verdi is part of BVG management and works closely with the Senate parties to increase profits through intensified exploitation and lower real wages. To this end, the union uses its bureaucratic apparatus, its works councils and its shop stewards to suppress any serious resistance from the employees or allow opposition to exhaust itself with fruitless sham protests. Verdi and the other unions have transformed themselves into direct agencies of management not merely because their officials are personally corrupt. Rather, this transformation has deep objective causes. The globalised economy is coming into ever sharper conflict with the nation-state system that the trade unions vehemently defend. The more violently the capitalists react to the crisis with trade wars and military action, the more closely the trade union officials close ranks with their own state and their own corporations, enforcing wage and social cuts in the latters interests. Building action committees in all depots and departments The significance of our election campaign now becomes clear. We linked the struggle against Verdi directly to the building of independent action committees and explained that a change in the composition of the staff councils does not solve the problem. We wrote that it is necessary to build new structures of struggle that enable us as workers to intervene directly in workplace disputes. The struggle against the prevailing miserable working conditions and the upcoming contract must be understood in their political context. The planned social attacks are closely linked to the official war policy. We already addressed this in our election statement: The public sector and state-owned companies are being starved of funds in favour of the war policy. This is now taking place, not only at the BVG, but also throughout industry. For months, there has been no end to the reports of layoffs and bankruptcies in the auto and auto supply industries. Volkswagen wants to cut 30,000 jobs, and suppliers ZF, Bosch and Schaeffler want to cut tens of thousands more. Just a few days ago, Ford announced the elimination of another 4,000 jobs, including 2,900 at its headquarters in Cologne. And Thyssenkrupp plans to wipe out 11,000 jobs in the steel industry. The IG Metall union supports all of this. It and the VW works council have already offered the company savings on wages of 1.5 billion euros. This frontal attack on all workers is part of fundamental political changes taking place. With the return of Donald Trump to the White House, the struggle for profits, markets and raw materials is taking on new dimensions. This battle is being fought out at the expense of the working class. Trump is putting together a government of far-right oligarchs. Tesla boss Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is personally taking on the task of saving $2 trillion in government spending and slashing everything that does not yield a profitfrom education to pensions, social services and health care. Unlimited sums are to be made available only for the arming of the military and the police. Major corporations and governments in Europe are emulating Trump, attacking the working class and stepping up their struggle for markets and profits. As was the case 90 years ago, capitalism is once again heading to dictatorship and a world war that could wipe out human civilisation if the ruling class is not stopped by the working class in time. NATO is already at war with Russia. Every day it uses more powerful weapons, even at the risk of nuclear war. The frontal attack on the workers at Ford and VW, at Thyssenkrupp and also at the BVG must be seen in this context. War and a profit-based economy are incompatible with social equality and democracy. Everywhere, Verdi, IG Metall and all other trade unions are playing the key role in implementing the attacks on workers. In our election appeal, we wrote: If we do not want to be led like lambs to the slaughter, we must resist these policies and link the fight for higher wages and better working conditions to the fight against military rearmament and war. At the next meetings of the action committee we will discuss how we can implement this perspective in concrete terms. Check this page for the dates and links to the meetings planned: https://aktionskomitees.de Write a Whatsapp message to +4917641685811 to get in touch and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok. Daniel Andrews, the former Australian Labor Party (ALP) premier of the state of Victoria, recently accepted a Zionist award and used the occasion to issue a full-throated support for the genocide in Gaza and demand the de-funding of any organisation that criticises Israel. Victorian Labor Premier Daniel Andrews addresses AEU state conference in 2022. [Photo: AEU Victoria Facebook] Andrews diatribe underscores the Labor Partys active complicity in the slaughter of the Palestinian people. Now retired from office, the former premier dispensed with his federal and state colleagues occasional expressions of humanitarian concern over Gaza. Andrews speech was the highest profile statement he has issued since resigning as Victorian premier in September last year. The World Zionist Organisation, the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA), and Zionism Victoria awarded him the Jerusalem Prize at an event that was held as part of the ZFAs biennial conference last month. The event was organised in secret, to evade anti-genocide demonstrators. Underscoring the bipartisan support for the Israeli genocide in Gaza, the conference was addressed by ALP Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Shadow Foreign Affairs Senator Simon Birmingham. Attendees included federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfuss and Labor MP Josh Burns. Previous recipients of the Jerusalem Prize include former Labor Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Julia Gillard and the Liberal Partys John Howard and Scott Morrison. Andrews painted Israeli society in the rosiest of colours. My support for Israel has always been grounded in simple and fundamental logic, he declared. Israel is the only democracy in a despotic region. The only place with gender equality at law, the only place where people are free and safe to love who they love, criticise their government if they wish and organise in their workplaces. Over these last 12 months, I, like all of you, have been angered and saddened by those who know nothing of the history of this region yet opine about its future, those who know little of Israel or the Jewish people, yet feel obliged and able to criticise. In reality, the crisis-ridden Zionist state is now governed by extreme rightwing and openly fascist figures. These have extended the enforcement of an effective apartheid system where all Palestinians in the Occupied Territories are denied the most basic rights. Andrews evoking the issue of gay rights as an alibi for his support for genocide was especially abhorrent. He related how he had recently seen a pro-Palestine protester wearing a rainbow T-shirt: She was obviously a supporter of the LGBTQI+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex] community, as I am. Try wearing that t-shirt in Gaza and see how that works out for you. The biggest danger facing everybody in Gaza today is being shot or bombed by the Israeli military. Andrews has absolutely no concern for the annihilation of LGBTQI+ or any other Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Andrews effectively told the assembled Zionists and ALP supporters that he supported financial boycotts and professional witch-hunts against Israels opponents in the arts and culture sector. He declared: If people wont speak out against antisemitism, defund them. If people are happy to take your money while being antisemites, defund them If you want to support Hamas, then get them to pay your bills, get them to fund your programs and build your buildings. I am serious. We are beyond tropes. Silence and much worse are only possible if there are no consequences. In other words, any organisation that does not loudly enough proclaim its support for the Zionist genocide of the Palestinians must be de-funded. On that basis Andrews would have opposed the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) backdown after they cancelled the second concert of world-renowned pianist Jayson Gillham. Gillham at his first concert in Melbourne acknowledged the humanity of journalists killed in Gaza, noting the illegality of a government deliberately murdering reporters. MSO musicians opposed the censorship and the MSO Managing Director was forced to resign. Andrews claimed that he would publicly and loudly back any Jewish philanthropist that de-funded a cultural body for its failure to support the genocide, let alone one that uttered a word of support for the Palestinian victims. Andrews also stated, The ferocity and brazenness of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiment is like nothing that I have seen in my lifetime. It is a stain on the nation, and it shames us all. The former premiers conflation of anti-Israel opinion with antisemitism is one of the characteristic lies promoted by Zionist forces. The speech underscores his Labor governments right-wing, pro-business record. Andrews privatised many of the few remaining publicly owned assets such as the Port of Melbourne and VicRoads vehicle registration and licensing. Just a week before he resigned, Andrews announced the demolition of all 44 public housing tower blocks housing 10,000 vulnerable Victorians. The prime inner suburban sites are being handed over to property investors who will make windfall profits re-developing them. While Andrews was demonised by right wingers and the Murdoch media for his governments limited and flawed attempts to control the COVID pandemic, his eventual adoption of the let it rip policy in collaboration with NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and the subsequent avoidable deaths of thousands of Victorians is in line with his deep hostility to democratic rights as evinced in his full-throated support for genocide. Andrews claim that anti-Zionism is the equivalent of antisemitism comes from a long tradition. The Labor Party has backed Zionism from the outset of Israels establishment. As Labors longest serving premier of Victoria from 2014 to 2023, Andrews followed the New South Wales Liberal government in adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. The anti-Zionist Jewish Council of Australia objected to the IHRA definition based on its unsound conflation of antisemitism with criticism of Israel. It said the IHRA examples have been weaponised globally to chill criticism of Israel and Zionism, with a particular impact on silencing Palestinian voices. The right wing of the UK Labor Party used the IHRA definition to drive out Jeremy Corbyn. Andrewss proposals would have backed Corbyns removal. Andrews successor, Premier Jacinta Allan, has picked up where he left off in vociferously backing Israel. Allan has repeatedly taken to social media with deranged rants against pro-Palestinian protesters who she has slandered as antisemites and threats to social cohesion. Over the past week Allan was prominent in the denunciation of the Disrupt Wars group that threatened to protest at the Myer department store launch of its Christmas themed shopfront windows. Allan said, That there was a group of people that chose to politicise ... what is a beautiful annual tradition and event for children, we condemn it. Allan called the protesters morons and said her government will introduce new anti-vilification and social cohesion laws that will give police extra powers to suppress opposition to the genocide. Addressing the media on November 25, Sri Lankan Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala declared that it was not permissible to hold commemoration events associated with Maviraal Naal (Great Heroes Day) of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Ananda Wijepala (right) speaking with Sri Lankan President Dissanayake (left) during Sri Lankan parliamentary election campaign [Photo: Facebook/Ananda Wijepala] The LTTE remains a proscribed organisation, Wijepala said, adding: Legally, individuals are allowed to commemorate the deaths of their relatives [but] it is not allowed to hold Mahaviru celebrations to glorify LTTE members or use their images under the LTTE logo. Wijepalas statement repudiates previous claims by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his government that they stand for democratic rights, national unity and oppose communalism and racism. Prompted by Wijepalas remarks, the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) of the police arrested three people on November 30 under the countrys repressive Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Those arrested include Manoharan Kajendroopan from Inuvil in Jaffna, a Tamil British national from Kilinochchi and another person from Baddegama in the islands south. The TID charges include, inciting public unrest, promoting the activities of a banned organisation, and spreading false propaganda. Those arrested under PTA measures can be detained without trial for up to 18 months, with many held on remand for years before being brought to court. Thousands of people in the North and East, however, defied the threatening remarks of the public security minister and participated in remembrance events for their loved ones on November 27 in Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Batticaloa. The LTTE have been holding commemoration events, beginning in 1983, to respect its cadres killed during the bloody 26-year communal war waged by successive Colombo governments. The LTTE was defeated in May 2009, following indiscriminate attacks by the Sri Lankan military which, according to UN estimates, killed around 40,000 civilians and saw the disappearance of thousands of individuals. Commemoration events have been expanded since then to include Tamil civilians, as well as LTTE fighters killed during the conflict. The main responsibility for the bloody, almost three-decade war is the Sinhala ruling elite and its successive governments. Since the islands nominal independence in 1948 Colombo has used anti-Tamil discrimination and worked to divert social discontent along ethnic lines to weaken and divide the working class. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) played a despicable role during the war, aligning itself with the most rabid sections of the military and demanding state repression against all those opposing the conflict. The banning of commemoration of LTTE cadres killed during the war by the government is a divisive and reactionary act that exposes the bogus character of the Dissanayake regimes promises to oppose communalism. In prohibiting these commemorative events, the JVP/National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP) government is continuing the repression and social discrimination against Tamils by successive governments. This is of a piece with the new regimes opposition to any serious investigation of the war crimes committed by the Sri Lankan military against the LTTE and the Tamil masses during the war. Fifteen years since the war ended, the Northern and Eastern provinces remain under heavy military occupation with residents intimidated by constant surveillance by military and police intelligence. The military still controls tens of thousands of acres of land seized from ordinary working people during the war. While the Sri Lanka workers and the rural masses confront worsening poverty, the situation facing Tamils in the North and East is even more extreme. In 2019, serious poverty afflicted 20 percent of households in the North, and 15 percent in the East. The Jaffna, Mullaithivu and Kilinochchi districts recorded poverty levels as high as 21, 40, and 23 percent respectively. The situation, however, is now far worse since the 2022 collapse of the Sri Lankan economy. During the presidential and national election campaigns, Dissanayake and his JVP/NPP issued vague promises about releasing political prisoners arrested during the war; taking steps to return land seized by the military to its original owners; and work for national harmony. The JVP fared poorly in the majority Tamil districts in the September 21 presidential election, a consequence of the widespread hostility to its long record of anti-Tamil incitement. However, in the subsequent parliamentary election, held last month, the party won a plurality of votes in all but one district in the North and the East. A section of the Tamil elite decided to swing behind the JVP on the calculation that this would ensure a flow of government patronage. The parliamentary election result in these areas was also driven by widespread disaffection with the traditional Tamil parties, such as the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), Eelam Peoples Democratic Party and the Tamil National Peoples Front (TNPF). From the left, ITAK leader S. Sritharan, Tamil Progressive Alliance leader Mano Ganeshan, ITAK secretary Mavai Senathirajah and Provincial Council member S. Sivamohan at the ITAK 2024 Mayday event in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka [Photo: Facebook/Ruban Ruban] Falsely claiming to be defending democratic rights, calling for war crime investigations and a solution to the worsening social crisis, these Tamil parties aligned themselves with the US and other imperialist powers and New Delhi to garner support for their demands for concessions and privileges from Colombo. The Tamil elites fully support the austerity policies dictated by the International Monetary Fund and being implemented by Colombo since 2023. In the lead up to the presidential and parliamentary elections, Dissanayake and his JVP/NPP claimed it would renegotiate the IMFs austerity demands to provide social relief for the people. In his November 21 address to parliament, Dissanayake dropped these promises, declaring that his government would fully implement the IMFs demands. In the same speech, he said that his government would not allow the resurgence of divisive racist politics in our country. This promise is as worthless as his pledge to renegotiate a better deal with the IMF, and broken just as quickly. Public Security Minister Wijepalas announcement that the government was banning commemorative events and its use of the PTA, which it previously promised to abolish, to arrest three people on Saturday, makes this clear. When Dissanayake and the JVP speak about opposing communalism and fighting for national patriotism, these phrases are interlaced with Sinhala and Buddhist supremacism, and directed against the Tamil minority. This is the political heritage of the JVP which emerged in the mid-1960s, basing itself on a poisonous combination of Maoist and Castroite peasant guerrillaism and Sinhala patriotism. It was this reactionary agenda that underpinned its armed uprising against the Bandaranaike government in 1971 and its murderous Sinhala chauvinist campaign in 198889 against the Indo-Lanka Accord during Colombos civil war against the LTTE. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) vehemently opposes Dissanayake governments recent anti-democratic ban on commemorative events and demands the immediate release of the three Tamil youths arrested last Saturday. Against all capitalist parties, the SEP fights for the unity of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim workers across the ethnic divide in unity with the international working class on a socialist program. This was the basis of the struggle by the SEP, and its predecessor the Revolutionary Communist League, against the war and its call for the withdrawal of the Sri Lankan military from the North and the East. At the same time, we opposed the LTTEs separatist policies and reject the communalist policies of present-day supporters and the pro-US imperialist Tamil nationalist parties, including the ITAK, TNPF and similar formations. The ending of all forms of communal discrimination and the defence of democratic rights can only be secured in a unified struggle of Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala workers with the support of rural masses to overthrow the capitalist profit system. This is why the SEP fights for a Sri Lanka Eelam Socialist Republicthat is a workers and peasants governmentas part of a Federation of Socialist Republic of South Asia and internationally. The objective possibility and necessity for fighting this program was shown in the mass uprising in April-July 2022. Millions of workers participated in this upsurge that cut across ethnic lines in two general strikes on April 28 and May 26a multimillion-strong movement that toppled the then President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government. This mass movement was betrayed by the trade union bureaucracies, with the support of fake-left Frontline Socialist Party, which diverted workers into supporting calls by the JVP/NPP and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) for a capitalist interim regime. In opposition to all these parties, the SEP calls for the independent mobilisation of the working class to fight for a workers and peasants government and socialist policies. We call for the establishment of action committees of workers in every workplace, the plantations and other major economic centres and the building of action committees by the rural masses. A Socialist and Democratic Congress of Workers and Rural Masses must be built with the delegations from all these action committees to discuss and take the decision to organise this fight. California, once celebrated as a hub of education excellence, innovation and progressivism, is now the epicenter of a deepening crisis. School districts, community colleges and public universities across the state are grappling with budget cuts, layoffs and campus closures. Teachers and school workers outside the LAUSD headquarters in Los Angeles, Tuesday, March 21, 2023. [AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes] The crisis is not merely a reflection of fiscal challenges but also a stark indictment of the priorities of the ruling class. It exposes both the hypocrisy of the Democratic Party, which dominates state politics, and the treachery of the trade unions. It also underscores the looming threats posed by the incoming Trump administration. Social services such as public education are considered an unacceptable drain from the profits of the ruling elite. Furthermore, in the case of education, a knowledgeable, informed population is considered a mortal threat to the bourgeoisies plans for world war and police state dictatorship. At its core, the assault on education is a class issue, rooted in the subordination of social needs to corporate profits and military spending. Californias education crisis exemplifies how both major parties, despite rhetorical differences, work in concert to dismantle public education, restrict democratic rights, and suppress opposition from workers and students. Across California, the scale of cuts to education is staggering. The below are only a few examples of the cuts either being prepared or already enacted. K12 Education Oakland Unified School District (OUSD): A plan for merging 10 schools in to five was announced at a school board meeting this month and met with major protest by teachers, students and parents. The mergers, which will be voted on in December would cover only an estimated $3 million of $95 million budget in budget cuts looming for the upcoming school year. Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD): Facing a $214 million budget, BUSD has implemented layoffs, freezing of positions and other cuts totaling nearly $8 million. These cuts disproportionately harm low-income and minority students, exacerbating existing inequalities. Live Oak School District: In Santa Cruz County, administrators are preparing for layoffs to address a $700,000 budget shortfall. This will directly impact teachers, support staff and student services. Modesto City Schools: Financial deficits have led to potential layoffs, threatening arts programs and extracurricular activities. Californias largest school districts are also under siege. Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) administrators recently approved a $20 billion budget for 20242025 without immediate layoffs, but escalating costs for pensions and healthcare signal future cuts. Like many California school districts, LAUSD also faces declining enrollment which portends further funding losses. The San Diego Unified School District is also facing a $176 million shortfall in the current school year and is planning teacher layoffs as a way to address it. The districts executive director, Nicole DeWitt, suggested that city schools sort programs into must dos versus may dos, suggesting that the district is looking at program cuts in addition to the layoffs. San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), has already begun closing schools, citing declining enrollmenta trend mirrored in Oakland and San Jose. The closures disproportionately impact working class communities, where schools often serve as vital neighborhood hubs. Higher Education Californias public colleges and universities are equally embattled: California State University (CSU): Budget cuts across the CSU system have led to reduced course offerings, mass layoffs and increased tuition. The nations largest university system is facing a $1 billion shortfall as a result of dwindling state support for higher education. Lecturers at San Francisco State University (SFSU) have been laid off due to the budget crisis. The university announced it will not rehire lecturers for the Spring 2025 semester, citing declining enrollment. While the total number of layoffs is unknown, SFSU spokesperson Bobby King confirmed that 19 lecturers have been laid off in the English department alone. Speaking to the university board of trustees recently, CSU Chief Financial Officer Steve Relyea anticipated greater cuts in the works. We anticipate negative impacts on academic offerings and student support offerings, he said. The California legislature is projected to worsen the problem with a proposed 8 percent cut in state funding for the 2025-2026 academic year. University of California (UC): UC Santa Cruz has announced potential staff reductions to close its budget gap, while other campuses face similar austerity measures. Faculty and students have staged protests, accusing the administration of labor violations and eroding educational quality. Statewide, the UC system is grappling with a projected budget shortfall of $504.7 million for the 2025-2026 academic year. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students is expected to rise sharply as a result. A significant driver of these crises is the Biden administrations decision to cut funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) program, which had provided districts with critical pandemic relief. The funding rollback has thrown school districts into financial disarray, exposing the hollowness of Democratic promises to prioritize education. California Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond have verbally postured as defenders of education, but their actions tell a different story. Newsoms so-called creative budget solutionssuch as delaying infrastructure projectsare merely stopgap measures that fail to address systemic underfunding. The state of California itself now faces a projected $2 billion budget deficit for the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year, while the states legislative analysts office projects greater deficits in subsequent years, possibly rising as high as $30 billion annually for the 2028-2029 fiscal year. The incoming Trump administration has also made it clear that it will target California and its public services, including education. Newsoms statement that California will seek to work with the incoming presidentbut let there be no mistake, we intend to standto defend our Constitution and uphold the rule of law is emblematic of the Democrats double-talk. While presenting themselves as defenders of democracy, they have overseen an unprecedented assault on public education and democratic rights, and are ready to make an alliance with the fascist Trump administration. In fact, the Democratic party at both the state and national level has been instrumental at implementing the very framework that the incoming Trump administration will use to impose its cuts and other repressive anti-democratic measures. On K12 and university campuses alike, protests against budget cuts have already been met with increasingly brutal and antidemocratic police state measures. For example, students protesting labor violations and cuts at UC campuses have faced administrative crackdowns, including police intervention and disciplinary actions. These antidemocratic measures expose the Democratic Partys role in suppressing grassroots resistance while enabling austerity policies. Despite these attacks, resistance is growing across California and beyond. Teachers in California have waged significant battles against layoffs and cuts. Educators recently pushed back against 2,000 planned layoffs statewide, reflecting a determination to defend their livelihoods and their students futures. Meanwhile, strikes in Albany, Oregon, and Massachusetts have highlighted nationwide opposition to deteriorating conditions in public education. Students, too, have mobilized against school closures and austerity. In Oakland, San Francisco, Chicago and Seattle, workers and students are fighting to save neighborhood schools from closure. These efforts underscore the widespread anger over policies that prioritize budgetary constraints over educational access. Californias crisis mirrors global struggles against education cuts. In the Netherlands, tens of thousands have taken to the streets to oppose austerity in schools and universities. Ongoing protests in Argentina highlight the worldwide impact of neoliberal policies that erode public education while enriching the ruling class. Like their counterparts abroad, the trade union apparatus in California, including the California Teachers Association (CTA) and the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), have played a critical role in containing opposition. While unions have organized protests and strikes, mainly as a way for teachers to let off steam, their role remains committed to defending existing conditions and avoiding a confrontation with the Democratic Party, rather than challenging the broader system of austerity and privatization. Furthermore, the national teacher unions are preparing the way for the devastating attacks by the incoming Trump administration which threatens the very existence of public education. Newly nominated secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, is an ardent supporter of school choice and far-right 'parents' rights' legislation in schools. Her role will be to dismantle the Department of Education and carry out monumental attacks on public schools. Both the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) continue to downplay the dangers of the Trump administration, making empty calls for unity. The union bureaucracys close ties to the Democratic Party explains why it seeks to prevent an independent struggle by workers. By aligning with the very politicians responsible for education cuts, they have allowed attacks on public education to continue unchallenged. The education crisis in California is not an isolated issue but a symptom of the broader contradictions of capitalism. Both major parties, beholden to corporate and military interests, have systematically dismantled public education in order to fund tax cuts for the wealthy and expand the military-industrial complex. The education crisis in California is a class war in the most quintessential sense, pitting the needs of workers and students against the priorities of the ruling elite. The hypocrisy of the Democrats, the complicity of the trade unions and the looming threat of Trumps return to power underscore the urgency of building a socialist movement to defend public education and democratic rights. Only by rejecting the false choices offered by the two-party system and organizing independently can workers and students secure the resources needed to ensure a future where education is a basic social right for all, and not a privilege for the wealthy few. This morning, Woolworths attempted to forcibly re-open its Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre (MSRDC) in Dandenong South. The facility, along with two other Woolworths warehouses in Victoria and one in New South Wales have been shut down since November 21 by an indefinite strike over wages, conditions and safety. Workers at a fifth facility, owned by the companys supplier Lineage, in Melbourne, have been on strike since November 22. In total, more than 1,800 warehouse workers are involved in the ongoing strike. Hundreds more workers at a Woolworths distribution centre in Heathwood, Queensland, also walked off the job for 24 hours on Friday. This morning, the major supermarket chain tried to break the picket line at Dandenong South by bringing workers in on buses. More than a dozen police were reportedly sent to aid the strikebreaking effort, indicating the direct involvement of the Labor government in this attack on a legally protected strike. Striking Woolworths workers at Dandenong South on December 2, 2024 [Photo: X/@vic_socialists] Although the striking workers and protesters were able to hold their ground this morning, the companys action is a major attack on democratic rights and a stark warning of what is to come. Unless the strike is rapidly expanded to include other Woolworths employees and broader layers of the working class, it will be crushed. In a letter to all Woolworths employees yesterday, the company claimed to have contacted almost three-quarters of the team at the site, where a majority (72%) of those contacted indicated they want to return to work and be paid in the critical lead-up to Christmas. 72 percent of three-quarters would amount to only 54 percent of the workforce. The letter repeats its emphasis on the fact that workers have not been paid, underscoring the significance of the refusal by the United Workers Union (UWU) to provide proper strike pay. Instead, the union has set up a crowdfunding page, which has raised just over $23,500an indication of the mass support for the strike but a tiny fraction of what workers need to sustain their fight. The UWU bureaucracy sits on $274.9 million in total assets, ultimately derived from workers dues. The letter claims, The majority of team members at MSRDC are not members of the UWU. The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) have endorsed an offer from Woolworths Group presented last week. UWU Secretary Tim Kennedy claimed this was irrelevant, stating vaguely that the SDA has less than 10 members affected by the framework in this dispute. In fact, it is highly significant. Last week, Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) leaders Sally McManus and Michele ONeil were welcomed to Woolworths picket lines with open arms by the UWU leadership. The SDA is a major player in the ACTUits national secretary, Gerard Dwyer, is a Senior Vice President of the peak union body. Even as McManus was telling striking workers at Erskine Park on Friday, I just want to say on behalf of every union that we are behind you, one of the largest unions in the country was either in the process of stitching them up or had done so already. It is not plausible that McManus was unaware of this fact. McManus not only oversees the work of the unions. She is also a senior member of the Labor Party, whose attitude to the striking workers, and industrial action in general is starkly revealed in the sending in of police to help Woolworths forcibly reopen the warehouse. The ACTU- and Labor-backed strike-breaking attempt by Woolworths is an egregious display of the companys hostility to its employees, but the conditions for this were created by the UWU leadership. The fact that workers at five Woolworths facilities in three states, as well as those at the companys supplier, Lineage, have all taken strike action demonstrates that workers face the same issues across the board, but the UWU has actively worked to isolate the strike, disarm the workers and prevent a broader mobilisation of support. This is starkly demonstrated in the fact the companys vow to break the strike, sent to employees yesterday and reported in the media last night, is not even mentioned on the unions social media. The workers went to the pickets today totally isolated in the face of the escalation of attacks by the company. The UWUs limp criticism that Woolworths strikebreaking effort was an act of bad faith reflects the fact that the union bureaucracy is not leading a fight against the company, but engaging with it in backroom negotiations to orchestrate a sell-out. The unions concern was that the strike-breaking effort would disrupt a bargaining meeting due to be held this morning. The reality is that the UWU has been working to sell workers out from the beginning. Even before the strike started, Kennedy made clear that the company needed only to raise its wage-cutting offer by 11.5 percent (a total of 45 percent) per annum, despite the fact that workers had voted to strike on the basis of fighting for a 1012 percent a year rise. Stepping in to cover over the UWU hanging workers out to dry, the pseudo-left Victorian Socialists called for community supporters to reinforce the picket. The fact that somewhere between 100 and 200 people turned out to defend the strike is significant, indicating broader support for the struggle among working people. Limited protest actions are no substitute for expanded industrial action, which the UWU is actively blocking with the uncritical support of Victorian Socialists. For the vast majority of Woolworths warehouse workers around the country, their only inkling that thousands of their colleagues are on strike has been increased overtime and workload, as their distribution centres have been employed to pick up the slack and minimise shortages on supermarket shelves. The only political organisation that is informing workers of the strike by their co-workers is the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS). Workers at Woolworths large Brisbane Regional Distribution Centre (BRDC) at Larapinta told SEP campaigners yesterday that they knew little or nothing about their fellow workers indefinite strike in Victoria and New South Wales. Hundreds of workers were on the job there, many more than normal on a Sunday. The company is effectively using them to combat the strike, without even being informed by the unions about it. Others had heard of the strike from the media and called for united action against the companys poor pay and oppressive performance monitoring system, in which they said workers are constantly under camera surveillance. As they drove in and out of the facility, workers stopped to take WSWS leaflets about the strike and give comments. They thanked the SEP supporters for providing them with information and for fighting to broaden support for the strike. We have had no information meetings here, one warehouse worker said. Another said: Were up for a strike. It should be everywhere The unions are in with the company; their reps get paid meetings. Its like the unions have shares in the company. A worker who knew of the strike said: This place should be on strike too. Another worker said: I agree we should all come out. One worker who had not heard about the strike commented: The unions dont bother telling us. They dont have the guts to call a strike. They are cowards. The SDA primarily covers the facility, but workers who were UWU members said the silence had been deafening from both unions. The fact that the UWU had done nothing to apprise BRDC workers of the industrial action is particularly stark, given that workers at Heathwood, just 4 kilometres away by road, struck for 24 hours on Friday. The attempt by Woolworths to break the strike at MSRDC is a major attack on the democratic rights of the entire working class. Australias draconian anti-strike laws, imposed by successive Labor governments and enforced by the union apparatus, already prohibit industrial action, except during brief bargaining periods every three to four years. Todays events demonstrate that even this limited right cannot be tolerated by the ruling class. With the clear involvement of the Labor government at the stateand likely federallevel, cops have been mobilised to help shut down a supposedly protected strike. This is a direct consequence of the UWUs isolation of the striking workers. To fight this attack, the broadest layer of workers must be urgently mobilised in support of the strike and their own workplace rights. This is impossible as long as the UWU, or any other union bureaucracy, is calling the shots. Woolworths workers need to take the power back, by building their own rank-and-file committees, politically and organisationally independent from any union officialdom. Through these committees, they can make a powerful appeal to their counterparts at other Woolworths facilities, at Coles and throughout the logistics sector who are all under assault. Todays attack underscores that workers are not only up against Woolworths, but Labor, the union apparatus, the industrial courts and the capitalist system itself. This demonstrates the need to fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies. The major corporations, including Woolworths and Coles, along with the big banks, must be placed under public ownership and democratic workers control. Only in this way can societys vast resources be used to satisfy the needs of the entire working class, including a permanent and safe job with decent pay and conditions, not the profits of the wealthy elite. Over the weekend, President-elect Donald Trump announced that Kashyap Kash Patel would be the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is expected that Trump will fire current FBI Director Christopher Wray either on, or shortly after, his January 20 inauguration. Kash Patel speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2024, at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Friday, February 23, 2024. [AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana] Like virtually all of Trumps nominations, Patel earned Trumps trust by demonstrating unswerving loyalty before, during and after the January 6, 2021 attempted coup. Speaking on fascist Steve Bannons War Room show in December 2023, Patel promised if Trump was re-elected, We will go out and find the conspirators not just in government, but in the media, adding, Were going to come after you whether its criminally or civilly. Bannon warned, This is not just rhetoric. Were absolutely dead serious. Posting on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump hailed Patel as an America First fighter who played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution. Acknowledging the leading role the FBI will play in his planned mass deportation operation, Trump wrote, This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border. Current FBI Director Wray was selected by Trump to head the agency for a 10-year term beginning in 2017. Wrays failing is that, unlike Patel, he did not publicly support Trumps efforts to stay in power after losing the 2020 election. Instead, Wray, a Republican, supported Trumps coup in less overt ways, including refusing to issue security warnings prior to the attack on Congress. After the attack, Wray testified to Congress that the FBI was unaware that fascist paramilitaries, many of whom had been informants for the FBI for years, were preparing to attack Congress in order to block certification of the Electoral College vote. Touting the 44-year-old Patels over decade-long service in the federal government, Trump noted that during his first term, Patel was Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council. Prior to working in the Trump administration, Patel provided legal justification for the US to kill so-called terrorists during the Barack Obama administration. He wrote with pride on his role in Obamas Department of Justice in his 2023 book Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy:I was embedded with Americas top special operations teams, through the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM), to help manage special military operations and maximize impact. He continued: ...I was there to help manage the legal side of special operations. For example, if we found a terrorist, I was one of the stakeholders looking at the evidence, helping determine recommendations for what to do next, whether it was a drone strike, a Special Forces raid, or even attempting to capture the terrorist to bring him back to America for prosecution. Patel played a central role in the lead-up to the January 6 attack on Congress. He was part of a loyalist cell installed in the Pentagon by Trump in his November 9, 2020 purge of the agency following his electoral defeat. Patel served as chief of staff under acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller. Then-Secretary of Defense Mark Esper was fired for not backing Trumps threat to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy the US military against anti-police-violence protesters in the wake of the police murder of George Floyd. In the days leading up to January 6, Trumps acting Secretary of Defense Miller issued a series of extraordinary memos which forbade the D.C. National Guard from coming to the Capitol without his authorization and prevented them from utilizing any equipment, including riot shields and helmets. During the attack on the Capitol, while the Pentagon deployed security teams to protect the homes of generals, Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund and D.C. National Guard General William Walker were denied authorization to deploy National Guard soldiers to the Capitol as it was under siege for 199 minutes. Patel has repeatedly claimed, including in a closed deposition to the January 6 House Select Committee, that DOD officials did not delay or obstruct the DoDs response to the United States Capitol Police request for assistance on January 6th, 2021. Patel said during his deposition to the committee that this fact was backed up by the Pentagons Inspector General report, which whitewashed the role of senior Pentagon leaders before and during the attack on Congress. After the IG report was issued, Army Colonel Earl Matthews, General William Walkers former executive officer, accused two senior Army Generals, Walter Piatt and Charles Flynn, of lying to the Inspector General and committing perjury before Congress. Following the failed coup, Patel spread the fascist conspiracy theory that the coup was a set up organized by the Deep State, including the FBI and the Democrats to entrap gullible Trump supporters. Patel described the Deep State in Government Gangsters as basically anyone opposed to Trump and the Republican Party. Patel also described the Deep State as elected leaders along with yellow journalists in the media who serve as peddlers of propaganda and disinformation at the behest of the ruling elites. Still others are Big Tech tycoons and actors affiliated with non-governmental organizations, who carry water for the Democrat Party and the radical left. Invoking antisemitic and Qanon conspiracy theories, Patel wrote in the same opening chapter, The Deep State is a cabal of unelected tyrants who think they should determine who the American people can and cannot elect as president, who think they get to decide what the president can and cannot do, and who believe they have the right to choose what the American people can and cannot know. As an example of endemic corruption in the DOJ and the two-tier system of justice in modern-day America, Patel cited the charging and conviction of former Trump advisor Bannon with criminal contempt of Congress for refusing to testify to the January 6th Committee, and the fact that January 6th protesters were prosecuted. Trumps announcement of Patel has been hailed by Republican fascists. In a video posted to his social media account, former Florida Representative and Trumps first pick for attorney general, Matt Gaetz, praised Trump and his terrific pick with Kash Patel at FBI. Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted her support for Patel over Wray, whom she accused of tracking down MAGA grandmas that went in the Capital (sic) on Jan 6th Kash is going to bring a sledgehammer to the FBI. Another top Trump co-conspirator and friend to the Proud Boys militia group, retired General Mike Flynn, posted on X, Kash is Americas choice as Director of the FBI. Accountability is coming. While Republicans are champing at the bit for Patel to go after their political enemies, Democrats are oozing complacency. Delaware Senator Chris Coons wrote on X that Patel will be another test of the Senates power of advice and consent. He continued: Patel needs to prove to the Senate Judiciary Committee that he has the right qualifications and, despite his past statements, will put our nations public safety over a political agenda focused on retribution. When actor Humphrey Bogart died on January 14, 1957, his children Stephen and Leslie were eight and four years old, respectively. Now 75, Stephen reflects on his childhood and feels that he never truly knew his famous father. My father would go to work, shoot in the studio all day and when he came home hed want to have dinner with my mother [actress Lauren Bacall]. Hed say, Hey kids, how are you? and then were done, were out of there, Stephen recalls in Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes, a new documentary that explores the life of the iconic American actor, of which Stephen is an executive producer. He also believes his father never truly got to know him or his younger sister. Kids were always on the periphery. They were secondary to the guys and girls getting together. The drinking, the smoking, the laughing, the parties, he says, describing the brief moments they spent together. Stephen Bogart downplays this absence, arguing that times were different then. But he does so, perhaps, because hes already been through it all. At one point in the documentary, he recounts an episode that marked a turning point for him. It happened in the spring of 1951, when Humphrey Bogart left to film The African Queen. His fourth wife, Lauren Bacall, joined him for the six-month trip, while two-year-old Stephen was left in the care of a nanny. But the nanny suffered a stroke and died suddenly as the plane took off, right after Stephen had waved goodbye to his parents. So what does she [my mother] do? She thinks, Do I go to Africa with Bogie and Huston and [Katharine] Hepburn and have a lot of fun? Or do I go home and take care of the kid? recounts Stephen Bogart, who reveals Bacall opted for the first choice. Now I dont blame my mother for doing what she did. But Im not sure that I would have made the same choice. Stephen, now retired, has spent years working in television news production and occasionally writing semi-autobiographical books. He lives in Florida with his second wife, Carla, and their white puppy, Wiley. It is in the comfort of his home that his testimony was recorded. Im not a student of my father. I needed to find out who I was. It took me years to feel comfortable with the whole Bogart thing, he reflects on the burden of bearing such a legendary name. Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes is a comprehensive look at Bogarts rise to fame, which came late but left a lasting legacy. It features archival footage and never-before-seen material, including voiceovers by the actor himself. The film also delves into the more intimate and less glamorous aspects of his life, including his three failed marriages and his battle with cancer, which left him weighing just 36 kilos in the final months of his life. Stephen Bogart at a special screening of 'The African Queen' on January 12, 2019 in New York City. Lars Niki (Getty Images The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences) I wanted a child to stay with her and remind her of me, says Humphrey Bogart in part of the documentary. And that son was Stephen, who closely resembles his parents. However, Stephen questions whether that resemblance may have been a double-edged sword for Lauren Bacall, who was widowed in 1957, at the age of 32, and outlived Bogart by almost 60 years. I was a reminder of him, but I was also a reminder that hed died and left her with two young children, recalls Stephen, whose middle name is Humphrey. In her own book, she says, I wanted Bogie to have my children. Which is kind of the same thing. They remind you of me and they remind me of you. Thats not the ideal reason to have kids, So yeah, I reminded her of him. That was a positive and a negative. She freaked out when he died. We moved to London for a while. Then she wanted to go to New York to be in the theater. She was dragging us around. She married Jason [Robards], who was an absolutely brilliant stage actor but he kind of looked like my father and so Im sure she compared Jason to Bogie, too. There were always pictures of Bogie around the apartment. In 1995, Stephen released a book titled Bogart: In Search of My Father. For countless millions, Humphrey Bogarts screen performances and real-life persona merged to make him one of the worlds most fabled figures, the blurb reads. But for his only son, Stephen, eight years old in 1957 when his father died of lung cancer, Humphrey Bogarts giant shadow was a burden he carried until he finally came to understand the private man behind his fathers public face. [I] was kind of trying to find out who he was as a person, Stephen admitted in an interview with FilmNoir in 2015. I cant picture his voice, other than on film. I dont think he was around that much, as much as he could have been. Stephen Bogart with his book 'Mein Vater Humphrey Bogart' (one of many he has written about his life and his father's life), in 1995. Franziska Krug (Getty Images) His mother, on the other hand, passed away when he was 65. While it was undoubtedly a sad event, Stephen didnt experience it as a tragedy, but rather as a natural part of life. When you lose your mother, of course its upsetting, but you cant be sad for her [because] she got to do what she wanted to do, he said after Bacalls death. I talked to her that morning and she was fine. She had a stroke and died in 7 hours and she wasnt in any pain. How much better could it be, really? I really wasnt sad because of the life that she got to live. Despite feeling a lack of love and attention during his childhood, or how long the shadow of his parents particularly his fathers seemed to loom over him at times, Stephen has always been very close to them. As the child of Hollywood stars, he has dedicated much of his life to managing his fathers legacy, which includes overseeing the estate, controlling his name and image, managing his social media presence, organizing an annual Humphrey Bogart film festival, running a film company, and promoting a liquor brand, Bogart Spirits. Stephen was also the driving force behind the 70th and 75th anniversary celebrations of Casablanca, in honor of the father he barely knew. In contrast, his sister Leslie has taken a more private path, working as a yoga instructor and nurse in Boston, and is married to yoga master Erich Schiffmann. Lauren Bacall with her two children, Leslie and Stephen, in a photo taken in 1997. Ron Galella (Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) In 2012, Stephen and his sister Leslie boarded the boat from The African Queen, the same vessel Humphrey Bogart had filmed on when he left to shoot the film, leaving Stephen alone and traumatized by the sudden death of his nanny. The boat had been restored after being found abandoned in a Florida harbor, and the siblings were invited aboard. What in the film had served as the setting for a daring escape from German troops down a treacherous river was, in real life, an anticlimactic experience for Stephen. As he casually remarks in the documentary, I have a piece of the tiller. My sister has a piece of the tiller.It was a fun ride, I guess, but it was a boat, thats all. It didnt really do anything for me. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Sunday that the outgoing Biden administration is planning a massive surge of weapons to Ukraine in the seven weeks until the next administration takes office. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks Tuesday, October 1, 2024, during a press briefing at the White House in Washington. [AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbei] President Biden directed me to oversee a massive surge in the military equipment that we are delivering to Ukraine so that we have spent every dollar that Congress has appropriated to us by the time that President Biden leaves office, Sullivan said Sunday on ABCs This Week interview program. We are going to do everything in our power for these 50 days to get Ukraine all the tools we possibly can to strengthen their position on the battlefield, he added. Since the November 5, 2024 presidential election, the Biden administration has enormously expanded the scale of direct US military intervention into the Ukraine war. On November 9, the Biden administration authorized the deployment of US military contractors in Ukraine to service advanced weapons, such as tanks, fighter jets and long-range weapons. A week later, on November 17, Biden authorized Ukraine to use US-made ATACMS long-range missiles to strike deep inside Russia. Later that week, the UK did the same with its Storm Shadow cruise missiles, with both weapons systems being used to strike deep inside Russia within days of the announcement. On November 19, Biden authorized the provision of anti-personnel land mines to Ukraine, a weapon that is banned by multiple international treaties for its propensity to kill civilians, especially children, long after conflicts are over. On November 21, the New York Times reported that the Biden administration is discussing allowing Ukraine to deploy nuclear weapons. The Times wrote that Several officials even suggested that Mr. Biden could allow Ukraine to have nuclear weapons again, as it did before the fall of the Soviet Union. That would be an instant and enormous deterrent. But such a step would be complicated and have serious implications. The report prompted a response from former Russian President Dimitri Medvedev, who warned, American politicians and journalists are seriously discussing the consequences of transferring nuclear weapons to Kiev. Medvedev said that the very threat of transferring nuclear weapons to the Kiev regime can be considered as preparation for a nuclear conflict with Russia, adding that the actual transfer of such weapons can be equated to an accomplished act of attack on our country. In his interview on ABC on Sunday, Sullivan was asked to respond directly to the Times report, which was quoted at length by moderator Jonathan Karl. Sullivan denied the Times claims, saying: That is not under consideration. No. What we are doing is surging various conventional capacities to Ukraine so that they can effectively defend themselves and take the fight to the Russians, not nuclear capability. It is worth noting that every escalatory action taken by the Biden administration against Russia, including sending Abrams battle tanks, F-16s and long-range weapons, was preceded by an equally categorical denial on the part of the Biden administration. In 2023, the World Socialist Web Site asked rhetorically, Are nuclear weapons the next red line NATO will cross in Ukraine?, warning of the deployment or even use of tactical nuclear weapons by NATO to prevent a Russian victory in the conflict. It is increasingly clear that the situation facing the Ukrainian armed forces is desperate, with Russian forces making advances on every front. In its latest report on the war, the New York Times reported that Russian troops in eastern Ukraine have seized at least 10 villages and settlements in roughly as many days. It added, The situation looks particularly precarious for Ukrainian forces in Donetsk, in Ukraines east, where Russian forces are closing in on their last two strongholds in the southern part of the region... The fall of the strongholds, Kurakhove and Velyka Novosilka, could pave the way for a Russian takeover of the area. It quoted Andrii Biletskyi, the commander of Ukraines Third Assault Brigade, as saying, This is indeed the most difficult situation in almost three years of war. The Financial Times, meanwhile, has pointed to a massive rise in desertions, noting, More Ukrainian soldiers have deserted in the first 10 months of this year than in the previous two years of the war, highlighting Kyivs struggle to replenish its frontline ranks as Russia captures more territory in eastern Ukraine. It continued, In a standout case in late October, hundreds of infantry serving in Ukraines 123 Brigade abandoned their positions in the eastern town of Vuhledar. They returned to their homes in the Mykolayiv region, where some staged a rare public protest. In response to mounting opposition to the war inside Ukraine, the Biden administration is demanding that the Ukrainian government lower the recruitment age from 25 to 18, sending untold numbers of Ukrainian youth to their deaths. A senior US official told the Financial Times, 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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied that his government is planning to lower the recruitment age, declaring, Let there be no speculationour state is not preparing to lower the mobilization age. The Biden administration is doing everything in its power to create facts on the ground that guarantee the continued escalation of the war after it leaves office. On January 21, the war in Ukraine doesnt just go away, Sullivan told Karl in his interview on Sunday. For its part, the Trump transition team has made a point of embracing the Biden administrations escalation of the war. For our adversaries out there that think this is a time of opportunity, that they can play one administration off the other, theyre wrong, said Mike Waltz, Trumps nominee for national security adviser, last week. We are hand in glove, Waltz added. We are one team with the United States in this transition. 25 years ago: Australian jury issues not-guilty verdict for child accused of manslaughter On Friday, December 3, a New South Wales Supreme Court jury in Sydney, Australia acquitted a 12-year-old boy of manslaughter charges after less than three hours of deliberation, bringing to an end a sordid and barbaric attack on the democratic rights of children by the Australian state, the NSW Labor government, and the capitalist media. The child, whose name was not publicly released, became the youngest person ever to face the Supreme Court and to be tried for manslaughter, a crime that carried a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. After the verdict was announced, the young boys mother and grandmother wept with relief. The child, who turned 12 during the 14-day trial, failed to grasp the significance of the verdict, despite the explanation from his counsel. He sat expressionless until the court was dismissed. A beach in the Georges River, near Macquarie Fields The Crown prosecutor, Greg Smith QC, sought to portray the accused child, only 10 years and three months old when his playmate, the six-year-old Corey Davis, drowned in the Georges River, as a conniving, hardened criminal. Smith said pushing Corey Davis into the river was not a prank but a boy acting the tough guy whose actions involved malice and deception. Smith claimed that the young child had a tendency towards telling lies and was a bully who had street cunning and knew the law of the jungle. The prosecution also relied on unsworn testimony of children, some of whom were as young as six during the tragic drowning, and an interview with the accused boy at his home. The defense, led by Peter Zahra, QC, used medical evidence on the accused childs academic and intellectual development. Zahra said the tragedy was mischief by a boy that went tragically wrong. According to Dr. Brent Waters, a popular clinical psychiatrist and former convenor of the Film and Literature Review Board, and Dr. Pauline Langeluddecke, a leading psychologist in Sydney, the boy was two years behind his peers in terms of his academic, intellectual, and social performance in school. His age and underdevelopment made it impossible for him to understand that throwing someone in a river was a life and death issue, said Dr. Waters. Zahra reminded the jury that there had been no fighting or hostility between the boys prior to the incident and said they had to determine their verdict, not on whether the child had a general understanding of right and wrong, but whether he understood that what he did was seriously wrong and could lead to serious injury. He also defeated the prosecutions melodramatic exaggeration of events at the river. Corey Davis drowned, not in some dark or evil place, he said, but at the local swimming hole, a place frequented by children and adults of all ages. According to the Crown, pranks are available only to those with swimming poolsurban dwellersbut if someone is pushed in the river in the country it is evil. Lastly, the defense went after the media barrage over the case. Dont let some backroom editor, trying to sensationalise the case, to make people larger than life, to sell newspapers or compel people to watch television, influence you in your deliberations, Zahra said. Commenting on the affair in the Sydney Morning Herald, a senior criminal barrister wrote, Pushing ahead with this trial is a shift back to a vindictive, barbaric past, where children were harshly punished as adults. Its shameful. Manslaughter carries a long prison sentence, and charging a child with such an offence is a step backwards for our so-called civilised society and its legal system. 50 years ago: Greek referendum vote establishes republic, abolishes monarchy On December 8, 1974, the population of Greece voted in a national referendum on the form of government that would be established to replace the military junta that had collapsed the preceding July. The single question posed to voters was if the country should be governed as a republic or should return to a constitutional monarchy under the exiled King Constantine II. The vote resulted in about 70 per cent in favor of forming a republic. All but two provinces returned majorities opposing the monarchy. Since 1967 Greece had been ruled as a military dictatorship after a US-backed coup led by Georgios Papadopoulos seized power. Initially the monarchy had supported Papadopoulos and his coup and its crackdown on protests and strikes. Constantine II of Greece However, the period of junta rule was marked by a constant crisis of rule. In December 1967 Constantine plotted a coup of his own to remove Papadopoulos but the plan failed, and he was forced to flee Greece, though he officially still maintained his title. Papadopoulos government was characterized by vicious anti-communism and repression of democratic rights. The anti-democratic attacks included the repression of student protests at Athens Polytechnic University in November 1973 where at least 30 students were killed and thousands injured. The popular outrage following the massacre was so great that the junta was forced to replace Papadopoulos as head of state. In June 1974 another monarchist coup was attempted against the junta but again failed. In the aftermath, Phaedon Gizikis, the new junta president, proclaimed to have abolished the monarchy and that Greece was a republic. He ordered a referendum vote to act as a mandate for the juntas rule, but the vote result was widely suspected as being rigged. Weeks later the dictatorship began to break up. In July 1974 the junta orchestrated a right-wing coup in Cyprus that menaced the Turkish population of the island. Turkey responded by deploying forces of its own to Cyprus and the island was partitioned along ethnic lines. Many thousands were forced to leave their homes to comply with the new division. The Greek-Turkish Cypriot war was massively opposed by the population. To prevent revolution, the junta agreed to work with the exiled leaders of the liberal bourgeoisie who were allowed to return to Greece and to begin formation of a new government. Konstantinos Karamanlis of the New Democratic Party was named interim prime minister in July and won the office formally after parliamentary elections in November 1974. Ahead of the vote Constantine II, from his exile in London, made televised appeals to the Greek population to support the restoration of the monarchy. He pleaded that he had learned from past mistakes and that should his privilege be restored he would respect the parliamentary government. Greek voters were unconvinced. While the new bourgeois Greek state was incapable of resolving any of the fundamental questions facing the working class, the referendum against monarchy demonstrated the immense popular hostility of the population to any kind of anti-democratic rule. 75 years ago: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees formed On December 8, 1949, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was formed through a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly. Resolution 302 (IV): Assistance to Palestine Refugees, stated that continued assistance for the relief of the Palestine refugees is necessary to prevent conditions of starvation and distress among them and to further conditions of peace and stability and established the UNRWA for this purpose. UNRWA defines Palestinians refugees as persons whose normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948, and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict. Palestine refugees fleeing Galilee in October-November 1948 The number of people that definition included at the time of the UNRWAs founding was around 700,000. Each of them was either forcefully driven out of their home by Zionist paramilitary groups, and later the Israeli Defense Force, or fled in fear of the campaign of terror those groups unleashed onto the Palestinians. The 1948 war broke out in the aftermath of the proclamation in May by David Ben-Gurion of the establishment of the state of Israel, with Ben-Gurion serving as its first prime minister. The war deepened and continued a wave of expulsions and massacres of Palestinians, and the destruction of hundreds of Arab-majority towns, which had begun in 1947 after the announcement by the United Nations of its plan for the partition of Palestine. The newly formed Israeli regime was supported in its atrocities by the UK, the US, and other imperialist powers. But the UN was more than complicit. Indeed, UNRWA was formed as a subsidiary agency of the General Assembly and reported directly to it, the same organization that had, one year earlier, voted to partition Mandatory Palestine into separate Jewish and Palestinian states. This was, as the WSWS has previously noted, the result of the machinations of rival powers determined to maintain control over such an important geostrategic area. From the outset, UNRWA funding has been almost entirely voluntary, leaving Palestinian refugees at the mercy of financial contributions from the same imperialist powers responsible for their expulsion and oppression, including the ongoing Gaza genocide. The establishment of UNRWA was a fig leaf by the imperialist powers to cover their own complicity in the mass displacement of the Palestinians. Its continued existence, however, is a source of great angst for the Zionist regime, which condemns UNRWA for failing to have assisted in the depopulation of the entire Palestinian people. Israeli occupation over the past 75 years has driven the number of Palestinian refugees up to almost 6 million people scattered throughout the Middle East, a number that will only grow amid the current genocide in Gaza. 100 years ago: Erich von Stroheims film Greed premieres in New York On December 5, 1924, the film Greed, starring Gibson Gowland, Zasu Pitts, Jean Hersholt, and directed by the Austrian-American filmmaker Erich von Stroheim, opened in New York City. The film closely followed the 1899 novel McTeague by Frank Norris, about a dentist in San Francisco who lies and betrays and murders those closest to him in a search for money. The novel and film end with McTeague handcuffed to a corpse in Californias Death Valley. Poster for the 1924 film Greed Taking his cue from the Norris novel, the film depicts the ambitions of American life: love, marriage, financial security, close friendship, as distorted by, in the words of von Stroheims biographer, squalor, poverty, misery, lust, revenge, fear and greed. Von Stroheim wrote the 300-page script that faithfully followed the novel, including Norriss anti-Semitic depictions (these were cut later). The film was shot almost entirely on location (including in Death Valley in the middle of the summer) and is widely regarded as a masterpiece. About 85 hours were spent shooting its original, whose length was almost 9 hours, but was edited down, against von Stroheims wishes, to about 2.5 hours for the premiere. Stroheim regarded this as an artistic blow, and the film did not reach critical success until the1950s when it came to be regarded by critics and filmmakers as a significant work. The New York states film censor, the Motion Picture Committee, also demanded cuts before the New York premiere. As author Joseph McBride noted in an interview with the World Socialist Web Site: von Stroheim was ruined by the studios because he was profligate and his films had a lot of sexual aspects that were groundbreakingly frank. Von Stroheim depicted the military and rich people as decadent and corrupt. His films made a lot of money; the public ate these things up. But he was seen as this crazed artistGreed [1924] was originally nine and a half hours long. He was stretching the rules in terms of length and budget. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player Amazon workers took part in protests in more than 20 countries on Friday and last weekend, during the Black Friday shopping event. The protests sought to call attention to poverty and brutal working conditions at Amazon, which generally reach a low point due to extreme overwork during the holiday season. An Amazon company logo is seen on the facade of a company's building in Schoenefeld near Berlin, Germany, on March 18, 2022. Amazon has argued in a legal filing that the 88-year-old National Labor Relations Board is unconstitutional, echoing similar arguments made this year by Elon Musks SpaceX and the grocery store chain Trader Joes in disputes about workers rights and organizing. [AP Photo/Michael Sohn] This is the latest sign of mounting opposition at Amazon. Workers at the JFK8 warehouse in New York City are set for a strike vote soon, after years of stonewalling by the company over a new contract, while limited strikes have also been carried out across the US and in Britain. This is part of a global upsurge of class struggle which also includes recent general strikes in Italy and Greece, and a strike by 50,000 postal workers in Canada. The enormous anger within Amazons workforce found only partial expression in the demonstrations, which were not of a mass character. Among the most prominent was a rally by 200 workers in New Delhi, India. This reflects the incapacity of the union bureaucracy, which organized the protests, to mount a serious struggle on the basis of its nationalist program aimed at securing labor-management partnership. Nevertheless, the global character of the protests points to the urgent need for an international strategy to guide the struggles of the working class at Amazon and as a whole. Such a program must be aimed at the expropriation of Amazon and other huge transnational corporations, and their conversion into public entities controlled by the working class to meet human need. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) is fighting to build a world movement based on such a global strategy. The statement of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) initiating the IWA-RFC explained that it would unify workers in a common worldwide struggle, opposing every effort by capitalist governments and the reactionary proponents of the innumerable forms of national, ethnic and racial chauvinism and identity politics to split up the working class into warring factions. Amazon encapsulates the need for such a program. Founded in 1994 as an internet bookstore, its operations have grown to dominate 21st century capitalist economy. Amazon employs over 1.5 million people in over 50 countries, with shipping to over 130 countries. More than 2.7 billion people shop on Amazon, according to World Population Review, or one in every three human beings on the planet. Most of its workforce is concentrated in massive fulfillment centers, where the company has pioneered the use of new industrial robotics and invasive tracking systems to monitor workers and force them to make rate. Other corporations have spent years playing catch-up in a bid to Amazonify their own operations. Amazons reach expands into every sphere of the economy and human culture. Its Amazon Prime Video service has more than 200 million subscribers, making it one of the largest streaming television operations. It is also a major player in the infrastructure of the internet itself, with Amazon Web Services (AWS) accounting for nearly one-third of the worlds cloud-computing market. Its vertically-integrated operations include the Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh grocery chains and Amazon Pharmacy, as well as brands for office supplies, baby diapers, clothing and the Kindle e-reader. Delivery service Amazon Logistics, which barely existed a few years ago, has grown overnight into the largest private logistics operation in the United States, with 5.9 billion packages delivered last year. The degree of economic control exerted by Amazon goes even further than this. The majority of Amazons business comes from so-called third party sellers, a category which includes everything from multinational electronics companies to boutique craftsmen. The shift towards online retail which Amazon has helped spearhead has had a massively disruptive effect on small businesses and large physical retail outlets across the world. In short, Amazon controls a vast infrastructure that plays a central role in modern human civilization. The resources it controls could be used to eliminate poverty overnight by quickly and efficiently distributing goods to those who need it most. Its warehouse and logistics network could be used, for example, to rapidly distribute food and medical supplies to areas affected by famine or natural disasters. Amazons robotics could be used to ease the strain of work, while simultaneously using greater efficiency to finance the shortening of the workweek and increase pay. Its streaming platform could allow access to great works of culture to a world audience, elevating social consciousness while helping to break down barriers of prejudice and national narrowness. Instead, Amazon is a byword for inequality and exploitation. It is run, not to benefit humanity, but to benefit its Wall Street shareholders. Chief among them is founder and chairman Jeff Bezos, the worlds second-wealthiest human with a fortune of more than $220 billion, a sum which has nearly doubled since the start of the pandemic. The WSWS has extensively documented the horrible conditions at Amazon, including workers living in their cars and being denied workers compensation after suffering injuries on the job. Amazon has become the stalking horse for high-tech exploitation across the economy. Automation and artificial intelligence are being used as weapons for mass layoffs at UPS, national post offices, the auto industry and elsewhere. As for Amazon Prime Video, its output consists largely of recycled Hollywood trash that debases popular consciousness and directs attention away from social reality towards escapist fantasies, serving an important ideological function for the ruling class. The levels of inequality with which Amazon is associated are incompatible with democracy. Trumps new cabinet is of, by and for the billionaires, with its estimated net worth (including unofficial appointments such as Elon Musk to head the so-called Department of Government Efficiency) at $340 billion. This is a government of fascists and the ultra-rich pledged to rip up democratic rights and to carry out historic attacks on the working class. While Bezos is, to date, not directly involved in the new government, the Bezos-owned Washington Post declined to endorse a candidate in the November election, a calculated move by Bezos to leave open the possibility of working with Trump. To defend its position as the worlds superpower and enlarge the wealth of US oligarchs, American imperialism, with its partners in tow, has effectively launched World War III. The different fronts in this war, from the proxy war in Ukraine to the genocide in Gaza and the future war against China are over the control of key supply chains, natural resources and markets. Here too, Amazon plays a central role, with a $10 billion AWS contract with the NSA spy agency and another $2 billion contract to build surveillance centers in Australia. To counter the global strategy of the ruling class, workers need international organizations and an international perspective. The trade union bureaucrats, who strive towards corrupt relations with management and capitalist parties in each country where they operate, cannot and will not ever organize such a struggle. Instead, they are backing their own ruling class against workers in other countries. In the United States, they are even preparing to line up with Trumps planned dictatorship. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees urges workers at Amazon to form rank-and-file committees, as part of the IWA-RFC, to carry out a fight for their rights, including the right to a livable income, an end to abusive monitoring, speed-up and the make rate system, and job security. Rank-and-file committees will combine a struggle to transfer power from the apparatus to the shop floor with a fight to unify the struggles of the working class on a world scale. Through the activities of the IWA-RFC, these committees are being actively built, with a particularly strong presence among postal and logistics workers. The operations of transnational corporations like Amazon have united, to an unprecedented degree, the working class in an international process of production. In every country, working conditions are converging as workers fight against the same giant corporations. The attempts by the capitalists to divide workers by whipping up national hatreds is being undermined by the operations of the global capitalist economy itself. Above all, this strategy must be connected to an independent political struggle of the working class against capitalism. Not a single one of workers demands can be met without a frontal assault on private ownership of the means of production and the profit system. Australia has already warmed by over 1.5 in a little over a century, warns the 2024 edition of the State of the Climate report, issued every two years. With this increased warming has come more extreme heat events, longer fire seasons and more intense heavy rain, which will be exacerbated by every additional increment of temperature. State of the Climate 2024 [Photo: Australian Government] The report, published on October 31, is the combined effort of the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The BOM is Australias national weather and climate agency, a branch of the federal governments Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The CSIRO is Australias national science agency, overseen by the Minister for Science and Industry. The State of the Climate reports have been published since 2010. State of the Climate 2024 focuses on specific climate changes and forecasts for Australia but places them in the global context of rising worldwide carbon emissions. Global annual mean carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations reached 419.2 parts per million (ppm) in 2023 and the CO2 equivalent (CO2-e) of all greenhouse gases reached 524 ppm, the report states. These are the highest levels on Earth in at least 2 million years Global fossil fuel CO2 emissions, the principal driver of the growth in CO2 concentrations, are continuing to increase. Since national records began in 1910, Australias average climate has warmed approximately 1.51 due to these emissions. Australia has warmed faster than the global average, which has shown a 1.2 increase since the mid-1800s. The resulting climate in which people in Australian live today is thus vastly different even from that of the early 2000s, as previous temperature records are repeatedly shattered2019 was the warmest year on record for Australia, at 1.52 above the 1961-1990 average. Of the top nine warmest years on record for Australia, eight have occurred since 2013. Extreme weather events have consequently risen in Australia during the past decades, including heatwaves and more extreme fire weather, contributing to longer fire seasons and an increased risk of severe bushfires, such as those experienced disastrously in 2019-20. Sea surface temperatures around Australia have increased by 1.08 since 1900. The impact extends beyond merely a warmer body of water. Marine heatwaves have increased in frequency and duration, and can cause a depletion of kelp forests and seagrasses. Both of these ecosystems provide critical ecological services, not the least of which is serving as natural carbon sinks to buffer against increased CO2 emissions. Increased ocean heat has also led to five severe coral bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef over the past decade; the most recent of which was confirmed earlier this year as part of a global coral bleaching event https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2024/08/15/ibgh-a15.html. Sea level rise is another consequence of warming oceans. Melting icemainly that of the ice sheets and ice shelves of Antarctica and Greenlandis the primary cause behind sea level rise, but thermal expansion of the water from the added heat is a significant contributor itself. Global mean sea levels have risen by over 22 cm since 1900; half of this has occurred since 1970, the report warns. These rising sea levels increasingly threaten to inundate coastal communities and the people who live there. Beyond the warming, CO2 emissions cause ocean acidification, whereby the absorption of CO2 into the ocean alters its chemistry and reduces its pH. This can cause a number of damaging impacts to various sea organisms, which have specific pH ranges they can tolerate. The report states: The current rate of change of pH in open ocean surface waters is about 10 times faster than at any time in the past 65 million years, and the rate of acidification has grown in recent decades. Among the future impacts for Australia that the report forecasts are increased heat extremes, longer drought times, a longer fire season for the southeast, continued warming and acidification of the oceans surrounding Australia, more frequent and severe coral bleaching events, and fewer but more intense tropical cyclones. All these impacts have the potential to cause catastrophic damage and loss of life. The report concludes, in line with the vast body of scientific literature on the subject, that there must be a substantial and urgent reduction of global GHG emissions if temperatures are to be stabilised at 1.5, and the worst of those future impacts mitigated. If current CO2 emissions levels persist, the remaining carbon budget for a 50 percent chance to limit warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels will be exceeded in 7 years. Within 15 years, the remaining budget for 1.7C would be exceeded. The Albanese Labor governments response to this report has been one of both utter complacency and a falsification of its own treacherous record on climate change. A media statement was released on October 31, on the same day the report was published, signed by Science and Industry Minister Ed Husic (who also oversees the CSIRO), Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen. They claimed to welcome the report, while insisting that the Albanese government is taking real action on climate change and implementing real policies right now. In fact, Labor has done no such thing. Over the past two years, the Albanese government has approved seven new coal mines and expanded gas extraction through its Future Gas Strategy, released earlier this year. The emissions resulting from these decisions are incompatible with limiting warming to 1.5. There is not a single mention in the statement about how Labor plans to reduce fossil fuel emissions, or even intends to do so. Neither is there any mention of Australias huge fossil fuel exports, which contribute significantly to the global climate crisis. The statement is a brazen attempt to whitewash Labors record on climate change. Plibersek added: As environment minister Im approving renewable energy projects at record ratesIve ticked off over 60 renewable energy projects which produce enough energy to power over 7 million homes. Plibersek has green-lighted the construction of at least four new coal mines and a gas fracking project since 2022. She has also allowed existing fossil fuel projects to continue for decades, such as the Gregory Crinum Coal Mine in the Bowen Basin, which she approved to keep running until 2073. As the World Socialist Web Site previously explained: Even if Pliberseks claim was taken at face value, the number of renewable energy projects approved is not, by itself, a relevant indicator of climate action. What really matters is how much those projects allow for fossil fuels to be phased out, and hence reduce GHG emissions. Labors continued funding and approval for fossil fuel projects will result in seven times as many greenhouse gas emissions as it is responsible for supposedly avoiding Notably, despite their environmental concern pretensions, the Greens have made no statement on the State of the Climate report. They recently dropped their previous demand for a climate trigger to be included in the governments toothless Environmental Protection Agency legislation so that new projects could be halted due to their potential climate impacts. Whatever their occasional criticisms of Labor, they have demonstrated their willingness, as a party devoted to upholding the capitalist system, to collaborate with and prop up this government. Every capitalist government and party the world over is hostile to genuine action on climate change, because it conflicts with securing profits for big business. Climate change is ultimately an indictment of the capitalist system itself, and its impacts pose the necessity of socialism to secure the planets future. This task is one that can only be carried out by the international working class. On November 28, the Chadian government announced that it is putting an end to the defense cooperation agreement signed with the French Republic. The announcement came just after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot left Chad. It signifies a major setback for French imperialisms influence in its former African colonial empire. France's President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Secretary General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie Louise Mushikiwabo, center, welcome Chad's President General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno for the 19th Francophonie summit in Villers-Cotterets, France, Friday, October 4, 2024. [AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard] Chad, in North-Central Africa, was under French rule from 1900 until formal independence in 1960. French imperialism has continued to exert strong influence on the post-independence regime, through military and political as well as financial means. Chad hosts a significant French presence, with about 1,000 soldiers as well as warplanes stationed in the country. During the Operation Barkhane phase of Frances war in Mali, from 2014 to 2022, Chad played a pivotal role as a key enabler of Frances war. The operations headquarters were based in NDjamena, the capital of Chad. This strategic location allowed French forces to coordinate and launch operations throughout the Sahel region, particularly targeting countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Chad also furnished a substantial number of troops as cannon fodder for the French army to mount operations. After mass protests and military coups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, however, France was compelled to withdraw its troops from these countries. They also left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and established a rival defense alliance, the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES). Meanwhile, protests mounted in Chad against Frances military presence. On Thursday, Chad's Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah announced, After 66 years since the independence of the Republic of Chad, it is time for Chad to assert its full sovereignty, and to redefine its strategic partnerships according to national priorities. Koulamallah stated this would result in the departure of French soldiers stationed in the country in accordance with the terms and within the time frames provided for in the defense agreement. He said this decision was taken after in-depth analysis and marked a historic turning point in a century-long history of near-continuous French military presence in Chad. The Chadian government, however, specified that this decision in no way calls into question (...) the friendly ties between the two nations. Also on Thursday, Senegal, a former French colony in West Africa, announced France should close its bases in the country. This followed French President Emmanuel Macrons admission that France was responsible for the massacre of Senegalese soldiers in 1944, as the country commemorated the 80th anniversary of the tragedy. Senegal is an independent country; it is a sovereign country and sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases in a sovereign country, said Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The Chadian governments decision reportedly stunned not only the French authorities but also several Chadian officials. Le Monde wrote, At the Elysee presidential palace, the Defense Ministry, or at the Quai DOrsay [Foreign Ministry], no one seemed to have been warned. Several French officers, visiting NDjamena to discuss continuing military cooperation, did not seem to have been informed, either. And indeed, even on the Chadian side, some seemed surprised. According to multiple concurring sources, the minister of defense himself learned of the decision of President Mahamat Idriss Deby just before the communique was published. Chad was the first French colony to support Free France against the Nazi-collaborationist Vichy French authorities during World War II. Despite gaining independence in 1960, Chad was still partially governed by the French military until 1965. The country has witnessed numerous French military operations, including Limousin (1969-1971) and Epervier (1986-2014). The French military played a key role in facilitating Hissene Habre's rise to power in 1982, and then his overthrow by Idriss Deby in 1990. It attacked rebel forces who threatened to seize the capital, N'Djamena, in 2019. Following the death of longtime President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021, senior military officers staged a coup detat, leading to the establishment of a military government. Idriss Debys son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, was appointed interim president. In February 2024, heavy gunfire erupted in NDjamena after the announcement of a long-anticipated election date, as government forces clashed with members of the opposition Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF). A presidential election was held in May this year, with Mahamat Idriss Deby declared the winner. Chads sudden ending military ties to France comes amid mounting geostrategic conflicts in Africa bound up with the NATO war with Russia in Ukraine and economic rivalry with China. Surging food and oil prices driven by disruption of grain imports from Russia and Ukraine have devastated millions. French imperialism in particular is challenged by growing economic and diplomatic ties between its former colonies and both Russia and China. Russia is bolstering its military presence in Sahel countries, including Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Sudan, and Chad. Russian mercenaries, notably from the Wagner Group, have been deployed in several African countries. They are supporting the governments and armed forces of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, and are also engaging in combat alongside them against Al Qaeda-linked Islamist militants. China has also strengthened its relations with Chad and Senegal, announcing projects for electricity, running water, farming, telecommunications and airport infrastructure. In May, former Chadian Ambassador to China Allamaye Halina had become the countrys prime minister. Later in the year, China also signed contracts to provide arms and equipment to the Chadian National Army. The entire region is being pulled ever deeper into NATOs escalating global war. Chads ending and Senegals threat to end military cooperation with France come as the NATO powers escalate war with Russia in Ukraine, and Trumps election threatens war with China. Given the massive unpopularity of French imperialism in Africa, and the economic and military advantages of ties to China and Russia, a number of African states are responding to these explosive military pressures by moving away from Paris. This year, Russia has steadily worked to increase its influence in Chad through military cooperation and economic investments. In January, Idriss Deby met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. During their meeting, Putin stated that the two countries had great opportunities to develop our bilateral ties. Deby continued to cultivate his relationship with Putin following their meeting. Ahead of Chads presidential elections, Deby published an autobiography titled From Bedouin to President. In February, Deby presented a copy of his book, inscribed with a personal message for Putin, to the Russian ambassador to Chad, Vladimir Sokolenko. The book also included a photograph of Deby and Putin from Deby's January visit to Russia. In his autobiography, Deby criticizes Macron for allegedly trying to dissuade him from running in the election during a phone call. Im not going to change the transition charter under threat! he wrote. Chads ending of the unpopular military cooperation with Paris comes just before parliamentary elections scheduled for December 29. His main opponent, former Prime Minister Succes Masra, who has criticized France for favoring Deby's family, saying: France has clearly chosen a family to the detriment of the Chadian people. Idriss Debys decision to end military cooperation undoubtedly reflects mass popular sentiment and increasing political pressure on the Chadian presidency. But the sudden geopolitical shift by leaders of the Chadian bourgeoisie, which faithfully served the interests of French imperialism for decades, does not make it an anti-imperialist force or give it a viable strategy to oppose the imperialist powers escalation of war across the region. The decisive question remains building an international, socialist movement against imperialist war in the African and world working class. Stephen A. Schwarzman, chairman and chief executive officer of Blackstone, Inc. USA, at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 24, 2008. [Photo by World Economic Forum/Remy Steinegger / CC BY-SA 2.0 The US healthcare industry is under increasing dominance by private equity firms and financial institutions, reflecting a broader trend of financialization in the sector and commodification of public health. Equity firms, such as Blackstone, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR), The Carlyle Group and Apollo Global Management, have spearheaded acquisitions in hospitals, emergency care, nursing homes and behavioral health. Billionaires with influential political ties to both big business parties control these firms. To name a few: Stephen Schwarzman ($55.6 billion)CEO of Blackstone, Inc. which owns major healthcare firms like TeamHealth Henry Kravis ($6.5 billion) and George Roberts ($12.2 billion)Founders of KKR, heavily involved in acquisitions like Envision Healthcare David Rubenstein ($4 billion)Co-founder of The Carlyle Group, known for investments in healthcare, including ManorCare nursing homes Bill Gates ($106.6 billion)Via his foundation and investments in healthcare systems Warren Buffett ($148.3 billion)Through Berkshire Hathaway, a significant investor in healthcare-related stocks The financialization of healthcare has drastically accelerated the industrys crisis over recent decades. Beginning in the early 2000s, private equity firms, such as Blackstone, KKR, and Apollo Global Management, began targeting healthcare sectors, including physician practices, hospitals and nursing homes. They view them as stable and profitable investments due to consistent demand, third-party reimbursements and ample opportunities for cost-cutting. In the first decade of the 21st century, private equity firms began acquiring smaller healthcare entities, often through leveraged buyouts. During the 2010s, private equity investments in healthcare surged, with deals growing from $5 billion annually in 2000 to over $100 billion by 2018. Sectors such as urgent care, primary care and specialty practices became significant targets. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the trend as healthcare providers faced financial strain. Private equity firms acquired distressed practices and hospitals, consolidating market power while introducing aggressive cost-cutting measures. By 2023, private equity firms had spent $505 billion on healthcare acquisitions over five years, leveraging financial pressure to extract profits through increased fees, reduced staffing and operational consolidation. A 2021 study published in Health Affairs analyzed the impact of private equity ownership on nursing homes. It found that facilities acquired by private equity firms, like Blackstone and The Carlyle Group, experienced a decline in patient care quality and reported a 10 percent increase in mortality rates. These outcomes were largely attributed to reduced staffing, cuts in essential supplies, increased patient-to-staff ratios and cost-cutting measures aimed at maximizing profits, such as reducing budgets for essential services. Companies like TeamHealth and Envision Healthcare, backed by Blackstone and KKR respectively, have implemented aggressive billing practices. They use surprise medical bills as a revenue stream, charging exorbitant fees for out-of-network care. These practices drew national attention, with patients being billed thousands of dollars for emergency services. Envision in particular has focused on increasing profits through the consolidation of emergency departments, often resulting in closures in less profitable rural areas. Acquisitions in behavioral health have also led to increased costs for patients, often accompanied by cuts in essential services. Private equity now owns approximately 7 percent of addiction treatment facilities and over 6 percent of mental health clinics in the US. Essential but less profitable services, such as community-based mental health programs and addiction treatment, have been scaled back or discontinued after private equity acquisition. The broader implications of these trends are stark. By consolidating healthcare into fewer, larger corporate entities, finance capital wields unprecedented control over public health. This commodification undermines access to affordable care while enriching a narrow layer of investors. The restructuring of healthcare is not merely a technical issue but a political one, necessitating organized action from workers to pursue public healthcare systems that prioritize human need over profit, a task that is in stark contrast with the capitalist system. Both big business parties in the US are fully complicit and unanimously invested in this process. In only a few weeks, Donald Trump will install the most reactionary cabinet the US has ever seen, a government of the oligarchy, by the oligarchy, and for the oligarchy composed of fascists, billionaires and xenophobes. Among them, Donald Trump appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine advocate, as Secretary of Health and Human Services after RFK Jr. endorsed him. Other healthcare posts went to similar open enemies of public health: Mehmet Oz for Medicare and Medicaid, Martin Makary for the FDA, and Dave Weldon for the CDC. Each appointee reflects anti-scientific stances on public health, opposing vaccination, abortion rights or pandemic safety measures. There is a clear intersection between the financialization of healthcare and politics. The dismantling of the public health infrastructure by private equity has the full support of both parties. Blackstone has a significant influence in both finance and politics. Schwarzman, a prominent Republican donor, has close relationships with politicians like Donald Trump and has advised on financial policy during the Trump administration. Blackstones investments in real estate and healthcare have been shaped by deregulation efforts supported by these political ties. Apollo Global Management maintains deep ties with politicians, including by hiring former Republican Senator Pat Toomey and Harry Reids Chief of Staff David Krone. These connections strengthen its position in healthcare, real estate and finance sectors, facilitating corporate influence over public welfare. KKRs Henry Kravis, a significant Republican donor, has advocated for policies that benefit private equity, including tax structures favoring carried interest. (Tax breaks favoring carried interest refer to a special tax treatment that benefits private equity managers, hedge fund managers, and venture capitalists.) These ties leak into the military sector. Known for its close ties to Washington D.C., The Carlyle Group has employed former politicians, including former President George H.W. Bush and former Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci, as advisers or partners. These connections have helped Carlyle secure lucrative defense contracts and investments in regulated industries. Figures like RFK Jr. capitalize on public dissatisfaction, blaming science or government institutions for the failure of capitalism to satisfy the basic needs of healthcare, rather than financial interests. But his attacks on science align completely with the profit motives of private equity firms, promoting individualistic and market-driven approaches that leave systemic healthcare issues unaddressed. In the context of a rapid growth of the class struggle and ongoing strikes in the healthcare industry, such as the walkout by Kaisers mental health workers, the trade unions role must be placed under scrutiny. Unions have facilitated the process of consolidation and cost-cutting measures under the guise of securing jobs and maintaining institutional stability. This standpoint has frequently aligned union leadership with corporate management on the basis of the financial imperatives driving restructuring efforts. Unions such as the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) have historically partnered with healthcare corporations to enforce labormanagement partnerships. These agreements have at times endorsed cost-saving measures, such as reduced benefits or wage stagnation, in exchange for promises of job security. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCA Healthcare proposed cuts to wages and benefits, including eliminating weekend and evening pay differentials, suspending 401(k) contributions and freezing wages. The SEIU facilitated the concessions, threatening workers with more drastic layoffs and the failure of operations if they did not accept them. In some cases, the SEIU has supported the privatization or consolidation of public hospitals, arguing that these moves would protect jobs. A case in point was the Vital Brooklyn initiative, which aimed to consolidate several struggling Brooklyn safety-net hospitals (Interfaith, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center and Brookdale) into the One Brooklyn Health network. This restructuring plan was supported by 1199 SEIU, with assurances that jobs would be retained and that the reorganization would result in an extraordinary investment in communities historically underserved. In its contracts with Kaiser Permanente, the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) has agreed to terms that include minimal wage increases and fail to address critical understaffing issues. Workers have criticized these agreements for prioritizing managements cost-cutting strategies over the quality of patient care and working conditions. The ongoing NUHW strike at Kaiser highlights the fact that these burning issues have only gotten worse. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has negotiated contracts for public healthcare workers which included wage freezes and benefit reductions. This concession was often justified as necessary to maintain funding and prevent closures. The California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU) is also known for collaborating with management, especially at Kaiser Permanente, which funnels millions in corporate funding to the unions through the so-called Labor-Management Partnership. Union agreements framed these attacks as necessary compromises. Since the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals have increasingly adopted telehealth and command center staffing models. These approaches often replaced registered nurses (RNs) with lower-paid, less-trained staff to execute directives, effectively creating a generic workforce. This restructuring led to heavier workloads for RNs, who had to oversee less-experienced staff while managing patient care remotely or across multiple facilities. What these agreements have in common is their prioritization of the financial viability of employers over the needs of workers. Unions have negotiated contracts that endorse wage freezes, benefit cuts and increased workloads under the justification of keeping struggling hospitals open or making them more competitive. They have supported mergers, nurturing false illusions by arguing that larger systems provide job security by creating economies of scale, even though this often leads to layoffs and the erosion of working conditions. The defense of public health requires a fight against the union apparatus. Rank-and-file committees must be built to transfer power from the bureaucracy to healthcare workers themselves, and to link up the struggles of healthcare workers across the world in a common fight against the financialization of the industry. Healthcare must be defended as a basic social right, which must be freely available to all on the basis of need. For the working class, the ability to gain control of public health is literally a matter of life and death, as COVID-19 has shown. Hence, the need to remove the restraints imposed by the profit system and reorganize social healthcare on a scientific, rational and humane standpoint. Venezuela is preparing for a potential turning point in its political landscape, with a significant date marked on the calendar. Opposition leaders Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia have both emphasized that Gonzalez will be sworn in as president on January 10, 2025, when the current presidential term ends. There is an absolute conviction that this will be the case, we are now more convinced than ever, an opposition source confirmed, though they did not clarify how or under what circumstances Gonzalez might assume the presidency in the Capitol in Caracas. The oppositions firm stance has sparked alarm within Chavismo, which has further hardened its discourse against Machado and Gonzalez, accusing the two of attempting to orchestrate a coup. In response, the ruling party passed the Bolivar law, which allows authorities to imprison or ban from public office anyone who supports the international sanctions imposed by the United States on Venezuela. The Biden administration has also fueled the narrative, claiming that Chavismos days are numbered. Meanwhile, the appointment of Marco Rubio a vocal opponent of the Nicolas Maduro government as the next Secretary of State under Donald Trump has ignited optimism among some sectors of the opposition that Venezuela will soon see a political transition. The Edmundo Gonzalez seen in recent weeks presents a stark contrast to the one who went into exile in Spain in early September, seemingly ready to be forgotten. He has since hardened his rhetoric, firmly asserting his intent to assume the presidency, backed by the mandate given to him by the votes he received in the July 28 presidential elections. Opposition electoral observers have gathered thousands of tally sheets, which show Gonzalezs overwhelming victory over Maduro. Gonzalez now says that he will take office, and if not, he is morally prepared to face arrest. This statement marks a shift from his usual, more moderate public addresses. However, the nature of his potential return to Venezuela remains unclear. Gonzalez fled under intense judicial persecution, and Minister of the Interior and Justice Diosdado Cabello has responded to his defiant stance by displaying on his television program the golden handcuffs that await Gonzalez should he set foot in Venezuela. There is not a single possibility that Edmundo Gonzalez will come to Venezuela to be sworn in, warned Cabello. A collage of voter records from the National Electoral Center during a rally called by the opposition, last August in Caracas. Henry Chirinos (EFE) Gonzalez, the candidate of the Unitary Platform a coalition of Venezuelas main opposition parties has used his time in exile to bolster international support for his cause, seeking recognition as the legitimate president if he assumes office on January 10, 2025. Gonzalez remains resolute in his demand to enforce the will of the Venezuelan people as expressed during the July 28 elections. In his diplomatic efforts to maintain momentum, Venezuela was recently highlighted as a regional crisis at the G-7 summit in Italy, with the group pledging to support efforts for a peaceful transition. Gonzalez also announced plans for a Latin American tour ahead of his anticipated return to Venezuela. Meanwhile, the United States, the oppositions most influential ally, has reiterated its stance against Maduros government. The Biden administration, which officially does not recognize Maduros authority, said last week that it would consider providing assistance for the opposition candidates return if requested. A White House official told journalists: If we were to receive a request from him, we would consider that. Arrests In response to the increasing international pressure and opposition moves, the Maduro government has intensified its crackdown on dissent and freedoms within Venezuela. The release of some individuals arrested during protests against the election results was quickly followed by a new wave of arrests targeting political leaders, business figures, and military personnel allegedly involved in conspiracies. Chavismo perceives threats from all directions. Last week, the National Assembly approved the controversial Bolivar law, which broadens the scope of persecution against those deemed enemies of the regime. The law imposes harsh penalties, including up to 30 years in prison, political disqualification, multimillion-dollar fines, and charges of crimes against humanity for anyone promoting sanctions or challenging the Chavista authorities. Machado, who claims to be in hiding, is being investigated for treason. On Friday, after passing the law in response to U.S. Congress plans to impose more sanctions on Venezuela Maduro again accused the opposition of planning to assassinate him. Machado, however, remains steadfast, insisting that the time has come for a political transition. Maduro has to accept a proposal to step down from power, or it will only get worse for him. We will not back down from what is rightfully ours, she declared last week. This escalating tension has led to a further clampdown on opposition figures, particularly those sheltered in the Argentine Embassy in Caracas, now under Brazils administration. Venezuelas National Police have increased their presence around the embassy, cutting off electricity and water supplies, while drones have been deployed to monitor the area. Among those seeking refuge are five key political allies of Machado. A person holds a darkened Venezuelan flag in front of the Argentine embassy in Caracas in July. Henry Chirinos (EFE) Juan Pablo Guanipa, a key opposition leader and close ally of Machado, explains over the phone that the oppositions current strategy is focused on intensifying internal pressure before January 10, 2025, with the aim of forcing the bases that support Maduro to give in. He insists: What should happen is that Edmundo [Gonzalez] is sworn in. Everyone knows that he won on July 28 Maduro knows it, the military knows it, and even Maduros supporters know it. Guanipa, who himself remains under protection from Chavista persecution, acknowledges the possibility that Maduro could still be sworn in but asserts: That would not mark the end of this fight. He continues: Venezuelans believe in the rule of law, in the supremacy of democracy, and in the separation of powers. These are victories in the face of Chavismos attempts to change our way of thinking. Venezuelans are outraged and convinced that political change has to become a reality. Other prominent opposition leaders, though less aligned with Machado, share a sense of cautious optimism. In recent weeks, they have reestablished contact with her, even though her exact whereabouts remain unknown. We communicate with her, although she doesnt share everything with us, says one leader, speaking on condition of anonymity. She is very determined, very focused, and totally resolved to face what is coming. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Haitian migrant boat phenomenon represents one of the most devastating immigration crises in Latin America and the Caribbean, with thousands of people risking their lives in flimsy vessels to escape violence, poverty and hopelessness in Haiti. However, like the countrys own crisis, it often goes unnoticed amid other global conflicts. An emblematic case of this silent tragedy is the disappearance of the rapper Wens Jonathan Desir, better known as MechansT, who, after paying $8,000 to try to reach the United States, stopped communicating with his family last July and has not been heard from since, an event that symbolizes the dangers faced by Haitians on illegal maritime routes. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 470 migrants died or went missing in the Caribbean in 2023, many of them Haitians. The boats, overloaded and in poor condition, cannot withstand the harsh weather conditions at sea. In July 2024, a boat carrying Haitian migrants caught fire off Cap-Haitien, leaving 40 dead and several seriously injured. According to Gregoire Goodstein of the IOM, extreme violence and the lack of legal alternatives have led more Haitians to resort to desperate measures. Haitian rapper Wens Jonathan Desir, known as MechansT and missing since July on the journey to the United States, in a photograph shared on his social media accounts. RR SS The deadly risk for Haitian migrants The high costs of renewing passports and obtaining visas, coupled with the lack of legal alternatives for migrating, have led many Haitians to turn to human smuggling networks that promise to take them to the United States for exorbitant sums. According to statements by relatives, traffickers charge between $3,000 and $5,000 per person per trip, in a country where the minimum wage is just over $116 per month. In an attempt to address irregular immigration, the Joe Biden administration launched a humanitarian program for Haitians, Cubans, Venezuelans, and Nicaraguans that has benefited more than 531,000 citizens of those countries, including 211,010 Haitians. But demand far outstripped supply. And while it was helpful for many, it did not stem the growing flow of migrants. President-elect Donald Trump a vocal critic of the system has vowed to end it. Meanwhile, deportations rose 46% in March alone, reaching more than 13,000 Haitians that month, the last month for which IOM had data before they had to leave the country. A raft used by Haitian migrants to travel to the US lies on a sandbar in the Florida Keys in January 2023. El Nuevo Herald (TNS) The implementation of humanitarian parole programs in the United States has reduced net crossings at the border, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data. An analysis by Haitian historian and migration expert Michel Soukar showed that about 75% of CBP records of Haitians were one-time encounters, suggesting that most migrants attempted to cross without authorization. Although not all unique encounters resulted in admissions, the numbers were similar for the countries benefiting from parole. Moreover, many migrants from these countries were able to demonstrate credible fear, facilitating their legal entry, the historian says. His analysis concludes that parole reduced illegal crossing attempts by offering a regulated alternative and allowing a better understanding of migration patterns. The U.S. Coast Guard arrives at a Haitian refugee boat to distribute life jackets, 1992. Langevin Jacques (Sygma via Getty Images) An exodus under fire Haiti has been wracked by violence for years, with armed gangs fighting for control of the territory. In February 2024, gangs launched coordinated attacks in the capital Port-au-Prince, seizing police stations, blocking key roads and opening fire at the main airport. This escalation of violence has forced more than 700,000 Haitians to flee the country, according to UN data. Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier, leader of the G9 gang coalition that controls the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, in January 2024 in the capital. Giles Clarke (Getty Images) In this context, while some migration routes are closing such as the land route for Haitians who moved to the south of the continent and headed for the United States others have opened, such as the parole program, although this seems to have its days numbered. In 2021, 61% of migrants who crossed the Darien Gap were Haitian. By 2023, that number had dropped to 9%, while Haiti continued to face gang violence, political instability, and recurring natural disasters. Despite the decrease in Haitian migrants on this route, the impact of the countrys internal crises remained visible in other migration contexts. In the Dominican Republic, authorities announced on October 2 a plan to deport more than 10,000 Haitians per week starting on that date, which could double the current number of expulsions in a year. So far, more than 50,000 Haitians have been reported removed from Dominican territory. According to official data, there are 495,815 Haitians in the neighboring country. For his part, Donald Trump has called the use of humanitarian parole an outrageous abuse and has warned that he will expel hundreds of thousands of migrants who entered the U.S. under the programs promoted by Biden. The possible elimination of these policies is causing concern among Haitians who, in this context, are left in the middle of a rampant crisis and without a lifeline. U.S. authorities assist dozens of Haitian migrants aboard a sailboat near Virginia Key in Miami, Florida. January 2023. Joe Raedle (Getty Images) Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition On February 14, Michael Turner, chairman of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, issued a statement warning of a serious threat to national security. Shortly afterward, the White House confirmed its suspicions that Russia was developing a high-powered anti-satellite weapon. The word nuclear was not used, but it was implicit in the statement. A week later, an indignant Vladimir Putin denied these claims, declaring himself categorically opposed to the deployment of nuclear weapons in space and demanding, in passing, that all governments ratify the existing treaties prohibiting them. Only two months later, in April, Japan and the United States presented a proposal to the UN Security Council to strengthen the validity of the current treaty, which is already 57 years old. Russia vetoed it, thus contradicting Putins own statements. And on May 17, Kosmos 2576 took off from Plesetsk, a military satellite whose orbit suggested that it was a prototype of a new anti-satellite device. For now, without a nuclear payload. What is the point of stationing atomic weapons in space? Attacking a terrestrial target from orbit requires waiting hours sometimes days for it to come within range. A ballistic missile or a cruise missile is much more agile. Or the fractional orbital bombing technique, tested by the Soviet Union in the 1960s and later banned under the SALT II agreements. It is another matter if the aim is to disable enemy satellites. There are also various ways kinetic projectiles or energy projection weapons but without a doubt the most expeditious is to detonate a nuclear device nearby. Both the USA and the USSR have carried out tests of this type, always under the pretext of scientific research, not for aggressive purposes. The first was the American operation Argus, in 1958, which consisted of detonating six low-yield nuclear warheads over the South Atlantic; and the Soviets, in 1961 and 1962, made five launches from a range in Kazakhstan. But the most famous of all these nuclear tests in space was Operation Starfish Prime. On July 9, 1952, a Thor rocket launched from an atoll 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) west of Hawaii carried a one-and-a-half-megaton bomb into space. A pair of recoverable capsules carrying cameras and measuring equipment to analyze the results of the test were aft. The 700-kilogram craft exploded at an altitude of 400 kilometers almost the distance at which the International Space Station (ISS) orbits. It was already nighttime, so the glow could be seen perfectly from Honolulu, the Hawaiian capital, as an impressive fireworks display that lasted about a quarter of an hour. But it wasnt all spectacle. The electromagnetic pulse generated by the explosion was much more powerful than expected. It caused blackouts and damaged power and telephone networks in the Hawaiian islands and knocked out half a dozen satellites, including Ariel the first British satellite and a Soviet one. It also created a radiation belt around the Earth that would take months to dissipate. The glow created by the explosion of 'Starfish Prime,' seen from Honolulu on July 9, 1962. Nuclear Weapon Archive All these effects pale in comparison to those suffered on Soviet soil as a result of their own tests. When the detonation occurred over inhabited territory, overhead power and telephone networks acted as antennas, generating pulses of thousands of amperes. Insulators could not withstand the overload, fuses and protection systems were triggered, and damage was caused to a power station supplying the capital. It was clear that an atomic explosion in space would have devastating consequences on the ground. All this happened 60 years ago, in the context of the Cold War. No nuclear device was ever detonated in space again. Now, with the tense geopolitical situation, threats are intensifying. What would happen if a multi-megaton warhead exploded 200 kilometers (125 miles) above our heads? In 1962, only two dozen artificial satellites orbited the Earth. Today, there are more than 10,000. Although many are military, most provide civilian communications, meteorological, and GPS services. The internet works in part through orbital links; banks and stock exchanges synchronize operations using time signals transmitted from satellites. So do the navigation systems in our cars. An indiscriminate nuclear attack would cause colossal damage. Only those satellites that were protected on the other side of the planet at the time would be safe. For citizens who were in the area at night at the time of the explosion, the shower of protons and electrons would create an intense but brief artificial aurora, probably much brighter than those triggered by natural causes. It could be seen anywhere in the world, even in tropical Africa or the Amazon. Weapons that also harm the aggressor But those who were close to the point of explosion would not enjoy the spectacle as much. Only a flash of light comparable to a second Sun, followed by an invisible shower of X-rays, the consequence of the nuclear reactions involved in a thermonuclear explosion. A hydrogen bomb (fusion) uses an atomic bomb (fission) as a detonator and the energy released in both heat and radiation is the result of the sum of both. Obviously, the closer you are, the worse. Some military satellites are usually shielded, but most civilian satellites are very sensitive to high-energy radiation. Shielding them is simply too expensive and would add a lot to their weight. Semiconductors in solar panels, in particular, are the first to be affected, but radiation can destroy the adhesives that hold them to the structure. Optical equipment would also be affected, particularly those that must capture very low levels of light, such as star sensors, which help orient some satellites, or multispectral cameras used to locate natural resources. The problem with an atomic weapon is that the detonation would affect friendly and enemy satellites alike. And it would have to take place over enemy territory to prevent the electromagnetic pulse from affecting the ground facilities of the country launching it. The explosion would destroy in one fell swoop (or at least greatly degrade) the capacity of large satellite constellations, but the price to pay would be so high that the aggressor himself would have to think twice. Another possibility is to use impact vehicles. Simply crash the hunter vehicle into its victim. The collision is programmed with the trajectories in reverse so that the combined speed of both is greater. And a direct hit is not necessary. Most satellites are bristling with panels, antennas, and poles, so it is enough to damage one of them to put it out of use. But this tactic is not harmless for the attacker either. Let us recall the case of the test carried out by China in 2007, which launched a missile against one of its own satellites (now inactive). The result was a pellet of debris that remained in orbit for months. Some 3,000 fragments were counted, large enough to be detected by radar, but there were undoubtedly many more that were undetectable. Most have already fallen to Earth, but there are still around 1,000 moving in low orbit. In 2021, Russia repeated a similar test with equally disastrous results. As a result, from time to time, the ISS has to perform an evasive maneuver in the face of the danger of colliding with one of these debris. Non-nuclear alternatives There is speculation about an alternative: a satellite capable of generating electromagnetic pulses of less power, without the need to detonate nuclear weapons. It would need to be able to approach its targets and deactivate them one by one with more controlled discharges. It is known that several Russian and Chinese satellites, called inspectors, have already tested maneuvers to approach other satellites (in this case their own). And both the Americans and the Chinese have been operating a robotic, maneuverable and recoverable craft for years, whose missions usually last for many months in orbit. The purpose of these long missions has never been clarified, but, as they are military vehicles, it does not take much imagination to guess what they are doing. An electromagnetic pulse killer satellite would need a huge power source. So traditional solar panels are out of the question; the most likely solution is to use a nuclear reactor, feeding electric coils from which the flash would be discharged when an enemy satellite was within range. It is possible that Kosmos 2576 is intended to test one of these devices, although there is no evidence that it carries nuclear material on board. Should a conflict escalate to orbital weapons, the most prized U.S. targets would be its spy satellites. These are similar to a Hubble telescope, but pointed downwards. There are usually two in service, following polar orbits that allow them to pass over the entire globe. Russian intelligence services know exactly when they fly over each area; and, vice versa, the U.S. Space Force also monitors its Russian equivalents. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and CineAsia have tapped Indonesias Cinema XXI chain as the first recipient of their ICTA CineAsia APAC Achievement Award, recognizing the exhibitors technological innovation and presentation standards in the Asia Pacific region. The award presentation is set for Dec. 11 during the Fast Takes on the Future session at CineAsia 2024 in Bangkok. Suryo Suherman, president-director of Cinema XXI, will accept the honor. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Empire XXI is the main screening venue of the ongoing Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF). Cinema XXI operates a range of formats including Imax theaters and its premium format The Premiere, equipped with projection and sound systems aimed at high-end presentation. The chain has established itself as Indonesias largest cinema operator over its 35-year history. On behalf of the entire Cinema XXI team, I would like to thank ICTA and CineAsia for this incredible recognition, said Suherman. This award reflects our continuous efforts to bring world-class cinema experiences to audiences across Indonesia. We remain committed to advancing innovation and delivering exceptional moments to moviegoers, and this award inspires us to aim even higher. ICTA president Mark Mayfield added: Cinema XXI exemplifies the innovation, creativity, and commitment to excellence that the ICTA CineAsia APAC Achievement Award is designed to celebrate. Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and showmanship has not only transformed cinema in Indonesia but also serves as an inspiration to exhibitors worldwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Sunshine, president of Film Expo Group, which owns CineAsia, said: We are delighted to honor Cinema XXI as the first recipient of this landmark award. Their leadership and vision in delivering top-tier cinema experiences make them a deserving winner. CineAsia 2024 runs Dec. 9-12 in Bangkok, featuring industry networking, product presentations, and screenings of upcoming Hollywood releases. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Eleven years after his death, Paul Walker's family and former co-stars are remembering the late actor with a series of tributes. Walker, who died at age 40 in a car accident in 2013, was commemorated this weekend by his daughter, Meadow Walker, and his Fast & Furious co-stars Vin Diesel and Jordana Brewster . On Saturday, Meadow, 26, shared a carousel of photos to her Instagram account of herself with her father throughout the years. The photos showed an Easter outing, dad and daughter in the Bahamas, and a recent snapshot of herself standing in front of Walker's old office at the Universal lot. 11 years without you. I miss you everyday. I love you so much, she captioned the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I woke up so edgy today. Annoyed by EVERY. Little. Thing. Then I remembered. My stomach dropped. Someone isnt here who should be, Brewster, 44, wrote on her Instagram. The one that lifted up everyone around him. The one who worked his ass off but didnt let it show. The one with grace and humor, she continued. #11years Miss you forever @paulwalker. @meadowwalker is carrying on your legacy through her beauty and strength, she added. Eleven years, today Some bonds truly never break.. Grateful, for that eternal brotherhood. Love and miss you, Diesel, 57, shared along with a black and white snapshot with Walker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul Walker died in a single-car collision on Nov. 30, 2013, according to People . The actor was riding as a passenger in his friend Roger Rodas red Porsche through Santa Clarita, California, when Rodas suddenly lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete lamp post and two trees. At the time of his passing, Walker had attended an event for the Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW) charity he founded. The relationship between Kenya Moore and Porsha Williams has come a long way over the years. When they joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta in Season 5, they almost immediately had tension. Eventually, it boiled over into that shocking reunion fight that weve all seen a million times. Since then, their relationship has rebounded, and we were all looking forward to seeing them reunite on Season 16 of RHOA. However, things went downhill once Kenya was accused of showing sexually explicit images of newbie cast member, Brittany Eady. After months of denial, Kenya took full accountability for the incident during an interview with Tamron Hall. Of course, Porsha saw it just like the rest of us, and she praised Kenya for taking such a big step. Kenya Moore got kudos from Porsha Williams Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo Porsha spoke to People about Kenyas Tamron Hall interview, and she said that it was very noble of Kenya to apologize. After all, apologies dont come easily in the world of RHOA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, everybodys human. Some people have thresholds, and then you break it and then they go low or they go all the way to hell, Porsha admitted. But either way, once you recognize that youve done something to hurt someone and you acknowledge it? I think, lets start there, she added. Porshas sentiment was similar to that of Andy Cohen, who also commended Kenya for taking a step in the right direction. The only person who doesnt seem sold on Kenyas apology tour is Brittany. Shortly after Kenyas Tamron Hall interview, Brittany posted some cryptic messages on her Instagram implying that the beef still wasnt fully squashed. Best part of being authentic, there is no image to maintain. We are all the villain in someones story, Brittany wrote on Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Real Housewives of Atlanta returns to Bravo in 2025. TELL US WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PORSHAS COMMENTS ABOUT KENYA? ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING THEM REUNITE ON SEASON 16 OF RHOA? The post Porsha Williams Commends Very Noble Kenya Moore After RHOA Incident Apology appeared first on Reality Tea. Originally appeared on E! Online Richard Gere and his family are planting roots across the pond. The Pretty Woman actor's wife, Alejandra Silva, shared a peek into their life in Madrid, where the couple recently moved with their two sons, Alexander, 5, and James, 4. "As Jamie says, 'Mom, Mom, today is the first day of Christmas!" Alejandra wrote, in Spanish, under a photo of her sons decorating a Christmas tree on Instagram Nov. 30. "How I like their energy, their innocence. This year finally, Christmas in Spain!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the festive photo, one of their sons is hanging an ornament on the tree surrounded by large Santa statues while their other son digs through a bin of decorations. Richard, 75who also shares Homer, 24, with ex-wife Carey Lowellrecently explained the couple's decision to move from the US to Spain. My wife is Spanish andis this a problem for anybody out there? the actor joked on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Nov. 20 as members of the audience gasped. Of course Ill be back! More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My wife is Spanish and she gave me about seven years here," Richard continued, "so were going to spend some years in Madrid." And, as the Chicago actor explained, their "kids are bilingual, so theyre gonna flourish there." He also anticipated that Alejandrawho also has an 11-year-old son named Albert with her ex-husband Govind Friedlandwould plan get togethers with her extended family, making Richard and the boys feel even more welcomed in her native country. "My wife, she grew up in a very big Spanish family, like a big Italian family," he shared. "Her grandmother was kind of the glue that held that altogether, and the grandmother passed away about a year and a half ago, two years ago." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So my wife, I can see her morphing into the new grandmother of this extended family," Richard explained. "Shes already planning for, you know, 35 people for Sunday lunches." Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images The actor had previously opened up about his family's big move, saying that he was looking forward to the "great adventure." I have never lived full-time outside the United States," Richard told Vanity Fair Spain in April. "And I think it will be very interesting for my children as well. For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, her lifelong friends and her culture." Keep reading for more stars who have left Hollywood behind. Ian Somerhalder The Vampire Diaries alum hasn't sunk his teeth into a new role since Netflix's 2019 series V-Wars. Instead, the dad of two (with wife Nikki Reed) has dug a little deeper into a passion project, namely his mission to combat climate change by improving the world's soil. "I stepped away from acting a little over four years ago to raise my kids, build my companies and get these films launched," Somerhalder told E! News in November 2023 of launching the 2020 documentary Kiss the Ground and its follow up Common Ground, each detailing the need for regenerative farming. When he looks years down the road, he continued, "I will be a rancher and building legacy brands, whether it's my bourbon or my health and wellness company, and the regenerative agriculture and healthy soil management practices that I live by and our family lives by. That's where my life was going. So when people say 'Why do you care?' That's why I care. Because that's who I am, that's what I'm going to become." Evangeline Lilly The Ant-Man and the Wasp star announced she's taking an indefinite hiatus from acting after 20 years in the industry. "I am so filled with joy and contentment today as I live out my vision," Evangeline wrote on Instagram June 3. "I feel so grateful for my blessings. Stepping away from what seems like the obvious choice (wealth and fame) can feel scary at times, but stepping into your dharma replaces the fear with fulfillment." But she isn't necessarily shutting the door, either, adding, "I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennette McCurdy On a February 2021 episode of her podcast Empty Inside, the iCarly alum told guest Anna Faris that she decided to stop acting a few years back and is now focused on opportunities in writing and directing, in addition to hosting the podcast. "My experience with acting is, I'm so ashamed of the parts I've done in the past," revealed Jennette, who detailed her experience in her 2022 memoir I'm Glad My Mom Died. "I resent my career in a lot of ways. I feel so unfulfilled by the roles that I played and felt like it was the most cheesy, embarrassing. I did the shows that I was on from like 13 to 21, and by 15, I was already embarrassed. My friends at 15, they're not like, 'Oh, cool, you're on this Nickelodeon show.' It was embarrassing." Though she hasn't totally written off a second act. "I do feel like only through writing the book have I gotten to a place where I think there might be a way of exploring acting that doesn't carry that baggage that I carried with me for so long," she told E! News in October 2022. "Maybe if I write something for myself. I think that'd really be maybe one of the only ways I could kind of try exploring it again." Meghan Markle This felt like something of a no-brainer. If we had a shot to marry Prince Harry, dedicate our life to the philanthropic causes that matter most to us and gain access to the Queen's impressive collection of tiaras, bidding ta-ta to Tinseltown would feel like an okay sacrifice. Following in the path Grace Kelly took from Hollywood to the Palace of Monaco, Markle left behind her home in Torontoand her breakout role on Suitsfor a life in The Firm. Though, now that she and Harry have shed their senior roles, she's edging back into the business thanks to business moves like their multi-year production deal with Netflix. Cameron Diaz Having made upwards of 40 movies since her debut in 1994's The Mask, the actress was long overdue for a break when filming wrapped on 2014's Annie. "I just decided that I wanted different things out of my life," she explained to pal Gwyneth Paltrow of her ultimate act of self-care. "I had gone so hard for so long, working, making films and it's such a grind. When you're making a movieit's a perfect excusethey own you. You're there for 12 hours a day for months on end and you have no time for anything else." And there was plenty more she'd like to explore, from writing (she followed up her 2013 New York Times best-seller The Body Book with 2016's The Longevity Book) to starting a family with husband Benji Madden. But while she confessed to InStyle in 2019, "I don't miss performing. Right now I'm looking at the landscape of wellness and all that," apparently she could be swayed into making at least one encore. "We just begged and pleased on my knees, like, 'Just give the people one more again,'" Jamie Foxx told E! News of getting Diaz to sign on for the upcoming Netflix film Back in Action. "We love her, we've been waiting on her and this is just gonna be fantastic." Terrence Howard The actor insisted there'd be no encore after he finished his five-year run on Empire. When Extra asked the Oscar nominee about his future ahead of the musical drama series' sixth and final season in 2019, he responded, "Oh, I'm done with acting. I'm done pretending." And though he returned to set for a handful of projects, he again announced his plans to quit acting while promoting his Peacock series The Best Man: The Final Chapters in 2022. "I've gotten to the point where now I've given the very best that I have as an actor," he told ET. "Now I'm enjoying watching other new talent come around, and I don't want to do an impersonation of myself." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack Gleeson Once his time as King Joffrey came to a sudden, purple-faced end in 2014, the then-21-year-old told EW he was getting out of the game. "I've been acting since age 8," the Game of Thrones star explained of his decision. "I just stopped enjoying it as much as I used to." No longer a child star, a bit of the magic had worn off. "Now there's the prospect of doing it for a living, whereas up until now it was always something I did for recreation with my friends, or in the summer for some fun," he continued. "I enjoyed it. When you make a living from something, it changes your relationship with it. It's not like I hate it, it's just not what I want to do." But after a six-year break, he was ready to resume his reign, joining the cast of BBC's series Out of Her Mind in 2020. Phoebe Cates When Fast Times at Ridgemont High's dream girl (Jennifer Aniston took on her part in September 2020's virtual table read) wed fellow actor Kevin Kline in 1989, they "agreed to alternate so that we're never working at the same time," he told Playboy of their plan to care for son Owen and daughter Greta (a singer who now goes by the stage name Frankie Cosmos). However, he continued, "whenever it's been her slot to work, Phoebe has chosen to stay with the children." Though she made a cameo in pal Jennifer Jason Leigh's 2001 indie The Anniversary Party, Cates devotes most of her time to operating her New York City boutique Blue Tree. Rick Moranis At the height of his Ghostbusters and Honey, I... fame, the '80s star stepped away from filmmaking not long after his wife passed away from breast cancer in 1991 to focus on raising his kids Rachel and Mitchell. Though he hasn't had a live-action role since 1997, even passing on a cameo in Paul Feig's 2016 Ghostbusters remake, he's remained a treasured cultural icon, as evidenced by the outrage over reports that he'd been assaulted while walking in New York City Oct. 1. Thankfully there's good news for fans: he'll make his triumphant return alongside Josh Gad in the forthcoming Disney reboot Shrunk. Leelee Sobieski Once she wed fashion designer Adam Kimmel in 2010, the Never Been Kissed standout hinted that she was maybe kinda done with movies. "Ninety percent of acting roles involve so much sexual stuff with other people, and I don't want to do that," she explained to Vogue. "It's such a strange fire to play with, and our relationship is surely strong enough to handle it, but if you're going to walk through fire, there has to be something incredible on the other side." Her decision was solidified after son Martin joined older sister Louisanna in 2014. "I don't do movie stuff anymore. I am totally an outsider! I am just a mom and an outsider," she noted to Us Weekly at a 2016 event, explaining that she helps Kimmel with his business and paints on the side. "I am just focused on my kids. I think that's mainly why I stopped." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portia de Rossi She'd done Ally McBeal. And Nip/Tuck. Then Arrested Development and finally Scandal when the Aussie realized that maybe she was ready to turn the dial. "I was approaching 45 and I just kind ofwas wondering is there something that I could tackle now that I've never done before that would be really challenging and different," she explained on wife Ellen DeGeneres' eponymous talk show in 2018. "I kind of knew what acting would look like for me for the next 10, 20 years, so I decided to quit and start a business." Her consumer-art company, General Public, already a work in progress, she had just one piece to finish. "I called Mitch Hurwitz, who's the creator of Arrested Development and I said, 'If there is a season 5, I won't be doing it because I quit acting. And he seemed really understanding and he totally got it. We had a great conversation, and then he wrote me into five episodes." Daniel Day-Lewis To be fair, once you've won three Academy Awards, what's left to accomplish? Shortly after receiving his sixth Oscar nod for his final film, 2017's Phantom Thread, the thespian had his rep issue a statement informing fans that he "will no longer be working as an actor. He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years. This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject." But just when he thought he was out, his son pulled him back in, production company Focus Features announcing in October 2024 that the Oscar winner would star in Anemone, the film he wrote alongside son Ronan Day-Lewis, who will also direct. Bridgit Mendler The Good Luck Charlie alum took a step back from the spotlight in 2018 when she began pursuing a master's degree from MIT, later earning a PhD from the institution. She's also pursuing a law degree from Harvard Law School. And as if that weren't enough, Bridgit also launched her own startup Northwood Space, which aims to build ground satellite stations to help send and receive data from space, becoming CEO of the brand in February 2023. The actress shared photos of herself posing in a sexy black bikini as she and her family spent Thanksgiving in Colombia sofiavergara/Instagram (2) Sofia Vergara in Colombia. Sofia Vergara in Colombia. Sofia Vergara spent her Thanksgiving weekend beachside in lots of chic swimsuits. During the 2024 holiday weekend, the Modern Family alum, 52, showed off her sexy beach attire in a series of Instagram posts, and also shared how she and her family including son Manolo and pups Amore and Bunny spent their time together in her home country of Colombia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one post, shared Thursday, Nov. 28, the actress showed off her body as she posed in a black bikini, silver hoop earrings and long wavy hair. Another photo showed Manolo snapping a selfie as Vergara's sister Veronica laid back in a chair in a bikini. "Second round at the beach today," she captioned the photos, referring to their first round of Thanksgiving beach photos shared earlier on Wednesday. Related: Sofia Vergara Shares Glamorous Swimsuit Snap During Family Vacation for 'Island Thanksgiving' Another photo from her trip, posted on Sunday, showed Vergara baring it all as she sunbathed in a lounge chair on the beach. The actress could be seen laying on her stomach with her feet in the air as she wore only a pair of bikini bottoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She shared photos of her sister Veronica and niece Claudia in similar positions in the same post, laying around in bikinis as they soaked up the sun. "Family traits or @natibotero7 torture?" she captioned the post, tagging their pilates instructor. Among the many other photos and videos the Griselda star posted from her trip were photos of her entire group of family and friends gathered for Thanksgiving at a beachfront dining table, with cocktails and full plates of food sitting in front of them. "Feliz Thanksgiving ," she wrote in the caption, before sharing more videos of herself and friends dancing on the beach next to a campfire as they continued their celebrations late into the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her Related: Who Is Sofia Vergara's Boyfriend? All About Justin Saliman Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Vergara first shared that she was jetting off to her home country on Tuesday, Nov. 26. In an Instagram post at the time, she showed footage of herself and her family, also including mom Margarita Vergara, setting off for Colombia and shared a look at their one-of-a-kind plane landing on the coast. She kicked off her Instagram post with a group photo of her entire family posing together with some even sporting drinks in hand on the beach after arriving at her vacation home, Casa Chipi Chipi, by seaplane. Additional photos showed the airplane staff carrying her family from the plane over the water and onto dry sand. A final photo showed the actress in a lengthy green dress and sunglasses heading further on to shore with a drink in one hand and one of her dogs in the other as the rest of her family walked in the background. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Americas Got Talent judge also shared some glimpses of her vacation and the delicious food that she shared with family and friends on her Instagram Stories. In one snap, she showed a look at her Thanksgiving plate, which included fish, salad, potatoes, curly fries and more. "This morning landing home for a little Island thanksgiving ," the Modern Family alum wrote alongside some of the photos. If you weren't bound by location, where, exactly, in the world would you choose to live and work from? According to Jobseeker, there's one country we're all collectively fantasizing about for our remote work dreams. In November, the job website released its report analyzing social trend data to uncover where people around the world wish to work if they had the chance to move anywhere. "There are various reasons why people dream of living in a different country, but the pursuit of a career can make that dream a reality," the company shared in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure about its study. "Today, people's ambitions and chosen careers can take them anywhere they want to go. Globalization has opened the door to enticing job opportunities all around the world." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After looking at the data, it revealed that the most wished-for international relocation destination is Canada. To find where people wanted to move most, the team used the search template "jobs in [country name]" to chart the flow of job seekers across the globe and their search trends. "Canada is most frequently selected for relocation among the nations reviewed, making it the most popular destination for people to work that isn't their home country," Job Seeker added in its findings. "A desire to work in Canada is the most prominent trend among job seekers in Costa Rica, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates." Australia came in at No. 2, as it was "chosen by seven other nations, including Denmark, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom." It was followed by Switzerland, the United States, Singapore, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Qatar, and Spain rounding out the top 10. Related: The Secret to Working From Anywhere, According to Digital Nomads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moving away from a hometown or country to pursue a career opportunity is a significant moment in a job seekers life," David Overmars, a career and resume expert at Jobseeker, shared. "There are various reasons why someone makes the momentous decision to take that leap. It could be to chase a dream job, gain a sense of independence, itch a sense of adventure, or simply create an environment where the cost of living feels more manageable and obtain a stronger work-life balance. Job seekers also often move away from their hometown to a location where their skillset is highly valued." And, as Overmars added, despite remote work remaining popular, many people are still moving to find new roles, either in-person or for a company that will allow them to work anywhere. "Location remains an essential factor, both in embracing a specific sector such as tech or health care and establishing a healthy work-life balance," Overmars said. "The global job market has never been more accessible, with people now embracing a desire to travel when it comes to finding their ideal career. In the coming years, were expecting to see more people considering relocation to other countries when making their next career move. See the full study and all the locations people are looking to move to for work at jobseeker.com. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure A ruling by Mexicos Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) is poised to transform the countrys immigration policies. The court has granted an injunction filed by the Jesuit Refugee Service and the Alaide Foppa Legal Clinic, meaning immigration laws must be reformed to establish a public registry of detained migrants. This platform must be publicly accessible, and operate like the current National Registry of Detentions, reporting the time, date, location, and authority responsible for each arrest, as well as the immigration station where detainees are transferred. This year alone, 925,000 migrants were detained crossing Mexico, where they face isolation and difficulty accessing legal representation. For migrants fleeing violence, persecution, or poverty, Mexico has become one of the most dangerous parts of their journey. Often crossing multiple countries and the treacherous Darien jungle, migrants describe Mexico as the worst part of this ordeal. In Mexico, migrants have become easy prey for organized crime and corrupt authorities. They face the risk of being kidnapped and imprisoned on the southern border, extorted and murdered by the National Guard, or burned to death in immigration centers on the northern border. Given the growing risks of the journey, this ruling is seen as a victory. A 2021 report by the Jesuit Migrant Aid Service documented 1,280 migrant disappearances between 2007 and 2021, 75% of which occurred in migration detention centers. These centers, operated by the National Migration Institute, use euphemisms like assurance or encounter for what is, in reality, detention. The United Nations has established that any place where people cannot voluntarily leave is a place of detention. Arbitrariness has long dominated the operations of Mexicos immigration detention centers. Human rights organizations report that migrants are randomly granted or denied the opportunity to contact their families, while others are charged exorbitant fees of 100 pesos (approximately $5) for a mere three-minute phone call. As a result, many migrants remain incommunicado for days or even weeks, effectively vanishing from their families lives. This lack of communication, explains Luis Xavier Carranca, a lawyer from the Alaide Foppa Legal Clinic, paves the way for inhumane treatment, including torture and forced disappearances. The absence of a proper registry also makes it difficult for migrants to access legal representation, says Carranca. It also makes it easier for their detention to be extended indefinitely, because by not registering when they first arrive, Immigration found the perfect formula to skip the legal deadlines in which they should be released. In 2019, Mexico amended Article 16 of its Constitution to establish the National Registry of Detentions. The argument was that an updated and comprehensive registry was needed to prevent the violation of the human rights of the detained person, acts of torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, or forced disappearance. However, as lawyer Luis Xavier Carranca points out, the detention of migrants was explicitly excluded from these protections. The National Law on the Registry of Detentions included an eighth transitory article, mandating Congress to amend the Migration Law within 180 days to create a registry of detained migrants with the same procedural, protection, and security guarantees as those provided for in this law. Yet, five years have passed without any progress. This omission was the first step toward stripping detained migrants of protection, explains Carranca. It left them outside all constitutional and legal safeguards, because it allowed them to be hidden [from the registry]. In response to this ongoing issue, the Jesuit Refugee Service, in collaboration with the Alaide Foppa Legal Clinic of the Ibero-American University, launched a legal strategy to address the lack of protections for detained migrants. In October 2022, they filed an appeal to reform the Migration Law and establish the mandated registry. Just a few months later, a district judge in Mexico Citys 15th administrative court ruled in their favor, finding that the absence of a registry violated migrants right to legal defense. However, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies appealed the ruling, and the case languished in a collegiate court for 15 months. Finally, in June 2024, the 19th administrative court of the first circuit referred the matter to the Supreme Court. Last week, the Supreme Courts second chamber voted on a project prepared by Justice Alberto Perez Dayan, which upheld the district judges decision and declared that Congress had committed a legislative omission by failing to comply with the National Law on the Registry of Detentions. The ruling passed with support from Justices Luis Maria Aguilar, Javier Laynez, and Dayan, while Justices Lenia Batres and Yasmin Esquivel, both closely aligned with the ruling party, dissented. While the decision mandates Congress to reform the law and establish the registry, the road ahead remains long. The project must now be finalized to incorporate ministerial contributions, after which it will return to the district court responsible for enforcement. The court will then order Congress to enact the necessary reforms. According to lawyer Carranca, this process could take up to a year to fully materialize. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition NEW MEXICO (KRQE) The holidays present a great opportunity to remember the hundreds of animals in need across our state, and horses are no exception. This weekend, the Tamaya Horseshoes and Heels Gala kicked off to raise money to help the horses of New Mexico. Albuquerque department sheds light on object attached to some parking meters Officials claimed each year, hundreds of these animals are abandoned; thats where the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program steps in to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program assists at-risk horses get access to critical care, shelter, and food they need to help them live their best life. Event organizers said more than 200 people attended the charity event and over $75,000 was raised. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KSNF/KODE National Adoption Month has come to a close, but the adoption experience, of course, is an around-the-clock effort across the nation. The US Childrens Bureau says, as of 2022, more than one in five children between the ages of 13 and 17 are waiting for adoption, and the average age of all children waiting to be adopted is seven years old. Additionally, the Annie E. Casey Foundation says the number of families waiting to adopt is estimated between one to two million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We learn more about the process locally from a coordinator with Lutheran Family and Childrens Services one of Missouris longest-serving social service agencies. Foster care, international adoption, or domestic infant adoption, said Tina Miller, Lutheran Family & Childrens Services Adoption Program Coordinator. Many ways to adopt exist, but first things first, Lutheran Family & Childrens Services Adoption Program Coordinator Tina Miller says the first step is a home study. Which is a pretty intense and involved process to ensure that their home and their family would be able to meet the needs of a child and be a safe place for a child to be raised, said Miller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can be nerve-wracking. Being connected to another family through a child can be intimidating and scary. The idea of raising a child who might have had trauma or prenatal exposure or other early challenges, said Miller. But Miller says there are resources available to calm any nerves. From the time that people are inquiring about adoption and considering their options, we can provide education and then support throughout the process. From completing their home study, providing education and preparation for the unique family system thats created in adoption, said Miller. Open adoption involves adoptive families remaining in contact with birth families, and it can look many different ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some families just exchange letters through an intermediary source like an agency. Others have direct contact, writing letters back and forth directly. There can be visits once a year, multiple times a year, said Miller. If a childs cultural background is different than their adoptive parents We have books, podcasts, videos, articles, other resources that we can put in peoples hands to help them, said Miller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While reality depicts some sad moments through adoptions Miller says the benefits far outweigh everything else. Oftentimes families feel like the child that theyve adopted has completed their family system, so theres a lot of joy, said Miller. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NARRAGANSETT What landmark comes to mind when you think of Rhode Island? Perhaps it is Providences Superman building or one of Newports Gilded Age mansions or even the Big Blue Bug on I-95. If you're from South County, however, the image that likely comes to mind is Narragansett Town Beach framed by the coastal towns iconic Towers. The Towers, as they are eponymously called, stand as sentinels watching over Narragansett. Today it is a historical landmark, as well as a tony event center for weddings and other celebrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what is the story behind The Towers, and how did it come to occupy such an esteemed place in Narragansett? A reminder of Narragansetts golden era The Towers date back to the late 19th century, when Narragansett was a tourist mecca. It was originally part of the Narragansett Pier Casino, constructed between 1883 and 1886 and designed by well-known architect Stanford White, who a few years later would also design the State House in Providence. (Interestingly, White was murdered at age 53 by Harry K. Thaw, a millionaire who was apparently the first person to successfully escape the death penalty by claiming to be temporarily insane.) The Casino was one of Americas most prestigious resorts in its heyday the 1890s, according to a history from the Narragansett Historical Society. During a time when 19 resorts graced Narragansett, the Casino was considered to be the center of social life. The Narragansett Pier Casino was a large complex built in the Shingle Style of architecture, which, as the name implies, involved using many shingles across roofs, walls and other surfaces. To this day, the style can be seen in The Towers roof, though it has been replaced with different materials throughout the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tragedy, however, befell the casino and much of Narragansett on Sept. 12, 1900. A fire that began at a hotel next door burned much of the casino to the ground, leaving only the Towers stone structure. The casino was rebuilt at a smaller scale, but the fire and subsequent financial hardships marked the end of Narragansetts heyday and a shift to it becoming a day-trip destination. A symbol of Narragansetts resiliency Over the past century and a quarter, The Towers has survived multiple devastating hurricanes and even another fire in 1965. On every occasion The Towers held fast, acquiring an almost-magical reputation for indestructibility truly Narragansetts good luck symbol, says a history of The Towers. In 1967, with the help of Gov. John Chafee, Narragansett purchased The Towers, and two years later, in 1969, the structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many Rhode Islanders, Narragansett is synonymous with The Towers. It represents the towns resiliency, as well as harking back to Narragansetts storied past. More What and Why RI: Why are there sharp objects warnings on the Narragansett Town Beach seawall? What we found Its sort of like the lifeblood of the town. There is something about The Towers that it makes Narragansett what it is, said Peg Fradette, executive director of the Narragansett Chamber of Commerce and the towns visitors center. Fradette said thousands of people still enjoy The Towers every year. The venue hosts weddings, fundraisers, galas and even yoga classes. She suggested finding a way to get invited to one of these events, because a visitor cannot simply waltz into The Towers and demand to see the building, but anyone can get a souvenir from the gift shop, which carries items such as Christmas decorations from local artisans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And if you're having a Rhode Island trivia night, The Towers offers another lesser-known distinction to add to your list of questions: It is reportedly the only building in the country that spans a state highway (though Fall River, Massachusetts, can make a similar claim for having its City Hall built on top of an interstate highway). This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Narragansetts Towers is a reminder of the coastal towns golden era It was supposed to be the prize at the end of a gloomy day spent traversing the pothole-riddled road from Armenia to Georgia and vertiginous mountain passes in blinding rain. But when my boyfriend and I arrived, we found the ancient Akhaltsikhe Castle (Rabati) cartoonishly new. Just a few years before, this fortress dating back to the 9th century had been restored and rebuilt. I dont know if it was the freshness of the mortar or that the stones were recently hewn, but it all felt like a theme park. Especially when contrasted to the number of historic monasteries wed visited in Armenia, valiant but worn in their battle against time and the elements. I was reminded of that disappointment this week, and of my conflicting desires as a history-lover, when photos were published of the restored interior of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. Where once the stones of its vaulted halls were darkened with centuries of soot and grime, they are now sparklingly clean. Wandering its paved floors, even the shadows had shadows. Now the new Notre Dame is as brightly lit as a department store. I remember Notre Dame de Paris as very impressive but gloomy. Now look at it. Wow! pic.twitter.com/8k6nUYreAT Peter Ricketts (@LordRickettsP) November 29, 2024 Perhaps I will feel differently once I see it in person (it reopens to the public in a week), but the rebirth of Notre Dame feels to this American more Gothic Revival than Gothic. If Im being less generous, its giving LVMH takeover. If Im being downright catty, millennial makeover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not Parisian, so Im aware that my preferences arent those of a city battling not to be turned entirely into a museum a la Venice and Rome. But the main allure for Americans to Europewhich Europeans so gleefully mock us foris being able to see, touch, smell, and experience the passage of time. Theres a reason people prefer the Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Pres to the squeaky-clean Belle Epoque neighborhoods around Parc Monceau and the like. I appreciate that this new Notre Dame, this bright and warm space, is likely how Gothic architecture was meant to be experienced by its creators. Our desire or demand that Gothic or anything Medieval be somber and grey is as historically inaccurate as statuary inspired by the Greeks being left unpainted or thinking that Renaissance and classical villas had spartan and clean interiors. But there was a little slip made on the tour President Macron took yesterday that I think encapsulates my frigid reaction. Speaking to Macron, Philippe Jost, the head of the reconstruction task force, declared, I believe you are seeing the cathedral like it has never been seen before. I agree, Im just not sure thats a good thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In R.F. Kuangs recent fantasy best-seller Babel, there is a section in which a professor and students debate what it means to truly translate an authors work. Without getting too into the weeds, it talks about the battle between translating word for word versus trying to translate the spirit of a work. If you go word-for-word, you lose the meaning, but if you try to translate ideas you are inevitably going to introduce your own biases and so on. The same goes for restoration. Do you go back and recreate exactly what was once there, restoring everything to pristine original condition as at Akhaltsikhe? Do you leave part of the ravaged-by-time ruins in place and rebuild or restore part of it so visitors can have a sense of both? Or do you merely keep the ruins from crumbling further? What if the newly-formed Greek government in the early 19th century had decided to restore the Parthenon to its appearance before its destruction in a Venetian bombardment? I wonder how what we consider classical tastes would have changed if wed decided to go around repainting Greek statues as they would have been. What about rebuilding Medieval castles? I often find it very hard to imagine what was once there, when walking inside what is often just a crumbling set of stone walls. I think one of the things that makes Pompeii so alluring is that its easy to visualize the streets, houses, and buildings with how much is left. What if the Roman Forum was more than a bunch of lopped-off columns? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thousands of craftsmen who worked on Notre Dame scrubbed its stones of centuries of filth, revealing the light Lutetian stone. Tiled floors were cleaned. And wall paintings returned to their original luster. So it must be asked. Is the real Notre Dame the Notre Dame as it looked when it was first built? When additions were made over the centuries? In my mind, its the Notre Dame I saw for the first time nearly 20 years ago. The one where Esmerelda was hiding in its shadows from Claude Frollo. Historically, it was considered desirable for the restorers of painters to inhabit the style of the painters whose work they fixed up. You, as a viewer, shouldnt be able to tell anything was touched up. Some even saw their job as perfecting that which hadnt been perfected. Thats sort of how Viollet-le-Duc saw his job when renovating Notre Dame in the 19th century. To restore a building is not to preserve it, to repair, or rebuild it, he claimed. It is to reinstate it in a condition of completeness which could never have existed at any given time. Now, the trend is for you to be able to see restoration work. Whether a building or a painting, the newer parts are often done in different materials to make it obvious where work was done. Deceiving viewers is a no-no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of me wishes theyd done a version of this and left us a little section of the old Notre Dame, a place where your mood was inevitably shifted by the combination of beauty and tangible history. Oh well, cest la vie. Costco is a warehouse lover's dream. Where else can you buy a nearly seven-pound tub of Nutella spread, a 60-pound bucket of Busy Bee Pure honey, and a 10-carat diamond solitaire diamond ring all in one spot? Luckily, this chain is in just about every state and the District of Columbia, with the exception of Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Sorry, Cowboy State! But don't worry, you can always travel to the state with the most stores where it is a lot warmer, especially in the winter. The Golden State makes up for Wyoming's lack of Costco warehouses, having 140 shops and counting. Why does California have more Costco stores than any other state? Well, the obvious reason is that this state has the largest population, but it beats the likes of Florida, Texas, and New York, who have a combined 93 stores, by a long shot. Do Californians really love the $1.50 hot dog and free food samples better than the rest of the United States? To be fair, it is probably cheaper than some of the artisan crispy chicken street tacos you can buy from your favorite food truck, and when you are trying to make it in Hollywood, every penny counts. Read more: The Best Grocery Store In Every State Meeting Customers Where They Are Costco in California - Slobo/Getty Images According to Contimod, more than 132 million people are hooked on this membership-only store with 92.7% of those members renewing their membership. And per Business Insider, the typical Costco member is a married, 39-year-old Asian American woman, whose annual salary is around $125k. When you consider that California is home to the largest Asian American population in the contiguous United States with almost 6 million calling the state home, you might realize that Costco is being strategic and simply meeting their customer where they are at. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What are the Costco food items customers say they buy the most in California or at any Costco for that matter? Well, it's not the crispy roasted chicken that will cost you about $5. The very popular rotisserie bird is actually only number two on the popularity list. The one item that everyone is buying in bulk from this warehouse: Kirkland brand toilet paper. Who knew! 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A homicide investigation is underway after an incident Saturday morning. According to the Dayton Police Department, officers were dispatched to the area of Kammer Avenue and Winters Street on report of shots being fired. At the scene, officers found 43-year-old Steve Dews inside a vehicle that had crashed into a pole on Kammer and North Woodward avenues. The man was also suffering from a gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers initiated life-saving measures on the man before he was transported to an area hospital. The man later succumbed to his injuries. The DPDs Homicide Unit is investigating. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Editors note: This story was updated to remove the name of the officer who was incorrectly identified as the one who fired the shots. Update: The suspect has been identified as Robert Glenn King, 40. DENVER (KDVR) Police are investigating a shooting involving officers near the Belmar Shopping Center that left one person dead. The department posted about the scene on X at 5:30 a.m. where multiple police cars were present around the Belmar Shopping Center near the south side of Best Buy. The Lakewood Police Department said officers responded to a Best Buy trespassing call around 3:30 a.m. After police arrived on the scene and tried to speak with the white male, he allegedly pointed a gun at officers and police fired at him. The suspect was taken to the hospital but later pronounced dead from his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Lakewood police officers have been placed on administrative leave after the incident, per Lakewood policy. As of 7 a.m., its still an active investigation, and West Alaska Drive is closed between South Wadsworth Boulevard and South Vance Street FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox The department said there is no estimate on when the roads will reopen, although FOX31s Carly Moore is on the scene where she said there was only a small section of the shopping center blocked off just before 7 a.m. The area includes Nordstrom Rack, Whole Foods parking lot and Pure Barre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there is crime scene tape blocking off part of the center, Moore said the rest of the shopping area seems to be accessible, and shoppers would be able to avoid the scene and take a different entrance. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HARRISON TWP., Ohio (WDTN) Three people were arrested after a reported shooting Saturday. According to the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, the incident occurred in the area of Rugby Road. 1 dead, 2 injured after head-on crash Sunday night A male sustained the gunshot wound, the injury is considered non-life-threatening. Three people were arrested in alleged connection to the shooting. Charges have not been filed or reviewed by the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office as of this writing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 NEWS will update this story as we learn more. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data Syrian rebels tear down a poster of Bashar al-Assad in the centre of Aleppo on Saturday. KARAM AL-MASRI (EFE) Bashar al-Assad was saved by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. The Syrian dictator managed to retain power over the past decade thanks to the support of these allies. In recent years, the situation seemed relatively stable. But now Moscow is undermined by the immense effort of its war against Ukraine, Tehran is weakened by Israeli attacks, and the Lebanese militia is in ruins after the devastating Israeli offensive. The diminished capacity of these actors to provide backing is the crucial element to understand the lightning advance of the Syrian rebels, a heterogeneous conglomerate of radical Islamist forces and other militias for which Turkey represents a decisive source of support. The picture is clear. The Kremlin is providing Damascus with essential air support. Although the Russian Air Force is not the arm of Vladimir Putins war machine that has been most exhausted by the war in Ukraine, it is evident that three years of wear and tear on that front are taking their toll, and that Moscow has reduced its attention on Syria. Iran has seen its projection in the country and to some extent in Iraq completely inhibited by Israels relentless strikes and it also has the challenge of deciding whether and how to respond to the latest Israeli blow, while its military inferiority has become plain. Hezbollah, which was essential as a ground force supporting Assad, and also in the framework of mercenaries from other countries who fought for the regime, is in a state of extreme weakness. But there is another key to understanding what is happening, which is the extraordinarily opportune for the rebels coincidence of several political developments in important places: the transition in Washington, with the new administration not due to be installed until January 20; the truce between Israel and Hezbollah, which spares Turkey the embarrassing image of being behind a strike against Israels enemies that brutally crushes Muslim civilians; and, although of lesser importance, the transition of power in the EU and a China absorbed in serious economic problems. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov that what happened is part of an Israeli-American plan to destabilize the region, according to local media cited by Reuters. It is true that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made abundantly clear his intention to reshape the order of the region by breaking the backbone of the axis of resistance that runs from the Mediterranean to Tehran, connecting Hezbollah in Lebanon, Assads Syria, Iraq led by Shiite factions and the Islamic Republic. He has made this clear with deeds and words, going so far as to say that regime change will soon come to Tehran. However, the current situation is probably not a subversive plan by the Israeli government. It seems to be rather an action supported by Turkey at a perfect time to weaken Assad, Iran, and Russia, while also placing the Kurdish militias in difficulty. They have the support of the United States, now distracted by the democratic transition. The rebels lightning offensive puts them in the complex position of converging with Assad against the same adversary in a suddenly dramatic situation. What is happening in Syria is evidence of the growing global interconnection of conflicts. There is an immense arc of conflict that stretches from Gaza to North Korea which provides military support to Russia including Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey which is militarily involved in Syria Iraq, Iran, Georgia with a frozen conflict and Russian troops stationed on its territory Russia, and Ukraine. The communicating vessels influence strategic decisions. Azerbaijan took advantage of Moscows weakness in Nagorno-Karabakh, with the abrupt capitulation of the Armenians while Russia stood by and watched. Now the Syrian rebels are trying the same trick. In this case, the Kremlin will undoubtedly try to support a key ally, in a country that allows it a significant military projection in the Mediterranean. It remains to be seen how much strength it can wield. Assad, on his own, has very little. Meanwhile, the transition of power in Washington promises to be very long. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition One person was injured in a crash in South Side Slopes. Allegheny County dispatchers said police, firefighters and medics were called to the 2100 block of S 18th Street at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. One person was taken to a hospital from the scene. Channel 11 saw a pickup truck had sustained damage to its front. It had to be towed from the scene. A car was also damaged. Its front drivers side door was damaged so badly that it was removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 11 has reached out to Pittsburgh Police for more information and is waiting to hear back. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) Crews rescued a person who uses a wheelchair on Sunday from a house fire in Hamden. A firefighter was also injured. The fire happened at about 9 p.m. on Second Street, according to the fire department. The fire started because a freezer was plugged into a kitchen outlet on the second floor. The flames moved up from the kitchen and into the third floor. Crews remained at the scene for three hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight people have been displaced due to water damage. The firefighter who was injured has since been released from a hospital. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Private chef Mila Furman shared her top Trader Joe's picks for holiday entertaining. Furman, a Chicago-based chef, has shopped at Trader Joe's for over 20 years. Her recommendations include gourmet cheeses and frozen appetizers for budget-friendly hosting. With years of experience as a private chef and a longtime devotion to Trader Joe's, Mila Furman has mastered the art of holiday hosting on a budget. Furman, who is from the Chicago area, swapped her corporate career to pursue her passion for food, starting her own food blog and eventually her own catering and private-cheffing company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She's also been an avid Trader Joe's shopper for over 20 years and says she uses the grocery chain "religiously" for entertaining and weekly grocery shopping for her clients and her own family. From gourmet cheeses, crackers, and dips to frozen appetizers, Furman believes these 10 items will wow your guests without straining your wallet, which is especially important as grocery prices remain high this season. Here are the Trader Joe's products a private chef would recommend for any holiday celebration. The cheese section at Trader Joe's can be a one-stop shop for an epic charcuterie board. Trader Joe's cheese section. MDV Edwards/Shutterstock For many holiday party hosts, a cheese or charcuterie board is a must-have, and Furman says it's easy to build a show-stopping one using products from Trader Joe's. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The charcuterie board we build from Trader Joe's, especially their dry goods section, is amazing," Furman told Business Insider. "The cheese situation is epic." Furman said she tries every new cheese Trader Joe's offers and that the Unexpected Cheddar cheese is one of her all-time favorites. She said she was shocked when she first tried it. "I've never tasted anything like that in the sense that it was super mild but also so full of flavor," she said. "They also have an amazing Saint-Andre, which is a triple cream cheese, so it's basically Brie en creme and another soft cheese that has chile peppers in it." Trader Joe's also has a variety of antipasto appetizers for entertaining. Trader Joe's sells mozzarella cheese wrapped in prosciutto for an easy charcuterie board addition. Hong Vo/Shutterstock Another item Furman picks up for holiday entertaining is the chain's prosciutto-wrapped fresh mozzarella cheese. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They have these ready antipasti apps, and it's so easy," she said. "You put them on a charcuterie board and you're done. That's it. There's nothing else you have to do." You can also get dry goods like nuts and dried cranberries to spice up your board. A view of several packages of Trader Joe's premium walnut halves. The Image Party/Shutterstock Furman touted the "much more affordable" selection of crackers, nuts, and other dried goods at Trader Joe's compared to other grocery stores, and said it's her go-to place to buy accouterments for her holiday charcuterie boards. "The nuts, the dried cranberries, the figs," she said, adding, "I see other places run out of figs way before their stores do." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chain's pre-made tzatziki is fresh and versatile. Trader Joe's has a wide selection of dips ideal for easy entertaining. Corinna Haselmayer/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From pairing it with crudite like carrots, cucumbers, and radishes to using it to top mini turkey meatballs, tzatziki is a fresh addition to a holiday appetizer table. "That one is awesome," Furman said. "Very, very clean, and it tastes delicious. That's one of my favorite go-to quick dips." Trader Joe's classic hummus provides a perfect base for seasonal variations, such as a pumpkin-spice hummus. Furman makes her own pumpkin hummus using one from Trader Joe's as a base. zi3000/Shutterstock "They have a hummus that is super neutral in terms of flavor," Furman said. "It's just a classic hummus, and you can add a ton of seasonings or put roasted red peppers into it, which is another amazing condiment that they have in their little dressing area." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also uses it to make pumpkin hummus, one of her go-to holiday recipes. "Take that hummus and combine it with pumpkin from a can, which Trader Joe's also has, at an incredibly affordable rate," she said. "Add in some red pepper flakes, some cinnamon, some nutmeg, some cardamom, a little bit of chili oil, and just kind of make it your own and really give it that pumpkin spice flavor." Furman said she also likes to add a few drops of maple syrup, "because you've got this sweet heat going on" or even hot honey. "It's whatever our clients like," she said. "And you have an amazing semi-homemade hummus that everybody is going to rave about." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trader Joe's sells a citrus cranberry sauce that's a must-have for holiday entertaining. A woman holding a jar of Trader Joe's cranberry sauce. Jaclyn Vernace/Shutterstock While the chain sells a traditional cranberry sauce with a few ingredients, Furman said she prefers the chain's orange cranberry relish, which has simple ingredients like cranberries, orange, and lemon. "You don't need to make your own ever, ever," she said. "All you have to do is put it in a bowl," she added. The chain's frozen pizzas and flatbreads make excellent appetizers. Trader Joe's pizza section. refrina/Shutterstock Furman said that her favorite type of frozen pizza from Trader Joe's is the Tarte D'Alsace, which is made with caramelized onions, ham, and Gruyere cheese. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You pop that in the oven, and you throw some red pepper flakes on it, and then maybe you just add in a little bit more of an interesting Manchego cheese or some other kind of cheese, and you're good to go," Furman said, adding that she also loves buying the chain's pizza dough for completely customizable pizzas and flatbreads. The French puff pastry is another must-buy during the holiday season. Furman called Trader Joe's frozen puff pastry the best on the market. Paulo Arsand/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It only comes out during the holidays, and then it's gone, so stack up because it is the best puff pastry, and you can do thousands of things, both savory and sweet," Furman said. One of her favorite ways to use the frozen puff pastry is to add in a few dollops of one of Trader Joe's Brie cheeses and tart cherry preserves. "Wrap it up, bake it in the oven, and you have an amazing little beggar's purse full of deliciousness," she said. The chain's fresh ravioli help create an easy dinner party meal. Trader Joe's sells lobster and cacio e pepe ravioli in its fresh pasta section. Jaclyn Vernace/Shutterstock Furman said that rather than the ravioli that come in the frozen aisle, she prefers the refrigerated kind in Trader Joe's fresh pasta section, especially the lobster and burrata varieties. She said the chain's pumpkin pasta sauce pairs well with its many pasta options for a seasonal dinner party menu. You can find the essentials for an old-fashioned cocktail at Trader Joe's. Furman recommends buying Trader Joe's cherries and bourbon for an old-fashioned. Martyn Cooling/Shutterstock "They introduced what are essentially Luxardo cherries, which are basically what a real old-fashioned is designed for. They're in jars by the jams and stuff, and you don't need much else except bourbon," Furman said, adding that she even likes the Trader Joe's bourbon sold in select stores. "Add some bourbon, a squeeze of orange, a squeeze of lemon, put in a cinnamon stick in there, put a few of those cherries in there, throw in a big, big, big gorgeous ice cube, a sprig of thyme, and then use the cinnamon stick as your straw. And you have an amazing old-fashioned," she said. Read the original article on Business Insider (NewsNation) Just this week, dozens of children were found alone at the U.S.-Mexico border, including a 10-year-old boy who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border on Thanksgiving Day and a 4-year-old girl from Honduras found by officials. According to Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Chris Olivarez, more than 100 unaccompanied children have encountered agents on the nations southern border since Sunday, Nov. 24. I want the American people to see the impacts of this current border situation that weve been in for the last three plus years, and how it impacts unaccompanied children are coming across that border, Olivarez told NewsNation Prime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Olivarez, the children theyve encountered ranged from 2 years old to 17 years old. Border Czar Tom Homan says US has no other option than mass deportations The unnamed 4-year-old girl had a note with her when she encountered agents, with a phone number and first name. Her mother told NewsNation she is already in the U.S. and said she left her child in the hands of criminal smugglers in Honduras and Mexico in hopes of being reunited. I found a coyote and I paid for them to bring her to me, the woman said. She came alone. It was just the coyote. The last time I talked to my daughter was Saturday, and I havent heard anything since they told me the coyote had already handed her over to another coyote, but I dont know anything else about her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its all too common, Olivarez explained, adding that he fears the influx of unaccompanied minors will only get worse. Giant trash boom installed to keep Tijuana trash out of U.S. It really shows the inner workings of how these criminals are operating, also how some of these family members, if they are family members in fact, how they even allow their child to make this long, precarious journey to United States at the hands of criminals, he added. Olivarez pointed to whatever agreement the Biden administration made with Mexico to get its border crossings numbers down, saying: There is no safety mechanisms. There is no protocols in place to protect unaccompanied children. The 4-year-olds mother shared photos of her daughter with NewsNation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The photos, sent to the mother by a human smuggler while her daughter was still in Mexico, show more children in the background. The mother tells NewsNation that her daughter is still under U.S. immigration custody and its unclear if or when she will be released to her in South Carolina. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Toronto-based Porter Airlines has added another option for holiday travel. A new seasonal, non-stop route between Montreal and Fort Myers started Friday, Nov. 29. The economy airline is the only one offering non-stop service between Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), according to a release. Rates start at $104 depending on dates and availability, according to the FlyPorter.com wesbite. Southwest Florida International Airport is pleased that Porter Airlines is expanding at RSW with flights to Montreal (YUL), Canada, beginning Nov. 29," said Steven C. Hennigan, executive director and CEO, Lee County Port Authority, in the release. "Porter will be the only airline offering nonstop flights to Montreal and, along with their service to Ottawa and Toronto, they will be serving the most popular markets between Southwest Florida and Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in November, Porter added nonstop flights between Palm Beach and Toronto. What is the new route between Montreal and Fort Myers? Montreal - Fort Myers, departure 3:55 p.m., arrival 7:50 p.m. Fort Myers - Montreal, departure 11:35 a.m., arrival 3 p.m. Both flights run Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. What do passengers get on the Montreal and Fort Myers flight? The new service features no middle seats, free WiFi, complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, and free premium snacks, the release said. The flights are operated by Porters Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. What's the catch? Rates rise depending on the day and availability, with some times and dates starting as high as $571. Passengers who buy the cheapest fares are assigned seats, don't get electronic boarding passes on their mobile phones (they must print out emails) and can't change or refund their trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Basic fare passengers can take a small bag on board that can fit under the seats in front of them, but overhead bags will cost extra. is Porter a budget airline? Porter Airlines started with the idea in 2006 that a regional airport using Canadian-built turboprop aircraft could be less expensive. Using a fleet of Dash 8-400 planes, the airline offered lower-priced rates with fewer amenities for basic plans. The airline has since added Embraer E195-E2 jets, allowing them to offer service to farther destinations, including many in the United States. Is Porter Airlines owned by Air Canada? No. Port Airlines is owned by Porter Aviation Holdings (PAHL), formerly known as REGCO Holdings Inc., which is controlled by the Deluce aviation family Robert J. Deluce, his brother Peter, his son Michael Deluce and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a battle to try and expand the Toronto Island airport with a new bridge and terminal became a political fight, REGCO bought the airport building that Air Canada was using as part of its Jazz service and evicted them before announcing that Porter Airlines service would begin service there. Air Canada sued, first in Ontario Superior Court (later dropped) and then in federal court. Porter has countersued. What US cities does Porter fly to? Along with multiple Canadian destinations, Porter also flies to several U.S. cities, including these in Florida: From Toronto-Pearson (YYZ): Tampa (TPA) Fort Myers (RSW) Orlando (MCO) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Miami (MIA) West Palm Beach (PBI) From Ottawa (YOW): Orlando (MCO) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Fort Myers (RSW) From Montreal (YUL): Fort Myers (RSW) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Halifax (YHZ): Tampa (TPA) Orlando (MCO) Chris Persaud, Palm Beach Post, contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Porter Airlines adds Florida flights between Fort Myers, Montreal More than $10 million is heading to Kansas to support people who have been affected by crime. On Wednesday, Gov. Laura Kelly announced that $10,289,285 in federal funding will be allocated to community-based organizations and local and state agencies to help crime victims and survivors. These services are vital to the well-being of Kansans impacted by crime, Kelly said. This funding gives organizations the ability to continue providing the assistance crime victims and survivors deserve as they stabilize their lives, navigate the criminal justice system and regain a sense of safety and security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twenty-two out of 105 Kansas counties were awarded funding for 65 agencies. Sedgwick County and Wichita lead that number with 11 agencies, totaling to $1,767,382 going to the county and the city, according to a news release from the governors office. Six agencies in Shawnee County received a total of $2,593,357, the most out of any other county. The funding comes from the federal Victims of Crime Act. Funding will provide crisis counseling offered by sexual assault and mental health centers, forensic interviews conducted by childrens advocacy centers, the release said. Other services will include shelter and transportation. Of all the things that could be risky to consume, bottled water is surely bottom of the list. It's commonly considered a safe and sanitary alternative to tap water, being a go-to for anyone concerned about the hygiene of the mains supply, stocking up emergency shelters, or simply to make coffee taste better. However, it might surprise you to learn that drinking water can be just as likely to be recalled as any other food or drink product out there. Plus, what's interesting is how wide-ranging the reasons can be for a recall. Drinking water can be contaminated with bacteria like E. coli, and while much bottled water out there has been distilled or purified, you can never be truly sure that it's safe. Bottled water can also be prone to containing traces of heavy metals or toxic contaminants that leach from the plastic into the water itself. If that wasn't bad enough, some recalls occur because the bottle the water comes in is deemed unsafe, often due to a manufacturing issue, or because the bottle and the water inside have developed mold. You may be avoiding bottled water because it's pretty expensive, but after you check out these recalls, you might start avoiding it for entirely different reasons. Read more: The 15 Best Milk Brands, Ranked Coliform Bacteria Resulted In A Wide Recall Of Water Rows of plastic bottles in plastic packaging - Simpleimages/Getty Images Water is more likely to contain bacteria than you might think, and the mere risk of it can lead some folks to choose bottled water instead. Unfortunately, bacteria can still make it into those bottles in quantities that would make them unsafe, as a 2024 recall proved. Berkeley Club Beverages had to issue a recall for bottles of its purified and distilled spring water (which are different to regular spring water), which it was shipping in one- and five-gallon bottles, because of the presence of coliforms. While the bottles had only been shipped across three different states, this was still a hefty recall for the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When coliform bacteria are found in water, they can be the tip of the iceberg. These microbes are naturally present in the digestive systems of animals (and humans), and they may not be harmful themselves. However, the presence of coliforms can flag that other, more harmful pathogens could have made their way into the water, which may result in food poisoning. This is why coliforms are known as "indicator" bacteria; by testing for them, food companies and health organizations can catch issues before it's too late, while also saving time and money instead of testing for every type of harmful bacteria out there. A Combo Of Contaminants Caused A Recall Of Almost 2 Million Bottles Of Water Fiji Natural Artesian Water - Natural Waters of Viti Limited You know what's worse than one contaminant? Two ... or three ... or even four different contaminants. Unfortunately, this was the situation in which Natural Waters of Viti Limited found itself in 2024, when it had to put out a massive recall of its Fiji Natural Artesian Water. The company had to track down almost 1.9 million bottles of water when it discovered that they contained excessive levels of manganese, as well as three different types of bacteria. Who'd have thought that bottled water could have so much bad stuff in it? While the trio of bacteria was definitely concerning, it's the manganese that was the real problem here. Manganese is a normal component of water and is also present in many different foods, and you need a tiny amount of it to maintain proper health. However, if you consume too much of it, things can get really risky. High levels of manganese can prompt a disease called "manganism," which can result in a host of neurological symptoms like speech disturbances and tremors, according to a report published by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Possible Non-Viral Hepatitis Infection Prompted A 2021 Recall Real Water bottles in side-by-side picture, showing front and back labels - FDA The last thing that bottled water should be causing is serious illness, or even death. However, in 2021 that became a very real, terrifying possibility, prompting a full recall of bottled water brands in different sizes. Real Water, Inc. had to recall all of its Real Water bottles over concerns that drinking it could be linked to the development of non-viral hepatitis. The recall occurred following multiple people developing the disease, and at least one person who died following a liver illness, who it was believed had drunk the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was made even more worrying was that Real Water was marketed as a drink that could have a wholesome or detoxifying effect. The water was sold as being ionized and "alkaline," which potentially led customers to believe that the drink might help them and not carry deeply dangerous consequences. While it's unclear exactly how the water may have become so risky to drink, its manufacturing method, which involved treating it with lye and other potentially risky chemicals, may have had something to do with it. The company was instructed by federal authorities to destroy its potentially harmful products immediately. Manufacturing Issues Led To A Recall Of Perfect Empowered Drinking Water Amway Perfect Empowered Drinking Water - Amway Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you buy a bottle of water, you expect it to be sealed and safe with a well-formed, airtight join between bottle and rim that prevents any contamination. Sadly, that's sometimes not the case, as a 2020 recall showed. The snappy, inspirationally-named Perfect Empowered Drinking Water had to go to work battling a recall as everyone else was battling COVID-19, due to the fact that some bottles may have been damaged, with their rims potentially compromised. The voluntary recall notice, which was issued via Amway, indicated that a manufacturing issue may have led to the damage. The fear was that the potential impairment of the product may have led to plastic particles getting into the water and then into the bodies of anybody who drank it. Amway was quick to point out that it didn't consider the issue to be a safety risk, which seemed to indicate that any plastic particles in the water could have been pretty small. However, we think it's fair to say that most people don't want bits of stray plastic floating around in their water. In Ireland, Bottled Water Was Recalled Over Arsenic Levels Plastic bottles with blue caps on conveyor belt - Gumpanat/Shutterstock What do you like in your bottled water? A little bit of arsenic, perhaps? No, we didn't think so. If you were buying bottled water in Ireland in 2019, though, consuming a product that contained one of the most famously poisonous substances in the world was a real possibility. The bottled water, which came in two store-brand options sold in convenience stores, was recalled after excessively high levels of arsenic were found in them. Shortly after the initial recall was put out, a second recall was announced, this time encompassing a much wider range of branded bottled waters. Thankfully, the levels of arsenic that were found in the recalled water bottles were not thought to be unsafe, either on a short-term or a long-term level, so it seems that the recall was precautionary. It's worth remembering that while high levels of arsenic are deadly, the element is naturally occurring and can be found in water sources around the world. Naturally, though, things get a little riskier when arsenic levels become elevated if the element is potentially not being filtered out as rigorously as it should be. Bottled Drinking Water Was Recalled In 2019 Because Of Of PFAS Rows of still water bottles with blue caps - Peter Dazeley/Getty Images Bottled water isn't always free of chemicals, and a 2019 recall due to the presence of PFAS (or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the water proved this pretty starkly. Bottled water brands supplied by Spring Hill Dairy, Inc., produced in Massachusetts, were found to contain six to seven times the amount of PFAS than they should have. This prompted certain branded products that contained the Spring Hill Dairy water to be recalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was notable about this recall was that Spring Hill Dairy resisted issuing the notice itself, pointing out that there was no legal requirement for the company to do so, and citing its new filtration system. This was despite the Massachusetts Department of Public Health releasing a statement urging people to avoid the water. Instead, it fell on the brands that contained the water to recall their products individually. You'd think that the concern around PFAS would cause Spring Hill Farms to act a bit more decisively, huh? PFAS are long-lasting commercial and industrial chemicals that work their way into different aspects of the food chain, which have been found to produce severe health consequences, including impacting fertility and the immune system, and potentially causing cancer. Removing PFAS from drinking water is a key stage for water producers, and their presence is never a good thing. Perrier Conducted A Massive Product Recall In 1990 Rows of Perrier water on supermarket shelf - Aria sandi hasim/Shutterstock Perrier is one of the biggest sparkling water brands out there, and you can generally rely on its products to be widely available, consistent, and above all, safe. Back in 1990, though, that wasn't the case. Perrier's entire stock had to be removed from stores after it was discovered that some of its water bottles contained benzene, a naturally occurring chemical that's commonly used in industrial applications. The presence of this unpleasant substance was totally at odds with the image that Perrier tries to portray, which is one of wholesomeness and vitality. Importantly, it seems as though this recall was conducted out of a combination of caution and brand management. At the time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pointed out that the amount of benzene in the bottles was low enough to not cause concern, and even drinking it regularly would likely not cause any notable health issues. However, it seems that the potential consequences of consuming higher amounts of benzene, as well as the reputation of the chemical itself, were enough to prompt the company to get its bottles back. Benzene can be found in gasoline and cigarette smoke, and ingesting high amounts of it can lead to vomiting, convulsions, or even death. Lower, long-term exposure to benzene can also increase the risk of cancer. Mold Was Found In Purified Water For Babies, Leading To A Recall Comforts for Baby Purified Water with Fluoride Added - Kroger Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know what people really don't want in their bottled water? Mold. Plus, you know who really shouldn't be drinking moldy water? Babies. Sadly, this incredibly unappealing (and risky) combination became a definite possibility in 2017, when gallon containers of Comforts for Baby Purified Water with Fluoride Added had to be recalled due to mold contamination. The water, which was sold by The Kroger Company, was distributed to various different stores that operate under the Kroger umbrella. To add insult to injury, the issue potentially affected water produced over the course of roughly six months. The company had to get back a pretty large amount of product, making this yet another recall that Kroger likely wants to forget. The mold was a strand called Talaromyces penicillium which, despite its name, is distinct from the drug, penicillin. This mold may have been invisible to the naked eye in these bottles, but that didn't stop it from potentially being hazardous. Talaromyces penicillium can produce allergic responses and asthma attacks, as well as skin and eye irritation. It's especially harmful to babies or infants who are immunocompromised or have congenital HIV, making this recall particularly urgent. Possible E. Coli Contamination Led To A Wide Recall In 2015 Hand holding plastic bottle of water - banjongseal324SS/Shutterstock E. coli gets everywhere. This bacteria is a common cause of food poisoning and it can potentially pop up in even the safest-seeming products, like bottled drinking water. The risk of E. coli contamination was the cause of a 2015 recall notice issued by Niagara Bottling, which announced that it had discovered the potential presence of its bacteria in one of its spring sources. As a consequence, the company had to recall products sold by 14 bottled water brands, including those sold by major stores like 7-11 and Wegmans. E. coli live in the digestive systems of animals, but these microbes become dangerous when they leave the body via fecal matter. When this happens, rainwater or melting snow can move the bacteria into water systems, and it then washes downstream to the spring source where the water is bottled. Most of the time, coliforms like E. coli are caught and filtered out before they end up in your bottle of water, but in this instance, it seems the filtration wasn't thorough enough. Thankfully, Niagara Bottling only had to recall water produced in just over a week-long timespan, which likely helped it track down the products more easily. 1.6 Million Cases Of Bottled Water Were Recalled For Potentially Containing Plastic Shards Refreshe Purified Drinking Water - Safeway Drinking water recalls can vary considerably in size but when they're big, they're really big. One of the larger bottled drinking water recalls occurred in 2012, when 1.6 million cases of Refreshe Purified Drinking Water had to be tracked down by retailer Safeway. The recall was prompted after plastic pieces were thought to potentially be in certain affected water bottles, with some pieces being as long as 12 millimeters, presenting an issue for anybody drinking them and a potential choking hazard for younger children or infants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's unclear exactly how these plastic pieces ended up in the water. Pieces of that size are different to nanoplastics, which break down from larger plastic pieces and are invisible to the naked eye, and which can be abundant in bottled water. Instead, it seems that these larger plastic pieces may have ended up in the water as a result of a manufacturing issue or the deterioration of factory equipment, which can be a common cause of food recalls due to the presence of foreign objects. A 2011 Recall Was Prompted By Mold Bottled water on blue background - Years/Getty Images Although bottled water doesn't technically expire, it can still get moldy, and contamination from mold is surprisingly common. In 2011, it was the cause of yet another recall. Mountain Pure, a water company based in Arkansas, had to recall bottles of its drinking water after it found mold in some samples. It was unclear at first exactly what type of mold it was that got into the water, as well as how it got in there in the first place but given that any mold is usually not an attractive prospect, it's good that the company acted quickly. What made this recall particularly troubling was what the water was intended for. Rather than being sold in stores to customers, the affected Mountain Pure water had been shipped to Clinton, Arkansas, for future use during any upcoming disaster efforts. We're thankful the company found the problem when it did, as we can't imagine anything we'd want less than having to drink moldy water during a time of crisis. Wegmans Bottled Water Was Recalled Because Of Excessive Bromate Levels Single plastic bottle of drinking water with blue cap - Jose A. Bernat Bacete/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For something that's meant to be tasteless, pure, and pretty much universally good for us, water has a knack for soaking up a lot of unpleasant contaminants that we'd rather not be consuming. One such contaminant is bromate, which in 2008 made its way into bottled water sold by Wegmans at well over twice the quantity that's considered safe. As a result, the retailer had to recall its Food You Feel Good About Spring Water from its shelves. While Wegmans was quick to note that drinking its water wouldn't result in any immediate health issues, it was wise to recall it as quickly as it could. In industry, bromate can be created when ozone reacts with bromide, with both components coming together when water is being disinfected. From this vital process comes a contaminant that may, in large quantities, result in gastrointestinal issues with an impact on your kidneys, especially if you're more prone to kidney-related illnesses. It's worth remembering that at low levels bromate presents a pretty small risk to health, but it's important to limit exposure where possible. Millions Of Bottles Of Water Were Recalled In 2003 After They Presented A Choking Hazard Bottle of drinking water, with a hand removing the cap - Tatiana Diuvbanova/Shutterstock The bottles that drinking water comes in, and particularly their lids, can be a notorious choking hazard. Recently though, companies have made way more efforts to reduce the risk that their bottles present, with lids that remain attached to the bottle itself. We have to imagine that a lot of these advancements have come as a result of high-profile stories of choking occurrences and recalls like the one that took place in 2003. That year, over three million bottles had to be recalled because of the choking hazard they presented because their lids were coming off without any warning. It seems that a manufacturing issue led to the lids being looser than usual. It didn't help that the affected bottles were sold under five different brand names, giving the manufacturer CCDA Waters a pretty big job to do. The saving grace of this recall was that while the issue had the potential to cause harm or even death, CCDA Waters noted that at the time of the recall, nobody had been significantly affected. We're willing to bet that some tighter manufacturing checks were introduced after this one. Defective Bottles Led To A Sparkling Water Recall Sparkling water being poured from glass bottle into glass - Fhm/Getty Images People love the way certain drinks really do taste better from glass bottles, but some are squeamish about purchasing them because they're afraid the glass will shatter in their hands. Normally those fears are completely unfounded. In 1998, though, the prospect of your glass bottle breaking while you opened it was a real possibility, if you were buying a bottle of flavored Calistoga Sparkling Mineral Water. The company that made the brand, Calistoga Mineral Water Co., had to recall its bottles after almost two dozen customers complained that their products were breaking as they opened them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apparently, the issue was in the rim: When people tried to twist the cap off the bottle, the rim broke, creating a serious safety hazard. Folks who were unaware of the breakage may have then put the bottle to their lips, cutting their mouth or the bottle could have broken further, resulting in cut hands. A large number of flavors were affected, with the company having to pull roughly 28,000 bottles off shelves. 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. CHICAGO A 15-year-old boy was shot while sitting in a parked vehicle on the citys West Side. The shooting happened around 8 p.m. Sunday on the 2900 block of West Fulton in Garfield Park. According to police, a 15-year-old boy was sitting in a parked car when he heard multiple shots fired and felt pain. The teen sustained several gunshot wounds to the body and was transported to Stroger Hospital in fair condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one is in custody. Area Three Detectives are investigating. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 November, at least 151 Russian drones flew into the airspace of Belarus. Source: Belaruski Hajun, an independent Belarusian military monitoring media outlet, on Telegram Details: In the report, this statistic was referred to as a new monthly record. Of the 151 Russian UAVs, 82 returned to Ukrainian and Russian airspace, while the remaining 66 disappeared. At least 148 of them were Shahed drones, with a further 3 reconnaissance drones of unknown type. The approximate route of the Shahed drones over Belarus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Belaruski Hajun Background: In November, Russian drones breached Belarusian airspace 20 days out of 30. In November, at least three occurrences of Belarusian air defence shooting down kamikaze drones were recorded; the drones were destroyed over the Mozyr district on 24 and 26 November. Support UP or become our patron! In the 1980s, the futurologist Hans Moravec warned that, paradoxically, it would be the actions that are easiest for humans (such as holding a piece of sushi with two chopsticks) that would pose the greatest difficulties for robots and computers. On the other hand, very complex tasks such as finding errors in medical prescriptions, distinguishing when a space telescope has detected something interesting, or choosing Christmas presents for the whole family have ended up being enormously simple for algorithms. Artificial intelligence already does that, we argue more and more often. But according to thousands of scientists and philosophers, the label is not entirely appropriate. Both words (artificial and intelligent) are controversial and highly suspect. I prefer the term machine learning, as it is easier to see what we are talking about: systems that allow machines to learn patterns or correlations and apply them to new situations and data, explains Justin Joque, who teaches at the University of Michigan and is the author of Revolutionary Mathematics: Artificial Intelligence, Statistics and the Logic of Capitalism. It is reasonable that there is some confusion among the general public because these are concepts that are difficult to understand for those without a mathematical background. There is a lot of mysticism surrounding AI, as there is in any other scientific field: studies on cancer, astronomical observatories when we talk about UFOs These are interesting issues and they are widely publicized, so there are always those who will create a morbid curiosity around them, explains Celsa Pardo-Araujo, a mathematician at the Institute of Space Sciences whose research focuses on the application of machine learning to astrophysics. What is also clear is that Google, DeepMind and Microsoft are creating algorithms that solve problems that could not be solved before, she adds. But here comes the part that affects us: in addition to solving certain problems and being very useful in scientific research, algorithms are also generating content and, above all, ordering and hierarchizing everything that we have created ourselves. And this includes both the vast array of universal culture and the last photo we took while having breakfast. What criteria do they use? What are these creations like? That is the most worrying part because, as Kyle Chayka shows in the 2024 book Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture, the map (that is, the algorithm that rewards some content over others) is already affecting the territory (that is, the form of the content itself and the reality in which we move, especially in cities). Mensent Photography (Getty Images) Chayka gives the example of internet cafes that want to appear sophisticated: if they all offer the same products and their decoration is so similar, if the public that visits them also looks so similar all over the world, it is because their managers are following the model that Instagram imposes when it gives priority to some images over others. Instagram only attracts an audience to the places that upload photos that fit its algorithm, and this is something that is happening in all areas: there are already musicians who teach how to write songs so that they will go viral on TikTok (for example, with the chorus very close to the beginning) and many illustrators imitate the Pixar style regardless of whether it stimulates them (it is also used by many automatic image generators) because they have found that this helps them go viral. A world that is increasingly resembling itself Through empirical research conducted in France in the 1960s, the sociologist Pierre Bourdieu studied the social bases of taste and discovered dozens of correlations between issues such as educational attainment, type of employment or disposable income (i.e., social class factors) and aesthetic preferences. Today, when algorithms have much more precise and personalized information about our tastes (we give it away to them all the time) and some of their suggestions satisfy us (Spotify is rarely wrong when it designs a playlist for us), we still have the feeling that many platforms only amplify the worst content, the most sensationalist or misleading one. YouTubes recommendation system, for example, will have a core initially trained with a certain number of users and then it receives feedback and retrains itself with each stream, explains Pardo-Araujo. It is true that algorithms reproduce many biases because you can never train them with the entire population, and you have to be very careful with this process: the distributions must be representative of reality. But it is funny that biases in algorithms generate so much alarm, when we all have so many biases ourselves that we should also eliminate from our consciences. It may be easier to recognize them in algorithms than in ourselves, adds the mathematician, convinced that algorithms reflect what is already happening in society. Tara Moore (Getty Images) But when it comes to algorithms, the line between adapting to user tastes or shaping and directing them is very thin. This is where the feeling emerges that we are being shown and recommended a variation of the same thing again and again. For example, some people accused Billie Eilish of writing her songs with TikTok in mind, but isnt it easier to believe that, unintentionally, they come out that way because, at her age, she has spent hours exposed to TikTok? This algorithmic feedback of already existing trends is what is most worrying in the world of culture. In fact, this is the process that some authors like Chayka call the flattening of culture and which gives rise to increasingly conservative works. Creators, consciously or unconsciously, are reproducing algorithmic biases (which, in turn, were those of previous artists and users). On a technical level, the introduction of increasingly similar samples (or directly produced by previous algorithms) into systems constitutes a major threat to their evolution. Systems trained with several generations of AI output quickly become absurd, he notes, adding that the risk that good-quality, human-generated content could become a resource like oil or coal is real. On the artistic level, algorithms constantly feed back into the current recurring trend, says Luis Demano, an illustrator and activist against the abusive use of generative AI in his sector. He has identified which images are most rewarded and reproduced by automatic systems: They tend to be realistic representations close to photographic profiles and with a very characteristic chromatic treatment, forcing a lot of lighting contrasts between warm and cold tones. In addition to being useful for reducing costs, Demano recognizes that entering the algorithms game can be rewarding for those who use them: It rewards us and makes us feel special with the attention we receive. Ego is a very powerful drug. Neither artistic nor original: When the algorithm creates and distributes When the notions of authorship and originality developed after the Enlightenment, art became the most characteristic practice of a new type of individual: creative, autonomous, and free to choose their own rules and those they would apply to their works. The rules that generative AI uses for the works it produces have nothing to do with that: they are a statistical approximation that takes advantage of the characteristics of the works it has been trained on, as well as data on the functioning of the attention market. I strongly assert that tech companies steal copyrighted works to train their models, Demano complains. While originality is a difficult property to define, philosophers are clear: it is not something that can be found in AI products. Originality is as much a matter of the work of art as it is of the process of creating it, Joque explains. Recently, I asked my students to read Borgess short story Pierre Menard, Author of Don Quixote. The story describes the eccentric author Menard, whose secret job is to rewrite Don Quixote word for word. Borges suggests that writing the exact same words in the 20th century completely changes the work, as Menard gives them a different meaning than Cervantes did when he wrote them in the early 17th century. Although Borges writes this somewhat jokingly, I think he is suggesting that the conditions under which art is created affect how we understand it and whether we find it interesting. Even if an AI could produce a Rothko-style work, doing it automatically in the 21st century could never compare to what Rothko did in the 20th century, the professor and philosopher explains. So what exactly does AI do and why do all its works or products look so similar to each other? Demano answers: They are not designed to create art, but to generate content. The difference between the two terms is established by the function they fulfill. Content serves to make the infinite advertising billboard that is the internet work as a business. Generative AI is the technology industrys solution to meet this need as quickly and efficiently as possible. Its greatest success has been making us believe that using it can turn us into artists instantly, when in reality we are customers of a content demand service. So, when we find a family resemblance in everything that algorithms generate or offer us, we are not faced with malicious bias or a question of style: it is simply a market imposition. Understanding how algorithms work helps us understand that they have no political leanings, but rather circulate what provokes the most heated reactions in us, what requires less concentration or what can be consumed more quickly. When the algorithm is deified, we forget that it is a simple mechanism, and that its development and operation involves many human subjects: the person who orders programming to maximize profits, the person who writes that code as a paid job (surely an underpaid freelancer), the person who trains it, in many cases involuntarily, with their creations, and the person who runs it on their computer or phone and at the same time feeds it. Of course, we should not blame the user, but neither should we blame the mechanism behind which the real operator of this whole process hides: a businessman who does not care about the type of content that is reproduced by his platform; or in other words: Amazon does not distinguish between distributing a copy of Dostoevskys The Brothers Karamazov or the Troll Book by the social media star elRubius. Marx wrote that we often believe that social structures are immovable objects or indisputable natural laws. It is an illusion: all social structures and scientific and industrial constructions (and artificial intelligence is one of them) are a consequence of our actions and relationships and, with sufficient collective force, they can be modified. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The archive video above first aired when the incident happened in August. NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) New Haven police say a 16-year-old has been charged after gunshots struck a home on Congress Avenue in August, leading to the injury of a juvenile inside. The teen was arrested on Nov. 14 for first-degree assault, larceny of a motor vehicle, illegal possession of a weapon or motor vehicle, and conspiracy and tampering with evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Juvenile injured after gunfire strikes home in New Haven New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson said the suspect is also still being treated for injuries after being shot at some point since the August incident. The shooting happened around 2:36 a.m. in the area of Congress Avenue and Redfield Street on Aug. 6. At the time of the incident, fire officials said a 10-year-old sustained injuries to his feet after stepping on glass inside the home. Woman arrested in connection to 2023 hit-and-run in New Haven Jacobson said only ballistic evidence was found on scene, but investigators were able to identify the suspect through cameras and by tracking stolen vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police expect to make additional arrests in this case, as they say the teen did not act alone. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV) Authorities in Fond du Lac say an 18-year-old man was arrested Sunday night after allegedly leading police on two separate pursuits in a stolen vehicle. According to a release from the Fond du Lac Police Department, officers located a vehicle at 10:44 p.m. in the 100 block of East 12th Street matching the description of a reported stolen vehicle from the Ripon area. Police pursuit in North Fond du Lac ends with suspect at large Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say they attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle near South Main Street and 15th Street during which time the vehicle decided to speed off from the scene leading to the first pursuit of the night which was called off after the vehicle had gotten out of sight. Fond du Lac officers continued to search the area and were able to locate the stolen vehicle on Birchwood Court before it sped off again trying to evade police. A second pursuit ensued going north on South Park Avenue with officers successfully deploying a tire deflation device near East Johnson Street. Been a hard year: Two Rivers neighbors grieve 7-year-old Jacob Baer found in West Twin River Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the stolen vehicle continued on heading north on North Park Avenue until it crashed into trees after being unable to negotiate the curve at Lighthouse Court in Lakeside Park. The 18-year-old driver suffered only minor injuries in the crash and was taken to the hospital for treatment before being arrested and taken to the Fond du Lac County Jail on the following potential charges: Vehicle Operator Flee/Elude an Officer (2 counts) Operate Motor Vehicle without Owners Consent Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety Felony Bail Jumping (3 counts) Operating while Revoked due to Alcohol/Controlled Substance The Fond du Lac Police Department says these charges are being referred to the Fond du Lac County District Attorneys Office and no other information is available as the Wisconsin State Patrol continues to investigate the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. The Aiken County Coroner's Office recently confirmed two people died Sunday night in a Graniteville house fire. Just before midnight, the coroner's office was called to a house fire on the 100 block of Taylor Pond Road in Graniteville, according to a news release. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene at 1:08 a.m. Monday. The victims' names will be released after positive identification and notification of next-of-kin, according to the coroner's office. Autopsies will be held in Newberry, South Carolina to determine the cause and manner of death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coroner's office and Aiken County Sheriff's Office are continuing with the investigation, according to the release. Augusta shooting: 1 arrested, 1 wanted in connection to shooting death of 20-year-old Augusta man Less than 24 hours prior to the Graniteville fire, an elderly couple died in an Augusta house fire. Carole Logan, 80, and Henry Logan, 80, of the 4400 block of Etterlee Road in Blythe, were found inside the home by firefighters battling the blaze, The Chronicle reported. Both were pronounced dead at the scene at 2 a.m. Augusta Fire Department officials noted one occupant was able to escape and one firefighter suffered minor burns, according to a social media post. The firefighter was taken to the WellStar emergency room for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Richmond County Coroner's Office and Augusta Fire did not immediately provide the cause of the fire, but confirmed an autopsy was scheduled. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: 2 dead in Graniteville house fire Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers are investigating the deaths of two people in a house along West 38th Street near Crown Hill Cemetery on Monday afternoon. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers are investigating the deaths of two people inside a house on the 400 block of West 38th Street, on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. Police received a call at about noon that two people had been injured with gunshot wounds. By the time police arrived both people were pronounced dead. Indianapolis police officers were called to assist the Washington Township Constable's office with an eviction investigation, according to preliminary information provided by William Young, IMPD's public information officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When deputies of the constable's office arrived at the home, they discovered two people, a man and a woman, who had been injured via gunshot wounds, Young said. They were both pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the case isn't being investigated as a homicide at this point. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers are investigating the deaths of two people inside a house on the 400 block of West 38th Street, on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Indianapolis. "We are in the early stages of trying to figure out exactly what occurred," Young said. Williams said police have not gotten far enough into their investigation to determine if the shooting was a murder-suicide. "We're having to slow things down and get search warrants before we enter the home," Young said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The identities of the people were not immediately released. This article will be updated. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis shooting leaves two dead inside West 38th Street house JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) A 20-year-old Birmingham man killed in a Jefferson County shooting was identified Monday morning. Jaden Rashad Jones was pronounced dead at UAB Hospital around 3:26 p.m. on November 30 after being shot during an assault, according to the Jefferson County Coroners Office. The exact location of the shooting is unknown at this time. Hannah Kobayashis missed flight was intentional: LAPD chief Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones death is being investigated as a homicide by the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Editors note: A spokesperson for the city of Pasadena told KTLA that the tree is believed to be less than 100 years old and not 200 years old as originally reported. Residents of a Pasadena neighborhood came out Sunday in support of an ailing oak tree. Located on the east side of McDonald Park in the Bungalow Heaven neighborhood, the tree has been draped with a sign reading, I gave over a century of shade. What will you do to protect me? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This community is unique in Southern California because of its greenery and its trees, Pasadena resident Jessica Richards, one of the residents who launched the campaign to save the tree, told KTLA. If we continue to lose those trees one by one through negligence, lack of creative thinking or preservation, thats a loss for our city. City officials, however, have pointed out that the large oak tree has fallen ill with disease and is now leaning and adding stress to already heavy branches. Safety is paramount, city spokesperson Lisa Dederian said. People hold meditation classes under the tree, people who are picnicking sit under this tree. Residents gather around a historic oak tree in McDonald Park that may need to come down due to disease on Dec. 1, 2024. (KTLA) Richards, who acknowledged that the tree is ailing, said shes worried about the precedent removing the tree would set for other mature trees in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the city of Monrovias large tree outside of the library is a good example of the city embracing the preservation mindset, she explained. It mitigates public safety hazards while also supporting the growth of the historic tree. In Pasadena, city leaders like Dederian and City Councilmember-elect Rick Cole are listening to the residents. If there is an immediate need to remove the tree, Dederian said the city would do just that, but that a third-party arborist is scheduled to examine it this week to ascertain whether the oak is truly on its last limb. Cities are financially strapped and sometimes take shortcuts, Cole added. This is a special tree and a special park, and Im glad the city has backed off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, no date has been set for the trees removal. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 changed to reflect the first day of trout in 2025 is April 5, not April 25 as originally reported. Pa. (WTAJ) Hook, line and sinker Officials announced the first day of trout for 2025 and that licenses and permits are now available across the commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced that Saturday, April 5, will be the first day of trout season. Future trout stocking dates will be announced over the next few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Licenses, permits and vouchers are now on sale, beginning Sunday, Dec. 1, and can be purchased through the HuntFishPA online portal on the PFBC website, on your smartphone using the FishBoatPA mobile app, or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license-issuing agents. They will be valid for 13 months Dec. 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2025. In addition to being able to buy vouchers for gifts as the holidays approach, customers can choose a multi-year license if they wish. Three, five and 10-year options are available along with the usual yearly license and permit. Pennsylvania gearing up for firearms deer season. Whens opening day? As the busy winter and holiday seasons kick into high gear, now is the best time to get a jump on the fishing opportunities happening right now and just ahead in the spring, Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director said. Whether youre buying a fishing license for yourself or purchasing a voucher to give as a gift to family and friends, youre unlocking the chance to make some lifelong memories on the water. Getting your license now ensures you can take advantage of every fishing season throughout the rest of this year and next year. Pennsylvania is one of the premier states to fish in the country, with literally something for everyone. Those opportunities are made possible by the investment of fishing license dollars, and we thank you for being an integral part of that cycle of success. Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices. As a reminder, changes were made to Pennsylvania laws, and anglers are no longer required to display their license outside of their clothing, commonly pinned to hats and ball caps. Youll also be able to show a digital license saved to your phone if you happen to be stopped by any rangers or law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Around $225,000 in damages has been estimated from a fire on Dartmouth Avenue on Monday morning, according to officials. Crews responded to 344 Dartmouth just after 10 a.m. Monday. The fire started on the second floor of the occupied home and extended through the roof. Two adults have been displaced from the fire and the Red Cross has been contacted to provide assistance. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Latest Local News Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (PIX11) A Canadian man has been arrested in connection to the 1997 death of a 23-year-old woman in Bridgewater, according to the Somerset County Prosecutors Office. The body of Tammy Tignor was found in a wooded area on Nov. 4, 1997. She was strangled to death, officials said. Tammy Tignor, 23, was found dead in a wooded area of Bridgewater in 1997, authorities said. (Credit: Somerset County Prosecutors Office) Advancements in DNA testing led police to Robert Alan Creter, prosecutors said. He was linked to an orange van Tignor got into in Newark before she was killed, according to prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A warrant for Creters arrest was issued in May 2023, which is when it was discovered he was living in Canada, prosecutors said. He was arrested in Winnipeg in June before he was brought to Somerset County on Nov. 26. The Somerset County Prosecutors Office, New Jersey State Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and federal authorities assisted in the investigation. A detention hearing is scheduled on Wednesday. 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. Donald Trump paints them as crime-ridden, lawless zones places he likens to war zones. These are the so-called sanctuary cities, which include some of the nations largest hubs, from New York and Los Angeles to Seattle and Atlanta. The term lacks a precise legal definition but generally refers to cities that, through local policies, decline to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Some codify this stance in their constitutions, others via executive orders, and some maintain it as an informal commitment. But the result is the same: local authorities do not share immigration information with federal agencies, do not target individuals based on immigration status, and do not enforce federal detention and deportation orders. These policies aim to foster trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. Its no surprise, then, that these cities are squarely in the sights of the president-elect, as their lack of cooperation threatens to derail his ambitious plan to execute what he calls the largest deportation in American history. Since his campaign, Trump has consistently targeted these cities with fiery rhetoric. In recent weeks, the tension has escalated, particularly between local officials and Trumps appointed border czar, Tom Homan. Cities have pledged to uphold their policies, while Homan has threatened legal actions and the withdrawal of federal funds, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation once Trump assumes office on January 20. While Trump has vowed to dismantle sanctuary cities, it is still not entirely clear how he will achieve this goal. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, however, has provided a blueprint for exerting pressure. In a controversial tactic, Abbott has bused and flown migrants en masse from Texas to sanctuary cities such as Washington, New York, Chicago, and Denver. This strategy has overwhelmed reception services, strained resources, and stoked social tensions in these cities, where tens of thousands of migrants have arrived unannounced. Abbotts message was simple: if sanctuary cities choose to protect migrants, they must also bear the responsibility of supporting them. Using migrants as political pawns as proved an effective strategy, as Abbotts actions have succeeded in weakening the welcoming climate in many sanctuary cities and increasing anti-migrant sentiment. But local administrations have largely stood firm in their commitments. As Denvers mayor recently declared, the citys values will not be compromised. Migrants seek shelter at a shelter in New York, on December 5, 2023. Andres Kudacki (AP) With no indication that sanctuary city leaders will abandon their principles or choose to voluntarily collaborate with mass deportation efforts, the federal government under Donald Trump appears poised to adopt increasingly aggressive measures to enforce compliance. Clues about these potential strategies can be found in Project 2025, the infamous, ultra-conservative roadmap published by the Heritage Foundation. Many of its authors are now within Trumps inner circle, offering insights into what might unfold once he returns to power. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) section of the 900-page document includes contains most of the plans on immigration, including how to dismantle sanctuary cities. Central to this strategy is a complete restructuring of DHS itself. The proposal envisions the creation of a border-focused agency that would consolidate various immigration-related entities while outsourcing other DHS responsibilities to existing agencies. This reorganization could facilitate data sharing between agencies, such as access to drivers license records, which some undocumented immigrants can obtain, or voter registration databases from jurisdictions where non-citizens can vote in local elections. However, even with streamlined federal coordination, sanctuary cities are likely to continue resisting such efforts, especially since the hypothetical new agency would still be a federal immigration agency. The more immediate and potentially more enforceable tactic involves withholding federal funds, particularly those distributed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Trump has flirted with this approach before; during his first term, he attempted to deny Justice Department grants to noncompliant cities, though those efforts stalled in court. This time, with a more favorable judiciary in place, the administration may find it easier to bypass legal hurdles. In fact, Homan recently assured the Republican will cut federal funding. Thats going to happen. I guarantee President Trump will do that. The other front is legislation. With a Republican-controlled Congress, Trump will be able to pass new laws without facing too many obstacles. The No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act (H.R. 5717), introduced in 2023, is designed to penalize jurisdictions that refuse to share immigration-related information or enforce federal detainer orders. The bill explicitly defines sanctuary jurisdiction and prohibits these localities from receiving federal funds if those funds are deemed to benefit undocumented immigrants. The bill was introduced by Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., on Sept. 26, 2023, and has been cosponsored by 35 members of Congress from the Republican Party through Sept. 12, 2024. The bill would define sanctuary jurisdictions as subdivisions of a state that prohibit or restrict their government entities from sharing information with federal, state, or local law enforcement entities regarding the citizenship or immigration status of any individual, or complying with voluntary immigration detainers issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Despite the Republicans power in Congress, the bill faces significant legal challenges. The 10th Amendment and longstanding principles of federalism limit the federal governments ability to compel state and local entities to enforce federal immigration laws. Supreme Court rulings have reinforced the principle that the federal government cannot commandeer local governments to execute federal policies. By compelling state and local officials to enforce immigration detainers as part of a federal initiative, the bill risks clashing with a precedent previously set by the Supreme Court. Whats more, the proposed withholding of federal funds faces additional legal hurdles. Established precedents constrain the federal government from imposing overly coercive conditions on funding. One key requirement is that such conditions must bear a reasonable connection to the purpose of the funding. This standard could be violated if funding streams unrelated to immigration are targeted. Trump may have sanctuary cities cornered, but legal safeguards mean he may not be able to put an end to them. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Three Indigenous Teduray people died and more than 30 others were hospitalized after they ate an endangered sea turtle stew in the Philippines, officials said. Officials said dozens of people in the seaside town of Maguindanao del Norte Province reported feeling symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting after eating the dish last week, CBS News partner BBC reported. Under Philippine environmental protection laws, hunting or consuming sea turtles is illegal but they are still eaten as a traditional delicacy in some communities. The sea turtle was cooked as adobo, a popular Filipino dish, the BBC reported. Sea turtle / Credit: Cristian Umili/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images A local official, Irene Dillo, told the BBC that coastal town residents frequently get their food from the sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was unfortunate because there is so much other seafood in their village - lobsters, fish," she said. Some dogs, cats and chickens that were fed some of the dish also died, Dillo said. According to the BBC, sea turtles that eat contaminated algae can be toxic when cooked and eaten. Dillo said authorities were investigating the cause of the deaths. Datu Mohamad Sinsuat Jr., a local councilor, told the BBC he had told local officials to strictly enforce the ban on hunting seat turtles so "this food poisoning incident will never happen again." Earlier this year, eight children and one adult died after eating sea turtle meat in Zanzibar, while 78 other people were sent to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland island struggles to survive impact of rising sea level, erosion | 60 Minutes "The Barn": A murder in Mississippi, and the evil hiding in plain sight Ted Turner's nature preserves: A carefully curated "Heaven on Earth" EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) A man was attacked when three thieves broke into an East Harlem home early Monday morning, according to the NYPD. It happened on 2nd Avenue around 2:45 a.m. Three men displayed a firearm and demanded money from the victim, police said. More Crime News The victim was hit with the firearm. The thieves managed to get away with watches they stole from a closet, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction. The victim wasnt seriously injured and refused medical attention at the scene. The home invasion is under investigation. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Decades after a teenager's brutal murder in northwestern Washington left detectives lost for answers, modern forensic tests have helped identify her killer. Tracy Whitney's body was found by fisherman in the Puyallup River, near the city of Sumner, on Aug. 28, 1988. She was nude, and the subsequent autopsy that confirmed Whitney's name also determined her cause of death to be asphyxia from strangulation and probable smothering. She was believed to have been sexually assaulted, which additional autopsy findings supported, according to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, which operates in the area around Tacoma and investigated Whitney's case. Whitney was 18 when she died. At the time, Pierce County detectives tried to develop leads as they searched for whomever was responsible in her murder. They interviewed people who knew Whitney, and people who had dated her, as the probe got underway. But despite collecting DNA samples from the body that presumably belonged to the killer, investigators were unable to pinpoint a suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case remained unsolved for years. In 2005, another effort to find the suspect by running those DNA samples through CODIS a national database that law enforcement can use to link forensic profiles to crimes and suspects called the Combined DNA Index System ultimately proved unsuccessful as no matches were found, according to the Pierce County sheriff. It wasn't until 2022, owing to a grant from the Washington State Attorney General's Office, that a Pierce County sheriff's cold case detective submitted the DNA to a genetic genealogy laboratory for repeat testing. Genetic Genealogy is a process where forensic analysts build a family tree from a DNA profile, which in this case allowed law enforcement to identify Whitney's killer by way of a family member. Findings from the genealogy lab led detectives to the biological son of their suspect in Whitney's death, John Guillot, Jr., and confirmed that the elder Guillot was in fact a match for the DNA, according to the Pierce County sheriff. Guillot, the suspect, died from cancer in January 2022, just eight months before the lab returned the DNA match that implicated him in the murder. "There were no connections between Tracy and Guillot Jr and detectives believe this was a stranger abduction, rape and murder," the Pierce County Sheriff's Office said in a social media post Saturday announcing Whitney's case had been solved. "Our Cold Case Unit is always looking into the past trying to find answers for families just like Tracy's. We are glad they can finally have an answer and some closure with the solving of this case." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Whitney's killer could not be prosecuted, her relatives told CBS News affiliate KIRO that knowing he has been identified does bring them some sense of peace. Her sister, Robin Whitney, said she hopes identifying Guillot publicly helps solve other cold cases, as she believes he may have committed multiple crimes during his life. "We believe that John Guillot Jr. likely committed other crimes," said Robin Whitney in a social media post, according to KIRO. "However, since he is deceased and due to current legal restrictions, his DNA cannot be uploaded into CODIS (law enforcement DNA database). We hope that this policy can be reevaluated, as it could aid in solving additional cases." Maryland island struggles to survive impact of rising sea level, erosion | 60 Minutes "The Barn": A murder in Mississippi, and the evil hiding in plain sight Ted Turner's nature preserves: A carefully curated "Heaven on Earth" GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) The St. Francis Festival of Trees is back in the Upstate. The 39th annual Bon Secours St. Francis Festival is at the Hyatt Greenville and downtown Courtyard Mariott and President of the St. Francis Foundation Erik Whaley said its so encouraging to see that the festival has become a tradition for families Many local businesses, schools, and individuals make the festival possible. Check out the charred tree decorated by Mavin Construction! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year there are 88 decorated trees in the entranceway of the courtyard Marriott downtown in the Hyatt Regency Greenville. Companies schools and other organizations across the Upstate sponsor a tree and volunteers decorate it. These sponsorships have raised millions of dollars that have benefited Bon Secours St.Francis programs and departments. Project SEARCH, the Level II Special Care Nursery at St. Francis Eastside Hospital, and Open Arms Hospice are just a few of the programs that have previously received funding from this annual holiday event. This years event will support the creation of a new Graduate Medical Education program to help address the growing need for practicing medical professionals, especially in primary care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This new initiative will foster continued growth for healthcare providers, allowing for a fully integrated, interactive, state-of-the-art model for medical education. The 2024 Bon Secours St. Francis Festival of Trees will run through Wednesday, December 25th. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CANDLER COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) Four people are in custody after a manhunt in Candler County. The incident unfolded Sunday morning when the Georgia State Patrol pursued a vehicle on Interstate 16 entering Candler County. The sheriffs office said their deputies were notified about the pursuit and responded to assist. The chase ended near mile markers 95 and 96 when four people ran away from the vehicle and law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Port Wentworth homicide suspect apprehended in Missouri The Candler County Sheriffs Office then posted on social media notifying the public that they were searching for the suspects who were believed to be armed. If you see someone matching this description, do not approach them. Please call 911 immediately, the sheriffs office said. Meanwhile, Candler County deployed its Special Response Team, using drones and K-9s, in collaboration with partner agencies. Shortly after 5 p.m., the Candler County Sheriffs Office confirmed all four individuals were in custody. At least one gun was recovered and the vehicle was later confirmed to be stolen from another state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No word yet on what charges the individuals face. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) A mom and her children escaped an abusive household member and could use a kind hand in starting over in a new home. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Mom has four children under ten. Earlier this year, they had to move to another island to escape what KHON2 was told a life-threatening abusive relationship. Mom, son in need of laulima after suffering loss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They stayed at a domestic violence shelter and recently moved into their own place. Mom works an overnight job so she can do school drop-offs and pick-ups and be there for her children. Even though she gets little sleep, she knows shes lucky as her sister stays with her children overnight when she works. Mom is doing all she can to start over and to help her children through an emotional and difficult time. Since they had to leave everything behind, there is much that they could use. Her youngest, a four-year-old boy, would love a keiki fishing pole and a bike with a helmet. Her five-year-old son would love books, especially to do with animals, and a bike as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her seven-year-old daughter would love a bike or scooter with a helmet and a jump rope. Her nine-year-old daughter would love science experiment kits and enjoys art, baking and cooking. For Mom, gift cards would be extremely helpful but she could also use a coffee pot, crock pot, air fryer and she would love aroma therapy candles. It would be nice if we could show support with a gift card for her sister, who is in her 20s, and watches the children at night. In the spirit of laulima, our many hands working together, lets help this mom on this new road and help her children have a happy holiday in their new home on a new island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out more news from around Hawaii If you would like to help, visit the Laulima Giving Programs website HERE. Select Adopt A Family and fill out the submission form with the family code H240070-6. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KSNW) A 4-year-old girl was seriously hurt after a coyote attacked her. According to our sister station, Fox 21, in Colorado Springs, it happened on Thanksgiving afternoon in a neighborhood south of the Air Force Academy. Witnesses reported that the girl was with another child and approached the coyote, crouched behind a tree, believing it was a dog. Court set for couple accused of stealing funds from Deerfield Cemetery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coyote lunged for the girl, grabbing the back of her head in its jaws. Her father rescued her. Tim Kroening, Colorado Parks and Wildlifes Area Wildlife Manager for the Pikes Peak region, tells Fox 21, This could have been much worsea tragedyif not for the quick action of the childs father to stop the attack, rescue his daughter, and scare the coyote off. The department was notified of the attack the following day and is now searching for coyotes. Fox 21 says coyotes, found across Colorado, have adapted well to urban areas, where they can easily find shelter and food. However, they can become very territorial, and while they tend to be afraid of people, they can attack if sick, hungry, or protecting their den. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coyotes are omnivores and will eat anything, even tipping over garbage cans like bears do, said Kroening. Typically, when they get aggressive, its in the spring, and they are protecting a nearby den where they have pups. Or its because someone in the area is feeding them. People nearby might be leaving pet food outdoors or actively feeding by throwing them scraps of food. Thats illegal, and its a problem in urban areas. Kroening says it will be impossible to identify the exact coyote, so they will have to lethally remove any coyote found in the area. Then, they will be sent in for testing for diseases like rabies and the presence of any human DNA. No one else was hurt in the incident. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. DENVER (KDVR) Five people have been taken to a local hospital after being injured in a crash involving three vehicles, according to the Denver Police Department. DPD posted about the crash on X just after 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon. The crash happened in the area of South Kipling Street and West Saratoga Place. Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather The extent of the injuries is unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said people should expect delays in the area. No further information is 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 FOX31 Denver. Its still snowing in the Great Lakes after more than 5 feet fell over the holiday weekend and snarled travel, stranded motorists and buried homes. A short-lived break is coming before several inches of more snow and a blast of bone-chilling air arrive. But first, an additional 1 foot of snow is possible through Tuesday in some of the same areas of the Great Lakes already blasted over the weekend as the current lake-effect snow event continues. Snowfall totals have surpassed 5 feet in some areas, including Castorland, Copenhagen and Barnes Corners in northern New York, which have each received 69.5 inches. Lake-effect snow warnings remain in effect for parts of northeastern Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania and southwestern New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winter storm warnings are in effect for parts of western Michigan and northern Indiana until Tuesday morning, with up to 8 inches of snow expected and some areas receiving up to a foot. Snowfall is expected to decrease across the Great Lakes by Tuesday evening, leading to improved conditions for the hardest-hit areas. But the improved conditions will be short-lived, as a powerful cold front from Canada is expected to move in Wednesday, bringing widespread snowfall to the region through Thursday. Lake-effect snow is formed when cold air passes over relatively warmer lakes and happens as a series of narrow, but intense periods of snow known as snow bands that stream off of the lake and into an area close to it downwind. Snow totals can pile up when these snow bands train, or remain more stationary, over a particular area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can also reduce visibility and make for impossible driving conditions. That was the case Monday afternoon in southwestern Michigan. More than a dozen vehicles were involved in a crash in intense lake-effect snow that brought near-whiteout conditions along Interstate 94 near Hartford, according to Michigan State Police. At least one driver was critically injured, police said. The road was closed in both directions. Parts of far northwestern Pennsylvania and southwestern New York could pick up nearly 20 additional inches of snow through Tuesday. The most intense bouts of lake-effect snow will come to an end Tuesday, but some areas will only have about 24 hours or less to dig out before a storm sweeps through the region. This fast-moving storm will bring several inches to much of the Great Lakes and parts of southern Canada starting early Wednesday before it swings through the Northeast on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snow totals from this storm wont be nearly as significant as those from lake-effect snow over the holiday weekend. A few inches will likely accumulate from the Great Lakes through elevated areas of the Northeast with a sloppy mix of rain and snow for some lower elevations. Lake-effect snow will start up again Thursday in the wake of the storm as another punch of frigid, January-like air engulfs the eastern US late this week. Its too soon to know exactly how much snow the next round of lake-effect has in store for the Great Lakes, but early forecasts are not nearly as extreme as those of the past weekend. Nearly 70% of the United States roughly 220 million people should see temperatures reach or drop below freezing through next weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Low temperatures will plummet back into the single digits or fall below zero over much of the north-central US and parts of the Midwest by Thursday morning. Temperatures will be below freezing almost everywhere in the Lower 48 Friday, with the exception of the West Coast and parts of the South. Cold air rushing over relatively warm lakes is the same recipe that produced feet of lake-effect snow over the holiday weekend. Just over 65 inches fell in part of New Yorks Tug Hill region an area notorious for massive totals in lake-effect events. During lake-effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away, the National Weather Service in Buffalo, New York, said. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions. This weekend proved just how debilitating lake-effect snow is for travel. Hundreds of travelers stranded The most treacherous travel conditions happened after Thanksgiving, during some of the busiest travel days of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York State Police helped at least 110 disabled vehicles from parts of western New York to the Pennsylvania state line between Thanksgiving and Sunday, officials said in a news release. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in 11 counties as conditions quickly deteriorated Friday. My administration is working around the clock to respond to the snowstorm in Western New York and the North Country, Hochul said on X Saturday. Our state agencies and over 100 National Guard members are on the ground to support storm operations. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also called in his states National Guard on Saturday to assist stranded motorists and ensure emergency responders can reach anyone trapped, he said on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania State Police responded to nearly 200 road incidents over a 24-hour period on Friday and Saturday, according to Shapiros office. In Erie, Pennsylvania, treacherous conditions on Sunday caused some of the citys plow drivers to get stuck while removing snow, city officials said on Facebook. Erie County is working on getting more resources in to clear the snow street by street, Executive Brenton Davis said during a news conference Monday. North East, Pennsylvania, a borough in Erie County, recorded just over 42 inches of snow between Thursday night and Saturday afternoon while Erie received 31 inches. The New York town of Barnes Corners saw 46 inches of snow by Sunday morning. Heavy snowfall snarls traffic in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, November 29. - WICU Yesterday, I shoveled for four hours and today Ive been here for about an hour, Erie native Richard Korytowski told CNN affiliate WICU over the weekend, as he dug out his driveway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I expected to shovel, he said, but not this much. Snow in Lowville, New York, Monday. - Cara Anna/AP In neighboring Ashtabula County, Ohio, resident Ashley Drew shared footage of a Conneaut home vanishing into a blanket of heavy snow Saturday, with its blue front door just partially visible as snow continued to fall. Parts of the county, which sits on Lake Erie, recorded about 40 inches of snowfall through Sunday night. About two feet of heavy snow also buried Orchard Park, New York, where the Buffalo Bills secured a 35-10 victory against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday night. Crews and volunteers had earlier assisted with removing snow from the field at the open-air Highmark Stadium. Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen and head coach Sean McDermott make snow angels while being interviewed Sunday in Orchard Park, New York. - Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images CNNs Lauren Mascarenhas, Gene Norman, Allison Chinchar, Elisa Raffa, Steve Almasy, Artemis Moshtaghian, Taylor Galgano, Sam Joseph and Hanna Park contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com KYODO NEWS - Dec 2, 2024 - 13:59 | All, World Countries negotiating a treaty to address plastic pollution ended their weeklong meeting in Busan, South Korea, on Monday without an agreement. The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee brought together more than 170 countries including the European Union to address plastic pollution with a legally binding treaty, but some oil producing countries opposed plastic output curbs, arguing that the focus should be on management of plastic waste. Luis Vayas Valdivieso, the U.N. committee's chair, said while the countries had made progress in Busan, their work was far from complete. The committee said the meeting will resume at a later date. In March 2022, the U.N. Environment Assembly adopted a resolution calling for the development by the end of 2024 of an instrument to control plastic pollution. Up to 23 million tons of plastic waste is estimated to enter lakes, rivers and seas each year, according to the U.N. Environment Programme. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says global plastic production and use in 2040 are expected to rise 70 percent from 2020 levels to 736 million tons in the absence of strong policies to control them, with only 6 percent coming from recycled sources. Plastic waste can alter habitats and natural processes. Microplastics resulting from plastics breaking down in the environment can also be harmful to marine life. The U.N. Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee holds a plenary session on the final day of the fifth meeting to develop a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution in Busan, South Korea, on Dec. 1, 2024. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo Related coverage: Research team develops plastic that breaks down in seawater Japan to obligate manufacturers to use recycled plastics This holiday season, many parents are weighing an important decision: whether to give into their childs pleas for a smartphone amid concerns about safety and mental health issues. If, however, youve decided to put a first phone on your gift list, these are some ways you can make the experience better. Heres what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. 1. Hunter Biden President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he has pardoned his son Hunter Biden, who faced sentencing this month for federal tax and gun convictions, marking a reversal as he prepares to leave office. By issuing the pardon, Biden has reneged on a public promise that he made repeatedly before and after dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. The president said in his statement that he decided to issue the pardon because his son was selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted, saying that Hunter was treated differently from people who commit similar crimes. He added that his political opponents in Congress instigated the charges to attack me and oppose my election. In a social media post on Sunday night, President-elect Donald Trump called the pardon such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! 2. Extreme weather As frigid temperatures sweep across a large swath of the US, parts of the Great Lakes region face up to 2 feet of additional lake-effect snow through Tuesday the latest complication for cities already blanketed by snowfall as post-Thanksgiving travel winds down. Nearly 4 feet of snow fell on parts of western New York over the last few days, according to the National Weather Services Weather Prediction Center, with some places exceeding the 4-foot mark on Sunday. Across the country, nearly 70% of the continental US will see temperatures below 32 degrees over the next few days. Some cities, including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis and Cincinnati, will experience below-average temperatures for the entire week. 3. Trump family Donald Trump has selected billionaire Massad Boulos to serve as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs the second time in as many days the president-elect has chosen a family member for a key post. Boulos is the father-in-law of the president-elects daughter Tiffany and was heavily involved in campaigning for Trump in Muslim American communities in battleground states. On Saturday, Trump named real estate developer Charles Kushner as the next US ambassador to France. Kushner is the father of Jared Kushner, who is married to Trumps daughter Ivanka. The elder Kushner was pardoned by Trump in 2020 following a 2005 conviction on federal charges. The selection of his daughters fathers-in-law for two critical posts underscores that Trump will continue to lean on trusted family members in his second term. 4. Syria Syrian and Russian jets are stepping up strikes on opposition forces in northern Syria in retaliation for the sudden offensive that has cost the regime control of Aleppo, the countrys second-largest city. The offensive has also led to the capture by the rebel alliance of an important military base east of Aleppo and large areas of both Aleppo and Idlib provinces. The advances have been met with little resistance on the ground from regime forces and also come at a time when Syrias key backers Iran and Russia are focusing on their own conflicts. The rebels sweeping success has posed the biggest challenge in eight years to President Bashar al-Assad, when Russian air power helped reverse rebel gains in the civil war. 5. Georgia protests Days of protests have rocked Georgia following the governments controversial decision to delay the former Soviet territorys bid to join the European Union. Tensions have been brewing for months in the nation of 3.7 million people, where critics accuse the ruling party of following increasingly authoritarian, pro-Russia policies a turn away from the West that has tempered hopes for Georgias long-promised path to EU membership. The protests have been met with a violent police crackdown as the ruling party and thousands of protesters have become locked in a battle over the countrys future and whether it should forge closer ties with Russia or Europe. Georgia, which gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, has pursued EU membership for years, with the goal of joining the bloc written into the countrys constitution. BREAKFAST BROWSE A man hid five treasure chests worth more than $2 million across the US Heres how to find them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When body image woes come wrapped in a bow Giving a fitness gift this holiday season can come across as body-shaming, a not-so-subtle message that a persons body isnt good enough, eating disorder experts say. Shoppers continue indulging in Black Friday sales, but mostly online Online shoppers spent $10.8 billion on Black Friday, up by $1 billion from 2023, according to Adobe Analytics. Travelers in the US lose millions of suitcases every year. Their contents wind up here Thousands of travelers lost bags go unclaimed across the US every year. Their contents end up at a sprawling store in Alabama the only one of its kind in the country. Australian woman finds deadly snake at her feet while driving 50 mph The woman who was driving barefoot managed to pull over and escape being bitten by a tiger snake, one of the worlds most venomous serpents. TODAYS NUMBER $100,000 Thats how much the Big Ten Conference has fined both Michigan and Ohio State for their involvement in Saturdays postgame brawl, the conference announced. Following Michigans 13-10 victory, a Wolverines player attempted to plant a Michigan banner on the Buckeyes logo at midfield in Ohio Stadium, which led to pushing and shoving and eventually punches being thrown by members of both teams. TODAYS QUOTE One of the major themes within Wicked is having the ability to listen and to understand one another, and I truly hope that is something a lot of you can practice more and take with you. Actress Marissa Bode, asking for kindness after receiving gross and harmful comments about her characters disability on social media since the release of Wicked. Bode, who uses a wheelchair, plays Elphabas sister Nessarose in the film. TODAYS WEATHER Check your local forecast here>>> AND FINALLY Watch: Collector eats world-famous $6 million banana Chinese billionaire and cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun recently bought Comedian, a Maurizio Cattelan artwork of a duct-taped banana, for an eye-watering $6.24 million. On Friday, he ate it. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President-elect Trump on Saturday nominated longtime ally Kash Patel to lead the FBI, tapping a figure who has pledged to reform the bureau. In doing so, Trump signaled his plan to remove FBI Director Christopher Way, whom Trump nominated to a 10-year term in 2017. Patel held numerous national security roles during the first Trump administration but would be a new face at the FBI. Here are five things to know about Patel. A loyal Trump ally Patel has been a staunch ally to Trump, stretching back to the FBI investigation into his 2016 presidential campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patel got his start in politics as a staffer to then-Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), working as an adviser on the House Intelligence Committee. Patel played a key role there in seeking to discredit the committee Democrats investigation of Trumps ties to Russia. That included authoring a report analyzing FBI and Justice Department responses in their own investigations of Russian election interference. His criticism of the investigation is a frequent theme in his writings, including in a childrens book. I discovered a coordinated effort to use the Russiagate hoax as a way to attack then-President Trump, Patel wrote in an April email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a big hoax! Patel echoes Trump on weaponization, plans for retribution Patel regularly attacks a deep state that he blames for having weaponized the government for their own political and personal agenda. Much of his commentary about alleged government wrongdoing has been focused on both the investigations of Trump, as well as the Jan. 6, 2021, rioters. The FBI goes after J6ers like terrorists, he wrote in a March email. He has also crafted his own list of government gangsters that includes Wray, Attorney General Merrick Garland and former CIA Director Gina Haspel. Patel has called for using the power of the bureau and the Justice Department to prosecute journalists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to come after you, whether its criminally or civilly well figure that out, he said during an appearance on Steve Bannons podcast. Hes called for major FBI reforms Patel has called for major shifts at the FBI, starting on his first day as director. Id shut down the FBI Hoover building on Day One and reopen it the next day as a museum of the deep state. And Id take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals. Go be cops, Patel said. Patel, through his eponymous foundation, has elevated several whistleblowers who have made claims of wrongdoing by the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am on a mission to root out all government gangsters from positions within our bureaus, he wrote in a July email. Patel has also been a critic of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), including Section 702, which allows the government to spy on foreigners when they are located abroad. The FBI relied on a separate provision of the law to spy on Trump campaign aide Carter Page. Nonetheless, many FISA critics have called for reforms to the law, including requiring a warrant to review information from Americans communicating with foreigners being surveilled. During last years battle to reauthorize Section 702, Patel argued for letting the powerful spy tool lapse. Congress will once again weigh its renewal this coming year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We call upon Congress to let it lapse better to have no authority for 7 days or so than another 365 days of spying on Trump and his supporters, Patel said at the time in a statement alongside Richard Grenell, who briefly served as director of national intelligence in Trumps first administration. He criticized Jan. 6 committee On Jan. 6, Patel was serving as chief of staff to then-acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, who was appointed to the role about two months prior, the day after Trump fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper. His short time at the Pentagon earned scrutiny from the now-disbanded Jan. 6 committee, which asked him to sit for an interview after writing, there is substantial reason to believe that you have additional documents and information relevant to understanding the role played by the Department of Defense and the White House in preparing for and responding to the attack on the U.S. Capitol, as well as documents and information related to your personal involvement in planning for events on Jan. 6 and the peaceful transfer of power. Patel ultimately sat with the panels investigators on Dec. 9, after its slate of summer hearings in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patel denied any wrongdoing or improper actions related to the attack but has complained about how the Justice Department handled cases involving the rioters. Hes been highly critical of that work, listing California Democrat Adam Schiff, who is moving from the House to the Senate beginning next month, as a government gangster and calling former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) the main architect of this disinformation campaign. In a May email, he wrote that Cheney and her band of miscreants suppressed evidence that completely exonerates the Jan. 6 defendants from their ginned-up charge of insurrection. Hes an author Patel has written several books, including one titled Government Gangsters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A synopsis for the book references a sinister cabal that plotted to overthrow a president, while Patel reveals how we can defeat the Deep State, reassert self-government, and restore our democracy. Patel is also the author of a childrens book, The Plot Against The King, that advertises itself as telling the story behind one of our nations biggest injustices. The book portrays Patel as a wizard while the king clearly represents Trump, facing threats from Hillary Queenton, while others such as Nunes and Schiff make appearances. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PESOTUM, Ill. (WCIA) The left lane of southbound I-57 is closed at Pesotum due to a two-vehicle crash Monday morning. The crash happened just after 11 a.m. near the exit to Route 45. Officials with the Illinois State Police told WCIA that minor injuries are being reported. Pedestrian dies after being hit by car in Danville One lane of the highway is shut down at this time as part of cleanup efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WCIA.com. Federal officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers that has sickened 68 people in 19 states, including 7 in Oregon, while cucumbers distributed to more than half of states have been recalled. Arizona company SunFed Produce has recalled cucumbers sold Oct. 12-Nov. 26 in more than two dozen states including at some Walmart, Wegmans and Albertsons stores and in parts of Canada because they may be contaminated with salmonella. Of the 33 people sickened who have been interviewed by state and local health officials, 27 (82%) reported eating cucumbers, the Food and Drug Administration said. No deaths have been reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epidemiologic and traceback data show that cucumbers grown by the produce company Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, Mexico, including recalled cucumbers from SunFed Produce, may be contaminated with salmonella and may be making people sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. The FDA had also associated SunFed cucumbers with some salmonella infections, or salmonellosis. As soon as we learned of this issue, we immediately acted to protect consumers. We are working closely with authorities and the implicated ranch to determine the possible cause, said SunFed President Craig Slate in a press release. Cucumbers sold by SunFed Produce, of Rio Rico, Arizona, from Oct. 12-Nov. 26 are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. Walmart, Wegmans, Albertsons among impacted grocers Walmart alerted customers to the recall on Thursday and posted a list of select stores where the cucumbers had been sold. Those stores, the retailer said, were in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Similarly, Wegmans issued a recall on Thursday alerting customers about potential salmonella contamination for seeded cucumbers purchased through Nov. 27. All potentially impacted cucumbers and products had been removed from store shelves, the retailer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albertsons also issued a recall Thursday of vegetable platters and trays (some with hummus), salad and lettuce mix bowls, and sliced cucumbers, the company said in a press release sent to USA TODAY. The products were sold Oct. 18-Nov. 27 at Albertsons, Randalls and Tom Thumb stores in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. What states have been impacted by salmonella outbreak tied to cucumbers? The CDC says 68 people have been sickened in this salmonella outbreak, but there may be more sick people, because many recover without medical care and are not tested. Here are the number of cases by state, according to the CDC: Alaska (1) California (1) Colorado (8) Iowa (2) Illinois (2) Massachusetts (5) Montana (16) Nebraska (1) New Jersey (1) New York (1) Ohio (1) Oregon (7) Pennsylvania (1) South Dakota (4) Texas (5) Utah (2) Washington (5) Wisconsin (3) Wyoming (2) States where cucumbers possibly linked to salmonella were sold The whole fresh American cucumbers were sold by SunFed and other importers, then shipped to customers located in 26 states. However, the cucumbers may also have reached consumers through food service and retail outlets in additional states, the FDA said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's the list of states where recalled cucumbers were sold, according to the FDA and retailers that sold the recalled items: Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Florida Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Louisiana Maryland Massachusetts Minnesota Missouri Montana Nevada New Jersey New York North Carolina Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Washington Wisconsin Wyoming The cucumbers were also sold in these Canadian provinces: Alberta British Columbia Calgary Saskatchewan Ontario USA TODAY recall database: Search vehicle, product and food recalls Cucumbers sold by SunFed Produce, of Rio Rico, Arizona, from Oct. 12-Nov. 26 are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. Symptoms of salmonella infection Salmonella is a bacteria that can enter the food production chain when the process isn't sanitary and when workers handling food do not wash their hands, the FDA says. Salmonella can be spread via contaminated water errantly used to irrigate crops, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Symptoms of salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, usually occur between six hours and six days after exposure and may include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, the CDC says. Severe infections may include aches, headaches, elevated fever, lethargy, rashes and blood in the urine or stool. Some salmonella infections may become fatal. Salmonella causes about 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths in the U.S. annually, according to the CDC. Earlier this summer, a salmonella outbreak linked to recalled cucumbers (not linked to SunFed) sickened at least 449 in 31 states, the CDC said. Other recent salmonella outbreaks have been linked to pet bearded dragons, backyard poultry and basil, the agency says. Salmonella and cucumbers: What consumers should do If you have any cucumbers you think may be involved in the recall, you should not consume or serve them, the FDA says. Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the recalled product are advised to contact their retailer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some individual whole American cucumbers may also bear a sticker (as shown below); Wegmans' recall notice said some of the cucumbers sold in its stores could have the sticker. Cucumbers sold by SunFed Produce, of Rio Rico, Arizona, are being recalled for the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Some individual whole American cucumbers may also have a sticker. Customers who bought individual cucumbers wouldn't likely see any labels. "My advice is that if you have cucumbers and do not know if they are or are not the recalled product when in doubt, throw it out," food safety lawyer Bill Marler told USA TODAY Friday. Consumers may get additional information by calling SunFeds recall hotline (888) 542-5849, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. If you think you had potentially contaminated cucumbers, you should clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the cucumbers to reduce cross-contamination, the FDA says. If you think you have consumed a recalled product and do not feel well, contact your health care provider, the agency suggests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ginnie Sandoval contributed to this article. Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal and can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval. Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cucumber salmonella outbreak sickens 7 people in Oregon DENVER (KDVR) Its been seven years since 17-year-old Maggie Longs body was found in her burned and burglarized home near Bailey, and no suspects have been brought to justice. But hope remains that her killer or potential killers may still be caught. Police deny sitting on evidence as Netflix doc brings renewed attention to JonBenet Ramseys killing The case began at about 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, when Park County Sheriffs Office deputies were dispatched to a house fire at 3763 County Road 43 in Bailey, Colorado. Police said that a 911 caller reported people were inside the residence causing damage, including at least one male suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few days after the fire was extinguished, on Dec. 7, 2017, Longs remains were found in the residence. Later, the El Paso County Coroners Office ruled her death a homicide. Maggie Long (Courtesy the FBI Denver) Photo: Long family, FBI Denver FBI agents and Park County sheriffs deputies are considering the killing of Maggie Long as a possible hate crime. The surprise announcement brings a new focus into the killing of the 17-year-old whose body was found burned in her home. (Photo: KDVR) Long was a senior at Platte Canyon High School, where she was last seen that Friday before she is believed to have returned home. She was reported missing after she didnt return to a concert at the school. Her car was found at her home after the fire. The Long family owned businesses in the town of Bailey, including a Chinese restaurant and a Thai cafe and liquor store off Highway 285. Woman to reunite with brother missing for 25 years after spotting his picture in news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say that evidence at the scene indicates that Long and her assailants had been fighting before the fire started. The fire has been classified as arson. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is among the agencies searching for answers to Longs death, and in 2021 said agents were investigating her homicide as a hate crime. The Park County sheriff and the FBI said that investigators are following leads, and wanted to rule out hate as a reason, although there have been no signs of it in the case. The effort was partly to help bring in additional resources, according to Park County Sheriff Thomas McGraw. The suspects also stole a Beretta handgun, an AK-47-style rifle, 2,000 rounds of ammunition, a green safe and jade figurines. As weve stated previously, someone has that key piece of information that will lead to the arrest of those responsible for Maggies murder, said Park County Sheriff Thomas McGraw in a Colorado Bureau of Investigation release. It will take one person with one piece of information that will help our investigative team bring resolution to this case for Maggie, her family and the Bailey community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weld County Sheriffs Office apologizes for actions in 1979 murder case after guilty plea Law enforcement has provided sketches of three suspects in the case. No arrests have been made. Sketch of person possible connected to Maggie Long homicide. (Photo: Park County Sheriffs Office) Sketch of person possible connected to Maggie Long homicide. (Photo: Park County Sheriffs Office) Sketch of person possible connected to Maggie Long homicide. (Photo: Park County Sheriffs Office) A $75,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case is offered on behalf of the Park County Sheriffs Office, Maggie Longs family, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation Denver Division, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Anyone with information can call the Maggie Long Task Force tip line at 303-239-4243 or email maggie.long.tips@state.co.us. Tipsters can remain anonymous. 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. When Gary and Lake County residents went to the polls this year, they had no voice in one of the most consequential areas of local government: electing the judges who decide on criminal justice, family disputes, and community life. This lack of representation is not an anomaly; it is the result of a decades-old system affecting only Indianas most racially diverse counties: Lake, Marion, and St. Joseph. Together, these counties home to the majority of the states Black and minority populations rely on appointed judges, stripping residents of the ability to vote directly. Given the outsized influence judges wield over their communities, the system has raised concerns about equity and representation. Now, local officials are turning to the courts to challenge what they see as a racially biased and undemocratic process. The obvious question is, why is there a distinction between the merit system in those counties and the elected system in the other counties? state Sen. Lonnie Randolph asked. The emphasis has got to be a racial situation. Theres no other explanation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges in Indianas local courts typically serve six-year terms and, in most counties, are elected by voters, much like mayors or state representatives. In Lake, St. Joseph, and Marion counties, however, the process is entirely different. Judges are appointed through a merit-based system: lawyers apply for open seats, and a local nominating commission selects finalists to forward to the governor for appointment. These judges are not elected and never face a competitive race. Voters can only decide whether to retain a sitting judge through yes-or-no vote on the ballot, and a rejection merely leads to another gubernatorial appointment. Nearly two-thirds of Indianas Black voting-age population resides in the three counties using this system, according to 2020 Census data: Marion, with 193,504 Black adults; Lake, with 89,806; and St. Joseph, with 25,176. Together, these counties account for 66% of the states 467,861 Black adults. As a result, two-thirds of black people of voting age in Indiana those who reside in Lake, Marion and St. Joseph Counties are unable to vote to elect their state court judges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its discrimination, and its a way to suppress African-Americans when it comes to the judicial process and the judicial system, Randolph told Capital B Gary. State Sen. Lonnie Randolph said he believes discrimination plays a role in why three Indiana counties cant elect their judges. (Javonte Anderson/Capital B) We have the right to vote on the legislative branch and the executive branch. [Not] the third branch of government the judiciary. So why is it that were not allowed in Lake County to vote on judicial officers when 88 other counties do? Lake County, like most Indiana counties, allowed residents to elect Superior Court judges until the early 1970s, when the state legislature stripped that right from Lake and St. Joseph counties following the creation of the Indiana Judicial Nominating committee and a constitutional amendment for appellate judges that was eventually applied to trial judges. The change established the merit-based appointment system still in use today. Lake County sued for the right to elect judges The recent battles for Lake Countys voting rights began in the Statehouse. In 2005, former state Rep. and current Lake County Councilman Charlie Brown introduced House Bill 1354, which sought to reinstate the election of judges in Lake County and repeal provisions related to the Lake County Judicial Nominating Commission. During the 2021 legislative session, Randolph was the sole sponsor of Senate Bill 31, similarly aimed at restoring Lake Countys right to open judicial elections. Since then, hes been on a crusade of sorts, unsuccessfully submitting bills almost every year to get Lake County its direct judicial voting rights back. Lake County Superior Courthouse is located at 15 W. 4th Ave. in Gary. (Javonte Anderson/Capital B) Unable to address the issue through the legislature, Lake County officials turned to the courts for relief almost three years ago. Last year, Randolph joined Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. in a lawsuit demanding Lake County residents regain the right to directly elect their Superior Court judges a bold challenge to Indianas judicial system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Rodney Pol, a former Gary city attorney, said litigation was the only viable path. I dont think theres an appetite in the legislature to change the system, Pol said. Whether that is for political reasons or what, I really dont know. But I dont think the situation can be corrected if we dont go through the legal system. Youve got to fight the battles where you can win them. The case first came before U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon, who ruled in favor of the state but noted that his decision was bound by legal precedent rather than his own interpretation of the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his decision, Simon wrote that he had substantial doubts that the Voting Rights Act isnt being violated by the differential treatment of Lake County voters. Simon went further in his written opinion, criticizing the racial implication of Indianas judicial selection process. How is it that 66% of blacks in Indiana are prevented from voting for superior court judges when more than 80% of whites can? he asked. More startling still is the fact that the State has all but admitted that there is a race-based motivation behind this paradigm. That admission, written in an affidavit from the Indiana secretary of states general counsel, justified the merit system as essential for highly populated and highly diverse jurisdictions like Lake County to limit political influence in the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simon called the reasoning racial on its face: Lets not beat around the bush, he wrote. The reference to diversity is a not-so-subtle reference to race. In the language, the State of Indiana has imposed a procedure on Lake County that denies its citizens the right to vote for superior court judges on account of race or color. For Pol, the idea of representation is at the heart of his discontent with Indianas current judicial election system. People dont believe in a government in which they dont feel like theyre represented. I think that disengages and disenfranchises entire populations of people when they dont get to elect who represents them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was last heard in September in the U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, where attorney Bradley Dick, representing the city of Hammond, argued that an acceptable remedy would be to allow open elections in Lake County as opposed to retention votes. That would not require rewriting anything throughout the whole state, said Dick. The rest of the state could remain exactly as it is today, and it would just be returning Lake County to what its been for the majority of its existence. Dick agreed with Judge John Lees hypothetical remedy of having judicial appointments and retention in all counties, so long as procedures are applied evenly across all voting groups. It just cant be [done] in a way when you end up with these shocking disparities by only doing it in the three highest minority counties, he said. Why judges matter Local judges play a crucial role in shaping the experiences of communities, handling cases that directly affect daily life, including housing disputes, criminal charges, child custody, and small claims. Due to systemic numerous inequalities, these cases disproportionately affect minority communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given this situation, judges can make all the difference in an individuals involvement in the legal system. Fair and empathetic rulings can help mitigate the broader effects of inequality, while biased decisions risk perpetuating even more systemic harm. Judicial votes often fly under the radar, overshadowed by higher-profile races and hampered by scant media coverage. Voters cast ballots with little insight into the judicial performance shaping their communities. This quiet trend underscores a larger challenge: the gap between democratic ideals and the informed engagement needed to sustain them. In the 2024 General Election, more than 50,000 fewer Lake County voters cast votes in judicial elections than did in the presidential race. Appointed judges in Lake County effectively receive lifetime appointments, with retention rates consistently exceeding 70%. Once on the bench, judges rarely face removal; no sitting judge up for retention has been voted out in the past nine election cycles since 2008. The emphasis on judicial elections is not there in terms of media, or in terms of public consciousness, and the way we look at elections, said Charles Preston, community engagement manager for Chicagos Injustice Watch. Injustice Watch creates a judicial election guide that is distributed to residents of Cook County, including those who are incarcerated. In it, they provide analysis of judicial candidates, reporting their salary, judicial experience, and ratings to help voters make more informed decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People treat the judicial part of the ballot like its something obscure, Preston told Capital B Gary. They dont vote for it at all, or they vote on a line, or they look for a name that matches their identity. But thats not an informed vote if you really dont know what youre voting on. Highlighting the far-reaching impacts of local judges, Preston emphasized how their decisions shape the realities of everyday life. You want to divorce? You got to a judge. You want custody of your child, order of protection from an abuser, you go to a judge. If you protest and get arrested, you go to a judge. You may not meet the president of the United States, you may not meet your senator, but I guarantee you, at some point youll probably run into a judge. The post Appointed Judges Leave Black Indiana Voters Without Representation appeared first on Capital B Gary. Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies have arrested the father of a 9-year-old boy who was recently shot and killed while he was playing in the backyard of his grandfather's home in Compton, the Sheriff's Department announced Monday. Homicide detectives zeroed in on the boy's father shortly after the shooting Saturday night in the 15000 block of South Haskins Avenue. His arrest was made on Sunday, the same day that a vigil was held for the boy, whom family identified as Princeton Nicholas Jones. Creole Green, the boy's mother, could not be immediately reached for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a written statement, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department identified Nicholas Jones, 32, as a murder suspect in the killing. Detectives did not release any details about his arrest. Jones was booked at the East Los Angeles sheriff's station on suspicion of murder and child abuse resulting in death. He is being held in lieu of a $2 million bail. Reached by phone, Jones' father declined to comment. Read more: Adoptive parents arrested on suspicion of murder, torture in death of 10-year-old Moreno Valley boy In an interview with ABC-7, Green said she was devastated over the loss of her son. "I have no words," she told the station. "I lost my son, my only son, my first-born son." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a GoFundMe post, Green said her son was a special young man with a brilliant mind and a warm heart. "Princeton was a beacon of joy, lighting up every room he entered with his humor and infectious smile," she wrote. "He was adored by his friends, family, and community, who all cherished the incredible person he was becoming." 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. Kash Patel spent years preparing for this moment. Whether out of sincere devotion or just cynically acting in his own self-interest, Patel has repeatedly demonstrated his subservience to Donald Trump, from publishing a kid's book claiming the president-elect was a victim of a "deep state" plot to lying to congressional investigators about the Jan. 6 insurrection. A former aide to Devin Nunes, a California Republican who retired from Congress and now leads Trump's social media company, Truth Social, Patel is indeed best known for "being willing to do sort of whatever Donald Trump would like him to do," as NBC News reporter Ryan Reilly explained in an interview with PBS. In Trump's first term, Patel's devotion saw him rise from an aide to the National Security Council to chief of staff for Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller this, according to the Wall Street Journal, after he urged Trump to fire his previous Pentagon chief, Mark Esper, for refusing to deploy troops against Black Lives Matter protesters. Patel's loyalty a willingness to embrace Trump's most extreme instincts is why the president-elect has named him to lead the FBI. It's not just about Trump naming his own people: He already has one of his guys installed at the bureau, its current director, Christopher Wray, having been appointed to a 10-year term in 2017. But being a Trump-appointed Republican is not enough for Donald Trump anymore, who has since complained about Wray's role in the arrests of Jan. 6 rioters and the 2022 raid on Mar-a-Lago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patel is not just another Trump guy, then, but properly understood as the leader of his official fan club. "This is much worse than even the Matt Gaetz nomination," Michael Sozan, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, told The New Republic's Greg Sargent. "This is all about loyalty," he said, "and this is all about another word that many of us will start using more and more: kakistocracy. That means government by the absolute least competent to run government, the most ill-qualified. That is Kash Patel." That's not to say that Patel will merely bungle the job, Sozan noted, but that he will lead the FBI as a MAGA partisan, if confirmed. "My reaction really is one of alarm," he said, describing Patel as "one of Trump's henchmen from the very beginning, one of the most loyal of all of the loyalists in the small circle." Patel, helpfully, has been vocal about what that could mean in practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections. Were going to come after you, whether its criminally or civilly. Well figure that out. But yeah, were putting you all on notice, Patel told former Trump advisor Steve Bannon last year. In a more recent podcast appearance, noted by ABC News, Patel called for stripping the security clearances of intelligence officials who had warned about Russian election interference and even shutting down the FBI's headquarters in Washington, DC, and transferring its thousands of employees to field offices across the country. "Open it up the next day as the museum to the deep state," he said. Patel has also authored a book that Trump himself described as a "blueprint" for his second term and a "roadmap to end the Deep State's reign." As ABC News reported, that book, "Government Gangsters," is an explicit call for retribution against those within the FBI who dared investigate Trump and the far right a call not just for purges but for prosecutions "to the fullest extent of the law." According to Patel, "the FBI has become so thoroughly compromised that it will remain a threat to the people unless drastic measures are taken." Those measures include prosecuting officials involved in the FBI's investigation of ties between Russia and the Trump campaign as well as those who elected not to indict Hillary Clinton. All told, he added for clarity, the changes he envisions should make Democrats "very afraid." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patel's MAGA posturing still needs buy-in from a majority of Senate, where Republicans' slim majority means only a handful of dissenters can derail a nomination. So far, at least, there is no sign of an open revolt. Appearing Sunday on ABC's "This Week," Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., stressed that the founding fathers envisioned a "constitutional separation" between the president and law enforcement. That said: "We accept that the president should have the people that he wants in his Cabinet and on his team. Every president wants that. We give them the benefit of the doubt." People who have worked with Patel, however, aren't as interested in deferring to the president-elect's judgment. Hes absolutely unqualified for this job," Charles Kupperman, a deputy national security adviser during Trump's first term, told the Wall Street Journal. Patel is "untrustworthy," he said, and his nomination an insult. Its an absolute disgrace to American citizens to even consider an individual of this nature." Afrika Bambaataa has been accused of sexual abuse once again. Solo, a member of the French rap collective Assassin, claims an incident occurred with Bambaataa when he was a teenager. According to Complex, in an interview with CliqueTV, Solo said he witnessed Bambaataa watching porn upon being asked to meet him. Being confronted by a predator, especially someone you admire, is very difficult because you admire this person, Solo said of the traumatic experience that allegedly took place four decades ago. Realizing they have flaws that lead to inappropriate behavior is a shock. He detailed, that he needed personal development and support to come to terms with the abuse, adding, That was the hardest part. Bambaataa has been accused by multiple men of being their abuser since 2016 when Ronald Bee-Stinger Savage came forward, with allegations that the DJ molested him in 1980. Savage initially claimed he was just 15 years old when the Planet Rock artist began abusing him. Earlier this year, Savage backtracked the revelation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bambaataa is not a pedophile and, in my eyes, he was doing something that was consensual with someone that he thought was of age, explained Savage. I wish, back in 2016, I remembered about the fake ID. I wasnt thinking about that. I had forgot about that. I was in deep depression and still dealing with the trauma as an adult. I want to apologize for the little kid that didnt know anybody and just wanted to be down with this thing called Hip-Hop so I pretended to be older. Afrika Bambaataa performs during the 2015 Guggenheim Young Collectors party supported by David Yurman at Guggenheim Museum on March 19, 2015 in New York City In August 2024, DJ Funk Flex received an FCC complaint over comments he made about Afrika Bambaataa after the Planet Rock performer DJed a set on Funkmaster Flexs show while facing an open civil case for child sex trafficking. The advocacy organization Hip-Hop Stands with Survivors filed the complaint against New York radio station Hot 97 and the host for allowing the Zulu Nation founder to appear on the platform and spreading misinformation. Leila Wills, co-founder of Hip-Hop Stands with Survivors says there are still 12 other people that have accused Taylor, despite Savages recanting. In 2016, Bambaataa made the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I never abused nobody. You know, it just sounds crazy to people to say that, hear you abused me, adding, You know my thing is you know all my people back then, you know the hundreds of people that been around me. If something like that happened, why you never went to none of them? More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. (Getty Images illustration) I spent an inordinate amount of time during my journalism career writing headlines. Sometimes I miss it. Especially when a story comes along about the last meeting of the legislative Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Regulation of Internet Access by Minors. If I was writing the headline for that story it would say: Lawmakers spend the summer studying porn sites. That ought to get the attention of readers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers on the committee might quibble with that headline, explaining that they were studying how to keep minors away from porn sites, rather than studying the porn sites themselves. If thats the case, then the jury is still out on whether or not they succeeded. After a summer of study, the consensus on the committee seemed to be lets do what Texas does. If their focus is going to be on Texas, some taxpayers may have preferred that lawmakers spend their summer trying to figure out a way to get that state to pay for the National Guard deployments that South Dakota has sent to the southern border without reimbursement. Instead, lawmakers on the study committee decided to follow the example of a Texas law mandating porn web sites to require age verification for everyone who enters the site. That law was signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott last year and requires users to upload a photo of a government ID to access a pornographic website. The Texas law carries fines of up to $10,000 per violation by a site. That fine could go up to $250,000 per violation if it involves a minor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas law has had quite a journey through the court system. The law was challenged by a group of pornographic web site operators called the Free Speech Coalition with representation by the American Civil Liberties Union. The law was blocked by a district court judge. The state appealed and that decision was struck down on a 2-1 vote by a federal appeals court. Now the case is in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court. According to an article in Forbes, the Free Speech Coalition believes the age-verification process is invasive and burdensome with significant privacy risks for adult consumers. In the same article, an attorney from the ACLU said the Texas law allows the government to rob adults of their online privacy and burden their access to protected speech, all under the guise of protecting children. The Texas law is in effect while the Supreme Court contemplates its decision. This has caused some ramifications in Texas. According to the Texas Tribune, the popular porn site Pornhub has blocked access for users with Texas IP addresses. This has sparked interest by Texans in VPNs or Virtual Private Networks. VPNs hide IP addresses and sell themselves as a service that protects your online privacy. South Dakota lawmakers may be backing the wrong horse if theyre putting their hopes on the Texas law. The Supreme Court has ruled in the past that trying to put limitations on access to pornography is an unconstitutional restriction on free speech. Let us know what you think... Putting aside the constitutional question, the size of the task of regulating the internet is monumental. A study by scholars at Michigan State University and the University of Iowa estimated there are at least 4 million adult web sites. Thats a stark example of how tough it will be to put the clamps on something that truly is a world wide web. Is someone in state government going to be tasked with visiting each site to see if its complying with the states age-verification law? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A state law that seeks to monitor the internet is not the answer. Lawmakers should put their efforts into making sure parents have the resources they need to protect their children themselves. That could mean literature on how to talk to kids about staying safe online or a state stipend that helps with the purchase of web filters or blocking software. In this case, lawmakers intentions are good, but theyll never be able to police the internet or take on the responsibilities that are best handled by parents. KYODO NEWS - Dec 2, 2024 - 14:22 | All, Japan A bear was trapped and killed Monday after a two-day stay in a northeastern Japan supermarket, police said, ending an incident in which the animal attacked a male employee and dined out in the store's meat section. The approximately 1-meter-long bear was finally confirmed as captured at the store in Akita Prefecture around 8:10 a.m., some four hours after a sensor on one of the box traps was triggered. Authorities used honey, apples and bread in traps set up in two locations, with the bear caught in one placed in a storage area at the rear of the store. A camera-equipped drone was used in unsuccessful attempts to locate the bear, which took full advantage of its access to the meat section during its supermarket spree. The bear entered the supermarket Saturday morning when some 20 staff were preparing for the start of the day's operations. The 47-year-old male employee attacked by the animal sustained non-life-threatening facial and other injuries, the police said. The store, located in the prefectural capital of Akita, is about 1 kilometer from JR Tsuchizaki Station. It had not yet opened to customers when the bear entered. Related coverage: Man attacked by bear at supermarket in northeast Japan German firm Helsing says production of its HX-2 kamikaze drone, thousands of which are expected to be sent to Ukraine, is underway. The company states that the HX-2s feature stand-off range, artificial intelligence (AI) enabled capabilities that make them resistant to electronic warfare systems, and can be employed in networked swarms. Helsing offered new details about the HX-2 as part of an official rollout of the one-way-attack drone earlier today. The Bild newspaper in Germany had first reported on the HX-2 and plans to send thousands of them to Ukraine last month. An HX-2 drone in flight. Helsing The electrically-powered HX-2, which has an x-shaped main wing and tail configuration, weighs close to 26 1/2 pounds (12 kilograms), has a top speed of almost 137 miles per hour (220 kilometers per hour), and a maximum range of 62 miles (100 kilometers), according to Helsing. The company also says the drones, also reportedly known by the name Karma, can be loaded with multi-purpose warheads, as well as ones optimized for use against armored vehicles or structures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Onboard artificial intelligence ensures that HX-2 is immune to hostile electronic warfare (EW) measures through its ability to search for, re-identify, and engage targets, even without a signal or a continuous data connection, Helsing says on its website. A human operator stays in or on the loop for all critical decisions. What kind of onboard sensors and other systems the HX-2 has to support these capabilities is unclear. As seen below, the drone does have two small apertures in the nose, which are likely electro-optical and/or infrared cameras, as well as what looks to be a small pitot tube off to one side. Helsing When operating as part of Helsings Altra recce/strike software, multiple HX-2s can assemble into swarms, controlled by single human operators, a Helsing press release adds. A rendering depicting a swarm of HX-2s. Helsing HX-2 has been designed to be mass-producible and at significantly lower unit cost than conventional systems, the Helsing release continues, but does not provide any further details about unit cost Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When exactly Ukraine might get its first HX-2s is unclear. Bilds report said that the first tranche of the drones would be delivered to Ukraine sometime this month and that around 4,000 would be sent in total. The press release today says the drones capabilities [were] developed and tested through Helsings extensive experience in Ukraine and that core technology is currently deployed in Ukraine. A picture simply titled Field that Helsing released along with its HX-2 announcement today. Helsing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless, the HX-2 looks set to offer Ukrainian forces a valuable array of capabilities coupled with a significant range allowing for strikes deeper behind the front lines, even for relatively small units. Electronic warfare is in heavy use on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine, especially against drones. AI-enabled targeting has already emerged as one of a number of countermeasure options. The War Zone has explored in detail in the past how AI is pushing uncrewed aerial systems toward a major new evolution, if not a revolution in capabilities, especially when it comes to dynamic targeting and operating in large groups or fully networked swarms. As we have previously written: The ability would open up dynamic targeting deep in contested territory. For Russia, for instance, this would be a huge advantage as it has failed to gain air superiority over Ukraine and has very limited ability to hit non-static targets far beyond the front lines. The same can be said for Ukraine. It could hunt for and strike land Russian vehicles deep in occupied territory, something it cannot do today because it too lacks air superiority and is confronted with the dense air defense overlay that sits atop the entire region. Flying these drones deep into those air defenses makes sense even if they do not complete their mission. A long-range kamikaze drone may cost thousands of dollars, but the high-performance surface-to-air missile that knocks it down will likely cost much more and would take far longer to replace. Waves of similar drones could be sent to their own individual geographical kill boxes, or defined areas of engagement. Collectively, they could put enemy targets at risk over a huge area persistently without doubling up and attacking the same target twice. Using machine learning/AI and associated hardware they could not just identify targets of interest, but also differentiate moving from still targets, to ensure they are indeed active (not destroyed or already damaged) vehicles. Meanwhile, they can be set to engage other target types, such as surface-to-air missile systems or other high-priority targets, regardless of whether they are static or not. Even troop movements on the ground could potentially be recognized and attacked. All the parameters as to what the drone can engage, and where it can do so, can be defined and tailored to each mission before launch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Helsing says the HX-2s onboard software can be updated wirelessly to dynamically adapt to new threats and tactics. Its unclear if the drones are designed to receive those updates in flight in the middle of a mission. The War Zone has also previously highlighted how AI algorithms can be rapidly trained in a digital environment, as well as incorporate data collected from actual real-world employment, to improve their ability to spot, categorize, and engage targets. A view of an HX-2 from the rear. Helsing Increasing autonomy for kamikaze drones and other weapon systems has also prompted a broader ethical debate, which Helsing has proactively sought to address in relation to the HX-2. As a company founded in democratic countries and on democratic values, we have a special duty to approach the development and deployment of advanced defense systems, such as strike drones, with particular responsibility and thoughtfulness, a section on Helsings site states. We believe in the principle that a human needs to be in or on the loop for all critical decisions; and we know that enforcing this principle requires conviction and technological leadership, especially in the face of adversaries taking shortcuts. If nothing else, a new stream of relatively low-cost kamikaze drones by itself is a boon for Ukraine, especially amid growing uncertainty about the future of foreign military aid contributions. The German government, which has been especially reluctant to send stand-off strike munitions to Ukraine also looks to be presenting HX-2 as an alternative that still demonstrates its commitment to supporting Kyiv. Some reports say that the drone has been nicknamed the Mini-Taurus, an apparent reference of sorts to Germanys repeated rebuffing of requests for air-launched Taurus cruise missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was in Kyiv just today where he was shown numerous kamikaze drones that Ukraine has developed domestically. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz inspected the AQ 100 Bayonet kamikaze drones in Kyiv today. He was also shown Ukrainian analogs of the Russian Lancet and a smaller version of Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze UAV. pic.twitter.com/qnZCaeVPaf Clash Report (@clashreport) December 2, 2024 In addition, as already noted, the HX-2s capabilities reflect broader trends that are not limited to the fighting in Ukraine. The threats that kamikaze drones and other weaponized types pose, which are not new, as well as the potential benefits they could offer in friendly hands, have now been fully driven into the public consciousness. Uncrewed aerial systems capable of executing one-way attacks or of dropping munitions, in particular, have become an increasing fixture in conflicts globally, including in the recent surge in fighting in Syria. There is no sign that their proliferation, or that of new functionality, including AI-driven features, among state armed forces, as well as terrorists and other non-state actors, will slow any time soon. The overall bar to entry to fielding weaponized drones is already low. Helsing is one of a steadily growing number of companies worldwide, including many smaller ones, that are now looking to enter this market space or expand their existing presence there, including by leveraging experience from supporting Ukrainian forces. It remains to be seen when definitive evidence of the HX-2s use in Ukraine will emerge, but the drone is a sign of things to come beyond that conflict. Contact the author: joe@twz.com Russian drones were detected in Kyiv Oblast on the morning of Monday, 2 December, with air defence systems actively responding. Source: Kyiv Oblast Military Administration Quote: "Enemy UAVs movement detected! Air defence is responding in the oblast." Details: An air-raid warning was issued in Kyiv Oblast at 06:18. The previous air-raid warning was in effect from 21:00 Sunday until 04:32 Monday. Support UP or become our patron! Alabama's preterm birth rate has improved slightly in recent years, but its rise in rankings is largely due to worsening outcomes in other states. (Getty Images) Alabama has moved out of the bottom three in the national rankings for preterm birth rate, less for improvement within the state than worsening outcomes elsewhere. Data from the March of Dimes shows Alabamas preterm birth rate decreased from 13.1% in 2021 to 12.8% in 2022. Although the rate ticked up slightly to 12.9% in 2023, Honour Hill, director of maternal and infant health initiatives for March of Dimes in Alabama, described the increase as statistically insignificant, suggesting Alabama may have followed a national trend of not necessarily improving but not getting worse either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we look from 2013 to 2023, (the preterm birth rate has) gone significantly up, but were seeing ourselves kind of sit at right underneath 13%. So its a little bit of us getting better in the last couple of years, but a lot of it is going to be some of those other states getting worse, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX According to the March of Dimes, 143 of the 1,112 babies born on average each week in Alabama are born preterm, defined by the CDC as births that happen before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Of those, 22 babies a week are born very preterm, or under 35 weeks gestation. The earlier a baby is born, the higher the risks for breathing problems, feeding difficulties, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, or vision and hearing problems. Dr. Wes Stubblefield, the district medical officer at the Alabama Department of Public Health, said that year-to-year changes in infant mortality data are influenced by population size and data variability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The larger the data set, the more reliable the information. Its the same with counties. The graph for the entire US is much smoother than Alabamas when comparing year-over-year trends, he said. Alabamas infant and maternal care is filled with disparities between whites and marginalized groups, and preterm birth rates are no different. According to Hill, Black families in Alabama face a preterm birth rate of 15.9%, while Asian American and Pacific Islanders report the highest rate at 17.3%. Although Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders only make up 0.1% of the population in Alabama, Hill said its important to break down data by specific racial and ethnic groups to better understand and address disparities. Pacific Islanders high preterm birth rates are statistically significant, she said, underscoring systemic inequities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to ask these communities directly what they need to thrive, rather than assuming one-size-fits-all solutions, she said. Dr. Christopher Zahn, chief of clinical practice and health equity and quality at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), said in a statement the organization is committed to its efforts to address racial inequities in maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly focusing on reducing the rates of preterm birth. One of ACOGs longstanding policy priorities has been to extend postpartum Medicaid from 60 days after delivery to one year. Because Medicaid pays for roughly 64% of births to Black women, extending this coverage is key to helping reduce disparities but especially racial health disparities, Zahn said. In March 2023, the Alabama Medicaid Agency received approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to a full year. Medicaid pays for more than half of the births in Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ACOG is also pushing for more investment in maternal and infant health research, with an emphasis on enhancing diversity in clinical studies. ACOG endorses and advocates for the swift passage of the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act, which would renew the federal governments commitment to research and programs on preterm birth, reauthorize activities aimed at preventing preterm birth, and provide for a new study on the costs, impact of social factors, and gaps in public health programs that lead to prematurity, Zahn said in the statement. One key factor linked to poor birth outcomes is inadequate prenatal care. Hill said Alabamas rate of inadequate prenatal care, defined as the percentage of women who get fewer than half of the appropriate medical appointments during a pregnancy, stands at 18.1%. Thats higher than the national average of 15.7%. She said that maternity care deserts, particularly in rural areas, compound this issue. Access to care is crucial, Hill said. In counties with full maternity care access, we still see barriers like transportation, familial support, and economic challenges that prevent women from receiving adequate care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The March of Dimes, for the first time, examined how environmental factors like extreme heat and air pollution contribute to adverse birth outcomes, highlighting disparities among different demographics. For instance, Black and Hispanic populations experience 56% and 63% higher pollution exposure, respectively, compared to white populations. We are seeing a lack of air quality sensors, and were also looking at that extreme heat, making sure that our air pollution and those sorts of things are being looked at for the benefit of pregnant women, Hill said. According to a May 2024 Journal of the American Medical Association study, extreme heat events can affect perinatal health, with preterm and early-term birth rates increasing after heat waves, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged subgroups. Both Hill and Stubblefield underscored the need for targeted interventions to reduce disparities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Significant disparities still exist, and reducing Alabamas infant mortality rate continues to be a top priority for multiple different agencies in the state including ADPH, Stubblefield said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A tentative agreement to end the teachers strike in the Greater Albany School District was reached Sunday night. An email release from the district said the Greater Albany Education Association will work with its members to vote on ratifying the contract Monday. If the teachers ratify, the deal will be sent to the school board for final acceptance and their signatures. Schools will remain closed in Albany on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mans death in Salem apartment fire suspicious Communications Director Becca Mallery said both groups are working out details for what is called the Strike Settlement Agreement. This is the document that explains the essential details of returning back to work including potential makeup days and how/when staff and students will return. Earlier Sunday, Mallery said once the agreement is ratified, students will return on a 2-hour late start the following day. The start date will be announced as soon as it is set but we hope to have students and staff in schools on Tuesday, December 3. Final plans and contract details have not been announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teachers in the district remain on strike nearly three weeks after taking to the picket lines for the first time since 1987. This past Monday, the district announced plans to no longer cover the teachers health insurance starting on December 1. According to the district, these insurance benefits are only available for active employees and ending coverage for non-working employees is a standard requirement. KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this 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 KOIN.com. An Alberta clipper is a fast-moving area of low pressure that moves southeast out of the Canadian Province of Alberta, through the Plains and Midwest. While an Alberta clipper can occur anytime between October and March, they are most common in the winter months. They typically bring snow, strong winds and cold temperatures. Once the Alberta clipper makes its way to the East Coast, the system is sometimes fueled by moisture off the Atlantic Ocean. This will cause the system to intensify rapidly and spread heavy snow across New England. clipper_setup_2024.png Alberta clippers can produce winds as strong as 60 mph. These gusty winds, combined with heavy snow, can cause blizzard conditions quickly in areas where snowfall is heaviest, or where a fluffy snowpack is already on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Areas impacted by Alberta clippers can see drastic temperature changes that can last days after the clipper has moved on. Its not uncommon to see temperatures dip 30 degrees in as little as 12 hours. That frigid Canadian air that the Alberta clipper ushers in can lead to dangerously low wind chill temperatures and their quick shot of heavy snowfall can cause chaos for travelers. clipper_cold_air.png Less than 10% of Alberta clipper systems track south of the Great Lakes. Because of this, they cant tap into southerly moisture. The lack of moisture, and the speed of movement (Alberta clippers usually travel at speeds of 30-40 mph) these systems usually arent blockbuster snow producers. But not always. "Alberta clippers are often described as moisture starved. But that doesn't mean they can't generate significant snowfall," explained weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman. La Nina has quite an impact on Alberta clippers. During a La Nina year, the jet stream dives southward across the Great Lakes. This allows for much colder air to flow southward, which can increase lake effect snow. When this occurs, the snow totals from an Alberta clipper can be substantially more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (MORE: What Is Lake-Effect Snow? | What Is La Nina?) "If both the jet stream disturbance and cold front are strong, you can also have brief, heavy bursts known as snow squalls with Alberta clippers, said Erdman. These can sharply reduce visibility and quickly make roads slippery, making for hazardous driving conditions." (For even more granular weather data tracking in your area, view your 15-minute details forecast in our Premium Pro experience.) clipper_names_2024.png There are two other variations to the Alberta clipper. The Saskatchewan screamer and the Manitoba mauler are both clipper systems as well. The only difference is the location from which they dive south. The Saskatchewan screamer begins its southward journey from Canadas Saskatchewan Province, while the Manitoba mauler dives south from the province of Manitoba. Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades. This is an adapted excerpt from the Nov. 23 episode of Velshi. With less than 60 days until President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration, his administration is taking shape. So far, Trump has named all 15 heads of executive departments and many other top administration posts for the start of his second term. He chose anti-vaxxers and skeptics of science, a fossil fuel executive and allies of the oil and gas industry, people with little to no experience in leading large organizations, people with reported ties to Christian nationalist groups and ideologies, and several people who want to implement aggressive deregulation plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of that could spell trouble and result in lasting damage to public health, the climate, the environment, national security, foreign policy and the basic functioning of our federal government. Theres a lot at stake, and it would be naive to think that Trump might be more restrained this time around. But, small though it may be, weve also just witnessed the first defeat of Trump 2.0, the first successful pushback against his agenda, which came when Matt Gaetz was forced to withdraw his name from consideration for attorney general. Gaetz stepped back as details continued to be reported about the sexual misconduct allegations that he had faced and continues to deny. Thats on top of the fact that hes one of the least-liked people on Capitol Hill a firebrand who irked many of his former colleagues. Not even Vice President-elect JD Vance could help him rehabilitate his reputation enough to salvage his chance of becoming the next attorney general setting aside the simple fact that he is grossly unqualified for that position in the first place. Shortly after Gaetz and Vance spent a day meeting with senators on Capitol Hill to gauge Gaetzs chances of being confirmed, the former Florida congressman dropped out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC News reported that there were at least five Republican senators who were firmly opposed to his bid for attorney general: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins and MarkWayne Mullin, and Sen.-elect John Curtis. At least 20, and as many as 30, Republican senators were uncomfortable with the prospect of having to vote to confirm Gaetz for the role. This suggests that there are still some safeguards in place that could be deployed against presidential overreach. In this case, the Senate acted as a bulwark. It took its constitutional responsibility of advice and consent seriously and prevented an unserious and unqualified candidate from even being formally nominated. Come January, Trump will regain the most powerful office in the world and he will undoubtedly wield his influence more forcefully once hes back in the White House. His party will also control both the House and the Senate for at least the next two years. But its not the overwhelming mandate that theyd like you to believe. Their majorities in both chambers of Congress are narrow and precarious and we know how dysfunctional they can be as a caucus. And we know something else: Trump has certainly learned from his first term in office and is stepping into this second term with an eye toward removing every guardrail that stood in the way of his lawless impulses before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But we also learned some lessons from Trumps first term. We learned that pressure works and minds can be changed, that ordinary Americans can raise their voices and that whistleblowers can shine light in the shadows. We learned that there are quiet, capable career government employees and military personnel who can muster great bravery in order to speak out and push back. On Nov. 5, we learned that the Trump era of American politics is not over and that the work to win back democracy from the brink is not done. Now, its time to figure out what that work looks like. Allison Detzel contributed. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Two people from Allegany County have been charged with second-degree kidnapping following an early morning incident that occurred last week, according to New York State Police. A 36-year-old victim had allegedly been picked up at his residence at approximately 12 a.m. on Nov. 26 by 40-year-old Michelle McCloskey. He was then assaulted by 61-year-old Frank Scarpa from the back of the car they were driving in, police said. The two took him to a location in Angelica where he was allegedly hit by a pistol. The victim was able to escape while being moved and called 911 on County Route 16 around 1 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was taken to Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville to be treated. McCloskey and Scarpa were arrested and transported to Allegany County Jail to await arraignment. An investigation found Scarpa was arrested two years ago for kidnapping the same victim in Hinsdale. Scarpa was charged with the following: second-degree kidnapping second-degree menacing first-degree criminal use of a firearm third-degree criminal possession of a weapon tampering with evidence second-degree intimidating a witness second-degree assault fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon McCloskey was charged with the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement second-degree kidnapping second-degree menacing first-degree criminal use of a firearm third-degree criminal possession of a weapon tampering with evidence second-degree intimidating a witness 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police are investigating after an Amazon driver was carjacked at gunpoint while trying to make a delivery in Northwest, D.C. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that on Sunday, Dec. 1, shortly before 6 p.m., officers responded to the 2300 block of Tunlaw Road for a carjacking. Once on the scene, police learned that the delivery driver had parked the Amazon van and got out to deliver packages. Police said as he walked to the back of the van, he heard footsteps behind him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porch Piracy, how to prevent package theft during online holiday shopping season According to the police report, when he turned around, one of the suspects pointed a gun in his face and demanded he give them the keys to the van. The driver said one of the suspects threatened to blow his head off if he didnt hand over the keys. The worker told police that another person was also holding a gun. One of the suspects then demanded the workers Amazon vest before getting into the van and driving away. Takoma Park man wins $250,000 from Maryland Lottery scratch-off ticket Police said the second suspect followed behind the van in a car toward Wisconsin Avenue NW. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unfortunate this is happening in our neighborhood, but its also surprising they thought it would be a good idea to hijack an Amazon truck, said neighbor West Askew. As the investigation continued, police located the Amazon delivery van late Sunday night. The investigation is ongoing. As of Monday morning, details about the two suspects have not been released. In response to the carjacking, Amazon sent the following statement to DC News Now: This was a terrifying incident and were relieved that the driver was uninjured. Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our employees, partners, and customers and well support the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia as they investigate this crime. Amazon spokesperson Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPD said detectives were investigating any possible connection between the carjacking Sunday and two armed robberies Monday morning. Will porch pirates strike in the DMV during the busy holiday season? According to MPD, the suspects in both of those robberies were three men, and one of the men was wearing an Amazon Prime vest. The first robbery happened around 6:30 a.m. near School-Within-School at 10th and F Streets NE. The second happened around 7 a.m. at 13th and East Capitol Streets near Lincoln Park. In any neighborhood, doesnt matter where it is, when you have people like that roaming the city, Its concerning. I dont know what the solution is, but something has to be done, said Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glover Park neighbor Michael Watson. Anyone with information about this case, or any other cases, is asked to call 202-727-9099 or text MPDs text tip line at 50411. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Jeffrey Dastin (Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc plans to pilot a new carbon-removal material for data centers, which are at risk of worsening emissions from artificial intelligence systems they power, a startup behind the deal said on Monday. In a twist, AI itself, from the startup Orbital Materials, is what designed the carbon-filtering substance, its Chief Executive Jonathan Godwin said. "It's like a sponge at the atomic level," Godwin told Reuters. "Each cavity in that sponge has a specific size opening that interacts well with CO2, that doesnt interact with other things." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Potential cost-savings are partly the draw. The new material adds up to an estimated 10% of the hourly charge to rent a GPU chip for training powerful AI -- a fraction of carbon offsets' price, Godwin said. At the same time, data centers are requiring more energy to sustain AI's development and more water to keep them cool. That poses a challenge to companies like Amazon, which has committed to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Its unit, Amazon Web Services (AWS), is the world's largest cloud-computing provider by revenue. It is piloting the novel material in one data center to start in 2025 as part of its three-year partnership with Orbital, Godwin said. The agreement also provides for Orbital to use AWS technology and to make its open-source AI available to AWS customers. Howard Gefen, general manager of AWS Energy & Utilities, in a statement said the partnership would encourage sustainable innovation. Godwin declined to state the financial terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orbital, which has operations in Princeton, New Jersey and London, set up a lab about a year ago to synthesize substances that had been simulated by its AI, Godwin said. The startup aims to work with AWS to test still-more AI-generated materials to address water use and chip cooling in data centers. Godwin co-founded the 20-person company, backed by Radical Ventures and Nvidia's venture arm among others, after helping lead materials science work for Alphabet's DeepMind until 2022. (Reporting By Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco; editing by Diane Craft) KYODO NEWS - Dec 2, 2024 - 19:09 | All, Japan Members of Nihon Hidankyo, Japan's leading group of atomic bomb survivors that won this year's Nobel Peace Prize, on Monday said they plan to highlight the devastation caused by nuclear weapons and give a boost to movements advocating their abolition when they travel to Oslo for the award ceremony. The group, also known as the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, held a press conference in Tokyo ahead of its members' departure for the Norwegian capital. Some 30 Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombing survivors are expected to participate in the ceremony on Dec. 10. "We hope that (our visit) will lead to a larger nuclear abolition movement in Europe, and that people will feel the need to become more active" toward that goal, said Terumi Tanaka, a representative of the organization and survivor of the Nagasaki bombing. The 92-year-old, who is slated to make a speech at the ceremony, said it took him over a month to distill his thoughts into a concise message for the occasion. "While talking about the inhumanity of nuclear weapons, not everyone has specific images of the destruction," Tanaka said. "Even if they understand in words, they don't understand the essence of it." The organization on Nov. 15 launched a crowdfunding page with a target of 10 million yen ($66,500) to help cover travel expenses, which was met in just one day. It has since raised 36 million yen, and will continue the online campaigning through Dec. 15. "I feel that so many people have expressed their support for us in this way after we won the Nobel prize," said Jiro Hamasumi, a 78-year-old assistant secretary general of the group and an "in-utero" hibakusha, or atomic bomb survivor, who was still in his mother's womb when the Hiroshima bomb was dropped. "It is a massive encouragement," he said. The majority of the delegation will leave Japan on Sunday and return on Dec. 13. The members have a full schedule during their stay, filled with interviews and school visits, while some of the members are also expected to meet members of the Norwegian royal family. "As a hibakusha from the only country in the world that has experienced nuclear weapons during war, I want to tell the world how we have lived," said Michiko Kodama, assistant secretary general of the organization. "I believe it is our duty as hibakusha to hand down to the younger generation what it means to survive nuclear weapons and what war is like, at a time when there are many who do not know war," the 86-year-old added. The group, founded in 1956, won the prize "for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again," according to the Nobel committee. The U.S. atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the final days of World War II in August 1945, killing an estimated 214,000 people by the end of the year and leaving numerous survivors grappling with long-term physical and mental health challenges. Related coverage: Atomic bomb survivors meet fundraising target for Nobel prize awarding A-bomb survivors concerned over Trump win, abductee's kin hope for progress A-bomb survivors group Nobel win spurs nuke debate in Japan election By Nivedita Bhattacharjee BENGALURU (Reuters) - The rapid increase in satellites and space junk will make low Earth orbit unusable unless companies and countries cooperate and share the data needed to manage that most accessible region of space, experts and industry insiders said. A United Nations panel on space traffic coordination in late October determined that urgent action was necessary and called for a comprehensive shared database of orbital objects as well as an international framework to track and manage them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 14,000 satellites including some 3,500 inactive surround the globe in low Earth orbit, showed data from U.S.-based Slingshot Aerospace. Alongside those are about 120 million pieces of debris from launches, collisions and wear-and-tear of which only a few thousand are large enough to track. "There's no time to lose on space traffic coordination. With so many objects being launched into space, we have to do everything we can to ensure space safety, and that means facilitating the sharing of information between operators, be they public or private, in order to avoid collisions," said panel co-chair Aarti Holla-Maini, director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. Low Earth orbit must remain safe to prevent costly disruption to the technology behind global communication, navigation and scientific exploration, she said. Yet there is no centralised system that all space-faring nations can leverage and even persuading them to use such a system has many obstacles. Whereas some countries are willing to share data, others fear compromising security, particularly as satellites are often dual-use and include defence purposes. Moreover, enterprises are keen to guard commercial secrets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, the mess multiplies. A Chinese rocket stage exploded in August, adding thousands of fragments of debris to low Earth orbit. In June, a defunct Russian satellite exploded, scattering thousands of shards which forced astronauts on the International Space Station to take shelter for an hour. Low Earth orbit is the region most congested with human-made objects as it offers a balance between cost and proximity, making it a prime target for the rapidly growing commercial space sector. It has also seen a 17% rise in close approaches per satellite over the past year, Slingshot data showed. Projections point to tens of thousands more satellites entering orbit in the coming years. The potential financial risk of collisions is likely to be $556 million over five years, based on a modelled scenario with a 3.13% annual collision probability and $111 million in yearly damages, said Montreal-based NorthStar Earth & Space. "We are at a critical point with respect to putting regulations and structure in space to monitor and manage the growing congestion. With Starlink launching thousands of satellites per year, China and others preparing to follow, we will soon push the bearing capacity of prime orbits," said NorthStar CEO Stewart Bain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RISKY BUSINESS Low Earth orbit is densely packed, with bands such as the one for satellite internet service Starlink from commercial space company SpaceX - at an altitude of 540570 km (336-354 miles). As of Nov. 27, Starlink had 6,764 satellites in orbit, Jonathan's Space Report showed. SpaceX data showed Starlink satellites performed nearly 50,000 collision-avoidance manoeuvres in the first half of 2024, about double the previous six months. SpaceX did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. The European Space Agency, which has fewer spacecraft than SpaceX, said in 2021 its manoeuvres have increased to three or four times per craft versus a historical average of one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 800900 km band contains fewer satellites but has 3,114 objects - including operational and non-operational payloads, rocket bodies and fragments - which make up 20% of the total mass of objects in low Earth orbit, posing significant collision risk, LeoLabs data showed. Expired satellites add to the clutter as they stay in orbit until they fall into - and burn up in - Earth's atmosphere years later or are flown to a "graveyard orbit" some 36,000 km away. Russia drew global criticism in November 2021 when it test fired a missile at a defunct satellite in orbit, creating thousands of fragments of debris. Russia invaded Ukraine three months after the test. "The potential for conflicts between states has been on a steep rise in the recent past. If these extend to space it could complicate the outer space environment. We urgently need common global rules for coordination," said Anirudh Sharma, CEO of Bengaluru-based Digantara, which specialises in space situational awareness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FINAL FRONTIER The U.N.'s Holla-Maini, whose office serves as secretariat for the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, said the October panel aimed to bring together public- and private-sector experts to outline steps needed to start work on coordination. It will present its findings at a committee meeting next year. Global cooperation is essential to developing enforceable rules akin to those used by the International Civil Aviation Organization for air traffic, industry experts told Reuters. Such effort would involve the use of existing tools, such as databases, telescopes, radars and other sensors to track objects while improving coverage, early detection and data precision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet geopolitical tension and reluctance to share data with nations deemed unfriendly as well as commercial concerns over protecting proprietary information and competitive advantages remain significant barriers. That leaves operators of orbital equipment relying on informal or semi-formal methods of avoiding collisions, such as drawing on data from the U.S. Space Force or groups like the Space Data Association. However, this can involve issues such as accountability and inconsistent data standards. "The top challenges are speed - as consensus-building takes time - and trust," Holla-Maini said. "Some countries simply can't communicate with others, but the U.N. can facilitate this process. Speed is our biggest enemy, but there's no alternative. It must be done." (Reporting by Nivedita Bhattacharjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Gerry Doyle and Christopher Cushing) Omars view Gulf countries used to deliver foreign aid discreetly, but have recently adopted the Western-inspired practice of transparently documenting financial support to less fortunate nations. For strategic and moral reasons, they should consider returning to their roots, potentially setting an example for Western countries to emulate. Compared to European countries, Gulf governments are relatively young, meaning that many processes taken for granted in Paris, Berlin, and London are still developing. For example, while the positive convention of publishing white papers to inform stakeholders of government intentions has been a common feature in Europe for decades, it is only recently that some Gulf countries have adopted this practice. However, one area where Gulf governments differ and which cannot be attributed to their nascence is the discreetness of foreign aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Western countries, external financial assistance is publicly declared, partly to ensure transparency, as citizens have a right to know how civil servants are deploying tax revenue. Additionally, as Western countries have secularized, the prestige of being publicly associated with philanthropy has become an important motivator for acts of charity, evident in the naming of buildings, classrooms, and hospitals after wealthy donors. In Gulf countries, foreign aid undoubtedly serves foreign policy interests, but it is also compelled by Islam. Both individuals and states must provide assistance to relatives and neighbors in times of difficulty, with discretion playing a crucial role. Islam encourages anonymity in giving to protect the dignity of recipients who may otherwise feel their self-esteem and image are compromised. This deep-seated cultural predisposition led Gulf countries when they became wealthy to deliver significant volumes of foreign aid discreetly. Historically, Gulf donations have been anonymous, avoiding the ghastly Western phenomenon of thrusting cameras and microphones in front of the recipients to demand expressions of gratitude. While Islam grants an exception when the act of publicizing a donation helps encourage others to contribute, this rarely applies to foreign aid, when it is clear who needs help. In the past decade, however, this approach has become less common across the Gulf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aid packages to Gaza and Lebanon, Pakistan and Sudan, are now regularly publicized. Much of the impetus to emulate the Western model began during the Arab Spring, when Gulf countries were smeared in global media for supposedly refusing to accept refugees from various civil wars. As a regular visitor to Saudi Arabias Eastern Province, I remember being puzzled by the claims: The mosque I frequented, for example, had numerous non-Gulf Arabs fleeing conflicts, living with their families, and receiving access to health and education services. The kingdoms foreign minister at the time, Adil Al-Jubayr, explained in a press conference that Saudi Arabia had accepted hundreds of thousands of refugees, but had done so discreetly in accordance with Islamic prescriptions. I contrasted this with what I perceived to be the distasteful treatment of refugees arriving in Western countries, where cameras awaited exhausted families, expecting them to express joy that they were to be afforded this opportunity. The recent embrace of the Western convention may have been an attempt to preempt media pressure, but it risks undermining an aspect of Gulf culture and policy that has fostered its soft power. With their rising economic stature and success in mediating conflicts where the West has faltered, Gulf countries are well-positioned to impose their model of foreign aid one that preserves the dignity of recipients and wins their trust and respect. Equipped with this newfound self-confidence, Gulf countries should consider turning the tables and teaching the West how to deliver foreign aid in a dignified, respectful manner. Rather than acquiescing to foreign media pressure, they should consider convincing the world that what really needs to be discouraged is attention-seeking public philanthropy. Dec. 2The public section of the only cemetery in Anchorage that offers free burial plots is nearly full. As a result, more families are opting for stacked casket burials putting coffins one on top of the other and officials hoping for extra space donated by a religious organization are squeezing a few more graves into poorly mapped sections of the property's historical section in the meantime. The few remaining spots will likely be filled by next summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Established in 1915, the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery is an important part of Alaska history: Bush pilots, prospectors and early business owners are buried there alongside notable politicians like Gov. Wally Hickel and artists including Sydney Laurence. The rows of headstones, including two whale jawbones marking one plot, sit in a fenced-off space roughly nine square city blocks at the edge of downtown between East Sixth and Ninth avenues. [From Wally Hickel to Miss Wiggles, the storied history of Anchorage's first cemetery] It's estimated that the cemetery holds more than 15,000 graves. Nearly 2,000 spaces in the cemetery remain empty. But those are set aside for public reservations or private tracts saved for families or members of specific groups and organizations such the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, The American Legion and Pioneers of Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cemetery director Rob Jones said the public section of the cemetery filled up significantly faster than predicted. With businesses and houses on all sides, there isn't room to expand. There are no active plans to build a new municipal memorial park. Voters rejected a bond this year to establish cemeteries in Eagle River and Girdwood. As the public section of the cemetery fills, those seeking burials may have to shift to the Angelus Memorial Park in South Anchorage. The biggest difference between the two is cost plots at the downtown cemetery are free because it sits on public land, while burial spots at the private, nonprofit cemetery can cost thousands. The median cost of a funeral with a burial last year in America was $8,300, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Squeezing in the last few spaces Along with the private plots and other reserved areas, the cemetery also still has ample room for cremated remains to be buried or stored in the Columbarium Wall. But the park reached capacity for public burials in June. As the public plots filled, crews began using specialized equipment to review that older section of the cemetery and found areas with enough room for additional plots. The older tracts were dug without as much precision as is possible today and record-keeping has vastly improved, Jones said. "We're pretty sure we know where people are, but the lines in the old part of the cemetery weren't done by engineers, so they drift east and west, they get narrow and wide for no apparent reason and things don't really line up the way we would really like them to," he said. "So when we get into that old part of the cemetery, it's kind of a mystery." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews identified 25 plots over the summer for families who wanted their loved ones buried in the cemetery but didn't care where, Jones said. Out of those 25 spots, 23 were usable. Another 20 or so potential graves were identified in the historical tract that can be dug next spring and summer. He's hopeful a donation from the Catholic Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau will open up an additional 46 casket plots for next year. Even so, he estimated any space for public burials will be completely full by June. A more costly option At Angelus Memorial Park, a private cemetery in South Anchorage, plot prices start at $1,700, said Ben Spink, who manages the cemetery. Angelus offers some discounts for burials eligible for financial assistance, but they are still more expensive than those at the city cemetery, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families who need financial assistance can apply through the state Department of Health and receive funds to cover the cost of a plot and any additional burial requirements at the least expensive local cemetery. The department's costs may increase as plots fill in the public section of the cemetery, but no policy changes should be needed, said Alex Huseman, a spokeswoman for the department. The Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau has also offered 46 of the spots in their tract for public use, Jones said. As long as the municipality approves, that will open enough spots that burials could continue into June, he said. With so few remaining spots, Jones said, the cemetery likely won't take reservations for the remaining plots, but families could elect to fit two caskets in one spot. The cemetery digs graves deeper and can bury one person and then later bury a second family member on top of the first casket, he said. It's easier to prepare for such burials in advance, but it's possible to disinter a casket and dig deeper to add an additional casket to the grave, Jones said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stacked burial option is one that more families have been choosing as plots filled, he said. 'It's expensive already' This year, Anchorage voters shot down a $4.1 million bond that would have funded public cemeteries in Eagle River and Girdwood. Those cemeteries could have served as a place for new state-assisted burials to take place, said Tommy O'Malley, who has spent decades advocating for a Girdwood graveyard. Additional public cemeteries in the Anchorage area would save the state money but also ensure burials are affordable for the general public, O'Malley said. "Some people can't afford $6,000 or $8,000 to bury their loved one," he said. "It's expensive already the free plots kind of made it egalitarian." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement O'Malley said he was disappointed that the bond failed, but he plans to continue pushing for a cemetery in Girdwood and hopes even a basic one could open in the near future with limited funding. Cemeteries are an integral part of communities and their history, he said. "Everybody expresses their spirituality and their mortality differently, but they all express it," O'Malley said. "And it's important, it's a remembrance and it's our past." PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Angela Alsobrooks officially resigned as county executive on Monday as she prepares to head to the U.S. Senate. Democrat Alsobrooks beat Republican opponent and former Maryland governor Larry Hogan in the election on Nov. 5. Alsobrooks posted her letter of resignation on the X platform, stating, Thank you for your trust and partnership as we worked to build a stronger, united Prince Georges. Serving the residents of this County has been the honor of my lifetime, and I am deeply proud of all we have accomplished together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deadly hit-and-run on Baltimore-Washington Parkway; US Park Police investigating The resignation was official as of 10 a.m. Per the County Charter, Chief Administrative Officer Tara Jackson assumed the role of acting county executive. In response to the resignation, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore released the following statement: I want to thank Angela Alsobrooks for her dedicated service to the people of Prince Georges County for the past six years as county executive. Angela worked tirelessly to make Prince Georges County a safer, stronger place to call homewere deeply grateful for her effort and for the results she achieved. We look forward to continuing our work together to uplift Maryland families, protect fundamental freedoms, and build a brighter future for our state in her new role as U.S. Senator, as we welcome the opportunity to continue to serve the people of Prince Georges County alongside acting County Executive Tara Jackson. Gov. Wes Moore (D) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because Alsobrooks resigned by the first Monday in December, there will be a special election to fill the county executive role on a long-term basis. Had she not resigned by then, the county council would have appointed a council member to finish Alsobrookss term. Alsobrooks was elected county executive in 2018, becoming the first woman and first Black woman to hold the position. Shortly after Alsobrooks election to the U.S. Senate, Prince Georges County Council Chair Jolene Ivey told DC News Now she was interested in the county executive seat, stating, There is nobody better to fill that role. And I know for the good of the county we are going to need someone who is going to focus on the needs of the county and who knows the county. AC/DC concert tour coming to Northwest Stadium in Landover Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince Georges County States Attorney Aisha Braveboy, who also stated she was eyeing the county executive seat, released a statement in November, saying, I love this county I grew up here, and I understand the needs of Prince Georgians because I am one. I understand their needs for clean streets, trash pick-up twice a week, schools that are preparing our children for the workforce of tomorrow, integrating residents, business and labor to create a vision for advancing our county, and access to quality healthcare close to home I believe that my demonstrated leadership qualifies me as the best potential candidate to lead and improve upon the quality of life in the place where Ive called home for so many years, by putting the people of Prince Georges County FIRST. As of Monday, the name of Braveboys X account changed to Aisha Braveboy 4 Exec. Braveboy, who succeeded Alsobrooks as states attorney, did not support Alsobrooks run for U.S. Senate, appearing in campaign commercials for U.S. Rep. David Trone, who ran against Alsobrooks in the Democratic primary. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 News When US President Joe Biden touched down in Angolas capital, Luanda, on Monday it was the culmination of several years of focus and intense lobbying by the Angolans. But after spending nearly $20 million in lobbying fees since 2019, according to regulatory filings examined by Semafor Africa, the big question now is whether Angolan President Joao Lourencos government will face a backlash with an unpredictable Donald Trump in the White House. At stake is the US-backed multibillion-dollar Lobito Corridor project, which includes building and revamping railways from Angolas western Lobito port through to critical mineral hubs in neighboring Zambia and DR Congo. Biden is proudly highlighting the corridor as an exemplar of the kind of African investment that the US should support to counter Chinese influence on the continent. Most Angolans and US-Africa watchers believe a Trump White House will ultimately keep the Lobito Corridor in place, and might even try to spin it as Trump-inspired. It was one of the first projects to be backed by the revamped US Development Finance Corp, which started in Trumps first term. I dont think they will retract its because its a viable investment that showcases the viability of African infrastructure, said Samaila Zubairu, chief executive of Africa Finance Corp, which has played a key coordinating role on the project alongside the US government. Know More The United States has helped mobilize some $5 billion for the Lobito Corridor initiative, coordinating not only rail but also digital connectivity and green energy infrastructure. And, while much of the focus for Lobito has been on loosening Chinas influence on the supply chain for so-called green minerals used for renewable energy batteries, there are even more immediate opportunities with the countrys agribusiness, say investors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luis Lelis, chief executive of BAI, Angolas biggest bank by assets, said the corridors implementation would give the sector a big boost and create jobs for the youth. AFCs Zubairu agreed: Weve had more enquiries about [Lobitios] agricultural value chain than the critical minerals. It shows that any [piece of infrastructure that unlocks value is a good thing. Step Back Angolans have anticipated Bidens visit with excitement and expectations are high, said Dr Mzee Fula Ngenge, chairman of Luanda-based African Diamond Council. Angola had a tense relationship with the US for decades after independence in 1975, through the dying years of the Cold War, because its leaders were close to the Soviets. But the relationship has improved in the last couple of decades with Luanda becoming one of Washingtons closest allies on the continent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve wanted this for years, to get recognition and respect from the US, said Jeanine Scott, the US head of Angolan holding company Omatapalo, speaking from Luanda. Yinkas view The Lobito Corridor is the kind of sprawling opportunity that everyone projects their desired outcome onto. For the outgoing White House and its Democrat supporters, it is the capstone of Bidens US-Africa strategy. It has stood out as a success at a time when Republicans have criticized the Biden administrations handling of conflicts in Sudan and the eastern DR Congo in the last couple of years, as well as the return of military governments in the Sahel region. Some will see Bidens visit to Angola as almost irrelevant now, given the wave of change sweeping through Washington DC since last months election and the Angolans are watching closely. However, my sources tell me that Trump wont change position on the Lobito Corridor for two key reasons. First, because his likely US-Africa advisors or appointees are mostly admirers of the project. They see it as a model to expand on in sub-Saharan Africa, moving away from aid and humanitarian projects to more trade and investment. The second reason is China. While the Biden administration was subtle about naming China as a competitive reason for its actions in Africa, Trumps White House will be much more obvious about it. With China hawks like his secretary of State nominee Sen. Marco Rubio in place, positioning Lobito Corridor as an anti-China move could see Trump doubling down on support for the initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the sheer unpredictability of Trumps approach to policymaking means nobody can be sure how it will play out under his White House. That uncertainty is the reason some in Luanda remain nervous. These are realistic concerns, says Fula Ngenge. Room for Disagreement Angolas Washington lobbyists have pushed back strongly at the idea a second term with President Trump would undermine the US-Angola relationship. Angolas fast-growing relationship with the US started under Trumps first term, argues Squire Patton Boggs, a Cleveland, Ohio law firm whose Washington lobbyist arm took in the majority of the nearly $20 million Angolas government spent on lobbyists since 2019. The firm points out that President Lourencos official relationship with the US dates back to his time as his countrys defense secretary in 2017 when he met with then US Secretary of Defense James Mattis. South Florida plunges deeper into winter this week as possible wind chill temperatures could reach the upper 30s inland and 40s at the coast with the mornings of Tuesday and Wednesday expected to be the coolest. The slap of frigid air comes as a one of the planet's most prolific snow makers pummels parts of the northeast with lake effect snow, and a diving trough leaves the Sunshine State open for a flow of dry air from the most northerly latitudes of the country. Freeze warnings are in effect in Florida for areas from Ocala through Gainesville and north to Jacksonville, with temperatures in Lake City dipping to 27 degrees Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frozen iguanas? How cold does it need to be in Palm Beach County to 'freeze' iguanas? Cold weather forecast for Palm Beach County In Palm Beach County, the overnight low temperatures could be more than 10 degrees cooler than normal with West Palm Beach forecast to hit 49 early Tuesday and 45 degrees closer to Lake Okeechobee. Areas west of the lake could dip to the low 40s with the feels like temperatures dipping to the upper 30s. The normal low temperature in West Palm Beach for early December is 64 degrees. Its going to depend exactly where you are in the county, said National Weather Service meteologist George Rizzuto, who is based in the Miami office. I cant say this is totally out of the oridnary because it is December. Its not a record breaking event by any means. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Dry season kicks off with driest November in more than a century and little rain forecast The coldest temperature on record in West Palm Beach for Dec. 3 is 43 degrees measured in 1903. The mercury dipped to a record 42 degrees on Dec. 4, 1974. Last month, West Palm Beach, as measured at Palm Beach International Airport, hit a low of 48 degrees on Nov. 23. I am a little worried about it, said Joe Carmakal, who owns Carmakal Nursery in Wellington, about the cool temperatures this week. Well keep the water on the plants. The water is warmer than the air and insulates them. Wellington is forecast to reach 49 degrees for about two hours early Tuesday with a wind chill of 44. A cold front will drop overnight low temperatures 8 to 10 degrees below normal for early December with Tuesday and Wednesday being the coolest mornings. For most homeowners, temperatures dipping into the upper 40s for a short period of time isnt likely to kill plants, but especially fragile flowering plants, such as orchids or other tropical flora, may start to show damage below 50 degrees, according to the University of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although cool for South Florida, it probably won't get cold enough to open shelters in Palm Beach County. The criteria to open a shelter is when the temperature is forecast to fall to 40 degrees or less for a period of four consecutive hours or more. Shelters also will open if the wind chill is forecast to reach 35 degrees or less for a period of four hours or more. Rizzuto joked that its unlikely to get chilly enough to issue a warning for falling iguanas, but they may be cold-stunned temporarily a paralysis that can cause iguanas to fall from their perches in trees. The mostly sunny days forecast through the week will give them time to warm up and regain their mobility. Daytime highs Tuesday and Wednesday will be near 70 degrees. By by Thursday, temperatures warm to the mid 70s and should reach into the upper 70s Friday. The normal daytime high this time of year is 78 degrees. Stacy DeMars is dressed for the cold weather as she walks her dog PGC along S. Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach on Tuesday, December 3, 2019. [JOSEPH FORZANO/palmbeachpost.com] More: Warmer, drier winter forecast for South Florida with La Nina expected to emerge by year's end Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longer cold snaps with overcast skies that prevent iguanas basking in the sun for warmth can be deadly as the paralyzed reptiles become easy prey to vultures, bobcats and coyotes. Also, when the lizards are immobilized by the cold, their digestive systems sour and they can die from bacterial infections. Cody Snell, a meteorololgist with the Weather Prediction Center, said the lake effect snow that is already several feet deep in some areas of Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York, is a little earlier than normal, and a function of the Great Lakes still retaining some summer warmth. Lake effect snow usually trails a cold front and is most prevalent during the early winter months of December and January when the Great Lakes are still warm. When frigid arctic or Canadian air blows over the warm water, it heats up and moistens, rising quickly into the atmosphere where it cools into clouds then condenses into snow. The lake effect snow could persist through mid-week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the longer term, by the middle of the nonth, we will get a pattern change so this doesnt look like a long-duration cold snap, Snell said. There is hope. Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate, weather, and the environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism, subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Cold weather in South Florida with chilly morning temperatures Dave McCormick, Republican U.S. Senate candidate from Pennsylvania, speaks alongside Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at the Liacouras Center on June 22, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Earlier today Trump delivered remarks at the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference in Washington DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) The Republican Party, which is responsible for many unpopular anti-abortion policies, has regained control of the presidency and the U.S. Senate, while control of the U.S. House remains uncertain. But abortion still proved to be a salient issue in this election, with voters overwhelmingly approving abortion-rights amendments in 7 out of 10 states, even those that went big for President-elect Donald Trump. In the battle over control of the U.S. Senate, a few Democrats in critical swing state races campaigned fiercely on protecting reproductive rights and won. However, and despite huge campaign investments from national abortion-rights groups, Republicans regained control of the U.S. Senate by flipping Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Montana Republican businessman Tim Sheehy beat Democratic incumbent and farmer U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, who campaigned on protecting abortion rights. Sheehy, by contrast, criticized a proposed constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights, which passed. Just before the election, more than 1,000 Montana women signed a letter asking Sheehy to apologize for describing young women as indoctrinated in his comments about younger people and abortion, reported the Daily Montanan. Ohio Republican Bernie Moreno defeated Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. Reproductive rights was a persistent campaign challenge for Moreno, who eventually distanced himself from his previous 100% pro-life no exceptions position and then again distanced himself from the 15-week ban he supported in this years primary. On the campaign trail, Moreno said it was a little crazy for older women to premise their vote on a candidates position on abortion, reported the Ohio Capital Journal. Pennsylvania The Associated Press has called the race for Republican Dave McCormick over Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Bob Casey. Casey previously identified as pro-life, but began broadly supporting reproductive rights legislation after the U.S. Supreme Court reversed federal abortion protections in 2022. During a debate, McCormick reiterated Trumps position that abortion should be left to the states, reported the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. West Virginia In this open seat, Gov. Jim Justice beat Democratic challenger Glenn Elliott, the former mayor of Wheeling. As governor, Justice signed a near-total abortion ban in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate wins for abortion-rights candidates in races that almost flipped Arizona Democratic candidate Ruben Gallego is projected to win against Republican candidate Kari Lake, but the Associated Press has not yet called a winner for this open seat, which is being vacated by independent U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Gallego campaigned on reestablishing abortion rights. Nevada U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, a Democrat, was re-elected by a narrow margin in Nevada, where an abortion-rights ballot measure also won. Throughout the race, Rosen called out her Republican opponent, Sam Brown, for his inconsistent record on reproductive freedom. Before moving to Nevada in 2018, Brown managed the Texas congressional campaign of an anti-abortion candidate. And as a Texas legislative candidate himself, Brown said he would support a ban on abortion with no exceptions after 20 weeks. Its been the biggest year for elections in human history: 2024 is a super-cycle year in which 3.7 billion eligible voters in 72 countries had the chance to go the polls. These are also the first AI elections, where many feared that deepfakes and artificial intelligence-generated misinformation would overwhelm the democratic processes. As 2024 draws to a close, its instructive to take stock of how democracy did. In a Pew survey of Americans from earlier this fall, nearly eight times as many respondents expected AI to be used for mostly bad purposes in the 2024 election as those who thought it would be used mostly for good. There are real concerns and risks in using AI in electoral politics, but it definitely has not been all bad. The dreaded death of truth has not materialized at least, not due to AI. And candidates are eagerly adopting AI in many places where it can be constructive, if used responsibly. But because this all happens inside a campaign, and largely in secret, the public often doesnt see all the details. Connecting with voters One of the most impressive and beneficial uses of AI is language translation, and campaigns have started using it widely. Local governments in Japan and California and prominent politicians, including India Prime Minister Narenda Modi and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, used AI to translate meetings and speeches to their diverse constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even when politicians themselves arent speaking through AI, their constituents might be using it to listen to them. Google rolled out free translation services for an additional 110 languages this summer, available to billions of people in real time through their smartphones. Other candidates used AIs conversational capabilities to connect with voters. U.S. politicians Asa Hutchinson, Dean Phillips and Francis Suarez deployed chatbots of themselves in their presidential primary campaigns. The fringe candidate Jason Palmer beat Joe Biden in the American Samoan primary, at least partly thanks to using AI-generated emails, texts, audio and video. Pakistans former prime minister, Imran Khan, used an AI clone of his voice to deliver speeches from prison. Perhaps the most effective use of this technology was in Japan, where an obscure and independent Tokyo gubernatorial candidate, Takahiro Anno, used an AI avatar to respond to 8,600 questions from voters and managed to come in fifth among a highly competitive field of 56 candidates. Nuts and bolts AIs have been used in political fundraising as well. Companies like Quiller and Tech for Campaigns market AIs to help draft fundraising emails. Other AI systems help candidates target particular donors with personalized messages. Its notoriously difficult to measure the impact of these kinds of tools, and political consultants are cagey about what really works, but theres clearly interest in continuing to use these technologies in campaign fundraising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polling has been highly mathematical for decades, and pollsters are constantly incorporating new technologies into their processes. Techniques range from using AI to distill voter sentiment from social networking platforms something known as social listening to creating synthetic voters that can answer tens of thousands of questions. Whether these AI applications will result in more accurate polls and strategic insights for campaigns remains to be seen, but there is promising research motivated by the ever-increasing challenge of reaching real humans with surveys. On the political organizing side, AI assistants are being used for such diverse purposes as helping craft political messages and strategy, generating ads, drafting speeches and helping coordinate canvassing and get-out-the-vote efforts. In Argentina in 2023, both major presidential candidates used AI to develop campaign posters, videos and other materials. In 2024, similar capabilities were almost certainly used in a variety of elections around the world. In the U.S., for example, a Georgia politician used AI to produce blog posts, campaign images and podcasts. Even standard productivity software suites like those from Adobe, Microsoft and Google now integrate AI features that are unavoidable and perhaps very useful to campaigns. Other AI systems help advise candidates looking to run for higher office. Fakes and counterfakes And there was AI-created misinformation and propaganda, even though it was not as catastrophic as feared. Days before a Slovakian election in 2023, fake audio discussing election manipulation went viral. This kind of thing happened many times in 2024, but its unclear if any of it had any real effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.S. presidential election, there was a lot of press after a robocall of a fake Joe Biden voice told New Hampshire voters not to vote in the Democratic primary, but that didnt appear to make much of a difference in that vote. Similarly, AI-generated images from hurricane disaster areas didnt seem to have much effect, and neither did a stream of AI-faked celebrity endorsements or viral deepfake images and videos misrepresenting candidates actions and seemingly designed to prey on their political weaknesses. AI also played a role in protecting the information ecosystem. OpenAI used its own AI models to disrupt an Iranian foreign influence operation aimed at sowing division before the U.S. presidential election. While anyone can use AI tools today to generate convincing fake audio, images and text, and that capability is here to stay, tech platforms also use AI to automatically moderate content like hate speech and extremism. This is a positive use case, making content moderation more efficient and sparing humans from having to review the worst offenses, but theres room for it to become more effective, more transparent and more equitable. There is potential for AI models to be much more scalable and adaptable to more languages and countries than organizations of human moderators. But the implementations to date on platforms like Meta demonstrate that a lot more work needs to be done to make these systems fair and effective. One thing that didnt matter much in 2024 was corporate AI developers prohibitions on using their tools for politics. Despite market leader OpenAIs emphasis on banning political uses and its use of AI to automatically reject a quarter-million requests to generate images of political candidates, the companys enforcement has been ineffective and actual use is widespread. The genie is loose All of these trends both good and bad are likely to continue. As AI gets more powerful and capable, it is likely to infiltrate every aspect of politics. This will happen whether the AIs performance is superhuman or suboptimal, whether it makes mistakes or not, and whether the balance of its use is positive or negative. All it takes is for one party, one campaign, one outside group, or even an individual to see an advantage in automation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: Bruce Schneier, Harvard Kennedy School and Nathan Sanders, Harvard University Read more: Nathan Sanders is a volunteer contributor to the Massachusetts Platform for Legislative Engagement (MAPLE) project. Bruce Schneier 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. Instagram/@apollomoon999 The beloved transmasc adult content creator Apollo Moon, known to his friends and family as Forest Harader, has died in Los Angeles on Monday, his loved ones confirmed to Them. He was 26 years old. Though his cause of death is not yet confirmed, the Harader family learned that he was hospitalized in the ICU and on life support on Nov. 27, according to their post on MealTrain, a website used to coordinate community meal delivery for those temporarily in need of care. The site is also used to raise general funds; as of Dec. 2, the Haraders campaign had exceeded its initial goal of $5,000, with a total of $9,590 donated at the time of writing, in order to help with the familys living expenses while his parents take an extended leave from work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Apollo Moon, he was a prominent and beloved adult content creator within the trans community, which was especially notable as a person of color in a predominantly white space. Community members began circulating the news of Moon's death on X on Monday. Austin King, writer and founder of the adult industry news site PornCrush, confirmed his death in a post on X. Moon's peers and friends posted plenty of tributes to him on the site as well, with performer Gwen Adora writing that she was devastated to hear the news of his passing. You will be remembered as a trailblazer, a kind and beautiful force in this hard world and industry, Adora wrote. Fellow transmasc performer Cher Mii wrote about all the silly audio messages we used to leave each other. your memory is a blessing, Mii wrote. He also reposted a behind the scenes video (warning: link is NSFW) featuring himself and Moon filming a scene together, while director Nikki Sequoia cried and expressed pride in the transmasc performers for having come so far in a year. A creator known as Dani wrote that there were no words to express the devastation of losing such an incredible person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement he was a pillar in the community & a huge inspiration for me, Dani wrote in a post on X. he was always kind & i considered him a friend. trans brotherhood is important. check in on your friends if you can Sex Worker Action Alliance posted to X on Monday, offering support via DMs for anyone who needs to vent today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moon's friends told Them that he loved nature, camping, and hiking. He was also a participant and winner in the viral T-boy wrestling event this year in Los Angeles. But among his greatest passions was his own trans community and the experience of being trans, as he often expressed on his social media. On Nov. 25, he posted, Being trans brought me so much joy and there was nothing in this world that made me happier than sharing that experience with my community. That same night, he wrote, I hope all trans people are extra gentle with themselves tonight and I wish I could hug every trans person in the world right now and tell them I love them. Get the best of whats queer. Sign up for Thems weekly newsletter here. Originally Appeared on them. KYODO NEWS - Dec 2, 2024 - 17:36 | All, Japan A man has been arrested for allegedly snatching glasses while riding a moped with pedals, police said Monday, as the growing popularity of such vehicles has been linked to an increase in accidents and traffic violations in Japan. The police said they discovered around 50 pairs of glasses at the home of the 49-year-old man, whose occupation is unknown, and are investigating whether he was involved in other similar crimes, including the recent one in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward. The suspect, who has refused to comment on the case, is accused of stealing glasses worth 3,000 yen ($20) by approaching a man in his 20s from behind on a road around 9:15 p.m. on Sept. 2, the police said. The suspect asked the pedestrian for directions to the nearest station to get him to stop, police said, adding that the victim later reported the theft to authorities. The police said they have arrested the man, who lives in the ward -- one of the most densely populated areas in Tokyo -- in connection with another snatch-and-grab case involving a moped. Related coverage: Electric scooter accidents in Japan surge after rules eased (WKBN) The Ohio 11th District Court of Appeals on Monday affirmed the conviction and prison sentence of a Sharpsville, Pa., man who was convicted of charges of aggravated vehicular homicide and OVI for a fatal crash last year. Read next: Steward Health asking Pa. for $3 million per month to continue Sharon Regional operations Joseph Yuran, 56, was given a seven- to 10-and-a-half-year prison sentence, as well as a lifetime drivers license suspension. He had been driving a vehicle that caused a crash at the intersection of U.S. 422 and state Route 305 on Nov. 17, 2023, that claimed the life of Tyler Richmond, 23, of Warren. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his appeal, Yuran claimed that the court erred in legal sentencing procedures, violated constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment, as well as made factually inaccurate findings to support the imposed sentence, according to a news release from the Trumbull County Prosecutors Office. However, the appellate judges, Eugene Lucci, Matt Lynch and John J. Eklund, found that the alleged errors lacked merit and affirmed Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas Judge Ronald Rices judgment, the release stated. Body camera video from the Ohio State Highway Patrol showed Yuran admitting to drinking alcohol before the fatal crash. While he said he didnt feel he was intoxicated, he said he drank too much to drive and that he knew that as he used to work as a trooper for Pennsylvania State Police but he had retired. Yurans blood-alcohol content was recorded as .196, above the legal driving limit of .08, according to prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Apple is being sued by a worker after being accused of spying on its staff through their own iClouds and personal devices, and breaking other laws. The California suit alleged that the company can engage in physical, video and electronic surveillance of them via employment policies, even when theyre off the clock, first reported by Semafor. The lawsuit, filed by advertising tech employee Amar Bhakta, claimed that the company violated California law in multiple ways including by restraining employees speech and violating privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In marketing materials, Apple declares that it respects human rights, including the right to privacy, read the suit. Apple does not extend this respect to its own employees. Bhakta, who has worked at Apple since 2020, also said that privacy policies made him remove his Apple employment details off LinkedIn and wouldnt let him publicly speak about digital advertising. In accordance with Apples policy, he asked for permission to engage in public speaking about his area of expertise: Digital Advertising, the suit read. Apple forbade it. Bhakta, who is represented by Jahan C. Sagafi from Outten and Golden, as well as Chris Baker from Baker Dolinko & Schwartz, said in a press release: I hope this complaint causes Apple to change their approach to monitoring employees outside of work and reminds employees that they have the power to stand up too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit said that the confidentiality restriction in Apples employment agreement limits employees freedom to speak about their work and Apples business... which restricts them from using their own skills and knowledge, developed at Apple, both in a job search and after hire. Apple said in a statement to The Verge: Every employee has the right to discuss their wages, hours and working conditions and this is part of our business conduct policy, which all employees are trained on annually. We strongly disagree with these claims and believe they lack merit. By Apples design, most employees instead use a personal iPhone for work reasons, the suit said. Apple then claims the right to access, search and use all the Private Life Data contained on the Apple devices Apple compels its employees to use. The lawsuit then refers to Apple as a prison yard, and said that all staff, whether working or not, are subject to Apples all-seeing eye. Sagafi said in the release, Apples broad speech suppression policies create a danger of discrimination going unchallenged far too long, which harms all Apple employees. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A Marianna, Arkansas woman was taken into custody after police say she recorded an inappropriate video of a couple and posted it on Facebook. The Marianna Police Department says the incident took place earlier this year. The woman in the video filed charges against 20-year-old Tamia Davis on September 7 and she was arrested on a felony warrant on December 1. Tamia Davis (Marianna Arkansas Police Department) David was charged with Residential Burglary, Unlawful Distribution of Sexual Images, and Cyberbullying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police would not go into detail on Davis motive or her connection to the couple in the video. A woman who watched the video and did not want to be identified described to WREG what she saw. New HIV infections for 15-24 year-olds up 50 percent in Shelby County All I saw was a girl walk in and pull the covers off the other girl, she said. There was a guy in the bed, there was a girl in the bed. The guy was on top of the covers, the girl was under the covers. There might have been a little nudity in it when she snatched the covers off. Marianna Police Chief Rodney Perry issued the following statement regarding the incident and Davis arrest: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our department is committed to ensuring the privacy and safety of all individuals in our community. The arrest of Tamia Davis demonstrates our resolve to hold those accountable who violate others rights and privacy. We take these matters very seriously, and we will continue to work diligently to investigate and address these types of offenses. Marianna Police Chief Rodney Perry Tamia Davis bond has been set at $5,000. At last check, shes still in custody. Davis is scheduled to appear in Lee County Circuit Court 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 WREG.com. CENTENNIAL, Colo. (KDVR) Two deputies quick actions are being credited with helping save two children from the backyard of a burning home. Just before noon on Sunday, dozens of first responders arrived on South Gibraltar Lane for a house fire. First arriving officers reported two children, ages 14 and 10, were in the backyard. Man accused of entering Greeley bar, shooting woman As soon as I got near the house, I could hear the kids screaming, said Deputy Ryan McConnell of Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office. Myself and Deputy (Chris) Calderon went to the neighbors house and started pulling down fence posts in order to get access to the backyard, at which point the kids came to us. They were able to cross the backyard, get to the fence, climb over where we were able to pull them out from the backyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No adults were in the home at the time of the fire. The children were not injured. Both deputies were also evaluated and cleared. Both of us being parents too, they are somebodys kids, said Calderon. I think anyone who does this job does whatever they can to help who they can Some people might consider it heroic but its just part of our duties. A firefighter was also taken to the hospital for evaluation but is OK. South Metro Fire Rescue reported one dog dead and five cats unaccounted for. FOX31 crews on scene saw one cat go out and inside the home Sunday evening. Missing: Woman last seen in Littleton was headed to Silverthorne Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters had to go defensive mode on this fire due to excessive amount of belongings on the interior and exterior of the home, said Brian Willie of South Metro Fire Rescue. Were having to clear all of the belongings out of the home to make sure that there is nothing smoldering within the belongings. The home is uninhabitable. The cause of the fire is under investigation. There was a window that popped out from the flame and flames started jetting out of the house, said McConnell. Im very glad they were able to get out of the house and knew what to do as far as not staying in the house. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. A local organization is asking for donated white-tailed deer meat, in an effort to feed the hungry. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Deer season just kicked off, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has partnered with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to make sure no venison goes to waste. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunters wishing to participate in this program should take their deer to one of 34 certified deer processing shops in Ohio. Hunters who donate a harvested deer will not have to pay for the processing of that deer. Each donation goes to a charitable organization that offers food assistance. One deer can make around 50 pounds of venison, or 200 meals, ODNR says. Last deer hunting season, FHFH received 1,157 donated deer and 79 organizations feed the hungry. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] VICKSBURG, Miss. (WJTV) Hundreds of sixth graders attended Vicksburg-Warren School Districts (VWSD) fall career fair to learn about the opportunities available for them. The fire department brought me a long way, said Nathaniel Williams, Fire Investigator Inspector at the Vicksburg Fire Department. From careers in the tech industry, to learning how to write a check or becoming a member of the police or fire department, many local businesses in Vicksburg came out to help students start thinking about their future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are many opportunities for you out there to find [your] voice, said Dr. Tori Holloway, superintendent of the Vicksburg-Warren School District. Smilow Prep hosts second annual kickball tournament LaToria Kerr is the Police Chief of the Vicksburg-Warren School District. She said in order to be a school resource officer, you need three years of law enforcement experience and have to be at least 23 years of age. I liked the police one because it was talking about how you can help people and not just be quiet and let things happen, said Reason Williamson, a sixth grader. This is the second annual elementary career fair held with the Vicksburg-Warren School District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont ever be afraid to learn new technology. Keep your mind open, and let your creative mind expand and grow and everything like that, said Casey Hutson, representative with the Mississippi Center for Innovation and Technology (MCity). Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Arizona was named one of the least charitable states in the U.S. in a recent study. The new study, conducted by WalletHub, compared the 50 states using 17 indicators of charitable behavior, including each state's volunteer rate, share of income donated and number of food banks per capita. Arizona ranked 49th, just above New Mexico. Meanwhile, other neighboring states like Utah and Colorado fell in the top 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, the United States is considered a generous country in terms of charitable contributions, with U.S. donors giving nearly $560 billion to charity in 2023, according to the World Giving Index's report from 2024. According to Giving USA, more than half of the funds come directly from individuals, and nearly 61 million people across the country also contribute with their time, serving a combined total of 4.1 billion hours per year, or the equivalent of $122.9 billion in contributions. Overall, the country ranks as the sixth most generous nation globally, according to the World Giving Index. Here's a roundup of the most and least charitable states in the U.S., why Arizona ranked low in the study and how you can participate in supporting charities according to what best fits your schedule and resources. Most charitable states in the US These are the most charitable states in the country, according to WalletHub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wyoming Utah Minnesota Maine Delaware Maryland Oregon Colorado Pennsylvania Nebraska Least charitable states in the US These are the least charitable states in the country, according to WalletHub. New Mexico Arizona Nevada Rhode Island Mississippi Louisiana West Virginia Florida Alabama Hawaii Why is Arizona not a charitable state? Arizona ranked lowest among all U.S. states for the charitable giving category, which evaluated factors like the share of income people donate to charities, the share of people donating their time, the number of public charities in proportion to the population and the share of homeless people currently in shelters. The state underperformed in several factors in this category. For instance, Arizona ranked as the second state with the fewest charities in proportion to the population. However, it performed slightly better for other category factors like the share of people who donate time and money and the percentage of income people donate to charitable organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for volunteering and service, the other category in WalletHub's study, Arizona ranked 44th. The state also fell short in several factors in this category, including the share of people collecting and distributing food at food banks, where Arizona ranked 48th. How can I contribute to charitable organizations? There are multiple ways you can contribute to charitable institutions in your city or community. Kirsten Gronbjerg, director of the Indiana Nonprofits Project, said people can start by looking for nonprofits that work on an issue they are concerned about and exploring their programs and services. Another option is to work with nonprofit intermediaries that know charitable institutions working on issues in their community, such as United Way organizations or community foundations. She also said the amount of time and money people can donate can look very different for each individual and household because not only do people have vastly differing incomes and budgets, but they also have different levels of access to support systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I find it hard to argue that there should be any fixed percentage for households when it comes to philanthropy," she said. If you would like to support charitable institutions in your community but find it hard to do so because you have limited time and availability, you can use WalletHub's Charity Calculator to determine a strategy that fits your situation. Many charities also have campaigns for Giving Tuesday, which this year falls on Dec. 3. Many organizations are matching or doubling people's donations, providing an opportunity to encourage people to support the causes that matter to them. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why Arizona was ranked among least charitable states in US A protestor holds a sign at an April 14, 2024, protest in favor of reproductive rights and abortion access in Scottsdale. (Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez / Arizona Mirror) 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. Just an hour after she joined Gov. Katie Hobbs, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann Timmer on Monday to certify the results of the 2024 general election, 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 Prop. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The position of the state of Arizona is that the passage of Prop. 139 makes the 15 week banunconstitutional, she said, during a news conference held to celebrate the ballot measures success. As of 10:12 am 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). SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 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 4 months and 2 years. Prop. 139, meanwhile, prohibits the prosecution of abortion providers, and allows the procedure to be performed until fetal viability, generally considered to be around 23 and 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, physical or mental health. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Prop. 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayes, who campaigned on a promise to protect abortion access and 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Dr. Misha Pangasa, an OB-GYN based in Mesa, said that the early support for Prop. 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, Prop. 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, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE *Attached video: Northeast Ohio weather forecast ASHTABULA, Ohio (WJW) The Ashtabula Area City School District superintendent says classes will be canceled an extra day after weather caused roof damage to the high school as more snow is on the way. According to a voice message to families Sunday night from Superintendent Lisa Newsome, Ashtabula Area City Schools will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 3 due to the amount of snow in the area, road conditions and the Level 3 snow emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School closings announced as snow piles up Also, there has been some roof damage at the high school due to the heavy snow and there also is water damage, Newsome said. The fire department is there and we are assessing the damage and will keep you updated. The Ashtabula Area City School District does not have class on Monday, Dec. 2 as part of the Thanksgiving school break. LIVE BLOG: Lake effect snow causes cancellations We will evaluate the rest of the week on Tuesday. Please stay home and stay off the roads and stay safe, Newsome said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. DAMASCUS, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces on Sunday began an offensive on a Kurdish-controlled city in northwestern Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a Britain-based war monitor. The forces, which Turkiye refers to as the "Syrian National Army," attacked Tel Rifaat, a city in the northern countryside of Syria's Aleppo province, and "there are violent clashes between Kurdish forces and the factions," said Rami Abdulrahman, director of the SOHR. Al-Hadath, a regional news outlet, also reported the offensive. In response to the assault, the Kurdish Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria announced in a statement a general mobilization "to confront the opposition factions." Tel Rifaat has been a strategic point of contention. Kurdish forces, including the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and the Kurds-led Syrian Democratic Forces, took control of the city in 2016, which has since become a refuge for civilians displaced from other areas. The assault on Sunday came at a time when the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an al-Qaida-linked extremist organization, and allied opposition factions are carrying out a major offensive against government-controlled areas in northern and central Syria. Turkiye sees the YPG group as the Syrian branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union. By Jonathan Cable (Reuters) -Manufacturing activity fell sharply across Europe last month and a further decline in demand dashed hopes for an imminent turnaround, whereas in China factories extended their recovery and U.S. producers saw new order growth for the first time in eight months, surveys showed. China's upswing was driven in part by Beijing's stimulus measures and a rush to export ahead of proposed tariffs by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump who returns to the White House in January. Trump's tariffs would also have a significant impact on an already struggling euro zone economy, a Reuters poll found last month. HCOB's final euro zone manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, sank to 45.2 in November, data showed on Monday, matching a preliminary estimate and further below the 50 mark separating growth from contraction. In October it was 46.0 and the headline reading has been sub-50 since mid-2022. Manufacturing activity in Germany, Europe's largest economy, remained firmly entrenched in contractionary territory while France saw the steepest decline in new orders since the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In Britain, outside the European Union, its PMI pointed to the sharpest contraction in nine months, as orders from domestic and foreign customers fell. S&P cited headwinds from a 25 billion pound ($32 billion) rise in employment taxes in the new Labour government's Oct. 30 budget, a 7% increase in Britain's minimum wage, disruption to shipping in the Red Sea and the threat of global goods tariffs. "The UK follows the weaker results also shown in the European PMI data, and shows that across both the UK and euro zone, manufacturers are really feeling the downturn," said Cara Haffey at PwC. "In particular, smaller manufacturers are seeing a decline in order book and production volumes." In the U.S., the Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing index climbed to the highest level in five months on an upswing in new orders, although the index reading of 48.4 showed activity overall remained slightly in contraction territory. Comments from manufacturers were mostly downbeat, though some economists expect to see a modest run of improvement in goods producer sentiment in the next few months, mirroring what occurred after Trump's first election victory in 2016. "I would not be surprised to see a similar dynamic this time, though in the current case, the underlying fundamentals for the factory sector have been tepid at best for a while," said Stephen Stanley, chief U.S. economist at Santander U.S. Capital Markets. In an apartment building with more than 160 units, is it legal for a landlord to split the water bill evenly, even if some units use more water than others? That's the question a reader recently posed to Public Investigator. It turns out that Wisconsin law doesn't give landlords much guidance as to how they should divide utility bills in buildings with shared meters. Public Investigator spoke with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and utility providers to answer this question and more regarding splitting utilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: No problem is too big or too small for our Public Investigator team What kind of meter do I have? A direct meter is when an apartment has an individual meter tracking its utility usage. In this case, the renter will receive their utility bills directly from the provider. Apartments without an individual meter are likely sharing a meter with other tenants in a nearby unit, all units on the same floor or the entire building. Shared meters make it challenging to determine exactly how much water, gas or electricity each unit is using. The utility provider sends the utility bill to the building owner. In turn, the owner decides how to split the shared utilities between the tenants. What utilities can share meters? Landlords can use shared meters for water, electric and gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But residential and commercial buildings built after March 1, 1980, must have an electric meter for each unit. What does Wisconsin law say about landlords splitting utilities? Wisconsin law doesn't mandate how utility bills should be divided for tenants, said Caleb Kulich, spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The law does say the landlord must disclose to tenants how utilities will be split. Can landlords in Wisconsin evenly split the building's water bill or energy bill by unit? Yes. It's up to the landlord's discretion how they divide utilities in buildings with shared meters. Wisconsin law doesn't mandate a particular formula. They could divide it evenly by unit, factor in the number of people in each unit or consider previous month's usage to calculate how much each unit should pay. Can landlords include shared spaces on the utility bill? Yes. If the building's laundry rooms, lobbies, and even vacant units don't have their own meters, the landlord can include their utility costs. However, the landlord needs to disclose if these parts of the building are included in how they split the shared meter utilities. Can Milwaukee renters see the water bill for their property? No, unless the property owner consents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renters in buildings that share a water meter cannot ask the Milwaukee Water Works to see the building's water bill to help verify their individual bill, said Patrick Pauly, the superintendent of Milwaukee Water Works. Milwaukee Water Works would need permission from the property owner to share the bill. Or, if the landlord agrees to share the account number, the renter could search up the bill online. Can Milwaukee renters see the energy bill for their property? No. We Energies shares customer information only with the person on the account or anyone else with permission, said Alison Trouy, spokesperson for We Energies. The company will share average bill amounts with prospective renters and home buyers, she added. Can Wisconsin renters ask utility companies for the building's average consumption amount? Yes, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin allows utilities to share the building's average consumption for the year and the highest and lowest consumption amounts for the year, said Meghan Sovey-Lashua, spokesperson for the commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the commission's rules prohibit utilities from sharing billing information with non-customers "due to customer privacy concerns," Sovey-Lashua said. Do other states do it differently? Yes. In Illinois and Minnesota, the landlord must share a copy of the utility provider's bill when the renter asks. These states also require landlords to factor in the number of people in the units, the size of the apartment and the previous billing period to determine the amount each unit should be charged. In Minnesota, each dwelling unit must have its own meter for electricity. The landlord can't include the utility costs of common spaces, shared amenities, vacant units or spaces used by only the landlord, according to Minnesota statutes. Iowa's law is similar to Wisconsin's. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gina Lee Castro is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at gcastro@gannett.com. About Public Investigator Government corruption. Corporate wrongdoing. Consumer complaints. Medical scams. Public Investigator is a new initiative of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and its sister newsrooms across Wisconsin. Our team wants to hear your tips, chase the leads and uncover the truth. We'll investigate anywhere in Wisconsin. Send your tips to watchdog@journalsentinel.com or call 414-319-9061. You can also submit tips at jsonline.com/tips. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What renters should know about water, electric bills in Wisconsin HONOLULU (KHON2) The holidays are usually a festive time to spend with family and friends, but it can also be a difficult time for people who are dealing with the stress and anxiety of the busy season. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You KHON2s Jodi Leong sat down with Dr. Chelsea Wong, staff psychologist at The Queens Medical Center, to discuss how we can protect our mental health during the busiest time of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ask A Specialist: Carpal Tunnel Have priorities. Really look at what needs to be done thats most important to maybe the least important. Its okay to have boundaries and to say no, said Dr. Wong. One of the biggest things I also think about is self-care. The importance of making sure youre taking care of yourself. Make sure youre taking your medications, get your sleep, youre eating okay. Think about how much you can handle with your capacity and really make sure that you dont lose sight of making connections. For those suffering from mental health issues, Wong said its particularly important to listen to your body. Really listen to what youre feeling, if your body is telling you, Hey lets take a break. Take that time to listen to your body to see what it needs. Its okay to feel those emotions, its okay to let things in. Its okay to reach out for help. Sometimes, especially in Hawaii, the hardest thing to do culturally, is we probably place other people before our own needs, right? Especially during the holidays. So, I always tell people dont hesitate. Dont forget about yourself, Wong said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another source of stress can be family gatherings, which Wong said is one of the most difficult things to do regardless of the holiday. Just practice being non-judgmental, being flexible, really thinking about the content of what youre talking about. Really think about being grateful in the moment how do you show your appreciation to others, how do you show it to yourself, Wong said. Check out more news from around Hawaii To learn more about the services offered by the Queens Behavioral Health Department, visit their website, click on services, then click on Behavioral Health or call 691-4401. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. The News Syrian President Bashar al-Assads regime scrambled to respond to sudden, heavy losses after rebels retook swathes of territory in a swift offensive. Anti-government fighters captured at least one major military base, and chunks of two provinces, including Syrias second city, Aleppo, and were pressing towards another population center, Hama. The onslaught, led by a group formerly linked to Al-Qaeda and still considered a terrorist organization by the US, upended years of stasis in a civil war that Assad appeared to have won at a cost of hundreds of thousands of lives and the displacement of millions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assessment that Assads rule was stable has been torn to shreds, one Syria analyst noted. SIGNALS Assad shores up defenses as rebels advance Sources: Institute for the Study of War, Reuters, The Guardian The Syrian army has fortified defensive lines around key cities, launched airstrikes, and surged troops to areas of active conflict in a bid to stanch the Syrian rebels territorial gains, the Institute for the Study of War said. Iran-backed Iraqi militias have also crossed into Syria to support the government, Reuters reported, entering the country in small groups to avoid airstrikes. The regimes assault will likely intensify in the days and weeks ahead, one expert told The Guardian: The actual battle hasnt started yet. Assad might be applying an old strategy that worked for him before: withdraw, regroup, fortify and counterattack. Syrian regimes key allies are bogged down by conflicts of their own Sources: Al Arabiya, Al-Monitor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assads allies, Iran and Russia, are weighing how much support they can offer the Syrian regime while distracted and weakened by their own conflicts. Russian forces carried out airstrikes on areas controlled by the rebels, and Moscow and Tehran pledged unconditional support for the regime on Monday. Although Russian forces played a considerable role in preserving the Assad regime from 2015 onwards, Russias presence has thinned out considerably and quick reaction air strikes have limited utility, one expert told Al-Monitor. Still, another expert warned: Dont underestimate Russias and Irans stakes in Syria or their ability to mobilize disparate forces in support of Assad. Rebel advance comes after Assads steadfast refusal to compromise Source: Financial Times Al-Assad has rebuffed efforts to compromise with his opponents and engage in negotiations despite pushes to do so from both allies and adversaries, the Financial Times reported. He showed little interest in negotiating with Turkey, the primary backer of the Syrian opposition, or with other regional powers to stabilize the situation on the ground. He had a chance to negotiate this in a face-saving way politically, but he refused, an expert told the FT. The insurgents advance also shows that the Assad regime is more brittle than many believed, experts argued. Longtime Syria-watcher Charles Lister said the rebel advance was not the result of Iran and Russias weakness, but the result of a profoundly fragile regime & fragmented military. Update: 12/2 8:00 p.m. ASSUMPTION, Ill. (WCIA) A small business in Christian County will have to rebuild after more than 30 years in its the current location. Sunday night, a fire destroyed the Moore Brothers Auto-Truck Repair on Locust and Samuel streets. 3 displaced after 120-year-old Effingham home destroyed by fire It was just kind of a gathering spot and, I dont want to lose that, Donald Moore, one of the owners said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A legacy created by Donald Moore and his twin brother Ronald turned to ashes on Dec. 1. When Donald got to the scene, the building was engulfed in flames. Crews arrived shortly after to get the fire under control. First arriving unit, me, myself, I was out there [in] about 5 minutes. And then we were there for a total of 5 hours, Herb Palmer, Assumption Fire Chief said. Palmer said they had more than 50 firefighters there, from Moweaqua, Taylorville, Stonington and more. Moore Brothers Auto-Truck Repair shop opened in Assumption more than 40 years ago and stood in its current spot for the last 32 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We spend as much time here, or more, than we do in our house, Donald said. IL State Fire Marshal offers safety tips for holiday decorations Donald said they didnt just lose the building. They also lost family pets in the fire. But, he said hes grateful for one thing. Ive still got my family and my kids, everybody. We lost two cats, and a rabbit, which are our pets. But, you know, I still got all my family, they didnt get hurt, Donald said. Donald said its a big setback, but he and his brother are already looking forward to the future. Im nowhere near ready to quit yet and so I wait on insurance company get back with me and Im sure well rebuild, Donald said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the fire is under investigation. The chief said that even with the cold temperatures, the community members stepped up to hand out coffee to firefighters and salt the roads. ASSUMPTION, Ill. (WCIA) An auto shop in a small town in Christian County lost its building after a fire this weekend. The Assumption Fire Department said they were alerted of a structure fire on Sunday around 8:45 p.m. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. The Assumption Fire Chief called for mutual aid immediately. Taylorville drug bust seizes 78 lbs of marijuana, three arrested Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After five hours on the scene, firefighters determined the building was a loss. No one was injured in the fire. Assumption Ambulance Service, Pana Fire, Stonington Fire Protection District, Moweaqua Fire Dept., Owaneco Fire, Tower Hill Fire, Christian County EMA, Christian County Sherriff, and Taylorville Fire Department and Christian County Dispatch all assisted in the response to the fire. We are truly blessed to have great teams around us to help when needed, fire department officials wrote in a Facebook post. Additionally, several people pitched in to help first responders to offer them coffee and hot chocolate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assumption mayor Derek Page identified the building as Moore Brothers Auto Shop. The business has been a staple in Assumption for 42 years and was housed in the destroyed building for 32 of those years, the mayor said. I am very saddened to see Assumption lose a business to fire, Page wrote. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Attorney General Mike Hilgers speaks during a news conference in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN The Nebraska Attorney Generals Office filed a second amended cross-claim Friday on behalf of Secretary of State Bob Evnen in a lawsuit against two successful medical cannabis measures. The brief formally adds allegations of circulator fraud and widespread malfeasance to Evnens complaint. However, Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong anticipated those arguments already last Tuesday when she dismissed the case and ruled in favor of the ballot sponsors behind Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen during a meeting to certify the November 2024 general election results. Dec. 2, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The AGs Office has not formally filed an appeal to the Nebraska Supreme Court, but Attorney General Mike Hilgers told the Nebraska Examiner on Monday that his office was taking advantage of court rules that allow a party to formally amend a cross-claim, even after a verdict, to conform to the evidence presented at trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just a post-trial motion, Hilgers said Monday. We want to make sure our case is fully prepared for an appeal. Strong said last week the specific allegations were not properly before the Court but were presented at trial. The judge, in her ruling: Questioned the specific circulators credibility and said she found other witnesses to be more credible. She concluded that some of the circulators signatures were notarized outside the circulators presence and lost their presumption of validity. Rejected what she described as Evnens numbers-optional theory of widespread fraud and questioned whether it was allowed under the Nebraska Constitution. Even if it was, she said, the evidence would be insufficient to invalidate the petitions. The petitions fulfill all constitutional and statutory requirements and are thus, legally sufficient under Nebraska law, Strong wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evnen and Hilgers joined Gov. Jim Pillen, State Treasurer Tom Briese and State Auditor Mike Foley to unanimously certify the November election results Monday, including the cannabis measures. They are set to take effect within 10 days at Pillens proclamation. A virtual hearing on Evnens newly filed complaint is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The trial for Maxwell Anderson, the man accused of murdering and dismembering a 19-year-old Milwaukee student, has been delayed from next week to May. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivello made the decision on Monday, following a request filed by the defense attorney earlier in the day, when they said they needed more time for an expert to review an analysis of their client's phone. The jury trial in the murder of Sade Robinson is now scheduled for May 27, with a scheduling conference and a pre-trial hearing in the months prior. "At this point in time, due to this being the first time it's scheduled for trial, and in order to allow the defense to prepare properly for trial ... I am going to grant the defense's motion," Crivello said on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The request was filed in a motion on Monday and said a forensic analysis of his phone was completed late November. "It is important that our expert's work is not rushed and that we have time to meet with the forensic team to discuss the parameters of their work," the motion signed by defense attorney Anthony Cotton reads. "As such, we are asking that this matter be postponed for at least 60 days so that a thorough review of Mr. Anderson's phone can be conducted." Anthony Cotton, left, defense attorney for Maxwell Anderson, leaves the courtroom following the jury status hearing of his client Maxwell Anderson in Milwaukee County Court on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. Anderson is accused of brutally killing and dismembering a Milwaukee college student. The motion states prosecutors completed a forensic analysis of Anderson's phone last week and provided a hard drive of it to Anderson's defense team on Nov. 27. The defense said it shipped it to a hired forensic expert Garrett Discover in Florida the following day through overnight delivery. During Monday's hearing, Cotton said the hard drive was received Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson's legal team hired Garrett Discovery at the beginning of October, according to the motion, and the company has reviewed prior phone evidence in the case. In the motion, Cotton states the previous analysis from Garrett Discovery indicated Anderson's cellular activity shows Anderson on his phone at his home wi-fi system at the same time Robinson's car was being driven by someone. Cotton described that evidence as a potential alibi for Anderson at Monday's hearing. A draft report with this information was completed, but the forensic expert needed more time to issue a final report, he said. The defense attorney said the report would be completed in a "couple of weeks." "There's a balancing act between moving it along and doing it right and I need to do it right," Cotton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Crivello said she did not want to create potential issues for appeal, by rejecting the request. The prosecutor in the case, Assistant District Attorney Ian Vance-Curzan, was opposed to the motion to delay the trial. He maintained it's the state's position that Anderson left his house with Robinson's body and drove through the night. "It appears that the defense in this case is going to be an alibi that he was at home," the prosecutor said. "Which, of course, we don't agree with." Sheena Scarbrough, the mother of Robinson, was upset by the decision. She told the Journal Sentinel it was "traumatizing" for her and her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not giving up ever. This is very traumatic and upsetting, but as I said before, I will stand strong," she said. "No matter how hard this challenge has been for us ... we will continue to be guided in the best way possible." A scheduling conference is scheduled for Feb. 10 and a pre-trial hearing is scheduled for April 18. (Left to right) David Scarbrough II, Linda Scarbrough, and Sheena Scarbrough, mother of Sade Robinson, appear at a memorial rose release for Sade Robinson at the beach in Warnimont Park on Friday August 30, 2024 in Cudahy, Wis. Anderson is charged in the homicide of Robinson. Robinson was last seen alive in surveillance footage from an April 1 date at a Water Street bar with Maxwell Anderson, who has since been charged by prosecutors with her death. Anderson is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse and arson of property other than a building in connection to Robinsons death. Prosecutors allege Anderson dismembered Robinson and littered parts of her body throughout the county after killing her. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Attorneys for Maxwell Anderson requesting delay in jury trial After none of the six candidates vying for the District 8 Austin school board seat clinched a majority in the Nov. 5 election, the top two vote-getters Fernando Lucas de Urioste and Lindsey Stringer will face off Dec. 14 in a runoff. The candidates are hoping to win the seat being vacated by Noelita Lugo, who is stepping down from the board. As one of two at-large positions on the nine-member board, the District 8 seat represents the whole school district. Anyone living within the Austin school district who is registered to vote can cast a ballot in the runoff election. During the Nov. 5 general election, de Urioste and Stringer pulled ahead in a crowded field, but neither candidate achieved the 50% support necessary to clinch a victory outright. De Urioste was the top vote-getter, with almost 32.5% of the 200,412 votes cast, while Stringer received 26% of the tally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement De Urioste, who has lived in Austin for almost 30 years, is the director of advocate services at Cirkiel Law Group, an advocacy firm that represents students, especially those receiving special education services. De Urioste previously worked as an Austin district special education teacher and paraprofessional. If elected to the school board, he has said he wants to approach the position like an advocate, which to de Urioste means empowering families to have ownership of the decisions the district makes. De Urioste also wants to spend time empowering more parent-teacher associations and families to become more involved in their campuses. That concept of a legacy family, we need to rebuild that reality for the community, de Urioste said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hed want to make a policy to ensure parents of special education services had access to paperwork earlier and in more convenient ways, he said. De Urioste also noted that as a board member hed want to help protect the Austin school district values, which include separating religious instruction from public schools and helping value LGBTQ+ students, he said. Austin might have to fight a little harder for what it believes in, de Urioste said. Stringer, who grew up in Austin, graduated from Austin High School. A mother of three children, Stringer is a former fifth grade teacher and is vice president of technology and business operations at the national Math and Science Initiative, a nonprofit aimed at improving student performance in science, math and technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stringer wants to ensure teachers and classrooms have needed resources to help students close achievement gaps, she said. Parents want their kids to be able to read and do math, Stringer said. "We have a wealth of data around those topics. If elected, Stringer hopes to create policies to enhance support for students struggling to meet grade-level standards, including through tutoring, more resources for teachers and aligning curriculum across schools, she said. Stringer is also concerned about the districts declines in enrollment, she said. Between 2013 and 2023, the districts enrollment dropped from 86,233 to 72,198, a 16.3% dip, though district officials have said enrollment is leveling off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That should be a wakeup call for us as a district to ask, Why is that? What can we learn from that? Stringer said. I don't know that that's understood right now. Whoever wins the District 8 runoff will take their position as the school board prepares to tackle a 2-year plan to slash the districts $92 million deficit. Both de Urioste and Stringer agreed that closing the district's deficit will require bringing in additional revenue streams. The winner of the District 8 race will join LaRessa Quintana as a new member on the board. Quintana was elected to the District 2 seat on Nov. 5 and took over departing board member Ofelia Zapata's seat during the Nov. 21 meeting. Early voting begins Monday. Election day is Dec. 14. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin ISD runoff: De Urioste, Stringer vie for District 8 board seat POLK COUNTY, IOWA The Polk County Sheriffs Office is releasing the name of a woman killed in a crash on NE Hubbell Avenue near Bondurant last week. Authorities say 89-year-old Mary Louise Bartine of St. Anthony, Iowa was killed when her SUV passed into the path of a semi-truck hauling pigs at the intersection of Hubbell and NE 112th Street on Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Authorities are investigating a shooting in Southwest Oklahoma City that left one injured. Police say, just after 4:00 a.m. officers responded to a shooting on Woodward Avenue near Southwest 44th & I-44. Police investigate overnight shooting in SW OKC On arrival, police sat one female was found with a gunshot wound to her foot and transported to a local hospital. No word on her condition. Authorities say at this time there is no suspect information in the on-going investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese defense spokesperson has denounced the latest U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, calling such arms sales "always notorious." Through these arms sales, the United States interferes in domestic affairs and undermines peace in the name of so-called "safeguarding peace and promoting stability," which has long been obvious to the international community, said Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense. Wu made the remarks on Monday in response to a media inquiry concerning the U.S. announcement of its approval of 385 million U.S. dollars of arms sales to Taiwan. Scottsdale father De'Andre Terrell Johnson was accused of nearly killing an Arizona Department of Child Safety caseworker whom he met with to discuss his daughter last month in an agency building lobby in Mesa, according to Maricopa County court documents. Now the 32-year-old Johnson faces a handful of felony and misdemeanor charges after he was indicted by a grand jury on Nov. 14 in connection with the attack which authorities say he livestreamed on Facebook. Johnson was charged with: Attempt to commit first-degree murder, a Class 2 felony. Aggravated assault, a Class 4 felony. Unlawful flight from a law enforcement vehicle, a Class 5 felony. Four counts of disorderly conduct, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrested Johnson in Scottsdale within a few hours of the Nov. 5 incident, after he reportedly led police on a chase following an attempted traffic stop by detectives. What is De'Andre Johnson accused of doing to a Maricopa County DCS worker? Court documents say Johnson met with an Arizona Department of Child Safety caseworker to discuss his daughter on Nov. 5 in a building lobby near Alma School Road and Southern Avenue in Mesa. Johnson was accused of putting the caseworker in a chokehold and livestreaming the assault, which lasted roughly two-and-a-half minutes, on Facebook using his phone, the documents stated. "You's a dead man," Johnson was heard saying, according to court documents. He then added, "You still breathing?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video showed the caseworker quickly staring at the phone as Johnson took him to the floor, documents said. The assault ended before police arrived, according to the documents. Pictured on Nov. 7, 2024, is a high-rise located at South Alma School Road and West Southern Avenue in Mesa. De'Andre Terrell Johnson, 32, of Scottsdale, is accused of attacking an Arizona Department of Child Safety employee on Nov. 5, 2024, in the building's lobby. What happened to the DCS caseworker? A doctor told police that the caseworker's injuries were, "absolutely serious, he almost died," documents said. The unidentified caseworker was described in court documents as having his eyes bulging, drooling and his arm muscles tensing during the attack. The person was taken to a hospital and later discharged. Why did De'Andre Johnson meet with the caseworker? Authorities say Johnson's 9-year-old daughter told him she didn't want to return to school after a DCS employee interviewed her in a private room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson posted a video on social media in which he entered his daughter's school on Oct. 31 and asked school employees what had happened. When school staff said they couldnt explain the DCS employees actions, Johnson called the police. Speaking with an officer, Johnson asked, How would you feel if somebody took your daughter in a room, a man took your daughter in a room? How did police advise De'Andre Johnson? An officer who arrived at the school informed Johnson that he would need to contact DCS directly to get more information about the interview. Johnson said that he would understand a wellness check if his daughter had clear signs of harm, like bruises, and that no parent would fault those actions in those circumstances and ended the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a short video posted a few days before the attack, Johnson expressed anger, shouting that he was upset about the entire situation. When he eventually posted the video of the attack, he captioned it, I found the man. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: De'Andre Johnson charged after Arizona DCS worker attacked Political commentator Mehdi Hasan slammed Republicans for their silence after President-elect Donald Trump named two extended family members to key international relations posts. This is banana republic stuff from a party that obsessed over Hunter Biden, the former MSNBC host, who is now editor-in-chief of Zeteo, wrote on social media, referring to the rights fixation on tying President Joe Biden to the actions of his son, who has had a series of legal problems and a history of addiction. Trump on Saturday said he would nominate Charles Kushner, Jared Kushners billionaire father, to be ambassador to France. The younger Kushner and wife Ivanka Trump were White House advisers during Trumps first term, while the elder Kushner received a pardon from Trump over a mid-2000s felony conviction that led to a prison sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Trump named billionaire attorney Massad Boulos to be adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Boulos is the father-in-law of Michael Boulos, the husband of Trumps other daughter, Tiffany. Hasan wrote on X, formerly Twitter: Yesterday Trump nominated his daughter Ivankas father-in-law to be ambassador to France. Today he appoints his daughter Tiffanys unqualified father-in-law to be his senior adviser on MidEast affairs. This is banana republic stuff from a party that obsessed over Hunter Biden https://t.co/icHSYrQsYy Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) December 1, 2024 Hasan shared a Times of Israel report that detailed the elder Boulos ties to a Christian faction in Lebanon that supports Hezbollah as well as links to an anti-Hezbollah Christian faction. Imagine if Biden had appointed as MidEast adviser a guy with connections to Hezbollah, Hasan wrote. The GOP and Fox would have lost their minds! Boulos is a friend of Suleiman Frangieh, a Christian ally of Hezbollah and its candidate for Lebanons presidency Imagine if Biden had appointed as MidEast adviser a guy with connections to Hezbollah: the GOP and Fox would have lost their minds! https://t.co/nBN0tn14jF Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) December 2, 2024 Hasans initial post referencing Hunter Biden came hours before the president pardoned his son despite promising not to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once again, he spotted hypocrisy on the right, in particular calling out conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings, who said, There has never been a bigger set of liars in this office than the Bidens. Hasan fired back: On November 30, social media posts showed what appeared to be half a dozen bodies left strewn across a busy road in Neijiang City in Chinas Sichuan province, after another apparent attack using a car. We will perhaps never know the truth of what happened, but since February, China has suffered one mass killing after another. In an especially horrific incident on the 11th of last month, a man drove his SUV on the exercise track of Zhuhai Stadium, killing 35 people and injuring 45 others. For decades, disaffected Chinese have resorted to violence as a first choice instead of the last one. But the Communist Partys reaction has been to censor news of incidents and prevent expressions of grief and mourning. These actions, by further bottling up emotions, are making a bad situation even worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese society in the Communist period has always been volatile, and the Chinese people, who most of the time accept repression, periodically and unexpectedly explode. They did that, for instance, in October 2022 when thousands of workers suddenly fled a Chinese manufacturing complex making iPhones in Zhengzhou, in central China. Something snapped over the weekend, Bloomberg News reported at the time. That incident quickly led to spontaneous protests across the country as workers, homeowners, students, the elderly, and others took to the streets for more than two months to complain about a variety of long-simmering grievances. In Shanghai in November of that year, protesters publicly shouted revolutionary slogans. Step down, Xi Jinping! they demanded. Step down, Communist Party! Now, as the regime extends totalitarian controls over society, people are trying to breathe. They tried to breathe in June as four female college students in Zhengzhou decided to take an overnight 50-kilometre bike ride to Kaifeng for soup dumplings. The craze caught on, and in November 100,000 young were making the overnight treks. Authorities tried to limit the number of riders, and there were even reports that colleges and universities were restricting students from congregating and participating. For an insecure regime, everything is considered a threat to the ruling group. Authorities are especially worried at the moment because the economy is suffering a prolonged downturn, the first since the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1976. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The perception of unfairness has aggravated an already tense situation. Chinas economy is failing fast due to Xi Jinpings policies of repression to preserve the power and privilege of the corrupt Chinese Communist elite, Charles Burton, a former Canadian diplomat in Beijing, told me after the Zhuhai killing. More and more people have lost their life savings in the collapse of the housing market. Young people suffer the soul-destroying impact of unemployment. Xi, as Burton suggests, has tried to prevent as much as possible the sharing of benefits of growth with the laobaixing, in other words: ordinary Chinese. Resentment, as a result, scars Chinese society, even though Xi has tried to ban public displays of wealth by senior officials. Xis response to widespread desperation has been to significantly enhance stability maintenance measures to suppress popular discontent through the use of digital technologies that menace and intimidate all expressions of resentment, Burton, now affiliated with the Sinopsis think tank in Prague, says. But he will not adopt measures to address the root causes, instead heartlessly abandoning the Chinese people. As a result, China is suffering terrible incidents by individuals overwhelmed by helplessness. Chinese people with resources are, not surprisingly, leaving China, something evident in the increasing number of Chinese migrants many middle class entering the US from both Canada and Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many who cannot leave have dropped out of society. The University of Pennsylvanias Victor Mair put it this way in his Language Log last year: Lying flat, Buddha whatever, Kong Yijiism, involution China today has so many memes for opting out. Since Mairs post, young educated Chinese have also found a new way to show discontent: retiring by leaving cities and taking up farming. The gloom in Chinese society is forcing down birth rates. In this country, to love your child is to never let him be born in the first place, has become a popular sentiment. In 2022, a young man, when told by officials that his defiant conduct would affect three generations of his family, said, We are the last generation, thank you. The video of the threat and rebuff went viral. Xi can erect the most coercive and intrusive measures to surveil and monitor 1.4 billion people, but his more than 700 million surveillance cameras, the Great Firewall, and the social-credit system can keep people in line for only so long. The key political drivers in modern China are the desire for central control at the top and pressure for decentralisation from below, wrote Lanxin Xiang of the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva. Xis top-down pressure is beginning to fail as the signs of societal fracturing are plain to see. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xi has an even more fundamental problem. Communism went against life, against mans fundamental needs, against the need for freedom, the need to be enterprising, to associate freely against the will of the nation, Vaclav Havel once noted. Something that goes against life may last a long time, but sooner or later it will collapse. Now, Chinas Communist Party is fighting human instinct. Pessimism, social disintegration, and random death on Chinas streets are some of the results. Gordon G Chang is the author of Plan Red: Chinas Project to Destroy America and The Coming Collapse of China. Follow him on X @GordonGChang 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. How has a Syrian rebel lightning offensive managed to seize Aleppo from Bashar al-Assads regime? Who are the leaders, Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham? And could it reignite the civil war? Venetia Rainey is joined by Dr Haid Haid, Syrian columnist and consulting fellow at Chatham House, to answer all those questions and more. Plus: an Israeli conscientious objector tells her story of why she spent three months in prison for refusing to serve her compulsory military service. Battle Lines, a podcast from The Telegraph, combines on-the-ground reporting with analytical expertise to help the listener to better understand the course of world politics, wars and tensions, as fault lines grind and slip in an increasingly dangerous and confusing multipolar world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Listen to Battle Lines using the audio player in this article or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or your favourite podcast app. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. As there were no customers at the time, the bear roamed inside the store in Japan and helped itself to the meat stock Kyodo via AP Images Minitruck carrying a bear which was trapped and killed after a two-day stay in a supermarket in Akita, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 2 Minitruck carrying a bear which was trapped and killed after a two-day stay in a supermarket in Akita, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 2 A bear that wreaked havoc on a supermarket in Japan and injured an employee has been captured and euthanized, according to reports. The bear, which measured about 3 feet in length, was caught by authorities at the store in the Akita prefecture on the morning of Monday, Dec. 2, after a box trap sensor was triggered, according to Kyodo News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the bear was found in the trap, which was placed between an entrance and a storage area and contained such items as honey, apples and bread, The Guardian reported. Related: 35-Year-Old Man Seriously Injured After Surprise Grizzly Bear Attack in Grand Teton National Park CNN reported that police wearing protective gear and carrying shields entered the store to remove the animal. An official later told the outlet that the bear was euthanized. The bears capture and death marked the end of an ordeal that first began on Saturday, Nov. 30, when the animal entered the supermarket and attacked an employee, 47, who sustained a head injury, according to CNN. His injuries are not life-threatening, per multiple reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of the bears arrival at the store, the supermarket employees were just starting their day, according to the Kyodo News. As there were no customers at the time, The Independent reported, the bear roamed inside the store and helped itself to the meat stock before it initially disappeared. Related: Man, 35, Attacked by Bear on Popular Trail at Glacier National Park, Then Hikes Over a Mile to Meet Helicopter 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. Japan has recently seen an increase in the number of bear attacks on humans about 212 people survived and six died in bear-related incidents last year, according to the Ministry of Environment, CNN previously reported. Experts said that bears are emerging out of their habitats and entering urban areas in search of food. They attribute the bears behavior to climate change that is interrupting the flowering and pollination of the animals' traditional food sources. BEAUFORT, S.C. (WSAV) Beaufort County will open two cold weather shelters on Tuesday, December 3, as temperatures continue to drop in the Lowcountry. The Beaufort County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) announced that the two shelters will be open for those in need of shelter due to the below-freezing atmosphere. The first is Sea Island Presbyterian Church, located at 81 Ladys Island Drive, Beaufort. This shelter will open at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and will close at 8 a.m. Wednesday morning. Dinner and breakfast will be provided. Showers will also be available. Sea Island Presbyterian Church advises no weapons, alcohol, smoking, or pets are permitted; however, service animals will be allowed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second is Christ Lutheran Church, located at 829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. This space will open at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and will close at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. Dinner and a morning to-go meal will be provided. They advise no weapons, alcohol, smoking or pets are permitted. Service animals are allowed. Transportation to this shelter will be provided by Deep Well Project, located at 80 Capital Drive, Hilton Head Island, at 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. For more information, contact Sea Island Presbyterian Church at 843-525-0696 or Christ Lutheran Church at 843-785-6570. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BRUSSELS (AP) A Brussels appeals court ruled on Monday that the Belgian state committed a crime against humanity in the case of five mixed-race women who were taken away from their Black mothers in infancy in a landmark case addressing the nation's colonial past in Africa. The five women fought a legal battle over some some six years to make Belgium recognize responsibility for the suffering of thousands of mixed-race children. Known as metis," the children were snatched away from families and placed in religious institutions and homes by Belgian authorities that ruled Congo from 1908 to 1960. A lower court had first dismissed their challenge in 2021 but they appealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is deliverance for my mother now that she finally has closure, said Monique Fernandes, the daughter of Monique Bintu Bingi, one of the five plaintiffs. She finally has it recognized as crime against humanity, Fernandes told The Associated Press. The initial ruling had said that the policy, even if unacceptable, was not part of a generalized or systematic policy, deliberately destructive, which characterizes a crime against humanity and had to be seen within its context of European colonialism. Monday's decision also orders the state to pay damages of some 50,000 euros to each of the plaintiffs and Fernandes said it would help cover all the costs involved. "We did not want to go for a moral symbolic euro since it would amount to some sort of insult after everything my mother went through, she said. The five women, who are now in their 70s and 80s, filed their lawsuit in 2020 amid growing demands for Belgium to reassess its colonial past in Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of protests against racial inequality in the United States, several statues of former King Leopold II, who is blamed for the deaths of millions of Africans during Belgiums colonial rule, have been vandalized in Belgium, and some have been removed. In 2019, the Belgian government apologized for the states role in taking thousands of babies from their African mothers. And for the first time in the countrys history, a reigning king expressed regret four years ago for the violence carried out by the former colonial power. Lawyers said the five plaintiffs were all between the ages of 2 and 4 when they were taken away at the request of the Belgian colonial administration, in cooperation with local Catholic Church authorities. According to legal documents, in all five cases the fathers did not exercise parental authority, and the Belgian administration threatened the girls Congolese families with reprisals if they refused to let them go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the lawyers, the Belgian states strategy was aimed at preventing interracial unions and isolating metis children, known as the children of shame, to make sure they would not claim a link with Belgium later in their lives. The story always was: look, we have done so much good in Congo. But there is also such a dark history," said Fernandes. ___ Associated Press writer Sam Petrequin in London contributed to this report. * The Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) is now embarking on a new journey as China recently pledged to build it into a globally attractive two-way open hub. * Over the past 30 years, the park has attracted more than 5,100 foreign-funded projects, including 174 projects from 104 Fortune 500 companies. * From attracting overseas investors to helping businesses expand and copy its experience overseas, SIP has become an epitome of China's ambition and confidence in opening up wider and embracing the world. NANJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) in east China's Jiangsu Province. This combo photo shows a blueprint of the Suzhou Industrial Park drawn in 1994 (top), a view of the industrial park in 2012 (middle), and an aerial view of the industrial park (bottom, taken by Xinhua photographer Li Bo) on Aug. 29, 2024, in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua) Over the past decades, SIP, once home to extensive paddy fields and fish ponds on the outskirts of the city of Suzhou, has grown from an initial 8-square-kilometer start-up area to an extraordinary city area of 278 square kilometers. Founded in 1994 as the first inter-governmental cooperation project between China and Singapore, SIP has witnessed closer cooperation between the two sides. It is now embarking on a new journey as China recently pledged to build it into a globally attractive two-way open hub. OPEN AND INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT A total of 26 investment project agreements between China and Singapore were signed last week at the China-Singapore Investment Forum held at SIP. These projects, spanning sectors such as biopharmaceuticals, digital economy and collaborative innovation, include the China-Singapore Sustainable Estate Joint Innovation Workshop and the establishment of new overseas headquarters and operation centers by Chinese enterprises in Singapore. An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 30, 2024 shows "the Gate of the Orient," a landmark complex at the Suzhou Industrial Park in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua/Li Bo) "For Singaporean enterprises, China is a huge market. Singaporean technology firms excel at offering services in a variety of industrial chain subdivisions -- which can support Chinese businesses throughout the transformation cycle to fortify and enhance the industrial chain," said Tan Chuan Seng, director of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research Partners' Centre, which was launched in 2020 in SIP. These are the latest efforts in the open and innovative development process of this significant industrial park. Over the past 30 years, the park has attracted more than 5,100 foreign-funded projects, including 174 projects from 104 Fortune 500 companies, with the actual utilization of foreign investment exceeding 40 billion U.S. dollars. Staff members work at a semiconductor company at the Suzhou Industrial Park in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) "The industrial park is a showcase of China's progress in promoting international cooperation," said Li Xiaomin, chairman and general manager of Wintech Nano (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. Li founded Wintech Nano in Singapore in 2004. He described his business as a "hospital for chips," which aims to detect failures or potential problems in design to improve the quality of chips. In 2012, Li decided to establish a new base for his business in SIP. Wintech Nano has since expanded quickly and recently gained approval from the Shanghai Stock Exchange for an initial public offering. In October 2024, Bosch Group launched a new R&D and manufacturing site for new energy vehicle core components and automated driving in this industrial park. Since the establishment of a Suzhou subsidiary in 1999, the German company has been steadily investing in production, R&D, supply chain and services. Zhang Ying, general manager of Bosch Automotive Products Suzhou Co., Ltd., said it took only some 500 days from signing for the land to the launch of operations, while the sound business environment provided by SIP has enabled the company to seize market opportunities sooner. SIP now boasts an array of high-tech industries, including two pillar industries in the form of next-generation information technology and high-end equipment manufacturing, as well as three emerging industries, namely biopharmaceuticals, nanotechnology application and artificial intelligence. A staff member works at a biomedicine company at the Suzhou Industrial Park in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) During the past three decades, SIP has generated 1.09 trillion yuan (about 152 billion U.S. dollars) in overall tax revenue, 1.1 trillion yuan in fixed asset investment, and 1.54 trillion U.S. dollars in imports and exports. GOING OVERSEAS SIP is hailed as an important window through which to view China's reform and opening-up initiatives and serves as a successful example of international cooperation. After drawing experience from the Singaporean side during its growth process, SIP has now evolved into a fine example for other countries keen to develop their own industrial parks. In addition, SIP established the Yangtze River Delta Overseas Investment Promotion Center -- which has helped more than 700 enterprises in the park invest and expand in over 60 countries and regions. Huang Ming, an SIP investment promotion staff member, is currently working at the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), trying to help UAE locals copy the "SIP model." Exhibitors and buyers exchange views during the 2024 Chinese Industrial Products Exhibition held at the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Nov. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Wen Xinnian) "Many Chinese companies have hoped to tap the Middle East market since 2023, and our work is to create a complete and sound business ecosystem to help them settle here better and faster," Huang said, while adding that SIP, an investor in the demonstration zone in Abu Dhabi, will strive to build a sound business environment there. From attracting overseas investors to helping businesses expand and copy its experience overseas, SIP has become an epitome of China's ambition and confidence in opening up wider and embracing the world. "The 30th anniversary marks an important milestone in our development," said Shen Mi, a senior official of Suzhou. "We will go all out to upgrade practical cooperation and be a pathfinder of China-Singapore cooperation." (Video reporters: Mao Jun, Chen Si, Xia Peng, Chen Shengwei; video editors: Hong Ling, Roger Lott, Luo Hui, Zheng Qingbin) In Belgium, sex workers can now sign formal employment contracts. That grants them access to the same benefits that other Belgian workers can access, plus some specialized protections. Under the new law, which took effect Sunday, sex work employees have access to paid public holidays and to Belgium's version of Social Security. Sex workers will also have access to paid sick days, maternity leave, and health insurance plans. "Today is a very historical day for us sex workers," posted Mel Melicioussspart of the Belgian sex workers union known as UTSOPIon Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new law also stipulates that sex workers have a right to refuse particular sex acts and clients without retaliation, setting up a mediation scheme for this all-too-common situation. From Decriminalization to Employment Contracts Prostitution and other forms of sex work are broadly legal in Belgium. In 2022, the country became the first in modern Europe to officially decriminalize paying for sex, being paid for sex, and facilitating such transactions. As I noted at the time, a number of European countries have legalized prostitution. That means it's allowed under specific and highly regulated circumstances but still a crime outside these parameters. For instance, in Greece, sex workers must register with the state and have a professional certificate, get twice-monthly medical exams, and work in a licensed brothel in order for their labor to be legal. Other European countries have instituted asymmetrical criminalization, in which selling sex is allowed (under certain circumstances) but paying for it is not. But Belgium is the first European country to officially decriminalize selling sex, paying for it, and working with sex workers, under a proposal put forth by Federal Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborn and approved by Parliament last week. The change meant more than just a shift in the way sex work was policed. It meant that sex work could be formally recognized by authorities as a valid form of employment. A sex worker applying for a bank loan could list this as her source of income. A sex worker who lost his job could apply with the state for unemployment benefits. And so on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decriminalization was the first step. But while the law said sex workers could legally be self-employed or hire third parties to help them in their sex work efforts, it did not allow for sex workers to be formally hired as employees. That next step came in a law that passed in May and took effect yesterday. It defines sex work as "the performance of acts of prostitution in execution of a contract of employment as a sex worker"and says adults "may enter into an employment contract as a sex worker." This grants sex workers access to the types of employee benefits and social welfare schemes that employees of other types of businesses are eligible for. (Notably, "sex workers will be able to work under hotel-restaurant-cafecontracts that do not mention sex work" to protect their anonymity, according to the UTSOPI website.) A Right to Refuse Sex Acts The new law gained international attention when it was passed, with coverage largely focusing on a provision concerning sex worker employees who refuse sex acts. As I wrote in this newsletter in May, "the law imposes obligations on both businesses that employ sex workers and on sex workers who work for those businesses." This includes a provision stating that "every sex worker has the right to refuse a client," that "every sex worker has the right to refuse a sexual act," and that "every sex worker has the right to interrupt a sexual act at any time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing a sex work employment contract is tricky, because unlike at, say, a factory jobwhere the parameters of the work tend to be well-known in advance and can be laid out in a contract"you cannot force somebody to have sex," pointed out Meliciousss on Instagram. So the contract has to acknowledge that a formal job requires certain obligations while also protecting sexual and bodily autonomy. The way it was ultimately written means "that when you go work as a sex worker for an [employer] they cannot force you to do something you don't want to do," said Meliciousss. "They cannot force you to something without condoms. They cannot force you to do some sexual acts you don't want to do. They cannot force you to do something with a client you don't want to do." But if this happens too frequently, the employer can request that the state intervene. Either a sex worker or a sex work employer can request government mediation if an employee refuses sex acts more than 10 times in a six-month period. Tradeoffs For libertarians, the overall law is a mixed bag. We don't want the state mandating that private employers provide things like parental leave and health insurance, instead favoring voluntary solutions. We're also critical of expansive social welfare benefits. But if the state is going to generally require that business to offer certain benefits, or generally offer old-age pension schemes and unemployment payouts, is it just to exempt sexually oriented businesses? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Basically, the law lets sex workers be treated like any other workers in many respects. On one level, that seems only fairequal treatment under the law. Yet the law's expansiveness could have negative effects in practice. Taking a utilitarian perspective, I think it's unclear whether it will be a net negative or positive for Belgian sex workers. Having the option to enter into employment contracts is undoubtedly good, for both sex workers and employers. And the fact that a sex worker can officially sign an employment contract also does not mean that she or he has to in order to work legally. Unlike many legalization schemes throughout Europe, Belgium's law does not mean that selling sex outside of an employment contract is illegal; sex workers can still independently work for themselves and hire others legally. But adding an extensive roster of regulations that sexually oriented businesses must follow and benefits they must offer could discourage the development of relatively safe and legal workplaces for sex work. And this could be especially bad for more marginalized groups of sex workers. As in all markets, there are tradeoffs to consider. The key question here is whether sex workers can still work in less formal arrangements for a sex businessas freelancers or independent contractors. Or, to put it another way: Can a sex work business that expects high worker turnover, caters to a more transient workforce, or is otherwise not in a great position to offer formal employment contracts still operate legally? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the answer is no, but I'm not sure. The law itself defines sex work as "the performance of acts of prostitution in execution of a contract of employment as a sex worker" and states that it may "not be performed as part of a flexi-job contract, nor as a casual worker." But does that mean that no legal sex work on a flex/casual basis is allowed? Or merely that it's not allowed under an employment contract? The ideal situation is one where sex workers looking for steady, long-term employment have the option to become formal employees, but people looking for short-term employment or something less formal can still find work in a legal (and therefore likely safer) place. One concern with that system from a labor perspective might be that many sex businesses would hire only freelancers. But businesses would still have incentives to offer formal employment contracts: attracting top-tier talent, seeking good worker retention, courting public opinion, and being seen as a more upscale or respectable or ethical business (which could be good both for social cache and for marketing to certain clienteles). And whatever perceived benefits there are to mandating that all sex-work businesses offer employment contracts, this could in practice lead to less hiring overall, fewer legal businesses overall, and fewer opportunities for more marginalized workers to be able to work in a legal business. In effect, it could leave certain groups of sex workers with no choice but to work on the black market or rely on coercive pimps. Sex Work Groups Celebrating Sex worker rights groups in Belgium certainly see this as a major win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is an incredible step forward," Isabelle Jaramillo, coordinator of Espace P, told the Associated Press. "It means their profession can finally be recognized as legitimate by the Belgian state." Jaramillo also notes that "under the previous legislation, hiring someone for sex work automatically made you a pimp, even if the arrangement was consensual. Now, they'll have to apply for state authorization to hire employees." "If there is no law and your job is illegal, there are no protocols to help you," the president of UPSOPI told the BBC. "This law gives people the tools to make us safer." But UTSOPI notes that decriminalization and employment contracts don't mean an end to authorities trying to outlaw sex work. "We already see certain municipalities hiding behind the words 'safety' and 'hygiene' to promulgate very strict local regulations that make sex work almost impossible on their territory." More Sex & Tech News Australia's Parliament has passed a law requiring social media platforms to ban users under age 16. "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," AP reports. "The platforms have one year to work out how they could implement the ban before penalties are enforced." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australia is also considering a law that would allow the state to issue big fines against tech companies that authorities deem to have suppressed competition. And one more from Australia: The state of Victoria decriminalized sex work in 2022, but battles over the law's parameters are still ongoing. A sex worker who was evicted from her rental home after her landlord found out she was seeing clients there is preparing to sue, according to The Guardian. Elon Musk is still fighting in court to prevent OpenAI from converting from a nonprofit to a for-profit company, reports CNBC. Musk sued OpenAI in a California state court in March, then withdrew that complaint and refiled a few months later in federal court. The complaint accuses OpenAI and Microsoft of violating federal racketeering and antitrust laws. Today's Image Degenerate monkey wallpaper in Reason's (new-ish) D.C. office, which I finally got the chance to visit last week The post Belgian Sex Workers Gain Access to Paid Leave, Right To Refuse Sex Acts appeared first on Reason.com. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The Brussels Court of Appeal on Monday held the state accountable for the systematic abduction of "metis" children, those of mixed European and African heritage, from their mothers during the colonial era in Belgian Congo. The case was brought by five women who were forcibly separated from their mothers in the Belgian Congo before the age of seven. The court found that their abductions were part of a deliberate and systematic plan orchestrated by the Belgian state to remove children born to black mothers and white fathers from their families. "Their abduction is an inhumane and persecutory act constituting a crime against humanity under the principles of international law," the court said in a press statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Belgian state was ordered to compensate the plaintiffs for the moral damages they suffered. These include the profound loss of connection to their mothers, the disruption of their identities and the severing of ties to their cultural heritage. The ruling overturned a 2021 one that had determined that the case was time-barred. In 2019, Belgium issued its first official apology for the abduction of thousands of mixed-race children from Congo between 1959 and 1962, acknowledging its role in the segregation policy that placed "metis" children in Catholic-run schools and orphanages in Belgium. (Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Mark Porter) BELMONT, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A man wanted for stabbing his girlfriend has been arrested in Jacksonville, Florida, according to the Belmont Police Department. Elijah Raheem Lurry, 22, was taken into custody on Monday morning and will be extradited back to North Carolina. He is accused of stabbing his girlfriend on Oct. 12, 2024, at 513 East Avenue. PREVIOUS: Armed and dangerous man wanted for allegedly stabbing girlfriend in Belmont: PD Police say the victim was transported to the hospital by a friend who had both been out earlier that night. Shortly after they got back to the residence at around 2:30 a.m., Lurry, the victims boyfriend, arrived angry, accusing her of ignoring his calls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Belmont Police, Lurry assaulted both women and stabbed his girlfriend during the incident. He then allegedly forced them into a room where they were held for several hours before escaping and being able to get medical attention. Lurry was charged with: Attempted first-degree murder 2 counts of first-degree kidnapping Assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill Misdemeanor domestic violence Misdemeanor communicating threats Felony probation violation Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) After more than three decades of service to Winston-Salems homeless community, Steve Stover has retired from Samaritan Ministries, where he has worked since 1990. Stover clocked out for the final time Friday morning at 7:30 a.m., marking the end of an extraordinary career dedicated to helping others. He began his journey at Samaritan Ministries in November 1990 at the age of 31. As shelter manager, he became a beloved figure, offering encouragement, support, and a warm welcome to those in need. A lot of times folks say, I love you, Stover said. Well, I want folks to know I really, really do love them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Samaritan Ministries serves as a shelter for men and operates Winston-Salems only soup kitchen for the homeless. Over the decades, the nonprofit has provided countless meals and beds, with Stover at the heart of its mission. The people that walk through our doors have been through something. Nobody just lands at the homeless shelter without having been through something, said Jan Kelly, executive director of Samaritan Ministries. Steve really sees that people need to feel welcome. He knows that they need to feel safe. One life Stover profoundly impacted is that of Cleveland Brandon, who arrived at Samaritan Ministries in August 2022, battling addiction and health issues. My health was going bad. I was knee-deepneck-deepin drugs and alcohol, Brandon said. Yeah, I think I wouldve been dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through Samaritans Cornerstone program and Stovers mentorship, Brandon rebuilt his life. Today, he works as a shelter monitor, often alongside Stover, helping others the way he was once helped. Being an alcoholic, being a drug addict, being homelesspeople dont want to have anything to do with you, Brandon said. Steve wasnt like that. He always had a smile for you. He always had an encouraging word for you. Stover credits his work to a higher power. All great things come from God, Stover said. If anything good happened to Cleveland or anybody else, it came from God. He just happened to use me for that moment, and I am grateful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about his plans after his final shift, Stover joked that hed probably hit the gym. Beyond that, he said he hopes to build on the connections hes made during his time at Samaritan Ministries and continue helping others in new ways. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Civil rights advocates are calling for President Biden to pardon former Baltimore States Attorney Marilyn Mosby, who is currently on house arrest after convictions in federal cases earlier this year. Following Bidens Sunday decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, after repeatedly saying he would not do so, attorney Ben Crump and political strategist Angela Rye said the president must remember justice is still not served for so many in this country. There are thousands of people who have been wrongfully convicted and sit in federal prisons today. While Hunter Biden was selectively prosecuted, hes not the only one, the two said in a statement on Monday. They pointed to Mosby, who was convicted of mortgage fraud and perjury earlier this year. She is currently serving a year of home confinement, followed by two years supervised release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is appealing the case, but the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland called for her law license to be suspended. The Maryland Supreme Court has denied the request as the appeals case continues. A lead prosecutor in Mosbys case, Leo Wise, was also a prosecutor in the Hunter Biden case. Mosby drew the support of multiple civil rights leaders, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, the NAACP and even members of the Congressional Black Caucus during her legal troubles. Prior to her sentencing, the groups had urged Biden to issue a presidential pardon, claiming she was wrongfully targeted by the Trump administration for her racial justice policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crump and Rye also highlighted Kim Gardner, a former St. Louis circuit attorney who took a plea deal after the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled she had violated several ethics rules in the prosecution of former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens. Marilyn Mosby is on house arrest right now with her law license hanging in the balance over purchasing property with her own money. Kim Gardner was forced into taking a plea deal for a $5000 expense that was approved in an ethics opinion, Crump and Rye said. We welcome a conversation with President Biden to discuss ways to use his pardon power to free those others who deserve justice also. Biden unexpectedly pardoned his son just days before the 54-year-old was to be sentenced for his federal convictions on felony charges of the purchase and possession of a gun in 2018 and on nine federal tax 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 The Hill. Bernie Sanders has praised Elon Musk over plans by the tech billionaires new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut defense spending. The veteran Democratic Senator, from Vermont, tweeted criticism for the department on Sunday, claiming that it had managed to lose track of billions. Elon Musk is right. The Pentagon, with a budget of $886 billion, just failed its 7th audit in a row. Its lost track of billions, he wrote. Last year, only 13 senators voted against the Military Industrial Complex and a defense budget full of waste and fraud. That must change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk responded to Sanderss post on Sunday with two American flag emojis. The Vermont Senator isnt the only Democratic lawmaker who has indicated they would be open to working with DOGE on reducing defense spending. Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna recently called out waste, fraud and abuse by the Department of Defense, also noting its failed audits. Elon Musk is right. The Pentagon, with a budget of $886 billion, just failed its 7th audit in a row. Its lost track of billions. Last year, only 13 senators voted against the Military Industrial Complex and a defense budget full of waste and fraud. That must change. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) December 1, 2024 When it comes to cutting waste, fraud, and abuse and opening the 5 primes to more competition, there are Democrats on [the House Armed Services Committee] who will work with @elonmusk and @DOGE, Khanna wrote in a post on X. Congress has mandated that the Defense Department must pass an audit by fiscal year 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump previously named the SpaceX boss and former GOP presidential primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to head his government efficiency effort. Musk has been chosen by Donald Trump to head up the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) (Getty Images) Sanders and Musk have in fact found common ground previously, with both men having shown support for making diabetes and weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy less expensive. "Elon Musk, not one of my great political allies, recently posted on Twitter, and I quote solving obesity reduces the risk of other diseases especially diabetes and improves quality of life, we do need to make appetite inhibitors available to anyone who wants them. Mr Musk is right. Responding to a video of Sanderss remarks, Musk wrote on X, I really am with Bernie on this one. However, Sanders has frequently criticized Musk for his vast accumulation of wealth, his millions in donations to Trumps 2024 campaign and his acceptance of government contracts to fund his company SpaceX. Cold temperatures may be here to stay. Wanting to stay warm and comfortable at home can bring stress over the prospect of using too much energy for heating. Best thermostat temperature in the winter What is the best temperature setting for a thermostat in the winter? The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 68 degrees. Ram Narayanamurthy, deputy director of the department's Building Technologies Office, told USA TODAY that temperatures between 68 and 70 degrees are best for heating a house efficiently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tell us your ideal temp What's the best fall/winter thermostat setting? Energy-saving tips The Energy Department said that to save even more energy, people can lower the temperature in their homes when they are asleep or away. Changing the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day, in winter and summer, can save about 10% a year on heating and cooling, the department said. This step to save money and energy is recommended when the forecast is moderate. Other ways to save energy this winter The Federal Trade Commission also offered advice on saving money through energy efficiency. Some of the tips: Invest in weather stripping and caulk to seal air leaks around doors and windows and in areas where pipes or wires come through cracks or gaps in walls. Check whether filters for heating or air conditioning need to be cleaned or replaced. Look for a product\'s EnergyGuide label to learn how much energy it uses, and make comparisons with other options. Use the energy assessment on smart meters or hire a professional for an energy assessment. The FTC said it is important to check online to make sure the company is reliable. Average winter temperatures in North Jersey The National Weather Service provides a look at the average temperatures for previous months and years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teterboro and its surrounding area have monthly mean temperature average listings that can indicate trends. December average temperatures 2020: 36.6 2021: 42.1 2022: 36.1 2023: 41.8 January average temperatures 2020: 38.9 2021: 33.0 2022: 28.7 2023: 41.2 2024: 35.0 February average temperatures 2020: 38.6 2021: 31.8 2022: 35.3 2023: 38.2 2024: 37.8 This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What should you set thermostat at to save money this winter Tech insiders say Biden is leaving a strong foundation for high-tech industry, boosting broadband access, setting a foundation for AI regulation, and encouraging chip manufacturing. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images) As hes poised to leave office next month, President Joe Biden will leave a legacy of proactive, nuanced and effective tech policy strategy behind him, technologists across different sectors told States Newsroom. Bidens term was bookended by major issues in the tech world. When he took office in early 2021, he was faced with an economy and workforce that was struggling to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, and longstanding issues with a digital divide across the country. As he prepares to exit the White House, federal agencies are working to incorporate the principles from the 2023 AI Bill of Rights, on evolving technologies that will undoubtedly continue changing American life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though he was unable to get federal regulations on AI passed through Congress, Bidens goal was to bring tech access to all Americans, while safeguarding against potential harms, the technologists said. I think everything that he does is foundational, said Suriel Arellano, a longtime consultant and author on digital transformation whos based in Los Angeles. So it definitely sets the stage for long term innovation and regulation. The digital divide For Arellano, Bidens attempt to bring internet access to all families stands out as a lasting piece of the presidents legacy. Broadband internet for work, healthcare and education was a part of Bidens 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, especially targeting people in rural areas. Biden earmarked $65 billion toward the project, which was dolled out to states and federal departments to establish or improve the physical infrastructure to support internet access. As of September, more than 2.4 million previously unserved homes and businesses have been connected to the internet, and $50 billion has been given to grant programs that support these goals across the states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arellano said he thinks theres still work to do with the physical broadband infrastructure before that promise is realized I think that should have come first, he said. But I think as a legacy, I think breaching the digital divide is actually one of the strong maybe not the strongest, but I would say its definitely a strong legacy that he leaves, Arellano said. Shaping the U.S. conversation about AI During Bidens presidency, practical and responsible application of artificial intelligence became a major part of the tech conversation. The 2023 AI Bill of Rights created the White House AI Council, the creation of a framework for federal agencies to follow relating to privacy protection and a list of guidelines for securing AI workers, for navigating the effects on the labor market and for ensuring equity in AI use, among others. The guidelines put forth by the administration are subtle, and not likely to be felt by the average consumer, said Austin-based Alex Shahrestani, an attorney and managing partner at Promise Legal, which specializes in tech and regulatory policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was something thats very light touch and essentially sets up the groundwork to introduce a regulatory framework for AI providers without it being something that theyre really going to push back on, Shahrestani said. In recent months, some federal agencies have released their guidelines called for by the AI Bill of Rights, including the Department of Labor, and The Office of Management and Budget, which outlines how the government will go about responsible acquisition of AI. It may not seem like these guidelines would affect the average consumer, Shahrestani said, but government contractors are likely to be larger companies that already have a significant commercial footprint. It sets up these companies to then follow these procedures in other contexts, so whether thats B2B or direct-to-consumer applications, thats like more of a trickle down sort of approach, he said. Sheena Franklin, D.C.-based founder of Kept Health and previously a lobbyist, said Biden emphasized the ethical use and development of AI, and set a tone of fostering public trust and preventing harm with the AI Bill of Rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Franklin and Shahrestani agreed its possible that President-elect Donald Trump could repeal some of Bidens executive orders on AI, but they see the Bill of Rights as a fairly light approach to regulating it. It was a really nuanced and effective approach, Shahrestani said. Theres some inertia building, right? Like a snowball rolling down the hill. Were early days for the snowball, but it just got started and it will only grow to be a bigger one. The CHIPS act Bidens CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which aimed to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing, supply chains and the innovation economy with a $53 billion investment, is a major piece of his legacy, Franklin said. The bill centered on worker and community investments, and prioritized small businesses and underrepresented communities, with a goal of economic growth in the U.S., and especially in communities that needed support. Two years after the bill was signed, the federal government, in partnership with American companies, has provided funding for semiconductor manufacturing projects that created more than 100,000 jobs and workforce development programs. The U.S. is on track to produce 30% of the worlds semiconductor chips in 2032, up from 10% today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was really trying to position the U.S. as a global leader when it came to technology, because that industry is going to continue to grow, Franklin said. Its hard to quantify what the lasting impact of the CHIPS act will be, but one immediate factor is computing, Shahrestani said. The AI models being developed right now have infinite abilities, he said, but the computing power had previously held the industry back. Being able to provide more compute through better chips, and more sophisticated hardware is going to be a big part of what provides, and what is behind the best AI technologies, Shahrestani said. Accountability for Big Tech Many in the Big Tech community see Bidens AI Bill of Rights, and its data privacy inclusions, as well as the Justice Departments monopoly lawsuits against tech giants like Apple and Google, as hampering innovation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arellano is optimistic about the technological advances and innovation that the U.S. may see under a less regulation-focused Trump presidency, but he cautions that some regulations may be needed for privacy protections. My concern is always on the public side, you know, putting the dog on a leash, and making sure that our regulations are there in place to protect the people, he said. Franklin predicts that if Biden attempts any last-minute tech policy before he leaves office, it will probably be to pursue further antitrust cases. It would align with his goal of fostering competition between startups and small businesses and reinforce his legacy of safeguarding consumer interests, she said. When she considered how to describe Bidens tech legacy, Franklin said she nearly used the word strength, though she said he ultimately could have done a little bit more for tech regulation. But she landed on two words: thoughtful and proactive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meaning, hes thinking about everybodys concerns, Franklin said. Not just thinking about the Big Tech and not just thinking about the consumers, right? Like there has to be a balance there. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE 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? BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Monday said the CCG has taken necessary control measures against Philippine vessels illegally gathering, in the name of fishing, in the waters around Houteng Jiao in China's Nansha Qundao, and urged the Philippines to immediately cease its provocative actions. In announcing that he was pardoning his son Hunter in two federal cases, President Biden said the criminal charges "came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election." The president's claim that the cases were politically motivated which his son's camp has long asserted has been met with skepticism from some corners. Biden was convicted by a jury of illegally purchasing a handgun in Delaware, and he pleaded guilty to tax charges in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is what we know about the cases and the pardon. What is the gun case? Earlier this year, a federal jury in Delaware convicted Biden of federal gun crimes, including lying about being drug-free when he purchased and briefly owned a gun while he was addicted to crack cocaine. Biden was on trial for three felony charges, and the jury convicted him of all three. In addition to lying on a federal background check form and giving a false statement to a federal firearms dealer, he was also convicted of possessing a gun while being an illicit drug user. Read more: Who would lend millions to Hunter Biden? Meet the Hollywood lawyer who has Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The testimony the jurors heard centered around a question Biden answered on a background check form at a Delaware gun store on Oct. 12, 2018: Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance? Biden checked No. Prosecutors told jurors that there was overwhelming evidence of Bidens drug use in the years before and the months after the gun purchase. They summoned ex-girlfriends and photos of L.A. hotel rooms where Biden had gone on drug-fueled benders. Prosecutors also played excerpts of Biden's memoir, Beautiful Things, in which he recounted years of hard partying following his brother's death. Abbe Lowell, the defense attorney, argued to jurors that his client had completed a rehab program in L.A. and that the gun salesman did not perceive Biden to be under the influence or glassy-eyed. No witness at the trial testified to observing Biden using drugs in the days after purchasing the Colt Cobra revolver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His attorneys contended that the gun was never fired and remained locked up until Hallie Biden, his brothers widow, found it on the morning of Oct. 23, 2018, and in a panic, disposed of it in a trash bin outside a nearby grocery store. Biden, who was dating Hallie Biden at the time, urged her to retrieve the gun once he discovered it missing, asking her, Are you insane? When Hallie Biden returned to the supermarket, the gun was gone from the trash can, and Biden instructed her to contact police. What did jurors say about the politics of the case? The Times interviewed two jurors a 51-year-old woman from northern Delaware and a 68-year-old man from the southern half of the state. Speaking on condition of anonymity, both said there was clear evidence that Biden knowingly lied about his drug addiction in order to buy the gun. The male juror said that despite repeatedly noticing the first lady in the courtroom, he rarely thought of the fact that Hunter Biden was the presidents son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You are looking at him. You are looking at his family, the juror said of the experience in court. But he said he tried to block the rest of it out because Biden was just like everybody else. It was not politically motivated. Politics played no part in this whatsoever. Again, we just went by the evidence, the juror said. What about the tax case? In September, Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to all nine federal tax charges he faced, just as jury selection was about to begin in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom. The indictment in the tax case included racy details of Bidens life between 2016 and 2019 the period during which now he admits he failed to pay at least $1.4 million in federal taxes including the hundreds of thousands of dollars he spent on escorts, a pornographic website, hotels, luxury car rentals and other lavish personal expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of his guilty plea, Biden had acknowledged improperly classifying his personal expenses as business expenses. Did Hunter Biden face prison time? In the tax case, Biden faced a maximum of 17 years in federal prison, although he was likely to be sentenced to a few years in prison at most. In the gun case, he faced a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, although as a nonviolent first-time offender, he was likely to face no more than two years behind bars. In the tax case, U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi was scheduled to sentence him in Los Angeles on Dec. 16. In the handgun case, U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika was set to hand down her sentence in Delaware on Dec. 12. Both judges were appointed to the bench by President Trump. What does the pardon do? The pardon covers offenses that Hunter Biden may have committed or taken part in from Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 1, 2024. It effectively wiped away the two pending criminal cases in which the younger Biden faced years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: President Biden pardons his son, claiming Hunter Biden was unfairly prosecuted However, it also offers immunity for other conduct in that period, when he was active in foreign business dealings, including his seat on the board of Burisma, the Ukrainian natural gas company he joined in 2014 while his father was vice president. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, Biden said in his statement. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution." Shortly after the pardon was issued, Hunter Biden's lawyers filed petitions to have both criminal cases dismissed. How is this a change in the president's position? The White House and President Biden himself have long insisted he would not pardon his son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before the trial testimony began, President Biden told ABC journalist David Muir that he would accept the jurys verdict in the Delaware case. Have you ruled out a pardon for your son? Muir asked. Yes, Biden replied. After the gun verdict, the president said he would continue to respect the judicial process while his son considered an appeal. What has Hunter Biden's team claimed about the prosecutions? Hunter Biden has long been the target of ire from right-wing political figures, activists and the media. In both criminal cases, Hunter Biden and his legal team had sought to paint him as a victim of selective, unfair, and politically motivated prosecution. His lawyers had pointed to a plea deal reached in 2023 that would have spared Hunter any prison time. It unraveled under questioning from a judge in Delaware, and after the deal collapsed, David C. Weiss, the special counsel, secured indictments in both cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden filed but later dropped a defamation lawsuit against Fox News over a fictional program that depicted his legal troubles. Hunter Bidens lawsuit asserted that Fox News defamed him in a six-part series called The Trial of Hunter Biden: A Mock Trial for the American People that was shown on its streaming platform Fox Nation. 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. President Biden called for a fight against stigma and misinformation on World AIDS Day in remarks at the White House. We stand united in the fight against this epidemic, Biden said Sunday. It matters, it matters. I remember as senator, when this epidemic was raging, the stigma, the misinformation, the government failing to act and acknowledge the dignity of [LGBTQ] lives and the seriousness of the AIDS epidemic. During the 1980s and 1990s, the HIV epidemic ravaged the LGBTQ community, leading to deep emotional scars and widespread calls for government action from pro-LGBTQ activists. Groups like the the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP), who used civil disobedience to shine a light on government inaction on AIDS, sprung up during this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It caused serious harm, the president said Sunday of the governments inaction at the time. It compounded pain and trauma for a community watching a generation of loved ones and friends perish. It was horribly, horribly wrong. Weve also seen advocates, survivors, families, allies, whove turned their pain into purpose, like all of you have, Biden added. Their loss into determination, their anger, into a movement thats literally changing the world. The president also noted the presence of sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt at the White House that day in his speech, saying it contains stories of precious lives cut too short. According to a report from earlier this year by the United Nations agency working to end the AIDS epidemic, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), there is a foreseeable path to ending the epidemic by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data and real-world examples in the report make it very clear what that path is. It is not a mystery. It is a choice. Some leaders are already following the path and succeeding, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima wrote in the reports executive summary. Updated at 7:13 pm. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Dec. 2 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden departed the United States for Angola on Sunday night, fulfilling his promise to visit the African continent before his term ends in January. Biden boarded Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after 10 p.m. EST Sunday. He is scheduled to arrive in Sal, Cabo Verde, Monday morning for a brief refueling stop and a 9 a.m. local time meeting with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva of Cabo Verde. Afterward, he will depart the West African island nation for Luanda, Angola, where he is expected to arrive around 6 p.m., according to an itinerary provided by the White House press pool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He will return to the United States on Thursday. Biden had pledged to visit Africa in late 2022 during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in 2022. With the trip, Biden becomes the first U.S. president to visit the region since President Barack Obama visited in 2015. He also becomes the first sitting president to ever visit Angola. Senior Biden administration officials told reporters during a press call on the trip over the weekend, that the president aims to deepen the United States' relationship not only with Angola but with other African nations, where Russia and China have significantly increased their influence in recent years. While in Luanda, Biden is expected to deliver remarks alongside President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco. He will laying out their countries' shared history and enduring relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He'll discuss how, together with our African partners, the U.S. is working to narrow the infrastructure gap in Africa, expand economic opportunities on the continent, expand technological and scientific cooperation, and bolster peace and security," according to a senior administration official, who described the trip as "historic." Biden is also expected make several announcements during the trip, including 12 deals in Angola with a combined value of $6.9 billion. A series of "deliverables" will also be announced, the official said, adding they will be related to global health security, agribusiness, security cooperation and preserving Angola's cultural heritage. Biden is also expected to voice his support for Angola's nomination of the Kwanza Corridor to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The officials said the the trip will "put us back on the field" to compete against investment from Russia but specifically China, which has put tens of billions of dollars into projects across the continent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said that while the administration doesn't oppose Chinese investment in Africa, it has to have meaningful impact on the lives of the local communities. They are hearing from the people on the continent that they want an alternative from Beijing investment, and Biden will present the United States as that alternative. "That is the choice that is now available to countries throughout the region. Not looking at, 'Do I have to accept Chinese investment with low standards and child labor and corruption?' -- but 'Do I have another offering to compare it to?' And again, this is what President Biden has wanted to transform our relationship in the region, is to offer a different -- more investment, but with higher standards," the official said. LUANDA, Angola President Joe Biden made history Monday as he becomes the first American head of state to visit the southern African nation of Angola, where he will showcase U.S.-backed infrastructure projects designed to link three nations. In his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa, which comes at the end of his White House tenure, Biden is set to hold a bilateral meeting with his Angolan counterpart, Joao Lourenco, in the capital, Luanda. He will also give a speech at the countrys National Slavery Museum. Biden will also announce initiatives related to global health and security cooperation, among other things, a senior administration official said Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president is also scheduled to fly around 300 miles from Luanda to the municipality of Lobito, where a port is the terminus of a railway line that his administration has poured billions of dollars into in an effort to redevelop and extend a precious minerals transit system. President Biden is greeted by Angola Foreign Affairs Minister Tete Antonio upon his arrival in Luanda on December 2, 2024. Were preparing the ground for eventually reaching all the way to Tanzania, connecting the Atlantic and Indian oceans, a second administration official said Friday, of the system which also runs through Zambia and Congo. The project aims to advance American presence in the region, which is rich in critical minerals used in electronic devices, vehicles and clean energy technologies and a key field for U.S competition with China. The second official also acknowledged that the administrations efforts have the appearance of playing catch-up with China, which has invested billions across Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years ago in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, China owned 72% of cobalt and copper mines, according to the China Global South Project, a U.S.-based nonprofit that tracks Chinese efforts in Africa. Biden, who stopped off en route in the Atlantic Ocean island of Cabo Verde off the west coast of Africa for a meeting with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva, had to postpone his visits in the wake of Hurricane Milton so that he could oversee the federal response to the disaster. U.S. investment, the senior administration official said, is spurring economic growth for people in Africa in ways that Chinese spending isnt. It does so by focusing on attracting investment by high-standards companies committed to high standards of labor, of gender equality, of health and of environmental stewardship, the official added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlo Angerer reported from Luanda, Angola, and Aaron Gilchrist from Dubai. CORRECTION (Dec. 2, 2024, 1:46 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated where Angola is located. It is in southern Africa, not West Africa. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By Trevor Hunnicutt LUANDA (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden landed in Angola on Monday for a visit focused on a U.S.-backed railway project and on the legacy of slavery, but his decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden threatened to overshadow the official agenda. The visit fulfils a promise to visit Sub-Saharan Africa during his presidency and aims to bolster the Lobito Corridor project, which links resource-rich Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia to the Angolan port of Lobito on the Atlantic Ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At stake are vast supplies of minerals like copper and cobalt, which are found in Congo and are a key component of batteries and other electronics. China is the top player in Congo, which has become an increasing concern to Washington. China signed an agreement with Tanzania and Zambia in September to revive a rival railway line to Africa's eastern coast. "It's going to create incredible economic opportunities here on the continent," Biden's national security spokesperson John Kirby said, speaking about the Lobito Corridor during a briefing to reporters on Air Force One during the flight to Luanda. He said Biden would unveil additional commitments to the project during his visit, as well as to health, climate and clean energy programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, reporters on the flight had more questions about the Hunter Biden pardon than they did about investment in Africa. The president's spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre responded to them mostly by repeating Joe Biden's own statement on the issue. The president, whose term in office finishes in January, flew out of Washington shortly after pardoning his son, who had pleaded guilty to tax violations and been convicted on firearms-related charges. Biden himself did not answer reporters' questions on the pardon during a brief refueling stop in the small island nation of Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa, earlier on Monday. During his two-day visit to Angola, Biden is scheduled to meet with President Joao Lourenco and the Zambian leader President Hakainde Hichilema, and to tour the national slavery museum and various facilities in Lobito. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Partly funded by a U.S. loan, the Lobito Corridor would make it faster and easier to export critical minerals towards the United States, which has been widely seen as a way to divert some of those resources from China. "There is no Cold War on the continent. We're not asking countries to choose between us and Russia and China," Kirby said. "We're simply looking for reliable, sustainable, verifiable investment opportunities that the people of Angola and the people of the continent can rely on, because too many countries have relied on spotty investment opportunities and are now racked by debt," he said. The Lobito project is backed by global commodities trader Trafigura, Portuguese construction group Mota-Engil and railway operator Vecturis. The U.S. Development Finance Corporation has provided a $550 million loan to refurbish the 1,300-kilometer (800-mile) rail network from Lobito to Congo. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Writing by Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Chris Reese) President Bidens announcement that he had pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, rattled the political world late Sunday. The president argued in a statement Sunday that the charges brought against his son, which included three felony charges on his purchase and possession of a gun in 2018, came about due to political reasons. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, Biden said. Reactions from both sides of the aisle poured in in the wake of the announcement, with Republicans expressing furor over the presidents pardon of his son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President-elect Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, called Bidens pardon of his son an abuse and miscarriage of justice Sunday. Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! the president-elect said, referring to rioters who have been accused of storming the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack. Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), said in a statement posted to the social platform X on Sunday that the president has lied from start to finish about his familys corrupt influence peddling activities. Not only has he falsely claimed that he never met with his sons foreign business associates and that his son did nothing wrong, but he also lied when he said he would not pardon Hunter Biden, Comer continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the House GOP impeachment inquiry into the elder Biden, Comer played a central role as the chair of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. However, the inquiry struggled to come up with solid evidence that the presidents family committed corrupt conduct and that Biden was engaged in the foreign business dealings of his son. The House Oversight Committee called the pardon part of a pattern in its own post. From the lawfare against President Trump to now the pardoning of Hunter Biden, Joe Bidens unprecedented abuse of power has been a stain on the honor of the U.S. presidency, the panels X account posted. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a member of the Oversight committee, in a post on X threw the presidents words back at him, posting a screenshot of a prior post from President Biden that said simply, No one is above the law. Greene added the caption: Come to find out, Hunter is. But who is going to pardon Joe? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens post about nobody being above the law came on the day of Trumps conviction in his New York hush money case in late May. The House Judiciary Committee, which has also investigated the Biden family, cited the presidents and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierres insistence that Hunter Biden wouldnt be pardoned, and said in a post, Youve been lied to over and over again. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), chair of the House Judiciary Committee, suggested the pardon only proved a need for his panels impeachment investigation of President Biden. Democrats said there was nothing to our impeachment inquiry. If thats the case, why did Joe Biden just issue Hunter Biden a pardon for the very things we were inquiring about? Jordan posted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans in the upper chamber also expressed displeasure with the presidents move to pardon his son. Im shocked Pres Biden pardoned his son Hunter bc he said many many times he wouldnt & I believed him Shame on me, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said in a post on X. Responding to a post by Fox News on X about the pardon, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), said that under Democrat governance, there truly is a dual system of justice. One that protects Democrats and another weaponized against their political opponents, he added. Former Attorney General Eric Holder, who served under former President Obama, also weighed in on Hunter Bidens case and the pardon, saying on X that No [U.S. attorney] would have charged this case given the underlying facts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a 5 year investigation the facts as discovered only made that clear. Had his name been Joe Smith the resolution would have been fundamentally and more fairly a declination. Pardon warranted, he added. Some Democrats, however, were not happy with the presidents pardoning of his son. While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) said on X. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) disagreed with the presidents action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong. This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers, he posted on X. The Hill has reached out to the White House and the Justice Department for comment. Katie Wadington contributed. Updated at 10:17 p.m. EST. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Bloomberg) -- President Joe Bidens public justification of his decision to pardon his son accusing the Justice Department of political targeting threatens to undermine the image he carefully cultivated through decades in politics as an honest broker whose principal loyalty was to protecting the sanctity of critical US institutions. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens 180-degree turn on pardoning his son led Republicans to accuse the president of lying to the public ahead of the election only to reverse course after the political stakes disappeared. The White House provided scant justification for the reversal, offering merely that Biden changed his mind after wrestling with the decision over a Thanksgiving holiday spent partly with his son. The blanket pardon spanning a decade of possible criminal activity also offered ammunition to critics who have long questioned whether Hunter Biden engaged in illicit lobbying or foreign dealings, including while his father served as vice president. While no evidence of such crimes has been made public, immunity from those possible charges was central to a plea deal that collapsed last year. Beyond tarnishing a legacy already badly bruised by his withdrawal from the presidential race and President-elect Donald Trumps subsequent victory, Bidens justification has fanned concerns, even among allies, that his move will be seized upon by the incoming administration to overhaul the federal government and dispense with longstanding norms protecting the independence of the criminal justice system. Implicit in his explanation was the suggestion that prosecutions, even under his leadership, had been politicized, a point that incoming Trump officials have used to justify planned overhauls at the Justice Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and intelligence agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Bidens decision put personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all, Senator Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat, said Monday. What He Believed The widening fallout left White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the back foot Monday, as she struggled with questions about the implications of Bidens statement. Two things could be true the president does believe in the justice system, and the Department of Justice, and he also believes that his son was singled out politically, Jean-Pierre told reporters on Air Force One as Biden flew to Africa. They would continue to go after his son. Thats what he believed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to ultimately pardon Hunter was hardly shocking given the tragedy that has gripped Biden and his family throughout his career, and the emphasis the president has placed on protecting those bonds no matter the cost. Bidens first wife and daughter perished in a traffic accident just weeks after he was first elected to the Senate, and his eldest son, Beau, died of cancer during his tenure as vice president. Beaus death rocked the family, and Hunter has pointed to the loss in explaining his spiral into drug and alcohol addiction. In justifying the pardon, Biden said he believed raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice. Its a dramatic reversal for Biden, who staked so much of his presidency and his campaigns against Trump on faith in institutions. Its also a major concession for a Washington hand who wanted to be president all of his adult life, and who cast his presidency as a moment to take the heat down in politics. Paired with Trumps comeback, the pardon of Hunter was a tacit admission he fell short at one of his main presidential objectives. The intervention offers political cover for Trump to widely issue clemency decisions. Trump has regularly mused about pardoning or commuting sentences of all those convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol, and immediately raised the issue in response to Bidens move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does the pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 hostages, he wrote on Truth Social, referring as he regularly does to the convicted riot participants as hostages. Such an abuse and a miscarriage of justice! Trump in Waiting Trump is readying to reshape the system in his own way, including with his plan to appoint loyalist Kash Patel as director of the FBI. Patel, like Trump, is an outspoken critic of certain federal agencies, pledging to dismantle key tenets of the deep state. Trump also nominated another loyalist, Pam Bondi, as attorney general after his initial pick, Matt Gaetz, bowed out. The pardon is a focal point in the frenzied final year of Bidens presidency one that began with him running again before stepping aside amid slumping polls and mounting pressure. Vice President Kamala Harris campaign then largely sidelined him, and operatives have lamented that his unpopularity, and Harris hesitance to criticize him, was a core challenge for her, ultimately helping Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden has steered away from the public eye since Trumps victory, keeping a modest profile. He announced the pardon on the eve of his trip to Africa, guaranteeing that Jean-Pierres confrontation with reporters would remain off camera. Biden is not expected to hold a press conference during his time in Africa. While the administration is racing to wrap up some projects, preparing a new round of Ukraine aid and signaling new funding for the Lobito corridor infrastructure project thats a hallmark of this weeks trip, Trump is operating as president-in-waiting, holding meetings at his Mar-a-Lago club and pressuring foreign leaders on his priorities. Biden had repeatedly publicly ruled out intervening in his sons case and the White House offered no new evidence for the change beyond his growing belief that opponents would continue to target his son. The administration cast it as a case of him changing his mind, rather than lying. Jean-Pierre pointed to the collapse of a plea agreement as evidence of a double standard, and repeatedly said the case would have been handled differently if the defendant were not the presidents son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president believed enough is enough. And the president took action. And he also believes that they tried to break his son in order to break him, she said. --With assistance from Skylar Woodhouse. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. President Biden announced Sunday he signed a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, arguing the charges against his son were brought for political reasons. The pardon clears Hunter Biden in both his federal cases. Hunter Biden was found guilty in June in a federal case on three felony charges over his purchase and possession of a gun in 2018, violating the law by concealing drug use. He pleaded guilty in September to nine federal tax charges, avoiding a trial. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, Biden said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution, he added. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. Both the president and the White House press secretary said multiple times in recent months that Biden did not plan to pardon his son. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Nov. 7, two days after President-elect Trumps victory, that the answer was still no when asked about a possible pardon. Biden in his statement, which was released as he departed for a multiday trip to Angola, argued he kept his word not to interfere in the Justice Departments decisionmaking. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election, Biden said. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president argued his son was treated differently, saying most people in his situation would not face felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun purchase form and that those who pay back their taxes with interest and penalties are usually given non-criminal resolutions. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further, Biden said. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. Hunter Biden, who is 54, was set to face sentencing in his federal gun case on Dec. 12 and in his tax case on Dec. 16. The presidents son in a statement late Sunday said he will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport, Hunter Biden said. Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years because of my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends. In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages, he added. In recovery we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the mercy that we have been afforded. Attorneys for Biden filed a notice of pardon in both of his cases Sunday night, asking the judge to dismiss the indictment with prejudice. Trump and other Republicans have for years attacked the Biden family as being criminally corrupt, with a particular focus on Hunter Bidens overseas business dealings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President-elect Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform , called Bidens pardon of his son an abuse and miscarriage of justice Sunday. Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! the president-elect said, seemingly referring to rioters who have been accused of storming the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack. Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement obtained by The Hills sister network NewsNation that failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled [Department of Justice] and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system. House Republicans sought to make Hunter Bidens business a central part of its impeachment inquiry into President Biden. But their report failed to uncover a smoking gun, instead relying on largely debunked threads, disputed testimony, and circumstantial evidence that failed to directly tie any official action from President Biden to his familys business dealings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, they were vocal on Hunter Bidens legal dealings and brought even greater attention to the high-profile case. Hunter Biden was initially offered a plea deal in regards to his gun charges, but that fell apart under scrutiny from a judge. It was also highly criticized by GOP lawmakers who pointed to testimony they received from two IRS whistleblowers accusing prosecutors of slow-walking his case and failing to bring more serious tax charges. The top prosecutor overseeing his case, U.S. Attorney for Delaware David Weiss, was later elevated to a special counsel position amid complaints from GOP members in Congress, enabling him to bring the tax case in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who complained repeatedly during Hunter Bidens gun trial that he was being given preferential treatment, said late last month that he would not rule out a pardon for Hunter Biden if he were to win the election. NBC News first reported on Bidens plans to pardon his son. Updated at 10:34 pm EST. Rebecca Beitsch contributed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions and reversing his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family. The Democratic president had previously said he would not pardon his son or commute his sentence after convictions in the two cases in Delaware and California. The move on Sunday night comes weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges, and less than two months before President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to the White House. It caps a long-running legal saga for the younger Biden, who publicly disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 a month after his fathers 2020 victory and casts a pall over the elder Biden's legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden, who time and again pledged to Americans that he would restore norms and respect for the rule of law after Trump's first term in office, ultimately used his position to help his son, breaking his public pledge to Americans that he would do no such thing. In a statement released Sunday evening, Biden said, I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice. The president's sweeping pardon covers not just the gun and tax offenses against the younger Biden, but also any other offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. In June, Biden categorically ruled out a pardon or commutation for his son, telling reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case, I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As recently as Nov. 8, days after Trumps victory, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying, Weve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no. The elder Biden has publicly stood by his only living son as Hunter descended into serious drug addiction and threw his family life into turmoil before getting back on track in recent years. The president's political rivals have long used Hunter Bidens myriad mistakes as a political cudgel against his father: In one hearing, lawmakers displayed photos of the drug-addled presidents son half-naked in a seedy hotel. House Republicans also sought to use the younger Biden's years of questionable overseas business ventures in a since-abandoned attempt to impeach his father, who has long denied involvement in his son's dealings or benefiting from them in any way. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election, Biden said in his statement. "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision, Biden added, claiming he made the decision this weekend. The president had spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts, with Hunter and his family, and departed for Angola later Sunday on what may be his last foreign trip as president before leaving office on Jan. 20, 2025. Hunter Biden was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when, prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He had been set to stand trial in September in the California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Weiss, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in Delaware who negotiated the plea deal, was subsequently named a special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland to have more autonomy over the prosecution of the president's son. Hunter Biden said he was pleading guilty in that case to spare his family more pain and embarrassment after the gun trial aired salacious details about his struggles with a crack cocaine addiction. The tax charges carry up to 17 years behind bars and the gun charges are punishable by up to 25 years in prison, though federal sentencing guidelines were expected to call for far less time and it was possible he would have avoided prison time entirely. Hunter Biden was supposed to be sentenced this month in the two federal cases, which the special counsel brought after a plea deal with prosecutors that likely would have spared him prison time fell apart under scrutiny by a judge. Under the original deal, Hunter was supposed to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax offenses and and would have avoided prosecution in the gun case as long as he stayed out of trouble for two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the plea hearing quickly unraveled last year when the judge raised concerns about unusual aspects of the deal. The younger Biden was subsequently indicted in the two cases. Hunter Bidens legal team this weekend released a 52-page white paper titled The political prosecutions of Hunter Biden, describing the presidents son as a surrogate to attack and injure his father, both as a candidate in 2020 and later as president. The younger Biden's lawyers have long argued that prosecutors bowed to political pressure to indict the presidents son amid heavy criticism by Trump and other Republicans of what they called the sweetheart plea deal. Rep. James Comer, one of the Republican chairmen leading congressional investigations into Biden's family, blasted the presidents pardon, saying that the evidence against Hunter was just the tip of the iceberg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unfortunate that, rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability, Comer said on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. Biden is hardly the first president to deploy his pardon powers to benefit those close to him. In his final weeks in office, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in law, Jared Kushner, as well as multiple allies convicted in special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Trump over the weekend announced plans to nominate the elder Kushner to be the U.S. envoy to France in his next administration. Trump, who has pledged to dramatically overhaul and install loyalists across the Justice Department after he was prosecuted for his role in trying to subvert the 2020 presidential election, said in a social media post on Sunday that Hunter Biden's pardon was such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Trump asked, referring to those convicted in the violent Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. Hunter Biden said in an emailed statement that he will never take for granted the relief granted to him and vowed to devote the life he has rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport, the younger Biden said. Hunter Bidens legal team filed Sunday night in both Los Angeles and Delaware asking the judges handling his gun and tax cases to immediately dismiss them, citing the pardon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Weiss did not respond to messages seeking comment Sunday night. NBC News was first to report Biden was expected to pardon his son Sunday. ___ Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Nantucket, Massachusetts, contributed to this report. President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he has signed a pardon for his son Hunter Biden, who is guilty of federal tax and gun crimes. Biden had previously said that he would not interfere in his sons case or pardon him. Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter, Biden wrote in a statement. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. Biden added that it is clear Hunter was treated differently that others who committed similar crimes, and in part blamed a number of my political opponents in Congress who [took] credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Biden continued: No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden was convicted earlier this year on federal gun charges, and later pleaded guilty to federal tax charges. The president told David Muir of ABC News in June that he would not consider pardoning his son, responding yes when asked if he would rule out a pardon. It was not the only time he said he would not sign a pardon. I will not pardon him, he said explicitly at a speaking event a week after his interview with Muir. I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process adn it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further, Biden concluded on Sunday. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. Hunter Biden was slated to be sentenced for the gun charges on December 12, and for the tax charges on December 16. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. SEOUL, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- One person was found dead and two others were injured in an apartment fire Monday in southeastern South Korea, Yonhap news agency reported. The fire was believed to be caused by a butane gas explosion in an apartment building in the southeastern city of Pohang at about 11:33 a.m. local time (0233 GMT), said the report citing police and firefighting authorities. A 60-year-old father was dead, while his two sons, aged 21 and 24, suffered burns. The big flame was extinguished about 20 minutes later, leaving 13 residents in the apartment inhaling smoke. The police received a call alleging that the father attempted to pour out oil and ignite the butane gas, according to the report. (Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden signed a sweeping pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, reversing his previous stance that he would not use his executive powers to aid his oldest-living child. Most Read from Bloomberg Subscribe to the Bloomberg Daybreak podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden justified the pardon by saying that the case against his son was politically tinged, excessive and designed to break him and Hunter. Biden issued the statement as he was set to leave for Africa. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election, Biden said in a written statement on Sunday. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. Bidens move marks a stunning decision by an outgoing president, coming just weeks before he is set to leave office and President-elect Donald Trump is set to take power. Trump has pardoned people close to him and has vowed to pardon those convicted of involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol in his second term. Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, his daughter Ivankas father-in-law, in his first term and nominated Kushner recently as US ambassador to France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump assailed the presidents decision in a post Sunday on his Truth Social platform. Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!, Trump wrote. Biden and the White House have repeatedly said that the president would not pardon his son, who was found guilty of gun charges by a federal court in Delaware earlier this year, becoming the first child of a sitting US president to be convicted of crimes. His sentencing in that case was set for Dec. 12. Those denials have come as recently as November, when White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, Thats not what were going to do, when asked about the possibility of a pardon or commutation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The younger Biden, 54, also pleaded guilty in a separate felony tax case in September. I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport, Hunter Biden said in a statement. I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. Hunter Bidens legal team filed motions in courts in Delaware and Los Angeles, where he was subject to charges in a separate alleged tax evasion case, notifying them of the pardon and saying the cases must now be dismissed. The presidents pardon, first reported by NBC News, is broad, covering not only criminal acts which Hunter Biden has been convicted of but other potential legal challenges that may await. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The full and unconditional pardon Biden signed for his son covers those offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024, including but not limited to all offenses charged or prosecuted. Hunter Bidens lawyer Abbe Lowell did not immediately respond to requests for comment and the US Department of Justices special prosecutor David Weiss declined to comment. Republican Criticism Hunter Bidens legal problems have posed a political and personal challenge for the president - particularly during his reelection bid. Republicans have investigated the younger Biden over his business dealings, accusing him of using his connections to his father to illegally benefit their family. There has been no solid evidence that the president has benefitted from his sons misdeeds. There has been no connection made to President Bidens political activities and Hunter Bidens business dealings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the younger Bidens legal woes dogged his fathers campaign and undercut efforts by Democrats to hammer Trump over his own criminal cases, including becoming the first former US president to be convicted of a felony over hush-money payments to an adult film star. Trump and fellow Republicans have accused Biden without evidence of orchestrating the criminal indictments against the president-elect. The Trump team seized on Bidens suggestions that the case was politically motivated as confirmation of their longstanding claims about the Justice Department. The failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement Sunday. That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier: Why Hunter Bidens Legal Woes Trouble His Dad, Too: QuickTake The pardon announcement drew quick condemnation from Republican lawmakers, including Representative James Comer, whose House Oversight Committee has been investigating the Biden familys business practices, but has yet to find any evidence of wrongdoing by the president. Its unfortunate that, rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability, Comer wrote in a post on X. Hunter Biden faced the threat of significant time in prison. Two of the gun counts carry maximum prison time of 10 years; the third is punishable by up to five years. He faced as much as 17 years in prison for the tax charges. Judges, however, rarely impose maximum sentences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Chris Strohm. (Updates to add Trump reaction starting in sixth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The Biden administration said in 2021 it would invest $7.5 billion in building a national EV-charging network. Officials are now racing to approve the next round of funding before Donald Trump takes office. Trump has vowed to crack down on government spending and roll back support for EVs. The Biden administration is racing to approve funding for the US EV charging network before Trump takes office. The government announced it would invest $7.5 billion toward charging infrastructure in 2021, with the aim of building 500,000 electric vehicle chargers by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money is distributed through two programs: the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which apportions $5 billion out to individual states over five years to deploy EV chargers initially on highways, and the $2.5 billion Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grant program. Those programs are now under threat, however, with the incoming president, Donald Trump, blasting the government's EV charger rollout and vowing to scrap incentives to promote the adoption of electric vehicles as president, A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation told Business Insider that $2.4 billion of the funding for the NEVI program had been approved so far. As of late November, 37 states had received approval for a third round of funding under the program, the department said, unlocking an additional $586 million for the 2025 fiscal year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funds for the additional 13 states plus DC and Puerto Rico are expected to be approved before the end of the year. President-elect Donald Trump, who counts Tesla CEO Elon Musk as one of his closest supporters, has vowed to crack down on government support for EVs. Getty Images Kelsey Blongewicz, a policy analyst at Atlas Public Policy, told Business Insider that if those funds are released before Trump takes office on January 20th, as they have been in previous years, then it is unlikely the new administration could revoke them. "If that funding is released before then, in theory, it is safe," Blongewicz said. "It would be not impossible, but very hard for the new administration to claw that back," she added. The clock is ticking If the funding is approved, an estimated $3.3 billion of the total pot for the NEVI program will be committed, according to a Department of Transportation breakdown, effectively putting it beyond the reach of the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration has also awarded over $1.3 billion of the $2.5 billion in funding for the CFI program so far, according to the Department of Transportation, with bidding for another $779 million in grants currently open. Blongewicz said that the new administration will likely be able to take steps to slow down or frustrate the rollout of those remaining funds, especially for the competitive grants of the CFI program. Scrapping both programs entirely would require congressional approval, however. NEVI is an advanced appropriations budget authority that can only be undone by Congress. Vivek Ramaswamy has said that DOGE will review all "midnight-hour expenditures." Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images It seems likely that the incoming administration may still try to claw back some of the already approved funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vivek Ramaswamy, who along with Elon Musk is set to head a Department of Government Efficiency that will scrutinize government spending, said officials were approving funding and new regulations "to get ahead" of January 20th on Wednesday. "All midnight-hour expenditures & new regulations will get special scrutiny and should be rescinded where appropriate," he wrote in a post on X in late November. A patchwork solution The NEVI and CFI programs, introduced as part of the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021, were key pillars of the Biden administration's plan to build a national network of EV chargers. Despite being announced with much fanfare, that rollout has been criticized for proceeding slowly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DoT says that over 24,700 federally funded chargers are "underway" across the country, but only 31 NEVI-funded charging station sites are currently operational, according to the program's latest quarterly update. A DoT spokesperson said the department expects to have hundreds of federally funded chargers operational this year, with thousands more coming in 2025. That push could be put at risk under Trump. The president-elect has vowed to cut back government support for electric vehicles and is reportedly set to scrap a $7,500 tax credit for new US-built EVs. The Biden administration pledged $7.5 billion to build out the US EV charging network in 2021. Staff photo by Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images Blongewicz said the loss of federal support would be a blow to the development of a national EV charging network, and EV charging startup executives told BI the question marks over funding were already fuelling uncertainty in the industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We had this big, clear framework, and that is all going to go down now," Tiya Gordon, cofounder and COO of Brooklyn-based urban charging startup ItsElectric, told BI. "A lot of the funds that have already been awarded are protected and out there in the world. With the other funding that has yet to be deployed, there is definitely a lack of clarity right now in terms of what can happen," she added. Carter Li, CEO and cofounder of EV charging startup SWTCH, said that it was likely that much of the initiative for building America's charging network would move to the states. "I suspect that if there is a drop in terms of federal incentive dollars, we will potentially see a pickup at state level. That's something we saw in the last Trump administration as well," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some states have already pledged to replicate EV subsidy schemes that could be ditched under Trump, with California governor Gavin Newsom suggesting the state will revive its own EV-buyer credit if the incoming president scraps the $7,500 subsidy. That raises the prospect that Americans will have to deal with a fragmented landscape when it comes to buying and charging their EVs, which could put consumers off from going electric. "Adoption of electric vehicles will slow because of the fact that there's be conflicting messages that are happening on a government level versus on a business or a consumer level," said Gordon. "We're going to have a more state-by-state solution rather than a national solution," she added. Read the original article on Business Insider By Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Sunday he had pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, a reversal after pledging to stay out of legal proceedings against the younger Biden who pleaded guilty to tax violations and was convicted on firearms-related charges. "Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted," the president said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House had said repeatedly that Biden would not pardon or commute sentences for Hunter, a recovering drug addict who became a target of Republicans, including President-elect Donald Trump. "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son," Biden said in a statement released shortly before leaving for a trip to Africa. The grant of clemency said Biden had granted "a full and unconditional" pardon to Hunter Biden for any offenses in a window from Jan. 1, 2014, to Dec. 1, 2024. Hunter Biden faced sentencing for the false statements and gun convictions this month. In September he pleaded guilty to federal charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes while spending lavishly on drugs, sex workers and luxury items. He was scheduled for sentencing in that case on Dec. 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport," Hunter Biden said in a statement on Sunday, adding he had remained sober for more than five years. "In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages ... I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering." Republicans criticized the president's move. "Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!" Trump said in a post on his Truth Social site, referring to those convicted for storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, after Trump claimed falsely that he had won the 2020 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Joe Biden has lied from start to finish about his family's corrupt influence peddling activities," said Representative James Comer, chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. The president, whose son Beau died of brain cancer in 2015, said his opponents had sought to break Hunter with selective prosecution. He said people were almost never brought to trial for felony charges for how they filled out a gun form, and said others who were late in paying taxes because of addiction but paid them back with interest and penalties, as his son had, typically received non-criminal resolutions to their cases. "It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election," Biden said. "In trying to break Hunter, they've tried to break me and there's no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2023, lawyers for Hunter Biden said prosecutors had reneged on a plea deal that would have resolved the tax and firearms charges. The president said in his statement on Sunday that the plea deal "would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter's cases." Biden said he had made his decision to pardon over the weekend. The president, his wife, Jill Biden, and their family including Hunter, spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts, and returned to Washington on Saturday night. "Here's the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further," Biden said. "I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision." (Reporting by Jeff Mason; Additional reporting by Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Chris Reese and Edmund Klamann) WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Bidens decision to go back on his word and issue a categorical pardon for his son, Hunter, just weeks before his scheduled sentencing on gun and tax convictions was a surprise that wasn't all that surprising. Not to those who had witnessed the presidents shared anguish over his two sons after the boys survived a car crash that killed Biden's first wife and a daughter more than a half-century ago. Or to those who heard the president regularly lament the death of his older son, Beau, from cancer or voice concerns largely in private about Hunters sobriety and health after years of deep addiction. But by choosing to put his family first, the 82-year-old president who had pledged to restore a fractured publics trust in the nations institutions and respect for the rule of law has raised new questions about his already teetering legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation, Colorado's Democratic Gov. Jared Polis wrote in a post on X. He added that while he could sympathize with Hunter Bidens struggles, no one is above the law, not a President and not a Presidents son. Biden aides and allies had been resigned to the prospect of the president using his extraordinary power in the waning days of his presidency to ensure his son wouldn't see time behind bars, especially after Donald Trump s win. The president's supporters have long viewed Biden's commitment to his family as an asset overall, even if Hunter's personal conduct and tangled business dealings were seen as a persistent liability. But the pardon comes as Biden has become increasingly isolated since the loss to Trump by Vice President Kamala Harris, who jumped in to the race after the presidents catastrophic debate against Trump in June forced his exit from the election. He is still struggling to resolve thorny foreign policy issues in the Middle East and Europe. And he must reckon with his decision to seek reelection despite his advanced age, which helped return the Oval Office to Trump, a man he had warned time and again was a threat to democratic norms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has gleefully planned to undo Bidens signature achievements on climate change and reverse the Democrat's efforts to reinvigorate the countrys alliances, all while standing poised to take credit for a strengthening economy and billions in infrastructure investments that are in the pipeline for the coming years. And now, Biden has handed the Republican a pretext to carry through with sweeping plans to upend the Department of Justice as the Republican vows to seek retribution against supposed adversaries. This pardon is just deflating for those of us whove been out there for a few years yelling about what a threat Trump is, Republican Joe Walsh, a vocal Trump critic, said on MSNBC. Nobodys above the law, weve been screaming. Well, Joe Biden just made clear his son Hunter is above the law. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday from Air Force One that the president wrestled with the decision but ultimately felt his sons case had been tainted by politics, though she tried to thread the needle insisting he had faith in the Justice Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice, she said. But Trump has already made very clear his intent to disrupt federal law enforcement with his initial nomination of outspoken critics like former Rep. Matt Gaetz to be attorney general and Kash Patel to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray, who nominally still has more than two years left in his term. (Gaetz ended up quickly withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations.) Reacting to the pardon, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement, That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people." In a social media post, the president-elect himself called the pardon such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Trump asked. He was referring to those convicted in the violent Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol by his supporters aiming to overturn the 2020 presidential election result. Biden and his spokespeople had repeatedly and flatly ruled out the president granting his son a pardon. In June, Biden told reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case: I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him. In July, Jean-Pierre told reporters: It's still a no. It will be a no. It is a no. And I dont have anything else to add. Will he pardon his son? No." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, days after Trump's victory, Jean-Pierre reiterated that message: Our answer stands, which is no." Neither Biden nor the White House explained the shift in the president's thinking, and it was his broken promise as much as his act of clemency that was a lightning rod. He is hardly the first president to pardon a family member or friend entangled in political dealings. Bill Clinton pardoned his brother Roger for drug charges after he had served his sentence roughly a decade earlier. In his final weeks in office, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in law, Jared Kushner, as well as multiple allies convicted in special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Yet Biden held himself up as placing his respect for the American judicial system and rule of law over his own personal concerns trying to draw a deliberate contrast with Trump, who tested the bounds of his authority like few predecessors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the White House, the timing of the pardon was surprising to some who believed Biden would put it off as long as possible, according to three people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter. It came just after Biden spent extended time over the past week with Hunter and other family members on Nantucket in Massachusetts, a family tradition for Thanksgiving. I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further, Biden said in a statement announcing the pardon. Some in the administration have privately expressed anguish that the substance of Bidens statement, including his claim of an unfair politically-tinged prosecution of his son, resembled complaints Trump who faced now-abandoned indictments over his role in trying to subvert the 2020 election has been making for years about the Justice Department. Biden said the charges in his son's cases "came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Many legal experts agreed that the charges against the younger Biden were somewhat unusual, but the facts of the offenses were hardly in dispute, as Hunter wrote about his gun purchase while addicted to illegal drugs in his memoir and ultimately pleaded guilty to the tax charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pardon too was unusual, coming before Hunter Biden was even sentenced and covering not just the gun and tax offenses against his son, but also anything else he might have done going back to the start of 2014. It's a move that could limit the ability of the Trump Justice Department to investigate the younger Biden's unsavory foreign business dealings, or to find new ground on which to bring criminal charges related to that time period. Biden, in his statement, asked for consideration: I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision." ___ Associated Press Writer Aamer Madhani in Washington and Will Weissert aboard Air Force One contributed to this report. (Reuters) - President Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden drew sharp criticism from Republicans but also from fellow Democrats, who said the move sets a bad precedent and sows doubt in a U.S. justice system they have tried to defend against President-elect Donald Trump's attacks. Biden, a Democrat whose term ends on Jan. 20, signed an unconditional pardon for Hunter, 54, on Sunday and said he believed his son had been selectively prosecuted and targeted unfairly by the president's political opponents. On Monday, the White House said Biden also feared his political opponents would continue to persecute the younger Biden in the future. Biden previously pledged not to intervene in the two criminal convictions against his son. Many of his own allies said they sympathized with the president's urge to help out his troubled son but couldn't back the move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As a father, I get it. But as someone who wants people to believe in public service again, its a setback," Ohio congressman Greg Landsman, a Democrat, wrote on X. Democrats are still reeling over Trump's defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris in November's election, which some blamed on Biden, 82, and his decision to remain in the race despite concerns over his age. Trump has spent the last few years lambasting the U.S. criminal justice system as a corrupt institution weaponized by Democrats as he faced a series of probes. His nominees, including Kash Patel at the FBI, have pledged to upend it and strip out employees if confirmed. Trump became the first U.S. president to be convicted of a crime earlier this year when he was found guilty of falsifying documents to cover up a payment to silence a porn star ahead of the 2016 election. He is seeking a dismissal of the case after sentencing delays and legal concerns about punishing a sitting president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also faced federal and state criminal charges for his role in seeking to overturn the 2020 election results and the Jan.6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The federal charges have been dropped and the case in the state of Georgia is unlikely to proceed. Democrats were often the most vocal main defenders of the fairness and credibility of those criminal cases. Many say they now fear that Biden's pardon muddies the political waters and threatens to make the party's previous defense seem hollow. "President Bidens decision put personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all," U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat. U.S. congressman Greg Stanton, an Arizona Democrat, said he respects Biden but the decision was a bad one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers," Stanton said. Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, who served under Democratic President Barack Obama, took to X to defend Biden's move, arguing no U.S. attorney would have charged the case given the underlying facts. "After a 5 year investigation the facts as discovered only made that clear. Had his name been Joe Smith the resolution would have been - fundamentally and more fairly - a declination. Pardon warranted," Holder said. (Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Heather Timmons and Alistair Bell) Bishop T.D. Jakes shares an update on his health after experiencing a medical emergency last week. In a clip shared on social media, the 67-year-old spoke to members of his church via livestream on Sunday (Dec. 1) detailing the weight of the shocking moment. Im so delighted to see you. Im grateful for Gods faithfulness. Im grateful for your faithfulness. Im grateful for this season in my life, began the Potters House Of Dallas church senior pastor. I told you last Sunday that Id see you this Sunday, and so here I am. Bishop Jakes continued to explain, I am grateful to God for his goodness and his mercy and grace. Many of you dont realize that youre looking at a miracle. I faced a life-threatening calamity. I was rushed to the ICU unit. I had emergency surgery. In the end, he relayed that hes taking a few weeks to just heal and recover and relax and just reflect, as medical professionals want him to go slow when returning to his everyday activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bishop Jakes was rushed to receive medical care last week after an emergency health scare, causing him to pause speaking, shake, and drop the microphone while preaching during a church service. In his initial comeback message, the West Virginia native detailed, It was quiet and it was peaceful, and I was cradled. Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals. The entire Potters House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community, revealed a statement from the religious institution at the time. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Just east of Los Angeles, a small neighborhood called Section 14 stood for decades. But in the 1960s, its Black and Latino residents were forced out of their homes to make space for commercial buildings, leaving hundreds of parents to pick up the pieces and even more children witnessing it all. On Friday, we were notified that we had to take anything we wanted out of the house by Monday two days, Gloria Holland told NBC News. That was it. It was awful. Holland was only 8 or 9 when she watched her community crumble. Now at 70 years old, she has lived to see the wrongs be righted. The City of Palm Springs first apologized to the survivors of the Section 14 displacement more than sixty years later in 2021, according to the Desert Sun. Soon afterwards, Holland and with the remaining Section 14 Survivors Group filed a lawsuit against the city in 2022, according to the Los Angeles Times. They sought monetary reparations for the physical and emotional damages done to their community. And now in 2024, Palm Springs is finally paying up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the responsibility of the city of Palm Springs to compensate individuals for the destruction of personal property, said council member Lisa Middleton during the hearing. We broke something that was yours, and now we need to pay for it. In total, $5.9 million will be collectively awarded to about 1,200 people, breaking down to just under $5,000 per survivor. Additionally, the city also has shared plans to name a community park in honor of the victims, erect a public monument, and establish a cultural healing center, according to NBC News. On top of all of this, the City Council approved $21 million in housing and economic development programs hoping to curve the effects of discrimination against its Black and Latino residents. The agreement also includes $10 million for a first-time homebuyer assistance program and $10 million to establish a community land trust. Its been a journey full of emotions, from sadness, anger, frustration to exhilaration, said Areva Martin, the attorney who represented the Section 14 Survivors. I knew that the conversation around reparations is a difficult one for a lot of people, particularly older Black people, many of whom have experienced so much racial trauma, but have been conditioned to live with it, not to complain about it, to repress it, and in some ways ignore it. The payout doesnt fix the past, but the city of Palm Springs is trying to make amends and acknowledge the wrongdoings which altered the course of hundreds of families. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. COLOMBO, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Two Sri Lankan fishing vessels that had been apprehended in Indian waters while transporting a large consignment of crystal methamphetamine, along with the suspects on board, were escorted ashore to the Colombo Port on Monday, Sri Lankan Navy said. The seizure of the consignment of drugs weighing around 400 kg, followed an intelligence-sharing between the Indian and Lankan navies. One of the trawlers was found to be transporting the contraband while the other was assisting, according to the Sri Lanka Navy. The Indian Navy had arrested the Sri Lankan suspects and seized the vessels on Nov. 24 and 25, following intelligence shared by Sri Lanka. The Marburg virus, which causes bleeding from the eyes, nose, and mouth, can be fatal in up to 90% of those infected Science Photo Library/Getty Stock image of the Marburg virus. Stock image of the Marburg virus. A warning has been issued to travelers over the spread of three diseases, including the Marburg virus. Its a close cousin of Ebola thats been dubbed the bleeding eye virus due to one of its symptoms. Marburg, Mpox and Oropouch (commonly called sloth fever) are spreading in multiple countries, according to the UK Department of Healths site, Travel Health Pro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marburg is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever that can cause serious illness and death, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control says, adding that there is no treatment or vaccine for it. But, if detected early, supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival, according to the Africa CDC. Initial symptoms, the CDC says, include fever, chills, headaches, a rash with both flat and raised bumps, and sore throat. As the Cleveland Clinic explains, because its hemorrhagic, it damages blood vessels and causes bleeding often from the eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. Science Photo Library/Getty Stock image of the Marburg virus rash. Stock image of the Marburg virus rash. Related: Bird Flu Detected in Milk Sold in California, State Health Officials Say There have been 66 illnesses and 15 deaths in Rwanda, according to the CDC, but many more may be infected. The CDC also says there are no known cases outside of Rwanda, and the risk of infection with this virus in the U.S. is low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marburg is spread through contact with Egyptian rousette bats, or by contact with infected individuals. There are two kinds of viruses that spread Mpox, the CDC says: Clade I and Clade II. Clade I is spreading in Africa, Canada, Europe and on Nov. 15, the CDC says a case of Mpox was identified in California that was connected to the outbreak in Africa. Getty Stock image of a medical worker in full PPE to protect against exposure to viruses. Stock image of a medical worker in full PPE to protect against exposure to viruses. Related: Can Monkeypox Spread Through Objects like Doorknobs? An Expert Explains as U.S. Cases Surpass 6,500 Since January, there have been more than 21,000 confirmed cases of both types of Mpox, the CDC says. Its transmitted by close contact with infected individuals, or by contact with contaminated objects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oropouch, the CDC says, is spread by biting midges and some mosquitoes. While most people recover within a month, the CDC says 1 in 20 will develop a more serious disease. Symptoms include sensitivity to light, dizziness, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, and rash, the CDC says, while more serious disease includes meningitis, encephalitis, and bleeding. 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. Heavy traffic moves along the 101 freeway in Los Angeles. Californias federal waiver to set stricter limits for automotive emissions is likely to be one of the environmental rules that President-elect Donald Trump will attempt to roll back. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to slash federal climate, clean air and clean water regulations during his second term an agenda that could target rules governing everything from auto emissions to power plant pollution to drinking water standards. Trump has said that Lee Zeldin, his nominee to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Business groups and many Republican leaders are cheering Trumps plan to weaken environmental protections, arguing they are too strict and harm the economy. But in states that have focused on tackling climate change and pollution, attorneys general and lawmakers are preparing to fight back by filing lawsuits, enacting their own regulations or staffing up state environmental agencies. State leaders say theyve been battle tested by the first Trump administration, in which his agencies tried to roll back more than 100 environmental rules. Courts struck down many of those rollbacks after legal challenges. One of the things we learned during Trump 1.0 is that Trump has an enormous capacity to break the law, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, said in an interview with Stateline. Theres a way for regulations to be created, and a way for them to be changed. If the law isnt followed, as it often was not during the first Trump administration, we will sue, and as in the past, we will win. Of the roughly 120 lawsuits brought by California against the first Trump administration, 70 were environmental cases, Bonta said. The state won a majority of those cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bontas office will be one of the lead players in efforts to stop Trumps deregulatory agenda. Hes asking state lawmakers to increase his agencys staff and budget as it prepares for four years of battling with the federal government. Trench warfare Environmental advocates say theyre not sure which environmental rules Trump will attack first. The best bet is the EPAs waivers that allow California to set its own limits, stricter than federal rules, for automotive emissions. Many other states, comprising 40% of the light-duty vehicle market, follow the California standards. [California] needs federal support on reducing transportation emissions, really centered on our waivers from the EPA, said Ethan Elkind, director of the climate program at the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment at the UC Berkeley School of Law. Thats where were most vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump sought to revoke Californias waivers during his first administration, an effort that was tied up in legal battles for the entire term. California leaders say the Clean Air Act does not allow the EPA to arbitrarily strip its waivers. Following last months election, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom visited Washington, D.C., to push the Biden administration for rapid approval of eight additional waivers, covering heavy-duty vehicles, yard equipment, trains, cargo trucks and other categories. Meanwhile, 17 red states, led by Ohio, filed a legal challenge earlier this year to Californias authority to exceed federal auto emissions standards. Theyre seeking to have the case taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Trump administration would likely back that effort, and environmental groups fear the conservative-leaning court could threaten the long-standing waivers. Attorneys general in numerous blue states also are preparing to play defense on a host of other rules issued by the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They could include power plant emissions, methane leaks from oil and gas operations, PFAS pollution in drinking water, water quality on tribal lands, endangered species and permitting for infrastructure projects. Trump will likely also attempt to ramp up oil drilling on public lands, cancel funding for clean energy projects and halt offshore wind leases. In liberal states, officials say those actions would threaten their work to fight climate change and protect the environment. Leaders on both sides expect a busy four years for lawyers. The idea of Trump-proofing [environmental policy] basically just means being ready to go to court, Elkind said. Its going to be trench warfare in the courts. State backstops Some states again may seek to enact backstop state laws if federal protections are repealed. For instance, California lawmakers considered a bill in 2017 that would have given state-level protections to all species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. That way, if Trumps wildlife officials stripped species from the list, they would still be protected under California law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States will continue to act, because the demands for clean air and water and safer products are there. Sarah Doll, national director of Safer States That measure did not advance, but with Trump taking office again, lawmakers could have newfound interest in protecting endangered species at the state level, said Dylan McDowell, executive director of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, a collaborative forum for state lawmakers. Thats an area where states can really focus on strengthening things within their own borders, McDowell said. States can look at the existing federal standard and set it as a floor rather than a ceiling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Trump rolls back other rules on issues such as water quality, state lawmakers could start having similar conversations. States often have the authority to set standards that are more stringent than the federal government, noted Stan Meiburg, executive director of the Andrew Sabin Family Center for Environment and Sustainability at Wake Forest University. That becomes the question that states have to face: Is the protection we have left adequate to meet the environmental values we have as a state? he said. If its not, you need state legislation to protect that. Its unclear how Trump will act on some issues, including PFAS, or forever chemicals a class of chemicals used in a host of consumer goods that dont break down naturally and have been shown to increase health risks. Earlier this year, the EPA issued drinking water standards to limit exposure to the dangerous chemicals, following years of bipartisan work at the state level to deal with contamination issues. However, some industry groups and drinking water utilities have pushed back on the federal rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of whether Trumps EPA tries to revoke the rule, environmental advocates expect state lawmakers to continue their work on the issue. There is bipartisan support for PFAS protections, said Sarah Doll, national director of Safer States, an alliance of environmental health groups focused on toxic chemicals. States will continue to act, because the demands for clean air and water and safer products are there. Staffing concerns In addition to rollbacks of specific rules, Trump could cut funding and staffing for the EPA. Some states fear that an understaffed EPA would leave them without critical support for monitoring, analysis and enforcement of air and water quality. If theres going to be cuts at the federal level, we need to make those up at the state level, said Massachusetts state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, a Democrat. There already wasnt sufficient staffing in our state environment and climate agencies. Thats an area where I hope theres a greater focus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New York, lawmakers in 2022 tried to enact protections for certain streams after the first Trump administration weakened safeguards for such waterways. But the effort failed because state regulators said they lacked the capacity to oversee a new program, said Democratic Assemblymember Deborah Glick. There has been some rebuilding underway [at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation], and it will need significant improvement, Glick said. Weve been trying to backfill openings. Cuts at the EPA could add to the burden facing the state agency, she said, a factor that budget writers in the state legislature will have to consider. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 23: Heavy traffic moves along the 101 freeway on Wednesday morning on November 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts nearly 55 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 98 percent of pre-pandemic volumes. AAA also projects that nearly 49 million are expected to travel by vehicle this week, while around 4.5 million will fly to their Thanksgiving destinations. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to slash federal climate, clean air and clean water regulations during his second term an agenda that could target rules governing everything from auto emissions to power plant pollution to drinking water standards. Trump has said that Lee Zeldin, his nominee to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Business groups and many Republican leaders are cheering Trumps plan to weaken environmental protections, arguing they are too strict and harm the economy. But in states that have focused on tackling climate change and pollution, attorneys general and lawmakers are preparing to fight back by filing lawsuits, enacting their own regulations or staffing up state environmental agencies. State leaders say theyve been battle tested by the first Trump administration, in which his agencies tried to roll back more than 100 environmental rules. Courts struck down many of those rollbacks after legal challenges. One of the things we learned during Trump 1.0 is that Trump has an enormous capacity to break the law, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, said in an interview with Stateline. Theres a way for regulations to be created, and a way for them to be changed. If the law isnt followed, as it often was not during the first Trump administration, we will sue, and as in the past, we will win. Of the roughly 120 lawsuits brought by California against the first Trump administration, 70 were environmental cases, Bonta said. The state won a majority of those cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bontas office will be one of the lead players in efforts to stop Trumps deregulatory agenda. Hes asking state lawmakers to increase his agencys staff and budget as it prepares for four years of battling with the federal government. Trench warfare Environmental advocates say theyre not sure which environmental rules Trump will attack first. The best bet is the EPAs waivers that allow California to set its own limits, stricter than federal rules, for automotive emissions. Many other states, comprising 40% of the light-duty vehicle market, follow the California standards. [California] needs federal support on reducing transportation emissions, really centered on our waivers from the EPA, said Ethan Elkind, director of the climate program at the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment at the UC Berkeley School of Law. Thats where were most vulnerable. Trump sought to revoke Californias waivers during his first administration, an effort that was tied up in legal battles for the entire term. California leaders say the Clean Air Act does not allow the EPA to arbitrarily strip its waivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following last months election, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom visited Washington, D.C., to push the Biden administration for rapid approval of eight additional waivers, covering heavy-duty vehicles, yard equipment, trains, cargo trucks and other categories. Meanwhile, 17 red states, led by Ohio, filed a legal challenge earlier this year to Californias authority to exceed federal auto emissions standards. Theyre seeking to have the case taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Trump administration would likely back that effort, and environmental groups fear the conservative-leaning court could threaten the long-standing waivers. Attorneys general in numerous blue states also are preparing to play defense on a host of other rules issued by the Biden administration. They could include power plant emissions, methane leaks from oil and gas operations, PFAS pollution in drinking water, water quality on tribal lands, endangered species and permitting for infrastructure projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump will likely also attempt to ramp up oil drilling on public lands, cancel funding for clean energy projects and halt offshore wind leases. In liberal states, officials say those actions would threaten their work to fight climate change and protect the environment. Leaders on both sides expect a busy four years for lawyers. The idea of Trump-proofing [environmental policy] basically just means being ready to go to court, Elkind said. Its going to be trench warfare in the courts. State backstops Some states again may seek to enact backstop state laws if federal protections are repealed. For instance, California lawmakers considered a bill in 2017 that would have given state-level protections to all species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. That way, if Trumps wildlife officials stripped species from the list, they would still be protected under California law. States will continue to act, because the demands for clean air and water and safer products are there. Sarah Doll, national director of Safer States That measure did not advance, but with Trump taking office again, lawmakers could have newfound interest in protecting endangered species at the state level, said Dylan McDowell, executive director of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, a collaborative forum for state lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats an area where states can really focus on strengthening things within their own borders, McDowell said. States can look at the existing federal standard and set it as a floor rather than a ceiling. If Trump rolls back other rules on issues such as water quality, state lawmakers could start having similar conversations. States often have the authority to set standards that are more stringent than the federal government, noted Stan Meiburg, executive director of the Andrew Sabin Family Center for Environment and Sustainability at Wake Forest University. That becomes the question that states have to face: Is the protection we have left adequate to meet the environmental values we have as a state? he said. If its not, you need state legislation to protect that. Its unclear how Trump will act on some issues, including PFAS, or forever chemicals a class of chemicals used in a host of consumer goods that dont break down naturally and have been shown to increase health risks. Earlier this year, the EPA issued drinking water standards to limit exposure to the dangerous chemicals, following years of bipartisan work at the state level to deal with contamination issues. However, some industry groups and drinking water utilities have pushed back on the federal rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of whether Trumps EPA tries to revoke the rule, environmental advocates expect state lawmakers to continue their work on the issue. There is bipartisan support for PFAS protections, said Sarah Doll, national director of Safer States, an alliance of environmental health groups focused on toxic chemicals. States will continue to act, because the demands for clean air and water and safer products are there. Staffing concerns In addition to rollbacks of specific rules, Trump could cut funding and staffing for the EPA. Some states fear that an understaffed EPA would leave them without critical support for monitoring, analysis and enforcement of air and water quality. If theres going to be cuts at the federal level, we need to make those up at the state level, said Massachusetts state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, a Democrat. There already wasnt sufficient staffing in our state environment and climate agencies. Thats an area where I hope theres a greater focus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New York, lawmakers in 2022 tried to enact protections for certain streams after the first Trump administration weakened safeguards for such waterways. But the effort failed because state regulators said they lacked the capacity to oversee a new program, said Democratic Assemblymember Deborah Glick. There has been some rebuilding underway [at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation], and it will need significant improvement, Glick said. Weve been trying to backfill openings. Cuts at the EPA could add to the burden facing the state agency, she said, a factor that budget writers in the state legislature will have to consider. 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. SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) Three new blueway landings are open in Sevierville, providing more access to the Little Pigeon River for kayakers, anglers, and small boat users. The blueway project was first introduced as part of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan in October 2018. According to the State of Tennessees Department of Environment and Conservation, the term, blueway typically refers to a water-trail or water-based recreational corridor, often designated for activities such as kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, and other water-related activities. The landings, on the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, were designed to provide ADA-compatible access to the river. The Collier Drive landing can be found under the Collier Drive bridge, the Charles D. Blalock landing is at City Park and the Koester-Bozeman Family landing is on Hardin Lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demolition begins of facility that helped make the first atomic bomb Map via the City of Sevierville Blueway landing Charles D. Blalock at City Park (Photo via City of Sevierville) Angler Matt Maples and son Jason at the new blueway landing at Collier Drive (Photo via City of Sevierville) Angler Matt Maples and son Jason launch their kayak at the blueway landing on Collier Drive (Photo via City of Sevierville) Blueway landing at Collier Driver (Photo via City of Sevierville) Blueway landing Koester Bozeman Family at Hardin Lane (Photo via City of Sevierville) Dennis Ogle of Rocky Top Outfitters and Matt Maples use the new watercraft launcher (Photo via City of Sevierville) Once finished, the project, called the Rivers and Ridges Experience, will consist of five blueway landings. The future landings will be at Gists Creek off Highway 66 and Court Avenue off Main Street. Both landings remain in the planning phase. The citys goal is to have all five landings complete by spring 2025. Additional parking was also built at the West Prong Greenway-Hardin Lane to allow greater use at the Koester-Bozeman Family landing. Snow possible for parts of East Tennessee this week: Heres where Since 2020, the Sevierville Parks and Recreation Foundation raised money for the project, with the city matching funds. A $100,000 Tourist Enhancement Grant from the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development and a $80,000 grant from the Department of Health also supported the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated with additional 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 WATE 6 On Your Side. Four new businesses have recently opened in Milwaukee's northern suburbs and West Bend: a bookstore, a multi-vendor marketplace, a medical/weight loss center and a new visitor center. Here's more about the businesses that opened their doors in November: Epilogue Books opened in Menomonee Falls on Nov. 30 Epilogue Books has many different books for all genres at its downtown Menomonee Falls shop at N88 W16739 Main St. Books, custom-made shelves and a children's area are packed in a 450-square-foot space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Epilogue Books is closed from Sunday through Tuesday. The hours may vary and any changes will be posted on social media. For more information about Epilogue books, visit bit.ly/Epiloguebooks or instagram.com/epilogue_books_wi. Epilogue Books, a new bookstore in downtown Menomonee Falls, has a children's books area. The Skinny Shaman opened in Menomonee Falls on Nov. 16 Owners Chris Schlegel, a physician assistant, and Krystal Schlegel, a nurse, opened a downtown Menomonee Falls medical weight loss center with a spiritual component. The Skinny Shaman opened on Nov. 16. According to its website, The Skinny Shaman is a "perfect blend between Eastern and Western medicine to create a 3 pillared holistic approach to wellness that encompasses not only physical health but also the mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of each individual." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This includes Reiki healing sessions (a Japanese energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, stress reduction and emotional balance), sound healing therapy, such as chimes and drums, and breathwork and meditation sessions. The center offers a free, one-on-one 30-minute consultation. To book a consultation or an appointment for a specific weight loss treatment and therapy, visit theskinnyshaman.com. For more information, visit facebook.com/theskinnyshaman. Menomonee Falls Downtown District Visitor Center opened Nov. 19 The Menomonee Falls Downtown District Visitor Center opened Nov. 19 with information on the area, gift certificates and downtown Menomonee Falls swag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is located at N88 W16606 Main St., Menomonee Falls. The center's hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Friday and by appointment on Tuesday and Thursday. For more information, visit facebook.com/fallsdowntown. West Bend Finery opened Nov. 3 West Bend Finery features a collection of handcrafted items from different vendors throughout the state. On its website, the West Bend Finery is billed as a "Wisconsin Wonderland boutique." It is a multi-vendor marketplace that offers many handcrafted items, from artisanal chocolates to handmade pottery and jewelry. It is located at 101 S. 6th Ave. in downtown West Bend. West Bend Finery's hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information, visit https://bit.ly/WBFinery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Santa, hot cocoa and more: Milwaukee area tree lighting events to start the holiday season More: Santa, hot cocoa and more: Milwaukee area tree lighting events to start the holiday season Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @kozlowicz_cathy. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: These new businesses just opened in Menomonee Falls and West Bend Nearly 11,000 youth and young adults are experiencing homelessness in the Boston area, and as the temperatures decrease, the need for a warm place to stay increases. During National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, a local non-profit is not only providing shelter but also giving teens the tools to turn their lives around. Tucked on the side of West Street right next to the bustling Boston Common, is Bridge Over Troubled Waters---a center that provides services for a glaring issue---the rising number of homeless and at-risk youth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We see over 2000 young people a year, said Bridge Over Troubled Waters CEO Elisabeth Jackson. I say its about 200 young people a day in the agency getting different types of services. Bridge Over Troubled Waters CEO Elisabeth Jackson says besides offering food and a warm place to stay for the night, the agency provides counseling, street outreach, and medical services. While there are several reasons why a teen ends up on the streetsJackson says they are hidden in plain sight. Theyre in your college dorms, said Jackson. Theyre serving you coffee and your morning and at your favorite coffee shop, then bagging your groceries. The security at an apartment building for you. Or in Travyon Garcia Parkers case---working at Boston Duckboat Tours and Verizon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt even think about homeless youth until I became one, said Travyon Garcia-Parker, who is living in Bridge Over Troubled Waters transitional housing. Travyon and his mother had bounced around from hotel to hotel, racking up debt. With mental health issues of her own, Travyon says she kicked him out a week after his 18th birthday. I was in the hotel lobby and I called my school, said Garcia Parker. My school got me a hotel room for that night. And the next day we started searching. Thats how Travyon found Bridge Over Troubled Waters Transitional housing programwhere he pays for rent and electricitywhile receiving support and taking part in a financial saving program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My parents and I always struggled with paying rent, said Garcia Parker. We never lived in a place more than I say a year and tell me instability, which has just in the past nine months Ive been with bridge. Theyve provided me with more stability I ever had in my entire life. Travyon is back at school and will graduate soonthanks to the support he never knew was available to him. We want them to graduate high school, said Jackson. We just dont want them sleeping on the streets. We dont want them sleeping with somebody thats going to abuse them. We dont want them going hungry at night because theyre so young. They have so much to live. And Travyon has a message for the hundreds just like him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reach out, said Garcia Parker. If you dont reach out, you might be in the same loop over and over again. Bridge Ove Troubled Waters continues to expand to meet the growing needs. But even after adding 42% more beds, it is still struggling to accommodate the youth who need shelter, especially in the winter months, with an average of 12 on their waiting list each night. 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 BOSTON (WWLP) Brian Walshe, the man accused of killing his wife in Cohasset and dismembering her body in 2023, is scheduled to be in court for a hearing Monday afternoon. Suspect in 1978 West Springfield cold case in court Walshe was last in court back in October and his lawyers raised questions about the integrity of Norfolk Countys murder investigations, according to NBC Boston. His defense filed a motion that requested a large amount of documents about their law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said they are still waiting to receive all of the DNA evidence in the case, which was originally expected earlier this year. Walshe is being held without bail and a trial date has not yet been set. Ana Walshe was first reported missing early into 2023, and as the search for her grew, Brian began facing charges. He was first charged with misleading police, and then eventually murder. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. The 39-year-old mom of threes body has never been found. Prosecutors alleged that Brian killed her in their home early New Years Day, dismembered her body, and discarded it into the trash. Brian allegedly made a series of Google searches on their sons iPad that centered around the discarding of a body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pieces of Anas clothes and jewelry that she wearing the last time Brian saw her were found in a dumper near his mothers house, along with a hacksaw and a bone fragment. 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. Grieving students, faculty, and staff gathered Monday at Endicott College to remember a beloved campus police sergeant who lost his life in a crash involving a wrong-way driver early Thanksgiving morning. Jeremy Cole, 49, of Exeter, New Hampshire, was headed home from the colleges Beverly campus when a wrong-way driver in a Tesla struck his Chevrolet Trailblazer on Interstate 95 in Newbury, according to Massachusetts State Police. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The college community came together at the schools Center for Belonging, where counselors and therapy dogs were on hand to help process the tragic loss of Cole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Candles were lit and students wrote out cards for Coles family, including one that read, J. Cole was the brightest and best person to be around. We are here for you like he was always here for us. Heartbroken students spoke fondly of Cole, who had worked as a member of Endicotts Campus Public Safety and Police Department for the past 15 years. I know its been hard on everybody in this community, sophomore Emily Sousa said. Hes touched everybody here. Fellow student Jessica Carra added, He was so unique to this campus and to this world...You dont look for anyone else. If you need help, you look for J Cole. If you need guidance, where to go on campus, its him youre going to look for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freshman Ava Maher said Cole made everyone on campus, especially female students, feel safe. Endicott President Steven DiSalvo remembered Cole as a kid soul who was always paying it forward and doing good deeds. Jeremy was an integral part of the Endicott family, and his impact on our community will be felt for years to come, DiSalvo said. Beyond his professional contributions, Jeremy was a kind and compassionate individual, deeply committed to his family and our campus. DiSalvo also announced that Endicott will pay for the tuition of Coles four children when theyre ready to attend college. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing I did communicate is that the college will pay for their tuition when theyre ready to come to college to help in a small way to heal the wound that theyre dealing with right now, DiSalvo explained. Cole is survived by his wife, Laura, their four children, and his parents, Richard and Brenda. Cole will be honored with a procession that leads to a memorial when the college holds its annual festival of lights on Tuesday night. The Tesla driver, a man in his 40s from southeastern Massachusetts, was flown to a Boston hospital with serious injuries. He is expected to face charges that will be announced at a later time. His current condition is unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police detectives assigned to the Essex District Attorneys Office are leading an investigation into the crash. 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 British bill payers have spent an absurd 1bn to temporarily switch off wind turbines so far this year as the grid struggles to cope with their power. The amount of wind power curtailed in the first 11 months of 2024 stood at about 6.6 terawatt hours (TWh), according to official figures, up from 3.8 TWh in the whole of last year. Curtailment is where wind turbines are paid to switch off at times of high winds to stop a surge in power overwhelming the grid. Households and businesses pay for the cost of this policy through their bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cost of switching off has reached about 1bn so far this year, according to analysis of market data by Octopus Energy which was first reported by Bloomberg. This is more than the 779m spent last year and 945m spent in 2022. The jump in curtailment follows the opening of more wind farms at a time when the country still lacks the infrastructure needed to transport all the electricity they generate at busy times. Clem Cowton, the director of external affairs at Octopus, added: The outdated rules of our energy system mean vast amounts of cheap green power go to waste. Its absurd that Britain pays Scottish wind farms to turn off when its windy, while simultaneously paying gas-power stations in the South to turn on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to change the rules that govern our system to make the most of our homegrown energy and get bills down for British households and businesses. Octopus and others have called for the country to shift to a regional pricing system, which they say would incentivise more wind farms to be built closer to where power is needed. This would reduce the need for hundreds of miles of cables to deliver electricity from the North and Scotland, where many wind farms are, to the South where demand is greatest. However, the plans would be controversial as it would likely mean homes and businesses in the South paid more for their energy than those in the North. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jason Mann, an electricity markets expert at FTI Consulting, said the high curtailment costs underlined the lack of cables to transport power to the South. However, he also argued the 1bn cost was partly the result of Britains national electricity pricing system. Mr Mann said: Congestion costs are an inevitable problem under the current market design we have in Britain. Increasing the amount of transmission capacity we have can alleviate the problem but not fully it will remain an enduring issue. At some point you have to do something that encourages greater demand in the North, for example lower prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the National Energy System Operator (Neso), curtailment costs are on course to surge to 6bn by 2030 if the status quo continues. Ministers are said to be examining potential options for market reform after the Neso warned that a decision should be made soon to provide electricity generators with certainty. Critics of regional pricing, including manufacturers body MakeUK and wind farm lobby group RenewableUK, argue that switching to such a system would plunge a slew of planned developments into uncertainty. That would threaten the Governments ambitious plan to reach a net zero power system by 2030, which will require an unprecedented investment and building spree, they say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, some 3.5 TWh of power were curtailed far less than in 2024 but electricity prices were much higher after Russias attack on Ukraine sent the cost of gas soaring. Just five years ago, 1.9 TWh hours were wasted at a cost of 242m. A government spokesman said: The National Energy System Operators report shows we can achieve clean power by 2030 with cheaper electricity, even factoring in constraint payments, and a more secure energy system for Britain. We achieved a record-setting round of renewables projects, with enough power for the equivalent of 11m homes essential to give energy security to families across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will work with industry to rewire Britain, upgrade our outdated infrastructure to get renewable electricity on the grid, and reduce constraint payments. 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. DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has praised the Tanzania-China Friendship Promotion Association for its role in fostering and advancing ties between the two countries. "Through its work, the association has brought people together, not just from the two governments, but from all walks of life," Majaliwa told an event Saturday marking the 10th anniversary of the Tanzania-China Friendship Promotion Association in the port city of Dar es Salaam. "As we look at the projects that have been completed by the association, whether in education, healthcare, or infrastructure, we see the impact of these initiatives on the ground." Majaliwa said that through the tireless efforts of the members and supporters of the association, ordinary Tanzanians have experienced real and lasting transformation, benefiting from the exchange of knowledge, resources, and goodwill between the two countries. "As we look to the future, the partnership between Tanzania and China is poised to grow even stronger," he said. "Our shared commitment to sustainable development, renewable energy, technology transfer, and climate change mitigation will drive the next chapter of our cooperation." The chairperson of the Tanzania-China Friendship Promotion Association, former Tanzanian prime minister Mizengo Pinda, said that the association has grown from 29 members in 2014 to 322 members as of November 2024. "It is the vision of our association to deepen and solidify our role in fostering people-to-people engagement by offering more services for China-Tanzania friendship stakeholders," Pinda said. Chen Mingjian, the Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, said that in recent years, with the greater frequency of people-to-people exchange, the Tanzania-China Friendship Promotion Association has gained broad influence and far-reaching appeal in both Chinese and Tanzanian communities. "Together with the Tanzania-China Friendship Promotion Association, our embassy and some Chinese companies construct numerous projects, including classrooms, dormitories, and toilets at public schools in rural Tanzania," she said. These small and beautiful projects, focusing on benefiting people's livelihoods, underscore the importance of advancing people-to-people relations, Chen said. THE BRONX (PIX11) A man has died following an assault in the Bronx Saturday evening, according to the NYPD. The incident happened around 6:10 p.m. at 1022 Throgs Neck Expressway, police say. More Local News The victim was identified as Kristopher Samaroo, 30. Samaroo sustained trauma about the body, police say. He was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead. The incident was over a rent dispute and a bat was used as a weapon, sources told PIX11 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have arrested Omar Lamoni, 43, and Edwin Nina, 39, both residing at 1022 Throgs Neck Expressway. Lamoni was charged with assault and endangering the welfare of a child, and Nina was charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon. Investigations are ongoing. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. DENVER (KDVR) Construction is underway on the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project, aiming to add a bus lane in each direction along Colfax between Broadway and Yosemite. Along that route are dozens of local businesses set to face the impacts of the long-term project. Were going on our fourth year on Colfax, said Gio Alberico. Previous coverage: Major traffic flow changes coming to East Colfax Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in that time, Alberico and Bex Schimoler, owners of The Learned Lemur, have grown to love the area. The amount of tourist traffic we get on Colfax is crazy, its awesome, said Schimoler. While the orange barrels a few blocks down havent reached them yet, their arrival is unavoidable. Were preparing for it, you know, financially the best we can, said Alberico. Its, you know, always hit or miss with that kind of planning. As a business that supports dozens of local artists and provides a space for even smaller businesses within the shop, the owners have many counting on them to stay afloat amid worries from some businesses that construction will take away parking and visibility from the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be a pretty serious impact on the community just as far as a financial game for them, said Alberico. Joining the lights of Colfax Avenue this week is a possible way to help, thanks to the Colfax Ave. Business Improvement District. Denver City Council revisits ban on flavored tobacco products after 2021 mayoral veto What we plan to do every month for the duration of the construction is have one event, said Frank Locantore, executive director of the BID. This months event: A Christmas tree lighting at the intersection of Colfax and Franklin. Draw people from the surrounding area and elsewhere to come to the event and support the local businesses, explained Locatore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its outside help that The Learned Lemur is thankful for. We love that support and we love, yeah, all the stuff they to try and get people down here to visit us, said Schimoler. The Bus Rapid Transit project construction is expected to last into 2027. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) A California lawmaker introduced a bill Monday to allow admission priority to the descendants of slaves at the University of California and California State University, two of the largest public university systems in the nation. Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, a Democrat who represents parts of Los Angeles and authored the legislation, said it would help rectify past and current discrimination at universities. For decades universities gave preferential admission treatment to donors, and their family members, while others tied to legacies of harm were ignored and at times outright excluded, Bryan told The Associated Press. We have a moral responsibility to do all we can to right those wrongs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers also convened a special session Monday to consider ways to protect the states progressive policies ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps second term. The incoming Trump administration is expected to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. A movement to limit so-called DEI initiatives at the college and state level gained momentum after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision last year to outlaw affirmative action in college admissions, which created a new legal landscape around diversity programs in the workplace and civil society. In California, voters approved a ballot measure in 1996 that banned the state from giving preferential treatment based on race, sex, ethnicity, color or national origin in public employment, education or contracting. The proposition, which outlawed affirmative action in public university admissions in the state, was upheld by voters in 2020. Bryant's legislation would permit, but not mandate, preferential admissions treatment for the descendants of slaves. Republican opponents of campus diversity programs say they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. Trump has hinted at potential legislation to fine universities over diversity initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, legacy admissions, long seen as a perk for the white and wealthy at selective colleges, have come under fire in recent years following the Supreme Court's ruling against affirmative action. By banning affirmative action but allowing legacy preferences, which favor the children of alumni and donors, critics say the court left admissions even more lopsided against students of color. Bryan said he is hopeful for approval of the measure, which is in line with recommendations developed by members of Californias Black reparations task force. There is a growing understanding of Californias role in perpetuating the inequalities that arose from slavery, and theres a willingness to try to rectify that harm, to heal that harm, he said. Black students made up about 4% of the California State University's student population and about 4.7% at the University of California in 2023, according to the university systems' latest reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal follows reparations efforts at the state level that have yielded mixed results. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law in September to formally apologize for the states legacy of racism and discrimination against Black residents. But state lawmakers blocked a bill that would have created an agency to administer reparations programs, and Newsom vetoed a proposal that would have helped Black families reclaim property that was seized unjustly by the government through eminent domain. Earlier this month, California voters also rejected a ballot measure that would have amended the state constitution to ban forced prison labor, squashing another proposal championed by Bryan and other members of the California Legislative Black Caucus. When folks think about reparations, they think about just cash payments," Bryan said. "But repairing the harm and the inequality that came from slavery and the policies thereafter is a much bigger process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryan said he also proposed the measure, which will have to go through a monthslong legislative approval process, in part to respond to Trumps recent statements about paying reparations to white students that he said have been affected by diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Georgetown University announced in 2016 that it would give preference in admissions to descendants of slaves owned by the Maryland Jesuits in a push to atone for the university profiting from the sale of enslaved people. States including Kansas and Iowa passed laws banning DEI offices and initiatives in higher education, and Republican lawmakers in about two dozen states proposed at least 50 bills to restrict DEI programs last year. Trumps incoming deputy chief of policy will be his former adviser Stephen Miller, who leads a group called America First Legal that has aggressively challenged corporate DEI policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who has vowed to rid Americas schools of perceived wokeness, also has plans to cut funding for schools that defy him on a multitude of issues on his first day in office, though even some of his supporters say he lacks the authority to make such swift and sweeping changes. Trump has heaped scorn on the federal Department of Education, describing it as infiltrated by radicals, zealots and Marxists." He has picked Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive, to lead the department. But like many conservative politicians before him, Trump also has called for dismantling the department altogether, a cumbersome task that likely would require action from Congress. ___ Rodriguez reported from San Francisco. (Bloomberg) -- California Governor Gavin Newsom wants to allocate as much as $25 million to challenge President-elect Donald Trumps most aggressive policies with a battalion of lawyers. Most Read from Bloomberg On Monday the state legislature, led by a Democratic supermajority, will convene a special session at the request of Newsom. Theyre looking to add resources to the states legal team in preparation for what could be a wave of court challenges once the Republican president takes office on Jan. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were in the calm before the storm, Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire said in an interview. Believe me, the hurricane force winds are about to hit this nation, and especially California and other like-minded states. California already has a playbook for thwarting Trumps most hardline policies on the environment and immigration. During his first term, the state sued his administration more than 120 times, winning cases that preserved Californias stricter vehicle-emission standards and protected the legal status of migrants brought to the US as children. Now, Newsom and his allies are preparing for a renewed confrontation, though they face new political and fiscal realities, including a tight state budget and growing dissatisfaction among some voters with the states liberal policies. Lawmakers are considering Newsoms request for up to $25 million for the state Department of Justice and other agencies, with the bulk of the funding directed toward increasing staff and supporting ongoing legal challenges, the governors office said on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Litigation is expensive, and we have to go to the mat to be able to protect the people, the policies and the progress that weve made over these past many years, McGuire said. Attorney General Rob Bonta, also a Democrat, said Monday that he expects California will need to allocate more money battling Trump in court. During the first Trump presidency, California spent about $42 million on lawsuits. The $25 million is a start; its a down payment, Bonta said at a press briefing. Its the beginning, not the end. For a glimpse of the issues likely to land California in court, Assembly Budget Committee Chair Jesse Gabriel pointed to Project 2025, a manifesto for a future Republican White House that calls for mass deportations, rolling back environmental regulations and other steps that would clash with the policies of the deep-blue state. Trump disavowed Project 2025 on the campaign trail but has since tapped several of its backers for roles in his administration, including at the Federal Communications Commission and in border enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A practicing attorney before his election to the legislature in 2018, Gabriel worked on lawsuits against the Trump administration in 2017 over its efforts to repeal the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Speed matters and being prepared matters, he said. Hopefully were not going to need to file a lot of litigation, but we learned from experience. A central issue in Californias legal strategy will be the fight over immigration. Trumps pledge to ramp up deportations has raised alarms in a state with the largest population of undocumented migrants in the nation, at 1.8 million people, according to the Pew Research Center. Californias sanctuary policies and protections for undocumented migrants who power the states economy from agriculture to food service have made it a flashpoint for clashes with federal immigration enforcement. Aid Threat Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State lawmakers are also considering how to prepare for a scenario in which the federal government fails to provide needed aid after a disaster, pointing to Trumps comments in September that he would withhold wildfire assistance if Newsom doesnt agree to send more of the states water to Central Valley farmers. Still Newsom and other California Democrats face a balancing act as they lead the charge in resisting Trump. Californias budget is roughly balanced but has little room for additional spending, according to a projection released by the states legislative analyst last month. The 2024 election also exposed growing discontent with Californias liberal policies and high cost of living, with Trump garnering 38% of the vote last month, the best showing for a Republican presidential candidate in the state since 2004. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Newsom, who is widely seen as a future presidential candidate himself, that may pose a dilemma. His primary political goal is to be the hero of the Trump resistance, said Dan Schnur, a California political analyst. But he cant be seen as taking on Trumps supporters. Its worth assuming that hell make a great effort in the special session to draw that distinction. (Updates with comment from attorney general starting in eighth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. A California senator has said that the state wont aid the incoming Trump administration in its mass deportation efforts because it would be legally unable to. Sen. Alex Padilla of the Golden State appeared on CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday, saying that he would work to block state resources from boosting deportation efforts by pushing for the government to follow the constitutional requirement that its up to the federal government to control the border. Theres an important distinction here. No states government, not Texas, not California, not any state in the nation, has a constitutional authority to impose federal immigration law, the Democrat said. That is the responsibility of the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has insisted that he will declare a national emergency and utilize the military to conduct the mass deportations, a proposed effort that has faced criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans. Let the federal government do the federal governments job, but have state and local officials do the state and local officials job, Padilla added. There doesnt have to be a conflict unless thats what Trump wants. A law from 2017, California Senate Bill 54, prohibits the use of state and local resources to aid the federal government in immigration enforcement, Politico noted. Tom Homan, Trumps appointed border czar, has said that local law enforcement who dont work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to conduct deportations would be prosecuted. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) arrives for a vote at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., earlier this year. He has said that California will not help the incoming Trump administration with its immigration plans (Getty Images) Some states like Texas want to push the envelope and try to find a way to assist, but theres no obligation to do so, Padilla noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has said that if the federal government doesnt do its job in protecting the border, the state has the right to step in, such as by installing razor wire on its border with Mexico. California will not utilize state and local resources to do the federal governments job for them, Padilla vowed Sunday. The states Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas has said that he will ensure that people feel protected and they feel welcomed. Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom has indicated that his state will resist the new Trump administration. California is the most populous state in the nation, the most diverse state in the nation, home to more immigrants than any state in the nation, Padilla told CBS. The last thing you want to do is have immigrants who are victims of crime afraid to come forward to report the crime. The last thing you want is immigrants who may be witnesses to crime be afraid to come forward and share any information they have in the investigation and prosecution of crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senator also shared his worries about Trumps relationship with California more generally. If the federal government will continue to support California in its leadership and so many policy areas, theres a lot of good work to be done there. But Donald Trump has made it no secret he has it in for California, Padilla said in reference to FEMA funds that Trump tried to keep from not the government of California but from California families simply because its a state that did not vote for him in the presidential election. Were trying to inoculate ourselves from those types of threats, Padilla said on Face the Nation. Calling a colleague sour and bitter could be sexist, a tribunal appeal has heard. Sue Kemsley, a former Cambridgeshire county council archivist, sued for sexual harassment after she was made redundant in 2019 over her manager referring to her as that woman and calling her a sour and bitter individual in an email. Her case was dismissed, but an appeal judge has ruled Ms Kemsley can resue the council for sexual harassment, unfair dismissal and age discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge ruled the case should be reheard after stating the original panel relied too heavily on the councils comments, disregarding Ms Kemsleys. Ms Kemsley had an uneasy working relationship with Richard Anderson which got out of hand during her tenure, resulting in her threatening to raise a grievance against him, an employment tribunal in Norwich heard. She started working as a data in-putter for Cambridgeshire county councils archives service in 2006. By 2014, her relationship with Mr Anderson had entirely broken down, resulting in Ms Kemsley asking for a different interim manager, to which the council agreed, but four years later he became her line manager again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Ms Kemsley was made aware of this, she made it clear she did not want the archivist in charge of her and threatened to raise a formal grievance if he were her line manager. After alleging she had been treated in an unacceptable manner by Mr Anderson, another line manager Alan Akeroyd was appointed. In the summer of 2019, Ms Kemsley was made redundant and she later sued for unfair dismissal, sex harassment, and age discrimination. Employment Judge Robin Postle heard evidence in which Mr Anderson described the council worker as a sour and bitter individual in an email to Mr Akeroyd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the first tribunal in January 2022 ruled this was not related to her sex because of his use of the word individual, which refers to men and women equally. It also dismissed her claims of age discrimination, and said that she failed to prove her case, ruling that her redundancy came about after an entirely fair process. The council worker has now won an appeal against the ruling at an Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT). Judge Charles Bourne said the judgment failed to sufficiently acknowledge Ms Kemsleys case. Referring to the sour and bitter email, Ms Kemsley who had kept a log of incidents of Mr Andersons behaviour told the appeal hearing the finding that the comments were not related to her sex was perverse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appeal hearing was told not only did Mr Anderson use this phrase to describe her, but he also said she had a lack of ability. In his email of 10 August 2018, which I saw on 19 July 2019, Mr Anderson referred to me as a sour and bitter individual, Ms Kemsley told the panel. While definitely offensive, I would like to ask the tribunal to consider whether it is related to sex, bearing in mind that he also referred to me as that woman. They heard of several other alleged incidents, which were not referred to in the initial tribunal, and said they should have amounted to detriments in the hearing. This included an occasion when Mr Anderson told Ms Kemsley that her top was revolting, and another in which he said she should see a psychiatrist because she had serious psychological problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A barrister representing Ms Kemsley told the hearing the previous tribunal panel simply ignored her case. The new panel approved the case to be handed back down for a full employment hearing. Judge Bourne said some of the facts remain in dispute. This case is to be remitted to a differently constituted [tribunal] which unfortunately will have to consider the facts anew and make its own findings, he added. 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. PIATT COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) State Police are help clearing a camper that disconnected from a truck on I-74 westbound in Piatt County Monday afternoon. Illinois State Police told WCIA a Ford F150 traveling westbound was involved in a single-vehicle crash in Piatt County around 12:15 p.m. at milepost 169 near the Clinton exit. The camper attached behind the truck rolled over and was disconnected from the truck. 3 displaced after 120-year-old Effingham home destroyed by fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries have been reported. Traffic is passing the scene on the left shoulder of the road. There is no further information available at this time. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. At a press conference with Interior Ministries from the Baltic states, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced the implementation of sanctions against Georgian officials involved in violations of human rights or corruption. Source: Interpressnews, as reported by European Pravda Details: Joly emphasised that, in light of recent events, Canada expresses sympathy for the Georgian people, "and we are very concerned about what Russia is trying to do in Georgia." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We will follow the example [of the Baltic countries ed.] in this regard, imposing sanctions against individuals and legal entities involved in human rights violations or corruption, based on the sanctions regime," she added. The Canadian Foreign Ministry's chairman claimed that the information would be provided "in the coming days." Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia had agreed to impose national sanctions on individuals "involved in suppressing legitimate protests in Georgia." Georgian Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and Honorary Chairman of the Georgian Dream party Bidzina Ivanishvili were among those subjected to restrictions. Background: Large-scale anti-government protests have been taking place in Georgia for the last several days after the authorities indicated that they would not be negotiating EU membership for the next four years. Georgian security personnel employed severe measures against protesters, drawing censure from the West. Support UP or become our patron! By Anna Mehler Paperny TORONTO (Reuters) - Once presenting itself as one of the world's most welcoming countries to refugees and immigrants, Canada is launching a global online ad campaign cautioning asylum-seekers that making a claim is hard. The C$250,000 ($178,662) in advertisements will run through March in 11 languages, including Spanish, Urdu, Ukrainian, Hindi and Tamil, the immigration department told Reuters. They are part of a broader shift in tone by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's unpopular government on immigration and an effort to clamp down on refugee claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Migrants have been blamed for high housing prices, although some experts argue this is a simplistic explanation, and polls show a growing number of Canadians think the country admits too many newcomers. The four-month campaign is budgeted to cost a third of the total spend on similar advertisements over the previous seven years. Search queries such as "how to claim asylum in Canada" and "refugee Canada" will prompt sponsored content titled "Canada's asylum system Asylum Facts," the ministry said. "Claiming asylum in Canada is not easy. There are strict guidelines to qualify. Find out what you need to know before you make a life-changing decision," one ad reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada has long been seen as a welcoming place for newcomers. Now its leaders are slashing immigration and trying to get temporary residents to leave and to prevent people fleeing U.S. President-elect Donald Trump from claiming asylum. "Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is working to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation about Canada's immigration system, and to highlight the risks of working with unauthorized representatives," a department spokesperson wrote in an email. REFUGEE CASE BACKLOG It may be an uphill battle. Canada's refugee system faces a 260,000-case backlog amid growing global displacement. The government has little control over who claims asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its immigration minister has hinted at fast-tracking claims deemed unlikely to succeed. The government is hoping millions of people will leave the country on their own when their visas expire, and the immigration minister has threatened to deport them if they do not. It is a dramatic about-face for a government that for years set out the welcome mat. In January 2017, when Trump took office, Trudeau tweeted: "To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada." On Nov. 17, nearly eight years later, Trudeau published a video promoting his government's immigration policies, calling out "bad actors" who "have been exploiting our immigration system for their own interests." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the Liberal government, trailing in polls, announced it is slashing permanent and temporary immigration. The population is projected to shrink slightly for two years. Ad campaigns to counter misinformation on how to apply for asylum could be useful, said University of Ottawa law professor and immigration expert Jamie Chai Yun Liew. "On the other hand, if they're saying, 'You're not welcome' it does seem contrary to Canada's approach in the past," she said. "They've switched their messaging." (Reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny; Editing by Caroline Stauffer and Rod Nickel) TEHRAN, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian security and intelligence forces have killed four and arrested three members of a "separatist terrorist team" in an operation in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Monday. In the operation, the forces of the provincial intelligence department and police and the Quds Base of the Ground Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps killed four armed members of the group, Tasnim quoted Mehdi Shamsabadi, public prosecutor of the provincial capital of Zahedan, as saying, without specifying the date of the operation. He said that the ringleader of the "terrorist team and two of his accomplices" were arrested, stressing that the "terrorist" team received the blows before being able to carry out any anti-security operation. Shamsabadi added that some ammunition and weapons were seized during the operation, noting that the group was created with the "all-out support of certain European states' intelligence services" to undermine security in southeastern Iran. Bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, Sistan and Baluchestan province has witnessed several "terrorist" attacks on both civilians and security forces in recent years. Dr. Betsy Wickstrom, a high-risk obstetrician who works in the Kansas City metro, is a lifelong Republican who was outspoken in her support for Missouri's Amendment 3, which lifted the state's near-total abortion ban (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent). Dr. Betsy Wickstrom understands where some of the voices opposed to abortion are coming from. She used to be one of them. The Kansas City OB-GYN specializing in high-risk pregnancies is a Republican and a Christian, but her more than three decades in maternal-fetal medicine have moved her away from the pro-life movement and into abortion advocacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The past two-and-a-half years practicing under an abortion ban in Missouri have strengthened her resolve. Wickstroms job has always been one of joy-filled highs and heart-breaking lows for families navigating complicated diagnoses. But the experience of walking an expectant mother through a nonviable pregnancy diagnosis now includes new hoops to jump through that can delay care. Sometimes, shes not even able to be with her patients when their pregnancy ultimately ends, forced to send them to Kansas where a ban was never implemented and hospitals are more willing to perform second-trimester abortions. Its why Wickstrom knocked doors in support of Missouris abortion-rights amendment and celebrated last month when a majority of voters chose to unravel the states near-total ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best possible outcome is that we will once again be able to care for people in the most compassionate way, she said. But her excitement over the amendment wanes when she talks about what the future may hold. State lawmakers are vowing to overturn some of Amendment 3s protections, and the threat of a national abortion ban after Republicans take over Congress and the White House looms. As Wickstrom waits to hear how Missouri hospitals will advise doctors like herself to proceed once Amendment 3 goes into effect after Dec. 5, she continues to hold her breath. Missourians want choice. They want personal freedoms, and they dont want their civil rights restricted, and that gives me hope for the future, Wickstrom said. But I know were not even close to done yet. A Republican in the abortion-rights movement Wickstrom wasnt liberalized while attending the University of Nebraska Omaha. When she started her medical residency in Missouri, Wickstrom said she believed the only God-honoring and American patriotic thing to think is that you have to save this fetus and this embryo at all costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While she did vote for President Barack Obama because she supported the Affordable Care Act after seeing patients without insurance struggle to access prenatal care, Wickstrom remains what she calls an Eisenhower Republican, seeking a balance between fiscal responsibility and a basic safety net. But when it comes to abortion, she sees no option other than choice. Shortly after graduating from her fellowship and going into the medical practice in the early 1990s, Wickstrom had to perform an abortion for a woman who came into the hospital with a partial molar pregnancy, which is both nonviable and can be life-threatening to the mother. The patient was 15 weeks pregnant and had such high blood pressure that she was delirious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While abortion was legal and Wickstrom would typically refer patients to abortion clinics in such cases, this was the middle of the night, and the patient was dying. Wickstrom performed a dilation and evacuation procedure, a type of surgical abortion done in the second trimester, and saved the womans life. More than three decades into her practice as an obstetrician, the nuance of the patient stories she watches unfold every day have carved out a new perspective. She had a patient diagnosed with brain cancer 14 weeks into pregnancy who chose to terminate the pregnancy rather than wait for the fetus to die inside her during treatment. She had a patient whose fetuss brain didnt develop properly who chose to continue the pregnancy so she could meet her child before they died shortly after birth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both outcomes were different ways of honoring life, Wickstrom said. What matters most, she added, was that the families got to choose. That choice became murkier on June 24, 2022, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion and Missouri became the first state to enact a trigger law banning the procedure except in cases of medical emergencies. Care delayed and care denied Wickstrom had just taken a new position at a Kansas City area hospital when the Supreme Courts decision was announced. As of 4 p.m. on June 24 of 2022, Wickstrom said. We were receiving emails from our hospital attorneys saying: You cannot offer abortion. You cannot refer for abortion out of our hospital, because were not going to take on that liability and that responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Wickstrom said she was advised to email the hospitals legal team if she had any concerns that a pregnancy could not continue. If the situation was dire, she was given a legal hotline to call, staffed 24/7, for advice on how to proceed. Ever since the ruling, when she enters an ectopic pregnancy diagnosis into the electronic medical record, a large red banner pops up asking if shes sure the diagnosis is accurate. If the embryo or fetus has a heartbeat, she has to consult an attorney. In the case that the mother is already starting to bleed, Wickstrom said, time is life. Sometimes, she has to refer the patient to a provider in Kansas. This is one example of care delayed and care denied that Wickstrom said shes experienced since abortion became illegal in Missouri. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some physicians across the state have said the abortion ban hasnt affected their protocol for treating nonviable pregnancies or miscarriages. Wickstrom said thats likely because most obstetricians can perform a dilation and curettage procedure to remove any fetal remains in the first trimester once a heartbeat is no longer detected. But the more complex cases that occur later in pregnancy that require abortions are usually referred out to specialists like her. But, she said, shes not allowed to treat most of those cases anymore. Now, when women come in with ruptured membranes in the second trimester of pregnancy months sooner than their water should be breaking she has to send them to Kansas for care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bleeding, infection, labor, all of those things can happen with or without that heartbeat stopping inside the womb, Wickstrom said. The answer is, youve got to stop the pregnancy and empty the uterus. You have to take care of this woman, or she potentially dies not being able to raise her other kids, potentially loses her uterus. Shes still allowed to talk about evidence-based care with patients, she said, but as soon as the words you may want to consider termination leave her lips, shes required to hand the patient Missouris 23-page informed consent booklet. But the pamphlet begins with the phrase The life of each human being begins at conception, which is not medically true, Wickstrom said. Dr. Betsy Wickstrom, a high-risk obstetrician who works in Missouri and advocated for Amendment 3, recently got a tattoo on her forearm that reads Listen to Women (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent). Instead, she keeps a water bottle on her desk. On it, above a sticker of Taylor Swift, is an adhesive with a list of national abortion hotlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its her way of showing the words she doesnt always feel she can speak aloud. A few weeks ago, Wickstrom had three other words tattooed into her forearm that shes been speaking aloud for the better part of a decade. The words remained her mantra as she watched maternal mortality and morbidity rates rise, as she heard stories of women who said their pain was ignored or downplayed, and as she watched abortion access fade for huge swaths of the population across the country, including her own backyard. They remain at the heart of her work today: Listen to women. CAIRO (Reuters) - Egyptian authorities are scrambling to salvage the VSG Glory, a cargo ship that began sinking on Monday near the coral reefs off Quseir in the Red Sea Governorate after being stranded for 10 days, maritime sources told Reuters. The vessel, carrying 21 crew, 4,000 metric tons of bran, 70 tons of fuel oil and 50 tons of diesel, sustained a 60-centimeter (23.6 inch) hull breach, allowing seawater to flood its engine room. Its crew has since been rescued. Efforts to stabilize the ship have been hampered by deteriorating weather, causing the vessel to tilt further. Emergency teams have deployed additional pumps in a bid to extract the rising water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The VSG Glory, en route from Yemen to Egypts Port Tawfik, heeled amidst worsening conditions. Salvage operations led by the Red Sea Governorate and the Ministry of Environment have so far extracted 250 tons of contaminated water and fuel, but the sources say some fuel remains on board, posing a grave risk to the region's delicate coral reef ecosystem. This marks the second maritime disaster in the Red Sea in less than a month. On Nov. 25, a tourist boat capsized near Marsa Alam, south of Quseir, leaving at least four dead and seven missing, with 33 passengers rescued. (Reporting by Yusri Mohamed; Writing by Mohamed Ezz; Editing by Jan Harvey) SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) The Roman Catholic Church called on the president of El Salvador Sunday not to lift the countrys ban on gold mining. Archbishop Jose Luis Escobar Alas asked President Nayib Bukele not to reverse the ban, which has been in place since 2017. It will damage this country forever, Msgr. Escobar Alas said in a homily. That view has also been voiced by civic and environmental groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Bukele called the 7-year-old ban on metals mining absurd, and claimed unmined gold would be wealth that could transform El Salvador, in comments on the social platform X. Bukeles party controls El Salvadors 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. At that point, exploration had revealed deposits of gold and silver, but there was no large-scale metal mining. Its unclear what its gold reserves could be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. It marks 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) CBS 42 wants to help you and your family stay healthy. Each week, our resident Dr. Celeste Reese-Willis joins us to talk about a timely health issue. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. (WOOD) A Cedar Springs Public Schools employee has been arrested for allegedly soliciting inappropriate images of students. The 20-year-old Rockford man was arrested Monday afternoon on charges of child sexually abusive activity and using a computer to commit a crime, the Kent County Sheriffs Office said. His name was not immediately released pending arraignment. The sheriffs office said the Cedar Springs school resource officer learned that a school auditorium technician may have illicit images of students. Investigators say he had fake social media accounts and that he was reaching out to female students, saying he would pay for illicit images. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said it worked with the district during its investigation. Earlier this year, a separate Cedar Springs school employee was arrested on child porn charges. Local students do not appear to have been involved in that case. The worker, Mark Labelle, did not work with students. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTNH) Students in Middletown schools will put their cell phones in pouches during the school day as part of a new policy. This comes as research shows that cell phones harm students learning and mental health. In August, the Connecticut State Board of Education said the board had seen reports of cyberbullying and distractions from parents and students, and state officials are looking to reduce that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also have spoken about teachers fighting for students attention. This is why before the start of the school year, the Board of Education approved guidance in August urging school districts to limit cell phones in schools. Connecticut State Board of Education approves guidance for districts to limit use of cellphones in schools Officials cited a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General Report on Social Media & Youth Mental Health, which recommended the policy to ensure student engagement in learning, support emotional well-being, and strengthen students interpersonal skills, peer interaction, and social communication. High school and middle school students will have to put their phones in magnetic Yondr pouches while elementary school students will continue with the off and away approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the policy has been working in some districts. Manchester, theyve been doing this for six months now. They say its making a real difference. The kids are connecting more with each other, and theres less staring into their phones and paying attention in the classroom, Gov. Ned Lamont said. Students will get their phones back at the end of the day. Its not just about a pouch. Its about providing the education to students so that they are aware of the impact that technology has on their lives, Patrice McCarthy, Director and General Counsel of CABE, said. The superintendent here in Middletown said if parents need to reach their kids during the day, they can call through the main 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 WTNH.com. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Hurricane Helene and Milton struck around two months ago but the impact is still being felt from destroyed homes to lost loved ones. Back in central Ohio, a local non-profit was looking for a way to help. As we watched the midst of the hurricane rescue and recovery efforts in North Carolina, we knew we couldnt just sit here in Columbus and do nothing, said Kristin Martin, founder of Way to Battle. Martin and her family started Way to Battle with the goal of showing people that they are not alone. They deliver stuffed animals called Battle Pups in an effort to provide comfort amid hardship. Its really soothing to see a dog like this, even if its not even alive, even the bigger kids like it, said Zayden Zimmerman at Way to Battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Way to Battle has already sent thousands of Battle Pups to states hit by the hurricanes but this time they decided to deliver them themselves. Martins family and friends made the drive and delivered more than 9,500 Battle Pups to 30 schools. When we said the dogs were there for them, some of the kids started going crazy, like they were just running around saying Oh, my gosh, these are all for us, really?, said Blake Martin at Way to Battle. The gratitude quickly followed the family home. Dozens of thank you cards were sent by students and teachers. Even though we are states away, we have not forgotten about them and we are continuing to think of them, said Kristin Martin. The children that helped deliver these Battle Pups said seeing the hurricane damage firsthand put many things in perspective for them. It was like mind blowing and humbling to see how good we have it, said Archer Zimmerman at Way to Battle. It was a community effort to be able to deliver this many Battle Pups. Kristin Martin said several local school districts fundraised for them and raised over $6,000. Other schools helped collar and pack the Battle Pups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really cool how our story has reached so many people in and throughout Ohio that have then jumped in and rallied behind us, said Martin. Way to Battle was created after her son, Brady, was diagnosed with leukemia. He spent many days in the hospital receiving treatment so they looked for a way to bring some positivity in their lives. Enter the Battle Pups. Now Brady is cancer-free and he is still dedicated to helping others. For me, giving out Battle Pups takes my eyes off myself and puts it on other people and helps you have a better day, said Brady Martin. Now that they are back home, Kristin Martin has been looking at nearly empty shelves that used to be stacked with Battle Pups. Shes laser focused on impacting even more people but said she cant do it on her own. We are totally community funded and generosity driven. We do it through the generosity of others, paying it forward and giving back, said Martin. You can find out how to support Way to Battles mission by following the link 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. CHIPPEWA FALLS While the Chippewa Falls School District had a balanced budget this year, preliminary budgets show the district could be facing $600,000 deficits in each of the next two years, even with a recently-approved three-year referendum. When the referendum expires in 2028, deficits could balloon to more than $3 million a year. Business manager Chad Trowbridge shared data from the five-year budget forecast at a recent meeting. These are just assumptions (based on state aid), Trowbridge told the school board. Sometimes these projections arent pretty, and this one isnt much better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on revenue and anticipated state aid at present state share level, the data indicates a 2026 deficit of $660,131. The 2027 deficit would be $613,820. Voters who live in the school district approved a $7.5 million referendum in April, which is spread out to $2.5 million each year. Work is already taking place to make sure the district is somewhat sustainable even beyond the referendum (when it expires), Superintendent Jeff Holmes told the board. I appreciate what you have provided. The forecast indicates a potential $3.1 million deficit in 2028, $3.2 million deficit in 2029 and $3.2 million in 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trowbridge noted how multiple school districts across the state approved referendums this year, not just Chippewa Falls, totaling about $5 billion across Wisconsin. What this is telling me is that the state needs to make an investment in state aid, Trowbridge said. Otherwise, every school district is going to be punished for that. The school district has a current fund balance, or rainy day fund, of $8.2 million, which is approximately 11.8% of the districts $70.3 million budget. If no cuts are made and the funding model doesnt change, the fund balance would be wiped out by 2030. The model assumes the deficits are covered by fund balance, and they accumulate over time, Trowbridge said. As you are well aware, our enrollment projections have been slightly declining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trowbridge said a new population model with estimated new students and future enrollment will be shared at the December meeting. The five-year model only makes changes based on staffing costs, he added. Trowbridge added some caution that they are looking two biennium into the future, and are looking at decisions that havent been made yet. No matter what the model tells us, however things shake out, well have the ability to make decisions about what our future looks like, and none of this is set in stone, Trowbridge said. Chad Chronister & Andrew Warren in Tampa on April 19, 2019 (Photo by Kim DeFalco via Chronister's Facebook page) Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister is Donald Trumps pick to head the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), responsible for enforcing Americas drug laws, the president-elect announced over the weekend. While the nomination is being applauded in Tampa by those who have worked with Chronister directly in fighting substance abuse, it is being lambasted in some corners of MAGA World, specifically for his arrest of a pastor for violating a COVID lockdown in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chronister, who has led the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office since 2017, made national news in March 2020 when he arrested Rodney Howard-Browne, pastor of The River at Tampa Bay Church, after the agency said he intentionally and repeatedly hosted church services with hundreds of members in attendance, despite knowing he was in violation of orders set in place by the President, the Governor of Florida, the CDC and the Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group. But following criticism from some local Republicans for arresting the pastor, Chronister, who was running for re-election that year, reached out and shared a meal with the same man he had arrested two months earlier, raising ethical questions about visiting a defendant with a criminal case pending. (Then-State Attorney Andrew Warren, meanwhile, dropped the case.) Its impossible to defend this, said conservative YouTube personality Mike Cernovich, who has more than 1 million followers on X. He even bragged about it. The DEA has already shown itself to often act as a thug organization, focusing on low level users instead of the cartels. Arresting a pastor?! This man cant be near more power. Im going to call em like I see em. Trumps nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns, said Kentucky Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement THIS MANS NOMINATION MUST BE BLOCKED HE WAS A TYRANT DURING COVID, wrote Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini, who filed a lawsuit against Hillsborough County for its COVID lockdown. I HAD TO SUE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TO STOP THE INSANITY HE CREATED WE NEED A DEA DIRECTOR WHO BELIEVES IN FREEDOM. Unfair criticism Hillsborough County Republicans insist such criticism is unfair. I think what he was doing, what he felt was enforcing the laws at the time, is why he did what he did, Hillsborough County Republican Committeewoman April Schiff told the Phoenix. Hes always been that way in doing what he thinks is the right thing to do under the law. Jake Hoffman is president of the Tampa Bay Young Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the criticism youre witnessing online is in regard to actions taken by the Sheriff four years ago that the rest of the country is just learning about, he told the Phoenix in an email. During that time, I was openly critical about all the COVID policies as well, and the Sheriff sat down with me for an hour long recorded interview addressing much of the Republican communities concerns. [Sic] I believe the Sheriff learned from those experiences and will do a great job leading the DEA under President Trump. Chronister is married to Nikki DeBartolo, daughter of former San Francisco 49ers owners Eddie DeBartolo, who was convicted in a gambling fraud scandal in the late 1990s and fined $1 million, but he never served prison time. Donald Trump pardoned him in February 2020. Ties with Democrats When Chronister ran for re-election in 2020, his previous financial contributions to Democrats were a sore spot for some Republicans. Although he gave more donations to Republicans, campaign finance records showed that Chronister sent checks to Barack Obama, Charlie Crist, the Democratic National Committee, and to Hillsborough County Democratic state legislators such as Fentrice Driskell, Dianne Hart, and Susan Valdes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I support the most qualified candidate. And if that happens to be a Democrat who Ill be working with, then thats who Im going to support. But it doesnt make me any less of a Republican, Chronister told this reporter that year. I think that people need to understand that he was serving countywide in a county that was then dominated by Democrats, and he knows what it takes to get elected, and he did that and he basically worked to satisfy his entire constituency, both Democrats and Republicans, said Schiff. Since 2020, all of Chronisters political contributions have been exclusively for Republicans or GOP campaign committees, according to Open Secrets. That included several donations to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Chronister was at DeSantis side on Aug. 4, 2022, when the governor announced that he was suspending Andrew Warren as Hillsborough County state attorney for alleged neglect of duty and incompetence, claiming he went too easy on criminals with some of his policies and that he had signed public statements objecting to prosecutions for abortion and transgender care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chronister and Warren had worked together on several criminal justice reform measures and were friendly for years leading up to that day. I can tell you that I was proud to have the sheriffs support in 2020, Warren said on WMNF-Radio in August. I was proud of the fact that we worked together to reduce crime. That all of these policies from drug diversion programs to mental health courts, to the civil citation programs, that was supported by the sheriff and by the law enforcement community here. When asked Monday about his thoughts about Chronisters nomination, Warren sent this text message to the Phoenix: I hope all the president-elects nominees succeed in making our country better: helping people achieve the American dream that make us more prosperous, safe, and healthy, while leaving behind the divisive and dirty politics that hold us back and tear at the fabric of our nation. Opioids Among top issues that Chronister will face if hes confirmed is the opioid crisis, which remains among the biggest drug problems in the country, even with overdose deaths starting to decline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think hell be excellent in that position, said Ellen Snelling of the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance. I have worked with him over many years, and hes been very supportive of prevention, treatment, and recovery. Anything to do with substance abuse, hes always been on our side, trying to help, so its been a very positive experience working with him, she said, referring specifically to the Sheriffs Offices work with takebacks of unused or expired prescription drugs. Hes been very active with that, Snelling said. Hes come to our takebacks. Hell do PSAs before our events to get more people to come out. They have prescription drug take-back boxes at every sheriffs office, every district office, theres a 24-7 box there. So, on a lot of the projects we work on, he and his deputies have been working with us. In February 2020, Chronister announced his offices support of a proposal to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis throughout Hillsborough County. Snelling said she opposes the complete decriminalization of pot, a sentiment she expressed to Chronister at the time. But she added that she understood why Hillsborough County agreed to do so, since it was aligning with the city of Tampas decision to do the same in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christopher Cano, executive director of Suncoast NORML (the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) has been critical of the DEA on cannabis policy and says the incoming Trump administrations nominees do not seem promising champions of reform either. He noted that many high-profile appointments in the areas of public health and drug safety are Prohibitionists, as is top picks to lead the Justice Department. Only [Robert] Kennedy and Chronister have seemed to espouse common sense views on cannabis decriminalization, Cano said. Another issue that may come up during his confirmation hearings is Chronisters stance on gun safety. In 2019, he called for enhanced mental health screenings for anyone who wants to own a gun, supporting universal background checks and the red flag provision in Floridas 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Act, which allows law enforcement to go to court to take guns away from individuals declared a danger to themselves or others for up to a year. Sabatini believes those positions will hurt Chronister with some GOP senators. I think theres a good chance that the few strong conservative Republican senators that we have may vote him down when his full record is exposed, he said. By Mahamat Ramadane N'DJAMENA (Reuters) - Chad's President Mahamat Deby said the decision to terminate the country's military pact with France was taken because it had become outdated, in his first public remarks since the surprise announcement last week. In a speech delivered late on Sunday, Deby said the pact no longer aligned with Chad's security or geopolitical needs. Chad has struggled with a jihadist insurgency for over a decade, and backing by French and U.S. troops has failed to bring stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This rupture is part of our will to build a Chadian army that is more autonomous, more committed, and more responsible in the defence of the homeland," Deby said. Until recently, the West had considered Chad an important ally in the fight against jihadists in the Sahel. Groups linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State are active in the country's Lake Chad region on its southwestern border. In October, around 40 soldiers were killed in a brazen attack on a military base, after which Deby threatened to withdraw the Central African country from a multinational security force made up of countries that border Lake Chad. Deby's decision to end the pact with France could force all French troops to leave after being stationed there over six decades since the country became independent. Chad ordered out the small contingent of U.S. forces based there this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deby said the agreement failed to provide substantial military value to the country amid various challenges, including terrorist attacks. He said Chad remained open to work with all partners, including France. "This agreement was signed in a different era, with distinct actors on both sides and under a completely different context. Over time, this agreement has become obsolete," he said. France has been forced to pull its soldiers out from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, following military coups in those West African countries and growing anti-French sentiment. The U.S. is meeting a similar fate in the region. Last summer, Niger ordered the closure of its new, multimillion dollar spybase which underpinned military operations in the Sahel after talks with Washington soured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The French drawdown, coupled with a U.S. pullback from Africa, contrasts with the increasing influence of Russia and other countries, including Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, on the continent. Russian mercenaries are helping prop up the military governments of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, and are fighting alongside them against Islamist militants. "This decision was not taken lightly," Deby said. "It is the result of in-depth reflection and careful evaluation. It fulfils a commitment made to the Chadian people." (Reporting by Mahamat Ramadane,; Writing by Bate Felix and Jessica Donati, editing by Ed Osmond) A child with prosthetic limbs practices during a physiotherapy session at a rehabilitation center run by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Kabul, Afghanistan, Nov. 26, 2024. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) KABUL, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- As the world is going to mark the International Day of People with Disabilities on Tuesday to shed light on the rights of the war victims, injured Afghans have denounced the war and explosive devices as the enemy of human being, calling for lasting peace in their war-battered country. "I hate mines and explosive objects. I feel dizzy whenever I hear the word of mine," Ruqia, a 15-year-old Afghan girl who lost her foot in a landmine explosion told Xinhua at a rehabilitation center, run by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Kabul. Expressing her hatred towards war and explosive devices, she recounted the traumatic incident that changed her life forever. "I was five and travelling from Ghor province to Kabul when our vehicle hit a landmine. The explosion severed my foot," Ruqia recalled. Afghanistan remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with remnants of more than four decades of war and civil strife endangering lives every day. Children are often the victims of these deadly explosives, which continue to maim and kill indiscriminately. Despite her physical challenges, Ruqia dreams of a brighter future. "I want to become a doctor so I can help other victims of landmines," she said. Using an ICRC-provided prosthetic limb, she spoke of her sadness at being unable to join her friends in outdoor games. Like Ruqia, Amanullah is another mine victim who often visits the ICRC-run rehabilitation center in Kabul to check his health condition and repair his artificial leg. Recalling his ordeal, the dejected man said that, in 2001, while he was a student in Jalalabad, a mine explosion went off and severed his foot as he went to perform ablution. "War brings nothing but destruction. It destroys lives, leaves people disabled and ruins the country," Amanullah lamented. War-battered Afghanistan is among the most mine-contaminated countries. "About 15,000 to 16,000 people with disabilities register with us annually. Out of these, about 1,500 are war-related disabled people," Najmudin Hilal, head of the ICRC hospital in Kabul, told Xinhua in his office. Approximately 80 percent of the war-related disabled people had been affected by mines and had lost a hand or foot in the mine blasts, the official said. Hilal himself is also a victim of a mine explosion. He described the landmines as a "sleeping enemy," recalling that he was 18 years old when a mine cut off his feet, leaving him for one year in hospital to recover. "We see 200 to 250 patients daily in Kabul alone and we have registered more than 150,000 disabled individuals so far in Kabul. We have seven rehabilitation centers in the country, with more than 268,000 disabled persons being registered," Hilal, who joined ICRC in 1988, told Xinhua. According to UNMAS, about 45,300 Afghan civilians have been recorded to have been killed or injured by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) since 1989. The average monthly civilian casualties from explosive devices in Afghanistan currently stand at around 50 individuals. ERW from armed clashes caused nearly 86 percent of the casualties recorded from January 2023 to August 2024. In the same year, more than 89 percent of the ERW casualties were children. People with prosthetic limbs practice during a physiotherapy session at a rehabilitation center run by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Kabul, Afghanistan, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ang) People with prosthetic limbs practice during a physiotherapy session at a rehabilitation center run by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Kabul, Afghanistan, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ang) Staff members make prosthetic limbs at a rehabilitation center run by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Kabul, Afghanistan, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ang) A man works at a rehabilitation center run by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Kabul, Afghanistan, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ang) Staff members make prosthetic limbs at a rehabilitation center run by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Kabul, Afghanistan, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ang) ST. CHARLES, Ill. (WGN) A use-of-force investigation is underway after police fatally shot a chainsaw-wielding man who threatened residents of an assisted living center in St. Charles, Illinois, on Sunday morning. The St. Charles Police Department said at around 8:45 a.m., officers were sent for a welfare check after witnesses said a shirtless man was holding a chainsaw and attempting to cut down a tree on the property of the River Glen of St. Charles assisted living center. Just before police arrived, witnesses said the man had gotten into the lobby of the building and started confronting residents with the chainsaw, according to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High School secretary killed in apparent murder-suicide in Portage Officers tried to de-escalate the situation to no avail. Despite a taser being used on the man, he continued his threat, forcing an officer to fire at the man, hitting him, police said. The man was taken to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, where he died. Authorities have not yet released his identity pending next-of-kin notification. Residents of the assisted living facility and responding officers were treated at the scene for minor injuries, according to police. Jay Davis, who was scheduled to do work Sunday for a resident at the facility, spoke to Nexstars WGN about arriving at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I came in, and I dont know, he said. It was weird. It was really weird. The Illinois State Police said it would investigate the officers use of force. Once thats completed, ISP will turn all reports over to the Kane County States Attorneys Office for an independent review of the facts. Habitual criminal charged with felony murder in Oak Park detectives shooting death River Glen of St. Charles also issued the following statement regarding Sunday mornings incident: An unauthorized person briefly entered our community and was quickly stopped by responding officers. We are deeply grateful for the swift action of our team and law enforcement. We want to emphasize that our community is secure, and all residents and staff members are safe. The safety and security of our residents and staff remain our highest priority. We are working closely with law enforcement as they continue their investigation of this isolated incident. 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. All foods have the potential to cause harm. They could be contaminated with dangerous bacteria, incorrectly packaged, or laced with contaminants. You don't need to look far for examples; everything from peanut butter to ready-to-eat meats have been the epicenter of mass recalls in the past. That being said, cheese is a higher risk item than most other foods. This is largely because many cheeses, especially soft ones, have a high moisture content but low salt and acid contents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this environment makes it easier for potentially harmful bacteria like listeria monocytogenes to thrive. What makes cheese even riskier is that many products are eaten uncooked and are made without pasteurization, the high heat process that effectively kills huge amounts of bacteria. While manufacturers, retailers, and government organizations all strive to ensure only safe cheese reaches the market, invariably they sometimes fail. As a result, cheese riddled with contaminants, hampered by poor packaging, and infected with harmful bacteria frequently makes its way onto store shelves and into the public's kitchens. In these instances, quick and efficient recalls are the only thing standing between consumers and a serious bout of illness or injury. In this article, we round-up some of the largest cheese recalls in recent memory, highlighting the potentially tragic impacts unsafe cheese can have and the ways that companies pull products from shelves and homes when under severe pressure. Read more: Where To Get Burgers During Fast Food Breakfast Hours Listeria Outbreak Associated With Mexican-Style Cheese A block of cotija cheese on a cutting board. - The Image Party/Shutterstock In 1985, it was announced that food manufacturer Jalisco Mexican Products Inc. was recalling several different types of Mexican-style fresh cheese after they were linked with an outbreak of listeriosis, a potentially fatal illness caused by listeria monocytogenes bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, listeriosis is particularly dangerous for those who are pregnant as it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirths, or the newborn baby developing a life-threatening infection of its own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, the 1985 outbreak exemplified these risks. The outbreak killed 28 people, including 10 newborns. A reported total of 20 miscarriages were also linked to the outbreak while several children were born with deformities. The manufacturer recalled its products from California in June of that year. After investigation, Jalisco Mexican Products Inc. was accused of failing to pasteurize all of the milk it used in the production of its cheese products because it did not have the capacity to do so. As a result, both raw and pasteurized milk were mixed together greatly increasing the risk that harmful bacteria would contaminate the products. Various cheeses from another brand, Cacique Fine Foods, were also linked with this outbreak. This company's recall was far wider, encompassing retailers in 13 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Washington State. Approximately 550,000 pounds of Cacique Fine Foods' cheese was included in this recall. Listeria Outbreak Killed 14 People A wheel of camembert cheese. - barmalini/Shutterstock Chile was rocked by an outbreak of listeriosis during 2008 which sickened over 160 people, the majority of them residents of Santiago. Of those who contracted listeriosis, 14 died, including both a baby and a toddler. A large number of pregnant women were also sickened. The outbreak was eventually traced back to Brie and Camembert cheeses produced by Chevrita, a Chilean-French company. Tests performed by Chile's Epidemiology Department of the Ministry of Public Health found listeria bacteria to be present in some of the cheese, and the products were recalled from all stores. In a subsequent scientific investigation published in Frontiers, it was found that 25% of all of the sampled, recalled Chevrita cheese products were contaminated with listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Chevrita manager Denis Lebret said that the cheese was pasteurized. This suggests that either the cheese was contaminated with listeria monocytogenes after pasteurization took place or that the pasteurization process was not conducted properly. Either way, this outbreak was a tragic event that could have been avoided. Rizo-Lopez Cheese Recalled Nationwide After Listeria Outbreak a ball of Oaxaca cheese on a cutting board. - Marcos Elihu Castillo Ramirez/Getty Images During February 2024, the Food and Drug Administration announced that Rizo-Lopez Foods Inc. was recalling the entirety of its dairy products including the following cheeses: cotija, freir, fresco, Monterey, Oaxaca, panela, paneer, and Cheddar, one of Britain's best cheeses. This recall was initiated after these cheeses were associated with a multi-state outbreak of listeriosis. These cheeses were sold under various brands -- Trader Joe's and 365 Whole Foods Market among them. Further products were also sold by Costco, Safeway, Sprouts, and many other major retailers. In total, 11 states were involved in the recall. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared the outbreak over on April 9. At this time, a total of 26 people were reported as having fallen ill. Of these, 23 required hospitalization, and two individuals died. In October, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California entered a consent decree of permanent injunction against the manufacturer. This injunction means that Rizo-Lopez Foods Inc. is banned from producing any food products until the company takes corrective actions and receives approval from the FDA. Vulto Creamery Recalled All Of Its Raw Milk Cheese Products Piles of Miranda cheese from Vulto Creamery. - orrmanscheese/X, formerly known as Twitter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration shared the news that Vulto Creamery was recalling all manufactured lots of eight different cheeses. Once again, these cheeses were linked with an ongoing listeriosis outbreak that hospitalized eight people, killing two of them. These products were shipped to, and thus recalled from, retailers across the United States. In an investigation conducted by federal officials after the outbreak, it was concluded that Vulto lacked the knowledge and expertise required to correct the creamery's production process. What's more, inspection of the facility revealed poor hygiene practices and the presence of black mold. Unsurprisingly, Vulto Creamery shut down permanently after the investigation was conducted and the damning report released. In March 2024, founder of Vulto Creamery Johannes Vulto pleaded guilty to causing the introduction of adulterated food into interstate commerce. He was sentenced to three years of probation and was given a $100,000 fine in July 2024. Over 330,000 Cases Of Kraft Singles Recalled Due To Choking Hazard A person holding a packet of Kraft Singles. - calimedia/Shutterstock While the vast majority of cheese recalls are due to the presence of potentially harmful bacteria, other issues surrounding the product's manufacturing can also make the cheese unsafe for human consumption. One example of this came in September 2023 when Kraft recalled more than 83,000 cases of Kraft Singles after it received multiple complaints from customers who had choked or gagged on a piece of plastic film. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon investigation, it was found that a manufacturing error meant a strip of plastic could remain on the cheese even after it had been removed from its packaging. It was this plastic that was choking customers. During the investigation, Kraft also discovered that this recall affected many more cases than previously thought. The company promptly expanded its recall to include some 335,000 cases. To make matters more complicated, the affected products were shipped both across the United States and overseas. In fact, cases were recalled from 10 countries outside the U.S., including South Korea and Belize. Thankfully, the faulty Kraft Singles did not cause any lasting injury and all of the faulty cases were successfully recalled. Old Europe Cheese Inc. Recalled Several Cheeses A piece of brie sitting on a wooden tray. - Anna Blazhuk/Getty Images Cheese was responsible for another outbreak of listeriosis in 2023. Once again, soft cheeses including Brie, which relies on a specific strain of fungi to be produced, were the focus of the ensuing recall. The company recalled various Brie products that were distributed by major retailers including Lidl, Mejier, and Whole Foods. Surprisingly, even baked cheese products were involved in this recall, suggesting contamination occurred at some point after the manufacturing phase. Six people were reported as falling ill as a result of the contaminated cheese, five of whom were hospitalized. These cases were spread over California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, and Texas. As a result of the outbreak, Old Europe Cheese Inc. recalled all of its ready to eat Brie and Camembert products from stores nationwide. The manufacturer also suspended operations until the source of contamination was discovered and dealt with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Food and Drug Administration conducted a formal examination of Old Europe Cheese Inc.'s facilities and found several problems with the production, processing, and manufacturing processes. Most notably, the company did not have any steps in place to control post-pasteurization contamination and had some far from stellar sanitation practices. As a result, the company received an official letter of warning from the FDA. Seven People Died After Eating Acid Curd Cheese The Prolactal factory. - Prolactal/YouTube Tragedy struck central Europe in 2009 when an outbreak of listeriosis killed citizens of both Austria and Germany. Initially, the authorities struggled to unearth the source of the outbreak. It was only after teams of people examined shopping receipts of the affected individuals that they traced the outbreak to Prolactal's sour curd cheese. By the time the outbreak was over, there were 21 reported cases of listeriosis in Austria alone. Five Austrians died from listeriosis as did two Germans. Once notified, Prolactal, recalled its cheese from retailers in January 2010. Approximately 50,000 metric tons worth of cheese was recalled from retailers, the majority of which were based in Austria. That being said, the contaminated cheese was also recalled from retailers in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. Prolactal halted all operations at its factory until the source of the contamination was discovered and addressed. Various Savencia Cheese Products Recalled Over Listeria Scare A wheel of Aldi's brie. - Aldi Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On November 2, 2024, manufacturer Savencia Cheese USA recalled six of its soft cheese products amid concerns that a piece of processing equipment used to make them might have been contaminated with listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The company expanded the recall two days later to include one further product: Glenview Farms Spreadable Brie. Despite seven products being recalled, Savencia Cheese USA assured its customers that no returned products had tested positive for the presence of listeria monocytogenes and that the ongoing recall was purely precautionary. It is not known which states Savencia Cheese USA's products were recalled from. However, in association with Savencia Cheese USA, Aldi recalled its Emporium Selection Brie Soft Ripened Cheese from stores in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and Missouri. As a result, we know the recall spanned six states at least. Despite this, there were no confirmed reports of illness arising from the recalled products, marking this recall as a successful one. 800,000 Units Of Cream Cheese Recalled Amid Salmonella Concerns Person spreading cream cheese on bread. - Simpleimages/Getty Images In June 2024, Schreiber Foods Inc., a dairy company based in Wisconsin, recalled a staggering 836,721 units of various cream cheese products -- all of them spreads -- amid concerns they'd been contaminated with salmonella bacteria. To make matters even more complicated, these products were sold by various companies, including Dunkin' and Kroger, across 19 states. A few of the affected products were even shipped to Puerto Rico, and had to be recalled from there. If ingested, salmonella bacteria can cause a disease known as salmonellosis to develop. The Food and Drug Administration notes that the symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Usually, these symptoms pass and patients do not require treatment. That being said, salmonellosis does kill hundreds of Americans every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of this recall, Aldi issued its own cream cheese recall in association with Schreiber Foods Inc. This one was even larger in scope with four cream cheese products, including a strawberry-flavored cream cheese spread, being recalled from 29 states. Despite the huge, international, and multi-state nature of Schreiber Foods Inc.'s recall, no illnesses or fatalities were reported. This marks a lucky escape for not only the company but thousands of its potential consumers. 1.2 Million Cases Of Cottage Cheese Recalled Fresh cottage cheese sitting in a bowl. - Aksana Ban/Getty Images Kraft suffered another devastating, cheese-related setback in the summer of 2014 when it recalled 1.2 million cases of cottage cheese. The recall was initiated after employees discovered that some ingredients stored in its Californian facility had not been kept at the correct temperatures. This meant the finished product, which was shipped nationwide, might spoil early and could act as a vehicle for various foodborne illnesses. Aside from recalling all the affected products, Kraft also suspended operations at its Californian facility until it was discovered how this mistake was made and actions were taken to rectify the issue. The cottage cheese was sold under four brands: Breakstone, Simply Kraft, Knudsen, and Daily Chef. On average, each of these brands carried approximately 10 units per case meaning that around 12 million units of product were included in the recall. This is a huge amount that undoubtedly impacted Kraft's operations. 735,000 Cases Of String Cheese Recalled A packet of Kraft String Cheese. - Kraft While enormous in scope, Kraft's cottage cheese recall was not the first time the company had to recall cheese due to concerns that it would spoil prematurely. In fact, a similar recall was conducted one year prior to the cottage cheese debacle when, in 2013, it was reported by several customers that a variety of Kraft and Polly-O string cheese products were spoiling well before their expiration date. All told, 22 products and a grand total of 735,000 cases were recalled as a result of these complaints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a notice shared by the Food and Drug Administration, and disseminated by various media outlets, Kraft announced that it had suspended operations at its Campbell, New York facility until the issue was resolved. The company did not share what had caused the affected products to spoil prematurely nor which states they were being recalled from. However, Kraft did state that no string cheese products had been exported out of the United States. Le Chasteau Cheeses Recalled Amid Salmonella Outbreak A wedge of Saint-Nectaire cheese on a cutting board. - page frederique/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the summer of 2024, GAEC Deflisque issued a massive recall for Saint-Nectaire-style cheese sold under the Le Chasteau brand. This recall was initiated after tests conducted at the beginning of August confirmed that salmonella bacteria was present at one of the company's factories. While the factory was closed from July 23, many units of the affected cheese made it to the market where it was bought and consumed by French citizens, predominantly those living in Puy-de-Dome, Correze, and Creuse. A total of 72 people were reported as falling ill with salmonellosis. The recall encompassed all batches sold under the La Chasteau brand from March 2024 up until the date of the recall. While exact numbers were not shared by GAEC Deflisque, the total number of units recalled by the company must have been significant. Despite this, the company's owner remained sure of their innocence. In a statement shared by The Connexion, the owner said, "You can never be sure when it's a health problem. But they have no evidence against us." Raw Milk Cheese Recalled From Five Countries A wheel of Bethmale cheese. - Carnet de Fromages/YouTube Raw milk cheese is cheese that's made with unpasteurized milk. Popular in Europe, this is one factor that gives European cheese its famously pungent odor. However, using unpasteurized milk does come with some risks as French company Le Moulis SAS became all too aware of. An international, cheese-based recall was initiated in October 2019 when Le Moulis SAS recalled two of its raw cow's milk Bethmale cheese products, Moulis Vache and Moulis Vache Prestige, amid concerns they'd been contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. This is an especially concerning strain of the bacteria; according to the New York State Department of Health, if ingested this bacteria can cause people (usually children under the age of five) to develop a life-threatening disease known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. As if this were not concerning enough, further lots of Moulis Vache and Moulis Vache Prestige were recalled alongside lots of Bethmale de Marterat because there was a chance they'd been contaminated with listeria monocytogenes bacteria. All of these products were distributed to, and recalled from, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. Miraculously, no people were reported as falling ill as a result of eating these contaminated cheeses. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. CHICAGO (WGN) Its not often Chicagoans get a Christmas miracle when it comes to parking tickets and getting their vehicle unexpectedly towed, but thats exactly what happened overnight Saturday. Every year on Dec. 1, the City of Chicagos overnight parking ban kicks in, barring residents from parking on pre-designated streets where snow plows need to operate from 3-to-7 a.m. But this year, instead of leaving tickets and relocating hundreds of cars to Lower Wacker, workers with the city left flyers that issued warnings instead of beginning the process that becomes a major headache for residents all across the city during this time of year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its something the city hasnt done, Jesus Pellicier said. How often are they going to be courteous, a little nudge like, hey, move your car. More from Bronagh: What it takes to prepare 4,000 Thanksgiving meals City officials told WGN News the ban will be enforced overnight Sunday so, if youre one of those people who found a flyer on their windshield instead of a ticket or their vehicle completely gone, tomorrow you wont be so lucky. Parking overnight in certain zones will net unfortunate drivers with a $60 ticket, $150 towing fee and a $25 storage fee per day a vehicle is left sitting in impound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you become a victim of the overnight parking ban, Chicagoans can call 311 to find out which of the two city impound lots their vehicle was taken to. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An interagency group set up by China in the first months after the start of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine is studying the impact of sanctions and regularly preparing reports for the country's leadership. Source: The Wall Street Journal Details: The purpose of the reports is to draw lessons on how to ease sanctions, especially if the conflict over Taiwan prompts the United States and its allies to impose similar sanctions on China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of this effort, Chinese officials periodically visit Moscow to meet with the Russian Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, and other agencies involved in countering sanctions. The Chinese research, which has not been previously reported, is symbolic of the new era of economic warfare unleashed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, where the lines between economic policy and geopolitical strategy are increasingly blurred. This trend is likely to only intensify during the second term of Donald Trump, who plans to increase the use of tariffs as a tool of negotiation and coercion. People close to Beijing's decision-making warn that the study group's activities do not mean that the country is preparing for an invasion. According to these people, Beijing is preparing for an extreme scenario of armed conflict and its economic consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the areas of particular concern for China is its world's largest foreign exchange reserves, which amount to more than $3.3 trillion. Measures by the US and its allies to freeze Russian assets abroad following the invasion of Ukraine have prompted Beijing to look more actively for ways to diversify its reserves away from dollar-denominated assets such as US Treasuries. One of the main lessons for China from the Russian experience is the importance of preparation, analysts say. Before the war, Russia tried to diversify its foreign exchange reserves, de-dollarise its economy and build a domestic financial system. While its success was mixed, these steps helped protect the Russian economy and buy time to adapt. Another lesson for China is the value and limits of coalitions. The US, UK, EU and other allies worked in unison to exclude Russia's largest banks from the Swift financial network and impose an oil price cap, while Russia responded by strengthening ties with China, Iran and North Korea. Russia has also found a route through former Soviet republics to acquire banned Western goods from luxury cars to dual-use goods with military applications such as microchips as part of the so-called Eurasian bypass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: The United States will launch the third major package of restrictions against China's semiconductor industry in three years on Monday, limiting exports for 140 companies, including chip equipment manufacturer Naura Technology Group. US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened the BRICS grouping with 100% tariffs if they introduce their own currency. Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- The Communist Partys elite decision-making body skipped releasing a readout for its regular November meeting, leaving investors hungry for signs of stimulus waiting for the conclusion of two major economic huddles this month. Most Read from Bloomberg The 24-man Politburo that President Xi Jinping leads appeared to have missed its huddle last month, the first time the group failed to publicly convene since May 2023. Its the latest example of Chinas top leaders disrupting the partys political calendar, after a key meeting on long-term reforms was delayed by about a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investors are now turning their attention to this months Politburo assembly one of three annually to focus on economic policy, although an extra month was devoted to that cause this year. While such huddles take place at the end of each month, Decembers meeting is typically brought forward to set up the Central Economic Work Conference. Investors are betting Beijing will use both meetings to unlock more forceful measures to bolster growth as the worlds No. 2 economy braces for the return of Donald Trump. The president-elect has made two tariff threats in the past week alone, most recently saying hell hit the so-called BRICS group of nations, to which China belongs, with a 100% tariff if they create a currency to rival the US dollar. Chinese stocks rallied last week, partly fueled by rumors the work conference will start earlier than expected and set a higher-than-usual deficit target for 2025. That conclave usually convened in mid-December offers a blueprint for monetary, fiscal and industrial policies, and draws cadres from government organs and state-owned enterprises to Beijing. While specific numbers settled on wont be publicized until the annual parliament session in March, investors will scour the readout for hints of policymakers decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meetings will come after Chinas 10-year government bond yield dropped past the key psychological milestone of 2% on Monday that bond enthusiasm reflects investors expectations for imminent monetary easing. Chinese policymakers have taken an array of steps since September to put a floor under the countrys growth slowdown, including rate cuts, more cash for banks and a $1.4 trillion program to steady the finances of local governments. Another cut to the amount of cash banks must keep in the reserve is widely expected this year. Investors who remember last years work conference might temper their expectations. That huddle held from Dec. 11-12 amounted to a letdown for those seeking signs of greater stimulus, with top leaders instead pledging to make industrial policy the main economic priority. Xi also publicly skipped attending half of that key annual economic meeting for the first time, according to public records. Missing Statements Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Chinas top leader secured precedent-defying third term in late 2022, the Politburo has skipped publishing a statement for four separate months more than the three missed in the Chinese leaders second term. That comes as officials increasingly restrict access to sensitive data, especially when its unflattering to the nations faltering economy. While Politburo readouts tend to be formulaic, they provide a rare glimpse into the operations of the secretive body that gathers behind closed doors and publishes no schedules or agendas. Changes in tone and broad pledges can be enough to send stocks rallying or plunging. There is no public mandate for the Politburo to meet monthly, but it has done so for 90% of Xis decade-plus tenure, according to a Bloomberg News analysis of government statements. Its unclear whether the Politburo failed to convene in November, or if the elite group discussed sensitive matters it didnt want to reveal. Its also possible for state media to later release statements on the bodys activities. Sometimes the party releases transcripts of Xis remarks months, or even years, after the fact. The Politburo however, has never missed a readout from the April, July and December sessions focused on economic policy during Xis tenure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Josh Xiao and Yujing Liu. (Updates with details of Chinas 10-year yield dropping.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. [Source] Jiang Zhuojun, a 29-year-old Chinese national living in Japan, pleaded guilty to charges of property damage and disrespecting a place of worship in Tokyo District Court on Friday. Jiang, who was arrested in July, admitted to spray-painting the word toilet on a stone pillar at the Yasukuni Shrine on May 31, causing damage estimated at 4.6 million yen ($30,000). Prosecutors described Jiang as an accomplice who supported two other Chinese nationals, Dong Guangming and Xu Laiyu, by purchasing spray paint and driving them to the shrine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court, Jiang said his motive was not tied to historical issues, stating, I was protesting against the discharge of treated radioactive water ... I wanted to protect the ocean. Reports emerged last year of a Chinese government-backed disinformation campaign exaggerating the dangers of the Fukushima discharge, fueling public anger and leading to boycotts and harassment of Japanese businesses. Trending on NextShark: Chinese man claims he defaced Tokyo shrine over Fukushima discharge A video posted on Chinese social media also showed one of the men appearing to urinate on the pillar before vandalizing it. Dong and Xu, who both fled to China the following day, remain wanted in Japan. Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! 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. Photo by 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, he said. 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. 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington, D.C., provides 20-year tax abatements for commercial-to-residential conversions through its Housing in Downtown initiative. 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 Institute at Pew Charitable Trusts 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 Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) 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, Horowitz said. But outdated rules make it harder to create deeply affordable housing. 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. Dec. 1Wilkes-Barre Mayor George C. Brown announced a road closure of the right south-bound lane of Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, between the North Cross Valley Expressway and the Center City Exit Ramp. The road closure will begin at 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2, and continue until 3 p.m. daily, through the following week. The road closure schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions and/or staffing. Use caution in the area and take an alternate route if possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The road closure will allow construction crews to safely create a Permanent Access Road to the discharge pipes that service the Weir Street Pump Station, as part of the Brookside Levee Rehabilitation Project. The Brookside Levee Rehabilitation Project is a $1,157,245 project that will raise the levee crest, replace or improve existing system controls, clearing trees within 15 feet of the levee, electrical upgrades at the Weir Lane stormwater pump station including a backup emergency generator, and other construction activities. The project is approximately 50% complete and is expected to continue into the spring of 2025. This project will enhance flood protection for the 105 buildings, valued at over $30 million, and 238 residents in this area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PHMC announces Pennsylvania Military Museum modernization project The Pennsylvania Military Museum will undergo a $3.4 million Capital Projects Fund renovation to improve the space for visitors and collections. During the modernization project, the museum will temporarily be closed. The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) this week announced a major capital project at the Pennsylvania Military Museum to modernize the museum's infrastructure, ensuring the preservation of its invaluable collection and enhancing the visitor experience. The project will include a complete renovation and upgrade of all doors, windows, and heating and ventilation systems; installation of advanced artifact preservation controls; and integration of a comprehensive geothermal energy system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To facilitate these improvements, the museum will close to the public on Sunday, Dec. 8, for approximately 14 months. During this period, the museum's archives and permanent collection will be safely relocated to secured storage off-site. While the museum is closed, the theater will be available on a limited basis for interior programming. The museum grounds will continue to be fully accessible to the public, offering opportunities for outdoor activities, annually scheduled interpretive and school programs, and community events such as the Boalsburg Farmers Market. The Pennsylvania Military Museum will provide progress updates during the closure on the museum website and on Facebook and Instagram. Darrell Clarke named Chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Josh Shapiro recently announced that Darrell Clarke is the new chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). Clarke replaces outgoing chairman Tim Holden, whose term expired Nov. 21. "For almost 91 years, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has worked to benefit the Commonwealth by regulating the beverage alcohol industry, serving as a responsible retailer and wholesaler, promoting responsible consumption and alcohol education, and generating significant dollars for state and local coffers," Clarke said. "I have committed my life to public service and I am honored that Governor Shapiro has entrusted me with this position. I look forward to continuing to serve our Commonwealth." Already during his PLCB tenure, Clarke served as a member of the Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force, created by Act 49 of 2023 to research the laws and issues surrounding stop-and-gos and make recommendations for effectively regulating them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force recommendations await legislative consideration and action. Clarke, a resident of Philadelphia, was nominated to the PLCB by Gov. Shapiro on Sept. 1, 2023, and was confirmed to a four-year term by the state Senate on Feb. 8, 2024. Outgoing chairman Tim Holden, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, was named chairman of the PLCB by Gov. Tom Wolf on Feb. 17, 2015. He was first nominated to serve on the PLCB by Gov. Tom Corbett in June 2013. He was subsequently renominated in 2016 and 2020 each time, Holden was unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate. "I want to personally commend Tim Holden, not just for his work on the PLCB, but for his lifetime of honorable and dignified service to the people of Pennsylvania and the country," Gov. Shapiro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates about 600 wine and spirits stores statewide, and licenses 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. The PLCB also works to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups, and licensees. Taxes and store profits totaling nearly $20.3 billion since the agency's inception are returned to Pennsylvania's General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania's schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, among other important public services. The PLCB also provides financial support for the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, other state agencies, and local municipalities across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information about the PLCB, visit lcb.pa.gov. Ag Department speeds times for food safety license renewals by 80%-85% Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding this week announced that the department's Bureau of Food Safety has substantially reduced the times to renew licenses that are critical to tens of thousands of businesses in keeping their doors open and their customers safe. In 2023, the bureau sped Milk Inspector License renewals from 20 days in 2022 to four days an 80% decrease. The bureau decreased Food Establishment License renewals, which includes food manufactures and processors, and Retail Food Facility License renewals, which includes restaurants and other retail food businesses, decreasing approval time by 85% from 20 days to three days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bureau staff have sustained these efficiencies throughout 2024. "Gov. Josh Shapiro was adamant that government move at the speed of business," Secretary Redding said. "He inspired our staff to take a step back and look at how we could speed up processes without sacrificing quality. Our staff took those marching orders seriously, and despite major increases in the volume of demand for license renewals, they doubled down and got it done for the businesses who rely on us." The number of Milk Inspector License renewals coming due increased from 20 in 2022 to 100 in 2023. Businesses that process and package dairy products rely on up-to-date licenses to ensure the quality and safety of their products. Retail Food Facility License renewals increased by 3.3% during that time from 24,064 to 24,858 statewide, helping restaurants of all sizes reassure their customers they are maintaining high food safety standards in the food they sell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food Establishment Licenses coming up for renewal increased from 6,200 in 2022 to 8,292 in 2023. Renewing these licenses quickly, without interruption helps food manufacturers, processors, warehouses, and home-based businesses ensure their retail customers that the food they supply is safe. The bureau's staff analyzed data in its existing system to determine where pinch points were. Both types of renewals could not be issued without a passing inspection, which was creating a delay. Supervisors scheduling inspections prioritized inspections for businesses whose renewals were approaching, setting targets for all inspections. Proactive, data-driven scheduling has led to less need to reschedule and greater overall efficiency. Gov. Shapiro established a permitting "fast track" initiative for major economic development and infrastructure projects that will create real opportunity for Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth. Fast Track builds on the work the Governor has done during his first two years in office to make state government move at the speed of business creating the Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO) to spur economic growth and the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) to streamline how Pennsylvanians interact with the Commonwealth online. OTO is a one-stop-shop for businesses looking to grow and has worked to reignite Pennsylvania's economy while helping to reform the Commonwealth's permitting and licensing application processes. CODE PA has helped to improve online services for Pennsylvanians and make them more accessible and effective for Pennsylvanians. In coordination, OTO and CODE PA designed and created PAyback a first-in-the-nation money-back guarantee system for Pennsylvania workers and businesses to check their eligibility for a refund of their permit, license, or certification application fee and request a refund if they believe they are eligible. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) On December 9, 2023, a tornado outbreak left neighborhoods in Madison, Goodlettsville, Hendersonville and Clarksville devastated. In total, seven lives were lost and thousands of homes were impacted. The recovery continues this week as Middle Tennessee marks one year since the severe weather event. In Montgomery County, the city of Clarksville will distribute free trees to 150 survivor families as a symbol of renewal, growth and hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1,500 free Thanksgiving meals served in Donelson Families will be able to choose between an Oak, Maple or flowering Dogwood tree to bring life and beauty to their properties once more, the city said in a statement. The City of Clarksville has partnered with Hands On Nashville to assist residents in planting these trees. Trees will be available for pickup on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Heritage Park, located at 1241 Peachers Mill Road. This comes as the city is shifting from a long term recovery group to a VOAD group, or Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Wedgewood Village to include new music venue among retail, restaurants Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This group of amazing nonprofits and faith based organizations who stood up in a big way are going to be able to have a more strategic approach to the next event, said Michelle Austin, Clarksville neighborhood and community services director. We hope that never happens, but realistically, we want to be better prepared as a city to address humanitarian needs after the next event. Registration to receive a tree or help plant a tree is available here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. HONG KONG, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyzstan is seeking more investment to facilitate its domestic infrastructure development, eyeing the financial hub Hong Kong as an important gateway to access funds. Speaking at a roadshow in Hong Kong on Monday, Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Minister of Finance Amanbaev Umutzhan Mominovich said that the country hopes to establish connections with more international investment institutions to meet the growing demand domestically for infrastructure development, especially in fields such as green energy. The roadshow, organized by brokerage firm TF International and China CITIC Bank International, saw a gathering of investors seeking to tap into the high growth opportunities in Central Asian countries. Joseph Chan, under secretary for financial services and the treasury of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said Kyrgyzstan's commitment to fostering a transparent and robust financial environment aligns closely with Hong Kong's vision as a leading international financial center. Chan said that as a country participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, Kyrgyzstan is certainly Hong Kong's important trading partner in Central Asia. "The Belt and Road Initiative has opened new avenues for cooperation and investment, and we believe that our collaboration can yield fruitful results for both our economies," he said. TF International Chief Executive Officer Zou Chuan said that as a gateway between the Chinese mainland and the world, Hong Kong is a key hub for the internationalization of renminbi, facilitating its use in trade and investment. Many Central Asian countries have high growth potential and seek to raise more funds, and Hong Kong can play a key role in meeting the demand, especially by providing funding in yuan, he said. CLEVELAND (WJW) A reward is being offered for information about a Cleveland man wanted in connection with a shooting in June. Deer gun-hunting season begins in Ohio The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is looking for Christian Dunham, 36, who is charged with aggravated murder related to the shooting on June 11, 2024 on Martin Luther King Jr Drive in Cleveland. Dunham, 36, is described as a black male, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 195 pounds. Dunham is known to frequent the Cleveland area, according to a release from the U.S. Marshals Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have any information in reference to Christian Dunham, please contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or you can send a web tip here. Absolutely terrifying: Whos The Boss Danny Pintauro has emergency surgery after Thanksgiving crash Tipsters can remain anonymous and reward money is available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. CONCORD, Ohio (WJW) Whether you love it or not, the snow has arrived for parts of Northeast Ohio, specifically in Ashtabula and Lake counties. School closings announced as snow piles up One group who welcomed the snowfall with open arms was the Cleveland Ski Club, situated in Concord. Skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes Saturday to enjoy the fresh powder, and there was plenty of it. And luckily no crowds! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cleveland Ski Club was founded in 1937 and is one of the oldest ski clubs in Ohio, according to its website. It is also the only ski club in the state with its own hill The Big Creek Ski area which the club acquired in 1958. Here is the latest forecast for Northeast Ohio You can learn more about the Cleveland Ski Club here. A lake effect snow warning has been extended through Tuesday for Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake counties. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Officials from almost 100 countries are at the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands, asking the court to issue an opinion on the responsibility of certain nations to protect the planet from climate change. The legal challenge was initiated last year by the South Pacific archipelago Vanuatu, which initiated the United Nations General Assembly resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the court. "I choose my words carefully when I say that this may well be the most consequential case in the history of humanity," Special Envoy for Climate Change and Environment for the Republic of Vanuatu Ralph Regenvanu told the court Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vanuatu was the first country to speak at The Hague Monday, during a process that will run until Dec. 13. The court will hear from representatives from international organizations like the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, as well as 98 countries, including the United States and China. "We find ourselves on the frontlines of a crisis we did not create," Regenvanu told the court, which consists of 15 judges. The legal challenge was initiated last year by the South Pacific archipelago Vanuatu (Prime Minister Charlot Salwai pictured), which initiated the United Nations General Assembly resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the court. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI The country of approximately 334,000 people and a host of other nations are seeking clarity from the court about the responsibility of "a handful of readily identifiable states," which they contend are chiefly responsible for greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting climate change. The three greenhouse gases that largely make up our atmosphere all hit record highs last year, according to a report issued this past August by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NOAA report found increasing levels of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide point to a continuation of rising air and water temperatures. In the U.N. resolution, Vanuatu argues the larger countries have less to lose from the impacts of climate change than their smaller counterparts. Last year, Vanuatu was rocked by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, followed by two large cyclones almost simultaneously, leading it to declare a six-month state of emergency. The idea of posing a legal challenge was first conceived by a group of law students in Fiji. "This is a moment where we are looking to ensure that states bring the progressive arguments that are centered on human rights, Indigenous People's rights, intergenerational justice, the lived realities of frontline communities, and on the need for urgent climate justice," Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change Director Vishal Prasad said in a statement issued by the Center for International Environmental Law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With these submissions, we can build a basis for a strong, robust opinion that can help unlock climate action and help us urgently course-correct." Any opinion issued by the court is not expected to occur until next year and would not be binding. It could however act as a precedent and influence legal cases within individual countries' judicial systems. "Our call for an advisory opinion from the ICJ on climate change is at a pivotal moment...one that sets clear the international legal obligations for climate action," Regenvanu told reporters Monday in The Hague. In mid-November, the Climate Action Tracker said global warming projections have stalled over the last three years. The independent scientific project's latest report says the planet remains on-track to warm by 2.7 degrees Celsius. Tommy Caldwell, a world-famous climber, injured his Achilles tendon in 2022. It took him two years to fully recover, which involved taking a break from climbing. He eventually bounced back and broke another climbing record with climber Alex Honnold. In 2022, world-famous climber Tommy Caldwell was feeling great on a climb in Yosemite National Park. When he fell and popped his Achilles tendon, he wasn't too worried. "At first, I didn't understand the severity of the injury," Caldwell, 46, told Business Insider. "I've always been a fast healer." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This wasn't the first setback of Caldwell's career. In his 20s, in 2001, he accidentally sawed off part of his left index finger when building a platform. Still, he rose to fame breaking multiple free climbing records. He told BI the comeback was one of "the more uplifting experiences" of his life. But this time was different. Caldwell climbing the Devil's Thumb in Alaska in "The Devil's Climb." National Geographic/Pablo Durana It was a longer recovery process, one that took two years to fully heal and involved taking breaks from his usual 12-hours-a-day climbing routine, which impacted his muscle mass. "I was a little bit worried that I was losing my fitness," Caldwell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within a year, he healed enough to climb again and break another record. In the National Geographic documentary "The Devil's Climb," Caldwell and "Free Solo" star Alex Honnold were the first climbers to ascend all five peaks of The Devil's Thumb, a hazardous mountain range in Alaska, in one day. He shared some tips for bouncing back, from doing more cross-training to eating more protein. He cross-trains with biking and light weights Caldwell riding a bike across the country in "The Devil's Climb." National Geographic/Taylor Shaffer Due to his age, Caldwell believes "strength training is a little bit more important" to build muscle mass. Climbing naturally strengthens muscles, such as using hang boards during training. Additionally, Caldwell lifts "relatively light weights" to prevent injury and works with a physical therapist to address issues like lower back pain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also loves biking: in "The Devil's Thumb," he and Honnold biked from Colorado to Canada to take a boat to Alaska before the big climb. Caldwell said this was an important part of his recovery process leading up to the endeavor, because "I knew that to make my tendons truly healthy, pumping a lot of blood through my body." He usually does an hour of cardio (like biking) before his daily climb. He said that frequent movement helps him feel his best, especially when he's outdoors for most of the day. "That's the main lifestyle habit that seems to keep me feeling youthful and energetic and strong," he said. "Just getting up and doing it." He eats more protein than he used to Caldwell used to be a vegetarian but said it "didn't work great" for him in terms of getting enough protein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Now I'm in a phase where I'm relatively protein-heavy," he said. He starts mornings off with oatmeal and flax seeds, as well as eggs. Because his kids love meat, he has it for dinner about 3 to 4 times a week. He also eats mostly minimally processed foods, including a lot of vegetables. He said eating more protein and whole foods has helped with even small climbing issues, like the skin on his fingertips healing faster. "Nutrition can affect that a lot," he said. "Eating fish oils and leafy greens and just drinking enough water is a pretty big deal." He said he takes supplements like creatine, which helps build muscle. "I've never been hugely scientific about that stuff, I'm always sort of dabbling," he said. Caldwell also has a partnership with Elo, a personalized nutrition brand. Using blood work and data tracking, he said Elo makes him custom vitamins and protein supplements. He prioritizes life outside of climbing Caldwell taking a boat to Alaska in "The Devil's Climb." National Geographic/Taylor Shaffer Caldwell said that the most important thing he could do for this injury was "to just chill out." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Normally, he would deal with climbing injuries by going to a lot of physical therapy. But in this case, it was counterproductive. An Achilles tendon injury required rest, and "I tried to actively heal it, which led to more ruptures," he said. To climb well again, he had to put it on hold. "Overall, I was surprised my morale didn't suffer more," he said. A huge part of his emotional recovery was finding joy outside of climbing, such as spending more time with his family. "It was the first time in my life that I realized that I love climbing, but I don't need it for my happiness," he said. Read the original article on Business Insider SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Prosecutor Dane Reinstedt began his closing arguments in the trial of accused Bob Lee killer Nima Momeni on Monday with the Cash App founders voice instead of his own. Reinstedt played Lees 911 call from April 4, 2023, that recorded his final words. Jurors listened to the tech mogul begging a dispatcher for help before he collapsed on Main Street in a pool of blood. Lee was stabbed three times, including a fatal blow through his heart, on a dimly lit street under the Bay Bridge. Reinstedt said, On April 4, 2023, one person called 911 pleading for help, saying, somebody stabbed me. Telling us with his last words what happened that night. He begged for help, over and over and over. (Momeni) never called police. He never told anyone about what happened under the Bay Bridge that night until a year and a half later, after he had an opportunity to review all the evidence, to tell you a carefully crafted story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tech startup founder goes viral for 84-hour work week post on X One person is dead. The other person sits in this courtroom. The evidence now proves hes a murderer, Reinstedt told jurors. One person was stabbed. The other person suffered not one single injury, the prosecutor said. One person was the passenger in the white BMW that drove to that quiet dark area with no witnesses. He didnt choose the location they went to. (Momeni) was the driver. It was an area (under the bridge) he was familiar with, knowing it was as isolated as you could get in a city like San Francisco, knowing he had easy access to flee onto the freeway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reinstedt said his closing arguments will highlight the strongest pieces of evidence presented at trial that allegedly show Lees death was a cold and calculated murder, not an act of self-defense. The defendants claim is he acted in self-defense. Your job is to determine the facts, Reinstedt told the jury. Reinstedt said Lee had no motive to kill Momeni. When the accused killer testified on the stand, he said Lee exploded with anger when Momeni made a bad joke about Lee spending time in strip clubs instead of with his family. The prosecutor said Momenis younger sister, Khazar, is the real motive. Just hours before Lee was slain, Momeni learned his little sister, the person hes closest to in the world, was given date rape drugs and sexually assaulted. If thats not a basis to kill someone, I dont know what is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor said Momenis DNA was on the murder weapons handle, and Lees DNA was on the weapons blade. Lees ex-wife, father, brother, and two children listened in the courtroom gallery. Lees youngest teenaged child began sobbing when clear surveillance video was played in court showing her father collapsing in a pool of his own blood. To find out the motive behind the alleged murder, the why, we must go to April 3, 2023, the day before Bob was murdered. The evidence here shows a deep, deep motive, Reinstedt continued. Momeni and Khazar are not only siblings, but they are also super friends, the prosecutor said. They hung out all the time, texted all the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the trial, Khazar testified that Lee introduced her to his drug dealer and close friend, Jeremey Boivin, on April 3, 2023 at a party. Khazar testified that when she went to Boivins apartment, he gave her a date rape drug, she lost consciousness, and Boivin sexually assaulted her. On Monday the prosecutor said when Momeni found out from his sister about the sexual assault, he blamed both Boivin and Lee. Momeni drove from the East Bay to Boivins apartment to rescue his little sister, Reinstedt said. He was trying to figure out what happened. He knew she had been sexually assaulted. The defendant took a protective role, Reinstedt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Momeni picked Khazar up to drive her home, she was out of her mind and sick from GHB, LSD, cocaine, whippets, and alcohol, the prosecutor said. Momeni made a flurry of phone calls on the night of April 3, 2023, because he wants to know every detail about what happened, the prosecutor said. Momeni called his mother, Lee, Khazars friend, Khazars husband, and Boivin, trying to figure out who he could hold accountable for what just happened to his sister, Reinstedt said. Earlier in the trial, Lees friend testified about overhearing Momenis phone call to Lee. Momeni was interrogating Lee, asking about what happened in Boivins apartment. The friend told Lee, This guy is crazy, get off the phone with this person, the prosecutor reminded jurors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor said Momeni blamed Lee because Lee was the catalyst who put these events into motion. He introduced Khazar to Mr. Boivin. He left her alone with Boivin in his apartment. Bob was vouching for Jeremey. That led him to believe maybe Bob could have been involved himself. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Closing arguments began on Monday in the trial of a tech consultant in the 2023 stabbing death of Cash App founder Bob Lee in San Francisco, an event that shocked the broader tech community whose members mourned the loss of an entrepreneur they called charismatic and kind. San Francisco prosecutors say Nima Momeni stabbed Lee three times after hearing that Lee's drug dealer friend plied Momeni's younger sister with GHB and other drugs and sexually assaulted her. One person called 911 pleading for help, saying somebody stabbed me, said Dane Reinstedt, assistant district attorney, adding that the other person never called police or told anyone what happened that night until the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorneys will make their closing arguments Tuesday in a trial that started Oct. 14. Prosecutors will then have a chance to respond to the defenses closing. Defense attorneys say Lee, 43, was on a multi-day drug bender of cocaine and ketamine that made him agitated and violent, and that he attacked the defendant with a knife. They said Momeni was forced to use his Krav Maga martial arts skills in the early morning hours of April 4, 2023, after making a bad joke that upset Lee and did not realize he had stabbed him. Momeni faces 26 years to life if convicted of murder. He has pleaded not guilty in a case so high profile that San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins stepped into the room Monday for part of the closing. The trial has been emotionally taxing for family members of both men. Mahnaz Tayarani, mother of the defendant, has sat on one side of the court room while Lees father, brother and ex-wife sat on the other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution on Monday started its closing argument with a 911 call in which Lee could be heard asking repeatedly for help. Lee's ex-wife, Krista Lee, cradled her daughter Scout as the 16-year-old wept on her mother's shoulder. They left the room. The Lees have two children. Reinstedt on Monday mocked Momenis defense as he walked jurors through weeks of evidence. He said Momeni was furious with Lee for introducing Khazar Momeni, with whom he was friends, to a drug dealer who gave her GHB, known as a date-rape drug, hours before the stabbing. They say Momeni grilled Lee earlier in the evening about what happened to his sister at the drug dealers apartment and sent text messages saying that the two men were creeps and sexual predators. Then, Momeni met up with Lee at his sisters condo, took a paring knife from her kitchen set, drove Lee to a secluded area by the Bay Bridge and stabbed him three times, Reinstedt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That protectiveness of the defendants little sister is what led to all of this, Reinstedt said. Surveillance video shows the two men leaving the posh condo of Khazar Momeni around 2 a.m. and getting into Momenis BMW. Other surveillance then shows them getting out of the car in an isolated section of the city by the Bay Bridge. Momeni testified he stopped his car after going over a pothole that caused Lee to spill the beer he was holding. Momeni said he then cracked a joke suggesting Lee should spend his last night visiting the city with family instead of trying to find a strip club to keep the party going. Thats when Lee suddenly pulled a knife out of his jacket pocket, Momeni said. He said Lee later walked away, showing no signs he was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was scared for my life, Momeni said in earlier testimony that was at times rambling and contentious. Reinstedt said Momeni's story made no sense given Lee's peaceful nature. He said Momeni never called police to report Lee's alleged attack or even after he learned Lee had died of stab wounds on the street where he had last seen him. The prosecutor said the puncture wounds were clean, clear and deep, and not the result of any kind of self-defense tussle, he said. Just about all of the DNA 99% found on the handle of the knife belonged to Momeni, the prosecutor said. Video of the two men by the bridge is grainy, but Reinstedt said it clearly showed Momeni's figure lunging repeatedly at Lee. There was no deflecting and redirecting of any knife in Lee's hand, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reinstedt also showed video of Momeni and Lee leaving the condo, Lee's jacket flapping to show there was no knife hidden inside. Lee was found staggering on a deserted downtown San Francisco street at 2:30 a.m., dripping a trail of blood and calling for help. He later died at a hospital. Lees death stunned the tech community as fellow executives and engineers penned tributes to his generosity and brilliance. He was chief product officer of cryptocurrency platform MobileCoin when he died. The manslaughter trial of Daniel Penny, the former Marine accused of putting a homeless man in a fatal chokehold on the New York City subway last year, moved to closing arguments Monday after weeks of testimony in the case. Penny, 26, is facing charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the death of 30-year-old Jordan Neely. The charges stem from a May 2023 incident in which Neely boarded a subway car in Manhattan and acted erratically and loudly yelled at passengers. Penny grabbed him from behind and kept him in a chokehold for about six minutes, even after Neely stopped moving, prosecutors have said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jurors have to answer whether Pennys actions were justified. But the trial itself has raised broader questions of mental illness, race relations and the concept of vigilante justice. Penny faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter or up to four years if convicted of criminally negligent homicide. The judge could also choose not to sentence Penny to prison time, even if hes convicted. Even without cameras or recording allowed in the courtroom, the case has been filled with video and audio evidence, including 911 calls, bystander video shot on smartphones, and police body camera footage capturing the chokehold and the moments following. What the defense and prosecution have said during closing arguments In closing arguments Monday, the defense argued Penny was acting to protect other passengers from Neely and Neelys death was not foreseeable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniel Penny was the one who moved to protect them. Why? Because he had something the others didnt, something unique to him. His training, attorney Steven Raiser said. Because Danny acted to save those people. And theres no dispute that when Danny acted, he didnt know whether Jordan Neely was armed. The defense has also challenged the medical determination Neely died from the chokehold and suggested the charges were brought because of a rush to judgment based on something other than medical science. Raiser said Neely was on a collision course with himself, and Penny acted when others could not. He put his life on the line, he did that for perfect strangers. Prosecutors are scapegoating this man here, the only guy who was brave enough to stand up when he was needed. The government wasnt there, the police werent there when the people needed help, Danny was. And when he was the one who needed help, no one was there, Raiser said during his closing argument, which lasted about two hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In closings for the prosecution, Dafna Yoran said it was admirable Penny intended to protect fellow passengers but said he just didnt recognize that Jordan Neelys life too needed to be preserved. No one had to die on May 1, 2023, she said. The prosecutor told jurors self-defense is legally justified on rare occasions. She said Neely mightve threatened deadly physical force on the subway but argued a reasonable person shouldve known he wasnt capable of carrying out the threat. During Yorans closing, she also sought to illustrate Pennys recklessness by pointing to his apparent lack of remorse in his video-recorded police interview, noting Penny never asks about Neelys condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is something else glaringly missing, Yoran said. Any regret, any remorse, any self-reflection. He makes it clear that he didnt intend to hurt Mr. Neely but he never says he is sorry, he doesnt care. The prosecutor is expected to continue her closing argument Tuesday morning before Judge Maxwell Wiley charges 12 jurors to consider the case against Penny. Daniel Penny's defense attorney presents his closing argument in Penny's manslaughter trial on December 2, 2024. - Christine Cornell Scared for your life, or just another day in New York? During jury selection, most potential jurors said they ride the subway frequently and have witnessed outbursts from people acting erratically on the trains. Some said the outbursts made them feel personally threatened, while others said they did not. Some witnesses described a callous disregard for Neelys life, saying Penny didnt let go of the chokehold even when others on the train told him to including one man who initially helped hold Neely down. In a video presented at trial, an unseen bystander can be heard saying, Let him go! Another man, who was previously homeless himself, said Penny actively stopped him from assisting Neely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors called several bystander witnesses to the stand: Some testified they were scared by Neely and relieved when Penny put him in a chokehold. One woman said when Neely entered the subway train, it was the first time in her life she felt like she was going to die. Defense attorneys declined to call any bystanders who witnessed the subway chokehold, even saying the prosecutions witnesses were making the case for the defense. As this testimony is coming out of the prosecutions case, theres actually very little for the defense to do, Thomas Kenniff, a defense attorney for Penny, told reporters. Pennys military background comes into play Protesters gather outside of a New York City courthouse as jury selection begins in Daniel Penny's trial on October 21, 2024. - Spencer Platt/Getty Images Penny served four years in the US Marines as a sergeant, from 2017 to 2021, with his last duty assignment at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, according to military records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorneys called several men Penny served with in the Marines to testify to his character: Nolan Drylie, who served with Penny in the same battalion, said Penny had a reputation for being above reproach, and as Marines they were taught to value life. As the defense sought to establish Pennys good character with his military background, prosecutors alleged his training proved he knew what he was doing during the chokehold. Penny was a green belt in the Marine Corps martial arts program, where he learned several chokes designed to cut off blood flow to the brain and render someone unconscious, his martial arts instructor in the Marines testified for the prosecution. Joseph Caballer, the instructor, said after reviewing photos and videos of the chokehold in court Penny incorrectly used a blood choke technique in the restraint of Neely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution also called several paramedics, who testified they made multiple failed attempts to revive Neely, who had no pulse and was not breathing when they arrived. Medical experts spar over Neelys cause of death The final witnesses for both the prosecution and defense focused on Neelys cause of death, with medical experts for each side offering opposing viewpoints on how the homeless man died. Dr. Cynthia Harris, the medical examiner who performed Neelys autopsy, found the chokehold caused Neelys death before reviewing results from several post-mortem tests including a toxicology report. Testifying for the prosecution, she said she had no doubt Neely died from neck compression and any drugs eventually found in his system wouldnt have changed her mind. But a forensic pathologist for the defense countered Harris conclusions, saying instead Neely died of a combination of factors including his sickle cell trait, schizophrenia, the struggle and restraint by Penny and K2 intoxication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While a toxicology study found the presence of K2 a synthetic cannabinoid in Neelys system, Harris testified she did not think the stimulant drug contributed to his death. She acknowledged she made the determination before toxicology results were in, but said she did not feel it was necessary to wait it would not have changed her mind if he had enough fentanyl in his system to put down an elephant. A different medical expert for the defense testified about Neelys medical history, presenting 50 pages of documents detailing his multiple interactions with the citys health system over more than a dozen hospitalizations in six years. Some hospitalizations were due to his abuse of K2, according to the records. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Dec. 2The U.S. Coast Guard and good Samaritans, including a state ferry crew, were searching Sunday for multiple missing people who were aboard a commercial fishing boat that capsized in Icy Strait southwest of Juneau. Five people were thought to be on board based on "reports from individuals familiar with those aboard the vessel," the Coast Guard said in a statement. "This number has not been confirmed and is subject to change pending new information." Searchers had found cold-water safety gear and other emergency items but no people as of 8 p.m. Sunday, according to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard reported heavy snow and winds up to 60 mph in the area earlier in the day, with 6-foot seas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 12:10 a.m. Sunday, the crew of the roughly 50-foot-long vessel Wind Walker reported that "they were overturning" in a mayday call received by Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska watchstanders, the Coast Guard said. "The watchstanders attempted to gather additional information but received no response," the Coast Guard said in its statement. They received an emergency radio beacon alert registered to the Wind Walker, with location information originating in Icy Strait south of Point Couverden, according to the Coast Guard. Watchstanders issued an urgent broadcast and launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Sitka and a 45-foot response boat from Juneau to search the area, the Coast Guard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alaska Marine Highway System ferry Hubbard, which was the first to arrive at the scene, had heard the broadcast and offered to help, the Coast Guard said. The Coast Guard said that "seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights have been located in the water in the search area" as responders continued searching for those missing. As reports on social media claimed that people involved in the capsizing had been found, the Coast Guard said Sunday afternoon that it hadn't confirmed those reports and that it was continuing its efforts, asking people with information about the search to call 907-463-2980. The Wind Walker's hailing port is Sitka, according to a federal database. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Sunday night, the Coast Guard Cutter Healy was on site and the Cutter Douglas Denman was on its way to assist, the Coast Guard said. The search effort includes personnel from Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska, Coast Guard Station Juneau, Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, the Healy and the Hubbard state ferry. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) An organization at Coastal Carolina University was recently awarded funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to reduce marine debris in Murrells Inlet. Jeremy Monday, senior director for Sustain Coastal, said it is special to get the grant and partner with the South Carolina Aquarium and the Sea Grant Consortium, both of which are in Charleston. Its really exciting for Sustain Coastal to be able to tag along with some others to take on such an important issue in our community like pollution in our estuary here in Murrells Inlet, Monday said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sustain Coastal will receive over $48,000 over the life of the three-year grant. In the first year, they will receive more than $16,000 that will be used to hire interns each spring and summer and to build supplies to go out and get litter. The money also gives students more of an opportunity to have an impact in the community. The idea for this project came about two years ago when Sustain Coastal held an event called Our Marsh Counts in Murrells Inlet. Students and faculty members picked up as much litter as they could in a day during the event. Monday said the goal was to make sure the home for the environment was clean both people and animals. When we have all of this litter with the growing population and the growing pollution that is coming into our watershed, we felt like we wanted to jump in and do our part in the community to tackle such an important issue, Monday said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murrells Inlet is considered the seafood capital of South Carolina, and Monday said with the growing population, they want people to know that the food they are eating and where they are walking has been cared for. He said their wish is to involve the community as much as possible. Maybe the most interesting piece about this grant is that we wanted to be a little grass-rootsy, too, Monday said. There are groups that are on here that are local groups that have been really impactful, like the Chirping Birds, we also want to engage with the Gullah Geechee community, local fisherman. We feel like these folks can have a great impact with us in making sure this message is heard and acted upon. Over the three years, they hope to find science-based evidence of what the litter is, grow the education to community members and local businesses and also reduce the demand of single-use plastics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday said he is honored to be a part of Sustain Coastal and is excited to see where this will take them. We have a pillar called legacy, which is really focused on reaching the community to leave that lasting impact for future generations, Monday said. So thats why Im particularly excited about this and couldnt think of a project that aligns more with that strategic effort. If you want to learn more about the grant or Sustain Coastal, click here. * * * Hannah Huffstickler is a multimedia journalist at News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2024 after graduating from Coastal Carolina University in December of 2023. Keep up with Hannah on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram. You can also 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. The Flying Tigers Photo Exhibition in Xinjiang honors Sino-American WWII cooperation, while the Youth Leadership Program connects schools in both nations to preserve this legacy. Coca-Cola's recent attempt to evoke feelings of Christmas spirit and nostalgia through its new AI-generated commercials has fallen flat, forcing the company to defend its actions. What's happening? According to The New York Post, the soft drink giant collaborated with three artificial intelligence studios to produce advertisements that pay tribute to its 1995 "Holidays Are Coming" campaign. The clips feature furry animals and Coca-Cola's iconic red caravans delivering bottles of soda to snowy towns adorned with Christmas decorations. Coca Cola's annual Christmas commercial has been created with AI this time. pic.twitter.com/xO72akwoBh DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) November 15, 2024 These modern takes on the classic commercial have received intense public backlash, with critics calling them "soulless" and noting the irony of the "Real Magic" tagline at the end of the videos. Others argued that the company cut corners by using AI instead of hiring actors or animators, sacrificing quality for time and money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The world is so over if the Christmas Coca-Cola advert is made with AI," someone posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Instead of recognizing it was a mistake and apologizing, as many expected, the brand justified its use of AI, stating that it "remains dedicated to creating the highest level of work at the intersection of human creativity and technology." "The Coca-Cola Company has celebrated a long history of capturing the magic of the holidays in content, film, events, and retail activations for decades around the globe," a spokesperson told The New York Times. "We are always exploring new ways to connect with consumers and experiment with different approaches." Why is Coca-Cola's AI-generated content concerning? Aside from their lack of "warmth" and off-putting animations several shots included unnatural movements or anatomical inaccuracies the commercials quietly exhausted valuable resources and contributed to Earth's overheating by relying on AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Generating 1,000 images using AI creates as much carbon dioxide as driving a gas-powered car 4.1 miles, and a study found that data centers may require the same amount of electricity needed to power a small nation by 2027. It's yet another blemish for Coca-Cola's track record, as the company has faced criticism for greenwashing through misleading ads, marketing plastic cups during the Paris Olympics as eco-friendly, and earning the distinction of the world's worst plastic polluter. What's being done about the energy-intensive processes of AI? For all of its faults, AI has played a role in a greener future, aiding in conservation efforts and sustainable agricultural practices. Nonetheless, researchers will need to continue to develop solutions, such as simplified algorithms and energy-efficient cooling systems, before AI can help offset its steep environmental costs. 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. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) The College of Charleston Orchestra will perform at Carnegie Hall early next year, showcasing their talents on one of the most prestigious stages in the world. The group, along with the Charleston Symphony and the Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra, will fill the New York City venue with music in February but a preview can be heard in Charleston this week. Esteemed Conductor Yuriy Bekker will host a send-off concert on Monday night, featuring the repertoire that the orchestra will perform at Carnegie Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers for the send-off concert say it will include selections from Dvoks New World Symphony, which premiered at Carnegie Hall in 1893, and a world-premiere composition by College of Charleston professor Yiorgos Vassilandonakis. I am thrilled that well perform works from our upcoming Carnegie Hall tour, said Bekker. Professor Vassilandonakis is so accomplished. Its always exciting when someone composes something specific for our group. As an orchestra, we get to take ownership as this piece has been written just for us. Professor Vassilandonakis has a personal connection to us, and the orchestra takes great pride in premiering this work, he added. You can catch the performance Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Sottile Theatre. Tickets cost $25-45 for general admission with discounts available for the colleges students, faculty, and staff. 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 WCBD News 2. The agency is reminding everyone to be vigilant of their children and pets when living amid wildlife, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife statement said Getty Stock photo of a coyote Stock photo of a coyote A 4-year-old Colorado girl was attacked by a coyote on Thanksgiving Day after she approached the wild animal believing it was a dog, according to state officials who now say theyre hunting for the animal. The incident took place late in the afternoon on Thanksgiving Day in Colorado Springs, Colo., officials from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency is reminding everyone to be vigilant of their children and pets when living amid wildlife, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife statement said. Park officials said the girl was attacked when she and another child approached a coyote crouching behind a tree, thinking it was a dog. The coyote lunged at the girl, grabbing the back of her head, inflicting serious injuries that resulted in an overnight stay at a hospital, the park officials statement said. This could have been much worse a tragedy if not for the quick action of the childs father to stop the attack, rescue his daughter and scare the coyote off, Tim Kroening, the Area Wildlife Manager for the Pikes Peak region, said in a statement shared by the wildlife agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Colorado Parks and Wildlife agency says the 4-year-old girl was released from the hospital after the attack, adding that its officers are now on the lookout to pursue the coyote and hunt the animal. 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 agency says that despite it being impossible to identify the exact coyote, CPW and its partners will lethally remove any coyote it can find in the vicinity of the attack. The wildlife agency says whatever carcasses it collects from killing coyotes in the area where the attack occurred will be sent to a health lab to be examined for human DNA and tested for diseases, like rabies. We dont know yet what brought the coyote into the yard with this child, Kroening, the Aeea Wildlife Manager, added in his statement. But its an important reminder to everyone to be alert and haze wild animals away from their homes and neighborhoods. That goes for deer, fox, bobcat, bears and other animals. Dont let them get comfortable around people. If you see them, throw rocks at them, yell at them. And if you notice aggressive behavior, call us immediately. We'll try to remove any aggressive animals. Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to oversee the nation's 18 intelligence agencies, is a woman of strong views, vigorously expressed. A former Bernie Sanders Democrat, she now says the Democratic Party is controlled by an elitist cabal of warmongers that includes rogue intelligence and law enforcement agents. President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, she wrote recently, are merely puppets of that cabal. A staunch anti-interventionist who opposes almost any use of U.S. military force, the former congresswoman from Hawaii blames Biden not Vladimir Putin for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of which echoes Trumps views, especially his conviction that the FBI, CIA and other national security agencies have plotted ceaselessly against him. On the other hand, during Trump's first term in the White House, she also complained that he was too tough on Iran and denounced him for acting like "Saudi Arabia's bitch." This year, though, she rallied to his side and endorsed him for promising to seek a thaw with Russia. She was a frequent, telegenic surrogate for his campaign on Fox News. No wonder Trump decided she was the perfect choice to guard the nation's secrets as director of national intelligence. Read more: News Analysis: Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin: A much-scrutinized relationship is back in the spotlight Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National security veterans from both parties are not only unimpressed; they're alarmed. We normally look for demonstrated competence in a nominee, said Gregory F. Treverton, a former top intelligence official during the Obama administration who now teaches at USC. This is a case of demonstrated incompetence. She was obviously selected solely because shes loyal to Trump. I think she's a serious threat to our national security," John Bolton, who served as Trumps national security advisor during his first term, said in a television interview. "Her judgment is nonexistent." Among Republicans in the Senate, Gabbards nomination elicited a few glowing endorsements but an impressive list of noncommittal statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Column: Trump's worst Cabinet picks aren't just unqualified, they're part of a bigger power grab Thats a nominee that illustrates the importance of a full background check," said Susan Collins of Maine, one of the GOP senators who helped sink the nomination of former Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general last month. Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma said he will have a lot of questions. Its really important that we have leadership there thats able to support the intelligence agencies, he added. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, formerly the GOP's second-ranking Senate leader, gave a speech praising most of Trumps national security nominees by name but left Gabbard conspicuously off the list. A Cornyn aide declined to say whether the omission was deliberate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To Senate-watchers, the meaning of all that terseness was clear: If any of Trumps nominees are in danger, Gabbard is at the top of the list. Read more: News Analysis: Trump's transition moves raise fears of a politicized military Her long record as a foreign policy dissident under both Democratic and Republican presidents will give Senate hawks plenty to scrutinize and, perhaps, to excoriate. She not only blamed Biden for Russia's war on Ukraine (she claims he failed to acknowledge Putins legitimate security concerns and demanded the United States cut off military aid to Kyiv. She also charged that the U.S. was funding dangerous biological laboratories in Ukraine parroting fake Russian propaganda, Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah complained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Wartime Ukraine waits to see what's in the 'surprise box' of Trump presidency On the Syrian civil war, Gabbard opposed U.S. aid to the rebels fighting the brutal regime of Bashar Assad, met with the authoritarian leader and defended him against the allegations that he used chemical weapons on his own people. Assad, who is propped up by military aid from Iran and Russia, is not the enemy of the United States, she said. She defended Edward Snowden and Julian Assange, who were indicted for masterminding two of the biggest leaks of intelligence secrets in U.S. history a position unlikely to endear her to intelligence community professionals or hawks in the Senate. Gabbard also criticized Trump during his first term for military intervention, including for bombing Syrian government forces in 2017 in retaliation for Assads use of chemical weapons against civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She condemned Trump for ordering the assassination of Irans Gen. Qassem Soleimani in 2020, and for imposing harsh economic sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. She also excoriated Trump for supporting Saudi Arabias authoritarian regime in exchange for military purchases the reason she called him Saudi Arabias bitch. Trump does not appear to have held any of that against her especially after she began campaigning for him. And, of course, he shares Gabbards view of the CIA as a rogue agency that needs to be brought to heel. Read more: Biggest lesson from my four decades of covering politics: Prepare to be surprised Thats the core of the problem with her nomination, Treverton argues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes going to be at war with the intelligence community, he said. Shell politicize it in ways that are obvious and not obvious. Intelligence, he added, is an area in which political loyalty is not always a cardinal virtue. If the president surrounds himself with yes-men and yes-women, thats dangerous, he said. You need to encourage intelligence officers to come forward with bad news, instead of telling leaders only what they want to hear." Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the former Senate leader, has said he plans to use his remaining time in the Senate to oppose the rising isolationism in his party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has criticized Trumps foreign policy slogan, America First, as similar to the language they used in the 20s and 30s. He has said pushing back against Putin and his allies, especially in Ukraine, must be a top priority no matter what Trump and Gabbard think. There are at least a dozen national security Republicans in the Senate "Reagan Republicans," in McConnell's words who share that view. With the GOP holding a 53-47 majority, it would take only four to sink a nomination. Will McConnell and other Russia hawks have the courage of their convictions? This nomination would be a good place to start. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Comedian Nate Bargatze is heading out on a world tour in 2025 that'll include three stops in Minnesota. His Big Dumb Eyes World Tour announced Monday will kick off in April in Norway and trek across Europe and North America, bringing Bargatze to Minnesota in May, June and July. His first Minnesota show is slated for May 8 in Duluth. He'll return to Minnesota for a show in Rochester on June 19 and reach the Twin Cities on July 26 for a stop in St. Paul. My 2025 Big Dumb Eyes world tour is here! I'm heading back to Europe and a ton of great US cities so make sure to RSVP to your nearest show to get sent the presale code before they go on sale to the public. Visit https://t.co/jvJxr0RA2X for details and to sign up! pic.twitter.com/KOmCltL2jd Nate Bargatze (@natebargatze) December 2, 2024 The Grammy-nominated, family-friendly comedian is known his relatable stand-up style, as showcased on his Netflix specials "The Tennessee Kid", "Greatest Average American" and "The Stand-ups." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His latest special, "Hello, World", can be found on Amazon Prime. The upcoming world tour will promote Bartgatze's first book, Big Dumb Eyes, which will be released in May. Ticket pre-sale begins on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. at natebargatze.com. Tickets will go on sale Friday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, is alleging the U.S. Department of Agriculture may be overstepping its authority in the inspections it conducts at horse shows. The congressman has subpoenaed Dr. Aaron Rhyner, the assistant director of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, for a deposition to help determine whether the agency is overstepping its bounds when investigating soring the act of deliberately inflicting pain on a horses legs or hooves. A spokesman for Comer told the Herald-Leader that the Oversight Committee received allegations that Rhyner gave horse show representatives just two hours notice about new inspection requirements before a walking horse competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee remains concerned over the USDAs arbitrary enforcement of the Horse Protection Act and Chairman Comer believes Dr. Rhyner is the most knowledgeable person regarding USDA policies and operations related to Horse Protection Act enforcement., said Austin Hacker, Comers spokesman. A USDA spokesperson acknowledged receipt of Comers request and said the agency would respond accordingly. The Horse Protection Act is a federal law enacted in 1970 to prohibit the practice of soring, which involves harming horses limbs to produce an exaggerated gait for show purposes. It can involve applying chemicals such as mustard oil, kerosene and other products to the skin of equine or inserting sharp objects into their hooves to achieve an artificial high-step. While it is punishable by civil and criminal penalties, the U.S. Humane Society says the anti-soring law is vulnerable to weak enforcement, loopholes and pressure from the walking horse industry to allow the practice to continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A self-enforcement system established by the USDA has also enabled the industry to conduct their own examinations at shows and sales. Rep. Comer likely has constituents who are participants in the [big lick, high stepping gait] sector of the walking horse industry, which may be driving his intentions, said Keith Dane, senior director of Equine Protection at the Humane Society. Or he may be doing a favor for Reps. [John] Rose and [Scott] DesJarlais of Tennessee, both of whom have been vocal defenders of the big lick faction, as neither are current members of the committee. There are 227,963 registered Tennessee Walking Horses alive today in all 50 states and 28 foreign countries. Tennessee and Kentucky are the two largest markets for Tennessee Walking Horses, with 55,448 in Tennessee and 34,043 in Kentucky, according to the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders & Exhibitors Association. According to data made available by the USDA, agency inspectors found soring violations at a 403% higher rate than industry inspectors between 2018 and 2020, a statistic that critics say illustrates the industrys blind eye toward soring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But walking horse industry officials counter that the evidence of violations remains low and believes enforcement must be a joint effort between the USDA and the Tennessee walking horse industry. The way our horses are inspected must be objective to the point that it is applied consistently and cant be manipulated by friendly inspectors to allow horses to show that shouldnt, or radical activist inspectors who want to disqualify horses that should be allowed to compete, said Mark Farrar, chief executive of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders & Exhibitors Association. Farrar said while he appreciates Comers efforts, his group has not had contact with the congressman, his office or the Oversight Committee. Comers request dates back to August when he initially asked the Inspector General to review the USDAs enforcement of the law. In October, Comer requested Rhyner be made available for an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, USDA continues to refuse to provide the requested information and has not made Rhyner available, according to Comers office. It has now been over four weeks since the committees initial request for the transcribed interview, and USDA has failed to make you available for a transcribed interview or a briefing, Comer said in a statement. For decades, players in the horse industry have complained that the methods of inspection used to detect soring are too subjective, but Dane said there have been many examples of participants going great lengths to hide soring abuses. Still, a House bill aimed at ending all soring tactics has easily passed the House in the last two sessions of Congress with bipartisan support and has two dozen supporters on the House Oversight Committee. With over 50% of the House Oversight Committee and nearly 60% of the House of Representatives are PAST Act cosponsors showing strong support for improved HPA enforcement, why is Rep. Comer taking up this issue on the opposing side? asked Dane. Donald Trump has big plans for schools in his second term, which include gutting the Department of Education. His proposals have major implications for public school funding, and you can bet that arts education will be at the top of the list of cuts. Support for the arts is an increasingly partisan issue, with conservatives calling for an end to public funds for the arts. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis recently slashed millions in state funds for arts institutions, many of which partnered with schools to fill gaps in arts education. In his first term, Trump threatened to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts, the biggest funder for arts and arts education in the U.S., which provides pivotal support for programs in public schools. Chances are that arts education is not going to get support from the top down in Trumps second term, so its up to parents to work from the bottom up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With limited budgets and accountability pressures, time and resources for arts education continue to get squeezed out to make more space for the basics, subjects such as math, literacy and science, that predominately show up on standardized tests. But the arts are the basics. And what if parents demanded that they be treated as such? The arts are basic to human needs for expression, connection and understanding. They are so basic, in fact, that policymakers, school leadership, teachers and parents prioritized the arts in response to the mental health crisis during the pandemic. States used federal emergency funds to boost arts education programming. This funding is drying up, despite benefits to social-emotional and academic learning. The implication is that we can again deprioritize mental health and basic human development needs and get back to the learning that fits neatly into the framework of standardized tests. As a professor of international education, I focus on the benefits of arts education globally, not solely for mental health but also how the arts might contribute to more peaceful societies. When I was in Afghanistan in 2015 researching an arts education program run by Bond Street Theatre, I saw firsthand that arts activities could create moments of connection, joy and play among teenagers who were deeply divided across ethnic, religious and tribal lines, even in one of the most challenging settings in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arts connect us to our own humanity and to the humanity of others, providing opportunities to complicate notions of us versus them. They build skills and behaviors that can equip our kids to challenge the status quo, draw attention to injustice, and imagine a better future in the face of increasing global conflicts, crises and polarization. In times of crisis, conflict or instability, human beings turn to the arts to process experiences that language and logic fail to capture. The arts are a first-line approach to providing protective learning environments for children who have experienced traumatic events and adversity. The World Health Organization recommends using the arts to improve health and well-being, pointing to evidence that artistic media support communication across divides. Research shows that children who receive quality early learning opportunities, which tend to draw heavily on arts activities, do better in the long run. We know that kids who participate in arts education in high school are more engaged in school and more likely to earn a four-year college degree. A recent impact evaluation focusing on kids in elementary and middle school showed that arts education improved writing achievement, reduced disciplinary infractions, and increased empathy and compassion. Understandably, parents want their children to have access to well-paying, stable jobs and push their kids to focus on subjects that they will be tested on for advancement. Literacy, numeracy, and STEM subjects science, technology, engineering and math provide vital skills, yet they are not the only skills that matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arts education is uniquely adept at building skills that are relevant and needed in response to artificial intelligence, increasing automation and a rapidly changing future. Indeed, the Program for International Student Assessment, or PISA, arguably the most influential international set of standardized assessments, recently put a spotlight on the importance of teaching and assessing creativity. Now more than ever, employers are seeking out-of-the box creative and critical thinkers. If arts education is good for childrens mental health, well-being, engagement at school, empathy and innovation, why is it perpetually on the chopping block? Public education is constantly struggling for adequate funding, and with a mentality of the arts as a nice-to-have among politicians and decision-makers, it is easy to see how arts education gets pushed to the fringes. But parents have a say in the education their children receive. They can put pressure on decision-makers to prioritize arts education through their votes, reaching out to members of Congress and local representatives, getting involved with local school boards and sitting on district committees. Parents can advocate within PTAs for schools to partner with arts organizations that provide unique learning opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. They can advocate for school plays, dance recitals or art walks, events that generate social connections and celebration, even in divided communities. They can organize art supply donations and distribute them to schools. Parents can also encourage their kids to stay engaged in the arts. As a parent, I want my child to have those experiences that are unique to the arts classroom to explore ideas outside the box, to put herself in someone elses shoes, to share her voice in ways that arent confined by language or logic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If parents demand that the arts be treated as basic to what public education should provide, we can shift the narrative. Perhaps well even equip our children with skills to imagine and create a healthier, more peaceful future in the process. ____ Heddy Lahmann is a professor of international education at New York University, a research consultant for the Community Arts Network and a public voices fellow of The OpEd Project. ___ YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The ribbon was finally cut on the long-awaited K.L. Simon Community Center on Sunday. The addition is part of the New Bethel Baptist Church. The center will support the community as a space for meetings, weddings, receptions and positive youth programs. Church members and local county government attended the ribbon cutting. The renovations cost $300,000 and the communitys help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They saw the vision and then the need for a center like this, and then they wanted to give their support to it. Theyre here today, and I just thank God for the relationships that we have, said Rev. Ken Simon. The community center is located on Youngstowns south side on Hillman Street and West Marion Avenue. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Later this week, Mayors from across southeast Georgia will converge in Savannah to provide a brighter holiday for those who are sometimes forgotten. The 65th annual Mayors Christmas Motorcade gets underway this Wednesday, December 4, at Georgia Regional Hospital of Savannah. Mayors from cities all across the region will bring donated gifts to deserving patients. Fakatupufoou Tangi is the agencys CTRS Volunteer Services Coordinator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She sat down with News 3s Kim Gusby in todays Community Corner to talk about the difference a simple donation can make in the lives of others. Click on the video box above to watch the interview. You can scan these QR codes below to access the wish list or donate. Scan this QR code to view the wishlist! Scan this QR code to donate! You can also access a list of the wish list items here. GRHS-Donation-Itemized-List-1Download Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. Dec. 1Editor's Note: Submissions for Around Town can be made via email to editor@heraldbanner.com. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. December Senior Luncheon Greenville Parks and Recreation will host the December Senior Luncheon at Fletcher Warren Civic Center on Thursday, Dec. 12 from noon to 1 p.m. The event is sponsored by Ta Molly's Mexican Kitchen. The luncheon is free. For more information, call (903) 457-2994. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement January Senior Luncheon Greenville Parks and Recreation will host the December Senior Luncheon at Fletcher Warren Civic Center on Thursday, Jan. 9 from noon to 1 p.m. The luncheon is free. For more information, call (903) 457-2994. HANOI, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's manufacturing sector reported slower rises in output and new orders which were hindered by weak exports in November, according to a report released by S&P Global Market Intelligence on Monday. The sector remained in growth territory during November, but overall business conditions improved to a lesser extent than in October, said the report. The S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index remained above the 50.0 no-change mark in November and signalled a second consecutive monthly improvement in business conditions following the contraction caused by Typhoon Yagi in September. At 50.8, however, the reading was down from 51.2 in October and pointed to only a modest strengthening in the health of the sector. Some firms raised production in response to higher new orders, but others reported that demand was relatively muted, leading to the slowdown in growth. "To some extent, the slowdown in growth reflected weakness in international demand, with exports down to the largest extent since July 2023," said Andrew Harker, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence. "Firms were again keen to keep a lid on costs, and this contributed to another reduction in employment, in turn limiting the ability of companies to complete orders on time. The coming months will hopefully see demand solidify, giving firms the confidence to expand capacity," he said. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Families of people killed in DUI crashes gathered Sunday night for a vigil to remember their loved ones. The DUI Victims Center of Kansas held the vigil at St. Mary Orthodox Church. The centers founder, Mary Ann Khoury, tells KSN News that Thanksgiving and New Years Eve are both times when drunk driving incidents pick up. Dad killed by drunk driver, daughter speaks out on Thanksgiving Eve Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the 35th year this vigil is being held. Speakers who lost loved ones to a DUI talk about their loved ones and share a meal. Each victim has a photo projected onto a screen. The people there remember that person by lighting a candle in their honor. The goal is to let people know that their loved one is remembered not only by them but by others present in the community. The hope is that the hope will go on and drunk driving will have no more victims, said Khoury. Khoury says the holidays are an especially difficult time for families who have lost a loved one to drunk driving. She says she believes the candlelight vigil helps alleviate that feeling of loss. For some, its been decades since their loved one passed. For others, the wounds are still fresh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kareem Grims father lost his life after Thanksgiving. Every time I drive by, I have to relive that, you know? The anxiety has caused me nightmares and all kinds of things that people dont think about, Grim said. The annual vigil is helping him move forward. It just brings a closeness in understanding how hard it can be to deal with this, and it just brings a bonding with everyone, Grim said. It helps everyone progress and heal. Hes not the only one making the trek. Its a three-hour drive for Brenda Noone. My son was killed on January 26th of 2002, and he was a senior at the time, so he didnt even get to graduate from high school, Noone said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has come to the vigil each year for 22 years. I need to light that candle for James every year, and I need to recognize him, and this is the one time when everybody is remembering my son for that moment that were lighting the candle for him, Noone 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 KSN-TV. There's little disagreement on what needs to be done: California schools must ban or restrict cellphones that disrupt learning. A law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom mandates every school district in the state devise a plan for campus cellphone bans or restrictions by July 2026. But educators, who gathered recently with Newsom over the issue, say their biggest debate is over how to enforce limitations on a generation obsessed with their phones. Newsom, a father of four, including two teens, says he knows the allure of phones. His preference, he said in an interview, would be "a ban throughout" the entire school day, lunch included, at schools across the state. And he wants rules in place "a lot earlier" than the deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 'Turned off and stored.' LAUSD reveals details on school cellphone ban to begin Feb. 18 "I have my point of view, sure, but I don't think it's appropriate to impose that," Newsom added, saying local school leaders will decide. He spoke at the governor's mansion during a convening of superintendents, teachers, parents, policy aides and health experts to chart out how California students can break free of their phones. "You got a crisis in this country that predated COVID ... issues of social isolation, this sort of unmooring in society and people feeling more lonely than ever the more connected they are on their devices," Newsom said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schools are the ideal places to attempt a massive cultural shift, he and others said. And California with some 1,000 school districts and 5.8 million students will be the nation's largest test case. Ban phones in early years About 95% of teens have access to a cellphone, according to a survey the Pew Research Center released this year. Roughly 6 in 10 surveyed said they use TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat, and about 40% said they spend too much time on their phones. Also, a majority of teens said phones make it easier to pursue hobbies and express creativity; nearly half said phones help them do better in school. But the pervasiveness of cellphone use in schools calls for early crackdowns, experts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Middle school is probably the fertile ground for this... High school will be hard," said LAUSD Board member Nick Melvoin, who sponsored the strict Los Angeles Unified School District ban that will take effect in February. L.A. schools now are sorting out the rules. Read more: California passes school cellphone restrictions. But some students find workarounds Dr. Sohil Sud, director of the state's Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, described the tween and teen years as "a time with increased emotional sensitivity and a strong desire for validation by peers," where uniform rules at schools are more likely to be successful. "Were not quite at the mercy of group-think,' but what the group thinks and does matters a lot," Sud said. "Thats why rules limiting phone usage in a consistent manner for all in a given setting like schools are more likely to be effective than individual approaches by individual parents, or even individual teachers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also may be easier to change phone culture, experts said, in a middle school setting simply because there tend to be fewer kids in a tighter age span compared to high school. Since a 2020 law Newsom signed, schools have had the power to limit or prohibit smartphone use with some districts forging ahead. They offered advice for the future. Initially they confronted resistance. But it eventually dissipated. The San Mateo-Foster City district in the Bay Area initiated a strict cellphone ban in 2021, when students returned to campus after pandemic school closures, a time when they were more digitally reliant than ever. Students place phones in magnetically sealed Yondr pouches as they enter campus. The phones stay in backpacks or pants pockets. At the end of the school day, students tap the pouches on a magnetic unlocking base as they exit campus. It's similar to when a cashier at a clothing store taps a piece of clothing to remove a magnetic anti-theft device. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district is made up of 11,000 students across 22 schools, all at the elementary and middle levels, which made creating a phone-free culture easier because students were just beginning to get phones. At first, dozens either refused or forgot to put their phones in pouches as they entered school. Teachers asked ones caught using phones in class to turn over the devices. Those who refused were sent to an administrator's office to call their parents and fess up to breaking the rule. "But we never connected it to discipline. No kids got suspended or kicked out of class," district Superintendent Diego Ochoa said. In a district where students are all assigned Chromebooks and Google-based email accounts, students figured out a workaround. "They were using Google Chat and Google Spaces while in class," Ochoa said. The district then disabled those features. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over time, complaints and violations faded. The district has also reported a decline in student suspensions overall and conflicts related to social media, such as bullying. Read more: Will students really get off cellphones? California's Phone-Free Schools Act, explained "We are not attributing everything to cellphones," San Mateo-Foster City district board member Gene Kim said. But he said at least some of the improvements were tied to the phone-free environment. The Santa Barbara schools district launched a no-phone policy in January 2023. Instead of buying pouches for thousands of students, it saved money by using "phone hotels" in classrooms that have assigned numbers where students place their devices. Phones are allowed at lunch and between classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials in Santa Barbara allowed phone use outside of class because they wanted teens to learn to "self-regulate" their relationship to the devices, said Superintendent Hilda Maldonado. "Are kids still using phones? Absolutely. When I walk into a school, I see them texting and looking at their screens during lunch," Maldonado said. "But they aren't rushing after class to grab their phones like candy." What about enforcement? Their most difficult issue, educators said, is enforcement and discipline. Nothing in the state law directs schools to punish students for violating policies or what the discipline would be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School districts have taken different stances on discipline overall, with Los Angeles having a "restorative" model that prioritizes dialogue before punishment, which so far is limited to phone confiscation. One of the biggest concerns, educators said, is that teachers don't want to confiscate phones because they don't want to be responsible if the phone is damaged or lost. Read more: Students scoff at a school cellphone ban. Until they really begin to think about it Teachers don't want to turn into "cellphone cops," said Edgar Zazueta, the Assn. of California School Administrators executive director and former chief of external affairs for LAUSD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maldonado, the Santa Barbara superintendent, said she initially heard similar complaints from teachers. After administrators told teachers they were "off the hook" for financial responsibility for confiscated devices, it helped relieve "lots of anxiety," she said. Still, it's far more common for administrators to call parents than it is for them to confiscate phones. In Los Angeles schools, questions about discipline have come up as schools speed toward bans. District guidelines spell out a process of multiple warnings for phone violators but are vague on confiscation. In an interview, Melvoin suggested that violators could be given warnings before phone calls to parents. He said further violations could result in one-period-long confiscations. More violations would require parents to come pick up phones. "I hope, in the next few weeks, the district is more clear on consequences," he said. Melvoin predicts a 95% student compliance rate in the district with "5% that will be stubborn." When the Santa Barbara ban kicked off in the 12,000-student district last school year, not all students immediately complied. This year, Maldonado said, there has been more interest from teachers, principals, students and parents after seeing the positives of a phone-free environment. Maldonado said it's easier to get past the hurdles of students not following swift phone bans "if you start from a focus on mental health and wellness instead of compliance with rules." And there will be missteps. In one case, Maldonado said, a substitute teacher incorrectly assumed a student was hiding their phone instead of putting it in the "phone hotel." I It turned out that the student didn't have a phone. 'Going cold turkey' While phones and social media have addictive qualities, they are different from chemical addictions, experts said. One recent study from the U.K.'s Durham University found that a voluntary social media fast didn't increase or decrease the appetite to go back online. Other studies found digital detoxes led to reported increases in happiness, attention spans and mental clarity. Psychologist Jonathan Haidt's "The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness" has become a handbook for the phones-free schools movement. Haidt recommends no cellphones with social media until age 16. John Piacentini, a UCLA psychology professor who directs the UCLA Center for Child Anxiety Resilience, Education and Support, agreed that teens should delay getting on smartphones. Piacentini said school bans would work better if teens had models older siblings and parents at home, as well as teachers who stopped using phones at the same time. "Cold turkey is going to be quite difficult for a lot of these kids. But it needs to be done. It's up to the parents and family to really work with kids to help them learn how to live for periods of time without their phones," Piacentini, who was not at the Sacramento meeting, said. "Parents are using phones the same way kids are and may be addicted the same way kids are." 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. Congress will open next year with 100 members who have prior military experience, three more than last session and the largest total of veteran lawmakers on Capitol Hill in eight years. But it wont stay that way for long. Thats because two of next sessions veterans Ohio Republican Sen. JD Vance and Florida Republican Rep. Michael Waltz are expected to step down shortly after opening procedures to take other roles in government. Vance was elected vice president in last Novembers election, and Waltz was tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to be his national security adviser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with those subtractions, the one-member increase in veterans from Congress 118th session to 119th session is a surprise, given a 5% drop in veteran candidates who won primaries this year. How veterans are faring in the 2024 election In 2022, 196 candidates with major party backing were on the November ballot. This year, that total was only 188. Seth Lynn, founder of Veterans Campaign, said the increase is significant for two reasons. First, he said it shows a shift in political power from older generations of veterans to the post-9/11 generation. Thirty-two of the veterans started their military careers after Jan. 1, 2000, while 37 others spent at least part of their time in the military after that date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second reason focuses on how voters view veteran candidates now. Fifty years ago, Vietnam veterans were significantly less likely to be elected to Congress compared to their civilian peers, Lynn said. Although there is still room for improvement, this underscores a remarkable turnaround in the relationship between America and its veterans. After Vance and Waltz depart, the 98 remaining veterans in Congress will include 19 Senate members and 79 House lawmakers. Two new senators Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego and Indiana Republican Jim Banks are currently serving in the House. Fourteen other non-incumbents won their election bids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next years Congress will feature the largest total of women veterans ever, with nine. Iowa Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who served in the Army for 24 years, was declared the winner in her re-election bid only last week, adding to that group. Twenty-six of the veterans in the next Congress are Democrats, while 72 are Republicans. A full list of the veterans who won races this cycle is available at this link. By Bo Erickson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A staffer for a U.S. House of Representatives Democrat was arrested at the Capitol on Monday when a regular security check turned up ammunition in his bag, the Capitol Police said. The police identified the staffer as Michael Hopkins, who worked for Representative Joe Morelle, who represents an upstate New York district. Hopkins was found with four ammunition magazines and 11 rounds, police said. No gun was recovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morelle's chief of staff, Jo Stiles, said in a statement that Hopkins was "no longer employed" by the office. Hopkins could not be reached for immediate comment. The Capitol Police said in the statement that he told officers that he had forgotten the ammunition was in his bag. He is now facing charges for unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine. "Congressman Morelle is devoted to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all," Stiles said in a statement. (Reporting by Bo Erickson; Editing by Scott Malone, Jonathan Oatis and Marguerita Choy) BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) In this weeks episode of Big Country Politics, Congressman August Pfluger, who represents Texass 11th District, addressed concerns about Chinese spyware, the plight of Haitian orphans waiting for adoption, issues facing the oil industry, his new role as chairman of the Republican Study Committee, and climate goals. 30,000 Haitian kids live in private orphanages. Officials want to shutter them and reunite families. Earlier this week, Pfluger urged the Haitian Prime Minister to facilitate the immediate departure of Haitian orphans awaiting adoption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had a couple of constituents who were trying to adopt children from Haiti, and the process was held up for a number of reasons, but mostly because the Haitian government has been in complete chaos, and they were unable to between the U.S. State Department and the government of Haiti, to get the transfer of these kids to these West Texas parents, Pfluger explained. I applaud those who want to adopt kids and want to give them a better life. But the process has gone on too long, and weve been working with the Haitian government. Weve been working with Secretary Blinken and the U.S. State Department, and its just gotten to a point where its just ridiculous. The governments bureaucratic red tape has gotten in the way, and so weve pressed very hard and have made some inroads with the State Department. Now, were working directly in communicating with the Haitian government, telling them that its time to move these kids into their adopted homes. Everything has been approved. The paperwork is good, but they just need to release these kids into the custody of their new parents. Its really just a human interest story, and I have a huge heart for what these parents are trying to do, and for these kids to get out of a war-torn country, to come to the United States for their loving parents to now provide them a new home is really important, and thats why weve been pushing on this. He also shared a press release supporting national security and the Spectrum Act, which funds the rip-and-replace program to eliminate Chinese equipment from American telecommunications networks. Think about the Chinese spy balloon that flew over our country for over a week, and then take that that was gathering intelligence and sending it back to the Chinese Communist Party. Take that and put that technology on cell towers in the United States that are produced in mainland China, that have the capability of spying on the United States, of spying on Americans, Plfluger shared. Thats been a big push for what I have been leading on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which is to take that technology off anything thats manufactured in China. Lets rip it off the polls, and lets put the U.S. or our allies technology on those polls to allow cellular, 5g, 6g technology as we get through rural broadband and really provide access to everyone who needs it I hope to see funding for this because it really is a national security-level interest. We need something to offset it. Ive got an idea. How about those funds that President Biden used to disperse for COVID-related emergencies that he quoted, unquote emergencies, or how about the Green New Deal, the IRA funds? Lets use those. Lets repurpose it. Lets rip and replace technology produced inside Mainland China that could be used for the purpose of spying on Americans, and lets use good American technology or technology produced by allies. That is very important as we continue to build out our rural broadband and our rural coverage throughout the United States. US-China research has given Beijings military technology a boost, House GOP says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pfluger discussed how the Chinese Communist Party has utilized manufactured products to monitor Americans, including USB adapters. Its hardware and software. When you look at other countries throughout the world, you might have heard of this Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese Communist Party has gone through the world, and what they have tried to do is theyve tried to lay infrastructure patterns, whether its roads and bridges or ports or digital infrastructure, through the use of technology to be a radio transmitter for cell phones and for broadband. In doing that, they also program those receptors and receivers and transmitters to have the ability to take in the data that is being transmitted, which is obviously unacceptable to us, Pfluger explained. Long ago, the Department of Defense figured out that the Chinese Communist Party was producing semiconductors or parts for cell phones or USB adapters. Remember 15 years ago when we had those USB adapters that would be plugged into computers? Well, some of those had the technology to steal the data off your computer. Its the same type of issue for these transmitters that are on cell phone towers that we want to protect our citizens, all Americans, against the Chinese Communist Party spying against us, and this is not a new technique. Pfluger was recently elected Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, which has served as the conservative caucus of House Republicans and an influential force since 1973. Im honored to be elected to the largest and oldest conservative policy organization in Congress. 175 plus members, an organization that is known for being the conservative conscience of Congress, an organization that pushes conservative policy ideas that we hold our leadership accountable. I couldnt think of a more important time than right now, when we just saw on November 5, a mandate from the American people, every single swing state voted for Donald J Trump. Every single swing state said no to Bidens policies, Pfluger said. Leading this organization at this moment in time is going to be really important, and Ive spent this week talking to Speaker Mike Johnson and many of my colleagues. We meet weekly. We talk about conservative ideas. We bring speakers in, such as cabinet officials, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, you know, any of the cabinet officials who are going to be leading on different policies Were going to understand what the administration and what their agenda is, and legislatively, how we can support that, and how we can write and pass the bill so we can get away from these executive orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump says hell nominate Kash Patel as FBI director to remake the agency. Heres what happens next He looks forward to continuing to work closely with other Big Country elected officials, including the U.S. Representative for Texass 19th congressional district, Jodey Arrington. Im honored to be able to lead this Weve got it right in the Big Country. I work with Jodey Arrington a lot. He is a fiscal conservative, somebody who wants to see our country come back into balance. You can expect, and you better believe that we are going to work very closely with Chairman Arrington on the budget committee to make sure that our priorities are fiscally responsible and that we push to get our house back into order, an honor to lead this organization, and thats just scratching the surface of the topics that were going to be dealing with. Suffice it to say, well be dealing with all the issues that the American public was concerned about, whether its economic, border security or national security issues, Pfluger shared. As a representative covering a vast region for the oil industry, which includes much of the Permian Basin, Concho Valley, and a portion of the Big Country, Pfluger is ready to implement changes in the oil and gas sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe that we are blessed beyond all wildest imagination with resources, some of them right below our feet, and to be able to responsibly use those to lower the cost for every American, whether theyre paying for gas or buying groceries or paying their utility bills, its not only a responsibility to have, but it would be completely irresponsible not to use those, and I believe that we can do that in a way that also benefits our national security, Pfluger shared. President Biden has spent four years demonizing West Texas, demonizing the oil and gas industry, demonizing those who have produced and who helped win World War Two, who helped our economy grow into the best economy, which, by the way, is the biggest national security tool that we have. So you can expect that when President Trump takes office, we are going to unleash American energy and that Texas is going to be the biggest beneficiary of that policy, but were also going to unleash it for our partners and allies to use. When I travel, every country I go to, people ask us, How can we get more American-made liquefied natural gas? How can we get more American-made energy? We dont want it from Russia, Iran, Venezuela or China. We want it from the United States. Im excited to report back that we will be making changes on the Energy and Commerce Committee weve led on this issue for two years. Were going to continue to do that. President Trump is ready to drill baby drill. Abilene political analyst discusses Trumps historic win & its impact on the future of politics Pfluger recently spoke at a UN climate conference about climate financing, urging support for American-made products and research to achieve climate goals. Think of this UN climate conference as a group of people who believe in just a place thats not the reality; that they believe in, a kind of fairy tale world. My message was very simple. Speaker Johnson asked me to lead a delegation there and to deliver a message of American energy, that we can achieve climate goals. And by the way, we have lowered emissions using American-made hydrocarbons. American-made LNG actually benefits the climate because Russian gas is dirty. Venezuelan oil is dirty. American-made light, sweet crude oil that you get out of the Permian Basin lowers emissions, helps families, and strengthens our country. Thats the message that we that we delivered, Pfluger said. Also, think about nuclear energy. Think about what Abilene Christian University is doing with regard to nuclear technology, research, and development. If you believe in a green climate, if you believe in helping the emissions and lowering the emissions, guess what? Using American-made LNG and Abilene Christian University research for nuclear energy, small, modular nuclear reactors can be delivered to places around the world to help them not only have base load, capable power, and affordable power but also help with the missions. This is the message we delivered at this climate conference. Im not sure that they fully appreciated the message we were delivering. But I said, guys, if you want affordable, reliable energy that also helps in your missions, then lets look at what the United States has done. Innovation is key. We have innovated, and we have delivered, and were going to continue to do so. President Trumps agenda is absolutely spot on, and you better believe that the House of Representatives is going to be helping with this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. PAULDEN Standing on the edge of the Big Chino Valley, its impossible to see the end of the grasslands that stretch for miles into the horizon. Herds of cattle and wild pronghorn antelope graze together in this remote expanse, unbroken except for the stray dirt roads crisscrossing between ranches. Below the surface, a huge groundwater resource flows into the nearby springs that feed the headwaters of the Verde River. In this vast landscape, ranchers and conservationists are working together to guard against overdevelopment and preserve ranching in Yavapai County. A historic conservation easement closed in the Big Chino Valley last month, marking the first step in a broad $23 million conservation strategy seeking to preserve critical grasslands habitat and protect the aquifer feeding the Upper Verde River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Covering 1,889 acres, the easement on the Yavapai Ranch property emerged from a partnership with the Nature Conservancy and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Other funding partners include the Central Arizona Land Trust, Salt River Project and Arizona Game and Fish Department. Conservation easements are a great tool for land use planning where we don't have other mechanisms to do so, such as zoning. And especially in the rural landscapes of Arizona, said Heather Reading, a conservation advisor for Land Advisors Organization, who represented Yavapai Ranch in the easement negotiations. It compensates the landowners at fair market value for the property rights that they're foregoing, so in this case, its development and the associated groundwater withdrawals. A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a private landowner and a qualified organization that limits the development of private land for environmental conservation. With ongoing annual monitoring, the agreement can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the landowner while maintaining the environmental conservation goals of the participating organization. Conservation easements have become an effective tool for conserving land in rural Arizona because they exist in perpetuity. This means that even if the property changes hands, the conservation agreement will always remain in effect and the landscape will be protected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without the protection, conservationists warn that the sprawling grasslands could be cut into pieces by unchecked overdevelopment, and landowners risk the possibility of state groundwater regulation. Desert rivers: Why river advocates say Arizona's upper Verde should earn 'Wild and Scenic' protections Protecting the Upper Verde River The headwaters of the Verde River flow from perennial springs in canyons near the Big Chino Valley. In the shadow of Little Thumb Butte, the perennial springs flowing from the canyons form the headwaters of the Verde River. These winding waterways provide an oasis for wetland wildlife like the southwest river otter. Trees and grasses burst from the creek beds to support the diverse native fish below and migratory birds above. The Big Chino Aquifer provides the majority of the baseflow for the first 25 miles of the Verde River. The nearby communities of Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley pump groundwater from an aquifer that also contributes to the river, which goes on to provide drinking water for metropolitan Phoenix farther downstream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservationists and land managers are working to prevent development-driven aquifer depletion like the kind that occurred in the Kingman area of Mojave County last year. After an expansion of large-scale irrigated farming in the region threatened the aquifer, the Arizona Department of Water Resources stopped further development and placed the region under increased regulation to prevent the collapse of the Hualapai Basin. The Big Chino Aquifer is located outside an Active Management Area, meaning there are currently no governmental restrictions to groundwater withdrawals. Conservation easements provide an alternative to state-mandated regulation by allowing private landowners to limit groundwater withdrawals on their property. We recognize that in rural Arizona, we have challenges for groundwater management, said Reading. So the conservation easement program is very much a community-driven and locally-led solution to those challenges, and that is providing an alternative, that's a voluntary alternative. With limited options for conserving private land, conservation easements are the only tool being used by the Nature Conservancy and its partners to preserve the groundwater that feeds the Upper Verde River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riparian areas: The invasive Arundo reed threatens Arizona rivers. Why getting rid of it is so difficult Preserving the Big Chino Grasslands Hidden within the sea of native grass, prairie dogs pop in and out of their burrows catching glimpses of a red tail hawk circling in the distance. Biodiversity abounds in the Big Chino Valley, which has been designated as a Grasslands of Special Significance by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The high-quality habitat supports one of the largest herds of pronghorn antelope in Arizona, as well as nesting for western burrowing owls and a potential reintroduction site for the endangered black-footed ferret. The valley is also a part of the Grand Canyon to Prescott Wildlife Corridor identified by the Arizona Game and Fish Department as a key migratory path for wildlife across the landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the reasons that we selected this habitat to protect, of course, is supporting the really important wildlife linkage, said Jody Norris, protection program director at the Nature Conservancy, It's important to keep the fragmentation to limited so that these species are able to to move to the grassland habitat. Keeping the ranch alive The crumbling stone buildings that dot the valley are a reminder of the areas notable history, and the ranchers and farmers who work on the land are sticking to tradition in the face of evolving development across the county. Homesteaded in 1868, the Yavapai Ranch is one of the oldest cattle ranching operations in the state, and the conservation easement is designed with that legacy in mind. The agreement ensures that the ranch can continue its current operations, while receiving a financial benefit from selling the development rights to the property. Downstream in Camp Verde, Kevin Hauser and his family were able to pay off the mortgage on their property and reinvest into the farming operations at Hauser and Hauser Farms after partnering with the Nature Conservancy on a conservation easement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than a financial advantage, Claudia Hauser described the easements on the family farms as a fulfillment of her late husbands mission to protect the land. Kevin Hauser died in 2019, but his values as a farmer and conservationist live on with his wife and son. When Kevin and I were married, we leased the farmland for so long there was so much pressure from development and realtors. But now that it's our familys, I don't feel that pressure anymore, said Claudia Hauser, It's such a relief to be able to know that my family is going to continue to farm this land and continue that legacy of our forever farm. Claudia Hauser (center, Hauser and Hauser Farms) and Bill Bertolino (right, TNC S+C communications) kayak the Verde River, Oct. 3, 2022, near Camp Verde, Arizona. John Leos covers environmental issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to john.leos@arizonarepublic.com. Environmental coverage on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for AZ Climate, our weekly environment newsletter, and follow The Republic environmental reporting team at environment.azcentral.com and @azcenvironment on Facebook and Instagram. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Conservation easement will protect Verde River, Big Chino Valley Despite seeing the number of bighorn sheep substantially decline in recent years, conservationists have reported that their population in the Sierra Nevada mountain range is potentially on the rebound, according to LAist. The bighorn sheep of the Sierra Nevada have already lived through an estimated three to six ice ages, but their populations have been more threatened than ever recently as they combat the effects of planet-overheating air pollution and the threat of predatory mountain lions. According to Tom Stephenson, the head of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program, the mountain lion issue is more feasible for everyday citizens to address. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind While the state of California used to regularly kill off mountain lions, that approach to helping the bighorn sheep has lost favor in recent years, for obvious reasons (killing native species because they are eating their natural prey is not good). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, conservationists like Stephenson advocate for relocating problematic mountain lions, which can be, needless to say, difficult. "If we could take those actions as soon as we see a threat, that would be a huge benefit to the [bighorn] population," Stephenson told LAist. What approach to take with native predators is something of an ongoing problem in California. Another native species, gray wolves, recently moved back into the state of their own accord much to the chagrin of the state's cattle ranchers, who now sometimes have to deal with one of their cows being taken. That situation is a bit more clear-cut, as the wolves are a native species (and have legal protections) and the cattle are not, but don't tell that to any cattle ranchers. The issue remains highly contentious. As far as the bighorn sheep are concerned, conservationists are forced to take a bit of a wait-and-see approach as far as how much snow the Sierra Nevada gets in the coming winters, which will impact where the sheep move to (and whether they end up fully in mountain lion territory). However, people like Stephenson seem cautiously optimistic. 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. RALEIGH, N.C. (WGHP) The legislature has filed a constitutional amendment that would change North Carolinas voter ID law. SB921 was filed on Monday, entitled Const. Am./Require Photo ID For All Voters. SB921 would place a proposed amendment to the North Carolina Constitution revising the language regarding the requirement to present photo identification prior to voting on the November 3, 2026, ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would put it to voters to choose whether or not photo ID would be required for all types of voting, not just in-person voting. State Senate overrides Gov Cooper SB382 veto, 30-19, passing controversial relief bill The bill would submit to the voters the question of whether to amend the North Carolina Constitution to require photo identification for all voters, regardless of method of voting. The ballot question would be considered at the statewide general election to be held on November 3, 2026, and the ballot question would read: Constitutional amendment to require all voters, not just those presenting to vote in person, to present photo identification before voting. The law as it stands right now requires a voter casting an absentee ballot to submit a copy of their photo identification, or an affidavit of an exception, with the returned application and voted ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amendment would go into effect if a majority of North Carolina voters voted yes. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) Convicted crime boss Michael Miske was found dead at FDC Honolulu federal prison Sunday morning, multiple sources confirm to KHON2. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Miske was found guilty in July of racketeering conspiracy and 11 other felony charges, including murder in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of Johnathan Fraser, a friend of his deceased son Caleb who died in a vehicle accident that Fraser survived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family, friends react to crime kingpin Miske guilty verdict It was certainly an astounding verdict that came from the jury after listening to months and months of testimony and evidence, said Doug Chin, legal analyst. He was awaiting sentencing in January 2025 and was in detention at Honolulus federal prison meanwhile. Honolulu EMS initially responded to the medical emergency call at 9:18 a.m. and was there for nearly an hour. The medical examiners staff took over after that. From the time of the original charges in 2019, Miske faced assurance of dying in prison if convicted. We do know that they were seeking a death penalty early on in this case, and as it turns out, thats not what ended up happening. Its not what ended up going forward. However, when the jury found Michael Miske guilty of all these different offenses, including murder and racketeering and conspiracy, it did require a life sentence, Chin added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson from federal court in Honolulu said it has not been determined how Miskes death impacts other aspects of his case, such as more than 20 million dollars in property and asset forfeitures and for related-party sentencing for a long list of co-defendants who mostly took plea deals or were separately convicted and are awaiting rulings on their own fate. I think theyre all going to be looking at the agreements that they made with the prosecution if they did make some sort of agreement. So if there was some sort of sentencing guideline that was going to be reduced because of their cooperation with the prosecution that might need to be re-evaluated. Miskes daughter-in-law Delia Fabro-Miske was among the former co-defendants and had been Caleb Miskes wife and mother of their only child. She was also involved in various roles at Michael Miskes businesses that were targeted for seizure. She reached a plea deal and cooperation agreement with the feds last January and was awaiting sentencing herself. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sure the prosecution is going to be trying very hard to make sure that the fact that the jury found Mr. Miske guilty. Means that they can be able to still go forward and seize the assets. Im sure theyre going to have a lot of very strong arguments for why they can do something like that, Chin said. KHON2 has reached out to Miskes attorneys and his family for comment and to hear more of what they know or want to know about the circumstances surrounding his death. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi attend a joint press conference in Ankara, Turkiye, on Dec. 2, 2024. Turkish and Iranian foreign ministers on Monday expressed the need to defuse tensions following large-scale clashes between Syrian government forces and rebel militants in northwestern Syria. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) ANKARA, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkish and Iranian foreign ministers on Monday expressed the need to defuse tensions following large-scale clashes between Syrian government forces and rebel militants in northwestern Syria. In a joint press conference following a meeting with his Iranian counterpart in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that his country has repeatedly issued warnings to all parties of the conflict to avoid escalation of tensions. "Recent developments in Syria show the need for compromise between the Syrian government and armed opposition forces, and Turkiye is ready to contribute to such a dialogue if necessary," he stressed. "Turkiye does not wish to see a further escalation of civil war in Syria," Fidan said, stressing that problems unresolved in the past since the start of unrest in Syria led to the current situation. He added that Turkiye and Iran "saw eye-to-eye" in cooperation against terrorism, and Ankara would not allow terrorist groups to exploit instability in Syria. For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that his country also does not want an escalation of hostilities in Syria, according to semi-official Anadolu Agency. Tehran shares common concerns with Turkiye regarding regional developments, particularly in Syria, Araghchi pointed out. Both ministers pledged to support the territorial integrity of Syria and that they are ready to implement what is required of them within the Astana format talks between Russia, Iran, and Turkiye, Anadolu added. Russia, Iran, and Turkiye launched a process in January 2017 in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, which aims for a peaceful settlement in Syria. Regional players Turkiye and Iran have intensified diplomatic discussions since the start of large-scale clashes between Syrian government forces and rebel militants. Tehran was a staunch ally of the Syrian government during the civil war that broke out in 2011, while Ankara supported rebel factions. Convicted child murderer Kevin Ray Underwood is hoping for an afterlife where "your every fantasy comes true." "If you want to torture your childhood bully, you can," he wrote from Oklahoma's death row in 2022 to a female acquaintance. "Basically, my hope is that there's sex in heaven and I can indulge my every sexual fantasy." Underwood, 44, is set to be executed by lethal injection Dec. 19 at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester for the murder of a 10-year-old girl whose nickname was "Coppertop." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board will consider his longshot request for clemency. Attorney General Gentner Drummond and his assistants included his remarks about the afterlife in a detailed packet of information about the murder. "The crimes committed by Kevin Ray Underwood remain some of the most depraved and notorious in Oklahoma history," they told the board. "No mercy is warranted here." What to know about the case Underwood was sentenced to death for acting on his cannibalistic fantasies and suffocating Jamie Rose Bolin on April 12, 2006, in his Purcell apartment. He was 26 at the time of the crime. The grocery store stocker confessed in a videotaped interview after his arrest that he invited Jamie, a neighbor, into his apartment to play with his pet white rat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He described in the interview "how he had recently developed a desire to abduct a person, sexually molest them, eat their flesh, and dispose of their remains," the Court of Criminal Appeals wrote in its 2011 opinion upholding his conviction and punishment. "He explains in considerable detail how he attempted to carry out this plan on Jamie Bolin, whom he had decided was a convenient victim," the court noted. Jamie Rose Bolin In the interview, Underwood said he hit the girl on the back of the head several times with a wooden cutting board and then suffocated her. She had been watching the cartoon, "SpongeBob SquarePants," on his TV. He said he tried to have sex with her body and used a dagger to try to remove her head. He said he became disgusted with himself and did not eat any of her body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Amber Alert was issued the next day. The search for the girl ended on April 14, 2006, when an FBI agent found a plastic tub in a closet at Underwood's apartment. "Go ahead and arrest me," Underwood said. "She's in there. I hit her and chopped her up. I'm going to burn in hell." Jurors at a 2008 trial quickly found him guilty of first-degree murder. They were split 10-2 on punishment at first but reached a unanimous decision on a death sentence after eight hours. Be the first to know: Sign up for breaking news email alerts "Truly, Underwoods crimes represent the worst of the worst of the worst," the attorney general and his assistants wrote in the packet given to the parole board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Jamies murder was both organized and ruthless, planned out over the course of months as Underwood continued feeding his fantasies of rape, pedophilia, sadism, cannibalism, and necrophilia," they wrote. The attorneys included photos of barbecue skewers that Underwood bought intending to torture his victim. They also included a photo of the head of a Barbie doll that had been stuck with needles. "Kind of illustrates what ... was in my fantasy," he said in his interview. In an impact statement for the board, the victim's sister, Lori Pate, directly addressed Underwood. "You showed me at the age of 14 that monsters are not just something made up from story books," she wrote. "They wear our same clothing and walk on our same streets. "You, Kevin Underwood, do not deserve clemency and we as a family deserve closure that the monster that ended a precious life can no longer walk this earth and hurt others, but will suffer in the eternal fires." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Kevin Stitt will make the final decision on clemency if the parole board recommends it. He could change the death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He has done so only once. Stitt cannot act if the board does not recommend clemency. Underwood's attorneys told the parole board he is severely mentally ill, not evil. They also blamed abuse and his addiction to pornography for his actions. "After a lifetime of abuse, Kevin realized he was slipping away, but he could not find himself help," they wrote. "Kevin ultimately cracked, and he decided to act on his worst fantasies, which were developed by spending the bulk of his life on the worst parts of the internet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No one knows who Kevin could have been. But with a little help, we know he wouldn't be who he is today." In a video prepared for the parole board, two childhood friends said the abuse came from his parents and students at schools. Before trial, Underwood was diagnosed as having schizotypal personality disorder. For his appeal, he was re-diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. His attorneys now say he has autism spectrum disorder, since Asperger's is no longer recognized in the United States as a formal diagnosis. In the video, his attorneys claimed he always has been deeply remorseful. In tears, his mother, Connie Underwood, said in the video, "I am so sorry for what Kevin did. I can't tell you how sorry that I am for that. ... I think of her everyday. ... And I know what he took away. And Kevin knows what he took away. He's so very aware of it. It haunts him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His hopes for the afterlife came from the Church of the SubGenius, he explained to his female acquaintance in 2022. He joined the church after high school. The attorney general and his assistants described the Church of the SubGenius as "a satirical religion that mocks the beliefs of traditional religions." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Pardon and Parole Board to vote on Kevin Underwood's clemency request HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A Conway woman is facing resisting arrest and other charges after she refused to get out of her car when an Horry County police officer spotted a gun magazine on the floorboard after pulling her over for speeding, documents show. Toniya Nieyell Hemingway, 25, was arrested after Saturday mornings incident and booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center on charges of resisting arrest, speeding, operating a vehicle without a license and registration, and window tinting and seat belt violations. She was being held on bonds totaling $1,325. The incident began at about 10:45 a.m. when an officer pulled over Hemingways 2006 Hyundai Sonata for speeding on Highway 544 near Carolina Lakes Boulevard at Carolina Lakes. A police report said she was going 57 mph in a 45 mph zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hemingway asked the officer why she was being pulled over and was told it was because she was speeding, the report said. She then refused multiple requests from the officer to provide her identification and vehicle registration and insurance information. That prompted the officer to open the door and ask her to get out of the car, the report said. Thats when the officer saw a black gun magazine fall onto the drivers side floorboard. The report said the officer then grabbed Hemingways arm and told her that if she didnt get out she would be arrested. She then grabbed the steering wheel and continued to refuse to get out of the car, the report said. I then reached inside to turn off the vehicle fearing [she] would put the public and herself at risk by fleeing, the officer wrote in the report. After turning the vehicle off I noticed [her], with her right hand, grabbing at items in the car. Fearing that she could potentially grab a firearm I immediately attempted to pull [her] out the vehicle forcefully. After several unsuccessful attempts I advised dispatch that I needed additional officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, the report said a witness stopped their vehicle in front of Hemingways car to prevent her from driving off. Other officers then arrived at the scene, and Hemingway was pulled out of the car and placed on the ground and handcuffed. While searching the car, officers also found a Glock handgun and a second magazine. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. 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. Commenting on the conflict in Syria, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Russia and Iran's "deepened" cooperation destabilises the security situation in Europe and the Middle East. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Quote: "The Syrian state is entering a new perilous phase of the war, which may have unforeseeable ramifications for regional peace and security. More than thirteen years of war in Syria have caused enormous sorrow and suffering for the people of the country. More than 500,000 Syrians have died, and millions of Syrians have become refugees or internally displaced persons." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diplomats emphasised that Bashar al-Assad's regime has primary responsibility for the crisis, having long used repression against Syrians and opening the country's territory to outsider action. Syria became the base for the efforts of Russia, Iran, and its allies, particularly the Hezbollah organisation. The Foreign Ministry recalled that in 2016, the Assad dictatorship recognised Russia's illegitimate annexation of Crimea, and that since 2022, it has contributed to Russian aggression against Ukraine, including by deploying mercenaries to fight the Ukrainian security and defence forces. "Today, scarcely a night passes without Ukrainians being threatened by Iranian Shahed UAV air raids, which Russia utilises to make life unbearable for civilians. The increased military-technical collaboration between Russia and Iran destabilises the security situation in both Europe and the Middle East. Moscow and Tehran are primarily responsible for Syria's deteriorating security situation. The heinous crimes committed by the regimes of Assad, Putin, and the Iranian ayatollahs against Syrians have threatened Syria's survival as a single independent state," the statement reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine insists on following UN Security Council Resolutions 2254 and 2118 as the basis for settling the conflict. It also emphasises the significance of restoring Syria's peace, unity, and stability through an inclusive national discourse. Background: Syrian authorities announced a "temporary withdrawal of troops" from the city of Aleppo in the northwest on 30 November to prepare a counteroffensive against the rebels. Reuters sources reported that the Syrian forces received orders for a "safe withdrawal" from key areas of Aleppo captured by the rebels. The sources added that Russia had promised Damascus additional military support to hinder the rebels, with new equipment expected to arrive within 72 hours. On 1 December, Russian and Syrian aircraft intensified bombing in the rebel-held northwest of Syria. Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- Colombias finance chief has been hit with fresh accusations in an alleged corruption scandal, adding to complications for President Gustavo Petro just as the government tries to navigate a deepening fiscal crisis. Most Read from Bloomberg Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla, who has just a month to secure approval for higher taxes meant to cover a 12 trillion peso ($2.7 billion) shortfall in next years budget, is now facing significant opposition in Congress, with lawmakers calling for his resignation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A former adviser to Bonilla testified against him, local broadcaster Noticias Caracol reported late Friday, alleging that the finance minister was aware of decisions made by lawmakers approving loans in exchange for government contracts that benefitted them personally. Bonilla, a close Petro ally, has denied any wrongdoing and the president has publicly defended him. I respect the work of the prosecutors office and Im confident that in proving that I eventually may make mistakes, but not crimes, Bonilla said Saturday in a post on X. The finance ministry didnt respond to a request for comment Monday. Lawmakers from the independent Green Alliance and opposition Radical Change party have said Bonilla should step aside from his government post to defend himself. The president of Congress, meanwhile, argues Petros administration must improve its budget execution before pushing for tax reform. Petro, Colombias first leftist leader, has warned that the Andean nation risks defaulting on its debt if Congress rejects the governments financing bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerns over fiscal stability have become paramount for creditors. Last week, the finance ministry announced a spending cut of 28.4 trillion pesos to comply with the fiscal rule, after the government failed to meet its tax revenue targets. The scandal raises serious questions about the ministers legitimacy to promote the financing law, Andres Pardo, a strategist at XP Investment, said by email. Time is running out, and this scandal further undermines any support he might still have in Congress. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. If you have purchased eggs from Costco lately, then it's time to check your fridge. On November 27, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a voluntary recall from Handsome Brook Farms, which is recalling 10,800 retail units of the Organic Pasture-Raised 24-Count Eggs, which it sold under the Kirkland Signature brand name. The eggs, the notice explained, are potentially contaminated with Salmonella. "The recall was initiated after the company determined that eggs not intended for retail distribution were instead packaged and distributed in retail packaging," the recall explains. "Additional supply chain controls and retraining are being put in place to prevent recurrence." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These recalled units were distributed to 25 Costco stores in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee beginning November 22, 2024. According to the notice, the Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture-Raised 24-Count Eggs come with the UPC number 9661910680 and are packaged in plastic egg cartons labeled with "Kirkland Signature" on the top. "The recall only applies to units with the Julian code 327 and a Use By Date of Jan 5, 2025, which can be found printed on the side of the plastic egg carton," it added. "No other products are impacted by this recall." Related: Bird Flu Was Detected in Raw Milk Sold in California Here's What You Need to Know To date, no illnesses have been reported in conjunction with this recall. However, the FDA added that salmonella can cause "serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems." Typically healthy persons experience "fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain" following an infection. It added, in rare circumstances, "infection with salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis." If you purchased the recalled eggs, the FDA says you should not consume them and instead return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Those with questions can reach out to Handsome Brook Farms directly by calling 646-733-4532 or via recall@hbfeggs.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, this wasn't the only salmonella-related recall to come out in late November. On November 29, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with state and local partners, also announced they are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to American/slicer cucumbers. In that case, 68 people have confirmed infections, 18 of which have been hospitalized. However, no deaths have been reported due to the cucumbers either, but again, consumers are asked to stay vigilant on what's in their crisper right now. Costco Pasture-Raised Eggs Recall Product: Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture-Raised 24-Count Eggs No. of units: 10,800 retail units of 24-count eggs; 259,200 eggs total Details: the Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs come with the UPC number 9661910680 and are packaged in plastic egg cartons labeled with Kirkland Signature on the top. States affected: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Read the original article on Food & Wine In Robert Biko Bakers Africology 300 class at UW-Milwaukee, students debate whether government policies have worsened the country's drug problem. David points out that during the height of the War on Drugs in the 1980s, a person convicted of possessing crack cocaine received the same sentence as someone who possessed 100 times more powder cocaine. Baker asks David to elaborate as to why. Well, Black people were advocating for harsher sentences, David explains. Even though crack is a derivative of cocaine, if you were caught with powder cocaine, you didnt receive as much time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baker then looks up the information David referenced on a large screen in front of the class. Baker reads the statistics out loud: Currently, a five-year mandatory sentence is triggered for possession of 28 grams of crack cocaine, while the same mandatory sentence for possession of powder cocaine requires 500 grams a nearly 18 to 1 disparity. It is the same drug, but less of it, mixed with other products targeted toward Black and brown people, Baker said. Good point, David, Baker said. County Executive David Crowley on the campus of UW-Milwaukee, November 18, 2024 where he is finishing up credits towards his undergraduate degree. Non-traditional college student strives to fit in on campus Almost 20 years older and better dressed than a typical college student, David navigates campus like any other senior, but with more responsibilities than when he dropped out at age 19. As a married father, he puts in four hours of homework every night, helps his daughters with their homework and juggles the rigors of a demanding job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, being older means he brings time management and life experiences into the classroom he didn't have 19 years ago. For instance, in his public speaking class, students had to deliver a speech in front of class. When the instructor asked who wanted to start, there were no volunteers. David stepped up in front and went first. When he finished, one of the students remarked, "Wow, is that how we are supposed to do it?" Another student piped in, "Hes good because he does it all the time. Hes the county executive. When Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, 38, returned to college three years ago, he only shared the news with family members and a few close friends. When hes on campus, hes just another student, keeping a low profile, just trying to fit in with his classmates. Even some professors are unaware he is the county's highest-ranking public official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One time, when he needed to miss a few classes because of prior job commitments, the instructor questioned what his job is. Crowley teased: You know Im the county executive, right? She had no clue. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, left, listens while classmate Ihuoma Edwardsm, 21, comments in an Africology 300 class November 18, 2024 at UW-Milwaukee. Crowley is finishing up credits towards his undergraduate degree. He expects to graduate on December 12 with aBachelor of Science degree in Community Engagement. Getting a college degree was an unmet goal in life, until now Crowley has achieved many significant milestones in his life: He served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Milwaukee from 2017 to 2020. He became Milwaukees youngest, and first African American, county executive in 2020. He was honored as a member of the Milwaukee Business Journals esteemed 40 under 40 class in 2021. He's a devoted husband and girl dad to three daughters, Alyssa, 17, Ava, 7, and Autumn, 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite overseeing an organization with a $1.4 billion budget and hundreds of employees, Crowley felt he was up against a glass ceiling because he never graduated from college. That will change on Dec. 15 when he delivers the commencement address at UWM's Panther Arena. Afterward, he will walk across the stage to accept his Bachelor of Science degree in Community Engagement, with his family cheering. This has been a great bonding moment for my daughters and me because we sit around the table and do our homework together, and thats a memory they will cherish, but I could not have done this without my wife, Ericka, he said. While returning to school was intimidating, by his second semester, Crowley found his groove and began to excel. Over his six semesters, he has earned only As and Bs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He hopes earning his degree can help motivate other adults who may have dropped out to return. He also wants his journey to inspire other Black youths who have faced the challenges of poverty to overcome those obstacles through education. He will be the first member of his family to graduate from college. Former Gov. Scott Walker scrutinized for not having a degree Crowley is not the first Milwaukee County executive without a college degree; his predecessors, Chris Abele and Scott Walker, also did not have diplomas. While Abeles lack of a degree did not draw much attention because of his success in the business world, criticism of Walkers educational background intensified when he ran for governor and peaked during his 2016 presidential campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about his lack of a degree during his presidential run, Walker said ultimately people judge him based on his performance and accomplishments rather than his educational qualifications. Walker was one semester short of graduating from Marquette University. Crowley's journey began after graduating from Bay View High School in 2004. He almost became a police cadet but decided his best route was to study sociology at UWM, so he enrolled in the fall of 2006. During his freshman year, Crowley experienced a significant life change when his then girlfriend gave birth to a child. With an extra mouth to feed, he dropped out of school and enrolled in an electrical apprenticeship program. Having grown up in poverty on the city's north side, he did not want his child to experience some of the challenges he faced, such as multiple evictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crowley was raised in one of the most difficult ZIP codes in the state, 53206. He spent his childhood on North 23rd and West Burleigh streets, an area infamously dubbed the Burleigh Zoo due to its rampant violence, crime, and decline of family-sustaining jobs. His father, David Sr., was an electrician who owned a small business, while his mother, Valerie, juggled multiple jobs as a waitress, bartender and more to provide for their family. Growing up, Crowley saw how the advent of crack cocaine also destroyed many Black families. He was able to avoid some of the pitfalls that trap many Black kids due to programs like Urban Underground, which turned youths into active role models in their schools and neighborhoods and strong mentors who supported him. Crowley was an involved dad when his daughter was born, taking her everywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She was my first child and my parents' first grandbaby," Crowley said. When Legal Aid held sent a letter to his house to inform him on an event for new fathers, he took his daughter to see what resources were available. While there, he encountered a resource table offering DNA testing. I didnt think anything of it, but I remember my mother telling me it wouldnt hurt, Crowley said. A few days later, in April 2007, he received unexpected news. I got a call, and all I remember is the woman on the other line saying, Hey, I have great news for you; the baby isnt yours. Crowley cried as the woman added, Oh, I guess that is not great news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl was 5 months old. I was devastated because I loved that baby, he said. David Crowley, left with his mother Valerie Crowley in this family photo. Crowley soaks in student and faculty perspectives on campus Though sometimes awkward, returning to school has advantages. Research and class discussions aren't merely academic exercises, such as the debate over drug policies. In July, Crowley proposed deploying $8.5 million in opioid settlement dollars to fund seven projects focused on opioid use disorder, reduction, prevention, and recovery programs over the next three years. On Nov. 18, in addition to discussing drug policies, Bakers Africology class also discussed the Boston Miracle program, which reduced gun violence in the city of Boston. When Baker asked what role privilege plays in causing systemic change, Crowley responded. People in privileged positions always think they must give up something to lift someone else up, and they dont want to do that right now. Crowley said we see how this is playing out in politics right now. This sparked a wider class discussion. Aly Treis, 24, of Slinger, said too many people in politics prioritize capital and money over peoples lives, and problems will continue to plague us until that changes. In David Kennedys book Dont Shoot, he talks about how the solution to fix the drug problem is by arresting more people, which only benefits the prison complex, and the root problem still exists. That doesnt do anything but make matters worse, Treis said. Baker said having someone like Crowley in his class makes his job easier because he brings theory to practice, and the students benefit from his knowledge. However, he also said Crowley is a student who allows others to talk and express themselves. The students love it, and we need more people like that on campus, Baker said. Crowley said he gets a boost from the young people in his class, and the rich dialogue is a welcomed break from some of the issues he deals with as county executive. Crowley said his only regret about school was that he didnt return sooner and that his mother, Valerie, who he called a God-fearing woman who instilled values in him that he holds close to his heart each day, won't see him graduate. Valerie Crowley died July 8, 2023. She was 62. Crowley said if his mother was still alive she would be on every radio show and in front of every TV camera telling people how proud she is of her son. "Not only because I'm leading the county but because I made this huge step to go back to get my degree when I didn't have to," Crowley said. So, what will Crowley do after he receives his diploma, officially breaking through that glass ceiling that he felt had held him back and continues to hold back thousands in the state who started school but dropped out before receiving their degree? Thats easy, Crowley said. Im going to throw a big party and celebrate. Reach James E. Causey at jcausey@jrn.com; follow him on X @jecausey. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee County Executive to graduate from UWM this month | Opinion DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A memorial service for those lost to violence in Montgomery County is happening today. The Montgomery County Prosecutors Office announced that it will host the Homicide Victim Memorial Service on tonight at 6:30 p.m. The annual event is held to memorialize the lives lost to violence. For most of us, the holidays are a time for joyful celebrations. However, for families and friends who have unexpectedly lost a loved one to violence, the holiday season can be especially difficult. I want those who are grieving to know that they are not alone and my staff and I are here to support them Mat Heck Jr., Montgomery County Prosecutor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The service will provide support for those who have survived such incidents, as well as a presentation of ornaments to a memorial tree. The service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in downtown Dayton. Call Kate Zawaideh, Director of the Victim/Witness Division at the Montgomery County Prosecuting Attorneys Office, at 937-225-5623 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 WDTN.com. 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 Pennsylvania Supreme Court has dealt a blow to Philadelphia and other municipalities efforts to pass stricter gun laws, but advocates say their fight isnt over. Theyre preparing to continue pushing for greater gun control on two fronts: the courts and divided state legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania is one of 42 states with a law that preempts local governments from passing or enforcing gun statutes stricter than those allowed by the legislature. This has long rankled leaders in big cities, who argue their jurisdictions have unique public safety needs that require their own laws. In 2021, the city of Philadelphia, anti-violence group CeaseFirePA, and others sued the commonwealth, arguing the state preemption law denies Pennsylvanians their constitutional rights to life and liberty. The state Supreme Court rejected the argument in a unanimous decision. Pittsburgh also appealed a preemption case to the high court, asking the justices to rule on several stalled local gun laws, including an assault rifle ban. City officials have said that litigation is likely over. Despite the ruling, Adam Garber, executive director of CeaseFirePA, says he still sees legal avenues to challenge the preemption law more directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other pending lawsuits specifically challenge whether the preemption law applies to municipalities regulating the sale of ghost gun parts kits to build untraceable firearms at home or the reporting of lost or stolen guns. The high court delayed them while it considered Crawford v. Commonwealth. In each of those cases, we are saying simply, this isnt about firearms, Garber said. This is about parts that arent preempted, or this is about people who arent the possessor legally of the firearm, and that those statutes should be allowed to go ahead. He added that in Crawford, the state Supreme Court did not in any way say that every law was preempted. And so we really urge them to consider that there are policies that are not preempted by state statute that they should allow for. Even though legal avenues might not be exhausted, state lawmakers who support tougher gun laws are feeling additional pressure to use the legislative process now that the state Supreme Court has ruled that the preemption stands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its troubling the court came out against communities making their own decisions about public safety, but the ruling is the ruling, said state Rep. Tim Briggs (D., Montgomery), who chairs the committee through which most gun legislation passes in the state House. Now its up to the legislature to keep up the fight and once again advance real gun violence prevention measures supported by a vast majority of Pennsylvanians and deliver results meeting constitutional muster, he told Spotlight PA. The state House, controlled narrowly by Democrats, passed three notable gun-related bills during the last two-year legislative session. One is known as a red flag law, which would allow courts to issue extreme risk protection orders seizing guns from people deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. Another would require background checks for all gun purchases, ending a longtime exception for private sales of long guns. The third would ban ghost gun kits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican-controlled state Senate did not consider the bills. State Sen. Lisa Baker (R., Luzerne) chairs the upper chambers Judiciary Committee and has said she is open to certain gun-related bills. In 2019, her committee held a series of hearings on guns and mental health, after which she said she called for constitutional, enforceable, and practical legislative proposals. Last year, after Democrats advanced bills to expand background checks and allow for the temporary seizure of guns, Baker said in a statement that they did not meet her standard. I believe the issue of helping individuals in crisis would be more appropriately addressed through a modernization of the mental health procedures law as it relates to gun rights to ensure those in need of treatment receive it and that due process is maintained, Baker said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Baker did not respond to a request for comment on other bills she might support in the session that begins in 2025. While the lower chamber is more amenable to gun restrictions, passage of these bills isnt guaranteed. A number of initiatives faltered during the last session, including bills requiring secure gun storage in homes with children; creating penalties for parents who let a minor possess a gun; banning sales of assault-style weapons; regulating 3D-printed firearms the same as regular guns; and shortening the deadline for judges to notify State Police of mental health conditions that should preclude someone from owning a gun. Some failed by a single vote, including a bill to require gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to police more quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others succeeded by similarly narrow margins. The bill to ban ghost guns passed the chamber with the support of three suburban Republicans; the red flag bill got support from just two GOP members. The universal background check got slightly stronger support, with nine Republican votes in favor. (The chambers most conservative Democrat voted against all three.) Garber, of CeaseFirePA, said he thinks lawmakers should learn from the successful state House bills. In particular, he thinks there is room for compromise on measures specifically targeted at stopping violent crime or cutting down on gun trafficking. I think when we talk about policies that address gun trafficking and guns used in violent crime, like ghost guns, theres real hope [that] Republicans, who are often saying they want to back the blue and back law enforcement, will step up, Garber said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trick, as he sees it, will be marrying the things that both parties care about. I think theres a lot of places where there are policies that have strong bipartisan support, strong support from the law enforcement community, and where the Republicans can say, Look, we have to deal with this particular aspect of the crisis. It has nothing to do with your ability to have a gun for hunting or for personal protection. Spotlight PAs Stephen Caruso contributed reporting. 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. 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. KABUL, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Police have apprehended 24 individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities across Afghanistan over the past 24 hours, the Ministry for Interior Affairs said on Monday. The arrested were involved in theft, armed robbery, murder and smuggling weapons illegally, among other criminal activities, the ministry said. The caretaker government has vowed to ensure law and order in the war-ravaged country. The Covid wars are still raging in 2024, and now the Covid contrarians are in charge. President-elect Donald Trump has rounded out his roster of health agency nominees by picking Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford University physician and economist who criticized lockdowns, school closures and health agency leadership during the pandemic, to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya joins a cohort of Trump nominees who made claims during the pandemic that were derided by health officials like Anthony Fauci and Francis Collins as they led the Covid response. Those nominees include Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon who criticized the Biden administrations Covid response and is Trumps choice to lead the Food and Drug Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps picks speak to a larger sentiment among many Americans that health officials got some of the pandemic response wrong particularly on school closures and lockdowns. Some experts say creating a binary of who got the pandemic right and wrong is unhelpful. Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, warned against what he called false alternatives of one side versus another on Covid policy. Most of the time during the pandemic, nuance was not allowed, he said. But the strictest Covid policies may have gone too far, some experts say, and resentment over them has fueled contrarians rise to power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In retrospect, we probably shut down businesses and shuttered schools and restricted travel more than we needed to, Paul Offit, a vaccine inventor and pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, told POLITICO. We are paying the price for that. That was seen by many as government overreach and I think it largely contributed to the distrust we have now in public health agencies. To take it a step further, I think that distrust, in many ways, opened the door for people like Makary and Bhattacharya and RFK Jr. But the public is using a binary framework to assess the pandemic, even if health experts wish they werent. In some cases, Bhattacharya and Makarys views, thought to be fringe at the time, held up. In other instances, experts say, their views remain controversial or even dangerous. Heres how experts view five of the contrarian claims Bhattacharya and Makary made during the pandemic, given what is known today: 1. Keeping students out of school was a grave injustice Who made the claim: Bhattacharya, October 2020 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened: The pandemic caused unprecedented disruption in the lives of children, their families and their schools. The halt to regular classroom life starting in March 2020 and the uneven return to in-person learning that followed contributed to sharp declines in test scores while some mental health providers and parents blame it for a spike in social and emotional damage to young people. Teacher unions and their leaders resisted pressure to quickly reopen K-12 schools. But even evangelists for reopening which by the summer of 2020 included the American Academy of Pediatrics could not overcome widespread fear that a rush back to regular classes would put children, teachers and their communities at risk. The reopening debate also became inextricably linked to partisan politics and broader arguments over masks, social distancing and eventually vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colleges and universities with older students, dormitories, plus active nightlife scenes confronted different considerations than daycares or elementary schools. In reopening for the 2020-2021 school year, many imposed stringent social distancing and quarantine rules that remained in place even after vaccines became widely available. Most schools reopened with some form of in-person learning by the spring of 2021, but families from communities hit hardest by the disease often chose to keep their children at home. What the evidence shows: Lengthy school closures likely did not make a significant dent in slowing the virus spread, despite great cost to students, and schools could have operated more normally with basic safeguards, studies have found. But fundamental disagreements remain between infectious disease specialists and politicians who believe keeping schools open especially without adequate safety measures would have led to more spread and death in surrounding communities, and those who believe far more should have been done to keep schools operating normally. 2. Natural immunity from prior infection could end the pandemic Who made the claim: Makary, February 2021 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened: A drop in new Covid cases of 77 percent over six weeks was evidence, Makary said, that herd immunity was imminent, at which point vaccination and prior infection would cause a dramatic decline in disease spread. At the current trajectory, I expect Covid will be mostly gone by April, allowing Americans to resume normal life, Makary wrote. When the chain of virus transmission has been broken in multiple places, its harder for it to spread and that includes the new strains. Makary acknowledged that new variants would mean that Covid-19 would persist for decades but noted that countries with new variants were seeing significant declines in new cases. He said that reinfections were generally mild. As we encourage everyone to get a vaccine, we also need to reopen schools and society to limit the damage of closures and prolonged isolation. Contingency planning for an open economy by April can deliver hope to those in despair and to those who have made large personal sacrifices, Makary said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the evidence shows: If the virus had not mutated, Makary may have been correct that Covid would have been mostly gone by April 2021 though well never know for sure. Many virologists expected mutation was inevitable. Covid case growth did slow significantly as vaccinations ramped up in the spring of 2021. Initial data on vaccines showed they were highly effective at preventing transmission of the disease, not just reducing the severity of illness, which led many experts to proclaim that the end of Covid dominating daily life was near. President Joe Biden even celebrated independence from Covid in a July 4, 2021 address. But even as Biden declared that America had gained the upper hand on the virus, the Delta variant that summer led to a major spike in cases and increase in severity. That signaled that herd immunity had not been reached, despite a significant portion of the population having either received a vaccine or endured an infection. The highly transmissible Omicron variant took hold at the end of 2021 and led to record levels of cases nationwide, and deaths spiked near their 2020 winter peak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Studies suggest that Covid reinfections likely have similar levels of severity. Natural immunity is a factor. Its not necessarily the way you want to become immune to Covid, Adalja said. Others also wrongly predicted herd immunity was possible, including Fauci, who said it would come when most Americans had received vaccines. Herd immunity was a bad idea then and a bad idea now, said Georges Benjamin, director of the American Public Health Association. You have a higher risk of complications from an acute [Covid] infection. Theres a misconception that achieving herd immunity was ever possible, according to Offit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youll never have herd immunity for this kind of virus, he said of viruses like flu, RSV and coronaviruses. If the entire world were vaccinated or infected naturally, those viruses would still circulate. 3. Mandatory masking was a mistake, especially for kids Who made the claim: Makary, November 2021 What happened: Some states and cities, particularly in Democratic-controlled areas, mandated the wearing of masks into early 2022. Some schools in those areas required them for children until the summer of that year. A federal judge in Florida ordered the end of a mask mandate for airplanes, subways and other forms of public transit in April 2022. A federal judge in Louisiana ended a mask mandate for pre-kindergarten students in the federal governments Head Start program in September 2022. Makary, who recommended universal masking in May 2020, had decided that was unnecessary by the fall of 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you use universal masking as a heavy hand beyond its utility, you alienate the authority of public health, Makary told Free Press founder Bari Weiss, even as he continued to recommend the practice for elderly and other high-risk people. Kids learning and language acquisition were harmed due to using an indiscriminate mask policy at times, according to Makary, adding that it may not even be working, and we dont have any data that it is. What the evidence shows: Many public health officials say that masking made good sense. Masking was a good idea, Offit said. According to Offit, masks dont provide perfect protection, especially the cloth masks recommended early in the pandemic when medical grade ones were in short supply, but quality masks work. Doctors have long worn masks while working to prevent infections. However, hard evidence that they work is thin. The Cochrane Library, a London-based organization that assesses randomized control trials, reviewed mask studies and reported in 2023 that the studies did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection. But Cochrane said the relatively low quality of the studies meant they couldnt come to any conclusive result about whether masks work. In retrospect, Offit said more nuanced guidance on masking might have made more sense than recommending them for everyone, all the time. The case for masking is especially strong, he said, for people who are sick and cannot stay home. 4. Vaccine mandates and guidance for young, healthy people were unscientific Who made the claim: Makary, June 2021, and Bhattacharya, November 2021 What happened: Biden moved to mandate Covid vaccines for employees at companies with more than 100 workers in November 2021, along with most civil servants, government contractors and health care workers. The Defense Department that summer had mandated the shots for its personnel. Thousands of people who refused lost their jobs. By the summer of 2021, an outbreak of the disease among vaccinated people in Provincetown, Massachusetts, demonstrated that vaccinated people could carry the disease, despite claims from Biden and then-CDC Director Rochelle Walensky that they could not. Because the vaccines did not prevent infection, Bhattacharya argued that mandating the shots was unethical. Makary also made the case that vaccine guidance, that everyone gets two doses of the vaccines, was overbroad. He pointed to a Johns Hopkins analysis he was a part of, which found that the mortality rate of Covid among children without preexisting conditions was zero. He also alleged that the CDC was undercounting potential vaccine complications. The Supreme Court struck down the private-sector vaccine mandate in January 2022, finding the administration didnt have the power to impose it. Biden ended the vaccine mandate for federal workers in May 2021. Most European countries no longer recommend additional annual doses to healthy young people. The U.S. still recommends them for everyone age 6 months and up. What the evidence shows: Theres near-universal agreement among public health officials that most people are well served by getting the initial two shots. Theres less about boosters. It is true that as the pandemic went on, we knew the risk to kids was less than we originally thought, Benjamin told POLITICO. In recent years, the CDC has shifted much of its public health messaging around updated Covid vaccination to target vulnerable groups, including older Americans and people who are immunocompromised, to acknowledge their higher risk of severe complications. Benjamin noted that the benefits of vaccinating young, healthy people is also about protecting vulnerable populations, including family members, people undergoing cancer treatment and people with compromised immune systems, as the shots provide some protection against infection. We also know that a primary Covid infection puts you at higher risk of long Covid, he added. People who are infected and not vaccinated have a higher risk. Offit said Makarys notion that children were an invulnerable group against Covid was wrong. There are about 1,800 children who died of Covid. Not all of them had medical problems. So you could be a healthy child and die from Covid. So children needed a vaccine. You would much rather get your immunity from the vaccine than from a wild-type infection, he said. Offit initially advised his own son not to get a third dose, saying he felt two doses were sufficient against severe illness, but later changed his mind. 5. Lockdown costs outweighed their benefits Who made the claim: Bhattacharya, October 2020 What happened: Most states issued stay-at-home orders in the spring of 2020 as Covid started to spread. But the restrictions they imposed were not as onerous as those in Europe, where countries barred people from leaving their homes or required them to stay within a certain perimeter, or in China, where they were even more onerous. The most restrictive state orders closed non-essential workplaces and schools, but Americans could move about. Bhattacharya laid out an alternative strategy in his Great Barrington Declaration, an open letter published in October 2020 and signed by thousands of public health experts. It argued against lockdown measures and in favor of letting low-risk people build up herd immunity. Current lockdown policies are producing devastating effects on short and long-term public health, according to the declaration, listing lower childhood vaccination rates, fewer cancer screenings and worse mental health among the consequences of keeping schools and businesses closed. Bhattacharya and his cosigners said young people and underprivileged people were disproportionately harmed. Our goal should therefore be to minimize mortality and social harm until we reach herd immunity. What the evidence shows: Some infectious disease experts think Bhattacharya had a point about the costs and benefits of at least some of the restrictions. We didnt need to close schools nearly as long as we did, Offit said. Children suffered from decreased education, decreased socialization. That was a mistake. We probably didnt need to close businesses as long as we closed them, either. Others think the jury may still be out about the impact of social distancing. We know now that the intent of social distancing was to stop the spread of infection before we had the vaccine, Benjamin said. We had to bend the curve to decompress our health systems. Those health systems that got overwhelmed with Covid had worse clinical outcomes than hospitals that did not get overwhelmed. Adalja said the Great Barrington Declaration also failed to consider other ways out of the pandemic, like adopting stringent testing policies or increased ventilation. Lockdowns arent a treatment of choice, he said. Theyre a last resort. CHICAGO Chicago police are searching for a missing 50-year-old woman who may need medical attention. Police said Catherine Skarr was last seen in the 100 block of East Bellevue Place in Gold Coast and last had contact with loved ones on Tuesday, Nov. 26. (Source: Chicago Police Department) Skarr was last seen wearing a red sweater, black pants and black gym shoes, according to investigators. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is 503 and weighs 125 pounds with blue eyes and blonde hair. Police added she may be in need of medical attention. Anyone who sees her or knows of her whereabouts is asked to call Area Three Detectives at 312-744-8266. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A portion of a major Greene County road is shut down due to a crash. According to the Xenia Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, troopers were dispatched at 10:43 a.m. to U.S. 68 near Ireland Road in Greene County. Once troopers arrived at the scene, they reportedly found multiple vehicles which had been involved in a crash. OSP told 2 NEWS that injuries were reported. OHGO reports U.S. 68 is shut down in both directions in the area of the crash. 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. DETROIT (AP) A program that provides federal funds to groups in Detroit working to reduce homicides and shootings is showing reductions of 83%, 73% and 61% in some of the city's most violent areas. The numbers come as Detroit is on pace to continue setting historic lows in those crimes, according to the city. ShotStoppers ' metrics measure the level of homicides and shootings in the current quarter compared to the same quarter in the two prior years and were released Monday by Mayor Mike Duggan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program kicked off in 2023. Going by names like Force Detroit, Detroit 300, Detroit Friends and Family, and New Era Community Connection, activists and residents are empowered to use their own strategies to prevent violence. Those strategies include teaching young people to think critically, improving training opportunities for adults, drug prevention and blight removal. Each group also is alerted by the police department whenever there is a shooting in their zone, Duggan told The Associated Press last week. Because an hour later there will be a retaliation, Duggan said. The key is getting people to make different decisions. Theyve brokered agreements with groups beefing with one another. What theyre doing is making a difference. The six groups focus on parts of the city that between 2018 and 2022 were hotspots for homicides and shootings. The recent drops in what the city calls Community Violence Intervention or CVI zones are from August through October and are compared to the same three-month period in 2023 and 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homicides and shootings were down 35% in areas not part of the CVI zones. The 83% reduction in the Detroit Friends and Family CVI zone on Detroit's far northeast side was achieved through mediation strategies inside jails and juvenile facilities, working with the area's youth and looking at the goings-on within social networks, said Ray Winans, the group's founder. It's not so much what we say to them. It's more so what we hear from them, Winans told The Associated Press last week. We want to hear what their stories are. We know our stories and support them while they are going through theirs'. This is a group of young men and women whose brains aren't fully developed yet, he added. We don't look at leadership in the sense of traditional leadership. We serve as an example of what's possible. We deal with behavior modifications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tamica Nixon, 48, has relatives who live in Winans CVI zone. She said just a year or so ago the sound of gunshots was prevalent. There were so many gunshots you would think thats the type of things you would hear in a war, Nixon said following Duggans announcement at a neighborhood church. Everything has really improved now. Its safer. The program is similar in name to the gunshot detection technology, ShotSpotter, which has been used and later dropped by Chicago and several other police departments in the United States. Violent crime in Detroit has been trending down for several years, with annual homicides being at their lowest since 1966 when there were 214 homicides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Detroit recorded 252 homicides and 804 nonfatal shootings. Those numbers were 309 and 955, respectively, in 2022. The city recorded 308 homicides in 2021 compared to 323 in 2020. There also were 1,064 nonfatal shootings in 2021, down from 1,170 the year before. Officials have placed some credit to the drop in violent crime citywide to the hiring of about 200 new police officers over the past few years and a partnership between the city, Wayne County and the state that improves coordination among agencies and courts. ShotStoppers' success only appears to add to the lower numbers. The project currently is funded by $10 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and each group started with a $175,000 base budget per quarter. Bonus grants are awarded to the groups that significantly cut serious violence in their areas. With federal funding expiring in April, the statewide $100 million Public Safety & Violence Prevention Trust Fund being considered by Michigan lawmakers In Lansing could continue funding for the program. If approved, Detroit plans to add two new groups. Editors Note: The following arrest and incident reports were supplied by the Abilene Police Department. All information below comes from reports made by responding officers, and all suspects are considered not guilty unless determined otherwise in a court of law. Incidents 2700 block of N Willis Street Assault Family Violence A victim alleges he was assaulted by his adult son. 900 block of Mesquite Street Assault Family Violence A suspect was arrested for assault family violence after a victim reported her boyfriend hit her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 500 block of Bynum Street Consume Alcohol by Minor A suspect was arrested for assault family violence and consumption of alcohol by a minor. 1000 block of Kirkwood Street Assault A passenger alleged assault family violence during a traffic stop. 2700 block of Roman Lane Burglary of Habitation A local home builder reported items were stolen from several homes under construction. 2700 block of Industrial Boulevard Theft of Property 8 lottery tickets and $160 in cash was reported stolen. 400 block of Vine Street- Assault Family Violence A victim reported she was assaulted by her daughter. 6300 block of Directors Parkway Theft of Firearm A firearm was reported stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4300 block of Southwest Drive Robbery A report for robbery was taken at an Abilene department store. 3400 block of N 10th Street Assault An assault report was taken at a north Abilene business after a suspect threw a drink at a coworker. 4300 block of Southwest Drive Theft of Property A suspect was contacted for stealing $150 worth of items from an Abilene business. 1100 block of S 15th Street Assault Family Violence A report was taken for assault in south Abilene. 5600 block of Maple Street Criminal Mischief A citizen reported an unknown suspect damaged property owned by the City of Abilene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2000 block of Burger Street Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon Police investigated an aggravated assault on an Abilene roadway. 4300 block of Southwest Drive Theft of Property Several items were stolen in south Abilene. 4200 block of Woods Place Assault A victim reported he was assaulted by a suspect in south Abilene. 800 block of E Hwy 80 Warrant 3600 block of Catclaw Drive Theft of Firearm A firearm and accessories were reported stolen from a vehicle. 300 block of Miss Ellie Lane Assault A victim reported her husband assaulted her. 2400 block of Buffalo Gap Road Burglary of Habitation A report was taken for Burglary of Habitation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5600 block of S 1st Street Assault Family Violence A victim reported their girlfriend assaulted them. Arrests Dominic Zarate Warrant Tony Duarte Criminal Trespass Anna Urrabazo Public Intoxication Cameron Pulton Theft of Property Kevin Anderson Warrant Daniel Medina Driving While Intoxicated Lisa Sarmiento Warrant Roxalys Rodriguez Gonzalez Driving While Intoxicated with Child Darrell Hodge Warrant Melissa Reed Theft of Property, Fraudulent Use/Possession of Identifying Information Valerie Lomas Warrant Felipe Garcia Public Intoxication Rebecca Vanorsdol Warrant, Unauthorized Use of Vehicle Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brianna Cherry Warrant Ashley Baker Walk on Wrong Side of Road Thomas Martinez Public Intoxication, Warrant, Resist Arrest Search or Transport Megan Ford Possession of Controlled Substance, Knowingly Altered License Plate Matthew Wright Manufacture Delivery Controlled Substance, Warrant, Evading Arrest Detention Zawadi Chamwila Assault Family Violence Ralph Martinez Assault Family Violence Diamond Larkins Leaving Child in Vehicle (citation issued) Nicole Riley Assault Family Violence Kenneth Chavers Warrant Brady Rhoton Warrant Cheyenne Hansen Driving While Intoxicated Elizabeth Alhatab Attempt to Take Weapon from Officer, Resist Arrest Search or Transport Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicholas Perez Warrant Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. VERNON, Conn. (WTNH) A Maine man is facing multiple charges after a trooper allegedly saw him driving more than 110 mph on Interstate 84 East in Vernon. Isaac Carlos, 32, of Brunswick, Maine, has been charged with reckless driving, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, misuse of registration plates and second-degree reckless endangerment. He has been released on a $5,000 bond. A trooper saw Carlos driving 113 mph at 1:10 a.m. Monday on I-84 near the Vernon and Manchester line, according to state police. He was driving a Ford Fusion that had a different vehicles license plate on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44) The Central Texas College (CTC) Foundation will host its third annual Lighting of the Bell Tower, and youre invited! This is a free holiday event open to the public. The evening will feature the lighting of the iconic Bell Tower, a visit from Santa Claus, story time with Mrs. Claus, caroling, cookies and cocoa. There will also be performances by the CTC choir and band, local elementary school district choir performances, and a stroll through festive lighting displays across campus. CTC says the event also includes the Lighting of the Bell Tower Tree Farm, which showcases six-foot decorated trees by Killeen Independent School District and Copperas Cove Independent School District elementary schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event will take place on Tuesday night at the Central Texas College Campus, located at 6200 W Central Texas Expressway. Vendors open at 5 p.m., with the lighting ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. Story time with Mrs. Claus will take place at 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. The Cumberland Island Museum is donating its entire collection to further knowledge of the ecology of Georgias largest barrier island. The museum, incorporated as a nonprofit in 1985, houses a collection of thousands of items including marine and terrestrial mammals, fish, birds, mollusks, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as flora collected on the island. My hope is that these items will be reunited with the remainder of the collection that is already housed at the University of Georgia, said Carol Ruckdeschel, the museums founder, who began collecting in the mid-1960s when she started visiting Cumberland Island as a Georgia State University student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collection expanded dramatically after Ruckdeschel moved to the island permanently in 1973. Over the years, the museum has been used for scholarly research including research projects to tag sea turtles to track migratory patterns and monitor alligator and eagle nests. Since 1990, the museum has published a quarterly newsletter summarizing Ruckdeschels latest findings and observations. Big changes could be in the offing for Cumberland Island. The National Park Service (NPS) released a visitation plan two years ago that could double daily visitation to the island - accessible only by boat - from the current limit of 300 that dates back to 1984. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This fall, the NPS proposed four land exchanges at the Cumberland Island National Seashore the agency says would protect important parcels now privately owned from development. Both plans have drawn opposition from environmental advocates worried they could threaten the islands pristine character. An aerial view of CVS corporate headquarters at 1 CVS Drive, Woonsocket. (Screenshot from CVS Health Corporate B-Roll) Nearly 800 workers with CVS Health will lose their jobs in early 2025, including a dozen employees who work out of, or report to supervisors in, its northern Rhode Island headquarters. The Nov. 25 layoff notice sent to state and local officials comes less than three months after a round of local layoffs cut more than 600 workers based out of the Woonsocket and Cumberland facilities, including 153 Rhode Island residents. Both cuts were part of the pharmacy giants already-announced plans to lay off 2,900 employees nationwide, equal to 1% of its workforce, amid a weakening balance sheet pulled down by a struggling insurance arm and changing health care landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In mid-October, the company swapped its corner office executive, while downgrading its financial forecast for the quarter that ended Sept. 30. Federal law under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act requires companies to let state and town officials know about closures and mass layoffs at least 60 days in advance. The Nov. 25 letter to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training and the mayors of Cumberland and Woonsocket does not offer a reason for the additional cuts. Kara Page, a company spokesperson, said in an email Monday that the layoffs are part of the 2,900 cuts announced earlier this year, including much of its acute home infusion service arm, Coram, which is closing 29 of its pharmacies this year and discontinuing certain services. Of the 796 workers set to lose their jobs between Jan. 25 and Feb. 7, 2025, a total of 12 work directly out of the Woonsocket headquarters or surrounding corporate facilities in Woonsocket and Cumberland. The rest are remote or work from home employees in other states who report to the Rhode Island facility, according to the layoff notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhode Island jobs being cut include several management positions, one nurse, one executive assistant and two senior data scientists. Employees who are being laid off will receive severance pay and benefits, including help with finding new jobs, Page said. Cumberland Mayor Jeffrey Mutter and Woonsocket Mayor Christopher Beauchamp did not immediately respond to inquiries for comment on Monday. CVS financial struggles have sparked concern about the companys future in Rhode Island, particularly if, as suggested previously by its board of directors, the retail pharmacy and insurance are spun off into different companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Page did not initially answer specific questions about CVS commitment to staying in Rhode Island on Monday. In a subsequent email Tuesday morning, Page said there are no plans to make any changes to its Woonsocket headquarters. This story has been updated. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Today millions of Americans are taking advantage of Cyber Monday deals to get a jump on holiday shopping. Thats happening at the same time Amazon employees worldwide are protesting to demand better pay and benefits. Here in Washington, that isnt the case. Many people are already shipping out those Cyber Monday packages. The Black Friday rush marks the beginning of Amazons busy season. Typically we see from Thanksgiving to Christmas an influx of volume, we will see tens of thousands more packages daily here. Normally, we see around 50,000 packages a day here in Puyallup, said Manager Dave Daigle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But worldwide, some distribution operations have been interrupted as employees have walked out of Amazon facilities to demand higher pay and better benefits as part of the Make Amazon Pay day. UNI Global has partnered with the Teamsters Union for this protest for the fifth year in a row. UNI Global says Employees in the United States, India, Japan, and more started protesting on Friday and will continue through Monday. On Friday, Amazon Teamsters posted several pictures on social media showing Amazon employees with Make Amazon Pay signs. The X posts say Amazon Teamsters are taking action this #BlackFriday. Amazon Teamsters told us theyre from facilities in Kentucky, Illinois, New York, Michigan, and California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Amazon denies that, saying in a statement: We have no reports of Amazon related protests/walkouts/demonstrations happening in the US on Black Friday or Cyber Monday and there has been no impact to our operations. Amazon tells us no delays in shipping are expected. They say everything will continue to move smoothly. As for the protests happening across the world, Amazon Teamsters and UNI Global say that will end Monday night. Residents are seen in the northern countryside of Hama, Syria, on Dec. 1, 2024. A surprise offensive launched last week by a coalition of rebel groups in the western countryside of northwestern Syria's Aleppo has stretched deeper into the country still being bruised by a 13-year-long civil war. As rebel militants are advancing southward after wresting control of most of Aleppo over the weekend, government forces on Sunday launched a counteroffensive in central Syria, reclaiming key areas from the rebels. The assault, the first significant one since 2016 when rebel groups were driven out of Aleppo, has triggered grave concern over the reopening of a new violent front in the Middle East that has just seen a glimmer of hope for peace with the newly-reached Lebanon truce. (Str/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- A surprise offensive launched last week by a coalition of rebel groups in the western countryside of northwestern Syria's Aleppo has stretched deeper into the country still being bruised by a 13-year-long civil war. As rebel militants are advancing southward after wresting control of most of Aleppo over the weekend, government forces on Sunday launched a counteroffensive in central Syria, reclaiming key areas from the rebels. The assault, the first significant one since 2016 when rebel groups were driven out of Aleppo, has triggered grave concern over the reopening of a new violent front in the Middle East that has just seen a glimmer of hope for peace with the newly-reached Lebanon truce. RAPID REBEL ADVANCE On Wednesday, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) -- an al-Qaida-linked extremist organization -- and allied opposition factions rocked the western countryside of Aleppo in a major rebel offensive aimed at penetrating government-held territories. By Friday, they had swept into parts of Aleppo for the first time since 2016. Faced with overwhelming militants and multiple attacks, the Syrian army announced a temporary redeployment of its forces. The rebels on Saturday advanced in Hama province in western-central Syria and took control of multiple towns and villages in the northern part of the province, after capturing key territories in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. In a significant development, the HTS seized Aleppo International Airport on Saturday, the first civilian airport to fall under HTS control, according to Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). On Sunday, state media and the SOHR reported that the Syrian government forces launched a counter-offensive in the northern countryside of Hama, reclaiming key areas from the rebel groups. State-run Syrian television reported Sunday that some 1,000 militants from the HTS and affiliated groups were killed over the past three days during the Syrian army's operations. Meanwhile, the SOHR said that Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces on Sunday began an offensive on Tel Rifaat, a Kurdish-controlled city in the northern countryside of Aleppo province, and that "there are violent clashes between Kurdish forces and the (opposition) factions." According to the SOHR, the rebel advance since Wednesday has prompted significant changes in the region, including the withdrawal of Iranian-backed militias and the repositioning of Kurdish units on the northwestern outskirts of Aleppo. CIVILIANS FALL VICTIM The SOHR said Sunday that at least 372 people had been killed in Syria, including at least 20 civilians, since the onset of the offensive on Wednesday. The death toll also includes military personnel. The recent escalation of violence in Syria came "at a time when countless people, many of whom have already endured the trauma of displacement, are now forced to flee once more, leaving behind their homes and livelihoods," UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula said Sunday in a statement. Before the recent influx of more than half a million returnees and refugees from Lebanon, there were more than 16.7 million people in Syria in need of humanitarian assistance, said Abdelmoula. Due to the latest violence, "even more lives now need to be urgently saved," he said, noting that the heavy fighting has "resulted in the tragic loss of innocent civilian lives, including women and children, damage to civilian infrastructure, and the suspension of critical services." What Abdelmoula referred to is a dire humanitarian crisis in Syria that resulted from a civil war in the country extending into its 14th year. As the 2025 situation overview published by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) showed, the prolonged war has dragged more people than ever into deeper poverty. Calling the Syria situation "one of the largest displacement crises in the world," the UN agency overview projected that in 2025, there would be 7.2 million internally displaced people and 6.2 million refugees primarily hosted in the neighboring countries of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkiye. Meanwhile, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said in a recent appeal that children in Syria are facing one of the most complex emergencies in the world. "Almost 7.5 million children in Syria will need humanitarian assistance in 2024 because of the worsening economic crisis, mass displacement, and devastated public infrastructure," UNICEF said. Around 90 percent of families in Syria live in poverty, it said. "The collapsing health care system, lack of access to safe water, poor sanitation and increasing food insecurity has resulted not only in increased vulnerability to fast-spreading waterborne and vaccine-preventable diseases, but also sparked a dramatic increase in malnutrition among children." MOUNTING CALLS FOR DE-ESCALATION The lightning rebel offensive on Aleppo has dampened the dawning light of broader regional peace following the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire that went into effect early Wednesday, which itself remains fragile amid subsequent sporadic Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon's border areas. As the world gazes at the developments in Syria, support for Syria's territorial integrity came from both regional countries and those further afield, while the international community called for de-escalation and dialogue among relevant parties to address the crisis. On Saturday, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said the UAE "stands with the Syrian state and supports it in combating terrorism, extending its sovereignty, unifying its territories, and achieving stability." Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said Saturday that "Syria's security and stability are closely linked to Iraq's national security," and play a crucial role in regional security and efforts to establish stability in the Middle East. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also reiterated support for Syrian national institutions and stressed "Syria's vital role in fostering regional stability and combating terrorism." On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Muslim states to help address the problem in Syria, saying regional security could be achieved through efforts of regional states and there is no need for foreign interference. Later in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi had reportedly departed for a tour in Syria's capital Damascus. Meanwhile, King Abdullah II of Jordan emphasized Jordan's solidarity with Syria, reaffirming its support for Syria's territorial unity, sovereignty, and stability. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara is "against any development that would increase instability in the region and we support moves to reduce the tension in Syria." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has expressed Russia's "decisive" support for Syria's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its government and army in their fight against "terrorist groups." Russian Defence Ministry said its air force had carried out strikes on Syrian rebels in support of Syria's army. In Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro's government on Saturday denounced the rebels as "terrorists" and condemned all attacks against the Syrian state, according to media reports. U.S. National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said Saturday that the United States "has nothing to do with this offensive," and is closely monitoring the escalating situation in Syria. The United States called for immediate de-escalation, protection of civilians and minority groups, and the initiation of a credible political process to end the Syrian civil war, Savett said. The French Foreign Ministry called on all parties involved in the military developments in Aleppo to "respect international humanitarian law and protect civilian populations," and urged diplomatic efforts at the UN to resolve the conflict. In a statement on Sunday, the British Foreign Ministry called for negotiations and for relevant parties to "protect civilian lives and infrastructure." This photo taken with a cell phone shows smoke rising over the city of Aleppo, Syria, on Dec. 1, 2024. A surprise offensive launched last week by a coalition of rebel groups in the western countryside of northwestern Syria's Aleppo has stretched deeper into the country still being bruised by a 13-year-long civil war. As rebel militants are advancing southward after wresting control of most of Aleppo over the weekend, government forces on Sunday launched a counteroffensive in central Syria, reclaiming key areas from the rebels. The assault, the first significant one since 2016 when rebel groups were driven out of Aleppo, has triggered grave concern over the reopening of a new violent front in the Middle East that has just seen a glimmer of hope for peace with the newly-reached Lebanon truce. (Str/Xinhua) Residents are seen in the northern countryside of Hama, Syria, on Dec. 1, 2024. A surprise offensive launched last week by a coalition of rebel groups in the western countryside of northwestern Syria's Aleppo has stretched deeper into the country still being bruised by a 13-year-long civil war. As rebel militants are advancing southward after wresting control of most of Aleppo over the weekend, government forces on Sunday launched a counteroffensive in central Syria, reclaiming key areas from the rebels. The assault, the first significant one since 2016 when rebel groups were driven out of Aleppo, has triggered grave concern over the reopening of a new violent front in the Middle East that has just seen a glimmer of hope for peace with the newly-reached Lebanon truce. (Str/Xinhua) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Monday on the Daily 8, were looking at the consequences of the Michigan-Ohio State brawl, the opening for Bittersweet Ski Resorts, Ball Park Floral celebrating 120 years and more. You can watch the full Daily 8 for Dec. 2, 2024, in the video player above or check out any of the stories mentioned below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each weekday, the Daily 8 brings you the top eight stories we are keeping an eye on in and around West Michigan. Join us again Tuesday for the Daily 8. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DALE COUNTY, Ala (WDHN) A Daleville man accused of raping a child under ten and fleeing to a national forest has pled guilty. Court records show 33-year-old Colt Lecuyer pled guilty to rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and two counts of a SORNA Violation on October 17 and was sentenced to 90 years in prison. Lecuyer was transported from the Dale County Jail to an Alabama prison on Monday, December 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was arrested in early June in the Tuskegee National Forest. READ MORE: Dale Co. sex crime suspect transported back to the Wiregrass after arrest in Central Alabama Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum said that on Friday, May 31, his department received a call from someone in Level Plains claiming they saw Lecuyer having sex with an 8-year-old girl in the back of his truck. When police arrived, they said Lecuyer had fled the scene. The Sunday after the initial call, Dale County Investigators say they discovered Lecuyer fleeing on foot in the Tuskegee National Forest. After a four-mile chase through the forest, Lecuyer was taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an Aniahs Law bond hearing in the summer, Dale County Investigator Lt. Caroline Jackson testified that while on the run, Lecuyer texted his girlfriend, saying he wanted to explain what happened and claimed the 8-year-old girl enticed him, blaming her for the incident. Dale Co. man charged with rape claims child enticed him, investigators reveal during bond hearing Lt. Jackson also said Lecuyer sent messages to his mother while fleeing, saying, My life is over, and I am sorry I failed my family. Lecuyer was denied bond shortly after the Aniahs Law hearing and was indicted in late September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. Dallas megachurch pastor Bishop T.D. Jakes addressed his congregation remotely on Sunday, a week after experiencing a health scare during a sermon, declaring, "You're looking at a miracle." In a video message to the Potter's House Church, the 67-year-old pastor shared that he is recovering from emergency surgery after being rushed to an intensive care unit the previous week. Jakes also shared this update on Instagram. Jakes clarified that he did not suffer a stroke, though he acknowledged that the situation could have been life-threatening without swift medical attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I told you last Sunday that I'd see you this Sunday and so here I am," Jakes said as members of the congregation could be heard erupting in cheers and applause. "I'm grateful to God for his goodness and his mercy." T.D. Jakes shares health update with his church The nature of Jakes' medical incident has not been specified, and the pastor did not elaborate Sunday when addressing his congregation beyond saying he "faced a life-threatening calamity." The Potter's House Church's initial description of T.D. Jakes' medical issue as a "slight health incident" seems at odds with Jakes' own account of the emergency. The church later reported that Jakes was "stable and under the care of medical professionals" within hours of the sermon. Last week, Jakes posted a video on X of him leaving the hospital in a wheelchair, saying, "I give thanks unto the Lord that I did not have a stroke." Who is T.D. Jakes? In 1996, Jakes established The Potter's House, a non-denominational Pentecostal megachurch. Today, it boasts over 30,000 members and has grown to include multiple campuses throughout North Texas. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas pastor T.D. Jakes shares health update after viral sermon Dec. 2A 33-year-old Danville man and a 17-year-old juvenile have died as a result of injuries sustained during a shooting on Nov. 27. Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden identified the adult victim as Keith G. Stone. The names of the juvenile and a third victim, who has been released from the hospital, will not be released at this time. Autopsies are pending. Police were dispatched to the 1900 block of East Main Street at 2:45 p.m., Nov. 25, for a report of shots fired and several victims injured. Officers arrived to find one shooting victim on the scene and learned two other victims were transported to a local hospital by personal vehicles, a news release stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Illinois State Police assisted Danville Police in processing the crime scene and gathering evidence. The DPD continues to work with leads and gather further evidence. The need for the public and community to reach out with information about this incident is imperative. Much information has been gathered through courageous members of our community speaking out, police said. If anyone can provide more information to assist with the investigation, contact police at 217-431-2250, the Vermilion County Crimestoppers anonymously at vccrimestoppers.org, the P3TIPS mobile app, or by calling 217-446-TIPS. Vermilion County Crimestoppers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to arrests. Every little bit helps. LINDALE, Texas (KETK) Camera footage reportedly shows nearly 100 incidents of an East Texas daycare worker abusing toddlers, arrest documents indicate. According to an affidavit, on Oct. 23 a parent reported to the Smith County Sheriffs Office that their 2-year-old was being abused while at Punkin Doodles Day Care. During the investigation, a deputy allegedly saw footage of Catherine Elizabeth Guziejka placing a child down and then kicking another in the small of their back. Cyclist killed in Jacksonville hit-and-run, police search for driver Mugshot of Catherine Elizabeth Guziejka, courtesy of Smith County Jail. The affidavit stated that children could be seen sitting quietly without being disruptive before they were assaulted and once assaulted/kicked by Catherine, they began to cry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From July to October, footage showed about 100 incidents where Guziejka was seen assaulting six children under her care. On of those occasions footage shows: [A child] is sitting quietly on the area rug watching a television show and as Catherine walks another child to the carpet, she kicks [the child] on his lower back/bottom area with a short, swift kick. [The childs] body can be seen moving slightly forward in reaction to the kick and he reaches back and to the area of his body where he was kicked. Guziejka has since been booked into the Smith County Jail on Oct. 30 where she now faces six counts of intentionally causing bodily injury to a child. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Israeli strikes killed at least nine people in southern Lebanon, Lebanese authorities said Monday, the deadliest day since a ceasefire brokered by the United States and France came into effect last week. The strikes in the Nabatiyeh governorate near the Israeli border killed five people in the town of Haris and four in the town of Tallousa, Lebanons Health Ministry said. Three people were injured, it added. But the uneasy truce between Israel and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah appeared to be holding even as the two sides accused each other of breaching the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah on Monday fired two projectiles toward Israeli-occupied territory, responding to repeated Israeli strikes that have hit Lebanon daily since Thursday, the day after the ceasefire came into force. The projectiles landed in an open area and no one was injured, according to the Israeli military. It did not specify the type of projectile fired. Hours later, Israels military said it began striking Hezbollah terrorists, dozens of launchers, and terrorist infrastructure throughout Lebanon, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate, calling Hezbollahs attack a serious violation of the ceasefire. Lebanese state media also reported that Israeli drones flew low over Beirut and its southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold. CNN teams on the ground reported hearing a drone flying low over the Lebanese capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said earlier Monday that its own cross-border strikes, despite the ceasefire, had been in response to several acts by Hezbollah in Lebanon that posed a threat to Israeli civilians, in violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon. It said it had struck military vehicles at a Hezbollah missile manufacturing site in the Beqaa Valley and tunnels near the Syrian border in northern Lebanon. The United States and France have both warned Israel they believe it has violated the ceasefire terms, according to CNN affiliate Kan and Israeli news outlet Ynet. A source with the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, said Israel has breached its ceasefire agreement with Lebanon approximately 100 times since the truce went into effect last week. CNN has asked the IDF for comment. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told his French counterpart in a phone call that his country is, in fact, enforcing the ceasefire which stipulates Hezbollahs withdrawal from the Israel-Lebanon border area rather than violating it, Saar said on X Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presence of Hezbollah operatives south of (Lebanons) Litani is a fundamental violation of the agreement and they must move north, Saar said, adding that Israel is committed to the successful implementation of the ceasefire understandings. Hezbollah, in a statement, said it targeted Israeli military positions in light of the repeated violations initiated by the Israeli enemy of the ceasefire agreement. Hezbollah accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire by firing on civilians and airstrikes in different parts of Lebanon, resulting in the martyrdom of citizens and injuries to others, in addition to the continued violation of Lebanese airspace by hostile Israeli aircraft reaching the capital, Beirut. The IDF said the two Hezbollah projectiles were fired toward Shebaa Farms, known in Israel as Har Dov (Mount Dov), which under international law is considered occupied Syrian territory. Israel seized Shebaa Farms, along with the Golan Heights, from Syria after it was attacked in 1967. The US recognized Israels sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019. A shaky start Since the early hours of last weeks ceasefire, both sides have accused each other of violations and the escalating tensions risk endangering the agreement altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior Israeli official said Friday that the military intends to aggressively and unilaterally act against any ceasefire violations by Hezbollah. Unilateral Israeli military action to enforce the ceasefire was not enshrined in the agreement between Israel and Lebanon, but the US provided Israel with a separate letter that provided assurances about the Jewish states right to act under certain scenarios, Israeli officials told CNN earlier. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Monday that the truce has not broken down. Broadly speaking, the ceasefire has been successful, he said. Obviously, when you have any ceasefire, you can see violations of it, Miller acknowledged. He noted that the US and France had set up a mechanism to look at all of these reports of violations of the ceasefire and deal with them through the channels that the mechanisms set up, and thats what well do over the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller would not say whether the US had determined that any of the alleged violations breached the truce, saying the work was ongoing. He also would not comment on reports that US envoy Amos Hochstein had raised violations in a letter to the Israeli government. The ceasefire 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 sides 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 Litani river, to prevent militants from regrouping there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UN peacekeeping troops, the Lebanese military, and a multinational committee are tasked with supervising the Iran-backed groups movements. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Jennifer Hansler contributed to this report For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Investigators were searching for the two large Malinois-mix dogs in hopes of also discovering their missing owner, a slain Oregon woman found dead on Saturday Clackamas County Sheriff's Office (3) Susan Lane-Fournier and her missing dogs Susan Lane-Fournier and her missing dogs Oregon officials believe theyve discovered the bodies of two dogs who belonged to a 61-year-old woman who was found slain over the weekend. Susan Lane-Fourniers remains were discovered on Nov. 29 alongside a rural highway in northwest Oregon, near vacation cabins and hiking trails in the area of Mount Hood. Her body was discovered after a nearly week-long search for her and her two large Malinois-mix dogs, who were reported missing on Nov. 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lane-Fourniers estranged husband, 71-year-old Michel Fournier, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder shortly after authorities discovered his wifes body. Jail records reviewed by PEOPLE on Monday show Fournier remains in custody without bail. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office shared in an update on Sunday that they believe theyve also now discovered the bodies of Lane-Fourniers missing dogs. On Saturday, November 30, 2024, the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office recovered two deceased dogs believed to be Susan Lane-Fourniers, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said in a statement shared on social media. The dogs have been transferred to the custody of the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office, where investigators are working to confirm their identities. The sheriffs office said the case remains an active homicide investigation and asked for anyone who saw Michel Fournier in the days leading up to Susan's disappearance or has knowledge of his activities and whereabouts since then to contact authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the weekend, the sheriffs office announced they had located Lane-Fourniers body near East Highway 26 and East Miller Road in unincorporated Clackamas County. Related: Husband of Missing Oregon Woman Arrested and Charged with Murder After Her Remains Are Found Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Local KOIN reported that Lane-Fournier recently filed for divorce from her husband after 12 years of marriage. In her October divorce filing, the Oregon woman cited "irreconcilable differences between her and her estranged husband, which caused an irremediable breakdown of their marriage, according to local KGW. 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. Related: Oregon Womans Truck Found After She Vanished with 2 Dogs: 'She's Just the Most Kindest, Most Loving Person' Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Michel Fournier Michel Fournier Lane-Fournier was first reported missing on Friday, Nov. 22, after failing to arrive at her workplace, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. A multi-day search and rescue operation was conducted after investigators were tipped off that her white 1992 Ford F-250 was seen parked near a hiking trail in the area, eventually leading authorities to her body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The womans body was found under a tarp alongside the highway, according to KOIN, and was initially discovered by Lane-Fourniers friend, James Evans. Evans told the outlet he initially thought the tarp was trash until he got closer to the crime scene. As I bent over and came up, I seen a pair of boots connected to a leg, Evans told KOIN. I directly dropped the tarp, backed up, gathered myself together, turned around and went to the lodge and had the office call 911 immediately. It was pretty heartbreaking. Our dubious experiment of giving adults unfettered access to teenage girls, and teenagers access to horrors online, is coming to an end. After a vote last week, Australia will place age limits on social media, and other nations including Norway may follow. Is it the right approach? Maybe not. Critics argue that age restrictions will be too onerous and impractical to work, and I suspect they may be right. But heres the thing. If you ask the generation which has never known a world without Instagram and a smartphone, you may be in for a surprise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ban? OK, but let me keep YouTube and WhatsApp, say the GCSE-year girls I spoke to. Boys just shrug. Allow us to keep Twitch and messaging, they say, but stuff the rest. So ban TikTok, then? Especially TikTok! Snapchat and Discord (a creepy messaging app) are held in some contempt. Teens want to chat and watch long-form video, but not short clips. This is no scientific sample, but Australian lawmakers seem to agree: the age check will not apply to video, messaging and gaming platforms. Teens know theres a richer life beyond the screen. When the journalist Decca Aitkenhead sent her boys, along with classmates, on an unsupervised weekend camp out in the wild with only brick phones for emergencies they initially dreaded the prospect. But they came back revitalised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It made me feel like I was a small child again. In a good way. It was just calming. It flattened everything out, said one. Two years older, one parent observed of their offspring after they had to cope for themselves and co-operate as a group. Research has repeatedly corroborated the stark gender divide. Boys need much less online affirmation than girls to be confident about their social status. But social networks constantly remind girls of where they are in the Mean Girls hierarchy. Snapchat even shows them where their friends are having a party as a reminder that they were not invited. No wonder there is an epidemic of mental illness among teenage girls, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt argues. Wed be surprised if there wasnt. But Haidts book The Anxious Generation also argues that social media is only half the problem. Safetyism is the other half. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says teens should be allowed to immerse themselves in the real world unsupervised, so theyre able to take risks, and Aitkenheads own experiment strongly confirms this. Here in Britain, only a few want Aussie-style age restrictions. A new group called Smartphone Free Childhood does and Josh McAllisters Private Members Bill supports it. But the NSPCC disagrees, and so does The Molly Rose Foundations Andy Burrows, who argues that the nasty stuff would just go underground to gaming channels and messaging apps. The 2023 Online Harms Act, however, is a mess. And I think I know why. It all began well enough. In 2017 the government published its Online Harms Green Paper, hoping no law would be needed at all, and The Telegraph launched the Duty of Care campaign the following year. But big tech dug its heels in, knowing it could always call on activists and academics for support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then it became an all-purpose harms conversation. The censorious types (the banners, as one child protection campaigner describes them, with a roll of the eyes) jumped on the bandwagon. The Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), once led by Labours Morgan McSweeney, now Sir Keir Starmers Chief of Staff, doesnt hide its intentions on its website: it is gunning for X, formerly Twitter, where Elon Musk allows conservatives to express themselves. In return, Musk has called CCDH truly evil, and attempted to sue it. CCDH warns us about climate change misinformation, which we discover includes objecting to Ed Milibands ruinous net zero policies: you must not seek to delay political action, you see. But in response, big tech has cynically deployed free speech supporters as a defensive shield. Every child protection proposal must be fought, a think tank staffer once explained to me, just in case it helps bring about adult speech censorship one day in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents despair at this posturing, which is morally delinquent and nihilistic. I know advocates of both free speech and child protection who wish that online child safety had stayed exclusively focused on children. The 2023 Act gave the job of implementation to media watchdog Ofcom, but Burrows is dismayed that, fearful of litigation from big tech, the codes of conduct have been neutered. Initially the Duty of Care was a proactive measure, he says. In fact, when the codes are implemented, the Metas and the TikToks could actually scale back what they currently do and still claim compliance. Ofcom strongly denies this. The measures go beyond what many platforms currently do and will raise standards across the industry, a spokesman told me. This is just the start. Were already looking at how we can strengthen our codes as evidence, technology and harms evolve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So its likely this is just a first step and more regulation will come its just not likely to be Aussie-style age bans. However, I have learned that good regulation will win strong support from its target group itself. For all the talk of stolen childhoods, we lost the grown-ups a long time ago. Teenagers look up, see a world of dead-eyed adults doom-scrolling, and dont want to be us. 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. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) A Decatur man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to trying to burn down his apartment building earlier this year, with no regard to his neighbors still inside. Corteny Johnson, 47, was charged with two counts each of attempted murder and aggravated arson following a fire at his apartment building on April 2. According to a sworn statement signed by a Decatur Police officer, Johnson admitted to setting the fire while telling officers he wanted them to die, referring to his neighbors. Sean Grayson to be released from custody Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 25, Johnson accepted a plea deal reached between the States Attorneys Office and the Public Defenders Office. The state amended one of the arson counts against Johnson, which he pleaded guilty to, and dismissed the other arson count and both murder counts. In the sworn statement, Decatur Police said they spoke with the woman who lived beneath Johnsons apartment. She told officers she could hear him throwing objects and being loud, which had been ongoing for three days, and she encountered him that night. He told her youre going to die now b***h. The woman said Johnsons anger toward her was from an ongoing issue dating back to December of 2023. Johnson believed that she stole his Link card and allowed random people inside his apartment, even though the woman had no access to Johnsons apartment and had never been inside it. Five minutes after Johnson made his youre going to die comment, a Good Samaritan knocked on the womans window to let her know Johnsons apartment was on fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decatur Police said Johnson himself called 911 to report he had lit the fire. He met with officers nearby, with a lighter/torch in his possession, and agreed to speak with officers after being read his Miranda rights. Corteny stated he was p****d at his neighbors because he believed they may have stolen his Link card and that they were preventing him from withdrawing money from his account, police said in the sworn statement. It should be noted that Corteny had in his possession his Link card he believed to have been stolen. Mattoon man gets 25 years in prison for 2022 shooting Police added that when asked if Johnson knew people were still inside the apartment building, he is said to have stated, f**k them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corteny stated something similar to he wanted them to die, confirming to officers that he intentionally set the fire in an attempt to kill his neighbors utilizing the dragon headed lighter/blowtorch found on his person. Police also said that Johnson told them that before he set his apartment curtains on fire, there was a cat-like animal in his apartment that he believed was there to eat him. Johnson claimed the cat raised its leg and performed catfu before he ignited the curtains. Johnson was arrested the night of the fire and has been in custody since then, as prosecutors proved the threat he presented to the community if he were released. He was given credit for the time hes spent in jail, which will reduce his sentence by seven months. Johnson will be required to register as an arsonist with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Cambodian People's Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Wang Huning, China's top political advisor, met with Cambodian People's Party (CPP) President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen in Beijing on Monday. Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that China is willing to work with Cambodia to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and promote the continuous development of China-Cambodia relations. The CPPCC is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Cambodia to promote greater achievements in the building of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, Wang said. Hun Sen spoke highly of China's development achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. He said that Cambodia and China are iron-clad friends, and that Cambodia is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields, provide firm mutual support, work together to meet challenges, and promote the building of a Cambodia-China community with a shared future. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Cambodian People's Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) Two Democratic senators are urging President Joe Biden to try and prevent President-elect Donald Trump from deploying the U.S. military on home soil once he takes office as he's promised in recent months, NBC News reported Monday. Last week, Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., wrote a letter to Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asking them to issue a policy directive that prohibits the mobilization of active duty military or federalizing National Guard personnel to be deployed against their fellow Americans. Trump has long vowed to use the military to aid with the mass deportation of immigrants without legal immigration status. He has also said he would use military force against the enemy within, referring to his political enemies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter specifically asks Biden to clarify that the Insurrection Act, which lets the president use military force domestically, is only to be used in rare circumstances when local law enforcement is completely overwhelmed and they ask for help. Warren and Blumenthal also call for the enforcement of the "Standing Rules for the Use of Force," which states that any use of military force must be reasonable in magnitude. If unaddressed, any ambiguity on the lawful use of military force, coupled with President-elect Trumps demonstrated intent to utilize the military in such dangerous and unprecedented ways, may prove to be devastating, the letter reads. We are deeply concerned that during his previous term in office, President-elect Trump repeatedly sought to use the military to impede the First Amendment rights of Americans, the letter states, the senators adding that it is antithetical to weaponize the military to advance the presidents political interests. In his first term, Trump threatened to deploy the U.S. military and National Guard in response to the Black Lives Protests across the country. In the years since, he has repeatedly expressed a desire to use soldiers to squash dissent. "We have some sick people, radical left lunatics. And I think theyre the and it should be very easily handled by if necessary, by National Guard or, if really necessary, by the military, because they cant let that happen, Trump told Fox News in October. Many of Trumps closest allies, including Vice President-elect JD Vance, have reaffirmed his intentions. (WKBN) Ohios weeklong deer gun hunting season starts Monday. It runs through Sunday, plus there will be two additional hunting dates the weekend before Christmas. Hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. For opening Monday, thats from around 7 a.m. to around 5:25 p.m. Just be aware of things like if you live near a public area or even private ground, you may have neighbors who hunt. Just try to be mindful of them. Also, its not bad a practice if youre going on hikes or things like that to wear hunter orange, in general, when youre either near public areas or hiking on private land where there may be hunters adjacent to you, said Ken Fry, outdoor skills specialist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties, hunters can harvest no more than three deer in each county. Statewide, the limit is six. Hunters can combine harvests from different counties to hit that limit, as long as they stay within each countys limit. Only one antlered deer may be harvested. Here is a breakdown of other hunting dates in Ohio: Archery season began in September and will continue through Feb. 2, 2025 Deer gun hunting weekend for youth was Nov. 16 and 17 Deer gun hunting week starts Monday, Dec. 2 and runs through Sunday, Dec. 8 An additional gun weekend is Dec. 21 and 22 Muzzleloader hunting will be Jan. 4-7, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All hunters are required to wear orange. That could be a vest, coat, jacket or coveralls, either solid or camouflage hunter orange. In addition to an Ohio hunting license, hunters must have a permit. All deer harvested are required to be checked in the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System. This allows them to monitor things like deer populations and health. Last year, during all gun seasons which includes the weeklong gun week, the December gun weekend and youth weekend hunters harvested over 95,000 deer. Over 70,000 of those were from the seven-day gun season. This year during the youth gun hunting weekend, hunters checked over 10,000 deer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jon Rudder contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. By Tom Hals and Jonathan Stempel WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) -A Delaware judge ruled on Monday that Tesla CEO Elon Musk still is not entitled to receive a $56 billion compensation package despite shareholders of the electric vehicle company voting in June to reinstate it. The ruling by the judge, Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick of the Court of Chancery, follows her January decision that called the pay package excessive and rescinded it, surprising investors, and cast uncertainty over Musk's future at the world's most valuable carmaker. In a post on X after the decision, Musk said that "shareholders should control company votes, not judges." Tesla in a statement on X said, "The ruling is wrong, and we're going to appeal," adding that the judge had overruled a supermajority of shareholders. Musk and Tesla can appeal to the Delaware Supreme Court as soon as McCormick enters a final order, which could come as soon as this week. The appeal could take a year to play out. Tesla has said in court filings that the judge should recognize a subsequent June vote by its shareholders in favor of the pay package for Musk, the company's driving force who is responsible for many of its advances, and reinstate his compensation. McCormick said Teslas board was not entitled to hit reset to restore Musks pay package. Were the court to condone the practice of allowing defeated parties to create new facts for the purpose of revising judgments, lawsuits would become interminable, she said in her 101-page opinion. She said a ratification vote like the one used by Tesla had to be conducted before the trial and a company cannot ratify a transaction involving a conflicted controller. She had determined Musk controlled the pay negotiations. She also said Tesla made multiple material misstatements in its proxy statement regarding the vote, and could not claim the vote was a cure-all to justify restoring Musks pay. Tesla shares fell 1.4% in after hours trade, after the ruling. Gary Black, managing partner of The Future Fund, which owns Tesla stock, said on X that he believed the Delaware Supreme Court was more pragmatic than McCormick. "I doubt this ruling will be resolved anytime soon, and it will likely be overturned by a more moderate court along the way," he wrote. The pay package had awarded Musk stock options if the company hit performance and valuation goals. While the award originally was valued at up to $56 billion, Tesla's shares have surged 42% since Nov. 5, when Republican candidate Donald Trump, supported by Musk, won the U.S. presidential election. Following that rally, the pay package is worth about $101 billion. A woman who snuck past security checkpoints and made her way onto a Delta Air Lines flight from New York to Paris remains in France. ABC News and CNN report that officials tried to send her back to the U.S., but the woman became unruly and had to be removed from the plane. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The woman was found Tuesday on the international flight from John F. Kennedy Airport to Charles de Gaulle Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TSA officials told ABC News that the woman bypassed the ID check podium, completed a security screening and slipped past a Delta gate agent. Rob Jackson, who was on the flight, says he overheard crew members discussing a stowaway. I overheard the flight attendants talking about it with the pilots they said this person was in one lavatory and then would exit and walk to a different lavatory and go in there for a long time, Jackson told CNN. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French officials said the suspected stowaway is a Russian national who didnt have valid travel documents to enter the country. They tried to send her on a return flight to the U.S. before she became unruly, CNN reports. She kept on saying I do not want to go back to the USA. Only a judge can make me go back to the USA, passenger Gary Treichler told CNN. Delta Air Lines said they are conducting an exhaustive investigation into the security breach. TSA spokesperson Daniel Velez said the TSA takes any incidents at checkpoints seriously and it will independently review the circumstances at JFK Airport. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A woman managed to sneak onto a Delta Air Lines flight to Paris last Tuesday. CNN reported, citing law enforcement officials, that she was to be sent back to the US on Saturday. But she was taken off that flight after causing a disturbance, the outlet added. A woman who flew from the US to Paris without a ticket caused another disturbance on her way back, CNN reported. She managed to sneak onto Delta Air Lines flight 264 last Tuesday and avoid being detected until the journey was nearly over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Transportation Security Administration representative told Business Insider last week that an individual without a boarding pass completed a security screening and then bypassed two identity verification and boarding status stations. JonNYC, a popular aviation insider on social media, reported she was believed to have been hiding in a restroom during takeoff. Citing law enforcement sources, CNN reported the woman was supposed to be flown back to the US on Saturday but was removed from the flight before takeoff. The woman had been kept in a waiting zone at Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport because she did not meet the conditions for entering Europe, the outlet previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gary Treichler, who sat across the aisle from the woman on Saturday's flight, told CNN, "She kept on saying 'I do not want to go back to the USA. Only a judge can make me go back to the USA." "She also repeated the Geneva Convention a few times so to me that kind of showed that she was off," he added. The stowaway is a woman between 55 and 60 years old and has a Russian passport, an airport official told CNN. Her flight back to the US is yet to be rescheduled, the outlet reported. "Nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security," a Delta spokesperson said in a statement shared with BI after the initial flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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." Read the original article on Business Insider Democrats were split Monday over President Joe Bidens pardon of his son Hunter, with most leaders keeping quiet about the sweeping get out of jail free card. A few lawmakers criticized Biden for breaking his previous promise not to grant any form of clemency to his troubled son, who was facing prison time after being convicted on a gun charge tied to his admitted drug use. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Virginia, said presidents should not have the power to pardon close relatives, a shift that would likely require amending the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a father and a friend of Joe Biden, i can sympathize with his perspective that (Hunter Biden) was sub to vigilante justice, Connolly said But no other father has the power to pardon his son or daughter. This is an abuse of power and it needs to be corrected. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis slammed the decision as a black mark on Joe Bidens legacy. This is a bad precedent and will sadly tarnish his reputation, Polis tweeted. But most Democrats either kept their lips sealed or sought to preempt Republican criticism of the decision, noting that most Trump supporters have downplayed the president-elects crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you defended the (34-times convicted) felon, who committed sexual assault, stole national security documents, and tried running a coup on his countryyou can sit out the Hunter Biden pardon discussion, Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., tweeted. A Delaware jury convicted Hunter Biden last summer of a federal gun charge related to drug use, and he was expected to be hit with a prison sentence of about 13 months at a sentencing later this month. The presidents only surviving son also pleaded guilty to federal tax charges and was facing a possible sentence of three years or more. House Speaker Mike Johnson derided the pardon as a disgrace, especially after Biden repeatedly vowed not to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trust in our justice system has been almost irreparably damaged by the Bidens and their use and abuse of it, Johnson said Monday. Trump himself suggested the Hunter Biden pardon would give him ammunition to pardon scores of his supporters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, calling those convictions a miscarriage of justice. President Joe Biden is facing backlash from both Republicans and Democrats after he announced he had pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, despite previously stating he would not do so. The president sent shockwaves through the political world on Sunday night when he announced his decision to grant his son clemency, claiming that Hunter had been selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted by the Department of Justice. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, Biden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With less than 50 days remaining in the White House, Bidens decision has caused a stir on both sides of the political aisle. Democratic Governor Jared Polis, who publicly called for Biden to step off the Democratic Partys ticket in July, was among the first Democrats to voice their disapproval. The Colorado governor used the presidents own words against him following Donald Trumps conviction on 34 felony counts in May, stating that no one is above the law, showing his disdain that the president had placed his family ahead of the country. While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country, Polis wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Colorado governor Jared Polis has criticized the presidents decision to pardon his son (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued: Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a Presidents son. Polis wasnt the only Democrat to hit out at the president, however. I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong. This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers, Greg Stanton, a Democratic representative from Arizona, wrote on X. Trump was also quick to condemn his longstanding political rival, calling the move an abuse and miscarriage of justice. Joe Biden announced his decision to pardon his 54-year-old son Hunter on Sunday (AP) Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! he posted on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kentucky Rep. James Comer chair of the House oversight committee, which led the House GOP impeachment inquiry into the president last year noted that Biden had lied when he said he would not pardon Hunter Biden. The charges Hunter faced were just the tip of the iceberg in the blatant corruption that President Biden and the Biden Crime Family have lied about to the American people, he continued. Georgia Rep. and MAGA firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene chimed in on X: This pardon is Joe Bidens admission that Hunter is a criminal. Biden tried to throw President Trumps sons in jail, but he lets his son off free even though hes a convict. His FBI and DOJ raided Barrons bedroom and Melanias closet at Mar-a-Lago. Joe Biden is a liar and a hypocrite, all the way to the end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But others welcomed the presidents decision, arguing that Hunter had been unfairly treated by the Justice Department because he is the presidents son. Hunter Biden, pictured in the White House on July 3, said he would devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering (Getty) Former US Attorney General Eric Holder posted on X that the pardon is warranted. Heres the reality, he wrote. No USAtty [attorney] would have charged this case given the underlying facts. After a 5 year investigation the facts as discovered only made that clear. Had his name been Joe Smith the resolution would have been fundamentally and more fairly a declination. Pardon warranted. Former Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks agreed. Im relieved and thrilled that he did it. This was one of the cases that called out for clemency, she told MSNBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter, 54, was convicted of federal gun charges in June and was due to be sentenced on December 12. He was also set to be sentenced on December 16 in a second case, after pleading guilty in September to federal tax evasion charges. In a statement following his fathers announcement, Hunter spoke of his mistakes but claimed they had been weaponized to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport. He added: I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis criticized President Bidens decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, saying it sets a bad precedent. Polis said late Sunday that while he understands President Bidens position as a father to help his son, the president put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation, Polis wrote on the social platform X. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation. Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a Presidents son, Polis added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governors post came shortly after President Biden announced his pardon in a statement, arguing that the charges against his son were brought for political reasons. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, Biden said in a statement. Biden also argued that he kept his word not to interfere in the Justice Departments decisionmaking. In the past, Biden and his team were adamant he would not pardon his son. As recently as Nov. 7, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the answer was still no when asked about a possible pardon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden, who is 54, was set to face sentencing in his federal gun case Wednesday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) blasted President Biden on Monday for putting personal interest ahead of duty by granting his son Hunter Biden a blanket pardon for all crimes he committed or may have committed over the past decade. President Bidens decision put personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all, Bennet posted on the social platform X. The veteran senator from Colorado is the latest Democratic to join a chorus of criticism over the presidents pardon of his son, who was convicted on three felony counts related to buying a firearm and who pleaded guilty to nine federal tax charges in September. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, another prominent Democrat, said Bidens decision would tarnish his legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation, Polis wrote on X. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation. Polis disputed the presidents argument made in a statement released Sunday evening that Hunter Biden had been selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a Presidents son, Polis wrote on X. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed David Weiss, the U.S. attorney for the district of Delaware, to serve in the role of special counsel to handle the prosecution of Hunter Biden in an explicit attempt to shield the case from political interference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president on Sunday, however, claimed the charges against his son came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Arizona Rep. Greg Stanton (D) also criticized President Biden over the pardon, noting Hunter Biden was fairly tried and convicted. I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong. This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers, he wrote on X. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. DUBAI, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Monday honored five Emiratis for their contributions to the UAE's space sector, according to the UAE's official news agency WAM. Among the five honorees, Sultan Saif AlNeyadi, minister of state for youth affairs, received the First-Class Space Medal for his role in the longest space mission in Arab history. AlNeyadi was also celebrated as the first Arab astronaut to conduct a spacewalk and for his successful execution of scientific experiments during his mission. The First-Class Space Medal was also awarded to Hazzaa Ali AlMansoori, the first Emirati and Arab astronaut to reach the International Space Station. In addition, the prime minister presented the Second-Class Space Medal to Salem Humaid AlMarri, director general of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), for his efforts in establishing the UAE's astronaut program. Hanan Sulaiman Al Suwaidi, assistant professor of family medicine at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medical Sciences, was honored with the Second-Class Space Medal for her pioneering work in astronaut health care. Adnan Al-Rais, assistant director general of space operations and exploration at MBRSC, was also awarded the Second-Class Space Medal. In the UAE, the First-Class Space Medal is awarded to astronauts who participate in missions contributing to scientific research and space exploration, while the Second-Class Space Medal recognizes professionals who have made significant contributions to astronaut training or space research. President Bidens pardon of his son Hunter dismayed many political figures, including Democratic elected officials, who said they worried that the protection offered to the presidents child could undermine faith in the criminal justice system. Critics said Bidens action might embolden President-elect Donald Trump to pardon his allies, including the hundreds of people who invaded the U.S. Capitol in 2021 in hopes of overturning Trumps loss to Biden in the 2020 election. Others defended the Hunter Biden pardon, saying the president was protecting his son from a campaign of retribution Trump has promised to wage against his political opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The elder Biden issued the pardon Sunday, sparing his 54-year-old son from a possible prison sentence for federal gun and tax convictions. The president had previously promised he would not pardon his son. "President Biden's decision put personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans' faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all," U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) wrote on the X social media site Monday. Read more: President Biden pardons his son, claiming Hunter Biden was unfairly prosecuted Colorados Democratic governor agreed. While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, Gov. Jared Polis wrote on X, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Referencing Hunter Bidens struggles as a recovering drug addict, Polis added: Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a Presidents son. One of the states Democratic members of Congress also called the pardon a mistake. Presidents hold enormous power and responsibility and must be held to a higher standard, Rep. Jason Crow wrote on X. They must instill trust and promote the American people's faith in their democracy. And right now, upholding the fabric of our democracy is one of our most important tasks. Others wondered how Biden could justify his action while not pardoning others who had suffered more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a trail of shattered homes and broken families as a result of convictions for some of the crimes that Hunter was just absolved of. Where is their pardon? Darvio Morrow, a radio entrepreneur wrote in an essay, saying Black men had suffered disproportionately. Several Republicans who had come out against Trump in part for what they described as his abuse of the rule of law also chastised Biden. Biden is doing exactly the wrong thing by pardoning Hunter, John Bolton, former national security advisor under Trump, wrote on X. This will now give Trump the license to pardon all of his supporters including those from Jan 6th. Former Republican Rep. Joe Walsh told MSNBC he worried Trump would twist the pardon for his own ends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This just furthers the cynicism that people have about politics, and that cynicism strengthens Trump, because Trump can just say, I'm not a unique threat. Everybody does this, Walsh said. This was a selfish move by Biden, which politically only strengthens Trump. It's just deflating. Indeed, social media sites were awash Monday in mashups of Democrats and liberal commentators insisting during the heat of the presidential race that Biden had taken the high road by declining to pardon his son. Some Democrats defended Bidens action, noting that Trump had his own challenges, including his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records in the hush money case involving his relationship with pornography star Stormy Daniels. If you defended the 34x felon, who committed sexual assault, stole national security documents, and tried running a coup on his country you can sit out the Hunter Biden pardon discussion, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) posted a video in which she contends that a Republican investigation in the House drove the prosecution of Hunter Biden. I will say, way to go Joe, Crockett said. Let me be the first one to congratulate the president for deciding to do this, because at the end of the day, we know that we have a 34-count convicted felon that is about to walk into the White House. Hunter Biden was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when, prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He entered a guilty plea to misdemeanor charges in California in a case in which he originally was charged with failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Biden defenders said prosecutors took a particularly stern stance against the younger Biden to prove there was no favoritism. Eric Holder, who served as attorney general under President Obama, posted on X: "Had his name been Joe Smith the resolution would have been fundamentally and more fairly a declination" on filing criminal charges. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The News US President Joe Bidens decision to reverse himself and pardon his son Hunter weeks before he leaves office is drawing conspicuous praise from fellow Democrats. If he hadnt, I would have told him to do so. In the words of Lizzo, its about damn time, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-Calif., told Semafor. Democrats repeatedly criticized Republicans investigations into Hunter Bidens finances and business dealings now that Donald Trump is in power, many of them saw no reason for Biden to shrink from a Trumpian use of the pardon power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump not only pardoned Charles Kushner he made him a fucking Ambassador to France!!! Spare me the fake outrage folks, another Democratic House member said. Republicans still charged the outgoing president with an overreach. This is an outrageous abuse of the rule of law, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said in a post on X. Democrats have accused Joe Biden of putting family before country after he pardoned his son for federal tax and gun charges. The US president repeatedly said he would not use his power to pardon Hunter Biden in the final months of his term in office, but changed his mind over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Members of his own party have since accused him of laying the groundwork for politically-motivated clemency agreements by Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have accused the president of undermining the rule of law with the most wide-ranging clemency agreement since Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal in 1974. Jared Polis, the Democratic governor of Colorado, said: While as a father I certainly understand [Mr Bidens] natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. He added: This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. No one is above the law. Greg Stanton, a Democratic congressman from Arizona, said: I respect president Biden, but I think he got this one wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers. Greg Landsman, an Ohio Democrat, added: As a father, I get it. But as someone who wants people to believe in public service again, its a setback. Hunter Biden, 54, was convicted in June on federal gun possession charges, and was due to be sentenced on Dec 12. He was also set to be sentenced later this month for federal tax evasion charges, for which he has pleaded guilty. On Sunday night, the White House announced he would receive a full presidential pardon for any crimes committed over the last 10 years. The president said his son had been selectively unfairly prosecuted for political reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jill Biden, the first lady, was asked about the decision at a ceremony for the family of National Guard members on Monday. Of course I support the pardon of my son, she replied. The White House defended Joe Bidens decision, telling reporters on board Air Force One on Monday that he had wrestled with the decision but believed that enough is enough after his sons years of legal trouble. Karine Jean-Pierre, the presidents press secretary, has always denied that he intended to pardon his son, but said on Monday that the fact he was singled out politically justified the pardon. Hunter Bidens two convictions followed years of claims by Republicans that he and his father were involved in illicit business dealings in Ukraine, where he served on the board of an energy company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pardon may mean he will be forced to speak openly about his work at the company in Congress. Some lawyers believe he will be unable to use his Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate himself in any future congressional hearing, because he has already been pardoned for the period in question. Joe Bidens full and unconditional pardon for any offences his son committed or may have committed covers the time he served as a board member of the company. Miscarriage of justice Mr Trump, who has already pledged to pardon Americans convicted over the Jan 6 Capitol riots, said the pardon was an abuse and miscarriage of justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Jeffrey Reed, a Jan 6 defendant, referenced Joe Bidens pardon in a legal filing. A group allied with Mr Trump launched a fundraising drive after the presidents decision, calling it the sweetheart deal of the century and calling for donations from supporters. Hunter Bidens gun conviction relates to his time as a drug addict in 2018, when he bought a gun after using crack cocaine. Federal law prohibits users of illegal drugs from owning firearms. He was convicted of three felonies in June. He also pleaded guilty to nine federal tax charges in Los Angeles in September, including that he falsified records and failed to file returns during a period he was using drugs. Difficult to challenge Trump pardons Republicans have sought to use the convictions to damage Joe Biden politically. The president has generally avoided commenting on the prosecutions, telling the media that he would allow the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make independent decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pardon he issued on Sunday is one of the most wide-ranging in US history, and far exceeds the scope of similar pardons issued by other presidents at the end of their presidential terms. The decision may also make it more difficult for his party to challenge any pardons by Mr Trump, who has pledged to give clemency to Capitol rioters and to use the DOJ to conduct vengeance against his political enemies. He has selected Pam Bondi, a loyalist attorney from Florida, as his nominee for justice secretary after his first choice, Matt Gaetz, faced opposition from the Senate. Kash Patel, a former White House official, has been named as Mr Trumps choice to head the FBI. 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. DENVER (KDVR) Denver City Council is once again eyeing a flavored nicotine ban, which supporters say would protect children in the metro area, according to council documents. In 2021, then-Denver Mayor Michael Hancock vetoed a measure passed by Denver City Council to ban flavored nicotine sales in the city. At the time, vape shop owners in Denver told FOX31 that the ban would impact over 90% of their inventory and likely put them out of business. However, proponents of the ban said it would have kept nicotine products out of the hands of underage users. Denver Public Schools Board calls for city council to ban flavored tobacco sales Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time around, the measure is getting strong support from community groups, including the Denver Public Schools Board of Education. The district passed a proclamation in late September calling on city council members to revisit a flavored tobacco product ban. Three years ago, Hancock told FOX31 that he saw the ban as mainly symbolic. Kids could have still crossed the street to Aurora and purchased the product, he said at the time. Businesses were going to be hurt because people would go across the street to procure the product, as opposed to coming into their store where it would be banned, and that to me is just not responsible legislation. The matter will be discussed during a Safety, Housing, Education and Homelessness Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday morning. The meeting will allow for 15 minutes of public input, and interested citizens can sign up to comment at denvergov.org/councilpublicinput. Its far from the only recent push to ban flavored nicotine products. The Colorado legislature also tried to pass such a ban this year, but the measure failed. Council presentation shares e-cigarette statistics A presentation on the bill to protect Denver kids and end the sale of flavored tobacco products in Denver discusses statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Surgeon General. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hot showers can harm skin, hair health, dermatologists say The CDC data cited states there was a 47% increase in e-cigarette sales at U.S. retail stores from 2019 through 2023, with flavor categories like fruit, candy, mint, menthol, and desserts accounting for more than 80% of those sales, the presentation states. The presentation also notes that Massachusetts sales restrictions and enforcement measures have reduced flavored e-cigarette retail sales by more than 98%. Vaping, or e-cigarettes, has never been approved as an effective smoking cessation aid, although many turn to the product for help in quitting. A study published in June 2023, cited in the city council presentation, notes that there is no evidence that flavored tobacco sales restrictions have a negative and significant impact on businesses that sell tobacco and vaping products. In fact, results of the analyses show that businesses that sell tobacco products successfully adapt to changes in market conditions, including the implementation of FTP [flavored tobacco product] sales restrictions on tobacco products. So far, seven Colorado cities have restricted or entirely prohibited flavored tobacco product sales: Aspen, Boulder, Carbondale, Edgewater, Glenwood Springs, Golden and Snowmass, alongside five states that have taken similar steps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city council committee presentation also cited data from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, which said that Coloradans spend an estimated $2.2 billion annually for healthcare costs associated with smoking, and that smoking-caused productivity losses could be as high as $4.4 billion annually. Additionally, Coloradans spend approximately $772 per household on state and federal taxes related to smoking. What would change if Denver City Council approves this? The bill would implement enforcement and the responsibility of that enforcement in slightly different ways than previous bills. First, the bill would enhance and clarify penalties, such as license suspension thresholds and escalating lookback periods. Bird flu virus was found in raw milk. What to know about the risks Second, the bill would codify existing Denver Department of Public Health and Environment practices that find retail tobacco stores are responsible for employee actions. That would ensure the license holder would be held accountable for flavored nicotine sales, not the sales associate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the council presentation, between 2017 and 2023, DDPHE issued 660 tobacco violations, with nearly 100 occurring in Council District 10 alone. The measure would not impact non-flavored premium cigars, but would impact cigars dipped in alcohol: Under the bill, that would not be allowed because it is a product that imparts a specific taste or smell. However, the city council presentation said the measure would not impact cigar lounges, provided they do not sell flavored tobacco products. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Authorities are investigating after a person was found dead inside a car that was on fire this past weekend near Chester, South Carolina. The Chester County Sheriffs Office says deputies were called to a vehicle on fire near Turnbuckle Road, off of Highway 9 on Saturday morning. The sheriffs office says when deputies arrived, they found a persons body inside the vehicle. Its not clear if the person died in the fire or if they died before the fire started. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim hasnt been identified yet. CCSO says the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is leading the investigation. (VIDEO: Police investigating deadly shooting near south Charlotte light rail stop) Demonstrators protest the veto override of Senate Bill 382 from outside the Senate chamber on Dec. 2, 2024. (Christine Zhu/NC Newsline) Republicans in the North Carolina Senate voted Monday to override Gov. Roy Coopers veto of a wide-ranging bill shifting power and authority within state government. The vote was 30-19 with one excused absence. A three-fifths vote is necessary to override a gubernatorial veto. A full override is still pending a vote in the House, where three Republicans opposed the bill when it passed last month. A vote is not expected until sometime next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 382, branded by Republicans as a third round of aid after Hurricane Helene, makes a litany of changes to executive power, appointments and elections. It shifts power away from newly elected Democrats, and makes deadlines for voting absentee and counting absentee ballots more strict. Cooper vetoed the bill last week, calling it a sham that violates the state constitution and shuffles money rather than providing meaningful hurricane aid. Republicans have touted the bill as another measured step in the states response to Helene, while making needed fixes across state government. I continue to ask for your support for this bill, said Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell). Despite the spicy language the governor tried to throw into his veto message, this is good policy for the state of North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have blasted the bill as a Republican power grab. Sen. Mary Willis Bode (D-Granville) said last month that the bill was an equivalent to injuring the other teams players in the final minutes of a game they know theyre going to lose. It remains to be seen whether any of the Republican no votes in the House will flip to support an override when they meet next week to vote. Those lawmakers are all from western North Carolina Majority Whip Karl Gillespie (R-Macon), Rep. Mike Clampitt (R-Swain) and Rep. Mark Pless (R-Haywood). If all members are present, support from all of the chambers 72 Republicans will be required for an override to succeed. Security removed Rev. Rob Stephens (holding the microphone) from the Legislative Building as he protested the SB 382 veto override in the Senate gallery on Dec. 2, 2024. (Photo: Christine Zhu/NC Newsline) Continued protests lead to break in Senate debate, gallery cleared Protesters against the bill returned to the Legislative Building Monday, filling the Senate gallery as debate began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They applauded when Coopers veto message was read in full by the clerk. And when they began booing and shouting during debate, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson who presides over the Senate had the gallery cleared. There is a time to protest, but it is not in the halls of this chamber, Robinson said as the sergeants-at-arms had protesters escorted out. Karen Ziegler, who was among the protesters, was barred from re-entering the building. It kills our democracy and it has no reasonable relief for hurricane victims, Ziegler said of the bill. This is ridiculous. This is fascism. Anderson Clayton, the chair of the NC Democratic Party, was also present in the gallery. [Republicans] would do anything to make a mockery of people giving their hard work and time and energy to make a statement about how they feel, Clayton said. That this bill was forced through without any sort of actual public referendum on it. Editors note: Ukrainian soldiers featured in this story are identified by first name only since they spoke without authorization from their command. Nearly four months after Kyiv launched a surprise cross-border incursion into Russias Kursk Oblast, some Ukrainian soldiers are increasingly pessimistic about the costly operation. Aviation is a key factor, and (Russian troops) are throwing all the aerial bombs every night, destroying us little by little, said Ukrainian serviceman Oleksii with the 80th Air Assault Brigade that is currently deployed in Kursk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Ukrainian forces unexpectedly opened a new front in the northeast in August by breaking through Kursk Oblast, it was a significant morale-boosting moment for the country. Ukraine continued to advance forward day by day, shocking even Western allies with the stunning operation, despite being severely outgunned and outmanned across the front. While unable to quickly prevent a deepening Ukrainian advance, Russian forces eventually began to counterattack in September to push the Ukrainians out. Military analysts say that there have been three waves thus far, with an upcoming one expected in December. Nearly 60,000 Russian troops are deployed in Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne reported on Nov. 22, citing an undisclosed General Staff source. The Kursk operation the first time Russia was invaded by another countrys army since World War II kicked off three months before uncertain U.S. presidential elections. Ukraine's grip on Russian territory has given it leverage in potential negotiations. But that grip is weakening. Reuters reported on Nov. 23, citing Kyiv's senior military source, that Ukraine has lost over 40% of the territory it previously captured in Kursk Oblast. Ukrainian military man drives on car in Sudzha, Kursk Oblast, Russia on Sep. 23, 2024. (Oleg Palchyk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Russia could begin a larger push in December in an attempt to reclaim the entirety of Kursk Oblast before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump enters office in January 2025, according to Oleksandr Kovalenko, a Ukrainian military and political analyst with the Kyiv-based think tank Information Resistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has claimed to end the war swiftly in a deal thats good for both sides, leveraging what he described as a very good relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A policy document envisages the new administration pushing Russia and Ukraine to enter peace talks by threatening to either halt or ramp up U.S. military aid to Kyiv should either side refuse, the Guardian reported on Nov. 28. Meanwhile, Russia continues to gain ground across the front, particularly in the eastern Donbas region, as talks of freezing the front line surface with Trumps return to power. The Ukrainian military leadership has claimed the operation had forced Moscow to pull forces to its southern region and alleviated stress for Kyiv in Donbas. But Russia managed to capture over 1,600 square kilometers (roughly the size of London) of Donbas territories between September and November, despite "spending significant amounts of men and material in the process, according to the Finland-based open-source analytical organization Black Bird Group. The estimated Russian gains in Donbas over the fall surpass the territories Ukraine held in Kursk Oblast at its peak, which the senior Ukrainian military official told Reuters was roughly 1,380 square kilometers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine currently controls about 800 square kilometers (roughly the size of the city of Chicago), the source told Reuters in late November. A map of the front line in Kursk Oblast as of late November. (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) Strategic value? As the front line in Kursk Oblast more or less stabilizes and the Ukrainians are once again back on the defensive, more soldiers many of whom said their units took heavy losses in the area are beginning to question the incursion. Kyiv has allocated substantial resources for the operation, which is also supported by Western long-range striking capabilities, to hold the lands at any cost. President Volodymyr Zelensky has hailed the Kursk operation, reiterating how it enabled Ukraine to return "a significant number" of Ukrainians from Russian captivity and prevent a re-occupation of bordering Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts. "Instead of a buffer zone on the territory of Ukraine, which the Russians planned, we have created a buffer zone near our border on Russian territory, Zelensky said during an October evening address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Observing how Russian troops were advancing quicker in Donetsk Oblast from the distance, the Ukrainian soldiers stressed that the elite Ukrainian units deployed to invade Russia could have instead been used to hold the eastern front. Not one soldier whom I speak with understands why we are here (in Kursk Oblast), Oleksii said, adding that many guys from his unit refused to be deployed in the Kursk operation and went home. Other soldiers, including another serviceman from the elite 80th brigade, Illia, suggested that the Kursk incursion would likely be destined for a short life and that it was probably a Ukrainian attempt to distract the public from the worsening situation in Donbas. I'm 100% sure they'll force us out of Kursk Oblast, it's just a matter of time, Illia told the Kyiv Independent. It's a pity that people are dying for PR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western and Ukrainian military experts are divided on the operation's strategic value, but they stressed that Russian troops would have advanced on the eastern front regardless of the Kursk operation. Emil Kastehelmi, an analyst at the Black Bird Group analyzing the war closely through open source, said that there appear to be more negatives in the operation, with Ukraine prioritizing the operation pretty high despite the deteriorating Donbas situation. Experts have said that the operation's pros included Ukraine bringing the war to Russian territory and enhancing the protection of bordering areas in Ukraines northern Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv oblasts. The operation has also forced Russia to divert some troops that could have been deployed elsewhere to its own Kursk Oblast and suffer a high cost to reclaim the territories. Ukraine claimed in late October that Russia had lost over 17,000 soldiers in Kursk Oblast since August. Soldiers are seen near a military vehicle in the village of Khotin, Ukraine on Sept. 13, 2024. (Andre Alves/Anadolu via Getty Images) A view of damage in the village of Khotin, Ukraine, on Sept. 13, 2024. (Andre Alves/Anadolu via Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recent deployment of North Korean soldiers to the area as reserves signals that Moscow is also suffering personnel shortfalls, Kovalenko from the Kyiv-based think tank Information Resistance said. According to Western and Ukrainian government estimates, Russia has already deployed 10,000 to 11,000 North Korean soldiers in Kursk Oblast. Russian troops are currently unleashing the heaviest offensive from the western direction from the village of Lyubimovka along the Snagost River in the Kursk region to the west of the Ukrainian stronghold, according to Kovalenko. (Russian troops) are trying to put pressure from the west to the east, Kovalenko said, adding that the Snagost used to be Ukraines geographical barrier until Russians toppled over the area in October. Ukrainian soldiers on the ground said that Russia continues to attack in small groups supported by equipment and swarms of deadly first-person-view drones. It is unclear how long Ukraine can realistically occupy the patch of Russian territory. Among the struggles that Ukrainian troops face include the apparent lack of high-quality fortifications, at least in large amounts, and good defensive terrain, according to Kastehelmi from the Black Bird Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as Ukraine loses more territory in Kursk Oblast, it would make it more difficult for Ukrainian forces to maneuver and easier for Russian troops to observe movements in the Ukrainian-controlled areas, he added. There are issues, but at least it seems to be a bit more stabilized than it was earlier in the, in the autumn when the Russians struck the Ukrainians back more quickly, he assessed. The fate of the Russian region would largely depend on whether Moscow prioritizes the Kursk operation, as Russia is not facing a threat from Ukraine holding onto these areas from a military point of view, he explained. The Ukrainians don't really control anything that important in terms of, for example, cities or areas, and they aren't really threatening (Russia with) anything important by holding this area, he said, adding that the situation has become increasingly political for Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recent Western permission to strike into Russia with long-range weaponry paved the way for Kyiv to hit military targets from afar. Multiple Western media reports about the Ukrainian strikes using U.S.-made long-range ATACMS and British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles in Russian bordering regions. The Russian Defense Ministry on Nov. 26 admitted that Ukraine hit a Russian S-400 air defense system and an airfield in embattled Kursk Oblast with U.S.-provided ATACMS. Ukrainian soldiers spend their time underground until they receive orders as the Russia-Ukraine war continues in the Sumy region, a few kilometers from the Russian border, on Sept. 30, 2024. (Fermin Torrano/Anadolu via Getty Images) The soldiers on the ground said that they had not felt the results of these long-range strikes on the battlefield. Serhii Kuzan, co-founder and chairman of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Center, said that the long-range strikes help a lot in the defense of Kursk Oblast. The warehouse of the 67th arsenal of Russia's Main Missile and Artillery Directorate in Bryansk Oblast that Ukraine claims to have struck with ATACMS equipped the Kursk Grouping of Russian forces. Neutralizing the ammunition stockpiles allowed Ukraine to slow down the pace of the Russian offensive and could disrupt Moscows plans, the expert stressed. This means that we have lowered their fighting capacity, he said, continuing: They understand they already cant count on this warehouse and that they must rearrange again, make adjustments, and make their plans from new calculations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But while destroying Russian military components that could be used against Ukraine is helpful, the effect is still probably rather limited as Ukrainian missile stocks are also limited, Kastelmi said. Low stocks dont allow Ukraine to conduct a large-scale strike campaign targeting a substantial number of headquarters, ammunition depots, training centers, and logistical hubs to paralyze the whole system, according to Kastelmi. Because the permission to shoot the missiles on the Russian soil like was given so late and missile stocks are limited, it really means that it's a nice bonus, but it won't change the larger dynamics of the battle, he added. The critical components would instead be manpower, quality of troops, and the availability of equipment, drones, and artillery, according to Kastelmi. A bunch of combat-ready units are being wiped out (by Russian forces), Illia, the soldier from the 80th brigade deployed in Kursk Oblast, said, stressing how exhausted his guys were. Its possible that I dont know something or dont understand something, but its sh*t. 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. Additional photos provide a more detailed look at the mysterious Chinese flattop that TWZ was first to report on, and which recently went to sea, apparently for its first trials. While the exact function of this vessel remains murky, the recently published photos do confirm that its intended to operate rotary-wing aircraft (perhaps in addition to fixed-wing drones), but there are no obvious signs of catapults or arrester cables of the kind that would be used for operating heavier fixed-wing types. There is also no indication that the vessel has a floodable well deck like those found on many amphibious warfare ships. You can find TWZs full previous analysis of the intriguing vessel here. The new aviation-capable Chinese vessel in port, providing a first proper look at the starboard side of the ship. Chinese Internet via X Another view of the mysterious aviation-capable Chinese vessel. Chinese Internet via X The new photos show the vessel in port, seen from above, providing a good look at the large open flight deck. On the forward half of the deck are two sets of markings associated with operating rotary-wing aircraft, either crewed or uncrewed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We now also get a better look at the unusual arrangement of three island-like superstructures. As we discussed before, the superstructure nearest the bow includes a bridge and conventional-type mast, while the larger central one has a rear-facing glazed tower area for managing flight operations, plus a prominent mast, although the spherical radome seen on top in previously published images is missing here. The new images also show no windows on the starboard side of the central island. Finally, the structure closest to the stern houses the ships exhaust stacks. In one of the photos, we might be able to see an elevator to move aircraft between the main deck and a hangar deck, located between the first and second superstructures. This area is somewhat obscured by construction-related equipment and the opening could be simply an access point. A close-up of the area between the first and second superstructures, with an aperture that could be a trapdoor-type elevator. Chinese Internet via X If this is not an elevator, its not immediately clear how aircraft would be moved between the deck and the hangar. We already know theres no elevator on the left side of the ship, and the aperture in the same position on the starboard side may well also be used for stowing a lifeboat inside. Its also conceivable that no hangar deck is present at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While details of the port facility have been obscured, the location may well be Guangzhou Shipyard Internationals (GSI) facilities on Longxue Island, just southeast of the city of Guangzhou, where the vessel was built. GSI is a subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), whose logo is prominently displayed on the exhaust stack. The speed with which the project has been undertaken is notable. A satellite image of Guangzhou Shipyard International taken on October 23, 2024, showing, among others, the new class of Chinese aviation-capable ship. PHOTO 2024 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction work on the new vessel appears to have started sometime after May of this year, with the launch following sometime between mid-September and mid-October. Although the photos give us a better idea of the overall configuration of the vessel, its still unclear whether this is a Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) project or if its being pursued as a private venture by CSSC. With still no signs of obvious military-style markings or a hull number, the latter option currently looks more likely. The mysterious aircraft carrier during recent sea trials. The photos of the vessel so far suggest that its intended to operate crewed helicopters and drones, while the overall appearance may well point to a simpler and cheaper design and one that can be produced rapidly, if required, by commercial shipbuilders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PLANs interest in expanding its use of various tiers of drones from all of its big deck warships, including its aircraft carriers and big deck amphibious assault ships, has been well documented. A vessel of this kind could provide the PLAN with additional naval airpower capacity without the same level of capability as a true aircraft carrier or a multifunctional amphibious assault ship, like the impressive Type 076 class, which you can read more about here. A picture that just emerged in May of this year showing the Type 076 taking shape at the Hudong-Zhonghua yard. Chinese Internet Particular missions in which such a vessel could be highly relevant to the PLANs broader doctrine could include scenarios in the South China Sea or around the Taiwan Strait. Furthermore, crewed helicopters and drones could be operated from it in support of anti-submarine warfare operations, as well as amphibious operations. Previously, we also looked at the possibility that the new vessel was built to meet a known Chinese government requirement for a large-scale special deck operation ship for maritime survey and other test/research activities. As well as a flight deck, this called for a dock compartment, although that is missing from this vessel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not to say that the vessel might not be related to a similar requirement for an ostensibly civilian research ship, but one that could equally flex to military operations, or be used for gray zone warfare that falls between the two. A model of a catamaran-type mini-aircraft carrier intended to launch and recover small aerial drones, shown at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2021. Chinese Internet This would also provide parallels with Chinese efforts in building various types of more specialized drone mothership vessels, claimed to be primarily for training and testing purposes, but which could also have operational roles. Even without a well deck, a ship of this kind could still deliver forces ashore via helicopters, during a variety of different contingency scenarios. These could include amphibious assault but also support during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. For now, we cant say for sure whether CSSCs new design is intended for training, testing, or demonstration, or whether it will become an operational crewed helicopter/drone carrier for the PLAN. But with the vessel having already gone to sea, as part of a very rapid development program, we are sure to learn more about it in due course. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com JERUSALEM, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces on Monday urged residents of more than 60 villages and towns in southern Lebanon to avoid returning to their homes "until further notice," six days into a ceasefire that followed over a year of fighting with Hezbollah. Such warnings have often preceded major military operations during the conflict. Since the ceasefire took effect on Nov. 27, Israel has conducted several attacks in Lebanon. IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee published a map on social media platform X, highlighting a swath of territory stretching several kilometers from the Israeli border and calling on residents of more than 60 towns and villages, including Al-Naqoura and Marjayoun -- home to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters and base -- not to return. He warned that the directive is in place "until further notice" and cautioned that "anyone moving south of this line is putting themselves in danger." It was the second time Israel issued such a warning since the ceasefire took place. Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israeli forces are expected to gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days. The announcement came after French diplomats warned that Israel had violated the ceasefire agreement in at least 52 incidents, raising concerns about the fragile truce. Israel, however, stated that its strikes were aimed at countering Hezbollah activities. Over and over, Joe Biden said he would not use his powers as president to pardon his son Hunter on charges he bought a gun while using drugs and avoided tax. In the run-up to the election, the president was keen to stress the difference between the Democrats, who he said would abide by the legal system, and Mr Trump, who he claimed would cast it aside to help himself. As recently as Nov 7 the president repeated his pledge not to pardon his son, who was due to be sentenced early this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But by Sunday night Mr Biden had changed his mind, apparently choosing family loyalty over keeping his word. Credit: ABC News What were the charges Hunter Biden faced? Both of the cases Hunter was due to be sentenced on this month relate to his time as a crack-cocaine addict, which the 54-year-old detailed at length in a memoir released last year. In September, he pleaded guilty to nine federal charges of falsifying records and failing to file tax returns during the heights of his addiction. In June, a jury found him guilty on three counts of lying on a federal firearms application. He declared he was not on drugs when he purchased a revolver in Wilmington, Delaware in 2018. He illegally owned it for 11 days before his then-girlfriend Hallie Biden, the widow of his deceased brother Beau, discovered the weapon and threw it in a rubbish bin. Hunter Biden, centre, sits with his attorney Abbe Lowell as he makes a surprise appearance at a House Oversight Committee - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters What sentence was he facing? Hunter was due to be sentenced on the firearms charges on Dec 13. The maximum sentence for such a conviction is 25 years, but he was expected to face a shorter sentence, of up to 16 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three days later, on Dec 16, he was due to return to court to hear his fate in the tax charges. He faced up to 17 years in prison, but experts said he was likely to receive no more than 36 months. A Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver that was purchased by Hunter Biden in 2018 - US District Court for the District of Delaware How did Joe Biden justify pardoning his son? Mr Biden said he had avoided interfering with the judiciary for a long time, despite what he described as a politically motivated persecution of his son. Specifically, he said the Republican-led House of Representatives had pressured the courts as it launched a series of investigations into his family. The president said: Under a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the department of justice, unravelled in the court room with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MSNBC Under the terms of the deal, Hunter would have been spared jail in return for pleading guilty to two minor tax offences. However, in July last year, a judge angrily rejected the proposal which had been branded a sweetheart deal by Republicans. I believe in the justice system, Mr Biden said. But as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a president would come to this decision. What are the politics behind the presidents decision? Mr Biden has always been fiercely loyal to his son. As pressure was mounting on him to step aside in the race against Mr Trump, Hunter was regularly by his side in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His sudden elevation to become a key counsellor to the embattled 84-year-old president was met with dismay among parts of Mr Bidens administration. Even in 2023, as the cases propelled Hunter into the headlines, White House staff complained about the president regularly appearing in public with his son. In one message seen by The Telegraph, an unnamed official complained to Stacey Thompson, the state departments House director: Why is Hunter Biden anywhere near this administration ever? A television monitor shows the verdict in the Hunter Biden trial in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington - Saul Loeb/AFP The presidents relations with the Democratic party were torn to shreds during the long months he resisted stepping aside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He may feel his hand has been freed to do as he wishes in the last days of his term, rather than keep his word to benefit the political careers of the next generation of leaders. In addition, Mr Trumps victory could also have prompted the about-turn. The election was lost and comprehensively. Mr Biden may feel things can hardly get worse for his party, so why abide by the norms he promised to uphold as the cost of a years-long sentence for his son. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. In his first speech since a tentative ceasefire with Israel took effect, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem declared a divine victory in a war the terrorist group began more than a year ago in support of Hamas. Yet fighting in Gaza continues as Hezbollah backs down from a violent chapter that saw its arsenal and military ranks decimated by Israeli forces. Over the course of nearly 14 months, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it struck some 12,500 Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, including 1,600 command centers and 1,000 weapons depots. The conflict killed more than 4,000 Hezbollah fighters, according to the terrorist groups own estimates, and left thousands more severely wounded. With the start last week of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. and France, Israeli forces have 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon, where they will be replaced by Lebanese army forces charged with overseeing Hezbollahs demilitarization. But the true success of the deal depends on whether the some 60,000 displaced residents of northern Israel feel the area is secure enough to return to their communities after more than a year away. While the evacuees anxiously wait to see if the truce holds, the Israeli government is vowing to police any violations through force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Hezbollah violates the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack. If it tries to rebuild the terror infrastructure near the border, we will attack. If it fires a rocket, if it digs a tunnel, if it brings in a truck with missiles, we will attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a speech last week. A good deal is one that is enforced, and we will enforce it. The ceasefire relies on United Nations Resolution 1701a 2006 agreement that ended the Second Lebanon War but was never successfully implemented in its aftermath. Both that accord and the current one require the Lebanese Army, supported by international peacekeepers known as the United National Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)to enforce the removal of Hezbollah fighters and arms from southern Lebanon. These commitments strive to enable civilians on both sides of the [U.N.-drawn demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel] to return safely to their lands and homes, the agreement reads, according to text published in Hebrew and Arabic outlets. As a resident of the north, I listened to the news with mixed feelings. I feel that there was no other choice but to have this ceasefire, which is very much needed for all sides, but at the same time, it doesnt promise us security. Sarit Zehavi But for many residents of northern Israel, the new agreements resemblance to Resolution 1701 is far from reassuring. Sarit Zehavi, who lives in the Western Galilee, said the deal gave her a sense of deja vu. UNIFIL has proven to be ineffective. The Lebanese army has proven to be ineffective, she told The Dispatch. Thats the biggest problem with the current ceasefirethe main reference is 1701. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Israel, the truce will afford its troopsbolstered by the large-scale deployment of reservistsa reprieve after more than a year of fighting on multiple fronts. In his speech, Netanyahu promised that the cessation of hostilities along Israels northern border would also allow the military to focus more fully on pressuring Hamas to free hostages in Gaza and countering the more acute threat posed by Iran. But that doesnt mean Israel plans to take its eyes off Lebanon, the deals defenders say, pointing to the countrys vow to prevent Hezbollah from regrouping. Israel itself has changed its posture from more or less trusting that 1701 will be implemented to actually enforcing it by force, Assaf Orion, a retired Israeli brigadier general who is now a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told The Dispatch. According to Hebrew-language media in Israel, a U.S. side letter accompanied the deal guaranteeing Israels right to defend itself in the event of Hezbollah violations. The document reportedly allows Israel to continue reconnaissance flights over Lebanon and, if it detects infractions of the ceasefire that arent thwarted by the Lebanese army, to carry out military operations against terrorist targets itself. The first such strikes came just two days after the truce took effect, as the IDF struck Hezbollah operatives attempting to access a rocket storage facility in southern Lebanon. Unlike the 2006 agreement, this latest deal also includes a U.S.-led mechanism to monitor, verify, and assist in ensuring that its provisions are properly implemented, including through the training and arming of Lebanese army troops. Under the agreement, 10,000 soldiers with the Lebanese armed forces will deploy to southern Lebanon as soon as possible. It also requires the army and other security forces to assume control of the flow of weapons into and throughout the country by deploying to border crossings, monitoring domestic production, and setting up checkpoints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But perhaps the biggest difference between this agreement and its 2006 predecessor is Israels hugely successful military campaign that preceded it. After months of exchanging cross-border fire with Hezbollah, Israel began to break the cycle in September of this yearfirst with the detonation of thousands of communications devices used by the terrorist group and later by the targeted killing of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. By the end of the month, Israeli ground troops began to enter southern Lebanon, where they destroyed military infrastructure and eventually gained territory as far north as the Litani river. For Hezbollah, rebuilding its ranks and arsenal will be no small task, particularly with Israels vow to enforce the ceasefire. When you compare it to October 6 and you take stock of whats happening now, who is better off and whos worse off? Who suffered serious setbacks and who had fantastic military achievements? asked Orion, who said the answer isnt difficult to discern. But it remains to be seen whether the military achievements and bolstered ceasefire will give residents of northern Israel the sense of security they need to return home. Despite scattered reports of evacuees making their way back to the border communities, residents and local officials have been critical of the deal, which doesnt entail the dismantling of Hezbollah or the establishment of an IDF-administered buffer zone in Lebanon. Avihay Shternthe mayor of Kiryat Shmona, an evacuated city of some 24,000 peopledescribed the truce as a surrender agreement that would restore the north to its pre-October 7 reality. A man inspects a building that was damaged during the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Kibbutz Menara in northern Israel on November 28, 2024. (Photo by JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images) And many of the displaced dont have homes to go back to. The last year of cross-border attacks by Hezbollah destroyed about half of the homes in Metula, Israels northernmost town. The war had wrought an estimated $1.35 billion in damages to the north, including physical destruction and the massive financial toll on local businesses and agriculture. One columnist for Israels Channel 12 invited government officials who claim Hezbollah is now deterred to prove it with their feet by visiting the war-ravaged communities themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After living in the shadow of conflict for decades, many northern residents fear this latest truce postpones but doesnt prevent the next flare-up. Although the deal bolsters internal checks on Hezbollahs power in Lebanon, it fails to address the terrorist groups substantial influence within the Lebanese government. Without the political will in Beirut required to enforce the ceasefire, Hezbollah could be free to rebuild its ranksto the particular detriment of southern Lebanons civilian population, which suffered major casualties and property damage in the yearlong war. Nobody should have illusionsa ceasefire doesnt mean peace. A ceasefire is a ceasefire. In order to have peace, your neighbor needs to acknowledge your existence, said Zehavi, who also serves as president of Israel-based Alma Research and Education Center. As a resident of the north, I listened to the news with mixed feelings. I feel that there was no other choice but to have this ceasefire, which is very much needed for all sides, but at the same time, it doesnt promise us security. Nor does the deal deprive Iran of its foothold in Lebanonthe Islamic Republic has already conveyed its willingness to help Hezbollah rebuild its military and civilian infrastructure during this period of calm. Without Irans abandonment of its so-called Axis of Resistance strategy, a lasting peace remains unlikely. Thats what Iran has to changeits basic, core ideological commitment to Israels destruction has to one way or another be diluted or removed entirely, Alex Vatanka, the founding director of the Middle East Institutes Iran Program, told The Dispatch. As long as Iran is committed to the Axis of Resistance, to going after Israel, then the basic dynamic of hostility will stay. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. The Tennessean opinion and engagement team wants to know how readers feel about President Joe Biden pardoning his son Hunter Biden. On Sunday, President Biden announced the "full and unconditional" pardon despite have said months ago he would not intervene. What are your thoughts? Take our survey below. There are five multiple choice questions and an optional area to add any comments. Read opposing viewpoints on this topics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Point: By selfishly pardoning his son Hunter, Joe Biden flat-out destroyed his legacy Counterpoint: Biden was right to pardon his son Hunter because the justice system is failing Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Was Biden right to pardon his son Hunter? Vote in our poll Opinion DILLON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Two people who died on Wednesday in a six-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 in Dillon County have been identified by the Dillon County Coroner Donnie Grimsley. Connie Monroe, 68, of Fayetteville, North Carolina was killed on the scene of the crash. She was driving a 2017 Honda CRV, according to Grimsley. Blake Penix, 31, of Virginia, was also killed in the crash. He was driving a 2010 Honda Accord, the coroner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash happened at about 6:50 a.m., about one-tenth of a mile north of Dillon. A 2020 Volvo tractor-trailer was going south when it hit the Honda CRV, which was stopped in traffic, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The collision caused a chain-reaction crash involving four other vehicles that were also sitting in traffic, including the Honda Accord. Lanes of Interstate 95 were shut down due to the crash into the early afternoon on Wednesday. * * * Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Hani Almadhoun, who lives in the DMV, said his brother, Chef Mahmoud Almadhoun, was killed by an Israeli drone in North Gaza on Saturday. We lost him yesterday, and were still processing this until now, and its a cliche to say its a process, but you know, its a big loss, Hani told DC News Now. Hani said he didnt want to believe it at first. This is a lot. Sometimes, I have it together, sometimes I talk to his kids and start crying because theyre not going to have a father, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement World Central Kitchen workers killed by Israeli airstrike in Gaza, organization says Mahmoud started and ran the Gaza Soup Kitchen, an organization dedicated to providing meals and water to those in Gaza, with family members and volunteers. Hani supported the organization by raising money to continue the familys efforts to feed Palestinians suffering from famine and hunger. The organization has three active soup kitchens and one thats temporarily closed. He started the original kitchen. He started cooking there, and then he sourced things that people couldnt find, he would buy things that would go out of season soon, and he would store food for the kitchen, said Hani, of his brother. When the moment came and ambulances needed shelter, he gave ambulances and fire departments a shelter, provided them with water, baked some bread for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each active soup kitchen feeds between 100 and 300 families each day. The temporarily closed kitchen is being used to support a local hospital and provide them with food, water and produce deliveries in coordination with the World Health Organization. Middle East latest: Israel says soldier thought to have been taken hostage is now presumed dead Mahmoud is usually my first call in the morning. He was always giving me updates about the soup kitchens he helped run. Hes been a good brother, but also a co-founder of the Gaza Soup Kitchen. We worked together; we solved problems together, shared Hani. Hani said theyre trying to do what they can to keep going. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes a Palestinian man, a father of seven who leaves behind a young girl who is not even 10 days old and doesnt even have a name yet, and she will grow up without a father, he said. People die faceless and nameless in Gaza, but Mahmoud dies with a big humanitarian record to his name, and that gives us a little bit of peace. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) After losing the White House, House of Representatives and Senate in the 2024 election, Democrats need to start showing up everywhere, New York State Sen. James Skoufis says. I just saw the other day that (Republican President-elect) Donald Trump held rallies in 49 out of 50 states over the past several years, Skoufis said on Morning in America Monday. We need to start showing up as a top of the ticket outside of just seven states, even if those are the battleground states. We need to become a national party again. They also need to stop telling people how to think, Skoufis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden pardoned for tax, gun charges by President Joe Biden We have to do a lot more listening. We have to do a lot more responding to peoples sentiments, Skoufis said. When someone argues, like myself, that we need a stronger border, elements of our party should not knee-jerk react and label that person as racist. Skoufis launched his bid to chair the Democratic National Committee on Saturday. NewsNation partner The Hill reports that this is Skoufis first time entering national politics after serving in the upper chamber of the New York State Legislature since 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 NewsNation. On Dec. 4, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in what is likely to be the most important trans rights case in history. It will have knock-on effects for civil rights jurisprudence that will affect the freedoms and protections of LGBTQ+ Americans, women, medical providers, and parents rights to raise their children without interference from the state. Tennessees SB1 bans surgery, puberty blockers, and hormone treatment for the purpose of gender transition for people under 18. On Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick spoke to Chase Strangio, co-director of the American Civil Liberties Unions LGBTQ and HIV Project, who will argue United States v. Skrmetti. Strangio will be the first openly trans lawyer arguing at the high court. Their conversation has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Dahlia Lithwick: After Dobbs came down, you warned on this podcast about the ways the decision to overturn Roe had just rocket-fueled anti-trans legislation across the country. I would love for you to just remind listeners why Dobbs was never just about abortion and how it connects to the Tennessee ban in Skrmetti. Chase Strangio: Theyre connected for so many reasonswhether you look at the equality thread or the autonomy thread in Dobbs, this is about structural efforts to impede peoples abilities to make decisions for themselves. The way in which Dobbs opened the door in particular for these anti-trans bans is that first they revitalized this case that was not talked about for a long timealthough we know Justice Ginsburg hated itGeduldig v. Aiello. This was the case in which the court said that restrictions on benefits related to pregnancy are not sex discrimination. The court allowed this idea to sit dormant for quite a while, but it was reactivated by Justice Alito in Dobbs. So now, when we are talking about things related to medicine, or health, or areas where we can claim that biological differences between men and women justify some differential treatment, we see the erosion of the protections we have worked so hard to build for sex-based protections under law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the two and a half years since Dobbs was decided, people who have long wanted doctrinal openings to roll back antidiscrimination protections have found a group of people whom there is more public support to target, and theyve used that to open the door to big possible doctrinal gaps in how everyone can be protected from sex discrimination. I see this happening very strategically. Within a week of Dobbs being decided, it was cited in every single anti-trans-related case we were litigating. And it was cited for the proposition that in essence, special deference is owed to legislatures when they are regulating in the area of medicine when it deals with sex-based differences between men and women. If we take a step back and look at this moment we are in, and the obsession with trans people during the 2024 elections, it wasnt really about trans people. What it was aboutthe organizing themewas about gender roles more broadly. They are using these attacks on trans people to re-entrench old notions of what is the proper role of men and women in society. Im struck by how the two abortion cases before the court last year were in so many ways not about abortion per se, they were about physicians and their rights, and what kind of care they could give. And it is so striking to see a case like Skrmetti thats essentially saying, We dont care what the parents think or what the doctors think. It really is amazing that just as the parents are always right until theyre wrong, so too physicianstheyre always right, until theyre wrong. The throughline is this deep governmental trust in and reification of parental roles and physicians roles, until and unless those parents and physicians make decisions the state disagrees with. Its not just an entrenchment of gender roles, its also this notion that doctors are the only important autonomous actor in the abortion context in both cases last yearbut now, in Skrmetti, theyre just irrelevant. Theyre wallpaper. Theres this stunning thing that weve seemingly just accepted, as a matter of public discourse, that not only are physicians wallpaper, theyre part of this vast and far-reaching conspiracy to provide harmful care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were talking about care that is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Endocrine Society, the American Medical Association. The doctors providing this care are at the most preeminent research institutions in this country, yet somehow the argument is theyre all conspiring to provide harmful care to minors. If we take a step back, that is quite a conspiratorial argument, and however people may disagree about, or feel discomfort about this, these are still good-faith parents and doctors trying to do right by their patients and their children. But weve somehow allowed this conspiracy to fester that actually everyone is just trying to provide harmful care, which is just absurd. You just listed a tiny number of the amicus briefs on your side from medical and mental health groups and serious scientific entities. This is not something they havent thought deeply about. All these professional organizations are on one side, and then, on the other side, the Tennessee brief is teeming with weird deep-state conspiracy theorizing. I worry because we have seen junk science and bad data infiltrate court doctrine and make its way into opinions that then get cited as though that junk science is real. Its really scary, and I think its also a function of the fact that the courts no longer really care or look at the factual findings of the district courtthey will just pull out the latest newspaper article that they see. There is an actual purpose to testing the evidence and seeing whether it holds up, because when weve actually gone to trial in these cases, and these witnesses are cross-examined, they have admitted theyre exaggerating, accepted that theres no underlying scientific support for claims theyre making, pointed to the fact that perhaps it is speculative or based on internet searches or Reddit sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is why, when we look at the outcomes of these cases in the district courtswhere the judges are the closest to the evidenceyou have an almost unanimous set of holdings when heightened scrutiny is applied, that these laws [like SB 1] just dont hold up. When you get more detached from the evidence and it becomes more about vibes, for lack of a better word, it becomes very untethered to what is actually going on, which allows people to say things like Well, theres no long-term studies. There are long-term studies. There are studies that are tracking people for periods like six years, which is extraordinarily long in pediatric medicine. This medical research has been provided for decadesthat isnt new in medicine. I think about all of the innovations weve witnessed even in my 12-year-old childs lifetime. So I think that so much of this is distortion and out-of-context polemics. And this is, again, a callback to the mifepristone case where the challengers were making claims as though no one has ever attempted to use these medicines before, even though there was decades of research. If there is a thematic, background set of principles that can come forth in our argument, it is that this is not the federal government displacing Tennessee. This is Tennessee displacing the loving, reasoned, painstaking decisions of parents who are trying to do right by their children. Children who were in anguish, and are now doing better, because of the health care Tennessee now bans. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Although the election just ended, were looking ahead to 2026 when there will be a lot of major races on the ballot in Rhode Island. Boston Globe columnist Dan McGowan has covered the capital city for 14 years and said Mayor Brett Smiley could have an opponent. Smiley has already expressed he plans to seek reelection, but Rep. David Morales is considering running against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the video above, McGowan joined Patrick Little on 12 News This Morning to discuss what comes next. MORE: Globe RI & 12 News Stories Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In a season of glowing menorahs and sizzling latkes, Hanukkah brings eight days of light, joy, and tradition to Jewish homes around the world. But how did this holiday of miracles and resilience become such a cherished celebrationand what makes this year's timing so unique? In a rare, but not unprecedented calendar overlap, the first night of Hanukkah falls on Christmas Day, intertwining two deeply meaningful celebrations on the same day. When is Hanukkah 2024? The first night of Hanukkah falls on Dec. 25, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Bergen Record, the first night of Hanukkah last fell on Christmas Day in 2005. Before that, the overlap occurred in 1959 and 1921. The first night of Hanukkah will not land on Christmas Day again until 2035 and then again in 2054 What does Hanukkah celebrate? While Hanukkah often coincides with the Christmas season, it is far from being "the Jewish Christmas," as its sometimes mistakenly labeled. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabees' unlikely victory over the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. Central to the celebration is the miracle of the oil: a single day's supply that burned for eight days, symbolizing resilience and divine intervention. Despite its festive traditions, Hanukkah is not the most significant holiday in Judaism. Unlike Christmas for Christians, Hanukkah does not hold a central place in religious practice and is not even widely considered among the top five major holidays in Judaism. Key Jewish holidays In 2024, several key Jewish holidays have already passed. These are among the most significant, according to Religion News: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) marks the beginning of the Jewish calendar year and initiates the Ten Days of Repentance. This period encourages introspection and spiritual renewal. Traditions include blowing the shofar and eating symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey, which represent hopes for a sweet year ahead. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is considered the holiest day in Judaism, focused on repentance, prayer and fasting. It is observed with a 25-hour fast, intensive synagogue services, and seeking forgiveness from God and others. Yom Kippur concludes the Ten Days of Repentance, providing an opportunity for spiritual cleansing and renewal. Shabbat is a weekly day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. It celebrates Gods creation of the world and the covenant between God and the Jewish people. Shabbat is a time for prayer, reflection, and spending quality time with family and community, offering spiritual renewal and rest. Passover (Pesach) commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. The holiday is celebrated with a Seder meal, which retells the Exodus story, and by eating matzah (unleavened bread). It emphasizes themes of freedom, deliverance, and gratitude for God's protection. Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) is a harvest festival that also remembers the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert. Observants build and dwell in a sukkah (a temporary hut) and wave the lulav and etrog (a palm frond and citrus fruit). The festival celebrates the bounty of the earth and Gods protection during the Israelites' wilderness journey. Shavuot (Feast of Weeks) celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Observances include all-night Torah study, special prayers, and the consumption of dairy foods. It highlights the importance of the Torah in Jewish law and practice. Jewish holiday calendar in 2025 Fast of Tevet 10 : Friday, Jan. 10 15 Shevat (Tu B'Shevat ): Thursday, Feb. 13 Purim : Thursday, Mar. 13 - Friday, Mar. 14 Passover (Pesach) : Saturday, Apr. 12 - Sunday, Apr. 20 Second Passover (Pesach Sheni) : Monday, May 12 Lag B'Omer: Friday, May 16 Shavuot : Sunday, June 1 - Tuesday, June 3 The Three Weeks : Sunday, July 13 - Sunday, Aug. 3 Rosh Hashanah : Monday, Sept. 22 - Wednesday, Sept. 24 Yom Kippur: Wednesday, Oct. 1 - Thursday, Oct. 2 Sukkot : Monday, Oct. 6 - Monday, Oct. 13 Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah : Monday, Oct. 13 - Wednesday, Oct. 15 Chanukah : Sunday, Dec. 14 - Monday, Dec. 22 Fast of Tevet 10: Tuesday, Dec. 30 See full description and work guidelines. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: When is Hanukkah 2024? See dates, history and origin of Jewish holiday SYDNEY, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- A police manhunt is underway on Monday after two people were killed in a shooting in southeast Australia, police said. Police in the state of Victoria said in a statement that a man and woman were found with gunshot wounds at a home in Rye, a beachside town 65 km south of Melbourne, shortly after 4 a.m. local time on Monday. Emergency services were unable to revive the pair, and they were declared dead at the scene. Victoria Police said that detectives believe a second man fled the scene. "At this early stage in the investigation, it's believed the parties were known to each other," a spokesperson said. A crime scene has been established while detectives from the homicide squad investigate to determine what occurred. Anyone with information about the incident or with dashcam or CCTV footage from the area has been urged to contact police. With less than 50 days left in the White House, President Joe Biden has taken a controversial step he had previously vowed he wouldnt take: pardoning his son Hunter Biden. On Sunday night, Biden announced he had granted his son clemency for offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. Presidents can grant clemency, including both pardons (forgiving federal criminal offenses) and commutations (reducing penalties) for federal convictions. Presidents cannot pardon those convicted of state crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Hunter, 54, was convicted of three federal gun charges related to his purchase of a firearm in 2018. Three months later, he pleaded guilty to nine federal tax charges in September. So what does the presidents pardon cover? Federal gun charges On June 1, Hunter was convicted of all three felony counts in Wilmington, Delaware in his federal gun trial. The presidents son was found guilty of lying on a mandatory gun purchase form on October 12, 2018, when he bought a 38 Colt Special revolver at a store in Wilmington. On the form, he stated that he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs, when he was actually in the grips of addiction at the time. Biden talks with his son at Delaware Air National Guard Base on June 11 the same day a jury found Hunter guilty on federal gun charges (AFP via Getty Images) Hunter had the gun for 11 days before it was dumped in a trash can outside a grocery store by Hallie Biden, the widow of his brother Beau Biden, on October 23, 2018. The gun was subsequently found by an elderly man searching for recyclables, before police tracked him down and seized it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At his trial, prosecutors presented painful personal details about Hunters drug use showing photos and texts from his ex-girlfriends and pressing his eldest daughter, Naomi, on the stand about her ability to tell if her father was sober. His conviction marked the first time a sitting presidents child was found guilty of a crime. At the time, Biden said: I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. Hunter was facing up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000 at his sentencing on December 12. But now, Hunter wont be sentenced and will avoid any potential jail time. Federal tax charges Just over three months after his conviction on gun charges, Hunter pleaded guilty on September 5 to nine federal tax charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plea came as jury selection was set to get underway in the case in LA and marked a U-turn from his initial fight against the charges. Hunter leaves federal court on September 5 in Los Angeles, after pleading guilty to federal tax charges (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Hunter was indicted on nine tax-related criminal charges in December 2023, with prosecutors arguing that he made millions between 2016 and 2019 by skipping out on more than $1.4 million, at which point he was said to be indulging in an extravagant lifestyle and spending money on everything but his taxes. Prosecutors said Hunter spent the money he avoided spending on his taxes on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature. Hunter later paid all his due taxes and fines in 2020 after getting a loan from his personal lawyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter previously sought an Alford Plea in the case, which would have allowed him to maintain his innocence, but prosecutors refused. After pleading guilty, his sentencing was scheduled for December 16. He faced up to 17 years in prison, but experts said he was unlikely to receive more than three years. Like his gun charges case, Hunter will now face no sentencing nor jail time. Burisma business dealings Bidens pardon covers his sons offenses or alleged offenses dating back to January 1 2014, meaning Hunter is also protected from any other crimes he has not yet been charged with during that period. Its a timeline that covers Hunters time as a board member of Ukrainian energy company Burisma a role that Republicans have honed in on, claiming without evidence that his foreign business dealings were corrupt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter joined the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma in April 2014, initially making more than $1 million per year. Hunter addresses reporters at the U.S. Capitol on December 13, 2023 after an FBI informant was charged with lying about ties between the president and his son and Burisma (AP) At the time, then-Vice President Biden was working on rooting out corruption in Ukraine, arguing that the top prosecutor in the country, Viktor Shokin, was preventing corruption probes and he organized international leaders to push for his removal the parliament booted him in 2016. Republicans have claimed that Shokin was fired because he was looking into Burisma. Theres no solid evidence that Biden was connected to his sons business dealings and he has always said that he didnt speak about business with his son or his business partners. But a business partner of Hunter, Devon Archer, testified in a closed-door hearing that Hunter often put his father on speakerphone during calls with a number of contacts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. James Comer, who led the impeachment inquiry for the House Oversight Committee, claimed that the then-vice president was made into a brand used to make the Biden family wealthy. But the first impeachment hearing was widely panned as an abysmal failure, with not a single witness claiming to have firsthand evidence of wrongdoing by the president. No charges have ever been filed in connection to the accusations. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Separate talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin do not strengthen Ukraine and may lead to improving his standing, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 2 during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz spoke with Putin on Nov. 15 for the first time in nearly two years. The German chancellor condemned Russia's war in Ukraine, urged Putin to withdraw his troops, and discussed potential talks with Kyiv. "In Europe, it may happen that after one call, there may be a second, third, fourth, fifth... Because sometimes leaders want to (wrestle for) leadership. After that, there may be a wave of actual recognition of Putin," Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believe that this does not strengthen Ukraine." Zelensky reiterated that he did not support Scholz's decision to call Putin. Meanwhile, the president added that Ukraine and Germany "have more in common than differences." Scholz said that during his last call with Putin, he noted that Ukraine "has the right to be an independent sovereign nation that decides whether it wants to be part of the European Union." Scholz called on Putin to withdraw his troops from Ukraine, to which the Russian president disagreed. "Let the Russian president not expect to have Ukraine alone. We are ready to support Ukraine to the extent necessary. In the current situation. I think this is a very important message," Scholz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ukraine will be an independent state and will remain so," he added. Zelensky previously warned that Scholz's call with Putin opens a "Pandora's box," potentially leading to "other conversations and other calls." Read also: With Scholzs government in shambles, conservative rival touts more decisive Ukraine strategy Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Officials found two dead dogs believed to belong to a Brightwood woman who was recently found dead after being missing for over a week. The woman, 61-year-old Susan Lane-Fournier, was originally reported missing with her large Malinois-mix dogs on Nov. 22. Officials told KOIN 6 News the dead dogs were recovered by the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office within Multnomah County. The dogs bodies were transferred to the custody of the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office, where they are working to confirm their identities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1 dead, 1 hospitalized after 3-vehicle crash on Clackamas County highway After Lane-Fourniers truck was found on Nov. 23, rescue crews spent four days scouring the Mt. Hood National Forest for signs of Lane-Fournier and the dogs, but the search was called off Tuesday morning. Susan Lane-Fourniers truck was found days after she went missing. Her body was found near her Welches home and her husband was arrested for murder, November 30, 2024 (KOIN) Her body was discovered Friday in Clackamas County, four miles from where her truck was found, authorities said. However, the dogs had not been found at that time. 12-year-old boy drives stolen car 161 miles across Washington state Later that night, Lane-Fourniers estranged husband Michel Fournier was taken into custody on a charge of second-degree murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Susans family authorized this GoFundMe to help with immediate and future costs, legal fees Investigators add they are still looking to speak with anyone who may have seen Michel Fournier or may have knowledge of his whereabouts in the days before Lane-Fourniers disappearance. KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this 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 KOIN.com. KENTUCKY (FOX 56) For children, there is no Christmas present quite as important as the gift of reading, First Lady Britainy Beshear said. On Monday, the Kentucky Association of Health Plans (KAHP) donated $100,000 to the Kentucky branch of Dolly Partons Imagination Library. The grant extends the Imagination Librarys work of providing free books to children from birth to age five throughout the Commonwealth, KAHP wrote in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beshear visited the Paul Sawyier Public Library in Frankfort on Monday to celebrate the donation and the Commonwealths literacy initiatives. Dolly Parton talks family, literacy, and legacy with Gov. Beshear I want to thank the Kentucky Association of Health Plans for their generous donation to our chapter of Dolly Partons Imagination Library. You are showing the true spirit of Team Kentuckyliving out our values and taking care of all of our neighbors, especially our kids, Beshear said. Because of gifts like the one were celebrating today, every preschool child in our state can build their own library at no cost to their family. Thats 60 books just for them, all before they start kindergarten, and we know the positive impact will last throughout the rest of their lives. Dolly Parton visited Lexington in August, celebrating the extension of the Imagination Library to every hill and holler in the Commonwealth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are thrilled by this generous donation from KAHP, said JC Morgan, state director of Dolly Partons Imagination Library of Kentucky. Our goal is to reach as many children in Kentucky as possible. These funds will help us have a greater impact. There is no cost or deadline to register your child for the Imagination Library. Each month, enrolled children will receive an age-appropriate book until their fifth birthday. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: KAHP recognizes the profound impact that literacy has on the well-being of both the family and the child, Katherine Kington North, KAHP vice president of external affairs, said. Health plans work for the best health outcomes for the children of Kentucky, and we know that children who struggle with reading frequently face higher rates of anxiety and depression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on Dolly Partons Imagination Library, 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 FOX 56 News. On a fall morning in East L.A. in 1974, Dolores Madrigal and her husband, Orencio, ate breakfast while listening to ranchera radio station KWKW when a news segment aired that would change her life. The couple heard about how 100 people had protested in front of Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center to decry the hospital's years-long practice of sterilizing low-income women without their consent. The rally came in the wake of a lawsuit filed against the Boyle Heights hospital by three Mexican American women who alleged they were victims. After hearing the story, the 40-year-old Madrigal wondered out loud to her husband: Was she one of those women? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: A new monument at L.A.s county hospital marks a dark history of coerced sterilization The previous year, they had welcomed the birth of their second son, Sergio, at the hospital. Before going into labor, however, Madrigal shooed off a wave of nurses who asked if she wanted to have her fallopian tubes tied. She finally signed a form in the haze of her pre-labor pains, then quickly forgot about it. A visit to the hospital the day after the KWKW report confirmed that the document authorized doctors to sterilize Madrigal. She and her husband had dreams of a large family. Instead, Orencio turned to alcohol. Dolores sunk into such a depression that others had to take care of her young sons for months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when lawyers representing Mexican American survivors of forced sterilization tracked her down in 1975 and asked if she wanted to join a class-action lawsuit against County-USC alleging doctors had violated their clients' civil rights to bear children, Madrigal quickly said yes. She became the lead plaintiff. Dolores emerged as kind of the cheerleader for the group, said Antonia Hernandez, former head of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the California Community Foundation. She was one of the lawyers who represented the 10 women who joined the case, formally titled Madrigal vs. Quilligan. Shed say, They did this to us, y no esta bien [and its not right]. The lawsuit was unsuccessful but proved a landmark. The California Department of Health soon after began to offer sterilization information in English and Spanish. Hernandez became a civil rights icon who focused on fighting for Latinos through most of her career. Gloria Molina, the chair of a Chicana group that had agreed to bear any legal costs for the plaintiffs and appeared alongside Madrigal at a press conference announcing the lawsuit, went on to forge a pioneering career as a Eastside politician. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors formally apologized in 2018 to all women forcibly sterilized at County-USC. A monument in their name was dedicated there four years later. Madrigal vs. Quilligan continues to be taught in universities and retold in academic books as a cautionary tale of eugenics and public health gone wrong, its plaintiffs hailed as reproductive-rights heroines. Dolores Madrigal, right, with Gloria Molina at a news conference in 1975 announcing a class-action suit against Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center alleging they sterilized 10 Latino patients without their consent. (Ben Olender/Los Angeles Times) Dolores courage was tremendous, said Virginia Espino, who wrote about the case in her 2007 doctoral dissertation. She literally defended our right to exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when Espino decided soon afterward to co-produce a documentary, No Mas Bebes, about the case, its namesake was nowhere to be found. Espino asked parishioners at Sacred Heart Church in Lincoln Heights, where Madrigal had faithfully attended Mass for decades, about her whereabouts and put the word out in other Catholic parishes across Los Angeles. A private detective finally found Madrigal living in Las Vegas with her oldest son, Oren, who didnt learn about his mothers tragic, historic past until answering the researcher's call. I asked my mom, How come you never told me? and she really didn't have an answer," Oren told The Times in a recent interview. "But maybe it was better that she didnt because a younger me wouldve been way too angry. Im still angry. But after she told me, I wanted to take care of my mom and her trauma more than ever. Dolores Madrigal passed away Nov. 9 in Las Vegas of natural causes. She was 90. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was born in the small town of Villa Purificacion, Mexico, and migrated to the United States in 1965. Madrigal legalized her status with the help of a white family for whom Dolores took care of their developmentally disabled son, according to Oren. In East L.A., she reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Orencio. They married in 1971, and had their sons one year after the other. He was so happy, Madrigal said of her husband in No Mas Bebes, as home footage showed her cooking in their kitchen and Orencio playing with their sons. After the couple found out about her surreptitious sterilization, All our plans came tumbling down. Hernandez first met Madrigal in 1975, cold-knocking on her door after finding out about Madrigal's plight from documents given to her by a County-USC whistleblower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had this lust for life happy, vivacious and a dont-take-crap-from-nobody attitude, Hernandez recalled. The one you couldnt break down when you had to testify. Read more: 'No Mas Bebes' revives 1975 forced-sterilization lawsuit in L.A. Thats what County-USC lawyers tried to do during the trial, which was heard before a federal judge because the legal team for the 10 women didn't think they'd get a fair trial from a jury. At one point, defense lawyers produced the document Madrigal had signed just before giving birth to Sergio, which featured her signature next to the phrase No mas hijos por vida no more children for life. Madrigal responded she didn't recall signing the paper but reiterated "she was in bad pain and very frightened" at the time, according to Hernandez's notes of the deposition. The retired attorney said she stayed in touch only intermittently with Madrigal after the case because the pain was too much for everyone involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madrigal went on to work as a teachers aide at Lincoln High in Lincoln Heights before leaving in the mid-1980s to care for her ailing husband and their two sons, who had joined gangs. Me and my brother are still alive because of my mom's prayers, Oren said. When I was in jail, she used to be one of the first people to stand in line she would do it for six, seven hours just to see us for 15 minutes. She didnt have much money, but she would send it all to us. After living in the Los Angeles area for decades, Madrigal relocated to Las Vegas in the 2000s to be near a sister while her sons served their sentences. When Oren finally got out, the two moved in together. He remembered a mother with a great sense of humor and a sarcastic wit who liked to dote on her Chihuaha-dachshund mix, Hercules, and attend daily Mass. Every day when shed go on the bus for her adventures, she would make friends, Oren said. But he long noted a melancholy that "all of a sudden made sense" when the private researcher hired by Espino to track her down for "No Mas Bebes" contacted him. Oren convinced his mother to appear but she agreed to just one day of interviews, according to Espino, and declined to participate in any publicity or screenings for the documentary, which debuted in 2015 and was nominated for an Emmy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She put herself out there in the 70s in a very public way, Espino said. It took a lot out of her. [Madrigal] didnt want to do it again...She had this shyness of her, but a fierce courageousness. She felt she was wronged, and she wanted people to know that. And she wanted the public to know this violation happened not just to her, but to so many others. Oren saw only part of No Mas Bebes at his home before turning it off because it was too tough to bear. His mother never saw it. Sadly, a lot of immigrants a lot of women they just take abuse and dont do anything about it, he said. She didnt take what happened to her. She did something about it. Madrigal is survived by her sons, Oren and Sergio; four grandchildren, Jose Angel, Jimmy, Esteban and Andrea; and a sister, Antonia Nunez. Andrea is expecting her first child next year. Sign up for Essential California for the L.A. Times biggest news, features and recommendations in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Donald Trump has said Joe Biden should now pardon those imprisoned for the Jan 6 Capital riots after he released his son from likely jail time. The outgoing president had repeatedly said he would not pardon Hunter, 54, who faced spending years in prison on felony firearms and tax charges, but did so on Sunday night. Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice, Mr Trump said of the decision on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican called for the release of the J-6 protesters, a reference to Trump supporters who stormed Congress after he was defeated by Mr Biden in the 2021 elections. Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? wrote Mr Trump, who is preparing to return to the White House after defeating Kamala Harris in this years presidential election. Mr Biden pardoned his son Hunter (pictured right) on Sunday - Craig Hudson Federal prosecutors have convicted more than 1,100 Capitol rioters, with over 600 serving jail sentences. Mr Biden, a Democrat, claimed the charges against his son, who has struggled with drug addiction but has been sober for five years, were politically motivated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, he said on Sunday. Hunter admitted to lying on a form by claiming he was not addicted to drugs when buying a gun in 2018 and was due to be sentenced in November. He was to stand trial in California in September for allegedly failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. Hunter Bidens gun trial aired details about his struggles with addiction Hunter Biden was due to be sentenced on the gun charge in November - Reuters/KEVIN LAMARQUE Mr Trump faced a string of criminal charges after his defeat in the 2021 elections, including accusations he tried to illegally overturn the result between the vote and Jan 6 when the Capitol riot took place. An election interference case and classified documents case against Mr Trump were dropped after his Nov 5 victory. There is a convention that the Department of Justice (DoJ) does not investigate a sitting president. Charges could be refiled after Mr Trump finishes his second term. Mr Trump said the pardoning was an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! - Evan Vucci Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steven Cheung, incoming White House communications chief, told Fox News: The failed witch hunts against president Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled DoJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponising the justice system. That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what president Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people. 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 Donald Trump said if the hostages arent released before his inauguration, then there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East. Trump posted this message Monday on Truth Social. If the hostages arent released by Jan. 20, Trump also there would be hell to pay for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity. Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America, continued Trump. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps post comes hours after the Israel Defense Forces confirmed the death of 21-year-old Omer Neutra. Neutra, an Israeli American from New York, served as a platoon commander in the Armored Corps. The IDF said he was killed on Oct. 7, 2023, and his body was held hostage. The United Jewish Federation of Utah expressed heartbreak at the news of his death and said the community feels his loss personally. Along with the entire Jewish community, we have stood with the Neutras as they have worked tirelessly to secure his release, said the released from the organization. For 422 days, we have waited for the return of all the hostages. It is long past due that Hamas release them, and they come home. President Joe Biden issued a statement after Neutras death was confirmed saying he and first lady Jill Biden were devastated and outraged to hear Neutra was killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And to all the families of those still held hostage: We see you. We are with you. And I will not stop working to bring your loved ones back home where they belong, said Biden. Over the weekend, the terrorist group Hamas released a video of Israeli American Edan Alexander, who was kidnapped on Oct. 7 and has been held hostage since. According to Axios, Alexander said he didnt want to die and called upon Trump to help get him released. We implore President-elect Trump to work with President Biden and Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu and immediately secure a deal to bring every hostage home, said Alexanders parents, according to Axios. They said every passing hour dims the prospect of their survival. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) In the gentle embrace of the autumn breeze we bid farewell to a faithful servant, Dorothy Mae Barnes, who gracefully journeyed to the Heavenly realm of eternity on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the age of 81. She was born on September 15,1943, in Sylacauga, Alabama. Find obituaries from your high school Her captivating presence and beautiful smile brightened the lives of everyone who knew her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was a proud 1961 alumna of South High School in Youngstown, Ohio. Dottie was a faithful employee at St. Elizabeth Medical Health Center for over 35 years serving in the nursing capacity. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Tabernacle Baptist Church in Youngstown, Ohio. She served as a Deaconess, Choir Member, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, as well as a Missionary Society participant and many other things. Dottie was well known and loved for her intricate crochet work, homemade yeast rolls, famous German chocolate cake and elaborate fruit infused gelatin desserts aka Jello. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She spent the majority of her life in the Youngstown area and moved to Dayton, Ohio in 2019 to be near family. There she joined New Season Ministry in Huber Heights, Ohio and especially enjoyed attending Silver Saint Ministry activities. Dottie especially blessed and comforted many with her singing as she journeyed through this life. Dottie leaves to cherish her memory, a son, Anthony Barnes (Nazrene) of Victorville, California; a daughter, Karyl Kitchen of Huber Heights, Ohio; four grandchildren, Anthony Barnes, Jr., Jasmin Kitchen, Garrick Barnes and Ashton Kitchen; six great-grandchildren; her sister, Deborah (Robert, Jr.) Taylor of Huber Heights, Ohio; sister-in-love and partner in crime, Pearlie Thomas and a host of relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Perry and Willie Pearl (McKinney) Thomas and two brothers, Joseph Terry Thomas and Jeffery Alton Thomas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Services will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 12:00 Noon; calling hours will be 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. prior to services, at New Season Ministry, 5711 Shull Road, Huber Heights, OH 45424 Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home, 207 N. Gettysburg Avenue, Dayton, OH 45406 Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. A student concentrating and taking notes while working in a classroom with her classmates. Alabama legislators are discussing changes to the way the state distributes school funding, shifting from a model based on daily attendance to one that tries to match resources to needs. (Getty Images) I want to believe that Alabama lawmakers want to help disadvantaged students. Really, I do. The vehicle for this would be a significant change to the states distribution of public school money. Instead of linking funding to daily attendance, the state would try to match resources with needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would be the first major change in the formula in 30 years. Right now, its in the discussion stage. But its an approach other states use. And it could be helpful. Not only for kids in poverty, English language learners, or those with physical or intellectual disabilities, all of whom could benefit from the new model. It could also send much-needed aid to kids in rural public schools with collapsing enrollment. Education groups see real benefits to a new formula. And I dont doubt their sincerity. The Alabama Legislature has also done some wise things with recent financial windfalls, putting a ton of funding behind pay raises for experienced teachers and investing in reading programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So I want to accept all this talk as laser-focused on the best outcomes for public schools. But I live with a pile of memories from the statehouse, forming a sour, doubtful grimace. Like that night in 2013 when a school regulation bill approved by both chambers went into a committee and emerged as the Alabama Accountability Act, a bill taking money out of the Education Trust Fund and creating a permanent failing schools list. No one had voted for that. But the Republican majorities in the Legislature timidly approved it a few hours later. Or those weeks in the spring of 2020 when white Republicans from rural and suburban districts did everything possible to stop a majority-Black city from making the choices it needs to serve its children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right on top is the Legislatures swift move last year to divert over $100 million in taxpayer money funding that would otherwise go to public schools to private school tuition. (Fine for parents to pay for non-public education uses. We know what they mean.) Is $100 million a fraction of the $9.3 billion Education Trust Fund budget? It is. Did the Legislature also require that this allocation grow with demand? Yep. But certainly they imposed strict income requirements to ensure this program didnt provide unneeded help to rich families sending their kids to Indian Springs School or Bayside Academy? Of course they didnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether by intention or accident, the Alabama Legislature has spent the last 11 years separating public money from public schools. We dont have a lot of that money to begin with. The foundational problem of Alabama education is strict property tax caps that benefit a few big landowners at the expense of the entire state and make it very difficult for local governments to raise adequate local revenue for schools. But were not going to address that. So when I hear that were tinkering with the funding formula, I have questions. Start with poor students. What definition of poverty will we use? The federal poverty guidelines? Where a three-person household is considered poor if they make $25,820 a year or less? Thats a reasonable baseline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what if were talking about economically disadvantaged? Thats far more nebulous. Just look at the Small Business Administrations definition: anyone whos made less than $400,000 in the previous three years or has assets under $6.5 million. I dont expect the SBA to design an education program. But its easy to see the Legislature taking that definition or making one up out of thin air in a way that benefits people who already have more than enough. Heres where Im most concerned: charter schools. One could create a charter school that caters exclusively to a poor population. Or English language learners. Or special education students. Maybe it incorporates another mission, like workforce development. But the effect is getting a lot of these populations into that charter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, state money for many Alabama communities, the only money available for schools follows them there. And out of the local public school. This is bad enough if its a city school. But if your rural school is suddenly competing with Purifying Fire Charter Academy, its going to be a lot harder to get the money you need, particularly if the state uses hazy definitions of poverty or doesnt set floors for individual school funding. If lawmakers tried to redo the funding formula in 2012, Id have more confidence in this plan. Alabama has a long and shameful history of shortchanging students, and Black students in particular. But after years of seeing taxpayer money shifted away from students who need it and toward people who dont, I have doubts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well see how this proposal evolves and what gets presented to legislators next year (if anything makes it into legislation). Maybe well see measures in the bill that protect what traditional public school funding remains. The track record isnt promising. We need to do better for our public school students. And if legislators are serious about helping disadvantaged kids, they need to give us many more reasons to believe them. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Texas Department of Public Safety revealed more information on a Sunday evening crash involving a semi-truck in Midland County that left one man dead. According to the DPS crash report, around 8:20 p.m. Sunday, December 1, Texas Highway Patrol troopers and MFD responded to State Highway 349 and FM 1213, near East County Road 160, after a crash involving a semi-truck and another vehicle occurred. Latest: Traffic alert: Two Midland crashes back up eastbound traffic, expect delays Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon further investigation, it was revealed that a semi-truck was traveling northbound on State Highway 349 and approaching the intersection of FM 1213, when a Chevrolet vehicle traveling westbound on FM 1312, disregarded and ran a stop sign and was struck by the semi. Teen killed in Odessa Thanksgiving crash DPS reported that the driver of the Chevrolet, later identified as 45-year-old Manuel De Jesus Sanchez Velasco of Fort Bend Texas, was pronounced dead at the scene. Reports also showed that the driver of the semi-truck was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. This crash remains under investigation, and no further information is available at this 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 Yourbasin. BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese capital of Beijing has solidified its appeal as a hub for foreign investment through continuous efforts to improve its business environment. Beijing hosts 252 regional headquarters of multinational companies and 149 foreign-funded research and development (R&D) centers. In the first eight months of 2024, 121 major foreign-funded R&D centers in the municipality invested 13.77 billion yuan (about 1.92 billion U.S. dollars) in R&D, up 29.9 percent year on year. "Beijing has consistently prioritized improving its business environment as a crucial strategy to transform government functions, boost the vitality of enterprises, and strengthen the internal drivers of economic growth," Beijing's Deputy Mayor Sima Hong said. For seven consecutive years, the Beijing municipal government has updated its business environment reform plan -- introducing more than 1,500 reform measures in this process. Tetsuro Homma, executive vice president of Panasonic Holdings Corporation and group chief executive for China & Northeast Asia, told Xinhua that since Panasonic established its joint venture in Beijing in 1987, the company has witnessed and benefited significantly from improvements in the city's business environment. "China boasts a vast market, a comprehensive industrial and supply chain, strong adaptability to new technologies, and immense economic development potential, offering enterprises extensive opportunities for growth," said Homma. "Major foreign firms are bullish on China's long-term growth prospects," said Li Yang, secretary-general of the Beijing Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment, while adding that foreign firms continue to regard the country as a preferred investment destination. To improve its business environment further, Beijing is also striving to transform and elevate its reform achievements into regulations. On July 1 this year, Beijing's first special regulation on foreign investment took effect. Moreover, Beijing on Friday passed the newly revised regulation on optimizing its business environment, representing the capital's latest effort to promote further opening up and boost its appeal to global investors. This regulation took effect in 2020 and was first revised in 2022. Zhang Jiachun, managing partner of Chinese law firm East & Concord Partners, noted that this effort will further foster a stable, fair, transparent and predictable business environment. "The revision of the regulation demonstrates the municipal government's strong commitment to enhancing the business environment and supporting enterprise development in the city -- which reinforces our confidence in growing in Beijing," said Yu Feng, president of Honeywell China, adding that the company will expand its investment in the capital. Honeywell, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in the United States, has been present in the Chinese market for nearly 90 years. It has formed a full value chain in China, ranging from manufacturing and technology R&D to procurement and supply chain, and has actively joined hands with upstream and downstream enterprises in the supply chain to effectively integrate into local economic development. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department says a driver is facing felony charges after a crash that left one pedestrian dead Sunday. The crash happened at about 2 a.m. Sunday on West Morehead Street, near Mint Street. Police said they found a victim in the road after being hit by a car. The victim was identified as Ryan Zadrozny. ALSO READ >> 1 killed after being hit by car on I-485 in Matthews Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CMPD said Zadrozny was crossing the street at a crosswalk when a Mercedez Benz was speeding down Morehead Street and hit Zadrozny. Two people were walking with Zadrozny but they werent hurt, police said. Police said the driver of the car was identified as Mache Ulysses Darby. According to CMPD, officers found Darbys Mercedez a few blocks away from the crash, but when they tried to stop him, he drove away and crashed. Police said Darby was impaired at the time of the crash. Hes facing charges of felony death by vehicle, felony hit and run, felony flee to elude, and reckless driving. (VIDEO: Police investigating deadly shooting near south Charlotte light rail stop) MADRID (AP) Thousands of delivery drivers in Spain working for the food delivery app Glovo will soon be full employees after the company announced Monday that it was moving to an employment-based model. The decision follows years of pressure from the Spanish government to give app-based drivers labor contracts. In a statement, Glovo's Berlin-based parent company Delivery Hero, said Glovo is moving from a freelance model to an employment-based one to avoid legal uncertainties, and that it anticipated a related 100 million euro ($105 million) hit to earnings in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We still believe the freelance model offers more flexibility to a wider range of riders to be part of the delivery community, Glovo said in a statement. The new model will be rolled out in more than 900 locations in Spain where Glovo operates, the company said, affecting about 15,000 drivers. Spain had fined Glovo in 2022 and 2023 for violating labor laws. At the time, Spain's labor ministry said the company was being punished for not contracting its drivers as employees and for giving gigs to immigrants who lacked proper documentation and work permits. Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz applauded the move on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No company, no matter how large it is, no matter how much power it has, no great technology can impose itself on democracy, Diaz told Spanish TV channel Television Espanola. The important thing is that finally these people will be workers in our country. In 2021, Diaz successfully championed a new Riders Law that classified food delivery drivers as employees of the digital platforms they work for, as opposed to self-employed freelancers. Glovo operates in more than 20 countries, most of them in Europe. BAMAKO, Mali (AP) Drone strikes by Mali's military regime killed eight Tuareg rebel leaders in the town of Tinzaouatine in the north of the country, a rebel spokesman said Sunday. It was the first time since the start of the rebellion in 2012 that so many Taureg leaders have been killed in a single attack. Several synchronized drone strikes martyred some Azawad leader on December 1, 2024 in Tinzaouatine, near the Algerian border, spokesman Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane said in a statement. Azawad is the term used by the separatists for northern Mali. The statement from the separatists lists the names of eight Tuareg chiefs, the best known of whom is Fahad Ag Al Mahmoud, Secretary General of the Gatia, a Tuareg armed group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later Sunday evening, the General Staff of the Malian armed forces confirmed the deaths of the rebel leaders, whom it described as terrorists, in a special operation. The military statement was broadcast on Malian national television channel ORTM. Clearly this is a major loss to northern Malian groups since among the victims there are key leaders who have been influential in their communities," said Rida Lyammouri, senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, a Moroccan think tank. "However, it will further intensify the anti sentiment toward Bamako, and the setback doesnt mean the fight is over. He said the junta has demonstrated with these airstrikes that it is not afraid to use the air assets (drones) it acquired anytime it can." The attack by Mali's military regime comes a day after the armed groups in the north announced they were merging into a single political-military entity, now called the Azawad Liberation Front. The new groups mission is the total liberation of Azawad and the formation of the Azawad Authority, said Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesman for the groups, in a press release dated Nov. 30. (Bloomberg) -- Philippine civil groups filed an impeachment complaint on Monday against Vice President Sara Duterte, a move that may struggle to find lawmaker support ahead of next years midterm elections. Most Read from Bloomberg Dutertes alleged unlawful acts include corruption, bribery, and other high crimes, according to the complaint endorsed by Akbayan, a progressive political alliance, which also cited her apparent threat to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. killed as evidence of her depravity and mental incapacity to serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint was filed at the House of Representatives just three days after Marcos warned any impeachment effort would be a potential distraction that could slow reforms, calling his dispute with Duterte a storm in a teacup. The wide-ranging allegations touch upon Dutertes behavior as vice president and as former head of the education department and mayor of Davao City. The problem with this impeachment complaint, I think it is a bit haphazard, said Froilan Calilung, who teaches political science at the University of Santo Tomas, suggesting that it may not be endorsed by the House of Representatives justice committee. But then again this will be a prelude to a stronger impeachment complaint that could be filed next year. Duterte has yet to respond to the impeachment complaint and a spokesperson said the matter has been relayed to her. Read: Marcos Strikes More Cordial Tone in Philippine Feud With Duterte Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing is expected to undergo hearings by the justice panel, a majority of which must vote for it to be taken up by the entire chamber. The complaint would then need backing from at least one-third of all house members for a Senate trial to proceed. Marcoss allies control the house, but a conviction at the Senate may prove challenging, as an impeachment proceeding could alienate Dutertes supporters ahead of midterm elections in May. Sara Dutertes father, Rodrigo Duterte, was president before Marcos, and the Duterte family enjoy strong support in the south of the country. I dont think any senator would want to risk having an impeachment trial before the elections because that will really have a great toll on their political capital, Calilung said. Certainly, they dont want to antagonize the Duterte followers. Just two years after they won election on a joint ticket, Dutertes relationship with Marcos has completely broken down. She claimed late last month that in the event of her death she had arranged for the killing of the president, his wife and his cousin, the house speaker. Her father had previously publicly bragged of directing a death squad to kill criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impeachment complaint cited Sara Dutertes alleged meltdown when she made the remarks, which included the statement she claimed to have made to an unidentified person: I told him, dont stop until you have killed them and then he said yes. The Vice President has reduced public office to a platform for violent rhetoric, personal enrichment, elitist entitlement and a shield for impunity, Teresita Quintos Deles, one of the complainants, said in the Monday statement. Her actions desecrate our institutions, and her continued grip on power insults every Filipino who stands for good governance and the rule of law. The 46-year old Sara Duterte, a lawyer, has said her comments were taken out of context. Tossing the word assassin into this issue makes things even more terrifying and especially because I never used that term during my recent consternation, she said in a Nov. 26 Facebook post. Dutertes remarks raised concerns in the Philippines, a young democracy where protests helped oust a leader as recently as 2001, and where the current presidents father was dictator until the 1980s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, Rodrigo Duterte last week followed up on his daughters comments by asking for the military to correct fractured governance, remarks that some interpreted as a call for the army to intervene, even as he said he wasnt calling for a coup. Read: Philippines Politics Is Mad. It Just Got Crazier: Ruth Pollard Sara Duterte was scheduled to explain her apparent assassination threat to the National Bureau of Investigation on Nov. 29, but the hearing was tentatively reset for Dec. 11, on her request. The police also filed a complaint against Sara Duterte and her security detail over allegations of assault and coercion following an incident involving the transfer of her chief of staff to a hospital from the House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mondays impeachment complaint, by a group that included civil society leaders and former government officials, said Duterte violated her constitutional oath and engaged in gross misconduct. That included her alleged misuse of confidential funds provided to the office of the vice president, along with sundry alleged misdeeds at other times in her career. News of the impeachment effort came late in the trading day in the Philippines, where the benchmark stock index rose 2%. --With assistance from Andreo Calonzo and Cliff Venzon. (Adds details of complaint, background on dispute throughout.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Given how the U.S. Supreme Courts conservative majority is better known for limiting the authority of federal regulatory agencies than supporting them, this weeks small victory for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is an especially welcome one. The justices served the nations interest by essentially doing nothing declining to hear the tobacco industrys First Amendment-based challenge to graphic health warnings on packs of cigarettes the FDA proposed more than four years ago. If anything, the victory was overdue. Much has been written about Donald Trumps election as a turning point in the publics view of the proper role of government in their lives. We strongly believe at least one expectation hasnt changed: Americans want to hear the truth. And the warnings are, if anything, overdue. They picture, for example, discolored feet with missing toes and a caption about how smoking reduces blood flow to the limbs that can lead to amputation. In another, a medical professional holds a diseased lung with a message of how smoking is linked to a potentially fatal lung disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A little difficult to view? Absolutely, and thats the idea. Each year, an estimated 7,500 adult Marylanders die from tobacco-related causes even as overall tobacco use is down. Shouldnt people be made to squirm? Remember, secondhand smoke is a serious problem as well so the stakes are especially high. And while overall smoking rates have declined in recent years, they remain a serious challenge. The FDA hasnt updated its warnings since 1984. We can only hope the Silver Spring-based agency will continue to fulfill its mission to protect and promote public health by ensuring the safety of drugs, medical devices, food, cosmetics and other products. Trumps pick to run the FDA, Johns Hopkins surgeon Dr. Marty Makary, has proven moderately controversial but mostly for his past views on COVID and the performance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Makary has indicated he believes the FDA has lost the trust of Americans but that could indicate a desire to regulate more not less. More concerning is whether Trumps pick to run the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will accept science-based evidence given his eccentric views on health care including his belief in a link between vaccines and autism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both nominees should be pleased by the Supreme Courts judgment on cigarette warnings and should say so during confirmation hearings. _____ Baltimore Sun editorial writers offer opinions and analysis on news and issues relevant to readers. They operate separately from the newsroom. _____ CHICAGO Eileen ONeill Burke has been sworn in as the new Cook County States Attorney. A ceremony was held Monday in River North. ONeill Burke, a Democrat, was elected last month to succeed Kim Foxx, who did not seek re-election. Outgoing Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx reflects upon successes, challenges during 8 years in office The retired appellate court judge and former prosecutor won the seat with more than twice as many votes as her Republican challenger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ONeill Burke said Monday she is ready to combat crime. Our number of shootings has risen exponentially. We have war zone numbers of people being wounded by gunfire right now, ONeill Burke said. We are having a mass shooting on a regular basis. We are becoming numb to the numbers. I dont want to become numb, I want to do something about it. Some of her promises include keeping more people locked up while they await trial and changing policies that will require her prosecutors to seek pre-trial detention for the following crimes: All murder and Class X felonies, which include carjackings, armed robbery and home invasion. Felony offenses committed with a gun with an extended magazine, automatic switch or ghost gun. Any felony committed on public transit. Domestic violence, stalking or sex crimes in which a weapon was used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebecca Darr, executive director of WINGS Program, Inc. welcomes the focus on protecting victims. Tension grows at City Hall as Chicago budget deadline looms When there are weapons in the home in a DV situation, the victim is 500 times more likely to be killed. So I think its a serious matter and happy shes stepping off with this stance, Darr said. If we can all work together as service providers, court personnel, law enforcement, the more we work together, the better we can do for saving peoples lives. We are going to work tirelessly to make sure that the vision of a safer Cook County becomes a reality. Thank you for coming today. Now its time to get to work, ONeill Burke adeed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said her office will also seek pre-trial detention for all cases involving the manufacture, dissemination and possession of child pornography and all sex offenses where victims are under the age of 13 and the offender is an adult. ONeill Burke was sworn in Monday in front of a group of attendees, including former mayors Lori Lightfoot and Richard Daley, current Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling and former Cook County States Attorney Anita Alvarez. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) El Paso County recently received $10.1 million to support a 2-mile trail segment of the Paso del Norte Trail in the Lower Valley, completing 7.3 miles of the trail from Fabens to Tornillo, the Paso del Norte Health Foundation announced in a news release. The County received the money from the Transportation Alternatives program, administered by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phases 1 and 2 of this trail project, one in Fabens and one in Tornillo, are currently being designed, according to the news release. Construction is scheduled to be completed by December 2026, and the segment connecting the two trails is expected to be completed by December 2027. The Paso del Norte Trail has nearly 20 miles completed, with another 28 miles funded for design and/or construction, including nearly all trail segments in the Lower Valley from Ascarate Park to Tornillo, the Health Foundation said. The Health Foundation said the City of El Paso, County of El Paso, TxDOT, Paso del Norte Health Foundation, and the City of Socorro have provided or secured over $55 million for the design and construction since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Paso del Norte Trail is a community-driven, collaborative effort initiated by the Health Foundation to develop a 75-mile county-wide trail, read the news release. The goal is to create a regionally significant landmark that promotes active transportation, preserves the history and culture of our region, highlights the Rio Grande River, supports economic development and ecotourism, provides educational and volunteer opportunities, and makes healthy living the easy choice for our unique, binational community. To learn more about the Paso del Norte Trail and related events, visit www.pasodelnortetrail.org. To support the trail, you can donate to the Paso del Norte Community Foundations Paso del Norte Trail Fund. Your contributions will directly support trail programming and amenities. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) An El Paso woman was sentenced in federal court to five years in prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office from the Western District of Texas. The U.S. Attorneys Office says Edelmira Marquez, 59, engaged in fraudulent billing practices as the owner of Marquez Medical Supply, which is a medical equipment company in El Paso. Marquezs scheme involved substituting and providing lesser valued items to Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries/patients, then billing Medicaid and Medicare for the greater valued items. The items were primarily continence supplies including adult diapers, wipes and bed liners, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marquez was summoned to court on Dec. 21, 2023, and made her initial appearance on Jan. 19, and was released on bond. Marquez pleaded guilty to the single count back in March and upon sentencing, she was remanded into federal custody. Marquez was also fined $20,000 and ordered to pay more than $1.7 million in restitution to Medicaid. The FBI and the Texas Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. State-ordered environmental testing has uncovered elevated levels of cancer-causing radiation at a popular spot for hikers and dog walkers in the Bay Area, according to a new report. Over the summer, the city of Albany hired hazardous waste specialists with Cabrera Services Inc. to survey for the presence of radioactive waste at the Albany Bulb, a former municipal landfill for construction debris that now features scenic hiking trails and a sprawling collection of outdoor art. State regulators ordered the investigation after discovering a 1980 archival document that suggested a former Richmond chemical plant dumped 11,000 tons of waste at the former Albany and Berkeley landfill from 1960 to 1971. The document indicated the waste may have included alum mud a potentially radioactive sludge and byproduct of aluminum processing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Phillips 66 faces federal charges over alleged wastewater dumping at Carson refinery After surveying the city-owned portion of the peninsula, Cabrera Services found 10 areas with elevated levels of gamma radiation powerful electromagnetic energy that can penetrate human tissue and damage cells. Cabrera technicians are recommending that Albany conduct soil sampling in three places, where it determined alum mud or a radioactive object may be buried. Nearly four decades after Albany's municipal landfill closed, it has evolved into an outdoor art gallery filled with sculptures made from reclaimed wood, stone and metal. Although state regulators have deemed landfill materials as hazardous waste, it hasn't deterred people from unearthing the refuse from the uncapped landfill and featuring it in eccentric pieces of art. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new testing adds to the serious public health and safety concerns for one of the Bay Area's most cherished coastal spaces. Gamma radiation is particularly concerning as this high-frequency energy can move through solid objects and human tissue, damaging DNA molecules and raising a person's risk for cancer, according to Daniel Hirsch, retired director of environmental and nuclear policy at UC Santa Cruz. "It's like subatomic bullets being fired at the cells," Hirsch said. "There is no safe level. Every level carries some risk." Read more: Revelations of possible radioactive dumping around the Bay Area trigger new testing at parks California Department of Public Health officials, however, said the initial gamma radiation observed at the Albany Bulb presented a "low level of risk to the public." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The survey results indicate that most of the site is consistent with normal background radiation levels, but 10 locations showed elevated readings," a CDPH spokesperson said. "Our initial assessment shows that a person would have to spend approximately 20 hours on an elevated area to receive a dose equivalent to one dental X-ray." A colorful stone amphitheater is one of several art installations in the Albany Bulb. (Paul Kuroda / For The Times) The Cabrera Services report noted the radioactivity at the Albany Bulb is consistent with other landfills that accept construction debris, which may contain naturally radioactive material, such as granite. It remains unclear whether the levels of radiation are compatible for a publicly accessible space. "The City doesn't have enough information from the report to reach specific, final conclusions on ultimate public health risk," said Brennen Brown, spokesperson for the city of Albany. "The next round of investigation will include soil sampling and shallow subsurface measurements that will help inform public risk levels. At this time, based on the information from the report, the City is not aware of any need to take additional actions to protect health and safety." Cabrera Services also said it's "unlikely" the radioactivity is from large deposits of alum mud. Based on a review of historical documents, it said other parts of the man-made peninsula probably accepted this waste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cabrera staff highlighted adjacent tracts of land owned by the East Bay Regional Park District, which had previously been a privately owned landfill. Cabrera staff and Albany city officials, however, did not immediately inform the East Bay Regional Park District. The Park District only learned about the findings and test results after a Times reporter reached out for comment. Jordan Traverso, a spokesperson for the Park District, said regulators had not asked for them to test its property. Meanwhile, the city of Berkeley is working toward examining its own survey for gamma radiation at Cesar Chavez Park, which was built atop the former municipal landfill. The city partnered with UC Berkeley Nuclear Engineering researchers to fly a drone survey over the 90-acre park and sweep small areas on foot, according to city spokesperson Seung Lee. The test results, he said, will be released after researchers clean and analyze the data. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. At least 11 people, including five children, were killed when Syrian and Russian warplanes launched a series of airstrikes on rebel-held areas in north-western Syria on Monday, activists and a monitor group said. Dozens of people were injured as a result of the strikes, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, said. The attacks targeted the Shamaat roundabout area and residential neighbourhoods in the city of Idlib as well as a camp for displaced people near Harbanoush, north of Idlib, according to the group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The camp houses 352 displaced Syrians and among the killed were members of the same family," Khaled al Amouri, a resident of the camp, told dpa. According to the White Helmets, a Syrian civil defence organization which works in rebel-held areas, seven civilians were killed and 12 others were wounded in the camp. An alliance of insurgents led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive in north-west Syria last week on Syrian government-held areas and took control of Aleppo, the country's second-largest city. The observatory said the airstrikes by Syria and Russia targeted areas controlled by rebels in Aleppo, the countryside of Hama and Idlib. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war monitor, which has been documenting violence in Syria since the uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2011, said that over five days of clashes between Syrian government forces and rebels more than 440 people had been killed. It said that the dead included more than 60 civilians. Meanwhile, the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), which runs 40 medical facilities in north-west Syria, called on the warring sides to avoid hitting civilians and hospitals. "Hospitals, schools, and civilians are not targets of war. We all must stand up for common decency and prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable, regardless of which side of the frontline they find themselves," SAMS President, Dr. Mufaddal Hamadeh, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syrian government sources told dpa earlier that its forces had launched a counter-attack and had retaken most regions that the rebels took in the countryside of Hama over the weekend. The observatory said pro-Iranian Iraqi militia fighters had crossed from the al-Bou Kamal border with Iraq in eastern Syria over the past 24 hours to help their Syrian government allies. It estimated that 200 fighters had crossed the Iraqi-Syrian border since Sunday. Iran and Russia have been the main backers of al-Assad. BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Delegates from the navies of China and 19 Gulf of Guinea countries will discuss maritime security at a symposium in Shanghai from Tuesday to Friday, China's Ministry of National Defense announced Monday. The symposium, the second of its kind, is held to implement the consensus reached at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, as well as to build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era, and a maritime community with a shared future, the statement said. The event seeks to deepen China-Africa friendly cooperation, jointly address maritime security threats and challenges, and safeguard regional peace and stability, it said. The first symposium was held in 2022 via video link. A top Democrat and critic of Donald Trump says she might be willing to throw her support behind the president-elects choice for labor secretary, a sign of how one Trump nominee could scramble the usual political lines in the Senate confirmation process. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) told HuffPost its a big deal that Trumps pick to lead the Labor Department, outgoing GOP Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Oregon), endorsed the pro-union legislation known as the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. Only two other House Republicans signed on to the bill in this Congress. Warren takes that as a hopeful sign for the nominees approach to workplace issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Chavez-DeRemer commits as labor secretary to strengthen labor unions and promote worker power, shes a strong candidate for the job, she said in a statement. But Warren went on to say that the nomination which could draw opposition from members of Trumps own party is an early test for both the incoming president and the Senate GOP. Will Trump stand strong with workers or bow down to his corporate donors and the Republican establishments opposition? she said. And if Republican Senators block Trumps labor nominee for standing with unions, it will show that the partys support for workers is all talk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A moderate one-term Republican who just lost her House reelection bid last month, Chavez-DeRemer is one of the outliers in Trumps would-be Cabinet of loyalists, TV personalities and partisan bomb-throwers. She reportedly had the backing of Teamsters President Sean OBrien, who cultivated a relationship with Trump during his latest White House run. Her PRO Act support is probably the most unorthodox line on Chavez-DeRemers resume. A sweeping plan to overhaul the nations labor law, the legislation would make it easier to form unions and secure collective bargaining agreements, increase penalties for illegal union-busting by employers and roll back state right-to-work laws, among many other measures. She also backed a bill to expand union rights to more public-sector workers a proposal that had only seven other Republican backers in the House. Trump has picked outgoing Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) to be his nominee for labor secretary. Bill Clark via Getty Images The Chavez-DeRemer nomination plays into the GOPs attempted rebranding as a pro-labor party, but her support for union-friendly legislation might be too much for some Republican senators to swallow. The most high-profile faces of that image makeover Vice President-elect Sen. J.D. Vance (Ohio) and Sen. Josh Hawley (Mo.) were willing to walk a strike picket line but not co-sponsor the PRO Act, which has never passed the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have real questions about her vote for the PRO Act, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) told HuffPost on Monday. I dont know her. I dont believe weve ever met, but if she voted to repeal [state right-to-work laws], theres some questions that need to be answered. Some anti-union groups that typically align with Republicans have denounced Chavez-DeRemer as a candidate for the labor role, with the National Right to Work Committee saying she should have no place in the Trump administration. Republicans will hold a slim 53-47 majority in the incoming Senate. If they face enough pressure from business groups to oppose her nomination, theres a scenario in which Democratic backing could put Chavez-DeRemer over the top for confirmation if Trump sticks by her. But having a union ally atop the Labor Department doesnt necessarily mean the agency would pursue a pro-worker agenda. Labor secretaries cant enact any major reforms without a green light from the White House. To truly mark a new direction for the GOP, Trump would have to break with all the anti-union and deregulatory workplace policies of his first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arthur Delaney contributed reporting. Related... A B-1B Lancer from Ellsworth Air Force Base takes off from a runway at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, on Feb. 1, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern) Seventeen planes and 800 people will temporarily transfer to Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota to accommodate a runway construction project at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, the Air Force said Monday. The transfer of B-1B Lancers and personnel is expected to begin this month and last about 10 months. The runway construction is one of many projects at Ellsworth to prepare for the B-21 Raider, a new long-range strike bomber under development for the Air Force by Northrop Grumman. The B-21s will eventually replace the B-1s at Ellsworth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The runway construction at Ellsworth is a key milestone in ensuring were ready to receive the B-21 Raider, said Col. Derek Oakley, the commander of the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth, near Rapid City. Residents around Ellsworth will notice more construction traffic, the Air Force said, and locals in North Dakotas Red River Valley will notice an increase in military vehicle freight and air traffic. Earlier this year, several of Ellsworths B-1 bombers relocated to Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. The arrival date of B-21s at Ellsworth is expected in the mid-2020s, the Air Force said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A B-1B Lancer from Ellsworth Air Force Base takes off from a runway at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, on Feb. 1, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern) Seventeen planes and 800 people will temporarily transfer to Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota to accommodate a runway construction project at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, the Air Force said Monday. The transfer of B-1B Lancers and personnel is expected to begin this month and last about 10 months. The runway construction is one of many projects at Ellsworth to prepare for the B-21 Raider, a new long-range strike bomber under development for the Air Force by Northrop Grumman. The B-21s will eventually replace the B-1s at Ellsworth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The runway construction at Ellsworth is a key milestone in ensuring were ready to receive the B-21 Raider, said Col. Derek Oakley, the commander of the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth, near Rapid City. Residents around Ellsworth will notice more construction traffic, the Air Force said, and locals in North Dakotas Red River Valley will notice an increase in military vehicle freight and air traffic. Earlier this year, several of Ellsworths B-1 bombers relocated to Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. The arrival date of B-21s at Ellsworth is expected in the mid-2020s, the Air Force said. South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seth Tupper for questions: info@southdakotasearchlight.com. Follow South Dakota Searchlight on Facebook and X. Succession Theme As one politico points out, Elon Musk's hold on Donald Trump seems akin to the president-elect's control own takeover of the GOP. In an interview with Newsweek, Democratic strategist Chai Komanduri suggested that the Muskian agenda is now the Republican party line and that may help the billionaire's bottom line, too. "The Republican Party is led by an elderly man who is increasingly deluded, distracted and extremely greedy," said the longtime strategist and MSNBC contributor. "[Musk] saw an opportunity here, also, with the fact that there is no clear MAGA successor." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He said, 'The Republican Party is here for the taking,'" Komanduri told the magazine of Musk's potential frame of mind. "'I just have to deal with Trump, and then it will be mine.'" By joining forces with Trump, the multi-hyphenate business owner seems to have made a "very clear investment opportunity," Komanduri said. Indeed, as Business Insider noted in another recent analysis, Musk's seemingly outrageous over-spending on purchasing Twitter back in 2022 may be paying off in spades now that he wields such political influence and it all raises the question: is Trump the boss of Musk, or vice versa? Kiss the Ring A looming question since the election has been how long the Musk-Trump bromance will last, especially since Trump's last administration quickly became a revolving door of spurned former loyalists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there have been reports of tensions between the Tesla and SpaceX owner and members of Trump's posse, the South African-born mogul's appearance at the president-elect's Thanksgiving dinner not to mention the pair's bizarro joint dance to The Village People's "YMCA" suggests he's in the inner sanctum, at least for now. In an interview with CNN last week, New York Times senior political reporter Maggie Haberman opined that if Trump has grown weary of the brash billionaire whose dollars boosted him into office, he hasn't been "making that especially public." Given that it's rare for people in the president-elect's orbit to be richer than him, Musk's money may be part of the draw he holds for Trump, the longtime White House watcher 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," she said. "As you noted, Trump equates wealth with intelligence, and so I actually think this relationship could last for quite some time." If that's the case, we're in for a very bumpy and extremely cringe four years. More on this strange dynamic: Body Language Expert Says Trump Is Acting "Submissive" Around Musk Donald Trump megadonor and incoming administration official Elon Musk has used his social media platform to chastise Joe Biden for a six-month-old X post after the president issued a pardon for his son Hunter. X users deployed the community notes function to correct the presidents May 31 post reading no one is above the law. The post was revived with a note added for additional context that read: Joe Biden granted a full and unconditional pardon to his son, Hunter, on December 1, 2024. Hunter was convicted of multiple felonies but will now go unpunished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk shared the post with a screenshot of a note that said Biden has made clear that some people are, in fact, above the law. Community Notes slays, Musk wrote. Biden wrote the initial post one day after a New York jury convicted Trump on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records as part of a so-called hush money scheme to silence an adult film star ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Community Notes slays pic.twitter.com/QNZfUIcNPl Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 2, 2024 Though not the first time that a president pardoned a family member, Bidens pardon reversed his previous pledge that he would not do so within his final months in office. Hunter Biden was convicted on charges stemming from lying on a federal form about drug use when he bought a handgun in 2018. He also pleaded guilty to tax evasion and related charges in a separate case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election, the president said in a statement on Sunday. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, he added. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. The worlds richest man, who spent Thanksgiving with the president-elect at Mar-a-Lago and has remained a close adviser shaping his incoming administration, is set to lead a newly created advisory group that will recommend mass firings of workers and drastic cuts to federal agencies. His crowd-sourced community note feature, meanwhile, has largely failed to meaningfully check misinformation on the platform, with a majority of fact checks proposed by users on political posts never shown to the public. In the final stretch of his presidency, President Joe Biden issued a pardon to his son Hunter Biden, who was convicted on federal gun charges. But Sundays pardon has sparked controversy. Biden repeatedly insisted he would not grant clemency to Hunter, prompting members of Congress and advocates to criticize the presidents U-turn, accusing him of putting his family before the country or pointing to his clemency record. Hunter marks the 26th person that the president has pardoned since he entered the White House in 2021, records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A host of Congress members have urged Biden to pardon certain groups and people in his last 50 days in office. The White House Press has said more pardons can be expected before Inauguration Day. Heres who else Biden could pardon: Who has Biden pardoned so far? On Sunday, Biden announced he was pardoning his Hunter, stating his son had been selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted by the Justice Department and that no reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. The pardon covers offenses Hunter has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before granting clemency to his son, over the past four years the president has issued 25 pardons to others, namely people convicted of drug-related crimes. In October 2022, Biden also issued a presidential proclamation, pardoning those who committed the federal offense of simple marijuana possession. At the time, CNN reported that while no Americans were serving prison time solely on these crimes, more than 6,500 had been charged with them. In December 2023, he expanded upon that move, granting clemency to those who committed federal offenses of attempted simple possession of marijuana or use of marijuana. In June 2024, Biden also issued pardons for veterans who were convicted of a now-repealed military ban on engaging in gay sex. The move was expected to impact about 2,000 former service members, the New York Times reported at the time. Biden, pictured greeting his son Hunter at the Democratic National Convention in August, pardoned his second son on Sunday (REUTERS) Who has asked? As Bidens presidency comes to a close, members of Congress have urged him to issue pardons for certain individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reps Ayanna Pressley, Jim Clyburn and Mary Gay Scanlon penned a November 20 letter to the president, asking him to use his clemency power to reunite families, address longstanding injustices in our legal system, and set our nation on the path toward ending mass incarceration. The lawmakers wrote: Now is the time to use your clemency authority to rectify unjust and unnecessary criminal laws passed by Congress and draconian sentences given by judges. Granting clemency will undoubtedly send a powerful message across the country in support of fundamental fairness and furthering meaningful criminal justice reform, they added. We encourage you to use your clemency powers to help broad classes of people and cases, including the elderly and chronically ill, those on death row, people with unjustified sentencing disparities, and women who were punished for defending themselves against their abusers, the trio wrote. The letter was also signed by 64 additional House representatives. Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey also chimed in with his own recommendation: Biden should issue preemptive pardons to people Trump has threatened to prosecute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that without question, Trump is going to try to act in a dictatorial way, in a fascistic way, in a revengeful first year at least of his administration toward individuals who he believes harmed him, Markey told Boston Public Radio on November 26. He continued: If its clear by January 19th that that is his intention, then I would recommend to President Biden that he provide those preemptive pardons to people, because thats really what our country is going to need next year. Markey cited Gerald Fords pardon of Richard Nixon over the Watergate scandal as allowing our country just to close the that chapter and move on to a new era. The Massachusetts Democrat said Biden could be in a similar situation now, predicting people will look back and just say thats what our country wants, it wants to get past the acrimony, the bitterness and moved on to an agenda that deals with the ordinary families and not the Trump family and their grievances to people who tried to prevent them from becoming the occupants of the Oval Office. Sen. Edward Markey talks during a news conference, January 25, 2024, at the Capitol in Washington, DC. He suggested Biden issue preemptive pardons to individuals Trump could go after as president (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Biden has also pardoned turkeys as part of an annual White House tradition. Ahead of issuing Peach and Blossom pardons this year, the thinktank Prison Policy Initiative criticized Bidens clemency record toward poultry compared to his clemency record toward inmates on death row. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president plans on pardoning two more birds but has made no announcement to grant clemency to the 40 people on federal death row, the thinktank wrote in a November 22 statement. Turkey pardons might be a light-hearted tradition, but its hard to not think about the dozens of people whose lives will be taken from them by a tax-payer-funded death all while politicians tout the importance of festive goodwill. The statement added: The death penalty is the cruelest and only permanent punishment in the US. Bidens days left in office are limited, but its not too late for him to spare everyone from federal death row (and cement his legacy for the better). So who exactly has Trump threatened to prosecute? President-elect Donald Trump has not been shy in naming his political adversaries. Vice President Kamala Harris, his former 2024 rival, could very well be at the top of his enemies list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a September rally, Trump blasted Harriss handling of the border crisis. He claimed that people were murdered because of her action at the border, and thousands more will follow in rapid succession, adding: She should be impeached and prosecuted for her actions. In June 2023, Trump also threatened to prosecute Harris boss, Joe Biden. He said at the time: I will appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the history of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and the entire Biden crime family. Trump reposted a Truth Social post calling for televised military tribunals of former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, who was one of just two Republicans to sit on the House panel investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. The post also claimed she was guilty of treason. Cheney later campaigned for Harris during the 2024 presidential election cycle. President-elect Donald Trump gestures as he meets with House Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington on November 13, 2024. Trump has made clear his so-called enemies list, prompting some to worry that he could prosecute them while in office (REUTERS) Trump has also suggested that his former Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley be executed for treason, claimed Senator-elect Adam Schiff is a sleazebag and traitor, and should be prosecuted for the damage he has done to our Country and insisted former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi be prosecuted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect has also repeatedly threatened to prosecute the individuals who have prosecuted him. In the past few years, Trump often took aim at special counsel Jack Smith, who was pursuing two federal criminal cases against Trump. On more than one occasion, Trump has called for Smith to be investigated. At an October rally, Trump suggested Smith should be deported: Jack Smith should be considered mentally deranged. He should be thrown out of the country. He has also targeted Letitia James, the New York Attorney General who oversaw Trumps civil fraud case. Last November in a Truth Social rant, he suggested she campaigned on getting Trump. She should be prosecuted! In February, Trump, two of his sons and top executives of the Trump Organization were dealt a $454 million civil fraud judgment. He appealed the ruling. But since his re-election, Trumps lawyer has asked the New York AG to dismiss the case against him altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of these individuals have been accused of any wrongdoing. Granting pardons to those who have not been charged with or convicted of a crime would be highly unusual, according to the Justice Department. But a few prominent examples include Fords pardon of Nixon and Jimmy Carters pardon of Vietnam draft dodgers. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden held an emotional commemoration for World AIDS Day at the White House on Sunday, expressing empathy with families who have lost loved ones and telling them they felt a special obligation to use this sacred place to ensure everyone is seen. Behind the Bidens, a giant red ribbon hung on the South Portico and the AIDS Memorial Quilt was placed across the South Lawn. The quilt now with 50,000 panels with 110,000 names and weighs 54 tons. This was the first time it has been displayed on the lawn. Like the first threads of this quilt this movement is fully woven into the fabric and history of America, Biden said. Shining a light on the memory and the legacy of all the sisters and brothers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, moms and dads, partners and friends who have lost, we've lost to this terrible disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: President Biden and first lady to debut AIDS Memorial Quilt on the White House South Lawn The president and first lady were emotional throughout the event, with the president appearing to occasionally wipe tears from his face during Jill Bidens remarks and the first lady choking up as she spoke in front of survivors, their families and advocates. PHOTO: President Joe Biden delivers remarks at a World AIDS Day event on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, D.C., Dec. 1, 2024. (Annabelle Gordon/Getty Images) And though we are strangers, we know untellable truths about one another that we will spend the rest of our lives longing for a face that's gone forever, Jill Biden said, having to pause for a moment. And that when they left our world, they took a light inside us with them. As I look at this beautiful quilt with its bright colors, the names in big block letters, renderings of lives and loves, I see it as a mom, and I think of the mothers who stitched their pain into a patchworked panel so the world would remember their child not as a victim of a vicious disease, but as a son who had played in the high school jazz band, as a child, who grew up to proudly serve our nation in uniform, as the daughter whose favorite holiday was Christmas, she continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Bidens Angola visit to focus on US investments, regional partnerships in Africa President Biden is no stranger to grief and often references his own loss during similar events. On Sunday he acknowledged that though the ceremony was a celebration of those lives lost, they bring back all the memories. They're hard. It's not easy. It's important, but it's not easy. He said the White House ceremony sends a clear message to the world that the U.S. stands united in the fight against the epidemic. PHOTO: President Joe Biden delivers remarks at a World AIDS Day event on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, D.C., Dec. 1, 2024. (Annabelle Gordon/Getty Images) Together, we honor the spirit of resilience and the extraordinary strength of people, families and communities affected by HIV/AIDS. Including nearly 40 million people living with HIV around the world today, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden pointed out the stigma of misinformation and failures of the U.S. government to act when the epidemic was raging, saying it compounded pain and trauma for a community watching a generation of loved ones and friends perish. It was horribly, horribly wrong, he said. PHOTO: President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden walk through sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt laid out on the South Lawn of the White House to commemorate World AIDS Day in Washington, D.C., Dec. 1, 2024. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images) Biden highlighted the progress thats been made under his administration in the fight against HIV/AIDS and fighting the stigma of discrimination against the HIV community. He also called attention to Dr. Anthony Fauci, who attended the event, for his leading efforts to advance the fight over his career. As he prepared to leave for Africa in the evening, Biden credited former President George W. Bush for creating PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which has improved outcomes for people living with HIV on the African continent and saved more than 26 million lives globally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden said he plans to call on Congress to pass a five-year PEPFAR reauthorization to sustain this progress before he leaves office in January. Emotional Bidens commemorate World AIDS Day at the White House originally appeared on abcnews.go.com ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) The search for five people believed to be aboard a fishing vessel that capsized in rough seas in the Gulf of Alaska has been suspended, the Coast Guard said Monday. The search lasted nearly a day and covered more than 108 square nautical miles (370 square kilometers). We stand in sorrow and solidarity with the friends and family of the people we were not able to find over the past 24 hours, Chief Warrant Officer James Koon, a search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coast Guard began the search after the Wind Walkers crew sent a Mayday call at 12:10 a.m. Sunday that the 50-foot (15-meter) boat was overturning off Point Couverden, southwest of Juneau. The Coast Guard tried to get more information as it mobilized a response, but the crew didnt answer, according to a Coast Guard press release. The state ferry Hubbard overheard the broadcast and reached the scene first, followed by a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and a response boat, according to the press release. A winter storm warning remained in effect as responders faced heavy snow, winds up to 60 mph (96 kph) and 6-foot (1.8-meter) seas. Two Coast Guard cutters the Healy and the Douglas Denman joined the search. Responders found seven empty cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights but no other sign of the boat or its crew. The Healy also used underwater sonar but found no signs of the ship. The helicopter crew spotted the cold-water immersion suits from the air near Spasski Bay, located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of Point Couverden. Four of the survival suits were in the waters of the bay and three were seen on land, Coast Guard Petty Officer John Hightower said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suits were empty, and it was not immediately clear if they had been worn, he said. The full-body suits are made of a neoprene-like material that you can put on very quickly and easily over your clothes, and its meant to help you survive in cold water, Hightower said. They also have a floatation device inside them, along with an inflatable pillow so a person in the water can rest their head and remain afloat. The area searched by the cutters was fairly small since they had the Wind Walkers emergency beacon GPS coordinates, Hightower said. Since the crew reported the ship was overturning, its possible it capsized and sank. That seems like the most likely but, you know, we try not to rule anything out since we havent been able to confirm it ourselves, he said. Up to 17 inches of snow fell in Juneau over the weekend, and the water temperature was about 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.22 degrees Celsius), the National Weather Service in Juneau said. BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Monday said the CCG has taken necessary control measures against Philippine vessels illegally gathering, in the name of fishing, in the waters around Houteng Jiao in China's Nansha Qundao, and urged the Philippines to immediately cease its provocative actions. Spokesperson Liu Dejun noted that the Philippine vessels ignored warnings and dissuasion from the CCG, gathering illegally in the waters around Houteng Jiao. These vessels were also accompanied by media reporters staging scenes for publicity. Liu emphasized that China holds indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, including Houteng Jiao, and the surrounding waters. He called on the Philippines to cease its provocative actions, stop distorting facts, and refrain from engaging in sensational propaganda. Liu added that the CCG would continue to conduct rights protection and law enforcement activities in waters under China's jurisdiction to firmly safeguard the nation's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. VILLAGE OF ENDICOTT, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) The Village of Endicott is signifying the beginning of the holiday season on Wednesday and is inviting the community to join. The Village will illuminate its new community holiday tree on December 4 at 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. This year, the Village replaced the original tree that was donated by the Endicott Rotary Club in 1981. The new tree will officially be dedicated to the club on Wednesday as a token of support and appreciation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony will be followed by refreshments and hot cocoa at the Endicott Visitors Centers. The event takes place just a few days before the 85th Endicott Holiday Parade which will be held on December 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 WIVT - News 34. After years of claiming he would not do so, President Joe Biden issued a pardon for his son's felony gun and tax convictions on Sunday. Hunter Biden was convicted of three felonies in June. The president's son was found to have lied to a licensed gun dealer and on an application form about his status as a drug user when purchasing a gun in 2018. A third felony found Hunter Biden guilty of possessing a gun while using drugs. Hunter Biden had also pleaded guilty to several tax-related charges in September. President Biden's pardon clears his son of all charges. "From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted," Biden wrote in a statement shared by the White House. "Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form... It is clear that Hunter was treated differently." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden noted the repeated interference in his son's cases by appointees of President-elect Donald Trump, saying that the cases were an "effort to break" his son. "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong," he said. "In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough." The president has repeatedly claimed he would not pardon his son. The White House denied any plans to intervene on Hunter Biden's behalf as recently as last month. In his statement, President Biden said that he was forced to act as his son's cases had been "infected" with partisan sniping and score-settling. "Raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further," he wrote. "I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision." Estonia and Latvia, following the example of Lithuania, imposed a ban on the entry of a number of Georgian authorities in sharp condemnation of the significant human rights violations related to the Georgian protests. Source: European Pravda Details: According to an Estonian Foreign Ministry statement, on 2 December, Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhkna imposed sanctions that barred 11 Georgian government officials from entering Estonia, including Georgian Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and the Georgian Dream partys Honorary Chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Tsahkna, the entrance restriction was issued on these individuals because they participated in serious abuses of human rights by violently suppressing legal protests in Georgia. Quote: "The Georgian people should be able to stand up for their rights because their ruling party has been systematically lying to Georgians for a long time, and people have the right to express their feelings through protests. Violence against protesters is disproportionate and against human rights," Tsakhna said. The Estonian Foreign Ministry stated that Latvia and Lithuania have enforced similar entrance prohibitions. In a statement, the Latvian Foreign Ministry said that in response to the suppression of protests, Georgian Ambassador to Latvia Irakli Kurashvili was summoned to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hear the condemnation of Georgian authorities' violence and accept a protest note. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Latvia underlines that such acts violate Georgia's international duties, particularly to develop democracy and the rule of law in the country. Latvia calls on Georgia's authorities to immediately stop the violence, secure the safety and security of peaceful protestors, and bring the officials who committed these crimes to account, according to a statement issued by the Baltic state's Foreign Ministry. Background: Earlier on Monday, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, who will soon leave office, ordered a prohibition on entry for certain Georgian officials. Large-scale anti-government protests have been taking place in Georgia for the last several days after the authorities indicated that they would not be negotiating EU membership for the next four years. Georgian security personnel employed severe measures against protesters, drawing censure from the West. Support UP or become our patron! The European Union is calling for an end to the fighting in Syria, European Commission foreign policy spokesman Anouar El Anouni said on Monday. "We are monitoring closely these developments and we are extremely concerned about the security and livelihood of civilians," El Anouni said in Brussels. "We urge all armed groups to respect international humanitarian law in all circumstances," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brussels is concerned that an increase in fighting in Syria could lead to more people fleeing the conflict and arriving in the bloc. Recently, the EU was working towards flying more people back to the country in the future and was considering appointing a new EU special envoy. In light of the present escalation in Syria's civil conflict, the European Court urged the parties to pursue a political settlement while criticising Russia's involvement. Source: Anouar El Anouni, EU spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in a statement on 2 December, as reported by European Pravda Details: The EU said it was "monitoring closely the latest developments in Syria." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We urge all sides to de-escalate and to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as unhindered humanitarian access in line with international humanitarian law," the statement reads. The EU spokesman also condemned Russia's air strikes on densely populated areas and its persistent support for the Assad regime's repressive practices. "The latest escalation shows once again the need for a Syrian-owned political solution to the conflict in line with UNSCR 2254," said El Anouni. Fighting in Syria, which has been plagued by civil war since 2011, has flared up with extraordinary vigour for the first time in several years. Background: On Sunday, 1 December, the Syrian government lost control of Aleppo, the country's second-largest city. The rebel assault on Aleppo is widely regarded as the most intense since 2016, when their fighters were driven out of the city's eastern districts. Earlier, the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France issued a joint statement in reaction to the deterioration of the situation in Syria, urging de-escalation. Support UP or become our patron! The European Union's top diplomat Kaja Kallas has said that support for Ukraine is not charity, but an investment in EU security. Source: Kallas in an interview with Suspilne, a Ukrainian public broadcaster, as reported by European Pravda Details: Kallas believes that support for Ukraine is not charity but an investment in EU security. She stressed that they must look at everything through the prism of security and protection, which also includes assisting Ukraine. She emphasised that it is very important to consider food security, cybersecurity and migration through the prism of security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the most important thing, she said, is defence spending. Kallas said that the defence industry is important because a war is raging on European soil, in Ukraine, and Putin is showing no sign of abandoning his goals. Kallas also noted that supporting Ukraine is in the interests of the United States. She explained that if the US is worried about China, it should be worried about Russia first and foremost. She noted that Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China are working together and highlighted that Putin is increasing his influence in other countries. Therefore, the EU's top diplomat believes that if the United States wants to be the strongest country in the world, it will eventually have to deal with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She stressed that the easiest way to deal with it was to support Ukraine so that it could win the war. Kallas also believes that the US will not stop helping Ukraine, as Kyiv has bipartisan support in Congress. In early November, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that Europe would not be able to finance Ukraine's defence on its own if the US withdrew its support during Donald Trump's new presidential term. Also, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU would talk to the US about the importance of containing the Russian threat, as it is linked to the situation in the Indo-Pacific region. Support UP or become our patron! Andrius Kubilius, the new European Commissioner for Defence and a representative of Lithuania, has had his first conversation with Ukraines Defence Minister Rustem Umierov. Source: Andrius Kubilius on X (Twitter) as reported by European Pravda Details: Andrius Kubilius noted that he had the conversation with Ukraines Defence Minister Rustem Umierov via video link. Quote from Andrius Kubilius: "Good exchange on a way forward as regards the military assistance to Ukraine. Ukraines ability to defend itself is a major input in Europes readiness for the most extreme military contingencies." Background: Andrius Kubilius, known as one of the "friends of Ukraine", became the first separate European Commissioner for Defence. Previously, this area of responsibility was combined with the position of the EU's top diplomat. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the new EC members will prepare a report on the future of European defence within the first 100 days of their work. Kubilius has previously stated that Europe must be prepared for any military aggression and explained why it is important to integrate the Ukrainian defence industrial base into the European one. Support UP or become our patron! Police patrol outside the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center, home of the Colorado Supreme Court, in Denver. Voters in Colorado and two other states embraced measures earlier this month that reflect a get-tough approach to crime. (Photo by Chet Strange / Getty Images) The outcomes of seven ballot measures in Arizona, California and Colorado reflect the stricter approach to crime thats been seen across much of the country recently, with voters and policymakers driven by concerns over rising retail theft, homelessness, fentanyl misuse and challenges in police recruitment and retention. Voters have decided in recent years that they prefer to adopt progressive changes to the criminal justice system somewhat less aggressively, said Dan Schnur, a former Republican strategist and a political communications professor at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Berkeley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters are always course correctors. Theyre always adjusting and readjusting, trying to calibrate policy exactly the way they want it, Schnur said. Its not uncommon for them to try to pull back on a reform effort that they think might be going too far. This year, local and state leaders in blue and red states including California, Georgia, Louisiana, Oregon, Tennessee and Vermont shifted away from more liberal initiatives aimed at reining in police powers and reimagining criminal legal systems. They have instead embraced harsher penalties for offenses such as retail theft and possession or distribution of certain hard drugs, added more felony and misdemeanor offenses requiring cash bail, and moved to prohibit local governments from altering police traffic stop policies. Then this month, voters in Arizona, California and Colorado overwhelmingly backed ballot measures to increase prison time for certain crimes, revoke bail for others and crack down on illegal immigration and drug trafficking. While national crime data is notoriously difficult to track and understand, violent crime and property crime across the United States decreased in 2023, continuing a downward trend since the higher crime rates of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the FBIs latest national crime report. Still, some individual cities and neighborhoods might be seeing higher crime rates, which could explain Americans views on the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinions on crime in the United States have improved over the past year, according to Gallups annual crime survey. Fewer people compared with last year believe national crime has increased or consider crime an extremely or very serious problem but a majority of U.S. adults, 56%, still do. Perceptions are heavily influenced by political affiliation, the survey showed. While 60% of Democrats believe crime has gone down over the past year, 90% of Republicans think it has increased. Rethinking theft and drug crimes In California, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36, a measure that increases penalties for specific drug-related and theft crimes and that also reclassifies certain drug offenses as treatment-mandated felonies. This reclassification will allow judges to impose mental health or drug treatment requirements. Those who complete treatment would have their charges dismissed, while those who fail to meet the requirements could face up to three years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not the hope or the intention to send a bunch of people to jail or prison who are using drugs. The goal is to incentivize people to engage in treatment again, said Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, one of the measures authors, in an interview with Stateline. The measure aims to address issues such as retail theft, homelessness, substance use disorders and fentanyl distribution, Reisig said. Under the new law, people convicted of theft at least twice may face felony charges on their third offense, regardless of the stolen items value. Additionally, those caught distributing fentanyl while armed with a loaded firearm will now face felony charges and up to four years in prison. Previously, possessing fentanyl and a loaded firearm was punishable by up to one year in jail. Our strong belief is that this will send a deterrent message to others that there are consequences again, Reisig said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure also received substantial support from law enforcement agencies across the state, although it remains unclear how departments might adjust their enforcement policies. Still, Reisig said, the measure will provide law enforcement with some real, meaningful tools to address specific crimes. With options for increased sentencing and mandated treatment, Prop. 36 could provide tools to address repeat offenses more effectively, Sacramento Police spokesperson Sgt. Dan Wiseman wrote in an email to Stateline. Proposition 36 partially reverses some changes made in 2014 by another ballot measure, Proposition 47, that reduced certain theft and drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanors to address prison overcrowding. But Reisig said that this is not a complete rollback. It was drafted to be more down the middle and just kind of bring the pendulum back to center mass, he said. Were not reinventing the wheel. Were just bringing back something that had proven success, and I think all of California is going to benefit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some Democrats and criminal justice advocacy groups have argued that the measure could reintroduce drug war policies and result in longer prison sentences. California voters also rejected Proposition 6 by a close margin, 53%-47%. The measure would have amended the state constitution to prohibit forcing inmates into labor as punishment. The proposal originated from a state task force examining whether California should provide reparations to Black residents. In contrast, voters in more conservative states such as Alabama and Tennessee have approved measures in recent elections to abolish involuntary servitude in their prisons. In a similar effort, Nevada voters this year approved a measure repealing constitutional language that permitted slavery and involuntary servitude as forms of criminal punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schnur said Proposition 6 could have been rejected in part because California voters might have carried anti-criminal sentiment over from one ballot measure to the other. Because Prop 36 passed by such a large margin, its entirely possible that many voters were already thinking in a more restrictive way about criminal justice policy, and those feelings may have moved over into their vote against Prop 6, Schnur said. Restricting bail, recruiting police In Colorado, voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment put on the ballot by the state legislature that makes first-degree murder suspects ineligible for bail if prosecutors can demonstrate a strong enough case. Previously, the state constitution allowed only people charged with capital offenses to be denied bail. This change restores bail policies that were in place before Colorado repealed the death penalty in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters are always course correctors. They're always adjusting and readjusting, trying to calibrate policy exactly the way they want it. Dan Schnur, former Republican strategist in California Voters also backed a pair of measures placed on the ballot through a signature-gathering campaign led by Advance Colorado, a conservative political group. One measure requires people convicted of certain violent crimes, including second-degree murder, aggravated robbery and sexual assault, to serve at least 85% of their sentence up from the previous 75% before becoming eligible for parole. The other ballot measure directs the legislature to allocate $350 million from the states general fund to help local law enforcement agencies hire additional officers, provide training and bonus pay, and establish a $1 million death benefit for the families of first responders including police, firefighters and EMTs killed in the line of duty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The approval of that measure could deepen Colorados $1 billion budget deficit, though the financial impact will depend on how quickly lawmakers implement the program. Since the measure does not specify a timeline, legislators may choose to allocate the funds gradually rather than all at once in the next budget year, according to Kristi Burton Brown, Advance Colorados executive vice president. Linking illegal immigration and fentanyl Arizona voters overwhelmingly passed two criminal justice measures this year: One mandates life imprisonment for people convicted of child sex trafficking; the other goes after both illegal immigration and the sale of fentanyl not made in the United States. Proposition 314 grants law enforcement the authority to arrest noncitizens who do not have legal authorization to enter or live in the United States. The law specifically targets people attempting to enter or who have entered Arizona outside official ports of entry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This measure expands police powers to address illegal immigration at the state level. Under Proposition 314, unauthorized entry into Arizona will become a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony for subsequent offenses. The measure also allows state judges to order deportations. However, portions of the law cannot take effect until a court likely the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of a similar law in Texas. If the Texas law is upheld and remains enforceable for at least 60 days, Arizonas law could then go into effect. The law now is awaiting an appeals court decision, which is expected to itself be appealed to the Supreme Court no matter the ruling. And the measure adds a new state felony penalty for selling fentanyl manufactured outside the country that results in another persons death. Some critics argue that it could lead to racial profiling and heightened community tensions, while supporters claim it will bolster border security and reduce crimes linked to illegal immigration. Immigration enforcement is usually a federal responsibility, and some critics also have raised concerns about the additional financial and operational burden local law enforcement agencies may face. Some local police departments contacted by Stateline were unsure of how the measure would be enforced, noting that they are waiting for further direction from state officials. The Phoenix Police Department said in an email to Stateline that it would continue its current enforcement practices, which prohibit officers from asking about immigration status during traffic stops unless required by state law and consensual contacts with the public, according to department spokesperson Sgt. Mayra Reeson. Under existing policies, Phoenix officers may only transport people to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they are wanted for a criminal immigration violation and have no pending state criminal charges, or if the person has only a civil immigration violation, which includes being in the country without legal authorization, and consents to the transport. The ACLU of Arizona has vowed to explore all options to block the implementation of Proposition 314, calling it unconstitutional and harmful. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Ex-Kansas detective accused of sexually assaulting Black women is dead, prosecutors said as his trial was set to begin. TEHRAN, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday discussed the latest regional developments with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to statements published on the website of the Iranian president's office. In a phone call with al-Assad, the two sides called for cooperation among the regional and Muslim states to counter terrorism in the West Asia region and Syria. Noting that retaining Syria's national sovereignty and territorial integrity was Iran's regional strategy, Pezeshkian expressed confidence that Syria would overcome "Israel's conspiracies" against its national security and stability while assuring that Tehran would stand by the Syrian government and people. Pezeshkian added that Iran "seriously and closely" followed up on Syria's developments, saying the country was ready to provide the Syrian government with any assistance to help it overcome its current crisis. The Syrian president, for his part, praised diplomatic efforts by Iran in expressing solidarity with the government and people of Syria and helping resolve the Arab state's crisis. Al-Assad noted that the movements by the "terrorist" groups in Syria were a new stage of the war waged against his country's independence and security as part of the "plots" by the United States and Israel, "whose main objective is to divide Syria and create a country in the northern part of the Arab state." He called on the region's countries to know that "what today is referred to as the resistance axis is an axis to counter the West's hostility and domination against our region, and if the axis is damaged or its countries' independence is undermined, other states will not be safe from the harms and consequences." In a separate phone conversation with the Qatari emir, Pezeshkian pointed to the "terrorist" groups' recent movements in northern Syria, noting that the spread of insecurity and terrorism in the region was in no country's interest. Pezeshkian called on regional countries to play their role and participate in countering terrorism, stressing, "We want a secure region where Muslim countries' territorial integrity is retained, and all regional peoples can live in peace and calm." The Iranian president said that to that end, regional countries' leaders should step up to ensure the region's security and prevent foreign interference. He praised Qatar's efforts and "pivotal" role as a mediator in helping resolve regional crises, especially the war in Gaza. Qatar's emir, for his part, said his country shared common positions with Iran on regional issues, especially those of Gaza and Lebanon, and the one regarding the necessity to ensure the retention of Syria's territorial integrity. He called for the continuation of bilateral cooperation and consultations to resolve those issues, noting, "We believe that what is taking place in Syria shows that only through resorting to dialogue and political solutions, stability and security will be guaranteed in the Arab state." The Qatari emir voiced his country's readiness to play its role in restoring calm in Syria through reaching a political agreement. A disgraced former Kansas police detective about to stand trial on charges that he kidnapped and raped two women decades ago was found dead in his home Monday morning. Authorities discovered the body of Roger Golubski, 71, after he failed to show up for jury selection in his long-awaited trial in Topeka, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation. They said he died by suicide. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said police responded to a 911 call at Golubskis home in Edwardsville just after 9 a.m. where officers found Golubski on his back porch dead of a gunshot wound. The KBI said in a news release that there were no immediate indications of foul play and that Golubskis death remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golubskis lead defense attorney, Chris Joseph, said in a brief interview Monday afternoon that Golubski had steadfastly maintained his innocence and that his death should not be construed as an admission of guilt. He said he did not know if his client left a note behind and said he did not wish to provide any further comment at this time. The retired detective was accused of using his position as a police officer in Kansas City, Kansas, to sexually assault vulnerable Black women over the course of decades. Prosecutors said in court filings that Golubski hand-picked his victims because he was confident they would never be believed. Golubski denied the allegations and his lawyers suggested in court filings that his accusers were fabricating their claims or parroting old unproven allegations or rumors. Following a lengthy investigation conducted largely in secret, federal authorities filed a pair of indictments against Golubski in the fall of 2022. The second case accused him of being in cahoots with a drug kingpin in the sex trafficking of underage girls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The allegations against Golubski came to light as part of a civil case against him and his former department alleging that he framed a Kansas City teenager for a double murder in 1994. The man, Lamonte McIntyre, was released from prison in 2017 after more than 23 years behind bars. The parties settled the case in June 2022 with county officials agreeing to pay the McIntyres $12.5 million. Neither Golubski nor officials from his former department acknowledged any wrongdoing in connection with the case. Cheryl Pilate, the civil attorney for the McIntyres, called for a thorough investigation of Golubskis death by officials with no ties to local police. The community was looking forward to justice, to a full and public accounting and now that has been denied to them, Pilate told reporters following news of his death, according to the Associated Press. The allegations against Golubski, which date back to the 1980s, roiled the city and prompted a new state law on sexual misconduct by police. Developments were chronicled on the front pages of the local newspaper, The Kansas City Star, and resulted in a crusading newspaper columnist winning one of journalisms highest honors a Pulitzer Prize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rap mogul Jay-Zs social justice nonprofit, Team Roc, even took out a full-page ad in The Washington Post characterizing the situation as one of the worst examples of abuse of power in U.S. history. Prosecutors had acknowledged in pre-trial motions that, despite an exhaustive years-long probe by the FBI, they had scant evidence beyond the word of Golubskis alleged victims to back up their explosive claims. They said the credibility of his accusers would be the sole centerpiece of the case against him. This trial will turn entirely on victim credibility, prosecutors wrote in a court filing last year. Federal prosecutors released a statement Monday following the news of Golubskis death saying, it is always difficult when a case is unable to be fully and fairly heard in a public trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proceedings in this case may be over, but its lasting impact on all the individuals and families involved remains. We wish them peace and the opportunity for healing as they come to terms with this development, according to the statement from Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justices Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. Editors Note: This story was updated to include a statement from federal prosecutors, a news release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and a comment from Golubskis attorney. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com MEMPHIS, Tenn. One of the former Memphis Police officers convicted in the beating death of Tyre Nichols will remain in jail until his January sentencing following the denial of his motion for release. A judge officially denied a motion for release filed by Demetrius Haleys attorneys in October of this year. The motion was filed in response to the judges decision to keep Haley behind bars without bond until his sentencing. Ex-officer convicted in Tyre Nichols case seeks release on bail Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haley was convicted of four separate counts in federal court in connection to Nichols death. Haleys attorneys, Michael Stengel and Stephen Leffler claimed in the appeal that the Magistrate Judge who decided to deny bail for Haley considered his convictions to be of violent crimes, but Stengel and Leffler disagreed. Judge Mark Norris stated in the denial that The great weight of the evidence against Mr. Haley at trial, the fact that he was convicted of a crime of violence as defined under the Bail Reform Act, and the fact that he was also convicted of obstructing justice and conspiring with his fellow officers to obstruct justice all weigh against Mr. Haleys release. Ex-officers face separate state trials in Tyre Nichols case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Norris also mentioned that Haley has not met his burden to show that he is unlikely to flee, and has not proven that he is not a danger to others or those in the community. Stengel filed an appeal shortly after the bond review was denied. Haleys sentencing is scheduled for January 22, 2025. On the same day Haley was denied release, Judge Norris delayed sentencing for Emmitt Martin, another ex-MPD officer charged in Nichols death. Martin pleaded guilty in August to two of the four counts against him excessive force and conspiracy to witness tamper. His sentencing was scheduled for December 5, but will now be pushed back until January 28, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, Tadarrius Bean, Justin Smith, and Haley received mixed verdicts during the federal trial. Smith and Bean were found guilty only on an obstruction charge. A complete list of the verdicts can be found here. Desmond Mills, the fifth former officer charged in Nichols death, pleaded guilty last year to using excessive force and failing to intervene in the unlawful assault, and conspiring to cover up his use of unlawful force by omitting material information and by providing false and misleading information. Mills sentencing hearing was reset to February 20, 2025. The officers also face state charges in connection to Nichols death. A judge recently approved Bean, Smith, and Haleys motion to sever, separating their trails from Emmitt Martin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both state trials will be held in April 2025. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. For years, Lillian Bell says she hardly ever missed a Sunday visiting her son Michael in prison at Stateville Correctional Center. The 70-year-old mother of three was grateful when Michael was transferred from a downstate prison to Stateville, near Joliet, when she had a heart attack. The family has remained close despite Michaels decades in prison, and the hourlong drive to Stateville from her South Side home made it much easier for them to see each other in recent years, she said. But as the state prepares to demolish and rebuild Stateville, inmates were moved to other prisons around the state. Michael Bell was transferred downstate to Lawrence Correctional Center in Sumner. Its more than a four-hour drive from Chicago, and Lillian, who said shes in remission for breast cancer, said she cant make it on her own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She hasnt been to see him since he was moved to Lawrence. Michael Bell said he feels uncomfortable even asking his family to travel to see him at Lawrence, because he fears the long drive would be a waste of time if the prison was on lockdown or other circumstances prevented a visit. Its really, its just so heartbreaking that I wont be able to get to see him as much unless one of my boys take me, Lillian Bell said. Michael was even less optimistic: Ill probably never (see) my mom as long as Im down here, he wrote though a prison messaging service. Simple and plain she cant handle the trip. Bell was one of some 400 inmates transferred out of Stateville in September on a judges order after civil rights lawyers complained in a lawsuit that the aging maximum security facility was decrepit and unlivable. The state has started moving on a yearslong plan to rebuild Stateville and Logan womens prison, which Gov. JB Pritzker and his administration say will be a major advancement in modernizing Illinois correctional system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Capital Development Board last week announced it was starting to seek teams to oversee the construction for new prisons as part of the plan to rebuild Stateville and Logan. The state previously said the facilities would be two new multi-security-level prisons of 1,500 cells each, one for men and one for women. Latoya Hughes, acting director at IDOC, in a statement said the announcement last week was a crucial step forward in the Departments mission to profoundly shift its approach to justice in Illinois. Some Stateville inmates from the Chicago area went to facilities that allowed them to continue in educational programs that for many have been life-changing. And some were shifted to facilities relatively close to Chicago such as Sheridan, about 70 miles west of the city. But others were transferred far downstate. Along with the distance, advocates have sounded the alarm on lapses in medical care and continuity in educational opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, which represents workers at Stateville, has raised concerns of its own about what the prisons temporary shutdown would mean for workers. The union on Oct. 1 reached an agreement on a process through which Stateville employees could take other jobs; however there are still a number of steps to be completed before anyone will move to a new position, spokesperson Anders Lindall said last month. Stateville employees recently were temporarily filling vacant positions at the reception and classification centers on Statevilles campus, Lindall said, and a few were working in positions unaffected by the rebuild such as the towers and gates. Several inmates who have left Stateville said the conditions in their new facilities are, in fact, better than what they endured in the crumbling maximum security prison. Since Stateville Correctional Center had the worst physical living conditions of any facility in the state, we cant help but to experience some better conditions, Joseph Dole, who was transferred from Stateville to Pinckneyville Correctional Center south of St. Louis said in a written response to questions from the Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dole said he had yet to see any of the vermin or physical structural problems at his new facility that he had come to know at Stateville. Everyones life expectancy likely increased several years just by the fact that we were transferred out of Stateville, he said. But despite the squalid conditions, Stateville had one thing going for it: extensive programming for inmates that included academic offerings such as the Northwestern Prison Education Program, the Prison + Neighborhood Arts/Education Project and a music studio founded in collaboration with the rapper Common. IDOC spokesperson Naomi Puzzello said that in transferring Statevilles inmates, the agency tried to limit disruption to visitation and programming. But she added that no single prison could absorb all of the higher education programming offered by Stateville. In addition, due to factors such as individual medical needs and security classifications, some individuals were not eligible to transfer to the same location as their program, she said. Despite the myriad complaints about Stateville, some who were housed there acknowledge it had advantages beyond its proximity to Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I went to Stateville, I got to attend college, I got my degree, I was (a teaching assistant in) classes, I was working in the studio, I was doing all these positive things, Michael Bell said in a phone interview from Lawrence. And because of where I came from early in my life, I had became an example to other people. Despite his incarceration, the family has been in near constant contact for decades, Bells mother said. At Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, Lillian Bell said, the family passes around a phone with Michael on the other end, so he can be a part of the festivities for as long as he can stay on the line. He has a tattoo that reads MOM, according to his publicly available IDOC profile. And in-person visits have helped keep the family together over the years, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those visits really did help with his morale, and it helped boost my spirits, because I could see him and know that he was OK, she said. Prison advocates have also raised concerns about inmates getting the proper medical care after moving to a new facility. When somebody has a medical issue, and their care is disrupted, its hugely problematic, said Jennifer Vollen-Katz, executive director at the John Howard Association, a prison watchdog group. Theres no excuse for that not to be the case. Some inmates also lost property in the transfer by IDOC, Vollen-Katz and some incarcerated people told the Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its emailed response to questions about loss of property and medical care, IDOC said it takes the health and safety of incarcerated people very seriously and that oversight managers are currently overseeing grievances and responses. The department said it would work with partners at the John Howard Association to investigate the matter. The disruption to the lives of individual inmates is happening with the goal of modernizing and rebuilding some of the most dilapidated prisons in Illinois: Stateville and Logan, a downstate womens prison that remains open but is expected to most likely be rebuilt on the same campus as Stateville in Crest Hill. Were frankly trying to do a better job as a state of managing corrections, and thats the purpose that we announced, I dont know, what is it, a year ago almost now, Pritzker said last month, referring to the announcement that the two facilities would be rebuilt at an estimated cost of nearly $1 billion. Bell, 52, has been incarcerated since the early 1990s after being convicted of murder, kidnapping, sexual assault and other crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since he arrived at Stateville, he said, he saw the culture change dramatically as more people took classes and took advantage of other opportunities, despite the poor physical conditions of the facility. When we left it was like a college campus where some of the same guys I had gang ties and conversations with had changed their lives and we were now having conversations about the 10 (page) paper we had to write, or debating about academic readings and what they meant to us, Bell wrote in a message to the Tribune. We were making our families proud and we were seeing ourselves in different lights. People were upset at having to move but were reassured programming and classes would be taken into account, Bell said a consideration that ultimately didnt pan out for some. Participation in classes and other programming can contribute to inmates bids before the Prisoner Review Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IDOC said men from Stateville who want to move again will have an opportunity to request another transfer after three months, instead of the six months required under normal agency policy. Both Bell and Dole said they would try to get to other facilities where they think they could resume participation in the programs they were involved with at Stateville. Arianna Salgado, executive director of the Prison + Neighborhood Arts/Education Project, said she had specifically requested that 32 inmates, including Dole, be transferred from Stateville to Hill Correctional Center to continue participation in the program. Of those, only six ended up getting transferred to that facility, located about three hours southwest of Chicago, she said. That was really devastating for our kind of academic community, Salgado said. PNAP programming was also cut from six to seven classes meeting once a week prior to Statevilles closure, to three classes meeting monthly now at Hill. Dole said the move means his family, some of whom live in Michigan, can no longer visit in person unless they spend 13 hours in a car each way, and spend about $1,000 on gas, food, and a hotel room. The move also disrupted his teachers assistant job at Stateville, through which he said he was making about $1,500 a semester, good money that could be going to my daughters Christmas gifts, my grandsons Christmas gifts, my legal fees. The 48-year-old has been incarcerated for more than two decades on convictions of murder, kidnapping and battery. Shari Stone-Mediatore, who met Dole through his prison academic work and has collaborated with him on research about correctional issues, said she used to visit him in-person about once a month when he was in Stateville and she was in Chicago, between stints living in Ohio. Im never going to visit him at Pinckneyville, Stone-Mediatore, a professor of philosophy and humanities at Ohio Wesleyan University, said on the phone last week. I just dont have the time. Even phone visits are harder to come by at some facilities other than Stateville, because of lockdowns and other restrictions, incarcerated people and their advocates told the Tribune. Demetrice DC Crite, 54, who has been incarcerated for more than two decades on convictions of sexual assault, was transferred from Stateville to Danville Correctional Center, about three hours south of Chicago. He said inmates have safer conditions at Danville, but was concerned about how the move would affect his efforts to apply to law school from prison. While trying to figure that out, hes found at least one program at Danville hes interested in: an English as a Second Language peer teaching program run through the University of Illinois Education Justice Project. My education, he said, is really what my freedom hinges on. By Maya Gebeily, Parisa Hafezi and Alexander Cornwell BEIRUT/GENEVA/DUBAI (Reuters) - The U.S. and the United Arab Emirates have discussed with each other the possibility of lifting sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if he peels himself away from Iran and cuts off weapons routes to Lebanon's Hezbollah, five people familiar with the matter said. The conversations intensified in recent months, the sources said, driven by the possible expiry on Dec. 20 of sweeping U.S. sanctions on Syria and by Israel's campaign against Tehran's regional network, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and Iranian assets in Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The discussions took place before anti-Assad rebels swept into Aleppo last week in their biggest offensive in Syria for years. According to the sources, the new rebel advance is a signal of precisely the sort of weakness in Assad's alliance with Iran that the Emirati and U.S. initiative aims to exploit. But if Assad embraces Iranian help for a counter-offensive, that could also complicate efforts to drive a wedge between them, the sources said. Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araqchi visited Syria on Sunday in a show of support for Assad, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke to Assad by phone about latest developments at the weekend. For this story, Reuters spoke to two U.S. sources, four Syrian and Lebanese interlocutors and two foreign diplomats who said the U.S. and UAE see a window to drive a wedge between Assad and Iran, which helped him recapture swathes of his country during the civil war that erupted in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lebanese media have reported that Israel had suggested lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria. But the UAE initiative with the U.S. has not previously been reported. All of the sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the back-room diplomacy. Syria's government and the White House did not respond to questions from Reuters. The UAE referred Reuters to its statement on bin Zayed's call with Assad. The UAE has taken a leading role in rehabilitating Assad among the mainly Sunni Muslim Arab states that shunned him after he accepted help from Shi'ite, non-Arab Iran to put down the Sunni-led rebellion against him. The Emirates hosted Assad in 2022, his first visit to an Arab country since the start of the war, before the Arab League reinstated Syria's membership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UAE has long hoped to distance Assad from Iran and wants to build business ties with Syria, but U.S. sanctions have hampered those efforts, the sources said. A senior regional diplomat briefed by Tehran told Reuters Iran had been informed "about behind-the-scenes efforts by some Arab countries to isolate Iran... by distancing Syria from Tehran". The diplomat said those efforts were linked to offers of possible sanctions relief by Washington. 'CARROT AND STICK' Hezbollah and its patron Iran have intervened in Syria since 2012 to protect Assad against Sunni rebels - but their bases and weapons shipments through Syria have been repeatedly hit by Israel, which has sought to weaken Iran across the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent months, Hezbollah withdrew fighters from Syria, including the north, to focus on battling Israel in southern Lebanon. The rebels who swept this week into Aleppo pointed to the Hezbollah withdrawal as one of the reasons why they faced little resistance from government forces. A U.S. source familiar with the matter said White House officials discussed an overture with Emirati officials, citing the UAE's interest in financing Syria's reconstruction and Assad's "weakened position" after Israel's offensive against Hezbollah. The possibility of sanctions relief for Assad, while Israel was hitting Iran's allies, created an "opportunity" to apply a "carrot-and-stick approach" to fracture Syria's alliance with Iran and Hezbollah, the U.S. source said. SANCTIONS RELIEF Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. placed sanctions on Syria after Assad cracked down against protests against him in 2011, and the sanctions were repeatedly tightened in the years of war that followed. The toughest, known as the Caesar Act, passed Congress in 2019. The Caesar sanctions apply across Syrian business sectors, to anyone dealing with Syria regardless of nationality and to those dealing with Russian and Iranian entities in Syria. Assad said they amounted to economic warfare, blaming them for the Syrian currency's collapse and drop in living standards. The sanctions will "sunset" - or expire - on Dec. 20 unless renewed by U.S. lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the recent American-Emirati discussions centered on allowing Caesar sanctions to expire without renewal, said the U.S. source and three of the Syrian interlocutors. One Syrian interlocutor said the UAE had raised letting them expire with White House officials two months ago, after having unsuccessfully pushed for at least two years of sanctions relief for Assad after a deadly earthquake in Feb. 2023. Mohammad Alaa Ghanem, a Syrian activist in Washington, D.C. with the Citizens for a Secure and Safe America, told Reuters his group had been working to extend the Caesar sanctions and assessed they had bipartisan support to do so. "We've been in talks over this for the past couple of months, although of course no political outcome in a town like Washington can be guaranteed 100%," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arab states have other potential avenues to reward Assad for distancing himself from Iran. A foreign diplomat based in the Gulf told Reuters both the UAE and Saudi Arabia had in recent months offered "financial incentives" to Assad to split with Iran, saying they could not have been made without coordination with Washington. A source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters that Syria, among other crises in the region, was a topic of discussion during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to the UAE on Sunday. A Lebanese interlocutor said the UAE had also pledged funds to help Syria rebuild war-ravaged infrastructure as a way to "pull Assad further away from Iran". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran has warned Assad not to stray far. The senior regional diplomat briefed by Tehran said Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei conveyed a message via his senior adviser Ali Larijani, who told Assad: "do not forget the past." "The message served as a reminder to Assad of who his true allies are," the diplomat said. 'PLAYING WITH FIRE' Since Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7 last year precipitating war in Gaza, Iran has mobilised its network of allies to hit Israel. But Assad has largely avoided joining in, even as Israel struck Hezbollah targets in his country and bombed an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A U.S. official said Assad had "sat out" the war to avoid further Israeli strikes on Syria, and remained under "tremendous pressure" not to allow Hezbollah to re-arm through his country. Israel has signalled that it still has eyes on Syria. When announcing the truce with Lebanon last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had been thwarting attempts by Iran, Hezbollah and Syria's army to bring weapons into Lebanon. "Assad must understand he is playing with fire," Netanyahu said. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily in Beirut, Alexander Cornwell in Dubai, Parisa Hafezi in Geneva, Erin Banco and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; Additional reporting by Maha El Dahan in Dubai and John Irish in Paris; Writing by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Peter Graff) A new whistleblower report suggests that Pete Hegseth was often drunk and created a hostile environment for women while he was president of Concerned Veterans for America (CVA), The New Yorker revealed Sunday. Hegseth, who is a former Fox News host and President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the Pentagon, was president of CVA from 2013 to 2016. The seven-page whistleblower report was written by seven of his former employees, who claimed that Hegseth was often intoxicated and at times had to be physically carried out of work events. His behavior was embarrassing in front of the team, but not surprising; people have simply come to expect Pete to get drunk at social events, the report states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Hegseth as president, CVA was a hostile workplace that ignored serious accusations of impropriety, including the sexual assault from a female employee, per the whistleblowers' account. The former CVA employees shared several anecdotes involving Hegseth, including one where he got allegedly got drunk on an official tour of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in 2015 and began chanting Kill All Muslims! Though he was married at the time, Hegseth and other male staff sexually pursued women in the organization and categorized them as party girls or not party girls. The New Yorkers report is just the latest bit of damning information about Hegseth and his treatment of women. Last month, a report revealed an accusation of sexual assault against Hegseth. The alleged assault took place at a Republican womens conference in 2017 where Hegseth was a keynote speaker. Hegseth maintains that the encounter was consensual, but he also paid an undisclosed sum of money to the woman who made the accusation, The Washington Post reported. Last week, The New York Times reported that Hegseths own mother accused him of abusing women in a 2018 email. "On behalf of all the women (and I know its many) you have abused in some way, I say get some help and take an honest look at yourself," Penelope Hegseth wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former National Army Guard officer, if he's confirmed to lead the Pentagon, has promised to get rid of diversity initiatives in the military and pursue a "war on woke." When asked questions for The New Yorker's report, Hegseth's lawyer, Tim Parlatore, declined to provide substantive comment. Were not going to comment on outlandish claims laundered through The New Yorker by a petty and jealous disgruntled former associate of Mr. Hegseths," he told the magazine. Claim: Elon Musk once said, "Imma focus on making life harder for trans people." Rating: Rating: Misattributed In late November 2024, a meme spread on social media, claiming Elon Musk once said, "Imma focus on making life harder for trans people." (Threads user @unitedhumanists) The full text on the image read: "Imagine you get to a point of wealth so surreal that you can literally solve world hunger. You can eliminate hunger at a planetary scale. And instead, you say, 'nah, Imma focus on making life harder for trans people.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the quoted material was incorrectly attributed to Musk, who neither said nor wrote it, and therefore we have rated this claim as misattributed. The image was spread on social media platforms such as X, Facebook, Reddit, Threads, YouTube and iFunny. The origin of the image remains unclear, as Google reverse image search results did not definitively indicate a social media account that initially posted it. "Imagine being so rich you could solve over half the worlds problems and deciding you want to take earth's problems to another planet instead," one Facebook user commented, while another stated, "He disgusts me. A revolting individual." "Musk bought Twitter in large part to spite his trans daughter, because she was talking sh*t about him there. The guy is a butthurt little boy," one Reddit user wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no credible evidence to support the claim that Elon Musk made the quoted statement, as thorough searches of reputable sources and a comprehensive Google search yielded no results verifying this attribution. If Musk had made such a provocative statement, it would likely have been widely reported by major media outlets and discussed extensively, given his high public profile and the controversy surrounding his remarks on sensitive topics. The absence of such coverage strongly indicates the quote was fabricated for purposes of drawing attention to Musk's controversial opinions about transgender issues. The controversy surrounding Musk and transgender issues stems from his public statements and actions regarding transgender rights, particularly in relation to his estranged daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who is transgender. For instance, he once said she was "dead killed by the woke mind virus." Moreover, according to The Guardian, in 2022, Musk "spent more than $50m to fund anti-immigrant and anti-transgender advertisements by a group called Citizens for Sanity." We have previously investigated other claims about Musk, including a rumor that Musk had video evidence showing Hollywood celebrities' involvement with Sean "Diddy" Combs. We have also fact-checked a photograph allegedly showing a photo of Musk and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos seated together. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Monday launched its third big crackdown in three years on China's semiconductor industry, curbing exports to 140 companies, including chip equipment maker Naura Technology Group, among other moves. Below is a list of the biggest actions being taken, according to the Commerce Department. CHIP EQUIPMENT New controls will be placed on semiconductor manufacturing equipment needed to produce advanced-node integrated circuits, including certain etch, deposition, lithography, ion implantation, annealing, metrology and inspection, and cleaning tools. This could hit companies like Lam Research, KLA Corp and Applied Materials, as well as non-U.S. companies like Dutch equipment maker ASM International. SOFTWARE New controls on software tools for developing or producing advanced-node integrated circuits, including certain software that increases the productivity of advanced machines or allows less-advanced machines to produce advanced chips, which could affect companies like Siemens, which is parent of Mentor Graphics. MEMORY Another rule in the package restricts high bandwidth memory used in AI chips that correspond with what is known as "HBM 2" and higher, technology made by South Korea's Samsung and SK Hynix and U.S.-based Micron Technology. Industry sources expect only Samsung Electronics to be affected. Samsung generates about 20% of its HBM chip sales from China, a person with knowledge of the matter said. HBM is critical to both AI training and inference at scale, and is a key component of advanced computing integrated circuits. ENTITY LIST The 140 new entrants on the Commerce Department's Entity List include semiconductor fabrication plants, also known as fabs, semiconductor tool companies, and investment companies "that are acting at the behest of Beijing to further the China's advanced chip goals which pose a risk to U.S. and allied national security." Chinese private equity firm Wise Road Capital, tech firm Wingtech Technology Co and JAC Capital were added. Companies seeking licenses to ship to firms on the Entity List generally get denied. FOREIGN DIRECT PRODUCT RULE The new rule will expand U.S. powers to curb exports of chipmaking equipment by U.S., Japanese, and Dutch manufacturers made in other parts of the world to certain chip plants in China. Equipment made in Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan is subject to the rule while Japan and the Netherlands will be exempt. The expanded foreign direct product rule will apply to 16 companies on the entity list that are seen as the most important to China's most advanced chipmaking ambitions. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) A state financial review panel has decided that a public K-12 school district in western South Dakota should receive a full reprieve rather than a partial one, after having slightly more cash on hand last year than the Legislature had declared can be legally allowed. The state School Finance Accountability Board on Monday reconsidered the case of Faith school district and chose to grant a full waiver. Documents from Faith show that the school district had a cash balance of $1,011,158 during its lowest month, which was 45.1% of the $2,239,643 expenditures for the school year. Faith requested a full waiver of the $115,301 amount that exceeded the 40% threshold for small-enrollment school districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An uncertain 2025 economy faces governor, legislators But on November 22, the state accountability board, after considering an explanation from Faith school officials, voted for waiving $112,177 while assessing a penalty of $3,124. The amount of the penalty was equal to the amount that Faiths presentation showed that the district would have still been above 40%. However, on Monday, the state accountability board took a second look, and after further review, granted to Faith the full waiver and dropped the penalty. South Dakota law allows the state accountability board to grant waivers for special circumstances. The Faith district superintendent Kelly Daughters serves on the state accountability board but recused himself from the original decision and the reconsideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature in 2016, as part of reconfiguring state financial aid to school districts and passing a state sales tax increase to provide property tax relief and increase teacher compensation, established the state accountability board. The boards primary purpose was to ensure school districts were providing the required compensation increases. But lawmakers that year also required that a school districts state aid for general education as calculated pursuant to 13-13-73 shall be reduced by subtracting the allowable general fund cash balance from the lowest general fund monthly cash balance. That was to ensure that school districts spent their state aid. The state accountability board received responsibility for overseeing that, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2016 package required that the state accountability board submit its annual reports to the Legislatures Appropriations Committee for final consideration. The state accountability board on November 22 had granted full waivers to Herreid, New Underwood and Tripp-Delmont school districts. The state board on Monday amended the draft of its annual report to reflect the Faith reconsideration. The appropriations committee is scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. CT Tuesday to consider the state accountability boards actions. All of South Dakotas public school districts met the teacher compensation requirements for the 2024 school year, according to the report. 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. Disability advocates protest changes to Developmental Disability Administration rules for self-directed care at the State House on Nov. 19. Photo by Danielle J. Brown. My daughter Emily, a joyful 9-year-old with Rett syndrome, is a shining example of resilience. She actively participates in her school and community, making meaningful friendships and gaining independence. Over the years, her communication skills and mobility have improved dramatically, thanks to the support she receives through Self-Directed Services (SDS), part of the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). However, none of Emilys progress would be possible without the tireless advocacy I fought for years ago. When I first sought help, the Maryland Department of Healths Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) refused to support her. I was passed from office to office, caught in a never-ending cycle of bureaucracy. DDAs approach was clear: Create obstacles at every turn, requiring endless paperwork to prove Emilys condition and disabilities. This is the reality many families face when trying to navigate the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation worsened with the implementation of Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) in January 2023, a requirement under the federal 21st Century Cures Act. While the laws intent was to improve oversight, in practice, it has created chaos. Caregivers are routinely not paid on time, with many quitting their jobs due to the uncertainty of whether they will ever see a paycheck. Meanwhile, DDA and its contractors, the Fiscal Management and Counseling Services (FMCS), pass the blame to one another, leaving families to deal with the fallout. In January 2024, the Maryland Department of Health appointed a new deputy secretary for DDA, and we hoped this leadership change would address long-standing issues. But instead of progress, the DDA imposed even more barriers. Emily Wyndham, 9. Photo courtesy Adam Wyndham. Families across Maryland reported that DDA began targeting essential services like Enhanced Personal Supports, 2:1 Supports and Overnight Supports services that were once allocated based on an objective health risk screening tool. Without warning, DDA switched to requiring a nursing or behavioral plan, with no clear standards for what these plans should include. Many families, unsure of how to comply, submitted plans only to have them rejected. Now, we are at a critical juncture. The DDA has released a new policy that introduces sweeping changes changes that were made without any public input or legislative review. The policy was crafted behind closed doors by DDA staff, with no opportunity for stakeholders those most affected by these policies to offer their feedback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DDA claims the policy is just a consolidation of existing rules, but the reality is far more troubling. The new policy introduces new rules and restrictions that have not been properly vetted, and families are left scrambling to understand how these changes will impact them. In response to public outcry, organizations like Maryland ABLE intervened, challenging some of the policys provisions. As a result, DDA was forced to make revisions, addressing contradictions and clarifying some of the confusing language. However, many families are still left uncertain about what the future holds. Perhaps most troubling is the recent public attack on participants in the Self-Directed Services program by the Maryland Secretary of Health. Rather than addressing our concerns, the article insinuated that families like mine already facing incredible challenges are committing fraud. This is an offensive and inaccurate portrayal of families who rely on these services to meet the basic needs of their loved ones. Lets set the record straight: A 2022 legislative audit found significant issues within the DDA, including the failure to recover $3.2 million in unspent funds and secure $8.8 million in federal reimbursements. However, when it came to the Self-Directed Services program, the audit found *no evidence* of fraud. The audit confirmed that payments for 15 self-directed consumers, totaling $122,000, were legitimate with no unsupported or excessive charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The truth is that families like mine are not abusing the system. Every request for services or support is heavily scrutinized by DDA and must be approved before we can access even basic resources. Take, for example, my fight to secure funding for a wheelchair-adapted van for Emily. Despite the clear necessity of this vehicle for her mobility, DDA made it incredibly difficult, even attempting to deny the funding. This is just one example of how the system fails to meet the needs of people with disabilities. The narrative needs to change. Families like mine are not asking for special treatment we are simply fighting for the resources and support our loved ones need to lead full, independent lives. We deserve a system that recognizes the dignity of individuals with disabilities, provides clear guidelines, and ensures that caregivers are properly supported and paid. Instead of scapegoating families, we need leaders who will listen to our concerns, understand our struggles, and work with us to fix this broken system. Its time for a new approachone that values people with disabilities and their families, and ensures that resources are used effectively and fairly. The time for change is now. Its time to put people first. "Sending this with broken hearts & tears," the family of Jayna Lang shared in an update on Sunday, Dec. 1 The family of a Colorado woman who's been missing since she reportedly left home to visit a local shopping mall has said they've received "not good news" about her. Jayna Lang, 46, was last seen by her family in Littleton on Sunday, Nov. 24, the Park County Sheriffs Office stated in a release. She reportedly told her relatives that she was going to visit the Outlets at Silverthorne, reported ABC News affiliate Denver7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please be on the lookout for this vehicle and female party She was headed to Summit County. She liked to frequently visit Park County, especially the Indian Mountain subdivision, the police release stated on Thursday, Nov. 28. Denver7 reported that Lang left home in her white 2016 Toyota 4Runner with a license plate marked JAYNA. In a Facebook update posted by Langs sister-in-law, Stacy Laigo-Horvat, on Sunday, Dec. 1, the family shared that had received not good news regarding Lang's whereabouts, although she did not disclose precisely what they had been told. Summit County Sheriff's Office Facebook Jayna Lang Jayna Lang Related: Missing Hawaii Woman Hannah Kobayashi Intentionally Missed Her Connecting Flight, Police Say, Though Her Family Disagrees Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sending this with broken hearts & tears!!! We were notified tonight with the not good news regarding my sister-in-law Jayna , Laigo-Horvat wrote. We want to send all the thanks & appreciation to everyone nationwide for the love & prayers during this horrible time! For all the efforts in finding her & the time this past week! Please keep my husband in your thoughts & prayers! Thank you & God Bless!! Family members had been posting regular updates on their search for Lang up until the latest update shared by her sister-in-law on Sunday. Summit County Sheriff's Office Facebook Lang was last seen heading out in her white 2016 Toyota 4Runner on Nov. 24 Lang was last seen heading out in her white 2016 Toyota 4Runner on Nov. 24 Her brother, Eric Horvat, had shared earlier that he last spoke to her the day she went missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Never, never did we ever think that she would be gone, and we don't know where, where she's at, he told Denver7. She was supposed to be going to Silverthorne to look at the factory shops on Sunday. Related: How Police Closed in on the Last Person to See Missing College Student Kristin Smart Alive Google Maps Outlets at Silverthorne, Colorado Outlets at Silverthorne, Colorado 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. Eric shared with the news outlet that he later received a call from Langs employer saying that she hadnt shown up to work the following Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and no one had heard from her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Maybe her car is somewhere off of off the road, somewhere that anybody traveling this weekend would have saw it, he told Denver7. That was the last communication we had. My aunt and her talk every single day. Me and her, every couple days. So, for my aunt not to hear from her, it's very, very suspicious. PEOPLE has reached out to the Park County Sheriffs Office for an update on this case. A man votes at a polling station in Mogosoaia, near Bucharest, Romania, Dec. 1, 2024. Romanian voters cast ballots for a new parliament on Sunday, shortly after the dark horse independent candidate Calin Georgescu's lead in the first round of the presidential election. More than 18 million Romanian citizens, including those living abroad, cast ballots to fill 332 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 137 in the Senate. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) BUCHAREST, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Romania's Social Democratic Party (PSD), part of the ruling coalition, is projected to win the most seats in Sunday's parliamentary elections, according to exit polls by the Center for Urban and Regional Sociology and ARA Public Opinion SRL. The exit polls projected PSD to secure 26.1 percent of the vote for the Senate and 26 percent for the Chamber of Deputies, giving it a lead of around 7 percentage points against the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR). Another coalition partner, the National Liberal Party (PNL), is forecast to receive 15.9 percent and 15.5 percent of votes for the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, respectively, while the Save Romania Union (USR) is expected to follow closely with 15.6 percent and 15.5 percent. Some other parties, such as SOS Romania and Young People's Party, may also surpass the 5 percent threshold required to enter parliament. Over 8,000 candidates competed for 332 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 137 in the Senate. With more than 18 million registered voters, turnout reached 53.33 percent, surpassing the rates of the last two elections in 2016 and 2020. Nancy Anderson's murder which was Hawaii's oldest cold case is the focus of the Dec. 2 episode of 'People Magazine Investigates' on on ID Investigation Discovery Nancy Anderson Nancy Anderson In the fall of 1971, 19-year-old Nancy Anderson packed her bags, leaving Colorado for sunny Hawaii. She was trying to find herself, says one of Nancy's nine siblings, her younger sister, Mary Schiattone. She quickly found an apartment to share with a roommate in the Waikiki neighborhood of Honolulu, as well as a job at a nearby McDonald's, and started making lots of new friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She was very much an extrovert," says Mary. Nancy came home for Christmas that year, happy to spend time with her big, fun-loving family. "There was always something going on," says Nancy's older sister, Carol Sampson. Shortly after the New Year rang in, tragedy struck. On the afternoon Jan. 7, 1972, Nancy's roommate, Jody Spooner, found Nancy dead in her bedroom from 63 stab wounds. It was unimaginable, says her brother, Jack Anderson. A beautiful 19-year-old girl with her whole life in front of her. Why? Who would do such a thing? That question haunted her family and police for more than 50 years, making it Hawaii's oldest cold case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Hawaii 19-Year-Old Was Found Slain in Home 50 Years Ago and Suspect Was Just Charged After Son Provided DNA Nancys mysterious slaying is featured in "The Aloha Murder," the upcoming episode of People Magazine Investigates, airing on Investigation Discovery on Monday, Dec. 2, at 9/8c and streaming on Max. (An exclusive clip is shown below.) Going in-depth into the search for Nancys killer, the episode shows how the case was reignited in 2001 when her sister Carol asked police to reopen the case. Momentum grew in 2019 when her brother Jack reached out to famed genetic genealogist CeCe Moore, asking her to use her unique set of sleuthing skills to find his sisters killer. Working in tandem with authorities, Moore was able to pinpoint a shocking suspect, which resulted in a 2022 arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect's arrest was beyond anything we could possibly even dream of after all these years, says Carol. This was the man. This was him. This is who killed our sister. "The Aloha Murders" on People Magazine Investigates airs Monday, Dec. 2, at 9/8c on ID/Investigation Discovery and streams on Max. "We feel a responsibility to continue what he started, said the daughter of pilot Seuk Kim, who was killed on Nov. 24 Seuk Kim/Facebook Seuk Kim Seuk Kim Animal rescue pilot Seuk Kim, 49, was killed in a plane crash on Nov. 24 as he was transporting three dogs to an animal shelter in upstate New York His family received the ashes of Lisa, one of the dogs also killed in the crash, who will be buried in the backyard of the family's home A service will be held for Seuk on Thursday, Dec. 5 The family of an animal rescue pilot who was killed in a plane crash on Sunday, Nov. 24, in upstate New York while transporting three shelter dogs received the ashes of one of the animals, Lisa, who also died in the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pilots n Paws, the animal rescue group that pilot Seuk Kim worked for until his death, announced in a Facebook post that one of its volunteer pilots, Chris Moon, flew from Albany, New York, to Virginia on Sunday, Dec. 1, to deliver Lisas ashes to Seuks family. He obviously cared enough about her [Lisa] to risk his life on an expedition to save her, Leah Kim, 16, Seuk's daughter, said of her father in an Associated Press interview published on Dec. 1. And we just want to make sure shes being taken care of. We feel a responsibility to continue what he started. Related: 15-Year-Old Girl and Teacher Among 4 Killed in Vermont Plane Crash: 'Unimaginable Loss' On Nov. 24, Seuk, 49, flew on a Mooney M20J from Maryland en route to Albany, New York, to deliver the three dogs to an animal shelter when the aircraft crashed in the town of Windham, New York. He and Lisa were killed while the other two dogs survived and were taken to veterinary care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times reported that Seuk asked permission to change his altitude during his flight due to air turbulence, according to Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky. Leah told the AP that the idea of having Lisas ashes air delivered to the family was a symbolic way to finish her fathers mission. We all sat down and talked about what wed like to do with his remains, Leah told the AP. And then we were given the option to have Lisas remains brought to us, we decided that we would all feel much better if she was with us. Related: 8 Cancer Doctors, 2 Kids and a Lawyer: What We Know About Victims of Brazil Plane Crash That Killed 61 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also said Lisas ashes will likely be buried in the familys backyard, the news agency further reported. An obituary described Seuk as someone who always dreamed of flying, a wish that became a reality when he became a pilot. Seuk was a bright light in all our lives witty, spontaneous, and full of boundless generosity, the obituary read. His laughter could fill a room, and his zest for life inspired everyone fortunate enough to know him. Whether through his bold sense of adventure or his quiet acts of kindness, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Maggie Pryor, director of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie County, said in a statement, later shared by the AP and CBS News, that over the years, Seuk helped to save the lives of hundreds of animals who would have otherwise been euthanized due to overcrowding at animal shelters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pilot n Paws said that Seuk, who joined the group in 2022, performed nearly two rescue missions a week, adding that he saved countless lives and inspired so many within the aviation and animal rescue communities. Seuks kindness and positivity touched everyone who worked with him, Pilot n Paws shared in a Wednesday, Nov. 27, Facebook post. Whether it was mentoring new pilots, organizing presentations to recruit volunteers, or simply offering a kind word, Seuk brought people and animals together. Seuks legacy will live on through the hundreds of lives he saved and everyone he worked alongside within the rescue community. Related: 2 People 'Lucky to Be Alive' After Plane Crashes in Tennessee, Narrowly Avoiding Rush Hour Traffic Anna Kang, Seuks widow, paid tribute to her late husband in a Nov. 27 Facebook post, as well, writing: I am heart broken [sic]. My husband Seuk Kim gained his angel wings doing what he loved. He was flying rescue dogs to Albany when the accident occurred. He is my life long partner, my soul mate, father of my children. I miss him and his bright personality. Please pray for him, please pray for us. We will miss him dearly and he will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Nov. 27 interview with ABC News, Leah said her fathers legacy is for people to live their lives with joy, adding that he loved nothing more than rescuing animals. "Over the summer, I actually flew a rescue mission with him," she told ABC News. "As much attention as he was paying to flying, he was looking back every couple minutes at the dogs, and he was smiling. And I don't think I've ever seen him smile that much." 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 funeral service for Seuk is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5, according to his obituary. "Soar high, Seuk. You will always be loved, and your memory will forever inspire us to reach for the skies, concluded the tribute. Lockie Seddon reportedly died after he contracted a golden staph infection which spread to his brain Lockie Seddon, 20, of Gippsland in Australia, reportedly died days after contracting a golden staph infection on his lip The young dad shares two sons with his partner Claire, who is pregnant with a baby girl "He was a loving and doting father, he loved [Claire] and their children with all his heart," a GoFundMe message stated A 20-year-old father of two has reportedly died after a bacterial infection on his lip spread to his brain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Nov. 24, Lockie Seddon, of Gippsland, Australia, died just days after he contracted a golden staph infection, per news.com.au, the Herald Sun and the Daily Mail Australia. According to news.com.au, Seddon shares sons Mason, 3, and Jax, 2, with partner Claire, 22 who is currently pregnant with their baby girl. A GoFundMe page set up to help Seddon's mother, Tam, and his partner Claire, said, "Everyone who knew Lockie loved him, he leaves behind many broken hearts, also amazing memories." "Tam lost her son, Claire lost her soul mate suddenly. Lockie was only 20, a young father to 2 beautiful boys, and a baby girl on the way," the description added. "He was a loving and doting father, he loved [Claire] and their children with all his heart. He leaves behind a distraught mother, father and a [devastated] brother." GoFundMe Lockie Seddon Lockie Seddon The page has been set up to help raise funds so that Seddon's family can give him the "send off he deserves." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Lockie was larger then life, a huge and proud mumas boy, cheeky and quirky," the description added. Per the Mayo Clinic, "Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria. These types of germs are commonly found on the skin or in the nose of many healthy people. Most of the time, these bacteria cause no problems or cause relatively minor skin infections." "Staph infections can turn deadly if the bacteria invade deeper into your body, entering your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart. A growing number of otherwise healthy people are developing life-threatening staph infections," the post added. Seddon's aunt, Danielle Sherer who set up the GoFundMe page told news.com.au that the young father had developed a "small cold sore-like spot" on his lip in the days before his death, which he thought looked "weird" so he went to get it checked out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After waking up in extreme pain, he was taken to a local hospital before being placed in an induced coma and airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. However, the publication said he "never woke up." The doctors said there were no signs missed and there was nothing anyone could have done, It was already too late, Sherer told the publication. CAVALLINI JAMES/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty A stock photo of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria A stock photo of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria Seddon's aunt added to the Daily Mail Australia, "It just started with a little cut on his lip and the GP said it's like a bite or something." "He was healthy one day, right? Had a little thing on his lip, and the next day, that was it," Sherer added to the outlet. 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. Sherer told news.com.au that Seddon's kids were his "entire life." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was a very cheeky young man and a really hands-on dad. You could just tell how much his boys loved him," she told the outlet. They would wrestle and playfight, they just adored him. It breaks my heart that they will never have that again." When Claire fell pregnant, we all couldnt believe that they finally got their little girl. He was over the moon," Sherer added. We just cant believe this has happened. The GoFundMe page has raised just over $2,900 (just over $4,500 AUD) as of Monday, Dec. 2. The Boston Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is offering a $15,000 reward for information in the case of a missing New England girl who hasnt been seen for more than two months. Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division, and Maine State Police Colonel William Ross announced Monday that the publics help is now needed in the search for 14-year-old Stefanie Damron, of New Sweden, Maine. Damron was reported missing by her family on Sept. 24, 2024, and was last seen walking out of her house and into the woods on West Road in New Sweden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI hopes this reward will incentivize anyone with information relating to Stefanies whereabouts to come forward. Any detail, no matter how small, could be helpful, Cohen said. Investigators said Damron was reportedly wearing blue jeans, a long-sleeved blue shirt, and black Harley Davidson hiking boots at the time of her disappearance. Damron is described as a white female with green eyes and shoulder-length brown hair. She is about 5 feet tall, 130 pounds, and is homeschooled with limited access to social media. She remains missing despite extensive investigative efforts, including a neighborhood canvas and video search, along with an expansive grid search utilizing canines by the Maine Warden Service and Maine State Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stefanies family desperately wants to know where she is, and we are fully committed to helping our law enforcement partners exhaust every investigative resource to find her and bring her home, Cohen added. #BREAKING: #FBI Boston is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the safe return of 14-year-old... Posted by FBI - Boston on Monday, December 2, 2024 Investigators have also conducted dozens of interviews and followed up on potential leads in Maine, across the country, and in Canada, according to Cohen. The Maine State Police remains steadfast in our investigation into Stefanies disappearance. Every lead, no matter how small is being thoroughly pursued to find her, Maine State Police Colonel William Ross said in a statement. We deeply appreciate the FBIs support as we continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cohen said the FBI will continue to assist Maine State Police with on-the-ground investigative measures, technical, behavioral analysis, and analytical support. The $15,000 reward will be offered to anyone with information leading to the safe return of Damron and/or the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved in her disappearance, Cohen and Ross said. Your tip could be the key to resolving this case and providing answers for Stefanies family, Ross added. Anyone with information should immediately call the Maine State Police Houlton Barracks at 1-800-824-2261 or 207-532-5400. The FBI can also be contacted at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Maine state police, FBI to provide update on search for 14-year-old girl missing for 2 months Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The FBI said Monday it is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the return of a northern Maine teenager whose disappearance earlier in the fall has attracted international attention. Stefanie Damron, 14, of New Sweden, Maine, was reported missing by her family on Sept. 24, when she was last seen walking out of her house and into the nearby woods. Stefanie, who is homeschooled and has limited access to social media, has not been found despite extensive searches and interviews, authorities said. The FBI is collaborating with Maine State Police and is hopeful the reward will incentivize anyone with information regarding Stefanie's disappearance, said Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge of the FBI's Boston division. The reward is available to anyone with information leading to Stefanie's safe return or the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved in her disappearance, the FBI said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stefanies family desperately wants to know where she is, and we are fully committed to helping our law enforcement partners exhaust every investigative resource to find her and bring her home," Cohen said. New Sweden is a rural community of about 575 people located 310 miles (498.90 kilometers) north of Portland. Stefanie did not have electronic devices with her when she was last seen, and was known to sometimes leave home for the woods behind her house, though not for this long, Maine State Police Major Scott Gosselin said Monday. We are looking for help from the public in order to maintain a vigilance for Stefanie and to report any tips or leads that might be helpful to our investigation, Gosselin said. Stefanie's disappearance has attracted media attention from as far away as Europe. Tips have come in regarding the case from other states and Canada, and authorities are following up on those, police said. However, police have yet to receive any concrete leads, they said. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has been notified, which is standard procedure whenever a minor goes missing or there could be an issue in the home, police said. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A man was arrested over the weekend after allegedly pointing a gun at a driver in another vehicle as they drove down a Nashville interstate. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, 28-year-old Ryan Bowden was taken into police custody following the incident. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts On Nov. 30 around 11:30 p.m., a driver in a Nissan Altima flagged an officer down and claimed that a man drove up next to him and pointed a large gun at his vehicle while they were driving down a stretch of interstate between Briley Parkway and Old Hickory Boulevard. Officials have not released information about which interstate the incident took place on at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver told officers the vehicle proceeded to follow the Altima off the interstate and onto Broadway, reports said. Two officers located the vehicle described by the Altima driver, in which Bowden was driving. One officer reported that before they performed a traffic stop on the vehicle, it had tried to perform an illegal U-turn. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Once the vehicle was stopped, the officers commanded Bowden and his passenger to exit. The victim positively identified Bowden, and both he and the passenger were placed under arrest. According to court documents, the officers could see a large tan gun magazine in the center console of the vehicle. A black AR-15 was then found in the back floorboard behind the drivers seat with one round in the chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bowden reportedly told police the AR-15 belonged to the passenger, reports said. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com MNPD said Bowden was convicted of felony gun charges in 2018. He is now charged with felony firearm possession, two felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and a misdemeanor charge for driving without a license. Bowden is detained in Metro jail on a $122,000 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 WKRN News 2. (Afif Ahsan/iStock Images) Is it ignorance, amnesia, hypocrisy or some combination thereof that is fueling the dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives? There is a growing and rallying cry to get rid of DEI programs and policies in both the public and private sectors. Why? The surge to turn the clock back has been inspired by the U.S. Supreme Courts ruling against affirmative action goals being used in the college admission process. That ruling seems to have opened the floodgates and emboldened public institutions and private companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no longer a need to consider race, ethnicity or gender when it comes to education, employment or any business commerce. Many, comfortable that affirmative action is dead or dying, have now set their aim at DEI programs. Many colleges are closing their DEI programs. Some major businesses are doing the same. Walmart being the latest. Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Isnt that what America is supposed to be about? We need not be or remain ignorant if we are willing to remember or learn about the history of this country. When it comes to diversity, who do you think built and continues to make this country what it is? Immigrants from countries near and far who came voluntarily and by force. Whites came freely from many ethnic groups, some as indentured servants. Blacks came against their will in shackles as slaves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to equity, we need not look beyond the preamble to the Constitution that declares all men are created equal and endowed with the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But that preamble, let alone many of the subsequent constitutional amendments, has yet to be fully realized during the nearly 250 years of this countrys existence for all legitimate citizens. If anyone is unfamiliar with the savagery and disenfranchisement that centuries of the institution of slavery did to make every aspect of life in America access to a good education, a good job, a decent housing unavailable for Blacks, then you are living in an alternative, unrealistic universe. It is undeniable that if it were not for affirmative action and DEI programs, the march toward making many aspects of the Constitution a reality for Black citizens would not have gotten as far as it has, which still has a long way to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blacks still lag far behind in many measures of a quality of life in this country no matter how educated they are or how hard they work. The primary reason is a lack of access caused by the persistent and pernicious practice of racism, which is a socio-economic construct that remains a driving force in every aspect of American life. Then there is the need for deliberate efforts of inclusion. While not as oppressive or disenfranchising as the Black experience in this country, women have also been excluded and denied rights. There are other legitimate and immigrant minority groups seeking to exercise all the rights and privileges of what it means to be an American citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a minimum, it is downright hypocritical to promote the notion that all citizens irrespective of race, gender or ethnicity have equal access and opportunity to a quality education, equal employment, affordable housing even when they are capable and qualified. There are some disturbing questions worth pondering. Is the march to shut down DEI programs a brazen effort to perpetuate and reinstate inequality based on the false notion of white supremacy and privilege? Is it a move to promote an illusion or revisionist history that America was not built and currently maintained by the hard work of Blacks, women, and other people of color? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, what are the long-term goals of dismantling efforts to make life better for all American citizens? What is the end game? Who will benefit? Who will continue to be oppressed and disenfranchised? It is easy to remain in denial or assuage ones conscience, choose to ignore the lasting and visible impact of discrimination, and even now claim reverse discriminationbelieving that attempts to correct these inhumane and egregious wrongs are now discrimination against the offsprings of oppressors. A few decades of applying Band-Aids cannot cure the root causes of diseases that were allowed to go untreated for centuries no matter how long we want to fool ourselves, or absolve ourselves in perpetual denial and ignorance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It need not be a choice of one or the other. Neither exacting absolution nor inflicting guilt about the past is the goal. Moving forward in believing and practicing a common humanity should be. When all the Affirmative Actions and DEI efforts and programs have been barred or voluntarily shut down, are we to believe that capable and qualified people will be treated equally, irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity or other differences? Are we to believe that the oppression and exploitation of Blacks and other minority groups will cease, and that equal opportunity and equal investments in providing a quality education, equal employment opportunities, and blighted housing and neglected communities will be addressed? If the past is prologue, why should we? A sign at the entry to a church campus in Bellevue, where voters cast ballots in May, reminds them of the state's new voter ID law. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN The ballots of 345 people werent counted in Nebraskas first presidential general election under a new requirement that voters present a picture ID to participate. Thats out of more than 965,000 ballots cast statewide, which represents less than four hundredths of one percentage point. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen has said voter ID implementation went extremely well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It went very well, Evnen told the Examiner. That was a result of the hard work of our county election officials and our elections division. Nebraska is the gold standard in terms of the way we conduct our elections. A graphic of acceptable forms of ID people can use to vote early in Nebraska. (Courtesy of Nebraska Secretary of States Office) For comparisons sake, election officials rejected more than 650 early voting ballots statewide because voters failed to sign the envelope. Those signatures are verified against the voter file as an additional identification check. Local election observers, including some who oppose requiring ID, praised the states efforts to educate the public about the new law, work with counties to train local poll workers and respond to problems. Nebraska this year joined 37 other states now requiring voter ID, according to data compiled by VoteRiders, a national nonprofit group that helps people meet voter ID requirements. Voters passed a state constitutional amendment in 2022 requiring the Legislature to implement voter ID in Nebraska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voting rights advocates said it is hard to know how many people chose not to vote because they lacked ID or because they faced pushback at the polls or at county election offices and didnt complain publicly. 2024 Nebraska voter ID general election, by the numbers In-person voting 272: provisional ballots cast in person at polling sites without ID 211: rejected for lack of ID provided at county election office by deadline after election 61: in-person ballots corrected or cured Voting by mail in all-mail counties 107: ballots returned without ID number on envelope or photocopy of ID or impediment form Reasonable impediments 76: forms filed seeking exception for reasonable impediment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 27: rejected for lack of meeting allowed exceptions Total rejected 345: total number of ballots rejected Some raised concerns A handful of Nebraskans raised concerns about this years voting. One example: A Columbus woman filed a formal complaint with the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission about her interactions with a Platte County poll worker. The woman asked ACLU Nebraska not to share her name publicly, saying she feared for her privacy. She went to vote at her Columbus polling place over her lunch break on Election Day, Nov. 5, according to her complaint. Her drivers license had expired a month earlier, but that is still an acceptable form of ID under Nebraskas law, ACLU lawyer Joy Kathurima said. The woman also provided her active U.S. passport as a backup, another valid form of ID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Platte County poll worker unfamiliar with the federal citizenship requirements for a U.S. passport, questioned whether the woman, an American of Latino heritage, could prove she was a U.S. citizen. Eventually, the woman was allowed to vote because another Platte County poll worker corrected the first poll worker and pointed out that passports count as valid voter ID. The woman told the ACLU, which filed the complaint on her behalf, that she felt incredibly uncomfortable at her polling place. She was already an infrequent voter, having not voted in eight years, Kathurima said, so this didnt help. To have that type of experience obviously makes it even harder for someone to be able to want to vote in the future, Kathurima said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Platte County Election Commission did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. State election officials acknowledged a handful of incidents in which poll workers misunderstood the requirements. No results changed, officials say Groups such as ACLU Nebraska and Civic Nebraska say having even one voter turned away is too many. They pointed to close races like east Omahas Legislative District 13 as an example where every vote matters. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen is shown on Oct. 9, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) In that race, 151 votes separated Ashlei Spivey, the winner, from second-place finisher Nick Batter. Election officials, however, have said they knew of no result that would have flipped because of voter ID issues. The most common concern reported to Civic Nebraskas voter hotline was poll workers not understanding that the picture ID is required only to verify that voters are who they say they are not to verify their address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some poll workers told voters erroneously that the addresses on their drivers license or state ID needed to match the voter rolls, which is not required, said Heidi Uhing, Civics director of public policy. You are who you are regardless of where youre located, Uhing said. The benefit of that part of the law is that people move around a lot, and not everyone is speedy about getting their documentation updated. Heidi Uhing, public policy director for Civic Nebraska, testifies at a legislative hearing in Lincoln. (Steve Smith/Civic Nebraska) The most ballots cast without IDs occurred in Douglas County. There, 146 people who didnt have ID or lacked a valid ID voted provisionally. Of those 146, 48 were able to fix the problem, officials said. Twenty-three of them visited the election office later and showed acceptable ID, and 25 verified a reasonable impediment. That means 98 others turned in provisional ballots but did not have their votes counted, including some who filed for impediments but did not meet the standard and did not return verification calls from election officials, Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kruse mentioned a would-be voter who had moved to the Omaha area from Chicago but couldnt get Cook County, Illinois, to send her a copy of her birth certificate in time to get a Nebraska-approved ID. How voter ID works in Nebraska Voting in person Nebraska requires in-person voters to take a state-approved photo ID, which could include a drivers license, a college ID, a nursing home ID, a passport, a military ID, a tribal ID or an ID from a city, county, school district or another political subdivision. People who forget to take their photo ID but want to cast their ballot can still choose to vote provisionally. However, they will need to take a photo ID to their county election office within a week of Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who lack a photo ID can have their ballots counted if they apply for a certificate from their county election office verifying an accepted disability, circumstance or religious objection. Voting by mail Voters requesting a ballot to vote early by mail must also verify their ID. They can do so by writing down their ID number from a Nebraska drivers license or state ID card. Those unwilling or unable to provide one of those ID numbers on the request form can instead enclose a photocopy of a state-approved photo ID, which could be a passport, military ID or Nebraska college ID, among others. People with disabilities, a major illness or religious objections to being photographed can fill out an exception form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His office saw some voters who moved from Iowa and didnt know that the Nebraska law only recognizes drivers licenses from the Cornhusker State. He also heard some confusion about how to verify IDs from nursing homes. Honestly it went very, very smooth, Kruse said. I was a little worried since this was our first big election. I guess the good news is honestly it didnt affect turnout, which was among the biggest weve had. Turnout high Statewide turnout was the second-highest in votes cast, with 965,236. Douglas saw 75% turnout. Some counties in rural Nebraska saw turnout of over 80% of registered voters, including Arthur, Hooker and Thomas Counties in the Sandhills. Only the pandemic-fueled 2020 election had more votes cast, at 966,920. And only the 1968 presidential election had a higher percentage turnout 81% of registered voters. This years statewide turnout was 76%. Kathurima said Nebraskans wont know how many people might have voted because any voter restriction will always have a chilling effect. In other states with voter ID, restrictions have disproportionately reduced voting by people in poverty, the elderly and the infirm. Much depends on the strictness of IDs required. Voter ID advocates have argued that the requirements help reduce election fraud by making it more difficult to impersonate another voter. Many are particularly interested in requiring ID to vote by mail. The push drew more attention after the 2020 election, when then-President Donald Trump criticized voting by mail after his loss to President Joe Biden and questioned the verification processes. Kathurima and Uhing said they would like to see the state tweak the training help offered to poll workers to emphasize which IDs are acceptable. Signs clarifying what IDs are accepted could also be more prominent at polling places, they suggested. Evnen said his office would take that feedback from stakeholders and work with local election officials to see what they can learn from it and improve. Several advocates acknowledged the work Nebraska election officials have done educating voters, including tapping into $1.5 million in funding for outreach. They also credited Nebraska for passing a more flexible version of voter ID than some states. But some said it should matter to Nebraskans that a number of votes did not count in this election, as Uhing said. If they didnt come back to resolve that, thats a real shame, she said. We have to go back and understand how people might be moved to go back (and fix their ballots). SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Representative Jamie Raskin launched a campaign Monday to replace Representative Jerry Nadler as ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee. In a letter to his colleagues, the Maryland Democrat warned that they were in the fight of our lives. Raskin asked for the party to support his burgeoning bid, explaining that the stakes have gone way up since the election as this time the MAGA movement has not only a trifecta but a complicit Supreme Court waiting in the wings and a dominant media propaganda system parroting all the lies. House Democrats must stand in the breach to defend the principles and institutions of constitutional democracy. That is our historic assignment now. We dare not fail, Raskin wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a week consulting most of our Colleagues and engaging in serious introspection about where we are, I am running today to be your Ranking Member on the House Judiciary Committee in the 119th Congress, he wrote. This is where we will wage our front-line defense of the freedoms and rights of the people, the integrity of the Department of Justice and the FBI, and the security of our most precious birthright possessions: the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the rule of law, and democracy itself. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was among several House Democrats who spent days urging a rather reluctant Raskin to challenge the 77-year-old Nadler, a pillar of the Houses older Democratic guard. Democrats have reportedly grown concerned that Nadler wouldnt be as meaningfully effective in quashing Donald Trumps abuses of power as Raskin, who headed the Houses investigation into the deadly January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- As a trailblazer in combating poverty, China has consistently shared its experiences and resources with other countries, fostering shared development that benefits all of humanity. At the G20 Summit in November, China announced its decision to join the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative designed to raise resources and knowledge to implement proven public policies and social technologies to combat hunger and poverty worldwide. Over the years, China's commitment has been repeatedly evidenced through a range of projects, such as the Luban Workshop, the program of "Access to Satellite TV for 10,000 African Villages" and the "Africa Solar Belt" program, each widely embraced by locals. China's success in poverty elimination not only offers hope and inspiration to countries worldwide but also provides valuable insights and practical support for their poverty alleviation efforts. EXPERIENCE IN FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY In 2021, China declared that it had eradicated extreme poverty, a remarkable achievement following decades of unremitting efforts by the world's most populous country. Having lifted 800 million people out of poverty, the country realized the poverty reduction goal set by the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development a decade in advance. However, poverty remains a vexing problem that has plagued humanity. In 2023, global hunger levels were stubbornly high for three consecutive years, with a staggering 733 million people -- one in eleven globally -- facing hunger, according to a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. This persistent challenge has prompted many nations still struggling with poverty to turn to China, hoping to learn from its success and replicate its anti-poverty achievements. A cornerstone of China's poverty alleviation efforts is its targeted poverty alleviation strategy. With specific individuals, local conditions, and the root causes of poverty in mind, this approach has proven to be a silver bullet to the deeply entrenched problem. Under this model, China established clear standards and procedures for accurately identifying the poor and implemented robust team efforts to ensure the effective implementation of tailored measures. During China's battle against absolute poverty, a total of 255,000 teams were dispatched to offer on-the-ground support and over 3 million people were sent to the countryside as special commissioners for poverty relief, official data showed. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his message for the 2017 Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum that "targeted poverty reduction strategies are the only way to reach those farthest behind and achieve the ambitious targets set out in the 2030 Agenda." "China has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, and its experiences can provide valuable lessons to other developing countries," he added. Ravshan Nazarov, senior researcher at the Institute of State and Law of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, said China's successful approach to combating poverty provides substantial support in implementing the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and showcases a diverse and systematic model of poverty reduction that can serve as a practical example for other countries. SUPPORT FOR GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT At the G20 Summit, China also outlined eight actions for global development. These include pursuing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, implementing the Global Development Initiative, supporting development in Africa, and supporting international cooperation on poverty reduction and food security. "China is clearly demonstrating its commitment to the fight against poverty and its real support for the development of countries, especially those in the Global South," said Eduardo Relagado, researcher at the International Policy Research Center of Cuba. Through various initiatives, China has consistently increased its resource input, optimized cooperation methods, and expanded financing channels to support the shared development of nations around the world. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an important part of the eight actions, has already brought substantial benefits since its launch over 11 years ago. By June 2023, China had signed more than 200 BRI cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations across five continents, yielding a number of signature projects and small-scale yet impactful projects. World Bank has estimated that by 2030, BRI-related projects and investments could lift 7.6 million people out of extreme poverty and 32 million others out of moderate poverty. The Global Development Initiative, launched three years ago, has provided nearly 20 billion U.S. dollars in development funds and launched more than 1,100 projects. Over 80 countries have joined the "Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative," further strengthening global consensus on poverty reduction. The country has trained over 400,000 professionals from more than 180 countries in a bid to strengthen their capacity to combat impoverishment and drive sustainable development. In addition to these initiatives, China is expanding its trade openness with the least developed countries and has pledged to offer zero-tariff treatment on all products from these countries with diplomatic relations with China. Dennis Munene, executive director of the China-Africa Center at the Africa Policy Institute in Nairobi, Kenya, emphasized that the launch of tariff-free measures for more African products will help open up China's market of over 1.4 billion people to them. This move will promote trade and economic development in the poorer countries and help many of them escape absolute poverty, he added. CHESAPEAKE Police are investigating a shooting near Chesapeake Square mall Sunday night in which a man was injured. Around 9:17 p.m., police were called to a business parking lot in the 4100 block of Portsmouth Blvd., according to a news release from the Chesapeake Police Department. Thats near Chesapeake Square mall in the Western Branch section of the city. Subsequent calls to police reported that someone was also shooting a gun during the fight, the news release stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived to the scene, they found a woman who had been injured in the fight. They also found a man who had been shot. Both were taken a local hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, police said. No information about suspects was available. Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or to submit a tip at p3tips.com. The Syrian government has lost control of the city of Aleppo, the country's second-largest, as opposition forces have made more territorial gains, a war monitor reported on Sunday. "The Syrian regime has completely lost control of Aleppo," head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), Rami Abdel-Rahman, told dpa. An opposition alliance led by the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Islamist group has taken control the whole city except for four neighbourhoods in the north-west, which are controlled by the Kurdish forces, according to Rami. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aleppo was overrun by rebel groups earlier this week in a surprise offensive against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces. Rebels seize power plant and military airbase HTS insurgents seized control on Sunday of a power plant, a field artillery college and a military academy on the outskirts of Aleppo following clashes with the government troops, the Britain-based SOHR reported. Meanwhile, Turkey-supported rebels, part of the opposition alliance, captured two towns and a military airbase in the eastern countryside of Aleppo from government forces, added the observatory, which relies on a network of contacts inside Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fighting also erupted between the Kurdish militias and the rebels backed by Turkey in the Aleppo countryside, the monitor added. Russian airstrikes target rebel-controlled areas Russia, a Syrian government ally, launched a series of airstrikes on several areas of Syria where opposition forces have recently made territorial gains. The Russian strikes early Sunday targeted opposition towns and villages in the north-western province of Idlib and the central province of Hama. At least four civilians were killed and 50 others injured in Russian strikes on a refugee camp in the city of Idlib, capital of the province of the same name, according to the observatory. Similar strikes were also reported in Aleppo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the observatory, at least twelve people - including eight civilians - were killed and 23 others were injured due to Russian airstrikes on a university hospital in central Aleppo. Syria's state news agency SANA, citing a military source, reported on Sunday that government and Russian jets had intensified strikes on "terrorists" and killed or injured dozens of them. Insurgency marks major escalation of ongoing civil war The attacks by the HTS-led rebel factions, which began on Wednesday, mark a significant escalation in the country's civil war, which has raged since 2011 and until recently had relatively stable front lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HTS is considered one of the most powerful armed militias in north-western Syria. The opposition assault is considered the largest by rebels on Aleppo since 2016, when they were ousted from the eastern areas of the city. On Saturday, the Syrian army said the large number of insurgents involved in the multi-front offensive had prompted government forces to redeploy in preparation for a counter-attack. The fighting has displaced thousands of local residents, activists said. With the help of his allies Russia and Iran, al-Assad has managed to regain control of about two-thirds of the country from rebels in the past years. Al-Assad vows action against rebels Al-Assad, meanwhile, vowed to take decisive action against rebel forces following their capture of the city of Aleppo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Damascus, al-Assad described the "crushing of terrorism" as essential for the stability and security of the entire region, according to the Syrian presidency. Araghchi, who reiterated Iran's support for al-Assad's government, accused Israel and the United States of backing the rebel offensive. UN envoy for Syria sees 'collective failure' amid new clashes UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen stated that a lack of commitment to a peace solution in Syria has resulted in the renewed escalation of violence in the country's long-running civil war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What we see in Syria today is a mark of a collective failure," said the Syria mediator. Pedersen said he has repeatedly warned of the risk of escalation and the danger of relying on conflict management instead of conflict resolution. The recent developments pose a threat not only to the Syrian civilian population, but also to regional and international security, he added. The Norwegian diplomat also urged the Syrian conflict parties and involved states to engage in negotiations. The last of the classic Cold War-era MiG-21 Fishbed fighters in Europe have been stood down from operational duties. Assigned to NATO, the Croatian Air Force was the final European operator of the MiG-21, a type that originally entered service back in 1959 and which had been a presence over the continent ever since then, in the hands of more than a dozen different nations. Croatias Ministry of Defense announced that, as of yesterday, Dec. 1, its MiG-21s which equip its sole fighter squadron would no longer defend the countrys airspace during peacetime quick reaction alert (QRA) duty. A Croatian Air Force MiG-21 taxis out to the flight line during joint operations with the U.S. Air Force 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, at Croatias 91st Air Base at Pleso, March 17, 2022. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Miquel Jordan Tech. Sgt. Miquel Jordan Although Croatia has already begun to receive far more advanced Dassault Rafale multirole fighters, these wont start operational duties yet, since they are required for pilot training. The Croatian Ministry of Defense had previously expected the Rafale to achieve initial operational capability by the end of 2025, but this could slip until early 2026. A Croatian Air Force Rafale touches down at Pleso Air Base, Croatia, on April 25, 2024. Photo by DAMIR SENCAR / AFP DAMIR SENCAR Until then, Croatian airspace will be temporarily guarded by the Italian Air Force and the Hungarian Air Force, flying Eurofighter Typhoons and Saab Gripens, respectively, from air bases in their own countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, both the Typhoon and Gripen had been offered to Croatia to replace its MiG-21s, together with F-16 Block 70/72s and second-hand F-16s, before the Rafale was chosen in May 2021. The final selection of the Rafale was also protracted, only happening after an earlier deal for 12 second-hand Israeli F-16C/Ds had collapsed in 2019 when the U.S. Congress refused to approve the transfer of the fighters. A pair of Croatian Air Force MiG-21 scrambles in afterburner from Pleso Air Base. Mulag/Wikimedia Commons The Croatian government is not paying for the stopgap QRA coverage, with the air defense fighters being provided under a NATO arrangement broadly similar to the alliances Baltic Air Policing mission, which protects the Baltic states. Currently, the Croatian Air Force has received seven Rafales (five single-seaters and a pair of two-seaters), with the remaining five single-seaters due to arrive by the end of April 2025, at the rate of one aircraft per month. Like the MiG-21s, the Rafales fly from Pleso Air Base, also known as the 91st Air Base, co-located with the international airport in the countrys capital, Zagreb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we reported before, the 12 Rafales will provide a huge leap in capabilities for the Croatian Air Force, which will advance from a second-generation fighter armed with short-range air-to-air missiles to an advanced fourth-generation jet offering active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, precision attack, and many other potential new capabilities. A Croatian Air Force MiG-21 armed with R-60MK (AA-8 Aphid) air-to-air missiles and on the taxiway at Pleso Air Base. Ex13/Wikimedia Commons Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only air defense armament available to the MiG-21s was the infrared-guided R-60MK (AA-8 Aphid) air-to-air missile, as well as the internal 23mm twin-barrel cannon. The Fishbed had a particularly important air defense role, considering that Croatia for many years otherwise only operated anti-aircraft guns, man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), and vehicle-mounted Strela-type short-range surface-to-air missiles. Its unclear when the MiG-21s will cease flying altogether, with the potential that some training activities or familiarization flights will still take place. However, as of now, the Fishbed has ended its operational service in Europe. The last previous operator on the continent, Romania, retired its upgraded MiG-21 LanceR fleet in May 2023. In recent years, only a handful of Croatian MiG-21s were still active, hampered by dwindling supplies of spares. U.S. Air Force F-16C and F-15C fighter jets fly over the Adriatic Sea alongside an Italian Air Force F-35A and (far right) a pair of Croatian MiG-21s. The formation was put up during Exercise Astral Knight, on May 21, 2021. The multinational exercise brought together the U.S. military and forces from Albania, Croatia, Greece, Italy, and Slovenia. U.S. Air Force/Staff Sgt. Malissa Lott Emerging from the violent breakup of Yugoslavia, Croatia received its first MiG-21 when a Yugoslav Air Force pilot defected to the country in one of the jets in February 1992. The windfall fighter was then put into Croatian service but was shot down over Bosnia and Herzegovina in June of the same year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another pair of MiG-21s arrived in Croatia via defections in May 1992, one of these also being lost in combat. As recently independent Croatia built up its air force, it acquired 40 MiG-21s from Ukraine between 1993 and 1994, these aircraft having been originally used by another ex-Soviet state, Kyrgyzstan. These were provided to Croatia despite an arms embargo. Of these fighters, 26 were put into Croatian service, while the other 14 were used for spare parts. As well as another wartime shoot-down, in May 1995, the Croatian Fishbed fleet suffered six attrition losses after hostilities had come to an end in September 1995. A U.S. Navy F-14B Tomcat assigned to VF-103 flies in formation with a pair of Croatian Air Force MiG-21s during the Joint Wings multinational exercise in October 2002. U.S. Navy photo by Capt. Dana Potts Dana Potts With no replacement in sight, in 2003, Croatia decided to provide eight of its single-seat MiG-21s with a modest upgrade, undertaken in Romania, which were intended to allow them to serve until 2024. However, this was primarily an overhaul and is in no way comparable to the extensive modernizations undertaken on Indian or Romanian MiG-21s, for example. At the same time, another four two-seat MiG-21s were acquired, either from Poland or Romania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With NATO membership on the horizon, the upgrade did add Western communication, identification, and navigation systems and the aircraft emerged from the work with new designations: MiG-21bisD for the single-seaters and MiG-21UMD for the two-seaters. A single two-seat Croatian Air Force MiG-21UMD was painted in this striking red-and-white scheme to reflect Croatias national colors. Chris Lofting/Wikimedia Commons A further overhaul and refurbishment for seven Croatian MiG-21s took place in Ukraine, between 2013 and 2015, and Zagreb also bought another five Fishbeds at the same time, although these turned out to be problematic, and all of them spent a period grounded. Meanwhile, the Croatian government investigated their provenance, amid reports that four of them had fuselages taken from second-hand Bulgarian MiG-21s, which would have breached the terms of the contract. With the MiG-21s retirement looming, Croatia held a public farewell for its MiGs at Pleso in May of this year, which also included participation from the Rafale. Croatia premiers their new Rafales to the public for the first time. European spotters turnout is considerable. Probably the last European airshow to feature an active MiG-21. pic.twitter.com/dXZpHrNpRN Peter Voinovich (@PeterVoinovich) May 11, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MiG-21 will be remembered in Croatia as the backbone of its fighter arm throughout its highly turbulent formative years and eventually for more than three decades. At the same time, Croatia will go down in history as the final operator of the MiG-21 in Europe. The Fishbed still serves elsewhere in the world, however, notably in India and North Korea, while smaller numbers of the iconic fighters are still operating in a handful of other countries. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Providing round-the-clock energy, using minimal space and considered a clean source of power geothermal energy seems like an ideal option for countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, where the potential is high, and governments are seeking to transition away from highly polluting fossil fuels. Yet most of the potential of geothermal energy, created by harnessing heat produced by the earth from underground reservoirs of hot water to power turbines that generate electricity, remains untapped in these countries and across the world as financial, regulatory and community roadblocks have stalled growth. More readily available financing and domestic regulatory changes are starting to address these barriers, but experts say more should be done to unlock the vast clean energy source trapped just beneath the Earths surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Countries with high geothermal potential such as the United States, Indonesia and the Philippines are usually located close to tectonically active regions where hot water or steam is naturally carried to the Earths surface through volcanic activity, or can be accessed by shallow drilling. Were essentially standing on our own sun, which we can get clean, reliable energy from, said Marit Brommer, CEO of the International Geothermal Association based in Germany. Experts also laud geothermal plants for their ability to operate continuously to meet the minimum level of power demanded around-the-clock, unaffected by weather, with long lifespans and minimal maintenance. As countries shift towards renewable and cleaner energy, geothermal use is expected to grow: In Southeast Asia, geothermal power generation is expected to increase tenfold from 2020 to 2050, reaching 276 million megawatt-hours, according to the International Energy Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With their steaming volcanoes and bubbling lakes, Indonesia and the Philippines two archipelagic Southeast Asian countries located on the seismically active Ring of Fire are the second and third-largest users of geothermal energy in the world, with some of the highest geothermal energy potential. The U.S. is number one. Yet Indonesia uses less a tenth of its gargantuan reserves, making up 6% of its power supply. In the Philippines, about 8% of geothermal capacity has been developed, constituting 14.6% of the country's energy use, the country's largest source of renewable energy. Both countries plan to expand use of geothermal energy as they transition away from fossil fuels: Indonesia aims to increase the share of geothermal power generation by at least 8% by 2030, making it the second-largest renewable energy source after hydropower. The Philippine government is targeting several projects to boost geothermal capacity by adding nearly 1.5 gigawatts, nearly doubling its current use. But the exploratory stage of geothermal development when companies do tests and drilling to confirm the size, temperature, pressure, and potential production rates of sites is expensive and risky. That makes it hard to attract finance for development, said Shigeru Yamamura, an energy specialist at the Asia Development Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats the most difficult part of developers, because (financially) they cannot take 100% of the exploration risk themselves, Yamamura told The Associated Press. Climate finance for geothermal development is limited for most Southeast Asian nations, accounting for only 9% of finance available for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations a political and economic bloc of ten states in the region, which includes Indonesia and the Philippines. A 2024 ASEAN energy report said blended finance using both public and private sources, grants and green bonds could help bridge the gap. The Philippine government has announced green energy auction schemes for geothermal energy and is preparing a smart green grid plan that prioritizes renewable energy vital to enable private developers to get financing from banks. This signals progress in policy support for investment, Yamamura said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has focused on geothermal as part of the country's energy transition. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources says it's working to shorten permitting times and considering ways to increase rates of return on investments in geothermal projects. The state electric utility, Perusahaan Listrik Negara, also said it's committed to ramping up geothermal energy development. The World Bank is providing a $150 million loan to scale up Indonesian investments in geothermal energy by reducing the risks of early-stage exploration. The Green Climate Fund and the Clean Technology Fund are providing a $127.5 million. Even when finance is secured, community pushback can slow development. In Indonesia, residents of villages have protested projects, citing safety and environmental concerns: Several geothermal sites in Indonesia have had deadly gas leaks in the past five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Indonesian communities don't understand what geothermal energy is and how they could benefit from its development, said Timothy Ravis, a doctoral student in global development at Cornell University. Protests at geothermal sites in the Philippines have led at least one company to pay royalties to Indigenous groups worried about land degradation caused by geothermal development. Governments and businesses should work to gain the consent of communities near projects to help ensure they succeed, said Brommer. We need to show that this development benefits all people, not just a company, she said. It's not about being a good neighbor, it's about being the best neighbor and really working with communities to respect their concerns." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A fire raged through a residence in Dayton Monday morning, forcing firefighters to order an emergency demolition. According to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch, the fire occurred minutes before 3:30 a.m. on the 2400 block of Lakeview Avenue. 1 injured, 3 arrested after reported shooting Saturday The man inside at the time was able to evacuate the residence before calling 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have a fire in my house. Im out the house but I have stuff in the house. Oh my gosh man, oh my gosh, the 911 caller said. According to District Chief Chris Kinzeler on scene, crews were dispatched immediately, finding heavy smoke on all floors. The fire reportedly originated in the basement, before blowing out the left side of the home. The second floor and attic also had flames. Crews were unable to enter the structure as the floors at the front and right side doors had begun to sag from the heat. Crews sprayed water from the exterior. They were limited to one hydrant due to the others being frozen from the icy overnight temperatures. Due to the heavy smoke and fire damage throughout the residence, the district chief determined that a tactical burn was the safest option for tackling the fire. Once flames burned through the roof, crews extinguished the fire through the use of aerial streams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kinzeler says the man in the home was awoken by the smell of smoke. He did not have any smoke detectors, Kinzeler said. We have seen people die in a lot less drastic situations than this. So, he is a lucky man to be alive tonight. Avoiding scams: How to stay safe online while holiday shopping The Dayton Fire Department urges those without smoke detectors to visit daytonohio.gov/smokedetectors to obtain one. Dayton FD installs smoke detectors free of charge for Dayton residents. The department also advises that residents maintain furnaces as winter approaches and cold temperatures persist. The home owner had been making improvements to the home before this mornings fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was tough to not be able to save, Kinzeler said about deciding on the demolition order. Crews made several attempts to enter the home and search, but were unable too. No firefighters were injured. None of the other homes adjacent to the residence were in danger of exposure. The fire is still under investigation, but the initial fire is said to have potentially began in the basement. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Firefighters battled a fire that caused flames to leap and smoke to pour from a triple-decker in Norwood Monday afternoon. Crews deployed ladders in order to tackle the fire in the upper floors of the Melville Avenue residence just after 4:00 p.m. Flames billowed from parts of the charred roof around 4:30 p.m. Canton firefighters also responded to the home to assist Norwood. Boston 25 News is working to learn if anyone was injured in the blaze. Ladder 1 is going mutual aid to the Town of Norwood. Norwood has a two alarm fire in a triple https://t.co/3JX01Lq3QM 36 Melville Avenue. pic.twitter.com/Pv7dFEzZv4 Canton Firefighters IAFF Local 1580 (@cantonfire1580) December 2, 2024 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 DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Firefighters rescued a cat who went exploring inside the walls of a Dauphin County home on Sunday. According to the Millersburg Fire Company on Facebook, at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Company 20 responded to a home in the Millersburg area for an animal rescue. The company said the animal, a pet cat named Frey, went missing after exploring inside the walls of the home. Firefighters used a combination of technology and trickery to locate and extract Frey from a discreet second-floor hiding spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the company, firefighters located Frey under the floorboards in a second-story bedroom using thermal imaging, listening to her meows, and a sewer camera. Firefighters then cut an access hole in the floor and used food to lure her out. It took firefighters a total of one hour and fifteen minutes to locate and safely return Frey to her owners, the company said. Photo from Millersburg Fire Photo from Millersburg Fire Photo from Millersburg Fire Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As Ukraine braces for a third winter of war, a small city in Germany is helping people keep warm in its twin town in western Ukraine. Winters in Ukraine are cold and snowy, with temperatures often plunging well below freezing. Average temperature ranges between -4.8 degrees Celsius and 2 degrees Celsius from December to March and in some places, temperatures regularly drop to below -20 degrees. Many Ukrainians have been displaced amid the ongoing Russian invasion, with some 3.4 million people forced to leave their homes. Many of them are holding out in collective shelters that lack adequate winter protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the frontlines, families live in damaged homes, often without reliable heating or electricity, as Russia continues to target Ukraine's energy infrastructure, seeking to destroy morale. This winter too, Moscow will try to destroy Ukraine's energy supply system, NATO chief Mark Rutte said recently. Russian President Vladimir Putin "will use winter as a weapon," Rutte said during a visit to Latvia in mid-November. With the cold weather now in full swing, towns in Europe twinned with Ukrainian communities are looking for ways to help. Ukrainians fleeing abroad to safety headed to Poland, Germany and other parts of Europe, while keeping close ties to their homeland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some cities where they settled have partnerships with Ukrainian communities or launched new initiatives since the Kremlin began its full-scale invasion in 2022. Six months ago, Frankfurt, Germany's financial hub, sealed a partnership with Lviv in western Ukraine. Wiesbaden, another major city just outside Frankfurt, recently celebrated the first anniversary of its city partnership with Kamianets-Podilskyi, also in western Ukraine. Roman Poseck, a minister in the state of Hesse where both cities are located, says "Hesse stands closely by Ukraine's side. Solidarity is also lived and cultivated through encounters. For this, partnerships between municipalities, with their regional approach, are exactly right and give hope for a time after the terrible war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such connections are supported "mostly by the commitment of volunteers, who fill them with life," Poseck says. Alongside bigger cities such as Frankfurt and Wiesbaden, Gudensberg, a small town north of Frankfurt, is twinned with Schtschyrez in the west of Ukraine. Wolfgang Mand, chairman of the Gudensberg Twinning Association, says: "We have had a cultural exchange and visited each other since 2016. Then came Russia's attack on February 24, 2022 and we were in a different world." More than 1,000 days later, Ukraine continues to put up a fight, and initiatives like the one in Gudensberg are trying everything they can to support the war effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A wide range of help has been requested from medical aid to long underwear, Mand says. "We are now on the 67th truck transport to Ukraine," Mand says. He and others talk with their Schtschyrez contacts by video link to find out what they urgently need. One local hospital donated a lot for Ukraine, "from gauze bandages to operating tables," he says. The partnership association, which has around 90 members, also shipped hundreds of school desks and chairs as well as many "expired car first-aid kits." It also sent thermal underwear, warm sleeping bags and mobile phone power banks for Ukrainian soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mand says that the reception in Schtschyrez was warm, "but it is also depressing to see how the cemeteries in Ukraine are filling up with the bodies of fallen soldiers." He says the mayor of Schtschyrez is grappling with hard jobs such as delivering new conscription orders. "It is admirable to see how Ukrainians, in the midst of war, try to offer their children a worthwhile environment in their daily lives and not just appear in mourning and depression," says Mand. "We are convinced that the Ukrainians are ultimately fighting for us too and defending the freedom of the West." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His long-term dream is to be able to maintain personal and cultural relations with the citizens of Schtschyrez without war, but also "without a Russian-dictated peace agreement." Christoph Rosenbaum, deputy head of the city council of Frankfurt, is convinced that "Friendships formed in times of crisis have a special bond." He hopes that, despite the war, many encounters between the citizens of Frankfurt and Lviv will be possible quickly. Eileen O'Sullivan, head of Frankfurt's international department, adds: "We want to strengthen the European bond together and promote this in friendships between citizens and joint projects in the fields of business, science, technology and culture." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the outbreak of war in 2022, Hesse suspended its decades-old partnership with the Russian region of Yaroslavl, about 200 kilometres north-east of Moscow. Hesse's Europe Ministry says the state is now working on a link with a region in Ukraine, preferably as a trio partnership with its Polish partner region of Wielkopolska, which in turn is already linked to the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. The war means the partnership "will include a reconstruction and support component. In addition, bringing Ukraine closer to membership of the European Union will be an important area of cooperation," says Manfred Pentz, the minister for Europe. "For us, this is not about symbolic politics," he adds, reassuring words as Kiev looks to the West in concern about the future of support it badly needs. First Lady Jill Biden has voiced her support for her husband Joe Biden's decision to pardon their son. In June 2024, Hunter Biden was found guilty of three felony accounts in Wilmington, Delaware, and was facing up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000. During Hunter Biden's trial, Joe Biden expressed his intention to respect the court decision that would come at his sentencing in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal., said Biden. The day after Joe Biden decided to pardon his son on Sunday, December 1st, 2024, Jill Biden announced at a holiday press event that she supported Hunter Biden's pardon. WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden on Sunday night, reversing his earlier stance of not using executive power to pardon or reduce his son's sentence. "From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted ... It is clear that Hunter was treated differently," Biden said in a statement. The president said his political opponents in Congress "instigated" the charges "to attack me and oppose my election." "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son -- and that is wrong," he said. Hunter Biden was convicted in June for purchasing a firearm in 2018 while addicted to crack cocaine, marking the first time a sitting president's child has been convicted of a crime. He is set to be sentenced on Dec. 12. He is also scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 16 for federal tax evasion charges, to which he pleaded guilty in September, involving over 1.4 million U.S. dollars in unpaid taxes Special counsel David Weiss, who served as the attorney for Delaware under former U.S. President Donald Trump, launched an investigation into Hunter Biden in 2018 and brought both indictments in 2023. MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs say Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has ordered Unites States flags and state of Wisconsin flags to be flown at half-staff on Monday. According to a release, Gov. Evers has reportedly signed Executive Order #245 ordering the flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of former Wisconsin Rep. Betty Jo Nelsen. 18-year-old arrested after leading Fond du Lac police on two pursuits in a stolen vehicle Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say Nelsen was first elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1979 via special election where she served six terms in the Wisconsin State Legislature representing the 10th Assembly District from 1979 to 1983, the 5th Assembly District from 1983 to 1985, and the 10th District Assembly again from 1985 to 1990. Nelsen was said to be the first woman elected to serve as majority leader in 1987 and also served on the Joint Committee on Finance, the Joint Committee on Employment Relations, and the Joint Committee on Legislative Organization during her time as an elected official in Wisconsin. Former Rep. Nelsen was an exceptional example of a dedicated public servant, making history as the first woman to serve as minority leader in the history of our state legislature. In the weeks since her passing, our thoughts are with former Rep. Nelsens husband, Jim, her children, grandchildren, and all her loved ones as they mourn her loss and celebrate her incredible legacy. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers She then resigned from the Legislature in 1990 to reportedly serve as the administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture for the President George H. Bush administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say Nelsen died on Thursday, October 17, at the age of 89, and services for her will be held in Milwaukee on 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Gov. Tony Evers ordered flags to fly at half-staff in Wisconsin on Monday in honor of former state Rep. Betty Jo Nelsen, who died Oct. 17 at the age of 89. Nelsen was first elected to the state Assembly in 1979 as a Republican and served six terms. In 1987, she became the first woman to serve as minority leader in the state Legislature from either party. Former Rep. Nelsen was an exceptional example of a dedicated public servant," Evers said. In the weeks since her passing, our thoughts are with former Rep. Nelsens husband, Jim, her children, grandchildren, and all her loved ones as they mourn her loss and celebrate her incredible legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1990, President George H. W. Bush appointed Nelsen as administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service within the US. Department of Agriculture. In 1992, she was nominated to serve as assistant secretary of agriculture for food and consumer services. Later, Nelsen served on the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. She was also held leadership positions in organizations such as Future Milwaukee, United Community Services, United Way, Girl Scouts of the USA and Junior League of Milwaukee. A memorial service for Nelsen is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee. "Known for a passion for public service and devotion to the well-being of her family, Betty Jo was an unapologetic but humble leader and trailblazer, driven by her concern for others and guided by high moral standards not often seen today," her obituary read. How long will flags be at half-staff on Thursday? The U.S. flag and the Wisconsin state flag will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Thursday. Where will flags be at half-staff? According to Evers' order, the American flag and the Wisconsin state flag will fly at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the state of Wisconsin. Why do flags fly at half-staff? U.S. flags typically fly at half-staff in the wake of national tragedies or after deaths of government officials, military members or first responders. They also fly at half-staff on Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance, including 9/11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The United States flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning," USA.gov says. "The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff." Evers has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of other former state lawmakers who have died, including Fred Kessler and Jonathan Brostoff in November. Contact Hope Karnopp at HKarnopp@gannett.com or on X at @hopekarnopp. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why are flags at half-staff in Wisconsin Monday? SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) A Florida man has been charged with creating fraudulent invoices for fake vendors to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from a building materials company. John Laakso, 56, of Sarasota, Florida, is charged in a federal indictment with four counts of Wire Fraud. Conviction on each charge would subject Laakso to a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison, fines, restitution and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This indictment alleges a scheme in which an employee betrayed the trust of an employer for self-enrichment at the employers expense, said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. We commend the work of our law enforcement partners in unraveling this fraudulent operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the indictment, Laakso worked as a contractor, and later as engineering manager, with GAF Materials Corporation. One of his duties was to procure equipment and services for the GAF facility in Savannah. The indictment alleges that from 2021 to 2023, Laakso assumed fictitious personas and created pass-through companies, hiding these activities from GAF. He would award contracts to those fictitious companies which, in turn, would subcontract with an actual vendor to provide the product or service at a lower cost. Laakso would then keep the difference in price for his own use and enjoyment. The scheme resulted in GAF paying more than $1.3 million in fraudulent invoices. Laakso kept hundreds of thousands for himself from the marked-up costs. The case is also being investigated by the FBI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. A group of Florida sailors received a warm homecoming celebration after spending seven months aboard a naval ship. It was an emotional reunion as they arrived at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville. Sailors were greeted with warm hugs and kisses from their loved ones as they celebrated their return home. Photos: Florida sailors receive heros welcome during holiday homecoming Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have been deployed to support critical U.S. Navy missions in the Middle East, Europe, and the Atlantic. As the ship docked, families and friends lined the pier, eagerly awaiting their loved ones. Read: Lake County 911 dispatchers ensure safety through holidays and emergencies Many held signs reading Welcome Home and I Love You, rushing to embrace the sailors. One mother, whos experienced three separate deployments, says her faith helped make this one a little easier. Read: Toys For Tots says this age group is seeing the biggest need this season This time, it was easier. We are Christians, so God has been our rock, said Keshawna Nave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its clear that this reunion is about more than just the sailors return. Its about the bonds of family, the strength of faith, and the deep gratitude for the sacrifices made over the past several months. Read: SeaWorld presents Coasters After Dark: Christmas Edition Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) Sarah Boone, the woman convicted of murdering her boyfriend by suffocating him in a suitcase, was sentenced to life in prison today, according to NBC affiliate WESH. On Oct. 25, Boone was found guilty of leaving her boyfriend Jorge Torres Jr. to die zipped up inside a suitcase for 11 hours in their Winter Park home on Feb. 23, 2020. Torres died from suffocation, according to the medical examiner. His family did not comment following the verdict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boones defense attorney said Boone was shocked at the verdict, according to WESH. Just shock. Shes shocked, you know. She felt like, you know, she had a defense, as you know. So she is just in shock, said James Thomas, Boones defense attorney. Boone said Torres got into the suitcase during a game of hide-and-seek. I zipped him up we thought it was funny. Were joking about how he was small enough to fit inside the suitcase, Boone said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also claimed Torres threatened and injured her during their three-and-a-half-year relationship, a defense backed up by a psychologist who also took the stand. However, an expert witness for the state said Boone did not display behavior consistent with battered spouse syndrome. The prosecution said the verdict brought some closure to Torress family. After four and a half years and the numerous delays, I think they were finally happy to see this case go to trial and put this one in the books, said Dave Cacciatore Jr., assistant state attorney. Boone said there should have been a mistrial due to outbursts by the Torres family and filed a motion for a new trial after she claimed she was wrongfully denied a court-appointed attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Michael Kraynick denied this motion before the sentencing. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Less than 24 hours after President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden and criticized his prosecution as a "miscarriage of justice," prosecutors in special counsel David Weiss' office defended the integrity of their work in a pair of court filings and fiercely rebutted the president's allegation that their charges were motivated by politics. "In total, eleven different [federal] judges appointed by six different presidents, including his father, considered and rejected the defendant's claims, including his claims for selective and vindictive prosecution," wrote prosecutor Leo Wise in a ten-page filing in Hunter Biden's tax case on Monday. President Biden on Sunday issued a blanket pardoned to his son, who earlier this year was convicted on federal gun charges and pleaded guilty to separate tax-related charges, and was scheduled to be sentenced in both cases later this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: How President Biden came to the decision to pardon his son Hunter In Monday's filing, prosecutors urged the federal judge overseeing Hunter Biden's tax case in California not to dismiss his indictment, and instead close the docket -- which would allow the record to continue to exist. "The government does not challenge that the defendant has been the recipient of an act of mercy. But that does not mean the grand jury's decision to charge him, based on a finding of probable cause, should be wiped away as if it never occurred," Wise wrote. "It also does not mean that his charges should be wiped away because the defendant falsely claimed that the charges were the result of some improper motive." Mark Osler, an expert in presidential pardons at the University of St. Thomas, said Weiss' overture raises "a technical issue -- either way, the case goes away -- but an important one." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[Prosecutors] want the indictment to remain on the record," he told ABC News. PHOTO: Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, arrives for a closed-door deposition with the House Oversight and Judiciary committees onN Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 28, 2024. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) Without directly addressing President Biden's criticism of the case as selective and unfair, the filing highlighted how Hunter Biden's lawyers made "every conceivable argument" to dismiss the case and failed to provide evidence that prosecution was vindictive. "The court similarly found his vindictive prosecution claims unmoored from any evidence or even a coherent theory as to vindictiveness," the filing said. "And there was none and never has been any evidence of vindictive or selective prosecution in this case. The defendant made similar baseless accusations in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Those claims were also rejected." Prosecutors also opposed dismissing Hunter Biden's indictment on gun charges in Delaware, arguing in a similar filing that because there was no defect in the grand jurys indictment, there is no reason to dismiss it here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense counsel misrepresents the law. Nothing requires the dismissal of the indictment in this case, that filing said. Following Hunter Biden pardon, prosecutors push back against criticism of charges originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Science-washing is when a company markets itself as science-backed without proper research. Some companies attach doctors to a product to give it credibility or cherry-pick research. A nutritionist who works in the industry explained how to notice these tricks. A nutritionist who works in the food industry broke down the marketing tricks companies use to make them seem more grounded in science than they are. The global wellness industry is now estimated at $6.3 trillion, giving companies lots of incentives to draw in consumers even if the science behind their products isn't solid a process called science-washing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily Prpa, a nutrition lecturer at King's College London who also works in the food industry, described them in a call with Business Insider. Trick 1: Skipping proper research Prpa said the first thing you should do when deciding if a product is worth buying is check if the company is doing its own research. Firsthand research is expensive, and companies often cobble together existing studies to back up their products. For example, they could cite the benefits of individual ingredients without actually assessing whether the combination in their product is effective. This is especially prevalent with greens powders, which contain lots of different vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A lot of the time, I see that they have vitamins and minerals that compete for the same absorption channel, so actually you're not going to be getting the exact dose that they say you will on the packet," she said. Companies can also cherry-pick which studies they include, she said, ignoring unfavorable research. If a company has funded independent clinical trials to test their product, they're likely to make that clear on their website, Prpa said. "They'll often be very proud to state that because it's giving them that distance and showing that this isn't biased." Trick 2: Flashy endorsements Sometimes a company will attach a doctor or other professional to a product. They might bring them on as a scientific or medical advisor or publicize that they endorse the product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This can give the consumers the impression that the company is credible, but that's not always the case, Prpa said. "Does that product really hold up to the claims on the website?" It isn't necessarily a red flag if a doctor is the face of a product, Prpa said, but that alone does not mean a product has health benefits. "You are not buying the medic as your private consultant, you are buying a product," she said. Trick 3: Promises that sound too good to be true It sounds simple: if a product is marketed as a fix for stacks of health problems, it's probably overpromising. "I don't know a product or an app on the market that can simultaneously lower blood sugars, improve sleep, improve cognition, and focus," Prpa said. "If it is sounding too good, it probably is." Read the original article on Business Insider Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with foreign guests who are in Beijing for the 2024 Understanding China Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- China is certainly a promising country as it comprehensively deepens reform, continues to open wider, pursues high-quality development and promotes world peace, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said on Monday. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the comment when meeting with foreign guests who are in Beijing for the 2024 Understanding China Conference (UCC). China will persist with reform to provide strong impetus for Chinese modernization, and expand high-level opening up to share development opportunities with other countries, Ding said. China will focus on high-quality growth and stick to peaceful development to provide more stability and certainty to the world, he added. Foreign UCC participants, including former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome and former Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme, said they have full confidence in China and are willing to play a positive role in helping the world understand China. DANBURY, CT A local cinema cleaned up its act after a former Danbury mayor rallied his followers and the Health Department on social media. "Quite a night at AMC theaters. Place is a disaster," Mark Boughton posted Sunday morning on Facebook. To support his argument, the former mayor and current commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services included a photo of space behind the food counter at 16 Eagle Road that appeared ankle-deep in trash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I understand the staff works really hard, but it's a mess," Boughton commiserated. He also complained there was "no popcorn, no food, no soda, bathrooms are disgusting," before calling upon the City Health Department to "take notice." Which they did. Health and Human Services Director Fernanda Carvalho told Hearst in an email that the Health Department "responded promptly," cleaned the mess, and "will be conducting follow-up inspections. Boughton's commentary triggered a firestorm on the social media platform, with most of his Facebook followers chiming in their agreement: "I took my fam to see Moana2 there yesterday. Most shows were sold out, crowds were unbelievable, staff overwhelmed and yes, the place was a complete disaster. 100% managements fault, poor planning and understaffed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others showed some sympathy: "Listen guys, they're short staffed like everyone, just lost a manager, & nearly every showing for 4 days straight were almost sold out. They got slammed & did their best. The lines for concession were at the door every day. A little grace during the holidays." Both sides were, for the most part, careful not to blame the staff, taking aim at targets higher: "Corporate higher ups think cutting payroll is the best idea ever, so they put pressure on managers to keep staffing low. Then the staff that's there get burnt out way faster, especially on a big holiday weekend with big movies that just came out. Corporate doesn't care about the employees that make them a ton of money and this is the end result." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boughton, hardly a social media shrinking violet, said he reached out to "corporate" to complain. The cinema chain apologist instructed Boughton to send along additional information in order that the AMC Powers That Be might "review further." In May, Variety reported that AMC was still recovering from its "brutal" pandemic year, and still struggling with $4.5 billion in debt. Former Danbury Mayor Calls Out Local Cinema's 'Disaster' Conditions originally appeared on the Danbury Patch A highly decorated former Israeli defense minister has caused a firestorm by accusing Israel of carrying out ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in northern Gaza. Moshe Yaalon, who served for three decades in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), including in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit, and as the militarys chief of staff, also said that he believed Israel was losing its identity as a liberal democracy and becoming a corrupt and leprous fascist Messianic state. Conquering, annexing, ethnic cleansing look at northern Gaza, Yaalon told Israels Democrat TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interviewer expressed surprise at Yaalons use of the phrase ethnic cleansing, asking, Is that what you think that were on the way there? Why on the way? he responded. Whats happening there? Theres no Beit Lahia. Theres no Beit Hanoun. Theyre currently operating in Jabalya, and essentially, theyre cleaning the area of Arabs, he said, referring to the IDF. The Israeli military has for two months been carrying out an intense and deadly operation in northern Gaza, targeting what it says are resurgent Hamas militants. It has told all civilians that for their own safety, they must go to a humanitarian area in southern Gaza. Thousands of Palestinian civilians have refused to leave, after more than a year of being told to evacuate to areas of Gaza that are then also targeted by Israeli strikes. Vanishingly few aid deliveries have been allowed into northern Gaza, according to the World Food Programme. Former Israeli Minister of Defense and IDF Chief of Staff Moshe 'Bogie' Ya'alon waits to take the stage before speaking at a rally against the Netanyahu government outside the Knesset on June 18 in Jerusalem. - Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images The Israeli military, responding to Yaalon, denied that it was ethnically cleansing northern Gaza and said that it operated in accordance with international law, and evacuates civilians based on operational necessity, for their own protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has not yet presented a plan for post-war governance in Gaza. It has also denied it is implementing a surrender or starve proposal in northern Gaza put forward by a retired military general, Giora Eiland though it did consider the plan. I held up a mirror to the statements of many ministers and Knesset (parliament) members in the government, Yaalon said in a second interview, with Channel 12. Under this title, ethnic cleansing is effectively being carried out; I dont have another word for it. The interviewer said that such a phrase evoked dark periods in history. Thats right, and I purposely used this term to ring the alarm bells, the former defense minister responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extremist factions in Israeli politics have called for Jewish settlement in Gaza nearly since the outset of the war , following Hamas October 7, 2023, attack. Soldiers serving in Gaza have regularly promoted the return of Gush Katif Gaza settlements destroyed when Israel unilaterally withdrew from the territory in 2005. And the ideas have gained traction: In October, hundreds of activists and several senior sitting ministers attended a Gush Katif conference near the Gaza border. We need to stay there, we need to establish a flourishing Jewish settlement there, Israels far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, said in an interview with Israel TV channel Kan on Monday. Both because this is the land of Israel and also because this guarantees the security of the residents of the South. Yaalon joined a growing chorus in recent weeks referring to Israels military operation in northern Gaza as ethnic cleansing. Israeli newspaper Haaretz published an editorial at the end of October titled: If it looks liked ethnic cleansing, it probably is. Human Rights Watch last month said in a 154-page report that Israel had overseen the forced mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza in a deliberate and systematic campaign that amounts to a war crime and a crime against humanity. Josep Borrell, the European Unions top diplomat, said he believes that it is not by chance that the words ethnic cleansing are increasingly used to describe what is going on in north Gaza. An Israeli tank moves along the border between southern Israeli and Gaza. - Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images The International Criminal Court last month issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, saying it had reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu bears criminal responsibility for war crimes including starvation as a method of warfare and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts. It also issued a warrant for a senior Hamas official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former defense minister said that upon seeing whats happening in Gaza, he could no longer use the oft-cited monicker for the IDF as the most moral military in the world. The IDF is not the most moral army today, he said. Its hard for me to say that. His intervention drew harsh criticism from former military colleagues. To lie and harm the State of Israel and the IDF is not following a compass this is lawlessness, the politician Benny Gantz, who also served as IDF chief of staff, said in a statement. The IDF has bent over backwards to minimize loss of civilian life, Naftali Bennett, who also served in the Sayeret Matkal commando unit, said. The population is moved away from danger for its own safety. It is not only the IDFs right to do so, itis its obligation. Yaalon said that while military commanders may believe their actions are purely operational, politicians have other plans in mind and his words were aimed at them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im talking about soldiers moving populations, thinking its for operational purposes, Yaalon said. But the intention of Smotrich, Ben Gvir, Strook, and Daniela Weiss all avowed settlers is an open and declared one. Eugenia Yosef and Mike Schwartz contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Its true: English learners lag their peers by several metrics, a fact some politicians use to deride their growing presence in Americas public schools. But researchers with The University of Chicago say such data points represent a mere snapshot of student achievement for those still learning a new language, telling just a fraction of a greater story. Theyve been turning their attention instead to a different group of children: Former English learners who, by the time they reached ninth grade, had graduated from language support programs. Education is at a Crossroads: Help Us Illuminate the Path Forward. Donate to The 74 Their recent study of 78,507 Chicago Public School students who started high school in the fall of 2014, 2015 and 2016 shows this group is thriving: They had better cumulative grade point averages and SAT scores and were more likely to graduate high school than the district average. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their two-year college enrollment rate was also higher. Marisa de la Torre is a managing director and senior research associate at the UChicago Consortium (UChicago Consortium on School Research) There is this perception that English learners are particularly struggling, that they dont do well that they are perpetually behind, said Marisa de la Torre, a managing director and senior research associate at the UChicago Consortium on School Research. Incoming Vice President JD Vance furthered the notion that these students are a burden, when he pointed to the tens of thousands of school-age children in Michigan whose parents are undocumented. Now think about that, he said in October. Think about what it does to a poor school teacher, whos just trying to get by with what they have, just trying to educate their kids, and then you drop in a few dozen kids into that school, many of whom dont even speak English. Do you think thats good for the education of American citizens? No, its not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related New Research: Immigrant Students Boost English Learners Academic Performance Xenophobia and race-baiting were central to Donald Trumps re-election efforts. The incoming president has said he will use the U.S. military to drive millions of undocumented people from the country, a plan already under fire by immigrant advocate groups and economists. de la Torre said the belief that all children associated with English learner programs are forever adrift is misleading and unfair to students and their teachers: Its a far smaller subset of active English learners those who struggle to make it out of English learner support programs who tend to have lower grades, she said. Jorge Macias, senior consultant to the Latino Policy Forum, led Chicago Public Schools multilingual program efforts. (Chicago Public Schools) Jorge Macias, now a senior consultant to the Latino Policy Forum, led Chicago Public Schools multilingual program for years. He said the narrative must be changed to reflect reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State-level data and national data doesnt capture this group properly, Macias said, noting that 78% of English learner students in the Chicago school system transitioned out of the program by 8th grade, according to an earlier study. And once the students exit, they actually show just as much success if not more in the factors that matter most for postsecondary success. UChicago researchers divided active English learners into categories, including long-term English learners. These students were in the program for at least six years: Many had learning disabilities and Individualized Education Programs outlining their mandated special education services. The final category consisted of late-arriving students, those who came to the district after the third grade and remained active in the English learner program in their freshman year of high school. Related Hundreds of High Schools Wrongfully Refused Entry to Older, Immigrant Student Former English learners represented 23% of the school systems ninth graders in the years the study covered. Long-term English learners without IEPs made up 4%. Their performance was substantially lower than the district average. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These students were more likely to enroll in a two-year-college and less likely to enroll in a four-year college and when they did enroll in a four-year college, they had lower persistence rates., they had lower persistence rates. Long-term English learners with IEPs made up 3% of ninth graders in the study. Their high school performance and college enrollment and persistence rates were similar to non-English learners with IEPs. Late-arriving English learners, who also made up 3% of the studys ninth graders, graduated high school at similar rates to their peers: 81% compared to the district average of 84%. But their college entrance exam scores were lower. Despite this, their two-year college persistence rate was markedly higher than most other students who enrolled in college. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers found that while late-arriving English learners struggled with standardized tests, their grades were strong. And they were more successful than their native English-speaking peers and former English learners in college, suggesting their poor test performance was not predictive of later success. This new report builds upon earlier research in this area. Another de la Torre study of Chicago Public Schools found that English learners who demonstrated English proficiency by eighth grade had higher attendance levels through elementary and middle school, better math test scores and core course grades compared to students never classified as ELs. Related Challenging Conventional Wisdom, Report Finds Promising Academic Performance in Chicagos Growing English Learner Population It found, too, that English learners who did not achieve English proficiency by eighth grade struggled with declining attendance by the middle grades and also had considerably lower grade point averages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebecca Vonderlack-Navarro, the Latino Policy Forums vice president of education policy and research, said quality bilingual programs and other supports can help active English learners succeed. The achievements of former English learners, she said, are a powerful reminder that bilingualism is not a barrier, but a bridge, to greater opportunities. Darren Gambrel was found fatally stabbed on a farm owned by 'The Twelve Tribes,' leading to the arrest of Adam Arthur Rosenthal Giles County Sheriff's Department(2) Darren Gambrel (left); and Adam Arthur Rosenthal. Darren Gambrel (left); and Adam Arthur Rosenthal. A former politician who was reported missing earlier this year has been arrested in connection with the death of a member of a religious sect the suspect had recently joined. Darren Gambrel, who was in his early-30s, was found dead on a farm in Pulaski, Tenn., on Tuesday, Nov. 26, Giles County Sheriff Joe Purvis confirms to PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff's department arrested 39-year-old Adam Arthur Rosenthal in connection with his death, Purvis says. Rosenthal was reported missing after he was last seen outside a bar in Gainesville, Fla., in April, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. (The case has since been removed). Purvis says the suspect was listed as missing under NCIS at the time of his arrest. Giles County Sheriff's Department Adam Arthur Rosenthal Adam Arthur Rosenthal After remaining missing for seven months, Rosenthal came onto law enforcement's radar following Gambrel's killing. On Tuesday, members of The Twelve Tribes, a religious sect with branches around the world, found Gambrels body on a farm belonging to the tribe, per Purvis. He had been stabbed multiple times, which was his cause of death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Purvis says Gambrel had been a member of the Twelve Tribes for years; Rosenthal reportedly joined the group a few months ago. The victim's fellow group members are devastated. "Mr. Gambrel was an outstanding member of the community for six or seven years Purvis says. They feel like theyve lost a family member. The Twelve Tribes was started in the 1970s in Tennessee and spread worldwide, with 2,000 - 3,000 current members, per the Associated Press. In 2018, a German court ruled sect members were using "a form of institutionalized violence against minors," after which the group left the country, per the AP. Giles County Sheriff's Department Darren Gambrel Darren Gambrel 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. Authorities are investigating the possibility that the suspect may have been involved in "serious crimes in other states, Purvis says, but did not clarify the nature of the possible crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe hes a genuinely dangerous man, he tells PEOPLE. Rosenthal was a mayoral candidate for the city of Gainesville, Fla., in 2022. In an interview during his campaign, Rosenthal talked about "having more compassion and understanding for people," reducing fossil fuel use and building a data-driven "smart city." He has been charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault and tampering with evidence, according to Giles County online records reviewed by PEOPLE. It wasn't immediately clear if he has entered pleas or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believes that Ukraine's territorial concessions to Russia are acceptable to end the war. Source: Stoltenberg in an interview with Table.Briefings, as reported by European Pravda Details: Nevertheless, Stoltenberg stressed the importance of Ukraine receiving security guarantees in exchange for temporary territorial concessions. He added that this could be NATO membership, but there were "other ways to arm and support Ukrainians". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If the ceasefire line means that Russia continues to control all the occupied territories, it does not mean that Ukraine has to give up the territory forever," Stoltenberg said. Stoltenberg supported Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement about refusing to make concessions to Russia in the event of a ceasefire, but he believes this is unlikely at the moment due to the situation on the battlefield. "We need a ceasefire line, and, of course, ideally, it should cover all the territories currently controlled by Russia. But we see that this is not entirely realistic in the near future," he said. Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, for the first time, Zelenskyy acknowledged the possibility of Ukraine signing a "ceasefire agreement" if the Ukrainian-controlled territory is brought "under the NATO umbrella". Ukrainian officials previously acknowledged that the Alliance would not extend an invitation to join until after the war. It was also said that such accession would take place within internationally recognised borders. Support UP or become our patron! Wisconsin State Capitol (Baylor Spears | Wisconsin Examiner) Former state Rep. Betty Jo Nelsen, who died on Oct. 17 at the age of 89, is being honored Monday with flags in Wisconsin being flown at half-staff. Gov. Tony Evers issued the order last week, calling the former Republican representative an exceptional example of a dedicated public servant, making history as the first woman to serve as minority leader in the history of our state legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nelsen was first elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1979 after winning a special election to represent parts of northeastern suburbs of Milwaukee and served for six terms before resigning. During her time in the Legislature, she was elected in 1987 to serve as Assembly minority leader, making her the first woman to serve in the position. She also served on the Joint Finance Committee. In the weeks since her passing, our thoughts are with former Rep. Nelsens husband, Jim, her children, grandchildren, and all her loved ones as they mourn her loss and celebrate her incredible legacy, Evers said in a statement. Funeral services for Nelsen are being held Monday in Milwaukee. Nelsen resigned from the Assembly in 1990 to take up a position in former President George H.W. Bushs administration as the administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 1992, she was nominated to serve as the assistant secretary of agriculture for food and consumer services. Following her time in the federal government, Nelsen returned to Wisconsin and was appointed by former Gov. Tommy Thompson to serve on the state Natural Resources Board. In addition to her years in government, Nelsen served her community in leadership positions at other organizations including Future Milwaukee, United Community Services, United Way, Girl Scouts of the USA and Junior League of Milwaukee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Known for a passion for public service and devotion to the well-being of her family, Betty Jo was an unapologetic but humble leader and trailblazer, driven by her concern for others and guided by high moral standards not often seen today, Nelsens obituary states. She always pushed for her own personal excellence and accountability, yet when achieved, she simply refused to discuss her roles, accomplishments, and awards. Instead, she quickly pivoted to a focus on YOU! SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MADISON Former state Supreme Court Justice David Prosser died Sunday at age 81 after a several-month battle with cancer. An Appleton native, Prosser served nearly 18 years on the state's high court, retiring in 2016. Before that, he had served in the U.S. Department of Justice and as district attorney of Outagamie County. He also spent nearly 20 years in the state Assembly, with terms as the chamber's speaker and minority leader. "On the bench, Justice Prosser brought a keen intellect and deep sense of fairness to every case, leaving an indelible mark on Wisconsin jurisprudence. He was well known for digging into the books and conducting exhaustive research, often 'burning the midnight oil' in the law library," said Chief Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Bar of Wisconsin executive director Larry J. Martin in a statement praised Prosser for working "tirelessly in service to Wisconsins citizens, judiciary and legal profession." As a young Republican official, Prosser worked in the office of then-U.S. Rep. Harold Froehlich, as an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, and as the Outagamie County district attorney. From 1979 through 1997, Prosser served in the state Assembly, including two years as speaker and five years as minority leader. He sat on the Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission and in 1998 was appointed by then-GOP Gov. Tommy Thompson to the Supreme Court. Thompson, in a statement, said the two "shared a deep love for Wisconsin and all who call her home." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A man of deep conviction and intense loyalty to our way of life, David knew without citizen service, there was no real democracy and that to avoid the slings and arrows of public life was to surrender ones convictions," Thompson said. "He never did." Vos praises Prosser's humor and 'common-sense solutions' Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said Prosser "had a great sense of humor and was always quick to offer advice that was filled with great ideas and common-sense solutions" and "committed his life to serving others and finding solutions to improve our state." Prosser served on the court during turbulent years in which court elections, and even private deliberations of the panel, grew sharply partisan. In 2011, Prosser defeated liberal challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg by 0.5% of the vote in an election that led to a rare statewide recount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state law library was named for Prosser shortly before his retirement, after a tumultuous tenure on the court that included heated exchanges with liberal justices, including a physical altercation. Justice Ann Walsh Bradley Bradley said in 2011 that Prosser put his hands around her neck in what she called a "chokehold" during an argument in justices' chambers over when to release a divided decision on then-Gov. Scott Walker's controversial law curbing collective bargaining rights. The court's liberal and conservative justices disagreed in their retelling of the incident about which of the two justices had acted aggressively. Prosser defended his action as a reflexive response to a perceived threat but acknowledged later to a detective "feeling the warmth on the side of Justice Bradley's neck." Bradley said she had not been physically hurt but had been caused unwarranted distress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Judicial Commission filed ethics charges against Prosser, but the case stalled when most of the justices said they could not participate in the case because they had witnessed the incident. When the library was named for Prosser, then-Chief Justice Patience Roggensack said, "no justice has been more dedicated to the research that happens in the law library than Justice Prosser." The court's new liberal majority renamed the library in honor of Lavinia Goodell, Wisconsin's first woman lawyer, in June. After learning of the renaming, Prosser told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he had no objection to the court honoring Goodell, but said he "probably used the library as much as anyone, and more than a lot of people," adding that he had continued to support the library financially since his retirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "On behalf of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, I express our profound gratitude to Justice Prosser for his decades of service and his unwavering dedication to justice, fairness, and the betterment of Wisconsin," Kingsland Ziegler said. "Many knew him as a Wisconsin Supreme Court justice, a position which he held for 18 years. But to me, David was more than that: he was my friend. I will miss him greatly." Service arrangements for Prosser are pending. This story has been updated with additional statements. Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser dead at 81 Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser | official portrait Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice and Assembly Speaker David Prosser died Sunday at 81 after a months-long battle with cancer. After graduating from law school in 1968, Prosser spent most of his career working in government, in all three branches. The Appleton native worked as a staff member of then-U.S. Rep. Harold Froehlich, as an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, and as the Outagamie County district attorney for two years before being elected to the Assembly in 1979. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He served in the Assembly for nearly 20 years, serving as Speaker of the chamber and as minority leader. In 1996 he left the Legislature to run for U.S. Congress, losing his race for the states 8th Congressional District to Democrat Jay Johnson. After that loss, Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson appointed Prosser to the Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission. In a statement, Thompson said Prosser dedicated his life to public service. A man of deep conviction and intense loyalty to our way of life, David knew without citizen service, there was no real democracy and that to avoid the slings and arrows of public life was to surrender ones convictions, Thompson said. He never did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson appointed Prosser to the state Supreme Court in 1998. In 2011, Prosser held onto his seat, winning a tightly contested election against JoAnne Kloppenburg by 0.5% of the vote. Prossers victory to coincided with a sharp right turn in the states politics, with Republicans controlling all three branches of state government. That period also marked a sharp increase in partisanship among the Courts justices. In 2011, as the justices debated the Courts decision on Republicans Act 10 bill to limit the collective bargaining rights of public employees, Justice Ann Walsh Bradley accused Prosser of putting his hands around her throat in a chokehold. The states Judicial Commission filed ethics charges against Prosser, but the case petered out after most of the justices said they couldnt weigh in on its conclusions because they had witnessed the event. Shortly before his retirement from the Court in 2016, the Courts conservative majority renamed the states law library after him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Prosser was the quintessential public servant who enjoyed a respected career (spanning more than 40 years) in the service of others. His exemplary service in all three branches of government demonstrated his unparalleled versatility and dedication to the public good, Chief Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler said in a statement. On the bench, Justice Prosser brought a keen intellect and deep sense of fairness to every case, leaving an indelible mark on Wisconsin jurisprudence. He was well known for digging into the books and conducting exhaustive research, often burning the midnight oil in the law library. Justice Prosser possessed a critical understanding of, and allegiance to, the rule of law. The Courts now-liberal majority renamed the library after Lavinia Goodell, Wisconsins first woman lawyer, in June. Earlier this year, Prosser was one of the retired former justices from whom Assembly Speaker Robin Vos sought advice as Republicans called for the impeachment of Justice Janet Protasiewicz. In a statement, Vos said Prosser was a mentor and celebrated his career of public service. Dave had a great sense of humor and was always quick to offer advice that was filled with great ideas and common-sense solutions, Vos said. He was well-regarded and well-respected by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. A man of wisdom, Dave listened first, was thoughtful and independent-minded in his decisions. He gained the trust of his colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats. Dave leaves a legacy of service to the state that wont be matched. The state Capitol. (Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury) Four centuries in, Virginia could be on track for its first female governor.Washington Post Governors office grows, as Youngkin pushes state efficiency.Richmond Times-Dispatch Virginia AG calls on Fairfax County CA Steve Descano to resign after Herndon rape case.WJLA Virginia Land Conservation Foundation grants will conserve 11K acres.Augusta Free Press Hokies, despite late-season stumble, see a lot of good signs after win over UVa.Roanoke Times SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Protests against the ruling Georgian Dream party have persisted for several days across Georgia, sparked by the authorities' announcement that they would pause the process of European integration until 2028. In Tbilisi, demonstrators continued to actively throw pyrotechnics while police used tear gas. Source: European Pravda, citing Echo of the Caucasus (Ekho Kavkaza), a Radio Liberty project, and Georgian news outlet NewsGeorgia Details: The fourth night of protests in Tbilisi ended with a crackdown on protesters on Rustaveli Avenue and new detentions. Riots continue in Tbilisi, Georgia, late into Sunday night as protests erupt against the pro-Russian Dream party's victory in the parliamentary elections. People demand change and stand up for their future! #TbilisiProtests #GeorgiaElections #StandUpForDemocracy #Protests pic.twitter.com/VBXsfCRdko Solix Trading (@Solix_Trade) December 2, 2024 At around 05:00 local time on Rustaveli Avenue, special forces reportedly continued to deploy tear gas against protesters, who responded by setting off firecrackers. At least two people were then detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Echo of the Caucasus, police began detaining protesters in the metro early in the morning. More arrests were reported in Tbilisi's Vake district. NewsGeorgia reported that by 07:00, police and special forces had cleared Rustaveli Avenue. The remaining protesters gathered near a metro station, where violent detentions resumed, with some protesters reportedly beaten during the process. Previously: One of the leaders of the opposition coalition For Change, Zurab Girchi Japaridze, was reportedly detained overnight during the protest in Tbilisi. In recent days, large-scale anti-government protests have been taking place in Georgia following the authorities' announcement that they would suspend negotiations on EU accession for the next four years. Georgian security forces have taken violent measures against the protesters, which has drawn condemnation from the West. Support UP or become our patron! The China-Laos Railway is seeing a boom in senior Chinese travelers heading to Laos for its pleasant weather, rich culture, and easy border crossings. With nearly 60 percent of passengers aged 60 and above, this cross-border route is quickly becoming the top winter destination! (Bloomberg) -- French bonds and stocks came under renewed selling pressure after Marine Le Pens party said they would support a no-confidence vote in Prime Minister Michel Barniers government. Most Read from Bloomberg The spread between 10-year French and German notes climbed eight basis points the biggest widening move since June to end the day at 89 basis points, close to the highest level since 2012. The CAC 40 index dropped as much as 1.2% before erasing those losses, while the euro fell more than 1%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barnier used a constitutional tool to ratify parts of his unpopular budget bill without a parliamentary vote, after days of negotiation. While he offered a final-hour compromise to Le Pen by committing to not cut reimbursements for medicines, that wasnt enough to win the National Rallys support. The base case now is for Barniers government to fall, said Benoit Gerard, a rates strategist at Natixis SA, adding that the new equilibrium level for the spread is around 100 basis points. Lack of governability is now clearer than before. The political wrangling threatens to derail the governments efforts to reduce a ballooning deficit that is forecast to widen to 6.1% of gross domestic product this year. The impasse has weighed heavily on French securities, which have underperformed euro-area peers ever since President Emmanuel Macron shocked markets by calling a snap election in June. France is just a structurally deteriorating credit, and the politics are creating immediate stress and speeding up the process of adjustment, said Neil Mehta, a portfolio manager at RBC BlueBay Asset Management. We see spreads capped at 100bps for now, however, political sea change may not come until the next presidential election in 2027, so difficult to get optimistic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The extra yield investors demand to hold 10-year French bonds compared to safer German paper is near the highest its been since the euro-area debt crisis over a decade ago. At one point last week, the rate on benchmark bonds surpassed those on equivalent Greek debt. The next milestone would be closing the gap to Italy, the regions traditional poster-child of fiscal profligacy. Bigger Issues Whether the government falls or not, Frances issues are bigger than that, said Robert Dishner, senior portfolio manager at Neuberger Berman in an interview on Bloomberg TV. The direction of travel does feel like we will be moving wider on French spreads. Meanwhile, signs are growing that the political crisis is weighing on the outlook for the euro. The common currency tumbled as much as 1.1% to $1.0461 while one-week risk reversals, a gauge of trader sentiment in the options market, flipped bearish after briefly favoring the currency last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most domestically exposed shares such as banks, real estate and food retailers were the biggest drag on the nations stock index. The CAC small and midcaps benchmark fell 1.8% and closed at its lowest level in over a year. Barniers original plan, which was welcomed by investors, saw 60 billion ($63 billion) of spending cuts and tax hikes to bring the deficit to 5% of GDP next year. But Marine Le Pens party is demanding tweaks to Barniers budget, including to his plans to raise taxes on electricity, as well as measures to curb pensions expenditure and reduce state reimbursement of medicines. While some concessions could avoid the government being toppled in the short term, theyd dilute the fiscal tightening investors say is crucial to put the deficit on a sustainable path. Mauro Valle, head of fixed income at Generali Asset Management, said if the government gives in to Le Pens demands, the budget bill will project a deficit exceeding 5%. In either case, the spread is likely to remain in the range observed in recent days for the next few weeks, pending political developments, said Valle. Theres a non-negligible risk of the market testing the 100bps level from January onwards, when funding activity resumes, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Vassilis Karamanis, James Hirai, Alice Atkins, Greg Ritchie, Naomi Tajitsu and Michael Msika. (Updates prices.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Since losing control of the White House, the Senate and the House, Democrats are looking for new leadership to tackle the nations problems with the additional challenge of confronting four more years of a Trump presidency. Though multiple candidates have already announced themselves as throwing their hats into the ring, one is already emerging as a frontrunner: Ken Martin. Martin, head of Minnesotas Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and a vice chair of the national party, has said he has locked down nearly half of the needed endorsements to win the contest, according to Politico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, with the exception of Martin OMalley, a former Maryland governor and current Social Security administrator, other big names have not entered the contest to challenge Martin, though there is still plenty of time. The Democratic National Committee will choose its successor in February, current chair Jaime Harrison informed members last week. Taking place shortly after Donald Trumps second inauguration, it will be an election that will speak volumes about how the party wants to present itself during the next four years. Martin, a vice chair of the national party, has said he has locked down nearly half of the needed endorsements to win the contest for party chairman (WCCO-TV) Martin and his allies have sold him as a neutral leader and a safe pair of hands who would seek to avoid further divisive arguments within a party which has been playing the blame game since November 5. The key for a successful party chair is to get all of those various ideological wings of your party to work together, Martin said previously. For me, it doesnt really matter where I stand on any of that, because my job is to make sure that we are winning elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who unsuccessfully ran for DNC chair in 2017, said he would be endorsing Martin and that he knows that his role is essentially a process role. Hes trying to get people to vote, to run. Hes not trying to say, Heres what you need to stand for, Ellison said. Even Martins potential competitors have acknowledged his success, with former New York Assembly member Michael Blake, saying that describing him as the frontrunner so far was fair. However, other, bigger-name potential candidates have also been touted, including Rahm Emanuel or Sherrod Brown though neither have officially entered the race as of yet. Current DNC chair Jaime Harrison announced last week that an election to decide his successor would take place on February 1, shortly after Donald Trumps second inauguration (AP) William Owen, a DNC member from Tennessee, told Politico that Martin is not his first choice and that he would prefer Brown, the senator from Ohio, if he can be convinced to run. But, he added, Martin has credibility with all factions of the party and is someone everyone could get behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin currently has 100 backers out of a total 448 DNC members, according to a list provided by his campaign to Politico. Other candidates include former Maryland Governor Martin OMalley, who announced a bid shortly before Martin did, and New York state Senator James Skoufis. On Sunday, Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin, announced he too had joined the race to lead the national party. In Wisconsin, weve built a permanent campaign, Wikler said in his candidacy announcement. We organize and communicate year-round in every corner of the state rural, suburban, urban, red, blue and purple areas alike. The final election for a candidate will be held on February 1 during the Democratic partys winter meeting in National Harbor, Maryland days after Trumps inauguration on January 20. Tax breaks for farmers, higher weight limits for trucks, and reforming Georgias Gratuities Clause prohibiting gifts to individuals or businesses top a list of proposals a legislative study committee issued during Thanksgiving week. The state Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgias Farmlands unanimously approved 11 recommendations Nov. 25 aimed at slowing the conversion of prime farmland across the state to development. Its not a simple solution, Will Bentley, president of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, said after the study committee adopted its report. Its going to take a multi-faceted approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia has lost about 2.6 million acres of farmland during the last 50 years to residential and commercial development. Along with losing farmland, the state also is losing farmers to retirement without a ready supply of replacements. There are more farmers in Georgia over the age of 65 than under. Higher costs for farm inputs including seed and equipment coupled with foreign competition driving down crop prices are discouraging young Georgians from taking up farming. Weve got to figure out a way to get young people back into farming, said Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta, a member of the study committee. Its almost impossible for a young person to break into the business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The General Assembly has taken several steps in recent years aimed at addressing the issue. Lawmakers passed the Freedom to Farm Act in 2022, making it harder to file nuisance lawsuits against farmers. Last year, the legislature passed a bill raising the legal weight limits on commercial trucks hauling certain types of cargo in certain parts of Georgia as well as a second measure - the Georgia Farmland Conservation Act - establishing a $2 million state fund to pay farmers willing to guarantee preserving their properties as farmland. This year, the General Assembly enacted legislation prohibiting foreign adversaries from buying farmland in Georgia. The study committees 21-page report includes several recommendations aimed at easing the tax burden for farmers. Broadly, it calls for the legislature to continue providing the state income tax breaks Gov. Brian Kemp and lawmakers have been offering to all Georgia taxpayers, and for increasing the $2 million Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, the report supports expanding the states Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) program, which allows farmers who pledge not to develop their land to receive property tax assessments based on the lands productivity value instead of its fair market value. The study committee is recommending doubling the maximum acreage individual farmers may set aside for conservation from 2,000 to 4,000 acres. The panel also suggested extending tax relief to farmers and timberland owners who suffered losses from Hurricane Helene by expanding state tax credits to recipients of state and federal disaster relief aid. The 2023 truck weights measure raised the weight limit for commercial trucks from 80,000 pounds to 88,000 pounds but limited the higher weights to trucks hauling agricultural products including livestock and logs. The committee is calling for increasing the weight limit again and allowing that higher weight limit to apply to trucks hauling a wider variety of products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also supports removing the sunset provision in the law, which calls for the measure to expire next July 1. The study committee also is recommending amending Georgias Gratuities Clause, which supporters say discourages corruption in state government. Any individual Georgian or Georgia business that receives a gift from the state - such as a tax break - must demonstrate a benefit to the state in return. Bentley said a case can be made that farmers generate a benefit for the state from tax breaks that allow them to stay in business. Producing food and fiber for the world is of the utmost public good, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Bentley said his group is not calling for the Gratuities Clause to be eliminated because it has served the state well. We were more in the camp of looking at adjustments that can be made ... a very narrow exception to a rule to keep farms operational, he said. The committee also is recommending an inventory of the growing acreage solar farms are taking up across Georgia. While the acreage solar farms are eating up has become a concern, the main culprit behind the loss of farmland in Georgia is unplanned growth. The committee is suggesting that cities, counties, school systems, and local development authorities look to incentivize development along existing infrastructure patterns and look to redevelop existing properties rather than letting development sprawl across undeveloped land that could be saved for farming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cant just conserve ourselves out of this threat, said Katherine Moore, president of the nonprofit Georgia Conservancy. We need to be very intentional in how our communities grow. The study committees report now moves to the full Senate for consideration during the legislative session starting in January. Sen. Billy Hickman, R-Statesboro, the committees chairman, said several farmland preservation bills could emerge as lawmakers look to bolster an ag industry that generates one of every seven jobs in Georgia and produces an annual economic impact of $83.6 billion. Agriculture is the No.-1 business in Georgia, Hickman said. Weve got to protect it. By Felix Light TBILISI (Reuters) -Georgia's president, locked in a standoff with her own government, appealed to Western countries on Monday to back what she called a "national movement" in support of Georgia's integration with the European Union. President Salome Zourabichvili was speaking shortly before protesters and police resumed clashes for the fifth straight night since the governing Georgian Dream party said last week that it was suspending talks on joining the EU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics saw that announcement as confirmation of a Russian-influenced shift away from pro-Western policies and back towards Moscow's orbit, something the ruling party denies. Zourabichvili, who has personally remonstrated with riot police, told Reuters that she wanted European countries to send a "very clear message" that they would not recognise the outcome of an October election in which official results gave Georgian Dream 54% of the vote, and would push for a re-run. Zourabichvili and the opposition parties have said that the poll was fraudulent, a charge denied by both Georgian Dream and the electoral commission. Zourabichvili says that Russia, having already invaded Ukraine, is conducting a "hybrid war" against Georgia and other countries such as Moldova and Romania, a NATO and EU member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As darkness fell on Monday, thousands of demonstrators assembled once again outside parliament and riot police, as on previous nights, fired water cannon to fend off protesters throwing fireworks. The 72-year-old president, who was born in France to Georgian parents and once served as French ambassador to Georgia, said strong support from the West was "the only political way out of this crisis. There is no other political recipe". She praised "very courageous" officials who have resigned in protest against the government, including four ambassadors and the head instructor of the interior ministry's training academy. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied on Monday that Russia was interfering in the situation in Georgia, which he compared to the 2014 "Maidan" revolution in Ukraine that overthrew a pro-Russian president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev warned on Sunday that Georgia was "moving rapidly along the Ukrainian path, into the dark abyss", predicting it would end "very badly". Zourabichvili denied that the situation constituted a revolution like those that previously brought pro-Western governments to power in Ukraine and Georgia. NO TALKS The United States and the EU have voiced alarm at what they see as democratic backsliding by Georgia, a South Caucasus country of 3.7 million people that lies at the intersection of Europe and Asia and was once part of the Soviet Union. The government, which earlier this year enacted a law against "foreign agents" and introduced curbs on LGBT rights, say it is acting to protect Georgia against outside interference and prevent it from being dragged, like Ukraine, into a war with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the opposition of "coordinated violence" aimed at overthrowing the constitutional order. At a Monday briefing, he ruled out talks with the opposition to end the crisis, local media reported. Georgia's interior ministry said 21 police officers had been injured during protests from Sunday into Monday, with 113 hurt since the beginning of the current unrest. Scores of protesters have also been injured, and the United States has condemned what it called the excessive use of police force. Georgia's public ombudsman said 124 out of 156 people arrested at rallies had complained of the police using violence against them, calling this a "very disturbing number". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a joint move with Baltic neighbours Latvia and Estonia, Lithuania said it was denying entry to Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire backer of Georgian Dream, and 10 Georgian interior ministry officials "due to their responsibility for human rights abuses". Ilia Topuria, a Georgian martial arts fighter with a major following in the country, wrote in an Instagram post: "I am opposed to the decision to terminate our accession negotiations to the European Union. I am ashamed to see how the children of Georgia are treated. This is not called freedom." (Reporting by Felix Light and Gleb Stolyarov in Tbilisi and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Writing by Mark Trevelyan and Alison Williams) Aerial shot of a data center for cryptocurrency mining, cloud services and AI computing in a large, temperature controlled warehouse in a remote location in Stutsman County, North Dakota. Getty Images Georgia Power projects that over the next decade the state will be leading the nations second industrial revolution, led by artificial intelligence boosting data centers, which could triple the states energy consumption. According to Georgia Powers projections, the companys projected 12,000 megawatts load growth will triple by the mid-2030, which is consistent with the states consistently upward trending economic prospects the company cites as it requests a significant expansion of its energy capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest data continue to support Georgia Powers expectation for continued and robust economic growth in Georgia and the timing of new large loads, the companys Nov. 18 economic development outlook reads. The pipeline of committed and potential economic development projects continues to grow. The Georgia Public Service Commission is scheduled to vote by next 2025 on the companys long-term plans. The five-member board regulates the states utilities and will determine whether new natural gas plants will be built, if more solar power capacity is added, and how much more electricity customers will be charged when the company passes along rising costs. Georgia Power is estimating that about 90 large-sized industrial projects could be built in Georgia before the end of the decade. Georgia Power has received commitments to purchase its electricity from about 70 prospective data center facilities should they be built inside the Peach State. However, clean energy advocates are among the knowledgeable critics expressing skepticism about Georgia Powers projected list of commitments from large data centers, questioning the accuracy of energy demand forecasts over the next several years and what the company says are actual energy usage levels by new data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Power is set to outline its proposals to meet projected energy demand in its 2025 integrated resource plan, a three-year operations forecast due to be filed in late January with the Georgia PSC. The filing will kick start a process of hearings before state regulators and interested parties where expert testimony from Georgia Power and advocates for consumers and environmental protection are typically presented to chart the utility companys energy future. As of Sep. 30, Georgia Power says the total pipeline of economic development projects expected through the mid-2030s has increased by 12,200 megawatts to 36,500 megawatts, with large-scale facilities accounting for 34,600 megawatts. All 25 of the committed large scale projects are expected to be in service by the end of 2028 or sooner, the utility companys quarterly report states. Thirteen of these projects have broken ground, and twelve are pending construction, the report said. This evidence clearly indicates that these large load customers are materializing and making progress without material delays. According to the U.S. Department of Energy data, centers consume 10 to 50 times as much electricity as the average commercial building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2024 report from the Barclays Equity Research team estimates that data centers account for 3.5% of U.S. electricity consumption today, and the electricity use of those facilities could be above 5.5% in 2027 and more than 9% by 2035. Maggie Shober, the research director at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, said she has concerns about the level of commitment Georgia Power is securing from the planned new data centers. Companies are committing to use Georgia Power as their electricity provider, but it does not guarantee they will build a data center in the state. Although these are scary numbers, I think theres a lot of speculation going on, especially in the data center industry, where people and companies that are interested in sort of flipping sites for data centers are absolutely scrambling to get into this queue. I think that a lot of these will ultimately never show up. I think its going to be a challenge to figure out which ones and how do we determine that? After decades of almost non-existent demand growth for electricity in the U.S., the artificial intelligence revolution is expected to more than double data center electricity needs by 2030 based on current grid capacity, according to the Barclays report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike other industries or energy-consuming activities which place fluctuating requirements on the grid depending on the time of day or year that can be managed to maintain overall reliability and capacity, AI operations are an always on demand, Barclays senior research analysts Will Thompson and Betty Jiang wrote in the August report. Data centres must operate continuously, 24/7/365, to function for users. In effect, AI energy demand can be considered a constant peak that leads to higher overall peak power demand across the grid. With the current focus on building data centre capacity that prioritises secure access to power over specific fuel type, meeting rising electricity demand while lowering emissions will likely be a monumental challenge for grid operators, the Barclays report said. In April, the Georgia Public Service Commission approved Georgia Powers plans to expand its generation capacity by increasing its reliance on fossil fuels and adding more renewable energy by 2025. The companys integrated resource plan will be the next significant development since then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Power is projecting the updated plans will save the typical residential customer about $2.89 on their monthly bills from 2026 to 2028. At Georgia Power, our customers are at the center of everything we do, and we are unwavering in our commitment to provide them with clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power CFO Aaron Abramovitz said in April. State regulators already approved the companys request for natural gas or oil-burning generators and solar batteries to meet increasing demand from data centers and other large industrial users over the next decade. Regulators were warned by several clean energy groups against allowing Georgia Power to build three fossil fuel burning units at the legacy fossil-fuel facility Plant Yates in Coweta County. Concerns linger for clean energy advocates like the Southern Environmental Law Center, anxious about what the upcoming request from Georgia Power will mean for the states energy future. The company has also been given the green light by state regulators to delay the retirement of its coal-burning plants Bowen in Bartow County and Scherer in Monroe County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Georgia Powers projected electricity demands fall short, the company would still reap the financial benefits of adding new energy sources, said Jennifer Whitfield, SELC senior attorney. If youre over projecting, and you dont actually need to meet those demands, its not the Georgia Power shareholders who are going to pay for that, Whitfield said. Its going to be Georgia Power customers. That is a particular concern for overbuilding gas plants, because the cost of gas plants is for the fuel, and those costs get passed on directly to customers, Whitfield said. George Power customers, in particular, have seen a bunch of increases. Theyve had a rate increase. Theyve had Plant Vogtle increases. The largest increase theyve seen in the last few years is actually from fuel costs. The Barclays research report found that sustainability appears to be a lower priority for the majority of data center companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data centre developers are prioritising land with access to untapped power sources, water, workforces and favourable regulation, the report says. With the current focus on building data centre capacity that prioritises secure access to power over specific fuel type, meeting rising electricity demand while lowering emissions will likely be a monumental challenge for grid operators, the report says. Whitfield said the commission has some ability to be creative with how it requires Georgias Power to diversify its sustainable energy portfolio. The companys plans include some positives, she said, such as expanding solar and programs that benefit seniors living on fixed incomes. Is this going to be this moment where we decide, as Georgians, who we want to be? What kind of energy future do we want to have? Whitfield said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The ancient streets of Georgia's capital city were again choked with smoke on Sunday night, as a fourth consecutive night of anti-government protests descended into running street battles between pro-Western demonstrators and security forces. Protesters in Tbilisi gathered behind makeshift barricades and launched fireworks toward lines of armored police, who sought to disperse the demonstrations with water cannons, tear gas and baton-wielding charges. More than 200 people have been arrested during four nights of protests, the Georgian Interior Ministry said. Tbilisi has been the core of the unrest, but protests have also been reported in the Black Sea city of Batumi and elsewhere in the south Caucasus nation, which is bordered by Russia to the north and Turkey to the southwest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protests erupted after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze -- of the Georgian Dream party founded by elusive billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in Russia -- announced last week that Tbilisi would suspend European Union membership talks for four years. PHOTO: Police in riot gear look on during a fourth day of nationwide protests against a government decision to shelve European Union membership talks in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Dec. 2, 2024. (Giorgi Arjevanidze/AFP via Getty Images) Kobakhidze accused the bloc of "blackmail and manipulation" over its criticism of Georgia's recent parliamentary election. Georgian Dream claimed victory in the October contest, which was beset by allegations of electoral fraud and voter suppression. EU membership ambitions were central to Georgian Dream's election manifesto. The party framed a vote for the pro-Western opposition as a vote for renewed war with Russia, which in the 2008 Russo-Georgian war cemented its control of around 20% of Georgian territory in collaboration with local separatist allies. Mass protests failed to materialize in the aftermath of the vote, despite the efforts of opposition leaders including President Salome Zourabichvili. But the government's turn away from EU talks prompted significant anger among Georgians, a majority of whom support the goal of EU accession. The ambition to join the bloc is also enshrined in Georgia's constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunday night saw deepening violence, with security forces filmed beating protesters and detainees. More than 40 people have been hospitalized, according to Georgian authorities, with protesters and police among the injured. MORE: War or peace? Russia's wrath hangs over Georgia elections Zourabichvili wrote on X on Monday that the "majority of the arrested protesters have injuries to their heads and faces, broken face bones, eye sockets, open wounds." Those detained "have been subjected to systematic beatings between arrest and transport to already overcrowded detention facilities," the president added, citing information from lawyers representing the arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kobakhidze, meanwhile, said at a Sunday briefing that "any violation of the law will be met with the full rigor of the law." "Neither will those politicians who hide in their offices and sacrifice members of their violent groups to severe punishment escape responsibility," Kobakhidze said. PHOTO: Protesters shoot fireworks toward police during a fourth day of nationwide protests against the government in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Dec. 2, 2024. (Giorgi Arjevanidze/AFP via Getty Images) The opposition has vowed to continue its protest campaign. Zourabichvili said she would not step down from the presidency when her term ends in December unless a new "legitimate" parliament is empowered to choose her successor. Alexandre Crevaux-Asatiani, a spokesperson for the United National Movement opposition party, told ABC News during the weekend clashes that Ivanishvili -- as the power behind the Georgian Dream party -- "has been playing chess against the Georgian people for a long time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was just a question of time before he'd make a wrong move," Crevaux-Asatiani said of Georgia's richest man. "Looking at it as a self-inflicted wound would be assuming that his goal is to somehow maintain peace and stability in Georgia, which is not what he wants." "It's absolutely a tipping point," Crevaux-Asatiani added of the building protest movement. "It looks like there is no going back." "It's a real national revolt, a national resistance movement," Crevaux-Asatiani said. "The people who are sacrificing everything right now for the freedom of this country will not walk back. And everyone understands we're all in this together. That's it. It's kind of game over -- either for us or for them." Jonathan Eyal of the Royal United Services Institute think tank in the U.K., likewise told ABC News that Georgia is at "a tipping point." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Georgian Dream government, Eyal said, could "crumble" if the demonstrators remain on the streets, "especially if their numbers grow, as they appear to have done over the weekend and if the president remains stuck in her position," he added. MORE: Russia 'adept at obscuring' role in Georgia election, opposition leader says "The question, of course, is what happens then?" Eyal continued. "It's more than just a fake election," he said of the Georgian Dream's retention of power. "It's a state capture." "A lot will need to happen for the oligarchs to run away to Moscow," Eyal said. "It's really 50-50 at the moment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists at a Monday briefing that government authorities "are taking measures to stabilize, return the situation to calm." Russia, he said, "has not interfered and does not intend to interfere" in events in Georgia. Peskov described the protests as "an internal matter," though added that the demonstrations are an "attempt to stir up the situation" reminiscent of the 2014 Maidan Revolution in Ukraine that unseated pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. PHOTO: Demonstrators stand against a water cannon during an anti-government protest in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Dec. 1, 2024. (Irakli Gedenidze/Reuters) MORE: Georgia president asks foreign partners to act against Russia election 'infiltration' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dmitry Medvedev -- formerly Russia's president and prime minister, now serving as the deputy chair of Russia's Security Council -- wrote on Telegram that Georgia was "moving rapidly along the Ukrainian path, into the dark abyss." Medvedev framed the protests as an attempted "revolution," which he predicted would end "very badly." Western leaders, meanwhile, have underscored concerns over the disputed October election results and the recent conduct of security forces. The U.S. State Department condemned "the excessive use of force by police against Georgians" and announced it would suspend the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership due to "anti-democratic actions" by Georgian Dream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We reiterate our call to the Georgian government to return to its Euro-Atlantic path, transparently investigate all parliamentary election irregularities, and repeal anti-democratic laws that limit freedoms of assembly and expression," spokesperson Matthew Miller said. The EU's new foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said the bloc stands "with the Georgian people and their choice for a European future." "We condemn the violence against protesters and regret signals from ruling party not to pursue Georgia's path to EU and democratic backsliding of the country," Kallas wrote in a post to X. "This will have direct consequences from EU side." MORE: Georgia's jailed ex-president says Putin's Russia is not ready for a new 'hot' war ABC News' Patrick Reevell contributed to this report. Georgia at 'tipping point' as pro-West protesters clash with security forces originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Georgian police stepped in with beatings against the pro-EU protests in Tbilisi ongoing for the fourth day on Dec. 2, forcibly dispersing the protesters. The latest wave of protests against the ruling Georgian Dream party broke out last week after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of the South Caucasus' EU accession process until at least 2028. Over 220 people were detained over the past few days, the country's Interior Ministry said. This included several journalists and Zurab Japaridze, one of the leaders of the opposition Coalition for Change, who was detained on Dec. 2 before being released the same day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgian Dream, which declared victory in the October elections broadly disputed by domestic opposition and international observers, has been accused of democratic backsliding and dragging Georgia into the Kremlin's orbit. Tens of thousands have joined the demonstrations, with the police attempting to disperse the rally with teargas, water cannons, and arrests. In turn, the protesters have set up barricades and shot fireworks toward the riot police. Dozens have been injured during the crackdown, including journalists covering the rally. Pro-EU President Salome Zourabichvili, a critic of Georgian Dream who joined the protests, said that the "majority of the arrested protesters have injuries to their heads and faces, broken face bones, eye sockets, open wounds." Thirty-seven people have been hospitalized on Dec. 2, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgian authorities claimed that 113 police officers have been injured since Nov. 28, including 21 between Dec. 1 and Dec. 2. The prime minister thanked law enforcement services for preventing a "Maidan" from taking place in Georgia. This was a reference to Ukraine's EuroMaidan Revolution in 2014-2014, where mass pro-EU demonstrations led to the ousting of pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. TBILISI, Georgia (AP) Georgia is convulsed by political upheaval again after its pro-Moscow government, fresh off parliamentary elections denounced as rigged by its critics, decided to suspend negotiations for the small former Soviet republic to join the European Union. The small but ancient Caucasus country, which inhabits a crossroads between Slavic, Turkish and Persian cultures, has recently found itself navigating the geopolitical standoff between Russia under strongman President Vladimir Putin and the democratic, wealthy West. Here's a look at why the future of Georgia matters, both domestically and internationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What's happening in Georgia? Official results from parliamentary elections on Oct. 26 gave victory to the ruling Georgian Dream party, which was created by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a shadowy billionaire who made his fortune in Russia. At the same time, opinion polls have repeatedly shown most Georgians want their country to join the European Union and supporters of accession to the 27-member bloc have turned out in force to protest the government's move to suspend the process. Over 200 people have been detained after four nights of protests in the capital, Tbilisi, where tens of thousands of people have rallied outside parliament a sizable turnout for a country of 3.7 million people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While parliament is controlled by Georgian Dream, President Salome Zourabichvili, who has a largely ceremonial role, has spoken out against what she calls the ruling partys crackdown on free speech. She says many arrested protesters had injuries to their heads and faces. Navigating the standoff between Russia and the West Some see parallels between the recent protests in Georgia and those in Ukraine, another former Soviet republic, earlier this century as Kyiv sought to move closer to the West. The Georgian governments move to suspend the EU membership process came after the European Parliament passed a resolution criticizing the Oct. 26 election as neither free nor fair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Moscow views the recent events in Georgia as similar to upheaval that rocked Ukraine in 2013 and 2014, when a pro-Russia president decided not to sign an association agreement with the EU and eventually fled amid ensuing political unrest. Georgia, like Ukraine, has sought to join the NATO military alliance, which Putin's Russia considers a step too far for Western expansion into the former Soviet and Russian sphere of influence. Russia has a long border with Georgia, which is not contiguous with any EU country though it does share a border with NATO member Turkey. In August 2008, Russia fought a brief war with Georgia, which had made a botched attempt to regain control over its breakaway province of South Ossetia. Moscow recognized the independence of South Ossetia and another breakaway province, Abkhazia, and set up military bases there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US and EU try to exert more pressure on Georgian government On Saturday, the U.S. State Department announced the suspension of its strategic relationship with Georgia and condemned the decision to halt its efforts toward EU accession. The EU granted Georgia candidate status last December on condition that it meet the blocs stringent entry requirements. But in the spring, the EU put Georgia's accession on hold and cut financial support after the Georgian parliament passed a foreign influence law that was widely seen as a blow to democratic freedoms. A Christmas tree decorated with string lights stands in front of House of Parliament in Budapest, Hungary, Dec. 1, 2024. Every year, a magnificent Christmas tree will be erected in front of the Hungarian House of Parliament in Budapest to mark the holiday season. The tree chosen for Christmas 2024 is a 45-year-old silver fir from Dubicsany, standing 20 meters tall and weighing nearly 5 tonnes. (Xinhua/Attila Volgyi) A Christmas tree decorated with string lights stands in front of House of Parliament in Budapest, Hungary, Dec. 1, 2024. Every year, a magnificent Christmas tree will be erected in front of the Hungarian House of Parliament in Budapest to mark the holiday season. The tree chosen for Christmas 2024 is a 45-year-old silver fir from Dubicsany, standing 20 meters tall and weighing nearly 5 tonnes. (Xinhua/Attila Volgyi) A Christmas tree decorated with string lights stands in front of House of Parliament in Budapest, Hungary, Dec. 1, 2024. Every year, a magnificent Christmas tree will be erected in front of the Hungarian House of Parliament in Budapest to mark the holiday season. The tree chosen for Christmas 2024 is a 45-year-old silver fir from Dubicsany, standing 20 meters tall and weighing nearly 5 tonnes. (Xinhua/Attila Volgyi) NewsNation correspondent-at-large Geraldo Rivera pointed to the double standards of Donald Trump backers on Sunday after President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden. Most dads including this one would do what Joe Biden did, Rivera, a former Fox News host who was once good friends with Trump, posted on X (formerly Twitter). Blood is thicker than water. He was willing to tarnish his honor and reputation to save his child (who he believed was being shafted). He added, Too bad, but its not like he appointed him Ambassador to France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump announced on Saturday his intention to nominate real estate tycoon Charles Kushner to be the U.S. ambassador to France. Kushner is the father of Jared Kushner, the president-elects son-in-law. Trump pardoned the elder Kushner in December 2020. He spent over a year in prison in the 2000s after pleading guilty on charges of tax evasion, making illegal campaign finance contributions and witness tampering. Trump also pardoned a bunch of his associates before exiting the White House, including his longtime friend Roger Stone, who was convicted of seven felony charges including lying under oath to a congressional committee and threatening a witness. Most dads including this one would do what Joe Biden did. Blood is thicker than water. He was willing to tarnish his honor and reputation to save his child (who he believed was being shafted). Too bad, but its not like he appointed him Ambassador to France. Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) December 2, 2024 The president on Sunday pardoned his son despite having vowed not to interfere with the prosecutions against Hunter Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The younger Biden was scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 12 after he was found guilty in June of illegally owning a gun in 2018. Experts said it was rare to prosecute cases like the one brought against him. He was also due to be sentenced later this month after pleading guilty in September to avoid another public trial to not paying his taxes on time. Joe Biden in his announcement asserted that his son had been selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted, arguing that no reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. The decision attracted backlash from Republicans and some Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of Trumps Republican allies in Congress cast Biden as corrupt, hypocritical and seeking to dodge accountability. Trumps spokesperson, Steven Cheung, claimed in a statement, The failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system. Related... German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived in Kiev for the first time in two and a half years for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a visit which had not been previously announced for security reasons. Upon arrival, the German leader announced further arms deliveries worth 650 million ($684 million) by the end of December for Ukraine's defence against Russia. "I would like to make it clear here that Germany will remain Ukraine's strongest supporter in Europe," said Scholz, who travelled to the Ukrainian capital by special train. Scholz's last visit to the country was in June 2022. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius travelled to Bergen on Norway's south-western coast on Monday for a groundbreaking ceremony with his Norwegian counterpart Bjrn Arild Gram for a new submarine repair centre. In 2021, the two NATO partners agreed a joint contract for the purchase of six submarines from German provider Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems. With the project, the two countries are aiming for a common design of their submarines. The German military procurement office has stated that the new submarine class not only showed technological progress, but that close cooperation with Norway would lead to synergies in logistics and refitting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This would increase the operational availability of the "strategic weapons system" and cut costs, it said, also pointing to the new submarines' increased range and anti-reconnaissance design. Pistorius was to travel to the Haakonsvern naval base, where the new submarine centre was to be presented. The German Defence Ministry has placed orders for two of the new submarines and intends to place orders for four more at a cost of more than 4 billion ($4.2 billion). The move is also seen as a step towards fulfilling NATO requirements. The German Ministry of Defence has said that the military aid package for Ukraine, previously announced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his visit to Kyiv, will include IRIS-T air defence systems, Leopard 1 tanks and attack UAVs. Source: DW with reference to a representative of the German Defence Ministry, as reported by European Pravda Details: A representative of the German Ministry of Defence said that German military assistance would arrive in Ukraine in December. "Winter is just around the corner, so there will also be winter gear, handguns and heating equipment," the representative said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry noted that these supplies were part of the aid package announced by Berlin in October. Background: Scholz arrived in Kyiv on the morning of 2 December. This is his second visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Upon arrival in Kyiv, Scholz said he would announce "additional defence equipment worth 650 million to be delivered in December". Support UP or become our patron! There has been more vocal infighting in the Free Democrats (FDP), the liberal pro-business party that was until recently part of the Germany's coalition government. On Monday an influential member of the party, Ulf Kasimir, called for party leader Christian Lindner to "withdraw" on the basis that the FDP "needs a fresh start." Lindner was sacked as finance minister by Chancellor Olaf Scholz on November 6, which prompted the FDP to quit the coalition. The move cost Scholz his governing majority, and is almost certain to lead to early elections on February 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, an internal FDP paper has emerged which describes a pre-planned detailed scenario for the FDP's exit from the increasingly unpopular coalition. Lindner has sought to distance himself from it, insisting that it never crossed his desk. In an interview with the taz newspaper, Kasimir criticized Lindner's strategy since the contents of the paper became known. The row has caused several leading party figures to quit, including the party's secretary general. "It is contradictory that Lindner is not familiar with the paper, but that Secretary General Bijan Djir-Sarai still has to go," said Kasimir, adding that he does not see the fact that the paper was written as a problem. "The strategic idea is fine." However, the communication of the party leadership since the plans became known has been problematic. "Those who were in government responsibility must now admit their responsibility," he said. The fact that Lindner is at the top and is not making any moves to leave makes it difficult for the party, Kasimir said. "There is no question that he has done good work in the past. But now is the time for someone new." German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to travel to Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron for the official reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral, his office announced in Berlin on Monday. Steinmeier is to be accompanied by his wife, Elke Budenbender, at the ceremony on Saturday. The cathedral, which was built in the Gothic style between 1163 and 1260 with modifications down the years, was badly damaged by fire in April 2019 and has since been restored. Macron praised the restoration during a first visit to the cathedral last week, saying that the workers had "made the impossible possible." Germany has said it supports Georgians who are committed to European values, as Berlin underlined its concern over the political unrest there. The massive protests of the past few days in Tbilisi clearly show that many people still want a future in the EU, a Foreign Office spokesman told journalists in Berlin. "The door to Europe remains open for Georgia, but it is important that Georgia also follows this path," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country's president is clearly in favour of a pro-European course and surveys show that a majority want to move closer to the EU, the spokesman said. He criticized the Georgian government for turning away from this goal. Deputy government spokesman Wolfgang Buchner said the German government stands by the people of Georgia who are committed to the European values of democracy, freedom of opinion and human rights, and who expect their government to act accordingly. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is set to meet with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday to discuss allegations that China is supplying drones or drone components to support Moscow's war in Ukraine. Baerbock recently warned Beijing that such actions would have consequences. The EU is currently in the process of preparing a 15th package of sanctions against Russia, which will in part target companies based in China that are involved in the manufacture of drones for Russia's war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing regularly calls for de-escalation in view of Russia's war of aggression and, according to its own statements, plans a political solution to the conflict. However, Beijing is considered to be Moscow's most important source of support and has not condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine. The ongoing trade conflict between the EU and China is also likely to feature in the discussions, particularly over proposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Beijing is considering retaliatory measures, which could impact German carmakers. During her visit, Baerbock is set to meet representatives of the German business community and raise human rights issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This marks the third meeting between Baerbock and Wang this year. They last met three months ago at the UN General Assembly in New York, following a February discussion at the Munich Security Conference. It is Baerbock's second visit to China as foreign minister, after her initial trip in April 2023. Workers perform construction tasks for the No. 1 launch pad of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 17, 2022. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 17, 2022 shows the No. 1 launch pad of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site under construction in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) Workers perform construction tasks for the No. 1 launch pad of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 17, 2022. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 28, 2022 shows the No. 2 launch pad of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site under construction in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 23, 2023 shows the No. 1 (front) and No. 2 (back) launch pads of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site under construction in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) Workers perform construction tasks for the No. 1 launch pad of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 23, 2023. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 23, 2023 shows the No. 2 (front) and No. 1 (back) launch pads of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site under construction in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) An aerial drone photo taken on May 12, 2023 shows the No. 1 (front) and No. 2 (back) launch pads of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site under construction in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) An aerial drone photo taken on March 6, 2024 shows the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site's No. 2 launch pad (front) still under construction and the site's No. 1 launch pad (back) already completed in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) An aerial drone photo taken on March 6, 2024 shows the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site's No. 1 launch pad (front) already completed and the site's No. 2 launch pad (back) still under construction in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) A rocket model is pictured at the gate of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site, as a modified version of the Long March-7 carrier rocket carrying the Zhongxing-3A satellite blasts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site, in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, June 29, 2024. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) This photo taken on June 30, 2024 shows a view of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) An aerial drone photo taken on June 30, 2024 shows the No. 1 (R) and No. 2 (L) launch pads of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site as well as their road connection in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) This photo taken on June 30, 2024 shows a rocket launch simulation rehearsal held at the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) This photo taken on June 30, 2024 shows a rocket launch simulation rehearsal held at the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) This photo taken on Nov. 30, 2024 shows a view of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) A Long March-12 carrier rocket carrying two experimental satellites blasts off from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 30, 2024. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) A Long March-12 carrier rocket is seen at the No. 2 launch pad of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, Nov, 30, 2024. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) A Long March-12 carrier rocket is seen at the No. 2 launch pad of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, Nov, 29, 2024. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) A Long March-12 carrier rocket carrying two experimental satellites blasts off from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 30, 2024. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) This photo taken on Nov. 29, 2024 shows the main road of the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. The commercial spacecraft launch site, located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, was built and is being operated by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). As China's first commercial spacecraft launch site, it commenced construction in July 2022. On Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket was successfully launched into space from here. The mission was the maiden flight of the Long March-12 carrier rocket, and the first launch mission undertaken by the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has said Russia's war with Ukraine will form part of her discussions with her counterpart in Beijing, Wang Yi, while she is on a visit to China. The conflict affects Germany's core security interests and poses an enormous challenge to peace in Europe, Baerbock said in the presence of Wang. North Korea's involvement in the conflict makes it very clear how security within Europe and in Asia is closely linked in an interconnected world, the minister said. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has warned her Chinese counterpart not to let Russia get away with its war in Ukraine. "The Russian president is not only destroying our peaceful European order with his war of aggression against Ukraine, but is now also dragging Asia into it via North Korea," Baerbock said on Monday during her one-day visit to Beijing. During her meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Baerbock said she spoke "intensively" about the fact that Chinese support for Russia's war was not in China's interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the three-hour meeting in the Chinese capital, Baerbock addressed accusations that China is supplying the Russian military with drones or drone parts. Baerbock had recently warned Beijing that such exports to Russia would have consequences. Supporting a "brutal" war would be a violation of international law, Baerbock said. She said that consultations were now underway over potential sanctions or other measures in the European Union. By Pavel Polityuk and Tom Balmforth KYIV (Reuters) -German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced new military aid for Ukraine during a rare visit on Monday that he said sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Berlin would stand by Kyiv for as long as needed in the war. The visit, his first to Kyiv since the early months of Russia's 2022 invasion, comes ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House and weeks after Scholz's governing coalition in Berlin collapsed, threatening his future as chancellor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The political upheaval in Germany, Europe's biggest economy, adds to a growing sense of uncertainty in Ukraine, with Russian troops advancing ever faster in the east. It is unclear how much Kyiv's European partners can step up support for Ukraine if Trump cuts help from the United States, its most powerful ally. "My message from Kyiv to Putin: we're in this for the long haul. Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We will stand by the Ukrainian people - for as long as it takes," Scholz wrote on X. Scholz used the trip to announce further equipment deliveries worth 650 million euros ($682.37 million) to arrive this month. The package includes IRIS-T air defence systems, Leopard 1 tanks and armed drones, a defence ministry spokesperson said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, speaking in his nightly video address, said his talks with Scholz lasted more than 2-1/2 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We agreed at the meeting with the chancellor that Germany will be with Ukraine in the future exactly as it should be, regardless of what happens in global politics and whatever changes in mood there may be," he said. Scholz and Zelenskiy reviewed drones manufactured by Ukrainian and German firms at an undisclosed location, visited a hospital and spoke to wounded service members and medical staff. While trumpeting Germany as Ukraine's second-biggest weapons supplier after the United States, Scholz has repeatedly refused to send Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, fearing this could draw his country into a direct conflict with Russia. Zelenskiy told a joint news conference that Ukraine needed more air defences to protect two dozen "special" sites. "We are working to have more common ground on the Taurus issue," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholz has also drawn fire from allies, including Zelenskiy himself, for holding a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in November for the first time in almost two years, which critics saw as a bid for domestic political gain. He defended his call with Putin at Monday's news conference, saying he used the conversation to tell the Russian leader to end his invasion and pull back his troops, and that Ukraine had a right to be an independent sovereign nation. Zelenskiy's government is urging NATO to invite Ukraine during a meeting in Brussels this week to join the U.S.-led military alliance, though some allies remain strongly opposed. GERMAN ELECTION ISSUE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine is shaping up as a major issue in campaigning for Germany's snap election in February. Friedrich Merz, the conservative opposition leader who is on course to unseat Scholz, has said Germany should send Taurus missiles. Roderich Kiesewetter from the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) accused Scholz of "campaigning on the backs of the Ukrainian population and at the same time ... feeding the Russian fear narrative". "He is increasingly isolating Germany and endangering our security," he told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper. Moscow's troops have been capturing village after village in Ukraine's east, pushing to fully seize the industrial Donbas region, while Russian airstrikes continue to target a hobbled Ukrainian energy grid as winter sets in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, the outgoing Biden administration granted Ukraine permission to use Western missiles to strike further into Russian territory. Moscow responded by attacking Ukraine with a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, and has threatened strikes on government sites in Kyiv. Ukraine has long demanded Moscow withdraw all troops from its territory. It also wants Western security guarantees comparable to NATO membership to prevent Russia attacking again. Moscow, which controls nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory, demands recognition of its annexation of Ukrainian land and permanent neutrality for Ukraine. Last week Zelenskiy floated the idea of Ukraine being granted NATO membership even while Russia occupies some captured territory, which he said could end the "hot stage" of the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, he clarified that any invitation to join NATO must extend to all Ukrainian territory, even if the alliance's collective defence agreement might not operate in areas occupied by Russian forces. ($1 = 0.9526 euro) (Reporting by Pavel Poliyuk and Andreas Rinke in Berlin and Yuliia Dysa in Gdansk; Writing by Friederike Heine, Matthias Williams and Tom Balmforth; Editing by Bernadette Baum, Gareth Jones, Ron Popeski and Jonathan Oatis) BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) U.S. Marshals are asking the community to keep a lookout for a parolee at-large. Quinton Shelton, 40, is wanted for failing to register as a sex offender, according to U.S. Marshals. Condors fans pack the house for Teddy Bear Toss Night He has a criminal history that includes indecent exposure and battery. Shelton is 4 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs about 155 pounds. Shelton has numerous tattoos on his chest and arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Marshals say he has ties to Bakersfield and Fresno. If youve seen him or have any information on his whereabouts, call or text the U-S Marshals at 979-1187. All information about Shelton is confidential. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rep. Mark Pless (R-Haywood) and other mountain Republicans could secure a better deal for western North Carolina hurricane relief by voting to sustain a gubernatorial veto (Photo: Clayton Henkel) State lawmakers are back in Raleigh for another lame duck session a time during which they ought to deemphasize politics and divisiveness and, especially as western North Carolina continues to reel from Hurricane Helene, craft ambitious common good solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, unfortunately, its likely Republican leaders will demand that all GOP members vote to override Gov. Coopers veto of a massive power grab bill they passed two weeks ago that would seize key duties of state offices filled by Democrats, while providing precious little in badly needed hurricane relief. Of course, it doesnt have to be this way. Three mountain Republicans bucked their leaders by voting against the bill when it passed the House because of how little it did to provide genuine hurricane relief and if they stuck together, they could easily block the override. The bottom line: The GOP trio could secure a much better relief package for their constituents and strike a mighty blow against the toxic partisanship that currently infects the legislature. The key: mustering the guts to stick together and to stand up for whats right. For NC Newsline, Im Rob Schofield. House Republicans are heading into the new Congress with a lofty set of tax reform goals, an ambitious agenda made more difficult by a razor-thin majority. Republicans are on track to have a single-digit-seat edge beginning in January, one that is set to get smaller as some members resign from the House to serve in President-elect Trumps Cabinet. That will make the heavy lift of tax reform even weightier for Republican leaders. A small but influential group of GOP lawmakers want to raise the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap and are vowing to block any bill without their demand, and deficit hawks are sure to voice their concerns about the price tag. Top Republicans say they are aware of those circumstances but are ready to take up the challenge head-on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats what the whole process is gonna be, threading that needle, Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, told The Hill. But failure is not an option, well get it done. Success, however, will require near-total agreement within the fractious Republican conference. Republicans are set to control at least 220 seats next year, with Democrats trailing at 213 seats. Two elections in California remain uncalled, with Democrats currently holding a small lead in both, according to Decision Desk HQ. That GOP majority, though, is set to narrow even further early next year, with Reps. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) and Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) set to leave the chamber to serve in Trumps administration and former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) not taking the oath of office despite withdrawing from consideration for attorney general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That ultrathin margin is set to come to fruition during the first 100 days of the Trump administration, when Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other GOP leaders are hoping to use budget reconciliation a tool parties that control all levers of government can utilize to fast-track their priorities to extend the tax cuts Trump enacted in 2017. Several provisions of the 2017 tax package called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire at the end of 2025, including all the individual provisions. Marginal income tax rates will jump from 12 to 15 percent, 22 to 25 percent, or 22 to 28 percent, depending on the tax bracket. The standard deduction will be cut in half for single filers, as will the individual child tax credit. Inheritance tax exclusions will drop from $10 million to $5 million. Business taxes will also increase. For businesses that pass their tax liability through to their owners, which have proliferated in recent years, the 20-percent deduction will go away and normal individual income tax rates will apply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assuming all Democrats oppose the tax package, which is expected, Republicans will need to be almost completely united to clear the legislation, a reality that is emboldening GOP lawmakers in favor of lifting the SALT tax cap. Members from higher-tax blue states like New York and California for years have pushed to remove or raise the SALT deduction cap, which was implemented as part of the 2017 Trump tax cuts. The legislation caps the SALT deduction at $10,000 for individuals and includes the so-called marriage penalty, which applies the $10,000 SALT deduction cap to married couples who file their taxes jointly and make less than $500,000 a year. In 2017, 12 Republicans voted against the Trump tax cuts, all of whom were from California, New Jersey or New York. Just three of them, including Stefanik, will still be in the House in January. Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), two members of the SALT Caucus, told The Hill in interviews that they will not support any tax package that does not reform the SALT deduction cap, and said their colleagues in the group will follow suit, a concerning sign for leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Certainly theres broad consensus that as members of the SALT Caucus, we will not support a tax bill that does not address the issue of SALT, Lawler said. Both lawmakers who are in their first term and won reelection last month would not say what their ideal SALT reform looks like. LaLota, who represents parts of Long Island, introduced a bill last year that would increase the SALT deduction cap to $60,000 for individuals and $120,000 for married couples. Going forward, however, he said the numbers may be even larger. Higher is better, and $60,000 and $120,000 may have been last years price, LaLota said. And the price may have gone up. Smith told CNBC in a September interview that the SALT deduction will still have a cap, noting that an unlimited ceiling could not clear the GOP House. LaLota said leadership is fully aware of the groups priorities, and discussions over the SALT deduction cap will continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SALT Caucus Republicans have pushed to increase the deduction cap throughout the 118th Congress, at times flexing their muscles and showing that the small group could derail legislation if its demands are not met a potential foreshadowing for the 119th Congress. In January, for example, four New York Republicans, including Lawler and LaLota, came close to torpedoing a procedural vote for an unrelated bill out of frustration that a bipartisan, bicameral tax deal did not include an increase to the SALT deduction. The group ultimately voted in favor of the rule, allowing House business to proceed, but the episode showed the power their small group wields in the slim GOP majority. Roughly two weeks later the House moved to advance a bill that would have raised the SALT deduction cap, but a group of conservatives tanked that procedural vote. This time around, however, SALT Caucus Republicans feel that they are in a better position to extract their demands after Trump voiced support for changing the deduction cap. In September shortly before holding a rally at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island Trump wrote on Truth Social I will turn it around, get SALT back, lower your Taxes, and so much more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It certainly strengthens our position, LaLota said of Trumps statement. President Trump, a native New Yorker, understands the need for our high-tax state to have a higher SALT cap. And yes, it does strengthen our negotiating position that he made that promise on the campaign trail. In addition to SALT Caucus Republicans, hard-line conservatives concerned about the ballooning deficit could stymie passage of the forthcoming tax reform package. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), for example, has frequently criticized implementing tax cuts without pay-fors, pointing to the mounting debt. According to a projection from the Congressional Budget Office, extending the 2017 tax cuts could cost $4.6 trillion. House and Senate negotiators are engaging in early discussions regarding how long Congress should extend the tax cuts, sources told The Hill, weighing different lengths based on their potential impacts on the federal deficit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support from those deficit hawks similarly to SALT Caucus Republicans could make or break a tax reform package in the House, giving the group outsized influence as leaders begin discussions over their highly anticipated legislation. Adding a wrinkle to the Republican priority of extending the TCJA tax cuts is the fact that Trump promised a bevy of new tax cuts while on the campaign trail, including canceling taxes on tips and overtime, getting rid of double taxation for Americans living abroad, doing away with taxes on Social Security, and creating a deduction for auto loan interest vows that will add to the packages price tag. According to one estimate by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Trumps campaign plans could add as much as $8 trillion to the national deficit. Are we just gonna say every tax cut, no matter what it is, magically pays for itself? Let me give a little hint to Republicans: They dont all pay for themselves. They dont, Roy said on the House floor in September. Its simple math. Some tax cuts do because they create economic growth, some tax cuts dont. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tobias Burns contributed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Washington Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson believes in being prepared. The Democrat is gearing up to potentially take on President-elect Donald Trump amid his return to the White House. Ferguson last week announced the launch of a transition team subcommittee aimed at shielding Washington state residents from Project 2025, a wide-ranging federal policy agenda. At least 140 members of Trumps first administration have ties to the blueprint, published by the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank, CNN has reported. Ferguson has warned that freedoms at risk under Project 2025 include abortion access and LGBTQ+ rights. Mass deportations could be imminent, as well as the erosion of protections for workers and the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cant be naive to the potential threats that aspects of Project 2025 represent for Washington state, if implemented, Ferguson said in a Friday phone interview. It seems prudent to me, as an incoming governor, to make sure that our transition team is considering options for how Washington can be prepared if some aspects of Project 2025 are, in fact, put in place. Ferguson is no stranger to challenging Trump. As attorney general, his office sued the Republican presidents administration nearly 100 times, according to Democracy Docket. The New York Times reported on Friday that Trump has recruited at least a half dozen of Project 2025s backers and architects to roles in his second administration. Still, he consistently distanced himself from Project 2025 on the campaign trail. As President Trump said many times, he had nothing to do with Project 2025, Karoline Leavitt, spokeswoman for the president-elects transition team, told McClatchy via email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leavitt, incidentally, appears on Project 2025s website as an instructor in the Conservative Governance 101 program, aimed at training aspiring political appointees. She is also Trumps pick for White House press secretary. Abortion access Fergusons camp is planning for a number of possible scenarios, including the gutting of abortion access. He said one concern is if Trump opts to enforce the Comstock Act, a zombie law that could be revived to end access to medication abortion. Trump claimed in August that he would not use the act this way, although he has waffled on whether he would back a national abortion ban. Jennifer M. Allen, CEO of Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, is one of the co-chairs of the subcommittee to combat Project 2025. It might be hard to believe that abortion could become outlawed in Washington state, Allen said, but it absolutely could under Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no doubt in my mind that were going to fight tooth and nail to protect our people, she told McClatchy, and I think we should all be on alert that they are coming for our basic rights. Allen also thinks the federal government could attempt to prevent interstate travel for people seeking an abortion or gender-affirming care. Hostile states will likely try to do the same at the state level, Allen said, citing a 2023 law in Idaho. Unfortunately, Washington state is grappling with a budget crisis, Allen said. If it loses federal funding, that wont be easily replaced with state dollars. She added: I think its also really, really important that folks take seriously the threat to people in Washington that were facing. It is dark, and it is stark. Mass deportations Project 2025 also lays the groundwork for mass deportations. Ferguson noted the effect that such an effort would have on the states families and economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King County Council member Jorge L. Baron, another subcommittee co-chair, said the state should get ready for that reality. Mass deportations would require significant response from child-welfare officials at the local and state level, said Baron, who served as executive director for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project from 2008 to 2023. Kids might be left behind in child-care centers and schools when their parents are caught in workplace raids, he said. Washington estimates about 250,000 people who are undocumented, Baron said. Other residents enjoy temporary protected status or are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. Baron said local businesses could lose workers, particularly in fields such as construction and agriculture the latter of which is a big driver of Washingtons economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So it could have very significant impacts on the economic front, he said, but also, of course, the real human toll for families who might rely on the work of somebody who doesnt have permanent status, or who might lose their status because of these rollbacks to the existing programs that are in place at the federal level. Trump, who has vowed to harness military assets to carry out mass deportations, claimed in a July social media post that he knows nothing about Project 2025. Ferguson said it would be wonderful if his administration doesnt have to lock horns with the next Trump White House. If they choose not to implement any part of Project 2025, nobody will be happier than me, he said. But look, the connections of the folks who put that document together with Donald Trump are well known. Thats just a fact, and it makes sense for us as a state to just make sure were prepared. Subcommittee criticism The governor-elect has fielded some criticism for creating the Project 2025-focused subcommittee. Some have argued that Ferguson should pay more attention to the states problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked to respond, Ferguson said that this is one of a dozen subcommittees. He hopes that his detractors pay as much attention to the others. A housing subcommittee, for instance, is chaired by Lt. Gov. Denny Heck. The way Ferguson sees it, what happens at the national level be it the withholding of federal funds or impairment of reproductive health care affects the lives of Washington residents. He also said hes challenged presidencies regardless of party, including the Trump administrations Muslim travel ban and President Joe Bidens administration over access to mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortion. Ive made clear that as governor, were going to move Washington state forward on a whole range of important issues facing our state, Ferguson said. But Project 2025, if implemented, will impact Washingtonians. Its not just something that happens back in Washington, D.C., that doesnt touch on our lives. Donald Trump completed his slate of cabinet secretaries last week in rolling announcements and hidden in his big reveals could be a message of who he appreciates most. The president-elect relied on six compliments when broadcasting picks for his next administration. Sometimes he was proud, other times he was thrilled, and, most of the time, he was pleased. Perhaps these different phrases provide some insight into Trumps thinking. Penta Group partnered with Axios to track how many times Trump used certain terms to introduce his Cabinet and staff picks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is one final decider and as his statements come out, you can see slight nuances in the language, Penta CEO Matt McDonald told Axios. It kind of reminds meof the old Kremlinology of the Cold War, where people were parsing whatever public indicators there were to tell who was up or who was out. Here is a breakdown of his compliments: Pleased Pleased seemed to be his go-to term, with the president-elect saying it 18 times, more than any other term analyzed. This included when he introduced Tulsi Gabbard to serve as Director of National Intelligence, Mike Huckabee as the US ambassador to Israel, and Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to head DOGE. Donald Trump said he was pleased 18 times when announcing cabinet picks. (AFP via Getty Images) Very Pleased By contrast, he was very pleased four times, including when picking Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead Medicare and Medicaid and Dr. Marty Makar to lead the FDA. Most pleased According to Axios, this superlative praise was reserved for just one administration pick: Scott Bessent. The billionaire, who served as an economic advisor to Trumps 2024 campaign, was tapped to serve as treasury secretary. Thrilled Trump said he was thrilled to announce two of his nominees: Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy and Robert F Kennedy Jr as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Donald Trump said he was thrilled to pick Robert F Kennedy Jr as Secretary of Health and Human Services (Getty Images) Proud The president-elect was proud to announce four nominees, including Dr Janette Nesheiwat as surgeon general and former Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer as secretary of labor. Honored This term was reserved for just three individuals. Trump was honored to tap Congressman Mike Waltz as his national security adviser, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as UN ambassador, and Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense. Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, recieved high praise. (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Great Honor Trump said it was his great honor in lowercase letters to only one person nominated to serve in his next administration: Linda McMahon. She was tapped to serve as his education secretary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three others, though, received the same introduction but with a capital G and a capital H, perhaps emphasizing just how great his honor actually was. This list includes Matt Gaetz, the first failed nominee. He withdrew his bid to be the attorney general after a barrage of backlash over his sex trafficking allegations. Marco Rubio, who Trump once referred to as little Marco, was also given the compliment when Trump introduced him as his nominee for secretary of state. Brooke Rollins, Trumps pick for secretary of agriculture, also received the double-capped praise. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Greater Birmingham Humane Society will host two winter-themed day camps for children in December. Paw-liday Camp will be held on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This camp will give children ages 6- 12 the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the animals in the shelter. Groove into the Holidays fundraiser to help with food insecurity in Birmingham Registration is $60 per day, and the GBHS says space is limited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a list of camp requirements, as well as a link for registration, 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 CBS 42. ABU DHABI, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday to discuss strategies to prevent further crises in the Middle East. During the meeting, the two leaders "stressed the importance of fostering Arab cooperation in light of the complex challenges facing the region," UAE's official news agency WAM reported The meeting came amid escalating tensions in Syria, where rebel groups are advancing into government-controlled areas and claimed control over cities in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. The two Gulf states also stressed "the need for concerted efforts to maintain regional stability and prevent the region descending into new crises that could threaten its security," it added. On the Palestinian issue, the two sides stressed the importance of pursuing a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on a two-state solution, ensuring stability and security for all. Separately, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held telephone talks with his counterparts from Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt. These discussions included an exchange of views on the implications of regional developments for security and stability, with particular attention to Syria. Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE's support for Syria in addressing terrorism and extremism and expressed wishes for Iraq's enduring security and prosperity, said WAM. The meetings highlight key ongoing regional concerns, including the need for enhanced cooperation to address shared challenges, WAM added. ATHENS, Greece (AP) Authorities on the Greek islands Rhodes and Lemnos declared a state of emergency Monday after storms battered the islands, leaving two dead and widespread damage. Rescue teams, assisted by the military and local authorities, rescued many older residents in flood-hit areas, after strong winds and torrential rain over the weekend flipped cars, caused power outages and damaged roads. Two men were killed in a flooded village on Lemnos, while scores of people were evacuated and taken to hotels in the island's main port. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vassilis Kikilias, the minister for climate crisis and civil protection, urged residents in storm-hit areas to comply with evacuation orders that are announced using cellphone push alerts. It is a thousand times better to comply with potentially excessive warnings than to face tragedy, the minister told private Skai television. Kikilias has pointed to climate change as the cause of worsening weather conditions in Greece in recent years, including an unprecedented series of heatwaves that intensify wildfires, a severe drought this year and massive floods in central Greece in 2023. Rail travel on the Greek mainland was disrupted Monday. Weather warnings remained in effect for islands of the eastern Aegean islands, as well as parts of central and southern mainland Greece. HONOLULU (KHON2) For those looking to make a difference in their community, donating to food banks is a powerful way to help. KHON2.com was able to catch up with Brandi Saragosa, Director of Operations at the Maui Food Bank, to find out her insights into what foods are most needed and what items donors should avoid. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Saragosas passion for the mission of the Maui Food Bank has grown over the years. She began as a volunteer driver and is now leading the organization in its efforts to combat hunger across the island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it all starts with trying new things. So thats why theres volunteer opportunities, Saragosa said. Her journey from volunteer to director is a testament to the power of community connection and purpose. When youre connected with an organization that has a mission, theres alignment. Its more than just a jobyoure working toward a mission, an assignment for your life. With hunger affecting families on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai and Hawaii Island, Hawaiis food banks serve as vital resources for local families. However, Saragosa emphasized the importance of thoughtful donations to meet the real needs of the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of our top items are listed on our website, Saragosa noted. What foods are needed most? Canned protein items are always in high demand. We dont get a lot of canned goods like Spam, Vienna sausages or corned beef; and those are pretty pricey right now, Saragosa said. When we do get them in, they go out of our warehouse really quickly. She pointed out that anything in a can that provides a meal, such as chili or stew, is invaluable for families facing hunger. Additionally, the Hawaiis food banks dont just rely on shelf-stable products. At Maui Food Bank, we actually distributed more than 2.7 million pounds of fresh produce in the last 14 months, Saragosa said. She highlighted the growing demand for fresh foods like vegetables and fruits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Produce has been high on everyones needs list, she continued. And the growing need for eggs and milk is leaving many families without basic staples. Saragosa encouraged donors to consider the logistical challenges families face. For instance, she shared that boxed macaroni and cheese is a common donation; but without milk, families may not be able to make the meal. When you donate things like macaroni and cheese, please be mindful to donate things like milk, Saragosa explained. We are just a supplement. Were providing things families can use without needing extra items. So, shelf stable things like milks are really needed. Why shelf-stable items matter For those looking to donate items that dont require refrigeration, Saragosa recommended shelf-stable milk as an excellent choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelf-stable milk can last a long time, and its still very good. We buy those, too; and when we get them in, it offsets the costs, she explained. Its a great option for those who may not have access to fresh milk. Alongside milk, items like granola bars, cup noodles and microwaveable meals are especially helpful. Were about to come up on fall break, and some kids will be home. So, we have our youth centers coming in for things like granola bars which are easy for kids to eat without needing an adult to prepare them, Saragosa said. What to avoid donating Not all food donations are helpful. Saragosa stressed that donors should avoid items that require complex preparation or perishables that cant be properly stored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to make sure that we can distribute food quickly without worrying about refrigeration or preparation, Saragosa said. Non-food items, like toiletries, should be separated from edible goods and stored correctly. In addition to food, Saragosa noted that non-food items such as hygiene products or cleaning supplies can also be beneficial. However, these should always be kept in separate boxes and clearly labeled. A heartfelt mission For Saragosa, the work goes beyond the food. Its about creating opportunities for people to connect, both with the food bank and with the broader community. Its really about finding your niche and making a real difference, she said. People come together for a common cause, and thats what makes it all worth it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Hawaiis food banks continue to serve the community, thoughtful donations can help ensure that families in need receive nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals, especially during this stressful holiday season. Weve been working with local farmers to buy eggs, milk, and produce so families can make concrete meals, Saragosa said. These are the kinds of items that really help. What should you donate? Heres a simple list of suggested donations which you can bring to food banks. You can click here for more information on details regarding donations and how. Top donations for Hawai is food banks: Canned protein Spam, Vienna Sausages, Corned Beef, Chili, Stews. Fresh produce Vegetables and fruits (especially those that are easy to store and use quickly). Eggs and milk Refrigerated eggs. Shelf-stable milk (including evaporated milk and non-dairy milk). Convenient meals Cup noodles, microwavable meals, canned pasta. Snack items for keiki Granola bars, easy-to-prepare foods for children during breaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can click here to learn more about the Maui Food Bank, including Lanai and Molokai. You can click here to learn more about the Oahu Food Bank. You can click here to learn more about the Kauai Food Bank. You can click here to learn more about the Hawaii Island Food Bank. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 Donating to food banks like the Maui Food Bank helps create a safety net for those in need. With the right items, you can make sure that those struggling have the chance to nourish themselves and their families. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. NEW YORK A gunman opened fire inside a busy Brooklyn subway station Monday afternoon but nobody was hit, police said. At least one shot rang out inside the Jay St-Metrotech stop in Downtown Brooklyn at 12:03 p.m., cops said. The shooter, believed to be between 16 and 20 years old, fled the station and is being sought. It wasnt immediately clear why he opened fire. The suspect is described as dark skinned with braided hair and was wearing a black jacket with a black hoodie underneath. Twelve people have been shot in the subway system so far this year, up from eight victims by this time last year. The seat where former Councilman Dion Guthrie once sat is gone, as is his name plate. A lawsuit filed by Guthrie seeks a court order that would force the council to re-instate him despite being removed last month following a criminal court proceeding. File photo by Bryan P. Sears A Harford County Circuit Court judge ordered a former county councilman and the colleagues he is suing to provide additional documentation in a lawsuit that could have implications for a so-called good government provision in the Maryland Constitution. At issue is whether or not Dion Guthries plea in a case involving one felony case of theft should have triggered his removal from the Harford County Council. Guthrie is asking the court to restore him to his seat on the Harford County Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Circuit Court Judge Yolanda L. Curtin on Monday ordered attorneys representing Guthrie and the council to submit additional documentation by noon Tuesday. She ordered Guthries attorney, former Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler, to submit a full transcript from the Nov. 14 Baltimore County Circuit Court hearing where Guthrie entered his plea. She also ordered attorneys for the council to submit a response to Ganslers motion for a temporary restraining order. Guthrie, one of two Democrats on the council, was removed last month after entering a plea of nolo contendere to charges that he stole more than $23,000 from the union he ran for 52 years. Hours after that plea, Harford County Council President Patrick Vincenti (R) announced Guthrie vacated the seat by operation of law once he entered the plea in Baltimore County Circuit Court. Former Harford County Council member Dion Guthrie (D) is seeking a judges order to allow him to return to his council seat. File photo by Bryan P. Sears. Guthrie, through his criminal defense attorney Domenic Iamele, threatened to take the council to court. The council almost immediately hired outside counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gansler, on behalf of Guthrie, filed suit against the council just before the court closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. The 11-page lawsuit argues that Vincenti, who is the only named defendant in the lawsuit, acted illegally. The crux of Ganslers argument is that Guthries plea of nolo contendere did not trigger his automatic removal because Baltimore County Circuit Court Judge Dennis Robinson Jr. set the plea aside when sentencing the councilman to probation before judgement. Gansler asks the court to declare that because the Baltimore County Circuit Court did not consent to his (Guthries) entry of a plea of nolo contendere, he remains in office as a member of the Harford County Council and was at no time removed by operation of law or otherwise under the Maryland Constitution. But a court filing by the law firm representing the council Rifkin, Weiner, Livingston argues that neither the council nor Vincenti removed Guthrie. Instead, he was removed by an automatic function of law based on the plea in his criminal case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under a 2012 provision approved by the General Assembly and voters, any elected official who enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any felony charge or misdemeanor crimes related to the officials public duties and responsibilities is automatically removed from office. If Mr. Guthrie is dissatisfied with the entirely predictable outcome of his bad acts and his following nolo plea, his quarrel is with the constitution, not with council president Vincenti, the firm wrote in its response. Nevertheless, Mr. Guthrie sued Council President Vincenti and only Mr. Vincenti. The councils lawyers further argue that the case should have been directed at the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, who would have the legal responsibility to defend the state constitution. Following Guthries removal, Vincenti and other council members complained that Guthrie had continued to email them demanding to be restored to the council and threatening lawsuits. In one email included in court filings for the council, Guthrie asked Vincenti for a secret beer summit, telling the council president no one has to know we met. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just like the secretive wrongful acts that led to his automatic removal under (the Maryland Constitution), that kind of proposed secret deal which was rejected by Council President Vincenti demonstrates why Mr. Guthrie should not sit on the Council, the outside firms brief says. In addition to asking the court for a declaratory order, Gansler is also seeking a temporary restraining order that would allow Guthrie to return to the council pending a hearing. The restraining order would also delay the Harford County Democratic Central Committees work to nominate a replacement for Guthrie. Central committee leaders have already advertised the vacancy. They plan to begin interviews and select three potential candidates before Christmas. No hearing date has been set. After spending decades as a Texas prison inmate, Arnulfo Ayala flinched last month when a captain at the newly reopened Bartlett Unit extended an arm to shake the confessed killers hand. The professional gesture felt unfamiliar to Ayala, whos grown accustomed to waking up to the sound of corrections officers yelling at him and calling him inmate number 936516. But at Bartlett the Texas Department of Criminal Justices newest prison everything has seemed different. The food is tastier. The dorms are brighter and roomier. The walls are painted with colorful murals. And Ayalas ideas for innovative programs to help fellow inmates prepare for life outside of prison are taken seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ayala confessed to killing Raul Marin and in 2000 was sentenced to 35 years in prison in exchange for pleading guilty to murder, according to the San Antonio Express-News. Ayala is scheduled to be released in 2034, unless he is paroled earlier. He was turned down for parole in 2021. Back in the day, when youd go to prison, you were more likely to get worse there, said Ayala. You delved into the negative environment, and when you went back into the world, you corrupted your community. With units like this, we have the opportunity to reverse that. The Bartlett facility reflects one piece of TDCJs so-called 2030 Vision, an ambitious effort to refocus the states massive prison system on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The agency hopes that by 2030, 95% of inmates have jobs lined up prior to their release and the life skills they need to avoid another prison sentence. This year, 24% of inmates had jobs before their release. [Texas prison systems staffing crisis and outdated technology endanger guards and inmates] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan also aims to improve abysmal prison staffing levels by creating career counseling programs and establishing a more positive work-life balance for employees. Re-opened in October, Bartlett will eventually house 1,049 male inmates, most of whom will be in the last year of their sentence, preparing to reenter the free world. The prison sits about an hour north of Austin on 60 acres of land in Williamson County. Bartletts dorm-style housing is designed to be more comfortable than the typical prison cell, with comfortable couches and 55-inch televisions in the common areas. A portion of housing is reserved for military veterans at all stages of their sentence who will participate in special programming, such one where they prepare shelter dogs for adoption. Inmates will enroll in courses according to their interest. Options include culinary arts, computer programming and electrical lineman training, and each offer certifications that will help inmates land jobs. Theyll also receive interview preparation, resume reviews and financial literacy training with the hope that theyll secure a job before they leave prison. A yard at the Bartlett Unit. Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune Bartlett was previously a privately operated mens prison, but it shuttered in 2017 due to declining inmate populations. Since the COVID-19 pandemic ended, Texas inmate population has steadily increased, and it is slated to continue rising over the next decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bartletts reopening also comes as the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission is reviewing the operations of the states criminal justice system. In a September report, the Sunset Commission, which routinely reviews the performance of state agencies and identifies problems within them, found the prison system has a dangerous staffing crisis, outdated record-keeping practices and a lack of oversight on rehabilitation programs as key issues affecting the agency. Department leaders have presented the 2030 plan as one way to address some of those shortcomings. We recognize that we need a culture shift, said agency spokesperson Amanda Hernandez. We are here to do that and make it happen. [Inside the only college class in Texas to help prepare inmates for life after prison] Renewed focus on rehabilitation For decades, the Texas prison systems guiding philosophy has shifted back and forth between punishment and rehabilitation depending on the political climate and how high crime rates are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the tough-on-crime era of the 1980s, Texas built more prisons and took a punitive approach to crime. But a class-action lawsuit resulted in a judge finding that the conditions of confinement violated the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The ruling required the state to reduce overcrowding and improve prisoner rehabilitation and recreational programs. In 1989, the Legislature passed a comprehensive criminal justice bill that expanded the state agencys responsibility to include administering rehabilitation programs and reintegrating former felons back into society. The 1989 legislation created the modern-day Texas Department of Criminal Justice by merging the Department of Corrections, the Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Texas Adult Probation Commission. Inmates wait in a line at the Bartlett Unit. Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune The cafeteria at the Bartlett Innovation Unit. Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune An inmate paints murals inside the cafeteria at the Bartlett Innovation Unit. Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 2006 sunset commissions review of TDCJ, the agency found that TDCJ needed more significant investment from the state to improve recidivism rates and effectively rehabilitate former felons. The following year, the state invested $241 million on rehabilitation and diversion programs instead of spending money on additional prison beds. As a result, recidivism rates fell by more than 6%. You go through different cycles, said Marc Levin, chief policy counsel on the Council on Criminal Justice. [Gov.] Ann Richards put in all these substance abuse facilities because drug treatment was a big priority. Then there was a change in attitudes and in 2003 there was a recession, so money was cut for treatment. Levin said that in recent years, there has been bipartisan support for rehabilitation. And the nationwide labor shortage following the COVID-19 pandemic makes former inmates an attractive talent pool as well. At Bartlett, employers will come in for job fairs, and inmates will also participate in job interviews through Zoom. The state partners with about 1,110 employers who are open to hiring former felons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea is to pilot these programs, see what is working, how do we fix it and expand it to other units, Hernandez said. Preparing for reentry On the day of their release from Bartlett, inmates will don a new suit to mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Theyll ring a liberty bell in front of their fellow inmates before they step out of the prison. To make the transition easier, inmates will serve as peer educators, offer additional support, helping their fellow inmates learn communication skills that they will need in any workplace. Field ministers will offer emotional and spiritual support to inmates and help them reconnect with their values. The liberty bell, rung by inmates upon their release, at the Bartlett Unit. Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune One of the greatest things I heard when I got here was hope, said Michael Thorne, an inmate who also serves as a field minister. The church here is named Chapel of Hope to help others prepare for their exit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michele Deitch, a senior lecturer at University of Texas at Austins School of Law and LBJ School, said that creating more comfortable living conditions has been found to decrease violence and improve employee retention. I really hope the change in mindset will reverberate throughout the agency, Deitch said. Its something that will achieve better public safety outcomes and personal outcomes for people who are incarcerated. TDCJ officials said they will also look to hire former inmates to work for the agency. Several inmates in Bartlett said they would like to return upon their release. Ayala said he hopes to return to prison as a case manager. Ive been in here almost half my life, Ayala said. I know the potential thats behind these walls. A lot of people dont know how to reach that potential. Disclosure: University of Texas at Austin has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. Originally appeared on E! Online The search for Hannah Kobayashi continues. Three weeks after the Hawaii native didn't make it onto her flight from Los Angeles to New York City, authorities said she had missed her connection on purpose. However, her family isn't sure. "Hannah Kobayashi missed her connecting flight from LAX to New York, which the investigation determined was intentional," Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said during a Nov. 26 police commission meeting. "Detectives have been diligently reviewing video surveillance and employing various investigative techniques to locate Hannah while her family has continued their personal search efforts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He shared more insight into the timeline of events, noting that after missing her flight Nov. 8, she "maintained contact with her family and was active on Instagram." "However, the family last heard from Hannah on Nov. 11," he explained. "After receiving concerning text messages and losing further contact, her family traveled to L.A. on Nov. 13 and filed a missing person report. On Nov. 15, our missing persons unit assumed investigative responsibility. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police chief also reaffirmed their dedication to the case, concluding, "We remain fully committed to locating Hannah and supporting the family as they navigate their way through this tragedy." Following the conference, Hannah's family shared that the update surprised them. Her sister Sydni Kobayashi told Hawaii News Now Nov. 30, "The way that it kind of seems to state it is she went out and about to do her own thing." Sydni also noted that authorities said Hannahwho was en route to New York for a concert and a photography jobwas 23 years old in the update despite her actually being 30. Hannah Kobayashi/Instagram "To hear that and not to have it run by our family first, but to get her age wrong after that, it's very discouraging," she explained. "I don't want to bash the LAPD. I don't want to discredit them if they are doing what they are doing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added, "At this time, it makes us very confused as to where they are at." E! News has reached out to the LAPD and Hannah's family for comment and has not yet heard back. The latest updates come days after Hannah and Sydni's father Ryan Kobayashi died by suicide, according to authorities. And Sydni further expressed that she believes her sister is in danger because she said Hannah would've reached out after their dad's death. "With my father's passing," she added to Hawaii News Now, "with it being everywhere, in her right state of mind, she would have never thought to not reach out to anybody." Hannah Kobayashi/Instagram Hannah's family is still struggling to put the pieces together. This includes text messages to loved ones her family said she sent before they stopped hearing from her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her aunt Larie Pidgeon told KITV News Nov. 14 that she received a text that read, "I just finished a very intense spiritual awakening." She also said that Hannah apologized for the "craziness" and that she was "definitely intercepted." Larie also emphasized that this situation is unusual for her niece. "This is so unlike Hannah," she said. "She's very responsible. She was looking forward to the event so much. She had a hotel room booked that was a couple thousand dollars, the tickets for the event was a couple of hundred dollars." For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Hannah Kobayashis missed flight was intentional: LAPD chief (NewsNation) Missing Maui woman Hannah Kobayashi purposefully skipped her connecting flight at Los Angeles International Airport on Nov. 8, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Kobayashi disappeared and stopped contacting her family just days after missing a connecting flight from Maui to New York at LAX, which the investigation determined was intentional, McDonnell said at a Nov. 26 Board of Police Commissioners meeting. Loved ones flew to California to form a search party following cryptic texts and radio silence from Kobayashi, with volunteers joining the mission as the case grows nationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannah Kobayashi: Timeline of Hawaiian womans disappearance Searching for Hannah Kobayashi During the search, her father, Ryan Kobayashi, was found dead in a parking lot near LAX on Nov. 24. In a statement posted on Facebook by the RAD Movement, a nonprofit organization that works to find people, the organization said the 58-year-old tragically took his own life. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiners Office and LAPD confirmed his identity. Volunteers put up flyers of missing Maui woman Hannah Kobayashi outside Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 21, 2024. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) McDonnell addressed the tragedy, saying: Our hearts go out to the Kobayashi family during this unimaginable time of grief. We remain fully committed to locating Hannah and supporting the family as they navigate their way through this tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannah Kobayashi surveillance video alarmed family, aunt says Hannah Kobayashis sister, Sydni, joined NewsNations CUOMO on Wednesday to call for compassion and continued support, describing her familys anguish as they search for Hannah while mourning the suicide of their father. Sydni told NewsNation that her sister is an amazing and beautiful person who would never intentionally cause her family distress. According to the Los Angeles Police Departments Missing Persons Unit, 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or someone you know needs help, resources or someone to talk to, you can find it at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website or by calling 800-273-8255. People are available to talk 24/7. NewsNations Nancy Loo and Damita Menezes 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 Queen City News. WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday nominated Massad Boulos, his daughter's father-in-law, as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. "I am proud to announce that Massad Boulos will serve as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs," Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social, adding another family relative to the foreign policy team of his incoming administration. Father-in-law of Trump's youngest daughter, Tiffany Trump, Boulos was described by the president-elect as "an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world," "an asset" to his 2024 presidential campaign, and "instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American Community." Born in Lebanon into a family closely tied to Lebanese politics, Boulos moved to Texas as a teenager, where he attended the University of Houston and obtained a law degree. After completing his education, Boulos returned to his family's business and took over as CEO of SCOA Nigeria, a billion-dollar conglomerate specializing in the distribution of motor vehicles and equipment across West Africa. Boulos is the second Trump family relative to be offered a key role in the second Trump administration, following the nomination of Charles Kushner, father of Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as the next U.S. ambassador to France on Saturday. Hannah Kobayashi, the Hawaii woman whose reported disappearance last month garnered national news attention, said in a statement on Monday that she "was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away." Kobayashi's family announced last week that she had been safely located in Mexico. The 30-year-old aspiring photographer reportedly returned to the U.S. on Dec. 15 after being declared missing by the Los Angeles Police Department exactly a month earlier, according to her attorney. In a letter shared by her aunt Larie Pidgeon with NBC News, Kobayashi said, now that she's returned to the U.S., her "focus now is on my healing, my peace and my creativity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am deeply grateful to my family and everyone who has shown me kindness and compassion during this time," Kobayashi said in the letter. As you can imagine, we are all extremely relieved and glad that my sister is alive and seemingly okay, but we also have mixed and overwhelming feelings of exhaustion, devastation, and betrayal, Sydni Kobayashi wrote on Facebook on Dec. 12. We are kindly asking the public to respect our privacy and offer us grace for a moment as we are still grieving. There is still so much unknown, and so much that still needs to be navigated. We are happy to learn that Hannah has been found safe," the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement. "Now that we have this new information, this has become a private matter and we will wrap up our investigation. On Dec. 12, Sydni Kobayashi posted on the family's GoFundMe page that they would no longer accept donations to help find Kobayashi or fund her father Ryan's funeral, who died by suicide on Nov. 24. The GoFundMe was initially created on Nov. 15 to help cover the expenses the family claimed were growing with "the scope and intensity of the search." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe. This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us during this difficult time," Sydni wrote. "We are turning donations off, and any donor who would like a refund can submit a claim by December 18th, and it will be honored." How we got here In early November, Kobayashi was traveling from her home on Maui to New York to visit an aunt and pursue a photography opportunity, according to various media interviews with her family. She allegedly missed two connecting flights out of Los Angeles on Nov. 8 and Nov. 11. At a news conference on Dec. 2, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reviewed video surveillance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which clearly shows Kobayashi crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico. She was alone with her luggage and appeared unharmed. The LAPD also said Kobayashi walked alone to Mexico through the tunnel at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, according to the reviewed footage. McDonnell added that Kobayashis missing-persons case would remain active until her safety is confirmed, but the LAPD would not be investigating in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Dec. 3, Hannah Kobayashi's sister Sydni Kobayashi gave an interview to NBC News in which she said the family was "shocked" and "frustrated" by the LAPD's conclusion that Hannah had voluntarily traveled to Mexico by herself. Shes gone to different places, but shes always checked in, Sydni Kobayashi said. She always lets us know whats going on. Ryan Kobayashi, center, holds a picture of his missing daughter, Hannah Kobayashi, in Los Angeles on Nov. 21. (Damian Dovarganes/AP) The next day, the family's attorney, Sara Azari, shared a statement on X, saying, "The search is far from over" and "learning just two days ago that Hannah may be in Mexico has only heightened our fears." "It has been 22 agonizing days since we last heard from her, and not knowing where she is or if shes okay is heartbreaking," the statement continued. "Like everyone else, we are learning updates through the media, as LAPD has not been fully forthcoming in sharing critical developments directly with us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Los Angeles magazine article published on Dec. 4, citing sources, reported that Hannah Kobayashi's mother may have discovered evidence that Kobayashi may have been involved in a green card marriage for money and the "secret new husband" may have also been on the flight to Los Angeles. Azari shared another statement on X from the family in response to the article, saying, "We want to stress that the family has not publicly announced any information regarding an alleged marriage because we did not have the facts or the necessary documents to verify the legitimacy of this information." McDonnell said at a police commission meeting on Nov. 26 that Kobayashi missed her connecting flight from LAX to New York, which the investigation determined was intentional. The LAPD did not immediately respond to Yahoo News request for comment. Hannahs sister Sydni Kobayashi denied the theory that Hannah intentionally missed her flight. Why did Hannah Kobayashi's family report her as missing? It is not clear why Kobayashi first missed her connecting flight from Maui to New York City at LAX on Nov. 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family said they had seen security footage of Kobayashi leaving the airport on Nov. 8 and then again at the Grove shopping center on Nov. 9 and Nov. 10, which is about 12 miles north of the airport. On Nov. 11, Kobayashi posted on her public Instagram account about attending a Nike event at the Grove and was even spotted on a strangers YouTube video about the event that was filmed on Nov. 10. Kobayashi then returned to LAX on Nov. 11 but did not board a flight. That was the last time anyone received messages from Kobayashis cellphone number. On Nov. 15, the LAPD missing-persons unit made a poster describing Kobayashi and stating that she was last seen at LAX on Nov. 11. The family also filed a report with the FBI. Read more from Yahoo News: Hannah Kobayashi's family says she has been found. Here's a timeline of everything that's happened since she was reported missing last month. Why was Kobayashi going to New York? In an interview with NewsNation on Nov. 23, Kobayashi's aunt Larie Pidgeon said that her niece had sent her mom a detailed itinerary for her stay in New York, including places where she wanted to eat, museums she wanted to visit and a photography assignment that had been on her bucket list forever as a career opportunity. Pidgeon added that Kobayashi allegedly paid a couple thousand dollars for a hotel reservation in New York as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannahs sister Sydni told CNN that Kobayashi and her then boyfriend had booked the flights to New York together and also made plans to visit an aunt in upstate New York. They broke up after booking the flights and agreed to go ahead with the trip separately. The ex-boyfriend, who has not been publicly named, successfully boarded the Nov. 8 connecting flight to New York and has been extremely responsive and cooperative with the investigation, according to the Kobayashi family. Kobayashi's family tried to piece together what happened in L.A. Pidgeon told USA Today that on Nov. 11, the family started getting texts from Kobayashis number that said she didnt feel safe, that someone was trying to steal her funds, that someone was trying to take her identity. Pidgeon added that the messages sent to family and friends included weird things, calling us babe, things that werent quite the normal way that she speaks. "She texted [a friend] that she was scared and that she couldnt come back home or something," Sydni Kobayashi told HawaiiNewsNow. "It was just really weird texts. It doesnt sound like her like theres just something off about it. So I wasnt too sure. I dont know if its her or if someone else was texting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of her last texts allegedly said, I just finished a very intense spiritual awakening. I'm heading back to the airport to get to NYC. I might need some help getting there." In addition to texts, the family also didnt recognize the names of two people Kobayashi sent money to over Venmo on Nov. 10 transactions that Yahoo News was able to verify since Kobayashis Venmo account is public. The family also said there was security camera footage showing Kobayashi and an unknown person at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, allegedly on Nov. 11. "It has been confirmed that she did leave the airport on 11/11 in the evening and that she boarded the Metro," Pidgeon told CBS News. "She was not alone. She was with an unidentified person. That causes us extreme alarm because that correlates with the timeline of her going missing. So, our focus now is on the Pico Metro station." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yahoo News had reached out to several of the family members. If you see Hannah, please call 911 immediately, read a statement from the family shared on Facebook. Please obtain a photograph if possible. Your prompt action is crucial. If youre able to safely keep eyes on her until law enforcement arrives, please do so. What happened to her dad, Ryan? After spending two weeks helping search for his daughter, Ryan Kobayashi was found dead on Nov. 24, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The county coroner's office confirmed on Nov. 25 that he died by suicide. The Kobayashi family said in a statement that Ryan Kobayashi tragically took his own life after tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days. "He just died of a broken heart," Pidgeon told USA Today on Nov. 26. "Being on the streets and seeing what the possibilities of where his daughter could be. No sleep. The speculating rumors that are going around. It just took a toll on him." The countdown to Hanukkah has begun, and this year the annual Jewish celebration coincides with Christmas, a popular Christian holiday. Hanukkah, also known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, occurs annually during November and December, but exact dates vary from year to year. This year, the eight-day celebration, commemorated by the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts will begin on Wednesday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. But how long does Hanukkah last? How often does it overlap with Christmas? Here's everything to know about Hanukkah 2024. Hanukkah, an eight-day Jewish celebration commemorated by the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts, will begin on Wednesday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. When is Hanukkah 2024? Hanukkah begins after sundown on Wednesday, Dec. 25 this year. The holiday begins on the 25th day of Kislev each year, the ninth month of the Jewish calendar. When does Hanukkah end? Hanukkah ends after sundown on Thursday, Jan 2. How many days is Hanukkah? Hanukkah lasts for eight days. Why does Hanukkah change every year? The Hebrew calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the Old Farmer's Almanac reports, so Jewish holidays are celebrated on different dates yearly. The start of Hanukkah typically ranges from the end of November to the end of December. When was the last time Hanukkah was on Christmas? According to the Bergen Record, the first night of Hanukkah last fell on Christmas Day in 2005. Before that, the overlap occurred in 1959 and 1921. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first night of Hannukah will not land on Christmas Day again until 2035 and then again in 2054. In 2016 and 1978, the first night of Hanukkah fell on Christmas Eve. That will happen again in 2027. What is Hanukkah? Why is it celebrated? Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is meant to signify a miracle in the Jewish faith. Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of one day's worth of oil lasting for eight days after Syrian Greeks defiled the Jerusalem Temple before the Maccabees, a group of Jewish soldiers, defeated them. What are Hanukkah traditions? Hanukkah is celebrated for eight consecutive nights and features the lighting of a nine-stemmed candelabra called the menorah. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight consecutive nights and features the lighting of a nine-stemmed candelabra called the menorah. The menorah differs from other candelabras because it includes an extra candle, called the shammes or shammash, used to light the other eight candles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Chabad, a Jewish organization, the menorah lighting "usually occurs at home, in a doorway or near a window." However, communal menorah lightings also occur during the eight-day celebration. Other Hanukkah customs include playing with dreidels and eating festive foods, such as latkes, potato pancakes and "sufganiyots," or doughnuts. Dreidel is played on Hanukkah. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When is Hanukkah 2024? Jewish holiday overlaps with Christmas In the messy patchwork of conflicts raging across the Middle East, one country has been absent from the spotlight: Syria. A civil war that dominated international headlines for more than a decade has now been reignited after a coalition of Syrian rebels launched a lightning offensive last week, seizing Aleppo, the countrys second-largest city, from President Bashar al-Assads regime. The rebels took only hours to recapture territory that Assads forces had spent years reclaiming. Fighter jets from Syria and its ally Russia soon began bombing the area killing hundreds of the rebels but civilians, too, according to a leading monitoring group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a very unstable situation with a huge amount of flux, said H.A. Hellyer, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank. Anti-government fighters in Aleppo on Saturday. Some anti-Assad activists hope it could herald the crumbling of a depleted regime; others fear the brutality of the Russia-Syrian response as well as the hard-line ideology of the Islamist rebels themselves. Its also unclear how this may affect the 900 or so American troops still in the region, or the remnants of the Islamic State terror group that they are there to fight and that the Pentagon has warned may be regrouping. Heres what we do know: What happened? With little warning last Wednesday, a coalition of Syrian rebels launched a rapid assault that soon seized Aleppo as well as towns in the nearby Idlib and Hama provinces, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based monitoring group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rebels are being led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, which grew out of a former al Qaeda affiliate called Jabhat al-Nusra and is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., the United Nations and others. The State Department has a $10 million bounty for information about its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani. However, some analysts say the group has greatly moderated its positions, as Robin Yassin-Kassab, author of Burning Country: Syrians in Revolution and War, wrote this week. Its still an authoritarian Islamist militia but has a much more positive policy towards sectarian and ethnic minorities than ISIS, he said. For these anti-Assad observers, the group presents an opportunity to topple the brutality of his regime and its Russian and Iranian benefactors. But after the rebels offensive, Syrian and Russian fighter jets responded by launching airstrikes on the rebel-held areas, with Assads government claiming to have killed more than 400 of the terrorists. Damaged cars at the site of airstrikes targeting anti-regime fighters in Aleppo. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights puts the number of rebels killed in five days of fighting at 244, with 61 civilians killed alongside 141 government troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered his full support to Assad and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia would do likewise. And on Monday, Iran-backed militias based in Iraq crossed the border into Syria to support the government there, according to the Observatory. Why is this happening now? Syrias time on the back burner of international attention is also one reason it has roared back into prominence, some experts say. Assad once looked like he might be toppled by the diverse group of rebels that rose up against him after the Arab Spring of 2011. That he has survived was largely because of the intervention of Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, Irans Lebanon-based proxy. Cars set on fire during battles between rebels and government forces in central Aleppo. Russias indiscriminate bombing, in particular, turned the tide against the rebels. It also transformed then rebel-held cities such as Aleppo and Homs into moonscapes of rubble and rebar. In all, the U.N. has documented more than 350,000 deaths but says this is certainly an undercount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, however, Russia, Iran and Lebanon are distracted and depleted. Russias primary focus is on the war in Ukraine, where it is locked in an attritional battle of trenches, tanks and mud with President Volodymyr Zelenskyys Washington-backed government in Kyiv. In recent years Moscow has withdrawn assets from Syria, potentially weakening Assads grip on power, experts say. A torn picture of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, Iran has taken a hit at the hands of Israel, which has gutted Hezbollahs leadership and targeted its missile arsenal, while also fighting Hamas in Gaza. Iranians have also shown that their forces are stretched and perhaps not as powerful as people get them credit for, said Hellyer, the Russia analyst who was speaking from Cairo. All of this puts Assad in a much weaker position. But the Syrian regime, in coordination with the Russians and less so the Iranians, will hit them with everything theyve got, he added. Washington and ISIS Less clear is what role, if any, the U.S. may play. As well as the American troops based in Syria, there are another 2,500 in neighboring Iraq that are part of a residual 80-country coalition to prevent ISIS from regrouping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, its far from certain these forces will remain there after President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. He twice threatened to withdraw these troops during his first term. But the ISIS threat has not gone away, despite the group being purged in 2017 from the vast swaths of Syria and Iraq over which it had governed. In July, the Pentagon warned ISIS attacks were on track to double year-on-year. If HTS were to seize the city of Deir el-Zour a former ISIS stronghold then ISIS could be freer to expand its influence across the east of the country, some analysts believe. Civil defense workers from Syria's White Helmets carry a victim in Idlib on Monday. As Assads regime moves resources to the northwest to try to fight off the rebels, ISIS will reap the rewards, filling vacuums elsewhere, Charles Lister, director of the Syria program at the Middle East Institute, a Washington-based think tank, said in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Assad were to fall altogether, Iran may no longer be able to use Syria as a pipeline of weapons and other supplies to Hezbollah, the Council on Foreign Relations, a Washington-based think tank, said in a briefing. However, any hopes for Assad's ouster should be tempered by who or what might replace him. Much as I oppose the Assad regime, its atrocities and abuses, what is happening in Aleppo right now is terrifying. Many will die, Chris Doyle, director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding, posted on X. If there was a chance of a lovely peaceful outcome to the benefit of Syrians, I will be thrilled. This is unlikely. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The French government is on the verge of collapsing after both Right-wing and Left-wing alliances combined to file a vote of no confidence against the prime minister, Michel Barnier. That means the government could fall on Wednesday, bringing down Mr Barnier and creating fresh political turmoil for Emmanuel Macron, Frances embattled president. What happened? Who opposed Mr Barniers budget? And why? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happens if the vote succeeds? What does it mean for Emmanuel Macron? What does the vote mean for Europe? How does the French government work? What happened? The prime minister invoked a rare constitutional power to push through his budget without parliaments approval. Mr Barnier, who was brought out of retirement by Mr Macron to stabilise the government in September, triggered Article 49.3 to force through a contentious new social security budget. The budget is controversial among both the Left and Right-wing parties in France, who accused Mr Barniers government of adopting austerity. Mr Barniers budget aimed to tackle Frances spiralling deficit by bringing in 60bn (49bn) in tax rises and spending cuts. Marine Le Pens National Rally party decided against propping up Emmanuel Macrons latest prime minister - STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images Who opposed Mr Barniers budget? And why? Mr Barnier had hoped to force his budget through parliament after making concessions to parties on both the Left and the Right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, he scrapped plans for a rise in electricity tax, as well as plans for cuts to the countrys prescription drug reimbursement policy. But the concessions were not enough for either the New Popular Front, an alliance of several Left-wing parties, or Marine LePens Right-wing National Rally (RN) party. The NPF was left already angered by Mr Macrons decision to appoint Mr Barnier as prime minister in September after it secured the most votes in Julys snap elections. The alliance had vowed to vote against the government, meaning Mr Barnier has had to rely on the RN to prop up his government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan Bardella, the leader of the hard-Right RN the biggest party in the Assembly said that Mr Barniers budget would cause suffering across the country. The budget presented by the government is a budget of punishment that will weaken the purchasing power of our compatriots, he told RTL radio. Ms Le Pen later said the RN would file a motion of censure a vote of no confidence initiated in the National Assembly, Frances parliament. What happens if the vote succeeds? If Mr Barnier doesnt survive the vote, he will likely remain in place as caretaker prime minister until Mr Macron announces a new government. This is unlikely to be a new majority government given the current make up of the French parliament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No party is near the 289 threshold to form a major government, with the NPF alliance on 182 seats, RN and allies on 143, and Mr Macrons Together coalition on 168. That means a technocratic government would likely form, with the new prime minister holding little real power until new elections can be held in the summer of 2025. What does it mean for Emmanuel Macron? Mr Macrons position was already weakened by the results of the summer elections, which forced him into entering a partnership with those on the right. His last prime minister, Gabriel Attal, had also been presiding over a minority government, and regularly used article 49.3 to ram laws through the deadlock, making Mr Macron increasingly unpopular. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the vote passes, Mr Macron would effectively be forced into appointing yet another caretaker prime minister, making him an even less effective president, with less influence over domestic policies. The splintered makeup of the French parliament has forced Mr Macron into making more compromises with those on both the Left and the Right, though he will retain wide sway over the countrys foreign policy as president. He is expected to remain in post until presidential elections in 2027, which are voted on separately from parliamentary votes, though some parties including the RN are clamouring for an early vote. What does the vote mean for Europe? Mr Macron may retain power over Frances foreign policy but his position within the EU is also likely to face further strain. He is also not alone in experiencing serious domestic turmoil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, is also preparing to take his country into snap elections early next year. That means the leaders of Germany and France, the EUs two most powerful and influential nations, are distracted with their own political futures at a time when the bloc faces two potentially existential crises: the war in Ukraine and a second Donald Trump presidency. That Mr Scholz and Mr Macron are distracted with domestic matters as Mr Trump potentially considers pulling the US out of Nato and withdrawing support for Ukraine is a major concern for Europe. Their domestic weakness also weakens their power within the EU, with other member nations likely to take advantage of the fact they may not have much time left in power. How does the French government work? France has a semi-presidential system, meaning it has both a president and a prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has an executive, legislative and judicial branch, like the United States, but in France the prime minister is appointed by the president, rather than the public. The French prime minister is then answerable to parliament, who can oust him or her through a vote of no-confidence. The system means the prime minister must work with both the president and MPs to implement domestic legislation. However, the president retains all control over foreign policy. 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. Dec. 2On the University of Southern Maine campus in Portland, just off the central roundabout, a brutalist coliseum once described as one of the ugliest academic buildings in America sits empty. The former home of the University of Maine School of Law, the structure has been vacant for almost two years since the law school moved to Portland's Old Port in 2023. But the University of Maine System just doesn't have the budget to demolish the building at this point. "There's no ribbon-cutting for a building being torn down, there's no naming opportunity," said system Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Ryan Low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the university is in preliminary discussions about replacing the local landmark with staff and faculty housing. The eight-story building cost $2.7 million to construct and opened in 1972. At the time, exposed concrete styles were popular, especially on university campuses. The building captured attention in 2017 when the popular magazine Architectural Digest named it one of America's seven ugliest academic buildings. DEMOLITION DISINTEREST Low said a period of declining student enrollment prompted the state's public universities to reassess campus infrastructure needs. "We have buildings in place for a system of 30,000 students, and we have considerably less than that," Low said. The system enrolled about 25,000 students this fall, the first year-over-year increase of undergraduate students in more than 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2011, the system has eliminated 400,000 square feet of space from its campuses, he said. "But, we've got a list of an additional 500,000 square feet including the law school, including Dickey-Wood on the Gorham campus, including facilities all across the system that we could take down as soon as tomorrow if we had the resources if we had someone to actually do the work," he said. "At the end of the day, it's really a resource issue." In January 2023, the law school officially moved from its Oakdale building to a rented modern glass and metal building at 300 Fore St. in the Old Port. Portland's Planning Board approved the move back in August 2021. The new 64,000-square-foot school has nine high-tech learning spaces, two classrooms with a 100-seat capacity, a law library and legal aid clinics. The move prompted conversations about the fate of the old law school building. At the time, then-University of Maine System spokesperson Margaret Nagle said the building would eventually be demolished, although no plans had been finalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Low said the law school building is in "significant disrepair" which includes leaks and regular flooding and the cost of fixing it would be far greater than its value. He said the system allots $1 million a year for demolitions, but that's just a fraction of what it would take to demolish the law school, which he estimated carries a price tag of more than $5 million. In the meantime, USM is spending about $210,000 annually to maintain the building, which includes winterization costs, a fire suppression system and other utilities. Low said it's difficult to get donors, or legislators, excited about funding demolitions. But across university system buildings, the cost to tear down a structure is often looped into the budget for the new project that will take its place. USM hasn't formally come to the board of trustees with plans for a new project. But administrators say they're in early talks about using the land for housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HOUSING HOPES University of Southern Maine President Jacqueline Edmondson said the university is exploring a public-private partnership to build housing in place of the law school building. "The idea is that we would build housing that would be affordable for faculty and staff," Edmonson said. "Sometimes we have challenges hiring faculty and staff because of the housing shortages in our area, and also because of cost of housing." The city of Portland reached out to USM in February of 2023 when it was looking for more space to expand its emergency shelter capacity. But USM Chief Business Officer Justin Swift said the building didn't have the necessary elements to serve even as a temporary shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The building is not set up for residential, even just for sanitary health purposes. There aren't usable showers, bathtubs or anything in that building," Swift said. "It was set up to be office space and classroom space for a law school. So it's not set up currently to even serve a residential purpose without major investment." The lot that the law school sits on is just over one acre, and Swift said it could be home to around 75 units depending on the type of housing the university settles on. The university hasn't decided on a model for the management of the housing, and Swift said it's too early to offer any sort of timeline. He said at this point, demolition is the only path forward that makes financial sense. "The law building was built in 1972, and construction standards were different from what people expect today. Right now that building has about $22.9 million in deferred maintenance, and so that's a challenge too," Swift said. "Even if we put that type of investment into it, would it meet today's standards and expectations?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'ONE PERSON'S EYESORE IS ANOTHER'S GEM' When Architectural Digest dubbed the building one of the nation's worst, law school staff who worked there at the time didn't mince words. Nicole Vinal, then-assistant dean for finance and administration, described the building as "rather unfortunate" and the work space as impractical. "Everyone's office is shaped like a slice of pie," she said. "You can't find furniture that fits appropriately." But she said the architect was apparently fond of his work, so much so that he would sit outside in a lawn chair just to admire it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the system announced plans for demolition in 2023, the organization Greater Portland Landmarks published a tribute to the center. "In a city whose historic character is well reflected in the restrained traditionalism of most of its architecture, the Law Building is audaciously modern and unapologetically controversial," Archer Thomas wrote in the piece. "Admittedly, the structure is hard to love. For one, the Law Building sticks out like a sore thumb, an eight-story behemoth in the last state where the tallest building is a church." Thomas said the degradation of many mid-century modern buildings made of concrete, like the law school, is happening across the country, and made a plea for appreciation of Maine's foremost brutalist structure while it's still here. "One person's eyesore is another's gem," Thomas wrote. "If the Law Building is truly beyond saving, as it might well be, it is imperative that we as a public at least pay it the homage it deserves." Copy the Story Link LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Harry Reid International Airport was busy Sunday as holiday travelers flew in and out of Las Vegas. This is the busiest Ive seen the airport in a long while, Keith Brill shared with 8 News Now. For some, arriving back home to Las Vegas was a lot less chaotic than expected. It seems calm compared to when I flew out a couple days ago. There was no parking, Holiday traveler Pat Meints explained Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For others like Katie Wisniewski, shes noticed a lot of people out and about during the holiday weekend. I think theres an influx of people traveling this year compared to last. Ive also been traveling more myself, she added. Local, Tobey Brill said Las Vegas seems like a hotspot destination for those celebrating with so much activity taking place here in the last month. People are flooding Vegas especially with F1 recently. People are staying through Thanksgiving weekend, Brill shared. According to AAA, 5.8 million people were expected to fly domestically this Thanksgiving which is an increase of about 2% from last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Harry Reid International saw nearly 200 delayed flights with very few cancellations. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Hartford police have issued a traffic advisory for the Asylum Hill area during Tuesdays services for former Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell. The states second female governor died on Nov. 20 after a brief illness. She was 78. Rell will lie in state at the state capitol between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday. The public is invited to pay tribute at this time. A mass of Christian burial is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 140 Farmington Ave., Hartford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell dies at 78 Police said traffic in the eastern portion of Farmington Avenue and Asylum Avenue surrounding the cathedral will be impacted between approximately 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Farmington Avenue will be closed between Broad Street and Sigourney Street during these hours. The Hartford Police Department encourages attendees to carpool and commute responsibly. A private internment ceremony will happen at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown on a date yet to be determined. Rell will be buried next to her husband, Lou Rell, a U.S. Navy veteran. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Film producer Harvey Weinstein was reportedly rushed to the emergency room at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan on Monday, in the wake of what's being referred to as an "alarming blood test result" that required immediate attention. Currently awaiting retrial on sex crimes charges, Weinstein's attorney, Imran Ansari, issued a statement on his client's worsening health, pointing at alleged inadequate care administered during his stint in the infirmary at Rikers Island jail complex following a leukemia diagnosis. Harvey Weinstein, who has been suffering from a lack of adequate medical care and enduring deplorable and inhumane conditions on Rikers Island, has been transported to Bellevue Hospital for emergent treatment due to an alarming blood test result that requires immediate medical attention," said Ansari in his statement "It is expected that he will remain there until his condition stabilizes. His deprivation of care is not only medical malpractice, but a violation of his constitutional rights Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an additional statement, Weinstein's spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, said Weinstein was facing "cruel and unusual punishment" on Rikers, New York's "troubled jail complex" which a judge recently ordered put under federal receivership due to woeful conditions, and which must be closed by 2027 under New York City law, according to People. Weinstein was convicted in 2020 of first-degree criminal sexual acts and third-degree rape, for which he was sentenced to 23 years in prison, prior to his conviction being overturned on appeal in April and then re-positioned the following month for a retrial. The disgraced film producer was diagnosed with leukemia in October David Dee Delgado-Pool/Getty Harvey Weinstein is back in the emergency room after an "alarming blood test result" required hospitalization, his legal team and spokesperson told PEOPLE on Monday in separate statements. The disgraced film producer was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan for "emergent treatment" and is expected to remain until his condition stabilizes, according to his attorney Imran H. Ansari of Aidala Bertuna & Kamins PC, who alleged medical mistreatment at the hands of New York City jail staff at Rikers Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvey Weinstein, who has been suffering from a lack of adequate medical care and enduring deplorable and inhumane conditions on Rikers Island, has been transported to Bellevue Hospital for emergent treatment due to an alarming blood test result that requires immediate medical attention," said Ansari. "It is expected that he will remain there until his condition stabilizes. His deprivation of care is not only medical malpractice, but a violation of his constitutional rights Related: Harvey Weinstein Diagnosed with Bone Marrow Cancer, Receiving Treatment Behind Bars: Reports Weinstein's spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, said in another statement that Weinstein was facing "cruel and unusual punishment" on Rikers. Mr. Weinstein, who is suffering from a number of illnesses, including leukemia, has been deprived the medical attention that someone in his medical state deserves, prisoner or not," said Engelmayer. "In many ways, this mistreatment constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. 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. Weinstein, who is awaiting retrial on sex crimes charges after his New York conviction was overturned, was diagnosed with leukemia in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Harvey Weinsteins 2020 Rape and Sexual Assault Convictions in New York Overturned Despite the overturned conviction, Weinstein is still behind bars after being convicted in a separate trial of one count each of forcible rape, forced oral copulation and sexual penetration by a foreign object in Los Angeles. A spokesperson for the New York City Department of Corrections did not immediately return a request for comment. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. Less than a week after suing the City of New York and others over deplorable conditions at Rikers Island jail, Harvey Weinstein is back in the hospital. Seemingly suffering from leukemia, the convicted rapist and ailing producer is now at Manhattans Bellevue, where he has had frequent stints since first convicted of sex crimes by a NYC jury in early 2020. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvey Weinstein, who has been suffering from a lack of adequate medical care and enduring deplorable and inhumane conditions on Rikers Island, has been transported to Bellevue Hospital for emergent treatment due to an alarming blood test result that requires immediate medical attention, said Weinstein attorney Imran H. Ansari. It is expected that he will remain there until his condition stabilizes. His deprivation of care is not only medical malpractice, but a violation of his constitutional rights. It should be noted that Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins partner is representing the 72-year-old Weinstein not just in his upcoming Empire State sex crimes retrial but also in his $5 million lawsuit over the state of the nearly 100-year-old sprawling and decrepit facility over in the Bronx that was filed late last week. Today, Juda Engelmayer, the much-accused Pulp Fiction producers longtime PR man, had some more info on what was going down with Weinstein and his health. Mr. Weinstein, who is suffering from a number of illnesses, including leukemia, has been deprived the medical attention that someone in his medical state deserves, prisoner or not, Engelmayer said Monday in a statement, harking back to the new suit against the City and other authorities. In many ways, this mistreatment constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the third time Weinstein has been at Bellevue, the oldest public hospital in the USA, in almost as many months. Back in July he was on the prison ward for Covid-19 and then pneumonia. In September, the producer, who was convicted on sex crimes in LA on 2022, almost died before receiving heart surgery at Bellevue. A month after pleading not guilty to a new sex crimes charge from the Grand Jury and the Manhattan District Attorney, Weinstein was diagnosed in late October with bone marrow cancer. Falling fast from his powerful perch after a late 2017 New York Times expose on the decades of abuse and rape he had inflicted upon young women in and out of Hollywood, Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison after a jury in Manhattan found the former studio chief guilty in 2020 of raping actress Jessica Mann and sexually assaulting production assistant Miriam Haley. A panel of New York appeals court judges threw out the conviction in April, ruling 4-3 that prosecutors had erred by allowing the testimony of other Weinstein accusers whose claims were not being tried. The once-feared mogul is expected to go on trial in New York sometime early next year, health and civil suit permitting. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Sam Hou Fai (C), the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), meets the press at the government headquarters together with the principal officials of the sixth-term government of the Macao SAR and the prosecutor general of the Public Prosecutions Office, in south China's Macao, Dec. 1, 2024. (Photo by Cheong Kam Ka/Xinhua) Harvey Weinstein has been taken back to New York City's Bellevue Hospital for "emergent treatment due to an alarming blood test result that requires immediate medical attention," his attorney, Imran Ansari, said in a statement. "It is expected that he will remain there until his condition stabilizes," Ansari said. PHOTO: Harvey Weinstein, center, appears in criminal court in New York, Sept. 18, 2024. (Seth Wenig/AP, FILE) MORE: Weinstein sues NYC Department of Corrections for 'medical negligence' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disgraced film producer is being held at Rikers Island while he awaits a new trial on sexual assault charges. Weinstein has been diagnosed with illnesses including leukemia, according to his associates. Weinstein is suing New York City and its Department of Correction, alleging negligence and failure to provide adequate care. MORE: Harvey Weinstein rushed to hospital for emergency heart surgery Ansari said Weinstein "has been suffering from a lack of adequate medical care and enduring deplorable and inhumane conditions on Rikers Island." Weinstein's spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, said the "mistreatment constitutes cruel and unusual punishment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weinstein underwent emergency heart surgery at Bellevue Hospital in September. In July, he was transferred to Bellevue after testing positive for COVID-19 and double pneumonia. Harvey Weinstein taken back to hospital in New York City, lawyer says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org. CHICAGO A 22-year-old man accused of shooting a Jewish man who was on his way to synagogue before exchanging gunfire with Chicago police officers and paramedics has died after he was found unresponsive in his jails medical facility. The Cook County Sheriffs Office said Sidi Mohammad Abdallahi was housed at Cermak Health Services, the medical facility in the Cook County Jail, and was found unresponsive at around 3:30 p.m. Saturday after an apparent suicide by hanging. Staff members immediately rendered aid before Chicago Fire Department personnel took him to Mt. Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said there is no evidence of foul play at this time and no prior indication of any suicide risk. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man charged in West Rogers Park shooting involving officers Abdallahi was being held on charges of attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm/peace officer/fireman, aggravated discharge of a firearm, terrorism and hate crime. At around 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 26, officers were sent to the 2600 block of West Farwell Avenue to investigate reports of a person shot. As officers arrived and began investigating, a suspect now identified as Abdallahi fired shots toward responding officers, hitting a Chicago Fire Department ambulance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abdallahi then shot at officers from multiple locations. Officers eventually encountered Abdallahi again in the 6800 block of North Washtenaw Avenue and exchanged gunfire, hitting him. He was then treated at the scene before being taken to an area hospital in critical condition, according to investigators. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Further investigation revealed Abdallahi shot a man in the 2600 block of West Farwell Avenue before encountering police officers. Authorities said the man was Jewish and was on his way to synagogue when he was shot. He survived the attack. No CFD members or officers were injured. A weapon was also recovered at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Ald. Debra Silverstein (50th Ward), issued the following statement after Abdallahis death: Dear Neighbor, The police have confirmed that Sidi Mohamed Abdallahithe man accused of shooting a local Jewish man in an antisemitic hate crimehas died in custody in an apparent suicide. Our neighborhood has been reeling since the shooting in October. Hopefully, these new developments will bring a small measure of closure. The suspect was facing hate crime and terrorism charges, as well as 14 felony counts of attempted murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm for firing on a local man and then on responding officers and paramedics. Details that emerged in court revealed that the suspect was specifically targeting the Jewish community. Thank you to the first responders who stopped the suspect and to all the local police officers who worked on this case. We are deeply grateful to law enforcement for their commitment to keeping our community safe. Ald. Debra L. Silverstein (50th Ward) Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. The archive video above aired in September. NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) Two New Haven police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Jebrell Conely are back on duty, according to the police chief on Monday. During a press conference, chief Karl Jacobson said New Haven Police Sgt. Francisco Sanchez and New Haven Police Officer Michael Valente are back on full duty. Activists gather at New Haven police building to protest Jebrell Conleys death Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacobson said the Office of the Inspector General preliminarily cleared the officers at the beginning of November, but the office is still working to release an official report on their investigation. When asked about the officers status, the Office of the Inspector General told News 8 it is a pending investigation. The community has struggled with Jebrells loss, our officers struggled with Mr. Conleys loss and were trying to move forward, Jacobson said. The officers are going out there and doing the same job and trying to continue to do the great work that theyre doing. Inspector General providing new details on incident that led to 3 officers shooting and killing a man in West Haven Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an initial Office of the Inspector General report in September, 36-year-old Jebrell Conley had an outstanding arrest warrant on robbery and firearm charges. On Sept. 19, the police department was told Conley was at the Splash Car Wash on Boston Post Road in West Haven. Once police arrived at the car wash, they allegedly tried to block Conleys Hyundai Tucson with their patrol vehicles. As officers moved in to arrest him, the report said Conley fired one round, which shattered the front driver side window of his car. Three officers shot at Conley then, according to the report. They were identified as Connecticut State Police Sgt. Colin Richter, Sanchez and Valente. The video above shows body-camera footage of the incident, as released by the New Haven Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conley was struck multiple times until he fell out of the car and onto the parking lot, according to the report. He was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Officers said they recovered a handgun with a high-capacity magazine from the Hyundai Tucson Conley was driving, which appeared to be jammed. Man shot by Hartford police The officers were on paid administrative leave following the incident. Since the incident, activists have gathered to protest and dispute the police departments claims that Conley fired at police. They believe police instigated a violent conflict with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protestors claim the edited body camera video released by police does not show Conley firing at police. Jacobson has said the video shows Conleys car window shatter when he did fire at police, which he said is what caused law enforcement to return fire. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Hunter Bidens pardon looks a lot like Richard Nixons. President Joe Bidens grant of clemency on Sunday night an extraordinary political act with extraordinary legal breadth insulates his son from ever facing federal charges over any crimes he possibly could have committed over the past decade. Experts on pardons said they could think of only one other person who has received a presidential pardon so sweeping in generations: Nixon, who was given a blanket pardon by Gerald Ford in 1974. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have never seen language like this in a pardon document that purports to pardon offenses that have not apparently even been charged, with the exception of the Nixon pardon, said Margaret Love, who served from 1990 to 1997 as the U.S. pardon attorney, a Justice Department position devoted to assisting the president on clemency issues. Even the broadest Trump pardons were specific as to what was being pardoned, Love added. Joe Bidens full and unconditional pardon of his son is deliberately vague. Donald Trump and his allies have long fixated on the presidents son, and Trump has repeatedly pledged to use his second term to investigate and prosecute members of the Biden family. Conservative commentators have engaged in parlor-game speculation that Hunter Biden could be charged with bribery, illegal lobbying or other crimes stemming from his foreign business activities and drug addiction. So rather than merely pardoning his son for the gun crimes for which he was convicted and the tax crimes for which he pleaded guilty, the presidents pardon covers all offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in from Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 1, 2024. That language mirrors the language in Fords pardon of Nixon, which did not merely cover the Watergate scandal but extended to all offenses against the United States that Nixon has committed or may have committed between Jan. 20, 1969, and Aug. 9, 1974 the exact span of Nixons presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The starting date of Jan. 1, 2014, in the Biden pardon was surely not chosen randomly: Hunter Biden joined the board of Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian gas company, in April 2014, while his father was vice president. Republicans have accused the younger Biden of illegally profiting off his position on that board. The pardon came the day after Trump announced he would nominate Kash Patel, a Trump loyalist, as FBI director. Last year, when it appeared that Hunter Biden was on the verge of a plea deal to resolve his legal troubles, Patel criticized the deal as unusually lenient. (The deal later collapsed.) As a former federal public defender and national security prosecutor, this case has singularly done more damage to the institution of justice than Ive ever seen in my life, Patel said at the time. Trump will not be able to undo the pardon when he takes office. And its sweeping nature means the Trump Justice Department will not be able to reopen the long-running criminal probe of the presidents son, according to Samuel Morison, a lawyer focused on clemency who spent 13 years in the Justice Departments Office of the Pardon Attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like Love, Morison said the only comparably broad pardon he could think of was the one that went to Nixon. It is an extraordinarily broad grant, he said. While the sweeping nature of the Hunter Biden pardon is almost without peer in modern American history, in another respect it does mimic a recent precedent started by Trump himself. In Trumps first term, he sometimes justified pardons of his political allies by saying they were the victims of unfair prosecution a posture that broke norms. Past presidents, Morison said, had not generally claimed that pardon recipients were victims of miscarriages of justice; instead, they tended to emphasize that pardon recipients had accepted responsibility for their actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is to maintain trust in the criminal justice system, Morison added. But Trump deviated from that norm and on Sunday, Joe Biden followed. He justified the pardon by saying his son had been unfairly singled out. I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice, the president said in a statement that accompanied the pardon. Trump, for his part, is expected to harness the pardon power aggressively when he returns to office. Most notably, he has promised to pardon many of the people convicted for their roles in the attack on the Capitol of Jan. 6, 2021. In criticizing the Hunter Biden pardon on Sunday night, Trump again invoked Jan. 6 defendants, calling them hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morison said Trump will likely cite the Hunter Biden pardon when defending his own pardoning decisions. It justifies what Trump wants to do, he said. Now, he was going to do it anyway. But it gives him some political cover. I think some January 6 pardons are probably coming at least some, maybe all. A major offensive has seen rebel groups in Syria retake the countrys second city, Aleppo and demonstrated the growing prominence of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the 13-year-long civil war. The surprise advance was led by members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, fighting alongside Turkish-backed groups opposing the rule of President Bashar al-Assad. While the offensive the most significant fighting in recent years may be the first time that many outside of Syria have heard of the Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has been growing in reputation and capabilities over a number of years. As an expert on the behavior of Islamist militant groups in the region, I have watched Hayat Tahrir al-Sham evolve from an offshoot of al-Qaida in Syria into a formidable player in the ongoing conflict. It followed a significant shift in the groups strategic operations that has seen it become less concerned with global jihad and more focused on attaining power in Syria. Origins and ideology Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has its roots in the early stages of the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 as a popular uprising against the autocratic government of Assad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group originated as an offshoot of the Nusra Front, the official al-Qaida affiliate in Syria. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham was initially recognized for its combat effectiveness and its commitment to global jihadist ideology, or the establishment of strict Islamic rule across the Muslim world. In a pivotal shift in 2016 under the leadership of Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, the Nusra Front publicly cut ties with al-Qaida and adopted the new name Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, which means Front for the Conquest of the Levant. The following year, it merged with several other factions in the Syrian war to become Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or the Organization for the Liberation of the Levant. This rebranding aimed to move away from al-Qaidas global jihadist agenda, which had limited the groups appeal within Syria. It allowed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to focus on issues specific to Syrians, such as local governance, economic issues and humanitarian aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite these changes, Hayat Tahrir al-Shams core ideology continues to be rooted in jihadism, with the primary objective of overthrowing the Assad government and establishing Islamic rule in Syria. This strategic shift was partly born of pragmatism. To keep power over the territories it controlled, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leaders concluded the group needed to minimize international opposition and effectively integrate into the broader Syrian revolutionary movement. In other words, it needed to balance its radical Islamist origins with the demands of local governance and political engagement. Strategic shifts and recent activities Since 2017, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has been the prevailing force in Idlib, the final significant rebel stronghold in Syria. Over the years, the group has solidified its control in the region by functioning as a quasi-governmental entity, providing civil services and overseeing local affairs, despite reports of human rights abuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, Hayat Tahrir al-Shams propaganda has emphasized protecting Syrian territory and its people from the Assad government. This has helped the group enhance its position among local communities and other rebel groups. In an effort to further burnish its image, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has ramped up its public relations efforts, both at home and abroad. For example, it has engaged with international media and humanitarian organizations to negotiate and film aid deliveries to the areas it governs. These initiatives showcase a commitment to civilian welfare and distance the group from the violence typically associated with jihadist movements. On the offensive again The recent military offensive, during which Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led rebels swiftly captured significant parts of Aleppo and pushed toward the city of Hama, marks another significant strategic pivot. It signals a revitalization of Hayat Tahrir al-Shams military objectives and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hayat Tahrir al-Shams thinking in launching an advance now has likely been influenced by a blend of regional and local dynamics. The Assad governments increasing vulnerability has become evident of late, marked by economic deterioration and corruption. Many areas in Syria remain only nominally under state control, and the central government is heavily reliant on support from allies such as Russia and Iran. These allies, however, have been preoccupied by their respective conflicts against Ukraine and Israel, potentially diluting their support for Syria. Compounding Assads weakness are the diminishing capacities of Hezbollah and Iranian forces. Both have been crucial in propping up Assad throughout the civil war. But Israeli strikes in Lebanon, Syria and Iran have potentially weakened Hezbollah and Irans ability to support Syria. And this reduction in support may have tipped the military balance in the civil war toward opposition groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other rebel groups are facing a Syrian military hit by low morale, high desertion rates and inadequate military equipment. Disarray among government forces has made it difficult for Assad to respond effectively to the renewed assault by opposition forces. In contrast, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has bolstered its military capabilities. Having survived various military campaigns, the group has consolidated power and professionalized its forces. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has established a military academy, reorganized its units into a more conventional military structure, and created specialized forces adept at executing coordinated and strategic attacks as evidenced by the recent advance in Aleppo. Moreover, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has managed to gain some local support by positioning itself as a defender of Sunni Muslim interests. The inability to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis has only fueled local resentment to the Assad government, creating a supportive base for any force that actively opposes the regime. With growing support on the ground, a more professional military and a political wing focused on governance, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has evolved from a jihadist offshoot into a major player in Syria a development that has huge implications for the internal dynamics of the war-torn country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: Sara Harmouch, American University Read more: Sara Harmouch 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. JAMESTOWN, N.C. (WGHP) Being recognized for hard work is always a good thing. For schools, it can prove to the outside world, that whats going on inside is exemplary. Find out Whats Right With Our Schools! One Triad school was named a 2024 State School of Character by Character.org and was the only school in the Tarheel State to earn that distinction. FOX8s Cindy Farmer went to the Haynes-Inman Education Center in Jamestown to see a great example of Whats Right With Our Schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. The head of the L.A. city agency overseeing animal shelters is stepping down, according to an city email sent Monday to shelter volunteers and animal advocates. Staycee Dains resigned effective November 30, assistant general manager Annette Ramirez wrote in the email, which was viewed by The Times. Ramirez wrote that she had been appointed interim general manager by Mayor Karen Bass. Dains, who earned about $272,730, did not immediately respond to an email and phone message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had been on paid leave since August. Officials had declined to explain why she took a leave, leading to uncertainty about the agency's leadership. Read more: Mayor Bass said she'd save L.A.'s shelter animals. More dogs and cats are dying Bass, when asked about Dains' future in October, declined to tell The Times whether she was looking for a new general manager. Bass added that Ramirez, who was tasked with leading the agency during Dain's absence, was "performing absolutely fine." Bass announced Dains' hiring in June 2023, touting her arrival as part of the mayor's effort to turn around Animal Services, which faces chronic problems including overcrowding and staff shortages. Agnes Sibal, a spokesperson for L.A. Animal Services, said earlier this year that the crowding had reached crisis levels with nowhere to house incoming dogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her tenure, Dains helped speed up the approval of new volunteers, who help care for the animals. At the same time, she faced criticism as more dogs and cats were put down by the city. From January to September, 1,224 dogs were euthanized at the citys six shelters a 72% increase compared with the same period a year ago, according to a Times analysis. About 1,517 cats were euthanized through September a 17% increase from a year ago. In overcrowded shelters, dogs can go weeks without a walk and may live in feces-covered kennels, and some animals start behaving poorly and suffer mental and emotional breakdown, according to a report by Best Friends Animal Society, a rescue group that has long worked with the city shelters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Animal welfare consultant Kristen Hassen, whose firm was recently hired to assess the shelters, has described the higher euthanasia rates among dogs as an over-correction by the department. Dains previously worked as director of Animal Care Services in Long Beach and as shelter operations manager at San Joses Animal Care and Services, according to her resume. 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. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is cautioning residents who are planning to visit area beaches to avoid swimming, surfing or playing in the ocean waters. The following beaches are affected by the Ocean Water Use Warning issued Dec. 2: Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove: 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek Malibu Pier: 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach: 100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro: The entire swim area Mothers Beach in Marina del Rey: The entire swim area Santa Monica Pier: 100 yards up and down the coast of the pier Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials issued the warnings due to bacterial levels that exceeded health standards when last tested. More California residents report Apple packages being intercepted Several local beaches have been cleared since they were last tested: Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach: Near Will Rogers Tower 18 Dockweiler State Beach: Near the Culver Boulevard storm drain Topanga Canyon Beach Venice Beach: Windward storm drain Information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day by calling the L.A. County beach closure hotline: 1-800-525-5662. You can also check beach conditions online. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trumps pick to lead the Pentagon, was forced to step down by both of the two nonprofit advocacy groups that he ran due to mismanagement of funds, sexual impropriety and reports of intoxicated behavior, The New Yorker reported on Sunday. The incidents relayed in a trail of documents and corroborated to The New Yorker by the accounts of former colleagues took place prior to Hegseth becoming a full-time Fox News TV host in 2017. Hegseths reported booting from both Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America raises further questions about his suitability to take the helm as Defense secretary, a position in which he would oversee the countrys largest federal agency that employs more than 2.8 million people. The publication cited a previously undisclosed whistleblower report on Hegseths time as the president of Concerned Veterans for America (CVA). That seven-page report, which chronicled his 2013 to 2016 tenure, describes him as being repeatedly intoxicated while acting in his official capacity and sometimes needing to be carried out of the organizations events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report had been created by multiple former CVA employees and sent to the organizations senior management in February 2015. Among the most damning allegations, Hegseth was so intoxicated he had to be physically stopped from joining dancers on the stage of a Louisiana strip club, where he had brought his team in November 2014. Two people who told The New Yorker they had contributed to the report said they had seen Hegseth drunk numerous times and on multiple occasions dragged away or carried from one location to another because he was so intoxicated. To have him at the Pentagon would be scary, one person said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one complaint in the report, describing a CVA event in Virginia Beach on Memorial Day weekend in 2014, Hegseth was seen as totally sloshed and had to be carried to his room because he was so intoxicated. The next month at an event in Cleveland, Hegseth went with his team to a bar near their hotel and got completely drunk in a public place, with several high profile people who were in attendance very disappointed to see this kind of public behavior, according to the report. The report also says that Hegseth at the time married to his second wife along with other members of his management team sexually pursued the CVAs female staffers and created a hostile workplace that ignored serious accusations of sexual assault or harassment. And in a separate letter of complaint sent to CVA in late 2015, another former employee said a drunk Hegseth was aggressively chanting Kill All Muslims! Kill All Muslims! at a Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, bar early on May 29, 2015, while on official business in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Timothy Parlatore, Hegseths lawyer, told The New Yorker that an advisor to Hegseth was not going to comment on outlandish claims laundered through the publication by a petty and jealous disgruntled former associate of Mr. Hegseths. Get back to us when you try your first attempt at actual journalism. But Senate Armed Services Committee senior member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told The New Yorker the reports of Hegseths drinking were alarming and disqualifying to him becoming Pentagon chief. Much as we might be sympathetic to people with continuing alcohol problems, they shouldnt be at the top of our national-security structure, he said. Its dangerous. The Secretary of Defense is involved in every issue of national security. Hes involved in the use of nuclear weapons. Hes the one who approves sending troops into combat. He approves drone strikes that may involve civilian casualties. Literally life-and-death issues are in the hands of the Secretary of Defense, and entrusting these kinds of issues to someone who might be incapacitated for any reason is a risk we cannot take. Hegseth also reportedly drove the organization Vets for Freedom (VFF) into the ground financially. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2007, he became president of the group, which advocated for expanding the war in Iraq and was funded by several Republican billionaire donors. But under Hegseths leadership, the organization ran up enormous debt with money reportedly being wasted on expenses such as parties. The finances of VFF became so bleak the groups donors arranged for VFF to merge with another organization that would take over most of its management, essentially forcing Hegseth out in 2012. The bombshell report follows a recently unearthed email sent by Hegseths mother, Penelope Hegseth, in 2018, in which she admonishes him as an abuser of women who belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around, and uses women for his own power and ego. On behalf of all the women (and I know its many) you have abused in some way, I say get some help and take an honest look at yourself, Penelope Hegseth wrote to her son, according to text of the email published by The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Penelope Hegseth told the Times she had sent a follow-up message at the time apologizing for the email, claiming she sent the message in anger, with emotion as her son and his wife were going through a divorce. Hegseth has come under significant fire over allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman in 2017, with a police report on the incident that surfaced last month. He denies the claims of wrongdoing, but his lawyer has admitted Hegseth paid the woman to avoid a lawsuit. Trumps pick of Hegseth to serve as the Pentagons top civilian had already shocked many in Washington, given his job as a former Fox News commentator and his limited experience in running an organization. Hegseth was also in the Army National Guard during the time he was running conservative veterans groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was an infantry officer in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021. After graduating from Princeton University in 2003, he went on to serve tours in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan, earning two Bronze Stars along with other service medals. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday stressed comprehensively advancing high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when addressing a symposium on BRI development. Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, who President-elect Donald Trump plans to nominate for defense secretary, has a sordid, drunken history of mismanaging veterans organizations that left staff disgusted by his allegedly lecherous behavior, according to a report. The New Yorker obtained records from two nonprofit advocacy groups Hegseth ledVeterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for Americathat describe financial mismanagement, inappropriate sexual advances andat one pointHegseth drunkenly yelling Kill all Muslims! at a bar while on an official tour in Ohio. Both groups eventually forced Hegseth to step down, the magazine reported. A lawyer for Hegseth dismissed the allegations as outlandish claims and attributed them to a petty and jealous disgruntled former associate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseths potential nomination was already facing questions about a woman who alleged he sexually assaulted her in a hotel room after an event in 2017. He denies her claims and says the incident was consensual. A whistleblower report about Hegseths time leading Concerned Veterans for America from 2013 to 2016, The New Yorker wrote, said he was repeatedly drunk while on the clock, sometimes needing to be carried out of official events. It further alleged that Hegseth, who was married to his second wife at the time, and other members of the groups management team sexually pursued their female employees, informally dividing them into two camps they described as party girls and not party girls. The whistleblower report claims that while Hegseth was its leader, the organization ignored staffs concerns about the workplace, including an allegation by an employee that another staffer tried to sexually assault her at a Louisiana strip club. She was paid a settlement and signed an NDA, but the report says she experienced reprisal in the workplace thereafter, encouraging a toxic environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged victim of the attempted assault also separately had to restrain Hegseth at one point in the strip club because he was so drunk he tried to get on the stage and dance with the strippers, the whistleblower complaint reportedly says. Another female staffer, The New Yorker wrote, was said to have been sexually harassed by a colleague, but was afraid to make a complaint because she desperately needs her job. The report was compiled by multiple former employees and sent to the groups senior management in 2015. Hegseth has already faced scrutiny over an allegation of sexual assault, which he denies A separate letter of complaint sent to Concerned Veterans for America in 2015, and which The New Yorker also reported on, reveals a shocking picture of Hegseth at his alleged surly, drunken worst: while at a bar in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in May 2015, on an official visit with the organization, he allegedly chanted Kill All Muslims! Kill All Muslims! while visibly intoxicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report details several incidents where staff said they had to remove or carry a drunken Hegseth, so inebriated he couldnt walk and in some cases passed out, from events. Hegseth resigned from Concerned Veterans for America under pressure in 2016, The New Yorker said, citing three sources aware of the circumstances, including one who contributed to the whistleblower report. Ive seen him drunk so many times, one of the contributors to the report told The New Yorker. Ive seen him dragged away not a few times but multiple times. To have him at the Pentagon would be scary. That covers just one of the two organizations Hegseth ran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Vets for Freedom, where he held the top post from 2007 to 2012, Hegseth ran up mountain-sized debt and was subject to rumors of spending on parties, or what one former associate of the group told The New Yorker could politely be called trysts. A group of donors to the group hired an accountant to review its books after concerns came to a head in late 2008. Shortly thereafter, in a January 2009 email, Hegseth sent a letter to the donors admitting the group owed over $430,000 in unpaid bills and had credit card debts of up to $75,000 while having less than a grand in the bank. Hegseths letter reportedly told the donors they would have to give him more cash or face the organization they backed shutting down. One agreed. But the backers persisted and arranged to merge Vets for Freedom with another veterans' group, Military Families United, so that most of the management responsibilities were taken away from Hegseth, The New Yorker reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responsibilitiesand compensationwere slowly taken away from him until he left in 2012. Hegseth moved on to a series of progressively prominent on-air roles at Fox News. He had a kind of what-happens-in-Vegas-stays-in-Vegas kind of attitude, while his wife and kids were in Minnesota, one former Fox News colleague told The New Yorker. He was a huge drinker. I cant say if he had a problem, but he was very handsy with women, too. Ive certainly seen him drunk. The Daily Beast has contacted Hegseths lawyer for comment. (Bloomberg) -- Donald Trumps nominee to run the Department of Defense, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, was forced to resign from two veterans advocacy groups amid allegations of personal and financial misconduct, the New Yorker reported. Most Read from Bloomberg A 2015 whistleblower report obtained by the magazine described Hegseth as repeatedly intoxicated on the job as president of Concerned Veterans for America. The report also alleges that Hegseth and members of his management team pursued sexual relationships with the groups female staff and ignored accusations of misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseths lack of experience running a large organization like the Defense Department and allegations he raped a woman in 2017 had already put his Senate confirmation in doubt. Hegseth has repeatedly denied the rape allegations and an adviser to Hegseth dismissed the New Yorker report as outlandish claims laundered through The New Yorker by a petty and jealous disgruntled former associate of Mr. Hegseths. Trumps transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The New Yorker reported that Hegseth resigned from the group in early 2016. With a slim majority, just four Republicans voting against a nominee would tank them. The new allegations could give cover for more senators to reject Hegseths bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If confirmed as Defense secretary, Hegseth would take over whats commonly regarded as the worlds largest organization and the largest US employer, with more than 770,000 employees and 2 million men and women in uniform. Its budget is more than $840 billion and its finances are so complicated its never successfully completed an audit. Years earlier, a veterans group Hegseth had also run, Vets for Freedom, closed amid allegations of financial mismanagement. According to the New Yorker, Hegseth sent a letter to donors in 2009 acknowledging that the group had less than a thousand dollars in the bank and $434,833 in unpaid bills. The group also had tens of thousands of dollars in credit-card debts. The donors merged VFF with another group, Military Families United, and Hegseths responsibility declined over time, the magazine reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Hadriana Lowenkron. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. BEIRUT, Lebanon, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Israeli airstrikes hit several areas in southern Lebanon Monday evening, shortly after Hezbollah fired at an Israeli Army border post in its first such response to repeated Israeli violations -- reported by the United States and France -- of a cease-fire to end their nearly 14-month war. The Israeli Army said it conducted "widespread strikes" targeting dozens of Hezbollah's rocket launchers, including one in "the Berghoz area in southern Lebanon" and other infrastructure across the country. The Army said in a statement that Hezbollah's attack on one of its border posts was "a clear violation" of the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, calling on the Lebanese authorities to "take responsibility and prevent Hezbollah from operating within its territory." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel, the statement said, "remains obligated to the fulfillment of the conditions of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon," but it "is prepared to continue operating wherever necessary." Lebanon's state-run news agency reported a series of Israeli strikes in various regions in south Lebanon, including Zahrani and Iqlim al Tuffah. Hezbollah's run Al Manar website reported that the Israeli attacks hit two houses in the village of Hariss in the Beint Jbeil district, killing nine people. Israeli jets also flew at low altitude over the Bekaa valley in eastern Lebanon, breaking the sound barrier. Israeli drones were clearly heard buzzing over Beirut and its southern suburbs Hezbollah said earlier it carried out "a defensive and warning response" to Israeli violations that killed and wounded several people, targeting an Israeli Army outpost in the Rwayset al Alam in the occupied Lebanese Kfar Shouba hills on the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel confirmed that Hezbollah fired two mortar rounds that landed in open areas, causing no casualties or damage. According to the Ynet website, Israeli officials described the incident as a "symbolic violation, likely intended as a warning to Israel" in response to Israeli Army "enforcement actions against Hezbollah's activities in southern Lebanon." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, called Hezbollah's mortar attack "a serious violation of the cease-fire" and vowed a strong response. "We are determined to continue enforcing the cease-fire and to respond to every Hezbollah violation, no matter how minor or severe," Netanyahu said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mounting tension came after Lebanon's House Speaker, Nabih Berri, accused Israel of more than 54 violations of a cease-fire agreement -- accusations backed by U.S. and French warnings of Israeli non-compliance. Berri dismissed Israel's claims that it has the right under the agreement to act against "threats," saying "the aggressive actions of the Israeli occupying forces" are "flagrant violations" of the cease-fire that went into effect at 4 a.m. Wednesday. He cited bulldozing houses in border villages, the continuation of air sorties and carrying out raids that have targeted the depths of the Lebanese regions, killing and wounding several people. Lebanon's State Security said one of its members was killed Monday while on duty by an Israeli drone attack in the Nabatiyeh region in "a flagrant violation" of the cease-fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person also was killed in a similar air hit in the Marjeyoun area, while another was injured in the village of Ainata. Israel also fired two artillery shells on Beit Lif and heavy machine gun fire toward the village of Yaron. The Lebanese Army said one soldier was wounded when an Israeli drone targeted an Army bulldozer while it was carrying out fortification work inside the Al-Abbara military base in the northeastern Hermel district near the border with Syria. Monday's casualties bring to four the number of killed and the number wounded to more than a dozen in Israeli violations since Wednesday. Berri, who negotiated the truce deal with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein on behalf of his Hezbollah ally, called on the monitoring committee tasked with the implementation of the agreement "to carry out its duties urgently and oblige Israel to stop its violations and withdraw from the territories it occupied [in south Lebanon] before anything else." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He reiterated that Lebanon and Hezbollah were "fully committed" to their pledge of respecting the truce agreement. The United States and France also warned that Israel violated the truce and called for restraint. According to Ynet, which quoted sources familiar with the details, Hochstein told Israel there had been Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, "mainly the visible and audible return of Israeli drones in the skies over Beirut." France accused Israel on Sunday of 52 violations, while its foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, insisted during a phone call Monday with his Israel counterpart Gideon Saar "the need that all parties respect the cease-fire in Lebanon." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saar told Barrot that Israel was not violating the cease-fire but "enforcing it amid Hezbollah's violations that require real-time response." He claimed that the presence of Hezbollah south of the Litani is a violation and that the group "must move northward." Israel, according to France, has failed to report Hezbollah's violations to the monitoring committee and used "lethal force" that resulted in killing civilians. The cease-fire agreement, which was announced by U.S. President Joe Biden, was the result of months of complicated negotiations to achieve a formula that allows a strict implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, backed by U.S. guarantees and an enforced-monitoring committee to deal with violations. Both Israel and Hezbollah accepted it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the deal, the Lebanese Army and security forces will deploy to take control of the border area within 60 days. Hezbollah will not be allowed to rebuild its infrastructure. Israel will gradually withdraw its remaining forces during that period, and civilians on both sides of the border will return to their homes and businesses. However, the violations come at a time when the monitoring committee led by U.S. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, hasn't started its duties. Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, met Monday with Jeffers, who serves as a co-chair, alongside Hochstein, for the implementation and monitoring mechanism of the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon. Mikati stressed the need for a complete respect of the cease-fire, "preventing security breaches, and [securing the] withdrawal of Israel from the Lebanese territories." A 35-year-old female hiker became lost after separating from her group and had to be rescued Saturday on the Wahiawa Hills Trail in Wahiawa. The Honolulu Fire Department received a 911 call at 5 :42 p.m. and responded with seven units staffed by 18 personnel. The first unit arrived at the trailhead at 5 :52 p.m., established command, and began making its way toward the hiker on foot. A second-arriving company secured a nearby landing zone in preparation for air operations. HFD personnel reached the hikers location at 6 :50 p.m., conducted a medical assessment, and confirmed that she had no injuries. She was then safely assisted back to the trailhead by 9 :13 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 0 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) In two mid-Michigan school districts where the HIV education curriculum was discovered to be out of date a year ago by 6 News Investigates are now taking action to modernize the curriculums. A review of curriculums last year found they did not meet Michigans law regarding HIV curriculums. Michigan law requires education around HIV to be age-appropriate as well as medically and scientifically accurate. Photo Illustration. (WLNS) But advocates and physicians who treat people living with and at risk for HIV slammed the curriculums of two different school districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Grand Ledge, curriculum review revealed the HIV curriculum improperly cited HIV transmission risks, failed to provide information on newer prevention interventions and used medically out-of-date staging for HIV disease progression. John Ellsworth, director of communications for Grand Ledge Public Schools, says the 6 News Investigates report spurred the district to make significant changes to the HIV curriculum. During this past year, the school districts Community Health Advisory Team with the assistance of the Regional School Health Coordinator (Clinton, Eaton, Ingham) has continued to meet and review reproductive health instructional materials used in the districts classrooms as required by state law, he wrote in an email. Over the last year, the Community Health Advisory Team approved adding CD4+ cell count ranges to the descriptions of HIV stages and adding information about PEP, PrEP, and DoxyPEP to high school instructional materials. To ensure proper instruction, all reproductive health education teachers are trained in accordance with state law and district policies in collaboration with the Regional School Health Coordinator (Clinton, Eaton, Ingham). HIV_and_Sex_Ed_Laws_Chart_Rev_4_2010Download Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CD4+ cells are key immune cells in the human bodys fight against disease. As HIV progresses, it destroys those cells, making a person susceptible to a host of opportunistic infections. HIV was previously classified as HIV positive and AIDS. The disease is now staged, similar to cancer. It is referred to as HIV stages 0, 1, 2 and 3. HIV disease stage 3 is the stage most Americans refer to as AIDS. It means a persons CD4+ count has fallen so low that the person is at risk for opportunistic infections diseases a healthy immune system usually keeps in check. People living with HIV take anti-viral medications. The drugs stop the virus from replicating and prevent damage to the immune system. If a person is on the medication and their virus is suppressed, meaning it is not detectable through blood tests, science shows they cannot transmit the infection. This scientific finding is referred to as Undetectable equals Untransmissible or U=U. PEP is an intervention whereby a person who has been exposed to HIV takes a 30-day course of anti-HIV drugs to prevent infection. It is short of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. This intervention must be initiated within 72 hours of exposure. The sooner the drug therapy is begun the more effective it is in preventing a person from developing an HIV infection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PrEP, which stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, is the use of anti-HIV drugs to prevent a person from being infected with HIV. It is a daily pill that when taken daily is as much as 99% effective in preventing a person from acquiring HIV. PrEP was approved for people under the age of 18 in 2018. Legislation was introduced in 2021 to require school districts to teach about PrEP, however, the bill never received a hearing and died in committee. Legislation to include medical and scientific information, including LGBTQ information, was introduced in 2021 as well. It was referred to the Committee on Education, where it died without a hearing. DoxyPEP is an antibiotic intervention taken after exposure to prevent infection with syphilis and gonorrhea. In St. Johns, 6 News discovered the district was using a video from 1997 about young people living with HIV. The video was inaccurate, medically and scientifically, in relation to the status of HIV care available today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, St. Johns Superintendent Anthony Berthiaume told 6 News the video had been withdrawn from classroom use until the district could reform its Sex Education Advisory Board (SEAB). A SEAB is a state-mandated advisory board that reviews HIV curriculum as well as all sexual and reproductive health education programming and recommends approvals to the elected school board. Michael Winkel, St. Johns School District assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, says the out-of-date video remains out of the classroom, but no new curriculum or replacement instructional items have been approved to date. We have been collecting updated HIV materials as we work to assemble our new Sex Education Advisory Board, he wrote in an email to 6 News. Once the board is assembled we will review the HIV materials and make a recommendation to the board. Kristina Schmidgall is the executive director of the Lansing Area AIDS Network. She issued the following statement following 6 News reporting on the moves by the two districts to modernize their HIV curriculums. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It pleases me to hear that both districts have responded and are working toward modernizing their curriculum. I hope that this spurs other districts to ensure their curriculum is up-to-date and compliant, she wrote in an email to 6 News. It is important to have accurate information for individuals to know their best course of treatment and reduce stigma. HIV is still around and impacting communities. Education is the first step toward reducing new infections and ensuring those living with HIV receive proper care. EDITORS NOTE: The author of this report served on the Lansing Area AIDS Network Board of Directors from January 2024 until November 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 WLNS 6 News. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) As Santa Claus prepares to make stops to children across the world, a special delivery arrived at the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office (MCSO). On Dec. 1, Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck received a package directly from the North Pole. Inside was Sherelf, the official holiday mischief-maker of the MCSO. Montgomery County Sheriffs Office A note was also attached to the package from Santa: Dear Sheriff Streck, Sherelf has been itching to make his way back to Montgomery County! Hell be keeping an eye on everyone to ensure the holiday spirit shines bright. Hes also been instructed to lend a helping hand wherever he can. Santa Claus Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherelf started off the week by holding a Reindeer Training 101, an effort to help MCSO employees tips to become a top-notch reindeer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Sherelf visited the MCSO in 2023, it redecorated an office, tried to give students fraudulent information, amongst other mischievous actions. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. No major issues for people flying home to Boston Sunday night after Thanksgiving break. The bigger issue was the traffic going in and out of Logan Airport to pick people up. My friends are picking me up and we only live 20 minutes away, but theyre taking like 40 minutes, so I know the traffic is hitting them for sure, said Tolu Adewumi, who flew in from Atlanta. It took many people double the amount of time to get to the airport on one of the busiest travel days of the year, but inside Logan, it was smooth sailing for most travelers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it was easy to get everywhere, it was easy to get through security, a lot of people had to check their bags at the counter, said Sadie Friedman, who flew into Boston Sunday. Luckily most travelers here werent impacted by the snowstorm in upstate New York. Im actually from upstate New York near like Syracuse area and yeah its getting pretty bad, but luckily there were no delays, said Preston Ogunwumi, who flew in from Greensboro, NC. Airports were still packed with long lines going through security. Massport had extra staff working the holiday weekend to handle the crowds. Coming here I expected a lot more craziness, but I left on Monday, so I think I was before the rush which was good and then coming back Atlanta airport is always hectic but we still made it, said Adewumi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A home care provider claimed the Hochul administration rigged the bid to oversee the states allegedly fraud-ridden $9 billion home care Medicaid program picking one company in a backdoor deal. The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program lets Medicaid recipients hire relatives or loved ones as paid personal home care aides. In order to curb costs in the home care program, the state Health Department selected one firm, Public Partnerships LLC, to replace hundreds of businesses and nonprofits that essentially work as payroll agents or middlemen between Medicaid and caregivers with minimal oversight. Governor Kathy Hochul speaks during a press conference on Nov. 26, 2024, in Queens, New York. Michael Nagle The change means the home care agencies from across the state the fiscal intermediaries will see their contracts terminated as part of the overhaul, and they are fighting to block the change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlos Martinez, executive director of the Rockland County-based BRIDGES home care agency, said during a meeting on April 9, a state disability official told him and other current home care contractors that Public Partnerships LLC would take over a statewide fiscal intermediary. He claimed the revelation showed the bidding process was tainted. I remember this well because I was shocked in the moment to be told directly by a government official that the State had already made a decision as to which company would be selected as the fiscal intermediary for all of New York, Martinez said in a sworn statement provided in a lawsuit filed against the state by another home care provider, FreedomCare LLC. The home care providers claimed the bidding process was still underway when the state official announced that Public Partnership had been awarded the contract. A home care provider claimed the Hochul administration rigged the bid to oversee the states allegedly fraud-ridden $9 billion home care Medicaid program picking one company in a backdoor deal. Andrey Popov stock.adobe.com This smoking gun testimony proves what all of Albany has heard since April, as weve alleged: Governor Hochul and the Department of Health have rigged the bid for Public Partnerships, LLC (PPL) since the start, said Akiva Shapiro, a partner with Gibson Dunn who is representing the plaintiff, FreedomCare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The backroom deal with PPL needs to end now before it risks New Yorks home care program and the hundreds of thousands who depend on it. Even before the lawsuit, home care providers were fighting to block the state from having one huge contractor oversee the program. The CDPAP has grown in popularity over the years, serving 200,000 patients. With its growth, the programs costs have spiraled out of control due to a lack of oversight, and prosecutors have targeted it for alleged massive fraud totaling tens of millions of dollars, The Post reported earlier this year. Hochul, in state budget negotiations with the legislature earlier this year, took on vested interests and won changes to centralize oversight to try to clamp down on costs. The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program lets Medicaid recipients hire relatives or loved ones as paid personal home care aides. Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.com But critics raised eyebrows when she cut a deal with the powerful health care worker union Local 1199 SEIU to unionize the personal care home aides and boost their salaries and costs to the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hochuls office defended the CDPAP overhaul and denied rigging the bidding process in favor of Public Partnerships. Our reforms will protect home care users and taxpayers by ending years of waste, fraud and abuse in CDPAP and the bottom line is that no state official knew in April who would be selected as a result of this procurement, a spokesperson for Hochul said Sunday. The procurement process was handled by the State Department of Health based on qualifying language approved by the State Legislature and the CDO [chief disability officer] did not draft the RFP or evaluate the responses. Were looking forward to delivering a stronger and more effective CDPAP as part of the transition that will take effect by April 2025. KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Flooding in Malaysia has claimed six lives as of Monday, with the latest deaths being two elderly individuals drowning in Kelantan state while monitoring livestock, authorities said. Flood victims numbering 134,524 are being housed in 613 flood relief centers at 11 a.m. local time, according to the country's social welfare department. The worst-hit states are Kelantan and Terengganu, both located on the country's east coast. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that the government has allocated additional funds for post-flood follow-up measures, which are expected to begin in the middle of this month. Separately, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry said in a statement that it is studying the appropriate types of assistance to ease the burden of farmers affected by floods, including the provision of financial assistance and post-flood recovery support. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Three people and a dog were displaced after a fire erupted at a house in Takoma Park on Sunday night, according to the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS). In a post on X at 5:49 p.m., Pete Piringer with MCFRS said firefighters were responding to a fire in the basement of a single-family home in the 100 block of Elm Avenue near Hickory Avenue. Apartment fire in DC displaces 2 people, cat Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A short time later, Piringer said that 50 firefighters were on the scene with heavy smoke conditions. Crews from the Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) also responded as fire officials said the fire was likely electrical in nature. (Courtesy: @mcfrsPIO) (Courtesy: @mcfrsPIO) (Courtesy: @mcfrsPIO) In an update at 7:20 p.m., firefighters had extinguished the flames. Responders said the electrical fire was likely in the walls and floors; however, they noted excessive clutter throughout the home. (Courtesy: @mcfrsPIO) Responders evaluated one person and one dog, but no one was injured. Police in the area said Elm Avenue between Pine Avenue and Hickory Avenue was closed to traffic as crews managed the fire, which left significant damage to the home. 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. Pallet shelters stand assembled on a lot located off Victor Street in Providence on April 17, 2024. Dubbed ECHO Village, the project was initially scheduled to open by the end of March 2024. But residents likely won't move in until 2025. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) Addressing the housing crisis has become one of Rhode Islands highest priorities. A range of interventions are underway. Their effectiveness will hinge on reducing administrative complexity, typically known as red tape. Bureaucracy-busting Lean process improvement techniques, remarkably successful in the private industry, can improve public functions such as contracting, hiring, and permitting. A robust Lean program can reduce waste, eliminate redundancies, and unclog bottlenecks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am a Lean trainer and practitioner. Full disclosure: I am also a senior consultant at one of three firms with a Master Price Agreement with the State of Rhode Island for agencies seeking process improvement consulting services. I have observed firsthand how our states housing initiatives are replete with bureaucratic challenges. A report by the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) summed up these challenges: Three entities (RI Housing, the Department of Housing, and the Housing Resources Commission) shared overlapping responsibility for eight policy functions including the allocation of housing tax credits and administering homelessness support. Little wonder then that Rhode Island had the lowest rate of total housing permits issued per 1,000 residents in the country over the last 10 years and ranked last in the country in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among RIPECs recommendations: The state should seek to reduce the complexity of its housing programs, noting that the allocation of funding to a multiplicity of similar production programs that are often combined to fund a single development, creates unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles One particularly frustrating example is ECHO Village, a community of 45 freestanding, one-room pallet shelters approved by the State Properties Committee and assembled in February within the on-ramp to Route 146 South off Victor Street in Providence. The $3.3 million project was supposed to have opened by the end of March. But here is the timeline for whats happened since then: April 2024: Permitting issues delayed the ECHO Village opening. The House of Hope, which will be managing the pallet shelters, was optimistic for a late spring/early summer opening. May 2024: The Department of Housing cleared the final permitting hurdle when the Rhode Island Building Code Standards Committee approved several variances. August 2024: The 45 units still needed approvals from the Fire Safety Board and Building Commission but was projected to open before winter. November 2024 Housing advocates urge Gov. Dan McKee to declare a State of Emergency to address the crisis of 600 people without shelter, and to remove the regulatory barriers to opening ECHO Village. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here we are in the first week in December and temperatures continue to fall. But there has been no gubernatorial intervention to open ECHO Village. It should not have come to this. The fact that these shelters have sat empty for months also underscores the need to untangle the bureaucracy that impedes progress on all housing programs. Given the overlapping responsibilities of boards and agencies, no one agency or individual has the vantage point to differentiate mission-critical steps from red tape. Removing the waste without sacrificing essential health, safety, and financial controls requires the work of a cross-functional team in a Lean project known as a kaizen. Here we are in the first week in December and temperatures continue to fall. But there has been no gubernatorial intervention to open ECHO Village. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The kaizen is chartered by a state official of sufficient rank to implement the teams recommendations. The team maps every step of the process as it is currently conducted, evaluating the value of each step. They measure the intervals between hand-offs and the elapsed time for the entire process. Then they construct a second map depicting an improved process flow. Simple fixes can start immediately; more complex improvements must be managed by the project sponsor. Basic Lean tools such as process mapping can expedite public projects while maintaining appropriate checks and balances. With consistent use, a culture of continuous improvement develops along with proficiency in Lean management. More advanced techniques can be used to clarify the overlapping administrative roles of boards and agencies. There is broad agreement on the need to act. Voters on Nov. 5 overwhelmingly approved $120 million of housing and community opportunity bonds. Deployment needs to be effective and expeditious for the existing programs and for the forthcoming bonds. Leaning our bureaucratic processes can maximize the use of all available resources. The urgency of this crisis requires nothing less. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Ellendale, North Dakota, Mayor Don Flaherty discusses the housing development that is coming to his town. Dirt has been done for 20 homes that are expected to be ready in the spring of 2025. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) ELLENDALE, N.D. Ellendale Mayor Don Flaherty stood at the edge of town where some heavy machinery sat parked on a patch of level black dirt. There were no other signs of construction in early November, but the site was weeks away from having 20 homes that would be move-in ready. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The houses were already being built offsite, coming in to drop onto foundations that would be excavated and poured in the coming weeks. The company building the homes, Minnesota-based Headwaters Development, worked with the growing large employer in Ellendale, data center operator Applied Digital, and the Bank of North Dakota through a new rural housing program to make it all work. Michael Hoagberg, managing director of Headwaters Development, said the homes will start being delivered this month. A rendering shows a completed Headwaters Development home. There will be 20 homes delivered to an Ellendale, North Dakota, housing development. (Courtesy of Headwaters Development) Headwaters also is building a 35-unit apartment complex, also built offsite. It will be delivered to Ellendale in sections and should go up next spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ellendale project is the first to use North Dakotas R-WISH program Rural-Workforce Initiative to Support Housing. The R-WISH pilot program aims to help build housing in communities of 20,000 residents or fewer that are growing. So the Bank of North Dakota put in capital, Applied Digital put in capital, and then we as the developer/holder of the property had to put in capital as well, Hoagberg said. So theres just a great aligning of the stakeholders and incentives to try to make this project successful. Kelvin Hullet, chief business development officer with the Bank of North Dakota, said one of the challenges with trying to build affordable housing is that a developer might spend $450,000 to build a home, but the appraised value of that new home might only be $400,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called the R-WISH program patient capital. The Bank of North Dakota can help finance the project but give the developer more time to repay the loan while the value of the property increases. Hullet said the real difference between housing financing programs and R-WISH is the presence of a corporate entity such as Applied Digital to provide some of the capital investment. The loan goes through a local lender, in Ellendales case, thats Starion Bank. A local government entity also has to participate, which could be through donating land or developing other infrastructure such as utilities or roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ellendale sold the 20 lots for the development for a total of $2,400, well below the market rate. Flaherty said the sale was done with the stipulation that the lots be developed within 18 months. The city sees the project as a way to boost population, boost the economy and boost the tax base. We knew that this would help stimulate growth, Flaherty said. A total domino effect. It helped that Ellendale already had the development platted and water and sewer hookups ready for the new homes. Flaherty said the town of about 1,100 had more than 15 years ago planned a housing development when Ellendale leaders thought it might become more of a bedroom community to Aberdeen, South Dakota, about 40 miles south. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There had been one home built in the development called Ellendale Acres. That homeowner is about to get a bunch of new neighbors. All the homes will be rental units for Applied Digital employees. Nick Phillips is the vice president of Applied Digital in Ellendale. The company completed its first project in 2023 and was able to fill most of the jobs with local workers. It is working on a major expansion that will be up and running early next year, with about additional 100 jobs. Phillips said he expects to fill at least some of those positions workers from outside the area. Two more expansions of a similar size are planned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phillips said Dickey County helped facilitate a meeting with local builders and subcontractors about trying to meet the housing needs of the companys growing workforce. All the builders here, the electricians and the plumbers and the various trades, they just said they were having a hard time just keeping up and they didnt really have the workforce to build 20 new houses, Phillips said. So we started looking for modular companies that could build offsite and then bring them in. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Applied Digital got connected with Headwaters Development for what would become the first Headwaters project in North Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Headwaters owns the units but they are reserved for Applied Digital workers. Applied Digital has guaranteed that there will be demand. Hoagberg said corporate involvement is key, making sure the housing demand is there for the long term. Hullet said Ellendale is so far the only community to use the program, but it might also be used in Grafton, where Marvin Windows is a major employer. There have been inquiries from other communities but Hullet said it is really targeted at communities with the potential for rapid growth. The pilot program was created this year with $10 million from Bank of North Dakota profits. A single housing project cant access more than $3.5 million, which is what was allocated for Ellendale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The future of the program hinges on the budget adopted during the 2025 legislative session. Gov. Doug Burgum will announce his budget recommendations on Wednesday, and Gov.-elect Kelly Armstrong is working on his own budget proposal. Hoagberg said he hopes the R-WISH program can flourish. Everyone benefits from it long term, Hoagberg said. I wish more states would do programs like this. Its so creative and forward thinking. Headwaters is partnering with a management company to do all the snow removal and lawn care to make the homes minimum maintenance. The homes will be 1,300 to 2,600 square feet, from two bedrooms and two bathrooms up to four bedrooms and three bathrooms. A rendering of a kitchen inside a Headwaters Development home. (Courtesy of Headwaters Development) The apartment building also is prebuilt, with one- two-bedroom units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoagberg said Headwaters Development would like to do more projects in North Dakota and praised the R-WISH project. He said he hopes it gets more state funding and goes beyond being a pilot project. The original goal for the Ellendale project was to have homes in place by October. Hoagberg said that was delayed mostly by all the documentation needed for the rollout of the program. That should be much smoother on future projects, he said. Another 20 rental houses are already planned for Ellendale. Now we can just repeat the process, Hoagberg said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) The Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled Monday that the Venezuelan government violated the political rights of former opposition presidential candidate Henrique Capriles. The court, based in Costa Ricas capital, said in a statement that the government violated his freedom of expression, his right to equality under the law and judicial protections. Capriles, an upper-middle class lawyer, used his charisma and non-combative style to win the support of millions and become an electoral threat to the since deceased President Hugo Chavez in 2012. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capriles would lose that election, and another the following year after Chavezs death, to current President Nicolas Maduro. It was during that second bid in 2013 that the court on Monday said the government violated Capriles rights and favored Maduro. State resources were used to bolster Maduros candidacy, the court said. Even so, the result was exceedingly close. The court ruled that Venezuelas government undermined the integrity of the election and affected the right of Venezuelans to freely elect their leader. In 2017, Maduros administration barred Capriles from running again for 15 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capriles already had a ruling from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in his favor. The court had ordered the Venezuelan government to lift the ban on his political participation, but it was ignored. In January, the Supreme Justice Tribunal ratified Capriles' ban until 2032. In July, Maduro was declared the winner of an election full of irregularities for which tally sheets from poll places gathered by the opposition showed their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, had defeated Maduro by a wide margin. But Venezuelas National Electoral Council, which is stacked with Maduro loyalists, declared him the election winner hours after polls closed. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto travelled to Moscow for talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on 2 December, once again emphasising Hungary's stance on "peace". Source: European Pravda, citing Szijjartos Facebook post Details: Commenting on his visit to Moscow, Szijjarto stated that "Hungary stands on the side of peace". He reiterated numerous statements made by Hungarian officials, saying that "the war in Ukraine cannot be resolved on the battlefield, and a solution must be found at the negotiation table", adding that cutting ties with Russia would make this impossible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He further claimed that Hungary "supports dialogue because this is the only way there is a chance for a successful peace mission". It is also worth noting that, as part of Hungarys self-proclaimed "peace mission", Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently travelled to Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin, sparking sharp criticism from the European Union. Background: In early September, Orban announced new "peace-building" initiatives. Support UP or become our patron! President Bidens unexpected decision to pardon his son Hunter is part of a long history of controversial clemency issued by presidents under the vast constitutional power. The presidents decision, announced late Sunday evening, drew immediate ire from Republicans and even some Democrats, who criticized Biden for walking back on previous vows to let his sons convictions on federal gun and tax crimes stand. I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further, Biden said. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. Biden is not the first president to raise eyebrows when exercising the clemency power of the nations highest office. Heres a look at the history of controversial presidential pardons: Trump pardons Charles Kushner, allies Following the 2020 election, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, the father of Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law who also served as a White House senior adviser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charles Kushner pleaded guilty in 2004 to filing false tax returns and devising a scheme to retaliate against his sister, a cooperating witness, by having a prostitute seduce her husband and filming them having sex. Kushner was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of tax evasion, lying to the Federal Election Commission and retaliating against a federal witness. The same day, Trump pardoned Roger Stone and Paul Manafort, two of his allies. Stone faced charges for lying to Congress, witness tampering and obstruction in connection with the Trump-Russia probe, while Manafort was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for bank and tax fraud. Later, in one of his final acts as president, he also pardoned ally Steve Bannon for his role in a scheme to raise funds for Trumps border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. New York state prosecutors have since launched their own investigation into the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump announced Saturday that he was appointing Charles Kushner to be the ambassador of France when he retakes the White House in January. Obama commutes Chelsea Manning sentence In his final days in the White House, former President Obama commuted most of the remaining sentence of Chelsea Manning in January 2017. Manning, a former Army soldier, was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being convicted in 2013 of leaking classified information about U.S. national security activities. The leak brought global attention to WikiLeaks, which received Mannings disclosures. Her sentence was among the longest handed down for conviction of government leaks. She had served seven years at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., before Obama commuted her sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then-House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) at the time called it just outrageous. Clinton pardons half-brother and Marc Rich Hunter Biden and Charles Kushner arent the only relatives of a sitting president to receive a pardon. In 2001, then-President Clinton pardoned his half-brother, Roger Clinton, who was sentenced to more than a year in prison after pleading guilty to selling cocaine to an undercover police officer. The former president also attracted controversy in the final hours of his administration when he issued a pardon to commodities trader Marc Rich. Rich had fled to Switzerland after being indicted in 1983 on charges of evading millions in taxes and illegally trading with Iran while it held American hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Indefensible Pardon, read the headline of a New York Times opinion piece published at the time. Iran contra felons pardoned by George H.W. Bush Former President George H.W. Bush granted full pardons to six former officials in President Reagans administration for their roles in an arms-for-hostages scandal later known as the Iran-Contra affair. Several officials secretly facilitated the sale of arms to Iran, which was under an arms embargo at the time, to fund an insurgent group in Nicaragua that opposed the countrys anti-American regime. Top officials, including former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, were implicated and faced charges. Weinbergers pardon prevented him from going to trial on charges he lied to Congress about his knowledge of the plot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Special counsel Lawrence Walsh, the prosecutor in the case, called Bushs decision the completion of the Iran-Contra cover-up and accused the president of misconduct. Carter issues blanket pardon for Vietnam War draft dodgers On his first full day in office in 1977, former President Carter followed through on his campaign promise to pardon draft dodgers in the Vietnam War, an effort to put the bitter divisions caused by the war in the past. The Justice Department estimated at the time that about 10,000 men were impacted. Military deserters and convicted civilian protesters who had engaged in acts of violence were not included in the order. The decision drew harsh criticism. Then-Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-Ariz.) called the pardon the most disgraceful thing that a President has ever done. Ford pardons Nixon after resignation In the only pardon of an Oval Office occupant, former President Ford granted former President Nixon a full, free, and absolute pardon after he resigned the presidency over the Watergate scandal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only 38 percent of Americans supported the move, according to a Gallup poll taken at the time. Public opinion of Fords pardon improved in the years following, with a majority of Americans ultimately agreeing it was the right decision. Nixon was never formally charged with a crime, but Ford believed that his predecessors acceptance of the pardon was an admission of guilt based on a 1915 Supreme Court case. Johnson pardons ex-Confederates Former President Andrew Johnson granted pardons to ex-Confederates in a series of proclamations following the Civil War, initially carving out exceptions and requiring some to sign a loyalty oath to the United States before receiving reprieve. Ultimately, Johnson on Christmas Day in 1868 granted a full pardon and amnesty for treason to every person who directly or indirectly participated in the late insurrection or rebellion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson wrote the pardon will tend to secure permanent peace, order, and prosperity throughout the land, and to renew and fully restore confidence and fraternal feeling among the whole people. Washington: First presidential pardon for treason Even the first-ever presidential pardon created controversy. President Washington first exercised the power in 1795, granting clemency to two Pennsylvania men sentenced to hang for treason for participating in the so-called Whiskey Rebellion. Then-Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton wrote in a letter to Washington that the full force of the Law should come down on the men, contending that their role in the violent protest of a whiskey tax which Hamilton championed threatened the federal governments sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Washington thought clemency better settled the conflict. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Joe Bidens sweeping pardon of his son Hunter on Sunday reflects an attitude toward clemency that is at once defensible and perversely selfish. Biden is surely correct that Hunter was singled out because hes the presidents son, facing far more serious penalties than a typical defendant in his position for that reason alone. He mounts a plausible justification for the pardon, asserting that an individual whos treated differently because of some factor that should be irrelevant to the justice systemlike the identity of a parentdeserves a second chance. But Bidens reasoning collapses when he suggests that Hunters case is a one-off, a rare miscarriage of justice that does not undermine his broader belief in the justice system. The presidents certitude that this system doles out punishments fairly and rationally, with the occasional aberration like Hunters prosecution, is fantastical to the point of delusion. The criminal justice system is rife with cruel inconsistencies and irrationality, subjecting people to wildly disparate penalties for utterly arbitrary reasons. It appears that Bidens selective empathy toward his own offspring gives him tunnel vision that blocks out this painful reality. And that is the selfishness behind Sundays act: a stubborn conviction that his child faced a miscarriage of justice while scant few others do. The presidents record of clemency for people not named Biden is, today, historically stingy. If he does not turn it around over the next 49 days, Hunters pardon will stand as a testament to Bidens callous apathy toward those more deserving of mercy. The pardon power itself is a reflection of the truth that Biden seemingly refuses to accept: The criminal justice system, no matter how impartial or fine-tuned, will inevitably produce outcomes that are unfair and disproportionate. The Framers envisioned executive clemency as a safety valve to correct overly harsh and inequitable sentences. And thats how the pardon power operated in early American history: Prosecutors and judges routinely recommended clemency in unjust cases, which presidents granted as a matter of course. President Andrew Johnson notoriously abused this authority to pardon former Confederates after the Civil War, but after that unfortunate episode, presidents regularly granted clemency to normal, deserving defendants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The modern era of parsimonious pardoning began in the late 1970s, when the attorney general delegated the task of recommending pardons to a bureaucracy within the Justice Department. Federal prosecutors took control of the processand dramatically curtailed the number of pardons recommended to the president for ordinary people. This development created the modern two-track system: Defendants without fortunes, celebrity, or political connections must wait while pardon attorneys consider, and generally reject, their pleas. Meanwhile, wealthy and well-connected defendants can hop the line, lobby the White House, and secure clemency. This unfortunate split-screen is playing out before our eyes: The pardon attorney has received about 12,000 petitions during Bidens term, according to the New York Times, yet the president has handed down a mere 157 grants of clemency. In Bidens partial defense, those numbers dont tell the full story: The president has issued pardons by proclamation to anyone convicted of marijuana possession under federal or D.C. law, as well as former service members who violated the militarys former ban on consensual gay sex. But the overwhelming majority of those wholl benefit from these symbolic actions have already served their full sentences. The number of direct beneficiaries is fairly small: Only eight veterans, for instance, had applied for pardons of their sodomy convictions as of late September. It would be far more effective for Biden to scrutinize pardon requests from everyday people, including those spurned by the Justice Departments pardon attorney, and grant clemency directly to the people who need it. His current rate of pardons is the lowest since President Richard Nixons, a shameful legacy if it stands through Jan. 20. Biden has already acknowledged that his Justice Department can engage in a miscarriage of justice when prosecuting his own son. Is it so hard to imagine it did so in others casesor is doing so right now, by rejecting meritorious pardon petitions? Thats the crux of Bidens selfishness here: an apparent inability to imagine that thousands of other defendants faced injustice as bad (or worse) than what his son experienced. The centerpiece of the case against Hunter is that he lied about his drug use when buying a gun, then possessed the firearm while using crack. Vanishingly few people are charged for lying about drug use on a firearm background check, and only a minuscule fraction of drug users are prosecuted for possessing guns. The president is almost certainly correct that Hunter would not have been charged were he not the presidents son, subjected to heightened scrutiny due to Republicans dubious crusade to identify some crime he must have committed. GOP lawmakers put immense pressure on the Justice Department to investigate Hunternot because they thought he bought a gun illegally, but because they developed an elaborate conspiracy theory that he and his father colluded in a Ukrainian bribery scheme. Its hard to believe that an average American who broke the same gun laws as Hunter would face criminal charges and incarceration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a group of Democratic lawmakers reminded Biden in November, however, arbitrary cruelties play out in the criminal justice system every day. About 90 percent of federal inmates today were convicted on nonviolent offenses. The incarcerated population is rapidly aging as individuals convicted in their youth languish for decades under mandatory minimums. Tens of thousands of people remain in federal prison for nonviolent drug offenses and less serious crimes. And many of these individuals are, in a very real sense, victims of bad luck much like Hunter Biden. Prosecutors have sweeping discretion to decide which suspects to prosecute and how lenient a plea deal they deserve. They often use this power in discriminatory ways, subjecting Black defendants to worse plea deals and longer sentences than white defendants. Indigent defendants may be assigned great public defendersor terrible ones, who fail to prepare and even nap at trial. (Courts have held that a napping lawyer does not automatically violate their clients right to effective representation.) Our harsh federal guidelines subject defendants to capriciously long prisons terms that do not improve public safety. Most jurors try to do their best, but bring attitudes and biases into the courtroom that may make them more or less inclined to see clear proof of guilt. Federal judges retain broad discretion to impose draconian sentences, so a defendants fate may depend on which judge their case is randomly assigned to. Every day, criminal defense attorneys have to explain to their clients that if they get Judge A, they might get off with probation, but if they get Judge B, they face years in prison. Then there is the most notoriously cruel and unusual component of the criminal justice system: the death penalty. These rare sentences are imposed arbitrarily, frequently after trials infected with racial bias where defendants received egregiously poor representation. As Justice Stephen Breyer once noted, the imposition and implementation of the death penalty is so fundamentally random that it is the equivalent of being struck by lightning. If Biden really wants to correct injustices, he could start by commuting the sentences of all 40 men on death row today, before Trump returns to office and starts killing them. He could commute overlong sentences that keep people locked up for no good reason and free geriatric prisoners who are serving out gratuitous mandatory minimums. He could grant clemency to people whose attorneys failed to provide a constitutionally sufficient defense. He could take a close look at pardon petitions from defendants who allege that illicit bias affected their prosecution or conviction. He could consider petitions from people who allege that, like Hunter, they were convicted for conduct that is virtually never charged. By doing all this, Biden would be restoring the pardon power to its original design, addressing disparities that should be anathema to a rational system of justice. Will he? If so, Bidens pardon of Hunter will have, in the words of legal journalist Chris Geidner, opened the door to making a better nation. If notand unfortunately, his record suggests he wonthe will have further cemented the pardon powers reputation as an unseemly reward to the powerful and wealthy. Sundays pardon will still be worlds away from Trumps myriad pardons of his friends, allies, and GOP donors, which overwhelmingly favored people with personal or political ties to his family (some of whom went on to reoffend). Unlike those who received Trumps beneficence, Hunter Biden has a credible claim of inequitable treatment. So do countless others whove received a cold shoulder from the Biden administration. The president has now seen firsthand how inconsistent applications of the law can destroy a persons life. He has 49 days left to apply this wisdom to countless other defendants who lack a direct line to the Oval Office. Otherwise, history may remember this pardon as the nepotistic indulgence of a president who could not see the forest of injustice beyond his own family tree. President Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son drew immediate criticism from Republicans and also a few Democrats. Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said Bidens pardon will tarnish his reputation because he put his family before the country. Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a Presidents son, Polis wrote on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden announced the pardon Sunday evening after having said for months he wouldnt pardon his son Hunter Biden, who faced prison time over gun and tax charges. Most Democrats avoided commenting on the pardon, but Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), along with moderate Reps. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) and Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), joined Polis in criticizing the president. President Bidens decision put personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all, Bennet said on social media. As a father, I get it, Landsman wrote. But as someone who wants people to believe in public service again, its a setback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stanton was more direct, saying the prosecution of Hunter Biden had not been politically motivated. I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong, Stanton said. This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers. Hunter Biden was convicted by a jury this year in Delaware for illegally owning a gun for a short time in 2018 when he was addicted to crack cocaine. He also pleaded guilty in California to failing to pay his federal taxes. He faced potential prison time as he awaited sentencing in the two cases, but his father pardoned him for any crimes he might have committed during a 10-year period starting in 2014. Federal prosecutors initially reached a tentative plea deal with Hunter Biden, but the arrangement fell apart last year under scrutiny from a judge, disagreement about the scope of his immunity from further charges, and heavy criticism from Republicans in Congress, who claimed the presidents son was getting a sweetheart deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until Sunday evening, when he called the case politically motivated, Joe Biden had not criticized the prosecution of his son. I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal, the president said in June when a jury found his son guilty of illegally owning a gun. Both Joe Biden and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre repeatedly said he wouldnt pardon his son or commute his punishment. Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), chair of the House committee that led an unsuccessful impeachment inquiry against Joe Biden for allegedly participating in his sons business schemes, blasted the president in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe Biden has lied from start to finish about his familys corrupt influence peddling activities, Comer said. Not only has he falsely claimed that he never met with his sons foreign business associates and that his son did nothing wrong, but he also lied when he said he would not pardon Hunter Biden. Related... President Joe Bidens decision to grant a pardon to his son Hunter is a fitting coda to what has become a failed presidency. The president entered office on promises to restore good government, protect American democracy, and cure the republic of Trumpism. With Trump now set to return to office in two months, the pardon means instead that Biden will have contributed further to this nations degradation. For the past few years, Hunter Bidens troubled past has caught up to him. Special counsel David Weiss, a federal prosecutor in Delaware, charged the presidents son with multiple federal crimes, including various tax-related offenses and a constitutionally dubious charge for purchasing a gun while addicted to a narcotic. Hunter is also under investigation for his role in lobbying on behalf of Burisma, a Ukrainian oil company on whose board he once served. Biden ended those legal woes with the stroke of a pen over the weekend. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my sonand that is wrong, the president said in a statement. There has been an effort to break Hunterwho has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break meand theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one can blame Biden for being pained by his sons legal troubles. But the pardon is still a grave mistake. The presidents long-standing refusal to intervene on his sons behalf was a powerful testament to his civic virtue and his commitment to the rule of law. After all, it is one thing to not abuse power against ones foes; it is another to refuse to abuse power to protect ones own child. Bidens refusal to interfere had also insulated him from accusations that the Justice Department was being politicized and manipulated under his watch. In issuing the pardon, Biden broke both his oath of office and his promise to Americans that he would accept the legal process even when it applies to his own son. I abide by the jury decision, he told reporters in June as Hunters trial on the gun charges inched closer. I will do that and I will not pardon him. The White House reiterated that point time and time again, most recently last month after the election results became clear. Pardoning Hunter is a quintessentially corrupt act. Biden is the first president to pardon one of his immediate family members before they could be convicted of a crime. The closest and perhaps only precedent came in 2000 when Bill Clinton issued a last-minute pardon to his half brother Roger Clinton Jr., who had been convicted of cocaine possession and drug trafficking in the 1980s. Even then, Clintons pardon came long after his half brother had already served his prison sentence and returned to normal life. That use of the pardon was an abuse, to be sure, but a far narrower and less corrosive one than Bidens move. It is worth emphasizing here that Hunters pardon is no ordinary pardon. The presidents formal order said he had given a full and unconditional pardon to his son for those offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. The elder Bidens statement specifically referenced the ongoing prosecution against Hunter on federal gun charges, which were brought by special counsel David Weiss last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this language is far more sweeping than just freeing Hunter from what his lawyers have dismissed as a minor technical violation of the law. The decade-long exculpation shields the presidents eldest son from legal consequences for any federal crime he committed over the last 10 years. This includes both his known alleged offenses as well as any that have yet to be charged or even come to the publics attention. If anything, it evokes the broad language of Gerald Fords infamous pardon of Richard Nixon for any Watergate-related offenses in 1974. Some of Bidens allies have defended the pardon by claiming that the move was not an abuse of power, but merely a corrective measure, countering an abuse of power levied by Bidens enemies. No [federal prosecutor] would have charged this case given the underlying facts, former Attorney General Eric Holder wrote on Twitter on Sunday. After a 5 year investigation the facts as discovered only made that clear. Had his name been Joe Smith the resolution would have beenfundamentally and more fairlya declination. Pardon warranted. This is unpersuasive for three reasons. First, the pardon covers much more than just Hunters gun charges. The younger Biden was set to be sentenced later this month after pleading guilty to multiple federal tax offenses, for example, in which he admitted to avoiding paying roughly $1.4 million in taxes over the last decade. Those charges were wiped away even though they appear to be fairly straightforward applications of the law by the special counsel. Second, the implication that the special counsel pursued the federal gun charges against Hunter on baseless grounds is not borne out by the facts. Weisss office initially sought a plea agreement with the presidents son that would have sent him to a diversion program for the gun charges, sentenced him to probation for the tax charges, and given him immunity in other ongoing cases. Hunters defenders often note that Trump appointed Weiss as a U.S. attorney in the first place, but this is not the plea deal of a vengeful hack. Indeed, Weiss only moved forward with the prosecution after a federal judge rejected the plea deal last summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Third, even if the underlying gun-related charges are as weak as suggested, Bidens decision to pardon Hunter for them is still inescapably corrupt. It may be true, as Holder claimed, that a federal prosecutor would have declined to bring charges against a similarly situated defendant if his name were Joe Smith. But it is impossible to deny that Hunter Biden is receiving a pardon for those charges solely because he happens to be the presidents son. A defendant named Joe Smith would have never received such special treatment. The Biden administrations formal defenses are even worse than the ones offered by his allies. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre claimed that the pardon was justified on prophylactic grounds in the face of Trumps imminent abuses of power. One of the reasons the president did the pardon is because it didnt seem like his political opponents would let go of it, it didnt seem like they would move on, and so, this is why this president took this action, she told reporters during a press conference on Monday. That is a poor reason to issue a pardon on its own terms. It is also unconvincing as a rationale. Hunter Biden is far from the only person who has been threatened with dubious investigations and prosecutions by President-elect Donald Trump. Trumpworld has suggested it will go after a wide range of political enemies in the Justice Department, the media, and the Democratic Party. That the only person to receive a defensive pardon from Biden just happens to be his son signals that Jean-Pierres defense is more of an after-the-fact rationalization than a guiding principle. For that exact reason, the Hunter Biden pardon is an early Christmas gift to the president-elect, who is already planning to exercise the pardon power in even more grotesquely self-interested ways. He has long promised to pardon the January 6 rioters, for example, who attempted to overthrow the 2020 election on his behalf four years ago. Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? he said on his personal social media website on Sunday. Such an abuse and a miscarriage of justice! (Trump was referring to the prosecutions, not the pardon, as an abuse of power.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other pardons will likely flow to favored subordinates and reliable allies. As Ive noted before, Trump dangled pardons during his first term to prevent witnesses from testifying against him. Trump may even try to pardon himself for his various alleged offenses, something that he proposed doing during the Russia investigation but never attempted for fear of political backlash. That power will supplement the so-called presidential immunity that the Supreme Courts conservative majority granted him earlier this year. The end result will be a presidency where Trump wields near-absolute power to exculpate his friends and punish his enemies, and the rule of law becomes a fading aspiration in American political life. Naturally, Trump would have done this whether Biden pardoned his son or not. The president-elect may have even pardoned Hunter himself, perhaps to muddle the waters surrounding his own planned uses of the power. What Biden has done instead by pardoning his sonand only his sonis normalize further abuses of the pardon power for corrupt personal gain. If Biden had issued this pardon any sooner, the House would be justified in considering impeachment. As it stands now, it is merely a self-serving final act for a president whose administration failed on its own terms. BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese defense spokesperson has denounced the latest U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, calling such arms sales "always notorious." Through these arms sales, the United States interferes in domestic affairs and undermines peace in the name of so-called "safeguarding peace and promoting stability," which has long been obvious to the international community, said Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense. Wu made the remarks on Monday in response to a media inquiry concerning the U.S. announcement of its approval of 385 million U.S. dollars of arms sales to Taiwan. The U.S. move severely violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, damages China's sovereignty and security interests, as well as China-U.S. relations and military ties, and jeopardizes peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Wu said, voicing vehement dissatisfaction and firm opposition to it. He also slammed the attempt by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities to seek independence using U.S. support and by force, at the expense of Taiwan compatriots' safety and wellbeing, and said it would only lead to their own demise. Noting that the Taiwan issue is the bedrock of the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, Wu urged the United States to stop arming Taiwan in any way and preserve the overall situation of relations between the two countries and their militaries. "The Chinese People's Liberation Army will continue to strengthen its military training and preparations, and resolutely thwart any separatist attempts at 'Taiwan independence' and external interference," Wu said. Presidential pardons have always been a point of controversy in the United States but some presidents decisions, like Joe Biden pardoning his son Hunter, have led to more criticisms than others. During their final weeks in office, the sitting U.S. president will, traditionally, utilize their power to grant pardons for federal crimes and issue clemency to those they believe deserve it. Some believe the president should not have the power to grant pardons because it can be abused and is often seen as a political act rather than judicial correction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the years, presidents like Andrew Johnson Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump have stirred the pot by granting sweeping pardons or to those close to them. Heres a look at the most controversial. Andrew Johnson After the Civil War, Johnson issued a general amnesty for roughly 12,600 Confederate officials and soldiers a move that was met with intense backlash. Johnson intended to unify the country after a long and bloody war with the sweeping pardons. However, Johnson did include 14 exceptions to the general amnesty. If a former official or soldier fell under one of those exceptions they had to file a petition for a pardon with the president. Andrew Johnson issued a general amnesty for roughly 12,600 Confederate officials and soldiers, which sparked fierce backlash (Getty Images) Richard Nixon Nixon controversially offered Jimmy Hoffa, a labor union leader with ties to organized crime rings, commutation for his sentencing on jury tampering, attempted bribery, conspiracy, mail and wire fraud. Hoffa only served five years of his 13-year-long sentence. Gerald Ford One of the most well-known and controversial acts of pardon was when Ford gave Nixon a blanket pardon in 1974, after the Watergate scandal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nixon had not been formally charged with a crime but many were expecting prosecutors to bring charges forward. At a time when the public saw the government as corrupt, Fords pardon ignited those concerns. However, he maintained his decision was in the best interest of the country. Some historians believe Fords decision to pardon Nixon is what cost him the 1976 presidential election. Gerald Ford sought to heal America after the trauma of the Watergate scandal that forced Richard Nixon from office in 1974 (AFP via Getty Images) Jimmy Carter Carter received criticisms for pardoning hundreds of thousands of Vietnam War draft dodgers on his second day in office a promise he made on the campaign trail. George H. W. Bush Controversially, Bush pardoned the former secretary of defense Caspar Weinberger and five other people involved in the Iran-Contra scandal, in which they secretly sold arms to Iran while it was under an arms embargo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scandal occurred under the Reagan administration. Bill Clinton Clinton used his power to pardon his half-brother, Roger Clinton Jr., on his last day in office in 2001. Roger pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine for trying to sell it to an undercover police officer in the 80s. Though he spent a year in prison, Clintons pardon cleared Rogers criminal record. Clinton also received pushback for pardoning billionaire fugitive Marc Rich, who was charged with tax evasion, wire fraud, racketeering and making oil deals with Iran during the hostage crisis. US President Bill Clinton pardoned his brother Roger after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine for trying to sell it to an undercover police officer in the 80s. (AFP via Getty Images) Barack Obama Among the last of his pardons, Obama granted commutation to Chelsea Manning, a former U.S. Army soldier and whistleblower who leaked classified documents to WikiLeaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manning was convicted of violating the Espionage Act, stealing government property and violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. She served seven years of her 35-year sentence. Donald Trump The president-elect, and former president, used his powers for his family members too, notably pardoning his son-in-laws father, Charles Kushner. Kushner served two terms in prison for tax evasion: for retaliating against a federal witness and lying to the Federal Election Commission in 2005. Trump recently tapped Kushner to serve as his ambassador to France. But several other Trump pardons were met with pushback including one to his longtime adviser Steve Bannon, his former national security advisor Michael Flynn and his friend Roger Stone. President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter despite promising not to do so for months (AP) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe Biden Despite maintaining for months he would not pardon his own son, Biden chose to pardon Hunter in his last few weeks in office. Hunter was convicted on three gun-related charges and pleaded guilty to nine tax-related charges in 2024. However, Bidens pardon of his son covers any crimes committed from 2014 to 2024. President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday just days before he was scheduled to be sentenced in separate federal gun and tax casesmarking an about face for the lame-duck president. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted, Biden said in a statement. The president accused his political opponents in Congress of pursuing the prosecution against his sonwho became the first child of a sitting president to be criminally convicted after he was found guilty on firearms charges in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden, 82, has repeatedly insisted he had no plans to pardon his troubled 54-year-old son, but reversed that decision on Sunday night, insisting Hunter was treated differently than others facing the same charges. Biden decided to issue the pardon over the weekend, a White House source told NBC News, who first broke the story before the official announcement. Hunter, his wife Melissa Cohen Biden, and their son Beau joined the president on Nantucket for Thanksgiving in the days leading up to the decision, multiple outlets reported. No. President Biden will not pardon Hunter Biden. pic.twitter.com/I4scEbEfXR Mike Sington (@MikeSington) July 27, 2023 No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, Biden said. The aging president, whose decision will spare Hunter time behind bars, alluded to his sons battles with alcohol and drug addiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution, Biden said. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. Bidens order granted his son a pardon for all offenses he committed or may have committed or taken part in for an almost 11-year period between January 2014, before Hunter joined the board of the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma Holdingswhich Republicans claimed was part of a Biden family bribery schemethrough December 2024. In a statement sent to the Daily Beast, Hunter reflected on his five years of sobriety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport," the presidents son said. And without naming his father, Hunter expressed appreciation for the presidents pardon. U.S. President Joe Biden, accompanied by Hunter Biden and Beau Jr., walks out of a bookstore in downtown Nantucket, Massachusetts, U.S., November 29, 2024. The pardon comes just one day after defense attorneys for Hunter issued a 52-page paper titled The political prosecutions of Hunter Biden on Saturdayportraying the first child of a sitting president to be convicted of a felony as a victim of circumstance. In the white paper obtained by the Daily Beast, Hunters attorneys argue that he is on President-elect Donald Trumps enemies list and will face increased scrutiny from federal prosecutors when he takes office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A system that is supposed to protect against abuses failed to do so and was corrupted by political leaders in this country, the document reads. The special counsel who prosecuted both of Hunter Bidens cases, David Weiss, was appointed by Trump to be the U.S. attorney for Delaware. However, Bidens own attorney general, Merrick Garland, appointed Weiss as the special counsel overseeing the Hunter Biden investigation, which resulted in two separate convictions. The prospect that Trump will turn his vengeance on the Special Counsel prosecutors if they fail to take a harder line against Hunter no doubt exerts considerable pressure on them not to let up on Hunter, the filing adds. The report from Hunters attorneys directly criticized the prosecutions decision to pursue the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter posed no threat to public safety nor worked in his fathers administration. There were no victims in the gun or tax crimes he was accused of committing. Owning a handgun for 11 days that was never loaded nor used, and a late filing and payment of taxes, should not have been the foundation to punish Hunter for no more than being a Biden. The presidents statement on Sunday announcing the pardon seemingly reflected the reasoning from his sons lawyers. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions, Biden said. Hunter was found guilty on federal gun charges in June. He then pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first son is scheduled to be sentenced in his gun case on Dec. 12 in Delaware, where he faces up to 25 years in prison. His sentencing on tax evasion in California will take place on Dec. 16. The tax charges come with a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison. Biden repeatedly said he had no plans to pardon his own son, telling ABC News David Muir in an interview he would accept the outcome of his sons trial. More recently, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insisted a pardon was still out of the question at a press briefing on Nov. 7the day after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election. During the campaign season, Trump repeatedly used similar language to Hunter Bidens legal teamlabeling the prosecutions against him as political persecution. Lawyers for the president-elect even floated the idea of a $100 million lawsuit against the Justice Department, alleging the FBIs 2022 search of Mar-a-Lago for classified documents constituted persecution. However, Trump has more recently changed his tune on Huntereven suggesting in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that he would consider a pardon for the son of his former political rival himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, now Trumps pick to lead the State Department, also previously insisted that Trump would not use the Justice Department to go after his political enemies. In its first statements about the pardon, Trumps incoming administration focused on the Justice Department under Biden. The failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement to The New York Times . That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House. In another statement posted on Truth Social, Trump again redirected the conversation away from Hunter, instead focusing on MAGA supporters who were convicted for their roles in the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! the president-elect wrote. Trump has previously floated the idea of issuing pardons for some participants in the Capitol riot after his loss to Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Congressional Republicans who led the charge against Hunter were indignant after news of the pardon broke. The charges Hunter faced were just the tip of the iceberg in the blatant corruption that President Biden and the Biden Crime Family have lied about to the American people, Rep. James Comer (R-KY) said in a statement posted on social media. President Joe Biden's explanation of the pardon he granted his son on Sunday night is dishonest, hypocritical, and evasive in several ways. He reneged on his repeated promises not to intervene in the federal gun and tax cases against Hunter Biden. Those promises included an explicit commitment to refrain from doing what the president ultimately did anyway. His justificationthat his son was "singled out" for political reasonsbears more than a passing resemblance to President-elect Donald Trump's reflexive complaint that every civil and criminal case against him was invalid for similar reasons. The pardon undermines the elder Biden's high-minded defense of the Justice Department's independence, which he and other Democrats have frequently described as a crucial safeguard against the abuses of self-interested politicians like Trump. Biden's defense of that turnaround also glides over his persistent support for the arbitrary, constitutionally dubious gun laws that his son violated, which the president has portrayed as crucial to preventing violence and promoting public safety. Last June, a federal jury convicted Hunter Biden of three firearm felonies related to his 2018 purchase of a revolver, which he was prohibited from owning because he was a crack cocaine user at the time. In September, Biden pleaded guilty to nine tax offenses, including three felonies. His father does not claim Hunter Biden was innocent of those charges. Instead, he claims that federal prosecutors treated Hunter more severely than they would have treated a defendant who was not the president's son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden earned a fortune by trading on his father's name, then repeatedly failed to pay taxes on that income. No biggie, the president says, since "those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given noncriminal resolutions." The elder Biden also argues that the gun case was highly unusual. "Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser," he says, "people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form." The president says he would have been happy with the resolution that his son's lawyers reached with federal prosecutors last year. Under that arrangement, which collapsed amid objections by a federal judge, Hunter Biden would have pleaded guilty to two tax misdemeanors, and the government would have recommended a sentence of probation. Prosecutors also agreed to drop the gun case once Biden completed a pretrial diversion program. After that deal fell apart and subsequent negotiations were unsuccessful, Biden faced additional charges in both cases. That is what typically happens when a defendant exercises his Sixth Amendment right to trial by jury, and it illustrated the enormous power that prosecutors have to coerce guilty pleas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A single charge of illegal gun possession under 18 USC 922(g)(3) became three charges, including two based on "how [Hunter] filled out a gun form." One count alleged a violation of 18 USC 922(a)(6), which applies to someone who knowingly makes a false statement in connection with a firearm transactionin this case, by denying illegal drug use. The other new count, based on the same underlying conduct, involved 18 USC 924(a)(1)(A), which applies to someone who "knowingly makes any false statement or representation with respect to the information" that a federally licensed dealer is required to record. The upshot was that Biden faced a maximum prison sentence of 25 years, quite a jump from zero time behind bars under the nixed diversion agreement. In the tax case, two misdemeanors became three felonies and six misdemeanors, all of which were covered by Biden's guilty plea. "There was no plea agreement," the Justice Department noted. As a result, the probation sentence that the government was prepared to accept in 2023 became a potential prison sentence of up to 17 years. Biden's actual sentences probably would have been much shorter than the maximums. But the dramatic escalation in potential penalties epitomized the "trial penalty" that helps explain why 97 percent of federal felony convictions are based on guilty pleas rather than proof beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal court. That much was par for the course. Yet President Biden argues that the cases would not have been prosecuted to begin with but for the machinations of Republican legislators. "It is clear that Hunter was treated differently," he says. "The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those "political opponents," of course, had no power to bring criminal charges against Hunter Biden. That decision was made by David C. Weiss, who served as the acting U.S. attorney for Delaware during the Trump administration and kept that position after Joe Biden took office. In August 2023, Biden's attorney general, Merrick Garland, appointed Weiss as a special counsel charged with overseeing both cases against Hunter Biden. That designation was aimed at preserving the prosecutorial independence that Joe Biden was keen to defend until last night, and Weiss' willingness to let Hunter Biden avoid incarceration belies any notion that he had it in for the president's son. In fact, that "sweetheart deal" provoked vigorous objections from Republicans who complained that Hunter Biden had benefited from political favoritismthe opposite of what his father claims. Joe Biden views that criticism as further interference with the criminal justice system. "A carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the courtroomwith a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process," he says. "Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter's cases." That gloss elides U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika's objections to the proposed resolution of the two cases. Among other things, Noreika was concerned about a lack of clarity regarding Hunter Biden's immunity from future prosecution, the interaction between the plea deal and the diversion agreement, and the highly unusual role she would have had to play in deciding whether Biden had met the terms of the latter. The president's take also ignores the government's openness to negotiating another plea agreement, albeit on terms that Biden deemed unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is possible that, as the president suggests, Weiss took to heart the criticism of the initial plea deal and was determined to show that he was not giving Hunter Biden special treatment. At the same time, the ultimate decision to throw the book at Biden was not at all unusual. In the rare cases where federal defendants insist on a trial, they can expect to be punished for that decision. That is undeniably a problem, but it is by no means a problem unique to Hunter Biden. The same is true of another problem to which the president alludes: the haphazard, wildly uneven enforcement of the gun laws that Hunter Biden violated. Survey data suggest that millions of American gun owners are illegal drug users, meaning they are guilty of the same felony that Hunter Biden committed by possessing a firearm. If they bought their firearms from federally licensed dealers and therefore "filled out a gun form," they are also guilty of the two additional felonies that Biden committed during the same transaction by denying his drug use. Almost none of those potential defendants ever face prosecution. From FY 2008 through FY 2017, for example, federal prosecutors filed an annual average of just 133 charges under Section 922(g)(3). One reason such cases are rarely prosecuted is that the government generally does not know which drug users are gun owners or vice versa. But Biden publicly admitted his drug use, and his acquisition of the revolver came to light as a result of a bizarre spat with his girlfriend. In that respect, he was very unlucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So was Patrick Darnell Daniels Jr., a Mississippi man who had two guns and the remains of a few joints in his car when he was stopped for a traffic violation in 2022. Daniels was convicted of violating Section 922(g)(3) and sentenced to nearly four years in prison. Last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit overturned that conviction, deeming the prosecution inconsistent with Daniels' constitutional right to keep and bear arms. Hunter Biden's lawyers cited that decision in arguing that the gun charges against him should be dismissed. Noreika rejected their facial challenge, but she left open the possibility that Biden could appeal his conviction by arguing that the ban on gun possession by illegal drug users was unconstitutional as applied to him. Defending the gun charges, Weiss argued that "the Second Amendment, like the rest of the Constitution, 'protects against invasions of individual rights; it is not a suicide pact.'" He added that "Congress's legislative choice to prohibit individuals who are actively engaged in habitual illegal or compulsive narcotic use from possessing firearms falls firmly within longstanding historical traditions and accords with the Second Amendment." Notably, Biden sided with Weiss in this constitutional dispute, which pitted the president against his own son. The Biden administration has stubbornly defended Section 922(g)(3) in one case after another, specifically arguing that cannabis consumers are so untrustworthy and dangerous that the government is justified in threatening them with prison if they dare to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Biden not only supports that policy; he evidently thought the penalties that his son faced for violating it were not severe enough. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Biden signed in June 2022, increased the maximum sentence for violating Section 922(g)(3) from 10 to 15 years. It also created yet another possible charge for drug users who obtain firearms, likewise punishable by up to 15 years in prison. If Hunter Biden had bought his revolver after that law took effect and was still using crack, he could have faced four felony charges with a combined maximum penalty of 45 years. Joe Biden nevertheless argues that his son did not deserve a prison sentence for illegally obtaining a firearm. Those severe penalties, he implies, are meant for other defendants, people who actually pose a threat to public safety. That position seems inconsistent with the Biden administration's insistence that every cannabis consumerincluding patients who use marijuana as a medicine with state approvalis a public menace. In any case, Daniels got almost four years based on nothing more than his status as a gun-owning cannabis consumer. While Hunter Biden is a well-connected man who could afford top-of-the-line legal representation, Daniels is a man of much more modest means with decidedly less political influence. The contrast between their cases is not a good look for a president who periodically decries the unjust and unequal impact of marijuana prohibition. The post Hunter Biden's Pardon Features Several Shades of Hypocrisy, Including the Gun Policy Implications appeared first on Reason.com. BRISTOL, Tenn./Va. (WJHL) The grand marshals for the 2024 Bristol Christmas Parade have been announced. On Monday, the Bristol TN/VA Chamber of Commerce announced the parade would begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5. The parade will begin on State Street at Bob Morrison Boulevard and end at the intersection of State Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Director of Creation Kingdom Zoo confirms several animals dead after fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President and CEO of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce Beth Rhinehart said in a news release that the organization would recognize those who made great contributions to disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Helene. A very special part of the parade is always honoring our grand marshal(s), and this year the decision to honor our hurricane relief heroes and their organizations was very significant, Rhinehart said. The flooding and storm impact from Hurricane Helene across our region was unprecedented and devastating. So many individuals and organizations in our community answered the urgent call for help to jump in, assist with and lead the recovery. We were all so inspired by these folks, especially during this holiday season, and we wanted to recognize that special gift that is so remarkable in our community. Organizations and people who will be represented on the grand marshal float include the following: Ballad Health Bristol Motor Speedway Bristol, TN Fire Department Bristol, TN Police Department Bristol, VA Fire Department Bristol, VA Police Department Bristol Tennessee Essential Services BVU Authority City of Bristol, TN City of Bristol, VA Food City Hard Rock Bristol Casino and Hotel Red Cross Second Harvest Food Bank The United Company Foundation United Way of Bristol TN/VA Virginia State Police Med-Flight II Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bristols Christmas parade is always held on the first Thursday in December. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Anthony Deutsch THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The president of the International Criminal Court on Monday said threats facing the institution, including possible U.S. sanctions and Russian warrants for staff members, "jeopardise its very existence". Speaking at an annual conference of the court's 124 members, President Judge Tomoko Akane did not name Russia or the United States but referred to them as permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's clear by any metric, by any benchmark, this assembly is at a pivotal time," ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan said in his speech at the opening of the conference. "We are facing unprecedented challenges. We see civil society victims, survivors, humanity at large, I think have unprecedented expectations," Khan said. Russia issued an arrest warrant for Khan two months after the court in The Hague issued a warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The United States House of Representatives in June passed a bill to sanction the court in response to Khan's request for an arrest warrant against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence chief, Yoav Gallant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Court has been subjected to attacks seeking to undermine its legitimacy and ability to administer justice and realise international law and fundamental rights; coercive measures, threats, pressure and acts of sabotage," Akane said, adding that more warrants had been issued against court employees. The ICC is also "being threatened with draconian economic sanctions from institutions of another permanent member of the Security Council as if it was a terrorist organisation. These measures would rapidly undermine the Court's operations in all situations and cases and jeopardise its very existence," she said. While the United States is not a member of the court, the world's preeminent military and financial power could undermine the ICC diplomatically and politically and with financial sanctions targeting its staff. She said the court firmly rejects any "attempt to influence (its) independence and impartiality. We resolutely dismiss efforts to politicise our function. We have and always will comply only with the law, under all circumstances." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court was established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression when member states are unwilling or unable to do so themselves. 'STEP TOWARDS UNRAVELLING' In its 22 years, the court has not shied away from taking on powerful leaders, including Putin, targeted with an arrest warrant last year over accusations his authorities abducted children from Ukraine, which he and Russia deny. On Wednesday, the prosecutor sought a warrant for Myanmar's military ruler Min Aung Hlaing. Netanyahu's warrant marks the first time the court has targeted such a figure as the serving leader of a country closely allied to the rich countries of the West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC, a court of last resort when national authorities are unwilling or unable to act, has no police force. Countries that have signed its founding treaty are on paper required to detain Netanyahu should he arrive on their territory. But already several European founding members have publicly said they might not do so. France said Netanyahu is immune; Italy said he might be. Britain and Germany have avoided directly explaining how they would act. Even the Netherlands, which hosts the court in The Hague, has said there could be circumstances in which Netanyahu might be able to visit, without spelling out what those conditions might be. Selective adherence by members to court orders to detain suspects poses "a very dangerous escalation, a step towards the unravelling of the ICC statute system as a whole," said Sergey Vasiliev, a professor of International Law at the Netherlands Open University and a long-time ICC watcher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Now the question is about how serious the state's parties are with respecting the decisions of the court, even in the situation where they do not like the decision," he said. (This story has been refiled to restore the dropped first name 'Sergey' in paragraph 17) (Reporting by Anthony Deutsch and Stephanie van den Berg; Editing by Alison Williams and Hugh Lawson) The Israeli Defense Forces announced Monday the death of Capt. Omer Maxim Neutra, who was from Long Island. The tank commander was 21. Neutra was killed during the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, according to the Israeli Defense Forces. He was posthumously promoted from the rank of lieutenant to captain. He deferred enrolling at SUNY Binghamton to join the Israeli Defense Forces after high school, according to CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Gov. Hochul confirmed in a statement that Neutra was barbarically murdered by Hamas. The Times of Israel reported it had been believed Neutra was alive and being held hostage in Gaza. Its now thought he was killed in battle near Nir Oz, a kibbutz, before his body was taken over the Gaza border from Israel. The [ Israeli Defense Forces] shares in the familys grief, Israeli officials said in a statement. The slain hostages family said Saturday evening that the nightmare of knowing Neutra was suffering in captivity had been replaced with the grief of knowing he is gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past 423 days nearly 14 months we have been working non-stop doing anything and everything possible to bring Omer home alive, the family said in a statement shared with the Daily News. It was an unimaginable nightmare to be acting based on the hope that he was alive, despite having little information or signs of life since he was seen on video being taken on October 7th. While we appreciate the support we have received from so many in our community, in New York, in Israel and across the world, the feeling today is very difficult. The grief is heavy. Sadly, time has run out to bring Omer home alive, and words alone have no power to comfort. A Barclays Center crowd hoped for Neutras safe return during an event in October 2023, where his image appeared on a Jumbotron. His family came into Brooklyn from Long Island a day after what wouldve been his 22nd birthday. They believed he was being held captive with two other Americans. We pray that his body can be returned to his family, who have been speaking out for him and all hostages since that horrific day, Hochuls office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neutra was the captain of his basketball team at the Schechter School of Long Island. He was a Knicks fan who wore the No. 24 in honor of NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant, according to PIX11 News. His mother, Orna Neutra, told the outlet in October it was devastating and unfathomable to think her son had spent the past year being held hostage in the Hamas-controlled tunnels under Gaza. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) also expressed sympathy for Neutras loved ones. My heart breaks for them and their entire family as they face this unbearable loss. But I am also filled with pride in the life that Omer lived, she said in a statement provided to The News. His heroism and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and I will not rest until his body is returned home. May his memory be a blessing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he was devastated and heartbroken to learn of Neutras death. I wont stop fighting to bring Omers remains and the 101 hostages home, he said. More than 250 Israelis were abducted during that incursion, which left 1,200 people dead including 46 Americans. A dozen Americans were thought to have been taken hostage, according to the State Department. The deaths of multiple captives have since been confirmed. Israeli President Isaac Herzog mourned Neutras death and called for the return of every victim of the Hamas attack on Israel living or dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our hearts are with the Neutra family this morning, who, after more than a year of a determined, traumatic and worldwide struggle, received the devastating news confirming the death of their beloved son, Captain Omer Maxim Neutra, who fell on Oct. 7 , his body abducted by terrorists into Gaza, he wrote in a statement. No other details about Neutras death were made available. The Israeli military said Monday that Omer Neutra, a dual American Israeli citizen who was serving in the Israeli Defense Forces during Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, died that day. The 21-year-old was previously thought to have been taken hostage, sparking hope he might one day come home alive along with the roughly 100 other people believed to still be in Hamas captivity. Its unclear why the Israeli military refrained from clarifying that Neutra was deceased until today, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz writing on social media that Neutra fell in a heroic battle on Oct. 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neutras parents, Ronen and Orna Neutra, told CNN last week theyd hoped the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon might lead to progress on a similar agreement with Hamas and the release of their son. 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. An image of Omer Neutra hangs on a gate in Krakow, Poland, on Jan. 1, 2024. NurPhoto via Getty Images The two also visited President Joe Biden at the White House less than a month ago, where presumably they made a similar plea. Biden paid tribute to Omer Neutra, a Long Island native, in a statement Monday, saying he and first lady Jill Biden were devastated and outraged to learn of Neutras death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than a month ago, Omers mother and father joined me at the White House to share the pain theyve endured as they prayed for the safe return of their son pain no parent should ever know, Biden said. They told me how Omers grandparents were Holocaust survivors and how their familys strength and resilience has been carried through the generations. During this dark hour as our nation joins Omers parents, brother, and family in grieving this tragic loss we pray to find strength and resilience, he continued. And to all the families of those still held hostage: We see you. We are with you. And I will not stop working to bring your loved ones back home where they belong. Related... Authorities have charged a 37-year-old Chicago man with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a suburban police detective. Detective Allan Reddins of the Oak Park Police Department was killed Friday morning after responding to a report of a man leaving a bank with a gun in the suburb just west of Chicago, according to police. He later died at a local hospital. On Saturday the Cook County states attorneys office charged Jerell Thomas of Chicago in the killing. Thomas was also charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oak Park authorities alleged Thomas began shooting when approached by Reddins and other officers. Thomas was injured in the leg and remained hospitalized Sunday with non-life threatening injuries. No bond hearing has been set. A listed phone number for Thomas was disconnected. An email message seeking comment was left for him Sunday. Investigators called Thomas a habitual criminal with a previous arrests for aggravated battery of a police officer, domestic battery, battery and resisting a police officer. Reddins, 40, was the first Oak Park police officer shot in the line of duty since 1938, according to Oak Park officials. He had worked for the department since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 17: A person holds a sign that reads "Mass Deportation Now" on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Delegates, politicians, and the Republican faithful are in Milwaukee for the annual convention, concluding with former President Donald Trump accepting his party's presidential nomination. The RNC takes place from July 15-18. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) As Donald Trump heads back to the White House with mass deportation on his agenda, immigrant rights groups in Michigan are warning that Michiganders will pay dearly for Trumps vision for the country, at the grocery store, when seeking medical care and across all facets of life. While there is much unknown about how Trump plans to deliver his campaign promise to begin the largest deportation operation in American history, individuals of varying citizen statuses across Michigan have been cast into fear for the safety of their children and loved ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a lot of people who are terrified. Our phones are ringing off the hook, Julie Powers, executive director of Immigration Law & Justice Michigan said. As refugee programs and immigrant work permits are on Trumps chopping block, its the unaccompanied migrant children navigating survival in the U.S. that Powers worries the most about should Trumps administration prevent kids seeking asylum. These children, they dont have a grown upPerhaps their primary family member was involved with the drug cartel, or they were trafficked by a family member and returning to their country of origin would result in them most likely being killed or trafficked again, Powers said. These kiddos are integrating into our communities. Many of them have been adopted by American families, some of them have been adopted or are in a guardianship relationship with extended family members who may already be in the United States as citizens or who are in the process of obtaining citizenship. So we dont know whats going to happen to those kiddos. Trumps plans to deport millions of immigrants will likely require coordination across multiple veins of the federal government with proposals from Trumps cabinet appointees including workplace raids, detention camps, crackdowns on sanctuary cities, mobilizing local law enforcement agencies and using the U.S. military branches to implement various elements of his emerging plans. Former President Donald Trump focused on the auto industry, immigration and support among Arab and Muslim Americans during a rally in Novi, Mich. on Oct. 26, 2024. | Kyle Davidson There is no price tag on the safety of the American people, Trump has said, which he contends is threatened by the violence and lawlessness of undocumented immigrants. But the cost estimate for Trumps plan to implement mass deportation of immigrants, who despite Trumps assertions, commit far less crime than U.S.-born citizens, is expected to run up hundreds of billions of dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigrants, including those who are not documented, contribute greatly to Michigans economy and their absence would be sorely missed, Powers said, noting that immigrants make up about 30% of Michigans physicians and surgeons, according to estimates from pro-immigration groups. The health care system in Michigan is already strained as Baby Boomers are aging and the necessary additional care providers are not available. Undocumented immigrants play a huge role in health care with almost 280,000 undocumented workers participating in providing services as of 2018, largely in home health care roles, according to the New American Economy Research Fund. I think that a lot of people have forgotten that we are a country of immigrants, but more importantly, Michigan is a state of immigrants, Powers said. When mass deportation happenshow is your grandma going to get care in the nursing home? Shes not Who is going to do the groundbreaking research that has advanced cancer treatments at the University of Michigan and other research institutions? I think that a lot of people have been misled and just dont seem to understand how economics work. About 1.3% of Michigans population consists of undocumented immigrants, according to the Pew Research Center. With about 130,000 undocumented immigrants, about a fifth of Michigans immigrant population is undocumented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigans more than $100 billion agricultural industry would likely suffer under mass deportation, Christine Sauve, Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator for the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, or MIRC, said. Michigan Immigrant Rights Center employees gather in Kalamazoo. | Photo courtesy of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center Agriculture is a top industry in Michigan and according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture about half of hired crop farm workers dont have a legal immigration status. The removal of undocumented immigrants from Michigans workforce would have a major impact on the ability for Michiganders to get their food in a safe and timely manner at reasonable prices, Sauve said. A lot of migrant workers without an immigration status have been in the U.S. for generations, with years of experience supporting Michigans economic growth. Those folks are also consumers in the community. Theyre integrated into the local economy, in addition to the role they play in planting, picking and preparing the foods that we eat, Sauve said. If those folks are removed from the labor system, it might be difficult to replace those positions. Employers would have to probably offer higher wages to entice people and that cost would likely be passed on to the consumer. And if we cant meet our food system needs, and we might be looking at importing foodall of that could potentially lead to higher prices in the grocery store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout his campaign, Trump villainized countries like Mexico, Germany and China for contributing to stunted economic growth in Michigan, proposing high tariffs on foreign goods with the goal of encouraging an American-made economy. However, many economists say extreme tariffs will make prices at grocery stores skyrocket for U.S. consumers as well as prices on cars and other goods. When countries need a boost, they welcome immigrants and Michigan, which has faced such significant population stagnation it lost a vote in the electoral college in 2021, needs a boost, Bill OBrien, executive director of Strangers No Longer said. OBriens group Strangers No Longer was formed amongst Catholic stakeholders in Michigan following Trumps 2017 ban on travel from Muslim countries and at the advice of Pope Francis calls to welcome immigrant neighbors no matter religion. And while OBrien said Trump and his allies have created a smear campaign directed at all immigrants under the veil of Christianity, Michiganders operate differently, no matter the rhetoric, and average people act with hospitality and generosity towards their neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You talk to the ordinary person in the street, they would welcome immigrants when new families come in and theyre going to school and theyre trying to learn English, their experience of those families has been very positive, OBrien said. Peoples experience of new families, their kids go to school, theyre in catechism with themThey experience one thing, but theyre told they need to be afraid of another thing. Immigrants, documented and undocumented alike, are preparing to weather another presidency under Donald Trump where their safety to move freely and exist within Michigan is not guaranteed, Edna Berlanga, 54, said last month during a rally outside the Michigan Capitol to restore drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. Strangers No Longer, along with the Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) support the restoration of allowing undocumented Michiganders to have drivers licenses and state IDs that was removed in 2008. Yvonne Navarrete, policy director for We The People Michigan speaks on the Michigan Capitol steps in support of affordable housing and legislation to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers licenses on on Nov. 13, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols) For Berlanga, she told Michigan Advance that for years she had been able to drive around the state, with auto insurance, with confidence, getting to see her grandchildren and be with family on holidays. Now, without a valid license, auto insurance is much more costly to her and she worries about driving too far and running into a problem with law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Limiting immigrants ability to drive and work and access safe housing places them in a position to be taken advantage of by bad actors, OBrien said. Normally local authorities dont partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, Sauve said, and for good reason. If local law enforcement wants to have the trust of the community to encourage community members to come forward with information about a crime or to cooperate in an investigation, they cant be responsible for detaining people for ICE. However, local law enforcement agencies around the country are preparing to partner with Trump on mass deportation efforts and allow ICE to focus on sanctuary cities and areas with less local partnerships ICE. Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy speaks at Crime and Safety press conference held by the Trump campaign in Howell. Aug. 20, 2024. Photo by Jon King. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy, a vocal supporter of Trump and his deportation policies, began having his department document its interactions with undocumented immigrants regardless of the nature of the contact in September. In arenas like law enforcement and health care, Sauve said MIRC advises communities to not ask about immigration status in order to eliminate bias and protect the data of immigrant residents who may need help from police or hospitals. In anticipation of a flurry of death by a thousand cuts policies enacted by Trump for immigration, as well as sweeping reforms, Sauve is advising noncitizens to reach out to advocacy agencies to ensure theyre in the best position to stay safe. MIRC is advising noncitizens to Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renew Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA, if status expires with 150 days Get passports for all members of mixed immigration status households in case members get separated Asylum seekers should apply for work permits or renew existing permits, as well as apply for additional immigration status should asylum statuses be cut Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) should apply for citizenship immediately Fear is rampant through immigrant communities in Michigan right now and hopefully some of Trumps campaign trail promises on deportation are hot air, Powers said, but when someone tells you their plan, its best to believe them. Anti-immigrant rhetoric in the last decade has degraded community support for immigrant neighbors, but even in the dark and difficult times, people come together to try and do good in the world, Powers said, noting that former clients of Immigration Law & Justice Michigan who achieved citizenship have been calling in hoping to help the organization serve Michiganders. We are all guided by our respective faith and we have a moral compass we will do our best to help folks make good decisions by giving them all of the information that we have, Powers said. But I tell you what, they come for those kids, theyre going to have to come through me. Chamber of the House of Representatives in the Maine State House in Augusta. Sept. 5, 2023.(Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) As the incoming leaders of the Maine Senate and House of Representatives prepare to lead their chambers with slimmer Democratic majorities, they say they hope to bridge partisan divides with streamlined procedure, efficiency and trust. Ive seen both the challenges of navigating such a slim majority, said Ryan Fecteau, who Democrats chose to serve another term as Speaker of the Maine House, but Ive also seen the opportunities of finding ways to work together with our Republican colleagues to move the ball forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fecteau of Biddeford and Senate President-elect Mattie Daughtry of Brunswick, both in their 30s, are two of the youngest people to assume their respective roles. However, the leaders already have vast legislative experience, having first been elected to serve as state representatives while in their 20s. I got into politics because I know what its like to feel like being a young person feeling disenfranchised by their government, Daughtry said. The two leaders outlined ambitions to further protect Mainers rights and build upon initiatives championed by Democrats in recent years, however they said their overarching focus will transcend issue areas. Streamlining procedure while emphasizing consistency, transparency and consensus-driven agendas to combat a period of deep partisan division will be their priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its often predictable where the parties will diverge on issues, but last session, many tensions arose from operational challenges: late night votes and the increased use of vague placeholder bills, among others. While Fecteau and Daughtry say the slimmer Democratic majorities may present greater challenges to enacting change, they also see in them opportunity greater motivation for bipartisan cooperation. What we have to be part of as lawmakers, as leaders in our communities, is starting to turn the dial back to a time when we were first and foremost Americans and our party affiliation was secondary to that, Fecteau said. When you peel back the layers of partisanship, or the strongly held beliefs that people have because of what theyve heard on TV or they read on social media, at the end of the day, I think people are more willing to relent on those divisions if it meant the problems that they faced in their everyday lives were getting solved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, thats on us. Thats on us. How slimmer majorities are guiding leadership Reflecting on election results, Fecteau said, I think it all comes down to who [voters] feel is most likely to be responsive to the issues that are impacting them in their daily lives. Maine voters ultimately delivered Democratic majorities back to the House and Senate, however the incoming 132nd Legislature has slimmer Democratic majorities than the 131st. Mainers also sent back Democratic congressman Jared Golden in the 2nd Congressional District, although a recount of that race is set for Monday. However, while Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris won the state overall, President-elect Donald Trump won CD2 by a significant margin, which Fecteau believes demonstrates some Mainers discontent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think around household budgets and being able to make ends meet, he added, specifically. We have to be receptive and responsive to the concerns that people are facing in their everyday lives. In the Senate, the Democratic incumbents who ran for reelection won while the upper chamber also has two new Democratic members results that Daughtry said shows the quality of candidate that we run in Senate Democrats who are uniquely rooted in their districts and their communities, and its not just about partisan politics. Some advocates and reproductive health providers say the return of Democratic majorities also signals Mainers value the rights Democrats have championed, such as abortion. However, last session the Legislature fell short of the two-thirds of support needed to enshrine some of those rights in the state constitution, such as reproductive freedom and an equal rights amendment. With slimmer majorities this session, Fecteau said, the likelihood that renewed efforts will be successful obviously seems a bit more daunting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daughtry is also taking lessons learned from the campaign trail into her role. I firmly believe that even in such a contentious time, there is more that connects us than divides us, Daughtry said, noting that at most doors she knocked this fall, she found common ground regardless of party affiliation. I think its incumbent on all of us to continue to remember that in our work and our deliberations. Most of the work the Legislature does is already bipartisan, Senate leadership emphasized, incoming majority leader Teresa Pierce of Falmouth and assistant majority leader Jill Duson of Portland. Though, the leadership team is eyeing ways to further support such work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel strongly that when youre in the majority that you make sure youre communicating well with your counterparts, Pierce said. Duson said tension and conflict are part of the lawmaking process. Its never going to be a kind of kumbaya, Duson said, adding, we get better things done when we can work together, and if we narrow the things where we cant quite reach agreement. Fecteau agreed. But what I dont want, and what I think we can avoid, he said, is having partisan fights that leave a bitter taste in everyones mouth when we adjourn. What they bring to the table Maines legislative leadership constitutes many firsts or rarities in state history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daughtry is the youngest woman at the rostrum. She is also part of the first all female Senate leadership team in state history. I think that we are leading the nation in a lot of ways, Pierce said. Fecteau was already the youngest Maine House Speaker when he was first elected to the position in 2020. He was also the first out gay person in the role. Returning to the Legislature this session, Fecteaus non-consecutive terms as Speaker are also an anomaly. When Maine people look at their Legislature and it looks like them, they know that its truly a representative democracy, Daughtry said. Im really hoping for any young people who are wondering if its worth being involved, that theyre able to look at us at the rostrums and in these positions of leadership whether theyre a Democrat or Republican or independent that they know that theres people out there living the same experiences theyre living. Across the aisle in the Senate, Minority Leader Trey Stewart of Aroostook will also provide a millennial perspective to leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While eager to bring young leadership to Maine, Daughtry and Fecteau said their past experience and that of their teams is also an asset. It sounds crazy because at 32 its hard to believe that Im going to be the person running on experienced leadership, Fecteau said, adding that he believes his prior stint will aid the entire chamber by allowing him to get to work more quickly. I have a good sense of the mechanics, and now its about execution, he said. Its about delivering the results that Maine people expect of us. When it comes to Daughtrys leadership style, shes also pulling from her experience outside the Legislature, specifically in the hospitality industry. As a brewery owner and a leader, Daughtry said its important to focus on how people feel when they come in to do the work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im setting the tone and temper of the chamber and I recognize that for me, going from the partisan office to then being the presiding officer of the chamber, Daughtry said, referring to previously serving as assistant majority leader, that I am responsible for the fairness and equity of the chamber and how it is run. One of the reasons I ran for this office is a passion to modernize our Legislature, to make it more efficient, to make it work for working people. I mean, this is the People's House. We're a citizen Legislature. I firmly believe that is an asset, but we need to make sure we can continue to be a citizen's legislature. Senate President-elect Mattie Daughtry Eyeing procedural change Those familiar with the Maine Legislature know that it often runs on legislative time, with meetings occasionally starting several hours later than scheduled. Fecteau wants that to change. First and foremost, he said, he values being on time, for the sake of efficiency but also for accessibility. Its not just about lawmakers, he said. Its about the public. Having last presided during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fecteau said he intends to bring back some efficiencies from that time into normal procedures. For example, he wants to again allow the Senate secretary and House clerk to refer most bills to committee rather than taking up time on the floor for committee chairs to make a motion. Having fewer session days means committees can start meeting at 9am or 10am and they have full work days to start doing their work, Fecteau said. Making this change and others would require amending the joint rules, though there already appears to be bipartisan support. The rules committee met for the first time in five years this summer to discuss suggested changes, such as limiting or eliminating placeholder bills known as concept drafts, late-night votes and cloture for legislators in the first regular session, which is the deadline for submitting requests for legislation to the revisor of statutes. The Legislature will adopt rules when lawmakers are sworn in on Wednesday but Fecteau said he anticipates further tweaks will be made after the official start of the session in January. One of the reasons I ran for this office is a passion to modernize our Legislature, to make it more efficient, to make it work for working people, Daughtry said. I mean, this is the Peoples House. Were a citizen Legislature. I firmly believe that is an asset, but we need to make sure we can continue to be a citizens legislature. When Daughtry was first elected to the Maine House at 25 years old, she said she worked three to four jobs to be able to afford to be a legislator. I like to joke now its a joy that I only have two jobs, Daughtry said, but Im not alone. Restructuring the legislative calendar to align with school breaks and overall provide more consistency for legislators with children and other jobs were changes suggested to the rules committee, too. For too long, weve had increased obstacles for people to be able to serve. So whether its the efficient running of committees, whether its knowing all the dates you can count on, or just knowing that the leaders are always rolling up their sleeves to try to be able to work together, I think that makes a huge difference, Daughtry said. If in 5, 10, 15, 20 years, whoever is in our seats in leadership was able to have the door open for them a way and sort of lift everyone else up, she added, that is my top priority. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Suzhou Industrial Park, the first intergovernmental cooperation project between China and Singapore. Over the years, it has witnessed closer cooperation between the two sides and become a hotbed of innovation and openness. #GLOBALink An Indian-American family was the target of a racist tirade from a fellow United Airlines passenger, which was captured on video. Wedding photographer Pervez Taufiq had just flown from Cancun to Los Angeles with his family last week when a woman spewed racist comments at family members, including his two young sons, on an airport shuttle bus. Your family is from India. You have no respect, you have no rules, you think you can push everyone, push, push, push, the woman told Taufiq and his family, according to a video the artist shared on Instagram on November 24. Thats what you think you are. You guys are f****** crazy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident began before the bus ride on the flight itself, during which Taufiqs 11-year-old son sat in the same row as the woman. A woman targeted Pervez Taufiq and his family with a racist tirade, according to a video the photographer shared on Instagram (@ptaufiqphotography/Instagram) She was making comments to him on the flight, Taufiq told The Independent. She was saying, Are you Indian? Hes 11, so he was like, Yeah, Im Indian. And shes like, Are you from New Delhi? And he said, No, my familys from Bombay, and so thats where this whole thing kicked off, Taufiq added. Then she said, Oh, I gotta talk to your parents. Taufiq described his 11-year-old son as respectful and quiet throughout the flight, noting the flight attendant even praised how well-behaved the boy was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes so quiet and literally just playing on his iPad ... he's really well behaved, to be honest, Taufiq said. When Taufiqs family ran into the woman again after they deplaned, and boarded the shuttle bus on the tarmac, Taufiq said the woman told his other son, who is four years old, to shut up. She turns to our youngest son, who was talking about the plane outside and says, Shut up, Taufiq told The Independent. I think I went into fight-or-flight a little bit, I said, Dont you ever f****** talk to my son that way, Taufiq added. You dont have a right to do that, he added. And thats when her husband got up and literally got into my face, as if hes going to hit me, said Taufiq. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video, which has gone viral on Instagram, starts soon afterward. Footage reveals the woman flashing her middle fingers to Taufiq, before taking out her phone to film him. Im going to record your f****** tandoori a**, she said in the video, referring to an Indian cooking method. Pervez Taufiq told The Independent the woman was removed from the airport bus after firing racist comments at him and his family (@ptaufiqphotography/Instagram) United Airlines officials later intervened, the video shows. Taufiq said they removed the woman from the bus and will be placing her on a no-fly list. She was incredibly, incredibly abusive, Taufiq said in the video. Her husband got in my face United handled [it] like a champ and basically is going to put her on the no-fly list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When contacted about the incident and asked to confirm whether the woman has been placed on a no-fly list, a spokesperson for United Airlines told The Independent they do not have any additional information to share. The Independent has also contacted the Los Angeles Airport Police for comment. Taufiq said just one person who is seen in the video telling United officials that the woman was being disruptive stood up for his family during the incident. What was disturbing to me and even to the kids was nobody stood up for us, nobody, just that one guy, and even he was kind of late to the punch, Taufiq told The Independent. When she was removed from the bus, thats when people started to pat me on the back, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taufiq and his family are okay, he said, but shaken from the incident. Were very appreciative of all the support seeing our community pull together, Taufiq said. Its nice to see people saying that would have stood up for us. I would love to believe that. He added: I just hope we find her and let her know that this isnt okay, you cant do these types of things. Thats all I care about. Indiana GOP Chair Randy Head takes a selfie with Governor-elect Mike Braun onstage in Indianapolis on Nov. 6, 2024. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Indiana Republican Party Chairman Randy Head announced Monday that hes resigning effective immediately after just five months in the role, citing the demands of his full-time lobbyist job. It has been the honor of my life to serve as chairman of the Indiana Republican Party for the past five months, Head said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He highlighted the partys successes under his tenure: electoral victories for U.S. Senate, governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and in the Legislature. He also oversaw record-breaking fundraising, per the release. Head thanked Gov.-elect Mike Braun for his faith, employer Krieg DeVault for allowing him to step away, Indiana GOP staffers for their work, and every Republican who placed their trust in me. The move is a business decision, according to a party insider. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Head is a member of Krieg DeVaults Governmental Affairs and Public Advocacy Practice and advises clients on legislative matters. He was elected Indiana GOP chair in June, after the close of the last legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As chair, Head was blocked from lobbying. But, the next budget-writing session prime time for lobbying begins in January. Head said hed keep serving as the Indiana GOP State Committee as 4th District chair. Hell work with that group and Braun to pick a successor. Vice Chair Erin Lucas will assume the role of interim chairwoman until the committee elects a new chair. Braun weighs in Braun complimented Head on his exemplary service as chair, touting unprecedented success and victories at every level. Randys commitment to Republican principles and his ability to bring people together have left a lasting impact on the party and the state, Braun said in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incoming governor similarly pledged to work with the committee to pick a new chair who will build on the strong foundation Randy has established. Its the third time in 15 months the party is looking for new leadership. Head succeeded former chair Anne Hathaway, who resigned following the partys convention in June. She held the role for 10 months. Former chair Kyle Hupfer left in August last year to lead Brad Chambers unsuccessful campaign for governor. He served for more than six years. Head and Hathaway are on Brauns transition team, while Hupfer is on one of a dozen transition councils. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Indiana Republican Party Chair Randy Head has resigned from his post after five months at the helm. Vice Chair Erin Lucas is stepping in as interim chair until the state central committee elects a new leader. Her transition marks the party's third leadership change since mid-2023. Kyle Hupfer, the Gov. Eric Holcomb-appointed party chair of six years, resigned in August 2023 to work on Republican Brad Chambers' primary campaign for governor. Anne Hathaway, Indiana's national committeewoman on the Republican National Committee, took over the role with Holcomb's support and carried the party through the state convention in June, saying she considered her post a temporary one until Hoosiers selected their next Republican gubernatorial nominee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's when the state committee selected Head, a former state senator from Logansport and the party's chair for Indiana's 4th congressional District, with governor-elect Mike Braun's support. State Sen. Randy Head, R-Logansport. Photo by Deonta Larkins, TheStatehouseFile.com Head cited his return to his full-time job as a lobbyist and attorney at Krieg Devault when informing the central committee members of his decision over the weekend. The resignation was effective immediately. State law precludes an officer of the state party from receiving compensation for lobbying. While he was chair, Head terminated his lobbyist registration. I want to thank Governor-elect Mike Braun for trusting me with this role. It has truly been an honor," Head said in a statement Monday. "I also want to thank Krieg DeVault for allowing me to step away from my professional responsibilities to serve the party during this crucial time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Trump dominates Indiana, Democrats are blown out and other election night takeaways Over the last five months, Head oversaw a strong election cycle for Republicans, who swept the governor's office and U.S. Senate seat by wide margins and maintained supermajorities in the Statehouse. "Under his leadership, the party achieved unprecedented success, delivering victories at every level," Braun wrote in a statement. "Randys commitment to Republican principles and his ability to bring people together have left a lasting impact on the party and the state." From left, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, Micah Beckwith, for governor, Sen. Mike Braun, and for attorney general, Todd Rokita, wave to the crowd before exiting the stage after their nominations were confirmed on Saturday, June 15, 2024, during the 2024 Indiana GOP State Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Head will continue to serve as 4th District chair and also recently took on a new role as a vice chair of Braun's gubernatorial transition team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A person close to the situation said the party anticipated that Head would eventually need to get back to his full-time job ahead of the legislative session, characterizing this as a "business decision." Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @kayla_dwyer17. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana Republican Chair Randy Head resigns By Ricardo Brito and Adriano Machado JACAREACANGA, Brazil (Reuters) - The involvement of Indigenous people in illegal gold hunting, lured by the prospect of easy money due to record prices, has made Brazil's task of cracking down on wildcat mining in the Amazon far harder, environmental agents and police say. The Munduruku territory, a reservation the size of Switzerland on the Tapajos river, a major Amazon tributary, has become a hot spot for illegal mining, which Brazilian law bans on Indigenous land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But increasingly, Munduruku tribe members are entering the illegal trade that is backed by organized crime. On a recent enforcement operation by Brazil's environmental protection agency IBAMA, agents swooped down in helicopters on muddy tailing ponds to find a camp in a clearing, but the miners had fled, alerted by the noise of the approaching choppers. A pressure cooker on a gas stove was still hot, and dogs barked. The agents destroyed two motors used to pump water through filters to trap nuggets of gold. They said the hammocks and clothing were evidence the miners were Indigenous. Gold mining has brought division within the Munduruku tribe, a majority of whom believe it is wrong, though their leaders say lack of government assistance forces people to seek other ways to deal with poverty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On one recent morning, panhandler Samuel Manga Bal found 60 grams of gold on the river: 20 times his usual daily amount. But his brother Domingo was furious and threatened to kill him if he continued, so he was forced to leave their village. "He wanted me gone," said Manga Bal, now living off growing manioc, but intending to return to mining when he can. "I'm going to go back to mining, because things are so bad now. We don't even have coffee, there's no sugar, nothing, no food, just manioc flower." The reservation is located in the municipality of Jacareacanga, a booming town of 26,000 people, where large 4x4 pickups roar along mostly unpaved streets and shops openly buy gold from miners. Trucks arrive carrying heavy backhoes and uploaders used to dig prospecting ponds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MONEY-MAKER Despite visible poverty, Jacareacanga's per capita GDP is 90,000 reais ($15,157.38), higher than Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest metropolis, a sure sign of the illegal wealth gold mining is generating. Very little taxation is collected, even though the trading of gold is public for all to see in Jacareacanga. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pledged to wipe out illegal mining that boomed under his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro and has become harder to repress across the Amazon. Evicting miners has become more difficult on the Munduruku territory now that tribe members are looking for gold. Tribal leaders estimate 40% of the gold mining on the reservation is carried out by Indigenous people today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To make matter worse, local police officers have been taking bribes from a gold mining business to turn a blind eye, according to a document seen by Reuters. In a village 10 minutes away by boat, local Chief Jonathan Kaba Biorebu said the way to stop illegal mining is to tap funding for sustainable development. He suggested selling carbon credits to companies seeking offsets for pollution. His village has benefited from a carbon credit deal signed by the local Pusuru Indigenous Association that plans to build 40 wells for drinking water. The association built its offices in the Jacareacanga with carbon credit funding. But Kaba Biorebu is skeptical that carbon credit will become so common as to generate enough income to replace gold mining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The non-Indigenous population of Jacareacanga are all for legalizing the informal mining, known as "garimpo" in Portuguese. "The income here is gold mining," said general store owner Claudemir Pereira. "The majority of the population here depends on this, even the indigenous people, many of whom work mine for gold to survive." The government coordinator for expelling gold mining from Indigenous territories, Nilton Tubino, dismissed legalization and said big mining companies have lobbied against it. A bill to legalize informal mining is stalled in Congress. (Reporting by Ricardo Brito and Adriano Machado, writing by Anthony Boadle, editing by Andrew Cawthorne) JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia has yet to decide on any joint development areas with China in the South China Sea, its foreign minister said on Monday, seeking to allay concerns that a recent agreement with Beijing could compromise its sovereignty. Indonesia caused a stir last month when it issued a joint statement with China pledging to develop projects "in the overlapping waters claimed by the two countries", in what was widely interpreted as rare recognition of China's sweeping territorial claim in the South China Sea. China stakes its claim to sovereignty over about 90% of the waterway via a U-shaped nine-dash line on its maps that includes parts of the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of its neighbours, which have refused to recognise the claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An international tribunal in 2016 concluded the claim had no legal basis. China refuses to recognise that. Indonesia Foreign Minister Sugiono, who goes by one name, on Monday reiterated to lawmakers that Jakarta still does not recognise the Chinese claim and would make decisions in its national interests. Sugiono said no areas had yet been specified to work with China on jointly developing fishing or extracting other resources. "It's better to do beneficial partnerships without forgetting the main principles that exist, in that we still safeguard our sovereignty," he said. Many littoral states in the South China Sea have been reluctant to enter into joint agreements with China, particularly on energy, fearing those could be interpreted as legitimising Beijing's claims, which stretch as far as 1,700 km (1,056 miles) from its mainland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sugiono said Indonesia had expressed the joint development plans to leaders of its neighbouring countries "in a bid to reduce tension". Analysts have said Indonesia's agreement with China could mark a reversal of its long-held stance as a non-claimant state in the South China Sea. Yohanes Sulaiman, an international relations professor, said the deal was a "blunder" that could anger other Southeast Asian countries that had so far held the line against China on its claims. (Reporting by Stanley Widianto; Editing by Martin Petty) It was April 7, 2004, and Nacoca Pio was one of the first to learn of the bloodbath. A leader of the Cinta-Larga an indigenous tribe who for centuries lived in isolation in the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil Pio knew that tensions were high between his people and the white diamond prospectors who came to make their fortunes in their backyard. The bodies of 26 miners had been found near their reservation. Some were shot with arrows, some murdered with guns or beaten with clubs. Two of the bodies were missing their eyeballs, giving rise to rumors that the warriors had covered the victims eyes with honey to attract ants and bees, Alex Cuadros writes in his new book, When We Sold Gods Eye: Diamonds, Murder, and a Clash of Worlds in the Amazon (Grand Central, out Dec. 3). Members of the Cinta Larga, an indigenous Brazilian tribe in the Amazon who became embroiled in deaths of more than two dozen miners looking for precious gams. AP Chief Nacoca Pio of Cinta Larga, who played a major role in the quest for justice for the minors killed allegedly at the tribes hands. Isobel Wood During a trial in November 2023, the prosecution alleged that the indigenous people who committed these acts wanted to keep anyone else from mining diamonds on their lands. And Pio was one of the main suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The massacre was shocking, but not a complete surprise. Since 1999, the Stream of the Blackflies, a mining operation in the region rumored to be worth $20 million every month, had become a powder keg. It was only a matter of time before the tensions between the natives and the white fortune seekers would lead to violence. Pio had been labeled a diamond baron by the media, and rumored to own three mansions and a fleet of imported trucks with white chauffeurs, Cuadros writes. Some of this, he conceded, was true. But while he shared part blame for the unchecked greed, Pio couldnt help but wonder: Was it greedy to desire the things hed been taught to desire by white men? Prior to white treasure hunters arriving, his peoplenumbering barely 2,000had no experience with the civilized world. Theyd never seen calendars or clocks. They knew nothing of money or wealth. As Pio once put it, When we wanted something, nuts or honey or fruit, we would go look for it in the forest. The Cinta-Larga who, legend has it, once shadowed an Amazon expedition led by Theodore Roosevelt in the early 20th century were also cannibals, at least until the 1970s. The warriors ate everything, even breaking the bones to suck the marrow, Cuadros writes. When asked by an anthropologist what human flesh tastes like, they compared it to the dark, delicious meat of the tapir, Cuadros writes. White men, on the other handwho the Cinta-Larga first encountered in the 1920s were far too salty. Mike Guillen/NY Post Two Cinta Larga warriors ready their bows by the Roosevelt river before a meeting with media at their reserve in Rondonia state, Brazil, Wedesday, April 21, 2004. ASSOCIATED PRESS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no such thing as ownership in the world of the Cinta-Larga, a tribe barely 2,000 strong. Even the metal tools that white men introduced, like swords or machetes, would be dropped on the ground after each use, left for somebody else to discover. The diamonds that would soon turn the area into a magnet for prospectors were largely ignored. Once, a group of women found a stone so large, they said it looked like Ngura inhakip Gods eye, Cuadros writes. It would have been worth an almost unimaginable sum. But they had no use for it, so they tossed it back in the water. The white visitors didnt just bring gifts; they also brought disease. In 1971, when Pio was just a child, his father Mankalu contracted measles while visiting an outsiders camp, and soon he and most of Pios family were dead. It was a turning moment for the young Indian. Left without anyone to turn to, Pio discovered that he could remain calm in the face of extremity, and take the initiative when others failed to, writes Cuadros. Theodore Roosevelt encountered the Cinta Larga during an expedition to Brazil in the early decades of the 20th century. Getty Images Pio found a new village to call home, and soon proved that he had something valuable to offer. He had a knack for leadership, and a charming personality that won over whites and Indians alike. With his grasp of Portuguese, he became a sort of foreign minister for the tribe. Whenever theres a problem, Ill deal with the white people, Pio would explain to his friends. As an adult, Pio became a natural leader, though a vastly different type than his warrior father. Though not afraid of violence, (Pio) wanted to avoid it, writes Cuadros. Hoping to keep the government on his side, he tried to go through official channels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trouble started in 1999, when Luca Pintado, an eccentric albino-white man in his 80s who spoke with an unplaceable accent, arrived in Cinta Larga country looking for diamonds. There had long been rumors of hidden riches in the Amazon jungle, but Pio never entirely believed the stories. Youll see, Pintado promised him. Youre going to be the richest Indian in the world. Pintado was right, at least about the diamonds. As they soon discovered, the area contained one of the worlds most abundant diamond deposits. Although Brazilian law forbade mining in indigenous territory, it didnt stop prospectors from coming anyway. And rather than fight to keep them out, Pio partnered with them, charging a fee to enter the reservation. At first, it was a financial windfall, with many tribe leaders buying luxuries like new homes, color TVs, and cars. Pio, however, was more interested in redistributing the wealth. He invested in medicine and medical staff for the tribe. He bought dairy cows and hired a farmer to teach how to milk them. Pio was always thinking of his people, one tribal member told the author. He wasnt, like, This is mine. Instead it was: This is ours. Author Alex Cuadros. Isobel Wood But resentment was growing on both sides. The Indians felt that they should get more ownership of the mines, while the miners believed the tribe was getting rich on the backs of their labor. Pio was trapped in the middle, at once an alleged kingpin, overseeing a multimillion-dollar mining operation, and a legitimate leader of his people, fighting for better education and health care and the integrity of their lands, Cuadros writes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By early 2004, the situation had reached a boiling point, and there was little Pio could do to contain it. After the massacre, Pio only made matters worse with his media appearances. Dont let your son come here anymore, dont let your husband come here anymore, he said in an interview with TV Globo. Know that this can happen, because I cant keep everyone under control. Widows of the alleged victims of Cinta Larga protest near the community. AP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal Police tried to charge Pio with leading and instigating the killings, but couldnt find enough evidence to convict him. Two decades later, almost all the charges have passed the statute of limitations, expiring without a verdict, Cuadros writes. Pio continues to insist that if [he] had been present, [he] would not have allowed the events to take place. But his regrets over what became of the Cinta-Larga people go far beyond one bloody day of violence. The white mans things make us lazy, he allegedly said during a phone call intercepted by the feds. None of their misfortune wouldve come if theyd just stayed in the forest. At least we didnt worry there. There were no clothes, no money, nothing . . . There were no guns, no weekdays, no Sunday, no Saturday. THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) The president of the International Criminal Court lashed out on Monday at Russia for targeting its prosecutors and judges over the panels investigation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and slammed comments by a U.S. senator threatening the court. Judge Tomoko Akane said in her address to the annual meeting of the world's top war-crimes court that attacks against the ICC were shameful referring to Russia's arrest warrants for the courts chief prosecutor Karim Khan and several of its judges. These individuals are "subjected to arrest warrants from a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, merely for having faithfully and diligently carried out their judicial mandate per the statutory framework and international law, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow issued warrants for Khan and the others in response to the ICC investigation and arrest warrants for Putin over the war in Ukraine. The Japanese judge also had harsh words for U.S. officials, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has called the court a a rogue and politically motivated organization after the judges last month issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Graham said he was confident Donald Trump's incoming administration would respond forcefully to these actions by the court. The court is being threatened with draconian economic sanctions by another permanent member of the Security Council as if it was a terrorist organization, Akane said, without elaborating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his last term in office, Trump had sanctioned the courts previous prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, with a travel ban and asset freeze for investigating American troops and intelligence officials in Afghanistan. What is the ICC meeting about? Monday's meeting marks the start this week of the Assembly of States Parties, which represents the ICCs 124 member countries, of the ICC's 23rd conference to elect committee members and approve the courts budget against a backdrop of unfavorable headlines. The ICC was established in 2002 as the worlds permanent court of last resort to prosecute individuals responsible for the most heinous atrocities war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court only becomes involved when nations are unable or unwilling to prosecute those crimes on their territory. To date, 124 countries have signed on to the Rome Statute, which created the institution. Those who have not include the United States, Israel, Russia and China. The ICC has no police force and relies on member states to execute arrest warrants. Warrants for Netanyahu and his ex-defense minister The decision to issue warrants for Netanyahu and Israels former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has been denounced by critics of the court and given only milquetoast approval by many of its supporters, a stark contrast to the robust backing of an arrest warrant for Putin last year over war crimes in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Joe Biden called the warrants for Netanyahu and the former defense minister outrageous and vowed to stand with Israel. A year ago, Biden said the warrant for Putin justified and said the Russian president had committed war crimes. France said it would respect its obligations but would need to consider Netanyahus possible immunities. When the warrant for Putin was announced, France said it would lend its support to the essential work of the court. Another member country, Austria, begrudgingly acknowledged it would arrest Netanyahu but called the warrants utterly incomprehensible. Italy called them wrong but said it would be obliged to arrest him. Germany said it would study the decision. Member Hungary has said it would stand with Israel instead of the court. Global security expert Janina Dill expressed concern such responses could undermine global justice efforts, saying they really have the potential to damage not just the court, but international law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milena Sterio, an expert in international law at Cleveland State University, told The Associated Press that sanctions against the court could affect a number of people who contribute to the courts work, such as international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney. Clooney advised the current prosecutor on his request for the warrants for Netanyahu and others. Sanctions are a huge burden, Sterio said. Accusations against ICC's chief prosecutor Also hanging heavy over the meeting in The Hague are the internal pressures that Khan, the chief prosecutor, faces. The 54-year-old British lawyer faced allegations that he tried to coerce a female aide into a sexual relationship and groped her, according to an AP report in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two co-workers in whom the woman confided reported the alleged misconduct in May to the courts independent watchdog, which says it interviewed the woman and ended its inquiry after five days when she opted against filing a formal complaint. Khan was never questioned. He has denied the claims. The Assembly of States Parties has announced it will launch an external probe into the allegations. Khan, who took the floor after Akane, did not address the accusations against him or the threats against the court beyond saying the institution was facing unprecedented challenges. He instead highlighted his office's request last week for an arrest warrant against the head of Myanmars military government, senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, for attacks against the countrys Rohingya Muslim minority. Judges have yet to decide on that request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khan also said he planned to request warrants related to Afghanistan and Sudan in the coming months. Late last week, six countries including France, Luxembourg and Mexico asked Khans office to look into possible crimes in Afghanistan since the Taliban took control in 2021. While Khan isnt obligated to open an investigation in response to such a request, historically court prosecutors have done so. The court, which has long faced accusations of ineffectiveness, will have no trials pending after two conclude in December. While it has issued a number of arrest warrants in recent months, many high-profile suspects remain at large. Also, ICC member states don't always act Mongolia, an ICC member, refused to arrest Putin when he visited in September. Sudans former President Omar al-Bashir is wanted by the ICC over accusations related to the conflict in Darfur, but his country has refused to hand him over. It becomes very difficult to justify the courts existence, Sterio said. (Photo illustration by Iowa Capital Dispatch; background photo by JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images) For the second time in two years, a Pottawattamie County nurse is facing disciplinary charges and is accused of prescribing or dispensing drugs in an unsafe manner. The Iowa Board of Nursing alleges advanced registered nurse practitioner James D. Dickerson of Neola is guilty of professional incompetence for a willful or repeated failure to practice within the scope his license or ability; professional incompetence for failure to meet the telehealth standards defined by Iowa law; behavior that constitutes unethical conduct or practicing in a manner thats harmful to the public; and behavior that constitutes unethical conduct related to prescribing or dispensing drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the board, Dickerson is certified as a family nurse practitioner who has practiced in Omaha, Nebraska, and provided telehealth services in Iowa during the period in which he allegedly violated state regulations. As is customary with Iowas licensing boards, the Board of Nursing has not publicly disclosed when the alleged violations occurred, where they took place, or whether any patients were harmed. Some of that information may be publicly disclosed after the case is resolved through a settlement or board order. A hearing in the matter is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2025. In 2021, the Board of Nursing charged Dickerson with performing services beyond his scope of practice and prescribing or dispensing drugs to people who either werent patients or were outside his area of specialty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, the board resolved that case by ordering Dickerson to immediately stop providing any treatment to patients with a complex mental health diagnosis until he received certification as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. The board also fined Dickerson $1,000 and ordered him to undergo five hours of consultation with a nurse practitioner. Other Iowa nurses recently charged by the board with wrongdoing include: Dawn ONeil, a registered nurse was charged with failing to document patients status and misappropriating patient medications. The board has not disclosed where ONeil lives, where the alleged violations took place, or when they occurred. The board has, however, agreed to settle the case by ordering ONeil to participate in the Iowa Nursing Assistance Program, which assist nurses with substance abuse issues. Linda Jay of Clarinda, a licensed practical nurse who was charged in July with failing to assess or evaluate the status of a patient and committing an act that might adversely affect a patient. According to the board, the violations occurred when Jay was working at an unspecified long-term care facility in November 2023 and a resident under her care experienced a change in condition that she failed to report to a physician. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February of this year, she allegedly failed to properly document a patients condition and, 10 days later, she allegedly administered medication to a resident outside of the notified blood pressure parameters. Jay agreed to settle the case by paying a $300 civil penalty and completing 30 hours of educational training. Brandy Wicks, a registered nurse who is charged with misappropriating or attempting to misappropriate medications; failing to properly document or perform the disposal of medications; and failing to properly secure medications. The violations are alleged to have taken place when Wicks was working in an acute care hospital. The board has not disclosed where Wicks lives or when the alleged violations took place. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2025. Cassie Forde of Mechanicsville, a licensed practical nurse who is charged with misappropriating medications or supplies belonging to a patient or clinic; failing to properly document or perform the disposal of medications; performing nursing services beyond the authorized scope of practice; falsifying records related to nursing practice; and committing an act that might adversely affect the welfare of a patient. No other details in the case have been made public. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2025. Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi has avoided a death sentence and been unexpectedly set free from prison after nearly two years, according to his family. Salehi, 34, was released on Sunday "after serving his sentence" of a little more than a year for allegedly spreading propaganda against the Iranian state stemming from protests in recent years, according to Iran's judiciary-run Mizan reported by BBC. The release comes after 753 days spent in a prison in Isfahan, officials say. But a spokesperson for the rapper says neither Salehi or his family knew he was to be set free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Toomaj himself didn't know he was going to be released," his spokesperson Negin Niknaam told The Guardian. Initially he was sentenced in July 2023 to six years and three months in prison. Salehi was charged for allegedly spreading lies in cyberspace, disruption of public order and propaganda against the Iranian establishment. He was arrested in October 2022 after publicly supporting anti-government protests styled as the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement that was critical of the Iranian regime that erupted following the death in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. She was arrested on Sept. 13 of that year by Iran's Guidance Patrol -- also known as the Morality Police -- accused of violating the nation's draconian hijab laws by waving an "improper" hijab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His sudden release arrived after a top Iranian official said Sunday the government would take steps to reform its new hijab restrictions. Amini was an Iranian Kurdish woman visiting the nation's capitol of Tehran in late summer of 2022. Her death sparked mass women-led protests that were met with a bloody and brutal crackdown by Tehran. At least 551 protesters, including 68 children and 49 women, were killed by security forces quelling the demonstrations, Iran Human Rights had said. Credible reports said Iranian state police beat Amini about the head while in custody. However, the regime claimed the young girl died of a heart attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations and European Union had also demanded that those responsible for Amini's death be brought to justice. She fell into a coma at the Vozara Detention Center and then later died on Sept. 16. Last year in October, the European Parliament posthumously awarded Amini and Iran's "Women, Life, Freedom" movement with its 2023 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Meanwhile, Salehi briefly was released on bail but was arrested once more days later for supposedly sharing "false claims without evidence" possibly in reference to a video post in which he claimed to have been "tortured" by Iranian intelligence agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salehi was later sentenced to death in April of this year for the capital offense of "corruption on earth" but was later overturned by a Supreme Court ruling. He was already banned by the government prior to his arrest from performing. In September on the two-year anniversary of Amini's death, the Biden administration slapped new sanctions on those who U.S. officials believed had been responsible for the oppression of protestors protesters after they took to the streets in anger following Amini's untimely death under questionable circumstances. However, Salehi "should never have been imprisoned to begin with," read part of a statement on Bluesky by the Index on Censorship campaign. But "the root cause" of his arrest "still remains," said Salehi's cousin Arezou Eghbali Babadi, which he called "the inhumanity of the regime in Iran, a system that thrives on oppression and fear." When the regime in Tehran finally collapses and the Iranian people are free, we will date the beginning of the end to 3 Jan 2020. That night, in Iraq, a US drone struck a convoy of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including the commander of the Quds Force the special forces unit killing the commander Qasem Soleimani. He had controlled Tehrans empire of territory and terror through proxies and partners for decades. Supporting Syrias dictator, Bashar al-Assad; arming the brutal murderers of more Palestinians than any other group, Hamas; sustaining one of the worlds biggest drug and child-trafficking networks in Hezbollah; and closing the Red Sea with Houthi terror groups had been the work of his lifetime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soleimani was, it turned out, irreplaceable. No one else had the personal connections or strategic vision to keep the murderous web of obligations and support going. Since he was killed for ordering attacks on US positions in Iraq, the network has been spinning out of control. First in Israel, Hamas conducted an operation confident in Irans support and with their leaders and their money safe in Qatar. But they overreached. Israel was not broken and their people responded, determined to defend themselves, prevent any future attacks and liberate the hostages many of whom are still being held. Then in Lebanon Irans proxy Hezbollah killed children in the north of Israel. No country could ignore the threat of thousands of rockets aimed at their people. Israels subsequent invasion showed the world how militarily weak the terror network always was. Now in Damascus, the destruction of Hezbollah has left the regime exposed. The fall of Aleppo and reports of a coup in the capital suggest that Syria, Irans most important colony, is crumbling. If Assad falls, it will expose the failed strategy of the ayatollahs and the overreach of the Iranian empire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That offers a major moment of hope it is possible, just possible, that the regime will collapse in on itself, bringing down with it the hateful IRGC that has spread fear all the way to our streets in London and attempted to kill a Saudi ambassador in the US. It would also end nuclear brinkmanship in the region and undermine Russias arms supplies and Chinas cheap energy: an Iranian revolution we could all welcome. Who started the fall? Not the cautious Obama administration that couldnt set a red line before fudging it and compromised with the ayatollahs so that they got millions of dollars to spend on murdering more Syrians. Nor the Biden administration that let the Abraham Accords fester. It was the Trump administration. Whatever else it brings and lets be honest, no one can predict what this may mean for the future, good or bad the decision to be clear that those who order the murder of US citizens in Iraq will become targets has had major repercussions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes clarity is exactly what is needed in foreign policy. We havent had a serious foreign policy for decades despite Iran and others trying to kill people in the UK. Its about time we were clearer about who our friends were, and what we will defend. 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. CANBERRA, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defense Minister Richard Marles and Matt Keogh, minister for veterans' affairs, announced that the government would establish a separate independent inquiry into sexual violence in the defense force. The federal government on Monday handed down its response to the landmark Royal Commission into Defense and Veteran Suicide, agreeing to 104 of the final report's 122 recommendations and promising meaningful and enduring reform. They said that the government has agreed that troops convicted of sexual offenses -- either in civilian courts or the military justice system -- should be automatically discharged from service. "We have the deepest respect for every Australian who wears our nation's uniform and serves selflessly to keep us safe," Albanese told reporters in Canberra, "now we will work tirelessly to improve the system and keep them safe too." The three-year royal commission handed down its final report in September, finding that 2,007 current or former defense force members died by suicide between 1985 and 2021. It found that the suicide rate is 24 percent higher for male veterans and 102 percent higher for female veterans than for their peers in the general population. The report identified sexual misconduct as a systemic issue in the defense force. The government's response said that the rates of sexual violence reported in the force are completely unacceptable. It also endorsed a recommendation to add an emotional intelligence consideration for leadership positions. "Those who are commanding need to have more emotional intelligence, rather than less," Marles said on Monday. The government rejected the royal commission's recommendation to change the compensation system that currently compensates soldiers injured in warlike operations more than those injured in training. DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi was released from prison on Dec. 1 after completing a one-year sentence for speaking out against the Iranian regime, the Iranian judiciary's Mizan news agency reported early on Monday. Salehi had been sentenced to death in April by a revolutionary court on charges linked to unrest in the country from 2022 to 2023, although Iran's Supreme Court overturned that sentence in June. His songs eulogised months-long protests sparked by the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman arrested for allegedly wearing an "improper" hijab that flouted Iran's Islamic dress code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salehi was arrested in October 2022 after making public statements in support of the nationwide protests. Amini's death in September 2022 unleashed protests that posed the biggest challenge to the Islamic Republic's clerical leaders in decades. A United Nations fact-finding mission said in March that Amini's death was unlawful and was caused by "physical violence in the custody of state authorities". It added that Iranian women still suffer systematic discrimination. (Reporting by Elwely Elwelly; Editing by Nicholas Yong) ANKARA, Turkey (AP) The recent rapid advance by opposition fighters in Syria shows that Syrian President Bashar Assad must reconcile with his own people and hold talks with the opposition, the Turkish foreign minister said Monday. At a joint news conference in Ankara with his Iranian counterpart, Hakan Fidan said Turkey and Iran, which support opposing sides in Syrias civil war, have agreed to resume diplomatic efforts along with Russia to restore calm days after insurgents launched a lightning offensive and captured almost all of the countrys largest city, Aleppo. The swift advance by fighters that Turkey supports was a huge embarrassment for Assad and it comes at a time when his allies Iran, and the groups it backs, and Russia are preoccupied with their own conflicts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The push is among the rebels strongest in years and raises the prospect of another violent front reopening in the Middle East when U.S.-backed Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both Iranian-allied groups. Fidan, whose country has backed forces opposed to Assad, blamed the recent flare-up of the conflict on the Syrian governments refusal to enter a dialogue with the opposition that Turkey supports. Recent developments show once again that Damascus must reconcile with its own people and the legitimate opposition, the Turkish minister said. Turkey is ready to make all the necessary contribution toward this. Fidans comments emerged amid Turkish frustration that recent efforts toward a reconciliation with Assad have fallen flat. The comments indicated that the shock offensive launched by opposition fighters could be aimed at pressuring the Syrian leader to engage in political talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey has been seeking to normalize ties with Syria to address security threats from groups affiliated with Kurdish militants along its southern border and to help ensure the safe return of more than 3 million Syrian refugees. Assad has insisted that Turkeys withdrawal of its military forces from northern Syria be a condition for any normalization between the two countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who visited Assad on Sunday before traveling to Ankara, reiterated Tehrans full support for the Syrian government. Iran has been one of Assads principal political and military supporters and has deployed military advisers and forces after 2011 protests against Assads rule turned into an all-out war. Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have deployed in Syria to back the governments counteroffensive against the insurgents, an Iraqi militia official and a war monitor said Monday. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition war monitor, some 200 Iraqi militiamen riding on pickups crossed into Syria overnight through the strategic Bou Kamal crossing. They were expected to deploy in Aleppo to support the Syrian armys pushback against the insurgents, the monitor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Associated Press video showed armed insurgents at Aleppo's international airport, one of them standing on a Syrian government flag and others tearing down a poster of Assad. Insurgents were also seen mounting abandoned aircraft and walking around airport grounds strewn with weapons and ammunition boxes. The rebel offensive in Syria has caused concern among neighboring countries that the conflict could spill over. In Iraq, Interior Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Miqdad Miri said security forces have deployed in greater numbers to protect their large border with Syria. Fidan reiterated Turkeys support for Syrias territorial integrity, but suggested that Turkey would not hesitate to intervene against Syrian Kurdish militia groups that Turkey considers to be terrorists if they exploit the environment of instability. It was a mistake to ignore the legitimate demands of the opposition and for the (Syrian) regime not to sincerely engage in the political process, Fidan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey, he added, "will never, ever allow terrorist organizations that seek to exploit the environment of instability," Fidan said. We will eliminate any threat to our national security and our people wherever it emerges. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope that the instability in Syria would come to an end in line with the legitimate demands of the Syrian people. He spoke Monday at a joint news conference with the president of Montenegro. Both Fidan and Araghchi said Turkey, Iran and Russia would convene a new three-way meeting to address the conflict in Syria. "We have decided to hold closer consultations and dialogue, and with Gods permission, we will cooperate to further improve the situation toward peace and stability in our region, Araghchi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia, whose intervention in Syrias civil war on behalf of Assad was crucial in turning the conflict in his favor, has said it will continue to support him. We continue our contacts at the appropriate level, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Monday. A position will be formed regarding what is needed to stabilize the situation. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the Assad regime has ignored Security Council resolutions and refused to come to the table. We are watching that situation very closely, and we will continue to engage with partners in the region to find a path for the situation to go back to calm, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Syrian and Russian jets continued pounding targets, two airstrikes hit a group of four hospitals and the health directorate building in Idlib city, the Syrian Civil Defense force that operates in opposition-held areas, known as the White Helmets, said. Two people in Idlib University Hospital died after their oxygen machines turned off following the strikes. Ceiling panels and doors at the hospital were blown off, while ambulances and vehicles outside were severely damaged according to footage taken by journalist with The Associated Press at the hospital. At least 15 civilians were killed in Idlib city and province, according to the White Helmets. Syrian Kurds were fleeing the fighting in large numbers after Turkish-backed rebels seized Tel Rifaat from rival U.S.-backed Kurdish authorities. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces largely withdrew and called for a humanitarian corridor to allow people to leave safely in convoys toward Aleppo and later to Kurdish-led northeast regions. ___ Chehayeb reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report. By Suleiman Al-Khalidi, Maya Gebeily AMMAN/BEIRUT (Reuters) -Hundreds of Iran-backed Iraqi fighters crossed into Syria on Monday to help the government fight rebels who seized Aleppo last week, but Lebanon's Hezbollah has no plans for now to join them, according to sources. Iran's constellation of allied regional militia groups, aided by Russian air power, has been integral to the success of pro-government forces in subduing rebels in Syria who rose up against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that alliance faces a new test after last week's lightning advance by rebels in northwest Syria, with Russia focused on war in Ukraine and Hezbollah's leadership decimated by a war with Israel that ended in a ceasefire last week. The rebel storm of Aleppo is the biggest success of anti-Assad fighters for years. Government forces had held complete control of Aleppo since capturing what was then Syria's largest city in a siege in 2016, one of the major turning points of a war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people. The head of Syria's main opposition group abroad, Hadi al-Bahra, told Reuters the rebels were able to seize the city so quickly because Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups were distracted by their conflict with Israel. Preparations had been made since last year for an assault on Aleppo, but it was held up by the war in Gaza, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syria's civil war had been frozen since 2020, with Assad in control of most territory and all major cities. Rebels still held an enclave in the northwest, Turkey-backed forces held a strip along the northern border and U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led forces controlled a pocket in the northeast. Any prolonged escalation in Syria risks further destabilising a region roiled by the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, with millions of Syrians already displaced and with regional and global powers backing rival forces in the country. Iraqi and Syrian sources confirmed the deployment of more Iran-backed Iraqi fighters to Syria. Iran's Foreign Minister said Tehran "will provide any support needed" and that "resistance groups" would come to Assad's aid. At least 300 fighters, primarily from Iraq's Badr and Nujabaa groups, crossed late on Sunday using a dirt road to avoid the official border crossing, two Iraqi security sources said, adding that they were there to defend a Shi'ite shrine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior Syrian military source said the fighters had crossed in small groups to avoid airstrikes. "These are fresh reinforcements being sent to aid our comrades on the front lines in the north," the source said. The head of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces, which includes the major Shi'ite militia groups aligned with Iran, said no group under its umbrella had entered Syria, and that it does not operate outside Iraq. The spokesperson of the Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah, meanwhile, said in a statement on Monday that the group was closely monitoring "the aggression of criminal groups on the Syrian people", adding that they had not yet decided whether to send fighters. Lebanon's Hezbollah, long the most capable Iran-backed force on the battlefield and key to Assad's military alliance in Syria, has not yet been asked to intervene and was not ready to send forces after its gruelling conflict with Israel, said three sources familiar with the group's thinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the sources said the group had pulled senior officers responsible for Aleppo out of northern Syria to help in the ground war against Israel that raged until last week's ceasefire. Two other sources, one Lebanese and the other Syrian, said Hezbollah had pulled back forces from Syria in mid-October when the fighting with Israel intensified. Arab countries and Washington have seen the weakening of Hezbollah as a potential opportunity to peel Assad away from his alliance with Iran. Sources have told Reuters that the United Arab Emirates and United States had been discussing the possibility of lifting sanctions against Assad if he reduces his reliance on Tehran. The rebel advance could complicate this, if it pushes Assad to depend more on Iranian support. DEADLY STRIKES Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia, whose 2015 entry into the conflict turned the military balance decisively in Assad's favour, continues to support him and is analysing the situation on the ground, the Kremlin said. On Sunday Moscow dismissed the general in charge of its forces in Syria, Russian war bloggers reported. The Syrian government said Syrian and Russian air forces were striking rebel-held positions in the countryside east of Aleppo city. The White Helmets rescue organisation and residents of rebel-held areas in the north said warplanes had hit residential areas of Aleppo city and a displaced people's camp in Idlib province where seven people were killed, including five children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government said the military was working to secure a string of towns recaptured from rebels on Sunday that run along the front line north of Hama, a major city lying between Aleppo and Damascus. Rebel shelling of Hama killed three people on Monday, state television said. The Syrian government said it had killed hundreds of rebel fighters in recent days, which Reuters could not independently confirm. The rebels fighting in Aleppo, Idlib and Hama provinces in northwest Syria include mainstream groups backed by Turkey as well as the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the former al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria. A Turkish official told Reuters Turkey had not given any permission for the rebel offensive, and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham took no instructions from Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Turkish and Iranian foreign ministers discussed the fighting in Syria on Monday. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said rebel advances could not be explained by foreign intervention and urged the Syrian opposition to compromise. A spokesperson for Israel's military said it would not let Iran exploit the Syria conflict to transfer weapons to Hezbollah. Turkey's state-owned Anadolu news agency said the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army had taken the town of Tel Rifaat from the Kurdish YPG militia and was advancing in outer areas of the district. Rebel sources and an Aleppo resident said the Kurdish YPG group was pulling out of longstanding positions in the city's Sheikh Maqsoud district under a deal with rebel forces. (Reporting by Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman, Maya al-Gebeily and Laila Bassam in Beirut, Jonathan Spicer in Istanbul, Nayera Abdallah in Dubai, Menna Alaa El Din and Jaidaa Taha in CairoWriting by Angus McDowallEditing by Timothy Heritage, Peter Graff and Rosalba O'Brien) The head of Iraq's pro-Iranian militias denied on Monday that his forces have entered Syria after reports they have crossed the border to help their Syrian government allies. The Hashd al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, "do not operate outside Iraq," the group's head Faleh al-Fayyad said. He "categorically denied Hashd al-Shaabi's entry into areas in Syria," the official Iraqi News Agency quoted him as saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that the group follows Iraq's commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The Hashd al-Shaabi is a powerful paramilitary group, which had a vital role in the fight against Islamic State in Iraq between 2014 and 2017. It has since continued working with the security forces and army in the country. Earlier, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, said that an estimated 200 pro-Iranian Iraqi militia fighters had crossed the Iraqi border into Syria since Sunday. Until now, Iran and Russia have been the main backers of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Voters across Ireland cast their ballots in the countrys general election on 29 November and, with all seats counted, the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael coalition is likely to continue as support for Sinn Fein declines. Counting took place over three days, with over 90 per cent of seats decided by Monday morning. The results set up members from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for relatively straightforward negotiations, with the two parties securing a combined 86 seats out of the 88 required to govern. It was Fianna Fail that emerged as the largest party with 48 seats, followed by Sinn Feins 39. Fine Gael secured third spot with 38. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Micheal Martin, Fianna Fail leader and Irelands deputy premier, said: Well let the dust settle and savour the moment. Well then be in a position over the next couple of days to assess the landscape, devise our strategies. The two-seat shortage means that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will need to strike a deal with a smaller party or independent candidates. This could be the Labour Party or the Social Democrats both securing 11 seats or the right-leaning Independent Ireland, which won four. The two parties joined in a coalition for the first time after the 2020 election result. Their arrangement meant that the position of Irish prime minister, the taoiseach, was swapped halfway through the term. Mr Martin held the role until December 2022, when Leo Varadkar took over. Current Fine Gael leader Simon Harris then succeeded Mr Vardakar in March 2024 after the veteran Irish politician stood down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Fianna Fail or Fine Gael has been in power in Ireland since the foundation of the state more than 100 years ago. But the two parties combined vote share has declined for a fourth consecutive general election to reach a record low. Sinn Fein has said it is also looking to open negotiations, as the partys TD for Dublin Mid West said it is looking to talk to other progressive parties. However, it would be a major feat of negotiation if the party was able to pull the 88 seats from these talks, with every single one of the remaining 49 new TDs required to come to their side to make up the number. Despite coming second, the results are likely especially disappointing for Sinn Fein. After achieving its highest vote share since 1922 in 2020, the partys support has dipped significantly this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It marks the first fall in support for Sinn Fein in 35 years, and the biggest drop in support for any party at this election. Largely filling the space left by these three largest parties are smaller parties and independent candidates, taking 17 seats this year. However, the Greens have not followed suit, instead seeing their vote share drop 4.1 per cent and losing all but one of their 12 seats. Some have suggested this is due to voters disappointed in the party instead choosing to support the government. Voter turnout also hit a record low this year at 59.7 per cent meaning two in five did not head to the polls. LONDON (AP) Ireland faces weeks of coalition talks before it gets a new government, as the countrys two major center-right parties work to form a stable administration. With all 174 legislative seats filled Monday after three days of counting election ballots, Fianna Fail had won 48 seats and Fine Gael 38. The two parties, who have governed in coalition since 2020, fell just short of the 88 needed to achieve a majority without third-party support. The people have spoken, let us now get on with the work, said Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Left-of-center party Sinn Fein won 39 seats in the Dail, parliament's lower house, but is unlikely to be part of the next government. Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have a longstanding refusal to work with Sinn Fein, partly because of its historic ties with the Irish Republican Army during three decades of violence in Northern Ireland. The outcome of the election is now clear. The numbers are there for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to form a government together," said Sinn Fein lawmaker Eoin O Broin. He said that would be the worst possible outcome for the people of the country. Longtime rivals with origins on opposing sides of Irelands 1920s civil war, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael formed an alliance after the 2020 election ended in a virtual dead heat. The two parties took it in turns to hold the post of premier, for about two years each. This time, Fianna Fails bigger seat tally means its Martin looks likely to become prime minister, or taoiseach, rather than Simon Harris of Fine Gael. Fianna Fails deputy leader, Jack Chambers, said coalition talks would require time and space, and its unlikely there will be a new government before Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ireland has proved a partial exception to the anti-incumbent mood in elections around the world. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, which have dominated Irish politics for a century, remain in the driving seat, though their combined share of the vote has declined to just over 40%. They will need support to command a majority in parliament, and could turn to the Social Democrats and the Irish Labour Party, who both increased their seat totals to 11 each, or to independent lawmakers. The new government will face huge pressure to ease rising homelessness, driven by soaring rents and property prices, and to better absorb a growing number of asylum-seekers. The cost of living especially Irelands acute housing crisis was a dominant topic in the election campaign, and immigration has become an emotive and challenging issue in a country of 5.4 million people long defined by emigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A stabbing attack on children outside a Dublin school just over a year ago, in which an Algerian man has been charged, sparked the worst rioting Ireland had seen in decades. For all the focus on migration, anti-immigration independents made few breakthroughs. Ireland does not have a significant far-right party to capitalize on the issue. By Padraic Halpin and Conor Humphries DUBLIN (Reuters) -Ireland's two large centre-right parties are set to begin their search for a coalition partner this week after Friday's election left them just two seats short of the 88 needed to govern, a choice that will help determine their policy platform. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, who between them have led every government since the foundation of the state almost a century ago, bucked a global trend of voters rejecting incumbents when they won 48 and 38 seats respectively after receiving a broadly similar number of votes as the last election in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After outgoing junior coalition partner the Greens lost all but one of its seats, the choice is between one of Ireland's smaller left-leaning parties or a number of more conservative independent lawmakers. "There is certainly the possibility for this additional partner to have an outsized impact on the ideological direction," said Theresa Reidy, senior lecturer in politics at University College Cork. The centre-left Labour and Social Democrats both made gains to take 11 seats each and have said they will discuss government formation with all parties. Ireland's disparate collection of independent lawmakers have 20 seats. Deals would likely be needed with at least six independents to form a comfortable working majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have formed stable governments in the past backed by independents and both have governed with Labour. The relatively new Social Democrats has never been in power. The two leading parties have ruled out a deal with the other main party Sinn Fein, the leftist opposition who came second on 39 seats. Its vote fell to 19.0% from 24.5% in 2020 and 35% in opinion polls a year ago when it appeared on course to lead the next government. POTENTIAL MAJOR THREAT Almost uniquely in Europe, no far-right candidates made a breakthrough in Ireland despite anti-immigrant riots in Dublin and grass-roots protests against refugee accommodation around the country over the last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next government will remain under pressure over how to manage a big rise in asylum seekers, as well as frustration among many voters at its inability to turn the healthiest public finances in Europe into better public services. Senior Fine Gael and Fianna Fail ministers have said talks on forming a new government would take weeks at least. Party figures have said they would like a deal before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Jan. 20, but that it is not a hard deadline. Trump's pledges to slash corporate tax and impose tariffs pose a potentially major threat to Ireland's economy, which is heavily dependent on the taxes and jobs of a cluster of U.S. tech and pharmaceutical multinationals. "Ideally if we can form a government prior to that (Trump's inauguration), that's positive, but I think we need to form a government that can last," Finance Minister Jack Chambers of Fianna Fail told Reuters, adding that negotiations should not take the 4-1/2 months needed in 2020. ($1 = 0.9456 euros) (Reporting by Padraic Halpin and Conor Humphries;Additional reporting by Graham Fahy; Editing by David Holmes and Stephen Coates) (Bloomberg) -- Irelands dominant political parties appear to have bucked the global trend of frustrated voters ousting incumbents, helped in part by a large pile of cash at their disposal to back election promises. Most Read from Bloomberg Coalition partners Fianna Fail and Fine Gael look almost certain to form the next government, on track to get close to the 88 seats needed for a majority in the 174-seat Dail, or parliament, according to the latest figures. With the backing of a smaller third party, or independent lawmakers, they should be able to get over the line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Ireland has seen its political landscape splinter in recent years, as well as the rise of opposition challenger Sinn Fein, the ruling parties saving grace was money. Surging corporate tax revenues from US tech and pharma firms with operations in Ireland have contributed to a huge budget surplus. It gave the incumbents the financial heft to cut taxes and ramp up spending, helping to mitigate some voter frustrations about issues like housing and healthcare. They are awash with cash. Theyve got plenty of money and theyve been able to offer lots of fancy things to the electorate, said Aidan Regan, professor of political economy at University College Dublin. So this is what explains why the incumbents in Ireland havent been penalized as they have been elsewhere. For Sinn Fein, which saw its upward momentum of recent years go into reverse, the election means that the party led by Mary Lou McDonald must continue to wait for its chance in government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After months of dealing with internal crises, its vote share dropped to 19% from almost 25% in 2020. Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have ruled out a partnership with the left-wing party, which has past connections with the Irish Republican Army terrorist group. The provisional result is in stark contrast to recent elections elsewhere, where incumbent leaders have been ousted or greatly weakened, including in the UK, US and France. Coalition Talks By late Sunday, more than 130 out of 174 seats in the parliament had been filled. Counting of votes under Irelands proportional representation system will continue Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the focus now turns to the negotiations on forming the next government, a process of horse trading dubbed coalition-ology. In their previous partnership, Fianna Fails Micheal Martin and Fine Gaels Simon Harris rotated the role of prime minister, known as Taoiseach. While the election outcome points to a return of the status quo, the vote also highlights the recent transformation that has taken place in Irish politics. Formed out of the Irish civil war, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were traditionally rivals, and dominated politics since the formation of the state a century ago. But their support has declined, with Fianna Fail particularly hit in the aftermath of the 2008 property crash that decimated the countrys economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That eventually forced them into partnership to fend off new challenges, upending the long-standing narrative and opening the possibility that another party, such as Sinn Fein, could one day lead a government. We essentially have three medium-sized parties, and you need two of the three to form a coalition and some other combination of junior coalition partners, said Lisa Keenan, assistant professor of political science at Trinity College Dublin. Its not going to be the case that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will necessarily be those two parties in perpetuity. Third Party As Fianna Fail and Fine Gael look for a partner, or partners, to get to a majority, they have potential options, such as Labour or the Social Democrats, both of whom saw gains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another option would be a group of like-minded independent members of parliament, something that was common when the parties governed alone, and needed just a few extra seats. One possible advantage of independents is they might not seek as many concessions as a third party, particularly a left-leaning one. This could prove helpful in keeping the government on the same page when it comes to responding, for example, to the threat of trade tariffs and other measures by Donald Trumps incoming US administration and the impact that could have on Irelands corporation tax receipts. Independents look for particular constituency deals and once they have those deals they tend to be very loyal, said David Farrell, professor at the school of politics in University College Dublin. Thats an advantage for the main parties as they dont have to compromise on economic or investment policy, he said. Immigration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration doesnt appear to have played a large part in the vote, with just 6% of people citing it as their main concern in an exit poll. Thats despite the emergence of far-right agitators who have capitalized on frustrations in areas such as housing. That led to riots in Dublin a year ago as well as smaller, but often violent, protests around the country at accommodation earmarked for asylum seekers. The coalition took a somewhat stronger stance on immigration in the months before the election, and this may have been enough to keep the issue from translating into a significant number of votes for anti-immigration candidates. The money in the government coffers also appears to have kept any major widespread desire for change at bay, at least for now. Older generations who already own their own homes and have a comfortable living standard were more likely to have voted for the incumbents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voter turnout below 60% may also have helped Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. The exit poll suggests turnout was particularly low among younger voters, for whom Sinn Feins McDonald was the preferred choice for Taoiseach. But with no clear path to power for her, some voters hoping for a left-leaning government were put off going to the ballot altogether, according to Farrell. They are voting with their feet, turnout has dropped again, he said. They wanted to vote for somewhere else, but theres nowhere else for them to vote. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The owner of a restaurant and Irish pub, a longtime staple in Orange County, is asking for the publics help after its iconic sign was stolen by thieves. Bill Madden, owner of Silky Sullivans Restaurant & Irish Pub in Fountain Valley for 40 years, said the Nov. 29 heist took place as the sign was being stored with a tarp over it behind the old restaurant when it was stolen. Madden had the sign removed from its perch above the door while the business makes a move to a new location across the street. The Nov. 29 sign heist took place at the pubs old location, directly across the street from the Fountain Valley Police station. (Silky Sullivans Restaurant & Irish Pub) It doesnt make any sense to me because what are they going to do with it, he told KTLA. Oh, I got Silkys sign in my backyard. If anyone sees it, theyll go, Theyre looking for that sign. They want that sign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where you from?: Southern California man allegedly fires on undercover gang cops To make an aggravating situation a little more frustrating, the old location where the sign was stolen is directly across the street from the Fountain Valley Police Department. While the Madden family did say the police have been helpful since the burglary of the sign, which cost thousands of dollars, they are also putting out a message of their own. We put a message out there, bring the sign back. No questions asked, the owner 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 KTLA. BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- China's central bank will maintain a supportive monetary policy stance and policy orientation in 2025, its governor said on Monday. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) will utilize a variety of monetary policy tools and increase countercyclical regulation to maintain reasonable and ample liquidity, and to reduce the overall financing costs for enterprises and residents, PBOC governor Pan Gongsheng said while addressing a conference. Efforts will be made to effectively leverage structural monetary policy tools to promote the stable development of the real-estate market and capital market, Pan said. The PBOC announced Monday that starting from January 2025, a new statistical caliber of M1 money supply will be implemented, which will include personal demand deposits and non-bank payment institutions' customer reserves. The central bank will enhance its monitoring of money supply at various levels and social liquidity, Pan noted. KINSHASA, Congo (AP) At least 10 people were killed and an unspecified number of others were abducted in eastern Congo by extremist rebels linked to the Islamic State group, a military spokesperson said Monday. The rebels with the Allied Democratic Forces, an IS-affiliate in the region, attacked the area of Batangi-Mbau the North Kivu province on Sunday night, according to the spokesperson, Mak Hazukay. Several houses were burned down in the attack, he added. We call on the population to be vigilant and we assure them that we will drive the enemy out of our territory, Hazukay said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eastern Congo has struggled with armed violence for decades as more than 120 groups fight for power, land and valuable mineral resources, while others try to defend their communities. Some armed groups have been accused of mass killings. The violence has sent nearly 7 million people fleeing their homes. In recent years, attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces have intensified and spread towards Goma, eastern Congos main city, as well as neighboring Ituri province. Rights groups and the United Nations have accused the ADF of killing hundreds of people and abducting even more, including a significant number of children. Earlier this month, the ADF killed at least 13 people in another village in North Kivu. (WIVT/WBGH) After 422 days, Israel has confirmed the murder of IDF Captain Omer Neutra. The Long Island man, who deferred his acceptance to Binghamton University to join the Israeli military, was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. He was murdered the same day. Deferred BU student taken hostage by Hamas Sources say his body was taken into Gaza, where it is still being held hostage by the terrorist organization. He was 21 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the October 7 attacks, the Neutra family has fought tirelessly for Omers return home. They have amassed almost 20,000 followers on their Instagram page Bring Omer Home and have held several rallies advocating for his release. They have also received the support of several representatives such as Marc Molinaro and Tom Suozzi. Local Jewish community wants hostages returned On Sunday, Omers parents spoke to a crowd in New York City, calling on the United States government to push for the release of their son as well as the rest of the hostages. Hours later, they received the devastating news. According to the Associated Press, 101 hostages are still being held by Hamas. 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 WIVT - News 34. Israel and Hezbollah exchanged air strikes and rocket fire on Monday as their 60-day ceasefire appeared to be unravelling within its first week. Both sides faced accusations of breaching the truce, which came into force on Wednesday to end a war that has killed thousands in Lebanon and sparked mass displacements on both sides of the border. The tit-for-tat exchange began on Monday afternoon, with the Israeli military saying two projectiles were launched towards the area of Mount Dov. No injuries were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah media, Al Mayadeen, said the group had carried out a warning operation following what it called Israeli violations of the fragile US/France-brokered ceasefire. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, accused Hezbollah of a serious violation after the attack, and vowed to respond forcefully, while Israel Katz, his defence minister promised a harsh response. This came overnight as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attacked targets in Lebanon in what it said were operations against terror infrastructure. Lebanons official National News Agency reported air strikes on areas of south Lebanon, Hezbollahs stronghold, located around 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the border with Israel. Sand bags are seen in Manara, in Israel, near the Lebanese border for the first time since Oct 7 2023 - Amir Levy/Getty Images Despite the retaliatory attacks, John Kirby, White House spokesman, told reporters on Monday that the sporadic strikes in recent days were to be expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been a dramatic reduction in the violence. The monitoring mechanism is in full force and is working... largely speaking the ceasefire is holding, he said. This did not appear to be the case on Monday, however. At least two people were killed in the retaliatory strikes on southern Lebanon according to Lebanese authorities. Al Mayadeen said the Hezbollah warning operation followed Israeli airstrikes which led to the death of civilians, in addition to the continued violation of Lebanese airspace by Israeli aircraft, all the way to the capital of Beirut. Nabih Berri, Lebanese parliament speaker, closely affiliated with Iran-backed Hezbollah, said in a statement that over 54 violations had been committed by Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He denied violations by Hezbollah, Irans largest regional proxy. A Lebanese NGO, Amel Association, was damaged in Israeli strikes on Monday - ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images The actions of Israeli forces are a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, he said. We call on the monitoring committee established to oversee the implementation [of the ceasefire] where it is in addressing these continuous breaches, now exceeding 54. Meanwhile, Lebanon and the resistance remained fully committed to their obligations under the agreement. A statement on Hezbollahs Telegram account said that since the reviews of the relevant authorities to stop these violations did not succeed, the Islamic Resistance carried out an initial warning defensive response this evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels public broadcaster Kan News reported on Monday that Amos Hochstein, the US envoy who was among the team which brokered the ceasefire, had warned Israel against alleged violations. Jean-Noel Barrot, the French foreign minister, told Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, in a call of the need for all sides to respect the ceasefire in Lebanon, the foreign ministry said. Saar rejected accusations that Israel had violated the truce. We hear claims that Israel is violating the ceasefire understandings in Lebanon. On the contrary! Israel is enforcing them in response to Hezbollahs violations, which demand immediate action, he said in a statement. He also said Hezbollah had attempted to move weapons in southern Lebanon and their presence south of the Litani river is the most basic violation of the understandings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the agreement, the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers will deploy in southern Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws over a period of 60 days. Hezbollah began firing on Israel on Oct 8 last year, a day after the Oct 7 atrocities of Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza, in allegiance with the group. Since then, over 17,000 projectiles have been fired into Israel. Tens of thousands have been displaced in Israel and hundreds of thousands displaced from southern Lebanon. The UNs peacekeepers, UNIFIL, are in place to monitor the ceasefire with thousands of Lebanese army troops deployed to try and enforce its terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, after a visit to Maroun El Ras, in southern Lebanon, Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman, said: We are committed to the ceasefire agreement. The 60-day period is a gradual phase to ensure that Hezbollah does not harm us or violate the agreement, as happened in 2006. The Lebanese government and UNIFIL troops must fulfil their roles, it is also in their interest. We need this period to ensure that there are no terrorist bases there. 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. Israel has been fired upon again from its northern neighbour Lebanon for the first time since the beginning of the ceasefire with the Hezbollah militia, the Israeli military said on Monday. The target of the Hezbollah attack was the Har Dov area directly on the Lebanese border, the military said. The projectiles hit open ground and there were no casualties. Har Dov, also known as Shebaa Farms, is located in the far north of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Hezbollah confirmed the attack, saying it was meant as a warning to Israel, which had "repeatedly violated the ceasefire." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the ceasefire came into force on Wednesday last week, Israel and Hezbollah have been accusing each other of violations. Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli military repeatedly attacked targets from the air and on the ground in Lebanon on Monday. Israel said it was reacting to violations by the pro-Iranian militia. JERUSALEM (AP) Israel unleashed its largest wave of airstrikes across Lebanon since agreeing to a ceasefire with Hezbollah last week, killing at least 11 people on Monday after the Lebanese militant group fired a volley of projectiles as a warning over what it said were Israeli truce violations. The projectiles were apparently the first time that Hezbollah took aim at Israeli forces after the 60-day ceasefire went into effect last Wednesday. The increasingly fragile truce aimed to end more than a year of war between Hezbollah and Israel part of a wider regional conflict sparked by the devastating Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. In the United States, President-elect Donald Trump demanded the immediate release of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian militant Hamas group in Gaza, saying on social media that if they are not freed before he takes office in January there would be HELL TO PAY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately clear whether Trump was threatening to directly involve the U.S. military in Israels ongoing war in Gaza. The U.S. has given Israel crucial military and diplomatic support throughout the nearly 15-month conflict. A new exchange of fire threatens Lebanon ceasefire Lebanons Health Ministry said an Israeli airstrike on the southern village of Haris killed five people and wounded two while another airstrike on the village of Tallousa killed four and also wounded two. Israel's military carried out a string of airstrikes late Monday against what it said were Hezbollah fighters, infrastructure and rocket launchers across Lebanon, in response to Hezbollah firing two projectiles toward Mount Dov a disputed Israeli-held territory known as Shebaa Farms in Lebanon where the borders of Lebanon, Syria, and Israel meet. Israel said the projectiles fell in open areas and no injuries were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah said in a statement that it fired on an Israeli military position in the area as a defensive and warning response after what it called repeated violations of the ceasefire deal by Israel. It said complaints to mediators tasked with monitoring the ceasefire were futile in stopping these violations. Before the Hezbollah projectiles, Israeli carried out at least four airstrikes and an artillery barrage in southern Lebanon, including a drone strike that killed a person on a motorcycle, according to Lebanese state media. Another strike killed a corporal in the Lebanese security services. Israel has said its strikes are in response to unspecified Hezbollah violations, and that under the ceasefire deal it reserves the right to retaliate. Lebanons parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, accused Israel of violating the truce more than 50 times in recent days by launching airstrikes, demolishing homes near the border and violating Lebanon's airspace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials in the U.S. which along with France helped broker the truce and heads a commission meant to monitor adherence to the deal played down the significance of Israeli strikes. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said, Largely speaking, the ceasefire is holding. Weve gone from dozens of strikes down to one a day maybe two a day, Kirby told reporters, referring to Israeli strikes. Were going to keep trying and see what we can do to get it down to zero. Under the deal, Iran-backed Hezbollah has 60 days to withdraw its fighters and infrastructure from southern Lebanon. During that time, Israeli troops are also to withdraw to their side of the border. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump called for Palestinian militants to free all of the roughly 100 Israeli hostages still held inside Gaza, around two-thirds of whom are believed to be alive. If not, Trump said, Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW! Hours earlier, the Israeli government confirmed the death of Omer Neutra, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, whose body is still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza, according to the Israeli government. The Biden administration is mounting a last-ditch effort to try to restart talks between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office declined to comment on Trump's post though President Isaac Herzog welcomed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fears of hunger mount in Gaza In Gaza, meanwhile, alarm is mounting over increasing hunger. The amount of food allowed in by Israel has plunged over the past two months, compounded by a decision Sunday by the United Nations to halt aid deliveries from the main crossing into the territory because of the threat of armed gangs looting convoys. Experts have already warned of famine in the northernmost part of Gaza, which Israeli forces have almost completely isolated since early October, saying they're fighting regrouped Hamas militants there. Displaced families have set up tents surrounded by piles of garbage on the streets of Gaza City. Bilal Marouf, 55, said he and 11 family members fled the Israeli offensive barefoot and naked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had nothing. Hunger and thirst killed us, and we did not have a single shekel, nor clothes, nor a mattress, nor a blanket, he said, speaking near his tent. Israels campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas Oct 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, has driven almost the entire population of the territory from their homes. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians now live in squalid tent camps, relying on international aid. The Israeli military said it allowed 40 trucks carrying 600 tons of flour for the World Food Program to enter the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday night, as well as 16 other food trucks. Israel has said it is working to increase the flow of aid. November saw an increase in the average number of humanitarian trucks it let into Gaza, up to 77 daily from 57 the month before, according to official Israeli figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the levels are still nearly the lowest of the entire 15-month war. And the U.N. says less than half of that actually reaches Palestinians because Israeli military restrictions, fighting and robberies make it too dangerous to deliver the aid. The World Food Program was able to only deliver aid to some 300,000 Palestinians in November across the Gaza Strip due to ongoing Israeli military offensives and the looting of convoys, Carl Skau, WFPs deputy executive director, said Monday. In a tent camp in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah, Palestinians lined up at makeshift mud ovens trying to buy a few loaves of flatbread for their families. With the price of flour mounting because of scarcity, the bakers women displaced from further north said they could bake less bread, and families could afford far less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They divide them to their children, one loaf every day, said one woman baker, Wafaa al-Attar. ___ Abou AlJoud reported from Beirut. Associated Press writer Fatma Khalid in Cairo contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/mideast-wars PLAINVIEW, N.Y. -- Omer Neutra, an Israeli-American soldier from New York, has been confirmed dead in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces said. A grandson of Holocaust survivors, the 21-year-old from Long Island was thought to be a hostage captured by Hamas, but he was killed fighting militants during the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre, the IDF announced Monday. Neutra's body was taken into Gaza, where it is still being held by Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omer Neutra "was serving as a tank commander in an Israel Defense Forces unit that was among the first to respond to Hamas' campaign of cruelty -- risking his life to save the lives of others. A Long Island native, Omer planned to return to the United States for college. He dreamed of dedicating himself to building peace," President Joe Biden said in a statement. A memorial service for Neutra will be held at the Midway Jewish Center in Syosset on Tuesday morning. Neutra's family "deeply grieving and devastated" Neutra, who grew up in Plainview, deferred enrollment at SUNY Binghamton to join the IDF after attending a Jewish high school. His parents spoke out at a hostage remembrance and protest in Central Park just hours before his death was announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We need to finish this war and bring ceasefire and get the hostages back," his father, Ronen Neutra, had said. "The Neutra family is deeply grieving and devastated with the news. They are currently requesting the public, who has been very supportive throughout this journey, to please respect their privacy until they are formally ready to announce the next steps," a family spokesperson said Monday. Watch: Long Island community remembering American-Israeli IDF soldier Omer Neutra U.S.-Israeli hostage Omer Neutra is confirmed dead in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces announced on Dec. 2, 2024. / Credit: The Neutra Family Neutra's photo has remained a centerpiece at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, where many held on to hope for the IDF soldier. The temple opened its doors Monday night for many in the Jewish community to gather in their grief and lean into their faith. "Omer sort of became really such a part of all of us and I think people felt so personally connected to him, even people who never met him," Rabbi Elizabeth Zeller said. "We all woke up to the news. We were shocked. We were devastated, probably the word I heard the most today," said Craig Wolfson, president of Temple Chaverim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York leaders react to Omer Neutra's death Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said Monday flags would be flown at half-staff in Neutra's honor. "It is with deep sadness that we learn of the tragic loss of Omer Neutra, a beloved son of the Town of Oyster Bay and IDF soldier, who was killed by Hamas terrorists. This heartbreaking news is a profound reminder of the immense sacrifices made by individuals who stand in service to protect and defend democracy around the world," Saladino's statement read in part. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Omer's family, friends, and all who loved him. This is a time of unbearable grief and a tragic loss for our entire town." New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered flags to half-staff statewide and said, "We pray that his body can be returned to his family, who have been speaking out for him and all hostages since that horrific day." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For months we've prayed for the safe return of Omer Neutra and all those kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th. This horrific news shakes all New Yorkers to our core," Hochul said in a statement. "I've met with Omer's brave family and learned so much about this incredible young man. As we mourn this tragedy, let us continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages, an end to the war without Hamas in power, and a lasting peace." The Wall of Hope in Plainview, New York displays pictures of hostages taken by Hamas, including Omer Neutra, who grew up in the community. / Credit: CBS News New York "On October 7th, he fiercely defended the communities near the Gaza border when Hamas terrorists attacked. For over a year, his parents lived in hope that their son was still alive. But today, their worst fears were confirmed. My heart breaks for them and their entire family as they face this unbearable loss. But I am also filled with pride in the life that Omer lived. His heroism and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and I will not rest until his body is returned home. May his memory be a blessing," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's statement said. The wall of hope After Neutra's presumptive capture, the Mid-Island Y JCC in his hometown held weekly events and prayed that he and the 101 hostages would come home alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We all woke up to the devastating news of the loss of Omer, that we've kept in our hearts and prayers for so long now. I think it's hit everybody the same. I burst out into tears when I saw it. I take a deep breath now to keep the tears. We all feel like we lost a son, a brother, a friend even if we didn't know him personally. He became the face of what's going on in Israel," said Mid-Island Y JCC CEO Rick Lewis. The community's wall of hope has been up for 422 days. It displays pictures of hostages they hoped would be seen alive again. Gary Cellers, who updates the wall, prayed he would never have to add deceased stickers to the picture of Neutra. "My heart aches for the Neutra family. My heart aches for all the hostage families," said Cellers, facilities director at the Mid-Island Y JCC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families of hostages respond to Hamas propaganda video Over the weekend, Neutra's parents spoke at a rally in Central Park, alongside the father of another Israeli-American hostage. Edan Alexander, 20, grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey and joined the Israel Defense Forces out of high school. He was seen alive in a new propaganda video released by Hamas on Saturday. His father described seeing him in the video as both emotional and disturbing, but said the family was happy to get a sign of life. Israel says 97 hostages remain in captivity. Maryland island struggles to survive impact of rising sea level, erosion | 60 Minutes "The Barn": A murder in Mississippi, and the evil hiding in plain sight Ted Turner's nature preserves: A carefully curated "Heaven on Earth" By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli forces bombarded houses in overnight attacks in the northern Gaza Strip, including one airstrike that killed at least 15 people in a home sheltering displaced people in the town of Beit Lahiya, Palestinian medics said on Monday. The three barely operational hospitals in the area were unable to cope with the wounded from the attack, and a number of other people were still missing with rescue workers unable to reach them, the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents said clusters of houses were bombed and some set ablaze in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun, three towns on the northern edge of the Gaza Strip where the Israeli army has been operating for weeks. They said Israeli drones had also dropped bombs outside a school sheltering displaced families in Beit Lahiya, part of what residents have described as a campaign to scare people into leaving. Palestinians say Israel's army is trying to drive people out of the northern edge of Gaza with forced evacuations and bombardments to create a buffer zone. The Israeli army denies this and says it has returned to prevent Hamas fighters from regrouping in an area where it had previously cleared them out. Israel launched its campaign in the densely populated Palestinian enclave after Hamas-led fighters attacked Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and capturing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's military campaign has killed more than 44,400 Palestinians and displaced most of the population, Gaza officials say. Vast swathes of the enclave lie in ruins. A former Israeli defense minister accused Israel on Sunday of committing war crimes and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip, drawing a sharp rebuke from government ranks. Moshe Yaalon, a hawkish former general, told Israeli media that hardliners in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right cabinet were looking to chase Palestinians from northern Gaza and wanted to re-establish Jewish settlements there. On Monday, the Israeli military rejected what it called Yaalon's serious claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) operates in accordance with international law, and evacuates civilians based on operational necessity, for their own protection," it said. Palestinian and United Nations officials said there were no safe areas in the Gaza Strip for the 2.3 million population, most of whom have been internally displaced. Ten other Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli strikes across the enclave, medics said, raising the death toll on Monday to 25. NEW CEASEFIRE PUSH Israel agreed to a ceasefire with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah last week that halted fighting in a conflict that has unfolded in Lebanon in parallel with the Gaza war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Gaza war itself has ground on with only a single ceasefire more than a year ago lasting for a week. Officials in Cairo have hosted talks between Hamas and the rival Fatah group led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the possible establishment of a committee to run post-war Gaza. Egypt has proposed that a committee made up of non-partisan technocrat figures, and supervised by Abbas' Western-backed Palestinian Authority, should be ready to run Gaza straight after the war ends. Israel has said Hamas should have no role in governance. An official close to the talks said progress had been made but no final deal had been reached. Israel's approval would be decisive in determining whether the committee could fulfill its role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egyptian security officials have also held talks with Hamas on ways to reach a ceasefire with Israel. A Palestinian official close to the mediation effort told Reuters Hamas stood by its condition that any agreement must bring an end to the war and involve an Israeli troop withdrawal, but Hamas would show the flexibility needed to achieve that. Israel has said the war will end only when Hamas no longer governs Gaza and poses no threat to Israelis. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Sunday there was some indication of progress towards a deal to free Israeli hostages, but that Israel's conditions for ending the war had not changed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later on Monday, Hamas's armed wing said at least 33 hostages had been killed since the war started, blaming their deaths on Israel's failure to agree to its demands, without disclosing their nationalities. It added that some other hostages had gone missing. "With the continuation of your crazy war," it said in a statement addressed to Israel, "you could lose your hostages forever. Do what you have to do before it is too late," the group said. The Israeli military did not immediately comment. White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan said he thought the chances of a ceasefire and hostage deal were now more likely. (Reporting and writing by Nidal al-Mughrabi;additional reporting by Emily Rose in Jerusalem and Jaidaa Taha in Cairo; editing by Timothy Heritage, Peter Graff and Mark Heinrich) The Israeli army has attacked several targets in Lebanon, killing two people, as a shaky ceasefire holds with the pro-Iranian Lebanese militia, Hezbollah. The Israeli military said on Monday that the attacks were in response to ceasefire violations by Hezbollah. The Lebanese Ministry of Health said one person was killed in the southern area of Marjayoun. According to Lebanese security sources, he was killed in an airstrike that hit a motorcycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lebanese state security forces said that one of its members had been killed in a drone attack in Nabatiyeh, south of Beirut. The attack was "a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty," the security force said. The Israeli army said it had attacked several military vehicles operating in the area of a Hezbollah rocket workshop in the Bekaa Valley. It also said it had attacked what it called terrorist infrastructure in the Hermel area that was used to smuggle weapons on the Syrian-Lebanese border. By Hamuda Hassan and Ahmed Fahmy HAZMIEH/TYRE, Lebanon (Reuters) - When a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect last week, Lebanese hotelier Abbas al-Tannoukhi leapt at the chance to bury a dead relative in their southern hometown of Khiyam, battered for weeks by intense clashes. Tannoukhi's cousin had been killed in one of the final Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's suburbs before Wednesday's ceasefire, which stipulated an end to fighting so residents on both sides of the border could return home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with Israeli troops still deployed in southern Lebanon, Tannoukhi coordinated his movements with Lebanon's army. Last Friday, he and his relatives pulled into the family graveyard in Khiyam, six km (four miles) from the border, with an ambulance carrying his cousin's body. "We just needed 30 minutes (to bury her)," Tannoukhi, 54, said. "But we were surprised when Israeli tanks encircled us - and that's when the gunfire started." Tannoukhi fled with his relatives on foot through the brush, wounding his hand as he scrambled between rocks and olive groves to reach safety at a checkpoint operated by Lebanese troops. Soon afterwards, they tried to reach the graveyard again but said they were fired on a second time. Shaky footage filmed by Tannoukhi features sprays of gunfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We couldn't bury her. We had to leave her body there in the ambulance. But we will try again," he told Reuters. The ordeal highlights the bitterness and confusion for residents of southern Lebanon who have been unable to return home because Israeli troops are still present on Lebanese territory. Israel's military has issued orders to residents of 60 southern Lebanese towns not to return home, saying they are prohibited from accessing their hometowns until further notice. The U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal grants both Lebanon and Israel the right to self-defence, but does not include provisions on a buffer zone or restrictions for residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Why did we go back? Because there's a ceasefire," Tannoukhi said. "It's a halt to hostilities. And it is a natural right for a son of the south to go to his house." The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. PEACE OF MIND The ceasefire brought an end to over a year of hostilities between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, which began firing rockets at Israeli military targets in 2023 in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas in Gaza. Israel went on the offensive in September, bombing swathes of Lebanon's south, east and the southern suburbs of Beirut. More than 1.2 million people fled their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the 60-day ceasefire came into effect last Wednesday, residents of Beirut's suburbs returned home to vast destruction, and some Lebanese from the south were able to return to homes further away from the border. But both sides began accusing each other of breaking the deal, with Israel saying suspicious movements in villages along the south constituted violations and Lebanon's army pointing to Israeli tank fire and airstrikes as breaches. Mustafa Ibrahim al-Sayyed, a father of 12, was hoping to return home to Beit Lif, about two km from the border. But nearly a week into the ceasefire, he is still living at a displacement shelter near Tyre, a coastal city about 25 km from the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He tried to venture home alone last week, but as soon as he arrived, there was tank fire around the town and he received a warning on his phone that his town was in the Israeli military's "no-go" zone. Sayyed is still stuck in displacement and wants to get home. "I hope we go back to our town so we can get peace of mind," he said. (Reporting by Hamuda Hassan and Ayman Sahely in Hazmieh and Ahmed Fahmy in Tyre, Writing by Maya Gebeily, Editing by Timothy Heritage) BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- China's prosecution and public security authorities have strengthened joint efforts to combat cross-border telecom fraud, with eight major cases placed under joint oversight, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) announced on Sunday. This initiative builds on previous joint efforts between the SPP and the Ministry of Public Security, which have overseen 13 significant cross-border telecom fraud cases since 2022. The eight cases, originating from provinces including Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian, cover a range of criminal activities. These include recruiting people from within China and trafficking them abroad to engage in fraudulent schemes, as well as serious violent crimes such as unlawful detention and intentional injury. From January to October 2024, enhanced asset recovery and fraud prevention measures from the authorities resulted in the freezing of 235.9 billion yuan (32.83 billion U.S. dollars) in defrauded funds, safeguarding the public from financial losses, according to the SPP. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to intensifying efforts to track down and prosecute telecom fraud criminals, pledging to protect the public's legitimate rights and defend lives and property. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that the increase in Russian military spending does not equate to an increase in Russian military capabilities but may affect the Kremlin's ability to sustain the war in Ukraine. Source: ISW Details: Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin signed a decree approving the federal budget for 2025 and the draft federal budget for 2026-2027 on 1 December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2025 budget allocates about 41% of Russia's annual spending to military needs. ISW continues to assess that the increase in Russian military spending, while dangerous, does not necessarily equate to a simultaneous increase in Russian military capabilities, especially given that a significant portion of the funds is being used to pay benefits to Russian military personnel, veterans and their families. The analysts note that Russia's continued focus on military spending is also likely to affect the effectiveness and sustainability of Russian social programmes, which could affect the Kremlin's ability to maintain the war in Ukraine, given the growing pressure on the Russian economy and Putin's tendency to avoid risks to the stability of his regime. To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 1 December: The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) reportedly replaced Lieutenant General Sergei Kisel with Colonel General Alexander Chaiko who will reprise his previous assignment as commander of the Russian Force Grouping in Syria, though it remains unclear how Russian operations in Syria may change. Russian leader Vladimir Putin signed a decree approving the 2025 federal budget and the 2026-2027 draft federal budget on 1 December. Russian state media reported that the Russian military command appointed Colonel General Rustam Muradov as the First Deputy Commander of the Russian Ground Forces. The Georgian opposition continues to contest the legitimacy of Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party's electoral victory following Georgian Dream's suspension of Georgia's European Union (EU) membership accession talks. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast, and Russian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk and Huliaipole. Support UP or become our patron! I've traveled to all 50 states and every major US national park. Everyone should travel to New York and New Orleans at least once. I recommend checking out natural wonders including the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park. As a solo traveler who's explored all 50 states and every major US national park, I've had the privilege of witnessing the country's diversity and beauty firsthand. Though the most meaningful travel experiences vary by individual, certain places are so awe-inspiring that I think everyone should experience them at least once. Here are six of them. The views from Grand Canyon National Park are incredible. Emily Hart undefined Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Great Lakes offer breathtaking scenery. The Great Lakes are worth a visit. Emily Hart The Midwest doesn't always get the credit it deserves. Many people still refer to it as "flyover country," suggesting there's not much to do or see in this part of the US. But the Midwest is full of natural beauty, and places like the Great Lakes are worth visiting. The five interconnected freshwater lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario boast some incredible landscapes. From the idyllic Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior to the majesty of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago, this region offers something for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Orleans has a unique soul. There's so much to do in New Orleans. Emily Hart New Orleans' Creole architecture, widespread live music, street art, and delicious food give it a soul I haven't found anywhere else in the US. The many festivals and celebrations, including Mardi Gras, set the city apart and help make a visit to New Orleans an experience. New York City has an unbeatable energy. I love how diverse New York City's neighborhoods are. Emily Hart Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York City is a cultural center not just of the US but of the world. The city long a symbol of the American dream has diverse neighborhoods, world-class art and museums, and an energy you won't find anywhere else. The city's historical significance can't be overstated. Its status as a fashion, financial, and media hub means there's always something new to see. Northern New Mexico is a special part of the country. Northern New Mexico is beautiful. Emily Hart Though I love all of New Mexico, the northern part of the state is distinct, with its wide-open spaces and unique art and cultural experiences. The tourist areas of Santa Fe and Taos offer ample opportunities for shopping and visiting museums, art galleries, and restaurants. But if you're looking for a lesser-known spot, I recommend checking out the Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center, where visitors can spend a day hiking or horseback riding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yosemite National Park in California is full of natural beauty. See cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park. Emily Hart California is home to some of the country's most beautiful and awe-inspiring landscapes, but Yosemite National Park stands out. Yosemite's granite cliffs are among the most impressive natural formations in the world. The park is also home to magnificent waterfalls and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, where visitors can walk among over 500 of these trees. Read the original article on Business Insider J.K. Rowling took to social media to continue to air out her thoughts on gender identity and the intensity of trans activists in the wake of a recent New York Times article, Transgender Activists Question the Movements Confrontational Approach. The article, published Nov. 26 and written by Jeremy W. Peters, purported that some within the transgender activist movement think theyre being too confrontational when dealing with anti-trans opponents. The Harry Potter author has been vocal against the trans community for years and called the article a rewriting of history, adding that, Yes, maybe trans activists went a little over the top at times takes are frankly insulting. Ive been sent thousands of threats of murder, rape and violence, Rowling wrote on X Monday. A trans woman posted my familys home address with a bomb-making guide. My eldest child was targeted by a prominent trans activist who attempted to doxx her and ended up doxxing the wrong young woman. I could write a twenty thousand word essay on what the consequences have been to me and my family, and what weve endured is NOTHING compared to the harm done to others. The rewriting of history begins. Opponents of gender ideology haven't merely 'endured unsparing criticism'. I haven't simply been told I 'betrayed real feminism' or received a few book-burning videos. I've been sent thousands of threats of murder, rape and violence. A trans pic.twitter.com/aiGv2yHDCO J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 2, 2024 She continued, By standing up to a movement that relies on threats of violence, ostracisation and guilt-by-association, all of us have been smeared and defamed, but many have lost their livelihoods. Some have been physically assaulted by trans activists. Female politicians have been forced to hire personal security on the advice of police. The news that one of the U.K.s leading endocrinologists, Dr. Hillary Cass, was advised not to travel by public transport for her own safety should shame everyone who let this insanity run amok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times spoke with Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, the executive director of Advocates for Transgender Equality, for its story. He said that if the confrontational approach to dealing with anti-trans people continues, no one will be open to changing perspectives. We have to make it OK for someone to change their minds, Heng-Lehtinen told the Times. We cannot vilify them for not being on our side. No one wants to join that team. Rowling finished her social media post by saying some whove been riding high on their own supply are waking up with a hell of a hangover and that receipts of interactions shes faced will make for some very ugly reading. Mealy-mouthed retconning of what has actually happened over the past 10 years is predictable but will not stand, she said. I dont doubt those whove turned a blind eye to the purges of non-believers, or even applauded and encouraged them, would rather minimize what the true cost of speaking out was, but yes, maybe trans activists went a little over the top at times takes are frankly insulting. A full reckoning on the effects of gender ideology on individuals, society and politics is still a long way off, but I know this: the receipts will make very ugly reading when that time comes, and there are far too many of them to sweep politely under the carpet. The post J.K. Rowling Slams Insulting NY Times Story on Confrontational Trans Activists, Says She Faces Threats of Murder, Rape, Violence appeared first on TheWrap. Jaguar has been accused of abandoning loyal customers and dealerships with its controversial rebrand, as the carmaker prepares to debut its new electric vehicle (EV) lineup. The company will unveil the design vision concept for its latest generation of cars all of which will be battery-powered at an art show in Miami, Florida, on Monday night. It is part of a historic shake-up that will see the marque target wealthier customers and slash the number of UK dealerships that can sell the luxury cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the rebrand has sparked a storm of controversy, with the Independent Motor Dealers Association on Sunday claiming it would also leave dozens of the companys retail partners and their customers worse off. Umesh Samani, chairman of the IMDA and owner of the Specialist Cars dealership in Stoke, said: There are a lot of angry dealerships out there, because some have invested millions of pounds in these franchises but now wont be able to continue carrying the Jaguar brand. Youve also got to ask, what will customers do for maintenance and repairs now, when you are narrowing down the number of dealerships so much? Theres going to be a major impact and Im not sure the company has realised what that full effect is going to be yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaguar bosses confirmed last month that the companys ongoing rebrand meant the number of dealerships would be significantly reduced in the UK, from 80 today to around 20. At the moment, most dealerships that work with parent company Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) have showrooms that are split 50-50 between the Land Rover and Jaguar brands. One company spent as much as 10m building one of these in Lincoln, according to trade publication Car Dealer. But under the ongoing house of brands strategy and the latest changes to Jaguar, some 60 showrooms will now have to lose the Jaguar brand and instead focus solely on the Land Rover sub-brands Range Rover, Defender and Discovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaguar has insisted that Jaguar drivers will not be left high and dry and will be able to continue getting their cars serviced at all JLR franchises. But Mr Samani warned it could make it harder to obtain specialist parts and would mean dealerships lose footfall that comes with the Jaguar marque. Under the controversial rebrand, Jaguar has also dropped its famous growler badges and unveiled a new motif and logo ahead of its transition to an all-electric lineup in 2026. The announcement was accompanied by an advertisement featuring a diverse cast of colourfully dressed models strutting around a Martian-style landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It prompted ridicule in some quarters, with critics claiming the woke promotion had trashed the brands Jag man heritage while showing no actual cars. But Rawdon Glover, Jaguars managing director, dismissed the furore as a blaze of intolerance. Executives believe that to attract bigger-spending customers, Jaguar must become more distinctive. If we play in the same way that everybody else does, well just get drowned out. So we shouldnt turn up like an auto brand, Mr Glover told the Financial Times. We need to re-establish our brand and at a completely different price point so we need to act differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To that end, Jaguar is hoping to make a splash this week when it unveils its new concept EV at Miami Art Week. The event, which is due to take place at 8pm local time on Monday, will see the new car displayed alongside more conventional works of contemporary art. One insider teased it would not involve a traditional silk reveal, adding: Thats quite traditional auto show. This will be more avant-garde. Jaguar says the copy of nothing campaign evokes the original ethos of its founder, Sir William Lyons, as well as the novel design pedigree associated with the iconic E-Type from the 1960s. The I-Pace, Jaguars first electric car which was discontinued, had a starting price of around 70,000 - Jaguar Newsroom Bosses have admitted it will also require the brand to go further upmarket probably beyond the buying power of many existing customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The I-Pace, Jaguars first electric car which was discontinued, had a starting price of around 70,000, whereas the marques latest cars are expected to sell for more than 100,000 each. Mr Samani said he believed that was a mistake the brand would come to regret. I think its being talked about, but for all the wrong reasons, he added. People think of Jaguars as premium, quality cars that they can aspire to own. This new approach I just dont get it, frankly. They are losing an identity that theyve built their entire heritage on and its going to lose them a lot of customers. On Sunday, a JLR spokesman said: As part of our Reimagine strategy, we said we would right size, repurpose and reorganise our global operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This includes the number of markets we operate in, and the retailer footprint required to support the new brand. With the opportunity to reinvent Jaguar as a luxury brand, targeting a lower sales volume globally means it is logical that we will see a reduced retail network and not be as present globally in all countries where we sold the brand in the past. There will be a phased roll-out of markets at launch. 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 Rep. Jamie Raskin, a former constitutional law professor who served as the Democrats lead prosecutor in the Trump impeachment trial after the Jan. 6 attack, told colleagues Monday he will challenge Rep. Jerry Nadler for the top Democratic spot on the powerful Judiciary Committee. Nadler, 77, of New York, has held the top job on the Judiciary panel since 2019, served in Congress since 1992 and has had some health scares in recent years. While Raskin is 61 years old, his bold challenge to Nadler is another example of a new generation of Democratic stars taking on the old guard and the party's seniority system after disappointing losses in the 2024 elections. In the 119th Congress, the Judiciary Committee will be the headquarters of Congressional opposition to authoritarianism and MAGAs campaign to dismantle our Constitutional system and the rule of law as we know it, Raskin, of Maryland, a cancer survivor who also served on the special House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack, wrote in a letter to colleagues Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope to be at the center of this fight and as someone who has battled cancer and chemotherapy I can tell you that I will never, never surrender," he continued. In his three-page letter, Raskin, the current ranking member of the Oversight Committee, also offered praise for Nadler, who is running for his fourth term leading Democrats on the Judiciary panel. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., with Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., at a 2019 hearing. I should say, finally, that I take this step with respect and boundless admiration for my friend Jerry Nadler and his remarkable half-century of service in public office in New York and Congress. ... If Im lucky enough to be chosen for this responsibility in the 119th Congress," Raskin wrote, "I will turn to Jerry first and throughout for his always wise counsel and political judgment. Raskin, who was elected to the House in 2016, is not the only Democrat to announce a challenge to a longtime committee leader this year. Rep. Raul Grijalva, of Arizona, told colleagues in his own letter Monday that it was time for him to pass the torch as the leading Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee after Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., announced he would challenge the 76-year-old for the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grijalva, who has served in Congress since 2003, had missed votes for several months after he announced a cancer diagnosis in April. Huffman, 60, was elected to Congress in 2012. A race for the top position on the Agriculture Committee is also shaping up, with Reps. Jim Costa, D-Calif., and Angie Craig, D-Minn., vying to unseat longtime Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., who is 79 years old and has battled health issues for years. The Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which is closely aligned with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., is expected to make recommendations to the full Democratic Caucus next week about which members should serve as the top Democrats on each committee in the next Congress. The caucus would then take a final vote. For the Democrats, passing the torch has become a common theme over the past two election cycles. After House Democrats lost their majority in the 2022 midterms, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn the trio of octogenarians that had led Democrats for roughly two decades passed the baton to a new, younger generation of leaders: Jeffries and Reps. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., and Pete Aguilar, D-Calif. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, the biggest torch was passed this summer when President Joe Biden, another octogenarian, was pressured by members of his own party to step down as the Democratic presidential nominee over concerns about his age. His 60-year-old vice president, Kamala Harris, replaced him on the ballot but lost decisively to Donald Trump, who, at 78, is the oldest person to be elected president. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Japanese beetles made their way into Grand Junction from the Front Range in early 2023. Local farmers told commissioners firsthand and warned of the possible economic downfall the valley could see if the beetles got to their crops. Mesa County Admin Operations Manager Alec Anderson organized the first large-scale spray in early spring 2023. The spray covered roughly 1,200 acres of private property. Trapping efforts continued through the Fall and into the Spring of this year. The last spray covered about 1,400 square acres here in Grand Junction and recent trap data reveals the countys approach is working! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel says beetle populations have reduced by 86%, according to trap data. In real numbers, Mesa County captured approximately 5,700 beetles in 2023. This year, theyve captured 830. This isnt the end of the countys efforts they are working with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the local CSU Extension Office to get that number down to zero. The next spray is planned for next year with pet-friendly pesticide that is good for pollinators, according to Anderson. More good news there are no beetles in the Palisade area, so most of our precious peaches are on track to stay 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of the Oxford school shooter, is challenging her conviction 8 months after being sentenced to 10-15 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter. Ethan Crumbley opened fire at Oxford High School in Michigan on Nov. 30, 2021, killing Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, Madisyn Baldwin and Justin Shilling, injuring six other students and a teacher. (Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP, File) In a news release sent to 6 News, Michael Dezsi, Crumbleys attorney, believes that his clients conviction, stem from a trial riddled with legal errors where key evidence was withheld, and cooperation agreements were peddled and suppressed to secure testimony for the prosecution to convict an individual who committed no crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a reason why no parent in America has ever been held responsible for the criminal acts of their child in relation to a school shooting. It is because Mrs. Crumbley committed no crime. This case should be concerning for parents everywhere, said Dezsi. Deszi has officially requested that Crumbleys convictions be thrown out. This comes in the form of a 34-page legal brief filed with the court. The brief can be read below. NOH-Mtn-for-Acquittal-and-New-Trial-Index-Exhs-A-M-POS-12.2.2024Download Dezsi also claims in the release that two of the prosecutions witnesses entered cooperation agreements to testify. He says the defense was unaware of this, denying Crumbleys right to a fair trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution has tried to mold us into the type of parents society wants to believe are so horrible that only a school or mass shooter could be bred from, said Crumbley during her sentencing in April. Whats next for the Crumbleys after Oxford shooting? 6 News has received statements regarding the appeal from the office of Karen D. McDonald, Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney. Parents everywhere are worried. But they are not worried about being prosecuted, they are worried about their kids being shot at school. James and Jennifer Crumbley are the rare, grossly negligent exception, and twenty-four jurors unanimously agreed they are responsible for the deaths of Hana, Madisyn, Tate, and Justin. Holding them accountable for their role is one important step in making our schools safer. Karen Mcdonald, Oakland County Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney No witnesses were given anything for their testimony, and there was no immunity these witnesses testified without any promises or protection whatsoever. The Michigan Court of Appeals has already reviewed the legal issues raised by Jennifer Crumbley and rejected them. Where there are egregious facts like these where two parents ignored the obvious signs that their son was in crisis, bought him a gun and failed to secure it, and then failed to disclose the existence of the gun or take their son home when he drew out his plans, including writing blood everywhere with a picture of a gun and a body with bleeding bullet wounds, they can and should be prosecuted. David Williams, Cheif Assistant 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. This story has been updated with new information. Ten months after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, Jennifer Crumbley, the embattled mother of the Oxford High School shooter, has asked a judge to throw out her historic conviction, alleging that she was the target of an overreaching prosecution that made numerous missteps, including "deliberately" withholding evidence from her about secret deals it made with school witnesses who testified against her. Those deals were first disclosed by the Free Press in March, when the newspaper learned that two school officials who drew scrutiny over their decisions involving the shooter had signed confidential proffer agreements that protected them from having anything they told investigators used against them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those agreements, however, were never made known to the defendants or the jury which Jennifer Crumbley's appellate lawyer argues in a new court filing was unlawful. Specifically, he alleges the school witnesses were hoping to avoid prosecution over their own acts and therefore had a motive to testify in a way "so as to shift responsibility toward Mrs. Crumbley and away from themselves." The jury never got to hear that because, Crumbley's new lawyer maintains, the prosecution made sure the defense was never made privy to it. 'These proceedings were tainted from top to bottom' "These proceedings were tainted from top to bottom and were borne out of prosecutorial overreach attempting to criminalize Mrs. Crumbleys noncriminal conduct," appellate attorney Michael Dezsi writes in a Monday court filing, maintaining there were no legal grounds to charge Crumbley to begin with. "Apart from the improper decision to charge, Mrs. Crumbley was denied a fair trial where the prosecution deliberately withheld from the defense key impeachment evidence and proceeded on Kafkaesque inconsistent legal theories that work a grave injustice on the law." Dezsi maintains that the prosecution wrongfully asserted two contradictory theories by charging the shooter as an adult, but at the same time alleging the mother "failed to control her minor child" the one who actually pulled the trigger and claimed the lives of Hana St. Juliana, 14; Tate Myre, 16; Madisyn Baldwin, 17, and Justin Shilling, 17. Six other students and one teacher also were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dezsi argues its inconsistent to portray the shooter as an adult in his prosecution, but then paint him as a minor child in his mother's case. The prosecution can't have it both ways, Dezsi argues in his filing, maintaining a parent's legal duty to control their child typically involves young children who aren't aware of the dangers or harm they are causing, not for teenagers like Ethan Crumbley who methodically planned the Nov. 30, 2021, high school massacre in his journal, writing that he hoped to kill as many people as he could, and deliberately chose to surrender so that he could witness the suffering. Dezsi also cites an investigative report that concluded former Oxford High School counselor Shawn Hopkins and former Dean of Students Nicholas Ejak made "crucial" mistakes on the day of the shooting. They're the two school officials who signed confidential agreements early on with the prosecutor's office as it built its historic case against the Crumbleys. Their mistakes, according to an investigation by Guidepost Solutions, included letting the shooter return to class despite receiving multiple warnings about his behavior hours before the shooting; not searching his backpack, which contained the gun; and not requiring his parents to bring him home after discovering a violent drawing he had made of a gun, a human body bleeding, along with the words, "The thoughts won't stop, help me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The point of highlighting these investigative findings is not to prove the criminal responsibility of Hopkins and Ejak. Rather, these findings merely demonstrate why Hopkins and Ejak were given proffer agreements in the first place, because they had obvious criminal exposure," Dezsi writes. Dezsi submitted the filing with the help of law students from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, who assisted him in taking the first formal step to have Jennifer Crumbley's conviction thrown out. "Jennifer Crumbleys convictions for involuntary manslaughter stem from a trial riddled with legal errors where key evidence was withheld, and cooperation agreements were peddled and suppressed to secure testimony for the prosecution to convict an individual who committed no crime," Dezsi said in a prepared statement Monday, adding he has "outlined several legal errors that cast serious doubt as to the legitimacy of this sham prosecution." "Theres a reason why no parent in America has ever been held responsible for the criminal acts of their child in relation to a school shooting," Dezsi continued. "It is because Mrs. Crumbley committed no crime. This case should be concerning for parents everywhere." Lawyer: Reasons why Jennifer Crumbley's conviction should be tossed In his filing, Dezsi asks Oakland County Circuit Judge Cheryl Matthews for either an acquittal or a new trial on multiple grounds, including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution allegedly failed to turn over exculpatory evidence or evidence that is favorable to a defendant by not disclosing it had entered into proffer agreements with two key school witnesses, and by not offering these agreements and recorded interview statements to the defense. The prosecution allegedly asserted inconsistent culpability theories by charging the shooter as an adult he was also sentenced as an adult while at the same time claiming the mom failed to control her minor child. Under common law, Jennifer Crumbley allegedly owed no legal duty to the victims of the shooting, no more than someone has a duty to act if they see someone robbing a store. Dezsi argues this case should never have been charged in the first place, and that the prosecution cannot prove that the mother had a duty to protect the student victims from her son because, he maintains, no such legal duty exists in Michigan or elsewhere. The prosecution's claim that she does is an issue for the civil courts, not criminal courts. The court's jury instructions allegedly were flawed in that the judge erroneously instructed jurors that they could convict Jennifer Crumbley without unanimously agreeing as to what crime she committed. The jurors were allowed to convict under one of two theories: By concluding she failed in her duty to control her minor son, or, that she failed to properly secure the gun and consequently gave him access to it. The jurors were told they didn't all have to agree on which theory they would convict her under. Dezsi argues this is flawed, maintaining if six jurors concluded it was the gun theory, and the other six went with the failure to control her child, that would be a hung jury. Jennifer Crumbley allegedly had an ineffective lawyer at trial. Attorney Shannon Smith, who represented Jennifer Crumbley since her arrest following the shooting, declined comment. Prosecution defends its handling of Crumbley case 'There was no immunity' In a statement Monday, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald defended her office's handling of Jennifer Crumbley's case, and fired back at Dezsi's assertion that "parents everywhere should be worried about this case." Parents everywhere are worried," McDonald said. "But they are not worried about being prosecuted, they are worried about their kids being shot at school. James and Jennifer Crumbley are the rare, grossly negligent exception, and twenty-four jurors unanimously agreed they are responsible for the deaths of Hana, Madisyn, Tate, and Justin. Holding them accountable for their role is one important step in making our schools safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement did not explain why the prosecutor's office withheld from the defense the confidential proffer agreements it had with two school officials. But it did stress that no one received immunity.No witnesses were given anything for their testimony, and there was no immunity thesewitnesses testified without any promises or protection whatsoever," Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Williams said in the statement, adding: "The Michigan Court of Appeals has already reviewed the legal issues raised by Jennifer Crumbley and rejected them." Williams then repeated the common themes argued at trial, stating: "(T)wo parents ignored the obvious signs that their son was in crisis, bought him a gun and failed to secure it, and then failed to disclose the existence of the gun or take their son home when he drew out his plans, including writing blood everywhere with a picture of a gun and a body with bleeding bullet wounds." Williams also cited the following excerpt from a previous Michigan Court of Appeals opinion: (The Crumbleys') actions and inactions were inexorably intertwined with (their son's) actions ... This connection exists not simply because of the parent-child relationship but also because of the facts showing that (the parents) were actively involved in (their son's) mental state remaining untreated, that they provided him with the weapon used to kill the victims, and that they refused to remove him from the situation that led directly to the shootings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dezsi takes issue with these claims, noting there was no safe storage law in Michigan when the 2021 school shooting happened so the Crumbleys broke no law on that front; and the parents never refused to take their son home from school, but rather the school officials concluded it would be better for him to remain in school so that he wouldn't be home alone while feeling sad a fact they admitted to during trial, conceding they also never ordered the parents to take him home. Moreover, Dezsi argues, it was the school officials who had a duty to protect the students in the school - not the parents, who have argued they relied on the expertise of the counselor and dean of students, who concluded the shooter was not a threat to himself or anyone else, and let him go back to class. Investigation: School officials failed 'the common sense test' James and Jennifer Crumbley are the first parents in America to be held responsible for a mass school shooting committed by their child. The mom was convicted first in February, then the dad in March. The prosecution argued the Crumbleys, more than anyone else, could have prevented the shooting had they disclosed to two school officials during a pivotal meeting the morning of the shooting that their son had access to a gun, and, had they brought him home from school after learning about the drawing he made that included a gun, a human body bleeding and the words, "The thoughts won't stop. Help me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Crumbleys returned to their jobs that day and vowed to get him help within 48 hours. Their son returned to class after the counselor and dean of students concluded he was not a threat to anyone, and that it would be better for him to be near peers than alone at home. Two hours later, the boy emerged from a bathroom and opened fire. The dean of students and counselor never searched his backpack, which contained the gun, and never asked his parents if he had access to a gun, despite receiving multiple warnings about the shooter's behavior in the 24 hours before the shooting, including: The shooter had been researching bullets in class, looking at a movie of someone gunning people down and drawing a picture of a gun and blood on his math work sheet. After the shooting, an independent investigation concluded that Hopkins and Ejak failed after receiving multiple warnings to recognize that the shooter "might cause physical harm at the school" and should have required his parents to take him out of school and to a mental health professional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopkins and Ejak should not have allowed the shooter to return to class," the investigative report reads, adding school officials had "reasonable suspicion" to search his backpack, and the decision that allowed him to go back to class "fails the common sense test." To date, no school officials have been charged in the shooting. In March, one day after James Crumbley was convicted in the shooting, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald announced no charges would be filed against any school officials. "She has reviewed all the available evidence and has not seen any evidence that would support criminal charges for anyone at the school district," the prosecutor's office said at the time. Meanwhile, the families of the victims have long been pushing to have school officials held accountable, too, referring to them as the fourth culprit in the tragedy. The other three are the parents and Ethan Crumbley, who pleaded guilty to all of his crimes and is serving a life sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This fall, McDonald told the victims' families in a letter that she does not have the authority to investigate and charge any school officials, but that the state attorney general does. At the urging of the victims' families, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced last week that she would launch a state-led investigation into the shooting that will, among other things, try to determine if school officials engaged in any wrongdoing. Expert: Even 'a wink or a nod' must be disclosed The Oakland County Prosecutor's office has vehemently denied offering any school officials immunity, and maintains the proffer agreements never stated that, either. "Those agreements were drafted by the prosecutors office, and they made crystal clear to Hopkins, Ejak and their attorneys that there was never an implicit or explicit promise of immunity, leniency or favoritism of any kind," the prosecutor's office said in a previous statement. "As you will see, these letters spell that out. Because there were no promises of any kind, those letters were not required to be disclosed." Dezsi scoffed at the claim, arguing "such an assertion is contradicted by the express terms of the agreements." "In fact, the proffer agreements expressly provide that, 'in return' for cooperating and providing 'truthful information . . . including information about possible criminal activity by your client and others' this office will consider your clients proffer statements in deciding how to resolve this investigation as it relates to your client and any charges pending against your client being prosecuted by this office, Dezsi writes in his filing. Moreover, he stressed: "For the prosecution to now claim that 'there was never an implicit or explicit promise of. . . leniency, or favoritism of any kind' is simply disingenuous at best, or deliberately misleading at worst." Multiple defense experts agree with Dezsi, arguing the proffer agreements amount to what is known in legal circles as "Brady" material that must be disclosed to the defense. As Art Weiss, president of the Michigan Criminal Defense Attorneys Association put it: Anything written or oral, a wink or a nod, or an indirect assurance has to be disclosed. Jennifer Crumbley has long maintained that she never knew her son had plans to shoot up his school; that she never saw any signs that he was mentally ill; and that the gun he used in his deadly attack was not his to use freely, but that it was secured and unloaded in an armoire, with the bullets hidden in a separate drawer. The jury, however, concluded that was not enough to stop her 15-year-old son from sneaking the weapon out of the house, and taking it to school to carry out a rampage that left four students dead. The tragedy set the stage for the landmark prosecution that put parent gun owners everywhere on notice to keep their guns safely stored, or risk being prosecuted should their child commit a crime with the weapon. Since the Oxford shooting, Michigan has passed a safe storage law that now requires all gun owners to secure their weapons to prevent them from falling into the hands of minors - which James Crumbley maintains he did, but the jury concluded otherwise. James Crumbley also is appealing. So is the shooter, who is trying to take back his guilty plea as his new defense team maintains he was too young to understand what he was doing when he pled guilty. The appellate lawyers also argue that Ethan Crumbley may have suffered from fetal alcohol syndrome, which was never raised by his initial defense team, and want the judge to reconsider his life-without-parole sentence. Oakland County Circuit Judge Kwame Rowe, who handed down the stiff punishment, is expected to issue a ruling on the matter soon. The prosecutor's office maintains the shooter was fairly sentenced and urged the judge to let his punishment stick. The prosecution has argued that the mass shooting was premediated as the gunman plotted and planned the massacre in his journal and in a videotaped manifesto. Moreover, prosecutors argued, the shooter also wrote in his journal that he knew his crime would send him to prison for the rest of his life, and that he intentionally chose not to kill himself because he wanted to witness the suffering. Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jennifer Crumbley, mom of Oxford H.S. shooter, wants conviction tossed Jennifer Crumbley speaks before she is sentenced on involuntary manslaughter charges in Oakland County Circuit Court on April 9, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols) The mother of the Oxford High School shooter who was convicted earlier this year on criminal charges of involuntary manslaughter for the four students her son killed back in 2021, is asking a judge to throw out her conviction citing a sham prosecution grounded in prosecutorial overreach. The filing, which seeks to gain an acquittal or a new trial for Jennifer Crumbley, was made to the Oakland County Circuit Court Monday and challenges a historic conviction wherein the parents of a school shooter were held criminally responsible for the lives lost in a shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooter, aged 15 at the time of Nov. 30, 2021 shooting, was charged as an adult and sentenced to life without possibility of parole last December on charges involving the murder of fellow students Tate Myre, 16; Hana St. Juliana, 14; Justin Shilling, 17, and Madisyn Baldwin, 17. Crumbley and her husband James Crumbley were sentenced earlier this year to 10 to 15 years in prison for their responsibility for the shooting taking place. But the shooters mother had no responsibility for the shooting, Michael Dezsi, an attorney for Crumbley reasoned in Mondays filing. There are a buffet of reasons Crumbleys trial was a sham, Dezsi wrote, including the prosecution failing to share secret agreements it made with key witnesses, a lack of legal responsibility for the killings and inconsistencies in her prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arguments against the prosecutions handling of the case zero in on the unknowns surrounding proffer agreements made with Shawn Hopkins, a school counselor and Nick Ejak, the former dean of students, who met with the shooter and his parents the morning of the shooting to discuss a drawing the shooter made on an assignment that displayed a gun and a bloody body amongst other images and words. The agreements by the Oakland County Prosecutors office, released after the convictions of both parents, outlined that Hopkins and Ejacks cooperation in discussing the events of the shooting did not entail any promises to be protected from future prosecution should the office choose to raise such actions. But those agreements and the totality of what prosecutors learned were never shared with the defense during the trials for the parents which Dezsi said hindered the defenses ability to cross examine the two school employees thoroughly. Dezsis arguments dont stand up to scrutiny, Oakland County Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Williams said in a written statement Monday, pointing at the multiple cries for help the shooter made that the parents were aware of in the months leading up to the shooting and their failure to secure the gun used for the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Michigan Court of Appeals has already reviewed the legal issues raised by Jennifer Crumbley and rejected them. Where there are egregious facts like these where two parents ignored the obvious signs that their son was in crisis, bought him a gun and failed to secure it, and then failed to disclose the existence of the gun or take their son home when he drew out his plans, including writing blood everywhere with a picture of a gun and a body with bleeding bullet wounds, they can and should be prosecuted, Williams said. Out of the nearly 2,000 students that were at Oxford High School, only one parent called 911 after the shooting because they suspected their child was the shooter, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald argued during the prosecution of the shooters father. James Crumbley (left) and Jennifer Crumbley (right) sit for sentencing in Oakland County on April 9, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols) During both parents prosecutions, the juries were advised by the judge that they didnt all have to agree on the prosecutions two avenues to secure involuntary manslaughter charges, either that the parents failed at controlling or monitoring their minor son to prevent him from harming others or the parents were negligent in securing the gun used, making the shooting possible. But the jury should have had to be unanimous on determining guilt, Dezsi reasoned, as a difference of opinion on guilt should have resulted in a hung jury. Not requiring uniformity in the jurys decision was patently incorrect and contrary to the Michigan Constitution, Dezsi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, as the shooter was charged as an adult, Dezsi argues that it was inconsistent for the prosecution to assert that Crumbley bore responsibility to keep her minor child from harming others. The obvious inconsistency in the prosecutions theories is demonstrated by the fact that it wishes for the shooter to be viewed in the eyes of the law as an adult. But as to the charges of involuntary manslaughter, the prosecution is arguing that Mrs. Crumbley is responsible for the same murders committed by her son because he was a minor child and she failed to control him, Dezsi wrote. And while Crumbleys son is being treated both as a child and as an adult for purposes of the same murders in an inconsistent manner to gain three convictions for the same murders, Dezci asserted, the argument that Crumbley bares any legal responsibility to the victims of the shooting is non-existent. Crumbley had no connection whatsoever with any of the victims Dezsi reasoned and none of the victims had entrusted themselves to the control or protection of Crumbley. To the contrary, the school bears a level of legal responsibility for students while theyre at school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if the Court were to conclude that Mrs. Crumbley owed a legal duty upon which she could be prosecuted for involuntary manslaughter, any such duty was suspended under the doctrine of in loco parentis because her son was under the control and supervision of school officials at the time of the shooting, Dezsi wrote. The defense teams of the shooters parents argued in their cases that the prosecutions of the parents, marking new legal territory, will make parents afraid of being held liable for the actions of their children that they could never have foreseen. It was unforeseeable; no one expected this, Shannon Smith, a lawyer for Crumbley, said in her closing arguments during the trial in February. No one could have expected this, including Mrs. Crumbley. Parents are scared, McDonald said in a written statement Monday, but for entirely different reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement *Parents everywhere are worried. But they are not worried about being prosecuted, they are worried about their kids being shot at school, McDonald said. James and Jennifer Crumbley are the rare, grossly negligent exception, and twenty-four jurors unanimously agreed they are responsible for the deaths of Hana, Madisyn, Tate, and Justin. Holding them accountable for their role is one important step in making our schools safer. Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald speaks after Ethan Crumbley is sentenced to life without parole in Oakland County Michigan on Dec. 8, 2023. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols) Much of the defense for Crumbley revolved around the assertion that she didnt know what her son was planning and she was in fact an attentive and caring parent, a focus that didnt involve meaningful efforts to tackle the lack of legal standing the prosecution had in the case, Dezsi wrote. In his appeal to the conviction, Dezsi said Crumbleys defenses failure to raise a meritorious defense based on the lack of any recognized legal duty owed by Mrs. Crumbley to the victims of the shooting causing her to be convicted of a non-existent crime is grounds to assert that she had ineffective assistance of counsel and the conviction should be thrown out. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Every Christmas, a relatively small town in the Palestinian West Bank comes center stage: Bethlehem. Jesus, according to some biblical sources, was born in this town some two millennia ago. Yet the New Testament Gospels do not agree about the details of Jesus birth in Bethlehem. Some do not mention Bethlehem or Jesus birth at all. The Gospels different views might be hard to reconcile. But as a scholar of the New Testament, what I argue is that the Gospels offer an important insight into the Greco-Roman views of ethnic identity, including genealogies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, genealogies may bring more awareness of ones family medical history or help uncover lost family members. In the Greco-Roman era, birth stories and genealogical claims were used to establish rights to rule and link individuals with purported ancestral grandeur. Gospel of Matthew According to the Gospel of Matthew, the first Gospel in the canon of the New Testament, Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. The story begins with wise men who come to the city of Jerusalem after seeing a star that they interpreted as signaling the birth of a new king. It goes on to describe their meeting with the local Jewish king named Herod, of whom they inquire about the location of Jesus birth. The Gospel says that the star of Bethlehem subsequently leads them to a house not a manger where Jesus has been born to Joseph and Mary. Overjoyed, they worship Jesus and present gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These were valuable gifts, especially frankincense and myrrh, which were costly fragrances that had medicinal use. The Gospel explains that after their visit, Joseph has a dream where he is warned of Herods attempt to kill baby Jesus. When the wise men went to Herod with the news that a child had been born to be the king of the Jews, he made a plan to kill all young children to remove the threat to his throne. It then mentions how Joseph, Mary and infant Jesus leave for Egypt to escape King Herods attempt to assassinate all young children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthew also says that after Herod dies from an illness, Joseph, Mary and Jesus do not return to Bethlehem. Instead, they travel north to Nazareth in Galilee, which is modern-day Nazareth in Israel. Gospel of Luke The Gospel of Luke, an account of Jesus life which was written during the same period as the Gospel of Matthew, has a different version of Jesus birth. The Gospel of Luke starts with Joseph and a pregnant Mary in Galilee. They journey to Bethlehem in response to a census that the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus required for all the Jewish people. Since Joseph was a descendant of King David, Bethlehem was the hometown where he was required to register. The Gospel of Luke includes no flight to Egypt, no paranoid King Herod, no murder of children and no wise men visiting baby Jesus. Jesus is born in a manger because all the travelers overcrowded the guest rooms. After the birth, Joseph and Mary are visited not by wise men but shepherds, who were also overjoyed at Jesus birth. Luke says these shepherds were notified about Jesus location in Bethlehem by angels. There is no guiding star in Lukes story, nor do the shepherds bring gifts to baby Jesus. Luke also mentions that Joseph, Mary and Jesus leave Bethlehem eight days after his birth and travel to Jerusalem and then to Nazareth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The differences between Matthew and Luke are nearly impossible to reconcile, although they do share some similarities. John Meier, a scholar on the historical Jesus, explains that Jesus birth at Bethlehem is to be taken not as a historical fact but as a theological affirmation put into the form of an apparently historical narrative. In other words, the belief that Jesus was a descendant of King David led to the development of a story about Jesus birth in Bethlehem. Raymond Brown, another scholar on the Gospels, also states that the two narratives are not only different they are contrary to each other in a number of details. Marks and Johns Gospels A Nativity scene showing the birth of Jesus in a manger. Swen Pfortner/picture alliance via Getty Images What makes it more difficult is that neither the other Gospels, that of Mark and John, mentions Jesus birth or his connection to Bethlehem. The Gospel of Mark is the earliest account of Jesus life, written around A.D. 60. The opening chapter of Mark says that Jesus is from Nazareth of Galilee. This is repeated throughout the Gospel on several occasions, and Bethlehem is never mentioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A blind beggar in the Gospel of Mark describes Jesus as both from Nazareth and the son of David, the second king of Israel and Judah during 1010-970 B.C. But King David was not born in Nazareth, nor associated with that city. He was from Bethlehem. Yet Mark doesnt identify Jesus with the city Bethlehem. The Gospel of John, written approximately 15 to 20 years after that of Mark, also does not associate Jesus with Bethlehem. Galilee is Jesus hometown. Jesus finds his first disciples, does several miracles and has brothers in Galilee. This is not to say that John was unaware of Bethlehems significance. John mentions a debate where some Jewish people referred to the prophecy which claimed that the messiah would be a descendant of David and come from Bethlehem. But Jesus according to Johns Gospel is never associated with Bethlehem, but with Galilee, and more specifically, Nazareth. The Gospels of Mark and John reveal that they either had trouble linking Bethlehem with Jesus, did not know his birthplace, or were not concerned with this city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These were not the only ones. Apostle Paul, who wrote the earliest documents of the New Testament, considered Jesus a descendant of David but does not associate him with Bethlehem. The Book of Revelation also affirms that Jesus was a descendant of David but does not mention Bethlehem. An ethnic identity During the period of Jesus life, there were multiple perspectives on the Messiah. In one stream of Jewish thought, the Messiah was expected to be an everlasting ruler from the lineage of David. Other Jewish texts, such as the book 4 Ezra, written in the same century as the Gospels, and the Jewish sectarian Qumran literature, which is written two centuries earlier, also echo this belief. But within the Hebrew Bible, a prophetic book called Micah, thought to be written around B.C. 722, prophesies that the messiah would come from Davids hometown, Bethlehem. This text is repeated in Matthews version. Luke mentions that Jesus is not only genealogically connected to King David, but also born in Bethlehem, the city of David. [Deep knowledge, daily. Sign up for The Conversations newsletter.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Genealogical claims were made for important ancient founders and political leaders. For example, Ion, the founder of the Greek colonies in Asia, was considered to be a descendant of Apollo. Alexander the Great, whose empire reached from Macedonia to India, was claimed to be a son of Hercules. Caesar Augustus, who was the first Roman emperor, was proclaimed as a descendant of Apollo. And a Jewish writer named Philo who lived in the first century wrote that Abraham and the Jewish priest and prophets were born of God. Regardless of whether these claims were accepted at the time to be true, they shaped a persons ethnic identity, political status and claims to honor. As the Greek historian Polybius explains, the renown deeds of ancestors are part of the heritage of posterity. Matthew and Lukes inclusion of the city of Bethlehem contributed to the claim that Jesus was the Messiah from a Davidic lineage. They made sure that readers were aware of Jesus genealogical connection to King David with the mention of this city. Birth stories in Bethlehem solidified the claim that Jesus was a rightful descendant of King David. So today, when the importance of Bethlehem is heard in Christmas carols or displayed in Nativity scenes, the name of the town connects Jesus to an ancestral lineage and the prophetic hope for a new leader like King David. Fuller Theological Seminary is a member of the Association of Theological Schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ATS is a funding partner of The Conversation US. 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: Rodolfo Galvan Estrada III, Fuller Theological Seminary Read more: Rodolfo Galvan Estrada III 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. ULAN BATOR, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- The launch ceremony of the Cyrillic Mongolian editions of the second volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" and "Eradicating Poverty" along with a seminar on governance in China and Mongolia, was held in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, on Monday. During the launch ceremony, guests from China and Mongolia jointly unveiled the Cyrillic Mongolian editions of the two books. This was followed by a seminar on state governance, where experts and scholars from both nations exchanged insights and experiences on governance practices in China and Mongolia. Participants expressed the belief that on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mongolia and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership, China and Mongolia strengthening the exchange of experience in governance and poverty alleviation and jointly exploring the modernization path with their own characteristics is of great significance to deepening the friendship, mutual trust and interest integration, and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for the two countries. The organizers of the events said that "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" reflects the development context and main content of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and is an authoritative work for the international community to understand contemporary China. Meanwhile, "Eradicating Poverty" systematically expounds on the guiding philosophy and great practice of China's poverty alleviation, and contributes the Chinese solution to global poverty reduction. The publication of the Cyrillic Mongolian version of the two important works is expected to help the Mongolian people better understand China, and open a new chapter for the traditional friendship and cultural exchanges between China and Mongolia. Khurelbaatar Bulgantuya, deputy chairman of Mongolia's State Great Hural (Parliament), said during the ceremony that, under President Xi Jinping's leadership, China is striving to comprehensively build a modern socialist country after achieving a moderately prosperous society. She noted that Mongolia admires these efforts. "Over the past 40 years, China has made significant contributions to global poverty reduction. These two works provide valuable references for countries around the world by sharing China's successful experiences," she said. Shen Minjuan, Chinese ambassador to Mongolia, emphasized that China and Mongolia share similar development goals and interconnected futures. Shen expressed the hope that the Chinese solutions and wisdom contained in the two books would bring Mongolia more inspirations, stronger motivation, and higher confidence, and help the country achieve greater development while deepening bilateral cooperation across various fields. Adiyasuren Davaajargal, state secretary of Mongolia's Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth, noted that cooperation between Mongolia and China has grown increasingly close in recent years, yielding remarkable results. He added that Xi's works serve as a vital bridge for deepening the exchange of governance experiences between the two countries. The second volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" was translated and published in Cyrillic Mongolian by the Foreign Languages Press in collaboration with Mongolia's Admon Publishing House. To date, "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" has been translated into 42 languages, while "Eradicating Poverty" has been made available in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and other languages. Cyrillic Mongolian is the first language in which the latter has been translated and published through international collaboration. The events, co-organized by the Chinese State Council Information Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, the China International Publishing Group and the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia, were attended by more than 300 representatives from political parties, media outlets and think tanks from both countries, and diplomatic missions in Mongolia. President Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son Hunter may have drawn bipartisan criticism, but it doesnt seem to be causing nearly as much controversy at home. First lady Jill Biden told reporters Monday that she fully supports her husbands action. Of course I support the pardon of my son, Dr. Biden said in response to shouted questions from reporters at a White House holiday party. Of course I support the pardon of my son. First lady Jill Biden reacted to Pres. Bidens decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted on tax evasion and federal gun charges and was due for sentencing in December. https://t.co/WH8uDN1Chapic.twitter.com/pBuYhDmnfz ABC News (@ABC) December 2, 2024 Hunter was convicted earlier this year for lying on a federal form when he purchased a gun in 2018 and said he wasnt a drug user. He also pleaded guilty to failing to pay federal income taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Biden said Sunday that Hunter had been unfairly targeted by Bidens political opponents. People are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form, he said. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently, the president said. Donald Trump, Bidens predecessor (and successor) in office, pardoned war criminals, associates who obstructed justice, law enforcement officers accused of violence against people of color, and Charles Kushner, who pleaded guilty years ago to charges of tax evasion and witness tampering, and who is the father of Trumps son-in-law Jared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elect has since tapped the elder Kushner to be his ambassador to France. Related... President Joe Biden has pardoned his son Hunter, concluding that he was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. In a statement, Biden said, There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House had previously said that Biden did not plan on pardoning the younger Biden, who faces sentencing on gun and tax charges. The president himself said that he would not pardon his son. In September, Hunter Biden plead guilty to nine federal tax charges, with sentencing scheduled for later this month. Prosecutors claim that he failed to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes over a period from 2016 to 2019, when they said that he instead spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle. His attorney, though, said at the time, Like millions of Americans, Hunter was late in filing and paying his taxes. Unlike those millions of Americans, he was charged criminally for his failures that occurred during the depths of his addiction to drugs and alcohol. Last summer, Hunter Biden was found guilty of three felony counts related to the purchase of a gun in 2018, when he was still in the throes of addiction. That sentencing was delayed to this month. In his statement, the president said, The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. Hunter Biden was a target on the right for years, including during the 2020 and 2024 elections. House Republicans focused their efforts to impeach Joe Biden on his sons business dealings in Ukraine and China, but ultimately were unable to produce a case that the president had benefited financially from his sons ventures. Hunter Biden said in a statement, I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport. Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years because of my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends. In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages. In recovery, we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the mercy that we have been afforded. I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. Donald Trump reacted to the pardon by writing on Truth Social, Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! Trump has previously said that he would pardon those who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC News first broke the news of the pardon. The text of Bidens pardon of his son is below. Executive Grant of Clemency Joseph R. Biden, Jr. President of the United States of America To All to Whom These Presents Shall Come, Greeting: Be It Known, That This Day, I, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States, Pursuant to My Powers Under Article II, Section 2, Clause 1, of the Constitution, Have Granted Unto ROBERT HUNTER BIDEN A Full and Unconditional Pardon For those offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024, including but not limited to all offenses charged or prosecuted (including any that have resulted in convictions) by Special Counsel David C. Weiss in Docket No. 1:23-cr-00061-MN in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and Docket No. 2:23-CR-00599-MCS-1 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto signed my name and caused the Pardon to be recorded with the Department of Justice. Done at the City of Washington this 1st day of December in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States the Two Hundred and Forty-ninth. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In a stunning reversal, President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he pardoned his son Hunter Biden, who was convicted of three federal gun felonies and federal tax charges earlier this year. "Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter," the president said in a statement. "From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted." Joe Biden said while he believes in the justice system, he also believes "raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision," Biden said. President Biden issued the "full and unconditional pardon" for offenses his son "committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024." Joe Biden previously said he would not pardon his son, who was the first child of a sitting president to be convicted of a crime. NBC News first reported news of the pardon. People are also reading: What a year! 12 months of the craziest election campaign in memory. What was Hunter Biden convicted of? In June, Hunter Biden was found guilty of falsely filling out a federal form denying he was addicted to narcotics when he purchased a firearm, lying to a gun dealer, and knowingly possessing the revolver despite restrictions against people addicted to drugs owning firearms. He was also found guilty of nine charges, including failing to pay his taxes from 2016 through 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden was scheduled to be sentenced for his federal gun charges on Dec. 12 and his federal tax evasion charges on Dec. 16. In a statement issued after his pardon, Hunter Biden said he has "admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport." "In recovery, we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the mercy that we have been afforded," he said. "I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. Days after his son was found guilty over the summer, President Joe Biden said he "would abide by the jurys decision" and "will not pardon him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in his statement on the pardon, Joe Biden said he believes Hunter Biden was unfairly targeted for being his son. The president pointed to a plea deal that fell apart in July 2023 that could have resolved Hunter Biden's gun and tax charges without prison time. The president said Sunday that the plea deal "would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases." "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong," Joe Biden said in his statement Sunday. "There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution." "In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here," Joe Biden said. "Enough is enough." 'Abuse and miscarriage of Justice': Donald Trump criticizes Hunter Biden pardon The pardon was met with backlash by several Republican lawmakers, including President-elect Donald Trump, as well as by some members of Joe Biden's party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump criticized the pardon, asking whether those prosecuted for the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection were included. Trump has previously said he would pardon those who were convicted for the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! Trump wrote on Truth Social. Politicians from both parties denounce the pardon of Hunter Biden Meanwhile, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability who led investigations into the Biden familys business dealings, claimed Hunter Bidens charges "were just the tip of the iceberg in the blatant corruption that President Biden and the Biden Crime Family have lied about to the American people." "Its unfortunate that rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability," Comer said in a statement issued Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he was disappointed with the presidents decision, adding that it creates a precedent for future presidents. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation, the Democratic governor wrote in a post on X. "Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a Presidents son." While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) December 2, 2024 How old is Hunter Biden? Born Feb. 4, 1970, Hunter Biden is 54 years old. He is married to Melissa Cohen Biden and has five children. Who did Donald Trump pardon while in office? In the last day of his first presidential term, Donald Trump pardoned 74 people and reduced sentences for 70 others, according to NBC News in January 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some notable names among the list include: Trump's former chief strategist Steve Bannon, charged with contempt of Congress Trump's former top fundraiser Elliott Broidy, charged with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act Albert J. Pirro Jr., ex-husband of Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, charged with conspiracy and tax evasion Real estate investor Alex Adjmi, charged with money laundering Michael Flynn, charged with lying to the FBI Roger Stone, charged with lying to Congress Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, charged with financial fraud and obstructing a federal investigation Charles Kushner, father to Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, charged with tax evasion and witness tampering Trump's former campaign advisor George Papadopoulos, charged with lying to the FBI USA TODAY contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Joe Biden pardons son Hunter Biden days before sentencings With just weeks left in office, President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for all federal crimes he may have committed during the span of more than a decadesome of which he had already been convicted of or pleaded guilty to. While the controversial move reeks of favoritism, it's even more galling in light of how few pardons Biden has issued throughout the rest of his term. On Sunday night, Biden announced that he had granted his son "a full and unconditional pardon" for "offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move frees up the younger Biden from legal jeopardy stemming from charges of tax evasion, to which he pleaded guilty in September; lying on a firearm purchase form by saying he was not an illegal drug user, of which he was convicted in June; and any other potential wrongdoing that may have taken place during the 10 years and 11 months the pardon covers. While the document never mentions President-elect Donald Trump, it's clear that Biden feared reprisal from the incoming administration and its political allies. "There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution," Biden noted in a statement announcing the pardon. "In trying to break Hunter, they've tried to break me and there's no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough." The power to grant clemency, though enshrined in the Constitution, is often controversial, and ripe for abuse; presidents often issue questionable pardons on the way out the door to lessen the possibility of political blowback. But it also represents an important backstop against legal injustice. If judges or juries convict an innocent person or impose an unjust sentence, presidentsor governors, in the case of state crimespossess the singular, irreversible power to either commute a sentence, which shortens or ends a prison term, or to issue a pardon, which wipes the slate clean and removes the conviction altogether. To be sure, previous presidents have pardoned family members: Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother Roger Clinton on charges of trafficking cocaine, and Abraham Lincoln's pardons of former Confederates included his sister-in-law. Trump did not pardon any immediate family members in his first term, despite apparently considering it, but he did pardon real estate developer Charles Kushner, the father of Trump's son-in-law. Kushner previously served 14 months in federal prison for what former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie called "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted." This past weekend, Trump announced that he would nominate Kushner to be the U.S. Ambassador to France, in his second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Biden's effort is in a league of its own, issuing his son a blanket pardon covering all federal crimes committed within the period of a decadea son who had been convicted of several crimes already and faced prosecution for others. Republicans have accused Biden and his son of corruption since long before the 2020 campaignand by granting such a sweeping pardon, Biden handed them a gift, wrapped in a bow just in time for Christmas. On a human level, Biden's act makes sense: If given the opportunity to spare our admittedly troubled child a stint in federal prison for violating a law that, by all accounts, is rarely enforced and should not be a crime at all, who among us would not be tempted to act? But it also stands in contrast to the rest of Biden's term, in which he has granted relatively few petitions of clemency to anyone, for any reason. "Mr. Biden has granted 25 pardons and commuted the sentences of 131 other people, according to the most recent Justice Department data," wrote law professors Rachel E. Barkow and Mark Osler in a September 2024 editorial in The New York Times. "That is a mere 1.4 percent of the petitions he has received, based on our analysis. No modern U.S. president, going back to Richard Nixon, has had a rate so low; though of course, Mr. Biden is still in office." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mr. Biden has issued fewer clemency grants so far than the 238144 pardons and 94 commutationsissued by Mr. Trump during his first administration," the Times' Kenneth Vogel wrote this week. In fairness, Biden has made some grand gestures, issuing pardons for federal convictions of marijuana possession. "But let's be clear: None of the administration's actions has released a single marijuana offender from prison," Arizona State University law professor Erik Luna and Weldon Angelos, a music producer who served 13 years in prison for marijuana possession, wrote in January 2024. "President Biden has yet to exercise his clemency power to release a marijuana offender from federal prison. By our count, he has pardoned the marijuana offenses of three specific individuals, none of whom was incarcerated." Biden's stingy pardon pen continues a long-running trend, in which presidents are increasingly hesitant to grant clemency. "Between 1932 and 1988 the percentage of total cases acted on by the president that had been sent to him with the Justice Department's blessing averaged around 30%," according to a 2015 piece by the Collateral Consequences Resource Center. "The percentage of cases sent forward with a favorable recommendation dropped to single digits beginning with the presidency of George H.W. Bush, and it has dropped even lower in the past 15 years.The absolute numbers also tell a tale: President [Barack] Obama has granted more sentence commutations than any president since Richard Nixon, but fewer full pardons than any president since John Adams." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With six weeks left in his term, Biden still has time to correct his failure to act. Catholic advocacy groups have called on him to commute all federal death row inmates to life without parolea worthy exercise, since Trump's first term ended with a flurry of federal executions. Given the pardon of his son, it's clear that Biden knows how to exercise his federal clemency powers; the only question left is if he'll use it. The post Joe Biden Rarely Issues Pardons but Made an Exception for His Son appeared first on Reason.com. Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son Hunter marks a new low for the Democrats. As Adrian Vermeule has noted, dredging up the Presidents criticism of the Supreme Court ruling on Donald Trump no one is above the law misses the mark; this is not a matter of legal technicality but cartoonish nepotism that lays bare the rank hypocrisy of his party. For months leading up to the 2020 election Democrats thundered from the pulpit about Trumps venal, self-serving nature, how he was a liar unfit to serve as President, and how he needed to be replaced to protect American democracy. In order to achieve this end, they proceeded to lie about Hunter Bidens laptop, lie about Russian collusion with Trump, and repeatedly stated their doubts about any vaccine announced before polling day in 2020. How lucky for them, then, that the announcement of Pfizers success was delayed due to a change in trial protocol after pressure was poured on the company by public health officials, with the new data available just after the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once in office, the Democrats set about making sure Trump wouldnt win again. A series of politically motivated prosecutions were rolled out as the party rediscovered the zeal for upholding the law that so curiously left it during the Black Lives Matter riots. In 2020, suggesting crime was bad was so unfashionable Democratic strategists were ostracised for merely suggesting that heaping praise on rioters might be unpopular with voters. In 2024, new and innovative legal theories were deployed to make sure Trump and his allies felt the full force of their disapproval. Social media companies were pressured to censor Covid content the White House disliked, and traditional media allies were drawn into colluding in the delusion that Biden was fit to govern despite the evidence available to anyone with eyes. And when after all this they lost anyway, Biden made sure to pardon his son before he left office. Remind me again: who was the threat to democracy and standards in the oval office here? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democrats were so enraged by Donald Trump that they assumed any means was fair and legitimate so long as it led to their desired end of keeping him out of office. At the same time, they sold themselves as the party of moral superiority: the well-educated people of conscience who just knew better than you what was right, and what was best for the country. Its hard to think of a worse combination. The belief that the party had moral permission to do whatever was necessary to defeat its opponents that they were the good guys because of who they were, no matter what they did led to its obvious conclusion. The Democrats richly deserve their years in the wilderness. 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. For once Matthew Miller, a man as sinister as he is bland, had nothing to say. It was unusual. Nearly every day of the last 13 months has been witness to Millers banal podium performances as the mouthpiece of the State Department. Millers role: to run American complicity in the mass murder of Palestinians through the filter of colorless, exculpatory bureaucrat-speak. Yet on November 21, mere hours after the International Criminal Court issued its warrants for the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, State abruptly canceled a scheduled press briefing. There are, it appears, limits to Millers powers of obfuscation. Words failed him. Just as words so often fail us when we face the scale of Gazas destruction. But silence too is an action, and the list of things the United States will not do to protect its accomplices is shrinking fast. The two highest courts in the worldthe ICC and the International Court of Justicenow have open cases against the state of Israel and its current leadership. Rather than pull back a single inch, even to save its own face, the United States would prefer instead to trash these courts, the law they represent, and the moral principles they embody. Carry on like this, and the virtues America claims to defend will soon look exactly like whats left of Gaza: ruined. This time its personal. Netanyahu and Gallant stand accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. As of last Thursday, neither man can visit any of the 125 nations party to the Rome Statute (including United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany) without serious fear of incarceration and speedy shipping to The Hague. They are marked men, branded as killers for the rest of their lives, confined to countries just as dismissive and offensive to international law as theirs is. These warrants are a monumental event. They prove two things. To lead an alleged democracy does not make you immune from justice. And for the Palestinians, as a people, there is hope yet that their assassins might suffer some punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warrants also reveal a world tipped sharply on its axis. The Nuremberg precedent, which serves as the foundation of modern international law, has always been thin and precariousespecially after Vietnam, after Iraq. The U.S. acted in the postwar era as if the law was limp, placid, and pliablea sidearm for the imperial hegemon rather than a gold standard applicable everywhere. But we scoff today to hear Secretary of State Antony Blinken trumpeting a rules-based international order precisely because that order has never been so openly insulted. With one side of its face, the U.S. smiles; with the other, it bites. The ICC was praised to high heaven when it indicted Vladimir Putin for his forced transfer of children from Ukraine. I think, Blinken said in March last year, anyone whos a party to the court and has obligations should fulfill their obligations. Now, when the ICC applies the same standard toward an ally, Joe Biden calls the court outrageous. In one sense, the government of the United Statesand its propagandists, like Matthew Millerdoesnt need to care. It is not a member of the ICC or a signatory to the Rome Treaty. Indeed, the U.S. refused to join the court when it was formed 22 years ago, at the dawn of the war on terror, to avoid moments like this. Senator Lindsey Graham admitted as much. The U.S. should, he said, act forcefully against the ICC. We cannot let the world believe for a moment that this is a legitimate exercise because to do so means we could be next (my emphasis). Meanwhile, the American Service-Members Protection Act is still in force, a law that allows the U.S. to use all means necessary to bring about the release of any US or allied personnel being detained or imprisoned by, on behalf of, or at the request of the [ICC]. This laws nickname is The Hague Invasion Act. Intentional famine. Deliberate famine. Hunger as a weapon. These are Netanyahu and Gallants crimes. The pair, according to the ICC, intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival. As such, they bear criminal responsibility for the war crime of starvation. And these are crimes still ongoing. Blinken gave Israel 30 days to improve the grotesque humanitarian strife in Gaza or face implications for US policy. He gave no clue of what those implications might be. That was on October 13. The Israel Defense Forces allowed a few more aid trucks to enter. Not nearly enough to improve Palestinian life above the condition of bare, meager existence. But it was enough for the U.S. to admit, 30 days later, that those threatened implications no longer mattered. It was another red line to be passed over at the same speed as the red line drawn before the Rafah offensive in Mayan offensive the ICJ insisted should cease immediately. On October 9 last year, Gallant incriminated himself with the infamous No electricity, no food, no fuel order. Todays dire circumstances are really no different. That instruction still stands. Indeed, to apply any caveats whatsoever on aid entering Gazas ruins is a violation of Israels legal duty. The ICC noticed the countrys duplicity here, stating that deliveries were not made to fulfil Israels obligations. They were a response to the pressure of the international community or requests by the United States. Regardless, that aid was not sufficient. Gaza remains held in a sick stasis. Every soul is suspended, kept alive long enough for the cold to kill them this Christmas. Or disease. Or dumb bombs made by American hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu and Gallant face arrest for these strikes as well, these widespread and systematic attacks. The ICC indicts them with criminal responsibility as civilian superiors for the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population. This alone proves the Israeli army and its intelligence agencies are incapable of prosecuting the war in a manner that even begrudgingly allows for the right of Palestinians to live. Israels defenders, including the U.S., would protest that Netanyahus regime is engaged in a conflict against valid enemies. Regardless of the battle against Hamas or Hezbollah, they have, by their methods, forfeited the right to pursue the war on their own terms. Like its client and customer, the U.S. finds itself at the opposite end to the goal of greater justice. Daily it sacrifices the postwar legal and moral order on the altar of Israeli arrogance and bloodlust. It is to Netanyahu and Gallants benefit that Joe Biden destroys whatever respect the rest of the world might still have for one of the proud authors of Nuremberg. And as Biden passes into political senescence, retiring shamed to his wintry Delaware home, we should hope that his mental agility is not as far decayed as it looks. Because only those sound of mind are able to reflect on a lonely legacy: The adamantine support Biden offered, as the representative of totemic American power, on the side of two men indicted for the acts humanity has collectively judged to be gravest of all. Short of joining the pair in the dock as a co-conspirator, we can wish too that late at night he weeps the tears of the guilty. The twilight of his life and presidency is the twilight of American prestige. Pardon me boy: President Joe Biden has issued a blanket pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, for all offenses Hunter has committed or may have committed from January 1, 2014, through yesterday. Said pardon is "full and unconditional," and pertains to any alleged criminal wrongdoing. Hunter Biden is off the hook for tax fraud and for improperly procuring a firearm while addicted to drugs; he is also protected from any future inquiry into alleged influence peddling. This total immunity represents a complete and utter betrayal of a campaign promise. When he ran for reelection, Biden told the public in no uncertain terms that a presidential pardon was off the table. He also said, unambiguously, that he "will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process." Reporters frequently asked White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about this possibility, and she always affirmed Biden's position that no pardon would be offered. A compilation of every time KJP was asked if Biden is going to pardon Hunter and every time she said no.pic.twitter.com/i4hEeVEpjN Defiant L's (@DefiantLs) December 2, 2024 In his statement, Biden attempted to justify the pardon on the grounds that "no reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son." In terms of the gun conviction, there's some truth to that. As Reason's Jacob Sullum has argued, the statute that Hunter violated is "widely flouted, haphazardly enforced, and constitutionally dubious." The tax fraud issue is another matter; such charges are "routinely brought against people who are not political targets," argues The Atlantic's Jonathan Chait. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More seriously, the presidential pardon is so robust that it offers Hunter Biden protection from as yet unproven allegations of influence peddling on behalf of foreign business interests. An earlier attempt to grant Hunter such protection in exchange for pleading guilty on tax-related offenses collapsed after a federal judge balked at the degree of immunity being conferred on him. There's no sugarcoating what the elder Biden has done: He has issued what may well be remembered as the most disreputable presidential pardon in the U.S. history, and he has done it at a time when his party is attempting to make the argument that President-elect Donald Trump is a unique and pernicious threat to democracy, law and order, and American political norms. "In trying to break Hunter, they've tried to break meand there's no reason to believe it will stop here," wrote Biden in his statement. "Enough is enough." Reactions to the pardon have not been favorable to Bideneven from his own party. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis castigated Biden for putting "family ahead of country." While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBiden's natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) December 2, 2024 Election analyst Nate Silver derided Biden as a "selfish and senile old man." A selfish and senile old man. Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) December 2, 2024 Liberal pundit Matt Yglesias called on Democrats to demand a constitutional amendment to limit the pardon powers of the president. Democrats with half a brain should denounce this Biden move and call for a constitutional amendment placing checks on the pardon power which has been abused, over and over and over again by presidents of both parties. https://t.co/EbNnWiKrUQ Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) December 2, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Politico succumbed to a familiar trope and accused Republicans of pouncing on the news: Republicans pounce on Biden pardoning his son, Hunter https://t.co/B0FadRaTIY POLITICO (@politico) December 2, 2024 Meanwhile, at the FBI: In other news, Trump has nominated Kash Patel as director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In his statement announcing the pick, Trump hailed Patel as an "America First fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American people." Trump also noted Patel's "pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax." In 2016, Patel was working as an aide to House Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes (RCalif.). Patel is alleged to have authored a memo accusing the FBI of unjustly surveilling Carter Page, a Trump campaign aide, on suspicion that he was a Russian asset. Page was an important figure in the national intelligence apparatus's efforts to tar the Trump campaign as complicit in Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election. The FBI ultimately produced no proof that Page was actually a Russian spy. Moreover, a 2019 inspector general report regarding the surveillance of Page concluded that the FBI had committed no fewer than 17 serious performance failures relating to the warrants obtained under FISA. Basically, the FBI had every reason not to believe that Page was a Russian spy but nevertheless sought a FISA warrant to surveil him and had it reauthorized three times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even so, the inspector general's report prompted victory laps from the likes of former FBI Director James Comey and then-Director Andrew McCabe. The agency itself released a statement celebrating that the report "does not impugn the FBI's institutional integrity. It doesn't doubtor propose any changes tothe FBI's mission or our core values. It doesn't criticizeor even questionthe brand that this organization has earned over 111 years." Patel was less impressed with the agency's performance, and has subsequently called on the FBI to eliminate redundant intelligence gathering functions while concentrating on fighting crime. Kash Patel: "I'd shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day one and reopen it the next day as a museum of the Deep State. Then, I'd take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals. Go be cops. You're copsgo be cops." "Every pic.twitter.com/lBexXKSpBf Shawn Ryan (@ShawnRyan762) December 1, 2024 Media commentators have slammed Patel as a Trump loyalist, and there is little doubt that he fits the bill. And while it's refreshing for a potential FBI director to be skeptical of the agency's ever-expanding mission creep, he has also threatened to unleash the power of the government against the president-elect's critics, which would be an obvious abuse of power. Scenes from Grand Rapids: I spent the Thanksgiving holiday with family on the west side of Michigan, took my mom to see Wicked, and managed a Fox News appearance from my infant nieces' nursery room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Best of all: The University of Michigan won a hard-fought victory over Ohio State University. Go Blue! QUICK HITS Reason's annual webathon starts tomorrow! Sen. Bernie Sanders (IVt.) agrees with Elon Musk about defunding the military-industrial complex. Joe Rogan claims that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky volunteered to come on his podcast. Tech investor Marc Andreessen has accused the Biden administration of "debanking" investors and executives. Trump's nominee to head the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is drawing deserved criticism from libertarian-leaning Rep. Thomas Massie (RKy.). I'm going to call 'em like I see 'em. Trump's nominee for head of DEA should be disqualified for ordering the arrest a pastor who defied COVID lockdowns. https://t.co/pHSmGr81Tz Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 1, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post Joe Pardons Hunter appeared first on Reason.com. John Dean, the former White House counsel who helped bring down President Richard Nixon in the Watergate scandal, urged President Joe Biden to go further with his pardons. Biden on Sunday pardoned son Hunter Biden, who was found guilty in June in a firearms case and pleaded guilty in September in a tax case. The president, who had previously vowed not to pardon his son, is facing criticism from both the left and right over the move. But Dean said he didnt go far enough and urged Biden to issue blanket pardons to everyone President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to target when he returns to the White House next month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That list includes those who have investigated Trump including Robert Mueller and Jack Smith and their teams as well as all on Trumps enemies list. Biden should keep going with his pardons: Trump, Jack Smith & team, Mueller & team, and a blanket pardon for all on Trumps enemies list for any and all political statements before December 25, 2024! Merry Christmas:-). Take the wind out of retribution/revenge! John W Dean (@johnwdean.bsky.social)2024-12-02T02:37:58.073Z Trump has repeatedly talked up revenge and retribution and, over the summer, threatened to jail adversaries he accused of unscrupulous behavior. Some took exception to Dean saying Trump should be among those pardoned. He replied that Trump will never be prosecuted anyway and that Smiths report will take care of history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also added that the list of those to receive pardons should include everyone on the House Jan. 6 committee, who Trump has said should be jailed, as well as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and retired Army Gen. Mark Milley, the former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff whom Trump has accused of treasonous acts, as well as many others. Not everyone is on board with the idea, variations of which have been floated by others on social media. Former federal prosecutor Randall Eliason wrote: The problem with pardoning Smith and his team is that they have done nothing remotely criminal. Suggesting even the possibility that they have by pardoning them would be a tremendous stain on their honor and reputations. Despite the hell they may be facing, Id bet they dont want it. Randall Eliason (@rdeliason.bsky.social)2024-12-02T03:20:31.064Z Dean was once dubbed the master manipulator of the Watergate scandal by the FBI before ultimately turning on Nixon, setting the stage for his resignation from the presidency. The killing of JonBenet was an unspeakable crime and this tragedy has never left our hearts, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said ABL Studio/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock JonBenet Ramsey JonBenet Ramsey Police in Boulder, Colo., shared an update last week on the cold case murder of 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey as the 28th anniversary of her killing approaches. On Tuesday, Nov. 26, the Boulder Police Department provided its annual update on the ongoing homicide investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The killing of JonBenet was an unspeakable crime and this tragedy has never left our hearts, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said in the post on X, formerly Twitter. 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. The beauty pageant queens Dec. 26, 1996, killing has made its way back into the spotlight following the November release of the Netflix three-part docuseries Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey?. Related: Netflix Docuseries on JonBenet Ramsey Murder Promises to 'Investigate the Mishandling of the Case' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The docuseries goes in-depth into what JonBenets father, John Ramsey, considers to be missteps made by authorities when investigating JonBenets murder amid an international media frenzy he believes only made things worse. He recently told PEOPLE he is speaking out in part to encourage someone to come forward with new information and to put pressure on police to use advances in DNA technology and genetic genealogy to finally catch JonBenets killer. Today, John says he would like state-of-the-art labs that use genetic genealogy and other advanced DNA technology to crack the cold case by examining seven items from the crime scene that he says have never been tested or were examined with outdated methods. The evidence also includes a ransom note found in the home and a suitcase found under an open basement window where some believe the killer entered and exited the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We're begging the police to engage, he recently told PEOPLE. There are cutting-edge DNA labs that want to help and who believe they can move the case forward. JonBenet Ramsey and John Ramsey; PEOPLE's Dec. 9, 2024 cover story Related: JonBenet Ramsey's Dad John Thinks He Knows Who Murdered Her and Claims 'Police Blew It Off' (Exclusive) However, in the departments statement, police said the assertion that there is viable evidence and leads we are not pursuing to include DNA testing is completely false. Additionally, it was the Boulder Police Department not the Colorado Bureau of Investigation who convened the Cold Case Review Panel in December 2023 as part of its investigation efforts, the statement added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JonBenet was found beaten, sexually assaulted and strangled to death in the familys basement. Her death was ruled a homicide and John, along with his wife Patsy, quickly became persons of interest, a police claim amplified by the media. Their son, Burke, who was 9 at the time of his sisters murder, also fell under suspicion. Nobody in the Ramsey family has ever been charged in connection with the case. Zuma Press Inc/Alamy JonBenet Ramsey JonBenet Ramsey Related: John Ramsey Explains Why 'It Doesn't Bother' Him When People Claim He Murdered Daughter JonBenet (Exclusive) In a nearly six-minute video published to the departments page on X, Chief Redfearn admitted there were a number of things that people have pointed to throughout the years that couldve been done better and we acknowledge that is true, adding that investigators are committed to finding JonBenets killer. 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 chief also said in the video that investigators have had ongoing conversations with JonBenets family as recently as mid-2024 and are committed to continuing to communicate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe Chief Redfearns video statement that we released last week speaks for itself, Boulder Police Public Information Officer Dionne Waugh said in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Monday, Dec. 2. Its obvious that the Boulder Police Department wants to solve this case and the only reason is to bring justice to the victim JonBenet Ramsey. Police are asking anyone with information on the case to contact detectives at BouldersMostWanted@bouldercolorado.gov or by calling the Boulder Police tipline at 303-441-1974. BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with German Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Monday in Beijing. The two sides exchanged views on closer inter-party exchanges, strengthening political dialogue, promoting the sound and stable development of China-Germany relations, as well as international and regional issues of common interest. (Wesley Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) A Baton Rouge judge dismissed a lawsuit Monday from state lawmakers meant to block the Louisiana Board of Ethics from hiring its new administrator. The decision paves the way for the board to move forward with selecting its new top staff member at its Friday meeting. It is replacing longtime administrator Kathleen Allen, who retires Dec. 27. Judge Kelly Balfour of the 19th Judicial District Court said he personally agreed with the legislators argument that the search for an ethics administrator should have been more robust and transparent. But he saw no state law violation that allows him to stop the board from moving forward with the hiring. Wheres the law for me to say what theyve done was wrong? Balfour asked during Mondays court hearing, which lasted less than an hour. I cant rule on I dont like the way they handled things, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, had asked the ethics board to delay hiring a new administrator until appointees that he, Landry and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, pick join the board next month. The current board is made up of appointees from former Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards and former Republican legislative leadership who are no longer in office. When the ethics board didnt heed Henrys request, Senate President Pro Tempore Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge, and Sen. Stewart Cathey, R-Monroe, filed the lawsuit alleging the hiring process hadnt been conducted properly. It is the latest in an escalating public feud among Gov. Jeff Landry, lawmakers and ethics board members. Since Landry took office in January, legislators have complained more fervently about the boards conduct, transparency and investigations into their political spending. Landry himself has had a fraught relationship with the ethics board for years. The board cited him multiple times for violations before he became governor. He is still in negotiations with its members over what punishment he should receive for not disclosing flights he took on a private donors plane as attorney general. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the spring, Landry and lawmakers rewrote state law to give them more power over the board starting in 2025, when the board will get as many as seven new members. The ethics administrator position was advertised through the state Civil Service system for 10 days in October. Four candidates were interviewed in November, including two who already work for the board. Members are expected to vote to hire one of the four at the end of the week. Gray Sexton, representing Barrow and Cathey, said the whole hiring process was done so secretly that legislators werent aware it was taking place until the job application deadline passed. He also alleged the board has violated Louisiana public meetings law 10 times when discussing the selection of a new administrator during private conversations in September, October and November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were here to see the process done in an open manner, said Sexton, who previously served as the ethics administrator himself for over four decades before starting his law firm. Though Sexton said there were multiple violations of the public meetings law during the court hearing, he only mentioned one in the initial lawsuit. Balfour said he wasnt in a position to rule on that one alleged open meetings item because it would have occurred Sept. 5, more than 60 days before the lawsuit was filed. The time for which the court was allowed to deal with enforcement had expired, the judge said. In an interview after the ruling, Sexton said he learned of the other alleged public meetings law violations from the boards records and correspondence he received as a result of the lawsuit. He had intended to present that information to strengthen their argument but Balfour dismissed the case before they got to that portion. However, the judge said any outstanding complaints about open meetings violations should be handled by Attorney General Liz Murrills office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Balfour also raised concerns that the lawsuit violated the separation of powers doctrine, in which one branch of government isnt supposed to have undue influence over another, he said. The ethics board is part of the executive branch of state government and isnt under the Louisiana Legislatures control. Does President Henry need to know [they are hiring a new ethics administrator]? Balfour asked. Do they need to answer the Senate? SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Should they just do what your clients and the House and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee tell them to do? he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the Legislature is unhappy with the process used to hire the ethics administrator, it should pass new laws to change the way the process works, Balfour said. After the ruling, Barrow said she wasnt sure whether Balfours decision would be appealed yet. If they do, it would have to be done before Fridays ethics board meeting to stop the hiring of a new administrator. Sexton said the legislators would also drop the lawsuit if the board agreed to hire its new ethics administrator on a temporary basis, which would allow the new board appointees to weigh in on the decision in a few months. Barrow declined Monday to say who was paying for her legal representation. DENVER (KDVR) The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado is suing a group of unidentified persons accused of trying to fence portions of U.S. Forest Service land in Montezuma County beginning in October. The group calls itself the Free Land Holders and is trying to claim land in the Mancos/Dolores Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest under the Homestead Act of 1862. Past coverage: Group associated with polygamous sect builds fences on US Forest Service lands Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group seems to be led by Patrick Pipkin, who is named in the lawsuit and was formerly associated with the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a sect of the mainstream Mormon church that encourages members to engage in plural marriage or polygamy. FLDS President Warren Jeffs, who is now incarcerated for various sexual offenses, once owned 60 acres near Mancos, which was put under court guardianship after his conviction, and is now called Blue Mountain Ranch. Free Land Holders is not directly associated with other FLDS groups that once owned the property, according to the Montezuma County Sheriffs Office. Land under dispute may border former FLDS property However, the federal lawsuit alleges that Pipkin lives at Blue Mountain Ranch, which also shares non-contiguous borders with the area where the Free Land Holders fenced. The group used barbed wire to obstruct passage across a large area of the US Forest Service land near the Chicken Creek trailhead, which the U.S. Attorneys Office said was part of the Hallar Deed Area. The U.S. Forest Service said that officials met with the parties that constructed the fence and the Montezuma County Sheriff on Oct. 9, and told them in writing that the fence is in trespass and must be removed immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hallar Deed Area, which includes 1,460 acres of land, was conveyed to the U.S. from Fred C. Hallar in 1927. The area is used for a variety of recreation activities but is also used for watershed protection, high school events and livestock grazing. The area that was fenced is also within the Brunot Treaty area, which ensures hunting access for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Ute Indian Tribe. Sickening: Commerce City police search for person who threw dog out of moving car Most of the fencing was removed by Montezuma County residents out of protest, but some are still there since the matter came to light in October, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. The lawsuit also alleges that since that time, Mr. Pipkin has regularly posted notices in the town of Mancos, signed by him as a representative of a group called the Free Land Holder Committee, which purport to exercise authority over the publics use of this land and set deadlines for members of the public to act to protect their rights, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado stated in a press release. Lawsuit argues unlawful inclosure, civil trespass The U.S. Attorneys Office is arguing that the Free Land Holders have civilly trespassed and violated the Unlawful Inclosures Act of 1885. The Free Land Holders are arguing they can claim the property under the Homestead Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the National Archives, the Homestead Act was designed to accelerate the settlement of western territory by allowing the head of a family 160 acres of surveyed public land in return for a minimal fee and five years of continuous residence on the land. The act was repealed in 1976 by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, which governs how the Bureau of Land Management manages public lands. The Forest Service is deeply committed to maintaining access by the public to all lands on the San Juan National Forest, said San Juan National Forest Supervisor Dave Neely in a release. We are actively working with the appropriate law enforcement agencies and the community to resolve this matter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Kansas City firefighters rescued over 20 people and several pets from a fire Sunday morning. First responders arrived at 16300 E. 48th Terrace around 8 a.m. and found smoke and flames showing from a three-story apartment, according to a release from the Fire Department. The department said the fire was a first-alarm blaze, and that six additional ambulances were called to be used as warming shelters. Red Cross was notified for the 16 adults and seven children, the department said in its release. No injuries were reported. The fire was under control by 8:25 a.m. The building was labeled as dangerous, and the Fire Department is investigating the blaze. Peggy Lowe, the reporter and voice behind Overlooked, KCURs investigative podcast into disgraced Kansas City, Kansas, police detective Roger Golubski, prepares for the series second season revolving around Golubskis trial. The podcast is hosted at KCUR Studios in Kansas City, Missouri. (Grace Hills/ Kansas Reflector) Editors note: Roger Golubski died of apparent suicide Monday before the start of his trial. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A former Kansas City, Kansas, police detective accused of using his power to kidnap and rape vulnerable Black women heads to trial Monday in federal court in Topeka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If found guilty, Roger Golubski could face life in prison. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial follows years of reporting by investigative journalist Peggy Lowe, who uncovered and exposed concerns about Golubski in Overlooked, a podcast from KCUR Studios and the Midwest Newsroom. Lowe, who plans to cover every day of the trial and produce a second season of her podcast, appeared on the Kansas Reflector podcast to talk about the case. All other police officers told us everybody knew about what was going on with Golubski. Everybody knew he had a thing for Black women. Everybody knew he was abusing them, Lowe said. Concerns about Golubskis conduct began to surface publicly in 2017, which is when Lowe began investigating him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, Lamonte McIntyre was exonerated after spending 23 years in prison for a double homicide he didnt commit. McIntyres team discovered two witnesses had been coerced into testifying that McIntyre, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, had committed the crime and put Golubskis initial investigation under scrutiny. McIntyre sued and won $12.5 million from the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, for his wrongful imprisonment. McIntyres exoneration revealed Golubskis motivations of victimizing Black women, who often were on the streets or struggling with addiction. Not only would he abuse them sexually, he would oftentimes use them as what he called confidential informants, Lowe said. He would tell them what to say, and then he could clear his cases rather quickly, it turns out. And those cases could go the way he wanted. His case received national attention, especially from Jay-Zs Team Roc, a social justice organization led by the rapper. Team Roc, joined by the Kansas City Star and KSHB, recently filed a motion to allow cameras into the courtroom so the trial may be televised. But, Kansas City, Kansas, residents already knew about corruption in the police department, Lowe said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His idea of policing started really early on, Lowe said. Three years after Golubskis graduation from the police academy in 1975, he was investigated for beating a man to death in the city jail. Two victims in Golubskis criminal indictment say his assaults began in the 1990s. And Ethel Abbott, a Black woman who was married to Golubski in the 1990s, told Lowe he had abused women for decades. Golubski met Abbott after the gas station she worked at on Quindaro Boulevard was the scene of a homicide in the early 1990s. Abbott told Lowe he tried to get her to give false testimony, and made it clear he wanted to date her. He pulled over Abbotts boyfriend so many times that he broke up with her. Anytime he met what he considered an attractive Black woman, his line was usually: Do you date white men? Lowe said. KCUR reporter Peggy Lowe appears at a July 25, 2024, news conference at the federal courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) In August 1999, Golubski promised to help a woman whose twin sons were arrested for a double homicide, but he continuously raped her, she said. She has been at every hearing in Golubskis criminal case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another woman said she was 13 when he first started abusing her. She said he would take her to the river and tell her: This is where I dump my bodies. Federal Judge Toby Crouse has allowed nine of Golubskis victims to testify in his trial. The general consensus within the Black Kansas City community is that this is the tip of the iceberg, Lowe said. Lowe said she hopes Golubskis trial, like McIntyres exoneration, encourages victims to come forward with their stories. But she understands if they dont. When Golubskis victims would threaten to go to the police, he would respond with I am the police, and threaten to kill the people they loved, Lowe said. Lowe found that the FBI conducted an investigation into the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department in the early 1990s, and found mass civil rights violations of Black people in Kansas City. Officers beat people in jails, had their own criminal enterprises, and sold the drugs they confiscated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The list of potential crimes is a long one. And its an appalling one. And it reflects what everybody knew, Lowe said. The KCKPDs current staff and chief are reluctant to talk about the agencys past. Only 12 officers from the 1990s remain on the force. Golubski has never spoken to Lowe, and his attorney speaks to her rarely, she said. Theres a real reluctance on his part, on anybodys part in KCK, to actually answer for these a. Answer for these past abuses and help the current victims who are suffering from massive PTSD, Lowe said. Golubski faces a second set of charges for aiding notorious Kansas City sex trafficker Cecil Brooks. The charges allege he protected Brooks sex trafficking ring of underage girls, and that he had sex with them. Brooks allegedly ordered the double homicide that Golubski helped pin on McIntyre. That trial is set to start in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golubski, who is 71, on dialysis, has Type 1 diabetes and renal failure, was allowed to go on house arrest for health reasons. In 2022, when a U.S. magistrate judge allowed Golubski to leave jail for house arrest, McIntyre jumped out of his front row seat and left the courtroom. He saw the decision as unequal justice. Lowe said the case that goes to trial Monday is a classic he said, she said case. Because of the fear Golubski created, Lowe said, many of his victims didnt go to the police, meaning there arent police reports. Golubskis lawyer claimed the victims are in it for the money, after McIntyre won his civil suit. Lowe said a group of activists planned to protest the opening day of the trial in Topeka. Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab chairs a meeting of the State Board of Canvassers on Monday as members certify the results of last month's election. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA More Kansans voted in last months general election than in any in the states history, officials announced Monday. The Kansas State Board of Canvassers met to certify the results of last months vote for U.S. president and a host of federal, state and local offices. President-elect Donald Trump won handily in Kansas over Vice President Kamala Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas elections director Bryan Caskey said the vote broke three records. For the first time, more than 1.34 million Kansans voted, Caskey said. More than 2 million were registered for the election. And more people voted in person ahead of Election Day than ever before. Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican, thanked election workers and volunteers, noting that unfounded accusations of voter fraud have made their jobs difficult. Its been hard for election workers the past several years, Schwab said, but they stand up every election cycle and do their work and they dont complain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump won Kansas and its six Electoral College votes by 16 percentage points, widening his victory slightly compared to 2020. In 2020 when President Joe Biden won the election, conservatives claimed without evidence that widespread voter fraud helped lift him into office. Caskey, who serves under Schwab, said he wasnt aware of any allegations of fraud by any candidates in Kansas this year. Schwab said he gets frustrated by claims of voter fraud and noted the vast majority of Kansans do not complain about elections. Its a small group of people, he said, but when their person wins, then they dont complain. When their person loses, they complain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if he thought election workers could put allegations of fraud behind them, he said he lets the work of election officials speak for itself. Are there going to be people who say the world is flat? Schwab said. Are there going to be people (who) say weve never been to the moon? Schwab said his office was reviewing the election to see if the state needs any legislative fixes to help the vote run smoothly. The office may pursue bills when the Kansas Legislature returns in January to make sure we continue to have secure elections, he said, but he declined to say what sort of proposals he was considering, noting they are still under review. Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, addresses fellow legislators Dec. 2, 2024, during Senate Republican leadership elections after an unopposed win allowing him to retain his seat. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Kansas Senate President Ty Mastersons ask for unity and civility turned into a warning Monday as he retained his title in an unopposed leadership election at the Kansas Statehouse. As both parties elected the slate of leadership for the 2025 Legislature, Democrats prepared for a difficult session while Republicans emphasized a united front. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I ask is that we would treat each other with civility because thats what brings the unity, Masterson said. So on the flipside of that ask is the warning, right? The warning the kryptonite to that superpower of unity is the gossip circle, which is kind of the standard operating procedure in bodies of politic, right? Mastersons nomination came from Sen. Rick Kloos, a Topeka Republican who was reelected as majority whip without opposition. Kloos said Mastersons vision, strategy and hands-on approach made him the right person for the job. This will be Mastersons second four-year term as Senate president. Masterson, of Andover, requested his fellow legislators do their best to honor one another in word and in deed. Disagreement sells better in the news, he said. Senate Republicans were fresh from an election that resulted in expanded supermajorities in both chambers. Democrats lost two seats in the November election, reducing their ranks from 11 to nine in the 40-member Senate. Calling themselves the divine nine, they retained Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, as their minority leader. Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, talks to reporters Dec. 2, 2024, at the Statehouse in Topeka following a meeting with her caucus. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Sykes said Democrats were prepared to resist Republican attempts to pass damaging policies. She predicted an effort to overhaul the way Kansas Supreme Court members are nominated, with a goal of overturning a 2019 ruling that secured the right to terminate a pregnancy in Kansas. Sykes also said Republicans would try to pass private school vouchers, and that she was concerned the majority party would reduce budgets for state agencies and services in order to support tax cuts that wont be sustainable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think we all have a more difficult session ahead of us, Sykes told her caucus, but weve been mighty, and we will continue that. Republicans elected to the majority leader seat Sen. Chase Blasi, a former Masterson chief of staff who was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2023. He defeated current Senate Majority Leader Larry Alley, of Winfield. Sen. J.R. Claeys of Salina nominated Blasi, describing him as a trusted adviser. Sen. Tim Shallenburger, a longtime politician and 2002 GOP gubernatorial candidate, defeated Wichita Republican Sen. Renee Erickson for the Senate vice president seat. Erickson is the current assistant majority leader. Shallenburger was speaker of the House in the 90s, the 36th state treasurer, and chair of the Kansas Republican Party from 2005 to 2007. Sen. Elaine Bowers nominated him on the premise that his institutional knowledge and experience set him apart, she said. What stands out to me about Senator Tim is his experience and deep understanding of Kansas history and its issues, Bowers said. Sen. Caryn Tyson, of Parker, clinched the assistant majority leader position with 23 votes to eight for Sen. Beverly Gossage, of Eudora. Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican who nominated her, cited her as a champion for collaboration and tax legislation. President-elect Donald Trump is planning to nominate Kashyap Kash Patel as director of the FBI, tapping the longtime loyalist to lead the the law enforcement agency he has often criticized. The announcement Saturday signals Trump's intention to oust current FBI Director Christopher Wray. Trump nominated Wray in 2017 to what was supposed to be a 10-year term. Patel has called for sweeping changes at the FBI. He has condemned the bureau's investigation into Russian influence in the 2016 presidential election. He also laid out drastic plans in a September interview on the conservative "Shawn Ryan Show" podcast to reform and shrink the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'd shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day one and reopen it the next day as a museum to the deep state," he said, taking aim at longtime members of the national security bureaucracy. Here's what to know about Trumps latest administration pick: More: A billionaire presidential administration? Who Trump plans to nominate so far National Harbor, MD, USA; Kash Patel, author of Government Gangsters, during the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2023, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on March 3, 2023. Who is Kash Patel? Patel, 44, is a former national security official who advised the director of national intelligence and the secretary of defense during Trump's first administration. A former federal prosecutor and federal public defender, he helped House Republicans probe the FBI's 2016 investigation into ties between Trump's campaign and Russia while he worked as an aid to former Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif. The former lawmaker then chaired the House Intelligence Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2019 report found that investigators "did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated" with the Russian government, but it identified "numerous links" between them. During Trump's first impeachment trial, former National Security Council official Fiona Hill told House investigators she was concerned Patel was covertly serving as a messenger between Trump and Ukraine without authorization. A famous phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2019 in which Trump threatened to withhold U.S. aid to Ukraine if he didn't investigate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden led to Trump's first impeachment. Patel denied the allegations that he was serving as a messenger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also found himself involved in Trump's classified documents case. Patel was subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury after claiming Trump had declassified all of the records relevant to the investigation. What has Patel said about the FBI and Trump? Patel has long stood by Trump, even joining a small group who accompanied the now-president-elect to his New York criminal trial earlier this year. The admiration is mutual. Trump praised Patel's 2023 book "Government Gangsters" as a "roadmap to end the Deep State's Reign." Patel hasn't publicly provided a plan about what he would do if confirmed as FBI director. But in his interview on the "Shawn Ryan Show," Patel continued laying out his strategy to transform the FBI's headquarters in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Id take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals," he said. "Go be cops. You're cops go be cops." Weve got to put in all American patriots top to bottom, Patel told another Trump surrogate, Steve Bannon, in a recent post-election interview. He said he and Trump administration leaders will go out and find the conspirators not just in government but in the media deemed disloyal to Trump. Why has Patel faced criticism? Patel has pushed extensive conspiracy theories about federal government employees, Trump critics, the 2020 presidential election, the COVID-19 vaccine and more. Nonpartisan government watchdog group Accountable.US called Patel's nomination Trump's "latest cabinet pick to put political loyalty above national security" in a statement Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics on both sides of the aisle have also accused him of not being qualified to lead the FBI. Trump's former Attorney General Bill Barr wrote in his memoir "One Damn Thing After Another" that he remembers saying Patel's appointment to deputy FBI director would happen "over my dead body." "Patel had virtually no experience that would qualify him to serve at the highest level of the world's preeminent law enforcement agency," Barr wrote in the 2022 book. Still, top Republicans have defended Patel's approach and qualifications. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on Sunday morning shared in a post on X "Kash Patel has extensive experience in national security and intelligence. He is an America First patriot who will bring much-needed change and transparency to the FBI." Patel's critics have also targeted some of his business dealings and other work. He sells pro-Trump merchandise and uses his nonprofit, The Kash Foundation, to offer financial support to families of those charged for storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, the New York Times first reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the things that Im concerned about is that Kash Patel is going to only care about protecting Republicans and not care about protecting every single member of the American population, every single one of us who occasionally gets met with these kind of threats, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday. Will the Senate confirm Patel? In order to take office, the U.S. Senate will first need to confirm Patel. Getting the upper chamber's approval isn't a guarantee. While he could be confirmed, several Republican senators have said they aren't ready to rubber stamp just anyone. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., for example, withdrew his nomination to be Trump's attorney general last month as it became apparent there were not enough Republicans willing to support his bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But multiple Republican senators have been critical of Wray, the current FBI head. In an X post Sunday morning, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, slammed Wray as a failure who has "showed disdain" at congressional oversight and said that it's time for a new course. Chris Wray has failed at fundamental duties of FBI Dir Hes showed disdain for cong oversight & hasnt lived up to his promises Its time 2 chart a new course 4 TRANSPARENCY +ACCOUNTABILITY at FBI Kash Patel must prove to Congress he will reform &restore public trust in FBI Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) December 1, 2024 "Kash Patel must prove to Congress he will reform (and) restore public trust in FBI," Grassley said. What does this mean for Wray? The U.S. Senate confirmed Wray, Trump's nominee for FBI director, by a 92-5 vote in 2017. Sen. Mike Round, R-S.D., said each president wants people who "are loyal to themselves," but he defended Wray during a Sunday appearance on ABCs "This Week" calling the current FBI director, "a very good man" who Trump picked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I dont have any complaints about the way that hes done his job right now," Round said. FBI directors typically serve 10 years, meaning Wray still has about two years left of his current term. Trump's decision to nominate Patel signals Wray has a decision to make: voluntarily resign or be fired. Apr 11, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies in front of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies about the budget for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Contributing: Josh Meyer, USA TODAY; Reuters Reach Rachel Barber at rbarber@usatoday.com and follow her on X @rachelbarber_ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What to know about Kash Patel, Trump's pick to lead the FBI Democrats and Republicans alike would prefer Chris Wray to continue as FBI director and not be replaced by the controversial Kash Patel. President-elect Donald Trump announced that he plans to replace Wraywhom he appointed in 2017with election-denying, far-right loyalist Kash Patel. FBI directors have a 10-year tenure unless they are fired or resign. And most people in Congress seem to think Wray has done a fine job and deserves to fulfill his term until 2027. South Dakota Republican Mike Rounds called Wray a very good man and had no issues with how Wray led the FBI. Other Republicans, however, like Senator Chuck Grassley, have been quick to fall in line behind Trump, whose primary beef with Wray was that he didnt investigate Joe Biden for election fraud in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Wray has failed at fundamental duties of [FBI Director]. Hes showed disdain for [congressional] oversight & hasnt lived up to his promises Its time 2 chart a new course 4 TRANSPARENCY +ACCOUNTABILITY at FBI, Grassley wrote on X. Kash Patel must prove to Congress he will reform &restore public trust in FBI. Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin offered his own take, telling NBC that Wray had demonstrated too much independence and objectivity in the job for Donald Trump, who wants much more of a personal loyalist in the position. And thats why hes gone to Kash Patel. Patel is a staunch Trump advocate with a thirst for political revenge, and hes made that very clear. To fire Wray and hire Patel would just be another shameless effort on Trumps part to surround himself with highly unqualified yet deeply vindictive yes-men. It seems to be working. Kash Patel, Donald Trumps pick to lead the FBI and an ardent supporter of the president-elect, has vowed to help dismantle the same organization hes poised to lead. The former public defender is widely viewed as a controversial figure and one whose value to the president-elect largely derives from their shared disdain for established power in Washington. Putting him in charge of the FBI would require forcing out current director Christopher Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, before his 10-year term expires in three years a future move that has already prompted bipartisan criticism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI director must also be confirmed by the Senate, where members are already bracing for how theyll navigate a slew of unorthodox Trump selections. As of late last week, some close to Trump believed it was a toss-up between Patel and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as to whom the president-elect would pick for FBI director, according to a source familiar with the discussions. But some in Trumps inner circle were not happy with either option, the source said, adding a third, unknown candidate would likely have emerged in the next week or two if Trump hadnt made a decision by then. Patel, in particular, is not viewed as a consensus choice for the job, the source said, noting that it was always going to come down to what Trump wanted and, potentially, the last person he spoke to on a given day. Vows to take on the deep state In his 2023 book, Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy, Patel lays out his case against what he refers to as the deep state an amorphous term he says includes elected leaders, journalists, Big Tech tycoons and members of the unelected bureaucracy calling for a comprehensive housecleaning of the Justice Department, which he claims has protected high-ranking members of the Democratic Party while unjustly targeting Republicans and their allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has praised the book as a blueprint to take back the White House and remove these Gangsters from all of Government, according to promotional endorsements. Patel has heavily criticized the FBI, and in a podcast interview in September, he called for the agencys headquarters in Washington, DC, to be dismantled and turned into a museum of the deep state. The FBIs footprint has gotten so freakin big, Patel said on the Shawn Ryan Show, criticizing the agencys intelligence-gathering operation. During the interview, Patel also ridiculed the FBI for its 2022 search warrant of Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, which led to charges being brought against the former president for retaining classified documents. The judge overseeing that case eventually dismissed the charges against Trump after finding the special counsel was unlawfully appointed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2023 interview with Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser, Patel said the Justice Department under Trump would come after members of the media. Weve got to put in all-American patriots top to bottom, Patel said of the DOJ, adding that the department under Trump will go out and find the conspirators, not just in government but in the media. Yes, were going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections were going to come after you, he said. When Trump, during his first term, reportedly considered making Patel deputy director of the FBI, former Attorney General Bill Barr wrote in his memoir that Patel had virtually no experience that would qualify him to serve at the highest level of the worlds preeminent law enforcement agency, adding that Patel would become the FBIs No. 2 over my dead body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senators who will need to confirm Patel have been largely split along party lines on the announcement. Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, the current chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called Patel an unqualified loyalist, and Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy on Sunday said Patels only qualification is he agrees with Donald Trump that the Department of Justice should serve to punish, lock up and intimidate Donald Trumps political opponents. Incoming Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, meanwhile, heavily criticized Wray, the current FBI director, saying in a social media post that he failed during his tenure. But he added that Patel must prove to Congress that he will do better than Wray. Rise to Washington Patel, who calls himself a native New Yorker, was raised Hindu by his immigrant parents, according to his book. He wrote that he grew up apolitical but became more right-wing during his time in college at the University of Richmond. This, he wrote, made his eventual public defense career a strange fit; he described his colleagues in that field as the far left of the left-wing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patel graduated from Pace University School of Law in 2005 and then worked for about nine years as a public defender in Florida, according to his book. He spent stints in the public defenders office in Miami-Dade County and in the Southern District of Florida. Patel went on to work as a federal prosecutor in the National Security Division of the DOJ, according to his book. He called that a dream job for any young lawyer. At the DOJ, Patel oversaw the prosecution of criminals aligned with al Qaeda, ISIS and other terror groups, according to a Department of Defense profile. He also served as the DOJ liaison officer to the Joint Special Operations Command during operations against high value terrorism targets. Patel has claimed to be the lead prosecutor in the DOJs case against those who carried out the 2012 attack on a US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans. But The New York Times reported in October that Patel was a junior staff member at the time and was not part of the trial team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, Patel went on to serve as an aide to Rep. Devin Nunes, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee at the time. Patel played a key role in Nunes efforts to discredit the FBIs Russia investigation into the Trump campaign, including a controversial classified memo that alleged FBI abuses of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrants on Trump advisers. Joining the Trump administration In 2019, Patel went to work for Trump on the National Security Council before becoming chief of staff to acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller at the end of Trumps first term. Trump briefly floated Patel as a potential replacement for then-CIA Director Gina Haspel, whom he had considered firing after the 2020 election. Patel was also put in charge of the Pentagon transition effort for Trumps first term, overseeing coordination with the incoming Biden-Harris administration. Patel was also swept up in the classified documents case against Trump, which has now been dismissed. Over the summer of 2022, he became one of Trumps designees to interact with the National Archives and the Justice Department as both agencies tried to repossess classified records Trump had kept from his presidency. Patel was one of a handful of advisers around Trump after his presidency who could have legal risk related to the Mar-a-Lago situation, CNN reported at the time, and he appeared before the federal grand jury that was looking into the case. Patel was not charged in the case. In 2021, he also met with the House committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol, which found at the time that there is substantial reason to believe that Patel had important insight into how the Department of Defense and White House prepared for and responded to the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement at the time, Patel said that he had appeared before the panel to answer questions to the best of my ability. After Trump: Childrens books and foundations Patel, considered even among Trump loyalists to be a relentless self-promoter, has used his perceived closeness with the president-elect to sustain his public image through books and positions with foundations and think tanks. Since the first Trump administration, Patel has written a childrens book trilogy titled The Plot Against the King. The first book tells the story of Hillary Queenton and her shifty knight who spread lies that King Donald had cheated to become King. The second tells the story of the search for the truth and uncover evidence of a terrible scheme to elect Sleepy Joe instead of King Donald on Choosing Day. And his latest book, published in September, tells the story of the MAGA King on a journey to take down Comma-la-la-la and reclaim his throne. Patel founded Fight With Kash now the Kash Foundation which is dedicated to providing financial assistance to active duty service members and veterans, legal defense funds, and education programs, according to the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patel and his foundation came under scrutiny last year after two of Republican House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordans witnesses in his mission to prove the federal government has been weaponized against conservatives said Patel paid their legal fees. According to his foundation, Kash also sits on the board of directors for Trump Media Technology Group, the parent company of Trumps social media platform, Truth Social. Kash has also served as senior fellow for national security and intelligence at the Center for Renewing America, a think tank founded by Russell Vought Trumps pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget and one of the key authors of the conservative blueprint Project 2025. CNNs Zachary Cohen, Holmes Lybrand, Evan Perez, Kristen Holmes, Morgan Rimmer and Jalen Beckford contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Mainland slams U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, warns of grave consequences: spokesperson Xinhua) 08:07, December 02, 2024 BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Sunday slammed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and strongly condemned its attempt to weaponize the region. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to the U.S. announcement of approving 385 million U.S. dollars of arms sales to Taiwan. Chen also criticized the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan, stating that paying "protection fees" would bring Taiwan no security, only self-destruction. "Stop soliciting U.S. support for 'Taiwan independence' as such efforts are doomed to fail," he added. Chen said the U.S. move is simply inconsistent with the U.S. leaders' commitment to not supporting "Taiwan independence" and seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982. The spokesperson called on the United States to immediately stop arming Taiwan. "Don't ever underestimate China's determination to take strong and resolute countermeasures to firmly defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) RIYADH, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia announced on Monday the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, pledging to contribute 150 million U.S. dollars to the initiative over the next 10 years. The announcement was made during the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) currently underway in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. According to a press release by the COP16 presidency, the initiative also received additional pledges of 1 billion dollars from the OPEC Fund for International Development and the Islamic Development Bank, respectively. The partnership aims to boost preparedness against droughts through measures including assessing drought risks, improving early warning systems, promoting sustainable agriculture and drought-resistant crops, facilitating financing for improved water infrastructure, and offering insurance solutions for small farmers. Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley introduced the initiative at the opening ceremony of the COP16, urging countries and organizations worldwide to join the initiative to strengthen global capacity to address drought challenges and limit their impact on vulnerable communities. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) Knoxville Area Transit honored a civil rights hero with a special display on its busses on December 1. On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery Alabama, Rosa Parks, was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white person, in defiance of Jim Crow segregation laws. This event helped spark the Montgomery bus boycott and the civil rights movement which would revolutionize rights for Black Americans. Warming centers open in Knoxville Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sixty-nine years later, KAT honored her protest by reserving seats on its busses. These seats have a bow and placard, explaining Parkss story and her impact on American history. KAT has done similar tributes in previous years. Parks has received many awards for her protests including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She died in 2005. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Kentucky Senate, Feb. 27, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes) Kentucky Senate Republicans named their committee chairs on Monday, a little more than a month before the General Assembly convenes for its 2025 regular session. Republicans hold a supermajority in both the Senate and House, giving them the coveted power to chair committees. A few chair positions were open in the chamber following the impending retirements of some longtime senators, including Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Whitney Westerfield, of Fruit Hill. Westerfield will be succeeded by Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a Senate GOP press release, vice chairs of the Senate standing committees and Senate co-chairs of the statutory committees were also announced. The committee assignments will go into effect starting with the 2025 General Assembly on Jan. 7. Republican Senate President Robert Stivers, of Manchester said in a statement that the Senate has a wide variety of legislative needs with ample leadership opportunities. I am confident in each of these individuals and in the deep bench we already have, said Stivers. Our caucus continues to mature and adapt to the needs of Kentucky residents and Im excited about the changes well see with our new administration taking this country in a thoughtful, deliberate direction. Republicans in both the Senate and House elected their leadership members last month ahead of the 2025 session, which begins in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres the list of Senate committee chairs and vice chairs: Agriculture Chair Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, and Vice Chair Sen. Gary Boswell, R-Owensboro. Appropriations & Revenue Chair Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, and Vice Chair Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington. Banking & Insurance Chair Sen. Jared Carpenter, R-Berea, and Vice Chair Sen. Rick Girdler, R-Somerset. Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Chair Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, and Vice Chair Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria. Education Chair Sen. Steve West, R-Paris, and Vice Chair Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield. Families and Children Chair Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, and Vice Chair Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington. Health Services Chair Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, and Vice Chair Sen. Elect Craig Richardson, R-Hopkinsville. Judiciary Chair Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London, and Vice Chair Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville. Licensing and Occupations Chair Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, and Vice Chair Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray. Natural Resources and Energy Chair Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, and Vice Chair Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona. State and Local Government Chair Sen. Michael J. Nemes, R-Shepherdsville, and Vice Chair Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester. Transportation Chair Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, and Vice Chair Sen. Donald Douglas, R-Nicholasville. Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Chair Sen. Matthew Deneen, R-Elizabethtown, and Vice Chair Senator-elect Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville. Here are the Senates co-chairs for statutory committees. Those meet year-round and are co-chaired by a member of the House and Senate: BEIRUT (AP) Syrias long civil war has reclaimed global attention after insurgents seized most of its largest city and dozens of nearby towns and villages. The stunning advance on Aleppo by rebel forces came as several key players in the conflict have been distracted or weakened, triggering the heaviest clashes since a 2020 ceasefire brought relative calm to the countrys north. Russian and Syrian forces have carried out dozens of airstrikes to try to limit the insurgents' advances, inflicting heavy casualties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syria's civil war started in 2011 after an uprising against President Bashar Assad's rule. Five foreign powers have a military presence in the country including the U.S., Russia and Iran. Forces opposed to Assad, along with U.S.-backed fighters, control more than a third of the country. Israel holds the Golan Heights, which it seized in its 1967 war with its Arab neighbors. Heres a look at the key players: Syrian pro-government forces, backed by Russia and Iran Syrian government troops have long controlled a large part of the country, thanks to allied forces dispatched by Russia and Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assad's forces control most of the major population centers, including the capital Damascus and cities in Syria's center, south and east. The Syrian government's capture of Aleppo in late 2016 was a turning point in the conflict and their loss of the city in recent days is a major setback. Iran's military advisers and proxy fighters have played a critical role in shoring up Assad's forces throughout the war. But Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group, which is backed by Iran, has been weakened in its recent war with Israel and Iran has been distracted by the conflict. On Monday, Iranian-backed Iraqi militias deployed to Syria to back the governments counteroffensive. Russia's military has supported Assad from the Mediterranean coast, where it maintains its only naval base outside the former Soviet Union, and at the Hemeimeem air base in Latakia province, which is home to hundreds of Russian troops. But much of its attention and resources have been focused on its war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Insurgent groups, backed mainly by Turkey Anti-government forces are led by the insurgent Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which long served as al-Qaida's branch in Syria and is considered a terrorist group by the U.N. as well as countries including the U.S. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a salvation government to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, its leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group's image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. Other insurgent groups include Noureddine el-Zinki, which was formerly backed by the U.S., before it joined the HTS-led alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Turkish-backed coalition of groups known as the Syrian National Army has attacked areas including the northern town of Tel Rifaat, controlled by the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Chinese fighters from the Turkistan Islamic Party and Chechen fighters from the former Soviet Union have taken part in the battles in the country's northwest, according to Syrian opposition activists. Turkey, which controls parts of northern Syria, will not say how many troops it has in the country. Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the US The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, a U.S.-backed coalition of groups, controls large parts of eastern Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SDF has battled the Islamic State group, capturing the last sliver of land held by the extremists in eastern Syria. About 900 American troops are stationed in Syrias east to guard against a resurgence by the extremist group. SDF forces still control several neighborhoods of Aleppo encircled by insurgents. Opposition activists have said that insurgents are willing to let those fighters cross to northeast Syria but it was not immediately clear if the Kurdish-led forces will do so. Turkey considers the principal Kurdish faction of the SDF to be linked to the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which it and allies regard as a terrorist group. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Kiev for the first time in two and a half years on Monday with a message of support from Berlin, pledging that "Germany will remain Ukraine's strongest supporter in Europe." The German chancellor, who arrived in the Ukrainian capital on Monday morning after a nine-hour journey by special train, announced further arms deliveries worth 650 million ($684 million) by the end of December to bolster Ukraine's defence against Russia, including battle tanks, missiles, drones and air defence systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who welcomed Scholz to Kiev, thanked Germany for its continued support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Zelensky also saw two urgent Ukrainian requests - for an invitation to join the NATO alliance, and for deliveries of long-range German-made Taurus cruise missiles - remain unfulfilled. Scholz instead dodged questions on Ukraine's NATO aspirations, saying only that previous NATO resolutions had laid out a way toward eventual Ukrainian membership in the alliance. At the 2023 and 2024 meetings referenced by Scholz, NATO countries only reaffirmed that Ukraine at some point should become a member of the Western defence alliance. NATO countries have not offered a concrete timeline or detailed conditions for Ukraine to join. And the German chancellor yet again reiterated his refusal to send Taurus missiles at a joint press conference with Zelensky, stressing his contention that arming Ukraine with the long-range weapons risks an escalation with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky has placed renewed urgency on Ukraine's bid to join NATO in recent weeks in light of Russian territorial gains in bloody fighting along the front. On Sunday, Zelensky described a formal NATO invitation as "necessary for our survival," but added that he is not particularly hopeful to receive one, citing scepticism in the US, Germany and Hungary as reasons. Scholz, Zelensky visit wounded Before holding talks, Scholz and Zelensky together visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Kiev, including some who had lost limbs in the fight against the ongoing Russian invasion. Zelensky awarded medals to individual soldiers during the visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky and Scholz also watched a presentation of drones used in Ukraine's defensive campaign against Russia. Among the drones on display was a German-made model from the company Helsing, designed to strike Russian armoured vehicles in combat. Another 4,000 of the drones are to be delivered to Ukraine over the next month. The weapons package also includes two Iris-T air defence systems, 10 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks, 60 M84 and M80 infantry fighting vehicles, 6,000 unguided missiles and 500 guided missiles. Scholz was officially received with military honors at St Sophia Cathedral in the centre of Kiev, an unusual gesture in times of war which has not been seen in recent visits by other foreign leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German chancellor greeted Ukrainian soldiers with "Slava Ukraini" ("Glory to Ukraine"), to which the honour guard responded with "Heroiam slava" ("Glory to the heroes"). Monday's trip is only Scholz's second visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022. During his first visit in June 2022, he travelled with French President Emmanuel Macron and the then-Italian prime minister Mario Draghi. Support, gratitude and criticism Following a private meeting between Scholz and Zelensky, the two leaders addressed the press in Kiev. Scholz sought to reiterate Germany's steadfast and "unwavering support" for Ukraine, calling in the most important message from his visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am saying this very clearly to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin here in Kiev today: We have staying power. And we will stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary," Scholz said. Zelensky, who began formally requesting the Taurus missiles from the German government back in May 2023, reacted politely to Scholz's renewed refusal to supply the weapons on Monday. "The Taurus issue is a challenge for us. We have heard a lot about it and worked on Germany's position," he said. But he nonetheless underscored how valuable the missiles could be to Ukraine's struggle: "We could hit more military targets in the Russian Federation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, Germany remains Ukraine's largest European supplier of weapons and aid in the defensive struggle against Russia. According to German government figures, German weapons and military equipment worth around 28 billion have been delivered or promised to Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Zelensky repeatedly expressed his gratitude for German support on Monday. But he also again aired frustration with Scholz's decision to hold an hour-long phone conversation with Putin in mid-November. Zelensky said he fears Scholz's phone call with Putin - the first in nearly two years - could lead to a breakdown of the Kremlin's international isolation and an easing of the diplomatic pressure on the Russian leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't think this strengthens Ukraine," he said. At the same time, however, Zelensky emphasized that Kiev had more in common with Berlin than what may divide them. Scholz treading careful line on Ukraine policy Scholz has sought to strike a difficult balance in his policy toward Ukraine, with general elections in Germany expected in less than three months' time. He has described himself as a stalwart ally of the embattled nation, emphasizing Berlin's extensive military and fiscal support, while also positioning himself as a "peace chancellor" seeking to find a settlement for the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholz has sought to highlight his dual strategy in Ukraine policy - assuring Ukraine of further arms supplies, while ensuring that Germany and NATO are not drawn into the war - as a unique selling point for his centre-left Social Democrats (SPD). Scholz's main rival in the upcoming election, conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz, has criticized Scholz for being too hesitant and cautious in supplying aid to Ukraine. Elections are expected in Germany on February 23 after the collapse of Scholz's three-party coalition last month. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) hold a joint press conference following their meeting. Kay Nietfeld/dpa During his visit to Kiev, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz evaded questions about Ukraine's quest for an invitation to join the NATO alliance, and again reiterated his refusal to supply Kiev with long-range Taurus cruise missiles. Scholz said new resolutions on Ukraine's possible membership in NATO aren't necessary, as the path for Ukraine to join the alliance was laid out at past summits in Vilnius and Washington. At the 2023 and 2024 meetings, however, NATO countries only reaffirmed that Ukraine at some point should become a member of the Western alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has continuously sought to bring his country under the NATO umbrella quickly, and over the weekend said that NATO membership for Ukraine could help end the war by protecting the country from renewed Russian aggression in the event of a ceasefire. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for an invitation to be extended at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels later this week. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) following their joint press conference after a meeting. Kay Nietfeld/dpa If you're planning on hunting black bears or white-tailed deer this year, shotgun season officially begins today in Massachusetts. Shotgun season will go until Dec. 14 this year for both bears and deer. The fall wild turkey hunting season ended Nov. 30. During shotgun season, deer and bear hunters can use shotguns, archery or muzzleloaders in Massachusetts. Shotguns can be no larger than 10 gauge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunters are also required to wear 500 square inches of hunter orange on the head, chest and back. Here's everything you need to know about shotgun season in Massachusetts. Close-up of a young male hunter's hand holding a binocular. His father is walking behind him, while carrying a shotgun and looking at the field. When can you hunt during shotgun season in MA? Shotgun season runs from Dec. 2 to Dec. 14 this year in Massachusetts. Hunting is prohibited on Sundays. Hunting hours run from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Sunrise and sunset times can be viewed online at sunrisesunset.com/USA/Massachusetts. What permits are needed to hunt bears, deer in MA? Hunters in Massachusetts need different permits depending on what they are hunting and where they live. Permits can be bought through MassFishHunt. Bear hunters who are Massachusetts residents need a hunting or sporting license and bear permit. Non-resident bear hunters need a big game license and a bear permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deer hunters in Massachusetts don't need a stamp during shotgun season. Each hunter, regardless of age and residence, needs an antlerless deer permit for hunting deer without antlers or antlers less than 3 inches in length. Massachusetts residents hunting deer need a hunting or sporting license, while non-residents need a non-resident big game hunting license. Each of these licenses includes two antlered deer tags. Tagging requirements for bear, deer hunting in MA Hunters who kill a bear or deer must immediately fill out and attach the "harvest tag" found on the bear or deer permit. It must be reported online or at a check station within 48 hours of harvest. More information on hunting regulations in Massachusetts is available on the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife website. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Shotgun deer, bear hunting season begins in MA. What to know PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Governor Tina Kotek released her recommended budget on Monday, with continued focus on addressing the homelessness and housing crises, bolstering behavioral health, and improving education outcomes. Gov. Kotek held a press conference on Monday outlining her budget for the 2025-27 biennium titled Building on Progress explaining she limited state agencies to a 1% budget increase in their proposals, which informed her recommendations. DONT MISS: Oregon forecasts higher revenue, kicker for 2025-27 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no surprises here. These are the priorities Ive talked about since day one, Kotek said during the meeting. Im going to continue to talk about them. We need to stay the course. The governors proposal includes more than $700 million for homelessness initiatives, featuring $217 million for Oregons statewide shelter system, $188 million to transition Oregonians out of homelessness and into housing, and $173 million for homelessness prevention. Her budget also focuses on building up Oregons housing supply, with a recommended $1.4 billion investment. This includes $880 million to build new affordable housing, $100 million to create a new housing infrastructure program to link water, sewer, stormwater, and transportation infrastructure to new housing development, along with $57 million to support first-time homebuyers and Oregonians looking to buy an affordable home. When it comes to the governors behavioral health budget, Kotek is aiming to increase behavioral health treatment while addressing workforce issues. The governors $330 million behavioral health budget includes $50 million in workforce investments such as education and training programs with tuition assistance and wrap-around support for students. Another $40 million will go towards deflection services through the Criminal Justice Commission to help Oregonians access addiction treatment instead of legal consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portlands Arctic fox stricken with salmon poisoning; zoo asks for donations The governor is also recommending more than $835 million in education featuring a $600 million increase to the State School Fund for a total of $11.36 billion and recommends $127 million to improve early literacy and $78.5 million for summer learning programs to help students overcome pandemic learning loss. Watch the full press conference in the video below. My approach to being your Governor will always be grounded in truth, pragmatism, and a relentless pursuit of equitable outcomes for all Oregonians, Kotek said. The December revenue forecast projects stability for Oregon, and I am pleased to share that my budget does not lay off people or cut services, and instead strategically deepens our commitment to building progress on Oregonians top priorities while remaining disciplined when it comes to new programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last two years I have had the opportunity to travel to all 36 counties, visit Oregons nine federally recognized Tribal nations, and continue consulting with the Governors Racial Justice Council. These conversations have helped inform my approach to decision making and have strengthened my ability to be a Governor for the whole state, Kotek furthered, noting, As I approach the halfway mark of my first administration and take stock of where we have been and where we are going, I fundamentally believe the Legislature needs to pass budgets for the next two years that build on the progress we have achieved together. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mondays Top Stories Mondays Five Facts [1] Celebration of life held for John Bael Sisneros at Kiva Auditorium Hundreds in the community came together to honor the life of John Bael Sisneros for a celebration of life on Sunday at the Kiva Auditorium in Downtown Albuquerque. Sisneros was killed in his tattoo shop, Por Vida Tattoo, on November 14, 2024. The suspect is still not identified by police. To honor Sisneros, loved ones have started the John Bael Sisneros Foundation to help tattoo students coming into the industry. [2] Mother and son plead guilty in illegal gun selling scheme An Albuquerque mother and son are facing up to a decade in federal prison for illegally selling guns. According to the Department of Justice, the ATF began investigating 43-year-old Rachel Jasso in 2022 after agents found an Instagram account her son Joe was using to sell switch devices to convert firearms into machine guns. In February of last year, undercover agents bought two switches from the duo. Both Joe and Rachel pleaded guilty to illegally dealing firearms and possession of a machine gun conversion device. Both are facing up to ten years behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [3] Cool today but warmer & dry weather ahead Conditions will remain mostly dry with afternoon temperatures slightly higher than yesterday. Only some passing occasional clouds will ensue ahead this week with higher afternoon temperatures, but a surge of sub-tropical low-level moisture will produce spotty rain showers in the Pecos River Valley with more-widespread morning fog in Eastern New Mexico. [4] Meeting set to discuss PNM increased rate proposal A public meeting has been scheduled to discuss a proposed rate hike from PNM. According to PNM, the monthly increase for average residential customers is projected to be just over $11 a month by the middle of next year, and just over $12 a month by January 2026. The hearing on the increase will be held on January 15 at the New Mexico 811 building, located on Eubank just north of Lomas. [5] Need a gift wrapped? Bernalillo County Animal Care Services can help Starting today, Bernalillo County Animal Care Services is hosting its annual gift wrapping fundraiser. All proceeds will help the Quality Life Fund which supports crucial initiatives such as free microchip and vaccine clinics, emergency medical expenses, and much more. Gift wrapping services will be available at different prices depending on the size and complexity of the item. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALBANY, Ky. (FOX 56) Two people from Albany were charged on Friday in connection with a stolen jewelry theft investigation by the Kentucky State Police Department (KSP). The investigation reportedly began on Thursday when troopers were told that custom-made jewelry had allegedly been stolen from a residence in Clinton County. Police ask for help finding missing Danville woman According to a news release, troopers learned that the value of the allegedly stolen jewelry was estimated to be over $16,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police said troopers found and recovered several of the jewelry items that were allegedly stolen from the residence. While there, law enforcement got information that led to the arrest of Virginia Conner, 41, in connection with the investigation. Virginia was charged with theft by unlawful taking of over $10,000. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Christopher Conner, 42, was also arrested and charged with receiving stolen property worth over $10,000, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct, per KSP. Virginia and Christopher were lodged in the Clinton County Detention Center. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry condemned on Dec. 2 the violent crackdown by Georgian authorities against pro-EU protesters, saying the government's steps demonstrate a "turn toward Moscow." At the same time, the Kremlin said that the protests bear similarities to Ukraine's Orange Revolution from 2004-05, calling the rally an attempt to "destabilize the situation" in the South Caucasus country. The latest wave of protests against the ruling Georgian Dream party broke out last week after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of the South Caucasus' EU accession process until at least 2028. Over 220 people were arrested during the ensuing crackdown, with dozens reported injured as the Georgian police deployed tear gas and water cannons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgian Dream, which declared victory in the October elections broadly disputed by domestic opposition and international observers, has been accused of democratic backsliding and dragging Georgia into the Kremlin's orbit. "The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry strongly condemns the ongoing violations of human rights and the use of force against peaceful protesters in Georgia," the ministry said in a statement. "The efforts of the Georgian authorities to show that the country's European integration continues are surprising, as its actions indicate Georgia's turn towards Moscow." The ministry noted that Ukrainian politicians who sought to divert the country's pro-EU course also talked about merely "suspending" European integration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also drew historical comparisons, saying the protests "carry all the signs of an attempt to carry out an 'orange revolution.'" "There is an attempt to destabilize the situation. We have seen similar events in a number of countries. The most direct parallel that can be drawn is the events of the 'Maidan' in Ukraine. (The protests) carry all the signs of an attempt to carry out an 'orange revolution,'" Peskov said, adding that the protests are Georgia's "internal affair." Ukraine saw two major revolutions this century. The Orange Revolution was launched in 2004-05 over the falsification of presidential elections in favor of pro-Russian candidate Viktor Yanukovych. The 2013-2014 EuroMaidan Revolution broke out after President Yanukovych, elected in 2010, decided not to sign an association agreement with the EU. In the wake of the revolution, Yanukovych fled the country, opening the path for Kyiv's westward direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia's ruling party has repeatedly warned of an attempt by domestic opposition to "replicate" the EuroMaidan Revolution in the country. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry called upon the Georgian Dream government to refrain from involving Ukraine in its internal matters, adding that Georgian Dream is enacting a "Belarusian scenario" rather than a Ukrainian one. "Ukraine was and remains in favor of democratic transformation in Georgia and its further European and Euro-Atlantic integration, which corresponds to the interests of the Georgian people," the ministry said. Read also: Opinion: Georgias civil society is the last line of defense for democracy Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty (front) speaks at a ministerial conference to garner support for Gaza, in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 2, 2024. A ministerial conference kicked off on Monday in Cairo to garner regional and international support for the besieged Gaza and alleviate the sufferings of the Palestinian people. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry/Handout via Xinhua) CAIRO, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- A ministerial conference kicked off on Monday in Cairo to garner regional and international support for the besieged Gaza and alleviate the sufferings of the Palestinian people. The meeting is being held under the auspices of the Egyptian President with the participation of 103 delegations of various countries, international organizations, and financial institutions, according to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini told the conference that "UNRWA has preserved the Palestinian identity since its establishment and works in accordance with international law and to protect the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people." He added that safe and effective conditions must be ensured for the continuation of humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip, urging an emergency response and a political solution to end the catastrophic situation in Gaza. Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa said, Egypt, since the first day of the Israeli aggression, has backed the Palestinian side and exerted sincere efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip." For his part, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said, "Egypt fully condemns the illegal ban of the work of UNRWA, which reflects an unacceptable disregard for the international community and its institutions." The Israeli parliament in October passed a law prohibiting UNRWA from operating within its territory. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty (C, front) speaks at a ministerial conference to garner support for Gaza, in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 2, 2024. A ministerial conference kicked off on Monday in Cairo to garner regional and international support for the besieged Gaza and alleviate the sufferings of the Palestinian people. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry/Handout via Xinhua) This photo taken on Dec. 2, 2024 shows a scene of a ministerial conference to garner support for Gaza, in Cairo, Egypt. A ministerial conference kicked off on Monday in Cairo to garner regional and international support for the besieged Gaza and alleviate the sufferings of the Palestinian people. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry/Handout via Xinhua) Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty (C, front) speaks at a ministerial conference to garner support for Gaza, in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 2, 2024. A ministerial conference kicked off on Monday in Cairo to garner regional and international support for the besieged Gaza and alleviate the sufferings of the Palestinian people. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry/Handout via Xinhua) 911 Dispatchers serve as the first line of defense in emergencies, providing critical support to people in distress. We are here every day, twenty-four hours a day. There is someone here to answer your call. We will never leave anybody out, no matter how little it may be to them, said Brayln Hodge, Lake County Dispatcher. Their calm demeanor, quick thinking, and ability to guide callers through life-threatening situations make 911 dispatchers unsung heroes in public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For emergency dispatchers, there are no holidays off. They spend it getting you through your darkest hour. Making sure every call gets attention. Read: Sun-filled and slightly warmer end to the Holiday Weekend, but more chilly air is on the way During the holidays, their role becomes even more essential as emergencies often increase. Its very important to know that they have us and trust that someone can be there in those moments, said Jessica Carr, Lake County Dispatcher. Carr is one of the many dispatchers who spent Thanksgiving answering frantic calls and coordinating responses to emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read: Lifepointe Ministries opens cold weather shelter in Brevard Like families at home, Carr and Hodge work in the Lake County Emergency Communications and Operations Center. Although it was far from the dinner tables, they did have a chance to eat a turkey dinner with their extended family from their desks. Despite the festive season, dispatchers remain on duty around the clock, sacrificing time with their families to ensure others are safe. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. LAKE COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) During a special meeting convened Sunday, the Lake County Commissioners declared a State of Emergency in the response to the winter storm affecting the area. School closings announced as snow piles up In a post on Facebook from the county sheriff, a press release from the county commissioners says the decision was made as much of Lake County is already dealing with hazardous conditions, including feet of snow and freezing temperatures, and more snow is on the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this snow emergency and now that Lake County and some of its communities have Declared a State of Emergency, this gives us the ability to work with the county, local communities to share resources, once they are requested. If resources arent available locally then we will submit a resource request to the State EMA to locate resources for those communities in need, the press release said, quoting Emergency Management Director Joseph A. Busher. The release goes on to encourage drivers to stay off the roads if possible, and noted that Lake County Offices, save for the Sheriffs Office, will be closed Monday, Dec. 2. Earlier in the day Sunday, a travel advisory was issued in Painesville for essential traffic only. Lake effect snow warning: Where more snow will fall Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday, Ashtabula County Commissioners declared a State of Emergency for its county as well. A Lake Effect Snow Warning continues for Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geuaga, and Lake counties until 7 a.m. Tuesday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Lake County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals member Samantha Steele, who was charged last month for driving under the influence of alcohol after crashing a car in Chicago, seemingly can serve on two taxing boards under murky state laws. Steele, who is also a Cook County Board of Review commissioner, has served on the Lake County PTABOA since 2020, according to Lake County Assessor LaTonya Spearman, who serves as secretary and non-voting member of the PTABOA. The board hears all property tax appeals and non-profit exemption applications in Lake County, Spearman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A member of the Lake County PTABOA can serve on the property tax assessment board of appeals of another county at the same time, according to Indiana law. The law does not address someone serving on property tax assessment boards in different states. Illinois law on boards of review is murkier and does not address a member serving on multiple boards. An attorney with the Cook County Board of Review did not respond ahead of deadline to questions about serving on multiple tax boards. The Illinois law states that no one may serve on the board of review who is not qualified by experience and training in property appraisal and property tax administration. In her Cook County Board of Review biography, Steele states she is a level three assessor and appraiser with more than 15 years of experience in property valuations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Michael Repay, D-3rd, said the commissioners appointed Steele, though he didnt recall why she was initially appointed. Repay said he didnt see a conflict of interest in Steele serving on two taxing boards. Nobody has ever brought that up as an issue. On its face, it doesnt seem like something that would be a conflict, Repay said. Repay and Spearman declined to comment on Steeles DUI charge. Lake County PTABOA members did not respond to requests for comment. To be a member of the Lake County PTABOA, the person appointed needs to be at least 18 years old and be knowledgeable in the valuation of property, according to Indiana law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lake County PTABOA consists of five members, not counting the assessor, and each member is appointed to a one-year term. The county commissioners appoint three members and the county council appoints two members, according to Indiana law. At least one person appointed by the council and commissioners has to be a certified level two or level three assessor-appraiser, according to the law. But the law also allows for the commissioners or the council to waive the assessor-appraiser requirement. No more than three PTABOA members can be of the same political party and at least three members have to live in the county they serve, according to Indiana law. But if the commissioners arent able to find someone interested in the PTABOA who lives in the county, is a certified level two or level three Indiana assessor-appraiser, or is willing to serve on the PTABOA, then the person doesnt need to live in the county, according to Indiana law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steele is one of three members of the Cook County Board of Review, which adjudicates property tax appeals. She was elected to her position in 2022 and represents Cook Countys north side, according to the Chicago Tribune. Since her election, the Chicago Tribune reported Steele has butted heads with the other two board members and shes been sued by a former employee, Frank Calabrese. In the lawsuit, Calabrese alleged he was fired for refusing to release certain information related to the Chicago Bears stadium in Arlington Heights. Steele was arrested on a DUI charge before 9 p.m. on Nov 10 near Ashland and Winnemac avenues in Chicago. During her arrest, she repeatedly told police officers she was an elected official, made crude comments about one of the arresting officers and refused to cooperate with officer requests, public records released to the Chicago Tribune show. Steele remotely attended a County Board of Review meeting Monday, the first since her arrest, due to illness, the Chicago Tribune reported. Steele did not address the incident during the meeting. The Chicago Tribune contributed. akukulka@post-trib.com Latvian airline AirBaltic has prepared a plan to resume flights to Ukraine as soon as the situation is deemed safe. Source: AirBaltic CEO Martin Gauss in an interview with Bloomberg Details: According to Gauss, the company has developed a strategy to restart operations as soon as Ukrainian airspace reopens. AirBaltic intends to shift capacities from other routes to Ukraine as soon as it becomes safe, Gauss stated. The airline also plans to implement overnight stops in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gauss emphasised the companys readiness, saying, "We can be flying tonight if its safe." The reopening of airspace and airports would provide AirBaltic with a critical market, given the strong demand for travel to Ukraine, Gauss added. Additionally, the airline would benefit from crossing Ukrainian airspace to take more direct routes southward from Latvia to destinations such as Dubai and Greece. Gauss noted that while the company has a plan in place, it has not factored it into official forecasts due to the uncertainty surrounding the reopening of Ukrainian airspace. Background: Flights to one of Ukraines airports either Lviv or Boryspil may resume by late January 2025. Ukraines Aviation Authority has stated it is 95% ready to restore flights, though ensuring passenger safety remains the key factor. Support UP or become our patron! Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) said Sunday that he has no reservations about President-elect Trumps choice of Kash Patel to lead the FBI. Do you have any reservations about Kash Patel serving in that role? CNNs Kasie Hunt asked the New York Republican on State of the Union. No, Lawler said. Donald Trump campaigned on reforming the FBI and the Department of Justice, so I dont know why any of this is, frankly, surprising to people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The choice of Patel as the FBI head has resulted in mixed reactions from lawmakers and ex-officials. Republicans, however, have praised Patels selection. Its a terrible development for the men and women of the FBI and also for the nation that depends on a highly functioning professional independent Federal Bureau of Investigation, former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said Saturday. Patel has a history of pushing for mass firings, particularly at the FBI and Justice Department, and the rescinding of security clearances for those who investigated Trump during his 2016 presidential bid. The lack of confidence that Americans have in the Department of Justice and the FBI is terrible. And so, obviously, we want a system that is reformed, that works for the American people and that prosecutes criminals. And that should be the objective and the goal of every American, Lawler said Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, obviously, thats what my hope is as the Department of Justice moves forward under Pam Bondi and the FBI under Kash Patel, he added. In a Saturday post on Truth Social, Trump called Patel a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and America First fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People. He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution, he added. The Hill has reached out to the Justice Department for further comment. Every day, the men and women of the FBI continue to work to protect Americans from a growing array of threats. Director Wrays focus remains on the men and women of the FBI, the people we do the work with, and the people we do the work for, the FBI said in a statement to The Hill on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated at 10:25 pm EST. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Joe Bidens controversial pardon of his son is drawing criticism from top leaders. He announced late Sunday night that he is granting his son, Hunter Biden, clemency for his convictions. President Bidens pardon of his son is sweeping and allows Hunter to avoid punishment for his gun and tax convictions, but its costing the president with lawmakers. Of course I support the pardon of my son, said First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Bidens pardon of his son, Hunter, sent out shockwaves across the country because he had repeatedly promised not to do it. I said that I abide by the jury decision. I will do that, and I will not pardon him said Biden in June. The pardon grants Hunter clemency for his conviction on felony gun charges and for his guilty plea on tax charges. He was set to be sentenced in both cases later this month, but White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says President Biden decided this weekend that he would issue the pardon. He wrestled with it. He thought about it, said Jean-Pierre. In his statement President Biden says he made the decision because he believes Hunter was treated unfairly for political reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They targeted him because his last name was Biden, said Jean-Pierre. Republicans immediately slammed the pardon. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said in a post, Trust in our justice system has been almost irreparably damaged by the Bidens and their use and abuse of it. Democrats are criticizing the decision too. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) wrote on X, President Bidens decision put personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all. Jean-Pierre added, He believes in the justice system, but he also believes the war politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pardon not only covers Hunters gun and tax crimes, but also any federal offenses hes committed or accused of over the past 10 years. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Suleiman Al-Khalidi AMMAN (Reuters) -At least 25 people were killed in northwestern Syria in air strikes carried out by the Syrian government and Russia, the Syrian opposition-run rescue service known as the White Helmets said early on Monday. Russian and Syrian jets struck the rebel-held city of Idlib in northern Syria on Sunday, military sources said, as President Bashar al-Assad vowed to crush insurgents who had swept into the city of Aleppo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The army also said it had recaptured several towns that rebels had overrun in recent days. Residents said one attack hit a crowded residential area in the centre of Idlib, the largest city in a rebel enclave near the Turkish border where around four million people live in makeshift tents and dwellings. At least seven people were killed and dozens injured, according to rescuers at the scene. The Syrian army and its ally Russia say they target the hideouts of insurgent groups and deny attacking civilians. Ten children were among the dead in the air strikes in and around Idlib and other targets in rebel-held territory near Aleppo on Sunday, according to the White Helmets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The total death toll from Syrian and Russian strikes since Nov. 27 had climbed to 56, including 20 children, the group added in a statement on X. Reuters could not independently confirm the battlefield accounts. The insurgents are a coalition of Turkey-backed mainstream secular armed groups along with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group that has been designated a terrorist outfit by the U.S., Russia, Turkey and other states. In a joint statement, the United States, France, Germany, and Britain urged "de-escalation by all parties and the protection of civilians and infrastructure to prevent further displacement and disruption of humanitarian access". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The insurgents seized control of all of Idlib province in recent days, the boldest rebel assault for years in a civil war where front lines had largely been frozen since 2020. They also swept into the city of Aleppo, east of Idlib, on Friday night, forcing the army to redeploy. In remarks published on state media, Assad said: "Terrorists only know the language of force and it is the language we will crush them with". The Syrian army said dozens of its soldiers had been killed in the fighting in Aleppo. Russian war bloggers reported on Sunday that Moscow had dismissed Sergei Kisel, the general in charge of its forces in Syria. Reuters has requested comment from the Russian defence ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LEAVING ALEPPO Inside Aleppo city, streets were mostly empty and many shops were closed on Sunday as scared residents stayed at home. There was still a heavy flow of civilians leaving the city, witnesses and residents said. Rebel fighters waving the opposition flag drove through the city, Yusuf Khatib, a resident, told Reuters by phone. Some rebels took up positions on street intersections, he added. Ahmad Tutenji, a merchant in the affluent New Aleppo neighbourhood, said he was surprised how quickly the army left. "I am shocked at how they fled and abandoned us." Syrian troops who had withdrawn from the city were now regrouping and reinforcements were also being sent to help in the counter-attack, army sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aleppo had been firmly held by the government since a 2016 victory there, one of the war's major turning points, when Russian-backed Syrian forces besieged and laid waste to rebel-held eastern areas of what had been the country's largest city. A lack of that manpower contributed to the speedy retreat of Syrian army forces in recent days, according to two army sources. The rebel gains came after Israel stepped up its strikes on Iranian bases in Syria and Iran-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. Militias allied to Iran, led by Hezbollah, have had a strong presence in the Aleppo area. The head of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said in a statement on Monday that its fighters in northwestern Syria were facing intense attacks on multiple fronts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said the group had tried to establish a "humanitarian corridor" linking Kurdish-held northeastern regions to Tel Rifaat, a strategic area northwest of Aleppo to "protect our people from potential massacres". "However, attacks by armed groups supported by the Turkish occupation have disrupted this corridor," Abdi said, adding that "our forces continue to resist to protect our people in the Kurdish neighbourhoods of Aleppo". Turkey considers Kurdish militant groups the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the Syrian Kurdish YPG as terrorist organisations, as well as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Syrian rebels backed by Turkey had blocked an attempt by Kurdish groups to establish a corridor connecting Tel Rifaat to northeastern Syria, Turkish security sources said on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday that Turkey would not allow what he called terrorist threats targeting its security or Syrian civilians, Turkish diplomatic sources said. The war, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced many millions, has ground on since 2011 with no formal end. Most heavy fighting halted years ago after Iran-backed militias and Russian air power helped Assad win control of all major cities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, visiting Damascus on Sunday, said the situation in Syria was "difficult" but the Assad government would prevail. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi, Additional reporting by Adam Makary and Menna Alaa El Din, Editing by Frances Kerry and Andrew Heavens; Writing by Stephen Coates; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) Dec. 2 (UPI) -- At least 25 civilians, including 10 children and four women, were killed on Sunday in Russian and Syrian government airstrikes on the Syrian city of Idlib and rural Aleppo, the White Helmets announced Monday. A total of 56 people, including 20 children, have been killed since Wednesday amid renewed fighting between the pro-Russia Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad and rebel forces. Statistics on the victims of attacks by the Syrian regime, Russia, and their allies in northwestern #Syria from the start of the escalation on November 27 through Sunday, December 1.#WhiteHelmets pic.twitter.com/ogMdKeIHTv The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) December 1, 2024 The rebels -- led by U.S.-designated Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham -- seized control of Aleppo on Saturday, prompting Russia to launch its first strikes on the city since 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Syrian Civil Defense volunteer organization, better known as the White Helmets, said in a statement that an additional 125 people, including 54 children and 39 women, were injured in the Sunday strikes. The strikes targeted the city of Idlib and rural Aleppo, according to the organization. It reported that 12 people were killed and 23 were injured in a strike on the entrance to the university hospital in Aleppo. The attack caused an adjacent church to catch on fire. Several Aleppo neighborhoods were also attacked. Russian strikes also killed a married couple in eastern Aleppo. The couple's two children survived the attack but were injured, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The total number of casualties for Aleppo was not yet known, the White Helmets said, as it continued to tally the dead and injured. In Idlib, Syrian warplanes struck two camps for displaced people, killing four people and injuring 54 others. Sixteen people were also killed, and another 59 injured, in the shelling of several northern Idlib neighborhoods. In the five days of fighting, at least 261 people have been injured on top of the 56 killed. Nearly 100 children have been wounded, the White Helmets said. The Assad regime has been in a civil conflict with the rebels since 2011 when it cracked down on pro-democracy protests. At least 350,000 people have been killed in the fighting and more than 14 million have been displaced, about half internally, according to the United Nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the war had been relatively quiet since a cease-fire was brokered in 2020. The United States, Britain, France and Germany on Sunday urged for de-escalation. "We are closely monitoring developments in Syria and urge de-escalation by all parties and the protection of civilians and infrastructure to prevent further displacement and disruption of humanitarian access," they said in a joint statement. "The current escalation only underscores the urgent need for a Syrian-led political solution to the conflict." KHARTOUM, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- As Sudan grapples with a prolonged conflict, e-learning, a vital resource for students in affected areas, faces significant obstacles due to frequent power outages and limited internet connectivity. The conflict has devastated the educational infrastructure in Khartoum State, with many schools vandalized or converted into military barracks, leaving students in conflict zones unable to return to traditional classrooms. "Many students are eager to use electronic platforms, but the instability of electricity and poor internet connectivity make effective participation nearly impossible," said Ayman Hassan Mohamedain, a board member of Al-Fath Private Schools in Khartoum. Seventeen-year-old student Ibtisam Awad shared her struggles with e-learning. "During class times, I often have to visit a satellite internet shop with my phone. Other times, I can't charge my phone because of frequent power outages," she said. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), nearly 17 million children in Sudan are out of school due to the ongoing conflict. The crisis, which began in April 2023, pits the Sudanese Armed Forces against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The violence has claimed over 27,120 lives and displaced more than 14 million people, both internally and across borders, according to international organizations. Dec. 2 (UPI) -- At least three people were killed and 32 hospitalized in the southern Philippines over the weekend after eating a local dish prepared with sea turtle, an endangered species. Those affected were all members of the Indigenous Teduray people on Mindanao in a fishing village 125 miles west of the island's largest city, Davao City, fell ill with vomiting, abdominal spasms and diarrhea. Datu Blah Sinsuat Councillor Datu Mohamad Sinsuat Jr., told the Philippine Inquirer on Monday that 31 people were still being treated in a local hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local official Irene Dillo told the BBC authorities were investigating the cause of death of the victims but that some cats, dogs and chickens were also killed after being fed with the turtle flesh. A team of epidemiologists was sent to the area by the Integrated Provincial Health Office in nearby Cotabato. The turtle was used in a meat, vegetable, vinegar and soy sauce dish called adobo that is normally made with pork. The creatures are protected by law in the Philippines, but some communities continue to hunt and eat them as part of their cultural heritage which holds turtle meat and eggs confer medicinal benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turtle is safe to eat but becomes hazardous when the animals have eaten toxic sea algae which then makes the turtle poisonous and the investigation will center on determining whether this or unsafe handling and preparation caused so many to be killed and sickened. Datu Blah Sinsuat Mayor Marshall Sinsuat said he had ordered the leaders of all 13 neighborhoods across the municipality to enforce the existing ban on catching sea turtles for food in waters under their jurisdiction. Four people were killed and 64 were seriously sickened In 2013 in Eastern Samar in the Visayas region of the central Philippines after eating a sea turtle found near their village. DUBAI (Reuters) - An Israeli drone targeted a Lebanese military bulldozer while it was carrying out fortification work inside the Al-Abbara military base near Lebanon's border with Syria, the Lebanese army said on Monday. One soldier was wounded, it said. Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah started implementing a ceasefire last Wednesday as part of a U.S.-proposed deal for a 60-day truce to end more than a year of hostilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accord cleared the way for an end to a conflict across the Israeli-Lebanese border that has killed thousands of people since it was ignited by the Gaza war last year. (Reporting by Nayera Abdallah; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Lebanese Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, a close ally of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia, has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire which ended the war between his allies and Lebanon's neighbour to the south. "The aggressive actions carried out by the Israeli occupation forces in terms of bulldozing homes in the Lebanese border villages in addition to the continuation of airstrikes ... represent a flagrant violation of the terms of the ceasefire agreement," Berri was quoted as saying by his local television network NBN. "We ask the technical committee that was appointed to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement how it regards these ongoing violations, which have exceeded 54 violations," Berri was quoted as saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berri, had negotiated the ceasefire on behalf of Hezbollah with US envoy Amos Hochstein. Israel and Hezbollah have repeatedly accused each other of violations since the ceasefire came into force on Wednesday last week. Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli military has repeatedly attacked targets from the air and on the ground in Lebanon. Israel spoke of reactions to violations by Hezbollah. By Maya Gebeily and Adam Makary BEIRUT (Reuters) -At least nine people were killed and three injured on Monday from Israeli strikes on two southern Lebanese towns, Talousa and Haris, as the Israeli military said it struck dozens of Hezbollah targets throughout Lebanon. Earlier on Monday, Lebanese authorities reported two additional deaths in Israeli strikes on other parts of southern Lebanon, including a state security member killed while on duty, bringing the day's death toll to 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest Israeli strikes came shortly after Hezbollah accused Israel of violating a ceasefire agreement and fired missiles on an Israeli military position in the disputed Shebaa Farms area in what the Iran-backed group called a "defensive warning strike." Residents in Beirut also told Reuters they heard drones flying overhead at low altitudes late in the evening. The exchange of fire put a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between the two in an increasingly fragile position less than a week after it took effect. The truce prohibits Israel from conducting offensive military operations in Lebanon while requiring Lebanon to prevent armed groups, including Hezbollah, from launching attacks on Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military reported no casualties from Hezbollah's two missile launches but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a "strong" response. Hezbollah said its rocket fire, the first operation the group had announced since the ceasefire came into effect on Wednesday, was in retaliation for repeated Israeli violations of the truce. Lebanese speaker of parliament Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally who negotiated the truce on behalf of Lebanon, said Beirut had recorded at least 54 ceasefire violations by Israel since Wednesday. Lebanon's official news agency NNA said Israeli forces fired two artillery shells toward the southern Lebanese town of Beit Lif in the Bint Jbeil district, while heavy machine gun fire targeted Yaroun. No injuries were reported in either incident, NNA said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berri urged the committee tasked with monitoring the truce to "urgently" ensure Israel halts its breaches. "We are engaging through a mechanism with France, Israel, and Lebanon to investigate and address reports of violations," U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, adding that early ceasefire periods are often fragile but had broadly succeeded in reducing violence. DEADLY STRIKES Lebanon and Israel have already traded accusations of breaches, and on Monday Lebanon said the violations had turned deadly. One person was killed in an Israeli air attack on Marjayoun, about 10 km (6 miles) from Israel's northern border, Lebanon's health ministry said. Lebanon's state security agency said an Israeli drone strike in Nabatieh killed a member of its force, calling the incident a "flagrant violation" of the truce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lebanese army said an Israeli drone struck an army bulldozer near the Syrian border, wounding one soldier. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to questions about the incidents in Marjayoun and Nabatieh but said it had targeted military vehicles near Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley and near the Syrian border. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denied wrongdoing, accusing Hezbollah of moving weapons south of the Litani River in defiance of the agreement. "Israel is committed to the successful implementation of the ceasefire, but we will not accept a return to the situation as it stood on October 6, 2023," Saar said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public broadcaster Kan reported that U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who brokered the truce, warned Israel over alleged violations. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for a "powerful blow" against Hezbollah, saying the group had made a "big mistake" by targeting Israeli territory. (Reporting by Adam Makary, Jaidaa Taha, Tala Ramadan, Maya Gebeily, Suleiman Al Khalidi and Maayan Lubell; Writing by Adam Makary and Tala Ramadan; Editing by Crispian Balmer, Alex Richardson, Andrew Heavens, Alison Williams and David Gregorio) North Dakota House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, left, R-Dickinson, speaks during a meeting of the Legislative Management Committee next to Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, R-Minot, on Nov. 13, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) The North Dakota Legislature is preparing to give newer lawmakers an experience boost during the upcoming legislative session with term limits expected to turn over about half the lawmakers in 2028. Lawmakers will meet for the organizational session of the Legislature Monday through Wednesday. Newly elected officials will receive training on the legislative basics, receive their laptops and their committee designations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee assignments could provide a quicker path into leadership roles than in the past, said House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson. I remember when I was a freshman, it was an overwhelming experience. Its a lot to take in, in a very short period of time, Lefor said. He said the House may appoint multiple vice chairs to some committees to give more lawmakers experience in helping steer a committee. Lefor added he may open up the committee leadership meetings to more lawmakers so they can observe the process. Under the term limits measure, North Dakota lawmakers cant serve more than eight years in the state House and eight years in the state Senate, which would limit new lawmakers to four legislative sessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Dakota voters approved term limits in 2022. I was elected majority (leader) in my fifth session and I was blessed to have a lot of people around me that had a tremendous amount of experience, Lefor said. But, if you look in the future, you might see that more leadership that is only there for one session. Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, R-Minot, said the Senate will continue to appoint multiple vice chairs to committees and is planning on putting some newer lawmakers on the Appropriations Committee to gain more budget experience. Its always helpful to have knowledge of what weve done with the budget in the past and what the agencies have told the legislative branch so they have a base of continuity in terms of the budget, Hogue said. North Dakota Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, R-Minot, speaks on the House floor during a meeting of the Legislative Management Committee on Nov. 14, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) New lawmakers filled out a survey about their interests and what they would like their first committee assignments to be, Lefor said. The Committee of Committees uses those responses to provide recommendations for assignments to each chambers leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Dakota House Minority Leader Zachary Ista, D-Grand Forks, said incoming lawmakers may not have the time that previous legislators had to get their feet under them. We need folks to become subject matter experts in short order because they only have a short time to leave their stamp on those subjects, Ista said. Ista said having multiple vice chairs for committees to broaden the experience pool would be a good idea. He also proposed having more experienced legislators in a vice chair role could provide guidance to less-experienced committee chairs. Ista said hes not too worried about the first term-limit turnover coming in 2028 because he believes it is on the radar of every lawmaker in leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No doubt, theres going to be a loss of institutional knowledge and there is going to be a risk of that knowledge and power shifting to the executive branch or to interest groups that are around the Capitol, Ista said. But ultimately, I think this is one of those issues where the voters made their judgment and its one we can respect and honor just as long as we are doing our best to prepare for it. Rep.-elect Collette Brown, D-Warwick, said she feels the pressure to get up to speed quickly. Brown, a former lobbyist with experience watching previous legislative sessions behind the brass railing on the chamber floors, said shes been relying on her fellow District 9 Dem-NPL running mate, Rep. Jayme Davis, D-Rolette, for advice on being an effective lawmaker. She also said shed like to be mentored by a more seasoned legislator to round out her experience. Listening and watching, you dont get to hear, you are not privy to those conversations on the other side of the railing, Brown said. So, I am looking forward to finding a good mentor who will be real with me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lefor said there were so many lawmakers willing to help out with the mentorship program he couldve assigned two or three legislators to each of the new representatives. Hogue said he encourages senior members of committees to mentor the committee freshmen, but those mentorships are informal. I do a lot of it myself and, in fact, thats one of the more enjoyable parts of the job, Hogue said. Just about everybody who runs has a passion for public policy but you may not be as well informed about how to be successful in getting your policy adopted as law. And thats part of the mentorship that I focus on. Hogue said he believes Legislative Council staff will need to preserve some of the institutional knowledge of the Legislature going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily Thompson, legal division director for the Legislative Council, said training scheduled for the last day of the organizational session aims to help new committee chairs learn how to run an effective legislative committee. She said a similar training was held before the previous legislative session. Emily Thompson, legal division director for the North Dakota Legislative Council, speaks during a meeting of the Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee on March 20, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) It was really a big hit having new chairmen be able to ask kind of those more seasoned chairmen like, What do you do if somebody wont go away from the microphone and its been 30 minutes and you are way over time? Like, how you handle those situations? Thompson said. She added sometimes legislators feel more comfortable asking questions of other lawmakers instead of the legislative staff. Legislative Council also made a new training document for incoming legislators with information such as explaining what a quorum is to where to go in case of a tornado, Thompson said. When asked if North Dakotans should be worried about the impacts of legislative term limits going forward, Hogue said hes worried. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I dont worry about a lot, Hogue said. Were adapting without waiting until it becomes a reality. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX To the editor: I fully agree with George Skeltons views on the electoral college . In 1989, as a newly elected member of the Democratic National Committee from California, I submitted a resolution calling for the abolishment of the electoral college to the DNC Resolutions Committee. Due to my inexperience, the resolution never made it out of the committee. I served for 32 years on the DNC, and lived through two presidential elections (2000 and 2016) where the Democratic candidate won the popular vote but lost in the electoral college. Mary Ellen Early, Sherman Oaks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement .. To the editor: The electoral college is a weird way to elect a president, and on more than one occasion I've questioned the method. But, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. As I see it, this is the United States of America, with the word "States" being the most important. I like the idea of each state having a say in our elections and not populous "bullies" such as California or New York having outsized power over the rest of the country. George W. Bush lost the popular vote to Al Gore and, according to many, was a dud as president. The second Iraq war and the onset of the "great recession" can be placed directly at his feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, the elites' strategy of "anyone but Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders" resulted in the election of Joe Biden. He won the popular vote and the electoral college. His economic decisions and his border policy are seen by many as failures. So whether or not a president wins the popular vote doesnt mean Americans will think their years in the Oval Office were successful. Skelton may see the electoral college as antiquated, but there was a method to the madness of our founding fathers, who saw the value of restricting the power of the "bully" states to control the country. Mark Walker, Yorba Linda Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement .. To the editor: Its important to remember that negotiating a change to the Constitution could mean additional changes, such as removing term limits for presidents. I do wish the methods Nebraska and Maine use for calculating electoral votes (by congressional district versus statewide) would be adopted across the country. The Democrats' failure in this election lies squarely at the feet of President Biden. To her credit, Kamala Harris ran a competent campaign, and will be oh-so-welcome back home in California (possibly as a gubernatorial candidate). But if the Democratic Party continues on its current course, it will lose again in a national election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Larry Furman, Woodland Hills .. To the editor: The only way we'll get rid of the electoral college is if a Democrat wins the presidency while losing the popular vote. The newly elected president could push for its elimination and only then will the Republicans agree that the electoral college is a bad idea. Art Lacher, La Canada Flintridge 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. Sheriffs deputies arrested a man after a 24-year-old West Columbia resident was shot and killed Saturday at the Riverbend Apartments. Bradley Freeman Tucker was shot repeatedly in the upper body and pronounced dead outside of his residence in the 100 block of Riverbend Drive, near North Lucase Street, according to the Lexington County Coroners Office. On Sunday, the Lexington County Sheriffs Department released a statement on Facebook saying Justin Brandon McCrae, 26, was charged with murder in Tuckers death. McCrae was also charged with possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No information has been released about McRaes bond or what led to the shooting. According to the department, detectives interviewed nearby residents while crime scene investigators collected evidence. In a statement, the Lexington County Coroners Office said it also continues to investigate. Tuckers autopsy has been scheduled for Wednesday at MUSC in Charleston, South Carolina. This is a breaking news story. Check back for more information. DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) Four people have been shot in a matter of three days in Danville. Now, one community leader is urging people to come together to support those impacted by the violence. Danville is more than just where LeStan Hoskins works as a pastor. Its where hes raising his family. UPDATE: Danville PD arrests juvenile in connection with Saturday shooting In our community, theres been a myriad of things, Hoskins said. Theres been anger, hurt [and] sad. Theres been a lot of pain going on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesdays triple shooting killed a 33-year-old and a 17-year-old. The third victim has since been released from the hospital. As a dad, Hoskins says its tragic to lose such young lives. All life matters whether its older, younger, and its really sad for a life to be taken so young, Hoskins said. Theres so much life ahead for our youth here in town. Officers responded to that shooting which happened at a business near DACC around 2:45 p.m. Three days later, on Saturday, police say a 51-year-old woman was shot while walking through a parking lot. Its definitely unfortunate these things are happening, and people are trying to make sense of things, Hoskins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers responded near Bowman Avenue and Johnson Street around 3:15 p.m. to find her shot in the leg. Less than 24 hours later, detectives arrested and charged a 17-year-old in connection to the shooting. We all want our community to be safe, Hoskins said. We all want our community to be a place where we dont have to worry about violence or gunshots, so I think we need to come together, definitely pray, and if we see something, we need to say something. Hoskins said its time to come together to support those impacted by the violence while continuing to work to find who is behind Wednesdays deadly shooting. Hopefully we can get down to the bottom of this and see what happened, and do the best we can do to stop the violence in our community, Hoskins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No arrests have been made in connection to the shooting from Wednesday. The Danville Police Department is asking people to call if they have information. That number is 217-431-2250. People can also leave tips anonymously to Vermilion County Crime Stoppers at vccrimestoppers.org, on the P3 app or by calling 217-446-8477. 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 WCIA.com. Dec. 1NEW LONDON The city's housing authority is seeking approval to demolish nine older elderly and disabled residences in Gordon Court and replace them with a multi-story complex. The $30 million plan is part of a larger project that calls for redeveloping all three of the state-overseen facilities managed by the New London Housing Authority: Gordon Court, at 11 Gordon Court off Williams Street; the George Washington Carver Apartments on Colman Street; and Riozzi Court. All the 60-year-old complexes are open to tenants ages 62 or older or who are 100% disabled. The federally subsidized Williams Park Apartments on Hempstead Street, a high-rise-style building with 99 units, are not included in the demo and rebuild master project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. in City Hall will hold a public hearing on a site development plan submitted for the Gordon Court phase of the plan. Reducing buildings, adding apartments The Gordon Court project would replace 38 existing units, most divided into four-apartment buildings. The proposed stand-alone complex would house 86 apartments. Renderings show a three-story, U-shaped building on the west side of the property with 81 one-bedroom and five two-bedroom units. A permit application states 10% of the apartments will be handicapped accessible. First-floor plans show a main entrance vestibule and lobby, along with office and laundry spaces. Twenty-six apartments are spread along the main hall and two wings with a community room placed on the eastern-most section of the complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Associated improvements will include new utilities, parking for up to 29 vehicles and various landscaping additions. Though a recently awarded $250,000 state grant will cover planning for the Gordon Court project, the housing authority has not yet secured the state funding needed to raze the units and construct the new complex. Housing authority Executive Director Norbert Deslauriers on Tuesday said his group plans to submit a funding request to the Connecticut Housing Authority by Jan. 15, 2025, for federal tax credits that, in conjunction with anticipated state grants, would fund the work. "But we need Planning and Zoning Commission approval for the project as part of our application," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deslauriers said a project timeline anticipates demolition beginning in late 2025. "We're looking at 18 to 24 months to demolish the buildings and build the new complex," he said. Mayor Michael Passero said discussions about the project date back to before the COVID-19 pandemic and it has the support of state Department of Housing (DOH) officials. He said the detached residences at Gordon Court and other housing authority locations have problems related to their age. Residents for years have complained of mold and mildew in their buildings, as well as outdated appliances and a lack of timely maintenance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It doesn't make sense to put money into those residences they really can't be rehabbed," Passero said. "What we will be getting is a modern building, with more units, that looks like market-rate housing." Deslauriers said Gordon Court residents would be moved into other housing authority apartments during the work. The new building's extra units would be used to house tenants from the two other housing authority locations when their residences get torn down and replaced. Regaining housing vouchers The proposed upgrade work is also seen as a way to regain control over housing vouchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Passero and other city officials have cited the decade-old loss of its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program as one of the biggest obstacles to keeping the housing complexes in decent shape. The vouchers are part of a federal program to assist families, the elderly and disabled with low incomes afford housing. The voucher holders pay 30% of their monthly adjusted income for rent and utilities, and the program pays the rest of the rent. In 2013, the Housing Authority lost the ability to administer 114 vouchers and surrendered authority over its voucher program because it was operating inefficiently, according to the DOH. The program was transferred to the DOH, which currently administers more than 350 vouchers in the city. Officials said vouchers are the key to running a housing authority as they would generate additional revenue that can be used to hire more housing authority staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deslauriers said he met with Gordon Court residents in October to discuss the project. "There was a lot of discussion and a lot of questions," he said, adding he later compiled answers to the tenants' questions that he put in their doors. "These are old buildings that we've spent money on over the years. But it's been Band-Aids a lot of Band-Aids." j.penney@theday.com JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- South Africa is expected to see more travelers through its ports of entry during the upcoming December-January festive season, a government official said Monday. Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Michael Masiapato made the remarks in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, while briefing the media about control measures at the ports of entry during the festive season. During the pre-COVID festive period of 2019/2020, the BMA processed 6.3 million people at the port of entry before the number decreased to about 1.6 million in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 periods. "However, in the 2022/2023 period, we recovered to above 4 million people. The recovery continued in 2023/2024 to above 5 million. We are expecting a full recovery to the pre-COVID level of more than 6 million people during the upcoming festive season," said Masiapato. The BMA will adjust operating hours at some of the key ports that do not operate on a 24-hour basis, and discussions have been held with neighboring countries, including Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, to streamline border processes and coordinate work modalities for the festive period, Masiapato said. "We will also deploy more staff at the busiest ports of entry to assist the delivery of services and provide technical support." According to BMA, South Africa has 71 ports of entry, of which 52 are land ports of entry, 10 international airports and nine seaports. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) A London man is facing drug trafficking charges after reportedly being pulled over and found with methamphetamine. According to an arrest citation, 50-year-old Kevin Hampton was pulled over at 10:52 p.m. on Wednesday in a Motel 6 parking lot. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement London police said that K-9 Jack gave a positive sign for the possession of narcotics in the vehicle. While searching the car, the police said a large quantity of whats believed to be methamphetamine was found hidden in the back of a childs car seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the citation, the police noted that Hampton claimed the methamphetamine as his and was arrested. He was taken to the Laurel County Correctional Center and charged with: Trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine) Failure to signal Rear license not illuminated Hampton appeared in court Monday morning, according to state records. He is being held in the Laurel County Correctional Center on a $25,000 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 FOX 56 News. LRS Nothing like the real thing A companys success is largely dictated by its suppliers and buyers negotiating power, and the strength of its competition, argues the technologist Cal Paterson. Airlines have it rough there are only two main airplane manufacturers, customers are fickle, and its easy to enter the market. So their margins are slim. Meanwhile, being Coca-Cola is great. You can source ingredients from anywhere, and customers will reject even near-identical products like Pepsi, so competitors struggle. Large language models like ChatGPT are the big buzzy thing at the moment, and investors are pouring money into them. But they are probably more like airlines than they are Coca-Cola, argues Paterson. Customers dont seem to have any loyalty, developers only have one real supplier of chips in Nvidia, and the market has loads of competitors. That doesnt mean LLMs wont transform the world Whether the technology ends up being good or not is mostly unrelated to whether Open AI/Anthropic/Mistral/whoever makes any money off it. But like web browsers, he writes, they probably wont end up being a moneyspinner. A womans work Britain has a big South Asian population, largely Hindu and Muslim. Most Hindu women 58% work, compared to 37% of Muslim women. But in South Asia itself, female labor force participation is much lower: Hindu women work about as much as Muslim ones. Why the difference? Understanding this paradox, says the social scientist Alice Evans, offers crucial insights into the drivers of patriarchy, and the pathways to gender equality! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The difference appears to be driven by caste: In India, it is a mark of high caste for women not to work, and as families of lower caste gained money, they adopted the customs of higher ones. In Britain, the caste system is far weaker, and high-status women usually work. This has crucial implications for policy in South Asia, Evans writes in her newsletter, The Great Gender Divergence: Reducing the salience of caste and showcasing high-status groups embracing female employment should boost female employment. Crime and punishment The US Democratic Party is having a postmortem on its defeat in the presidential election. The Democrat-supporting political writer Matthew Yglesias is among the thinkers putting forward ideas for how to recover. One part of his manifesto is that the party should remember that crime is bad, something it has apparently forgotten: Since about 2008, the Democrats have become ambivalent about the idea of punishing people who break the rules, to the point that the party says we need to accept disorderly and dysfunctional public spaces. This comes from a well-meaning place, says Yglesias. Democrats wanted to make the criminal justice system less cruel. But it has ended up, in many cases, as simply not enforcing laws. This is politically unviable, but its also a false humanitarianism. Most low-income people are not criminals, and its precisely the poorest and most vulnerable people who most need [public spaces] to be actually good. Accepting disorder disproportionately hurts the least privileged. Building a more humane system has to mean actually finding better ideas for maintaining public order, says Yglesias, not giving up on the goal. A For Sale sign is seen on March 19 in Austin, Texas. 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% of consumers spending in 2023, making it the largest share of consumer expenditures, according to the most recently available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And that was an increase of 4.7% from 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, many Americans still struggle to find affordable housing, whether they choose to rent or buy a home. A lot of economists and housing advocates still dont know 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% tariff on goods from China, which he has said would create more manufacturing jobs in the United States. Tariffs could be as high as 20% 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% 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. A For Sale sign is seen on March 19 in Austin, Texas. 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 in which voters were laser-focused on the economy. Housing accounted for 32.9% 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% 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% 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% 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% 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. Millions of Americans, including those in Wisconsin, have donated and volunteered on Giving Tuesday the Tuesday after Thanksgiving since its launch more than a decade ago. Last year, Americans donated more than $560 billion to charity, with more than a third of the money comings from individuals, according to a WalletHub report. Millions of people across the U.S. are also volunteering a combined total of more than four billion hours per year, or the equivalent of $122.9 billion in contributions. Here's how you can get involved in Giving Tuesday this year, plus some local volunteering options across Milwaukee: What is Giving Tuesday? Since 2012, Giving Tuesday falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving as a call for millions of people to donate and volunteer for charities and organizations across the globe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there isn't a list of participating nonprofits, the organization encourages people to "give to any nonprofit, community organization, mutual aid association, individual or cause that speaks to your heart." Here are a few ways you can give, according to Asha Curran, GivingTuesday's Chief Executive Officer: Contact your local nonprofit association for volunteer opportunities Ask your local school if you can pay the outstanding school lunch debt of students who are struggling with food insecurity Offer to pay for someone's groceries Leave a waiter a generous tip Give out packed lunches Find a nonprofit to donate to by searching Charity Navigator and GuideStar by Candid How much money is raised during Giving Tuesday? According to a report on its website, Giving Tuesday estimates that donations in the U.S. totaled $3.1 billion in 2023, up slightly from 2022. Last year, 34 million Americans participated in Giving Tuesday, a 10% decrease over 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since its launch in 2012, Giving Tuesday reported more than $13 billion total in donations across the globe. How to volunteer in Milwaukee For those looking to volunteer in the Milwaukee area, here are just a few options to consider during Giving Tuesday. USA TODAY contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Stock the Shelves returns for 15th year. Here's how you can help support local food pantries RELATED: On Giving Tuesday, your support of local journalism allows Wisconsin reporting to flourish This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Giving Tuesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; how to volunteer, donate Europe's Lufthansa Group airlines will not resume flights to Israel until at least February because of security risks from the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the Frankfurt-based company announced on Monday. The decision applies to all Lufthansa Group airlines, which include Austrian Airlines, SWISS, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings in addition to the German flagship carrier Lufthansa. There will likewise be no Lufthansa Group flights to the Iranian capital Tehran through January 31, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flights to the Lebanese capital Beirut, meanwhile, will remain suspended through February 28, 2025. The Lufthansa Group had previously cancelled all flights to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport only through the end of December. Affected passengers can rebook to a later travel date free of charge or receive a refund of the ticket price, the airline group said. The 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has taken 11 Russian soldiers prisoner during a battle in Russias Kursk Oblast. Source: 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade on Telegram Details: During an unsuccessful Russian assault operation in Kursk Oblast, Lviv-based air assault troops defeated the Russian assault group. Some of the Russian soldiers fled, and the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade took prisoner those who tried to hide near the site of combat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade shared a video in which several Russian soldiers former prisoners who signed a contract with the Russian army and joined the 11th Air Assault Brigade tell their stories. In the video, they say that a unit of Russian forces was tasked with recapturing a town that is currently controlled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and where Russian civilians still reside. The unit, composed largely of poorly trained and equipped former prisoners, was deployed as cannon fodder; their commanders fled as soon as the battle started. Some of the Russians decided to capitulate after meeting Ukrainian resistance, which ultimately saved their lives. Support UP or become our patron! Most people join the police because they want to help people. They want to protect those who are most vulnerable. But because of the current obsession with treating everything as a hate incident, our precious resources are being taken away from those who are suffering the most. Such incidents may meet the legal definition of a hate crime, but all proportionality is lost. As soon as that stamp goes on it, its almost out of our hands. My main frustration is that hate crimes are being treated as higher priority than other more serious offences. This is an insult to the vulnerable victims I work with, many of whom have been victims of violence and abuse. I might have a victim who has been assaulted by her partner, but she doesnt get the same help and resources as someone who has been called a slur in the street. Its a lot more complicated than people think. Theres a public perception that hate crime is mostly white people on non-white people but, in reality, the majority of perpetrators of hate crime are minority on minority. There is intrusive supervision from the senior leadership team when dealing with these types of crimes. Someone who has been assaulted by their partner wont get the same support as someone who has been called a slur in the street - Tolga Akmen/AFP There was an incident recently where it was an extremely busy weekend and we had a man who had recently come out of a psychiatric hospital. He walked into a synagogue, washed his hands at the sink, muttered the word Israel at one point and walked back out again. This was taken as a hate crime, and four officers were dispatched. Four detectives were utilised to look back through CCTV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost nothing we could do could satisfy the senior leadership team that there wasnt a real allegation there. It dragged on and he was in custody for 30 hours. There are genuine threats, of course, but we are inundated and sifting between those real incidents and minor hate crimes is really difficult. In this case, it was simply mental health issues. We were getting rung up by superintendents from across the entire force about this incident and the same weekend there were a dozen victims of domestic violence, some of whom had been subjected to quite serious assaults. The senior leadership team expressed comparatively little interest in those cases. That disparity is frustrating. As soon as the words hate crime get mentioned, it becomes the most important thing we have to deal with. While these incidents can be extremely distressing, theyre quite fleeting in comparison to things like domestic violence, which can ruin your whole life. I would go as far as to say hate crime is a vastly overused term and it has spawned a bureaucratic nightmare. If someones a victim of any crime, theres a paperwork trail. If theyre a victim of a hate crime, police officers have to fill in the normal crime form, plus a 124H, the Hate Crime Risk Assessment tool, which is 30 questions long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its actually kind of risible when you have to read it out to people. Someone might have had something yelled at them in the street, and you have to ask them with a straight face whether they think the person who said that is part of a terrorist or extremist organisation. They say: I dont know, it was just some random person who came up to me in the supermarket. Hate crime can be distressing, but is fleeting in comparison to things like domestic violence, which can ruin lives - Gerard Ferry/Alamy A lot of the incidents Ive dealt with have been on the streets, but online hate crime is crippling the police. Its so easy to commit both online hate crimes and other communications offences, but they are so hard to investigate. You need to check the IP address, contact who is running the telephonics system, it takes forever. And this is often for really quite minor crimes, in relative terms were just spending hours and hours trying to get hold of this electronic data, when our limited time could be better spent on more serious crimes. Most of our communications offences are from Acts passed in 1997, so they just havent taken into account the ease with which people can send messages online; theyre based around a pre-internet methodology, and desperately need updating. In the meantime, were left floundering. Hate mail used to be a poison pen letter. Now you can have someone sitting in their bedroom firing off hundreds of messages a day. Its a classic problem in policing: in trying to address an issue, theyve taken an extremely rigid, monolithic approach that has placed even greater strain on frontline resources. As I said earlier, if you have a hate crime, it could be as minor as a common assault, but because it has that label, you just cant ever get rid of it. Youve got all sorts of different units putting little comments on your crime report, or emailing you asking whats going on. I just think that theyre not doing that for any of the other serious victims of crime Im dealing with. Why are they responding differently to reports of minor hate crimes? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need a serious reckoning on what it actually means to commit a crime online. The mantra in policing used to be that we police without fear or favour. That just doesnt seem to be the case anymore. As told to Abigail Buchanan 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. Massad Boulos doesnt have meaningful diplomatic experience, but hes Tiffany Trumps father-in-law; he campaigned for the Republican ticket this year; and so Donald Trump has chosen him to serve as his senior adviser for Arab and Middle Eastern affairs in his second term. But as it turns out, the president-elects other daughter also has a father-in-law, whos also poised to get a notable position in the second Trump administration. NBC News reported: President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday said he would nominate Charles Kushner, a real estate developer and the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France. ... The president-elect also mentioned his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, in the post, highlighting the work Jared Kushner did in his first administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At first blush, it might seem curious that the president-elect chose members of his extended family, twice in the same weekend, for governmental jobs. But when it comes to Charles Kushner, theres a bit more to this story. Kushner is perhaps best known for having been convicted of tax evasion, witness tampering, and making illegal campaign contributions. Of particular interest, though, was the fact that Kushner, according to evidence uncovered by prosecutors, hired a prostitute to coax his brother-in-law whod agreed to testify against him into a motel room and then sent a video recording of the sexual encounter to Kushners sister, all in the hopes of keeping him silent. None other than former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, during his tenure as a U.S. attorney, prosecuted the case and later called Kushners actions one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As NBC News report added, In 2005, the elder Kushner was sentenced to two years in prison as part of a plea deal after he pleaded guilty to 18 counts. Shortly before Christmas Eve 2020, when Trump was preparing to leave the White House and it seemed implausible that his political career would recover, the then-president pardoned Kushner. Evidently, that wasnt a big enough gift and four years later, the president-elect decided to reward Kushner with a plum diplomatic position, too. As a rule, its not common for people to make the transition from prison to an ambassadorial position in Paris, but in the world of Trump, strange things happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be sure, this is hardly the most controversial of the Republicans many ridiculous personnel choices, and no one would be shocked to see the GOP-led Senate confirm Kushner to the diplomatic post next year. But as the process advances, its worth appreciating what Trump and his team are doing to lower contemporary personnel standards. Its also worth wondering if anyone else in Trumps family might also soon be tapped for interesting federal jobs. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Starting Sunday, China will give all the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, becoming the first major developing country and the first major economy to take such a significant measure. As observers have noted, the move meets the development needs of countries from the global south, highlighting China's commitment to sharing development opportunities with nations worldwide through tangible actions. It demonstrates China's willingness to further open its market and will promote China-Africa trade, Christopher Mutsvangwa, Zimbabwe's ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) party Politburo member and ZANU PF secretary for information and publicity, told Xinhua in an interview. Chinese consumers are showing a growing interest in African agricultural products, with Zimbabwean oranges and other agricultural products making their way into the Chinese market, said Mutsvangwa. In the future, it is hoped that sesame and other agricultural products can also find their place in the Chinese market, he said. Benefitting from China's zero-tariff treatment are products from Madagascar, including agricultural products, textile and clothing products, seafood products and handicraft products, said Rabenja Claudio, a Malagasy international relations expert. On top of tariff exemptions, China is exploring comprehensive measures to assist Africa in promoting trade, not least by facilitating trade agreements, supporting cross-border e-commerce, and assisting exhibitors from African countries to participate in various exhibitions in China, said Yang Baorong, a researcher at the China-Africa Institute. During the 7th China International Import Expo last month, China provided over 120 free booths to exhibitors from 37 least developed countries while focusing on showcasing special agricultural products from Africa. Tanzania Future Enterprises Company Limited, which produces, processes, packages, and sells beekeeping products, is one of the 34 Tanzanian exhibitors participating in the expo. Jackson Mponela, the company's production manager for commerce and development, said the expo paves the way for Tanzanian honey products to enter the Chinese market, an important milestone for the Tanzanian honey brand to go global. China's policies such as tariff exemptions, support for cross-border e-commerce, and platforms like the expo provided immense growth opportunities for African businesses, he said. This year also marked the debut of Madagascar's mutton products at the expo. Michel Anondraka, director general of agriculture and livestock at Madagascar's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, said that China's huge market will boost production for local livestock farmers and speed up the African country's agricultural modernization. Experts have said that the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines aims to promote development through trade, serving as a powerful driver for economic cooperation in the global South. "Africa is the continent with the largest number of least developed countries, and China's zero-tariff measure aims to drive industrial cooperation upgrading through large-scale trade, enhance China-Africa cooperation, and encourage more countries from the Global South to jointly pursue modernization," Yang said. It would be an overstatement to suggest that Pete Hegseth, Donald Trumps scandal-plagued choice to lead the Department of Defense, has never overseen an organization. The Republican might be known to the public as a former Fox News host, but he also ran two advocacy organizations: Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America. In theory, this might make his prospective Pentagon nomination appear slightly more credible. In practice, its not nearly that simple: The New Yorkers Jane Mayer wrote a brutal new report indicating that Hegseth was forced to step down from his role in both groups in the face of serious allegations of financial mismanagement, sexual impropriety, and personal misconduct. A previously undisclosed whistle-blower report on Hegseths tenure as the president of Concerned Veterans for America, from 2013 until 2016, describes him as being repeatedly intoxicated while acting in his official capacityto the point of needing to be carried out of the organizations events. The detailed seven-page reportwhich was compiled by multiple former C.V.A. employees and sent to the organizations senior management in February, 2015states that, at one point, Hegseth had to be restrained while drunk from joining the dancers on the stage of a Louisiana strip club, where he had brought his team. The report also says that Hegseth, who was married at the time, and other members of his management team sexually pursued the organizations female staffers, whom they divided into two groupsthe party girls and the not party girls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same report added that Hegseths former colleagues complained about his groups operating under hostile workplace conditions and ignoring serious accusations of impropriety. (Neither NBC News nor MSNBC has independently confirmed the allegations in Mayers report.) Mayer also spoke with one person who worked with Hegseth who said, Ive seen him drunk so many times. Ive seen him dragged away not a few times but multiple times. To have him at the Pentagon would be scary. The same unnamed source added that when many Concerned Veterans for America employees heard Hegseth was under consideration to serve as secretary of defense, it wasnt No, it was Hell No! A lawyer representing Hegseth described shared a statement with The New Yorker in which he said a Hegseth "adviser" described the report as outlandish, and attributed the allegations to a petty and jealous disgruntled former associate. (Hegseths attorney declined to comment to NBC News, and the Trump transition team didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New Yorker report, however, doesnt rely on a single source. Rather, it follows a trail of documents, corroborated by the accounts of former colleagues, which characterizes Hegseth as a predatory racist with a substance abuse problem who badly mismanaged the only two organizations he ever led. The report also comes just days after The New York Times published a related report on a 2018 email Hegseths mother sent to him in which she accused him of routinely mistreating women and displaying a lack of character. (She later disavowed that message and apologized in a subsequent email; neither MSNBC nor NBC News have obtained her emails.) Whether Trump and his team, whove largely rejected the idea of conducting background checks, were aware of any of these allegations is unclear. Nevertheless, these allegations arent the only thing that should doom the prospects for the prospective Pentagon leader. We are, after all, talking about a right-wing television personality whos argued, as recently as this month, that women in the armed forces shouldnt be allowed to serve in combat roles. Hegseth has also talked about ousting military leaders from their positions if he considers them woke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats more, hes written bizarre and conspiratorial books, condemned the militarys ban on right-wing extremists, and peddled anti-Muslim rhetoric. Perhaps most importantly, a woman accused Hegseth of sexual assault in 2017. Hes denied the allegations, insisting the sexual encounter was consensual. The former Fox News host paid his accuser an undisclosed amount of money in exchange for her staying quiet. (No charges were filed in the case.) By any sane measure, Hegseth is the least qualified and most scandal-plagued Pentagon nominee in American history. In a healthy political environment, he wouldn't even be considered for such a powerful and important leadership position. Hell be confirmed anyway unless four Senate Republicans step up and oppose him. Watch this space. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com President Joe Bidens son Hunter was facing the possibility of a prison sentence on federal gun charges and federal tax evasion charges. Thanks to a presidential pardon, the defendant no longer has anything to worry about. My MSNBC colleague Hayley Miller explained: President Joe Biden on Sunday issued a full and unconditional pardon for his son Hunter Biden, who has been dogged by Republican attacks for years. ... The pardon is expected to cover both his gun charges and his tax charges, reported NBC News, the first outlet to report on the decision. It covers any offenses the 54-year-old has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. Theres no shortage of angles to a story like this one, but broadly speaking, there are two sides to the story. On the one hand, theres the outgoing president, who argued that his adult son wouldnt even have been prosecuted if his last name werent Biden. The pardon, by this reasoning, is about advancing the cause of justice and righting a prosecutorial wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the other hand, theres the simple fact that Biden publicly said he wouldnt intervene in his sons case and had no intention of issuing a presidential pardon. Then he did the opposite, causing an uproar among Republicans. Complicating matters, both arguments have merit. Would Hunter Biden have faced a prison sentence if he werent related to the president? Probably not. Should presidents keep their word when they make public commitments? Of course. Its relatively easy to make the case that, in this instance, both the president and his critics have a point. The one person, however, who should sit this one out, is Donald Trump, who apparently couldnt help himself. Shortly after the White House announced the pardon for the incumbent presidents son, the Republican president-elect published an item to his social media platform that read, Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, Jan. 6 criminals are not hostages. Second, if were going to talk about pardons, abuses and miscarriages of justice, Trump might not like where the conversation ends up. Indeed, by any fair measure, Trumps record on pardons is arguably the worst in American history. During his first term, he effectively wielded his pardon power as a corrupt weapon, rewarding loyalists, completing cover-ups, undermining federal law enforcement, and doling out perverse favors to the politically connected. Trumps list of scandalous pardon abuses is so long, it could be a lengthy book. The names should be familiar: Paul Manafort. Michael Flynn. Steve Bannon. Roger Stone. Seven different Republican members of Congress who were locked up for corruption crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump saw presidential pardons as get-out-of-jail-free cards for his friends and associates, engaging in the kind of brazen corruption that wouldve defined his term were it not eclipsed by other breathtaking scandals. If prominent GOP voices want Biden to pay a political price for pardoning his son, fine. He said he wouldnt do this, then he did it anyway, and in the process, he invited political attacks that are rooted in fact for a change. But if Trump thinks he has the moral high ground on the issue, thats bonkers. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Exactly eight years ago this week, then-House Speaker Paul Ryan appeared on 60 Minutes and talked to CBS News Scott Pelley about his expectations for Donald Trumps incoming administration. At the time, the Wisconsin Republican said hed spoken to the then-president-elect extensively about constitutional limits and the separation of powers, and he was optimistic about the road ahead. Ryan assured viewers that Trump felt very strongly, actually, that under President Obamas watch, he stripped a lot of power away from the Constitution, away from the legislative branch of government. And we want to reset the balance of power. Pelley, somewhat surprised, asked, You dont think [Trump] thinks hes going to run this country the way he wants to? Ryan responded, No, I think he understands theres a Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight years later, its hard to know whether to laugh or cry. Trump might very well have wanted to reset the balance of power, but despite the then-speakers confidence, it certainly wasnt in Congress favor. As the president-elect eyes a second term, Ryans assurances from 2016 appear even more absurd. The New York Times reported over the holiday weekend: President-elect Donald J. Trumps determination to crash over traditional governmental guardrails will present a fundamental test of whether the Republican-controlled Senate can maintain its constitutional role as an independent institution and a check on presidential power. With Mr. Trump putting forward a raft of contentious prospective nominees and threatening to challenge congressional authority in other ways, Republicans who will hold the majority come January could find themselves in the precarious position of having to choose between standing up for their institution or bowing to a president dismissive of government norms. The Times analysis added that Trumps ambitions risk doing permanent damage to the Senate and undermining the nations constitutional system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be sure, the Republican spent much of the year running on an authoritarian-style platform. As regular readers know, Trump threatened perceived foes with prison sentences, endorsed a strongman leadership style, bragged about his support from dictators, raised the prospect of a temporary American dictatorship, promised a crackdown on the free press, and talked about terminating parts of the Constitution that stand in the way of his ambitions. Trump also argued that his rivals shouldnt be allowed to run against him, targeted immigrants with Hitler-style rhetoric while promising to create militarized mass deportations and detention camps, vowed to issue pardons to politically aligned criminals, and insisted that those who criticize judges and Supreme Court justices that he likes should be put in jail. And did I mention that he has raised the specter of military tribunals for his perceived domestic political foes? Because he did that, too. But as part of the 2024 campaign, Trump did not go out of his way to emphasize his plans to consolidate federal power in the executive, shifting authority away from the legislative branch. Now that Election Day has come and gone, however, this has become a central element of his vision for the near future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Posts Ruth Marcus recently published an important summary on this, highlighting the degree to which the president-elect is setting the stage for an alarming takeover, focused on a vast, dangerous and unconstitutional expansion of presidential power. This agenda, Marcus added, includes not just emasculating the Senates advice-and-consent role but also refusing to spend money that lawmakers have appropriated, curbing the independence of federal regulatory agencies and eviscerating the nonpartisan civil service. The same day, The New York Times Jamelle Bouie explained, In our system, the executive branch cannot exercise the full power of the legislature. It cannot act as a monarch would. The sovereign people did not imbue their power into a leviathan. The upshot of this is that any interpretation of the Constitution that grants the president monarchical power is wrong. The structure of the Constitution precludes a royal prerogative, and the ethos of American democracy forbids it. Its a vision that Trump appears eager to discard, rejecting the very idea of the separation of powers, and taking steps to seize additional governmental authority for himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question then becomes what GOP members of Congress ostensibly a co-equal branch of government intend to do about it. Well learn soon enough how federal lawmakers respond to a chief executive trying to consolidate power in the Oval Office, but the early evidence is hardly encouraging. Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, for example, recently told Fox News that Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will soon be running the Senate. The Alabaman added that, as far as hes concerned, its not up to senators to determine whether Trumps cabinet nominees have merit. Of course, in reality, Tuberville was overlooking one of the Senates most important responsibilities, pretending that the Constitutions advise-and-consent authority doesnt exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around the same time, Republican Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas added, in reference to the president-elect, Hes got a mission statement, his mission and his goals and objectives, whatever that is, we need to embrace it, all of it, every single word. ... If Donald Trump says, Jump three feet high and scratch your head, we all jump three feet high and scratch your heads. Thats it. The preservation of our constitutional system will require elected lawmakers standing up for their own power. Given the increasingly pitiful state of congressional Republicans, its difficult to be optimistic. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Just one week after Donald Trump won a second White House term, the president-elect announced that he wanted then-Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz to serve as the next attorney general. This was, of course, utterly insane: The Florida congressman wasnt just manifestly unqualified, he was also burdened by devastating scandals and a lengthy criminal investigation into alleged sex trafficking. Eight days after the president-elect made his selection, Gaetz withdrew from consideration, recognizing the fact that he faced insurmountable and bipartisan opposition. (Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and a Justice Department investigation concluded last year without bringing any charges against him.) In theory, this shouldve taught Trump a valuable and timely lesson: Limits still exist. Many of his outlandish picks will likely be confirmed by a Republican-led Senate, but as the Gaetz fiasco helped prove, the president-elect can go too far and face meaningful pushback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In practice, Trump has learned nothing. An Axios report published over the weekend noted that people close to the president-elect say he feels empowered and emboldened, vindicated and validated, and eager to stretch the boundaries of power. The evidence to bolster the observation is overwhelming. My MSNBC colleague Clarissa-Jan Lim reported on Saturday: President-elect Donald Trump has picked MAGA loyalist Kash Patel as FBI director, signaling his intention to overhaul the intelligence agency he has long criticized. Patel is expected to face an uphill battle for Senate confirmation. ... Patel is known as a diehard Trump loyalist who has echoed the president-elects grievances and threats against the intelligence community. During Trumps first term, Patel served on the National Security Council and as chief of staff to the acting defense secretary. As regular readers might recall, Patel first came to national attention during Trumps first impeachment scandal. Fiona Hill, the former top Russia expert at the White House National Security Council, told Congress that she discovered that the then-president was ignoring the NSCs Ukraine expert, choosing instead to listen to Patel which struck Hill as quite odd. In fact, Patel had no expertise on Ukraine, though he was a congressional aide who seemed to have a knack for telling Trump whatever the then-president wanted to hear. With this in mind, Hill found it necessary to warn her staff to be very careful about communications with the Republican operative, and she removed Patel from internal distribution lists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year later, Trump gave him a promotion, and Patel landed a plum assignment at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Nine months after that, the outgoing Republican president gave Patel another promotion, naming him to a prominent position at the Pentagon. By some accounts, Trump, after his 2020 defeat, even wanted to make Patel the deputy director of the CIA, though other insiders pushed back aggressively and derailed the idea. Former Attorney General William Barr wrote in his memoir that Trump also considered making Patel the deputy director of the FBI, though Barr said he told the White House that would happen over my dead body. In his book, Barr added that Patel had virtually no experience that would qualify him to serve at the highest level of the worlds preeminent law enforcement agency. The very idea of moving Patel into a role like this showed a shocking detachment from reality. Its against this backdrop that Trump wants Patel to lead the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the political world digests this absurdity, there are four key questions to keep in mind. 1. What about Chris Wray? Implicit in Trumps Saturday announcement was the fact that hes replacing Chris Wray, the current FBI director whom Trump tapped for the job seven years ago, after the scandalous firing of James Comey. While casual observers might see this as somehow routine presidents get to pick members of their team the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation isnt a member of the White House cabinet. On the contrary, FBI directors serve 10-year terms, overlapping presidential administrations, to prevent the kind of politicized abuses that Trump is eager to engage in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, before we even get to Patels lack of qualifications, its enormously important to appreciate the fact that the incoming American president is poised to oust an FBI director, without cause, again. Under normal circumstances in a healthy political environment, this alone would be the basis for a major, presidency-defining controversy. (Lets also not forget that President Joe Biden, upon taking office four years ago, couldve replaced Trumps handpicked FBI director with someone new. The Democrat chose not to. The funny thing, while Biden decided to keep Trumps FBI director, Trump himself is eager to replace him.) 2. Is Patel qualified to lead the FBI? Not even a little. Patel has earned a reputation as a radical political operative, conspiracy theorist, election denier, and a sycophantic Trump lackey who wrote a childrens book in which told the story of a wizard named Kash who tries to save King Donald from Hillary Queenton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just as importantly, hes publicly condemned the bureau and threatened to go after the president-elects perceived foes. We will go out and find the conspirators, not just in government but in the media, Patel told Steve Bannon one year ago this week. Yes, were going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections were going to come after you. Whether its criminally or civilly, well figure that out. He went on to say, Were actually going to use the Constitution to prosecute them for crimes they said we have always been guilty of but never have. In fact, Patel has repeatedly boasted about his ambitions to seek revenge against Trumps detractors and launch investigations into Trumps opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An article in The Atlantic, published over the summer, explained, Kash Patel was dangerous. On this both Trump appointees and career officials could agree. ... Patel was dangerous, several of them told me, not because of a certain plan he would be poised to carry out if given control of the CIA or FBI, but because he appeared to have no plan at all his priorities today always subject to a mercurial presidents wishes tomorrow. 3. Would a Patel nomination undermine democracy? The Atlantics Tom Nichols wrote in response to Trumps announcement about the broader concerns surrounding such a choice. The Russians speak of power ministries, the departments that have significant legal and coercive capacity. In the United States, those include the Justice Department, the Defense Department, the FBI, and the intelligence community. Trump has now named sycophants to lead each of these institutions, a move that eliminates important obstacles to his frequently expressed desires to use the armed forces, federal law-enforcement agents, intelligence professionals, and government lawyers as he chooses, unbounded by the law or the Constitution. If you want to assemble the infrastructure of an authoritarian government, this is how you do it. 4. Will Patel be confirmed? The most important number in American politics next year will be four. Thats the number of Senate Republicans wholl have to balk in order to reject Trumps most ridiculous nominees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will these four votes materialize? The Wall Street Journal reported, Some of President-elect Donald Trumps top advisers in recent weeks warned him it would be problematic to nominate Kash Patel, one of his most loyal foot soldiers, to lead the FBI, even as it became increasingly clear Trump was leaning in that direction. They cautioned that Patel not only lacked the right experience, but they feared his embrace of controversial theories could hurt his chances at Senate confirmation, people familiar with the discussions said. That said, as of this writing, exactly zero GOP senators have publicly condemned the choice, and quite a few Senate Republicans spent the weekend praising Patel, even going so far as to endorse his looming nomination ahead of next years confirmation hearings. Watch this space. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com In June 2019, Donald Trump threatened Mexico with a series of punitive trade tariffs. The then- president backed off soon after, claiming that hed secured a series of policy victories as a result of his ultimatum toward the U.S. neighbor. Indeed, at the time, the Republican seemed eager to pat himself on the back, claiming that Mexico, desperate to avoid tariffs, had agreed to impose dramatic new curbs on immigrants trying to reach American soil, as well as vowing to immediately begin buying large quantities of agricultural product from American farmers. Just as notably, Trump said the bilateral agreement included secret benefits that he wasnt prepared to divulge. A closer look, however, shredded the entire story. Mexico hadnt agreed to new curbs on immigrants; there were no new agricultural purchases; and when Mexicos foreign minister was asked about the secret benefits that Trump referred to, he said he didnt have the foggiest idea what the American president was talking about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By all appearances, the Republican backed himself into a corner, pushing a tariff threat that he didnt actually want to implement. So, as a face-saving move, Trump made up an illusory deal assuming, of course, that the public wouldnt know the difference in order to give himself an excuse to back away from a threat he hadnt fully thought through in the first place. More than five years later, something similar appears to have happened. NBC News reported: In what looks like a case of he said, she said, President-elect Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum appear to have starkly different recollections of a conversation that covered the hot-button issue of migration. After the phone chat late Wednesday, Trump wrote on social media that the Mexican leader had agreed to stop immigration through Mexico and to the United States. Some context is in order. Seven days ago, the Republican president-elect vowed to impose new trade tariffs on imported goods from each of the United States three largest trading partners. Trump specifically raised the prospect of slapping a 25% tariff on ALL products from Mexico adding that the policy would remain in place until hes satisfied that Drugs and all Illegal Aliens are no longer reaching American soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days later, Trump published an item to his social media platform, claiming thered been a breakthrough of sorts: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, he said, agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border. Sheinbaum soon after issued a statement saying largely the opposite, denying a major policy shift, and making clear that her country has no interest in closing the border. Nevertheless, Republicans are pretending that Trumps imaginary triumph is worth celebrating. Sen. Joni Ernst, for example, declared that the president-elect has done more to secure the border in the last 30 days than President Biden has done in the last four years. A day earlier, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas also credited Trump, saying his tariff threat immediately ... produced action. But none of this is true. Border crossings have dropped in large part because of policies that were adopted long before last week. The new Mexican concessions that the president-elect and his party are excited about dont exist in reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or put another way, Mexico has agreed to do what it was already doing, and Trump and his allies now want credit for developments they had nothing to do with, pointing to a tariff threat that increasingly looks like a bluff. It led Matt Yglesias to conclude, 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. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Congressional Republicans and conservative commentators raged on Sunday night after President Joe Biden announced he was issuing a sweeping pardon for his son, Hunter Bidenthwarting years-long efforts to prosecute the first son who became the favorite enemy for many on the right. MAGAs reaction was immediate as Biden announced his surprising move just days before Hunter was scheduled to be sentenced in separate federal gun and tax cases. Joe Biden has lied from start to finish about his familys corrupt influence peddling activities, wrote Rep. James Comer (R-KY), the chair of the House Oversight Committee responsible for leading the investigation into Hunters business dealings, in a statement posted on X , formerly Twitter. Not only has he falsely claimed that he never met with his sons foreign business associates and that his son did nothing wrong, but he also lied when he said he would not pardon Hunter Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comer called the charges against Hunter the tip of the icebergalthough his lengthy investigation into both the president and his sons finances resulted in no recommended charges for either Biden. Multiple other Republicans involved in the Houses efforts to investigate the first son joined Comer in the outrage. Democrats said there was nothing to our impeachment inquiry, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) wrote in his own post on X. If thats the case, why did Joe Biden just issue Hunter Biden a pardon for the very things we were inquiring about? Although Bidens pardon specifically gave his son clemency for all offenses charged or prosecuted (including any that have resulted in convictions) by Special Counsel David C. Weiss, it had more broad language pardoning him for offenses committed in an almost 11-year period from January 2014 through December 2024. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who also sat on the Oversight Committee, insisted that the pardon was an admission of guilt on behalf of Hunter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene also repeatedly accused the Justice Department of trying to prosecute Trumps sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, but provided no further context for the claim. For his part, Eric Trump posted in response, Dont worry about the 112 subpoenas I have received over the past 8 years. Don Jr., meanwhile, wrote, Everyone knew he was going to do it. He was just going to do it when it was if no consequence to democrat electability. Multiple other commentators, including pollster Nate Silver and Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton , harped on Biden for flip-flopping on his decision to pardon his son. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX), both Trump and former President Obamas former White House physician, did the same while calling Hunter the presidents CRACKHEAD SON in a particularly angry post . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden and his admin are DISGRACEFUL LIARS!! Jackson raged. While he was still running for re-election, Biden insisted he would not issue a pardon for Hunter. During a June interview with ABC News, Biden answered affirmatively that he would respect the jurys outcome of Hunters then-upcoming trial on gun charges, and he would not seek to pardon his son. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also said that the president was not considering a pardon for his son, as recently as a press conference on November 7. Weve been asked that question multiple times, Jean-Pierre told reporters . Our answer stands, which is no. Joe Biden has always been a venal liar who utilized his political power to pursue familial gain. So of course he's pardoning Hunter. He was always going to pardon Hunter. Hunter was the bagman. Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) December 2, 2024 The decision also came with blowback from some members of Bidens own party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country, wrote Colorado Gov. Jared Polis , a libertarian Democrat who has frequently bucked the party line. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. ASHEBORO, N.C. (WGHP) FOX8 honors Maggie Lowery of Union Grove Christian School. Congrats, Mrs. Lowery! If you know of an educator who is worthy of this nomination please fill out the nomination form here. Educator of the Week is sponsored by the North Carolina Education Lottery. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Maine State Police and the Boston Division of the FBI will provide an update as the search for a 14-year-old girl missing for 2 months from Maine continues. Stefanie Damron was last seen on September 23, when she walked into woods near her New Sweden home. Stefanie is described as 50, 130 lbs., with green eyes, and shoulder-length brown hair. Stefanie was last seen wearing blue jeans, a long-sleeved blue shirt, and black Harley Davidson hiking boots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maine Warden Service and Maine State Police K9 Unit have searched large parcels of land near Stefanies last known location in Aroostook County. Anyone with any information about Stefanies whereabouts is encouraged to call the Maine State Police Houlton Barracks at 1 (800) 924-2261 or (207) 532-5400. 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 Traffic slows to a halt during rushhour on Interstate 35 in Edmond on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice) EDMOND The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is gearing up for a significant, multi-year project aimed at enhancing traffic flow and safety on Interstate 35, particularly in the busy stretch north of 2nd Street. With resurfacing and bridge work already underway and expected to continue until the summer of 2025, ODOT officials said theyre responding to the growing traffic concerns in a rapidly developing area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current construction phase involves resurfacing I-35 from Memorial Road to 2nd Street and installing protected turnarounds at critical intersections. These turnarounds are designed to allow drivers to change direction safely without navigating through traffic lights. ODOT officials said that these enhancements are crucial, especially as the interstate narrows from six lanes to four at 2nd Street, exacerbating congestion and creating safety concerns. Edmond is experiencing growth, and were seeing more traffic come through, said Bryce Boyer, an ODOT spokesperson. Widening I-35 to six lanes will improve travel time reliability and enhance safety for both local drivers and those passing through. ODOT is planning to widen I-35 to six lanes from 2nd Street to Waterloo Road beginning in fiscal year 2031, as part of the agencys comprehensive eight-year plan. Officials also plan to add an interchange at Waterloo Road, which is expected to cost around $35 million, Boyer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local residents have expressed concerns about navigating the interstates two-lane frontage roads adjacent to popular businesses like Walmart and Chick-fil-A. Casey Moore, Edmond director of management services, said theres a need for improved traffic management, and plans are in place to modify the frontage roads to one-way traffic. He said that switch should enhance safety and accessibility. Traffic congestion typically peaks during evening hours, particularly as residents commute from Oklahoma City, leading to backlogged exits and hazardous conditions near high-speed traffic, Moore said. Moore said safety is a primary concern driving the infrastructure projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current traffic volumes significantly exceed what the interstate was designed to accommodate, he said. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Edmonds population has seen consistent growth over the past decade. In 2010, the city had approximately 81,405 residents, which increased to 94,428 by 2020, marking a 16% increase. Similarly, Oklahoma County and neighboring Logan County have also experienced steady population increases over the past decade. The city has been proactive, working closely with ODOT to expedite necessary improvements and investing local funds to accelerate these projects, Moore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collaboration with ODOT will remain critical as the city continues to address maintenance and improvements for state and federal highways, he said. Editors note: This story was produced through a reporting partnership between Oklahoma Voice and the University of Central Oklahomas journalism program. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A 35-year-old man is clinging to life after being shot in the back of the head in a drive-by outside a Brooklyn restaurant early Monday, police said. The victim was shot in front of Room 1Hundred on Jamaica Ave. near New Jersey Ave. in East New York at 12:09 a.m. after a fight broke out inside, cops said. Workers were shutting down the restaurant and ushering patrons out in response to the fight when shots were fired from a passing black Ford sedan, according to cops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not clear if the gunman was part of the fight or called to the scene by someone. Medics rushed the victim to Brookdale University Hospital in critical condition. It wasnt clear if he was the gunmans intended target. The gunman has not been caught and cops are looking for the Ford. Two shell casings were recovered at the scene. A parked red Honda accord was struck by three bullets. WINDHOEK, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The sprawling Good Food Market in Windhoek, Namibia's capital, is igniting entrepreneurial spirit in the culinary arts sector by providing vendors with a platform to showcase and elevate their offerings. Held on the last Friday of each month at The Village Restaurant in Windhoek, the market adopts a vibrant street market atmosphere, where food is prepared on-site and served to visitors in a casual, bustling setting. Deane Spall, lead organizer of the Good Food Market and owner of The Village Restaurant, said the market was launched in September 2023 to reinvigorate the local culinary scene by creating an accessible street food experience. Spall, who has a background spanning finance, tourism, and urban farming, drew inspiration from the once-thriving Windhoek City Market, which previously occupied the area. After opening The Village Restaurant in 2022, he initiated the Good Food Market a year later to provide visitors with an enjoyable culinary experience while fostering entrepreneurial opportunities in an organized environment. "This initiative fills a gap we identified, especially after the negative impact of COVID-19 on the events sector. The market also seeks to boost Windhoek's event landscape," he said. The market's success lies in its diverse culinary offerings and a meticulous vendor selection process, Spall said. Vendors are invited through social media campaigns and are required to complete an application form detailing their products and experience. Applications are then assessed to ensure quality and authenticity. Currently, the market hosts 15 to 20 vendors per market day, offering an array of cuisines, including Western, African, and Asian dishes, alongside sweet treats. Some vendors are seasoned professionals, while others are newcomers testing their ideas. In its first year, the Good Food Market has become a staple of Windhoek's weekend scene, drawing 600 to 1,200 patrons per event. However, the journey has not been without challenges. "One of the challenges when we first started was securing high-quality vendors, but thanks to robust marketing, we now have a long waiting list," he said. To maintain its appeal, the market continuously evolves by introducing themed events, such as its recent focus on hot and spicy meals, which ensures variety and fosters innovation among vendors. "This approach ensures vendor quality while fostering a blend of established businesses and emerging entrepreneurs exploring new ideas," he noted. The market also serves as a launchpad for emerging chefs and a branding platform for established vendors. Jeanette Mouton, owner of KenJea's Frozen Foods, joined the market in May 2023 to promote her Philippine-inspired corn dogs. The market not only helped grow her clientele but also enabled her to expand into six retail stores in Windhoek. "The market offers a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere. Participating here has been immensely valuable -- I've not only sold my products but also been able to showcase and promote the manufacturing side of my business," she said. The market also serves as a platform to celebrate cultural heritage through food. Drawing on feedback received, Mouton expanded her business, successfully placing her range of corn dogs in six local retail shops in Windhoek. "Without the exposure and quality assurance provided by market feedback, who would have invested in me or given me the opportunity to sell in their stores?" She said. Jamie Mouton, a lemonade vendor operating under the brand The Dezzert Chest, credited the market with providing him with a critical platform to reach customers and network with potential business partners. "As one of the newest vendors, this market has been incredibly valuable to me. Without a physical shop, it provides an essential platform to grow my customer base and connect with potential business partners," he said. "Sustainability is a key focus of the market's operations." To sustain operations, vendors pay stall fees, while visitors are charged an entrance fee of 120 Namibian dollars (about 7 U.S. dollars). A portion of the funds is allocated to supporting local artists who perform live music and DJ sets during the events, enhancing the market's cultural vibrancy. This dual approach promotes entrepreneurial growth and offers food enthusiasts a chance to explore unique flavors while supporting local businesses, Spall noted. Looking ahead, Spall said efforts are underway to refine vendor selection and strategies to maintain consistent attendance and sustain the excitement surrounding the market while making a positive impact on local communities and businesses. Mayor of Windhoek Queen Omagano Kamati praised the market for its contribution to local business growth, tourism, and cultural exchange. "Market days not only promote business activity but also offer a taste of the city's rich heritage and culture, fostering socialization and economic development," Kamati said. QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) A 60-year-old man has a broken jaw and a fractured skull after being attacked in Queens, police said. Two strangers approached the 60-year-old around 3:40 p.m. on Nov. 19 near Metropolitan Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard, police said Monday. After getting into an argument, one of the suspected attackers struck the 60-year-old in the head with an object, police said. Boy, 11, reported missing in the Bronx: NYPD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 60-year-old was rushed to an area hospital in stable condition. Police have not made any arrests Monday. Police on Monday shared images of the suspected attackers with one man on a moped and the other man on foot. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) An Horry County man is facing multiple financial fraud charges as well as two charges in one of South Carolinas Lowcountry counties, according to arrest warrants from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Rusty Shane Shockley, 52, was charged with obtaining a signature or property by false pretenses and crimes against a federally chartered institution in Horry County on Oct. 28. He was then charged with two more counts of obtaining a signature by false pretenses in Allendale County on Nov. 25. Between May 4, 2022, and July 13, 2022, Little River Medical Center, a nonprofit health care organization, made three electronic funds transfers to SOS RV for the purchase of a mobile medical recreational vehicle, an affidavit shows. The transfers totaled more than $130,000 and were sent to an SOS RV bank account controlled and operated solely by Shockley, who is the president of SOS RV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shockley provided LRMC representatives false and misleading information regarding the purchase of the mobile vehicle. Shockley has never held a dealers license issued by the South Carolina DMV, the affidavit reads. Records obtained during the investigation failed to identify the purchase or acquisition of any recreational vehicles by Shockley or SOS RV. Records also showed Shockley spent large portions of the funds on personal expenditures and payments to other individuals, according to the affidavit. In another instance between late February 2023 and early March 2023, Shockley received a check for nearly $20,000 to purchase items for a medical mobile vehicle, an affidavit shows. About a week after receiving the check, Shockley allegedly mobile deposited it to an SOS RV bank account under his control at Blue Vine Bank. About three weeks after that, Shockley is accused of knowingly depositing the same check to an Anderson Brothers Bank account he controlled, according to the affidavit. Shockley then disposed of the deposited funds through multiple Cash App transfers, Venmo transfers, ATM withdrawals and other expenditures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shockley was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center and then into the Allendale County Detention Center, SLED said. The case will be prosecuted by the 14th and 15th Circuit Solicitors Offices. * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read 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 WBTW. Kendrick Rayvon Fisher, 29, was charged with murder after the victims were found stabbed to death in their apartment on Nov. 29 Houston Police Department Kendrick Rayvon Fisher Kendrick Rayvon Fisher A Houston man has been charged with murdering a woman and child after holding them hostage in their apartment, according to police. Police found Kendrick Rayvon Fisher, 29, asleep on the couch of the apartment where they located a fatally stabbed a 28-year female victim and 2-year-old child at 12360 Richmond Avenue at around 3:10 a.m. on Friday, Nov, 29, the Houston Police Department said in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims were identified as Fishers sister Genene and her 2-year-old daughter Karlie by family members, per ABC 13 News. Authorities attended the property after a caller claimed the woman and child were being held hostage within an apartment, HPD Homicide Division Sergeant, M. Arrington and Officers K. Clark and M. Nicotra stated in the release. The citizen was concerned for their safety and told officers a male (suspect Fisher) was inside the apartment, they added. After locating Fisher, officers searched the apartment where they found the deceased victims with multiple stab wounds. They were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the release. Matt Gush/Getty Police units respond on scene Related: Son of 'Inspiring' War Photographer Charged with Stabbing Him to Death on Calif. Hiking Trail: Police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said that Fisher was found during his arrest with injuries consistent with a physical altercation and blood on his clothing. The suspect was charged with capital murder over the deaths of the two victims and booked into Harris County Jail. According to jail records obtained by ABC 13 News, Fisher was released from prison after serving a seven-year sentence for armed robbery in December 2023. His sentence was extended following a contraband offense while incarcerated. There appeared to be no tension between Fisher and his sister at the time of the murders, the outlet reported. Related: Babysitter, 13, Accused of Stabbing Sister, 7, to Death After Argument over 'Flushing the Toilet': Reports Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A neighbor of the family, Emmanuel Thomas, told ABC 13 News, I don't understand hurting your own sister, hurting a woman, hurting another person, period. But what possessed you to hurt this baby?" "We could see no red flags. This was just completely out of the blue," he added. Fisher has been denied bond, according to the police statement. Police have arrested and charged a man with the murder of his wife, whose body was found in a remote part of Oregon on Friday, seven days after she went missing while hiking with her two dogs. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office said that on Saturday its deputies arrested Michel Fournier, 71, with the murder of Susan Lane-Fournier, 61. He is being held in a county jail with no bail on a charge of second-degree murder. The body of Lane-Fournier who went by the name "Phoenix" was found in remote wilderness of Welches, an unincorporated community at the foot of Mount Hood, east of Portland. An autopsy conducted Saturday concluded the cause of death was homicide. Susan Lane-Fournier. The discovery was made after more than 800 search hours involving dozens of officers, K9s and volunteers scouring more than 100 miles of trail. Her two Malinois-mix dogs have also separately been found dead, the sheriff's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lane-Fournier was first reported missing when she failed to show up for work in a local shop on Nov. 22. The next day, a member of the public spotted her white 1992 Ford F-250 parked near East Salmon River Road. "Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have seen Michel Fournier in the days before her disappearance or who has information about his activity and whereabouts since then," the sheriff's office said. A month before her disappearance, Fournier-Lane had filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. In court documents seen by NBC affiliate KGW of Portland, she gave her name as Susan Lane. Local people spoke of their shock over her alleged murder and some have gathered at her place of work, a shop selling exotic imported goods, to pray for her, KGW8 reported. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (KRON) A 48-year-old man with a history of violent crimes was arrested Saturday after breaking into a San Rafael home and attacking a pregnant wife and her husband, according to the San Rafael Police Department (SRPD). After the husband threw the suspect out of the residence, the man later turned up at a nursing facility where he allegedly tried to kidnap one of the elderly patients. San Rafael police responded at 1:12 a.m. to Ross Street after receiving a 911 call from the husband. Officers learned that the suspect, later identified as David Jonathan Margoliash, 48, of San Rafael, broke into the residence through the rear door while the husband and wife were asleep. The wife was woken up by the noise of Margoliash moving through the house and went to investigate. The woman discovered Margoliash in her living room and began to scream, police said. Margoliash then allegedly attacked the wife, who is pregnant, striking her on the head with a flashlight. The wife pried away the flashlight from the suspect and the husband began to fight with him, attempting to get him out of the house. The suspect bit the husbands hand in the altercation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The husband was able to get Margoliash outside of the house and shoved him down a flight of patio stairs, SRPD said. The suspect then ran away. The victims of the residential attack were treated for their injuries at a local hospital. Santa Rosa police seek public help after shots fired on bike path San Rafael PD, along with the Marin County Sheriffs Office and the Novato Police Departments K-9 Unit, immediately began a manhunt in the area due to the severity of the incident. Authorities searched for hours without locating the suspect, who at this time was identified to be Margoliash based on the preliminary investigation, SRPD said. Hours later, at 5:18 a.m., a skilled nursing facility on the 1600 block of Fifth Avenue called San Rafael police about a man claiming to be a patient transport service employee and attempting to take an elderly patient. Arriving officers learned that the suspect, later determined to be Margoliash, told the nursing facility employees that he worked with a transport service and was going to take one of the patients to Santa Rosa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nursing facility employees demanded credentials, which Margoliash did not provide, before barring him from taking any patients, police said. The suspect then left the facility and two nurses followed him before alerting an officer who was checking the area. Margoliash was detained by the officer without incident. According to authorities, Margoliash made several incriminating statements about his actions in both cases while in custody. Margoliash was arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail for felony charges of burglary, assault with a deadly weapon and attempted kidnapping. A bail enhancement was obtained due to the nature of the incidents and Margoliashs criminal history. Earlier this year, Margoliash pleaded guilty to pepper spraying a member of the Islamic Center of Marin in Novato on the first day of Ramadan. He is pending sentencing in that case. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. A man wielding a chainsaw inside a senior-living facility in St. Charles, Illinois, was shot and killed by police early Sunday, state and local law enforcement said. The man, whom police have not publicly identified, was allegedly attempting to cut down a tree on the facility's property at about 8:45 a.m. on Sunday. He was "shirtless" when police arrived at the facility, on the 900 block of North 5th Avenue, the St. Charles Police Department said in a press statement. "Just before police arrival, witnesses advised the subject had now gained entry to the lobby of the building and began confronting residents with the chainsaw," the department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers sought to deescalate the situation, but "the suspect continued his attempts to use the chainsaw against residents of the building," as well as against responding officers, the department said. PHOTO: The entrance doors of the River Glen of St. Charles, in St. Charles, Illinois, are seen in a screengrab of a video shot Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (WLS) Officers used a taser on the man, "but his attack continued," the press statement said. An officer then fired his gun, striking the alleged attacker, police said. "The male suspect was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased," the Illinois State Police said in a press release. Officers and residents of the assisted-living facility were treated at the scene for minor injuries, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are deeply grateful for the swift action of our team and law enforcement," a spokesperson for the facility, the River Glen of St. Charles, said in a statement. "We want to emphasize that our community is secure, and all residents and staff members are safe." The Illinois State Police said it would investigate the shooting. ABC News' Maci Smith contributed to this report. Man with chainsaw fatally shot by police inside senior-living facility, officials say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) A man has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Kalamazoo nearly 20 years ago. Shawn Darnell Robinson Hopkins, 39, was convicted last week of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, the Michigan Attorney Generals Office said. Authorities say Hopkins attacked a 14-year-old girl in 2005. She reported it right away, but didnt know his real name only his street name, Chicago. The AGs Office says DNA testing in 2022 led investigators to Hopkins. He was charged in February 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DNA doesnt lie: Kalamazoo County rape kit program yields arrests The case moved forward after it was taken up by the Kalamazoo Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, or SAKI. The group is tasked with investigating old rape cases and making sure old rape kits get tested. The Michigan AGs Office says SAKIs work has yielded 22 convictions, including Hopkins, since it was formed in 2016. I am grateful for the efforts of the Kalamazoo SAKI unit to secure this conviction, 19 years following this terrible assault, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a Monday statement. It can be extremely difficult to bring about justice in cold-case sexual assault trials, but the talented prosecutors of our states Sexual Assault Kit Initiative continue to bring these cases before juries, secure convictions, and make our communities safer. I applaud the remarkable bravery of our victim, who, as a child 19 years ago, had the courage to speak out and seek accountability for her abuser. Her strength is a reminder that justice is worth pursuing, no matter how long it takes. AG: SAKI gold standard in cracking rape cold cases Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SAKI is still investigating more than 200 cold cases dating back to 1976. Hopkins sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 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 WOODTV.com. Dec. 1The Maryland attorney general's office is investigating a fatal shooting after police fired at an armed man, leaving investigators unsure if duty weapons or the suspect's own killed him. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here. Originally Published:December 1, 2024 at 9:07 AM EST BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans (DANA) in Brunei distributed coupons for school supplies, benefiting 2,718 orphans nationwide, local media reported on Monday. According to the local daily Borneo Bulletin, a ceremony was held in Brunei on Monday, and coupons worth 190,260 Brunei dollars (141,550 U.S. dollars) were handed over to representatives from different districts. The coupons, valued at 70 Brunei dollars (52 dollars) each, are intended to help orphans purchase essential school supplies for the upcoming 2025 academic year, which begins in about a month, the Borneo Bulletin reported. Brunei is an oil-rich Southeast Asian country located in the northern part of Borneo Island, with four districts and a population of 340,000 citizens. CHICAGO -- On an evening walk in Chicago's North Center neighborhood back in early March, Sparky Robert Millers golden brown mutt that weighs 35 pounds and has hunting dog in its DNA seemingly caught a scent. Shes a creature of habit, said Miller, a retired 75-year-old who has lived in the neighborhood for about a dozen years. She likes to stay on one side of the street, and for some reason, she wanted to cross over. A half a block later, the duo stumbled upon a stash of strewn books. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was about 8 oclock at night. It was dark. It was winter. And I looked around, and there was not another soul around, Miller said. As luck would have it, Miller studied history in college and knew what he was looking at: German books from the Renaissance and early modern period. The oldest, he would later learn, was from 1525. Three were written in Latin, three in German and one in French. Horrified that the books would get damaged, dirty and damp lying in such proximity to a city street all night, Miller scooped them up for safekeeping. He couldnt fathom how the delicate vessels of knowledge got stranded on the sidewalk. He wondered whether they had been discarded by thieves who failed to profit off them without provenance ownership history of valuable objects. Perhaps an irritated lover in a moment of passion took a partners books and chucked them outside after a domestic dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight months later, a clue dug up by a Newberry Library curator poked fatal holes in both of Millers hypotheses. Miller had reached out to the library for guidance, and a bit of sleuthing by the curator, Suzanne Karr Schmidt, led to a neighbor of Miller who collects rare books. The neighbor, an octogenarian who hasnt retired, was tidying up some old archival boxes and accidentally took one with the books out to the trash as well, according to Karr Schmidt, who explained the books mysterious appearance in an article for Newberry Magazine. It seems that the box fell on the ground, spilling its contents, Karr Schmidt wrote. Before it occurred to him to return to look for it, she wrote, his relatively close neighbors Miller and Sparky had swooped in to protect the books. In the puzzling darkness on an unfamiliar side of the street, Miller stuffed the smaller books in his pockets and hauled the hefty ones away in his arms. At one point, Miller managed to pick up Sparkys poop without dropping the entire bundle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon returning home, Miller started sorting through the finding on his dining room table with his wife. He said he knew enough Latin to figure out that one of the books contained arguments against the teachings of Martin Luther, the German priest who helped begin the Protestant Reformation. The next morning, Miller took one of the books to a local police station, which was unable to help Miller locate the books owner. So Miller contacted the University of Chicago and Newberry Library and asked if they were missing the books. They werent, but they were interested in trying to find out where they came from, Miller said. In photos of the books Miller sent Karr Schmidt, she saw signs of their 16th century owners but no recent institutional markings. That told her the books likely belonged to an unidentified bookseller or private collector, not another library. After this round of efforts to locate an owner, according to Karr Schmidt, Miller offered to give the books to Newberry Library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I felt like they belonged in some place where they would be appreciated, where they would be cared for properly, Miller said. It is considered unethical for a library to accept books with non-existent provenances record of ownership without making more attempts to identify recent owners. The library did its due diligence. Karr Schmidt learned that two Midwestern collections each had one of the books but never held the complete set. She also circulated details of the find among the international antiquarian bookseller community to no avail. The library decided that if someone ever came forward and claimed to be the owner, it would dutifully consider the assertion and give back the books if the proof was deemed convincing. Then on Nov. 1, while in the process of editing the magazine article about the books, Karr Schmidt stumbled upon a photo of one of them on the website of Austrian book dealer Antiquariat Inlibris. The dealer would inform Karr Schmidt that it sold the book in 2021 and identified to her the Chicagoan who bought it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 5, the owner who couldnt be reached for comment stopped by the Newberry Library, where he was reunited with his lost books, Karr Schmidt said. He even decided to donate two of them to the library a text supporting Luther written in the vernacular German and one attacking the great reformer in Latin. Karr Schmidt said someone accessing the stores of the Newberry Library which, historically, has collected more French and Italian books from before 1800 than German books may want to view the texts for several reasons. They could be interested in the sort of political animosity thats going on between the pair of these. There were a lot of pamphlets written at this time, pro- and anti-Luther, Karr Schmidt said. Theres (also) a lot of visual imagery. On the pages of the book written in German, the text is surrounded by ornate woodcut or metalcut borders, some of which feature Luthers face with a surprised expression. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Authorities are investigating after a shooting victim was found dead in his car at an Antioch park Sunday evening. According to Metro Nashville dispatch, the shooting was reported just after 5:15 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1 in the 200 block of Tusculum Road. However, the Metro Nashville Police Department later announced that evidence indicates the targeted fatal shooting occurred the night before. 1 dead, 2 injured after shooting on Murfreesboro Pike, police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement reportedly discovered a man with multiple gunshot wounds dead inside his Infiniti sedan at a rear parking lot of William A. Pitts Park. Efforts to identify the man through fingerprints are ongoing through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). Officers at the scene said they searched the area and found a few cartridges, but they believe this was an isolated incident. Officers also reportedly found a jar of marijuana and a pistol in a holster inside the car. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Police told News 2 they are trying to find out who made the distress call that brought them to the scene in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No additional details have been released about this ongoing investigation. Anyone with information on this case has been asked to call Crime Stoppers at (615) 742-7463. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) A 61-year-old man has been indicted for the murder of a woman who was reported missing in 2013. The Knoxville Police Department shared that Randall Lee Rose, 61, was indicted by a Knox County Grand Jury for first-degree murder in the death of Sharon Leinart, 58. Her sister, who lived in Indiana, reported her missing on March 26, 2013. Leinart, who KPD said was homeless, was last seen in January 2013 at Volunteer Ministries in the 500 block of North Broadway. Pedestrian, Corvette driver dead after separate crashes on I-40 in Knoxville Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KPD added that she has not been seen since and a body was never found. In 2015, it was reported that Sharon told her family, a man offered her a nice warm room. According to the indictment, Leinart was killed between Jan. 23, 2013 and March 1, 2013. Rose is currently serving a life sentence for a murder that happened in 2021 in Jackson, Tennessee. During this investigation, KPD said Rose shared that he was involved in a Knoxville murder. During the follow-up investigation, detectives with the KPD Homicide Unit connected Rose to the disappearance and death of Leinart. Lonely Bones: Stories of the Forgotten Dead Rose is set to be arraigned on the first-degree murder charge on December 3, 2024. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A man who pleaded guilty in connection to the death of a 13-year-old boy after the two exchanged gunfire in west Columbus received his sentence Monday. According to court documents, Krieg Butler Sr. will spend six months in Franklin County Jail, then be placed in Community Control probation for three years on charges of improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle and tampering with evidence. Butler Sr., 38, was originally arrested on murder charges one day after the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Sinzae Reed in October 2022. The Franklin County Prosecuting Attorneys Office, however, dismissed the charge after Butler claimed he shot Reed in self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marysville schools offer new religious release program through Satanic Temple While a grand jury also didnt pursue the charge, they did indict him on a count of improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle, and another of tampering with evidence. Butler pleaded guilty to both charges and a judge upheld a recommended sentence agreed upon by the prosecution and defense attorneys. Butler also agreed to testify should anyone ever be charged in connection with Reeds death. Krieg Butler appears over a video conference for his arraignment hearing May 24, 2023. (NBC4 Photo/Steve Wainfor) Butler gave descriptions of witnesses to the shootout in the Wedgewood Village Apartments during an interrogation, and told police they would corroborate his claim of self-defense. Investigators then found and interviewed three people matching the descriptions and confirmed the 13-year-old shot at Butler first, according to the prosecutor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man recovering after assault over McDonalds sandwich All three of them added that after Reed collapsed in the street, they also saw someone approach and remove what they thought was a firearm from his body. The latter detail matched what one initial witness told investigators, but that person only described it as an object. After initially denying owning a firearm or that he shot back at Reed when officers arrested him, prosecutors noted Butler later admitted to returning fire and then got rid of his gun after leaving the scene. Should Butler Sr. violate the terms of the agreement he would be subject to up to four and a half years in prison 36 months for the weapons charge and 18 months for tampering. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The man who crashed into a school bus full of children in Albuquerque in February 2022 pleaded guilty in court on Monday. Mario Perez pleaded guilty to five counts of reckless driving resulting in great bodily harm. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perez was speeding near Gibson and Messina when he crashed into an Albuquerque Public School bus, causing the bus to roll onto its side. The crash sent seven students, the bus driver, and Perez to the hospital. According to the criminal complaint, a 14-year-old suffered a pelvic fracture and a 13-year-old suffered a femur fractureboth injuries requiring surgery. Bystanders rushed to help the kids. Perez was charged with 17 counts of child abuse. The trial was supposed to start this morning but Perez pleaded down to five counts of great bodily injury by reckless driving. Judge Bruce Fox accepted the deal, a sentencing date has been set for February. Perez faces up to 15 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department but there is a chance he could be sentenced to probation since he doesnt have a criminal history. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Karrigan Norwood was punched repeatedly by several McDonalds employees after a dispute over a drive-thru order and is now struggling to get back to normalcy. The assault took place after midnight on Oct. 17 at the McDonalds on East 17th Street near Interstate 71. He sat down with NBC4 to talk about the nightmare of an experience. Ohio State, Michigan fined for postgame fight Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norwood was getting a late-night meal from McDonalds, a Double Quarter Pounder with Bacon. He lives nearby and returned to the McDonalds when he realized the order wasnt right; he received a single, not a double, hamburger. When Norwood got back to the drive-thru window, he said he was met with hostility and asked for the manager. Slammed the window in my face, then told me to come back with a better attitude, Norwood said. An argument ensued, the manager walked away and thats when Norwood said the whole staff came after him. Everybody in the crew, person who took my order, the fry cooks, cashiers all want to come yelling at me at the window, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norwood said he then drove around the McDonalds so that people waiting in line behind him could get their food. Central Ohio non-profit delivering stuffed animals to hurricane victims Norwood joined the drive-thru line once again to ask for a correction to his order. When he reached the window, he said five employees exited the building and approached his vehicle. Fluid was thrown in my car, he said. I didnt know what it was, so when I tried to get out and call for help, thats when they dropped me and beat me. They basically, like, jumped me, like, grabbed me, pulled my shirt over my head, started punching me in the face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Didnt stop until one of the other patrons in the drive-thru said they were calling the police, Norwood added. All this over a sandwich and it didnt need to go that far at all. Finally, the attack ended and Norwood got back in his vehicle and talked to his mother on the phone. She couldnt figure out why he was talking slowly with slurred words. She rushed to the restaurant and immediately sought medical help. Norwood had a broken orbital bone on the left side of his face. His left eye was swollen shut, and he wondered if he would ever see again. I had to get a titanium implant, Norwood said a couple of weeks following his surgery. Still got a little bit of double vision. Lens sensitive to light so I wear glasses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had been talking to a recruiter and was planning on enlisting in the military. His mother is a veteran and his father was one as well, and Norwood wanted to follow in their footsteps. However, due to the severity of his injuries, hes now unsure if he will be able to join the military at all. Highest-rated delis in Columbus by diners Lets you know how real the world is and, you know, the lengths people go to for the most minimal stuff, Norwood said. Norwoods mother Dawn is very proud of her son and worries about his future after the incident. She questions the hiring practices of McDonalds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These monsters are a threat to society, Dawn Norwood said. Three of the employees involved have been charged with assault, causing great bodily harm, a felony. Two of those men have been arrested. One man, Cedric Love, is still wanted by Columbus police. Store cameras recorded much of the altercation and have been submitted as evidence. The charges against the three employees have been sent to a grand jury. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. A menacing Queens bus rider convicted of shooting a rookie NYPD cop after an altercation with a fellow passenger was sentenced to at least 39 years in prison on Monday as a courtroom filled with angry cops looked on. Gunman Devin Spraggins was convicted last month of attempted murder for shooting Officer Brett Boller for intervening in a petty fight over a bus seat in Jamaica. Boller, 22 at the time, was just months into his dream job as an NYPD officer when he crossed paths with the armed transient who shot him in the hip. Officials said Boller was fortunate to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A police officer has spent over a year with surgeries and physical therapy recovering from getting shot, and only by a twist of fate was not killed,said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. With the officer on the ground, this defendant did not attempt to escape. Instead, he aimed that gun and pulled the trigger again. This would have been a cold-blooded execution, if not for the magazine dropping from the gun as Spraggins ran from the police. Prosecutors said Spraggins had been harassing a passenger over a seat when the driver flagged down Boller and his partner to intercede. The April 5, 2023, dispute quickly spilled from the bus onto the street, where Boller chased the suspect down near 161st St. and Jamaica Ave. Spraggins pulled a gun and shot the officer in the hip during the ensuing scuffle, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bullet shattered Bollers hip and pierced his femoral artery, according to court papers. Spraggins attempted to fire at Boller again but there were no bullets left in the gun, officials said. Boller, who is still on restricted duty, has been promoted to detective. Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said the stiff sentence sends a strong message. Were thankful to this judge who understands the importance of keeping this attempted cop killer off the streets and behind bars for a long long time, Hendry said outside Queens Supreme Court. He decided to shoot a New York City police officer in full uniform. Then he stood over him and tried to assassinate him. Thank God that didnt happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spraggins was acquitted of attempted murder of a second police officer. He was sentenced to 39 years to life for shooting Boller. Hendry was joined by Bollers father, NYPD Inspector Don Boller, and more than a dozen police officers who filled the courtroom every day of the trial. The elder Boller thanked the medical staff who saved his sons life and the cops who showed their support. Members of the 103rd Precinct, cops, sergeants, we didnt know them, Boller said, They showed up that night and the support they gave us was unbelievable. They treated us like they knew us for a lifetime and he was there for only three months. A man was shot to death during an altercation Friday at a southeast Oklahoma City residence, police said. Just after 2 a.m., officers responded to a disturbance call in the 3800 block of Hiddleston Circle near SE 44 and S Sunnylane Road. Investigators said Timothy Brown, 24, had arrived at the residence and was confronted by occupants who came outside. Police said a 21-year-old man fired gunshots at Brown during the altercation. Brown was struck by gunfire and taken to an area hospital, where he died, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Be the first to know: Sign up for breaking news email alerts The suspect was booked without bond into the Oklahoma County jail on a complaint of second-degree murder. The Oklahoman is not naming him because he has not yet been formally charged. The shooting death is homicide No. 74 this year. Police said the investigation is in the early stages. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Homicide Tip Line at 405-297-1200. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Man, 24, shot to death in south Oklahoma City HARTFORD, CT. (WWLP) A man is in critical condition after being shot by police in Hartford over the weekend. Police investigating shooting on Blake Hill St. in Springfield The shooting happened on Broad Street Saturday night at around 8:15 p.m., according to NBC Connecticut. Police say that the man in his 40s was rushed to the hospital and is in critical but stable condition. There is no word yet on what led up to the shooting. No officers were hurt and the Office of the Inspector General has taken over the investigation. 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. Raj Matharu, 31, has been charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, officials said US Attorney L.A. A cow pajama onesie reportedly found soaked in methamphetamine inside a man's suitcase at Los Angeles International Airport A cow pajama onesie reportedly found soaked in methamphetamine inside a man's suitcase at Los Angeles International Airport A California man has been accused of trying to smuggle meth-caked clothes onto his flight at Los Angeles International Airport, authorities said in a press release. Raj Matharu, 31, tried to fly from LAX to Sydney, Australia, on Nov. 6, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matharu checked two pieces of luggage, which were x-rayed by security officers who flagged irregularities and pulled them to the side for a secondary inspection, officials said. Law enforcement found the suitcases contained more than a dozen white or light-colored clothing items that were dried stiff and covered in a white residue, the release states. Officials claimed investigators field-tested a sample of the residue, which tested positive for methamphetamine. Authorities said the meth-caked clothes, including a cow pajama onesie, weighed about 71.5 lbs. and that authorities extracted more than one kg of methamphetamine residue from them. US Attorney L.A. 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. Matharu, of Northridge, Calif., has been charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, per the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Matharu is scheduled to be arraigned on Dec. 2 in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. He is free on $10,000 bond, officials said. Its unclear if he has retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. Drug dealers are continually inventing creative ways of smuggling dangerous narcotics in pursuit of illicit profit as alleged in the facts of this case, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in the release. In the process, they are poisoning communities throughout the world. Law enforcement is committed to fighting drug trafficking, knowing that every seizure saves lives. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- There were 57 new HIV infections among citizens and permanent residents in Brunei in 2023, according to the local daily Borneo Bulletin on Sunday. Among those infected, 96 percent were men, with the majority aged between 20 and 34. A total of 492 HIV cases have been reported in Brunei from 1986 to 2023, with 96 deaths recorded, Brunei's Minister of Health Mohd Isham was quoted as saying. Brunei is one of countries with a low rate of HIV infections. However, the rate has increased in the past few years, the minister said. It was due to the increasing public awareness of HIV and detection among high-risk groups, where they came forward to be tested and obtain information on HIV preventive measures, according to the minister. "Therefore, it is important to reduce stigma and discrimination by increasing public awareness and knowledge about HIV, and addressing myths and misconceptions about the virus," said the minister. Dec. 2A man was taken to the hospital with injuries after a shooting early Sunday in East Anchorage, police said. Patrol officers responded to the 1000 block of Hoyt Street around 3:23 a.m. Sunday for a reported shooting, Anchorage police said in an online update. Officers found a man with an upper-body gunshot wound, and medics took the man to a hospital, police said. "Police are currently following up on leads and there is no suspect information to release at this time," police said in the update. "The motive, and any relationship between the parties involved, is under investigation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Anchorage Police Department asked anyone who has information about the shooting, including surveillance footage from the area where it occurred, to call dispatch at 311 (option 1) or 907-786-8900 (option 0). The shooting location is north of DeBarr Road, between Bragaw and Pine streets. As part of their initial response, police blocked off part of Hoyt Street; they had cleared the area by 8 a.m. Sunday. Police said later Sunday that they didn't have any further updates on the case. (Bloomberg) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the presence of a Russian submarine in the Southeast Asian nations waters is very concerning as its military vowed to continue safeguarding its maritime sovereignty. Most Read from Bloomberg Any intrusion into the West Philippine Sea, of our EEZ, of our baselines is very worrisome, Marcos told reporters on Monday, referring to parts of the South China Sea within the nations exclusive economic zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The countrys military said a Russian submarine, identified as UFA 490, was sighted 80 nautical miles west of Occidental Mindoro province in western Philippines on Nov. 28. The Philippine Navy immediately deployed assets to monitor the situation, and a warship established radio communications with the submarine, the military said in a statement. The Russian vessel stated it was awaiting improved weather conditions before proceeding to Vladivostok, it said. The Philippine Daily Inquirer first reported on the sighting early Monday, citing unidentified sources. The military said it will continue to protect the countrys sovereignty, adding its operations remain consistent with international maritime laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sighting of a Russian submarine comes against the backdrop of lingering tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea. The Russian submarine was spotted on the same day that the Philippine Coast Guard received video footage and images that it said captured the harassment of Filipino fishing vessels by a Peoples Liberation Army Navy helicopter in a disputed reef. The Marcos administration has been pushing backed against Chinas sweeping claims over the waterway, and the US last month said its forces are supporting their Philippine military allies in their operations in the South China Sea. (Updates with statement from Philippine military.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Marlborough College has cancelled its summer school after 50 years because of the impact of Rachel Reevess Budget. The Wiltshire boarding school, whose alumni includes the Princess of Wales, said its annual summer events programme would not take place in 2025 because of a series of factors, including additional taxation measures announced in the October Budget. Marlborough College said increases to National Insurance and minimum wage unveiled by the Chancellor, plus the Governments plans to hit private schools with VAT, had made the current pricing model for its summer school untenable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 59,142-a-year school said the changes coincided with a sudden loss of several experienced members of staff on its summer school team. It will halt the event to reconsider costs, with the hope of relaunching it in years to come. Established in 1974, the summer school has seen Marlborough College open its historic grounds each July for a four-week event, offering more than 500 courses. Marlborough College hopes to relaunch its summer school in the years to come - Allan Baxter Catering for students from three years old to 90 years young, it usually offers week-long programmes in subjects ranging from watercolour painting to Napoleonic history, ballroom dancing and flying. The courses, which started at 215 for five half-day sessions in this summers event, were previously exempt from VAT but will be hit with the tax under new rules coming into force from Jan 1, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guidance published by the Treasury last month said extra-curricular activities which are educational in nature will be subject to VAT when provided by a private school from January. Some could still be exempt if they can be proven to constitute childcare-based holiday clubs. Private schools have warned that it could see them hit with a double whammy of VAT and increased National Insurance contributions under measures unveiled in the Budget. From April 2025, private schools in England with charitable status will also be forced to pay full business rates on their buildings for the first time. The most elite private schools have largely remained quiet on the Governments VAT raid, with critics arguing that parents will mostly be able to afford any fee hikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But The Telegraph revealed in October that more than 1,400 private schools will sue the Government over the policy, including leading institutions. The Independent Schools Council (ISC), made up of seven member associations that represent about half of all private schools in the UK, will seek to prove that Labours tax raid undermines some pupils human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act 1998. Marlborough Colleges most recent company accounts said while the school enjoyed another year of very strong pupil numbers in 2023 with more than 1,000 on its roll, there is also the future threat on affordability with Labours pledge to put 20 per cent VAT on school fees. It said Marlborough Colleges Council was looking to try to mitigate this as much as possible. Boarding fees rose from 15,665 per term last year to 19,714 this year including VAT, according to the schools website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marlborough College 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. Maryland has a shortage of behavioral health care workers, and the demand is rising, a recent report says. Getty Images. Maryland needs to increase the number of behavior health care workers by about 50% to meet current demands, a significant problem that only gets worse in coming years unless the state finds ways to boost the workforce. Those were the findings of a report, Investing in Marylands Behavioral Health Talent, presented recently to the Maryland Medicaid Advisory Board. Chair Nicole McCann said officials have been aware of the issue for some time, but that the report helps shed light on what can be done about the workforce shortage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report said that in 2023, Maryland had 34,613 people working in various areas of the behavioral health field, but it said that number was 18,222 workers shy of what is currently needed. And that doesnt take into account the additional 14,565 workers who are expected to be needed by 2028 to meet the growing need for behavioral health care, it said. Shannon Hall, executive director of Community Behavioral Health Association of Maryland, called the shortage of behavioral health workers a significant problem. When you have those vacancies, it basically translates into your capacity to provide treatment to people is substantially lower, Hall said in a recent interview. You end up with waitlists. You end up with vacant rooms if you cant meet the minimum staffing requirements. It just really creates a backlog that disrupts the entire system, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report, commissioned by the Maryland Health Care Commission, is a result of 2023 legislation that created a fund to reimburse local governments or health departments for costs associated with education and recruiting behavioral health workers and to improve the shortage. Marylands behavioral health workforce shortage is due to historical underinvestment in the behavioral health system, increasing rates of mental illness and substance use and high rates of burnout and attrition has led to a national shortage of peer recovery specialists, the report says. If this falls by the wayside because of budget shortfalls ... its not just behavioral health thats going to pay for that. Its the schools, its the hospitals, its the criminal justice system and ultimately its vulnerable people in Maryland. Shannon Hall, executive director of Community Behavioral Health Association of Maryland The state will need to invest about $148.5 million over the next five years to help fix the workforce shortage, it says. Those funds could go toward raising wages for staff and reimbursement rates for providers, the report says. They could also go toward tuition assistance for those looking to enter the field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of policy, the report said the state could work to expedite the licensing process, so new workers can start sooner, and to increase awareness of behavioral health occupations through programs such as the Blueprint for Marylands Future. Behavioral health covers a wide range of care, including mental health services, addiction and rehabilitation resources, trauma counseling and more. But without adequate staffing levels, people may sit on waiting lists, and staff providing those services might burnout and leave the field entirely. Based on current trends, 45% of BH (behavioral health) professionals working today are expected to retire, leave Maryland, or leave the field of their occupation over the next five years, according to the report. If this attrition rate persists, Maryland will need to attract 30,000 new BH workers to meet unmet need and replace workers leaving the field, roughly the same number currently employed. Cathie Eaton, executive director of the Maryland Counseling Association, said that not having enough behavioral health staff means that people in need of those services may sit on waiting lists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have friends who have had waitlists for years, and they just cant get new clients in because they dont have the capacity, Eaton said. It leaves a lot of folks who need behavioral health services without. But from her perspective, the wages are not high enough to get people interested in the field. In general, its a high-stress field, Eaton said. Its a very fulfilling field, but we understand that a lot of people dont want to go into the field because of the pay scale. The behavioral health positions facing the greatest workforce shortage numbers include both licensed professionals as well as unlicensed paraprofessionals and assistants. The Investing in Marylands Behavioral Health Talent shows that many occupations in the field face a current workforce shortage that could worsen in coming years. Courtesy of Trailhead Strategies. For example, 9,532 new counselors and therapists will be needed by 2028 to keep up with projected demand by that year. That includes 3,748 new workers needed to replace workers leaving the field by 2028, as well as 5,784 workers to keep up with rising demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social and human services assistants a broad category that includes outreach workers, unlicensed case managers and other paraprofessionals is the second highest shortage in this field, with 8,029 more people needed to meet 2028 demand. That would be 4,000 new paraprofessionals to replace outgoing workers and 4,029 to to keep up with rising demand. Adding all the other behavioral health positions facing workforce shortages, an estimated 32,786 new workers will be needed by 2028. Hall said that the lack of personnel exacerbates burnout, as current staff need to take on a higher workload to account for the vacancies and care for patients. It makes people who carry extra responsibilities and a lot more stress. Its harder for them to take time off, Hall said. Theyre picking up the slack, so it just creates a lot more stress across the entire system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the report points to a need to champion behavioral health as an investment, even amid a challenging budget year. If this falls by the wayside because of budget shortfalls behavioral health is not going to win that game. And its not just behavioral health thats going to pay for that, Hall said. Its the schools, its the hospitals, its the criminal justice system and ultimately its vulnerable people in Maryland. So this is an area where either you invest in it upfront, or you pay for it in more expensive settings. MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) A new religious release program for public school students is entering Marysville schools, and this one emphasizes Satanic studies. The Hellion Academy of Independent Learning (HAIL) program will begin in Marysvilles Edgewood Elementary School in December as a part of the districts permitted release time for religious instruction. The program is put on by the Satanic Temple, the only Satanic religious organization recognized as a church by the IRS and Federal Court System. June Everett, the campaign director for the After School Satan Club and an ordained minister for the Satanic Temple, said a parent reached out to the Satanic Temple asking for a program at Edgewood. Everett said the Satanic Temples programs for students are only implemented when parents seek them out, and only in districts where other release programs are already in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spectrum lobbyist interested in internet bill data caps Marysville has been involved with LifeWise, a Christian-based program offering biblical education during the school day off school property, since September 2023. According to Marysville LifeWise, the program is offered to students during lunch and recess once a week. Everett said the parent who sought out HAIL was searching for an alternative to LifeWise, as students who do not attend sometimes feel left out or ostracized. LifeWise welcomes any students, but she said some parents dont want to send their children to the program for various reasons. She said thats where HAIL comes in. We arent trying to shut the LifeWise Academy down, but I do think a lot of school districts dont realize when they open the door for one religion, they open it for all of them, Everett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everett said HAIL is a monthly program because the Satanic Temple has fewer resources and a smaller budget than LifeWise, which often partners with local churches. Marysvilles program is the Satanic Temples first release program in Ohio, but its sister program, the After School Satan Club, has operated in Dayton, Wilmington and Lebanon, she said. Economists weigh in on central Ohios housing crisis Everett said many people misunderstand HAIL and the Satanic Temple. The church, and its associated school program, are built on the Seven Fundamental Tenets of The Satanic Temple, summarized below: Acting with compassion and empathy The pursuit of justice Personal bodily autonomy, including a religious right to abortion Respecting others freedoms Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aligning beliefs with scientific facts Remedying mistakes The tenets are guiding principles but followers should defer to compassion, wisdom and justice We arent worshipping the devil and sacrificing babies and using blood. Its actually the opposite, Everett said. Everett said although HAIL is not trying to shut down LifeWise, it is often a response to the program. LifeWise CEO and founder Joel Penton said HAIL is a good example of why LifeWise supports Ohio House Bill 445, which would require school districts to implement a release instruction policy. Penton said HB 445 would grant clarity on how to implement those programs. LifeWise isnt fearful of other organizations offering RTRI, Penton said. We believe all families should have the opportunity to choose religious study during school hours and we trust parents to make the best choice for their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both LifeWise and HAIL have open enrollment for Marysville parents available online. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President-elect Donald Trump has chosen his youngest daughters father-in-law to be his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Massad Boulus is the father of Michael Boulos, who married Tiffany Trump in November 2022 at Mar-a-Lago after they got engaged at the White House during Trumps first term. They met on the Greek island of Mykonos at a club owned by actor Lindsay Lohan, People magazine reported in 2022. Trumps pick of the elder Boulos on Sunday was the second time over the weekend that he turned to family to make his appointments. On Saturday, Trump announced that Charles Kushner, the father of Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, would be his ambassador to France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boulos, a Lebanese-American billionaire with considerable business interests in Nigeria, met with Arab-American and Muslim leaders on several occasions during Trumps election campaign, as he sought to increase Lebanese and Arab-American support amid the Israeli military campaign against Hezbollah. The businessman has influential family ties in Lebanon, with his father and grandfather both having been active in Lebanese politics. His father-in-law was an important financial supporter of the Free Patriotic Movement, a Christian party with ties to Hezbollah. Massad Boulos, right, has been appointed as Trumps senior adviser on the Middle East (AP) Boulos was born in Lebanon but moved to Texas as a teenager, attending the University of Houston and eventually becoming a U.S. citizen. He operates Boulos Enterprises, based in Nigeria, which makes motorcycles and mechanical equipment. After getting his law degree, he joined the family business and eventually became the CEO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boulos is also the CEO of the conglomerate SCOA Nigeria, which operates in the areas of buses, construction equipment, power plants, and food imports. The billionaire has been in contact with his connections in various factions of Lebanese politics, three sources told Reuters. Its a rare accomplishment in Lebanon, where factions are separated by feuds going back decades. Of note is his ability to stay in touch with Hezbollah, the sources told the news agency. The Shiite Muslim party has a large number of seats in the Lebanese parliament and several ministers in the government. Boulos is reportedly friendly with Suleiman Frangieh, a Christian Hezbollah ally and presidential candidate. Hes also in contact with the Lebanese Forces Party, which is an anti-Hezbollah Christian group, and he also has connections to independent lawmakers, according to Reuters. However, Boulos recently pushed back on this version of events in an interview with Newsweek, saying that he wasnt affiliated with any political party in Lebanon, but he added that hes acquainted with most Lebanese Christian leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fellow at the Century Foundation think tank, Aron Lund, said Boulos could influence Trumps Middle East policy after he helped to increase Trump support among Arab American and Muslim voters. Boulos Lebanese political past gives no real indication of a geostrategic or even national vision, but it demonstrates ambition and a set of political allies that will stand out in Trumps circle like a sore thumb, Lund noted, according to the news agency. Trump won Michigan partly because of Bouloss efforts to win over some of the 300,000 Arab American and Muslim voters in the state who mostly backed President Joe Biden in 2020 but who opposed his support of Israel amid its wars in Gaza and Lebanon, according to Trump campaign officials and supporters speaking to Reuters. The co-founder of Muslims for Trump, Rabiul Chowdhury, told the news agency that Boulos played a big role in the outreach to Muslim voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From September onwards, the Trump campaign organized meetings on a weekly basis with a number of Arab American and Muslim civic and business leaders. Boulos was in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and other states with significant Muslim and Arab American populations during the campaign, telling crowds at private lunches and dinners that Trump wants to end the wars in the Middle East. Just after the election, Boulos told Reuters that the Trump campaign spent tens of millions on getting out the Arab American and Muslim vote. He added that conservative Arab Americans and Muslims were concerned about what they viewed as far left ideology from the Democrats, such as the partys support for transgender rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bouloss new post as Middle East adviser to the new president would possibly offer him the kind of political power he was not able to attain in Lebanon. In 2018, he briefly ran for parliament in Lebanon along with candidates backing Hezbollah, but since that time, he hasnt been aligned with any specific party, sources in Lebanon told Reuters. The businessman is from a Greek Orthodox family, which would limit his chances to get a top post in government to the level of the deputy speaker of parliament because of Lebanons secterian powersharing system. The presidency, which is the highest Christian role in Lebanon, remains restricted to Maronite Catholics. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A mattress was set on fire in North Park Sunday morning, officials with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) confirmed. A call came in around 6:52 a.m. reporting the incident in the area of Illinois Street and University Avenue. SDFD said crews responded to the area and the blaze had been put out. No further details were immediately released. SDFD said an investigation into the incident is ongoing. No suspect information is currently available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were reported in connection to this incident. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell in 2019, when they used to speak to each other. (Photo: Alex Wong, Getty Images) Were in the personnel business, Sen. Mitch McConnell has said ever since he concluded the biggest piece of business in Donald Trumps first administration, a massive tax cut and argued that a bigger legacy of that Congress was going to be conservative judges. Now Trump is about to become president again, and McConnell can reshape his own legacy, starting with another type of personnel business Trumps planned nominations of unqualified, risky people for some of the highest, most crucial positions in the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea that McConnell would vote to make Tulsi Gabbard, a Russophile, director of national intelligence is as outlandish as the notion that he would have voted to make Matt Gaetz attorney general. Its also hard to imagine McConnell liking the idea of former Fox News host Pete Hegseth as secretary of Defense or vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. secretary of Health and Human Services, though RFK2 might be able to obfuscate his way through a committee hearing and lose no more than three Republican senators, the maximum he could stand if all Democrats voted no. After Gaetz pulled out, he said McConnell was one of four Republicans who sank his nomination, but it sank so quickly that there must have been plenty of Senate torpedoes. Still, Gaetzs tweet reminded us that McConnell is the most prominent anti-Trump Republican, one who endorsed the former president only because he felt obliged to do so as Senate GOP leader, a job he leaves at years end. Trump allies may be quick to label other nominee skeptics as junior versions of McConnell, who has been a highly unpopular national figure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, the Kentucky senator is likely to take a low profile in the Senates advice-and-consent function, with the possible exception of Hegseth, since McConnell has taken the chairmanship of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and declared that Senate Republicans must secure the future of U.S. leadership and primacy in the world. That means very different things to him and Trump; ask anyone in Europe. McConnells first and boldest public statement about the process came Nov. 12, when he accepted the American Enterprise Institutes Irving Kristol Award for career achievement and was asked about confirmations. He said, Each of these nominees needs to come before the Senate and go through the process of being vetted. Spontaneous applause interrupted McConnell, because two days earlier Trump had demanded that prospective Senate leaders agree to allow him to avoid the advice-and-consent process by taking the Senate into recess when an archaic provision in the Constitution allows a president to make appointments that can last until Congress adjourns. McConnell spoke before Trump announced the unqualified picks. Afterward, McConnell told another group, There will be no recess appointments, according to a post on X.com by Jane Mayer of The New Yorker magazine. Mayer deleted the post, apparently in response to uncertainty about whether the gathering at which McConnell was speaking was off the record, wrote William Kristol (son of Irving) on The Bulwark, an anti-Trump outlet. But neither McConnell nor any of his aides has denied he said it. (His office didnt respond to my inquiry.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So went the first round of a cagey cage match between McConnell, the epitome of a Senate institutionalist, and Trump, a fundamental anti-institutionalist who correctly sees the Senate as the biggest check on his autocratic, authoritarian schemes that could change the nature of our democratic republic which depends on checks and balances among the branches. Sen. Mitch McConnell listens as then-U.S. Senate Minority Whip John Thune speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 19, 2021. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Trump lost the first round on points, when McConnell lieutenant John Thune of South Dakota was elected majority leader, and suffered a brief knockdown in the second round with the withdrawal of Gaetz. The later rounds could go beyond personnel. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, no McConnell buddy, opposes Trumps plan to use the military to deport undocumented immigrants. Thune and other farm-state Republicans dont like tariffs, the only tax Trump seems to like. And on any issue, Democrats will need only four of the Senates 12 or so GOP institutionalists to make an anti-Trump majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of those institutionalists are also unlikely to face voters again, which makes them even more independent. McConnell hasnt said he will retire in 2026, but every indication has been that he will. His protege, CNN commentator Scott Jennings, said Sunday, Hes one of this group of senators that is unthreatenable; theyre not subject to the normal political machinations. After being Trumps chief enabler, and his reluctant maybe-savior in the second impeachment, McConnell no longer bears the burden of leadership and can be an independent and influential voice perhaps enough to wipe part of the Trump stain off his legacy. But look for him to be careful about making news. The more he lays low, the more effective he is likely to be. When its all over, maybe hell tell us what really happened. This column was originally published in the Northern Kentucky Tribune, a nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism. It was republished by Kentucky Lantern, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Around 5.5 million years ago, almost three quarters of the Mediterranean Sea evaporated into the air and new research helps to explain what caused this event, known as the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC). The extreme evaporation event actually happened in two phases, according to the international team behind the new study. By analyzing chlorine isotopes in the salt deposited on the seabed, and building numerical models and simulations, the researchers were able to chart when, where, and how 70 percent of the Mediterranean's water was lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first phase covered 35,000 years of restricted water flow between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, via what is now the Strait of Gibraltar. As the seawater wasn't getting refreshed with freshwater, that restriction sped up the deposit of salts and water evaporation in the Mediterranean. The evaporation event affected the two sides of the Med differently. (Aloisi et al., Nature Communications, 2024) In the second phase, across the next 10,000 years, the Mediterranean Sea was completely isolated, and the whole process accelerated. The researchers, led by Earth system scientist Giovanni Aloisi from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), found that in some areas, water levels would have dropped by as much as 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the water receded in phase 2, the underwater ridge across the Strait of Sicily would've become exposed, the team suggests effectively splitting the Mediterranean Sea in two and forming a land bridge between Africa and Europe. That in turn led to faster rates of evaporation in the eastern Mediterranean, where the biggest drops in sea level would have been and most salt deposits were found across both of these phases. Scientists have long debated how the MSC came about, and whether or not it happened when the Mediterranean was fully cut off from the Atlantic. This new study suggests both schools of thought are right that it was a two-phase process. The researchers don't dive deeply into why the Mediterranean became isolated, but the late Miocene was a time of extensive, dramatic tectonic activity. The MSC itself would've caused even more tumult, as pressure lifted on the surface crust, and surrounding areas dried out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The huge size of the Mediterranean depression created by MSC water level drawdown corresponding to a volume loss of 69 percent of the Mediterranean water body would have generated planetary-scale climate effects, inducing changes in precipitation patterns, a scenario suggested by rainfall proxy data," write the authors in their published paper. Today, the Strait of Gibraltar is much wider and deeper than it was during phase 1 of the MSC. If it wasn't for this connection to the Atlantic Ocean, it's estimated that today the sea level of the Mediterranean would be dropping by about half a meter (nearly 20 inches) every year. Eventually, the Zanclean flood event reversed the impact of the MSC, but this new study offers valuable insight into not just the Mediterranean Sea, but changes across the whole region during this formative time in history. "Our results have broader implications for the biological, geologic and climatic evolution of the Mediterranean realm, and beyond," write the researchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The research has been published in Nature Communications. Related News BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's Sinaran Pelangi School recently held its annual kindergarten graduation and academic award ceremony, local media reported on Monday. According to local daily Borneo Bulletin, the event celebrated the achievements of young learners and marked a significant milestone in their educational journey. Hajah Mawarni, head of the Child Development Center at Brunei's Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of parental involvement in early childhood development and encouraged parents to limit screen time for young children. Brunei, a Southeast Asian country with a population of 340,000, has placed great importance on early childhood education. This dark-haired 8-year-old is feeling chatty. He tells his teacher he is doing well, beaming as he does so. When asked whether he has already lost his "wobbly tooth, he nods excitedly, immediately understanding the question. Today, the children in class are set to talk about clothing. All are from refugee families. And all are delighted by each sentence they manage in German - helped by Anne von Consbruch, a teacher at a primary school in Hanover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is all about practice, she says. She encourages the youngsters to repeat after her - including formulaic expressions, which make up about 70% of an adult's language. That means phrases such as "How are you?" or "I am doing well." Today only two young pupils are present at the Nackenberg school. They, along with their families, had to flee their homeland. The girl has been in Germany since first grade, while the second-grader has only been here for a short time. Their challenge is to learn German - within the time the government supports the process and despite the complex bureaucratic hurdles that parents and teachers must overcome in order to ensure they get the support they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And time is limited. The boy is eager and is learning quickly, says the teacher, who is providing German lessons for beginners through a special nonprofit, the Nina-Dieckmann Foundation. The children deserve a chance; every effort is worth it, she says. Often, the youngsters have fled their home countries and life in a foreign country is a "culture shock." Many are struggling with additional challenges too. Some children may not be immediately ready to learn a foreign language - it might take a year before they open up, von Consbruch says. The trouble is that the language support provided by the state is only approved for 12 months meaning a clock starts ticking once they arrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New guidelines mean children who have been living in Germany for more than a year are no longer entitled to additional language support, the teacher says. The authorities assume that children who have been living in Germany for more than a year know enough German to participate successfully in lessons. But often it can take two years to achieve a level where you can use the language colloquially and longer to use it in an educational setting, according to von Consbruch. "Learning a foreign language is a long process. Even for children," she says. Mastering vocabulary, sentence formation and grammatical structures of various tenses requires time and practice. Figurative language is also difficult, says the teacher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She remembers using a German phrase when a youngster arrived late, which literally translates as, "we have to pluck a chicken together," meaning, "I have a bone to pick with you." The youngsters were flummoxed. German like any other language is packed with intriguing idioms, from "demand an extra sausage" - meaning to want special treatment - to "give your mustard" - meaning to provide your view on something. Then there's "have pig" - to be lucky - and "I believe I spin" - I cannot believe it. Newcomers often struggle with such phrases even though they are widely used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Many people think children learn a language quickly," Foundation founder Nina Dieckmann says. But what if they do not have a role model at home who speaks German? Often, their parents have not learned the language yet either so cannot support the kids with their homework, for example. "How are the children supposed to learn that there is a wrong word there?" Dieckmann says. Alongside commitment, the process needs funding. Some 60% of the tuition costs are paid with learning support vouchers provided by the state, says Dieckmann. But that is a tough process, as in order to receive the vouchers, parents must apply for them at the job centre, through an application process that is entirely in German. Most of the parents who need the vouchers do not speak German. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school system too is involved in ensuring the funding is paid out but the trouble is, it is unclear within the regular school system who is responsible for handling applications for these supplementary classes, von Consbruch says. "Luckily, many schools have dedicated secretaries or social workers who address this issue, even though it is not officially part of their job." Currently, the foundation supports 560 children; in total, they have supported about 5,000. But the tuition costs for the learning mentors alone are about 240,000 a year. Worse still, new data last year showed most children and adolescents from disadvantaged families do not benefit from the educational and participation measures, including the vouchers for language classes, offered by the government. Only 16.3% of such youngsters between the ages of 6 and 14 receive the benefit in the state of Lower Saxony. Nationwide, only 18% do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, says Dieckmann, it would be a "disaster" for the foundation if the vouchers were to be abolished, as there would then be no funding beyond donations. The trouble is the bureaucracy which is often challenging for both parents and schools, "but the process is of critical importance," says the head of the Nackenberg Primary School, Chris-Hendrik Schulz. The two youngsters attending class today are well occupied, playing a game and singing together at the end of the class. When you play, you forget to be shy while singing helps immensely with language support, says von Consbruch. One phrase the kids can already say perfectly in German, often asking before class even starts, is: "What will we play today?" Jakes provided an update on Dec. 1 after experiencing what he described as a "life-threatening" health incident after delivering a sermon on Nov. 24 Bishop T.D. Jakes attends the 9th Annual HOPE Global Forums on Dec. 13, 2022 in Atlanta Christian pastor and motivational speaker T.D. Jakes is sharing a health update after experiencing what he described as a "life-threatening" incident while delivering a Sunday sermon last week. While speaking onstage at his church The Potter's House of Dallas on Nov. 24, Jakes, 67, was seen lowering his microphone and looking downward before seemingly convulsing. Several people onstage crowded around to assist him, before the church's livestream cut out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Dec. 1, Jakes returned in a virtual appearance to address the congregation during the church's latest livestreamed service. "I'm so delighted to see you. I'm grateful for God's faithfulness. I'm grateful for your faithfulness. I'm grateful for this season in my life," he began his message, per a video shared on YouTube. "I told you last Sunday that I'd see you this Sunday, and so here I am." Paras Griffin/Getty T.D. Jakes in February 2024 T.D. Jakes in February 2024 He went on to address the Nov. 24 incident, saying, "I am grateful to God for his goodness and his mercy and his grace. Many of you don't realize that you're looking at a miracle. I faced a life-threatening calamity. I was rushed to the ICU unit. I had emergency surgery." Jakes said that his doctor wants him to "go slow" but declared himself "back." He also noted that he had just gotten a "complete physical" prior to his health scare and was told that he "was fine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The truth of the matter is sometimes things happen and they're beyond our control. And sometimes things happen in this spiritual warfare," Jakes said. "I haven't deduced the finality of all of that, but what I do know is greater is he that is in us and he does endure." He explained that he is listening to his medical team and is "taking a few weeks to just heal and recover and relax and just reflect." Ultimately, Jakes said that he "feels good" and is in "no pain." The bishop went on to describe what was going through his mind at the time of the incident. He said he experienced "the feeling of being cradled. It was quiet and it was peaceful, and I was cradled." Jarrod Williams/Getty Bishop T.D. Jakes in 2023 Bishop T.D. Jakes in 2023 Jakes called his recovery a "miracle" and said that "a person down the hallway was being taken to the morgue" at the same time he was released from the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Every moment, every second, every minute of your life, you should recognize that somebody's headed to the morgue while you're headed to the light," he told his listeners. "Not because you're any better, not because they're any worse, but by the amazing grace of God." Before turning the sermon back over to the Potter's House team, Jakes thanked his loved ones, his supporters and his church for their support. "I need you to help me to praise God that we're not planning a funeral," he said. Related: NFL Legend Randy Moss Reveals Health Scare and Asks Fans for Prayers: Battling Something Internal Jakes previously gave an update on his health on Nov. 27, writing in part on social media: "Together, we press forward, steadfast in the work the Lord has set before us. Ive heard from friends from the global community who expressed Gods love in ways that were astonishing!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the post, he expressed that he was thankful that his health incident was not a stroke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The emotional post was accompanied by a video of Jakes in a wheelchair outside of a building. "It didnt have to turn out this way," he said emotionally. "Im just grateful. Im not afraid to die. I dont want to hurt my kids and the people who love me. My church who needs me, the world who called, the God who sent me. Sometimes you just gotta be grateful." 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 statement shared on Jakes' official social media pages shortly after the Nov. 24 incident said that the bishop was "stable" and "under the care of medical professionals" after experiencing "a slight health incident" during the livestreamed sermon. "The entire Potter's House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support from the community. Thank you for your understanding and continued prayers," the statement added. Jakes founded the non-denominational, multicultural church back in 1996, per its website. It has 30,000 members and operates as a non-profit organization based in southern Dallas. Political pundit Meghan McCain took a shot at President Biden after he announced late Sunday he would issue a pardon for his eldest son, Hunter. No one is above the law except the Presidents nepo baby is a helluva parting message for democrats, McCain wrote on the social platform X early Monday morning. Biden hours earlier announced in a statement through the White House the pardon for the 54-year-old Hunter, who has pleaded guilty to nine federal tax charges, was found guilty of three felony gun charges and was to face sentencing this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, Biden said. The president and the White House had repeatedly said he would not pardon his son, most recently last summer after Hunter Biden was found guilty on the gun charges. McCain, a former co-host of ABCs The View, is the daughter of the late Republican senator and presidential nominee John McCain. She is a regular critic of both Biden and President-elect Trump. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late Sen. John McCain, took to social media Monday to criticize President Joe Biden for pardoning his own son, Hunter Biden. No one is above the law except the Presidents nepo baby is a helluva parting message for democrats McCain wrote on X. The presidents son was convicted earlier this year on tax evasion and drug charges. Some commenters pointed out that McCain herself has enjoyed a career as a political commentator at least partly because of her fathers successful career in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre a nepo baby and no one would have known you were it not for your dad, one commenter said. Says the nepo baby, another commenter wrote. McCain launched her career in 2008 during her fathers unsuccessful run for president with a blog about life on the campaign trail. She then worked for multiple news organizations as a columnist and commentator, including the Daily Beast, ABC News, Fox News and MSNBC. She also was a co-host of daytime talk show The View from 2017 to 2021, and famously left the program after feuding on-air with Joy Behar. Many Republicans have criticized Bidens sweeping pardon of his son, a surprising move that happened just days before Hunters sentencing in separate tax and gun cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden pardoned his son for all offenses he committed or may have committed or taken part in from January 2014 to December 2024, writing in a statement that he believed politics had infected both cases and that his son had been treated differently than other defendants charged with similar crimes. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong, Biden said. DES MOINES, Iowa During World Aids Day people gathered at the Iowa State Capital to commemorate their loved ones and speak on the importance of ending the stigma. World AIDS Day has been celebrated every year on December 1st since 1988 and raises awareness for the AIDS pandemic that impacts millions every year. Caused by HIV, the goal is to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) round 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes in 2023 and, as of 2023, 39.9 million people live with HIV globally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarah Wignall works for Primary Health Care as the prevention services manager and spoke about the importance of educating people about HIV and ending the stigma around the disease. Unfortunately, we still see a lot of stigma around HIV, said Wignall. We do a lot of work to fight the stigma and just remind people that it, the diagnosis doesnt define who you are. You can live a long, healthy life with HIV. The focus isnt only on improving the stigma around those living with HIV, but also the health and lifestyles of those impacted. You can take a pill, one pill a day. Its all, its not five, you know, it used to be a cocktail of pills and made people really sick, said Wignall. Todays medication is one pill, and we dont see a ton of side effects from it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Biden gives remarks for World AIDS Day Michael Miller has been living with HIV for over 30 years and spoke at todays event about his experience. I almost died from it. In fact, they had given me only a few months to live, but miraculously through medicines that fought off both the HIV and lowered it in my body and then strengthened my lungs, said Miller. Those medicines, miraculously, Im here. Miller has lost loved ones to the disease and continues to spread awareness and fight the stigma every day. I am a true believer that were all put on this planet for a reason. And thats why I speak out about my status and why hopefully it will help other people who are living with it to be strong and not to be ashamed of who they are, said Miller. To be brave, and to know that there is help out there for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the event the group lead a walk from the Iowa State Capital to the Blazing Saddle where the discussion about AIDS awareness continued. To learn more about World AIDS Day and the World Health Organizations mission 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 who13.com. A friend forwarded an email a while back, the daily come-and-click pitch from the other newspaper in town, touting a front-page feature on one of the two Boblo boats, the Ste. Claire, losing its National Historic Landmark designation. "SINK THE BOBLO BOAT," he wrote, adding a knife emoji so I wouldnt miss his point. I didnt. Hes a millennial and Im a boomer, but were in agreement on this one. Sink the Boblo boat. Drive the last muscle cars off a cliff. Stop playing Motown everywhere, all the time. Tear Detroits eyes away from the rearview mirror, and try looking through the windshield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nostalgia is a poison, and we need a good detox. The SS Ste. Claire commonly known as the Boblo boat on Thursday, September 1, 2016 docked in in Detroit as it gets some repairs. Jessica J. Trevino Our Maurice salads are killing us Its a Rust Belt thing, not confined to Detroit, but Id argue we have the worst case of nostalgia poisoning Ive yet seen. Its understandable, given the citys last 70 years of history, but that doesnt make it right. Theres honoring history, and being mired by it. Sometimes a sharp break with the past is absolutely what the doctor ordered. Our Maurice salads, literal and figurative, are killing us. Looking back, and not forward, leads to laughable episodes like 2023s Growing Michigan Together Council, tasked with finding strategies to reverse the states abysmal rate of population growth (49th in the nation) and attract more Gen Z residents. The councils co-chairs were both septuagenarians. When Gov. Gretchen Whitmer added three youngsters in midsummer, it dropped the councils average age to ... 52. Beyond the comedy of those numbers, imagine what it says to those few young people who might be considering settling here, to hear over and over that the good ol days are gone for good, that you shoulda been here when the Tigers played at Michigan and Trumbull, when you could see Jack White at the Gold Dollar for five bucks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like most people in Metro Detroit, I live in the suburbs, where you can find people who once lived in Detroit, moved away during the middle-class diaspora, but can't stop complaining about it. They drive back to the old neighborhoods to scowl and disapprove and mutter, as though merely sneering will somehow shame the city into pulling up its socks and fixing itself. Miss Havisham is a character in Charles Dickens Great Expectations. Jilted at the altar, she spends the rest of her life lurking in her dark mansion in her wedding gown, the cake uneaten and moldering on its table. Shes a tragic figure; dont we understand that? Sometimes 'classic' just means 'old' Im also convinced much of the rancor aimed at boomers is due to our generations coining of the term classic rock, which kept the genre mired in yesterday, replaying Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones for decades. I like oldies as much as the next girl, but damn, when I was a teenager my parents werent constantly playing Benny Goodman and the Andrews Sisters in the house and car, as many of us subjected our own kids to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nostalgia poisoning kept Tiger Stadium standing years past when it should have been imploded to rubble. Other teams manage to move to new fields and not look back; why was Detroit so fixated on an ugly, crumbling pile that grew uglier and crumblier by the year? But-but-but, Ty Cobb! Ernie Harwell! Mark Fidrych! I used to go there with Grampy! The limb had long ago turned gangrenous, but still we resisted amputation. I was at the North American International Auto Show the year GM announced it was resuscitating the Chevy Camaro. The concept rolled onto the Cobo floor at the end of a parade of classics from the model's golden era in the '60s and '70s, while a screaming crowd swooned. A friend, not a Detroiter and unexcited by this news, told me about the last Camaro he owned, a car that didn't so much wear out as decompose, shedding parts at a standstill in his driveway. It was, he said, a car defeated by gravity. When the roof liner fell gently onto his head one morning, he put it up for sale. The 2017 Camaro Convertible was the 2016 Motortrend Car of the Year, seen during the 2016 North American International Auto Show held at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016. Kimberly P. Mitchell/Detroit Free Press I thought a lot about what he said, and about the gearheads who lined up to drool over the concept Camaro at the auto show, every one of them at or past AARP's automatic-membership threshold. Three years later, the Camaro landed in showrooms, a gorgeous car, but I never saw anyone under 50 driving one, if you don't count Shia LeBoeuf in "Transformers." These days, I'm interested in the future At this point I have to stop and reassure angry readers that of course I respect history. No ones advocating we tear down the Penobscot Building. I mourn the lovely old buildings cleared for more parking lots in the central city. If someone offered me a ride in their 69 Camaro, Id say thanks, and get in. Saving Michigan Central Station? A triumph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Im done with the Dream Cruise. If you insist on playing Motown, it better be deep cuts, or were gonna have words. Hudsons isnt just gone, department stores in general are on their last legs. The future arrives every day, right on schedule, and thats what interests me these days. And yes, its time to give up the Boblo dream. The parks been closed for 30 years, and that boat isnt worth saving. Tow it to Lake Erie, push it over Niagara Falls. Then lets all move on. Nancy Derringer is a mostly retired journalist living in Grosse Pointe Woods. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. Nancy Derringer This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Nostalgia hampers metro Detroit; it's time to move forward | Opinion The Metro Nashville Police Department and the Nashville Community Review Board have reached a Memorandum of Understanding, which officials hope will lead to better community relations and independent review of police misconduct. The five-year MOU agreement, reached after more than a year of uncertainty, provides a level of optimism for CRB director Jill Fitcheard, who said the board looks forward to working with the MNPD to enhance police accountability. With the agreement, she believes more people will come forward knowing their cases can be closed a timely manner. "I think people have options now," Fitcheard told The Tennessean. "I will say that I believe that people have continued to use us, and I believe that they believe that they think we are a trustworthy source and that makes me feel good." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MNPD spokesperson Don Aaron said Chief John Drake signed the MOU after it was negotiated by Assistant Chief Dwayne Greene and Deputy Chief Tommy Widener. A new MOU became necessary after Tennessee lawmakers passed legislation that stripped investigatory powers from then Community Oversight Boards. What once was a board that could review complaints against police before the investigation was over was removed, forcing review boards to only review cases once they are complete. Body-worn cameras a major focus A point of contention since last year's legislation became effective and lack of an MOU was whether the CRB would be given body camera footage as part of their review of police misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than waiting months on end for body camera footage, Fitcheard told The Tennessean that whatever footage MNPD reviews should be made immediately available to the CRB. "That was a really high point," Fitcheard said of the MOU agreement." That's been a pretty contentious area, you know, making certain that we get the body-worn camera." Also included in the MOU is the CRB sharing a spreadsheet of cases the CRB is working on. This arrangement, Fitcheard said, will allow MNPD to ensure complaint cases against officers come to a resolution. The agreement states the CRB will be given the footage within 10 business days after closure of of an investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another part of the MOU agreement will allow the CRB to access whatever the MNPD Office of Profession Accountability (OPA) reviewed as part of a case, even if OPA did not review the materials as part of its investigation. Fitcheard said that part of the agreement will ensure a comprehensive review of complaints. Fitcheard said the CRB board, Mayor Freddie O'Connell, who gave the CRB his support, the National Action Network and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People were instrumental in getting an MOU approved. CRB chair Alisha Haddock said adopting the MOU is a "critical" step forward for the group. This agreement formalizes our shared commitment to building trust within our communities while upholding the principles of fairness and justice. It represents the ongoing efforts to create a more equitable system that prioritizes the voices and concerns of Nashville residents," Haddock said in a statement via email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the CRB has its first MOU since July 2023, Fitcheard said it will take time to catch up on the backlog of complaints, with around 60 cases pending. While going in chronological order is ideal, Fitcheard said cases that are quicker to close may take priority. But Fitcheard now believes her staff can close the gap on cases that sat pending as the CRB waited on public records requests now that they have the MOU in place. "To me, if I'm reviewing it and I'm making recommendations, then I think that still gives us as strong as accountability as you can have based on this law," Fitcheard said. Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville police, community review board sign MOU for records, probes As of Sunday, a Miami attorney has 29 days left on his suspension, a status of which hes become familiar over the last five years. Hes also familiar with the violations that got him suspended, as theyre similar to the reasons for his previous legal timeouts. The 90-day suspension by the state Supreme Court that Leroy Lees currently serving falls well short of the six-month suspension he served in 2021, and, this time, Lees client is out only $500 instead of the $8,085 he owed clients in the 2021 suspension. But, the current suspension will be longer than Lees 2019 suspension, which lasted 81 days. Lees problems, in legal terms: diligence and communication. In colloquial terms, money for nothing or at least not enough and not giving answers to people and organizations that need them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time, according to Lees guilty plea in the discipline case, a convicted fraudster in Charlotte Correctional Institution wanted to hire Lee as his attorney to appeal his conviction. His wife sent Lee $500 by Zelle on June 4, 2020. The inmate spoke to Lee on the phone. (The client) believes he hired [Lee] to represent him on his criminal appeal, Lees guilty plea says. By contrast, [Lee] believes he only agreed to review (the clients) criminal matter and determine a path forward for (the client). Although (the clients wife) spoke to [Lee] on behalf of her husband a few times, [Lees] communication eventually dropped off. While Lee admitted violating Bar rules about diligence, communication and fees for legal services, he claimed he had no dishonest or selfish motive and this happened around the time of a COVID-19 related death in his family which significantly impacted his mental and emotional well-being, limiting his ability to perform his duties effectively. Lee also claimed he deeply regrets his lack of communication with his former client. He acknowledges that he could have taken additional steps to maintain better communication and is committed to improving in this area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This area covers some of what got Lee in trouble before. Silence, limited work and the New Testament Lees previous suspension, six months, equaled one month for each client who filed a grievance against him. What follows comes mainly from Lees guilty plea in the disciplinary matters. READ MORE: 7 Miami to Palm Beach attorneys disciplined by the state Supreme Court Lee got $1,000 from a client to write four legal letters and $600 from the clients son to start divorce proceedings. After doing pre-trial services, Lees guilty plea admits he stopped talking to the mother and son when she started asking about Lees lack of follow through and also claimed the son threatened him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man who owned a vacant lot hired Lee to retain the cost of cleanup after a criminal did some illegal garbage dumping in the lot. Lee didnt file a complaint, never filed a complaint, never pursued the claim, and never informed (the client) of the status of the case. Lee got a $38,000 default judgment against a contractor in a fraud case and Lees client then paid him a retainer to collect the money. Lee said it would take six to eight weeks. But, after eight months, Lee had failed to take any steps to collect the judgment for the client and hadnt refunded her retainer despite agreeing to do so. He had, however, given a biblical argument why she shouldnt report him to the Florida Bar: Paul encourage [sic] the church not to sue one another but to resolve their differences amongst themselves and be understanding. His clients understanding had reached its limit, as did the Florida Bars when Lee didnt come across with the proper documentation after the grievance was filed. He did send an June 3, 2020 email that claimed bullying client misconduct for his shortcomings, but it but failed to address the inquiries made by The Florida Bar, the bar stated. The state Supreme Court agreed and Lee got suspended for 81 days, Dec. 15, 2019, through March 5, 2020, until he satisfied the Bars information request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A widow paid Lee $3,000 in three payments over 20 months from 2017 to April 2019 to probate her late husbands estate. Lee drafted a petition in furtherance of probate, but never actually filed it, nor did he initiate the probate proceedings. Lee took $1,000 to work on a small claims case for a client, but the referees report noted, The extent of [Lees] work on this matter is limited to his notice of appearance and so-called sua sponte withdrawal order. And, the report noted, the client didnt know Lee had withdrawn as his attorney. Because of [Lees] failure to attend to his clients matter, the court struck the pleadings and dismissed (the clients) case for failure to produce discovery on June 11, 2018. A client paid Lee $1,600 to draft a response to a motion for default, but Lee did not file more than his Notice of Appearance on June 2, 2020. So, on Sept. 9, the court granted the default. [Source] Rep. Michelle Steel (R-Calif.) has conceded her re-election bid to Democrat Derek Tran in Californias 45th Congressional District, marking a critical flip for Democrats in a closely divided House. Tran declared victory on Monday, leading Steel by just over 600 votes out of more than 315,000 cast. In a statement posted on X, Steel, who was born in Seoul, reflected on her journey from immigrant to congresswoman, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve. Everything is Gods will and, like all journeys, this one is ending for a new one to begin, she wrote, pledging to continue fighting for her supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tran, the son of Vietnamese refugees, celebrated the win as a mandate to address challenges like affordable healthcare and housing while representing his communitys optimism. With this race concluded, the House GOPs slim majority faces further uncertainty, as the outcome of Californias 13th District and upcoming vacancies could leave Republicans with just a two-seat edge. Trending on NextShark: Chinese man claims he defaced Tokyo shrine over Fukushima discharge Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! The Michigan Supreme Court turned down an appeal Monday, clearing the way for a police officer to face trial for second-degree murder in the death of a man who was shot in the head in 2022. In a 5-2 order, the court let stand a Court of Appeals opinion in favor of the Kent County prosecutor. Patrick Lyoya, a Black man, was killed at the end of a traffic stop in Grand Rapids. He ran and physically resisted Officer Christopher Schurr after failing to produce a drivers license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video shows Lyoya was shot in the back of the head while on the ground. Defense lawyers said Schurr, who is white, feared for his safety. Schurr claimed Lyoya had control of his Taser when he shot him. Video shows the officer demanding that Lyoya take his hands off the device. A Grand Rapids judge said there was enough evidence to send the case to trial, a low threshold under state law. The Court of Appeals affirmed the decision earlier this year. We hope to move forward as quickly as possible to have a final resolution for Patricks family who has been patiently waiting for years for this to occur, prosecutor Chris Becker said Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorney Matthew Borgula said he was disappointed with the Supreme Court's refusal to hear an appeal over the use of deadly force. He said a plea deal seems unlikely. I don't think Officer Schurr committed a crime, Borgula said. Schurr, an officer for seven years, was fired by the Grand Rapids Police Department two months after the shooting. YANGON, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- More than 2,000 migratory birds from 29 species have arrived at the Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary in Bago region of southern Myanmar to spend the winter, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Monday. The report, citing an official from the sanctuary, said that the migratory birds began arriving at the sanctuary in the last week of November. The migratory birds have traveled to Moeyungyi Lake via East Asia-Australian, Central Asian, and West Asia-East Africa flyways, the report added. The migratory birds included black-headed ibis, northern pintail, garganey, Eurasian coot, red-wattled lapwing, grey heron, ruddy shelduck, Pacific golden plover, purple swamphen, sandpiper, river tern and lesser whistling duck, it said. The Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary covering an area of 25,600 acres features 120 species of mammals, 28 species of amphibians and reptiles, among other species. This story has been updated to correct the day that legislators will be sworn into office. State lawmakers are gearing up to return to Lansing to close out the lame duck period, marking the end of Michigan Democrats' full control of the House, Senate and Governor's Office. Democrats will soon lose their majority in the state House, with incumbent seats flipping to Republicans in November. This December, lawmakers will have a limited window to take action on key policy items before Michigan enters divided government come January 2025 with the GOP taking over the House. Dems will continue to hold the governorship and the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know. What is a lame duck period? A lame duck period is the period between an election and the new legislative session when outgoing lawmakers still hold power. When does the Michigan legislature's lame duck session begin? The Michigan Legislature returns to its lame duck session Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. More: Minimum wage, paid sick time loom over Michigan's lame-duck session Michigan State House of Representative Chamber in the State Capitol building in Lansing, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020. What will the Michigan Legislature do during the lame duck session? On the Michigan Legislature's agenda during the lame duck session will be minimum wage and paid sick time. If lawmakers hope to pass something on those issues, they will need to negotiate, following a Michigan Supreme Court ruling and divided opinions from unions and the business community. Democrats in the state House may also try to push through as many agenda items as they can before they lose their majority at the term's end. Where does the term lame duck come from? The term lame duck dates back to the 1700s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In American political usage, the phrase can be traced to 1863, attributed to President Abraham Lincoln, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary. More: Michigan Democrats have long wish list before losing state House majority When will Michigan's 103rd legislature be sworn in? Michigan's 103rd legislature will be sworn in on Jan. 8, 2025. Free Press Politics Reporter Clara Hendrickson contributed. Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan legislature to return for lame duck session on Dec. 4 The Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from Christopher Schurr, a former police officer who argued he should not have to face trial over a second-degree murder charge stemming from the April 2022 shooting of Patrick Lyoya during a traffic stop in Grand Rapids. Schurr, who was fired from the Grand Rapids Police Department shortly after being charged by the Kent County Prosecutor's Office in July 2022, had argued through attorneys that he should not have to stand trial since he was acting within his rights as a law enforcement officer. Last January, a Court of Appeals panel ruled 2-1 that the lower court was correct in binding Schurr over for trial. In a one-page order issued Monday, Michigan Supreme Court justices declined to hear Schurr's appeal. Two of the court's seven justices, David Viviano and Brian Zahra, dissented and would remand the case back to the Michigan Court of Appeals for reconsideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schurr was charged a few months after the fatal shooting of Lyoya, a Congolese refugee who was 26 at the time of his death. Schurr pulled over Lyoya on April 4, 2022, in the southeast part of Grand Rapids, and Lyoya later attempted to run away from the officer. Following a physical struggle, Schurr fatally shot Lyoya in the back of the head while Lyoya was facedown on the ground, video released by the Grand Rapids Police Department shows. The former officer's lead defense attorney, Matthew Borgula of Grand Rapids, did not return a message seeking comment left with his office Monday morning. Schurrs attorneys have argued that he was acting within his right as a police officer to use lethal force. During the physical struggle, Schurr had attempted twice to deploy his stun gun on Lyoya but missed both times, footage shows. As the two struggled, Lyoya attempted to grab the stun gun. Just before the officer fired his gun, he yelled, Let go of the Taser! Prosecutors have argued it should be up to a jury to decide whether the use of lethal force was justified. Footage from the shooting of Patrick Lyoya by Grand Rapids Police is released during a press conference Wednesday, April 13, 2022, in downtown Grand Rapids. Lyoya was shot and killed by a city police officer April 4 after a traffic stop. In June 2022, Schurr was charged with second-degree murder by the Kent County Prosecutor's Office and was bound over for trial after a preliminary examination in October of that year. He appealed the decision to send him to trial, but was unsuccessful both at the circuit court level and the Michigan Court of Appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting sparked protests in Grand Rapids and other parts of Michigan and led to increased calls for accountability for the Grand Rapids Police Department. After the shooting, the Grand Rapids Police Department implemented new policies including de-escalation training and created a policy dedicated to the sanctity of life. A trial date has not been scheduled yet. In a statement, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said "We hope to move forward as quickly as possible to have a final resolution for Patricks family who has been patiently waiting for years for this to occur." Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Supreme Court declines to hear officer's appeal in Lyoya case GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) The states highest court denied a former Grand Rapids police officers appeal in his murder case for the death of Patrick Lyoya. In a narrow decision on Monday, the Michigan Supreme Court said it was not persuaded that the questions present should be reviewed by the high court. Two justices dissented, explaining they would send the case back to the Court of Appeals to consider whether Lyoya was in possession of a dangerous weapon before Schurr shot and killed him. Ex-officers appeal in Patrick Lyoya civil suit dismissed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said his office plans to move forward with the criminal case as quickly as possible after Mondays decision. I am very pleased with the decision today by the Michigan Supreme Court; the courts at all levels have consistently held throughout this process that the charges were justified, and the case should proceed to have a jury decide the matter. We hope to move forward as quickly as possible to have a final resolution for Patricks family who has been patiently waiting for years for this to occur, Becker said in a statement. News 8 reached out to Schurrs attorney for comment but did not hear back as of Monday evening. 2 years after Patrick Lyoya died, Grand Rapids waits for trial Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schurr, then a Grand Rapids Police Department officer, shot and killed Lyoya during a traffic stop on April 4, 2022. Video shows Lyoya running away from Schurr before the two struggled over the officers Taser. Schurr, who was on top of Lyoya trying to hold him down, eventually shot him in the back of the head. The shooting led to protests and eventually policy changes inside the police department. At the same time, several organizations, including the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, the Grand Rapids Police Officers Association and the Michigan Association of Police Organizations have thrown their support behind Schurr. After weeks of review, Becker charged Schurr with one count of second-degree murder. Schurr was fired from GRPD following the charge. A district court judge first ruled in October 2022 that Schurrs actions were not justified and that a criminal trial could move forward. Schurr appealed, arguing common law gives officers the right to use deadly force to arrest a fleeing felon. The Michigan Court of Appeals heard arguments in September 2023. The panel in January affirmed the district court ruling sending the case to trial and rejected Schurrs appeal of that decision in March. Arguing that the appeals court misstated or misconstrued the moments leading up to the shooting, Schurrs lawyers asked the Michigan Supreme Court to consider the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lyoya family attorneys try to get Grand Rapids added back to civil suit LEGAL EXPERT: TRIAL LIKELY NEXT YEAR Lewis Langham, a professor with Cooley Law School, says the path is now clear for the case to head to trial, but there are many issues a judge must consider before then. That includes deciding on what witnesses and experts can testify. Both sides will debate what should and should not be admitted into evidence for the jury to see. Whether or not Patrick Lyoyas blood alcohol level is relevant to these proceedings, Langham offered as an example. Because his blood alcohol level was over three times the legal driving limit. Whether or not his criminal history of assaultive nature is going to come in. Inside woodtv.com: Patrick Lyoya Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jury selection could also take some time. Langham also expects another issue to come up: whether the case will stay in Kent County or move elsewhere. I pretty much assure the case will probably remain in Kent County, but that doesnt exclude it for being a motion that could be argued in front of the court, he said. Langham said all of the work before the trial could take between three and six months, if not longer. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, criticized President Joe Biden on Monday afternoon for pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, after he had previously said he would not do so. "President Bidens decision to pardon his son was wrong," Peters, who was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014 and has been a steadfast ally of Biden's, said in a message posted on social media platform X. "A president's family and allies shouldn't get special treatment." President Bidens decision to pardon his son was wrong. A president's family and allies shouldn't get special treatment. This was an improper use of power, it erodes trust in our government, and it emboldens others to bend justice to suit their interests. Senator Gary Peters (@SenGaryPeters) December 2, 2024 "This was an improper use of power, it erodes trust in our government, and it emboldens others to bend justice to suit their interests," Peters continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden had been the focus of Republican investigations in Congress since Joe Biden took office in 2021; Hunter Biden was also convicted of federal drug and gun charges earlier this year. On Sunday evening, Biden announced his decision to pardon his son, saying he had been "selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted" and that few cases like his are ever brought to trial. He also noted that Hunter Biden, who had struggled with addictions, paid his back taxes with interest and penalties. An earlier plea deal that would have resolved the cases against the president's son fell apart last year. Biden's pardon didn't just cover Hunter Biden's convictions, however; it extended to any potential federal crimes he might have committed between 2014 and the end of this year. It comes less than a month after Republican former President Donald Trump who has been critical of Hunter Biden's activities and business deals won reelection, with Joe Biden set to leave office on Jan. 20, 2025. Trump has also been criticized for his own pardoning of political allies during his first term in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong," Biden said in a statement Sunday. "There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough." Some Republican members of Michigan's congressional delegation also criticized Biden's pardon. Also posting on X, U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, said, "Not only did Joe Biden lie to the American people about pardoning Hunter, but he also issued one of the most wide-ranging pardons in recent memory, dating back to his (Joe Biden's) days as Vice President. The American people deserve better than this." U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Bruce Township, who will be the fourth-ranking Republican in the U.S. House next year, said, "President Biden has pardoned his son after unequivocally saying he would not for months. He lied to the American people. Justice was not served in this case and Joe Biden should be ashamed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another Democrat, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Detroit, did not directly make a comment, but on Sunday night, she reposted a comment by civil rights attorney Scott Hechinger on X that said, "Hunter Biden pardoned. Okay, @POTUS. There are currently appx 89,000 people in federal custody for drug offenses alone. When are their pardons coming?" Tlaib's repost simply said, "This." Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler This story has been updated with new information. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Sen. Peters criticizes Biden's pardon of Hunter The big story: As Donald Trump shapes his leadership team, hes leaned heavily on Florida for key positions, including most recently Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister to head the Drug Enforcement Agency. Its no wonder that observers are speculating how Floridas education model will influence the administration. And much attention is going to the transformation at New College of Florida, where conservative commentator Christopher Rufo has worked as a trustee to create a national blueprint for reimagining higher education. Read more here. Hot topics Charter schools: A group seeking to convert an Alachua County elementary school to charter status beat the deadline to submit its application to the state, Main Street Daily News reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community outreach: The Escambia County school district is supporting a local charitys food drive as need grows and donations slow, the Pensacola News-Journal reports. Getting there: The Orange County school district is looking into adding several more school speed zones with cameras to catch speeders, the Orlando Sentinel reports. The Hendry County school district will begin using cameras in school zones this week, WINK reports. Hurricane aftermath: Chris Kopel moved to Florida to teach at Palm Harbor University High two months before Hurricane Helene. Hes now trying to balance work with recovering from losing his home in the storm, WUSF reports. The Sanibel School in Lee County is poised to reopen its doors for the first time since Hurricane Milton, WINK reports. International students: Florida saw a 5% increase in international students at its universities during 2023-24, WMFE reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juvenile justice: Floridas new effort to educate juveniles in jail is running into troubles with its finances and its technology, Florida Phoenix reports. Student travel: Hernando County school board members raised concerns that the district has no policy requiring students and staff on school-related trips stay in hotels with security rather than renting a house, Suncoast News reports. Teacher discipline: A Broward County high school debate teacher resigned amid allegations of sending inappropriate text messages to a student, the Sun-Sentinel reports. Unions: A Leon County circuit court judge declined to place a temporary injunction on Florida law requiring teacher and faculty unions to have 60% participation, saying the law can remain in force during the legal challenge, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vaping: The Palm Beach school district is testing out vape detectors at three schools in an effort to eliminate student vaping in campus restrooms, the Palm Beach Post reports. From the police blotter ... A Bay County school bus driver and a bus aide were arrested on accusations of child abuse and neglect on their bus, the Panama City News Herald reports. From the court docket ... Lawyers continue to battle in federal court about the authority of the Escambia County school board to control the content of school libraries, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. The case might set national precedent over the First Amendment and government speech. A Manatee County family is suing the school district, contending officials missed warning signs that an aide was abusing her children, the Bradenton Herald reports. Before you go ... Check out this lovely animated short based on the Japanese paper folding art origami. By Ted Hesson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of migrants caught illegally crossing the U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada fell in November, a senior U.S. border official told Reuters, part of a months-long trend that undercuts President-elect Donald Trump's claim illegal immigration is out of control. U.S. Border Patrol arrested some 47,000 migrants illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in November, according to a preliminary tally, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection official said on Sunday, requesting anonymity to share unpublished data. The figure is a decrease from nearly 57,000 in October and the lowest monthly total since July 2020, during the COVID pandemic and when Trump was still in office. At the border with Canada, about 700 migrants were caught crossing illegally, down from 1,300 in October, the official said. Trump, a Republican who recaptured the White House last month, has promised to crack down on illegal immigration and criticized Democratic President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for record numbers of migrants caught illegally crossing during Biden's administration. In a Truth Social post last week, Trump vowed to impose 25% tariffs on all goods from Mexico and Canada unless the countries stop migrants and illicit fentanyl from entering the U.S., a move that could trigger a trade war if Trump follows through when he takes office on Jan. 20. In response, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum warned the tariffs would have dire consequences for both countries and suggested possible retaliation. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on Friday. U.S. arrests of migrants at the Mexico border have fallen dramatically since Biden imposed restrictions in June that blocked most people crossing illegally from claiming asylum. At the same time, Mexico has stepped up immigration enforcement, stopping hundreds of thousands of migrants en route to the U.S. since January. "We really think these sustained reductions demonstrate the continued success of our work to strengthen international collaboration to address migration," the official said. In his Nov. 25 Truth Social post, Trump said a migrant caravan moving through Mexico appeared to be "unstoppable in its quest to come through our currently Open Border." However, the group, which had totaled several thousand migrants in southern Mexico, has seen its numbers and momentum decrease in recent days. "Usually by the time they make it even 100 miles (161 km) north into Mexico, they've effectively been dissipated by the Mexican government," the Customs and Border Protection official said. Since Labour took office on July 5, pledging to control the borders, more than 20,000 would-be asylum seekers have crossed the Channel. Far from the traffic stopping, the pace of arrivals has accelerated. The numbers arriving are likely to drop away in the coming weeks as winter takes a hold but the trend remains upwards. The criticism aimed by Labour at the last government for its failure to stop the boats is being turned against the new administration. This was never an easy matter to deal with but Labour manifestly failed to help the Tories do so, thwarting every effort to introduce disincentives in the system, notably the Rwanda scheme. Another promise to end the use of hotels to house migrants has also been jettisoned, with more rooms than ever now being occupied. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, is irritatingly holier-than-thou on this issue, continuing to denounce her predecessors without fully acknowledging how hard this task is. She has recently concluded an agreement with Iraq to return migrants, share intelligence on criminal groups and bolster its border security, calling it an important new partnership with the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Tories did the same with Albania she said it was being used predominantly to return historic cases. Might that also be true of her agreement with Baghdad or will Iraqis arriving by boat be removed immediately? Since they will all be treated on a case-by-case basis, and proving where they come from is difficult because they throw away their ID, it is hard to see how the deal will make much difference. The agreement will cost the UK taxpayer a further 800,000, admittedly a small sum in the great scheme of things but one suggesting this is not an entirely serious initiative. Ms Cooper told MPs that returns of asylum seekers will now rise significantly and will act as a deterrent to future migrants. We shall see. But with annual asylum costs now more than 5 billion, success in this area is vital. Indeed, it is about to become a more pressing issue with the renewed turmoil in Syria. The revival of the civil war there is bound to trigger a fresh refugee crisis with people leaving to avoid the fighting and heading for Iraq, Turkey and other routes used by people traffickers. Failure to control immigration, both legal and illegal, was a key factor in the defeat of the Tories. It is now becoming a major test for Labour. 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. (Bloomberg) -- Argentina would seem to have it all abundant natural resources, legions of well-educated workers. But it struggles to attract investors because its politicians have a habit of changing the rules on a whim, favoring the state over private enterprise. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Javier Milei is on a crusade to resolve that persistent grievance by offering big companies a way to bulletproof their capital commitments. There are signs it could work. Energy and mining companies with potential to supercharge growth in the South American nation, which has endured six recessions in the past decade alone, are starting to file applications to be granted sweeping tax, currency and customs benefits enshrined in law for 30 years. Milei a libertarian who stormed to power a year ago says companies will pledge more than $50 billion under the incentives package, known by its Spanish acronym RIGI. So far, six proposals have been submitted for roughly 15% of that. For the trickle to become a flood, overseas investors are desperate for Milei to remove Argentinas notorious currency controls, which would unify dual exchange rates. Thats because RIGI largely requires them to turn dollar capital into pesos at a government-controlled rate, which is stronger than one they can get on financial markets and so provides them fewer local funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the stage has therefore been left to national companies. Extinguishing the exchange-rate gap is a prerequisite to RIGI gathering steam, said Sergio Caveggia, a partner at the Buenos Aires offices of international tax consultancy Ernst & Young LLP, who is working on RIGI applications. The incentives package was implemented at the end of August after emerging as a marquee section of Mileis signature legislation to deregulate Argentinas economy. And by extending its terms until far into the future, the president is trying to guarantee that his free-market vision for business withstands any move by voters to usher back in statist policies. Its a ticket, in theory at least, to the consistent rules of play that company executives so often plead for. Critics, however, warn that RIGI risks writing a new chapter of Latin Americas so-called resource curse where nations have allowed their natural riches to be exploited by corporations, only to see few of the profits trickle down. Even astronomical returns cant combat the risk perception in Argentina; RIGI has arrived on the scene to resolve that, said Juan Procaccini, a lead consultant at the local branch of PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP, who spearheaded Argentinas last major attempt to attract foreign investment almost a decade ago under then-President Mauricio Macri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Procaccini was speaking at a recent gathering of lawyers and consultants in downtown Buenos Aires to discuss RIGI, as they race to compile paperwork for clients seeking inclusion in the program. The level of interest has wowed us, Andrea Oteiza, head of deal advisory at KPMG Argentina, said during a panel at the event. Under the frameworks rules, companies have until August 2026 to apply and must disburse at least 40% of the capital expenditure the floor for any single project is $200 million within two years of getting the green light. That would mean a lot of fresh money in Argentina, where investments in recent times have been merely enough to amortize existing assets, according to Fausto Spotorno, director of economic research at Buenos Aires consulting firm Orlando J. Ferreres y Asociados. But he advised caution over Mileis $50 billion headline figure: Those pledges and how real investments pan out can be like apples and oranges, Spotorno said. Milei has appointed ex-Merrill Lynch investment banking veteran Daniel Gonzalez as his RIGI czar, responsible for deciding with a committee of advisers whether a project makes the cut. Gonzalez has plenty of experience in the energy space thats at the front of the line, having served for years as an executive at Argentinas biggest oil producer, state-run YPF SA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several energy and mining companies have already applied, and a handful of other industries tech, forestry, steel and tourism are eligible. YPF led a proposal by drillers for a $2.5 billion pipeline and port to export shale oil. Pan American Energy Group and a global partner, Golar LNG Ltd., have also sought RIGI benefits for an even costlier venture to liquefy and ship natural gas. Meanwhile, TGS SA and Pampa Energia SA are weighing projects to pipe Argentinas vast deposits of the transition fuel and process it into other commodities. In mining, the promise of foreign investment without the helping hand of local associates is clearer, with South Koreas Posco Holdings Inc. and an Australian junior filing proposals to develop lithium. Canadas McEwen Copper Inc. is also preparing a submission. The upsides of the incentive program are unmistakable in a troublesome investor jurisdiction like Argentina. RIGI is an attempt to create a bubble of normalcy in a context where there are still stumbling blocks, said Marcelo Garcia, Americas director at New York-based consultancy Horizon Engage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Provisions to circumvent many of Argentinas foreign-exchange regulations are perhaps the biggest lure. After just a few years, companies can use hard-currency revenue from exports as they wish, instead of having to swap it for pesos at the central bank. Lower taxation is another plus. Tariffs will be scrapped on materials that companies import to build plants and addressing a major gripe in the Argentine business world they will be allowed to export tariff-free. Theres also a loophole for value-added tax that will slash costs. Lastly, RIGI establishes rights for companies to short-circuit the Argentine legal system and go straight to international arbitration courts should any future government renege on the contracts. To be sure, Argentina has been here before. Long-standing tax breaks for miners have had only patchy success. And previous administrations peppered the oil industry with incentives, only for drillers to find them tough to collect on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rohatyn Group, a New York-based asset management firm thats planning a new Argentine infrastructure fund, said it all comes back to a blanket removal of currency controls. I hope they get lifted sooner rather than later, Roberto Chute, who heads Rohatyns private equity investments in Latin America, said on a panel. Its a tough bet to bring $200 million into Argentina when there are still doubts over the macro. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Municipal workers and community members in Milton are preparing to celebrate the life of Town Manager Don Turner this weekend at a town building that bears the longtime public servants name. Turner died Saturday, surrounded by family, at McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester. An obituary said the cause was glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. He was 60 years old. Town officials have announced a A Celebration of Life for 2 p.m. Saturday in Milton.The memorial will be held at the new Don Turner, Jr. Public Works Facility, which was named in his honor on November 26. The event will be livestreamed on Lake Champlain Access TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Phil Scott on Monday ordered the United States and Vermont flags to half-staff on Friday. Scott said Turner was the embodiment of public service. I had the honor of serving in Montpelier with Don for well over a decade, the governor said. He was respected and liked by most everyone he met and worked with. Whether you agreed with him or not, he treated all with dignity, respect and kindness. Few have had such a profound impact on their hometowns as Don has in Milton. He touched and improved so many lives, and as a result his legacy will live on, Scott said. Turner was the minority leader of the Vermont House of Representatives in 2017 when he became Milton Town Manager. He was first elected to the Chittenden-9 district in 2006, and later represented Chittenden-10 until 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turner became a firefighter at age 16 and was Miltons Fire Chief for 14 years. Among his other achievements on behalf of Milton, Turner led construction of a fire station and field house, as well as the rehabilitation of the historic Grange as an event venue. His leadership, positive attitude and support were instrumental in fostering a thriving workplace within the Town offices, balancing retention of talented tenured staff with thoughtful recruiting of new municipal employees, tow officials said in a statement. Never one to seek sole credit for progress and accomplishments, he was a constant advocate for the Towns team. Turner leaves behind is wife, Gail, their daughters Emily, Hillary, and Erin, their spouses, and their three grandchildren. He is also survived by his parent, Don Sr. and Nancy, his sister Lisa, and brother James and their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. MANILA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) said Sunday that the number of HIV cases or people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the country was estimated to hit 215,400 before 2024 ends. Of the estimated PLHIV, 131,335 cases have been diagnosed or laboratory-confirmed and currently living or not reported to have died, as of September, the DOH said. Citing AIDS Epidemic Model's estimates, the DOH said the number of PLHIV in the Philippines could reach approximately 448,000 by 2030, "if prevention and interventions won't scale up." To curb rising cases, the DOH said it has collaborated with the Philippine National AIDS Council to officially launch a campaign on Sunday in observance of the 2024 Philippine World AIDS Day. "The campaign counters stigma and opens conversations about HIV/AIDS prevention. The public is reminded that regular testing in primary care facilities, local clinics, health centers, and mobile testing units can be accessed in confidence," it said. Iowa deputies arrested an 18-year-old from Milwaukee in connection with a bus stop shooting that killed a 15-year-old. A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version. Trump Wants This Guy At The Top Of The Chain Of Command The New Yorkers Jane Mayer published a new piece last evening about Pete Hegseths troubled tenure at two nonprofits before he became a Fox News host in 2017. The article, based on whistleblower accounts, paints a picture of Donald Trumps presumptive nominee for defense secretary as frequently drunk in public at work events, overseeing workplace environments that were saturated in sexism, and engaging in mismanagement. The new revelations come on top of Hegseths settlement of a 2017 sex assault claim against him that he did not initially disclose to the Trump transition team. Hegseth denies committing sexual assault in the previously reported case; and in a statement released on his behalf in response to The New Yorker article said he would not comment on its outlandish claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mayer piece is devastating: A trail of documents, corroborated by the accounts of former colleagues, indicates that Hegseth was forced to step down by both of the two nonprofit advocacy groups that he ranVeterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for Americain the face of serious allegations of financial mismanagement, sexual impropriety, and personal misconduct. Among the specific allegations: repeated public intoxication while acting in his official capacityto the point of needing to be carried out of the organizations events; trying to dance on stage with strippers at a strip club in Louisiana where hed brought his team; sexually pursuing his organizations female staffers, who were classified as either party girls or not party girls; and drunkenly chanting Kill All Muslims! Kill All Muslims! at a bar in Ohio while on business there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New Yorker story is based in part on a previously undisclosed whistleblower report from his 2013-2016 tenure as the president of Concerned Veterans for America. Mayer spoke with some of the people involved in compiling the report and relied on other documents and accounts from those who were involved with the organizations during the times in question. Can We Stay Focused On Trump Firing The FBI Director? Donald Trumps holiday weekend announcement glossed over the fact that he will fire FBI Director Christopher Wray before the end of his 10-year term. The rest of us dont have to accept that gloss. The politically motivated firing of Wray as retribution is the scandal. It will be the second FBI director fired by Trump: Wray was appointed by Trump to replace James Comey, whom he fired in 2017. Ever since Trump won the election, the coverage of his firing of the FBI director has been muted, framed more around the parlor game of who Trump will name as Wrays replacement, with some concern about what this or that potential nominee could do to undermine the rule of law. But the firing of the FBI director on specious grounds as political payback for leading validly predicated investigations into Trump himself is itself undermining of the rule of law. Kash Patel is an appalling figure who is as unqualified and dangerous as the failed Matt Gaetz was for attorney general. That, too, is a scandal. But before GOP senators are forced to defend the Patel nomination, they need to be made to answer for why theyre sanctioning Trumps corrupt firing of the FBI director. Joe Biden Pardons Hunter Biden President Biden issued a sweeping pardon of his son Hunter Sunday night, bringing full circle a dominant story line of at least the last five years. The news of the pardon, first reported by NBC News and quickly followed by a written statement from the President, came after the Biden family huddled on Nantucket over the Thanksgiving weekend. Biden who had repeatedly promised not to pardon Hunter made the decision Sunday and didnt waste any time in announcing it, Playbook reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It may sound like a copout, but Im not convinced that the question of whether Biden should or should not have pardoned his son is the most illuminating way of assessing the entire debacle that led to Trumps first impeachment, proceeded through a misguided special counsel investigation, and culminated with pardons on the eve of Hunters dual sentencings in federal courts on opposite coasts later this month. Those who work on criminal justice issues and are focused on the fair, even, consistent awarding of pardons are understandably concerned in that context with the implications of the Hunter Biden pardon. Its important to note, however, that hat is not the only context for this pardon. A separate category of reactions strike me as too credulous to take seriously: It clears the way for Trump to do bad things. As if Trump needed an excuse. A third category of responses defended the pardon unequivocally. This is not going to be the first time in the Trump II era that were forced wrestle with the question of what extraordinary means are necessary and appropriate to confront the extraordinary threat to the rule of law and democracy that Donald Trump presents. While it is important to mark deviations from the norm and remember what norms we seek to restore, it does seem increasingly feckless to cling to those norms while they are decimated. But what standards take their place? Where do you draw the new line? What accountability is there under the new standards? Killing democracy to save it is obviously not the answer either. I land at a tenuous and perhaps too easy conclusion that Trumps erosion of the rule of law is what got us here in the first place, and the Hunter Biden pardon is another marker of how far down this slippery slope weve already fallen. Trump II Clown Show Kash Patel, FBI director Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff Chad Chronister: DEA administrator retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg: US envoy to Ukraine and Russia The Trump Fathers-in-Law Donald Trump plans to name two of his childrens fathers-in-law to positions in his new administration: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Convicted-but-pardoned-by Trump Charles Kushner, father of Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France; and Lebanese-born billionaire Massad Boulos, father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Why We Keep Focusing On Russ Vought (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) Trump insists on nominating clowns and buffoons and is himself inevitably a chaotic presence. But he also brings people like Vought with him into power. Many people tend to think that the extremists, the nutty MAGA people, are inherently incompetent; and that conversely, when you go up on the competence scale, you are likely to encounter fewer ideological extremists. Vought, however, is a fully competent, utterly committed radical ideologue.Thomas Zimmer IMPORTANT All the signs are there that Trump II will include a deeper slide into crony capitalism, putting pressure on corporate America, that it mostly resisted in Trumps first term, to kowtow to the powers-that-be to protect its economic interests. GOOD READ TPMs Josh Kovensky: How Trumps Failed 2020 COVID Policy Birthed His 2024 Public Health Nominees Crazy Story WSJ: Chinese Ships Crew Suspected of Deliberately Dragging Anchor for 100 Miles to Cut Baltic Cables Mass Deportation Watch WSJ: The Local Sheriffs Gearing Up to Help Trump Carry Out Mass Deportations Politico: California will not help Trumps deportation plans, Sen. Alex Padilla says NBC News: Democratic-controlled cities are finalizing plans to oppose mass deportation Recipe For Disaster TPMs Khaya Himmelman: North Carolina GOPs New Power Grab Is A Recipe For Disaster For Elections Thank You For Your Recollections PHILADELPHIA, PA- JULY 10, 2014: The covered First Class Promenade Deck of the SS United States. The ship has been docked at a pier on the Philadelphia waterfront and has been the target of numerous save our ship schemes, all of which have failed. (Photo by Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post via Getty Images) Since I first mentioned the imminent demise of the SS United States, Ive received some wonderful recollections from readers of their experiences crossing the Atlantic aboard her. A couple more goodies: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TPM Reader BK: Im late adding my two cents, but my family took the SS United States from New York to Southampton in February of 1964. (Within a day or two after the Beatles went on the Ed Sullivan Show.) We were moving to London. I was 6, and my brother and sister were 4 and 3. My parents chose to go by boat rather than air because they thought the time zone change would be easier on us kids. I suspect they came to regret it. First, my brother got chicken pox. Then, around day 3 or 4, we ran into a tremendous storm that made the boat rock so much that the ladders to the top bunks kept falling over. Already prone to motion sickness I had previously thrown up when watching a movie in the theater, which was on the top deck so it swayed more we couldnt have been more miserable. Other than that (Mrs. Lincoln) it was an awesome trip! The boat was gleaming and there was plenty to do if you werent feeling sick; its hard to see it so rusted now. TPM Reader PW: I too was a passenger on the S.S. United States back in 1962! I crossed from New York to Southhampton with my parents and brother to spend a year in England. My father finished what is still considered a definitive biography on the poet John Milton while my brother and I attended a Quaker boarding school which we loved and did not want to leave! My memories of the crossing were mostly that there was a constant flow of far too much food, the waves were gigantic compared to the little lake where we spent our summers, and some boy with romantic fantasies followed me around whenever I went exploring on my own! I always enjoy discovering when the news of the day bumps into the personal experiences of TPM readers. Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! Getty Images. A Stanford misinformation expert has admitted he used artificial intelligence to draft a court document that contained multiple fake citations about AI. Stanfords Jeff Hancock submitted the document as an expert declaration in a case involving a new Minnesota law that makes it illegal to use AI to mislead voters prior to an election. Lawyers from the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute and the Upper Midwest Law Center, which are challenging the law on First Amendment grounds, noticed the fake citations several weeks ago and petitioned the judge to throw out the declaration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hancock billed the state of Minnesota $600 an hour for his services. The Attorney Generals Office said in a new filing that Professor Hancock believes that the AI-hallucinated citations likely occurred when he was using ChatGPT-4o to assist with the drafting of the declaration, and that he did not intend to mislead the Court or counsel by including the AI-hallucinated citations in his declaration. The AGs office also writes that it was not aware of the fake citations until the opposing lawyers filed their motion. The office has asked the judge to allow Hancock to re-submit his declaration with corrected citations. In a separate filing, Hancock argues that using AI to draft documents is a widespread practice. He notes that generative AI tools are also being incorporated into programs like Microsoft Word and Gmail, and says that ChatGPT is web-based and widely used by academics and students as a research and drafting tool. Earlier this year a New York court handling wills and estates ruled that lawyers have an affirmative duty to disclose the use of artificial intelligence in expert opinions and tossed out an experts declaration upon learning that he had used Microsofts Copilot to check the math in it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other cases, lawyers have been sanctioned by judges for submitting AI-generated briefings containing false citations. Hancock says he used the software that powers ChatGPT, called GPT-4o, to survey the academic literature on deep fakes and also to draft much of the substance of his declaration. He describes how he prompted the program to generate paragraphs detailing various arguments about AI, and says the program likely misinterpreted notes he left for himself to add citations later. I did not mean for GPT-4o to insert a citation, he writes, but in the cut and paste from MS Word to GPT-4o, GPT-4o must have interpreted my note to myself as a command. Hancock is a leading national expert on misinformation and technology. In 2012 he gave a widely-viewed TED talk entitled The future of lying, and since the release of ChatGPT in 2022 he has published at least five papers on AI and communication, including Working with AI to persuade and Generative AI are more truth-biased than humans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hancock, who has served as an expert witness in at least a dozen other court cases, did not respond to questions about whether he used AI in any of those cases, the number of hours he has billed the AGs office so far, or whether the AGs office knew beforehand that he would be using AI to compose his declaration. A representative for the AGs office said they would not be commenting beyond the court filings. Frank Bednarz, a lawyer with the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute, said that Ellisons decision not to retract a report theyve acknowledged contains fabrications seems problematic given the professional ethical obligation attorneys have to the court. What we know: Kobayashi, originally from Maui, vanished after missing her connecting flight from Los Angeles to New York on Nov. 8, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Initially believed to be sightseeing, she visited locations near The Grove shopping center, including a bookstore and a Nike event. On Nov. 9, she made two Venmo payments to two individuals her family does not recognize: one to Veronica Almendarez at 6:25 p.m. and another to Jonathan Taylor at 7:19 p.m. The latter is believed to be for tarot card reading. She then sent cryptic text messages to a friend on Nov. 11, alleging that deep hackers wiped her identity, stole all of her funds and had her on a mind f*ck since Friday. Another text message said I got tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds, followed by for someone I thought I loved. Surveillance footage last captured Kobayashi at the Pico Metro Station on Nov. 11 with an unidentified man, where she appeared distressed. Her phone went silent that evening and she has not been heard from since. The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office says a missing hiker was found dead after days she went missing in the Mt. Hood National Forestand her estranged husband has been arrested for murder. Deputies say they found the body of 61-year-old Susan Lane-Fournier on Nov. 29 near East Highway 26 and East Miller Road. Her death is listed as homicide. The next day, deputies arrested her ex-husband, 71-year-old Michel Fournier. Hes currently being held without bail in the Clackamas County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records obtained by Oregon news station KATU, Susan had filed for divorce from Michel at the end of October, citing irreconcilable differences. She was reported missing on Nov. 22 after failing to show up to work. Deputies said they went to her home, but she wasnt there. The next day, someone spotted her white 1992 Ford F-250 parked along East Salmon River Road near the trailhead. Deputies believe she was hiking with her two large Malinois-mix dogs in the Green Canyon Way Trail area south of Welches. The sheriffs office says two dogs were found dead on Dec. 1 and are believed to be Susans pets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dogs have been transferred to the custody of the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office, where investigators are working to confirm their identities. Detectives are asking anyone who saw Michel in the days leading up to Susans disappearance or knows what hes been up to since his arrest. Photo by Allison Joyce/Getty Images. Twenty absentee ballots from precinct 10 in Shakopee, Scott County, Minnesota, have been making news following the Nov. 5 election. Most of the attention has been focused on the fact that each of those 20 might contain a vote in the race for House District 54A, which was decided in favor of state Rep. Brad Tabke, DFL-Shakopee, by just 14 votes. Moreover, a change in the outcome could determine control of the Minnesota House, which is currently deadlocked between Republicans and Democrats, 67-67. The underlying problem affects entire ballots, however, so we should step back from all the heat of a closely decided race to try to shed some light on what went wrong, what ought to have prevented the problem, and appropriate steps forward. What happened? While many Minnesota counties process all absentee ballots at the county level, Scott County designates cities to process a portion of the absentee ballots, particularly ballots cast in person. Like many of these designated municipalities, the city of Shakopee administers its own absentee ballot board to perform key steps in this processing. Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar released a preliminary investigation summary that explains that Shakopees absentee ballot board returned 20 fewer ballots from precinct 10 than the number of absentee voters it had checked in, and that the tabulated results likewise reflected this shortage of 20 ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont know exactly what happened to produce that shortage. Presumably if a video of the absentee ballot boards work were available and showed the moment at which the process went wrong, Hocevar would have mentioned it. However, he provides good reason to think that on Oct. 18, when the board was processing envelopes accepted prior to that date, the processing of the 20 precinct 10 envelopes accepted on the 17th went awry. Absentee ballots cast in person divide into those cast using direct balloting, which the voters insert directly into a tabulator, and those cast using the same sort of envelopes as when voting by mail. By law, the ballots accepted on the 17th were of the envelope-enclosed kind. Thus, a reminder of the process used for absentee ballots cast in envelopes: The ballot is in a secrecy envelope, which is nested inside the signature envelope. The ballot board accepts or rejects the signature envelope based on the information on the outside. Working with the accepted signature envelopes from one precinct at a time, the ballot board members take the secrecy envelopes out of the signature envelopes and set them aside to preserve the secrecy of the voters ballots. They then remove the ballots from the secrecy envelopes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Shakopee, rather than being treated as envelopes that needed ballot extraction, the 20 secrecy envelopes were instead treated as the empty envelopes remaining after extraction and were as such discarded. What should have happened? The question of what ought to have happened may seem foolish. The ballot board members ought to have removed the ballots from the secrecy envelopes. But as important as it is to minimize error, it is at least as important to catch those errors that do occur at a time when they can still be rectified. It is in this regard that the question of what should have happened becomes more interesting. What should the city of Shakopee have done to catch its own mistake and fix it before it affected results? There ought to have been multiple opportunities. The work of absentee ballot boards is controlled by statute. But whereas the Legislature provided significant detail about the decision to accept or reject a ballot, the language regulating the ballot extraction is much more brief. Therefore, counties and municipalities need to establish their own procedures, which ought to incorporate the best practices gleaned from statewide experience. Some of those best practices are included in a guidance document from the Office of Secretary of State, but many are not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first practice that would have caught Shakopees mistake is for pairs of ballot board members to count before and after processing each batch of envelopes. That is, two members of the board count the number of sealed, accepted signature envelopes that they are about to work on, and having agreed upon the number, write it down. Then, after removing secrecy envelopes from signature envelopes and ballots from secrecy envelopes, they both count the ballots. In this way, the count of ballots can be reconciled with the number of signature envelopes on a per-batch basis immediately at the processing table. (The ballot board members would alert their supervisor to any empty envelope or envelope with two ballots,) Hocevars summary gives no indication that Shakopee followed this process. The second opportunity for Shakopee to catch its mistake was when inserting the ballots into the optical-scan tabulator. The tabulator displays how many ballots it has scanned. By consulting this number as each batch is inserted, one can verify that the batch contains the expected number of ballots. While catching a mistake at this point doesnt lead to as easy a fix as immediate detection at the ballot-extraction table, going back to the relevant secrecy envelopes would still be straightforward. Unfortunately, this batch-by-batch check on the tabulator is not so easy in smaller municipalities that use the same tabulator for direct balloting as in larger cities and counties that have dedicated machines for envelope-enclosed ballots. Perhaps for this reason, the investigation summary gives no indication Shakopee took this precaution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if Shakopee didnt check the tabulators count on a per-batch basis, the preliminary investigation summary indicates that they did record it on a daily basis. Indeed, this is how the investigators were able to determine that too few ballots were scanned specifically on Oct. 18. The documented increase in the tabulators count over the course of that day did not match the number of direct-balloting voters plus the number of signature envelopes opened. This check of the days ballots, performed later by the county investigators, ought to have been performed on Oct. 18 (and each subsequent day) by the city of Shakopee. The red flag was there. Had attention been paid to it, the problem could still have been fixed, even if it required digging through a days worth of supposedly empty secrecy envelopes that actually contained 20 ballots. Finally, the city of Shakopee ought to have done one last aggregate check before turning their materials over to Scott County. Or rather, given that the county finished up the citys scanning, this check would have followed that completion. Specifically, the city ought to have done the exact check that was the county staffs first sign of trouble, comparing the total number of ballots they were returning for the precinct (309) with the number of absentee voters they had processed (329). This wouldnt have identified a particular batch or day. A discrepancy detected at this point could have been from any date from Oct. 18 through Nov. 5. Resolving it would have required a lot of high-stress work on election night. But city staff could still have recovered the 20 ballots from their secrecy envelopes, and the outside world would have seen nothing but a delay in reporting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, resolving the problem that late would not only be stressful, it would require that the supposedly empty secrecy envelopes from the entire 18-day period still be on hand. And that leads to the final precaution that the city of Shakopee ought to have taken, which is to preserve these envelopes until the entire canvassing process is complete. Unlike signature envelopes, secrecy envelopes contain no information particular to a voter and so are not election records. The 22-month record retention law does not apply to the secrecy envelopes. But as this years unfortunate incident illustrates, they can be invaluable when procedural errors are still being detected, investigated and resolved. What should happen now? Because one race voted on in Shakopees precinct 10 was narrowly decided, the most immediate response is that the losing candidate in that race will be contesting it in court. And this also provides the most immediate context for the countys continuing investigation, which will surely feature in an affidavit to that court. But it would be a mistake to think the contested House race is the only occasion for action. We also need to think about all future elections, statewide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every eligible citizen who chooses to vote should have their votes counted. The 20 voters in question should have had their vote for U.S. senator counted, even though the margin was so lopsided that AP called the race while votes were still being counted. And indeed, where administrative error didnt intervene, votes in that race, and all other races, continued being counted even once the ballots remaining were mathematically incapable of flipping the result. Election professionals have a responsibility to treat every vote as sacred, whether determinative or not. With regard to the 54A race, these 20 voters should have had their votes counted, even if those votes would have widened the winners margin, rather than shrinking it to the point of reversing. Given the political skew of the precinct in question, thats a highly plausible scenario. Partly for that reason, its unlikely that for these voters in this election, the gap will ever be closed between what should happen and what did happen. If the losing candidates lawyer could persuade a court that the outcome would change, the court would advise the House to seat that candidate. But as things stand, he has much longer odds. If the contestant has no case that the court should identify a different winner, then his remaining alternative is to argue that the election was so irregular as to be voided entirely, allowing the seat to be filled by a special election. However, as the Minnesota Supreme Court remarked in the 1975 case of Hahn v. Graham, It has been the rule in this state for well over 100 years that violation of a statute regulating the conduct of an election is not fatal to the election in the absence of proof that the irregularity affected the outcome or was the product of fraud or bad faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And just as there is little prospect for showing the outcome was affected, the preliminary investigative report shows no signs of fraud or bad faith. The 20 ballots that were apparently discarded were not individually selected based on the votes that were on them. Rather, they were all those accepted by the city on the Oct. 17. Regardless which candidate you wish would represent this district in the House, its a sad thought that the outcome may come down to whether the House chooses to heed the courts advice or substitute its own more political judgment. Constitutionally, Each house shall be the judge of the election returns of its own members. If the House divides 67 to 66 on whether to seat a member, the session will be off to a very bad start. But lets turn to the more cheerful thought of what can be done to prevent a repeat, not just in Shakopee but anywhere else in the state. The prior section on what should have happened is a road map for the processes that ought to be more consistently adopted. And the need for that consistency is now rendered highly apparent to the very body best positioned to achieve it: the Legislature. If the House does not divide over its own membership but instead unites around a common goal of improving the states election laws, this could be a great opportunity. The all too brief statutory language guiding the opening of envelopes could fruitfully be amended to incorporate precautionary best practices such as those listed above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A more detailed statute is not sufficient. Procedures are only put into practice through suitable training and supervision, whether those procedures are listed in statute, administrative rule, state guidance, or a local checklist. But the most critical safeguards are most likely to be standardized if the Legislature places them in statute. The troubled election of one of its own members could be the perfect spur to take that action. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DENVER (KDVR) Jayna Lang, 46, who was last seen in Littleton and missing for a week, was reportedly found dead on Sunday night. Police were searching for Lang after her family raised the alarm about her disappearance. Eric Horvat, her brother, said that Lang was headed to Summit County, specifically the Outlets at Silverthorne on Nov. 24. But Lang did not show up for work on Monday, Nov. 25. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Never done anything like this before, and its scary, Horvat told FOX31 while Lang was considered missing. I mean, where is she? Is she freezing cold, is she- does she need help? After a week of searching, a family member told FOX31 that Lang was found dead on Sunday night from an apparent suicide. Find mental health resources in Colorado. If you are thinking of hurting or killing yourself: Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Please get help 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 FOX31 Denver. The search for a missing 61-year-old woman has come to an end after her body was discovered in Oregon a week after she vanished, deputies said. Susan Phoenix Lane-Fournier was found dead Friday, Nov. 29 near U.S. Route 26 and East Miller Road, just south of her Brightwood home, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post. Brightwood is west of Mount Hood. Deputies said they also believe they found her two dogs dead the next day. Investigators are working to confirm their identities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her 71-year-old husband, Michel Mike Fournier, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder shortly after the discovery of her body, deputies said. He is in jail where hes being held without bail. Lane-Fournier had filed for divorce weeks before her death, according to online court records. Phoenixs wolf-dogs who are also missing Susan Lane-Fournier Posted by Christen Nicole on Sunday, November 24, 2024 Her community rallied for a week to get the word out about Lane-Fourniers disappearance by putting up missing person flyers and sharing information about her case. Our tight-knit mountain community has been shaken to its core by an unimaginable tragedy, a GoFundMe page says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the group is working to raise money for her adult sons, Kota and Jesse, who need help with funeral expenses, housing, legal fees and counseling. Phoenix was a bright light in our lives, and while we can never bring her back, we can stand together to honor her memory by helping her sons move forward, the donation page says. A vigil to honor Lane-Fournier is being held at the Hoodland Bazaar at 6 p.m. Dec. 2. Susan Phoenix Lane-Fournier and her two sons, Kota and Jesse, are pictured. Timeline of events Lane-Fournier never showed up to work Nov. 22 at the Hoodland Bazaar in Welches, McClatchy News previously reported. The next day, her friend Cari Gesch was hiking the Old Salmon River Trail when she spotted her friends white 1992 Ford F-250 parked suspiciously along Salmon River Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Search and rescue teams then spent four days and over 800 hours looking for her in the area, deputies said. Those efforts ended because of weather conditions and the likelihood of survivability, deputies said. Her body was found closer to her home in Brightwood than where search teams began looking for her near the trail. Wifes body found by hunters in Virginia woods in 2017, cops say. Now, husband arrested Man accused of breaking into home is chased down, handcuffed by family, Texas cops say Ohio agencies failed to protect 5-year-old boy found dead in trash bag, lawsuit says MADISON COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) For some families in Mississippi, a lack of resources means little room to grow and become contributing members of society. Despite being born with a disability, five-year-old Christopher is just like any other kid. From healthcare services to education, Christophers mother, Emily Catazaro, said its been a struggle. Medicaid provides a certain amount of financial help per assistance per month. But that would mean I cant work a full-time job to get that assistance. If I would work full-time job, I would have to have childcare for Christopher, and I do not have that as a single parent, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catazaro said support from her church family has been extremely helpful. Christopher is currently homebound, and his mother said its been a constant battle with the Madison County School District to enroll her son. How can you secure your Christmas tree to your vehicle? You know, hes entitled to a free and public appropriate public education. So, you know, we have that, as well, she said. In a statement from the Madison County School District, officials said, In Madison County Schools, we are committed to serving the educational needs of all our students to the extent possible. In cases of extenuating or extreme health circumstances, our district offers homebound education services in accordance with requirements of the Mississippi Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catazaro said she hopes in January, legislators will consider taking a closer look at other states that pay parents for being caregivers. Well, they need to definitely speak about the 10-year waiting list that it is for everyone to join the Medicaid waiver or even to be able to get assistance. Its literally 10 years of just waiting, she said. In the meantime, Catazaro said she will continue to push for the rights of her son and other families who are experiencing similar roadblocks. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. JAKARTA, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia and Canada signed the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the opening of Canada's Trade Mission to Indonesia on Monday in Jakarta. The signing was conducted by Indonesia's Minister of Trade Budi Santoso, and Canada's Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development Mary Ng. "After more than 2.5 years, Indonesia has successfully secured a comprehensive trade agreement with Canada that will expand market access for Indonesian products in North America," said Budi. In addition to goods trade, the CEPA also provides special treatment for Indonesian service providers in sectors such as business, telecommunications, construction, tourism, and transport, while easing investment access across various sectors. The agreement also includes commitments on intellectual property, e-commerce, business competition, small- and medium-sized enterprises, women's empowerment, environment and labor. Ng stated that the signing of this agreement marks the right time for businesses and investors from both countries to expand their markets in both Southeast Asia and North America. According to Indonesia's Ministry of Trade, the total value of trade between Indonesia and Canada increased by 11.24 percent during 2019-2023, reaching 3.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, while trade from January to September 2024 amounted to 2.6 billion dollars, a 4.07 percent increase compared to the previous year. In 2023, Indonesia's leading exports to Canada included telephones, natural rubber, textiles, paper, processed food, bird's nest, palm oil, and luggage, while imports from Canada included wheat, fertilizers, soybeans, and pulp. The Canada Trade Mission to Indonesia, involving more than 180 Canadian companies, also serves as a platform to strengthen economic ties between the two countries in sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, and infrastructure. Fifth-three percent of Missouri voters signed off on a constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana on Nov. 8, 2022 (Carol Yepes/Getty Images). The Missouri Cannabis Trade Association describes David Brodsky as instrumental in developing the Missouri microbusiness community and a mentor to disadvantaged business owners. In his cannabis consulting work, Brodsky is part of a group that charges up to $4,000 to help eligible applicants enter the microbusiness lottery. Its a program intended to help steer small-scale marijuana facility licenses to disabled veterans, those with lower incomes and people with non-violent marijuana offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That price doesnt include the states $1,500 refundable submission fee. We have also assisted clients who won licenses in lottery based application systems in Ohio and Connecticut and have never had an application that did not meet the criteria to go into the lottery, Brodsky and his partners say on MOmicrolicense.com. Yet in Missouri, microbusiness applications connected to Brodsky have repeatedly run into problems with state regulators. Of the 96 microbusiness licenses issued by the state through a lottery since the programs inception last year, Brodsky is connected to seven. And all of them are under investigation or facing revocation because the state questions whether a qualified applicant will actually be running the business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, the Division of Cannabis Regulation sent letters of pending revocation to four of the seven licensees connected to Brodsky, stating that their agreements included false or misleading information. The licensee entered into an agreement that transfers ownership and operational control to another entity, the letters stated. Notices of investigation were issued involving the other three licenses back in July, stating regulators wanted to ensure the businesses continue to be majority owned and operated by eligible individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than a year, The Independent has documented the pattern of well-connected groups and individuals flooding the microbusiness lottery by recruiting people to submit applications and then offering them contracts that limited their profit and control of the business. State regulators have been sounding the alarm about the scheme, warning of potentially predatory practices in the microbusiness application process. Financial agreements for the seven licenses connected to Brodsky are closed records. But The Independent was able to obtain a portion of one agreement connected to Brodsky through a public records request last year. The agreement only provides the qualified applicant with one-third of the voting power to make company decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An almost identical agreement was used to recruit applicants by John Payne, who led the campaign to legalize marijuana in 2022. Paynes listed as part of the momicrolicense.com team and is the designated contact for all seven licenses connected to Brodsky. Payne has drawn scrutiny after The Independent revealed he asked at least one applicant to sign a 47-page contract that would give him and his partners 90.1% of profits and majority control of the business. Despite only owning a fraction of the business, under state law the applicants would be seen as the owner and bear all of the regulatory scrutiny. If applicants ever want to walk away from the deal, they would be required to pay a nearly $1 million fee. Its unclear if the financial agreement in that contract is also in place for the licenses connected to Brodsky or his business partner, Scott Wootton. In an email to The Independent, they declined to comment on their roles in the seven licenses due to confidentiality clauses in the agreements, which is standard practice in business contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, they said Payne has no involvement beyond being the designated contact to handle communications with the division for all seven licenses. Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, said hes seen contracts that look like Paynes 47-page agreement. In some cases, he said if it werent for these types of agreements, the licensees wouldnt have the resources on their own to make a business work. Were it not for some of those partners and the way that theyre doing that, he said, you basically would have people who have a license but no ability to do anything with it. If the 47-page contract was submitted to a federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, it could be considered fraud, said attorney Rod Chapel, president of the Missouri NAACP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I go and I get a loan to buy a house that I dont have the cash to actually buy, the bank does not send over two tellers and a dog to live in the house with me not how that works, he said. Ladies and gentlemen, thats why this is a front. Flooding the lottery David Brodsky, cannabis consultant, speaks on a Zoom call in September with Missouri microbusiness licensees (Screenshot of MOHighTight Youtube channel). Brodsky helped establish the networking group Missouri Microbusiness Association, where he and Wootton serve as advisors. All of the associations advisors are also advisory board members for MoCann, which represents the cannabis industry overall. On a September call with microbusiness licensees, Brodsky said Missouri is the fourth state hes operated a cannabis business in, along with California, Colorado and Illinois. He returned to Missouri in 2020 as a dispensary owner and operator, he said on the community call hosted by a licensee. His association bio states that he sold his stake in Farmers Wife cannabis dispensaries in southwest Missouri in 2023, and dove headfirst into the new Missouri microbusiness license opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar to most of the microbusiness licenses and their investors, Brodsky and Woottons connection is buried in Missouri Secretary of State business filings and documents only available through public-records requests. This spring, there were more than 80 dispensary applications entered into the lottery with the same St. Peters location address as MO Microbusiness LLC. Brodsky and Wootton are listed as organizers on the MO Microbusiness LLC business filings. Two of those applications were successful in the lottery and licenses were issued under the name Individual. Both are facing revocation. The partners are also connected to 65 wholesale applications that all share the same Elsberry location address. They landed two of those licenses to cultivate up to 250 plants and sell to microbusiness dispensaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both are filed under the name Individual and are facing revocation. The first lottery for microbusiness licenses took place last year, and that same Elsberry address is on nearly 70 wholesale applications. They were all filed by LLCs organized by Cloverleaf Registered Agent, where Wootton is listed as president. Two of these applicants landed licenses issued to TEB Industries LLC and JRS Industries LLC. In July, state regulators sent Payne notices of investigation for both companies, and the investigation is still underway, according to the division. A similar Elsberry address is also connected to 70 dispensary applications submitted to last years lottery. One license was issued to Green Zebra LLC in October 2023. Its been under investigation by state regulators since July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brodsky mentions this license in his association bio. We were fortunate, it states, to win a dispensary license in Congressional District 3 with the first lottery round that we will be branding as Heirloom Dispensary along with several others throughout the state. The eligible applicant who won the license for Green Zebra signed a contract accepting a loan from Black Krim LLC, where Brodsky is the sole member, according to documents The Independent obtained through a public records request. The contract established a three-member board that would vote on all company decisions. The lender and the consultant each get to select a member. That left the qualified applicant with only one-third of the voting power. While you are correct that technically it only takes a 2/3 vote to make day-to-day decisions for the business, Brodsky said in an email to The Independent, in practice we have made all day-to-day business decisions unanimously, and we do not anticipate that changing in the future. He also said the majority of the three managers for Green Zebra are and will continue to be qualifying individuals for the microbusiness program. The loan information for the Green Zebra contract is a closed record. However, the available operating agreement is almost identical to the one Payne used to recruit applicants this spring that legal experts called predatory. To clarify, the rest of the Green Zebra LLC contracts, including the operating agreement, have been reviewed and approved by, regulators, Brodsky stated. New rules John Payne, managing partner at Amendment 2 Consultants, discusses legislation at an industry summit in downtown St. Louis on March 28 with Amy Moore (middle), director of the Division of Cannabis Regulation, and Mitch Meyers, partner at BeLeaf Medical (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent). Division of Cannabis Regulation Director Amy Moore told The Independent last month that the state is considering making changes to the application process to curb potentially predatory practices. However, she said many of the possible changes would require a public hearing before a legislative committee for approval and would delay a third round of licenses. Mullins told The Independent he believes the association would support these changes if they encourage participation. In some ways, Im not sure its completely DCRs obligation to be sort of in between a business owner and the business dealings that theyre doing, Mullins said, unless its something thats in opposition to the law. However, he believes the association would be supportive of rules that curb practices that could be hurtful to microbusiness owners. We want to see the micro industry succeed in the same way that we want to see the rest of the industry succeed, Mullins said, and were supportive of all that. So if theres an area where we can lend our voice and it helps ensure the success of those microbusiness owners journeys, then I dont know why we would come out against it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Thanks to a groundbreaking solar-powered desalination system developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers, more communities could soon have access to cheap, clean drinking water. According to MIT News, the innovative system doesn't require additional batteries to keep the desalting process going during cloudy or stormy weather, helping to massively reduce costs. The system follows the sun's natural patterns, ramping up desalination as sunlight increases throughout the day and scaling back in overcast weather. Since the system is capable of responding quickly to changes in sunlight, it makes the process more energy-efficient and can produce an abundance of fresh water no matter the weather conditions. In addition, MIT's system doesn't require backup batteries or grid power, making it a cost-effective solution to combat water scarcity worldwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Engineers performed an initial trial of the desalination system on groundwater wells in a New Mexico community over six months, testing it on various water types and weather conditions. According to MIT News, the system utilized more than 94% of the electrical power produced from the solar panels to make 5,000 liters of water daily, regardless of weather or sunlight availability. The system is designed to desalinate brackish groundwater water found underground that contains high salt concentrations. Scientists believe salty groundwater has huge potential to provide low-cost, clean drinking water for many water-stressed communities, particularly inland areas where seawater and electricity aren't readily available. "The majority of the population actually lives far enough from the coast that seawater desalination could never reach them," Jonathan Bessette, an MIT Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering, told MIT News. "They consequently rely heavily on groundwater, especially in remote, low-income regions. And unfortunately, this groundwater is becoming more and more saline due to climate change. This technology could bring sustainable, affordable clean water to underreached places around the world." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The engineers plan on scaling up the desalination system to service larger communities and cities and are starting a company to sell the technology soon. As our overheating planet continues to stress freshwater sources, these sun-powered systems couldn't come at a better time. "Being able to make drinking water with renewables, without requiring battery storage, is a massive grand challenge. And we've done it," Amos Winter, a mechanical engineering professor and director of the Global Engineering and Research Center at MIT, said. 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. More than 500 people have been killed in the course of the new escalation in Syria between Islamist rebels and government troops, a monitor group said on Monday. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which documents violence in Syria, 514 people were killed - among them 92 civilians. Last week, an alliance of insurgents led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive in north-western Syria and took control of Aleppo, the countrys second-largest city, at the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has announced a counteroffensive against the attacking forces. According to the observatory, at least 267 fighters from the rebel groups were killed and 154 fatalities were registered on the side of the Syrian soldiers and pro-government militias. The observatory said the number of airstrikes carried out by Russian and government warplanes on both Idlib and Aleppo has reached 420. It added that the majority of them were carried out by Syrian warplanes. Airstrikes on the rebel stronghold of Idlib have triggered a mass exodus. Residents reported catastrophic humanitarian consequences indicating that the water supply had collapsed and at times the electricity supply had also failed. TBILISI, Georgia (AP) Police in Georgia's capital again moved to disperse thousands of demonstrators on Monday after over 200 people were detained during four previous nights of protests against the governments decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union. Police used water cannons and tear gas to drive protesters away from the parliament building where they have gathered each night since Thursday when the ruling Georgian Dream party declared its decision to put EU accession talks on hold. Georgian Dream's disputed victory in the countrys Oct. 26 parliamentary election, widely seen as a referendum on Georgias aspirations to join the EU, has sparked mass demonstrations and the opposition boycott of the parliament. The opposition and the country's pro-Western president have accused the governing party of rigging the vote with Moscow's help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgias Interior Ministry said Monday that 224 protesters were detained on administrative charges and three arrested on criminal charges. So far, 113 police officers needed medical treatment while three others were hospitalized after clashes with protesters, who hurled fireworks at police. Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili said many of the arrested protesters had injuries to their heads and faces, including broken bones and eye sockets. Writing on X and citing lawyers who represent the detained, she said some people were subject to systematic beatings between arrest and transportation to detention facilities. Zourabichvili, who plays a largely ceremonial role, has rejected official election results and refused to recognize the parliament's legitimacy. She has declared that she would stay on the job even after her six-year term ends later this month to spearhead the demands for a new parliamentary election. The president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas spoke to Zourabichvili on Sunday to condemn the violence against protesters and to note that the actions of the government run counter to the will of the people, Costa wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kallas and EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos also released a joint statement that reiterated the EUs serious concerns about the continuous democratic backsliding of the country and urged Georgian authorities to respect the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, and refrain from using force against peaceful protesters, politicians and media representatives. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of Georgian Dream has warned the opposition that any violation of the law will be met with the full rigor of the law. Neither will those politicians who hide in their offices and sacrifice members of their violent groups to severe punishment escape responsibility, he said. Kobakhidze argued that the government remains committed to the goal of European integration, claiming that the only thing we have rejected is the shameful and offensive blackmail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governments announcement of the EU accession talks suspension came hours after the European Parliament adopted a resolution criticizing Octobers election in Georgia as neither free nor fair. The EU granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023 on condition that it meet 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. Georgian Dream has increasingly adopted repressive laws mirroring those in Russia which crack down on freedom of speech and curtail LGBTQ+ rights. A law banning same-sex marriages, adoptions by same-sex couples and public endorsement and depictions of LGBTQ+ relations and people in the media came into force Monday. Speaking to The Associated Press on Saturday, Zourabichvili said that her country was becoming a quasi-Russian state and that Georgian Dream controlled the major institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are not demanding a revolution. We are asking for new elections, but in conditions that will ensure that the will of the people will not be misrepresented or stolen again, Zourabichvili said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov alleged parallels between protests in Georgia and massive demonstrations in Ukraine that led to the ouster of a Moscow friendly leader in 2014. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he accused outside forces of trying to destabilize the situation and insisted that Russia is not interfering in Georgia. More winter weather is expected for the Great Lakes region into the weekend. "Cold air, relatively warmer lake water temperatures, and persistent northwesterly flow will be ingredients for some regions to see feet of snow accumulations," the National Weather Service said in its latest Friday update. Forecasters warned of potentially hazardous travel conditions in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania as high winds and blowing snow will decrease visibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shores of western New York along Lake Ontario could see one to two feet of lake-effect snow accumulations through Sunday. Lake-effect snow blankets Ashtabula County, Ohio. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images) Advisories and warnings Portions of the Great Lakes and Northeast regions are under winter storm watches and warnings for the next few days, NWS meteorologists said. Winter storm warnings have been issued through Saturday for parts of New York and Vermont. Winter weather advisories have been issued through Saturday and Sunday for parts of New York. Lake-effect snow warnings are also in effect through Friday and Saturday for portions of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air driven by wind flows over warmer lakes. In the case of this winter storm, the Great Lakes have been experiencing record warmth. Freezing temperatures The eastern U.S. continues to experience bitterly cold temperatures heading into the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Low temperatures in the 20s will be possible across much of the southeastern U.S. Saturday morning and generally lower 30s Sunday morning," forecasters said. Parts of northern Florida are under a freeze warning through Saturday. By Sunday, higher temperatures in the 50s and 40s should arrive in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Matthew Brown Associated Press U.S. officials would allow increased logging on federal lands across the Pacific Northwest in the name of fighting wildfires and boosting rural economies under proposed changes to a sweeping forest management plan that's been in place for three decades. The U.S. Forest Service proposal, released Nov. 15, would overhaul the Northwest Forest Plan that governs about 38,000 square miles in Oregon, Washington and California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan was adopted in 1994 under President Bill Clinton amid pressure to curb destructive logging practices that resulted in widespread clearcuts and destroyed habitat used by spotted owls. Timber harvests dropped dramatically in subsequent years, spurring political backlash. But federal officials now say worsening wildfires due to climate change mean forests must be more actively managed to increase their resiliency. Increased logging also would provide a more predictable supply of trees for timber companies, officials said, helping rural economies that have suffered after lumber mills shut down and forestry jobs disappeared. The proposal could increase annual timber harvests by at least 33 percent and potentially more than 200 percent, according to a draft environmental study. The number of timber-related jobs would increase accordingly. Harvest volumes from the 17 national forests covered by the Northwest Forest Plan averaged about 445 million board feet annually over the past decade, according to government figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cutting more trees would help reduce wildfire risk and make communities safer, the study concluded. That would be accomplished in part by allowing cuts in some areas with stands of trees up to 120 years old up from the current age threshold of 80 years. The change could help foster conditions conducive to growing larger, old growth trees that are more resistant to fire, by removing younger trees, officials said. A separate pending proposal from President Joe Biden's administration aims to increase protections nationwide for old growth trees, which play a significant role in storing climate change-inducing carbon dioxide. "Much has changed in society and science since the Northwest Forest Plan was created," Jacque Buchanan, regional forester for the Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Region, said in a statement. He said the proposal would help the agency adapt to shifting conditions, as global warming increases the frequency of droughts and other extreme weather events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed plan also calls for closer cooperation between the Forest Service and Native American tribes to tap into tribal knowledge about forest management. Tribes were excluded when the 1994 plan was crafted. Environmentalists greeted the proposal with skepticism. The group Oregon Wild said it was "deeply troubling" that the Forest Service would release the proposal just ahead of a change in presidential administrations. "It appears that the Forest Service wants to abandon the fundamental purpose of the Northwest Forest Planprotecting fish and wildlife and the mature and old-growth forests they need to survive," John Persell, an attorney for the group, said in a statement. During former President Donald Trump's first term, administration officials sought to open millions of acres of West Coast forest to new logging by stripping habitat protections for the imperiled spotted owl. The move was opposed by government biologists and reversed under Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A draft environmental study examined several potential alternatives, including leaving the existing plan's components in place or changing them to either reduce or increase logging. A timber industry representative who co-chaired an advisory committee on the Northwest Forest Plan said the proposed plan resulted from discussions involving committee members, the Forest Service and others. "We want to see a modern approach to federal forest stewardship that protects us from catastrophic wildfires, reduces toxic smoke, meaningfully engages tribes, and delivers for our rural communities and workers," said Travis Joseph, president of the American Forest Resource Council. The publishing of the proposal begins a 120-day public comment period. The Forest Service's environmental review is expected to be completed by next fall and a final decision is due in early 2026. Yet another Southern California resident has reported that an expensive package containing a laptop has been stolen, and to make things worse, this is the third time its happened to him. The man, who requested anonymity, says hes out $23,000 due to his attempts to buy a MacBook Pro. He told KTLA that the latest theft occurred during what was supposed to be his in-store pickup appointment, which he scheduled following two packages shipped to his house being intercepted by thieves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In both incidents, the thief or thieves stopped the delivery truck before it arrived at his house and took the laptop, he said. The man believes there is either a leak on the employee side or at Apple itself. Apple kills off its buy now, pay later service barely a year after launch This is not the first time a Southern California resident has reported their Apple packages being intercepted by thieves. A Lawndale man reached out to KTLA on Nov. 28 to report a theft directly in front of his home that had taken place exactly two weeks prior and was caught on video. John Shin says he was notified that his package had been delivered, but the strange thing was, he didnt actually have it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [This thief has] a criminal mind, Shin said. And, obviously, he had some insider information, where he knows that this package had a laptop in there. Days after the incident, Irvine Police Department officials put out a warning to the public following a Nov. 18 incident in which a thief identified himself as the person to whom the package was being delivered. Surveillance footage captures a suspected package thief showing delivery people possible fake IDs and then making off with expensive laptops in Southern California. November 2024. (Viewer photo) Surveillance footage captures a suspected package thief showing delivery people possible fake IDs and then making off with expensive laptops in Southern California. November 2024. (Viewer photo) Surveillance footage captures a suspected package thief showing delivery people possible fake IDs and then making off with expensive laptops in Southern California. November 2024. (Irvine Police) The delivery driver gave the package to the individual, believing they were the correct person. Both times, the packages contained a laptop computer, and Irvine police believe the same suspect is involved in the two thefts. Another SoCal man, Bruce Markowitz, found someone had intercepted his laptop despite him selecting the in-store pickup option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Markowitz filed a police report and then decided to do some research of his own; while doing so, he discovered KTLAs Nov. 28 report about a thief who police believe posed as a customer, showed an ID to the delivery person, and then walked off with someone elses package in two separate instances. Im like, wait, am I the third incident of someone who has a laptop intercepted and tracked specifically from Apple? he posed to KTLA on Nov. 30. And mine was in-store, which is crazy. While the first two thefts were caught on camera, security footage was not immediately available for Markowitzs case, but the similarities between each of the three incidents raise concerns for residents, as well as experts like Randy Sutton, a retired police lieutenant and crime prevention specialist, who says the incidents are more than just property thefts; they are cases of identity theft. In essence, this is identity theft, Sutton told KTLA, adding that he believes the victims have been hacked. There are people out there that have the ability, through technology, to steal your identity over your telephone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sutton added that most of the time, credit card companies reimburse customers if things like this happen. Victims of these types of thefts should contact local law enforcement. If you would like to reach out to KTLA, visit this link. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MSNBCs Morning Joe crew on Monday reacted with horror to Donald Trumps decision to pick Kash Patel to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The choice of Patel, a lawyer who served in several roles in the president-elects first administration, set off a firestorm of criticism in part because of his promotion of conspiracy theories and calls for retribution against Trumps opponents in a second term. To underscore the point, Morning Joe co-host Joe Scarborough repeatedly asked for a clip to be replayed on his show Monday in which Patel spoke about his intention to come after Trumps enemies. Weve got to put in all-American patriots top to bottom, Patel says in the footage taken from a 2023 interview with Steve Bannon, Trumps former adviser. Patel later adds: We will go out and find the conspirators not just in government, but in the media. Yes, were going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to come after you, Patel continues. Whether its criminally or civilly, well figure that out. But yeah, were putting you all on notice. After the footage aired for the first time on Morning Joe, co-host Mika Brzezinski tried to introduce a guest for reaction when Scarborough interrupted. Kash Patel, Donald Trumps nominee to lead the FBI Hold on a second, he said. Could you play that again? Can we do a CC to Republican Senators? Hey, Mitch McConnell and Chuck Grassley. Lets see Mike Rounds is a great patriot, deeply disturbed by this. He said pretty much just that. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, who certainly stood up to the atrocious selection of Matt Gaetz [as attorney general]. We want to play this one again. After playing the clip a second time, Scarborough asked for it to be aired again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id love to also play this one more time for all those Wall Street billionaires who say: Oh, come on, come on. This is just all about tax guys, hes not going to get people who prosecute, Scarborough said, adding that he also wanted to play it again for Trump apologists who have said that: Oh, oh, Kash Patel would never get put in that position. He went on to say he wasnt advising senators to uniformly vote no against everybody that Donald Trump puts up for his new administration, saying that Marco RubioTrumps nominee for secretary of stateis someone who knows the issues, who works with people on both sides who may be an effective Secretary of state. Same thing with the treasury director, Scarborough said referring to Scott Bessent, the hedge fund veteran Trump has picked for Treasury secretary. But not this. Play it again. After the clip rolled for the third time, Scarborough said choosing Patel would be bad for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not only bad for the men and women who run the FBI, he said. This is not only bad for the rule of law. This is not only bad for the First Amendment. This is not only bad for the United States of America. This is bad for Donald Trump. This is bad for the Trump administration. This is not going to end well, Scarborough continued. So I think the best case scenario for everybody is that Kash Pateland this talk of Kash Patelends like the Matt Gaetzs nomination ended because this will not go well for anybody. Matt Gaetz withdrew as Trumps attorney general pick amid a storm surrounding misconduct allegations (which he denies) After being chosen to become Trumps attorney general, Gaetz eventually withdrew himself from consideration for the job amid relentless scrutiny on allegations of wrongdoingincluding sex with a minor and drug usewhich Gaetz has consistently denied. Reports claimed that Gaetz withdrew after Trump spoke with him about concerns that they wouldnt get the Senate votes needed to confirm him as AG. I still believe there will be four Republican senators who will not vote to confirm somebody who says hes going to throw judges in jail, Scarborough said of Patel. Hes going to throw bureaucrats in jail. Hes going to throw reporters in jail who did not go along with the 2020 Stop the Steal conspiracy theory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scarborough and Brzezinski, who have been deeply critical of Trump since his first administration, recently faced an uproar of their own over a meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. They said the purpose of the personal visit was to restart communications with the president-elect. The Morning Joe clip of Patels 2023 interview with Bannon did not include part of the conversation in which Bannon said: I want the Morning Joe producers that watch us, and all the producers that watch usthis is just not rhetoric. Were absolutely dead serious. Most Church of England churches declined to apply for a free portrait of the King, figures show. Public institutions across the UK were offered a photograph of the King wearing the Royal Navy uniform of an Admiral of the Fleet to celebrate the start of his reign. While the offer was taken up by all 23 HM Coastguard centres, 25 per cent of Church of England (CofE) churches obliged. Only 4,031 of the 15,815 churches of which the King is the Supreme Governor ordered the portrait, which was taken by the photographer Hugo Burnand at Windsor Castle last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His Majesty the Kings Portrait Scheme was a voluntary programme offering a free framed portrait of the King to any eligible public institution that requested one. It was started by the previous government following his Coronation in May 2023 and ended up costing 2.7 million. The royal portrait was taken by photographer Hugo Burnand at Windsor Castle last year - Andrew Crowley The scheme ran from November to August this year and more than 20,500 portraits were provided, with varying degrees of acceptance from different public bodies. Lord lieutenancies followed the Coastguard with the highest rate of acceptance, as 75 of the 99 agreed to home one. Then came government departments, arms-length bodies and local authorities, cadet forces and coroners courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third, or 8,384 of almost 30,000 schools took up the offer. However, there was less enthusiasm from hospitals with 3 per cent ordering the photo. Of 275 universities and higher education institutions, 35 said yes. After varying take-up of the scheme, its deadline was extended repeatedly. Final figures from the Cabinet Office show a total of 20,565 orders were received. This equated to a total take-up across the UK from all eligible public authorities, including Government departments, arms-length bodies and local authorities and all other institutions of 31 per cent. This was notably low from public authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which had acceptance rates of 13.7, 13.8 and 10.5 per cent, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The total cost, which included delivery, was 2,710,705. The portraits cost a price of 131.81 on average. 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. PHNOM PENH, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone will pay an official visit to Cambodia on Dec. 4-5 at the invitation of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, said a Cambodian foreign ministry's press release on Monday. Sonexay will have a bilateral meeting with Hun Manet at the Peace Palace, where they will have an in-depth discussion on further fostering warm relations and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in line with good neighborliness, traditional friendship, and a comprehensive and long-lasting strategic partnership. "The two prime ministers will also exchange their views on regional and international issues of common interest," the press release said. "The two leaders will also preside over the signing of some cooperative documents." Sonexay's visit will further cement the bonds of traditional friendship, which "happily exist and expand cooperation in all fields between the two countries", the press release said. Getty Images An incumbent Michigan county treasurer who lost reelection is asking the state Court of Appeals to disallow her successor from taking office because she was also elected to a school board. The filing, made by the attorney for current Montmorency County Treasurer Cheri Eggett, claims that Linsey Rogers, who was elected Nov. 5 both to be the countys treasurer, as well as a member of the Atlanta Community Schools board of education, should be disqualified from both positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogers defeated Eggett for county treasurer in the Republican primary in August, forcing Eggett to run as a write-in candidate in the general election, where she again lost to Rogers. Attorney David Delaney of Gaylord wrote that two separate opinions, one in 1990 by then-Michigan Attorney General Frank Kelley, and another in 2002 by then-Attorney General Jennifer Granholm, establish that holding a fiduciary position such as treasurer while simultaneously serving as a school board trustee represented a disallowed conflict of interest, as a treasurer collects tax revenues that are managed by the school board. a candidate who files for more than one office when the offices are incompatible and fails to select only one of those offices within three days after the last day for the filing of petitions, will be disqualified from both offices, Delaney stated, citing a section of Michigan Election Law, MCL 168.558(5). Eggetts motion seeks to overturn a ruling in October by a Montmorency County judge, who questioned whether the AG opinions applied in this case as they referenced city and township treasurers, and not county treasurers, who the judge said may more accurately be described as holding tax revenues, as opposed to collecting them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Delaney argued that state law not only required Rogers disqualification, it also said any votes for such a candidate should be voided, the judge eventually rejected the motion, saying the case had been filed too late as balloting had already begun. The lawsuit itself is against Montmorency County Clerk Cheryl Neilsen, who the filing points out had been notified both prior to the election of the conflict, as well as afterward, but declined to take action, saying it was too late. The suit also notes that Neilsen has not taken a position on whether the offices are incompatible. The clerk may not sit on the sidelines and then claim that its too late before and after the election. The clerk is the Chief Election Officer. She must take a position. The offices are incompatible, stated the motion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eggetts motion requests the Michigan Court of Appeals disqualify Rogers from holding both offices, and do so before Jan 1, 2025 when Rogers is set to take office in both roles. In an Oct. 3 post on her Facebook page, Rogers said she didnt feel holding both offices was incompatible, but if it was determined they were, she would let go of her role as school board trustee. My primary focus is and has been, to become the next Montmorency County Treasurer. Therefore, if the positions were to be incompatible, I have met the requirements under the law to restrict my candidacy to a single position Montmorency County Treasurer, wrote Rogers. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Dec. 2 new reshuffles in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Zelensky's statement follows General Mykhailo Drapatyi's appointment as Ukraine's Ground Forces commander. When asked why Drapatyi has replaced Oleksandr Pavliuk, who has held the position since Feb. 11, 2024, Zelensky said the change is related to the recently presented resilience plan. Zelenksy's resilience plan, unveiled on Nov. 19, contains several reform proposals, including those in the defense sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Zelensky, the decisions outlined in the plan are designed for "particular individuals," so changes in the Ukrainian forces will continue. "This is not the last (personnel) reshuffle. There will be more because we need to move faster," Zelensky said during a press conference in Kyiv. Russian losses at the front increased significantly in the fall, while Russia continued to advance in the Donetsk sector, aiming to capture the towns of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. In November, 45,720 Russian soldiers were wounded, killed, or captured and thus unable to continue participating in combat operations. This number is equivalent to more than three motorized rifle divisions of the Russian army, according to the Defense Ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite that, Russian forces have taken over 600 square kilometers (232 square miles) in November alone, which is more than in the entire October, setting a new record since early 2022, Russian news outlet Agentstvo wrote on Nov. 25. 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. The east African nation of Mozambique, known for waves like African Kirra, has been embroiled in civil unrest since its general elections on October 9, resulting in the death of more than 67 people. Recent days marked an escalation in the violence as all roads in and out of the capital city of Maputo were reported to be closed after a woman was run over by an armored vehicle, sparking further violent clashes between protestors and police. Roads have been closed for three days across the city. Young people have taken to the streets of Maputo and other cities across the country for weeks, challenging the re-election of a Frelimo party president amidst allegations of election rigging. Frelimo has been in power since Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975 after it led the movement to push out the Portuguese who occupied the country for 400 years. Surfers traveling to Mozambique have reported border and road closures that have prevented travel to wave-rich regions such as Praia Do Tofo located a day's drive north of Maputo. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane who has reportedly fled the country due to safety concerns has called for roads to be blocked from 12-4pm daily nationwide in protest of the election results. In recent weeks police and protestors have clashed in the streets of Maputo where police have opened fire on protestors who have been banging pots and pans in expression of their opposition to the outcome of the polls. In more recent days the protests have expanded up to the area around Vilanculos, the coastal city north of Tofo, where further road closures have been reported. Political leaders have been in negotiations over the last few days in order to resolve the unrest, but the retiring president Filipe Nyusi was seen departing Maputo by helicopter. Mozambican surfer and Tofo local Sung Min Mini Cho said that there hasnt been any issues accessing surf spots around the area but traveling surfers might have some problems: Ive already had to tell some friends and people that I know to cancel their trips because there is a lot of tension right now in the country, Mini said, so its not advised because you have to fly into Maputo and from there you travel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think traveling surfers should be aware that its a tough time for Mozambicans. As a young person I am also behind the movement because we obviously want change. I would not advise coming at this time because of the political climate and if surfers do plan to come I would just stay along the coast and avoid major cities and capitals because its a lot more tense. Mini said. Mozambique was embroiled in civil war from 1977 to 1992 as the southern based Marxist party of Frelimo battled Renamo, a northern based non-state armed group. After the war ended, Mozambique opened up to tourism and point breaks have been discovered along its almost 3,000 kilometer long coastline. A growing local surf community as well as a burgeoning surf tourism industry have presented a new future on the countrys horizon. Young people across the country have expressed frustration with the ruling party with the countrys recent history defined by corruption and economic decline. While huge gains in tourism have been made, many of the local community have not felt its impacts and Mozambique remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Unfortunately I think that all this thats going on is going to have a heavy effect on tourism. Mini said, From what Ive heard, there are already up to 50% cancellations on end of year bookings in Inhambane [where Tofo is located] and tourism is going down. Tourism is affected, locals are affected. The after effects of all this are going to be pretty intense. But hopefully change happens so that all this is worth it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do hope that there is change, I do hope that there is transparency with the elections and the results. Were a nation of very young people so there are a lot of young people who are following the movement through social media, so lets hope there is change. Mini said. So far no violence has been reported in the small coastal surf towns like Tofo and Ponta do Ouro, but travel in and out may be difficult. There has also been a communications curfew in place, with the internet turned off at 7pm each night. Only those with Starlink have been able to continue with full communications. Related: Meet Mozambiques First Pro Surfer Related: A Crew of Young Female Surfers Are Breaking Barriers in Remote Madagascar BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A member of the Mara Salvatrucha gang, otherwise known as the MS13 gang, was arrested at the Peace Bridge late last month, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced. According to officials, 24-year-old Franklyn Hernandez Giron was arrested after he did not present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant document on Nov. 22. An investigation found him to be a MS13 gang member from Honduras, officials said. Giron was taken into custody and processed to face removal proceedings. 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. 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. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: MSNBC Things are not great over at MSNBC right now. Rumors are swirling about a spinoff and possible sale of the network after NBC separates it from the companys other assets. Both fans and co-workers have had a lot to say publicly about Morning Joe hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski sitting down with President Trump, and most concerningly of all, theres the ratings, which have been horrible since the election. Actually, horrible might be an unfortunate understatement. Rachel Maddow just put up her worst ratings of the year. According to The Independent, she lost in the 25-54 demographic to a rerun of Bobs Burgers on Adult Swim. The story is similarly bad for Morning Joe, which has seen double digit ratings drops of its own, per The Daily Mail. Altogether, the network has apparently lost nearly half its total viewers since the election. Nearly half! Never one to shy away from gloating, Fox News put out a press release that included a whole section on MSNBC shows it claims have hit all-time lows since the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clearly, no one would say the last few weeks have gone well, but historical post-election trends are allowing some to stay optimistic. Cable news networks that are perceived to have an ideological lean tend to do worse immediately after elections in which their preferred party performs poorly. MSNBC saw a dip in its ratings after President Trumps victory in 2016, and Fox News saw a similar dip after President Bidens victory in 2020. A source at MSNBC reportedly told The Daily Beast they expected this dip after the election, and they think ratings will rise again once President Trump is officially sworn in after the holidays. But will enough people return? Ive got some concerns. The Washington Post spoke to many liberal leaning voters for a recent article in which they talked about avoiding the news right now because theres just too much negativity. Many are frustrated with the state of the world and dont want to ride the daily highs and lows. Some level of that is human nature, and history showed that many tuned back in during President Trumps first term, as his unconventional style fed the cable news plenty of topics to discuss. Weve all been down this road before, however, and theres a good chance people may not respond to a second Trump Presidency in the same way they did the first. Some of his recent Cabinet picks have attracted a lot of outrage, and that hasnt led to an increase in viewership. Even a show like Saturday Night Live, which couldn't have leaned harder into Trump in 2016, seems likely to pull back at least a little bit on politics moving forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the overall viewership trends of Americans are a lot less friendly to cable news networks than they were in 2016. Yes, cutting the cord and switching to streaming was a thing back then, but it was only last year that the number of households streaming finally surpassed those using cable and satellite. Thats only going to get worse moving forward, as less total people will have access to MSNBC. In addition, theres also a chance here that these ratings numbers create a vicious cycle with NBCs decision to spin off the network. Sometimes when subsidiaries go through a rough patch, their parent company takes the long game approach and provides them with consistent or even more resources to help them get back on the right path. Thats far from a guarantee right now with so much up in the air. We dont know if NBC is going to want to sell the business (Elon Musk has joked about buying it), but if they do, theyll likely want to make it as profitable as possible, which could involve cutting resources, not adding. I have no idea whats going to happen with MSNBC moving forward. I expect ratings will bounce back a bit after the new year, but exactly how much theyll bounce back is an open question. Maybe this will follow the pattern weve seen before, and liberal viewers will return to cable news and more specifically, MSNBC as they re-engage. Or maybe many of them will stay away, either because they want to avoid the news for longer or because there are other, more modern ways theyre going to get their news moving forward. Well see. MSNBC opinion writer Hayes Brown said Sunday that President-elect Trumps pick for the head of the FBI, Kash Patel, would be like if you crossed Alex Jones with J. Edgar Hoover. Kash Patel as FBI director would be like if you crossed Alex Jones with J. Edgar Hoover, in terms of just how much he would want to ignore precedent and the constraints that have been put onto the FBI over the years, Brown told journalist Sam Stein on MSNBC, in a clip highlighted by Mediaite. The choice of Patel as the FBI head has resulted in mixed reactions from lawmakers and ex-officials. Republicans, however, have praised Patels selection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a terrible development for the men and women of the FBI and also for the nation that depends on a highly functioning professional independent Federal Bureau of Investigation, former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said Saturday. In a Saturday post on Truth Social, Trump called his potential FBI director a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and America First fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People. He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution, he added. Patel has a history of pushing for mass firings, notably at the FBI and Justice Department, and the rescinding of security clearances for those who investigated Trump during his 2016 presidential bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kash Patel displays the one thing Donald Trump cares about, which is loyalty, Brown said Saturday. He has been through, with Trump, by his side, thick and thin, since before he was even a part [of the administration.] The Hill has reached out to the Trump transition team and Joness Infowars 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. Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has repeatedly and bizarrely claimed that the government can control the weather based on outlandish conspiracy theories. And now a bill has been introduced in the Florida state senate to ban weather modification activities. The legislation was introduced last month by state Senator Ileana Garcia, Newsweek reported. The bill states that the injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of a chemical, a chemical compound, a substance, or an apparatus into the atmosphere within the borders of this state for the express purpose of affecting the temperature, the weather, or the intensity of sunlight is prohibited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation outlines that anyone who violates the proposed law would be subject to a second-degree misdemeanor and a fine of up to $10,000. The legislation also states that the governor of Florida should consider steps that could be taken to mitigate the harmful consequences of emergencies. The bill, if passed, would also repeal certain parts of current weather modification laws, such as definitions and licenses. The bill essentially repeals outdated provisions related to various aspects of the weather modification law, including definitions, licensing requirements, and the processes surrounding the application and issuance of licenses, Garcia told Newsweek in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More specifically, it prohibits certain acts intended to influence temperature, weather patterns, or sunlight intensity within our states atmosphere, she added. In summary, this legislation will enhance our regulatory framework to safeguard against improper use while promoting responsible practices in weather modification. Its critical for us to engage in this conversation, as our constituents deserve to know that their government is taking their concerns seriously and is committed to responsible oversight, Garcia emphasized. According to the baseless chemtrails conspiracy, the government or another organization is using chemicals to change the weather by spreading chemicals and metals via aircraft, which is why planes leave a white trail as they fly. Some claim that Hurricanes Helene and Milton were chemically modified or triggered. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has been forced to debunk the claims that someone would be able to control a hurricane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lines behind planes are called condensation trials, or contrails, and are created when water vapor from the jet fuel freezes. The words of the Weather Modification Activities legislation could be a reference to the chemtrails conspiracy. It references chemicals and chemical compounds. Garcia has repeatedly shared posts on X mentioning the conspiracy. This comes after Greene posted on X on October 3, Yes they can control the weather. Its ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it cant be done. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene speaks to reporters as she leaves a House Republican Caucus meeting on Capitol Hill last month in Washington, D.C. She has suggested that the government can control the weather (Getty Images) This prompted a response from President Joe Biden several days later. Marjorie Taylor Greene ... is now saying the federal government is literally controlling the weather, were controlling the weather. Its beyond ridiculous. Its so stupid. Its got to stop, he said in remarks broadcast from the White House. Florida Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez also slammed the suggestion, saying: Humans cannot create or control hurricanes. Anyone who thinks they can needs to have their head examined. A billboard along I-80 in South Salt Lake promotes Utahs lawsuit trying to claim control of federally managed land on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) It remains to be seen whether the U.S. Supreme Court will take up Utahs lawsuit filed in August, which argues about 18.5 million acres of federally-controlled public land should be transferred to the states control. But that hasnt stopped the state from spending more than $1 million on a wide-reaching public relations campaign which includes hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on media advertising, ranging from KSL.com and The Salt Lake Tribune, to the Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal; and a law firm whose most senior attorney charges over $2,300 per hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Thats according to records of invoices and receipts obtained by Utah News Dispatch through an open records request that show the states Attorney Generals Office and Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office, or PLPCO, had spent nearly $1.1 million on attorney fees and marketing as of mid-September. Filed in August, the state is petitioning directly to the U.S. Supreme Court to question whether the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, can indefinitely hold onto land without giving it a formal designation. National parks, national monuments and national forests all have designations but about 18.5 million acres of BLM land in Utah does not. Its what the state calls unappropriated land. In its complaint, Utah argues its unconstitutional for the BLM to hold that unappropriated land in perpetuity, a claim that the U.S. Department of Justice called without merit in a recent brief filed with the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state is invoking whats called original jurisdiction, which allows states to petition directly to the U.S. Supreme Court in certain cases rather than go through lower courts first. And in an attempt to get there, the Attorney Generals Office has paid at least $475,000 to the law firm Clement & Murphy since June 2023. Described by Attorney General Sean Reyes as the preeminent Supreme Court advocates of our day, the law firm charges hourly rates that are among some of the highest in the country, according to several attorneys and legal publications. Its most senior attorney Paul Clement is billing the state $2,350 an hour; Erin Murphy is charging $1,850 per hour; junior attorneys are making between $1,100 to $1,350 per hour; and paralegals are billing as much as $460 for each hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one invoice, the law firm billed the state for 4.5 hours of work, running taxpayers $3,826. Paul Clement is the best Supreme Court practitioner in America, said Daniel Burton, general counsel for the Utah Attorney Generals Office. I think thats money well spent. We didnt want to do this without making sure we crossed our Ts and dotted our Is. Burton said the state ran a regular request for proposal process, as required under state law, and had multiple bidders from multiple law firms ultimately they went with Clement & Murphy. Yes, he does have his hourly rate, but we think its valuable if were going to be looking at this question correctly. We want to make sure were doing this right, said Burton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That money has been set aside for public lands litigation by the Utah lawmakers, which during a special session in 2024 allocated $3 million for the states Public Lands Litigation Program. And when the state announced the lawsuit in August, Reyes said the legislature had allocated a total of $20 million for the legal challenge, though he told reporters he expects to spend a fraction of that. According to Burton, the state will likely know whether the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the case in January, unless one of the parties asks for an extension. If the court agrees to hear Utahs case, oral arguments would come sometime in the spring. If the high court decides not to hear the case, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the state would likely file a complaint with a federal district court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states effort is twofold the lawsuit, and a public relations campaign that includes radio and television advertising, billboards and a website. Much of the advertising will wrap up this fall, said Redge Johnson, director of PLPCO. But the state will retain some kind of public awareness campaign, he said. Letting the public know that theyre losing access to public lands is kind of important. Well see how the legislature feels about it and what they want to do as far as funding goes, Johnson said. Records show PLPCO has spent at least $616,000 on the marketing agency Penna Powers for its Stand for our Land campaign, starting in March 2024. The contract with Penna Powers ends in February 2029 and amounts to $2,142,000 in state funds, allocated by the legislature during a special session in June with HB3002. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Walt Brooks, R-St. George, put that $2 million-plus in the states Federal Overreach Restricted Account to be used for costs associated with countering federal overreach on public lands in Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Records show the state paid nearly $55,000 to local news outlets that includes about $18,402 to The Salt Lake Tribune, $15,605 to Deseret News Online, and roughly $19,050 to Deseret Digital Media, which runs KSL.com and the KSL classifieds. Because the campaign is ongoing, those numbers have likely increased since the records were released to Utah News Dispatch. Let us know what you think... That contract was signed in February, before the special session, and expires in 2029. It seeks to strategically help the State of Utah tell the story surrounding the challenges and opportunities related to the management of public lands, natural resources, multiple-use practices, and other concepts. According to the contract, Penna Powers could be required to recruit top-tier national and regional journalists for individual familiarization tours or small-group familiarization tours. The goal of these tours is to bring in journalists to experience Utahs robust public lands and natural resources and the associated challenges and opportunities related to the management of those public lands. And records show just how much the state is trying to sell its lawsuit outside its borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its Washington D.C. launch, detailed in Penna Powers media plan, shows a $65,000 campaign with The Dispatch, a conservative media outlet; more than $12,000 to Honestly with Bari Weiss, a podcast hosted by the former New York Times opinion writer; more than $100,000 to the Washington Post for advertising; and $62,000 to The Wall Street Journal. Johnson with PLPCO said the cost of the campaign pales in comparison to how much the state often spends in the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, process. While the state has to spend sometimes millions of dollars on access and our interests on these public lands, a lot of people dont know about the tens of millions of dollars that are spent in the state just doing the NEPA process, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some public lands advocates take a much different tone. Aaron Weiss, executive director of the conservation nonprofit Center for Western Priorities, called the marketing campaign disingenuous. Weiss organization has been opposed to Utahs lawsuit from the start, calling it an attempted land grab. His criticism of the lawsuit extends to the media campaign. Theres a word for when the state tries to convince the public of a political position propaganda. There is no doubt in my mind that that is the proper word to apply to this PR campaign, he said. Some of it, of course, is aimed at convincing Utah voters that their money is not being tossed into a dumpster and set on fire, which is, in fact, whats happening. Weiss doesnt think the U.S. Supreme Court will even hear the case for him, the amount of money the state is spending on advertising only cements that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you think youre standing on a rock solid legal case, then you spend more money on your lawyers than you do in your PR campaign. Instead, Utahs doing it the other way around, he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Nigel Farage can already lay claim to the title of most influential and successful politician in Britain today, having forced the biggest political change in a generation in the form of Brexit. The bad news for Labour and the Tories is that he could be about to take his career to the next level if, as was rumoured at the beginning of December, Reform UK is given the biggest ever donation to any UK political party. Elon Musk is reportedly considering giving Reform up to $100 million, or around 79 million, after cementing a friendship with Farage at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair met at the property on Tuesday, for an hour-long discussion, and were quick to advertise their meeting on social media afterwards. Britain needs Reform, Farage said in a post on X, accompanied by a photo of him with Musk and Nick Candy, the Reform treasurer. Replying shortly afterwards on the platform he has owned since 2022, Musk said: Absolutely. Farage and Musk were joined at Mar-A-Lago by Reform treasurer Nick Candy It goes without saying that any donation even approaching the size of the one mooted earlier this month would be transformative for Reform, which remains a fledgling party lacking the manpower and apparatus of the established players. It was the great good fortune of the Conservative Party, and to a lesser extent Labour, that Reforms 4.1 million votes were spread too evenly to translate into many parliamentary seats in this years general election. Reform averaged just one seat in Parliament for every 823,000 people who voted for them, after an inevitably broad brush approach to campaigning, whereas the Lib Dems, with their vast knowledge of electioneering tricks of the trade, bagged a seat for every 49,000 votes and the Tories one seat for every 56,000 votes. The nightmare scenario for all three mainstream parties is that Reform gets its act together before the next election, builds a nationwide party machine, beefs up and professionalises its full-time staff and has the sort of money to equal or even outdo the other parties advertising spend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reform will probably get 100 seats at the next election even without extra money, says one election strategist. And if they get a substantial amount of money they will be able to run a much more targeted campaign based on the sort of data they dont currently have. Making Nigel Great Again: Musk, the Presidents new efficiency tsar, is said to have forged a friendship with the Reform leader at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago home in Florida What, though, would Reform do with an injection of funds from Musk? Veterans of previous UK elections say that data something Musk knows more than a little about is the key weapon in 21st-century campaigning, and this is where Reform could make up the most ground on the other parties. By buying existing databases from credit companies Reform would be able to build a demographic map of the UK. They could then commission polls to build up a picture of what issues matter most to people from different demographics, and then cross reference the two in order to work out that people living in area X care most about issue Y. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next stage would be to test out dozens of different messages on target audiences to find out which ones hit home most effectively. Advertising and messaging can then be directed very specifically to appeal to the right audience in the right area. One of the best ways you can influence people to vote for you is to get their friends to talk to them about politics and make the arguments on your behalf, says one election strategist. If you have good data you can, for example, use a local candidates Facebook page to set out the key points on any particular policy. That is likely to be read by their supporters, who will take those points on board and use them to get their friends on board. That is on top of things like advertising, canvassing and getting your supporters out on polling day, all of which is driven by data. Musk, named by Trump as his government efficiency tsar, has been turning his attention to Britain and sees Farage as a fellow disruptor - Brandon Bell/Getty Reform still has a big problem when it comes to knowing who its voters are. One general election is not enough time to collect the sort of door to door canvassing data built up over decades by other parties. Farages friend Trump, however, has shown that it is possible to win elections using strong and disciplined messaging and good digital campaigning, as Trump was outspent by Kamala Harris and outgunned on the ground, but still won hands down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir Starmer certainly seems to be giving Farage more respect these days. After last weeks assisted dying vote in the Commons the Prime Minister made a beeline for the Reform leader, crossing the chamber and walking up the steps to the opposition back benches to chat with him. Starmer may yet need Farage to put in a good word for him with Trump, whose election has made the Clacton MP a key connection between the Commons and the White House. In recent years, Musk, named by Trump as his government efficiency tsar, has been taking an increasing interest in UK politics, and he sees in Farage a fellow disruptor. Farage is the only British politician he follows on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and when ex-MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns defected from the Tories to Reform last week, Musk retweeted the announcement and the prediction that Reform will win the next election with the word Yes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farage wants to be the next prime minister, and believes that in todays highly volatile political climate that is genuinely achievable in 2029. This is definitely unsettling the Tories, says one Reform source, while playing down the chances of Musk giving the party any funding. Reform receives around 1m in short money the taxpayer funds allocated to Parliament to support opposition parties while the Lib Dems receive 2.4m because seats are rewarded more heavily than votes. Strict rules on foreign funding of political parties mean that Musk would have to make a donation through a British company, such as the UK arm of Tesla or X, but outside an election cycle there would be nothing to stop him funnelling huge sums to Reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk likes to use the direct messaging facility on X to communicate with his contacts, something he can do with Farage because they follow each other on X, which is also unique among British politicians. Having Musk retweeting your messages, with his 206 million followers on X (or even Trump with his 95 million followers) cannot but help someone like Farage, albeit that other platforms such as TikTok are more important in elections nowadays. The odds on Farage becoming the next prime minister are tumbling week by week as Starmer flounders and increasing numbers of voters talk about a clean break from the Labour-Tory duopoly. Farage is currently rated at 11/4 with William Hill, down from 4/1 barely a week earlier and within sight of Tory leader Kemi Badenoch at 2/1. He has appointed the businessman Zia Yusuf as chairman of Reform, with a remit to professionalise all aspects of the party, from candidate selection and vetting to building a network of party activists across the country. His immediate goal is to win big at the local elections in May, which would give Reform more local councillors who would be more motivated to recruit activists, as well as gaining experience that might make them candidates for Parliament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week Farage revealed that his party now has 100,000 members, compared with around 130,000 for the Tories. Support for Reform is currently tracking at around 20 per cent of the electorate, with the Tories and Labour more or less tied on around 27 per cent each. One senior Conservative source says: There is a fundamental issue around foreign interference in UK politics and we have rules about foreign donations. If a big donation does come in to Reform we will have a good idea of where it comes from and there will be questions to answer. This article was originally published on December 2. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. MANILA, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Monday it has signed a financing package of 24.3 million U.S. dollars with Muktagacha Solartech Energy Limited (MSEL) to establish a grid-connected solar photovoltaic power plant in Bangladesh. As the sole mandated lead arranger, the ADB said it arranged, structured, and syndicated the financing package for MSEL, which is owned by Bangladesh-based energy company Joules Power Limited. The project will build and operate a 20-megawatt (MW) grid-connected solar photovoltaic power plant, which will generate 37.9 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually and avoid 18,344 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, the Manila-based bank said. "ADB's financing aims to drive progress and advance sustainable energy solutions in Bangladesh. The long-term financing will help promote private sector involvement in developing renewable energy in the country, while addressing the critical capital needs of renewable projects," said ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury. MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, and while some had a great experience getting home before having to go to work on Monday, others may have had to drive to their destination. One traveler, Alexander Chapman, flew out of Myrtle Beach to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania last Thursday and flew back on Sunday. He said he had a very easy flight experience in Myrtle Beach, but not so much in Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It went all smooth, it was all quick, TSA was fine, got through and was able to get on my flights comfortably, Chapman said. It was much worse there than it is here, the processes there are slightly longer so it definitely takes longer to get through TSA, its just a lot more hectic there than it is here. Chapman said while the Pennsylvania airport is more chaotic than Myrtle Beach, he did not have any problems getting back to the beach. Another traveler, Mason Stanley, is from Myrtle Beach but works in Clearwater, Florida. He said he flew into Myrtle Beach from Florida on Wednesday and is trying to fly back to Florida, but ran into some issues with his flight getting delayed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I go up to the desk and Im trying to figure out if Im going to be able to leave, how am I going do this, Stanley said. They said there was no flight to Atlanta, which is my connection to Tampa. I would have to go to LaGuardia, then I wouldnt get home until 10 or 10:30, so now I dont know what Im going to do. Stanley said he had no issues getting from Tampa to Myrtle Beach, but he now might have to drive back to Florida. He said he has called the airline, but the wait time was almost an hour on the phone. While this is not how he expected his travel day to go, he said he is trying to find the good in the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yeah its just a mess, but I have to look at it on the bright side, Stanley said. Im going to get there somehow, its just how am I going to get there. AAA projected nearly 80 million people would be traveling this Thanksgiving holiday which is a 1.7 million increase from last year. * * * Hannah Huffstickler is a multimedia journalist at News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2024 after graduating from Coastal Carolina University in December of 2023. Keep up with Hannah on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram. You can also read 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 WBTW. NASAs Artemis III mission will return humans to the lunar surface for the first time in nearly 55 years. Before that, however, every conceivable worst case scenario needs to be evaluated ahead of the historic event, and the space agency is looking to civilian scientists for some extra help. In return, the best ideas may land a team as much as $20,000. NASAs South Pole Safety: Designing the NASA Lunar Rescue System challenge opened on November 14th, and focuses on creating the equipment and procedures for transporting an incapacitated astronaut in the event of an emergency. But this system isnt intended for short, easy-to-navigate journeys. The rescue plan must allow an astronaut to haul their injured or otherwise endangered crewmate as far as 2 km (about 1.24 miles) across the lunar surface at slopes as steep as 20 degrees. In the unforgiving lunar environment, the possibility of an astronaut crewmember becoming incapacitated due to unforeseen circumstances (injury, medical emergency, or a mission-related accident) is a critical concern, starting with the upcoming Artemis III mission, where two astronaut crewmembers will explore the Lunar South Pole, the overview explains. Newsletter background image Get the Popular Science newsletter Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Email address Sign up Thank you! By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. That unforgiving lunar environment could include boulders as large as 65 feet in diameter, nearly 100 foot wide craters, unique lighting conditions, as well as temperatures ranging between 54 and -203 degrees Celsius (between about 120 and -333 degrees Fahrenheit). As for the moons gravity, Universe Today noted both the pros and cons on December 1st: Although an astronaut wearing the Artemis programs specially designed Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) weighs about 755 lbs on Earth, that translates to about 125 lbs on the moon. That said, moving your roughly 125 lbs, possibly injured crewmate across as much as 1.24 miles of hilly lunar terrain (while ensuring your own safety) is still no small feat. And if all that werent enough, the rescue system wont include a lunar rover, given that vehicles arent expected to make it back to the moon until at least the Artemis V mission. There are a few more must-have requirements for applicant designs. Lighter is better, and NASA hopes to see systems that weigh less than 50 lbs while also occupying as little space as possible when stored. The winning system must be easy to deploy and use, and employ materials capable of handling the lunar environments temperatures, vacuum conditions, and regolithic dust. Additional nice-to-have features might involve adaptability, body size accommodations, multifunctionality, and ease of manufacturing. If all that seems like a lot, NASA notes that the design wont need to include medical treatment capacities, suit modifications, or other complex integrations with other existing astronaut systems. [Related: New concept art shows how SpaceXs Starship will transport Artemis III astronauts to the moon.] While the final design is up to applicants, NASAs descriptions make it sound like the agency is particularly interested in blueprints for what amounts to a sled-like or wheeled lunar medical stretcher. Judges want to know how your design can be transported, and functions once deployed, [while] discussing aspects like stability, control, speed of movement, and how it navigates the challenging lunar terrain. A design will also need to ensure safety not just for the incapacitated astronaut, but for their crewmate, as well. A successful application will emphasize the practicality of your design in an emergency scenario, ensuring it can be deployed rapidly and effectively when needed most. Think you can help save astronauts in a hypothetical emergency? Feel free to send in your ideas here. Editor's note: This originally was an email sent to the members of the Nashville-Davidson County Government Metro Council. The authors gave The Tennessean permission to publish it as a letter to the editor. We write to Metro Council members as residents of Nashville-Davidson County to express concerns about RS2024-792, which engages Metro Nashville in a contract with Fusus, LLC to expand police surveillance. The Fusus program/technology will harm many Black residents, especially those in heavily-policed communities. Many of us have years of experience working on the frontlines of police accountability. We have personal connections to people impacted by unfair police practices (and have been personally harmed by these practices) and regularly assist community members on the receiving end of police misconduct. We have serious concerns that Fusus will create a culture of racial profiling a culture that public officials and activists worked hard to reverse since the release of the Driving While Black Report in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A couple years ago, activists and some councilmembers warned Metro Council that license plate readers would disproportionately target Black, Latino, and moderate-income communities. This assertion was rejected by some councilmembers, the previous mayor, and the police chief. Yet, there is concrete evidence that MNPDs LPR-pilot targeted communities of color. Fusus devices that would connect registered businesses to the Metro Nashville Police Department's network used in criminal investigations. The Metro Nashville Community Oversight Board staff published a report titled "An Analysis of MNPDs Full License Plate Reader Pilot Program." The study found that LPRs were deployed in moderate-income neighborhoods populated by Blacks, Latinos, and language minorities. Also troubling is that the Fusus contract will make it nearly impossible for residents experiencing civil rights abuses from suing Metro. The contract has indemnification clauses that re-routes lawsuits to Fusus while giving legal immunity to Metro government officials. Considering the costs and requisite burdens of proof, many residents have little chance of winning these suits. More broadly, the Fusus technology is overly invasive and infringes on civil liberties. Its unclear if the data will be eventually captured by third-party interests (e.g., private companies, ICE, credit card companies, etc.). Further, the Community Oversight Board (now called the Community Review Board) was prohibited by Metro Legal from accessing the last month of LPR data in 2023. Its unclear whether the CRB or another independent entity will be allowed to access the Fusus data to evaluate racial bias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Nashville must implement license plate readers for the sake of public safety In conclusion, we urge you to vote "no" on RS2024-792. There are better ways to do policing in Nashville other than expanded surveillance and ushering in a new era of racial profiling. Sekou Franklin, Ph.D., Community Oversight Now Theeda Murphy, Community Oversight Now Attorney Phyllis Hildreth Jonathan Williamson, President of the Nashville NAACP Timothy Hughes, 1st Vice-President of the Nashville NAACP Grayce Gadson, Community Advocate Minister Kenneth Caine, Nashville Economic Justice Alliance Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Surveillance contract targets Nashville's Black residents | Letters MCCOLL, S.C. (WBTW) A national nonprofit group said it has received threats after announcing plans on Monday to send patrols from Charleston and Charlotte to McColl following the resignation of its entire police force and the death of its mayor. The One In Five Foundation for Kids said in a news release that it received a telephone threat warning volunteer safety teams to Stay out of McColl and that it should Mind its own business or face, an accident. The organization, formerly known as the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, was formed following the Uvalde, Texas, mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in May 2022. The group is launching STOPNOW citizen patrol teams this week in an effort to ensure the safety of McColls student population and community of about 2,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials with the foundation said the threat was traced by its internal safety teams, which operate its 24-hour school threat database and crisis center, to an unavailable number in Bennettsville. Great man: McColl still coming to grips with mayors death The group said that while it takes all threats seriously, it will not stop its efforts to help the community and the patrol plans will move forward. We dont know for sure what is happening in McColl but we know that we are committed to helping as we can to ensure the safety and welfare of its students and citizens, said Daniel Chapin, the groups founder and national director. We cannot determine where or why exactly threats toward our efforts have come. However, we will not be deterred and will continue our plans in the days and weeks ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate news release sent out Tuesday also quoted Chapin, stating that the community expressed concerns over our foundations lack of consultation with the Marlboro County Sheriffs Office prior to asserting our plans to aid specifically the McColl school community. News13 confirmed with Marlboro County Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy that the office has not had any contact with the foundation. They also confirmed there is a resource officer at the school in McColl. Chapin goes on to say that This decision in part was made, under my authority, due to the lack of law enforcement and city leaders accountability and murky past, which itself dauntingly overshadows and has created this unnerving situation for the community in the first place. When you have an entire police force and its chief resign it leaves very little trust for collaboration. Our foundation patrol teams, as designed originally, are off campus and throughout school community volunteer patrols, Chapin said. Unless a part of a focused collaboration effort on campus or city property permissions nor collaboration are required, nor sought out, by us. The community does not need the sheriffs permission to be empowered to do its part quite frankly neither do we. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marlboro County Sheriff Charles Lemon fired back, calling the situation hogwash. All this is hogwash. This is America. They can come here. But they have no authorization for police arrests or any authorization for anything police-related, Lemon told News13. Its a sad day in America. I have been in law enforcement for 37 years. We have been at the schools for two weeks and have had no problems. Then the mayor dies, and all this craziness comes out. They can come here. They can walk our streets. But they have no authority to arrest anyone or any other authorized police work. A team of five patrol members will arrive this week, with more being recruited and trained to aide the community, the group said, adding that they will assist in community safety patrols and community support engagement until more substantial safety and formal law enforcement arrangements are made. According to a release, STOPNOW Patrols, modeled after the Guardian Angels anti-crime unit in New York City in the 1980s, traditionally patrol school communities to minimize and prevent safety incidents from reaching school campuses while also providing extra encouragement and support for students and neighborhoods during times of trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. * * * Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here. * * * Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar 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. David Rohde, NBC News senior national security executive editor, detailed concerns among federal law enforcement circles on Sunday over Donald Trump nominating Kash Patel to replace Christopher Wray as FBI director. Rohde told MSNBCs Alex Witt that theres fear over Patel a loyalist to the president-elect following conspiracy theories. He then pointed to Patels interest in closing the FBIs D.C. headquarters and his vows to prosecute Trumps enemies in the media as well as the government. And there is a concern that this type of politics, what it does most of all, is distract the FBI from its main goals which is cracking down on drug trafficking, violent crime across the U.S. and sortve guarding against foreign espionage in the United States, Rohde said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are tired of the politics on both sides inside the FBI, is what Ive heard, and theyre worried this is just going to be more infighting and more of a distraction. An ex-senior law enforcement official who previously interacted with Patel, in an NBC News piece co-authored by Rohde, called his nomination ridiculous before adding that hes arguably the least qualified person ever nominated for a senior position in federal law enforcement. I dont know anything significant that he achieved at the DOJ. He was not well regarded as a prosecutor, the unnamed official said of Patel, who previously served as chief of staff to acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller on the day of the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. Rohde, when asked by Witt if he expects Patel to face an uphill battle during his confirmation hearing, said he isnt sure what to expect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its another test of the Senate, will they advise and consent? he said. Will they act do a thorough review of every nominee? And this is another challenge. I think its as significant as the Gaetz nomination so well see what happens... Related... Amelia Schafer ICT + Rapid City Journal FORT YATES, N.D. The Black Hills are not for sale and never will be was the central uniting message discussed during a meeting at the Prairie Knights Casino in Fort Yates, N.D. on the Standing Rock Reservation. Representatives from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, a group of Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation elders and various treaty councils gathered on Nov. 13 to formulate a plan for regaining land in the Black Hills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group met to discuss the He Sapa Restoration Act, which includes a formal declaration from the Oyate (nation) and the tribal governments to demand that the United States return federal land in the Black Hills to the Oceti Sakowin people. The group hopes to introduce the bill in 2025. The bill would not affect the titles of private lands. Though those lands would be cataloged as part of the land identification process, they would remain in possession of the title holders. Today weve gathered to discuss the Black Hills, Standing Rock Vice-Chairman Frank Jameson said. This fight has been ongoing for many decades before us and it will continue after us. Frank Jameson, vice chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, welcomed guests in Fort Yates, N.D., for a meeting to discuss land return. (Photo by Amelia Schafer, ICT/Rapid City Journal) For centuries the Oceti Sakowin Oyate (Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Nations) have sought to protect and regain He Sapa, the Black Hills. The discovery of gold in the area in the late 1800s triggered a massive influx of white settlers into the territory despite the area being the unceded territory of the Oceti Sakowin and Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This particular bill has been in the works for a while, NDN Collective organizer and He Sapa Restoration Act education committee member Mark Tilsen said during the conference. Years ago a group of tribal councils, treaty councils and elders gathered to discuss the Black Hills. At the time, the group thought co-management would be a good route. Our thought was that this would lead us to have control of the Black Hills in all but name, Tilsen said. We would learn and build the infrastructure and skill set so that one day when we did have the Black Hills returned to us, we would know how to take care of them properly and already be in agreement about how they should be managed. Earlier this year the tribes and the U.S. Department of Agriculture worked on two separate Memorandum of Understanding agreements with Oceti Sakowin tribes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first agreement establishes a framework for tribes to work on consultation, land and water conservation, forest stewardship, landscape-scale restoration, cultural resources, sacred site protection, fuel reduction, wildlife management, youth programs, workforce development and visitor relations. The second MOU invited nations to shape a new Pactola Lake visitors center in the Black Hills that would establish educational and interpretive programs. The MOUs were established with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe. Now, elders say thats not enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our elders at the time rejected this notion, saying that co-management or co-stewardship is not enough, Tilsen said. We need to look at the real return of the Black Hills to the people. Darla Black, a leader with the Oglala Sioux Tribe, spoke almost entirely in Lakota on Nov. 13 during a LandBack discussion in Fort Yates, N.D. (Photo by Amelia Schafer) In the 1980s, the United States Supreme Court ordered $100 million to be paid to the Oceti Sakowin (Great Sioux Nation) over the broken treaty, but the nation refused and continues to refuse to accept the money. Now, with interest, that money has grown to be more than $2 billion. For many tribes, the Black Hills are the center of the universe and the origin of their creation stories. This land belongs to all Native Americans, said Catherine Young Bear, a Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation elder from Mandaree, N.D. I know the Lakotas have been fighting for a long time for the Black Hills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As drafted, the act does not relinquish any existing claims for treaty land and seeks to establish a pathway for land return to tribes. The group will fine-tune the draft over the next few months and seek sponsors. The act also seeks to establish a more traditional form of Indigenous governance that includes treaty councils, spiritual leaders, traditional leaders and other important traditional culture bearers. Currently, tribal governments commonly referred to as IRA governments (governments created by the Indian Reorganization Act) are the only entities the federal government recognizes. The Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council have also spoken out in support of the act. The Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council passed a resolution in support of the bill earlier this year. The previous day, Nov. 12, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council voted to support the bill.owever, not all groups are in approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone present on Nov. 13 agreed the Black Hills should never be sold, but some had differing opinions on how to approach a return. Philimon Two Eagle, Sicangu Lakota, attended on behalf of the Sicangu Treaty Council. Two Eagle, the councils executive director, said the treaty council decided not to support the legislation over concerns it would diminish the original treaties and be dead on arrival. To do this act is reckless because once you hand it to Congress its not an if they will change it, they will change it, Two Eagle said. With a new Republican Congress, I have a feeling this will be dead on arrival. We may have had a chance with the Democratic leadership, but I strongly advise not to do this. Two Eagle said the original Fort Laramie Treaties of 1851 and 1868 are fraudulent, as not all traditional chiefs were present for the signing, but theyre still the original law. Two Eagle said the modern treaty councils are descendants of the original signatory chiefs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only way to change the treaty is to make a new treaty. Thats why the Sicangu Treaty Council doesnt agree with the fact that its going to Congress, Two Eagle said. True justice, Two Eagle said, would be for all settlers living on Oceti Sakowin treaty land to leave and return it to the Indigenous people. We want these people to vacate our land. There is no such thing as land back. Vacate these lands, Two Eagle said. Its a big dream but these treaties, even though the treaties are fraudulent, they were signed and ratified. When you sign a treaty in the field it is still legal and binding. This story is co-published by the Rapid City Journal and ICT, a news partnership that covers Indigenous communities in the South Dakota area. 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. NATO foreign ministers will begin a two-day meeting on Tuesday, 3 December, with the situation in the Russo-Ukrainian war set to be one of the key topics. Source: European Pravda Details: A meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council will also take place at NATO headquarters, along with discussions on Ukraine during a separate session of Alliance members without partner nations. The NATO foreign ministers' meeting will be the first chaired by Mark Rutte as NATO Secretary General. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While no formal written decisions are expected, officials at NATO headquarters have indicated that the Alliance will announce a unified stance on supporting Ukraine. A NATO official, speaking anonymously ahead of the meeting, said ministers are expected to reaffirm the Alliances unwavering support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russias ongoing brutal war of aggression, in line with its rights under the UN Charter. The official added that ministers will likely address Russias hostile actions against NATO countries and emphasize that such actions will not deter the Alliance from continuing its support for Ukraine or strengthening its defence. In addition, the ministers will discuss the conflict in the Middle East and its impact on Euro-Atlantic security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the situation in Georgia was not included in the official meeting agenda, NATO headquarters suggested it is highly likely to be raised for discussion at the request of participants. Background: As European Pravda reported, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated that Ukraine could join NATO without Article 5 being applied across its entire territory, marking a significant shift in Kyiv's position. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who is heading to Brussels, held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who will also attend the meeting. Support UP or become our patron! Its 2024, and the U.S. Postal Service just now agreed to provide mail delivery to North Americas largest research park located in North Carolina. Rep. Deborah Ross announced last month that after years of working with Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd and Rep. Valerie Foushee to push postal officials to provide mail delivery to Research Triangle Park, it is finally happening. She called it a crucial milestone for RTP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ensuring RTP has the support it needs is essential for the growth and success of hundreds of companies, Ross said in a news release Nov. 4. Its unacceptable that businesses in RTP were forced to function without centralized mail delivery. RTP sits on 7,000 acres of land between Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Thats roughly half the size of Manhattan. And its the workplace for 55,000 employees of companies, nonprofits and government agencies. Many are required to have physical addresses to meet government regulation requirements. But the postal service continued to serve customers as it had since the parks beginning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ross explained it earlier this year as an area with a few businesses on a single road that grew expeditiously over decades with the postal service never quite catching on to the development. And without mail delivery, the parks 375 companies had to use P.O. boxes at the RTP post office that became known for long lines and delays. Some business owners tried to get around the chaos by having their mail sent to their personal addresses or driving to post offices further away. Getting mail Scott Levitan is the president and CEO of the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina. The foundation works with the industries, universities and government agencies within RTP to attract research and scientific and technology-based organizations and support the creation of quality jobs and opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Levitan told McClatchy that the Postal Service brought the foundation and the parks businesses together to figure out routes, and specify, purchase and install the required mail equipment. He said its been a positive collaboration. Levitan added that mail delivery will expand over the next few months as that equipment is installed. Tyler Evans, a franchise owner of Venture X, a flex office and co-working space, said his business is awaiting mailboxes to be installed at RTPs Frontier campus, but once thats done his company will begin receiving mail. Once implemented, not only will this be hours less driving and work for us and our staff, but will save $10,000+ annually in costs and lost revenue from the old system, Evans told McClatchy in an email Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evans only learned that RTP did not have mail delivery after signing a 10-year lease and building out a multi-million dollar facility. In September 2023, he told McClatchy that would result in a loss of expected revenue. Evans told McClatchy Monday that a few months after that interview, he learned confidentially that the postal service was working to rectify the situation. He was looped into conversations with the service beginning in March. Praise for mail delivery In a news release, Foushee, a Democrat from Chapel Hill, praised the collaboration between the congressional offices, postal officials and RTP foundation representatives for working together to get mail delivery accomplished, saying it will support RTPs continued growth for years to come. This vital infrastructure improvement will deliver the reliable postal services businesses and residents in RTP need to succeed and thrive, Foushee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Levitan told McClatchy hes grateful for the bipartisan support among North Carolinas congressional delegation, the companies at RTP and the postal service for making mail delivery happen. Throughout the process we have discovered how critical mail delivery is for companies to meet regulatory requirements, Levitan said. The commencement of mail service allows RTP to remain competitive among our peer innovation communities. The NC Senate chamber (Photo: ncleg.net) Republicans in North Carolinas legislature are rapidly advancing a pair of proposed constitutional amendments that would cap the states income tax rate and require photo ID for those voting by mail. The Senate voted to approve both proposals Monday, sending them to the House for consideration. If approved by both chambers, they would be placed on the 2026 ballot for voter approval; they cannot be vetoed by the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 920 would cap North Carolinas maximum income tax rate at five percent under the state constitution. Current language sets the cap at seven percent; however, the rate currently sits at 4.5%, and GOP lawmakers have approved a series of further gradual cuts. The amendment would block any future rate increases. And Senate Bill 921 would require all North Carolina voters to present photo ID including those voting by mail. Current state law requires ID for all forms of voting. Both passed the Senate on party-line votes, 30-19. The amendments represent longtime priorities for Republican lawmakers, having passed previous versions of them in 2018 (both received majority support from voters). Both of those prior amendments are currently tied up in court; if new versions are passed, it could render that lawsuit moot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP proponents touted the policies as popular among voters, cementing Republican-led legislative changes in the constitution. This is not our money, said Sen. Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus). They should have a right to decide the amount that we should be taxed. And the photo ID requirement will just conform our state constitution to current state law, Sen. Warren Daniel (R-Buncombe) said. Democrats and advocacy groups strongly criticized the proposals when they were first filed earlier this year. The president of the North Carolina NAACP, which challenged the 2018 amendments, said in June that the 2024 amendments represented new tactics in Republicans ongoing assault on voting rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Sen. Graig Meyer (D-Orange) warned that the income tax rate cap would be dooming the people of North Carolina to lie in a state that cannot meet their basic needs during economic downturns. The argument against the 2018 amendments was that the General Assembly was elected in illegally gerrymandered districts, and thus did not have the authority to amend the constitution. A Wake County judge and later the Supreme Court sided with the NAACP in the case, but sent it back down to trial for further examination. It was dormant for almost two years, until a hearing in front of a panel of Wake County judges in October. The panel has yet to make a decision, and has not announced a timeline for when one may come. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The North Carolina Senate is overriding Governor Roy Coopers veto on Senate Bill 832. The Monday vote was 30-19. BREAKING: The NC Senate overrides @NC_Governors veto of SB 382 with a vote of 30-19. It looks like the House will hold that vote later this week. | @Queen_City_News Previous reporting: https://t.co/4K10k7XDrW Andy Weber (@andy_weber_tv) December 2, 2024 Cooper called the bill a sham and a power grab by Republicans and said that it was disguised as Helene relief funding to get it pushed through. While the bill will allocate $227 million for hurricane relief, it also strips powers from the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House will vote on the override next week. Protesters could be seen and heard just before the vote took place, forcing Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson to shout out to clear the chambers. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden on Sunday night, reversing his earlier stance of not using executive power to pardon or reduce his son's sentence. "From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted ... It is clear that Hunter was treated differently," Biden said in a statement. The president said his political opponents in Congress "instigated" the charges "to attack me and oppose my election." "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son -- and that is wrong," he said. Biden said he had decided to issue the executive grant of clemency for his son "for those offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 1, 2024." Back in 2014, Hunter joined the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company that has figured prominently in investigations of his past business dealings, according to the Wall Street Journal. Hunter was convicted in June for purchasing a firearm in 2018 while addicted to crack cocaine, marking the first time a sitting president's child has been convicted of a crime. He is set to be sentenced on Dec. 12. He is also scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 16 for federal tax evasion charges, to which he pleaded guilty in September. The charges involved over 1.4 million U.S. dollars in unpaid taxes. Special counsel David Weiss, who served as the attorney for Delaware under former U.S. President Donald Trump, launched an investigation into Hunter in 2018 and brought both indictments in 2023. Through pardoning his son, Biden has ratted on a public pledge that he made repeatedly before and after dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, CNN reported, adding that the president and his top White House spokesperson said unequivocally, including after Trump won the 2024 election, that he would not pardon Hunter or commute his sentence. President-elect Trump posted on his social media platform, saying "Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!" "In pardoning his son Hunter Biden on Sunday night, the incumbent president sounded a lot like his successor by complaining about selective prosecution and political pressure, questioning the fairness of a system that Mr. Biden had until now long defended," the New York Times reported. In a statement by Trump's transition team to Fox News, Steven Cheung, Trump's spokesperson, said the Democrat-controlled Department of Justice and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system. "That system of justice must be fixed, and due process must be restored for all Americans." This is not the first case of a U.S. president pardoning a family member. In 2001, Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother Roger Clinton for a 1985 cocaine-related offense. In 2020, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, his daughter Ivanka's father-in-law and the selected next U.S. ambassador to France, who had been convicted of witness tampering, tax evasion and illegal campaign contributions. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) It was Selection Sunday for the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. 64 teams would find out they made the tournament and where and when they would play. Nebraska is one of four #1 seeds and the number 2 seed overall in the tournament. Pittsburgh is the overall number 1 seed. The Huskers will host first and second round action on Friday and Saturday at the Devaney Center in Lincoln. Nebraska opens up with Forida A&M at 7:00 Friday. The winner of that match will play the winner of Miami and South Dakota State on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Creighton is a number 2 seed. The BlueJays will host Thursday and Friday action at the DJ Sokol Arena in Omaha. Creighton will open with South Dakota on Thursday. The winner of that match will face the winner of Florida State and Ole Miss on Friday. Northern Iowa gets into the Tournament as an 8 seed. The Panthers will travel to Louisville and face Illinois on Friday at 3:00 at the KFC Yum Center in Louisville. The winner of that match will face the winner of Louisville and Chicago State on Saturday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Newsmax has posted a new statement on its website about the settlement of Smartmatics defamation lawsuit, acknowledging that a court found that claims that the voting company was involved in rigging the 2020 election were untrue. In a statement posted on Saturday, Newsmax said that it has resolved the litigation brought by Smartmatic through a confidential settlement. Newsmax acknowledges that the Court found that allegations regarding whether the [2020 U.S. presidential election] and its results were somehow altered or manipulated by Smartmatic are factually false/untrue.' More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsmax reiterates its statement of December 2020 that made clear that there is no evidence that Smartmatic machines or software altered the votes in the 2020 U.S. presidential election and that Smartmatic is a U.S. company and not owned by the Venezuelan government, or any foreign official or entity. Newsmax settled the Smartmatic lawsuit in September, just days before a trial was scheduled to begin in Wilmington, DE. The details of the settlement were not disclosed, and it is unclear if the latest statement was part of it. Spokesperson for the media entity and Smartmatic did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In the aftermath of the 2020 election, Newsmax played up Donald Trumps unfounded claims that the 2020 election was rigged against him. For a time, the network benefited from a viewer backlash against Fox News, which had been the first network to call Arizona for Joe Biden. Smartmatic had sued Newsmax over the post-2020 election amplification of claims that it was involved in the rigging of the election, even though the company was only providing services in Los Angeles County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a summary judgment ruling, Judge Eric Davis ruled that statements that ran on Newsmax regarding Smartmatic software or voting machines altering the results of the Election are factually false. The reports and investigations conducted by multiple state and federal agencies since the Election universally come to the same result. Davis, however, left it up to a jury to decide whether Newsmax was liable for actual malice. Smartmatic also settled another case against another outlet on the right, One America News Network. Its case against Fox News is still pending. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. State lawmakers will gavel in a special session Monday focused on a proposed $25-million litigation fund to respond to President-elect Donald Trump's anticipated attacks on California policies on civil rights, climate change and abortion access. Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked the Legislature to approve the funding for the Department of Justice and other agencies so the state can file lawsuits against the federal government and defend against litigation from the Trump administration. Read more: Newsom promotes his economic plans in conservative parts of California Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California is a tent pole of the country from the economy to innovation to protecting and investing in rights and freedoms for all people. We will work with the incoming administration and we want President Trump to succeed in serving all Americans," Newsom said in a statement Sunday. "But when there is overreach, when lives are threatened, when rights and freedoms are targeted, we will take action. And that is exactly what this special session is about setting this state up for success, regardless of who is in the White House. Legislative Democrats have so far responded to Newsom's request with two bills that will be considered as part of the special session. Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) introduced legislation to set aside $25 million for legal fees plus an additional $500,000 to cover the costs of "initial case preparation." While we always hope to collaborate with our federal partners, California will be ready to vigorously defend our interests and values from any unlawful action by the incoming Trump Administration, said Gabriel, chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, in a statement. We know from President-elect Trumps statements and from the more than 120 lawsuits that California filed during the first Trump Administration that we must be prepared to defend ourselves. Were not going to be caught flat-footed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If approved, Newsom's office said, the $25-million legal fund would not only "help safeguard critical funding for disaster relief, health care programs, and other vital service" for millions of Californians but would also provide legal funding to protect abortion access, climate change policies, LGBTQ+ rights and disaster funding. The Democratic governor called for the special session of the Legislature in the wake of Trump's election victory last month, saying that during his first term in the White House, the former president changed federal policies in ways that harmed California and its residents. Newsom said at the time that his administration anticipated that the incoming president could seek to limit access to abortion medication, pursue a national abortion ban, dismantle clean air and water environmental protections, repeal the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and withhold federal disaster response funding, among other promises Trump made during the campaign. The governors move is largely symbolic: Lawmakers are likely to pass the legislation at the same speed as they would without the special session. But it was seen by some as a way of focusing the state Legislatures attention on Newsom's priority of defending against Trump. Republicans were quick to dismiss the move as political theater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the days that followed Trump's 2024 election, Newsom signaled that he planned to wage an aggressive and highly visible campaign to shield the state from the Trump White House. Over a four-year stretch that ended in 2021, California filed 122 lawsuits challenging then-President Trump's authority to change federal policies on immigration, healthcare, education, gun control, consumer protection, the census, the U.S. Postal Service and civil rights issues. Read more: Newsom tries to redefine the California-vs.-Trump narrative But more recently, the governor has sought to tone down his rhetoric and reshape the California-vs.-Trump narrative he set in motion, telling The Times in an interview that the special session is "around pragmatism" and "about preparedness." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We would be fools not to get on top of this before January," he said. Newsom and legislative leaders have repeatedly said that theyre ready to work with the incoming president. On Monday, lawmakers are scheduled to gather in the Senate and Assembly chambers to be sworn in. Legislators typically leave Sacramento after the ceremony to spend the holidays in their districts before returning at the start of the year. Lawmakers expect to begin hearing and voting on the special session legislation when they come back on Jan. 6. Newsom wants to sign the bills into law before Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Times staff writer Taryn Luna 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. (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 allow people to 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The NALEO Educational Fund, an organization representing Latino elected and appointed officials, supports the decision to make a race choice optional for Hispanics. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. They check Black and they check Dominican and dont want to be counted as two or more, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NHS nurses and midwives are increasingly inexperienced, experts have warned after fears that the recruitment crisis could hamper health service reform. The latest mid-year report by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) found the number of staff with 10 to 30 years experience has fallen by more than 1,300 in six months. A total of 335,392 nurses and midwives were on the register in this category between April and September, down by 1,309 from the previous six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number who last registered more than three decades ago was also down by 1.02 per cent, a decrease of 1,400. Dr Billy Palmer, a senior fellow at the Nuffield Trust think tank, warned the figures are a chronic symptom that the UKs clinical education system is unfit for purpose. He said: The UKs nursing and midwifery workforce is increasingly inexperienced and facing deeply worrying shortages in important areas, with learning disability nursing numbers still lower than five years ago. Concerningly, the number of nurses and midwives with over 10 years experience is falling and 28 per cent of staff have five years experience or less, echoing similar trends seen in the latest registration data for doctors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This shift to less experienced staff may affect productivity and put a strain on those who train, mentor and supervise them. Some experts expressed concerns over the NHSs training pipeline - Jeff Moore/PA Overall, the nursing and midwifery register rose by 1.8 per cent to a record 841,367 in the six months to Sept 30. The NMC said the growth in the total number of nurses and midwives had been upheld by two factors, citing steady domestic recruitment levels and a significant rise in those coming from overseas. But Prof Nicola Ranger, the general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said the figures were nonetheless bad news for patients because of slow recruitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nurse recruitment is slowing, the numbers of new starters is falling and we are witnessing a devastating increase in people leaving within five years of joining, Prof Ranger said. At a time of widespread vacancies, these trends are incredibly worrying for our NHS and the people that rely on its care. Across health and care services, international recruitment was utilised to plug rota gaps, but we are now watching as thousands of overseas staff choose to go elsewhere. A total of 2,573 international staff left the register in the past six months, up by one third. Kuljit Dhillon, the interim executive director of strategy at the NMC, said: Nursing and midwifery are among the UKs most trusted professions, so as we head into another tough winter, we hope there is small comfort in the growth of our register to a record 841,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, there are notes of caution in our data around international recruitment, which has been a pillar of workforce growth in recent years. Weve seen a fall in internationally educated joiners and an even higher proportional rise in leavers, although its important to view leavers data through the lens of a growing register. 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. Weve partnered with the AJC to help recognize amazing Georgians who have done their small part to make a big difference. Weve profiled two of the 48 people who remind each of us that acts of kindness are never random. You can meet the rest of this years Everyday Heroes: ajc.com/heroes Clarenton Nicky Crawford has devoted his golden years to serving unhoused people in Atlanta but hes quick to deflect any praise or recognition for his work. Its an incredible feeling to just know that, wow, their lives are being touched and changed by something that we did, says the retired Stone Mountain resident. Our reward is to see them progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crawford is the founder of Flowing With Blessings, a nonprofit that provides showers, laundry services, restrooms, occasional haircuts, and meals for Atlantas growing unhoused population, a community that is disproportionately made up of Black citizens. You can find Crawford and his team parked near the emergency room of Grady Memorial Hospital with their mini fleet of service vehicles: a small school bus that has been converted into a laundromat on wheels, and a trailer with three separate washroom and lavatory facilities. They accommodate up to 50 people on a first-come, first-served basis every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., helping frequenters remain dignified while tending to their hygiene and health. (The volunteers will often attempt to squeeze in additional latecomers from an overflow list, too.) Its a noble mission by Crawford, who says observing his familys open-door policy when he was growing up in Dothan, Alabama, helped shape his humanitarian spirit. It was never a big deal to be around people that society had pushed to the side, he says. Nobody is better than us [and] were no better than anybody else. I didnt foresee all of this, but it just continued to evolve, says Flowing With Blessings founder Clarenton Nicky Crawford. (Deborah Crawford) After decades of finding success in the construction business, Crawford learned a few years ago of an unhoused man who respectfully returned some toiletries he had received because he had nowhere to use them. A seed of an idea had formed in Crawfords mind, but he tabled it, uncertain of how to solve the societal issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When career circumstances changed in 2021, Crawford refocused on pursuing his plan. The following year, on Feb. 2, he purchased a three-stall trailer with his own money but no place to post up. That changed within a week; a friend who works at Grady helped arrange a monthlong trial outside the hospital. I knew God had led me to buy that, he says of the trailer, and all of that other stuff would fall into place. Four people showed up to shower on the first day. That number doubled by the following week, and continued to grow as word about Flowing With Blessings spread and Grady allowed them to set up there indefinitely. I was thinking, if we get to 30 [showers each day], thats going to be really big, Crawford says, adding that his team fully cleans each trailer stall after every use. At one point, we were doing about 60. Flowing With Blessings unveiled the mobile laundromat (dubbed the Wash Bus) this June after realizing dirty clothes pose hygienic challenges for many unhoused people. Crawford, who calls himself a dreamer, recruited the ingenuity of Georgia Tech industrial design students to realize his vision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt foresee all of this, but it just continued to evolve, says Crawford, who plans to continue expanding the resources his organization provides. For now, he says his team also assists unhoused people with administrative processes like paying bills or connecting with other resources to help improve their situations. We try to help them with whatever they might need outside of the shower. Crawfords good deeds have paid dividends in ways he didnt anticipate. Hes inspired by the fact that Flowing With Blessings has grown to about 10 volunteers many of whom are young adults and is primarily run by Crawfords daughter, Christina Moss. He speaks warmly of regulars who have gotten back on their feet through his teams support or motivation and still stop by to say hello. He recalls watching one older gentleman get emotional after Moss addressed him as Mr. the man couldnt recall the last time hed been shown that degree of respect. They are my validation that what I heard God tell me to do was right, says Crawford. They dont have to tell me Thank you. I can tell them, Thank you. HOW TO HELP For more information on Flowing With Blessings, please visit https://www.flowingwithblessings.org/. To donate to Flowing With Blessings, please click here. The post Nicky Crawford Helps to Restore Dignity With Mobile Showers and Laundry appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) An Ohio man is struggling to get back to normalcy after he says he was punched repeatedly by several McDonalds employees during a dispute over his Quarter Pounder in October. Karrigan Norwood was reportedly assaulted sometime after midnight on Oct. 17 at the McDonalds on East 17th Street in Columbus. He recently sat down with Nexstars WCMH to talk about the experience, which he described as a nightmare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norwood said he had visited the McDonalds for a late-night meal but returned to the restaurant when he realized his order, a Double Quarter Pounder with Bacon, was only a single. After getting back to the drive-thru window, however, he said he was met with hostility, so he asked for the manager. [They] slammed the window in my face, then told me to come back with a better attitude, Norwood said. Three Americans released in prisoner swap with China An argument ensued. The manager allegedly walked away, and thats when Norwood said the whole staff came after him. Everybody in the crew person who took my order, the fry cooks, cashiers all went to come yelling at me at the window, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norwood said he then drove around the restaurant, so that the people waiting in line behind him could get their food. But he rejoined the drive-thru line once again to ask for a correction to his order. When he reached the window, he said five employees exited the building and approached his vehicle. Fluid was thrown in my car, Norwood claimed. I didnt know what it was, so when I tried to get out and call for help, thats when they dropped me and beat me. They basically, like, jumped me, like, grabbed me, pulled my shirt over my head, started punching me in the face. Didnt stop until one of the other patrons in the drive-thru said they were calling the police, Norwood added. All this over a sandwich and it didnt need to go that far at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Central Ohio non-profit delivering stuffed animals to hurricane victims Norwood got back in his vehicle and called his mother on the phone. She said she couldnt figure out why he was slurring his words and talking slowly, so she rushed to the restaurant and immediately sought medical help. Norwood suffered a broken orbital bone on the left side of his face. His left eye was swollen shut, and he wondered if he would ever see again. I had to get a titanium implant, Norwood said a couple of weeks after his surgery. Still got a little bit of double vision. Lens sensitive to light, so I wear glasses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norwood said he had also been planning to enlist in the military, to follow in the footsteps of his mother and father. But due to the severity of his injuries, hes now unsure if he will be able to join the military at all. A Columbus business lost nearly $500,000. Then, investigators checked Paypal Store cameras recorded parts of the Oct. 17 altercation as Norwood remained at the pickup window, WCMH previously reported, citing documents from Columbus police and Franklin County Municipal Court. The documents also said one of the employees threw a drink through Norwoods window before he got out of his van, at which point the McDonalds workers began punching him in the head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three of the employees involved have been charged with assault, causing great bodily harm a felony charge. Two of those men have been arrested, including one who spent 12 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter. One of the men is still wanted by Columbus police. The charges against the three employees have been sent to a grand jury. Norwoods mother, meanwhile, said she is very proud of her son and worries about his future after the incident. She also questions the hiring practices of McDonalds. These monsters are a threat to society, Dawn Norwood said. A representative for McDonalds was not immediately available to comment on the accusations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WCMHs Adam Conn 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 Queen City News. The dad of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander of New Jersey says he is hopeful after the new Hamas video of his son although he admitted the footage was both exciting and disturbing. Adi Alexander of Tenafly said his 20-year-old son seemed generally healthy and showed courage in the footage despite appearing under duress in what was an orchestrated and cruel propaganda video. Its exciting and disturbing at the same time, Adi told The Post during an exclusive interview Saturday night hours after the terror group posted the video. Adi Alexander, father of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, speaks at the Bring them Home Rally in Central Park. LP Media He looked good. He spoke well. Its a sign of life, the dad said of his sons appearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edans mother said at a rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called her after the video was released and assured her the conditions are ripe to get her son home. Israel just agreed to a cease-fire with the Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon, which some see as paving the way for the Palestinian Hamas terrorists to soon follow suit. Adi Alexander said the couples son looked a little pale in the video but that was likely because he has been held captive underground in a Gaza tunnel for a long time. Edan was with the Israel Defense Force and stationed near Gaza when Hamas terrorists invaded Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting at least another 250. Hamas is still holding 101 hostages, including Alexander and six other American-Israeli citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli soldier was shown in the 3-and-a-half-minute video, titled Soon Time is Running Out, introducing himself and saying he had been a Hamas prisoner for more than 420 days. Edan Alexander of New Jersey seemed generally healthy and showed courage in the footage despite appearing under duress. Hamas Military Wing/Handout His father admitted the footage was both exciting and disturbing. Hamas Military Wing/Handout He was later shown covering his face and crying before delivering coerced messages in Hebrew to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President-elect Donald Trump. But Adi said he saw positive in the video, also. The fact that Edan noted the Nov. 5 election of Trump showed he was still alive, the dad said. He strengthened us to stay strong. He addressed us to stay strong, Adi said. Edan mentioned his love for his siblings and grandparents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said in Hebrew he hopes this nightmare will be ending soon. Adi said. Edan was with the Israel Defense Force and stationed near Gaza when Hamas terrorists invaded Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dad said he believes that the Trump effect the return of Donald Trump as president could help accelerate the release of hostages and a cease-fire in Gaza. Its a window of opportunity. Each side needs to take a step forward, he said. The US government will be tough with its friends and enemies. Trump is a wild card. Adi recalled personally meeting with Trump at the burial site of the late Chabad Lubavitcher leader Rabbi Menachem Schneerson in Queens on Oct. 7, 2024 the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack. Trump has a very high sensitivity for the American hostages, Alexander said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dad hammered home similar points during a Manhattan rally Sunday morning for the hostages on the Upper West Side by Central Park, attended by about 300 supporters. I am not just a father but the voice of my son and the other 101 hostages whose lives hang in a balance. I stand here after seeing my son alive for the first time in over a year thanks to this propaganda video released by Hamas, Adi said as others chanted, Bring Them Home! Edans mother said at a rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called her after the video was released and assured her the conditions are ripe to get her son home. Stephen Yang It gave us a sliver of hope and also reignites the urgency of our plea. Time is running out. Edan is 20 years old is a swimmer, a [Boy] Scout, New York Knicks fan, the dad said. Every day in captivity is an eternity of suffering for him and every hostage both physically and emotionally. President Biden, President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, I call on all of you to act. This is not a moment for politics or hesitations. This is a moment of courage, collaboration, and decisive actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The father urged President Biden to negotiate a deal before its too late and advised Trump not to wait until taking office in January to make an impact. Hamas is still holding 101 hostages, including Alexander and six other American-Israeli citizens. LP Media The world is watching, Adi said. He said the fate of the hostages particularly rests in Netanyahus hands and urged him not to let this opportunity slip away. To everyone listening friends, neighbors, Americans, and Israelis please amplify our voices, call on your leaders to secure a deal. call on them to act now. We cannot afford to wait. Love you, the dad said, as supporters chanted, You are not alone! Dana Cwaigrich, an organizer of the rally, said its time to bring Edan and the other hostages home. The dad said he believes that the Trump effect the return of Donald Trump as president could help accelerate the release of hostages and a cease-fire in Gaza. Edan came to Israel from New Jersey. He did the most Zionist and courageous thing an American kid could do. He chose to put his life aside and go as a lone soldier to Israel and serve his country, serve his people, Cwaigrich said. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, who also attended the rally, noted he has a son nearly the same as age as Edan, and my heart breaks at the mere thought of what [Edan] and his family are experiencing this morning of all mornings, and I want him to know he is not alone. WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) Three Northern New York counties will get over $100,000 to assist with disaster response. The Office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the allocation of funds for county emergency management agencies in New York State to support planning and operational readiness for disaster response. Dig Out Now: North Country may face another storm soon The federal aid totals to more than $7.4 million through the annual federal Emergency Management Performance Grant provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, this funding assists efforts ranging from the development and implementation of training and exercises to acquiring emergency response resources at the county level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency management agencies at the county level play vital roles in readiness and disaster response. This funding will help our counties and New York get important training and other resources to help keep their neighbors safe in the event of an emergency. NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray Jefferson County will receive $46,089, St. Lawrence County will get $43,197 and Lewis County will be allocated $14,358. The funds will be used to for the following purposes: Management and administration activities. Planning. Staffing for Emergency Management Agencies. Equipment. Training and exercises. Construction and renovation of Emergency Operations Centers. Maintenance and sustainment of GIS and interoperable communications systems Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) administers this funding on behalf of FEMA. DHSES will be in contact with each jurisdictions emergency management office directly to ensure that these funds are made available as quickly as 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 WWTI - InformNNY.com. DENVER (KDVR) After President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, from a slew of charges, including a possible prison sentence, Gov. Jared Polis and other Colorado officials expressed their disappointment. While Hunter faced federal felony gun and tax convictions, Biden previously said he would not pardon his son in the two cases in Delaware and California. However, within the last few months of his time in office, Biden released a full statement on his decision to pardon his son on Sunday. Here are the times that Biden, the White House said they wouldnt pardon Hunter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden cited how his son was selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted and mentioned how Hunter was treated differently after his political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me. Despite Bidens claims in his released statement, hes faced backlash, especially after he and the White House stated multiple times that they wouldnt pardon Hunter. Colorado politicians respond to Bidens pardon Polis, a Democrat, responded to the presidents actions Sunday night saying that no one, not even the president, is above the law: While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation. Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a Presidents son. Gov. Jared Polis post on X Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, other lawmakers had similar opinions, including Colorados 6th Congressional District Rep. Jason Crow. The Hunter Biden pardon was a mistake. I sympathize with a fathers love, especially in a family that has experienced so much personal tragedy. I also understand the legal arguments in favor of a pardon. But Presidential pardons are never judged solely on the merits of the case, particularly when it involves a family member. Presidents hold enormous power and responsibility and must be held to a higher standard. They must instill trust and promote the American peoples faith in their democracy. And right now, upholding the fabric of our democracy is one of our most important tasks. Rep. Jason Crows post on X Biden has pardoned his son Hunter. What does that mean? Senator Michael Bennet addressed the pardon, posting on X that Bidens decision erodes Americans faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all. Meanwhile, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser reposted Bennets post, saying that he agreed and pardons should be used to promote fairness, justice and trust in the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert posted a screenshot of a post on X by Biden that said No one is above the law and added: Is this the privilege weve heard so much of? Other people have been responding to the pardon as well. Former President Donald Trump said in a social media post on Sunday that Hunter Bidens pardon was such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice. However, Biden is not the first president to pardon a family member or personal friend. Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. He also pardoned multiple allies convicted in special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. President Bill Clinton also pardoned his half-brother Roger Clinton in 2001 and his former business partner Susan McDougal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. "I'm trying to see the historical sites - not just the tourist attraction sites, but the ones that have the most culture," said Evan Kail during his trip to Beijing. Kail is known for donating a photo album to China that documents Japanese war crimes. A Christian Zionist organization started by a Tennessee man has donated more than $3.7 million in nonlethal tactical gear to Israeli settlers in the West Bank since Oct. 7, 2023, with some support going to individuals later sanctioned by the U.S. government, according to a review of public information from the organization. The donation drive is putting the First Amendment rights of nonprofits, and the question of how far protections for free speech and religious freedom can extend, into the spotlight. Another nonprofit organization in Texas recently filed a federal lawsuit seeking to halt an executive order that threatens sanctions on similar activity in the West Bank, claiming the threat of sanctions is a violation of its First Amendment rights. Tommy Waller, founder of U.S.-based Christian group HaYovel, walks inside his family's lodgings at the outskirts of Har Bracha settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank June 11, 2019. Picture taken on June 11, 2019. REUTERS/ Ronen Zvulun HaYovel, which labels itself a Christian Zionist organization, was started by former Franklin resident Tommy Waller and has secured nearly $4 million in donations to provide gear like helmets, bullet-proof vests, drones and more for Israeli settlers and security officials in the occupied West Bank over the past year, according to the organization's website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization began the donation campaign, entitled Operation Ittai, following Oct. 7, 2023 when Hamas militants killed over 1,000 Israelis and sparked the most brutal conflict between the two groups in decades. Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels advance into Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. HaYovel, which means the Jubilee in Hebrew, was formed in 2007 and offers travel packages for American volunteers to go to settlements in the West Bank land sandwiched between the Jordan River and Israel, which is occupied by Israelis after Israel seized it from a coalition of Arab states in the 1967 Six-Day War, but never formally annexed into Israel. The trips are to farm, aid and protect land for Israelis who live in outposts and settlements in the occupied territory, which holds a mixture of Israeli settlers and Palestinian villagers and refugees. A young girl, part of a group of volunteers for the U.S.-based Christian group HaYovel, looks on as others harvest grapes at a vineyard on the outskirts of Har Bracha settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank August 26, 2019. Picture taken on August 26, 2019. REUTERS/ Ronen Zvulun While international courts consider all Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal, including the United Nations International Court of Justice, Israel considers settlement homes built with permits from the Israeli Defense Ministry legal, while outposts built without necessary permits illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the donation landing page is still active, Joshua Waller, a spokesperson for HaYovel and one of Tommy Wallers 11 children, said the drive was a one-time project that has now finished, culminating at $3.77 million from 6,712 donors. That was the heart behind it: just to be a blessing and to see Jewish life protected, he said. That was our whole goal. Aid from the nonprofits campaign has gone to numerous individuals and groups in the occupied West Bank, according to the organization's website. Those people include an individual sanctioned by the federal government for threats and acts of violence and land seizure against Palestinian villagers in the West Bank, as well as a regional security council that is a partner organization to another sanctioned group operating in the same area, according to HaYovel and the sanctions from the U.S. State Department. Waller called the sanctions politically motivated and biased toward a two-state solution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Operation Ittai campaign has a number of influential sponsors and partners listed on the campaign's website, including Eagle Mountain International Church, a megachurch founded by conservative evangelical pastor Kenneth Copeland; MercuryOne, a charitable foundation founded by conservative talk-show host Glenn Beck and A. Marshall Hospitality, the Franklin-based company that owns Pucketts, Deacons and Scouts Pub restaurants. Nashville conference, West Bank activity The nonprofit, which is incorporated in Missouri and is currently operating in Israel, has strong Tennessee ties through Tommy Waller, who was born in Lebanon, Tennessee and grew up in Franklin. It is mostly known in Nashville for recent headlines after the organizations planned Zionist conference at the Nashville Sonesta hotel in July was cancelled due to security threats, according to the venue. The hotel later apologized after lawyers from religious liberty law firm First Liberty Institute, acting on behalf of HaYovel, accused the hotel of religious discrimination and requested an apology letter, as well as $100,000 in damages. The conference was relocated to conservative radio personality Dave Ramseys Franklin office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But high-profile conferences are not what the organization is most known for. Promo videos posted by the group to various social media sites show excited college-aged youths riding in backs of pickup trucks across picturesque desert roads, digging fence posts into sunny farmland and planting newly-sprouted grape vines. Volunteers of the U.S.-based Christian group HaYovel harvest grapes at a vineyard on the outskirts of Har Bracha settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank August 26, 2019. Picture taken on August 26, 2019. REUTERS/ Ronen Zvulun HaYovel states the trips are to fulfill Biblical prophecy, referring to multiple verses in the Bible that discuss the return of Jews to Israel, which many evangelicals believe includes the entirety of the land in the West Bank. The world is against Israels right to live in their biblical homeland, the groups website states. We bring Christians to Israel to serve the land and people, enabling them to connect to the land of their faith, restore Christian Jewish relations, and confirm Israels right to their ancestral homeland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in a recent change in tone, the videos of enthusiastic farming and Bible devotionals have been overtaken by images of war. Stacks of helmets being prepped for distribution. Children stapling handwritten notes to armored vests. Security details being presented with expensive drones. A screenshot from HaYovel's Youtube channel showing Operation Ittai underway in July 2024. In the foreground, Britt Waller, logistics coordinator for HaYovel, speaks about armored vests being put together for Israeli settlers by HaYovel volunteers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort is all part of HaYovels Operation Ittaiwhich translates to the Lord is with me in Hebrew. Operation Ittai is being organized by Christian and Jewish organizations all over the world who believe in equipping and defending the Jewish communities of Judea and Samaria, the websites donation page says, referring to the West Bank by its biblical name. Monetary donations made to Operation Ittai are used to purchase a range of civilian equipment, according to the website, ranging from night vision and flashlights to body armor and high-powered drones. The equipment, according to the HaYovels social media, is given to a mixture of recipients in the area, ranging from farmers to civilian security officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some posts include Israeli settler Issachar Manne, who was sanctioned by the U.S. government in July for threats and acts of violence against Palestinian villagers, thanking the organization for drones that helped him stop terrorists. A large amount of supplies are also being given to security teams of the Mateh Binyamin Regional Councilthe council that governs around 50 Israeli outposts and settlements across the occupied territory, according to social media posts by HaYovel. The council has been the subject of scrutiny from both international and Israeli courts for repeated illegal constructions on private Palestinian land, and is a partner to a similar organization called Hashomer Yosh, according to Hashomer Yoshs website, which was sanctioned by the United States in August for its assistance in the violent removal of an entire Palestinian village. Relations between HaYovel and the council are close, however, with many videos posted by HaYovel featuring prominent members of the council receiving tactical donations from the nonprofit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One video posted by HaYovel, entitled This equipment is helping a sniper, shows a large table draped in the Binyamin Council flag and covered in donated helmets and thermal drones. Behind the table, Britt Waller, son of HaYovel founder Tommy Waller and logistics coordinator for HaYovel, stands with a group of men dressed in neutral browns and holding various firearms. A screenshot of a video posted by HaYovel on their Youtube channel showing them giving Israeli settlers gear, including drones. Draped on the front of the table is the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council flag, as well as the flag of Israel. I used to be a sniper in a special unit, said one of the Israeli men at the table, who identified himself solely as Boaz. With Ramallah in front of us, with the crowded neighborhoods, this (thermal drone) is most important to see the enemy through the buildings. Ramallah, a Palestinian city in the West Bank, serves as the administrative capital of Palestine. According to data collected by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank increased in 2023 to their highest level since the UN began recording such data in 2006. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donors to HaYovels campaign many claiming to live in Nashville express excitement on the organizations homepage, with a number of comments asking that their donations be given directly to the Israeli Defense Forces, as well as sentiments of biblical encouragement and one comment calling for the charity to pray over the Israelis and let God spank the swampers, referring to people within the West Bank that are not Israeli. Lawyers divided on length the First Amendment goes The legality of such activity from nonprofit groups has posed a difficult question for regulators for decades. There are strong protections for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in order to preserve their First Amendment rights of free speech and religious liberty. But limitations exist on how nonprofits operate overseas. Operations in the West Bank draw particular scrutiny because of the legality of West Bank settlements, with the federal government taking an even harder stance on the issue in recent months. After a number of statements were released by the State Department condemning the Israeli governments lax response to settlement activity beginning in June 2023, broad visa restrictions against individuals believed to have been involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank were implemented in December 2023. Then in February, President Joe Biden signed an executive order targeting individuals involved with activities that threaten the peace, security and stability of the West Bank. The order, written to apply to a wider variety of entities and actions than previous sanctions, bans "the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services" to individuals deemed to be threatening peace in the West Bank, and includes any entity that has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of any person blocked by the order. HaYovel is not the only American nonprofit operating donation drives to Israel that could be affected by this order. One organization, Texans for Israel, which regularly volunteers with and supports HaYovel, filed a federal First Amendment lawsuit alongside a number of other plaintiffs in August alleging that the threat of sanctions against U.S. individuals for threatening the peace, security and stability in the West Bank violates the First Amendment. HaYovel, as well as its founder Tommy Waller, are mentioned in the lawsuit as close friends of Texans for Israel. Tommy Waller, founder of U.S.-based Christian group HaYovel, sits outside his familys lodgings at the outskirts of Har Bracha settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank June 11, 2019. Picture taken on June 11, 2019. REUTERS/ Ronen Zvulun Jerome Marcus, one of the lead attorneys for Texans for Israel, said the threat of sanctions creates a First Amendment issues for religious organizations because the executive order is too vague for them to carry out what they believe is Gods will without fear of breaking the law. If you're HaYovel, for example, and you believe what they do, which is that it's God's will that Jews live in (the West Bank) and farm those places and return to those places, then you've got a First Amendment interest, both as far as religious conviction and speech is concerned, to say things and to do things that encourage that to happen, Marcus said, adding that Texans for Israel faces the same conundrum for much of their activity, including different speakers they have flown to the United States from the West Bank, some of whom have been sanctioned. Marcus said in an interview the sanctions are a violation of the group's First Amendment rights and chills the speech of the plaintiffs. It's very important for people to understand that the executive order is not limited to the imposition of sanctions on people who actually engage in violence, Marcus said. It extends, by its terms, to people who engage in any action which the Biden administration believes is contrary to the interests of peace in the Middle East. And as I said, that includes Jews living in Judea and Samaria. Marcus said he believes the only solution to the issue would be to either completely overturn the executive order, or at the very least, provide explicit structure as to what activities would run afoul of the sanctions he believes are politically motivated. The sanctions created by the executive order that's at issue in our case are a clear display of who (the Biden administration) think is responsible, and who they think needs to be punished, in order to make the world a better place, Marcus said. But other experts are divided on how far the First Amendment goes in protecting the nonprofit activity in the areas that HaYovel, or Texans for Israel, operates. Lloyd Mayer, a law professor at Notre Dame Law School and an expert in nonprofit law, said HaYovels Operation Ittai falls into a gray area," simply due to the lack of precedent on the matter. There's a reasonable argument, not 100%, but a reasonable argument, that it is charitable, Mayer said. Even some things like night vision goggles or whatever, even if it's going to some people providing security for West Bank settlements, which could be seen as pushing the envelopeit creates enough gray area. And the religious motivation of the charity is not critical here, but doesnt hurt. What's critical is that the charity is doing this to help protect people. Mayer said while governments canand often havedrawn boundaries on nonprofits if they are supporting causes involving violence or civil disobedience, much but not all of nonprofit activity is covered by the First Amendment. Whether that extends to activity in a legal no-mans land is the untested question. Clearly, charities engage in speech, Mayer said. And that is protected by the First Amendment. But not everything you do is an expressive activity or primarily an expressive activity. (First Amendment protections) are in a gray area when it comes to foreign governments, and particularly foreign military or security forces. There is no good case law on this. There are no good IRS rulings on thisthere's a line there somewhere. It's unclear where, though. HaYovel spokesperson says sanctions are 'political' Joshua Waller, the spokesperson for HaYovel, told The Tennessean the mission of the organization, which has grown to hosting over 4,000 volunteers, began after his fathers inspirational trip to Israel back in 2004. When he came to Israel, he was introduced to some farmers here, he said. And they said Boy, we really need some help. Would you guys be willing to come and bring help to the farms here? And so we ended up selling our farmwhich was kind of wild, but, but, you know, we come from the Volunteer Stateand really just dedicated our lives to volunteering and serving the people Israel. The decision to begin Operation Ittai, shifting the organization from solely farming to arming civilians with nonlethal protective equipment following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, was a natural shift, according to Waller. We were sitting here right in the middle of the war, and there was quite a threat literally just outside our doors, he said, referring to Hamas militants. (Israeli settlers) were all coming to ussaying please help us, we don't have basic stuff like flashlights. Security teams are watching out for their farms, and they don't have basic stuff. So we said absolutely, well help in whatever way we can. I can't imagine any greater level of supporting than protecting life. Waller said the goal to protect Jewish life in, and support exclusively Jewish ownership of, the West Bank is undeterred by the fact that nearly every international court and humanitarian agency considers the West Bank occupied territory. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation in the world about a two-state kind of ideology," he said. "And thank God that it looks like now the world is starting to understand a little bit more after Oct. 7 that maybe it's not a good idea to have a terror-state operating on Israel's border, or to even encourage such a thing. Waller confirmed one of the recipients of the donated supplies included Issachar Manne, an Israeli settler who was sanctioned by the U.S government in July for threats of and acts of violence against Palestinian civilians in the area. A screenshot of a video upload to HaYovel's Youtube account showing Issachar Manne, an Israeli settler recently sanctioned by the U.S. government for threats and acts of violence against Palestinian civilians, thanking HaYovel for equipment. The supplies were donated to Manne before the sanctions were issued, Waller said, but he added that the sanctions were outrageous. Sanctions are a really big deal and not to be played around with typically, but just from a Tennesseans approach, it's kind of outrageous to me that a sanction would be put on a farmer in his specific situation, Waller said. They sanctioned him because his farm grew too fast. That's literally what's on the sanction. The U.S. State Department news release states Manne was sanctioned for being responsible or complicit in, or for having directly or indirectly engaged or attempted to engage in planning, ordering, otherwise directing, or participating in acts or threats of violence, as well as seizure or dispossession of property, against civilians in the West Bank. Waller disagrees, and blamed the sanctions on politics. It's a pretty obvious to me why he sanctioned: He is sanctioned because the Biden administration is wanting to establish a two-state solution, and these farmers are their No. 1 enemy," he said. "There's no terrorism involved, and I think it's good for Tennesseans to be aware of that there's no violence involved. As for Waller, he said his beliefs, alongside his organizations beliefs, supersedes politics. Judah in Judah and Samaria instantly should stand out as the homeland of the Jewish people, he said. They have a historic, biblical connection to the land. Lots of Tennesseans connect to the Bible stillwe believe it's important to support the Jewish people here. It doesn't come from a political belief. For me, and for people who believe in the Bible, it comes from more of a biblical perspective. The USA TODAY Network - Tennessee's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, by phone at 931-623-9485, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Israel, the West Bank and a US nonprofit tests limit of First Amendment DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) Three months after Hurricane Helene devasted western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, groups around the Tennessee Valley are still sending relief. Johnny Maxwell, the pastor of Nature Trail Church in Decatur, organized church leaders from around North Alabama to help strategize the continued relief efforts as winter hits the Tarheel state. Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maxwell said he frequently takes supplies to North Carolina and that the biggest need at the moment is propane. Since people are still living in tents, quite a bit and campers, they are going through lots of propane, weve carried several hundred canisters of propane up there, I dont even know how many heaters, lets just say 100-150 heaters, said Maxwell. Weve also carried the hose adapters so they can hook those heaters up to 20-pound cylinders but yeah the needs still there. He said the devastation is unbelievable and that he doesnt want people to forget the people of North Carolina. Maxwell hopes to continue to help people with heat through the winter before assisting in rebuilding homes and infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you just think about it if you lost everything you had and you had no money, you had no identity, you had no home, nothing, what would you do? said Maxwell. Thats what we are trying to do is at least help them get back on their feet. Nature Trail Church is one of several churches joining together to continue the relief efforts. If you would like to help this group, you can contact the church at (256)-686-1300. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WEDDINGTON, N.C. (AP) An 82-year-old North Carolina man has died two weeks after an explosion at his home in suburban Charlotte, authorities said. The Nov. 17 explosion at Wesley Decker's home in Weddington was felt across Union County, the sheriffs office said. The home was seriously damaged, and the man and his wife were taken to hospitals, where they were treated and later released, officials said. Decker, who sustained extensive burns in the explosion, was recuperating at a long-term care facility when he died Friday, Union County announced in a news release Sunday. The sheriffs office will conduct a death investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county Fire Marshals Office determined that there was an accidental fuel-air explosion, which occurs when fuel mixes with oxygen in the air, creating a powerful blast, officials said. Investigators identified three potential ignition sources in the garage, where the explosion originated, but officials said the exact cause remains undetermined. Officials are working to finish their investigation. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina legislative Republicans moved closer Monday to enacting a measure that would erode the powers of the incoming governor and other Democratic officials, and also placing on the ballot constitutional amendments that could buttress GOP voting and tax policies. Along party lines, the GOP-dominated state Senate voted successfully to override Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of a bill that in part would weaken Gov.-elect Josh Stein, the next attorney general in Jeff Jackson and other Democrats also elected in November as lieutenant governor and schools superintendent. Those changes are within a 131-page measure initially approved two weeks ago during a lame-duck session of the General Assembly. Republicans advanced the measure as their current veto-proof majority over Cooper likely will end after this month as Democrats won additional House seats. That will give Stein, who takes office in January, a better chance to use his veto stamp to block successfully bills he opposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cooper vetoed the measure last week, calling the bill a sham that does very little financially to help with Hurricane Helene recovery, even as disaster relief was included in the bill's title. He also said provisions altering executive branch powers were unconstitutional. One provision starting in the spring would end the governor's authority to appoint the State Board of Elections and transfer it to the state auditor, who will now be Republican Dave Boliek. The bill now returns to the House, where last month three Republicans voted against the measure. Such a margin, if left intact, could scuttle the attempted override expected next week. Senate leader Phil Berger said after Mondays vote he was confident that House Republicans would have the votes to complete the override. Even then, litigation is possible. The GOP-controlled legislature has tried to change the election boards makeup for several years by passing laws that have been blocked by courts, including one last year that would move board appointment authority from the governor to the General Assembly. As with the Senate's initial debate on the bill two weeks ago, the chamber gallery was full of bill opponents who call it a Republican power grab after the electorate chose Democrats to top positions in the Nov. 5 elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans are not listening to the voters in North Carolina, said demonstrator Della Hann, 64, of Southport. There are checks and balances in government and they need to be respected. But Berger said in a news release that the provisions "actually balance our three branches of state government so that North Carolina remains on a positive trajectory, free from Democratic party and liberal activist obstruction. Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the Senate's presiding officer, ordered the Senate gallery cleared last month when visitors clapped once too often during a debate on the measure. On Monday, Robinson cleared the gallery again following disruptions after Cooper's veto message was read and right before the vote. Everybody's got to go, Robinson said before calling for a 10-minute recess. To avoid potential arrest, protesters left the Legislative Building or quieted down outside the gallery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Republicans proceeded later to approve in separate bills proposed amendments to the North Carolina Constitution related to photo voter identification and a cap on income taxes. Each received 30 votes exactly the number needed for a constitutional referendum. To be placed on ballots statewide in November 2026, these measures still would have to be voted on by the House by the end of the year and receive 72 votes. Constitutional amendments aren't subject to vetoes. One proposed referendum would, if approved by a majority of voters, amend the constitution to say all North Carolina voters must show photo identification before voting. The constitution currently only specifies that it's required for in-person voting. ID exceptions are allowed now and would remain with the amendment. The other referendum would set a rate cap on income taxes at 5%, down from the current 7%. Individual and corporate income tax rates are currently both below 5% in the state, and state laws separate from the constitution already direct that people voting by mail provide a photocopy of a qualifying identification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Republicans backing the ID question said it's important to ensure that all forms of voting will be treated equally going forward as it relates to photo ID, which the GOP successfully got approved in 2018 but didn't take effect until last year. And with Republicans approving multiple income tax reductions over the years that have boosted the state economy, Cabarrus County Republican Sen . Paul Newton said, it's time again to let voters decide whether they should remain permanently lower. Democrats opposed to a lower tax cap say the state is already facing revenue challenges in light of lower tax rates that will make it harder to address major spending needs. Staff members of the North Dakota Ethics Commission hold a virtual meeting in their conference room at the Capitol on March 27, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) The North Dakota Ethics Commission has two free educational events planned for early December. On Dec. 9, the group is hosting a public learning session on its ethics rules from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museums Russell Reid Auditorium. No registration is required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission will also conduct a webinar on its gift rules on Dec. 12 from noon to 1 p.m. This presentation will provide an overview of the rule, which prohibits lobbyists from giving gifts to public officials for lobbying purposes. The event can count toward continuing legal education for North Dakota attorneys. To register, visit the commissions website. The commissions next meeting is on Dec. 2. The Ethics Commission was established by a constitutional amendment approved by North Dakota voters in 2018. It regulates ethical conduct by public officials in the areas of elections, transparency, lobbying and corruption. Some of the North Korean soldiers deployed to fight for Russia have already been killed, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Kyodo News on Dec. 1 without revealing their numbers. Pyongyang is said to have dispatched between 10,000-12,000 troops to aid Moscow's war, with the first clashes with Ukrainian forces reported in Russia's western Kursk Oblast. Speaking to the Japanese news agency, Zelensky said that Russia is treating the first batch of North Korean soldiers well to attract tens of thousands more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's head of state predicted that Pyongyang's forces would eventually be used as "cannon fodder" to decrease losses among the Russian military. He also warned of negative security impacts for Asia as Russia is teaching North Korean troops the methods of modern warfare, including drone use. Separately, a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson told the media that 2,000 North Korean troops have been assigned to Russia's Marine and airborne units fighting on the front. "If they (North Korean troops) have joined units engaged in active hostilities, then we can confidently say that they have joined the fight," spokesperson Andrii Cherniak told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, adding that this might not necessarily mean deployment on front-line positions. "Maybe they are not in advanced positions, but they enable aggression against Ukraine, ensure the killing of Ukrainian service members." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korea is Russia's leading ally in its war against Ukraine, reportedly providing Moscow with over 100 ballistic missiles and 5 million artillery shells. In exchange, Pyongyang is believed to receive economic support and assistance for its nuclear weapons program. Read also: North Koreas Kim pledges unwavering support for Russias war in Ukraine, media reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Intelligence reports indicate that 2,000 North Korean military personnel have been deployed to combat units of the Russian army, assigned to marine brigades and airborne divisions. Source: Andrii Cherniak, spokesperson for Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), in an interview with Donbas Realii (a Radio Liberty project) Quote: "There are 9,000 North Korean servicemen in the operational reserve [of the Russian army] as of now and 2,000 have been transferred to combat units." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Cherniak emphasised that this confirms North Korean soldiers are already participating in combat. "They may not be on the line of contact or in advance positions, but they are still supporting aggression against Ukraine, aiding in the killing of Ukrainian servicemen," he said. DIU reports that the contingent of North Korean troops in Russia is commanded by three generals. "They are being hidden as much as possible and are heavily guarded. They are kept in closed camps where they are undergoing training, but every effort is made to conceal them from everyone," Cherniak added. Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On 7 November, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Kursk Oblast, Russia, had already suffered losses. US officials confirmed that North Korean troops had been involved in combat operations in Russia's Kursk Oblast for the first time. The New York Times reported that 50,000 Russian and North Korean soldiers were preparing to launch a large-scale counteroffensive in Russias Kursk Oblast. The US has information that North Korea is preparing additional weapons shipments to Russia, including ballistic missiles, long-range self-propelled artillery and multiple-launch rocket systems. Zelenskyy is convinced that Russia will deploy a significant number of North Korean soldiers to the front line against Ukraine, where they will almost certainly be used as cannon fodder. Support UP or become our patron! SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea will convene a key meeting of the ruling Workers' Party Central Committee in late December, KCNA news agency reported on Tuesday, announcing a conference where the country unveils major policy directions for the new year. KCNA gave no dates for the plenary meeting of the Central Committee, which has been called twice annually in recent years, only being made public once the multiple days of sessions start. The brief report said the meeting would discuss "issues arising in achieving the comprehensive development of socialist construction" but gave no details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After five days of sessions last December, leader Kim Jong Un declared South Korea an enemy and said peaceful unification was no longer possible. North Korea took steps through this year to erase decades of agreements and joint projects between the two countries. (Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Chris Reese and Jonathan Oatis) The Norwegian government has agreed to send F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS air defence systems to Poland to protect Rzeszow, a crucial Ukrainian assistance hub. Source: Norwegian government, as reported by European Pravda Details: As previously stated, Ukraine is in desperate need of military assistance, with Poland serving as the primary supply hub. As a result, beginning in December 2024, Norway will be responsible for the air defence of the most critical node for transferring civilian and military commodities from other countries to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "This way, Norway contributes to ensuring that aid to Ukraine reaches its destination, allowing Ukraine to continue its fight for freedom," Norwegian Defence Minister Bjrn Arild Gram said. Norway will protect airspace over the airport in Rzeszow as part of NATO's integrated air and missile defense. "Norway is sending approximately 100 soldiers, NASAMS air defence systems, and F-35 fighter jets. The mission will take place between December and Easter, and will operate within Polish airspace. Various NATO allies take turns in providing Poland with such protection," the report said. Background: Last week, it was announced that Norway and Poland had agreed to share responsibility for protecting the primary transit gateway for foreign military supplies to Ukraine. Also in January, German Patriot systems will be deployed in Poland to improve Rzeszow's security. Support UP or become our patron! German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius joined his Norwegian counterpart Bjrn Arild Gram to break ground on Monday for a new joint submarine repair centre at Haakonsvern naval base on the west coast of Norway. Norway and Germany have been jointly building a new class of submarines, and on Monday both Pistorius and Gram said their countries would be pushing to order additional submarines and further expand their fleets. Pistorius appealed to German lawmakers to approve more than 4.5 billion ($4.7 billion) to buy four additional submarines, which he said were essential to counter Russian forces at sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We need the submarines because the maritime threat situation makes this absolutely necessary," said Pistorius. The Russian navy is "extremely active in the North Sea, the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea and poses a clear threat." In 2021, the two NATO partners agreed a joint contract for the purchase of six submarines from German provider Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems. With the project, the two countries are aiming for a common design of their submarines. Germany initially ordered two of the submarines, while Norway purchased four. Gram said at the meeting on Monday that Norway also now plans to increase its order from four to six. The new submarines will be around 72 metres long - slightly more than the existing German Type 212A class of diesel-electric attack submarines - and will be operated by 30 crew members, according to the plans. Russian threat spurs cooperation Pistorius referred to hybrid attacks linked to Russia, as well as a growing Russian threat, as reasons to partner even more closely with NATO allies like Norway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are living in uncertain times, but today we are sending out a signal of unity," he said. The Norwegian defence minister described the joint submarine programme as an important milestone bringing together German and Norwegian expertise, and an exemplary instance of NATO cooperation. The German military procurement office has stated that the new submarine class not only showed technological progress, but that close cooperation with Norway would lead to synergies in logistics and refitting. This would increase the operational availability of the "strategic weapons system" and cut costs, it said, also pointing to the new submarines' increased range and anti-reconnaissance design. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pistorius on Monday also reiterated a German offer to also build naval frigates together with Norway. Norway plans to make a decision on that possibility next year. The move is also seen as a step towards fulfilling NATO requirements. Sebastian Schafer, a lawmaker with Germany's Green Party who joined Pistorius on the trip to Norway, also spoke out in favour of procuring additional submarines. "We are seeing how the threat situation in the world's oceans and also in the Baltic Sea is changing. It's about protecting critical infrastructure, but also about protecting our trade routes," said Schafer, a defence budget expert for his party. Seascape with swans and northern lights (AI generated) (123RF) The aurora borealis has long been mythologized throughout the world. Many beliefs and stories center around the ethereal lights that paint the night sky. Indigenous American stories center around a spiritual connection to the deceased. Many suggest the northern lights are spirits holding torches to guide recently departed souls through the abyss and into the land of brightness and plenty. The Cree tribe believed the lights were a way to communicate with their ancestors and when dogs barked at the lights it was because they recognized their lost companions. When the aurora appears further south in continental Europe, it can take on a deep red glow which led to the belief that it was a sinister omen warning of danger or war. Greco-Roman mythology personified the phenomenon through the goddess Aurora, who embodied the dawn as the sibling of Sun and Moon. Every day, Aurora raced across the sky in her chariot leaving behind a ribbon of colors to alert her brother and sister to the breaking of the new day. Intense northern lights (Aurora borealis) over Baltic sea. rocky beach (Martins Vanags, 123RF) Some of the most unique depictions of the northern lights are born out of northern European and U.K. countries. In Orkney, Scotland, the lights are called the Merry Dancers, the dancers being fallen angels or sky warriors engaged in an epic battle. Estonians believed the northern lights were mystical sleighs taking guests to a wedding celebration in the heavens. Swedish fishermen thought they were reflections of giant schools of herring swimming nearby, a sign of good fortune and a hefty catch. In Norse mythology, the lights were reflections bouncing off the shields and armor of the Valkyrie. The Danish romanticized the lights, believing that they occurred because of swans competing to see who could swim furthest north. Some of the swans swam too far and became trapped in the ice. When they flapped their wings to break free, flurries of light were created in the dark sky. In Iceland, auroras are intertwined with the most primal human experience: childbirth. The luminescence was said to alleviate the pains of labor. A commonality within these world-wide myths and legends is that they depict the northern lights as having a deep connection to the human condition and bridging the realms between reality and spirituality. While much of the lights can be explained by science, there is still an otherworldliness about them that excites us and makes sightings of their ephemeral beauty a special experience. Finding the Aurora in Iceland Iceland sits at a latitude of 64 degrees north, ideally located for geomagnetic activity. The extreme dark of the Icelandic winter and minimal light pollution also make it the perfect place to chase the northern lights. The best times to see the aurora borealis in Iceland is between October and March as the night sky is at its darkest. Prime sightings typically occur between 11p.m. and midnight. To find the northern lights on a starry night, look for Polaris, or the North Star which shines near true north. To find it more easily look for the big spoon in the sky as the constellation known as The Big Dipper points to the bright star. If a green arc is visible, then there is a good chance you will have a sighting. To get to Iceland, you will likely fly. The main airport is Keflavik International, close to Reykjavik. Reykjavik is a vibrant city that makes for a great launch pad to explore Iceland via rental car or multi-day guided tours. A neat opportunity that Icelandair offers is a stopover program for transatlantic flights. So, if you are planning a trip from Europe to the United States or vice versa, you can stay in Iceland for up to seven days before being charged any additional airfare. If you are traveling from Denmark, you can take the M/S Norrona ferry and even bring your car. In Iceland, taking a tour with an experienced guide can increase your chances of seeing the northern lights. Guides know exactly what to look for, and if you are not able to see them on the night of your tour, many companies offer a second chance for free. It is wise to plan the northern lights excursion early on in your trip, so you have time to try again if needed. There are even northern lights boat tours offered where you have the chance to view them from the sea and can, perhaps, imagine some very far north Danish swans shooting gusts of colors into the sky from the icy waters. Iceland has many incredible landscapes that make for memorable viewings of auroras. Thingvellir National Park or better known as Iceland pingvellir National Park during winter (123RF) Iceland has many incredible landscapes that make for memorable viewings of the aurora. Thingvellir National Park, Asbyrgi Canyon, and Kirkjufell Mountain are notable places to go with open space and less light pollution. The Westfjords have the longest hours of darkness and less cloud cover, making this area the most ideal to see them. Or, if you want a more relaxed trip, you may be lucky to see the aurora as you soak in the thermal springs of the Blue Lagoon. While the northern lights may be the main focus of your Iceland trip, the land of fire and ice has many other cant-miss sites such as Diamond Beach where chunks of icebergs wash up on the black sand shore and resemble diamonds; Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Basalt Columns, which closely resemble northern Irelands Giants Causeway and has been used for filming locations such as in; Game of Thrones, and the Golden Circle which encompasses stunning geographic sites like Gullfoss Waterfall, Gullfossglijufur Canyon and the Great Geyser, Strokkur. Whale watching, puffin tours and ice climbing are other activities you wont want to miss while in Iceland. While you are enjoying all Iceland has to offer, keep an eye on the sky as you never know when the aurora might make an appearance. What exactly is the aurora borealis, why is it so elusive, and how has it come to be? The aurora borealis, or northern lights are an ancient light display in the night sky that have enchanted humankind for thousands of years, inspiring myths and legends. Typically, they are only visible where Earths magnetic fields are strongest: near the north pole above a latitude of 60 degrees north, or in the south pole at latitudes below 60 degrees south. The southern lights are called the aurora australis. 2024 has been a big year for viewing the northern lights due to an exceptionally strong G5-level geomagnetic storm. On May 10-11, you may have read about the rare sightings or were lucky enough to experience the lights, viewable as far south as the Carolinas in the United States and Italy in Europe. This year the sun is nearing the end of an eleven-year cycle. At the end of each cycle the sun becomes more active as it prepares for its magnetic fields to flip polarities. This causes extra activity from the sun with higher volumes of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which are clouds of charged particles. When these charged particles are launched, they travel 150 million kilometers along the Earths magnetic field and collide with gases in the Earths atmosphere. These collisions create flashes that fill our sky up with light. Depending on the state of electrons, gases present in the atmosphere and altitude, those flashes can take on different colors that create the northern lights. Higher levels of solar activity lead to more vibrant displays. Northern lights over a lake (Shin Okamoto, 123RF) For red hues, excited atomic oxygen at high altitudes above 150 miles (241km) must be present. Excited atomic oxygen can be thought of as an electron thats been given extra energy by absorbing a photon or colliding into another atom. Green is the most frequently seen color during northern lights sightings. It also forms when excited atomic oxygen is present in the atmosphere; however, it occurs at lower altitudes, up to 150 miles (241km). Blue is the rarest color seen when viewing the northern lights because nitrogen alone produces blue, and it can only be seen at altitudes below 60 miles (96.6km). Purple is another less common color of the aurora and is seen when ionized molecular nitrogen is present at an altitude above 60 miles (96.6km). Notting Hill Carnival is a war zone where policing is ineffective, a report has claimed. Hundreds of thousands of revellers fill the streets of the west London neighbourhood over the August bank holiday weekend for the annual celebration, described as Europes biggest street party. But a report by the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents 30,000 rank and file officers, found almost 90 per cent of officers surveyed felt unsafe while working there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked to sum up in a sentence how they felt about policing the carnival, officers responses included: Hell. Its a war zone we are sent into year after year, and: Dangerous. Officers are treated as lambs to slaughter. Other comments included overstretched, ineffective, and an exercise in self-torture and I would rather crawl naked through broken glass. Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, the events organisers, claimed the report was part of an anti-carnival agenda. The 24-page dossier was based on candid comments from front-line officers who have worked at the carnival, survey results, newspaper cuttings from the last decade and crime statistics. It is being made publicly available to improve safety for both the public and the police at future events. A survey run in the members area of the Metropolitan Police Federation website, received 486 responses. Of those who responded to the survey, 28.78 per cent said they had been assaulted whilst policing the carnival. When asked if they had ever felt unsafe working at the carnival, 88.66 per cent said yes. The Metropolitan Police Federation reported two murders, eight stabbings and 349 arrests after this years carnival - Kirsty O'Connor/PA Simon Hill, the deputy general secretary of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: For years, we have made it known that officers dont like the event, but we had no tangible evidence to support that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I felt it was important to get some concrete evidence, to hear the views of officers who work Notting Hill Carnival so we could truly understand what they think of the event and whether they enjoy policing it. We chose to focus our survey on the Notting Hill Carnival rather than another large-scale event because of the consistent volume of assaults reported by officers after the event every year. Officers also work approximately 30 to 40 hours over the two days, which can have a significant impact on their wellbeing. We are also extremely concerned about the public who attend the event being victims of crime that officers feel powerless to prevent due to the sheer number of attendees and crimes committed. No other event in London has this combination or level of issues for officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im actually quite shocked by some of the responses. I knew that the event wasnt popular, for a whole variety of reasons. But the candour from the officers and some of their descriptions of how they feel, how they felt at the carnival and their experiences of being assaulted, quite frankly, were shocking. According to the Metropolitan Police Federation, following this years event, there were two murders, eight stabbings and 349 arrests. Across the weekend, 61 police officers were assaulted, the Federation said. In a statement, Notting Hill Carnival Ltd said: We value the vital contribution to carnival of all police officers, including those from the City of London and British Transport Police, but this survey is hugely flawed. It is quite clearly written with an anti-carnival agenda that the Police Federation highlights every year. It is driven by unsubstantiated quotes and little solid data, designed to create negative headlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survey returned views at best of just 7 per cent of potential officers on duty and much of it highlights concerns officers have about their general wellbeing at the event in regards to food and rest. This is a staff management issue for the Metropolitan Police. The carnival community is tired of the police using Notting Hill Carnival as cover for their own issues. 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 Novichok poisonings were the result of an abject failure by the Government to protect the public, an inquiry has heard. Counsel acting on behalf of the family of Dawn Sturgess, who died after being exposed to the nerve agent in 2018, criticised the response of the Government and police, adding: Were lucky no more people ended up dead. In his closing submissions, Michael Mansfield KC told the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry that the attempted assassinations of Sergei and Yulia Skripal were preventable. He added that Russia had alarming access to the home of Mr Skripal, a former Russian spy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barrister Jesse Nicholls, also representing Ms Sturgesss family, said the response to the attacks by Wiltshire Police had caused the family significant pain and left lasting damage. Mr Skripal, his daughter Yulia and former police officer Nick Bailey were all poisoned by Novichok in Salisbury in March 2018. Ms Sturgess, 44, died on July 8 after she was exposed to the nerve agent, which was left in a discarded perfume bottle in nearby Amesbury. Sergei Skripal, a former Russian spy, right, and his daughter Yulia both survived a Novichok poisoning - Pixel 8000 Ltd Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, both Russian military intelligence officers (GRU), have been identified as the culprits. They deny the allegation. Adam Straw KC, who also acts on behalf of Ms Sturgesss family, told the inquiry on Monday that the disposal of the Novichok was an extremely dangerous act which was brought about by Russian officials, including president Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Straw said: We invite you to come to certain conclusions, specifically about Dawns death, which include the following: firstly, the Novichok which killed Dawn was intentionally left in the UK by Petrov and Boshirov on the weekend of March 2-4 2018. Secondly, the operation to deposit Novichok in the UK was brought about by other Russian officials, including Mr Putin. Thirdly, this was obviously extremely dangerous. Fourth, this caused Dawns death. And finally, we invite you to conclude that this was an unlawful killing. Mr Straw continued: As far as culpability for Dawns death is concerned, that question does not appear to be material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The key issue is whether the Novichok itself that killed Dawn was left by Petrov and Boshirov it doesnt matter if they left one bottle or two bottles. Disposing the bottle of Novichok in the UK, disguised as a perfume bottle in place where it could be recovered, was obviously an extremely dangerous act. Mr Straw added: One person did in fact die, several were seriously ill and a total of 87 members of the public presented to the hospital emergency department as a result of the Novichok. Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov have denied using Novichok and causing the poisonings in Salisbury - Dawn Sturgess Inquiry Mr Mansfield said the threat to Mr Skripal from Russia was manifestly obvious. He told the inquiry: We say, in this instance, there has been an abject failure by the United Kingdom Government to protect the United Kingdom public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Mansfield added: There was a public risk, there is a public risk, and its interesting in Caroline Sturgesss (Dawns mothers) statement, one of the points she makes towards the end of it is that, in a sense, theyre fortunate that it was only Dawn. Interesting that the family, in their generous spirit, recognise that were all lucky and thats the phrase, were lucky no more people ended up dead. Mr Mansfield continued: We say, the risk of a threat of this kind that is, an attack on somebody such as Sergei Skripal as a target was manifestly obvious. You dont have to be working in specialist areas or departments or even, as they say sometimes, a rocket scientist, to work this one out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The point about the risk of an attack on the target... is the collateral, huge collateral risk to the public. He added: The final related proposition is this, and Ive hinted at it, namely: what was done about this? And we say, nothing. We say nothing because of the absence of any basic obvious precautions that could have been taken. These are not precautions that are difficult to discern. Dawns parents, Caroline and Stan Sturgess, leave the Guildhall after the second day of the Inquiry in October - Belinda Jiao Mr Nicholls said Ms Sturgesss family felt the response to the poisonings by Wiltshire Police was severely inadequate. Police blighted by ignorance He said: Aspects of the response failed the family badly causing them significant pain and leaving lasting damage. The family feels equally strongly that these failures should be recognised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Nicholls continued: The response of Wiltshire Police was severely inadequate. The family have listened to the evidence and they consider that the police response was blighted by arrogance, stereotyping and a lack of professionalism. Multiple Wiltshire Police officers dismissed the clear and correct assessment from qualified paramedics who identified that Charlie [Rowley, Ms Sturgess partner] was suffering from nerve agent poisoning. In acting in that way, they put other first responders and the public at grave risk and their actions could have cost Dawn and Charlie their lives. Officers failings were then compounded by a serious failure to provide Dawns doctors with accurate information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inquiry will move to closed hearings in the new 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. Joe Biden enters his last few weeks as United States president under a shadow. After repeatedly denying that he would not use his executive powers to intervene in the legal case against his son, Hunter, on firearms charges, the White House has announced a presidential pardon for the 54-year-old Biden Jr. The power of any president to circumvent the criminal justice system by dispensing pardons or commuting sentences is one that has often bewildered the citizens of other democratic nations. But every president uses it. Traditionally pardons are issued in the closing days of a presidency so as not to subject the incumbent to too much public displeasure an explicit admission that what the president is doing is decidedly dodgy. Still, there must be few people alive who, given the same authority, would not do whatever was necessary, however unpopular, to protect their children, even from their own mistakes. Biden is behaving like a loving father, not a responsible national leader. But the sun comes up and the world still spins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So allow me to suggest another, rather different, candidate for the retiring presidents mercy: Donald Trump. Counter-intuitive hardly begins to describe such a dramatic move, but it makes as much sense as probably more then many recent decisions. The soon-to-be 47th president is operating under a shadow of his own, fighting a number of prosecutions and convictions on a range of charges, from electoral fraud to conspiracy to subvert democracy. A recent Supreme Court ruling that the president operates under broad legal immunity while carrying out his presidential duties didnt so much free Trump from such charges as delay any future trial. Most of us are aware of the charge sheet: Trump is already a convicted felon, having been found guilty on 34 counts of false accounting in connection with hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. The date for sentencing in this case has yet to be set. Trump is also in prosecutors cross-hairs over his actions following his defeat at the 2020 election, including lying about the prevalence of electoral fraud in order to overturn the result, and taking part in a conspiracy to corruptly obstruct and impede the January 6 Congressional proceeding at which the collected results of the presidential election are counted and certified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, on one hand we can hold our hands up in horror and state with a high degree of confidence that here is a man singularly unfit to hold elected office. Indeed, that is what most Democrats and Left-inclined news outlets in America have been doing for most of the last four years. But heres the thing: it doesnt matter. The Democrats gave it their best shot, they attacked Trump day in and day out over his unpresidential behaviour, his scorn for legal standards and his irresponsible approach to the constitution. And then he won the 2024 election against the best-funded political candidate in US history. Trump not only secured a majority in the electoral college, but also a majority of the popular vote (which he failed to do in 2016) and helped secure a GOP majority in the Senate and in the House of Representatives. Political advantage should have no bearing on the practice of the law, of course, but that ship has already sailed, not only with the constitutional power of the president to pardon anyone of a federal crime, but in the questionable pursuit of Trump on at least some of the charges he has faced in the last few years. The problem is that the US judiciary has become so politicised not just in recent years but throughout the history of the Republic that suspicions of lawfare are easy to believe and difficult to repudiate. So intense and, frankly, unhinged, has been much of the commentary from his opponents, as well as some prosecutors, about Trump that it is at least plausible that Democrats, having failed to defeat him at the ballot box, resorted in their desperation to the courts. Well, how did that work out for yall? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America is dangerously divided, economically, politically and culturally. The soap opera to which the rest of the world has been treated in the last eight years has damaged the cause, not just of America but of democracy itself. The prize for a dramatic, unprecedented and magnanimous gesture from Biden now would be the start of reconstruction of the political environment. It would signal to the American people and particularly to the majority who backed Trump as a sort of two-fingered protest at the complacency and arrogance of the political establishment that even political opponents can grit their teeth and do whats best for the country, even if that benefits a particular opponent. What would make the gesture even more powerful is that there would be no downside to refusing to do so: it would be an act that could only be seen as selfless, offering no political advantage to Bidens side of the aisle, and all the more powerful for that. The simple fact is that it would be better for the country, and maybe even the world, if the next president didnt have these particular Swords of Damocles hanging from the ceiling of the Oval Office for the next four years, even if he is responsible for hanging them there in the first place. The question for Biden is whether the insatiable thirst for political revenge against Trump outweighs the arguments of the better angels of his nature. I fear we all know the answer to that one. 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. Last week, we told you about a now-viral video of Bishop T.D. Jakes during a November 24 sermon at his Dallas megachurch, The Potters House, that had viewers concerned about the health of the popular faith leader. Now, one week later, Jakes gave an update on his condition, addressing the Potters House congregation in a video message introduced by his son-in-law, Toure Roberts. His on-screen image was greeted by a standing ovation from those inside the church. Jakes began with a message of thanks to his parishioners in the church and online around the world for their prayers and support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im so delighted to see you. Im grateful for Gods faithfulness. Im grateful for your faithfulness. Im grateful for this season in my life, Jakes said in his video message. I told you last Sunday that Id see you this Sunday, and so here I am. During the November 24 incident, Jakes was seen taking off his glasses in the middle of his sermon and wiping his forehead with a handkerchief. As his speech appeared to slow, he looked down and convulsed slightly before staff rushed to his aid. The congregation was asked to pray for Bishop Jakes before the video ended. While there are still some unanswered questions around what actually happened, Jakes told viewers he was rushed to the hospital where he had emergency surgery. I am grateful to God for his goodness and his mercy and his grace. Many of you dont realize that youre looking at a miracle. I faced a life-threatening calamity. I was rushed to the ICU unit. I had emergency surgery, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that he had a physical before the incident, where his doctor told him he was fine. Those who watched Jakes words left prayers and messages of thanks that Jakes appeared to be on the mend. He sounds good. praise the Lord. Thank you Lord Praying for quick recovery, wrote someone in the comments of the video posted on YouTube. Jakes ended his video telling viewers that hes taking his doctors advice and taking his recovery process slowly. He said he plans to take a few weeks to heal, recover and reflect before jumping back into his usual schedule. Every moment, every second, every minute of your life, you should recognize that somebodys headed to the morgue while youre headed to the light, Jakes said in his video message. Not because youre any better, not because theyre any worse, but by the amazing grace of God. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MADRID (Reuters) - The number of migrants reaching Spain's Canary Islands on precarious vessels from West Africa has hit an all-time annual record with 41,425 arrivals between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30 of this year, Interior Ministry data showed on Monday. The seven islands off northwestern Africa's Atlantic coast are struggling to absorb the surge in irregular migrants arriving on crammed, open-topped boats seeking better opportunities in Europe. With one month of 2024 still pending, this is the second year in a row that the archipelago, a front line in Europe's struggle to curb migration, has seen a record number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mali, Senegal and Morocco were the top three nationalities of migrants reaching the Canaries, according to latest data until October from the European Union's border agency Frontex. Seeking to revert the trend, Spain has asked Frontex to resume an air and maritime surveillance operation that had ended in 2018 in Mauritania, Senegal and Gambia. Last year, 39,910 migrants arrived, surpassing the previous record in 2006. The Atlantic route is especially dangerous as the ocean's rough weather can easily capsize the fragile rafts, pirogues and dinghies used by most migrants. Between January and October, the Canaries registered the fastest increase in arrivals by sea in the EU, even as illegal migrant arrivals in the bloc slumped overall, Frontex data showed. (Reporting by Inti Landauro, Emma Pinedo and Joan Faus; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) A steep drop in the influx of migrants has led New York City to close another seven emergency shelters in recent days bringing the total to 11 over the past month, The Post has learned. Thats 1,800 rooms taken out of the emergency shelter systeml, though there are still a staggering 56,600 migrants who remain in the citys care, according to city data. More than 400 new migrants entered the city shelter system from Nov. 18-24, but more than 1,200 migrants left a drop of 800 in one week alone. New York City is closing an additional seven emergency migrant shelters including the one at the Voyage Hotel in Long Island City, Queens. Google Maps Those figures are in sharp contrast to the situation in January, when roughly 4,000 new migrant arrivals were flooding the city on a weekly basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to our successful management and nation-leading programs helping migrants move on from the citys care, we will have removed approximately 1,800 rooms or beds from the citys emergency migrant shelter system by the end of November, a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams said. This is a testament to the hard work our staff and many partners have put in to ensure we kept thousands of migrants from sleeping on our streets every night, and the more than 167,000 migrants the city has helped move on to the next stage of their journey. Fewer arrivals and more departures from the shelter system has been the trend for more than a month, and if the rate continues more shelters will close in the coming weeks, city officials said. One Midtown hotel that stopped operating as an emergency shelter for migrant families last week is already booked when it reopens for tourists again later this week. The shelter at the Essence JFK hotel in Jamaica is also being shuttered. Google Maps The Americana in Midtown said it is reopening as a tourist hotel on Dec. 5, and its already booked with the Christmas holiday season approaching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were already sold out, a front desk worker told The Post Sunday. The migrant crisis took hotel rooms off the market and may have discouraged tourists from coming to New York with sky high prices, said state Conservative Party chairman Gerard Kassar. Its not only what it costs taxpayers to shelter people. You have to look at the cost of lost opportunity people not coming to New York because they feel its unsafe for tourists, Kassar said. Adams administration has faced backlash as it grappled with the migrant crisis since the spring of 2022 with locals unhappy with the location of some shelters. Meanwhile immigration advocates have flung criticisms after Adams imposed time limits on stays for asylum seekers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city and Biden White House have been at odds over the crisis after hizzoner blasted the president for failing to adequately address the border. The city last month stopped sending migrants to four other emergency shelters and Adams has committed to closing all 10 of the citys migrant shelters upstate in Albany, Dutchess, Erie, Orange, and Westchester counties this month. The city also plans to close Randalls Islands massive migrant encampment in February after dramatically cutting back the number of migrants sheltered there. It wasnt clear why the closures havent been prioritized on the shelters in Midtown a tourist hot spot ahead of the holiday season, with only two of the 11 hotels recently closed in the high-traffic area. The Americana Inn in Manhattan is reopening as a tourist hotel on Dec. 5. G.N.Miller/NYPost The Sleep Inn in Brooklyn has been housing migrant families with children since July 2023. Gregory P. Mango Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An administration source said the closures are based on a number of factors, including the terms of the lease with each hotel. There are still at least five hotels in Midtown serving migrants. The number of hotels and facilities needed for city migrant shelters could drop even more dramatically early next year when President-elect Donald Trump takes office with his chosen border czar Tom Homan promosing an aggressive crackdown on border crossings and ramped-up deportations of illegal migrants. Still, the Adams administration said it plans to continue the use of hotels as emergency shelters for the foreseeable future. The JFK Respite Center at an unused hangar in JFK airport will no longer house migrants. WABC The 65-room Hotel RL has been used as a shelter for families since May 2023. Google Maps New York City has indicated it is seeking 14,000 hotel rooms to shelter migrants through 2025 as housing costs for the asylum-seekers for the past three years is set to surpass $2.3 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 100 hotels are still currently sheltering migrants, and total spending on migrant services in the Big Apple will hit $6.1 billion, according to city data. The Imperial Hotel has been operating as a shelter since May 2023. Google Maps As of Nov.24, the city has more than 115,300 people in the shelter system including over 56,600 migrants. Over 224,400 migrants have come through the city intake system since the spring of 2022. The shelters closed in the past week were: ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. A Jefferson County woman is due in court next week after being accused of embezzling more than $150,000 from her employer over the last few years. According to the Hazelwood Police Departments probable cause statement, Tammy Camden (age not provided) worked as the office manager for Swanson Masonry, Inc. Her role granted her access to the companys banking and routing numbers and its account at Lindell Bank. From Nov. 22, 2021, to Aug. 14, 2024, Camden allegedly used Swanson Masonrys bank account to pay her personal Ameren UE utility bills, totaling $6,845.23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News On Nov. 23, 2021, and again on Feb. 16, 2022, and every month thereafter until Nov. 14, 2022, police said Camden paid her mortgage at M&T Bank through the company bank account, defrauding her employer of $19,479.08. Finally, police said between June 10, 2022, and Sept. 11, 2024, Camden paid off her personal Capital One credit card balance each month through Swanson Masonrys account. Over that period, Camden paid a total of $127,962.25 to Capital One. All told, police said Camden embezzled $154,286.56 from her employer without their knowledge or consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Camden with stealing $25,000 or more. Authorities arrested Camden on Nov. 22 but she posted bond that same day. Camdens next court appearance is scheduled on Dec. 9 at 9 a.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Prosecutors in California have disputed Pete Hegseths claim that his alleged victim previously accused additional men of rape. According to a bombshell report in the New Yorker, Monterey County District Attorney had no such evidence to support that Hegseths Jane Doe levied false sexual assault claims against others. A copy of the public records request, reviewed by the Daily Beast, shows the office specifically wrote we know of no record of another case where the same complainant made a similar claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revelation comes one week after Donald Trumps nominee for Secretary of Defense demanded the agency release a file that he and his legal team reportedly believed would contain exonerating information about a 2017 sexual assault allegation. The alleged assault occurred when Hegseth spoke at the California Federation of Republican Womens convention in Monterey. According to the 2017 police report, the veteran allegedly trapped Doe in his hotel room, took her phone, and assaulted her as she repeatedly told him no. The victim reportedly told a nurse she thought her drink may have been spiked. Hegseth claims the sexual encounter was consensual, and he was never charged with a crime. Meanwhile, his lawyer, Tim Parlatore, accused Doe of being the aggressor and claimed she tried to blackmail him. Parlatore said unnamed sources told him law enforcement declined to charge Hegseth for the 2017 alleged rape because they discovered that the accuser had previously brought a false rape accusation against someone else. The magazines investigation found no evidence to support this claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, in 2020, the former Fox News star paid his alleged victim an undisclosed amount as part of a settlement agreement. Both parties agreed to sign nondisclosure agreements about the incident. Multiple accounts, detailed in the New Yorkers Monday report, shed light on a pattern of alleged drunk and disorderly conduct by Hegseth, including inappropriate sexual advances, while managing veterans organizations that left staff disgusted by his behavior. He had a kind of what-happens-in-Vegas-stays-in-Vegas kind of attitude, while his wife and kids were in Minnesota, one former Fox News colleague told the magazine. He was a huge drinker. I cant say if he had a problem, but he was very handsy with women, too. Ive certainly seen him drunk. Hegseths latest controversy comes on the heels of a leaked email from 2018, sent by his mother, slamming him for having abused women, shortly after his contentious divorce from his second wife, Samantha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On behalf of all the women (and I know its many) you have abused in some way, I say get some help and take an honest look at yourself, she wrote. Parlatore declined to comment when contacted by the Beast. Finding stocks that have long-lasting megatrends working in their favor can be an excellent way to generate new investment ideas. This notion is especially true when the businesses are market share leaders in their niche. Two companies that meet these requirements are American Tower (NYSE: AMT) and Public Storage (NYSE: PSA). If people are using data or need room to store things, these two stocks will likely benefit. With total returns of 760% and 3,590% since 2000 compared to the S&P 500's mark of 540%, these stocks have a history of beating the market. Are You Missing The Morning Scoop? Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free Here's why I believe the future looks just as promising, making these stocks magnificent dividend stocks for investors looking for a lifetime of passive income. 1. American Tower American Tower is the leader in communications real estate, with over 148,000 towers, 1,600 distributed antenna systems, and 28 data centers across 24 countries. This massive presence makes the real estate investment trust (REIT) the largest operator in the United States and the third-largest tower company globally. The REIT leases space on its network of towers to telecommunications companies like Verizon Communications, AT&T, and T-Mobile in the U.S. and is a critical ally to those companies as they build out their 5G ambitions (and beyond). Through each new iteration of mobile network deployments, from 2G, to 3G, to 4G, and now 5G, American Tower has only grown in importance, which helps to explain its market-beating past. However, what's more important for investors is that this outperformance looks like it should have every opportunity to continue. A recent Ericcson Mobility Report estimates that U.S. mobile data traffic will grow by 22% annually through 2029. This growth rate shows no signs of slowing as data-dense applications like video and music streaming show nearly limitless demand. In addition to this unwavering mobile data traffic growth, Altman Solon Research and Analysis projects that data consumption from the Internet of Things will grow by 39% through 2028. These bleeding-edge technologies often rely upon American Tower's infrastructure and provide yet another tailwind for the company. Despite these megatrends supporting its future growth trajectory, American Tower trades at 19 times cash from operations (CFO) -- well below its 10-year average. I like to use CFO in American Tower's case because it shows the cash the company brings in before accounting for what it spends on capital expenditures (CapEx) on adding new towers and maintaining existing ones. However, what makes the company a powerful investment opportunity is that the vast majority of its CapEx spending is revenue-generating (new towers), rather than revenue-maintaining (tower upkeep). Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images) State legislators and medical experts in Ohio are decrying the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Democratic lawmakers and a leader at the Toledo Lucas County Health Department expressed particular concern over access to health care and the future of vaccination requirements and information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the question is are you going to trust somebody to run our entire health enterprise in this country who has no scientific background to understand why doctors, nurses, dentists are recommending that we actually do these things, said Dr. Jonathan Ross, board president for the TLCHD. State Rep. Michele Grim, D-Toledo, who holds a masters in public health, said the comments Kennedy, Jr., has made about vaccines in the past makes her nervous about his leadership of a federal medical agency with a multi-billion-dollar budget. I know that vaccines save lives, Grim said during a press conference hosted by Protect Our Care. We eradicated small pox with vaccines, we almost eradicated polio, but now that is coming back because of the vaccine hesitancy. Grim also takes issue with Kennedys arcane views on HIV/AIDS, something she focused on as part of her public health education. She said the views hes expressed, are very problematic in that space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ross, Grim and her fellow state Reps. Terrence Upchurch and Elgin Rogers said they hope the Trump administration will reconsider Kennedy, Jr.s appointment, but failing that, they urged the U.S. Senate to conduct thorough questioning of the nominee, ultimately stopping the appointment. I think that this appointment is probably the most dangerous, because it has a great impact on the public health, not just of the people of Ohio, but everyone in this country, Upchurch, D-Cleveland said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Ross and the legislators are concerned about the state of the overall national health care system with the appointment of Kennedy, Jr., but they see potential problems at the state level as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think what impacts well see is there could be less funding for our health departments, there could be some vaccine hesitancy, and I think weve seen that on the local level and also on the state level, Grim said. Ross pointed to the possible reversal of insurance protections for Americans up to age 26 and undoing of Medicaid expansion as issues that could lead to increased health issues, and increased economic issues on top of everything else. With a loss of coverage in the Medicaid space, and if threats the Trump administration has made previously about repealing the Affordable Care Act come to fruition, crippling medical debt could fall on more and more Americans, leading to bankruptcies, along with unnecessary hospitalizations because of a lack of health coverage. Being poor is also very bad for your health, Ross said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogers, D-Toledo, said the disparities that already exist in health care for communities of color could also get worse with leaders lacking the information they need to make positive change. If you have leaders who dont understand the science, who are willing to ignore the science, theyre going to ignore other factors across the state of Ohio and that impact the people of Ohio who come from the most trying conditions, Rogers said. A way forward could include state-level legislative action to protect certain aspects of the health care system that may be impacted by the new administration, and the new appointment. Ross said Medicaid work requirements that were considered in Ohio and federally would not be the way forward, and keeping an eye on efforts to require work as part of the Medicaid eligibility would help preserve the health care landscape. People are more likely to be able to work if they have health care coverage, so precluding health care coverage for people who are not working is the opposite of what you want to do, according to Ross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislators pledged to keep public health at the forefront of the minority caucuses priorities, though they face a tough slog leading a charge in a Statehouse with GOP supermajorities in both chambers. I can see a world where there is another effort to attack vaccinations (on the state level), Upchurch said. For Grim, whether Kennedy, Jr., is confirmed or not, its up to legislators to make sure the public and their fellow legislators know that a loss of Medicaid benefits or any hits to public health would negatively impact all Ohioans, not just a small minority. We need to make sure that our caucus is a voice for public health and the benefits of vaccines, Grim said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE For Vice President Kamala Harris or Sen. Sherrod Brown to have a shot, Democrats needed voters in Ohio's largest cities to swarm the polls. That didn't happen, according to new turnout numbers released Monday. Statewide, fewer Ohioans voted in 2024 than in 2020, according to final election results. In 2024, 5.85 million Ohioans or 71.71% of registered voters cast ballots compared to 5.97 million Ohioans and 73.99% of registered voters in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The record turnout for a presidential election was 77.14% when President Bill Clinton won the state in 1992. Ross county residents cast their ballots to vote in the 2024 general election on November 5, 2024, in Chillicothe, Ohio. But the real problems for Democrats came in the urban counties. Voter turnout was down in Cleveland's Cuyahoga County 5.3 percentage points compared to 2020, down 4.7 in Columbus' Franklin County, down 3.5 in Cincinnati's Hamilton County and down 2.1 in Akron's Summit County. In fact, the only county that Harris won that increased voter turnout since 2020 was Athens County, home of Ohio University. "When large urban counties see lower turnout, that's an indication that the Democrat base is depressed," Republican strategist Mark Weaver said. That starts at the top of the ticket: "Democrat enthusiasm is down largely because Kamala Harris is one of the least talented presidential candidates of modern times. She's no Barack Obama or Bill Clinton." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President-elect Donald Trump defeated Harris, 55.14% to 43.93%, in Ohio, winning 81 of 88 counties, according to final results. Trump's 11-point victory in the Buckeye State boosted GOP businessman Bernie Moreno to defeat Brown in the Senate race and helped Republicans to sweep the Ohio Supreme Court races. Ohio Issue 1, a proposal to create a citizen redistricting commission, also failed. After the losses, Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters outlined the party's goals: Turn out Democratic voters in Ohio's six most populous counties, win over voters in the suburbs and try not to get wiped out in rural areas. Voter turnout did increase since 2020 in 18 counties, most of which Trump won easily. They include Wyandot, Morrow, Wayne, Wood and Henry counties. Weaver said Trump tapped into GOP frustration about attempts to sue or jail the former and future president. "It lit a fire under Republicans and right-leaning independents across the country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jessie Balmert covers state government and politics for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio voter turnout down in 2024, especially in Democratic cities Dec. 2 (UPI) -- An Israeli Defense Forces soldier originally from Long Island, New York and previously thought to be held hostage by the militant group Hamas is dead, Israeli officials confirmed on Monday. Officials believe Omer Neutra was killed during the terror attack carried out by Hamas on Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, 2023, the country's defense minister, Israel Katz said on X. "I would like to send my deepest condolences to the parents of the late Captain Omar Neutra, Ronan and Orna, his family and friends. Omar, who grew up in New York and chose to immigrate to Israel out of a deep sense of mission, fell in a heroic battle near Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, and was kidnapped to the Gaza Strip by the Hamas murderers," Katz said in Hebrew and translated to English using Google. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To the Nautra family and to all the families of the abductees, I would like to say on behalf of the State of Israel -- the return of the abductees is our most important mission and we will do everything to fulfill it. Omar will remain engraved in the heart of the nation forever. May his memory be blessed." Omer Neutra, an Israeli Defense Forces soldier originally from Long Island, New York (father Ronen Neutra pictured), and previously thought to be held hostage by the militant group Hamas is dead, Israeli officials confirmed on Monday. File Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI We just learned that this prayer couldn't be answered for the family of Omer Neutra. Omer was barbarically murdered by Hamas in the October 7 attacks. Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz (L) did not elaborate on how the country determined kidnapped IDF soldier Omer Neutra, was now dead. File Pool Photo by Abir Sultan/UPI We pray that his body can be returned to his family, who have been speaking out for him & all hostages since that horrific day. https://t.co/YeKJtrzibJ pic.twitter.com/gPoVut9ivK Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) December 2, 2024 Katz, who was appointed Israeli Minister of Defense last month, did not elaborate on how the country determined Neutra, an IDF tank commander, was dead. Officials believe Omer Neutra was killed during the terror attack carried out by Hamas on Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, 2023. File Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who met with Neutra's parents in March, shared her condolences on X. "We just learned that this prayer couldn't be answered for the family of Omer Neutra. Omer was barbarically murdered by Hamas in the Oct. 7 attacks," Hochul said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We pray that his body can be returned to his family, who have been speaking out for him & all hostages since that horrific day." The 21-year-old's body is still being held by Hamas after being taken following the Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel that saw approximately 1,200 Israelis killed and 251 people taken hostage. The militant group continues holding 101 hostages in Gaza, according to Israeli officials, with 97 of those kidnapped during the terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced increasing pressure to bring the remaining hostages home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Neutra's parents told CNN in an interview they believed their son was still alive and were still hoping for his release. Raised in New York, Neutra was one of seven Americans believed kidnapped by Hamas during the Oct. 7 incursion into Israel from Gaza. Officials have now confirmed four of the seven are dead. Neutra's parents recently met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House. Biden on Monday said he was "devastated" to learn of Neutra's death. "Our hearts are heavy today. Jill and I are devastated and outraged to learn of the death of Omer Neutra, an American citizen, whose body Hamas has apparently been holding since they killed him during their brutal terrorist attack on October 7," Biden said in a White House statement, adding Neutra had hoped to return to the United States to attend college. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Less than a month ago, Omer's mother and father joined me at the White House to share the pain they've endured as they prayed for the safe return of their son -- pain no parent should ever know. They told me how Omer's grandparents were Holocaust survivors and how their family's strength and resilience has been carried through the generations. "During this dark hour -- as our nation joins Omer's parents, brother, and family in grieving this tragic loss -- we pray to find strength and resilience. And to all the families of those still held hostage: We see you. We are with you. And I will not stop working to bring your loved ones back home where they belong." SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) A suspect has been arrested after a ShotSpotter activation in the area of Wilbraham Avenue in Springfield on Sunday night. Suspect in 1978 West Springfield cold case in court Springfield Police Spokesperson Ryan Walsh told 22News that officers were sent to a home on the 0-100 block of Wilbraham Avenue for a domestic disturbance and a ShotSpotter activation. A ShotSpotter activation is when the ShotSpotter system detects gunfire and sends an alert to law enforcement, according to SoundThinking. MAP: Wilbraham Avenue When officers arrived, they arrested a suspect and recovered a firearm. Due to this being a domestic incident, no further details can be released. 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. Antonio Costa, President of the EU Council, believes that it's only up to Ukraine to define what a just peace is in the Russo-Ukrainian war. Source: Costa in an interview with Ukrinform, as reported by European Pravda Details: Journalists asked Costa what Europe could do to achieve peace in Ukraine, which would be based on international law and would not mean surrender. Answering this question, the President of the European Council said that the EU should always support Ukraine and stand by it in financial, political, diplomatic and military terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is only up to Ukraine to determine when and how peace is possible," he stressed. Costa noted that many people mistakenly believe that if a ceasefire agreement is reached, peace will come automatically. Quote from Costa: "Id like to stress that what we need is a just and lasting peace. And only Ukraine has the capacity to define what just peace is to make sure that this peace lasts." Background: Recently, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed his belief that newly elected US President Donald Trump would not agree to end the war in Ukraine on terms unfavourable to Ukraine. Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson took a similar position, expressing his belief that Trump would not allow Russia to win the war. For his part, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Trump is "much stronger" than Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and could force the latter to end the war. Support UP or become our patron! Its easy to empathize with a father wanting the best for his son. Less so for a president who disregards the judicial system with such flagrant nepotism. In pardoning his son, Joe Biden has asked Americans to understand why a father and a president would come to such a decision. Biden has made himself an easy target by allowing self-interest to taint his final days in the White House and offering his political enemies a free hit after the party he has given his life to has taken such a beating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He may be old, but hes not a fool. He stuck out his jaw expecting to be punched. That doesnt mean we should keep kicking him when hes down. Few will sympathize with Hunter Biden. His life of privilege has been pockmarked with drug taking and infidelity, and the lasting shame of becoming the first child of a sitting U.S. leader to be convicted of a federal crime. But Im willing to bet that we will be kinder to his father after all the outrage has died down. This is a man who once took a train from D.C. to Wilmington, Delaware, on the eve of his daughter Ashleys 8th birthday to blow the candles out on her cake at the station before catching another train right back to the Capitol minutes later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ashley Biden tells the story now as a tribute to her father, but it also offers a glimpse both of his dilemma and his priorities as an avowed family man and as a public servant. As much as he loves his children, he has always put his country first. When a tragic car crash took the lives of his first wife, Neilia, and their baby daughter, Naomi, just six weeks after his election to the Senate in 1972, Biden took his oath of office by the bedside of sons Hunter and Beau, who were injured in the collision. His early years in the Senate were characterized by his commute home to Delaware to be a caring single dad to his traumatized boys. He kept going back to the Senate because he wanted to make a difference. Beau Bidens death from brain cancer in 2015 rocked his father to the core and then became the driving force in his subsequent runs for the presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever your politics, its been hard watching an eminently honest, compassionate mans precipitous fall from the nations highest seat, pushed by the expediency of his own party and the voracious ambitions of his opponents. Bidens work in Washington is done. He will spend his final weeks as a lame-duck president waiting for Donald Trump to take apart his legacy piece by piece. He may have asked Trump if he planned to pardon Hunter. Trump might even have done it. The president-elect was uncharacteristically uncritical of Bidens announcement on Sunday, no doubt pleased his old foe had paved the way for his clemency for the Jan. 6 jailbirds. But ultimately Biden couldnt risk it. As much as he loves this country and as much as he loved being president, his family is now all he has left. He will take that train to Delaware on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, and it is quite likely he will never return. Joe Biden has given this country more than 50 years of public service. Lets give him this. Among Democrats, there is plenty of blame to go around in the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election. That is why it is unsurprising that they have fallen quickly into a game of if only. If only Joe Biden had dropped out long before he did. If only Vice President Harris had chosen Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate. If only she had more forcefully and clearly distanced herself from Joe Biden. Looking backward is, of course, a natural response to any catastrophic event. But the problems that emerged for Democrats in the 2024 election are more than short-term or temporary events. If unaddressed, they are likely to plague the Democratic Party for years to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simply put, the party has alienated significant segments of its base. Led by white progressives, the party has moved sharply to the left, while many people of color have not. As CNN reports, Latino voters, and men in particular, have been moving toward Donald Trump since 2016. This year, Latino men broke in his direction for the first time. Biden won their support by 23 points in 2020 and Trump won them in 2024. Latina women still favored Harris, but by smaller margins than they supported either Clinton or Biden. Moreover, fewer Black men supported Harris than either Biden in 2020 or Hilary Clinton in 2016. Harris outperformed Biden by 3 points among Black women but received 6 points less support than Clinton had when she ran for president. These trends were exacerbated among non-white who do not have college degrees. The message they sent was that they want their leaders to worry less about defunding the police and more about making sure that the police respond when they call; less about hurting the feelings of minority groups and more about kitchen-table issues; less about comprehensive immigration reform and more about the current border crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is why Democrats will have to wrest power from progressives if they are to right the ship and the sooner, the better. But as the New York Timess Thomas Edsall explains, this will not be easy. He quotes political scientist Sean Westwood, who observes, It will be hard for the modern Democratic Party to shift from coddling white progressive voters. The 2024 election results throws cold water on the widely held expectation that as the United States moves toward becoming a majority-minority nation, it would enter a period of Democratic dominance. That expectation was captured most vividly in a widely read 2002 book by John Judis and Ruy Teixeira, two leading Democratic intellectuals, titled The Emerging Democratic Majority. Judis and Teixeira believed at that time that A left-of-center coalition of minorities, young people, women, and knowledge economy professionals was going to allow the Dems to break through the political stalemate that defined the early 2000s and perhaps even create an FDR-style realignment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their thesis seemed vindicated in 2008 when Barack Obama was elected president. He put together the very coalition that Judis and Teixeira described in their book. Judis and Teixeira were not alone in their predictions of an enduring Democratic majority. Writing in the aftermath of Obamas re-election, columnist Greg Sargent wrote, The story of this election will be all about demographics. Obama made the right bet on the true nature of the American electorate. His victory, Sargent went on, shows that the GOP is not keeping pace with the changing face of America. The country, he said, continues to be defined by minorities, young voters, and college-educated whites, particularly women. The result, he predicted, would be continuing Democratic Party dominance. These confident predictions of political destiny baked into changing demographics in this country came with a caution, however. The future, said Teixeira, depends on whether the Democrats can provide this coalition with what it wants and needs. The 2024 election results strongly signal that the post-Obama Democratic Party failed in that task. The warning signs were there well before Trump beat Kamala Harris. As Nate Cohn wrote in 2022, predictions of a new Democratic majority failed to anticipate decades of political division, resurgent populism, political reaction, and growing inequality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demographic change rarely offers a path to political dominance, said Cohn. They are easily swamped by other factors, like a shift in the economy, a different slate of candidates, a midterm, or just a few too many years in power. The danger of assuming that, as Cohn put it, demographics are destiny [is thinking] that the hard work of persuading voters and building a broad and sometimes fractious coalition just isnt necessary. However, the current and ongoing dilemma of the Democratic Party is not, in my view, simply a matter of hard work. It results instead from the fact that the partys ideology is no longer where large numbers of voters of color are. That was made clear in October in survey results highlighted by The Financial Times. Findings worthy of note include the fact that, 60 years ago, around 98 percent of ethnic minorities supported the Democratic nominee for president; this year, that number was around 30 percent lower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, as the Times reported, a sharp leftward turn among educated white liberals has caused white Democrats to overshoot the minority position on a growing number of issues, including immigration, racism, patriotism, and meritocracy. White progressive Americans now hold views on these culture questions that are completely out of line with the average Black or Hispanic voter. For example, while almost 80 percent of white progressives think that racism is baked into our society, only 60 percent of Blacks and 40 percent of Hispanics agree. Or take immigration; when asked whether the government should increase border security and enforcement, only 15 percent of white progressives agreed. In contrast, almost 50 percent of Blacks and Hispanics voters endorse greater border security and enforcement. The bottom line: The Democratic Party needs to come to terms with the fact that non-white voters are now roughly equidistant between white progressives and conservatives. This suggests that the dominant concerns and favored policies of white progressives will continue to lead voters of color to be more open to voting for Republicans, long after Trump has left the scene. Ultimately, no set of what ifs about the 2024 election can help Democrats do what needs to be done. The party must learn the hard lesson that demographics dont predict or assure political destiny. As the 2024 election results showed, identity is loose-fitting, rather than a sure-fire predictor of political attitudes and behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin Sarat is the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science at Amherst College. His views do not necessarily reflect those of Amherst College. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. When President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office again on Jan. 20, it will complete a Republican takeover of Washington. The House and the Senate will have been sworn in two weeks earlier, offering the party a do-over for the trifecta it held in 2017 at the beginning of Trumps first term. But while back then it was typically the White House acting as the biggest stumbling block to the Republican agenda, it seems likely that baton has been handed off to the incoming 119th Congress. Its easy to feel a sense of growing dread at what it means to have Republicans in full control again. I was filled with a similar sense ahead of the 2022 midterms but one should never underestimate Republicans willingness to punch one another in the face out of spite. In many ways, a large number of the policies laid out in Project 2025 may not even need an organized resistance: At least in Congress, all Democrats need to do to notch a win is sit back and let the GOP tear itself apart, especially on the looming fight over taxes. You see, theres a beautiful irony at work when it comes to the House Republican caucus. The last two election cycles have seen them capture, then retain, a majority of seats and the speakers gavel. When the last Congress was gaveled in, Republicans held 222 seats to the 213 that Democrats had won. The GOP then needed 13 rounds of voting to elect a speaker, only to narrowly avoid defaulting on Americas credit, before dumping said speaker nine months later. Add multiple occasions when a federal shutdown was averted thanks only to Democrats swooping in to save the GOP from itself, and it makes for a historically shoddy track record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of that infighting centered on far-right members of the Freedom Caucus who pushed dead-end legislation to slash spending on the social safety net or otherwise to own the libs, be it by attacking transgender health care or yelling about gas stoves. With President Joe Biden in the White House and with Democrats running the Senate, it was an impractical strategy that undercut any leverage Republicans might have used to extract smaller concessions in the face of Democrats united opposition. The far right lashed out in anger at any yielding to political reality, even stymieing Republican messaging bills from reaching the House floor in protest as Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., attempted to keep the train on the rails. This time around, Republicans are on track to hold as few as 220 seats, the smallest starting majority in more than a century. If all members are present on both sides of the aisle (and assuming the Democrats can maintain party discipline), the GOP can afford to lose only three votes on any given bill before it fails. That margin could shrink even further in the weeks to come as the seats several of Trumps Cabinet picks will vacate remain pending special elections. Even if the far right is completely placated in every bill Johnson puts forward, swing-seat Republicans still exist. Many of those front-line members barely staved off their opponents in the last election. Two years of backing Trumps most divisive policies might be too much for their constituents to bear. For a sense of how much this micro-majority might struggle, remember that the only major legislation to emerge from Trumps first term was the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Most of the tax cuts and other major provisions in that law expire after 2025, making their potential reauthorization one of the biggest fights ahead in this incoming session. When the bill first passed through Congress, it did so with 12 GOP defections in the House. Thats four times as many votes as the GOP can lose before a bill is tanked with Democrats perfectly happy to let taxes on the middle class spike on Trumps watch. Most of those GOP no votes in 2017 came from Republicans from more populous states, like New York and California, who were upset that the legislation capped the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction people could claim on their taxes. Trump has suggested he would lift that cap this time around, but without even bigger cuts to spending, doing so would blow an equally big hole in the deficit. While it seems likely the White House could unilaterally attempt to eliminate that spending, the amount of borrowing required may be enough for the GOPs remaining fiscal hawks to pause before promising their votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fiscal hawks, SALT advocates, the Freedom Caucus already thats multiple competing factions, each attempting to get its way, that need to be appeased to get all the Republicans on the same page. Satisfying all of them may prove impossible when you consider that the Senate also must get on board with Republican senators having their own set of priorities. The lack of leverage that House leadership will have to force loyalty will only be compounded if it leaves in place the rule that allows a single member to call a vote on whether to topple the speaker, as we saw in 2023. And thats not considering the other basic housekeeping hurdles lined up down the track. The annual spending bills for the current fiscal year still need to be passed, and the debt ceiling will be un-paused in January, setting the stage for a potential crisis later in the year. The Wall Street Journal editorial board correctly clocked that Republicans have roughly a year to get anything done legislatively before fretting about the midterm elections takes over. Perhaps Donald Trump can keep them in line behind Speaker Mike Johnson, their essay warned, while factionalism will mean the end of a functioning majority and guaranteed defeat in 2026. And with the whole of Washington in Republican hands, Democrats will be well within their rights to point out that the people holding the matches are also the ones stepping on the firehose. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com President Joe Bidens pardon of Hunter Biden ended the nearly decade-long prosecution of his only surviving son and immediately provoked the expected storm of criticism. The criticism, whether from Republicans or Democrats is unjustified. As pardons go, this one was well within norms, righteous, and gives us a glimpse of how this ultimate exercise of executive power can potentially be used to heal and even protect. The Presidential pardon power smacks of Kings and rulers, not democratic leaders. English history dates pardons back to King Ine of Wessex in the 7th Century. Common sense informs that it dates back to the first leader wielding the biggest club. Contrary to Alexander Hamiltons surprisingly naive view that giving the President sole power was preferable because a single person would be a more eligible dispenser of the mercy of the government than a body of men, there is no legitimate reason to give so much discretion to the executive with no accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent efforts to lessen the Kingly stench of pardons with a the perfume of objective process have included creating an Office of the Pardon Attorney within the Department of Justice (OPA) with an application process. The OPA has traditionally done extensive due diligence on such applications before making recommendations to the Attorney General who in turn presents these to the President. The OPA process was abandoned altogether during the first Trump presidency as Trump depended more on social media influencers like Kim Kardashian for his vetting process on pardons or simply pardoned family like Charles KushnerJareds dadwho is now nominated to be the next ambassador to France. But Trump was hardly an outlier here. President Clinton pardoned his own brother Roger, as well as giving an infamous midnight hour pardon to financier Marc Rich. Jimmy Carter pardoned his brother, and President Lincoln pardoned his sister-in-law. Hunter Biden falls well within in the norms for familial pardons. His crimes were modest, consisting of tax evasion for which he paid back the taxes and buying a gun while addicted to cocainea gun he never used in any crime and only owned for 11-days. Indeed, a pretty much unanimous universe of legal experts agree that criminal prosecution for these crimes is extremely rare and likely due to the fact that Hunters father was President of the United States. Joe Biden speaks to reporters as he visits the Nantucket Fire Department in Nantucket, Massachusetts on Nov. 28, 2024. What makes his pardon unusual is how President Biden consistently claimed he would not grant one as well as the unusual specificity that Biden made public for why he changed his mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criticism from Republicans has been immediate and predictably hyperbolically wrong. Rep. James Comer: Not only has he [President Biden] falsely claimed that he never met with his sons foreign business associates and that his son did nothing wrong, but he also lied when he said he would not pardon Hunter Biden[t]he charges Hunter faced were just the tip of the iceberg in the blatant corruption that President Biden and the Biden Crime Family have lied about to the American people. Holding aside the comical equating of supposed lying about enormous political corruption with lying about intentions to pardon a relative, Comer continues to misunderstand that Hunter Biden was neither charged nor convicted of corruption and no evidence of it exists. Criticism from Democrats also misses the mark, conflating as they do President Bidens concern for his son with whether the pardon power was properly used. Colorado Governor Polis said: This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation and Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) said on X: I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong. This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers. Such comments reflect woeful ignorance of the pardon power. There is no such thing as precedent for the pardon powerit can be used any way a President feels. Nor is disagreement over whether the prosecution was politically motivated relevant because no such requirement exists either. Hunter Biden arrives with his attorney Abbe Lowell for a closed-door deposition before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 28, 2024 in Washington, DC. But the fact that President Biden made plain his belief that the prosecution was politically motivated is deeply significant. Rarely are the factors underlying a pardon so fully public. Even under the OPA system much of the basis for a recommendation of clemency remain confidential in a way reminiscent of pre-sentence reports prepared for a judge. The critics can say what they want but the reasons for Hunter being pardoned are now memorialized. The pardon itself is impossible to circumvent as the time period covers the last ten yearsmaking any older potential charges time-barred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reasons are righteous. This was a prosecution born under the political pressure of Trumps political henchman Bill Barr and then allowed to continue under Merrick Garlands passivityit would have died a natural death with a plea bargain that faltered in court but could have been revived but for Republican political pressure. That political heat seemingly caused Garland to elevate Weiss to Special Counsel status, giving Weiss a proverbial iron rice bowl of job security. If Garland lacked the will to end it then it was proper for his boss to do so. President Biden cant spare us from the consequences of a second Trump term with the same ease. But, as suggested by former Nixon White House Counsel John Dean, there is more good Biden can do with the pardon power before he leaves. He could pardon all of the targets of the Trump regime like Special Counsel Jack Smith, Liz Cheney, and all those threatened by Trumps vengeance. Dean then suggests Biden could pardon Trump. President Gerald Ford pardoned Deans old boss in an effort to end a national nightmare. It didnt. But Deans suggestion to Biden might come much closer to accomplishing that goal. I might add to Deans suggestion that Biden pardon the many enablers of Trumps schemes, including the members of Congress that Garlands DOJ never charged and maybe even Trumps chief-of-staffnew and old. The chances in the future of any these being charged is now near zero so little would be lost. But much could be gained by illuminating more clearly those who deserve the protection of pardons, and those who should have needed them. I am an unabashed admirer of President Joe Biden. He has done a remarkably good job for the American people. But I am deeply disappointed by Sunday nights pardon of his son Hunter. I respect and admire the presidents devotion to his son and feel great sympathy for the Shakespearian dilemma he faced ahead of Hunters sentencing. This is a president who has made devotion to duty and restoring the soul of the nation his signature. Thus, pardoning Hunter can be viewed as the understandable act of a loving father, especially one worried about a Justice Department that may very soon be turned into a tool of vengeance. But I still think it was the wrong decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens choice gives credence to President-elect Donald Trumps repeated assertions that justice under his predecessor was tainted by favoritism toward his friends and animus toward his political opponents. Trumps spokesperson, Steven Cheung, was quick to drive home that point. The failed witch hunts against President Trump, he said in a statement, have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system. That system of justice must be fixed which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people. Trump followed suit on Truth Social: Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! This false equivalence should be seen for what it is: an effort to tee up Trumps own plan to grant clemency to the people who tried to prevent the peaceful transfer of power. Nothing Hunter was accused of doing compares to that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I also believe there is credence to the presidents claim echoed by legal analysts like Joyce Vance that Hunter was singled out because of his family. Indeed, it looked for a time that Hunter Biden would escape serious punishment, as others in his situation typically do. That plea deal fell apart, however, and Hunter was ultimately convicted on three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018 and for the lie he told on a mandatory gun-purchase form by saying he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. That trial featured, what the AP called, deeply personal testimony from former romantic partners and embarrassing evidence such as text messages and photos of Hunter Biden with drug paraphernalia or partially clothed. Still, the president stood by his son. A few hours after the verdict in the Delaware case, the president hugged his son at an airport near Wilmington. It was a courageous and admirable thing for a father to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Biden made clear that he was torn between his role as president and as Hunters father. I am the President, but I am also a Dad, Biden said. But it seemed he had resolved that tension by leaning into his presidential duties and putting the interests of the nation first. Even before the verdict, the president had volunteered that he would not pardon his son Hunter. When ABCs David Muir asked him if he would rule out a pardon for Hunter, Biden said yes. One week later, he reiterated that I will not pardon him, and Jill Biden also said that her husband would not pardon their son. From June, President Biden says he will not pardon his son, Hunter. https://t.co/rSzuL1zRPz CSPAN (@cspan) December 2, 2024 Then, in September, Hunter appeared in a federal court in Los Angeles to face charges of three felony tax offenses and six misdemeanor tax offenses. He pled guilty. Hunter was due to be sentenced in Delaware on Dec. 12. He could have faced up to 25 years in prison, though as a first-time offender he likely would not have gotten anything like that or even been sentenced to prison. Three days later he was to return to Los Angeles where faced a maximum penalty of 17 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the White House continued to insist that the president would not pardon him. Fox News notes that between July and November, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on six different occasions that Biden would not pardon his son. All the while, as NBC News reports, Biden had discussed pardoning his son with some of his closest aides at least since Hunter Bidens conviction in June. Those reports indicate that it was decided at the time that he would publicly say he would not pardon his son, even though doing so remained on the table. This is hardly a reassuring note for the presidents supporters. Last nights pre-emptive act of mercy covers any offenses Hunter Biden has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024. Notably, the pardon only applies to federal charges; it does not preclude Trumps allies at the state level from bringing charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, this decision feels unprecedented. While other presidents have pardoned relatives and close friends, this is the first time any commander in chief has granted clemency to their child. In his statement about the pardon, the president expressed his hope that Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. I do understand why Joe Biden, who so prizes his word as a Biden, would do what he did. But understanding it does not make it right. In the end, this is a gift to Donald Trump, and a blow to whatever confidence Americans continue to have in our political and legal institutions. It risks feeding what I fear is a growing cynicism about politics and their doubt that any politician can be trusted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats still have not recovered from Trumps election, and this makes them look like hypocrites as they criticize Trumps demand for unfailing loyalty from his subordinates. Loyalty, it turns out, matters to Biden too. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com " I look forward to working with Felix and his high-performing team. This acquisition brings their talented Microsoft focused experts into our fold, while uniting two top Microsoft Dynamics partners, empowering Alithya to capitalize on global market opportunities. This acquisition adds to our smart-shoring footprint in Canada and in Morocco, driving greater efficiencies and accessing a wider talent pool. Finally, XRM Vision's accelerators, designed to bridge the gap between finance and project teams by securely automating and streamlining the financials reconciliation process, are an excellent complement to our existing solutions." " We are delighted to welcome Felix Robitaille, XRM Vision's leader, and the whole team to the Alithya family. This acquisition is aligned with our strategic plan to find niche companies focused on higher value and complementary services for our clients. The integration of XRM Vision complements our commitment to asset-based solutions within our core industry verticals, reinforcing our focus on smart shoring capabilities." XRM Vision is a recognized Microsoft partner, specializing in creating and implementing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Project Portfolio Management solutions, powered by Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform and other Microsoft technologies. With a team of about 85 specialists, XRM Vision operates from locations across Canada and Morocco. Story Continues Quote by Felix Robitaille, CEO of XRM Vision: "I am thrilled that XRM Vision is joining Alithya. Our team's deep expertise in Microsoft Dynamics Customer Experience (CE) and Project Operations will complement Alithya's existing capabilities and enlarge our capacity by changing the world one project at a time. Building on over fifteen years as a Microsoft partner, this will also provide our team members with career growth opportunities at Alithya. Our clients will benefit from Alithya's extensive service offerings and proprietary solutions. This transaction truly positions us to fully capitalize on Alithya's scale to continue our trajectory of innovation and excellence." Acquisition terms Subject to the conditions and adjustments set out in the purchase agreement, the purchase price comprises (i) a cash consideration of C$8.625 million payable at closing; (ii) a share consideration of C$5.75 million, payable by the issuance of 3,449,103 Class A Shares of Alithya at closing; and (iii) a deferred cash consideration of C$8.625 million payable over three years on each anniversary date of the closing. The purchase price also includes a potential earnout payment of up to C$12 million, contingent upon the future financial performance of the acquired business over a consecutive 12-month period within the 18 months following the closing. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the earn-out will be payable in shares and the balance in cash. The purchase price, including all closing payments, deferred anniversary payments, and the earnout, is capped at C$35 million. The number of Class A Shares issued as share consideration at closing was calculated using a share price of C$1.6671, being the volume weighted average price ("VWAP") of the Class A Shares for the 15 trading days ended on and including November 28, 2024. The number of Class A shares issuable as part of the earnout will be determined by dividing the earnout amount payable in Class A Shares by the VWAP for the 15 trading days ending on and including the date that is two business days prior to the payment date of the earnout. About Alithya Empowered by the passion and enthusiasm of a talented global workforce, Alithya is positioned on the crest of the digital wave as a trusted advisor in strategy and digital technology services. Transforming the world one digital step at a time, Alithya leverages collective intelligence and expertise to develop practical IT solutions tailored to complex business challenges. As shared stewards of its clients' success, Alithya accompanies them through the full cycle of their digital evolutions, paving new roads to the future of their businesses. Living up to its name, meaning truth, Alithya embraces a business model that avoids industry buzzwords and technical jargon to deliver straight talk provided by collaborative teams focused on three main pillars: strategic consulting, enterprise transformation, and business enablement. With gender parity and carbon care certifications already obtained, and in pursuit of indigenous relations and carbon neutral certifications, Alithya strives to balance its desire to do the right thing with its commitment to doing things right. Forward-looking statements This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable U.S. safe harbours (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Statements that do not exclusively relate to historical facts, as well as statements relating to management's expectations regarding the future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects of Alithya, and other information related to Alithya's business strategy and future plans, or which refer to the characterizations of future events or circumstances represent forward-looking statements. Such statements often contain the words "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "could," "would," "will," "may," "can," "continue," "potential," "should," "project," "target," and similar expressions and variations thereof, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are presented for the sole purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding Alithya's objectives, strategies and business outlook as well as its anticipated operating environment and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Although management believes the expectations reflected in Alithya's forward-looking statements were reasonable as at the date they were made, forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management and, as such, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond Alithya's control, and which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include the possible failure to realize anticipated benefits of the transaction (including potential synergies), the integration of XRM Vision's business, the loss of certain key personnel and clients of XRM Vision, potential undisclosed costs or liabilities associated with the transaction, and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the section titled "Risks and Uncertainties" of Alithya's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended March 31, 2024 and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, as well as in Alithya's other materials made public, including documents filed with Canadian and U.S. securities regulatory authorities from time to time and which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to Alithya or that Alithya currently deems to be immaterial could also have a material adverse effect on its financial position, financial performance, cash flows, business or reputation. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and are made only as of the date of this press release. Alithya expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since actual results may vary materially from them. Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alithya-acquires-xrm-vision-deepening-microsoft-expertise-and-strengthening-smart-shore-capabilities-302319258.html SOURCE Alithya Canada inc. Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2024/02/c8047.html President-elect Donald Trumps latest nomination announcement is a shocker. Trump says he intends to appoint MAGA henchman Kash Patel as FBI Director. The news is frightening. Hopefully, Patel will fail to achieve Senate confirmation. Trump and the Republican Senate have indicated they may skip the traditional FBI background check process for cabinet nominees. It might be argued that they dont need background checks. The proclivities of the Trump loyalists whose names he has put forward are well known. And the results are astounding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accused sex offenders? No problem. People with no relevant experience? No problem. People advocating the dismemberment of the agencies they might head? No problem at all. A pro-Putin security risk to be director of National Intelligence? Petty criticism. A health minister who is anti-vax and anti-science? Bring it on. A budget director who would destroy the government by firing 50,000 civil servants? Just what we wanted. Fealty to Trump is the common thread the only indispensable qualification for these picks. It has been the modern practice of American government that the law enforcement and defense establishments not be politicized. Although the Constitution puts the president in administrative charge of the executive departments, cabinet members have at least since Watergate been expected to execute their offices in observance of the Constitution, without regard to partisan politics. The Kremlin understands the importance of the power ministries, which are the governments teeth. In our country, this would include the Justice Department, the Defense Department, the FBI and the intelligence community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump knows that these departments are where the real power lies. They must have total allegiance to him, not to the Constitution. Trumps former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper disagreed, and Trump promptly fired him for disloyalty. Trump has now named toadies to lead each of these institutions, a move that fosters his frequently expressed desire to use the armed forces, federal law-enforcement agents and intelligence community to deal with his political enemies. He has said it before; we know now that he means it. Trump took a hard blow when Republican senators panned his initial choice of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as attorney general. He was quick to replace Gaetz with Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general and a longtime Trump loyalist. But in naming Patel, Trump has stunned the law enforcement community. Tom Nichols argues in the Atlantic that Trump may have held off on Patel until he felt he had squeezed out enough outrage (and exhaustion) with his other nominations. But, as we know, one swallow does not a summer make. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI already has a director, Christopher Wray, whom Trump appointed to a 10-year term only seven years ago. Trump would have to fire Wray almost immediately to make way for Patel. Trump has not concealed his hatred for Wray and would relish pushing him out the door. Patel as FBI director would not act independently of the president. In announcing the selection on Truth Social, Trump acknowledged that Patel is a fervent believer in the deep state, writing, He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution. Earlier this month, Patel said, Id shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day one and reopen the next day as a museum of the deep state. And Id take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals. The sad thing is, he was being serious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump may have nominated Patel just to have him go the way of Gaetz, only to appoint him the deputy director, a position not requiring Senate confirmation. Trumps last attorney general, Bill Barr, rejected Patel for a possible role as deputy director of the FBI, saying that Patel would be appointed over my dead body. Patel appears to be precisely what Trump wants a seasoned loyalist. When the FBI investigated Trumps mishandling of classified documents in 2022, Patel told the tall tale that he had been present when Trump orally declassified scores of documents before he left the White House. Other officials said they knew of no such order. When Special Counsel Jack Smith pressed him on this before a federal grand jury, Patel took the Fifth. Patel is a conspiracy theorist. A former public defender, he worked in the Justice Departments National Security Division. Last year, Patel told Steve Bannon, one of his big supporters, that they could find conspirators in government and the media who helped Biden rig elections. He talked about both criminal prosecutions and civil actions against the enemy within. Can this be America? Patel is the perfect nominee to prove that Trump doesnt care what anyone else thinks. He takes his election victory as a mandate to turn the awesome power of the FBI over to an unqualified sycophant. He has made clear how much he hates the FBI, and he has convinced his MAGA base that its a cesspool of political corruption. If Trumps goal is to destroy the FBI, Patel is the perfect nominee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bureau may continue to fight crime and engage in counter-intelligence. But it would become an instrument of revenge against anyone Trump or Patel identifies as an internal enemy. If, like Trump, you wanted to be an autocrat for a day, this is exactly how you would put together the infrastructure of your authoritarian government. It falls now to the Republican members of the Senate to fulfill their constitutional advise and consent duty and filter whether Trump can impose pernicious Patel on the nation. James D. Zirin, author and legal analyst, is a former federal prosecutor in New Yorks Southern District. He is also the host of the public television talk show and podcast Conversations with Jim Zirin. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Joe Bidens full and unconditional pardon he issued for his son Hunter Biden on Sunday evening covers a lot of ground: for offenses Hunter has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024 including the cases he has in Delaware (for which he was convicted on June 11) and in California (to which he pleaded on Sept. 5). The accompanying statement the president issued made it clear that he believes Hunter Biden was selectively and unfairly prosecuted simply because he is his son. Joe Biden wrote, in part: I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice. I, too, believe that Hunter Bidens criminal cases were the direct result of a political campaign by Donald Trump and his fanatical supporters in an attempt to attack Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a prosecutor, you get to exercise what we call prosecutorial discretion, meaning you can exercise your professional judgment to decide what cases to prosecute, and, within reason and the bounds of applicable laws and procedure, you get to decide how to resolve those cases. If you are a lower-level prosecutor, your prosecutorial discretion can be limited: It can depend on the directives and priorities set by the lead prosecutor for your office, etc. But, in Hunter Bidens investigations, special counsel David Weiss cannot say that he was prevented from exercising his prosecutorial discretion because he was the head prosecutor on those cases. The tortured history of the cases speaks volumes about why these cases were politically motivated and unprecedented in their prosecution: Hunter Biden was investigated for five years by the Justice Department. After those five years of investigations, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in Delaware, David Weiss, agreed with Bidens lawyers to a nonprosecution agreement. Weiss then backpedaled and ended up insisting that Biden instead plead guilty to two tax misdemeanors (for failure to file) and that he enter into pretrial diversion for one gun charge. Biden agreed in June 2023 to these new terms and the two sides submitted his written diversion agreement to the court. One very important part of Hunter Bidens deal was a mutually agreed upon immunity provision. On the date of Bidens plea hearing, the federal judge in Delaware questioned the scope of the immunity provision in the agreement. But she never killed the deal; she asked the parties for clarification of the immunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, Trump and his team went after Weiss full bore. Weiss was publicly attacked and criticized. At one point, Trump posted on social media: Weiss is a COWARD, a smaller version of Bill Barr, who never had the courage to do what everyone knows should have been done. Instead of clarifying the deal that he himself had negotiated and already approved and despite there not being any new evidence to merit any changes, Weiss reneged on the agreement and insisted that Hunter accept new terms. He also got Attorney General Merrick Garland to grant him special counsel status. Hunter Bidens lawyers have argued that Weiss appointment as special counsel was problematic, as he was unlawfully appointed. Special counsel is supposed to be appointed from outside of the U.S. government and, obviously, Weiss was, and remains, the U.S. attorney for the District of Delaware. He should not have been allowed to serve as special counsel in Hunter Bidens cases. When Hunter Biden moved to dismiss his cases on this basis, his motion was denied. Nevertheless, Weiss, in a surprising about-face, then indicted Hunter Biden on three felony gun counts in Delaware and nine tax counts in California. Its worth exposing the legal hypocrisy in these charges to underscore just how unprecedented these prosecutions were: Hunter Biden possessed a firearm for a total of 11 days. At no point during those 11 days was the firearm loaded or used, and, without his knowledge, a third party took the gun from him and disposed of it in a garbage can. Prior to Weiss' indicting Biden, prosecutors did not believe the evidence even supported a prosecution. And his substance abuse problem at the time merited, at the most, a diversion program. In fact, Bidens lawyers have argued that in the history of this district in Delaware, no individual has ever been charged under the same facts as Hunter Biden has. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were zero aggravating circumstances that would have justified the DOJ pursuing any gun charge against Hunter Biden. As Hunters lawyers noted: Since 2023, the only defendant charged with these [gun] offenses in the District of Delaware has been Hunter Biden. In that time, no other case has been charged in Delaware under these statutes. Biden was also charged with nine tax counts in California, despite having fully paid his past-due taxes, including interest and penalties in 2021, more than two years before any criminal charges were filed. To move on from the multiple years of investigations and harassment, Biden initially agreed, with Weiss full acceptance, to plead to just two misdemeanors for failure to file his tax returns/to pay his taxes for 2017 and 2018. But, once Weiss caved to the political pressure by Trump and his Republican supporters including members of Congress, Weiss failed to honor the original plea agreement and instead filed nine counts (including three felonies). But perhaps the most obvious evidence that Hunter Biden was a selective criminal prosecution is that other individuals were able to resolve their cases with administrative or civil penalties or judgments. They werent prosecuted. But, then again, their last name wasnt Biden. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The Middle East is no stranger to upheaval, but the recent surprise rebel offensive in Syria against Bashar al-Assads regime has sent shockwaves through the region. The latest developments, while initially appearing as just one more chapter in Syrias protracted civil war, could have profound consequences far beyond Damascus. By challenging not only the Assad regime but also the interests of Iran and Russia, the rebels gains they just seized most of Aleppo, Syrias largest city could reshape the regional balance of power in ways directly affecting the U.S. These shifts, in turn, may create a unique opportunity for Washington to pursue a grand strategy of restraint. For more than a decade, Syria has been the focal point of an intricate web of alliances and rivalries. Assad, propped up by Iran and Russia, has clung to power through brutal tactics, leveraging his foreign backers military and economic support to withstand opposition forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the latest rebel offensive suggests that this arrangement is no longer as secure as it once seemed. Rebel factions, long fragmented and weakened, have found renewed strength, coordination and perhaps external backing to launch a campaign that threatens Assads hold on key territories. If successful, the implications of this offensive are staggering. First, the fall of Assads regime would strike a devastating blow to Irans influence in the region. Tehran has invested heavily in Syria, seeing Assad as a linchpin in its so-called axis of resistance stretching from Iran through Iraq and Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Losing this crucial ally would disrupt Irans supply lines, diminish its capacity to project power into the Levant and undermine its broader regional ambitions. In many ways, such a development would mirror the setbacks Iran has already faced at the hands of Israel. Just as Israels military campaign against Hezbollah has constrained Irans proxy in Lebanon, the collapse of Assad would further blunt Tehrans aspirations for dominance. Russia, too, stands to lose significantly from a rebel victory. Moscow has spent years cultivating its image as a great power in the Middle East, using its intervention in Syria as a showcase for its military capabilities and as a platform to expand its influence in North Africa, particularly in Libya. But the surprise rebel offensive exposes the fragility of Russias achievements. Assads reliance on Russian airpower and advisors has tethered Moscows reputation to the regimes survival. Should the rebels succeed in toppling Assad, Russias credibility as a reliable ally in the region would be severely undermined. Moreover, a rebel victory could imperil Russias naval bases on the Syrian coast, particularly in Tartus and Latakia, which serve as Moscows warm-water ports in the Mediterranean. These bases are not merely logistical hubs; they symbolize Russias return to global power projection. Losing them would represent a strategic setback for Putin, weakening his ability to assert Russian influence in the Mediterranean and beyond. This loss could ripple outward, affecting Moscows efforts to secure footholds in other regions, such as Africa, where Russia has been increasingly active. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The implications of these developments for the U.S. are complex. On the one hand, the weakening of Iran and Russia aligns with long-standing American objectives of countering Irans destabilizing activities and limiting Moscows global ambitions. The prospect of a Syria no longer under Assads control, and by extension less accessible to Iran and Russia, would seem like a welcome strategic gain for America. But crucially, this shift could also open the door for Washington to adopt a more restrained approach to the region. For years, American policymakers have grappled with how to manage the Middle Easts shifting alliances and conflicts while reducing direct military commitments. The rebel offensive in Syria underscores the extent to which local and regional actors are shaping outcomes independently of American intervention, suggesting an opportunity for the U.S. to step back from direct involvement, allowing regional dynamics to take the lead while maintaining a posture of offshore balancing. The weakening of Iran and Russia without significant American intervention is precisely the kind of scenario that restraint proponents argue should guide U.S. strategy. By avoiding entanglement in Syrias complexities, Washington can focus on leveraging these developments to indirectly secure its interests. At the same time, the U.S. must remain vigilant about the potential for unintended consequences. The fragmentation of Syrias opposition forces and the competing interests of external actors including Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia mean that the situation could evolve in unpredictable ways. A power vacuum in Syria, while limiting the influence of Iran and Russia, could also create conditions for renewed instability or the rise of extremist groups. However, rather than rushing to fill this vacuum, the U.S. could focus on diplomatic efforts and targeted support to prevent the worst outcomes while avoiding overreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assads potential fall could affect broader geopolitical contests. For Russia, the loss of influence in Syria would reinforce perceptions of a declining global role, particularly as Moscow struggles to sustain its war in Ukraine. This could embolden NATO and other U.S.-aligned coalitions, reshaping the dynamics of competition between great powers. Similarly, a diminished Iran might recalibrate the balance of power in the Gulf, providing an opening for improved relations between Israel and Sunni Arab states under the Abraham Accords framework. These shifts would require careful management, but they also suggest that the U.S. could achieve strategic gains with fewer direct commitments, a hallmark of a restraint-oriented grand strategy. Ultimately, the surprise rebel offensive in Syria serves as a reminder that the Middle East remains a theater of both immense volatility and strategic significance. For Washington, this moment presents an opportunity to recalibrate its approach, embracing restraint and allowing regional actors to shoulder more responsibility. The stakes are high, and the decisions made in the coming months will shape the trajectory of the region and Americas role in it for years to come. By avoiding unnecessary entanglement and focusing on prudent, indirect engagement, the U.S. can turn this moment of regional upheaval into an opportunity for a more sustainable and balanced strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Latham is a professor of international relations at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minn., a senior fellow at the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy, and a non-resident fellow at Defense Priorities in Washington, D.C. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. You heard it here first: My bet is President Trump will award podcaster Joe Rogan the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Trump previewed that kind of partisan, jaw-dropping move in 2020 when he bestowed the nations highest civilian honor on conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh. As Trump prepares to be sworn in as the 47th president, a radical blend of power politics and partisan media now reigns over America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is evident in Trumps cabinet picks, a chorus line of Fox News television personalities and reality television stars. I know many of these people since I work at Fox News. Some of these folks are colleagues and friends. They are very good as talking heads on television. Their criticism of big government is often on target. Their take-down of pompous government officials can be laugh-out-loud delightful. But excellence as a talking head is one thing. It is far from deserving of the publics trust to run the U.S. government. Since when is being on television equal to a record of success as a military or business leader? Since when is it equal to years of demonstrating high character, personal sacrifice for others and earning academic qualifications? Admittedly, Trump is a prime example of a person with no prior experience in government being twice elected as president. After his surprise victory in 2016, Trump compensated for his lack of experience in Washington by filling top government posts with people with proven records in state and federal government who were also right-wingers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time around, Trumps lineup of TV faces for top roles shows his indifference to qualifications. As Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) quipped on X, We are becoming the worlds first nuclear-armed reality television show. Among Trumps nominees to lead America in his second term are former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (R), a former Fox News legal analyst, as U.S. attorney general; Pete Hegseth, a veteran Army officer and former Fox News host, as secretary of Defense; and former Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wisc.), an MTV Real World alumnus turned congressman turned Fox Business host, as secretary of Transportation. And Trump surrounded himself during his campaign with media barons such as Elon Musk, the owner of X, and the heads of TV production companies for pro wrestling and ultimate fighting, Linda McMahon and Dana White. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This phenomenon doesnt stop there. He announced plans to have former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, the former Fox host, serve as ambassador to Israel. Dr. Mehmet Oz, another former television host, has been tapped to lead the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a Fox medical news contributor, is in line to become surgeon general. The primary qualification of this cast of media talent is personal loyalty to Trump. As familiar faces on conservative programs, they will now tell pro-Trump stories to pro-Trump viewers. What passes as news in this dawning world is no longer fact-based. Actual news is now a distant second to partisan storylines and popular memes. It is a dizzying mix of whatever is hot on X, whatever is being said on Facebook, viewed on Instagram, TikTok, and websites and heard on podcasts. Americans tell pollsters they want straight news programs, but ratings say they are watching programs with preselected content in which the only news they get is carefully spun into comforting reports that affirm their preexisting opinions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps rallies are a ratings success on television, featuring barbs aimed at the left, all draped in flag-waving patriotism. That fit with daily shows pretending to be news but hosted by right-wing partisan personalities. This flood of right-wing content has now swamped real news. Polls show dwindling trust in old-school media, the newspapers, magazines and networks. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, trust in the media has plummeted to historic lows, with only 31 percent of Americans expressing confidence in the press to report news fully, accurately, and fairly. And for the third consecutive year, more Americans expressed no trust at all in the media (36 percent) than trust it. The rise of partisan and personality-driven programming is not an antidote it is a profound shift that risks undermining the presss democratic role as a check on power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports suggest that Trumps incoming press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, plans to oust mainstream journalists from the White House press briefing room in favor of podcasters who offer favorable coverage of Trump. Its a move emblematic of Trumps effort to sideline traditional media, which he views with open hostility. As someone who has spent over 40 years in journalism, I have witnessed both the triumphs and failings of the press. I know the insularity and elitism of the media firsthand most notably when I was fired from NPR in 2010 and unfairly labeled a bigot. I also know that real reporting based on facts, absent political favoritism creates an informed group of voters. They are the basis for a true democracy. A Twitter account is not equal to news reporting. Youre not mediaa blue checkmark, a Twitter handle and 300 words of cleverness doesnt make you a reporter, Jim VandeHei, the CEO of Axios said recently at The National Press Club in a rebuttal to Musks claim that people on Twitter are now the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reporters telling straight news stories to inform the public are the people who really deserve the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Juan Williams is an author and a political analyst for Fox News Channel. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Now that Donald Trump will be headed to the White House, it is all but certain that he will pursue significant new taxes on imported goods. Although a widely criticized policy, there is little stopping him from doing this due to trade powers that Congress has given the executive branch over the years. Before President Biden leaves office, his administration and the current Congress should consider scaling back the presidents power to unilaterally enact tariffs. This restraint would protect households from large tax increases, prevent economic harm and ease relations with our major trading partners. President-elect Trump has promised to enact significant new tariffs on imports. Last week he stated that on his first day in office he would impose 25% tariffs on all imported goods from Mexico and Canada, as well as import taxes on Chinese goods as high as 60%. Others are likely to follow. Trump could also pursue more targeted tariffs on certain goods in the same way he did during his first administration. Read more: Calmes: Trump's budget cutters have set themselves up to fail Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contrary to what Trump and many of his supporters claim, these taxes would end up placing a significant burden on American households. Just a 10% across-the-board tariff plus a 60% tariff on Chinese imports could raise more than $2.8 trillion over a decade for an average tax increase of $1,820 per household, according to estimates from the Tax Policy Center. Although these tariffs would have significant implications for the federal budget and household finances, there is little to stop Trump from unilaterally enacting these taxes under current law. Generally, the Constitution states that Congress has the authority to lay and collect taxes and regulate commerce with foreign nations. However, Congress outsourced much of the power to enact tariffs to the executive branch throughout the 20th century. As a result, the president now has broad authority to levy taxes on imported goods. In many cases, the administration only needs to determine there is a national emergency or a national security threat. Read more: Opinion: Biden has a small window to make big fixes to U.S. trade policy These unilateral tariff powers were used to great effect in the past by Trump and other presidents. During Trumps first term he enacted tariffs on steel from most countries by claiming this served national security. Biden utilized powers from the Trade Act of 1974 to increase tariffs on Chinese imports. Decades earlier, President Nixon used existing authority to impose a 10% tariff on all imported goods coming into the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current Congress and Biden should step in and enact legislation that ensures that Trump is unable to impose such significant trade measures without congressional approval. They could do this much the same way Congress stepped in to block tariffs proposed by President Carter in 1980. Scaling back these powers would have benefits besides protecting Americans from tax increases. First, shifting the power to lay and collect tariffs back to Congress would mean that major tariff proposals are properly debated. Congress is currently required to debate and pass legislation to make even small changes to income or payroll taxes. This should be true for tariffs as well, especially proposals that involve trillions in additional federal revenue. Trump should have to convince Congress that enacting across-the-board tariffs would be consistent with his geopolitical goals and would be worth the economic costs. Second, handing the reins back to Congress would reduce market uncertainty. Simply the risk of tariffs can have a negative effect on the economy. Businesses that expect tariffs may be less likely to pursue investments that may be subject to taxation at some point in the future. Shifting tariff power back to Congress means that proposals to raise and repeal tariffs would be more predictable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Third, it would help improve relations between the U.S. and its trading partners. Trumps approach to trade policy has proved to worsen relationships between the United States and its most important trade partners. Even prior to Trumps election, the European Union had already announced that it would hit back at the United States if Trump enacted tariffs on EU products. Trade wars with our allies run counter to Trumps goal of countering geopolitical foes such as China and magnify the economic damage of Trumps tariff policies. Although legislation limiting the presidents tariff power could prevent Trump from unilaterally enacting tariffs, it may not prevent them entirely. Reports suggest that the Trump administration and Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, are discussing ways in which to incorporate tariffs into next years tax bill. This would be a mistake, but at the very least it would be debated before being enacted. While there are few tax issues that the Democratic Senate, Republican House and President Biden agree on, they should be able to unite behind preventing significant, unlegislated tax increases on American households. Kyle Pomerleau is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he studies federal tax policy. 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. Zurab Girchi Japaridze, a leader of the For Change opposition coalition in Georgia, has been detained during a Tbilisi protest. Source: European Pravda, with reference to Sova, a Georgian news outlet Details: The detention was preceded by a verbal altercation between police and protesters. Protesters blocked a street with rubbish bins, after which the police intervened and arrested several of them, including Japaridze. No details of the arrests were given, and the police did not comment on the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day before, another anti-government protest, which lasted all night, took place near the Georgian parliament building. In the morning, police pushed the protesters off the central Rustaveli Avenue. In recent days, large-scale anti-government protests have been taking place in Georgia after the authorities announced the suspension of negotiations on EU accession for the next four years. Georgian security forces have been using harsh measures against protesters, which has drawn condemnation from the West. Support UP or become our patron! Gov. Tina Kotek discusses her 2025-27 recommended budget in the state library on Dec. 2, 2024. (Julia Shumway/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Editors note: The Capital Chronicle has launched a $10,000 end-of-year fundraising campaign to help us continue our first-class coverage next year. A lot is at stake, and theres a long legislative session in 2025. Were completely dependent on donor dollars, which are tax deductible. Please contribute to us if you can. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek wants the state to spend more than $2 billion on homelessness and housing and send a record $11.4 billion to public schools as part of a budget focused on maintaining existing programs with little cash to spare for new initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her total spending plan, including federal funding that the state doesnt have much control over, is $137.7 billion for the two-year period from July 2025 to June 2027. Her proposed general fund and lottery funds budget, where Kotek and lawmakers have more discretion, is $39.3 billion. Infobox: Read Gov. Koteks budget highlights and full 476-page recommended budget. Thats a sharp increase from the $33.5 billion general fund and lottery funds budget lawmakers approved in 2023, but it doesnt reflect much new spending. Instead, the state is grappling with the same budgetary pressures as many Oregonians: Revenue is higher, but so are costs. People understand this from their own household budgets, Kotek said at a press conference in Astoria last week. While our economy is strong and wages are up, and people, if you just look at the numbers, are making more, their expenses are up. And in the case of the state, our expenses for health and human services have really grown, so the expenditure line is outpacing the money coming in the door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initial reactions to her recommended budget were mixed, with some advocacy groups saying it didnt go far enough and Republicans criticizing it as squandering money. Her recommended budget doesnt include layoffs or cuts to services, but it also has few new programs. When state agencies crafted their budget requests, Kotek limited them to a 1% increase over 2025-27 levels. She also asked them to prepare lists of where they could cut by 10% by focusing on core services and making sure to maximize federal funding. It was a hard exercise for some folks, Kotek said. But I believed, and do believe, that Oregonians, in this moment, would be better served by committing time and energy to practical considerations rather than well-meaning hypothetical wish lists. Developing my budget was an effort grounded in the reality of our state and our resources. Housing and homelessness Oregons twin housing and homelessness crises have long been top of mind for Kotek, who declared a homelessness emergency on her first full day in office. Early executive orders, and an infusion of hundreds of millions from the Legislature during the past two years, are on track to lead to about 3,300 families moving into permanent homes, 4,800 shelter beds across the state and 24,000 Oregonians receiving support needed to remain housed by July, her office estimated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But more than 20,000 Oregonians were homeless on a single night in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments latest point in time count, and most of those people still sleep outside or in cars. Kotek plans to make the case that her budget requests will reduce the states homelessness crisis, while not solving it. By the end of the current biennium next July, the actions related to the homelessness emergency I declared are projected to rehouse and shelter thousands of Oregonians, while preventing thousands more from becoming homeless in the first place, she said. If we continue at this pace, the equivalent of nearly one in three Oregonians experiencing homelessness on my first day in office will be rehoused by the end of my first term. Kotek is seeking $217.9 million to maintain Oregons existing shelters and $188.2 million to rehouse currently homeless people. Shell also ask lawmakers to approve $173.2 million for eviction prevention services to keep people from becoming homeless in the first place and $105.2 million for long-term rental assistance for individuals and families who need more than short-term emergency help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her longer-term goal of building 36,000 homes per year to get Oregon out of a housing shortage that drives up rents and home prices remains. Koteks asking lawmakers to approve $880 million in state bonds for more affordable homes, with most of that sum for rental homes, as well as $100 million for infrastructure needs related to homebuilding. Lawmakers last year allocated close to that amount for water, wastewater and other upgrades needed before developers could build homes in cities across the state. Education and children Kotek is seeking $11.4 billion for the State School Fund, an increase over the current $10.2 billion. That comes as a result of changes in how she wants to calculate school funding and as skyrocketing pension costs threaten school budgets. Not every school district is equally situated, but Ive heard from a lot of our districts that this is really helpful, she said. Itll help us meet our goals and actually provide that stability that has been lacking. Shell also ask lawmakers to approve $127 million for early literacy programs, with grants to school districts, community organizations, tribal nations and Dolly Partons Imagination Library, which sends free books to families for children up to 5. Another $78.5 million would go toward ongoing spending on summer learning programs, which have struggled to find consistent funding in Salem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her proposed budget reflects a spring settlement in a class-action lawsuit over Oregons child welfare system. Kotek will recommend $23.6 million in new funding for Oregons child welfare system to implement the settlement agreement, including $10 million to end the practice of placing children in temporary lodging in hotels and $4 million to help youth aging out of foster care. Shell also seek $25 million for youth behavioral health, including $6 million for mental health services and substance use disorder screening in schools and $17 million for residential and community-based services for young people struggling with addiction or behavioral health. Her budget doesnt include a meaningful increase to funding for the states popular Employment Related Day Care program, which has a waitlist of thousands of families seeking child care subsidies. Koteks budget aims to keep families from losing services, but she said expanding the program will be very challenging given current budget constraints. Behavioral health Keeping behavioral health workers and training and hiring more are top priorities in Koteks budget, which includes a proposed $130 million for provider rate increases aimed at retaining Oregons Medicaid workforce and increasing inpatient psychiatric rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just like we cannot solve homelessness without building housing, we cannot close our gaps in services without more places to get treatment and more people to provide that treatment, she said. Her budget calls for using tens of millions in remaining American Rescue Plan funds to train behavioral health workers and build 336 more treatment beds, adding to a goal of 465 new beds statewide by 2026. Kotek will also seek $40 million for counties to continue deflection programs that allow people charged with drug possession to receive treatment instead of jail time. Responding to Trump While president-elect Donald Trump isnt mentioned by name in budget documents, his election and fears that hell slash federal spending and programs developed by the Biden administration triggered millions in proposed new spending for reproductive health, climate change and federal lawsuits. That includes an extra $2 million for attorneys in the state Justice Department to defend state laws, including access to reproductive health care, Oregons environmental standards, protections for immigrants and trade agreements. Kotek also calls for another $2 million for Oregons Bias Response Hotline, run through the Justice Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have heard from a lot of folks since the election (who are) worried about their safety, worried about whos going to respond, Kotek said. They feel unsafe in their communities, and so it makes sense to make sure the Department of Justice has some more resources to respond and really look at what the patterns are, if there are patterns, coming into the hotline to address that. Her recommended budget also includes $7 million to help immigrants living in the state navigate the immigration system and find legal representation as Trump vows to deport hundreds of thousands of immigrants and potentially threaten sanctuary cities. Oregon for decades has been a sanctuary state by law, with state and local governments barred from assisting the federal government from enforcing immigration law. Kotek also wants to add $2.5 million for grants to expand reproductive health services, including programs that help patients find services and state funding for providers to upgrade facilities in response to an increase in patients seeking abortions. Clinician-provided abortions in Oregon which does more to protect access to abortion than all other states besides Vermont are up 40% since 2020, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which tracks reproductive health policy. Another $2.5 million in Koteks recommended budget would be reserved to protect Oregon from disruption in care if federal reproductive health funding declines under the next administration. The state has already added to its stockpile of the abortion drug mifepristone, which has been targeted by anti-abortion groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other potential federal disruptions require a wait-and-see approach, she said, as leaders in Oregon and elsewhere dont know what programs could be affected by federal changes. The good thing about here in Oregon, well have six months to see whats coming out of the new administration next year, she said. There will be a session the following year, and well just have to adjust as we go. Other priorities Koteks proposal includes $1.75 billion for the State Highways Fund, which she described as the minimum needed to maintain and repair existing roads and bridges. Lawmakers and her office will spend the next several months hashing out a larger transportation package that will likely involve tax or fee increases to pay for hundreds of millions of dollars in transportation needs over the coming decade. I dont think we can do anything less than that ($1.75 billion investment) to have a functional agency, to meet the basic needs of some of the project work thats out there, Kotek said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her budget proposal also calls for diverting $150 million that would otherwise go to the states reserves to the Department of Forestry and Office of the State Fire Marshal to pay for wildfire costs. Oregons record wildfire season burned more than 1.9 million acres and cost the state more than $350 million upfront. While the federal government will reimburse more than half of that, Oregon is still on the hook for $151 million and lawmakers will convene in a one-day special session next week to pay those bills. Kotek also wants an ongoing $130 million each year for fire mitigation and firefighting, with details to be worked out by a wildfire funding workgroup her office convened. Other leaders react Koteks recommended budget drew criticism from advocacy groups, which said it doesnt spend enough, and from Senate Republicans, who said it spends too much. Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, panned Koteks budget as completely disconnected from the states revenue forecast. Governor Koteks proposal doubles down on the same failed strategies that have left Oregonians struggling. More government spending and bureaucracy wont fix Oregons housing crisis, homelessness epidemic, health care affordability or students success itll make these issues worse, he said. They say, the governor proposes, and the legislature disposes. Thankfully, this political statement of a budget will face legislative scrutiny because it ignores the real needs of Oregonians. The Oregon Community College Association said a $70 million increase to community college funding in the proposed budget will still lead to cuts and tuition hikes because of increased costs. At the proposed GRB funding level, community colleges will still struggle to meet the needs of students and their communities, association executive director Abby Lee said. Without adequate investment, we risk limiting access to education and workforce training at a time when enrollment trends are rebounding and Oregons economy needs skilled workers. A coalition of environmental and climate groups also urged the Legislature to spend more than Kotek proposed on energy efficiency programs, disaster preparedness and other environmental initiatives. Governor Koteks budget is a strong proposal and we are heartened that the governor recognizes that we are facing a catastrophic threat to clean, affordable energy and climate resilience at the federal level, Lindsey Scholten, executive director of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, said in a statement. But now Oregons legislature needs to do even more to invest in keeping Oregonians energy bills down, preventing climate disasters and protecting our clean air and water. Updated at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, with additional comments and information from Koteks press conference, and at 4 p.m. with reactions. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A man was sentenced to prison Monday for his involvement in the insurrection of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, despite requesting a delay in his sentencing until Donald Trumps inauguration. Jonathanpeter Allen Klein, 24, is one of two Oregon brothers who faced charges for storming the U.S. Capitol and entering an area that was restricted to the public following a rally for the former president. Dogs believed to belong to slain Brightwood woman found dead Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, Jonathanpeter pleaded guilty to civil disorder and assault on certain officers. His brother, 28-year-old Matthew Leland Klein, also pleaded guilty to civil disorder and entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds. Matthew was sentenced to 90 days in prison and three years of supervised release on Nov. 15, but Jonathanpeters attorney filed a request for his clients sentencing to be postponed for 90 days. The documents filed two days after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 2024 election asserted that, under different leadership, the DOJ may have different views on information that is exculpatory or mitigating in this case. Matthew Klein and Jonathanpeter Klein as seen in photos in Washington DC., January 6, 2021 (FBI Portland) However, a federal judge denied the 90-day delay, instead granting a two-week extension as the prosecutor in the case unexpectedly needed to go out on personal leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jonathanpeter will spend nine months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $3,000 fine, according to court records logged on Monday. Investigators found Jonathanpeter had contacted his employer in late December 2020 to request several days off in early January, so he and his brother could attend the Stop the Steal rally in Washington, D.C. While outside the U.S. Capitol, officials reported Jonathanpeter threw a piece of audiovisual equipment that was intended for President Joe Bidens upcoming inauguration directly at an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department. Oregon economist Dr. Mike Wilkerson explains urban doom loop Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer suffered a blow to his helmet, which had a visible dent. According to the documents, body camera footage depicts other law enforcement helping him as he stumbled and struggled to gain his footing. The officer also testified that he temporarily lost consciousness. Jonathanpeter and Matthew were separated once they entered the Capitol building, but investigators claimed the two joined other insurrectionists in forcefully pulling a door handle as officers attempted to prevent the crowd from entering another side of the building. President-elect Trump has previously spoken of his intent to pardon every Capitol rioter, referring to them as political prisoners and hostages. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Kyle Andersons daughter rides her bike to Lake Nona Middle School every day, pedaling along one of the regions busiest roadways where students sometimes weave through traffic on their way to and from campus. Six-lane Narcoossee Road runs in front of the middle school and Lake Nona High School, which is about a mile away. Neither school is part of a reduced speed zone a designation that drops speed limits to at least 20 mph and, city officials say, helps slow down cars and curb accidents. Instead, the speed limit on that stretch of the road is 45 mph and vehicles often drive by at even higher speeds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It just makes me nervous because the traffics so fast, said Anderson, whose older child graduated in May from Lake Nona High. Anderson has been emailing city officials for more than a year urging school zone designations at both the Lake Nona schools. He may get his wish, though hes frustrated any action is still months away. Orlando is looking to create dozens more school zones including at both the Lake Nona schools, which have a combined enrollment of about 4,100 students and then install cameras at each to ticket speeders. In June, Orlando City Council voted to deploy the cameras in 23 existing school zones including at campuses in Audubon Park, College Park, Dover Shores and Metrowest. The school zone cameras act much like a red light camera where offenders would face a $100 fine and be sent a ticket in the mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cameras are not yet installed, however, and the city has no timeline for getting them in place because it must still put the equipment out for a bid, said spokesperson Ashley Papagni. Still, the city may decide by the end of the current school year to put cameras at many more schools, hoping to deter more motorists from zipping by campuses so quickly. Crashes are little lessons in physics, velocity and mass, said Laura Hardwicke, Orlandos safe mobility manager. If we can reduce the velocity, the speed of vehicles, we make safer conditions. Lake Nona is a fast growing section of the city and traffic on Narcoossee Road jumped to 57,000 drivers per day in 2023, the most recent figures available, from 38,000 the year prior, according to data from the Florida Department of Transportation. The Orlando metropolitan area has historically been one of the deadliest regions in the country for pedestrians, most recently ranking 18th among the nations 100 largest metro areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two Lake Nona campuses are among 25 additional Orange County Public Schools located in Orlando city limits that could be eligible for a speed zone which is marked with signs and flashing beacons but do not have one, according to the city. Twenty eight other charter schools and private schools could be eligible, too. If the city designates new zones, it can, under a new state law, then install the speed detection cameras. The Florida Legislature in 2023 approved speed enforcement cameras in school zones. The public schools to be studied are located all around the city, from Lake Nona in the south to Baldwin Park near downtown to Azalea Park on the citys eastern side. Hardwicke said the citys earlier school zone study found a safety risk because of speeding even in designated school zones, meaning more than half of cars drove through them above the posted speed limit. The hope is the cameras will do more to slow down motorists, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City staff in their proposal for the new study, which the council will vote on Dec. 9, reference a 2002 Transportation Research Board report that found each year about 25,000 children are injured in school speed zone accidents and about 100 are killed in collisions while walking to or from school. A more recent 2018 study by Zendrive found Floridas drivers rank second among all states in the dangers they pose around schools. Public schools in Orlando that could get speed zones and cameras: (NewsNation) On Sunday, President Joe Biden issued a pardon for his son Hunter after previously saying he would not. Biden, who reversed course as he prepares to leave the White House, has become the latest U.S. president to pardon a family member. In his clemency announcement, the president called his sons treatment a miscarriage of justice and pointed to political motivation behind his sons charges. Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted, Biden said in a statement issued by the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers react to Hunter Biden pardon With Sundays announcement, Biden became only the third president to make such a declaration for a relative. But other notable personalities have been granted pardons throughout history as former U.S. presidents have used their authority to issue pardons. Hunter Biden pardoned by his father Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges in September, three months after he was convicted in a separate gun trial in June. After Biden was found guilty of the tax charges, the White House remained adamant that the president would not issue a pardon for his son. Hunter Biden was scheduled to be sentenced on the criminal charges more than a month before President-elect Donald Trump begins his second term in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the statement issued on Sunday, President Biden said that he wrestled with his decision but said that raw politics had infected the judicial process and led to a miscarriage of justice. Hunter Biden was facing up to 17 years in prison and up to a $450,000 fine for the tax charges and up to 25 years in prison for the felony gun charges. The presidents sweeping pardon covers not just the gun and tax offenses against the younger Biden, but also any other offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024. In response, Trump called Bidens decision an abuse and miscarriage of justice and questioned on Truth Social whether the pardon would be extended to those who had been convicted in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riots. Donald Trump pardons his in-law Trump, who will be inaugurated on Jan. 20 after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in November, issued several presidential pardons at the end of his first term, including one to the father of his son-in-law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charles Kushner, whom Trump nominated as his Ambassador to France, is the father of Trumps son-in-law, Jared. In a social media post, Trump referred to the elder Kushner a real estate developer as a tremendous business leader, philanthropist and dealmaker. Trump pardoned Charles Kushner in 2020 after Kushner had pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges and to making illegal campaign donations. Charles Kushner wades through the media with his legal team and wife to the U.S. District Courthouse on August 18, 2004, in Newark, New Jersey. Kushner, a New Jersey developer and a major campaign contributor to Democrats including embattled Gov. Jim McGreevey, is expected to plead guilty to federal charges that he hired a prostitute to try to silence a witness in a federal investigation. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images) According to reports, Charles Kushner hired a prostitute to lure his brother-in-law, then arranged to have the encounter in a New Jersey motel room recorded with a hidden camera and the recording sent to his sister, the mans wife, prosecutors said. Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering, the Associated Press reported. He was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison the most he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, had sought. Bill Clinton pardons half-brother In 2001, President Bill Clinton issued a pardon for his half-brother, Roger Clinton, who had previously been convicted of drug-related charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pardon came on Clintons final day in office on Jan. 20, 2001. Border Czar Tom Homan says US has no other option than mass deportations Roger Clinton, the son of Bill Clintons mother, Virginia Dell Kelly, and his stepfather, pleaded guilty in 1985 to selling cocaine to an undercover police officer in Arkansas, the Washington Post reported. Roger Clinton spent a year in prison, but the presidential pardon cleared his criminal record, the Post reported. The report also indicated that Roger Clinton had provided President Clinton with a list of people to pardon but had not paid to make the recommendations. Those listed were not included in those whom Bill Clinton issued pardoned. Other notable presidential pardons and grants of clemency Richard Nixon The former president who became embroiled in scandal during Watergate was issued a pre-emptive pardon by President Gerald Ford despite never being charged or convicted of federal crimes. In this Jan. 27, 1963, file photo President Richard Nixon speaks during his first news conference as president in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo, File) Nixon and several of his aides were found to have committed illegal activities during Nixons bid for re-election in 1972. Nixon, who was also accused of covering up the scandal that was brought to light by two Washington Post reporters, became the first U.S. president to resign as impeachment hearings against him were ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Nixon left office on Aug. 9, 1974, Ford was sworn into office and became the 38th president of the United States. Trump threatens 100% Tariffs on countries that buck US dollar Ford was immediately asked about Nixons actions and began to ask White House counsel Phil Buchen to look into the legal precedent of pardoning a former president, according to The Ford Museum Library. On Sept. 8, 1974, Ford addressed the nation from the Oval Office and announced his decision to issue a full, free, and absolute pardon for Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States. The pardon included offenses that Nixon committed or may have committed. Jimmy Hoffa Hoffa, the former president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, was serving a 13-year prison sentence when his sentence was commuted by Nixon in 1971. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nixon commuted Hoffas sentence after the former union boss had served four years and nine months in prison, after having been sentenced to eight years for jury tampering and five years for pension fund fraud, the Washington Post reported. While technically not a pardon, which would have cleared his criminal record, Hoffa commutation allowed him to leave prison early. Years later, rumors surfaced that Nixon received a big cash payoff from Hoffa. The Arizona Republic reported in 1979 that Hoffa paid Nixon $500,000 for his release, the Washington Post reported. However, FBI sources told the newspaper that a 19-page diary that included word of the payoff had been fabricated. Patty Hearst The granddaughter of newspaper magnate William Rudolph Hearst was reportedly kidnapped at the hands of a radical guerrilla group that called itself the Symbionese Liberation Army. However, she then said that she had voluntarily joined the group and was later involved in a bank robbery. Hearst was photographed with an assault rifle during the robbery of the San Francisco bank and later claimed in court that she had been brainwashed and assaulted while being held. President Jimmy Carter commuted Hearsts seven-year prison sentence after she was convicted of bank robbery charges in 1976. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was freed from jail and later received a full pardon from Clinton in 2001. Like with Roger Clinton, Hearst received the full pardon hours before Bill Clinton left office. Hearst, who served just seven months of her prison sentence before Carter commuted the sentence, had her right to vote and hold public office reinstated. However, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the pardon did not expunge her criminal conviction. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Bloomberg) -- Amazon.com Inc. founder Jeff Bezos joined Samsung in a $700 million bet on Tenstorrent, valuing the AI chip startup with ambitions of taking on Nvidia Corp. at about $2.6 billion. Most Read from Bloomberg Tenstorrent, which hopes to create a chip to try and break Nvidias stranglehold on the AI business, raised capital in a funding round led by South Koreas AFW Partners and Samsung Securities, founder and semiconductor pioneer Jim Keller said in an interview. Bezos Expeditions joined LG Electronics Inc. and Fidelity in that financing, betting on Kellers pedigree and the booming opportunity in artificial intelligence tech. The money will be used to build out Tenstorrents engineering team, invest in its global supply chain and build large artificial intelligence training servers to help demonstrate its technology. As the quest for more power and cost efficiency in AI ramps up, smaller companies are sprouting up trying to snatch market share from Nvidias power-hungry chips. Tenstorrent, an Nvidia neighbor in Santa Clara, California, is one of many now engineering solutions aimed at delivering a more affordable path to AI development. Thats built on open-source and commonplace technology, avoiding complex and pricey components like the high-bandwidth memory Nvidia favors. You cant beat Nvidia if you use HBM, because Nvidia buys the most HBM and has a cost advantage, Keller said. But theyll never be able to bring the price down the way HBM is built into their products and their sockets. Nvidia offers developers a full suite of proprietary technology, covering everything from the chips to the interconnects and even data center layouts, with the promise of all parts working better because they were designed in concert. Companies like rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc. and Tenstorrent are instead aiming for greater interoperability with other technology providers, whether through shared industry standards or opening their designs for others to use. Tenstorrent is also a proponent of an alternative kind of logic processor based on an open standard called RISC-V, which poses a challenge to Arm Holdings Plc. Keller, known for his silicon design work at Apple Inc., Tesla Inc. and AMD, is an advocate. In the past, I worked with proprietary tech and it was really tough, Keller said. Open source helps you build a bigger platform. It attracts engineers. And yes, its a little bit of a passion project. The affected eggs were distributed in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Bloomberg / Getty Images Before you bake up dozens of homemade Christmas cookies to hand out to friends and neighbors, you may want to check the label of your egg carton. On November 27, Handsome Brook Farms announced a recall of Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs at Costcosold under the Kirkland Signature brand namefor potential Salmonella contamination. The recall affects 10,800 units of fresh organic eggs, all of which were distributed in the South beginning November 22. The eggs were shipped and distributed to 25 Costco stores in Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Handsome Brook Farms initiated the recall after determining that the eggs sent out to Costco stores were not intended for retail distribution. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall. Salmonella can be especially dangerous to young children, elderly people, or those with weakened immune systems. Heres what to look for in your fridge: The Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggspackaged in plastic egg cartons with the Kirkland Signature logo at the tophave a UPC of 9661910680 with a use-by date of January 5, 2025. The affected eggs also contain P1363 and 327 on the label as depicted in the image below, shared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. U.S. FDA / Handsome Brook Farms If you have any of these Kirkland Signature organic eggs in your fridge, the FDA urges you to return the product to your local Costco for a full refund or dispose of any remaining eggs. This recall joins several others weve had this fall, including nearly 12 million pounds of meat, soft-ripened cheeses, frozen waffles, salmon, and organic carrots. At least the bourbon is safe, yall. Ukraines new eSupport program received over 2.1 million applications on its first day of operation, including nearly half a million for children, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Dec. 1. "eSupport works for everyone in Ukraine both adults and children. The numbers are important and prove the timeliness of the program," Zelensky said on Telegram. The assistance, amounting to 1,000 hryvnias ($24) per recipient, can be used for Ukrainian goods and services such as utilities, medicines, books, transportation, and education or donated to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces through volunteer funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applications are open until February 28, 2024, and the funds must be spent by the end of 2025. The initiative aims to provide some economic relief to citizens while fostering support for Ukraines defense efforts. Around 32% of Ukrainian families have enough income only to buy food, according to a survey published by the ZN.ua media outlet on July 25. Over 48% of respondents said their families "have enough finance for food and clothes but have to save for something more expensive," while 9% said they "do not have enough money even for food." Only 7.4% of the respondents can afford everything and require savings only for very expensive purchases. Nearly 1% said that their family can afford anything they want. Read also: Ukraine receives $4.8 billion from World Bank Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (PALMER LAKE, Colo.) The developer for the proposed Buc-ees site in Palmer Lake hosted a public information meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3, in Palmer Lake. During Tuesdays meeting, hundreds of people gathered to discuss the possibility of annexing county land to make way for the new establishment, but most who showed up were there to voice their opposition and tensions ran extremely high. We dont want your Buc-ees, we dont need your Buc-ees, and we dont desire your beaver nuggets, shouted one woman during the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the meeting, some people were even climbing through the schools windows to get inside. One person, who actually supports the project, had to be escorted out of the meeting by a police officer after his anger got out of control. The meeting takes place after a recent announcement of plans to build a Buc-ees west of I-25 near the County Line exit. Though some are excited to have the popular Texas gas station and convenience store in Southern Colorado, many locals in the Monument and Palmer Lake areas fear that it could bring negative attention and traffic to the rural area. Many raised concerns about how the huge establishment will impact traffic coming off the interstate. We will construct and pay for all of the improvements CDOT requires us to put in place. If we need a new bridge, we will choose at that time whether or not we build a new bridge. Have we built new bridges before? Yes, we have, said one of the developers at the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another major concern is how the establishment will get its water. Whats happening is that the town of Palmer Lake is having a third party evaluate their water to ensure that there is enough water, if theres not enough water, they cant provide water to Buc-ees or wherever. So the town of Palmer Lake is having a third party, and thats not something weve prepared, said another developer during the meeting. RELATED STORY: Could Buc-ees be coming to El Paso County? The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees is scheduled to establish whether Buc-ees is eligible to annex the land for the site in a hearing on Dec. 12. 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. The decision by President Joe Biden to pardon his son, Hunter, despite previously suggesting he would not do so, has reopened debate over the use of the presidential pardon. Hunter Biden will be spared potential jail time not simply over his convictions for gun and tax offenses, but any offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period Jan. 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. During his first tenure in the White House, Donald Trump issued a total of 144 pardons. Following Bidens move to pardon his son, Trump raised the issue of those convicted over involvement in the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol, raising expectations that he may use the pardon in their cases something Trump has repeatedly promised to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But should the pardon power be solely up to the presidents discretion? Or should there be restrictions on who can be granted a pardon? As a scholar of ethics and political philosophy, I find that much of the public debate around pardons needs to be framed within a more fundamental question: Should there be a presidential pardon power at all in a democracy governed by the rule of law? What, after all, is the purpose of a pardon? From royal roots Blacks Law Dictionary, the go-to book for legal terms, defines the pardon power as, an act of gracewhich exempts the individual on whom it is bestowed from the punishment the law inflicts for a crime he has committed. Although the power to pardon is probably as old as politics, the roots of the presidential pardon in the U.S. can be traced back to English law. The English Parliament legally placed an absolute pardon power in the hands of the monarch in 1535 during the reign of King Henry VIII. In the centuries that followed, however, Parliament imposed some limitations on this power, such as preventing pardons of outrageous crimes and pardons during an impeachment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Founding Fathers followed the English model in establishing the powers of the executive branch in Article II of the U.S. Constitution. Section 2 of that article specifically grants the president the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States and acknowledges one limitation to this power in cases of impeachment. But the anti-democratic roots of the pardon power were a point of contention during the drafting and ratification of the Constitution. In a 1788 debate, Virginia delegate George Mason, for example, said that the president ought not to have the power of pardoning, because he may frequently pardon crimes which were advised by himself. It may happen, at some future day, that he will establish a monarchy, and destroy the republic. Masons concern clearly identifies this vestige of the absolute powers of the English monarchy as a potential threat to the new democracy. In reply, based on the assumption that the president would exercise this power cautiously, James Madison contended that the restriction on the pardon power in cases of impeachment would be a sufficient safeguard against future presidential abuse. to religious reasoning The political concept of pardon is linked with the theological concept of divine mercy or the charity of an all-powerful God. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pardon, as Supreme Court Justice Marshall noted in the 1833 United States v. Wilson ruling, is defined as an act of grace. Just as in the Abrahamic faiths Islam, Judaism and Christianity God has the power to give and to take life, kings wield the power to take life through executions and to grant life through the exercise of pardons. Echoing the command of the Lords Prayer to forgive the trespasses of others, English philosopher Thomas Hobbes book Leviathan asserts that the sovereign ought to display grace by pardoning the offenses of those who, repenting those offenses, want pardon. Yet, this analogy with divine mercy for all individuals collides with the legal principle of treating different cases differently. If all trespasses were forgiven, pardon would be granted to all crimes equally. There would be no need for distinctions between the wrongly and the rightly convicted or the repentant and unrepentant criminal. All would be forgiven equally. Universal pardon thus violates the legal principle that each individual should receive their due. In the eyes of law, it is impossible to pardon everything and everyone. The incognito of pardon What Hobbes recognized, if imperfectly, is that the power of pardon is just as essential to political life as to our personal lives. It helps to overcome the antagonisms of the past and opens a path to peace and reconciliation with others. The act of forgiving, as political theorist Hannah Arendt puts it, allows us to begin again and to create a new future together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But how can we reconcile this need for pardon with the impossibility to forgive everything? One answer can be found in the work of French philosopher Paul Ricoeur. Ricoeur talks about the incognito of forgiveness forgiveness literally translates to pardon in French. Acknowledging the difficulty of turning pardon into a universal legal rule or norm, Ricoeur suggests that pardon can exist only as an exception to legal rules and institutions. Pardon, in Ricoeurs words, can find refuge only in gestures incapable of being transformed into institutions. These gesturesdesignate the ineluctable space of consideration due to every human being, in particular to the guilty. In other words, it has to fly under the radar of rules and institutions. This insight is alluded to by Justice Marshall in his Wilson ruling. Marshall states that pardon is the private, though official act of the executive magistrate, delivered to the individual for whose benefit it is intended, and not communicated officially to the Court. The pardon remains incognito, or under the radar, in the sense that it is an extra-legal act that does not pass through legal institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In these last days of the Biden administration, this incognito of pardon offers an important reminder of the need for pardon as well as its limitations. The democratic transfer of power always involves an implicit act of pardon that remains incognito. It allows for a fresh start in which society can acknowledge the past transgressions of an outgoing administration, but move on with the hope to begin again. Though critics of the president may reject individual acts of pardon, especially involving family members, society should not give up on the power of pardon itself: It brings a renewal of hope to democracy. Editors note: This is an updated version of an article first published on Dec. 15, 2020. 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: Scott Davidson, West Virginia University Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Scott Davidson 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. Two members of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board have resigned, prompting the delay of a death-row inmate's clemency hearing and for hundreds of parole appeals. (Photo by Kennedy Thomason/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Resignations of two members of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board have delayed a death-row inmates clemency hearing to 10 days before he is set to be executed. Kevin Underwood was originally scheduled on Wednesday to plead for clemency before his execution date Dec. 19, but two departures from the board threatened to postpone the hearing indefinitely. Under pressure from the Attorney Generals Office to avoid delay, the board has reset the clemency hearing to Dec. 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resignations of Pardon and Parole Board Chairman Calvin Prince III and member Edward Konieczny initially prompted the board on Friday to cancel its December meetings, which were meant to take place Monday through Wednesday. All votes on the boards December docket besides Underwoods clemency hearing are still postponed. Neither Prince nor Konieczny cited a reason for resigning, according to their resignation letters, which Oklahoma Voice obtained. After the board canceled Underwoods clemency hearing, Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed an emergency petition on Monday with the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, asking that the proceeding continue as originally planned despite the resignations. Hours later, the board agreed to reset the hearing date. Underwood, 44, was convicted of the 2006 murder of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin. Attorney General Gentner Drummond called for a canceled clemency hearing to proceed as originally scheduled so a death-row inmates execution can proceed without further setback. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice) Jamies family has already waited 18 agonizing years to see justice served, Drummond said in a statement. Adding further delay is needless and unconscionable. Kevin Underwood is a deeply evil monster whose execution absolutely should be carried out without further setback. I urge Gov. (Kevin) Stitt to ensure justice is served at last in this hideous case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five-seat board still has the minimum number of members needed to meet. However, the board prefers to have all five positions filled when considering the clemency request, said Tom Bates, the boards executive director. Originally, the board planned to wait for the governor to appoint replacements for the two departed members, but Drummond urged against the indefinite delay. The Governors Office did not immediately return a request for comment Monday on its timeline to fill the open positions. Unless Stitt chooses replacements this week, the board would have to carry out the Dec. 9 clemency hearing with its remaining three members. Death-row inmates are permitted to request a clemency hearing with the Pardon and Parole Board. If the board agrees to recommend clemency, the governor then makes the final decision on whether to commute a death sentence to a less severe punishment and whether that inmate would ever be eligible for parole after commutation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stitt has commuted only one death sentence Julius Jones in 2021. The governor granted him life in prison without parole after significant public outcry against Jones execution. Underwood has not received any similar widespread advocacy to his defense. He committed one of the most depraved and gruesome crimes in Oklahoma history, the Attorney Generals Office said. Underwood was convicted of killing and trying to decapitate Bolin. He planned to abduct, kill, rape and eat her, according to public documents. His attorneys contend Underwood suffered from abuse at home, bullying at school, mental illness and a pornography addiction, according to paperwork they filed for the clemency hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pardon and Parole Boards canceled meetings also postpone consideration of hundreds of parole requests. Bates said the board will take those up in January. Prince and Konieczny each had two years left in their terms when they resigned. Konieczny, whom Stitt appointed in January 2022 and reappointed in January 2023, vacated his position at the end of the boards previous meeting Nov. 6, according to his Oct. 28 resignation letter. Prince, who was appointed in January 2023, informed the board through his attorney Friday afternoon that he resigned immediately. The Pardon and Parole Board has voted on clemency while short-handed before. It did so last year when a member abstained from voting on Richard Glossips capital murder case. Glossips clemency request failed when the board voted 2-2. A clemency recommendation must have support from at least a three-member majority of the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glossip later filed an appeal in Oklahoma County District Court, contending his execution should be blocked because all five members of the board did not take part in his clemency hearing. That appeal is indefinitely postponed while the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether to overturn Glossips conviction. Editors Note: This story has been updated after the Pardon and Parole Board rescheduled Kevin Underwoods clemency hearing. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) Many of the victims of a bus crash in Southern France in which two people were killed and dozens of others were injured are citizens of Colombia, officials said Monday. In a statement published on X, Colombias foreign affairs ministry said 30 passengers were Colombian citizens living in Spain. Colombias ambassador to France, Alfonso Prada, said the bus crashed on Sunday evening in the French Pyrenees as it was returning to Barcelona after taking passengers on a shopping trip to the principality of Andorra. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have identified that the passengers were people who live in Barcelona Prada told Colombian radio station Blu. They were going back home after doing some shopping in Andorra, to take advantage of (seasonal) sales. The charter bus carrying 47 people crashed into a cliff near the ski resort of Porte Puymorens, according to local authorities, who said that seven passengers were in critical condition. Prada said that some relatives of the victims had contacted Colombias consulate in Barcelona for help. The survivors are being treated in four hospitals in southern France, and one hospital in the Catalonian city of Puigcerda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 120 individuals were involved in the rescue effort, including from neighboring Catalonia in Spain and Andorra. Helicopters were also deployed. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america WEST PALM BEACH A public memorial service for three Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputies who died last month in a roadside crash will take place Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the South Florida Fairgrounds, beginning with a procession of law-enforcement and public-safety vehicles to honor the fallen deputies. The sheriff's office and other law enforcement agencies will pay tribute to PBSO Cpl. Luis Paez, Deputy Ralph "Butch" Waller and Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz at the service, which will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the iThink Financial Amphitheatre on the fairgrounds campus along Southern Boulevard. The public also is invited to pay respect to the fallen deputies by lining the procession route. People are urged to take their places by 9 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Live updates: PBSO hosts memorial service Tuesday to honor three deputies killed in crash SUV struck, killed PBSO officers dealing with stalled patrol motorcycle near Wellington Palm Beach County deputy sheriff Luis Paez, 58, died on Nov. 21, 2024, after he and two other deputies were struck by an SUV while preparing to jumpstart a department-issued motorcycle near Loxahatchee. Palm Beach County deputy sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, 54, died on Nov. 21, 2024, after an SUV struck him and two other deputies while they prepared to jumpstart a department-issued motorcycle near Loxahatchee. Palm Beach County deputy sheriff Ignacio Diaz, 51, was critically injured on Nov. 21, 2024 when he and two other deputies were struck by an SUV while preparing to jumpstart a department-issued motorcycle near Loxahatchee. Diaz would later die from his injuries. Paez, Waller and Diaz, all members of the sheriff's motorcycle patrol team, suffered fatal injuries the morning of Nov. 21 when a Jeep SUV struck them on the side of the road at Southern Boulevard near Seminole Pratt Whitney Road west of Wellington. Paez and Waller died that day. Diaz succumbed to his injuries four days after the crash. The deputies had stopped at the side of Southern to deal with a stalled PBSO patrol motorcycle and were waiting for a fourth deputy to arrive with jumper cables when the SUV swerved off Southern to avoid hitting another vehicle that had decelerated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, and its probe is expected to take until early 2025 to complete. No charges were pending against the driver, a Pennsylvania resident, as of Monday. Procession will delay traffic near Fairgrounds throughout morning The procession will affect traffic in Royal Palm Beach, The Acreage, Loxahatchee, Loxahatchee Groves and Wellington, the sheriff's office said. Some roads will close temporarily. Drivers should expect significant delays from 8 a.m. to noon, with additional ones through 3 p.m. Vehicles will depart the Palms West Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach at 9:30 a.m. The route will take them south on State Road 7 to Southern Boulevard, west on Southern to Crestwood Boulevard, north on Crestwood to Okeechobee Boulevard, east on Okeechobee to State Road 7, and finally south on State Road 7 to Weisman Way. The suggested viewing areas include Okeechobee Boulevard from State Road 7 west to Crestwood Boulevard, and Crestwood Boulevard from Okeechobee Boulevard south to Southern Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suggested alternate routes include using Northlake Boulevard for eastbound travel out of the western communities, or the State Road 7 Extension to access eastbound Okeechobee Boulevard. From southbound Royal Palm Beach Boulevard, travel west on Okeechobee, then south on Crestwood to eastbound Southern. Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: PBSO memorial honors officers killed in Wellington, Florida crash DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) A pedestrian was killed while crossing a street in Danville on Friday. The accident happened around 7:30 p.m. on North Bowman Avenue near Crestview Drive. Police said they found a pedestrian, later identified as 26-year-old Travis James of Danville, unresponsive after being hit by a vehicle. James was taken to a hospital in Urbana where he was pronounced dead. All life matters; Danville community leader responds to recent shootings Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 34-year old female driver of the vehicle was on the scene. She wasnt hurt. Danville Police handed the investigation over to Illinois State Police to conduct an accident reconstruction. Anyone with any information on the crash is asked to call the police department at (217) 431-2250, or the Vermilion County Crime Stoppers at (217) 446-TIPS. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. (Getty Images) The Pennsylvania Department of State (DOS) announced Monday it has completed two audits of 2024 general election ballots that confirm the accuracy of unofficial results. These audits are statistical proof that the reported general election results are accurate, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said in a statement. Thank you to the election workers across all 67 counties for once again delivering a free, fair, safe, and secure election in Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every county in Pennsylvania was required to recount 2% or 2,000 of their ballots. According to the DOS, each county reported that the audits confirmed the accuracy of their results. Another audit, known as a risk-limiting audit, was conducted statewide. Fifty-five randomly selected batches of ballots from 32 counties were tallied by hand. Ultimately, that meant 37,000 ballots. According to Schmidt, the audit found six total discrepancies, each resulting in no more than a two-vote change. The Department of State said such errors are generally the result of human error when counting or unclear marks on ballots. Unofficial results show that Republican President-elect Donald Trump received 50.37% of the vote, compared to Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris who got 48.66%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All statewide races for row offices were won by Republicans as well. Though the partisan makeup of the legislature, with Democrats narrowly controlling the state House and Republicans in a firm majority in the state Senate, remained the same. Under the federal Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022, Pennsylvanias electors for president have to be certified by Dec. 11. Counties had to certify their results and provide them to Schmidts office for review by Nov. 25. Next, Gov. Josh Shapiro certifies the results of the election by Dec. 11, by signing a certificate of ascertainment. Then the Electoral College meets in Harrisburg on Dec. 17 to vote for president and vice president ChatBar AI, a patent-pending innovation in AI-driven website assistants, made waves at the Health Tech Summit 2024 in Jakarta by showcasing how its breakthrough technology is poised to transform healthcare accessibility in Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region. Designed to turn static websites into interactive, AI-powered portals, ChatBar AI offers healthcare providers an affordable, scalable way to improve patient engagement, streamline operations, and lower costs-all in real time. At the summit, themed "Leverage the Opportunity - The Future of Healthcare Cost Management," ChatBar AI demonstrated how its advanced conversational AI enables healthcare organizations to overcome challenges such as limited access, resource shortages, and high patient costs, which are prevalent across emerging markets like Indonesia. Ryan McClure, Managing Director of TWOMC Digital, captivated an audience of tech enthusiasts, government officials, insurance and healthcare leaders with a live demonstration. Highlighting ChatBar AI's ability to integrate seamlessly with any healthcare website, McClure showed how the platform offers personalized, 24/7 responses to patient queries in Bahasa Indonesia and other languages. This not only enhances patient education and experience but also provides invaluable data for healthcare providers. "Indonesia is at the cusp of a digital healthcare revolution," McClure said. "ChatBar AI isn't just another chatbot; it's a future-proof tool that empowers hospitals, clinics, and insurers to offer better care, reduce inefficiencies, and scale patient outreach while meeting the unique demands of this diverse region, and it works right out of the box." Key Highlights of ChatBar AI's Impact: Revolutionizing Patient Engagement: ChatBar AI delivers instant, multilingual responses, building trust and improving satisfaction by addressing inquiries about services, general advice, and generic treatments. Streamlining Sales and Operations: Pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers can leverage ChatBar AI to qualify leads, promote wellness programs, and drive conversions without relying on additional staff. Data-Driven Decision Making: ChatBar AI collects and analyzes user interactions without the need for personal data, helping organizations understand the nature of inquiries, enhance services, and respond in real time to trends. Why ChatBar AI Matters in Indonesia: Localized AI: Offers hyper-personalized, language-specific support tailored for Indonesia's multilingual population. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Democratic State Representatives Rick Krajewski and Dan Frankel have announced their plan to introduce legislation that would decriminalize cannabis in Pennsylvania. According to the House Democratic Communications Office, Rep. Krajewski and Rep. Frankle announced earlier today their co-sponsorship memo for legislation that would decriminalize cannabis in Pennsylvania. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania The lawmakers say the legislation would create a strong marketplace that centers public health, raises state revenue, and supports individuals and communities harmed by the criminalization of cannabis. Previously, Rep. Krajewski has chaired five hearings to examine the success and failures of cannabis programs in other states. Currently, 24 states have already legalized recreational marijuana. Weve heard from public health experts. Weve heard from criminal justice and social equity advocates. Weve learned directly from states across the country how to get this done safely and efficiently, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in public revenue, Rep. Krajewski said. Its time to move forward in Pennsylvania before we fall further behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Frankel added that the criminalization of cannabis has been disastrous for Pennsylvania; particularly within communities of color. We have a moral obligation to not only legalize but also to work to repair the damage caused by decades of marijuana arrests, Rep. Frankel said, noting that many states newly legal markets have struggled due to poor regulation and legal attacks from out-of-state cannabis corporations. Our bill will deliver a market that protects the public health, benefits our taxpayers and uplifts those communities that were disproportionately harmed by prohibition policies. This new piece of cannabis legalization legislation prioritizes the following: Expungement and restorative justice for those affected by draconian drug policies. Reinvestment of funds into communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs. Public health protections, such as limiting excessive THC levels, prohibiting predatory marketing and packaging, preventing accidental ingestions by children and other recommendations developed by our nations leading scientists. Providing sustainable cannabis businesses the opportunities for local and diverse operators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prohibition was a reckless and racist policy which deliberately targeted and destroyed Black and Brown communities, Rep. Krajewski added. As a criminal justice organizer and chair of the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission, Im fighting to ensure that we reinvest revenue generated from the cannabis industry into areas most impacted by the War on Drugs and ensure that those who are still dealing with criminal sentences and records are able to finally move on. Pennsylvania lawmakers introduce marijuana legalization bill This new cannabis legalization bill comes just months after House Bill 2500, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Aaron D. Kaufer, was introduced back in September. Differing from past cannabis legislation, H.B. 2500 would place a tax on cannabis products, which would fund several different agencies, including addiction prevention, recovery, treatment services, and local law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. On Sunday, President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for federal crimes related to tax evasion and gun charges. Mandel Ngan / AFP via Getty Images In an official statement explaining his reasoning, Biden wrote: "From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted... No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong." "For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded," he continued. "Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of any rationale the 82-year-old may provide, the court of public opinion has drastically different perspectives depending on where you look. Andrew Caballero-reynolds / AFP via Getty Images Many felt the move to pardon his son before leaving office showed a privilege that everyday Americans could never wield. This is the proof that money might not buy happiness, but will always buy freedom and power Squid (@SquidK0) December 2, 2024 Twitter: @SquidK0 "They dont even try to hide the fact that rich and famous people are above the law," one person wrote. they dont even try to hide the fact that rich and famous people are above the law (@alecsbutt) December 2, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twitter: @alecsbutt Others pointed out a perceived hypocrisy by sharing one of Biden's tweets from earlier this year, when he wrote "No one is above the law" in response to a jury convicting Donald Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records following his now-infamous hush money trial. Now, it seems, some believe Biden has changed his tune. On the other side, netizens harped about what they might do in Biden's situation. One X user wrote, "I would do the same, so I can't hate." I would do the same, so I can't hate victor (@ahm_victor) December 2, 2024 Twitter: @ahm_victor While others suggested even Trump may have acted similarly. Trump would do the same so go ahead Biden Bye Wig Hello Drama (@nosmokenomore) December 2, 2024 Twitter: @nosmokenomore And in that same vein, another layer of supposed hypocrisy was pointed out against Trump voters who believe Biden pardoning Hunter was wrong. "I really don't gaf," this person wrote. "Yall let a felon be president so fck it free hunter!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If yall gonna excuse Trump amidst his intended fascism, my son should DEFINITELY be fucking excused," another wrote. Outside of this back-and-forth, there appeared a pocket of the internet where people begged Biden to use his last weeks in office to shake things up further. Good Biden dont stop do more before you leave office please dont follow the rules. The other side doesnt at all Raquel (@SOULbeautifulme) December 2, 2024 Twitter: @SOULbeautifulme Where do you land? Let us know in the comments. Dec. 2LIMA Law enforcement officers in Allen County executed a search warrant at a Lima-area apartment complex Sunday in their search for what was described as a "person of interest" in a fatal shooting that occurred last week. The individual wanted for questioning in the shooting, Javin Mayo, was not located during the search and remains at large. Lima resident Nick Roach, 31, was found on the evening of Nov. 26 lying outside his residence at 438 S. Kenilworth Ave. Roach was suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen and died a short time later at a local hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police obtained information surrounding the incident that led them to identify Mayo, 43, of Lima, as a person of interest, according to statement released Monday by Lima Police Department Detective Steve Stechschulte. Officers observed a vehicle linked to Mayo at the Gatehouse Apartments on North Cable Road and obtained a search warrant for one of the apartments, searching for Mayo and evidence possibly associated with the crime, Stechschulte said. Because the apartment complex is located outside the city, the Allen County Sheriff's Office SWAT team assisted in the service of the search warrant. It was learned that Mayo left the apartment just prior to the LPD officers' arrival. Mayo is under the supervision of the Ohio Adult Parole Authority after serving prison time for 2021 charges of carrying a concealed weapon, having a weapon under disability and having firearms in a motor vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was also charged in 2007 with aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, having weapons under disability and possession of crack cocaine. He pleaded guilty to reduced charges in that case. Mayo is still at large and remains a person of interest in Roach's death. Anyone with information about Mayo's location is asked to contact the Lima Police Department at 419-227-4444, CrimeStoppers at 419-229-7867 or Stechschulte at 419-221-5181. Featured Local Savings By Mikhail Flores and Neil Jerome Morales MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine civil society and religious leaders asked Congress on Monday to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte over a list of complaints that include graft, incompetence and amassing ill-gotten wealth while in office. The daughter of firebrand former President Rodrigo Duterte has been embroiled in a row with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and is the subject of an enquiry into her spending by the House of Representatives. She denies wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday's complainants included civil society and religious leaders, as well as former government officials critical of her father. They include priest Flaviano Villanueva, who runs a support group for families of victims of the drug war, former congressman Gary Alejano who represents military veterans and their families, and singer-activist Leah Navarro. The complaint includes 24 violation based on major grounds composed of culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes. "The Vice President has reduced public office to a platform for violent rhetoric, personal enrichment, elitist entitlement and a shield for impunity," Teresita Quintos Deles, one of the complainants, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A representative of the Akbayan opposition party endorsed the complaint in the Philippine House of Representatives. Duterte's office said requests for comment had been relayed to the vice-president. The impeachment bid is the latest twist in a high-profile row among three of the Philippines' highest office-holders, after the collapse of a powerful alliance between their families led to Marcos' landslide win in the 2022 election. "This impeachment is not just a legal battle but a moral crusade to restore dignity and decency to public service," said Leila de Lima, a spokesperson for the complainants and a staunch critic of an anti-narcotics campaign run by Duterte's father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint accused Duterte of violating the Philippine constitution by refusing to attend hearings on her budget which violated the system of checks and balances, and graft, both as vice president's office and when she was the education minister. It also accused her of gross incompetence and dereliction of duty. Sara Duterte said on Nov. 23 she had contracted someone to kill Marcos, his wife and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the president's cousin, if she herself were to be killed. Later she said the remarks had been taken out of context. On Friday, in remarks that drew criticism from some lawmakers, Marcos said any impeachment complaint against his estranged vice president would only distract Congress and not help people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jean Encinas-Franco, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, said the impeachment complaint would likely test Congress' will to move against Duterte. "This is a test to Congress, on whether after all the investigations, it will have the guts to impeach Sara," she said in a message. The Philippines' lower chamber of congress is dominated by allies of Marcos, which could allow her impeachment to go through the lower chamber before an impeachment trial in the Senate. (Reporting by Mikhail Flores and Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Martin Petty, Clarence Fernandez and Angus MacSwan) MANILA, Philippines (AP) The Philippine military deployed a navy ship and air force planes to shadow a Russian submarine, which passed through the South China Sea off the countrys western coast last week, a security official said Monday. The Russian submarine identified itself in response to a Philippine navy two-way radio inquiry, saying it was en route home to Russias eastern city of Vladivostok after joining an exercise with the Malaysian navy, Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the National Security Council, said. The submarine, like other foreign ships, has the right of innocent passage in the countrys exclusive economic zone but it still sparked concern when it was spotted on Thursday about 80 nautical miles (148 kilometers) off the Philippine province of Mindoro, Malaya said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The submarine was sighted after it surfaced due to weather-related conditions, Malaya said. All of that is very concerning, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told reporters when asked about the submarine. Any intrusion into the West Philippine Sea, of our EEZ, of our baselines is very worrisome. So, yes, its just another one. Marcos used the Philippine name for the South China Sea, where his country plus Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and other coastal states have faced an increasingly aggressive China, which claims the busy waterway virtually in its entirety. An alarming spike in territorial confrontations, particularly between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and naval forces, starting last year has prompted closer surveillance by the United States and other Western governments of the key global trade route. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Philippines coast guard said Monday that a Chinese military helicopter flew close to fishing boats manned by Filipinos in a dangerous act of harassment last week at Iroquois Reef, a disputed fishing area in the South China Sea. Two Philippine coast guard patrol ships have been deployed to the area to protect Filipino fishermen, coast guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said. There was no immediate comment from Chinese officials. MANILA (Reuters) -President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday the presence of a Russian attack submarine in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea was "very worrisome". "Thats very concerning. Any intrusion into the West Philippine Sea, of our EEZ, of our baselines, is very worrisome," Marcos told reporters, referring to part of the South China Sea within the Philippines' maritime zone. A Russian Kilo-class submarine was sighted 80 nautical miles off the western province of Occidental Mindoro on Nov. 28, Navy spokesperson Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a statement on Monday, confirming a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Philippine navy frigate Jose Rizal established radio contact with the Russian submarine, which confirmed its identity as UFA 490 and its intent. "The Russian vessel stated it was awaiting improved weather conditions before proceeding to Vladivostok, Russia," Trinidad said, without elaborating on why it was in the area. Philippine naval forces escorted the submarine to ensure compliance with maritime regulations, he added. Russia's embassy in Manila could not immediately be reached for comment. Russia's Kilo-class submarines are considered some of the quietest submarines and have been constantly refined since the 1980s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China and Russia declared a "no limits" partnership when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing in 2022, just days before Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine. The two countries carried out live-fire naval exercises in the South China Sea in July. Tensions between Manila, a U.S. treaty ally, and Beijing have escalated over the past year due to overlapping claims in the South China Sea. A 2016 arbitral tribunal ruled China's historical claims to the disputed waterway had no basis, a decision Beijing rejects. (Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by John Mair and Stephen Coates) (Bloomberg) -- The Philippines said a Chinese Navy chopper harassed Filipino fishing boats at a disputed South China Sea reef, showing lingering tensions in the key waterway. Most Read from Bloomberg The Philippine Coast Guard sent two ships to Iroquois Reef to ensure the fishermens safety after receiving footage of the encounter, according to spokesman Jay Tarriela. He posted images on X which he said captured the harassment of Filipino fishing vessels by a Peoples Liberation Army Navy helicopter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian disputed the Philippines allegations. Chinas rights protection and law enforcement in relevant waters is reasonable and lawful, he said at regular press conference in Beijing on Monday. China Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun was quoted in a CCTV report as saying that the China Coast Guard took necessary control measures against Philippine ships, accusing Filipino vessels of illegally gathering in the waters of Iroquois Reef under the pretext of fishing. The fresh incident highlights the continuing conflict between Beijing and Manila in the South China Sea, a major trade route with huge energy potential. Also on Monday, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed concern over the reported presence of a Russian submarine in his nations waters. --With assistance from Colum Murphy and Junyi Wu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Adds details from CCTV report.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. 'Cut Federal Taxes To ZERO,' Says Grant Cardone. Here's Why He Believes Zero Federal Taxes Would Lead To 'Age Of Prosperity And Affluence' Grant Cardone, the well-known entrepreneur and real estate mogul, has stirred up social media with his bold call to cut federal taxes to zero. Cardone, famous for his no-nonsense opinions on money and business, believes that eliminating federal taxes could unlock what he calls an age of prosperity and affluence for the United States and that the people know better how to invest their money than the government. Don't Miss: Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved? The percentage may shock you . Many are using this retirement income calculator to check if theyre on pace heres a breakdown on how on whats behind this formula. Social media users had mixed reactions, with some supporting the idea of replacing income taxes with tariffs. One user even suggested using a simple sales tax and tariffs to pay for federal expenses. Donald Trump, the president-elect, has expressed interest in replacing federal income tax with tariffs. He has suggested imposing high tariffs on commodities from other nations, especially China. According to the Tax Foundation, implementing universal tariffs could generate substantial revenue. Estimates suggest that a 10% universal tariff might bring in about $2 trillion over a decade, whereas a 20% tariff could raise approximately $3.3 trillion. However, these tariffs would also mean higher costs for U.S. households, with a 10% tariff potentially increasing household expenses by over $1,200 annually and a 20% tariff raising them by over $2,000. Trending: Inspired by Uber and Airbnb Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share! The reality is, moving from an income tax system to one funded entirely by tariffs and sales taxes would be a massive shift one that would require significant changes in law and support from both houses of Congress. Experts like Kimberly Clausing of the Peterson Institute for International Economics have voiced concern over such proposals, calling them potentially the most inflationary platform in recent years. The big worry is that without federal income taxes, the government would need to cut crucial programs like Social Security, health care or military spending. This is exactly what Musks and Ramaswamys newly minted commission is tasked with reviewing. Tourists who passed out from binge drinking have been piled into wheelbarrows by police and taken back to their hostel in Thailand. Two women wearing swimwear were photographed unconscious in trolleys being pushed by a policeman on party island Koh Phi Phi in Krabi, Thailand, on Nov 29. The German and Australian women, aged 19 and 23, were said to have been found at a nearby bar before Sergeant Major Saneg Jualaong came to their aid with a pushcart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scenes come after warnings over drinks laced with methanol in neighbouring Laos, which left six foreign tourists dead last month. The two women were found passed out on party island Koh Phi Phi in Krabi - Asia Pacific Press via ViralPress Local authorities are still investigating the deaths of the six backpackers in Vang Vieng, including 28-year-old British lawyer Simone White, whose friend later urged travellers to avoid all local spirits after their group had drunk free shots at one of the bars. After wheeling the two women in Thailand back to their hostel, Sergeant Major Jualaong said: I know what its like to have a daughter and how much we worry about them. A trolley had been used because all the routes were pedestrianised - Asia Pacific Press via ViralPress I thought about their parents back at home. They were both too drunk to speak and too drunk to stand up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that condition, they could have an accident, such as falling into the sea or falling down steps. I made sure they returned safely to their beds. Police Colonel Surasak Jaidee, superintendent of Koh Phi Phi Police Station, added that a trolley had been used because all the routes were pedestrianised and a motorcycle was unable to transport unconscious passengers. 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. Supply to customers was not affected by a leak on one of the branching pipes of the Russian Druzhba pipeline in Poland, the Polish operator Pern said in a statement on Dec. 1. The communist-era-built Druzhba pipeline was used to transport oil from Russia to Europe through its two main branches, supplying central Europe through its southern pipeline and northern Europe through the northern pipeline. Poland has not purchased Russian pipeline oil since early 2023. Druzhba's northern pipeline now mainly transfers oil arriving at its port of Gdansk, supplying Kazakh crude to Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A leak in one of Polands pipes on the northern branch caused its operator, Pern, to halt deliveries and reroute the supply earmarked for Germany. The leak did not affect the quantity of the supply as the second branch's "technical capabilities fully cover the volume needs of customers," the operator said in its statement. The cause of the leak is unknown and will be investigated, the statement added. The EU has banned imports of Russian pipeline oil in response to Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with only Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary granted exemptions due to their dependence on Russian supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian oil continues to transit to Czechia through Poland via the southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline. Read also: At least 3 Russian oil refineries on verge of closure, Reuters reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ST. LOUIS A police chase began early Monday morning in the Metro East and ended in downtown St. Louis with a crash and a fire. Police are still searching for the driver of the car that authorities were chasing. According to officials, the pursuit began in Brooklyn, Illinois, and lasted ten minutes before ending in a crash downtown on 14th Street just after 1 a.m. Monday morning. There were tense moments overnight during this pursuit, despite no reported injuries. Authorities say that the pursuit started after Brooklyn Police tried to pull over the SUV for a traffic stop but instead of stopping, the suspects vehicle took off with Brooklyn Police in pursuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chase came across the Poplar Street Bridge into St. Louis, then it went west on I-64 with the suspects SUV getting off at Jefferson Avenue. Authorities say the SUV got back onto I-64 heading east, then got off on 14th Street, leading to the crash. Missing Illinois mans remains found in Arizona desert: Officials According to authorities, the SUV caught fire after crashing on 14th Street. It appeared that the suspects vehicle likely crashed into a barricade after coming down the off-ramp from the highway. There was a second vehicle on 14th Street at the time of the crash, which did have damage to it. Police say the suspect was able to get away after the crash by running from the scene. There is currently no detailed description of the driver who led police on the chase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story; FOX 2 will provide more information once it comes into the newsroom. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COVENTRY, R.I. (WPRI) Multiple law enforcement agencies were seen Monday searching a wooded area off Eisenhower Street in Coventry. Among the investigators were Coventry detectives, FBI agents and a Rhode Island State Police K-9 unit. Coventry Police Capt. Ryan DeSisto told 12 News they went out there around 10 a.m. to conduct a follow-up for an ongoing investigation, but he couldnt divulge any further details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He assured the public that theres no cause for concern. Theres nothing to worry about right now, DeSisto said. Again, trying to do our due diligence to make sure all the areas are covered and see what we come up with. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking 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. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Police in Prince Georges County have identified the man who was found shot to death in Lanham on Thanksgiving Day. According to the Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD), at around 11:30 a.m., officers responded to the 7700 block of Annapolis Road for a welfare check. There, they found 27-year-old Armando Cousins-Stoute, of no fixed address, shot in a parking lot. He died there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man shot, killed outside of restaurant in Prince Georges County identified As of Monday morning, detectives are working to identify any suspects and determine a motive. The PGPD is also offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment. Anyone who would like to speak to a homicide detective can call 301-516-2512. Police encourage anyone with information to leave a tip (referencing case number 24-0071271) through Crime Solvers online, the P3 Tips app or by calling 866-411-8477. 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. UPDATE: DeAndre Perry was taken into custody on Wednesday by Jackson officers with help from the United States Marshals, according to police. *** MEMPHIS, Tenn. One person is in custody and two others are on the run after a shooting in Jackson, Tennessee left a 2-year-old dead and 4 others injured, police say. The Jackson Police Department is searching for 25-year-old Deandre Perry and 19-year-old Tarcus Wilkes in connection to the deadly shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilkes and Perry are wanted on six counts of Attempted First Degree Murder and one count of Felony Murder. The JPD says the suspects should be considered armed and dangerous. Javon Peterson, 19, was taken into custody shortly after the incident. His charges are not available at this time. Javon Peterson (Photo courtesy of the Jackson Police Department) Deandre Perry and Tarcus Wilkes (Photos courtesy of the Jackson Police Department) Police responded to the shots fired call on Wallace Road on November 26 where they found the toddler and four adults shot inside an SUV. 2-year-old dead after 5 people shot in Jackson, TN The child died from their injuries and the adults were transported to area hospitals, reports say. If anyone has information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of the suspects, call the Jackson Police Department at 731-425-8400 or Crime Stoppers at 731-424-8477. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Marshals Service will pay up to $2,500 each for information that leads to the capture of both suspects. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Police are investigating a deadly road rage shooting east of downtown Orlando. WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS The shooting happened at 8:45 a.m. on East Colonial Drive and Primrose Drive. A man has died after he was shot, sources said. OPD is currently conducting an active investigation near the 2800 Block of East Colonial Drive. Due to a heavy police presence, we are asking individuals who are able to avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/2eBmyiW4jp Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) December 2, 2024 East Colonial Drive is blocked between Primrose and McGuire. No other details were released. Watch: Woman convicted of leaving her boyfriend to die inside suitcase to be sentenced Monday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 9 has a crew working to gather more information and will provide updates on Eyewitness News. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Police have launched an investigation into a double shooting that occurred in the parking lot of a restaurant in Boston on Monday. Officers responding to a report of a shooting outside El Dugout at 122 Seaver Street in Dorchester around 11 a.m. found two people in need of medical treatment, according to the Boston Police Department. The victims were taken to the hospital with what police described as non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video showed the area around the Latin American eatery roped off with yellow tape as officers and detectives scoured the scene for evidence. Neighborhood resident Jonathan Ming told reporters that he was heading to a convenience store next to the restaurant when a group of officers turned him away. Its sad. I feel like its not needed. Everybody here is family, Ming, who also frequents the restaurant, said of the brazen act of violence. People from all sorts of different blocks will come here and talk, just hang out. Police said no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. There were no additional details immediately available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A chainsaw-wielding man was shot and killed by police at a senior living facility near Chicago Sunday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police said it started after they got a call about a shirtless man trying to cut down a tree with a chainsaw at the River Glen of St. Charles senior living center, according to ABC 7 Chicago. When officers got on the scene, the suspect was already inside the facility and confronting residents with the chainsaw, CBS Chicago reported. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh my goodness! Thats very scary just because its such a quiet neighborhood. We see a lot of people walking up and down. Boy, its shocking, Tom Lapis, a neighbor, said. Investigators said they tried to de-escalate the situation by using a taser, but the man continued his attack on tenants and officers. Thats when police said officers shot the man. The man was taken to an area hospital where he died. A spokesperson for the senior living facility said the man was not authorized to be there. Some tenants and officers were treated on the scene for minor injuries. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) No one was injured when apparent shots were fired at a Holland home over the weekend, police say. It happened around 11:15 p.m. Saturday on W 19th Street near Van Raalte Avenue. The Holland Department of Public Safety said the homeowner reported hearing the pop of two or three shots and then saw apparent bullet holes in his siding. A neighbor reported seeing an SUV driving off quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detective are investigating the possible drive-by shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call Holland DPS at 616.355.1150 or by emailing policetips@cityofholland.com. Tips may also be submitted to Silent Observer at 877.887.4536. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Three men were arrested and a fourth remains on the run in connection with a robbery at 1400 Adelaide Street in Kalihi Saturday night. At about 8 :58 p.m. three men, ages, 27, 26 and 29, and a fourth suspect unlawfully entered a residence and brandished a firearm, demanding property, according to a description of the crime released by the Honolulu Police Department. Three suspects were located, positively identified, and arrested for Robbery 1st, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No description of the fourth suspect was released. Two men, ages 25 and 63, and a 26-year-old woman were allegedly robbed at gunpoint. As of Oct. 24, police have recorded 550 robbery cases on Oahu, compared to 559 by the same time last year, according to HPD statistics. 2 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . Dec. 2 (UPI) -- A man who Illinois authorities said threatened senior-living facility residents and staff with a chainsaw on Sunday was shot to death by police. The man, who has not been publicly identified by authorities on Monday, was apparently on the property of River Glen of St. Charles, in St. Charles, Ill., to cut down a tree Sunday, but entered the lobby of the facility shirtless and allegedly confronted residents, police said. Authorities said they attempted to de-escalate the situation but said the man continued to threaten residents with the chainsaw. Police used a Taser in an attempt to subdue the suspect, but it did not work, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was then shot and later was transported to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva, Ill., after the shooting but he was pronounced dead after his arrival. Residents and police were treated at the scene for minor injuries, authorities said. "[Illinois State Police] will conduct a thorough investigation into the use of force portion of this incident," the state police said, according to the Daily Herald. " After its completion, ISP will turn all reports over to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office for an independent review of the facts." A spokesperson for River Glen of St. Charles said the person was never authorized to enter the facility. "We are deeply grateful for the swift action of our team and law enforcement," the spokesperson said, according to WLS-TV. "We want to emphasize that our community is secure, and all of our residents and staff members are safe. We are working closely with law enforcement as they continue their investigation of this isolated incident." PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Luna, the Arctic fox that was found abandoned in Portland on Sept. 12 and sent to live at the Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo, Wis. on Nov. 14, was recently diagnosed with salmon poisoning and is receiving emergency medical care, the zoo said. About a week after Luna arrived in Wisconsin, Ochsner Park zookeepers noticed that she was lethargic and losing her appetite. After performing multiple blood tests, vets diagnosed Luna with salmon poisoning. Salmon poisoning is actually a bacterial infection caused by eating raw salmon that contains a parasitic flatworm, the Ochsner Park Zoo announced on Dec. 2. It causes damage to kidney and liver functions. It is very common in the Pacific Northwest but takes several weeks to actually cause illness in an infected animal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VIDEO: Meet Oddball, the Oregon elk adopted by a herd of cows File: Luna the arctic was fox found wondering the streets of Portland on Oct. 12, 2024. (Bird Alliance of Oregon) Luna likely contracted the disease while roaming the streets of Portland but did not become sick until she arrived in Wisconsin, the Ochsner Park Zoo said. Although Luna has not fully recovered from the disease, she was well enough to leave the vet and return to the zoo on Nov. 29. We are incredibly fortunate to have access to a world-class vet hospital where she was able to spend four days getting intense treatment for the disease, the zoo said. Luna will remain behind the scenes for at least another week to continue her treatments. Her prognosis is promising but she is not completely out of the woods yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ochsner Park Zoo, which is managed by the City of Baraboo, is asking for donations to help cover Lunas treatment and medication, which is expected to cost $3,500. Donations can be made through the zoo animal care section of the citys website, or by check. Checks with a memo denoting vet care should be made out to City of Baraboo Parks, Recreation, and Forestry and mailed to 124 2nd St., Baraboo, WI 53913. Brrr! Portland sees coldest overnight temperatures since January ice storm If Luna is able to recover from the disease, she will be introduced to the zoos male arctic fox Apollo. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A 57-year-old Portland man was rescued while hiking the Cape Horn Trail in Skamania County on Nov. 29. The man required a rescue after suffering a crippling knee injury, the Skamania County Sheriffs Office said. Volunteers with the Skamania County Sheriffs Offices Silver Star Search and Rescue Teams responded to the call and carried the injured hiker back to the trailhead. Thank you to the multiple volunteers who responded and assisted with this search, taking time away from their families on the Thanksgiving weekend to selflessly serve others, Skamania County Sheriffs Office said. Rescuers carry the hiker to safety on a stretcher as night falls on the Cape Horn Trail. (Skamania County Sheriffs Office) The SCSO has received numerous rescue calls since October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trail conditions are expected to become more treacherous as colder, more-severe winter weather hits the region. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DUBOIS COUNTY Ind. (WEHT) Local Eagle Scout and Dubois County native Samuel Osterman completed his final Boy Scout project, honoring those who served our country and have not yet returned home. Many gathered at the Dubois County Courthouse early Sunday morning to hear a presentation to memorialize prisoners of war and missing-in-action service members, thanks to high school senior Samuel Osterman, an Eagle Scout candidate. I want them to walk up to it and read the messages and truly take some time and understand all the meaning behind it and the wait, it really carries not only for us in the Boys county, but the state of Indiana and the nation, says Osterman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project highlights those who served and havent returned home, a service project that Osterman says was supported by the community. Senior Vice Commander of VFW 673 David Flynn says the weather couldnt have been more fitting, noting that a snowy morning is nothing compared to what POWs and MIAs may endure. As we go home and celebrate our creature conforms that are provided you know for our country by the freedom that we enjoy you know think about you know the POWs and MIAs and the conditions that they lived in, and those that are still living in there today unaccounted for you know possibly held against their will you know for past wars? I know its just a special special day in the crowd today was fantastic, says Flynn. The program focused on the reason for the memorial, including Indiana Congressman-Elect Mark Messmer playing taps and thanking Osterman for making this happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is just an awesome way to celebrate an honor, the POW and MIAs from our community across the state and across the country and its to celebrate the dedication of this new memorial congratulating Sam on all his hard work and all of the family friends that helped pull this thing together its just a great day, says Messmer. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). SALEM, Ohio (WKBN) A Christmas Sing-A-Long event will be hosted at a historic church in Salem. The hope is to give it a new life transfusion and bring more attention to the church. Located on State Street, the Church of Our Savior has a long history of over 150 years, but it has slowly seen fewer worshippers. To help remedy that, the Salem Preservation Society and the church are hosting an event to sing Christmas carols at 3 p.m. on Dec. 8. Were featuring this beautiful church and their worshipping organ, which was also a company from Salem. We are going to do a little farewell offering at the end. That money all will stay with the church for the preservation of the church building, said Kelly Bush, president of the Salem Preservation Society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stone edifice of the building is originally quarried in Salem. The structure was completed in 1889. The stone is the only stone left from the quarry that built our home our depot in Salem, our train depot and also the mini-mansion, or the Brooks mansion, Bush said. Bonnie Sarginger was baptized at the church 89 years ago and is a senior ward. Her family was connected to the church before that, too. I was baptized in this church. My kids were married in this church. My kids were baptized in this church. My great-grandson was baptized a year ago almost 88 years to the day I was baptized in this church, Sarginger said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the years, shes seen less and less people at the service, now hoping to attract younger generations. We have no young people coming to the church. Were basically an older generation in the church, and we would like to do something to entice young people to come to the church, Sarginger said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. President Benjamin Harrisons original reading copy of his 1889 inaugural address is on the public market for the first time, being sold by the Philadelphia Raab Collection. (Photo provided by The Raab Collection) A rare piece of presidential history is up for sale and its Indianas beloved Benjamin Harrison at its heart. On the market as of early November is Harrisons original reading copy of his 1889 inaugural address. The signed manuscript was held by the 23rd president as he delivered his famous speech from the East Portico of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The artifact was kept in the Harrison family for multiple generations before the Philadelphia-based Raab Collection acquired it some 15 years ago. The address was sold on the private market and is now up for grabs publicly for the first time, with an asking price of $225,000. Harrison lived a fairly long period of time and wrote a lot of letters. So, the ability to buy correspondence or documents of Harrisons is certainly within the ability of any private buyer, said Nathan Raab, president of The Raab Collection, in an interview with the Indiana Capital Chronicle. But what separates this is its just an individually important moment in American history. There have only been so many inaugurations, right? he continued. And of those inaugurations, Im not aware of a single inaugural address, actually handheld inaugural address not a souvenir copy, not something drawn up later, not a draft but an actual handheld inaugural address, having come to the market. Harrisons call for mutual respect Harrison, among Indianas most famous residents, and the only president to have hailed directly from the Hoosier state, was a Civil War general and lawyer who descended from an already political family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was the great-grandson of Declaration of Independence signer Benjamin Harrison, the grandson of President William Henry Harrison, and son of Congressman John Scott Harrison. Benjamin Harrison takes the oath of office on the east portico of the United States Capitol during a rainy Inauguration in March 1889. (Photo courtesy the Library of Congress) Harrison added to that legacy, first serving as a U.S. senator, and then as president when he narrowly defeated the incumbent Grover Cleveland in the election of 1888. He accepted the countrys highest office on March 4, 1889. As reported by those who were there, after Harrison took the oath of office, he donned his silk hat and pulled a manuscript from his pocket that had been typed by his secretary Elijah Halford. Adjusting his spectacles, the President delivered his speech with sincere eloquence. He called for effort to preserve a more perfect union, advocating early statehood for territories, universal education, protectionism, pensions for dependents of Civil War veterans, and increased patriotism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrisons inaugural address was well-received and is still considered by historians to be among the best: I do not mistrust the future. Dangers have been in frequent ambush along our path, but we have uncovered and vanquished them all. Passion has swept some of our communities, but only to give us a new demonstration that the great body of our people are stable, patriotic, and law-abiding. No political party can long pursue advantage at the expense of public honorThe peaceful agencies of commerce are more fully revealing the necessary unity of all our communities, and the increasing intercourse of our people is promoting mutual respect Harrison served only one term as president; his second run against Grover Cleveland failed. Even so, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis notes numerous accomplishments during his four years as commander in chief, including the addition of six states to the Union more than any other president. Additionally, Harrison is remembered for establishing the Coast Guard Academy, expanding the nations Navy, enforcing the 15th Amendment to secure voting rights, expanding forest and public land preservation efforts, and instituting the practice of displaying the American flag over public buildings and schools. Pages of history The 37-page manuscript Harrison pulled from his pocket is the same one for sale. The Raab Collection said it numbers 37 single-sided pages on watermarked paper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Considering Harrisons known practice was to annotate documents immediately after events, Raab said its assumed that the former president signed and added this note right after the address: This is the MSS [manuscript] used by me in delivering the address March 4, 1889. Harrison had the sheets bound in a small book, which was handed down from generation to generation in the Harrison family. President Benjamin Harrisons original reading copy of his 1889 inaugural address. (Photo provided by The Raab Collection) Originally obtained by Raab from a direct descendant of the president, the signed and annotated reading copy had been in a private collection for over a decade. That previous customer has since sold it back. Raab did not disclose how much the manuscript was previously bought or sold for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raab said the collections research has failed to turn up even one other delivered manuscript, a reading copy, of an inaugural address having reached the market. Separately, however, the Library of Congress holds three drafts of Harrisons inaugural address. Significant too, Raab noted, is that Harrison chose to bind the manuscript. And the intent of that was surely to safeguard it, to pass it down, Raab said. So he obviously cared, for sure. Additionally acquired from that unnamed descendant, who does not live in Indiana, was an entire archive worth of stuff, and we bought that, Raab said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Raab Collection also has seven other Harrison-related documents for sale like correspondence between the president and his family, a report sent to Congress, and his order admitting the state of Washington. They range in price from $2,500 to $50,000. Waiting for a buyer Raab described the collection as a business that looks for, discovers, buys and then sells important historical documents. He said that means looking for quality, not quantity, and finding things of individual, high importance. The has customers all over the world, including private customers and institutional buyers, university libraries and public libraries, and private clientele. Were not an auction, Raab emphasized. We buy things and own them, and then we put them up at a fixed price. And at that point, its the equivalent of first come, first serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raab said its hard to predict in a situation like this, where its so rare, who the buyer will ultimately be, but there would be some beauty in bringing it back to his home state. Any other document of Benjamin Harrison, who wrote a lot of pieces and lived a long time his correspondence is out there and can be acquired at a much cheaper price than this, Raab added. What makes this different is that its an inaugural address. Its very rare. If somebody wants an inaugural address of an American president, well, this may be their only opportunity. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX President Joe Biden and his family discussed whether to pardon Hunter Biden during their time together in Nantucket for Thanksgiving, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to ABC News Monday. Senior White House staff learned of the possibility of a pardon on Saturday evening. President Biden made his final decision on Sunday, the source said. Biden did not answer questions on the issue as he left late Sunday for a three-day trip to Africa. He also ignored shouted questions during a brief stop in Cabo Verde on Monday and when he arrived in Angola. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, peppered with questions about the pardon during a gaggle with reporters on Air Force One, said Biden "wrestled" with the decision and made it himself over the weekend. "It wasn't an easy decision to make," Jean-Pierre said. She added that President Biden ultimately believed his son was "singled out politically" and they "tried to break his son in order to break him." PHOTO: President Joe Biden, accompanied by Hunter Biden walks out of a bookstore in downtown Nantucket, Massachusetts, Nov. 29, 2024. (Craig Hudson/Reuters) First lady Jill Biden, while unveiling the White House's holiday theme on Monday alongside military families, took a brief question on the Hunter Biden pardon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Of course I support the pardon of my son," she said. PHOTO: First Lady Jill Biden speaks about her holiday message to the Nation and to thank the volunteers who helped decorate the White House for the holiday season, at the White House in Washington, Dec. 2, 2024. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images) Hunter Biden, the president's only surviving son, was convicted on federal gun-related charges in June and pleaded guilty to nine tax-related charges in September. Both cases carried the possibility of significant prison time and he was set to be sentenced in both later this month. President Biden had long said he would not pardon his son, including in an interview with ABC's David Muir as Hunter Biden's gun trial was underway this past summer. In his statement on Sunday evening, Biden contended his son was "unfairly" prosecuted after pressure from his political opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice -- and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further," President Biden said. MORE: Timeline: Hunter Biden granted pardon after legal, political scrutiny Hunter Biden, his wife Melissa Cohen Biden and their son Beau, as well as Ashley Biden, spent Thanksgiving in Nantucket with President Biden and first lady Jill Biden. "I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision," the president added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked what changed between Biden's past insistence he would not pardon his son and his announcement Sunday, Jean-Pierre repeatedly referred to Biden's statement. "He wrestled with it. He thought about it. And he believed, and what he saw, was that his son was singled out," she said. "And so he made this decision and once he made the decision, which was this weekend, he decided to move forward with it, and not to not to wait and. And you know, I think he truly believed enough is enough." PHOTO: Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, leaves court after his guilty plea in his trail on tax evasion in Los Angeles, Sept. 5, 2024. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images) Republicans, including President-elect Donald Trump, pounced on the reversal. Congressional Republicans spent years investigating the Biden family, including Hunter Biden, over their business dealings. House Republicans released a report in August on their impeachment probe filled with allegations, many targeted toward Hunter Biden, but no recommendation of specific impeachment articles and no evidence of President Biden himself being directly involved in alleged improper activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's not clear whether Republicans will continue their probes after President Biden leaves office in January. MORE: Trump calls Biden pardoning son Hunter a 'miscarriage of justice' Jean-Pierre told reporters on Monday that Biden "didn't believe they would let up." "They would continue to go after his son. That's what he believed," Jean-Pierre said. House Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday criticized the pardon, which extends as far back as 2014. "President Biden insisted many times he would never pardon his own son for his serious crimes. But last night he suddenly granted a 'Full and Unconditional Pardon' for any and all offenses that Hunter committed for more than a decade!" Johnson wrote on X. "Trust in our justice system has been almost irreparably damaged by the Bidens and their use and abuse of it. Real reform cannot begin soon enough!" How President Biden came to the decision to pardon his son Hunter originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The Trump administration's latest push to end government conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has the housing world abuzz and for good reason. According to the National Association of Realtors, these government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) guarantee about 70% of U.S. mortgages. Any alterations to their structure could send shock waves through the housing market, impacting everything from mortgage rates to affordability. Don't Miss: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been under federal control since 2008 when the financial crisis pushed them into conservatorship. They are critical to the housing market because they buy mortgages from lenders, package them into securities and sell them to investors. This process allows banks to maintain the liquidity they need to continue issuing loans that help millions of Americans obtain long-term fixed-rate mortgages. But it's not just a question of turning control over to private entities. This move could remake the entire housing finance system. Supporters, including former Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) director Mark Calabria, say it's essential. He has emphasized that systemic issues within Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac need to be addressed during conservatorship. See Also: Scrolling To UBI' Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest TODAY for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum. Speaking at the 2019 National Association of Realtors legislative conference, Calabria noted, What Congress decided in HERA [the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008] was, if ... Fannie or Freddie got in trouble, they enter conservatorship, we fix the problem and they move on. Privatization advocates argue it would reduce taxpayer risks and bring competition into the market. Critics, however, caution that it could come at a high price for borrowers. Without the implicit guarantee from the government, investors might grow more wary of mortgage-backed securities, forcing up yields and, ultimately, mortgage rates. Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Analytics, is one voice of concern. "House prices would tumble and the 30-year fixed mortgage rate could surge past 7%," Zandi told Fortune in a past interview. It isnt uncommon for presidents to issue pardons, but President Joe Biden is being criticized for his full and unconditional pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, over the weekend. Its an unfortunate full-circle moment: Biden won the White House after dismissing the existence of a laptop that contained evidence of corruption in the Biden family, claiming it was part of a Russian plan in 2020. Now, as one of his final acts as president, he is pardoning the son, the owner of the laptop in question. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, in a post on X, posted a hot take, saying he is less concerned about Hunter Biden being pardoned for crimes he has been convicted for, including tax evasion and an illegal purchase of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he has a greater issue with the contents of the laptop being concealed and wrongly dismissed as Russian disinformation at a time when they couldve changed the outcome of the 2020 election. The charges brought against Hunter, his plea agreement, and his pardon all appear to have been tailored to conceal his business dealings that may have involved his father, Lee added. Despite Bidens vague, all-encompassing pardon, will Congress carry on investigating the president and his family? Whether or not thats the case, Biden is facing criticism for giving his son special treatment. White House defends Biden As the Deseret News previously reported, Hunter Biden was set to be sentenced in federal court in Delaware on Dec. 12 after he was convicted of buying a gun while lying about using drugs. His sentencing before a federal court in California followed a few days later. Biden owed $1.4 million in federal taxes, which he later paid in addition to fines and interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges were brought by Department of Justice special counsel David Weiss, who earlier had struck a deal with Bidens attorneys, but that fell apart when a federal judge noted the investigation into Biden was still open. Republicans had criticized the deal for being too lenient. The White House came to Bidens defense Monday. White House Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president wrestled with it, and that it wasnt an easy decision to make. She declined to say if Biden spoke to his son about the decision during the Thanksgiving holidays. In lockstep with the presidents statement Sunday, Jean-Pierre said that while Biden has faith in the Justice Department and the justice system, he also believes that his son was singled out politically. President Biden called out for saying he wouldnt pardon his son Democrats and Republicans alike understand the responsibilities of a loving father but argue that Bidens decision to pardon his son isnt appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Bidens pardon of his son Hunter is, as the action of a loving father, understandable but as the action of our nations Chief Executive, unwise, said Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., as Punchbowls Andrew Desiderio reported. In a post on X, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., called for reforming the rules around presidential powers, a position, he argued, Democrats should have pushed for since Biden took office. As a father, I empathize with President Biden, but we must be the party of reform whether its about the archaic pardon power, opposing super PACs or broad war powers, he added. Biden repeatedly said he wouldnt pardon his son, said Utahs Rep. Burgess Owens in a statement on X. Now, were watching the lies unravel, he said. Next, hell pardon his brother, James. Then, hell pardon himself on his way out the door. Joe Biden is corrupt to his core & a complete failure. Has such a pardon been issued before? Hunter Biden is absolved from any crimes he committed from Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 1, 2024, including these two criminal cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only other person to receive such a sweeping pardon was Richard Nixon. After Nixon resigned following the Watergate scandal, which exposed his campaigns wiretapping of the Democratic National Committees headquarters, President Gerald Ford issued a full pardon for any offenses Nixon may or may not have committed a move that also proved to be just as controversial. I have never seen language like this in a pardon document that purports to pardon offenses that have not apparently even been charged, except the Nixon pardon, Margaret Love told Politico. She served as the U.S. pardon attorney for the Justice Department from 1990 to 1997. During this time, she assisted the White House on clemency cases. Whats next for Hunter Biden? According to Reuters, Hunter Biden can be asked to testify before the U.S. House of Representatives or the Justice Department. After receiving his pardon, he can no longer decline to testify or invoke his Fifth Amendment, which protects someone from testifying against themselves. Lee suggested investigations into Hunter Biden and his foreign business dealings would continue in the Republican-controlled Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I look forward to Hunter Biden testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee I want to know the answer to an important question: who is the big guy? he wrote on X, referring to reported conversations between Hunter Biden and business associates. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who led the efforts to impeach the president over alleged corruption, said, Democrats said there was nothing to our impeachment inquiry. If thats the case, why did Joe Biden just issue Hunter Biden a pardon for the very things we were inquiring about? The Scene On Sunday night, John Dean got the news from a friend: President Biden would pardon his wayward son, Hunter, sparing him from prison and any further prosecutions. Republicans were condemning the decision. Democrats were wringing their hands about the optics, and how Donald Trump might react. Dean had another reaction. I was not surprised and delighted that he had done it, Dean told Semafor. Biden believed that raw politics had infected the prosecution, enough to recant his promise that he would not use presidential clemency power to help his son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dean agreed. I dont think he lied to the public about what he was going to do, he said. I think he changed his mind about what he was going to do. In the 51 years since he was fired as Richard Nixons White House counsel, and cooperated with the Watergate probe, Dean had become a prominent critic of Republican presidents. Hed condemned Supreme Court decisions that expanded the executives powers while shrinking his liabilities. And the Biden-Harris coalition that lost last month included not just Democrats, but scores of frustrated ex-Republicans who believed that Trump threatened the entire American system. They drifted apart on Sunday night. The pardon divided both Democrats and anti-Trump non-Democrats some thrilled that Biden had abandoned his partys commitment to norms in the face of a returning president that flouts them, some outraged that he had abandoned the moral high ground that theyll need for the fights to come. Framing it as a selective unfair prosecution against Hunter just totally undercuts any narrative about the rule of law, said Robert Schwartz, who led super PACs in 2024 that encouraged anti-Trump voters to support Nikki Haley in the GOP primary, than Kamala Harris in the general election. They do know these are the same arguments Trump used about his legal cases, right? The View From Democrats Bidens decision rattled his own party, drawing condemnation from some allies in safely blue states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, who briefly ran for the Democrats 2020 presidential nomination, wrote on Monday that Biden put personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all. Vermont Sen. Peter Welch called it understandable but unwise. Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, the two-time chair of the Senate Democrats campaign committee, accused Biden of an improper use of power: It erodes trust in our government, and it emboldens others to bend justice to suit their interests. That wasnt the universal take. Some Democrats, like outgoing DNC chairman Jaime Harrison, praised Bidens decision without conditions. Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett was on MSNBC within an hour of the announcement, defending Biden on the grounds that Republicans didnt really care about the facts of Hunter Bidens case. At the end of the day, we know that we have a 34-count convicted felon that is about to walk into the White House, Crockett said on MSNBC. For anyone that wants to clutch their pearls now, because he decided he was going to pardon his son, I would say: Take a look in the mirror. Few Democrats went on the record to agree with Crockett, and none defended Bidens decision to issue the pardon after repeatedly saying that he wouldnt. But she wasnt alone. Multiple Democrats told Semafor that Trumps victory had already smashed the norms he was protecting when he said he would respect the legal system and let his son go to prison. One Democratic member of Congress put it this way: At what point are you just a sucker? The View From Frustrated Conservatives Bidens pardon was devastating to some of the ex-Republicans who had supported him to beat Trump. The Bulwark, the most prominent of the conservative exile publications, published a range of opinions on Monday, from a defense of the pardon Biden made the correct choice to protect his son against the powerful unfettered vindictiveness that is to come in a few short weeks, wrote Kim Wehle to columns and podcasts condemning it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton, who became a critic after leaving his administration, had refused to vote for either Trump or Harris last month. Bidens mistake, he told Sky News, was fortifying the idea that there were multiple tiers of the justice system; on X, he added that when Trump pardons the January 6th defendants, hes going to say I did it because Joe Biden pardoned Hunter. But Trump had said during the election that he was likely to pardon Jan. 6 defendants and briefly mused about pardoning Hunter Biden. Dean said that a second Trump administration, staffed by people like FBI director-designate Kash Patel, was already planning to wage political prosecutions. It would make sense, in that context, for Biden to go beyond Sundays action and issue blanket pardons for the people on Trump enemy lists. Let Biden give a safe harbor for some of his people whove done nothing but follow the process, Dean said. He could do it with specific people like Jack Smith and company. He could do it with [Robert] Mueller and company. He could do it with blanket pardons, where you would have a class of people who are just engaging in political behavior, and if Trump went after them, they could say: Hey, this isnt subject to criminal investigation. Davids view Democrats are in disarray, as usual, but the stakes for most of them are pretty low. As Semafors Burgess Everrett put it, free shots at unpopular outgoing president of your own party dont come around too often. Democrats who want their anger at Trumps next moves to sound credible are starting by denouncing the Biden pardon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But not every Trump critic needs to run for office. The pardon broke the seal on a discussion liberals have been having for a month: What was the point of being the party of norms? Biden and Attorney Gen. Merrick Garland had allowed a Trump-ordered probe of the Trump-Russia inquiry to continue; had appointed a special counsel to investigate Bidens handling of classified documents after leaving the vice presidency; had kept on David Weiss, a Trump appointee, and made him a special counsel, to avoid any appearance that the Democrats were trying to impede the Hunter Biden investigations. None of this was very compelling to voters who heard Trump accuse the Biden DOJ of trying to destroy him. According to exit polling last month, a majority of voters who believed that American democracy was very threatened voted for Trump. That was enormously depressing for Democrats and anti-Trump conservatives. Some of them hoped that Biden would leave office on the high ground, making an Abrahamic sacrifice of his son, making any Trump revenge moves or mass pardons look cheap by comparison. Well, he didnt. Room for Disagreement The American voting public has told usover and overthat they DO NOT CARE about our precious norms, wrote Bulwark editor Jonathan V. Last. This does not mean that we should not care about norms. We can care for them as a matter of taste, or morality. Or because we believe they are good, right, and true. But practically speaking there is no political incentive structure to enforce them. They will continue to erode irrespective of what you, I, or John Dillinger do. Notable Joe Biden has issued a pardon for his son Hunter following his conviction on federal gun charges, despite previously claiming he would not do so. The president officially announced the decision on Sunday night, saying that his son had been selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted by the Justice Department. In a lengthy statement, he said he hoped the American people would understand his decision as a father. The pardon comes less than two weeks ahead of Hunters sentencing on December 12 for his conviction on federal gun charges back in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was also set to be sentenced in a separate criminal case on December 16, after pleading guilty in September to federal tax evasion charges. Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter, Biden said. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Hunter Biden allegedly hung out with his now ex-girlfriend Lunden Roberts and his brothers widow, Hallie Biden, at Joe Bidens rented house in Virginia (AP) Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate statement on Sunday evening, Hunter Biden said he would never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and would devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. "I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction - mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport, he said. Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years because of my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends. His fathers sudden announcement was a full reversal of the stance he took six months ago when he announced publicly he would not pardon Hunter, should he be convicted. In June ABC News David Muir asked the president point blank if he would accept the outcome of his sons trial. Yes, the president replied, also telling Muir he would rule out pardoning his son if convicted. Biden also told reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case, I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him. Hunter Biden publicly disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 a month after his fathers 2020 victory and was found guilty on federal gun charges in September (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) As recently as November 8, days after Trumps victory, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying, Weve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in his Sunday statement, Biden went on to claim that the charges against his son had come about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election, and that the carefully negotiated plea deal had subsequently unraveled in the court room. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. The president added: For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. US President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden hug on stage at the conclusion of the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images) I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pardon caps a long-running legal saga for Hunter Biden, who publicly disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 a month after his fathers 2020 victory. He was convicted in June this year in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when, prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. Hunter was also set to stand trial in September in the California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 m in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. He said he was pleading guilty in that case to spare his family more pain and embarrassment after the gun trial aired salacious details about his struggles with a crack cocaine addiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tax charges carry up to 17 years behind bars and the gun charges were punishable by up to 25 years in prison, though federal sentencing guidelines were expected to call for far less time and it was possible he would avoid prison time entirely. The president has the authority to grant a pardon to anyone convicted in federal court or by a military court martial. A pardon blocks any further punishment for the forgiven offense and effectively prevents any further consequences of a criminal conviction. The president does not have the authority to grant pardons on state-level convictions. A pardon does not include an expungement of a criminal record, but it will restore most legal disabilities, including voting rights and the ability to sit on a jury and possess a firearm. However, it also does not signify innocence. President Biden on Sunday issued a "full and unconditional" pardon to his son Hunter, who was convicted by a jury of illegally purchasing a handgun in Delaware and pleaded guilty to tax charges in Los Angeles. Biden and his staff had repeatedly and publicly stated he would not pardon Hunter. The about-face came about two weeks before his son was set to be sentenced potentially facing a prison term by federal judges on both coasts. In explaining the controversial and extraordinary action, Biden claimed Hunter was the victim of unfair political attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election, Biden said in a statement released Sunday. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong," he continued in the statement. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution," the president said. President-elect Donald Trump has openly called for his political enemies to be prosecuted, and Biden, with less than two months left in his presidency, suggested "attacks" on his son would not let up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough," the president declared. Republicans condemned the move, with Rep. James Comer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, accusing the president of lying "from start to finish about his family's corrupt influence peddling activities." "He also lied when he said he would not pardon Hunter Biden," Comer said in a statement. Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! Trump said in a post on Truth Social. President Biden accompanied by his son Hunter Biden and grandson Beau leave a bookstore as they walk in downtown Nantucket, Mass., on Friday. (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press) President Biden said he came to the decision after spending the Thanksgiving holiday with his son and other family members in Nantucket, Mass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pardon covers offenses that Hunter Biden "may have committed or taken part in" from Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 1, 2024. It effectively wiped away the two pending criminal cases in which the younger Biden faced a combined maximum of several years in prison, although he was likely to serve only a few years, at most. But the pardon also offers immunity for other conduct in that period, when he was active in foreign business dealings, including his seat on the board of Burisma, the Ukrainian natural gas company he joined in 2014 while his father was vice president. Hunter Biden was paid millions by the company. He denies any wrongdoing. Late Sunday, Hunter Biden's lawyers submitted notices of the pardon in federal court, saying both cases are now moot and that the pardon "requires an automatic dismissal" of each. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors under special counsel David Weiss fired back on Monday, opposed the "automatic" dismissal of the indictments, and offered a defense of how prosecutors handled the case against the president's son. "The Government does not challenge that the defendant has been the recipient of an act of mercy. But that does not mean the grand jurys decision to charge him, based on a finding of probable cause, should be wiped away as if it never occurred," the filing states. "It also does not mean that his charges should be wiped away because the defendant falsely claimed that the charges were the result of some improper motive. No court has agreed with the defendant on these baseless claims." In a statement, Hunter Biden said, "I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering." In June, Hunter Biden was convicted of three federal gun crimes, including lying about being drug-free when he purchased and briefly owned a gun while he was addicted to crack cocaine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guilty verdict capped a weeklong trial in which prosecutors elicited testimony from Bidens ex-wife, an ex-girlfriend and his sister-in-law turned lover. All spoke in graphic detail about his addiction to drugs and alcohol, with First Lady Jill Biden often sitting in the front row. Shortly before the trial testimony began, President Biden told ABC journalist David Muir that he would accept the jury's verdict in the Delaware case. "Have you ruled out a pardon for your son?" Muir asked. "Yes," Biden replied. After the verdict, the president said he would continue to "respect the judicial process while his son considered an appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to all nine federal tax charges he faced, just as jury selection was about to begin in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom. Read more: Who would lend millions to Hunter Biden? Meet the Hollywood lawyer who has The indictment in the tax case included racy details of Bidens life between 2016 and 2019 the period during which now he admits he failed to pay at least $1.4 million in federal taxes including the hundreds of thousands of dollars he spent on escorts, a pornographic website, hotels, luxury car rentals and other lavish personal expenses. As part of his guilty plea, Biden had acknowledged improperly classifying his personal expenses as business expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In both cases, Hunter Biden and his legal team had sought to paint him as a victim of selective, unfair and politically motivated prosecution. His lawyers had pointed to a plea deal that was reached in 2023 and would have spared Hunter any prison time. It unraveled under questioning from a judge in Delaware, and after the deal collapsed, Weiss, the special counsel, secured indictments in both cases. The president referred to the end of the plea deal in his statement Sunday. "Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases," Biden said. Instead, he said, politics had marred the cases. "I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further." Hunter's lawyers had tried to get both criminal cases dismissed, arguing again that the charges were borne of a selective and unfair prosecution, but neither judge was swayed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden now lives in Malibu, where he took up a daily ritual of painting. 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. President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden on Sunday, despite repeatedly claiming he wouldnt, saying raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice. Biden gave his son a full and unconditional pardon for any criminal offenses committed from Jan. 1, 2014, to Dec. 1, 2024, including but not limited to all offenses charged or prosecuted (including any that have resulted in convictions) by Special Counsel David C. Weiss... . In a statement issued by the White House, Biden said he thought his son Hunter was singled out because he was the presidents son and that he would have received a plea deal otherwise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden was set to appear for sentencing in two different courts later this month. He was supposed to appear in federal court in Delaware on Dec. 12 after he was convicted of buying a gun while lying about using drugs, and on Dec. 16, he was set to appear before a federal court in California for sentencing over tax fraud charges that he pled guilty to. Biden owed $1.4 million in federal taxes, which he subsequently paid in addition to interest and penalties. The charges were brought by Department of Justice special counsel David Weiss, who earlier had struck a deal with Bidens attorneys. That deal fell apart when a federal judge noted the investigation into Biden was still open, as the Deseret News previously reported. Republicans had criticized the deal for being too lenient. Throughout his sons struggles with addiction, President Biden has consistently stood by him, offering unconditional support and reportedly staying in daily contact. In light of the heartbreaks the Biden family has endured, including the tragic deaths of his daughter Naomi and first wife Neilia in a 1972 car accident and the death of his first son Beau from brain cancer in 2015, Hunter holds a special place in his fathers heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some supporters of President Biden had suggested he should pardon his son before leaving office. And President-elect Donald Trump didnt rule out pardoning Hunter when asked by conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt last month whether he would. I wouldnt take it off the books ... despite what theyve done to me, he said, as Forbes reported. See, unlike Joe Biden, despite what theyve done to me, where theyve gone after me so viciously ... and Hunters a bad boy, Trump said at the time. Hes been a bad boy. ... But I happen to think its very bad for our country. President Biden earlier said he wouldnt pardon Hunter President Biden had said he wouldnt pardon his son, telling ABCs David Muir in June, when he was still running for president, that he had ruled that out. During subsequent White House press briefings, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre repeatedly told reporters Biden would not pardon his son, including after he dropped out of the presidential race in July and again after Vice President Kamala Harris lost to Trump in November. On Nov. 7, two days after the election, Jean-Pierre was asked at a press briefing whether President Biden had plans to pardon his son, and she said the answer was no. #WATCH | White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has repeatedly stated that Joe Biden would not pardon his son Hunter: pic.twitter.com/gwp15oRrhk VOZ (@Voz_US) December 2, 2024 But in Sundays statement, Biden said he was pardoning his son because his political opponents in Congress helped undo the plea deal that would have kept Hunter Biden out of jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted, the president said. But, he added, It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. President Biden suggested that the criminal cases against his son threatened his sobriety. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here, Biden said. Enough is enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Biden will remain in office until Trump is inaugurated on Jan. 20. Reaction to Biden pardoning his son Almost immediately after news broke that the president had pardoned his son, Bidens decision was criticized on social media. Republican Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs said, on X, Hunter Biden is a criminalbut his corrupt father wont let justice be served under an Administration that follows the rule of law. Joe Biden will go down as one of the most corrupt presidents in American history. Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wrote, on X, While as a father I certainly understand President (Bidens) natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation. Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a Presidents son. While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) December 2, 2024 Utah Sen. Mike Lee suggested investigations into Hunter Biden and his foreign business dealings would continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I look forward to Hunter Biden testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee I want to know the answer to an important question: who is the big guy?, he wrote on X, referring to reported conversations between Hunter Biden and business associates. President Bidens full statement President Bidens statement, in full, said: Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions and reversing his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family members. The Democratic president had previously said he would not pardon his son or commute his sentence after his convictions in the two cases in Delaware and California. The move comes weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges, and less than two months before President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to the White House. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It caps a long-running legal saga for the presidents son, who publicly disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 a month after Joe Bidens 2020 victory. In June, Biden categorically ruled out a pardon or commutation for his son, telling reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case, I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him. As recently as Nov. 8, days after Trumps victory, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying, Weve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no. In a statement released Sunday evening, Biden said, Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter, alleging that the prosecution of his son was politically motivated and a miscarriage of justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election, Biden said. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision, Biden added, claiming he made the decision this weekend. The president had spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts, with Hunter and his family. He was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when, prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He was set to stand trial in September in the California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden said he was pleading guilty in that case to spare his family more pain and embarrassment after the gun trial aired salacious details about his struggles with a crack cocaine addiction. The tax charges carry up to 17 years behind bars and the gun charges are punishable by up to 25 years in prison, though federal sentencing guidelines were expected to call for far less time and it was possible he would avoid prison time entirely. Hunter Biden said in an emailed statement that he will never take for granted the relief granted to him and vowed to devote the life he has rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport, the younger Biden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for special counsel David Weiss, who brought the cases, did not respond to messages seeking comment Sunday night. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Reactions started coming through shortly after the announcement on Sunday evening that President Joe Biden had pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for his tax evasion and federal gun charges. A reversal for the president, the pardon came about two weeks before his son was scheduled for sentencing in both cases: on Dec. 12 on the gun-related charges in Delaware, and on Dec. 16 on the tax charges in California. Hunter Biden first released a statement directly after the pardon was issued, saying in part, "I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly afterward, his sister, Ashley Biden, posted to her stories on Instagram: Thank you, Dad! What they have tried to do to my brother is cruel + politically motivated. Period. Proud Sister + Daughter! PHOTO: Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, arrives for a closed-door deposition with the House Oversight and Judiciary committees onN Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 28, 2024. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) However, there was a less receptive response from Washington, D.C. MORE: President Joe Biden issues pardon for son Hunter Biden House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, Republican of Kentucky, said President Biden "lied from start to finish" about the circumstances surrounding his son's case. In a statement on Sunday, he said, "Joe Biden has lied from start to finish about his familys corrupt influence peddling activities. Not only has he falsely claimed that he never met with his sons foreign business associates and that his son did nothing wrong, but he also lied when he said he would not pardon Hunter Biden." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The charges Hunter faced were just the tip of the iceberg in the blatant corruption that President Biden and the Biden Crime Family have lied about to the American people," he added. "Its unfortunate that, rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability." And Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan posted on X: Democrats said there was nothing to our impeachment inquiry. If thats the case, why did Joe Biden just issue Hunter Biden a pardon for the very things we were inquiring about? PHOTO: President Joe Biden, accompanied by Hunter Biden walks out of a bookstore in downtown Nantucket, Massachusetts, Nov. 29, 2024. (Craig Hudson/Reuters) President-elect Donald Trump addressed the pardon by bringing up those who had been arrested for storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 -- whom he referred to as "J-6 Hostages." "Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!" he posted to Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump calls Biden pardoning son Hunter a 'miscarriage of justice' Steven Cheung, the spokesperson for President-elect Donald Trump, also responded indirectly, providing a statement to ABC News that said the circumstances go to show that the Department of Justice had weaponized the justice system -- before adding that Trump intends to fix that during his second term in the White House. The failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system," the statement said. "That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people," it continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Timeline: Hunter Biden granted pardon after legal, political scrutiny House Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona said in a post on X that he disagrees with President Biden's decision to pardon Hunter Biden, making him the first House Democrat to publicly disagree with the president on the decision. He wrote, "I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong." "This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers," Stanton added. MORE: Judge rejects latest attempt by Hunter Biden to dismiss tax-related charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokespersons for both Special Counsel David Weiss and Attorney General Merrick Garland did not have an immediate response to the pardon of Hunter Biden when reached by ABC News on Sunday. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Washington DC reacts to President Biden pardoning son Hunter in shock decision originally appeared on abcnews.go.com WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Just weeks before leaving office President Joe Biden issued a pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, Sunday night. The pardon comes after the president repeatedly said he would not do so. President Biden said in a statement hes pardoning his son because he believes the charges against Hunter were politically motivated. The pardon comes just weeks before Hunter was supposed to be sentenced in two federal cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the presidents son will avoid possible prison time for felony gun and tax convictions. Its a reversal for the president who pledged he would not pardon hunter or commute his sentence. I abide by the jury decision. I will do that, and I will not pardon him, said Biden back in June. Hunter faced up to 25 years in prison for lying on a federal gun purchase form about his drug addiction. The White House also emphasized the president would not pardon Hunter. Weve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no, said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. The pardon also includes any other offenses Hunter may have committed between January of 2014 and December this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement President Biden said quote, No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. President-elect Donald Trump posted on Truth Social calling the pardon quote, an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! President Biden ignored reporters questions about the pardon as he was departing for Angola on what may be his last foreign trip as president. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Joe Biden issued a pardon for his son, Hunter, for federal gun and tax evasion charges. Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to and was convicted of 12 counts carrying a max sentence of up to 42 years. The pardon comes ahead of sentencing hearings scheduled for mid-December. President Joe Biden has issued a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, for federal gun and tax evasion charges. "Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter," Biden said in a statement released Sunday. "From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden, in his statement, described the charges against his son as a strategy by his political opponents to attack his family and oppose his election. He referenced a plea deal that collapsed last summer as the result of pressure from his opponents in Congress and evidence that the prosecution was politically motivated. The statement continued: "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, they've tried to break me and there's no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough." In a series of high-profile cases, Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to and was convicted of 12 counts carrying a max sentence of up to 42 years. The tax evasion case stemmed from an investigation launched in 2018 during Donald Trump's first administration by David Weiss, the US Attorney in Delaware who was nominated by Trump. Though US Attorneys usually resign with each new presidential administration, the Justice Department under Biden asked Weiss to remain in his role, The Washington Post reported at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden attempted to plead guilty to two tax crime charges stemming from the investigation, but US District Judge Maryellen Noreika, another Trump nominee, rejected the deal last July. The deal would have resulted in the younger Biden pleading guilty to two tax crimes, and prosecutors would have dropped potential gun charges in exchange for Biden seeking treatment for substance abuse. Under the terms of the arrangement, which Trump and other Republicans criticized as a sweetheart deal, Hunter Biden wouldn't have to spend any time in jail. After the plea deal fell apart, prosecutors in September 2023 charged Hunter Biden with three gun charges, including lying on a gun-purchase form by indicating he did not use illegal drugs even though he was not sober and owning the weapon in violation of laws that prevent people who use drugs from possessing firearms. The president's son was ultimately convicted by a federal jury in June 2024 on the gun charges and pleaded guilty in September 2024 to nine federal tax charges before jury selection for the trial was set to begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pardon comes ahead of sentencing hearings in both cases scheduled for mid-December. Joe Biden had previously and repeatedly insisted he would not use his pardon power to protect Hunter Biden from the verdicts in his cases. He addressed his change of heart in his statement, saying that politics has "infected" the justice system. "Here's the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further," Joe Biden's statement read. "I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision." Read the original article on Business Insider President Joe Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted on tax evasion and federal gun charges and is due for sentencing in December. Despite the White House's assurances last month that the president had no intentions of pardoning his son, the announcement came through on Sunday evening that he had pardoned him. PHOTO: Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, leaves court after his guilty plea in his trail on tax evasion in Los Angeles, Sept. 5, 2024. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images) In a statement, he said, "Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter," for what he called a "miscarriage of justice." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted," he wrote. President Biden also mentioned "political opponents in Congress," whom he credited for instigating the charges and for ensuring that a plea deal, composed in July, fell apart in August. The statement concluded, "Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision." MORE: President Biden has no plans of pardoning son Hunter Biden, White House says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the summer, a jury found the younger Biden guilty on three felony counts related to his purchase and possession of a firearm while addicted to drugs. And in September, Hunter Biden agreed to plead guilty to nine tax-related charges, including three felonies, on the eve of what was expected to be a lengthy and grueling trial. For the tax charges, Hunter Biden faced up to 17 years in federal prison and $1.35 million in fines. His gun-related conviction carried a potential of up to 25 years in prison. Hunter Biden was scheduled to face sentencing for both cases in the coming weeks on Dec. 12 on the gun-related charges in Delaware, and Dec. 16 on the tax charges in California. PHOTO: Hunter Biden departs federal court after a plea hearing on two misdemeanor charges of willfully failing to pay income taxes in Wilmington, Del., July 26, 2023. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters, FILE) Asked about the president's intentions to pardon Hunter Biden on Nov. 7, shortly after the election results came through in favor of Donald Trump, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, "We've been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She declined to comment on any other pardons the president may make before the end of his term, including any administration officials or people threatened by President-elect Donald Trump with legal action. MORE: Exclusive: Biden tells Muir he wouldn't pardon son Hunter, says Trump got 'fair trial' On Nov. 26, White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates, asked if President Biden was still committed to no clemency for his son Hunter, said, "I dont have anything to add to what hes said already." President Biden had also previously told ABC News' David Muir that he did not intend to pardon his son, during an interview in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said, at the time, that he would accept the results of the trial. MORE: Washington DC reacts to President Biden pardoning son Hunter in shock decision At a White House briefing in June, President Biden also stated, "Im extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He is hes one of the brightest, most decent men I know." He added, "I said Id abide by the jury decision, and I will do that. And I will not pardon him." A month later, on July 25, Jean-Pierre -- in response to another question about President Biden pardoning his son, said, "Its still a no. It will be a no. ... And I don't have anything else to add. Will he pardon his son? No." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, in July of 2023, Jean-Pierre answered "No" when asked if there was any possibility that the president would end up pardoning his son. PHOTO: President Joe Biden, accompanied by Hunter Biden walks out of a bookstore in downtown Nantucket, Massachusetts, Nov. 29, 2024. (Craig Hudson/Reuters) Hunter Biden was seen over last week holidaying with his family in Nantucket. He released a statement on Sunday, saying, I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport. Despite all of this, I have maintained my sobriety for more than five years because of my deep faith and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends. In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages. In recovery we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the mercy that we have been afforded." The statement continued, "I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within an hour of President Bidens pardon, Hunter Bidens legal team filed perfunctory notices with the courts in both criminal cases. Attorneys wrote, The Presidents pardon moots Mr. Bidens pending and yet to occur sentencing and entry of judgment in this case and requires an automatic dismissal of the Indictment with prejudice. President Joe Biden issues pardon for son Hunter Biden originally appeared on abcnews.go.com President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday, a stunning reversal after long pledging not to intervene in a series of embarrassing prosecutions. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted, the president said in a statement, adding, No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. The pardon, first reported by NBC News, applies to any offenses Hunter Biden has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden was found guilty in June of illegally owning a gun in 2018 after the Justice Department filed rarely prosecuted charges against him. In September, he also pleaded guilty to not paying his taxes on time to avoid another public trial. He was set to be sentenced later this month. While the gun charges come with a maximum sentence of 25 years and the tax charges a sentence of up to 17 years, many experts say he was likely to serve no more than 36 months and possibly less, or even just probation. I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering," Hunter Biden said Sunday. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images The younger Biden said Sunday he would not take the pardon for granted, while adding he believed his past mistakes had been exploited by Republicans for political points. I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport, the presidents son said in a statement. In the throes of addiction, I squandered many opportunities and advantages. In recovery we can be given the opportunity to make amends where possible and rebuild our lives if we never take for granted the mercy that we have been afforded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering. The prosecutions had been an embarrassing saga for the Biden family, often overshadowing the presidents time in office. The White House regularly accused Republicans of hammering Hunter Biden in retribution for the efforts to indict President-elect Donald Trump for his behavior while in office. Trump responded to the news in a brief remark on Truth Social, asking if the clemency applied to any of those convicted for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol. He called those sentences such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice. The charges against Hunter Biden were long seen as unusual in that they likely wouldnt have been filed against first-time offenders, according to many legal experts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe Biden had long promised that he would not pardon his son, and the White House said just last month that he was not planning to do so. But the president said Sunday he believed his son had been subject to an effort to break him and that raw politics had infected the justice system. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution, Biden said in the statement. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further, he added. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. Related... President Joe Biden has pardoned his son Hunter Biden, who earlier this year was convicted of gun-related felony charges in Delaware and pleaded guilty to tax evasion in California. I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further, the president said in a statement issued Sunday night. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move comes weeks before Hunter Bidens sentencing hearings for the gun and tax cases, which were slated for Dec. 12 and Dec. 16, respectively. President Biden had previously said he would not use his presidential powers to pardon his son or commute his sentence after his convictions. Im extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He is one of the brightest most decent men I know, Biden said in June after Hunter Bidens federal gun trial. I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him. Hunter Bidens legal travails became a media frenzy ever since he publicly disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 one month after his fathers presidential election win. In June, Hunter Biden was convicted in Delaware federal court of three felonies related to a purchase of a revolver in 2018. According to prosecutors, he had lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He then pleaded guilty in September to misdemeanor and felony charges before his trial in California was set to begin; he was accused of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read President Bidens full statement below: Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. More to come Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." On Sunday, December 1, President Joe Biden issued a "full and unconditional" pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. Per the White House, the President granted clemency to Hunter "for those offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 1, 2024." He made the decision, he wrote, because the charges against Hunter were politically motivated. "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong." President Biden added, "There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Hunter shared a statement, "I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport. I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering." Previously, Biden had said he would not pardon his son. "I said Id abide by the jury decision; I will do that," he told reporters in June. In addition, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre repeatedly told reporters Biden would not be pardoning Hunter. The reversal comes, then, as a surprise to many. Historian and T&C contributor Alexis Coe posted on X, "Hunter Biden wasn't unique among ne'er-do-well First Sons--until now. As a presidential historian, I'm astonished. Just last year, I wrote the Dems showed 'no one is above the law' while Republicans thought 'an eye for an heir will do just fine.'" Yet, Biden is not the first sitting president to pardon a family member; Clinton and Trump both did. Per the New York Times, "President Bill Clinton pardoned his half brother Roger Clinton for old cocaine charges. A month before leaving office, Mr. Trump pardoned his son-in-law Jared Kushners father, Charles Kushner." Read Biden's full pardon of his son here: Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given noncriminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the courtroom with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. You Might Also Like Gov. Kristi Noem presents her fiscal year 2025 budget address to the South Dakota Legislature on Dec. 5, 2023, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Lawmakers expect South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to present a lean budget proposal Tuesday due to lower-than-expected revenues and an end to federal pandemic-era stimulus cash. Several are keen to hear Noems plan to fund the proposed $825 million mens prison south of Sioux Falls. The recently released guaranteed maximum price is $256 million more than what state lawmakers have set aside for the project over the past few years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve thrown a lot of money at that project over the last two sessions Ive been involved with, said incoming Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff, a Republican from Pierre. At some point, we shouldve thrown enough at it to get it done. The governors budget address kicks off the annual legislative budgeting process. Lawmakers will consider Noems budget proposals when they convene for the annual legislative session on Jan. 14. Sen. Jim Mehlhaff, R-Pierre, speaks on the floor of the South Dakota Senate during the 2024 legislative session. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) Tuesdays speech will also provide an opportunity for the governor to highlight her accomplishments during her last six years in office before shes expected to resign in January. President-elect Donald Trump picked Noem as his Homeland Security cabinet secretary pick in November. Shell hand the reins to Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden during the legislative session if shes confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Noem will present the budget address at 1 p.m. CST from the House of Representatives at the Capitol in Pierre. South Dakota Public Broadcasting will carry the speech live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fiscal experts anticipate lower-than-projected state revenues for the current fiscal year, which started in July. South Dakota is on track to see negative sales tax revenue growth this fiscal year. That makes it difficult to do much new, and the hope is that theres funding available to adequately fund the core priorities of the state, said Sioux Falls Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen, who serves as vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Those core priorities include education, Medicaid, state employee salaries and public safety. Rep. Tony Venhuizen, R-Sioux Falls, speaks on the state House floor on Feb. 7, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Democratic Senate Majority Leader Liz Larson, of Sioux Falls, said she recognizes the lack of wiggle room to achieve priorities outside those responsibilities. The prison project could be a dominant topic during the legislative session not only the funding but also discussions about the location, which has been opposed by neighboring landowners and is the subject of a lawsuit. Incoming Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, said unanswered questions and logistics still up in the air need to be addressed before the Legislature moves forward. Mehlhaff said hes open to a bonding discussion if funds arent available. Rep. Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, speaks on the House floor on Jan. 17, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Waiting any longer will increase project costs, said Will Mortenson, who was House majority leader during the last legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anybody who wants to bring an objection to this has to have an alternative site ready to present, said Mortenson, a Republican from Fort Pierre. This is a clear and present need for the state. We cant sit around with indecision for too long. The new prison would largely replace the existing penitentiary in Sioux Falls, parts of which date to 1881. A tight budget could also complicate discussions of potential state funding for local property tax relief, which some lawmakers campaigned on. Though the state and cities rely mostly on sales taxes, counties and school districts depend on property taxes. Rep. Will Mortenson, R-Fort Pierre, left, and Sen. Casey Crabtree, R-Madison, during the 2023 legislative session. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only serious property tax proposals will include where the money comes from, Mortenson said. The state doesnt spend a dime of property tax revenue and well certainly not force a property tax cut on the backs of our schools and counties. Mehlhaff said hed prefer to discuss and study revenue and government funding at all levels in the coming year to better understand the states tax structure and how to alleviate property tax burdens before passing legislation. If theres one-time money available outside of Noems proposed budget, hed like to give some relief to county governments. As this session goes on and we get a proper picture of what one-time money is available, Mehlhaff said, we might have some different ideas of where they can go to do the most good for South Dakotans. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX AMMAN (Reuters) - Iranian-backed militias entered Syria overnight from Iraq and were heading to northern Syria to beef up beleaguered Syrian army forces battling insurgents, according to two Syrian army sources. Dozens of Iran-aligned Iraqi Hashd al Shaabi fighters from Iraq also crossed into Syria through a military route near Al Bukamal crossing, a senior Syrian army source told Reuters. "These are fresh reinforcements being sent to aid our comrades on the front lines in the north," the officer said, adding the militias included Iraq's Katiab Hezbollah and Fatemiyoun groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran sent thousands of Shi'ite militias to Syria during the Syrian war and, alongside Russia with its air power, enabled Syrian President Bashar Assad to crush the insurgency and regain most of his territory. A lack of that manpower to help thwart the rebel onslaught in recent days contributed to the speedy retreat of Syrian army forces and withdrawal from Aleppo city, according to two other army sources. Militias allied to Iran, led by Hezbollah, have a strong presence in the Aleppo area. Israel has also in recent months stepped up its strikes on Iranian bases in Syria while also waging an offensive in Lebanon which it says has weakened Hezbollah and its military capabilities (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Raju Gopalakrishnan) There is a push to make one road in Atlantic Beach more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly. The Florida Department of Transportation is holding a meeting Tuesday on proposed safety improvements for Mayport Road from Atlantic Boulevard to Dutton Island Road West. Its really an exciting project because it really involves all modes of transportation, Hampton Ray, FDOTs Community Outreach Manager, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vision for this project has been in the works for years. RELATED: FDOT holding meetings about proposed work to Mayport Road In 2018, the City of Atlantic Beach started conversations about how it could better utilize the road for those who live and work in the area. Now 6 years later, we are seeing a proposal that would add a 12-foot shared-use path with a buffer to one side of the road and a bicycle lane to the other. With those additions, the project would cut the number of traffic lanes from three on each side down to two. 2018 STORY: New lower speed limit on Mayport Road in Jacksonville I favor it because reducing the number of the lanes is supposed to have the effect of slowing down the traffic, Michael Hoffmann, a biker, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FDOT said based on the traffic volumes, this should not cause any congestion or create any significant challenges for drivers. We studied this, Ray said. Weve evaluated it and thats why we are bringing this proposal to the community for consideration. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] While the project is not scheduled to start until the fall of 2025 and be completed in late 2028, some neighbors are thrilled to see these potential improvements coming to a road they use each and every day. If I can ride a bike in addition to what I do now it would be helpful, Will Lockridge, a neighbor who uses Mayport Road daily, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The virtual meeting will take place Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] You can find participation instructions here. The in-person meeting will happen on Dec. 4 at Atlantic Beach City Hall. It starts at 4:30 p.m. You will be able to make comments and ask questions at the meetings. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Prosecutors are expected to decide if they will seek the death penalty for two men accused of killing a postal worker in Warren earlier this year. Read next: Marysville schools offer new religious release program through Satanic Temple That revelation was contained in the minutes of a pretrial conference Monday in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio before U.S. Judge Donald C. Nugent in a pretrial hearing for Kaprise Sledge, 24, and David Sledge, 44. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are each charged with one count of murder of an officer and employee of the United States and one count of discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence for the March 2 shooting death of Jonte Davis, 33. Defense attorneys have until the end of December should they wish to add any information as to whether the death penalty should be considered, Judge Nugent said in the minutes. The minutes did not say if there is a deadline for prosecutors to decide if they will seek the death penalty. Davis, a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Warren, was shot and killed in the area of Washington Street and Olive Avenue as he was delivering mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis had been shot while inside his U.S. Postal van by a suspect in another vehicle, reports state. Officers and EMTs performed life-saving measures on scene and he was transported to Trumbull Regional Medical Center, where he later died as a result of his wounds. The Sledges were indicted Oct. 2 by a federal grand jury. Read next: Boardman man reports extortion that started with TikTok message The United States Postal Inspection Service was the lead agency investigating the case. The Warren Police Department, Trumbull County Action Group Drug Task Force, FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and Trumbull County Emergency Management assisted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A reward of $250,000 was offered for information leading to an arrest in the case but authorities have not said if anyone is eligible for the reward. Both defendants are being held in federal detention but prosecutors must respond to a Nov. 8 motion filed by Thomas Sledge seeking bond. In that motion, Thomas Sledges attorney said his client has a job and he has strong family ties to the area so his client is not a flight risk. The motion also says the government has not alleged that Thomas Sledge fired the shots that killed Davis but that he drove a vehicle that was used in the crime. The motion says There is no strong evidence identifying Mr. Sledge as the driver of the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has an eyewitness that said Thomas Sledge was driving a vehicle from which shots were fired but eyewitness testimony is often unreliable, the motion said. Additionally, Thomas Sledge has no history of violent offenses for 20 years and any recent offenses are drug offenses, not crimes of violence. A pretrial hearing in the case is expected to be held Feb. 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 WKBN.com. Demonstrators and police officers were injured in a fourth night of clashes in Georgia, the Interior Ministry in Tbilisi reported on Monday, amid fierce divisions about disputed elections and the country's ties to the European Union. The ministry reported that 21 police officers had been injured by stones, fireworks, bottles and iron bars, bringing the total injured over recent days to 113 officers. No figures were initially available on the number of injured demonstrators. According to media reports, police used water cannon and teargas, while protesters erected barricades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, President Salome Zourabichvili called for fresh parliamentary elections in response to widespread allegations of electoral fraud. The ruling Georgian Dream party was declared the winner of the polls at the end of October, although the opposition has not recognized the results and opposition lawmakers have refused to accept their mandates. (PUEBLO, Colo.) The Pueblo Fire Department (PFD) responded to a kitchen fire around 11:30 on Saturday, Nov. 30, and saved three dogs from the home. According to PFD, when crews arrived, they saw dark smoke rising from a rooftop cooler of the home. Neighbors reported that nobody was home, but there were three dogs in the household. After a search around the property, the fire crew found one dog in the backyard. Courtesy: Pueblo Fire Department Courtesy: Pueblo Fire Department Courtesy: Pueblo Fire Department Courtesy: Pueblo Fire Department Courtesy: Pueblo Fire Department Courtesy: Pueblo Fire Department Courtesy: Pueblo Fire Department Courtesy: Pueblo Fire Department Courtesy: Pueblo Fire Department Courtesy: Pueblo Fire Department After firefighters extinguished the kitchen fire, they searched inside the house and found the two other dogs. American Medical Response (AMR) provided rehab and a safe place for the dogs until they could be reunited with their owners. No injuries were reported and the dogs appear to be doing well, according to PFD. 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. It's that time of year. Snow is increasingly in the weather forecasts, family members are exchanging holiday gift lists, and investors are setting financial goals for 2025. For income investors, specifically, this may include investigating stocks that are potential buys and digging into how much they will provide in dividends next year. With its high-yield dividend and a lengthy streak of hiking its payout higher, ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) is likely a stock that's appearing on investors' screens. Let's take a closer look at the oil supermajor and what investors can expect from it in terms of dividends in 2025. Are You Missing The Morning Scoop? Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free For decades, this oil supermajor has pumped an increasing amount of passive income back to shareholders It's not merely the fact that ExxonMobil has increased its dividend for 42 consecutive years that has income investors considering the stock. Management appears intent on consistently rewarding shareholders. On the company's first-quarter 2024 conference call, chief financial officer Kathy Mikells addressed ExxonMobil's shareholder-friendly interest in the dividend: " It needs to be sustainable. It needs to be competitive. It needs to be growing." In 2022 and 2023, ExxonMobil paid dividends of $14.939 billion and $14.941 billion, respectively. While the company hiked its dividend per share by about 4% from 2022 to 2023, the nominal increase in cash dividends paid to shareholders reflects the company's share repurchases -- something that the company expects to continue at a rate of about $20 billion per year. After ExxonMobil makes its last quarterly dividend payment in December, it will have paid $3.84 per share to shareholders for 2024. If it hikes the dividend per share by about 4% in 2025 and pays $3.99 per share, it's still likely that its total cash dividends paid will still be under $15 billion. Is now the time to fuel your portfolio with ExxonMobil? With its long-standing commitment to rewarding shareholders, ExxonMobil stock is a worthy consideration for greasing the wheels of your passive income machine and now seems like a great time with shares trading hands at only 13.2 times forward earnings. Dont miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then youll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a Double Down stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If youre worried youve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before its too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Pierce County Sheriff-elect Keith Swank will take office in January to replace Sheriff Ed Troyer, and Swank is already signaling potential policy changes, particularly regarding police pursuits. In a post on his X account Nov. 25, Swank referred to a recent pursuit in Spanaway involving the Washington State Patrol and a speeding driver who lost control of his Lexus and collided with a pickup truck, killing a 50-year-old passenger in the Lexus and seriously injuring the other driver. Another example of why we need to evaluate our decisions to pursue, Swank posted. This takes experience and leadership. Thats what I will bring to the PCSD. My heart goes out to all those affected by this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police pursuits have been a divisive topic in Washington in recent years. Under state law which the Sheriffs Departments current policy mirrors deputies can chase people suspected of committing any crime, so long as three circumstances exist. The deputy must have reasonable suspicion that person has broken the law. The pursuit must be necessary to identify or apprehend that person. The person is a threat to others safety, and the risks of failing to identify or apprehend them outweigh the risks of the pursuit itself. Swank expressed a cautious view of engaging in pursuits in a previous interview with The News Tribune. It was his opinion that for a pursuit to be worth the risk, the fleeing driver needs to be suspected of a violent crime. The sheriff-elect clarified his view further in response to questions Nov. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My philosophy is that we should not engage in pursuits unless the need to capture the suspect outweighs the risk to the public, the suspect, and the deputies, Swank said in a written statement. That is why, to keep it simple, I say violent crimes. However, I am open minded, and if law, and industry standards deem otherwise I am good with that. I dont think that will be the case though. Pierce County Sheriff-elect Keith Swank chats with a guest during a GOP watch party, on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in Lakewood, Wash. The approach sounds similar to the way state law governed police pursuits prior to June 6 this year. When Senate Bill 5352 was in effect, its requirements for weighing the risks and necessity of a pursuit were nearly identical to current law, but officers werent allowed to pursue people suspected of some crimes, including theft of a motor vehicle and second-degree burglary. Legislators outlined specific offenses that officers could chase suspects for. Those were violent or sex offenses defined in RCW 9.94A.030, a vehicular assault offense, domestic-violence assaults, escapes from custody and DUI. A previous version of the law, House Bill 1054, was even more restrictive. The president of the union representing Pierce Countys rank-and-file deputies told The News Tribune restricting pursuits further could lead to an increase in crime. How pursuit laws have changed The push to restore law enforcements discretion to pursue suspects of any crime came from a Republican-backed citizens initiative, I-2113. Statehouse Republicans argued that previous versions of the law emboldened criminals and taught them that if they get in a vehicle, they can drive away from police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen pointed to the pursuit restrictions in an opinion piece for The News Tribune where he said that after HB 1054 took effect, vehicle thefts in Lakewood doubled, and there was a 700 percent increase in the number of instances of people fleeing from officers. He said SB 5352 was a good step but still too restrictive. The policy director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs, James McMahan, also supported giving law enforcement officers wider discretion to pursue at a public hearing for I-2113 in Olympia. Law enforcement recognizes the potential dangers for vehicular pursuits, and no one wants more pursuits, McMahan said. However, overly restrictive laws that allow fleeing from law enforcement to be a get-out-of-jail free card are not the solution. Critics of giving police more leeway to engage in pursuits argued that vehicle chases led to the deaths of innocent people. After I-2113 passed the Legislature, the interim executive director of the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability, Gary Damon Jr., put out a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe it will lead to more injuries, more deaths, and increased collateral damage, without any benefit to public safety such as solving crimes or reducing lawlessness, Damon Jr. said. Police pursuits have led to deaths in Pierce and Thurston counties. In August, a 41-year-old man who fled a traffic stop in Spanaway for expired tabs caused two collisions while a Sheriffs Department deputy pursued him. After the deputy used a PIT maneuver, the drivers vehicle spun out and flipped, killing a woman who was in the passengers seat. In Thurston County, pursuits have led to three deaths and more injuries this year, according to The Olympian. Swank fears that a future death could result in criminal charges for a law enforcement officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe that in the near future, we will, unfortunately, see an officer charged with a crime such as vehicular assault or vehicular homicide because the officer will be deemed to be driving recklessly (with wanton disregard to life) or negligently driving, Swank said in a written statement. I dont want that to happen to any law enforcement officer, especially a deputy of PCSD. Asked about alternatives to police pursuits, Swank turned to technology. There are different types of technology we can use to identify the suspect, track the suspect, and disable a vehicle, he said. I want to invest in these types of technology and train our deputies how to use them. If we know the identity of the suspect we can capture the suspect at a later time unless it is too dangerous to let the suspect go at that moment and time. The Sheriffs Departments pursuit policy is not the only one Swank intends to take a look at when he is sworn in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will not just change the pursuit policy (or any policy for that matter), Swank said. Policies need to be based on law, and industry standards (best practices). I plan to review the whole policy manual to see if it complies with the law and best practices. That is my duty as sheriff. My leadership team will assist. What do deputies think? Sgt. Shaun Darby has been president of the Pierce County Deputy Sheriffs Independent Guild for a little more than two years. Hes also in charge of the traffic unit, meaning he reviews all deputies reports on vehicle pursuits and eluding drivers. Darby said it would be refreshing to have a sheriff who is dedicated to reviewing the departments entire policy manual. Once in office, Darby said, he believes Swank will see that many of the pursuits deputies are engaged in are with violent, wanted career criminals. Those are the people that are chronically running from the deputies, and those people do pose a serious risk to the public, Darby said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More restrictions on when deputies can pursue suspects, Darby said, would lead to increases in crime in the county. Everybody saw what the crime stats were doing, and now that weve had those restrictions lifted, and weve started catching those career criminals and those people that are wanted by law enforcement, recent crime stats are actually starting to show a tick downwards, he said. Darby agreed that technology such as GPS trackers that can be shot at fleeing vehicles were a worthwhile investment. He also said that better staffing in the department could help end pursuits more quickly. If we had more deputies on the street, we would be able to deploy stop sticks, deploy these tools at our disposal a lot faster, Darby said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Higher pay and better benefits packages would help recruit and retain more deputies, according to Darby, who said deputies make 20 percent less than officers in the Tacoma Police Department. According to a Pierce County recruiting website, entry-level deputies make between $40.78 and $53.97 per hour. There is also a $10,000 hiring incentive available. Tacomas recruiting website says new officers make $42.38 per hour, which can go up to $53.26 per hour as a commissioned officer after a year. Arguing that Pierce County residents primary concern is robust law and traffic enforcement, Darby pointed to a 2023 survey that found that 77 percent of residents in unincorporated areas said public safety was most important when determining where to allocate county resources. (Bloomberg) -- A conservative Russian tycoon and Kremlin confidant said he believes Moscow will turn down any Ukraine ceasefire offer brokered by incoming US President Donald Trump. Most Read from Bloomberg Konstantin Malofeev, a nationalist financier who is under Western sanctions, told Bloomberg News in an interview that Moscow may be dismissive of a deal as it seeks additional concessions including legally-binding neutral status for Kyiv. At the same time, he said theres a 50-50 chance of an eventual agreement with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Malofeevs words are the latest in mounting signs that Moscow has little willingness in making a deal easy or quick, a key promise of Trump, who has said hes ready to end the conflict in 24 hours. Though not an official in President Vladimir Putins administration, Malofeev is a prominent hardline voice in Russia and has spent millions promoting pro-Kremlin causes, including through his Tsargrad TV station. Its important that the future US administration understands that a truce is not a gift that Russia is waiting for, that they will start talking to us and we will give in to everything, Malofeev said in Dubai. A truce right now is good for Ukraine and for the US, but for us it brings zero benefits - because were winning, said the tycoon. Russias advance continues to grind on in Ukraines east, seizing more Ukrainian territory in recent weeks than at any point this year. Currently Moscows focus is on expanding those gains, two people close to the Kremlin told Bloomberg News last month. Its uncertain whether Washingtons latest moves to support Kyiv, such as allowing long-range strikes within Russia using western-made missiles, can turn the tide. Malofeev welcomed comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday in which he suggested hes ready to accept a ceasefire with Russia which left parts of Ukraine occupied in return for NATO security guarantees for areas Kyiv controls. Malofeev described the comments as a turning point, showing that Zelenskiy is open to ending the war without regaining all territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian leader later sought to walk back the statements, saying there were no such proposals. However, even that plan to end the war wont be enough for Moscow. Malofeev said Russia wont stop hostilities until Ukraine changes its constitution to enshrine its neutral status and rule out membership of NATO as well as agree to strict limits on the size of its military and a halt to weapons supplies from the US and its allies. His predictions echo those of senior Russian officials who in recent days said that an end to the war in Ukraine remains a distant prospect. Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov repeated demands for Ukraine to disarm, declare its neutrality and recognize new political-territorial realities in an interview published Wednesday in the government newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta. Meanwhile, Putin is continuing to ratchet up his rhetoric. He warned on Thursday that his forces could strike decision-making centers in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv with new ballistic missiles as retaliation for attacks on Russia using Western missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assuming that the Kremlins demands would change once the new US administration takes office would be a mistake, said Malofeev, and one that could lead to escalation and a conflict with the Trump administration. --With assistance from Mark Sweetman. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Putin ordered the assassination of Sergei Skripal in the UK in 2018, a UK intelligence chief said. Skripal reportedly knew about the Russian president's secret wealth. The attempted assassination of Skripal sparked a diplomatic crisis. Vladimir Putin likely ordered the assassination of former spy Sergei Skripal because he knew about sources of the Russian president's illicit wealth, according to UK officials. In 2018, Skripal and his daughter Yulia fell ill in Salisbury, UK, after being poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok in an attack the UK government blamed on Russia. Moscow denied any involvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Skripals narrowly survived the poisoning. Police said that Dawn Sturgess and her partner Charlie Rowley in nearby Amesbury became ill after handling a perfume container with traces of Novichok. Sturgess survived while Rowley died. Speaking at the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry in London, Jonathan Allen, the director general of defense and intelligence at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, said the order to poison Skripal and his daughter "would have gone to President Putin," according to Politico. Allen also told the inquiry that he took at "face value" Skripal's claim that he was likely targeted because he knew about the Russian president's sources of wealth, according to the Guardian. Skripal, a former official with the Russian military intelligence agency the GRU, had reportedly told UK officials that he had information about Putin's involvement in illegal activity regarding the disposal of rare metals and embezzlement of funds from aluminium sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It makes sense that if he [Skripal] was working as a senior member of the GRU he would have access to secret information," Allen said, according to the report. "There have been numerous open-source works which link senior figures in the government, including the president, to control of natural resources, to control of the sources of Russian wealth and suggestions they profited from those," he added. Representatives for the Kremlin not immediately respond to a request for comment by Business Insider. Skripal turned double agent in 1995 when he was recruited by the UK's Secret Intelligence Service, MI6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Moscow military court said that he passed information to MI6 agents between 1995 and December 2004. It sentenced him to 13 years in prison for spying for Britain. He was released in 2010 as part of a spy exchange between Russia and the US, and was granted asylum in the UK, where he lived in Salisbury under his real name. His poisoning in 2018 sparked a diplomatic crisis, with the UK and 28 other countries expelling hundreds of Russian diplomats, and Russia responding by expelling British diplomats. Putin's wealth has long been the source of rumor, with reports stating that the Russian president owns vast palaces by the Black Sea and in northern Russia, luxury yachts, and expensive foreign properties. Read the original article on Business Insider Instagram/@oshabadazz6017 This article contains descriptions of fatal gun violence against a Black trans woman. Quanesha Cocoa Shantel, a 26-year-old ballroom performer and drag artist whose friends described her as radiant and stunning, was killed in North Carolina on November 10. She was reportedly breaking up with her boyfriend, 31-year-old Jeremy Reynolds, outside of his apartment when he allegedly shot and killed her through the drivers side window of her car, according to the Greensboro News and Record. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Shantel in a crashed vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds, and she was pronounced dead at the scene per WFMY News (Note: this news outlet misgenders and deadnames Shantel, as is the case with much local reporting about trans deaths.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reynolds was arrested and charged with first degree murder and discharging a barreled firearm into an occupied dwelling or vehicle. According to the News and Record, the killing is being investigated as a domestic-related incident, and Reynolds was being held at the Guilford County Detention Center without bond as of November 15. Shantels mother, Toi NiCole Ratliff, told the News and Record that her daughter knew who she was at an early age. She came to me at age 11 and said, Mama, I want to transition over, Ratliff told the newspaper. You wouldnt imagine that a young person would know it at that age but she did. Ratliff told her daughter that shed support her through it, adding, But if you do it, do it right. And she had it from there! According to the Human Rights Campaign, Shantel began transitioning when she was 11. Under the name Quanesha Shantel, she had recently been involved in the ballroom and drag scenes in Chicago and across the southern U.S., per the News and Record. She had also recently enrolled in nursing school, which her drag father, Ira Owens a.k.a. BigBaby, said was the perfect profession for her since she was a loving and caring person. At Least 36 Trans People Were Killed in the U.S. This Year. Half Were Black Trans Women Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new report provides insights into the epidemic of violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people. Tori Cooper, the Human Rights Campaign Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative, expressed grief over Cocoas death within the epidemic of violence against Black trans people. In a statement on behalf of the organization Cooper said, Like so many of our trans siblings, Cocoa should be with her loved ones today, and I pray that Cocoas friends and family find some measure of peace and joy in the memories of her during this extremely difficult time. She was just pretty as hell, and a bougie little thing, Owens said, with her mother Ratliff additionally describing her as happy and full of joy. Get the best of whats queer. Sign up for Thems weekly newsletter here. Originally Appeared on them. The Queen is changing her plans for the incoming state visit Queen Camilla is changing her plans for the incoming Qatar state visit as she continues recovering from a chest infection. The palace said on Dec. 2 that the Queen, 77, will no longer partake in the official kickoff of the Qatar state visit to the U.K. on Dec. 3. It's understood that King Charles' wife is continuing to experience lingering side effects from the chest infection that Buckingham Palace announced on Nov. 5 and has diminished reserves of energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In accordance with doctors' advice, Queen Camilla has adjusted her itinerary for the state visit that starts tomorrow, welcoming the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani. She will no longer appear at the arrival ceremony at Horse Guards Parade (which Kate Middleton and Prince William are expected to attend) but will appear at the traditional Buckingham Palace lunch and viewing of objects after. Related: Kate Middleton Will Join Prince William to Kick Off State Visit from Qatar Next Week Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Queen Camilla at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph on Nov. 12, 2023 in London. Queen Camilla at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph on Nov. 12, 2023 in London. The first night of the two-day state visit will be capped with a glittering state banquet, where Queen Camilla will pose for photos with the Amir and Sheikha Jawaher, but retire during the traditional receiving line. The Queen will then attend the dinner and join the farewells on the final day of the stay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's a pivot from the original plans for Queen Camilla, but it's understood that there has been no change to her diagnosis or treatment following the early November announcement about her chest infection. State visits are synonymous with packed schedules, and the Queen is simply taking more time to recuperate. Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty King Charles and Queen Camilla in Apia, Samoa on Oct. 26, 2024. King Charles and Queen Camilla in Apia, Samoa on Oct. 26, 2024. Though the Queen isn't expected to make any other tweaks to her calendar in light of the latest health announcement, it's thought that she will take each day as it comes, in accordance with doctors' advice. While post-viral fatigue symptoms can linger for weeks, Queen Camilla is due to appear at the Entente Litteraire Prize Ceremony with Birgitte Macron, the first lady of France, on Dec. 4. Queen Camilla missed the royal family's Remembrance events on Nov. 9 and 10 to prioritize her health following the initial announcement about her chest infection, and spoke about a persistent symptom when she returned to royal duties on Nov. 12. Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Queen Camilla speaks with Percival Everett at a reception for The Booker Prize Foundation at Clarence House in London on Nov. 12, 2024. Queen Camilla speaks with Percival Everett at a reception for The Booker Prize Foundation at Clarence House in London on Nov. 12, 2024. 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! "I'm obviously getting much better, bit of sort of coughing going on," the Queen remarked in a video shared on X by Rebecca English of the Daily Mail at a reception for The Booker Prize Foundation. "I really wanted to come," Camilla said of the soiree, held at her Clarence House home in London. Editors note: The video aired on April 7, 2023, following the defendants arrest. QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) The man accused of shooting an NYPD officer in April 2023 was sentenced to 39 years to life in prison, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday. Devin Spraggins, 24, was convicted of attempted murder in the first degree, and aggravated assault of a police officer, among other charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Local News On April 5, 2023, Officer Brett Boller and Officer Anthony Rock were on a routine patrol when Spraggins attacked a passenger on an MTA bus in the Jamaica business district, according to court documents. The officers tried to intervene but Spraggins pushed past them, leading to a foot pursuit. Spraggins reportedly turned towards the officers while holding a gun, but continued to run, officials say. At one point, Spraggins turned and shot Officer Boller at point-blank range, officials say. Spraggins reportedly took a shooters stance and aimed at Officer Rock but had no bullets left as he dropped a loaded magazine during the pursuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spraggins escaped and was apprehended the following day at a residence in the Bronx. NYPD fills courtroom during Queens cop shooting suspects arraignment Officer Boller underwent surgery, returned to modified duty, and was recently promoted to detective. Officer Rock was not injured during the incident. All of this started because of a seat on a bus, said DA Katz. A police officer has spent over a year with surgeries and physical therapy recovering from getting shot, and only by a twist of fate was not killed. Devin Spraggins used an illegal firearm and shot Police Office Brett Boller. With the officer on the ground, this defendant did not attempt escape. Instead, he aimed that gun and pulled the trigger. This would have been a cold-blooded execution, if not for the magazine dropping from the gun as Spraggins ran from the police. A jury has spoken, and this defendant has now been sentenced to prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Just two days after Thanksgiving, a California family experienced a nightmare after suffering a shocking loss from an incident that investigators have yet to solve. Princeton Jones, a 9-year-old autistic Black boy, was at his grandfathers house at the intersection of Haskins Avenue and Alondra Boulevard in Compton, Ca. the evening of Nov. 30. Police say around 7:40 p.m. shots were fired, fatally striking the boy as he played outside. So far, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Office has no leads in regards to suspects, vehicles or gang-related violence. They only encourage local residents to speak up if they have any information, leaving both the community and Princetons family in the dark. We dont know any information. But what we do know was that he was a 9-year-old innocent child who never shouldve been shot down in cold blood, said Najee Ali, director of Project of Islamic Hope, via KTLA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Princeton was born in 2015 and diagnosed with mild autism at two years old, his family wrote in a donation post. With the support of his mother, he worked tirelessly against the disorder, having accomplished fluent speech by the age of five. His family remembers him as a truly special young man with brilliant mind and a warm heart. Princeton was a beacon of joy, lighting up every room he entered with his humor and infectious smile. He was adored by his friends, family, and community, who all cherished the incredible person he was becoming, the family wrote, adding they were left devastated by his death and searching for answers as the investigation continues. They held a vigil Sunday evening to remember Princeton but also to rally against gun violence, particularly shootings that harm innocent children, KTLA reports. Anyone with more information is encouraged to contact the LA County Sheriffs Department at (310) 605-6500. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) After seeing our first decent snowfall over Thanksgiving weekend, heres a quick reminder on Sioux Citys winter weather policies. The City went over many of its policies in a release sent out on Monday, including park rules, snow emergency declaration policies, and more. During winter months, and especially when there is snow on the ground, residents should park their vehicles on the side of the road with odd-numbered homes on odd-numbered days of the month and on the side of the road with even-numbered homes on even-numbered days of the month. Vehicles should be parked on the correct side of the road beginning at 7 a.m. on the corresponding day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a road has a side of the street where parking is prohibited, it remains prohibited. Elk Point hosts first Hometown Christmas Market Residents are encouraged to avoid parking on the streets if they have the option. Additionally, during snow declarations, vehicles are prohibited from being parked on roads that are declared emergency snow routes, which are marked by a blue and white sign with a snowflake. Vehicles can resume parking on these roads after the snow emergency is called of or the snow windrow has been removed from the street and snow has been removed from the parking stalls. Any vehicle that violates these rules is subject to being towed at the owners expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city offers multiple ways of receiving notice of a snow emergency declaration. For more information on how to get notified, click here. You can read the City Code on these policies here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows talks to reporters while a law enforcement officer wheels in locked ballot boxes from Presque Isle after attorneys requested to review the town's receipts during the ranked-choice tabulation for Maine's 2nd Congressional District. (Photo by AnnMarie Hilton/ Maine Morning Star) Maines 2nd Congressional District inches ever closer to knowing the final results of who will represent it in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next two years. Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Jared Golden was declared winner after a ranked-choice runoff was conducted the week following the election. However, his challenger, outgoing Republican state Rep. Austin Theriault, requested a recount that will start Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recount is estimated to take several weeks, according to Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. However, the exact timing can vary depending on various hiccups that can arise from hand counting thousands of paper ballots. The recount will be open to the public, just as the ranked-choice tabulation and all the legislative recounts have been. It will be held at 45 Commerce Drive in Augusta and livestreamed on the Secretary of States YouTube channel. After the ranked-choice tabulation, which was required since neither candidate on the ballot secured more than 50% of the vote, Golden had 197,151 votes and Theriault had 194,445. That is a difference of about 2,700 votes or 0.7%. In a statement after the ranked-choice runoff, Theriault campaign manager Shawn Roderick said, Every Mainers voice should be heard and their vote counted in this historically close race and we have seen several anomalies that can only be rectified with a full recount. We appreciate everyones patience and support as we work to ensure every vote is counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golden said at the time that Theriault is within his rights to force a third accounting of ballots with a taxpayer-funded recount, but the votes have been counted twice now and my lead has been in the thousands of votes both times. Since the margin of victory was less than 1%, Theriault was able to request a state-funded recount. This will be the ninth recount the Maine Department of the Secretary of State will conduct for the Nov. 5 election, after a slew of close races for the state Legislature. Maines 2nd District is among the outstanding races to determine how big of a majority Republicans will hold in the U.S. House after the GOP clinched the 218 House seats needed, resulting in a Republican trifecta with former President Donald Trump set to reassume office and the Senate flipping red. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Rep. Jamie Raskin (Md.) launched a bid to be the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee on Monday, challenging Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) for the post on the powerful panel. The announcement from Raskin, which had been the subject of speculation for weeks, sets the stage for a high-stakes clash between two House Democrats for the ranking member role on one of the most powerful committees on Capitol Hill. The panel which oftentimes finds itself at the center of controversy in Washington has jurisdiction over federal courts and law enforcement, among other areas. Raskin who is currently the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee announced his candidacy in a letter to colleagues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a week consulting most of our Colleagues and engaging in serious introspection about where we are, I am running today to be your Ranking Member on the House Judiciary Committee in the 119th Congress, Raskin wrote. This is where we will wage our front-line defense of the freedoms and rights of the people, the integrity of the Department of Justice and the FBI, and the security of our most precious birthright possessions: the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the rule of law, and democracy itself. Nadler who was the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee for part of the first Trump administration announced his intent to remain atop the panel in a letter to colleagues last month, highlighting his history of leading efforts against President-elect Trump. But several outlets reported in recent weeks that some Democrats were pushing Raskin to jump into the race, seeing the Maryland Democrat who is 16 years younger than Nadler as better suited to lead the panel during a second Trump administration. According to The New York Times, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was one of those urging Raskin to run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raskin lauded Nadler in his letter announcing his candidacy, writing that, if elected ranking member, he would consult the New York Democrat throughout his tenure in the top job. Thereafter, however, he referenced New generations of Democratic leaders in the House. I take this step with respect and boundless admiration for my friend Jerry Nadler and his remarkable half-century of service in public office in New York and Congress, Raskin said. His career is a model of commitment to our shared Democratic vision of government as an instrument for the common good. If Im lucky enough to be chosen for this responsibility in the 119th Congress, I will turn to Jerry first and throughout for his always wise counsel and political judgment, he added. New generations of Democratic leaders in the House will look to him just as we look every day to our great leaders Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer and Jim Clyburn as we take the fight to Jim Jordan and an emboldened MAGA movement. Raskins bid is the latest iteration of younger Democrats challenging elder lawmakers for top committee posts. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), for example, announced a bid against Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) to be ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee. Grijalva on Monday said he would drop out of that contest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reps. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) and Jim Costa (D-Calif.) are similarly running against Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) to be the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee. Raskin, a former constitutional law professor who first came to Congress in 2017, has seen his star rise in the House Democratic Caucus in recent years, emerging as a prominent lawmaker for his efforts against Trump. The Maryland Democrat was an impeachment manager during Trumps second impeachment, following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, and he later served on the select committee investigating the riot. House Democrats elected Raskin to serve as ranking member of the Oversight Committee in December 2022, choosing him over Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.). In the 119th Congress, the Judiciary Committee will be the headquarters of Congressional opposition to authoritarianism and MAGAs campaign to dismantle our Constitutional system and the rule of law as we know it, Raskin wrote in his letter. I hope to be at the center of this fight andas someone who has battled cancer and chemotherapyI can tell you that I will never, never surrender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nadler, meanwhile, is a more than three-decade veteran in the House who has been the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee since 2017 and was an impeachment manager during Trumps first impeachment. The New York Democrat called on that experience in making his case to continue leading Democrats on the panel. As a New Yorker, I have stood up to Donald Trump my entire career, Nadler said. Prior to his entering politics, I worked to prevent him from abusing taxpayer dollars to line his own pockets. When he became President, I led the Judiciary Committees efforts to hold him accountable for his various abuses of power, culminating in two historic impeachments. I understand his playbook, he added. I am well prepared to help thwart his plans to be a Dictator on Day One. The House Democrats Steering and Policy Committee is expected to vote on a recommendation for the ranking member position. The entire caucus will then vote on who should assume the top Democratic post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Raskin victory in the Judiciary ranking member race would set off a battle over which Democrat would lead the Oversight Committee, another high-profile panel that is oftentimes pulled into the spotlight. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who is currently the vice ranking member on the panel, could vie for the top Democratic job, in addition to Connolly, who lost to Raskin in 2022. This story was updated at 3:00 p.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Team President Matt Silverman sent the following response to Peters letter: Dear Pinellas County Chairwoman Peters, We are writing in response to your letter to Mr. Auld and myself dated November 25, 2024. We disagree with the characterization of the conversation between Commissioner Scott and Brian Auld. The conversation primarily concerned the near-term challenges to our business given the damage to Tropicana Field as well as the dynamics related to the location of our home games in 2025. Brian Auld did not waver from our commitment to the new ballpark project. In that regard, it is worth correcting certain inaccurate comments made by Commissioner Latvala that our decision to play at Steinbrenner Field is inconsistent with the spirt of our new ballpark agreements. The new Non-Relocation Agreement states that, in the event of a Force Majeure that requires a temporary relocation, the Team must use commercially reasonable, diligent and good faith efforts to cause an alternate site at which Team Home Games are played pursuant to Section 2.2(c) to be located in Pinellas County, Florida in the first instance and if an alternate site is not available in Pinellas County, then Hillsborough County, Florida, in each case taking into account the availability therein of an alternate site with sufficient seating capacity that complies with MLB Rules and Regulations and the need to obtain MLB Approval to play at an alternate site. Our criteria and process for selecting Steinbrenner Field are fully consistent with the spirit of this agreement. When it comes to honoring the spirit of the new ballpark agreements, it is Pinellas County not the Rays that falls short. At the November 19 meeting, Mr. Crowell indicated that when the Pinellas County Commission met in late October, he expected a simple up or down vote on the supplemental bond resolution and did not expect any type of delay. The item had been reviewed without debate at a workshop five days earlier. It was supposed to be a simple administrative action. While, as a technical matter, under the agreements, there are longer outside dates for a variety of conditions to be satisfied, the Rays have always made it clear that the viability of the project depended on having certainty about the projects approval and funding prior to the 2024 November elections. The Rays were willing to advance the project for 2028 delivery knowing that Pinellas Countys final approval would take place before the elections. We would not have gone forward with the project if a future Pinellas County Commission had the ability to revoke the approval we all celebrated in July or to unilaterally delay the projects completion into 2029. In response to your question regarding the status of the various agreements, they are in effect until a party terminates or outside dates are reached. The Rays have fulfilled its obligations to date and continue to wait for decisions and actions by the City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County. President Biden late Sunday announced he signed a pardon for Hunter Biden, clearing his son in both of his federal cases and rattling the political world. President Biden argued the charges against his son were brought for political reasons. Read the pardon announcement below: Statement from President Joe Biden Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. 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. President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he was pardoning his son Hunter Biden, who faced sentencing later this month in two federal cases. The younger Biden was convicted of federal gun charges, and he pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion charges in September. The president had previously maintained that he would not pardon his son, and his reversal prompted criticism from Republicans as well as a few Democrats. Read Biden's statement explaining his decision: Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunters cases. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. Theyll be fair-minded. Heres the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision. Read Biden's pardon of his son: Executive Grant of Clemency Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joseph R. Biden, Jr. President of the United States of America To All to Whom These Presents Shall Come, Greeting: Be It Known, That This Day, I, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States, Pursuant to My Powers Under Article II, Section 2, Clause 1, of the Constitution, Have Granted Unto ROBERT HUNTER BIDEN A Full and Unconditional Pardon For those offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024, including but not limited to all offenses charged or prosecuted (including any that have resulted in convictions) by Special Counsel David C. Weiss in Docket No. 1:23-cr-00061-MN in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and Docket No. 2:23-CR-00599-MCS-1 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto signed my name and caused the Pardon to be recorded with the Department of Justice. Done at the City of Washington this 1st day of December in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States the Two Hundred and Forty-ninth. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Its difficult to fully comprehend the degree to which so many Americans seem to have gone down conspiratorial rabbit holes over the past decade, and the degree to which conspiracy theories have become mainstreamed into American politics thanks to Donald Trump and his MAGA movement. Trumps incoming staff and his Cabinet nominations reflect this troubling development, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s nomination for director of Health and Human Services most encapsulating the turn not just to the conspiratorial but toward a mishmash of social, political, and cultural beliefs that defy partisan classification. After all, just over a decade ago, conservatives were losing their minds over Michelle Obama trying to get kids to eat vegetables and move their bodies; now Trump, himself an avid fast-food consumer, is elevating a raw-milk enthusiast who thinks fluoridated water is dangerously chemical. Liberals are rightly incensed about the Kennedy nomination. This is a guy who has promoted the deadly and widely debunked theory that vaccines are linked to autism and other health issues, despite overwhelming scientific and medical evidence that vaccines are not only safe but perhaps the biggest public health victory of the past century, saving millions and millions of lives worldwide. Water fluoridation, too, has brought uncountable health benefits, especially for children. But theres a reason Kennedys views on health hold such appeal, and its not because the U.S. is a land of crazy people (its not). Its because Americans can look around and see that something is very, very wrong with us: Three-quarters of Americans are overweight or obese, including almost half of teenagers and young adults; 1 in 5 children is obese; and rates of related diseases (diabetes, heart disease, and so on) remain astronomically high. We can see that our communities are saturated with fast-food and fast-casual chains, that even small children have mobility issues because of their size, that desperate Americans are turning to drugs like Ozempic in enormous numbers, and that being obese or overweight are not equally distributed: Wealthier, better-educated people tend to be thinner and healthier, while poorer Americans are not just larger and visibly less fit but actually sicker and likely to die much younger. We can see that this is about not just a lack of health insurance but also the building blocks of our bodiesthe food we put into them, and the way Frankenfood products have replaced so much of what humans have traditionally eaten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past few years, though, progressives have ceded skepticism of Big Food to the thoroughly anti-science right. We have left a hole here. People like Kennedy have filled it. Liberals were, in the not-so-distant past, the cohort skeptical of Big Food and Big Pharma and the group concerned with the health and environmental consequences of how Americans eat, medicate ourselves, and move. The environmentalist movement of the 1960s and 70s was intertwined with various healthy-eating trends, from veganism and vegetarianism to macrobiotics. More recently, bestselling authors like Michael Pollan have encouraged Americans to eat fewer processed foods, less meat, and more vegetables. Michelle Obamas aforementioned Lets Move! program encouraged schoolchildren to exercise while seeking to ensure they got some fresh vegetables along with their cafeteria sloppy Joes and tater totsand faced enormous conservative blowback. Not so long ago, liberal cities were instituting soda taxes and mandating nutritional information on restaurant menus. But the progressive tides turned. Obama and Pollan are now deemed problematic, as is the entire concept of obesity, along with the very idea that what we eat may indeed shape our body size or that body size affects health. Soda taxes are regressive and unfair to poor consumers, while nutritional information is a pretext for shaming. We trust the science, except when the science says things we dont like, and in that case, the science is biased and wrong. Things are clearly much more complicated than fat = unhealthy or body mass index being a determinant of health or obesity being some line between healthy and unhealthy or weight loss amounting to nothing more than calories in/calories out. We are still understanding just how processed foods disrupt our systems, exactly how size and health interact, and just why Americans have grown so much larger in recent decades. But when it comes to food, weight, and health, a kind of science denialism has taken hold among the podcast set of politically engaged educated liberals. Since this cohort tends to be the one staffing Democratic campaigns and offices, and since big food companies are generous political donors to Democrats and Republicans alike, it also seems as if the Democratic Party as a whole has moved away from the Obama-era focus on whole-body health. The Republican Party is significantly worse, and even more beholden to Big Food and Big Ag. The first Trump administration scaled back the Obama-era efforts to make school lunches healthier, and reapproved a potentially dangerous pesticide Kennedy has explicitly campaigned against. But without Democrats countering, a lane has opened up for kooks like Kennedy, who are ostensibly liberals but have unpredictable patchwork politics. Those patchwork politics are exactly why people like Kennedy are appealing, and successful: They pull people in by saying what is plainly truethat the way we eat is clearly making us sick and even killing us, and that this trend has been enabled by our political leaders and denied by too many on both sides of the political aisleand after embedding that hook, it gets infinitely easier to convince followers of increasingly fringe health claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt help that at least some of what was once written off as wellness woo-woothe benefits of yoga and meditation, a fear of microplastics, skepticism of pesticides and food dyes, doubts about the alleged safety of overinjecting animals with hormones and antibiotics then eating themis increasingly bolstered by scientific research. The reality that the hippies and the health-food nuts were right about at least some things, and that the government and big businesses failed (and continue to fail) to adequately protect the public, can leave people understandably wondering which now-kooky ideas may in fact be seen as prophetic later on. And it also doesnt help that the COVID pandemic sent public health polarization into overdriveand revealed big hypocrisies in the aftermath. As conservatives chafed at public health measures, including masking and school closures, liberals rallied (again, laudably) in favor of what public health experts advised. But as more information emerged, we were often too slow to recalibrate, and routinely resistant to information that conflicted with our politics. (As someone who favored school closures beyond when many public health leaders and European countries had deemed them necessary, I include myself in this group of people who got a lot wrong because of my own political biases.) Many believe-the-science progressives remain in denial about the real damage of things like school closures and widespread shutdowns, which extracted costs, including learning losses, social dysfunction, crime, and the decline of physical and mental health. And that the same progressives who closed schools and were incensed about mask-mandate violators gathered in huge crowds to protest police violence (protests that I believe were good and necessary) read to many Americans not as righteous but as deeply hypocritical. Health for liberals, in the COVID era, became about vaccines and medications and insurance and hospital careall absolutely crucial, to be clear, for public health and well-being. But other factors, including how and what we eat, how we move, and the environmental toxins we come into contact with, also shape our health, often in much more foundational ways than in-hospital treatments. And yet there has been no recent major left-wing push to better regulate Big Food, or to get healthier food onto the publics collective plates, or to tie infrastructure to physical health. (Walkable cities, for example, make for healthier populations.) There has also been a notable reticence to look squarely at the race and class dynamics at play. Americas least healthy and poorest states are also those with the highest obesity levels, and overweight and obesity are much more common among the lowest-income Americans than the highest. This may also account for some of the progressive blinders on this issue: The liberals writing about culture and politics, working for Democratic politicians, and formally and informally setting progressive intragroup norms tend to be college-educated and living among others like them in large cities in liberal states with easy access to healthy and fresh food. That no doubt shapes how much of an emergency they believe food policy to be and how much theyre personally affected by it. In a nation (and a world) where so much of what we touch, inhale, and put in our bodies is processed, plastic, or polluted; where we can see with our own eyes the enormous generational changes in peoples bodies; and where the liberals and progressives who once fought against the big companies that are making us sick and likely changing how our bodies function have decided to stand down or are being overtly hypocritical, its no wonder that men like Kennedy who both say the obvious and claim to reveal hidden agendas have widespread appeal. But its also a sign of an enormous failing from the left. As the Democratic Party rebuilds itself in the wake of Kamala Harris loss and the political realignment that caused it, it should again brand itself as the party that protects the public from predatory corporations and prioritizes good healthwhich means being the party that takes on Big Food, and takes what we eat a whole lot more seriously. A fireball rises into the sky over Nevada after the U.S. government detonated a 61-kiloton device on June 4, 1953. Nuclear weapons experiments at the Nevada Test Site spread fallout to other states, including Utah, research and records show. (Getty Images) Over the last three decades, 8,000 Utahns sickened by the U.S. nuclear weapons program have been helped by the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). But too many more in Utah and other states have been left behind. Its long past time for Congress to fix this mistake. And the Utah delegation should lead the way. Championed by Utah Senator Orrin Hatch in 1990, RECA offered some measure of recognition and financial assistance to Americans harmed by our governments nuclear weapons program. My own family lived in the town of Delta in Millard County at the time of testing. After my mothers death we applied for and received RECA compensation for the breast cancer she was treated for in her 60s. When our sister was diagnosed and died from lung cancer in her early 70s, my brother-in-law also received compensation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Financial compensation is little comfort when youve lost a loved one. It will never make up for the loss, but had we lived a little farther north, in Juab or Sanpete counties, our family would have been denied even basic justice. RECA should be expanded to include all Utahns sickened by nuclear weapons, including uranium miners who worked after 1971, as well as those in other parts of the country who were similarly harmed and whose suffering mirrors our own. Utahs Congressional delegation has the chance to achieve justice for all downwinders and former uranium workers in Utah and across the country by coming to the negotiating table and finding a solution to reauthorize and improve RECA to address the programs historical shortcomings. Since RECAs creation, we have learned much more about who was harmed by our governments nuclear program. Radioactive fallout from above-ground testing spread much farther than previously realized recent research from Princeton suggests it reached every state in the lower 48. In Utah, just 10 counties were originally included in RECA, despite long-standing and growing evidence that radiation spread across the whole state. And we understand better the risks borne by uranium workers and how the industry endangered them. Since RECA expired in June, some have suggested that it would be easier to simply reinstate the program as is, continuing to arbitrarily exclude many exposed communities. This would simply be an extension of injustice. RECA assistance can mean the difference between getting treatment or not, between bankruptcy and financial stability. The cancer screenings the program funds can be the difference between detecting cancer early enough to treat it and catching it too late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While I am grateful for the support RECA has provided my family, I have watched friends suffer unimaginable loss with nowhere to turn. We cannot in good conscience once again leave our fellow downwinders and uranium workers, who have suffered as we have, behind. These excluded communities have waited decades, and we understand the pain they feel of watching their loved ones get sick and die with no help from their government. We stand with them, and we ask Congress: reauthorize an improved, expanded RECA today. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Registration for the City of El Pasos 18th annual Neighborhood Leadership Academy is now open, the City said in a press release on Monday, Dec. 2. The City says the academy is free to the public but space is limited to the first 60 participants who enroll. The academy is a 16-week program and classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays with different City department presentations being hosted at various locations. Participants interested in learning how City government works, will receive firsthand information about City services and programs through comprehensive presentations from City department leaders, and on-site field trips to various public facilities, the City said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first class begins on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, and will run through May 14, 2025. Registration is open to residents 13-years-old and older. Those between the ages of 13 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult who is also enrolled in the program. Those interested must fill out the application and return it by Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, to secure a spot. Applications can be accessed here: https://elpasotx.seamlessdocs.com/f/NeighborhoodLeadershipAcademy. For more information, you can contact the City at 915-212-1681. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Inside California Politics) Congressman John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, joined Inside California Politics co-host Nikki Laurenzo to discuss his calls for California insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara to act or resign. Rep. Garamendi was Californias first elected insurance commissioner. He explains why he believes Lara has not done enough to protect California insurance consumers. Rep. Garamendi also discusses the results of the election, and where he is at in his cancer battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Someone thinks six prominent Kentucky Republicans could run for U.S. Senate soon. Various website domains for senate were recently created for congressmen Andy Barr, Brett Guthrie and James Comer, as well as former attorney general Daniel Cameron, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft and Lexington businessman Nate Morris. None of them have said theyll seek the office, and none of them have said theyre involved in the creation of any of those websites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And theres still not word on whether or not they could even be used in the near term. The longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, Sen. Mitch McConnell, has yet to decide if he will run for his Senate seat again in 2026. The 82-year-old opted to step down from his leadership post earlier this year, clearing the way for Sen. John Thune, R-SD, to take over when Republicans take the majority next year. A McConnell spokesperson responded to a Herald-Leader inquiry by stating that the leader hasnt made an announcement about his 2026 plans. The domain name reservations could be the work of a so-called cybersquatter, a term referencing someone who buys several political web domains in anticipation of a potential yet-unannounced campaign. This year, the self-described GOAT greatest of all time of cybersquatting, Jeremy Green Eche, sold the HarrisWalz.com domain to the Democratic presidential ticket for $15,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to a Herald-Leader inquiry, Eche said that the Kentucky-related domains were not purchased by him. None of the sites are currently active. A spokesperson for Comer said that the congressmans team, to his knowledge, had nothing to do with the creation of websites like comerforussenate.com and comer4senate.com. He also relayed that Comer has no interest in running for senate even if McConnell does not seek reelection. Cameron, meanwhile, left the door open. Makenze and I are committed to serving Kentucky and were praying about what that looks like, Cameron said, referring to his wife. I remain open to any opportunity that could arise to make a difference, advance a conservative agenda, and help President Trump get our country back on track. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cameron is now running the 1792 Exchange, a nonprofit organization dedicated to pushing back on allegedly woke capitalism and corporations. Its particularly targeted at ESG short for environmental, social and governance which refers to the guidelines and policies used by some companies to guide or inform their investments. The group recently launched a national ad campaign touting its workplace politics survey. The former attorney general has also remained politically active in Kentucky, raising money and doling it out to state-level candidates through his All 120 PAC. In a recent email newsletter to supporters, Cameron emphasized how politically involved hes been this year, including hitting the stump for Trump. Even though my name wasnt on the ballot, I hit the campaign trail hard because of the importance of this election. It was good to see old friends at Lincoln Dinners and GOP functions across the state. The greatest honor for me this election cycle was serving as a surrogate for President Trump. It gave me an opportunity to make the case for him on tv, in West Virginia, and in battleground state, Wisconsin, Cameron wrote. Spokespeople for Barr, Guthrie and Craft, as well as a person familiar with Morris thinking, did not respond to a request for comment on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should the seat open up, President-elect Donald Trump could hold significant sway over who gets the GOP nomination. In the 2023 governors race, he endorsed Cameron early, before some others entered the race. Cameron has retained ties to Trump, speaking as his surrogate at Fancy Farm, the states premier political speaking event, this summer. Craft, who lost to Cameron in the 2023 GOP primary for governor, has been a mainstay fundraiser for Trump. In the lead-up to all three of the president-elects runs, Craft and her husband billionaire coal magnate and philanthropist Joe Craft have played key roles in donating their own funds as well as hosting fundraisers. Craft served as both ambassador to Canada and the United Nations during Trumps first term. Both of those slots, as well as other major foreign affairs roles like Secretary of State, NATO ambassador and ambassador to France have already been filled. However, several other high-profile ambassadorships like England, Russia, China and others remain open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morris is a politico-turned-entrepreneur who founded the Lexington-based waste technology company Rubicon. Morris has been active in attending political functions in recent years, has a book on the way and money to spend. In 2022 alone, he made $41 million according to outlet Waste Dive. Also in 2022, the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in a $1.7 billion deal. Morris also has some ties to Vice President-elect JD Vance, whose story as a political outsider with deep pockets from a heartland state mirrors Morris. Barr has also hewed closely to Trump. He served as the campaign chair this year for the state of Kentucky and says he wants to bridge the gap between America First Trump-style populism and free market capitalism. But he currently has his sights set on a Washington role in his own chamber. A recent report from Axios, corroborated by other Washington outlets, dubs Barr the favorite to chair the House Financial Services Committee. Hes running against fellow committee member French Hill, R-AR, and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barr previously rebuffed rumors hed abandon his bid for the chairmanship if McConnell were to step down. If my colleagues in the House want me to lead the Financial Services Committee, thats my priority, he said in a February interview with POLITICO. According to Republican House Conference rules, a committee chair must vacate his or her role if they decide to run for another elected office. Guthrie is also in a race for a chairmanship, in his case for the Energy and Commerce Committee. The Bowling Green Republican is outpacing his competition, Rep. Bob Latta, R-KY, in the fundraising race according to Punchbowl News. The outlet reported that House GOP leadership tends to view Guthrie as having the inside track. CHICAGO, Illinois (WKBN) Jon Heyman of the New York Post is reporting that former Cleveland Guardians pitcher Matthew Boyd has agreed to a free agent deal with the Chicago Cubs. Read next: Browns rule 5 players out for Monday night A report states it is a 2-year deal worth $29 million. Boyd signed with Cleveland as a free agent back in June and joined the rotation for the stretch run in August. He made eight starts for the Guardians in 2024, posting a record of 2-2 with a 2.72 ERA. In 39.2 innings of work, the 33-year-old struck out 46 batters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to his time with the Guardians, Boyd previously pitched for the Tigers, Blue Jays, and Mariners. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 the holiday season is one of the most lucrative for retailers, it can pressure consumers to spend more money, and with more abandon, than they would at other times of the year, according to an assistant professor of marketing at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder. After the Supreme Court ended federal abortion rights in 2022, there was a robust debate between pro- and anti-choice activists over whether or not banning abortion would kill women. Pro-choicers pointed to evidence, from both history and other countries, showing that abortion bans kill women. Anti-choice activists dismissed the record and pointed to toothless "exceptions" in abortion ban laws as "proof" that women could get abortions to save their lives. The latter argument was frustrating not just because it was wrong but was generally offered in bad faith. Anti-abortion leaders know that abortion bans kill women. They don't care. Or worse, many view dying from pregnancy as a good thing. In some cases, it's viewed as just punishment for "sinful" behavior. Other times, it's romanticized as a noble sacrifice on the altar of maternal duty. But conservatives are aware that this death fetish cuts against their "pro-life" brand. So there was a lot of empty denials and hand-waving about the inevitable and expected outcome of women dying. We now have another proof point that abortion bans are about misogyny, not "life," as the first deaths from red state abortion bans are being reported. Instead of admitting they were wrong and changing course, Republicans are behaving like guilty liars do everywhere, and destroying the evidence. In the process, they are also erasing data needed to save the lives of pregnant women across the board, whether they give birth or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ProPublica has published a series of articles detailing the deaths of women in Georgia and Texas under the two states' draconian abortion bans. They most recently reported the death of Porsha Ngumezi, a 35-year-old mother of two from Texas. Ngumezi suffered a miscarriage at 11 weeks but was left to bleed to death at the hospital, instead of having the failing pregnancy surgically removed. Multiple doctors in Texas confirmed that hospital staff are often afraid to perform this surgery, however, because it's the same one used in elective abortions. Rather than risk criminal charges, doctors frequently stand by and let women suffer or die. Ngumezi's youngest son doesn't fully understand that his mother is dead. ProPublica reported that he chases down women he sees in public who have similar hairstyles, calling for his mother. Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only. A day after this story was published, the Washington Post reported that the Texas maternal mortality board would skip reviewing the deaths of pregnant women in 2022 and 2023 conveniently, the first two years after the abortion ban went into place. The leadership claims it's about speeding up the review process, but of course, many members pointed out the main effect is that "they would not be reviewing deaths that may have resulted from delays in care caused by Texass abortion bans." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is especially noteworthy because it's become standard after one of these reports for anti-abortion activists to blame the victims and/or the doctors, and not the bans. Christian right activist Ingrid Skop, for instance, responded to Nguzemi's death by insisting "physicians can intervene to save womens lives in pregnancy emergencies" under the Texas law. If she really believed that, however, she would desperately want the state maternal mortality board to review this, and other cases like it, so they could come up with recommendations for hospital staff to treat women without running afoul of the law. Skop, however, is on the Texas maternal mortality board. She was likely part of the decision to refuse to look into whether women like Nguzemi might be saved. So the likeliest explanation is the simple, if brutal one: Anti-abortion activists do not want doctors to save women's lives. The current situation, where doctors are afraid to treat women and have no guidance on how to do so safely, is a status quo they are fighting to preserve. We also know this because, as Jessica Valenti reported at Abortion Every Day last week, these same activists are lobbying to rewrite current abortion bans to remove the paltry "exceptions" that do exist. Instead of allowing doctors to abort pregnancies that are failing, they want to force them to induce labor instead. That is not just cruel but will kill women. We know this because that's exactly how Nguzemi died; her doctor gave her a drug in hopes it would push the pregnancy out, rather than surgically remove it, as is the standard of care. The Texas decision comes on the heels of a similar move in Georgia, which dismissed the maternal mortality board members to punish them for giving journalists the facts about the deaths of two other women killed by that state's abortion ban. Georgia's only slightly better than Texas, in that they aren't even bothering to pretend this isn't a cover-up. The head of the health department explicitly cited the sharing of information "with outside individuals" as the reason for the board being disbanded. This censorship effort doesn't just impact the data about abortion ban-related deaths, either. Before 2022, both Texas and Georgia had some of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. There's been an eye-popping 56% rise in pregnancy-related deaths in Texas over the past few years. Anyone who actually cared about women or "life" would want to get to the bottom of that. But people like Skop already know what the likely answer will be: Many of these women are dying because they can't get timely abortion care. Some are dying from unsafe abortions. Some are being murdered by partners who are trying to trap them with pregnancy. There's evidence that the overall quality of ob-gyn care in abortion ban states has declined, as doctors flee to legally safer environments. Some will have died, like Nguzemi, after being denied standard miscarriage management care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But despite claims to be "pro-life," anti-abortion activists do not care. Instead, they are on Twitter griping about how comprehensive reproductive health care access "promotes sexual promiscuity." It is utterly insane that American families are forced to give $699 MILLION a year to Planned Parenthood, which kills 1000 babies a day via abortion and promotes sexual promiscuity. Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) November 25, 2024 No, seriously, this is their priority while women are dying. The facts don't lie: contraception usage leads to more promiscuity and more babies killed by abortion. pic.twitter.com/o0aq66IurG Live Action (@LiveAction) December 21, 2023 Skop also argued last year that abortion bans are justified because "promiscuous behavior declines." It's tempting to point out that all five women whose deaths have been reported by ProPublica were in long-term relationships or marriages. Three of the five planned to bring their pregnancies to term and died because they were denied miscarriage care. But that's the problem with vague terms like "promiscuous." They draw us into debates about how much women are allowed to enjoy sex before their lives are forfeited. Or how many "good girls" should die to punish the "promiscuous" ones. That is the trap of misogyny. It allows women like Lila Rose or Ingrid Skop to pretend that, if you submit to the sexist order and obey all their arbitrary rules, you'll be saved. But these laws punish all women and girls: mothers and non-mothers, wives and single women, women who've had 100 partners and those who were virgins when raped. Abortion bans make crystal clear that, to the Christian right, no woman's life is worth saving. Anyone can be sacrificed, to protect their cruel patriarchal order. WASHINGTON GOP lawmakers began publicly fuming shortly after President Joe Biden announced that he was pardoning his son Hunter Biden. President-elect Donald Trump's communications director, Steven Cheung, reacted to the announcement without naming the president or his son. "The failed witch hunts against President Trump have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system," Cheung said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That system of justice must be fixed and due process must be restored for all Americans, which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people," he continued. Shortly after, Trump himself reacted publicly to the news, invoking prosecutions related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. "Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!" Trump said on Truth Social. Many Republicans in Congress who have been longtime critics of Hunter Bidens conduct swiftly attacked the decision on social media, calling it an effort to avoid accountability and casting the president as a hypocrite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "His FBI and DOJ raided Barrons bedroom and Melanias closet at Mar-a-Lago," Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said on X, referring to the federal search of Trump's home in Florida in connection with the now-dismissed classified documents case against him. "Joe Biden is a liar and a hypocrite, all the way to the end." Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., said on X that Biden "will go down as one of the most corrupt presidents in American history." Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chair of the House Oversight Committee, said on X, "Its unfortunate that, rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability." Comer's committee has sent criminal referrals to the Justice Department recommending charges against Hunter Biden. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said the decision "shocked" him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Im shocked Pres Biden pardoned his son Hunter bc he said many many times he wouldnt & I believed him Shame on me," he said on X. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., argued that Americans could be likely to sympathize with Biden while still criticizing the move. "Most Americans can sympathize with a fathers decision to pardon his son, even if they disagree," he said on X. "What they cant forgive is Biden lying about it repeatedly before the election." The most immediate reactions came overwhelmingly from Republicans, though some Democrats also weighed in. Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colo., criticized Bidens decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country, Polis said on X. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. Similarly, Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona said he thought Biden "got this one wrong." "This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution," Stanton said on X. "Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers." But prior to Biden's announcement, Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland spoke about the possibility of a pardon earlier Sunday to offer a possible explanation of what a pardons basis could be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a defense called selective prosecution, Raskin said on CNN. If you can show that the government has a set of cases that all look alike, but they pick one person out to prosecute based on, say, a political animus towards the person, which essentially is the claim that Donald Trump has been making about why he was targeted, the power exists for the president to show mercy for people who have committed crimes and either suffered some kind of injustice in the process or the punishment is disproportionate. In his statement explaining his decision, Biden used similar reasoning to argue that his son was "being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted." Biden's plans to pardon his son were first reported by NBC News. He had said publicly multiple times that he would not pardon him. "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong," the president said in the statement. "There has been an effort to break Hunter who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden was set to be sentenced later this month for convictions on federal gun charges and federal tax evasion charges. The charges were related to two separate cases. He had pleaded guilty to the federal tax evasion charges and was convicted by a jury after a trial on the gun charges. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Republicans called President Joe Biden a liar for pardoning his son, who was convicted on gun charges and pleaded guilty to tax fraud this summer. The decision comes after the president said that he would "abide by the jury's decision" in an interview ahead of his son's conviction in June, when Biden still topped the Democratic ticket. Joe Biden has lied from start to finish," said House Oversight Chair James Comer in a post on X. "Its unfortunate that, rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kentucky Republican was one of the chairs of the months-long impeachment inquiry focused on business deals of Hunter Biden and other family members. President-elect Donald Trump called the pardon "an abuse and miscarriage of Justice" on his Truth Social platform. And he hinted at what could be future thinking about how the Hunter Biden pardon could impact those charged in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. "Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years?" Sen. John Barrasso, the number three Senate Republican, said in a post on X, "Tonights pardon is wrong. It proves to the American people that there is a two-tier system of justice." And Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) expressed disappointment in his former colleague, saying he was "shocked" because Biden said "many many times he wouldnt" pardon Hunter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believed him," Grassley said in a post on X. "Shame on me." Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) called Biden's pardon an "admission that Hunter is a criminal." And Texas Republicans were outraged. Rep. Ronny Jackson referred to the Bidens as DISGRACEFUL LIARS!! in his post, and Rep. Wesley Hunt said, Joe Biden just did the thing he told us he would never do, PARDONING his son for crimes he and the majority of the media told us he never committed. Democrats, meanwhile, defended the president's decision. Former Attorney General Eric Holder, who served under former President Barack Obama, called the pardon warranted, saying, No USAtty would have charged this case given the underlying facts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), one of the impeachment managers against Trump, told CNN earlier in the day that any possibility of a pardon for Hunter Biden, could be rooted in taking issue with the case itself. There is a defense called selective prosecution, if you can show that the government has a set of cases that all look alike, but they pick one person out to prosecute based on, say, a political animus towards the person, which essentially is the claim that Donald Trump has been making about why he was targeted, Raskin said, indicating that Hunter Biden may have been targeted because of his relationship to the president. The power exists for the president to show mercy for people who have committed crimes and either suffered some kind of injustice in the process or the punishment is disproportionate. Not all Democrats were willing to support the presidents Sunday action. Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) spoke out against the pardon, saying, I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong. The former Phoenix mayor continued, This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he sympathised with the presidents natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, but added, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the pardon by his father, Hunter Biden faced criminal sentencing in two separate cases, the first of which was scheduled to take place in Delaware on Dec. 12 on gun charges. He also faced sentencing from a California judge in the tax case on Dec. 16. In that case, he pleaded guilty to not paying $1.4 million in taxes over several years. Jordain Carney and Nicholas Wu contributed to this report. Dec. 1The Red Cross is assisting two residents of a home on the 1700 block of East Avenue in Barker following a Sunday morning fire. First responders were called to the home about 8 a.m. Sunday. Both occupants had already exited the home. Fire officials said the fire spread quickly and fully engulfed the home. Responding Fire Units actively worked the fire for a significant amount of time and were able to extinguish the fire without incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no injuries as a result of the fire. A damage estimate is unavailable at this time. Niagara County Origin and Cause responded to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire. Responding fire companies included Barker, Olcott and Hartland volunteer fire companies and Lockport Fire Department. Police and firefighters are investigating a fire at condominiums in South Fulton. The fire broke out Sunday Camelot Condominiums located at 5655 Camelot Drive. Police said all residents were safely evacuated from their homes and no injuries have been reported. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The South Fulton police department is assisting the fire department to ensure the safety of residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the fire is under investigation. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A small town in Mexico is making a big impact on preserving and protecting the monarch butterfly, a vulnerable species at risk of extinction. Since 2015, a group of volunteers at the Joya Redonda Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in San Miguel Atlautla has been carefully monitoring the behavior of monarch butterflies that migrate to the region for hibernation every year, as reported by Atlas Obscura. The group also keeps watch over the sanctuary area to prevent disturbances to the butterflies from nature and humans, such as logging. Unfortunately, the efforts have been needed, as the number of monarchs has declined over the last two decades, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, due to factors like changing weather patterns, the overheating of the planet, exposure to insecticides, and loss of their natural grassland habitat from human intervention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Monarchs are particularly remarkable because they migrate each year, flying from as far as Canada and across the United States to congregate at a few forested overwintering sites in the mountains of central Mexico and coastal California," the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said. "These sites are an amazing phenomenon: thousands of monarchs cluster in the trees in California, and millions of monarchs drape large swathes of forest in Mexico." In San Miguel Atlautla, likely as a result of the efforts made by the Joya Redonda Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, the number of monarchs arriving every year has been increasing tenfold. Throughout the winter, volunteers camp out in the mountains near the butterflies to track and protect them, led by Eduardo Carrillo. Carrillo has spent years studying and working with monarch butterflies and experienced some of their migration habits firsthand when he worked as a National Park Service employee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I had the great surprise of seeing the butterflies emerge from an enormous colony in a tree," Carrillo told Atlas Obscura. "It was something I had never seen before. From that point, I fell in love with the monarch butterfly." Now he spends his time monitoring the monarch population in San Miguel Atlautla and advocating for their respect in the community to preserve their habitat. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind Earlier this year, the World Wildlife Fund noted that increasing temperatures and drought affected milkweed, the plant where they lay their eggs, causing a drastic decline in population. Some people, like "The Milkweed Man," have taken matters into their own hands, rallying communities to grow the vital plant to aid the butterflies during their migration. Since monarch butterflies are endangered, it's important that people take local action, including making backyards friendly to these crucial pollinators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monarchs hibernate in oyamel fir trees, which are endangered due in part to the warming climate. Conservationists in Mexico are increasing their efforts to plant more of these trees in suitable areas to encourage the monarch population to thrive. Environmentalists and non-profit groups also host events and workshops to educate residents on the importance of monarch butterflies in their hibernation regions. Making monarchs a part of community culture and local traditions can help protect them for years to come. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. The Nebraska Board of State Canvassers meets to certify the November 2024 general election results on Dec. 2, 2024. From left: State Auditor Mike Foley, Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Gov. Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and State Treasurer Tom Briese. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN Nebraskas state constitutional officers have officially certified the November 2024 general election, which includes the formal approval of five ballot measures. The State Canvassing Board on Monday unanimously accepted the election results for all but one race a seat on the Dawson Public Power District, which will head to an automatic recount Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Canvassing Board consists of Gov. Jim Pillen, Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers, State Treasurer Tom Briese and State Auditor Mike Foley. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen during a meeting to certify the November 2024 general election results. Dec. 2, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Evnen, whose office oversees and administers Nebraska elections, celebrated the exemplary work of election officials and voters, who completed the first general election with voter ID. Deputy Nebraska Secretary of State Wayne Bena, who oversees the states Elections Division, said he spent the majority of the morning on Election Day this Nov. 5 dealing with whether yard signs were too close to polling sites. If thats the biggest part of my day, I know its going to be a good day, Bena told the canvassers. Ballot measure implementation The official certification will also usher in new state laws and a new constitutional amendment within the next 10 days, upon official proclamations from Pillen: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initiative Measure 434 An amendment to the Nebraska Constitution to officially prohibit most abortions after the first trimester (about 12 weeks gestational age) with exceptions for medical emergency, sexual assault or incest. Referendum Measure 435 The repeal of Legislative Bill 1402, a state law passed this spring to appropriate $10 million for education scholarships to private schools. Briese said roughly $50,000 in administrative costs and $30,000 in scholarship funds had not been distributed and will return to the state budget after June 30, 2025. Initiative Measure 437 A new state law to allow Nebraskans to legally possess up to 5 ounces of medical cannabis, so long as they have a written recommendation from their health care practitioner (valid for two years, or another specified time frame). Initiative Measure 438 A new state law to regulate medical cannabis with a new Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, which must establish criteria to license registered cannabis establishments by July 1, 2025, and begin granting registrations by Oct. 1, 2025. Commission members will be the three members of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. The governor will have the option of appointing two more members. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen signs off on the 2024 general election results on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) One ballot measure has a delayed implementation date of Oct. 1, 2025: Initiative Measure 436 A new state law to offer a minimum level of paid sick leave for workers, up to 40 hours for small businesses and 56 hours in businesses with 20 or more weekly employees. Initiative Measure 439, an abortion-rights constitutional amendment regarding a right to abortion until fetal viability, failed to pass. A great debt of gratitude Bena said that despite headwinds going into the election, county election officials rose above. He expressed a great debt of gratitude for their work validating the most ballot measure petition signatures in state history, getting all ballots out on time and embracing voter ID education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, 345 ballots were rejected due to voter ID issues, and 654 early voting ballots were rejected because voters did not sign the back of the envelope. Bena said both issues had little impact on any races. After each general election, state elections officials manually hand count ballots in 10% of precincts statewide. The precincts are chosen at random with at least one precinct in every county for three races: one federal, one state, and one local race as chosen by the county. Of 133 precincts audited, in a total of 69,764 ballots (about 7.2% of total ballots cast this fall), there were a total of seven discrepancies, which Bena said were because of hesitation marks where voters didnt fully shade in the oval next to a candidates name or because some ballots might have been counted twice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What this does show, and as it has shown in our audits after every election, our machines are counting these votes accurately, and our votes are secure, Bena said. Nebraska Deputy Secretary of State for Elections Wayne Bena listens to testifiers for and against Nebraska ballot measures. Oct. 15, 2024. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) Three reported problems Three problems were reported during this election cycle, two of which had no impact on the ultimate outcomes. In Gage County, the race for the Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District Subdistrict 1 seat did not appear on 32 of the 41 ballot styles in the county, meaning about 2,396 voters didnt get to vote in the contest. Duane Parde of Pickrell ran unopposed for reelection. In Johnson County, the race for the State Board of Education District 2 seat between Maggie Douglas and Linda Vermooten, both of Bellevue, was left off of one ballot style in one precinct. That affected about 54 voters. Douglas was elected by a margin of 5,534 votes over Vermooten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Dawson County, the race for the Dawson Public Power District, Dawson Subdivision, was mistakenly printed as Vote for ONE, instead of Vote for TWO. Election officials identified the mistake Oct. 7 and worked with the state Elections Division to prepare new ballots the next day. Corrected ballots were mailed to the 240 voters who had already received early ballots on Oct. 11. All four candidates in the race were notified, and news releases were sent to local newspapers, Bena said. State Treasurer Tom Briese, right, and Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers listen to testimony on the November 2024 general election before voting to certify the election results. Dec. 2, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 240 voters, all but one returned their ballot 178 voters either sent in the corrected ballot or indicated they didnt need to change their vote. Bena said that left 61 ballots. The difference between the second and third-place finishers was 20 votes. That is the race headed to an automatic recount. This error had the potential of affecting the outcome, Bena said. The recount will occur at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the affected counties: Buffalo, Custer, Dawson, Frontier, Gosper and Phelps. The Canvassing Board will meet next Tuesday to finalize the result. Bena said all candidates can observe the process in each of the six counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The losing candidate does have the ability to file an election contest, if they do so choose, Bena told the Canvassing Board, but I will point out that the clerk did everything that they were supposed to do if an error like this occurred to be able to correct the wrong and give the voters the opportunity to vote on a corrected ballot. 2024 General Canvass Book SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Safety and security at polling locations has become a concern for poll workers. (Photo by Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images) Some things just dont go together. Oil and water, polka dots and plaid, ketchup and pancakes. Heres another pair that isnt compatible, but unfortunately on Election Day this year, we saw them clash at an Indianapolis vote center. Guns and voting. Last month, poll workers and voters at one Indianapolis location came face-to-face with how incompatible these things are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not going to publicly name the location where this incident took place, because one incident with guns is enough for those who were intimidated, and they fear retribution. But it is a church, and they did post signage, in accordance with the law, banning guns from their property. This voting location had been busy all morning and there was a line of voters when things took a turn. A voter showed up wearing articles of clothing promoting one particular candidate. Per Indiana law, poll workers asked the voter to remove his hat and turn the shirt inside out. The voter removed the hat and his shirt, revealing two firearms and a knife in his waistband and began to loudly and profanely complain about being asked to comply with the law prohibiting electioneering inside a polling place. When the sign posted on the door with the church policy prohibiting guns was pointed out to him, his behavior became even more threatening. Thankfully, the poll workers on duty did everything right. Instead of arguing with him, they de-escalated the situation and got him in and out as quickly as possible. This was certainly to the relief of the people who witnessed this scene, some of whom fled to the church kitchen during the tense moments that transpired. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the damage was done. Word about the situation quickly got out in the surrounding neighborhood through social media and the long line of voters became a trickle. It remains to be seen if this man will be charged with intimidation of a poll worker, a law newly passed in 2024 and one that is obviously needed. While Im not going to blame Marion Countys lackluster turnout solely on people being afraid of violence while voting, it is increasingly mentioned by voters as a concern. According to a Reuters poll, 43% of U.S. voters are concerned about threats of intimidation or violence when they cast an in-person vote. With the election over, its time for our elected officials to restore trust in elections and reassure voters that their polling places are safe from gun intimidation or other violence. Its bad enough that Indianas current gun laws make it legal to carry a gun just about anywhere, including a polling place. It gets worse when elected officials and some candidates demonize the other side and use overheated rhetoric to make baseless claims about election fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of experiencing Election Day as a celebration of democracy and majority rule, too many Hoosiers seem eager to cast a hostile and suspicious eye toward anyone who might make different choices at the ballot box. They do that because certain candidates and election officials have set an example they follow. It is time for elected officials to turn the thermostat down and stop using election laws to score political points. It is time they lead by example and stop festering conspiracies about their Hoosier neighbors. Earlier this year Secretary of State Diego Morales urged local election officials to blow the whistle on election interference. I urge all elected officials in Indiana to abandon their dog whistle messaging on election security and instead work to ensure that all Hoosiers can cast their ballot in person without fear of intimidation or violence. Banning guns from Indiana polling places would be the place to start. Indiana does not have a problem with ineligible voters casting ballots; our problem is getting eligible voters to participate. Banning guns from Indiana polling places would reassure voters our elections are safe, secure and accessible to all. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BURRILLVILLE, R.I. (WPRI) In Burrillville, 942.11 acres of forested land will now be preserved and open to the public for years to come. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced on Monday that it bought the parcel of land from the Rhode Island Boy Scouts (RIBS). The DEM was awarded a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a $301,250 award from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to help with the $1,610,000 purchase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Boy Scouts told 12 News that all the money from the sale will be put toward the RIBS endowment. The funds will be used to maintain and enhance RIBS camps, including Camp Yawgoog in Rockville, RI, Camp Champlin in Cranston, RI, and Camp Norse in Kingston, MA, an RIBS spokesperson said. MORE: Pokanoket Tribe reclaims ancestral property from Brown This land is one of the last large and undeveloped parcels of land left in Rhode Island, according to the DEM. The deal marks the largest single acquisition by the DEM since 2014. The land purchased by the Rhode Island DEM in Burrillville. (Courtesy: Rhode Island DEM) The property will be incorporated into the Buck Hill Management Area and open for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational uses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This purchase will help connect the more than 4,000 acres of land from the George Washington Management Area and Pulaski State Park with the 2,200 acres of land from the Buck Hill Management Area. Conserved land in Massachusetts and Connecticut also connects to the parcel, resulting in more than 13,000 acres of contiguous protected area. Conserving such a large parcel of connected forestland is a huge win for preserving Rhode Islands natural resources and increasing public access to the outdoors, DEM Director Terry Gray said. A portion of the property will be temporarily closed to the public for site improvements. The rest of the property can be accessed from the George Washington Management Area. NEXT: Pawtucket awarded $250K to preserve green space 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. (Bloomberg) -- For businesses in Norway, illness is becoming an increasingly trying problem. Workers take more sick days than anywhere else in Europe and absences are at the highest level in 15 years. Most Read from Bloomberg As companies struggle with chronic shortages, critics blame an overly generous welfare system, where spending on health-related benefits outranks other developed nations. The IMF calls it costly and distortionary and says that reform should be a priority. Workers get their full salary for a year, with a cap at somewhat higher than the average wage, and then two thirds of former income after that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Companies tell us that more time is spent on recruitment, getting hold of the people with the right skills, while there is more wear and tear on the employees who remain, said Odd Arild Grefstad, chief executive officer of Norwegian pensions and insurance firm Storebrand ASA. All of that means that productivity drops. But lavish benefits are far from the only cause, and the situation is worsening across Europe. Ageing workforces and more awareness of stress and mental health, particularly among younger generations, have been blamed, as have repercussions from the Covid pandemic. As the numbers increase, so too do the economic costs. For many governments, grappling with weak growth or debt burdens that have put investors on alert, its an extra financial strain. Businesses say illness absences are exacerbating gaps in labor, hampering output, while for workers, being out of work affects earnings and livelihood, with further implications for wellbeing and sense of self worth. In the UK, the number of economically inactive working-age people has risen by almost 800,000 since early 2020. Long-term sickness is taking a near 33 billion ($42 billion) toll of productivity, a number that could double by the end of the decade, according to Zurich Insurance. Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a plan last week to try to reverse that and get more people into work. The ambition is to boost economic growth and reduce a soaring benefits bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly dramatic numbers have emerged elsewhere in Europe. Employers in Germany spent a record 77 billion ($81 billion) last year on employee sick leave, more than double 2010 levels, the IW economic research institute has said. The country is losing about 200 billion a year from sick days, government estimates show. In France, the head of the national health insurance agency has warned of increased costs that are straining the budget. Help for people who are ill and cant work is a vital part of the social safety net. But money is just a part of that, and governments want to stop people drifting further away from work, particularly if theres a way to get them into meaningful, secure employment that doesnt leave them worse off. One of the most frightening statistics in this field is that if someone has been on sick leave for at least six months, the likelihood that he or she would leave the labor force altogether is higher than the likelihood of returning, said Christopher Prinz, senior labor market analyst at the OECD in Paris. Any response is complicated, given that there are multiple factors at play, sometimes involving personal physical or mental issues. Governments and businesses have to tread carefully and sensitively. Otherwise, their actions can come across as thoughtless or cruel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, simply getting people to reduce sick days doesn't always mean an economic boost. OECD research shows that people coming to work while ill so-called presenteeism are more harmful to productivity than losses from those staying away, by two to three times. Genuine Need In Norway, architect Andreas Tingulstad doesnt work full time since suffering a stroke and brain injury, and relies on benefits to top up his salary. The 47-year-old appreciates that the welfare model isnt perfect, but says misuse by a minority shouldnt be an excuse to scrap something that works for genuine users. I don't expect NAV to fix my life, but they are existential, he said, referring to the country's Labour and Welfare Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Usually a disability or sickness is no ones fault. It just happens, he added. Im sure there are lots of people that do take advantage, I dont think you can ever get rid of those people. But you can work to improve it. Norway is lucky in one respect, having the backstop of a $1.8 trillion sovereign wealth fund. However, the government still says that some change is needed. It highlighted reducing sick leave and preventing dropouts from the workforce as key objectives in a report this year. Politicians elsewhere are also looking at options, particularly France, which is desperate to save money. The national health insurance agency plans to contact those off work for more than 18 months to see about managing some form of return. It will also review some doctors and tighten the sick note system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The French national auditor has made a controversial proposal to stop compensation for absences of less than eight days, which could save 470 million a year. Unsurprisingly, there is pushback. The Unsa trade union has said people must stop stigmatizing the sick. In the UK, Starmers plan to get more people into work comes alongside a second measure aimed at improving workers rights, including proposals to widen sick pay access. While the latter reforms will cost businesses up to 4.5 billion a year, the government argues that the expense will be partly offset by greater worker wellbeing that lifts output. Almost 80% of UK firms have experienced increased absenteeism due to long-term health issues, according to a survey by consultancy Barnett Waddingham. A third said this has damaged productivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But solutions that everyone can agree on are proving difficult. Back in Norway, talks between employers organization NHO and labor unions on their longstanding inclusive working life agreement are deadlocked on the issue of benefits. Society cannot afford sickness absence to continue as it is now, said Anne Louise Aartun Bye, the head of labor market department at the NHO. We have a shared responsibility to reverse this trend. --With assistance from Samy Adghirni. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. A federal judge last month dismissed a man's claims that Jefferson County SWAT team members violated his constitutional rights by forcefully entering his home with little warning, damaging the apartment and removing him half-naked while they executed a search warrant. Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres on Sunday slammed Mayor Eric Adams administration for giving only a slap on the wrist to a taxpayer-funded staffer caught ripping down an Israeli hostage poster. Nallah Sutherland, 25, an Adams staffer whose job is suppposedly to bridge cultural divides, tore up the poster on the Upper East Side on Nov. 2 and dumped it in the trash then allegedly attacked an onlooker who questioned her, according to the social-media platform Jews of NY and nonprofit StopAntisemetism. In response to the alleged hate-fueled antic, City Hall simply made Sutherland undergo multicultural training and put a note in her file, administration sources exclusively told The Post over the weekend. Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres slammed the Adams administration Sunday for not firing a staffer who was caught ripping down an Israeli hostage poster. Matthew McDermott I would fire anyone who engaged in acts of antisemitism like tearing down posters of the hostages, Torres told The Post in a statement Sunday. I call on the mayor to do the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city and the state should not only preach but also practice zero tolerance for antisemitism, said the Democrat, who is eying a run for governor. Torres added on his personal X account, If I were at the helm of NYS or NYC government, antisemites need not apply. Tearing down posters of the hostages is completely unacceptable and would not be tolerated. Sutherland works as a special-event coordinator for the Mayors Office of Special Projects and Community Events, raking in $61,135 a year helping to plan celebrations Hizzoner hosts honoring the diverse citys many ethnic groups. She is part of a team whose job is supposed to bridge cultural divides and support key city initiatives that help provide a source of strength, unity, and resilience to New Yorkers across all communities within the five boroughs and beyond, according to the offices website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage of the Nov. 2 incident at the corner of East 84th Street and York Avenue shows Sutherland tearing off the poster and tossing it in the trash. Torres told The Post he would fire anyone engaged in acts of antisemitism. X/@RitchieTorres Is there a reason youre taking those down? asks an eyewitness about the poster, part of a public art campaign to raise awareness for the Israeli and American hostages taken captive by Hamas terrorists during their Oct. 7, 2023, attack on the Jewish state. Those were hostages. They were taken by terrorists, the eyewitness says, according to the 20-second clip he recorded. Sutherland then walks toward the man and swipes his phone with her right hand, briefly knocking it out of focus, the video shows. Nallah Sutherland, who works for Adams, was caught on video ripping down the poster on the Upper East Side. Instagram/@stop_antisemitism Thats assault actually. You know that, right? the man tells Sutherland, who can be seen in the clip smirking and walking away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government employee began working for the Democratic mayor a staunch Israel supporter in 2023, records show. Sutherland is a junior staffer who does not directly interact with Adams, according to sources. Sutherland is a junior staffer who does not directly communicate with Adams, City Hall sources said. Instagram/@stop_antisemitism Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Adams has been clear that hate has no place in our city, and the same if not higher standard should be held for our citys more than 300,000 employees, the mayors office said in a statement. That is why disciplinary action was taken immediately after learning about this incident a few weeks ago. Sutherland did not return messages from The Post. Police are searching for a suspect who used a rock to shatter a window and break into a business in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles Monday morning. The incident was captured on surveillance video just after 1 a.m. Monday at the Corner Grille Korean Fusion restaurant on Ventura Boulevard near Topanga Canyon. The video shows a rock being thrown at the business, partially shattering the window. A shattered glass is seen outside the Corner Grille Korean Fusion restaurant in Woodland Hills on Dec. 2, 2024. (KNN) The suspect then used a pickaxe to try and break the glass further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson confirmed that the suspect did get into the business but it was unclear if anything was taken. No description of the suspect was 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 KTLA. Called a dirty cop, Roger Golubski was accused of abusing women, putting innocent men in prison, and terrorizing the Black community for decades. (Carlos Moreno/KCUR 89.3) This story was produced by KCUR 89.3. Roger Golubski, the former Kansas City, Kansas, Police detective accused of misconduct, criminal behavior and the grossest acts of corruption a police officer can commit, has died of an apparent suicide. He was 71. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HOME to 741741. It is free, available 24/7 and confidential. Police rushed to Golubskis home in Edwardsville, where an electronic monitoring device showed he was located, after he failed to appear for the first day of his federal trial at 9 a.m. Monday in Topeka. A judge issued a warrant for his arrest and delayed the start of trial. According to a statement from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Edwardsville Police received a 911 call from a neighbor reporting a gunshot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived on scene, they located a deceased male on the back porch, who had sustained a fatal gunshot wound, the statement read. The KBI added that there were no indications of foul play. Golubski had been confined on house arrest for the last two years. Under the conditions of his release, Golubski was prohibited from possessing a firearm, destructive device or other weapon. The KBI said its scheduled an autopsy and will continue to investigate. At 11 a.m., the judge convened with federal prosecutors. They confirmed Golubski had died and moved to dismiss the case, which the judge accepted. Police surround the Edwardsville home of former Kansas City, Kansas, police detective Roger Golubski on Dec. 2, 2024. (Carlos Moreno/KCUR 89.3) On Monday morning, Golubskis lawyer, Chris Joseph, said the former detective was despondent about media coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golubski is accused of using the power of his badge to violate the civil rights of two women by rape, kidnapping and sexual assault. Hes charged under a federal statute making it a crime for government officials, including law enforcement officers, to deprive a person of federally-protected civil rights. Golubski pleaded not guilty to the charges. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, of the Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher, for the District of Kansas, issued a statement in response to the news: This matter involved extremely serious charges, and it is always difficult when a case is unable to be fully and fairly heard in a public trial and weighed and determined by a jury. The proceedings in this case may be over, but its lasting impact on all the individuals and families involved remains. We wish them peace and the opportunity for healing as they come to terms with this development and ask that they all be treated with respect and their privacy respected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golubski is the central subject of KCURs Overlooked podcast, which investigated decades of corruption in the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department and the allegations against Golubski. None of us will be able to face our accuser On the white side of Kansas City, Kansas, Golubski was considered a legendary homicide detective who rose quickly through the ranks and closed cases. In the Black community, he was called the Grim Reaper, the devil, and a snake. Once the accusations against him arose during the 2017 trial exonerating Lamonte McIntyre of a double homicide, people called Golubski a chameleon. His victims have long feared Golubski would die before he went to trial on a host of federal charges. They were also furious that Golubski was released from prison and allowed to remain on house arrest while awaiting trial, even though the magistrate found the allegations shocking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, Golubski was even allowed to remain on home detention despite violating his pre-trial release conditions by going to a fast-food restaurant. I am angry and hurt at the same time because none of us will be able to face our accuser, said Niko Quinn, who says she was forced to give false testimony against McIntyre. Quinn also says her sister, Stacey Quinn, had been manipulated by Golubski beginning when she was only a teenager, part of a pattern by the detective. Niko Quinn said with Golubskis death, so many secrets will be buried, and she and others in the community will never be able to know what happened to their loved ones. Roger Golubski, left, the former Kansas City, Kansas, Police Detective accused of sexual assault and other crimes, walks into the federal courthouse in Topeka with his attorney, Chris Joseph, in June 2023. (Peggy Lowe/KCUR 89.3) Inside the charges against Golubski Federal prosecutors charged Golubski in September 2022 with violating the civil rights of two women and possibly seven more by raping and kidnapping them. One of his victims, identified only as S.K. in court documents, was just 13 when she says Golubski started abusing her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2022, Golubski was charged in a separate federal case with protecting Cecil Brooks, a notorious drug dealer who was running a sex trafficking operation of underage girls. Along with Brooks and two other men, Golubski faced conspiracy, kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse and attempted aggravated sexual abuse, including the involuntary servitude of two teenagers who were held captive at an apartment complex. Golubski was accused of raping one of the girls, who was 16 at the time. Golubski pleaded not guilty to all charges and his attorney questioned the validity of the decades-old and uncorroborated allegations. From a large extended Kansas City, Kansas, family, Golubski first wanted to become a Catholic priest and went to seminary for high school. He changed his mind, graduating from the police academy in 1975 and finally retiring in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The claims against Golubski first surfaced in 2016 during the exoneration case of Lamonte McIntyre, a then-16-year-old who said he was set up by Golubski to take the fall for a 1994 double homicide. McIntyre spent 23 years in prison and was released as an innocent man in 2017. McIntyre and his mother, Rose, won a $12.5 million settlement against the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, in June 2022. Although the new Wyandotte County District Attorney, Mark Dupree, was crucial in dropping the case against McIntyre in 2017, some of Golubskis victims accused Dupree of later being slow to investigate cases brought by Golubski during his years as a homicide detective. Dupree established a Conviction Integrity Unit in 2018, but the three attorneys who were hired to staff it were ultimately fired for racist remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2022, KCKPD Chief Karl Oakman announced that he was launching a review of 155 of Golubskis cases, and Dupree got $1.7 million from the Unified Government to digitize the old case files. When pressed, Oakman brushed aside concerns that KCKPD couldnt be trusted to conduct an impartial review of Golubskis cases, saying, Who better to clean their own house? But social justice activists scoffed at the internal review, calling it a major red flag. Activists have long demanded a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the entire department. As the case gained more attention, victims mostly Black women started to congregate at rallies, protests and prayer circles. In November 2023, a federal lawsuit filed by five Black women accused the UG of allowing dirty cops like Golubski to sexually exploit them, run a police protection racket, and subject the Black community to regular acts of humiliation and exploitation. One of the victims in the lawsuit recounted being violently assaulted by Golubski, and asking the detective why he was doing it. Because I can, Golubski reportedly said. Advertisement Advertisement Called a dirty cop, Roger Golubski was accused of abusing women, putting innocent men in prison, and terrorizing the Black community for decades. (Photo by Carlos Moreno/KCUR 89.3) This story was produced by KCUR 89.3. Roger Golubski, the former Kansas City, Kansas, Police detective accused of misconduct, criminal behavior and the grossest acts of corruption a police officer can commit, has died of an apparent suicide. He was 71. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police rushed to Golubskis home in Edwardsville, where an electronic monitoring device showed he was located, after he failed to appear for the first day of his federal trial at 9 a.m. Monday in Topeka. A judge issued a warrant for his arrest and delayed the start of trial. According to a statement from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Edwardsville Police received a 911 call from a neighbor reporting a gunshot. When officers arrived on scene, they located a deceased male on the back porch, who had sustained a fatal gunshot wound, the statement read. The KBI added that there were no indications of foul play. Golubski had been confined on house arrest for the last two years. Under the conditions of his release, Golubski was prohibited from possessing a firearm, destructive device or other weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HOME to 741741. It is free, available 24/7 and confidential. The KBI said its scheduled an autopsy and will continue to investigate. At 11 a.m., the judge convened with federal prosecutors. They confirmed Golubski had died and moved to dismiss the case, which the judge accepted. On Monday morning, Golubskis lawyer, Chris Joseph, said the former detective was despondent about media coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golubski is accused of using the power of his badge to violate the civil rights of two women by rape, kidnapping and sexual assault. Hes charged under a federal statute making it a crime for government officials, including law enforcement officers, to deprive a person of federally-protected civil rights. Golubski pleaded not guilty to the charges. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, of the Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher, for the District of Kansas, issued a statement in response to the news: This matter involved extremely serious charges, and it is always difficult when a case is unable to be fully and fairly heard in a public trial and weighed and determined by a jury. The proceedings in this case may be over, but its lasting impact on all the individuals and families involved remains. We wish them peace and the opportunity for healing as they come to terms with this development and ask that they all be treated with respect and their privacy respected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golubski is the central subject of KCURs Overlooked podcast, which investigated decades of corruption in the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department and the allegations against Golubski. None of us will be able to face our accuser On the white side of Kansas City, Kansas, Golubski was considered a legendary homicide detective who rose quickly through the ranks and closed cases. In the Black community, he was called the Grim Reaper, the devil, and a snake. Once the accusations against him arose during the 2017 trial exonerating Lamonte McIntyre of a double homicide, people called Golubski a chameleon. His victims have long feared Golubski would die before he went to trial on a host of federal charges. They were also furious that Golubski was released from prison and allowed to remain on house arrest while awaiting trial, even though the magistrate found the allegations shocking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, Golubski was even allowed to remain on home detention despite violating his pre-trial release conditions by going to a fast-food restaurant. I am angry and hurt at the same time because none of us will be able to face our accuser, said Niko Quinn, who says she was forced to give false testimony against McIntyre. Quinn also says her sister, Stacey Quinn, had been manipulated by Golubski beginning when she was only a teenager, part of a pattern by the detective. Niko Quinn said with Golubskis death, so many secrets will be buried, and she and others in the community will never be able to know what happened to their loved ones. Inside the charges against Golubski Federal prosecutors charged Golubski in September 2022 with violating the civil rights of two women and possibly seven more by raping and kidnapping them. One of his victims, identified only as S.K. in court documents, was just 13 when she says Golubski started abusing her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2022, Golubski was charged in a separate federal case with protecting Cecil Brooks, a notorious drug dealer who was running a sex trafficking operation of underage girls. Along with Brooks and two other men, Golubski faced conspiracy, kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse and attempted aggravated sexual abuse, including the involuntary servitude of two teenagers who were held captive at an apartment complex. Golubski was accused of raping one of the girls, who was 16 at the time. Golubski pleaded not guilty to all charges and his attorney questioned the validity of the decades-old and uncorroborated allegations. From a large extended Kansas City, Kansas, family, Golubski first wanted to become a Catholic priest and went to seminary for high school. He changed his mind, graduating from the police academy in 1975 and finally retiring in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The claims against Golubski first surfaced in 2016 during the exoneration case of Lamonte McIntyre, a then-16-year-old who said he was set up by Golubski to take the fall for a 1994 double homicide. McIntyre spent 23 years in prison and was released as an innocent man in 2017. McIntyre and his mother, Rose, won a $12.5 million settlement against the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, in June 2022. Although the new Wyandotte County District Attorney, Mark Dupree, was crucial in dropping the case against McIntyre in 2017, some of Golubskis victims accused Dupree of later being slow to investigate cases brought by Golubski during his years as a homicide detective. Dupree established a Conviction Integrity Unit in 2018, but the three attorneys who were hired to staff it were ultimately fired for racist remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2022, KCKPD Chief Karl Oakman announced that he was launching a review of 155 of Golubskis cases, and Dupree got $1.7 million from the Unified Government to digitize the old case files. When pressed, Oakman brushed aside concerns that KCKPD couldnt be trusted to conduct an impartial review of Golubskis cases, saying, Who better to clean their own house? But social justice activists scoffed at the internal review, calling it a major red flag. Activists have long demanded a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the entire department. As the case gained more attention, victims mostly Black women started to congregate at rallies, protests and prayer circles. In November 2023, a federal lawsuit filed by five Black women accused the UG of allowing dirty cops like Golubski to sexually exploit them, run a police protection racket, and subject the Black community to regular acts of humiliation and exploitation. One of the victims in the lawsuit recounted being violently assaulted by Golubski, and asking the detective why he was doing it. Because I can, Golubski reportedly said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A Rolex thief who tried to rip an 18,500 watch from a grandfathers wrist had been sought by police for deportation, a court heard. Amine Bentaib, 30, admitted one count of attempted robbery and was jailed for 45 months and made subject to a criminal behaviour order. He had targeted Christopher Harris for his Rolex Yacht-Master in Paddington, west London, in July last year. Mr Harris was staying at an Airbnb with his wife and granddaughter at the time. A CCTV recording shows Amine Bentaib and another unknown man moving in to grab Christopher Harriss watch He was followed by Bentaib and another unknown man to his front door after going out to collect a takeaway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they moved in to grab his watch, Mr Harris managed to fight them off. The prosecutor Allison Summers KC told the court that Bentaib had been pursued for deportation since September the year before. Mr Harris fended off his attackers using a takeaway bag, the court heard Judge Adam Hiddleston jailed Bentaib for 45 months, adding that he will qualify as a foreign criminal and be subject to automatic deportation. The judge said: I was shown and watched with care the CCTV recording of this incident, and it is clear from what I saw that you were aware of what you were expecting to steal and that was in fact a Rolex watch. Bentaib then attacked the victim, the judge said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luckily, the two of you were resisted by Mr Harris, who bravely fought back using his takeaway bag to fend you off. The attackers made off when Mr Harris got the better of both of you, the judge said He got the better of both of you you failed to get the watch off his wrist and then you made off. Judge Hiddleston added: Robbery of such high-value items has become an absolute scourge in London, affecting not just those who live here but also visitors to the capital. He added: Whilst I think it is unlikely you will be released before being deported, should any circumstances arise by which in the future you are at liberty on the streets of London, any measures that can be put in place to prevent further offending should in my judgment be deployed. 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 Luiza Ilie BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romania's Constitutional Court on Monday validated the shock first-round result in its presidential election, setting the stage for a run-off vote on Dec. 8 that could upend the country's pro-Western orientation and erode backing for Ukraine. The ruling clears the uncertainty that has hung over the nation since the court demanded a vote recount last week, after the Nov. 24 victory of little-known far-right candidate Calin Georgescu raised suspicions of outside meddling in the electoral process of a country that has been a staunch ally of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Judges unanimously decided to ... confirm and validate the result of the first presidential round on Nov. 24 and holding the second round on Dec. 8," chief judge Marian Enache said. Georgescu will now face centre-right contender Elena Lasconi in the run-off in the European Union and NATO member state. A day earlier Romania held a parliamentary election, with the ruling leftist Social Democrat Party (PSD) leading but with far-right parties gaining a third of seats in the new legislature. The outcome of Sunday's parliamentary election, the second of three ballots scheduled over a period of as many weeks, sets the stage for what is likely to be a period of talks among mainstream parties on forming a governing majority, with the PSD central to the negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We notice a rift," PSD leader and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu told reporters. The party has yet to endorse a candidate in the run-off. "Romanians must decide for themselves," he said. "The PSD will need to be a bridge between EU-funded development and EU and NATO membership and ... a part of Romanians who believe in Christian values and national identity." PRESIDENT'S ROLE With 99.98% of votes counted in the parliamentary ballot, the PSD had won 22.3%, ahead of the hard-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians with 18.3%. Lasconi's centrist opposition Save Romania Union (USR) had 12.25% while the junior ruling coalition ally Liberals had 14.3%. Two far-right groupings, SOS and POT, had 7.75% and 6.4% respectively, and the ethnic Hungarian Party UDMR 6.38%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liberal leader Ilie Bolojan said the party was willing to participate in a pro-Western coalition. "Those who rejoice democracy has won in Romania are doing so prematurely," political scientist Cristian Pirvulescu said. "If the president is far-right, it would be very complicated for pro-Europeans to organise and resist in parliament because they will have an extraordinarily difficult 2025." Who gets to form the government will ultimately depend on who wins the presidential race, since the president designates a prime minister. A survey conducted by pollster CURS on Dec. 1 at voting stations showed Georgescu would win 57.8% in a run-off to Lasconi's 42.2%. The survey polled 24,629 people as they exited voting stations and had a margin of error of plus/minus 0.6%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Yesterday's election shows the pool of voters for Lasconi is very small, the pool of voters for Georgescu can be very large," Pirvulescu said. "PSD voters have more in common with the far right candidate, who has an important shot at winning the election." (Reporting by Luiza Ilie in Bucharest, Mara Vilcu in Gdansk; writing by Alan Charlish and Luiza Ilie; editing by Gareth Jones, Toby Chopra, Kevin Liffey and Mark Heinrich) This article was originally published by APTN News. Dennis Ward APTN News The community of Norway House Cree Nation is in mourning after the deaths of two young people in the Manitoba community in Canada. Brian Rowden, a member of the Cree Nation, told APTN News that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has failed the community. A young man with loads of potential and life was taken away by unnecessary police force, Rowden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That young man was 17-year-old Elgyn Muskego, who was shot and killed by the RCMP in the early morning hours on Friday. According to the Independent Investigation Unit, or IIU, Officers arrived and located the youth outside, armed with an edged weapon. Officers made numerous commands to the male to drop the weapon, but he did not comply and moved towards the officers, resulting in the discharge of a service firearm, the IIU said. A team of IIU investigators was immediately deployed. As this matter involves a fatality, the IIU will request the Manitoba Police Commission appoint a civilian monitor, the IIU said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police watchdog is encouraging witnesses to come forward. Rowden said the RCMP needs to send better-trained officers to Norway House. Too many lives lost recently in our community and this is the nastiest cherry on top. Norway House is hurting, said Rowden who considered Muskego a cousin. Raven Crate The community is also in shock over the death of 23-year old Raven Crate. According to RCMP, officers were called to a house in the community on Nov. 12. The police said Crate was deceased when they found her. On November 14, 2024, Manitoba Major Crime Services arrested and charged 35-year-old Derek Bruce Forbister of Norway House in relation to the death of a 23-year-old female, an RCMP statement from Nov. 14 said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forbister, who was known to the victim, was charged with manslaughter and remanded into custody. According to community members Crate was pregnant. A funeral is being held on Saturday. Hold RCMP accountable Norway House leadership issued a statement late Friday on both incidents. This event has deeply affected our community, especially with the recent loss of a young woman. These incidents have brought immense grief to our Nation, the statement said. As leaders of our Nation, we assure you that these matters are receiving our highest priority. We are committed and determined to ensure that a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting by an RCMP officer takes place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To this end, we have established a dedicated team that will oversee this urgent issue and implement measures to address the broader issues of drugs and violence within our community. This team will consist of our Director of Policing, Health Director, legal counsel, and other key members. In light of these events, Chief and Council are considering all options, including the possibility of declaring a state of emergency. We have reached out to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) to discuss the provision of immediate additional resources and support for our Nation. The MKO Mobile Crisis Unit has been deployed to our Nation. An explosion was heard in Ternopil on the night of 1-2 December as a result of an attack by Russian drones, a fire broke out in a residential building, and a number of people have been killed and seriously injured. Source: Suspilne Ternopil, a Ternopil-related branch of the Ukrainian public broadcaster; Serhii Nadal, the mayor of Ternopil; Ternopil Oblast Military Administration Details: An explosion was heard in Ternopil during an air-raid warning issued due to an attack by Russian drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nadal called on people to stay in shelters on his Telegram channel. An air-raid warning was issued in Ternopil Oblast on 2 December at 00:05. Updated: Later, Nadal said that the Russians had launched another drone attack on Ternopil. There is a fire in a residential building. The appropriate services are working at the scene. Viacheslav Nehoda, Head of Ternopil Oblast Military Administration, said that as a result of the Russian attack on Ternopil, people had been seriously injured, and one person had been killed. Nehoda also added that the appropriate services were working at the scene to extinguish the fire and evacuate people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Nadal at 03:56: "After an enemy UAV hit the apartment building, the fire engulfed the apartments on the top fourth floor and partially the second and third floors. At this moment, rescue and special services are still responding. Some people have been killed and seriously injured. Doctors are doing everything possible to save the lives of those injured. We are preparing a place for temporary accommodation for Ternopil residents whose apartments were damaged." Support UP or become our patron! The Russian Defence Ministry has claimed that drones attacked three Russian oblasts and temporarily occupied Crimea on the night of 1-2 December. Source: Russian Defence Ministry Details: The Russian ministry claimed that their air defence systems destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones on the night of 1-2 December. According to the ministry, eight UAVs were downed over Kursk Oblast, four over Bryansk Oblast, one over Belgorod Oblast and two over temporarily occupied Crimea. Support UP or become our patron! Russia has fired around 60 North Korean missiles at Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began. Source: Andrii Cherniak, spokesperson for Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), in an interview with Donbas Realii (a Radio Liberty project). Quote: "Their accuracy is relatively low, as the technologies used in their production are obsolete." Details: Cherniak added that, despite their outdated technology, the KN-23 missiles still represent a significant threat to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Andrii Kostin, Head of the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine, stated that almost half of the North Korean missiles that Russia launched on Ukraine during winter 2024 did not reach their target because they exploded in mid-air. Support UP or become our patron! Russia has fired at least 60 North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a Ukrainian military spokesperson told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on Dec. 2. North Korea supplied Russia with ammunition, ballistic missiles, and now soldiers since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Pyongyang has ratcheted up its support for Russia following Russian President Vladimir Putins signing of a mutual defense pact with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in June. Earlier reports mentioned more than 5 million artillery shells and 100 short-range ballistic missiles, including short-range ballistic missiles of the KN-23/24 type, supplied to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Their accuracy, in principle, is not very high. We understand that the technology with which they were manufactured is outdated," Andrii Cherniak, a military intelligence spokesperson, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. On top of ammunition and missiles, since late October, thousands of North Korean troops have been fighting in Russias Kursk Oblast to expel Ukrainian forces holding approximately 800 square kilometers (309 square miles) of Russian territory. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, they suffered their first losses. Pyongyang is believed to receive economic support and assistance for its nuclear weapons program in return for troops and arms supplies. Read also: North Korea has given Russia more than 100 ballistic missiles, 5 million artillery shells, Ukraine says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Romania's presidential and parliamentary elections saw a strong showing for far-right politicians critical of military support for Ukraine. Anti-NATO and Russia-admiring independent candidate Calin Georgescu came in first during the initial round of the presidential vote on Nov. 24, with nearly 23%, a shock result that contradicted previous polling. Nationalist parties failed to win a majority in the Dec. 1 parliamentary elections but more than tripled the far-right presence in Romania's legislature. Though far from a full victory, such a political shift in a country whose government staunchly supported its Ukrainian neighbors underscores the growing fatigue across Europe. It also reveals how European voices critical of support for Ukraine are steadily leaving the fringe of political discourse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgescu, a conspiracy theory-loving politician who has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and Romania's World War II-era pro-Nazi dictator Ion Antonescu, is expected to face pro-EU Elena Lasconi in the presidential runoff on Dec. 8. Initially considered a marginal candidate, conservative ultranationalist Georgescu owed his success to a strong social media presence that helped him capitalize on the anti-establishment votes. The first round, accompanied by accusations of TikTok's pro-Georgescu bias and Russian-linked cyberattacks, was even subjected to a recount and had to be validated by the Constitutional Court. In the parliamentary elections, the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), whose leader George Simion has been banned from entering Ukraine, came second with 18% of the vote, trailing only the incumbent Social Democrats with 22%. A woman casts her vote in the parliamentary elections at a polling station in Buzau city Dec. 1, 2024. Romanians returned to the polls on Dec. 1 to elect their parliament. (Daniel Mihailescu / AFP via Getty Images) Two other far-right parties SOS Romania of pro-Russian MEP Diana Sosoaca and the Party of Young People (POT) associated with Georgescu won roughly 7.4% and 6.5%, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the pro-Western moderate parties gathered more votes in the parliamentary elections, the strong showing of nationalist parties and Georgescu's real chances of winning the presidency added another brick to the growing pro-Russian sentiment in Europe. Why does Romanian support matter for Ukraine? Romania has proven itself to be a staunch ally to Ukraine, providing important military, economic, and humanitarian support. Sharing a 613-kilometer (380-mile) border with Ukraine, Romania has been threatened by Russian drones crashing on its territory during night raids on Ukraine. The country has been one of the few partners to provide Ukraine with a full Patriot air defense battery, atop a mostly classified list of materiel that reportedly includes APRA-40 multiple-launch rocket systems or TAB-71 armored vehicles. Ukrainian pilots are learning to fly F-16s at the allied training hub in the Fetesti Air Base in southeastern Romania, while another base is scheduled to host training for Ukrainian Marines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Ukraine's neighbor, Romania became crucial for the transit of Ukrainian agricultural exports heading to global markets amid Russia's attempts at blocking the Black Sea trade routes. Though the importance of the Romanian route has decreased thanks to Ukraine reopening a new maritime corridor, Romania's Constanta Black Sea port still accounted for one-quarter of Ukrainian agricultural exports as of late 2024. As part of humanitarian assistance to the besieged country, Romania has hosted over 170,000 refugees and supported international demining efforts. Bucharest has also been a vocal advocate for Kyiv and its accession to NATO and the EU on the international stage. The cooperation between the two neighbors was solidified in a 10-year security treaty penned on July 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We must stand by Ukraine and its people," outgoing Romanian President Klaus Iohannis told the European Parliament in February, saying that defending democracy, territorial integrity, and sovereignty cannot be subjected to "solidarity fatigue." How can the far-right disrupt it? Despite a surge, the Russian-friendly nationalist parties failed to win a majority in the parliament. However, Romania's political system gives the president ample opportunities to disrupt the country's pro-Ukraine course. Romania's head of state is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, chairs the Defense Council, and represents the country internationally, including in the European Council and at NATO summits. Georgescu has often weighed in on foreign and defense issues, calling a NATO base in the country a source of national "shame" and speaking out against military assistance for Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the electoral campaign, the far-right candidate suggested there is no war in Ukraine, asking the moderator, "Have you been there? Did you see it with your own eyes?" He also praised Putin as a man who "loves his country." If Georgescu wins the second sound of the presidential vote, "he will have a popular legitimacy as a president (and) all the necessary discursive coverage," Sergiu Miscoiu, a political science professor at the Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, told the Kyiv Independent. People protest in the front of the Palace of the Parliament at the Victory square in Bucharest, Romania, on Nov. 27, 2024, with banners reading "democracy rather than fascism," after the surprise win of a far-right candidate in the first round of the country's presidential elections. (Daniel Mihailescu / AFP via Getty Images) "He will be able to be everywhere, and he will change the mood of the country," he added. Nevertheless, presidential powers are constrained by parliamentary checks and balances, preventing the head of state from unilaterally shifting Bucharest's geopolitical orientation, Romanian political journalist Mihai Isac told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the timing of the elections would give Georgescu one powerful tool to influence foreign policy appointing a preferred candidate as prime minister. If the parliament rejects the president's nominee twice in a row, the legislature can be dissolved, leading to snap elections, says Vlad Adamescu, co-founder of the Politica La Minut publication. Georgescu could, therefore, coerce the parties to shape a cabinet closer to his image or prompt snap elections that could potentially give the far right a chance to mobilize more support amid political instability. Combining his presidential authority and the visible far-right success in the elections, Georgescu "could very well reorient Romania," Miscoiu concluded. "We can reasonably believe that if elected, then there will be a change in Romania's position toward a much more neutral stance than today." Ukraine fatigue in Romania The election results come amid the growing Kremlin-friendly sentiment in Europe, with Romania following the recent example of Slovakia that turned from being actively supportive of Ukraine to now being vastly pro-Russian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, the growing support for radical groups is mainly attributed to Romania's economic challenges and dissatisfaction with the "establishment" parties rather than foreign policy issues. A part of Georgescu's appeal rested on his heavily spiritual and religion-laden messaging, gathering support among the predominantly Orthodox Christian population. "In the last few years, there is a stable increase in Russian-inspired propaganda, which puts the Orthodox relation between Romania and Russia in the first place," Isac said. However, Georgescu and other far-right candidates also tapped into the growing fatigue with the war in Ukraine and the fears of being dragged into the conflict, mirroring the messaging of Kremlin-friendly politicians in Moldova or Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Globsec 2024 poll showed that the percentage of Romanians who blame Russia for the war dropped by 10 points to 55%, a development attributed by the researchers to the rise of anti-Ukrainian narratives online. "The Romanian government and the Romanian president did not talk about what we are sending to Ukraine All the arms shipments that are happening and it's very good that they are happening are state secret," Adamescu said. "And no one has explained why we need to do this, why this is in our national interest." Though Georgescu's voters may not be "profoundly anti-Ukraine," they "voted for an anti-Ukraine candidate because the (political) establishment is pro-Ukraine," said Razvan Petri, Adamescu's colleague at Politica La Minut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Georgescu enters the presidential palace, he will join the small but budding coalition of Ukraine-skeptic voices in NATO and the EU, such as Hungary's Viktor Orban or Slovakia's Robert Fico. With Donald Trump's imminent return to the White House in January, the idea of disengaging from Ukraine may no longer be considered fringe at a time when Kyiv needs support from its partners the most. "It's reasonable to believe that if Romania switches position, then there will be some sort of a domino effect in the region and maybe also in the European Union," Miscoiu warned, naming neighboring Moldova as one of the countries that might feel the impact the most. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Syrian military and its ally Russia conducted deadly joint air raids Monday on areas that Islamist-led rebels seized control of over the weekend. The strikes were a response to a lightning offensive by the rebels that saw them wrest control of swathes of northwest Syria from government forces. The conflict that started more than a decade ago took a significant turn several days ago, catching many including, it seems, Syrian dictator Bashar Assad and his Russian backers by surprise. On Saturday, rebels, including many with the U.S.-designated Islamic terrorist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), took control of the major city of Aleppo in northern Syria. The rebels seized Aleppo's airport and started pushing into towns and villages in the countryside around the city on Sunday after leaving piles of dead government soldiers in the streets. Observers said the rebel forces were often met with little to no resistance by regime forces, but by Monday the pace of the surprise offensive appeared to have slowed, with Assad and his Russian backers ramping-up their response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syrian rebels' surprise offensive Syria's civil war began in 2011 after civilians led pro-democracy protests against Assad, and his government responded by opening fire on its own people. The ensuing war is thought to have killed around 500,000 people but, for the last several years, it had simmered as a stalemate. Government forces have controlled the west and south of the country, American-backed rebels have dominated the northeast, and Islamist rebel factions including the ones now in control of Aleppo have held most of the northwest. "We are coming Damascus," the rebels chanted Sunday, threatening to push on next toward Syria's national capital and the Assad government's stronghold. Syrian opposition fighters burn government Syrian flags next to Aleppo's old city, Nov. 30, 2024. / Credit: Ghaith Alsayed/AP The balance in the stalemate started changing last week, when the Islamist-led rebel alliance in the northwest launched its offensive. Over the weekend, HTS and allied factions took control of Aleppo city for the first time since the civil war started more than a decade ago, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitoring group's director Rami Abdel Rahman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aleppo, an ancient city dominated by its landmark citadel, is home to two million people. It was the scene of fierce battles earlier in the conflict but, until Sunday, the rebels had never managed to totally seize it. Video showed rebels in military fatigues patrolling the streets of Aleppo, with some setting fire to a Syrian flag and others holding up the green, red, black and white flag of the revolution. While the streets appeared mostly empty, some residents came out to cheer the advancing rebel fighters. HTS is an alliance led by al Qaeda's former Syria branch. It's fighting alongside allied factions, with units taking orders from a joint command. Aron Lund of the Century International think tank said: "Aleppo seems to be lost for the regime." He added: "And a government without Aleppo is not really a functional government of Syria." The United States and its allies France, Germany and Britain called Sunday for "de-escalation" in Syria, and for the protection of civilians and infrastructure. The U.S. maintains hundreds of troops in northeast Syria as part of an anti-jihadist coalition, and it has also continued carrying out strikes against Islamist groups in the country. Russia and Iran vow to help Syria's Assad Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assad's reaction to the surprise offensive was still building on Monday with the joint airstrikes carried out by his air force and his Russian allies, and expanded ground operations aimed at retaking towns and villages north of Aleppo said to be underway. People inspect damage after a reported airstrike on a camp for displaced Syrians near the town of Maarrat Misrin, in the northern part of Idlib province, Dec. 2, 2024. / Credit: ABDULAZIZ KETAZ/AFP/Getty Syrian-Russian air raids hammered several areas of both Aleppo and the neighboring Idlib provinces, killing at least 49 people, including 17 civilians, according to the Observatory. "The strikes targeted... displaced families living on the edge of a displacement camp," said Hussein Ahmed Khudur, a 45-year-old teacher who sought refuge at a camp in Idlib after fleeing fighting in Aleppo province. He said one of the five people killed in one strike was a student of his, and the other four were his four sisters. Russia, which first intervened directly in the Syrian war in 2015, said Monday that it continued to support Assad. Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Syrian President Bashar Assad at the Kremlin in Moscow, Sept. 13, 2021. / Credit: MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/SPUTNIK/AFP/Getty "We of course continue to support Bashar al-Assad and we continue contacts at the appropriate levels, we are analyzing the situation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. Iran's top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, was in Syria on Sunday to deliver a message of support, state media said. On Monday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said the Islamic republic had entered Syria at the official invitation of Assad's government. "Our military advisers were present in Syria, and they are still present. The presence of advisers from the Islamic Republic of Iran in Syria is not a new thing," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Same Syrian civil war, but very different times While the fighting is rooted in a war that began more than a decade ago, much has changed since then. Millions of Syrians have become displaced, with around 5.5 million living in neighboring countries. Most of those involved in the initial anti-Assad protests are either dead, living in exile or in jail. Russia, meanwhile, is nearing the third year of its incredibly costly full-scale war on Ukraine, and Iran's militant allies Hezbollah and Hamas have been massively weakened by more than a year of conflict with Israel. On Monday, Iran's foreign ministry said it would maintain its military support for the Syrian government. But the role of Lebanon's Hezbollah, which played a key role in backing the government particularly around Aleppo, remains in question particularly after it withdrew from several of its positions to focus on fighting Israel. HTS and its allies began their offensive Wednesday, just as a ceasefire took effect in Lebanon after more than a year of war between Hezbollah and Israel. The recent violence in Syria has killed some 244 rebels and 141 Syrian regime and allied fighters, along with at least 24 civilians, according to the Observatory, which has a network of sources inside Syria. The Observatory said rebel advances met little resistance. Aaron Stein, president of the U.S.-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, said "Russia's presence has thinned out considerably and quick reaction airstrikes have limited utility." He called the rebel advance "a reminder of how weak the [Assad] regime is." The airstrikes on Sunday on parts of Aleppo were the first since 2016. Maryland island struggles to survive impact of rising sea level, erosion | 60 Minutes "The Barn": A murder in Mississippi, and the evil hiding in plain sight Ted Turner's nature preserves: A carefully curated "Heaven on Earth" Ukraine's air force said it recorded 110 Russian attack drones launched into the country overnight into Monday morning. Massed Russian drone barrages have become a nightly occurrence in recent months as winter approaches and Moscow targets Ukraine's energy grid -- as it did in the two previous winters of its full-scale invasion of the country. Ukraine's air force said in a Telegram post early Monday that it downed 52 drones and 50 more were lost in flight. Six flew into either Russian or Belarusian airspace, while one more was still in the sky above Ukraine, the air force said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's State Emergency Service said a drone hit a residential building in the western city of Ternopil, killing at least one person and injuring three others. PHOTO: Firefighters work at the site of an apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Ternopil, Ukraine, on Dec. 2, 2024. (State Emergency Service Of Ukrai/via Reuters) MORE: Zelenskyy says Ukraine facing Russian 'aerial terror' after night of drone strikes Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said its forces shot down at least 17 Ukrainian UAVs over western Russia overnight. Ukraine has also been expanding its long-range attacks deep into Russia, particularly on military bases and oil facilities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X on Sunday that his nation is facing sustained "Russian aerial terror." The past week, he said, has seen Russia use "more than 500 guided aerial bombs, nearly 660 strike drones and approximately 120 missiles of various types against us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement December began with high-level diplomatic visits to Kyiv despite the ongoing Russian bombardments. European Council President Antonio Costa and chief diplomat Kaja Kallas arrived in Kyiv Sunday to underscore the bloc's support for Ukraine. Ukraine's need for more Western air defense systems was among the topics discussed, Zelenskyy said later. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz likewise arrived in the Ukrainian capital on Monday morning. His visit is the first to the country for two-and-a-half years and is expected to include an announcement of a major new military aid package for Kyiv worth some $680 million. PHOTO: A picture taken and released by Ukrainian presidential press service on Dec. 1, 2024 shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with European Council President Antonio Costa, chief diplomat Kaja Kallas and enlargement commissioner Marta Kos. (Handout/UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SER) Russia launches 110 attack drones into Ukraine amid high-level allied visits originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Russia has trained 300,000 contract soldiers as reserves for the currently fighting regiments, a Russian official said in an article for the propaganda outlet Krasnaya Zvezda on Dec. 2. "Seven companies of instructors and eight training companies for specialists... have trained over 300,000 service members," said Ivan Buvaltsev, the head of the training department of Russia's Armed Forces. The claim comes as Russia's advance in Ukraine's east is picking up pace despite allegedly suffering record losses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buvaltsev did not specify when the 300,000 reservists were supposedly trained, but the article's context suggests he refers to the year 2024. Former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu set up nine reserve battalions to train and prepare contract soldiers to offset Russias casualties in Ukraine at the end of 2023. According to Shoigu, 335,000 people signed up voluntarily to fight in 2023. In 2024, this number was 200,000, according to former President Dmitry Medvedev. Russia reportedly suffered record losses in military equipment and personnel in the war against Ukraine in November. Moscow's losses steadily grew since the beginning of the fall as Russia continued to advance in the Donetsk sector, aiming to capture the towns of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only in November, 45,720 Russian soldiers were wounded, killed, or captured and thus unable to continue participating in operations, Kyiv said. This number is equivalent to more than three motorized rifle divisions of the Russian army. November also saw the record for enemy personnel losses in one day broken: 2,030, the highest figure since Feb. 24, 2022, according to Ukraine's military. As of Dec. 2, Russia lost 743,920 troops, 9,478 tanks, and 19,397 armored fighting vehicles, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said. The figures could not be independently verified. Read also: Russia loses almost 46,000 troops, over $3 billion worth of military equipment in November, Defense Ministry says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least four people and injured 23 across multiple regions, authorities reported on Dec. 2. Russian forces launched 110 Shahed-type drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles against Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said. Fifty-two were shot down, 50 were lost across Ukraine thanks to electronic warfare countermeasures, and six flew to Belarus and Russia, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Russian drone hit an apartment building in the western city of Ternopil, killing at least one person and injuring four, officials said. Around 100 people were evacuated from the damaged building. The blast also damaged windows of the surrounding buildings, a school, and 20 cars. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a 60-year-old man was injured during Russian attacks against Nikopol and the Marhanets community, Governor Serhii Lysak reported. Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast injured five people, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported. Two injuries were reported in the town of Pokrovsk, two in the village of Shevchenko, and one in the Andriivka village. In Kherson Oblast, three people were killed and 13 injured in Russian attacks over the past day, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. The three fatalities and 11 injuries were reported after Russian forces struck a minibus in the city of Kherson on Dec. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Chernivtsi, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Luhansk, Poltava, Zhytomyr, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts also came under attack but no casualties were reported. Read also: EU delivered 1 million shells to Ukraine, fulfilling pledge, Kallas says; no estimate for 2025 yet Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Vladimir Kara-Murza wont quit. The Russian politician and dissident has been poisoned on two occasionsonce in 2015 and again in 2017. In April 2022, he was convicted of high treason for speeches he had delivered, two of which criticized Russias war in Ukraine. The indictment claimed he had deliberately spread false information about the Russian military and therefore had done substantial harm to the interests of the Russian Federation. He was sentenced to 25 years. At the courthouse after his sentence, one guard said to him, You just got 25 years for five public speeches. I hope they were good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His punishment even surprised his fellow prisoners. In a scene that could be right out of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyns Gulag Archipelago, Kara-Murza recalls being in a transport car on his way to his prison in Siberia. The prisoners were sharing their indictments and term lengths, and after hearing about Kara Murzas one of them remarked, What did you do, man? Did you eat people? Kara-Murza received the Dissident Human Rights Award from the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation last year, in absentia. But after a complex prisoner swap negotiated by the United States, Germany, and other nations back in August, he was freed from his confinement in Vladimir Putins Russia. This past November, he was able to receive his recognition in person. Kara-Murza receiving the Dissident Human Rights Award from the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation on November 8, 2024. (Photo: Courtesy of Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.) I first met Kara-Murza at Skidmore College back in 2018, when I brought him to campus for two nights to speak about the future of Russia. One night he showed his documentary film Nemtsov (about the opposition leader and Kara-Murzas friend and mentor), followed by a lengthy Q&A session. The next evening he participated in a public conversation with the historian Jonathan Brent on the future of Russia. I was struck by his unique combination of conviction, intelligence, and lucidity, by the way he spoke eloquently and passionately about Putins rise and the prospects of a democratic future for his home country. I was struck, much to my surprise, by his hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born in 1981, Kara-Murzas memories of the Soviet era are mostly imagesred stars and the like. His Moscow school was near Lubyanka Square and the building that housed the KGB. During August 1991, while at recess, he recalls seeing the empty pedestal of the statue of Felix Dzerzhinsky, founder of the Cheka, the KGBs predecessor. This was during the attempted coup by eight Soviet officials who tried to seize control of the country from General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. Boris Yeltsin, an ally of Gorbachev, condemned the coup and inspired mass demonstrations in Moscow. On the night of August 24, the state of Dzenrzinsky was torn downa vital symbolic move as the KGB was the primary instrument of repression and terror throughout the history of the Soviet Union. Kara-Murzas formative years took place amid this period of unrest and possibility. Later he would visit the Soviet archives to see the state security records of his great-grandfather, who was interrogated twice before his execution during the Stalin era. Kara-Murza noticed the shaky handwriting of his signature, likely caused by the exhaustion and trauma from torture. His grandfathers file revealed his eight-year sentence to the Soviet labor camps under Article 58, Section 10the provision of the criminal code dealing with counter-revolutionary or anti-Soviet activity. Like similar provisions in the criminal codes of the Warsaw Pact nations, 58.10 is purposely vague in outlining what counter-revolutionary activity might be. Its no surprise that Solzhenitsyn once said, In all truth, there is no step, thought, or action, or lack of action under the heavens which could not be punished by the heavy hand of Article 58. Kara-Murzas 2022 indictment for statements hostile to the Russian government seemed eerily similar to the troubles of his forebearers. His overall composure since his release from prison this past August is striking given all he has been through the past decade. In recent interviews, Kara-Murza seems fond of drawing upon Solzhenitsyns short text from 1974, Live Not By Lies. He reminded his audience at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation of this line in particular: For violence has nothing to cover itself with but lies, and lies can only persist through violence. Vladimir Putins government has proven itself over and over again to be a regime of murderers, in Kara-Murzas phrase. The execution of Kara-Murzas fellow dissident Alexei Navalny on February 16 is the most recent evidence that he mentioned on this score, but its certainly not the only one. The killing of Kara-Murzas longtime friend and mentor Boris Nemtsov on February 27, 2015, clearly marked him forever. Other notable, but less recent, examples include Sergei Yushenkov in 2003, Anna Politkovskaya in 2006, and Natalya Estemirova in 2009. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He became more animated when asked about the posture and actions of Western governments and other actors vis-a-vis the Putin regime. A large share of what Putin has become rests on Western appeasement, he remarked. He recalls one Western leader who claimed to have looked into Putins soul, another who invited a so-called reset, and a German chancellor who simply sold himself to Putinthough he was purposefully vague about their identities. (Given the timing, we can guess he was referring to Presidents Bush and Obama, and to Chancellor Gerhard Schroder.) Hes also frustrated with companies like Apple, which removed about 60 VPN apps in Russia between July and September of this year, making it difficult for Russians to access what the state deems unlawful content. Kara-Murza credits Putins rise in large part to Russias failure to confront its communist past. As he noted in Oslo in 2021, Russia is not a place where human rights reign. There are more political prisoners in Russia today than at the end of the Soviet Union a stark reminder of the grave mistake Russias short-lived democratic government made in the 1990s by its inabilityor its unwillingnessto fully come to terms with the Soviet past. Russia has not done enough to repudiate communism and to take concrete steps to prevent those at the upper echelons of the party from participating in the government today. And far from repudiation, figures like Putin have done much to attempt to ensure that communism maintains a certain respect. Kara-Murza recalls that one of Putins first acts as prime minister in 1999 was to restore a memorial plaque to longtime KGB official Yuri Andropovwho was also general secretary of the Communist Party from November 1982 until his death 15 months laterin a building where he once lived. In 2004, a 10-foot statue of Andropov was erected in Patrozavodsk, north of St. Petersburg to mark his 90th birthday. Russia has never passed any significant lustration legislationlaws designed to prevent top officials from the communist era from serving in positions of political authority. Kara-Murza recalls speaking with former Soviet dissident Vladimir Bukovsky about his frustrations on this score. When advocating for the necessity of lustration, Bukovksy was often told that such legislation would lead to witch hunts. Without it, Bukovsky replied, The witches will come back and hunt for you! Its fair to say that Bukovsky proved prescient on this score. Why would you go back to Russia? Eric Patterson, president of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, asked Kara-Murza this simple but important question at the November event. He received a simple answer. Im a Russian politician. This is my life. Ive been doing this since 1999. And further, I cant very well call on Russian citizens to stand up if I dont do it myself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kara-Murzas study of Soviet dissidents over 20 years ago led to the making of a documentary called They Chose Freedom. One lesson he learned from them is that fear is a choice. Each individual can choose if he is afraid, Kara-Murza said. This answer is not so simple and points to the mystery of the conjunction of moral and intellectual virtue. For courage to be courage, it has to be chosen. One has to act with ones mind fully alive to the circumstances and dangers. But what, ultimately, will move one to act? Its probably not something that one can explain in precisely rational terms. Its a sense of duty, a desire for nobility or dignity that one sees as befitting this particular choice. Kara-Murza recalls that Bukovsky was asked the same question (why would you go back to Russia?) and Bukovsky replied that it was because people [were] becoming afraid again. Both men understood that one cannot simply argue that people ought to have a certain dignity. Rather, one needs to display it, to embody it. BERLIN, GERMANY NOVEMBER 17: Russian opposition politicians in exile Yulia Navalnaya, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Ilya Yashin attend an anti-war demonstration they organized on November 17, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Axel Schmidt/Getty Images) Reflecting on what enabled him to endure his imprisonment, Kara-Murza mentioned his Christian faith, his knowledge of history, and his conviction that he was in the right. He did not speak at length about his faith, but one can see how his study of the Russian past has contributed to his self-understanding and confidence that the path he has taken is one trodden by predecessors. He knows that he speaks the truthand that the truth matters. Kara-Murza remains hopeful about Russias future. Last winter, during the so-called presidential election, state propaganda made it seem that support for the current government was widespread. Yet Kara-Murza received news of long lines to get nominating petitions so Boris Nadezhdin could get on the ballotsomeone who has openly called the war in Ukraine a mistake. He received one letter from a woman in a town near the Black Sea who had waited to get such a petition. I never realized how many of us there are, she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so more will find their courage thanks to the likes of Vladimir Kara-Murza. As Solzhenitsyn reminded his fellow Russians in Live Not By Lies: And it is not every day and not on every shoulder that violence brings down its heavy hand: It demands of us only a submission to lies, a daily participation in deceitand this suffices as our fealty. There are lessons for those of us fortunate enough to live in relative freedom. Kara-Murza reminds us that the possibility and choice of sacrifice attests to the reality of consciencethe genuine experience of responsibility. The late political scientist Peter Lawler was very early and prescient in recognizing that dissidents like Vaclav Havel and Solzhenitsyn, somewhat paradoxically given the collapse of communism in Russia and Central Europe, had important lessons for Western audiences. As Lawler noted over 30 years ago: Our language is weak in making moral distinctions, and we do not experience strongly or clearly the horizon of highest sacrifice as genuine or good. Because we are not particularly courageous, we are personally irresponsible and find it difficult to cultivate voluntary self-restraint. We prefer impersonal theories such as Marxism and other forms of social and economic determinism to the truth about human existence. Because we do not experience ourselves as strongly bound to something higher, we find it difficult to resist materialistic determination in both theory and practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not sure we in the West have improved much since Lawler wrote those lines. Hes right that we need to speak more clearly about virtues like courage and moderation. The cultivation of self-restraint and courage is possible only with a belief that personal conduct can be more powerful than systems or structures. As the writer Yuval Levin has recently pointed out, peoples lack of trust in institutions is tied directly to their judgment that the people who inhabit those institutions are unrestrained. Our capacity to discipline the desire for personal advantage at the expense of the common good or to overcome fear of disapproval for telling hard truthsthese are examples of conscience at work. Most of us probably wont be called to attest to the truth in the stark and dire fashion of Vladimir Kara-Murza. But its good to be reminded how human it is that the experience of conscience ties us to the worldthat a choice for suffering can be both good and true. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Russian troops and diplomats have begun to flee the Syrian capital, Damascus, as the first armed clashes there broke out. Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine on Telegram Quote: "The first armed unrest has broken out in Damascus, prompting Russian troops and diplomats to urgently leave the Syrian capital." Details: According to Ukrainian intelligence, forces opposing the Russian-backed Assad administration are moving south, with the first urban clashes taking place in Hama, Homs and Suwayda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian contingent is known to have abandoned Hama and relocated to the Khmeimim airbase. Colonel General Alexander Zhuravlyov, chief of the Russian coordinating headquarters in Khmeimim, has declared that the situation is out of the Assad regime's control. The Russians have also fled a military base in the city of Khan Shaykhun, leaving behind a huge inventory of weapons and equipment. Ukraines Defence Intelligence also says Russian planes launched airstrikes in Khan Shaykhun on 1 December 2024. The attack was most likely intended to destroy Russian military assets that had been handed over to rebel troops. Amid the frantic flight of Russian forces, news of the dismissal of the Russian contingent's commander, Lieutenant General Sergei Kisel, began spreading on Arabic-language channels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Colonel Vadim Baikulov, who led a unit of Russian special forces, has been summoned to Moscow. He has to explain to the Kremlin why his subordinates were killed and military equipment captured in Aleppo. Background: According to Reuters, Russia promised the Assad administration greater military support to stop the rebels. On 2 December, Dmitry Peskov, Putin's press secretary, stated that the Kremlin will continue to support Bashar al-Assad. Support UP or become our patron! Russian presidential administration last week held a seminar for vice-governors to discuss an "image of victory" in the war against Ukraine, the Russian pro-regime Kommersant news outlet reported on Dec. 2, citing its undisclosed source. The news comes as Western media report that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is exploring the possibility of freezing the war between Ukraine and Russia on the current front lines. Given the territory currently occupied by Moscow and potential military threats from Russian in the future, Kyiv publicly opposes such a move. The Kremlin held the seminar because Russia's war against Ukraine will "end," and "it is necessary to be prepared for it," the source told Kommersant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The future results of the war must be seen as "a victory" in society, although different social groups perceive it differently, the source added. Therefore, officials need to focus on the "quiet majority" that will be "satisfied with the achievement of the war's goals and the retention of the Russian-occupied territories," as advised by the presidential administration. During the seminar, the vice-governors were also told about the importance of working with public opinion regarding Russian military personnel returning from Ukraine. The presidential administration recommended that rehabilitation and employment of military personnel "be kept in focus" so that former soldiers "do not join protest movements or criminals." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The risk is that former soldiers will find it hard to find the same salaries in civilian life, the source said. Thus, authorities must consider encouraging them and fostering respectful attitudes toward them in society. President Volodymyr Zelensky previously suggested ending the "hot phase of the war" by offering NATO membership to Ukrainian territory under government control. Kyiv submitted its application to join NATO in September 2022, and in July 2024, the alliance affirmed Ukraine's "irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership," although Ukraine has not received any definitive news about its future accession. Read also: Trump ally Tucker Carlson slams Biden for giving Ukraine land mines, says killing is the point Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FORT JOHNSON, La. As drones have flown to the forefront of military planning, some Fort Carson helicopter pilots were getting their first chance to work in coordination with large drones in recent war games here at the Joint Training Readiness Center. In practicing with the Gray Eagle drones, the Apache helicopter pilots expected to gain insight on their enemy hiding in the densely forested landscape at Fort Johnson. Where Fort Carsons high desert allows for pilots to see for miles, flying low over the heavy foliage Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ryan Gabrukiewicz, said he couldnt see beyond a kilometer. Working with the Gray Eagles and their ground operators, helicopter pilots can gain intel directly from the drone pilots and pull video and data from the drones to their screens inside the cockpit, explained Gabrukiewicz, standardization pilot with the 4th Attack Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment from Fort Carson. But since Apaches far outnumber Gray Eagle drones, its more likely for now that helicopter pilots will work together to target enemies, he said. Either way it can give the helicopter pilot an advantage, he explained. In one live-fire exercise in South Korea, Gabrukiewicz was in his helicopter hovering behind a hilltop and another Apache 4 kilometers from the target provided the video of it that Gabrukiewicz used to shoot it without ever seeing it. While paring pilots up with drones, called manned-unmanned teaming, has been around since 2007, working with them is still new for many, Gabrukiewicz said. I'm getting new pilots out of flight school all the time they read about it in student handouts, but they never actually get to do it, he said. Apache helicopter pilots were previously paired up with Shadow drones, but the Army phased out the 11-foot drones this year calling them not capable on todays battlefield. Online, former operators called the Shadow a flying lawnmower because it was so loud. Col. Nick Ryan, director of the Army Capability Manager for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, acknowledged the divestment of the Shadow drones has left operators with questions, during a September panel hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army. We are in a gap right now where there is not much capability in the hands of soldiers at the moment, he said. His new office was set up in August 2023 and since then has been focused on studying the use of drones in Ukraine and Israel and how they can be implemented into the force. Ryan visited the front lines in the Ukraine war this summer and saw how a 15-kilometer area was completely controlled by robots. "You could not step foot out there without being seen and immediately targeted and killed," he said of unmanned systems on both sides. Sign Up for free: Military Brief Your weekly local update on local military news and events, sent straight to your inbox. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. He expects the Army can incorporate the technology and build it better. In the short term, Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems are working on large high-flying drone prototypes that could replace the Shadow drones and provide reconnaissance and surveillance. The Army expects prototypes of the drones will be delivered by the end of the year, said David Hylton, a spokesman for Army Program Executive Office. The first units should be issued in the 2025 fiscal year, he said. In the future, drones will not be commissioned to just collect intelligence, they will have to be lethal, as well, Ryan said at the panel. But a key component of training at Fort Johnson is working with the current equipment soldiers could have in a deployment. So Gabrukiewicz was preparing his pilots to work with the Gray Eagles, as Fort Carson Apache pilots did during their deployment to the Middle East in 2023. While they were in the Middle East, the drones could provide information 20 to 30 minutes before pilots arrived at their objective, Gabrukiewicz said, which is a huge benefit. During the training exercise, Gabrukiewicz hoped to see realistic plans from his students, such as using encrypted video as they would when they are deployed. Apache pilots participating in the training said tasks of flying the helicopter and working with drone operators are split between the two pilots, so one can focus on flying and one can work with a drone operator or the drone itself. It's a team effort, really. So although there is a lot going on, you just work together, said 1st Lt. Andrew Bane, an Apache pilot. As Army aviation prepares to counter enemy drones, retired Lt. Gen. Anthony Crutchfield said during the September panel that a drone envisioned as loyal wingman could help protect pilots. Such a drone is envisioned to fly somewhat autonomously alongside an aircraft in a support role. Crutchfield, former commander of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, floated the idea of adding a weapons system similar to Raytheons Coyote to an Army aircraft. The Coyote can sense drones with radar and then brings them down with a warhead. He would like to see such protection function autonomously. We should not add an extra burden on to that flight crew, he said. The leader of a Russian spy ring described one of his operatives as a true sexy bitch as he discussed using her as a honeytrap, a court has heard. Female spy Vanya Gaberova, 30, befriended investigative journalist Christo Grozev on social media. She was to gather information on behalf of the Kremlin, it is alleged. Jan Marsalek, the Russian agent tasking the team, and Orlin Roussev, the ringleader managing operations in the UK, praised the beauty salon manager as very, very assertive and strongly independent, the Old Bailey was told Mr Roussev called her a true sexy bitch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They clearly considered that [Ms Gaberova] would be capable of pulling off a honeytrap operation without the risk that she would fall in love with [Mr Grozev], said prosecutor Alison Morgan KC. They had discussed kidnapping Mr Grozev, who at the time was lead Russia investigator for Bellingcat, an investigative journalism group. The details have emerged during the trial of Ms Gaberova, her love rival Katrin Ivanova, 33, and ex-boyfriend Tihomir Ivanchev, 39. All three deny conspiracy to spy on behalf of Russia between 2020 and 2023. Mr Roussev, 46, and Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, have already admitted the charge. Bizer Dzhambazov, who pleaded guilty to conspiring with a Russian agent, with Katrin Ivanova, who has denied involvement The prosecution alleges that Mr Marsalek, an Austrian, was the Russian agent using an alias Rupert Ticz who tasked Mr Roussev, who in turn passed on the instructions to the other Bulgarians who were all living in the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial at the Old Bailey, which entered its second day on Monday, has heard that they plotted high-level espionage and used sophisticated equipment including drones and devices to intercept data from nearby mobile phones. Jurors will be told about six operations including the surveillance of Patch Barracks, a US military base in Stuttgart in Germany, which the ring thought was being used to train Ukrainian fighters defending their country against the Russian invasion. In another operation they planned to stage a demonstration outside the Kazakh embassy to create a pretense 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 also targeted Bergey Ryskaliyev, a former Kazakh politician who has been the subject of politically motivated criminal charges, Roman Dobrokhotov, the editor of investigative media site The Insider and Russian lawyer Kirill Kachur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Roussev and Mr Marsalek discussed robbing Mr Grozev, putting him under surveillance, kidnapping him and taking him to Moscow or possibly killing him, and infiltrating Bellingcat, the court heard. Jan Marsalek is accused of tasking a Russian spy ring in the UK - Der Speigel He is considered an opponent by the Kremlin as his work includes uncovering Russian links to the 2018 Salisbury attack, the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, events relating to the downing of MH17, the Malaysian Airlines plane shot down over Ukraine in 2014, and the activities of intelligence agencies. The Bulgarians followed Mr Grozev in Montenegro, Valencia in Spain and Vienna and passed this information back to Mr Marsalek. They also had his villa in Bulgaria under surveillance. Outlining the case, Ms Morgan revealed that they had discussed how they had access to flight data and a contact in Swissport and airports in Bulgaria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Roussev said that he would deploy one of the brunettes. Ms Gaberova sent Mr Grozev a friend request on Facebook in August 2021, which they noted he was quick to accept. Messages shown to the jury show that Mr Roussev told Mr Marsalek that Grozev seems hooked and in love with Vanya.. he has started linking her pic posts. He suggested setting up a date and said that they can definitely record something for PornHub, adding: The girl is real hot, she is a swinger too. I think after getting shaken with a mug/robbery, he [Grozev] will be slightly depressed an excellent opportunity for a girl to appear and help him relax. Orlin Roussev has pleaded guilty to espionage charges - PA But his tasker warned that they should move slowly as lets not underestimate the guy and his paranoia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Marsalek said that he hoped she doesnt fall in love with him as he had that problem before with a honeytrap. But Mr Roussev responded No, no, telling him: You are using the wrong type of girls... you need strong, assertive and independent driven girls. Vanya is very, very assertive and strongly independent true sexy bitch. In September 2021, the team followed Mr Grozev to a conference in Valencia and Mr Roussev told Mr Marsalek that there would be two hot girls involved in the surveillance. Ms Morgan added that during the discussions Roussev goes on to offer a backhanded compliment to the women involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told Mr Marsalek: I have noticed over the years that because women are more vulnerable by nature, their instincts are much faster adapting to the situationpure survival nature.. and get far better intuition/reaction to the fast changing environment sometimes they lack technical abilities, but from pure adaptation and human reaction are best. 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. The trial continues. 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. Russian forces are attacking behind established Ukrainian defences, the UK Ministry of Defence has said. It said that Russian forces had captured swathes of territory in the southern section of the Donbas front, in less-well defended sectors, since it took the town of Vuhledar in October. In a weekend briefing, the Ministry of Defence said: Russian forces have made rapid advances towards the eastern flank of Velyka Novosilka ... a lynchpin of Ukraines defensive line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maps published by Ukrainian and Russian military bloggers showed major Russian advances west of Vuhledar, sweeping 20 miles through a lightly defended area to the outskirts of Velyka Novosilka. Russia takes advantage of weak defences The Ministry of Defence added that the fall of Vuhledar in October had broken Ukrainian defences in the area. This enabled increased Russian advances into less well-defended areas, it said. Velyka Novosilka is a rural settlement that had a pre-war population of about 5,000 people, but analysts have said it has a key strategic importance because it lies on the border of the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an assessment of the areas strategic value last month, the US-based Institute for the Study of War said the Russian military was planning to advance west from Velyka Novosilka and then turn north to envelop Ukrainian forces in the town of Pokrovsk. This pincer movement will also threaten Ukrainian ground communications and supply lines running from Zaporizhzhia into Donetsk Oblast. The assessment, of the importance of Velyka Novosilka to Ukrainian defences, was shared by Emil Kastehelmi, an open-source analyst with the Finland-based Black Bird Group. He said that Velyka Novosilka had been the largest rear-staging post for Ukraines army until the Russian forces rapid advance, but that Russian soldiers would find it more difficult to push beyond it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will have to continue uphill out of the river valley, he said. The town is located on lower ground and there are also some small rivers that can complicate mechanised operations. Russian forces have intensified their attacks along the front line over the past few weeks, pushed on by Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, who wants to capture as much land as possible before Donald Trump imposes a peace deal after being sworn in as US president in January. The pace of these intensified attacks is reflected in Russian casualty rates. More than 1,500 soldiers were killed or badly injured every day in October, assessments show. This high casualty rate is down to Russias mass infantry tactics, which focus on overwhelming the enemy with numbers. Although costly, these tactics have been effective. As well as capturing ground, data reported by the Financial Times showed that morale in the Ukrainian army has plummeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It reported that the Ukrainian army had opened 60,000 cases of desertion this year already, more than the first two years of the war combined. Ukraine lacks strength to recapture areas Ukraine is suffering from a military manpower shortage and Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has admitted that Ukraine now does not have the strength to recapture areas of Ukraine occupied by Russia. Our army lacks the strength to do that. That is true, said Mr Zelensky in an interview with Japans Kyodo news agencies on Sunday. We have to find diplomatic solutions. Mr Zelensky has shifted his rhetoric since Mr Trump won the US election in November, dropping his insistence on defeating Russia militarily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian president said for the first time on Friday that his country may have to give up some territory temporarily to end the war. Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, arrived in Kyiv by train on Monday. He has promised Ukraine another 650 million (539 million) in military aid. Annalena Baerbock, Germanys foreign minister, also warned that Asia was getting dragged deeper into the war because Russia was using Chinese-made drones and North Korean conscripts to attack Ukrainian forces. 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. On the evening of 2 December, the Russian army launched an airstrike on the city of Kryvyi Rih, injuring two people. Ukraines air defence intercepted three missiles. Source: Ukraines Air Force on Telegram Quote: "On 2 December 2024, at 17:30 and 19:30, Russian tactical aviation attacked the city of Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with three guided air missiles Kh-59/69 launched from Su-34 and Su-57 aircraft." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The military reported that all three missiles were shot down by the air defense of the Air Command Skhid (East). Background: On 2 December, the Russians attacked the cities of Kryvyi Rih and Nikopol of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, injuring three men aged 21, 53 and 85. Support UP or become our patron! (Reuters) - Russia's drone attack on Ukraine's western city of Ternopil hit a residential building, killing one person and injuring several others, Ternopil's military administration said on Monday. "A residential building was damaged," Viacheslav Negoda, the head of the military administration of Ternopil region, said on his Telegram messaging channel. "Unfortunately, there are casualties: one person has died, there are seriously wounded." Serhiy Nadal, the head of the regional defence headquarters in Ternopil, said via Telegram that as result of the attack, a fire engulfed several flats on the top floor of a five-storey apartment building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that residents from several apartments were evacuated and that emergency services were working at the scene. Social media videos showed flames bursting out of the windows of a multi-storey apartment building in the darkness. Reuters was not able to independently verify the reports. There was no immediate comment from Russia about the attack. Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war, which Moscow launched with full-scale invasion in Ukraine in 2022. The city of Ternopil and its surrounding region were under air raid alerts for a couple of hours starting soon after midnight on Monday, according to data provided by Ukraine's air force. Russia's largest ever drone attack on Ukraine on Nov. 26th cut power to much of the Ternopil region, of which the city of Ternopil is the administrative centre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ternopil, some 220 km (134 miles) east of NATO-member Poland, and the surrounding region had a population of more than one million before the February 2022 Russian invasion, which drove many Ukrainians west. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne) The search for Rutgers University's 22nd president is now officially underway. The university's board of governors has created a 20-person search committee and invited public input on the search process for a successor to President Jonathan Holloway, who announced in September that he will be stepping down in June after five years in the role. In addition to the 20-person search committee, the university declared that its presidential search website was live, and three town halls are scheduled on its three campuses this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town halls are the first in a series of public listening sessions for New Jersey residents to use as a forum to discuss their vision for the university's next leader. Story continues below photo gallery. The future leader of the state's largest and oldest public research university and member of the Big Ten Conference is expected to start in their new role by July 1, 2025, after a thorough search process that includes interviewing candidates, the board of governors said. The successful candidate must be confirmed by a vote of the board of governors after the search committee's work. "We want everyone to have an opportunity to be heard, said Amy L. Towers, committee co-chair and chair of the Rutgers board of governors. The search committee's other co-chair is Alberto Cuitino, dean of the School of Engineering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The external search firm WittKieffer, a consultancy with experience leading executive searches on behalf of large public universities, will work with the search committee to lead the nationwide effort. Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway will step down in June of 2025 after five years in the role. "The committee will play a key role in providing input, vetting potential candidates and choosing a leader who can provide purposeful leadership, direction, and continuity during a defining moment in the universitys history," the university said in a statement. Holloway was president during the university's first-ever faculty strike, leading to landmark contract gains for non-tenured adjunct lecturers, and he oversaw Rutgers' response during the student protests that erupted nationwide during the Israel-Gaza war last spring. Both events disrupted the campus and invited scrutiny from the public and government. In both cases, the university negotiated, with striking faculty and later with students who protested Israel's military incursion in Gaza by forming an encampment on the New Brunswick campus. Town halls this week on three campuses The committee will hold town halls on the university's campuses in New Brunswick, Newark and Camden on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week, respectively, according to a schedule released by the university. The committee consists of faculty members, university trustees, the chair of the university's foundation, and representatives from the alumni and student body. Rutgers' Old Queens is the university's oldest building and home to the office of its president. Members of the public may contact the search firm and the committee to suggest candidates or forward nominations using an email address provided on the website at presidentialsearch@rutgers.edu. The search firm may be reached at RutgersPresident@wittkieffer.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Presidential search town halls will be held in: New Brunswick on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 3:30 to 5 p.m., at the Richard Weeks Hall of Engineering, Room 102. Newark onWednesday, Dec. 4, 2 to 3:30 p.m.,at the Paul Robeson Student Center, Essex Room. Camden onThursday, Dec. 5, 12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., at the Camden Campus Center, multipurpose room. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rutgers to kick off search for new president with town halls Sacramento area residents are prohibited from using their fireplaces, wood and pellet stoves , the first such ban this fall. The ban began Saturday and was extended to Tuesday, according to the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management Districts Check Before You Burn website. Thats because air pollution levels are expected to be too high, according to the air quality district. The air quality index has reached above 100 for small particulate matter (under 2.5 microns). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During cooler months, wood smoke can reach unhealthy levels, increasing the amount of fine particulate matter in the air. The pollution is especially problematic because it is small enough to get into a persons bloodstream. Repeated exposure can increase the risk of developing or aggravating heart and lung ailments. It will be illegal to burn wood, manufactured fire logs or pellets. The ban applies to residents and businesses in Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento and those in unincorporated Sacramento County. First-time violators are subject to a $50 fine, according to the air quality district. A person can take an exam on wood smoke awareness to avoid paying the penalty, but repeat violators can face larger fines. An Ohio native who was killed in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor will be brought to his final resting place in California one day before the 83rd anniversary of the infamous air raid on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Fireman 2nd Class William Kubinec was one of 105 casualties from the USS West Virginia during the Japanese attack that also sunk the USS Oklahoma, USS California and USS Utah on Dec. 7, 1941. Kubinec enlisted in the Navy on Sept. 4, 1940, as a Seaman Apprentice and advanced to Seaman 2nd Class, Fireman 3rd Class and finally Fireman 2nd class. William Kubinec is seen in an image provided by the U.S. Navy. William Kubinec is seen in an image provided by the U.S. Navy. Despite the name, this rating is not just about fighting fires. Part of the job functions include rescue, but the career path is also geared towards engineering. Fireman stand engineering watches, as well as power plant and ship security watches both in port and while underway, and are responsible for performing minor maintenance repairs. While performing watches they ensure all safety standards are being met with any associated engineering machinery. Fireman also assist with underway replenishment including transferring fuel and supplies, the U.S. Navy stated in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kubinec, who was 21 years old at the time of the attack, was awarded a Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal (Fleet Clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (Bronze Star) and a World War II Victory Medal. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) began the process of identification for unresolved casualties aboard the USS West Virginia in 2017 by using DNA and/or isotope analyses. Kubinec will be buried at 2 p.m. Friday in the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, California. He was born on Dec. 16, 1919, in Garrettsville, Ohio, but his family currently resides in Redding, California. 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. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A member of the Salt Lake City School Board was charged on Monday with trying to bribe his opposing candidate prior to his re-election to the board. Mohamed Baayd, 49, is charged in the Third District Court with bribery in elections (third-degree felony). Earlier this year, Mohamed Baayd was running against his opponent, Russell Askren, for a position on the Salt Lake City School Board, Precinct 5. Baayd was reportedly the incumbent, and he and Askren were the only two candidates on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inversion is settling in when could it blow out of the Salt Lake valley? On Feb. 20, 2024, Askren received a text message from an unknown number, later confirmed to be Baayd, to meet up and talk, according to the indictment. The two agreed to meet with each other at a coffee shop on March 7. During the meetup, which was the first time the two met, they allegedly spent the first 40 minutes chatting about family, children, schools, and more. After this initial period of chatting, Baayd allegedly told Askren that he knew a councilmember position would be opening in two years, and that he was planning to run with a very good chance of winning, the indictment states. Baayd allegedly told Askren that it was important for him to remain in his current position on the school board, and asked Askren to withdraw from the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In exchange, Baayd allegedly made multiple promises to Askren. Baayd said that for the next two years, he would involve Askren in the work of the board and ensure that Askren got to know the board members, the indictment states. Baayd allegedly also claimed that if he won the councilmember position, he would advocate for Askren and recommend Askren to the board as his replacement. Baayd further encouraged Askren, according to the indictment, explaining that Askren would complete the last two years of his seat and then be able to run as an incumbent in 2028. Baayd allegedly told Askren that he wanted an answer by the end of the week. On March 10, 2024, Baayd sent Askren a text asking about his decision. Askren responded that he would be continuing his campaign and that withdrawing in exchange for [Baayds] support and help to position [him] for a mid-term appointment was something that he did not want any part of, the indictment states. Baayd is a Salt Lake City resident. The school board position pays $12,000 per 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. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) An estimated 2.9 million people were expected to be screened at the San Diego International Airport this Thanksgiving holiday weekend. As people in the northeast dug out of feet of snow, San Diegans returned home and some managed to not experience any issues at all with air travel. Smooth as can be, said Britney Sandoval. Sandoval was traveling from Hawaii and said her flights there and back had no issues. Head west for the holidays, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanksgiving travel rush underway at San Diego International Airport Meanwhile, other people got caught in long delays leaving San Diego. It was essentially a 12 hour delay for a one hour flight. It was the longest, short trip ever, said Susan Clark. Clark and her husband, Eric, flew to San Francisco on Wednesday to celebrate the holidays with family and encountered numerous delays with their Alaskan Airlines flight. See the 10 worst airports for on-time Thanksgiving travel: report There was a lot of fog, so flights didnt get in. The flight couldnt board and get out on time and just before taking off our pilots had to switch. So we had to wait longer for new pilots. We didnt land until 1 in the morning and it shouldve been 9:30, said Eric Clark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both were happy to land safely and ready to get home. Thanksgiving travel rush expected to break records According to the website Flight Aware, 111 flights were delayed as of 8 p.m. Sunday that impacted San Diego passengers. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, more than 300 flights were delayed, and on Thanksgiving the number was more than 150. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two officers with the Santa Ana Police Department shot and killed a man who was believed to be holding a loaded rifle on Sunday evening, officials say. However, police confirmed the rifle was later identified to be a fake. According to the department, officers received calls around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday about a man armed with a rifle and loading it in the area of Broadway and 2nd Street. Then at 6:22 p.m., SAPD issued a notice on X, formerly Twitter, alerting the public to stay clear of police activity in the same area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say two officers came close to the suspect and shot him. After the shooting took place, officials say the man was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The department identified the suspect as a man in his early 30s, but did not immediately provide a name or known place of residence. The rifle was then taken in by police, who later identified it to be a fake. Bullet holes are seen in the wall behind officials investigating where a Santa Ana Police officer fatally shot a man they believed was holding a loaded rifle, and later found it to be a fake. December 2024. (KTLA) Bullet holes are seen in the wall behind officials investigating where a Santa Ana Police officer fatally shot a man they believed was holding a loaded rifle, and later found it to be a fake. December 2024. (KTLA) Officials are seen here investigating the scene where a Santa Ana Police officer fatally shot a man they believed was holding a loaded rifle, and later found it to be a fake. December 2024. (KTLA) Officials are seen here investigating the scene where a Santa Ana Police officer fatally shot a man they believed was holding a loaded rifle, and later found it to be a fake. December 2024. (KTLA) Santa Ana Police are seen here investigating the scene where an officer fatally shot a man they believed was holding a loaded rifle, and later found it to be a fake. December 2024. (KTLA) Santa Ana Police are seen here at the scene where an officer fatally shot a man they believed was holding a loaded rifle, and later found it to be a fake. December 2024. (KTLA) Santa Ana Police are seen here at the scene where an officer fatally shot a man they believed was holding a loaded rifle, and later found it to be a fake. December 2024. (KTLA) Details are limited, police did not immediately provide further information on what transpired between the officers and suspect before the shooting, or if the suspect was considered dangerous to the public. There were no reports of any other officers or bystanders being injured during this incident, according to SAPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department says the investigation is ongoing and will provide more details later on. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FORT JOHNSON, La. In recent years as the Army has struggled to meet its recruiting goals, the average age of those enlisting has crept up. "We are seeing a more mature applicant pool," said Maj. Gen. Johnny K. Davis, who leads the Army Recruiting Command during a panel in October. The average age of new recruits is now 22. While the overall percentage of the military 25 or younger is creeping down from 46.6% in 2005 to 43.5% in 2022, Army demographic data shows. While covering the grueling field training at Fort Johnson, La., for Fort Carson's 1st Stryker Brigade this fall, The Gazette spoke with several soldiers who enlisted when they were 24 or older and why the challenge appealed to them. From HR to battlefield Spc. Ron Rodriquez enlisted at 33 last year after working in human resource for eight years at a hospital. After so many years interviewing nurses, Rodriquez got inspired to pursue a career in medicine himself. It was a big change after studying international relations in college. He thought he hated science and so he took small steps, such as becoming a certified nursing assistant to make sure he could handle working with patients. He expects the Army will help him take a deep dive into trauma medicine and so far he's earned his emergency medical services licensure. In the Army, the licensure process is 17 weeks compared to a year in the civilian world, he said. He enjoys both calming people down and having the power and skill to wrap up bullet wounds, if necessary, he said. "I've always done my best when I've dove in deep into something, and then if I survive, I survive," Rodriquez said. Basic training was a challenge, particularly after he bruised himself badly when he got up from push-ups to run 25 meters. That same day he also had to carry 80 pounds for about 4 miles and cramped everywhere, he said, but he pushed through. "Mentally, it's made me strong, and physically, it's made me strong," he said, of enlisting. Achieving citizenship Nepalese immigrant, Spc. Sunil Thapa, a wheel mechanic, enlisted after getting selected for a diversity visa to come to the U.S and immigrating in 2019. He was among about 55,000 people chosen annually for the visa meant to diversify those who are selected to come to the U.S. More than 22 million applied for a diversity visa in 2019, according to the Center for Immigration Studies. Sign Up for free: Military Brief Your weekly local update on local military news and events, sent straight to your inbox. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Thapa was inspired to join the Army after watching movies at home in Nepal and enlisted about four years ago at 34 years old. It allowed him to gain his American citizenship in 2021, much faster than the traditional process. For him, the language barrier was his largest challenge. "Sometimes, I could not understand," he explained, saying he would get irritated at himself. Now at 38, on his second enlistment and suffering with both shoulder and back pain, he is planning to get out and open a restaurant. "Nepalese food, Indian food, I love it," he said. Enlisting during COVID-19 Spc. Carnell White, a generator mechanic, enlisted at 24 in February 2020 when he was laid off from his job as a longshoreman in Houston during the pandemic. He wasn't sure if he would be without work for months or years and he needed to provide for his young daughter, Laiyla, as a single father. The Army appealed to him because his mom always wanted him to join and follow in the footsteps of his grandfathers and uncles. Basic training was a little tough, as the oldest one in the group, he explained. "The drill sergeant gave me the nickname 'OG,'" White said. White loves the challenge of being a mechanic and how a simple job can turn into four hours of work. "You can get humbled real easy," he said. He hopes to make the Army his career because of the benefits. Although he is looking to change fields, perhaps to supply, so he can get home to his daughter earlier each day. In that case, he would tinker with cars in his spare time, he said. The News Ahead of US President-elect Donald Trumps second term, Riyadh is strengthening relations with an unexpected partner: Iran. Last month, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted Irans foreign minister and offered to increase trade to ease tensions, Bloomberg reported. Simultaneously, the kingdom is pursuing a defense pact with Washington. According to Reuters, the agreement is less ambitious than the treaty it had been negotiating, which included normalizing ties with Israel. Saudi Arabia has refused to engage with normalization talks until theres progress on establishing a Palestinian state. The News In his first public visit to Abu Dhabi in nearly three years, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in Al Ain last night. On the agenda, albeit only euphemistically: Syria. The unscheduled meeting came as fighting in Syria threatens to upend their efforts to rehabilitate Bashar al-Assads government. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have been leading efforts to normalize ties with Assad, reinstating Syria to the Arab League and hosting the Syrian leader on rare trips abroad. After Aleppos fall, Assad called MBZ, with the UAE emphasizing a peaceful resolution to the conflict, while Syria highlighted counter-terrorism cooperation. Details of the MBS-MBZ meeting were vague, but a Washington-based analyst said Gulf states now have limited influence in Syria compared to earlier in the conflict: The situation is managed inside Syria with Turkish or Russian support. At the GCC summit in Kuwait which MBZ didnt attend it was business as usual: Congratulating Saudi for Hajj, the leaders also reaffirmed support for a Palestinian state and a political solution in Syria. The final communique made no mention of the rapid retreat of Syrian government forces from Aleppo. The sign outside the Department of Juvenile Justice's building on Broad River Road. (File/Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) COLUMBIA The states juvenile justice department will rent a closed wing of the Greenville County jail in a bid to relieve overcrowding at its Columbia detention center for youth awaiting sentencing. The plan, which a committee of legislators approved Monday, follows years of overcrowding, understaffing and dangerous conditions for both officers and youth at the Department of Juvenile Justices facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five-year lease on the Greenville building, which could start Jan. 1 if the state and county are able to come up with an agreement by then, is expected to cost the state nearly $3.3 million. Greenville County closed its youth detention center in March 2022, moving the officers overseeing the children there to the jails adult wing. The move was supposed to be temporary as the county searched for more detention officers, but two years later, the facility remains closed. Richland County closed the juvenile wing of its detention center over the summer, also to put more detention officers in the adult side of the jail, which is under investigation by the federal Department of Justice over deaths, claims of understaffing and filthy living conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closure of Richland Countys youth detention center sent about 45 children and teens to DJJ custody. Some are in the juvenile detention center, and others are in a secure satellite location, said agency spokeswoman Michelle Foster, declining to be any more specific. The pre-trial juvenile detention center on Shivers Road in Columbia had 141 youth Monday, nearly double its capacity of 72, Foster told the SC Daily Gazette. Richland Countys decision has only compounded this already bad situation, DJJ Director Eden Hendrick said in a letter to the Department of Administration requesting permission to lease the Greenville facility. The 22,000-square-foot Greenville detention center can hold up to 47 children, but its true capacity will depend on how many staff the agency can hire to oversee the children housed there. The plan is to hire enough people to watch 40 juveniles, Foster said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on how long it typically takes to hire qualified officers, 40 youth will not be able to be in the Greenville facility for quite some time, Foster said in an email. That still wouldnt bring the number of youth at the complex down to the facilitys capacity, but it would reduce some of the burden on staff there, creating a safer environment, she added. Continuous overcrowded conditions at (the juvenile detention center) have placed unprecedented expectations on the agency to serve double the amount of youth, many of whom have serious medical and mental health needs, Foster said in an email. The overcrowded conditions are a safety threat to both the youth and the staff who work at (the detention center). Teens have destroyed cinderblock walls in an effort to get to staff and other youth, making it impossible to secure dorms, the agency wrote in requests for contracts to repair the damage earlier this year. A lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union claims that black mold has made the juveniles housed in the agencys facilities sick, that toilets have been stopped up for weeks and that overcrowding forced children to sleep on hallway floors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Counties are not legally obligated to house youth, and sending them to state-run facilities is often cheaper, at a cost of $50 per youth per day instead of the hundreds it often takes to actually care for a teenager. Charleston County runs the only other juvenile jail in the state, which it opened in 2022. Budget request Also in an effort to reduce overcrowding, the agency is asking legislators for $200 million in this upcoming budget cycle to build a new detention center. The agencys current detention center was built to hold youth for no more than 30 days, but because of court backlogs, some stay months, or even years. The building has no inside recreational space or private rooms for youth to meet with attorneys or therapists. The current classrooms and infirmary are not big enough to treat the number of people housed there, according to the budget request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with fixing some of those problems, the new facility would hold up to 120 children ages 12 to 19, helping reduce overcrowding, the department wrote. Last year, legislators allocated $17 million to repair the buildings on the agencys Broad River Road campus, which houses youth who have been sentenced. But around 60% of the agencys 155 buildings remain in various stages of disrepair, the department wrote in its budget request. The $200 million, if the agency received its entire request, would add onto $16 million the Legislature put toward building a new detention center in the 2023-2024 budget. That would kickstart a years-long plan to fix problems at the existing facility. A May 2024 assessment, which was part of that plan, found that the agency would need to spend millions of dollars to maintain the current state of facilities, but this will not resolve the many operational inefficiencies and safety deficiencies, the request reads. A new detention center would resolve at least some of those problems, the request reads. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX AMES, IOWA The Ames High Art Club is creating kindness and calendars! Their annual calendar fundraiser is underway featuring student art work. The funds created are helping the club with future projects like the Memory Project, where they paint portraits of children from Honduras Families. More in this weeks Scholastic Spotlight. If youre interested in getting one of the Ames Art Club 2025 calendars, they are can contact Lindsay Wede with Ames High School to coordinate. They are $7.00 each. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who arrived in Kyiv on the morning of Monday, 2 December, has announced new weapons deliveries for Ukraine worth 650 million. Source: German TV news channel n-tv, as reported by European Pravda Details: Scholz stated that his visit is intended as a sign of solidarity and to emphasise that Germany will remain "Ukraine's strongest supporter in Europe". Quote: "Ukraine has heroically defended itself against relentless Russian aggression for over 1,000 days." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More details: Scholz added that in Kyiv he plans to announce "additional defence equipment worth 650 million to be supplied in December". "Ukraine can rely on Germany. We say what we do and we do what we say," he pointed out. Background: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Kyiv on Monday, 2 December, marking his second visit to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. Earlier, top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, and European Council President Antonio Costa visited Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Editor's note: The story is being updated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Kyiv on Dec. 2 to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirm his country's support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. "I would like to make it clear here on the ground that Germany will remain Ukraine's strongest supporter in Europe," Scholz said upon his arrival, promising additional arms supplies worth 650 million euros ($680 million) in December, N-TV reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This marks Scholz's first visit to Ukraine's capital in two and a half years. The chancellor's arrival comes shortly after his controversial phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which drew criticism from Kyiv. Scholz previously visited Kyiv in June 2022 alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and then-Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, marking the first visit by the three European leaders since the outbreak of the full-scale war. Under Scholz's leadership, Germany has become Ukraine's second-largest military donor after the U.S. The chancellor was nevertheless often criticized for cautious approach on some key issues, such as his refusal to provide Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine. Recently, Scholz criticized Friedrich Merz, the CDU/CSU party leader who will seek to unseat the chancellor in the February snap elections, for the latter's willingness to provide Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All I can say is: be careful! You don't play Russian roulette with Germany's security," Scholz said at his party conference in Berlin. Merz, whose party is currently leading in the polls, previously proposed issuing an ultimatum to Putin to end his aggression. Should the Russian leader refuse, Kyiv's partners would lift all restrictions on already provided weapons, and only then would Berlin approve the delivery of Taurus missiles. Read also: With Scholzs government in shambles, conservative rival touts more decisive Ukraine strategy Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived in Kiev for the first time in two and a half years for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The German leader announced further arms deliveries worth 650 million ($684 million) by the end of December for Ukraine's defence against Russia. "I would like to make it clear here that Germany will remain Ukraine's strongest supporter in Europe," said Scholz, who travelled to the Ukrainian capital by special train. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The visit was not previously announced for security reasons. Scholz said his trip is a sign of solidarity with a country that has been defending itself "in a heroic manner against Russia's merciless war of aggression" for more than 1,000 days. "Ukraine can rely on Germany. We say what we do. And we do what we say." Scholz's last visit to the country was in June 2022. The war in Ukraine began in February 2022 with Russia's full-scale invasion, since when the Kremlin has illegally annexed four areas in the east of the country. Kiev has been demanding more Western weapons - including long-range missiles from Germany that Scholz has refused to provide - to help push back Russian forces. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Kiev for the first time in two and a half years on Monday for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Scholz and Zelensky together visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Kiev, including some who had lost limbs in the fight against the ongoing Russian invasion. Zelensky awarded medals to individual soldiers during the visit. Earlier, the German leader announced further arms deliveries worth 650 million ($684 million) by the end of December to bolster Ukraine's defence against Russia, including battle tanks, missiles, drones and air defence systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would like to make it clear here that Germany will remain Ukraine's strongest supporter in Europe," said Scholz. Scholz arrived on Monday morning at the railway station in the Ukrainian capital after a nine-hour trip by special train. The visit was not previously announced for security reasons, and further details of the chancellor's itinerary in Kiev have likewise not been publicly revealed in advance. After visiting the Kiev hospital, Zelensky and Scholz then watched a presentation of drones used in Ukraine's defensive campaign against Russia. Among the drones on display was a German-made model from the company Helsing, designed to strike Russian armoured vehicles in combat. Another 4,000 of the drones are to be delivered to Ukraine over the next month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weapons package also includes two Iris-T air defence systems, 10 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks, 60 M84 and M80 infantry fighting vehicles, 6,000 unguided missiles and 500 guided missiles. Scholz on Monday said his trip is a sign of solidarity with a country that has been defending itself "in a heroic manner against Russia's merciless war of aggression" for more than 1,000 days. "Ukraine can rely on Germany," he said. "We say what we do. And we do what we say." This is only Scholz's second visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022. During his first visit in June 2022, he travelled with French President Emmanuel Macron and the then-Italian prime minister Mario Draghi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that visit, the three European leaders announced steps intended to clear the way for Ukraine to become a candidate for European Union membership. However, Ukraine's wish for a formal invitation to join the NATO defence alliance remains unfulfilled. Zelensky is expected to raise the issue with Scholz during the visit. On Sunday, Zelensky described an invitation to join NATO as "necessary for our survival," but added that he is not particularly hopeful to receive one, citing scepticism in the US, Germany and Hungary as reasons. The war in Ukraine began in February 2022 with Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbour. The Kremlin has since illegally annexed four areas in the east of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kiev has been demanding more Western weapons - including long-range missiles from Germany that Scholz has refused to provide - to help push back Russian forces. Scholz treading careful line on Ukraine policy Scholz has sought to strike a difficult balance in his policy toward Ukraine, with general elections in Germany expected in less than three months' time. He has described himself as a stalwart ally of the embattled nation, emphasizing Berlin's extensive military and fiscal support, while also positioning himself as a "peace chancellor" seeking to find a settlement for the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the United States, Germany is considered Ukraine's most important supplier of weapons, pledging or delivering around 28 billion worth of weapons and military equipment since February 2022. Over the weekend, Scholz touted the fact that "Germany is doing more this year than the UK and France combined. You could even add a few more countries to that." But last month, Scholz also arranged an hour-long telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the war. The conversation, which was the first between the two leaders in nearly two years, attracted criticism from Kiev. Scholz has sought to highlight his dual strategy in Ukraine policy - assuring Ukraine of further arms supplies, while ensuring that Germany and NATO are not drawn into the war - as a unique selling point for his centre-left Social Democrats (SPD). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholz's main rival in the upcoming election, conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz, has criticized Scholz for being too hesitant and cautious in supplying aid to Ukraine. Similar criticism has also been levelled at Scholz by his main coalition partners, the Greens, many of whom have expressed support for deliveries of Taurus long-range missiles and other weapons. Merz has suggested threatening Russia with the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine if attacks on the Ukrainian civilian population are not halted. Scholz, however, accused Merz of recklessness in potentially provoking Russia - a nuclear-armed power - with the threat. "I can only say be careful: you don't play Russian roulette with Germany's security," Scholz said at the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two populist parties strongly opposed to Germany's aid for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia - the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) - have also made gains in polls. Elections are expected in Germany on February 23 after the collapse of Scholz's three-party coalition last month. Colorado's second-highest court ruled on Thursday that the parents of children born with an inherited muscle degeneration disorder can sue the medical professionals who incorrectly told them prior to conception that the mother was not a carrier of the gene. A three-judge panel for the Court of Appeals interpreted for the first time a 1989 law permitting medical negligence claims involving genetic disorders. The provision was enacted shortly after a Colorado Supreme Court decision found two parents could sue the physicians who mistakenly told them their son's blindness was not hereditary only for them to conceive a second son who was also blind. In the case of Secily Maldonado and John Anthony Carcanaques, whose children were born between 2019 and 2022, Maldonado knew she had a family history of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. DMD is a genetic disorder, predominantly affecting males, entailing irreversible muscle degeneration. Maldonado underwent testing and was told she was not a carrier of DMD. However, after her two children were born, Maldonado learned her son suffered from DMD and her daughter was a carrier of the gene as was she. Case: Maldonado v. GeneDx, Inc. Decided: November 21, 2024 Jurisdiction: Denver Ruling: 3-0 Judges: Sueanna P. Johnson (author) Terry Fox Karl L. Schock Maldonado and Carcanaques sued the testing company GeneDx, Inc., as well as Childrens Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado Hospital Authority under the 1989 medical negligence law. They alleged the faulty test outcome for Maldonado was apparently a product of mixed-up samples, a laboratory error or a mistake reading the results. Whatever the cause, had the test been correct, "Ms. Maldonado would have made an informed decision not to have biologic children and her children would not suffer from a fatal disease. Alternatives to a natural pregnancy could have been addressed, or adoption," wrote attorney James H. Chalat. The defendants pointed out the law only allowed negligence claims when "the damage or injury could have been prevented or avoided by ordinary standard of care." They argued that in the parents' case, the development of DMD was not preventable and, therefore, they could not be held liable. In an October 2023 order, Denver District Court Judge Martin F. Egelhoff agreed with the defendants. "Moreover, the claimed damage or injury was not the birth of the child, but rather the birth of a child adversely affected by DMD," he wrote. "The damage or injury is therefore the result of the genetic disease or disorder. Accordingly, absent evidence that DMD could have been prevented or avoided by ordinary standard of care, the plaintiffs claims are barred." Featured Local Savings The parents turned to the Court of Appeals, arguing Egelhoff and the defendants misunderstood the nature of the claim. Under the plaintiffs' theory, the negligence of the defendants prevented them from making "informed family planning choices," leading them to conceive children afflicted by DMD. The Court of Appeals agreed with the parents, noting the "damage or injury" referenced in the law was broader than the actual genetic disorder. "As the parents concede, a health care professionals exercise of the ordinary standard of care could not have prevented or avoided the childrens inheritance of the DMD gene from Maldonado," wrote Judge Sueanna P. Johnson in the Nov. 21 opinion. But, as the Supreme Court's decision involving inherited blindness showed, "parents may be compensated for the birth of a child born with an impairment," she continued, "due to expenses resulting from the impairment because of a health care professionals negligence." For the children born with DMD, the panel concluded the incorrect genetic advice affected the parents' decision to get pregnant. Therefore, they had stated a claim against the allegedly negligent defendants for the costs associated with the illness. Chalat, the attorney for the plaintiffs, said he had never litigated a case like this in his 47 years of practicing law, but he was grateful for the Court of Appeals' decision. "It was a huge disappointment to me that the trial judge had not applied the statute as was written," he said. Attorneys for the defendants did not respond to emails seeking comment. The appellate panel otherwise rejected the claim brought on behalf of the two children for "loss of enjoyment of a natural life." Johnson wrote that Supreme Court precedent barred such a claim. The case is Maldonado et al. v. GeneDx, Inc. et al. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Kiev for the first time in two and a half years on Monday for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Scholz and Zelensky together visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Kiev, including some who had lost limbs in the fight against the ongoing Russian invasion. Zelensky awarded medals to individual soldiers during the visit. Earlier, the German leader announced further arms deliveries worth 650 million ($684 million) by the end of December to bolster Ukraine's defence against Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would like to make it clear here that Germany will remain Ukraine's strongest supporter in Europe," said Scholz, who travelled to the Ukrainian capital by special train. Scholz arrived on Monday morning at the railway station in the Ukrainian capital. The visit was not previously announced for security reasons, and further details of the chancellor's itinerary in Kiev have likewise not been publicly revealed in advance. This is only Scholz's second visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022. During his first visit in June 2022, he travelled with French President Emmanuel Macron and the then-Italian prime minister Mario Draghi. During that visit, the three European leaders announced steps intended to clear the way for Ukraine to become a candidate for European Union membership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholz on Monday said his trip is a sign of solidarity with a country that has been defending itself "in a heroic manner against Russia's merciless war of aggression" for more than 1,000 days. "Ukraine can rely on Germany," he said. The war in Ukraine began in February 2022 with Russia's full-scale invasion. The Kremlin has since illegally annexed four areas in the east of the country. Kiev has been demanding more Western weapons - including long-range missiles from Germany that Scholz has refused to provide - to help push back Russian forces. Scholz treading careful line on Ukraine policy Scholz has sought to strike a difficult balance in his policy toward Ukraine, with general elections in Germany expected in less than three months' time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has described himself as a stalwart ally of the embattled nation, emphasizing Berlin's extensive military and fiscal support, while also positioning himself as a "peace chancellor" seeking to find a settlement for the conflict. Last month, Scholz arranged an hour-long telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the war. The conversation, which was the first between the two leaders in nearly two years, attracted criticism from Kiev. Scholz's main rival in the upcoming election, conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz, has criticized Scholz for being too hesitant and cautious in supplying aid to Ukraine. Similar criticism has also been levelled at Scholz by his main coalition partners, the Greens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement T$wo populist parties strongly opposed to Germany's aid for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia - the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) - have also made gains in polls. Elections are expected in Germany on February 23 after the collapse of Scholz's three-party coalition last month. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz inspected drones equipped with "smart components" and held discussions with representatives of manufacturing companies. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Zelenskyy noted that one of the topics discussed with Scholz in Kyiv was the continuation of cooperation in producing various types of unmanned aerial vehicles. , FPV-, . , . , . pic.twitter.com/1bBq8Vdagt Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) December 2, 2024 "UAVs, UGVs, FPV drones, control systems these are the weapons that help our defenders. It is crucial that Ukraine produces such weapons in cooperation with Germany... I thank Germany for this important support of our defence capabilities," the president said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Scholz and Zelenskyy also visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Recent reports suggested that Germany would soon commence large-scale supplies of kamikaze drones to Ukraine. These drones are highly autonomous in conditions of electronic warfare and capable of effectively striking targets over considerable distances. Support UP or become our patron! Germany plans to deliver additional air defence systems to Ukraine by the end of 2024, as previously announced. Source: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at a press conference during his visit to Kyiv on 2 December, reported by European Pravda Details: Scholz revealed that Germany's total military aid commitments to Ukraine amount to approximately 28 billion, second only to the US. Quote: "Our primary focus remains supporting air defence. We have already provided 5 complete IRIS-T systems, 3 Patriot systems, over 50 Gepard anti-aircraft systems with missiles, ammunition and spare parts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In December, another IRIS-T system, Patriot launchers and Gepards will arrive," he added. Additionally, Scholz stated that in 2025 Germany will supply Ukraine with air defence systems, howitzers, drones, armoured reconnaissance vehicles and six Sea King helicopters. Background: Earlier on 1 December, Scholz announced a weapons package worth 650 million for Ukraine. It has been known for a while that Ukraine would receive IRIS-T systems from Germany. This information was confirmed last week by Christian Freuding, the head of the special Ukraine task force at the German Defence Ministry. Support UP or become our patron! Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz once again stressed Germany's "unwavering support" for Ukraine in its defensive struggle against Russia. Scholz, speaking at a joint press conference with Zelensky, said there will be no let-up in support and that Ukraine can rely on Germany. The chancellor also announced further German military aid for the coming year, including air defence systems, howitzers, combat and reconnaissance drones and further supplies of artillery ammunition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am saying this very clearly to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin here in Kiev today: We have staying power. And we will stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary," Scholz said. He said that everyone hopes for an end to the brutal war, but achieving it requires a combination of "unwavering support" on the one hand and the exploration of ways to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine on the other. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is on a visit to Kyiv, visited injured Ukrainian soldiers in a hospital. Source: German TV news channel n-tv, as reported by European Pravda Details: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy accompanied Scholz, who conferred awards upon a number of soldiers during the visit. The further programme of Scholz's visit to Kyiv has not been disclosed for security reasons. Background: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Kyiv on Monday, 2 December, marking his second visit to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. Olaf Scholz, during his visit to Kyiv also announced new weapons deliveries for Ukraine, with the overall amount of weaponry and ammunition worth 650 million. Support UP or become our patron! KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) New legislation to bring a school voucher program to Tennessee has been filed to the Tennessee Senate. It matches the proposal filed in the house word-for-word. School vouchers have been strongly supported by Governor Bill Lee, however there has been much debate both for and against the proposal. The previous school voucher proposal failed after the House and Senate were unable to negotiate on certain stipulations. Pedestrian, Corvette driver dead after separate crashes on I-40 in Knoxville Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the Education Freedom Act of 2025, SB0001, proponents seek to, empower parents with the freedom to choose the right education for their child and provide parents a say in where their taxpayer dollars are spent. The bill aims to provide scholarships for some students to attend private schools. The idea is that, if parents are unhappy with their childs education at public school, they can apply for a school voucher. Then, the state will take the money that would have been spent educating the child at public school and allow the parent to spend that money at a private school instead. Read the full text of the bill here. For the 2025-26 school year, the bill would allow the state to award a maximum of 20,000 scholarships, if passed. Ten thousand of these would be set aside for students whose household income falls below a certain amount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 114th Tennessee General Assembly is scheduled to convene on Jan. 14, 2025. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is urging incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to preserve the Senates vital role in ensuring the fitness of President-elect Trumps nominees to hold senior executive and judicial branch positions. Thune is under pressure from Trump to put the Senate into an extended recess to allow the president-elect to make recess appointments to circumvent the Senate confirmation process if necessary. But Schumer in a letter released Monday said Democrats stand ready and willing to work with Republicans to provide advice and consent on the nominees. In particular, we commit to working in a bipartisan fashion to process each nominee by reviewing standard FBI background-investigation materials, scheduling hearings and markups in the committees of jurisdiction, and considering nominees on the Senate floor, Schumer wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He argued the Senate must continue to play its role of ensuring the president selects well-qualified public officials that will dutifully serve the American people and honor their oaths to the Constitution. Regardless of party, the Senate has upheld this sacred duty for generations and we should not and must not waiver in our constitutional duty, he said. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), whom Trump nominated to serve as attorney general, dropped his bid to head the Department of Justice (DOJ) last month after encountering stiff bipartisan resistance in the Senate. Senators had concerns over a DOJ sex trafficking investigation Gaetz was embroiled in, as well as a House Ethics Committee investigation of sexual misconduct and drug-related allegations. The DOJ ultimately declined to bring charges against the congressman while two Democrats who moved to force votes requiring the Ethics panel to release its report have signaled they will continue that push. Gaetz has vigorously denied the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of Trumps other controversial nominees, including former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), whom Trump has nominated to serve as director of national intelligence, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom Trump has tapped to head the Department of Health and Human Services, face potentially tough roads to confirmation in the Senate. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) It is the worlds rarest whale, with only seven of its kind ever spotted. Almost nothing is known about the enigmatic species. But on Monday a small group of scientists and cultural experts in New Zealand clustered around a near-perfectly preserved spade-toothed whale hoping to decode decades of mystery. I cant tell you how extraordinary it is, said a joyful Anton van Helden, senior marine science adviser for New Zealands conservation agency, who gave the spade-toothed whale its name to distinguish it from other beaked species. For me personally, its unbelievable. Van Helden has studied beaked whales for 35 years, but Monday was the first time he has participated in a dissection of the spade-toothed variety. In fact, the careful study of the creature -- which washed up dead on a New Zealand beach in July is the first ever to take place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None has ever been seen alive at sea. The list of what scientists dont know about spade-toothed whales is longer than what they do know. They dont know where in the ocean the whales live, why theyve never been spotted in the wild, or what their brains look like. All beaked whales have different stomach systems and researchers dont know how the spade-toothed kind processes its food. They dont know how this one died. Over the next week, researchers studying the 5-meter (16-foot) -long male at an agricultural research center near the city of Dunedin hope to find out. There may be parasites completely new to science that just live in this whale, said van Helden, who thrilled at the chance of learning how the species produces sound and what it eats. Who knows what well discover? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only six other spade-toothed whales have ever been found, but all those discovered intact were buried before DNA testing could verify their identification. New Zealand is a whale-stranding hotspot, with more than 5,000 episodes recorded since 1840, according to the Department of Conservation. The first spade-toothed whale bones were found in 1872 on New Zealands Pitt Island. Another discovery was made at an offshore island in the 1950s, and the bones of a third were found on Chiles Robinson Crusoe Island in 1986. DNA sequencing in 2002 proved that all three specimens were of the same species and that it was distinct from other beaked whales. But researchers studying the mammal couldnt confirm whether the species was extinct until 2010, when two whole spade-toothed whales, both dead, washed up on a New Zealand beach. But none has been studied before. On Monday, the seventh of its kind, surrounded by white-aproned scientists who were measuring and photographing, appeared relatively unblemished, giving no clue about its death. Researchers pointed out marks from cookiecutter sharks normal, they said, and not the cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dissection will be quiet, methodical and slower than usual, because it is being undertaken in partnership with Maori, New Zealand's Indigenous people. To Maori, whales are a taonga - a precious treasure - and the creature will be treated with the reverence afforded to an ancestor. Members of the local iwi, or tribe, will be present throughout the dissection and consulted at each turn, allowing them to share traditional knowledge and observe customs, such as saying a karakia - a prayer - over the creature before the study begins. According to our beliefs and our traditions, this whale is a gift of Tangaroa, deity of the ocean, said Tumai Cassidy from the local people Te Runanga Otakou. Its very important for us to respect that gift and to honor the whale. The iwi will keep the jawbone and teeth of the whale at the end of the dissection, before its skeleton is displayed in a museum. 3D printing will be used to replicate those parts, using a CT scan taken of the whales head this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It all builds a richer picture for that species but also tells us how it interacts with our oceans, Cassidy said. Its thought that spade-toothed whales live in the vast Southern Pacific Ocean, home to some of the worlds deepest ocean trenches. Beaked whales are the ocean's deepest divers for food, and the spade-toothed may rarely surface, adding to its mystery. The assembled scientists on Monday included a few who had traveled from abroad to see the whale, which was put in refrigerated storage after its discovery. What we are interested in is not only how these animals died, but how they lived, said Joy Reidenberg, a comparative anatomist from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. In discovering how they live, we are hoping to find discoveries that we can apply back to the human condition. Big Brain Time Scientists are suggesting that a "large-headed" group of extinct humans once lived during the same time as homo sapiens that's us, of course hundreds of millennia ago in what's now modern-day China. As detailed in a paper published in the journal Nature Communications last month, University of Hawaii at Manoa anthropologist Christopher Bae and Chinese Academy of Sciences paleontologist Xiujie Wu are proposing the existence of a new group of humans called the Juluren, which roughly translates to "big heads." Many of the proposed group's attributes, based on bone fragments collected across modern-day China, are currently ascribed to Denisovans, a subspecies of archaic humans who lived across Asia from 285,000 to 25,000 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Wu and Bae argue that some of these fossils' features should be assigned to their own species. "Collectively, these fossils represent a new form of large-brained hominin," they wrote in the study. Head Hunters The species, which would've lived from around 300,000 years ago until about 50,000 years ago across eastern Asia, likely hunted wild horses in small groups. They also appeared to make stone tools and used animal hides for survival. Wu and Bae are hoping to fill in the gaps in our current knowledge of extinct human subspecies by refining how we refer to these disparate groups today. "This study clarifies a hominin fossil record that has tended to include anything that cannot easily be assigned to Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis or Homo sapiens," Bae said in a statement. "Although we started this project several years ago, we did not expect being able to propose a new hominin (human ancestor) species and then to be able to organize the hominin fossils from Asia into different groups." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All told, the research suggests a far more complex and nuanced picture of the dispersal of human groups over hundreds of thousands of years. "I see the name Juluren not as a replacement for Denisovan, but as a way of referring to a particular group of fossils and their possible place in the network of ancient groups," paleoanthropologist John Hawks, who was not involved in the research, wrote in a blog post about the study. "I think the record is more expansive than most specialists have been assuming," he added. "Calling all these groups by the same name makes sense only as a contrast to recent humans, not as a description of their populations across space and time." Wu and Bae would tend to agree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If anything, the eastern Asian record is prompting us to recognize just how complex human evolution is more generally and really forcing us to revise and rethink our interpretations of various evolutionary models to better match the growing fossil record," they wrote in their study. More on homo sapiens: Scientists Find Structure From Before Homo Sapiens Existed Dec. 2Did you hear the one about the environment-friendly organization that was shut down for using too much carbon? That's not quite the case in Scottsdale. Even so, the city's ongoing mission to develop an eco-friendly strategy surely has used up paper, electricity, gasoline and manpower. Scottsdale Sustainability Director Lisa McNeilly brings her much-maligned, frequently-revised "Sustainability Plan" which will be the city's first, if it ever passes back to City Council at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the agenda report: "Work on the Community Sustainability Plan began in June 2021, with support of Arizona State University and with input from the Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission (SEAC) and other community members. "City Council provided feedback and direction at multiple public meetings." You can substitute "harsh critique" and "scrap it" for "feedback" and "direction." Expressing dislike for the plan, some citizens have been much blunter than the officials they elected. At its May 21 meeting, City Council unanimously voted on the city's first "Sustainability Plan" but only to have more workshops and outreach, punting the actual vote on the plan to a date-to-be-determined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that meeting, Councilwoman Tammy Caputi expressed exasperation, after working on the plan for two years. Stressing the "aspirational" nature of the plan, Caputi said, "I'm a little bit confused about why everyone's coming back now and insisting it's too specific ... It's easy to say what you don't like, I'd like to see what people want to see in the plan. "I'm just a little confused," she repeated. Bob Littlefield, the former councilman and spouse of Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield, sent out a newsletter bashing the "grossly-misnamed" plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Scottsdale citizens have never needed a bunch of bureaucrats to tell them how to do right by the environment," he insisted. Councilwoman Betty Janik and Councilman Tom Durham fired potshots at the sustainability plan's attackers. An emotional Janik expressed exasperation after working on the plan for four years decrying last-minute "cut-and-paste" emails. Durham razzed "keyboard warriors" looking for "bogeymen in government." Ultimately, Janik, Durham and the other city elected officials voted to send McNeilly out to get more public input. New stuff The revised plan features color-coded suggestions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portions with strike-through in red are recommended for deletion by SEAC with uppercase red font "new recommended content by SEAC." Strike-through in blue font means "content recommended for deletion by staff" with all uppercase in blue font meaning new content recommended by staff. The changes begin on page 4, under the "executive summary" introduction ("Why a sustainability plan?"), continuing throughout the next 118 pages. The categories: Energy Water Beyond Waste Air Quality Extreme Heat. Background Since 2020, the city's elected officials have been talking about Scottsdale joining Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa and other cities that have sustainability plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Scottsdale City Council identified the creation and implementation of a sustainability plan as a top priority. Target timelines came and went still no plan, but plenty of backseat writing from City Council members who tore into early drafts. During study sessions, McNeilly often provided two recommendations one from her city staff, the other from "SEAC," shorthand for the Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission. In most cases, the SEAC goals were much more aggressive than the city staff's aims. For instance, McNeilly noted Scottsdale residents and businesses pushed 3 metric tons of carbon dioxide, aka "greenhouse gas emissions," into the air in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City staff asked council to "reduce greenhouse gas emissions (relative to 2022) by 45% by 2035 and 90% by 2050." SEAC agreed with the first part, but wanted the 90% reduction by 2040. The council consensus went with the city staff, here. But that was not always the case, as council gave consensus to the SEAC recommendation for increasing tree and shrub canopy to 20% by 2030 and 25% by 2040. Other "energy targets" in the revised plan: Reduce citywide electricity use per square foot by 15% by 2035 (from 2022 levels). Reduce municipal electricity use by 15% by 2035 (from 2022 levels) through efficiency measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Increase distributed solar capacity citywide to 80 MW by 2030 and to 500 MW by 2040. Reduce average energy burden to 6% or less for households by 2035. Increase the percentage of green buildings to 10% of the total by 2035. There are no revisions to the previous "energy targets," "energy strategy," "water targets" and "water strategies" goals. To view the plan, visit scottsdaleaz.gov/sustainable-scottsdale. Wanted Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers is asking for the publics help finding the following people for whom felony arrest warrants have been issued. Angelica Angel Abeyta age 27, 5 feet tall, 126 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She is sought on suspicion of assault 2, weapon used in violent crime, felony menacing, criminal mischief, motor vehicle theft and parole violation. Michael Conrad Drechsel age 39, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 130 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes, sought on suspicion of sexual assault, assault 2, false imprisonment, assault 3 and driving under the influence. Daniel Thomas Medina age 52, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, sought on suspicion of attempted murder 1 and assault 1. Luis Daniel Perez age 38, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, 220 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, sought on suspicion of murder 1 and owning and operating a chop shop. Julius Marcell Samson age 21, 5 feet, 8 inches tall, 155 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, sought on suspicion of felony menacing, assault 3, telephone obstruction, criminal mischief and harassment. Jaryl Quade Sigman age 39, 6 feet tall, 160 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes, sought on suspicion of assault 2-strangulation and assault 3. Featured Local Savings Albert Clifton Snowton age 18, 6 feet, 2 inches tall, 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, sought on suspicion of assault 2-strangulation, child abuse and criminal mischief. Ceasar Lorenzo Wilson age 52, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 170 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, sought on suspicion of murder 2, aggravated robbery, burglary 1, motor vehicle theft, ID theft, kidnapping 2, assault 3 and at risk assault 3. Remain anonymous If you have information about these fugitives or a serious crime, call Crime Stoppers at 719-634-7867. You do not have to give your name, and you could earn a reward of as much as $1,000 for information given to Crime Stoppers. A list of featured fugitives wanted in the Pikes Peak region is on the Crime Stoppers website: crimestop.net. The people with the following Crime Stoppers numbers need to call 719-444-7866: 277-M26524, 277-M26602, 277-M26948, 277-M26941. The nominated co-chairs of the soon-to-be Department of Government Efficiency, Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, have pinpointed a standard that will allow them to completely remake the federal governmentand its all thanks to the Supreme Court. Earlier this year, the nations highest court ruled on Loper Bright v. Raimondo, overturning a 1984 decision in Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council and killing a long-standing mandate that federal courts should defer to executive branch agencies interpretation of the laws they administered (so long as that interpretation was deemed reasonable). In a lengthy statement Monday morning, Ramaswamy highlighted that Loper Bright will allow their department to enact the sweeping budget cuts they envision for the executive branchwhich includes shrinking the federal deficit and slashing $2 trillion in spending by July 4, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the old standard, federal courts deferred to agency interpretations of law when a statute was deemed ambiguous, Ramaswamy wrote on X. Overturning Chevron deference, combined with the Major Questions Doctrine codified in West Virginia vs EPA, paves the way for not a slight but a *drastic* reduction in the scope of the federal regulatory state. Its coming. Musk quote-tweeted Ramaswamys lengthy post, simply replying, Yes. The biotech billionaire pointed to several legal studies to back his perspective, including a 2017 study that found that Chevron had become something of a standard for determining agency interpretation, being applied to close to three-quarters of relevant cases between 2003 and 2013. An op-ed by the duo published in The Wall Street Journal last month highlighted some specific and immediate targets for their cuts. They include slashing more than $500 million a year from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (which funds NPR and PBS), nearly $300 million from Planned Parenthood, and $1.5 billion for grants to international organizations. Musk and Ramaswamy also suggested, in vague terms, that entitlement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid are on the line, though they refused to acknowledge how much they intend to burn from the critical health care programs. Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Security concerns have prompted the U.N. agency providing aid to Palestinians to suspend deliveries through the main crossing between Israel and Gaza, officials announced Sunday. Two recent convoys have been looted by armed gangs near the Kerem Shalom crossing and officials called on Israel to maintain law and order, according to Unrwa head, Philippe Lazzarini. Kerem Shalom is the main route used to deliver aid to the more than 2 million people in Gaza, which is said to be on the brink of famine. Lazzarini said the road leading away from the crossing "has not been safe for months," and offered as evidence the theft of five trucks on Saturday, and an incident that occurred last month in which a convoy of 109 trucks carrying food was attacked by masked men who held the drivers at gunpoint before stealing 97 of the vehicles and their contents. Palestinians collect food aid after planes dropped it near tents of displaced people in Al-Mawasi, west of Khan Yunis city in the southern Gaza Strip in October. The United Nations suspended aid across the busy Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Gaza Sunday over security concerns. Photo by Anas Deeb/UPI A notorious Gazan crime family is thought to be behind the attacks, and has blocked the main road leading away from Kerem Shalom for two days, erecting iron barriers and reportedly shooting at trucks trying to access an aid distribution point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the latest spasm of deadly violence involving food aid, Palestinian chef Mahmoud Almadhoun was killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza on Saturday, his brother announced on social media as Palestinian restaurants in the United States paid tribute. The announcement of the pause in deliveries at Kerem Shalom follows the deaths of three people employed by World Central Kitchen, a food charity, and two others in an Israeli strike Saturday. Israel has previously said that it facilitates the passage of aid into Gaza and accused Hamas of hijacking and stealing deliveries. Speaking at the U.N. in September, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government was allowing "more than 3,000 calories a day for every man, woman and child" into Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aid workers have said violence by criminal gangs is disrupting supplies, and is now the main obstacle to getting food to people in Gaza. But the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, which oversees the Israeli government's civilian policy in Gaza, said multiple agencies are offering assistance to hungry Gazans. "Here is something @UNLazzarini forgot to mention: Only 7% of the aid that came into the Gaza Strip in November was coordinated by @UNRWA," the organization said on social media. "There are dozens of humanitarian organizations operating in the Gaza Strip that continue to take a growing role in delivering humanitarian aid to the people who need it. Last week, over 1,000 trucks carrying humanitarian aid were collected from the various crossings and distributed throughout the Gaza Strip," COGAT continued in the post. Israel has responded to international pressure to open additional border crossings to increase the flow of aid into Gaza. A horse is now safe and sound after being stuck in a pond Monday morning. It happened at a farm in Geneva, Seminole County. They said that the horse likes it, the likes the grass is in the pond, so it actually kind of just slipped off the edge, said Elgin Myers with the Seminole County Fire Department. First responders with SCFD responded to the scene it took about 11 crews and several hours to get the animal named Pearl out of the pond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read: Florida sailors receive heros welcome during holiday homecoming Once they assessed the horse, they knew what resources they would need. So they were able to call out specialty resources. Here within Seminole County, we have a large animal rescue team and large animal rescue equipment that was deployed, said Myers. We were able to get it out. It was able to get its feet up under it, and we were able to get the homeowners over there to give it some nutrition, and then it walked off. The incident comes just months after Seminole County First Responders received special training to deal with animal rescues. Read: Fantasy 5 ticket worth $53K purchased in Central Florida Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative was a partnership with the University of Florida and it all came in handy this time around. We had 25 members attend that class. So, they are dispersed throughout the county. It makes them subject matter experts, said Myers. Pearl is expected to be ok, and the owners were thankful the night-mare is over. Public assist today with horse named Pearl that was stuck in a pond. Seminole County Fire Department #AnimalRescue Team used the trench unit to get Pearl out safe Mullet Lake Park Rd, Geneva 6:59 am pic.twitter.com/dTpwzbHHBT Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) PIO Media (@scfdpio) December 2, 2024 Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. DES MOINES, Iowa On Saturday, President-elect Donald Trump announced his pick for Director the Federal Bureau of Investigations, 44-year-old Kashyap Kash Patel. The current FBI Director, Christopher Wray, was tapped by President Trump after firing Director James Comey in his first term. The Republican Senator from Iowa took to X on Sunday morning signaled that he is happy Dir. Wray could be replaced. Chris Wray has failed at fundamental duties of FBI Dir Hes showed disdain for cong oversight & hasnt lived up to his promises Its time 2 chart a new course 4 TRANSPARENCY + ACCOUNTABILITY at FBI Kash Patel must prove to Congress he will reform &restore public trust in FBI Sen. Chuck Grassley (R) on X Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Grassley is the returning U.S. Senate Judiciary chairman and will play a critical role in the nomination confirmation process in the chamber. Patel has previously called for mass firings in the FBI and the Justice 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 who13.com. Minnesota DFL Senator Omar Fateh announced on Monday that he is joining the list of candidates for Mayor of Minneapolis in 2025. Fateh, who became the first Somali-American and Muslim to serve in the Minnesota Senate when he was elected to to represent Minneapolis in 2020, threw his hat into the ring to challenge incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey next year. "Minneapolis must be a north star for our nation in a dark time," he said Monday, before appearing to take a dig at Frey over his apparent lack of collaboration, with Frey's tenure as mayor seeing several disagreements with Minneapolis City Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We can show the country what happens when we invest in people, not corporate special interests," Fateh added. "Block by block, were already building the city we want to see. Its time we had a Mayor willing to work alongside us." Omar Fateh Fateh, who serves in the Higher Education, Human Services, State and Local Government, and Veterans committees in the Senate, is the second contender to launch a mayoral bid, with Reverend Dr. DeWayne Davis announcing his bid in October. City Council member Emily Koski also hinted at a mayoral run on Monday, announcing a press conference for Wednesday where she will talk about "the future of Minneapolis." Fateh most recently hit the headlines in 2023 when he introduced legislation to increase Uber and Lyft drivers wages, mirroring a similar effort in Minneapolis that prompted the rideshare companies to threaten to leave the Twin Cities. Fateh held up other legislation to ensure the bill passed late in the legislative session in May 2023, only for it to be vetoed by Governor Tim Walz, who created a task force to develop legislation for the 2024 session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fateh ultimately left the task force, with Walz eventually signing a bill into law in May that offers Uber and Lyft drivers a 20% pay raise and provides them with new insurance provisions. The new rates went into effect on Sunday. "I led on funding free college tuition for tens of thousands of Minnesotans and securing a statewide living wage for Uber and Lyft drivers," Fateh said in his announcement. "I was also instrumental to MN investing $19 million for public safety in Minneapolis, saving the 2040 Plan to ensure we're building more affordable housing, and ensuring a cleaner environment for all via the 100% Clean Energy Bill. Im ready to bring that leadership to City Hall," Fateh said. Frey, who was elected mayor in 2017 after defeating previous incumbent Betsy Hodges, won re-election in 2021. The election will be on Nov. 4, 2025, with the Mayor, City Council, Park and Recreation Board, School Board, and the Board of Estimate and Taxation all on the ballot. For our 10th Student of the Week poll this week, our nominees are high school seniors from rural districts. Read what the people who nominated these high school students say about them below, and then vote in our poll to determine who should take the title of Wisconsin Student of the Week. Plus, learn how to nominate a student for our weekly poll. Alexis Klahn, grade 12, Kewaskum High School Alexis Klahn "Lexi is a senior honor student at Kewaskum High School. She volunteers to mentor students at Kewaskum Middle School and always treats them with patience and kindness. She also volunteers in the classroom and is always eager to help in any way she can. Her positive attitude is much appreciated by students and teachers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement -Jeff Grotenhuis, physical education and health teacher, Kewaskum High School Jakob Malchow, grade 12, Pulaski High School Jakob Malchow "Jakob has excelled in many facets. As a student, he goes well above and beyond with every task he takes on. An example is that he asked to come in to get extra practice with using a multimeter because he wanted to learn a little bit more; this was after he successfully passed a multimeter certification exam. Outside of the classroom, Jakob was the one who made our SkillsUSA car show successful by putting in extra time and also taking on a leadership role by guiding other members. All in all, Jakob is a rock star of a student and club member." -Kacie Langlitz, English teacher, Pulaski High School Vote in this week's Student of the Week poll Our poll runs this week from 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2, until noon Thursday, Dec. 5. We will announce the winner online Dec. 6 at jsonline.com, postcrescent.com and greenbaypressgazette.com, and in our newspapers on Sunday, Dec. 8. Happy voting! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you work with youth and know someone who should be Student of the Week? Reach out to Debi Young, statewide education editor, at debi.young@jrn.com to get a link to the nomination form. Rebecca Loroff is a K-12 education reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. She welcomes story tips and feedback. Contact her at rloroff@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Vote in our 10th Student of the Week poll Arizona may be cursed with scorching summers, but it's also blessed with mild winters. In spite of that, metro Phoenix can get surprisingly cold during the winter, with freeze warnings being issued several times each winter and average low temperatures ranging from 45-49 degrees during winter months. On those freezing nights and mornings, the heater helps take the edge off. But it also opens up a big debate: What temperature do you set your thermostat to in the winter? Advertisement Advertisement The Arizona Republic wants you to help settle the debate. Submit your answer in the poll below. Here's what the energy experts say you should set your thermostat to this winter. What you should set your thermostat at in the winter Turns out there's a magic number for your thermostat setting in the winter, experts say. That setting? 68 degrees, according to the Energy Department. If that's too specific, anywhere around 70 degrees is a good target when it gets cold, Ram Narayanamurthy, deputy director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office, told USA TODAY. A home thats at 70 degrees is quite comfortable, Narayanamurthy said. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What do you set your heat to in the winter? SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A beloved San Francisco pizza spot is set to close its doors by the end of the week due to the significant headwinds of the last few years. Yellow Moto Pizzeria announced its last day open at 702 Valencia Street will be Saturday, Dec. 7. The casual eatery, only three blocks away from Mission Dolores Park, was recognized for its thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizzas. In 2023, the Yellow Moto was ranked in the top 50 of all pizzerias in the United States, according to 50 Top Pizza. We have done our absolute best to make it work but have not been able to overcome the significant headwinds of the last few years, Yellow Moto posted to social media on Nov. 30. We are immensely proud of what we have created and are so grateful to our wider community for all the love and support we have received on this journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Francisco fire crew saves Thanksgiving for North Beach family While Yellow Moto cited difficulties in recovering in post-pandemic San Francisco, the restaurant looks to a brighter future in the Mission District. We love our neighborhood, and we believe in it, and we know that eventually it will come back, the eaterys statement continued. We wish everyone in our wonderful community the very best as you navigate the ongoing path to recovery. Yellow Moto Pizzeria will be open for normal hours of operation through its last week, with its final day of service on 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 KRON4. The El Paso County Coroners Office has identified the motorist who was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 25 on Nov. 27. James Spencer, 81, was exchanging information with another driver following a two-vehicle collision on the northbound side of the interstate, between Baptist Road and Colorado 105, when a speeding truck reportedly hit the vehicles, striking Spencer in the process, according to Colorado State Patrol. The two vehicles had been on the left shoulder when the truck hit them. Spencer was thrown into the southbound lanes of I-25, where he was killed by traffic, officials said. The incident is still under investigation, a State Patrol spokesman said. No charges have been filed at this time. HR is driving Britains bosses potty. As one usually tranquil bank executive privately complains, his banks HR arm has grown so powerful that they now think they are an extension of his team. Its a bugbear heard in almost every workplace, from the City to the Civil Service. When I first went into the Civil Service the thought that a permanent secretary would ask the opinion of HR would be laughable, reveals one Whitehall adviser. Now its frequently allowed for a HR person to make the final call on something. However, this frustrated pair would never dare call their HR colleagues out, partly due to a fear of getting dragged into an uncomfortable culture war where theyre cast as the baddie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pushing back on practices linked to emotional wellbeing can mean youre considered a psychopath, the Whitehall adviser sighs. But HR nonsense has been allowed to snowball to such an extent that some meetings now start with an anxiety-inducing emotional check-up, with staff encouraged to divulge personal problems. As one civil servant argued, why would anyone want someones divorce hanging in the ether of a meeting?. Especially if others spill the beans too. This sort of drivel needs to stop. Britain is facing its greatest slowdown in productivity in decades, yet staff are being told the job cant get done until theyve heard about Rodneys break-up and Susans mother-in-law. A shadow HR empire now runs Britain and its only getting bigger. HR workers currently outnumber NHS doctors by around three to one, with the number of workers in the sector rising 42pc between 2011 and 2021, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats four times the growth rate of the general workforce. I wrote in these pages three years ago that militant HR departments were the new trade unions, having transformed during the pandemic into one of the most powerful departments in business. The focus has gone from hiring and firing to playing the role of union, mentor and doctor. Your head of HR is now basically the school nurse, the New York Times noted in 2022. HR wants you to bring your whole self into work, whether you like that idea or not. Of course, all of that would be hunky-dory, if it meant that people were happier and productivity was up. But neither is the case. Despite having one of the largest HR sectors in the world, Britain is suffering from low productivity and a worklessness crisis driven by mental health problems and long-term sickness. Workers in Britain are worse off than they were in 2008 as the country lags behind the rest of the rich world, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) warned last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Productivity growth across Britain is poor, particularly in the public sector where it is lower than it was in 1997 the year Google.com was first registered as a domain name. Output per hour worked in the UK has risen by just 5.6pc in the past decade, compared to almost 25pc in the decade before the financial crisis, according to official figures. HR is perceived to be the least productive department within most organisations, a poll conducted by software provider Ciphr found earlier this year. As senior civil servant Pamela Dow wrote in her article for the New Statesman last week, as HR roles have increased, so too have the number of tribunals and days lost to work-related illness, while productivity has flatlined. She added: HR expansion is not coinciding with desirable things and appears to be coinciding with undesirable ones. Raising the alarm about the size, remit and seniority of HR functions, she noted how when she worked in the Cabinet Office in 2022, there were 1,000 HR officials in the Government People Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Humanities graduates have also flooded into the sector at the expense of areas such as teaching, she added, arguing that a degree should not be necessary. There is nothing wrong with large, influential HR teams if they are a driving force for good but productivity needs to be part of the conversation and there needs to be more thought behind some of these initiatives. Asking staff to imagine being an elderly Japanese gay grandfather as one workplace did really doesnt increase empathy or make work a nicer and more productive place to be. Much of this stuff just feels like a box-tick exercise put in place simply so that a company is harder for staff to sue. There has also been a concerning rise in groupthink on both sides of the Atlantic a 90-year-old woman in California who had volunteered for a charity for 60 years was told this year that her services were no longer needed after she asked a colleague why she needed to add the pronouns she/her to her email signature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There needs to be a reset before Britains HR club grows again expectations of sweeping job cuts and a looming workers rights overhaul mean this rise is inevitable. Companies terrified of staff lawsuits are pouring cash into this space. Luke Johnson, the chairman of Gails, last week warned MPs how hard it will be for companies with small HR teams to digest the Governments big new bill of 150 pages on employment rights. Small businesses are terrified of accidentally getting things wrong as pressures rise. The HR industry should be asking itself the same question. 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. Family members of a Putnam County father are frustrated after one of the women charged in his murder is seeking bond. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Tina Lee-Ellis is accused of helping hide Chad Mullens body after he was killed. She will face a judge tomorrow morning. Family members said it was already a difficult holiday without their loved one even more so now because of tomorrows bond hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daughter, Holli Mullen said it is a slap in the face after a devastating holiday without her father. She fears that if Tina Lee-Ellis posts bail, it will severely damage the murder investigation that is still ongoing. She doesnt deserve to go out and spend the holidays with her family when I cant because of something she was a part of, said Holli. Tina Lee-Ellis is charged with accessory to murder after she is accused of helping bury 53-year-old Chad Mullen in a shallow grave in Hastings. Tomorrow, she is seeking bail after being behind bars for less than one month. She has a long criminal past and shes just a danger. I wouldnt want to be a Palatka resident and have her living on my street, said Carrie Smith, Chad Mullens close friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carrie Smith believes the murder investigation is still in its early steps and there is still more to learn about Tinas involvement- like that Chad was buried on the same farm that Tina Lee-Ellis worked at. Both said their family and many other community members will attend the hearing and testify against a possible bond of Lee-Ellis. Holli Mullen said she hopes the courts make the right decision by keeping her in jail. Co-defendant Caylen Deller, Chad Mullens ex-girlfriend, is facing first-degree murder charges. She is expected to be in court again on January 9th. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] 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. When Shiori Ito alleged at a 2017 news conference that Noriyuki Yamaguchi, a prominent TV journalist and friend of Japans then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, had two years earlier drugged and raped her in a Tokyo Sheraton hotel, she hoped the revelation would spark media interest in her case. But instead, the young journalist was subjected to online trolling and so many threats that she vacated her apartment, eventually retreating to London. There, in the company of Hanna Aqvilin, a Swedish producer-director shed met only via Skype, Ito's determination resurfaced. I started feeling like maybe I needed to do something, my own investigation as a journalist but also as a survivor, she says while sitting in a cushioned alcove at the Four Seasons Hotel. People in London said, I want to make your documentary. And I didn't want them to. I wanted to tell my own story. She wrote a memoir about the trauma, which some credit with starting Japans #MeToo movement, while pursuing legal cases against Yamaguchi for much of that intervening period. All this fed into her documentary, Black Box Diaries, in which Ito uses everything she can think of secretly recorded telephone conversations, security footage, confessional iPhone diary entries to convey the personally bruising saga that unfolded after her alleged sexual assault, from the legal proceedings against her well-known offender to an examination of Japans archaic rape laws, and her own post-trauma emotions. Interspersed are scenes of Ito working on her memoir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documentary's bracing reportage reveals Itos gift for in-depth journalism and, having previously made only short TV documentaries, her resourcefulness as a no-budget filmmaker. We never had a team no proper cameraman, no proper soundman, she says. Me and Hanna just did everything. Itd be great if we could film more cinematically, with better audio. But in the end, it really helped because no one pressured us. Ito and Aqvilin werent worried, for example, that audiences might find it confusing that Ito occasionally recorded her iPhone diary entries in English instead of in her native Japanese. We never even thought about it, says Ito, adding that she thinks of English as a tool that assists her in voicing anger and frustration. Growing up in Japan, I didnt know how to put my emotions in Japanese. I dont see myself this way, but some people tell me, When you speak Japanese, you are sweeter, nicer, bowing all the time. You act different when you speak English. Thats what language and culture can do to you. Though she wrote in her book that she believed Yamaguchi sedated her with a date-rape drug, there's a reason that allegation isn't in the film: Even though Ito won damages for the sexual encounter in a civil suit that she pursued after authorities declined to arrest Yamaguchi on criminal charges, a Tokyo court ordered her to pay him 550,000 yen (about $3,673) for defamation related to the drug allegation. We won [the lawsuit], but we lost the part where I said I suspected he drugged me," she says, noting that at that time in Japan, authorities had no way to check for such drugs. To get around potential liability in "Black Box Diaries," Ito purchased grainy security footage from the hotel and let viewers see Yamaguchi struggling to haul her lifeless-looking body from the back of a cab, then later hoisting her up as she stumbles unsteadily through the hotel lobby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A recurring figure in Black Box Diaries is a police investigator who, instead of helping a potential victim of a sex crime seek justice, offers excuses. But sometimes good Samaritans emerge. One memorable moment involves Itos phone conversation with a hotel doorman who had offered to testify on her behalf. He remembered talking to police," Ito says, and believing hed be called to court for a criminal trial. After he saw on the news that the case was closing, he contacted her. Over five years, Ito had amassed more than 400 hours of footage, but there was more to discover. A year into editing, Black Box Diaries editor and co-producer Ema Ryan Yamazaki discovered on Ito's iPhone an anguished suicide message meant to be seen by her parents that Ito had no recollection of filming. That too made it into the documentary. Since its Sundance premiere, Black Box Diaries has been shown at film festivals around the world, including in Hong Kong, where a long line of people waited to share with Ito, one on one, their own painful experiences. On one hand, as a journalist, I really wanted to listen," Ito says. "But on the other hand, Im a survivor, not a therapist. I just had to find a way to cope. Not much later, she booked herself into a 10-day silent meditation retreat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The 10 best movies we saw at Sundance One of Itos goals for the documentary is to have it shown in Japan, where it has yet to get distribution. Shes on the fence, though, about having family members who havent seen Black Box Diaries watch her journey play itself out on the big screen. They know that I made it, and they're proud, says Ito, whose hesitation is also rooted in concerns about how cinema patrons in her home country will respond. Japanese audiences, in general, theyre so respectful. So maybe I should bring them to the States where they will see more reaction like this, says Ito, clapping her hands like a boisterously applauding moviegoer. Thats my next little mission. Get the Envelope newsletter, sent three times a week during awards season, for exclusive reporting, insights and commentary. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Cook County States Attorney Eileen ONeill Burke pledged to get seismic things done Monday morning as she took her oath of office in front of a bipartisan crowd, announcing a strict detention-seeking policy for some gun crimes and calling out what she said were war zone numbers of people shot in Chicago. ONeill Burke was sworn in by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham in River North before a packed room that included former Mayor Richard M. Daley, former States Attorney Anita Alvarez, aldermen and rank-and-file prosecutors to see the first new top prosecutor in eight years. Her comments marked a tone shift from her predecessor, Kim Foxx, who was elected in 2016 amid calls for reform in the wake of the slaying of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke. We have unparalleled opportunities here. We have world-class universities, we have an infrastructure. We even have a fresh water supply. We are primed to boom, she said. But we are being overshadowed by crime right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ONeill Burke, who narrowly defeated her Democratic primary opponent, Clayton Harris III, and then Republican Bob Fioretti by a wider margin, comes into an office that is facing challenges such as staff morale, a strained relationship with the Chicago Police Department and the legacy of police abuse that has spawned hundreds of wrongful convictions. She officially took office on Sunday so was also sworn in privately over the weekend. Though she noted that crime has fallen in recent years since spiking at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said she doesnt want to become numb and referenced the recent killings of Chicago police Officer Enrique Martinez and Oak Park Detective Allan Reddins. Today is not about me. It is about the belief that safety and a fair criminal justice system are not mutually exclusive, ONeill Burke said. We can have both and we will. During the program, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, Senate President Don Harmon and Cunningham delivered remarks, calling the incoming prosecutor a fighter who has worked in the criminal justice system from all angles as a former prosecutor, defense lawyer, circuit court judge and appellate judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welch noted both Republicans and Democrats in the crowd, shouting out a rare public appearance from Daley as well as former States Attorney Jack OMalley, a Republican. She knows we all want to live work and thrive in safe communities and she knows we all want a justice system that works for everyone, Welch said. During her speech, ONeill Burke announced a new policy for automatically seeking pretrial detention for every detainable offense with the following conditions: A defendant charged with a detainable felony who allegedly used or possessed a weapon with an extended magazine, drum magazine, automatic switch, or used a ghost gun or defaced firearm. Domestic violence, stalking or sex offenses in which the defendant is accused of possessing a weapon Detainable felony offenses committed on public transportation Murder or class X felonies Cases involving child pornography Certain sex offenses Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Foxx, prosecutors commonly sought detention for these types of offenses, though Foxx generally spoke of reviewing cases individually rather than using an automatic policy. ONeill Burkes announcement elicited a quick response from an advocacy group that was a prominent force in the elimination of cash bail in Illinois last year. In a statement sent by Matthew McLoughlin, campaign coordinator for the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice, the network said it cautioned against establishing blanket policies that do not allow for individual decision-making and evaluation of each specific case. As the new States Attorney emphasizes her commitment to public safety, it is essential to remember that numerous studies have shown that pretrial jailing actually increases the likelihood that someone will be rearrested in the future, the statement said. According to data from Chief Judge Tim Evans office, Cook County prosecutors have filed detention petitions on about 18% of overall cases (a figure that includes cases not eligible for detention). Of those, judges granted the petitions in just under 60% of cases, denying pretrial detention in another 40%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The process for seeking pretrial detention recently came under scrutiny after a Cook County judge released on electronic monitoring a defendant accused of battering his estranged wife weeks before he killed her. In that case, prosecutors did file a detention petition, but Evans office suggested that the judge was given incomplete information and pledged to work with ONeill Burke to improve systems. As states attorney, ONeill Burke will inherit a pipeline of cases involving defendants seeking post-conviction relief due to allegations of brutality and coercion by Chicago police officers. Foxx, whose office overturned 250 convictions, as she was leaving office said that the Conviction Review Unit was not large enough to keep up with the pace of claims. Protesters planned to stage a rally Monday outside of the states attorneys Loop office to demand action on wrongful conviction cases, particularly those involving allegations of police torture. ONeill Burke herself has become the subject of scrutiny on this topic during her campaign, when it was reported that she was the lead prosecutor of an 11-year-old boy whose conviction was overturned by a federal judge who ruled police coerced his confession. ONeill Burke did not touch on wrongful convictions in her remarks on Monday, though she attended an announcement last month by Attorney General Kwame Raoul, whose office launched a unit to investigate potential wrongful convictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ONeill Burke spoke about restorative justice programs and the need to offer an alternative to incarceration for rehabilitation, though she said those programs should be reserved for non-violent offenses. Not only does this make us morally better as a society, but its fiscally better, she said. If we can get people turned around it costs a fraction to invest in these programs than it does to incarcerate someone. The Shen Yun dance group is facing allegations of forced labor and child labor in a lawsuit filed by a former dancer for the troupe. Chun-Ko Chang, who lives in Taiwan but formerly danced for the group, claims Shen Yun runs a sophisticated operation that is designed to identify and recruit vulnerable people to work as Dancers, ensnare them in a system that dominates every aspect of their lives, and force them to work grueling hours through multiple methods of control and coercion, as detailed in a lawsuit first reported by Seamus Hughes Court Watch. Also listed as defendants are associated entities, Shen Yuns financial backer the International Bank of Chicago and executives Hongzhi Li, Rui Li and Shujia Gong, who is also known as Tianliang Zhang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese agent who targeted Shen Yun group gets 20 months in prison The suit contains numerous allegations, including that those dancers who are perceived to have stepped out of line are subjected to public humiliation and not allowed to leave the groups compound or speak with their families. Shen Yun, which advertises itself as a depiction of China before communism, has also made headlines this year after an agent of the Chinese government admitted to trying to bribe an IRS official to go after Falun Gong, which puts on the Shen Yun shows and is a prominent critic of the Chinese Communist Party. Shen Yun did not immediately return a request for comment. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) The Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office identified the inmate who died at the parish jail on Sunday, Dec. 1. APSO said the inmate who passed away was Darvin Mumphrey, 40, of Donaldsonville. Deputies said the inmates cause of death is pending an autopsy. The Louisiana State Police is conducting the investigation. They were asked by APSO to investigate the inmates death. LSP said detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations were requested to look into an in-custody death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said, Further information will be released when it becomes available. The investigation remains ongoing and more details will be shared as they become available. Jail vs. Prison: Whats the difference? See where correctional centers are in, near Baton Rouge 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. RED SPRINGS, N.C. (WBTW) One of five people shot outside a Robeson County nightclub early Sunday morning remains paralyzed from the waist down, Red Springs police chief told News13. The shooting happened outside the Truth Lounge at 114 S. Main Street, according to Police Chief Sara Purcell, who called the club, which has been open for more than a year, a nuisance. News13 photo / Eric Cooper News13 photo / Eric Cooper News13 photo / Eric Cooper Purcell said a woman and four men were shot after a fight that began inside and spilled out into the street. One of the victims, a 32-year-old man, was taken to a hospital in Chapel Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Purcell said doctors told her that he was shot in the back and is now paralyzed from the waist down. The other victims injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. There have been no arrests, but police have obtained a TikTok video that appears to show video from a Ring camera that shows the club in the background. Gunshots can be heard on the video. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Red Springs police or Crimestoppers. There is a reward for information that leads to an arrest. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Eric Cooper is a multimedia journalist at News13. He joined the team in September 2024 and covers stories in the Pee Dee. He is a native of Cades in Williamsburg County and a proud graduate of Kingstree Senior High School and Benedict College. You can read 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 WBTW. Disclaimer: All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Multiple people are in custody after patrol officers in Shreveport made arrests related to firearms during routine traffic stops in late November and early December. Patrol Officers with the Shreveport Police Department made the arrests between Nov. 28 and Dec. 1, 2024. Those arrested include: Jzarmacio Whitehead, 32 Tauris Willis, 46 Randy Thomas, 30 Thommy Harley, 33 Donald Jackson, 21 Earl Dixon, 33 Dandrew Anderson, 27 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson was arrested on Nov. 28 during an armed robbery investigation on Pierre Avenue. He is a convicted felon and police say he faces charges related to the illegal use of a weapon, narcotics offenses, and the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dixon was arrested during a traffic stop at Spring and Caddo Streets. Police say he faces firearm charges. Dixon is also a convicted felon. Jackson was apprehended on Nov. 29 on Lodbetter. He is a convicted felon and faces firearm charges. Harley was arrested at Terry Bradshaw Passway and Bert Kouns Industrial Loop. He is a convicted felon and police allege that he was in possession of a firearm. He had multiple outstand warrants at the time of his arrest. Thomas was taken into custody just before midnight on Nov. 29 during a traffic stop near Quilen Boulevard and Meadow Avenue. He is a convicted felon. He faces charges related to narcotics offenses and possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Willis was arrested during a traffic stop on Nov. 30. Police allege that he had possession of a stolen firearm. Whitehead was arrested just after midnight on Nov. 30 near Greenbriar Drive and Lyba Street. He is a convicted felon who now faces multiple firearms charges. All firearms that were seized during these incidents will be destroyed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A prisoner at an Upstate New York jail was moments away from freedom when cops busted him for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl who he was in contact with while locked up. Ronald L. Burris III, 21, was set to be released from Ulster County Jail in Kingston on Nov. 20 but instead detectives charged him with two counts of second-degree rape and other charges for having sex with a minor multiple times prior to his incarceration, The accused predator was locked up on an unrelated charge when investigators made the sick discovery. Ronald L. Burris III was charged with two felony counts of second-degree rape and endangering the welfare of a child. Obtained by NY Post Police launched an investigation in September after they were alerted that Burris was having sexually explicit conversations electronically with the 14-year-old girl while he was detained, according to the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon further investigation, authorities learned the sicko had sex with the child on several occasions over the summer. Burris, of Saugerties, was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned in Saugerties Justice Court following his arrest, the sheriffs office said. Burris was returned to the Ulster County Jail where he is being held on $30,000 bail. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Montgomery County police have announced that a woman was charged in connection to a deadly crash that happened in May. The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) said Jovannie T. McCarthy, 27, of Silver Spring, was taken into custody and charged with criminally negligent manslaughter by vehicle. VSP, Fairfax County police searching for missing 80-year-old man last seen in Falls Church area Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said that on May 8, around 12:44 a.m., McCarthy was driving a 2006 Honda Accord when she exited MD 200 onto Briggs Chaney Road. There, she crossed the westbound and eastbound lanes and struck a 2023 Volkswagen. 35-year-old Kiara Cheeks, of Washington, D.C., who was a passenger in the Volkswagen, was taken to the hospital where she died. Months after the crash, police announced that on Dec. 1, McCarthy was taken into custody on an arrest warrant. She was being held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 dispute during a child custody exchange outside a City Market grocery store in Woodland Park led to a fatal shooting, according to a news release Monday from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Woodland Park police responded to the 700 block of Gold Hill Place South at about 5:30 p.m. Friday after receiving a 911 call. Witnesses told investigators that 28-year-old Luis Morales, the biological father of the child, threatened the mother's boyfriend after a physical altercation between the two in the store's parking lot. The boyfriend pulled a gun and fired a single shot, striking Morales, according to the CBI. Morales was transported to a Colorado Springs hospital but later died. The 29-year-old boyfriend stayed at the scene and has cooperated with officials, according to the CBI, which is leading the investigation. He has been released pending the outcome of the investigation. TAPACHULA, Mexico (AP) A small migrant caravan has set out from southern Mexico, heading north, but is unlikely to reach the U.S. border after authorities broke up two other small caravans headed to the United States over the weekend. About 1,500 migrants mostly from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras set out walking on Sunday from Tapachula, a city near Mexicos southern border with Guatemala. They set out at night, to avoid the scorching daytime heat in the region. The two other small caravans had set out in November, after Donald Trump's election, but both were broken up weeks later by Mexican authorities. Some migrants were bused to cities in southern Mexico, and others were offered transit papers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some in the caravan that set out Sunday said they would be willing to stay and find work in the industrial cities of northern Mexico. Most migrants cannot work, or cannot find work, in Tapachula, a city flooded with migrants. Santos Modesto, a migrant from Honduras, said most of those in the caravan would say they want to get to the U.S. so they could "achieve a better life for their families. But I think a lot of people here, if there were opportunities in Monterrey and surrounding areas, they would stay there, Modesto said, because there are a lot of Cubans and Venezuelans who would rather stay here than return to their country. The migrants said they were also concerned that Trump may eliminate the cellphone app CBP One that makes asylum claims more orderly after his Jan. 20 inauguration. About 1,450 appointments are made available daily, encouraging migrants to get an appointment before they show up at the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a lot of reports that he has said he is going to do away with CBP One, that there are going to be deportations, the biggest deportation, but you have to have faith in God, said Venezuelan migrant Francisco Unda, 38. Trump has threatened to slap 25% tariffs on Mexican products unless the country does more to stem the flow of migrants to the U.S. border. Last week, Trump said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had agreed to stop unauthorized migration across the border into the U.S. Sheinbaum wrote on her social media accounts the same day that migrants and caravans are taken care of before they reach the border. Sheinbaum has said she is confident that a tariff war with the U.S. can be averted but her statement the day after she had a phone call with Trump did not make clear who had offered what. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apart from the much larger first caravans in 2018 and 2019 which were provided buses to ride part of the way north no caravan has ever reached the U.S. border walking or hitchhiking in any cohesive way, though some individual members have made it. For years, migrant caravans have often been blocked, harassed or prevented from hitching rides by Mexican police and immigration agents. They have also frequently been rounded up or returned to areas near the Guatemalan border. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america Dec. 1NMSU to host welcome reception for new president Community members from New Mexico State University and the greater Las Cruces community are invited to a public welcome reception for incoming President Valerio Ferme. The reception will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the University Art Museum, 1308 E. University Ave. Refreshments will be served. Parking will be available near the museum, Kent Hall and at the NMSU bookstore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are excited to host this opportunity for our community members to meet Dr. Ferme," said NMSU Board of Regents Chair Ammu Devasthali. "We are sure that under his leadership, NMSU will continue to be a positive community partner and make great achievements by working together." Ferme, previously executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Cincinnati, officially began his employment at NMSU Nov. 18 and will assume the role of university president on Jan. 1. In the meantime, Ferme is engaged in a transitionary period, wherein he is consulting with and meeting with stakeholders from the university's campuses, agricultural and science centers, and cooperative extension offices. Monica Torres will continue to serve as interim president through the end of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NMSA-Art Institute students to host Espanola play New Mexico School for the Arts Art Institute's theater department will take the stage at the Nick Salazar Center for the Arts in Espanola for a free theater performance of Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic & Magic, a play about a group of "magical quirky misfits." "Forget the chosen one; this story is about the rest of us, and it's filled with laughter, surprises and heartfelt moments," according to a news release. The production is a collaboration between the NMSA-Art Institute and Northern New Mexico College, and is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The play will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Nick Salazar Center at 921 N. Paseo de Onate in Espanola. Tickets are free, but attendees can reserve seating at tinyurl.com/4wedektz. New NASA, NSF grants for student research roles New Mexico State University's Juie Shetye, assistant professor of astronomy, is using nearly $800,000 in grant funds to invite students to study secrets of the sun and causes of climate change. The funds are set to go to toward hiring undergraduate and graduate students on two research projects: one related to the sun's corona holes, the other about the causes of weather changes in Las Cruces. It may in the future be expanded to other cities in Southern New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the first time NMSU has received the two grants. The first is a two-year, $230,000 award from through NASA's SMD BRIDGE (now called MOSSAIC), an initiative to improve diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility within the NASA workforce and the broader U.S. science and engineering communities. The second grant is from the National Science Foundation's Solar, Heliospheric and Interplanetary Environment program and provides $570,000 over three years to study corona holes. "NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is sending something called Pandora spectrographs. These massive spectrographs measure the ozone layer and composition of different elements in the area above us in general," Shetye said in a statement. "The students will be studying atmospheric gravity waves, how they are generated and whether they're related to any weather phenomena in Las Cruces." The NSF SHINE program grant allows Shetye to hire two Ph.D. students or as many as four undergraduate students over three years. The New Mexican The discovery of a will is the smoking gun evidence in the unsolved murder case of the Princes in the Tower, historians believe. In 1483, uncrowned Edward V and his younger brother Prince Richard disappeared from the Tower of London without a trace. Many believe they were murdered on the orders of their uncle, Richard III. The discovery of the will shows the prime suspect in the murders left a piece of Edward Vs jewellery to his sister-in-law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chain likely to have been a chain of office, a golden symbol of status and his prized possession was part of Lady Margaret Capells estate. The will shows that Richard III left a piece of Edward Vs jewellery to his sister-in-law She is related to Sir James Tyrell, who was a trusted knight of Richard III and believed by some to have confessed to the murders under his orders. Professor Tim Thornton, a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, uncovered the find in Lady Margarets previously overlooked will. In the 1522 document, she left her son his faders Cheyne which was young king Edwarde Vth (his fathers chain which was young King Edward Vs). Extremely exciting Tracy Borman, the historian who oversees the Tower of London as co-curator of Historic Royal Palaces, said the extremely exciting find gave credibility to the theory the boys were murdered on the orders of their uncle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This chain provides a vital link to the young Edward V, and the fact that it was in the possession of someone closely linked with one of the prime suspects in their presumed murder could be hugely significant, she said. She called it the smoking gun in the case. The discovery backs up Prof Thorntons previous written work on Sir Thomas More, a former lord chancellor, who blamed Richard III for the princes deaths. The registry book that holds the damning will Prof Thornton told The Times: You usually get at least some alleged materials left by the people who disappeared, but they went without a trace until now. This, for the first time, is an indication that we have a physical survival from the princes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The research is being published in the journal History and will be revealed in Tuesdays Channel 5 documentary The Princes in the Tower: A Damning Discovery. Historians dont work on the basis of beyond reasonable doubt, Prof Thornton added. We have to work on the evidence that survives. We work on the balance of probabilities and increasingly that balance of probabilities is tilting towards the suggestion that Richard is responsible for the boys deaths and the account given by More is more likely than not to be true. 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. As a metaphor it couldnt have been more stark. The memorial for Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, was a reminder of everything that the land of my fathers has lost in the past 10 years. As the sun shone down from a clear blue late autumn sky on Saturday the air was filled with the sound of bagpipes, of enthusiasm and even dare I say it of hope. London has become such an impossibly lawless place that it was a pleasure for me to return to the city where I started my radio career 18 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I walked up the Royal Mile after a hearty Scottish breakfast of haggis and Lorne sausage, dodging tourists and souvenir stalls, I couldnt help but wonder where Salmonds dream had gone to die. Let us not forget that in 2014 Salmond stepped down as leader of the Scottish National Party after losing the referendum on Independence. He passed the baton to his protege Nicola Sturgeon who promptly turned it into a weapon for sex reassignment and wokery. But more of her later. The memorial service, held at the magnificent St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, was a tribute to a man who was a gigantic figure in Scottish politics and a fulsome addition to the goings on in Westminster as well. Make no mistake. This was a state funeral in all but name. The great and the good were all in attendance. I even managed to secure an invite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there was a sadness around the pomp and ceremony that was not just about the dreaded finality of the death of Scottish Independence. As I looked around the phenomenal interior of St Giles I saw a microcosm of much that is good about Scotland and its political class. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown was there, sitting in the front row alongside First Minister John Swinney looking for all the world that hed love to be a few hundred miles away from it all. There was former socialist party firebrand Tommy Sheridan, lawyer extraordinaire Roddy Dunlop, and assorted members of the Scottish media elite. Tory grandee David Davis had made the pilgrimage up from his Newark constituency and Scotlands top music promoter Donald Macleod appeared fresh from putting Anthrax on in Glasgow. Even the Proclaimers were there ready to serenade the 400 strong congregation with Cap in Hand. Alongside a duet of violin and cello it was a tour de force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assembled invitees did indeed make up a broad church. And when I saw the SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn sneaking in at the back with Angus MacNeil I knew this was going to be something special to behold. But look at where Scotland is. Only last week the Supreme Court was considering a challenge to the Scottish governments definition of a woman - apparently its now someone with a certificate that says they are. The nation that looked so confident in its own future 10 years ago has lost its way. Salmonds protege Nicola Sturgeon who was nowhere to be seen has wreaked havoc with schools, with the NHS and with business north of the border. The Scottish National Party is a hollowed out shell of what Salmond built it up to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As his former aide Duncan Hamilton KC pointed out in his eulogy to the great man, Salmond took the SNP from a minority curiosity in 1990 to the dominant political force in the country over 24 years. It was quite an achievement. Now the dream of Independence is further away than ever. Salmond himself told me in one of our many wine drinking moments that they had forgotten what they were for. Sturgeon had become obsessed with controlling the population after her dubious success during Covid when amongst other things she ordered schools to saw off the bottoms of classroom doors to provide greater air flow to children. Now she shuns the limelight and rarely makes public appearances for fear of being asked about the police investigation that resulted in both she and her husband being interviewed under caution about missing monies and dodgy electoral practices. Outside the cathedral as we filtered out there were saltires aplenty, more bagpipes and a rather lackluster chorus of Flower of Scotland. Alba MP Kenny Macaskill had done his best to rouse the crowd inside with promises of not letting the dream die. And he got the biggest and loudest reception of all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in truth Scotland, like Britain under Labour, is in decline. The SNP will likely lose the next Holyrood election to Anas Sarwar and the Independence project will once more be an afterthought on the back burner of history. Alex Salmond understood that politics is about people, said Duncan Hamilton. How right he was. It is. And for now, the people have had enough. Mike Graham hosts Morning Glory every weekday morning from 6am at Talk 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. Reaching voters through social media is becoming more essential than door-knocking in political campaigns, political analyst Susan MacManus said on Dec. 2, 2024. (Photo illustration by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Democrats can no longer assume young Floridians will vote blue, highlighting the need for the party to learn how to sway voters through social media, renowned political analyst Susan MacManus said during the Capital Tiger Bay Clubs post-election deep dive. Florida remains a bellwether in the diversity of its demographic makeup, the professor emerita at the University of South Florida said on Monday, pointing to the growing political division among Gen Zers and millennials. The two generations make up 35% of the states electorate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This used to be solid, solid blue territory but, look, theres only a plurality of both. The Gen Zers and millennials are NPAs [voters with no partisan affiliation], but theres almost no difference, a 1% difference, between registered young Democrats and young Republicans, she said. Unbelievable, and nobody was paying a bit of attention to what was happening on the age front. Susan MacManus, professor emerita of political science, addresses the Capital Tiger Bay Club on Jan. 31, 2023, in Tallahassee. (Photo by Michael Moline/Florida Phoenix) According to voter registration data MacManus compiled, a higher percentage of millennials and Gen Z voters identify as NPAs, 33% and 32%, respectively. When it comes to the GOP and Florida Dems, the rates are equal for millennials at 32%. Meanwhile, Democrats hold only a one percentage point advantage over Republicans in Gen Z registered voters. Usually, you think of the new voters as largely young and largely Democratic, but they certainly were not in our state, MacManus said. Between the 2024 and 2020 elections, there were shifts in technology and communication that President-elect Donald Trump took advantage of to appeal to a broader electorate of new voters, such as his appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast, MacManus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Technology changed, people changed, issues changed. Its never a good idea to go back to the last previous election, particularly in a state like Florida that changes its demographics so fast and rely upon that kind of strategy to win a current election, she said, referring to traditional methods of campaigning, such as canvassing, compared to the conservative media ecosystem. Very silent, very quiet base To Florida State University students in the crowd, MacManus analysis of young voters made sense. Lauren Klostreich, a senior political science student, said she noticed more consistent tabling from the Democratic groups but that the campus chapter of Turning Point USA was able to get much more attention when it hosted former U.S. House Rep. Matt Gaetz in October. At table events, I really want to stop there if I already agree with the party, so Ill go for the free donuts occasionally. But like, the Matt Gaetz thing, I knew people from both parties who were going, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another student, Alyssa Yon, pointed to the assassination attempt against Trump in Pennsylvania as another instance in which she saw how conservative her peers were. I feel like it was unearthing like a very silent, very quiet base happening there that I was not aware of because Im from Orlando proper, and I dont see that every day, she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The News The University of Johannesburg has been ranked as sub-Saharan Africas best university, beating two historic rivals the University of Pretoria and the University of the Witwatersrand to the top spot. The 2024 list by British magazine Times Higher Education (THE) places four South African universities in the top 10, two each from Rwanda and Ghana, and one each from Uganda and Somalia. Nigeria has 41 entries on the list, the most of any country. American University of Nigeria, ranked 12th in the overall list, was deemed the best in the country. It is only the second edition of the ranking. Metrics used to compile the ranking included African research citations and co-authorship, accessibility for disabled people, and employability. These are metrics that matter most to the development of nations south of the Sahara, said the magazines chief global affairs officer Phil Baty in a statement. Know More THEs ranking was based on a survey of 23,000 students, in addition to data from schools and Dutch academic analytics company Elsevier, the magazine said. The 129 universities are from 22 African countries, covering less than half of the sub-Saharan African region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A revised methodology led to new entries from Namibia, Burkina Faso, Cote dIvoire, Cape Verde and Eswatini. While it is ranked Africas best, University of Johannesburg is in the 401st to 500th place in THEs global list, where the top 10 are US and British universities. Of the five metrics used for the world rankings, the largest points gaps between Johannesburg and first-placed Oxford are in teaching and research environment. Each of the global top three universities Oxford, MIT, and Harvard have no more than 10 students per staff. Africas top three each have 20 or more, illustrating a gap in faculty resources on the continent. Step Back Economic and security challenges in many African countries have triggered youth migration waves in recent years, boosting the number of African students studying abroad. African students in tertiary education outside their home countries increased by 41% to 624,000 between 2010 and 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Africa and other countries in the region are a significant part of that increase but France, China and the US were the most popular destinations. This year, sub-Saharan African student migration to France rose 9%. Despite having the most universities in THEs Africa ranking, Nigeria is among Africas leading exporters of students. In Canada, only India, China, and the Philippines had more foreign students than Nigeria in 2023. In the US, Nigerian student university enrollment rose 13.5% to 20,029 students this year, making it Africas leading source of international students in the US and 7th globally. But policy changes aimed at stifling immigration could dampen the trend going forward as has been the case with Nigerian student migration to the UK. The View From A British University Imperial College London this month launched its first hub in Ghana, focused exclusively on science and technology in Africa. Officials said Imperial Global Ghana will help to build on a growing network of West African partners in universities, government, and civil society to support the co-creation of research, education and entrepreneurship programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hub Imperials third overseas after others in Singapore and San Francisco will also advance collaboration between the West African innovation ecosystem with London, supporting the commercialization of scientific breakthroughs made in Africa, according to the officials. Two other programs were unveiled during the launch. The Imperial-Schmidt AI Fellows Program will aim to support early career researchers from the University of Ghana and the African Institute of Mathematical Science to develop AI tools to drive key economic growth. The AIMS-Imperial Global Fellows Programme will see 40 doctoral researchers working together in Accra to develop professional, research, and collaborative skills to tackle challenges arising from climate change and urbanization. A Colorado Springs police dog aided officers in the arrest of a man who jumped from a second-story window in an attempt to evade capture, according to law enforcement officials. The suspect, whose name was not released, was wanted in a domestic violence incident, police said. At about 6 p.m. Saturday, officers attempted to contact the suspect at a residence in the 4300 block of East Pikes Peak Avenue, south of East Platte Avenue and east of Academy Boulevard, when he reportedly jumped from the second story and began running. The suspect, who had a history of carrying firearms, had a gun in his waistband, according to police. Officer Brock Lofgren, a K-9 handler, warned the suspect that he would release his police dog if the man kept running. When the suspect ignored the warning, Lofgren deployed K-9 Riggs, who easily caught the man, police said. The suspect was taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries before being booked into the El Paso County jail. SOUTH CAROLINA (WSAV) South Carolina agribusiness employees whose tools were damaged by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance. FEMA announced on Monday that employees whose tools required for employment or self-employment that were damaged by Hurricane Helene may be replaced. The list of tools includes, but is not limited to, tractors, plows, seeders or planters, harvesters, sprayers, hay balers and utility vehicles. These are all potentially eligible for FEMA disaster assistance if the applicant can show that they were damaged by the disaster, the applicant does not have another working item that can meet this need, and the loss of the item was not covered by insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This assistance covers means of production and not specific products, so any damaged livestock or crops are not eligible for assistance. Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper counties fall into the coverage area for this assistance. There are several methods to apply for FEMA assistance, including the following: Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov. Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center close to you, visit fema.gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: DRC 29169). Use the FEMA mobile app. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. It is open every day. Help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. (Bloomberg) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces another test of his leadership as the main opposition party vies to control the annual budget, an outcome that would cast further doubt on his ability to enact policy as the nation braces for Donald Trumps return. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yoons government submitted a 677.4 trillion won ($483 billion) budget earlier this year, seeking to beef up spending by 3.2% to shore up an economy thats expected to cool as export momentum eases. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myungs Democratic Party last week sliced 4.1 trillion won from the total and is looking to force through the change. The parliamentary speaker on Monday stopped the revised budget going to a vote for now and has urged both parties to reach an agreement by Dec. 10. The DP is looking to nix extra spending by the presidential office, prosecutor and the police, according to the minutes of parliamentary discussions. Financial support for Ukraine and South Koreas development of a potential maritime oil field are among other areas subject to cuts. The move appears aimed at curbing the power of Yoons office and prosecutors amid court cases against Lee, while showing the limitations of the presidents use of veto power. By insisting on a smaller budget, the DP can also push back against the view that it has loose-spending tendencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A successful bid to force through the amended budget would be an embarrassing loss for Yoons minority government and risks dragging the nation further into domestic squabbling when its economy faces the risk of a hit to trade that could halve its exports to the US. This is a saber-rattling by Lee to mount all possible types of pressure on Yoon when hes struggling to find a way out of his own legal risks, said Kim Man Heum, former head of the National Assembly Research Service and a political commentator. It would demonstrate his clout, but could deal a blow to his public image, too. The push by the opposition to force through the trimmed budget is likely to lose steam if a deadlock continues, Kim said. Thats partly because the partys members themselves risk losing spending for their own constituencies, he added. Yoons office has derided the cuts as the tyranny of the majority, but is unable to veto the change if parliament votes in its favor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok said the revised budget if passed may lead to a paralysis of core government functions, increasing economic risks and making it harder for South Korea to respond nimbly to universal tariffs and supply-chain readjustments expected after Trump takes office. Research and development funding for semiconductors and other scientific areas has been cut by 81.5 billion won in particular, the government said. Maintaining an edge on chip technology and production is critical for the longer term prospects of an economy that is heavily reliant on trade and its semiconductor sector in particular. That vulnerability to trade trends makes Trumps return to the White House a point of high concern. Bloomberg Economics estimates that Korea exports to the US will drop 55% by 2028, if the president-elect follows through with threats to slap 60% tariffs on China and a 20% tariff across the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon, but his party holds a majority in parliament. The DP expanded that majority in a nationwide vote in April that further weakened Yoons ability to push through his policy agenda. The opposition leader has defended the cuts in the budget, saying they are meant to reduce wasteful spending. Party officials have said the DP seeks to protect taxpayers from what they characterized as abusive spending by presidential officials and powerful institutions such as the state prosecution service. Yoon serves a single, five-year term that ends in 2027. Lee, former governor of South Koreas most populous Gyeonggi Province, is appealing a court ruling last month that convicted him of election-law violations and would bar him from running for president if confirmed. --With assistance from Soo-Hyang Choi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A shooting along Murfreesboro Pike early Sunday morning sent three young women to the hospital, one of whom didnt survive. This incident raised some concerns among members of the South Nashville community. The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said the shooting happened outside an after-hours club in the 900 block of Murfreesboro Pike around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1. It sounded like cannon fire. I mean, it was so loud, I mean, you could hear the reverberations off the buildings, said Daniel Holmes, who lives near the scene of the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: 1 dead, 2 injured after shooting on Murfreesboro Pike, police say Holmes said he heard six or seven shots that sounded like explosions. It wasnt normal guns. I mean, it had to be larger-sized weapons, he added. According to authorities, witnesses said a heated argument outside the club led to shots being fired at a car containing five people. The driver reportedly traveled down the street and pulled into an office building parking lot in the 1300 block of Murfreesboro Pike after realizing three women in the vehicle had been injured. They need some more presence of police out here, like undercover, just people moving around and just getting an idea of whats going on, said Holmes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said 18- year-old Ashley Dominguez, who was in the backseat of the car during the shooting, and two 19-year-old women were brought to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, but Dominguez died at the hospital. MNPD: Man found dead at William A. Pitts Park following targeted shooting Kennedi Lamb, who moved to the area about two weeks ago, said she doesnt walk around at night because she doesnt feel safe. I have stuff in my purse to help me, but nothing too bad, like pepper spray and all thatI try and dress as unappeasing as possible, she said. By Sunday evening, officials said the two 19-year-olds injured in the shooting had been treated and released from VUMC. Meanwhile, homicide detectives have interviewed multiple people as they continue to investigate this incident. 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. A San Fernando Valley man charged with slapping an autistic child at a bus stop appeared in court on Monday. Scott Sakajian was charged with willful cruelty to a child and battery on a person by the Los Angeles City Attorneys Office in connection with a July 1 incident involving 10-year-old Alfredito Morales. The boy had touched the emblem on Sakajians Mercedes-Benz sedan while Alfredo and his older sister Claudia were crossing the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read this before you shop on Cyber Monday Sakajian immediately made a U-turn and followed the siblings to a bus stop near Laurel Canyon Drive and Osborne Street before stepping out of the car, walking up to the bench Alfredo was sitting on and slapping him as Claudia tried to intervene. Cell phone video which later went viral on social media shows Claudia explaining that he has autism, but the man still struck the boy. A man seen walking up to Alfredo Morales, 10, and slapping him in the face after the boy touched the emblem on his Mercedes-Benz sedan in Pacoima on July 1, 2024. (RMG) A man seen walking up to Alfredo Morales, 10, and slapping him in the face after the boy touched the emblem on his Mercedes-Benz sedan in Pacoima on July 1, 2024. (RMG) A man seen walking up to Alfredo Morales, 10, and slapping him in the face after the boy touched the emblem on his Mercedes-Benz sedan in Pacoima on July 1, 2024. (RMG) Alfredo Morales explores a microphone as KTLAs Mary Beth McDade speaks with his family on July 3, 2024. (KTLA) The childrens father said his kids ride the bus daily to the grocery store and were taking their usual route when the confrontation happened. The family, who at the time was homeless and living out of a broken truck, filed a police report, and an outpouring of support from the community came in; a GoFundMe campaign and fundraising event helped the family truck get a complete makeover, and the family was housed in a motel temporarily while local officials transitioned them into more permanent housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Southern California residents report Apple packages being intercepted Sakajian will be personally present in court on Monday, and according to Antonio Villegas, the familys attorney, this will be the first time Sakajian will be present at any of the court hearings in this case. Scott Sakajian has done nothing to demonstrate he is worthy of diversion, Villegas said. Instead, he has made excuses for his conduct. If convicted, Sakajian faces six months in prison. A judge ruled on Monday morning that the hearing for Sakajians Motion of Judicial Diversion will be pushed back until Jan. 23. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Southwest Airlines will soon be implementing some changes to its "prepare for landing" protocol, ending its in-flight cabin service earlier than ever in an effort to reduce possible risk of injury. Starting Dec. 4, Southwest flight attendant crews will wrap up in-flight service at 18,000 feet to begin preparing the cabin for landing sooner, a spokesperson for the Dallas-based carrier confirmed to ABC News. Southwest Airlines moves to assigned seats, adds premium cabin with more legroom, redeye flights What does ending cabin service earlier mean for Southwest passengers? PHOTO: Stock photo (Joni/Adobe) On Southwest flights, the process of passengers buckling up, raising their seat backs, and putting away tray tables and electronics will begin about 10 minutes earlier than previous flights when cabin service concludes at 10,000 feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southwest said this decision came to be as a collaboration between its labor partners and safety teams. Many turbulence-related injuries have happened during that descent period, and according to the National Transportation Safety Board, more than one-third of all U.S. airline incidents between 2009 and 2018 were related to turbulence, most of which resulted in one or more serious injuries. PHOTO: Canadians fly from Buffalo on Southwest Airlines, Jan. 1, 2010. (Dick Loek/Toronto Star via Getty Images) Southwest is not the first airline to adjust this timing. United Airlines previously made a similar change to prepare for landings at 10,000 feet instead of 8,000 feet, the carrier confirmed to ABC News. The Federal Aviation Administration also told ABC News that it has a long history of working with operators to prevent turbulence injuries. Southwest Airlines will ask passengers to prepare for landing 10 minutes earlier than before originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com MADRID (AP) Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was reelected as secretary-general of his Socialist Party over the weekend despite corruption probes besetting his inner circle. One of Europes longest-serving leaders, Sanchez has displayed adroit negotiating skills to stay in power since 2018, when he led Spain's only successful no-confidence motion against his conservative predecessor. Last year he defied polls to win reelection by stitching together a fragile coalition and earning another term through 2027. But the 52-year-old Sanchez, known abroad for his dashing looks and English fluency, is being corralled by a series of legal cases all still in the investigative phase that have focused on a former member of his Cabinet as well as his wife and, most recently, his brother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a look at the judicial onslaught that Sanchez and his party say is baseless and part of a right-wing smear campaign." His wife is under scrutiny for influence peddling Sanchez stunned Spain last April when he said he was taking five days from his public agenda to consider his political future after his wife, Begona Gomez, had been placed under investigation by a Spanish judge. He eventually announced he would stay in power and launch an effort to tackle what he called fake news that is mudding Spanish politics. The judge is probing allegations of influence peddling and corruption by Gomez. The allegations were made by Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), a small group whose leader has links to the far-right. The group calls itself a union and has often tried to litigate against elected officials, and even against the sister of the current king of Spain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Socialist Party pounced on the fact that the allegations were based on articles published by media, mostly websites, with right-wing leanings. Sanchez refused to answer questions when he was summoned by the judge, citing his prerogative as prime minister. Gomez has also been dragged before a committee led by regional lawmakers in the Madrid region who say they are looking into her role as the director of a masters program at a public university. She denies any wrongdoing. His brother is targeted in a separate probe Also under investigation is the prime minister's brother, David Sanchez. In that case, too, Manos Limpias was behind the accusations of alleged influence peddling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, a judge announced she was investigating how David Sanchez was named to his post in the Department of Culture in the Badajoz provincial government in southwest Spain. David Sanchez denied any wrongdoing through his lawyer. Government spokeswoman Pilar Alegria said last week that while the government respects the separation of powers and the judicial processes, she found suspicious similarities between the cases involving the prime ministers wife and brother. We are at ease because we know there is nothing to these cases," she said. A former minister tarnished by alleged kickback scheme Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another case that has been on slow boil for several months revolves around an alleged corruption ring of business people and government officials suspected of having taken kickbacks for contracts to buy medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scandal led to the Socialist Party expelling a former transport minister, Luis Abalos, who had been a close confidant to Sanchez until he reshuffled his Cabinet in 2021 before the scandal broke. Abalos denies any wrongdoing and has clung to his seat in parliament, now as an independent lawmaker. The Socialists hit for their handling of a case against a rival party A tax evasion case against the partner of a fierce political rival of Sanchez, the conservative leader of the powerful Madrid region, has also ended up backfiring politically for the Socialists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The businessman boyfriend of Isabel Diaz Ayuso, a firebrand Popular Party politician in charge of the central Madrid region, is being investigated for not paying his fair share in taxes. But he hit back accusing state prosecutors of having violated his right to privacy for having leaked confidential financial and personal details. A court took up the complaint and is targeting Spains top state prosecutor, who was put in his position by Sanchezs government. The top state prosecutor has defended his actions. Last week, things got worse for the Socialists when their top politician in the Madrid region stepped down after he was implicated in the possible revelation of personal information. Even so, Sanchezs still has political cover Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Sanchez appears to have at least for now the political coverage he needs to remain in charge. He maintains the support of several regional parties that have kept his coalition between his Socialists and the farther-to-the-left Sumar party muddling along. Also helping his longevity is the fact that the only alternative to his leadership is a right-wing coalition between the Popular Party and the far-right Vox party, a prospect that is anathema to some regional parties whose support was key to Sanchez's victory last year. At the meeting of his Socialist Party, Sanchez urged optimism and hit back against his opponents: Let the right be the ones with regrets and the ashy gray of pessimism. ___ Wilson reported from Barcelona. Special counsel David Weiss rejected suggestions that he selectively prosecuted Hunter Biden in court filings where he also objected to dismissing charges following a sweeping pardon. President Biden granted his son a full and unconditional pardon Sunday evening, making a stark about-face on previous vows to let his sons convictions on federal gun and tax crimes stand. In announcing the pardon, President Biden in a statement claimed raw politics infected his sons case. There was none and never has been any evidence of vindictive or selective prosecution in this case, Weiss wrote in court filings. Weisss remarks come in response to Hunter Bidens notification to a federal court in California of his pardon, where the younger Biden is seeking the dismissal of his tax case there. Hunter Biden made a similar request in Delaware, where he was convicted on federal gun charges over the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the filing, the special counsel argued the charges should not be automatically dismissed with prejudice; instead, the court should end all proceedings and close the case by merely reflecting a pardon as the final disposition. The difference appears largely procedural. But in furthering the governments argument, Weiss contended that the pardon does not absolve Hunter Biden of his guilt nor point to any defect in his indictment. He also noted the government has yet to see the official pardon. If media reports are accurate, the Government does not challenge that the defendant has been the recipient of an act of mercy. But that does not mean the grand jurys decision to charge him, based on a finding of probable cause, should be wiped away as if it never occurred, Weiss wrote. It also does not mean that his charges should be wiped away because the defendant falsely claimed that the charges were the result of some improper motive, he continued. No court has agreed with the defendant on these baseless claims, and his request to dismiss the indictment finds no support in the law or the practice of this district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi, who is overseeing Hunter Bidens tax case in California, has not yet ruled on dismissal. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, the federal judge in Delaware overseeing Hunter Bidens gun case, said she intends to terminate the proceedings against him once the pardon is docketed but asked Weiss to inform her whether his office objects to dismissal in that case, too. Soon after, Weiss filed a similar filing in the Delaware case opposing dismissal of the indictment. Hunter Biden was set to be sentenced in the two cases later this month. Updated 3:58 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. Dec. 2The increase in the number of reported crimes in Springfield in recent years falls far short of the estimated increase of the city's population from Haitian immigration, a Springfield News-Sun analysis found. A bigger concern for public safety than Haitian immigrants is that the number of police officers on the street has decreased as the population has grown, according to an official with the union that represents uniformed officers. "The Haitians are usually the victims of violent crime," said Chris Armstrong, president of the Springfield Police Patrolmen's Association. "We're not seeing them being a whole lot of suspects." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he said the city needs to staff up the police and fire departments to keep up with the growing city. "The city's growing ... and there's no plan to increase the police department or the fire department," he said. "(That) affects everything. It's going to affect the health of the police department, the response times, the safety of the community." National pundits and politicians have tried to use crime statistics to bolster arguments about the impact of the Haitian immigrant population on Springfield. "Thanks to (Vice President Kamala Harris') open border, murders are up 81% in Springfield, Ohio," Sen. JD Vance said in September on the campaign trail to become vice president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homicides in Springfield indeed increased, doubling from five to 10 from 2021 to 2023. But Republican Clark County Prosecutor Dan Driscoll told CNN: "During the time that I've been with the prosecutor's office, which is 21 years now, we have not had any murders involving the Haitian community as either the victims or as the perpetrators of those murders." The larger crime picture is more complicated because of lagging population numbers and crime statistics, and a change in how crimes are tracked. But an analysis by the Springfield News-Sun suggests the per-capita crime rate may have declined in recent years. The numbers First we need to nail down the population. The city's population was 58,662 in the 2020 census. Vance cited city officials saying that since then the population increased by 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian immigrants. President-elect Donald Trump has suggested the number could be 30,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This fall, city and county officials, relying on data from Job and Family Services and the Health Department, are estimating that 12,000-15,000 Haitians now live here. If the city's population increased by only 10,000 Haitian immigrants, that would be a population increase of 17%. If 15,000 Haitians moved to Springfield since 2020, that would be an increase of more than 25%. If the city has gained 30,000 Haitian immigrants, that's an increase of more than 50%. The methodology the Springfield Police Division uses to track crime and report it to the FBI changed in 2021, making any comparison with prior years impossible. But since 2021, the city saw a 4% increase in violent crime incidents, from 696 to 725. Reported property crimes increased 18%. The biggest increase is from motor vehicle thefts, which corresponds with an increase in car thefts nationally because of a design flaw in certain types of vehicles that made them easier to steal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reported rapes spiked, matching a high last seen in 2014. Laura Baxter, executive director of the Clark County rape counseling center Project Woman, said the demand for her agency's services has been increasing since before the COVID-19 pandemic. "It increased exponentially just before and then again after the pandemic," she said. "We are seeing some cases from within the Haitian community, the migrant community in general, which is broader than just people identifying as Haitian. We are responding to cases, intimate violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, from within that population. But not at a greater rate than the general population," Baxter said. City responds Springfield's population had previously been on the decline prior to the arrival of Haitian immigrants, city officials have said. Violent crime was on a downward trend from 2014 to 2019, though some years saw some small spikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Springfield Police Division Chief Allison Elliott said that the FBI and city changed how it tracks crime in 2021 to make the data more accurate. The old system didn't count as many offenses, so it could appear that crime has increased more than it has since 2020 if you just look at the numbers. City and county officials agree that Haitian immigrants are more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators. Asked to check in mid-November, they said there was only one Haitian immigrant in the Clark County Jail. Asked the same question two months earlier, county leaders said at that time the jail population of 199 people included two Haitian immigrants. Elliott said there have been concerns about crimes being perpetrated against Haitian immigrants, and some crimes not being reported. "I am concerned that there is apprehension to report maybe just out of fear altogether, and that's where we just continue to reiterate, especially with our community leaders, to get the word out and reassure people that us as a police division and fire responders, we're here to serve everyone," Elliott said. "We're here to deliver services to all people in our community, and so we want everyone to feel comfortable to call us and report when they've been a victim of a crime or if they've been a witness to a crime as well." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last December, a Springfield man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court and Clark County Common Pleas Court to committing crimes against Haitian nationals in the city. Izaye Eubanks' charges stemmed from assaults, robberies and a carjacking in January and February 2023 of Haitian individuals because of the victims' actual or perceived national origin. Court documents said that Eubanks would travel throughout Springfield looking for people he thought were from Haiti and attack them, usually by punching them and knocking them to the ground before robbing them of their money, cellphones, and other personal belongings, and in one case a vehicle. Police staffing But while the city's population increased in recent years and reports of crime followed, the number of police officers on the streets dropped, according to an analysis of police staffing data provided by the Springfield police union. That data says the number of commissioned offers dropped nearly 9% from the beginning of 2021 to the end of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police division started 2021 with 123 officers, according to data provided by the union, and ended 2023 with 112 officers. The city charter requires a minimum of 124 sworn officers, with up to 130 being allowed, Elliott said. SPD currently has 119 sworn officers and has some interviews scheduled in the next two months, so that number may increase, she said. Local attorney Paul Kavanagh in October sent a notice to the city threatening a lawsuit if police staffing is not increased, arguing that the city charter and a tax levy passed in 2017 mean the city must maintain a full-time police force of 130 officers. "They have never reached those numbers of 130," said Armstrong, with the union, arguing the per-resident numbers have gotten worse as the city's population has grown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If they got 15,000 increased (population) in the community, roughly 25%, then you would need an increase in the police staffing of 25%, to keep your ratios even," he said. City officials say they are working to increase police staffing. Recruiting law enforcement officers is a challenge faced by departments across the state and nation. SPD has retained officers for the last year-and-a-half or so, Deputy Director of Public Safety Jason Via said. The police department has added testing cycles to better accommodate everyone who wants to take the test to become a police officer in Springfield. SPD also uses the National Testing Network, allowing people to take a proctored test online, Elliott said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We offer additional testing times, multiple testing times and options, and then we offer makeups," Elliott said. "We try to recognize and understand that people may be traveling, they work, they have families. We want to be understanding of that because that's who's going to be coming into our workforce." SPD has also removed its age cap for new officers of 34 years old, opening the division to another pool of candidates, like people who finished their military careers but still want to serve their community through law enforcement, Elliott said. Via said these changes were all made without reducing the department's policing standards, understanding that one "wrong" hire can lead to "disaster." As SPD grows its force, Elliott said she hopes to bring a K-9 unit back to Springfield, as well as a D.A.R.E. program (Druga Abuse Resistance Education) and an expanded community response team. Crime rate, staffing Cedarville University criminal justice professor Steve Meacham said when a population increases, the number of crime incidents typically increases, but this does not necessarily mean the crime rate will follow precisely. "In a general sense, when the population increases, we have higher amounts (raw numbers) of crime, but the rate (per-capita percentage) may stay the same," Meacham said. "Even though we have higher crime because the numbers mean there's going to be more crime, but that doesn't mean a higher rate of crime." If indeed the population of Springfield grew by 10,000 or more people from 2021 to 2023 because of Haitian immigration, then the rate of violent crime per 1,000 residents actually decreased. If it grew by 15,000 residents, the rate of property crime decreased as well despite the increase seen in other areas from motor vehicle thefts. When a population increases, typically the police force should follow suit, Meacham said. He said if there is a struggle for resources, it is difficult to "put a dent into the crime picture," resulting in less solved investigations and slower response times. "Proactive" policing leads to quicker response times and higher solve rates, Meacham said. "If we can have enough officers out there to be proactive to, not just merely taking reports and having slow response to incidents because of the backlog, we want to be proactive if we want to have enough staffing to be able to respond in a quick fashion whenever there is a report of a crime." Meacham said. Meacham said statistically, crime tends to be intra-racial, meaning people commit more crimes against other members of their own race, rather than against another race. Police recruitment and staffing is a challenge nationally, Meacham said, pointing to a variety of factors, including the nature of the job and the need for capable people, negative attitudes toward police and budget cuts. There have been a lot of retirements, and some police officers have become discouraged by their arrests not resulting in prosecution or sentencing that makes sense for a crime. "When individuals come to an understanding that they can't get away with crime, that helps." Meacham said. "When, on the street people know that if they commit a crime that they're actually going to get arrested and prosecuted and there's going to be some teeth in the law and ... there would be consequences for their behavior, I think that's important that that message is sent to the lawbreakers who are actually committing crime ..." Editors note: This article has been updated to more accurately reflect that it remains unclear whether Hopkins was fired or not. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A now-former staff member of Congressman Joe Morelle has been charged with unlawful possession of ammo. According to Capitol Police, 38-year-old Michael Hopkins went into the Cannon House Office Building in Washington D.C. and put his bag through the x-ray screening. Officers said that was when they noticed ammunition in the x-ray screen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said they searched the bag and found four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds. Hopkins allegedly said he forgot the ammo was in the bag. Hopkins was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, including one charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine. Morelles office released a statement Monday afternoon, announcing that Hopkins is no longer a staffer, writing, In response to this mornings incident, Mr. Hopkins is no longer employed by Representative Morelles office effective immediately. Morelles Chief of Staff Jo Stiles released this statement following his arrest: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This morning, our office was informed that a member of our staff was arrested by Capitol Police. We are currently gathering more information regarding the circumstances of the arrest. Our office is fully committed to cooperating with the investigation. As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Congressman Morelle is devoted to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all. Stay with News 8 WROC as we gather more details about this 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 RochesterFirst. A U.S. Air Force F-16C Viper has conducted the first test release of a Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) missile. The service has said it expects the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter to be the first operational launch platform for the SiAW, which is being developed to provide a high-speed strike capability against a variety of time-sensitive ground targets. The Air Force put out a picture of the F-16C from the 40th Flight Test Squadron releasing the SiAW test missile, seen below, over a range in the Gulf of Mexico earlier today. The test flight was staged from Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, but it is unclear when exactly it occurred. Prime contractor Northrop Grumman announced the delivery of the first SiAW test article last month, but it is not clear if that was the missile dropped in this test or how many others have been delivered since. The missile is derived from the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER), which has already been in flight testing for years now. The first SiAW test article delivered to the US Air Force. Northrop Grumman The test missile used, called a jettison test vehicle, contained no rocket motor or internal electronics. The JTV is a tool used specifically to determine whether the weapon safely separates from the aircraft upon commanded release, according to an official Air Force release. The goal of the test was to prove the new weapon could separate from an aircraft successfully, a major milestone, so further testing can begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Test conductors planned and controlled the mission out of the Eglin Central Control Facility, the release adds. Engineers monitored the separation and will conduct post-flight analysis soon. Separation testing is an important part of the development of any new air-launched munition. Not all stores act the same way after release, and this can be further impacted by what type of aircraft they are released from. The historical video montage below highlights the very serious potential risks that these tests are designed to help mitigate. For SiAW, gathering data on how the missile separates from any pylon would be a useful starting place toward working up to future tests. The picture of the F-16 dropping the test article also gives a good sense of just how big the weapon is overall. A low-resolution picture the Air Force also released showing the SiAW test missile under the wing of the 40th Flight Test Squadron F-16C. USAF As already noted, the expectation is that the F-35A will be the first operational launch platform for the missile and that those jets will be able to carry them in their internal bays, which will require additional separation testing. An internal carriage will allow the A model Joint Strike Fighters to employ the weapons while operating in their most stealthy mode. A picture showing a fit check of the AARGM-ER design in the internal bay of an F-35A or C variant. Orbital ATK www.twz.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Air Force has said the SiAW could also arm future stealth aircraft in addition to the F-35A, which might include the B-21 Raider stealth bomber and uncrewed types. Regardless of the launch platform, the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) system will provide capability to strike rapidly re-locatable targets that create the Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) environment, the Air Force said in its 2025 Fiscal Year budget request, released back in March. SiAW targets include Theater Ballistic Missile Launchers, Land Attack and Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Launchers, Jammers, Anti-Satellite Systems, and Integrated Air Defense Systems. This is a broader array of targets than the ones the AGM-88G is primarily intended to defeat. The AARGM-ER is optimized for supporting the suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD) mission sets. However, that missile will still have an inherent secondary general strike against targets on land and at sea, as you can read more about here. A US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet fires an AGM-88G AARGM-ER during a test. Northrop Grumman It is also possible that the SiAW could find its way onto other aircraft within the service, as well as with other U.S. and foreign operators. Sized for the A version of the F-35, the missile would also be able to fit inside the bays on U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine F-35Cs, though not in the smaller ones on F-35Bs that the Marines and others fly. All three types could be able to carry the missiles externally, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Depending on the SiAWs maximum range, it may also be an option for non-stealthy platforms like the F-16, especially when leveraging third-party targeting data to help stay away from threats. Those aircraft could also employ the weapon against air defense assets or other high-value targets of opportunity that might suddenly emerge closer by. Currently, the Air Forces stated goal is to reach initial operational capability with SiAW, at least on F-35A by 2026. Flight testing of the missile is now fully underway. Contact the author: joe@twz.com AUSTIN (Nexstar) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board released its inaugural study on the impacts of Senate Bill 17, which outlawed the use of diversity, equity, and inclusion offices (DEI) on public colleges and universities. Universities across the state closed DEI offices this year and fired staff to comply with the new law that went into effect in 2024. The study released by the THECB on Sunday doesnt show the impact SB 17 had this year because it is only looking at data from 2022 and 2023. The board will treat the data in this initial study as a baseline moving forward. It plans to release a study on the impact of the bill every two years. The report looks at six metrics: application rate, acceptance rate, matriculation rate, retention rate, grade point average and graduation rate. Critics of the law point to the data in this study as proof that DEI offices are needed on college campuses, while the author of the bill itself says its proof DEI is the reason some groups are lagging behind their classmates. A gap in our graduation rate and GPA What the report did show is that in the past two years there was a gender gap and a race gap when it comes to student success. According to the report, female students continued to graduate at higher rates than males at four-year and two-year public institutions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The table below breaks down the graduation rate at four-year institutions between men and women at different time frames: Time Frame Female Male Four-year graduation rate 50% 38% Five-year graduation rate 65% 55% Six-year graduation rate 70% 60% Breaking the graduation rate down by race and ethnicity shows an even more apparent gap between African American students and their fellow students. At four-year institutions, only 29% of African American students graduated in four years. Compare that to Asian students whose graduation rate in the same time span was 64% in 2023, according to the report. White students graduated at a rate of 53% in the same period. Critics of the law said they are happy the state collected this baseline data, because they believe things will get worse. Its very sobering to look at this data and know that it will likely change in the coming years when they review it again, Emily Witt, a media strategist with the Texas Freedom Network, explained. She believes the data proves critics point that DEI offices are needed on college campuses. We have to make an effort to build connection and community and give first-generation students, and students of color, and students from black communities, places where they can access resources that are for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Sen. Brandon Creighton, who authored the law, said the data in this report actually proves DEI was ineffective. He said the numbers show African American students were falling behind even when DEI offices were already in place. We saw that across the state of Texas the diversity, equity, and inclusion offices were taking us backwards, Creighton explained. He said he wants to use the money that once hired DEI employees on college campuses and funnel it into resources for students. Time Frame Asian White Hispanic African American Four-year graduation rate 64% 53% 38% 29% Five-year graduation rate 79% 69% 55% 43% Six-year graduation rate 84% 73% 60% 48% The report also looks at the grade point average for students. There is a small gender gap showing a higher rate of female students holding a GPA higher than a 2.0. However, only 77% of African American students held a GPA over 2.0 at four-year institutions, while white, Hispanic, and Asian students outpaced them at 91%, 82%, and 93%, respectively. What to expect moving forward The board concluded the study needed to break down student success rates by both gender and race at the same time. The study said this will provide a more granular analysis. The report also said the metrics do not show all the factors that may influence student success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority is working to open a state-run testing laboratory to verify product safety. The lab, located in Oklahoma City, is expected to be operational by early February. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahomas medical marijuana regulatory agency is working to open a testing laboratory in February in Oklahoma City. Renovations for the lab for Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, or OMMA, began the week of Nov. 11 and are expected to last 90 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee Rhoades, OMMAs chief science officer, said the Legislature authorized the agency to operate its own lab in 2023 by passing Senate Bill 813. The Legislature appropriated a total of $4.9 million for the current fiscal year for the laboratory, according to a spokesperson from OMMA. This includes a one-time $3.5 million appropriation for start-up costs and another recurring $1.4 million that will pay for operating and personnel expenses. Several years ago, we identified the need for a lab to help support product safety in the state of Oklahoma, Rhoades said. We were experiencing many of the same issues as several other states were having. Many of the states realized that we need our own independent testing to double check whats going on out there in the industry and how the public is being affected by the quality of testing that may or may not be present for all products. The lab will have two main testing functions, Rhoades said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parallel testing would test marijuana products that have already gone through commercial testing to confirm the accuracy of the results. Round robin testing would send marijuana samples to the private test labs throughout Oklahoma to then analyze the results for consistency and accuracy. The laboratory, which will be located in leased space at Reno and Meridian avenues, will employ seven or eight people. Rhoades said the OMMA has already hired a laboratory director and quality assurance manager. Weve already begun the process for acquiring all of our analytical equipment and basically all of the laboratory equipment, he said. Were in the process of acquiring our laboratory information system and the computer system well use to support the lab So were moving forward with putting as many things into place before the finish of construction, so that when we can occupy that space, we can hit the ground running. Rhoades said the agency wants the lab to work with the privately owned laboratories in the state to come up with optimal practices for testing marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We generally have had good support from the commercial labs as well, he said. They see it as an avenue of perhaps leveling the playing field and making it easier for each of them to operate by addressing the various quality issues that may be out there. He said OMMA is planning to seek ISO certification, which means a third party would verify that the lab can perform testing and quality checks. Amy Jarvis works with Transparent Testing in Tulsa and helps to represent test labs at the Oklahoma Cannabis Industry Association. She said she is looking forward to having a lab that will regulate the other labs and get rid of bad actors. Jarvis said she has some questions about the labs operations that shed like answered, including how OMMAs lab will be regulated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just are hoping that they have an ISO accreditation, Jarvis said. Thats something that is very glaring in the rules and (regulations). Any laboratory in the state of Oklahoma has to be ISO accredited, but nowhere in the rules and regulations doesnt say that the OMMA lab has to be ISO accredited. So thats our big question. Jarvis said she also hopes that the results from OMMAs testing will be accessible to the public and patients without any red tape such as an open records request. The end game in all of this, for everybody that is in this industry, is that we are ensuring patient safety, Jarvis said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) The North Carolina Senate officially overrode the veto of Senate Bill 382 on Monday. Now, the bill goes to the House for final approval. The bill would strip powers from incoming Democratic elected officials and move money into a Helene Relief fund. The vote to override the veto passed, along party lines, with a Republican supermajority in control of the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move was called a disgrace by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. Republican legislators today refused to send desperately needed funds to western North Carolina but instead used Hurricane Helene to mask political power grabs, Cooper said in a statement posted on his official social media accounts. Their bill is a sham that moves money from one fund to another in Raleigh while ignoring the very real need for small business grants to recover and rebuild and stripping away an extension of enhanced unemployment benefits for people who lost their jobs because of the storm. Just before the vote, protesters began to shout, forcing Lt. Gov. Robinson to completely clear the chambers. People poured into the hallway, some yelling, Shame, Shame! They did not stall the vote for long, though. After a brief recess, the Senate voted to override Coopers veto. PREVIOUSLY: Gov. Cooper vetoes western NC funding bill, calling it a sham Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would move $227 million from the states rainy day fund to a Helene relief fund but prohibits most of that money from being spent until legislators determine how it will be used. The bill also strips power from recently-elected Democrats, including removing the governors authority to appoint members of the State Board of Elections and instead giving that power to the incoming Republican state auditor. Last week, Governor Cooper vetoed the bill. This legislation is a sham. It does not send money to Western North Carolina but merely shuffles money from one fund to another in Raleigh. This legislation was titled disaster relief but instead violates the constitution by taking appointments away from the next Governor for the Board of Elections, Utilities Commission and Commander of the NC Highway Patrol, letting political parties choose appellate judges and interfering with the Attorney Generals ability to advocate for lower electric bills for consumers, Cooper said in a statement last week. In addition to the movement of government funds, SB 382 also alters how the Board of Elections is appointed, moves up several post-election deadlines in 2025 and changes how state Supreme Court vacancies are filled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also Monday, the state Senate voted to put into the state constitution that income taxes must be capped at 5% and to make language surrounding voter ID more specific. The House will have to vote on these as well as whether to override the governors veto of Senate Bill 382. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. Carlos Tavares is out as CEO of Stellantis, capping an almost four-year run as head of the company that owns Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat. Tavares resignation was announced Sunday in a company news release. The timing of the announcement came as a surprise, though Tavares' departure was planned in a year. Tavares, who has led the company since it formed in January 2021 from the merger of Peugeot maker PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, has been under increasing pressure for months as the automaker has struggled. His expected retirement, along with a search for a replacement, had previously been announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stellantis' struggles, including a stock price that's less than half what it was earlier this year, likely weighed heavily on the company's board. In a news release, Henri de Castries, Stellantis senior independent director, pointed to divisions at the top of the company. Stellantis success since its creation has been rooted in a perfect alignment between the reference shareholders, the board and the CEO. However, in recent weeks different views have emerged which have resulted in the board and the CEO coming to todays decision," he said in the release. Tavares' resignation was effective immediately, and the process to appoint a new permanent CEO is "well under way," to be concluded within the first half of 2025, according to the release. The company said it would seek to find a replacement CEO in the first half of 2025. Carlos Tavares resigned Sunday as CEO of Stellantis as the automaker struggles on numerous fronts. A search for his replacement is underway. "Until then, a new Interim Executive Committee, chaired by John Elkann, will be established," the release said. Elkann is board chairman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tavares had enjoyed a reputation as a successful automotive leader until this year, even as he was seen as highly focused on cutting costs. He was credited with turning around Opel after PSA Group bought the brand from General Motors, for instance, but his vague comments about "arrogance" during the Stellantis Investor Day in Auburn Hills in June appear to have changed the narrative around Stellantis, even if cracks in the facade had been evident prior. His total compensation last year was the highest among Detroit Three CEOs, at $39.5 million (36.5 million euros). Struggles have abounded this year for Stellantis, with excessive inventory, significantly lower sales in the key U.S. market, job cuts, fights with stakeholders and growing political pressure. More: Stellantis sales woes prompt theories, worries as UAW blasts CEO Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UAW, which had been threatening a nationwide strike against the automaker, even launched a website with a derogatory title calling for Tavares' ouster. The union and its president, Shawn Fain, had blasted Tavares repeatedly over job cuts and what the union said was the company's failure to live up to its commitments, particularly at the idled Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. After Stellantis announced it would cut a shift at Warren Truck, north of Detroit, Fain said that "if any autoworker did as piss poor of a job as Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, they would be fired." UAW President Shawn Fain speaks during a rally outside of the UAW Local 51 office in Detroit on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, highlighting what the union says is Stellantis' refusal to follow through on the $19 billion in product and investment commitments. Fain, in a statement, cheered the news of Tavares' resignation. "The UAW welcomes the resignation of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, a major step in the right direction for a company that has been mismanaged and a workforce that has been mistreated for too long. For weeks, thousands of UAW members at Stellantis have been calling for the company to fire Carlos Tavares due to his reckless mismanagement of the company. We are pleased to see the company responding to pressure and correcting course," Fain said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Tavares is leaving behind a mess of painful layoffs and overpriced vehicles sitting on dealership lots," the statement said. "We look forward to new Stellantis leadership that respects hardworking UAW members and is ready to keep its promise to America by investing in the people who build its products." Fain said the union would use "all means available" to hold the company accountable and enforce its 2023 contract with the company. He said the UAW looks forward to sitting down with the new CEO to discuss "their plan to keep making world-class vehicles here in the United States." The scope of the criticism, however, has gone well beyond the union. The company's U.S. dealers issued an open letter in September, saying they'd been sounding the alarm for years that the course Tavares had set would lead to disaster in the long run. The company's U.S. electric vehicle offensive, with numerous models slated to be released this year and next also appeared ill-timed as the industry deals with a more complicated EV sales picture than anticipated last year. In October, Tavares put the blame for the company's U.S. inventory issues on a poor second-quarter marketing plan, noting that the marketing plan that failed in Q2 was proposed and decided by the region, even though he said he had seen it and could have stopped it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Stellantis CEO says US oversupply of vehicles will be fixed by Christmas More recently, worries about the potential for significant tariffs under the incoming Trump administration have sparked concerns that Stellantis, which has significant operations in both Mexico and Canada, could be particularly exposed. In an interview with the Free Press last month, incoming U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, of Ohio, an ally of President-elect Donald Trump, highlighted how changing political winds might affect the automaker. "CEO Carlos Tavares needs to understand the United States government is not going to allow him to gut Chrysler, and Jeep, and Dodge, and Ram, and ship those cars and the direction overseas, in managing a company that was handed to them for free, which never should have been done, Moreno said at the time, referencing the way Chrysler came to be part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in connection with the 2009 bankruptcy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its news release Sunday, Stellantis said it was confirming its previously announced financial guidance for the year, which had been lowered to an adjusted operating income margin of 5.5-7% and industrial free cash flows down more than $5 billion to $10 billion (5 to 10 billion euros). Stellantis Chief Financial Officer Doug Ostermann is scheduled for a fireside chat at a Goldman Sachs event on Wednesday. Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting for AutoForecast Solutions, predicted that Stellantis' next CEO will not have an easy ride either. "With Stellantis still trying to digest four combined automakers, heading up the company has to be one of the most difficult positions in the industry. It is an unenviable position and likely one that can't be done without plant closures, brand consolidation, and job cuts. Tavares was destined to be the enemy of the factory workers or the enemy of the stockholders as it was impossible to come out of this with both sides happy. His successor will also face the same issues with the same likely outcomes," Fiorani said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigns; new leader expected next year Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares's resignation comes after months of pressure. The global auto giant is in turmoil amid poor financial performance in 2024. Tavares leaves the company locked in legal battles with investors and union workers. Carlos Tavares tendered his resignation from the top job at global automaker Stellantis over the weekend after a year of mounting pressure to turnaround falling sales and shrinking margins. Dealers had accused him in September of mismanaging valuable brands that helped lead to the slowdown and a a slew of executive departures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, Stellantis originally formed by a 2021 mega-merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and France's PSA said Tavares would stay through the end of his contract in 2026. But by Sunday, things had clearly changed. Tavares, a former protege of Nissan's notorious Carlos Ghosn, is well known in the industry for his corporate frugality. His initial cost-cutting actions helped to deliver two years of profitability. But he'll leave the company in a state of disarray, particularly in the critical North American market. Stalling sales in North America Stellantis's US sales through September, the most recent report, were down 17% compared to a year ago. Profit-generators Jeep and Ram posted the biggest volume losses, with Jeep ceding significant market share to competitors like Hyundai in the affordable-SUV segment. Critics of Tavares have argued that his cost cutting actions, particularly in the Jeep brand, created a short-term illusion of success while creating a long-term problem for demand in the critical US market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dealers in September accused Tavares of "reckless short-term decision-making" that has had "devastating, yet entirely predictable, consequences in the US market." Stellantis has reversed some of the more controversial decisions, like reinstating the Jeep Cherokee and Renegade for 2026, but some dealers previously told BI that the damage is already done. Investor lawsuits and labor disputes Tavares also leaves Stellantis in some legal disputes, including an investor lawsuit over the company's poor financial performance. Stellantis has said the lawsuit is without merit and plans to "vigorously defend itself." The company is also locked in a bitter labor dispute with the United Auto Workers union about manufacturing commitments at an Illinois factory where Stellantis previously built the Jeep Cherokee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union has said it's ready to strike and has already begun initiating authorization votes at local units. Stellantis, in return, has filed a lawsuit accusing the union of violating its contract with the strike threats, citing language that allows for changes to plans based on market conditions. A special committee has been formed to search for a new CEO, and that process is "well underway," Stellantis said in a Sunday statement. During the search period, Stellantis Chairman CFO John Elkann will lead an interim executive committee, the company said. Read the original article on Business Insider SHARON, Pa. (WKBN) Negotiations between Steward Health and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania continue in the sale of Sharon Regional Medical Center. Read next: Intel CEO steps down, DeWine addresses chip plant According to a court filing made on Nov. 27 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Steward Health is requesting funding of $3 million per month from the Commonwealth by Monday, Dec. 2 or they will begin the hospital closure process. However, a filing later Monday extended that deadline to Wednesday, Dec. 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Commonwealth committed to pay Sharon Hospital $1.5 million per month for three months ($4.5 million) in September to maintain operations including payroll, rent, supplies and accrued expenses. Steward Health threatened to close the hospital if it did not receive this funding. Pa.s Attorney Generals Office said in a filing on Dec. 1 that the Commonwealth did not receive documentation involved in Stewards request until Nov. 29 and has not been able to reach anyone over the Thanksgiving holiday. The commonwealth is asking for a 14-day extension to address the funding, continue negotiations with interested buyer Meadville Medical Center and for an emergency hearing to be held later on Monday. According to court documents, the Commonwealth has been unable to reach an agreement with MPT and MPT-Sharon, even though Meadville has substantively progressed negotiations for the purchase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Commonwealth asserts that MPT-Sharon and MPT do not have valid title to the Sharon Hospital Real Property and intends to seek certain relief against them. MPT asserts that those allegations are without merit. This case has since been moved over to Mercer County Common Pleas Judge Tedd Nesbit, who according to court schedules, is set to hold a hearing on Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. to start determining if the hospital can be sold to Meadville Medical Center. The sales process has been a lengthy one, with delayed proceedings and a lack of qualified bids. Steward Health operates or has operated 31 hospitals across eight states, including Trumbull Regional Medical Center in Warren, Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital in Howland and Sharon Regional Medical Center. It is also the umbrella company for Steward Medical Group, which represents hundreds of providers. Last week, Meadville Medical Center was named the owner of Steward Medical Group physician practices in Mercer County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Insight Health Solutions was named the designated operator of the two Trumbull County hospitals in October. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The stowaway who boarded a flight in New York and made it all the way to Paris on Tuesday was removed from her return flight to the U.S. after she caused a disturbance, a source said Sunday. A source with knowledge of the situation said the woman "created a disturbance" as the Delta flight was set to return to New York. She was removed from the plane and is in French custody, the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional details about the nature of the disturbance were not immediately available. Delta confirmed there was a delay on Flight 265 from Paris to New York on Saturday due to an unruly passenger. It did not release any additional information. The woman, who got on the flight to Paris last week without a boarding pass, bypassed two identity verification and boarding status stations and boarded the aircraft, a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration said in a statement Wednesday.She completed a full security screening before she boarded Delta Flight 264 from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Charles de Gaulle Airport on Tuesday. That means she was not carrying any prohibited items and did not pose a security threat, the TSA said Wednesday. Law enforcement officers removed her from the plane when it landed in Paris, a source with knowledge of the incident said Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for France's border police said a Russian passenger who stowed away on a flight from JFK to Charles de Gaulle was refused entry to France because she did not have a valid travel document or visa. The woman, who had a valid U.S. residence permit, was placed in a holding zone to be returned to the U.S., the spokesperson said. The public prosecutor for Pontoise, north of Paris, did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the initial incident or the alleged disturbance. It is not clear how the woman was able to bypass ticketing stations to get on the plane Tuesday, and Delta said it would investigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security," it said in a statement. "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." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Workers at Volkswagen's plant in the south-eastern German city of Zwickau began walking off the job at 9:30 am on Monday (0830 GMT), marking the start of nationwide strikes against the German auto giant. Workers at the rest of Volkswagen's plants in Germany are expected to follow suit later on Monday morning. The IG Metall trade union, which announced the strikes to protest management threats of wage cuts and plant closures, has called for two-hour work stoppages on every shift. The strikes are meant to signal employees' intense opposition to the company's demands for across-the-board wage reductions, as well as threats of mass lay-offs at Europe's largest carmkar as part of a major cost-cutting programme to boost sagging financial results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wolfsburg was among the plants to follow, the union added. Sites in Hanover, Emden, Kassel-Baunatal, Braunschweig, Salzgitter, Chemnitz and Dresden will also be affected. "Volkswagen was not prepared to find a viable solution to the wage dispute at the negotiating table," said Dirk Schulze, the IG Metall leader in eastern Germany. He added that the strikes are needed "to increase the pressure on management." Volkswagen workers are demanding pay raises and job protections in ongoing collective bargaining talks, while management has pushed workers to accept a 10% across-the-board pay cut instead. According to the Volkswagen works council, management has also discussed shutting down three of the carmaker's plants in Germany, an unprecedented step at the long-time German manufacturing icon that would cost tens of thousands of jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weak demand, increased competition and a tougher Chinese market have all contributed to Volkswagen's woes. The carmaker has previously stated that, due to weak demand in Europe, the company currently has unused capacity to produce about 500,000 additional vehicles every year at its plants, or roughly the total capacity of two entire factories. Performance at the VW core brand in particular has lagged behind other marks in the VW Group portfolio, with executives also citing difficulties in transitioning toward electric vehicles. IG Metall's chief negotiator Thorsten Groger said on Monday that production would be "temporarily suspended" in all affected plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A mandatory labour truce at VW, which prohibited strikes, expired over the weekend, paving the way for industrial action. IG Metall is demanding the preservation of all company locations and job security. The talks directly apply to about 120,000 workers at Volkswagen's plants in western Germany. Any agreement would also have direct implications for another 10,000 workers employed at Volkswagen plants in the eastern German state of Saxony. Volkswagen has never shut down a plant in Germany, and it's been decades since the carmaker has closed a production facility anywhere in the world. The IG Metall trade union has called for strikes at nine of Volkswagen's 10 plants in Germany to begin at 9:30 am (0830 GMT). The walkout is scheduled to begin at the plant in the south-eastern city of Zwickau, the company's site for electric vehicle production, followed by Wolfsburg and other sites from 10 am, according to the union. Around 8 million student loan borrowers might see their monthly payments double if President-elect Donald Trump dismantles President Joe Biden's repayment plan, according to CNBC. The borrowers are in the SAVE program that aims to make repayments more affordable. It caps monthly payments at 5% of a borrowers total income, compared to 10% under the old REPAYE plan. For the 4 million SAVE borrowers making less than $15 an hour, their monthly payments are reduced to $0. The plan also shortens the repayment period to 10 years from 20 to 25 years for those who borrowed less than $21,000, and cuts interest garnered on student loans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using a variety of programs, Biden has canceled $175 billion in student debt for nearly 5 million borrowers, according to Business Insider. But Trump has criticized broad-based student loan forgiveness and called Bidens student loan relief program vile during his campaign. Several Republican-led states have challenged the SAVE plan, arguing that Biden had no authority to implement the unlawful program. Bob Eitel, who served during the first Trump administration as a senior counselor to the education secretary, expects Trump to roll back Bidens loan relief programs, CBS News reported. "The Trump administration may pursue different avenues of loan relief, but it will not be the mass, blanket types of forgiveness that the current administration has pursued," Eitel told CBS News. SAVE has been temporarily suspended due to legal challenges, and the loan repayments are on hold. Unless the Trump administration defends SAVE in court, its enrollees will likely see their payments return to prior numbers. For those worried about SAVE going away, I think it probably will, unfortunately, Betsy Mayotte, president of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, a nonprofit that helps borrowers navigate the repayment of their debt, told CNBC. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Unlocking the mystery of hibernation could improve medicine and support our ambitions for deep-space travel. A new study analyzes the blood cells of bats (of both the hibernating and non-hibernating varieties) and humans to understand the role these cells play in keeping mammals alive during prolonged bouts of torpor. The results showed that all three species cells became inelastic and viscous as temperatures dropped, but human cells eventually stopped this transformation, while bat cells continue to change as temperatures dropped even further. If humanity has any hope of becoming a star-traipsing civilization, we either need to develop some kind of a warp drive (an idea that dances along the very edge of known physics) or develop some way to hibernate effectively. NASA knows this, and has looked into the idea for years even studying the hibernating habits of arctic ground squirrels. And over the course of that prolonged study, they found that while it isnt necessarily biologically impossible, any human hibernation would likely be medically induced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, a new study from scientists in Germanyled by Gerald Kerth at the University of Greifswaldhave turned elsewhere in the animal kingdom for inspiration and studied the hibernating prowess of bats. Through their research, they discovered that a type of red blood cell called an erythrocyte could play a major role in inducing hibernation. The results of their study were published last month in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Hibernation is a handy biological tool. If you cant snowbird somewhere warmer in the winter, its best just to hunker down, conserve energy, and wait for the spring when resources are more plentiful. Many mammals (including some primates) hibernate, and the strategy can be seen across the animal kingdomeven occurring in the summer in a process known as estivation. Considering that the closest star is 4.24 light-years away, even if humanity could somehow travel through space approaching the speed of light (a big if), itd still take years off of our human existence just to visit our stellar neighbors. In other words, falling asleep for big chunks of time while the universe ticks on could be a necessity of future space travel. There are benefits of putting humans at low temperature during interstellar flight, Kerth told New Scientist. Were not saying this is going to happen in the next three years. But its really a first step. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this study, Kerth and his team analyzed hundreds of thousands of erythrocytes from hibernating bats (Nyctalus noctula) and non-hibernating bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), as well as samples from humans. Knowing that hibernating animals still need their blood to supply oxygen, the scientists goal was to discern how critical red blood cells survived as internal temperatures plunged. The team knew that blood cells change shape to adjust to different pressures and blood vessel sizes, and this led to the question: could blood cells be responding to hibernation conditions as well? The team eventually discovered that when the internal temperature dropped from 99F to 73F, all three species showed a blood cell transformation resulting in the erythrocytes becoming less elastic and more viscous. Interestingly, however, as the scientists continued plunging the temperature down to 50F, the bat cellsfrom both the hibernating and non-hibernating speciescontinued this cellular transformation, while the human blood cells just stalled out. Although deep-space travel is a far-future application, the team notes that changing the mechanical properties of human blood cells could help optimize blood circulation for pharmaceutical means in the much nearer future. For example, surgeons already employ a method known as deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) in order to stop brain function and circulation for certain types of major surgeries. Whether arctic ground squirrels or hibernating bats, the animal world still has a lot to teach us when it comes to the subtle art of entering a deep and long sleep. You Might Also Like FEDORA, SD (KELO) Its been a successful pheasant season so far at a hunting lodge that has big plans of opening up more hunting opportunities for people of all abilities. Suncatcher Acres will become the states largest ADA-compliant lodge for veterans and others will disabilities. The goal is to provide hunters of all abilities, and all ages, to enjoying their time outdoors. A future generation of hunters is learning how to shoot pheasants at Suncatcher Acres, a non-profit ministry dedicated to opening up hunting opportunities for all people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a bird gets up, youre going to shoot like this, okay? Youre going to shoot at blue sky, owner Nick Kolterman said. Owner Nick Kolterman teaches the young hunting enthusiasts all about firearms safety. Most of these kids, through their mentor programs, the dads cant carry a gun, or the guides dont carry a gun. But the fun thing is were teaching them responsibility with a firearm, Kolterman said. Influenza numbers low in South Dakota Class is over. You ready to have some fun? Yeah! Alright, lets go! Now its time to take aim in the fields. Okay, are you ready? Ready. And to give back to teaching some of these kids that may have an interest in it. But their dads may not know, or have the means to a shotgun, they may not have a fishing pole, or things like that, and we have all of those things, Kolterman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunters from across the country have been flocking to Suncatcher Acres during South Dakotas pheasant season. Once I moved to Colorado, theres not much opportunity, at least not for pheasants, so, figured Id start coming up here where the birds are, Colorado hunter John Blair said. And more people will be arriving during future hunting seasons. Kolterman, who has a background in health care, wants to provide hunting opportunities for veterans and children with disabilities. His goal is to break ground next spring on a 15-thousand square foot ADA compliant lodge. All part of a ministry, located in a hunting hotspot, promoting faith and pheasants. Also in the works at Suncatcher Acres, a 3-acre expansion of its pond for visitors to catch more fish at the lodge. 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. The conservative Supreme Court is poised to leap into another culture-war battle between red states and blue states, this time involving medical rights of transgender teens and their parents. Two years after the conservative majority overturned national abortion rights, the justices will hear arguments Wednesday over whether states may ban hormone treatment and puberty blockers for adolescents suffering from gender dysphoria. The case stands to make history for the transgender rights movement. American Civil Liberties Union attorney Chase Strangio will argue on behalf of the Tennessee parents, becoming the first openly transgender lawyer to argue in the high court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outgoing Biden administration argues "evidence-based treatments" for transgender adolescents under age 18 are "supported by the overwhelming consensus of the medical community." They say the treatments are vital to young people grappling with gender identity issues, and that states have no right to intervene in their medical decisions. Lawyers for Tennessee and 23 other conservative states want to outlaw the treatments, saying such "unproven and risky sex transition interventions'' provide little benefit and potential long-term harm. The two sides differ also on whether a child's transgender identity is set early in life. Biden's Solicitor Gen. Elizabeth Prelogar told the court "there is broad consensus in the field that adolescents who have reached the early stages of puberty and have experienced gender dysphoria over a sustained period are very unlikely to subsequently identify as their sex assigned at birth." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Left untreated, these adolescents are at high risk of depression and suicide, she said. Although acknowledging that some young people "de-transition" later, she said it is "very rare." Lawyers for the conservative states argue the opposite. They say gender distress among young people is both common and temporary. "Without hormonal intervention, nearly all children exhibiting gender dysphoria align their gender identity with their sex by the time they reach adulthood," Tennessee Atty. Gen. Jonathan Skrmetti wrote in defense of the law. This red state vs. blue state divide over medical care for minors comes before a conservative high court that has already ruled states are free to permit or prohibit abortion. As a result, abortion remains legal in liberal-leaning states but is restricted or banned in most conservative states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pending case on transgender teens may uphold a similar divide. California and the other Democratic-majority states do not restrict hormone treatments that are prescribed for minors, while Republican-led states have moved against the practice. Read more: For transgender Americans, Trump's win after a campaign targeting them is terrifying It comes before the court just weeks after Donald Trump won the presidential election after campaigning against what he called "the left-wing gender insanity being pushed on our children." His campaign website said "On Day One, I will revoke Joe Bidens cruel policies on so-called 'gender affirming care'... I will sign a new executive order instructing every federal agency to cease all programs that promote the concept of sex and gender transition at any age." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, in upholding Tennessee's law, the 6th Circuit Court in Cincinnati took a moderate tone of deferring to state lawmakers who are grappling with "new and potentially irreversible medical treatments for minors." Its decision followed the logic of the Dobbs ruling on abortion and said states have the prime authority to regulate the practice of medicine. Read more: Supreme Court poised to enter debate over transgender care for minors The past decade has seen a sharp rise in the number of adolescents diagnosed with gender dysphoria, which is defined as "clinically significant distress resulting from persistent incongruence between a person's gender identity and sex assigned at birth." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee's lawyers cited a study which said that in 2021, there were three times more diagnoses of gender dysphoria among minors in this country than in 2017. Last December, Biden's lawyers sought a nationwide ruling to settle the controversy. They urged the court to hear the Tennessee case and to strike down its law and others like it that restrict hormone treatments for transgender adolescents. They argued these laws violate the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection of the laws because they discriminate based on sex. For example, they said, testosterone may be prescribed for teens in Tennessee who were boys at birth but not girls. The Supreme Court has yet to rule on whether government discrimination based on gender identity is unconstitutional. Four years ago, the justices decided job discrimination against transgender employees violates the federal Civil Rights Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transgender rights advocates hope the court will keep its focus on the issue of discrimination. "The state is taking the big-government position that it's OK for them to prevent families from getting the healthcare their child needs," said Jennifer C. Pizer, chief legal officer for Lambda Legal in Los Angeles. "The state says they need to conform to the state's view of their gender. How is that not sex discrimination?" Clients in the case include Samantha and Brian Williams and their 16-year-old transgender daughter. She said she felt "trapped" and "drowning" in her body, and came out as transgender when she was 12. She began treatment with puberty blockers and then estrogen. "It was incredibly painful watching my child struggle before we were able to get her the life-saving healthcare she needed," Samantha Williams said in a statement. "We have a confident, happy daughter now, who is free to be herself and she is thriving." The family said they may have to leave Tennessee if the state law is finally upheld. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholars at the UCLA Law School's Williams Institute estimated that "110,300 youth who identify as transgender live in 24 states that ban access to puberty-blocking medication and gender-affirming hormone therapy." Nationwide, about 1.6 million individuals, or 0.6% of the U.S. population age 13 and older, identify as transgender, the institute said. Among those aged 13 to 17, 1.4%, or about 300,000 individuals, identify as transgender. The medical debate over treatment for transgender teens continues. In April, an independent review commissioned by Britain's National Health Service and led by Dr. Hilary Cass found "remarkably weak evidence" to justify the use of puberty blockers and hormones with minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although some may benefit, her report concluded "clinicians were unable to determine with any certainty which children and young people will go on to have an enduring trans identity." She recommended "extreme caution" before prescribing cross-sex hormones for those under age 16. Tennessee's lawyers argued the developments in Europe undercut the administration's claim of a medical consensus on their side. "Many of the European countries that pioneered gender transitioning in minors reversed course," they said. "Health authorities in Sweden, Finland, Norway, and the United Kingdom have all concluded that these interventions pose significant risks with unproven benefits." Trump's reelection means his administration could change sides in late January and withdraw the government's appeal in the Tennessee case, U.S. vs. Skrmetti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's not clear how the court would respond if the new administration withdraws the appeal. The justices could dismiss the case without deciding the constitutional question, or they could choose to rule on the lawsuit filed by the Tennessee parents. Either way, the court's conservative majority is unlikely to sweep aside all the red state laws that restrict prescribing sex hormones for gender transition in adolescents. Such a ruling should not have a direct and immediate impact on medical care in California and the other Democratic-led states. In a friend-of-the-court brief, California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta argued that a "categorical ban" on hormone treatments for transgender teens is bad medical policy and unconstitutionally discriminatory. 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. The Supreme Court on Monday was divided over whether the Food and Drug Administration had unlawfully rejected millions of flavored e-cigarettes for approved sale in U.S. over concerns about nicotine addiction among young people. During oral arguments in a case that could have a significant impact on public health, the justices grappled with tobacco industry claims that the government had given unclear and shifting requirements for new product applications and failed to provide proper notice to the companies. "FDA switched its position on what studies were required" to show that the products have benefits to existing smokers that offset risks to youth, argued Eric Heyer, the attorney representing vape manufacturers Triton Distribution and Vapetasia, which are seeking a green light to market e-liquids such as Jimmy the Juice Man Peachy Strawberry and Iced Pineapple Express. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal law requires sellers of new nicotine products to provide regulators with scientific evidence to show that the products would promote public health, but the statute does not spell out specifically what evidence is necessary and sufficient. The FDA's guidance on how to meet that requirement is at the center of the case. "Their argument is that the guidance were actually a moving target, that either they weren't clear or you changed the guidance as time went on," said Justice Clarence Thomas, who appeared sympathetic to vape manufacturers. "That is their argument," replied Biden administration lawyer Curtis Gannon, representing the FDA, adding, "But I think that the key point is that they knew from the statute that they needed to be making this comparison about what the benefits were with respect to existing smokers and weighing that against the potential costs with respect to nonsmokers and attracting youth." Justice Neil Gorusch suggested that the companies might not have been given "fair notice" of how they could comply with the law. "Wouldn't due process require an opportunity for notice and a hearing?" he asked Gannon. PHOTO: In this undated stock photo, a teen is smoking an e-cigarette. (STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images) MORE: Kid-friendly e-cigarette flavors driving increase in sales, report finds Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement E-cigarettes and vapes, which deliver nicotine without some of the harmful effects of smoking, have been booming in popularity. Kid-friendly flavors, such as fruit, candy, mint, menthol and desserts, are not approved by the FDA and are on the market illegally. While vaping among youth is declining, more than 1.6 million children use the products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 90% of them consume illicit flavored brands. Manufacturers have acknowledged that their products may appeal to youth but insist that a growing body of scientific evidence shows that flavors are crucial to getting adult smokers to make the switch and stay away from combustible cigarettes. A federal appeals court sided with the companies last year, saying the agency had acted arbitrarily. If the Supreme Court upholds that ruling, it could clear the way for broader marketing and sale of flavored nicotine products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Court's three liberal justices all seemed to share the government's view that FDA did not illegally move the goal posts during the process and that the companies simply lacked the evidence to win approval. Since 2009, when Congress passed legislation aimed at curbing tobacco use among young people, the government has almost universally denied tobacco company requests to sell flavored nicotine e-liquids, citing risks of addiction among minors. The FDA said the two companies in this case provided insufficient evidence that the benefits of their flavored e-products in helping tobacco smokers quit exceed the dangers of hooking children. PHOTO: In this undated file photo, the Supreme Court of the United States is shown in Washington, D.C. (STOCK IMAGE/Getty Images) MORE: Video E-cigarette purchases frequently bypass age and shipping laws, study shows Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm so totally confused," Justice Sonia Sotomayor told Heyer. "What [FDA] said is what you provided wasn't sufficient." Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said she was "baffled" by Heyer's argument because the FDA had explicitly articulated its standard. "I guess I'm not really seeing what the surprise is here, or what the change is here," said Justice Elena Kagan. "There's just not a lot of mystery here about what FDA was doing. You might disagree with that, because you think that, in fact, the world of 40-year-olds really wants to do blueberry vaping, but you can't say that FDA hasn't told you all about what it's thinking in this respect." Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who could be a critical vote in the case, signaled sympathy to the industry's complaint about discretionary government regulation but suggested he wasn't convinced FDA had acted unreasonably. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If the agency says [your claims of benefits to adult smokers] that doesn't outweigh the harm to youth, we've reviewed everything, we're aware of everything, of course they're aware of everything that's out there, that's kind of the end of it, isn't it?" Kavanaugh asked. Even if they lose the case, several justices noted, the vape manufacturers could reapply for approval with the FDA in a new application. While the first Trump administration had taken a hard line against the marketing and sale of sweet and candy-flavored vapes, president-elect Donald Trump said during the campaign that he wants to "save" flavored vapes. "We don't know exactly what that's going to look like," said Heyer. But, he added, that his clients "can't afford to wait that out." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly a quarter of high school students who use e-cigarettes consume illicit menthol-flavored varieties, according to the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey. Josie Shapiro, the 2024 national youth ambassador for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids who testified before Congress on the dangers of nicotine addiction, said illicit flavored vapes hooked her at age 14. I think that by marketing any sort of flavored product as bubble gum or any of the genres of candy, it's going to catch the eyes of children, Shapiro said. I'm still addicted, and I'm still trying to fight my addiction. Honestly, the FDA needs to regulate all flavored tobaccos to flavor tobacco products and get them off the market. Public health experts have credited the FDAs restrictions on flavored nicotine products with helping to drive down the number of teenagers who vape gradually from an epidemic level just five years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case, Food and Drug Administration v. Wages and White Lion Investments, LLC, will be decided before the end of the Supreme Courts term in June 2025. ABC News Patty See contributed to this report. Supreme Court divided over FDA block on kid-friendly flavored vapes originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The Supreme Court on Monday did not sound ready to sharply limit the power of the Food and Drug Administration to prohibit the sale of new candy-colored vaping products aimed at teenagers. Instead, the justices, both conservative and liberal, said Congress in 2009 gave the agency the power to stop the sale of new tobacco products, and it has used this authority in recent years to reject new vaping flavors with names such as "Rainbow Road" and "Peachy Strawberry." This is exactly the kind of regulatory question that companies hope to get before the conservative Supreme Court, but it was not clear they will win this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh questioned the vaping industry's claim of FDA overregulation, saying its objection rests with the law itself. "You disagree with the statute giving that much discretion to FDA," he told an attorney for two companies whose products were denied approval. Justice Elena Kagan agreed. "I'm really not seeing what the surprise is here. Everyone knows these flavors are particularly dangerous in terms of kids starting the use of smoking products," she said. "The FDA has been upfront about this. There is just not a lot of mystery here." The Biden administration defended the FDA's stance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency admitted it had two related goals. One was to persuade adults to quit smoking by switching to e-cigarettes with appealing flavors, but without encouraging millions of teenagers to start using a product with nicotine. Eric Heyer, an attorney for two vaping companies, argued the FDA had switched directions and surprised his clients by demanding new studies to prove their products would persuade more adult smokers to switch to e-cigarettes. His clients won before the conservative 5th Circuit Court in New Orleans, which called the FDA's decisions "arbitrary" and illegal. But most of the justices on Monday sounded as though they leaned in favor of the FDA's view. "You are trying to change the statute, but the statute is very clear," Justice Sonia Sotomayor said. "Tell us your product is going to help adults stop smoking cigarettes and show us that youth is not going to start." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Amy Coney Barrett said they were not convinced the FDA had misled the companies. Other conservative justices voiced support for the industry. Justice Clarence Thomas said the FDA's regulations set a "moving target," and Justices Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Neil M. Gorsuch voiced a similar skepticism. It's unclear if the court's ruling in the months ahead will settle the controversy. Twice, the attorney for the vaping companies pointed to an impeding change at the FDA with the election of President-elect Donald Trump. "We have a new administration coming in, and the president-elect is on record as saying I'm going to save flavored vapes," Heyer said. "Frankly we don't know how FDA is going to approach it" in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kavanaugh said the companies will be free to try again. "You can reapply," he said. It's also not clear the FDA disapproval has much impact. Large numbers of e-cigarette flavors are widely available even if they were not approved by the FDA. 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. The Supreme Court on Monday pressed the Food and Drug Administration on whether it followed the law in its effort to keep flavored e-cigarettes off shelves, weighing a lawsuit from a multibillion-dollar industry that has come under scrutiny because its products are popular with school-aged children. After more than an hour of oral arguments, the agency appeared to have support from the courts three-member liberal bloc and, possibly, a few of its conservatives as well at least for a limited outcome that could give the incoming Trump administration a chance to review the FDAs actions to block flavored vaping products. Public health advocates have been sounding the alarm in recent years about a spike in vaping among young Americans. The FDA reports that 19% of high school students and 4.7% of middle school students vaped in 2020 a far higher share than students who smoked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At issue were a series of denials during the first year of the Biden administration for vaping products that officials said are geared toward minors with flavors like Pink Lemonade, Rainbow Road and Jimmy the Juice Man Peachy Strawberry. The appeal is also entangled with broader political pressures President-elect Donald Trump, for instance, recently vowed to save vaping as well as a debate over the power of federal agencies that the courts 6-3 conservative supermajority has repeatedly sought to curtail. At least some of the courts conservatives were concerned with how the FDA reviewed the market applications from the companies, questioning whether regulators changed the type of evidence of health benefit required for approval. In describing the industrys argument, conservative Justice Clarence Thomas suggested the method the FDA used was a moving target. Either they werent clear or you changed the guidance as time went on, Thomas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Curtis Gannon, a deputy solicitor general representing the FDA, disputed that framing and said the law itself was clear about what evidence the agency required. Conservative Justice Samuel Alito more directly questioned the FDAs review process, suggesting the agency told the vaping industry that they might be able to present some evidence of public health benefit to win approval but that were not going to tell you concretely what that something else might be. But Justice Brett Kavanaugh, another member of the courts conservative wing, repeatedly signaled he could support the FDA. You agree that, at the end of the day, the agency has to make a choice and its going to be a choice with uncertainty? Kavanaugh asked the lawyer arguing for the companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courts three-justice liberal wing appeared to be on the side of the agency. We know nicotine is addictive. You put it in to addict people, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said. Presumably, you put it in to addict adults and children. The vaping industry says its nicotine-delivering products help Americans transition off cigarettes and that the dessert-themed flavors are attractive to adults. The industry has argued the FDA violated federal law by changing the rules for how the products were evaluated. But Justice Elena Kagan, a member of the courts liberal bloc, said that it was exceedingly clear that the federal regulators were skeptical about the stated health benefits of vaping. Given that, she said, it would have made sense for the industry to present as much evidence as it possibly could to win approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres just not a lot of mystery here about what FDA was doing, Kagan said. Recognizing the harm caused by youth smoking, Congress passed a law in 2009 giving the FDA new powers to regulate tobacco products. In 2016, the FDA decided that e-cigarettes qualified as tobacco products and it began reviewing authorization applications for millions of vaping products. The industry says that the FDA changed its method in the middle of the process, requiring companies to show that flavored products are more effective than tobacco-flavored products at helping smokers quit or cut back on cigarettes. The conservative 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the industry in January, finding that officials had perpetrated a regulatory switcheroo, sending manufactures on a wild goose chase in to get approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven other appeals courts have rejected similar challenges of the agencys denials. The case is one of several pending before the Supreme Court that faces an uncertain future in part because of Trumps election last month. The former and future president has offered inconsistent guidance on the industry, at one point moving forward with a ban on flavored vaping products only to dial that effort back weeks later. We have a new administration coming in, Eric Heyer, who argued on behalf of the vaping companies, told the justices. The president-elect is on record saying, Im going to save flavored vapes. We dont know exactly what thats going to look like. Denny Henigan, vice president of legal and regulatory affairs for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, told CNN that any change by the Trump administration would face legal scrutiny and that FDA officials would need to demonstrate to courts that their changes are also based in science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decisions FDA has been making on flavored e-cigarettes are solidly grounded in the science. There is no question that these flavored products have an enormous appeal to young people, Henigan said. Were hopeful that if the Trump administration revisits this issue it will be clear that these are products that cause great harm to kids are highly addictive. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Polarizing conservative commentator Candace Owens is having a hard time trying to book speaking gigs internationally. In latest news, Owens has officially been banned from her second country...and the reasons behind it shouldnt come as a surprise On Nov. 19, it was announced that Owens visa request to enter New Zealand was denied, according to USA Today. This comes just weeks after the right-wing firebrand was banned from entering the neighboring country of Australia. Owens was reportedly scheduled to speak in many cities across New Zealand and Australia in February and March. According to AP News, tickets for these events are still on sale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The controversial speaker has made her name spewing MAGA-forward rhetoric and amplifying dangerous conspiracy theories over the years. Owens has more than 3 million subscribers on YouTube and over 11 million collective followers on X and Instagram. Australia first moved to ban the 35-year-old commentator in October because of her continuous Holocaust denial and divisive conspiracy theories, which were spurred by the ongoing Isreal-Hamas conflict in Gaza, according to the Guardian. After banning Owens, Immigration Minister Tony Burke said Australias national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else. The snowball quickly began rolling downhill, and it didnt take long for New Zealand to notice the Australian ban and begin evaluating the potential threat Owens posed to their own country. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) deputy chief operating officer Jeannie Melville told the New Zealand Herald, All visa applicants must meet specific requirements, including a good character assessment that considers factors such as criminal convictions, deportation history, and potential risks to New Zealands security, public order, or public interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And with Owens antisemitic ways and her name interestingly being cited in the New Zealand Christchurch mosque shooters manifesto where 50 people were murdered after Brenton Tarrant entered two mosques in 2019, according to NBC News its no surprise Owens has been denied entry. Jock Gilray, a spokesperson for New Zealands immigration agency, told AP News that Owens was denied an entertainers work permit because visas legally cannot be granted to those who have been banned from another country. Giventhat, more countries could also deny Owens entry in the future. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The suspect in a nearly 50-year-old cold case in West Springfield was in court on Monday. Police investigating shooting on Blake Hill St. in Springfield Timothy Scott Joley, 71, is charged with the murders of 18-year-old Theresa Marcoux and 20-year-old Mark Harnish. They both were students at East Longmeadow High School. Their bodies were found back in 1978, both were shot to death and left next to Harnishs pick-up truck on Route 5 in West Springfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, the DAs office said they got a new lead when someone gave them the name of Timothy Joley. Then, using a partial fingerprint found in Harnishs truck, they were able to connect Joley to the murders and make an arrest. Joley was arrested in Clearwater, Florida, and brought back to Massachusetts by police. He made his first court appearance on Monday and is now being held without the right to bail. Joley is a Vietnam veteran and is wheelchair-bound with no legs. Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni says even with these leads, Joley is innocent until proven guilty. He says cases like this can take some time. Gulluni issued the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first court appearance for Timothy Joley, marking the beginning of what will be a lengthy legal process. These are extremely serious charges involving the loss of two young lives, and we understand the impact this case has had on the victims families and the community over the past 46 years. While Mr. Joley is presumed innocent until proven guilty, we are committed to ensuring that this process moves towards justice as efficiently and fairly as possible. Gulluni says its really about getting it right and making sure that the discovery is distributed. Joleys next court appearance is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on January 2, 2025. 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. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) The Okaloosa County Sheriffs deputies and investigators located a man in connection with a convenience store armed robbery on Saturday in Mary Esther. Deputies responded to the All-American Quick Stop convenience store at 100 West Miracle Strip Parkway around 12:45 p.m. According to officials, the store clerk reported that a man came into the store and demanded money while holding a knife to the victims throat. Authorities investigating reported armed robbery at a store in Okaloosa County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the suspect grabbed an undisclosed amount of money from the register and left the store. An investigation revealed a security video of the suspects 1999 red Dodge Ram with one male occupant in the drivers seat who matched the suspects description given by the victim. Deputies said they located the suspects vehicle in the area of Shirley Drive and Marler Street in Fort Walton around 4 p.m, when confronted he fled on foot. 51-year-old David Michael Stephens, with no known address, was quickly arrested and taken into custody. Stephens was charged with armed robbery and other felony charges. He is currently being held in the Okaloosa County Jail with no bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) The man accused of killing a 17-year-old in Providence last year appeared in court Monday morning. Samuel Medina, 25, was recently indicted by a statewide grand jury for the murder of Darnell Whitford on July 14, 2023. He was ordered held without bail and is due back in court in February. Police said Whitford was walking with a friend near the intersection of Dexter and Waldo streets when a vehicle pulled up beside them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medina and at least three others got out of the vehicle and started arguing with Whitford. Police said it abruptly ended when Medina allegedly shot Whitford in the stomach at close range. Whitford was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Medina turned himself in to police a month later. 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. The man accused of shooting a 39-year-old Jewish man in West Rogers Park at the end of October has died after being found unresponsive in Cook County Jail Saturday afternoon, according to the Cook County sheriffs office. While conducting a routine security check at approximately 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Cermak Health Services the medical facility in the jail at 2700 S. California Ave. the sheriffs office staff found Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, 22, having suffered from an apparent suicide attempt, according to a statement. Staffers immediately initiated lifesaving measures and first responders transported Abdallahi to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause and manner of death will be officially determined in an autopsy by the Cook County medical examiners office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said there is no evidence of foul play at this time, and there was no indication that he was at risk of suicide. Following protocol, the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force will be conducting an independent investigation. Abdallahi was being held on various charges including attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, hate crime and terrorism. Abdallahi was admitted to Cermak Health Services on Nov. 15 after receiving treatment for a gunshot wound at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston. The transfer was made after medical and mental health evaluations used to help determine appropriate housing for individuals based on the level of care they require were conducted. Around 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 26, in the 2600 block of West Farwell Avenue, a 39-year-old Orthodox Jewish man wearing traditional dress was on his way to a nearby synagogue when Abdallahi is accused of approaching from behind and shooting him in the shoulder. Neighbors came to the aid of the wounded man while the shooter remained in the area. Abdallahi was arrested following a shootout with Chicago police officers. He allegedly opened fire on responding officers and paramedics, and was later shot by police. The 39-year-old man was treated and later released from the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling said in a news conference that detectives had uncovered evidence on Abdallahis cellphone that indicated he planned the shooting and specifically targeted people of Jewish faith. The attack happened in a neighborhood that is home to the highest concentration of Jewish citizens in the city and spurred calls to the states attorneys office to include hate crime charges against Abdallahi. Chicago Tribunes Madeline Buckley and Sam Charles contributed. A woman will spend decades in prison after a 22-year-old man was killed amid a lovers quarrel. Sydney Makayla Maughon, then 18, pleaded guilty in November to malice murder in the death of 22-year-old Jonathan Tyler Gilbert, also known as Tyler Lane. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix says Maughon, Jeremy Munson, then 18, and McKenzie Davenport, then 19, went to a home on Dobbins Mill Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Spalding County District Attorneys Office, Maughon was in a relationship with Gilbert, who was visiting the home of another woman Maughon wanted to fight. The trio went to the home intended to egg it and fight the woman. While they were there, Gilbert confronted them. This is when authorities said Maughon pulled out a gun. Maughon became angry that Gilbert was at the house and she and Davenport began throwing eggs and rocks at him. The DAs office said, that just seconds before Maughon killed Gilbert, he was seen on video running from the front of the home to the back of the home and in that recording, Maughon begins urging one of the others in the car to shoot him, shoot him. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gilbert then approaches the car unarmed, and Maughon takes Munsons gun and shoots the 22-year-old victim two times. Davenport ran from the car to get some help and was able to get someone to call 911. Maughon and Munson left and went to Maughons parents home. Maughon and Munson told Maughons father what happened and gave him the handgun, which he hid in the closet, the DA said. The DA said, the father told them not to call the police, but to let the police find them. Maughon and Munson then go to work at Pizza Hut. Deputies found them after Davenport left her shoes and cell phone in the car when she ran to call 911. Authorities used the tracking feature on her phone, which led to the arrest of Maughon and Munson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case is absolutely senseless and tragic. Ms. Maughon coldly, callously and maliciously shot and killed a young man (who) had nothing to do with the drama she wanted to create with this other female. She and Mr. Munson then left him in the street to die and went to work. said Senior ADA Holliday. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] According to the DAs office, Davenport entered a plea to two misdemeanor charges based on her involvement in the incidents before the murder. Maughon pleaded guilty to malice murder. She was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. The DAs office said Maughon cannot be considered for parole until she has served every day of at least 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Munson has yet to resolve his case. Instead of preparing for the 4th of July, Mr. Gilberts family was planning a funeral. This did not have to happen, and it highlights the tragedy of guns in the hands of people predisposed to violence. My office will continue to work hard alongside law enforcement to ensure that those who maliciously murder others are prosecuted, regardless of age, District Attorney Marie Broder said of the crime. By Sam Tobin LONDON (Reuters) -A group of Bulgarian nationals accused of spying for Russia targeted an investigative journalist with the Bellingcat news outlet and tried to lure him into a "honey trap" via Facebook, prosecutors told a London court on Monday. 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, which targeted people including dissidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say the trio along with two men, Orlin Roussev and Bizer Dzhambazov, who have admitted being part of a spying conspiracy also carried out surveillance on a U.S. military base in Germany where Ukrainian forces were being trained. Prosecutors allege that the three were acting under the direction of Roussev who in turn was receiving instructions from Marsalek, an Austrian national who used the false name of Rupert Ticz. Marsalek is the former chief operating officer for collapsed payments company Wirecard and his current whereabouts are unknown. Ivanova, Gaberova and Ivanchev deny the accusations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their trial at London's Old Bailey court continued on Monday, when prosecutor Alison Morgan said the group had conducted surveillance on Christo Grozev, a Bulgarian national who works for Bellingcat, in 2021. Grozev was the lead investigator on Bellingcat's reports about the 2018 poisoning of the Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, England. Morgan said Gaberova sent Grozev a friend request on Facebook as part of an attempt to gather information on him, which was directed by Marsalek and Roussev. "Grozev seems hooked and in love with Vanya," Roussev told Marsalek in a message shortly after Grozev accepted the Facebook friend request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HONEY TRAP Marsalek expressed concern that Gaberova might "fall in love with him", but Roussev replied: "Vanya is very, very assertive and strongly independent. True sexy bitch." The prosecutor also said Ivanova, Gaberova and Dzhambazov followed Grozev to a hotel in the Spanish city of Valencia, with Gaberova taking a photo of him with Bellingcat's founder Eliot Higgins. Ivanova filmed Grozev on board a flight from Austria to Montenegro using a pair of "surveillance video glasses", Morgan added. Morgan also told jurors that Ivanova had "played a central role" in 2021-22 in surveillance of Roman Dobrokhotov, a Russian living in Britain who is editor in chief of The Insider, an independent media outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan said Marsalek and Roussev had discussed a "plan for the potential kidnap of Mr Dobrokhotov", possibly in Britain, before deciding that such a plan would be too dangerous. Marsalek had said in a message to Roussev: "A successful operation on British ground would be amazing after the fucked up Skripal stuff." Morgan said at the start of the trial last week that the group had been paid to carry out their surveillance and to compile detailed reports. 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. (Reporting by Sam TobinEditing by Gareth Jones) GENEVA (AP) Swiss prosecutors said a right-to-die activist was released Monday after more than two months in police custody over the reported first use of a so-called suicide capsule, after they ruled out the possibility of an intentional homicide. Florian Willet, head of advocacy group The Last Resort, was released by authorities in the northern Schaffhausen region, where a 64-year-old U.S. woman in late September was said to be the first user of the Sarco suicide capsule, a sealed chamber that releases gas at the press of a button. Authorities detained four people, but initially only released three of them holding Willet on suspicion that the woman, who was not identified, might not have committed suicide but could have been killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ EDITORS NOTE This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org. The Swiss government refers queries about suicide prevention to a group called Dargebotene Hand, or The Offered Hand. ___ A statement Monday from prosecutors said a criminal case was opened on Sept. 23, the day of the womans death, for suspected inciting and abetting suicide and a strong suspicion of the commission of an intentional homicide. Although an autopsy report from experts in neighboring Zurich was not yet available, investigators no longer suspect intentional homicide, though there is strong suspicion of the crime of inciting and abetting suicide," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement said the suspect was released from custody though it didn't identify the suspect by name. Willet previously has spoken repeatedly to The Associated Press before his arrest and his colleagues have spoken out publicly in his defense in hopes of securing his release. Prosecutors gave no further details, including whether the suspect was released conditionally and faced a continued criminal investigation over suspected incitement of suicide. Calls by The AP to Willets mobile phone were not immediately answered. Sarco developer Philip Nitschke of Exit International, a right-to-die group affiliated with The Last Resort, has said the allegations that the woman might have been strangled were absurd. Nitschke said he watched by video during the womans death, in a wood in the Schaffhausen region near the German border, and that the device worked as planned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sarco was designed to allow a person sitting in its reclining seat to push a button that injects nitrogen gas into the sealed chamber. The person is then supposed to fall unconscious and die by suffocation in a few minutes. Swiss law allows assisted suicide so long as the person takes his or her life with no external assistance and those who help the person die do not do so for any self-serving motive, says a government website. Switzerland is among the only countries where foreigners can travel to legally end their lives and has a number of organizations that are dedicated to helping people kill themselves. Nitschke has repeatedly said Exit Internationals Swiss lawyers had advised that use of the capsule would be legal in Switzerland. More than 500 people have been killed in Syria following the renewed escalation between Islamist-led rebels and government troops in the north-west of the country, a monitor group said Monday. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, 514 people, including 92 civilians, have been killed since the clashes erupted five days ago. Last week, an alliance of insurgents led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a surprise offensive in north-western Syria and took control of Aleppo, the country's second-largest city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syria's ruler Bashar al-Assad has announced a counter-offensive to push back the rebels. According to the observatory, at least 267 insurgents have been killed so far, while 154 fatalities have been recorded among al-Assad's forces and pro-government militias. Syrian and Russian warplanes launched 420 airstrikes on rebel-held areas including Idlib and Aleppo on Monday, according to the observatory. Russia is al-Assad's main backer. The majority of the strikes were carried out by Syrian warplanes, according to the monitor, which has been documenting violence in Syria since the uprising against al-Assad in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airstrikes on the rebel stronghold of Idlib, the capital of the governorate of the same name, have triggered a mass exodus. Residents said that the water supply has collapsed while also reporting occasional power outages. More than 11 people, including five children, were killed in Monday's airstrikes, while dozens were injured, according to the observatory. The attacks targeted the Shamaat roundabout area and residential neighbourhoods in the city of Idlib as well as a camp for displaced people near Harbanoush, north of Idlib, according to the group. "The camp houses 352 displaced Syrians and among the killed were members of the same family," Khaled al Amouri, a resident of the camp, told dpa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the White Helmets, a Syrian civil defence organization which works in rebel-held areas, seven civilians were killed and 12 others were wounded in the camp. Activists in Idlib said that Idlib University Hospital was also hit during an air raid, killing at least five. The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), which runs 40 medical facilities in north-west Syria, called on the warring sides to avoid hitting civilians and hospitals. "Hospitals, schools, and civilians are not targets of war. We all must stand up for common decency and prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable, regardless of which side of the frontline they find themselves," SAMS President, Dr. Mufaddal Hamadeh, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syrian government sources told dpa earlier that its forces had launched a counter-attack and had retaken most regions that the rebels took in the countryside of Hama over the weekend. The observatory said pro-Iranian Iraqi militia fighters had crossed from the al-Bou Kamal border with Iraq in eastern Syria over the past 24 hours to help their Syrian government allies. It estimated that 200 fighters had crossed the Iraqi-Syrian border since Sunday. Meanwhile, Turkey has called for negotiations between the warring sides. The latest events show that the Syrian government must come to an agreement with the people and opposition forces, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a press conference in Ankara with his Iranian colleague Abbas Araghchi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey's aim is to see the Syrian refugees who live in Turkey return to Syria, he said. Fidan called for a revival of the so-called Astana talks involving Russia, Iran and Turkey. Moscow and Tehran support al-Assad in the war, while Ankara supports the Syrian National Army (SNA), a rebel alliance consisting of several factions which launched an offensive against the Kurdish militia YPG in northern Syria on Sunday. A body lies on the ground following a Syrian regime airstrike on the city of Idlib. At least 11 people, including five children, were killed when Syrian and Russian warplanes launched a series of air strikes on rebel-held areas in north-western Syria on Monday, activists and a monitor group said. Anas Alkharboutli/dpa (Bloomberg) -- The biggest challenge to Bashar al-Assads regime seemingly came out of nowhere, and as the city of Aleppo fell to rebels in a matter of days, the Syrian president reportedly flew to Moscow. Most Read from Bloomberg Russias intervention in Syrias civil war almost a decade ago turned the tide in Assads favor, but this time around his two biggest backers are stretched. Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine is consuming Russian resources while Iran finds itself weakened by Israels sustained attacks on Hezbollah, the Tehran-backed militants in neighboring Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been four years since the conflict in Syria reached an uneasy stalemate. The country, which borders Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Jordan, had laid relatively dormant as the Middle East convulsed following the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre of Israelis by Hamas. That changed late last week with reports that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a breakaway faction of al-Qaeda, had staged a surprise offensive on Aleppo along with other forces supported by Turkey. They captured the city, among the biggest in the country, over the weekend and are headed toward another major goal, Hama. In their sights: the capital, Damascus. Turkish-backed rebels also captured Tal Rifat, which lies to the north of Aleppo, in a blow to US-allied Kurdish forces who have been holding the town, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency. The problem for Assad is that neither Russia, which is carrying out air strikes against the rebels, nor Iran are really in a position to come to his rescue, according to Joshua Landis, director of the Center of Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma. The rebels based in their last bastion of Idlib perhaps werent even expecting to break through, but they are now pushing on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opposition has far exceeded what it set out to do and when it realized that there was little the Syrian military was willing to fight for and began to just melt away, theyve been on a roll, Landis said in an interview with Al Jazeera. They hope to go to Damascus. Assad is now in crisis mode and huddling with his old allies. After meeting with an Iranian envoy, the president emphasized the importance of the support of allies and friends in confronting foreign-backed terrorist attacks. What Close Russia-Iran Ties Mean for Ukraine, Mideast: QuickTake Russia joined Iran in expressing extreme concern over the militants rout of government forces and stressed strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic after a call on Saturday between their two top diplomats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sudden escalation in Syria came after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans to create a safe zone along the border with Syria and push away hostile Kurdish forces. With Russia and Iran otherwise preoccupied, the question is whether Erdogan was spotting an opportunity. Turkey is a key player because not only does it have the biggest military in NATO after the Americans, but because it views its fight against Kurdish separatists as an existential one. The US sees Kurdish groups as critical to defeating and preventing a resurgence of Islamic State in Syria. It helps that the US, which has forces in northeastern Syria in support of Kurdish forces, has its hands tied after Donald Trump won the November presidential election. The US blamed Syrias reliance on Russia and Iran and its refusal to implement a United Nations Security Council-mandated 2015 peace process for the conditions now unfolding. Turkey has proposed to Washington that its army could take over the fight against Islamic State in Syria if the US pulls out its troops and ceases military support to the Kurds, according to the people familiar with the discussions. The US hasnt yet responded to the Turkish proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, all eyes are on the response from Moscow. Back in 2012, Barack Obamas administration suggested it would intervene militarily if Assad used chemical weapons on his people. When that line was tested and Obama blinked, Russia entered to prop up Assad and protect Moscows interests in Syria on the eastern Mediterranean. With Russian help, the Syrian army retook Aleppo in 2016 after a long siege. It is now going to need weeks or even months to recapture the city, said Elena Suponina, a Middle East expert based in Moscow. Russia is reaching out to Turkey in a bid to resolve the crisis, she said, with Irans influence in Syria weakened by the devastating Israeli military campaign against Hezbollah and Israels intensified air strikes on Syrian territory. Moscow doesnt see the need now to sharply increase its level of support for Assad, Suponina said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday held telephone talks with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in which they agreed on the need to coordinate joint efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation in Syria, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone call with regional counterparts on Sunday, expressing support for Syria in confronting extremism and terrorism, according to state news agency WAM. Israel, too, is worried at the deteriorating situation in its neighbor. A victory for the rebels could see them arrive at the border, while a recovery for Assads army would likely demonstrate an increase in assistance from Iran, according to Major-General Tamir Yadai, chief of Israeli ground forces. So, both scenarios are not favorable to us, he said at the Israel Hayom conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Firat Kozok and Dan Williams. (Updates with capture of other town in fifth paragraph. An earlier version of this story was corrected to remove reference to Aleppo as the largest city in fourth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Syrian and Russian warplanes launched a series of airstrikes on Monday on areas taken over by rebels in north-west Syria during a surprise offensive, activists in Idlib and a war monitor said. According to the White Helmets, a Syrian civil defence organization which works in rebel-held areas, there were civilian casualties and numerous residential buildings were destroyed. An alliance of insurgents led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive in north-west Syria last week on Syrian government-held areas and took control of Aleppo, the country's second-largest city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitoring group, said the airstrikes by Syria and Russia targeted areas controlled by rebels in Aleppo, the countryside of Hama and Idlib. The observatory, which has been documenting violence in Syria since the uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2011, said that over five days of clashes between Syrian government forces and rebels more than 440 people had been killed. It said that the dead included more than 60 civilians. Syrian government sources told dpa that its forces had launched a counter-attack and had retaken most regions that the rebels took in the countryside of Hama over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The observatory said pro-Iranian Iraqi militia fighters had crossed from the al-Bou Kamal border with Iraq in eastern Syria over the past 24 to help their Syrian government allies. It estimated that 200 fighters had crossed the Iraqi-Syrian border since Sunday. Iran and Russia have been the main backers of al-Assad. The News in Brief Monday, December 2, 2024 On November 29, U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Joe Wilson and Ranking Member Rep. Steve Cohen issued a statement in support of Georgian citizens who have been protesting against the Georgian Dream (GD) party's decision to suspend the country's European Union accession process. The statement condemned the violence directed at peaceful protestors, emphasizing that "those peaceful protests were met with extreme violence," which the representatives condemned "in the harshest terms possible."The statement also highlighted concerns over the legitimacy of the Georgian government, pointing to evidence that the GD government manipulated the country's October elections to maintain its hold on power and obstruct the Georgian people's "unequivocal aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration". Wilson and Cohen emphasized that the Georgian government's actions, such as appointing a new government without opposition participation or presidential approval, were "in contravention of Georgia's constitution," thus rendering it "illegitimate".The U.S. representatives expressed their continued support for the Georgian people's efforts to restore democracy, urging both the current and incoming U.S. administrations to assist in "the fight to restore democracy and freedom." They concluded their statement by calling for the U.S. State Department to hold accountable those responsible for violating the right to peacefully protest and elect leaders.The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA) reported over 200 arrests during protests in Tbilisi from November 28 to December 1, following the Georgian Dream party's decision to suspend the country's bid for European Union membership until 2028. The arrests included minors, women, journalists, and members of the cultural sector and non-governmental organizations.GYLA's statement highlighted disturbing conditions during the protests, including reports of police brutality, psychological violence, and a lack of adequate medical care for detainees. Additionally, many detainees reported the theft or loss of personal belongings, including mobile phones. The group condemned the disregard for legal standards during trials, making it difficult for lawyers to effectively represent their clients.In response to these violations, GYLA has called for the immediate release of all detainees, the cessation of proceedings against them, and full legal protection of detainees' rights. The organization emphasized the need for lawyers to have full access to their clients and for detainees to receive appropriate medical treatment. By Tuvan Gumrukcu ANKARA (Reuters) - Developments in Syria show the need for the Syrian government to reconcile with its people and the opposition, and Turkey is ready to contribute to such a dialogue, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Monday. His comments after a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi followed a rapid assault in which rebels reached Aleppo nearly a decade after they were forced out of the northern Syrian city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It would be wrong... to explain the events in Syria with any foreign intervention," Fidan told a press conference. "The latest developments show once again that Damascus needs to reconcile with its people and the legitimate opposition." "At the point we have reached, the reason for widespread clashes starting again in Syria is that interlinked problems have not been resolved for more than 13 years," he said, adding that Ankara opposed any escalation in Syria or flow of refugees from the region. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan later said he hoped the instability in Syria would be concluded with an agreement in line with the demands of the Syrian people. He added Ankara was closely monitoring developments and taking necessary measures to prevent harm to Turkey's security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey, Russia and Iran have regularly held talks on Syria's future as part what is known as the Astana peace process. While Russia and Iran support President Bashar al-Assad, NATO member Turkey backs the political and armed opposition. An effort will be made to revive the Astana process and a new meeting under that format could be held soon, Fidan said, adding all relevant parties should push for the establishment of dialogue between Damascus and the opposition. Hadi al-Bahra, head of Syria's main opposition abroad, told Reuters on Monday that Syrian rebels began preparations to seize Aleppo a year ago but the operation was delayed by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and ultimately launched last week when an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal was reached in Lebanon. Al-Bahra said Turkey's military, which is allied with some of the opposition and has bases across its southern border in Syria, had heard of the armed groups' plans but made clear it would play no direct role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Turkish official said Ankara had not given its permission or support to the rebel operation in northwest Syria. Araqchi, who arrived in Ankara from Damascus, did not convey any messages from Assad to Turkey, the official also said. Earlier this year, Erdogan had offered to normalise ties with Assad, but that outreach has not yielded any results yet. A Turkish diplomatic source said Fidan was also expected to mention the crisis in Syria during a session on the Middle East at a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels this week. Fidan will emphasise the need for allies to support Turkey's stance in Syria, aiming to prevent a spread of instability along NATO's southeastern flank, the source added. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; additional reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever; writing by Ezgi Erkoyun, Huseyin Hayatsever and Tuvan Gumrukcu; editing by Daren Butler, Timothy Heritage and Mark Heinrich) By Jonathan Spicer ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Syrian rebel fighters began preparations to seize Aleppo a year ago but the assault was delayed by war in Gaza and ultimately launched last week when a ceasefire took hold in Lebanon, the head of Syria's main opposition abroad told Reuters. The insurgents were able to seize the city and other areas so quickly in part because Hezbollah and other Iran-backed fighters who support Syria's president were still distracted by their conflict with Israel, Hadi al-Bahra said on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Turkish military, which is allied with some of the insurgents and has bases across its southern border in Syria, had heard of the armed groups' plans but made clear it would play no direct role, he added in the first public comments on the rebel preparations by an opposition figure. The assault in northwestern Syria was launched last Wednesday, the day that Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah began a truce ending more than a year of fighting. "A year ago they (the rebels) started really training and mobilizing and taking it more seriously," said Bahra, president of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces, the internationally-recognised Syrian opposition. "But the war on Gaza ... then the war in Lebanon delayed it. They felt it wouldn't look good having the war in Lebanon at the same time they were fighting in Syria," he said in an interview in his Istanbul office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So the moment there was a ceasefire in Lebanon, they found that opportunity ... to start." Rebel commanders have separately said they feared if they had started their assault earlier, it might have looked like they were helping Israel, who was also battling Hezbollah. The rebel operation is the boldest advance and biggest challenge to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in years in a civil war where front lines had largely been frozen since 2020. Syrian and allied Russian forces have launched counter attacks, which Bahra said are "destabilising" Aleppo and Idlib. RUSSIA, IRAN, HEZBOLLAH Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opposition retaking of Aleppo also paves the way for Syrians displaced elsewhere in the country and up to 600,000 in Turkey to eventually return home, Bahra said. "Due to the Lebanese war and decrease in Hezbollah forces, (Assad's) regime has less support," he said, adding Iranian militias also have fewer resources and Russia is giving less air cover due to its "Ukraine problem". Asked about any prior Turkish awareness of Syrian rebels' plans, a Turkish official told Reuters "there was no such thing as our country's permission or support". Hezbollah did not immediately comment on whether its war with Israel opened the door to Syrian rebel advances in Aleppo, where it also had personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Damascus did not immediately comment on whether it risks destabilising the region with air raids. Assad has vowed to crush the insurgents. Tehran has pledged to aid his government and hundreds of fighters from Iran-backed Iraqi militias have crossed into Syria to help. The insurgents are a coalition of Turkey-backed mainstream secular armed groups spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, an Islamist group that has been designated a terrorist outfit by Turkey, the U.S., Russia and other states. Bahra's coalition, which does not include HTS, represents anti-Assad groups including the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army or Free Syrian Army, which took territory north of Idlib over the last week. (Reporting by Jonathan Spicer; Additional reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara; Editing by Andrew Heavens) Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto urged Ukraine and Russia to sit down "at the negotiating table" during a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Dec. 2. Szijjarto has repeatedly visited Russia throughout the full-scale war, a step that his European colleagues avoided. "The past thousand days have proven conclusively that the war in Ukraine cannot be resolved on the battlefield, and therefore the solution must be sought at the negotiating table," Szijjarto wrote on his Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Severance of diplomatic relations makes a negotiated solution impossible, the Hungarian minister added. The Russian minister mentioned Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans recent so-called "peace mission, which sparked outrage across the European Union, with Brussels stressed that the venture had in no way represented the bloc. Under Orban's leadership, Hungary has repeatedly blocked aid to Kyiv, pushed for negotiations with Moscow, and spouted Kremlin talking points. Since taking the presidency of the European Commission in July, Orban has lobbied aggressively to stand as a negotiator between Ukraine and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orban previously dismissed Zelensky's victory plan, which calls for more long-range weapons and the permission to use them against Russian targets, as "dangerous." Read also: Orbans Kyiv, Moscow trips test boundaries of EU presidency, expert says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Ben Blanchard TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan's partnership with the United States is a source of strength for the high-tech industry, including the semiconductor sector, and shows the island is a trusted and reliable partner, President Lai Ching-te told a think-tank in Hawaii. Taiwan is a major producer of chips used in everything from cars to AI applications and is home to key Apple and Nvidia supplier TSMC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But President-elect Donald Trump criticised Taiwan during the U.S. election campaign, accusing it of stealing business from American semiconductor companies. His threat of broad import tariffs could also affect an industry that is crucial to the island's economy. Addressing Hawaii's East-West Center on Sunday, Lai said Taiwan actively contributes to the global supply chain, especially in high-tech industries such as semiconductors, according to a summary of his remarks released by the presidential office in Taiwan. "The U.S.-Taiwan partnership not only strengthens these industries, but also demonstrates the strategic importance of Taiwan as a trusted and reliable partner," the statement paraphrased Lai as saying in closed-door comments he gave in English. "Taiwan also actively cooperates with like-minded countries, demonstrating that Taiwan utilises its expertise to contribute to global development." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The excerpts of the remarks made no mention of Trump, who also said before winning last month's U.S. election that Taiwan should pay to be protected. Lai is making a stopover in Hawaii as part of a week-long visit to allies in the Pacific. China has condemned the trip, saying it opposes any such transit stops by Taiwanese leaders on U.S. territory. China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, a position Lai and his government reject, and has stepped up its military activities around the island in the past five years. Security sources have told Reuters that China could hold more drills around Taiwan to coincide with Lai's Pacific trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lai, at the think tank, reiterated that Taiwan was committed to strengthening its defence and would work closely with like-minded countries to uphold the concept that "strength brings peace" and to defend the universal values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. "The cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. in recent years has demonstrated Taiwan's commitment to its own security, as well as the common commitment of Taiwan and the U.S. to peace in the Indo-Pacific region," the president's office cited him as saying. Lai also held a 20-minute call with former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday, during which they discussed China's military threats, Taiwan's official Central News Agency reported. China held war games around the island in 2022, furious at then-Speaker Pelosi's trip to Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier, even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties. From Hawaii, Lai will travel to Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau, three of the 12 countries to retain official relations with Taipei. He will also make a stop over in the U.S. territory of Guam. Both Hawaii and Guam are home to major U.S. military bases. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Kate Mayberry) Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te touched down in Hawaii over the weekend and spoke by phone with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) as China slammed the U.S. for the visit and for selling weapons parts to Taipei. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) welcomed Lai to his state Saturday as the Taiwanese leader spent two days in The Aloha State. Lai spoke with several U.S. officials by phone and video call in addition to Pelosi, according to Taiwanese state-run media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officials included members of both the Republican and Democratic parties, and the calls touched on several issues, including Chinas military threats over Taiwan. Pelosi reportedly said there is strong bipartisan support for Taiwan in Washington. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian said Monday that Beijing opposes any form of official interaction between the US and the Taiwan region. The Taiwan question is at the core of Chinas core interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations, Lin said at a press conference. Lai took office in May, after winning election in January as the pro-U.S. candidate from the same party as his predecessor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China has accused Lai of fomenting separatist rhetoric and has launched several major drills and military exercises around Taiwan in response to Lais speeches, in which he has called for resistance to Chinese pressure. Still, Lai has advocated for the status quo between Taiwan and China. Lai will next visit the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau, and will also travel to the U.S. territory of Guam. The U.S. has informal relations with Taiwan but commits to supporting and arming the country, a position that has infuriated China over the years as tensions have escalated. The State Department announced last week two arms sales worth $385 million to Taiwan, including parts for F-16 fighter jets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the arms shipment as a severe breach of the international law amid Beijings claims over the self-governing island nation, accusing the U.S. of fueling independence by building up the Taiwanese military. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Tavares city council members will discuss removing fluoride from the citys drinking water during their meeting Wednesday night as the health benefits of the mineral face political controversy. Fluoride isnt just in water; its commonly found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and other products. The CDC said nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population gets fluoridated drinking water. Since 1945, fluoride has played a crucial role in public health initiatives aimed at reducing dental cavities and improving overall oral health for adults and children. Dental experts say fluoride reduces dental decay by strengthening tooth enamel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning in 1962, the government first recommended fluoride levels ranging from 0.7 milligrams per liter in warmer climates, where people tend to drink more water, to 1.2 milligrams in cooler regions. However, this standard was later adjusted to 0.7 milligrams everywhere. Research conducted by the National Toxicology Program found that drinking water containing more than 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter was linked to lower IQs in children. This raised concerns. In 2011, officials reported that 2 out of 5 U.S. teens exhibited mild tooth streaking or spottiness due to excessive fluoride exposure, the Associated Press said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared that President-Elect Donald Trump would push to remove fluoride from drinking water on his first day as president. Following Kennedys remarks, Floridas Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo held press conferences calling for the end of water fluoridation and spoke of potential Neuro-psychiatric risk from fluoride exposure. The City of Tavares said fluoride was previously discussed during a council meeting in November 2020. Removing fluoride from the citys drinking water will reduce the cost to the Citys Sanitation Department, city staff reported. During Wednesdays council meeting, the utility director will provide the estimated savings that the changes could have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the CDC says the average person living in a community with fluoridated water spends $32 less per year in dental treatment. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association said it will continue to endorse community water fluoridation at optimal levels to help prevent tooth decay. Last month, Winter Haven leaders voted to remove fluoride from their citys water system by Jan. 1 or as soon as reasonably practical. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. "We are working to find out what happened to Stefanie [Damron] and reunite her with her family, said an FBI agent Maine State Police Stefanie Damron Stefanie Damron Stefanie Damron, 14, of New Sweden, Maine, was reported missing on Sept. 24 The FBI and the Maine State Police is offering a reward up to $15,000 for information leading to Stefanie's safe return Despite investigators spending hundreds of hours looking into the teen's disappearance and conducting numerous interviews, "theres been no credible information or sightings of Stefanie Authorities are further intensifying their search for missing Maine teen Stefanie Damron by offering a $15,000 reward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stefanie, 14, was reported missing on Sept. 24, a day after she was last seen walking out of her house and into the woods located on the West Road in New Sweden, according to the Maine State Police (MSP). In an earlier statement later shared by WGAM-TV, the teens parents, Christopher and Lisa Marie Damron, said that their daughter "got into an argument with her sister" and then "walked off" and into the woods. Maine State Police Stefanie Damron Stefanie Damron Related: Police Share Update Nearly 2 Months After Teen Left Home, Walked into the Woods and Vanished On Monday, Dec. 2, the FBI and MSP announced the reward of up to $15,000 as they seek the publics help for information leading to Stefanie's safe return or the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved in her disappearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI hopes this reward will incentivize anyone with information relating to Stefanies whereabouts to come forward. Any detail, no matter how small, could be helpful, Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division, said in a news release. Stefanies family desperately wants to know where she is, and we are fully committed to helping our law enforcement partners exhaust every investigative resource to find her and bring her home. The FBI and MSP also held a joint news conference about the case on Dec. 2. Maj. Scott Gosselin of the MSP said that his departments major crimes unit detectives and the FBI Boston Division spent hundreds of hours looking into Damrons disappearance and conducted numerous interviews. At this time, said Gosselin, theres been no credible information or sightings of Stefanie. Kim Milka, the FBI assistant special agent in charge, added that investigators have followed leads in Maine, across the country and Canada. Among authorities investigative efforts included a neighborhood canvas and an expansive grid search involving canines, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Missing Girl, 17, Found 'Safe' as Police Say She Was Living with 44-Year-Old Man 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. Rest assured, we are working to find out what happened to Stefanie and reunite her with her family, Milka said at the press conference. On Nov. 21, the MSP shared two new photos of Stefanie to aid in the search. "These photos appear to show a younger Stefanie - the most recent photo we have is the one we've posted previously with the flower in her hair (from Summer 2024)," the MSP wrote at the time in a Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities described Stefanie as measuring 5' 0" and weighing 130 lbs. with green eyes and shoulder-length brown hair, adding she was last seen wearing blue jeans, a long sleeve blue shirt and black Harley Davidson hiking boots. In their previous statement, Stefanies parents said they were not present at home when their daughter went missing. "We live a half mile back in the woods and our kids are very comfortable in their surroundings so there was nothing to raise flags the first few hours," they said at the time. At the news conference, Gosselin said that, based on authorities knowledge, Damron has no current access to electronic devices, later adding she did not have a cellphone at the time of her disappearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gosselin also told reporters that going missing is not an uncommon behavior for Stefanie, and he believes that is why her family waited a little longer until they contacted police. Jeri Harms, Stefanie's great-aunt, earlier told the Brooklyn Squad podcast that Stefanie had run away before but was always found in the woods by family members. Related: Police Searching for 13 and 14-Year-Old Missing for Nearly a Month in Southern California The FBIs Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team (CARD) of special agents trained and experienced in matters concerning missing children was immediately summoned to help MSP find the teen after she disappeared, noted the news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maine State Police remains steadfast in our investigation into Stefanies disappearance, Maine State Police Colonel William Ross said in the Dec. 2 news release. Every lead, no matter how small is being thoroughly pursued to find her. We deeply appreciate the FBIs support as we continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. Your tip could be the key to resolving this case and providing answers for Stefanies family. Those with information about the case are encouraged to call the Maine State Police Houlton Barracks at 1-800-824-2261 or 207-532-5400 or contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. The 16-year-old Kentucky boy was arrested and booked for first-degree assault after the Nov. 28 incident, police said avid_creative/Getty A police vehicle (stock image) A police vehicle (stock image) A 16-year-old in Kentucky has been charged after allegedly attacking his aunt during a heated argument on Thanksgiving. Police in Hopkinsville confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE that on Thursday, Nov. 28, the teenager was engaging in a verbal fight with his aunt when things became physical and he attacked her, allegedly stabbing her in the back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were called to the scene, but the 16-year-old who has not been publicly identified had already fled and crossed state lines into Clarksville, Tenn., police told PEOPLE. Emergency medical personnel found the teen's aunt in critical condition, and paramedics airlifted her to a Level I Trauma Center in Nashville. Google Maps The 500 block of Millbrooke Drive in Hopkinsville, Kentucky The 500 block of Millbrooke Drive in Hopkinsville, Kentucky According to police, the teen had already been wearing an ankle monitor before this incident but investigators discovered that he allegedly had cut it off. Police then notified the Clarksville Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol about him going on the run, and authorities began their search for the 16-year-old. 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. By Friday, Nov. 29, the boy crossed back over the Kentucky border and made his way back to Hopkinsville. Police eventually arrested him. The 16-year-old was charged with first-degree assault and taken to the Paducah Juvenile Detention Center, police added. He could face up to 10 to 20 years in prison. Tennessee Democrats are pushing to enshrine protections for contraception and in vitro fertilization in law. (Getty Images) Amid a national debate over contraception and in-vitro fertilization, Democratic lawmakers are pushing for a state law that would guarantee those reproductive rights after Republicans banned abortions in nearly all cases. The measure sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Raumesh Akbari of Memphis and Democratic state Rep. Harold Love of Nashville would clarify that abortion, as defined by the states offense for criminal abortion, would not include the use of contraceptive devices or medication to prevent pregnancy or the disposal of embryos from fertility treatments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Tennessees abortion ban of 2022, Akbari said, many Tennesseans started raising concerns that lawmakers might cut access to birth control and fertility treatments. This bill provides clarity and reassurance that contraception and procedures like in-vitro fertilization are not affected by the abortion ban, Akbari said. These are fundamental aspects of reproductive healthcare, and safeguarding them is essential to protecting the well-being of women and families across our state. The ban took effect when the U.S. Supreme Court nullified Roe v. Wade, the 1972 landmark case that gave women the right to abortion and enabled states to set their own laws. Abortions are allowed in Tennessee only at the point a woman is at risk of dying. Fears that states would follow with prohibitions on contraception and in-vitro fertilization arose when the Alabama Supreme Court ruled this year that embryos are unborn children, based on the argument that life begins at conception. Lawmakers used that belief as the basis to ban abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill provides clarity and reassurance that contraception and procedures like in-vitro fertilization are not affected by the abortion ban. Sen. Raumesh Akbari The matter is further complicated by the U.S. Senates failure for a second time to pass legislation granting a right to in-vitro fertilization. It fell along party lines, with Republicans opposing it, according to KFF Health News. The Southern Baptist Convention and Catholic Church also oppose in-vitro fertilization, even though it is used in about 2% of American births, KFF reported. Its unclear whether Tennessee Republicans would support the measure sponsored by Akbari and Love, but Republicans dont appear to have the appetite for prohibiting contraception or in-vitro fertilization in Tennessee, even if such a move surfaces in the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt. Gov. (Randy) McNally sees nothing in current law that interferes with access to contraception or fertility treatments. Lt. Gov. McNally and the overwhelming majority of legislators agree that contraception and IVF treatments are protected, spokesperson Adam Kleinheider said. Gov. Bill Lee also spoke this week in support of maintaining IVF, though he said he was unaware of details of a national debate or the Tennessee legislation. I believe that IVF is important, that we allow and protect IVF for families. Its a part of what I believe is being pro-life, and the laws in our state do protect IVF, Lee said. Lee supported the trigger law that put an abortion ban in effect in Tennessee when the Supreme Court overturned national abortion rights. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Testimony continued for a man accused of driving drunk and killing a teenager in Kennesaw. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Jerome Cox, 68, faces seven charges connected to the death of 17-year-old Olivia Pugh on Dec. 8, 2023, on Ben King Road. Monday jurors saw body camera video recorded the night of December 8, 2023. Cox is seen on Cobb County Ofc. Matthew Browns body camera, refusing a sobriety test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told Ofc. Brown, I dont think its fair. I didnt cause this and I shouldnt and were all innocent until proven guilty right, Cox said. Brown testified Coxs behavior seemed unusual for the circumstances. It didnt appear that he was acting the way he should be acting, considering a person was hit, he didnt seem to be concerned, Brown said. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coxs defense attorney argued that while Coxs behavior may have seemed unusual it doesnt mean guilt. Jurors also heard from those who were with Pugh when the SUV hit her and police investigators who responded to the crash. Prosecutors told jurors Pugh was with a group of friends that evening at the Joy of Lights, which is a walk-through holiday decoration display in a neighborhood near where the crash happened. A man named Charles Herbough took the stand Friday. He told jurors he and his family were leaving the light show, crossing near Ben King Road, and he heard what sounded like a car crash behind them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We crossed, and right after we crossed, I heard an impact that sounded to be like a car accident, said Herbough. Just before that, he noticed a separate group of girls walking behind his family. The only thing I could think of was the girls that had been behind us, said Herbough. Then, I heard the girls on the other side screaming, Shes been hit! Shes been hit! Prosecutors said Cox was the driver and argued he was drunk. They told jurors he refused a breath or blood test but said he smelled like it. They were coming from a Christmas party, said Cobb County Assistant District Attorney Nolan Slifko. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Defense attorney Kyle Denslow pushed back against the criminal charges Friday. While questioning a sergeant from the Cobb County Police Department, Denslow suggested Pugh was not in the crosswalk and it was dark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on your experience, your assessment of the scene, do you believe that Jerome Cox could see a pedestrian in the roadway that night, asked Denslow. Probably not, the sergeant answered. The crash threw Pugh upon impact. Herbough described finding her shoes and socks before her. She died in the hospital two days later. Prosecutors are working to convince the jury Cox is guilty of seven crimes beyond a reasonable doubt. Those charges include homicide by vehicle, serious injury by vehicle, driving under the influence, open container, failure to yield, use of care to avoid collision with pedestrian and obstruction of a police officer. According to court documents, the homicide, failure to yield, and injury charges are related to Pughs death. The open container, DUI and use of care charges stem from drinking accusations. The obstruction charge is related to the breath and blood test refusal. Texans should be prepared for an immediate change in 2025. Starting Jan. 1, vehicle safety inspections will be a thing of the past for most Texans. That's when House Bill 3297 will go into effect. Here is what will change for motorists in Texas. Why did Texas eliminate mandatory vehicle inspections? In 2023, HB 3297 was signed into law, removing the requirement for state inspections of noncommercial vehicles. Supporters argued that eliminating the annual inspection requirement would save Texas drivers money. One-year and two-year (for new vehicles) safety inspections cost $7, and up to $18 more for safety emissions inspections, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The safety and emission items during the inspection would include: Brakes Tires Fuel system Headlights Tail lights and turn signals Exhaust system Mirrors Proponents also noted that eliminating the requirement would make things more convenient for Texas drivers, particularly in rural areas where access to inspection stations might be limited. It would also reduce the administrative burden for the state government, which had to oversee the inspection program. All noncommercial vehicles in the state will be subject to a $7.50 Inspection Program Replacement Fee. This fee will be added to the total when you register your vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New vehicles purchased in Texas that have not been previously registered in Texas or another state are required to pay an initial inspection program replacement fee of $16.75 to cover two years. Is an emissions test still required in Texas? Your vehicle might still need to pass an emissions test, depending on the county you live in. Drivers in counties surrounding major Texas cities like Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, El Paso and Houston are required to undergo mandatory emissions tests. San Antonio will be added to this list in the future. What Texas counties require emissions testing? Here are the counties that will require emissions testing to comply with federally mandated clean air requirements: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brazoria Collin Dallas Denton El Paso Ellis Fort Bend Galveston Harris Johnson Kaufman Montgomery Parker Rockwall Tarrant Travis Williamson Bexar County will join this requirement in 2026. How much do safety emissions tests cost? In Texas, the cost of emissions tests varies depending on the county and type of vehicle, but typically ranges from $11.50 to $25.50. Counties that require emissions testing include the larger metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Here is what you would pay in the following counties: Safety emissions ( El Paso, Travis & Williamson counties): $18.50 Safety emissions ( Dallas, Tarrant & Harris counties): $25.50 Emissions-only vehicles (El Paso, Travis & Williamson counties): $11.50 Emissions-only vehicles (Dallas, Tarrant & Harris counties): $18.50 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pricing for safety emissions testing covers safety and emissions inspection, while an emission-only inspection tests exhaust systems and emissions outputs. The inspection cost is determined by the county of registration and the type of inspection required. Diesel-powered vehicles and motorcycles are exempt from emissions testing but are still required to have the annual safety inspection, according to Texas DPS. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texans no longer required to get car safety inspections in 2025 JOHNSON COUNTY Tony Coleman recognizes the signs all too well. A cow drools strings of saliva. Then it starts to limp, each step slower. Then it grows stiff. Then its quick. Theres nothing to be done. The cow dies. Since early 2023, the Grandview rancher has watched more than 35 of his 150 Black Angus cattle perish. July was especially brutal. In the span of a week, Coleman lost a 3-week-old calf; a cow; and Little Red, a strong bull full of spirit, leaving Coleman with nothing but unanswered questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is destroying our lives, Coleman said. You never know what you're going to get every day when you get down here. Next door, James Farmer has lost two calves, and found two of his wifes beloved horses toppled to the ground like dominos, their bodies swarmed by buzzards. It's hard for me to tell her, because I know she's gonna break down, he said. Why are our animals dying? Just back to back? It never ends. Months before, the men said they noticed a gag-inducing sewage smell drifting from smoking piles of fertilizer on their neighbors property. Heavy rains then washed some of the fertilizer onto their land. Soon after, they said they found fish floating dead in the stock ponds their livestock drink from. The Colemans have lost more than 35 animals. One went blind before dying, they said, a white film coating the pupil. A pair of calves died less than a week after birth. They found dead fish floating in their stock ponds. When an animal dies it's a race against time. Coleman and his neighbor James Farmer scramble to beat the buzzards and coyotes to the carcass, then drive it to a lab in College Station. Credit: Courtesy of Tony and Karen Coleman They contacted the county with their concerns, triggering a nine-month investigation. Thats when their cattle and horses began to die. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An environmental crime investigator in Johnson County collected samples of the dead animals tissue and organs, the water they drank from, the soil and the fertilizer that was applied next door. After the county received test results, the two families finally got their answer: The animals had been killed by something in the fertilizer. The fertilizer had been made with biosolids, part of an effort to find a climate-friendly method to recycle municipal sewage. But the fertilizer also contained synthetic and highly hazardous chemicals known as PFAS, which are found in hundreds of household products and have had devastating effects on farms and ranches that inadvertently spread them on their land. An untold number of farms and ranches across Texas and the rest of the nation may have also used fertilizer made from sewage tainted with these forever chemicals which dont break down in the environment without knowing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals used since the 1940s that have a singular ability to repel oil and water and resist heat. They are used in products like nonstick cookware, pizza boxes, waterproof mascara, toilet paper, soaps and rain jackets. There are more than 12,000 types of PFAS, but researchers have only studied the health effects of roughly 150. They can contaminate food and water and build up in the body over time. Exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to cancer, low birth rates and birth defects, damage to the liver and immune system, and other serious health problems. One study found the chemicals in the blood of nearly 97% of all Americans. Due to their widespread use in consumer products, forever chemicals have been discharged into waterways by chemical manufacturers, trucked to landfills with household trash or flushed into city sewers via toilets, sinks, showers and washing machines. Then they end up in local wastewater treatment plants where the solids are separated from sewage. Fertilizer companies who are often paid to haul these biosolids away process them into fertilizer thats sold to farmers and ranchers as a cheaper alternative to chemical fertilizers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A number of Texas wastewater plants have contracts with fertilizer companies to take their biosolids, including Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Arlington. Nationally, more than half of sewage sludge was treated and spread on land, according to one study; 19 billion pounds of it was spread on American farms between 2016 and 2021, the nonprofit Environmental Working Group found in 2022. Wastewater treatment and biosolids experts call this an environmental win-win because those solids dont go to landfills or incinerators processes that create greenhouse gasses, which contribute to climate change. But nobody knows how much of that fertilizer is contaminated with PFAS, which can be absorbed by crops, consumed by livestock, and then enter the food supply. There are no requirements to test biosolids for PFAS, or to warn farmers and ranchers that they could be using contaminated fertilizer made with biosolids on their land. Some people are saying, [PFAS contamination] are isolated incidents. No, they're not. I guarantee that this is a problem in every single state that uses biosolids, said Kyla Bennett, a former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency employee who is now a science policy director for the nonprofit group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reason we're not hearing about it all over the country, in all 50 states, is because nobody's looking for this problem, Bennett added. According to EPA data analyzed by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group in 2022, an estimated 5% of all crop fields in the U.S. up to 20 million acres could have used fertilizer made with biosolids. In Texas, more than 157,000 dry metric tons of biosolids-based fertilizer were applied to agricultural lands in 2018. While the EPA recently set limits for a handful of the chemicals in drinking water, those rules do not cover biosolids. The evidence is out there that PFAS are a health hazard, Bennett said. We shouldnt have to wait [for the EPA to act]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without federal regulations, some states have taken action, requiring wastewater treatment plants to test their biosolids for PFAS or setting their own limits for PFAS in biosolids. Texas is not among them. State environmental regulators said in a statement theyre not required to by law. Tony Coleman took over the farm in 2018 after his wifes father died from liver cancer. Karen Coleman said the farm doesn't feel the same anymore the PFAS contamination has cast a shadow over it. If they sold cattle now, she said, it would feel like a betrayal of her father's memory. We believe in Jesus. And at the end of my time, when I have to stand in front of Jesus and I get to see my dad again, I have to answer for the decisions that we're making right now, she said. Credit: Azul Sordo for The Texas Tribune Coleman and other Johnson County farmers who know their land is contaminated are now faced with an existential dilemma: Do they sell their cattle and their crops, knowing theyre likely laced with PFAS, or face financial ruin? Coleman and Farmer have both decided not to sell any cattle. That means the men now run zombie farms. They pay to feed animals and harvest hay that they wont sell a single 900-pound steer could sell for $4,800, Coleman said. Everything we plant here is just sucking this [PFAS] stuff up, Coleman said. The cows drink the water and eat the grass. For them there is no escaping. Anxiety in Johnson County The Johnson County Courthouse in downtown Cleburne on July 29, 2024. Credit: Azul Sordo for The Texas Tribune In February, Johnson County residents packed the courthouse and listened intently as Dana Ames, an environmental crime investigator for the county, and other local officials explained the findings from the nine-month investigation into the noxious smells and dead livestock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ames, who spent $35,000 of the countys money on the investigation and sent samples to a lab in Pennsylvania, told residents that the liver of the Colemans stillborn calf contained 610,000 parts per trillion of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS, one of the many types of forever chemicals. The tissue from a calf belonging to Farmer that died a week after being born tested at 320 ppt of PFOS. Currently, there are no federal food safety standards for PFAS. In Maine, which in 2016 became the first state to detect PFAS contamination at a farm, state officials issued limits for beef containing PFOS at 3.4 parts per billion and milk containing PFOS at 210 parts per trillion meaning that beef or milk exceeding these levels should be considered unsafe for consumption. Maine, which has discovered 78 contaminated farms and shut five of them down, has been the only state to set its own PFAS limits for food. Samples of the pond water where the ranching families livestock drink from ranged from 84 ppt to 1,333 ppt of PFAS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county also tested the fertilizer their neighbor spread on his farm and found 27 types of PFAS chemicals, including four out of the five the EPA has set limits for in drinking water. Johnson County Commissioner Larry Woolley at his desk in Cleburne. Credit: Azul Sordo for The Texas Tribune Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These people were led to believe this was safe and a cheap fertilizer, County Commissioner Larry Woolley said at the meeting. And this isnt just isolated to this one incident or multiple counties. This is going on all over. The amount of beef and milk thats gone into the food chain, who knows what their PFAS levels are? The level of victimization is widespread, he added. The Colemans, Farmer and four other local farmers have sued Synagro, the Maryland-based company that produced the biosolids-based fertilizer applied on their neighbors fields, and Renda Environmental, a Texas-based fertilizer company that sold to the neighbor before Synagro. The lawsuit claims the companies knew about the contaminants in the fertilizer and failed to provide adequate warnings to its customers. Synagro denies the allegations. Kip Cleverley, a spokesperson with the company, said the company did its own testing on the land where the fertilizer was applied and preliminary results found PFAS levels in the single digits parts per trillion in the surface water. The company did not provide its test results to the Tribune, saying its analysis was still in progress. The data strongly suggests that the farm where biosolids were used could not be a source for the PFAS allegedly found on the plaintiffs farms, Cleverley said. Renda Environmental told the Tribune the company does not comment on pending litigation. In a separate lawsuit filed against the EPA in June by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility on behalf of the farmers, the group claimed the agency failed to implement restrictions on PFAS in biosolids despite knowing the health risks posed by the chemicals. Johnson County later joined the suit. My heart breaks [for the farmers], said Bennett, the group's science policy director. It could be years until the EPA sets biosolids regulations. Somebody needs to hold their feet to the fire farmers are losing their livelihoods. The biosolids used to create the fertilizer that allegedly contaminated the Colemans and Farmers farms came from Fort Worths Village Creek Water Reclamation Facility, which treats sewage from 1 million people, many industries and 23 communities in North Texas. It generates between 27,000 to 31,000 tons of biosolids per year. Top left: In one of the last steps in the wastewater treatment process, the wastewater is injected with chlorine to kill any remaining bacteria. Fort Worth Water sends the recycled water to the Dallas-Fort Worth airport for industrial use. Top right: Mary Gugliuzza, spokesperson for Fort Worth Water, said forever chemicals enter the wastewater treatment plant from homes, businesses and industrial customers. Bottom left: The first step of the wastewater treatment process involves sending raw sewage through screens to remove trash. Bottom right: Air is pumped into wastewater pools known as aeration basins, where oxygen promotes microbial growth that helps break down pollutants. Credit: Erika Nina Suarez for the Texas Tribune Mary Gugliuzza, spokesperson for Fort Worth Water, said the fertilizer pellets produced by Synagro meet EPA and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requirements. Gugliuzza added the city had tested some of its biosolids for PFAS even though its not required. Those results showed PFAS in the biosolids, but Gugliuzza said thats the case at wastewater facilities across the country. Synagro has contracts with more than 1,000 municipal wastewater plants, industrial, and agricultural customers in North America including Fort Worth to turn biosolids, which one employee described as resembling chocolate milk, into fertilizer that it markets as nutrient rich and environmentally friendly. In 2022 Synagro processed 6.5 million tons of biosolids nationwide. The [EPA] has not suggested that any changes in biosolids management is required because of the presence of trace amounts of PFAS, Cleverly, the company spokesperson, said. In September, the EPA responded to the lawsuit saying it has complete discretion over which pollutants to regulate under federal law so it can't be sued. But the agency is now studying the presence of PFAS in wastewater and sewage sludge nationally and conducting a risk assessment on the use of biosolids and sewage sludge containing the two most widely used and studied forever chemicals PFOA and PFOS focusing on health risks through exposure to soil, water, crops, meat and dairy. It expects to publish the results by the end of this year, which will determine whether new federal rules are necessary. Who should be responsible for removing forever chemicals? In the wastewater treatment process at the San Antonio Water Systems Steven M. Clouse Water Recycling Center, final clarifiers are used to separate the treated water from the remaining solids. Credit: Chris Stokes for The Texas Tribune In Texas, most biosolids end up in a landfill. But the rest is diverted for agricultural use in Texas. At San Antonios wastewater treatment plant, water is removed from sewage sludge by using a machine that squeezes it between two tensioned belts or by spreading it in drying beds so the sun evaporates the moisture. Once its dried to a crumb-like texture, the biosolids are piled into black mountains then transported to other facilities where two Texas compost companies turn it into fertilizer. Pitched as a cost-effective way to improve soil fertility, biosolids have been applied to land in the U.S. since the 1970s. Scientists say they contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that helps plants grow. The EPA only requires wastewater treatment plants to test biosolids for heavy metals and pathogens that can be harmful to health. The two most common ways to dry sewage sludge are by passing it through a belt presser which presses the sludge between two belts to squeeze out the water or in drying beds. Sludge spread over sand beds dries into a crumbly material after the sun's heat evaporates the moisture. Credit: Chris Stokes for The Texas Tribune If the EPA issues new restrictions on PFAS in biosolids, utilities fear they are likely to bear the responsibility for removing the chemicals from wastewater. If we are required to treat a particular chemical that is not covered in the way you already treat, you have to design a whole new system, said Ed Guzman, the senior vice president and chief legal and ethics officer at the San Antonio Water System. You have to put it in place and that all takes time. It takes money. The cost of removal is significant: A 2023 report by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency found that it would cost between $2.7 million and $18 million per pound to remove and destroy PFAS from municipal wastewater, depending on facility size, and between $1 million and $2.7 million per pound of PFAS removed from biosolids. Adam Krantz, the CEO of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, a group representing municipal wastewater treatment agencies, said the cost of remediation could be passed down to water utility customers, but argues that "polluters should pay."It really is the corporate polluter that needs to foot the bill for this as the wrongdoer, he said. Others, like Janine Burke-Wells, executive director for the North East Biosolids & Residuals Association, which represents wastewater treatment facilities and biosolids producers, said that the responsibility to curb PFAS should fall on everyone. Unless we really eliminate all the sources of PFAS there's always going to be a background level because [PFAS] is in everything, Burke-Wells said. One county doing what it can County Commissioner Larry Woolley drives past PFAS-affected land in Grandview on July 29, 2024. Credit: Azul Sordo for The Texas Tribune In Johnson County, Woolley drives his silver pickup down rural roads, pointing out hay bales and miles of milo grain, corn and wheat crops the county commissioner says have been blessed by heavy rainfall earlier this year. Woolley, a former agriculture teacher who moved to Grandivew in 1982, says hes spent sleepless nights worrying about PFAS impacts on ranching families in this county of 180,000 residents. I lay awake at night thinking of the magnitude of this whole deal. Its just crazy, Woolley said. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I think there's gonna be so much public outcry on this it's gonna be hard for our state officials to ignore that. Following the countys investigation, Woolley led the charge to pass a local resolution urging farmers to stop using biosolids on their land. The resolution called for Fort Worth to stop sending its biosolids to fertilizer companies until the TCEQ tests them for the presence of PFAS and asked the EPA to set limits on PFAS in biosolids. The resolution also called on state lawmakers to regulate the application of biosolids-based fertilizer on farmland or give power to counties to do so. Thats the hard part, Woolley said. We dont have authority to ban biosolids. In July, neighboring Ellis County passed a similar resolution calling for regulation and legislation to restrict the application of biosolids on farms and ranches until further testing is done. Since then, Kaufman, Henderson, Somervell and Wise counties have done the same. Woolley has traveled around the state to sound the alarm about PFAS at conferences for county officials. He said he and his staff are preparing to go to Austin to meet with state lawmakers during the next legislative session. He hopes they will introduce new bills that will address PFAS contamination in biosolids, including giving counties money to test for the contaminants, and require TCEQ to test biosolids statewide for forever chemicals. So far, there have been no bills filed by state lawmakers regarding PFAS contamination in biosolids ahead of the legislative session that begins in January. In 2021, Michigan began requiring all municipal wastewater treatment plants to test their biosolids for PFAS before spreading them on agricultural land. The state also began prohibiting the application of biosolids containing more than 150 parts per billion of PFOS on agricultural land. Since then, the state has lowered that threshold to 100 ppb and added another type of PFAS to the list, PFOA. What experts refer to as the "Michigan model" has now been embraced by other states including California, Wisconsin and Washington. Connecticut and Maine have banned the use of biosolids on agricultural fields. Ellen Mallory, a professor of sustainable agriculture at The University of Maine, said state response has been crucial given the lack of standards at the federal level. The important part here is it's really hard to have any response to PFAS contamination if we don't have any standards. So a state like Texas that has no standards, what do you do? How do you help farmers determine if their food is safe or not? she said. Meanwhile, Tony Coleman and his wife are still watching their livestock die. They pack dead cattle in a big cooler, load them onto a trailer and drive 140 miles to a laboratory at College Station where vet technicians perform a necropsy and remove tissue to be tested for PFAS. The couple both work two jobs and are looking for a third. They're worried they have lost the ability to make a living off their own land. We can't consciously sell you a side of beef and then you eat it and you get sick. What kind of people does that make us? Coleman said. Disclosure: San Antonio Water System has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. DULLES, Va. (DC News Now) The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on Monday that officers arrested a Texas woman after they found over 71 lbs of marijuana in her baggage at the Dulles International Airport. According to the CBP, on the night of Nov. 22, officers were inspecting baggage that was being loaded onto a London-bound flight when they found two suitcases that contained large, vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana. AC/DC concert tour coming to Northwest Stadium in Landover Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers identified the traveler responsible for the luggage as Du Li Park, 30, of The Colony, Texas. They then escorted her and the two suitcases from departure to the inspection station, where they extracted 60 vacuum-sealed bags containing just over 71 lbs of marijuana. Authorities said the marijuana had a street value of as much as $330,000 in the U.S. and, depending on the potency, could be valued two to three times more than that in London. Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police officers arrested a Texas woman after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 71 pounds of marijuana in her baggage on November 22, 2024. The woman was traveling to London, U.K., where high potency marijuana can fetch prices two to three times higher than in the United States. (CBP Photo/Handout) Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police officers arrested a Texas woman after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 71 pounds of marijuana in her baggage on November 22, 2024. The woman was traveling to London, U.K., where high potency marijuana can fetch prices two to three times higher than in the United States. (CBP Photo/Handout) Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police officers arrested a Texas woman after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 71 pounds of marijuana in her baggage on November 22, 2024. The woman was traveling to London, U.K., where high potency marijuana can fetch prices two to three times higher than in the United States. (CBP Photo/Handout) Officers turned Park and the marijuana over to Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) officers, who charged her with felony possession with intent to distribute, transporting controlled substance into the Commonwealth and narcotics conspiracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snake meat seized at Dulles International Airport Bulk marijuana smuggling is illegal, and Customs and Border Protection will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold smugglers accountable, said Marc E. Calixte, CBPs area port director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C. Travelers who gamble with their freedom by smuggling bulk amounts of marijuana for a little extra cash may find themselves on the losing end of that proposition. CBP noted that federal law prohibits transporting marijuana across state lines or out of the U.S. However, officers have noticed a continuing trend of U.S.-based growers shipping the substance to Europe and Africa, where high-quality cannabis can go for higher prices. The agency said that officers seized an average of 2,339 pounds of dangerous drugs in 2023 at and between the nations air, sea and land ports of entry. 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. HAZLE TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) State police report that three people were arrested after being accused of retail thefts at a Walmart in Luzerne County. According to Pennsylvania State Police, troopers responded to Walmart in Hazle Township for separate retail theft incidents throughout November. On November 20, around 10:00 a.m., troopers said they were called for a 41-year-old man from Hazleton who failed to pay for five bottles of vitamins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven charged during DUI checkpoint Then on November 22, around 8:00 p.m., state police say a 25-year-old woman from Hazleton was at the self-checkout and only scanning a portion of the items. The suspect then requested a refund from the machine and got all the money back, PSP reported. The woman attempted to steal $590.56 of merchandise. Lastly, on November 23, around 11:00 p.m., police stated a 28-year-old man from Florida stole various food products worth $95.86. All three have been cited for retail theft through the district court. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. Three lawsuits have been filed in two weeks against My Family Preschool & Child Care Center alleging abuse and neglect. The day care is located in Hurricane, W.Va. (Google Maps photo) Three lawsuits alleging abuse and neglect against children at a Hurricane, West Virginia day care have been filed in the last two weeks, according to filings with the Putnam County Circuit Court. The lawsuits, which were brought by the parents of three separate children who attended My Family Daycare and Preschool, allege that staff and leadership at the facility neglected their duty to report abuse that was caught on cameras in the day care to the authorities, which is required by West Virginia state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Department of Human Services did not respond to requests for comment on this story pertaining to whether any official reports have been filed regarding abuse at the day care in the past. The first lawsuit was filed on Nov. 20 and was brought by Alyshia Henry against the day care; Kelley Matusic, who served as the facilitys director, and Abigail Alford, who was an employee there. Henrys 6-year-old child, according to the lawsuit, attended the day care in September, where they were a student in Alfords classroom. According to the lawsuit, a video from Sept. 24 which was shown to the childs parents and was later posted on Facebook by a friend with Henrys permission depicts a scene of utter chaos. The classroom was overcrowded and being managed by just one employee, Alford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This stark imbalance between the number of children and the lone staff member underscores a severe lack of adequate supervision and support, raising concerns about the ability to ensure the safety and proper care of each child in such an understaffed environment, the lawsuit reads. The footage highlights the pressing issue of insufficient worker-to-child ratios, which is critical for maintaining order and fostering a safe learning atmosphere. In the video, according to the suit, Henrys child can be seen pushing another child down. That child then goes to tell Alford, who calls out to Henrys child and tells them to come here. When Henrys child didnt listen, Alford approached them. Alford then proceeded to abruptly and aggressively grab the child under the arms, dragging them across the classroom and dropping them several times, according to the lawsuit. The force was so severe that Alford left significant bruising on the minor child, including but not limited to nail marks from her fingers, the lawsuit reads. Alford then pulls the child into a corner of the room that is not covered by the cameras. Though not seen, the child can be heard on the video yelling and telling Alford no several times, according to the suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is clear from the video footage that Defendant Alfords behavior crossed acceptable boundaries, manifesting in ways that caused both immediate and lasting distress to the children under her care and further suggest a deliberate misuse of authority and a betrayal of the trust placed in educators to create a safe and nurturing environment, according to the lawsuit. Also according to the suit, the day care as an entity and Matusic as the director of the day care acted negligently by not properly vetting Alford before hiring her and not properly training her to work with children. Further, when the incident was brought to Matusics attention, she allegedly failed to report it to either local law enforcement or the state Department of Human Services, which is required by state code. The lawsuit also alleges that Henrys child was discriminated against by Alford because of their race, which is a violation of the states Human Rights Act. The incident on Sept. 24 was seen by another child at the day care, whose parents Calvary McGuire and Taylor Moore filed a separate lawsuit last week alleging their 9-year-old also suffered from the events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGuire and Moores child has autism, according to the suit, and is severely limited in speech development due to her condition. In the video from that day, McGuire and Moores child is seen sitting in a chair watching television as Alford drags Henrys child across the room. When they reach the corner out of sight from the cameras which is right in front of where McGuire and Moores child was sitting McGuire and Moores child can be seen jumping out of her chair and becoming visibly distraught by the abuse she is witnessing, according to the lawsuit. The child begins waving her arms in an attempt to get help for Henrys child. The incident caused McGuire and Moores child emotional and psychological harm, according to the lawsuit. The second suit alleges the same negligence from Matusic and My Family Daycare that was detailed in the first one brought by Henry. The third lawsuit also filed last week was brought by Samantha Kinnear on behalf of her 3-year-old, who attended My Family Daycare in September of 2023. That suit names Matusic, the day care facility and an unnamed employee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the third suit, Kinnears daughter returned home from day care one day with severe bruising on her arms. When Kinnear asked her what happened, the child said that her teacher hurt her. Kinnear immediately took photos of the bruises and reported the abuse to Matusic, who allegedly tried to brush off the incident, telling the child when she was confronted with the information, That didnt happen, dont say that, according to the suit. The actions of the unnamed day care worker who left the bruises on Kinnears toddler caused immediate and lasting distress to the child, whose demeanor completely changed following the incident, according to the suit. The allegations against Matusic and the day care in the third suit are largely the same as in the other two suits. As the director, Matusic again failed to report the incident to authorities once it was reported and both she and the day care itself are accused of being negligent in hiring and not training the unnamed worker. All three families in these suits are being represented by Charleston attorney Michael Cary. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX On 2 December, the Russians attacked the cities of Kryvyi Rih and Nikopol of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, injuring three men aged 21, 53 and 85. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration Quote from Serhii Lysak: "Two people were injured in this evenings attack on the Kryvyi Rih district. A man, 85, was hospitalised in a moderate condition. A 53-year-old man was provided with medical aid on the spot." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Russians also destroyed two houses and damaged another one. Earlier, Serhii Lysak said that the Russians attacked the Nikopol district 20 times during the day. The Russians attacked the city of Kryvyi Rih and Marhanets and Myrove hromadas. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town and their adjacent territories ed.]. The Russians used kamikaze drones and artillery and dropped ammunition from a UAV. A man, 21, was injured in one of the attacks. He received medical aid and will be treated in a hospital. In addition, a multi-storey building, eight houses, four outbuildings, a garage, a car and a minibus were damaged. A gymnasium, a shop and a petrol station were also damaged, along with power lines and a gas pipeline. Support UP or become our patron! LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Three Square Food Bank is hosting its 15th Annual Holiday Match Challenge in the Las Vegas valley. This month, donations can have double the impact on food-insecure families. The Holiday Match Challenge is a great time to maximize your gift, Kate Gaines, principal gifts advisor at Three Square Food Bank, said. For every dollar donated, you can turn it into six meals. What an incredible impact thats going to have in our community. This years Holiday Match Challenge is supported by area businesses and community leaders, including Boyd Gaming Corporation, Nevada Gold Mines, and Intermountain Health Care, who will match donations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 341,000 individuals in Southern Nevada are food insecure, including more than 115,000 children, according to Three Square. While hunger is not seasonal, the need for food assistance will become greater as families try to make the most of the holiday season while facing the high cost of living and other everyday needs. Unfortunately, food insecurity is a persistent issue in our community. One out of seven of our neighbors dont always know where their next meal is coming from and one out of five kids go home to a food-insecure household, so every dollar, especially this holiday season, can go a long way to help out a lot of people, Gaines said. You dont have to be a big corporation to give back. Every little bit will help. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Melanie Henshaw Investigate West An hour before the fireworks went off at Poulsbo, Washingtons annual Fourth of July celebration in 2019, three police officers approached Stonechild Chiefstick, a citizen of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy Reservation and father of six. The officers had received a report that Chiefstick was threatening people with a screwdriver. Less than 10 seconds later, following a brief confrontation, Officer Craig Keller shot Chiefstick twice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An hour later, the celebration returned to normal. The fireworks went off as planned. The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office investigated. And as is overwhelmingly common with police shootings, local prosecutors declined to charge Keller, who is white, with a crime. In 2021, Washington lawmakers created the nation's first state-funded office to investigate police killings like Chiefstick's, providing an extra layer of accountability for deadly use-of-force incidents that disproportionately impact Native Americans but that are rarely prosecuted. Three years since the legislation passed, however, the office still hasn't officially launched any investigation. Chiefstick's case is one of five put under review by the office. But that means little to Trishandra Pickup, who shared four children with Chiefstick. "They need to do an investigation, a review is not enough, Pickup said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislation passed in 2021 as part of a spate of police reform laws in the wake of the killing of George Floyd created a new agency, the Office of Independent Investigations, and tasked it with reviewing past fatal uses of force, then conducting full investigations in some cases, as well as investigating new cases involving serious use of force. The office was meant to use civilian investigators to add transparency and accountability in cases where people challenge the use of deadly force and subsequent investigations by law enforcement and prosecutors. But reform advocates who pushed the legislation are criticizing the offices slow pace in opening investigations, its focus on hiring investigators from within the world of law enforcement, and its failure to begin even monitoring uses of force in the three years since the law was passed. The agency will begin investigating current use-of-force complaints for the first time in December, in just one of six regions in the state. Families affected by police violence have been waiting too long for independent investigations, Dominic Campese, spokesperson for the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability, said in a written statement. Three of the five cases under review by the office involve the deaths of Native Americans. Native Americans encounter disproportionate police violence in Washington and across the country, with statistics showing they die at the hands of law enforcement at a rate five times higher than whites nationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Chiefsticks death, Pickup filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Poulsbo, alleging negligence, excessive force and inadequate training, which it settled for $2 million in 2021. The shooting caused outrage in the local Indigenous community and strained relations between the city of Poulsbo and the nearby Suquamish Tribe, where Chiefstick had kinship ties and long resided. Poulsbo, a predominantly white town of 12,000, directly abuts the Suquamish Tribe Reservation. Pickup sees the shooting and the response as representative of systemic racism against Native Americans. None of this would be happening if Native lives were important in this country, Pickup said. A slow start Only a small percentage of law enforcement officers are convicted in connection with killing a civilian in the line of duty it was roughly 1% nationwide in 2022, according to the police data nonprofit Mapping Police Violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts say thats true for a variety of reasons. Laws protect police officers right to use force to protect themselves and others, and the vast majority of uses of force are deemed justified by the involved agency, but critics also cite bias in internal investigations by police and prosecutors who often work closely with the officers they must investigate. Investigations into fatal use-of-force cases have long been criticized by police reform advocates as lacking rigor and independence, given that they are carried out by the officers own agency or a neighboring one. Charging decisions are made by local prosecutors who work closely with police. In Washington, there have been roughly 200 fatal police shootings since 2015, according to the nonprofit Alliance for Gun Responsibility. In 2018, Washington voters passed an initiative creating regional teams made up of local law enforcement officers to investigate police killings, but reform advocates continued to push for more independence in those investigations. For us to feel safe we need to have a body to investigate those that we must trust, said Waldo Waldron-Ramsey, political director for the Washington Community Action Network and former regional director for the NAACP who served on the task force that recommended the creation of the Office of Independent Investigations. Part of public safety is that the public trusts those who are doing the job and who are responsible for our safety law enforcement and prosecution, Waldron-Ramsey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the aftermath of the police killing of Floyd in 2020, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee convened a task force to examine independent oversight of uses of force. The task forces primary recommendation was the creation of an independent state agency to investigate police uses of force. Eventually, legislation creating the office tasked it with probing past police killings in cases where new evidence is presented and taking over the process of investigating deadly and serious uses-of-force by local law enforcement departments. The agency is unique in the nation as a state-funded, fully independent agency with investigative powers, and it has emphasized that it will be overseen by civilians and employ civilian investigators. Although other states like New York have agencies with independent investigative functions, the Washington offices mandate goes further by empowering it to look at past cases when new evidence arises. Other states like California employ their Department of Justice in certain high-profile cases, but typically only at the request of local agencies or the behest of the states attorney general. Still, in the three years since its inception, the Washington offices effects have been muted. The agency cites staffing shortages and the difficulty of building the agency up from scratch as the primary challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hector Castro, community relations and communications director for the Office of Independent Investigations, said the agency has had a lengthy to-do list since its inception, and that theres no set timeline for the agencys review process but that it involves a comprehensive and thorough consideration of all relevant information in the case. The office is under the states general budget and has struggled to secure funding since its inception. Its $23.9 million budget through 2025 is far less than the $67 million it requested. The agency has been slow to hire staff, according to Castro, and only secured a director former prosecutor, defense attorney and judge Roger Rogoff shortly before it was originally supposed to begin investigations in July 2022. Since then, it has proceeded with the painstaking process of hiring and training investigators, leaving it with limited staff to prepare to accept current use-of-force complaints and deal with past cases, according to Castro. Reform advocates expressed concern that multiple investigators with the office have worked in a law enforcement capacity in the last 24 months, which Campese said is contrary to the spirit of the legislation creating the agency. The agency has also faced challenges with restrictions on the materials its investigators can use. After a use-of-force incident, law enforcement agencies compel officers to make statements about the incident, known as Garrity statements. However, these statements and any evidence from the internal investigation based on them cannot be used in the independent investigation to protect officers against self-incrimination. As a result, the agency has to rely mainly on other evidence, which may be biased or incomplete, for its case reviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing that we've learned at this agency as we're starting out is you need to be able to adapt, Castro said. Tensions remain between reform advocates, legislators and law enforcement groups over independent investigations. Reformers want to add an additional layer of accountability to the process by creating an independent state prosecutor to handle use-of-force cases, rather than local elected prosecutors, who have opposed what they perceive as a possibly unconstitutional circumvention of their jurisdiction. Law enforcement groups also have opposed the prospect of an independent prosecutor. We take significant issue with the idea of spending $12 million to hire two dozen people whose sole job it is to charge police officers with murder, James McMahan, policy director for the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, said in 2023 testimony against the bill. So far, two bills that wouldve created an independent prosecutors office have died in committee. Washington Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver, who sponsored the bills, said its an important component of independent investigations into uses of force and was always envisioned to work alongside the OII, but she acknowledges obstacles remain to getting her bill through the House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waldron-Ramsey said that a state prosecutor would be a vital element of creating a truly accountable oversight system. We dont have trust in local prosecutors investigating police killings because they work so closely with those local law enforcement agencies, he said. Family, friends and community members gathered at a 2019 vigil in remembrance of Stonechild Chiefstick, who was shot to death by a Poulsbo, Wash., police officer after a confrontation earlier that year. (Ashley Ann/Kitsap Daily News) Cases under review Although the office has yet to announce any official investigations, it has identified five cases that passed its initial requirements and are under full review. Three of the five victims were Native American. For a case to meet the standard for a full review, there must be new evidence that was not considered during the initial investigation, including new witnesses or photo or video evidence that was not previously considered. The review process differs from an investigation in a review, investigators are examining existing materials and the purported new evidence rather than conducting fresh interviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the aftermath of Chiefsticks death and before creation of the state office, Pickup and her lawyer, Gabe Galanda, met with representatives from Inslees office, asking for an independent investigation into his killing. Months passed, and no news came, so they requested and received a second meeting with the governors office, shortly after Inslee signed legislation creating the new office. Pickup said she left the second meeting feeling reassured that there would be a full, independent investigation. Instead, it was referred to the agency for review. Pickup said her lawyer also referred Chiefsticks case to the office, presenting evidence of multiple new witnesses to the shooting. Police, witnesses and the familys wrongful-death lawsuit offer conflicting narratives of the confrontation between Chiefstick and Keller. Police say they went to arrest Chiefstick in the crowded festival after a woman reported he threatened someone with a screwdriver and a physical confrontation between Chiefstick and Keller occurred, causing Kellers body-worn camera to fall to the ground. Chiefsticks family members dispute that he threatened bystanders or police with the screwdriver and contend that he retreated, tripped and dropped what he was holding before Keller shot him twice. Keller later said in a statement that he feared for his life and the life of others, and that Chiefstick tried to stab him with the screwdriver. The case is still under review, and the agency cant say when it will announce a decision on an investigation. Castro says the agency stays in regular communication with families so they understand the agencys progress and decision-making. They want to try to put on a show with these reviews, Pickup said. Until they open a case and put their money where their mouth is, and do an investigation, its only talk, and Im not falling for their smoke and mirrors. The historical relationship between Native American communities and law enforcement is fraught with violence and abuse on the part of the latter, and multiple police shootings of Native Americans in Washington have outraged Indigenous communities. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions most recent data shows Native Americans were more than five times as likely to die from police violence than whites in 2020. Apart from the Chiefstick case, the office is reviewing the police killings of Native American victims Cecil Lacy Jr. and Jacqueline Salyers. Lacy, a citizen of the Tulalip Tribe, was walking along a road on the reservation in September 2015 when police stopped him for wandering into the street, according to news reports. The street had no sidewalks. Following a brief confrontation, Snohomish County Sheriff's Deputy Charles Pendergrass tased Lacy before he and two other officers pinned Lacy to the ground. Lacy reportedly told officers, "I can't breathe," while he was pinned by Pendergrass, until he became unresponsive and died. Local prosecutors declined to file charges against Pendergrass. Lacy's family won a $1.75 million settlement from Snohomish County in a wrongful death lawsuit.. In the case of Jacqueline Salyers, a pregnant citizen of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, police shot and killed her on Jan. 28, 2016, as she fled from them in a vehicle with her boyfriend, who was wanted by law enforcement, according to news reports. Police allege that she tried to run them over, which her family disputes. Prosecutors declined to file charges against the officers, Scott Campbell and Aaron Joseph. The Puyallup Tribe alleges that new evidence in the case demands further investigation. The state office is reviewing two additional cases. Jason Hale was shot in the back of the neck by Cpl. David Reed of the Stevens County Sheriffs Department on Aug. 19, 2015, during a confrontation where Hale was walking away; police said he pulled a handgun before the shooting but witnesses disputed that, according to news reports. On Sept. 20, 2020, Redmond Police Officer Daniel Mendoza shot Andrea Churna six times as she surrendered to police after she called 911 while in crisis. Her family settled a wrongful death suit with the city of Redmond for $7.5 million. Carrying a memory Pickup and Chiefstick have four children together. The youngest recently graduated from high school, surrounded by loving family and community members but their fathers presence was missed. Although their relationship didnt work out, Pickup said Chiefstick was a good parent, known for playing and joking with kids in the community. Now, Pickup forges on. On a recent morning, she was sitting in the living room of her home in the Suquamish Tribe Reservation making the final preparations for Halloween, when she goes all out for her kids in the neighborhood. I bought an old pizza warmer from a pizza shop, the kind that holds like four pizzas at once, and I fill it up with Costco pizza, Pickup said. A mother of six, Pickup dedicates much of her time and energy to her family, stitching homemade powwow regalia and homeschooling. She became heavily involved in the police accountability movement after Chiefsticks death, driving around Suquamish Nation in her car emblazoned with Justice for Stony on the windows. Today, she serves on the Criminal Justice Training Commission as a civilian commissioner and keeps track of Chiefsticks case. She works closely with the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability and other families affected by police violence. She juggles child care, homeschooling and advocating for Chiefstick, all while waiting on a decision from the agency. Theyre meeting with us just to meet with us because they need to, Pickup said. There is no information, theyre not giving us any information because as far as I know they dont have any information. They may be defense lawyers, but they say the people who stole their U.S. Treasury-issued paychecks, and their identities, should now spend time behind bars. Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn are asking for a 21-month sentence for Markel Washington, 29, a Bronx crook who along with others targeted defense lawyers who represent indigent clients. To bolster their argument, the feds have given the sentencing judge letters from two criminal defense attorneys who were victims of Washington, his co-conspirators and other check thieves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why is incarceration necessary? wrote one of the defense lawyers, whose name does not appear on the letter. First, to gain empathy, a person must often lose something dear to them. Time is such an item. Im sure the defendants value it. And, of course, there is the symmetry here. These defendants stole our time, so now they should pay that debt. Washington was one of eight defendants indicted in check-stealing schemes in Brooklyn Federal Court in February and April. He pleaded guilty to bank fraud and is slated to be sentenced by Brooklyn Federal Court Judge Ann Donnelly Tuesday morning. He and two accomplices, Tyquan Robinson and Ada Tavarez, were charged with stealing one defense attorneys $125,386.81 check. Tavarez, who impersonated the attorney to cash the check, has also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other defendants are accused of stealing checks worth $22,687.72 and $14,856. In a letter to Donnelly, the defense attorney impersonated by Tavarez described how it took her six months of dealing with her bank and Treasury officials to finally get her $125,386.61 check. The financial strain and psychological toll the theft of this check caused cannot be overstated. The theft not only deprived me of timely access to my rightful earnings but also imposed a lingering sense of vulnerability, she wrote, calling for a sentence of imprisonment for the thieves. Her name also does not appear on the letter. There is no consequence for these thieves, and therefore no deterrence, so the free-loaders like these defendants, who steal hard-working peoples money, are brazen enough to steal my identity without any regard for how my life is impacted by their selfish and aggressive criminal behavior, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the arrests, several lawyers who are appointed to indigent federal defendants through the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel, told The News that several of their checks had also gone missing or been stolen. Washington and his accomplices took advantage of a legal technicality. Up until recently, the government-appointed lawyers whose identities were stolen could only get their U.S. Treasury Department checks physically sent to them in the mail. The agency that pays the checks, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, was bound by a badly phrased bit of federal law that says payments to Criminal Justice Act-appointed lawyers must go directly to the attorneys, not to their law firms, the Daily News reported in February. Congress changed the law in March to allow direct deposits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the defense lawyers said the check-stealers should be punished more harshly than drug-dealers, describing a client who grew up in poverty and a broken family, then joined a crack-dealing conspiracy. He sold crack cocaine, not a good choice, but a choice that showed less culpability than these defendants because his crime possesses some level of moral ambiguity, given the mixed messages our society sends about drugs and alcohol, the lawyer wrote. The same cannot be said about these defendants. There is no ambiguity about their conduct. This was not a mistake or a victimless crime. They knew this was an invasion. Each check they stole had a name upon it whose signature was forged. They pretended to be me and others out of greed. Washingtons lawyer, Elena Fast appointed through the CJA panel pleaded for leniency in a Nov. 19 letter to the judge, pointing out that he too grew up amid hardship and violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His 2-year-old brother was killed by his babysitter in 2007 and his 15-year-old brother was gunned down in 2019. She also asked the judge to consider that hes spent nearly 10 months locked up at the notoriously violent MDC Brooklyn, as a man with no gang affiliations held in a housing unit colloquially nicknamed Gangland. In his own letter to Donnelly, Washington says hes been in lockdown in his cell for 147 days of his incarceration, let out only twice a week to shower. Washington described himself as profoundly sorry for his crime, and praised Fasts efforts on his behalf as a court-appointed lawyer. She has the patience of a saint, Washington wrote. I admire her very much and I have a great appreciation for how hard CJA attorneys have to work. The latest immigration statistics make for stark reading. The Office of National Statistics has upgraded its figures for net migration in the year ending June 2023 to 906,000. Thats because theyd undercounted the number of people coming, and overestimated the number who were leaving. Even though those numbers have declined slightly, the provisional net migration figures to the end of June 2024 still stand at a huge 728,000. These unprecedented levels sound bad but they are likely the preface to something worse. Many of these visas are in the low-skill, low-pay care sector or other jobs where migrants can look forward to getting Indefinite Leave to Remain in five years. Once that is obtained, they are on a path to citizenship and permanent settlement. In the most recent statistics, the number of people getting citizenship was 268,000 larger than the population of York. Data from the Office for Budget Responsibility showed that low-earning immigrants tend to be fiscal negatives over the course of their lifetimes. That means that any low-skill worker who becomes a British citizen will end up costing the taxpayer more than they contribute. With only a minority of those arriving here on work visas and many of those low-earning, that means we are adding hundreds of thousands of people to the population who will end up costing us money. Where will the money to pay for that come from? The answer can be seen in recent tax rises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once migrants have Indefinite Leave to Remain or citizenship, they can bring family over. These statistics show that 87,000 family members arrived in the year ending in September 2024. Those who arrive on family visas rarely leave. If they are young, it is likely the taxpayer will have to pay for their schooling. If they are old, the taxpayer will have to pay for their medical and social care. If they are spouses, many will never work: among non-EU female migrants, 41 per cent did not go into employment. The last government did plan to increase the income threshold to bring over family members, from 18,600 to 38,700 by 2025. However, the new Home Secretary Yvette Cooper froze it at 29,000 shortly after the election, pending a review by the Migration Advisory Committee. That is less than the average British wage of 34,000. Whats more, among those coming in the year ending September 2024 were 100,00 people claiming asylum. Only 31,700 of those either chose or were made to leave. With high grant rates for asylum, many of the remaining 68,300 will be able to stay. In time, they too will be able to sponsor family members to join them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike those who came as workers, they do not need to satisfy any additional requirements, such as earning enough, having somewhere to live, or even being able to speak English. There are also no application charges, biometric enrolment fees, or need to pay the normal Immigration Health Surcharge. In fact, a refugee can be on benefits and still sponsor family members to come. They can also sponsor children who are not their own, so long as they are related to them: nieces, nephews, and grandchildren are all eligible so long as certain conditions can be met. That means that the high figures we are seeing are only the beginning of a much larger process. The net migration of 906,000 in the year ending June 2023 will increase over time, as immigrants settle down and are reunited with their families. Such big numbers represent a huge cost for taxpayers, as well as an unsustainable level of pressure on housing, hospitals, and other infrastructure, and will make integration all but impossible. For those reasons, Indefinite Leave to Remain needs to be urgently amended before those new waves become eligible. That could mean expanding the time required for application from 5 to 10 years, as the Dutch and Danes are doing. It could mean revoking Indefinite Leave to Remain in some cases, as the Swedes are increasingly doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could even mean suspending Indefinite Leave to Remain altogether and moving away from permanent settlement being seen as the norm, towards decisions being made on a case-by-case basis, as is more common in Switzerland. Without that, Britain is facing an immigration disaster. 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 current U.S. Congress has just a few more weeks of work left before it adjourns to make way for newly elected lawmakers. As they finish up their final housekeeping items, there is one remaining promise that senators and representatives have made to the American people that must be kept. Congress must take immediate legislative action to lower prescription drug out-of-pocket costs. Making drugs more affordable is not a heavy lift on Capitol Hill and is, in fact, not even controversial. There is strong bipartisan support in the Senate and House for measures that will rein in the anti-consumer business practices of pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs. Committees in both houses have compiled volumes of evidence detailing how PBMs are manipulating the drug pricing system to boost their own profits. Several bills have already cleared congressional committees. The only task remaining is to pass PBM reform legislation and send it to President Biden for his signature before the current Congress clock runs out. Congress can take immediate legislative action to lower prescription drug out-of-pocket costs. (Credit: American Statesman/File) Texas patients and consumers know firsthand that our prescription drug pricing system is badly broken. It simply isnt right when PBM middlemen negotiate rebates and discounts with drug manufacturers, pocket those savings as profits and then charge patients co-pays based on the drugs original list price rather than the lower negotiated price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it gets even worse. As a Federal Trade Commission investigation pointed out, PBMs are using their power to steer patients toward more expensive medications those that generate the greatest profits for the PBMs while obstructing access to cheaper alternatives like generics and biosimilars. Not only are these large corporations inserting themselves between patients and their physicians in making decisions about medicines, but they are imposing unnecessarily high out-of-pocket costs on drug consumers, many of whom are on fixed incomes. The problem is well documented. The evidence is substantial. And the damage being done to millions of Americans is extensive and indefensible. Now all we need is for Congress to have the will to fix this dilemma before adjourning. There are two bills that have been passed by the Senate Finance Committee, the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability Act and the Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs, and Extenders Act. Among the provisions in both bills are two that are most critical. First, it is essential to permanently break the linkage between PBM revenues and the cost of drugs. When PBMs make money from rebates tied to a drugs list price, the incentives are in place for PBMs to force patients to use higher-priced drugs. PBMs should be paid a flat, fair market-based fee for the services they provide and not maximize their profits by forcing financially strapped families to choose between medicine and groceries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, those rebates that the PBMs negotiate with the drug companies? They should be passed along to patients at the pharmacy counter and not diverted into PBM quarterly earnings. It is unconscionable for consumers to pay full price for a drug that PBMs are getting at a discount. These are common-sense measures that are neither Republican nor Democratic ideas. They have the strong support of lawmakers in both parties. The clock is ticking, though. We have just a short time remaining before the current Congress ends. If this work is not completed, the next Congress would have to start from scratch and patients health and finances will continue to be damaged at the hands of multibillion-dollar PBMs. We encourage the Texas congressional delegation, and all of Congress, to make PBM reform a foremost priority. Dont leave Washington, D.C., this year without making prescription drugs more affordable by passing these measures. Ford is president and CEO of the Texas Healthcare & Bioscience Institute. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Time is short for Congress to lower prescription drug costs | Opinion President Biden and the White House have emphatically insisted the president wouldnt pardon his son, Hunter Biden. But all of that changed Sunday, when Biden announced he would indeed grant leniency on Hunter, who was convicted on gun charges and pleaded guilty to federal tax charges and was facing a sentencing this month. The president and his aides had been asked numerous times if a Hunter Biden pardon was being considered, decisively answering no on a multitude of occasions for more than a year. Here are the times that the president and his aides said Hunter wouldnt be pardoned. Nov. 7, 2024 Just after the election, when Trump beat Vice President Harris to become the 47th president, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated there were no plans to pardon Hunter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jean-Pierre was questioned on if the president had any intention of pardoning his son, replying, Weve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no, Jean-Pierre said. When asked about the possibility of a commutation, Jean-Pierre said, Thats not what were going to do. Sept. 5, 2024 In September, Hunter Biden changed his plea to guilty in a federal case after being accused of withholding $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019. Jean-Pierre at that time was questioned on whether that changes the presidents calculus on pardoning his son. Its no. Its still no, she said. July 26, 2024 Jean-Pierre insisted several times in July that the president would not pardon his son or commute his sentence after he was found guilty by a jury on gun charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its still its still a no. Its still a no, she said. A reporter followed up with, It will always be a no? Its still a no. It will be a no. It it is a no. And I dont have anything else to add. Will he pardon his son? No, Jean-Pierre said. June 13, 2024 A reporter asked Biden in June, during a press conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, if he thought his son was able to get a fair trial. At the time, Biden insisted he wouldnt pardon his son. With regard to the question regarding the family, Im extremely proud of my son, Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He is, hes one of the brightest, most decent men I know. And I am satisfied that Im not going to do anything, Biden said, I said Id abide by the jury decision, and I will do that. And I will not pardon him. June 12, 2024 Just after the younger Bidens conviction, Jean-Pierre was asked if a commutation was on the table and didnt rule it out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She pointed to Bidens comments during an interview six days prior, adding, I dont have anything beyond what the President said. Hes been very clear about this. June 11, 2024 The president released a statement shortly after Hunter Biden was found guilty of three charges relating to a 2018 gun purchase, saying he would accept the outcome of his sons conviction. As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad. I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today, Biden said. As I also said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. June 6, 2024 Biden sat for an interview with ABCs David Muir while in Normandy, France, and said he will accept the jurys outcome in his sons trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Muir at one point asked, Have you ruled out a pardon for your son? and the president replied, yes. Dec. 8, 2023 In the wake of tax charges brought against Hunter Biden in California in December of last year, Jean-Pierre said the president has not changed his mind about a pardon. Nothing has changed. That is still the case, she said. Sept. 15, 2023 When prosecutors in Delaware brought three gun-related charges against Hunter Biden, Jean-Pierre said Biden would not be pardoning his son if hes convicted. Ive answered this question before; it was asked of me not too long ago, a couple of weeks ago. And I was very clear, and I said no, she said. July 27, 2023 Just one month after Hunter Biden was found guilty on three gun charges, Jean-Pierre was asked if there was any possibility the president would end up pardoning his son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jean-Pierre was asked, From presidential perspective, is there any possibility that the president would end up pardoning his son? She responded no. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Los Angeles County District Attorney-elect Nathan Hochman will officially take the reins on Tuesday, as hes set to be sworn in on the front steps of the Hall of Justice. Hochman replaces District Attorney George Gascon, who lost his reelection bid in a landslide. The former federal prosecutor Hochman told LAist that hes excited for the opportunity of a lifetime. Im taking over an office that has been considered one of the premiere D.A.s offices in the nation, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hochman takes over from the reform-minded Gascon, whose policies were criticized by Hochman and others as being pro-criminal. Despite his criticism, Hochman said his changes wont replace one extreme policy with extreme policies on the other end of the pendulum swing. Im not bringing back mass incarceration policies, he said. This combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez. (California Dept. of Corrections via AP) FILE Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez sit with defense attorney Leslie Abramson, right, in Beverly Hills Municipal Court during a hearing, Nov. 26, 1990. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File) Erik Menendez (L) and his brother Lyle (R) listen during a pre-trial hearing, on December 29, 1992 in Los Angeles after the two pleaded innocent in the August 1989 shotgun deaths of their wealthy parents, Jose and Mary Louise Menendez of Beverly Hills, Calif. It took 40 months for the Superior Court arraignment after prosecutors and defense attorneys battled over the admissibility of taped confessions the brothers allegedly made to their psychotherapist. (Photo by VINCE BUCCI/AFP via Getty Images) Erik Menendez, left, and is brother Lyle, in front of their Beverly Hills home. They are prime suspects in their parents murder. (Getty) One of the more prominent cases that Hochman will handle soon after taking office is that of the Menendez brothers, for whom Gascon supported resentencing. Hochman told KTLA that he plans to do the hard work of digging into case files and other documents to determine if his office will also support resentencing the brothers, who have been in prison for more than three decades after they murdered their parents in Beverly Hills in 1989. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only then can you be in a position to determine whether resentencing is the remedy in this situation or whether what is asked for in the resentencing is the appropriate request, Hochman 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 KTLA. Washington Metropolitan Police conduct a sobriety check point on August 14, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Welcome to The Topline, a weekly roundup of the big numbers driving the Minnesota news cycle, as well as the smaller ones that you might have missed. This week: Minnesota DUIs creeping upward; putting a biobank on the moon; Walz polling at 1% for 2028; and elite college diversity. DUI arrests continue to climb upward Last week the Star Tribune reported on a statewide holiday law enforcement push to curb driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. One stat that jumped out of the story: last year there were about 27,000 drunk driving arrests in the state, up about 4% from the prior year and a continuation of a steady annual rising trend since 2020. The trend is all the more baffling given the widespread availability of Uber and Lyft, at least in the metro area and other bigger cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drunk drivers are becoming more lethal too: In 2020 they killed 114 people on Minnesotas roadways, and by 2022 that number rose to 145. (Caveat: 2020 was the major pandemic year.) Tallying all crashes (not just alcohol-related ones), 418 people have been killed on Minnesota roads so far in 2024, up 64 from the same period in 2023. Thats an increase of close to 20%. The causes of that increase are not entirely clear, and the Department of Public Safety still hasnt released final traffic safety data from 2023, making it hard to discern which factors might be involved. Roughly 1 in 7 Minnesota drivers have a DUI on their record, according to the agency. The typical BAC at the time of arrest is 0.15, nearly twice the legal limit. About 40% of DUI arrestees will re-offend. UMN scientists want to put biobank on the moon Scientists at the University of Minnesota are part of a national project to create a repository of seeds, DNA, cells and possibly even cryogenically frozen organisms on the moon, KARE 11 reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What would it look like to create a genuinely public cooperative single biorepository that is not vulnerable to ecological, nuclear, other disasters on Earth and could really be a hedge against disaster? Our big insurance policy up on the moon, law and medicine professor Susan Wolf said. There are already several well-known biobanks here on earth, including a global seed bank on the remote arctic island of Svalbard. But those earthbound repositories are vulnerable to the same potential disruptions wars, global warming, nuclear bombs that prompted their creation in the first place. A separate stash of biological material way up on the moon could provide an additional insurance policy against an apocalypse. There are, obviously, many challenges to doing this. The primary one, which the Minnesota researchers are working on, is keeping living tissue alive at -200 Celsius. Joe Kanga, a postdoc, is working with zebrafish, which can be frozen as embryos and revived at a later date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They get pulled out of the liquid nitrogen when they are ready to be rewarmed and they are shot with this laser and that heats them up at millions of degrees per minute so like in a matter of milliseconds it goes from -200 degrees C up to room temperature, Kanga said. Walz polling at 1% for 2028 Emerson College has released its first horse race poll for the 2028 Democratic nomination. As a predictor of whats actually going to happen four years from now its virtually meaningless, and to the extent it means anything its basically just a barometer of simple name recognition. However. It does seem notable that just 1% of Democratic respondents chose Gov. Tim Walz, one of the two names at the top of the Democratic ticket just a few weeks ago. That puts him behind Michelle Obama, and ties him with former Daily Show host Jon Stewart, as well as Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, whose name I had to Google. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Again: a polling result almost completely devoid of meaning. But still kind of interesting that second-place billing on a presidential ticket gets you nowhere with voters. Economic diversity at elite colleges, or lack thereof The National Bureau of Economic Research recently released a new study on historic trends in college enrollment, which draws on the actual enrollment records of 2.5 million students at elite private and public colleges and universities. The most interesting finding is that those elite schools think Ivies and similar institutions that overbearing upper middle class parents are always trying to get their high-achieving kids into have increased both their geographic and racial diversity over the past century. Economic diversity, on the other hand, is basically stagnant. As the 20th century unfolded those schools simply began drawing from a geographically larger and more racially diverse pool of well-off kids. Today roughly 70% of the students at elite public colleges come from the top 20% of the income spectrum, same as it was in the early 1900s. These patterns suggest that changes in racial and geographic diversity have all taken place within the middle and upper portions of the parental income distribution, the authors write. Theyre wining about Joe! A New York City liquor store that recently opened just blocks away from the now-shuttered Trader Joes Wine Shop is cashing in on the intellectual property of the grocery chain and confusing customers, the retail behemoth claimed in a new lawsuit. Trader Joes blasted Joes Wine Co. for not only sharing a similar name but copying the aesthetic of the beloved former wine store in Union Square, which closed two years ago after workers tried to unionize, according to court papers. Attorneys for Trader Joes accused Joes Wine Co. for stealing the name and aesthetic of the shuttered Trader Joes Wine Shop. Brigitte Stelzer Despite other city-based businesses using the name Joe, including Joes Pizza, the grocer is demanding the family-owned business change its name and pay damages, alleging its trademark is synonymous with high-quality, affordable groceries and alcohol, according to the suit, filed on Nov. 20 in New York federal court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The name of Joes Wine Co., which opened over the summer at at 113 3rd Ave., pays homage to the owners family heritage of winemaking that dates back to 12th-century Spain, the company said in a statement provided to The Post. The name Joseph is also a family name that has been passed down from generation to generation, the company contended. Joes Wine Co., which opened at 113 3rd Avenue in New York City over the summer, claims Joseph is a family name. Joes Wine Co. Its hard enough to open a small business in New York City these days without the constant intimidation and threat of litigation we are receiving from Trader Joes, a spokesperson for Joes Wine Co. said. We are the hard working people here, real New Yorkers, trying to do something to honor our winemaking heritage and benefit this community by offering affordable and quality wine and spirits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joes Wine Co. did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Post. Trader Joes contended the new liquor store is actively courting consumer confusion. Christopher Sadowski The lawsuit, first reported by Gothamist, also accused the small business of stealing the Trader Joes color scheme and wood paneling, circular red logo and other promotional banners that offered similar deals to the grocer, including a sign that read 100 WINES UNDER $12. The liquor store is actively courting consumer confusion, the suit claims, with attorneys for Trader Joes insisting the company opted to change its name after purchasing assets of Taste Wine Co., another city-based liquor business that closed in 2020. The company spokesperson struck back stating the family-owned business only bought the licensing to Taste Wine. Trader Joes currently operates 10 stores in Manhattan, including one located three blocks away from Joes Wine Co. on 14th Street. Brigitte Stelzer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It just doesnt make sense that we among hundreds would be picked out as being a little confusing when there are so many pre-existing uses of Joe, attorney Alfred Zaher, who is representing Joes Wine Co., said, according to the outlet. The only similarities between our mark and theirs is the word Joe, theirs is Trader Joes Trader is the dominant portion. No one knows them as Joe. He added that the alleged color scheme and circular logo used prior to opening have since been replaced with a wooded brown sign with the circle omitted. Trader Joes currently operates 10 stores in Manhattan, including one located three blocks away from Joes Wine Co. on 14th Street. A trader spent 1,500 on dinner and champagne at a club before killing a 12-year-old girl in a car crash and fleeing the scene, a court heard. Edward Tully, who admitted causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving, was jailed on Monday for 12 years and disqualified from driving for 13 years. The 30-year-old had been out with friends at Proud Embankment, a cabaret bar, on the Victoria Embankment in central London on the night of the collision on Aug 20 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He spent over 1,500 on four five-course meals with prosecco, as well as five bottles of Veuve Clicquot Rose champagne, before driving home in his Bentley at between 56 and 60 miles per hour double the speed limit. Tully overtook a car at a set of red lights at a junction in Barnet before striking the red Vauxhall Astra that the girls mother was driving. The Bentley then hit a post on a traffic island. The crash sent the Astra spinning across the junction, leaving the girl unconscious and not breathing and her father badly injured while her mother and brother screamed for help. The girl died in hospital two days later. The red Vauxhall Astra spun 460 degrees across a junction after being hit by Edward Tullys Bentley - Central News/CPS A witness described someone from the Bentley making a gesture as if to say up yours, the court heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tully then fled the scene and walked back to his flat in Princess Park Manor. He then called his father, who picked him up from his flat in his black Nissan Navara. After police officers repeatedly attempted to contact Tully, he handed himself in to a police station in Colindale the next day. Defendant seen drinking repeatedly Jocelyn Ledward KC, prosecuting, said: As a result of the impact, the Astra spun clockwise 460 degrees across the junction, coming to rest in the southbound carriageway towards the north-east corner of the junction, and then rolling backwards at slow speed into the pedestrian barrier. The girl was not conscious. She was not breathing and clearly very badly injured. Her mother and brother screamed for help, and members of the public, including other drivers, came to their assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whilst an ambulance was called, one of them used his tools to cut the girls seatbelt, removed her from the car and began CPR. Paramedics arrived, and she was resuscitated to the point her heart was re-started, but she remained unconscious and not breathing spontaneously. She was taken to the Royal London Hospital. Ms Ledward added: Sadly, she had sustained brain and spinal injuries which were not survivable, as well as injuries to her lungs, liver, a fractured pelvis and two broken arms. Edward Tully fled the scene after crashing his Bentley - Central News/CPS The prosecutor said a receipt from the club revealed Tully spent something of the order of over 1,500 in the club that night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Referring to CCTV from Proud Embankment, Ms Ledward said: The defendant can be seen drinking regularly and repeatedly, over 20 times at least, from glasses which have been refilled from the bottles, including by himself, throughout the two hours. David Spens, KC, defending, said: Mr Tully accepts full responsibility for her death. He is genuinely and profoundly sorry. While it may seem inadequate given the circumstances, he is profoundly sorry for the loss he brought to this family. He accepts that he deserves serious punishment. He left school at the age of 17. He built two successful businesses. Cowardly decision In a victim impact statement read to the court, the girls mother said: My daughter was my best friend, we were very close to each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I relive the incident. I get flashbacks of that night. I feel pain. I feel helpless. This incident has caused devastation to a happy family. This incident has taken everything away from us, everything. Judge John Lodge told Tully: She was 12 at the time of her death. Anyone who had the privilege of listening to the victims personal statements will have heard so much about a young girl so full of life, who had already given so much in her childhood and, on the cusp of her teenage years, had so much more to give. Edward Tullys father, pictured outside Southwark crown court, went to his sons flat to pick him up following the crash - My London/BPM MEDIA The judge said Tully had been impaired by alcohol but added: It is not known precisely how impaired by drink he was because he took the cowardly decision to flee the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He hit the family at excessive speed. The attitude of the defendant was I am not going to stay here, we must run right now and he did. All the evidence points to significant consumption. The amount you spent speaks for itself, even in a group context. The judge added that those who had attempted to help Tully after the crash should hang their heads in shame. Tully said I love you to his sobbing parents as he was jailed for 12 years and led from the dock. 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 search for missing hiker Susan Lane-Fournier, 61, took a tragic turn after her body was found over the weekend in Welches, Oregon, an unincorporated community at the base of Mount Hood. Authorities confirmed her death as a homicide, and her husband of 12 years, Michel Fournier, 71, has been arrested on a charge of second-degree murder, according to the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office. The search Lane-Fournier, known to friends as Phoenix, was reported missing when she failed to show up for work on November 22. The following day, a concerned community member spotted her white Ford F-250 truck parked near East Salmon River Road, close to the Green Canyon Way Trail south of Welches. Lane-Fournier, an avid hiker, was believed to have been hiking in the area with her two Malinois-mix dogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities launched an intensive search operation the next day, deploying over 20 volunteer searchers and Clackamas County Search and Rescue teams to comb the rugged terrain. Despite challenging weather conditions, including temperatures that fell into the 30s, the search continued for several days. After more than 800 hours of searching, deputies discovered a body on Friday near East Highway 26 and East Miller Road in the Welches area. Lane-Fourniers disappearance came less than a month after she sued Fournier for divorce, court records show, citing irreconcilable differences. Fournier did not file a response to his wifes petition, which was never successfully served on him, according to the court file. Homicide investigation Fournier faces a charge of second-degree murder in connection with her death. Its unclear whether he has retained an attorney. Susan Lane-Fournier - Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have seen Michel Fournier in the days before her disappearance or who has information about his activity and whereabouts since then, the sheriffs office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oregon State Medical Examiners Office conducted an autopsy on Saturday and determined the manner of death was homicide, according to the sheriffs office. The remains were confirmed to belong to Lane-Fournier on Saturday, and investigators quickly turned their attention to her husband, Michel, who was arrested and booked into Clackamas County Jail without bail that day, according to authorities. The sheriffs office on Sunday announced it had found two deceased dogs believed to belong to Lane-Fournier. Community response The killing has sent shock waves through the community, where Lane-Fournier was well-known. She was described by friends as an outdoor enthusiast, dedicated to her work, and someone who was always willing to help others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities are requesting that anyone with additional information contact the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office Tip Line at 503-723-4949 or submit tips online. The sheriffs office released a booking photo of Michel Fournier on Sunday as they believe it may aid in uncovering further details of the case. Law enforcement agencies are prohibited from releasing booking photos under a 2022 Oregon law, but an exception is made for identification of additional criminal activity. CNNs Andy Rose and Michael Besozzi contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The transgender Tennessee teenager behind a historic hearing at the U.S. Supreme Court this week doesn't want to show her face on television but is eager to speak about a case she says has the potential to make thousands of American kids feel "seen" for who they are. "The court has definitely ruled in ways that would make me think that they don't exactly value bodily autonomy, but I have heard that they've been a little bit better about trans cases than people would think," said 16-year-old LW in an exclusive interview with ABC News alongside her parents Samantha and Brian Williams. PHOTO: After more than two years of gender-affirming treatments, LW, the Tennessee teenager behind a landmark case at the U.S. Supreme Court, says, I feel normal now. (ABC News) The court on Wednesday will hear the Williams family's challenge to Tennessee's 2023 ban on gender-affirming medical treatments for minors, including puberty-blocking medication and hormone therapies that have dramatically improved LW's quality of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Supreme Court to review ban on gender-affirming care for minors While the medications have been used safely to treat minors of all genders for years, they are now prohibited in Tennessee when used to treat trans kids struggling with gender dysphoria, the distress experienced when one's gender assigned at birth is different from one's sense of identity. "It's not very comfortable being trapped in [your body] because it just doesn't feel like you," said LW, who reports significant improvement since beginning the treatments in 2022. Since the state law took effect, LW now has to take time away from school to make a 10-hour round trip out of state to continue receiving care. The travel has also been a costly and time-consuming burden, her parents say. PHOTO: The Williams family of Nashville, Tenn., has to travel out of state to continue receiving gender-affirming care for their teenage daughter after lawmakers banned the treatments in 2023. (ABC News) "It would definitely be horrible for me to have to continue to go out of state to get care," said LW. "I feel normal now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Backed by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Biden administration, and major American medical associations, the Williamses sued Tennessee last year alleging the ban on certain gender-affirming treatments for minors discriminates on the basis of sex and overrides the rights of parents to make medical decisions for their children. "Our state legislature had made such a big deal out of parents' rights during COVID, about masks and vaccines that that's for parents to decide these medical decisions for their children," Samantha Williams said. "And then they made this medical decision for our child." PHOTO: Brian and Samantha Williams of Nashville, Tenn., are asking the Supreme Court to affirm the rights of parents to make medical decisions for their children. (ABC News) State lawmakers who support the law, SB1, say it is meant to protect kids from potentially irreversible effects from treatment and that contradictory scientific evidence and uncertainty about long-term adverse consequences warrant caution. "We made the policy decision on behalf of our constituents that in Tennessee we think this is a risky procedure," said state Sen. Jack Johnson, the Senate GOP leader who sponsored the bill. "It is our role as policymakers here in the state of Tennessee to set those guardrails." PHOTO: Tennessee State Sen. Jack Johnson, the GOP leader, sponsored legislation outlawing the use of puberty-blocking medication and hormone therapies for transgender minors. (ABC News) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Academy of Pediatrics says the effects of puberty blockers are not permanent if treatment is discontinued and that many effects of hormone therapy can also be reversed. Long-term risks may include fertility challenges and possible harm to bone density, but the Academy says those risks require further study. Worldwide, several countries which had previously embraced the treatments for transgender children have subsequently reversed course, citing unclear data about their purported benefits and alleged harms. In many of those places, the treatments remain available, but on a much more limited basis. PHOTO: Tennessee is home to an estimated 3,000 teenagers that identify as transgender, according to the Williams Institute at UCLA Law School, which has analyzed census data. (ABC News) In Tennessee, there are an estimated 3,000 transgender teenagers between ages 13 and 17, according to the Williams Institute at UCLA Law School, which has analyzed Census data. It is not known how many were receiving treatments that are now outlawed or how many suffered alleged harm. A study published in the medical journal JAMA Pediatrics in October 2024 found the overwhelming majority of participants in a long-term survey of 220 transgender youths reported high levels of satisfaction and low levels of regret in the three to five years after receiving puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Supreme Court allows Idaho to enforce ban on gender-affirming care for minors Major American medical associations have for more than a decade endorsed the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy as part of "individually tailored interventions" to support trans kids and affirm their sense of self. "It all begins and ends with science. This is not about any sort of agenda," said Dr. Ben Hoffman, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, in an interview with ABC. PHOTO: Tennessee is one of 26 states that have passed laws banning certain gender-affirming medical treatments for minors. (ABC News) Clinical practice guidelines from the Endocrine Society -- based on more than 260 research studies -- recommend consideration of medications to treat gender dysphoria in young people but waiting until a child reaches adulthood to consider gender-affirming surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's crucial that there be a deep understanding of both the risks and benefits, and truly informed consent," Hoffman said. "And for that reason, it is, by definition, going to take months or years." The Williams family said the decision to use medication to delay LW's puberty followed months of careful consultation with medical experts and mental health providers. They said they grew worried that masculine changes to LW's body would compound her gender dysphoria. "There is this time clock sitting here," said Brian Williams. "The kids can go through puberty and it can have permanent effects on them. So these two things you're trying to balance at the same time." PHOTO: Brian Williams, right, helps his daughter LW practice driving outside the family home in Nashville, Tenn. (ABC News) "She's not suicidal, but she shouldn't have to be suicidal, right?, to get the care that she needs," added Samantha Williams. "When that really hit me, I was like, 'OK, let's do blockers. Let's get moving.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than a year later, LW began receiving hormone therapy to better align her body with her gender identity. The course of treatment led to a reduction in discomfort. "That was incredibly helpful," LW said. "I feel amazing after that. You know, maybe it's just because the gender dysphoria was so bad." The outcome of the case U.S. v. Skrmetti could have a sweeping impact on health care for the more than 300,000 American teens who identify as transgender, as well as the broader LGBTQ community. PHOTO: LW, who asked not to show her face, is a 16-year-old transgender teenager challenging Tennessees ban on gender-affirming medical treatments that have improved her quality of life. (ABC News) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is one of the most significant LGBTQ cases to ever reach the Supreme Court. I think this is an inflection point," said Chase Strangio, the ACLU attorney representing the Williams family. He will be the first openly transgender person to argue a case before the nation's highest court. "Is this going to be a Bowers v. Hardwick type moment that sets off years of government legitimized discrimination against LGBTQ people? Or, is this going to be a Bostock moment that clarifies what we all have been assuming all this time, which is that LGBTQ people are protected under the Constitution and civil rights laws," Strangio said. In its 1986 decision in Bowers, the court upheld state laws criminalizing private same-sex conduct; it was overturned in 2003. The Court's 2020 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County found that employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is illegal. PHOTO: Tennessee Senate GOP Leader Jack Johnson speaks with ABC News Senior Supreme Court reporter Devin Dwyer inside the statehouse. (ABC News) Twenty-six states have laws banning gender-affirming treatments for minors, according to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What concerns me as a physician is that legislators are going to be able to make decisions about a diagnosis, which is very unusual. I mean, that really hasn't happened," said Dr. Susan Lacy, a physician who specializes in hormone management and transgender care for teens and adults at her private practice in Memphis. Lacy, who is also a party to the Supreme Court case, agrees with Tennessee lawmakers that more research is needed on gender-affirming treatments for minors, but that a debate over the data shouldn't deny patients the chance to make an informed decision of their own. "I think the most compelling thing is to listen to the patients," Lacy said. "I have about 700 transgender patients out of about 3,000 total patients, and I have not seen anybody have a serious complication -- not one." "I think we're just at a point where we're still in the process of treating people and having studies that will give us more and more data to support this treatment," she said. PHOTO: Dr. Susan Lacy is a physician specializing in hormone management and transgender care for teens and adults at a private practice in Memphis, Tenn. She is a party to a major Supreme Court case. (ABC News) Johnson said he hopes the Supreme Court will uphold an appeals court ruling that affirmed Tennessee's right to impose restrictions on treatments for transgender minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "States should be the laboratories of democracy," he said. "We should be making the vast majority of decisions about what's best for our people, our constituents here in the statehouse." The Williams family says care that has improved the life of their daughter should not be up for political debate. "I want to listen to the doctors. I want to listen to my kid. I want to take care of her, you know?" Brian Williams said. Transgender teen implores Supreme Court to strike Tennessee gender-affirming care ban originally appeared on abcnews.go.com AUSTIN (KXAN) After finding a disproportionate number of people leaving jail are overdosing and dying within months of being released from custody, the county is focusing harm reduction and treatment efforts on that population. Travis County Judge Andy Brown said people leaving county jail are eight times more likely to die of an overdose than the rest of the community in the first six months after being released. Thats largely because their tolerance has changed and theyre not on an injectable that curbs their desire to take opioids, Brown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday, Travis County announced it has received a federal grant worth $1.6 million to help with things like: in-jail peer recovery support, access to nursing services to manage medications after being released from jail and expanding access to medication-assisted treatment including long-lasting injectable medication. And what that means is instead of having medically-assisted treatment that maybe lasts a day, or a week or something like that and were talking about things like methadone and other drugs that help curb the desire for opioids this will be a long-acting injectable, so that means that it will have that effect for months instead of days or weeks, Brown explained. Its something Maggie Luna, the director of the Texas Harm Reduction Alliance, said is critical for people dealing with an underlying addiction that jail often makes worse. I am somebody who spent 20 years in and out of jail, rehab, and prison all due to an opioid battle that I was fighting for 20 years, Luna said. People dont realize how hard it is to have nobody, to get out with nothing. And even if you really want to not use sometimes thats whats been saving their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Harm Reduction Alliance already does some work inside the Travis County jail educating people on the dangers of fentanyl and drug overdoses. Luna hopes this additional funding will help save more lives. I just hope that it expands the access to resources for people so that there are positive changes for them, she said. Overdose deaths down for first time in three years County leaders also announced Monday that for the first time in three years, the number of accidental overdose deaths in our county are going down. The same is true for fentanyl-related overdose deaths. Those numbers come from the Travis County Medical Examiner who released early data on 2024 deaths. That data is only for the first half of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local leaders contribute the downward trend to education efforts and the use of harm reduction tools like naloxone. Earlier this year our community was rocked by a surge in opioid overdoses that impacted hundreds of patients and resulted in nine deaths. Had it not been for the foresight of our county and city leadership in combating the opiate crisis, I am certain the death toll would have been much higher, said Chief Robert Luckritz, with Austin-Travis County EMS. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (TEXAS TRIBUNE) A retired Texas judge who signed death row inmate Robert Robersons execution warrant earlier this year has recused herself from his case. Texas Supreme Court blocks committee from stopping future execution in Roberson case The court filing was signed on Monday by senior state District Judge Deborah Oakes Evans in Anderson County. No specific reason was given for her decision. I have not yet been served with this order and do not know anything about what prompted Judge Evans to sign this order soon before Thanksgiving, Gretchen Sween, Robersons attorney, told The Texas Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberson was convicted of capital murder in 2003 for the death of his chronically ill 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis. At his trial, prosecutors accused Roberson of shaking Nikki so violently that she died. But Roberson, who was diagnosed with autism after his conviction, has maintained his innocence. Senior state District Judge Deborah Oakes Evans presides over a hearing in Palestine on Aug. 14, 2018, as Robert Robersons attorneys seek a new trial. Roberson was convicted and sentenced to death in 2003 for the murder of his 2-year-old daughter Nikki Curtis. Evans, who initially set an execution date of Oct. 17, 2024, has since agreed to recuse herself. Credit: Shelby Knowles for The Texas Tribune Evans involvement in Robersons case began in 2016, when she oversaw Robersons legal challenge after his first execution was stayed and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals sent his case back to the trial court. After a nine-day hearing, Evans recommended that all relief be denied. She then retired from the bench in 2022. But in 2024, it was disclosed after the state of Texas sought a new execution date that Evans had been assigned to Robersons case, and she set his execution for Oct. 17. Robert Robersons brother maintains his innocence with new letter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Actually, she arranged to be assignedand was assigned months before the state sought an execution datebut the fact of her assignment was not disclosed until after the State sought the execution date. Robersons attorneys, including Sween, quickly requested a hearing before Evans but those requests were denied. On Sept. 25, his lawyers asked to have the execution warrant set aside and they asked that Evans voluntarily recuse herself. In filings seeking the recusal, defense attorneys cited the opaque process in which Evans suddenly returned after retirement to preside over the case. The motion also mentioned the deep personal relationships the judge has with the original prosecutor in his case, the judge who terminated Robersons parental rights and the current Anderson County district attorney, who opposed Robersons habeas relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EXCLUSIVE: Nikki Curtis family breaks silence on Roberson hearings When Evans declined to step aside, the argument was heard by an administrative judge on Oct. 15, two days before Robersons scheduled execution. The recusal motion was denied. The next day, Evans denied a motion to recall the execution. But the day before his execution, the Texas House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence intervened, airing his claims of innocence and lack of due process. The panels surprise move to subpoena Roberson on Oct. 16 then successfully forced a delay in his execution. On Nov. 12, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that the committees subpoena cannot block a death row inmates execution. The state can proceed with a new execution date, but the House committee, whose members believe Roberson was convicted based on junk science, still expects him to provide them with testimony about his conviction and appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new execution date has not been set. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2024/11/30/texas-robert-roberson-judge-recuses/. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. The highly-anticipated trial of a former University of Mississippi student is set to begin in Oxford, Mississippi on Monday. Timothy Herrington Jr. is accused of murdering 20-year-old Jimmie Jay Lee, a University of Mississippi student who disappeared in July of 2022. Jimmie Jay Lee Officers believed he was visiting someone at Molly Barr Trails in Oxford at the time of his disappearance. Lees friends and family reported him missing after he failed to return home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation was launched and Lees vehicle was found abandoned at a towing company. University of Mississippi student missing Weeks later, Herrington, 22, was arrested and charged with his death. Investigators say they tied Herrington to Lee after reviewing surveillance footage and found bodily fluids that might connect him to Lee. They claim that Lee and Herringtons relationship was sexual. Tim Herrington appearing in court on August 9, 2022 Herrington was ordered to be held without bond but later filed a suit claiming he was being held illegally since Lees body had not been recovered. He was eventually given a $250,000 bond which he has since paid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to this case gaining so much national attention, the prosecution and defense filed a joint motion to seal court documents, which was partially granted by the judge. Court officially declares University of Miss. student Jimmie Jay Lee dead The goal was to limit pre-trial publicity and ensure a fair and impartial jury. Jury selection begins in Herringtons trial on Monday. An order was issued back in October for the State of Mississippi to issue a certificate of death for Lee after he was officially presumed dead by the court. Oxford law enforcement is still asking for tips in this case. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Dec. 1A woman accused of leading police on a high-profile wrong-way chase on Interstate 25 that claimed the lives of a Santa Fe officer and a retired firefighter from Las Vegas, N.M., is scheduled to stand trial this week. Jeannine June Jaramillo, 49, is charged with two counts of first-degree felony murder punishable by life in prison and six other crimes in connection with the March 2022 incident. Jury selection is scheduled Wednesday, with the presentation of evidence and testimony set to begin Friday in state District Court in Santa Fe. The trial is expected to continue through Dec. 13. Officials say the events that led to the deaths of Officer Robert Duran, 43, and retired firefighter Frank Lovato, 62, started when Jaramillo falsely told a pedestrian in the parking lot of a Sawmill Road apartment complex she was being held against her will. Duran's loss, just the third duty-related death in the Santa Fe Police Department and the first since 1933, has forever changed the lives of his family, including a wife and two sons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's been rough for all of us the last two and a half years, just trying to heal and adjust and move forward ... and of course now having to attend court and relive it all in the middle of the holidays. We're definitely not not looking forward to it," Duran's sister, Angela Gamino, said in an interview last week. "But in a way, it's like, let's just go do this and get through it," she added. Jaramillo's attorney, David Silva, did not respond to messages seeking comment. Someone who answered a phone number listed for the Lovato family declined to comment. Jaramillo's criminal history includes being accused twice before of stealing vehicles and leading officers on chases, and blaming a man who could never be found. The jury likely will not know about this, in keeping with rules preventing prosecutors from introducing evidence of other bad acts against defendants at trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wrong-way chase According to an arrest warrant affidavit detailing the March 2022 chase, Jaramillo told the person in the apartment complex parking lot to call 911 and say her male passenger was armed with a knife and would not let her out of the Chevrolet Malibu she was driving. Santa Fe police tried to pull over the Malibu, according to the affidavit, but the driver evaded them in a residential area, then headed north in the southbound lanes of Interstate 25. When the car reached an emergency turnaround area, the document says, it made a U-turn and began traveling south in the northbound lanes of the freeway. Police followed. About a mile past the Old Pecos Trail exit, Lovato, who was traveling north, swerved to avoid a head-on crash with the fleeing Malibu and then crashed into Duran, who was driving south in the northbound lanes in pursuit of the Malibu. Both men died. The Malibu kept traveling, then sideswiped a white pickup before coming to rest on the shoulder a short distance away, according to reports from the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaramillo was the only person who emerged from the car, which had been reported stolen in Las Vegas, N.M., according to police. A man named Jerry Chavez testified at a preliminary hearing he'd been in the vehicle with Jaramillo before the incident and that they'd parked in the apartment complex after driving from Las Vegas because the Malibu was low on gas. Their plan, he said, was to panhandle for gas money in the morning in hopes of continuing on to Albuquerque. Chavez told the court they argued the next day and Jaramillo wanted him to get out of the car but he refused because he didn't want to get stranded in Santa Fe. After she pulled up to the pedestrian and asked him to call police, Chavez said, he heard sirens and got out because he didn't want to get in trouble. State law allows prosecutors to charge a person with felony murder when they are suspected of killing someone during the commission of another felony, in this case aggravated fleeing of a police officer. The charge does not require suspicion of an intentional killing. As an alternative to the felony murder charge, jurors will have the option of convicting Jaramillo of first-degree murder "depraved mind," which requires the state to prove she acted without regard for human life and in a manner she knew created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite evidence indicating she was alone in the car at the time, Jaramillo stuck to her story that she'd been kidnapped following her arrest. The Cibola County Sheriff's Office charged Jaramillo in two separate cases that included the same elements about six months prior. The charges had been dismissed pending further information but were refiled after the Santa Fe incident. Jaramillo pleaded guilty in August 2022 to aggravated fleeing and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle as part of a plea agreement that calls for her to serve 18 months in prison. A legacy of service Duran grew up in Artesia and then spent about a decade in California before he and other family members moved back to New Mexico and settled in Rio Rancho, where their younger brother and mother also live, Gamino said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their parents divorced when Duran was 11, she said, and his decision to become a police officer had been a natural outgrowth of him having become the protector of the family in his father's absence. Duran's wife and mother both tried but were unable to return to work following his death. His sons, both in high school at the time, struggled to adjust to life without their father, Gamino said. Her son, who had graduated from college with a degree in marketing a few months before his uncle's death, has since decided he wants to serve his community like his uncle had and has become a firefighter, she said. The family has tried to adjust to its new normal and continue its holiday traditions, Gamino said. "But it's not the same. He was such a huge part of us. There is this big hole in our hearts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gamino said she and her sister-in-law intend to attend the trial, but Duran's children and mother may not sit through the entire ordeal. "She struggles every day," Gamino said. Gamino said her three children have decided not to attend. "They just want to remember him as their loving, fun uncle and not have to sit through, hear and see things that they don't want to," she said. Last week, Brazils federal police unsealed a nearly 900-page document outlining the evidence they collected during an investigation into the actions of then-President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other people, including several high-ranking military officials, in the aftermath of the countrys presidential election in October 2022. According to the reports main conclusion, Bolsonaro planned, acted and was directly and effectively aware of the actions of the criminal organization aiming to launch a coup detat and eliminate the democratic rule of law after he lost that ballot. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who defeated Bolsonaro by about 2 million votes in the second round of the election, was inaugurated on New Years Day of 2023. Seven days later, Bolsonaros supporters stormed Brazils Congress and damaged buildings throughout the capital of Brasilia. That riotreminiscent of the storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump on Jan. 6, 2021was put down swiftly, and it further reinforced the resolve of Lula and a coalition of leftist and centrist legislators to reject the anti-democratic aspects of Bolsonaros movement. In the nearly two years since Jan. 8, 2023, however, it has become clear that the riot that day was only the visible tip of the iceberg of plots threatening Brazils democracy at the time. Bolsonaro, his family and his campaign team worked throughout the election to undermine the credibility of the electoral institutions. After losing, the outgoing president presented an unsigned decree to three top military commanders that would have created a commission to investigate purported electoral fraud based on false evidence that his own party propagated online, with an eye to suspending the countrys electoral authorities and forcing new elections. Going even further, Bolsonaros former defense minister and vice presidential running mate, Walter Braga Netto, approved an assassination attempt against Lula, Vice President-elect Geraldo Alckmin and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Clearly if Bolsonaro and his supporters didnt manage to keep Lula from rightfully assuming the presidency, it wasnt for lack of trying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolsonaro, who had already been banned from office for a range of lesser but nonetheless serious offenses, will now be under further scrutiny for these newly revealed coup plots. But he cant be counted out yet. Though other rising right-wing leaders might aspire to lead the movement he has fostered, Bolsonaro remains a political force capable of pulling strings across the country. As a former president, he has a media presence that is hard for his opponents to rival. And despite the electoral ban he is under, Bolsonaro told the Wall Street Journal last week that he plans to run for president again in 2026. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. The narrative of a former populist right-wing president losing his reelection campaign, leading an insurrection, facing investigations and nevertheless running again likely sounds familiar to observers of U.S. politics. Even beyond the post-election riots in the countries respective capitals, the parallels between Brazilian and U.S. politics have run deep in recent years. Bolsonaro and Trump mobilized similar coalitions on their paths to the presidency and faced similar triumphs and challenges during their terms in office. Now with U.S. voters having returned Trump to the White House, Brazil confronts the question of whether it will follow suit. Despite the parallels between the two countries, there remain significant differences. Moraes has been far more activist and proactive in his use of judicial authority than U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Jack Smith, the special prosecutor Garland tasked with investigating Trump. Brazils political center functions as a powerful bridge across the legislatures polarized right and left wings, something lacking in the current U.S. political landscape. And Bolsonaros internal opponents on the right are more willing to buck the former president than Trumps are. Still, Bolsonaro views Trumps most recent election victory as an opportunity to make the parallels between the two countries outweigh the differences. Bolsonaro views Trumps recent election victory as an opportunity to make the parallels between Brazil and the U.S. outweigh the differences. That Trump will be in the White House come 2026 matters. Secretary of State-nominee Marco Rubioa senator from Florida who is one of Trumps more conventional Cabinet picksis no fan of Lulas and will be the critical voice on the administrations Latin America policy. Steve Bannon, a key Trump adviser recently released from prison, has also advised Bolsonaro in the past and will continue cheerleading for him in internal administration debates. Bolsonaro has personally asked Trump to implement sanctions against Lula, Moraes and anyone else who threatens to use lawfare to block his candidacy for the presidency. With Trump already throwing around threats of trade tariffs and sanctions during the presidential transition period, an extra threat against Brazil to attempt to influence politics there would not be farfetched. On Saturday evening, Trump did threaten to sanction Brazil and the rest of the BRICS over the blocs plan to create an alternative to the U.S. dollar, a key project of Lulas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lula retains the support of about half of Brazils population, and most Brazilians condemn Bolsonaros coup attempt when asked about it in polls. Nevertheless, one challenge Lula faces is that the accusations by Bolsonaro and his supporters of a politicized justice system ring true. Last week, the New York Times reported on the tarnished legacy of the Car Wash anti-corruption investigation that upended politics in Brazil and across the region beginning in 2014. The investigation, which brought to light a massive network of kickbacks and illegal campaign financing involving construction giant Odebrecht and other Brazilian companies, landed politicians and executives across South America in jail. But after revelations about politically motivated collusion between the judge overseeing the investigationa role that is meant to be neutraland prosecutors, 100 convictions have been reversed on appeal in recent years, including for key allies of Lula. That means that even as Bolsonaro faces prosecution for his coup attempt, many corrupt Brazilian politicians and businessmensome with ties to the current governmentare escaping justice. The people brought to justice by the Car Wash investigation deserve due process, and illegally obtained evidence should not be used in criminal convictions. But watching so many people, some of whom admitted their guilt, walk free and billions of dollars in corporate fines waived due to legal technicalities is frustrating for voters who have spent over a decade demanding greater accountability and anti-corruption reforms. Running in the aftermath of the Car Wash investigation, Bolsonaro rode the popular wave of anger over corruption and the ineffectiveness of Brazils political system to the presidency in 2018. Despite the fact that his government proved even more corrupt and undemocratic than his predecessors, his ability to position himself as a populist leader on the side of the people against the elite remains one of his political strengths. While the U.S. analogy is far from perfect, underestimating Bolsonaros odds would repeat the same mistake many in the U.S. made in underestimating the chances that voters would return Trump to the presidency. One of the strange paradoxes in politics is that populists gain from anger at the political system no matter how much they contributed to the systems failures. Brazils prosecution against Bolsonaro for the attempted coup he plotted is salutary. But that does not guarantee the country wont fall into this same trap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Bosworth is the founder of Hxagon, a firm that does political risk analysis and bespoke research in emerging and frontier markets, as well as a global fellow at the Wilson Centers Latin America Program. He has two decades of experience analyzing politics, economics and security in Latin America and the Caribbean. The post Like Trump, Brazils Bolsonaro Still Has a Path Back to Power appeared first on World Politics Review. California Sen. Alex Padilla (D) said Sunday the state had no obligation to help President-elect Donald Trump enact his mass deportation plans, saying local officials will instead work to support migrants and undocumented immigrants. Padilla spoke with CBS News Major Garrett, who asked the lawmaker about recent remarks by Trumps pick to become the nations border czar, Tom Homan. Homan recently told Democratic governors to get the hell out of the way, warning of retribution if officials moved to resist the upcoming Trump administration. Look, I think theres a lot of reason for concern of the second Trump administration, if the first administration is any indicator, Padilla said Sunday, pointing to the president-elects threats to block wildfire funding from the state. Donald Trump has made it no secret that he has it in for California, whether its the withholding of disaster funds simply because its a state that did not vote for him in the presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were trying to inoculate ourselves from those types of threats. Incoming Trump administration "border czar" Tom Homan has vowed any law enforcement that doesn't cooperate with mass deportation efforts will be prosecuted under federal law. @SenAlexPadilla (D-CA) "there's no obligation" for California state and local officials to assist. pic.twitter.com/oxn04NSER5 Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) December 1, 2024 Padilla went on to say California had no plans to use its state and local resources to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and do the federal governments job for them. No state government, not Texas, not California, not any state in the nation, has a constitutional authority to impose federal immigration law, he added. That is the responsibility of the federal government. Instead, Padilla said, state officials would work to embrace the regions diversity and assist families against the threats of the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last thing you want to do is have immigrants who are victims of crime afraid to come forward to report that crime, the senator said. The last thing you want is immigrants who may be witnesses to crime to be afraid to come forward and share any information that they have in the investigation and prosecution of crimes. Let the federal government do the federal governments job, but have state and local officials do the state and local officials job, he went on. There doesnt have to be a conflict, unless thats what Trump wants. Related... US President-elect Donald Trump has called for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and threatened the Palestinian militant group Hamas with undefined consequences if it fails to comply. If the hostages are not released before he takes office on January 20, there would be "All Hell to pay" for those responsible for atrocities in the Middle East, Trump wrote in capital letters on the Truth Social platform on Monday. "Those responsible will be hit harder than anyone in the long and storied history of the United States of America." Again in capital letters, Trump added: "Release the hostages now!". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of Hamas and other extremist groups killed around 1,200 people and abducted more than 250 others in Israel on October 7, 2023. After more than a year of war, many of the approximately 100 hostages remaining in the Gaza Strip are thought to have died. On Monday, the Israeli military had declared another hostage dead. The Israeli soldier, who was born in New York and was 21 years old at the time of his abduction, was killed during the attack on October 7, and his body held in the Gaza Strip ever since. According to the US government, he also had US citizenship. Donald Trump promised HELL TO PAY in the Middle East if hostages held by Hamas in Gaza arent released by his inauguration on January 20, 2025. In a Truth Social post on Monday afternoon, Trump promised consequences for those who perpetrated these atrocities against humanity, saying those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW! pic.twitter.com/4wzNnmwg9b Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) December 2, 2024 Trumps comments came after Hamas issued a video statement saying 33 of its captives have been killed during Israels brutal war on Gaza dating back to October last year, when Hamas attacked Israel and took more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel has killed more than 44,000 people, including 17,492 children, in its war on Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Israeli Prime Minister and accused war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly promised Trump a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon before Trumps inauguration. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire was agreed upon last week, although it is already showing signs of unraveling. Now Trump seems to want the release of hostages before his presidency begins but made no mention of a Gaza ceasefire as a prerequisite. The president-elect has remarked that Israel should finish the job in Gaza, basically endorsing the countrys yearlong campaign that has resulted in a humanitarian crisis and war crimes charges. Trumps latest comments raise the question of what hell to pay would mean for Gaza, whose infrastructure has been reduced to rubble. Is Trump threatening to use the U.S. military in airstrikes in the Middle East against Hamass allies in Lebanon, Syria, and Iran? If so, that would very much set off the regional war that Trump has claimed he doesnt want. President-elect Trumps pick for Labor secretary has organized labor cheering and business groups sounding worried as the atypically labor-friendly choice could signal a new and more receptive stance toward unions from Republicans, who have long resisted labors agenda. Following a recent increase in popularity among unions and the precedent-breaking appearance of Teamsters President Sean OBrien at the Republican National Convention in July, the choice of Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.) reflects the growing political importance of labor after an election in which working-class voters delivered a strong turnout for Trump and the GOP. Chavez-DeRemer, who lost her own reelection bid in November in Oregons 5th Congressional District, is one of only three Republicans in Congress who backed the PRO Act, the wide-ranging labor law that would rein in the so-called gig economy and boost workers organizing rights. She was also one of just eight Republicans to co-sponsor a similar bill to strengthen public-sector unions, which conservatives have railed against in various formats including the Heritage Foundations programmatic Project 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While those bills in their current forms have little chance of moving forward in a Republican Congress, the decision to place one of their few Republican supporters at the top of the Labor Department is an unusual move from conservatives, labor experts told The Hill, and one that could indicate some shifting power dynamics. Trump has been very transactional, Arthur Wheaton, director of labor studies at the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relationss Buffalo Co-Lab, said in an interview. Labor, in some small part, helped him get across the finish line, and he took the advice from Sean OBrien. I think thats who was whispering in his ear. OBrien, who grabbed national headlines in recent years amid the Teamsterss strike against UPS and efforts to unionize Amazon drivers, came out strong for Chavez-DeRemer following her nomination, offering her congratulations and thanking Trump for choosing her. North Americas strongest union is ready to work with you every step of the way, he said in a post on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other prominent voices in organized labor have followed suit. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten called Chavez-DeRemers nomination significant. Her record suggests real support of workers and their right to unionize. I hope it means the Trump [administration] will actually respect collective bargaining and workers voices from Teamsters to teachers, she posted online. Still others have sounded a more measured tone on Chavez-DeRemer, questioning whether her superiors in the executive branch will allow her to pursue the worker-friendly agenda that her legislative record suggests. The AFL-CIO, a top U.S. labor federation, threw some cold water on the nomination, describing the incoming administration as dramatically anti-worker. Donald Trump is the President-elect of the United States not Rep. Chavez-DeRemer and it remains to be seen what she will be permitted to do as Secretary of Labor in an administration with a dramatically anti-worker agenda, the group said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Various policies will present Chavez-DeRemer opportunities to pursue a truly proworker agenda, labor groups say. Worker-oriented D.C. think tank the Economic Policy Institute called out wage theft enforcement, safety inspections by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, overtime pay thresholds, and immigration status protections as issues to watch, among others. [The payroll auditing program] was instituted during Trumps first administration and essentially permits employers who have stolen workers wages to confess and get out of jail free, the group said in an analysis. Chavez-DeRemer should make it harder for employers to steal workers wages, not easier. While unions responded to Chavez-DeRemers nomination with various degrees of enthusiasm and skepticism, the response from business groups has been decidedly more critical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, an umbrella group for trade associations in numerous industries, said last week it was alarmed at the prospect of Chavez-DeRemers nomination for Labor secretary. The groups chair, Kristen Swearingen, specifically called out her support of the PRO Act as a reason for their concern, referring to the legislation as a signature bill for President Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders and opposed by the vast majority of Republicans. Right to work groups, which oppose unions and organized labor, fumed at the possibility of the nomination, with the National Right to Work Committee saying it doesnt line up with longer-term Republican interests. A few union bosses will praise her, and Big Labor will still go on to campaign vigorously to elect a Democrat in the 2028 Presidential Election, the group said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chavez-DeRemers support for Democratic labor laws puts her squarely in the middle of some regulatory changes that occurred between the Trump and Biden administrations. Her position is further complicated by the fact that she voted with her party to block a joint employer rule earlier this year as part of a wider effort by Republicans to reverse President Bidens rulemaking on labor. Of particular interest to labor lawyers is Chavez-DeRemers stance on an employee classification policy that was instituted during Trumps first term and then made more demanding for companies under Biden. The Trump-era rule made it easier for companies to keep workers on the books as independent contractors as opposed to employees, who are typically given greater protections in various states. Im very interested to see whether she would be, as secretary of Labor, supportive instead of the Trump administrations regulation that came out in 2021, Camille Olson, a labor and employment partner at Seyfarth Shaw, told The Hill. That I think is an important issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should Chavez-DeRemer end up falling more in line with traditional Republican stances on labor issues, sensitivity to labor may still be in the process of making a newfound mark on the party. In response to an East Coast dockworker strike in October, Trump showed that he didnt want to be perceived as anti-union, saying in a statement that American workers should be able to negotiate for better wages. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President-elect Donald Trump is setting up for a potential showdown with FBI Director Christopher Wray and the president-elects pick to replace him, a committed Trump supporter. The president-elects desire to replace the current FBI director comes as his nominee for Defense secretary comes under even more scrutiny. This weekend President-elect Donald Trump announced his plans to replace current FBI director Christopher Wray with longtime MAGA loyalist Kash Patel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He represents the type of change that we need to see in the FBI, said Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.). Director Wray who was appointed by then-President Trump, still has three years left of his ten-year term. Meaning Wray will either have to resign or Mr. Trump will fire him. Christopher Wray, of course, is a Republican appointed by Republicans as he said, but apparently, he demonstrated too much independence and objectivity in the job for Donald Trump. Who wants much more of a personal loyalist in the position, said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.). Kash Patel, a former public defender, held several high-ranking positions in the first Trump presidency and has spoken of dismantling the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And once again, the president has the right to make nominations. But normally these are for a 10-year terms, said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut says, Kash Patels only qualification is because he agrees with Donald Trump that the Department of Justice should serve to punish, lock up and intimidate Donald Trumps political opponents. Its unclear whether Patel could pass Senate confirmation, making him the second current nominee to face an increasingly difficult confirmation process. Last week, the New York Times published a 2018 email by the mother of Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth criticizing his treatment of women. His mother later said she did not stand by that email and apologized to her son shortly after it was sent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear how soon the Senate may take up either nomination once the new Congress is sworn in. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. President-elect Donald Trump has a message for Hamas as his return to the White House approaches. Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East But its all talk, and no action! he wrote on Truth Social on Monday. Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity. Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW! Trump concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps remarks came after U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that Hamas is starting to feel pressure and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed that the time is right for a cease-fire agreement that returns the remaining captives from Gaza after President Joe Bidens administration spoke to the family of American hostage Edan Alexander. I do think that Hamas is feeling the pressure. Theyre feeling the pressure because one of their main partners in crime here, Hezbollah, has now cut a cease-fire deal, Sullivan explained on Sundays Face the Nation. Theyre feeling the pressure, of course, because their top leader, Sinwar, has been killed. So, they may be looking anew at the possibility of getting a cease-fire and hostage deal, he added. A 13-part ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel was announced last week. Sullivan further added that the Biden administration is working actively with all of the key players in the region, including Israel and Turkey and Qatar and Egypt, to bring to fruition a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas one that will hopefully return the remaining hostages home and also end the war in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps Monday warning also came a day after naming businessman and daughter Tiffany Trumps father-in-law Massad Boulos as his pick for senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Also on Sunday, the president-elect likened the Jan. 6 rioters to hostages in response to Biden pardoning his son Hunter Biden. Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Sunday. Stephanie Kaloi and Rocky Harris contributed to this story. The post Trump Promises All Hell to Pay in the Middle East if Hostages Are Not Released by Inauguration Day appeared first on TheWrap. President-elect Donald Trump criticized President Joe Biden for pardoning his son, suggesting it was even more controversial than Trumps own plans to pardon people who rioted at the Capitol. Biden announced clemency for his son on Sunday evening, reversing his prior vow not to pardon Hunter Biden and claiming hed been unfairly targeted by the Justice Department. Trump, who pardoned friends and political allies during his first term, called the Biden pardon an abuse of power in a statement on his social media website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! Trump wrote. More than 1,500 of Trumps supporters have been charged with crimes for their actions on Jan. 6, 2021, when they stormed the U.S. Capitol in an effort to stop Congress from certifying Trumps election loss to Biden the previous November. More than 500 have been charged with assaulting or interfering with police officers, dozens of whom suffered injuries. Trump has repeatedly vowed to pardon the rioters, many of whom now expect to get out of prison thanks to Trumps victory over Vice President Kamala Harris last month. Trumps pardon promise is easily one of his most controversial campaign pledges, with even some Republican lawmakers saying people who attacked police should do their time. Trumps response to the Hunter Biden pardon suggests that Republicans will use it to justify or deflect criticism from Trumps controversial pardons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden faced prison for illegally owning a gun for a brief period in 2018 and for failing to pay his federal income taxes on time. President Biden repeatedly said he would not use executive clemency powers to help his son, and Democrats frequently pointed to the ongoing prosecution of Hunter Biden as evidence that the justice system wasnt weaponized against Republicans. On Sunday, Biden reversed course. In a statement echoing his son, his sons legal team, and even Trump himself, Biden complained the prosecution was politically motivated. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election, Biden said, noting that people are rarely prosecuted merely for late taxes or illegal ownership of a firearm not used in some other crime. The case was brought by David Weiss, a Delaware U.S. attorney originally appointed by Trump, allowed to remain in his position to finish the case by Biden, and even given special counsel status so he could file the tax charges in California. Weiss initially sought a plea deal with Hunter Biden but the agreement collapsed amid heavy criticism from Republicans, who considered it a slap on the wrist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican lawmakers have made some of the case files public as part of their unsuccessful impeachment inquiry against the president. The documents showed investigators considered other charges against the younger Biden, including for failing to register as an agent of foreign clients. Its possible President Biden believed his son could face additional charges during the second Trump administration. I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice, Biden said. Donald Trump was quick to react to news of Hunter Bidens presidential pardon on Sunday night, blasting the decision as an abuse and miscarriage of Justice. In a short post to his social media platform less than an hour after the official announcement, the president mused over pardons for those convicted in the violent insurrection on January 6 2021. Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many commentators have speculated that Trump will pardon many of the people who were arrested for their role in the riot at the Capitol in 2021 as soon as he returns to office in January. More than 1,500 people have been charged in connection with the incident, during which Trump whipped a group of his supporters into a frenzy nearly four years ago. Writing on Truth Social on Sunday night Trump called Hunter Bidens presidential pardon an abuse and miscarriage of Justice (@realDonaldTrump) Trump launched his general election campaign in March by not merely trying to rewrite the history of that riot, but positioning the violent siege and failed attempt to overturn the 2020 election as a cornerstone of his bid to return to the White House. As part of that, he called the rioters unbelievable patriots and promised to help them the first day we get into office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As president, Trump can pardon anyone convicted in federal court, District of Columbia Superior Court or in a military court-martial. He can stop the continued prosecution of rioters by telling his attorney general to stand down. I am inclined to pardon many of them, Trump said on his social media platform in March when announcing the promise. I cant say for every single one, because a couple of them, probably they got out of control. Joe Biden announced he would be pardoning his son Hunter on Sunday (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Bidens official pardon of his son was announced in a statement put out by the White House on Sunday, despite the presidents long-held conviction that he would accept the outcome of his sons trial. In a statement the president said that his son had been selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted by the Justice Department and that he hoped the American people would understand his decision as a father. The pardon comes less than two weeks ahead of Hunters sentencing on December 12 for his conviction on federal gun charges back in June. He was also set to be sentenced in a separate criminal case on December 16, after pleading guilty in September to federal tax evasion charges. The News US President-elect Donald Trump called for all hostages in the Middle East be released before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, seemingly referring to the more than 50 hostages believed to be still alive in Gaza. Trump said there will be all hell to pay, if they are not, without going into detail as to what such an action might entail. Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the United States of America, he wrote in a social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The call came hours after the Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that an Israeli-American solider, formerly believed taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7, was killed and his body had been taken to Gaza. Know More International observers widely expect Trumps re-election to embolden Israels campaign in Gaza to eliminate Hamas although some military analysts doubt whether that is possible in practice. Meanwhile, Lebanons fragile ceasefire was shaken Monday after Hezbollah fired inside a disputed border zone; families of the remaining hostages in Gaza had hoped the truce might pave the way for a similar cessation of fighting there. President-elect Trump on Monday threatened to unleash hell in the Middle East if hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip are not released before his inauguration Jan. 20, underscoring urgency to President Bidens efforts to secure a hostage release and ceasefire deal in his final months in office. In a post on his social media site, Truth Social, Trump demanded the hostages be released before his inauguration or that there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East against the perpetrators. Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!, he wrote in the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elects statement follows confirmation Monday that American Israeli Omer Neutra, who was believed to be alive and held hostage in Gaza, was killed during Hamass Oct. 7 attack but that his body has been held captive by the U.S.-designated terrorist organization. Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East But its all talk, and no action!, Trump wrote. Biden has committed to renewing diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas before leaving office. The administration has said Hamas is the main obstacle to achieving a ceasefire deal, but critics of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blame him for rejecting proposals to draw down Israels military presence in the Gaza Strip. In September, Biden said Netanyahu was not doing enough to achieve a deal to bring the hostages home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement reacting to Neutras confirmed death, Biden said, And to all the families of those still held hostage: We see you. We are with you. And I will not stop working to bring your loved ones back home where they belong. Neutra, from Long Island, N.Y., was a volunteer in the Israeli military and was serving as a tank commander on the border near Gaza when Hamas launched its attack. His parents Ronen and Orna Neutra became one of the most outspoken family members of hostages held by Hamas, addressing the Republican National Convention advocating for their sons release. Neutra is one of 101 hostages, including seven Americans, held by Hamas for more than a year. On Saturday, Hamas released a propaganda video showing American Israeli Edan Alexander alive but warning that time is running out to secure his release. In the video, made under duress, Alexander calls for Trump to use your influence and the full power of the United States to negotiate our freedom. Alexander also said he doesnt want to end up dead like fellow American Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was killed by Hamas in late August as Israeli soldiers closed in on where he and other hostages were being held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seeing my son alive for the first time in over a year gave us hope but reignited our urgency, Adi Alexander, Edans father, said at a rally in New York on Sunday. Edans haunting words Every day here feels like an eternity demand action. President Biden, President-elect Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu: This is a moment for courage, collaboration and decisive action. Strength means nothing without action. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tourists visiting Spain will face more paperwork on their holidays, thanks to a new law that requires hotels and car hire firms to gather detailed personal information about their customers. The law, which applies to those over the age of 14, has been brought in to improve security in Spain and to stop organised crime. However, the Confederation of Spanish Hoteliers and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) says it puts the viability of the sector in serious danger and has argued that both tourists and Spanish citizens will face complex and tedious administrative procedures as a result of the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have also been reports that tourists will have to reveal their bank balances at check-in, although these do not appear to be based on fact. Here we take a deep dive into Spains new personal information law, and offer a reality check of how it will (and will not) affect you on your next holiday. What is the new law? The new Spanish law, officially known as Royal Decree 933/2021, was initially scheduled for October 1, 2024 but was delayed by two months to give the tourism industry more time to prepare. It covers mainland Spain as well as its islands, including the Balearics and the Canaries. In essence, it means businesses including hotels, car rental firms, campsites and rental properties (like Airbnbs) will have to gather information including passport details, home addresses, the number of travellers and the method of payment for all guests over the age of 14. If you have children under the age of 14, you will have to explain your relationship to the child. Spain has been hit by antitourism protests this summer - SOPA Images All data will be submitted to the Ministry of the Interior, and hospitality companies are required to keep hold of the information for three years. Note that, prior to December 2, all accommodation providers already had to collect the full name, email address and passport number of all guests and submit this information to the authorities within 24 hours. Why has Spain introduced this rule? The Ministry of the Interior said the regulations were justified for the general interest for the security of citizens against the threat of terrorism and other serious offences committed by criminal organisations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Spanish government says having this additional personal information will allow authorities to keep tabs on wanted criminals and terrorists, and to cross-check databases for persons of interest. What personal information do I have to give up? Hotels already gather certain information about guests, but are now required by law to gather the following information for all guests over the age of 14: full name, gender, nationality, passport number, date of birth, home address, landline phone number (if you have one), mobile phone number and email address. How will I submit this data? It depends where you are staying. Many establishments will ask for this data at the point of booking. Others will ask you to fill out your information on arrival, likely with a pen and paper. You will have to submit all of the above information at the point of booking when you hire a car. Will I need to show my bank balance? Some publications have reported that tourists will have to hand over bank balance information as part of the new data collection policy. There is no evidence that this is the case. The business that you are staying with must log the details of how, exactly, you paid for your booking. In most cases, this will be your credit or debit card details and an expiry date. If you booked with a tour operator, the hotel will communicate that payment was made via a voucher. Is there a chance Ill be fined if I refuse? The burden falls on your accommodation provider to gather this information and to submit it to the government. If they fail to do so, the business could be fined thousands of euros. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is likely that hotels and holiday rental firms make it a requirement that all guests must submit these pieces of personal information as part of their terms of booking, giving them the power to deny check-in if the guest refuses. Under the new rules, travellers to Spain will need to provide more comprehensive information - Moment RF How will this actually affect my holiday? In all likelihood, not a great deal. We are all used to submitting personal information in all areas of our personal lives, and the Spanish government is not collecting anything that we should be worried about. In the worst-case scenario, the additional checks could mean longer queues at check-in while guests fill-in forms and receptionists manually enter passport details into a computer, but any suggestions of chaos or mass hold-ups may be slightly exaggerated. Are there any privacy concerns? Your accommodation provider will be required to keep hold of your personal information for three years. However, it is unlikely that this will be kept on a hard drive at the hotel. More likely is that they will enrol the services of a third-party company to safely manage this data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its worth also noting that all British tourists travelling to the European Union will soon have to apply for an ETIAS (a visa waiver, like the American ESTA) before travelling to the Continent. The EES system will also mean your name, travel document details and biometric data (fingerprint and face scan) will be logged at the border. So whatever happens, and whether you like it or not, travelling to the EU will soon mean giving up more personal information. Do I have to show evidence of funds to enter Spain? Earlier this year, there were news reports claiming holidaymakers may have to show proof of funds amounting to 97 per day for the duration of their visit, or else risk being denied entry by Spanish border officers. The rule was described by some news outlets as controversial and British tourists have supposedly slammed the rule and threatened to boycott Spain as a result. However, a spokesperson for the Spanish Ministry of the Interior has told The Telegraph that the 97 rule has been mis-reported in Britain, and while it does, technically, exist, there are no known examples of tourists being denied entry for this reason. 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. Dec. 2 (UPI) -- This week the Transportation Security Administration saw its busiest day ever in air travel with minimal disruptions, according to reports. On Sunday, TSA reported the agency had its busiest day with more than 3 million airline passengers screened at U.S. airports by TSA agents for the Thanksgiving holiday season. Last year, the TSA saw a record 2.32 million travelers and screened about 2.17 million in 2023 the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was estimated by TSA that more than 18 million people would travel between Nov. 26 to Dec. 2 in what is one of the year's busiest times to travel. The first day of December travel beat July 7's previous record by 70,000 more passengers. According to TSA data, the week excluding Dec. 2 saw 15.25 million air travelers but had 12.89 million the same period in 2023. BREAKING NEWS: Yesterday, December 1st was the busiest day ever for TSA - our officers screened 3.087M individuals at airports nationwide. If you're still traveling home from the Thanksgiving holiday, please arrive at the airport early. Contact @AskTSA with any travel questions. pic.twitter.com/lhzGYb2Gw6 TSA (@TSA) December 2, 2024 AAA predicted this year more than 79 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home. Meanwhile, the Airlines for America trade organization claimed the airline industry could expect to see an all-time high of up to 31 million passengers from Nov. 22 to Dec. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group says in 2019 roughly 28 million people had flown during the same timeframe. Delta Air Lines indicated the company was looking at an estimated 540,000 people to travel over a 12-day period which was a 5% projected increase from last year. But American Airlines officials said from Nov. 21 to Dec. 3 they were expecting to see approximately 8.3 million travelers. Only 87 flights were cancelled Sunday. Airlines had an overall completion factor of 99.6% while on-time departures lagged with about only 56% of flights departing on time, AirlineGeeks reported. On Sunday, American, Delta, United and Southwest airlines had all reported a flight cancellation rate of under 1% while Southwest lead the pack in terms of on-time arrivals at about 88%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Washington's Seattle-Tacoma International Airport had the highest number of reported flight cancelations at 12. Horizon Air -- a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines -- had a 7.25% cancellation rate. The flight statistics were made public the same day TSA revealed that agents had intercepted and cited an unidentified male passenger on Sunday carrying a 9mm loaded handgun with 15 bullets among his carry-on items. He now faces a federal civil penalty for bringing a loaded firearm to a TSA checkpoint which can reach a maximum $15,000 penalty. This year saw the highest number of firearms caught at TSA checkpoints at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the nation's capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Bringing a loaded firearm to a security checkpoint is a serious matter," John Busch, TSA's federal security director at Reagan, said Monday in a release. According to officials, Reagan's TSA agents caught 37 firearms in 2024 -- although down from 39 in 2023 -- it's still an increase every year since 2018. "Gun owners especially need to know that they cannot bring a firearm onto a flight with them," Busch said. "A very important part of being a gun owner is knowing where your firearm is at all times and knowing it is not inside a carry-on bag," he added. WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH) Two 19-year-old men were charged in connection to a Sunday afternoon shooting of a man holding a baby outside a grocery store. Police said that at 5:35 p.m., a man was walking while holding a 10-month-old in a Kroger parking lot when he was approached by two men. One suspect allegedly fired multiple shots at the victim while the other was allegedly recording it on a phone. The man was shot in the nose and taken to a hospital for treatment. The 10-month-old was uninjured, police said. Whitehall authorities apprehended the suspects, Shyler Swank and Christopher Dumont, shortly after the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man recovering after assault over McDonalds sandwich Court records said Swank faces three felonious assault charges. He is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday morning in Franklin County Municipal Court. Dumont faces three charges of complicity. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NORFOLK, Mass. (WWLP) Two corrections officers are recovering after a fire on Sunday at the state prison in Norfolk. How to Shop Safely on Cyber Monday Firefighters from towns in the area came at around 2:30 p.m. to help put out the fire at MCI-Norfolk on Clark Street. NBC Boston states that firefighters were able to put the fire out within an hour. There is no update on the two correction officers who were taken to a local hospital, however, there were no other injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State fire officials are assisting the Norfolk Fire Department and the Department of Corrections with the investigation. 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. Dec. 1A 63-year-old man and a 50-year-old man, both from Riggins, Idaho, died in a two-vehicle collision this weekend on U.S. Highway 95 outside White Bird, Idaho, according to Idaho State Police. On Saturday evening, the 50-year-old was driving north on Highway 95 in a 2017 Lexus when he crossed into the southbound lane near mile post 222. His car struck an oncoming 2015 Mercedes Benz driven by a 66-year-old Riggins woman with two passengers: a 63-year-old man and a girl. The 50-year-old Lexus driver died at the scene with critical injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities transported all three critically injured occupants of the Mercedes to a local hospital via ground and air ambulances. The 63-year-old man from Riggins died early Sunday morning in the hospital. Authorities notified next of kin of the fatalities. Traffic on Highway 95 was partially blocked for nearly three hours. All parties were wearing seatbelts and Idaho State Police continues to investigate the incident. Elena Perry's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor. Two flight attendants for Delta Air Lines were pulled from an international flight after failing a breathalyzer test in Amsterdam on Friday. Randomly tested by Dutch authorities before a flight to New York's JFK International Airport, a female flight attendant reportedly showed a blood alcohol level seven times over the legal limit for crew members and a male flight attendant failed by 0.02, an official familiar with the situation confirmed. The female Delta employee was fined 1,900 euros, or about $2,000, and her male colleague was fined 275, or about $290. Another flight attendant from a different airline was also fined 1,800 (around $1,900) for being 6.5 times over the limit with the trio flagged during a three-hour period in which police screened 445 pilots and flight attendants at Schiphol Airport, according to Aviation A2Z. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Atlanta-based carrier told CBS News that the incident did not affect the flight. "Delta's alcohol policy is among the strictest in the industry and we have zero tolerance for violation. The employees were removed from their scheduled duties and the flight departed as scheduled," the spokesperson said. Dutch police said in a statement that a third flight attendant with another, unspecified foreign airline also tested well over the legal limit for commercial flight crews on the same day at Schiphol and was fined about $1,900. European aviation regulations restrict alcohol consumption for aircrew, and the Netherlands specifically bans pilots and crew members from drinking within 10 hours of a flight. The European Air Safety Agency warns that merely adhering to the "bottle to throttle" time rule does not guarantee compliance with legal blood alcohol concentration limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration recommends eight hours between drinking and flying and that employees be removed from their duties if their blood alcohol concentration registers 0.02 or above on a required test. Maryland island struggles to survive impact of rising sea level, erosion | 60 Minutes "The Barn": A murder in Mississippi, and the evil hiding in plain sight Ted Turner's nature preserves: A carefully curated "Heaven on Earth" Two elected Democrats condemned President Joe Bidens decision to pardon his son Hunter, who was facing prison time after being convicted of firearms-related felony charges and pleading guilty to tax charges. I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a rising star in the party who was given a prominent speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention, posted to X on Sunday. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. Polis said he sympathized with Bidens natural desire to help his son but that the role of president is Pater familias of the nation. While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBidens natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) December 2, 2024 In a statement announcing the pardon on Sunday, Biden claimed charges brought against his son were motivated by politics and that prosecutors pursued harsher penalties against Hunter that would not have been brought against other offenders in similar cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polis didnt buy that. Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a Presidents son, he wrote. The governor was not alone among Democrats in rejecting Bidens claims. This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution, Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) posted to X. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers. Stanton, a lawyer and former law professor, said he thought Biden got this one wrong. I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong. This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers. https://t.co/P31d4ILL1P Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) December 2, 2024 Another House Democrat, who spoke anonymously to Axios, said they werent exactly pleased with Bidens decision but couldnt necessarily fault him for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not a banner moment but no shock, the Democrat told the news outlet. I think the Biden family, including Hunter, have been through enough... he paid the price. Other Democrats have rallied to Bidens defense. I will say way to go, Joe, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) told MSNBC, arguing the slew of improprieties alleged against President-elect Donald Trump and his Cabinet nomineesalong with Trumps felony convictionmeans Republican critics of the decision should take a look in the mirror. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) Two men were sentenced to prison on Wednesday for their role in a California-to-Virginia fentanyl network. According to court documents, between Sept. 21, 2021 to March 27, 2023, 27-year-old Devin Joseph Stukes-McFarland used an online service to distribute fentanyl he claimed to be legitimate Percocet. From 2021 to 2023, Stukes-McFarland received around 70 USPS parcels, 15 of which contained fentanyl pills, Xanax pills and ketamine from 27-year-old Brian Malik Williams, of Modesto, California. During this time, Williams, also known as Matty Ruger received the payments from Stukes-McFarland via Cash App, Apple Pay and other methods, documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 9, 2023, Virginia Beach officers, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), conducted a controlled purchase of 600 fentanyl pills from Stukes-McFarland, after Williams sent a parcel to Stukes-McFarlands prior address on Feb. 2. Officers conducted a second controlled purchase of approximately 400 fentanyl pills on March 2, 2023. On March 24, an undercover U.S. Postal Inspector delivered the package to Stukes-McFarlands address. Immediately after, DEA, VBPD and USPS executed a search warrant and Stukes-McFarland was arrested. During the search, officers were able to recover the parcel, which contained 4,260 fentanyl pills, 1,279 Xanax pills and other substances. On Nov. 15, 2023, Stukes-McFarland pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison on July 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 12, Williams pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and aiding and abetting in the possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Nov. 27, 2024. Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. GRANITEVILLE, S.C. (WJBF) An investigation is underway into a deadly house fire. According to Captain Abdullah with the Aiken County Sheriffs Office, two people were killed in a house fire late Sunday night. Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables tells us they were pronounced dead at 1:08 a.m. ALSO ON WJBF: 2 dead following house fire in Blythe The incident happened on the 100 block of Taylor Pond Road in Graniteville. The cause of the fire is not yet known. The identities of the deceased have not been made public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the second deadly fire in the CSRA in two days. Photojournalist: Dania Alawir Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OXON HILL, Md. (DC News Now) Police have arrested two people from Alexandria, Va. for a fatal shooting that happened in Oxon Hill. The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) said that on Nov. 26, officers were called to the 6200 block of Oxon Hill Rd. around 2:45 a.m. for a shooting. PGPD officers found 26-year-old Tamara Jones of D.C. inside a car, who had been shot. She died from her injuries on Nov. 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas woman arrested after 71 lbs of marijuana found in baggage at Dulles International Airport, authorities say Police determined that 37-year-old Carlas Carter and 26-year-old Mary Ashby were involved in the shooting. PGPD said that they shot Jones after an argument. All three individuals knew each other. PGPD worked with the Fairfax County Police Department and Alexandria City Police Department to take the suspects into custody. Both of the suspects are waiting for extradition to Prince Georges County. Anyone with any information should call 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. DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (WKRG) The U.S Coast Guard suspended their search for the 7-year-old boy involved in a boating accident Friday. According to the Coast Guard rescue crews from the Coast Guard and partnering agencies searched by air and sea for roughly 65.2 combined hours covering more than 2,024 square miles. The Coast Guard said in a press release: We are deeply saddened and offer our sincerest condolences to the families, friends, and communities affected by this heartbreaking and tragic incident, said Capt. Robert Tucker, Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Deputy Commander. Suspending an active search for a missing child is an exceptionally difficult decision and is only made after the most exhaustive efforts have occurred. We thank all the search and rescue crews who worked with determination around the clock with hopes of a different outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier Sunday, the community was called into action to help search for a 7-year-old boy involved in a boating accident off of Dauphin Island. According to the Coast Guard, a 20-foot vessel named the Marty Ann left the Billy Goat Hole on Dauphin Island Friday with three people aboard. The two adults, Michael Slezak and Sam Wooleys bodies were found Saturday evening. Slezaks 7-year-old son, Hunter, still has not been found. The Coast Guard and Slezaks wife requested volunteers with personal boats or planes to help in the search Sunday. I know he wouldve done the same thing for me, Childhood friend, Jared Robinson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson describes Slezak as an amazing friend with a smile always on his face. Robinson acted as soon as he saw the need for extra eyes. He immediately called his only friend who had a boat. We got two numbers from the Coast Guard. So, we started about eight miles south and then ran out another 10 miles past that. So, we just started grid searching from there and then on our way back we swung by Pelican Bay again and back through the jetties, Boater, Blake Buxton said. Robinson says the community showed out Sunday to help the search. We love you guys, and I am praying that we find Hunter. We know Michael is in a good place and he is just watching down right now knowing that we are doing our best, Robinson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Slezak family has a GoFundMe to help with the funeral expenses. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Helsing, a defense AI company in the UK has developed a new type of strike drone. The HX-2 is fully software-based, designed for mass production, and optimized for swarm operations from the ground up. The drone is capable of carrying ammunition and operates autonomously, requiring no pilot input or GPS. Helsing envisions rising military tensions fueling demand for thousands of these unmanned vessels in Ukraine and near Europe's border with Russia, highlighting their strategic value in modern conflict zones. Drone with autonomous strike shield The HX-2 is an electrically propelled precision munition with an advanced x-wing design, capable of engaging military targets beyond line-of-sight at ranges up to 62 miles (100 kilometers). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weighing just 26.4 pounds (12 kilograms), it is lightweight yet powerful, achieving a maximum speed of 136 mph (220 km/h). Designed for diverse combat scenarios, its multi-purpose payload includes anti-tank and anti-structure munitions, making it a formidable tool against armored vehicles and fortified positions. Helsing claims the drone is equipped with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), enabling resistance to electronic warfare and jamming. The AI allows the HX-2 to independently search, re-identify, and strike targets even without continuous signals or data connections, ensuring operational reliability in contested environments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK7VgEKiJ7c&t=2s&pp=ygUdZHJvbmUgaW50ZXJlc3RpbmcgZW5naW5lZXJpbmc%3D Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Designed for mass production, the HX-2 offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional systems, enhancing artillery operations with its precision and adaptability. Helsing has prioritized affordability and scalability, ramping up production across Europe to meet growing demand. Seamlessly integrated with Helsings Altra reconnaissance-strike software, the HX-2 supports synchronized operations with other unmanned systems, ISR platforms, artillery units, and battlefield management tools. The integration enables coordinated swarm capabilities, allowing a single operator to command multiple HX-2 units for efficient reconnaissance and strike missions. "With HX-2, we are creating a new smart effector category that combines mass, autonomy and precision. Individual HX-2s can reliably engage armored targets in highly contested environments. When deployed along borders at scale, HX-2 can serve as a powerful counter-invasion shield against enemy land forces," said Niklas Kohler, co-founder of Helsing, in a statement. NATOs eastern shield Helsings extensive experience in Ukraine has informed the development and testing of the HX-2, ensuring it meets the demands of modern warfare. Its ability to target artillery, armored vehicles, and other critical assets makes it a versatile addition to any arsenal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firm believes that by combining advanced technology, autonomous capabilities, and cost-effective production, the HX-2 represents a transformative step in drone warfare. With Europe-based manufacturing scaling up, it is poised to provide a robust and scalable solution to evolving military challenges. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJi88DEmRCA&pp=ygUdZHJvbmUgaW50ZXJlc3RpbmcgZW5naW5lZXJpbmc%3D "NATO urgently requires technology to protect the integrity of the Eastern Flank. At Helsing, weve invested to develop this capability and give NATO an edge through precision mass. HX-2 is providing autonomy through software and AI - while retaining full human control and oversight. Electronic warfare had threatened to erode the ability to act, and we are giving this ability back to operators," said Gundbert Scherf, co-founder of Helsing, in a statement. According to BNN Bloomberg, the company plans to manufacture tens of thousands of HX-2 drones annually, offering them at lower costs than similar unmanned strike systems on the market. While specific production targets and pricing remain undisclosed, it has been confirmed that the drones will be produced without any Chinese components. Drone production began in late 2023, with plans to expand hardware development in the future. (Bloomberg) -- UK defense companies will be prioritized for government contracts to ensure Britain has a resilient domestic supply chain that can innovate at a wartime pace under a strategy that creates jobs and boosts growth, the government will announce on Monday. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense Secretary John Healey will launch a new Defense Industrial Strategy in London, where he will promise to bring jobs to every nation and region of the UK under plans to lift annual defense spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product. To ensure UK supply chains are resilient, the Ministry of Defense will launch a first of its kind war game with the UK industry to explore how to keep forces on the front line during disruption. Healey plans to say that the strategy will make the sector an engine for UK growth and strengthen supply chains in critical industries including steel and semiconductors, according to a statement. Full spending plans will be set out in the spring, the MOD said. Labours defense industrial strategy will be the first since 2021, before Russia invaded Ukraine, and comes amid mounting geopolitical threats across the world and escalating tensions between China and Taiwan. The UK is supplying weapons to Ukraine and has supported Israel during the war in Gaza, though the government recently suspended supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will pledge 19 million ($24 million) for Gaza on Monday, taking its commitment to 99 million, as Development Minister Anneliese Dodds travels to Palestinian areas and Israel this week. She described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic, according to prepared remarks. Healeys defense program will kick off a week of major policy announcements that Prime Minister Keir Starmer hopes will reset his administration after a turbulent few months since winning the election in July. A series of measurable milestones will be announced to show how Labour plans to deliver its five core missions. Starmer has had a rocky start since his partys landslide election victory, losing his chief of staff after revelations about ministers accepting freebies and, more recently, facing a backlash from business and farmers over Labours tax-raising budget. Alongside the defense strategy, Healey will announce on Monday millions of pounds of investment by major defense contractors including BAE Systems, Rolls Royce and Babcock. The sector supports 434,000 jobs, two thirds of which are outside London and the Southeast, according to the MOD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Healey will say: Our defense sector should be an engine for jobs and growth, strengthening our security and economy. That requires a defense industry that is better and more integrated - one that can keep our armed forces equipped, innovating at a wartime pace, and ahead of our adversaries. We will mobilize the private sector to help face down global threats, direct more public investment to British businesses and create jobs and growth in every nation and region of the UK. National security is the foundation for national stability and growth. The government plans to publish the new strategy in the first half of 2025, with a remit to last until 2035. Investors, industry and unions have until the end of February to respond to an open consultation. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK doesnt need to trade off its special relationship with the US against its European alliances, despite concern that President-elect Donald Trumps plans to ramp up tariffs will drive a wedge between the allies. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea that we must choose between our allies, that somehow were with either America or Europe, is plain wrong I reject it utterly, Starmer said on Monday in a speech on foreign affairs at the Lord Mayors annual banquet in the City of London. The national interest demands that we work with both. Trump is preparing to take power in January after winning the US election last month on a campaign during which he promised to slap tariffs of as much as 20% on all imports to the US, and of 60% on those from China. The UK has said it would need to balance any deal on tariffs offered by Trump with its desire to strengthen commercial ties with the European Union, risking complications in the countrys relationship with its two closest allies. Trump on Monday named investment banker Warren Stephens to be ambassador to the UK, tapping a prominent Republican donor and businessman for the prime diplomatic post in London. Stephens funded conservative groups who opposed Trumps nomination in 2016 and his Little Rock, Arkansas-based company, Stephens Inc., has a presence in Europe, including an office in London. Starmer sought to stamp out the notion he may have a testy relationship with Trump when he enters office next year, despite frictions between the two camps during the US election and their differing approaches to issues such as support for Ukraine and the fight against climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not about sentimentality it is about hard-headed realism, Starmer said of the UK-US relationship. Time and again, the best hope for the world and the surest way to serve our mutual national interest has come from our two nations working together. The British premier also said the UK must be prepared to talk to a wider range of countries including China, to strengthen Britains global leadership a stance that will likely put him at odds with Trumps administration. On Ukraine, he said Britain must continue to back the eastern European nation in its war against Russian invaders, and do what it takes to support their self-defense for as long as it takes. Trump has promised to end the conflict on day one of his administration, and Starmer said Britain must help put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations with Russia to end the conflict so they can secure a just and lasting peace on their terms that guarantees their security, independence and right to choose their own future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Updates with US ambassador nomination in fourth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Ukraine has bought thousands of uncrewed robotic ground vehicles to shuttle ammunition and supplies to infantry in the trenches and evacuate wounded soldiers. The buggy-like vehicles, an example of how technology is transforming trench warfare in Ukraine, would spare troops from operating in areas near the front where Russian shelling and drones are rife, Mykhailo Fedorov, the deputy prime minister for innovation, said. Mr Fedorov, who has overseen drone procurement for most of the war, told Reuters: This year we purchased several thousand ground platforms, and next year, I believe, we need tens of thousands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicles, he said, are already being used along the front and in Russias Kursk region, where Kyivs troops carved out an enclave in an August incursion. Ukraine has several training centres to teach their use, he added. Ukraine is slowly losing territory to Russia in the east. Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, said on Sunday that his army no longer had the firepower or manpower to take back occupied parts of his country, and is now pushing for a diplomatic solution. The use of military technology has rapidly evolved, even as the war has been locked in a bloody, attritional struggle with no major battlefield changes despite Russias recently accelerating gains 33 months since the 2022 invasion. A Lyut 2.0 unmanned ground vehicle, which is equipped with a machine gun and can operate autonomously for three days, being used by Ukraines 12th Azov Brigade - Azov Brigade/Cover Images Ukraine has been developing and testing military technology to help their troops on the front lines Mr Fedorov, whose official remit is digital affairs, has played a prominent role in supporting the development of military technology through a government-backed platform to nurture private-sector innovation. As of this month he no longer oversees the procurement of drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has focused heavily on increasing production and improving the specifications of long-range attack drones to conduct deep strikes on Russia, narrowing the gulf in capabilities with its adversary. Ukrainian production of long-range drones has increased dozens of times since 2023, with Mr Zelensky targeting output of 30,000 of the deep-strike weapons next year, Mr Fedorov said. Russia has been launching thousands of long-range drones per month, making heavy use of low-cost decoy drones that wear down Ukraines air defence forces, as they see a blip on the radar and are forced to shoot it down. Mr Fedorov said Ukraine was also using decoy drones and was sometimes launching more attack drones on a given night than Russia, but it was not purely a numbers game. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [AI is] used to some extent, but the more critical issues are connectivity and launch methods of deep strike (drones), he said. Russia has improved monitoring of (Ukraines) drone launches, quickly responding and targeting launch sites. These nuances require constant launch method and connectivity changes. Ukraine has several training centres to teach its forces how to use the new vehicles Ukraine had attack drones that could fly up to 1,800 km (1,120 miles), he said, also confirming that Ukraine was working on drones to intercept the Shahed-type long-range attack drones that Russia uses for its nightly attacks on Ukrainian cities. There is some testing by certain companies producing ... aircraft that, thanks to specialised software and radars, can strike Shaheds, but this is still in the research and development phase. There are certain results, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that Ukraine had contracted to buy 1.6 million drones this year, of which 1.3 million had been supplied, including low-cost first-person view drones that have cameras allowing remote pilots to fly them towards their targets. Ukraine has also been using dozens of domestically made artificial intelligence-augmented systems for its drones to reach targets on the battlefield without being piloted, allowing it to remain effective in areas protected by extensive jamming. Mr Fedorov said 10 companies were consistently competing in state procurements to offer AI products. I think next year will significantly increase the percentage of autonomous drones with targeting, he said. We might see the first real drone swarm uses, though not on a massive scale. The first steps will happen. 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. KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine must find diplomatic solutions to retake some of its occupied territory, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in an interview with Kyodo News published on Monday. He said such steps could be considered "only when we know that we are strong enough," he told the news agency. Zelenskiy said returning U.S. President Donald Trump and his team were studying the Ukrainian "victory plan" and expected additional talks with them to explain "certain things in more detail," according to the report. (This story has been refiled to fix a typo in the headline) (Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; Editing by Bernadette Baum) Poland and Ukraine have agreed to form a joint group to address historical concerns, and intend to hold a meeting soon. Source: Vasyl Bodnar, Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland, writes Ukrinform, as reported by European Pravda Details: According to Bodnar, the prospective bilateral working group "on the settlement of problematic issues in the historical sphere" will be overseen by the ministries of culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We are working on an agenda and we want this group to get together as soon as possible," he said. The ambassador also announced a meeting of the heads of Ukraine's and Poland's ministries of culture, Mykola Tochytskyi and Hanna Wroblewska, who will decide where and when the group's first meeting would be held. "They should start a dialogue on a politically sensitive topic: honouring the places of historical memory in Ukraine and Poland, improving the relevant procedures," Bodnar told reporters. The issue of the events in Volyn from 1943-1945, known in Ukrainian historiography as the Volyn tragedy and in Polish as the Volyn massacre, continues to be a source of contention in bilateral ties [The Volyn (Volhynia) tragedy was a series of events that led to the ethnic cleansing of the Polish and Ukrainian populations in 1943 during World War II. It was part of a long-standing rivalry between Ukrainians and Poles in what is now Ukraine's west. Poland considers the Volyn tragedy a genocide of Poles ed.]. Background: Radosaw Sikorski and Andrii Sybiha, the foreign ministers of Poland and Ukraine, issued a joint statement at the end of November about the exhumation of the victims of the Volyn tragedy. Warsaw stated that resolving historical conflicts will be one of the mandatory requirements for Ukraine's EU entry. Support UP or become our patron! Key developments on Dec. 2: Scholz arrives in Kyiv first time since June 2022, pledges $680 million in military support 'We need to move faster,' Zelensky announces personnel changes in Ukrainian Armed Forces Russia trained 300,000 reserve soldiers for war in Ukraine, Russian defense official claims Some North Korean troops fighting on Russia's side killed, Zelensky says Ukraine's military lacks strength to retake some occupied territories, diplomacy needed, Zelensky says German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Kyiv on Dec. 2 to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirm his country's support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would like to make it clear here on the ground that Germany will remain Ukraine's strongest supporter in Europe," Scholz said upon his arrival, promising additional arms supplies worth 650 million euros ($680 million) in December, N-TV reported. This marks Scholz's first visit to Ukraine's capital in two and a half years. The chancellor's arrival comes shortly after his controversial phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which drew criticism from Kyiv. Scholz previously visited Kyiv in June 2022 alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and then-Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, marking the first visit by the three European leaders since the outbreak of the full-scale war. Under Scholz's leadership, Germany has become Ukraine's second-largest military donor after the U.S. The chancellor was nevertheless often criticized for cautious approach on some key issues, such as his refusal to provide Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently, Scholz criticized Friedrich Merz, the CDU/CSU party leader who will seek to unseat the chancellor in the February snap elections, for the latter's willingness to provide Taurus missiles to Ukraine. "All I can say is: be careful! You don't play Russian roulette with Germany's security," Scholz said at his party conference in Berlin. Merz, whose party is currently leading in the polls, previously proposed issuing an ultimatum to Putin to end his aggression. Should the Russian leader refuse, Kyiv's partners would lift all restrictions on already provided weapons, and only then would Berlin approve the delivery of Taurus missiles. Read also: With Scholzs government in shambles, conservative rival touts more decisive Ukraine strategy 'We need to move faster,' Zelensky announces personnel changes in Ukrainian Armed Forces President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Dec. 2 new reshuffles in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky's statement follows General Mykhailo Drapatyi's appointment as Ukraine's Ground Forces commander. When asked why Drapatyi has replaced Oleksandr Pavliuk, who has held the position since Feb. 11, 2024, Zelensky said the change is related to the recently presented resilience plan. Zelenksy's resilience plan, unveiled on Nov. 19, contains several reform proposals, including those in the defense sector. According to Zelensky, the decisions outlined in the plan are designed for "particular individuals," so changes in the Ukrainian forces will continue. "This is not the last (personnel) reshuffle. There will be more because we need to move faster," Zelensky said during a press conference in Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian losses at the front increased significantly in the fall, while Russia continued to advance in the Donetsk sector, aiming to capture the towns of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. In November, 45,720 Russian soldiers were wounded, killed, or captured and thus unable to continue participating in combat operations. This number is equivalent to more than three motorized rifle divisions of the Russian army, according to the Defense Ministry. Despite that, Russian forces have taken over 600 square kilometers (232 square miles) in November alone, which is more than in the entire October, setting a new record since early 2022, Russian news outlet Agentstvo wrote on Nov. 25. Read also: Once liberated Kupiansk braces for worst as Russian troops approach, and future Western support looks uncertain Russia trained 300,000 reserve soldiers for war in Ukraine, Russian defense official claims Russia has trained 300,000 contract soldiers as reserves for the currently fighting regiments, a Russian official said in an article for the propaganda outlet Krasnaya Zvezda on Dec. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Seven companies of instructors and eight training companies for specialists... have trained over 300,000 service members," said Ivan Buvaltsev, the head of the training department of Russia's Armed Forces. The claim comes as Russia's advance in Ukraine's east is picking up pace despite allegedly suffering record losses. Buvaltsev did not specify when the 300,000 reservists were supposedly trained, but the article's context suggests he refers to the year 2024. Former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu set up nine reserve battalions to train and prepare contract soldiers to offset Russia's casualties in Ukraine at the end of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Shoigu, 335,000 people signed up voluntarily to fight in 2023. In 2024, this number was 200,000, according to former President Dmitry Medvedev. Russia reportedly suffered record losses in military equipment and personnel in the war against Ukraine in November. Moscow's losses steadily grew since the beginning of the fall as Russia continued to advance in the Donetsk sector, aiming to capture the towns of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. Only in November, 45,720 Russian soldiers were wounded, killed, or captured and thus unable to continue participating in operations, Kyiv said. This number is equivalent to more than three motorized rifle divisions of the Russian army. November also saw the record for enemy personnel losses in one day broken: 2,030, the highest figure since Feb. 24, 2022, according to Ukraine's military. As of Dec. 2, Russia lost 743,920 troops, 9,478 tanks, and 19,397 armored fighting vehicles, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The figures could not be independently verified. Read also: Trump ally Tucker Carlson slams Biden for giving Ukraine land mines, says killing is the point Some North Korean troops fighting on Russia's side killed, Zelensky says Some of the North Korean soldiers deployed to fight for Russia have already been killed, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Kyodo News on Dec. 1 without revealing their numbers. Pyongyang is said to have dispatched between 10,000-12,000 troops to aid Moscow's war, with the first clashes with Ukrainian forces reported in Russia's western Kursk Oblast. Speaking to the Japanese news agency, Zelensky said that Russia is treating the first batch of North Korean soldiers well to attract tens of thousands more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's head of state predicted that Pyongyang's forces would eventually be used as "cannon fodder" to decrease losses among the Russian military. He also warned of negative security impacts for Asia as Russia is teaching North Korean troops the methods of modern warfare, including drone use. Separately, a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson told the media that 2,000 North Korean troops have been assigned to Russia's marine and airborne units fighting on the front. "If they (North Korean troops) have joined units engaged in active hostilities, then we can confidently say that they have joined the fight," spokesperson Andrii Cherniak told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, adding that this might not necessarily mean deployment on front-line positions. "Maybe they are not in advanced positions, but they enable aggression against Ukraine, ensure the killing of Ukrainian service members." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korea is Russia's leading ally in its war against Ukraine, reportedly providing Moscow with over 100 ballistic missiles and 5 million artillery shells. In exchange, Pyongyang is believed to receive economic support and assistance for its nuclear weapons program. Read also: Opinion: With soaring interest rates and stagflation risks, Russia will face deep economic crisis regardless of wars outcome Ukraine's military lacks strength to retake some occupied territories, diplomacy needed, Zelensky says Ukraine might have to liberate some Russian-held territories through diplomatic means after the country's NATO membership becomes certain, Zelensky said in an interview with Kyodo News on Dec. 1. "Our army lacks the strength to do that. That is true," Zelensky told the Japanese news agency regarding the liberation of territories held by Russia since 2014, including Crimea. "We do have to find diplomatic solutions," he said, adding that liberation by force could be considered when Ukraine is strong enough to prevent new aggression by Russia. The statement aligns with a recent rhetoric shift in Kyiv as Moscow's forces keep advancing in the east, and the future of Western support is uncertain under Donald Trump's upcoming presidency. Zelensky had long been adamant about Ukraine's full territorial integrity as a key cornerstone of any peace deal. His more recent comments show a willingness to defer the status of occupied territories in exchange for entry into NATO while not recognizing Russian occupation as legitimate. "We understand that Article 5, when you're a member of NATO, cannot apply to the entire territory of Ukraine during wartime, as countries are against the risks of being drawn into the war," Zelensky told Sky News last week. The comments came as Ukraine has been urging NATO allies to invite Ukraine to join the alliance as early as next week during the NATO Foreign Ministerial Meeting on Dec. 3-4. Speaking to Kyodo News, Zelensky said that the war has entered a "complicated period" and that the current level of international support is not sufficient. He reiterated his calls on NATO to launch talks with Kyiv as soon as possible. Ukraine's head of state also commented on Trump's imminent return to the White House, saying that the president-elect's team is studying Ukraine's five-step victory plan. "But there will be no capitulation from the side of Ukraine," Zelensky added. Trump's presidency has sparked fears that Washington would pull the plug on Ukraine as the president-elect has criticized military aid for Kyiv. He has also pledged to bring both sides to the negotiating table, with some reports suggesting this plan could entail freezing the war along the current front lines and postponing Ukraine's NATO aspirations. Read also: Its excruciating Ukrainians describe surviving Russian attacks that cost them health, loved ones, and homes Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Russians attacked Ukraine with 110 Shahed and other types of attack UAVs on the night of 1-2 December. The Ukrainian air defence forces have managed to shoot down 52 drones and another 50 have disappeared from radar. Source: Ukrainian Air Force on Telegram Quote from the Air Force: "As of 08:30, 52 enemy UAVs are confirmed to have been shot down in Kyiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Sumy, Poltava, Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. Fifty drones disappeared from radar, probably as a result of countermeasures by the defence forces' electronic warfare assets, six left Ukrainian airspace heading towards Russia and Belarus, and one is still in the air. Combat work continues!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Russians launched the drones from the directions of the Russian cities of Kursk, Oryol, Millerovo and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. The air attack was repelled by anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Air Force and defence forces. Support UP or become our patron! On Monday, 2 December, Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umierov spoke by phone with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Source: Umierov on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda Details: According to the Ukrainian minister, he spoke with his American counterpart "on the current situation on the battlefield, the key challenges and needs of the Ukrainian defence forces," as well as "strategic planning for 2025." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Special care was taken to prepare for the next meeting in the Ramstein format. Ukraine and its partners continue to work on measures that will enhance our defence capability and bring victory closer," Umierov said. The Ramstein format, led by the United States, was established in the spring of 2022, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, to coordinate military support to Kyiv. It has brought together more than 50 countries. Background: Earlier it was reported that an additional meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein format, may take place in December, with one of the options being talks at the highest level. Defence Minister Umierov expressed hope that the Ukraine Defense Contact Group will continue under the upcoming presidency of Donald Trump. Support UP or become our patron! European Council President Antonio Costa believes that Ukraine can positively contribute to addressing vulnerabilities in the European Union's competitiveness, as outlined in the plan to halt the EU's economic decline. Source: Costa in an interview with Ukrinform, as reported by European Pravda Details: Journalists asked Antonio Costa whether Ukraine could help address certain vulnerabilities in Europes competitiveness, as outlined in Mario Draghis September report, once it becomes an EU member. These vulnerabilities include natural resources, agriculture, energy, advanced technologies, and, of course, defence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Costa added that another important factor to consider is Ukraines highly skilled workforce. Quote: "In all of those domains, Ukraines contribution, once it becomes a member state, will be very positive for the EU competitiveness," he said. Background: In early September, former European Central Bank President and ex-Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi presented a plan to halt the EUs economic decline, emphasising the need for investments twice the amount Europe spent on its post-World War II reconstruction. By late November, it was revealed that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is establishing a task force to implement Draghis plan for enhancing the EUs competitiveness. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has once again condemned the extreme use of force against pro-European protesters in Georgia and reproached Tbilisi for trying to intimidate citizens with the "Ukrainian scenario" (the Georgian government must be referring to the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine in 2014 that toppled the-then pro-Russian regime and gradually brought Ukraine closer to the EU ed.). Source: European Pravda, citing a statement from Ukraine's Foreign Ministry dated 2 December Details: "The Georgian authorities must respect the fundamental right of their citizens to peaceful protest. Particularly, when the protests are driven by the governments decision to halt Georgias progress towards EU membership, contrary to the European aspirations of the Georgian people," the statement reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Foreign Ministry expressed surprise at senior Georgian officials claims of commitment to European integration, while at the same time, their actions are redirecting the countrys course towards Moscow similar to "Ukrainian politicians who once sought to derail Ukraines path to the EU and steer it into Russias orbit". "We strongly reject the persistent attempts of the Georgian authorities to involve Ukraine in internal political processes in their country. The Georgian government should stop intimidating its people with the myth of so-called 'Ukrainian scenario', while simultaneously implementing a 'Belarusian scenario' in practice," the Foreign Ministry said. The ministry also expressed solidarity with Georgian diplomats who have publicly opposed the government's actions. "We are convinced that European integration is the key to stability, prosperity and strengthening of democratic institutions in Georgia, and we strive for a successful future for our peoples in the great European family. Our solidarity with the Georgian people remains unwavering," the statement concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: In recent days, large-scale anti-government protests have been taking place in Georgia following the authorities' announcement that they would suspend negotiations on EU accession for the next four years. On the night of 1-2 December, Georgian police and special forces cracked down on the protest, resulting in detentions. By morning, over 200 people had been reported detained. Support UP or become our patron! Mediarukh (Media Movement), a Ukrainian community that brings together journalists from Ukraines leading media, together with human rights organisations are calling on the members of Ukraines Parliament to reject draft law No. 10242 in its current form, arguing that it poses a threat to the freedom of speech and protection of journalistic sources and whistleblowers exposing corruption. Source: a statement issued by the Media Movement, released by the Institute of Mass Information Details: The draft law proposes stricter criminal liability for publishing confidential information from public registers or engaging in actions that allow unauthorised access to such data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Media Movement warns that the proposed penalties up to eight years of imprisonment for such acts during martial law equate these offences to serious crimes. Quote: "Under the guise of combating 'data misuse', this draft law creates a tool that could be used to persecute journalists reporting on corruption schemes or abuses of power. Examples of investigations whose authors could face liability under the provisions of this draft law include reports on schemes for men leaving Ukraine during martial law or the illicit enrichment of prosecutors." The Media Movement points out that the draft law lacks mechanisms to protect individuals who disclose confidential information of public importance. Even in cases where the disclosure serves the public interest, existing Ukrainian laws such as the Law On Information and the Law On Access to Public Information may not adequately safeguard journalists in court proceedings if the amended Article 361-2 of the Criminal Code is applied. Further details: "Redefining such offences as serious crimes opens the door to covert investigative actions against journalists, including wiretapping and surveillance, significantly violating standards for the protection of sources," the joint statement cautions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement also highlights that while the draft law is presented as part of Ukraine's obligations to the European Union, its provisions contradict international standards for freedom of speech, the protection of journalistic sources and whistleblowers. This includes the principles of the recently adopted European Media Freedom Act. Quote: "Legislation that restricts public oversight of authorities and fosters an atmosphere of fear among journalists not only undermines democracy but also erodes trust in state institutions. We support improving legislation but only when it considers the interests of society and does not become a tool for suppressing freedom of speech." The Media Movement has appealed to international organisations and human rights advocates to analyse the draft law and voice their position on its potential impact on freedom of speech in Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine might have to liberate some Russian-held territories through diplomatic means after the country's NATO membership becomes certain, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Kyodo News on Dec. 1. "Our army lacks the strength to do that. That is true," Zelensky told the Japanese news agency regarding the liberation of territories held by Russia since 2014, including Crimea. "We do have to find diplomatic solutions," he said, adding that liberation by force could be considered when Ukraine is strong enough to prevent new aggression by Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement aligns with a recent rhetoric shift in Kyiv as Moscow's forces keep advancing in the east, and the future of Western support is uncertain under Donald Trump's upcoming presidency. Zelensky had long been adamant about Ukraine's full territorial integrity as a key cornerstone of any peace deal. His more recent comments show a willingness to defer the status of occupied territories in exchange for entry into NATO while not recognizing Russian occupation as legitimate. "We understand that Article 5, when you're a member of NATO, cannot apply to the entire territory of Ukraine during wartime, as countries are against the risks of being drawn into the war," Zelensky told Sky News last week. The comments came as Ukraine has been urging NATO allies to invite Ukraine to join the alliance as early as next week during the NATO Foreign Ministerial Meeting on Dec. 3-4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to Kyodo News, Zelensky said that the war has entered a "complicated period" and that the current level of international support is not sufficient. He reiterated his calls on NATO to launch talks with Kyiv as soon as possible. Ukraine's head of state also commented on Trump's imminent return to the White House, saying that the president-elect's team is studying Ukraine's five-step victory plan. "But there will be no capitulation from the side of Ukraine," Zelensky added. Trump's presidency has sparked fears that Washington would pull the plug on Ukraine as the president-elect has criticized military aid for Kyiv. He has also pledged to bring both sides to the negotiating table, with some reports suggesting this plan could entail freezing the war along the current front lines and postponing Ukraine's NATO aspirations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Trumps pick for Ukraine envoy backs peace through strength, security guarantees Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's defence forces destroyed nearly 20 Russian drones threatening Kyiv on the night of 1-2 December. Source: Serhii Popko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration, on Telegram Details: Kyiv City Military Administration reported that an air-raid warning in the capital was in effect for four and a half hours due to the Russian drone attack. Quote from Popko: "There were many drones. They approached as before in waves and from different directions. The defence forces detected and destroyed nearly 20 enemy UAVs, which posed a potential threat to Kyiv." Details: Popko confirmed that the attack caused no damage or casualties in the capital. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian marines from the 36th Brigade, based in Mykolaiv in the countrys south, successfully repelled an attack by Russian paratroopers on the Kursk front, forcing the Russians to retreat with heavy losses. Source: Ukrainska Pravda sources in the 36th Separate Marine Brigade Details: Recently, the Mykolaiv marines successfully repelled an assault by an elite Russian airborne unit near Zelenyi Shlyakh and Novoivanovka in the Kursk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Ukrainska Pravda source said the Russians launched their attack in small infantry groups riding quad bikes. During the battle, the marines destroyed two of the quad bikes using remote minefields and FPV drones. The remaining Russian troops reached the fortifications but were later defeated by artillery and strike drones from Ukrainian positions. The Russian assault unit suffered significant losses, with 16 killed and 29 wounded, the source reports. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainska Pravda is now available in the temporarily occupied territories in the Ceno Android browser, which does not require a connection through VPN. Details: Ceno (Censorship.No!) is a mobile application from Canadian developer eQualitie, which creates decentralised internet services in support of a more equal and equitable network. It is difficult to access Ukrainian information resources in the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia because the Russians block them. To access Ukrainska Pravda, netizens can use VPN services. In particular, the Ukrainian ClearVPN or the American VPN Unlimited are commercial VPN services that offer Ukrainians free access through Diia.Signature [a mobile app, a web portal and a brand of e-governance in Ukraine]. However, the Russian authorities are constantly trying to block them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ceno browser features caching websites that are banned in countries with authoritarian regimes and delivery of the cache using alternative technologies to such countries. The mirror of the Ukrainska Pravda website is now part of this cache and is available through the Ceno browser in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories and Russia. Access to Ukrainian resources banned by the Russian Federation through the Ceno browser will be possible without a VPN, registration, personal data, or even when Russia disconnects from external Internet channels. For Android devices, Ceno can be downloaded from Google PlayMarket or F-droid. Support UP or become our patron! (This Dec. 2 story has been refiled to remove an extraneous letter from the headline) By Andrew MacAskill LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday stepping up support for Ukraine was essential to put the country in the strongest position for peace talks as he conceded in the clearest terms there could be a negotiated end to the war. Starmer stressed the importance of continued Western support to Ukraine and warned a Russian victory in Ukraine would threaten Europe's security, stability and prosperity, particularly because it could embolden Russia's allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We must continue to back Ukraine and do what it takes to support their self-defence for as long as it takes," Starmer said in a speech in London's historic financial district. "To put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations so they can secure a just and lasting peace on their terms that guarantees their security, independence - and right to choose their own future." Starmer's comments come at crucial moment in the war with Russia advancing at its fastest rate since 2022 and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump - who is deeply sceptical of U.S. support for Ukraine - promising to end the war quickly after he is inaugurated on Jan. 20. Britain has been one of Ukraine's most vocal supporters since the start of the invasion by Russia in 2022 and was the first country to supply more sophisticated weapons to Ukraine, including battle tanks and long-range cruise missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the clearest language, Starmer, who was elected prime minister in July, has used about the war with Russia ending in a negotiated settlement, a British government official told Reuters. In previous comments, Starmer has said the war should end by Russia leaving Ukraine's internationally recognised borders. Trump's election has added pressure on Europe to step up its role in arming Kyiv should the United States, the biggest individual donor, reduce its aid. Starmer said it was "vital that all European nations step up to protect our shared future" because "the future of freedom in Europe is being decided today". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We face a near and present danger with Russia as an erratic, increasingly desperate aggressor on our continent marshalling all its resources - along with North Korean troops and Iranian missiles - aiming to kill and to conquer," he said. (Reporting by Andrew MacAskill; editing by Jonathan Oatis) Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Demonstrators in the Georgian capital Tbilisi clashed with police for a fourth successive night amid signs the protests sparked by the ruling pro-Russia Georgia Dream Party's decision to suspend the country's bid to join the European Union are spreading. EU and Georgia flag-waving protesters gathered on central Rusaveli Avenue near parliament on Sunday night were hit with tear gas and water cannon after they launched fireworks at police. Georgia's interior ministry said 21 police officers were injured, but President Salome Zourabichvili, who backs the Coalition for Change opposition, said protesters had been beaten by police in custody, citing lawyers claiming the most of them had been badly injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 44 people -- 27 protesters, 16 police officers and one representative of the media -- were hospitalized in violent clashes Saturday night, according to the Interior Ministry. That came after 32 police were injured and 43 protesters were arrested overnight Thursday when people came onto the streets to express their opposition to an announcement by Georgia Dream Party Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to push back EU-accession negotiations to the end of 2028. Kobakhidzecut took the decision in response to what he termed EU "blackmail" after it put Georgia's candidate status on hold and cut financial support in response to the passage of a controversial GDP "foreign influence" law in May, forcing NGOs and media that receive more than 20% of their funding from overseas to register as foreign agents. Thursday's decision triggered resignations by administration officials, the most recent of which was the country's ambassador to the United States, David Zalkaliani, amid denials from Kobakhidze that talks with the EU had been suspended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States suspended a key partnership with Tbilisi on Saturday, condemning "excessive police violence" against ordinary Georgians and saying Georgia Dream's "various anti-democratic actions have violated the core tenets of our U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership, which was based on shared values and commitments to democracy, rule of law, civil society, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and anti-corruption efforts." "By suspending Georgia's EU accession process, Georgian Dream has rejected the opportunity for closer ties with Europe and made Georgia more vulnerable to the Kremlin," the State Department said in a statement. It said integration with Europe had overwhelming support among the people of Georgia and called on the Georgian government to "return to its Euro-Atlantic path, transparently investigate all parliamentary election irregularities, and repeal anti-democratic laws that limit freedoms of assembly and expression." EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Sunday the actions of Kobakhidze's government would "have direct consequences from the EU side." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GDP won a parliamentary election in October that was marred by allegations of rigging and which is contested by opposing parties and Zourabichvili, who are calling for the election to be rerun. Parliament in turn elected a new president to replace Zourabichvili who was elected to a six-year term by popular vote in 2018. Zourabichvili is due to leave office Dec. 29, but has pledged she will not step down until a successor is elected "legitimately." The United States stated on Monday, 2 December, that it would provide Ukraine with another US$725 million in help. Source: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement, as reported by European Pravda Details: According to Blinken, new military support is supplied within the context of the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) programme, which has already been used by President Biden to use the reserves of the US Defense Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The package includes Stinger missiles, anti-drone weapons, HIMARS ammunition, 155-mm and 105-mm artillery ammunition, drones, anti-personnel mines, Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems, TOW anti-tank missiles, small arms and ammunition, demolition equipment and ammunition, and equipment to protect critical national infrastructure. "The United States and more than 50 nations stand united to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression," Blinken stated. The package represents a significant increase in the number of weapons provided through Biden's use of the PDA programme. Previous PDA packages typically ranged from US$125 million to US$250 million. Background: Biden now has access to US$4-5 billion in PDA funds approved by Congress, which he is expected to use before Republican president-elect Donald Trump takes office on 20 January. Meanwhile, the WSJ reports 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. The Pentagon says they have reached the amount of weaponry that can be sent to Ukraine each month without sacrificing their own fighting capability, and that there are logistical issues with getting munitions to Ukrainian forces. Earlier, Biden requested that Congress fund an additional US$24 billion for military assistance to Ukraine and replenishing of American weapons stocks that had been transferred to Kyiv. However, the future makeup of the Republican-dominated Congress is resistant to this suggestion. Support UP or become our patron! The United States will deliver a $725 million weapons package to Ukraine, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Dec. 2. The move comes as President Joe Biden's administration, nearing the end of its term, works to strengthen Kyiv's defenses against Russian forces before the January transition of power. "Today, I am announcing the delivery of $725 million in additional weapons and equipment for Ukraines defense," Blinked wrote on X. "The United States and more than 50 nations stand united with Ukraine." The package will include Stinger missiles, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, drones, and landmines, among other equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This marks a significant increase in the use of the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which allows the U.S. to transfer weapons from existing stockpiles to allies in urgent situations. Previous PDA announcements have typically ranged between $125 million and $250 million, according to Reuters. With an estimated $4 billion to $5 billion in PDA funding still authorized by Congress, Biden is expected to allocate more aid to Ukraine before Republican President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20. The current package also includes land mines, marking the first time in decades that the U.S. has exported such devices. While more than 160 countries have banned land mines under an international treaty due to their risks to civilians, Kyiv has been requesting them since the onset of Russias full-scale invasion in 2022. Russian forces have reportedly deployed land mines extensively along the front lines. The mines included in this assistance are described as "non-persistent," designed with a limited power system that renders them non-lethal after a short period. Unlike older land mines that could remain dangerous for years, these devices are intended to mitigate long-term risks to civilians. Read also: Trump ally Tucker Carlson slams Biden for giving Ukraine land mines, says killing is the point Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Patricia Zengerle (Reuters) -The United States will send Ukraine $725 million of missiles, ammunition, anti-personnel mines and other weapons, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday, as President Joe Biden's outgoing administration seeks to bolster Kyiv in its war with Russian invaders before leaving office in January. The assistance will include Stinger missiles, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), drones and land mines, among other items, Blinken said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters reported last week that the Biden administration planned to provide the equipment, much of it anti-tank weapons, to ward off Russia's attacking forces. Moscow's troops have been capturing village after village in Ukraine's east, part of a drive to seize the industrial Donbas region, while Russian airstrikes target a hobbled Ukrainian energy grid as winter sets in. "The United States and more than 50 nations stand united to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression," Blinken's statement said. The announcement marks a steep uptick in size from Biden's 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 for Ukraine before Republican President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20. WAITING FOR TRUMP Trump is widely expected to change U.S. strategy on Ukraine, after he criticized the scale of Biden's support for Kyiv and made quickly winding down the war a central campaign promise. Last week, he picked Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general who presented him with a plan to end the war, to serve as special envoy for the conflict. Kellogg's plan for ending the war, which began when Russia invaded Ukrainian sovereign territory, involves freezing the battle lines at their prevailing locations and forcing both Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table, Reuters reported in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tranche of weapons represents the first time in decades that the United States has exported land mines, the use of which 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. The land mines that would be sent to Ukraine are "non-persistent," 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 threaten civilians indefinitely. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; additional reporting by Rami Ayyub; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Stephen Coates) As President-elect Donald Trump announces his prospective Cabinet nominations, The Conversation U.S. Politics Editor Jeff Inglis spoke with John E. Jones III about how the U.S. attorney general the head law enforcement officer of the executive branch of government deals with federal judges, who are part of the judiciary, a different branch of government. Jones is the president of Dickinson College and a retired federal judge appointed by President George W. Bush and confirmed unanimously by the Senate in 2002. The transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity. To what extent does the U.S. attorney general or their subordinates directly interact with federal judges? Most federal judges rarely see the attorney general, if ever although the attorney general does tend to visit different U.S. attorneys offices. But judges always see the U.S. attorney in their district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are 93 U.S. attorneys across the country, presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed. Theyre an extension of the attorney general, who sets broad policies for the U.S.s law enforcement priorities. For example, if an attorney general wants to focus on prosecuting fentanyl distribution, that work is typically carried out by U.S. attorney offices nationwide. Underneath the U.S. attorneys, who are political appointees, you have the careerists, assistant U.S. attorneys called line prosecutors. They present cases to grand juries and try those cases, and therefore also interact often with federal judges. Are there actions or policies an attorney general can set that really affect federal judges around the country? To me, an important example is where prosecutors seek to intercept electronic communications, formerly known simply as wiretaps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before 1968, you had people like FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover just wantonly tapping peoples phones, sometimes at the presidents behest. They didnt need to get a warrant to wiretap someone. Wiretaps were dropped on people in the worst cases for prurient or political reasons. It was like the Wild West. Its well established that Hoover tapped Martin Luther King Jr., for example, just looking to sully his reputation. Then Congress passed the Wiretap Act of 1968, which includes rules about what is called a Title III intercept. As opposed to wiretaps, this law applies to all kinds of electronic surveillance, including texts. The Title III law and Justice Department policies hold that if a local U.S. attorney or assistant U.S. attorney want to conduct electronic surveillance on a person, that application must go through what we refer to as Main Justice the Justice Department offices in Washington before it can be submitted for a federal judge to consider and approve or reject. Not every prosecutorial decision or every investigative decision is vetted this way. But electronic surveillance is, because it involves the most sensitive personal information that individuals have. Its an invasion, by judicial license, of the privacy rights of individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So before a judge even sees an application, the professional career folks at Main Justice who stay in their positions from presidential administration to presidential administration review it according to the law and the highest investigatory standards. When its presented to a judge, we know then that the application has already been carefully reviewed and authorized by Main Justice. We always had a certain sense of comfort. We would look for all the legal touchstones that were necessary to make sure that probable cause was established. But we knew that there was somebody who had put some eyes on this before and made sure it was legally sound. I never saw an application over my 19 years as a judge that was ill-brought or in bad faith. Theyre very, very well done, typically. You would see a packet of information that would be inches thick in support of the attempt to intercept somebodys communications. If anything, I found the Department of Justice would almost go to excessive lengths to make sure that they made their case. They understood the gravity of it. In an intercept, youre literally listening into or reading what the speakers or the communicators believe is a confidential conversation, and for an extended period of time. Once the genie leaves the electronic bottle in an intercept, its much graver than evidence from a single search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats an invasion of somebodys right to privacy. Theres untoward amounts of information that you could gain to blackmail or get a political advantage over someone. Thats why theres this additional process for obtaining judicial permission, to ensure the judiciary is a check against this power. Its an area of super-close interaction between the central Justice Department and federal judges around the country. Are there risks to that type of collaboration based on who the attorney general is? Judges have had a fundamental degree of trust that generally, when they deal with the Department of Justice, there are adults in the room who are people of reasonably good judgment. We have had some U.S. attorneys general with priorities that people may disagree with, but in the end, you want the person at the top to be professional and set standards that are ethical and in accord with the laws and the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If that person isnt professional, the Justice Department could become like a secret police agency. When I was a judge, I never failed to be amazed by the awesome power of prosecutors. They can, as has been said, get a grand jury to do almost anything. That formidable power can destroy lives if abused. Do you think federal judges are willing to increase their scrutiny over Department of Justice actions, or if they feel they need to? I really hate to typecast because people did that to me, and it turned out it wasnt right. But there are Trump-appointed judges, particularly in the appellate courts, who are more conservative. I still have confidence in the judiciary to do its job. I didnt agree with the Supreme Court decision that Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, granting broad criminal immunity to presidents for official actions. I tended to agree more with Justice Amy Coney Barretts more limited approach in her concurrence. But it did not carry the day, and thats the way the system works. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I worry that my former colleagues in the federal judiciary may need to be more vigilant than ever before. Regardless of which president appointed them, they cannot simply roll over if there are abuses of the system for retaliatory or political ends. I fervently hope they will be up to the task, without fear or favor. Our democracy will be at risk if they dont. 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: John E. Jones III, Dickinson College Read more: John E. Jones III 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. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) U.S. Navy destroyers shot down seven missiles and drones fired by Yemens Houthi rebels at the warships and three American merchant vessels they were escorting through the Gulf of Aden. No damage or injuries were reported. U.S. Central Command said late Sunday that the destroyers USS Stockdale and USS OKane shot down and destroyed three anti-ship ballistic missiles, three drones and one anti-ship cruise missile. The merchant ships were not identified. The Houthis claimed the attack in a statement and said they had targeted the U.S. destroyers and "three supply ships belonging to the American army in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Houthi attacks for months have targeted shipping through a waterway where $1 trillion in goods pass annually over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Israels ground offensive in Lebanon. A ceasefire was announced in the latter last week. The USS Stockdale was involved in a similar attack on Nov. 12. The US Navy has developed a new way of reloading warships with missiles while at sea. It will be "critical" to any future conflict in the Pacific, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said. The solution could be useful, but it's untested in real war conditions, one analyst said. The US Navy has developed a new way of reloading its destroyers, cruisers, and other sizable warships with missiles at sea, as it contends with the growing naval threat from China. The Wall Street Journal gained exclusive access to a recent test off the coast of California, where US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro described the new capability as "critical to any future conflict in the Pacific." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The technology is based on repurposed 1990s prototype equipment and uses a hydraulically propelled system that transports missile canisters from a supply ship via a zipline to place them into a launch cell, it reported. TRAM was tested on land in July and then at sea for the first time in October, off the coast of San Diego, where Del Toro touted it as a "powerful deterrent" to US rivals. "Without the ability to rearm at sea, our service combatants must return to port, sometimes thousands of miles away," Del Toro said at the time. This could put them out of action for weeks at a time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Del Toro said the US Navy expected to start deploying TRAM within the next two to three years. In a speech at Columbia University in December 2022, Del Toro said delivering the "game-changing" capability to rearm US warships at sea was one of his top priorities. China has grown increasingly assertive in the Pacific in recent months, crossing into the airspace and waters around Taiwan, a key US partner , and carrying out maritime gray-zone operations in the South China Sea against the Philippines, an ally the US is treaty-bound to defend. To date, the US has only been able to reload its warships' cruise missile launchers from solid ground, or in sheltered harbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, the USS Dewey reloaded at an allied naval base in Darwin, Australia. But "if conflict were to erupt, or if something were to happen, being able to go to various different locations around the Indo-Pacific, it makes it much faster for us to reload," Nicholas Maruca, the commanding officer of the USS Dewey, told the Journal. However, the technology alone might not be enough. Nick Childs, a senior naval analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, noted in a recent military blog that the system has only been trialed in "fairly benign" sea conditions and that the Navy needs to distribute enough equipment, replenishment ships, and missiles around the fleet, and also modify warships to receive them. "However they are accomplished," he said of reloading solutions, they "will be no silver bullet for navies." Read the original article on Business Insider The United States Navy has built a new prototype reloading system for replenishing the missiles onboard a warship in a faster way. Called Transferrable Reload At-sea (TRAM), can reduce the time needed to for missile reloading on warships from months to just days. It aims to give the US Navy warships an advantage in case of any future conflict, making it much easier for the vessels to continue their attack while they are out on missions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will also enable the vessels to spend much longer durations at sea rather than having to visit a port for getting more missiles onboard. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and the recent escalations in the Middle East have shown that there might be a need for immediately replenishing missiles in case tensions escalate with China, Russia, or any other adversary. TRAM system demonstration The US Navy had demonstrated the TRAM on an underway warship in the open ocean for the first time in October. The sailors aboard the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) used the hydraulically-powered TRAM device to load an empty missile canister into the ships MK 41 vertical launching system (VLS) while off the coast of San Diego on Oct. 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The successful demo marked a milestone in the capability to rearm warships with missiles at sea a key capability to maintain the US Navys dominance. For the at-sea demonstration, Chosin connected to USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11), a Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship, which transferred the missile canister across cables to the cruiser. The sailors then used TRAM to move the missile canister along rails attached to the cruisers VLS modules, tilt it into a vertical position, and lower it into a VLS cell with TRAMs built-in cable and pulley system. Today, we proved just how game-changing TRAM truly isand what a powerful deterrent it will be to our competitors, said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, who witnessed the demonstration. This demonstration marks a key milestone on the path to perfecting this capability and fielding it for sustained operations at sea. Boosting missile shooting and reloading capabilities of warships Earlier, a land-based demonstration of TRAM had taken place in July at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TRAM has been developed as part of the underway replenishment (UNREP) process by engineers at NSWC PHD. The UNREP process is where a supply ship connects to a combatant at sea to transfer vital material such as fuel and food and in this case even missiles, according to a release by the US Navy. At the demonstration, Del Toro had said that the US Navy was on track to begin fielding TRAM within two to three years. The US Navy realizes the importance of TRAM and it hopes to use it so that its warships can continue operating in hostile areas against adversaries without having to keep visiting ports frequently for getting its missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rising tensions with China, and its hostility with US allies in the Indo-Pacific is raising concerns globally. The ability to safely rearm warships at sea will go a long way in boosting the US Navys capabilities. The engineers revived a 30-year-old crane, computerized it, and used it to develop the new missile reloading system. An article on The Wall Street Journal details that the engineers working on TRAM spent hours fixing the loopholes before designing the system. It involved taking apart the TRAM design proposed earlier and making digital plans to reverse-engineer it. The tests that are to follow will reveal more about its effectiveness, and shortcomings if any. The US Navy will definitely look forward to adding it in their daily operations if all goes as per plan. Two U.S. Navy destroyers shot down incoming Houthi missiles and drones that were targeting three U.S.-flagged commercial ships that the destroyers were escorting in the Gulf of Aden, the U.S. military said. There was no damage to the ships involved, the U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, said in a statement. There were no injuries, the statement said. The destroyers, the USS Stockade and the USS O'Kane, shot down "a range" of Houthi-launched weapons while traveling through the gulf on Saturday and Sunday, CENTCOM said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping, against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis," the command said in a statement. MORE: Who are the Houthis and why did the US attack them? The Houthis began their campaign against shipping in response to Israel's war in Gaza, launched after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel. Houthi leaders have vowed to continue attacks until Israel ends its campaign in Gaza and withdraws from the territory. The U.S. -- along with the U.K. -- first launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in January 2024, following several months of drone and missile attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. Those strikes continued in November, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: US bombs 'numerous' Houthi weapon storage sites in Yemen, official says The Houthis launched over the weekend three anti-ship ballistic missiles, three attack drones and an anti-ship cruise missile, all of which were defeated, the Navy said. CENTCOM in a press release, which was dated Dec. 1, did not identify the civilian vessels that had been targeted. ABC News' David Brennan and Matt Seyler contributed to this report. US Navy shoots down Houthi missiles targeting US-flagged commercial ships in Gulf of Aden originally appeared on abcnews.go.com US President Joe Biden on Sunday said he has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, despite previously promising he would not do so. The president's 54-year-old son had pleaded guilty to federal tax charges after being found guilty of charges relating to gun possession and drug use in two separate trials. The sentences were to be announced later in December. The US president said that, while he had promised he wouldn't interfere with decisions by the Department of Justice, "It is clear that Hunter was treated differently." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election," the older Biden said in a statement released by the White House. "Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unravelled in the court room with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter's cases. "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong," continued the US president. Biden had said several times that he would not pardon his son. His term in office ends when power is handed over to President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden's legal problems also weighed on his father politically during the election campaign. Biden was originally set to be the Democrats' candidate for the White House, but withdrew from the race after a disastrous performance in a televised debate against Trump. He was eventually replaced by his vice president, Kamala Harris, who was defeated by Trump in the November election. US President-elect Donald Trump described the decision as a "miscarriage of justice." He pointed on his Truth Social platform to people jailed for participating in the January 6, 2021 riots on Capitol Hill in Washington, terming them "hostages." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!" Trump posted. Trump is to be inaugurated in Washington on January 20. US President Joe Biden on Sunday said he has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, despite previously promising he would not do so. The president's 54-year-old son had pleaded guilty to federal tax charges after being found guilty of charges relating to gun possession and drug use in two separate trials. The sentences were to be announced later in December. The US president said that, while he had promised he wouldn't interfere with decisions by the Department of Justice, "It is clear that Hunter was treated differently." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election," the older Biden said in a statement released by the White House. "Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter's cases. "No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son and that is wrong," continued the US president. Biden had said several times that he would not pardon his son. His term in office ends when power is handed over to President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden's legal problems also weighed on his father politically during the election campaign. Biden was originally set to be the Democrats' candidate for the White House, but withdrew from the race after a disastrous performance in a televised debate against Trump. He was eventually replaced by his vice president, Kamala Harris, who was defeated by Trump in the November election. A nearly year-old U.S. Senate GOP inquiry into Chicagos housing of migrants at OHare and Midway airports may become more than a political annoyance for Mayor Brandon Johnson next year as Republicans take control of the federal government with an eye on tightening rules about public spending for noncitizens. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, the ranking Republican member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, months ago escalated an investigation Republicans on the committee had opened about Chicagos policy of having migrants sleep at the airports while they waited for shelter beds. In an August letter to the mayor obtained by the Tribune via a public records request, the senator said Johnsons staff had been unresponsive to questions he sent in January about the practice, and raised the prospect that continued noncompliance could endanger federal airport grants Chicago receives for projects at OHare International and Midway airports. Cruz also suggested Congress could compel Chicago officials to respond should the Johnson administration not provide answers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, the letter didnt get any notice and Cruzs demands were little more than Washington intimidation tactics as Democrats controlled the Senate and national Republicans were using the immigration issue to rag on big cities across the country, with Chicago consistently being a prime target. But with the GOP riding anti-immigration fervor that helped sweep Donald Trump back into the White House and Republicans gain control of the U.S. House and Senate, Cruz is set to chair the powerful committee beginning in January. While it remains to be seen how real Cruzs threats are, one of the committees options is moving to withhold federal infrastructure dollars to cities that continue sheltering immigrants at airports. Though the arrival of migrants to Chicago from the southern border often being bused here by the order of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas has significantly ebbed this year, the committees move would be one part of whats expected to be a multipronged approach by Republicans to take their immigration efforts directly to sanctuary cities like Chicago that have policies in place protecting immigrant rights. Tom Homan the incoming border czar for Trump, who campaigned on a repeated promise of mass deportations of immigrants said recently on Fox News that he will wield a very, very powerful weapon in potentially withholding federal funding for states and cities run by Democratic governors and mayors that fight deportation efforts. He also said he would jail the mayor of Denver, another sanctuary city, if the mayor blocks migrants from deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnsons press office did not respond to multiple inquiries about Cruzs letter and the Senate committee probe, which a committee spokesperson said remains open. Among the other Republicans on the committee who co-signed a letter supporting the probe was Vice President-elect JD Vance from Ohio. Over the last few months, Committee staff has reached out to your staff on 4 separate occasions seeking a response. Unfortunately, your staff has refused to provide a substantive response, Cruz wrote in the August letter. Such lack of transparency with Congress and the American public is unacceptable. Your response will help determine if legislative changes to the Airport Improvement Program grants are necessary. The grants in question are federal funds that largely go to construction projects at airports. In 2024, OHare and Midway received about $112 million in Airport Improvement Program dollars. In a statement to the Tribune, a representative for the Republican members of the Senate committee said, Incoming Commerce Committee Chairman Cruz is continuing his investigation of Mayor Johnsons decision to fund Chicagos sanctuary airports and its impact on taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a Republican-led Congress, blue-state mayors who violate federal law or misuse taxpayer dollars to prioritize illegal aliens over Americans will be held accountable, the statement said. A commerce committee source said Johnsons office has begun to respond to the committees questions, among them the cost and impact on airport capacity. The source said Republican members are considering prohibiting cities from sheltering immigrants without legal authorization to live in the U.S. at the airports as a condition of accepting federal infrastructure funds. While Chicagos migrant crisis has abated, about a dozen migrants so far this month stayed at OHare awaiting shelter placement, per city census numbers, though it was unclear how long their stays were. Where Cruz and GOP commerce committee members hope to hit Johnson is by proving the past sheltering of migrants at the airports misused federal resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Repurposing airport facilities and infrastructure to house illegal aliens not only degrades taxpayers investment in the national airport system but violates the requirement that these federally funded facilities be available for public use as an airport, Cruz wrote in the initial January letter to Johnson. No rational person would define an airport as a facility that houses illegal aliens. The committee is seeking from the city the total number of migrants who have lived at OHare and Midway, where they were housed, costs and capacity reductions at the airport, whether the city consulted the Federal Aviation Administration or Transportation Security Administration and any incidents that prompted a law enforcement response. Cruz also asked whether federal Passenger Facility Charge funds were used for Terminal 1 at OHare or the bus and shuttle center at the airport, all of which were used to house migrants. The facility charge is revenue the airports receive from a fee tacked onto most airline tickets. Cruz also made a point of bringing up OHares $8.5 billion renovation project, which Johnson brokered a deal about with the major airlines in the spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your decision to house illegal aliens at OHare is even more curious considering Chicago has been in a contentious months-long dispute with tenants United Airlines and American Airlines regarding the future of a new terminal, Cruz wrote in January. Chicagos migrant crisis began in August 2022 when Abbott sent a busload of asylum-seekers to the city and other northern municipalities. The Republican governor argued that southern border states were overwhelmed with the surge of migration that mostly stemmed from Venezuela and said so-called sanctuary cities like Chicago should walk the walk when it comes to welcoming immigrants. Abbotts move was decried as a cruel political stunt by Illinois leaders who accused him of sowing chaos and using poverty-stricken asylum-seekers as political pawns. While Chicago leadership has been unequivocal in protecting its sanctuary city status, that ordinance simply forbids local law enforcement from helping federal immigration authorities carry out deportations. It does not guarantee resources such as shelter and food. The situation worsened after Johnson took office in May 2023 when Texas officials escalated the pace of migrants from Texas to Chicago. At the same time, the federal government didnt come to Chicagos rescue with sufficient aid or border policy reforms as hordes of families camped at police stations soared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the scenes of makeshift tent cities on the sidewalks and lobbies of Chicago Police Department precincts captured national attention, hundreds of migrants also were housed at Terminal 1, where asylum-seekers who arrived to Chicago via plane waited for a coveted bed in the citys overcrowded shelters. At a peak in October 2023, about 850 migrants were sleeping at OHare, according to the citys daily census. Midway also temporarily housed migrants, though far less frequently as the migrant population never topped 30. The crisis diminished earlier this spring following a executive order from President Joe Biden that cracked down on border crossings. Johnson has responded to Trumps victory in November by vowing to Chicagos immigrant communities that the city will protect immigrants from deportation, saying Chicagos sanctuary city status will remain in place. The showdown between Cruz and Johnson isnt the first time a Chicago mayor has gone up against Republicans in Washington over Chicagos sanctuary city status. Then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel sued Trumps Justice Department in 2017 after it withheld federal grants to Chicago because of the policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emanuel prevailed, though that legal fight was largely symbolic because the amount of money at stake is a small fraction of the citys police budget. It was $1.5 million that he wanted to use for ShotSpotter. ____ The News US President Joe Biden is racing to send as much aid as possible to Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. Washington is preparing to send another $725 million in military aid to Kyiv, including munitions, counter-drone systems, and land mines a controversial weapon the US hopes will slow Russias advance, The Associated Press reported. Bidens administration will not be able to spend all of the Ukraine funds made available to it by Congress before Trump takes office, The Wall Street Journal reported, potentially leaving billions in funding for the incoming administration to decide what to do with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Kyiv announced on Monday a $680 million military aid package that includes air defense systems and tanks. SIGNALS Uncertainty clouds future of US aid Sources: The Hill, Times Radio Future US aid, by far Kyivs biggest backer, remains in doubt ahead of President-elect Donald Trump taking office in January. The president-elect has pledged to rapidly end the war, and has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration for sending money to Ukraine. However, some Trump appointees like Sebastian Gorka and Russia and Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg have suggested Trump could end the war by threatening to flood Ukraine with weapons unless Russia negotiates in good faith. To do so, Trump would need Congress support to pass a new funding package as the current Ukraine aid budget is expected to run out this winter. Europe mulls how to boost defense production Sources: Politico, Euractiv Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European Union countries are debating how to boost their weapons production, both to support Ukraine and revamp the blocs military. One proposal mooted by Poland and the Netherlands would relax rules for using EU funds on weapons companies outside Europe, which could open the door to more US and South Korean production facilities setting up on European soil, Politico reported. Another idea gaining momentum is for the EU to issue joint defense bonds to raise money to boost Europes defense industry and maintain Ukraine aid. However, while Polands foreign minister said in November that the five largest EU countries had agreed on the need for the eurobonds, the German government has downplayed support for the scheme. US pushes Ukraine to ramp up recruitment Sources: The Washington Post, Reuters, Ukrainian Pravda Washington is pushing Kyiv to increase the pool of new recruits to its military by lowering the mobilization age from 25 to 18 years old, The Washington Post reported. A US official said manpower is the most vital need, but Ukrainian officials have rejected the US proposal, telling Reuters they do not have enough equipment to support more forces. Meanwhile, Western officials have argued that they have effectively reduced the ammunition shortages that plagued Kyivs army last winter. Instead, Kyiv is preparing to crack down on deserters, warning that soldiers that left the army could face criminal charges unless they return by January, Ukrainian Pravda reported. In some units, as many as 20% of soldiers have reportedly gone AWOL. The United States, Germany, France and the United Kingdom have called for immediate de-escalation in Syria following clashes that saw an alliance of rebel factions, led by the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Islamist group, reportedly seize control of Aleppo from Syrian government forces over the weekend. "We are closely monitoring developments in Syria and urge de-escalation by all parties and the protection of civilians and infrastructure to prevent further displacement and disruption of humanitarian access," the four NATO nations said in a joint statement released late on Sunday. "The current escalation only underscores the urgent need for a Syrian-led political solution to the conflict," in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, it continued. Adopted in 2015, the resolution calls for peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has announced a counter-offensive following the loss of Aleppo. Russia, a key ally of al-Assad's regime in the civil war that began in 2011, launched airstrikes on the city for the first time since 2016, also targeting rebel positions across north-west Syria. Recently, Armenian MP Tigran Abrahamyan accused international organizations of not being diligent enough in protecting the "Armenian heritage" in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. In his opinion, these organizations are neither sincere nor compassionate enough. If they were, he argues, they would have properly responded to how Azerbaijan "demolishes, destroys, desecrates," and so on. "If the Karabakh issue is not solely a means of manipulating and influencing Azerbaijan by geopolitical actors, then the reaction to the aforementioned actions by Baku should be harsh and restraining," Abrahamyan stated. The Armenian MP himself did not realize he was speaking the truth. Indeed, the Karabakh issue has been a tool of manipulation and pressure on Baku by external actors from the very beginning. However, since November 2020, it no longer serves that purpose. Azerbaijan has deprived external players of the opportunity to use this issue, and these powers have never been truly interested in the Armenian question in any other form. Armenians were not used against Turkey and Azerbaijan for their own sake but were expendable, only actively employed when such opportunities arose. Now, those possibilities are exhausted, and if Abrahamyan or anyone else hopes that the way Azerbaijan reconstructs Khankendi or Hadrut will prompt punitive measures from the West, they are sorely mistaken. The Diaspora spends money in vain buying parliamentarians, politicians, and scientists, paying foreign experts and bloggers for nothing the funds invested in this issue no longer yield results. A couple of weeks ago, another failed attempt was made to raise a fuss about the alleged destruction of a church in one of the liberated villages in the Zangilan region of Azerbaijan. An American organization called Caucasus Heritage Watch (CHW) claimed to have seen "evidence" of vandalism in satellite images. In an effort to prove the church's Armenian origin, the forgers did not hesitate to display a photo of a freshly carved stone with a cross brazenly inserted into old blackened masonry. In reality, what they saw on CHWs Google satellite images was an ancient Albanian church, which had been in a dilapidated state for over a century and had been repurposed by Armenians during the occupation. There is no doubt that the staff of Caucasus Heritage Watch and another obscure organization, Monument Watch, are fully aware of this. But for the right fee, they will not reveal the truth. CHW is called an "American organization," but in fact, it is a product of Armenian lobbying and financing. Lobbyists connected to Cornell University established this fake operation after the 2020 war under the guise of the prestigious university, which does Cornell no favors. After the liberation of Karabakh from separatism, CHW began operating even more actively, churning out one "sensational" story after another. I recall that Armenian media widely spread news about the alleged "destruction of an Armenian cemetery" in Shusha. They claimed that Caucasus Heritage Watch had identified a road built across the cemetery using Google Maps. Following Armenian media outlets, this news spread across websites in the U.S., Europe, and Russia. Unfortunately, the same media outlets that eagerly disseminated the false report failed to retract it later. In reality, the road runs alongside the cemetery, which itself is located in an area that would be completely unsuitable for road construction. Consider also the hype surrounding the Albanian church in the village of Susanlig in the Khojavend district. This monument, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, had been used by Armenians for economic purposes during the occupation. But after the liberation of Gadrug, it came under the close scrutiny of falsifiers, who falsely labeled it "Armenian heritage." In November 2023, Caucasus Heritage Watch claimed that the church had been destroyed and replaced by a new building resembling it. It's unnecessary to explain that it is impossible to build and age a structure in two months so that it appears overgrown with grass and resembles a 400-year-old historical monument. Perhaps the Armenians, with their extraordinary talents, could have pulled it off, but we do not possess such "abilities." Recently, Caucasus Heritage Watch has become a rare presence in the field. Apart from their baseless claims regarding Zangilan, the organization's latest "revelations" date back to July, although prior to that, their activity was constant. We cannot know the exact reasons, but it seems that the Armenians have simply lost interest in funding such activities, as they failed to produce the desired results. And they wont. "The Armenian heritage is protected only as long as it is paid for," said Rizvan Huseynov, a political scientist, historian, and director of the Center for the History of the Caucasus. According to Huseynov, Caucasus Heritage Watch is a product of the Armenian diaspora, primarily the Californian community, with the participation of a few bribed American academics. These organizations appear and disappear as soon as funding runs out. "Please note that the same CHW was active until the summer, but then their activity began to decline. The reason, I believe, is that the Diaspora and lobbyists from the Armenian caucus have stopped funding them." The structure is based at Cornell University. Of the six founders, three are Armenians, and two are Western scientists who serve as mere puppets, distributing false reports and arguments on their behalf. All of this is masked by the affiliation with Cornell University and Purdue University. The organization is financed by Dashnaks, as well as by French and American Armenians, who are sold by the Armenian ANKA. So, in answer to the question of how much CHW is truly an American organization, I would say this: It is an Armenian Dashnak operation that tries to pose as a Western, international organization, hiding behind an American registration. Just look at the list of donors, and youll see that most are Armenian organizations, research foundations, and NGOs. In short, this is a purely Armenian lobbying structure designed to promote Armenian narratives and conceal the crimes of the Armenian military in Azerbaijan," said the historian. According to Rizvan Huseynov, the genuine cultural and historical heritage of Armenians in Azerbaijan consists of religious sites built by Armenian settlers over the past two hundred years, since their mass migration to Azerbaijani lands from Iran, Turkey, and the Middle East. It is well-documented that with the arrival of Tsarist Russia in the region, the Armenian population grew dramatically in Karabakh, Zangezur, and the area that is now Armenia. According to Russian sources, by the early 20th century, there were 1.3 million Armenians in the Caucasus, with more than a million being immigrants. "The settlers began to build churches and create cemeteries. Only these can be considered part of the Armenian cultural and historical heritage. Everything else is a falsified Armenian 'heritage' created on the ruins of the Albanian civilization. These artifacts cannot be considered Armenian heritage in any way. They belong to the peoples of the Caucasus, to Caucasian Albania, whose territory coincided with present-day Azerbaijan. The Albanian Church, as is well-known, was abolished by Tsarist Russia, and its spiritual, cultural, and architectural legacy, along with manuscripts, disappeared into the Armenian environment under the control of Etchmiadzin, by force. Therefore, the only thing that can be attributed to the purely Armenian heritage is what the recent Armenian settlers have built over the past two hundred years." I would like to emphasize that before this, people of the Armenian-Gregorian faith lived in Azerbaijan, but they were ethnically diverse. These were not the ethnic Armenians who settled in Azerbaijani lands in the past two hundred years. They were Armenian-Tatars, Armenian-Kurds, Armenian-Kipchaks, and part of the Udins and Nestorians. They had no connection to the Armenian-Haykan ethnic group that currently inhabits Armenia," Huseynov concluded. CHW, our interlocutor stressed, is presenting as destruction and vandalism the restoration work being carried out by Azerbaijan on its sovereign, internationally recognized territory. These works involve clearing the land of the ruins of houses and other structures that were destroyed by Armenians during the occupation. In other words, the Azerbaijani heritage that was destroyed by the Armenians is being falsely portrayed as "allegedly Armenian." "It is worth noting that CHW has one report acknowledging that mosques and Azerbaijani architectural heritage were destroyed in the 1990s. However, they make no mention of who destroyed them or even the fact of the Armenian occupation. They suggest that these sites collapsed on their own in the 1990s, and that the Armenian side did not specifically destroy anything. CHW experts display remarkable blindness to the widespread destruction caused by the Armenians during the occupation. The questions are not directed at the Dashnaks, from whom nothing else should be expected, but at the Western scholars who spread these lies for Armenian payments and disgrace the title of 'scientist,'" Rizvan Huseynov stated. The News US officials announced expanded curbs to Chinas access to cutting-edge semiconductors, a last gasp in the Biden administrations years-long efforts to counter Beijings tech progress. Washington restricted exports to 140 China-based companies, limited sales of particular kinds of semiconductor, and imposed stricter rules on the transfer of chipmaking tools ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps return to the White House. Trump has promised to introduce even more restrictions, including levies of up to 60% on all Chinese products. SIGNALS Washingtons curbs have only partially hindered China Sources: Center for Strategic and International Studies, The Economist Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washingtons success in curbing Beijings technological ascent, particularly in artificial intelligence, has been uneven, the most-watched US analyst on the subject noted in a recent paper: China prioritized indigenizing its semiconductor industry long before the US turned up the heat and is making advances, especially in chipmaking equipment. At the same time, the controls have succeeded in hindering Chinese firms somewhat, particularly in the manufacturing and designing of key parts for smartphones. For now, China still needs to import its most powerful chips, sourcing less than 15% of its chips domestically, The Economist reported. China is already preparing retaliation, which could hurt US businesses Sources: Bloomberg, CNBC China is already readying its retaliation to Trumps promised tariffs, with options including restricting the export of key minerals, targeting US companies, and courting some of the US traditional allies, Bloomberg reported. American businesses, in particular, could be in for a bumpy ride if China enforces retaliatory measures, CNBC noted citing a US-China Business Council report, which estimated more than 800,000 jobs could be lost by 2025. The worst part is the consumer brands that are not of a strategic nature ... and would not be subject to export restrictions might be punished by the local consumer because of their nationality, the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China told the outlet. Trump tariff approach likely to be a probing exercise, not an assault Sources: The Wall Street Journal, Atlantic Council While many on Wall Street hope Trumps rhetoric is merely a negotiation tactic, the President-elect will likely follow through with his plans, but his approach will be more akin to a probing exercise than a full-scale assault, a former IMF adviser wrote for the Atlantic Council think tank. A lot has changed since Trumps first term, when he launched his tariff offensive: Some of the worlds largest economies arent growing like they used to; countries have had time to adapt to Trumps hawkish stance; and the spectrum of high inflation is looming in the US. Trump, who is highly sensitive to market signals, will have to adjust tariffs if they impact prices and inflation significantly. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the "rapidly developing" situation in Syria on Sunday. According to the US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, the two diplomats discussed the "need for de-escalation and the protection of civilian lives and infrastructure in Aleppo and elsewhere." The discussion comes amid rising tensions in Syria, where according to a war monitor the Syrian government has lost control of Aleppo, the country's second-largest city, as opposition forces have made further territorial gains. By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -The U.S. Department of Agriculture won the dismissal of a lawsuit by a student who said her First Amendment rights were violated because she could not freely criticize the consumption of cow's milk, including through the National School Lunch Program, at her high school. In a decision on Saturday, U.S. District Judge Fernando Olguin in Los Angeles said Marielle Williamson lacked standing to sue the USDA over alleged censorship at Eagle Rock High School, and that her claims were moot because she had graduated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case began after school administrators told Williamson, then a 17-year-old senior, she could not hand out literature extolling non-dairy milk and criticizing dairy milk and the dairy industry, unless she also handed out materials about the virtues of dairy milk. Williamson, who is vegan, and the nonprofit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine sued the USDA and the Los Angeles Unified School District in May 2023. While the district settled in November 2023, Williamson said a USDA prohibition against restricting the sale or marketing of dairy milk by schools was unconstitutional, because enforcing it violated her free speech rights. But the judge found no allegations that the USDA itself threatened to silence Williamson, or that the law authorizing the lunch program created a mechanism to punish students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mere allegations of a subjective chill are not an adequate substitute for a claim of specific present objective harm or a threat of specific future harm," the judge wrote. Williamson is now a Duke University sophomore studying in China. Deborah Press, associate general counsel at the Physicians Committee, said the nonprofit will assess how to pursue further lawsuits in light of the decision. "The problem remains that there are thousands of students who rely on school meals and need an alternative to cow's milk," she said in an interview on Monday. "Marielle's lawsuit raised the conversation to the national level." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokespeople for the USDA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In the November 2023 settlement, Los Angeles' school district acknowledged students' right to criticize dairy, and said it would support giving free soy milk to students. The case is Williamson et al v US Department of Agriculture et al, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, No. 23-03307. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis) EAU CLAIRE With the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire recognized in the 2024 Open Doors Report for their study abroad participation, Colleen Marchwick, director of the Center for International Education, said it is something they are proud of. The 2024 Open Doors Report comes from the Institute of International Education which puts together statistics of both US students studying abroad and the number of international students coming into the country. UW-Eau Claire was ranked high for the second year in a row among masters-level schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin, which includes other institutions such as UW-Madison. I think the thing that I am really proud of at an institution like UW-Eau Claire is that we have this very long history of international engagement and international study abroad. The first study abroad experience from Eau Claire is from the 1950s when a group of students went to Mexico, said Marchwick. For a regional comprehensive university, that (international engagement) is a little bit unusual, and we have continued in that tradition and embraced that tradition and embraced that tradition through ups and downs. Its impressive and speaks to the institutions commitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to data cited in a press release from the university, approximately 410 UW-Eau Claire students studied abroad in the 2022-23 academic year. The report ranked UW-Eau Claire in 15th back in 2023, and now has ranked the university at 12th this year. For things that stand out, Marchwick said there is a lot of support for their study abroad programming. One of the things is that UW-Eau Claire does provide grant money to support the cost to study abroad. Also, the (UWEC) Foundation actively works with donors to build scholarship dollars to help students study abroad, she said. As an example, she noted that support for their student programming comes through on their universitys Giving Day. They currently prepare to continue those supports for their upcoming Giving Day 2024 on Dec. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That financial commitment makes it possible for students to go abroad, because in some cases the cost of study abroad is more expensive than being on campus, said Marchwick. That funding piece is important, and we appreciate both the institutional support and the donor support that allows that to happen. Continuing, she said, I think the other part of it is that studying abroad at UW-Eau Claire is not just seen as a vacation or a fun addition. Study abroad is fundamentally an academic pursuit in studying overseas; they get academic credit for the work that they do and that credit applies to their degree study here. But even with the recognition, she said there is still room for growth. Their university still follows a national trend of underrepresentation of male students participating in study abroad programs, as well as students of color. The goal of the university is to reach equivalent representation throughout their campus population. Whether we will be ranked 12th next year is hard to say, but I think the international activity will continue in the institution because it is part of our culture, she said. I also think that it is part of what students look for many students look for it when they are considering a university. Oftentimes students leave high school with the idea that this is a goal they have to study abroad, and so I think it will continue to grow, especially as we are living in a very globalized society both in terms of our communication, our business and even healthcare. Two trustee boards created to oversee state prisons have longstanding vacancies that reformers warn undercut their watchdog role. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File) An advocacy group that recently found New Jersey prisons routinely flout restrictions on solitary confinement recommended a reasonable reform more oversight, with every facility getting its own independent board of trustees to address its unique needs. What many reformers dont know is that the states prisons already have civilian boards of trustees tasked with such oversight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the boards one for the womens prison and one for eight mens prisons have multiple longstanding vacancies that critics say have undercut their watchdog role. And the mens board has had its duties pared down so much and become so inactive that even one of its own members questioned his place on it. Weve never been really reappointed, said William T. Curry, who was first added to the board in 2015. Some of us get a little bit nervous that, you know, your term is expired and youre making decisions on stuff like, Am I really a board member anymore? Do I really have jurisdiction over this? Now, reformers and formerly incarcerated people are demanding action, saying the vacancies and diminished role of the mens prisons board indicate a systemic indifference and contribute to entrenched problems behind bars. Dameon Marquese Stackhouse, a justice fellow at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, said he had no idea how anemic prison oversight was when he was incarcerated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given all of the unacceptable problems in New Jerseys prisons, which I know well from first-hand experience, this is extremely disturbing and should be addressed immediately, said Stackhouse, who was freed in 2016 after a decade in prison. The Rev. J. Amos Caley is an organizer with New Jersey Prison Justice Watch and pastor at the Reformed Church of Highland Park. In an October report, his group urged the state Department of Corrections to create boards of trustees at every state prison, given their unique needs. Tasking a single, short-handed board with overseeing eight prisons scattered across the state smells like window-dressing to me, Caley said. Its a joke, he said. It isnt enough to have one oversight board over all of the mens prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man incarcerated at the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Avenel sued over the issue in 2021, saying the state was breaking the law by not appointing trustees nor having a separate board for his prison, which incarcerates sex offenders. But an appellate panel tossed the case, writing: Unfortunately, we cannot compel the DOC to appoint trustees. Larry Hamm, founder of the Peoples Organization for Progress, has long called for civilian oversight of police and other criminal justice systems. He said the vacancies should be filled immediately. Larry Hamm heads the Peoples Organization for Progress. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) Civilian oversight of prisons is very important, particularly since New Jersey has one of the largest prison populations, and particularly since (more than) 70% of the states prison population are Black and Latino, Hamm said. The enforcement and fair application of justice is essential for democracy and when you dont have proper oversight, it inevitably leads to unfairness and injustice. A spokesman for the state Department of Corrections did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The department has not complied with the New Jersey Monitors public records requests for the boards meeting agendas, minutes, and decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each board should have seven members, who get appointed by the governor for three-year terms. But the positions are unpaid, which can fuel departures, observers say. The board at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Clinton, where almost 400 women are incarcerated, has three vacancies, while the board that oversees mens prisons, where more than 11,000 men are serving time, is short four trustees, according to board membership lists the New Jersey Monitor obtained through public records requests. The last appointments to the mens prisons board were made in 2017, when former Gov. Chris Christie appointed one new trustee and reappointed four more. Gov Phil Murphy has made more than 1,800 direct appointments during his nearly seven years in office, including naming seven trustees in 2022 and another in 2023 for the womens prison. He has made no appointments to the mens board. A Murphy spokeswoman declined to comment. A long history, a diminished role The New Jersey State Prison Complex board of trustees has been around for decades. Newspaper articles from the 1980s and 1990s show the board doing everything from confirming new prison administrators to weighing in on prison construction and vocational programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1971 state law that outlines the powers and duties of the boards directs them to advance long-range planning for the medical care, correctional and training programs at their respective institutions; and maintain general oversight of the institution. It also lists 15 things trustees are authorized to do, including visiting institutions to scrutinize operations in person, advising officials on budget requests, and reviewing and offering recommendations on parole requests. Curry said the board overseeing the mens prisons does just one of the 15 tasks the law charges them to do determining how to spend inmate welfare funds, which includes money from commissary sales, charitable donations, and inmate trust fund investments. You have money thats being generated that somebody needs to oversee and make sure its being used properly and advocate for its where its supposed to go, Curry said. Such decision-making has tremendous value, Curry said. Still, he agreed, the boards role is ripe for reexamination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just think it needs time to dust off the old cobwebs and really look at it in a different lens, different light now, and formalize it, update it, you know? Curry said. The boards work now, he added, is not a heavy lift of a job. He couldnt recall when or how many times the board met, guessing seven or eight, nine times in the last three years. Ednas board, on the other hand, is busier at least since it was charged with overseeing conditions after an abuse scandal there, trustee Bonnie Kerness said. Kerness, whos also coordinator of the American Friends Service Committees prison watch program, said Ednas trustees meet and visit the prison on a monthly basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the board largely does everything the 1971 law tasks it with doing, except reviewing parole requests. Among its successes are persuading officials to reduce strip searches and audit medical services, pushing for changes after a transgender policy adopted in 2021 led to increased assaults at Edna, and pressing the department last year to appeal the reappointment of an officer fired for sexual misconduct. The state Supreme Court in July backed the dismissal. It really is effective, Kerness said of the boards oversight. She said she has recommended to corrections officials candidates she thinks should fill board vacancies and hopes to see new appointments early next year though she doesnt think being short members has hampered the boards work. As long as we can get on campus and talk to the women, and those messages are being carried into our agenda at the board of trustees meetings, it doesnt make any difference whether theres two of us on campus or seven of us on campus, she said. A legal mandate? Caley, though, does find the vacancies concerning, as well as board members backgrounds and the publics lack of awareness about what they do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boards should include formerly incarcerated people, reformers, and other stakeholders and not just sycophants that say, Hey, alls ship-shape, great, good job! Caley said. Al-Tariq Witcher, who has served time in New Jersey and now runs a reentry group, echoed that sentiment, saying trustees should not be handpicked by politicians or special interests. He recently recommended candidates to corrections officials for the mens board, he added. Ednas current trustees are Kerness; Kathleen Witcher, a former NAACP president in Irvington (and Al-Tariq Witchers aunt); Johanna Foster, a sociology professor at Monmouth University; and LaNae Grant, a social worker and transgender activist. The three active members of the mens board are public employees in corrections and human resources. Curry worked in juvenile and adult corrections and parole and now is director of Burlington Citys public works department; Ronald L. Charles now heads Essex Countys department of corrections after almost 40 years in county corrections in Essex and Union counties; and D. Craig Stevens has worked in human resources in the public sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics attributed board vacancies and the diminished role of mens board to pandemic disruptions, the shifting priorities of new state officials who replace old ones, widespread vacancies on state boards and commissions in general, and the 2022 appointment of a corrections ombudsperson, who is also tasked with prison oversight. Still, the ombudspersons office has more work than they can handle, said Caley, who serves on an advisory board for that office. And the successes of Ednas board show what good oversight can do, he added. We think that theyre capable of doing that with every facility, Caley said. To Hamm, officials are not only capable of ensuring robust oversight theyre legally required to do so. These are legally constituted bodies that require a certain number of members, and so its a deficiency if the seats are not filled now, Hamm said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) On December 2, the Roanoke City Council announced the unanimous approval and appointment of Ms. Valmarie H. Turner as the new City Manager in Roanoke starting in January 2025. The appointment was made on Monday during a city council meeting. Assisted by the Berkley Group of Bridgewater and two newly elected city council members, Ms. Turner was selected after a national search when Bob Cowell resigned in June 2024. Dr. Lydia Pettis Patton, who is an Executive Manager with the Berkley Group, has been serving as Roanokes Interim City Manager during the transition. Roanoke City Manager Bob Cowell resigns after 7 years Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are excited to welcome Val Turner to the City of Roanoke. Council was impressed by her demeanor and her experience with many issues facing the City such as economic development, affordable housing, and homelessness, said City Council Member and Personnel Committee Chair Trish White-Boyd. She has an excellent reputation as a leader, a team builder, and someone who builds collaborative relationships with stakeholders in the community. We are certain that Val will be an asset to the Roanoke Valley and are looking forward to her assuming her duties. Valmarie Turner has over 30 years of experience in local government, as well as an extensive background in community and economic development, social and human services programs, finance and procurement, and public improvement projects, and was recently the Deputy City Manager for the City of Fairfax. Ms. Turner earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Economics, with a minor in Business, from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a masters degree in public administration, with a specialization in Public Policy, from Walden University. She is also a member of the Virginia Local Government Management Association, the League of Women in Government, and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. David Bowers petitions for a recount in Roanoke City Mayors Race Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before her role as Deputy City Manager in Fairfax, she held multiple local government positions for over a decade across the state of Florida and was then appointed as the Assistant/Deputy County Administrator for Loudoun County, Virginia, in 2017. In this role, she oversaw numerous departments including Human Services and Community Development Departments, Finance and Procurement, Family Services, Housing and Community Development, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, as well as the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Office of Public Affairs and Communications. Ms. Turner said, I look forward to working with City staff and City Council to implement its vision for the City of Roanoke. My early priorities will be meeting with Council members, engaging with City staff, and building relationships with business and non-profit partners in the city and region and with the other local governments in the Roanoke Valley. I am excited about this opportunity to serve the residents of Roanoke and appreciate the confidence that City Council has shown in me. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) Boardman police are reviewing security footage and looking to identify vandals who ransacked a bathroom at the Southern Park Mall. Read next: Prosecutors to decide if they will seek death penalty in Warren postal worker murder case Officers were called Saturday just after 9 a.m. to the bathrooms at DeBartolo Commons after it was discovered that vandals ransacked a bathroom and stole some expensive light bulbs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a police report, officers found paper towel dispensers that were caved in, toilets full of paper towels, a door knocked off its hinges, and multiple clothing tags strewn on the floor. Officers also noted that light bulbs were removed from the fixture above the sinks. Seven were missing, valued at about $50 each. Officers later discovered that another bathroom nearby had the light bulbs stolen as well. In all, the loss was about $1,000. Discarded and worn shoes and clothing were found in the trash cans as well as a hoodie that was lying outside the bathrooms. Mall security told officers they had a problem with a group of juveniles in the mall the day before and believed they may be responsible for the damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police are reviewing the security video. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Hannah Kobayashi crossed the U.S. border into Mexico on foot and alone, according to Los Angeles police. Investigators in the case of the missing Hawaii woman reviewed surveillance video from the Border Patrol on Monday, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said at an evening news conference. "The footage clearly shows 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico," police said in a statement. "She was alone, with her luggage." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: How the trail of Hannah Kobayashi led to Mexico and new revelations about her path On Nov. 12, Kobayashi was seen using cash and her passport to get a bus ticket to Union Station in order to reach the San Ysidro border crossing, where she crossed into Mexico through a tunnel shortly after noon, McDonnell said. Kobayashi has been classified as a voluntary missing person, McDonnell said, adding that law enforcement will be notified if she decides to reenter the U.S. Kobayashi went missing Nov. 8 after catching a flight from Hawaii to Los Angeles, with a connecting flight that would ultimately take her to New York, where she planned to visit relatives. Her family became worried after she landed at LAX and sent them cryptic text messages, suggesting that someone was trying to steal her money and identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDonnell said he was aware of the questions surrounding the woman's missed connection at LAX, saying the department's investigation "corroborated by video evidence clearly shows Hannah at LAX, appearing unharmed after arriving from Maui on Nov. 8 of this year." "For unknown reasons, she decided not to board her prescheduled flight to New York," he said. He said that police had uncovered no evidence that she was being trafficked or was involved in any criminal activity. Kobayashis family said in a statement Monday that they werent giving up the search for their relative and urged law enforcement and the public to stay focused on finding her and to avoid speculative conclusions. We are deeply grateful for the urgency and dedication law enforcement has shown in investigating Hannahs disappearance, the statement read. Our family remains hopeful that Hannah is safe and urges everyone to continue the search. The search is far from over, and we are committed to doing everything possible to bring her home safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sydni Kobayashi, her sister, said on social media that "[b]ased on information, surveillance footage reviewed and information shared with us, these are the facts known to my mother and I: It does not appear that Hannah intentionally missed her flight." Police, however, uncovered old social media posts suggesting that Kobayashi had "expressed the desire to step away from modern connectivity," McDonnell said. Police believe that Kobayashi may have left her phone in Los Angeles instead of taking it with her to Mexico. The chief urged her to contact her family, law enforcement or someone from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to assure them of her well-being. "She has a right to her privacy, and we respect her choices," he said, "but we also understand the concern loved ones feel for her; a simple message could reassure those she cares about." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Dad who flew to LAX to find missing daughter Hannah Kobayashi dies by suicide near airport The LAPD investigation will not take the search into Mexico, McDonnell said, but he encouraged anyone with information about Kobayashi's whereabouts to contact law enforcement. Sydni Kobayashi was critical of the investigation, citing "lack of communication surrounding some important details" and saying the family had felt "excluded from potentially crucial developments." She noted, however, that they were "hopeful and optimistic" that police were doing their best to find Kobayashi. Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton pushed back on the familys criticism at Monday's news conference, saying there had been "daily communication and contact with family members," as well as considerable resources expended, including sending investigators to the U.S.-Mexico border to examine the surveillance footage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Kobayashi's family, she landed at LAX on Nov. 8 and missed her connecting flight to New York City because of a short layover. Kobayashi stayed overnight in Los Angeles and was seen the next day at the Taschen bookstore at the Grove, an open-air shopping mall in the Fairfax district. On Nov. 10, Kobayashi was captured on video outside a Nike event near the Grove and was believed to have returned to LAX, according to a family statement. On Nov. 11, Kobayashi was seen talking to a ticketing agent at LAX; she then boarded the Metro C Line at the Aviation/Century station around 9 p.m., her family said. She transferred at the Willowbrook/Rosa Parks station and was seen in video leaving the Pico station with an unknown person. On Nov. 12, Kobayashi was captured on video at the Greyhound bus terminal at Union Station in downtown L.A. around 6:30 a.m., according to her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a few hours later, according to police, the woman crossed into Mexico. Family members have raised alarm over "strange" text messages sent from Kobayashi's phone Nov. 11, shortly before she vanished. Kobayashi reportedly texted them that she was afraid someone had stolen her identity and all of her money. Her family said they tried to get hold of her, but her phone had been shut off. Read more: Family, LAPD at odds over whether 'Gossip Girl' actor is missing After Kobayashi's disappearance, her father, Ryan, flew to Los Angeles to help look for his daughter. The elder Kobayashi was found dead last week near LAX in what police said was an apparent suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The body of Ryan Kobayashi, 58, was found in a parking lot in the 6100 block of Century Boulevard. According to the Los Angeles County medical examiner, Ryan Kobayashi died from blunt force traumatic injuries. Im very sorry for the family for all that theyve been through," McDonnell said during Monday's news conference. 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. STORY: ::December 1, 2024 ::Caracas, Venezuela ::Venezuela's opposition holds a vigil to demand freedom for thousands detained during post-election protests I demand they give my boy back so that I can go back to Maracaibo where my mum is. My mother is an 89-year-old woman and shes very ill. Shes suffering with her kidneys and has Alzheimer's. I want to be by her side. Please, help us, we need help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the opposition, which included relatives of prisoners and defenders of human rights, held a vigil to demand freedom for the thousands imprisoned during the post-election protests in July. They also sought the support of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the Venezuelan government. Earlier, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado urged Venezuelans worldwide to join the symbolic protest. On November 16, more than 100 people detained during the post-election protests were released, according to the local rights group Foro Penal. This was out of at least 1,800 people arrested, the group reported. The opposition in Venezuela is still exploring a way forward after Maduro was declared the winner of the July election by electoral authorities. Vermont House Speaker Jill Krowinski and Democratic lawmakers say everything is on the table to head off another increase in education property taxes, from adjusting class sizes to finding new ways to pay for construction projects and student mental health care. The Vermont Department of Tax has projected an average 5.9% increase in education property taxes next year. In a letter to lawmakers this week, Tax Commissioner Craig Bolio said the estimate is largely based on a projected increase in education spending of nearly $115 million. At a gathering of Democratic lawmakers at the State House on Tuesday, Krowinski says everyone in Montpelier will need to find a way to work together in order to make what could be some difficult decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I look forward to working alongside the governor, listening to his ideas, and finding areas of agreement for a path forward, she said. About two-thirds of the states Education Fund comes from property taxes, based on the value of taxpayers homes, buildings and land. The nearly 6 percent increase projected for next year will apply to homestead property, non-homestead property and taxpayers who claim a property tax credit. If the increase goes into effect, education property taxes in Vermont will have increased 33% since fiscal year 2023 an unsustainable and unprecedented pace, Bolio said. Education funding has been a contentious issue in Vermont. At Town Meeting in March, voters in nearly a third of the states 93 school districts rejected proposed school budgets, including in Champlain Valley, South Burlington and Montpelier-Roxbury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, with tax increases projected to exceed 18 percent, Scott vetoed a funding bill approved by the House and Senate. A few weeks later, lawmakers voters to override the governors veto. In a statement Monday, Scott said the projected 5.9% increase next year could have been substantially more and still could be. He said the crisis in school funding is fueled by unsustainable costs, an aging demographic, and smaller workforce. I know many will claim victory, and celebrate this increase being limited to single digits, he said. I want to thank school administrators and school boards who have made difficult decisions because I know its not easy. Scott will be sworn in for a fifth term in January. After Democrats lost their veto-proof super majority in November, Scott said he hopes lawmakers will work with his administration to reduce the tax burden on Vermonters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic State Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, who chairs the Vermont House Ways and Means Committee, said that work has already begun. Weve been able, together, to begin diving into ways we can shift our tax structure to ensure all children have the high quality educational opportunities they deserve, at a price that Vermonters can afford, Kornheiser 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 ABC22 & FOX44. Grieving family members and friends gathered Sunday afternoon in Rosemead at the site of a shooting that left a man dead to hold a vigil in his memory. The deadly violence, according to authorities with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, unfolded on Nov. 29 just before 3 a.m. in the 7700 block of Garvey Avenue. The victim, identified by family members as Paul Pacheco Jr., was declared dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details are extremely limited and its unclear exactly what occurred, but officials said Pacheco was simply walking down the street when he was hit by gunfire. Family members hold a vigil in Rosemead to remember Paul Pacheco Jr., shot and killed Nov. 29, 2024. (Pacheco family) Family members hold a vigil in Rosemead to remember Paul Pacheco Jr., shot and killed Nov. 29, 2024. (KTLA) Family members hold a vigil in Rosemead to remember Paul Pacheco Jr., shot and killed Nov. 29, 2024. (KTLA) Family members hold a vigil in Rosemead to remember Paul Pacheco Jr., shot and killed Nov. 29, 2024. (KTLA) Family members hold a vigil in Rosemead to remember Paul Pacheco Jr., shot and killed Nov. 29, 2024. (KTLA) Family members hold a vigil in Rosemead to remember Paul Pacheco Jr., shot and killed Nov. 29, 2024. (KTLA) Heartbroken family members said that the hardworking man loved his kids, was never involved in any gangs never got into any trouble. Irish pub in Orange County asks for stolen sign back, no questions asked This just destroyed all of us. Were all in shock, the victims aunt, Sylvia Pacheco, said at the vigil. I cant believe that someone would just come and just shoot him for no reason. He was just minding his own business, walking, and they just shot him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators have yet to release any additional information about the shooting, including a description of any potential suspects. A GoFundMe campaign has been organized to help family members lay their loved one to rest. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A blackmail scam is targeting New Hampshire residents, with scammers threatening to send embarrassing information to the victims contacts unless they pay them, the attorney general warned Monday. Several residents have reported receiving similar emails sent by unfamiliar people, said Attorney General John Formella, whose office is investigating the reports. The emails, all worded in the same manner, contained the residents name in the subject line, and their name and home and address in the body of the email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attached to each email was a threatening letter with the residents name, telephone number, home address, and a picture of the victims home. In the letter, scammers claim that a virus was placed on the residents electronic device, allowing the sender to track their browsing history, e-mails, and social media accounts. The letter warns that the sender has extracted embarrassing information about the recipient which will be send to the residents email and/or telephone contacts, unless they pay a privacy fee using cryptocurrency, Formella said. The letter lists the amount of the privacy fee and cryptocurrency account information for deposit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is known as a blackmail scam, Formella said. Residents should understand that the senders of these e-mails have not actually been to the recipients home. They have obtained personal identifying information from publicly available sources and included photos of the recipients home obtained online in the letter, Formella said. Also, the sender has not gained access to the recipients electronic device, Formella said. Instead, the sender threatens the recipient to create a sense of fear and urgency so that the recipient will pay money. Formella urged New Hampshire residents to be vigilant. He advised residents to not reply to or open any attachments in electronic messages from senders with whom you are unfamiliar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you open one of these letters attached to an e-mail, Formella said: Do not panic; Do not send money, including cryptocurrency, in response to the letter; Contact your local police department, especially if you have lost money; and If you have concerns that your computer or another device have been compromised, contact a reputable computer company who can inspect your device. Report any scams to the Office of the Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-468-4454 or e-mail at Doj-CPB@doj.nh.gov. For more information, visit the Attorney Generals Office website. Anyone who knows that a vulnerable adult has been scammed or financially exploited should also contact the New Hampshire Bureau of Adult and Aging Services at 1-800-949-0470. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Virginia State Board of Elections Vice Chair Rosalyn Dance draws a film canister from a crystal bowl to determine ballot order for the 2024 elections in July 2024. (Graham Moomaw/Virginia Mercury) The State Board of Elections officially certified this years election on Monday, affirming the results of local, congressional and national contests in the commonwealth. The bottom line is that we had safe and fair elections in Virginia this year, said John OBannon, the chair of the board who was appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mondays certification solidified Vice President Kamala Harris win of Virginias 13 electoral college votes, despite her ultimate loss to Donald Trump, whose second term in the White House begins next month. Other certified elections included local contests around the state along with congressional elections and one of Virginias U.S. Senate seats. Virginia Department of Elections Commissioner Susan Beals also reported that two risk-limiting audits after the elections confirmed the wins of both Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland. Risk-limiting audits are when random samples of hand-counted ballots are analyzed. Virginia conducts the audits after elections are complete but before they are certified each year. For anyone curious about more details of the audits, Beals said that a full report will be provided at the boards January 2025 meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that two of Virginias upcoming special elections will occur on Jan. 7 of next year Senate District 32 and House District 26. This is because Democratic Sen. Suhas Subramanyam was elected to Congress so he will vacate that seat. And, since Del. Kannan Srinivasan won a Democratic primary in hopes to replace Subramanyam in the state senate, he will vacate his House seat. Meanwhile, a special election has yet to be officially set for Senate District 10, as Sen. John McGuire was elected to Congress but hasnt formally resigned from his state seat. State law outlines that a special election date must be set within 30 days of a vacancy or notification of it whichever happens first. With a 21-19 edge in favor of Democrats, a Republican failing to fill McGuires seat would give Democrats a bit more lead in the next legislative session. But Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, told The Mercury last week that he expects a special election will occur on Jan. 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginias 2025 legislative session will begin on Jan. 8. Though Virginias electoral board has often drawn public comment, no one offered feedback in Mondays scarcely-attended meeting. Citizens in Virginia and elsewhere who denied President Joe Bidens win over Trump in 2020 have questioned electoral boards nationwide. Meanwhile, recent drama among local electoral boards around the state has sometimes spilled into state electoral board meetings. Multiple Capitol Police officers have been present, as they were on Mondays calm and procedural meeting. Republican Party of Virginia chairman Rich Anderson and Democratic Party of Virginia chairwoman Susan Swecker had both attended the certification meeting of 2023s elections to present as a unified front and shore up trust in elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were not present at this years certification, but other members of DPVA were. Jake Rubenstein, who served as Virginias director for Harris campaign, said election deniers are just worried about winning elections for themselves whether that means complaining if they dont get the results they want, or saying everything is fine when the result is what they wanted. He added that DPVA is incredibly proud of election officials around the state for carrying out their work. In a text message, Anderson said the results validated what we knew all along: that Virginian voters can have confidence that our electoral processes are safe, secure and transparent. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ALIA SN001 heads off on a trip down the east coast to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida for some flight testing with the Air Force. The electric air craft can do vertical take offs and landings. (Courtesy of BETA Technologies) Virginia lawmakers will soon consider a bill that could help to bring larger airlines to smaller airports and support the growth of regional airports in the commonwealth. Last session, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and lawmakers settled on a biennium budget that included several transportation investments, including $1 million to establish an Advanced Air Aviation Test Site from the Commonwealths Development Opportunity Fund and $350,000 to study implementing emerging technologies, including Advanced Air Mobility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the significant investments, Del. Wren Williams, R-Patrick, said he decided to carry his bill that would redirect tax revenues from vehicle rentals to support aviation laws and construction, maintenance, and improvement of airports in the commonwealth in the upcoming session. Currently, the tax revenues from vehicle rentals go from the Commonwealth Transportation Fund to the Aviation Special Fund. Williams said the revenue amount is small, but it could help the commonwealth when it has to fully fund aviation projects and match grants from the federal government. Theres always the need to help improve the infrastructure of airports and aviation in Virginia, especially with our current administration and Boeing and others that have come into Virginia as an aviation hub, Williams said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Virginias heavily used airports, such as Dulles and Richmond International, receive much attention, Williams said its important to support smaller airports, which lack necessary facilities such as runway extensions, hangar spaces, and control towers. Williams said the bill also considers the future of uncrewed aerial vehicles and the need for dedicated infrastructure. In October, aviation and economic experts briefed House and Senate Transportation Committee members about advanced air mobility at the states annual transportation conference. Advanced air mobility has grown in popularity as a way to offer travel and delivery services and, at the same time, promise to reduce greenhouse gases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, because the technologies are new, regulations and infrastructure are still under development. According to the nonprofit group Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), the advanced air mobility industry, as it is known, could generate $16 billion in new business activity in the commonwealth. The opportunity is huge, House Transportation Committee Chair Karrie Delaney, D-Fairfax, told the Mercury at last months transportation conference, adding that it is vital for lawmakers to begin discussing now some of the regulatory considerations and incentives that will be needed because the future is here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Campbell Jr., deputy director for the Virginia Department of Aviation, said if the bill were to become law, the money would go into the Aviation Fund, which provides funding for planning and engineering projects that focus on airport facility development. In general, Campbell said, these projects include master plan and airport layout plan studies; environmental studies; land acquisition; airside facility design and construction; and terminal building design and construction. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) Some Virginia leaders have already began expressing disappointment after President Joe Bidens unexpected decision on Sunday to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. Bidens broken promise on pardoning his son Hunter is raising new questions about his legacy Hunter was expected to be sentenced in January after being convicted of federal gun and tax crimes in June. Biden had repeatedly stated that he would not pardon his son and instead put his trust in the justice system. However, the president went back on his promise, invoking the wrath of Republicans and even some Democrats, such of which represent Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said he was disappointed about the presidents decision. President Biden made a promise to not take this step, and I do not believe in breaking promises, Kaine said. We all need to follow the rule of law, evenespeciallywhen its hard for us personally. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) took to X to call out Bidens actions. Bidens blanket pardon reflects a troubling pattern in his administration where the line between legality and justice has blurred, Miyares said. This decision is beneath contempt and falls short of the standards we expect from our leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Workers at nine of Volkswagen's care and component factories in Germany were on strike Monday amid a dispute over labor contract changes and factory closings. The "warning strike" includes employees temporarily pausing work and/or cutting work shifts short to show their disapproval of talks with management. "If necessary, this will be the hardest wage dispute ever seen at Volkswagen," Thorsten Groger, the lead negotiator of the IG Metall union, said on Sunday, according to CNBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union said it started considering action when Volkswagen announced plans to close three factories, lay off thousands and slash the paychecks of those remaining by 10%. The factory closings are the first domestically in the company's history. Volkswagen and the union made no headway in three talks over the changes with more talks scheduled for later in December. A company spokesperson said on Sunday while it respects the union's right to strike, Volkswagen will continue to negotiate to find a"sustainable and mutually supported solution" to its economic woes. Volkswagen works council leader Daniela Cavallo said,however, it has been the company that has refused to work with them. She said it would be more beneficial to work with the union as partners instead of working against its own employees. The union has been angry with Volkswagen for getting rid of numerous employee protection agreements negotiated by both sides and had been in operation since 1994. FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) Volkswagen workers launched rolling two-hour strikes Monday at nine plants across Germany to underscore their resistance to pay cuts and factory closures the company says are necessary to cope with a slack European auto market. The work stoppages included the company's base plant at Wolfsburg, where workers rallied against a cost-cutting drive by the automakers management in which they face the threat of the companys first plant closures in its home country. Volkswagen argues that it must lower costs in Germany to levels achieved by competitors and by Volkswagen plants in eastern Europe and South America. Chief employee representative Daniela Cavallo has said employees should not shoulder the burden of management failures to develop attractive products and come up with a cheaper, entry-level electric vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We demand that all make their contribution management and the shareholder side as well, Cavallo said at the rally in Wolfsburg as employees drummed, whistled and clapped. She said the next round of talks in a weeks time is likely to set the course rapprochement or escalation. We are ready for both. The so-called warning strikes, a common tactic in German wage negotiations, are taking place as part of talks for a new labor agreement after a mandatory peace period that bars strikes expired on Sunday. The IG Metall industrial union said any job actions beyond those occurring on Monday would be announced later. The company is demanding a 10% pay cut for 120,000 German workers and has said it can't avoid shedding factory capacity that is no longer needed. Employee representatives say the company has proposed closing three of its German plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thorsten Groger, the regional leader of the IG Metall industrial union in Lower Saxony, where Volkswagen is headquartered, said that the company wont be able to overlook the walkouts. If necessary, this will be one of the toughest conflicts Volkswagen has ever seen. The company hasn't publicly detailed its plans but is facing a drop in demand in Europe, higher costs and increasing competition from Chinese automakers. Volkswagen built factories to supply a European car market of 16 million in annual vehicle sales, but now faces demand for around 14 million, Volkswagen brand head Thomas Schaefer was quoted as saying in the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. Since Volkswagen has a quarter of the market, that represents a loss of 500,000 cars a year. For years, strong profits in China helped cover higher costs but the changing environment now means that it's high time to address this, Schaefer said. The walkouts began at a plant in Zwickau in eastern Germany and were to continue at plants in Braunschweig, Chemnitz, Dresden, Emden, Hanover, Kassel, and Salzgitter. The next negotiations are slated for Dec. 9. Workers at Volkswagen plants across Germany walked off the job in waves on Monday for temporary work stoppages, marking the start of nationwide strikes against the German auto giant. About 66,000 VW employees - more than half of VW's factory workforce in Germany - joined the strikes, according to the IG Metall trade union. The demonstrations began with a two-hour work stoppage on Monday morning at VW's plant in the eastern German city of Zwickau. At VW's flagship plant in Wolfsburg, thousands of workers marched through the production lines chanting "Ready to strike! Nationwide!" before rallying in front of VW management's office building at the carmaker's sprawling headquarters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trade union announced the strikes to protest plans by VW management to slash billions of dollars in costs. Mass lay-offs, plant closures and across-the-board pay cuts for VW workers are reportedly all on the table. Volkswagen did not initially provide any information on possible production stoppages as a result of the strike. A spokesman said at the weekend that the company had made preparations to minimize the impact. Leadership at Europe's largest carmaker has said major cost reductions are needed to boost sagging financial results and secure the company's future against tough international competition. Management flatly rejected as insufficient a previous labour offer to allow greater flexibility to cut working hours as well as forgo salary increases over the next two years. 'This is just a warning!' Monday's wave of strikes are expected to involve two-hour work stoppages on every shift across the country, according to the trade union. The strikes are planned to end at the close of the overnight shift on Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of VW workers also rallied outside VW factory gates in Zwickau and the north-western German city of Emden. In Braunschweig, more than 1,000 VW employees marched through the city. "We will fight fiercely for every job!" Dirk Schulze, the IG Metall leader in eastern Germany, declared to rallying workers in Zwickau. In Emden, IG Metall's regional leader, Daniel Friedrich, warned Volkswagen management to back down from the cost-cutting plans: "Otherwise it won't just be the tree that burns at Christmas, otherwise every single plant will burn." All but one of Volkswagen's 10 factories across Germany were hit by the strikes on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Germany-wide walkout hurts Volkswagen, Thorsten Groger, IG Metall's chief negotiator, said in Wolfsburg. "But this is just a warning!" Groger added. "Anyone who ignores the workforce is playing with fire - and we know how to turn sparks into flames!" The head of the VW works council, Daniela Cavallo, said the next round of collective bargaining talks with VW management on December 9 will decide the course of future labour action. "If we have to, we will take industrial action that suits Volkswagen," she said. A mandatory labour truce at VW, which prohibited strikes, expired over the weekend, paving the way for industrial action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The talks directly apply to about 120,000 workers at Volkswagen's plants in western Germany. Any agreement would also have direct implications for another 10,000 workers employed at Volkswagen plants in the eastern German state of Saxony. Auto sector expert Frank Schwope, who lectures on industry economics in Hanover, said the two-hour strike should be bearable for VW - but the company would face more serious risks if the struggle with the workforce gets worse. "A prolonged, escalating labour dispute would certainly hurt Volkswagen and could also damage its image among the population and in politics," Schwope said. High stakes at VW Volkswagen workers are demanding pay raises and job protections in ongoing collective bargaining talks, including the preservation of all company locations in Germany, while management has pushed workers to accept a 10% across-the-board pay cut instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Volkswagen works council, management has also discussed shutting down three of the carmaker's plants in Germany, an unprecedented step at the long-time German manufacturing icon that would cost tens of thousands of jobs. Weak demand, increased competition and a tougher Chinese market have all contributed to Volkswagen's woes. The carmaker has previously stated that, due to slumping sales in Europe, the company currently has unused capacity to produce about 500,000 additional vehicles every year at its plants, or roughly the total capacity of two entire factories. VW boss Thomas Schafer recently described plant closures as likely unavoidable if the company hopes to remain competitive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volkswagen has never shut down a plant in Germany, and it's been decades since the carmaker has closed a production facility anywhere in the world. Performance at the VW core brand in particular has lagged behind other marks in the VW Group portfolio, with executives also citing difficulties in transitioning toward electric vehicles. In the first nine months of the year, the VW Group's profits plummeted - although the company remains far from being in the red. From January to September, VW posted after-tax profits of 1.58 billion ($1.66 billion). Executives, however, have argued that larger profit margins are needed at the Volkswagen brand to finance major investments needed in the coming years to transition to electric vehicles and launch new models. Volkswagen employees take part in a warning strike at the Zwickau plant. German auto giant Volkswagen is bracing for widespread strikes on 02 December as the IG Metall trade union is launching a major protest against proposed wage cuts and potential lay-offs and plant closures. Hendrik Schmidt/dpa WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) More than 50 volunteers made their way to West Haven Sunday morning for a beautification project led by ASEZ WAO. The clean up started on Washington Boulevard in New Haven and focused on Spring Street in West Haven. The goal was to remove any large debris including mattresses, tires and plastic waste. Trenee McGee, State Representative for the West Haven District, was a present at the clean up and spoke about the inspirational effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you begin to clean up environments, I think it shows the community that you really care about them. You care about their environment and that theyre valuable. McGee went on to mention the ways that school environments impact student outcomes and that the ASEZ WAO volunteers provide strong role models. What we do today really determines our future, McGee added. So much of what has been foundationalized in this country and the world begins with volunteerism. ASEZ WAO stands for Save the Earth from A to Z We Are One Family and it is a global network of volunteer-workers from the World Mission Society Church of God. ASEZ WAO completed a similar clean-up in East Harlem in September and they say they have more plans for Connecticut in the future. 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 WTNH.com. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) With many ballot measures decided after the November 2024 General Election, for residents of Wichita Falls, one race will require registered voters to head back to the polls and cast their votes in a runoff election. YOUR LOCAL ELECTION HQ: Wichita Falls chooses Councilors, city charter amendments The KFDX, KJTL, and Texomas Homepage teams want to ensure voters are informed before their ballots are cast. To that end, Your Local Election Headquarters proudly presents our official guide to the Wichita Falls City Councilor At-Large Runoff Election. What is the point of a runoff election? On November 5, 2024, registered voters across America cast their ballots for several major races, including the next President of the United States, several congressional races, multiple statewide measures, and several local matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Texas, a candidate must receive a majority of votes to be declared the winner. If no candidate successfully obtains an outright majority (over 50%) during the election, a runoff between the two candidates receiving the most votes will be held. For voters in Wichita Falls, three seats on the Wichita Falls City Council were among the items to consider on the ballot. Three candidates were vying for the City Councilor At-Large position, former District 2 Councilor Larry Nelson, Austin Cobb, and Sam Pak. LOCAL NEWS: Flack, Brooks partake in first Wichita Falls City Council meeting Over 25,000 votes were counted in the election for City Councilor At-Large, and in the end, less than 200 votes separated Pak and Cobb, with neither obtaining an outright majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The results for the City Councilor At-Large race are listed below: Sam Pak 9,929 votes (39.28 percent) Austin Cobb 9,767 votes (38.64 percent) Larry Nelson 5,581 votes (22.08 percent) City Councilor At-Large Runoff Election With Pak and Cobb receiving the most votes of the three candidates but neither finishing with an outright majority, the two will now face off once again in a runoff election to determine the next Wichita Falls City Councilor At-Large. Runoff Election Day will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Election Day. Residents of Wichita Falls may cast their ballots at any of the locations listed below on Dec. 14: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin Luther King Center (1100 Smith Street, Wichita Falls, TX, 76301) Texas Highway Department (1601 Southwest Parkway, Wichita Falls, TX, 76302) Region 9 (301 Loop 11, Wichita Falls, TX, 76306) Early voting for City Councilor At-Large Runoff Early voting ahead of the December 14 runoff election will be held Monday, Dec. 2 thru Friday, Dec. 6, and continue on Monday, Dec. 9, thru Tuesday, Dec. 10. Registered voters in Wichita Falls may vote early at either of the following polling locations: (Photo courtesy Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL) 900 7th Street, Wichita Falls, TX, 76301 Monday, Dec. 2 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. (Photo courtesy Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL) 3111 Midwestern Parkway, Wichita Falls, TX, 76308 Monday, Dec. 2 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on voting and elections in Wichita County, visit the Wichita County Election Webpage or call (940) 766-8174. Follow Texomas Homepage and our KFDX and KJTL anchors and reporters on social media for the latest election news, live coverage from polling locations and accurate final results. F A C E B O O K T W I T T E R I N S T A G R A M Texomas Homepage is Your Local Election Headquarters. Follow us for candidate profiles, the latest updates regarding decisions for voters in Texoma, and the final results from local elections. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Virginia state troopers and Fairfax County police officers are asking for the communitys help locating an 80-year-old man who disappeared last week. On Saturday, Nov. 30, Virginia State Police (VSP) issued a critically missing adult alert for 80-year-old Robert Howard Williams. Girl Scout saves dad days after learning CPR with her troop Investigators said he was last seen on Nov. 25, around noon, in the 2100 block of Westmoreland St. in the Falls Church area. Williams was believed to be driving a 2008 Silver Toyota Tacoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an update on Sunday, Dec. 1, state police said the truck was found unoccupied in the 5700 block of Fairfax Dr. in Arlington. VSP described Williams as around 5 feet and 11 inches tall with gray hair and brown eyes. He weighs around 180 lbs. A description of the clothing he wore when he went missing is currently unknown. 80-year-old Robert Howard Williams. According to VSP, Williams disappearance poses a credible threat to his health and safety. Anyone who may know his whereabouts or more information about his disappearance is encouraged to call the Fairfax County Police Departments dispatch at 703-691-2131 or 911. 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. The City Council is funding the development of a Latine Studies curriculum for local public schools, members announced Monday. Over the next three years, Columbia University and nonprofits will create lessons and activities about Spanish history and culture, which can be worked into core subject areas and help students see their identities reflected in school resources. With rising anti-immigrant rhetoric, a comprehensive Latine Studies curriculum is more important now than ever, said City Councilwoman Amanda Farias (D-Bronx) at Public School 188 The Island School in Alphabet City. We must combat stigma, disinformation and prejudice at a young age by providing our students with a fuller, more nuanced understanding of who we are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years city budget earmarked $3 million for the effort, several months before the presidential election. But with the election of Donald Trump, whose campaign seized on the countrys fears over immigration and the economy, some lawmakers suggested the curriculum could take on new significance. As were headed into potentially dark times, this will be a light for our children, said Councilwoman Alexa Aviles (D-Brooklyn). The Council allocated funding to United Way of New York City, the Hispanic Federation and Columbias Teachers College for the curriculum. It follows a similar push out of Columbia for Black Studies, launched in local schools ahead of this fall. More than 42% of the citys public school students are Hispanic, according to local data. But a study cited by the advocates found 83% of commonly used books in schools were written by white authors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school system plans to support its partners as they develop the new curriculum for the citys students, city Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said in a statement. She predicted the resource will benefit both students who see themselves in the lessons and their classmates. As a Latina chancellor, I believe its crucial to have a curriculum centered on the Latine experience, Aviles-Ramos said, reflecting the rich history, culture and contributions of our community. CLEBURNE COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) The Cleburne County Sheriffs Office held a press conference Monday to discuss the discovery of a body believed to be that of Vendula Rose, a hiker who went missing at Cheaha State Park nearly two months ago. On Saturday, a hunter found a dead body half a mile off Hwy. 281, five miles south of the Pinhoti Trail Head at Cheaha State Park, where Roses car had been found abandoned Sept. 24. Over the following weeks, deputies and volunteers searched miles around the forest for her, coming up empty until Saturday morning. The hunter had told the deputies that he had walked up on a campsite area and he and his friend had seen what appeared to be a deceased person in a hammock-style tent, it was a hammock with a covering over it, as well as a canopy over it, officials said during the press conference. At that point is when they called our dispatch. Map of the area covered by Vendula Wendy Rose from where her car was found back in September to where her body was found Saturday, Nov. 30. (Courtesy of the Cleburne County Sheriffs Office) Rose, who went by Wendy, was originally from the Czech Republic, but had lived in the Birmingham for a couple of years before coming to the park. She had been living in Marysville, Ohio prior to her death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies said they were able to identify the body based on photos of Rose that had been provided to them, as well as identification and cards belonging to her that were found in a bag next to her. However, there are dental records from Ohio that are being sent to make a definitive identification. Deputies say they are still putting everything together regarding how Rose went missing and how she died. At this point in time, it is under investigation, Cleburne County Coroner Adam Downs said regarding whether they thought Roses death was the result of foul play. Im going to leave all those questions to the sheriffs office in terms of foul play. Cleburne County Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy Patrick Nolen said law enforcement does not suspect foul play in Roses death at this time. Officials said they recovered Roses cell phone and a GPS device. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roses daughter, Dana, said her mother was one of the kindest, most generous people she has ever known. I miss you more than words describe, Dana wrote on Facebook Saturday. The pain in my heart only grows with every minute without you. Sarah Rose, sister-in-law of Vendula Rose, released the following statement on behalf of the family to CBS 42: I am sure that you can understand how devastated our family is with the loss of Wendy, and we asked that everyone respect our privacy while we work through the grieving process. Wendy was a force of nature. She was bold, courageous, loving, and kind. There was a warmth around her that she willingly gave to the world. She will be missed tremendously by all that knew her. The world is a colder place without her. We do want to thank everyone that helped the attempts to find her. There is a wonderful hiking community, and they made us feel just as much like family as they did Wendy (no wonder Wendy loved the Pinhoti so much, it was not just the trail but the people). We are forever bonded to this community. There have been so many beautiful gestures in small tributes to Wendy being made, even by those that never knew her. We really do want to thank everyone. Lastly, we do need to thank social media. By continuously posting about Wendy we were able to have hunters aware of what her gear looked like, so when one did stumble across her campsite they knew to call authorities right away; so that her body could be recovered. Social media is often in the news for some of the negative impacts it can have, so it would be remiss of us if we did not acknowledge its role in helping to close this missing person case. This is not the outcome any of us had hoped for. Our hearts are broken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case remains under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. X/ @MintelWorld Dozens of Syrian government troops have been filmed surrendering to rebels after they were abandoned by their comrades at a town south of Aleppo. The men are filmed being led at gunpoint by rebel fighters who shout at the prisoners and chant, Allahu Akbar. The prisoners, who are not wearing military uniforms, run across sand dunes towards a group of buildings with their hands behind their heads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were captured after being left behind by retreating Assad forces near the town of Khanaser, some 50 miles southeast of Aleppo, which was seized by rebels on Saturday. Since the shock rebel offensive began last week, several videos have circulated showing government troops being taken prisoner by rebel forces. One unverified video shows a Syrian rebel executing a group of government troops at the side of the road, while another shows a detainee being forced to bark like a dog. 06:29 PM GMT Todays live coverage has ended Todays live coverage has ended. Heres a roundup of the days events: A suspected Russian air strike hit a hospital in the rebel stronghold-city of Idlib, which rescuers said killed three people. Vladimir Putin and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian pledged unconditional support for Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. Washington has discussed with the United Arab Emirates the possibility of lifting sanctions on Assad if he peels himself away from Iran, it was revealed. Hundreds of Iran-backed fighters entered Syria from Iraq overnight to help Assads forces fight against rebels. China backed Assad in his fight against the uprising, saying it supports Syrias efforts to maintain national security and stability. 05:44 PM GMT Turkey urges Assad to talk to Syrian opposition Turkey has called on Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to talk to the opposition and reconcile with his own people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent developments show once again that Damascus must reconcile with its own people and the legitimate opposition, Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan said on Monday. Turkey is ready to make all the necessary contribution toward this, Mr Fidan added. Mr Fidan, whose country has backed forces opposed to Assad, blamed the recent flare-up of the war on the Syrian governments refusal to enter a dialogue with groups that Turkey supports. 05:24 PM GMT Watch: Moment strike hits Idlib hospital We previously reported that a hospital in the rebel stronghold-city of Idlib was hit by a suspected Russian air strike on Monday (see out post at 3.56pm). Footage has emerged from inside the building of the moment the hospital was hit. Another video showed the aftermath of the strike outside the hospital: The White Helmets 05:14 PM GMT UK, US, France and Germany issue joint statement on events in Syria The UK, the US, France and Germany have issued a joint statement on the situation in Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It reads: We are closely monitoring developments in Syria and urge de-escalation by all parties and the protection of civilians and infrastructure to prevent further displacement and disruption of humanitarian access. The current escalation only underscores the urgent need for a Syrian-led political solution to the conflict, in line with UNSCR 2254. The statement did not specify whether de-scalation would involve rebels retreating from territory captured since they launched last weeks offensive. 04:51 PM GMT Picture: Rebels pose for picture in front of captured helicopter Rebels pose for a picture at the Nayrab military airport in Aleppo, Dec 2 - AAREF WATAD/AFP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 04:49 PM GMT China backs Assad in fight with rebels China has backed Bashar al-Assads regime in fighting a rebel uprising in Syria, after Russian jets bombed rebel-held cities and Iranian-backed militias entered the country overnight. Anti-regime fighters launched a surprise attack on Wednesday, stunning the Syrian government and reigniting a conflict that has largely been stagnant for years. China said it supports Syrias efforts to maintain national security and stability, while the Kremlin reiterated its support as Russian jets continued to strike rebel-held cities. On Monday, videos circulated online of a strike near Aleppo University Hospital. It was not immediately clear if Russian warplanes were responsible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Chinas ministry of foreign affairs announced a strategic partnership with Syria, ending more than a decade of sanctions-induced isolation for the middle Eastern nation. Iranian-backed militias have entered Syria overnight from Iraq, as Irans foreign ministry reassured al-Assad that it would support the government in its counteroffensive. Turkish-backed forces have also appeared to attack the Kurdish YPG group in northern Syria, prompting the US-backed coalition in the north to conduct evacuations amid fears of massacres of Kurds. 03:56 PM GMT Idlib hospital hit by air strike A hospital in the Syrian rebel stronghold-city of Idlib has been hit by an apparent air strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geolocated footage shows a huge smoke cloud billowing above the Idlib University Hospital as people attempted to put out fires on the street outside. Rescuers were filmed rushing into the facility, where hospital staff can be seen trying to help patients amid the dust and twisted metal of its bomb-blasted corridors. According to Turkish media, at least two people were killed and four children injured. Russian and Syrian government warplanes have been hitting targets in Idlib and Aleppo in an attempt to halt a shock rebel offensive that began last week. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 12 people were killed earlier on Monday when an air strike hit near a hospital in the centre of Aleppo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia and the Syrian government have targeted hospital and medical facilities since Moscows intervention in the conflict in 2015. In 2020, Russia left a UN agreement that aimed to protect hospitals in Syria from bombardment. Smoke rising from an air strike near to a hospital in Idlib, Dec 2 - OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP 03:02 PM GMT Pictured: Iraq sends military vehicles to Syria border In this photo published by the Iraqi defence ministry, military vehicles and equipment are shown being transported towards the Syrian border. It comes after Iraqi security sources said that hundreds of Iran-backed Iraqi militia fighters crossed the border into Syria overnight to help Assads regime fight the shock rebel offensive. Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani told Syrian president Bashar al-Assad on Saturday that Syrias security was key to the stability of the Middle East. Iraqi military equipment being transported towards the border with Syria, Dec 2 - IRAQI DEFENCE MINISTRY / AFP 02:49 PM GMT Rebels treating us well, Aleppo residents say By Fared Al-Mahlool Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Abu Aboida, an Aleppo resident, told the Telegraph that the rebel forces who had captured the city had treated residents well. He said: We dont feel afraid of the anti-government military, but we are afraid of the air strikes. The strikes are attacking everywhere. Yesterday, we had five or six strikes and a lot of civilian people died. He said shops and hospitals were open. Rebel forces had been handing out food, he said. They promise us that we will be very safe. The life in the city of Idlib [long under rebel control] is good, our relatives there are feeling happy, they are living a good life and we hope that we will be like them. 02:36 PM GMT Putin and Iran pledge unconditional support for Assad Vladimir Putin and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian have pledged unconditional support for Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, according to the Kremlin. The two presidents spoke on the phone and expressed unconditional support for the actions of Syrias legitimate authorities to restore constitutional order and territorial sovereignty, the Russian government said in a statement. It added that they also emphasised the importance of coordinating with Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia and Iran have been key allies of the Syrian president. Some analysts have suggested that last weeks shock rebel offensive was made possible by the fact that Russia and Iran are tied up with other conflicts. 02:19 PM GMT Iran-backed Iraqi militias enter Syria to fight for Assad Hundreds of Iran-backed fighters entered Syria from Iraq overnight to help Assads forces fight against rebels who seized Aleppo on Saturday. At least 300 fighters crossed using a dirt road to avoid the official border crossing, two Iraqi security sources said. These are fresh reinforcements being sent to aid our comrades on the front lines in the north, a senior Syrian military source said, adding that the fighters had crossed in small groups to avoid airstrikes. The fighters were primarily from the Badr and Nujabaa groups, which are part of Iraqs Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF). The PMF is a collection of Iran-backed Shia militias that now form part of Iraqs armed forces and report directly to the Iraqi prime minister. 01:47 PM GMT Watch: Syrian rebels capture Assads air defence systems in Aleppo province Credit: X/@clashreport 01:30 PM GMT US discussed lifting sanctions on Assad if he cut ties with Iran Washington has discussed with the United Arab Emirates the possibility of lifting sanctions on Syrian president Bashar al-Assad if he moves away from Iran and stops allowing Tehran to transport weapons to Hezbollah via Syria. The discussions, which happened before last weeks lightening Syrian rebel offensive, had intensified in recent months after Israels campaign against Iran-backed forces in Lebanon and Gaza. The UAE has long hoped to distance Assad from Iran and wants to build business ties with Syria, but U.S. sanctions have hampered those efforts, the sources said. Irans foreign minister Abbas Araqchi visited Syria on Sunday in a show of support for Assad, and UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke to Assad by phone about latest developments at the weekend. 01:06 PM GMT Aleppo residents describe life under the rebels By Fared Al-Mahlool The speed of Syrian regime troop withdrawal has shocked the residents of Aleppo, who now face aerial bombardment and an uncertain future under rebel control. A Syrian Christian from inside Aleppo, who gave his name as George, told the Telegraph: After the rebels took control, we thought we would be in danger, but that did not happen. However, we were very surprised by the withdrawal of the Syrian army and its allies. I think that was agreed upon by the major countries. We are in our homes and praying to be safe. Some neighbourhoods were subjected to airstrikes and that must stop immediately. There are civilians and they should not be bombed. Mohammad Malah, another resident, said: Suddenly, the Syrian army and its allies withdrew. We thought that they would resist more, but that did not happen. So far, we are fine, but the situation is very complicated and we do not know what to do or what will happen in the future. Devren, another Syrian Christian in the city, said: We are being subjected to airstrikes and that must stop immediately to save our lives. We want to live in peace and to celebrate and pray in churches. 12:37 PM GMT Diversity is a strength, say Aleppo rebels as they encourage Kurds not to flee Syrian jihadist rebels in Aleppo have urged Kurds not to flee Aleppo, telling them that diversity is a strength and that the city will be more brilliant and civilized if minorities remain in the area. In the future Syria, we believe that diversity is a strength, not a weakness, read a statement released on Sunday by the Political Affairs Department in Liberated Areas, an authority that has been linked to the jihadist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group. The statement went on to say it condemned the barbaric practices that Isis had committed against the Kurds, saying they were offensive to Islam. We invite them [Kurds] and guarantee their stay in their original areas in the city, it added. It comes as US-backed Kurdish-led forces said they were seeking to evacuate Kurds in Aleppo to safer areas over fears of a massacre. 12:03 PM GMT Foreign interference not to blame, says Turkey Turkey has offered to help facilitate negotiations between the regime and rebels in Syria, but has rejected any suggestion foreign interference was behind the offensive launched by jihadists in the countrys north. In a joint press conference with his counterpart from Iran in Ankara, Turkeys Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said: It would be a mistake at this time to try to explain the events in Syria by any foreign interference. Turkey has been accused destabilising northern Syria in its campaign against Kurdish separatists. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi added that Tehran and Ankara agreed Syria should not become a home for terrorist groups and recent conflict showed the need for compromise between the Syrian government and opposition. Hakan Fidan (R) shakes hands with Abbas Araghchi (L) at the end of a joint press conference in Ankara on Dec 2 - ADEM ALTAN/AFP 11:33 AM GMT Rebels working in line with US, claims Assad Syrias President Bashar al-Assad said the rebel offensive in his countrys north was an attempt to redraw the map of the region, in remarks during a call with his Iranian counterpart Monday. The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redraw the map in line with the objectives of the United States and the West, Assad told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to a statement from the Syrian presidency. The White House has blamed the Assad regimes ongoing refusal to engage in the process outlined in UNSCR2252 and its relationship with Russia and Iran for the conditions now unfolding in Syria. However, the Biden administration said the US had nothing to do with this offensive, pointing instead towards Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a designated terrorist organisation. 10:54 AM GMT Rebels will keep fighting, says opposition leader A Syrian opposition leader said rebels would not stop fighting until the Syrian government committed to the United Nations process and a political transition. We are ready to negotiate starting tomorrow, Hadi al-Bahri said in a televised press conference from Istanbul. Negotiations over the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which sets out a roadmap for peace in Syria, have broken down since the resolution was adopted in 2015. Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy for Syria, has described the current situation as a mark of a collective failure to bring about a genuine political process. Residential areas are damaged by Assad regime air strikes on the city of Idlib on Dec 1 - KINENE HINEVI/ANADOLU via GETTY 10:31 AM GMT YPG pulls out from Aleppo amid massacre fears Kurdish YPG forces began pulling out of areas under their control in the northeastern sector of Aleppo city under a deal with rebel forces, rebel sources and a resident said on Monday. The deal to pull out of Sheikh Maqsoud and Bustan al Basha and other areas in the city allows civilians to leave to areas in northeast Syria under Kurdish control. YPG emerged as a powerful armed group during the Syrian civil war and later became part of the US allied forces coalition, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), against Islamic State. Turkey classifies YPG as a terrorist organisation with close ties to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Kurdish gunmen join a demonstration in Qamishli on Dec 2, 2024 against the attacks by Turkish-backed fighters on areas under Kurdish control in northern Syria - AFP via GETTY/DELIL SOULEIMAN 10:24 AM GMT Russia hits rebels in Syria The Russian Air Force has been helping the Syrian Army strike back at rebels who on Friday captured the city of Aleppo. At a briefing on Sunday, Captain Oleg Ignasyuk of the Russian forces in Syria said that Russian bombing runs had killed 320 rebels and destroyed 63 pieces of equipment. The Syrian Army, together with the Russian Air Force, continues its operations against terrorists in the provinces of Idlib, Hama and Aleppo, he said. Captain Ignayuk had also said on Thursday that the Russian Air Force had killed 400 rebels. Russia became a staunch ally of Syria from 2015 when it entered the Syrian Civil War. 09:41 AM GMT Kremlin emphasises support for Assad Russia continues to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and is analysing the situation on the ground after rebel groups seized territory, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. We of course continue to support Bashar al-Assad and we continue contacts at the appropriate levels, we are analysing the situation, Peskov said, adding that Russia would draw up a position on what is necessary to stabilise the situation. Peskovs comments came after Syrian and Russian air forces struck rebel held positions across northwestern Syria, including in Aleppos eastern countryside. 09:34 AM GMT Iran to extend presence in Syria, foreign ministry says Irans military consultants will remain in Syria at Damascus request, Irans Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reassured the Syrian leader during a visit to Damascus on Sunday that Tehran was ready to support the government in its counteroffensive, according to a statement from Bashar al-Assads office. Arab leaders, including Jordans King Abdullah II and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have also called Assad to express their solidarity. 09:30 AM GMT Pictured: Rebel-held airport in Aleppo Rebels pose with an army helicopter on the tarmac at the Nayrab military airport in Aleppo on Dec 2 - AAREF WATAD/AFP Syrian army jets on the tarmac at Nayrab military airport in Aleppo on Dec 2 - AAREF WATAD/AFP An anti-regime fighter poses for a picture next to a Syrian army tank near the Nayrab military airport in Aleppo on Dec 2 - AAREF WATAD/AFP 09:13 AM GMT UK, US, Germany, and France call for de-escalation The United States, France, Germany and Britain have called for de-escalation by all parties in Syria and urged in a joint statement for the protection of civilians and infrastructure. The current escalation only underscores the urgent need for a Syrian-led political solution to the conflict, in line with UNSCR 2254, read a statement issued by the US State Department, referencing the 2015 UN resolution that endorsed a peace process in Syria. 08:50 AM GMT China backs Bashar al-Assads regime China said it supports Syrias efforts to maintain national security and stability after a rebel offensive saw government forces lose control of Aleppo. China is willing to make positive efforts to prevent further deterioration of the situation in Syria, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular press conference on Monday. Last year, Chinas ministry of foreign affairs announced a strategic partnership with Syria after a decade of sanctions-induced isolation. Xi told Assad that China supported Syria in opposing foreign interference, opposing unilateral bullying, safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, according to state media. 08:40 AM GMT Rebel attack threatens UK security, warns former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger has warned that while witnessing Bashar al-Assads retreat may be satisfying, a breakdown in order poses a threat to the UK. It is hard not to derive satisfaction from any setback Bashar experiences, Sir Alex told the BBC Today programme, adding: I certainly would never go so far as to claim that Bashars rule forms any form of long term stability. So no, I dont want him back in charge of Aleppo but equally you cannot pretend that a hard line Islamist group, albeit one trying to moderate its image, presents a good future either. It seems to me more likely that we are seeing a reignition of the civil war in all its dimensions. Sir Alex, who served as chief of MI6 from 2014 to 2020, added that the Syrian Democratic Forces were holding many Isis prisoners and their families. The camps represent a hot bed of radicalisation and havent been sorted out - if the SDF were to go off the job our security situation here would worsen. 08:27 AM GMT Map: Syrian army response Russian and Syrian warplanes bombed the rebel-held city of Idlib on Sunday in an attempt to push back fighters who have swept across northern Syria. The Syrian defence ministry said its forces were preparing to conduct a major counterattack and that rebel attacks on the city of Hama had been repelled. 08:25 AM GMT Air strikes kill ten children Syrian and Russian air strikes have killed at least 25 people in rebel-held territory across northwestern Syria, including ten children. The total death toll from Syrian and Russian strikes since Nov 27 has climbed to 56, including 20 children, according to the White Helmets. Russian and Syrian jets struck the rebel-held city of Idlib and the army also calimed to have recaptured several towns from rebels. Credit: X/@FHomse 08:15 AM GMT US-backed forces conduct evacuations to prevent massacres A US-backed, Kurdish-led force in Syria is seeking to evacuate Kurds in Aleppo province to safe areas, its chief said Monday, amid rebel attacks after pro-Turkey fighters seized a Kurdish majority town. We are actively coordinating with all relevant parties in Syria to ensure the safety of our people and facilitate their secure relocation... to our safe areas, Mazloum Abdi, head of the Syrian Democratic Forces, said in a statement. A Syria war monitor said late Sunday that around 200,000 Syrian Kurds were besieged by pro-Turkey factions who took over the town of Tal Rifaat and nearby villages. Communications have been cut in Kurdish-majority areas, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, raising fears of possible massacres of Kurds. The situation in northwest Syria has developed rapidly and suddenly, with our forces facing intense attacks from multiple fronts, Abdi, the SDF commander in chief, said in a statement. Following the collapse and withdrawal of the Syrian army and its allies, we intervened to establish a humanitarian corridor between our eastern regions, Aleppo, and the Tal Rifaat area, with the aim of protecting our people from potential massacres. However, the attacks of the armed groups backed by the Turkish occupation have disrupted this corridor. 08:07 AM GMT Russia and Syria bomb rebel-held Idlib as Assad prepares major counter-attack Russian and Syrian warplanes bombed the rebel-held city of Idlib on Sunday in an attempt to push back insurgents who have swept across northern Syria. The Syrian military rushed in reinforcements and said it was preparing a major counter-attack, while Moscows air force joined in the bombardment of Aleppo and Idlib. The Telegraph witnessed a number of air strikes. According to local sources in Idlib, the aircraft were taking off from the Russian military base at Hmeimim airport in the Latakia countryside in Syria. Read the full story here. X 08:05 AM GMT Welcome to our live coverage Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the conflict in Syria. Well be bringing you the latest news and analysis 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. Animal Justice Project A pig farm has been suspended from the Red Tractor scheme after undercover footage showed its employees beating animals with pitchforks. Footage from the Innovis farm near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, appears to show male pigs being hit with spades and pipes and forced to walk on concrete covered in faeces despite injuries and lameness. The farm, which is linked to supermarket pork and bacon suppliers, suspended two members of staff over the alleged animal abuse and launched an internal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Red Tractor certifies British farms as meeting its standards on animal health and welfare across the supply chain. A Red Tractor spokesman said: We are shocked and disgusted by the footage. After receiving and verifying the footage we revoked the farms Red Tractor certification and immediately reported the incident to the Animal and Plant Health Agency. We are unable to make further comment now that the information is being investigated by the regulator. The farm keeps boars for semen production to supply the Hermitage AI facility, which in turn distributes to pig farms that produce pork and bacon for British supermarkets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hermitage told the Independent that it had cut ties with Innovis until it had received assurances over the treatment of its animals. Innovis said that it operates to the highest health and welfare standards, including weekly visits from a specialist pig vet and inspections from the Animal and Plant Health Agency every six months. The footage was filmed by the Animal Justice Project, an activist group, which said it showed potential violations of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The group highlighted verbal abuse of the boars by employees of the facility and said the animals were held in the pens for the vast majority of their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claire Palmer, the director of the Animal Justice Project said: The abuse documented at Innovis is appalling. Pigs were struck, stabbed, and intimidated daily by long-standing staff under a CEO in place for 20 years, yet no one intervened. Ayesha Smart, a barrister consulted by the Animal Justice Project, said the footage suggested clear breaches of the companys legal obligations towards the animals. 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. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) West Virginia University has released the final episode in its series following the Pride of West Virginia to the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, a run that can only be described as, in the words of one of the band members, legendary. The WVU Mountaineer Marching Band returned to the parade this year for the first time since 2016. Adorned in ponchos, the WVU band performed in Herald Square at 11:47 a.m. (E.T.) on Thanksgiving Day in front of millions of people. In addition to the estimated 3 million people who attended the parade in person, a record-breaking 31.3 million households also watched the parade on NBC and streaming services, the largest audience ever, according to IMDb. The final Dream Big episode released by WVU on Monday recaps the bands day-of journey, from its 3 a.m. rehearsal to its soggy parade run, which one band member called the best run of that show that weve ever done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott to serve as WVU footballs interim head coach for bowl game You can watch all five Dream Big episodes about the bands journey online here or watch the full Macys performance in the player below. You can even hear Morgantown native Hoda Kotb, the Today Show host who is retiring in 2025, belt out a lets go Mountaineers as the band wraps up its performance. Although the WVU band represented the state as a whole, many native West Virginians also represented their local high schools and counties. Graduates from Morgantown, Philip Barbour, Grafton and Lincolnjust to name a fewand students from at least 15 counties in West Virginia were part of the 359-member Macys Great American Marching Band. Among those students was Arden Minor, the daughter of WBOYs very own Eric Minor! 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. Former Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks has said she is relieved and thrilled that President Joe Biden officially pardoned his son Hunter from federal gun and tax convictions. The president accused his political opponents in Congress of pursuing the prosecution against his sonwho became the first child of a sitting president to be criminally convicted after he was found guilty on firearms charges in June. JILL WINE-BANKS, FORMER WATERGATE PROSECUTOR: Im relieved and thrilled that he did it. This was one of the cases that called out for clemency. Hunter Biden, first of all, would not ever be prosecuted for the gun crime but for his last name. Second of all, he was addicted, and pic.twitter.com/A4N1PqvoxG Acyn (@Acyn) December 2, 2024 Biden, 82, issued a full and unconditional pardon Sunday night, even though he said he would never interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he pulled the trigger on the decision and Wine-Banks the first woman to serve as U.S. general counsel of the Armysaid granting clemency was appropriate. Speaking on MSNBC Sunday night, Wine-Banks said: Im relieved and thrilled that he did it. This was one of the cases that called out for clemency. Hunter Biden, first of all, would not ever be prosecuted for the gun crime but for his last name. Joe Biden with Hunter Biden and his son Beau. She said his sobriety is also a factor. Wine-Banks added: Second of all, he was addicted, and that was a cause of his actions. He has now been sober for many years, and this is a time when it is really appropriate for a grant of clemency. Her words will likely do little to placate the dissenting voices, particularly from the conservative arena. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX), both President-elect Donald Trumps and former President Obamas former White House physician, even called Hunter the presidents CRACKHEAD SON in a particularly angry post . Biden and his admin are DISGRACEFUL LIARS!! Jackson raged. WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) West Springfield Police stuffed one of their cruisers with toys Sunday evening. Volkswagens all-electric ID. Buzz hits dealerships People in West Springfield stopped by the Stop & Shop on Riverdale Street to donate unwrapped toys or gift cards for children. All donations will go towards the West Springfield Parks & Recreation Departments Operation Santa program to help families in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Springfield Police Sgt. Robert Wise is encouraging people to, Bring everything you can to the police station. Well take it all right there. we take it all down to the Amex then it gets all delivered out. You still have a chance to donate unwrapped toys, non-perishable food, or gift cards. West Springfield police plan to host another stuff-a-cruiser on Thursday, December 5th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at town hall and Saturday, December 7th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at T.J. Maxx on Memorial Avenue. 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. The storm ravaged city of Asheville as it appeared pre-Hurricane Helene (Photo: AshevilleNC.gov) North Carolina legislators return to Raleigh this week for what will very likely be the final session of 2024. Its also the final opportunity for lawmakers to appropriate funds that would help the residents of western North Carolina who are still struggling to recover in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. NC Newsline has written numerous stories about recovery efforts (read our latest here and here), but residents say much more support is needed, especially for small businesses and housing. In the November legislative session, the third Helene relief bill was loaded down with unrelated items that stripped power from North Carolinas incoming governor and attorney general, both Democrats. Republican leaders also used that relief package to move the State Board of Elections under the purview of the next state auditor, who will be a Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The power grab bill earned Governor Roy Coopers veto just before Thanksgiving. Its unclear if the House and Senate will override Coopers veto this week, but what is clear is that western North Carolina needs help sooner and not later. NC Newsline spoke to state Senator Julie Mayfield (D-Buncombe) about the needs of her region, the problems with Senate Bill 382, and what she hopes will happen next. Some answers have been edited for brevity and clarity. Click here to listen to our full radio interview with Sen. Mayfield. Sen. Julie Mayfield (Screengrab: NCGA video) === NC Newsline: When lawmakers came back to Raleigh in November, the hope was that wed see an additional round of substantial aid heading your way. But instead, what we got was a 131-page bill dealing with everything from gubernatorial powers to election law changes, and the relief provisions of the bill were pretty minimal. As we record this, Governor Coopers vetoed the bill. So probably not what youd been hoping for, but perhaps you could give us your reaction to the legislation and whats happened since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Julie Mayfield: What we were hoping for was hoping for a more robust, not just an allocation of money, but actual appropriation of money. The $277 million is nothing to sneeze at. But to be clear it was just moved from the rainy-day fund to the Helene fund, and it was not allocated out. It was not appropriated, as we say. So that was very frustrating. I think the continued frustration for me personally and for legislators out here is the continued resistance to create a program to make grants available to businesses. I understand that its precedential, that weve never done it before, that they dont want to set that precedent. But as I said on the floor, unprecedented events call for unprecedented solutions. And our businesses need an infusion of cash that they cannot get any other way at this point. === NC Newsline: And a loan is not going to do it is that what youre saying? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Julie Mayfield: A loan is not going to do it. There are some grant opportunities available now funded through the city, the county, local philanthropy, but they are not going to be enough. Theyre already way oversubscribed and theyre relatively small. So, we can all just see the economy of Asheville, which is based on small locally owned businesses. We can just see it starting to evaporate. In talking to one of my Republican colleagues whos from Western North Carolina and expressing my ongoing frustration about this. His answer was, well, FEMA says that normally around 40% of businesses dont survive these kinds of storms, these kinds of catastrophes, these kinds of disasters. And to me, that felt like an acceptance of, well, if 40% is okay, thats normal. But to me, thats not acceptable, especially when we can do something about it. === NC Newsline: And the numbers we hear are just astounding, $53 billion in damages to western North Carolina. And you can see in that context where a couple hundred million, while welcome, would be pretty much a drop in the bucket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Julie Mayfield: Thats true. And I also want to acknowledge that what Senator Hise said about this is a long process and it will need tons of money and the state cant do it alone. And all of that is true. All of that is true. And we know federal dollars are coming, but theyre not here now. And now is when we need, is when our businesses need that money. So its just continued frustration that people dont seem to, they either dont understand or they dont want to understand. I dont want to say they dont care because I think they do. I just think they cant wrap their heads around what our economy is like here in Asheville and what the impacts of this could be. If we lose 40% of our businesses, that is astonishing. I dont know how Asheville survives that. === Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NC Newsline: Of course, lawmakers put this relatively modest amount of recovery money into Senate Bill 382. Did you have any inkling that this was what was going to happen that they would provide a bill that would take away powers from the governor and the superintendent of public instruction and get rid of judges? Its a pretty remarkable list of changes to law and reorganization of state government thats contemplated in this legislation. Sen. Julie Mayfield: I think I always expected something, especially if the election resulted in them losing the super majority in either of the chambers, which is what happened. So, I certainly expected something. I did not expect the very, very tight leash on the attorney general. I didnt realize that they didnt appreciate the tens of millions of dollars that Josh Stein has brought to North Carolina by being part of national lawsuits. I certainly know that they didnt appreciate the stance that the attorney generals office took in the gerrymandering cases and in some others. But from my perspective, as an attorney and as someone who just believes in democracy, it is an egregious violation of the traditional separation of church and state. And my hope, of course, is that judges in North Carolina will agree with that. === Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NC Newsline: Amazingly enough, the legislature will be back in session the Monday after Thanksgiving. Interestingly, three Republican lawmakers from Western North Carolina actually voted against this so-called recovery bill (Senate Bill 382) that was a Christmas tree with so many other objectionable provisions. But it seems like it might be quite a leap for them to actually vote to sustain the governors veto. Sen. Julie Mayfield: I agree. As I understand that their objections to the bill were that it did not do enough for relief in Western North Carolina, not that they objected to any of the other provisions. If they vote to sustain the veto, then they will be voting to not get even the $277 million that was allocated. And I think they would rightfully look at that situation and think, well, that doesnt advance our cause at all. So, I cant imagine that they would vote to sustain the veto. Maybe theyre angry enough to send a message, but I think the repercussions for the three of those gentlemen would be far beyond whatever benefit it might give. === NC Newsline: So, talk to us about the reality now on the ground. Remind people. Its getting cold, right? Winter is here. There are still people who are not properly housed in western North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Julie Mayfield: Anybody who has lost their home, either completely or because of damage, anybody who cant live in their home, the FEMA resources here have been astonishing. Dont listen to anybody who says otherwise. People are in hotels, people are in apartments, people are in Airbnbs. FEMA is now transitioning to moving a lot of those folks who are in hotels, which was the truly temporary housing, trying to find them the longer-term temporary housing. So, like the 18 months-to-two-years situation, if their house has to be rebuilt or for repairs or whatever, they are actively doing that. Some part of that is bringing trailers, travel trailers here. And if people can put a travel trailer on their property, theyll do that. FEMA is happy to do that. If not, then there can be other accommodations. There are people who are reluctant to leave their property because they are worried about looting and damage and the property is not secure. Obviously, if a travel trailer can be put there, that will solve that problem. If it cant be, and of course, a number of these properties are in the floodplain. And there is a sort of a presumption against putting trailers in a floodplain for obvious reason. But there are also options, there are ways to work through that. But there are people who are reluctant to leave their homes and they are sleeping in tents, and that is unfortunate. I just want to encourage those people to take advantage of the resources that are available, secure the house, and move into a hotel or an apartment. The other problem we have here is that we dont have many apartments available. We dont have many houses available. We dont have a lot of flat land for FEMA to set up a trailer, you know, a large area with a bunch of trailers. That is not what happens here in Asheville and Western North Carolina. So, I think housing is going to continue to be a challenge. But FEMA is on it. The city and the county and FEMA and a number of nonprofits are working. They have a working group that is trying to tackle this and get everybody into safe, longer-term housing as quickly as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement === NC Newsline: It sounds to me like your basic final message to folks is were not going to recover in western North Carolina to have anything like what we had before unless we start making significant direct investments and in helping businesses stay in business and in rebuilding the infrastructure that will allow them to continue. Sen. Julie Mayfield: Absolutely. That and the other piece is rental assistance. We have a huge hospitality workforce and others that have been out of work for two months now. And they cannot pay their rent. We know landlords are filing evictions. Some tenants are just leaving because they couldnt even see the prospect of when can I get back to work? So, I know that a lot of people have left, and I worry very much for us as a city with a significant tourism economy. If we dont have those workers when in fact the restaurants as they are reopening now, certainly as tourists start to come back, I dont know that well have the workforce. And I do want to say Asheville is now open. We do have water. People should come through all your Christmas shopping here. Please, please help us recover. Every dollar that is spent here is helpful. Democrats on Monday began more forcefully criticizing President Joe Biden for pardoning his son Hunter Biden, saying that hes giving his son special treatment and further eroding confidence in the rule of law. Just hours after Biden pardoned his son, Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan called it an improper use of power. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, a frontline Democrat, said Biden made the wrong decision. No family should be above the law, while Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado said it further erodes Americans faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all. The public denouncements of the sweeping pardon lays bare that Democrats are willing to break with the president over the pardon even as the White House on Monday forcefully pushed back on the criticism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House on Monday defended Bidens decision to pardon his son, Hunter, and argued that the presidents dramatic public reversal on the matter did not undermine his credibility or the independence of the Justice Department. Speaking to reporters traveling with the president on Air Force One for his trip to Luanda, Angola, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that Biden did not make the decision to pardon his son until over the Thanksgiving weekend, stressing that he wrestled with how to handle the situation. Echoing the presidents statement Sunday evening, she argued that Hunter Biden was singled out for being the son of the president and said that one of the reasons Joe Biden issued the pardon was because it didnt seem like his political opponents would let go of it, it didnt seem like they would move on. Still, Jean-Pierre said the president had faith in the justice system and maintained that the president did not view that position as being in conflict with his decision to pardon his son. Two things could be true: The president does believe in the justice system and the Department of Justice. And he also believes that his son was singled out politically, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jean-Pierres defense is unlikely to move Bidens critics who say the president undermined his stated faith in the American legal process by issuing the pardon in the waning weeks of his presidency to protect a family member. First Lady Jill Biden echoed that support on Monday, saying "of course I support the pardon of my son," when asked about it at an event with National Guard families to introduce this year's White House holiday decorations. The pardon is one of the most sweeping ever issued, granting Hunter legal protection for any crime he has committed or may have committed over a nearly 11-year period, from Jan. 1, 2014, to Dec. 1, 2024. The pardon insulates him from ever facing federal charges for any crimes he could have committed during that period. Throughout his presidency, Biden has emphasized the need to restore trust in institutions and has made a point to stay at an arms length of the Justice Department, vowing to remain independent even on issues relating to his son. As Hunters legal woes played out, Joe Biden and his top aides repeatedly told the public that under no circumstances would he pardon his son. Even after Donald Trump won the presidential election, White House officials, including Jean-Pierre, said Hunter would not be pardoned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jean-Pierre on Monday could not say what caused the president to change his mind. Instead, she read social media posts from officials defending Biden, including one from former attorney general Eric Holder arguing that if Hunter Bidens name had been Joe Smith, the initial legal outcome would have been different. She stressed that it was a personal decision for the president, but that he ultimately felt like Americans would understand where he was coming from as a father. She declined to say whether the president spoke about it with Hunter Biden while they were together for the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket. The presidents dramatic reversal 50 days before he leaves office was met with swift criticism from Republicans, who painted Biden as dishonest and accused him of corroding trust in the justice system. Speaker Mike Johnson said on X Monday morning that trust in our justice system has been almost irreparably damaged by the Bidens and their use and abuse of it. Real reform cannot begin soon enough! the House GOP leader wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville on Monday told reporters that he also would have pardoned his son but was also critical of Biden for reversing his prior stance on it. Here's what I didn't like: Don't lie to us, he said. Don't tell us you're not going to do it and then do it. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), meanwhile, blasted Republican criticism as hypocritical: Those who defended the 34x felon, who committed sexual assault, stole national security documents, and tried running a coup on his country should sit out the Hunter Biden pardon discussion, he wrote in an X post. One of the things that the president always believes is to be truthful to the American people, Jean-Pierre said when asked if the presidents past statements could be seen as lying to the public. Jean-Pierre said she expected the president to announce additional pardons and clemency before leaving office, as is often customary. Connor O'Brien contributed to this story. Elon Musk, along with his AI startup xAI and Shivon Zilis, a former OpenAI board member, has taken a firm stance against OpenAIs shift to a fully for-profit business model. Musks legal team filed for a preliminary injunction in federal court, aiming to halt this transformation. They also accused OpenAI of requiring investors to avoid funding competitors, including xAI, as part of alleged anti-competitive practices. This injunction marks a new chapter in an ongoing legal feud involving Musk, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Microsoft, and other prominent stakeholders like Reid Hoffman. Musk originally filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in March 2024 in a San Francisco state court but later transitioned the case to federal court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their expanded complaint filed in November, Musks attorneys alleged violations of antitrust laws and federal racketeering (RICO) statutes. Central to the argument is OpenAIs alleged practice of demanding exclusivity from investors, which they claim unfairly limits funding opportunities for competitors. Allegations of anti-competitive conduct Musks legal team has accused OpenAI and Microsoft of engaging in practices that unfairly consolidate their dominance in the burgeoning AI market. They argue that the collaboration between the two companies resulted in a "group boycott" against competitors like xAI. Microsoft and OpenAI now seek to cement this dominance by cutting off competitors access to investment capital (a group boycott), while continuing to benefit from years worth of shared competitively sensitive information during generative AIs formative years, Musk's attorneys wrote in the filing. OpenAI has dismissed the claims, calling them baseless complaints. A spokesperson for OpenAI said, Elons fourth attempt, which again recycles the same baseless complaints, continues to be utterly without merit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legal filing also accuses OpenAI of benefiting from competitively sensitive information shared during its formative years. Musks attorneys demanded that OpenAI be prohibited from using any such information and argued that its restructuring into a for-profit entity serves the financial interests of Microsoft. OpenAI's meteoric rise and emerging competitors Founded in 2015 as a non-profit, OpenAI transitioned in 2019 to a capped-profit model and is now moving towards becoming a fully for-profit public benefit corporation. This restructuring has attracted significant investments, including a $14 billion infusion from Microsoft. However, the tech giant reported a $1.5 billion loss related to OpenAI in its recent earnings. In October 2024, OpenAI closed a funding round valuing the company at $157 billion, with major backers such as Thrive Capital, Microsoft, and Nvidia. Despite its success, OpenAI faces mounting competition from startups like xAI and Anthropic, as well as tech giants including Google. Since its launch in 2023, Musks xAI has made significant strides. Its Grok chatbot debuted successfully, and the company is reportedly raising $6 billion at a $50 billion valuation. A substantial portion of this capital is earmarked for acquiring 100,000 Nvidia chips to bolster xAIs capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also stepped into the fray. Earlier this year, FTC Chair Linda Khan announced a market inquiry into partnerships and investments between AI developers and cloud service providers. Companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are under scrutiny. A high-stakes AI landscape As generative AI gains traction, its market is expected to generate over $1 trillion in revenue within the next decade. With business spending on AI technologies skyrocketing by 500% this year alone, competition in the sector is fierce. "Musks rivals fear he will target them with his new power," wrote The Wall Street Journal on Monday hinting at OpenAI chief Sam Altman. While Musk and his team oppose OpenAIs restructuring, the legal and competitive landscape surrounding AI remains as dynamic as ever. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Monday defended President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter despite telling the press multiple times that the president had no such plans. "He said he came to this decision this weekend, and he said he wrestled with this and, because he believes in the justice system, but he also believes that the raw politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice," Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Angola. She added: "Hunter was singled out, and because his last name was Biden, because he was the presidents son. Thats what we saw. And so the president believed enough is enough, and the president took action, and he also believes that they tried to break his son in order to break him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter Biden, the president's only surviving son, was found guilty in June on federal gun charges and pleaded guilty in a separate tax evasion case in September. Jean-Pierre was asked by reporters in September if the guilty plea changed Bidens mind to not pardon his son. Its no its still no, she said. During a White House press briefing on Nov. 7, Jean-Pierre again dismissed a question about whether Biden had planned to pardon his son. "Weve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no," she said. Questions about whether Biden would pardon his son have swirled since last year. Before the jury reached its verdict in June, Biden said that he would accept its decision and not use his presidential pardon power if Hunter were to be convicted. A few days later, the president also told the press that he wouldn't commute his son's sentence in the gun case either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those assertions from Biden came before he exited the 2024 presidential race. The president on Sunday issued a full and unconditional pardon for any offenses Hunter Biden has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024, according to the White House statement. In a statement explaining his decision, Biden said, "I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision." Asked Monday about the pardon, first lady Jill Biden said, Of course I support the pardon of my son." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A white ex-police detective in Kansas died Monday in an apparent suicide just before the start of his criminal trial over allegations that he sexually assaulted Black women and terrorized those who tried fight back. Local police found Roger Golubski dead of a gunshot wound on the back porch of his split-level home outside Kansas City, Kansas. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said there are no indications of foul play" in the 71-year-old's death, discovered Monday morning after a neighbor heard a gunshot. Fifty miles (80 kilometers) to the west, prosecutors and Golubski's attorneys were inside the federal courthouse in Topeka, where Golubski faced six felony counts of violating women's civil rights. Prosecutors say that, for years, Golubski preyed on female residents in poor neighborhoods, demanding sexual favors and sometimes threatening to harm or jail their relatives if they refused. He had pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His death led U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse to dismiss the charges at prosecutors' request, though a second criminal case involving three other co-defendants remains. U.S. Department of Justice officials said it's difficult when a case cannot be fully and fairly heard in a public trial, but advocates for the women who accused Golubski of abusing them were angry, feeling that they and the community were denied a reckoning. There is no justice for the victims, said Anita Randle-Stanley, who went to court to watch jury selection. Randle-Stanley, who is not a victim in this case, said Golubski began harassing her when she was a teenager decades ago, but she always refused him. The heart of this trial focused on two women: one who said Golubski began sexually abusing her when she was a young teen in middle school, and another who said he began abusing her after her twin sons were arrested. Prosecutors said seven other women were planning to testify that Golubski abused or harassed them as well. And advocates for the women believe there are other victims who have either died or have been afraid to come forward. The allegations that Golubski preyed on women over decades with seeming impunity outraged the community and deepened its historical distrust of law enforcement. The prosecution followed earlier reports of similar abuse allegations across the country where hundreds of officers have lost their badges after allegations of sexual assaults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the women and their advocates were upset that Golubski was under house arrest while he underwent kidney dialysis treatments three times a week. Cheryl Pilate, an attorney representing some of the women, said she has questions about how well the government was monitoring Golubski. The community had an enormous interest in seeing this trial go forward, she added. Now, the victims, the community and justice itself have been cheated. Ex-detective described as despondent over coverage After Golubski failed to appear in court Monday, his lead attorney, Christopher Joseph, said his client was despondent about the media coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joseph said he had talked to Golubski regularly, including Monday morning, and he was shocked to hear that his client had apparently killed himself. As for Golubskis death, he said, I dont know the details. This case against Golubski was part of a string of lawsuits and criminal allegations that led the county prosecutors office to begin a $1.7 million effort to reexamine cases Golubski worked on during his 35 years on the force. One double murder case Golubski investigated already has resulted in an exoneration, and an organization run by rapper Jay-Z is suing to obtain police records. Joseph had said lawsuits over the allegations were an inspiration for fabrication by his accusers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to keep fighting, said Starr Cooper, who was in the courthouse Monday to watch jury selection and said Golubski victimized her mother before her death in 1983. Advocates for women rally, lament lack of trial About 50 people had a short rally Monday morning in sub-freezing temperatures outside the federal courthouse in Topeka to show their support for the women accusing Golubski. They held signs with slogans such as, Justice Now! Lora McDonald, executive director of MORE2, a Kansas City-area social justice group, said participants learned that Golubski didnt show up in court just as the rally began. They dispersed before prosecutors announced his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They later joined Pilate in calling for an independent, outside investigation into Golubski's death. Golubski terrorized an entire community and co-conspired with dangerous people, McDonald said. Our rally today was not just about Roger Golubski. Rather, it was about the department in which his criminal activity flourished." Pilate lamented that without a trial for Golubski, "In the eyes of the law he died an innocent man. Max Seifert, a former Kansas City police officer who graduated from the police academy with Golubski in 1975, said Golubski's supporters will treat him as a martyred victim of unfair pretrial publicity. He contends the department condoned misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel that there is always going to be a cloud of mystery about this, he added. Decades of whispered allegations Stories about Golubski remained just whispers in the neighborhoods near Kansas Citys former cattle stockyards partly because of the extreme poverty of a place where crime was abundant and some homes are boarded up. One neighborhood where Golubski worked is part of Kansas second-poorest zip code. Fellow officers once revered Golubski for his ability to clear cases, and he rose to the rank of captain in Kansas City before retiring there in 2010 and then working on a suburban police force for six more years. His former partner served a stint as police chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inquiry into Golubski stems from the case of Lamonte McIntyre, who started writing to McCloskeys nonprofit nearly two decades ago. McIntyre was just 17 in 1994 when he was arrested and charged in connection with a double homicide, within hours of the crimes. He had an alibi; no physical evidence linked him to the killings; and an eyewitness believed the killer was an underling of a local drug dealer. In the other federal criminal case involving Golubski, that drug dealer also was charged with him, accused of running a violent sex trafficking operation. McIntyre's mother said in a 2014 affidavit that she wonders whether her refusal to grant regular sexual favors to Golubski prompted him to retaliate against her son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, the local government agreed to pay $12.5 million to McIntyre and his mother to settle a lawsuit after a deposition in which Golubski invoked his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent 555 times. The state also paid McIntyre $1.5 million. ___ The last name of a woman who says the ex-detective harassed her for years has been corrected. She is Anita Randle-Stanley, not Randel-Stanley. ___ Hollingsworth and Ingram reported from Edwardsville, Kansas. On Christmas Day 1996, 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey was found dead in the basement of her familys Boulder, Colo. home, sparking a decades-long obsession with the still unsolved case. Youve certainly heard of Ramsey if youre of a certain age, but you likely have no idea who Tineshia Jackson, Taranika Raymond or Kreneice Jones or Asha Degree are. Nine-year-old North Carolina native Degree went missing on Valentines Day 2000 under mysterious circumstances and has yet to be seen again. Yet, theres little to no fuss about Degree, and certainly no Netflix docuseries, as there is about Ramsey: Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey. Ramseys death gripped the country, with photos of the young beauty pageant contestant appearing on countless newspaper and magazine covers. Images of her all dolled up in fancy gowns with her blonde curls topped by crowns were unavoidable. It was very clear that her death was supposed to touch Americas hearts because she was an adorable little girl from a seemingly respectable white family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the lack of coverage for Jackson, Raymond and Jones all young Black girls who went missing in the 90s, and whose cases did not receive the national media attention that Ramseys did underlines that when white women and girls are victims, they are seen as more important. Even if the aforementioned Black girls were treated with the respect they deserved and had as many resources poured into their cases, they certainly wouldnt still be making headlines almost 30 years later. The Netflix docuseries Cold Case examines the intense media scrutiny of Ramseys case, as well as the constant suspicion of her parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, her half brother John-Andrew and her brother, Burke, who was nine when his sister was killed. DNA results officially cleared her parents in 2008. Obviously, its a tragedy any time a child is murdered. Since no one has been charged for the crime, theres been no resolution, which is one of the reasons the case has continued to captivate people. While the circus-like atmosphere surrounding the media coverage has not led to the capture and prosecution of the perpetrator, it has kept the case relevant and the investigation ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, even in high-profile cases like the controversial shootings of Tamir Rice and Trayvon Martin, the media eventually moved on. Whether it was because those were young Black boys, or that the alleged perpetrators were known, we cant know for sure. But it proved that in the eyes of the media, when our children are murdered, its not seen as an equally serious crime. Regular stories about botched investigations from the past and recently discovered graves of Black victims tell us how crimes against our community have never been given their proper attention or dignity. According to Black and Missing, in 2023, 162,755 persons of color under the age of 18 were reported missing. We dont usually see those names and faces circulated around the internet and made into important stories. Unfortunately, stereotypes about people of color often impede the path to their cases being considered crimes right from the start. Whether its assumptions about family stability, misinformation about immigrants, or just plain old racism, when Black folks go missing or are killed, they simply dont get the same coverage and considerations as white victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If all those media outlets had given one-tenth of the effort in reporting on murdered or missing Black children that they gave JonBenet Ramseys case in 1996, maybe we still wouldnt be constantly battling the narrative of Missing White Woman Syndrome in 2024. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Fewer Black Milwaukeeans voted for the Democratic Party in 2024 than in previous presidential elections. And, if national trends are an indication, President-elect Donald Trump gained support among Black men in Milwaukee, too. In the wake of the November election, more numbers have detailed the shift: The Democratic margin in Wisconsins majority-Black wards declined slightly, from 81 points in 2020 to 79 points in 2024, according to an analysis by Marquette Law School fellow John Johnson. Support for Democratic candidates among Black voters has steadily declined since Barack Obama was on the presidential ballot, even while accounting for a population decrease and high turnout. About 30% of Black men in the U.S. under age 45 voted for Trump, double the percentage he got in 2020, according to the Associated Press, which interviewed over 120,000 voters nationwide. Another poll, from the NAACP, showed more than 20% of Black men under 50 supported Trump. Trump's Black support has increased since he first appeared on the ballot in 2016. He gained about 2% more of the vote in Wisconsin's majority-Black wards this year compared to 2020 and he gained 3% more of the vote in 2020 compared to 2016, according to Johnson, who noted that the best voter breakdown for race, gender and age won't be tabulated for several months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To examine the shift, the Journal Sentinel asked several Black male community leaders in Milwaukee about their perspectives on how Black men voted in the election. Rob Biko Baker is a Milwaukee native who has been part of the teaching faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee since 2018 in the African and African Diaspora Studies department. He said it's important to reiterate that all the polling shows strong support for the Democratic Party among Black people. That's more than any other demographic since Trump picked up a significantly larger amount of Latino male voters. Rob "Biko" Baker is part of the teaching faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In the early 2000s, Baker, a Milwaukee native, was a regular contributor for hip-hops biggest rap magazines and blogs, including the Source and Vibe. Between 2008 and 2014, he was the national executive director for the League of Young Voters. We have to be a little cautious with exit polling and polling in general because everybodys sort of seen the downfall of the poll, he said. However, Baker said hes noticed a change in students of color in his classes, where open political discussion is encouraged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tory Lowe is a noted community figure who has advocated for Black families in the Milwaukee community for over a decade. He was part of a team from radio station 101.7 The Truth, where he's an afternoon host, that visited the White House for a Juneteenth celebration earlier this year. I had a chance to interview Trump, and I had a chance to endorse Trump, and I never did, because I'm an advocate, Lowe told the Journal Sentinel. I dont want to get involved in all of that; Im not MAGA. Im an independent but I voted for Trump and its because I dont agree with nothing on the left. Tory Lowe, a community activist, grew up near the 2300 block of North 5th Street. He helps families of homicide victims, leads marches against police misconduct, connects evicted renters with housing and helps families track down missing teens. I cant fight a bogeyman that aint in my community. Lowe pointed to often-cited statistics that Black Milwaukeeans live under some of the worst conditions in the world. He said he reserved his political frustrations with Milwaukee's local politicians, who overwhelmingly are a part of or support the Democratic Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He believes the Democrats made too many mistakes during the COVID-19 pandemic, abandoned the working class, allow for undocumented immigrants to receive benefits ahead of low-income Black people, and are pushing an "LGBT agenda" on Black men and youth. "Most people believe in man, woman and child," Lowe said. The Rev. Greg Lewis is the executive director of Souls to the Polls Wisconsin. He supported Vice President Kamala Harris in the election and believes Black male votes are being siphoned off because the "Democratic Party kind of took the community for granted" and many voters "do not pay attention" and they wanted to be "rebellious." "People start to fall in love with folks who do them wrong," he said. "I don't even understand it at all. ... The Stockholm Syndrome seems to be quite prevalent in Black and brown communities." Economy, immigration, stimulus checks affected votes For most of Black America, there's a legacy overcoming slavery, Jim Crow laws and a fight for civil rights, the rise of mass incarceration and education and health care disparities that drives values today. While it's important not to view Black people as a monolith, there are certain values that are overwhelmingly supported in the Black community, public polling suggests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, about 97% of Black Americans believe in God or a higher power. A vast majority say theyve experienced racism in their life and that U.S. institutions were designed to hold Black people back, particularly the justice system and policing. A majority are cynical of the health care system, having experienced disparities. A strong majority support an option to let their child attend a school outside of the local nearby public school. Some of these values, along with thriving personal finances, could see political movement in Trumps second term. Black people, many of us, are naturally conservative, Baker said. But overall, people have always voted with their pocketbooks. Black voters cited the economy and jobs as the most important issues the country faced in polling before the election. And there's a growing difference of opinion among Black men on who's best equipped to handle male voters single biggest issue their wallet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's misogyny and sexism; that's a real thing," Baker said. "A lot of men struggle with women as leaders, which is a little bit difficult to sort of wrap our heads around. ... But people are also tired of hearing fake promises, and so rather than doubling down on (Democrats), they wanted to give Trump a chance." Immigration policy and its effect on the economy was also an issue discussed in his UWM class. Many Black men particularly fear that immigrants have come for their working-class jobs, he said. Trump, who takes office Jan. 20, has vowed to mass-deport immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally, saying he'll use the military to complete the task and prevent immigrants from stealing Black jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the ACLU has vowed to fight the Trump administration through litigation, and there are economists who say mass deportations would hurt the economy, especially Wisconsin's farming industry. An estimated 11.7 million immigrants live in the U.S. illegally, according to the Pew Research Center and there's been a sharp rise in undocumented immigrants in recent years. The claim that immigrants are taking jobs from native-born Americans is repeated by Trump and his advisers but has been disputed by economists who say people in the U.S. illegally most often take on jobs that native workers are unwilling to fill, such as in agriculture and food processing. There's also a mistaken belief that the immigration population is only of Latino heritage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have immigrants from the (Caribbean) islands, from Africa," Lewis said. "Immigration has been a problem for Black folks for years. ... Black people have been eliminated from migrating to America for a long time, ever since the days of slavery. "The thought process of folks who vote for a party or a guy who's going to eliminate their possibility for becoming citizens is certainly, I mean, ... that just demolishes any part of rationality that I can see in communities of color. ... When he tells you who he is, you ought to believe him." Rev. Greg Lewis, with Souls to the Polls speaks as part of a Get Out the Vote event at Turner Hall on North Vel R. Phillips Avenue as early voting began in Milwaukee on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. In addition to immigration policy, the reality of rare government checks during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted young people. The federal government sent $1,200 per income-tax filer and $500 per child to each American in March 2020 while Trump was president and sent a second round of $600 in December 2020. A third round of $1,400 came in March 2021 during President Joe Biden's administration. The stimulus checks and the idea that Trump made them possible, even noting that Trump would sign the checks himself, resonated with some young Black voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive heard people talk about stimulus checks, Baker said. I think that was a real thing. While Biden prioritized reducing the coronavirus' effects on the public important since the Black community took the brunt of COVID's blow he didn't make the investments into local communities that fostered real change to a young Black person's bottom line, Baker said. Some civic engagement groups supporting Black lives that received millions during social justice movements across the U.S. within the last decade have seen many of their resources dry up, according to Baker. He said he's spoken to a leader of a local nonprofit that has seen its budget fall from $2.5 million to $250,000 since Biden took office. Usually these organizations rely in part on federal funding, like grants. He said if Democrats feel theyve made the investments, they need to do a better job of articulating that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, young Black people want to create and support Black-owned businesses, and a conservative philosophy of less regulation could benefit those same people, Baker said. Lewis, though, disagrees that the Democratic Party hasn't put in the work and made investments in the Black community. "As a community, we're not sophisticated enough to understand the economy," he said. "But, Biden has been good to Black folks, especially with pocketbooks, and especially with providing resources in the community and job opportunities." Trump has signed criminal justice reform before During his first term, Trump signed into law a criminal justice reform bill addressing federal prisons. Now, there's optimism for more action under a new Trump administration. Trump, having been convicted of felonies by a New York jury, views himself as a victim of the justice system. I was on a call with some people, and they kept calling Trump a convicted felon, Baker said. And I was like, yeah, you gotta stop doing that. Like, we live in a city where, like, 50% of all Black men have had some type of engagement with the police. When you start talking like this, you sound like youre not for the reform that you said you were advocating for." Wisconsin's arrest records and prison populations reveal deep racial and socioeconomic disparities, disadvantaging many young people of color. In 2021, one in every 36 Black adults in Wisconsin was in prison a rate that was the highest in the nation and more than twice as high as the national average. Legal troubles can make it more difficult for young Black men to have upward mobility in their communities. Members of the community work on a large Black Lives Matter mural being painted in the street in the intersection of North King Drive and West Locust Street in 2020. Vedale Hill, the lead artist on the project, works on the large black letters in the center of the mural. A host of helpers paint other colors and designs around the edges The majority of Black Americans support their local police department, but mistrust in authorities remains due to centuries of systemic racism. "I think if Trump is going to be the one that says, Hey, were going to finally figure this out,' Im with it. And I think that all Black people should be with it, Baker said. However, there are concerns with the use of privatized prisons that some in the Republican Party have encouraged. "Locking up people is big business," Lewis said. "Why would people desert an opportunity to make huge profits ... and what better than Americans locking up Black and brown populations to secure the incomes of the rich? I don't see that changing in America, since the '70s." A chance for an education outside of the nearby public school Baker looks at Americas education system and sees a need for reform because he says schools remain filled with partisan politics. Polling commissioned by The American Federation for Children, a supporter of "school choice," suggests that a majority of Black Americans support an option for their child to attend a school outside their ZIP code, which aligns with many in the Republican Party. But that same poll also suggests that many of those same voters trust the Democratic Party more on education. There are concerns about affordability and transportation to schools, which some Republicans have proposed vouchers for. For many Black residents, the nearby public school is the only option. Trump hasnt vowed major legislation overhauling the education system but instead advocates for an end to the U.S. Department of Education, which would require congressional approval. Abolishing the department would end federal protections against discrimination in schools based on race, among other concerns. Ronald Reagan said the same thing and its just too hard to do, Baker said. In any case, education decisions are typically local decisions, Baker said, and its not the Republican Party in charge when you see issues at districts like Milwaukee Public Schools. A lot of the times, its liberals who have ... I dont want to speak too negatively ... but have not met the cultural needs of the Black community, Baker said. Zatalia, 9, (left) steps out of class to convince her sister, Zatavia, 4, to return to her classroom on the first day of school at Milwaukee Academy of Science. Zatavia was attending school for the first time and wanted to go home. And so, people can see with their own eyes, and they can judge with their own eyes. A lot of people try to act like Black people have been tricked or duped, but, no, we can see that the institutions arent serving us, and so people are looking for hope. At the same time, Baker opposes efforts by some Republican officials to ban books in schools, and change curriculum that addresses racial identity and Black history. "I think that is dangerous," he said. "And I would hope that the Republicans would have enough sense to not try to water down the history, but give us the true history, instead of giving us the fake news history. Get the real history." To help stem frustration, Baker said many of his students have become less loyal to one political party in recent years and he thinks its an encouraging sign. Black people have to get out of the space where were only rocking with one party or one candidate, he said. We have to have multiple interests, and we have to work with any of those leaders that are willing to serve our interests. Black Milwaukee isn't on a political island alone For Baker, Lewis and Lowe, the oppression of Black people is bipartisan. "Biden really did a lot of trying to mend that issue. He really did," Lewis said. "But people aren't paying attention to that and that's why you get what you got." Lewis still can't seem to come to terms with Trump's sweeping victory. "I still don't think this guy won," he said. "He's a racist, a bigot. He don't care about about anybody but himself and people still went out and voted for him. ... Common sense is just not common sense anymore in America." Baker sees the result as an indictment of leaders in the Democratic Party for taking authoritative actions in the past, particularly during civil unrest. I was arrested during the Ferguson rebellion under the Obama administration, Baker said. I saw how a Democratic governor in Missouri was treating people real bad. Baker spent a year in Ferguson, Missouri, after the death of Michael Brown, an 18-year-old Black man shot and killed by a police officer, sparking civil unrest. He helped protest and organize a movement but was also chronicling the demonstrations and writing about Ferguson for media like Vanity Fair. Now, he says the re-election of Trump is an opportunity. Baker said Trump might not be the solution, but could be a catalyst, that starts bipartisanship and real change. He looks at other parts of the country that have shown a willingness to change parties or vote for both parties. He points to the Latino community and parts of New York City, like some voters in Queens and the Bronx who voted for both Trump and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive Democrat. That creates a unique perspective where you have leverage in places where you might not have had, Baker said. We have to rally behind candidates that are real, that dont play lip service, dont go back and forth on their issues, but are really connected to our interests. And I think what youre seeing is that young people especially are much more sophisticated, even if the sophistication sees them not participating. They dont want to be pandered to. We need candidates that can be service leaders, can be steward leaders and we need to get behind them." Baker said there are many high-quality local leaders in Milwaukee, and he was encouraged that turnout was up in Wisconsin, but the election result needs to be a wakeup call. Now that the vast majority of Black Milwaukee remained loyal to their elected leaders and the Democratic Party, he said it's apparent which voting bloc has the most leverage. We've got some great leaders in Milwaukee. ... People do trust their local leaders," he said. But, I think it's time to define our interests and keep pushing for them. Drake Bentley can be reached at DBentley1@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why did some Milwaukee Black male voters move to Trump in election? Colorado Springs police are seeking information on a motorist suspected of hitting a pedestrian and leaving the scene Sunday. Officers responded to a 5:30 p.m. call about a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian in the 200 block of Bonfoy Avenue, near North Union Boulevard and East Bijou Street. When they arrived, they found an injured, but conscious, female lying in the road, officials said. The woman, whose name was not released, told police that she had been hit by a car. As of Sunday evening, no witnesses had come forward and police had no information on the involved vehicle. Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the crash, is asked to call CSPDs non-emergency number, 719-444-7000. President-elect Donald Trump has made waves for setting up a very controversial cabinet for his final four years in office. In his latest headline-making move, the MAGA leader just named former Chief of Staff to the U.S. Secretary of Defense Kashyap Kash Patel as his pick for director of the FBI. A lawyer and former federal prosecutor, Patel has more experience serving in the White House than almost all of Trumps Cabinet picks. However, his placement is still courting controversy...and heres why. Patel Would Have to Replace the Acting FBI Director There would be less conversation about Patel becoming director if we didnt already have an active FBI director. If Trump wants to name Patel as the new leader of the FBI, hed have to first get rid of FBI Director Christopher Wray who was ironically tapped by Trump for the position in 2017, according to CBS News. FBI directors have 10-year terms, and with three more years to go for Wray, Trump would either have to fire him by force him to resign. Additionally, Patel would need to be confirmed by the Senate, which could prove easy since the Senate is now in Republican hands. Patel is a Trump Loyalist But why would Trump even want to replace Wray in the first place? The answer is simple: Patel is a MAGA supporter and Trump loyalist. Sources inside Trumps team even say Patel will do anything to please the GOP leader, according to CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important to note that Trump is largely responsible for propelling Patels career in politics. While serving under Trumps first term, Patel was even set to be named the deputy director of the CIA until former Vice President Mike Pence and other members of Trumps Cabinet intervened, according to the Atlantic. Additionally, Patel once penned a childrens book called The Plot Against the King in which he dramatically tells the story of a Wizard named Kash trying to save King Donald as in Donald Trump from the wicked ways of Hillary Queenton yes, like Hillary Clinton. Democrats and Republicans are Scared of Patel Although several of the MAGA faithful are in favor of Trumps pick, the rest of the political world is singing a different tune. I think the president picked a very good man to be the director of the FBI when he did that in his first term, Republican Sen. Mike Rounds told ABCs This Week. I dont have any complaints about the way that hes done his job right now. President Biden kept Director Wray in office because the FBI is supposed to be insulated from partisanship. Now, the President-elect wants to replace his own appointee with an unqualified loyalist. Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) December 2, 2024 Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut had more interesting words for Trump and Patel on Meet the Press. Patels only qualification is because he agrees with Donald Trump that the Department of Justice should serve to punish, lock up, and intimidate Donald Trumps political opponents. He continued, the cost to the American public is pretty simple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Dick Durbin, the current majority whip in the upper chamber, urged the Senate to reject Trumps pick of Patel. In a statement, Durbin said, we already have a FBI director. He even went as far as to accuse Trump of wanting to replace his own appointee with an unqualified loyalist. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Syrias battlefield has always been so diverse it would put any DEI initiative to shame. Long before the American-led coalition against the Islamic State terror group, regional powers such as Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran were funding and arming local militias and military divisions with the hope of extending their influence and leverage. After advances abetted and led by the Russian air force in the sky and Hezbollah on the ground between 2016 and 2021, and the sequestration of rebels in pockets in Syrias north-east, Western policymakers concluded that the war had been won by Bashar al-Assad, the president, and turned their gaze elsewhere. But this frozen conflict (it was not quite frozen for the dozens of Syrians who died on a weekly basis to regime and Russian bombardment) remained the most important unimportant story in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Damascus remained a crucial piece of the Middle Eastern puzzle as a conduit for Hezbollahs arms and a point of confluence for the struggle against Iranian power in the region. Western powers weighed normalisation with Assad and sanctions relief. And so naturally they were caught flat-footed by the four-day lightning offensive that saw the rebels erupt into Assad regime strongholds and reclaim Aleppo, the countrys second-largest city and former commercial capital. Credit: X/@clashreport A key challenge for Western policymakers is grappling with the identity of the group leading this inconceivable comeback for the rebellion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, is the most powerful rebel militia and spearheaded the campaign in Aleppo. It is also a designated terrorist group that was founded in 2012 as a branch of the Islamic State of Iraq, a splinter faction of al-Qaeda, and dispatched to Syria shortly after the Syrian uprising in 2011. Abu Mohammad al-Jolani is the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the US has a $10 million (7.8 million) bounty for information leading to him Back then, it was known as Jabhat al-Nusra, before severing ties with the global network and evolving in the interim into something resembling a religious national liberation movement. The US state department has a $10 million (7.8 million) bounty for information leading to Jolani. Over the past few years, the group has sought to expand its appeal and modernise its image in order to eschew the jihadist moniker, conducting outreach to minority groups and expanding social and public works projects in areas under its control. Jolani has repeatedly issued statements during the Aleppo campaign ordering his fighters to respect minorities and protect civilians. Whether they follow through on those pledges is yet to be seen. Western powers do not have anything resembling a coherent policy on Syria. The Biden administration has been content to sit back and observe a Russian and Iranian-dominated battle space, with Israel taking it upon itself to bomb Hezbollah weapons convoys and Iranian arms depots. Europe has been content to bribe Turkey and North African autocrats to prevent the flow of refugees across the Mediterranean from Syria and elsewhere. But both the war in Gaza and the sudden reignition of the rebellion in Syria show it is short-sighted to ignore these so-called frozen conflicts and ceding them to opportunist or malign actors that have no interest in just solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any solution would involve grappling with fundamental and uncomfortable questions, like how to deal with terrorist groups (HTS is the dominant force, but is not the only one it is leading a large coalition of local forces) and re-evaluating that label in the context of ever-shifting lines and allegiances in the Middle East. Armed men stand outside Aleppo International Airport in Syria which was taken by rebel forces - BILAL AL HAMMOUD/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, this is not a new question, but it is one that has hampered the possibility of a peaceful solution to the war in Syria for years. The US negotiated with the Taliban in order to withdraw from Afghanistan. The UK government negotiated with the same Sinn Fein representatives it once branded as terrorists. And both Washington and London worked together with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led militia, to Ankaras chagrin given it was a Turkish-designated terrorist group. HTS and the SDF, two designated terrorist groups, together now control vast swathes of Syria, more than half the country, along with the Assad regime. They both embody the adage that one mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter. Perhaps the past extraordinary week in Syria will open a path towards a lasting peace that finally ends nearly 14 years of trauma and destruction. But to do so will require difficult conversations and compromises and the sort of leadership and decisiveness that has long been absent in the West. Kareem Shaheen is the Middle East editor at New Lines Magazine 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 Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City is pictured on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) A Salt Lake City School Board member is being accused of attempting to bribe his political opponent. The Utah Attorney Generals Office on Monday filed an indictment in 3rd District Court charging Mohamed Baayd, 49, of committing bribery in elections, a third-degree felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baayd, the incumbent, won reelection after beating his challenger Russell Askren in the Nov. 5 election with 64.2% of the vote to Askrens 35.78%, according to official election results. The men were the only two candidates on the ballot. Heading into election season, Baayd and Askren met together for the first time in a coffee shop on March 7, according to the charging document. After chatting for about forty minutes about family, children, schools, their concerns and motivations, the chit chat ended, charging documents say. Baayd told Mr. Askren that he knew a councilmember position was going to open in two years and that he was planning to run and had a very good chance of winning. Baayd stated that it was important for him to remain in his current position and asked Mr. Askren to withdraw from the election and allow Baayd to be re-elected. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In exchange for withdrawing from the race, Baayd told Askren for the next two years he would involve (Askren) in the work of the board and make sure he got to know all of the members of the board and the district superintendent, according to the charging document. Baayd explained that if he won the councilmember position, he would advocate for Mr. Askren and recommend to the board that they appoint him as a replacement, the charging document says. Baayd further explained that Mr. Askren would complete the last two years of Baayds seat and then be able to run as incumbent in 2028. Baayd told Askren that he wanted an answer by the end of the week, according to the charging document. Three days later, on March 10, Baayd sent Askren a text that read: Following up on our meeting and the offer on the table. What have you decided? the charges say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Askren replied that he would be continuing his campaign and that withdrawing in exchange for your support and help to position me for a mid-term appointment was something he did not want any part of, according to the charges. Utah law prohibits bribery in elections. The code says a person may not, directly or indirectly give, offer, or promise any office, place, or employment, or to promise or procure, or endeavor to procure, any office, place, or employment, to or for any voter, or to or for any other person, in order to persuade a voter to vote or refrain from voting or obtain the political support or aid of any person. In response to a text message seeking comment about the charges, Baayd initially told Utah News Dispatch, no comment. About an hour later, he responded with another text that read: Based on the advice of counsel Im not commenting on the case at this time other than to say that Im an innocent man, and am entitled to the presumption of innocence under the constitution, and I look forward to my day in court and to continuing to serve the community to the best of my ability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials with the Salt Lake City School District and the school board did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday. A conviction for a third-degree felony in Utah carries a potential sentence of zero to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) Johnston Public Schools announced that Winsor Hill School had to be closed on Monday due to a heating problem. Superintendent Bernie Dilullo told 12 News part of the heating system was malfunctioning. Weather Now: Cold and Dry Next Few Days An employee was sent to pick up a replacement part and its expected to be repaired in time for school on Tuesday. A full list of closings can be found right here on WPRI.com. WPRI 12 | WPRI.com Pinpoint Closing Network: School, Business, Civic Closings, Delays, Parking Bans, Special Notices Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. It's expected to be a mild winter for the Sunshine State, with average temps above normal in most areas. But it feels pretty cold out there now, after multiple cold fronts moved over Florida, and the odds are good you finally turned on your heater. Which brings up the age-old question: What temperature should you set your thermostat in the winter in Florida? It comes down to a matter of personal choice, comfort, and health. And it might come down to what you can afford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a report released by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association in October, the average cost of home heating through electricity natural gas, heating oil and propane is projected to surge upward an estimated 10.5% nationwide this winter. The average American household is expected to pay anywhere from $644 to $1,963 in heating costs between October and March. It shouldn't be quite as bad down here, of course. The prediction for the southern region is an average of $527 for natural gas, $1,288 for electricity and $1,288 for propane in the same period, an average increase of 9.7%. When is it time to turn on the heat in your home? While it's ultimately a personal choice, most experts recommend turning on the heat in your home when the outside temperature is less than 55 or 50 degrees, or when the indoor temperature dips below 64 degrees. This may change depending on whether or not there are children or elderly people in the home, how well-insulated your home is, and your personal comfort levels. What's the best temperature to set your thermostat to in the winter in Florida? Most people are comfortable at temps between 68 and 72 degrees. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, you can save energy in the winter by keeping the thermostat closer to 68 degrees while you're awake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While you're asleep or away from your home, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy recommends setting it lower, either manually or with a programmable thermostat. DirectEnergy.com suggests 66 to 62 degrees for those times., so your heater isn't kicking on when it's not needed. "You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7-10F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting, the department said on its website. The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 64 and 75 degrees for healthy people. But for those who are very young, elderly, or who have health problems, the minimum temperature shouldn't dip below 68 degrees, the organization says. What temperature do you keep your thermostat on in the winter? Heating tips to keep costs down To help minimize that heating bill, here are some tips from the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have a programmable thermostat, set it as low as comfortable and lower it again when you're sleeping or away from home. Clean or replace filters in your central heating or furnace unit once a month, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Make sure the air vents in your home are not blocked by furniture or clogged with debris. Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you're finished cooking or bathing. When replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models. During the winter, keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows. You should also have your heating system inspected and cleaned by a professional. Better to find out any problems now and get some preventive maintenance done before it cuts out on a freezing night. How to keep cold air out According to Energy Star, the government program launched by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), leaks around windows can lead to uncomfortable drafts and energy losses. You can also take some steps to give your heating system less to do by keeping cold air out of the house in the first place. Check for leaks around door and window frames, and use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them up. If your windows need replacing, Consumer Reporters recommends considering low-emissivity (low-e) storm windows, which are coated to help keep the warmth inside. Block cold air coming in underneath doors in your home with a draft stopper or even a rolled-up towel. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Thermostat temperature in Florida tips to lower heating bills The city of Winter Park is preparing to buy land next to a key intersection to improve traffic and expand a popular park, but owners of two well-known local businesses are concerned theyll be told to relocate a costly endeavor. The City Commission voted unanimously Nov. 13 to buy the 1-acre parcel on Fairbanks Avenue and Denning Drive for $4 million, pending a 75-day period for inspections before the sale is finalized. Mayor Sheila DeCiccio said the city has eyed the land for over 25 years to help alleviate traffic congestion and accidents, allow better stormwater retention and enhance Martin Luther King, Jr., Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winter Park would become landlord for the four businesses on the land. This includes the Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant Soseki and Austins Coffee shop, as well as nail salon Nail Alchemy. DeCiccio told the Sentinel she isnt sure if leases will be renewed once they expire and that the city is looking at everything to come to that determination. The future for the businesses depends in part on how quickly the city can get permits to add the left-turn lanes on Fairbanks, which is a state road and requires approval from the Florida Department of Transportation. But DeCiccio said the city wants to work with the businesses and doesnt want to throw them to the wind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether or not we terminate it, well just have to wait and see how things shake out, she said City spokesperson Clarissa Howard said the entire length of the property will be needed to construct the new left turn lane, but the entrances to the businesses may be reoriented toward the back parking lot so they can continue to operate in their current location, at least for a time. Soseki founder and owner Michael Collantes and Austins co-owner Jackie Moore spoke during the meeting to convey their concerns. Collantes expressed his desire to work with the city to find a solution, while Moore was more critical of the purchase and questioned the point of it. During an interview days later, Collantes stressed how important the Winter Park location is to the restaurants identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our mission has always been to stay local, he said. All of our plateware is created by a local potter that weve worked with for the past two years. It would be devastating to think that we would have to pick up and move. Collantes plans to meet with commissioners this week to discuss the issue further. He said his lease expires in a few years. In addition to Soseki, Collantes owns and operates a new sake lounge, Bar Kada, on the same site and hopes to open a pizza cocktail bar there next year. I dont have another [place] you know. Weve accumulated the funds through years of diligently working hard, he said. The restaurant industry is backbreaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To say the least, I have guys whove been with me from the very beginning, who entrusted us with their careers and livelihood. And, yeah, this is home for us. Moore is on a tighter timetable since Austins lease expires next year. She said that Austins and the city have been at odds over the land for years and called the citys purchase the final nail in the coffin. Theyre supposed to do what the residents want. Thats not whats happening with this current commission, she said. Moore said as a small business owner who works multiple jobs, she doesnt have the money to reopen Austins if she is forced to move. She believes the city should compensate Austins. I think its an act of goodwill if youre gonna put a 20-plus-year of business out of business, Moore said. It is such an organic thing that just happens, makerspaces, and when it happens, then you should protect it at all costs, because it means that the community has said, This is what we want, and this is what we need, and this is what we see as being the culture of our city. The Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area has been named one of the top 30 best winter holiday destinations in the U.S. for cold-weather lovers, according to a recent report from WalletHub. Chip Lupo, WalletHub writer and analyst, told the Journal Sentinel in an emailed statement that Milwaukee and Waukesha are grouped together in the rankings because the two cities are part of the same metropolitan statistical area analyzed in the report. Together, they are ranked #25 among cold-weather destinations, with the combined score reflecting travel costs, local affordability, attractions and other metrics specific to the region, Lupo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts compared 69 of the most populous U.S. metro areas using six criteria: travel costs and hassles, local costs, attractions, weather, activities and safety. The criteria were evaluated using 37 metrics and graded on a 100-point scale. The report was divided into two lists, based on cold and warm weather. To read more about the reports methodology, click here. How did Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area rank, according to WalletHub? The Milwaukee-Waukesha area received an overall score of 50.04, placing it 25th on the best winter destinations for cold-weather lovers list. Heres how it stacked up in terms of WalletHubs other criteria: Travel costs and hassle: 19th Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local costs: Sixth Attractions: 18th Weather: 25th Cold weather activities: 23th Safety: 25th What are the top five cold weather winter destinations? Here are the top five cold weather winter destinations, according to WalletHub: Atlanta, Georgia New York, New York Washington, D.C. Chicago, Illinois Cincinnati, Ohio What are the top five warm weather winter destinations? Here are the top five warm weather winter destinations, according to WalletHub: Las Vegas, Nevada San Diego, California Dallas, Texas Austin, Texas Phoenix, Arizona To read WalletHubs full 2024 Best Winter Holiday Destinations report, click here. More: Free, family-friendly things to do in Milwaukee during the holidays More: These 3 Wisconsin cities ranked among the Best Places to Live in America, according to US News This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee, Waukesha among best winter holiday destinations in US A red barn in rural Wisconsin. (Greg Conniff | For the Wisconsin Examiner) In a purple corner of Wisconsin that reflects both the struggles and the promise of the states rural communities, a nonprofit group is trying to forge a path beyond isolation and political polarization. River Valley Commons began six years ago with a lecture series to help residents of the village of Spring Green and the surrounding towns build community, expand critical thinking and foster hope and a sense of agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today the organization connects disparate groups to address the concerns and needs of residents across a three-county area. Stephanie Stef Morrill-Kerckhoff launched both the lecture series and River Valley Commons in 2019 after asking herself, what can we do to increase the well-being of our area and the people who live in it? she says. And how can we do that collaboratively and in a way that brings in as many people, as many organizations, as we can? Stef and Joshua Morrill moved to the Wisconsin River valley area near Spring Green in 2013. Both were natives of western New York where the Chautauqua Institution, a nonprofit learning community and educational center, was founded 150 years ago and still operates. Stephanie Morrill-Kerckhoff addresses a Morrill Lecture Series audience in August 2024. (Joy Kirkpatrick | courtesy of the photographer) The couple felt like we would love to do something similar, where we could bring people together in a lovely natural space to learn and share information, Stef Morrill-Kerckhoff says. They began organizing the first lecture series, working with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Continuing Studies program, when Joshua Morrill died suddenly in February 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lecture program, usually held at the Octagon Barn, a distinctive rustic-looking venue northwest of Spring Green, became a memorial to Josh Morrill. His widow decided not to stop there. Since they had first moved to the region, the couple perceived a gap between the interest of local residents in addressing community needs and the wherewithal to reach their goals. One of the things that we had always wanted to do is to help with that just getting people together to talk about things, trying to move forward with solving problems, whatever they were, says Morrill-Kerckhoff, who has since remarried. The organization set its boundaries as the River Valley School District, with 11,000 residents and covering more than 400 square miles. Within the district are four villages and portions of nearly a dozen towns. The communities are different, but if you look at the broader picture, we all need broadband, we all need housing, we all need child care, says Joy Kirkpatrick, the board chair of River Valley Commons who works for the University of Wisconsin Extension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organizations work is informed by a desire to address the general problem social scientist Robert Putnam diagnosed in Bowling Alone. The book, first published in the year 2000, analyzes the erosion of communal and civic life as engagement has declined among neighbors and with public institutions over the last half-century, fraying the social fabric. Whatever the reason, the civic groups and the clubs and the bowling league and the churches, indeed, dwindled, and were more alone in our houses, said the author Sarah Smarsh, citing Putnams book when she spoke in August as part of the Morrill Lecture Series. In early November, the series showed the documentary Join or Die, based on Putnams work, about the importance of participating in clubs and organizations as a component of healthier living for individuals as well as communities. The goal of River Valley Commons isnt to replace existing civic organizations but to help connect them with one another and lift them up, Kirkpatrick adds, whether theyre service clubs, local libraries, individual local government bodies or other groups. Pandemic launch By the time River Valley Commons officially got off the ground, the COVID-19 pandemic was just setting in. That redirected the organizations initial mission toward fundraising for food pantries, including from people who were donating their federal pandemic relief checks. Author Sarah Smarsh speaks on August 20, 2024, in the Octagon Barn, in a talk that was part of the Morrill Lecture Series, organized by the River Valley Commons. (Joy Kirpatrick | courtesy of the photographer) That wasnt how I expected to start, but it was a way that we were able to provide some value very quickly, in an unexpected thing we were able to help with, Morrill-Kerckhoff says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, the organization has focused on helping people and organizations with ideas they have that they want to implement, or problems that they perceive in the community that they want to work on. One such project started in Spring Green. The Sauk County village has grown into one of Wisconsins prime tourist destinations on the strength of the nationally renowned American Players Theatre along with the quirky House on the Rock and the Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin studio. When some visitors in 2021 stopped Spring Green resident Patti Peltier on the street and asked about a place to eat, I couldnt think of any place that was open to direct tourists too, Peltier says. I took this concern to Stef, and we started looking for what sort of things could serve as an economic engine for our community. The result was Savor the River Valley, bringing together restaurants, shops, small farmers and food processors to help support and promote each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peltier, a retired corporate marketing professional, says that there are many such food entrepreneurs in the area. Savor the River Valley aims to connect tourists with those businesses, but also to connect all those food businesses so they could help support each other, help solve common problems, she says. Savor the River Valley has grown to 40 members. Membership is free, Peltier says, and open to all food-related businesses in the region. In the winter, a slow time for the industry, the group sponsors food classes and pop-up dinners to draw in off-season visitors. A farm-and-food tour in April brings in some shoulder-season traffic, and the network publishes a local food guide for the tourist season. Weve got a very collaborative model, Peltier says. Were trying to see how much we can do by working together. Community catalyst Peltier sees Morrill-Kerckhoff and River Valley Commons as a community catalyst. It created a focal point for gathering up ideas and concerns about what we need in our community, looking for ways to solve those problems and looking for people who are willing to work together on those problems, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement River Valley Commons also offers practical support, providing administrative assistance and serving as the fiscal agent for Savor the River Valley. It has done the same for other local projects and institutions. If you look at what people want to happen, what people believe in and what some of those core values are, theres actually more overlap than we think there is, and the big issue is the social perception of that divide. Rachel Peller, executive director, Wisconsin Partners Stacey Feiner and her husband, Bill Meyer, operate My Fine Homestead, a small organic farming operation about a half-hour west of Spring Green. They distribute produce, eggs, meat and other wares using the community supported agriculture model CSA for short with consumers paying an annual subscription fee and receiving deliveries every week or every other week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A community farmers market in Spring Green led by My Fine Homestead and other providers is now part of River Valley Commons, providing a legal structure and acting as the markets fiscal agent. Savor the River Valley helps bring people to the area and creates a buzz, Feiner says. She and her husband were both raised on Wisconsin dairy farms. At a Morrill Lecture event in October, Feiner told the audience the story of how the couple navigated the shift from the farm life theyd grown up in to the small-scale organic farming that they practice now. The couples business model thrives on forging personal relationships with customers. After Feiner shared their story that evening, people have come up to me who saw it or watched it on YouTube and said, I just feel more connected to you, she says. Theres all these little community projects that are happening, and sometimes couldnt get a foot off the ground to get going, Feiner says. River Valley Commons has provided an umbrella, a safety-net organizational structure, bringing together people with diverse skills to piggyback off each other. Broadband access and affordable housing River Valley Commons has helped convene a broadband coalition of local governments and others interested in upgrading internet service in the area. That work was made easier as state and federal funds for broadband expansion became available, Morrill-Kerckhoff says. The coalition has sponsored regular monthly technology help sessions at area libraries. A map of the River Valley School District, which includes portions of Sauk, Iowa and Richland counties. The school district serves as the boundaries for the nonprofit River Valley Commons. (River Valley School District map) The lack of affordable housing has been another issue for the region, one that it has in common with the rest of Wisconsin. The organization has assembled a group including architects, lenders, local government officials and employers, but housing has presented bigger challenges not so easily resolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, the organization is continually evolving. Morrill-Kerckhoff envisions convening what she has been calling common ground tables where we can bring together groups of people to talk about different issues from any perspective, all perspectives, to try to find some common ground within some of the bigger issues that maybe we are always talking about. As for the lecture series itself, Morrill-Kerckhoff says, Id like to try to find ways to engage different communities than we have so far. River Valley Commons is also working to ensure its stability for the long term. To that end, it recently joined Wisconsin Partners a confederation of nonprofits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin Partners executive director, Rachel Peller, says that organization also arose from the concerns highlighted in Bowling Alone the reality and the idea that membership in associations has declined, so were all more isolated than we were before. Isolation and polarization Peller traces the heightened polarization of these times to that isolation as well. Its not just political polarization, but a divide that is represented in the media people consume and in their social contexts. Those divisions can obscure the potential for common ground, she says. Our policy differences are actually not that sharp, Peller contends. If you look at what people want to happen, what people believe in and what some of those core values are, theres actually more overlap than we think there is, and the big issue is the social perception of that divide. That perception is made worse by the retreat from community life that Bowling Alone describes, she says, which also leaves people feeling powerless. So the more isolated we are, the less we feel like we can make an impact in our communities. Wisconsin Partners member groups include AARP, the Wisconsin Council of Churches, organizations of public health workers and child care educators, and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. Part of what animates the organization is recognizing the connection between all these different sectors, Peller says. If we dont have child care, then we dont have health care, and if we dont have health care, our seniors are struggling, and if our seniors are struggling, then so are our churches. Wisconsin Partners has started up local groups in Southwest Wisconsin, the Kickapoo Valley and the Fox Valley. River Valley Commons is the first such group to join after launching on its own. Peller credits River Valley Commons with being really creative and nimble and adaptive in its efforts. The work that Stephanie and River Valley Commons does almost just speaks for itself, Peller says. Its just very powerful to know that everyday people are working together to make a difference in their own community, and trying and trying and trying again because it matters to them. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MONTERVILLE, W.Va. (WBOY) A woman was arrested after a pursuit in Randolph County where she allegedly brake checked law enforcement and struck a West Virginia State Police cruiser with her vehicle multiple times. On Nov. 27, troopers with the Randolph County detachment of the West Virginia State Police attempted to pull over a vehicle without an inspection sticker during routine patrol in the area of W.Va. Rt. 15 in Monterville, according to a criminal complaint. However, the vehicle, driven by Ashley Welch, failed to yield, troopers said. Ashley Welch The vehicle did not stop for troopers lights and sirens and led troopers on a chase that continued on Red Lick Road, Valley Fork Road, Sweckers Way, Brandy Gate Road, Holly Bush Road, W.Va. Rt. 219, Cow Town Road and then back onto W.Va. Rt. 15 in the Valley Head area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the chase, Welch ran several stop signs, passed two vehicles on a double yellow line and in a turn, almost hit an oncoming vehicle head-on, and passed two civilian who were standing in close proximity to the roadway at a high rate of speed, according to the complaint. Break-In at Von Blaze in Morgantown, a heartbreaking situation After Welch pulled back onto W.Va. Rt. 15, she brake checked troopers in an attempt to strike their vehicles three times and stuck one cruiser twice, the complaint said. Troopers said Welch brake checked one cruiser, forcing a second cruiser to pass the first to avoid a collision. She then brake checked the second cruiser and then slammed the breaks, striking the second cruiser twice before coming to rest against a power poll, according to the complaint. Troopers said that the vehicle Welch was operating had a registration that expired in December 2020, despite the plate showing a sticker with a 2025 date, and also had no insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welch has been charged with two counts of malicious assault and one count of fleeing with reckless indifference. She is being held in Tygart Valley Regional Jail on $40,000 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 WBOY.com. Identical twins Karen Rodman and Linda Thomas have been inseparable since birth: after all these years, they work together, Rodman as a legal assistant and Thomas as a paralegal, and they finish each others sentences. Rodman and Thomas live in Las Vegas, less than five miles from each other, and have almost identical phone numbers. Weve always had a very close relationship, Rodman told CNN. People always said we were like one coat of paint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As children, they had their tonsils removed on the same day, as they cried and worried for each other. That anxiety appeared again recently when Thomas, 56, found she needed a kidney transplant. There wasnt a conversation, Thomas told CNN. She raised her hand right away and she said, she got one right here. That was the only conversation. The diagnosis Thomas suffered from severe back pain for months before being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in October 2021, a rare blood cancer that affects plasma cells and can cause kidney failure, according to a news release from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the Los Angeles hospital where the twins underwent surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas took an MRI to find the root of her back pain. Thats when doctors noticed a serious mass, she said. At the time, Rodman noticed her twin sister was unwell, experiencing mental confusion. She took Thomas to the hospital. When we got to the emergency room, they told her the kidneys were completely failed, Rodman said. In the months that followed the diagnosis, Thomas underwent several medical procedures, including chemotherapy, neck surgery and a bone marrow transplant, the hospital said. The cancer also damaged a vertebra in her spine, requiring her to wear a neck brace for more than six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Thomass cancer is now in remission, her kidneys did not recover their normal function. A transplant became necessary to prevent her from depending on IV fluids or dialysis, according to the release. I had already been through a lot, she told CNN. Rodman immediately stepped forward, offering to donate one of her kidneys. I knew I couldnt go on with my life with my sister not being able to have a better quality of life, she said. After several medical tests, the sisters found they were a match across all markers and were more than 99% identical, according to Cedars-Sinai. Due to these factors, doctors told Thomas she would not be required to take immunosuppressants, which reduce the bodys immune system and are typically used in organ transplants to prevent the recipients body from attacking the transplanted organ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some twins dont come back that high, Thomas said. It is quite rare, Rodman added. Thomas, left, and Rodman are pictured at the hospital. - Courtesy Linda Thomas A rare case While the medical field is exploring methods to perform transplants without immunosuppressants, such cases remain extremely uncommon. Most people who receive a kidney transplant take immunosuppressants for the rest of their life. Although the medicines can lead to side effects such as diabetes, high blood pressure digestive issues and higher risk of some cancers, skipping the medicines can lead to life-threatening episodes of rejection, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Its a rare event to transplant a patient with a genetically identical organ because it requires having an identical twin, said Irene Kim, director of the Cedars-Sinai Comprehensive Transplant Center, where the twins underwent surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was only the second time Kim witnessed a transplant that did not require anti-rejection drugs, she said in the release. Between 10-20% of patients undergoing a kidney transplant, even with anti-rejection drugs, will experience at least one rejection, according to the Columbia University Department of Surgery. Rejection can happen quickly or over years and it can be treated, but may also lead to kidney failure, which might require dialysis or another transplant. Karen Rodman, left and Linda Thomas appear in Santa Monica while recovering from surgery. - Courtesy Linda Thomas A new life The twins underwent a successful surgery in mid-October and Thomas kidney began working immediately, according to the hospitals release. Living donor transplants are always an emotional event filled with stress and gratitude, but the bond Linda and Karen share as identical twin sisters is palpable, Kim said in the release. It was just such an honor from a transplant surgeons perspective to be part of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodman and Thomas remained in California for several weeks so they could be close to the hospital for regular visits and could take walks on the beach to regain strength. Now the twins are back in Las Vegas and are looking forward to their life ahead. Im just so grateful to have been able to go through this with my sister, Thomas said. If it had been the other way around, it would have absolutely been the same. We are so looking forward to 2025, Rodman said. We got a lot of things to do and life to live. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Rachel Gabel writes about agriculture and rural issues. She is assistant editor of The Fence Post Magazine, the regions preeminent agriculture publication. A woman in Australia realized she had a dangerous passenger onboard while driving 50 miles per hour on the Monash Freeway in Melbourne. On November 30 at 10:40 a.m., Victoria Police located the unidentified woman barefoot on the side of the road after shed fought a tiger snake in her car. While speaking to authorities, the woman explained that shed be driving along the route when suddenly she felt something on her leg and looked down to find a deadly tiger snake slithering up her leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without knowing what else to do, the woman managed to fight off the reptile as she continued driving. Remarkably, she was able to fend the snake off her and weave through traffic before pulling over and leaping out of her car to safety, the Victoria Police statement reads. According to multiple reports, she then attempted to flag down passing vehicles. When police were called to conduct a welfare check on a woman acting hiss-terically on the side of the road they had absolutely no idea what they were about to get their fangs stuck into, the authorities said. Tim Nanninga handles the tiger snake found in the womans car (Victoria Police) Upon arrival, the police found the woman in a state of shock. She was checked by paramedics for snake bites and none were found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tiger snakes have venom thats both neurotoxic and coagulant, according to the Australian Museum. The Australian Geographic has characterized them as the third most venomous snake in the country. Anyone who gets bitten by this snake should seek medical assistance immediately. Tiger snakes are the third most venomous snake in Australia (Getty Images) Some people can have a severe allergic reaction when bitten by a Tiger snake. This is called anaphylaxis, a condition that can be fatal in as little as 15 minutes, the Australia Wide First Aid states. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include tightness of the throat, swelling of the tongue and throat, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, vomiting, hives, welts, and skin redness. The venom can also lead to renal failure because it can cause blood and muscle damage, per the Australian Geographic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melbourne Snake Control official Tim Nanninga handled the tiger snake in the womans car. Speaking to 9 News, Nanninga said the woman was fortunate to have called for help on the side of the freeway. Its a miracle how she got off the road and safely parked the car and called (Victoria Police), he told the outlet. He continued: Normally when snakes are in cars they find a really nice little hidey hole and they can stay in for days and not come out, but we were lucky the snake moved along to the back of the car. For any future drivers who might find themselves in a similar situation, Nanninga said they should stay calm if they see a tiger snake. Theyre not going to chase after you, theyre not out there to hurt you, he said. The Australia Zoo classifies the inland taipan, also known as the fierce snake, as the most venomous snake in Australia and the world. A woman injured in a Russian missile attack on Kremenchuk district (Poltava Oblast) on 17 November has died in hospital. Source: Filip Pronin, Head of Poltava Oblast Military Administration; Suspilne, Ukraines public broadaster Quote from Pronin: "Unfortunately, a woman who was injured as a result of a Russian attack on Kremenchuk district died in hospital. Doctors fought to save her life till the end. Our sincere condolences to the family and friends. This is our common loss." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Suspilne reports that on 1 December, a woman who was injured in the Russian attack on 17 November died in Kremenchuk, in the local intensive care hospital. She was hospitalised in an extremely serious condition. The woman was 66. Background: On 17 November, the Russian troops launched a combined attack on Ukraine's energy sector facilities with 210 missiles and UAVs, 144 of which were destroyed. A person was killed, the number of injured increased to three, garages were destroyed and severely damaged, and residential buildings were damaged as a result of a Russian attack on Lviv Oblast on Sunday, 17 November. On the morning of 17 November, two women were killed, and four other adults and two children were injured in a Russian drone strike on a house in the city of Mykolaiv. Support UP or become our patron! Thirty-two female members of the Nevada Legislature posed for photos before the start of the 80th Legislative Session, in Carson City, Nev., on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. The group represented the first female majority legislature in the country. (Photo by Cathleen Allison / Nevada Momentum) Members of the U.S. Congress and state legislatures nationwide are overwhelmingly men, and the highest political glass ceiling in the country remains unbroken after the re-election of a man found liable for sexual abuse against a woman. But in Nevada, a majority women state legislature appears to be the new norm. Researchers at the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University last year released Rethinking Womens Political Power, an overlooked report that shed light on the nuance of holding elected office and highlighted the work that needs to be done after the initial celebrations of gender parity end. Their findings are worth revisiting amid the post-election debates about the value of identity politics and what it means to have political power in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not that influential to have a bunch of women in power if they are going to align themselves with patriarchy, Leslie Turner, the co-director of the Mass Liberation Project Nevada, told CAWP, which conducted interviews between 2021 and 2023, and (if) they are going to align themselves with status quo, and they are going to align themselves with mass incarceration and all of the things that are consistently impacting our community. So I dont necessarily consider that power, she added. Or, as former Las Vegas Mayor Jan Jones Blackhurst opined to researchers, Its all about control. The parties legislative caucuses really dont care whether they control with men or women. The cloud of Kamala Progress is not inevitable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So began a statement CAWP released after former President Donald Trump secured a second term by defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. We have too often seen that people see these milestones and they think, Were good, Kelly Dittmar, CAWP director of research, told the Current. In the context of Nevada, (the presidential election) is a good reminder that you cannot assume that once youve achieved a milestone that, without any effort, we will either progress further or even maintain that progress. In 2016, Nevadans supported making Hillary Clinton the first woman president. In 2020, they backed Joe Biden and Harris as the first woman vice president. But this year, Trump won Nevada with 50.59% of the vote, compared to Harriss 47.49%. Nevada has elected a record number of women. Youre not going to say Jacky Rosen is going to lose just because she was a woman, right? There were other factors that were at play, and I think thats true at the presidential level, said Dittmar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continued, What the election did show us is that this country is very willing to elect somebody whos openly misogynistic and racist. But they did that while also supporting women like Rosen, who defeated Republican challenger Sam Brown, and other women further down the ballot. Nevada, by the numbers In 2019, Nevada became the first state with a majority woman legislature, and it has now maintained its majority women legislature for three election cycles. Arizona in 2023 joined the Silver State in having achieved a woman majority, but as of publication time had fallen to 50-50 parity. Colorado is also currently at parity. A handful of other states are nearing parity, according to a tracker maintained by CAWP. Both chambers of the Nevada State Legislature are now about 60% women. The Senate will be composed of 13 women and eight men, while the Assembly will have 25 women and 17 men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Assembly, where each of the 42 seats are up every two years, women could theoretically have won three-fourths of seats if every woman running had won. That outcome was unlikely because several of the women were running in districts where their party has an extreme partisan disadvantage. But their presence is also noteworthy, said Dittmar, because it normalizes women being on the ballot. Several women gave incumbent men a run for their money this year. In Nevada State Assembly District 12, Democratic incumbent Max Carter defeated Republican challenger Nancy Roecker by fewer than 300 votes, or less than 1% of votes. Some of this years most high profile and competitive state legislative races featured two women running against one another: Democratic Assemblywomen Elaine Marzola and Selena La Rue Hatch both successfully fended off women challengers. Democratic state Sen. Dallas Harris lost re-election to Republican Lori Rogich. Parity in numbers vs. parity in power Nevada should be celebrated for being the first state to achieve a majority woman state legislature, said Dittmar, but as gender parity becomes its new norm, the conversation about women and power needs to go beyond raw numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is the political ecosystem in which these milestones are achieved, in which women are high or low in representation? she asks. Former Nevada State Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley told CAWP that women need to be in decision-making roles: That is the whole keg. Its not just to be in the body. Its not to be freshmen. Its to be in leadership. In 2007, Buckley, a Democrat, became the first woman to serve as speaker of the Nevada State Assembly. (That position is currently held by a man, Democratic Assemblyman Steve Yeager, who was reelected to the leadership role by his caucus this month. But a woman, Democratic state Sen. Nicole Cannizzaro, serves as the Senate majority leader.) State Sen. Rochelle Nguyen, a Democrat whose appointment to a vacant seat in 2019 helped push the Legislature into having a woman majority, also highlighted the importance of women in leadership roles, saying the presence of women was more acutely felt when they began serving as committee chairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislative leaders and committee chairs control what bills receive hearings or advance for chamber floor votes. Seven of the 10 Senate committees during the next legislative session will be chaired by women. Top caucus positions are also held by women: Alongside Cannizzaro, state Sen. Marilyn Dondero Loop will serve as president pro-tempore, state Sen. Roberta Lange as assistant majority leader, and state Sen. Melanie Scheible as chief majority whip. (Two men, state Sens. Fabian Donate and Senator Skip Daly, will serve as deputy majority whips.) On the other side of the Legislative Building, the Nevada Assembly Democrats have not yet announced leadership roles beyond Yeager, but they are expected to reflect the majority women Democratic caucus there. In 2023, women chaired nine of the 10 Assembly committees. Beyond the chamber Dittmar believes CAWPs conversations with women in Nevada affirmed that when you think about political institutions that are gendered, that are racialized, that are classed, those roots of biases and inequities dont resolve themselves simply by having 50% women or greater racial and ethnic diversity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cecia Alvarado, a Democratic political consultant, told CAWP she feels Latina electeds do not automatically feel empowered to advocate for their communities because if they do, they may get kicked out. I think theres a sense also [that] they are limited on what they can do, how vocal they can be if they want to stay in office, if they want to move up in leadership positions, she said. Whenever they are willing to speak up [on] something thatmay create disagreement with others, they have to first[ask], Would you have my back if they try to primary me? Would you help me? And again, it goes back to the validation [of] Who is going to be there for me if I do speak up about this? The Legislature does not operate within a vacuum. The Nevada State Legislature is less powerful than many state legislatures because it meets only every other year for 120 days. Many within the state consider the Clark County Commission to be the most powerful political body. (That seven-member board does not currently have gender parity, though it has in past years. The Commission currently has one woman on it, longtime Democratic lawmaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick, though that will change to two once Commissioner-elect April Becker, a Republican, is sworn in.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No woman has ever served as governor of the Silver State. Nevadas U.S. Rep. Dina Titus, a Democrat, got closest to the coveted seat, losing by 4 points to Republican Jim Gibbons in 2006. Becky Harris, a former Nevada state senator and chair of the Gaming Control Board, told researchers she agreed with the sentiment that, because legislatures are a collective akin to team sport, real progress cant happen until more women are executives. Until you are the final and sole decision-maker, women can be in legislatures and thats a wonderful thing I dont want to minimize that but the true power lies in the executive, said Harris. Women have held top positions in organized labor. The Culinary Union was headed by a woman secretary-treasurer, Geoconda Arguello-Kline, for a decade before she retired in 2022. But the gaming industry is dominated by men, many of them making exorbitant amounts of money. An American Gaming Association report from 2023 found men held 70% of executive-level and senior level management positions in the industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One 2021 analysis of registered lobbyists in Nevada found that 41% were women. But several women told CAWP that the political industrial complex is not as diverse as it could or should be. Megan Jones, a Democratic political consultant, described the lobby corps as still largely dominated by white men because corporations are still dominated by white men and those lobbyists are comfortable hiring people that look like them and people that talk like them and people that act like them. That impacts policy discussions, she suggested, referencing a 2019 bill mandating that employees at businesses with 50 or more workers earn a total of 40 hours (five standard work days) of paid leave annually. Added Jones, I think [it] puts our female-majority legislature in a strange spot because [women legislators] are then not taken as seriously on the policy front or they are [viewed as] too progressive because they are advocating for two weeks of paid leave instead of one or whatever it is, right? That is a real argument that we had in the legislature with a female majority saying we want paid leave, and the corporate white lobbyists are like, Why? BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A woman in need of a heart transplant was transported by police on a long, harrowing journey to a hospital in Ohio after getting stuck in the lake-effect storm that pummeled Chautauqua County this weekend, New York State Police said. The 64-year-old was on her way to Cleveland Clinic from Rochester with her husband when the two got stuck on State Route 5 in the Town of Portland. A nurse at the clinic contacted state police who located the couple and maintained continuous contact with them. The woman, who had a battery powered heart pump, was transported to the fire station, the hospital, and finally, the Jamestown Airport where she was flown to Cleveland Clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident occurred on Nov. 29. Troopers said they assisted 111 disabled vehicles during the storm from Erie County to the Pennsylvania state line. 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. CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) Woman sentenced to 25 years in prison in South Carolina drunk driving crash that killed bride still in her wedding dress. The Minnesota State Patrol has confirmed the identities of the woman and girl killed in a crash involving a semi-truck on Interstate 94 on Saturday afternoon. Sarah Jones, 42, and 15-year-old passenger, Kale Olson, both from Minneapolis, were killed when the Toyota Prius Jones was driving rear-ended a semi-trailer near mile marker 145 in Albany Township at 2:30 p.m. Jones and Olson were pronounced dead at the scene. The State Patrol crash report says neither victim was wearing a seatbelt. Unsplash The semi-truck driver, a 21-year-old man, was uninjured but taken to Melrose Hospital. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change. Revolution can be a last resort. It may possess a utopia in its sights, but the path to peace is often fraught with brutality. The personal cost of revolution grips Kingdom of No Tomorrow, a recipient of the PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction. In it, author Fabienne Josaphat chronicles the loves and losses of a clutch of Black Panther members from the late 1960s. Through her frank look at the imbalance of gender equality in the Black Power social movement, Josaphat considers the risk and reward of revolutionary action during a time of heightened crisis and paranoia. Antoinette Nettie Boileau is a 20-year-old public health student in Oakland in 1968. Orphaned as a young girl, Nettie and her Tante Mado left behind their homeland, Haiti, for California after her fathers murder. A physician as well as a revolutionary, he fought against a Haitian paramilitary and secret police organization. Isolated as a child, Nettie now aspires to heal not just with medicine and leaves, but also with nutrition and sunlight. By becoming a doctor, she hopes to show compassion like her father and follow in his footsteps. These aspirations lead her to a local clinic where, along with a fellow student, Clia Brown, Nettie administers house visits, gathering information on patients. Both see their work as in step with the activism of their time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when a house visit to a sick patient turns violent, Nettie recognizes the need for direct community action, something Clia already believes in as a comrade in the Black Panther Party, the Black Power political organization that intended to liberate Black Americans. While many of their efforts focused on public health, the collective did not shy away from accumulating weapons and preparing for violence. Read more: Richard Price returns with a story of urban disaster, grit, hustle and even hope Netties family history left her aware of the stakes at play should she join the fold. Clias influence encourages Nettie to become politically engaged and together they read widely and travel to hear the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. speak in Southern California. In a period filled with change and possibility, it feels almost natural that their trip would lead to an unexpected encounter forever stamped on their skin. Though neither Nettie nor Clia plainly states the depth of their connection, neither do they shy away from their attraction to one another. This entanglement is in keeping with the moment itself. Josaphat imagines a lecture given by Black Power leader Stokely Carmichael, where he insists: We must first develop an undying love for our people. If we do not do that, we will be wiped out. This unconditional bond doesnt come easily for Nettie, but Clia insists that this is not simply a feeling but also an action. The two loved discovering the truth together. It was more than friendship. It was sistahood. But their fierce closeness was soon to be tested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One wonders what the movement could have been had it been free of the influence of men. Though Josaphat takes pains to lay out the power of sisterhood, she quickly introduces an oppositional power dynamic within the party. From the first time Melvin Mosley arrives, poised to resolve a neighborhood conflict, his silhouette alone dominates the narrative. His very proximity made her hopeful, but Nettie also senses some unspoken, unbridled power within him. A Vietnam vet, he carries himself with bravado as an authority on security within the party. She is drawn to his forceful commitment to the community and struck by his humorless posture. He was an enigma and his magnetism was undeniable. Read more: An unreliable narrator navigates shifting, shaky ground in a taut riddle of a novel Eager to prove herself as a skilled marksman and willing volunteer to the cause, Nettie ramps up her involvement with the Black Panthers, preparing and serving free breakfasts for children, practicing at the shooting range with Melvin, taking courses on history and throwing herself over to the fervor demanded of the party. Clia notes her friends commitment, as does Tante Mado. Her academic studies fall by the wayside. Though she feigns level-headedness around Melvin (Men were all the same in the same childish ways, she thought), her passion for the cause soon evolves into a deep attraction for the man and for the fun of the drama he creates in his wake. As an interlocutor of the heated moment, Nettie is a complicated woman who carries the burden of being the hard-working future physician that the community had all been waiting for, while also hearing in her head her fathers challenge that the words only matter if you can participate in its revolution. Freedom remains the refrain of the day, with marriage perceived as a bourgeois act. Sex and love are always secondary to revolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clia and Nettie continue to pursue an undefined intimacy while also finding themselves drawn to the orbit of the partys charismatic men. In time, Clia breaks away and leaves Oakland for the promise of orange groves in Florida, warning Nettie, This revolution is not a game. Be strong, and trust your instincts. Always. Without her friend, Netties safe distance from Melvin collapses and the two succumb to an all-consuming affair within the confines of this paramilitary structure that demanded him to obey and she too in short order. It is hard to distinguish between their public service and their private devotion. The novel, too, gets subsumed by Netties headlong commitment to Melvin and the cause. The swelling battle cry becomes: Burn this world down and build another one together. Anchored to him by a pregnancy, Nettie follows Melvin to Chicago, where the stakes grow higher and federal surveillance tightens its grip on the Black Panthers. The unfamiliar city and Melvins emotional volatility wreak havoc on Netties sense of well-being. Soon a passion for disaster, marked by involvement with the Weathermen, snitches, intimidation and drugs, threatens to destroy everything she holds dear. With soaring language and impeccable historical research, Josaphat captures the rhetoric and hyperbole of the time. The stark, macho loyalty tests (Its not a game. You are either in or youre out.) stand in contrast with Netties memories of Clia and moments of matriarchal unification and nurturing that she experiences after a shattering loss. While so many others joined the cause in search of higher purpose and direction, Nettie had always possessed an iconoclastic zeal for justice and compassion. Ultimately, its a new, pastoral freedom that saves her. Its an emotional and geographic shift that marks a new beginning and recognizes the momentum of activism; not quite utopia, but something perhaps nearby. Josaphats vivid, bracing novel reveals the collateral damage of violent social change while reminding us that a better, more peaceful world is possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lauren LeBlanc is a board member of the National Book Critics Circle. 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. The House Chambers inside the Roundhouse on Jan. 10, 2024. (Photo by Anna Padilla for Source NM) Women in New Mexico won big this last election and now make up more than half of the states lawmakers. Along with a female-majority Legislature and a woman overseeing the state Senate, New Mexico women also hold positions such as governor, secretary of state and a majority in the states supreme court. New Mexico is also represented by two women out of the states five seats in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a first for New Mexico, and puts the state in a unique position, as the second-highest female majority in the legislative body behind only Nevada. New Mexico reached a majority-female House of Representatives in 2021, according to data from the Center for American Women and Politics. Men will still outnumber women in the Senate. But following the election this month, 60 of the 112 legislative districts in both chambers are represented by New Mexican women, bringing the percentage to about 53% trailing Nevadas majority at 60%. Chelsea Hill, director of data at the Center for American Women and Politics, said the final rankings are not yet available as some states are still counting ballots and finalizing winners. However, she did say New Mexicos second-place ranking is not likely to change in the coming months. Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Bernalillo) represents Senate District 17 and is president pro tempore of the New Mexico Senate. She is currently one of only 15 female state senate leaders in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stewart said the female majority took hard work. The Senate leadership team specifically targeted 10 races and six were won by Democratic women, one by a Republican woman. The upper chamber is also gaining two women who moved up from the state House of Representatives. Stewart highlighted the Legislatures focus on tax credits, rebates and other bills to support vulnerable communities in New Mexico, and the need to collaborate to continue the work. Women do that more easily than men do. We like to collaborate, we like to get along, we like to solve problems, Stewart said. I think it will help the culture of the Senate to have this diverse group of women serve. She added that she does not think there will be a major change in the running of the Legislature, but there will be more people to support the work already in motion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE I think the Legislature has worked well with the governor in the past four to six years. Weve had a lot of successes, Stewart said. I think because weve made such good changes, women want to be part of that, and have really stepped up to run for office and were successful. Stewart said she thinks the election has given both chambers a boost and lawmakers are more united between the two chambers than we ever have been. A tale of two districts Angel Charley (D-Acoma) ran unopposed in the general election and will represent Senate District 30 beginning in January, flipping the district blue. Sen. Joshua Sanchez, a Republican who has represented the district since 2021, was redistricted, winning a different seat in the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the first time Charley, Laguna/Zuni/Dine, ran for office and the gravity of her new role is not lost on her. People keep asking me if Im excited and thats not the feeling at all. I think it was this rush of responsibility, Charley said. She emphasized the areas in New Mexico culture where women often are the leaders, from heads of families to matriarchal Indigenous communities. The state Legislature now better reflects this. People keep asking me if I'm excited and that's not the feeling at all. I think it was this rush of responsibility. Angel Charley The women who are coming into this office, I think, have real, lived experience that reflects the experience of everyday people in New Mexico. Charley said. Were moms, we come from marginalized backgrounds, and Im excited to see how we can shape policy that actually meets the needs of people who are experiencing the outcomes of the decisions that are made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the women in the New Mexico Legislature are Democrats, and this will continue to be the case starting in January. In contrast, Rebecca Dow (R-Truth or Consequences) said she is more concerned about one-party control than I am about the gender of the people leading the state. Dow took back her former seat in the house for District 38. Tara Jaramillo (D-Socorro) represented the area for one term when Dow chose not to run for reelection, instead tossing her hat into the ring for a failed run for governor in 2022. She said her primary priority is to protect the most vulnerable children in the state and hopes fellow female lawmakers can set partisan politics aside to get laws passed. I dont vote for people based on their sex, Dow said.So for me, I didnt really even pay attention to whether the candidates were male or female. What I do think is important is to listen to that New Mexico women the voters, the constituents that we represent that they want things changed. Correction This story was updated Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at 5:07 p.m. to reflect the correct election in which Angel Charley ran unopposed. She beat opponent Clemente Sanchez in the June primary election and ran unopposed in the November general election. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX It may surprise you to know that Leicester was once something of a second home haven. Indeed, in 2022, official figures showed there were 4,412 second homes, around one in 31 properties in the city. But that number is rapidly dwindling after the city announced plans to raise council tax for second home owners in efforts to drive them out and return housing stock to locals. From next year, homeowners with second properties in Leicester will pay double council tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Local Government Association, which represents councils across England, says charging the premium is one way to bring homes back into permanent use, citing a desperate need for more affordable housing across the country. Not all councils have opted to make use of these enhanced powers, but Leicester City Council has and second home owners are duly cutting out. Figures published last week by the Housing Department found the number of second homes had fallen by 40pc to 2,624. Its not hard to see why. Telegraph analysis of government figures suggests that the council clawed back some 115,000 in council tax last year from just the 42 second homes in band E, and made more than 4m in total a figure expected to rise exponentially under the planned increase. The properties in question are not technically second homes, however. The double council tax premium does not apply if homes are available for rent for 140 days of the year, and are actually occupied for 70. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luke St Clair, managing director of Knightsbridge estate agents, says many of the citys second homes are owned by the parents of students at Leicester university. Leicester University is very popular and is good for law, genetics and medicine, so it might be a case of parents buying houses for their children to live in while they study, that they then hold on to, he suggests. That practice is less common now than it was pre-2016, but we are still seeing cash investors, or owners who are purposely leaving the property empty rather than selling because they dont want the capital gains burden from it. Councils across Britain are making use of new powers to raise taxes on unoccupied homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In holiday hotspots like Cornwall, second home owners face paying 10,000 more a year in council tax premiums. But councils in less popular areas have been accused of cynically implementing the tax despite a low proportion of second homes. New powers include doubling council tax on homes left empty after one year instead of two, a move which has caught out unintended targets like bereaved families, home movers and landlords trying to sell former buy-to-lets. Judging by the numbers in Leicester, the double council tax premium is working as intended, even as critics accuse Labour of waging a war on second home owners with a blitz of tax rises. In her maiden Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that stamp duty paid on second homes would rise to 5pc, deterring landlords and second home owners alike from buying more property. Her predecessor, Jeremy Hunt, put measures in place to abolish the furnished holiday lets regime from next year. The policy currently allows holiday let owners to qualify for business asset disposal relief and pay capital gains tax at 10pc when they sell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there are warnings such an aggressive tax raid on second home owners will backfire, as holiday let landlords can flip their properties so they classify as small businesses. They can then claim 100pc tax relief on business rates, depriving their local authority and central Government of any tax revenue. The exodus of second home owners also seems to have triggered a surge in interest from owner-occupiers and landlords. Data from property platform Rightmove shows that there were 21pc more properties on the market in the city than last year, outpacing growth in London, Manchester and Newcastle. Earlier this year, Purplebricks estate agents said homebuyers had searched for properties in Leicester 52,000 times in the space of three months, compared to 38,000 in London. Mr St Clair adds that there are more than 10,000 properties for sale in LE postcodes (which includes areas like Derby and Nottingham). Other than its university, Leicester has become a popular destination for professionals looking to move within a commutable distance to cities such as London and Birmingham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With so many people being called back to offices now, you start to see the benefit of being able to get on the M1 in 10 minutes, which leads to the M69 to Birmingham, says Mr St Clair. You can get to London St Pancras in under an hour, even from Market Harborough, a nice country-ish town with lots of development. 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 (AP) Millions displaced by global conflicts. Communities reeling from unseasonably strong natural disasters. Lives upended due to healthcare inequalities. In the middle of these crises are established nonprofits, everyday individuals and mutual aid groups all seeking your dollars to make a difference. But with no shortage of worthy causes and the rise of new giving technologies, how should you donate? The choices can be immobilizing for those looking to open up their wallets. Many value conventional charities. But others Gen Z and millennials, as well as the unmarried and less religious, according to 2021 research by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy like to crowdfund by pooling donations online for folks in dire circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The approaches reflect differing assessments of impact and trustworthiness. But they aren't necessarily opposed. Its really: what is the right type of support that either an organization or a community or an individual needs? said Bloomerang Chief Customer Officer Todd Baylis, who previously co-founded the platform Qgiv to help nonprofits fundraise online. "And being able to tailor that to the individual giver. Here are some questions worth considering as you determine which assistance best suits your objectives: What impact do I want to have? It might come down to whether you want to make a big difference for one person or help seed large-scale change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tiltify is a technology platform that helps nonprofits and individual crowdfunders alike raise money. If donors want to ensure that food gets to communities recovering from disasters, Tiltify CEO Michael Wasserman says a nonprofit contribution is probably best, as established organizations already have distribution pipelines and built-up expertise. But if you want to ensure a particular person can take care of themselves, he said, a direct donation to a crowdfunding campaign might make more sense than sending money through a charitable funnel. It really depends on what your goal is as a donor: if youre trying to help out somebody specifically or if youre trying to help out people in plural, Wasserman said. You could do both at once, according to one nonprofit that delivers cash transfers. GiveDirectly reports sending more than $860 million to 1.6 million people across three continents. Senior Program Manager Richard Nkurunziza says the idea was initially met with fears of misuse. But GiveDirectly finds that cash donations are a dignified way to empower poor people to invest in their unique needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Rwandan villages, he said, recipients have spent donations on household renovations, new businesses and youth education all of which ultimately benefit their entire community. Theres a bit of agency, said Nkurunziza. It gives an opportunity for the recipient to make a decision on how they use the funds for themselves. Crowdfunding could be considered more democratic, according to Claire van Teunenbroek, a University of Twente professor specializing in online giving behavior. That's because donors have more control over their gifts' usage when they choose exactly who benefits. The disadvantage, she said, is that people with the greatest needs aren't always the ones with the most success. Humans are prone to supporting easily sellable projects with highly emotional appeals. Studies have also shown racial disparities in crowdfunding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How can I trust the cause? The most popular reason donors told Bloomerang they stopped giving was because they did not trust contributions were being used wisely, according to the companys Generational Giving Report. The second most common response was that donors no longer felt connected to the nonprofit theyd previously supported. The answers underscore the need for recipients to actively prove their trustworthiness. Tax-exempt nonprofits must submit annual financial disclosures to the Internal Revenue Service that include publicly available information, including executives' salaries. Watchdogs, such as Charity Navigator, compile lists of verified nonprofits and assess their work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crowdfunding, while convenient, is much more susceptible to fraud. The online sites are relatively unregulated, leaving the responsibility for protection up to donors and the platforms themselves. In GoFundMe's case, donations can be refunded up to one year after they are made. The company also advises that organizers identify themselves and their beneficiaries, and specify their plans for spending contributions. Online users mistakenly associate high donation numbers with credibility, according to van Teunenbroek. She said risk is better mitigated by making sure the project's description is detailed. For a donor, if you prefer more certainty, then traditional nonprofits are probably better because they have an established reputation, she said. ALSAC CEO Rick Shadyac said his charity works hard to make donors feel confident that their money is supporting the mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: improving pediatric cancer survival rates worldwide by covering the costs of care and researching treatments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shadyac encouraged people to give regardless of the medium and to always look for reputable causes. Bonafide charities, he said, bring greater degrees of confidence while crowdfunding requires more due diligence. But he sees room for both. They should actually complement each other," he said. Some of this is more in the realm of micro-philanthropy where they may be wanting to help a specific individual because they found themselves in difficult circumstances, he added. "But if you want to help kids with cancer, you want to help cure heart disease, there are charities that are keenly focused on that. What will I get out of it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALSAC gets nearly one quarter of its annual revenue during the last two months of the calendar, Shadyac said, around the time of year designated as Giving Season. The uptick could stem from the spirit of generosity around the holidays, he added. Sure enough, a 2023 study found that people in good moods are more likely to make a charitable donation. They might also be making their year-end tax plans. Not-for-profits give them the opportunity to address some things that are important to them while also getting a tax deduction, Shadyac said. Crowdfunding donations to individual campaigns, however, cannot be written off on your taxes. But crowdfunding can make it easier to identify with the ultimate beneficiaries of one's gift, van Teunenbroek said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What about mutual aid? Mutual aid refers to reciprocal support networks of neighbors who promptly meet each other's most pressing needs when existing systems fail to make them whole. Because of those reciprocal ties, participants often describe the act as solidarity, not charity. In the internet age, these groups often solicit cash contributions through online payment processors like Venmo, Cash App, PayPal or Zelle. Anyone can scan QR codes, which are usually reposted across social media accounts, to donate. The money goes straight to those impacted or helps purchase supplies for shared resources like community fridges. Transparency might come in the form of a screenshotted receipt shared by organizers on their profile. Tamara Kneese joined several mutual aid efforts during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic to take care of her neighbors in Oakland. Kneese, a director at the nonprofit research institute Data & Society, said these groups tend to start as immediate responses to crises that are acutely hurting disadvantaged communities. The idea, she added, is that state abandonment cannot be addressed by charitable giving alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kneese said the challenges of such bottom-up, grassroots groups are that resources dwindle and people burn out. Only so many requests can be fulfilled. Organizers' politics clash. The benefits, she found, are that support comes from within the community and members have direct interactions with those using it. It is not just a sense of charity, like you make a donation and you're done," she said. "There is more of a relationship involved and it is not just transactional. ___ Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of APs philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy. Recovery work has been completed after a cargo plane travelling from Germany to Lithuania crashed in Vilnius last week, police said on Monday. All wreckage of the Swiftair aircraft, which had been flying from Leipzig in eastern Germany to the Lithuanian capital on behalf of logistics giant DHL, has been removed, a police spokesman said. Smaller parts of the aircraft were removed last week while the large pieces of wreckage including the cockpit of the Boeing 737 were transported by lorry to a hangar for examination over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flight data recorders have also been recovered and to be analysed in Germany. The cargo aircraft crashed into a residential area near Vilnius Airport just before it was due to land early on November 25, smashing to pieces on impact. One of the four crew members aboard the plane was killed. Images of the crash site published by Lithuanian media show destroyed buildings and burnt cars. Residents of a damaged apartment building have been temporarily housed elsewhere. The cause of the crash is still unknown. So far, there are no indications of a possible terrorist attack or an act of sabotage. The Lithuanian authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident, with investigators from Germany, Spain and the US supporting the efforts. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Wichita State University students and employees are getting the chance to help protect the president and the country in case of a future national emergency. WSUs National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) will be part of the team that designs an aircraft into a command center for the president, secretary of defense, and chairs of the joint chiefs of staff. An E-4B Nightwatch aircraft flies during the 2009 Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Josh Plueger) The U.S. Air Force wants a newer version of its current E-4B Nightwatch aircraft fleet, which entered service in 1974. The Air Force chose Sierra Nevada Company (SNC) to modernize and deliver a replacement for the fleet. The Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) contract is a multi-billion-dollar award. During a news conference in Wichita on Monday, SNC announced it has chosen NIAR as a partner in the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the most significant industry contract in the history of the university, John Tomblin, NIAR executive director, said. Ex-KCK detective Roger Golubski found dead before trial The project involves 747-8i aircraft. One of the planes recently arrived at NIARs Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Hangar, 4174 S. Oliver. Tomblin said NIAR will have over 400 people working on this program through staff and student jobs. A 747-8i is at a NIAR location in Wichita, Dec. 2, 2024. WSUs NIAR will help SNC turn the plane into a Survivable Airborne Operations Center. (KSN News Photo) The special part about this program is it combines the digital engineering side and the MRO side together, and I dont know of any place in the world that does that, he said. We had a longstanding relationship with NIAR, predominantly through Senator (Jerry) Moran and his understanding relationship of what SNC does, and he connected the dots a few years ago and gave us the opportunity to access NIARs capabilities as well as the resources that NIAR has located here right in Wichita, Jon Piatt, Sierra Nevada Company executive vice president, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Piatt says Wichita will do the digital design work. NIAR has expertise in composites and advanced materials, digital twin, additive manufacturing, and aircraft and component testing and certification. He said SNC employees will be in Wichita, working with NIAR. Other work is being done at SNCs Aviation Innovation Technology Center in Dayton, Ohio. Tyson announces major layoffs in Emporia The importance of this aircraft for national security is the Survival Airborne Operations Center platform. This is the next generation of dooms day plane, as has been noted in the press, he said. Our customer will be frequently here to evaluate and to assess the progress thats being made on this program due to its critical importance. Our country faces huge and tremendous challenges. Our national security is at risk in significant ways, Sen. Moran said. I hope this plane is never used because if its being used, our country is under significant threat and attack. But if that happens, right here in Wichita, again, we are doing things that make the country safer and more secure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moran pointed out that Wichita State is ranked in the top 10 for research and development (R&D) expenditures for the first time in its history and is also ranked number one in aerospace engineering in the country. A long time ago, I came and visited with the Greater Wichita Partnership, talking about theres lots of cities across the country that I hear from and see, see evidence of their work, and they want to be the Air Capital of the World, and if we dont up our game, they might succeed, Moran said. And we have upped our game. WSU President Richard Muma said the university currently has hundreds of research projects. Its the reason why were sixth in the nation in industry-funded research and eighth in the nation in overall engineering R&D, he said. Theres no other research university close to us who falls into those numbers. Were making sure that were holding true to what we are as an institution, and that is to become a premier, urban public research university. 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 KSN-TV. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) World War II vet Doug Fox turned 100 years old last Tuesday, and community members came together Sunday to throw him a belated birthday celebration like no other. Honking, cheers and a show of force were all on the corner of Annadale and Dalehurst drives for a surprise birthday parade honoring Fox, who turned 100 years young Nov. 26. Family, friends and vets took part in the parade filled with hot rods, 5-ton military troop carriers and marine corps wreckers. Surprised, said Fox. I was amazed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Misty Sanders brought her 1965 Jeep Rat Rod with a 350 V8 to honor the World War II hero. Theres not very many of them left, said Sanders. So, for them to still be around is an accomplishment in all its own. 6-year-old Bakersfield girl uses hot cocoa to help kids in need Fox served in the US Army from 1944 to 1945 in the 11th Armor Division, 2nd Battalion under General Patton. He was at the Battle of the Bulge and helped liberate a concentration camp. Where we were, I mean, we were fighting the cold all the time, said Fox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the last day of the war, Fox wound up in Linz, Austria, when the German 11th panzer division rolled up and gave up. He was 20 years old. It would make us really feel good to see those tanker tanks coming in surrendering, Fox said. That was a happy day. Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage Fox says he greatest accomplishment was fighting for our freedom, but the best part of life is finding love. Oh, getting married, happily, Fox said. You know, that was great. Bakersfield has been good to me. Even the Mayor stopped by to honor Fox. He was also presented with certificates from Congressman Vince Fong and State Senator Shannon Grove. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked what the secret is to a long life, Fox kept it simple. I told them, just one beer a day, said Fox. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. New York City marked the inaugural Shirley Chisholm Day on Saturday honoring the life and legacy of the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress on what would have been her 100th birthday. The city councils Committee on Civil and Human Rights voted earlier this month to declare November 30 Shirley Chisholm Day. The resolution was sponsored by council member Farah N. Louis, whose district includes part of Brooklyn, where Chisholm was born. Chisholm was born Shirley Anita St. Hill on November 30, 1924, and is widely known for her pioneering decision to run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972. She was the first Black woman to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growing up, Chisholm was passionate about education and she was good at it. After graduating cum laude from Brooklyn College in the early 1940s, Chisholm taught as a nursery school teacher while pursuing her masters degree in early childhood education at Columbia University. It was there that she met her first husband, Conrad Chisholm. A catalyst of change Chisholms career in legislation started in 1964, when she became the second African American to be in the New York State Legislature. Four years later, Chisholm became the first Black woman to win a seat in Congress. She represented New Yorks 12th Congressional District for seven terms, from 1969 to 1983, according to the National Archives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Known as Fighting Shirley, Chisholm introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation concerning racial and gender equity, ending the war in Vietnam and addressing concerns of the poor. Shirley Chisholm, who in 1968 became the first African-American woman elected to Congress, speaks at the 1972 Democratic National Convention. - Pictorial Parade/Getty Images In 1972, she made a largely symbolic run for the Democratic presidential nomination. It was the first time a Black candidate had sought a major partys nomination for president, and the first time a woman had run for the Democratic Partys presidential nomination. She was blocked from participating in televised primary debates and, after legal action, was allowed to conduct only one speech, according to the National Womens History Museum. In recounting the campaign in her book The Good Fight, Chisholm explained her run was meant to open the door for more diverse presidential candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I ran because someone had to do it first, Chisholm said. In this country everybody is supposed to be able to run for President, but thats never been really true. I ran because most people think the country is not ready for a Black candidate, not ready for a woman candidate. After losing the nomination to George McGovern, Chisholm continued serving in the House of Representatives. In 1977, she became the first Black woman and second woman ever to be elected to serve on the Rules Committee for the House. Chisholm retired from public office in 1983. President Barack Obama posthumously awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 2015. She died in 2005 at the age of 80 in her Florida home. Saturday would have been her 100th birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President Kamala Harris commemorated the day in a post on X, saying, So many of us stand on her broad shoulders. With her spirit and in honor of her legacy, let us continue to speak truth to power and fight for equality and justice for all. Harris recent campaign for president marked the first time a Black woman became the Democratic nominee for president. As Chisholm wrote in her book, she fought for candidates like Harris to be taken seriously. The next time a woman runs, or a black, a Jew or anyone from a group that the country is not ready to elect to its highest office, I believe he or she will be taken seriously from the start. The door is not open yet, but it is ajar, she wrote. Chisholms life, from Brooklyn to Barbados and beyond, is the subject of a yearlong exhibit that opened in June at the Museum of the City of New York. The museum held special programming Saturday to mark her 100th birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I die, I want to be remembered as a woman who lived in the 20th century and who dared to be a catalyst of change, Chisholm once said. I want to be remembered as a woman who fought for change in the 20th century. Thats what I want. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Deamonte Kendrick, who was stabbed in jail, during a court hearing on Nov. 26, 2024. - Credit: Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP Deamonte Yak Gotti Kendrick, one of the remaining co-defendants in the ongoing YSL gang trial, was stabbed in Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, according to his lawyer, Douglas Weinstein. Weinstein confirmed the attack in posts on X and TikTok Monday morning. He said he spoke with Kendrick on Sunday night, while he was waiting to be taken to a hospital for stitches. While he sounded tired I expect him to make a full recovery, Weinstein wrote on X. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weinstein admitted he did not know the full extent of Kendricks condition or injuries, but said he expects to know more when Kendrick appears in court Monday. I dont know the results of what happened at the hospital, he said on TikTok. Its very, very difficult nigh impossible to get information from the hospital on these things. Traveling to the hospital makes no difference. Per local CBS affiliate Atlanta News First, a spokesperson for the Fulton County Sheriffs Office said, Kendrick received treatment for minor injuries from a sharp object at the Fulton County Jail. The incident occurred at the South Annex in Union City where both men were being housed. Kendrick will be in court today. This is an active investigation to determine the aggressor in this incident and if charges will be pending. The stabbing comes as Kendrick and Shannon Stillwell the last remaining defendants in the current YSL gang trial await a verdict from the jury. Deliberations began last week, and both are facing murder, gang, and racketeering charges in the massive YSL indictment. (They have pleaded not guilty.) Back in 2022, Kendrick was involved in a fight with another unidentified inmate, who reportedly tried to stab him with a homemade knife. Stillwell was also stabbed during a jail fight in late 2023, causing one of the many delays that have plagued the YSL trial, which has become the longest criminal case in Georgias history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 28 defendants including Young Thug and Gunna were charged in the original RICO Act violation indictment, which was first brought in 2022. Nine took plea deals before the current trial started (including Gunna), while 12 others are set to be tried separately. Back in October, Young Thug was finally released from jail after pleading out his case; he was sentenced to time served, 15 years probation, and a consecutive sentence of 20 years that only kicks in if he violates the terms of his probation. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Deamonte Yak Gotti Kendrick, a co-defendant in the ongoing YSL gang trial in Atlanta, was stabbed while behind bars and awaiting a jurys verdict, his attorney said Monday. The rapper, whos facing charges in a criminal street gang case involving fellow rapper Young Thug, is expected to make a full recovery after suffering minor injuries at the Fulton County Jail on Sunday, his attorney Douglas Weinstein said on social media. I did get to speak with him briefly last night. He sounded tired. He was alert, Weinstein said in a TikTok video. Rapper Yak Gotti performs onstage in Atlanta in 2021. Paras Griffin via Getty Images Kendrick was seen in court on Monday with staples in his forehead, local station WSB-TV reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Fulton County Sheriffs Office spokesperson said the incident followed a physical altercation with another inmate. Kendrick received treatment for minor injuries from a sharp object at the Fulton County Jail, confirmed Natalie Ammons in an email to HuffPost Monday. This is an active investigation to determine the aggressor in this incident and if charges will be pending. Kendrick is awaiting a jurys verdict along with co-defendant Shannon Stillwell on gang, murder, drug and gun charges. Stillwell was also stabbed last year in the same jail. The pair were among 28 people charged in 2022 on charges that include participating in criminal street gang activity and conspiring to violate Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said the two men were part of a criminal street gang called Young Slime Life, or YSL, which was formed by Young Thug, born Jeffery Williams, in 2012. Williams was released on probation in October after pleading guilty to drug- and gun-related charges and no contest to charges of conspiracy and participating in a street gang. The conditions of his release included a ban on him returning to Atlanta for 10 years, with a few exceptions given. Related... The hearing for Former 2nd District Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivners child support was postponed to Feb. 4. Robert Carbone, Scrivners attorney, requested to push the hearing back to January as it involves an ongoing criminal investigation. Attorney Amanda Azemika, representing Christina Scrivner, Zack Scrivners wife, also asked for the postponement as one of Christinas main attorneys was not present for Mondays hearing. The judge ultimately agreed on Feb. 4 as the next hearing date. Azemika also agreed to the postponement as long as the temporary orders of restraint for Christina Scrivner and her children against Zack Scrivner remain in full force until the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither Zack nor Christina Scrivner were present at the hearing scheduled for Monday. In August, Zack Scrivener requested to pay no child support after July in a letter to the Kern County Superior Court. He argued in the letter that this situation left him with no income and unable to qualify for state disability insurance. The day before the letter was filed in court, Carbone agreed his client would pay the monthly payment of $2,947 in child support. Zack Scrivner and Christina Scrivner were married for 18 years and had four kids together, ages ranging from 10 to 17 when Zack Scrivners Tehachapi home was raided in April. Zack and Christina Scrivner were separated since November and Christina filed for divorce in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, Christina Scrivner requested the court for an earlier hearing to receive child support from Zack Scrivner, saying Zack Scrivner refused to pay voluntary child support for their four children since April. In a press conference, Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said deputies went to the home after he received a call from Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer. Zimmer is Zack Scrivners aunt. According to Youngblood, Zack Scrivner suffered two non-fatal stab wounds, allegedly from one of his children who stabbed him in an act of sibling defense. Youngblood said the child stabbed Zack Scrivner to protect another sibling from sexual assault, a statement denied by one of Zacks attorneys. Zack Scrivner submitted a letter of resignation as District 2 County Supervisor Aug. 1, where he cited "significant health and medical reasons." He did not mention the allegations against himself in the letter. The California Attorney Generals Office is handling the investigation due to a conflict of interest involving the Kern County DAs Office. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once again criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday for his telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in mid-November. Zelensky, speaking at a joint press conference with the German leader in Kiev, said he fears Scholz's phone call with Putin - the first in nearly two years - could lead to a breakdown of the Kremlin's international isolation and an easing of the diplomatic pressure on the Russian leader. "I think that after the first conversation comes the second, third, fifth conversation, because every state leader wants to take the lead," said Zelensky. "I don't think this strengthens Ukraine," he said. At the same time, however, Zelensky emphasized that Kiev had more in common with Berlin than what may divide them. Editor's note: The story is being updated. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Dec. 2, together paying respect to Ukrainian soldiers killed during the war with Russia. Scholz visited Ukraine's capital for the first time since June 2022, promising 650 million euros ($680 million) worth of arms to be supplied this December. A German Defense Ministry spokesperson clarified that this will be part of a 1.4 billion euros ($1.5 billion) package already announced in October. It includes two ISIR-T air defense systems, armored vehicles, attack drones, 10 Leopard 1 tanks, winter equipment, and generators, spokesperson Mitko Muller told the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Winter is just around the corner, so there will also be winter equipment, as well as hand-held weapons and warming devices," Mitko said. The imminent delivery of the two IRIS-T systems one medium-range and one short-range was previously announced by a German military officer in November. The chancellor's arrival comes shortly after his controversial phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which drew criticism from Kyiv. Under Scholz's leadership, Germany has become Ukraine's second-largest military donor after the U.S. The chancellor was nevertheless often criticized for cautious approach on some key issues, such as his refusal to provide Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently, Scholz criticized Friedrich Merz, the CDU/CSU party leader who will seek to unseat the chancellor in the February snap elections, for the latter's willingness to provide Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Read also: Scholz unveils $1.5 billion allied aid package during meeting with Zelensky Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pushing this week for NATO to invite Ukraine to join its alliance. He said on Sunday that NATO's self-defense pact wouldn't have to apply to Ukraine's occupied territory. His proposals come amid anticipation that Trump's incoming team will stall Ukraine's NATO accession. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that his country could join NATO without the alliance's collective self-defense agreement applying to its territory occupied by Russia. That suggestion means that Article 5, which states that an attack on one member state is an attack on all, wouldn't automatically drag the rest of the alliance into war with Moscow if Ukraine joins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said that any invitation for Ukraine to join NATO still has to recognize all of its territory as Ukrainian, including areas occupied by Russia. He said his reason was that NATO/the alliance couldn't extend an invitation to only a "part of the territory of Ukraine," per Ukrainian media. Zelenskyy added that Ukraine "would never accept" an accession plan that says otherwise. "But we understand that Article 5, when you're a member of NATO, cannot apply to the entire territory of Ukraine during wartime, as countries are against the risks of being drawn into the war," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such a proposal could essentially split Ukraine into two regions as far as NATO is concerned. The region that includes all of Ukraine's current territory, like Kyiv and Kharkiv, would have to be defended. There would be no obligation for the rest, which is the Ukrainian territory seized by Russia in the east. Ukraine launched a campaign this week to pressure NATO into extending an invitation to Kyiv, a move the alliance already promised in 2008 would eventually happen. NATO has not provided a specific timeline for when that invitation might be extended. On Friday, Zelenskyy told Sky News that he would be willing to freeze the front lines if whatever territory Ukraine still holds is placed under the "NATO umbrella." "If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we should take under the NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control," he said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This indicates that Ukraine would cede its occupied land, at least temporarily, in exchange for a cease-fire with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. It's a concept that Zelenskyy has adamantly rejected before. In April, he called a land swap for peace a "very primitive idea." Discussion of such a plan emerged that month because of reports that President-elect Donald Trump was thinking of championing it. He was still running for president at the time. Now, the Ukrainian president is recalibrating his conditions for NATO membership. This reconsideration comes as US support for Ukraine sits on the cusp of extreme change. His renewed effort to join the alliance comes amid anticipation that Trump and his advisors would pressure Kyiv into negotiating a quick end to the fighting while withholding membership indefinitely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are, however, fears that Russia may renege on a cease-fire as Putin has done several times in the past or that such a deal could create a split of Ukraine reminiscent of Cold-War Germany. Many who want an immediate resolution to the fighting in Ukraine hope that it will relieve the economic strain the war has brought to the globe. Ukraine is a major supplier of corn and wheat, and while a US-led corridor has allowed it to start selling much of its accumulated stock, its exports are estimated to take several years to hit pre-war levels. Meanwhile, European reliance on Russian energy has led to a complicated situation, where Ukraine is still allowing Russian gas to transit through its borders to Western customers despite the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That arrangement, agreed upon in 2019, is set to expire at the end of the year. Both Moscow and Kyiv have said they're not ready to renew the contract, though there is talk from Ukraine of extending it. Several European countries, including Slovakia and Hungary, expressed concern that their energy markets could be skewered by a nonrenewal, though many are starting to replace their gas by buying from the US and Canada instead. Hungary, in particular, hopes a pipeline through Turkey will help to sustain its supply of Russian gas. Read the original article on Business Insider President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, responding to a question about the concessions Russia would need to make during potential negotiations, has said Russia should "eff off". Source: Zelenskyy during a joint briefing with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, reported by European Pravda, citing Ukrinform Details: Zelenskyy had been asked what concessions Russia would need to make during possible peace talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He replied: "What should Russia do? It should eff off. Ideally, it should understand what it is doing killing us while we are defending ourselves and fighting the enemy." Quote: "For now, our plans remain unchanged. Of course, we hope to become stronger so that this war can end in 2025. Apologies for the undiplomatic phrasing." Zelenskyy also mentioned that the main topics of the discussion with Chancellor Scholz were strengthening the front line, the future role of the European Union, and an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO. Background: Earlier, Zelenskyy revealed that he and Chancellor Scholz had inspected drones equipped with smart components and met with representatives of manufacturing companies. Scholz and Zelenskyy also visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Support UP or become our patron! Russia is treating the first North Koreans sent to fight alongside it well, Ukraine's president said. But Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this was about trying to get more of them to come to fight. Ultimately they will be used as "cannon fodder," he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia is treating the first batch of North Korean soldiers sent to aid in its war against Ukraine well, but that it won't last. Zelenskyy told Japanese news agency Kyodo News on Sunday that Russia was treating the North Korean troops well in order to try to attract tens of thousands more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he predicted that the troops would at some stage be sent to the front lines and that it was "indisputable" that Russian President Vladimir Putin would ultimately use them as "cannon fodder." Officials in the US, Ukraine, and South Korea claim that North Korea has sent thousands of troops to aid Russia. Zelenskyy said there is evidence that about 12,000 North Korean troops have been deployed so far, and Dmytro Ponomarenko, Ukraine's ambassador to South Korea, said last month that the number of North Korean troops sent to Russia could reach 15,000, with troops rotated out every two to three months. That could mean around 100,000 North Korean soldiers serving in Russia within a year, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korean troops have been deployed in the Russian region of Kursk, where Ukraine made a surprise counteroffensive in August, seizing hundreds of square miles of Russian territory. Zelenskyy said during the interview with Kyodo News that North Korean troops had been killed there, confirming previous reports. In June, the Pentagon warned that North Korean troops would be treated poorly by Russia, in response to initial reports that North Korea was considering sending Russia some of its military personnel. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said at the time that "if I were North Korean military personnel management, I would be questioning my choices on sending my forces to be cannon fodder in an illegal war against Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has been accused of treating its own soldiers badly during the conflict. Zelenskyy also warned Sunday that the use of North Korean troops during the conflict could be dangerous for Asia, since those soldiers would get trained by Russia and would get knowledge about fighting in a modern war, in areas like using drones. Mykola Bielieskov, a research fellow at Ukraine's National Institute for Strategic Studies, told BI that even if the soldiers North Korea sends are well trained by their own standards, "I think their training still would be lacking in terms of the modern battlefield they have in the Russia-Ukraine war." He added: "I think that it's safe to assume that they might be used as expendable infantry or just thrown as a mass of people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bielieskov also said that while the estimated number of up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers in Kursk right now was not huge by the standards of the war, it might be enough to make a difference against Ukraine on a single front, if that's how they are used. Last month, South Korea's defense minister, Kim Yong-Hyun, said that North Korean troops would likely be sent to the war's hot spots. He said that Russian officers are "likely to send the North Korean platoons to the most dangerous and difficult areas." According to South Korean intelligence, Russia is paying about $2,000 a month for each North Korean soldier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But North Korean military experts told BI that the soldiers themselves are not likely to see much of that, with the state likely pocketing most, if not all, of the money. Read the original article on Business Insider President Volodymyr Zelenskyy feels that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's conversation with Vladimir Putin weakens the Kremlin dictator's isolation. Source: Zelenskyy during a joint briefing with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as reported by European Pravda citing Ukrinform Details: Zelenskyy acknowledged that he was aware of the German chancellor's intentions to speak with the Russian side, "just as Olaf was aware of my position on this". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "I really believe that Putin's isolation through sanctions, diplomacy, etc. it strengthens Ukraine more and weakens Putin," he emphasised. Following Scholz's call in Europe and beyond, "it can happen for various reasons that after one conversation, there is a second, third, fifth conversation, because sometimes leaders want to take the lead themselves." "And I feel that this could become a wave of true recognition for Putin. I believe that this does not strengthen Ukraine," Zelensky said. Background: On the afternoon of 15 November, it was reported that Scholz had spoken to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin for the first time in two years. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy labelled the call a "Pandora's box". Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine is looking for ways to protect 20 additional strategic sites from Russian attacks, as the density of missile strikes has exceeded the availability of air defence systems. Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reported by Interfax-Ukraine Quote: "We spoke with Olaf [German Chancellor Olaf Scholz ed.] about strengthening air defence I gave an example of how we are currently trying to protect two dozen more strategic sites. Due to such intense missile strikes, we simply do not have enough air defence systems." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Germany for its assistance in strengthening Ukraine's air defences but noted that the systems provided are insufficient. "The issue is not with Germany. The issue lies with partners in general; there are partners who are withholding air defence systems," Zelenskyy added. Support UP or become our patron! Belgium has begun building the world's first artificial energy island, set to provide offshore wind energy to lessen the country's reliance on dirty energy. The European Investment Bank (EIB) agreed to provide Elia Transmission Belgium (ETB) $702 million to fund the project, with a goal to provide 3.5 Gigawatts of wind energy to Belgium's power grid, capable of powering more than three million households, per the report from Interesting Engineering. Located in the Princess Elisabeth Zone off of Belgium's coast, the country's second offshore wind zone, the Elia Group plans to construct the island between now and 2027, with the first foundations (or caissons) currently being built in the Netherlands. They will eventually be taken almost 30 miles offshore and filled with sand to sink them and form the island's base. Will America someday get all its energy from renewable sources? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind "The Princess Elisabeth Island project is a cornerstone for enhancing Belgium's and Europe's energy security and independence. This initiative not only strengthens Belgium's energy infrastructure but also fosters vital interconnections with neighboring countries, thereby promoting increased regional cooperation," said Robert de Groot, vice president of the European Investment Bank, per Interesting Engineering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wind energy is one of the best clean energy options available, working in conjunction with solar panels to reduce the need for dirty energy to power infrastructures and homes across the world. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that wind power avoids 370 million tons of carbon dioxide pollution annually, the equivalent of pollution from 73 million cars. Once the island is up and running, it will also be a hub to connect Belgium, the United Kingdom, and other countries through interconnectors, which will help power exchanges between them and eventually connect to existing wind farms in the North Sea, adding to the country's green energy resources. The environmental impacts of the project have been taken into consideration as well. Wind energy is often criticized for disrupting wildlife, particularly birds, but with its location being offshore, it's less likely to impact birds and marine life. In a statement from the Elia Group, it noted, "Another important element for the EU bank is the project's innovative nature, featuring hybrid interconnectors and a nature-inclusive design to foster biodiversity and support marine life, making it a benchmark for sustainable energy solutions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Union has made major strides away from dirty energy and revised its green energy goals in 2023 to utilize at least 42.5% renewable energy sources by 2030 with an aim to reach 45%. The artificial energy island will help form a cornerstone of offshore energy grids to meet these accelerated goals and keep reducing reliance on dirty energy. 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. It Happened here is a weekly history column by Yakima Herald-Republic reporter Donald W. Meyers. Reach him at dmeyers@yakimaherald.com. Sources for this column include historylink.org, Encyclopedia Britannica, Justice William O. Douglas: The 1944 Vice Presidential Nomination and His Relationship with Roosevelt, an Historical Perspective by Eliot Goldman in Presidential Studies Quarterly, interview with Ray Paolella and the archives of the Yakima Herald-Republic. Brisly Dominguez, left, and Kelvin Perez soak in the view of downtown Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak and Garden of the God Park on overcast day Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, from the Grandview Overlook in Palmer Park. After a day in the 70s, the Pikes Peak Region will returned to sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s for the rest of the work week. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) 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 opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) and Socialist parties have criticised the prime minister's decision to nominate Mihaly Varga, the incumbent finance minister, to serve as the next central bank governor, saying he would "further weaken" the forint. DK spokesman Balazs Barkoczi told an online press conference that by nominating Varga to head the National Bank of Hungary, Viktor Orban had "essentially sentenced the forint to death". He said the forint is currently trading at 412 against the euro, but the 2025 draft budget assumes a EUR/HUF exchange rate of 397.5. Barkoczi insisted that the draft budget and Varga's nomination were the reason "why the forint is falling again". Socialist Party lawmaker Zoltan Vajda said the prime minister should have nominated "an independent leader recognised in the field" to head the central bank instead of a "party politician". "It had been suspected for months that Mihaly Varga will be the next NBH governor, which is another concerning development when it comes to the future of Hungary's economy," Vajda said in a statement. He said the prime minister's decision suggested "that the government doesn't intend to make any changes to the policies that have led to the forint's depreciation and the weakening of the financial security of Hungarian families". Varga: I will serve the stability and prosperity of Hungary through my future work Finance Minister Mihaly Varga said on Friday that he is accepting the nomination for the position of governor of the National Bank of Hungary (NBH). "I accept the honourable request of the Prime Minister with gratitude. I will continue to serve the stability and prosperity of Hungary with my future work," Varga said in a post on social media. He noted that it has been a great honour for him to serve his country for 4,800 days, first as national economy minister then as a finance minister. Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in a weekly interview with public radio on Friday that he is proposing for Varga to take over as the head of the NBH. Orban proposes Varga for next central bank gov Prime Minister Viktor Orban is proposing for Finance Minister Mihaly Varga to take over as the head of the National Bank of Hungary (NBH), Orban said in a weekly interview with public radio on Friday. Varga has accepted the nomination, Orban added. The PM said that he had submitted the nomination proposal to parliament. Mihaly Varga is Hungary's most experienced economist and politician dealing with economic policy, Orban said. From January 1, we will undoubtedly be working under a different economic management system, Orban said and added that he will be happy to discuss the details of this in due course, in December. Source: MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here. Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his deputy Zsolt Semjen on Friday held a meeting with Fra John Dunlap, Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. They afterwards met Archduke Karl von Habsburg, Grand master of the Knightly Order of the Golden Fleece, the prime minister's press chief said. Bertalan Havasi said the meetings focused on the role the Catholic church plays in society and matters concerning the future of Europe. Source: MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here. Vivah Panchami, a revered Hindu festival, honours the sacred marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, symbolizing the sanctity and devotion of marital life. This auspicious day inspires married couples to perform rituals for a harmonious union and is believed to eliminate obstacles in marriage, ensuring a joyful and prosperous life. Date and Auspicious Yogas for Vivah Panchami 2024 As per Drik Panchang, Vivah Panchami in 2024 begins at 12:49 AM on December 5 and concludes at 12:07 AM on December 6. The primary observance will occur on December 6, aligning with the sunrise timing. The day will feature highly auspicious yogas, including Dhruv Yoga, Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga, and Shivvas Yoga, making it ideal for rituals, prayers, and charitable acts. Rituals and Practices on Vivah Panchami Worship of the Banana Tree: Devotees worship the banana tree, representing Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, to invoke blessings of happiness and prosperity. This ritual is especially auspicious for unmarried women seeking a suitable life partner. Reading the Ramcharitmanas: Reciting the Ramcharitmanas during the day is believed to calm the mind and remove obstacles in marriage. Traditional Offerings to Goddess Sita: Offering bridal items like sindoor, bangles, and other suhaag essentials symbolizes reverence and invites marital blessings. Significance of Donations on Vivah Panchami Donating specific items on this day holds immense spiritual and material value, it is believed to help devotees overcome marital challenges, enhance prosperity, and foster a harmonious family life. Items Benefits Suhaag Items Ensures a fulfilling and happy married life for women. Clothes for Needy Earns good karma and removes obstacles in marriage. Grains Attracts wealth and promotes peace and harmony at home. Fruits Encourages good health and mental well-being. Sweets Brings positivity and joy to the household. Cows Milk Invokes blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. Benefits of Donations on Vivah Panchami Donating on the day of Vivah Panchami is believed to have numerous spiritual and material benefits: Removal of Marriage Obstacles: Donations help in eliminating hurdles faced in marriage arrangements. Harmonious Married Life: Enhances love and understanding between couples. Increase in Fortune: Fosters goodwill, peace, and prosperity in the family. Vivah Panchami 2024 Worshipping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on this auspicious day brings blessings for a harmonious married life. Reading the Ramcharitmanas calms the mind and removes obstacles in marriage. Offering traditional bridal items to Goddess Sita is believed to create favourable conditions for marriage. While donating, it is essential to do so with a pure and selfless heart, avoiding greed or showiness. Donations made on Vivah Panchami not only enhance ones spiritual merits but also ensure a joyful and blissful married life. Celebrate Vivah Panchami 2024 by embracing these age-old traditions and reaping their spiritual rewards. New Delhi: An Indian-origin man became an overnight millionaire after winning Rs 8.45 crore in a lucky draw held by the jewellery showroom from where he bought gold ornaments valued around Rs 3.7 lakh for his wife. Chithambaram, who is overwhelmed, intends to donate some of the money to charity. The Singapore High Commission in India has also congratulated Chithambaram on winning the lucky draw. Chithambaram wins Rs 8.45 crore in lucky draw Balasubramanian Chithambaram, a Singapore resident, bought gold ornaments costing S$70,000 (approximately Rs 3.7 lakh) for his wife at Mustafa Jewellery in Singapore. Chithambaram won US$1 million (approximately Rs 8.45 crore) in the jewellery showroom's lucky draw. Jewellery store says history has been made The jewellery store shared the news of Chithambaram winning the grand prize on social media, saying, "What an unforgettable day at Mustafa Jewellery's Million Dollar Event! On 24th November, we witnessed history being made as the grand winner of USD 1,000,000 was revealed amidst cheers and excitement!" Donate part of his winnings to community Chithambaram, who was pleased and overwhelmed, expressed his gratitude and revealed his plans to give back to the community. "I couldnt believe it when I heard the news, Chithambaram said during a video call with tears in his eyes. "Today is also my fathers fourth death anniversary. This win feels like a blessing, he said. Chithambaram says he would share the happy news with his mother. As a token of appreciation for the years he has worked in Singapore, Chithambaram says he intends to donate part of his winnings to the Singapore community. "I plan to donate a portion of the money to charity," he says. Congratulations from Singapore High Commission in India The Singapore High Commission in India has congratulated Chithambaram on winning the lucky draw. "Congratulations to Mr Balasubramanian for winning the US$ 1 million (8.5 crore rupees) lucky draw, shopping at the iconic Mustafa 1 Centre @mustafacentresg in Singapore. Crorepati dreams do come true in SG," the tweet read. IIT Madras has gained attention with a remarkable pre-placement offer (PPO) received by one of its students. Jane Street, a global trading firm, has offered an annual package of 4.3 crore for a quantitative trader role in Hong Kong. This package, which includes salary, bonus, and relocation, is the highest offer of the placement season at the institute. The offer was made to a computer science student who previously interned with the company. This highlights IIT Madras's strength in preparing students for competitive global roles. The offer has created excitement on campus, marking a big achievement for the student and reinforcing the institute's reputation for producing world-class talent sought after by top companies. Top companies and placement Top companies have made impressive offers at older IITs this placement season. Firms like BlackRock, Glean, and Da Vinci offered packages above Rs 2 crore, while APT Portfolio and Rubrik offered over Rs 1.4 crore. Ebullient Securities and IMC Trading made offers exceeding Rs 1.3 crore, Quadeye offered nearly Rs 1 crore, and Quantbox and Graviton gave packages around Rs 90 lakh. DE Shaw offered between Rs 66-70 lakh, Pace Stock Broking Rs 75 lakh, and Squarepoint Capital more than Rs 65 lakh. Microsoft and Cohesity also made offers in the Rs 40-50 lakh range. On the first day of placements, big companies like Qualcomm, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Bajaj Auto, Ola Electric, Alphonso, and Nutanix participated actively. Although early high offers dont always guarantee full placement success, this years start is stronger than last year. IIT Madras officials shared their pride in the students achievements, saying these offers reflect the institutes focus on innovation and critical thinking. With placements just beginning, everyone is watching to see if other IITs can match or exceed these impressive offers. The final placement process began on Sunday at the established IITs, including Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Kanpur, Roorkee, Kharagpur, Guwahati, and BHU. NEW DELHI: Ahead of Delhi assembly polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is trying to woo all the sections of the society. First, it came up with an extension of the old-aged pension scheme to more senior citizens, now the Delhi government has decided to include more lawyers in its health scheme. The Delhi government announced on Monday that it has extended its 10 lakh health insurance coverage to an additional 3,330 lawyers in the city under the Chief Minister Advocates Welfare Scheme, according to officials. As per the scheme of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, the lawyers will receive Rs 10 lakh personal health coverage as well as Rs 5 lakh family insurance, an official statement said, adding that Chief Minister Atishi has sanctioned the decision. The AAP government currently provides health insurance to over 27,000 lawyers in the national capital. With the inclusion of these 3,330 new beneficiaries, the total number of insured lawyers under the Chief Minister Advocates Welfare Scheme will rise to approximately 31,000, the statement said. "The AAP government has always prioritised the welfare of lawyers and will continue to do so. Lawyers play a crucial role in upholding the Constitution and ensuring justice for all," Atishi said. The government launched the scheme in 2019 to enhance the welfare of lawyers. It allocates Rs 50 crore annually for the implementation of the scheme, which was particularly beneficial during the Covid-19 pandemic, providing critical support to thousands of lawyers and their families, the chief minister said. Under this scheme, the enrolled lawyers are provided Rs 10 lakh term insurance, along with a group insurance worth Rs 5 lakh covering their spouse and two dependent children up to the age of 25, the statement said. To be a beneficiary, a lawyer must register with the Bar Council of Delhi and be a voter in the national capital, it added. Earlier last week, the Delhi government announced to expand its old-age pension scheme to include 80,000 more senior citizens. This increase will bring the total number of beneficiaries to 5.3 lakh. Amid growing suspense regarding the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed two central observers for its crucial legislature party meeting in the state. The BJP Legislative Party in Maharashtra will hold a meeting at 10:00 am on December 4 at the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan. On December 2, the BJP announced the appointment of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani as the central observers for Maharashtra. Their task will be to oversee the legislature party meeting that is set to select the new leader of the party, who will likely be the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra. This decision comes amid the uncertainty surrounding who will take the reins of the state government. The Mahayuti alliance won a resounding 230 out of the 288 seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. The BJP secured 132 seats, the Shiv Sena claimed 57, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) won 41 seats. Despite the overwhelming victory, the formal oath-taking ceremony has yet to take place. Devendra Fadnavis Expected to be Elected as Legislature Party Leader Devendra Fadnavis, the BJPs prominent leader in Maharashtra, is widely expected to be elected as the leader of the party's legislature party during a meeting scheduled for December 3. All BJP MLAs have been instructed to attend the event in Mumbai. Fadnaviss elevation as the legislature party leader is seen as a crucial step toward the formation of the new state government. Oath-Taking Ceremony Set for December 5 The oath-taking ceremony for the new government is scheduled for the evening of December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present for the event. The BJP is moving cautiously in its approach to ensure that the expectations and aspirations of its allies, particularly the Shiv Sena, are addressed. The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition is facing some internal disagreements despite its electoral victory. Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Raosaheb Danve remarked that if the undivided Shiv Sena and BJP had contested the elections together, they would have secured an even greater number of seats. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA Gulabrao Patil suggested that the Eknath Shinde-led faction of the Shiv Sena would have won 90-100 seats if the Ajit Pawar-led NCP had not been part of the alliance. This claim provoked a strong response from the NCP, highlighting the tensions within the coalition. A Congress delegation led by the party's Uttar Pradesh President Ajay Rai is scheduled to visit Sambhal on Monday, where a stone-pelting incident took place on November 24. "All the party workers decided that we will stay in one place at our party office. It is our good fortune that we stayed here today and decided the strategy for the future as to how we will go and what we will do...We will try and follow the Gandhian way since they have been deployed in large numbers outside...Our workers will try to leave by 10:30 AM. It is their job to stop them, they will stop us, it is our job to go and we will try to go. There is only one reason to go, the atrocities and injustice that they have done there, the way people were beaten up there, the way they were shot in the head, the government is scared of all these things that the government will be exposed," Ajay Rai told ANI. The Uttar Pradesh Congress chief and other Congress leaders stayed in the party office in Lucknow last night. On Sunday, amid massive security, a three-member judicial committee conducted an inspection near the Shahi Masjid area in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal on Sunday where a stone-pelting incident took place on November 24. The committee members visited the areas and spoke to the residents as well as officials regarding the incident. The panel was accompanied by security personnel as they visited the violence-hit area. Earlier on November 30, a delegation from the Samajwadi Party (SP) was prevented from visiting the violence-hit Sambhal district. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the administration's statements were being dictated by the government. "A Samajwadi Party delegation was on its way to Sambhal. We all support peace and justice. The administration's statements are made at the government's behest. It is the government's responsibility to ensure justice for the people," he said. Tensions in Sambhal have been high since November 19, when a local court ordered a survey of the mosque. Clashes between protestors and police over the court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid resulted in four deaths. The survey was initiated following a petition claiming the mosque site was originally a Harihar temple. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in several states including, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh after Cyclone Fengal made landfall on Saturday evening and caused the city to brace for potential disruptions like waterlogging etc. Due to heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal, the Collectors of Chittoor and Annamayya districts have declared a holiday for all educational institutions today. The order includes that government and private schools, colleges and Anganwadi centers will remain closed. Authorities have also warned of strict action against those who fail to comply with the order. Meanwhile, parents and students in Nellore and Tirupati districts have also appealed for a holiday, citing concerns over the severe weather conditions. The authorities have already advised fishermen not to venture out to sea and have urged farmers to take necessary precautions. Chief Minister Chandrababu held a review meeting on Cyclone Fengal and alerted the administration, urging all to take necessary precautions. The weather forecaster also issued a red alert for Kerala, an orange alert for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and a yellow alert for Telangana on Monday, December 2. Telangana Weather Update The Hyderabad Meteorological Centre has issued a Yellow Alert for the districts of Mulugu, Bhadradri, Khammam, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Warangal, Hanumakonda, Janagama, and Bhupalpally in Telangana. School Closed In Tamil Nadu In Tamil Nadu, the government has also declared holidays for schools and colleges in Villupuram, Cuddalore, Vellore and Ranipet districts due to the heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal. Amid stalemate over government formation in Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Devendra Fadnavis, either together or individually, are expected to visit Delhi later in the evening. The Mahayuti coalition consisting of BJP, NCP and Shiv Sena is likely to hold a legislature party meeting on December 2 or 3. Siv Senas Shinde has returned from his native village in Satara district amid speculations over his dissatisfaction with Maharashtra government formation. (More information awaited.) Marshal Baghramyan's grandson cried to Armenian journalists about how much his family is worried about the liberation of Karabakh. He's so upset that he can't even eat. Interestingly, none of these emotional individuals, who shed tears about "how badly they were treated in Stepanakert," mention how they behaved in the 80s and 90s. It seems as though, out of nowhere, only Armenians were left in Karabakh. Magic, no other explanation. Armenians think this way themselves and try to convince others to believe it. Well, if it's magic, then why be surprised? The magically skilled armed forces of Azerbaijan have simply restored the magical balance, and that's it. Whoosh and there are no occupiers left! The Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht issued a religious punishment (known as 'tankhah') for Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday. This decision was made in response to the alleged mistakes committed by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017. Sukhbir Badal was directed to perform the role of a 'sewadar' and clean utensils and shoes at the Golden Temple in Amritsar as part of his punishment. Punishments for Sukhbir Badal The Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, delivered the verdict from the 'faseel' (podium) in Amritsar. As part of the 'tankhah', Sukhbir Badal, who was in a wheelchair due to a fractured leg, along with rebel leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, was instructed to sit outside the Golden Temple dressed as a 'sewadar' for one hour on each of two consecutive days. Furthermore, they were ordered to serve at prominent Sikh Takhts, including Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Damdama Sahib, Darbar Sahib in Muktsar, and Fatehgarh Sahib, for two days each. They were also to clean utensils and shoes at the Golden Temple for one hour, in addition to listening to 'kirtan' (Sikh hymns) during their penance. Resignation and Leadership Changes in SAD In addition to the religious punishment, Giani Raghbir Singh directed the working committee of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to accept Sukhbir Badal's resignation as party president. The committee was also instructed to organize elections for the post of SAD president and other office-bearers within the next six months. The Akal Takht Jathedar also announced the revocation of the 'Fakhre-e-Qaum' title that had been bestowed upon Sukhbir Badal's late father, former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. This title was taken away as part of the broader response to the mistakes committed by the SAD government during its tenure. Religious Punishment for Other Sikh Leaders The Akal Takht's religious punishment was not limited to Sukhbir Badal. Other Sikh leaders who served as ministers in the Akali Cabinet between 2007 and 2017 were also penalized. These included leaders such as Sucha Singh Langah, Hira Singh Gabria, Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Daljit Singh Cheema, and Gulzar Singh Ranike. As part of their punishment, they were instructed to clean washrooms at the Golden Temple for one hour, followed by cleaning utensils at the community kitchen. They were also required to listen to 'kirtan' for one hour. Sikh Leaders Admit to Mistakes Before the verdict was pronounced, Sukhbir Badal acknowledged the mistakes made during the SAD regime, which included pardoning Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a 2007 blasphemy case. This act had caused significant controversy and was one of the key reasons for the religious punishment. The decision to punish Badal came three months after he was declared 'tankhaiya' for religious misconduct by the Akal Takht. Rebel leaders such as Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and others, including Bibi Jagir Kaur, Prem Singh Chandumajra, and Surjit Singh Rakhra, were also penalized. They were directed to clean washrooms at the Golden Temple for one hour, followed by cleaning utensils. These leaders had sought forgiveness from the Akal Takht for their role in the mistakes made during the SAD rule. Context Behind the Punishment The religious punishment for Sukhbir Badal and other Sikh leaders comes after a series of blunders during the SAD government between 2007 and 2017. These included the failure to take action on the 2015 sacrilege incidents, as well as the controversial pardoning of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The Akal Takht's pronouncement of 'tankhah' was a response to the perceived misdeeds and to restore religious order within the community. With Iputs From PTI Maharashtra Politics: After the suspense of over a week, the Mahayuti alliance finally announced BJPs Devendra Fadnavis as the Chief Ministerial candidate. The Shiv Senas Eknath Shinde has showered his unconditional support to the saffron partys pick; however, the party seems adamant on retaining the home portfolio. The cabinet berths will be allocated eventually, once the CM is selected after the coalitions legislative party meeting expected on December 2 or 3. Caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is pushing for the Home Department in talks with the BJP. The move is seen as part of his strategy to negotiate a better deal in exchange for stepping down as Chief Minister. Shindes Sena validates their demand, pointing to Devendra Fadnavis tenure as Home Minister under Shindes Chief Ministership in the previous Mahayuti government. Eknath Shindes Failed Home Portfolio Bid In 2019 Eknath Shinde's fondness for the home department, the prized overseer of the police, is no secret in Shiv Sena circles. Back in 2019, when Uddhav Thackeray emerged as the chief minister of the MVA government, Shinde had his eyes firmly set on the home portfolio. But fateor rather the power-sharing pacthad other plans, handing the home ministry to the NCP and relegating Shinde to the urban development department. Fast forward to June 2022, Devendra Fadnavis swooped in, accepting the deputy chief ministers chair only if it came with the home department. Now, with Shinde poised to hand over the chief ministership to the BJP, hes back at itstaking his claim on the one department that always seems just out of reach. Reacting to the ongoing discussion over the states home ministry, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut took a jibe at the caretaker CM. Raut said, Shinde wants Home Minister's post because he wants polices salute. Using this position, he committed false crimes and created terror. Using this system, they can go ahead and take on the BJP, Zee 24 Taas reported. Why Shiv Sena Wants Maharashtra Home Ministers Chair The Home Department is considered the second most powerful position in the cabinet after the Chief Minister. It offers direct control over the police, a crucial tool for managing political rivals. The Ministry of Home Affairs monitors the internal security situation and issues advisories to states. It shares intelligence, provides manpower, financial support, and guidance. This helps states maintain security and peace without infringing on their constitutional rights. However, the Chief Minister can still exert indirect control, as key decisions require their approval, and top police and home officials report to them on critical matters. Tensions over control of the Home Department were a key source of friction between Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis during the 2022 Mahayuti government. Farooq Abdullah, after performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia, addressed the media at his party headquarters, voicing concerns about the safety and well-being of Muslims in India. Abdullah expressed his distress, saying, I prayed to God to remove the troubles and maintain brotherhood. I prayed that the current efforts to divide people based on religion should not succeed. Those working to create such divisions should not prevail. Muslims are feeling insecure in their own country, and I urge the government to put an end to this. They cannot expel 24 crore Muslims; they need to treat Muslims equally and uphold the Constitution. In response to questions about the ongoing survey of religious places, Abdullah said he was particularly concerned about the rising insecurity among Muslims and vowed to appeal to the Indian government to address these concerns and ensure their safety. Abdullah also welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon but called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza. He stressed the importance of implementing Security Council directives and allowing humanitarian aid. Additionally, Abdullah expressed support for the return of Kashmiri Pandits, stating, When I was the Chief Minister, we had made efforts to facilitate their return. No one is stopping Kashmiri Pandits from coming back; it is their choice when they wish to return. Our hearts are open to them. Hezbollah fired two missiles at Mount Dov, an area of northern Israel where the borders of Israel, Lebanon and Syria converge on Monday. The barrage was the first since a ceasefire took effect on Wednesday morning. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the barrage, calling it "a warning" to Israel. The rocket fire came as the United States and France claimed that Israel was violating the ceasefire. According to Hebrew media reports, the issue is Israeli surveillance flights over Beirut, which Washington and Paris claim breaks the ceasefire. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar responded, saying," "The opposite is true - Israel is working to enforce the agreement in response to violations by Hezbollah, which require immediate action. For example, when armed Hezbollah terrorists are identified in southern Lebanon or when an attempt is made to transfer weapons." Sa'ar warned his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot that Hezbollah must move its forces north of the Litani River or Israel would take further steps. The Israel Defense Forces on Monday confirmed carrying out airstrikes on a Hezbollah missile production facility in the Beqaa Valley and other sites in the Hermel area of the Lebanon-Syria border used for weapons smuggling. Meanwhile, IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari warned Iran not to use Syria's civil war to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah. "What is happening in Syria concerns Syria and not Israel," Hagari told Sky News Arabic, adding that Israel "will make sure that Iran does not smuggle weapons to Lebanon and Hezbollah." "Hezbollah was defeated in the campaign and it is necessary to make sure that it does not receive weapons from Iran through Syria," Hagari said. "And if they try to do it, we will act accordingly," he stressed. On Sunday night, Israeli Air Force jets forced an Iranian plane in Syrian airspace suspected of carrying weapons to turn back to Tehran. Under the terms of the agreement, Hezbollah is supposed to withdraw its armed presence from areas of southern Lebanon south of the Litani River. Israeli forces will also withdraw from southern Lebanon in stages. The Lebanese Armed Forces is to be deployed in southern Lebanon including along the 120 km border with Israel, as will monitors from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. After the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, Hezbollah began launching rockets and launching drones at northern Israel communities daily. More than 68,000 residents of northern Israel are displaced from their homes. Hezbollah leaders have repeatedly said they would continue the attacks to prevent Israelis from returning to their homes. According to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Second Lebanon War, Hezbollah is forbidden from operating in southern Lebanon south of the Litani River. 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. The Jammu and Kashmir region is witnessing a significant shift in weather patterns, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a particularly harsh winter ahead. According to the IMD, the La Nina effect is expected to impact northern India, including the plains of Punjab and Delhi, bringing cooler-than-usual sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern Pacific. This shift in weather is anticipated to affect wind circulation patterns, leading to more frequent rains and snowfall. The La Nina effect will result in lower temperatures and increased snow and rain in the Kashmir Valley, the Himalayan range, and the plains of northern India. The IMD predicts that this winter will be prolonged and particularly harsh in terms of both temperature and precipitation. As the region enters the 'Chillai Kalan' the coldest period of 40 days starting December 21 the La Nina effect will amplify the cold and precipitation in the Valley. Mukhtar Ahmad, a scientist with the IMD Kashmir, explained, Last winter, we experienced relatively warm and dry conditions throughout Jammu and Kashmir due to the El Nino effect. This year, however, global agencies have predicted the La Nina effect, which typically brings a harsh winter with further temperature dips and increased snowfall. The western Himalayan region will be particularly impacted. In recent years, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced reduced snowfall and rainfall due to the El Nino effect, which led to the melting of glaciers and a significant water deficit. The shift from El Nino to La Nina, which results in unpredictable weather, is attributed to global warming. The IMD warns that these unpredictable weather patterns will increase over time. Mukhtar Ahmad further noted, Extreme temperature variations, such as severe winter dips and high summer temperatures, alongside disruptions in precipitation, will become more common. The western Himalayan region is expected to experience the brunt of these changes this year. Authorities in the Kashmir Valley are preparing for a tough winter and have put resources on alert to manage any sudden weather changes. La Nina, a natural climate phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, is characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. The IMD has stated that La Nina is expected to strengthen as winter progresses, bringing with it more intense cold and frequent precipitation in Jammu and Kashmir and northern India. The Korea-India Business Partnership Forum, held on November 22, 2024, in New Delhi, was a landmark event celebrating the 51st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and India. With over 600 attendees, the forum brought together business leaders, government officials, and cultural figures from both countries to discuss new opportunities for collaboration. The focus was on strengthening bilateral trade ties and exploring areas of mutual growth, including manufacturing, infrastructure, and finance. Co-hosted by the Herald Media Group, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the forum served as a platform for high-level discussions on how both nations can build on their existing economic ties. In his speech, Herald Media Group Chairman Jung Won-ju emphasized the growing opportunities for cooperation, particularly as India sets its sights on becoming the worlds third-largest economy by 2030. He underscored the significance of aligning both nations strengths to achieve shared economic prosperity. A notable moment during the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Herald Media Group and Indias Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME). This agreement aims to foster deeper cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both countries. By facilitating collaboration on trade, innovation, and business development, the MoU opens up new pathways for growth, especially for Indias burgeoning SME sector, which plays a crucial role in driving the countrys economy. Several industry leaders shared valuable insights on Indias rapidly expanding market and the role it plays in driving global economic growth. Chun Sang-pil, Senior Vice President of Samsung Electronics South Asia, discussed how Indias growing market and skilled workforce are integral to Samsungs operations in the region. Samsung has been a pioneer in utilizing Indias strategic position within global supply chains, with its mobile manufacturing facility in Noida being one of the largest in the world. Tarun Garg, Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor India, also shared his companys successful journey in the Indian market. He highlighted how Hyundai has become a leader in Indias automobile sector by focusing on innovation, meeting local needs, and building strong relationships with Indian consumers. Hyundais continued success in India exemplifies the potential for international companies to thrive in this dynamic market. Shrinivas Khanolkar, Chief Marketing Officer of Mirae Asset India, addressed the growing opportunities in Indias financial sector. He noted that Indias expanding middle class, along with its technological innovations, creates fertile ground for investment in areas such as mobile securities and wealth management. Khanolkar emphasized that Indias market is ripe for further international investment, with the countrys economic growth and technological infrastructure providing strong returns for investors. The forum also coincided with the Korea-India Industrial Exhibition (KoINDEX), which attracted over 100,000 visitors from across the globe. The exhibition provided a detailed look at the latest developments in manufacturing, construction, and finance, underscoring the robust economic cooperation between India and Korea. It also offered a platform for companies to showcase their innovations and explore future collaborations. The event concluded with the presentation of awards to individuals such as Anushka Sen, who was recognized for her contributions to cultural exchange between the two nations. This acknowledgement highlighted the importance of not only fostering economic relations but also nurturing cultural ties between India and Korea. In conclusion, the Korea-India Business Partnership Forum was a resounding success, marking a new chapter in the economic relations between the two countries. The discussions and agreements reached during the event promise a future filled with potential and cooperation, laying the foundation for continued growth and mutual prosperity. (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.) Devendra Fadnavis has been finalised as the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra, a senior BJP leader confirmed late Sunday. Fadnavis will be elected as the legislature party leader in a meeting scheduled for December 2 or 3. Outgoing Chief Minister Eknath Shinde earlier announced his support for the BJP's choice of the new CM; however, he seemingly dodged the questions over the contentious Home portfolio. Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde is pushing for the Home Department as part of his deal with the BJP after giving up the CM post. Shinde's interest in the portfolio, which oversees the police, is well known in Shiv Sena circles. In 2019, when Uddhav Thackeray became CM of the MVA government, Shinde had expressed his desire for the Home Minister post, but he had to compromise it then. Maharashtra Government Potboiler Over a week after the Mahayuti's landslide win in Maharashtra, the new government is yet to take office. The BJP won 132 seats, emerging as the single largest party. The swearing-in ceremony is set for December 5 at Mumbais Azad Maidan, with PM Modi attending. The BJP is treading carefully amid rising demands from allies, especially the Shiv Sena, after the victory. Who Will Get Maharashtras Home Ministry Amid speculation over his son Shrikant Shinde becoming Deputy CM and Shiv Sena eyeing the home portfolio, Eknath Shinde said the Mahayuti alliesBJP, NCP, and Shiv Senawill decide government formation through consensus. On the Deputy CM post and the home portfolio, Shinde confirmed, "Talks are on." The BJP is yet to hold its legislature party meeting to select its chief ministerial candidate. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena and NCP have chosen Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as their legislature party leaders. A senior Mahayuti leader said allies will decide if only the CM and Deputy CMs will take oath on December 5 or if ministers will also be sworn in. Eknath Shinde arrived in Thane on Sunday afternoon as uncertainty looms over the BJP legislature party meeting. Despite the oath-taking ceremony just four days away, the meeting's schedule remains unclear. A BJP leader said MLAs have not yet been informed of the timing, though party leaders earlier stated it would take place on December 2. (With PTI inputs) The Narendra Modi government and the opposition parties on Monday reached an agreement to hold a discussion on the Constitution to mark its 75th year of adoption. The discussion will take place on Dec 16, 17, informed Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. The minister said that the Lok Sabha to take up a discussion on the Constitution on Dec 13, 14. This comes as a major relief with the Parliament deadlock likely to end now. The Samajwadi Party might be permitted to bring up the Sambhal issue and the Trinamool Congress-related developments in Bangladesh during the Lok Sabha session, reported PTI earlier today. The opposition has sought an official declaration of dates for a discussion on the Constitution before consenting to the resumption of normal parliamentary proceedings. "Today, a meeting of all-party Floor Leaders was held with Speaker (Om Birla) today. Since a few days there has been a deadlock in the Parliament, everyone has expressed their concerns over it. We too said that all elected representatives come to the Parliament of India to express their views and the non-function of Parliament for several days now is not good. Everyone accepted this. Several demands have been made by the Opposition. There was a proposal before Business Advisory Committee to have a discussion on Constitution. Government has approved that. On 13-14 December, we will hold discussion on Constitution. The discussion would first be held in Lok Sabha...On 16-17 December, discussion will be held in Rajya Sabha," said Rijiju addressing the media. The Parliamentary affairs minister also said that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla asked MPs to raise issue of their concern by following the rule. "You can submit a notice for it but creating a ruckus in Parliament and obstructing the functioning is not good," the Speaker told the floor leaders, informed Rijiju. "It is good that everyone has accepted that discussions will be held from tomorrow. We will pass the first Bill tomorrow after discussions in Lok Sabha. In Rajya Sabha too, Listed Business will be passed. I appeal once again to all Opposition MPs and Leaders that all agreements that have happened today - we should run the Parliament smoothly...Starting tomorrow, the Parliament will function smoothly - such an agreement has been made. I am hopeful that this will happen..." said the Parliamenatry affairs minister. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a warning of significant rainfall in Kerala due to cyclone Fengal, currently positioned as a strong low-pressure area over northern Tamil Nadu. The system is expected to intensify as it moves towards the Arabian Sea, passing over northern Kerala and Karnataka by December 3, the IMD said. Kerala is forecast to experience light to moderate rain across most regions on Monday, with isolated areas likely to receive very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, it added. On Tuesday, heavy to very heavy rain is anticipated in the northern and central parts of the state. Intermittent light to moderate rain with occasional thunderstorms is expected to persist over the next five days, IMD said. Red alerts have been issued for five northern districts--Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram--on Monday. Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts are under an orange alert, while Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta are on a yellow alert. Officials said that an NDRF team is on standby, as a red alert has been issued in Wayanad. They said that there are five NDRF teams in Kerala. Two teams have been deployed in Sabarimala, with one team each in the Pathanamthitta and Thrissur districts. State Revenue Minister K Rajan urged residents to stay vigilant as rainfall is likely to intensify in northern Kerala. According to the IMD, a red alert signifies extremely heavy rain exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours, an orange alert indicates very heavy rain between 11 cm and 20 cm, and a yellow alert warns of heavy rain ranging from 6 cm to 11 cm. Authorities have issued a warning against fishing on the Kerala coast on December 2 and 3, the southern Karnataka coast on December 2, the Karnataka coast on December 3, and in the Lakshadweep region from December 3 to 5. Due to heavy rainfall and increased inflow into the Pazhassi Reservoir in Kannur district, the dam's shutters will be opened at 8 am on Tuesday to release excess water, according to the Executive Engineer of the Pazhassi Irrigation Project Division. Residents downstream have been advised to stay alert. Following the rainfall, three relief camps have been opened in Kottayam district. One camp has been set up in Changanassery Taluk, and two camps in Kottayam Taluk. A total of 71 people from 22 families are currently residing in the three camps, officials said. The district administrations in Kasaragod and Thrissur have declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, tuition centres, anganwadis, and madrasas, on Tuesday. However, model residential schools will remain open, the administration clarified. The Kasaragod District Collector has announced that the holiday will not apply to pre-scheduled examinations. The Thrissur District Collector said the holiday will not apply to the Revenue District School Arts Festival or residential educational institutions. Earlier on Monday, similar holidays were declared for educational institutions, including professional colleges and anganwadis, in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kottayam, and Wayanad districts. Farmers' Protest: Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) leader Sukhbir Khalifa announced a march to the Parliament complex on Monday. The farmers aim to demand compensation and benefits under the new farm laws. Security has been tightened, and routes in Delhi-NCR have been diverted. The march set to begin from 12 pm from Mahamaya flyover will move towards Delhi on foot and tractors to demand compensation and benefits under the new agricultural laws. Meanwhile, other Farmer groups, including Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political), plan marches to Delhi. Their foot march begins on December 6. Farmers from 20 districts, including Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, and Agra, will join Monday's march to Delhi. However, Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyan Singh Rana has criticised the march to Delhi, claiming that the farmers have no legitimate issues. What Are The Protesting Farmers' Demands The five demands include allocating 10% of plots and increasing compensation by 64.7% under the old land acquisition law. Farmers also want compensation to be four times the market rate and 20% of plots to be given for land acquired after January 1, 2014. They are also demanding job and rehabilitation benefits for children of landless farmers. Additionally, they want the government to act on the High Power Committees recommendations and ensure proper settlement of populated areas. Farmers March: Traffic Changes And Diversions Visuals revealed long queues of vehicles at the Chilla border and Delhi-Noida Direct (DND) flyover. Heavy security deployment and police barricading caused major traffic disruptions. A video by ANI showed cars crawling at the Chilla border. Traffic on the DND flyover appeared gridlocked, with vehicles stuck across at least 10 lanes. #WATCH | Noida, Uttar Pradesh: Massive traffic snarl at DND flyway as farmers from Uttar Pradesh are on a march towards Delhi starting today. pic.twitter.com/HPVgEiRQUV ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2024 Barriers have been set up at the Noida-Delhi borders, with increased security checks. Police Commissioner Shivhari Meena confirmed the deployment of additional police forces at Chilla, DND Border, and Mahamaya Flyover. Multiple checkpoints will be placed on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. Vehicles from Chilla Border to Greater Noida will be diverted via Sector 14A flyover. Traffic from DND border to Delhi will be rerouted through the Filmcity flyover in Sector 18. Vehicles from Kalindi Border will take the Mahamaya flyover via Sector 37. Vehicles traveling from Greater Noida towards Delhi will be redirected via Kalindi Kunj from the Charkha roundabout. Vehicles heading from Greater Noida to Delhi will use the Hajipur underpass towards Kalindi Kunj, or travel from Sector 51 to Sector 60. Traffic towards Delhi will also be diverted via Sirsa and Parichowk, with exits at the Peripheral Expressway for Dadri and Dasna. Goods vehicles will be restricted on the route from Yamuna Expressway to Delhi via the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and from Sirsa to Surajpur via Pari Chowk. Metro and Helpline Assistance The police have advised commuters to use Metro services to avoid traffic congestion. To assist travelers, Noida authorities have set up a traffic helpline at 9971009001 for updates and guidance. Uttarakhand is home to breathtaking mountains, clear lakes, and lovely valleys, making it a fantastic choice for couples who want to have their wedding in a beautiful and unique setting. If youre imagining a destination wedding that feels like a getaway to another country, check out these five lovely spots in Uttarakhand that will make your special day feel like a fairytale. 1. Nainital - The Lake Paradise of India Nainital, with its beautiful lake and lush green surroundings, is a perfect spot for a dreamy destination wedding. Picture yourself saying your vows next to Naini Lake, with its calm waters sparkling under the mountains. The nearby hills, thick forests, and colonial-style buildings create a lovely mix of nature and charm. For something special, consider getting married at a venue with a lake view or having a cozy ceremony in one of the heritage resorts or private estates. 2. Auli - The Winter Wonderland Auli is known for its snowy slopes and breathtaking views of the Himalayas, making it a wonderful choice for couples dreaming of a winter wedding or a wedding surrounded by snowy mountains. The winter wonderland feels almost magical, reminiscent of an exotic European location. Auli is perfect for adventurous couples ready to tie the knot with stunning peaks like Nanda Devi and Mana Parvat as their backdrop. 3. Rishikesh - A Peaceful and Spiritual Retreat Rishikesh is a fantastic place for couples who want to mix spirituality with beauty. Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, it offers a calm vibe along the banks of the Ganges River, all set against the majestic Himalayas. A riverside wedding lit by soft lamps with the gentle sound of flowing water can create a truly magical atmosphere. There are luxurious resorts with beautiful river views, perfect for both intimate and larger weddings. 4. Corbett National Park - A Unique Wildlife Wedding For nature and wildlife lovers, Jim Corbett National Park provides a one-of-a-kind and luxurious wedding experience. Imagine exchanging vows in a chic jungle resort, surrounded by the vibrant nature of the park. The lush greenery and the chance to enjoy a safari before or after the wedding add an element of adventure. The resorts here combine comfort, nature, and stunning views to create an unforgettable setting for your wedding. 5. Kausani - The Scenic Hill Station Often called the "Switzerland of India," Kausani is an enchanting hill station famous for its sweeping views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, green forests, and beautiful tea gardens. This quiet and untouched location is a tranquil spot for a destination wedding. Kausani's peaceful atmosphere and romantic mountain backdrop give a truly special feel for a wedding that resembles a European escape. Uttarakhand is filled with stunning natural beauty, offering everything from snowy mountains and lush valleys to tranquil lakes and riverside venues. Whether you dream of a lakeside wedding in Nainital, a snowy celebration in Auli, or a serene ceremony by the Ganges in Rishikesh, these five enchanting locations in Uttarakhand will give you the feeling of a destination wedding abroad, while still embracing the genuine charm of Indias lovely landscapes. So, if you're planning for a magical and memorable wedding, keep Uttarakhand in mind! New Delhi: Massive traffic snarls caused inconvenience to commuters crossing the Delhi-Noida border on Monday as police set up multiple barricades in view of the farmers' protest march towards the national capital. A senior police officer said checking was underway at the borders and drones were being used for surveillance. Additional Commissioner of Police (east) Sagar Singh Kalsi said, "We have made adequate arrangements in east Delhi borders and have taken all precautionary measures, including anti-riot equipment. We are using drones for vigilance and are also coordinating with traffic police for smooth vehicular movement in the area." Joint Commissioner of Police (southern range) SK Jain said they are also coordinating with the Noida Police. "We have two key borders in the southeast district -- the DND border and Kalindi Kunj. Since there is section 163 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) imposed in the New Delhi area and also Parliament is in session, protests without permission are strictly prohibited. "To manage this, we have increased security at both the borders. Proper barricades, jersey barriers and hydra cranes have been deployed. We will stop those who will try to enter forcefully," he stated. Currently, the situation at the border is normal and traffic movement is underway, Jain added. Aprajita Singh, a resident of Greater Noida, said the barricades put up at the Chilla border were causing major inconvenience to commuters. "It took me about an hour to get through that stretch. The police set up barricades on both sides of the Delhi-Noida border, causing significant traffic congestion, especially on the carriageway heading from Noida to Delhi," she said. Another commuter, Amit Thakur of Noida, said he took the metro instead of his car to get to work. "When I checked the traffic situation before heading to my office in central Delhi, it showed heavy congestion near the Chilla border, adding an extra hour of travel time. So, I decided to take the metro instead," he said. Several Indian passengers of a Manchester-bound Gulf Air flight were stranded at the Kuwait airport for nearly 20 hours and flown out of the city to their destination on Monday morning. The Gulf Air flight from Bahrain to Manchester was diverted to Kuwait due to a technical glitch. Gulf Air GF5 took off from Bahrain at 2.05 am local time on December 1 but a snag forced the plane to land in Kuwait at 4:01 am, as per reports. With several passengers complaining that they had been stranded at the airport for many hours, the Indian embassy in Kuwait took up the matter with Gulf Air, according to social media posts. In a series of posts on X, the embassy said its team reached the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline. Passengers were accommodated in two airport lounges. Food and water were made available for the stranded passengers at the lounges, as per the embassy. "Gulf Air flight to Manchester finally departed at 0434 hours today carrying stranded Indian passengers among others. The embassy team was on the ground till the flight departed," the embassy said in a post. A stranded passenger, on Sunday, took to X, alleging that Indian passengers were left without help. Arzoo Singh, a passenger, told NDTV that they asked for lounge access at least, but the airport authorities did not get back. "They said 'if you're entitled passport holders, and Indians and Pakistanis are not entitled passport holders', they literally told us if you're entitled for a transit visa, only then we can put you in a hotel outside," she said said. "We asked them what about us, people who are not 'entitled' as you say? They said we will get back to you. We ran behind them for nearly two hours, only after that we got lounge access. We asked for blankets, we asked for food. They didn't give. No one even gave us water for the first four hours," she added. She said there were some 60 passengers, but there was no confirmation on the number from the airline. Mumbai: Bollywood actress Ananya Pandays rumoured beau Walker Blanco cheered for her as she won an award for her work in the film Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. Blanco took to his Instagram story section, where he shared a picture of the actress holding the award. He captioned it with a red heart and clapping emoji. Ananya re-shared the story and wrote Walkieee" with a blushing emoji. This is not the first time that Blanco, a former model from Chicago, cheered for the actress. On her birthday in October, he took to his Instagram and shared a sweet note, featuring a photo of the actress. In the image, Ananya was seen smiling with her hand resting on her head. He captioned the post back then: Happy birthday beautiful. You are so special. I love you Anniee!" The message caught fire on social media as everyone speculated about their relationship status. It was in August, when the chatter about Ananyas relationship with Blanco started doing the rounds on social media. The two had reportedly met during a pre-wedding festivities, where the actress reportedly referred to Blanco as her partner. Ananya, who was previously reported to be dating Bollywood actor Aditya Roy Kapur, was last seen in the screenlife thriller film directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. It also stars Vihaan Samat. It premiered on Netflix on 4 October 2024. It was last month, when it was announced that the actress and Lakshya Lalwani, who made his film debut with Kill, will be seen sharing screen space together in the upcoming romantic movie Chand Mera Dil. Ananya and Lakshya took to their respective Instagram handles, where they shared several posters from the upcoming movie, which hinted that the movie is all about love. The two captioned the post: Pyaar mein thoda paagal hona hi padta hai Chand Mera Dil, directed by Vivek Soni. Coming to cinemas in 2025. @lakshya @karanjohar @adarpoonawalla @apoorva1972 @somenmishra @vivek.sonni @marijkedesouza @paranjapetushar @dharmamovies. The film, which will release in 2025, is directed by Vivek Soni, who has previously made Meenakshi Sundareshwar, starring Sanya Malhotra and Abhimanyu Dassani in 2021. New Delhi: Babil Khan, celebrated for his captivating debut performance, marks the second anniversary of his first film, Qala, today. The actor took to social media to reflect on his journey and express his gratitude for being part of the cinematic masterpiece, which continues to resonate with audiences. Directed by Anvita Dutt, Qala was praised for its unique blend of art, music, and compelling storytelling, with Babils portrayal of Jagan garnering widespread acclaim. In his heartfelt note, Babil shared, Im extremely grateful to Anvita Ma'am for making me a part of a film as beautiful as Qala. It was an overwhelming experience to be a part of this stunning amalgamation of art, music, and storytelling. The process of building a connection with my character, Jagan, is close to my heart, and it will always hold a special place as my first performance in Bollywood. I feel privileged to have been part of such an authentic and remarkable cinematic journey. Qala, which also starred Triptii Dimri, earned recognition for its stunning narrative and performances, propelling Babil into the spotlight. Since then, the actor has continued to impress audiences with his roles in Friday Night Plan and The Railway Men. Looking ahead, Babils career shows no signs of slowing down. He is set to appear in the upcoming film Log Out, directed by Amit Golani, which will have its premiere at the Mar del Plata International Film Festival in Argentina. With more exciting projects on the horizon, Babil Khan is undoubtedly a talent to watch. Mumbai: Sobhita Dhulipala looks like an absolute goddess as she gears up to marry Naga Chaitanya. The actress recently shared breathtaking pictures from her Pelli Kuthuru (bridal ceremony), giving fans a glimpse into the joyous and traditional pre-wedding festivities. Draped in a stunning silk saree with gold and maroon hues, Sobhita exuded grace and poise. She accessorised with traditional South Indian jewellery, including a striking choker, layered necklaces, and temple-style earrings, while jasmine flowers adorned her neatly tied hair. Her natural, glowing makeup highlighted her radiant charm, leaving fans mesmerised. In her post, Sobhita expressed her excitement for this new phase in her life, writing, Pelli Kuthuru. The Pelli Kuthuru ceremony is a key ritual in Telugu weddings, celebrating the brides transition into married life. The intimate gathering was held with close family and friends, featuring floral decorations. Sobhitas post was met with a flood of congratulatory messages from fans. One fan wrote, You look like a dream! while another commented, This is what royalty looks like. Sobhita and Naga Chaitanyas New Chapter Sobhita and Naga Chaitanya officially confirmed their relationship by sharing their engagement pictures on August 8, 2024. Months later, they are all set to get married in the typical Telugu way. New Delhi: The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has said that employees who are quitting their jobs are not required to have a new UAN (Universal Account Number). "Critical Information! Employees are not required to generate a new UAN when leaving their old employment. A member cannot have more than one UAN. There is no requirement for having a fresh UAN at all, in any case of unemployment or change of employment," the EPFO has tweeted. Every employee of an organization with an active PF account is alloted a UAN. Retirement fund body EPFO has made Universal Account Number (UAN) mandatory for all employers covered under the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1952. With UAN you can you can easily access your PF profile and download online passbook, request for transfer and change. To avail these benefits you must create login by visiting UAN Homepage. Here is how to Generate Direct UAN via EPFO Portal Visit this official EPFO link https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/ On the right hand side, click on Direct UAN Allotment by Employees Provide your Aadhaar linked mobile and enter Captcha and click on Generate OTP Enter OTP recieved on Aadhaar linked moile and click on Submit button Now select YES for "Are you employed in any private company/factory/establishment. If NO is selected, system will redirect you to the home page Now select the appropriate EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY from the drop down list If EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY is selected as "In the establishment/company/factory" covered under EPFO, system will prompt for PF Code number, otherwise system will prompt to entre the details of the establishment System will display the details fo establishment. Now you will have to enter date of joining and select the IDENTITY PROOOF TYPE and upload the copy of the "Identity Proof Type" selected Now enter your Aadhaar or virtual ID and captcha and click on generate OTP Submit the OTP recieved on your phone System will fetch the details from UIDAI. Now click on REGISTER button Your UAN will now be generated UAN will be recieved on your Mobile phone also New Delhi: The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has intervened and come to the rescue of around 60 Indian passengers travelling via a flight from Mumbai to England's Manchester, who got stranded at Kuwait airport for 13 hours after their Gulf Air flight made an emergency landing. The passengers also complained of severe problems, including not getting "food or help". The Indian embassy in Kuwait said on Sunday in a post on X that they immediately took up the matter with Gulf Air and also clarified the visa rule in Kuwait for Indians. The ordeal of the passengers started after their flight made an emergency landing following an engine fire incident. A chaotic video surfaced on social media showing the passengers of Gulf Air arguing with the airport authorities. The passengers alleged they were harassed and only flyers from the European Union, the UK, and the US were given accommodation by the airline. They alleged bias and harassment against those holding Indian, Pakistani, and other Southeast Asian nation passports. The Indian embassy in Kuwait in the post on X said a team from the embassy is at the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline, adding passengers have been accommodated in two airport lounges. "Efforts are being made to accommodate passengers in the airport hotel which is currently unavailable due to the ongoing GCC Summit. It may be noted that Indian nationals do not fall under visa on arrival facility in Kuwait. All government offices are closed today due to the GCC Summit being hosted by Kuwait," it said. Passengers said their flight took a U-turn before it landed in Kuwait. They said the announcement of the flight diversion came 20 minutes before landing. Gulf Air has not given a statement on the matter yet. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a post on X that the passengers have been accommodated in two airport lounges as of now, as the airport hotel is unavailable due to the ongoing GCC Summit. "Food and water is available for the stranded passengers at the lounges," it said. The embassy further said that Gulf Air had informed that the flight for the stranded passengers to Manchester had been scheduled for 3.30 a.m. on Monday. Dhaka: Bangladesh's High Court on Sunday acquitted former prime minister Khaleda Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, and 48 others, overturning their verdicts in a deadly 2004 grenade attack on a political rally. The ruling comes at a critical time as the South Asian country suffers political tension after longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country to India in August following a mass uprising that left hundreds dead. Rahman serves as the acting chairperson of Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party while in self-exile in London, and could become Bangladesh's next leader if his party is voted into power. Rahman and the 48 others were found guilty in 2018 in the attack targeting a rally held by supporters of Hasina, who led the opposition at the time, leaving two dozen people dead and wounding about 300 others. A court sentenced 19 of them to death while Rahman got life in prison, with Zia's party accusing the ruling counterpart of being politically motivated. A two-member judge panel scrapped Sunday the entire 2018 ruling for all 49 men, following an appeal lodged by the defendants. Shishir Monir, a defence lawyer, told reporters the court declared the trial and verdict illegal. As a result, all defendants have been acquitted, he said. Zia, who ruled the country as prime minister between 2001-2006, and Hasina are the country's most powerful politicians and longtime rivals. Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus has been the country's interim leader since Hasina left, but authorities have been struggling to enforce order amid mob justice, chaos and claims of systematic targeting of minority groups, particularly Hindus, which Yunus said are "exaggerated." Hasina's Awami League party blasted the court ruling in a Facebook post on Sunday, saying it wasn't Yunus' Kangaroo court" and that the people of Bangladesh would be the ones trying those responsible for the attacks. Zia's party welcomed Sunday's ruling. The attorney general's office can appeal the ruling in the Supreme Court. The Yunus-led government has not declared any timeframe for the next election, but Rahman and his party want the new election sometime soon. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami party, which shared power with Zia's party in 2001-2006 with important portfolios in the Cabinet, said it wants to allow the Yunus-led government to stay in power to bring in reforms in various sectors before a new election. Hasina faces charges of crimes against humanity for deaths during the summer's student-led uprising. The interim government has sought help from Interpol to arrest Hasina. It is not clear if India will respond to any request from Bangladesh for Hasina's extradition under a mutual treaty. US President-elect Donald Trump chose his family for his administration, on Sunday, he announced that he would appoint Massad Boulos, a Lebanese billionaire and the father-in-law of his daughter Tiffany Trump, as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Trump praised Boulos as an accomplished lawyer and respected business leader with extensive international experience. He emphasised Boulos' long-standing enduring support for Republican and conservative values, as well as his key role in building strong relationships with the Arab American community during the campaign. "I am proud to announce that Massad Boulos will serve as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Massad is an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the International scene. He has been a longtime proponent of Republican and Conservative values, an asset to my Campaign, and was instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American Community," Trump said in a social media post on Truth Social, as per ANI reports. "Massad is a dealmaker and an unwavering supporter of PEACE in the Middle East. He will be a strong advocate for the United States, and its interests, and I am pleased to have him on our team!" Trump said in a social media post on Truth Social. According to The Hill, this appointment reflects a broader pattern of family ties in Trump's administration. Trump had previously announced the nomination of Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France. (With ANI inputs) Kathmandu: The Nepal government has accepted projects worth USD 20 million as grant assistance from China ahead of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's first official visit to the country after assuming office for the fourth time. Minister for Information and Communication Prithvi Subba Gurung talking to media persons on Sunday said the Council of Ministers meeting wished for the success of the prime minister's China visit and also decided to accept projects worth USD 20 million equivalent to Nepalese Rs 2.70 billion as grant assistance from China. Besides, the Cabinet also decided to accept 300 million Chinese Yuan (USD 4.13 million approximately) equivalent to Nepalese Rs 5.60 billion worth projects proposed by the government of China, according to government spokesperson Gurung. During Oli's China visit, various projects including Tokha-Khahare Tunnel Road, Special Economic Zone construction at Corala border point of Mustang, road construction at Kimathanka of Shankhuwasabha, feasibility study of railway line in Rasuwagadhi, expansion of Kathmandu Ring Road second phase, starting bone marrow service at Chitawan Cancel Hospital will be discussed, Gurung said. Oli on Monday embarked on a four-day official visit to China, his maiden trip to any neighbouring country in this term, during which he is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on various issues of mutual interest. Oli is visiting Beijing at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here said. With the visit, Oli broke with the usual practice by Nepali prime ministers making India their first destination in the neighbourhood after assuming charge, except former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who visited China ahead of India in 2008. Days after India expressed its concern over atrocities against minorities including Hindus in Bangladesh, the neighbouring country's interim leader Muhammad Yunus launched a scathing attack against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while dismissing the reports of the atrocities. Yunus termed the media reports of attacks against Hindus baseless and devoid of facts. Much of whats being said about this issue is propaganda and not based on facts," Yunus told Nikkei Asia. The interim leader also asked Indian journalists to visit Bangladesh to investigate these claims and report the reality. The Indian government has raised concerns over the safety of minority Hindus in Bangladesh following reports of attacks on their homes, businesses, and temples. New Delhi has urged Dhaka to take concrete steps to protect its Hindu community and ensure their security. Yunus also criticised Hasina alleging that the former PM destroyed everything. Hasina faces charges of crimes against humanity for deaths during the summer's student-led uprising. The interim government has sought help from Interpol to arrest Hasina. He pledged to hold general elections in Bangladesh ushering in constitutional and judicial reforms, including an electoral overhaul. "We need comprehensive reforms in the economy, governance, bureaucracy and judiciary," said the 84-year-old Nobel laureate. Yunus also hailed China saying that Beijing is a 'friend'. He said that China is supporting Bangladesh in various ways including from building roads and power plants to seaports. On Sunday, Bangladesh's High Court overturned the convictions of Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, along with 48 others, in connection with a deadly grenade attack on a political rally in 2004. The acquittal comes at a pivotal moment as Bangladesh grapples with heightened political tensions, following the exile of longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in August after a mass uprising that claimed hundreds of lives. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami party, which shared power with Zia's party in 2001-2006 with important portfolios in the Cabinet, said it wants to allow the Yunus-led government to stay in power to bring in reforms in various sectors before a new election. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Azernews reports, citing Turkiye's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was reported that the state officials of the two countries exchanged views on the recent situation in Ukraine and the South Caucasus. The latest situation in Syria was mainly discussed in the telephone conversation. Minister Fidan said that his country is against any event that will increase instability in the region, and in this context, supports the reduction of tension in Syria. Noting the importance of the conclusion of the political process between the authorities and the opposition in order to establish peace and tranquility in Syria, Fidan stressed that they will never allow any terrorist activity against civilians. The minister also stressed the need for the continuity of the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, the immediate restoration of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the region. Nathan Moran has arguably the coolest job in Cabarrus County literally. As an ice sculptor and owner of Artisan Ice Sculptures in Concord, at 1009 Central Drive, Moran and his team create beautiful and elaborate sculptures for all kinds of events, from birthdays and corporate functions to tree-lighting festivals and even funerals. From birth until death and all the events in between, Moran, 41, told The Independent Tribune about the scope of his business. He also performs live demonstrations, which always draws large crowds. Using ice blocks, each one is 20-inches wide, 40-inches tall and 10-inches thick, Moran can produce all sorts of neat concepts, from small tabletop centerpieces and ice luges to 10-foot long displays. In March 2015, for example, Moran crafted a massive 20-foot-long by 10-foot tall honeycombed sculpture to celebrate the opening of Fury 325 at Carowinds, which is the tallest, fastest, longest giga coaster in North America. The biggest thing for me is just the wow factor, Moran said. There are so many people that have never seen an ice sculpture, that they can never really quite understand it until they are in the room with it. While Artisan Ice, which also produces various shapes of ice to be used in cocktails, might not be well known to the broader public, it is certainly a recognized brand within the ice sculpting community. The business generates about 500 orders per year, at least one-fourth of which typically occur in November and December. Moran estimates he has at least 25 sculptures that will go out next week. Artisan Ice makes most of the ice, around 80%, in-house, with one block of ice taking roughly four days to make. The business produces about 48 blocks of ice each week, which adds up to around 1,900 blocks of ice each year much of which is shipped across the southeastern part of the country. We move a lot of ice, said Austin Arnder, Artisan Ices director of operations. Getting into the ice-making business Moran never intended to get into ice sculpting. A native of Florida, which is not exactly the ideal climate for such a craft, Moran planned to become a chef. He first discovered his passion for ice sculpting while studying at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando, in 2003, when he saw a few demonstrations and was quickly hooked. (Ice sculpting is relevant to the culinary world through garde manger, a French term that refers to the chef who manages cold food preparation and presentation, as well as the area where those foods are prepared.) I thought, Man, this is really, really cool, Moran said. During an internship at The Naples Yacht Club, Moran trained with a chef, Travis Dale, who was also a certified master ice carver. Shortly after graduation in 2005, Moran moved to North Carolina where, following a short stint working at a country club in Mooresville, he pivoted away from his career as a chef. He began working for Ice Sensations, where Moran refined his sculpting skills and learned more about the ins and outs of the ice sculpting business. Moran left Ice Sensations following the 2007 recession; a few years later, in 2010, he launched Ice By PreMo in 2010 from his garage in Huntersville. Within a few months, Moran found himself competing not just against Ice Sensations but also Artisan Ice Sculptures, which his former mentor, Travis Dale, opened. We had three businesses all in this area, Moran said. It was kind of a pretty major competition there for a while. Eventually, Artisan Ice bought out Ice Sensations and in 2017, after being contacted by Dale, Moran purchased Artisan Ice. He merged his business with the new one while keeping the Artisan Ice name. He moved the merged business to Concord in 2021. We love being here in this location, Moran said. I love being a part of the community in which I live. My ultimate satisfaction Artisan Ice Sculptures is a fairly small shop, as Moran employs eight workers, including two who are being trained as ice sculptors. You take them under your wing and teach them all the little secrets that you know, Moran said. The ice blocks, which weigh about 300 pounds, are produced by clinebell ice machines, which use a system that freezes water from the bottom up. After the ice blocks form, workers harvest them and run them through a band saw before storing them in the freezer for at least 24 hours. The real magic occurs when Moran, armed with his chain saw and chisels, transforms the blocks of ice into works of art, whether it be an animal, like a swan, or wedding decor, like a nine-foot cactus. He takes, on average, at least two hours to complete most of the three-dimensional sculptures. Most of the sculptures are completed in-house inside the freezer, which is often littered with ice shavings. Moran has taken part in many ice-sculpting competitions, going up against the worlds finest carvers in places as far away as Alaska. More than anything, his love for the craft is rooted in creating memorable sculptures that people will enjoy, even if they only last for a few hours. The impermanence of each piece is part of the magic. My favorite part is being able to use my hands to make something from nothing, Moran said. To be able to turn raw material into something with my hands thats my ultimate satisfaction. For more information, people can check out the website http://artisanicesculptures.com/. Sydney-headquartered customer experience and digital transformation company, Customer Science Group, has celebrated its tenth anniversary since the company was founded riding a wave of strong year-on-year growth and signing multi-year customer contracts for digital and customer experience consulting and solutions deployments. From the outset, Customer Science Groups approach to innovation has been deeply set in customer-centric innovation, delivering best-in-class customer and digital experience solutions that optimise processes as well as support modernisation and continuous improvement. Established in 2014 by its current CEO, Todd Gorsuch, the Australian technology service consulting company initially won its first contract with Service New South Wales where it supported the design of the contact centre, onboarding of agencies and digital programs of work. Further growth in the intervening years resulted from the signing of new contracts as well as strategic acquisitions, including Doll Martin Associates in 2019, Reveal Group in 2023 and Value Management Consulting in 2024. These added deep data management, governance and security capabilities as well as new digital and customer experience consulting capabilities in distinct markets, including but not limited to health and aged care. Two years ago, Customer Science Group merged with UCA, a provider of real-time contact centre analytics and reporting products, adding deep technical architecture and consulting skills to further support the delivery of world-leading contact centre technology. Earlier this year, the company launched an AI Accelerator Program designed to help organisations prove the value of AI, safely, rapidly and with minimum friction, while providing learning and tools for the adoption and scalable AI. Today, the company counts more than 230 companies on its customer roster across enterprise, government, SME and start-up enterprises. It also works with more than 50 industry partners to support service experience across the country helping in turn to improve safety, health, welfare, economic outcomes, and organisational competitiveness. Supporting its customers and industry partners is a team of 60 consultants and contractors nationwide. This talented team helps with every corner of a service transformation project with roles including project, research, design, strategy, service operations, technology, developers, support, management consulting, and product experts. Combined, they ensure that any project can go from a vision to reality and benefits. In the past year alone, Customer Science Group has experienced 50 per cent year on year growth accelerating revenue to more than $8 million and earning it a prestigious place in The Australian Financial Reviews Fast 100 fastest growing list of companies in Australia. Our recognition in the Australian Financial Review Fast 100 20024 list reaffirms the impact of our strategic investments in service development as well as the incredible contribution of our highly skilled workforce that always aim to succeed and provide impactful customer results. Moving forward, we are committed to leading digital transformation and offering flexible, scalable services and solutions that enable organisations to adapt swiftly to the dynamic business landscape. At the same time, were excited about the potential for our business in setting the benchmark for delivering services that solve complex challenges, transform processes and unlock efficiencies through automation, AI and data intelligence. About Customer Science Group Customer Science Group helps you deliver world leading services by bringing to life your vision for Customer and Digital Experience. Powered by a team of practitioners each with award winning deep experience, passionate about making a difference. They can take your vision & its benefits from idea, market research and service design through to operational delivery where we can lock in performance through management, people, process, and technology consulting & professional services. With our client commitment to delivering measurable results at a rapid return on investment and sustainability of solution, our clients enjoy great customer satisfaction levels that support their organisational objectives. For further information, please visit: https://customerscience.com.au The occasion was marked with a special event in Sydney, where EXLs Chairman and CEO Rohit Kapoor joined the Australian and New Zealand teams to reflect on the companys growth, innovation, and expansion plans for Australia. Rohit Kapoor, Chairman and CEO of EXL Reflecting on the 25 years, Rohit Kapoor, Chairman and CEO of EXL, commented, It is a journey that has been marked by constant innovation and important strategic pivots, first to become the world leader in data-led transformation and, more recently, to harness the power of data, analytics, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform operations for the worlds leading corporations. A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence Founded in 1999, EXL has grown from a small email processing company into a global leader in analytics, operations management, and digital transformation. Initially established by Rohit Kapoor and Vikram Talwar, EXL quickly expanded its services to meet the needs of businesses worldwide. Through continuous investment in technology and talent, EXL has diversified its offerings to support industries such as insurance, banking, healthcare, retail, and logistics. The companys commitment to using data, AI, and analytics to drive business value has enabled it to forge lasting relationships with global clients. Over the years, EXLs global footprint has expanded to include operations in North America, Europe, Asia, and now Australia. This expansion reflects EXLs focus on providing tailored solutions to clients across various regions, supporting their digital transformation journeys. Expanding Into Australia As part of its 25th-anniversary celebrations, EXL is excited to announce its continued expansion into the Australian market. With a growing demand for data-driven business solutions in the region, EXL is strengthening its operations and service offerings to help Australian businesses unlock the potential of AI and advanced analytics. Expanding our presence in Australia is a key milestone as we continue to support businesses around the world in their digital transformation journeys, said Rohit Kapoor, CEO of EXL. EXLs expansion in Australia will focus on industries such as insurance, banking, finance and utilities, where the companys proven track record in delivering industry-leading solutions can create significant value. Australia represents a dynamic market with immense growth potential, and we are excited to bring our expertise in AI, data analytics, and operations management to help Australian companies drive smarter decision-making and operational efficiency, said Rohit Kapoor. Looking ahead, EXL remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation. The companys focus on AI, machine learning, and next-generation data analytics will continue to drive its growth as it partners with clients across the globe to navigate the ever-changing business landscape. About EXL EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a leading data analytics and digital operations and solutions company. We partner with clients using a data and AI-led approach to reinvent business models, drive better business outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, analytics, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform operations for the worlds leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have more than 57,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com. GUEST OPINION: The rapid advancement of computer vision technology is transforming industries by enabling machines to interpret and act on visual data in ways that were previously unimaginable. As a result, software development companies are pivoting their strategies to meet the growing demand for custom computer vision solutions across various sectors. With applications ranging from healthcare and manufacturing to retail and agriculture, computer vision is becoming an integral part of modern digital solutions. Software development firms are rising to the occasion by integrating visual AI capabilities into their offerings, recruiting specialized talent, and adopting cutting-edge tools to stay competitive in a market increasingly driven by intelligent visual systems. Understanding the Surge in Demand for Computer Vision The rapid growth in demand for computer vision technology is largely driven by major advancements in both computing power and data accessibility, along with the development of high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs). These GPUs enable companies to process vast amounts of visual data quickly, allowing them to train complex computer vision models with accuracy and efficiency. Another crucial factor is the availability of extensive, labeled datasets, which are essential for teaching AI systems to recognize patterns, detect objects, and analyze images with high precision. These advancements have collectively lowered the barriers to entry for organizations looking to deploy sophisticated visual AI solutions. Today, businesses across virtually every industry are eager to leverage computer vision technology to gain a competitive edge. This technology enables companies to improve decision-making, streamline operations, and enhance user experiences by automating visual tasks that previously required human intervention. For instance, in the retail sector, computer vision is transforming inventory management; AI-driven cameras and sensors monitor product stock levels in real time, helping retailers optimize inventory and reduce waste. Additionally, retailers utilize customer analytics powered by computer vision to understand shopping patterns and personalize the customer experience. Manufacturing is another sector where computer vision is making a substantial impact. Manufacturers are using it for quality control, where AI systems can inspect products for defects more quickly and accurately than traditional human inspections. These systems are also employed for safety monitoring, ensuring that employees follow safety protocols and identifying potential hazards to prevent accidents on the production floor. The versatility and applicability of computer vision across such diverse fields have led companies to seek tailored solutions that address the specific challenges and requirements of their industry. Specialized computer vision applications are now emerging, from automated medical imaging analysis in healthcare to enhanced security surveillance in urban infrastructure. As the demand for visual intelligence continues to rise, businesses are increasingly looking for custom-built computer vision solutions that can integrate seamlessly into their unique workflows and address their individual goals. Adapting to Market Needs: Specialized Computer Vision Services The rising demand for industry-specific visual AI solutions has prompted businesses to seek customized applications that address their unique challenges. A custom computer vision development company plays a crucial role here, offering tailored services that help industries like healthcare, retail, and manufacturing leverage visual AI to improve diagnostics, optimize customer experiences, and ensure quality control. These companies understand the unique requirements of each sector and provide solutions that fit seamlessly into existing workflows. Building Expertise: Talent Acquisition and Skill Development The effectiveness and overall success of custom computer vision solutions are heavily dependent on the specialized expertise of the professionals developing them. As demand for these advanced technologies continues to surge, software development companies are increasingly recognizing the necessity of investing in highly skilled personnel with a deep understanding of machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science. This growing emphasis on talent acquisition leads organizations to actively seek out individuals such as data scientists, computer vision engineers, and AI specialists who possess the knowledge and experience required to create sophisticated visual AI services. By hiring professionals with expertise in these areas, companies can significantly enhance their in-house capabilities, enabling them to innovate and deliver cutting-edge computer vision solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of their clients. These specialists bring valuable insights and technical know-how that are critical for developing algorithms capable of accurately processing and interpreting visual data, thereby ensuring that the final products are not only functional but also effective in real-world applications. Moreover, many organizations are not solely reliant on external hiring to bolster their expertise. They are also taking proactive steps to encourage the professional development of their existing employees. By providing access to comprehensive training programs, workshops, and online resources in fields such as computer vision, deep learning, and related technologies, companies foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement. This investment in upskilling helps employees acquire the latest knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to rapid advancements in AI technology. This dual approachrecruiting new talent while also nurturing the growth of current employeesenables software development companies to stay competitive in a fast-evolving landscape. As a result, they are better equipped to develop robust and innovative solutions that address the increasingly complex requirements of their clients, ensuring they can leverage the full potential of computer vision technology to achieve business goals and improve operational efficiency. Scaling and Flexibility Through Expertise A software development company brings the benefit of scalable, flexible solutions, enabling businesses to integrate AI-driven capabilities that grow with their needs. By building on modular architectures, these companies make it possible for businesses to expand the reach and impact of visual AI as data volumes increase. This scalability and flexibility ensure that organizations can stay agile, maintaining and upgrading their systems without extensive overhauls. Adopting Advanced Tools and Frameworks To successfully deliver impactful computer vision solutions, software development companies are increasingly turning to powerful tools and frameworks designed to streamline and enhance the development process. The advent of open-source libraries, such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and OpenCV, has significantly lowered the barriers for developers by providing robust resources for building, training, and deploying sophisticated machine learning models tailored for computer vision tasks. TensorFlow, developed by Google, offers an extensive set of functionalities that allow developers to create deep learning models with ease. Its user-friendly interface and rich ecosystem support a wide range of applications, from image recognition to video analysis. Similarly, PyTorch, favored for its dynamic computation graph and ease of use, empowers developers to experiment and iterate quickly, making it a popular choice for research and production. OpenCV, a widely used library specifically for computer vision, provides a comprehensive collection of tools for image processing, enabling developers to handle tasks such as object detection, image segmentation, and facial recognition with efficiency. In addition to these powerful libraries, cloud platforms like Google Cloud AI, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure play a critical role by providing scalable infrastructure for model training and deployment. These platforms allow companies to leverage vast computational resources, which is especially beneficial for processing large datasets often required in computer vision applications. By using these cloud services, businesses can efficiently scale their operations to accommodate increased workloads, without the need for significant upfront investment in physical hardware. The combination of advanced open-source tools and scalable cloud infrastructure not only accelerates the development cycle but also enhances the flexibility and scalability of computer vision solutions. This flexibility enables organizations to tailor their applications to meet the specific needs of their clients, whether those applications are deployed on-premises or in the cloud. By offering customized solutions that can adapt to various environments and operational demands, software development companies can ensure that they deliver high-quality computer vision applications that effectively address their clients' unique challenges and objectives. Embracing Customization: Tailoring Solutions for Unique Business Needs One of the biggest challenges in computer vision development is creating solutions that integrate seamlessly with a clients existing systems and workflows. Software development companies are addressing this by offering customizable solutions that can be modified to meet individual business needs. Customization may involve developing specific models, adjusting for diverse image datasets, or integrating with a companys backend systems to ensure smooth data flow. This ability to create bespoke computer vision applications allows companies to meet unique requirements, adding significant value for clients who need highly specialized visual AI capabilities. Ensuring Ethical and Responsible AI Practices With the rise of AI and computer vision, ethical considerations are coming to the forefront. Companies are increasingly aware of the importance of ethical AI practices, including data privacy, unbiased model training, and transparent decision-making processes. For software development firms, this involves establishing frameworks to ensure that models are trained on unbiased datasets and comply with regulations such as GDPR. Many firms are also developing explainable AI (XAI) features to improve transparency and trust in computer vision systems, particularly in sensitive sectors like healthcare and finance. By focusing on responsible AI practices, software development companies can provide solutions that meet ethical standards while addressing clients needs. Accelerating Time-to-Market with Agile Methodologies The demand for rapid deployment of computer vision solutions has led software companies to adopt agile methodologies in their development processes. Agile practices, such as iterative development and regular feedback loops, allow teams to adapt quickly to evolving requirements, whether its refining a models accuracy or incorporating new features based on client feedback. This approach has proven effective in helping companies meet tight deadlines while ensuring high-quality outcomes. By using agile development methods, companies can deliver custom computer vision solutions faster, helping clients bring their applications to market more quickly and gain a competitive edge. Expanding Reach: Partnerships and Collaboration As the demand for computer vision solutions grows, software development companies are forming strategic partnerships with technology providers and industry-specific solution providers. Collaborating with hardware manufacturers, cloud service providers, and academic institutions enables these companies to leverage specialized expertise and gain access to state-of-the-art technology. Partnerships also help companies stay informed about the latest advancements in computer vision, which can be crucial for developing cutting-edge solutions. By working with other technology leaders, software development firms can deliver comprehensive solutions that combine hardware, software, and domain-specific knowledge. The Future of Computer Vision in Software Development Looking ahead, software development companies are well-positioned to play a pivotal role in advancing computer vision technology. As visual AI continues to evolve, it will likely become even more integrated into business processes, transforming sectors such as retail, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Companies that can adapt to this changing landscape by offering custom solutions, investing in talent, and adopting ethical practices will be better equipped to meet the growing demand for computer vision applications. The future holds tremendous potential for software development firms to drive innovation, enabling businesses to harness the power of computer vision to solve complex challenges, improve efficiencies, and deliver better customer experiences. In conclusion, the rise of custom computer vision solutions has prompted software development companies to adapt and innovate in numerous ways, from expanding service offerings and building expertise to embracing ethical AI practices and agile methodologies. By doing so, they are positioning themselves as key players in a rapidly evolving field, helping clients unlock the transformative power of visual AI to create smarter, more responsive applications. (fried chicken) Despite the oft-repeated myth, Coca-Cola did not in fact invent the modern image of a fat, jolly, red-and-white-clad Santa Claus. Kind of a moot point though, now that the soft drink has become virtually synonymous with Christmas. For many people, the holiday season just wouldnt be complete without commercials featuring the now iconic Cola trucks delivering their black syrupy drink to every corner of the globe in time for Jesus birthday. Well, almost every corner. Despite Coca-Cola being one of the biggest beverage manufacturers in Japan, they never managed to make December 25 a part of their corporate identity over here. Thats less inspiring than it sounds like because Christmas in Japan is still connected with a fast food brand thats bad for your health. But instead of Coke, its KFC. Thats rightevery Christmas in Japan, millions of people sit down to a holiday dinner of fast food chicken that comes in a cardboard bucket. The demand for Christmas KFC is so high in Japan that it must be pre-ordered months in advance; in some parts of the country, family packs have to be reserved in November or even October. How did this happen? Is it because Colonel Sanders is an overweight old man with white facial hair, and that reminds people of Santa Claus? Or does it have something to do with the recipe of KFC chicken? After all, if you add grease to KFCs 11 herbs and spices, you get 12, as in the Twelve Days of Christmas. Is that how the tradition got started? There are two likely explanations for Japans Christmas obsession with KFC. Its possible that, many years ago, American expats living in Japan were looking for turkey for a traditional Christmas dinner, but not being able to find any (as they are rarely sold in Japan) decided to settle for chicken. But then, after realizing that the country also lacks Western-style ovens, they instead mobbed their local KFCs come Christmas time, and were eventually emulated by the locals. Japan does have a long tradition of taking cultural cues from the United States, so this theory definitely has some merit. However, the much simpler answer is that the end of the year is a time for splurging and treating yourself for pretty much everyone around the globe. As it so happens, meat is notoriously expensive in Japan, as you would expect from a country that gave us Kobe beef, the most expensive meat in the world. Therefore, it stands to reason that Christmas time would be when many Japanese people spend a little more on tasty animal fleshwithin reason of course. Seeing as chicken is one of the more affordable kinds of meat in Japan, naturally most families would choose to stuff themselves with feathered dinosaur descendants year after year, thus creating this modern Japanese tradition. You also have to consider the fact that Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan, and it is anything but sacred over here. For many people, its really no different than, lets say, Valentines Day. In fact, a lot of young Japanese people have co-opted the holiday for themselves, turning it into a kind of unofficial sequel to February 14th, only with cake and chicken instead of chocolate. KFC is fully aware of it, too, which is why their Japanese restaurants also serve cake during Christmas time, becoming the full-service stop for all of your Christmas needs. And why not? Without the religious aspect, December 25 is just another day in Japan, so why not celebrate it with animal fat in the shape of a drumstick? The KFC (Kentucky Fried Christmas) Phenomenon has been such a hit in Japan that convenience stores are now trying to get in on that juicy racket. Most huge chains like Lawson or Family Mart now offer their own Christmas family packs of deep-fried chicken in an attempt to make a dent in KFCs monopoly. Will they succeed? It doesnt seem likely, but then again, neither does the idea of an American fast food chain becoming synonymous with Christmas in an East Asian island nation. When you think of it like that, I suppose anything is possible. metropolisjapan.com Christmas in Japan (Live Japan) Each December, Christmas is celebrated by people in countries all over the world, and Japan is no exception! Many of the Christmas customs seen in western countries can also be found in Japan, but often reimagined in a different way than you may expect. There are also some new traditions that have been created by the Japanese, making Christmas in Japan a unique celebration of its own accord! Japanese Christmas: A Holiday for Lovers? (Live Japan) Christmas is known throughout the world for being a Christian holiday, but in Japan it is treated as a secular celebration and tends to be celebrated regardless of ones religion. In fact, very few people in Japan consider themselves Christian, but the holiday of Christmas is enjoyed by people from far and wide in Japan. One of the key differences is that Christmas in Japan is thought of as a holiday for lovers, rather than a time to gather with family. (In Japan, the New Years holiday is the time families traditionally gather). Typically couples will plan a romantic date, such as dinner at a special restaurant, or strolling the town to view Christmas lights. However, for those whom Christmas has particular religious significance attached, churches offering Christmas mass can almost certainly be found in any major city in Japan. Christmas in Japan is about Illuminations and Decorations (Live Japan) Winter illuminations are not necessarily related to Christmas, but to many, the two are completely intertwined. Each winter season, cities in Japan become full of twinkling lights, mesmerizing all who cross their dazzling path. In recent years, many business are opting for eco-friendly LED lights, which use significantly less electricity than the traditional varieties. Large scale projection mapping illuminations have also become a popular Christmas time feast for the eyes. While the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree in ones home is not common in Japan, many businesses and shopping centers will display beautifully decorated trees, along with other Christmas-themed displays that turn an ordinary trip to the mall into a magical winter wonderland experience! Does Santa Visit Japan? (Live Japan) Luckily for Japanese children, the concept of Santa Claus is one Christmas tradition that is alive and well in Japan. Like other children worldwide, Japanese kids also look forward to a visit from Santa on Christmas Eve and a present waiting for them on Christmas morning. Couples also may exchange presents for Christmas, but generally speaking, gift-giving plays a considerably smaller role than it does in Western countries. One unique twist on the lore: in the Western tradition, Santa enters homes by climbing down chimneys - an act difficult to do in a nation where most homes lack this sort of entrance! However, ask most Japanese children, and theyll have an interesting take: Santa is typically seen as some kind of magical ghost that appears with goodies! A Uniquely Japanese Christmas Dinner: Fried Chicken (Live Japan) It may come as a surprise, but rather than feasting on a glazed ham or roast turkey, the most popular choice for Japanese Christmas dinner is fried chicken! In fact, the food is in such high demand during this time, that a certain American fast food chain takes pre-orders of their popular fried chicken bucket as early as November! However, even if you dont place a special order, you can easily find plenty of fried chicken in convenience stores and supermarkets on Christmas Eve, along with pre-made roast chicken as well. Japanese Christmas Cakes (Live Japan) For dessert, instead of gingerbread men, other cookies, or pie, its traditional to eat Christmas cake (kurisumasu keeki, as its called in Japanese) with loved ones. While Japan is certainly not the only country to enjoy cake at Christmas time, you might be surprised to learn that what theyre eating is not the usual fruitcake thats typically eaten in European and American countries. Instead, kurisumasu keeki is usually a kind of sponge cake-based strawberry shortcake. Japans love affair with Christmas cake dates back to 1922, beginning with the Fujiya confectionery manufacturer, who marketed the cream-covered cakes with the straightforward tagline, Lets eat cake on Christmas! (kurisumasu ni keeki o tabemashou). Unlike the humble fruitcake eaten in some other countries on the holiday, Japanese Christmas cakes were beautifully decorated with strawberries, sugar Santas, and other Christmas-themed edible ornaments. At the time, the ornate cakes were considered expensive and were slow to catch on with the general public. However, by the 1970s, eating kurisumasu keeki had become a Christmas Eve tradition among households in Japan. These days in Japan, while the white cream and strawberry Christmas cake still reigns supreme, you can find Christmas cakes of various types and flavors. Some recent cakes have included chocolate, various fruits, hazelnut, and ice cream among ingredients. You can even find cakes modeled after popular characters. Christmas in Japanese Pop Culture (Live Japan) While Japan has adopted many of the Christmas customs of other countries, over the years they have incorporated them into their own culture so well, they have made them their own. Before December even begins you can hear Christmas music in the air. Traditional and foreign pop songs are popular, but Japan has an abundance of Christmas songs all their own that have become traditional in their own right. Around this time of year you can also find many TV and anime episodes centered around the theme of Christmas. If you are in Japan during the winter, please have a Merii Kurisumasu!the Japanese way! Via Live Japan RACINE The Racine Unified School District improved on the annual state report card for the second straight year. RUSD earned a two-star score of 56.4 in 2023-24, meaning it meets few expectations, according to state criteria on report cards recently released by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The school district is just shy of a three-star, meet expectations rating of 58. District officials said there is much room to improve, but they were happy to see progress. Janell Decker, RUSD deputy chief of assessment, curriculum and instruction, was very, very excited that all of the work that we all have been doing is coming to fruition, she said. Folks can celebrate that. The 2023-24 score of 56.4 is 6.6% better than RUSDs score of 52.9 in 2022-23. Compared to 2022-23, RUSD had the most improvement among the states five largest districts: Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha, Green Bay and Racine. We are continuing to build on the success that weve had over the last couple of years, Superintendent Soren Gajewski said. I think the community should have continued, if not additional, faith in their school system to better their children. Gajewski believes the district will meet expectations in 2024-25, but he cautioned about the impact of budget challenges at RUSD and around the state. I would be very, very confident that we will be meeting expectations next year based on the work that were doing, Gajewski said. The decrease in available resources, thats the dark cloud here, but I do feel very confident that the staff in this system are getting better and better at literacy instruction (but) as we continue to take away resources, I dont know what thats going to look like for that type of momentum. DPI scores background The report cards are an annual measurement of how school districts and individual schools around the state are performing and one way DPI measures educational success. They are based on student achievement, academic growth, improvement among students who are struggling academically and whether students are on track to graduate. The data is from 2023-24, 2022-23 and 2021-22. Schools and districts are scored on a 100-point scale weighted for factors including a districts poverty rate. The score results in one of five possible ratings. A score of 83 or higher is a five-star rating, meaning schools significantly exceed expectations. A score of 70 to 82.9 is a four-star rating, meaning schools exceed expectations. A score of 58 to 69.9 is a three-star rating, meaning schools meet expectations. A score of 48 to 57.9 is a two-star rating, meaning schools meet few expectations. A score of 47.9 or lower is a one-star rating, meaning schools fail to meet expectations. RUSD has received a two-star rating every year since 2016-17. More RUSD schools met or exceeded expectations in 2023-24 than in prior years. In 2023-24, RUSD had three four-star schools, 11 three-star schools, seven two-star schools and two one-star schools. In 2022-23, the district had two four-star schools, 11 three-star schools, eight two-star schools and three one-star schools. In 2021-22, RUSD had one four-star school, nine three-star schools, nine two-star schools and six one-star schools. Of RUSDs 23 schools, 16 received higher ratings in 2023-24 than 2022-23, while seven received lower ratings. Goodland Montessori had the highest rating of 73.6. That is a significant increase from its 2022-23 score of 61, and the school went from three stars to four stars. Mitchell K-8 School had the lowest score of 39.1, although that is up from its 2022-23 score of 34.2. The districts high school graduation rate in 2022-23 was 83.6%, its highest in 15 years, according to Stacy Tapp, RUSD chief of communications and community engagement. The 2023-24 graduation rate is not publicly available. Early literacy impact District officials mainly attributed 2023-24 improvements to its early literacy emphasis. If our kids are reading, its going to show up elsewhere, Gajewski said. With all the different ways we get data from students, we know very confidently that our youngest kids are reading better than they have in a long time. Broadly speaking, students learn to read from kindergarten through second grade and read to learn starting in third grade. Early literacy is a key indicator of a childs educational future. According to a 2012 study, students who are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to not graduate high school than proficient readers. However, administrators are concerned about new literacy requirements this school year. Act 20, a state law passed in 2023, aims to improve Wisconsin elementary students ability to read by requiring public schools and private schools participating in parental choice programs to use curriculum backed by the science of reading. Its requirements are laborious for teachers to meet, though, and districts did not receive additional state funding to help meet them. For example, starting in January, 4-K through third grade students will be assessed individually on specific reading skills instead of as a class, which is much more time-consuming. Students below the 25th percentile of test results must be assessed again individually, and teachers must create an individual reading plan for each of those students. Teachers are doing a fantastic job, as evidenced by these assessment scores, however, its exhausting, Decker said. Im glad that they get to celebrate and see how much they are growing our students, but we also have to pay attention to their capacity. Looking ahead In addition to early literacy, RUSD plans to focus more on math and middle school writing instruction. RUSD administrators also believe dual credit and career and technical education offerings should be part of the state report card score. In 2023-24, 48% of RUSD students completed at least one dual credit class, well above the state percentage of 25.7%. Moreover, 13.3% of RUSD students earned at least one industry credential in 2023-24 compared to 4.7% in the state. The district was below the state average in completion of advanced courses (15.2% at RUSD, 21.1% in the state) and work-based learning (3.8% at RUSD, 8.5% in the state). DPI report cards are important but only one indicator of how school districts are doing. Still, Gajewski said showing progress is super important because the report card score is the main figure the public knows about the district. It may not be our favorite number, because theres lots of other ways to give us good information about how kids are learning, but it is what the community sees, he said. Its important that our staff and our community sees that the work were putting into things like our strategic plan and our literacy campaign actually results in something This is showing now for a couple of years that the work that were doing is resulting in what were intending to get, so that makes people more excited about the future. Six photos of RUSD's ninth annual "SEE Your Future" Expo Keenan Youngblood Keenan Youngblood, a Horlick High School freshman, left, talks with a health care professional during the Racine Unified School District SEE Avila, Amy Horlick High School freshman Ricardo Avila, right, talks to Amy Moczynski of Aurora Medical CenterMount Pleasant during the ninth annual Raci Jackson, Young Christopher Jackson, Horlick High School freshman, right, was one of hundreds of students who attended the ninth annual Racine Unified School Students with gecko Horlick High School freshmen Olivia Quiroga, from right, and Nevaeh Rivera touch a gecko held by Rachel Schmitz with the Wisconsin Humane Soci Hands-on work Horlick High School freshmen Gabriel York, from left, and Maya Ceja received information from Kaleb Kutz of the Southeast Wisconsin Regional P SEE Your Future Expo Hundreds of students took part in the ninth annual Racine Unified School District SEE Your Future Expo on Wednesday at Park High School. RUSD SEE your future expo 2024 Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Join us for an enlightening discussion with neurologist Amy E. Sanders as we explore the evolution of biomarkers in diagnosing and monitoring Alzheimers disease and other dementias. Well delve into the significance of blood-based biomarkers, their potential to revolutionize early detection and treatment, and the challenges of integrating these advancements into clinical practice. Discover how these innovative tools are transforming dementia care, offering hope for earlier intervention and more precise prognoses. Amy E. Sanders is a neurologist. She discusses the KevinMD article, How biomarkers are advancing dementia detection and care. Our presenting sponsor is DAX Copilot by Microsoft. DAX Copilot, by Microsoft, is your AI assistant for automated clinical documentation and workflows. DAX Copilot allows physicians to do more with less and turn their words into a powerful productivity tool. DAX Copilot automates clinical documentationmaking it available in the EHR within minutesand clinical workflows, including referral letters, after-visit summaries, style and formatting customizations, and more. 70 percent of physicians who use DAX Copilot say it improves their work-life balance while reducing feelings of burnout and fatigue. Patients love it too! 93 percent of patients say their physician is more personable and conversational, and 75 percent of physicians say it improves patient experiences. Discover AI-powered solutions for clinical documentation and workflows. Click here to see a 12-minute DAX Copilot demo. VISIT SPONSOR https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE https://www.kevinmd.com/cme Im partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus Transcript Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today, we welcome Amy Sanders. Shes a neurologist, and todays KevinMD article is How Biomarkers Are Advancing Dementia Detection and Care. Amy, welcome to the show. Amy Sanders: Thank you so much, Kevin. Its my pleasure to be here. Kevin Pho: So lets start by briefly sharing your story and journey. Amy Sanders: Well, my story is actually a bit unusual because when I finished college, I didnt go to medical school. I went to graduate school at Columbia University and was going to be a historian of modern Western Europe. I got as far as passing my orals, but when I had to become sort of self-sustaining, it became harder and harder for me to convince myself that people would really, really be interested in how Otto von Bismarck used the Prussian railway system as a way to begin unifying Germany. Its a really good dissertation topic, and I hope somebody writes it someday, but it was not for me. When I first went to college, I had been pre-med, but I had been very, very, very bad at it. When you get a D in organic chemistry and another one in calculus, they dont let you go to medical school. So, I became a history major and went to graduate school in history, but I couldnt sustain it. Then I had to have a very, very long think about what I was going to be when I grew up. I was in my thirties by this time, and I decided to go full circle. Columbia had a post-baccalaureate pre-medical program, and they let me do that. I got one medical school to accept me, and that was all it took. When I went to medical school, I knew that I was going to be some kind of doctor from the neck down, and I was not going to be ENTno offense to ENT practitioners out there; it just wasnt my scene. Neck anatomy is so complicated and way over my head. So, it was either going to be psychiatry or neurology. At that time, I was very captivated by things that were tangible, and neurology has all of those pathways. I just ate that up. But then I wound up becoming sort of the most psychiatrically oriented neurologist youve probably ever encountered because my area of specialization in neurology is cognitive decline and dementia. In neurology in general, theres a big overlap with psychiatry, but I think in my area of neurology, that overlap is perhaps at its most notable. So, thats sort of my story. Kevin Pho: All right. You wrote this KevinMD article about how biomarkers are advancing dementia detection and care. For those who didnt get a chance to read your article, tell us what its about. Amy Sanders: Yes. It is about biomarkers, which have been around for a very long time in dementia. Im currently working for a telemedicine dementia practice called Sunday Health, based out of Washington, D.C., and in that area. We see patientsolder adultswith cognitive decline and dementia. Thats how Ive always practiced, mostly in academic medicine until recently. Now, I work for a startup, but the issues are the same. For most of my career, and I began practicing in 2008, dementia neurology was kind of this quiet little backwater. We didnt have disease-modifying treatments, and we looked jealously at multiple sclerosis because they had all these disease-modifying treatments. We didnt have great biomarkers that we could use to track disease. So, we were jealous of the epileptologists who had a lot of medications. We just didnt have much. We had counselingthats pretty much what we had. Now things are completely different. We have disease-modifying treatmentsthe initial onesand we have biomarkers that now, and this is whats so exciting, are going to become less expensive and more accessible. A biomarker just means some sort of biological entity that we use to measure physiological activity in the body. Every time you go to your doctors office, they take your blood pressure. Well, thats a kind of biomarker. They may check your hemoglobin A1C, the famous test that assesses how sugary ones red blood cells have been for the past three monthsthats also a biomarker. In dementia, for a long time, codified in the 2001 American Academy of Neurology practice parameter for evaluating older adults with cognitive impairment, weve always been instructed to check some basic screening labs: a vitamin B12 leveltoo high, not a problem; too low, it can cause all kinds of mischief, including cognitive impairmentand thyroid function. Too much thyroid makes people very anxious and jittery. Too little thyroid can cause cognitive impairment. Weve done that for ages, but what does that do? It tells us theres no metabolic issue that we could ameliorate to make things maybe a little better, but it didnt tell us anything about the diagnostic processes that were going on. Amy Sanders: For a long time, we have had PET imaging that can look at both amyloid and tau. It can see them both. Amyloid is now minimally clinically availableyou have to sign your patient up in a registry to get an amyloid PET. Tau PET is still in the purview of research. CSF examination for biomarkers has been around for a long time, but it requires people to have a lumbar puncture, and thats typically now done in the interventional radiology suite. So, they also get a hefty dose of ionizing radiation. Wouldnt it be better if people could just go and have a blood test? That is now what we havesort of. Were in the nascent phase of this, but we can now check to see if people have genetic markers that increase their vulnerability to developing Alzheimers disease. We can check to see if theres a clinical hint that they are depositing abnormal amyloid protein into their brain tissue because that amyloid protein is less visible in the peripheral circulation. We can do a blood test to check for the ratio of abnormal to normal amyloid protein. When that ratio drops, we think it means that people are depositing amyloid protein into their brains. We can also check for several different isoforms of phosphorylated tau protein. These tests are frequently referred to onlinein the digital wild west of the internetas diagnostic tests. Thats a bit of a misnomer. They certainly help clarify my diagnostic thinking, but they are not per se diagnosticor at least, we dont yet understand them well enough for them to be per se diagnostic. What they do provide is a much more precise picture of what is going on. For example, if somebody has elevated levels of both p-tau 217 and p-tau 181those are the ones most commonly checked these daysit probably indicates there is also amyloid pathology going on. Additionally, we now have tests to assess whether there is neurodegeneration. For example, I recently saw a gentleman who I believe has vascular dementia. I sent him off to have all of these labs drawn because if they come back essentially negative, that will reinforce my clinical thinking that he has vascular dementiawhich, by the way, is the only non-neurodegenerative dementia. I expect, for example, that his level of neurofilament light chain, a general marker of neurodegeneration, will come back as normal. Biomarkers are incredibly exciting because they increase the precision of our diagnostic thinking, and they are becoming much more accessible and less expensive. As they say, all boats rise. Kevin Pho: Now, as a neurologist, what are the clinical scenarios that would make you order some of these blood-based biomarkers? Lets say I, as a primary care physician, send someone to you who I think may have Alzheimers dementia. Once that patient is in front of you, where do these blood-based biomarkers enter the diagnostic approach in your mind? Amy Sanders: Thats an incredibly important question. Thank you so much for asking it. The Alzheimers-specific biomarkers really should not be used in a screening fashion. The current thinking, and my thinking as well, is that specialists like me are the ones who should be ordering these biomarkers. There is a school of thought suggesting that internists or primary care physicians like you could also order them, but they should not be used as a screening tool. Instead, they should be used once there is some evidence that somebody has cognitive impairment. At that point, you can use the biomarkers to confirm your diagnostic thinkingif the profile comes back with an Alzheimers-like appearanceor to rule out a possible Alzheimers process, which can be equally important. Its also worth noting that these tests are not yet accepted as sufficient evidence to establish eligibility for one of the disease-modifying treatments. For that, one would likely still need a confirmatory head scan or CSF analysis with a lumbar puncture. However, beginning with blood tests is certainly more accessible and less expensive. Kevin Pho: As a neurologist, would you say you need a clinical diagnosis of some type of neurodegenerative dementia before using these biomarkers? Amy Sanders: I would say I need a clinical suspicion that I want to work up. Kevin Pho: If these blood-based biomarkers come back positive, what would your next step be, given the positive result and your clinical suspicion of a neurodegenerative source of dementia? Amy Sanders: There are several pathways forward once I get a positive biomarker result, and much of it depends on the patient. The patient is always the most important person in the room, and the decision-making should be a shared process. If the patient appears to have mild cognitive impairment due to underlying Alzheimers pathology or is in the mild stages of Alzheimers disease, they would preliminarily, at least on the surface, be eligible for monoclonal antibody therapy. These new disease-modifying therapies are very exciting. However, the blood-based biomarkers would be suggestive but not sufficient for eligibility in most places. In most cases, one would still need a confirmatory amyloid PET scan or lumbar puncture. If those confirmatory tests also rule them in, then they would be eligible for monoclonal antibody therapy. On the other hand, if the patient isnt interested in pursuing treatmentand Ive had only one patient so far emerge as possibly interestedthe counseling I can provide becomes much more precise. For example, I can say, Yes, I think this is Alzheimers disease based on your clinical history, your clinical profile, and the results of your neuropsychological testing. The biomarker analysis bolsters my clinical impression. Being able to provide tangible information gives patients a sense of control and helps them adjust to their new diagnostic situation. Kevin Pho: How accessible are these tests? Is this something you can order at most labs? Amy Sanders: Yes, Quest has all of the labs that I would typically order available. You sort of order them a la carte. LabCorp actually has something they call the ATN profile. A stands for amyloid, T stands for tau, and N stands for neurodegeneration. I believe you can order the ATN profile at LabCorp. As it happens, I usually order them piecemeal, a la carte. These tests are now widely available, but I dont believe they are on the menus of tests that you can just walk into a Quest or a LabCorp and request. They have to be ordered by a physician. Kevin Pho: You mentioned several blood-based biomarkers, such as phosphorylated tau. How many biomarkers are we talking about? Do they point to different forms of neurodegenerative dementia, or how do they differ in what they measure? Amy Sanders: You can think of them in a few different categories, or buckets. First, theres a genetic test we now often run. For most of my career, the teaching was not to check someones apolipoprotein E (APOE) status because, if it came back showing increased risk, we didnt have anything to offer them. Now, we do have things to offer, so that test is being run much more frequently. Thats a genetic marker. Next, theres the amyloid ratio, which provides an indirect assessment of amyloid. It looks in the peripheral circulation to infer whats happening in the brain. This ratio, A42 to A40, was actually the first blood-based biomarker I had regular access toits been around for nearly two years. Then, theres phosphorylated tau, or p-tau. The p stands for phosphorylated, and we look at isoforms such as p-tau 181 and p-tau 217. These biomarkers measure forms of tau protein. Phosphorylated tau is at the center of the famous neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimers disease. These tests give us a sense of whether active Alzheimer pathology is happening. Amyloid is an extracellular biomarker, while tau tends to be intracellular, so its a bit trickier. Thats why I prefer to have two values when assessing tau. Finally, there are two additional markers: glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light chain (NFL). GFAP, which is a marker of inflammation, is actually a better biomarker in plasma than in CSF. It can indicate that something is starting to happen. NFL, or neurofilament light chain, is a general marker of neurodegeneration. So, when Im trying to determine whether this is an underlying Alzheimer pathology, thats the suite of biomarkers I typically run. This field is evolving rapidly, though, and biomarkers for other neurodegenerative conditions are slowly emerging. For example, we can now perform skin biopsies to detect certain types of Parkinsonian syndromes. Theres a lot of activity in this area, and neurology is no longer a dusty backwaterits like downtown Midtown Manhattan these days. Kevin Pho: Do you see a future where some of these biomarkers might be used more in a screening setting? Is that on the horizon? Amy Sanders: Thats a good question, and the short and truest answer is, I dont know. I suspect that eventually, we might have the equivalent of a hemoglobin A1Ca biomarker that indicates the earliest possible sign that something is happening. We dont yet know which of the existing markers that might turn out to be, but I think its an entirely likely scenario in the future. Kevin Pho: As a primary care physician, if a patient comes to me after reading about these biomarkersperhaps in The New York Timesand wants me to order these tests, how should I respond? What questions should I ask next? Amy Sanders: Thats a great question. I would first ask whether the patient has any symptoms. If there are symptoms, we need to examine those before making decisions about biomarker testing. Next, ask about family history. A profound family history might warrant a different conversation. For instance, you might at least check their APOE status, though you probably wouldnt proceed with the other biomarkers at this point. That said, Ive had patients come in and say, Id like you to run my ATN profile. I was shocked the first time that happenedsomeone knew the lingo months ago! In her case, we eventually did order a workup. If youre in primary care, its a good idea to have a cognitive neurologistor someone experienced with these biomarkerson hand for consultation. Were all still learning how to interpret these markers, and having access to an expert can make a big difference. Kevin Pho: Just to be clear, as of todayNovember 2024you dont see a role for these blood-based biomarkers to be used in most primary care settings. Is that fair to say? Amy Sanders: That is fair to sayits my opinion. You could ask someone else, and they might have a different perspective. There are definitely two schools of thought on this topic. Kevin Pho: Were talking to Amy Sanders. Shes a neurologist, and todays KevinMD article is How Biomarkers Are Advancing Dementia Detection and Care. Amy, lets end with some of your take-home messages for the KevinMD audience. Amy Sanders: Sure. If youre a clinical practitioner who sees older adults with cognitive impairment, know that these biomarkers are out there. They can help you, but you may want to access the services of an expert to guide you as you begin to experiment and learn about them. For everyone listening, I cannot stress enough how important brain health is. Yes, its great that we now have disease-modifying therapies and biomarkersblood-based and otherwisebut there is so much you, as an individual, can do to protect your brain. You get EKGs and echocardiograms for your cardiovascular health. You get colonoscopies. For the love of all that is holy, please get a good brain health examination. Talk to your physician about how best to protect your brain. We know a lot about brain health, but as a profession, medicine has not yet done enough to raise awareness about it. So, Ill plant the seed: please, get your brain health examined. Kevin Pho: Amy, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. And thanks again for coming on the show. Amy Sanders: My pleasure. Thank you for having me. China-Europe freight-train service hits milestone, boosts EU trade, says German logistics leader Xinhua) 08:29, December 02, 2024 A China-Europe freight train loaded with machinery, automobiles and auto parts waits for departure at a railway station in Chongqing, southwest China, March 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Wei) Krueger proposed optimizing the European rail network and logistics hubs to improve efficiency. BERLIN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The China-Europe freight train service has become a cornerstone of economic ties between China and the European Union (EU), providing essential support for industries requiring time-sensitive and reliable logistics, Olaf Krueger, chairman of the International Rail Freight Business Association, told Xinhua in an interview. The imminent arrival of the 100,000th China-Europe Freight Train in Duisburg, Germany, marks a historic milestone for this rail link, which has emerged as a vital economic bridge. Krueger emphasized its pivotal role in enhancing trade and supply chain efficiency. "Rail transport has made a significant contribution to the strong economic growth between China and the countries of the European Union. This transport option on the Silk Road has developed expansively and has been used in particular for time-critical transport," he noted. An aerial drone photo taken on March 7, 2024 shows containers waiting to go through customs clearance at a railway station in Chongqing, southwest China. (Xinhua/Huang Wei) Krueger praised railway workers for reducing transit times and improving transfer efficiency at gauge junctions. Recalling the challenges they faced, he highlighted how Chinese workers managed to transfer cargo at the China-Kazakhstan border during harsh winters with two meters of snow. "These photos have gone around the world, and the railwaymen involved must still be thanked today for this great effort," he said. Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the railway has become a dependable logistics solution for goods requiring prompt delivery, seeing significant growth as an option for time-sensitive shipments. "European companies have increasingly relied on the railway to optimize supply chains. Its stability and reliability ensure 'just-in-time' deliveries, which are essential for many industries," Krueger said. He highlighted how importers of Chinese goods benefit from shorter transit times and faster market responses. European companies with production facilities in China have also come to depend on the rail network for material transport between factories. "Rail's reliability prevents production delays and maintains supply chain continuity," he explained. The retail sector is another key beneficiary, with many discount chains using the China-Europe Railway Express to ship non-food promotional items. "Retailers are increasingly demanding 'just-in-time' services, and the Railway Express meets these needs effectively," Krueger said. As demand for rail services continues to grow, particularly from central and western China, Krueger stressed the importance of expanding railway infrastructure. "This is particularly necessary in difficult political and economic situations, as alternative transport solutions are required in the event of delivery restrictions in both maritime transport and air freight," he said. This aerial photo taken on July 10, 2023 shows OOCL PIRAEUS, one of the largest container vessels in the world, arriving at Piraeus port in Piraeus, Greece. (Xinhua) Krueger proposed optimizing the European rail network and logistics hubs to improve efficiency. Italy, he noted, is a key consumer market with increasing demand for both imports and exports. "More logistics terminals in Italy would boost container utilization rates on both legs of the journey," he suggested. He also advocated for improved rail links to ports such as Piraeus in Greece. "Expanding rail connections in Southern and Eastern Europe will enhance efficiency and foster economic integration," he added. "Efficient transport connections are a prerequisite for the continuation and deepening of diplomatic relations between China and the EU," Krueger said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) On 29 November, Uruguays President-electpaid a visit to Brazils Presidentin Brasilia. End of preview - This article contains approximately 370 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 29 November Movimiento Semilla, the party of Guatemalas reformist President, said that it would fight against the latest attempt to cancel its legal status. End of preview - This article contains approximately 350 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is known for its tall, modern buildings rising high above the desert. But an unusual animal from Argentina, the Patagonian mara, can be found there, too. The animal, like a rabbit, has long legs and ears and a body larger than most other rodents. They have been found near the Al Qudra Lakes, which are usually home to gazelle and other desert creatures found in the Emirates, or UAE. How they got there remains a mystery. But in the UAE, exotic animals have ended up in the private homes and farms of the wealthy. The UAEs Climate Change and Environment Ministry and officials in Dubai did not answer questions from the Associated Press (AP) about the Patagonian maras. But one estimate suggests that as many as 200 could be thriving in the area of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve nearby. Few dead maras have been found. An AP reporter found at least five maras on a recent visit to the Al Qudra Lakes, a wide desert area 40 kilometers south of Dubai. On another visit, the reporter saw several packs of the animals, including one mother still nursing a baby. Al Qudra is at the end of a long bicycle path. It is popular in the winter months. Campers and others come to enjoy the outdoors in the cooler weather among the areas lakes. Some of the lakes have been engineered into shapes like a moon, two hearts or as an advertisement for Dubais Expo 2020. The Patagonian maras first appeared publicly in 2020 during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. A request for information on their sightings was first published in an issue of the Dubai Natural History Groups monthly newsletter. Volunteers described seeing them in Al Qudra and on Saadiyat Island near the UAEs capital of Abu Dhabi. This large rodent is a common species in zoological collections and undoubtedly found its way out from captivity, wrote Jacky Judas, who has long studied mammals in the UAE. They can regularly be seen sleeping or eating grass in the middle of roundabouts at Al Qudrait can possibly survive in highly modified habitats with tree plantations, lawns and ponds, Judas wrote. Those words describe the environment found at Al Qudra and are probably the reason for the maras continued survival. But temperatures in the UAE regularly reach 45 degrees Celsius in the summer, making it a difficult environment. The number of maras at Al Qudra suggests that they are breeding. Patagonian maras mate for life, and females can get pregnant only a few times a year. They can give birth to one to three babies at a time. In Argentina, the animals can be hunted and eaten, their fur used for rugs and blankets. The Patagonian maras eat plants and are no threat to humans. There are few animals that might hunt them at Al Qudra. Arabian red fox do live and hunt in the area. Patagonian maras normally live in central and southern Argentina. But they have been trafficked into areas as exotic pets in the past. In the United States, the appearance of one was covered by the local news in Denver, Colorado. In August, a Patagonian mara was found in a car about to enter Turkey from Greece. Officials discovered other animals in the suspected trafficking attempt. It is illegal to keep endangered or threatened wildlife in the Emirates. But there have been many reports and social media videos of Emirati men in luxury cars with pet lions along for the ride. Im Mario Ritter, Jr. Jon Gambrell reported this story for the Associated Press. Mario Ritter, Jr. adapted it for VOA Learning English. _____________________________________________ Words in This Story thrive v. to not only survive but to live well and to reproduce pack n. a group of certain kinds of animals like dogs, hyenas, and some rodents nurse v. when mother mammals provide milk to their young species n. a kind of animal or plant that is like others of its kind and can reproduce with them roundabout n. a circular roadway where two or more roads meet habitat n. an environment in which a plant or animal lives luxury adj. market by being very costly or excessive We want to hear from you. Our comment policy is here. An international group of scientists has been studying how the structure of the universe has grown over the past 11 billion years. These researchers recently announced findings about how gravity behaves at a very large scale. What they found supports a prediction physicist Albert Einstein made in his 1915 theory of general relativity. Dark energy and gravity The findings are part of a years-long study of the history of the universe that has focused on dark energy. Dark energy is an invisible and mysterious force that is accelerating, or speeding up, the ongoing expansion of the universe. The studys researchers used a year of observations by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona. Gravity is one of the universe's fundamental forces. Einstein's theory linked space, time and gravity. The theory holds that large amounts of mass and energy curve the structure of space-time, influencing the motion of whatever passes nearby. Dragan Huterer of the University of Michigan was co-leader of the working group that examined the data from DESI. Huterer said: "Einstein's theory of general relativity describes the motion of massive objects in a gravitational field that they create. It is one of the most successful physical theories that we have. But the announcement in 1998 that the universes expansion was speeding up raised doubts about Einsteins model. The discovery of the accelerating universeled to suggestions that maybe general relativity needs to be modified, Huterer said. The new DESI findings revealed gravity is behaving as Einstein predicted that it would. Scientists say the Big Bang event 13.8 billion years ago began the universe, which has been expanding ever since. They say experiments show the expansion was actually accelerating and dark energy is a possible cause. The new DESI findings focused on the growth of what is called the cosmic structure. It dates to when the universe was about 20 percent of its current age. This cosmic structure has a direct connection to the large-scale organization of matter. Galaxies, galaxy clusters and even larger galaxy superclusters form a cosmic web or connected networks with large areas of space existing in between. This structure results from the gravitational pull of matter throughout the universe. The new study was based on DESI observations of almost 6 million galaxies and their centers, dating back 11 billion years. The DESI scientists in April released the largest three-dimensional map of the cosmos. They announced findings suggesting that dark energy may not be an unchangeable force. Instead, it might change over time. Those findings focused on a specific behavior of galaxy clusters. The new research expanded what is known about that behavior. Mustapha Ishak-Boushaki of the University of Texas at Dallas was a co-leader of the working group. He said, "Our DESI data shows that it is in agreement with Einstein's theory of gravity but still favors a dynamical dark energy - and finding these simultaneously is new." The universe includes ordinary matter: stars, planets, gas, dust. It also contains dark matter. Dark matter is invisible material that might make up about 27 percent of the cosmos. In addition to that, scientists also believe there is dark energy which might make up 68 percent of the cosmos. "Dark energy is responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe. The physical nature of dark energy is at present unknown," Huterer said. The new findings appear to support the current standard model of cosmology that includes the theory of general relativity. The DESI working group involves more than 900 researchers from more than 70 organizations worldwide. It is overseen by the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The new research was published in the arXiv online database before undergoing the process of peer review. Im John Russell. Will Dunham reported on this story for Reuters. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. Quiz - Research of Galaxies Supports Einsteins General Theory of Relativity Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _________________________________________________ Words in This Story focus v. to concentrate attention or effort fundamental adj. ideas that form the basis of other ideas or theories curve n. a shape that is similar to a circle or a rounded line massive adj. forming or consisting of a large mass; very large dynamical adj. of or relating to physical force or energy simultaneously adv. existing or happening at the same time peer review n. a process for publishing scholarly research in which academic people with similar positions and jobs as the writers offer criticism of a research paper before it is officially published in a scholarly journal Fashion never stands still, and trends are constantly changing, giving people the opportunity to try out a variety of looks. Thus, according to experts, bright prints and shades have been replaced by a "boring" gray color, which in 2025 will become a mandatory element of the wardrobe. ADVERTISIMENT According to Who What Wear, the main advantage of this color is its versatility, because if properly styled, it will look great both at a business meeting and at a party. Fashion industry experts have noted that next season the stereotype that gray is a boring and inconspicuous color will be completely destroyed. This opinion has already been confidently denied by the first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska. In late October, the public figure appeared at a business meeting in Odesa in a stylish gray outfit. The wife of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy combined a business suit with a deep blue shirt. She added some interesting accents with gold jewelry. ADVERTISIMENT What to wear with gray According to experts, gray is an ideal color that will fit into the wardrobe of both lovers of restrained and more extravagant looks. Monochrome bow Don't be afraid to create a monochromatic look with a trendy "boring" color. A knitted gray suit will be an ideal option for cold winter days and will help to add a special coziness. For a more interesting outfit, try combining several different tones. Gray and denim Combining a graphite shade and a denim piece will create a stylish look that will definitely not go unnoticed. ADVERTISIMENT Olive and gray This combination looks quite "expensive." The olive color emphasizes all the advantages of gray and makes the image more interesting. Gray and eco-leather Over the past few seasons, eco-leather products have been at the forefront of the fashion industry. So why not combine the two trends? Try a warm gray sweater that will look great with a voluminous leather coat. 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Read more > 18:57 Rahul misses court appearance in Savarkar case Congress leader Rahul Gandhi failed to appear in a Pune court on Monday in connection with a defamation complaint filed against him by the kin of Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar due to the winter session of Parliament. Gandhi's lawyer Milind Pawar said his client had sought exemption from... Read more > 18:12 Sukhbir Badal to clean utensils, shoes at Golden Temple: Akal Takht The Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht on Monday pronounced tankhah (religious punishment) for Sukhbir Singh Badal for the mistakes committed by the Shiromani Akali Dal and its government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017, directing him to perform as a 'sewadar' and clean utensils and shoes at the Golden... Read more > 17:37 BJP legislative party meet on Thursday Fadnavis is the frontrunner for CM BJP Legislative Party meet to meet at 10 am on 4th December at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan: BJP Maharashtra. The BJP has already announced that the new chief minister will take oath on December 5 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders.Though... Read more > 17:22 Remembering Danto... Former Rediff.com journalist, Sumit Bhattacharya pays tribute to a colleague and journalist we lost too soon -- Anthony D'Costa. Posting on Facebook, Sumit writes, The noted cartoonist Satish Acharya remembers Anthony D'Costa, Danto to all who knew him, who passed away too soon a couple of... Read more > 17:04 Maharashtra CM's name will be announced on... The name of the Maharashtra chief minister will be announced on Wednesday, a day ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the Mahayuti government, after the BJP elects its legislature party leader, a senior functionary said on Monday. The BJP on Monday named Union Finance Minister Nirmala... Read more > 16:59 Ajit Pawar leaves for Delhi Maharashtra's former Deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar leaves from his residence in Mumbai. He is scheduled to arrive in Delhi today. Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule has said that the oath-taking ceremony of the new Mahayuti government will take place on December 5... Read more > 16:55 Flood fury overwhelms Villupuram in TN Flooding in Cuddalore Villpuram district in north Tamil Nadu continued to reel under unprecedented flooding on Monday following extremely heavy rainfall, virtually blocking access to villages and residential colonies as bridges and roads overflowed, inundating huge acreage of standing crops and leaving passengers... Read more > 16:47 Sensex, Nifty settle higher on buying in blue chips Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended higher on Monday amid buying in blue-chip stocks Reliance Industries, Infosys and HDFC Bank along with a firm trend in the US markets. Recovering the early lost ground, the BSE benchmark Sensex climbed 445.29 points or 0.56 per cent to settle at... Read more > 16:27 Sena-UBT: Disparities in EVMs, postal ballot Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai on Monday claimed the trends in postal ballots and EVM results of the Maharashtra assembly polls appear inconsistent, raising doubts about the integrity of the EVM system. Sardesai, who defeated NCP's Zeeshan Siddique to win the Vandre East assembly seat in... Read more > 16:23 PMI slips to 56.5 India's manufacturing sector demonstrated resilience in November despite headwinds owing to price pressures and fierce competition. The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) stood at 56.5, down from October's 57.5, marking a joint 11-month low. However, the... Read more > 16:17 RBI unlikely to cut rates in upcoming MPC meeting The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to keep policy rates unchanged in the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled from December 4 to December 6, according to a report by the State Bank of India (SBI). The report highlighted that the headline inflation... Read more > 15:42 Treat Muslims as equals: Farooq Abdullah tells Centre The Abdullahs during the Umrah last month National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Monday said the Centre should put a stop to activities that can spark communal tension in the country, and treat Muslims as equals. There is a need to stop (incidents like Sambhal). I will tell the government of India to stop (such acts)... Read more > 15:26 Parl unlikely to discuss Adani, logjam may end MPs file out of Parliament after it was adjourned for the day The government and opposition parties have come close to reaching an agreement to break the impasse in Parliament with a discussion on the Constitution to mark its 75th year of adoption likely to take place in the coming days, sources said. The Samajwadi Party may also be allowed to raise... Read more > 14:48 Farmers' march: Mega jam at Delhi-Noida border File pic Massive traffic snarls caused inconvenience to commuters crossing the Delhi-Noida border on Monday as police set up multiple barricades in view of the farmers' protest march towards the national capital. A senior police officer said checking was underway at the border. Additional... Read more > 14:38 What's going on? SC on Senthil appointed minister Senthil Balaji The Supreme Court on Monday was surprised after knowing that Senthil Balaji was appointed as Minister in Tamil Nadu soon after he was granted bail in the money laundering case related to the cash-for-jobs scam. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih said, We grant... Read more > 14:07 Remembering the Bhopal gas tragedy Children born with congenital disabilities with their parents and relatives during a candlelight vigil to pay tributes to the people killed in the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy on the 40th anniversary of the disaster, in Bhopal yesterday. The horror happened on the night of December 2-3 when... Read more > 13:56 The world's most polluted city is... Delhi's AQI has improved to 'poor' Lahore has retained its position as the world's most polluted city, with hazardous air quality readings posing a significant threat to public health. According to recent data, the city's air quality reading stands at 303 points, indicating extremely poor air quality, ARY News... Read more > 13:44 Trump barks, not bites: Ex-RBI guv on Brics threat President-elect Donald Trump's warning that BRICS countries will face 100 per cent tariffs if they choose to move away from the US dollar is unclear to what extent he will carry out his threat, as it remains to be seen if the US law permits such an action, former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao... Read more > 13:10 Remembering Danto Pic: Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/Rediff.com Mumbai journalism is the crucible of talent, throwing up talent every now and then that blazes a trail. Anthony D'Costa was one such who burst into the scene in the late 1980s, when editor Vinod Mehta raided the Indian Post newsroom wholesale. Among the handful who stayed back was... Read more > 13:03 Don't inconvenience people: SC to protesting farmers File pic The Supreme Court on Monday asked Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border point to press for the acceptance of farmers' demands, to persuade the protesting farmers not to obstruct highways and cause inconvenience to people.A bench of Justices... Read more > 12:34 5000 cops, 3-tier security for farmers' protest A 3-tier security plan has been put into effect and security forces have been deployed in parts of Noida-Delhi ahead of the farmers 'Delhi Chalo' protest march, said an official on Monday. According to the Shivhari Meena, Addl. Commissioner Of Police Noida, We are in constant talks... Read more > 12:23 India set to acquire 26 Rafale-M jets soon: Navy chief India is set to seal the proposed procurement of 26 naval variant of Rafale jets and three additional Scorpene submarines soon, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said on Monday. At a media briefing ahead of Navy Day, Admiral Tripathi also said that the government's approval for two... Read more > 12:19 Parliament adjourned for the day Parliament was adjourned for the day after ruckus over issues like Adani, Sambhal and Manipur. Another week with the same results as last week. Floor leaders of the INDIA bloc had convened a meeting in the chamber of Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha,... Read more > 12:13 FIR against 15 CISF jawans for assaulting doctor Police have registered a case against 10 to 15 CISF personnel for allegedly assaulting a doctor, his brother and another person in a road rage incident in Maharashtra's Navi Mumbai township, officials said on Monday. The accused personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)... Read more > 11:51 Modi to watch film 'The Sabarmati Report' today A poster of the film Prime Minister Narendra Modi will watch Vikrant Massey starrer 'The Sabarmati Report' movie at 4pm at Balyogi Auditorium in the national capital. The film is based on the burning of the S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express near Godhra station, Gujarat on February 27, 2002. Incidentally, Massey... Read more > 11:46 Stones hurled at Kashi Vishwanath Express in UP Unidentified persons pelted stones at the Kashi Vishwanath Express at Dhaneta Halt, near Fatehganj West in Bareilly and damaged the window of a coach, an official said on Monday. No injuries were reported in the incident, he said. According to Ajit Pratap Singh, the station... Read more > 11:33 Karnataka IPS officer dies in accident A 26-year-old IPS officer on his way to take up his first posting died in a road accident in Hassan district, police said on Monday. Harsh Bardhan was a 2023-batch IPS officer of the Karnataka cadre and hailed from Madhya Pradesh, they said. The accident took place on Sunday evening,... Read more > 11:07 Politics is a sea of unsatisfied souls: Gadkari Union minister Nitin Gadkari has said politics is a sea of unsatisfied souls where every person is sad and aspiring for a higher post than his current position. Life is a game of compromises, compulsions, limitations and contradictions, Gadkari added while speaking at the launch of a book,... Read more > 10:58 7 trapped in bldg under boulder, NDRF search on Representational image Teams of NDRF personnel commenced clearing the mud over a building in which seven individuals were feared trapped in Annamalaiyar Hill area in the district on Monday. The teams involved in the operation arrived with rescue dogs. The locals say that seven, including five children have... Read more > 10:51 Thick, thick fog in Srinagar And while you book that shikara ride on the Dal Lake, you may want to consider the thick fog that envelopes Srinagar. Read more > 10:22 Going to Kashmir? Take a Uber shikara ride! Ride-hailing app Uber has launched its first water transport service in India, with a booking of a shikara at Dal Lake in Srinagar through its app, a senior company official said on Monday. The company introduced the first service of its kind in Asia. Uber Shikara is our humble... Read more > 10:15 GST collection for November rises by 8.5% Driven by festive demand, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for the Union and state governments climbed to Rs 1.82 trillion in November, marking an 8.5% year-on-year growth, according to official data released on Sunday. Sequentially, however, the latest collection figures are lower... Read more > 10:04 2 cops dangle on SUV as driver speeds away Representational image A couple sped off in their SUV during a combing drive with a constable perched precariously on the vehicle's bonnet and another policeman clinging on to its window in Ahmedabad, an official said. The constable who was on the bonnet suffered injuries as he got dragged for some distance before... Read more > 09:54 Govt defers launch of PM internship scheme The launch of the ambitious PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) has been postponed, two sources in the ministry of corporate affairs (MCA) confirmed to FE, even as they insisted the decision had little to do with response to the scheme from companies and job seekers. As per the plan, the scheme was... Read more > 09:35 Kannada actress dies by suicide in Hyderabad Kannada film and TV actress Shobitha S allegedly died by suicide at her residence in Hyderabad on Sunday, police said.Shobitha (32) was found hanging from a ceiling fan by a sari in her bedroom, according to police. Shobitha, who had appeared in TV serials and films in Kannada, had been... Read more > 09:25 IMD issues red alert in Kerala; heavy rains expected The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for four districts in the state, forecasting extremely heavy rains today.According to the IMD, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur are expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall on Monday.Though the weather agency... Read more > 09:16 Vikrant Massey announces retirement from acting Actor Vikrant Massey on Monday shocked his fans by announcing that he planned to retire from acting after 2025.Vikrant shared a note on Instagram where he mentioned he would meet his fans for one last time in 2025. The last few years and beyond have been phenomenal. I thank each and every... Read more > 08:55 Miscarriage of Justice: Trump on Biden pardoning son United States President-elect Donald Trump has responded to outgoing US President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter who had been convicted on charges related to gun crimes and tax violations, calling it a 'miscarriage of justice'. In a post on Truth Social, Trump... Read more > Local casinos gross gaming revenues (GGR) reached MOP18.438 billion last month the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau has announced. The results, published yesterday, show an increase of 14.9% when compared year-on-year with the same month last year. In the first eleven months of this year casinos generated an accumulated GGR of MOP208.58 billion, that is, just MOP1.42 billion short of the governments forecast for the whole year. Casinos were up 26.8% up year-on-year by the end of November. Last year, December (MOP18.57 billion) was the second-highest GGR month, only surpassed by October (MOP19.5 billion). Historically, and particularly in the pre-pandemic period, December GGR results were often similar to November. If that trend persists, this years final revenue result will be around MOP227 billion. Late last month, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, defended next years gaming industry GGR forecast of MOP240 billion, during discussions about next years basic government budget. Lawmakers had mixed feelings about the figure. While some considered the amount very conservative, others worried the government could be overestimating receipts and underestimating regional competition and other external factors. As on many occasions in the past, Lei did not elaborate much on how the government arrived at its forecast. He said only that it was related to an estimated growth percentage for the industry based on the this years results as well as the forecast number of inbound visitors for 2025 that he said would potentially grow around 9% when compared to this year. Citigroup analysts last week also believed next years GGR might be underestimated, forecasting the gaming industry could be worth some MOP243 billion next year. They noted that by default, the government has consistently applied conservative estimates for the industry over the past decade. The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) has prioritized the re-employment of job seekers aged 45 and above by providing personalized employment support and dedicated services. From January to October, the bureau assisted 1,878 older job seekers, representing 15% of successful placements. In response to lawmaker Leong Sun Ioks inquiry, DSAL confirmed its commitment to offering diverse vocational training courses. By September, over 2,500 participants aged 45 and older had engaged in these courses, accounting for approximately 32% of total attendees, further promoting a friendly workplace for those 45 and over through various initiatives. Related In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Macao SAR, MGM joined hands with the renowned contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang to unveil the solo exhibition of Cais AI Model cAI cAI: Soul Scan at Barra districts Navy Yard No.1 earlier. From now till June 1, 2025, the exhibition presents approximately 20 new works created by cAI specifically for Macau, following its deep learning of Macaus rich history and culture under the guidance of Cai Guo-Qiang. Besides, the exhibition begins with a self-introduction generated by cAI, followed by the debut painting exhibition of the gunpowder artist cAI. Visitors are invited to co-create digital fireworks with the fireworks master cAI through an interactive installation. Finally, the cAI Divination Room, featuring a special interactive installation powered by the diviner cAI and its robotic arms, offers an engaging experience filled with exploration and fun. Inspired by Macaus over 400-year-old Mazu belief and customs, the exhibition also draws on the history of Cais hometown Quanzhou in Southern Fujian, and the southward transmission of A-Ma culture. Right next to the UNESCO World Heritage site A-Ma Temple, the exhibition venue Navy Yard No.1 serves as an open and inclusive creative space, which invites public participation to give new connotation and functionality to Barra district. Officiating guests of the exhibitions opening ceremony included: Yin Rutao, Deputy Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central Peoples Government in the Macao SAR; Leong Wai Man, Director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR; Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macao Government Tourism Office; Pansy Ho, Chairperson & Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited and Cai Guo-Qiang, renowned contemporary artist. Pansy Ho, Chairperson & Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, said, It is our great honor to collaborate with Cai again to introduce the new initiative of technology + art to Barra district. We deploy technology as the medium and cultural tourism as the means to encourage the public to join our creation in sparking new insights and inspirations of the Mazu culture. Renowned contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang, said, No longer communicating in traditional ways at traditional places, we try to interact with the younger generation along with future-oriented content and perspectives, which will connect the past and present, also the old and the young. cAI: Soul Scan is Cai Guo-Qiangs important attempt to explore the development of art in the age of AI. Through audience interaction and participation, the exhibition aims to invite locals and tourists to join the artist in exploring the intersection of AI and spirituality, within a cultural vein that is uniquely rich in traditional folklore and historical context. Guided by unseen forces, participants will unlock and experience the possibilities of an alternate dimension. After the opening ceremony, Cai Guo-Qiang conducted a sharing session for 50 participants including professors from local universities, university students and young artists, on topics such as Macau arts future development, the age of AI, openness and inclusiveness in artistic creation, etc. MGM has always been connecting world cultures through art, integrating art and technology in innovative ways to create diverse cultural experiences, catapulting Macau into a new era of cultural tourism. In 2019, MGM acquired two iconic gunpowder artworks of Cai Guo-Qiang for its Chairmans Collection for permanent display in the public spaces of MGM COTAI. The Company hosted the Greater Bay Area premiere of the documentary Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang at MGM Theater, engaging in dialogue with 600 residents and youths in the prospect of art in Macau. For more photos about this exhibition, please visit https://we.tl/t-kAIWNNIQfn The newly appointed commissioner of the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC), Ao Ieong Seong, said she is committed to social justice and enhancing public trust in government operations. Addressing the media yesterday, Ao pledged to continue the organizations mission of integrity and accountability. The newly appointed official is the first woman to head the bureau. CCAC aims to foster a clean and fair society under the rule of law, focusing on thorough investigations into corrupt practices, she said. The commissioner said the corruption watchdog would operate within its statutory duties, ensuring that all actions are legally compliant. The official also addressed concerns about administrative appeals and governance, asserting that effective communication with executive authorities is vital for addressing systemic issues. She noted that while past interactions have been productive, dialogue will be essential for refining processes and addressing any legal loopholes that may hinder transparency. She said CCAC will maintain its close cooperation with the Public Prosecutors Office, particularly in anti-corruption cases. The commissioner called upon the community for continued support and constructive feedback, emphasizing collective effort is necessary to promote a transparent government. LV Chinas National Immigration Administration announced new travel policies Friday, to bolster tourism and economic integration between the mainland and the special administrative regions of Macau and Hong Kong. Starting Dec.1, residents with household registration or hukou in Shenzhens Special Economic Zone will be granted unlimited access to Hong Kong. Similarly, starting January 2025, residents with hukou in the Guangdong-Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin will receive multiple entry permits to travel to Macau, with each stay limited to one week. Additionally, Zhuhai residents will be able to apply for a one trip per week permit to visit Macau beginning next year. Approved by the State Council, Chinas cabinet, these measures are intended to facilitate seamless travel between the mainland and the two special administrative regions. Hong Kongs Chief Executive, John Lee, expressed gratitude to the central government, anticipating a boost to the citys tourism, catering, and retail industries. I am grateful to the central government for actively researching, accelerating and implementing measures in this short period of time, bringing good news to Hong Kong, Lee said. The new measures will add momentum to Hong Kongs tourism, catering and retail industries, a news release from the HKSAR government information service said. The Hong Kong government has instructed all departments to collaborate closely to ensure a smooth implementation of the new policies. As cited in a China Daily report, Peng Peng, executive president of the Guangdong Society of Reform, said the policies will have a direct stimulating effect on Macaus tourism market and revitalize the economies of both Macau and Hengqin. He said the convenient transportation between Macau and Hengqin will also benefit the real estate industry and local residents working across the border. The new Macau permit policy will also help Hengqin to attract talent and play a role in promoting the integrated development of Macao and Hengqin, he added. Victoria Chan Russian police raided several bars and nightclubs across Moscow on Saturday as part of the governments crackdown on LGBTQ+ propaganda, state media reported. Smartphones, laptops and video cameras were seized, while clubgoers had their documents inspected by officers, Russias Tass news agency said, citing sources in law enforcement. The raids come exactly a year since Russias Supreme Court ruled that the LGBTQ+ movement should be banned as an extremist organization. Its decision followed a decades-long crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in Russia, where President Vladimir Putin has touted traditional family values as a cornerstone of his quarter-century in power. Footage shared on social media appeared to show partygoers being ordered by police to lie on the floor as officers moved through Moscows Arma nightclub. The capitals Mono bar was also targeted, Russian media reported. In a post on Telegram on Saturday, the clubs management didnt directly reference an incident with law enforcement, but wrote, Friends, were so sorry that what happened, happened. They didnt find anything forbidden. We live in such times, but life must go on. Sam Hou Fai yesterday introduced the 10 newly appointed officials who will join his administration, following the State Councils approval of their nominations for the sixth term of the local government. The officials will be inaugurated Dec. 20, marking a transition in leadership. Chinas State Council, the countrys cabinet, appointed the principal officials for the sixth-term government, as well as the prosecutor general of the Public Prosecutions Office. These appointments were made in accordance with the Basic Law and based on Sams nominations, the State Council said in a statement. Sam held his first press conference with his cabinet yesterday, outlining a vision centered on patriotism, service and innovation. During the two-hour press event, the CE designate emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship and solidarity, saying these principles would guide his administration. We are all patriotic and love Macau, he said, highlighting the shared commitment among his cabinet members to serve the population effectively. They have served society in various positions, so they have accumulated a wealth of experience in the administration and are familiar with the internal workings and the needs and expectations of citizens, which is advantageous for the transition process and the new work of the new mandate, he said. The new government comprises of seasoned officials, chosen for their dedication to long-term development and governance capabilities. Sams administration is particularly focused on diversifying Macaus economy beyond its heavy reliance on the gaming industry. We will focus on innovation, starting with the work the public is most concerned about and pays the most attention to, he said. At the same time, we will continuously promote priority long-term development work, including continuing to optimize and raise the populations welfare, develop and diversify the economy, build the area of deepened cooperation, raise the level of public governance capacity, safeguard national security He said many of his team hail from civil service backgrounds, bringing years of experience in administrative management. For Sam, his team has demonstrated good professional training and a spirit of serving society. They all come from the civil service and have held senior positions in the last term or even in previous terms. The new appointments have been directors and have a good technical and professional track record, he said. The CE-elect announced that among the new appointees, Tai Kin-ip will take over as Secretary for Economy and Finance, succeeding Lei Wai Nong, overseeing tourism and economic diversification key areas Sam has said he will target to reduce reliance on gaming revenue. The CE-elect is confident of Tais ability to lead Macaus tourism sector toward significant advancements. With experience in government administration, Tai is expected to drive initiatives that align with the casino hubs ambition to establish itself as a world center of tourism and leisure, said Sam. This vision includes plans to strengthen ties and foster cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries. Sam said his administration would adopt a reform mindset, prioritizing policies that address residents concerns of, enhance their livelihoods, and ensure long-term economic development. We will implement pragmatic and effective measures to tackle deep-seated issues in response to the new requirements and expectations of the public for a better life, he said. In addition, two of the five current secretaries have been reappointed: Andre Cheong as Secretary for Administration and Justice, and Wong Sio Chak as Secretary for Security. For Sam, this continuity will provide stability as the new administration prepares to tackle pressing challenges facing Macau. The CE-elect said O Lam will become Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, while Tam Wai-man will be Secretary for Transport and Public Works. Ao Ieong Seong will become head of the Commissioner Against Corruption. Elsie Ao Ieong will transition from her current position as Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture to serve as Audit Commissioner. She acknowledged the challenges of her new role but expressed confidence in her ability to succeed, drawing on her 30 years of public service experience. She said her understanding of government operations and the need for improvements, particularly in budget applications and departmental efficiency, will be central to her audit focus. Elsie Ao Ieong also emphasized that public expectations for auditing, especially regarding performance, have risen significantly. The official pledged the audit work will maintain high standards, adhering strictly to ethical guidelines and codes of conduct. The government has always been entrusted with a great responsibility for auditing, and we are committed to enhancing transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness, said the official. In my future role, I will lead my team to enhance the standard of governance of the government and continuously improve the performance of the government in accordance with the requirements of the central government and under the leadership of the Chief Executive, she added. Additionally, Leong Man Cheong has been named Commissioner General of the Unitary Police Service, Adriano Marques Ho will become director general of Customs, and Chan Tsz-king is set to assume the role of Prosecutor-General. Ho Hou Hon will be director general of the Macau Customs. Sam also introduced his chief of staff, Chan Kak, the deputy chief of office of the Office of the President of the Court of Final Appeal (TUI). Looking ahead, Sam wants to collaborate closely with Hong Kong, aiming to leverage the strengths of both regions for mutual benefit. He plans to meet with Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee after taking office to discuss strategies for enhancing cooperation and integration into national development plans. The Central Peoples government said over the weekend the new governance team has a heavy responsibility and a glorious mission. The government expressed confidence that under Sams leadership, the team will work to fully implement the One country, two systems policy, improve governance efficiency, diversify the economy, and enhance residents quality of life. The current Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng has also expressed hopes the new appointees would strive to perform to the best of their capabilities and under the leadership of Sam serve the country and serve Macau in accordance with a spirit of unity and innovation. The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council also congratulated the official formation of the new governance team. They published an article titled Strong and Powerful Governance Team Promoting a New Development Situation that highlighted the teams qualifications and the central governments expectations for their leadership. Nadia Shaw & Victoria Chan Taiwan,s leader Lai Ching-te arrived Saturday in Hawaii to begin a two-day transit in the U.S. as part of a trip to the South Pacific, his first since assuming office. The stopover in Hawaii and one planned for the territory of Guam have drawn fierce criticism from Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own territory and objects to official exchanges between the self-ruled democracy and the U.S., the islands biggest backer and military provider. There were no high-ranking U.S. or Hawaii state officials to greet Lai at the Honolulu hotel where supporters cheered in Mandarin, some waving Taiwanese flags. He visited Hawaiis leading museum of natural history and Native Hawaiian culture, Bishop Museum. Later, he was expected to attend a banquet with supporters. Lai is on a weeklong trip to visit the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau three diplomatic allies of the self-governed island in the Pacific. Though Taiwan retains strong contacts with dozens of other nations, it has only 12 formal diplomatic allies. Bishop Museum CEO Dee Jay Mailer presented Lai with a red lei hulu, or feather garland, made by master featherwork artist Kawika Lum-Nelmida. Lai gave Mailer a headdress, made by Paiwan Indigenous people of Taiwan, and neck and shoulder decorative pieces made by Atayal Indigenous people, also of Taiwan. Lais visit shows that Taiwan and the United States have a very strong relationship, said Arthur Chen, the president of the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of North America. He flew to Hawaii from his home near Dallas to welcome the president to the U.S. Chen said he understood the U.S. has its own foreign policy but he said Lai should be treated as a head of state during his stay. Taiwan and the U.S. share common values like a belief in democracy and human rights, Chen said. So we should help each other, he said. Lai didnt make any public remarks at his initial engagements in Hawaii, but spoke before his departure from Taiwan. I want to use the values of democracy, peace, and prosperity to continue to expand our cooperation with our allies, to deepen our partnership and let the world see Taiwan not just as a model of democracy, but a vital power in promoting the worlds peace and stability, and prosperous development, he said at Taoyuan International Airport. It is unclear whether Lai will meet with any members of the incoming U.S. administration during his transit. President-elect Donald Trump said in an interview with Bloomberg in July that Taiwan should pay for its defense. The island has purchased billions of dollars of defense weaponry from the U.S. Trump evaded answering whether he would defend the island from Chinese military action. On Friday, the U.S. State Department said it approved the sale of $385 million in spare parts and equipment for a fleet of F-16s, as well as support for tactical communication system to Taiwan. While the U.S. is obligated to help the island defend itself under the Taiwan Relations Act, it has maintained a position of strategic ambiguity over whether it would ever get involved if Taiwan were to be invaded by China. A second Trump administration is expected to test U.S.-China relations even more than the Republicans first term, when the U.S. imposed tariffs on more than $360 billion in Chinese products. TAIJING WU, HUIZHONG WU & AUDREY McAVOY, HONOLULU, MDT/AP An offer of NATO membership to territory under Kyivs control would end the hot stage of the war in Ukraine, but any proposal to join the military alliance should be extended to all parts of the country that fall under internationally recognized borders, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a broadcast interview. Zelenskyys remarks on Friday signaled a possible way forward to the difficult path Ukraine faces to future NATO membership. At their summit in Washington in July, the 32 members declared Ukraine on an irreversible path to membership. However, one obstacle to moving forward has been the view that Ukraines borders would need to be clearly demarcated before it could join so that there can be no mistaking where the alliances pact of mutual defense would come into effect. You cant give an invitation to just one part of a country, Zelenskyy said in an excerpt of the interview with Sky News. Why? Because thus you would recognize that Ukraine is only that territory of Ukraine and the other one is Russia. Under the Ukrainian Constitution, Ukraine cant recognize territory occupied by Russia as Russian. So legally, by law, we have no right to recognize the occupied territory as territory of Russia, he said. Since the start of the war in 2022, Russia has been expending huge amounts of weaponry and human life to make small-but-steady territorial gains to the nearly one-fifth of Ukraine it already controls in east and southern Ukraine. If we want to stop the hot stage of the war, we should take under the NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control. Thats what we need to do, fast. And then Ukraine can get back the other part of its territory diplomatically, he said. An invitation for Ukraine to join NATO is one key point of Zelenskyys victory plan, which he presented to Western allies and the Ukrainian people in October. The plan is seen as a way for Ukraine to strengthen its hand in any negotiations with Moscow. Earlier this week, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said that the alliance needs to go further to support Ukraine in its fight against Russias invasion. Military aid to Kyiv and steps toward ending the war are expected to be high on the agenda when NATO members foreign ministers meet in Brussels for a two-day gathering starting on Dec. 3. However, any decision for Ukraine to join the military alliance would require a lengthier process and the agreement of all member states. There is also uncertainty as to the foreign policy stance of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. While Trump vowed on the campaign trail to end Russias invasion of Ukraine in a single day, he hasnt publicly discussed how this could happen. Trump also announced Wednesday that Keith Kellogg, an 80-year-old, highly decorated retired three-star general, would serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. In April, Kellog wrote that bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties. Meanwhile, during his only campaign debate with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump twice refused to directly answer a question about whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war raising concerns that Kyiv could be forced to accept unfavorable terms in any negotiations. Zelenskyys statement comes as Ukraine faces increasing pressure along the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line. In its latest report, Washington-based think tank the Institute for the Study of War said Saturday that Russian forces had recently advanced near Kupiansk, in Toretsk, and near Pokrovsk and Velyka Novosilka, a key logistics route for the Ukrainian military. At least four people were killed Saturday when a Russian missile hit Ukraines Dnipropetrovsk region, Zelenskyy said in a post on Telegram. Dnipropetrovsk Gov. Serhiy Lysak said that the strike also wounded at least 21 people, of which eight were in a serious condition. Ukraines air force announced Saturday that the country had come under attack from 10 Russian drones, of which eight were shot down over the Kyiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk and Kherson regions. One drone returned to Russian-occupied territory, while the final drone disappeared from radar, often a sign of the use of electronic defenses. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said that 11 Ukrainian drones had been shot down by the countrys air defense systems. Both the mayor of Sochi, Andrey Proshunin, and the head of Russias Dagestan region, Sergey Melikov, both in Russias southwest, said that drones had been destroyed in their regions overnight. No casualties were reported. On Friday, the Ukrainian president announced a number of changes to military leadership, saying that changes in personnel management were needed to improve the situation on the battlefield. SUSIE BLANN, KYIV, MDT/AP 2 Dec - It looks like Ady An will have to continue her life as a single parent to her two kids, as husband Levo Chen has been sentenced to 13 years in prison and a fine amounting to more than RMB 1 billion. The Court of Final Appeal of Macau made the final judgement to uphold the previous sentence on 29 November, after the Tak Chun Group Chairman, who was found guilty for running an illegal multi-billion-dollar gambling ring back in 2023, made an appeal to his case. It is noted that Chen was found guilty specifically on 24 counts of illegal gambling in a licensed area, seven counts of substantial fraud, one count of illegal gambling and one count of aggravated money laundering. Sources told the media that Ady was devastated by the verdict, but that she is relieved to receive support and encouragement from friends. ADVERTISEMENT Good friend Kimi Hsia also shared in an interview that she felt sorry for Ady, seeing that the whole issue had nothing to do with her. "But no matter how hard it has been in the past few years; she has been so strong to raise two children alone. Ady, as a mother and a woman, is the bravest person I have ever seen. We will always be by her side, giving her support and love. Thank you all for your concern for her," she said. The actress has been quiet since the case first made headlines. However, she made news after she was spotted in a video attending good friend Joe Chen's wedding in Malaysia back in September. The actress was spotted among the guests at Joe's wedding (Photo Source: Ady An IG, Oriental Daily) Beijing, ChinaChina on Monday said it had taken control measures against Philippine ships it accused of illegally gathering near a disputed reef in the South China Sea. Recently, several Philippine ships illegally gathered under the pretence of fishing in the waters near Houteng Reef of Chinas Nansha Islands, China Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun said in a statement, using the Chinese names for the Iroquois Reef and Spratly Islands. - Advertisement - The Chinese Coast Guard took necessary control measures against the Philippine ships in accordance with the law, Liu said. We warn the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringements and provocations. China claims almost all of the South China Sea, despite an international ruling in 2016 concluding its claims have no legal basis. Beijing has deployed navy, coast guard and so-called maritime militia forcesallegedly Chinese fishing vesselsin a bid to bar the Philippines from strategically important reefs and islands in the South China Sea. Vessels from the two sides have clashed frequently in the past year, resulting in injuries and damages. Tensions escalated in November when Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos signed two laws defining the countrys sea waters and imposing fixed lanes for foreign ships. That sparked a sharp riposte by China, which summoned Manilas envoy to lodge solemn representations over their passage. Tensions rose again earlier this month when the United States and the Philippines signed a security agreement that allows the two sides to share classified information. Earlier on Monday, Marcos said a Russian attack submarine was spotted off the countrys coast in the disputed South China Sea, describing its presence as very worrisome. Japan plans to provide defense equipment to the Philippines, Indonesia, Mongolia and Djibouti under its official security assistance to the armed forces of like-minded countries that share its values, a government source said Saturday. The four countries have been designated as the recipients of the OSA grant aid for fiscal 2024 through March next year, with Japan earmarking 5 billion yen ($33 million) in its initial budget for the current fiscal year, the source said. - Advertisement - Tokyo launched the OSA in April 2023 to help recipient countries ramp up their defense capabilities amid security concerns like Chinas growing military assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the source, Japan plans to provide the Philippines with radar to help the Southeast Asian country deal with Chinas expanding military presence in the South China Sea. Philippine vessels have been encountering Beijings repeated aggressive actions in the South China Sea, where there are overlapping territorial claims among countries such as the Philippines and China. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea. Last year, the Japanese government decided to provide Manila with a coastal surveillance radar system under the new grant aid program. The Philippines had been designated as an OSA recipient for fiscal 2023 along with Malaysia, Bangladesh and Fiji. Mongolia, bordering China and Russia, is expected to be given air traffic control equipment, while Indonesia and Djibouti could receive equipment, possibly vessels, to ensure their maritime security, the source said. Eight decades after French colonial forces executed West African soldiers in Thiaroye, Senegal intensifies demands for full accountability and historical transparency. The December 1944 massacre, involving hundreds of African veterans who served France during World War II, remains shrouded in controversy regarding casualty numbers and circumstances. Current commemorations highlight persistent tensions between official French accounts and historical evidence. Presidential acknowledgment characterizes the incident as resulting from wage disputes, while historians present evidence of systematic execution of unarmed soldiers, with estimated casualties reaching four hundred. Descendants of victims, including elderly relatives seeking closure, continue pressing for complete disclosure of military archives. Critical documents regarding mass grave locations and troop numbers remain inaccessible, complicating efforts to establish definitive historical records. Senegalese leadership implements comprehensive memorial initiatives, including curriculum integration, research center establishment, and national Remembrance Day designation. These efforts reflect broader regional shifts in Franco-African relations amid declining French influence throughout West Africa. Presidential statements emphasize truth-seeking objectives while avoiding inflammatory rhetoric. However, divergent interpretations persist between French diplomatic characterizations and Senegalese assessments regarding premeditation aspects of the massacre. The anniversary commemorations attract regional leadership attendance, signaling broader African interest in colonial legacy examination. Memorial plans include infrastructure development and educational programs designed to preserve historical memory for future generations. This renewed focus on historical accountability reflects evolving diplomatic dynamics, as former colonies reassess relationships with previous colonial powers while maintaining constructive dialogue regarding shared historical narratives. The Gulf Cooperation Council reiterated its steady stand in support of Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara territory. The GCC at the end of its 45th supreme council in Kuwait reaffirmed the strategic importance it attaches to partnership with Morocco and reiterated the steady positions and decisions in support of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. The council also called for preserving the peace and stability of the Kingdom of Morocco and its territorial integrity and commended the UN Security Council resolution 2756. The GCC is made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The UAE and Bahrain have been among the 29 countries that opened consulates in the Moroccan Sahara. U.S. President Joe Biden is set to visit Cape Verde on Monday November 2, making a stop on the island of Sal during his trip to Angola, the Cape Verdean Government announced on Sunday, December 1. Biden will be welcomed by Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva at Amilcar Cabral International Airport at 8:30 a.m. local time (9:30 a.m. in Lisbon). This marks the first-ever visit by a sitting U.S. President to Cape Verde. The United States hosts the largest Cape Verdean diaspora globally, a key factor in the strong and longstanding ties between the two nations. The Cape Verdean Government described Bidens visit as historic, emphasizing that it highlights the archipelagos growing credibility and influence on the world stage as a model of stability and democracy. Cape Verde was selected last year as a recipient of a new development aid package from the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The Government plans to present projects for funding under this program, although the total funding amount has yet to be determined. These projects are expected to be finalized within the next two years. 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: Prevalence of carrying a weapon at school and a gun by state among US youth with an injurious suicide attempt, 2021. Credit: American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.08.014 Suicide remains a leading cause of death among adolescents. A new study among US high school students has found that suicidal behavior is significantly associated with externalizing behaviors and violence exposure. The new study, appearing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine is the first to assess this association at the state level. Although access to firearms and other weapon use contribute to suicide risk, the underlying risk for, and correlates of, firearm use among US adolescents is understudied. A cross-sectional study using data from 1991 to 2021 on 234,588 adolescents from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey examined the associations between externalizing behaviors, violence exposure, firearm carrying, and suicidal behavior to provide an assessment of the ways in which broader violence risk factors may increase the risk for injurious self-harm. Externalizing behaviors are characterized by aggressive and disruptive behaviors that can be harmful to others or the social environment. Examples of externalizing behaviors and violence expression are threatening others with a weapon, starting a physical fight, and committing sexual violence. First author Victoria A. Joseph, MPH, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, says, "We found significant associations between suicidal behavior and externalizing behaviors and violence exposure, with higher magnitudes of associations among those with a suicide attempt requiring medical treatment. The association between externalizing behaviors and violence exposure and injurious suicide attempt also varied over time and by sex." Firearm-based suicide rates have increased among adolescents in recent years, suggesting a growing urgency to examine dynamics surrounding firearms and their role pertaining to suicidal behavior. Access to firearms and suicide rates in the US vary by state. Joseph explains, "Suicide deaths are more prevalent among individuals who live in rural areas due in part to firearm access, isolation, and limited access to mental health services. State-level variations of suicide rates are heavily driven by suicide deaths involving firearms." The study's researchers evaluated trends from data available from 16 states (ID, IL, IA, LA, MI, MS, MT, NE, NH, NM, NY, OK, PA, UT, VA, and WV) on carrying a gun or other weapon. They found that among adolescents with an injurious suicide attempt in 2021, state-level differences in weapon access emerged. Joseph notes, "Although the prevalence of suicide involving firearms is higher in the West, surprising trends emerged such as low prevalence of weapon access among those with an injurious suicide attempt in gun ownership states such as Montana and high prevalence in states with low gun ownership such as New York. "It should be noted that sparse data at the state level hindered the assessment of trends over time in every state. Due to variations in suicide rates, gun laws and weapon access in the US, state-level assessments of suicide risk and interventions are essential." Lead investigator of the study Katherine M. Keyes, MPH, Ph.D., Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, concludes, "Firearm injury is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among young people in the United States, including through suicidal behavior. Youth who carry weapons and have higher risks of engaging in physical violence also have a higher risk of self-inflicted violence, underscoring the need for stronger firearm protections to protect youth health." More information: Victoria A. Joseph et al, Externalizing Behaviors/Violence Exposure and Suicide Among U.S. Adolescents, American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.08.014 Journal information: American Journal of Preventive Medicine This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The prevalence of and mortality from alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) increased among older U.S. adults, according to a study presented at The Liver Meeting, the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, held from Nov. 15 to 19 in San Diego. Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, M.D., from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, and colleagues examined temporal shifts in both the prevalence and mortality rates associated with ALD and AUD among older U.S. adults using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (2010 to 2019). The researchers found that in 2019, there were approximately 556,340 cases of AUD, 112,560 cases of alcohol-associated cirrhosis, and 3,720 cases of primary liver cancer from alcohol among older U.S. adults. While globally there were declines in age-standardized rates of prevalence and mortality, these measures increased in the United States. During the study period, there were increases in mortality from AUD (the annual percent change [APC], +1.63 percent), cirrhosis (APC, +0.56 percent), and primary liver cancer from alcohol (APC, +3.09 percent). Nearly half of U.S. states showed a rise in mortality from alcohol-associated cirrhosis. "Public health strategies on ALD and AUD targeting the elderly are urgently needed," the authors write. Copyright 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: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Unauthorized switching of Affordable Care Act plans appears to have tapered off in recent weeks based on an almost one-third drop in casework associated with consumer complaints, say federal regulators. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which oversees the ACA, credits steps taken to thwart enrollment and switching problems that triggered more than 274,000 complaints this year through August. Now, the annual ACA open enrollment period that began Nov. 1 poses a real-world test: Will the changes curb fraud by rogue agents or brokerages without unduly slowing the process of enrolling or reducing the total number of sign-ups for 2025 coverage? "They really have this tightrope to walk," said Sabrina Corlette, co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. "The more you tighten it up to prevent fraud, the more barriers there are that could inhibit enrollment among those who need the coverage." CMS said in July that some types of policy changesthose in which the agent is not "affiliated" with the existing planwill face more requirements, such as a three-way call with the consumer, broker, and a healthcare.gov call center representative. In August, the agency barred two of about a dozen private sector online-enrollment platforms from connecting with healthcare.gov over concerns related to improper switching. And CMS has suspended 850 agents suspected of being involved in unauthorized plan-switching from accessing the ACA marketplace. Still, the clampdown could add complexity to enrollment and slow the process. For example, a consumer might have to wait in a queue for a three-way call, or scramble to find a new agent because the one they previously worked with had been suspended. Given that phone lines with healthcare.gov staff already get busyespecially during mid-Decemberagents and policy analysts advise consumers not to dally this year. "Hit the ground running," said Ronnell Nolan, president and CEO of Health Agents for America, a professional organization for brokers. Meanwhile, reports are emerging that some rogue entities are already figuring out workarounds that could undermine some of the anti-fraud protections CMS put in place, Nolan said. "Bottom line is: Fraud and abuse is still happening," Nolan said. Brokers assist the majority of people actively enrolling in ACA plans and are paid a monthly commission by insurers for their efforts. Consumers can compare plans or enroll themselves online through federal or state marketplace websites. They can also seek help from people called assisters or navigatorscertified helpers who are not paid commissions. Under a "find local help" button on the federal and state ACA websites, consumers can search for nearby brokers or navigators. CMS says it has "ramped up support operations" at its healthcare.gov marketplace call centers, which are open 24/7, in anticipation of increased demand for three-way calls, and it expects "minimal wait times," said Jeff Wu, deputy director for policy of the CMS Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight. Wu said those three-way calls are necessary only when an agent or a broker not already associated with a consumer's enrollment wants to change that consumer's enrollment or end that consumer's coverage. It does not apply to people seeking coverage for the first time. Organizations paid by the government to offer navigator services have a dedicated phone line to the federal marketplace, and callers are not currently experiencing long waits, said Xonjenese Jacobs, director of Florida Covering Kids & Families, a program based at the University of South Florida that coordinates enrollment across the state through its Covering Florida navigator program. Navigators can assist with the three-way calls if a consumer's situation requires it. "Because we have our quick line in, there's no increased wait time," Jacobs said. The problem of unauthorized switches has been around for a while but took off during last year's open enrollment season. Brokers generally blamed much of the problem on the ease with which rogue agents can access ACA information in the federal marketplace, needing only a person's name, date of birth, and state of residence. Though federal regulators have worked to tighten that access with the three-way call requirement, they stopped short of instituting what some agent groups say is needed: two-factor authentication, which could involve a code accessed by a consumer through a smartphone. Unauthorized switches can lead to a host of problems for consumers, from higher deductibles to landing in new networks that do not include their preferred physicians or hospitals. Some people have received tax bills when unauthorized policies came with premium credits for which they did not qualify. Unauthorized switches posed a political liability for the Biden administration, a blemish on two years of record ACA enrollment. The practice drew criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle; Democrats demanded more oversight and punishment of rogue agents, while Republicans said fraud attempts were fueled by Biden administration moves that allowed for more generous premium subsidies and special enrollment periods. The fate of those enhanced subsidies, which are set to expire, will be decided by Congress next year as the Trump administration takes power. But the premiums and subsidies that come with 2025 plans that people are enrolling in now will remain in effect for the entire year. The actions taken this year to thwart the unauthorized enrollments apply to the federal marketplace, used by 31 states. The remaining states and the District of Columbia run their own websites, with many having in place additional layers of security. For its part, CMS says its efforts are working, pointing to the 30% drop in complaint casework. The agency also noted a 90% drop in the number of times an agent's name was replaced by another's, which it says indicates that it is tougher for rival agents to steal clients to gain the monthly commissions that insurers pay. Still, the move to suspend 850 agents has drawn pushback from agent groups that initially brought the problem to federal regulators' attention. They say some of those accused were suspended before getting a chance to respond to the allegations. "There will be a certain number of agents and brokers who are going to be suspended without due process," said Nolan, with the health agents' group. She said that it has called for increased protections against unauthorized switching and that two-factor authentication, like that used in some state marketplaces or in the financial sector, would be more effective than what's been done. "We now have to jump through so many hoops that I'm not sure we're going to survive," she said of agents in general. "They are just throwing things against the wall to see what sticks when they could just do two-factor." The agency did not respond to questions asking for details about how the 850 agents suspended since July were selected, the states where they were located, or how many had their suspensions reversed after supplying additional information. 2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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: Photo of the Human Skin Equivalent with Hypodermis (HSEH) developed by researchers at the Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory. Credit: LNBio Brazilian researchers have used three-dimensional (3D) printing to develop an artificial skin model with properties that are more similar to those of human skin. The structure, called Human Skin Equivalent with Hypodermis (HSEH), could be used in studies to treat diseases and injuries such as wounds and burns, as well as in the development of medicines and cosmetics, without the need for animal testing. The process of producing the material, which is made from stem cells (capable of transforming into different cell types) and primary cells (grown directly from human tissues), was described in the journal Communications Biology by scientists from the Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), part of the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM). The work was presented on November 27 at a session on biotechnology held during FAPESP Week Spain in Madrid. The event, which ended on November 28 at the Faculty of Medicine of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), in the Moncloa-Aravaca region, aimed to strengthen links between researchers from the state of Sao Paulo and the European country in order to promote research partnerships. "We were able to develop a complete skin model with three layers: the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. In this way, we were able to obtain a model of the organ with characteristics very similar to those of a human being," Ana Carolina Migliorini Figueira, researcher at LNBio-CNPEM and coordinator of the project, told Agencia FAPESP. According to Figueira, 3D skin models have been explored as an alternative method to using animals, for example, in cosmetics absorption testing. But the limitation of the options developed so far is that they neglect the hypodermis the deepest layer of the skin, which plays a fundamental role in regulating important biological processes such as hydration and cell differentiation. This layer, formed by adipose (fat) cells, plays an active role in the skin, influencing processes such as water regulation, cell development and immunity, making it essential for creating complete and functional skin models. The researchers used tissue engineering techniques to improve the technology and succeeded in building a full-thickness human skin equivalent with the hypodermis to create an environment closer to real human tissue, allowing for more efficient cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. "This new 3D skin model with the hypodermis layer provides a more accurate in vitro platform for disease modeling and toxicology studies," concluded Figueira. "The results of the tests we performed show that the hypodermis is essential for modulating the expression of a wide range of genes that are vital for skin functionality, such as those related to tissue protection and regeneration," she said. Diabetic skin The researchers used 3D bioprinting to build a skin model based on collagen, which serves as a matrix for cell interaction. LNBio will produce the skin for its own studies, but will also be able to produce the material for partner research institutions. The idea is to help develop grafts for treating wounds and burns. Through another project, the Brazilian researchers intend to use this more realistic 3D skin to develop a model of diabetic skin with chronic wounds and, consequently, a dressing for this purpose. The idea is that the LNBio researchers will be able to vascularize the in vitro human skin model in three layers to create a version that mimics the skin characteristics of people with diabetes, who may have wounds that are difficult to heal and are at risk of limb amputation. In contrast, a group of Dutch researchers affiliated with the Radboud University Medical Center is working to develop new biomaterials to create a dressing to treat diabetic wounds. "Our goal, once the new dressing is produced, is to test it both in an animal model and on the human diabetic skin that we'll develop," Figueira explained. Biosensors for monitoring Meanwhile, a group of researchers from the Federal University of ABC (UFABC), also in Brazil, intends to use synthetic biology tools to build biosensors based on genetic circuits, such as DNA, RNA and proteins, to monitor the contamination of environmental samples, such as water, by metals. By combining biological and engineering knowledge, the researchers aim to introduce new functions in natural organisms by developing new genetic sequences. "There are natural RNA and protein molecules that can interact with mercury and manganese, for example. The idea is to design these genetic circuits, mainly from bacteria, to monitor the contamination of water samples by these metals, in real time and in a less costly way, without the need to use robust and expensive equipment," Milca Rachel da Costa Ribeiro Lins, professor at UFABC and coordinator of the project, told Agencia FAPESP. The field of biotechnology is believed to be strategic for Spain and has received large investments from the UCM in recent years, emphasized Spanish researchers who participated in the event. "The United States remains the world leader in the biotechnology market. But countries in Europe, Asia, Central America and the Middle East are showing very high growth. And Spain has several strong points. One of them is that there are around 4,500 companies working in this field," said Maria Isabel de la Riesco, a professor at UCM. Biotechnology companies in Spain employ more researchers than other industries and salaries in the field are higher than the national average, she said. "Spain has a 2.46% share of the world's publications of biotechnology-related articles, and their citation rate is 21% higher than the global average. About 60% of the scientific production in biotechnology in the country is carried out in international collaboration," stated Riesco. More information: Thayna M. Avelino et al, Unveiling the impact of hypodermis on gene expression for advancing bioprinted full-thickness 3D skin models, Communications Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-07106-4 Journal information: Communications Biology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The round batteries, small as buttons and shiny as coins, are prized for the energy they pack at their size. In households, they have become commonplace, powering remote controls, hearing aids, toys, electric tea lights, wristwatches, greeting cards that play music and other familiar items. But doctors warn that such "button batteries" can maim and kill. Pop one into your mouth and swallowas thousands of children do annually and they can quickly cause devastating injuries. A growing number of medical associations is pushing for battery manufacturers to head off the threat by making a new product: A button or "coin cell" battery that will not lead to catastrophic injuries when swallowed. "The only real solution to the battery problem is to make the battery itself safer," said Dr. Toby Litovitz, founder of the National Capital Poison Center. When button batteries are lodged in the body, their electrical current breaks down water, driving up alkalinity to dangerous levels akin to bleach. Bodily tissues can begin to liquefy. Physicians say serious injury can happen within two hours, sometimes before a parent has even realized that a battery was swallowed. As button batteries have proliferated in common items, the rate of pediatric emergency visits for battery-related injuries has more than doubled in recent decades, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics. Some children have ended up relying on tubes to breathe or suffered massive hemorrhaging, doctors said. "Unfortunately, these batteries cause such severe injuries so rapidly," some of which are impossible for surgeons to repair, said Dr. Kris Jatana, surgical director of clinical outcomes at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Ohio. Jatana became alarmed by the risks after caring for a 2-year-old child who ended up needing a tracheostomy to breathe. "It was a moment that motivated me to try to see what we could do to prevent these injuries from happening in the first place." Some battery manufacturers have tried adding a bitter coating or saliva-activated dye to tip off parents. Reese's Law, a federal statute named for a child who died of serious injuries after swallowing a button battery, now requires compartments for such batteries on consumer products to be harder to open and mandates child-resistant packaging for button batteries. But advocates say more needs to be done. For instance, Litovitz said that harder-to-open packaging would not address the many injuries caused when children swallow batteries left sitting out or discarded. Among those pushing to develop safer batteries is biotech entrepreneur Bryan Laulicht. "What makes them really great for devices is also what makes them so dangerous when you swallow them," Laulicht said of button batteries. "They're powerful enough to split water ... which spikes the pH up to Drano levels in a matter of minutes." Doctors began raising alarms about the threat decades ago as more children began to suffer grave injuries. One study found that between 1985 and 2009, the percentage of button battery ingestions that led to serious or deadly injuries had risen more than sixfold. Litovitz and other researchers pointed to the rising popularity of the 20-millimeter diameter lithium coin cell battery: Their analysis found that 12.6% of children under the age of 6 who ingested button batteries around that size suffered serious complications or death. They're "just the right size to get stuck in the esophagus of a small child, especially a child younger than four years," Litovitz said in an email. "Further, these lithium coin cells have twice the voltage of other button cells." Doctors may not immediately recognize and diagnose the problem if no one realized a battery was swallowed, because the symptoms can initially look like those of other childhood ailments. The problem has worsened over time: From 2010 through 2019, an average of more than 7,000 children and teens went to emergency rooms annually for injuries related to batteries, according to the Pediatrics study. The rate of such emergency visits had doubled compared with the period of 1990 to 2009. Button batteries were implicated in the bulk of cases where the battery type was known. Researchers have tallied more than 70 deaths from ingesting button batteries over time, but Litovitz said the true number could be far higher because that figure only includes cases documented in medical research or the media or reported to the National Button Battery Ingestion Hotline, which stopped operating six years ago. At Children's Hospital Los Angeles, doctors see roughly one child a month who has been injured by a button battery, said Helen Arbogast, injury prevention program manager in its division of general pediatric surgery. Children are attracted to shiny things and pick up on the attention that adults pay to electronics, she said. "Remote controls are really fascinating to themthe buttons, the colorsand part of their natural motor skill development is to learn how to open and close things," Arbogast said. She stressed that time is critical. "If a parent suspects their child having swallowed a button battery, it's important to get them to a hospital right away." In Texas, Reese Hamsmith awoke one morning in 2020 congested and wheezing. Her mother, Trista Hamsmith, took the toddler to the pediatrician, who suspected croup. It wasn't until the next day, after a Halloween night when Reese had remained ill, that her mother realized a button battery was missing from their remote control. Reese underwent emergency surgery, but the damage continued even after the battery had been removed, burning a hole through her esophagus and trachea, her mother said. In the weeks that followed, she underwent more surgeries, sedation and intubation. Less than two months after her injury, Reese died. She was a year and a half old. After she died, "I held her again, and I promised to her that I would do everything I could that no kid would die this way again," Trista Hamsmith said. The Lubbock mother started a nonprofit, Reese's Purpose, that successfully pushed for federal legislation that imposed new requirements for battery compartments, childproof packaging and warning labels. Hamsmith was glad to see those rules go into effect, but rued that such protections had not been put in place earlier. "It shouldn't have to take what we went through" to spur action, she said. "It definitely should not have to take someone like me screaming at the world." The group is also leading research into a medical device that could detect a swallowed battery without subjecting a child to radiation, which Hamsmith wants to see used whenever a child shows up with possible symptoms. And it worked with Energizer on safety features including a telltale dye that turns blue with saliva. "The missing ingredient here ... has been the ability to alert the caregiver that something has happened," said Jeffrey Roth, Energizer's global category leader for batteries and lights. "That's really what 'color alert' doesit gives the caregiver notification that a child might have put something in their mouth that they shouldn't have." Litovitz cautioned, however, that because not all batteries have the blue dye, doctors and parents should not assume that no battery was swallowed if they don't see that color. Roth said that in recent years, Energizer has spent tens of millions of dollars on research and other efforts surrounding button battery safety. "We believe that one day we will solve this," he said. "But it certainly requires a breakthrough innovation." Laulicht, cofounder and chief executive of Landsdowne Labs, said his company has been testing an alternative battery with a different kind of casing, intended to shut down inside the body. Tests that involve sandwiching the battery between two pieces of ham do not show the kind of damage inflicted by commercially available button batteries, he said. (Ham is used as a readily available substitute for human gastrointestinal tissue, Laulicht explained.) One of their challenges has been getting the same level of battery performance with those alterations, Laulicht said. But as a father of young children, "I would rather a battery that only lasted a year on the shelf ... but didn't kill my kid when they swallowed it." 2024 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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 For people with the bleeding disorder hemophilia, life can seem like one continuous state of alertness. If they accidentally cut their finger while chopping vegetables, they have to immediately administer the clotting factor protein that their body either lacks or does not produce enough of. A normal visit to the dentist, which may well be accompanied by a small amount of bleeding, can be highly risky for a hemophiliac. "We know of cases in which a person whose hemophilia is untreated or has not been adequately managed has bled to death after a tooth extraction," explained Hermann Eichler, Professor of Transfusion Medicine and Clinical Hemostaseology at Saarland University and Director of the Institute for Clinical Hemostaseology and Transfusion Medicine at Saarland University Medical Center. Eichler is the head of one of only about 30 centers in Germany that specialize in the treatment of severe types of hemophilia. The institute provides comprehensive medical treatment to individuals born with a deficiency in certain coagulation factors. But this type of advanced medical treatment comes at a cost, specifically around 200,000 per year per patient. Coagulation factors (clotting factors) are proteins in the blood that ensure that the blood coagulates when needed. Inhibitors (anticoagulant factors), in contrast, serve to control the clotting response and so prevent the formation of potentially life-threatening thrombi (clots). "You can think of it like a pair of precisely balanced scales," said Professor Eichler. "On the one side, you have the proteins that promote blood coagulationthe vital first step in ensuring that the wound will close. On the other, you have the anticoagulant factors, which ensure that the blood in the bloodstream does not clot." If this delicate balance is disturbed, one side outweighs the other, leading either to thrombosis or to unstoppable bleeding. The situation is particularly serious in those individuals who lack coagulation factors 8 and 9. If these clotting factors are completely absent, the individuals concerned suffer from severe hemophilia that can result in spontaneous bleeding, not infrequently in the large joints. At present, conventional treatment requires patients to inject the missing clotting factor 8 or 9 into a vein between one and three times a week to prevent bleeding. "In this type of prophylactic treatment, the patient only receives enough of the coagulation factor to prevent spontaneous bleeding," explained Professor Eichler. "But that doesn't mean that they are fully healthy from a blood clotting perspective. It's not ideal, but at least the patients no longer suffer from spontaneous joint bleeds, which, if left untreated over the long term, would result in chronic joint damage." But this type of treatment can only really delay the onset of the most serious consequences of hemophilia. "In most patients, joint damage or, in the most severe cases, joint degeneration, doesn't occur until adulthood," explained Professor Eichler. Nevertheless, by the time they have reached the age of 40, patients with severe hemophilia will very often be suffering from chronic joint pain and a severely reduced quality of life. Relief may well now come in the form of concizumab, a new drug from the Danish multinational pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Professor Eichler and his team played a major role in its clinical development and were able to demonstrate its efficacy and tolerability in a recently published study in The Lancet Haematology. Concizumab plasma concentration, free tissue factor pathway inhibitor concentration, and peak thrombin concentrations in the safety analysis set after the trial pause. Credit: The Lancet Haematology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S2352-3026(24)00307-7 While conventional treatments aim to replace the missing coagulation factors 8 or 9 in the patient's blood, concizumaba therapeutic monoclonal antibodyoffers a different approach to treating hemophilia. "Rather than adding the missing clotting factors to the blood, we essentially block an anticoagulant factor so that the delicate equilibrium between the factors that promote coagulation and those that inhibit it is restored," explained Professor Eichler. Specifically, concizumab inhibits the function of the anticoagulant factor TFPI (tissue factor pathway inhibitor). In healthy individuals, TFPI ensures that not too much of the central clotting enzyme thrombin is produced at the injury site during the wound healing process. Thrombin essentially controls the formation of fibrin, a protein arranged in long fibrous chains. These fibrin strands interlink to create a fibrous mesh that traps blood cells, particularly platelets, eventually forming a stable clot. Instead of adding the missing coagulation factors 8 or 9 directly to the patient's blood, the researchers use concizumab to block the production of TFPI. Blocking the action of the thrombin inhibitor in this way allows enough thrombin to be generated, so that clotting occurs and bleeding stops. "This development is of major significance for hemophilia patients," explained Professor Eichler, "By blocking TFPI, thrombin production at the injury site is significantly increased, which allows blood clotting to begin and the wound to close." The clinical phase 3 trial involved data from a total of 148 people suffering from severe hemophilia A or B (i.e., individuals missing clotting factors 8 or 9 respectively). "The bleeding rate was significantly lower in trial participants who received concizumab, and the drug, which is injected under the skin with a disposable pen similar to those used by diabetics, is very well tolerated," said Professor Eichler, summarizing the encouraging clinical trial results. This new treatment approach may well make it possible to avoid the serious complications associated with hemophilia, such as degenerative joint disease, but this still needs to be confirmed by long-term studies. "In contrast to previous therapeutic approaches, blocking the action of TFPI normalizes thrombin formation in hemophilia patientssomething we typically only see in individuals with healthy coagulation," said Professor Eichler. "One of the patients who took part in the trial recently suffered a bad fall from his bicycle and sustained a large wound. Without hemophilia treatment, the man would almost certainly have suffered a serious bleeding complication. But now, just a few days later, he is sitting there just like you and me, and his wounds are healing quite normally." More information: Pratima Chowdary et al, Concizumab prophylaxis in people with haemophilia A or haemophilia B without inhibitors (explorer8): a prospective, multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3a trial, The Lancet Haematology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S2352-3026(24)00307-7 Journal information: The Lancet Haematology 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 Driven by rapid advances in technology and the ever-growing influence of the digital landscape, the art of caring for the physical body and the digital world are becoming increasingly intertwined. The field of cosmetic dermatology is no exception. "The marriage of innovation, social media and telehealth consultations has changed how patients perceive and seek beauty and how they engage with dermatologists," says corresponding author Neelam Vashi, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. "Technology should serve as a means of empowerment, that celebrates individuality and authenticity, not distortion." Her editorial published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine explores how dermatologists must learn to harness the power of technology while upholding the core values of safety, ethics and patient satisfaction. Vashi, who also directs the Boston University Cosmetic and Laser Center at Boston Medical Center, describes how technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality and high-resolution imaging are powerful tools that are pushing the boundaries of what physicians can offer their patients in cosmetic dermatology. While these tools empower patients by offering a tangible, visual sense of what they could potentially expect, she stresses that they are not without challenges. "While AI can generate recommendations based on an enormous amount of data in seconds, it cannot fully account for the complexity and unpredictability of human skin and response to treatment." Vashi also addresses the "social media effect" which she describes as a double-edged sword. Even though social media makes information and personal experiences related to cosmetic dermatology treatments easily accessible to social media users, Vashi points out that influencers without background expertise promote skincare products or cosmetic procedures, dispensing unqualified skin advice that can potentially be harmful. While access to care has expanded through telemedicine, Vashi warns that dermatologists must be wary of the limitations of virtual consultations. She believes some conditions, consultations, and procedures require in-person appointments to ensure safety and accuracy. "Relying solely on virtual tools misses valuable information that can only be obtained by seeing the patient in person. It is the responsibility of dermatologists to balance the convenience of telehealth with the necessity of in-person exams to ensure the patient's safety and cosmetic goals are best met," Vashi says. As both cosmetic dermatology information and procedures become more accessible in the digital age, the need for greater awareness, patient education and regulation become more necessary. According to Vashi, cosmetic dermatologists have an important role to play in educating patients about the risks associated with self-administered treatments and unregulated services sold online. "Dermatologists should emphasize and recommend receiving procedures from licensed professionals who adhere to safety standards and ethical guidelines. On an institutional level, dermatologists should advocate for strong regulatory oversight of digital platforms to minimize misinformation and ensure patient safety." Vashi concludes her editorial by addressing the relationship between digital beauty standards and mental health and self-esteem. "Supporting our patients and understanding the effects of social media on their psyche is vital. "The digital age and all its powerful tools must be the center of further research so that we may not only better utilize it, but also uphold ethical standards and foster a healthy relationship with beauty in the digital age." More information: Aurore D. Zhang et al, Cosmetic Dermatology in the Digital Age, Journal of Clinical Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.3390/jcm13226953 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 team of pediatricians, and infectious and inflammatory disease specialists at the University of Gothenburg, working with colleagues from Skaraborg Hospital, all in Sweden, has found a lower incidence of allergies in infants born to parents living on farms who are exposed to animals as they age. In their paper published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, the group theorizes that exposure to farm animals as infants leads to differences in the gut biome, which in turn leads to reduced likelihood of developing allergies later on. Over the past several decades, medical researchers have found the gut biome plays a much bigger role in human health than previously thought. In this new effort, the researchers in Sweden found evidence that it might also play a major role in the development of allergies. Prior research has shown that shortly after birth, the human gut biome is rich in facultative bacteria, which prefer an environment with a lot of oxygen. As the bacteria consume the oxygen in the gut, the proportion of anaerobes grows. Over time, the anaerobes become more diverse and outgrow the facultative bacteria, a sign of a mature gut biome. In this new effort, the research team wondered if living on a farm during the critical early stages of gut biome development might have an impact. To find out, they collected fecal samples from 65 children during their infancy and later as they grew older. They then compared samples from children born to parents living on a farm with animals, children that did not grow up on a farm, and non-farm children that had a pet. Samples were collected at three days, 18 months, three years and eight years. Gut microbiota composition in (AC) children growing up on a farm vs. control children and (DF) children growing up with pets vs. no pets. Credit: PLOS ONE (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313078 The researchers found that infants living on a farm had seven times more anaerobes than facultative bacteria compared to infants who did not live on a farm, whether they had a pet or not. They also found that gut biome differences between the two groups shrank as the children aged, but those who lived on a farm as infants had much lower rates of allergies at age 8. More information: Annika Ljung et al, Gut microbiota markers in early childhood are linked to farm living, pets in household and allergy, PLOS ONE (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313078 Journal information: PLoS ONE 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 Children who move into more deprived neighborhoods are more likely to experience mental health issues as teenagers, according to Canterbury research. The study, which investigates links between geography, environment and health, was led by Susie Bingyu Deng, a Ph.D. student in the GeoHealth Laboratory at Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC). The research is published in the journal Child Indicators Research. Deng combined geospatial information with data from the well-known Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS) which involves more than 1,200 people born in 1977, allowing her to track the participants' residential locations over time. She found that where a child grows up can have a significant impact on their future mental health. Children who moved from a relatively well-off area to a more deprived neighborhood before the age of 16 were almost three times as likely to suffer from depression in adolescence compared to those who had a stable childhood in an affluent area, according to her results. "This downward trajectory from least deprived to most deprived may lead to higher risks of depression in teenage years, although the association does not appear to persist into adulthood," Deng says. Deng, who studied in China before moving to New Zealand in 2019 to start her master's degree at UC, says longitudinal studies can provide robust evidence about the impact of environmental factors on their mental health. "The CHDS study has been running for more than 40 years so the data available is quite powerful. I would love to incorporate more environmental factors, such as noise pollution and air pollution, in my future research." In a separate study using similar data, Deng identified several factors, such as childhood family socioeconomic status, exposure to adversity, and family dysfunction, that may lead children to be more vulnerable to frequent household moves. "When considering the adverse effects of moving to more deprived areas on mental health observed in the earlier study, these populations deserve focused attention to mitigate potential mental health risks," Deng says. In order to reveal how socioeconomic status affects health outcomes over time, she constructed a metric for area-level deprivation in Aotearoa New Zealand for the years 1981, 1986 and 1991 using census and geographical information. She found that deprivation worsened across the country over this decade: Seventy percent of areas had worsening levels of deprivation over the time period, (based on measures such as unemployment and non-home ownership) and only 3% of the areas studied were less deprived. The Far North, central and eastern areas of the North Island, along with the West Coast of the South Island, were the most consistently deprived areas throughout the decade. Deng says accurate information on area-level deprivation is important because these metrics are used extensively in the social and health sciences for research and policy development, and in funding decisions for schools and health organizations in order to target areas of high need. "This longitudinal metric opens up new possibilities for future studies in New Zealand to gain a better understanding of how significant socioeconomic transformations impact individual health and how neighborhood deprivation affects health outcomes over time." More information: Bingyu Deng et al, Typologies of Residential Mobility in Childhood and Associations with Sociodemographic Characteristics: a Prospective Birth Cohort Study in Aotearoa New Zealand, Child Indicators Research (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s12187-024-10175-w 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 Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The infection attacks the lining of the breathing passages. People can get whooping cough any time of year, but generally infections are seen in late summer and fall. Symptoms of whooping cough vary based on age, medical conditions and whether the child is vaccinated against the disease. The main sign is strong coughing. Between coughs, children take deep, fast breaths. This can create the high-pitched "whooping" sound that gives the illness its name. The cough of pertussis has also been called the "100-day cough" because it may last for months. Sometimes, the cough returns with future respiratory infections. Here's what else to know about whooping cough, including why it's surging in the United States, how it is treated and when children and adults should get the vaccine. Why whooping cough infections are on the rise Many years ago, there were a lot of cases of whooping cough each year in the U.S. However, after a vaccine for pertussis was developed, that number dropped. During the COVID pandemic, most of us were taking steps to lower the spread of infections. For example, we stayed home, wore masks and washed our hands often. This is one reason why the number of pertussis cases went down. Since then, the number of cases has risen again. In 2024, the number of whooping cough cases in the U.S. has been at least five times higher than in 2023. Outbreaks among adolescents have been reported in schools in several states. Experts think there are a few reasons for the increase: The pertussis vaccine's protection may have faded over time. This means that people who had the vaccine a long time ago can get infected and spread it. The vaccine protects against severe disease, but not always against infection. So, people who are vaccinated can still spread the disease. Research suggests that the Bordetella pertussis bacteria might be slowly changing, making it harder for the vaccine to work as well. Many young children fell behind on vaccinations during the pandemic because of fewer doctor visits. Vaccination rates still have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Because of this, it is especially important now for children, teens and adults to get their whooping cough vaccine. Symptoms of whooping cough in children Whooping cough usually starts like a common cold and then gets worse after a week or two. Older children might make the "whoop" sound when they cough. This stage can last for two weeks or more. Your child might be short of breath and may have bluish or gray skin around their mouth. They may also tear, drool or vomit. Symptoms in young infants may be different. For example, they may not cough at all. Instead, they may struggle to breathe or just stop breathing. Some experience vomiting after a long bout of coughs. Is whooping cough dangerous? Infants under a year of age have the most risk of infection and serious problems from whooping cough. About a third of infants with this infection are hospitalized. The infection can cause babies to become tired and run-down. It can also make them more at risk for other infections, including pneumonia (lung infection) and other complications like seizures. Whooping cough can be very serious in some infants, but typically they start to recover after two to four more weeks. Older children and adults with whooping cough may have milder symptoms. When to call the pediatrician Contact your pediatrician if you have concerns, such as: Your infant or child has not been fully immunized, and/or has been exposed to someone with whooping cough or who has a chronic cough. Their cough becomes more severe and frequent, they are struggling to breathe, or their lips and fingertips become blue or gray. They become exhausted after coughing episodes, eat poorly, vomit after coughing and look sick. Antibiotics for whooping cough Whooping cough is treated with an antibiotic. The medicine works best when it is taken early in the illness, before the coughing spells begin. The antibiotic can stop the spread of the whooping cough infection, but it does not prevent or treat the cough itself. Cough medicines do not relieve coughing spells, either. Your pediatrician can suggest other forms of home treatment to help manage your child's cough. Antibiotics should be used judiciously to prevent further resistance and side effects. Please consult your pediatrician prior to use. When can my child return to school or child care? Whooping cough is very contagious, which means that it spreads easily to others. Your child should stay home from child care or school at least until they have finished five days of antibiotics. Others in your household may also need to take antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick or spreading the disease even if they are vaccinated. How to protect your child against whooping cough The best way to protect your child from severe symptoms caused by whooping cough is with the vaccine and booster shot. Younger children should get the vaccine at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months of age, and at 12 to 18 months and 4 or 5 years of age before the start of school. Older children should get the vaccine when they are 11 or 12 years old to boost their immunity to whooping cough. Parents, family members and caregivers who will be in close contact with babies younger than 1 year old should get a booster shot. This lowers the risk of passing the infection to the infant. According to pediatricians, if you are pregnant, you should get the vaccine during the third trimester. Getting the vaccine during each pregnancy provides antibodies to protect you, and short-term protection is passed to your baby. 2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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 Australian pride in our universal health system is partly derived from our belief that services should be most available to those who most need them. Logically, this should apply just as much to mental health as to other parts of the health system. But our new research finds Australia's mental health care system is not equitable in this way. While Australians living in the most disadvantaged areas experience the highest levels of mental distress, they appear to have the least access to mental health services. Mental health disparities To understand levels of mental distress across the population, we looked at data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The ABS has classified levels of mental distress according to the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Using this information, and demographic data from the Census, we calculated 29% of working-age Australian adults in the lowest income households experience elevated mental distress. This is compared to around 11% in the highest income households. About 6% of working-age adults experience "very high" mental distress, indicating serious distress and very likely a mental disorder. Our analysis showed around 14% of the lowest income households reach this threshold, compared to only 2% in the highest income households. This clear link between mental distress and socioeconomic disadvantage exists both in Australia and globally. Mapping inequity We first examined federally funded Medicare mental health services, largely provided under the Better Access initiative, to establish how equitablyor notthese are distributed. These services are delivered by GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists and allied health-care professionals (social workers and occupational therapists). Better Access showed some strong initial results in lifting overall access to mental health services in 200610. However, more recent data suggest this has plateaued. We calculated the total number of Medicare-subsidized services provided in a year, and divided this by the number of people with the most need for those services. We defined this group in our study as those with "very high" mental distress according to the K10 scale. This gave us an average number of services available per person. For our calculations we assumed all services were accessed by those in most need of care. In 2019, if all people with the most need had equal access to mental health care, on average, each person would receive 12 services. The map below highlights regions where the average is higher (darker shades) or lower (lighter shades). It shows significant inequity and service gaps. Traditionally, comparing mental health service use between areas has been challenging due to differing levels of need for care. So as part of our research, we created something called an equity indicator. The equity indicator allows us to compare apples with apples, focusing on a key groupthose most in need of mental health services. Essentially, we can take an area with wealthy residents and another area with a poorer population and compare them to see how those most in need are accessing services. We found the equity indicator was six for Medicare-subsidized mental health care in 2019. This means, among those in most need of care, people living in the poorest areas received six times fewer Medicare-subsidized mental health services compared with those living in the richest areas. Looking back to 2015, the indicator was five. So inequity has increased with time. Community mental health services We then looked at public community mental health services. These are mostly public hospital outpatient services, and some other community services not funded by Medicare. We wanted to understand whether poorer Australians are accessing these services, evening out Medicare's apparent inequity. When we included these services into our calculations, the equity indicator did drop from six to three. In other words, people with the greatest need for care living in the poorest areas received three times fewer mental health services (community services and Medicare-subsidized services) compared with those in the richest areas. In 2015, the equity indicator was 2.6, again demonstrating inequity is increasing. How can we bridge the gap? Rates of mental distress and demand for mental health services vary across socioeconomic areas. But our analysis paints a picture of a two-tiered mental health-care system, where the "poor" are more reliant on public community mental health services while everyone else uses Medicare. People with the greatest need for mental health care living in the poorest areas might access fewer Medicare mental health services for a number of reasons. For example, out-of-pocket costs are increasing, which is likely to create financial barriers for many. There's also a lack of services in a large number of rural areas, many of which are relatively disadvantaged areas. While community mental health services appear to be partially mitigating the socioeconomic disparity in Medicare-subsidized mental health services, the two service types cannot be viewed as equal or comparable. Medicare services are largely provided to people with less severe mental health-care needs. Conversely, public community mental health services typically treat people facing serious or complex mental illness in times of acute distress. Community mental health services are increasingly stretched and not a replacement for Medicare-subsidized mental health care in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Improving access to Medicare mental health services might even help to prevent some of these more acute episodes, potentially alleviating some of the pressure on community mental health services. A big part of the problem is these two programs were not designed to complement each other or work together. They operate separately, mostly for different clients, rather than as part of an overall "stepped care" model. We need to properly configure these larger elements of our mental health service jigsaw into a more contiguous design, making it less likely people will fall through dangerous cracks. This can be achieved through better and more coordinated planning between federal and state mental health services, and funding research to better understand who actually accesses current services. 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 COVID-19 may be a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). This has been shown by new research at Orebro University and Orebro University Hospital, Sweden. The study is published in the journal Brain Communications. "We saw a raised risk of MS among people who had severe COVID-19. However, only an extremely small number of people who had severe COVID-19 received a subsequent MS diagnosis," says Scott Montgomery, professor in clinical epidemiology. Montgomery examined the records of all patients with COVID-19 that were admitted to hospital in Sweden between 2020 and 2022. The results showed that nearly 26 per 100,000 patients with serious COVID-19 subsequently developed MS. This was more than double the risk than in those without a COVID-19 diagnosis. "I want to make it clear that MS is an uncommon disease and very few people in this study had an MS diagnosis linked with COVID-19. Approximately 26 people with new-onset MS per 100,000 with serious COVID-19 is only 0.02%." Montgomery suspects that the number who are diagnosed with MS following severe COVID-19 will increase over the years after the pandemic. "It can take up to 10 to 20 years until an MS diagnosis following relevant exposure to the brain or spinal cord. The extent to which serious COVID-19 is a cause of MS will become clearer in several years," says Montgomery. He hopes that the research will result in earlier diagnosis of MS among those affected so they can be treated before the development of more advanced disease. "Since the majority of people who were infected will not develop diseases such as MS, they should not worry. However, people with symptoms should seek medical advice. The earlier patients with MS are treated, the better quality of life they will have, because treatments delay the worsening of the disease," says Montgomery. He also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that everyone is up to date with their vaccinations to prevent infections. "There is a connection with the severity of COVID-19. More serious COVID-19 is associated with greater risk of MS, possibly uncovering latent MS." Similar research is underway on other diseases that could be caused by COVID-19. "If we can follow the patient group that has been admitted to hospital for severe COVID-19 and identify diseases that are more likely to develop subsequently, we may be able to monitor for these diseases and hopefully help patients in a timely manner." More information: Scott Montgomery et al, SARS-CoV-2 infection and risk of subsequent demyelinating diseases: national register-based cohort study, Brain Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae406 Journal information: Brain Communications Provided by Orebro Universitet 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: Doctors have potent new weapons against the deadliest cancer in America and they want to make sure they're on the radar of current and former smokers. "Lung cancer screening is the most powerful tool we have to lower cancer [deaths]," said Dr. Timothy Mullett, medical director of the Markey Cancer Center Network and immediate past chairman of the American Cancer Society Commission on Cancer. "Early-stage cancer is more treatable and at a lower cost than late-stage disease, and patients are more likely to get back to work," he noted. To mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) is highlighting the importance of smoking cessation in preventing lung cancer and sharing insights about screening and the impact of biomarker testing. Get screened While early detection saves lives, only about 6% of eligible patients are screened regularly. A low-dose CT scan is recommended for adults between the ages of 50 and 80 who have a 20-pack-year smoking history. That's equivalent to smoking a pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10. The scan takes just a few minutes. "If you're eligible, talk to your doctor about getting screened," Dr. Luis Armando Godoy, of UC Davis Health, advised in an ACS news release. Treatment advances Advances in personalized therapies offer hope even when cancer is in a late stage, the doctors said. Targeted therapies, for example, destroy cancer cells without harming healthy onesa big step in extending life expectancy and quality of life for lung cancer patients. Biomarker testing By examining specific biomarkers, doctors are able to zero in on specific mutations in a lung tumor and tailor treatments for individual patients. "With specific biomarker testing and targeted therapy, we're seeing survival extend to four years, even for late-stage cancers," Mullett said. "That's a lot of birthdays, grandchildren and moments in your life that you might have an opportunity to experience." Quit smoking You've heard it before: Smoking cessation significantly lowers lung cancer risk and can even boost the effectiveness of treatments in those already diagnosed. For some patients, that can extend life by up to 1.8 years. "Quitting smoking is hard work, but the health benefits are worth it," Mullett noted. Programs like Just ASK and Beyond ASK offer practical strategies to give up tobacco. Patients should not be afraid to talk to their health care provider to learn more, the doctors said. "Patients deserve accessible and judgment-free resources to help them quit," Godoy said. More information: There's more about lung cancer screening at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Copyright 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: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Social media and excessive screen time cannot solely be blamed for a rise in anxiety disorders in young people, according to a sociologist after extensive research. In "Why We Worry," sociologist Roland Paulsen argues that it is too simplistic for psychologists to say screens have created new forms of addiction that isolate young people from the world. He warns that this oversimplification can get in the way of meaningful mental health interventions. The author says steep increases in anxiety and depression among teenagers began long before children had exposure to social media. Using evidence-based research and real patient case studies, he suggests that many other factors are at play such as obsession with work status, too much choice and excessive focus on long-term planning. Cases of anxiety disorders have risen because modern society has developed a learned inability to live with uncertainty, says Paulsen. Paulsen, Associate Professor of Sociology at Lund University in Sweden, says, "Many argue that social media and screen time is the main factor behind the past decade's rising levels of ill health among the young. "However, it is difficult to draw such simplistic, 'X leads to Y' connections when it comes to human well-being. For one thing, the sharp rise in mental health issues started well before the advent of smartphones. "Screen time may well have an effect but there are a lot of things that have an effect on how we are feeling. Humanity has, on a collective level, developed an inability to live with uncertainty. What if questions are our mind's way of dealing with uncertainty." Paulsen provides a comprehensive overview of how and why people experience unwanted thoughts and negative voices. He presents real-life cases involving obsessive compulsive thinking alongside philosophical, sociological and psychological theories. The book questions what it calls the now widespread medicalization of "feelings" that were once considered normal. Paulsen also challenges the belief that "what if?" thinking has always existed. The sociologist says that our 'inner critics and eternal self-suspicions' are a relatively young phenomena from a historical perspective. Ancient man had to live in the present because there were no crops to tend. Now, the future has been stretched to "incomprehensibility" such as thousand-year plans for radioactive waste. We obsess about the future because our 'time horizon' lies way beyond concrete experience, says Paulsen. Choice and the mass production of culture and technology has also infiltrated people's lives. The consequence is affluent people face over 200 daily choices relating to eating habits alone, and this creates anxiety about making the wrong decision. Material wealth has enriched our lives in every aspect except onemental well-being. The book uses data that shows the wealthier the country, the greater the risk of anxiety disorders and other mental health problems. On the theme of social media and loneliness, the author counters the notion that technology is programmed to discourage people from meeting others face-to-face. Paulsen says, "People who are already lonely typically go online looking for distractions and a sense of context. Once they become hooked, they make less of an effort to see others, which simply makes them even more lonely." The book cites data suggesting paid work does not improve health. Society has created a 'division between winners and losers' where the worry of what others think about job status is a real issue, not the risk in affluent countries of being able to survive without work. More information: Roland Paulsen, Why We Worry (2024). DOI: 10.4324/9781003514930 The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) has faulted Kenyas Supreme Court for procedural violations in the impeachment case of former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko. In its ruling on November 29, 2024, the EACJ raised concerns about the fairness of the impeachment process and the Supreme Courts adherence to the rule of law. The court found merit in Sonkos claim that his constitutional right to a fair trial had been violated during the impeachment proceedings. It pointed out potential breaches of Article 25 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial, as well as Articles 6 and 7 of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty, which promote good governance, the rule of law, and justice among member states. Although the EACJ did not overturn the Supreme Courts decision, it criticized the procedural flaws that undermined the credibility of Sonkos impeachment. Specifically, the court noted that the lifetime ban preventing Sonko from holding public office caused irreparable harm to his political career and reputation. The EACJ emphasized that such a severe penalty required an indisputable demonstration of fairness and transparency throughout the impeachment process. Such harm cannot be adequately remedied by damages or any other form of post-facto relief. The impact on his political rights, reputation, and capacity to engage in public service underscores the irreparable nature of the harm he faces, the ruling stated. The EACJ also recognized the evidence presented by Sonkos legal team, which included allegations of procedural violations during the Supreme Court proceedings. The court agreed that these claims were substantial, emphasizing the need to address such issues to maintain justice in the region. The Applicant has established that there is a cause of action that depicts substance and reality. His allegations of procedural irregularities and denial of a fair trial are substantiated by evidence, including admissions by the Supreme Court of Kenya of its procedural errors. The Applicant has demonstrated that the Supreme Court could have failed to adhere to its own procedural rules, which, if proven, would violate Article 25 of the Constitution of Kenya and Articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty. This Court recognizes that the questions raised in the Reference are serious and merit a full hearing on their substance, the ruling stated. In its judgment, the EACJ ruled that the Supreme Court, as a state organ, is bound by the obligations under the East African Community Treaty and must act in good faith to uphold these principles. Every treaty in force is binding upon the parties to it and must be performed by them in good faith. These principles affirm that the SCOK, as an organ of the State represented by the Respondent in this case, is bound by the Partner States obligations under the Treaty and must act in good faith to uphold them. Ultimately, the Court has jurisdiction to assess a Partner States actions to determine compliance, including state organs such as the SCOK, the ruling stated. Additionally, the EACJ granted Sonko permission to amend and serve a revised reference, incorporating new evidence from the Kenyan Supreme Court proceedings. This will allow for a more detailed examination of the case, as the court continues to assess the fairness of the impeachment process. Detectives have uncovered new details about a medic and his girlfriend who were found dead in Kisii, holding hands in bed. The medic, Vincent Nyambunde Bosire, and 28-year-old Angela Moraa Ongeri had been missing for several days before their bodies were discovered on Friday, November 29, inside Vincents rented apartment in the Nyamataro area, which had been locked from the inside. Investigators suspect that Bosire, an intern at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), killed Angela before taking his own life while lying next to her, their hands still clasped. Angela, based in the US, had been visiting family when the tragedy struck. Reports suggest that she had separated from her partner following a fallout, which may have contributed to the tragic outcome. A relative of the deceased clarified that Moraa was not married but had a child with a man based in the US and that they had separated. Reports also indicate that Vincent had recently been unwell and was admitted to KTRH for treatment. After being discharged on November 26, his mobile phone reportedly went off, according to family and friends. Angelas body showed signs of advanced decomposition, suggesting she died before Vincent, whose body appeared fresh. Investigators also found used syringes next to the bed, raising suspicions that the couple may have died from a lethal injection. The investigation is ongoing as authorities explore all possibilities to uncover the true cause of the tragedy. As of Thursday, November 28, 2024, the Ministry of Health reports that 15,559,426 Kenyans have registered for the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme. Of these, 9,752,780 registrations are voluntary. Among voluntary registrants, 3.6 million are between 18 and 35 years old, 3.33 million are between 36 and 55, and over 1.37 million are over 55 years old. Additionally, 1.45 million registrants are under 18. The remaining 5,806,646 members migrated from the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). SHA also reports that 2,157,289 dependents are registered, with 1,477,078 under 18 years old. Other dependents include 357,952 aged 18-35, 212,522 aged 36-55, and 109,738 over 55 years. Additionally, 41,334 employers have joined the scheme. Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Lamu, Kiambu, and Bomet lead in registrations, while Turkana, Garissa, Mandera, West Pokot, and Marsabit have the lowest numbers. The Ministry encourages continued registration through an ongoing exercise led by Community Health Promoters at the county and ward levels. Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok has provided a positive update on the eCitizen platforms progress after President William Ruto issued a one-week ultimatum to 34 government agencies last week. Since then, 22,515 services have been onboarded, and the platform has attracted 13 million active users. Bitok confirmed that eCitizen is on track to exceed its target of generating Ksh1 billion in daily revenue. The PS emphasized that all 34 agencies were required to comply with the Presidents deadline. I have engaged with most of them today, and each is working hard to meet the presidential directive. I can confidently say that, to be conservative, 98 percent of them have complied across all ministries, Bitok stated. He also stressed that all government agencies must fully integrate their services into the platform without exception. Bitok hailed the eCitizen platform as a revolutionary success, noting its dual achievements: eliminating corruption loopholes and experiencing a 1,300 percent growth in daily revenue, from Ksh60 million last year to Ksh900 million currently. This increase in revenue collection is a testament to the efficiency and transparency brought about by digitising services. We are on track to hit KSh1 billion in daily collections, which will significantly boost our national revenue, up from KSh60 million a day last year, Bitok said. Pictured during the 2023 Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions Bank grand prize check presentation are: (from left) Melissa Ray Roach, director of business incubator programs at SIU; Matt Harmon, Regions Bank assistant vice president; Scott Hamilton-Brehm of Thermaquatica; Constantinos Tsatsoulis, SIU vice chancellor for research and graduate school dean, and Matt Baughman from the Office of Innovation and Economic Development at SIU. (Photo provided) Everyone welcome at SIUs Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase Dec. 5 by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. Southern Illinois University Carbondales Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase on Dec. 5 will celebrate the regions newest innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs. Everyone is invited. The event, which follows the SIU Systems Technology and Innovation Expo, is slated for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive in Carbondale. The evening will feature SIU patent presentations, special recognition for graduates of two of the centers programs, the announcement of winners in a business plan competition and other noteworthy accomplishments. Hunan Fine Asian Cuisine will provide refreshments. Those attending this special evening will have a golden opportunity to discover some of the impressive creative activities and advances happening at SIU and in the surrounding area, said Lynn Andersen Lindberg, executive director of Innovation and Economic Development and of the SIU Research Park. The showcase will also spotlight some of the transformative projects underway that will have a lasting impact on the community and the future, and we will be recognizing and celebrating the innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the region and the people who are making it happen. Eclectic program A wide assortment of activities is planned during the illuminating showcase. SIU will honor Innovative people affiliated with the university who have received patents for inventions or processes in the last year. SIUs Illinois Small Business Development Center will honor representatives of area businesses who have recently completed and graduated from the comprehensive 10-week Launch That Business fast-track training program. The intensive Launch That Business program is designed especially to assist home-based or small business entities get their business concepts on track, offering entrepreneurs practical steps for registering their enterprises as legal entities and providing them with simple tips and tools for maintaining their businesses. In addition, organizers also will announce winners of the 2024 Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions Bank. The competition invited new business concepts, pre-venture plans or existing small businesses from Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White and Williamson counties to enter. Local competitions were held in October and the regional final was held in November with the finalists competing for a share of more than $20,000 in prize money and in-kind services. Organizers will also recognize graduates of the Carbondale Accelerator program as well as some of the SIU faculty and staff who ensured the success of the big 2024 Tolar Solar Eclipse celebration. There will also be a presentation recognizing SIUs Illinois SBDC as the winner of 2024 Illinois SBDC of the Year honors. For more information about the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase, call 618-536-4451. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has condemned a false and harassing case accusing 70 minority lawyers and two journalists from Chittagong of fabricated charges, including ''crude bomb'' explosions and car vandalism. In an official statement on Sunday, the council said the case was filed with the ulterior motive of obstructing the sedition case brought against Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and forcibly preventing the publication and dissemination of related news, which violates human rights and the rule of law. The council also demanded that the Bangladeshi government and law enforcement authorities immediately withdraw the false case and take urgent steps to release the lawyers and journalists. The case was filed on Saturday at the Kotwali police station in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, on Saturday, ISKCON Kolkata alleged that Bangladeshi authorities had arrested two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, as well as the secretary of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata Radha Raman said that the monks were arrested on Friday by the police while on their way home after meeting Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on charges of sedition on November 25. "On November 29, when Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari were returning after meeting Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, they were arrested by the police. We are also receiving information that the secretary of Chinmoy Krishna Das has also been arrested," Radha Raman said in a self-made video. He further claimed that rioters also vandalised the ISKCON centre in Bangladesh. The situation in Bangladesh has been tense since spiritual preacher Chinmoy Krishna Das was charged with sedition for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above Bangladesh''s national flag in Chittagong on October 25. Following Das''s arrest, a lawyer was killed during clashes between police and alleged followers of the spiritual guru in the Chattogram Court Building area on November 27. On Friday, India expressed concern over the rise of "extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation" in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India has consistently and strongly raised the issue of targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladeshi government. (ANI) Human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement, Paank, has condemned the extrajudicial killings of Faqeer Jan and Asa Baloch by the Pakistan security forces in the Awaran district of Balochistan. A few months ago, Pakistani forces had forcibly abducted Faqeer Jan, son of Syed Muhammad from Kunri Bazdad and Asa Baloch, son of Noor Deen from Paho. The human rights wing stated that both individuals were killed after months of enforced disappearance. In a post on X, Paank stated, "Faqeer Jan, son of Syed Muhammad and a resident of Kunri Bazdad, forcibly disappeared on September 26, 2024, after being detained by Pakistani forces. Asa Baloch, son of Noor Deen from Paho, forcibly disappeared under similar circumstances on February 17, 2023. Both individuals were killed on November 30, 2024, in a staged encounter in the Buzdad Burbodonk area of Awaran." Paank noted that these actions represent grave violations of human rights and international law and urged Pakistani government to carry out an immediate and transparent probe into these killings. In the post on X, Paank further stated, "These actions represent gross violations of human rights and international law, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions. We call on the Pakistani government to conduct an immediate, transparent, and impartial investigation into these killings, hold those responsible to account, and put an end to the systemic use of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. The international community must not remain silent in the face of these atrocities. Justice must prevail for the victims and their families." Notably, the discovery of mutilated and unidentified bodies has become more common in Balochistan, drawing condemnation from human rights organisations, The Balochistan Post reported. Advocacy groups have called for DNA testing on all recovered bodies to ensure accurate identification and accountability. In November, the bodies of three brothers were found in Kalat, and a woman''s body was discovered in Turbat, according to The Balochistan Post report. According to the human rights group, these bodies belong to individuals who were abducted by the Pakistan security forces and later killed in an encounter. (ANI) At least two online tools have refuted the government's claims of uninterrupted internet services and reported widespread issues faced by internet users while they tried to use social media websites. According to data analysed from these tools, which track network stability and monitor internet outages in real time, found that internet users were not able to access or had limited access to several social media services on Sunday, Dawn reported. These internet disruptions lasted for hours, according to Internet Outage Detection and Analysis (IODA), a tool developed by the Internet Intelligence Lab at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The tool, which measures internet connectivity and detects outages found that the network remained stable at the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) level throughout the day. Speaking to Dawn, a network expert said that the stability of BGP routes, which are unique identifiers assigned to major internet providers, implies no widespread outage has been reported. The expert stated, "Any disruption in BGP stability indicates a network-wide issue which usually occurs as a result of a submarine cable fault or fire at a data centre, etc." Despite the stable network, IODA said disruption in the internet is based on assessment of traffic to Google Services. Online tools tracking internet disruption use traffic to popular websites and services to check internet stability in the region. IODA uses traffic headed to Google services like search engine, YouTube, Gmail, etc from a geographic location to assess any abnormality in accessing internet. IODA reported disruption in traffic from Pakistan to Google services from 10 pm on Saturday and 8:30 am on Sunday and then from 1:30 pm to 6 pm. Speaking to Dawn, the expert said that the traffic to Google addresses indicates general internet usage. The expert said, "For example, if daily an x amount of traffic comes to Google addresses from Pakistan and today it is not coming, this is indicative of a restriction [of the internet]." According to the expert, the IODA data showed there has been "abnormally restricted" internet access between the two time slots. Downdetector, which bases its assessment on complaints of internet users, also reported disruption in WhatsApp throughout the day. Around 52 per cent of the users complained about facing issues in sending messages, 27 per cent about voice notes and 21 per cent about overall use of application, Dawn reported. Internet users in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and other parts of Pakistan also reported facing issues in using Instagram and TikTok throughout the day. (ANI) Imran Khan is currently in Adiala Jail after being held in New Town PS case after he was bailed in Toshakhana case, as per ARY News. The ATC judge Amjad Ali Shah heard the plea and approved his judicial remand in New Town police station and seven other cases, as per ARY News. The development came after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder was arrested in seven more cases related to vandalism. The political committee of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) issued a statement on Sunday following an important meeting, urging full access to party founder Imran Khan due to serious concerns over his health and safety, ARY News reported. The committee stated that Imran Khan's health had become a significant concern, with growing public anxiety surrounding his condition. It called for the immediate restoration of access to Khan's family, legal team, and party officials to ensure transparency and accountability in his treatment. The statement also urged both the federal and Punjab governments, along with prison authorities, to provide clear and frequent updates on Khan's health status. Further, ARY News reported that the committee appealed to the judiciary to protect Imran Khan's fundamental rights and ensure robust security measures are in place. It issued a stern warning, holding the Prime Minister, Punjab Chief Minister, and relevant state institutions accountable for any lapses in ensuring Khan's safety. Earlier, authorities from Adiala Jail reassured the public that Imran Khan was in good health. This clarification followed reports suggesting Khan might be moved to another location. Khan is currently being held in a cell under the jurisdiction of the New Town Police Station, ARY News reported, citing sources. He remains on physical remand until December 2 in connection with a case linked to the September 28 protest. (ANI) Belgaum (Karnataka) [India], December 2: AXOR Helmets, the premium helmet brand and sister company of Vega Auto Accessories Pvt Ltd, is proud to announce its partnership with India Bike Week (I.B.W.), Goa 2024, as the official safety partner. Known for its premium helmets designed for high-end riders, AXOR is all set to make a memorable impact at the event scheduled for December 6th and 7th, 2024. Building excitement ahead of I.B.W., AXOR will host an exclusive party and influencer meet-up on December 5th. This pre-event gathering sets the stage for AXOR's most-awaited launches and collaborations. In October 2024, AXOR thrilled biking enthusiasts by organizing a unique Chai-Pakora Ride to Tillari, flagged off by Girdhari Chandak, the Managing Director of the company, and Dr. Nitin Khot, renowned for his travel adventures worldwide. Riders from Belagavi and surrounding areas participated in this event, creating buzz for the upcoming I.B.W. For riders traveling nationwide to attend I.B.W. on December 6th and 7th, AXOR has made special arrangements at Green Valley Resort, Tillari. On December 4th and 5th, the resort will serve as a dedicated pit stop for riders passing through Belagavi city, providing essential support as they journey to Goa for the grand event. At I.B.W., AXOR will unveil the 20255 series that includes its latest high-end model, Brutale, alongside an Anime-themed series in its best-selling Saber range. Adding to the excitement, the brand will also introduce Marvel-licensed helmets, further adding to its diverse collection. Visitors to the AXOR booth can explore a wide range of accessories and witness the debut of AXOR's collaboration with Altor smart helmets and Pinlock, promising a surprise that redefines helmet technology and rider safety. AXOR Helmets continues to push boundaries in design, innovation, and rider engagement, making its presence at I.B.W. Goa 2024 a must-attend highlight for biking enthusiasts. Riders can join AXOR in celebrating safety, style, and innovation at India's premier biking festival. Contact Qurrattulain Choudhary qurrattulain@vegaauto.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2569946/Vega_AXOR_IBW2024.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2544619/4998191/Axor_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) Feature: Life guardians illuminate HIV/AIDS ward in south China Xinhua) 08:32, December 02, 2024 This file photo taken on Feb. 16, 2022 shows Du Liqun (2nd R), head nurse of the HIV/AIDS ward, communicating with colleagues at the Fourth People's Hospital of Nanning, in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan) NANNING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Often dubbed the "forbidden zone of life," the HIV/AIDS ward at the Fourth People's Hospital of Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has become a bastion of hope, where fearless medical warriors battle to preserve life against all odds. For nearly two decades, this team has served as a beacon, shining light into the darkest corners for those in need of HIV/AIDS care. In 2005, the hospital became the first in Nanning, and the only one in Guangxi at the time, to establish a specialized HIV/AIDS ward. At the helm was Du Liqun, the ward's head nurse, who, at 40, embraced her daunting responsibilities with courage. Since then, Du has remained deeply committed to this unique ward, where she has witnessed the struggles and challenges faced by both patients and healthcare workers, as well as their moments of hope and resilience. Du recalled that the early days of the AIDS ward were fraught with challenges. When it was first set up, many of the beds had to be assembled by the nurses themselves. Support staff who were initially recruited left as soon as they discovered the ward would be admitting AIDS patients. As the medical team prepared to confront the virus, they were met with immense pressure. While Du had received specialized HIV/AIDS training in Beijing and Guangzhou, the reality of treating patients in this setting was overwhelming. The work involved far more than just administering injections and changing dressings. Nurses had to assist with turning patients in their beds and cleaning their wounds, tasks that required both physical stamina and emotional resilience. Many newly diagnosed patients grappled with paralyzing fear, crippling anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. The healthcare workers had to offer constant emotional support, calming them and encouraging them to cooperate. Safety was always a primary concern. The medical staff, as well as their families and colleagues, were acutely aware of the risks involved. To minimize the dangers, they constantly reminded one another to follow strict protocols and exercise caution during all patient interactions. Despite their unwavering vigilance, accidents would occasionally happen. Just six months after the ward opened, a nurse was accidentally pricked by a used needle. After immediate treatment, the nurse developed symptoms similar to acute HIV infection -- high fever, body aches, and rashes. Fear and anxiety quickly spread throughout the department. Fortunately, after six months of ongoing tests and medication, it was confirmed that the nurse had not contracted HIV. In 2014, a patient expressed her desire to have a child. Du worked closely with her, advising her to stay on antiviral medication until her viral load became undetectable. Throughout the pregnancy, the patient received regular check-ups and special care during delivery. Thanks to the team's support, the patient gave birth to a healthy baby in 2015, and the infant was later confirmed to be free of the virus. Du often muses that such a monumental task is never the burden of a single soul. Every success and recognition belongs to the collective effort of the entire team, as well as the steadfast support of their families. Today, a robust team of 151 members, spanning a diverse range of ages, tirelessly serves both the outpatient and inpatient departments. Among them is a post-90s nurse couple, Yang Jianghua and Wu Yajing, who have devoted themselves to the ward. Yang said that AIDS sufferers not only endure physical pain but also profound emotional distress. As a nurse, he sees himself as both their medical provider and spiritual guardian. Having worked in the ward for nearly seven years, Wu vows to continue using her nursing skills to offer compassion and hope to every patient she cares for, bringing light in their darkest moments. This combo photo taken on May 11, 2024 shows the post-90s nurse couple Wu Yajing (L, top) and Yang Jianghua (R, bottom) working at the HIV/AIDS ward at the Fourth People's Hospital of Nanning, in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Lu Boan) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) VMPL New Delhi [India], December 2: COSCON 2024, the 2nd Annual Congress on Aesthetic Medicine, hosted by The Indian Society of Aesthetic Medicine (ISAM) and spearheaded by its President, Dr. Ajay Rana, has officially announced its esteemed international speakership panel. Scheduled to take place on November 30 and December 1 at the Manekshaw Centre Auditorium, Khyber Lines, New Delhi, the event will welcome over 1,500 participants, including global thought leaders, policymakers, and distinguished guests of honor. Building on the success of its previous edition, which saw 1,000 participants, COSCON 2024 is set to elevate discussions in aesthetic medicine under Dr. Rana's visionary leadership. A globally recognized dermatologist, educator, and philanthropist, Dr. Rana is committed to advancing innovation and education in the field of aesthetic medicine. This year's conference will feature speakers from countries including France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, South Korea, Kenya, Colombia, Mexico, Indonesia, Russia, Ukraine, and the UAE. Dignitaries such as Rashmi Singh, IAS, RR Swain, DGP, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Dr. Pradeep Rai, Senior Advocate and Vice President, Supreme Court Bar Association, will also be in attendance. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ajay Rana remarked, "COSCON 2024 presents a unique opportunity to bring together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to reshape the future of science, technology, and sustainable development. By fostering dialogue and actionable outcomes, we aim to address key challenges and chart a path forward in aesthetic medicine. Our distinguished panelists are thought leaders in their respective domains, and we hope to spotlight their visions to drive transformational change in India and globally." COSCON 2024 is poised to be one of the year's most influential conferences, bringing together leaders across science, technology, and policy to redefine sustainable development. The speakership panel will include: Dr. Ajay Rana, President, Indian Society of Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Jean-Jacques Deutsch, International Policy Strategist. Dr. Sergio Rada and Dr. Alexandra Rada, Global Health and Wellness Experts. Prof. Dr. Volodymyr Tsepkolenko, Leading Global Thought Leader in Science and Innovation. Major Announcements at COSCON 2024: Launch of COSCON Dubai 2025: Scheduled for August 16-17, 2025, in Dubai, this new edition promises to extend COSCON's global impact. ILAMED's New MSc Programme: In collaboration with the UK-based University of Bolton, Greater Manchester, this program aims to redefine higher education in medical sciences. The conference promises to deliver a transformative experience where innovation meets leadership, fostering solutions for global challenges in aesthetic medicine and beyond. About COSCON: COSCON, hosted by The Indian Society of Aesthetic Medicine, is an annual congress that brings together global leaders in science, medicine, and policy to foster innovation and drive sustainable development. (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) A recent report by EY India says enhanced government spending is vital for India's Viksit Bharat vision. EY India's economy watch suggest the government to implement strategies to enhance tax revenues and un-lock tax resources while maintaining fiscal prudence. The November edition of Economy Watch by EY India emphasizes the pivotal role of sustained economic growth and a well-structured fiscal strategy as key drivers for this transformation. The EY India proposal emphasises four key areas which include increasing the size of government expenditure, recasting the FRBM framework, reforming fiscal transfers from the Centre to states, and reprioritizing expenditure allocations. It says achieving developed economy status requires 7 per cent plus sustained GDP growth and a robust fiscal framework. The tax-GDP ratio needs to be raised to 25 per cent along with boosting non-tax revenue and reducing fiscal deficit. D.K. Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor, EY India said, "India's aspiration to become a developed economy hinges on maintaining robust growth while addressing fiscal challenges. The suggested framework provides actionable insights for policymakers to enhance government expenditure, augment revenues, and ensure fiscal discipline. With concerted policy efforts, achieving Viksit Bharat by FY2048 is within reach." This requires a significant increase in the government's total expenditure to 35 per cent of GDP (primary expenditure plus interest payments) from the current level of 29.1 per cent so far in FY24. India's primary expenditure should increase from 23.8 per cent of GDP to 31.4 per cent of GDP and be consistent with a developed country's per capita GDP threshold. This may be decomposed into primary revenue expenditure and capital expenditure of 25.4 per cent and 6 per cent of GDP respectively. Similarly, Interest Payments as a percentage of GDP should aligned with the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act and targeted at 3.6 per cent. The Government's tax-to-GDP ratio should rise to 25 per cent by FY2048. It has recently broken the ceiling of 18 per cent (18.5 per cent in FY24) after lingering between 16-18 per cent for more than 3 decades. Non-tax revenues should be enhanced from 2.3 per cent of GDP to 4 per cent by leveraging untapped government resources such as land, minerals, and territorial waters. General Government Fiscal Deficit requires an accelerated reduction from 8.4 per cent (FY24) to 6 per cent of GDP by FY2031 as fiscal consolidation will play a crucial role in reaching the goal of Viksit Bharat. All these require forward-looking fiscal planning. These actions would significantly contribute to India's sustained progress towards becoming a developed economy says the report. (ANI) A recent study by the University of Oxford "From Gridlock to Growth How Leadership Enables India's PRAGATI Ecosystem to Power Progress" illustrates how Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Initiatives has transformed the problems, its monitoring and resolution of various projects of the government. The report says India's PRAGATI platform offers a compelling case study of how digital governance can drive progress. Pragati was launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has become an acronym for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation of projects. It has transformed the way India manages its large-scale infrastructure projects and social sector programs. The University of Oxford report has all the good words for PMs initiatives, it said, "The platform symbolizes India's commitment to overcoming bureaucratic inertia and fostering a Team India mindset and culture of accountability and efficiency." PRAGATI has brought together diverse stakeholders from central and state governments onto a single platform and this collaborative approach has been instrumental in addressing some of the most complex challenges in infrastructure development, from land acquisition to inter-ministerial coordination. The initiatives leveraged real-time data, drone feeds, and video conferencing to not only accelerate project timelines but also ensured that the benefits of development reach even the most remote corners of the country. The report said that the economic impact of PRAGATI is evident. According to studies by the Reserve Bank of India and the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, for every rupee spent on infrastructure, India sees a gain of 2.5 to 3.5 rupees in GDP. This multiplier effect underscores the critical role that well-executed infrastructure projects play in driving economic growth. In addition, the focus on timely implementation has brought economic benefits, contributing to India's resilience during global economic uncertainties. PRAGATI's ripple effects have spread beyond economic growth. They have helped foster social progress and environmental sustainability. By fast-tracking projects that provide essential services like roads, railways, water, and electricity, PRAGATI has improved the quality of life for millions of Indians. It has incorporated sustainability into its core operations, facilitated faster environmental clearances and promoted the use of green technologies. This holistic approach ensures that India's development is both inclusive and sustainable. The report said, "The lessons from PRAGATI are particularly relevant as nations worldwide grapple with the Middle-Income Trap. The platform demonstrates that governance innovation, coupled with strategic investments in infrastructure, can create the conditions necessary for sustained economic growth and social progress." It added, "By embracing digital tools and fostering collaboration across all levels of government, India has charted a path that other emerging economies can emulate". (ANI) PNN New Delhi [India], December 2: Dr. Basant Goel was honoured at a prestigious event at the Taj Man Singh Hotel in Delhi, where he was honored by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for his extraordinary contributions to philanthropy and social welfare. The Vice President unveiled Dr. Goel's biography and extended his personal best wishes, adding significance to the occasion. Dr. Goel expressed his heartfelt gratitude by presenting a distinctive cow dung painting, which was warmly appreciated by the Vice President. The event saw further recognition for Dr. Goel's humanitarian efforts as he was awarded by Cabinet Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Hon'ble Minister Kiren Rijiju. These accolades underscore his relentless dedication to uplifting humanity through healthcare and social initiatives. Dr. Goel's philanthropic journey gained widespread recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning him a place in the World Book of Records (London). On July 6, 2024, he achieved a Guinness World Record for organizing the most blood donations in a single camp, facilitating the distribution of 200 units of blood daily across India. This remarkable achievement has saved countless lives and earned him the title "Blood Man of India" from the President of India, who personally hosted him at the President's House for four days. International acclaim followed when the International Book of Honour (England) recognized his humanitarian impact on October 26, 2024. These global accolades reflect Dr. Goel's unwavering commitment to serving humanity, particularly through healthcare and social welfare initiatives. Speaking at the event, Dr. Goel expressed his gratitude for the historic recognition and the unwavering support of his community. He reaffirmed his commitment to making a meaningful difference in people's lives, vowing to continue his mission of serving humanity with dedication and compassion. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 2: Nurse Maria Victoria Juan from Philippines, a Consultant at Philippines Army Health Services and Colonel, Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has been announced as the winner of Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024 and awarded with INR 2 Crore at a prestigious award ceremony held in Bengaluru, India. The winner was announced by Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, and presented by Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Hon'ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka alongside Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre, Shri U. T. Khader, Hon'ble Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director - Aster DM Healthcare India and T J Wilson, Executive Director and Group Head - Governance & Corporate Affairs, Aster DM Healthcare. Please find the broll here - vimeo.com/1034313620/2e00d0ab7e?share=copy The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was launched by Aster DM Healthcare in 2021, with an aim to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of nurses to patients across the world. The 2024 edition of the awards saw an overwhelming participation from 78,000 nurses from 202 countries, marking 50% growth in applications received in 2023. The event also featured a special message from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, who congratulated the finalists and acknowledged Aster DM Healthcare's ongoing efforts to spotlight the critical role of nurses in healthcare. Commenting on the win, Nurse Maria Victoria Juan said, "As a military nurse from the Philippines, my journey has been defined by a steadfast commitment to service-whether caring in combat zones, disaster-stricken areas, or underserved communities, and championing advocacies on every platform to create positive change. This recognition reflects not just my efforts, but also the courage and honor of the soldiers I proudly serve alongside and the resilience of the Filipino people that inspire me daily. It is also a tribute to the nurses I represent-tireless, selfless, extremely courageous individuals in the military and civilian sectors who put themselves in harm's way to save lives and protect others. This honor acknowledges the sacrifices of those who serve under the most challenging conditions and highlights the boundless potential and dedication of our noble profession." Maria Victoria Juan, currently a consultant at Philippine Army Health Services, served as the Chief Nurse of the Philippines Army, she was responsible for initiating the first aeromedical evacuation system in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). This system has greatly improved survival rates by enabling rapid evacuation and early treatment of casualties, especially in conflict areas. At the age of 54 years, she joined an intensive 9-month long aeromedical evacuation training program while working full-time as a chief nurse. As a leader who believes in leading from the front, she completed 200-hours of emergency ambulance conduction, 100 hours of clinical duty, 1-mile ocean swim, 3-day jungle survival, helicopter underwater escape and flight medical runs, while having a fear of flying and deepwater swimming. Maria also pioneered environmental health initiatives, integrating vetiver grass technology to combat soil erosion and water pollution. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria organized the Endurun Mega Swabbing Center, training troops as medical swabbers and coordinating healthcare professionals. The center conducted nearly 500,000 tests, significantly contributing to the country's pandemic response. Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare said, "Maria Victoria Juan represents the highest standards of nursing excellence and serves as an inspiration to the entire global healthcare community. At Aster, we believe that nurses are the backbone of healthcare, who not only provide care with compassion but play an exemplary role in the whole healthcare system. The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Awards were established to honour the often-overlooked contributions of nurses worldwide who go above and beyond to impact lives. Each of the top 10 finalists, and the 78,000 applications we received this year have showcased outstanding contributions to their patients and the nursing community in their countries. We are proud to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of these healthcare heroes." Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare India said, "Nurses are the quiet forces of healing, often working tirelessly and without fanfare to make a real difference in people's lives. With the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Awards, our goal is to bring their remarkable stories to the forefront and give them the recognition they truly deserve. Maria Victoria Juan is a shining example of courage, skill, and compassion - qualities that elevate healthcare and inspire us all. Celebrating their achievements is a reminder of the immense impact nurses have on individuals, families, and communities everywhere." The rest of the 9 finalists, Archimedes Motari from Kenya, Johnsy Inni from Papua New Guinea, Laarni Conlu Florencio from USA, Lilian Nuwabaine from Uganda, Nelson Bautista from UAE, Nilima Pradeepkumar Rane from India, Martin Schiavenato from USA, Hoi Shu Yin from Singapore and Sylvia May Hampton from England were also awarded with a monetary prize for their contributions in nursing. These nurses were selected through a stringent review process run by Ernst & Young LLP, a panel of Screening-Jury and the Grand Jury. Aster DM Healthcare Limited is one of the largest healthcare service providers operating in India with a strong presence across primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary healthcare through 19 hospitals, 13 clinics, 217 pharmacies (Operated by Alfaone Retail Pharmacies Private Limited under brand license from Aster), and 243 labs and patient experience centers across 5 states in India, delivering a simple yet strong promise to different stakeholders: "We'll treat you well." Aster has been recognized as one of the most sustainable companies globally, with 9 hospitals featured in Newsweek magazine's World's Best Hospitals list for 2024. Founded in 1987 by Dr. Azad Moopen, Aster DM Healthcare is a leading integrated healthcare provider, with a strong presence across all six countries in the GCC. Aster is committed to the vision of providing accessible and high-quality healthcare, from primary to quaternary services, with its promise of "We will treat you well". The organisation's robust integrated healthcare model includes 16 hospitals, 121 clinics, and 306 pharmacies in GCC serving all segments of the society through three differentiated brands: Aster, Medcare and Access. Aster consistently adapts to meet the evolving needs of patients, ensuring access to quality healthcare through both physical and digital channels which is exemplified with the launch of the region's first healthcare super app, myAster. (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) NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 2: Sebamed, the German skincare expert brand marketed by USV Pvt. Ltd - a leader in cardio-diabetic healthcare in India, unveils its transformative new campaign, 'Project Skin Deep'. A Vision Beneath the Surface In a world where beauty campaigns are content to stop at the mirror, Sebamed dares to venture further - 3mm further, to be exact. 'Project Skin Deep' is no ordinary skincare campaign, it's a paradigm shift. The campaign begins where few dare to look: under the microscope, zooming into the layers of skin to question if beauty really is skin deep. The answer, as it turns out, is a rather satisfying yes. The campaign reveals a series of breathtaking images: vivid, microscopic landscapes of healthy skin before and after Sebamed's products. Captured in striking, almost celestial hues, these microscopic images are testimonies of what healthy skin looks like when science works. For decades, beauty campaigns have relied on glamour shots, clever lighting, and cleverer editing. Sebamed flips the script. This is beauty without makeup, both figuratively and literally. Because, as Sebamed seems to remind us, skin doesn't lie - even under a microscope. Where Science Becomes Art While some might say science and art live in separate worlds, Sebamed begs to differ. The campaign is where science becomes art. Every microscopic detail is proof of Sebamed's pH-balanced formulations in action, repairing and protecting skin at its very foundation. Spanning platforms from digital screens to billboards, Sebamed's call resounds across mediums, even your subconscious, sparking a movement in consumers to demand better from their skincare. Produced in collaboration with Leo Burnett, the campaign marries creativity with scientific precision, crafting a narrative that redefines beauty standards. Karan Goel, Marketing Head, Sebamed India (USV Pvt. Ltd.), shares, "Too often, skincare campaigns focus solely on immediate visible results. At Sebamed, we believe true beauty stems from healthy skin - inside and out. This campaign empowers consumers with the knowledge that long-term skin health is the foundation of lasting beauty. 'Project Skin Deep' underscores our unwavering commitment to science-backed skincare and informed choices." Sachin Kamble, Co. Chief Creative Officer, Leo Burnett - South Asia, adds, "With 'Project Skin Deep' we took the bold step of doing an actual biopsy of a skin cell before and after using Sebamed products and then went on to integrate it into the visual narrative of the campaign. Each image is a glimpse into how beautiful, complex yet intriguing each skin cell is and the profound impact of Sebamed. At Burnett we believe in the power of authenticity in storytelling and this campaign is the best example integrating science, design, technology and creativity." Key Campaign Highlights * Campaign Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7JQ9B05Ru8&ab_channel=SebamedIndia * Campaign BTS Video: youtu.be/Cs7OwgD_bFo?si=B3cBGvB9MPEWCP-n * Directed by: John Fedrick, Prodigious Sebamed Products are marketed in India by USV Private Limited. USV Private Limited is a leading pharmaceutical player with over six decades of impeccable legacy driven by its Credo values and commands leadership positions in diabetes and cardiac therapeutic segments in India. (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) NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 2: Hundia Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd, a Mumbai-based leading vendor of computing and mobility products and the brand owners of EVM, one of the leaders in IT Storage Solutions, proudly announces the launch of India's first Made-in-India storage products, including SSDs, RAM, and other cutting-edge solutions. This launch marks a historic milestone as EVM becomes the first Indian brand to introduce locally developed and manufactured, Made in India storage solutions. Owned by Hundia Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd., EVM has solidified its position as the No. 1 Indian brand in the IT storage solutions space, achieving the remarkable milestone of over 25 crore products. With this launch, EVM takes a giant leap toward strengthening India's technological self-reliance while empowering local innovation. For locally made storage solutions, EVM to initial start with range of SATA and NVMe SSDs, along with DDR4 and DDR5 RAM modules, designed to cater to the needs of both everyday consumers and industry professionals & adding more products going forward. "This is more than a product launch; it's a declaration of India's capability in the global tech arena. EVM plans to build on this momentum by expanding our product portfolio in the near future, introducing additional locally manufactured storage solutions," said Kunal Hundia, Managing Director of EVM India. "EVM has always been about empowering Indian consumers. These Made-in-India storage solutions are a validation to what Indian innovation can achieve. As an Indian brand, we are proud to introduce high-quality storage solutions tailored to Indian needs with similar quality as of other international brands." Beyond innovation, EVM remains steadfast in its commitment to giving back to society. For every product sold, EVM donates Rs. 10 to children's cancer initiatives. "Our business isn't just about selling products; it's about making a difference," added Vishal Hundia, CEO EVM India. "Through our 'Buy One Give Ten' initiative, we are honored to contribute to the fight against childhood cancer while building a stronger, self-reliant India." EVM's Made-in-India products are designed to deliver exceptional durability, reliability, and performance, meeting international standards at competitive prices. These solutions come with industry-leading warranties ranging from 5 to 10 years, ensuring long-term peace of mind for customers. EVM has consistently led the charge in the Indian IT storage market. Recognized as the No. 1 Indian storage solutions brand, EVM offers unparalleled customer support through its extensive after-sales service network, which includes over 500 service centers across the country. The brand's free pick-up and drop-off service ensures a seamless customer experience, reinforcing its promise of reliability and convenience. With the launch of its Made-in-India storage solutions, EVM not only raises the bar for local manufacturing but also invites consumers to join its journey of innovation and empowerment. EVM, incorporated in 2008, is one of India's leading privately held company with strong presence in Consumer Durables, IT and Mobile Accessories. Envisioned 15 years ago, the company was started with a vision to improve the lives of people by giving them easy access to latest technology and smart value products. EVM is a 'Made In India' consumer electronic brand which focuses on consumer's needs and provides value for money products. EVM brand already exists in the India market (B2B) and has a strong distribution channel across the country. The company has more than 500+ centers. (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) The shoot for superstar Mohanlal's much-awaited sequel to blockbuster 'Lucifer', titled, 'L2: Empuraan,' has finally concluded and it is now slated to release in theatres on March 27, 2025. 'L2: Empuraan' marks the third directorial of actor Prithviraj Sukumaran starring Mohanlal in the lead role. Their first collaboration was the 2019 film 'Lucifer'. Through an Instagram post, Mohanlal shared that 'L2:Empuraan' was shot for 14 months across eight Indian states and four countries, including the UK, USA, and UAE. The 'Lucifer' actor expressed gratitude to the director Prithviraj and writer Murali Gopy for their creativity and visionary storytelling. While sharing the poster of 'L2:Empuraan' on his Instagram feed, the superstar wrote, "That's a wrap for L2: Empuraan! What an incredible 14-month journey across 8 states and 4 countries, including the UK, USA, and UAE. This film owes its magic to the brilliant direction of @therealprithvi whose creativity elevates every frame. A big thank you to @muraligopynsta for his visionary storytelling that forms the heart of this film. A heartfelt thank you to @antonyperumbavoor for his unwavering belief in this project and to Mr Subaskaran and Lyca Productions for their invaluable support." Mohanlal also said 'L2:Empuraan' was a 'remarkable chapter' in his acting journey which he will 'always treasure.' "None of this would have been possible without the dedicated cast and crew, who bring this story to life. L2: Empuraan has been a remarkable chapter in my journey as an artist, one I'll always treasure. To our amazing audience, your love and support inspire us every step of the way. Stay tuned--there's so much more to come! Malayalam | Tamil | Telugu | Kannada | Hindi," he added. https://www.instagram.com/p/DDA_ERFSvYe/ The first part of the franchise received a massive response from the fans and witnessed Mohanlal as the charismatic and enigmatic Stephen Nedumpally. 'L2: Empuraan' will be produced under the banner of Lyca Productions. Apart from Mohanlal, actors Tovino Thomas and Manju Warrier will play prominent roles in the film. (ANI) Filmmaker Tim Burton has expressed his certainty about working with actor Johnny Depp again, despite his reservations about sequels to some of his iconic films. At the Marrakech International Film Festival, celebrated director Tim Burton shared his thoughts on the possibility of working with Johnny Depp again in the future, reported Deadline. While Burton emphasized his reluctance to revisit some of his well-known works for sequels, he made it clear that he remains optimistic about future collaborations with Depp, with whom he has worked on numerous projects over the years. "I'm sure there will be more collaborations," Burton remarked when asked about the possibility of teaming up again with the actor, who has starred in several of Burton's films, including 'Edward Scissorhands', 'Corpse Bride', 'Sweeney Todd', and 'Ed Wood.' "I never feel like, 'Oh, I'm going to use this and that actor.' It usually has to be based on the project I'm working on. That's what film is all about. It's collaboration and bouncing ideas off the people around you," he explained, highlighting the organic nature of his directorial approach. When discussing the idea of revisiting some of his past films, Burton clarified that certain projects are best left as they are. "There are certain films I don't want to make a sequel to," he stated, according to Deadline. Specifically, Burton cited 'Edward Scissorhands' and 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' as examples of films he feels should stand alone. He explained, "I didn't want to make a sequel to Scissorhands because it felt like a one-off thing. I didn't want to have a sequel for The Nightmare Before Christmas because it also felt like a one-off thing. Certain things are best left on their own and that for me is one of them." Depp, who has been actively working to rebuild his career following a highly publicised legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard, has seen positive steps toward recovery in recent years. In 2022, he made a surprise appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards, and in 2023, he embarked on a European tour with his band, Hollywood Vampires. His participation in high-profile events, including Savage X Fenty's fashion show, has helped restore some of his public image. Depp has also been diversifying his career, with his second directorial project Modi--which stars legendary actor Al Pacino--garnering attention at the San Sebastian International Film Festival and later at the Rome Film Festival, where Depp was honoured with a lifetime achievement award. He is set to star in 'Day Drinker' alongside Pirates of the Caribbean co-star Penelope Cruz, as well as in Terry Gilliam's 'The Carnival at the End of Days', scheduled to begin filming in January with a star-studded cast including Adam Driver, Jeff Bridges, and Jason Momoa. Depp's previous comeback attempts, such as 'Minamata' (2020) and 'Jeanne du Barry' (2023) received mixed reviews. (ANI) More than a decade after her breakout performance in 'The Wolf of Wall Street', Margot Robbie has revealed that it was her own decision to do the now-iconic full-frontal nude scene in the film. The scene, which shows Robbie's character, Naomi Lapaglia, seducing stockbroker Jordan Belfort (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), became one of the most talked-about moments of the film. In a recent interview, Robbie discussed the bold creative choices she made during the film's production, including the decision to strip completely naked for the pivotal scene, as per Deadline. While director Martin Scorsese had told her she could wear a robe if it made her more comfortable, Robbie emphasized that it was her own idea to appear fully nude. "The whole point is that she's going to come out completely naked--that's the card she's playing," Robbie explained, adding, "That's not what she would do in that scene if she wasn't in control." Her character's calculated seduction of DiCaprio's Belfort is one of the film's most memorable and controversial moments, and Robbie's decision to embrace the nudity was in line with the manipulative, powerful nature of Naomi's character. Robbie also opened up about an unforgettable moment during her final audition for the film, where she made another unexpected decision. The scene in question required her to kiss DiCaprio, but Robbie surprised everyone by opting for a slap instead. "I thought, I could kiss Leonardo DiCaprio right now, and that would be awesome. I can't wait to tell all of my friends this," she recalled, adding, "And then I thought... nah. And just walloped him in the face," as per Deadline. The actress described the immediate aftermath of the slap as tense. "It was dead silence for what felt like an eternity but was probably three seconds," Robbie remembered. "Then they just burst out laughing. Leo and Marty were laughing so hard, they said, 'that was great,'" she added as per Deadline. Despite the positive reaction from DiCaprio and Scorsese, Robbie admitted that she feared the worst at the moment. "I was thinking, I'm going to get arrested, I'm pretty sure that's assault, battery," she confessed, adding, "Not only will you never work again, actually you will go to jail for this, you idiot. And also, why did you have to hit him so hard? You should have done it lighter." In addition to her on-screen actions, Robbie also took an active role in shaping her character's storyline. She revealed that she came up with the idea for Naomi and Jordan to have intercourse one last time before she told him she wanted a divorce. According to Robbie, director Martin Scorsese was always open to discussing and revising the script. "We were a couple of months into the shoot at that point," she recalled, adding, "The tone had been set that it was a bit of a free-for-all. It was like the crazier you are, the more Marty will like it. And the more screen time you're going to get," as per Deadline. Robbie also noted that Scorsese wasn't known for giving strict directions to the actors. Instead, they would often converse informally. "I'd sit at video village, and he would tell stories about the Mafia and old film stars, but he didn't actually give direction," she said, adding that the open, collaborative atmosphere on set allowed her to contribute more creatively to her role. Margot Robbie's portrayal of Naomi Lapaglia in 'The Wolf of Wall Street' was a defining moment in her career, earning her critical acclaim and establishing her as one of Hollywood's leading actresses. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, was released in 2013 and became notorious for its high-energy performances and provocative content. (ANI) STATEMENT OF SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA ON THE SIGHTING OF A RUSSIAN ATTACK SUBMARINE IN WPS This situation is concerning, raising significant questions about the stability and security of our already volatile maritime domain, which is a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions. The presence of foreign military assets, especially those with offensive capabilities, increases the risk of misunderstandings and conflicts in an already sensitive region. We urge the relevant authorities--the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Department of Foreign Affairs--to take immediate action and clarify the intentions behind this incursion. Veteran actor Chiranjeevi is reportedly in talks to team up with director Srikanth Odela for a new film. According to sources, the project will be produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri of SLV Cinemas, who recently delivered the blockbuster Bhagavanth Kesari. However, more details regarding the film have not been disclosed yet. Meanwhile, Chiranjeevi is currently busy shooting for 'Vishwambhara', directed by Mallidi Vassishta. After wrapping up the film, he is expected to join the sets of Srikanth Odela's film soon. Recently, Chiranjeevi was honoured with the ANR National Award in Hyderabad, celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao. The award was presented to him by megastar Amitabh Bachchan. Before presenting the award to Chiranjeevi, Big B spoke highly of the actor in his speech. He also expressed gratitude to Nagarjuna and his family for inviting him to such a prestigious event. "I feel deeply honoured that you have chosen me to honour my dear friend and colleague Chiranjeevi. Whenever I call he is always there. Thank you Charianjeevi and Nag for giving me a part in your film, thanks to Vyjayanti Films, and Nag Ashwin for giving me a part in your film. Now I can proudly say that I am a member of the Telugu film industry," he said. Amitabh Bachchan further added, "Thank you Chiranjeevi for your friendship, concern, love, affection, humility and hospitality. You sent me so much lunch that I would have fed the whole hotel today. Please treat me as a member of the Telugu film industry from now on. Thank you so much," he said. Chiranjeevi got emotional while receiving the award from Big B. As a mark of respect, he bowed down in front of Amitabh Bachchan, touched his feet and sought his blessings. (ANI) After the Andhra Pradesh government has announced a ticket price hike for 'Pushpa 2: The Rule', actor Allu Arjun has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. Taking to X, he wrote, "I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Government of Andhra Pradesh for approving the ticket hike. This progressive decision demonstrates your steadfast commitment to the growth and prosperity of the Telugu film industry. A special note of thanks to the Hon'ble @AndhraPradeshCM, Shri @ncbn garu, for his vision and unwavering encouragement to the industry. I also express my sincere thanks to the Hon'ble @APDeputyCMO, Shri @PawanKalyan garu, for his invaluable support in empowering the film industry." https://x.com/alluarjun/status/1863618011095289933 "The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a ticket price hike for Pushpa 2: The Rule. Allu Arjun expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for their unwavering commitment to the growth and prosperity of the Telugu film industry," as per the press release shared by Allu Arjun's team. Earlier this month, the trailer for 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' was released giving a glimpse of the intense action and drama to come.The trailer features Allu reprising his titular character of a red sandalwood smuggler, while Rashmika appears as his love interest. The actor makes a magnificent entry. It continues with strong action scenes and the appearance of Rashmika Mandanna as Srivalli. Soon, Fahadh Faasil appears as Pushpa's enemy, threatening to fight him. Pushpa, on the other hand, has no fear of anyone and proudly declares that he is an international player rather than a national one. Directed by Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Muttamsetty Media, the film will see Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil reprise their roles as Pushpa Raj, Srivalli, and Bhanwar Singh Shekawat. Allu Arjun, the main lead of the film, received a National Film Award for his performance in the first part. The first part of Pushpa, directed by Sukumar, showcased power tussles set against the backdrop of red sandalwood smuggling. The is set to hit the theatres on December 5. (ANI) Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer, S Chockalingam, has warned of strict legal action against individuals spreading false claims or insinuations regarding tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). His statement comes amid ongoing allegations from Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders about EVM malpractices during the recent Maharashtra assembly elections. Chockalingam, on Sunday, underlined that any attempts to sensationalise these matters will be dealt with severely as authorities intensify investigations into the issue. The Election Commission has filed an FIR against Syed Shuja, who is reportedly residing abroad and has sent letters to the relevant authorities to ensure the matter is pursued. Delhi and Mumbai Police are actively investigating and taking necessary steps to identify and apprehend anyone within India who is in contact with such individuals or complicit in these malicious activities. The official stressed that such actions are a serious offence, and no one involved will be spared. Earlier, Maharashtra NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Jayant Patil raised concerns about the use of EVMs in the recent assembly elections, questioning the rise in voter turnout after 5 pm. He called for the return of ballot papers to restore public trust in the electoral process. "Even though our numbers are less, we will continue to raise questions. In the recent elections, voting increased in Maharashtra after 5 pm. This is a matter of concern. While the EVM is a simple calculator, it increases the vote count automatically at night. This is a critical issue that must be addressed. The Election Commission of India appears to be hiding something," Patil said. Demanding the return of ballot papers, he added, "Ballot papers must replace EVMs because they will also restore people's trust in the system. The voting percentage will decline if people do not trust the system." Notably, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a major setback in the recently held Maharashtra elections, with Congress winning just 16 out of 288 assembly seats. Its alliance partner, Shiv Sena (UBT), won 20 seats, while the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) secured only 10 seats. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance emerged victorious with 132 seats, while its allies, the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and the NCP led by Ajit Pawar, secured 57 and 41 seats, respectively. (ANI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday commended the 'tireless' efforts of the Border Security Force (BSF) in securing the state's borders, underlining their crucial role in safeguarding national security and ensuring the peaceful lives of the people. Speaking at the 60th Raising Day celebration of the BSF at their headquarters in Shalbagan, the Tripura CM said, "The BSF has been working tirelessly to protect the country since its establishment in 1965. You are the front-line force at the border. Thanks to the BSF, the common people are able to live peaceful lives. For the unity of the country, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah always prioritize border security. New technologies are being introduced to strengthen our defenses. Efforts are also being made to enhance border fencing and improve the welfare of BSF personnel. We are committed to ensuring your security as well." As the state's Home Minister, CM Manik Saha also highlighted the need to counter new technological threats posed by terrorists. "As terrorists are using advanced technology to attack the country, we must respond more efficiently and effectively," Saha said. "Earlier, I attended the BSF Raising Day event, and every time I come here, it feels like coming home. Today, we remember the BSF personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The BSF works on the border, leaving their families behind, and I salute their dedication. The BSF consistently works to curb smuggling, cross-border infiltration, and illegal migration. Our state shares an 856 km long border, which is guarded by the BSF. Tripura is bordered by Bangladesh on three sides, and the BSF personnel ensure the safety of this entire stretch by maintaining fencing, utilizing surveillance technology, and fostering good relations with the local people," the Tripura CM added. (ANI) BJP leader Ravinder Raina on Sunday condemned PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti's 'controversial' statement comparing the situation of minorities in India to that of Bangladesh, calling it "unfortunate" and "treason." Raina assured that all religious communities in India are safe, urging legal action against Mufti for her remarks. "Mehbooba Mufti's statement comparing India with Bangladesh is very controversial and unfortunate. Minority communities are being targeted in Bangladesh... The kind of atrocities that happened in Bangladesh, Mehbooba Mufti's statement against India regarding Bangladesh is treason. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians are all safe in India," Raina told ANI. The BJP leader also demanded legal action against the PDP leader. "She goes to different places and holds rallies, putting forward her point of view. She has all the security... Mehbooba Mufti has committed treason, and legal action should be taken against her," Raina added. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday termed the November 24 Sambhal incident unfortunate and compared the situation of minorities in India to that in Bangladesh. The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir expressed concern over the recent claims on mosques and shrines. "...Today, I am afraid that the situation we saw in 1947 is being recreated. When the youth talk about jobs, they don't get them. We don't have good hospitals or education... They are not improving the condition of roads but are trying to demolish mosques in search of temples. The Sambhal incident is very unfortunate. Some people were working in shops and were shot," Mufti told reporters in Jammu. Commenting on the controversy surrounding the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Mufti said, "Ajmer Sharif Dargah, where people from all religions offer prayers, is the biggest example of brotherhood. Now they are trying to dig into it to search for a temple." Regarding the alleged atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, Mufti said, "In Bangladesh, atrocities are being committed on Hindus. If atrocities are committed on minorities in India as well, then what is the difference between India and Bangladesh? I don't see any difference between India and Bangladesh."The situation in Bangladesh has been marked by increasing violence against minority communities, with temples being destroyed after the arrest of a former priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das. The international community has expressed concern over the situation, and India's Ministry of External Affairs has stated that it is "concerned" about the safety and security of Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh. Regarding the Sambhal incident in Uttar Pradesh, a mob clashed with the police during a survey of a Mughal-era mosque under court orders. Four people were killed, and dozens, including policemen and officials, were injured in the violence that ensued hours after the survey. (ANI) As many as 19 locations under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 were searched by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Ahmedabad Zonal Office on November 29, 2024, in multiple cases related to the misappropriation of government funds in post offices in Gujarat. The action was in consequence of the cases being investigated by ED on the basis of several FIRs registered by ACB, and CBI, said a press release on Sunday. In one of the cases, the accused Sub Postmasters in conspiracy with the accused private person fraudulently reopened earlier closed Recurring Deposits (RD) accounts and then fraudulently closed the same and, thereby, misappropriated the government money amounting 606 Recurring Deposit accounts amounting to Rs 18.60 Crore, the release said. In another case, the accused, while working as Sub Post Master in Criminal conspiracy with others had committed misappropriation of government money amounting to Rs. 9.97 Crore during the period of 16.10.2019 to 21.11.2022. The accused public servant adopted a modus operandi of manually uploading fake payments through the utility tool - SAP (Departmental Software) in the Daily Transaction Report of Mengni Sub Office in the head of old KVP Principal amount and old KVP interest, said the release. In a separate case, Recurring Deposit (RD) accounts of the Ravalwadi post office, once closed were again closed twice or thrice with higher denominations and in different names of depositors, by creating closure documents fraudulently. Instead of depositing the accepted amount, the fraudster diverted the closure amount of fraudulent RD accounts to new accounts under various schemes by mentioning re-investment on a forged RD closure form. Another technique of cheating customers was that the fraudster used to accept deposits from their customers for opening new accounts, issuing passbooks to them by reusing old passbooks/ new fake passbooks but in fact, they didn't open any accounts in their names in Sanchay post/ FINACLE, said the release. Further, in another case, the accused (the then Sub Postmaster, Surajkuji Sub Post Office, Jamnagar Division, Jamnagar) knowingly used forged documents as genuine, for the purpose of pecuniary advantage and thereby, misappropriated the Government Money and caused wrongful loss to the Post Offices to the tune of Rs 2.94 Crore. In the other case, the accused persons (Savings Bank Postal Assistant Chotila Sub Post Office, LSG Postal Assistant Surendranagar Head Post Office and Sub Post Master, Chotila) have entered into a criminal conspiracy and they misappropriated the funds from various types of postal deposit accounts causing wrongful loss to the Post Offices to the tune of Rs.1.57 Crore. As a result of searches conducted amounts to the tune of Rs 1 Crore (approx.) were seized. Further, details of various immovable properties exceeding Rs 1.5 Crore have been recovered. Further investigation is under progress, said the release. (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha on Monday gave a Suspension of Business notice in Rajya Sabha to discuss the "atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh" and the arrest of three ISKCON priests including Chinmoy Krishna Das. "Under Rule 267 (Notice of Motion for Suspension of rules) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Council of States (Rajya Sabha), I hereby give notice of my intention to move the following motion," Raghav Chadha stated in the notice to motion. Further, the AAP leader demanded that the house discuss and condemn the detention of ISKCON priests. "That this House do suspend Zero Hour and relevant rules relating to Question Hour and other business listed for the day to discuss the atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh and the arrest of three ISKCON priest including Chinmoy Krishna Das. Further, I demand that this house collectively discusses and condemns the detention of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das," he 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 November 25. The court denied his bail plea and sent him to custody. Earlier on November 30, ISKCON Kolkata alleged that Bangladesh authorities have arrested two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, and the secretary of Chinmoy Krishna Das. Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata Radha Raman said that the monks were arrested on Friday by the police while on their way to home after meeting Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on the charges of sedition on November 25. Radha Raman said, "On November 29, when Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari were returning after meeting Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, they were arrested by the police. We are also getting information that the secretary of Chinmoy Krishna Das has also been arrested," Radha Raman said in a self-made video. India also expressed concern over the rise of "extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation" in Bangladesh. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India has consistently and strongly raised the issue of targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladesh government. (ANI) Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Tiruchi Siva on Monday morning filed an adjournment motion notice in Rajya Sabha to discuss the ongoing violence in Manipur. The DMK Rajya Sabha MP moved the motion under rule 267 (Notice of Motion for Suspension of rules) with the intention to urge the government to address the Manipur issue. Tiruchi said that the Manipur violence has claimed more than 250 lives and it was crucial to find a solution to the crisis. "I hereby give notice of my intention to move the following motion: That this House agrees to suspend the rest of business of the day under Rule 267 to urge the government to address the ongoing violence in Manipur, which has claimed 250+ lives, displaced and disrupted countless livelihoods. It is imperative to find an immediate and lasting solution to this crisis," DMK MP Tiruchi wrote in a letter addressed to the Secretary General of Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, Congress MP B Manickam Tagore has also moved an adjournment motion notice to discuss the need for investigating allegations levelled by the US Justice Department against Billionaire Gautam Adani in connection with a "bribery and corruption." He cited "public interest" as the justification to move the adjournment motion, saying that citizens have the right to know whether their government was "protecting corporate malpractices." Demanding an investigation be carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and other relevant law enforcement agencies as per Indian laws, Tagore argued that there must be public disclosure of the investigation to ensure transparency. "It is therefore the responsibility of Indian law enforcement agencies to act on the evidence, as Indian citizens and entities fall within the ambit of our legal framework," the letter read. DMK MP TR Baalu filed an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the crop damage and properties due to unprecedented rainfall and heavy flooding brought by Cyclone Fengal in the districts of Villuppuram, Cudalore, Chengalpattu of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. This comes after both houses faced brief sessions in the past week following a ruckus amid the opposition's demand to discuss Adani indictment. The first session of the winter Parliament commenced on November 25, with both Houses getting adjourned fairly early due to disruptions. The winter session will go on till December 20. (ANI) The Visakhapatnam Railway Police busted an interstate ganja smuggling racket and arrested three individuals with over 30 kilograms of ganja. The operation carried out in collaboration with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), led to the arrest of three accused that were involved in transporting ganja using DTDC courier services from Visakhapatnam to various parts of India. The arrested individuals, hailing from Kerala and Bihar, have been remanded in court as authorities continue their investigation into the drug trafficking syndicate. The Visakhapatnam Government Railway Police (GRP), under the guidance of the Deputy Superintendent of Police and at the request of GRP Inspector CH Dhananjayanayudu dismantled the interstate ganja smuggling network under a police operation, carried out by the special team. The operation was set in motion after police received credible information regarding the smuggling activities. The main accused, identified as Muhammad Nadirsha (27) from Kerala, was caught with 8 kg of ganja being smuggled from Orissa to Kerala. Additionally, Nitish Kumar (29), a suspect from Bihar, was apprehended with 6 kg of ganja while transporting the drug from Visakhapatnam to Chennai. In another successful raid, Vikash Kumar (23), also from Bihar, was arrested with 16 kg of ganja intended for delivery in Delhi. Police said that the smugglers were using DTDC courier services to ship the ganja, cleverly packing it to avoid detection. They would book home pickups online, making it difficult for authorities to trace the drugs before shipment. This method bypassed traditional transportation channels raising concerns about the use of courier services for illegal activities. In response to the escalating drug smuggling, the Visakhapatnam GRP, along with the RPF, has ramped up security measures at key railway stations in the region. Special surveillance teams have been set up to monitor activities at Visakhapatnam, Duvvada, Anakapalli, and Simhachalam railway stations. Authorities have confirmed that regular inspections are being conducted, and the investigation into the drug syndicate is ongoing. The arrested suspects have been produced in court and remanded for further investigation as police work to uncover the full extent of the smuggling operation. The GRP has vowed to continue its efforts in curbing drug trafficking and ensuring the safety and security of passengers travelling through the region. (ANI) A large team of police personnel were deployed outside the residence of UP Congress leader Aradhana Mishra after the party had announced that it would visit Sambhal to prepare a report on the situation there. Mishra claimed that the police presence outside here house was a sign of "anarchy," and said that it is "unfortunate" that a delegation which was going for fact-finding is being stopped from going to Sambhal. "This is anarchy. It is unfortunate that a delegation which was going for fact-finding is being stopped from going to Sambhal. Police have been deployed at my residence. This is total anarchy. The people of the state want to know about this issue. Is it law and order when a person is not allowed to go outside their residence?" Aradhana Mishra said. The police have been deployed outside the residence of Congress leader Aradhana Mishra in Lucknow. Earlier today, Uttar Pradesh Police issued a notice to Congress state president Ajay Rai asking them not to visit violence-hit Sambhal. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said that the party delegation was going to Sambhal for fact-finding and restoration of peace. "Congress delegation was going to Sambhal for fact-finding and restoration of peace but the District Administration has kept Ajay Rai and Mona ji under house arrest. This creates doubts - why are they being stopped? What are they (BJP) trying to hide?" Tiwari said. Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav said, "They (BJP) don't want to let anyone go there (Sambhal). Those who commit sins always try to hide it." In the notice given to Ajay Rai, he has been informed that "Keeping in mind the peace and communal sensitivity in Sambhal district, he should cooperate in the public interest and postpone his proposed program so that the order passed by the District Magistrate of Sambhal district, Section 163 BNSS is not violated." Congress President Ajay Rai said that he would go to Sambhal "peacefully." "They have issued me a notice and have asked me that my visit will cause chaos. Certainly, we also don't want chaos but peace to prevail. The atrocity and injustice that was done there by the police and the govt, I want my leadership to know this. They (police) gave me notice but I will go there peacefully," Rai said. A Congress delegation led by the party's Uttar Pradesh chief is scheduled to visit Sambhal where a stone-pelting incident took place on November 24. Tensions in Sambhal have been high since November 19, when a local court ordered a survey of the mosque. Clashes between protestors and police over the court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid resulted in four deaths. (ANI) Statement of Senator Joel Villanueva on the Presence of a Russian Attack Submarine in the West Philippine Sea The reported presence of a Russian submarine in the West Philippine Sea is truly concerning. This underscores the need for heightened vigilance in safeguarding our territorial waters. We thank our Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy for their unwavering commitment as the guardians of our seas, ensuring the safety and security of our maritime territory. With the recent enactment of the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, we now have stronger legal tools to assert and protect our sovereignty over our waters. We must remain vigilant, united, and proactive in defending our national interests, while fostering diplomatic efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya on Monday said that he had filed an FIR with the Mumbai Police against the person who's video went viral where he was seen making false and unsubstantiated claims to hack and tamper the Electronic Vending Machines. Speaking to ANI, Somaiya said "I have also complained about the viral video. Mumbai police has also registered an FIR. Along with this, I have also requested the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the regulators that this hacker or this person who is telling this had also posted the same on social and digital media in a similar way during the 2019 elections. I have requested the Election Commission and Mumbai Police that this video or the so called sting operations done by the people should also be investigated and action must be taken against them as well." Earlier on Sunday, the Chief Electoral office posted a tweet mentioning the false claims made regarding the EVMs. "False Claim Regarding EVM: A video was shared by some Social media users where a person is making false, baseless and unsubstantiated claims to hack and tamper EVMs inMaharashtra elections by isolation of EVM frequency," the tweet read. Earlier, Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer, S Chockalingam, has warned of strict legal action against individuals spreading false claims or insinuations regarding tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). His statement comes amid ongoing allegations from Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders about EVM malpractices during the recent Maharashtra assembly elections.Chockalingam, on Sunday, underlined that any attempts to sensationalise these matters will be dealt with severely as authorities intensify investigations into the issue. The Election Commission has filed an FIR against the man, who is reportedly residing abroad and has sent letters to the relevant authorities to ensure the matter is pursued. Delhi and Mumbai Police are actively investigating and taking necessary steps to identify and apprehend anyone within India who is in contact with such individuals or complicit in these malicious activities. The official stressed that such actions are a serious offence, and no one involved will be spared. (ANI) Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was also present in this meeting along with other party leaders. Congress MP K Suresh said that a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders was held in the presence of LoP Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, in Parliament. After the proceedings of Parliament were washed out in the first week of the Parliament's Winter Session ending November 29, both Houses are set to resume the proceedings on Monday at 11 am. Parliament proceedings have been stalled since the beginning of the Winter Session amid protests by opposition parties over the Adani issue and violence in Manipur and Sambhal. Congress MP Manickam Tagore gave an Adjournment Motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the Adani issue. "I hereby seek leave to move an adjournment motion to discuss a matter of urgent public importance, namely the recent allegations of corruption, bribery, and securities fraud involving the Adani Group and its leadership," Tagore stated. Moreover, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi gave Suspension of Business notice in Rajya Sabha on issues of Sambhal violence and Ajmer Sharif Dargah plea. The first session of the winter Parliament commenced on November 25, with both Houses getting adjourned fairly early due to disruptions. The winter session will go on till December 20. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Monday lashed out at Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP) amid the chaos over their proposed visits to Sambhal. He accused both opposition parties of indulging in politics over riots and deaths, saying that they are the ones who cause disruption. "Indulging in politics over riots and deaths is the character of Congress and Samajwadi Party. Ek to aag lagate hain (They are the ones who disrupt). Why are they sending the delegation (to Sambhal)? The court asked for the survey to be carried out in line with the Constitution. Congress supports claims made by Waqf, but when a Hindu party goes to court...they want to stand with rioters. This shows Congress' role in the politics of polarisation," BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla told ANI. His reaction comes after a 15-member delegation of Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders including MLAs and MPs were stopped from visiting Sambhal district by the Uttar Pradesh Police earlier this week. Congress delegation is also scheduled to visit the violence-affected district today. BJP leader Poonawalla further attacked BJP and SP for indulging in the politics of "competitive appeasement politics." He accused the opposition parties of indulging in votebank politics and siding with the "rioters." "This is what I call the politics of CAP - Competitive Appeasement Politics. Kon jyada bada dangaiyo ka bhaijaan ban sakta hai (who can appease the troublemakers more). Kon votebank ke naam par Sambhal main aag laga sakta hai (who can cause disruption in Sambhal in the name of votebank). A competition is ongoing over this. Samajwadi Party says that lower courts would set fire. They go and stand with the rioters and raise questions to the police. Congress is also doing similar kinds of politics. Ask Congress, did they form a delegation for Ram Gopal Mishra who was killed by Jihadi elements in Bahriach? No delegation from Samajwadi Party or Congress went for him," BJP leader Poonawalla said. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai was asked to delay his Sambhal visit, the party leader said that he would go to Sambhal "peacefully." "They have issued me a notice and have asked me that my visit will cause chaos. Certainly, we also don't want chaos but peace to prevail. The atrocity and injustice that was done there by the police and the government, I want my leadership to know this. They (police) gave me notice but I will go there peacefully," Rai told ANI. Earlier in the morning, Uttar Pradesh Police issued a notice to Congress state president Ajay Rai asking them not to visit violence-hit Sambhal. (ANI) Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday slammed AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi for his statement on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's statement and questioned why Owaisi is "silent" on issues of Hindus. "Owaisi (Asaduddin) is such a person - when the platinum jubilee of the constitution was being celebrated, he was absent during the national anthem and national song. He always talks about Muslims - even he was talking about Palestine, but why he is silent on the issues of Hindus in Bangladesh? Why Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and others are silent on this issue?" Singh told ANI. Speaking on the incidents of violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, Giriraj Singh said that the radicals are committing atrocities on Hindus. "I think the way the radicals are committing atrocities on Hindus, they (Hindus) are not allowed to leave, legally, saints are being imprisoned. India has shown a tough stance, but the world must intervene in it," he said. Earlier, taking a dig at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Chief Mohan Bhagwat Bhagwat's statement, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned whether the RSS chief would give Rs 1,500 to people who have more children. "I want to ask Mohan Bhagwat, what will he give people for giving birth to more children? Will he give Rs 1,500 into the bank accounts of those who give birth to more children? Will he introduce a scheme for this?... When Mohan Bhagwat is trying to make someone close to him the CM, he might as well introduce a scheme for this," Owaisi remarked. RSS chief on Sunday stated that India's declining population is a concerning issue, noting that according to modern population science, a society vanishes when its fertility rate falls below 2.1. "The decline in population is a matter of concern. Modern population science says that when the fertility rate of a society goes below 2.1, that society vanishes from the earth. The society gets destroyed even without any crisis. In this way, many languages and societies have disappeared. The population should not fall below 2.1. Our country's population policy was decided in 1998 or 2002, and it also mentions that the population of a society should not be less than 2.1. We need more than two or three; this is what population science says. The number is important for the survival of society," Bhagwat said, addressing the Kathale Kul Sammelan in Nagpur. He also underlined that the fertility rate should be above three or four for the society to survive. (ANI) Congress MP Imran Masood on Monday said that the Supreme Court should take cognizance of the matter related to lower courts allowing surveys at religious places. He said that the apex court must put an end to such claims or else it would lead to anarchy in the country. It was unfortunate that lower courts were passing such orders, the Congress MP said, adding that such decisions by the lower courts would lead to mayhem. "Supreme Court should take cognizance of this matter. The Places of Worship Act of 1991 is clear. There should be no anarchy in the country. The kind of decisions the lower courts are taking will lead to mayhem. These things will happen daily now. Somebody will claim something under the temple, mosque or church. This will create a situation of anarchy in the country. It is unfortunate that lower courts are passing such orders. This is a serious issue. The Supreme Court must stop this," Imran Masood, Congress MP in Lok Sabha, told ANI. Two Congress leaders Alok Sharma and Priya Mishra approached the Supreme Court seeking to restrain courts across the country from entertaining pleas filed for carrying out surveys at religious places. The petition filed by the Congress leaders also wanted directions for the states to comply with the Places of Worship Act of 1991. A Congress delegation is set to visit Sambhal today to prepare a fact-finding report on the situation. However, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai was served a notice by the police, asking him to postpone his Sambhal visit, the party leader said that he would go to Sambhal "peacefully." "They have issued me a notice and have asked me that my visit will cause chaos. Certainly, we also don't want chaos but peace to prevail. The atrocity and injustice that was done there by the police and the government, I want my leadership to know this. They (police) gave me notice but I will go there peacefully," Rai told ANI. Earlier this morning, Uttar Pradesh Police issued a notice to Congress state president Ajay Rai asking them not to visit violence-hit Sambhal. Meanwhile, Congress leader Aradhana Mishra today criticised the heavy police deployment outside her residence, labelling it as a sign of "anarchy" and said that the delegation being stopped from going to Sambhal was "unfortunate". (ANI) Amid the devastation and flooding caused by Cyclonic storm Fengal, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday said that he will be visiting Viluppuram and Kallakurichi districts to inspect the damage and provide assistance to people. "I am personally visiting Viluppuram and Kallakurichi districts to see the severe damage caused by Cyclone Fengal and help the people," CM Stalin said in a post on X. CM Stalin informed that he was in touch with Tamil Nadu Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister MRK Panneerselvam, who is working on the ground in the Cuddalore district. The CM said that he had also contacted State Public Works Minister EV Velu and enquired about the situation in Tiruvannamalai district. The Chief Minister said that he was appointed Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MLA Muthuswamy and Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister R Rajendran to oversee the situation and rescue operations in Krishnagiri district. "I am continuously talking to the Collectors of these districts and monitoring the field situation. Let's fix the damage of the natural disaster and restore normalcy soon," CM Stalin posted on X. This comes after Cyclone Fengal caused flooding amid heavy rainfall in many districts of Tamil Nadu, leaving people living in these areas in distress. However, efforts are being made by rescue teams to evacuate stranded citizens. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team led by District Collector Balaraman rescued the affected people in Cuddalore distrcit with the help of boats. The Tamil Nadu Disaster Rescue team removed a tree that fell on the national highway in Chinna Gangankuppam, a border area of Cuddalore and Puducherry, with the help of a JCB machine. Earlier, CM Stalin on Sunday visited the State Emergency Operation Centre to inspect ongoing relief efforts. He urged the Union government to dispatch a central team to assess the situation and evaluate crop damage caused by the cyclone. The Chief Minister also visited various locations in the Kolathur assembly constituency. Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran and other Disaster Management Department officials accompanied him. CM Stalin stated that nearly 27,000 people have received food packets prepared by Amma canteens since yesterday. He added that 21 of Chennai's 23 subways have been cleared of waterlogging. Meanwhile, the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train services resumed normal operations across all suburban districts on December 1, according to railway officials. A Elumalai, a Public Relations Officer from the Chennai Division, confirmed that train services in Chennai had resumed operations. (ANI) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar voiced his commitment to resolving farmers' issues and urged them to take an open and collaborative approach to address their grievances through discussion and dialogue. Speaking at a function marking the 138th birth anniversary of Raja Mahendra Pratap on Sunday, Vice President Dhankhar reminded the gathering that India's strength lies in its rural roots and its farmers, who are the bedrock of the nation's development. Dhankhar urged farmers to resolve their issues through constructive dialogue rather than confrontation and emphasized the importance of mutual understanding, stressing that their struggles reflect the larger aspirations of a prosperous India. In his address on Sunday, marking the 138th birth anniversary of Raja Mahendra Pratap, he said, "We must remember that we don't fight with our own, we don't deceive our own. Deception is for the enemy, while our own are to be embraced. How can one sleep peacefully when farmers' issues are not being resolved swiftly?" Dhankhar also commended Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan for already engaging in discussions to address farmers' concerns. He reassured the farmers that the government is actively working on solutions, but urged them to engage in constructive dialogue for a faster resolution. "We need to think openly and engage in open discussions because this country belongs to all of us," Dhankhar stated, calling for an end to confrontational attitudes and advocating for diplomacy and mutual respect. Terming an irretrievable and confrontational stance as poor diplomacy, he emphasized, "We need to think openly and engage in open discussions because this country belongs to us. It is deeply influenced by its rural roots, and I believe that wherever my farmer brothers are and whichever protest they may be part of, my words will reach them, and they will pay attention. I am confident that a convergence of positive energy will lead to the swiftest resolution of farmers' issues." "We need to reflect. What's done is done, but the path forward must be the right one. The foundation of a developed India is laid on the land of farmers. The road to a developed India passes through the farmland. The resolution of farmers' issues must happen at a rapid pace," said the Vice President. Addressing the emotional distress farmers often face, Dhankhar noted that when farmers suffer, it is a blot on the nation's pride and honor. He highlighted the importance of voicing concerns rather than letting them fester and create further distress. "When farmers are distressed, it casts a blot on the pride and honor of the nation. This often happens because we keep concerns close to our hearts without expressing them. On this auspicious day, I pledge that my doors will remain open 24 hours a day to resolve the problems of farmers," he said. In his closing remarks, Dhankhar pledged, "My doors will remain open 24 hours a day to resolve the problems of farmers." He called for a collective effort to ensure that the issues of India's farmers are addressed swiftly and with the dignity they deserve, reinforcing that their wellbeing is essential for the country's growth. The Vice President's appeal for unity and dialogue comes at a time when farmers across various regions have been protesting for their demands. Meanwhile, a 3-tier security plan has been put into effect and security forces have been deployed in parts of Noida-Delhi ahead of the farmers 'Delhi Chalo' protest march, said an official on Monday. According to the Shivhari Meena, Addl. Commissioner Of Police Noida, " We are in constant talks with farmers regarding the 'Delhi Chalo' march. Yesterday also we spoke to them for 3 hours. We have also prepared a 3-tier security plan. Around 5,000 Police personnel are conducting checking at various locations. We have also issued traffic advisory, around 1000 PSC personnel have also been deployed, there are arrangements of water cannons." Police say they are constantly communicating with the farmers, and also seeing to the traffic management. A traffic advisory has also been issued so that security arrangements are maintained. Around 5,000 police officials and 1,000 PSC workers have been deployed, and water cannon, TGS squad, fire squad and others have been deployed for emergency and traffic management. Earlier this morning, Noida Police, expecting disruptions from a farmers' protest march heading towards Delhi beefed up security and conducted vehicle inspections after issuing comprehensive traffic advisories. The protest, organized by the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) along with other farmer groups, is being held to demand compensation and benefits related to agricultural reforms, including a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The Chilla Border in Noida showed long queues of vehicles stuck in traffic. The traffic congestion came after police held security checks on roads ahead of the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march. The Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP), along with Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and other farmer organizations earlier announced that they will be marching towards Delhi on Monday to demand compensation and benefits under the new agricultural laws. The first group, led by BKP leader Sukhbir Khalifa, will begin their march from under the Maha Maya flyover in Noida at noon on December 2."We are ready for our march towards Delhi. Tomorrow, on December 2, we will start our march towards Delhi from under the Maha Maya flyover (In Noida). At noon, all of us will reach there and demand our compensation and benefits as per the new laws," BKP leader Sukhbir Khalifa told ANI on Sunday. The Delhi-Noida Police are also conducting stringent checks at all borders, with barriers set up to monitor the flow of traffic. To prevent bottlenecks and ensure safety, traffic diversions and restrictions have been put in place. Earlier in October, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandhair had informed that the farmers sitting in protest at the Shambhu border (Punjab-Haryana border) would march towards Delhi on December 6 to press their demands including a guarantee for Minimum Support Price. (ANI) Exuding confidence in winning the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Monday attacked the INDIA bloc and said that the alliance has no future. "Even before the Lok Sabha elections, they (INDIA alliance) had a meeting to stop Narendra Modi from becoming the Prime Minister, but Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister for the third time... Their alliance broke in the Haryana elections... They were wiped out in Maharashtra. BJP's lotus will bloom in the Delhi Assembly elections too and BJP government will be formed... INDIA bloc has no future," Keshav Prasad Maurya said. Earlier, the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders held a meeting for the upcoming assembly election in the national capital on Sunday. The meeting was attended by Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva and other leaders were present in the meeting. On Sunday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said that there will be no alliance in the national capital. "There will be no alliance in Delhi (for assembly elections)," Kejriwal said while addressing a press conference. Meawnwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shazia Ilmi launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) following the arrest of MLA Naresh Balyan, saying the party's "corrupt nature" has been exposed. Speaking to ANI, Ilmi said, "The corrupt nature of this party (AAP) has now been exposed. He (Naresh Balyan) has been MLA of Uttamnagar for 10 years. You should go and ask about his reputation there...Their (AAP's) nature is being exposed now. As soon as they (AAP) got the information that Naresh Balyan would be arrested, they scheduled a press conference." "Now they are talking about the increasing crime rate in Delhi. As soon as Naresh Balyan was exposed, they remembered everything. They are very clever people. They only know how to conspire against others," she added. Her remarks came after Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court remanded Balyan to two days of police custody in connection with an extortion case. Earlier on November 21, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released the first list of 11 candidates for the assembly elections in Delhi, which are expected to be held in early 2025. The assembly elections in Delhi are likely to be held in early 2025. However, the Election Commission is yet to announce the dates. The last Assembly elections in Delhi were held in February 2015. In the 2015 assembly polls, the AAP secured an absolute majority and won 62 seats out of 70. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to win just 8 seats while Congress struggled to open their account. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday inspected the construction works of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and said that the construction of an elevated road from Dehradun to Delhi is in the final stage. "I thank PM and Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, the construction of elevated road from Dehradun to Delhi is in the final stage...once it is completed, the journey from Dehradun to Delhi will become convenient," CM Dhami said. During this, he obtained information from the officials about the modern technologies and environmental safety measures being used in the construction of the expressway. The CM said that in this project, Asia's largest wildlife corridor has also been built by coordinating ecology and economy, which will make the protection of wildlife and their movement free and completely safe. "Conducted a field inspection of the construction work of Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. During this, information was obtained from the officials about the modern technologies and environmental safety measures being used in the construction of the expressway. In this project, Asia's largest wildlife corridor has also been built by coordinating ecology and economy, which will protect the wildlife and make their movement free and completely safe. Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is an important project in the infrastructure sector," he said in a post on X. "After the completion of the construction of this expressway under the able leadership of the respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the Delhi-Dehradun journey can be completed in just two and a half hours. This project will bring positive changes in the economic condition of Uttarakhand and will also promote tourism and business activities," the Uttarakhand CM added. The 32 KM long sections of this Delhi-Dehradun Expressway are ready for inauguration. It is expected to be inaugurated in the last week of December or the first week of January. This expressway is 210 km long. The expressway will connect the three states of Uttarakhand-Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. (ANI) Following constant adjournments of both houses of Parliament in the first week, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday said that it was a terrible situation which was bad for the country. He said that the government must make an effort and cooperate with the opposition to let the Parliament function. The onus was on the government to make Parliament function, Tharoor said, adding that they should cooperate with the opposition and find common ground. "Terrible situation. The government must make an effort...We have always had this approach that the onus is on the government to make the Parliament function. They should cooperate with the opposition and find common ground. The opposition has proposed a solution, which is to have a debate on the Constitution. If the government concedes, I am sure the Parliament would function. It is bad for the country, bad for the voters and bad for us. But the government must make some effort instead of putting all the onus on the opposition. In every democracy, there is an agreement on what issues should be discussed. Where is the agreement here?" His reaction comes after another day of the winter session of the Parliament was washed out amid constant adjournments last week. Congress MP Tharoor further said there were issues that all the opposition parties wanted to discuss. "There are issues which all the Opposition parties want to discuss. One of the pending issues is a request for a debate on the 75th year of the Constitution. If the government runs that then Parliament will function. The 75th anniversary is something that interests everybody. We have had debates and lengthy discussions in the past on so many anniversaries - the 60th anniversary of Parliament, the 70th anniversary of Quit India...Why not on this also?" Tharoor remarked. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned on Monday, the fifth working day of the Parliament Winter Session 2024, amid protests and slogans in both houses by opposition parties seeking discussion over the Adani issue, violence in Manipur and Sambhal. Both Houses were adjourned for the day after they reconvened at noon following adjournments since the sessions began at 11 am. Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar rejected 20 notices received under Rule 267. The Chairman referred to Murphy's Law, which states that "anything that can go wrong will go wrong. He said, "It appears that there exists a deliberate effort to actualize Murphy's Law to impede this House's proper functioning." 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. The first session of the Winter Parliament commenced on November 25, with both Houses getting adjourned fairly early due to disruptions. The winter session will go on till December 20. (ANI) Chairman of Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Jagdambika Pal lashed out at Kalyan Banerjee and said that he should have kept his views before JPC and not give any statement outside. "Kalyan Banerjee is a member of JPC (on Waqf Amendment Bill) and he should keep his views before the JPC and not give statements outside. If the government there in West Bengal is bringing a resolution against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, then it is an attack on the parliamentary democracy and the principles of the Constitution..." Pal said while speaking to ANI. Earlier on November 27, after the opposition MPS walked out of the JPC meeting, Pal stated that the members who wish to be heard should not have boycotted the meeting. Speaking to ANI, Pal highlighted that he had addressed all members' opinions and concerns."In the last three months, we held 29 meetings, and more than 147 delegations participated. We have given opportunities to all organisations as per the JPC's mandate. If the Opposition MPs feel more people need to be heard, boycotting the meeting is not the right approach. I have listened to all members, including Sanjay Singh, Kalyan Banerjee, and Asaduddin Owaisi," he said. Earlier, Opposition MPs walked out of the JPC meeting, raising concerns that several state boards remained unheard and criticising the decision to table the draft report in the Lok Sabha on November 29. They have demanded an extension of the committee's timeline. Earlier, Opposition MPs walked out of the JPC meeting, raising concerns that several state boards remained unheard and criticising the decision to table the draft report in the Lok Sabha on November 29. They have demanded an extension of the committee's timeline. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to introduce sweeping reforms, including digitisation, stricter audits, greater transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI) RJD MP Manoj Jha on Monday expressed his disappointment over Congress PCC president of Uttar Pradesh being denied entry to violence-hit Sambhal. In conversation with ANI, Jha sardonically commented if one would visit Sambhal when they (Uttar Pradesh Police) invited them. Jha said, "When should one go then? When they send an invitation? They are going there to heal...This doesn't give a good idea about the country." Earlier in the day, a scuffle broke out between Uttar Pradesh Police and Congress leaders on Monday outside the UP Congress Office in Lucknow after the Congress delegation led by State President Ajay Rai was prevented from going to visit violence-hit Sambhal.Meanwhile, Ajay Rai said that the delegation of the Congress party will visit Sambhal after the day when the Police will inform them that restrictions have been lifted in the district. "The DCP and other police officials have said that they inform us when the restrictions are lifted. There are restrictions in Sambhal till 10th December. The day the Police will inform us that restrictions have been lifted, a delegation of the Congress party will visit Sambhal," Rai said. Congress leader Sachin Chaudhary alleged that the Uttar Pradesh Police is preventing a delegation of the party from going to Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the matter. "Police are stopping us (from going to Sambhal). Earlier, they gave us the time for December 2. I just want to ask that if we cannot ask about the well-being of the victims, isn't it a matter of shame? We demand a CBI inquiry into the matter. Police have been there at my residence since morning," Chaudhary told ANI. Earlier today, Uttar Pradesh Police issued a notice to Congress state president Ajay Rai asking them not to visit violence-hit Sambhal. In the notice given to Ajay Rai, he has been informed that "Keeping in mind the peace and communal sensitivity in Sambhal district, he should cooperate in the public interest and postpone his proposed program so that the order passed by the District Magistrate of Sambhal district, Section 163 BNSS is not violated." Tensions in Sambhal have been high since November 19 when clashes between protestors and police over the court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid resulted in four deaths. (ANI) Bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar did not issue formal notice to the poll panel but asked the poll panel to file a short affidavit. The apex court was hearing the PIL challenging Election Commission of India's communications whereby the maximum number of electors per polling station have been increased from 1200 to 1500. Senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for ECI told the bench that the number was raised to 1,500 in 2019 and no grievance was raised up until now. "Political parties are consulted for every booth before it is decided," he said. Social activist Indu Prakash Singh moved the apex court seeking directions that the number of electors per polling booth be retained at 1,200 as was followed from 1957 to 2016, and the number of polling stations be increased to a sufficient number as per the mandate under Section 25 of the Representation of People Act. The petition challenged communications of August 7 and 23, 2024 issued by ECI, to the extent that the number of electors at each polling station in each constituency has been increased. (ANI) After Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) decided to go solo in the upcoming 2025 Delhi assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manoj Tiwari on Monday said that the people of Delhi want to defeat AAP and Congress. He said that AAP cannot contest the assembly polls without forming an alliance with the Congress party. "Nobody believes Arvind Kejriwal's words now...Delhi doesn't trust him. Secondly, they (Congres and AAP) are negotiating now, they will threaten each other but will also negotiate and make a deal as well. The truth is that without allying with Congress, Kejriwal can't even contest the election properly. We will defeat them even if they ally and contest the elections like we did earlier. People of Delhi want to defeat them," BJP MP Manoj Tiwari told ANI. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) or Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Monday said that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi has suffered the consequences of working for the people. She said that Congress and AAP failed to reach a consensus to form an alliance. "We saw it in Haryana, we have seen it in Delhi now that Congress and AAP could not come to a consensus to be able to contest on their own and are fighting this fight. We must remember that the AAP has seen the struggle. They have won the mandate of the people, yet their elected representatives were jailed on frivolous charges. They have suffered all the consequences (because) of working for the people of Delhi," Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi told ANI. The Shiv Sena MP further said that AAP in Delhi has fought against the false narratives, hoping that people will realise their struggle and vote for them in the upcoming assembly elections. Earlier, AAP National Convenor Kejriwal on Sunday announced that his party would contest the upcoming 2025 assembly polls alone and that there would be no alliance with any party. "There will be no alliance in Delhi (for assembly elections)," Kejriwal said while addressing a press conference. (ANI) The Indian Navy's "Sea Riders Odyssey 2024" bike rally is all set to begin on December 4, 2024, as part of the Navy Day 2024 celebrations. Organized by the Headquarters, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area, in collaboration with the Royal Enfield, Orazo and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, this 13-day rally will cover about 2500 kilometers across various locations in Tamil Nadu. The cities that will be covered by the rally include Puducherry, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Trichy, Karaikudi, Dhanuskodi, Rameswaram, Valliyoor, Madurai, Kodaikanal, the Sainik School at Amaravathipudur, Coimbatore, Wellington, Salem and Vellore. The rally will culminate on December 16, 2024, at INS Adyar, Chennai, where it will be received by the Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area, Rear Admiral Ravi Kumar Dhingra. The rally aims to spread awareness about the Indian Navy's contributions to national security and instil pride among the general public. The participants will visit schools, colleges, and heritage sites, promoting the Navy's values and achievements. Interestingly, Royal Enfield has a history of organizing epic bike rallies, such as the Himalayan Odyssey, which covers over 3000 kilometers of challenging terrain. Navy Day in India is celebrated on December 4th every year to commemorate the Indian Navy's role in Operation Trident during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. This operation showcased the Indian Navy's bravery and capabilities, sinking four Pakistani vessels, including PNS Khaibar. The day is also a tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives during the war. The Indian Navy's efforts on this day are aimed at fostering greater outreach, renewing maritime consciousness, and highlighting the Navy's contributions to national security. To celebrate Navy Day, various events take place across the country, including operational demonstrations, Band Concerts, wreath-laying ceremonies, visits to schools and colleges, etc. The Navy also opens its ships and submarines to visitors, allowing them to get a glimpse of the Navy's capabilities and equipment. This year, Indian Navy will be celebrating Navy Day at Puri, Odisha, on December 4, 2024. President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will grace the event as the Chief Guest. This year's celebration promises to be a grand event, with 24 warships and 40 aircraft participating in the Operational Demonstration. The event will also feature stealth operations by Marine Commandos (MARCOS), showcasing the Indian Navy's readiness and commitment to safeguarding the nation. The event will also serve as a tribute to India's rich maritime heritage. (ANI) Following continous adjournments of both houses of Parliament in the first week of the Winter Session, Congress Lok Sabha Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi and senior MP K C Venugopal met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday. "We already met with the Speaker and our only demand is that he has to take action to run the House smoothly. We are ready to run the House provided there should be a discussion on the Constitution which they promised us," Venugopal told ANI. Ahead of commencement of Parliament session for the day, INDIA bloc parties met in the chambers of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and explored ways to get Parliament functioning. Both houses of Parliament that resumed this morning soon adjourned for the day amid protests and slogans in both houses by opposition parties seeking discussion over the Adani issue, violence in Manipur and Sambhal. Earlier in the day, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor voiced his disappointment and said that it was a terrible situation which was bad for the country. He said that the government must make an effort and cooperate with the opposition to let the Parliament function. The onus was on the government to make Parliament function, Tharoor said, adding that they should cooperate with the opposition and find common ground. "Terrible situation. The government must make an effort...We have always had this approach that the onus is on the government to make the Parliament function. They should cooperate with the opposition and find common ground. The opposition has proposed a solution, which is to have a debate on the Constitution. If the government concedes, I am sure the Parliament would function. It is bad for the country, bad for the voters and bad for us. But the government must make some effort instead of putting all the onus on the opposition. In every democracy, there is an agreement on what issues should be discussed. Where is the agreement here?" Both Houses were adjourned for the day after they reconvened at noon following adjournments since the sessions began at 11 am. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party leader (BJP) Parvesh Verma said on Monday that the BJP-ruled states have delivered all of their promises made over the past 11 years. Verma also expressed confidence that the BJP will form the next government in Delhi following the assembly elections expected in 2025. "The BJP delivers whatever it promises. We have shown it during the eleven years of the Modi government in the BJP-ruled states," the BJP leader told ANI. Parvesh Verma further claimed, "Our government is going to be formed for the next five years in New Delhi." In response to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal's statement that the party would go solo in the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections, Verma said, "Arvind Kejriwal and the Congress echoed the same sentiments in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, then both forged an alliance. Therefore, they both cannot be trusted". On Sunday, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced that there would be no alliance in the National Capital for the Delhi Assembly Elections. "There will be no alliance in Delhi (for assembly elections)," Kejriwal told reporters. Meanwhile, the BJP leaders held a meeting for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, which was attended by the Delhi BJP President, Virendra Sachdeva, and other party members. On November 21, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released its first list of 11 candidates for the Assembly Elections in Delhi. The elections in Delhi are expected to be held in early 2025. However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has yet to announce the official dates. In the 2020 Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party won 62 out of the 70 seats in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. (ANI) The Parliament is expected to resume its normal functioning from Tuesday after days of disruprtion over demands of opposition parties with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stating after a meeting of floor leaders that members shared concern over the stalemate and "everyone has accepted that discussions will be held from tomorrow". The two Houses of Parliament have seen repeated adjournments over opposition demands including a discussion on Adani issue, Sambhal violence and Manipur situation. In an effort to break the stalemate, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called a meeting of floor leaders of political parties in his chamber on Monday afternoon. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Rijiju said listed business including bills will be taken up in the two Houses of Parliament. "Today, a meeting of all-party floor leaders was held with Speaker (Om Birla) today. Since a few days there has been a deadlock in the Parliament, everyone has expressed their concerns over it. We too said that all elected representatives come to the Parliament of India to express their views and the Parliament not functioning (properly) for several days now is not good. Everyone accepted this," he said. The minister said opposition parties made several demands. He said there was a proposal before Business Advisory Committee to have a discussion on Constitution and the government has agreed to it. "On December 13-14, we will hold discussion on Constitution. The discussion would first be held in Lok Sabha...everyone has accepted. On December 16-17, discussion will be held in Rajya Sabha," he said. Rijiju said Lok Sabha Speaker told the meeting that if anyone wants to raise an issue, there is a rule for it. "You can submit a notice for it but creating a ruckus in Parliament and obstructing the functioning is not good. Everyone has accepted this. It is good that everyone has accepted that discussions will be held from tomorrow. We will pass the first Bill tomorrow after discussions in Lok Sabha. In Rajya Sabha too, Listed Business will be passed. I appeal once again to all Opposition MPs and Leaders that all agreements that have happened today - we should run the Parliament smoothly...Starting tomorrow, the Parliament will function smoothly - such an agreement has been made. I am hopeful that this will happen," he said. Those present at the meeting of floor leaders included Congress member Gaurav Gogoi, TDP's Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, DMK's TR Baalu, NCP(SP) leader Supriya Sule, Samajwadi Party's Dharmendra Yadav, Janata Dal-United member Dileshwar Kamait, RJD's Abhay Kushwaha - RJD, TMC's Kalyan Banerjee, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant and CPI(M) leader K Radhakrisnan. Gaurav Gogoi said the opposition has been demanding a discussion on the Constitution of India in both the Houses of Parliament to mark 75 years of adoption of Constitution. Kalyan Banerjee expressed hope that Parliament will resume normal functioning from tomorrow. "Hopefully, the House will begin from tomorrow. We all have agreed on that. There will be a discussion on the Consitution of India on the 13th and 14th of December...The Speaker will allow a discussion on the Sambhal incident and Bangladesh issue tomorrow," he said. Parliament proceedings have been stalled since the beginning of the Winter Session amid protests by opposition parties. On Monday, the two Houses were adjourned till 12 noon and then for the rest of the day. The winter session of Parliament began on November 25 and will continue till December 20. (ANI) Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Monday emphasised that every government is constitutionally bound to protect the rights of minorities, further mentioning that the protection of minorities should be a priority for any government. "Every government of a nation is constitutionally duty bound to ensure that the people of the nation are safe, borders are protected and protect the minorities...," Mir said in response to the remarks made by the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Farooq Abdullah Mir further highlighted that the rights of minorities are inherent and constitutionally defined. "A group which is in majority in one country can be a minority in another country. The minorities should get their rights in their countries. It is inherited. Whether someone demands it or not It is constitutionally defined," he said. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Farooq Abdullah said on Monday that Kashmir Pandits are welcome to return to the valley at any time. Farooq Abdullah also said that during his tenure as the Chief Minister, he tried to rehabilitate Kashmir Pandits "but the situation was bad those days." "...When I was the Chief Minister and when Article 370 was there - I tried to rehabilitate them (Kashmiri Pandits) but the situation was bad those days. Who is stopping Kashmiri Pandits from coming here? It's their decision when they want to come. Our hearts are open for them," he told reporters in response to a query regarding the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. Abdullah also claimed that Muslims are feeling unsafe and stated that there is no discrimination based on religion, as guaranteed by the Constitution. The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir also said that the government should treat Muslims without any discrimination. "...There is no doubt that Muslims are feeling unsafe. I will ask the govt of India to stop that. 24 crore Muslims cannot be thrown into the ocean. They (the govt) should treat Muslims equally, there is no discrimination based on religion in our constitution," Abdullah told reporters, responding to recent claims on shrines and Mosques in the country. The NC Chief further said, "They (BJP-led Centre) should remember that. If they destroy the Constitution, where will India remain?" (ANI) Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has launched "Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana" under the Suposhit Gujarat Mission to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi.', said a statement from CMO on Monday. In addition to the midday meal provided under the PM Poshan Yojana, students from Balvatika to Grade 8 in government and grant-in-aid primary schools across the state will receive nutritious snacks through this initiative. Under the newly launched Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana, approximately 41 lakh students from 32,277 schools across the state will be provided nutritious snacks during prayer time, before the start of educational activities in schools, added the statement. Along with the midday meal, 200 ml of flavoured milk is provided under the Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana in government and grant-in-aid primary schools in 52 talukas of tribal areas and 29 developing talukas of non-tribal areas across the state. This nutritious snack will be provided to 15.05 lakh students (enrolled in 12,522 schools across 81 talukas) in the short recess following the midday meal under PM Poshan Yojana. Under the leadership and guidance of CM Bhupendra Patel, the Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alphar Yojana will be launched as part of the Suposhit Gujarat Mission, strengthening and expanding the state's nutrition-oriented initiatives, read the statement further. In addition to the quality, calorie- and protein-rich midday meal provided under PM Poshan Yojana, this new initiative will offer snacks such as sukhdi with roasted peanuts, chana chaat, mixed pulses and food made from Shri Anna (millet) throughout the week. For this initiative, the state government will incur an additional Rs 617 crore annually for the Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana, including Rs 493 crore for material costs and Rs 124 crore for a 50 per cent increase in the honorarium of beneficiaries to compensate for the additional work involved in preparing nutritious snacks, mentioned the statement. Accordingly, the monthly honorarium for PM Poshan Yojana beneficiaries will be Rs 4,500 for operators, Rs 3,750 for cooks and helpers in schools with 26 or more students, and Rs 1,500 for additional staff/helpers in smaller schools. The implementation of Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana will significantly improve the education, nutrition, health, and physical fitness of students in government and grant-in-aid primary schools. Aligning with PM Modi's vision for a Viksit Bharat@2047, this initiative will contribute to the state's leadership in building a Viksit Gujarat and ensuring a future generation that is both healthy and well-nourished. (ANI) The Andhra Pradesh police have seized 122 kg of cannabis, which was disguised as dry fruits, in an online order in Visakhapatnam. The cannabis was being transported from Machkhand in Odisha to Delhi and had been booked as a courier shipment by four individuals from Bihar, according to the police. the police have arrested four accused in connection with the case and have increased surveillance near railway and bus complexes to prevent the transport of ganja. "The courier company informed us about a suspicious parcel booked as dry fruits. We investigated the case and found that four people from Bihar had booked this ganja as a courier," Ajitha, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Visakhapatnam City said. The police have arrested four accused in connection with the case. Furthermore, to prevent further transport of illegal drugs, the police have increased surveillance near railway stations and bus terminals. DCP Ajitha also mentioned that the cannabis was likely being transported into the city from the Alluri district, leading to increased vehicle inspections and urging courier companies to report any suspicious shipments immediately. "Since it is near Alluri district, it is coming into the city (Visakhapatnam) from there. We have increased vehicle inspection and are requesting courier companies to immediately bring to our attention any suspicious parcels," added Ajitha DCP. The police seized 64 packets of cannabis, weighing 122 kg, in the area covered by Two Town Police Station. The accused had attempted to conceal the cannabis by disguising them as dry fruits to avoid detection. However, the police were able to crack the case thanks to the alertness of the courier company. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Monday said 'no' to relaxing Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV measures to curb air pollution in Delhi and it will hear the parties on this aspect on the next date of hearing. A bench of justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih also noted that none of the NCR states--Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh --complied with its direction to pay compensation to construction workers and directed the Chief Secretaries of these states to be present on next date virtually. The top court said that when it summons top officials then only the ball starts rolling. The top court also clarified that it will permit relaxations only after observing a downward trend and said that it will hear the parties on Thursday on the aspects of modification of the applicability of GRAP IV. Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati showed data on AQI and suggestions for relaxation of GRAP IV but the court was not convinced observing that the AQI is not stable. The SC directed the CAQM to take steps in communicating the mitigating measures to all concerned authorities and to coordinate efforts to ensure implementation of these mitigating measures. It also took into account the shocking things revealed from reports of court commissioners as it noted that there is a complete lack of coordination between MCD, Delhi Police, DPCC and other authorities and says that it is the responsibility of the commission to coordinate activities of all these entities with a view to ensure that measures are implemented. SC also directed the Delhi Police to ensure that members of the bar who are court commissioners are adequately protected. One of the court commissioners informed the SC that he was being intimidated. He also informed the SC about health issues caused by air pollution. One of the counsel informed SC that some of the areas were no man's land, trucks were carrying heavy materials like wood, cement etc and state officials denied that area would fall under their jurisdiction. Amicus Aparajita Singh further informed SC that the commissioners are not safe and urged the court to form a group of people for their safety. The top court was hearing matters relating to air pollution. The top court had appreciated the 13 members appointed as Commissioners for the work they had done. The top court had further directed that their appointment as Commissioner will continue and they will have to continue their visits to various entry points. (ANI) Jharkhand Congress President Keshav Mahto Kamlesh said on Monday that a decision on the long-awaited cabinet expansion will be taken very soon. In response to a query regarding the Jharkhand government cabinet expansion, the JMM leader said, "Everything will be done. You will witness (the cabinet expansion), and you will very soon get information on every issue." When asked further, he clarified, "There is no kind of resentment (between the leaders of the alliance)." Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir also commented on the matter, stating that Congress will hold discussions with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on the issue of cabinet berths. "In two to three days, the cabinet berths of the Jharkhand government will be announced. We (Congress) will hold discussions with JMM and decide on the cabinet berths," he told ANI. "First, questions were raised on the distribution of tickets followed by the distribution of seats. But we had said that the alliance would get a better mandate, and the results are in front of you," he added. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren assumed office on November 28 after taking the oath as Chief Minister for a second consecutive term. 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) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday claimed that the state government has achieved over 80 per cent of tap water connection target. He also said that Assam is vigorously implementing Prime Minister's vision of 'Har Ghar Jal'. The Assam Chief held a meeting with Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C R Paatil on Monday. https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1863535282748084320 "Assam is vigorously implementing Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of Har Ghar Jal and we have so far achieved over 80% of our tap water connection target. To take the Jal Jeevan initiative further & ensure its saturation in the State, I held a meeting with Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @CRPaatil ji today and discussed the roadmap ahead for the project," he said in a post on X. In his post, CR Paatil said that the focus of the discussion was on management of Assam's water resources. "Had a courtesy meeting with Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma ji at the office in New Delhi. During this, meaningful discussions were held on many important topics. In which topics like expansion of Shallow Tube Well Irrigation Scheme under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana- Water for every farm, approval of new surface minor irrigation schemes, modernization of old CAD projects, and progress of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) were also discussed in detail. The focus of this discussion was on proper management of Assam's water resources and giving a new direction to rural development. This dialogue for sustainable development and the betterment of farmers will prove to be helpful in accelerating the development of Assam," he posted on X. Jal Jeevan Mission is a flagship programme of the Government of India which was announced from the ramparts of Red Fort by Prime Minister Modi on August 15, 2019. The mission aims to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular and long-term basis to every rural household of the country by 2024. The program is implemented by the Government of India in partnership with States/UTs. The initiative, aimed at providing safe drinking water to households, has saved time for millions of women in the country who previously had to fetch water from outside, allowing them to engage more in agricultural and allied activities, a report had said earlier in the month. This, in turn, has led to a significant increase in women's participation in agriculture and related activities at the national level. (ANI) The accused has been identified as Firdous Ahmad Bhat. In a major operation, Anantnag police attached a double-storied residential property under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). The property, registered in the name of Firdous Ahmad Bhat, resident of Hugam Lonepora, Srigufwara, spans 1 kanal and 10 marlas (Survey No. 5419/561 Min) and is valued at approximately Rs 5 crores, police said in a statement. The attachment is linked to case First information report (FIR) No. 57/2024 of police station Mattan and was executed in the presence of a duly constituted police team and the executive magistrate, ensuring full compliance with legal protocols, it added. This action represents a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation into unlawful and subversive activities in the region. It highlights the firm commitment of Anantnag Police to neutralise threats to national security and to maintain peace and order in the city, it added. Anantnag Police, in close coordination with other agencies, remains resolute in its mission to take stringent action against individuals and entities involved in activities that jeopardise the Nation's sovereignty and integrity, the statement added. (ANI) The Puducherry government has announced to provide relief assistance of Rs 5,000 each to all ration cardholders affected by Cyclone Fengal, Chief Minister N Rangaswamy said on Monday. "Due to cyclone Fengal, Puducherry received 48% rainfall, which was unexpected. The Puducherry government has decided to provide relief assistance of Rs 5,000 to all ration cardholders affected by the cyclone," Rangaswamy told reporters. "Additionally, due to heavy rainfall, 10,000 hectares of crops in the Puducherry state have been damaged. Therefore, we have decided to provide Rs 30,000 per hectare to affected farmers. Cyclone Fengal has left a trail of destruction in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. The recent floods have damaged 50 boats, and the government has announced a relief package of Rs 10,000 for their repair," he added. The cyclone resulted in extremely heavy rainfall in coastal regions of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Particularly affected was the Sankaraparani River in Puducherry, where over 200 residences in NR Nagar were inundated. The people living in the area remain stranded as the Indian Army along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are actively involved in rescue operations. The Union Territory witnessed severe flooding, especially in areas surrounding the Sankaraparani River in Puducherry, where over 200 residences in NR Nagar were inundated. The people living in the area remain stranded as the Indian Army along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are actively involved in rescue operations. The rescue teams are focused on saving lives, with boats deployed to navigate flooded streets and evacuate affected residents. Local authorities, including the District Collector and the Public Works Department Minister, are also on the ground assessing the situation and expediting relief efforts. The Indian Army on Sunday conducted multiple rescue operations across several areas in the city. The rescue operations were conducted in flood-hit areas in the Union Territory, including Krishna Nagar, Kuber Nagar, and Jiva Nagar. The operations successfully evacuated hundreds of residents from these inundated areas, saving over 200 lives in Krishna Nagar and Kuber Nagar alone. On Sunday afternoon, the rescue efforts were ongoing in Jiva Nagar, with 30 soldiers deployed to help stranded people. Additionally, the evacuation operations in other vulnerable areas are also underway. Indian Army troops from the Chennai Garrison Battalion, operating under the Dakshin Bharat Area, were mobilized in the early hours of Sunday to assist in rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Puducherry. Requisitioned by the Puducherry District Collector around 1 am, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) column consisting of one officer, six Junior commissioned officers and 62 other ranks was deployed swiftly. The team left Chennai at 2 am and covered a distance of 160 kilometres overnight, reaching Puducherry around 5:30 am. The team led by Major Ajay Sangwan was briefed about the critical situation in the Krishna Nagar area upon reaching Puducherry. The water level in some localities of Krishna Nagar rose to nearly five feet, leaving residents of nearly 500 houses stranded. The efforts made by the Indian Army during its rescue operations started at 6:15 am, with over 100 individuals being evacuated in the first two hours. (ANI) The main accused has been identified as Rahul Bhasin. The incident occurred at 12:10 am on Sunday when the victim, Ranjeet Chauhan, had parked his car in front of his house. Following the incident, the police mounted technical surveillance and tracked the accused through the CCTV footage. The suspects were apprehended after a chase of more than 600 kilometres around Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, the police said. A total of seven accused individuals were arrested in this case who were reportedly fleeing in the same car after the commission of the crime, the police said. The police further mentioned that a case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those related to arson. Furthermore, the police stated that the crime and forensic teams examined the car. The vehicle used by the accused has been recovered and further investigation is ongoing, the police added (ANI) A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an alleged hit-and-run incident in which a woman constable was injured in New Delhi's South West district, police said on Monday. The accused has been identified as Raghav Gupta, a resident of Janak Puri, Delhi. According to the police, the Sarojini Nagar police station received information from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi (AIIMS) Trauma Center that the victim received injuries in a road traffic accident near SN Depot, Sarojini Nagar. On receiving the information from the AIIMS Trauma Center, an Investigating Officer (IO) reached the hospital and the statement of the victim was recorded wherein she stated that she was posted at RK Puram police station. The victim further informed the investigating officer that the incident occurred around 5:15 PM, while she was heading to her duty regarding a women's protest at Sarojini Nagar Depot, Delhi. As she was crossing the road at Africa Avenue Road, a car driven rashly and negligently hit her leg, causing injuries. The driver fled the scene before she could note down the vehicle's registration number, the police said. Accordingly, a case was registered under different sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the investigation was initiated. The police team examined the CCTV footage from the area, which led to the identification of the offending vehicle. The team successfully tracked down and arrested the person who was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident, the police added. A notice under Section 133 of the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) was served to the owner of the vehicle and the erring driver Raghav Gupta (29), a resident of Janak Puri was arrested. The offending vehicle has been seized, and further investigation is ongoing. (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday questioned the Delhi Police, accusing them of "doing nothing," in a murder case of a man stabbed to death in Naraina. Arvind Kejriwal's remark came after he, along with AAP MP Sanjay Singh, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, and MLA Durgesh Pathak, met with the victim's family. The AAP national convenor stated that the victim's younger brother had also been murdered six months ago, and questioned why the Delhi police took action then. "The sad thing is that the victim's younger brother was murdered 6 months ago. That time, their family had given in writing to the Police that the whole family has threat from these people and they needed protection," Kejriwal said to the media. He further claimed that locals had informed him about the presence of a group of 5-7 youths in the Naraina area who were causing trouble and no action was taken. "When I visited the victim's family, the locals said that there are 5-7 youths in the Naraina area, who have created chaos there but the Police are doing nothing. Why didn't the Police take action when the victim's brother was murdered?", he added. Kejriwal also accused the BJP of allowing Delhi to fall into the hands of criminals. "When the family members protested yesterday, the police lathi-charged them. What kind of law and order is this? The Union Home Minister and the BJP have handed Delhi over to goons, gangsters, and rapists," he said. "When the family members protested yesterday, Police lathi-charged them. What kind of law and order is this? Union Home Minister and BJP have given Delhi in the hands of goons, gangsters and rapists," he said. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) West Vichitra Veer, a 34-year-old man was stabbed to death in Delhi's Naraina by local boys on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Manoj, according to the police. The police have arrested two suspects. However, the victim's family suspects that more people might be involved, the DCP West Delhi informed. Further investigation is underway. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that the government is focused on development and implementing guarantee schemes, urging people not to be misled by opposition propaganda. Speaking after laying the foundation stone for several development projects in Tumakuru district, Shivakumar said, "Some are unnecessarily spreading the propaganda that development is suffering due to guarantee schemes. About Rs 250 crore is reaching each assembly constituency through guarantees. Isn't it development? Isn't it empowerment of women?" The Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister further highlighted that the government had inaugurated the Yettinahole project and assured that any obstacles would be addressed to ensure water flows to the Tumakuru district. "Our government has already inaugurated the Yettinahole project. There are some obstacles in some locations, we will fix them and ensure that water flows to Tumakuru district at the earliest," he said. Shivakumar criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly copying their schemes and implementing them in its states. "The government is spending Rs 56,000 crore for guarantee schemes per year. Our schemes have become a model for the country. We are happy that the BJP is copying our schemes and implementing in its states," he said. The Deputy CM noted that the Congress party has been launching welfare schemes since the time of Indira Gandhi. "Our government is working towards providing employment to every family. Our party has been launching welfare schemes for the people since Indira Gandhi's age," he added. The Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister also praised Home Minister Parameshwara's efforts for the further development of Tumakuru district. "Home Minister Parameshwara has expressed the opinion that Tumakuru can be an alternative city to Bengaluru. I have a spiritual connection to this district. This district is rich educationally and culturally. Parameshwara is working hard to take the district ahead with the help of other MLAs," Karnataka Deputy CM said. "Shivakumara Swamy has once said that kayaka was more important than kailasa. Our government is working in the same direction. The Congress party has done a lot of work in this direction, the officials of the district are doing a good job, the Executive needs to work towards fulfilling the aspirations of the government," he added. He also thanked the people for reposing their faith in the Congress government by giving them a huge mandate in the assembly polls. "The people of the state have strengthened our hand by giving us 136 seats and the district has given us seven legislators. We have organised a 'Swamimani Samaavesha' on December 5," he said. (ANI) Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Monday questioned the government over stopping protesting farmers at Delhi-Noida border and said it should support them. He said it is the right of farmers to get proper compensation for lands acquired by the government. "Till the government provides a subsidy to the farmers, they will not be successful. Farming is not a profitable business...It is the right of the farmers to get compensation from the government...On one hand, the loans of industrials are waived off, but the farmers are not even given subsidies," the Congress leader told ANI. "The government should support the farmers...I support the demands of the farmers...Why are the farmers stopped on the border of Delhi?," the MP asked. A three-tier security plan was put into effect and security forces were deployed in parts of Noida-Delhi ahead of the farmers 'Delhi Chalo' protest march. The protesting farmers demanded "proper compensation" for their lands acquired by the Uttar Pradesh government. "In Gautam Buddha Nagar, there are three authorities, Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna, where farmers' lands have been acquired. Even the court has asked the authorities to pay 64 per cent more compensation to the farmers... The farmers were even promised 10 per cent land, but not all farmers are being given that," farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said. (ANI) The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, is scheduled to visit Odisha from December 3 to 7, where she will lay the foundation stones for three key railway projects and inaugurate several other important developments in the state. On the final day of her visit on December 7, the President will lay the foundation stones for three major railway line projects: Bangiriposi-Gorumahisani, Buramara-Chakulia, and Badampahar-Kendujhargarh Rail Lines, according to the release. On the first day of her visit, President Droupadi Murmu will unveil a new statue of the renowned Santali writer Pandit Raghunath Murmu and visit the Adim Owar Jarpa Jaher in Bhubaneswar. On December 4, the President will head to Puri for darshan and pooja at the Jagannath Temple. She will also attend the 75th-anniversary celebrations of Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya and witness the Navy Day celebration and operational demonstration at the Blue Flag Beach. On December 5, the President will attend the 40th convocation of the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology in Bhubaneswar. and will also inaugurate the new Judicial Court Complex, the release stated. According to the release, the President will interact with students and villagers of Uparbeda on December 6, She will also engage with students and teachers of Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Rairangpur. President Murmu's visit will conclude on December 7, where she will lay foundation stones or inaugurate several projects, including Tribal Research and Development Centre, Rairangpur; Dandbose Airport, Rairangpur and Sub-Divisional Hospital, Rairangpur. (ANI) The initiative, envisioned by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeks to tackle drug abuse and psychotropic substance addiction through spirituality, awareness, and collective action. Presiding over the event, Anurag Garg, IPS, Director General, NCB, highlighted the mission's significance, stating, "Mission SPANDAN unites efforts to inspire resilience and foster a drug-free India." The MoU was signed on behalf of NCB by Anand Prakash Tiwari, DDG (Special Wing, Legal and Awareness), and represented spiritual organizations including Art of Living, Prajapita Brahma Kumari, ISKCON, Sant Nirankari Charitable Foundation, and Ram Chandra Mission. Under the collaboration, NCB will provide technical support, and educational resources, and coordinate with local authorities, while the spiritual organizations will lead grassroots awareness campaigns, youth-focused programs, and community engagement initiatives. Senior NCB officials Monika Ashish Batra, Gyaneshwar Singh, and Neeraj Kumar Gupta attended the ceremony, underscoring the bureau's commitment to this cause. The event concluded with a collective pledge, led by Anurag Garg, IPS, reaffirming a shared resolve to eradicate substance abuse. Mission SPANDAN now stands as a powerful symbol of collaboration, marking a significant step toward building a healthier and drug-free nation. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday met Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in Delhi to discuss the state's progress under the Har Ghar Jal initiative, highlighting that over 80 per cent of rural households in Assam now have access to tap water connections. Sarma sought the Union government's support to achieve complete saturation of the scheme in the state. According to an official release, during the meeting, Chief Minister Sarma apprised Union Minister Patil of the significant progress Assam has made in implementing the Prime Minister's vision of 'Har Ghar Jal,' achieving more than 80 per cent tap water connections in the state. Discussing the roadmap for the scheme, the Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to assist Assam in further advancing the 'Har Ghar Jal' initiative and ensuring its complete implementation. The Union Minister assured the Chief Minister that his ministry would provide full support to Assam in achieving saturation under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the release stated. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, and senior officials from the Ministry of Jal Shakti were also present during the discussions. 'Har Ghar Jal' (Water to Every Household) is a scheme initiated by the Ministry of Jal Shakti under the Jal Jeevan Mission in 2019. Its goal is to provide 55 liters of tap water per capita per day to every rural household on a regular and long-term basis by 2024, the release noted. Later, on X (formerly Twitter), Chief Minister Sarma wrote: "Assam is vigorously implementing Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of 'Har Ghar Jal,' and we have so far achieved over 80 per cent of our tap water connection target. The Assam CM added, "To take the Jal Jeevan initiative further and ensure its saturation in the state, I held a meeting with Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @CRPaatil ji today and discussed the roadmap ahead for the project." (ANI) The Parliament is expected to resume its normal functioning from Tuesday after days of disruption over demands of opposition parties, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stating that members shared concern over the stalemate and "everyone has accepted that discussions will be held from tomorrow". Parliament's proceedings have seen disruptions since the beginning of the Winter Session amid protests by opposition parties over their demands, including a discussion on Adani issue, Sambhal violence and the Manipur situation. On Monday, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 12 noon and then for the rest of the day. The winter session of Parliament began on November 25 and will continue till December 20. In an effort to break the stalemate, the Lok Sabha Speaker called a meeting of floor leaders of political parties in his chamber on Monday afternoon. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Rijiju said listed business including bills will be taken up in the two Houses of Parliament. "Today, a meeting of all-party floor leaders was held with Speaker (Om Birla) today. Since a few days there has been a deadlock in the Parliament, everyone has expressed their concerns over it. We too said that all elected representatives come to the Parliament of India to express their views and the Parliament not functioning (properly) for several days now is not good. Everyone accepted this," he said. The minister said opposition parties made several demands. He said there was a proposal before Business Advisory Committee to have a discussion on Constitution and the government has agreed to it. "On December 13-14, we will hold discussion on Constitution. The discussion would first be held in Lok Sabha...everyone has accepted. On December 16-17, discussion will be held in Rajya Sabha," he said. Rijiju said Lok Sabha Speaker told the meeting that if anyone wants to raise an issue, there is a rule for it. "You can submit a notice for it but creating a ruckus in Parliament and obstructing the functioning is not good. Everyone has accepted this. It is good that everyone has accepted that discussions will be held from tomorrow. We will pass the first Bill tomorrow after discussions in Lok Sabha. In Rajya Sabha too, Listed Business will be passed. I appeal once again to all Opposition MPs and Leaders that all agreements that have happened today - we should run the Parliament smoothly...Starting tomorrow, the Parliament will function smoothly - such an agreement has been made. I am hopeful that this will happen," he said. Those present at the meeting of floor leaders included Congress member Gaurav Gogoi, TDP's Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, DMK's TR Baalu, NCP(SP) leader Supriya Sule, Samajwadi Party's Dharmendra Yadav, Janata Dal-United member Dileshwar Kamait, RJD's Abhay Kushwaha - RJD, TMC's Kalyan Banerjee, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant and CPI(M) leader K Radhakrisnan. Gaurav Gogoi said the opposition has been demanding a discussion on the Constitution of India in both the Houses of Parliament to mark 75 years of adoption of Constitution. Kalyan Banerjee expressed hope that Parliament will resume normal functioning from tomorrow. "Hopefully, the House will begin from tomorrow. We all have agreed on that. There will be a discussion on the Consitution of India on the 13th and 14th of December...The Speaker will allow a discussion on the Sambhal incident and Bangladesh issue tomorrow," he said. Parliament proceedings have been stalled since the beginning of the Winter Session amid Congress leader Jairam Ramesh hit out at the BJP-led central government and accused it of being responsible for the "washout" of proceedings since the start of Winter Session of Parliament "Who is responsible for this washout? It is the government that is responsible. Opposition wants discussion on issues of Adani, Manipur, Sambhal, Ajmer, unemployment...But our notices are not even mentioned and our leaders are not allowed to speak," Jairam Ramesh told ANI. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the fifth straight day without transacting substantial business over opposition demands. "Today, on the fifth day of Parliament, the House was adjourned...We have demanded that the government should hold a two-day discussion on the 75th year of the Constitution," Ramesh said. He said parties have different issues they want to focus on. "Different parties have different perspectives, TMC has said that it is a part of the INDIA alliance but they sometimes have different agenda. They never said Adani issue is not major issue," Ramesh said. Speaking on the Sambhal violence, he said that the party wants Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 to be implemented properly. Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal introduced the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 amid the din created by opposition members in Lok Sabha. The bill seeks to promote coastal trade. The government is likely to push its legislative agenda in the remaining days of the winter session with opposition parties also pressing for discussion on issues of their concern. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take stronger action against the rising violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh. In a letter on Monday, she called for India to engage with the head of the Bangladesh caretaker government, Muhammad Yunus, and hold the administration accountable for the ongoing attacks on the Hindu community, including the arrest of an ISKCON member and assaults on temples. "Since early August, we have witnessed widespread attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, targeting their temples, homes, and business establishments. Despite the Indian Government raising concerns over the issue, the situation has deteriorated alarmingly. The crisis has intensified with the arrest of Vaishnavite leader and ISKCON member Chinmoy Krishna Das, who has been denied bail by Bangladeshi authorities, followed by attacks on three Hindu temples. Attempts to ban ISKCON in Bangladesh, along with the arrest of at least two more Brahmacharis, have further escalated tensions. These developments have fostered a climate of fear and panic among the Hindu minority in the country," the letter stated. "Further exacerbating the issue, Bangladeshi authorities have reportedly frozen bank accounts linked to ISKCON and prohibited more than 63 Brahmacharis with valid visas and documents from entering India, citing safety concerns. Such actions are not only discriminatory but also appear to be deliberate attempts to restrict the Hindu religious community and undermine their rights," the letter added. Chaturvedi also suggested considering rescue operations to protect Hindus in Bangladesh amid growing fears and tensions. "Considering that these escalating religious tensions are occurring in India's immediate proximity, I urge you to engage bilaterally with the head of the Bangladesh caretaker government, Muhammad Yunus, to hold their administration accountable for this targeted violence. Additionally, plans for potential rescue and support operations for Hindus in Bangladesh should be considered to safeguard their lives and dignity. Please treat this matter with the utmost seriousness. I look forward to your prompt response and action," the letter concluded. (ANI) "It is very sad that the application has been submitted by the court and also issued a notice. It is a 800-year old shrine. It is known world wide," he said. He further remarked that Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a revered Sufi figure, served the people, and people of all faiths hold him in high esteem. "Our biggest objection is that the lower courts have accepted such applications," Nazimuddin expressed concern. A Rajasthan court had accepted a petition submitted by the Hindu Sena, claiming that Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a Shiva temple. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday said that the Places of Worship [Special Provisions] Act, 1991 needs to be followed. The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act prohibits changing the character of religious places from how they existed on August 15, 1947. "Ajmer Sharif dargah represents the secular nature of India... Not just Ajmer Sharif dargah, but Salim Chishti dargah is also under scanner. Places of worship act needs to be followed," Asaduddin Owaisi told reporters. Earlier this month, a local court in Ajmer directed that notices be issued to three parties in a civil suit claiming that there is a Shiva temple in the Dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, according to the plaintiff's advocate. (ANI) The casualties included 127 terrorists and 50 civilians. November ranked as the second deadliest month of the year, following August, which saw 254 deaths, including 92 civilians, 108 militants, and 54 security personnel. In terms of security personnel casualties, November was the deadliest month of 2024, surpassing October, which saw 62 security force deaths. Additionally, 257 people were injured in clashes and bombings, including 104 security personnel and 119 civilians. This period reflects a sharp increase in terrorist attacks across the country in recent years. The report detailed that 131 fatalities occurred in militant attacks, including 54 security personnel, 50 civilians, and 27 terrorists. Militant activity showed an increase in November, with 71 recorded attacks, compared to 68 in October. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the hardest-hit region, with 50 terrorist attacks leading to 71 deaths and 85 injuries. The Kurram district witnessed one of the worst tribal clashes in recent history, with over 120 people killed, Dawn, citing the Islamabad think tank, said. Further, according to the report, Balochistan reported 20 terrorist attacks, resulting in 60 deaths, including 26 security personnel, 25 civilians, and nine terrorists. The 127 terrorist fatalities in November marked the highest monthly toll since February 2017, when 148 terrorists were killed, Dawn, citing the think tank, added. The Pakistani security forces also suffered major losses, with 68 personnel killed--the highest toll since January 2023, when 114 security force members died. The data also revealed that terrorist-related fatalities in 2024 have surpassed 1,000, reaching 1,082 in the first 11 months, with 856 terrorist attacks reported so far this year, compared to 645 attacks in 2023, reflecting the worsening security situation. (ANI) US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he would appoint Massad Boulos, a Lebanese billionaire and father-in-law of his daughter Tiffany Trump, as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Trump described Boulos as an accomplished lawyer and a respected business leader with extensive international experience. He highlighted Boulos' long-standing support for Republican and Conservative values, as well as his instrumental role in fostering strong relationships with the Arab American community during the campaign. "I am proud to announce that Massad Boulos will serve as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Massad is an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the International scene. He has been a longtime proponent of Republican and Conservative values, an asset to my Campaign, and was instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American Community. Massad is a dealmaker and an unwavering supporter of PEACE in the Middle East. He will be a strong advocate for the United States, and its interests, and I am pleased to have him on our team!" Trump said in a social media post on Truth Social. According to The Hill, this appointment is part of a broader trend of family connections in Trump's administration, with Trump previously announcing the nomination of Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France. While Jared and Ivanka Trump had roles during the first term, they are not expected to return for Trump's second term, The Hill reported. Massad Boulos is the father of Michael Boulos, who married Tiffany Trump, the president-elect's youngest daughter, in 2022. Massad Boulos leads the family-owned automotive company, SCOA Nigeria. He is known for his efforts in Michigan, where he helped Trump gain support among Arab American voters, contributing to the president-elect's victory in the state. Boulos' role will likely be pivotal in shaping Trump's Middle East policies, especially in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.(ANI) Rebel forces in northwestern Syria launched a major offensive, capturing Aleppo and advancing toward Hama, marking one of the most dramatic escalations in the conflict in recent years, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday The development has triggered intensified counterattacks and airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces, escalating violence in opposition-held Idlib and Aleppo while raising concerns over civilian safety and displacement. This southern push marks the fifth day of the surprise rebel assault. Syrian government forces, led by President Bashar al-Assad, have been bolstering defenses in northern Hama, Al Jazeera reported, citing state news agency SANA. The agency stated that government troops had successfully repelled opposition fighters in the region and were resupplying forces with heavy equipment and rocket launchers. United Nations Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, urged all parties in the conflict to pursue a political resolution immediately, warning that the escalating violence posed serious risks to civilians and could have broader regional and international implications. "The latest developments pose severe risks to civilians and have serious implications for regional and international peace and security," he said. This escalation marks one of the most significant shifts in the Syrian conflict in recent years. Since 2020, front lines have largely remained unchanged, with rebel groups confined mainly to a small part of Idlib province. However, on Friday, opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) entered Aleppo, forcing government troops to withdraw from the strategically important city of over two million people, Al Jazeera's report added. The rebels have since captured several key areas, including the town of Khansir, Aleppo Industrial City, the military academy, and the field artillery college. HTS, formerly known as the al-Nusra Front and previously affiliated with al-Qaeda, has distanced itself from the group and emerged as the strongest opposition faction in northwestern Syria. It remains classified as a "terrorist" organization by the United States, Syria, and Russia, Al Jazeera reported. In his first public comments since the offensive began, President Assad vowed to continue defending Syria's "stability and territorial integrity" against what he termed terrorists and their supporters, asserting that Syria would overcome the rebel attacks regardless of their intensity. According to Al Jazeera, rebel forces are now on the outskirts of Hama and engaged in clashes with Syrian government troops. Control of villages and towns in the region remains fluid, with both sides alternately making gains. The Syrian government reported that its airstrikes targeted rebel strongholds and weapon depots. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, stated that Russian airstrikes hit displacement camps on Sunday, killing eight civilians and injuring 50 others. The Syrian Civil Defence, operating in opposition-held areas, also reported multiple attacks on Aleppo, including one on Aleppo University Hospital, though the number of casualties remains unclear. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated one of the largest displacement crises in the world, with thousands more people reportedly displaced by the recent fighting. (ANI) Jerusalem [Israel], December 2 (ANI/TPS): Israel's Ministry of Defense and the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) Home Front Command signed an agreement with the Ministry of Finance to establish about 10,000 new reinforced rooms (bomb shelters) in civilian towns within 1-5 km (up to 3 miles) from the Lebanese border, on what the Ministry described as a "self-realization" route. At the same time that the ceasefire in Lebanon began, the engineering and construction department at the Ministry of Defense began the construction of approximately 1,700 reinforced rooms (bomb shelters) in settlements near the border. In a ceremony at the IDF's Home Front Command Sunday morning, the Ministries of Defense, the Treasury and the IDF signed a significant acceleration of the "Northern Shield" project - the national plan to strengthen the defence components in the north of the country. An agreement in the amount of 1.2 billion Shekels ($330 million) was signed. As part of the agreement, the ministries of finance and defence will allocate 875 million Shekels ($240.9 million) to the "self-realization" route, which will allow residents living in 28 settlements at a distance of 1-5 km from the Lebanese border to set up a medical centre in their home, through a grant of up to 132,000 Shekels ($36,360). (ANI/TPS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) spokesperson Barrister Saif on Sunday rejected the claims made by Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar regarding Murad Saeed's participation in the Islamabad protest, calling the allegations "absurd" and "completely false," The Express Tribune reported. Quoting Barrister Saif's response to Tarar's statement, The Express Tribune reported, "Tarar is lying completely. His claim about Murad Saeed being present at the Islamabad protest is ridiculous." He added, "If Murad Saeed was indeed at the protest and was not arrested, then the incompetence of the authorities should be recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records." Saif also dismissed the allegations that Murad Saeed was in KP, calling Tarar's statement a lie. He accused the minister of fabricating stories and urged him not to spread falsehoods. The spokesperson slammed Tarar for contradicting his earlier statements, particularly regarding the aftermath of the protest. He recalled that Tarar had filmed a video at D-Chowk shortly after the event, claiming that no bullet casings were found at the scene. However, Tarar later accused armed PTI groups of opening fire during the protest, as reported by The Express Tribune. "If gunfire did indeed take place, why did you initially claim that no bullet casings were found?" Saif questioned, accusing Tarar of covering up the truth with lies. Furthermore, the KP spokesperson raised questions about Tarar's narrative of the protest, particularly the blackout during the night and the incident involving a person praying on a container, The Express Tribune reported. Barrister Saif also stated that public deception through press conferences would not succeed in hiding the truth. "No matter how much Ata Tarar shouts, the truth cannot be hidden," he remarked, slamming the tactic of shifting blame for actions that, in his view, were self-inflicted. He compared the situation to the Model Town incident, where PTI workers were allegedly blamed for violent actions. (ANI) Abu Dhabi [UAE], December 2 (ANI/WAM): The visit of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to the United Arab Emirates today serves as a new milestone in the deep-rooted strategic relationship between the two brotherly nations and their peoples. This visit underscores the commitment to advancing collaboration and enhancing coordination on regional and international issues amidst growing global challenges. Notably, the visit coincides with the 53rd Eid Al Etihad celebrations, symbolising the enduring and unique longstanding ties between the two countries--a model of brotherhood built on shared values, mutual support, and a legacy of joint accomplishments. Under the visionary leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the fraternal relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to flourish. This partnership is marked by significant progress across political, economic, social, and cultural domains, strengthened by shared goals and a unified vision. Historically, UAE-Saudi relations have been a cornerstone of Gulf and Arab security, with the two nations aligning their positions on regional issues and engaging in constructive collaboration to promote stability and prosperity for the region and its peoples. Regular exchanges between the leadership of both nations further solidify their strategic partnership. These visits reflect a shared commitment to addressing regional and global challenges and advancing international cooperation in an era of complex geopolitical shifts. Since the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have actively championed Gulf unity, adopting initiatives that foster collaboration and benefit the peoples of the GCC member states. Together, they have strengthened their capacity to navigate regional and international challenges. Economically, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as the region's largest economic powers, continue to deepen their partnership. The UAE is among Saudi Arabia's most significant trading partners, and bilateral trade relations are experiencing steady growth. The Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council exemplifies this partnership, driving integration through joint strategic projects, particularly in the economic and investment sectors. Further enhancing these ties, the UAE and Saudi Arabia recently held the inaugural session of their Joint Consular Committee in Abu Dhabi last November. This initiative reaffirms their shared commitment to a strategic partnership grounded in historical foundations and a unified vision to achieve national and developmental goals. The relationship between the two countries stands as a remarkable example of enduring brotherhood, founded on principles of good neighbourliness and shared interests. These strong bonds of fraternity and exceptional ties between the UAE and the Kingdom serve as a model to emulate, embodying a legacy of generosity and fruitful collaboration. (ANI/WAM) The stranded passengers of Gulf Air flight departed at 04:34am (local time) on Monday from Kuwait, Indian Embassy in Kuwait said in a statement. The statement added that the embassy team was on the ground till the flight departed. In a post on X, it said, "Gulf Air flight to Manchester finally departed at 0434 hours today carrying stranded Indian passengers among others. Embassy team was on the ground till the flight departed." https://x.com/indembkwt/status/1863397219648287142 https://x.com/indembkwt/status/1863303896761823591 Around 60 Indian passengers were left stranded at Kuwait International Airport for over 13 hours on Sunday after their Gulf Air flight was diverted there due to a technical snag. The passengers, travelling on Gulf Air flight GF 005 from Mumbai to Manchester, complained of facing discomfort as the airline failed to provide food, accommodation, or basic assistance during their extended wait. The situation escalated as passengers voiced their grievances on social media, which eventually prompted a response from the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. The Embassy said, "Food and water is available for the stranded passengers at the lounges." https://x.com/indembkwt/status/1863257633731338665 https://x.com/indembkwt/status/1863257630237405432 The embassy officials said that the passengers were accommodated in two airport lounges. "Embassy had immediately taken up the matter with Gulf Air in Kuwait. A team from Embassy is at the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline. Passengers have been accommodated in 2 airport lounges." https://x.com/indembkwt/status/1863251103602618649 Arzoo Singh, one of the stranded passengers travelling from Mumbai to Manchester, shared her frustration with ANI, explaining the dire situation. "After we raised the issue on social media, senior officials from the Indian Embassy in Kuwait reached out to the Indian passengers stuck at the airport," she said. Another passenger, Shivansh, who was also on the flight, took to social media to express his frustration. "Reading Why Bharat Matters while getting stuck in Kuwait without any help. All British passport holders got their hotels sorted with on-arrival visas, while Indian passport holders have been left stranded without any info, food, or any kind of help. Please help and provide us a visa so that at least we can get a hotel and wait for the next flight," he said in a post on X. (ANI) A new audio clip featuring Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Muhammad Khan has surfaced, indicating widening rifts within the leadership of Imran Khan-founded party after its "do-or-die" protest fiasco in Islamabad, Geo News reported. The audio clip was leaked days after PTI suddenly delayed its march after a government crackdown on protesters trying to reach D-Chowk, drawing widespread condemnation within the party. Questions were raised within the PTI parliamentary leadership about why supporters were told to go to D-Chowk instead of holding a sit-in in Sangjani, as Imran Khan had ordered. In the audio, which Ali Muhammad Khan confirmed was his during a talk with Geo News, the PTI leader said that Imran Khan had ordered the leaders to set up a protest camp in Islamabad's Sangjani area, not at D-Chowk in the Red Zone, according to Geo News report. In the audio leak, Ali Muhammad Khan said, "The PTI founder had not asked to come to D-Chowk, but to Islamabad. Khan Sahib had said that the final sit-in location would be confirmed after the party members reached Islamabad." He said that Imran Khan had given instructions in the presence of Barrister Gohar Faisal. Questioning the role of Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, the PTI leader asked why did she made the call instead of the party chairman Gohar Ali Khan. He asked, "The PTI founder had said that there was no place for hereditary politics in our party, so why did Aleema Khan call the protest herself?" He further said that Khan had said party leadership would give the call, according to Geo News report. In the audio clip, Ali Muhammad Khan said that PTI's aim was to hold talks through the protests at the orders given by Imran Khan. He further said that Imran Khan was not aware of his wife, Bushra Bibi's presence in the protest and was informed regarding this by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan. Khan said, "The PTI chairman and secretary general should have announced that the sit-in would be held in Sangjani," adding that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was also in agreement with this. He said that no one had the right to override the decision of PTI founder, Geo News reported. Stressing that PTI should have followed Imran Khan's instructions, Ali Muhammad Khan said, "We should have followed our leader's orders and stopped in Sangjani. No one, including Bushra Bibi, has the right to override the founder-chairman's decision." He said, "When Barrister Saif had conveyed the message of the founding chairman, we should have acted on it." The PTI protests, demanding the release of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, took a violent turn on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of four security personnel and two PTI supporters, Dawn reported. The PTI protesters were met with intense tear gas upon reaching Islamabad's D-Chowk following which the clash between protesters and security forces broke out. (ANI) US President Joe Biden is all set to visit Angola and spotlight the Lobito Corridor project in Angola to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative, VOA reported. The Voice of America reported that when Biden visits Angola on Wednesday, he will focus on a major infrastructure project designed to improve supply chains in Africa. This project called the Lobito Corridor, is a key part of his plan to reduce China's influence in global development. The Lobito Corridor is a USD 5 billion investment that will improve and extend the 1,300-kilometer Benguela railway. This railway will connect Lobito, a port on the Atlantic Ocean in Angola, to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and in the second phase, it will reach Zambia. The project was announced in September 2023 and is funded by the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), a group led by the US and other wealthy countries. It evolved from Biden's earlier plan, Build Back Better World, created to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative, as reported by the VOA. Once finished, the Lobito Corridor will make it easier to transport important minerals like cobalt and copper, which are used to make electric vehicles. A report from the U.S. Congress shows that China controls most of the mining of these minerals in the DRC, with 80 per cent of copper mines and 85 per cent of rare earth minerals under Chinese ownership. Helaina Matza, acting special coordinator for the PGI at the US Department of State, mentioned that the project will also include efforts to develop solar energy, local electricity systems, and desalination projects. The project is supported by Angola's President, Joao Lourenco. Angola owes China about USD 17 billion, which is more than a third of its total debt, as reported by the VOA. President Biden will be the first sitting US president to visit Angola. This trip fulfils a long-standing commitment he made to visit sub-Saharan Africa during his time in office, as his presidency approaches its conclusion. (ANI) The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) has strongly condemned the recent summit between China and the Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, accusing China of attempting to impose dominance over the region, the ETGE said in a statement. The summit, which marked the Fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting, was framed as a diplomatic effort to foster regional cooperation and security, but ETGE claims the agreements signed are part of a broader strategy by China to undermine the sovereignty of Central Asian nations. In a statement released on X, ETGE compared China's actions to a warning issued by Bilge Kagan, an 8th-century Turkic leader. "The Chinese use sweet words, gold, and silk to draw distant nations close, and once they have become close, they seek to destroy them." Occupied East Turkistan is the clearest example of this warning. Millions of Uyghur, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uzbek and other Turkic peoples endure genocide, enslavement, and erasure under Chinese occupation." The meeting between China and the five Central Asian nations was a high-level diplomatic event, where foreign ministers gathered to discuss mutual interests, regional cooperation, and broader international issues. The meeting is part of China's ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Central Asia, a region of strategic importance in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, ETGE and some critics argue that the summit is less about cooperation and more about furthering China's geopolitical ambitions in Central Asia. ETGE called on the people and leaders of Central Asia to resist what it described as "Chinese imperialism" and to safeguard the sovereignty of their nations. The group warned that aligning with China would risk the independence and future of the Central Asian states, drawing parallels to East Turkistan's current struggle. "Restoring East Turkistan's independence is not just a moral imperative, but the key to eternally safeguarding Central Asia's sovereignty," ETGE stated. Some observers believe that the summit has raised concerns among countries with stronger ties to Russia or the West, who see China's growing influence in Central Asia as a challenge to their interests in the region. While the meetings are officially aimed at enhancing cooperation, these developments suggest that Central Asia's strategic future may be increasingly shaped by Beijing's influence. The East Turkistan Government in Exile's call to action comes at a time of heightened tension in the region, with several nations in Central Asia balancing their relationships with China, Russia, and Western powers. The ETGE's warning underscores the delicate geopolitical environment in which these countries find themselves, as they navigate pressures from global powers while striving to maintain their independence and sovereignty. (ANI) Russian President Vladimir Putin has received an invitation to visit India from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the dates for his visit will be set in early 2025, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said. While addressing a briefing, Ushakov stated that Putin and PM Modi have an agreement to hold meetings once a year and it is Russia's turn this time, according to Russian Embassy in India. The diplomat stated, "Our leaders have an agreement to hold meetings once a year. This time, it's our turn." He further said, "We received Mr. Modi's invitation and we will certainly consider it positively." Ushakov noted, "We will figure out the tentative dates early next year." This will be Putin's first visit to India since the beginning of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in 2022. India has always advocated "peace and diplomacy" for resolving conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Putin and PM Modi remain in regular contact, holding talks over phone-call once every couple of months, according to Russian Embassy in India. The two leaders also hold in-person meetings. This year, the two leaders met twice as PM Modi in July travelled to Moscow to participate in the 22nd Russia-India summit. PM Modi's official visit to Russia in July marked his first bilateral visit after resuming office for the third time. PM Modi was also conferred with Russia's highest national award "The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle" for his contribution to fostering India-Russia ties. From a warm hug to driving an electric car for 'dost' PM Modi, the chemistry between the leaders hogged the limelight. During his visit to Russia, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting and an informal meeting with Putin. The two leaders also visited the Rosatom Pavilion at the VDNKh Exhibition Centre in Moscow. In October, PM Modi visited Russia's Kazan for a two-day visit to attend the BRICS Summit. He thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin, the people of Russia and their government for their hospitality. PM Modi took to X to share glimpses of his visit to Russia. (ANI) Business consultant Suhel Seth, on Monday said that US President Joe Biden's unconditional pardon to his son Hunter Biden was a travesty of the US Justice system. He also called out the US justice system on the way they had handled Adani case. Seth, in conversation with ANI said that Biden had himself said that the US justice system was infected with politics and questioned if anyone would believe in the system. "Yesterday, Joe Biden's unconditional pardon to his son Hunter Biden, to my mind is a travesty of the American justice system. What's worse is that it's an indictment of the justice system itself. A sitting president of the United States, Joe Biden, in this case, in his statement, has said that while he had faith in the American judiciary, he believes that politics has infected the American judiciary and therefore has led to a miscarriage of justice. These are not my words. These are the words of Joe Biden. If a sitting president of America says this about his justice system, you tell me who and where and why should anyone trust this American justice system?" Seth said. Seth told ANI that the US Department of Justice is messed up and had taken a U-turn with Donald Trump. "The Department of Justice is weaponized in the United States. We saw what happened with Donald Trump. Now you tell me, the same judge who indicted Donald Trump has now withdrawn the case. So it is an unholy mess," he said. Seth told ANI that he believed that action of US proescutors linking Gautam Adani to an alleged bribery case was because of the success India has achieved recently. "What have we seen with Adanis? They are a group in India. They're operating again, under Indian regulatory systems, which are, to my mind, the best in the world or on par. What do they first say? They issue a press statement. That one particular Adani, another particular Adani have been named. Then they issue a statement. No, their names are not there. It is clearly a politicization and to my mind it's a politicization because of the success that Indians and Indian businesses have achieved. This is a play of political purpose. It is not a play of justice. It's not a play of equality. You know, Amartya Sen very famously in a book called The Idea of Justice says, and he says it brilliantly, he says ultimately justice is about fairness," he said. Seth said that if the outgoing US President felt that the justice department was unfair to his son, how could it be fair with Adani, or several Indians indicted in US? "If the American president thinks it's unfair for his son, how can it be fair on any Indian company? Be it Adani, be it anyone. Several Indians individually have been indicted in the United States. See what happened with the famous Goldman Sachs Rajat Gupta case. So I'm telling you that today, people in India who are also the so-called woke, liberal, pseudo-liberal people should realize that the people they had hope in have actually bolted from the stables. The sitting American president on December 1 not only pardons his son, so let's not even talk about nepotism, but issues the worst indictment of the American justice system. Nothing can be more ironic. Nothing can be more telling and nothing can be more disastrous. So the Americans must recognize that they are actually in a banana republic with a kingdom which is falling apart, especially when they believe that justice is one of their important pillars of hope," he said. US President Joe Biden on Sunday signed a pardon for his son, Robert Hunter Biden, who had been convicted on charges related to gun crimes and tax violations. The pardon ensures that Hunter Biden will not face sentencing for these offences and removes the possibility of prison time. In a statement, President Biden addressed the charges against his son, arguing that individuals in similar situations--such as those with tax payment issues due to addiction--typically receive non-criminal resolutions. He contended that Hunter's case was treated differently, leading to felony charges despite the absence of aggravating factors. Biden also stressed his commitment to not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, despite his belief that his son had been "selectively and unfairly prosecuted." (ANI) Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday embarked on a five-day official visit to China as Beijing kept mum on revised proposal of BRI pact floated by the Himalayan Nation. Leading a delegation of more than 87 members, Nepali premier Oli left for Beijing with all eyeing on possible agreements to be signed in the Chinese capital. Oli also the chairman of CPN-UML (Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist) before heading out for China had held discussion with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and senior party officials about new text of the "BRI framework for cooperation." The proposal was prepared by a four-member joint taskforce formed by both the parties. Taskforce renamed the "BRI implementation plan" to "Framework for cooperation." After approval from the two senior leaders last week, the foreign ministry had sent the text to the Chinese Embassy on Saturday itself for Beijing's consideration. The visit of Nepali Prime Minister, scheduled from December 2-5 comes at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. During his four days' visit to China, Oli also is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and hold bilateral talks with Premier Li Keqiang. He will also engage with senior leaders of the Chinese Communist Party during his visit. Oli also will make a keynote address by Prime Minister Oli at Peking University. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, confirmed the details of the visit, stating, "Nepal's Prime Minister Oli will pay an official visit to China from December 2 to 5 at the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council." "The entourage of the Prime Minister will comprise Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister; Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Economic and Development Advisor to the Prime Minister; Members of the Parliament; high-ranking government officials; representatives of private sector; and media persons," the release stated. It will be the first visit to foreign nation since Oli came to power on July this year. (ANI) Following the United States' decision to approve more arms sales to Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry called on the US to "cease all official interactions with Taiwan and stop sending erroneous signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces," Taiwan News reported. China also condemned this decision and urged the US to "immediately cease arming Taiwan." "US arms sale to Taiwan sends a wrong signal to the island's Taiwan independence forces and undermines US-China relations," Al Jazeera reported citing a China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement. "China will closely follow the developments and take resolute and strong measures to defend our nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity," it added. Taiwan's president has begun a tour of Taiwan's South Pacific allies, with stops in Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Guam, and Palau. The trip, which runs from November 30 to December 6, focuses on smart sustainability, sustainable democracy, and sustainable diplomacy, as per Taiwan News. "Taiwan will continue expanding partnerships and demonstrate to the world that it is not only a model of democracy but also a crucial force for global peace, stability, and prosperity," Lai said last week. Further, China has expressed strong opposition to any official interactions between the US and Taiwan, including visits by Taiwanese leaders to the US. The Chinese ministry has urged the US to adhere to the "One-China" principle and the three China-US joint communiques. According to Taiwan News, China's opposition comes as the US is considering a potential sale of F-16 spare parts and mobile subscriber equipment to Taiwan, worth around USD 385 million. This move is seen as a way to boost Taiwan's defence capabilities, particularly in terms of air defence resilience. According to Su Tzu-yun, Director of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, the additional equipment will enhance Taiwan's wartime preparedness. Such actions "undermine China-US relations and harm peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," it said. The ministry urged the US to "immediately cease arming Taiwan." (ANI) Poor road infrastructure in the Skardu district of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan is creating serious obstacles to tourism and leading to frequent accidents. According to Skardu TV, the Sadpara road in Skardu district, a key route in the region, is in particularly dire condition. Despite the presence of more than a hundred workers in the department responsible for road maintenance, no substantial repairs have been carried out in years. The locals are frustrated as the issue of poor and damaged roads has been neglected by the government for decades. One resident stated, "More than a hundred people are working in the department but no efforts are being made to improve the condition of roads. The government last repaired the road 25 years ago, but after 1-2 years, it was in worse condition". Another resident highlighted, "We urge the government to take immediate action to repair the roads rather than spending large sums on salaries for secretaries". Tourism has also been severely impacted by the deteriorating roads. "The tourism industry has been halted because of the road conditions. The constant flow of rocks from the mountains damages the road further, making it dangerous for travel," said another resident. Skardu TV reported that the road, which is popular among tourists from around the world, is often used by motorbikes, with around 300 bikes passing through it each week. However, the poor condition of the road makes it risky for everyone, particularly women and children, who frequently fall while travelling. Despite the road's importance, the government has shown little interest in addressing the issue. Locals and tourists alike are frustrated by the lack of action, and many are calling for urgent repairs. "I don't even remember the last time the road was repaired. We are losing tourists because of the poor infrastructure," another resident stated. The residents are now appealing to the government to prioritize road repairs to not only improve safety but also to revive tourism and support the local economy. With no improvements in sight, the people of Sadpara and the larger Gilgit-Baltistan region continue to suffer the consequences of governmental inaction. (ANI) Scholz has arrived in Kiev for the first time in two and a half years for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the DPA news agency reported. Scholz arrived in Kiev on a train and his visit was not announced earlier for "security reasons," the news agency said. "I travelled to Kyiv tonight: by train through a country that has been defending itself against the Russian war of aggression for over 1,000 days," Scholz said in a post on social media. "I would like to make it clear here on the ground that Germany will remain Ukraine's strongest supporter in Europe." Scholz has promised that Germany would supply weapons worth 650 million euros to Ukraine in December as per the DPA. Incidentally, Germany is set to head into elections in 2025 and the DPA reported that Leaders of its Green Party have been distancing themselves from Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Ukraine policy ahead of early elections expected to reshape the political landscape. Scholz had on November 15 this year also spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin on phone, the first conversation between the two leaders in nearly two years, according to DPA. In the call, Scholz urged Putin to engage in peace talks with Ukraine as per media reports. Russian state media TASS had cited Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the Scholz and Putin conversation was a positive thing, even as Germany continues to unconditionally support Ukraine. Putin told Scholz that any agreement to end the war in Ukraine "should take into account the security interests of the Russian Federation" the Kremlin added. Meanwhile, Peskov told reporters the Kremlin held no expectations from today's visit to Kiev by Scholz, the Russian news agency said adding that they are "closely monitoring all news from Kiev." (ANI) Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch has expressed concern over the recovery of four mutilated bodies of forcibly disappeared individuals in Balochistan over the past 24 hours and urged human rights organisations to take immediate notice of this issue. She accused Pakistani military of killing forcibly disappeared individuals and discarding their mutilated bodies. Mahrang Baloch has said that the bodies of two individuals, identified as Faqir Jan and Essa Baloch, were found in Awaran. She said Faqir Jan was forcibly disappeared by the Pakistani military on September 26 after being detained from his home while Essa Baloch was forcibly disappeared on February 2023. In a post on X, Mahrang Baloch stated, "The recovery of four mutilated bodies of forcibly disappeared individuals in #Balochistan over the past 24 hours is deeply concerning. Yesterday, the bodies of two individuals were found in Awaran, identified as Faqir Jan and Essa Baloch. Faqir Jan was forcibly disappeared by the Pakistani military on September 26, 2024, after being detained from his home, while Essa had been forcibly disappeared on February 17, 2023." "Today, two mutilated bodies were recovered from the Zehri area of Khuzdar, identified as Abid Hussain, son of Ghulam Hussain, and Masti Khan, son of Gohr Khan, residents of Zehri. Both were forcibly disappeared by the Pakistani military in 2017," she added. She said that mutilated body of Bashir Ahmed, who was forcibly disappeared from Gwadar was also recovered. "Meanwhile, a few days ago, the mutilated body of Bashir Ahmed, who had forcibly disappeared from Gwadar, was also recovered despite security forces having publicly acknowledged his arrest. Similarly, the mutilated body of a young man named Israr Baloch was recovered in Turbat a few days earlier. Human rights organizations must take immediate notice of this grave issue. The Pakistani military is killing forcibly disappeared individuals and discarding their mutilated bodies," she posted on X. Human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement, Paank, has condemned the extrajudicial killings of Faqeer Jan and Asa Baloch by the Pakistan security forces in the Awaran district of Balochistan. A few months ago, Pakistani forces had forcibly abducted Faqeer Jan, son of Syed Muhammad from Kunri Bazdad and Asa Baloch, son of Noor Deen from Paho. The human rights wing stated that both individuals were killed after months of enforced disappearance. In a post on X, Paank stated, "Faqeer Jan, son of Syed Muhammad and a resident of Kunri Bazdad, forcibly disappeared on September 26, 2024, after being detained by Pakistani forces. Asa Baloch, son of Noor Deen from Paho, forcibly disappeared under similar circumstances on February 17, 2023. Both individuals were killed on November 30, 2024, in a staged encounter in the Buzdad Burbodonk area of Awaran." Paank noted that these actions represent grave violations of human rights and international law and urged Pakistani government to carry out an immediate and transparent probe into these killings. In the post on X, Paank further stated, "These actions represent gross violations of human rights and international law, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions. We call on the Pakistani government to conduct an immediate, transparent, and impartial investigation into these killings, hold those responsible to account, and put an end to the systemic use of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. The international community must not remain silent in the face of these atrocities. Justice must prevail for the victims and their families." (ANI) India on Monday decided to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and its other diplomatic premises in the country following an incident earlier in the day involving the breach of Bangladesh Assistant High Commission premises in Agartala. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "The breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable. Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances." The MEA added, "Government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their Deputy/Assistant High Commissions in the country." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1863554926741516744 Last week, during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged Bangladesh's interim government to take steps to protect minorities. Expressing concern over the rise of "extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation," the MEA said on Friday that India has consistently and strongly raised the issue of targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladesh government. On the situation of minorities in Bangladesh, Jaiswal had said, "India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. We made our position very clear as far as the situation of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh is concerned. The interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities." "We are concerned about the surge of extremist rhetoric, and increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggerations. We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps for the protection of minorities and safeguarding their interests," he had added. Notably, Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in violent attacks against Hindus and other minority groups, prompting calls for greater protection and support. The situation in Bangladesh has been marked by increasing violence against minority communities, with temples, being destroyed after the arrest of a former priest Chinmoy Krishna Das over sedition charges and for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above Bangladesh's national flag in Chittagong on October 25. Tensions escalated further after a lawyer was killed during clashes between police and alleged followers of Das in the Chattogram Court Building area on November 27. (ANI) Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that political stability is key to economic progress and termed new, fair elections as the solution, The Express Tribune reported. During a visit to this part of Southern Punjab on Sunday, Fazl spoke about various issues, including the recent political turmoil, the 26th Constitutional Amendment and the registration of religious schools. While agreeing with the premise that political stability is vital for ending the woes of people, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, "Pakistan could not achieve political stability without holding free and fair elections," according to The Express Tribune report. Fazl, whose party was a part of the last coalition government formed after the ouster of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in April 2022, became displeased with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) after the elections held on February, which he called highly rigged and unfair. Meanwhile, the JUI-F came closer to the PTI, once considered as its bitter foe. Expressing his views, Fazl said that the current government has no justification to remain in power even for a single day, The Express Tribune reported. He said, "Therefore, new impartial and fair elections should be held immediately so that true representatives of the people can be entrusted with serving their interests." Speaking about alleged plans to impose a ban on the PTI, Fazl said he does not back banning any political group as proscription is against the principles of democracy. He said that the way in which the government passed various acts after the 26th Constitutional Amendment did not have his support, nor was he taken into confidence regarding the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. Fazl said, "Whenever the JUI-F gets the opportunity, it will implement an Islamic system in the country, ensuring justice prevails," adding that Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, despite parliamentary approval, has not yet signed the bill regarding religious seminaries, causing unrest among millions of seminary students, according to The Express Tribune report. He warned that so-called "intellectuals" might claim that a certain percentage of seminaries function without registration or bank accounts, even though the bill mandates both. He said Pakistani industrialists and farmers are currently facing an economic crisis and urged federal and provincial governments to take significant measures to improve these sectors so that the country can achieve economic stability. (ANI) Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch, the provincial emir of Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) in Balochistan, has called for a tribal jirga on December 15, consisting of Baloch and Pakhtun elders, to address the worsening law and order situation in the province and to propose potential solutions. During a press conference on Sunday, Maulana Hidayat, joined by Attaur Rehman, Provincial General Secretary Zahid Akhtar, and other party leaders, expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation in Balochistan Dawn reported. He stated that the upcoming jirga would focus on key issues and propose practical solutions. Maulana Hidayat also mentioned that all-party conferences would be organised in the near future, and Jamaat-i-Islami would reach out to ulema, teachers, youth, and students to discuss Balochistan's problems. According to the report additionally, he announced plans to hold public meetings across Balochistan, starting with an event in Noshki and another in Gwadar on December 22. "Our goal is to gather 100,000 people for a public meeting in Quetta," he said, emphasising that these efforts would lead to a province-wide movement. Maulana Hidayat strongly criticized the federal government's decision to initiate military operations in Balochistan and move forward with the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Sindh and Punjab. He cautioned that these actions would intensify resentment in the province. He emphasized the importance of policies that create job opportunities for the youth, thereby decreasing the chances of their participation in armed rebellion. Addressing grievances against security forces, Maulana Hidayat condemned the killing of three individuals from Balochistan during the PTI protest in Islamabad. Maulana Hidayat, drawing attention to grievances against security forces, condemned the killing of three individuals from Balochistan during the PTI protest in Islamabad. The JI leader called on the authorities to tackle systemic issues like corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the marginalization of local communities. He pledged to persist in his constitutional and democratic efforts, refusing to be provoked into violence. He urged the people of Balochistan to unite and called on decision-makers to reassess their strategies. He also pledged to use funds transparently and support welfare programs, including initiatives like the free ambulance service from Gwadar to Karachi. (ANI) Noting that strong air connectivity is needed to foster people-to-people connections between India and the UAE, the country's Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali has proposed 'combined skies' aviation agreement between the two countries. In an interview with ANI, Ambassador Alshaali said the two countries should really work out aviation and find win-win situation. "I really want (India-UAE) to work out aviation. I really want us to find a win-win situation where we can look at both countries as having combined skies, not a single individual sky for each country. I think this will just carry forward the momentum in every single other field. So, we are talking about emerging technologies, about AI, supercomputing and genome and looking at all kinds of things but you also need something to ensure the momentum in all of this. I really do think that for this to happen, people-to-people connection is quite important. People-to-people connection cannot continue to flourish and prosper if we don't have the air connectivity that is deserving for both countries to have," he said. "We have a very clear plan (in aviation). At least in the UAE, we have put together, what I believe to be, a very good, very fair proposal. We just need to sit down and discuss it and agree on the way forward. So that, in 10-years time, we can look at both countries, at their skies and strongly do feel about and be proud that they are now truly combined skies," he added. Last month while in UAE, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar had remarked, "India-UAE ties are today truly in an era of new milestones". India and the UAE established diplomatic relations in 1972. While the UAE opened its Embassy in India in 1972, India opened its Embassy in the UAE in 1973. (ANI) PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui on Monday lashed out at PTI for focusing on unverified deaths during the Islamabad protest, while ignoring the tragic loss of 131 confirmed lives in Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ARY News reported. The criticism comes amid ongoing violence in the region, where tribal clashes have escalated, leading to significant casualties. In his statement posted on social media platform X, Siddiqui expressed concern over PTI's disregard for the real victims in Kurram, who he claimed had names, funeral prayers, and graves. "The tragic incident in Kurram has claimed 131 innocent lives, each with a name, a funeral prayer, and a grave. Despite the devastating impact on families and communities, PTI seems to have overlooked this," Siddiqui stated, highlighting the contrast between the attention given to PTI's claims about the Islamabad protest and the reality of the situation in Kurram. His comments come in response to PTI's repeated allegations that their workers were killed during the protests in Islamabad, which started on November 24. PTI workers had been marching towards Islamabad, calling for action after their leader's call for protest, and had managed to break through roadblocks set up by the government. Law enforcement later launched a major operation to disperse the protesters, which ultimately led to the return of protesters to their homes, reported ARY News. Meanwhile, in Kurram, the ongoing tribal conflict continues to cause immense suffering. The clashes have been ongoing for over a week, with the death toll now at 131, as violence continues to escalate. "We remain optimistic about progress toward a ceasefire and the reopening of transport routes," confirmed Deputy Commissioner Javed Ullah Mehsud. Despite a brief ceasefire agreement, sporadic violence has hampered efforts to bring lasting peace to the area. Kurram has been facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with a communication blackout and key roads closed, disrupting the supply of essential goods like oil, food, and medicines. Schools are shut down, and the region remains in a state of unrest as security forces struggle to restore order. Yet, despite the grave situation, Siddiqui pointed out, PTI's focus remains on its own political narrative, ignoring the actual casualties and suffering in Kurram. (ANI) Protests continue in Georgia as pro-EU protestors clashed with the police in the capital city of Tbilisi for the fourth day straight on Sunday night, Al Jazeera reported. The protestors clashed with police upon the government's decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union. According to Al Jazeera, Georgia's Ministry of Internal Affairs said on Monday that 21 police officers were injured during a crackdown against pro-EU demonstrations by thousands of people. The police also used tear gas and water cannon on the demonstrators. In total, 224 people have been arrested during the rallies supported by pro-West President Salome Zourabichvili. "Another powerful night of Georgians standing firm to defend their constitution and their European choice. The determination in the streets shows no signs of stopping!" Zourabichvili, who supports Georgia's integration with the EU, posted on X. https://x.com/Zourabichvili_S/status/1863479094425317619 Al Jazeera reported that tensions have been rising in Georgia between the governing party Georgian Dream and opponents who accuse it of pursuing increasingly authoritarian, anti-Western and pro-Russian policies. Notably, President Zourabichvili called for pressure to be brought on the Constitutional Court to annul last month's elections, won by Georgian Dream. Both the opposition and Zourabichvili say the poll was rigged, Al Jazeera reported. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has rebuffed calls for new elections. Georgian news agency Interpress said demonstrators had blocked an access road into the country's main commercial port in the Black Sea city of Poti. Georgian media also reported that protests took place in at least eight cities and towns. As per Al Jazeera, the opposition TV channel Formula showed footage of people in Khashuri, a town of 20,000 in central Georgia, throwing eggs at the local Georgian Dream office, Al Jazeera reported. President Zourabichvili said on Saturday she would not step down when her term ends this month, saying the new parliament was illegitimate and had no authority to name her successor. Since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia has leaned strongly towards the West and tried to loosen the influence of Russia. It became an official candidate for EU entry last year and has been promised eventual NATO membership. (ANI) Senior Italian Minister Adolfo Urso, currently on a visit to India, met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh to strengthen bilateral cooperation between India and Italy. The discussions focused on initiatives to enhance collaboration in the space sector. "A high-level official delegation from #Italy, led by Senior Italian Minister Mr Adolfo Urso, called on to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Italy is also providing technical support to G20 Satellite for Environment & Climate, which was announced by PM Sh@narendramodiduring G20 Summit in 2023. Italy hosted 75th International Astronautical Congress at Milan this year while India will be hosting a similar global conference at New Delhi next year," Union Minister Jitendra Singh said in a post on X. https://x.com/DrJitendraSingh/status/1863595174779044268 "Together, we can achieve remarkable milestones that benefit our two nations and the world as a whole," he added. Italy hosted the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan this year while India will be hosting a similar global conference in New Delhi next year. In a statement by the Department of Space, it was observed that the two Ministers focused on advancing collaborative efforts in science, technology, innovation, and Space exploration. Senior Italian Minister Adolfo Urso holds multiple portfolios including Enterprises & Space and is currently in India on a visit. Department of Space noted in a press statement that India and Italy have enjoyed a long-standing partnership in scientific research, particularly through the Synchrotron facility, Elettra, in Trieste. Indian scientists are the second-largest users of this facility after their Italian counterparts. Since 2016, the jointly constructed diffraction beamlines 'XRD2' and 'XPRESS' have supported cutting-edge research in material science and engineering. Jitendra Singh noted, "These collaborations reflect the mutual trust and shared vision of our two nations. The upcoming Executive Programme of Cooperation for 2025-2027 will further energize our partnership by funding joint research projects." During the meeting. Minister Singh underscored the country's achievements, saying, "India ranks third globally in terms of StartUps, with unicorns flourishing in a dynamic economy. This ecosystem provides fertile ground for Indo-Italian partnerships in entrepreneurship and innovation". To build on this momentum, the two Ministers proposed an Indo-Italian Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme. This initiative aims to connect startups, academic institutions, and policymakers from both countries, fostering a culture of innovation and shared expertise, the Department of State noted. Discussions were also held to expand opportunities in space collaboration. Jitendra Singh remarked, "India's space industry is undergoing a transformative phase. Collaborating with Italy can accelerate advancements in satellite technology, deep-space exploration, and other frontier areas." In a significant move, the meeting also explored potential partnerships in Industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and quantum technologies. The high-level dialogue reflects the commitment of India and Italy to strengthen their bilateral ties and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. In his concluding remarks, Jitendra Singh said, "This partnership is about building a shared future driven by innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. Together, we can achieve remarkable milestones that benefit our nations and the world." (ANI) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar extended congratulations to Kaja Kallas on her appointment as the Vice President of the European Union (EU) Commission and the EU Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar wrote, "Congratulate @kajakallas on your appointment as the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of @EU_Commission. Look forward to working together to further our strategic partnership". https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1863550949865705959 India and the European Union have seen various interactions at high level in recent times. The two had recently held the 5th Strategic Partnership Review Meeting on November 22 in Brussels. During the meeting, it was observed that both sides underlined the importance of the India-EU Strategic Partnership in addressing global challenges. They reiterated their shared commitment to promoting a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. India welcomed the European Union's increasing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. Both sides emphasized that the rules-based international order must respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of disputes. India and the EU share a historic partnership, formalised in 2004 and marked by extensive cooperation in trade, climate action, and strategic affairs. The EU remains one of India's largest trading partners, with agreements like the TTC bolstering technological and economic ties. As per Euro News, Kaja Kallas had resigned as Estonia's Prime Minister earlier this year to become the European Union's foreign policy chief. Kallas was the first woman Prime Minister of Estonia and under her leadership, Estonia has been one of Europe's most vocal backers of Ukraine, Euro News reported. Kaja Kallas has taken over from Josep Borrell Fontelles who was the previous U High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission. Fontelles had wished Kallas success in a post on X. In a twitter exchange Kallas told Josep Borrell Fontelles," Dear @JosepBorrellF, It is an immense honour to follow in your footsteps after 5 difficult years @eu_eeas in shaping EU foreign and security." Fontelles replied, "Dear @kajakallas many thanks for your kind words. In this very challenging era I wish you all the success in making Europe more united and stronger in the world." (ANI) Former diplomat Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha on Monday pointed out what he called a "delicious irony" in the actions of the US Department of Justice, following US President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son over gun crime and tax convictions. Sinha noted that the same department had recently indicted a prominent business figure in India for alleged bribery cases, while at the same time, Biden, who had previously stated that he would not pardon his son, exercised this power. Sinha's comments highlighted concerns over the apparent contradictions in the US legal system's approach to high-profile cases. "I must say that I was a bit surprised to read his statement in which he pardoned his son, having in the past said that he would not exercise this Right of Pardon for his son. The reasons he has given surprise me because if the American justice system, the Department of Justice, and the President of the United States don't have much faith in that system, that is astonishing. It is a delicious irony that the same Department of Justice has indicted captains of industry in India from a very big group, accusing them not of bribing but of planning to bribe state governments in India," he said. The former diplomat also raised a point about double standards in the system, stressing that the US should avoid extending its jurisdiction to countries where it has no legal authority. "However, the main issue here is that we should not follow double standards, especially when you are dealing with foreign countries--do not extend your jurisdiction to countries where you have none," Sinha added. Earlier on Sunday, US President Joe Biden signed a pardon for his son, Robert Hunter Biden, who had been convicted on charges related to gun crimes and tax violations. The pardon ensures that Hunter Biden will not face sentencing for these offences and removes the possibility of prison time. Following the decision, US President-elect Donald Trump responded to the decision, calling it a "miscarriage of justice." (ANI) We met former German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a fitting place for her: the museum in Berlin dedicated to the Wall, that great symbol of the Cold War division between East and West. Parts of the wall have been preserved as a reminder of those hard times, especially for someone who lived through them. She said images of the wall still conjure up highly emotional memories for her. I asked, "When you look at the wall, what comes to mind to you immediately?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Between the ages of seven and 35, I had to live with this wall," she replied. "I was, so to speak, behind the wall, and couldn't come to this side. And of course, that's still very moving." Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, with correspondent Mark Phillips, in Berlin. / Credit: CBS News Merkel's new book, "Freedom: Memoirs 1954-2021" (published by St. Martin's Press), is filled with moving memories of what it was like growing up in the Communist-controlled police state that was East Germany. Her family had moved there when she was an infant because her father, a Protestant pastor, was assigned to a church there. But it was the fall of the wall that spurred her political awakening, and jump-started a career nobody would have bet on: A woman, from the East, who would not only become Chancellor of Germany, but who would hold the job for 16 years; who would be called the most powerful woman in the world, and who would deal with its most powerful men. It turns out, life in the East actually had given her one advantage for dealing with all those men in dark suits: Those bright pant suits of hers weren't an accident. "In my book I write that maybe my love for colorful clothes is due to the fact that in the East, everything was very gray," she said. Merkel's uniform became part of her identity, and helped her break through the American pop-cultural barrier, on "Saturday Night Live," the way few European leaders could. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merkel left power three years ago this week, and has gone into a kind of self-imposed political radio silence since then, keeping her recollections and opinions to herself. Not anymore. Among the more awkward memories: that first shocking, even embarrassing, meeting with President Donald Trump in 2017. I said, "I think it's fair to say your most difficult relationship with an American president was with President Trump in his first term. You talk about your first encounter in the Oval Office where he refused to shake your hand, and you say that it occurred to you that he was fascinated with Putin and with politicians with authoritarian and dictatorial traits. Why did you say that?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Why he didn't want to shake my hand, that, you'd have to ask him," Merkel replied. "I think he often conveyed a message with a handshake. With some men he shook hands for a long time." "What were you thinking? Should I reach over? Will we shake hands? Won't we shake hands? What's he trying to do?" "I describe it in my book because it was so interesting. I whispered to him, 'I think they want us to shake hands.' And at that moment when I said it, I noticed that he wanted to convey a message. And I was quite naive, telling him that they want us to shake hands." "But did you get what he was trying to do?" I asked. "Did you think, Oh, he's going to play it that way, that's how we're going to do it?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Yeah, that's the way it was. I left being convinced that multilateral cooperation would be difficult with Donald Trump," Merkel replied. "You can make deals with Donald Trump because he always thinks in terms of advantage and disadvantage. But in my experience, win-win situations are not only good for one side, but for both sides. That's not really his way of thinking." German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Donald Trump meeting at the White House, March 17, 2017. / Credit: CBS News Merkel's book, which is being released around the world, went to press before last month's election. In it, she wrote that she wishes "with all my heart that Kamala Harris defeats her competitor and becomes president." Of the election results, she said, "I was sad. First of all, I wanted a woman to win. I was also in favor of Hillary Clinton. And secondly, I'm closer to Kamala Harris' political conviction. But the American voters have decided, and it was a democratic election." / Credit: St. Martin's Press Merkel has come in for her own share of criticism since she left office. Her decision to allow more than a million refugees and migrants fleeing Syria into Germany is now often cited as a reason for the rise of anti-immigrant, right-wing political parties in Europe. She says those forces were on the rise anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her decision to allow the German economy to become too dependent on Russian natural gas is seen as another reason for Germany's economic decline since the flow was stopped. She says staying engaged with Vladimir Putin seemed like the right idea at the time, difficult though it was. And it didn't stop him from invading Ukraine. I asked, "You dealt a lot with Vladimir Putin. I take it, reading between the lines of your book, that you found him a very difficult and manipulative character as well, even an intimidating character at times. Famously, you don't like dogs; he'd bring his dog to the meeting. Do you think he did that in an intimidating kind of way? And how would you suggest people deal with him, especially as things are heating up again?" "Without fear," she replied. "Of course, there are attempts to see how people react under a certain amount of pressure. And Putin can do that, too. And with the dog he expressed exactly that. But it all depends on how I manage the situation. I'm used to political pressure since childhood, so that did not shock me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite all her experience, Merkel says she now refrains from giving advice. But she does give hints. She says that, in general, she is worried about developments in the world: "I've always said that fear is not a good advisor. Times have become rougher. We are now sitting in a place where the world was divided in the Cold War, and then there was 1990. We had great hopes that things would become easier after the end of the Cold War. Things have not become easier." READ AN EXCERPT: "Freedom: Memoirs 1954-2021" by Angela Merkel Watch an extended interview with Angela Merkel about growing up in East Germany: For more info: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Freedom: Memoirs 1954-2021" by Angela Merkel (St. Martin's Press), in Hardcover, eBook and Audio formats, available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.orgAngela Merkel, Council of Women World LeadersBerlin Wall Memorial, Berlin Story produced by Erin Lyall and Anna Noryskiewicz. Editor: Jack Howell. "The Barn": A murder in Mississippi, and the evil hiding in plain sight Missing hiker found after nearly six weeks in the Canadian wilderness Ted Turner's nature preserves: A carefully curated "Heaven on Earth" A British holidaymaker fell down a lift shaft and died while on a family holiday in Turkey. Tyler Kerry, 20, was found fatally injured on Friday morning at a hotel in Antalya where he had been staying with his grandparents and girlfriend. The labourer from Basildon in Essex was found in a lift shaft at around 7am and could not be resuscitated by ambulance staff. His family said they did not know whether his body was found at the bottom of the shaft or on top of a lift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His uncle, Alex Price, told the BBC: We are unclear about how he came to be in the lift shaft or the events immediately preceding this. Kerry had been staying in the popular tourist city with his grandparents, Collette and Ray Kerry, girlfriend Molly and other relatives. He had told friends he was having a great time, the Southend Echo reported. Family friend Ryan Wilde told the newspaper: We believe he fell roughly around 4am our time as he had been messaging family members just before about what a great time he was having. We think he mustve woken up early and gone for a walk or to get some food. A lovely young man The most likely explanation is that he pressed the button for the lift and walked in without it being there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was a compassionate lad. He faced some slightly challenging circumstances when he was younger but he had evolved into a really mature and lovely young man. Kerrys family hope his body will be repatriated by Tuesday and almost 5,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe page to help pay for his funeral costs. Mr Price said the family had been issued with a death certificate after a post-mortem examination was completed. On the GoFundMe page, he described his nephew as a young man full of personality, kindness and compassion with his whole life ahead of him. He was completely devoted to his family and girlfriend Molly. We are all absolutely devastated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A UK Government spokesman said: We are assisting the family of a British man who has died in Turkey. 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. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R) defended President-elect Trumps threat to impose steep 25 percent tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico two key U.S. allies pointing out that the remark produced immediate action. I got to say, you look at the threat of tariffs against Mexico and Canada, [it] immediately has produced action, he told Major Garrett on CBS Newss Face the Nation on Sunday. Weve seen the president of Mexico stand up and promise that she is going to work hand in hand with the president of the United States, President Trump, to secure the border, Cruz added. This is about using leverage to get Mexico and Canada to cooperate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also blamed President Biden and Democrats for the situation at the border. Ill tell you, representing Texas, weve seen four years of an invasion at our southern border, Cruz said. Let me ask you, Major. Why hasnt Joe Biden done this? Why hasnt Joe Biden actually stood up and used leverage to secure the border? And the reason is, Joe Biden and the Democrats wanted this invasion to happen. Cruzs remarks come after Trump announced last week that he will impose 25 percent tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico and ramp up tariffs on China with an executive order he plans to sign on Day 1 of his administration. In the same week, Trump threatened to impose a 100 percent tariff on countries that try to undervalue the U.S. dollar, saying they can go find another sucker!' 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. Days of protests have rocked Georgia following the governments controversial decision to delay the former Soviet countrys bid to join the European Union. Tensions have been brewing for months in the South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million people, where critics accuse the ruling Georgian Dream party of following increasingly authoritarian, pro-Russia policies in a turn away from the West that has tempered hopes for Georgias long-promised path to EU membership. The protests have been met with a violent police crackdown as the ruling party and thousands of protesters become locked in a deepening battle over the countrys future and whether Georgia should forge closer ties with Russia or Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what you need to know. What sparked the protests? Tensions intensified in late October when Georgian Dream claimed victory in a contested election that was widely seen as a referendum on joining the EU. Georgia, which gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, has for years pursued EU membership, with the goal of joining the bloc written into its constitution. Most Georgians support the policy, polls consistently show, and it appeared to be on track last year when the country gained EU candidate status. But on November 28, the government signaled a pivot away from Europe in a move which sparked widespread anger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said Georgia would suspend EU accession talks for four years after the European Parliament rejected the countrys election results, citing alleged irregularities. The Georgian Dream governing bloc accused the EU of using the prospect of accession talks to blackmail Georgia, and to organize a revolution in the country. We have decided not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028, it said. Also, we refuse any budgetary grant from the European Union until the end of 2028. Anti-government protesters in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi shot off fireworks as demonstrations extended into their fourth day on December 2, 2024. - Giorgi Arjevanidze/AFP/Getty Images Whats happening at the protests? The governments move brought thousands of pro-European Georgians to the streets of the capital Tbilisi, where they have rallied for consecutive nights despite a violent police backlash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters videos show protesters waving Georgian and EU flags and chanting Russian slaves at police officers guarding the parliament building. Police fired water cannons and tear gas at protesters, while men wearing balaclavas were seen running into the crowds and beating individuals. The protests have spread beyond the capital, with Georgian media reporting demonstrations in at least eight cities and towns, according to Reuters. Opposition TV channel Formula showed people in the central town of Khashuri throwing eggs at the local Georgian Dream office and tearing down the partys flag. Demonstrators also blocked an access road to the countrys main commercial port in the Black Sea city of Poti, according to Georgian news agency Interpress. More than 100 people have been arrested, according to Georgian officials, who claimed protesters threw stones and glass bottles at law enforcement. Dozens of people have also been hospitalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents have remarked on the forcefulness of the police response, which has been widely condemned internationally. Ive seen a lot of protests in Georgia: during this government, the previous government I also remember some from Soviet times, Tsotne Jafaridze, a winemaker in Tbilisi, told CNN. But such aggression towards old people, towards the really young guys, towards the women was unbelievable. Salome Zourabichvili, the countrys pro-Western president whose powers are mostly ceremonial, claimed that police targeted journalists and political leaders. She lambasted what she called brutal and disproportionate attacks on the Georgian people and media, reminiscent of Russian-style repression at the protests. Police in Tbilisi, Georgia fired tear gas and water cannons on the fourth straight day of pro-EU protests that drew tens of thousands of people, on December 2, 2024. - Giorgi Arjevanidze/AFP/Getty Images How did Georgia get here? Nearly 80% of Georgians support European integration, according to a poll in December last year by the US non-profit National Democratic Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Georgians also feel a deep hostility towards Russia, which invaded Georgia in 2008 and today occupies about 20% of its internationally recognized territories. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, thousands of Russians especially men of service age have fled to Georgia to avoid conscription, tearing at the countrys social fabric as many Georgians express fears of creeping Russification. Georgian Dream, founded by a billionaire who made his fortune in Russia, has taken a sharp authoritarian turn in recent years. Earlier this year, it pushed through a new Russian-style foreign agent law that allows the government to clamp down on watchdogs, alarming the EU, the US, and its political opponents within Georgia. Experts have warned the suspension of EU talks is another sign the country is going down an undemocratic path under Georgian Dream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a red flag. It shows the government is ready to go much further with this, Ketevan Chachava, a non-resident fellow with the Democratic Resilience Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) told CNN. She said she fears Georgia is becoming a state that is non-democratic, unfree, where liberties are not respected. How have the EU and US reacted? The United States and the EU have criticized what they see as growing authoritarianism in Georgia and the aggressive response to protesters by police. The US State Department condemned the excessive use of force by police against Georgians and said it was suspending the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership due to anti-democratic actions by the ruling party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We reiterate our call to the Georgian government to return to its Euro-Atlantic path, transparently investigate all parliamentary election irregularities, and repeal anti-democratic laws that limit freedoms of assembly and expression, spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc stands with the Georgian people and their choice for a European future, in a post on social media. We condemn the violence against protesters & regret signals from ruling party not to pursue Georgias path to EU and democratic backsliding of the country, she said. This will have direct consequences from EU side. What about Russia? Russia and Georgia have a complicated relationship. Since Russia won a five-day war against Georgia in 2008, the two countries have had no diplomatic relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, relations between Tbilisi and Moscow have become warmer in recent years, helped in part by Georgian Dreams souring on Europe. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Monday that Russia was not interfering in Georgias political process and criticized attempts by others to destabilize the country. We have seen similar events in a number of countries. Probably the most direct parallel is the events of Maidan in Ukraine. All signs (are) of attempting to carry out an Orange Revolution, he told reporters Monday. Peskov referred to the 2014 Maidan Revolution that began after then-President Viktor Yanukovych suspended Ukraines preparations for signing an Association Agreement with the EU, in a move seen as cutting ties with the West and lurching back into the Kremlins orbit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian president prone to hyperbole who sits on the Security Council of Russia, described events in Georgia as an attempted revolution, warning on Telegram that the country was moving rapidly along the Ukrainian path, into the dark abyss. Usually this sort of thing ends very badly. How has Georgia responded? Prime Minister Kobakhidze dismissed the US criticism and said police had successfully protected the state from another attempt to violate the constitutional order, according to Reuters. Georgian Dream has also denied it is linked to Russia. Kobakhidze has insisted the party remains committed to Georgias EU bid and is only pushing back on blackmail and manipulation by EU politicians. But the West has become skeptical of the partys intentions. So too have hundreds of Georgian diplomats and civil servants, who have signed open letters calling the delay of EU talks unlawful. CNNs Christian Edwards and Catherine Nicholls contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com This is an adapted excerpt from the Nov. 25 episode of "The ReidOut." Over the last decade, Hungary, a small central European nation, has become a favorite of right-wing politicians, former Fox News hosts and, of course, President-elect Donald Trump. Thats largely because of one man: Hungarys authoritarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. As Trumps second term quickly approaches, one former member of the Hungarian parliament, Gabor Scheiring, is sounding the alarm over the inspiration the president-elect could take from Hungarys leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps goal this time is to remake the American government to enhance his power, Scheiring warns in a new piece for Politico Magazine. He isnt the first modern right-wing populist to attempt this he is following a playbook pioneered by Viktor Orban. When Orban came to power in 2010, some of his first acts took aim at the independence of Hungarys judiciary and news media. Orban rewrote the countrys constitution to force senior judges to retire and set up a new court system overseen directly by his government. He consolidated control over the media. According to experts, 90% of all media in Hungary is now directly or indirectly controlled by Fidesz, Orbans party. Orban and his allies have also tightened their grip over Hungarys electoral system. Theyve changed laws to rig the system in his favor and keep him in power in perpetuity. Much like the American right, Orban has gone out of his way to stoke division by spreading fear about racial diversity and demonizing immigrants. Hes even embraced the far-right concept of replacement theory and warned against race mixing in Europe. Orban has blocked asylum-seekers from entering Hungary and referred to Middle Eastern refugees as Muslim invaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes offered tax breaks and subsidies to boost the Hungarian birth rate for a future without immigration. Orban and his party have also passed laws prioritizing patriotic education, tightened control over Hungarys state universities and passed laws banning LGBTQ+ content in schools and on childrens television. Sound familiar? Orban has also openly cultivated a relationship with the Republican Party here in the United States. Hes hosted events for the Conservative Political Action Conference in Budapest and was the keynote speaker at a CPAC conference in Texas in 2022. Its an authoritarian lovefest that goes both ways. Trump, Tucker Carlson, who even hosted a week of shows from Hungary before leaving Fox News, and Vice President-elect JD Vance are just a few on the American right whove sung Orbans praises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reality is, Orbans Hungary is very much a cautionary tale for Americans. As we prepare to face our own budding autocrat, we should heed the lessons of someone who lived through Orbans power grab. As Scheiring writes: Hungarys key lesson is you dont protect democracy by talking about democracy you protect democracy by protecting people. Only a democracy that works for the people is sustainable. Allison Detzel contributed. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The mother of a British lawyer who died of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos has described her race from the UK to be by her daughters side as she underwent brain surgery. Simone White, 28, was one of six tourists who died after drinking alcoholic drinks which are believed to have been laced with methanol in Vang Vieng. Her mother, Sue White, has opened up for the first time about her death and the horrendous 16-hour journey to be with her as her condition deteriorated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the 61-year-old, from Orpington, arrived in South-East Asia, Simone was being wheeled into theatre for surgery. I knew when I had that phone call I dont know what it was, call it a mothers intuition but I knew that she was going to die, she said. It later became clear that her brain function was gone, and she died on Thursday, Nov 21. Laos police detain eight Nana Backpackers Hostel employees for questioning while the owners deny serving illicit alcohol - Beatrice Siveiro Mrs White told The Sunday Times: The flight from the UK was horrendous. Before I left, I got a call from the hospital to say she needed urgent brain surgery and I had to give my consent. It was a terrible, terrible journey. Simone was a lawyer with global law firm Squire Patton Boggs, working in general commercial matters, including intellectual property law, according to the firms website. Totally devastated She and her two childhood friends drank six free vodka shots from Nana Backpackers Hostel, where they were staying. They began to feel ill the next day, and as their condition worsened they decided to go to hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simone, who had recently bought a flat in Lewisham, died nine days after she and her friends drank the vodka. Her two friends recovered but are said to be traumatised. Mrs White was told by doctors that while all the friends drank the same amount, people break down methanol differently within their metabolism, which in Simones case went straight to her brain. It was so unfortunate. It just affected Simone so much more than the other two, she added. Zak, Simones 23-year-old brother, is totally devastated. It can happen to anybody Laos police have since detained eight hostel employees for questioning over the incident, while the owners denied serving illicit alcohol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neil White, 58, Simones father, said: I hope that the police investigation brings those responsible to justice, both for Simone and all the other victims. We hope this raises awareness to all future travellers about the dangers of consuming local alcohol. Urging caution to fellow travellers, Mrs White told The Sunday Times: Please be careful when it comes to drinks. Simone was a university-educated, highly intelligent person. If it can happen to her, it can happen to anybody. Laos keeping a tight lid Police in Laos have detained several people in connection with the death of Ms White and five others, who are also believed to have been poisoned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vang Vieng is particularly popular among backpackers seeking parties and adventure sports. Officials in Laos have released almost no details about the case, with the government keeping a tight lid on information. Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, two Australian friends, both aged 19, two Danish women, Frela Vennervald Sorensen, 21, and Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and a US citizen, James Louis Hutson, 57, also died of methanol poisoning after staying at Nana Backpackers hostel. 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 visitor views the exhibits during the "Belt and Road" International Handicraft Art Exhibition at University of Johannesburg Art Gallery in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 29, 2024. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua) The first stop of the "Belt and Road" International Handicraft Art Exhibition, themed "Dialogue with World Cultures," opened in South Africa on Friday. The inaugural event, hosted by Shanghai University in China and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa, will be displayed at the UJ Art Gallery until Jan. 25, 2025, after which it will travel to other destinations, including Kazakhstan, Sweden, Turkey, New Zealand, Australia, France and Italy, among others. A visitor views the exhibits during the "Belt and Road" International Handicraft Art Exhibition at University of Johannesburg Art Gallery in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 29, 2024. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua) At the opening ceremony, Minister at the Chinese Embassy in South Africa Li Zhigang said the exhibition will help foster cultural exchanges and mutual understanding. "Intangible cultural heritage is a treasure of human civilization, a precious wealth accumulated from diverse cultures over the long course of history. Since ancient times, painting and handicrafts have been a typical medium of communication between people around the world," Li said. "We look forward to more cultural and artistic exchanges and cooperation between China and South Africa in the future." Federico Freschi, executive dean of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture at the University of Johannesburg, said "handicrafts are not just objects but cultural treasures embodying history, tradition and creativity." The exhibition showcases dozens of China's intangible cultural heritage skills, demonstrated by numerous inheritors. Divided into three sections -- Maritime Blossoms, Symbiosis of All Things and Endless Vitality -- it features a variety of traditional Chinese cultural items, including embroidery, paper cutting, kesi (silk tapestry), kites, nianhua (New Year paintings), silver pots and purple clay teapots, along with cross-genre intangible cultural heritage projects. Police in Laos have reportedly arrested the owner of a factory which reportedly supplied the poisoned alcohol that claimed the lives of six backpackers, including a British lawyer. Simone White, 28, died while on holiday with two friends after they accepted free vodka shots from Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist destination. Two Australian teenagers, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both aged 19, were also killed alongside two Danish women and an American man, after they consumed the drinks which were laced with the deadly substance methanol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A manufacturing plant located outside the capital city Vientiane, understood to have been supplying the local Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whiskey, has now been closed and its owner arrested, according to the Daily Mail. Simone Whites mother travelled 16 hours to be at her bedside (Squire Patton Boggs/PA) (Squire Patton Boggs/PA) The sale of the spirits has now been banned in the communist country, while the factory has been shut as an investigation continues. Twelve people have now been arrested by the authorities so far, including eight staff members at the hostel. No charges have been made, while the manager of the hostel has denied any wrongdoing. Recalling the horrendous 16-hour journey to Laos after learning her daughter was critically ill, Simones mother Sue White said: I knew when I had that phone call I dont know what it was, call it a mothers intuition but I knew that she was going to die. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After consuming the shots and enjoying a night out with her friends, her daughter had not initially suspected anything wrong when she woke up with a headache. However, their conditions worsened throughout the day on 13 November, and they decided to take themselves to hospital. On Thursday, 14 November, Mrs White received a message from her daughters friend to say they were unwell with suspected acidosis, and that Simone is the worst affected out of all of us but shes not doing too badly. Foreign tourists relax at a swimming pool at Nana Backpacker hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos (Anupam Nath/AP) (AP) Sadly, her condition worsened and she required two blood transfusions and brain surgery, at which point Mrs White booked a flight from Heathrow to the south-east Asian country. Ms White said she arrived at the hospital just as Simone was being taken in for the operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was horrendous. Absolutely horrendous. She had such beautiful long blonde hair, which had all been shaved off for the operation. It was the worst experience of my life. There are no words, really. She has now called on young backpackers to be cautious when accepting drinks abroad, warning: "Please be careful when it comes to drinks." "Simone was a university-educated, highly intelligent person," she said. "If it can happen to her, it can happen to anybody. Mexicos plan to charge cruise passengers a $42 (33) immigration tax has landed the country in rocky waters with the cruise industry. The lower house of Mexicos Congress voted last week to charge every cruise passenger the almost $50 Non-Resident Fee to dock at Mexican ports. According to the proposed legislation: It is necessary to eliminate the exemption from immigration document payment for foreign passengers who enter Mexico aboard cruise ships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new law aims to take effect in 2026 to tackle overtourism concerns on the Mexican coast. Cruise passengers were previously exempt from immigration charges as they may not disembark the ship and usually sleep onboard. Two-thirds of the funds raised from the immigration levy will reportedly be given to Mexicos defence department rather than invested in improving tourism infrastructure and port facilities as part of a new budget law by the ruling party, Morena. Local areas have voiced concerns the tax will "jeopardise" Mexico as a leading cruise destination if cruise lines reroute their itineraries to avoid paying the charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Economies depend heavily on the cruise industry in areas such as Costa Maya, Cabo San Lucas and Cozumel the cruise capital of the world, which welcomes around four million passengers a year. From 1 January 2025, guests on sailings to Quintana Roo home to Costa Maya and Cozumel will also have to pay a $5 fee to contribute to the National Disaster Prevention Fund under a regional law. Generally, Mexico has charged non-resident tourist fees for holidaymakers staying over seven days approximately 26 in 2024 since 1999. The Mexican Association of Shipping Agents called on the Senate to kill the measure, writing in a statement: If this measure is implemented, it will make Mexican ports of call among the most expensive in the world, severely affecting their competitiveness with other Caribbean destinations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have said that they oppose the tax, with Royal Caribbeans Perfect Day Mexico project set for 2027 in Costa Maya under threat if Mexico enforces the tax. The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), which represents 23 cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises, said in a letter: Cruise lines are already actively considering significantly altering itineraries, which would reduce the more than 10 million passengers and 3,300 cruise ship arrivals expected to visit Mexico in 2025. This proposed tax could also jeopardise the cruise industrys investments in the country, including billions in planned developments and other projects, the FCCA added. The Senate will continue to debate the tax this week. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast At least 130 people were killed in deadly sectarian clashes in Pakistans northwestern Kurram district in spite of a tentative ceasefire, days after gunmen opened fire on a convoy of vehicles carrying Shiite Muslims, local officials said. Kurram, near the border with Afghanistan, has been a flashpoint for sectarian tensions for decades. They spilled over into a fresh wave of attacks last month when clashes between Sunnis and Shias left dozens dead. District administration official Wajid Hussain said 133 people had been killed in the attacks in the last week and a half. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, a convoy travelling from Parachinar to Peshawar was ambushed despite prior threats to Shiites in the region in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province an area with a history of sectarian violence between Sunni and Shiite communities. At least 20 others were also injured in the attack. "The district administration and other relevant authorities have initiated efforts to stop fighting between the two communities but there is no breakthrough yet," Mr Hussain said. A Pakistani government team mediated a seven-day ceasefire deal between the rival groups last Sunday. Armed Shiite and Sunni Muslims have engaged in tribal and sectarian rivalry for decades over land and other local disputes in Kurram. Provincial authorities put the death toll at 97, with 43 people killed in the initial attack when gunmen opened fire on mostly Shia drivers and the rest killed in retaliatory clashes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chief minister for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, visited the area on Saturday for a large gathering of tribal elders and leaders. "Anyone who takes up arms will be treated as a terrorist, and their fate will be that of a terrorist," said Mr Gandapur according to a statement from his office late on Saturday, adding that security forces would remain in the area. Residents and officials said the main highway connecting Kurrams main city of Parachinar to the provincial capital Peshawar was blocked, which had made the transfer of wounded people to hospitals difficult. "Our medical team is working around the clock to perform surgeries due to the challenges in referring patients to larger hospitals in Peshawar and elsewhere," said Dr Syed Mir Hassan, from Parachinars district hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that they were currently treating around 100 wounded patients and had received 50 bodies during the violence. KP government spokesperson Barrister Dr Saif provided details of the attack, stating that the gunmen first targeted police personnel before opening fire on the passenger convoy from both sides. The convoy consisted of around 200 vehicles, he said. He added that an investigation into the incident is currently underway. Kurrams deputy commissioner Javedullah Mehsud told AFP that two separate convoys of members of the Shia community were targeted by the terrorists in the Kurram district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both convoys consisted of around 40 vehicles travelling under police escort, he said. Shiite Muslims constitute about 15 per cent of Pakistans 240 million population, of which the majority are Sunni Muslims. The country has a longstanding history of sectarian tensions between the two communities. In July, clashes over a land dispute in Kurram escalated into sectarian violence, leaving nearly 50 people dead from both sides. Baqir Haideri, a local Shiite leader, criticised local authorities for failing to provide sufficient security for the convoy of over 100 vehicles, despite prior threats from militants targeting Shiites in Kurram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack, while prime minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to bring those responsible for the killing of innocent civilians to justice. Attacking innocent passengers is a cowardly and inhumane act, Mr Zardari said. Mr Sharif said: The enemies of the peace of the country attacked the convoy of innocent citizens, which is tantamount to brutality. All attempts of anti-national elements to destroy the peace of the beloved country will be thwarted. An injured person, on the right, receives treatment at a hospital in Parachinar, in the Kurram district of Pakistans northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, on Thursday, 21 November 2024 (AP) The evil elements involved in the incident will be identified and punished accordingly. Saboteurs cannot demoralise the brave Pakistani nation by such cowardly actions, he said. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan accused the government of failing to protect citizens in Kurram. We demand immediate and decisive steps from both governments to permanently break this cycle of violence, the commission said in a statement. Additional reporting by Reuters. PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) Visit Panama City Beach helped residents get into the holiday spirit this weekend. They hosted their 9th annual Beach Home for the Holidays celebration. The free 2-day event kicked off last night at Aaron Bessant Park. Friday night, event-goers enjoyed smores by campfires, pictures with Santa Claus, hot cocoa, and the Panama City Ballets rendition of the Nutcracker. Saturday, attendees listened to live music and watched the Christmas movie Elf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christmas Tree Lighting brings holiday magic to Historic St. Andrews Visit Panama City Beach officials said this is a great way to kick off the holiday season. Its a great activity for the whole family to enjoy. I personally love Santa meet-and-greet the most. The kids just light up when they get to see him and hang out with him for just a little bit, Visit Panama City Beach Communications & Social Media Manager Sydney Clifton said. Visit Panama City Beach will be hosting its annual New Years Eve Beach Ball Drop on December 31st. There will be live music, fireworks, a kids beach ball drop at 8 p.m., and the main beach ball drop at midnight. 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. The News Taiwans President Lai Ching-te landed in Hawaii Saturday for a two-day visit hours after Washington announced the sale of $385 million in weapons to Taipei. The deal, which includes fighter jet parts, drew sharp protests from Beijing, with the foreign ministry describing the deal as a provocative act and vowing resolute countermeasures, including potential military drills near the island. Speaking to CNN, Lais former spokesperson Kolas Yotaka said that while Beijings response was routine, Chinas oppression of Taiwan has intensified. Theyre not just targeting Taiwan theyre targeting democratic institutions worldwide. Attacking Taiwan is part of Chinas broader political agenda, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile in Hawaii, Lai was reportedly greeted with a red carpet and flowers at Honolulu airport, where he was met by the states Governor Josh Green, although the US State Department stressed that the stopover was private and unofficial. Lais tour through the Pacific is widely seen as a bid to strengthen its remaining diplomatic ties in the region amid concern of waning US support under the incoming administration, and President-elect Donald Trump has suggested that Taiwan should pay for its defense in the future. President-elect Trump on Sunday said he would appoint Massad Boulos, a billionaire from Lebanon whose son Michael is married to Tiffany Trump, to serve as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Massad is an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the International scene, Trump wrote in a message on Truth Social. He has been a longtime proponent of Republican and Conservative values, an asset to my Campaign, and was instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American Community, he continued. Massad is a dealmaker, and an unwavering supporter of PEACE in the Middle East. He will be a strong advocate for the United States, and its interests, and I am pleased to have him on our team! Tiffany Trump, the president-elects youngest daughter, married Michael Boulos in 2022, with President-elect Trump walking his daughter down the aisle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massad Boulos is just the latest family figure in Trumps orbit to land a post with the administration. On Saturday, Trump said he would nominate Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France. Jared Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, had roles in Trumps first term but are not expected to work in Trumps second administration. The elder Boulos was a critical figure for Trump in the swing state of Michigan, campaigning for the president-elect among Arab American voters. Trump ended up winning the state again. He is also a billionaire and the leader of the family business SCOA Nigeria, an automotive company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boulos will likely play a role in any effort Trump makes to get a peace deal in the Middle East, which has been riven with war since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Israels government has since led a bloody war on Gaza, which has threatened at times to break out into a wider regional war as Iran and Israel have lobbed missile attacks at each other. Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group based in Lebanon, did reach a ceasefire deal this 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 The Hill. Marta Castillo is angry about immigration. There are too many migrants in her town, she said, and they don't speak the language. Weve been invaded, she said, standing outside a restaurant where she works. I changed my opinion (about them), because I live in a place where we didnt see any of this. But now everywhere there are people who arent from here. Castillo is Mexican. She lives in Mexico. Like a growing number of her fellow citizens, she has become increasingly negative about the migrants who have poured into her community despite living in a country where millions of people have ties to someone who migrated to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, he is demanding Mexico do more to crack down on the tens of thousands of migrants in Mexico who are headed for the U.S. border. He may find support in an unlikely corner among Mexicans themselves. It wasn't long ago that most Mexicans could say they had family or a friend who had gone to "El Norte" to work or escape violence and insecurity. But the changing demographics of migration first the rise in the number of Central Americans, then Haitians, then Venezuelans, then people from all over the globe has hardened some Mexicans' views. Helena Nsangu Tchetchembe of Angola stands outside her makeshift home at an encampment for migrants in Mexico City at a public park. Seven in 10 Mexicans believe migrant flows into their country are "excessive," according to a survey by the nonprofit Oxfam Mexico published in 2023. More than half of respondents said they believe migration has a negative or no positive impact on the economy or culture, and 40% say migration in Mexico should be limited or prohibited. The budding anti-migrant sentiment has led to occasional flare-ups of protest or violence and prompted the United Nations refugee agency to conduct its own poll of public views on migration in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That survey, published in October, found nearly a third of respondents believed migrants should be allowed only to transit rapidly through Mexico to the U.S., while 13% believed their border should be closed and migrants deported. By contrast, in the United States, 55% of respondents in a Gallup poll in June said they want to see immigration decreased. In Mexico, "among the general public, the idea of diversity hasn't been normalized," said Emilio Gonzalez Gonzalez, a senior assistant for migrant protection at the United Nations refugee agency in Mexico City, known as ACNUR. "There are stereotypes and stigmas." Patience for migrants runs thin Migration to the U.S. has been a tradition in Mexico. U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended Mexican nationals more than half a million times in each of the past two years; they remain the single largest nationality encountered at the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But at home, Mexicans are increasingly facing immigration concerns similar to those seen in the United States. They're wrestling with questions like how to accommodate and provide for people arriving with few resources and who don't speak Spanish. In recent years, a tent city has flourished in a stone-floored plaza in the heart of Mexico City's historic center. In late September, migrants battled rain and filth from their camping tents and makeshift lean-tos. Many were waiting for appointments at the U.S. border or to chance an illegal crossing, evading Mexican authorities on routes north. Venezuelans waited in line for a free breakfast served inside a cavernous Catholic church. Haitians speaking Creole washed their children in the street. A French-speaking Angolan woman tended a chicken boiling over an open fire. The Mexican neighbors who live near the plaza have grown frustrated. Anger boiled over in February, when local media reported police responded to a physical altercation between locals and Haitians in which two people were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negative views in Mexico tend to be stoked by proximity, especially when large numbers of people take up in encampments, said Tony Payan, executive director of the Center for the U.S. and Mexico at Rice University. People generally support migration "if immigrants are in a shelter locked away and dont affect their day-to-day," he said. "As soon as they feel there is interference with their daily activities, then the underlying racism, prejudice and xenophobia become apparent." Migrants from Angola, Haiti, Venezuela, Honduras, Colombia and other countries live in an encampment at a public park in Mexico City. Ten blocks west of the tent city, tourists bustled through the city's Zocalo public square, marveling at the grand cathedral and the ruins of an Aztec temple. Castillo, the restaurant worker, stood on a corner hawking breakfast and the restaurant's fourth-story view. She lives in a suburb of the city, she said, where hundreds of migrants have arrived in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I understand and comprehend that in the country they came from theyre going through a difficult situation, but everyone should resolve their problems in their own country, she said. Raul Priviesca Zara expressed similar concerns. At a newsstand in a nearby shopping district, the 71-year-old Mexico City resident said he worries as many Americans do that migrants bring crime. There are many Venezuelans and Cubans who come here to steal, to make their mafia," he said as he looked over the day's headlines. "Were giving them asylum and refuge so they can steal from our people. I agree that we should help people, just not those who come to steal or do crime and the majority come for that." According to the United Nations refugee agency, migrants in Mexico commit crimes at lower rates than the general population, just as they do in the United States. In Mexico, migrants are more likely to be victims of crime, preyed upon by smugglers and corrupt authorities alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency's survey of Mexican perceptions showed 85% of respondents believe people migrate for economic reasons. Meanwhile, more than half of migrants themselves, responding to United Nations' surveys, say they are fleeing violence or insecurity, Gonzalez Gonzalez said. Among the Mexicans polled, "few understand that migrants arrive fleeing violence," he said, even though Mexican migrants also have fled to the U.S. to escape violence tied to organized crime. Mexico adopts U.S.-style immigration enforcement Alexandra Haas, now executive director of Oxfam Mexico, has followed the evolving patterns of migration for more than a decade. Beginning with the migrant caravans in 2018, Haas began to note a shift in public opinion a spate of angry protests in Tijuana in the north, outbreaks of violence in the southern city of Palenque. Still, there were contradictions. "I could see expressions of solidarity, people leaving clothes and food," she said. "But on the other hand, in some cities migrants faced some rejection. I thought we didnt really know what the Mexican public thought of migration." A Mexican woman from a group that calls itself "The Good Samaritans of La Patrona" passes food to Honduran immigrants on their way to the border with the United States in La Patrona near Cordoba November 3, 2010. REUTERS/Eliana Aponte Oxfam launched a survey in 2022 and a research project that included evaluating more than 48,000 social media posts that mentioned migrants or migration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the messages that emerged, Haas said, is that Mexicans "are not so much preoccupied with migration but with the lack of capacity by Mexican institutions to deal with problems" that can come with it. The other finding, according to the Oxfam report, was that Mexico's immigration policies "based on repression, containment and deportation have steered the public conversation toward racist, classist and xenophobic discourse." Mexico's laws provide ample protections for migrants. The country has its own refugee agency that processes asylum claims. But in practice under pressure from the United States Mexico is increasingly leaning on U.S.-style enforcement, including blocking migrants from traveling north and curbing access to asylum. Mexico has "accepted a de facto outsourcing of U.S. enforcement-driven migration policies," said Arturo Sarukhan, former Mexican ambassador to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico's Interior Ministry reported more than 925,000 migrant encounters in the first eight months of 2024, more than double the 440,000 encounters registered in 2022. Mexican immigration and Mexican National Guard man a check point on a federal highway coming from Ciudad Hidalgo to Tapachula in late February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The surging number of migrant encounters reflects, in part, Mexico's policy of apprehending migrants on routes north and transporting them back south multiple times. At the same time, the country's refugee agency, known as COMAR, is processing far fewer applications for lawful refugee status, less than half the rate of a year ago. Mexico stepped up its immigration enforcement earlier this year after the U.S. saw record-breaking crossings in December 2023, and the Biden-Harris administration asked for more enforcement. U.S. State Department officials told USA TODAY in September that Mexico agreed to harden its enforcement of migrant routes north, "not just out of the kindness of their hearts, but also recognizing this was an important challenge to them," the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity to speak freely about the bilateral discussions. Mexico has its own migrant roots The quiet shift in Mexico, from broad acceptance of migration to an increasingly negative view, echoes a similar shift in the United States, where more than 76 million people voted for Trump, who has promised a "mass deportation" of immigrants living in the U.S. without permission. Mexico could now face the prospect of millions of its own people being deported. At the high point of Mexican migration in 2007, nearly 7 million Mexicans roughly 7% of Mexico's population were living unlawfully in the United States, according Pew Research and Mexico's INEGI census agency. Today, according to Pew, roughly 4 million Mexicans live illegally in the U.S. Then, "almost everybody in Mexico had a friend or relative who had migrated (to the U.S.)," said Adam Isacson, director for defense oversight at the nonprofit Washington Office on Latin America. "They would view migrants as brothers, 'just like us.' Now when you hear somebody talking that way, its a throwback." Many Mexicans do remember their close connections to migration. Outside the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, a family father, mother and their toddler daughter strolled along the tree-shaded Reforma boulevard. They were killing time before their appointment to request a travel visa to the United States and were in town from Michoacan, a state in southern Mexico where migrating to work in the U.S. has been a tradition going back decades. "People simply go in search of better opportunities," said Ernesto Anguiano Ayala, who said he has family in California. "I don't know if it's good or bad. But people go there for a better life, for their babies." "Just like others have a right to look for a better future here in Mexico, maybe one day we'll want to look for a better life in another place, too," said Jessica Hernandez, holding their young daughter. "So there should be equality." Lauren Villagran can be reached at lvillagran@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: As Trump plans mass deportation, Mexican views on migration harden UN urges immediate ceasefire, dialogue amid latest conflict in Syria Xinhua) 08:35, December 02, 2024 People wait outside a hospital after armed groups fired shells at a dormitory complex in Aleppo city, northern Syria, on Nov. 29, 2024. (Str/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula on Sunday urged an immediate cessation of hostilities in northwestern Syria's Aleppo and dialogue among relevant parties. The recent escalation of violence in Aleppo starting from Wednesday has "resulted in the tragic loss of innocent civilian lives, including women and children, damage to civilian infrastructure, and the suspension of critical services," Abdelmoula said in a statement. It came "at a time when countless people, many of whom have already endured the trauma of displacement, are now forced to flee once more, leaving behind their homes and livelihoods," Abdelmoula added. "We urge all conflicting parties to immediately cease hostilities and prioritize the protection of civilians and aid workers," he said, adding, "The people of Syria must not endure more suffering, and we urge dialogue to be given an opportunity." Prior to the recent influx of more than half a million returnees and refugees from Lebanon, there were more than 16.7 million people in Syria in need of humanitarian assistance, he noted. Due to this latest violence, "even more lives now need to be urgently saved," he said. The UN official reaffirmed the commitment of the humanitarian community to delivering lifesaving assistance to the affected population. On Wednesday, a major rebel offensive rocked the western countryside of Aleppo, the first significant attack since 2016. The assault was carried out by a coalition of rebel groups, mainly the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an al-Qaida-linked extremist organization, with the aim of penetrating government-held territories. On Friday, the rebels swept into parts of Aleppo after they were driven out of the city in 2016. On Saturday, they advanced in Hama province in central Syria and took control of numerous towns and villages in the northern part of the province, after capturing key territories in Aleppo and Idlib. Faced with overwhelming numbers of militants and multiple attacks, the Syrian army announced a temporary redeployment of its forces. Syria's state media and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, reported Sunday that the government forces launched a counteroffensive in the northern countryside of Hama, reclaiming key areas from the rebel groups. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) After a three-year restoration, the arcades of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College in Beijing have been revitalized, once again showcasing the vibrant colors of the early 20th-century artwork adorning their eaves. The structure comprises two curved arcades connecting the buildings in the medical college, serving as a vital component of the architectural heritage of the institution. The colorful patterns exhibit a blend of simplicity and elegance, with smooth and gentle lines merging traditional Chinese decorative motifs with Western floral designs. "It embodies the essence of modern medicine, encompassing both scientific and humanistic elements. The arcades reflect the humanistic connotations and taste within the architecture of the school," Wang Chen, president of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, said at the restoration launch ceremony early this year. "The arcades not only showcase the form of Chinese architecture, but also symbolize the integration of disciplines and the collaboration within the medical school." The restoration project is supported by the National Cultural Heritage Administration and the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau with special funds allocated. Previously repurposed as office space with added ceilings, the school carried out a comprehensive restoration in 2021. During the removal of side walls from the gatehouses and the two arcades, remnants of the colorful paintings more than 100 years old were uncovered and identified. According to experts, the paintings were created in the early 20th century with intrinsic cultural and art value. Li Liusan, Party secretary of the China Academy of Cultural Heritage, who guided aspects of the restoration, says that the arcades exemplify the fusion of Eastern and Western art. He adds the restoration team utilized modern technology to preserve their historical authenticity and aesthetic integrity to the fullest extent. Gao Feng, head of the restoration team, who is also an expert in mural restoration of the China Academy of Cultural Heritage, says the conservation and restoration plan was complicated and included 53 steps. The steps included stabilization, repair, surface cleaning, and pigment reconversion. Emerging technologies, such as multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, were also applied in the project. One of the challenges that Gao's team faced was peeling. Conservators patiently steamed these areas to soften them and ensure the applied paint could attach itself to the surface. It was estimated that the restoration of every 0.11 square meters of such areas took about a week to complete. Gold leaf was originally used in the paintings, and restorers had to follow time-honored methods to apply it in order to preserve their historical authenticity, Gao says. Reflecting on the restoration project, Gao Le, the project leader at the medical college, recognizes both the difficulty of the task and the significance of the artworks to the school. "The initial unveiling of these artworks left a profound visual influence and emotional resonance among our team members. There is no doubt that we must prevent further deterioration of these precious artifacts," Gao Le says. Seeing the restored arcades, Qiu Guixing, a 1968 alumnus of the medical college, recalls his first impression of the school. "I entered Peking Union Medical College in 1960. I still have my admission letter it's a beautiful piece. The aesthetics of that time were remarkable, as reflected in these artworks. The college the birthplace of modern medicine and life sciences in China is renowned for its unique blend of Eastern and Western architectural artistry," says the 82-year-old orthopedics specialist. "The paintings are artistic treasures," he adds. Founded in 1917, Peking Union Medical College is the birthplace of the country's eight-year medical degree course, higher nursing education and public health education. It has nurtured a large number of distinguished medical experts over the past century, including Lin Qiaozhi (1901-83), who revolutionized modern Chinese gynecology and oncology, Huang Jiasi (1906-84), who pioneered thoracic surgery in the country, and urologist Wu Jieping (1917-2011). A surprise offensive by rebel forces opposing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime has led to a new round of fighting in the Middle Eastern country's long-running but until recently largely static civil war. After a lightning advance in just a few days, rebels captured almost all of Aleppo, which is Syria's second-largest city. However, Assad in a speech Saturday vowed to defend the country's "stability and territorial integrity." Syria's civil war grew out of Assad's brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011. More than a decade later, about half a million people have been killed, according to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based monitoring group. Millions of Syrians have fled overseas. Key infrastructure lay in ruins. A web of Syria's neighbors and countries around the world have backed either Assad's government or various rebel opposition groups to varying degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syria's war: How barbarity, confusion and indifference helped Bashar al-Assad prosper Here's what to know about the complex war. Why has Syria's civil war re-erupted now? A cease-fire brokered by Turkey, which supports the opposition, and Russia, which backs Assad, has been in place since 2020. But the fresh rebel offensive started last week as anti-Assad fighters sought to take more government-controlled territory. Rebels claimed this was in response to an uptick in attacks from Assad's forces. However, analysts say the eruption of new fighting is likely a direct consequence of what's been taking place outside Syria's borders. That includes Iran-backed Hezbollah an ally of Assad and its major hostilities with Israel in Lebanon. Russia's war in Ukraine has also influenced the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hezbollah has been weakened by its recent conflict with Israel. Russia remains entangled in the war in Ukraine and faces economic strain. Iran is stretched thin, with its ground lines of communication and regional allies under direct attack," said Mohammed Albasha, founder of Basha Report, a Virginia-based consultancy specializing in Middle East affairs. "Against this backdrop, Turkey and its allies are seizing the moment." Who's fighting who? And why? A Sunni Islamist militant and political group named Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, and its allies have been leading the latest rebel offensive. HTS has historic, though now splintered, connections to both al-Qaida and the Islamic State terror groups. HTS wants to topple Assad, expel Iran from the area and pursue its own extremist ideology. Assad's chief military supporters have been Russia and Iran. Russia entered the conflict in 2015 to shore up Assad's struggling regime. Russia's leader Vladimir Putin wanted to assert his country's power on the world stage and act as a counterweight to the U.S., which at the time was arming and providing air cover for a motley crew of anti-Assad rebel groups, including Kurds in Iraq and Syria, who were simultaneously waging war against the Islamic State. Syria conflict explained: How did we end up here? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran has long backed the Assad regime, funneling money and fighters to it through Hezbollah. It does this to pursue its national security aims, which include using Syria to pressure its neighbor Israel, Iran's arch-enemy. Turkey, Syria's northern neighbor, has thrown its weight behind anti-Assad opposition groups because it wants to contain Kurdish secessionist movements in the region, including in Turkey, where separatists have for decades waged what the government describes as terror attacks. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also faces growing domestic political pressure to deport Syrian refugees who have fled to Turkey in droves since the war's start. What does the fighting mean, and what happens now? Assad's regime is entrenched. His government as of last week controlled approximately 70% of Syrian territory, according to the United States Institute of Peace, a think tank. The surge in fighting from a mostly dormant cease-fire raises the possibility of yet another violent and volatile front in the Middle East after a fragile cease-fire in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel and the ongoing fight in Gaza between Iran-backed Hamas and Israel. Whether Assad's government can survive, and prosper, may ultimately depend on how much intervention there is from Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, all three of which have enabled him to stay in power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syrian rebels sweep into Aleppo: army says dozens of soldiers killed Ayman Abdel Nour, a former friend of Syria's leader from their college days studying medicine in Damascus and the editor-in-chief of All4Syria, a leading independent news outlet, said that in recent weeks Assad has resisted efforts by Russia to get him to meet with Turkey's Erdogan ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's second term. This meeting, Nour said, would be aimed at finding a longer-term solution to Syria's 13-year-old simmering civil war in particular its underpinning by non-state actors such as Hezbollah at a time when Trump has signaled he wants to withdraw the remaining 900 U.S. troop in Syria who counter Iran's influence. "The rapid gains by rebel forces, combined with the maneuvering of external powers with conflicting interests, leave Syria's future precariously uncertain," said Albasha. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What's happening in Syria? What to know about its complex civil war Dec 03 (NHK) - An annual opinion poll shows that more than 87 percent of Chinese have negative views of Japan, up sharply from last year and the second-highest rate recorded. The Genron NPO in Japan and China International Communications Group carried out the 20th joint survey in October and November. A total of 2,500 people responded. As for the impressions of people in Japan toward China, 89 percent of the respondents said "not good" or "rather not good," down 3 points from last year. In China, those with negative impressions on Japan stood at 87.7 percent, a rise of 24 points. That is the second-highest figure since 2013. In the previous year, Japan's government acquired ownership of some of the Senkaku Islands from a Japanese owner. Japan controls the islands. The Japanese government maintains they are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them. Regarding the bilateral relationship, 76 percent of people in China agreed it was "bad" or "rather bad," up 34 points. As for factors of hindering the development of bilateral ties, 50.6 percent in Japan cited differences over territories, while 35.5 percent in China referred to the release of treated and diluted water from the troubled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan. Regarding the significance of the relationship, 59.6 percent of the respondents in China saw it as "not important" or "rather not important," up 40 points compared to last year and marking the highest rate since the survey began. In Japan, such negative views accounted for 5 percent of respondents. The Genron NPO notes a slow pace of movement for exchanges and dialogue between the two countries, including their governments. The group says that amid the current circumstances, inward-looking discussions have heated up on the Internet and may have an impact on the views of the Chinese people. OSAKA, Dec 03 (News On Japan) - Authorities in Osaka's Nishinari Ward carried out a contentious forced eviction at the Airin General Center, a facility once central to the citys day-laborer community, sparking protests from residents and supporters who condemned the move as a violation of human rights and dignity, while officials cited safety concerns and legal rulings as justification for the operation. The facility had been closed for five years due to seismic safety concerns. Residents who had been living within the premises were ordered to vacate, while belongings surrounding the area were removed. The Airin General Center, established in 1970, played a crucial role in aiding Osakas day-laborer community, offering job placements to as many as 30,000 workers at its peak. Over time, some individuals began living on-site, leading to clashes with authorities and sporadic riots. Earlier this year, a court ruling finalized in May declared the occupation illegal and mandated the eviction. Protests erupted as the operation unfolded, with residents and supporters voicing anger at the authorities. Shouts of Police, go away! and Call an ambulance! punctuated the tense atmosphere. Supporters criticized the eviction as a violation of human dignity and demanded the removal of barricades erected by the authorities. The following day, tall fences were installed around the facility, barring access to the site. Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura defended the move, stating that welfare facilities are available to those in need and reaffirming a commitment to bottom-up urban development in Nishinari. The site will soon be demolished, according to Osaka Prefecture and City officials. Plans are underway to transform the area into a multi-functional facility, including spaces for worker support and community engagement. Source: YOMIURI Gov. Uba Sani By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo Security Allocated N11.2bn Kaduna Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has presented a proposed budget of N790 billion for the year 2025, prioritizing critical sectors such as infrastructure, human capital development, security, and agriculture. While presenting the draft budget at the Kaduna State House of Assembly on Monday, the Governor emphasized a conservative yet strategic approach to resource allocation, given the prevailing financial challenges. The 2025 budget allocates N553 billion for Capital Expenditure and N237 billion for Recurrent Expenditure. Governor Sani stated, The capital allocation reflects our continued focus on infrastructure, particularly in rural roads, healthcare, education, and housing projects. We are focused on projects that will have a lasting economic impact on our citizens. Of the total budget, N206.6 billion (26.14%) is allocated to education, aimed at funding new schools, rehabilitating existing ones, recruiting and training teachers, and providing learning materials. The Health sector receives N127 billion (16.07%) to upgrade healthcare facilities, procure medical equipment, and expand mobile healthcare services, ensuring access to quality healthcare across communities. N106 billion (13.14%) is earmarked for infrastructure development, including the completion of ongoing road projects, rural electrification, water supply, and other critical public works. Agriculture receives N74 billion (9.36%), with plans to invest in agricultural innovation, support smallholder farmers, promote agro-processing, and expand irrigation projects. The security sector is allocated N11.2 billion to enhance the capacity of state security agencies, procure equipment, and support community policing efforts. Social Welfare is allocated N9.8 billion (1.24%) to expand social safety nets, including support for the elderly, women, and children, as well as other interventions targeting the vulnerable. Governor Sani described the 2025 budget as a bold commitment to the future of Kaduna State, aiming to drive inclusive development, create jobs, improve infrastructure, and invest in the states people. He emphasized that the budget was shaped through extensive consultations with the public to reflect their aspirations and concerns. The Governor thanked the legislators and stakeholders for their support, urging the House of Assembly to provide the necessary backing for the budgets implementation. The 2025 fiscal year will be a year of transformation, and with your cooperation, we will continue to make Kaduna State a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, he added. Governor Sani also highlighted achievements in 2024, including the recruitment and training of 7,000 personnel for the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS) to enhance security, as well as the distribution of 150 security vehicles and 500 patrol motorcycles. His administration also established a forensic laboratory and training center. The Governor reported significant progress in conflict-impacted areas such as Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Giwa, Igabi, Kachia, Kajuru, and Kagarko LGAs, with peace returning to Birnin Gwari and the reopening of the Kara Livestock Market. In the housing sector, the state has partnered with local and international investors to address the housing deficit. The development of 300 housing units at Millennium City, Kaduna, and the near-completion of mass housing for the less privileged at Kaduna Economic City are notable achievements. Governor Sani also disclosed that his government has attracted over $503 million in investments, including the construction of a Soya Bean Oil Refining Plant by Sunagrow International Oil Ltd, the Kaduna Agri-Market System Initiative by StarAgric West Africa Ltd, and the Ming Xing Lithium Processing Plant. Additionally, the government is finalizing the Special Agricultural Processing Zone (SAPZ) in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB). The Governor emphasized that his administration has supported over 8,600 micro and nano businesses through grants, as well as empowered 4,912 underserved women in the A Kori Talauchi program. He also highlighted the distribution of palliatives, including rice, maize, and N4.2 billion in cash, to support the less privileged, as well as relief materials for over 40,000 internally displaced persons. Through these efforts, Governor Sani reaffirmed his commitment to building a safer, more prosperous, and equitable Kaduna State. By Ikenna Ngere Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate reinstatement of staff members at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were dismissed in March 2023 by the defunct Special Intervention Team (S.I.T.) under the previous administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki. This decision was made public on December 2, 2024, through a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor. The statement explained that the affected staff members, who were part of the Academic Staff Union of the University, had been terminated following protests over unpaid salaries and other outstanding entitlements under the Obaseki-led administration. Governor Okpebholos government has expressed its commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law, emphasizing that any form of injustice will be rectified. The statement read: It is to be announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the immediate reinstatement of staff of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma who were unlawfully disengaged from the service of the Institution by the defunct Special Intervention Team (S.I.T.) in March, 2023 under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki. It would be recalled that the staff, who were members of the Academic Staff Union of the University, were unjustly relieved of their appointment following the agitation by staff of the Institution for the payment of their outstanding salaries and other entitlements owed to them by the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki. The Government of Senator Monday Okpebholo believes in the principle of natural justice, equity and good conscience, and will therefore not fail to correct any seeming injustice meted out on citizens of Edo State. This reinstatement, therefore, is to demonstrate His Excellencys avowed commitment and adherence to the rule of law in governance at all times. By Bode Gbadebo Education Trust Fund (TETFund), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will all cease to exist if the four Tax Reform Bills currently being considered by the National Assembly were passed into laws. This was disclosed by Borno State governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, while speaking on Channels TVs programme, Sunday Politics, which was monitored by our Correspondent on Sunday night. LEADERSHIP reports that the contentious Bills are the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 -SB.583; The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) BILL, 2024- SB.584; The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024-SB.585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 SB.586. Zulum, who said neither himself nor any Northern governor was against President Bola Tinubu over the Executive Bills, however, noted that they were only craving for dialogue and adequate consultation about the proposed legislations in order not to be short-changed. This is a democratic setting, we need more time. People have told the President that governors are against him, we didnt say anything like that. We know the powers of the President, I am a system man, I respect him, if the President want to use his powers to pass the Bills, he may have his way but it has consequences for the people, Zulum stated. The governor expressed reservations about some of the provisions of the Bills, which include the status and nomenclature of the current Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) upon passage of the Bills into law, to assume the power of being the only tax collection agency in Nigeria, questioning whether the agency has the structures in place to execute such mandate. Another provision of the Tax Bill is that by 2029 TETFund will be scrapped because companies will cease to support TETFund according to the law NASENI will be scrapped in 2029 NITDA will be scrapped These are some of our concerns, the Borno State governor explained. Zulum also explained that if the Bills scaled through and become laws, 34 States of the Federation would be shortchanged as only Lagos and Rivers States would be the main beneficiaries. Let them give us facts and figures, let them convince us, Zulum stated, warning that there would be consequences for Nigerians if President Tinubu go ahead to get the Bills passed into law at all cost. It will be recalled that President Tinubu had in October forwarded the four executive Bills to the National Assembly for passage into laws. On November 28, the Tax Reform Bills passed the second reading stage in the Senate, while the House of Representatives has fixed Tuesday for debate on the proposed legislations. Police officers of Khunjerab border inspection station check a vehicle at the Khunjerab Pass in Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The Khunjerab Pass, a land port on the China-Pakistan border in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, will operate year-round starting Sunday, according to local sources. Located approximately 5,000 meters above sea level, the Khunjerab Pass is a major trade station between China and Pakistan, and an important gateway to South Asia and Europe. Due to high altitude and harsh weather conditions, the Khunjerab Pass was previously open only from April to November, closing from December to March. Extending its operational period is expected to further enhance economic and trade cooperation, as well as people-to-people exchanges, between China and Pakistan. Since the resumption of passenger customs clearance on April 1 this year, the Khunjerab Pass has recorded over 50,000 inbound and outbound passengers so far. By the end of October, the number of inbound and outbound vehicles at the Khunjerab Pass exceeded 11,000, and the import and export cargo volume reached 40,900 tonnes, up 42.6 percent and 72.7 percent year on year respectively, according to the Khunjerab Customs. By Ruth Nwokwu The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God), Pastor Enoch Adeboye has lamented the arrest of one of his clerics abroad for addressing congregants as ladies and gentlemen. Adeboye who gave the condemnation this during the churchs monthly thanksgiving service at the RCCGs Throne of Grace in Lagos on Sunday, explained that the phrase was considered discriminatory as it failed to recognise all genders identified in that culture. In a sermon titled My Fathers House which was broadcast to all RCCG parishes, Adeboye said, The end is nearer than you think. Things are getting worse, and this is a wake-up call. One of my pastors abroad was arrested for simply addressing a gathering as ladies and gentlemen. Some people reported him for discrimination, asking, What about those who are neither ladies nor gentlemen? he added. Adeboye also narrated how a woman referred to her dog as her husband. He explained how the woman, when asked about her spouse, replied, I took him to the vet before coming. He doesnt talk, indicating that her husband was a dog. Adeboye expressed concern about the erosion of moral values worldwide, viewing these incidents as signs of the end times. Those of you already in Christ, take this matter seriously. Do not let anyone weaken your stand. God is holy. Those still playing churchsinging, clapping, and enjoying things without genuine commitment, remember, Jesus is coming back. The devil wants to harvest you, but you must not give him the opportunity. I want to see you in my Fathers House, he noted. By Ochogwu Sunday As the president Bola Tinubus Tax Reform Bills continue to attract heated debates across the nation, some socio-cultural organizations in the country have also stated their positions on the matter. DAILY POST reports that the controversy surrounding the tax bills followed a stiff opposition from stakeholders in the Northern part of the country. The journey to the now controversial bills began in July 2024 when President Tinubu inaugurated the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, PFPTRC. The committee subsequently informed Nigerians of the move to replace the National Tax Policy with a more comprehensive National Fiscal Policy on Fair Taxation, Responsible Borrowing and Sustainable Spending. This birthed the four bills, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. They are currently before both chambers of the National Assembly for passage. DAILY POST reports that the contention over the bills, among other things, is the sharing of the Value Added Tax as proposed by the bills. The principle of sharing 60 per cent of VAT revenue through the derivation principle has continued to spark debates, with the northern elites leading the opposition. According to some of the northern stakeholders, the VAT arrangement would favour Lagos and a few other Southern states because they host many company headquarters. DAILY POST reports that the controversy started on October 29 when the Northern Governors and traditional rulers from the region rejected the Tax Reform Bills. Following their stance, the National Economic Council, NEC, on November 1, during its 145th meeting in Abuja, advised the president to withdraw the bills. President Tinubu, however, insisted that the bills should be allowed to go through legislative processes. Despite the opposition, the Tax Reform Bills on Thursday last week passed second reading at the upper legislative chamber. Airing their own views, some socio-cultural organizations in the country, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Arewa Youths Forum, AYF, stated their positions in separate interviews with DAILY POST on Sunday. Our correspondent reported that while Afenifere and Ohanaeze apparently backed the bills, the Arewa youths expressed mixed feelings. FG has been unfair to North in terms of distribution of resources AYF raises concerns The President General of the AYF, Yerima Shettima told DAILY POST on Sunday that prior to the introduction of the bills, the Federal Government has not been fair to the North in regards to the distribution of national resources. He noted that while a monolithic stance on the controversial tax bills is unlikely, our concerns generally revolve around equity, fairness, and the potential for disproportionate burden on the Northern region. Our primary concern stems from the perception of inequitable distribution of resources and infrastructure development across the country. We believe that despite contributing significantly to the national GDP through agriculture and other sectors, the North historically receives less in return in terms of public services, infrastructure investment, and developmental projects. Consequently, the introduction of new taxes, without addressing this existing imbalance, is viewed with skepticism. They believe that increased taxation without corresponding improvements in infrastructure roads, schools, hospitals would unfairly burden a population already struggling with poverty, unemployment, and limited access to essential services. Another key concern is the potential impact of the tax reform on informal sectors which heavily dominate the Northern economy. A large portion of the Arewa youth population is employed in the informal sector agriculture, small-scale businesses, and artisanal trades which often operates outside the formal tax net. The implementation of the tax reform bill, particularly if it extends tax obligations to the informal sector, could pose a significant challenge. We fear that increased tax burdens could cripple these businesses, leading to job losses and further economic hardship. According to Shettima, the lack of adequate education and awareness about tax regulations in the country also exacerbates their concerns on the proposed bills. According to him, many young people in the informal sector lack the knowledge and resources to understand and comply with new tax laws, potentially leading to fines and penalties, further marginalizing them economically. Furthermore, our position is also influenced by the perceptions of governmental transparency and accountability. Mistrust in government institutions and concerns about the proper utilization of tax revenue are prevalent. We question whether the increased tax revenue generated will be effectively utilized for the benefit of all Nigerians, or if it will be mismanaged or disproportionately benefit certain regions. Concerns about corruption and lack of accountability in government spending further fuel this skepticism and contribute to our reluctance to embrace tax reform without robust guarantees of transparency and equitable distribution of resources. The lack of visible development projects and infrastructure in the North, despite past tax contributions, strengthens our belief that increased taxation without guarantees of responsible governance is unproductive. The absence of robust engagement and consultation with the Arewa youth by the Northern Senators during the formulation of the tax reform bill is a point of considerable frustration. We feel our concerns and perspectives have been largely ignored in the decision-making process. This lack of inclusivity fuels our distrust and reinforces our opposition to the bill in its current form. We call for a more participatory approach that involves meaningful dialogue and addresses our specific concerns before implementation. Industrious Igbos will benefit from tax reform bills Ohanaeze backs President Tinubu Factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro told DAILY POST that after thorough consultations and evaluations, the organization realized that the Tax Reform Bills would have more benefits to the people. According to him, the tax reform bills are not merely legislative proposals, stating that they represent a transformative opportunity for the rejuvenation of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the enhancement of the fortunes of Nigerian workers. He believes that by eliminating the scourge of double taxation imposed by unscrupulous state governors, these reforms will pave the way for an equitable business climate that significantly elevates both local and foreign investment potential. The Igbo people, renowned for our entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to economic self-determination, stand to gain immensely from these reforms. The proposed measures are expected to safeguard the private sector, particularly benefiting the industrious Igbos who play a pivotal role in driving the Nigerian economy through vibrant SME activities. In an environment characterized by fairness and transparent regulations, we are confident that the majority of the benefits arising from these tax reforms will bolster our endeavors, facilitating growth and fostering robust business opportunities. In light of these compelling advantages, Ohanaeze Ndigbo ardently calls upon all Southern Federal lawmakers, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives, to unify their efforts in support of President Tinubus transformative restructuring program within Nigerias economic and fiscal sectors. It is imperative that our Southern legislators close ranks, transcending partisan divides, to ensure that the Tax Reforms Bills navigate both chambers of the National Assembly successfully. We wish to reiterate our unwavering commitment to show solidarity with President Tinubu, as we expect that the Southeast Federal lawmakers will provide essential backing to these initiatives. This collective support is particularly noteworthy as it underscores our strategic alignment with the President following our decision to abstain from nationwide protests in August 2024, a decision made in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation. Isiguzoro, however, expressed concerns over the substantial opposition that has emerged from certain factions within Northern Nigeria regarding these critical reforms. He alleged that Northern governors are mobilizing their forces to stifle the progression of the Tax Reforms Bills within the National Assembly, relying on their numerical predominance to assert undue influence. This orchestrated opposition appears driven by a desire to perpetuate the current VAT derivation principles that unjustly favour select interests at the expense of equitable national growth. The implications of such maneuvers are profound. If the Northern political elites succeed in thwarting President Tinubus initiatives, it could set a dangerous precedent, fostering a climate of resistance against meaningful reform. This scenario poses a tangible threat not only to the Presidents agenda but also to the broader economic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who yearn for a reformed and equitable system, he said. Ohanaeze urged all stakeholders, including lawmakers, business actors, and citizens, to unite in support of these pivotal Tax Reforms Bills, insisting that the promise of a prosperous and just Nigeria is within our reach, but it demands our collective resolve to advocate for transparency, equity, and sustainable economic growth. Every state has opportunity of deriving maximum benefits Afenifere counters northern leaders On his part, Afeniferes National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi said the organization was of the opinion that using or including derivation as a factor of distribution would not deprive the Northern States or any other state what is due to them. Speaking on the concerns raised over the derivation method, Ajayi said since people consume items and patronize services in every state, there is no reason any state will not benefit from the proceeds of VAT collected in their domains. Ajayi stated that the position of Northern stakeholders further underscores the imperativeness of restructuring the country urgently so that each constituent part, zone or region etc, would be in a position to exploit and largely control the resources within its enclave. He added that such an arrangement would not only encourage a healthy competition, it would motivate states and individuals. He further asserted that rather than trying to look at the assumed areas that the VAT Amendment Bill would be a disadvantage, stakeholders should look at the many positive aspects of the proposed Act and suggestions made on areas needing improvement. From experience, where the derivation formula has been applied such as the Niger Delta etc., benefiting states have been the gainers for it. Since every state has a population that can engage in activities capable of enhancing VAT, it means that every state has the opportunity of deriving maximum benefits from the new arrangement being proposed, Ajayi added. By Daniel Chibuike Pensioners in Abia State under the aegis of Concerned Abia Pensioners have accused the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Abia State chapter of locking them out of a hall donated by a group to all pensioners in the state, to serve as their resting place. The ill-treatment, according to the Concerned Abia Pensioners has resulted in them holding their meeting in the open, under the sun, to date. The retirees who bemoaned their fate on Monday while speaking to the press, said the the NUP leadership accused them of working against the past PDP administration and supporting Governor Alex Otti. The Secretary of the Concerned Pensioners, Stanley Ibekwe who read the address, narrated their ordeal in response to the October 2024 press briefing by the leadership of NUP. Ibekwe who was flanked by Chairman, John Kalu, Coordinator, Emeka Okezie and other members, noted that the NUP executives did not carry the generality of pensioners in any agreement they had with the Abia State government. This action has kept us outside under the sun for our meetings up till now. This is verifiable Ibekwe said. They appealed to Governor Alex Otti to take a second look at the issue of arrears of gratuity of Abia retirees and rescind his decision as agreed by the leadership of the Abia State chapter of the NUP, even as they said that the arrears were inherited from previous administrations. Ibekwe said his members were apologizing to Governor Alex Otti for any misrepresentations against his person and his government by the leadership of the NUP, stressing that gratuity is important in the life of every pubic servant. DAILY POST recalls that the executives of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP in Abia State, had in a press conference held in Umuahia in October, accused Governor Alex Ottis administration of trying to coarse them into a Memorandum of Agreement to forfeit their gratuities and pensions arreers. The Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reiterated, on Sunday, its constant positions and resolutions in support of Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara and in ensuring the security and stability of Morocco, and preserving its territorial integrity. In the final communique issued following its 45th summit held Sunday in Kuwait, the Council praised UN Security Council Resolution 2756 issued on October 31, 2024, regarding the Moroccan Sahara, and insisted on respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Supreme Council also emphasized the importance of the special strategic partnership between the GCC and the Kingdom of Morocco and the implementation of the joint action plan. The 45th GCC Summit discussed a wide range of cooperation challenges between GCC countries, including political and economic challenges, as well as means to strengthen joint action, in addition to regional developments. The GCC musters Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Two of these members, namely the UAE and Bahrain, have opened consulates in the Moroccan Saharan city of Laayoune in 2020, in a clear affirmation of their support to the Kingdoms territorial integrity and their defense of Moroccos legitimate rights and just cause. Botswana will soon join Antwerp in Belgium to become the second certification center globally to verify the origin of rough diamond for exports to Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized countries, the nations presidency said Thursday (28 November). Following a ban on Russian diamonds issued by the G7 in January this year, Antwerp was selected two months later as the sole location able to certify the origin of rough diamonds and issue G7 certificates. Now this move constitutes a critical addition to the Group of Sevens efforts to keep Russia-mined diamonds from entering any of the G7 nations. As the worlds largest diamond producer by value and also the sorting center for all De Beers Groups goods, the southern African countrys certification and verification hub will be up and running as soon as possible in 2025. The G7s move comes also in response to complaints by African diamond producers that making Belgium the sole verification center led to disruptions in the global diamond supply chain. Botswanas presidency said in a statement that the permission to set up a verification center was granted following intensive discussions with the G7 Diamond Technical Team. The countrys minister of minerals Bogolo Kenewendo said that it was a logical move to grant Botswana, the worlds second-largest producer of diamonds, the right to certify rough stones. She, however, added that said not only Botswana, but also other diamond-producing countries, such as Angola and Namibia, have a track record in verification and certification under the so-called Kimberley Process and therefore the latter should also be recognized verifiers. Only weeks before stepping down from the political stage, US president Joe Biden will visit Angola from 2-4 December in what will be his first trip to the African continent during his presidency. Its not by chance that Angola was chosen to be among the US leaders final international engagements before leaving office this landmark visit makes good on president Bidens commitment to visiting Africa and deepening US-Africa relations, a promise that has been seen as falling short of being fully implemented by many who believe he has prioritized other global events at the expense of Africa, the Washington-based CSIS said in a new webcast. The US president will face a packed agenda during his visit in the central African country, with military, political and economic agreements set to be signed, signaling strengthened ties between both countries. This trip is the result of years of diplomatic efforts from Angolas president, Angolan political analyst Claudio Silva says. But Bidens upcoming visit is also driven by broader geopolitical and economic considerations. Angola hosts a number of significant current and future projects with US involvement, which include the development of an oil refinery in Soyo in the countrys north. According to a top White House official, Bidens short visit will center around the Lobito Corridor, a 1,300-kilometer rail line that brings resources from the continents rich interior to Angolas busiest port. And this is really signaling how under President Bidens administration, weve gone from an aid-driven model on engagement with Africa to an investment-driven model, Frances Brown, senior director for African affairs at the National Security Council, said in reference to a new US policy which many see as being a reaction to Chinas famed Belt and Road infrastructure program. The latest East African Community (EAC) summit at the weekend focused, among other issues, on the resolution of two conflicts that are threatening the stability of the region the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia and the unabated violence by rebel groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kenyas President William Ruto has said he and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni agreed help to mediate the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, after several attempts to resolve the feud by Turkey have failed to make a breakthrough. Because the security of Somalia contributes significantly to the stability of our region, and the environment for investors and business people and entrepreneurs to thrive, Ruto told a press conference at the EAC summit at Arusha, Tanzania. Landlocked Ethiopia has fallen out with Somalias government over its plans to build a port in the breakaway region of Somaliland, in exchange for possible recognition of its sovereignty. Meanwhile, East African leaders made another push for peace in eastern DRC but its prospects remained bleak since the EAC summit was not attended by the Congolese president while his Rwandan counterpart left the meeting earlier. A communique read at the end of the closed-door meeting of the summit only stated the need to combine regional and broader peace initiatives for sustainable peace in eastern DRC. The United States and Angola managed to broker a truce in July. The truce has reduced the fighting between Rwandan and Congolese forces, but fighting between M23 and other militias is still raging on. China on Sunday implemented a new policy allowing Shenzhen residents to obtain multiple-entry permits to neighboring Hong Kong, a move widely anticipated to enhance mobility within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. An intelligent service station near the Shenzhen Bay Port has seen a steady stream of visitors since morning. One visitor, surnamed Zhang, and his wife were among the first to benefit from the new policy. Zhang said that he decided to apply for the permit upon hearing the news. "We go shopping in Hong Kong almost every month. In the past, we could only go once a week. Now it will be more convenient." Under the new arrangement unveiled on Friday, these permits allow residents of Shenzhen to visit Hong Kong as many times as they want within a year, with each stay capped at seven days. Notably, those holding residence permits in Shenzhen are eligible for the permits, in addition to permanent residents. China on Friday also announced a policy that enables residents of Zhuhai in Guangdong to visit neighboring Macao once per calendar week starting Jan. 1, 2025, with a maximum stay of seven days per trip. Hong Kong and Macao are two special administrative regions of the country. Industry insiders believe that the new measures will bring more vitality to the economic growth of the regions. Chen Ruidong, general manager of China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited, lauded the policies launched ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays, noting that it will undoubtedly spark strong interest among mainland residents, particularly those in Shenzhen, to visit Hong Kong. "It will directly benefit Hong Kong's tourism, catering, retail, hotel and transport sectors. Coupled with the development and upgrade of the transportation network, it will advance the construction of a 'one-hour living circle' in the region," he said. The Greater Bay Area, encompassing Hong Kong, Macao and nine cities in Guangdong, is home to around 86 million people. It serves as a hub for innovation, manufacturing, finance and trade, maintaining dynamic connections to global markets. Last year, the region's total economic output matched that of Canada. Yu Jingang, a land port official in Shenzhen, said authorities have worked with the tourism sector to increase the frequency of bus services in preparation for a potential surge in passenger flows following the implementation of the policies. Senegal on Sunday (1 December) commemorated the 80th anniversary of a colonial-era massacre of African soldiers who were gunned down by French troops even though they had fought for France during World War II. The Senegalese soldiers were massacred by the French at Thiaroye in 1944 simply for demanding fair treatment and payment on their return from the European battlefield. Senegalese president Bassirou Diomaye Faye who laid a flower wreath at the Thiaroye cemetery during a ceremony on Sunday was joined by several African leaders and also Frances foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Although the former colonial master acknowledged last week it had committed a massacre 80 years ago, the commemoration at the scene of the killings at the former Thiaroye military camp prompted renewed calls for an investigation into the slaughter. Defenseless African heroes, armed with courage, dignity and African solidarity were killed in cold blood. It was a massacre, said Faye. The West African country has long demanded its former colonial master take responsibility, officially apologize and properly investigate the Thiaroye massacre. The French military has admitted that 35 to 75 soldiers were killed, a claim disputed by historians who put the number to nearly 400 troops killed. The 202 graves at Thiaroye cemetery are anonymous and it is not known how many are victims of the 1944 killings. There has been international pressure to exhume the mass graves to verify the official death toll. Paris has long been accused of falsifying or concealing records, and accounts of the number of casualties have remained unclear. The commemoration comes as France is faced with growing opposition to its military presence in several west African countries. The Colombian Government has formally apologized for the involvement of Colombian nationals serving as mercenaries within the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan, a situation that has caused widespread concern. On December 1, during a meeting with Sudans Ambassador to Egypt, General Emad-Eddin Mustafa Adawi, Colombian Ambassador to Cairo, Ms. Anne Melania de Gaviria, expressed her countrys deep shock and dismay upon learning of the participation of its citizens in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Ambassador de Gaviria described their actions as irresponsible, and stressed that the Colombian Government does not condone such conduct and has no affiliation with the forces engaged in the war. She reiterated Colombias commitment to respecting Sudans sovereignty and reaffirmed the countrys policy of non-interference in Sudans internal affairs, underscoring Colombias desire to maintain positive diplomatic relations with Sudan. In response, Ambassador Adawi acknowledged the Colombian governments apology and expressed appreciation for the statement. He emphasized that the participation of foreign nationals, including Colombians, in the Sudanese conflict highlights the broader issue of foreign interference in Sudans internal affairs. The Sudanese diplomat noted that this troubling incident is not only a violation of Sudans sovereignty but also a challenge to international efforts to bring peace to the region. He stated that both the Sudanese and Colombian governments must work together to prevent any further involvement of Colombian citizens as mercenaries with the RSF or any other armed groups engaged in the conflict. He revealed further that the Sudanese government would be preparing and providing a detailed file to the Colombian authorities. This report would outline the extent of Colombian mercenaries participation in the Sudanese conflict, specifically in the aggressive actions carried out by the RSF against Sudanese state institutions. The Sudanese government intends to use this report as a means of ensuring accountability for those involved in these unlawful activities and to push for diplomatic measures that prevent the future exploitation of foreign nationals in the Sudanese war. The incident has sparked calls for closer cooperation between Sudan and Colombia to address the root causes of foreign mercenary involvement and to ensure that such actions do not undermine the sovereignty or peace efforts of Sudan. The Tripoli Court of Appeal has issued a final ruling confirming that Farhat Bengdara, Chairman of the National Oil Corporation (NOC), holds citizenship of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The courts decision annulled all actions and decisions taken by Bengdara in his capacity as NOC Chairman, citing a violation of Libyas Citizenship Law No. 24 of 2010. The ruling emphasized that acquiring foreign nationality without adhering to legal procedures results in the loss of Libyan citizenship. This disqualifies individuals from holding public office, particularly sovereign positions that demand exclusive loyalty to the state. The court declared Bengdaras appointment and actions in office as invalid, describing his tenure as a usurpation of power. The case presented conclusive evidence, including official documents proving Bengdaras Emirati citizenship. The court noted that these documents were not contested by the relevant authorities, strengthening the plaintiffs claims. The NOC responded to the ruling by denying the allegations, stating that the matter had been misrepresented on social media. According to an official statement on the corporations Facebook page, the case actually involved an appeal to reverse an employee transfer decision, with the court ruling to reinstate the employee to his former position. The NOC claimed there was no mention of Bengdaras alleged Emirati citizenship in the courts decision and announced that Bengdara had filed a defamation complaint against the plaintiff and their lawyer for making false claims. Ecuadors Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld reiterated, on Monday, her countrys decision to suspend its recognition of the self-proclaimed sadr and emphasized the importance of the Autonomy Initiative for the Sahara region, proposed by Morocco in 2007. During a virtual meeting with her Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita, Sommerfeld took the opportunity to reaffirm Ecuadors decision, taken on October 21, 2024, while serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2023-2024 term, to suspend its recognition of the so-called sadr. This move aligns with universal principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states. In a joint communique signed following their discussions, the Ecuadorian minister also underscored Ecuadors support for achieving a peaceful and lasting solution to this regional dispute within the framework of the political process conducted exclusively under the auspices of the United Nations. She expressed full support for the efforts of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and his Personal Envoy, in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions. In this context, and in line with the position of the vast majority of UN member states, Ecuadors Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of the Autonomy Initiative presented by Morocco in 2007 for the Sahara region. She described the initiative as a realistic, peaceful, and compromise-based solution to resolve the issue. According to the joint communique, the two ministers also reaffirmed their strong commitment to continue coordination within international organizations and forums on issues of mutual interest, and to contribute positively to international initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and development. They likewise reaffirmed their countries shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in various fields and make of the relationship between their countries a model of dynamic and effective South-South cooperation, serving the ambitions and interests of the two friendly peoples. Sommerfeld expressed her admiration for Moroccos socio-economic development and its major achievements, praising the leadership of King Mohammed VI in promoting peace, security, and development, particularly in Africa and the Arab world. During the discussions, the two ministers agreed to expand cooperation by establishing new partnerships in fields such as agriculture and food security, human development, renewable energy, trade, training and higher education, tourism, and handicrafts. This new partnership includes, among other initiatives, technical support for human development projects in Ecuador, numerous scholarships for Ecuadorian professionals to study in Morocco, and advanced cooperation in food security to support the rapidly developing agricultural sector in the South American country. The ministers also reiterated their shared commitment to further promoting trade flows, investment, and the development of human and cultural exchanges between Morocco and Ecuador, leveraging their respective strategic positions in Africa, the Arab world, and South America. The meeting highlighted by the signing of several agreements, including a Framework Memorandum of Understanding for enhanced cooperation, and an Agreement on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports. Huck and his master. Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images Donald Trumps nomination of former Arkansas governor and two-time presidential candidate Mike Huckabee as U.S. ambassador to Israel during a particularly fraught moment in Middle Eastern politics is a clear signal that Trump bamboozled voters who believed hed be less sympathetic to the current Israeli government than Joe Biden or Kamala Harris. Right off the bat, observers noted that Huckabees nomination broke the recent pattern of U.S. envoys to Israel being either career diplomats or Jewish. Hucks background as a conservative Evangelical minister and culture-war enthusiast indicated that Trump understood the largest constituency (particularly within his voting coalition) for a hard-line position on Israels war in Gaza and its continued occupation of Palestinian land is Christian, not Jewish. But its more slowly emerging that Huckabees views on Israel and its neighbors are truly radical and unbending. Huckabee has been quoted as denying there is any such people as Palestinians, whom he regards simply as Arabs living on land that properly belongs to Israel. Unsurprisingly, Huckabee also has refused to use the word occupation. In his many years in public life, he has stridently and repeatedly opposed the idea of a two-state solution if it involves any Arab-governed state within the biblical Judea and Samaria (a term used by the current Israeli governing coalition and also by settler activists), which includes the entire West Bank (hes fine with a Palestinian state carved out of the land of Israels other Arab neighbors). Yes, its true that Trump, not Huckabee, will set the policies his ambassador will be charged with advancing. But its hard to imagine Trump choosing so unambiguous a partisan of Israeli extremism as his envoy if he planned anything short of total support for Bibi Netanyahu and his settler clientele going forward. Huckabee is not some novice whose only views on the Middle East are based on scriptural texts. He has actually made a living leading dozens of Christian-themed tours of the Holy Land, and has for years been a recognized leader of the Christian Zionist movement, which proclaims a religion-based solidarity with Israeli expansionist aspirations. Many Christian Zionists believe a definitive Israeli-Arab conflict is a condition precedent to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, giving them an intense rooting interest in Israeli aggressiveness as representing Gods team in the end-times events that will bring human history as we have known it to a close. Some observers assume Huckabee shares that point of view, though the Arkansan is actually from a background that de-emphasizes Israels role in the end times. In conjunction with John Hagee, who does believe Israel is part of the Second Coming plan, Huckabee has worked to unite Christian Zionists across such contested theological ground, as Liam Adams recently explained: Huckabees nomination also points to a solidarity within the Christian Zionist movement between Christians who support Israel because they believe it helps usher End Times prophecy and those who see Israel as a fulfillment of Gods promises in the past. Huckabee falls into the latter and Hagee within the former, a belief known as dispensationalism. Huckabees strong belief in Israels claim to all of Palestine as central to an irrevocable covenant with God came through clearly in an interview he recently granted to an Israeli news outlet: According to the Book of Genesis in the Bible, he said, the Jewish people have been the rightful owners of Israel for the past 3,500 years, when Abraham was handed this deed by God himself, he said. So, there are some things that for me as a person of the Book who believes the Bible to be authoritative that I dont have an option to discuss in different ways, he said. I have to stick to the Biblical language because thats the language that has survived history, and it really is the language that ought to be the framework for our understanding of this unique little piece of real estate. So while Huckabee may not be excited about Israels immediate future as opening the door to Jesuss return, he is adamant about Israels ancient past as giving Jews an exclusive deed (a term he regularly uses in this context) to all the disputed land. In his mind, its God almighty who rejected the two state solution about 4,000 years ago, and because this decision was recorded in Hebrew scriptures that Southern Baptists like Huck consider infallible, it cannot be challenged. As a popular conservative evangelical bumper sticker reads, The Bible says it, I believe it, and that settles it! Too bad if you are an Arab, an Israeli who wants peace with the countrys neighbors, or an American whose views will be ignored by Ambassador Huckabee. To be sure, Huckabee has this image as a charming populist left over from his first presidential campaign, in 2008. But his nomination should be viewed as alarming as any of those Trump has made. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images Throughout the 2024 presidential campaign, it seemed as if Tiffany Trump had been stepping up to filled the Ivanka-shaped hole in her fathers life. On the night Donald Trump announced his reelection bid in 2022, Ivanka Trump declared, I do not plan to be involved in politics. Then she proceeded to skip almost all campaign-related activities. Meanwhile, the younger Trump daughter became more prominent than ever. Tiffany and her husband, Michael Boulos, were in court for the Trump hush-money trial verdict. Donald leaked news of Tiffanys pregnancy at a campaign event. He expressed his love by publicly lying about Tiffanys grades, just as hed lied about his own academic achievements. And Tiffanys father-in-law, Massad Boulos, was a Trump campaign surrogate, appealing to Arab American and Muslim voters. So with Donald Trumps announcement on Sunday that hes giving Massad Boulos a White House job, naming him senior adviser to the president on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, it should feel like the age of Tiffany is truly upon us: But it doesnt because Ivankas father-in-law got an even more outrageous assignment: A day earlier, Trump announced he would nominate Jared Kushners father, Charles, to be U.S. ambassador to France: Both Boulos and Kushner have one primary qualification for their respective roles: their children married into the Trump family. In another political era, Trumps handing out White House jobs to distant relatives (to say nothing of hiring Jared and Ivanka in his first term) would have been a huge scandal. But Trumps second-term hires are all about maximum brazenness with the president-elect almost daring Republican politicians to say hes gone too far. And Tiffanys father-in-law just cant compete with Ivankas on that point. While Trump cited Bouloss extensive experience on the International scene, that does not involve any policymaking experience. Boulos is a Lebanese American automotive tycoon with somewhat murky political affiliations, per the New York Times: Mr. Bouloss political connections to leaders in Lebanon are also somewhat murky. According to reporting by The Associated Press and several Lebanese outlets, Mr. Boulos sought a seat in Lebanons Parliament in 2009 and described himself as a friend of a Lebanese presidential candidate who had received support from the militant group Hezbollah. Mr. Boulos has more recently denied running for Parliament in Lebanon or being affiliated with any political party there, according to Newsweek. However, Bouloss lack of political expertise is nothing compared with Trumps naming Kushner, a felon who allegedly does not speak French, as U.S. ambassador to France. Heres a reminder of the reasons Kushner needed a pardon from Trump in 2020, per my colleague Chas Danner: Kushner once served 14 months in a federal prison in Alabama after he pleaded guilty in 2004 to 16 felony counts of making illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion, and witness tampering. Kushner admitted to a revenge and intimidation scheme in which he hired a sex worker to seduce his brother-in-law who had turned states witness against him. Kushner had them filmed having sex in a New Jersey motel room and then had the video sent to his sister, the mans wife, in order to pressure her not to testify. Former U.S. attorney Chris Christie famously called it one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes he ever prosecuted. Kushners role requires Senate confirmation, while Bouloss does not, making the formers nomination all the more audacious. Tiffany is finally asserting her unearned influence on national politics. But even after shes been sitting on the bench for two years, no one beats Ivanka in a nepotism contest. Trumps bluster is not good for his global street cred as an ass-kicker. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images It is hard to overestimate the extent to which Donald Trumps foreign-policy and national-security postures depend on overseas perceptions of his willingness to make credible threats in defense of U.S. interests. In almost every arena, he has suggested that his overpowering projection of strength will prevent wars and even force their resolution. That means that for the 47th president, more than for most of his predecessors, its essential that he maintain credibility in issuing threats of military force. Having eschewed as weak treaties and alliances and every other form of soft power in dealings with hostile countries, when Trump rattles a saber, the world needs to believe he means what he says. Otherwise, his words will quickly lose their potency in deterring bad actors. So despite his habit of overstatement on domestic matters, when it comes to matters of peace and war, his exact words need to be carefully chosen. Thats why the threat he just made to Hamas was poorly worded to a dangerous degree: President-elect Donald Trump threatened severe consequences if Hamas does not release the hostages before his inauguration. pic.twitter.com/Kdp6riTGSH Israel National News - Arutz Sheva (@ArutzSheva_En) December 2, 2024 In 1945, not that very long ago in the storied History of the United States of America, this country attacked the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with nuclear weapons. Id say thats hitting them pretty hard. If for some reason you want to exclude nukes as literally incredible, there were U.S. conventional strategic-bombing attacks on German and Japanese cities in World War II that killed tens of thousands (or in some cases perhaps hundreds of thousands) of civilians. Tens of thousands of North Vietnamese civilians were killed in U.S. air strikes during the extended Operation Rolling Thunder operation from 1965 to 1968. The initial U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 killed an estimated 7,500 civilians. So what, exactly, is Trump telling the hardened cynics of Hamas hes going to do? And if hes just blowing smoke about what he intends to do the minute he takes office, why should anyone believe with any precision his future threats? Somebody close to the president-elect really needs to remind him that the world is not domestic politics and that the White House isnt a social-media platform on which he can breathe fire without sincerity or consequences. Photo: Jenna Schoenefeld/The New York Times/Redux On Sunday, President Joe Biden announced that he had issued a pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, who was set to face sentencing on federal tax and gun charges later this month. President Biden, who had repeatedly insisted that he had no plans to pardon Hunter, said in a statement that his son had been politically targeted, describing his legal strife as a miscarriage of justice. The presidents personal use of the offices substantial pardoning powers was met with strong reactions from many quarters, with some criticizing the move as irredeemably corrupt while others argued that it was justified, considering President-elect Donald Trumps looming return to the White House. Heres a look at some of the most notable opinions. Bidens pardon was dead wrong Donald Trump, who bestowed his share of questionable pardons during his first term, was unsurprisingly not a fan of Bidens decision. Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice! he wrote on TruthSocial. New York Times columnist Bret Stephens denounced Bidens pardon and said its rank mendacity, political hypocrisy, naked self-dealing and wretched example show why Americans have grown tired of politics as usual: It was always a good bet that the president would break his word as soon as it was politically safe to do so. But he doubled down on dishonesty in his statement about the pardon, claiming Hunters prosecution was a result of political pressure on the judicial process. Nonsense. The charges stem from Hunters reckless lifestyle, abetted and financed by his willingness to trade shamelessly on the family name. A previous plea agreement between Hunter and federal prosecutors fell apart last year under scrutiny from a federal judge. More obnoxious is the hypocrisy. Every year, federal prosecutors file hundreds of cases against persons charged with lying on the Firearms Transaction Record, or Form 4473, which is required from anyone buying a firearm from a licensed gun dealer. In 1993, then-Senator Biden made that form a key part of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. How is it that the same president who made both gun control and stricter tax enforcement key parts of his political message suddenly sees his own sons transgressions as nuisance offenses? The Atlantics Jonathan Chait wrote that Biden broke his promise that he wouldnt intervene in Hunters legal troubles and that his pardon suggests a double standard for his son: President Bidens complaint about the higher standard applied to his son reflects the perspective of myopic privilege. Crimes by family members of powerful public officials are far more damaging to public confidence than similar crimes by anonymous people. Holding them to account through strict enforcement of the law is good and correct. On social media, Colorado governor Jared Polis wrote that Biden put family over party. This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation. Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a Presidents son, he said. Representative Greg Stanton of Arizona is one of the only congressional Democrats to criticize the pardon. I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong. This wasnt a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers, Stanton wrote. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado was also critical of the decision. President Bidens decision put personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all, he said. The Washington Post editorial board argued in a new piece that Bidens pardon gives Trump the ability to use the act in his favor: To be clear: Mr. Biden had an unquestionable legal right to pardon his son Hunter. But in so doing on Sunday, he maligned the Justice Department and invited Mr. Trump to draw equivalence between the Hunter Biden pardon and any future moves Mr. Trump might take against the impartial administration of justice. He risks deepening many Americans suspicion that the justice system is two-tiered, justifying Mr. Trumps drive to reshape it or, because turnabout is fair play, to use it to benefit his own side. Senator Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, wrote, President Bidens decision to pardon his son was wrong. A presidents family and allies shouldnt get special treatment. This was an improper use of power, it erodes trust in our government, and it emboldens others to bend justice to suit their interests. Ohio Democratic representative Greg Landsman said he empathized with Bidens position as a father but still opposes the move. As a father, I get it. But as someone who wants people to believe in public service again, its a setback, he wrote. Republican senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas wrote on social media, Most Americans can sympathize with a fathers decision to pardon his son, even if they disagree. What they cant forgive is Biden lying about it repeatedly before the election. James Comer, the Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee that has investigated both Bidens, criticized the presidents pardon. The charges Hunter faced were just the tip of the iceberg in the blatant corruption that President Biden and the Biden Crime Family have lied about to the American people. Its unfortunate that, rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability, he wrote in a statement. Nate Silver, the prominent political statistician, railed against Hunters pardon, calling Biden a selfish and senile old man. The White House consistently lied about this. Bidens stubborn insistence on running for reelection was perhaps the singular most important factor in Trump 2.0, and now hes kicking salt in the wound of the party brand he helped to destroy, he wrote on X. Journalist Josh Barro rejected Bidens arguments for pardoning his son. We can and should expect presidents to rise above the human temptation to abuse the offices powers toward personal ends, such as by immunizing their children from criminal liability, he wrote. Jonathan V. Last of The Bulwark said that Bidens pardon was bad, but pushed back on the argument that the presidents actions will embolden Trump. Will pardoning Hunter contribute to further norm breaking by politicians X, Y, and Z? It is hard for me to imagine how that might be the case. The barn door is wide open. The horses havent been seen for weeks, he wrote on Bluesky. And in any case, the American voting public has told usover and overthat they DO NOT CARE about our precious norms. Thats not a Biden problem. Thats a The People problem. The circumstances support Bidens pardon Kim Wehle, an ABC News legal contributor, wrote in defense of Bidens pardon in The Bulwark, citing Trumps recent Justice Department appointees who have vowed to use the agency to go after the presidents opponents: The landscape has changed considerably since June when he ruled out a pardon for Hunter. Not only did Trump rather than Biden or his vice president, Kamala Harris win the White House, but the president-elect is clearly hellbent on following through on his promises of retribution and revenge, indicating through his nominations an intention to weaponize the FBI and the Justice Department, even going so far as to say hell fire the sitting FBI director before his term is up and replace him with Kash Patel, who has pledged to go out and find the conspirators, not just in government but in the media. Trumps choice for attorney general after his first awful pick, Matt Gaetz, dropped out is Pam Bondi, who has promised to investigate the bad prosecutors who attempted to bring the rule of law to bear on Trump for his role in the post-2020-election debacle. The breadth of Hunters pardon suggests that his father knows that a Bondi-led DOJ and Patel-led FBI could throw the proverbial book at him on additional charges if given the chance. And should Hunter have faced jail time at sentencing (unlikely, though the possible sentencing range climbs to 25 years), Trump would have sat atop the day-to-day fate of Joe Bidens son under the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Ghastly. New York Times opinion writer Michelle Goldberg suggested on social media that the nations embrace of Trump shows that its moral norms have changed. I cant bring myself to be even a little mad about Biden pardoning Hunter. The values and norms hed been trying to uphold were obliterated by American voters last month. Why sacrifice your son to a dead god? she wrote. While California representative Eric Swalwell did not explicitly defend Hunters pardon, he suggested that many of the presidents critics were being hypocritical after defending Trumps own actions. If you defended the 34x felon, who committed sexual assault, stole national security documents, and tried running a coup on his country you can sit out the Hunter Biden pardon discussion, he said. Biden was right Eric Holder, the former U.S. attorney general who served alongside Biden in Obamas administration, defended Bidens decision. No USAtty would have charged this case given the underlying facts. After a 5 year investigation the facts as discovered only made that clear, he wrote on social media. Had his name been Joe Smith the resolution would have been fundamentally and more fairly a declination. Pardon warranted. California Democratic representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove praised the move in an interview with Semafor. If he hadnt, I would have told him to do so. In the words of Lizzo, its about damn time, she said. Katie Phang, an attorney and MSNBC host, wrote that Hunters pardon was warranted because others facing similar charges received less severe penalties. But perhaps the most obvious evidence that Hunter Biden was a selective criminal prosecution is that other individuals were able to resolve their cases with administrative or civil penalties or judgments. They werent prosecuted. But, then again, their last name wasnt Biden, she said. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat, told Politico that Hunters prosecution was political, notably comparing it to Trumps hush money case in Manhattan. Those cases were clearly weaponized against them for political gain. Thats undeniable, he told the outlet. That was always inappropriate in my opinion. And a pardon in both are appropriate. And, for me, that collectively has damaged Americas trust in these institutions. Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett from Texas commended the president for his action during an appearance on MSNBC. Way to go Joe! Let me be the first to congratulate the president for deciding to do this, because at the end of the day, we know that we have a 34-count convicted felon about to walk into the White House, she said. Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson wrote that he wouldve likely made the same decision as Biden if he was in his place: If I were President Joe Biden, I would have done the same thing. I would have pardoned a son who faced possible federal prison time not because of the crimes he committed, but because of me. The presidents decision to absolve his son Hunter reneges on a campaign promise and can certainly be described as hypocritical. It creates a political problem for the Democratic Party and will be seen by many as a stain on Bidens legacy. Obviously, Biden is prepared to accept those consequences. I would be, too. Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers Cyber Monday is here. To find the best deals in every category, follow all of our Cyber Monday coverage. Black Friday brought a flurry of deals, and Im happy to report that basically all of them are still live today, Cyber Monday. The good news is that there are nearly 300 deals, and theyre all actually quite good. The bad news is that most deals will end tonight, so if you want to do any shopping, youll need to do it quickly. As I do for every big shopping holiday, Ive whipped up a very extensive list organized alphabetically by company name for you to peruse all the deals that I think are worth a look. If youre not sure where to begin, Id start with the heavy hitters like Amazon, Nordstrom, and Target, where youll find deep discounts on tech, clothes, and toys. But tons of other Strategist-loved retailers have good deals, too, including clothing brands like Madewell and Everlane, travel brands like Away and Calpak, and bedding brands like Parachute and the Company Store. Of course, if youd like to jump to the list of things weve written about before that just happen to be on sale, weve got a roundup for just that. And if youd like to shop any particular category more in depth, Ive linked to my fellow writers detailed roundups below. If you want even more Cyber Monday sales coverage, sign up for our email newsletter and stay in the loop. More Cyber Monday Deals Beauty Deals | Bedding Deals | Fashion Deals | Home Deals | Kitchen Deals | Mattress Deals | Tech Deals | Toy Deals | Vacuum Deals The deals I personally think are the best Our best overall womens sweater is half off right now, making it just $75 an unheard of price for Alex Mill. Nordstroms Black Friday sale is filled with great stocking stuffers, including the $26 cashmere beanie that was a hit with Strategist readers last year. And the all-new Kindle is on sale. It has wireless charging now! Alex Crane The breezy apparel brand is offering 30 percent off sitewide through December 3. The brand makes our best linen tee for both men and women, and its lightweight chore coat even earned a spot in the Strategist Menswear 100. Alex Mill Speaking of fashionable Alexes, Alex Mill is offering up to 50 percent off sitewide right now, with some impressive deals on cozy winter basics. Alo Yoga Alo Yogas entire site is 30 percent off, just in time for loungewear season. You cant go wrong with any of its supersoft leggings or workout bras. Amazon Amazons Cyber Week deals are extensive, as expected. Some standouts: AirPods Pro at their lowest price ever, our best overall hair oil, and plenty of toys. Ive pulled a few favorites below, but we have an even more in-depth roundup of the best Cyber Monday deals at Amazon here. Anthropologie Full-price things are up to 50 percent off, and sale items are an extra 50 percent off at checkout. Areaware All of Areawares colorful and kooky home decor is 30 percent off with the code MERRY30. (Thats 5 percent better than its sale last year.) Aritzia If its wardrobe basics youre after, Aritzia is a good bet. Hundreds of styles are between 20 and 50 percent off (though it does seem like 20 percent off is the norm for most things). Article Article makes our best-in-class bed frame and dining chair, and I found those items (or very similar versions) for up to 40 percent off. Away The stylish luggage brand is having the best sale Ive ever seen it offer: Through December 2, everything is 25 percent off. Aways carry-on suitcase has been our best overall pick for years, with our experts citing durability and a forgiving warranty among its benefits. Backcountry The outdoor-gear retailer is offering up to 60 percent off winter apparel and accessories. Ski, snowboard, and travel gear (like duffels and backpacks) are on sale, too. Baggu This is one of the only sales Baggu holds all year, so dont sleep on it if youve been meaning to nab something from the brands new winter collection. Everything is 20 percent off at checkout, and that includes sale items, making Baggus stockings just $10. Balsam Hill Balsam Hills realistic-looking artificial Christmas trees are up to 50 percent off and dont snooze on the decor section to really spruce up your tree. Banana Republic Factory Everything at Banana Republics outlet store is 40 percent off, and the sale section is an extra 20 percent off at checkout. That includes our best overall work pant, the Hayden, which is now $29. Ban.do Everything at Ban.do (with a few exceptions) is 35 percent off with the code THEBEST through December 2. Ive been waiting for this sale to buy some Baggus some of the products are only 20 percent off in order to price-match the companys sale, but there are plenty of items that are 35 percent off. Bed Threads Australian brand Bed Threads is offering 20 percent off sitewide, and up to 35 percent off bundles, but I also dug around and found some final-sale colors for 50 percent off. Perhaps you remember the linen sheets from Troye Sivans viral Architectural Digest tour? Now, theyre a bit more within reach for a non-celebrity budget. Best Buy Best Buys Cyber Monday deals are a bit different from its Black Friday ones. Some items got more expensive, while others, like TVs, got cheaper. Blue Apron A meal-delivery kit service makes a surprisingly nice gift, especially for those low on time. Through December 8, the first four weeks of any subscription is half off at Blue Apron. Brooklinen Everything is 25 percent off and bundles are up to 50 percent off through December 4. Its the best discount the brand offers, so if youve been thinking about upgrading to its super-plush towels, silky bedsheets, supportive-yet-soft pillows, or fluffy bathrobes, now is the time. (Amazon is price-matching some items, too; youll just need to apply the on-site coupon.) Calpak Calpaks sleek suitcases, bags, and other travel accessories are up to 60 percent off. I love the Hue carry-on, which Ive been using for over five years with minimal scratches or scrapes; and the faux-leather Kaya backpack, which is one of our favorite work bags, is an especially excellent deal at just $55. Catbird Catbird is offering 20 percent off almost everything (exceptions include its collaboration with Laufey and select designers) through December 2. Its the best deal youll see all year, so nows a good time to pick up some nice jewelry at a good discount. And dont sleep on the home and beauty section, which has fun little tchotchkes like this wind-up pigeon toy. The Citizenry Everything at the Citizenry is up to 35 percent off through December 2. Were fans of the brands stonewashed French-flax linen sheets, and the half-moon mirrors are quite lovely, too. The Company Store Weekly epic deals are up to 60 percent off, and orders over $75 are 30 percent off with the code BFDEALS24. The Company Store makes plenty of our favorite bedding, including both our best overall down comforter and jersey sheets. The Container Store Everything is 25 percent off when you ship to your home but that discount increases to 30 percent off if you choose in-store pickup. Coyuchi All of Coyuchis stylish, sustainable, and Strategist-tested bedding and bath basics are 25 percent off, which is the best deal Ive seen the brand offer. A lot of Coyuchi products are also on sale at Amazon and Nordstrom, although the discount is only 20 percent. But it might be worth it to you if youd like faster shipping or a more forgiving return policy. Crate & Barrel Crate & Barrel has a host of furniture, lighting, tableware, and more for up to 50 percent off. All orders over $49 ship for free. Credo Beauty Credo is offering 20 percent off sitewide through December 2, which is a typical (and solid!) deal from the clean beauty retailer. Ilias skin tint is a best seller with Strategist readers. Dermstore I havent seen many sales at Dermstore this year, so nows the time to get some rare deals on Strategist- and dermatologist-approved skin care, hair care, and fragrances. Just use the code JOY to take up to 30 percent off through December 2. Doen If youre willing to do some digging, there are truly excellent deals to be found at Doen. I found swimsuits, sweaters, and sundresses for up to 70 percent off. Popular sizes go out of stock very quickly, so I wouldnt dillydally. DockATot Through December 2, everything (with a few exclusions, like gift cards) is 30 percent off with the code SAVE30. We especially like the cushy cotton play mat, which is great for tummy time and lounging. Everlane Everlanes Black Friday sale usually has the best deals the brand offers, and this year is no different with discounts up to 60 percent off. Id go for the beanie and scarf if youre looking for gifts for others and the jeans and coats if youre looking for gifts for yourself. For even more, Rachael Griffiths rounded up all her top picks from the Everlane Black Friday sale here. Fly by Jing Fly by Jings Sichuan spices and sauces are up to 50 percent off. The DIY hot-pot kit that Strategist contributor Kiki Aranita recommends for impromptu dinners (and fondue) is a particularly good deal at 40 percent off. Food52 Food52 is having its best sale ever. Normally the retailer maxes out at 20 percent off, but this year its offering 25 percent off sitewide through December 2 with the code 25OFFHOLIDAY. Gap In typical Gap fashion, everything is at least 50 percent off for Black Friday. But if you dig, youll find plenty of very big deals for 60 percent off, too, like the striped beanie below thats just $13 (63 percent off). Girlfriend Collective If youre in need of some new winter workout gear, all full-price items at Girlfriend Collective are 35 percent off, and it sale section is up to 60 percent off. Glossier Through December 3, nearly everything is 25 percent off, and orders over $100 are 30 percent off. (Note that the discounts will only show up once you add items to your cart.) The beloved Balm Dotcom is even cheaper at just $10 thats nearly 40 percent off! There are a few of the brands products on sale at Sephora, too, but youre more likely to get a better deal at Glossier. Hanna Andersson This is Hanna Anderssons best sale all year. Everything is 50 percent off, so make sure you stock up on adorable all-cotton pajamas, sweaters, and more for the whole family. Huckberry Menswear often tends to get overlooked when it comes to Black Friday sales, but there are a lot of nice jackets, shoes, and accessories for up to 50 percent off at Huckberry. J.Crew Basically everything at J.Crew is up to 50 percent off, though I did see a few things for even (a little) cheaper, like Ottessa Moshfeghs pajamas. Kosas Through December 2, everything at Kosas is 25 percent off, which is the best deal Ive seen the brand offer. If youve been looking for a sign to try the baby-pink powder thats going viral on TikTok, nows your chance to get it for $9 off. Lalo Stylish baby-gear brand Lalo is offering up to 40 percent off through December 2. The brands convertible high chair is our pick for infants (and comes with a free feeding smock), and its Strategist-approved Play Tent make a perfect gift. Levis Levis jeans are the most mentioned jeans in our best-in-class guides to denim for men and women, and right now everything is 40 percent off. Thats about as good a deal as the brand offers. And to outfit your little ones, kids denim and accessories get an even deeper discount at 50 percent off. Lisa Says Gah One of the sales Im most excited about is the one going on at Lisa Says Gah, where nearly all full-price items are 30 percent off. Even better, the sale section is an extra 40 percent off at checkout. Lululemon This is the best time to get actually good deals on Lululemons high-quality athleisure Im actually shocked that a pair of joggers is 50 percent off. Writer Katherine Gillespie has rounded up even more excellent deals from Lululemons Cyber Monday sale here. Madewell Everything (including sale items) at Madewell is 50 percent off with the code MADEBETTER. This is a good time to nab items that never really go on sale for more than 30 percent off, like our best-overall work bag, the Transport tote. Also worth considering: the Harlow pant (a Strategist favorite work pant), which is just $30 right now! Material Material Kitchen is having an even better deal than last year: Everything is up to 40 percent off through December 4. Im a fan of the brands cutting boards, and you can also find Materials knives and cookware in several of our best-in-class guides. Plus orders over $300 score an extra 10 percent off at checkout. Merrell Nearly everything is up to 40 percent off through Sunday night. The brands cult-y Encore Mocs, which designer Sandy Liang called the most comfortable shoes Ive ever worn, are the cheapest Ive seen them. And its hiking boots are the ones Strategist outdoors writer Jeremy Rellosa recommends nine times out of ten when someone asks for a hiking-boot recommendation. Net-a-Porter Thousands of items are up to 50 percent off at Net-a-Porter. There are some particularly good deals on both sneakers and holiday attire! For even more, check out fashion writer Ambar Pardillas guide to Net-a-Porters Black Friday sale here. Organic Basics Designed in Copenhagen and made with organic cotton, Organic Basics has plenty of wardrobe staples that weve tested and love. Everything is up to 60 percent off, but if its underwear youre after, buy three pairs and youll get one pair free. Our Place Our Places colorful cookware and tableware is up to 40 percent off through December 3. The miniAlways Pan is a good option if youre short on space. We also love the brands best-in-class drinking glasses, which come in eight gem-colored tones (as well as some multicolored sets if you cant decide). Outdoor Voices Everything, including sale items, is 30 percent off at Outdoor Voices, and starting today, OV Extra items are an additional 50 percent off (which makes items like the Zephyr shorts below a mere $12!). Parachute This is the best deal Ive ever seen Parachute offer: Everything is 30 percent off (including already-on-sale items). Included in the sale are their best-in-class bathrobes, duvet covers, poofy pillows, and sheets. Ive pulled some best sellers below, but I also rounded up all our top picks from Parachutes Black Friday sale here. Piglet in Bed If its cottagecore bedding youre after, you need U.K. brand Piglet in Bed. Its linen bedding comes in a huge array of colors and patterns, and right now, everything is 20 percent off. Bundles of three or more items are 30 percent off, too. Primary Primary makes colorful, non-gendered kids clothing thats already fairly affordable, and its all 40 percent off with the code CYBER40. Weve featured the brand in our guides to childrens clothing and shopping for trans kids and teens as well as the Strategist Baby Registry, but I think the grown-ups section is pretty nice too. Reformation Everything is 25 percent off at Reformation. Its cool-person-approved denim is a staple if youre looking for high-waisted jeans or mom jeans, and the Matteo trench coat recently earned a spot on our best-in-class list. REI REI doesnt do Black Friday sales, so its Cyber Monday sale is your only chance to save big before the holidays. There are some nice discounts, but pay attention to when they end: some are only through tonight, and others last through the end of the week. I suggest checking out the winter coats first, since those deals are quite good and most of them end at midnight. Rothys All of the machine-washable shoes and bags at Rothys are discounted through December 2. The website says the savings are up to 30 percent off, but I found a few styles discounted even more, including the classic mary janes for nearly 40 percent off. Schoolhouse Everything is 20 percent off at Schoolhouse, and orders over $250 are 25 percent off. But if you dig, you can find a few 30 percent off discounts. Sephora Sephora so rarely has sales, and when it does, Im just not very impressed. But Black Friday is the one time per year you can find some really good discounts: Hundreds of items are 30 percent off, and the rotating daily deals are 50 percent off. Writer Arielle Avila has rounded up even more of the best Black Friday deals at Sephora. Shopbop Use the code HOLIDAY to take 25 percent off sitewide (even on already on sale items!) through December 2. Shopbop never has discounts this deep on in-season products, so I suggest checking out the new arrivals first. Silk & Snow Silk & Snow is offering up to 25 percent off everything, including Strategist-approved Egyptian-cotton sheets, through December 4. Plus youll get 25 percent off any bed frame when you buy a mattress and 30 percent off any nightstand when you buy a bed frame. Soko Glam Everything, with a few select exclusions, is 35 percent off all month long. Id suggest starting with our best hydrating toner from Olivarrier. We also have an entire guide to shopping the retailer here, if you need more inspiration. Sonos Sonos doesnt have sales too often, so dont dillydally on these deals. Were big fans of Sonoss ultrasleek speaker systems and the brands first headphones, which we featured in our print gift guide. (Amazon is price-matching, too, if youd like faster delivery.) Ssense One of the best places to dig up designer goods is Ssense, and thankfully, its sale section is up and running for Black Friday already. Writer Lauren Ro rounded up even more picks from Ssenses winter sale here. State Bags State Bags makes one of our best kids backpacks and the sleek toiletry bag one Strategist contributor toted to Paris. Through December 2, the brand is offering 30 percent off sitewide and 40 percent off bundles with the code BF24. Plus all purchases include free embroidered initials. (The discount will show up at checkout.) Sundays The newish Canadian DTC-furniture brand is offering up to 40 percent off through December 3 (and free shipping on everything). The Japandi-esque coffee table from our best-in-class guide is the cheapest Ive ever seen it at 30 percent off. Sur La Table Hundreds of items are up to 60 percent off for Sur La Tables Black Friday sale. The best deals are on products from the brands in-house line, including a handsome trivet and the dishes two Strategist staffers praised in our recent guide to dinner plates. Kitchen-and-dining writer Emma Wartzman says this sale has some of the best discounts shes seen so far, and she has even more picks in her guide to the best Black Friday kitchen deals. Target Targets Black Friday deals are officially here, and theyre quite vast kitchen appliances, tech, kids toys, and so much more are up to 50 percent off until Saturday. Plus Target will price-match any items you buy if you find them cheaper somewhere else between now and Christmas Eve. Tatcha Tatchas best sale of the year is back: Use the code CYBER24 to take 25 percent off sitewide. Im eyeing the dewy skin cream, a reader favorite that our beauty columnist, Rio Viera-Newton, says instantly makes skin look plumper, brighter, and intensely nourished. Tracksmith Everything from status-y Boston-based running brand Tracksmith is 20 percent off with the code TURKEYTROT24, and that includes already-on-sale items. (Thats basically an unheard-of discount for the brand.) Its base layers are particularly good for cold-weather training. True Botanicals True Botanicals Black Friday sale is even better than last year. Everything is 30 percent off through December 2, orders over $400 are 40 percent off, and orders over $1,000 are 50 percent off. The brands Phyto-Retinol Sleep Serum is a favorite of Jessica Chastain, who likes that its cruelty free, vegan, and doesnt leave dry patches (like traditional retinols are wont to do). Ulta Ulta has been rolling out new deals weekly since November started. Todays deals include 30 percent of Fenty Beauty products, as well as half off Lancome beauty. Urban Outfitters All sale items are an extra 50 percent off at checkout, making a lot of styles 66 percent off (or more). Walmart Hundreds (if not thousands) of items are up to 70 percent off at Walmart, but youll find the best deals in the tech section. Get the Strategist Sales Alert Daily dispatches from our deals-obsessed editors. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. 174 items in this article 174 items on sale! Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers Cyber Monday is here. To find the best deals in every category, follow all of our Cyber Monday coverage. If youve visited the Strategist site over the past few days, you know that Cyber Week really got going around a week ago and today, Cyber Monday marks the beginning of the end. The Cyber Monday fashion beat is my area of expertise as the Strategists style writer, and after years of covering the shopping holiday, I know my way around a good deal. Its easy to get tricked by red-numbered markdowns, but my best piece of advice is that anything less than 20 percent isnt worth adding to your cart. The places youll want to shop first are department stores: Nordstroms is full of price-matched items, and Bloomingdales line of cashmere is on sale for upwards of 50 percent. Gaps great sale set the Strategist-staffer Slack channel abuzz. For designer goods, Net-a-Porters sale is the best of the luxury e-retailer lot I noticed a robust stock of sandals in the shoe section. I made sure to include only the best Cyber Monday fashion deals in this guide, but tonights the night that many of the deals weve been obsessively checking expire, so be sure not to dillydally (a lesson lots of Strategist staffers learned the hard way today when things they had previously added to their carts were sold out). You can also browse our guide to all the best Cyber Monday sales and sign up for our newsletter to make sure you dont miss any deals for the rest of the holiday season. The Deals I Personally Think Are The Best On the hunt for the best Cyber Monday fashion deals, I have found everything from Baggu bags at Ban.do to Repettos in Ssenses sale. The deals I think are the best, though, are all under $40. The first is an Alex Mill cotton-and-cashmere blanket scarf one of our editors found for $100 off originally $135, its down to $34. The second is a bodysuit from Free Peoples intimates line, Intimately, thats just $17. Itll be the perfect layer all year round. The third is a great deal on Madewells Harlow Pants, a favorite of several Strategist staffers. Theyre just $30 with code MADEBETTER (thats 75 percent off, if you want to get technical). Just note that sizes in the whole Harlow collection are selling fast, though this Harvest Moon color is still stocked in almost all sizes for now. Alex Mills Friday-ish Sale is now live, with up to 50 percent off select styles. Amazons Cyber Monday deals are on par with Prime Day prices. Consider it a do-over for anything you missed out on buying on the first (or second) go-around. Some of the best deals are on Levis jeans, which are cheaper at Amazon right now than on Levis own site. If I were you, Id get another pair of Wedgies or Ribcages while theyre cheap. (And heres our full roundup to Amazons Cyber Monday sale too.) Anthropologies Cyber Monday deal includes up to 50 percent off full-price styles and an extra 50 percent anything thats already marked down. Take a cue from Anthropologie employees and buy yourself a pair of Colette pants or a Bennet button-down (which are almost never on sale). Everything at Aritzia is 20-to-50 percent off for Cyber Monday (including a discount of around $20-to-$50 off different versions of its popular Super Puff). Im flagging that the Effortless Pant is really worth getting I cant tell you how much Ive heard about it while working on our work-pants guide. Several Strategist staffers swear by the knits from Babaa. The brand only has a couple of sales a year. Lots of its almost-$300 sweaters are closer to $200 now a discount of 20 percent off. (Note that prices are listed in euros, so the deals here are approximations to dollars.) If you cant get enough of Baggus bags, nows the time to stock up on your Baggus of choice: Get 20 percent off sitewide during Cyber Monday. (FYI: The discount applies to your cart at checkout.) If you dont own a Baggu yet, I suggest getting yourself a Crescent Bag, Standard Baggu, or Cloud Bag all of them have made appearances in our archives. Its been a while since Ive seen a Banana Republic sale thats this great. Banana Republics Cyber Monday deal includes 40 percent off your full-price purchase and up to 50 percent off sale styles. The All Day Pant and Corduroy Barrel Pant are recent and already well-worn additions to my own closet. Theres an even better deal happening at Banana Republics outlet store, which is offering 60 percent off everything until the end of Cyber Monday. You should definitely get yourself a pair of the Hayden Tapered Pant, our reigning best work pant and a longtime Strategist-reader favorite. The additional 20 percent off brings the pair to $30 at checkout. Ban.dos a good place to window-shop and then actually shop when theres a sale. Get 35 percent off everything right now with the code THEBEST at checkout. I would fill my cart with checked cashmere socks from Hansel From Basel and ballet-pink Le Bon Shoppe pants. Take note, also, that Baggu bags at Ban.do are the same price as they are at Baggu right now no code needed. Bergdorfs Goodmans Designer Sale includes up to 40 percent off labels like Thom Browne and Oscar de la Renta, with an additional 30 percent off select sale styles for Cyber Monday. Theres limited sizing on everything, so I did some digging to find on-sale things that are still stocked in most sizes. Big Bud Presss size-inclusive and butt-hugging bottoms have earned a loyal following among Strategist staffers. Now, the brand is offering 30 percent off sitewide. Your best bet might be the Work Pants, which are well fitting and as well made as the workwear from Dickies and Carhartt. As my editor Hilary Reid pointed out, the real steals at Bloomingdales right now are on its in-house line of cashmere, C by Bloomingdales with sweaters starting at 40 percent off and going up to 60 percent off. Start there before scrolling through the rest of the site (you can get 25 percent off select full-price items as part of the department stores Black Friday sale). For something shiny, you can get 20 percent off almost everything at Catbird. If youve been meaning to splurge on someone special (or yourself), its the best deal youre going to get all year. Catbirds Tiniest Key charm is on actress Kat Denningss list of things she cant live without, while these delightfully tiny diamond and pearl studs that are also from Catbird are almost always in my ears. Select styles at COS are 40 percent off for Cyber Monday. Fittingly, for the cold front coming in, mohair and wool abound. You dont see Doen going for up to 65 percent off often, so you know what to do. Everlanes excellent Black Friday sale is still in full swing for Cyber Monday with up to 50 percent sitewide. The best deals are on some longtime Strategist favorites, including the ribbed turtleneck thats described as tight enough that it doesnt bunch up underneath things, but not, like, Uniqlo Heattech tight and the jeans strangers would stop our former Strategist editor on the street for. A super-rare Free People sale-on-sale is afoot: Take an additional 40 percent all sale styles. If case you havent heard, Gap is good again! Its already-cheap essentials are even cheaper at the moment: You can get anything on the site for anywhere between 50 percent off and 60 percent off. Id start your shopping with the jeans that were part of a recent hunt for the perfect dark-wash jeans and our best-in-class trench coat. I have heard good things about Gaps CashSoft line of sweaters, too. Our favorite loafer-maker, G.H.Bass, is offering 30 percent off with the code BFCM (there are a few exceptions), making Whitney Weejuns $123, down from $175, and the Liannas, already marked down to $109, just $76 right now. Longtime Strategist-approved exercise-gear maker Girlfriend Collective is offering 30 percent off sitewide and up to 60 percent off sale items. For Cyber Monday, you can get up to 60 percent off sitewide at H&M. I spend a small fortune at J.Crew during Cyber Week. This year will be no exception, with 50 percent off full-priced purchases and an additional 60 percent off sale items with code FRIDAY. Note that J.Crews cashmere is now included in the sale, for up to 40 percent off. And as far as whats worth getting, Id suggest some Tissue Turtlenecks, Ottessa Moshfeghs go-to pajama set (get it monogrammed for a gift), and a sweater thats out of a coastal scene from 1998. Jungmaven is offering 25 percent off everything (including sale items) with code HEMP2024. If youve been curious about its high-quality hemp, now is truly the best time to try it for yourself. The place where most of us get our stripes, Kule, is offering 30 percent off sitewide (everything striped and non-striped alike) with code BF30. As writer Erika Veurink explains, theres a case for shopping at Lands End: It feels cool to wear something thats impossible to identify. If youre intrigued, the brands Cyber Monday deal includes up to 60 percent off everything with code CYBER meaning everythings going for pretty cheap. A few of her favorites below are 50 percent off. Impressively, one of the sales our deals editor is most excited about is Lisa Say Gahs. Its the biggest sale the Lolita on Lexapro store does all year, with 30 percent off everything. Im thinking about getting these campy cow-print pants or this beribboned dress for a holiday party. If youre looking for workout wear, there are more than 750 discounted styles on Lululemons site, with savings ranging from around 30 percent to over 50 percent. (Check out our full guide to Lululemons Cyber Monday sale too.) Macys is a gold mine of deals right now, including Charter Club cashmere for over 60 percent off, a Calvin Klein T-shirt bra (one of our favorite bras) for almost half off, and a Barbour quilted jacket for under $200. Madewells essentials have been recommended to us so much that we have a whole guide to shopping at Madewell. Its Black Friday Event (which goes into Cyber Monday) is which includes up to 50 percent off everything with code MADEBETTER is always much-anticipated in our Strategist circle. Theres a long list of things worth getting, including the wide-leg edition of the jeans one stylist has recommended to over 150 clients, now 20 percent off, and the workhorse Harlow work pants that a few staffers own, now a whopping 75 percent off. (Im sorry to report that the Alexa Chung collaboration isnt included in the sale.) If you subscribe to our Secret Strategist newsletter, you know of our deep love for Merrells. The brands Cyber Monday deal is a great one with 40 percent off almost everything sitewide including Sandy Liangs clogs of choice. A semi-secret from author Diksha Basu that Muji makes well-priced and high-quality clothes. It doesnt do sales often, so 30 percent off apparel is especially notable. I would argue that Net-a-Porters Black Friday sale with discounts of up to 50 percent off is the best of the designer lot of Black Friday sales. Its still going strong on Cyber Monday. Select sale items will be an extra 15 percent off at checkout. My word of advice: The sooner you shop, the better. (Make sure to check out our full guide to Net-a-Porters sale, too.) Theres a reason why one of our most-read stories before Black Friday is our full roundup of Nordstroms sale, with the department store offering up to 60 percent off its clearance section. The department store is price-matching much of the markdowns to what brands (like Madewell) are offering on their own sites, if youre one for a one-and-done checkout. Some standouts in the sale right now: $14 Free People flannel shorts and Natori Feathers, a.k.a. the unicorn of undergarments, for 40 percent off. You can get 50 percent off everything at Old Navy during Cyber Monday. Its your chance to stock up on the basics, from my favorite cheery cherry-red sweatpants to the only long-sleeve T-shirt fellow writer Emma Wartzman packed for a week in mid-coast Maine. Get 30 percent off sitewide and an extra 50 percent off markdowns at Outdoor Voices the discount will automatically appear in your cart. Some of my most fondly remembered designer scores are from the Outnet, which is offering an additional 40 percent off select styles for Cyber Monday. Some of the cheapest prices youll see are on off-season styles, like Isabel Marant one-shouldered tanks and Sebline track shorts. Instead of a traditional sitewide discount for Cyber Week, Quinces sale includes different daily deals for five days, the last of which ends tonight. (You can check out our full guide to the Quinces Cyber Monday sale too.) Everything at Reformation is 25 percent off. I suggest picking out your next wedding-guest dress or a New Years Eve ensemble before the deal ends. And make sure to check out the denim, too the Cynthia straight jeans are featured in almost every one of the Strategists jeans guides. Its not often that Rothys has a sale, much less the entire sitewide one. Everythings up to 30 percent off, so you can see how comfortable a pair of Rothys really are. Id recommend getting the Square Mary Janes freelancer Erika Veurink walked 15,000 steps around Florence in and the Casual Clogs that can be for the outdoors or indoors (we happen to think theyre one of the best slippers out there, for the record). There are only a few times a year when Shopbop offers a percentage off storewide. (Like Sephora, itll often offer discounts depending on different membership tiers.) You can use code HOLIDAY for 25 percent off almost everything. Youll find designer goods at Woodbury Commons prices at Ssenses Winter Sale including Flore Flore and an Acne Studio checked scarf (no, not that one). A big highlight of the sale is all the Repetto ballerinas that are marked down sizes are selling out, so act fast. (Make sure to check out our full roundup of Ssenses Black Friday sale too.) Some of our favorite size-inclusive basics come from Universal Standard. The brand is offering 30 percent off sitewide (with a few select styles up to 70 percent off), and youll get an extra 10 percent off if you use code STRAT-HOLIDAY10 at checkout. Or, if youre totally new to Universal Standard, you can use STRAT-HOLIDAY20 instead, for 20 percent off your first order. You can get 40 percent off sitewide plus an extra 50 percent off items in the sale section at Urban Outfitters during Cyber Monday. (Its stock of Birkenstocks is notably excluded from the promotion, however.) Get all your indie-sleaze paraphernalia while the gettings good. You can get up to 60 percent off brands like Crocs and Dr. Martens during Zapposs sale. Surprisingly, there are many markdowns on Tory Burch. get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. You are here: China A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Sunday slammed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and strongly condemned its attempt to weaponize the region. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to the U.S. announcement of approving 385 million U.S. dollars of arms sales to Taiwan. Chen also criticized the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan, stating that paying "protection fees" would bring Taiwan no security, only self-destruction. "Stop soliciting U.S. support for 'Taiwan independence' as such efforts are doomed to fail," he added. Chen said the U.S. move is simply inconsistent with the U.S. leaders' commitment to not supporting "Taiwan independence" and seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982. The spokesperson called on the United States to immediately stop arming Taiwan. "Don't ever underestimate China's determination to take strong and resolute countermeasures to firmly defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added. Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photo: Retailer Cyber Monday is here. To find the best deals in every category, follow all of our Cyber Monday coverage. The deals have been flowing for days and Cyber Monday, the last day to shop many sales, is in the final stretch. As the Strategists kitchen and dining writer of several years, I know how to sift through the madness and compile the very best sales for your tidy perusing pleasure. There are discounted offerings from smaller companies like Great Jones (where one of my own most-used baking dishes is more than 40 percent off) and Made In (whose stainless-steel pieces rival All-Clads and Dutch-oven competitor Le Creuset). There are great deals from larger retailers, too, like Sur La Table and Williams Sonoma, both of which have slashed prices on Cuisinart and Breville appliances, top-tier knives, and more. The markdowns on tableware are also looking great this year; Ive uncovered discounts on beautiful ceramics and some of my favorite glassware. All of this and more is rounded up below. The day is winding down, so if youve had your eye on anything, nows the moment to add to cart. And dont forget to stay updated with all of our sales coverage even after today by signing up for our email newsletter. Deals I Personally Think Are the Best All the items below are more than 20 percent off (so objectively just very good deals). But more than that, theyre items I think are integral to cooking well and with greater ease day in and day out for years to come. The Material Kitchen knives are a stellar lineup the only three blades you really need, plus a gorgeous magnetic wooden stand for displaying them. The reputation of Le Creuset holds for a reason: This is a Dutch oven you will pass down. And Made Ins stainless-clad stockpot, which comes with a strainer insert, is the best Ive ever had the pleasure of using. Alessis designs are always top-tier somehow modern-feeling and timeless at the same time, and often a bit playful, too. Most of their goods are on sale for 25 percent off, with some up to 50 percent off, including this orange peeler (specific, but so satisfying), an attractive electric kettle, and a sweet corkscrew that looks like a parrot. Like some other brands below, this one is chalk-full of great holiday gifts. Amazon, of course, loves a good sale but the massive number of discounted products on offer is a lot to parse. Here, I stuck with expert-endorsed appliances from reliable brands Ive written about in the past: an ultrapowerful blender from Vitamix, our very favorite air fryer from Instant, one of the most attractive and best-brewing coffee-makers on the market, and more. For even more Amazon promotions across different departments, check out our dedicated post as well. Another great one-stop-shop for kitchen-related gifts is Areaware with everything from fun stocking stuffers to standout bigger presents. Its sale is 30 percent off sitewide with code MERRY30 and includes these playful salad tossers, unusual glass bottle stoppers, and a very pretty sugar bowl. Brightland makes some of our favorite olive oils, vinegars, and honey. For its Cyber Monday sale, the brand is offering 20 percent off on orders over $100, 25 percent off on orders over $200, and 30 percent off on orders over $300, plus free shipping at all three levels. These goods are crowd-pleasing holiday gifts and host gifts during peak party season so stock up. The Container Stores sale where everything is 25 percent off (or 30 percent off if you select store pickup) is a great place to stock up on boring-but-necessary kitchen-organization items. Theres a lot of OXO on sale, a surprisingly sleek-looking lazy Susan, plus basic cabinet organizers that will keep your dried goods fresh into the new year. Crate & Barrel has a swath of standout items on sale. Its offering up to 45 percent off kitchen goods from the likes of KitchenAid (I always say Cyber Monday is the best time to buy a stand mixer), Philips (thats a highly recommended air fryer), Ooni (our Best in Class pizza oven), and more. Its also a great resource for classic, durable tableware, which is discounted up to 30 percent. Dusen Dusen isnt strictly a kitchen brand but they do make quite a few bold and playful items to make your space feel especially delightful. They have lots of patterned textiles, plus some additional items like a salt and pepper grinder set and kitchen timer. The sale is 20 percent off sitewide through December 3, with some select items even more. I own a lot of pieces from Falcon Enamelware, and it has quickly become one of my favorite brands for the kitchen. Now until December 2, theyre offering up to 50 percent off select items. Everything (as the name suggests) is made from durable enamel but designed in such a way that makes the material look extra nice. Below are some of my choice picks. Use code BLACKFRIDAY24 at checkout. Fellow, maker of many of our very favorite coffee products, has marked down select gear by 20 percent from now until December 2. You can buy its electric kettle, which features precise temperature control and a gooseneck spout for clean pouring; its coffee grinder, which evenly and quickly pulverizes coffee beans for your daily brew; its sleek insulated travel mug; and more. Fly by Jings pantry staples are a must-have. From now through December 2, its offering up to 50 percent off all its products, including its tingly and deeply savory Sichuan Chili Crisp, sweet and spicy dumpling Zhong sauce, and stacked gift boxes (including the mini one below, which, while only a small percent off, Im including because I think it would make a great stocking stuffer). Food52s sale, which goes through December 2, is 25 percent nearly everything in the shop. Its my own go-to for products that hit on both form and function, and a place I always scan for holiday gifts. Below, find some choice picks like Dansks Scandinavian enameled saucepan that comes in a dozen colors, endlessly useful condiment bowls I keep in my own cabinet, our very favorite steak knives, and more. Use code 25OFFHOLIDAY at checkout. Great Jones is offering up to 50 percent off much of its cookware from now until December 2. There are great discounts on some of my own favorite items, like the baking dish I pull out all winter long, the colorful nonstick sheet pan nice enough to double as a serving tray, and its exclusive collaboration version of the Fellow kettle above (this gem just went on sale today). Hedley & Bennett is known for its chef-approved aprons. But in the past few years, the brand has expanded beyond its signature product to make knives (that we very much like), other linens like pot holders, and this just in very good-looking stainless-steel and silicone kitchen utensils. Its Cyber Monday sale is another tiered one: 20 percent off when you spend up to $149 (which youll see reflected below), 25 percent off when you spend between $150 and $249, 30 percent off when you spend between $250 and $349, 35 percent off when you spend between $350 and $449, and 40 percent off orders $450 and above. Jono Pandolfis Cyber Monday sale is its only one of the year, with 15 percent off sitewide through December 2. The brand makes ceramics for prominent restaurants across the country and came up multiple times recently when we asked expert cooks and hosts about their choice tabletop pieces especially the bowls and serving set. They would make really special holiday gifts. Made Ins sale will last all the way to December 8 with items up to 30 percent off. You also get a free (expensive!) gift when you buy certain sets. There are markdowns on knives and tableware both of which Ive tried and both of which are great. But Im most excited about its cookware. The stainless-steel pieces rival All-Clads and the Dutch oven rivals Staub and Le Creuset. Material Kitchens whisk, glassware, recycled-plastic cutting board, and supersharp shears all get heavy use in my kitchen and pro cooks love the rest of its cooking utensils and knives, too. Cyber Monday is its biggest sale of the year, with up to 40 percent off sitewide through December 4 (certain items are already selling out, though so Id get on it). Take an additional 10 percent off if you spend $300 or more. Every product from Misen is marked down 25 percent with code CARVE25OFF, and the brand has several items we love in particular. The chefs knife is a great starter blade that will last years (and wont break the bank, especially on sale, of course). The pre-seasoned carbon steel skillet is our all-time top pick. And one Strategist staffer just got the roasting pan, which she loves. Our Places sale is up to 40 percent off the entire site through December 2. You can snag the Instagram-famous Always Pan for less than $100, but the items I recommend most from the brand are for the tabletop. These glasses are some of my favorites, and I really like its stoneware pieces, too. Sur La Tables Cyber Monday sale always offers a plethora of fantastic items with big discounts. The deals are noteworthy with up to 60 percent off big-name brands like Cuisinart, Le Creuset, Vitamix, All-Clad, Zwilling, and Shun. And Id like to give a special shout-out to its own line of dinnerware, highly recommended by two Strategist staffers. Target has some solid deals that run through the end of today. Thats my very favorite water bottle (I tote mine around with me all day long). For hot drinks (and a good gift), see the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug. And the Nutribullet personal blender our favorite is very marked-down. Williams Sonoma is another one-stop shop for big discounts on big-name brands. Its sale is up to 50 percent off plus free shipping on tons of items. Ive pulled some choice picks from the likes of Breville, Global, Lodge, KitchenAid, Emile Henry, and more. get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. For years, internationally-sanctioned Iran has used non-internationally-sanctioned Iraq as a front through which it can move whatever it wants wherever it wants whenever it wants to. This includes its sanctioned oil and gas, sanctioned funds, and sanctioned goods and people. This has been enabled by a succession of U.S. governments that granted Iraq waiver after waiver to continue to import Iranian energy which Iraq needs because its own endemically corrupt oil and gas sector has eaten away its ability to meet its own power requirements. The U.S.s idea has always been that Iraq will for some reason gradually wean itself off this dependence on Iran, which underpins the Islamic Republics octopus-like grip over the,political, economic, and military facets of its neighbour. This approach has never succeeded and there is no evidence whatsoever that it ever will. Many in Washington will be relieved that it looks like Donald Trump will finally impose sanctions on Iraq as well when he takes presidential office in January for the multitude of ongoing criminal actions in which it readily acts as Irans accomplice. Operations that can be used to successfully move oil illegally around the world and to then launder the profits from that can be used to do the same for any other product, a senior source who works closely with the European Unions (E.U.) energy security complex exclusively told OilPrice.com last week. The U.S. has known this for a long time but hoped that granting waivers for Iraq to keep importing Iranian gas and electricity [which provides 40 percent of Iraqs power needs] would be accompanied by increased investment in Iraq by U.S. companies, which in turn would gradually allow Washington to substitute its own influence in the country for Irans, he added. Mitigating this approach was the fact that for most of this period [when waivers were being granted with no change in Iraqs complicit approach to Iran] the U.S. was not in a position to guarantee global oil and gas prices were kept down [to reduce the economic hardship of high energy prices] so it did not want to properly sanction Iraq, or Iran either when it came to illegal oil shipments as these both helped to meet supply needs and keep oil prices softer than they would have been, he added. But the new [U.S.] president [Donald Trump] has made it clear that he intends to drill a lot more oil and gas, and the likelihood is that he will be able to exert significant influence over Saudi Arabia and OPEC as he did last time he was in office, so he can properly go after then [Iran and Iraq] now, he concluded. Related: OPEC+ May Be Facing Long-Term Production Cuts There is a myriad of methods by which internationally-sanctioned Iran uses the non-internationally-sanctioned Iraq as a front that enables it to move its oil anywhere it likes, as analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order. It can start as early as at the oil wellheads because very often oil on the Iraqi side of the border with Iran is being drilled from the same reservoirs as the oil being drilled on the Iranian side, and sometimes through long-distance horizontal directional drilling. Even if the Americans or their trusted appointees stationed people at every single rig in every single shared field in Iraq they would not be able to tell if the oil coming out it was from the Iraq side or the Iranian side. Notable examples of shared reservoirs and fields are Irans Azadegan oil reservoir (split into North and South fields) that is exactly the same reservoir upon which sits Iraqs Majnoon oilfield. The same feature applies to Azar (on the Iran side)/Badra (on the Iraq side), Yadavaran (Iran)/Sinbad (Iraq), Naft Shahr (Iran)/Naft Khana (Iraq), Dehloran (Iran)/Abu Ghurab (Iraq), West Paydar (Iran)/Fakka/Fauqa (Iraq), and Arvand (Iran)/South Abu Ghurab (Iraq). There are many other fields shared between Iran and Iraq, as well. Whether drilled from the Iraqi side or the Iranian one, another method of disguising the criminal origin of the oil is during transit. At the lowest level of sophistication, barrels drilled from Iranian wells can simply be relabelled as Iraqi oil and then transported on lorries by land to wherever it is desired. The geographical location of Iraq makes it an ideal hub for transport of oil by road into Europe via Turkey, or to the Mediterranean Sea through Syria. Or they can be driven to ports for onward loading to ships and then moved anywhere that way. Bigger quantities of Iranian oil can also be moved by pipeline to oil tankers in Iraqs ports, as the two countries do not just share oil reservoirs but also have significant linkage across the pipeline networks that run across them. Once at the ports and ready for loading onto tankers, the documentation on the country of origin of the oil is easily changed to show that it comes from Iraq and not Iran. Irans own former Petroleum Minister, Bijan Zanganeh, publicly highlighted this very practice when he said in 2020: What we export is not under Irans name -- the documents are changed over and over, as well as [the] specifications. Once onboard the tankers, the obfuscation of the true source of the oil can continue, with another reliable sanctions side-stepping technique being the disabling literally just flicking a switch on the automatic identification system on ships that carry Iranian oil. This makes tracking such vessels much more difficult. Compounding this particularly useful for oil being moved to China -- is the common practice of at-sea or just-outside-port transfers of Iranian oil onto tankers flying the flags of a local Asian country, with Malaysia and Indonesia having long been favoured by Iran and Iraq in this regard. So well-developed and effective are these methods that they have become a matter of great national pride for Iran, with its then-Foreign Minister, Mohammad Zarif, stating in December 2018 at the Doha Forum that: If there is an art that we have perfected in Iran, [that] we can teach to others for a price, it is the art of evading sanctions. The relevant agencies in Washington already have more than enough hard evidence to justify imposing full secondary sanctions on Iraq even to bring criminal charges if they were so inclined a senior source who works very closely with the U.S. Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control exclusively told OilPrice.com last week. Indeed, following the signing in mid-2020 of a two-year contract for Iraq to keep taking Iranian gas and electricity (the longest period ever at that point), the U.S. responded with swingeing targeted sanctions on 20 Iran- and Iraq-based entities. The then-State Department spokesperson, Morgan Ortagus, cited them as being instruments in the funnelling of money to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) elite Quds Force, which was entirely true. She added that the 20 entities were continuing to exploit Iraqs dependence on Iran as an electricity and gas source by smuggling Iranian petroleum through the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr and money laundering through Iraqi front companies, which was also true. She also said that Washington was extremely concerned that Iraq was continuing to act as a conduit for Iranian oil and gas supplies to make their way out into the worlds major export markets. This time around, the U.S. sanctions imposed on Iraq are likely to be much broader and deeper for several reasons, according to the Washington source. First, the world oil price is less dependent on Iraqi and Iranian oil than it was even a few years ago, with multiple new sustained energy supplies having been sourced following Russias invasion on Ukraine in 2022. These will be added to in the coming months and years, as will the U.S.s own oil and gas production under the Trump Administration. Second, the willingness of Saudi Arabia (and its OPEC brothers that it effectively leads) to cooperate in keeping oil prices within the Trump Oil Price Range is likely to be higher than during the presidency of Joe Biden, given the previous history between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Donald Trump. And third, by exerting pressure on Iraq (and Iran), the U.S. will be able to use this as another lever over China, which imports enormous quantities of oil from both at heavily discounted prices due to the all-encompassing co-operation deals that it has signed with both countries, as also detailed in my latest book on the new global oil market order. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com While challenges remain, the growing interest in cryptocurrencies in the region highlights the potential for further development and innovation in digital finance. Kazakhstan's experience with crypto mining has been a rollercoaster, with initial booms followed by regulatory crackdowns and a focus on energy consumption. Cryptocurrency ownership is gaining popularity across Central Asia and the Caucasus, according to a report prepared by a group of financial services companies. Uzbekistan has the highest adoption rate for crypto assets in the regions and ranks 33rd globally. The Russian-language report, titled Digital Assets in Central Asia and the Caucasus, shows that almost 1.5 percent of Uzbekistans population, or roughly 512,000 individuals, owns cryptocurrency. The 15 licensed cryptocurrency exchanges and outlets operating in Uzbekistan handled over $1 billion worth of transactions in 2024, the report adds. Just two years ago, Uzbekistan ranked 87th in global crypto adoption. In 2023, the country shot up to 25th in the world rankings before falling back to 33rd this year. Despite slipping, Uzbekistan still outpaces its Central Asian neighbors when it comes to crypto asset adoption. Kazakhstan ranked 57th in the world and Kyrgyzstan 76th, according to the report. Tajikistan and Turkmenistan were not ranked. Kazakhstans ranking might be much higher, if not for a far-reaching government regulatory initiative covering cryptocurrency production and usage. No official data on crypto assets is available for Kazakhstan, but some independent estimates indicate 8 percent of the population may hold cryptocurrency. In 2021, Kazakhstan emerged as a leading center for cryptocurrency mining following a crackdown in China on the practice, which requires immense amounts of electricity. By the fall of that year, Kazakhstans global Bitcoin hashrate, an indicator of the amount of power being used to produce cryptocurrency, was over 27 percent. During the same period, the country experienced power outages as the electricity grid buckled under the rising demand. The Kazakh government in following years introduced measures to hinder crypto mining, including the introduction of steep tariffs for intensive power usage. As a result, the countrys Bitcoin hashrate fell to 4 percent in May 2023. The number of mining operations in Kazakhstan likewise plummeted between 2021 and mid-2023, going from 330 to 26. But over the past 15 months, the number of mining outfits have risen to 51, the report states. At the same time the government took steps to hinder mining, it introduced regulatory changes to enable officials to better monitor crypto transactions. In late 2023, Kazakhstan also introduced a digital currency under Central Bank supervision that is designed to compete with cryptocurrencies. In the Caucasus, Georgia has the highest global ranking in crypto asset adoption, coming in at 54th. That position, however, is 17 spots lower than Tbilisis ranking in 2022. Armenia was 77th and Azerbaijan came in at 92nd, according to the report, which was sponsored by a variety of financial services entities, including Mastercard, KPMG and the National Payment Corporation of Kazakhstan. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Despite U.S. sanctions and pressure, China continues to supply Russia with dual-use technology, raising concerns about its role in the ongoing conflict. The shipments highlight the difficulty in enforcing export controls and preventing the flow of critical technology to Russia's military. A Chinese company with a manufacturing plant in California has been shipping sanctioned electronics to Russia, including components found in Russian weapons systems. A Chinese company that owns a California manufacturing plant has sent hundreds of shipments of restricted dual-use electronics to Russia since the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine, including to sanctioned companies with ties to the Russian military. At least one component manufactured by the company, Yangzhou Yangjie Electronic Technology Company Limited, was found in a Russian weapons guidance system recovered from the battlefield in Ukraine, according to a public database maintained by the Ukrainian military. Yangjie Technology, located in Yangzhou Province northwest of Shanghai, has sent more than 200 shipments of specific goods to Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion in February 2022, according to customs records obtained by C4ADS, a Washington-based, nonprofit data-analysis and global-research organization. The listed contents of those shipments -- totaling at least 238 -- included electronic components categorized as "high-priority" by the United States due to their potential use in Russian weapons systems, according to the data obtained by C4ADS and shared with RFE/RL, which independently corroborated more than 150 such shipments. At least 17 such shipments were sent to a Russian electronics firm hit by U.S. sanctions, customs records show. The findings further highlight the difficulty Western countries have had in trying to choke off the Russian military's access to Western technology for use in its weapons and operations as its war on Ukraine continues. China's relationship with Moscow has deepened over the course of the war, both strategically and economically, while Beijing has also aimed to limit blowback from the West, in particular the United States, its largest trading partner. Washington and the European Union have sanctioned some Chinese companies for providing dual-use technologies that aid Russian forces on the battlefield. After months of pressure, China in October released new export-control regulations aimed at constraining shipments of dual-use goods to Russia. Still, Western officials have said the flow of goods from China has played a significant role in boosting Russia on the battlefield in Ukraine. The items shipped by Yangjie Technology, according to the customs records, include certain types of diodes, as well as specific transistors, an electronic device that amplifies or switches electrical currents. The Ukrainian military has recovered least one diode produced by Yangjie Technology from a module used in a Russian guidance system known as UMPK, according to a Ukrainian database of foreign-made components in Russian weapons systems. UMPK is used to provide guided, navigational ability to air-dropped bombs -- known as glide bombs -- that Russia has deployed to devastating effect in Ukraine. Yangjie Technology also sent at least 173 shipments of "high-priority" dual-use technology to the Russian company Simmetron Electronic Components. Simmetron was hit with U.S. sanctions in May 2023 as part of a broad series of measures aimed to "degrade the Russian Federation's capacity to wage war against Ukraine." At least three of those shipments were sent to Simmetron in August-September 2023, customs records show. Neither Yangjie nor Simmetron responded to e-mails from RFE/RL seeking comment. California Connections A major Chinese electronics and semiconductor manufacturer, Yangjie has been listed on the Shanghai stock exchange since 2014. Last year, the company's international shares -- Global Depository Receipts began trading on the Swiss stock exchange. As part of the deal, the company appointed U.S. financial services giant Citibank to be the depository bank, serving as the go-between for traders buying and selling the international shares. Citigroup declined to comment specifically on the company's knowledge or awareness of possible sanctions violations. "Citi is committed to conducting business with clients in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We have controls, policies, and processes in place to monitor adherence to these obligations including sanctions," a spokeswoman said in an e-mail. In 2015, Yangjie closed on a deal to buy a U.S.-based semiconductor company called Micro Commercial Components, which says it makes "high-quality discrete semiconductors," some of which can be used in military technology. Headquartered in Simi Valley, California, Micro operates several research facilities in Japan, China, and Taiwan. In an e-mail to RFE/RL, Micro Commercial Components said it complies with all U.S. sanctions and guidelines. The company forwarded a copy of its export compliance policies that read: "The buyer must fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the purchase, sale, shipment, export, re-export, transfer, or use of the products." A Russian company called VM Components, working under the name Platan and describing itself as a leading provider of electronics components in Russia, received more than three dozen shipments from Yangjie as well, according to customs records. VM Components is part of a network of companies that work closely with another sanctioned company, JSC Roselektronika, and a Russian entity owned by the Federal Security Service, Russia's main domestic security agency, records reviewed by RFE/RL and C4ADS reveal. The entity is known more widely as the FSB Criminalistics Institute, or by its military code, 34435. A December 2020 joint investigation by Bellingcat, The Insider, CNN, and Der Spiegel found Russian security service officers linked to the poisoning of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny in August of that year worked under that military unit. Navalny died in a Russian prison under unclear circumstances in February 2024. It is unclear from customs records whether the FSB Criminalistics Institute received specific items shipped by Yangjie. VM Components did not respond to a written request for comment. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com On December 1, Azerbaijans state oil company, SOCAR, started supplying natural gas to Slovakias Slovensky plynarensky priemysel (SPP), the countrys largest state-owned energy operator. This comes just a month after SPP signed a short-term pilot contract to buy natural gas from Azerbaijan as it prepares for a possible halt to Russian supplies via Ukraine. Last year, Ukraine signaled it has no intention to renew a five-year pipeline transit agreement to supply natural gas to EU countries when it expires on December 31, 2024, while EU energy chief Kadri Simson indicated that the EU executive has "no interest" in pushing to revive the agreement. The EU has warned member countries to prepare for a world without Russian gas, with Ukraine gas amounting to 5% of total EU gas imports. Aura Sabadus, a senior analyst at the ICIS market intelligence firm, told Politico that Austria, Hungary and Slovakia are likely to be the hardest hit when the imports are cut off. Recently, Russia said its willing to continue supplying gas to Europe via Ukraine if Kyiv and the involved European countries can come to an agreement. "Of course, in my opinion, the European countries that currently receive gas through this corridor are interested in continuing such cooperation," Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who is in charge of Russia's energy policy, told reporters "We are ready to supply (gas), but not much depends on us, so probably this should be negotiated directly between the users and the country through which the transit is provided, he added. Meanwhile, Turkey has said it is prepared to significantly increase natural gas exports to the European Union, desperate to further wean itself off Russian gas, but it wont be easy or cheap: In order to do that, the most likely route is to re-export Azeri natural gas from Turkey. That, in turn, would require Turkey to take in more Russian gas to make up for the shortfall. Ankara is keen to play the role of savior and boost its leverage with respect to Brussels; but it wants some demand guarantees before it starts spending on the necessary infrastructure. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Namibias offshore has yielded quality discovery as the African country continues to be an exploration hotspot for international companies. Portugals Galp has just successfully drilled and logged the Mopane-1A appraisal well in block PEL83, encountering light oil and gas-condensate in high-quality reservoir-bearing sands. The findings of this third appraisal well are once again indicating good porosities, high permeabilities, and high pressures, as well as low oil viscosity characteristics with minimum CO2 and no H2S concentrations, Galp, which is the operator of the block, said in a statement. The appraisal well confirms the extension and quality of the oil and condensate discoveries to date, it added. Galp and its partners will continue to analyze and integrate all newly acquired data, whilst progressing with the upcoming activities, which include exploration and appraisal (E&A) wells, and a high-resolution proprietary 3D seismic campaign set to start in December 2024, the Portuguese company said. In recent years, international majors have scaled back investments in Africas legacy producers such as Nigeria and Angola and have instead opted for exploration offshore Namibia, hoping it would be the next Guyana and the next major oil producer and exporter. Shell, TotalEnergies, and Galp have announced major oil discoveries in the past two years offshore Namibia, including one giant find earlier this year. At the end of April, Galp Energia said that the first phase of its exploration in the Mopane field offshore Namibia could contain at least 10 billion barrels of oil. TotalEnergies and Shell have already made large discoveries offshore Namibia, kicking off the Namibian oil rush in 2022. TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy are also expanding their efforts to explore for oil and gas in the Orange Basin offshore Namibia, which extends into South African waters. Last week, QatarEnergy entered into an agreement to buy from TotalEnergies an additional 5.25% interest in block 2913B (PEL 56) and an additional 4.695% interest in block 2912 (PEL 91), in the Orange Basin, offshore Namibia. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Norways cabinet is scrapping a licensing round for deep sea minerals mining planned for 2025 as part of a deal with a small party backing the minority government to pass the countrys budget bill. The SV leftist and environmentalist party is not part of the ruling minority coalition, but the Labor government in Norway relies on it to pass legislation, including budget bills, in Parliament. Early this year, Norways Parliament agreed to allow Arctic seabed exploration to mine for critical minerals. Analyses by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate have shown high contents of copper, zinc ,and cobalt. In addition, rare earth elements have been found in samples from manganese crusts. In June, Norways Energy Ministry opened for public consultation its proposal to hold in 2025 the first licensing round for seabed minerals on the Norwegian continental shelf. The world needs minerals for the green transition, and the government wants to explore if it is possible to extract seabed minerals in a sustainable manner from the Norwegian continental shelf, Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland said, adding that the Energy Ministry aimed to award licenses during the first half of 2025. The small SV party has now asked that the government stop plans to open areas in the Arctic to deep sea mining for critical minerals. The deal with the government means that no licensing round will be held next year as previously planned and that the issue is shelved until 2026. Tjeldflaat Helle, deep sea mining campaigner at Greenpeace Nordic, hailed the scrapping of the 2025 licensing round as a huge win. We will not let this industry destroy the unique life in the deep sea, not in the Arctic nor anywhere else, Helle added. Commenting on the pause, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said This will be a postponement. Norway will hold a general election in early September 2025, which current polls predict will be won by the opposition Conservative and Progress Parties. These favor deep sea mining, so the current pause could prove only temporary. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Crude oil prices started to trade this week with gains, driven higher by positive factory output data from China and the prospect of continued fighting in the Middle East. At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at $72.22 per barrel, with West Texas Intermediate at $68.36 per barrel, both up from Fridays close, after the release of the Caixin/S&P Global PMI reading for November. The reading showed factory output in China had expanded at the fastest rate in five months in November. New orders jumped at the fastest rate since February 2023, Reuters noted in its report on the news. Meanwhile, Israel began bombing Lebanon again despite the ceasefire that was agreed last week, suggesting the end of that war is nowhere near the horizon. Also in the Middle East, Islamist insurgents entered the Syrian city of Aleppo, reigniting the violence that has plagued the country for years and signaling further instability in the Middle East. Separately, OPEC+ is meeting on Thursday to discuss output and most expect it to delay the rollback of production cuts for next year in light of price levels. An indefinite delay may be the best case for oil prices, given that earlier rounds of delays by a month or so have failed to drive higher oil prices in line with what OPEC+ intended, IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong told Reuters. In comments on the OPEC conundrum, INGs Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey wrote today The challenge is that the group needs to find a balance between trying to support the market and limiting its loss in market share. Complicating matters still further, some members are still failing to stick to their agreed production levels. The other complication is that any return of supply to the market will likely tank prices, Middle Eastern instability, and Chinese demand notwithstanding. This suggests that OPEC+ is stuck with the cuts until such time as other events push prices high enough for the producer groups comfort. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A small group of major oil-producing countries, including the leaders of the OPEC+ alliance Saudi Arabia and Russia have blocked a United Nations-backed summit from agreeing on a binding treaty to put limits on the production and use of plastics. To address plastics pollution, the UN convened a summit in Busan, South Korea, where delegates have been discussing the idea of a plastics treaty since November 25. The UN has said that the talks would be essential to deal with plastics pollution, but these talks and the summit adjourned without a deal being reached. Countries negotiating a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution concluded their fifth session in the small hours of Monday in Busan, with plans to reconvene in 2025, the UN said, adding that Despite intense discussions, delegates recognised the need for more time to address divergent views and refine the treatys framework. Oil producers, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, have balked at the idea to curb plastics. There should be no problem with producing plastics, Abdulrahman Al Gwaiz, the delegate from Saudi Arabia, said during the meetings final plenary session. The problem is the pollution, not the plastics themselves, Bloomberg quoted Abdulrahman Al Gwaiz as saying. Russia, for its part, argued at the summit that efforts to limit plastic production were motivated by economic reasons. Petrochemicals, from which plastics are made, are expected to drive global oil demand growth in the coming years and decades, even if demand for road transportation fuels wanes. Thats why it is no surprise that the biggest petrostates depending on oil revenues, such as Saudi Arabia and Russia, arent keen on agreeing on limits to plastics production. Moreover, lobbyists from chemicals and fossil fuel companies were heavily represented at the talks in Busan, according to an analysis by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). As many as 220 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists had registered to participate in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) to advance a global plastics treaty. That was the largest single delegation at INC-5, outnumbering even the host Republic of Koreas 140 representatives, CIEL said. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Poland has shut down a branch of the Druzhba pipeline after detecting a leak, Bloomberg reported on Sunday, citing Polish media and the local firefighting service that responded to the leak report. The Druzhba pipeline carries Russian crude to Central Europe. Germany buys it in Poland for two of its refineries, one of them formerly owned by Russias Rosneft. Later in the day, Reuters cited Polish pipeline operator PERN as saying the partial shutdown of the pipeline had not affected crude oil deliveries to clients using the Druzhba pipeline. Central European EU members have been trying to reduce their dependence on Russian crude in the wake of the Ukraine war but this has proven tricky because of the lack of readily available alternatives. One of these has been the replacement of Russian crude flows with Kazakh oil, to feed into Germanys Schwedt refinery. This is not the first leak in Druzhbas Polish section. In August last year, PERN had to shut off a section of the pipeline following the detection of a leak. The Druzhba pipeline is a key artery of oil supply from Russia to Europe, with two branches a northern one via Belarus that supplies Belarus, Poland, Germany, Latvia, and Lithuania, and a southern one passing through Ukraine and sending oil to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Croatia. Flows through the Druzhba pipeline were exempted from the EU embargo on imports of Russian crude oil by sea that came into effect on December 5, 2022. The EU has exempted pipeline oil flows to landlocked EU member states from the ban. Nevertheless, Germany and Poland said last year they would halt imports of Russian crude via the Druzhba pipeline as of January 1, 2023. Germany did it on the first day of the year, following through on a previous pledge to stop buying Russian pipeline crude despite the fact that the EU embargo exempts pipeline flows from Russia to Europe. For Hungary and Slovakia, however, Russian oil remains essential. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Farmers and ranchers in Nebraska have a list of dos and donts for President-elect Donald Trump. Dont entangle the United States in needless trade wars that could hurt agriculture. Do open new markets to agricultural products, hold trading partners accountable and follow through on campaign promises to reduce energy costs and cut burdensome regulations. I think folks across Nebraska are very optimistic about President Trump returning to the White House, based on what we saw last time, said U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, Republican from Nebraskas largest, mostly rural 3rd District. Nebraska is the countrys fifth-largest agricultural exporting state, shipping $10 billion in domestic agricultural products abroad in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The states top export markets for agricultural products were China, followed by Mexico and Japan, according to the states most recent statistics from 2021. In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump said he intends to impose a 25% tariff on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico unless those countries act to curb the flow of drugs and illegal immigrants into the United States. He also said he would impose a 10% tariff on China until it acts to stop the flow of fentanyl and other drugs into the country. Although concerned about potential negative impacts of Trumps promised tariffs, farmers and ranchers told The World-Herald they generally see an ally in Trump, based on results from his first term. 'Heartbeat for the working class' Nebraskans in agriculture told The World-Herald they see Trump as a president who cares about agriculture and listens to farmers and ranchers when determining policy. In general, what we appreciate about President Trump is that he does seem to have a sense of rural America, said Mark McHargue of Central City, Nebraska, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau. In the November election, Trump swept nearly all the states known as Americas Breadbasket, taking Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas, with only Illinois and Minnesota going blue. Texas and Oklahoma, major beef producing states, also went for Trump. Trump has a heartbeat for the working class, to a degree, which agriculture falls into, McHargue said. The former presidents statements on tariffs, however, are generating some worry. Tariffs are an economic tool imposed by countries to raise the relative price of imported products compared with domestic ones, making the domestic products more competitive in the marketplace. The additional cost can be absorbed by the importer or passed on to consumers, meaning higher prices for the imported goods. Or an importer can try to negotiate better prices from their overseas suppliers. Im not a fan of tariffs, Smith said. I also understand that they need to be a tool in the toolbox. We have to focus on how to most appropriately drive a tough negotiation. The most beautiful word Trump expressed his fondness for tariffs in an Oct. 21 speech in Greenville, North Carolina, saying that tariff was the most beautiful word in the dictionary. In the Sept. 10 debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump said: Other countries are going to finally, after 75 years, pay us back for all that weve done for the world. Raising concerns among some economists was an interview broadcast last February on CNBC. Trump said he was considering imposing tariffs of 60% or higher on Chinese goods and 10% across-the-board tariffs on imports from other countries. In his first term, the U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, and China retaliated with its own. The U.S. subsequently signed the U.S.-China Phase One Trade Deal in 2020 that addressed some of Chinas unfair trade practices. China committed to expanding access for some agricultural products and agreed to purchase $32 billion more ag products from the United States in 2020 and 2021 than they bought in 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China fell short of its Phase One commitment, according to the Congressional Research Service. The Biden administration did not lower or remove the China tariffs it inherited from the Trump administration, according to the Brookings Institution. During Trumps first term, the U.S. also imposed tariffs on other countries, which resulted in retaliatory tariffs on a range of agricultural products, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The tariffs increased the price of U.S. agricultural exports in those markets, which resulted in a reduction in exports, the federation said. U.S. agricultural exports, because of the retaliatory tariffs, declined by $27 billion in 2018 and 2019 combined, the federation said. Many of the retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports have been reduced or removed as a result of agreements. Canada and Mexicos tariffs were removed in 2019, and China removed many tariffs on U.S. agricultural products with the U.S.-China Phase One deal. The downsides of tariffs A research study made public in October and involving economists with Nebraska ties concluded that retaliation would be inevitable if the United States imposed a 60% tariff on Chinese goods and 10% on imports from other countries. This scenario, which the researchers called a fortress America protectionist trade policy, would put U.S. exports at a disadvantage, said authors Edward Balistreri and Christine McDaniel. Balistreri is a professor of economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. McDaniel is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Both are affiliated with UNLs Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance. While China and other U.S. trade partners may suffer some losses under the scenario, which involves all goods, the United States could potentially experience losses surpassing $910 billion if all countries retaliated, they said. The consequences of a trade war would be less if the United States and the European Union cooperated and imposed tariffs on China simultaneously, they said. Its possible that this tariff rhetoric is more of an opening gambit and maybe hes going to use it for leverage to make deals, McDaniel said. Agriculture is often the target of retaliatory tariffs, she said. If tariffs were off the table, deregulation would be an alternative for the U.S. to grow and keep American businesses, McDaniel said. One of the reasons that a lot of companies dont build here and might choose another location is because it costs so much to build a new plant or do the environmental study, she said. Dealing with regulations can have huge costs to businesses. Hope for new markets Ryan Ueberrhein, a corn and soybean farmer who lives in Elkhorn and farms about 2,000 acres near Valley, said he hopes Trump will open up new markets. I think thatll happen, he said. I know when he was in office, the trade was a lot more active. The current administration has not been active whatsoever. As for tariffs, Ueberrheins approach is wait and see. He said he has faith that Trump will protect farmers. I think he understands that agriculture, across this country, is one of the main drivers of the economy, Ueberrhein said. So hes got to keep that at the forefront. Given farmers reliance on diesel fuel, reducing energy costs would be a help, he said. Farm Bureaus McHargue also said the Biden administration did not work hard enough on trade relationships. In the past, Trump has been open to expanding markets, he said, and ag producers will encourage him to work out deals with other countries that need ag products. McHargue said farmers are not necessarily against all tariffs, but they have to be strategic. They have to go in and accomplish your particular goal. Farm Bureau officials are skeptical of using tariffs to raise money to fund the government, he said. We dont believe thats how they should be used, he said. Tariffs could be used strategically to balance the economic playing field, or in some cases to control a particular action of a country, for instance, to encourage human rights, he said. McHargue said across-the-board tariffs on products coming into the United States would not be strategic and could invite retaliatory tariffs, which countries often target at food products. In the Midwest, certainly in Nebraska, we depend heavily on trading of our commodities, both corn and soybeans, cattle and hogs, he said. McHargue said he hopes the Trump administration will seek out emerging markets for U.S. agricultural products. Last summer, McHargue visited Indonesia on a trade trip. He said the country of nearly 300 million people has a rising middle class, and that typically means the country will be purchasing more protein. Vietnam is another great market, he said. McHargue said the selling of American agricultural products to other countries has historically helped to balance out the countrys trade. Over the last two years, agricultural trade has been in a deficit, meaning the country bought more ag products than it sold. The fiscal year 2024 agricultural trade deficit approached $32 billion, according to federal figures. The government projects a 2025 deficit of $42.5 billion. During the first Trump presidency, the countrys trade fight with China resulted in a significant decline in soybean prices with China, he said. Half the U.S. domestic soybean crop is exported to other countries each year, according to the American Soybean Association. China is the top importer of U.S. soybeans. Virginia Houston, the associations director of government affairs, cautioned in September about antagonizing China with further trade restrictions. It is very likely that a change in Chinas trade status would result in immediate retaliation from Beijing, as soybeans were among the first products targeted when the trade war began in summer 2018, she wrote. McHargue said Trump, recognizing how trade disruptions hurt farmers in his first term, helped them. To Trumps credit, he did develop a program that did attempt to make agriculture whole because of that price drop, he said. But we would much rather get our money from the market, not from a government payment. In 2018 and 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided $23 billion to help farmers affected by trade disputes between the U.S. and other countries, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Keeping Mexico open to corn As president, Trump had pushed for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which was an upgrade to the North American Free Trade Agreement. USMCA is now six years old and coming up for review again under the Trump administration, McHargue said. Did Nebraska farmers and ranchers benefit from the rewrite? Thats a good question, he said. Our main emphasis was do no harm because generally for the Midwest, NAFTA had worked well. Theres a good market for corn, pork and beef, and the U.S. has developed railroad lines to ship straight into Mexico from the Midwest, he said. But even as Nebraska sends a lot of corn that way, Mexico is refusing to buy GMO corn, specifically food-grade white corn for tortillas, he said. So we are actually in a conflict with Mexico right now, he said. In a 2023 decree, which modified a 2020 decree, Mexico banned the use of genetically modified corn for use in dough and tortillas. The decree also phases out the use of genetically modified corn for use in animal feed and industrial use for human consumption. Although Mexico cited potential health risks and the need to protect native corn varieties as justification, U.S. officials said the decree breached the USMCA and was not grounded in science. The U.S. sought to bring the corn decree dispute before a USMCA panel. The panel is to issue a final report before the end of the year. McHargue said farmers hope Trump will advocate for them on the issue. That was something we pushed President Biden pretty hard on, to get involved, throw a red flag and say, Hey, we agreed that you would abide by certain standards. And we feel like (Mexico) kind of went back on that when they say, No, we dont think GMO corn is safe for our people. According to Smith, Mexico walked all over us. The Biden administration took longer than three years to address Mexico shutting out our biotech corn, even though they agreed to USMCA that was very specifically pointing to opening up things on biotech, he said. Ag producers will be asking Trump to be active on upholding the trade agreements the United States has with other countries, he said. China was buying an average of $25 billion in U.S. ag products a year between 2014 and 2017. When the trade tension started, that dropped to $13 billion. Although it promised to buy more, China has not carried through on the promise, McHargue said. Crop insurance a priority In addition to trade, farmers and ranchers want a farm bill passed in Congress. The farm bill is a multiyear law that governs an array of agricultural and food programs. Renewed about every five years, it expired in October. The bill addresses such things as support for commodity crops, agricultural research initiatives, trade and conservation, as well as funding for crop insurance, disaster assistance and nutrition programs. According to McHargue, farmers and ranchers would probably say crop insurance is the most important part of the bill. The government-subsidized insurance provides a safety net against adverse weather events, natural disasters or falling prices. The country is in a pattern of frequent and severe weather, and thats a good reason to have a good, solid crop insurance program in place, he said. Cheaper energy and deregulation Trumps call to reduce regulations and energy cost appeals to farmers, McHargue said. We are becoming a highly regulated industry, more and more, and that generally is increasing the cost of food, he said. Agriculture, just by nature, is a somewhat heavy energy user, so the reduction in energy cost would benefit us. The Farm Bureau policy is to support a variety of energy sources, including solar, wind, renewables, coal and nuclear or fossil fuels, he said. The Trump tax cuts of 2017, which are sunsetting in 2025, aided farmers, he said. The Farm Bureau will be working with Smith to ensure that at a minimum the current tax cuts get extended, he said. One indication of where Trump sits on regulation was his rewrite of former President Barack Obamas Waters of the United States regulation. Trump narrowed the definition of navigable waters, reducing federal authority, and President Joe Biden subsequently expanded it. In 2023, the state of Nebraska joined in a lawsuit challenging the Biden definition as an unlawful expansion of federal authority over waterways that would saddle farmers and ranchers with extra costs. The U.S. Supreme Court last year narrowed federal authority. 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: Schematic of self-encoded membrane functionalization. 1: -hemolysin is expressed inside artificial cells as a monomer. 2: Oligomerization and membrane insertion enable the translocation of peptides to the outer membrane. 3: Fluorescent antibody (purple) can bind peptides on the outer membrane. HL (green) is bound to the inner membrane. Credit: Neal K. Devaraj. In a new Nature Communications study, scientists have developed a novel method for artificial cells to interact with their external environment without the need for complex modification processes. This method could open new frontiers in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and cell processes. Biological cells are protected by a membrane, made of phospholipids, which modulates interactions with the outside environment. Recreating this in artificial cells is challenging, requiring manual external modification of the membrane. This is particularly true for protein translocation or movement across the membrane. The present study addresses this problem by developing a method in which artificial cells modify their own membrane. Phys.org spoke to two of the authors of the study, Prof. Neal K. Devaraj from the University of California, San Diego and Alexander Harjung, a graduate student working in Prof. Devaraj's Lab. Speaking of the team's motivation to develop this novel method, Prof. Devaraj said, "The reconstitution of membrane proteins into artificial systems has been a long-standing problem in artificial cell research. "Membrane proteins are often insoluble in water, which makes them difficult to work with. Natural cells have complex systems ensuring these proteins can be efficiently inserted into cell membranes." Harjung added, "For artificial cells, it would be very challenging to reconstitute these membrane insertion systems, which is why we saw a need for the development of a much simpler system for artificial cells to gain the ability to functionalize their own cell membrane." For the study, the researchers aimed to functionalize the cell membrane to enable protein transport across the membrane and assemble them into tissue-like structures afterward. Working with -hemolysin Biological channels typically use ion channels and transporters to exchange substances across the membrane. In artificial cells, this interaction has to be replicated manually. Prof. Devaraj explained, "The researcher can change the membrane composition to achieve this, which is very different from how natural cells interact with their environment. "To overcome this problem, we developed a method with which you can encode modification of the outer membrane, and thereby interact with the external environment, into the artificial cell genome." To do so, the researchers chose a pore-forming protein called -hemolysin. This is a protein produced by Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria responsible for causing staph infections. It is technically termed a toxin since it forms holes in cell membranes. Explaining the reasoning behind choosing this protein, Harjung said, "Many researchers are already familiar with it due to its widespread use in artificial cells and nanopore sequencing. "It has the unique ability to be expressed as a soluble monomer, which upon contact with a lipid bilayer (cell membrane) spontaneously assembles into a transmembrane protein." The researchers not only used the -Hemolysin as a pore-forming protein but also modified the artificial cells to produce the protein themselves. By having a self-sustaining system, the researchers do not need to add the protein each time. Self-encoded membrane functionalization system enables artificial tissue formation. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53783-4 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. Inserting peptides and producing -hemolysin mutations To enhance the functionality of -hemolysin and achieve better control of the pore-forming process, the researchers decided to modify it. In particular, their focus was to modify the membrane translocating loop of the protein, which is the part of the protein that plays a part in the translocation. They tested peptides of different lengths and compositions. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. They used flexible linkers, short amino acid chains, that act like bridges to facilitate interaction or movement between different parts of the protein. This step improves the peptide's accessibility once the protein gets embedded in the cell membrane. "The flexible linker ensures the inserted peptide is accessible after translocation across the membrane. By varying the length of the linker we were able to understand more about the size of the peptide insert that could be translocated with our system," explained Prof. Devaraj. The researchers tested various peptides. His-tag peptidesshort sequences of histidine amino acidswere used to track the movement of the -hemolysin as it travels and embeds into the cell membrane. Next, the researchers used two biologically active peptides, Somatostatin-14 and GLP-1, as inserts in -hemolysin to test the translocation. To validate their findings, the researchers used several methods, including GUV binding and leakage assay for testing peptide-membrane interactions, cryo-electron microscopy to examine protein structure, lipid bilayer channel recordings to assess pore formation, and antibody recognition experiments to confirm the peptide translocation. Successful protein translocation The modified -hemolysin successfully traveled to the cell membrane and embedded itself. Following this, the peptide inserts could successfully translocate across the membrane, demonstrating protein transport. Peptides containing up to 50 amino acids could be inserted into -hemolysin without disrupting pore formation, membrane insertion, and protein functionality. The researchers further found that the translocated peptides remained accessible on the external side of the membrane. This suggests they could be used for assembling tissue-like structures, as their accessibility allows for further interactions and organization in the external environment. Harjung explained this, saying, "The system enables the assembly of tissue-like structures based on electrostatic interactions. "By generating one population of artificial cells that translocate negatively charged peptides across their membrane and another population of artificial cells that translocate positively charged peptides, we can create a tissue-like structure because artificial cells with a negatively charged outer membrane will bind to artificial cells with a positively charged membrane." Drug delivery and artificial tissues The researchers also added a system to detect if the cells can communicate with each other, where cells produce a visible (fluorescent) signal when they receive a signal from other cells. This could help with the creation of more complex and functional artificial tissues for future applications. With the possibility of developing artificial tissues and potential drug delivery systems, the novel method demonstrates a pivotal step in cell research. "With the development of biologics, methods for the efficient delivery of biological macromolecules into living cells have increasing importance in medicine," mentioned Prof. Devaraj. Harjung added, "A better understanding of membrane translocation could lead to the development of tools for the delivery of macromolecular therapeutics across lipid membranes and into living cells." More information: Alexander Harjung et al, Encoding extracellular modification of artificial cell membranes using engineered self-translocating proteins, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53783-4, www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53783-4 Journal information: Nature Communications 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: Findings from the research. Credit: Tel Aviv University A study in the field of forensic seismology, conducted by Tel Aviv University researchers, has identified the seismic signature of Hamas forces' movement before the October 7 attack. Researchers from the Department of Geophysics at Tel Aviv University's Porter School of the Environment and Earth Sciences and Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences recently analyzed data recorded at three seismic stations in southern Israel. The findings reveal that on the morning of October 7, approximately half an hour before the deadly terrorist assault, the stations recorded weak but widespread human-induced seismic noise. The researchers attribute these anomalous seismic amplitudes to the unusual movement of heavy vehicles within the Gaza Strip heading toward organizational points along the Israeli border up to 20 minutes before the ground barrier breach. The researchers explain that forensic seismology is often used to monitor conventional and nuclear explosions. However, this is the first time in history that weak ground motions resulting from preparations for a terrorist attack have been identified by analyzing the characteristics of seismic noise induced by vehicular traffic. They believe the discovery demonstrates the potential usage of seismic-based sensing technology to provide early warnings of terrorist activity. However, they emphasize that the identification of these movements in Gaza was conducted retrospectively, months after the attack. The study, led by Dr. Asaf Inbal of the Department of Geophysics at Tel Aviv University's Porter School of the Environment and Earth Sciences and Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, was published in The Seismic Record. Dr. Inbal explains, "The Israeli Geological Survey operates a nationwide network of dozens of highly sensitive seismometers that continuously monitor ground motions. This network is primarily designed to detect and locate earthquakes and provide warnings of strong ground shaking caused by large-magnitude seismic events. "However, three stations in the networklocated in Amazia, Ktsiot, and Yatir, between 30 and 50 kilometers from Gazarecorded unusual seismic noise levels early in the morning of October 7, 2023. "This noise can be attributed with confidence to the vehicular activity in Gaza as Hamas terrorists gathered for the attack. The time frame was between 6:00 and 6:30 AM, before the rocket fire began. The likelihood that the recorded signals originated from Gaza is over 99.9%." Although the seismometers are designed to detect extremely weak ground motions, Dr. Inbal points out that the ability to link the seismic noise to Gazan vehicle movements was facilitated by the quiet background seismic noise levels that prevailed in southern Israel during the early hours of that Saturday morning, which coincided with the holiday of Simchat Torah. "The motions recorded near the seismometers were in the range of tens of nanometers per second, whereas the minimum ground motion detectable by humans is several millimeters per second," explains Dr. Inbal. "The characteristics of the noise originating from Gaza and captured by the Israeli stations are fundamentally different from those recorded at the same stations on previous Saturdays during those hours. We analyzed three years of data from the Israeli station trio recorded in the same time frame as the one leading up to the attack. 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. "We found no instance of a Saturday morning when correlated amplitudes were recorded at all three stations for over 10 minutes. It's important to note that these stations are widely spaced, with each station primarily sensitive to seismic noise generated by nearby human activity. For instance, the distance between Ktsiot and Amazia is about 80 kilometers, and on previous Saturdays, there was no correlation between the data recorded at these stations. "On the morning of the attack, when local activity near the stations was minimal, we found unique widespread seismic amplitudes, which monotonically increased with time approaching the attack. No known natural or human source on the Israeli side could have generated seismic signals with a distribution and intensity similar to those attributed to Hamas movements. "Although the outdoor music festival near Re'im generated some seismic noise, our analysis shows that this noise does not match the strength or location of the noise sources recorded by the Israeli seismic network on October 7th." The analysis indicates the seismic noise detected began at 6:00 AM and intensified as the attack approached. Occasionally, the noise contained short bursts strong enough to pinpoint their source and track their progress. The location and intensity of these sources in Gaza suggest vehicle movements advancing southward and northward within Gaza, from Rafah in the south to the Erez crossing in the north, during the 30 minutes leading up to the attack. "We have good resolution along Salah al-Din Road, a major thoroughfare crossing Gaza from Rafah in the south to Beit Lahia in the north," says Dr. Inbal. "We can confirm with high certainty that their forces moved along this route at speeds of 25 to 50 km/h. Observations from stations dozens of kilometers from Gaza's border indicate convoys of heavy vehicles such as bulldozers and trucks carrying operatives. Three minutes before the attack began, we detected noise sources reaching the northern end of Gaza near Beit Lahia and the southern end near Khan Yunis. "At the same time, we continued receiving signals from central Gaza, near Nuseirat. We know the assault began almost simultaneously along the entire border, so these seismic observations provide further evidence of the extensive deployment of Hamas forces, likely enabling the simultaneous breach of the ground barrier." Dr. Inbal concludes, "This development results from five years of seismological research aimed at characterizing seismic noise generated by human activities. I hope this new knowledge will lead to the expanded use of such tools for both security and industrial purposes. "We see graduates of the Department of Geophysics at Tel Aviv University playing a leading role in scientific and technological advancements, and we are confident that in the future, multi-purpose seismic-sensing technologies will be more widely used in various fields that impact our daily lives." More information: Asaf Inbal, Forensic Seismic Evidence for Precursory Mobilization in Gaza Leading to the October 7 Hamas Attack, The Seismic Record (2024). DOI: 10.1785/0320240018 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: Morphological characterization of a teosinte sample at Harvard Universitys Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology in the United States. Credit: Flaviane Malaquias Costa Brazilian scientists have determined that ancient specimens of partially domesticated maize (Zea mays, also known as corn) originally from Peruacu Valley in Minas Gerais state (Brazil) were the farthest from Mexico, the plant's historic center of origin, of any finds made so far. An article describing their research is published in the journal Science Advances. The study was led by researchers affiliated with the University of Sao Paulo (USP) and EMBRAPA, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation. The findings reinforce the theory, based on genetic evidence from plants alive now, that domestication of maize may also have been completed in South America, as proposed in an article published in 2018 in the journal Science. We're spreading our wings on Bluesky! Follow now and be part of our growing community. Let's soar together! The samples of partially domesticated maize analyzed in the study include cobs, straw and grains from digs conducted in Peruacu Valley in 1994 by archaeologists affiliated with the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). "These samples were initially considered specimens of domesticated maize that had failed to grow sufficiently. However, in light of genetic evidence that the final domestication process may have occurred in South America, we analyzed the material again and found several traits shared with the ancestral plant from which maize originated in Mexico 9,000 years ago and that arrived in southwestern Amazonia 6,000 years ago," said Flaviane Malaquias Costa, first author of the Science Advances article, which reports a study conducted while she was a Ph.D. candidate and postdoctoral researcher at Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ-USP). Peruacu Valley is some 7,150 km from Mexico. The distance from the North American country to southwestern Amazonia, where today's Brazilian states of Rondonia and Acre are located, is about 2,300 km. The samples are the farthest from the plant's center of origin ever found with primitive characteristics. Although archaeological evidence points to the presence of human populations in the Peruacu Valley between 10,000 and 9,000 years ago, maize appears to have arrived in the region only some 1,500 years ago. The semi-domesticated samples found there were dated to between 1,010 and 500 years ago, a period largely prior to the arrival of Europeans in South America. "This shows the importance of past Indigenous communities in selecting, managing and fixing traits that gave rise to today's South American maize races [local varieties]. Their descendants continue to do so even now, contributing to the maintenance of our genetic resources," said Fabio de Oliveira Freitas, penultimate author of the article and a researcher at EMBRAPA Genetic Resources and Biotechnology in Brasilia. By analyzing the specimens from caves in Peruacu Valley, the researchers were able to determine that they were closely related to the Entrelacado race present in Rondonia and Acre. "This is one of the races that originated in South America via selection of other populations. We found extant varieties of it during our research project in several locations in Brazil and Uruguay," said Elizabeth Ann Veasey, a co-author of the article and a professor at ESALQ-USP. She was Costa's doctoral thesis advisor and principal investigator for a project on maize domestication. Archaeological specimens of semi-domesticated maize (corn) were found in baskets buried in caves in Peruacu Valley. Credit: Fabio de Oliveira Freitas 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. Ancestral rows To distinguish between domesticated and semi-domesticated specimens, the researchers analyzed a number of morphological traits that helped determine their distance from the wild plant, which is known as teosinte. One of these marker traits is the number of grain rows, with under eight being considered typical of primitive teosinte, a wild grass native to Mexico and first domesticated some 9,000 years ago. Modern maize races grown in lowland areas of South America have between eight and 26 rows per ear, whereas the archaeological samples from Peruacu Valley have between four and six rows. The researchers analyzed 296 samples, including cobs, straw and grains. "We traveled from the remote past to the present, from archaeological remains to the extant races and varieties that are still being diversified by traditional peoples, who are the protagonists of this story," Costa said. The samples are now being submitted to archeogenetic analysis by foreign partners using cutting-edge techniques, which, if successful, could sequence the whole genome of the maize found in Peruacu Valley and determine its phylogenetic tree with precision. Peruacu Valley has some of the very few caves in the world with rock paintings of crops. In addition to being portrayed on the cave walls, maize has been found in buried baskets, probably as an offering to the dead interred there. The discovery also has geopolitical implications. Once it has been established that domestication of maize races was completed in Brazil, these genetic resources can no longer be considered exotic, requiring conservation efforts and negotiation of property rights in international treaties. More information: Archaeological findings show the extent of primitive characteristics of maize in South America, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn1466. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn1466 Journal information: Science Advances , Science Provided by FAPESP 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: Size comparison of Venus and Earth. Credit: NASA/JPL/Magellan A team of astronomers has found that Venus has never been habitable, despite decades of speculation that our closest planetary neighbor was once much more like Earth than it is today. The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, studied the chemical composition of the Venusian atmosphere and inferred that its interior is too dry today for there ever to have been enough water for oceans to exist at its surface. Instead, the planet has likely been a scorching, inhospitable world for its entire history. The results, reported in the journal Nature Astronomy, have implications for understanding Earth's uniqueness, and for the search for life on planets outside our solar system. While many exoplanets are Venus-like, the study suggests that astronomers should narrow their focus to exoplanets which are more like Earth. From a distance, Venus and Earth look like siblings: it is almost identical in size and is a rocky planet like Earth. But up close, Venus is more like an evil twin: it is covered with thick clouds of sulfuric acid, and its surface has a mean temperature close to 500C. Despite these extreme conditions, for decades, astronomers have been investigating whether Venus once had liquid oceans capable of supporting life, or whether some mysterious form of 'aerial' life exists in its thick clouds now. "We won't know for sure whether Venus can or did support life until we send probes at the end of this decade," said first author Tereza Constantinou, a Ph.D. student at Cambridge's Institute of Astronomy. "But given it likely never had oceans, it is hard to imagine Venus ever having supported Earth-like life, which requires liquid water." When searching for life elsewhere in our galaxy, astronomers focus on planets orbiting their host stars in the habitable zone, where temperatures are such that liquid water can exist on the planet's surface. Venus provides a powerful limit on where this habitable zone lies around a star. "Even though it's the closest planet to us, Venus is important for exoplanet science, because it gives us a unique opportunity to explore a planet that evolved very differently to ours, right at the edge of the habitable zone," said Constantinou. There are two primary theories on how conditions on Venus may have evolved since its formation 4.6 billion years ago. The first is that conditions on the surface of Venus were once temperate enough to support liquid water, but a runaway greenhouse effect caused by widespread volcanic activity caused the planet to get hotter and hotter. The second theory is that Venus was born hot, and liquid water has never been able to condense at the surface. "Both of those theories are based on climate models, but we wanted to take a different approach based on observations of Venus' current atmospheric chemistry," said Constantinou. "To keep the Venusian atmosphere stable, then any chemicals being removed from the atmosphere should also be getting restored to it, since the planet's interior and exterior are in constant chemical communication with one another." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The researchers calculated the present destruction rate of water, carbon dioxide and carbonyl sulfide molecules in Venus' atmosphere, which must be restored by volcanic gases to keep the atmosphere stable. Volcanism, through its supply of gases to the atmosphere, provides a window into the interior of rocky planets like Venus. As magma rises from the mantle to the surface, it releases gases from the deeper portions of the planet. On Earth, volcanic eruptions are mostly steam, due to our planet's water-rich interior. But, based on the composition of the volcanic gases necessary to sustain the Venusian atmosphere, the researchers found that volcanic gases on Venus are at most six percent water. These dry eruptions suggest that Venus's interior, the source of the magma that releases volcanic gases, is also dehydrated. At the end of this decade, NASA's DAVINCI mission will be able to test and confirm whether Venus has always been a dry, inhospitable planet, with a series of flybys and a probe sent to the surface. The results could help astronomers narrow their focus when searching for planets that can support life in orbit around other stars in the galaxy. "If Venus was habitable in the past, it would mean other planets we have already found might also be habitable," said Constantinou. "Instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope are best at studying the atmospheres of planets close to their host star, like Venus. But if Venus was never habitable, then it makes Venus-like planets elsewhere less likely candidates for habitable conditions or life. "We would have loved to find that Venus was once a planet much closer to our own, so it's kind of sad in a way to find out that it wasn't, but ultimately it's more useful to focus the search on planets that are mostly likely to be able to support lifeat least life as we know it." More information: Tereza Constantinou, A dry Venusian interior constrained by atmospheric chemistry, Nature Astronomy (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-024-02414-5. www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02414-5 Journal information: Nature Astronomy 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 A lot of things scientists study are part of Countrythe lands, waters and skies to which First Nations peoples are connected. In Australia, there has to date been little respect for the significance or value of cultural knowledge in scientific practice. Here is how one of us (Steve Ahoy, Anaiwan Elder and cultural knowledge holder) puts his perspective: "Everything is Country. To Aboriginal people, fossils are artifacts. We don't see or distinguish between our artifacts and a fossil. Our artifacts come from Mother Earth; a fossil comes from Mother Earth. I come from the Earth. I walk the Earth. I die, I go back to the Earth. The Earth can continue without us. We can't continue without the Earth." In our new research, we explored four grassroots initiatives promoting First Nations cultural knowledge alongside Western scientific knowledge. These initiatives show these two perspectives can complement one another and together create a rich tapestry of knowledge about the past. Institutional distrust In Australia, especially on land that does not have exclusive Native Title claim, it is not common practice for Earth scientists to consult with local First Nations communities to seek permission before extracting materials such as fossils, rocks or minerals. Archaeologists are required to consult with First Nations communities, but the developers they advise often have no obligation to change their actions in response to the consultation. Museums have traditionally been warehouses for both natural and cultural heritage collections. However, a history of colonial collecting practices has led to deep-rooted distrust in these institutions among First Nations communities. As Ahoy puts it, "In my experience, I have never seen a museum freely engage with our community and say "Hey, we've got your stuff, do you want it back?" It's always us having to go through the authorities to [] force the return of our cultural heritage." Grassroots initiatives represent more trusted ways to protect and communicate about heritage. 1. Found a Fossil project Fossils and First Nations artifacts are different in their formation, preservation and significance. However, both can be found across the vast Australian landscape, and members of the general public often uncover these objects. Legislation surrounding the protection of fossils and First Nations artifacts varies across land types and differs in each state and territory in Australia. Information about these rules can be vague, confusing and difficult to find (if it exists at all). This situation has led to many serious misunderstandings, especially propagation of myths about land reclamationthe idea that if you find Aboriginal cultural heritage on your property, your land could be taken away. (Ironically, removal from their land was exactly what many First Nations communities have historically faced.) In 2021, one of us (Sally Hurst) started a project called Found a Fossil to understand what members of the Australian public might do if they discovered something, and to raise awareness of heritage protection in an accessible way. The project surveyed members of the public about their knowledge and created a guide for what to do it if you find a fossil or artifact, in consultation with First Nations peoples, paleontologists and archaeologists. The project is the first of its kind in Australia. It acknowledges and promotes the deep connection between natural and cultural heritage, and the need to protect it into the future. 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. 2. Museum of Stone Tools The Museum of Stone Tools is a digital, open-access collection of 3D models of artifacts. As an online repository, the museum allows in-depth exploration and knowledge sharing, without issues associated with managing physical collections. The platform has allowed universities and physical museums, students, archaeologists and First Nations groups to use these digital objects for cultural training, education and managing heritage, even when an object has been returned to Country. 3. Broome dinosaur trackways In Western Australia, on what former premier Colin Barnett once called "an unremarkable beach" near Broome in the state's north, thousands of dinosaur footprints are preserved in rocks exposed by shifting sands. The tracks have been a part of Dreaming stories of the peoples of the West Coast Saltwater Sun Down law and cultural group, traditionally known as Goolarabooloo, for thousands of years. Some of the tracks left by three-toed feet, for example, are associated with a creator-being known as Marala, or the "Emu-man." In 2015, after several years of collaborative research between paleontologists from the University of Queensland and Goolarabooloo traditional custodians, the Dinosaur Coast Management Group was established. This is a not-for-profit collective comprising knowledge holders and other members of the Indigenous community along with professional, Western-trained paleontologists and local dinosaur track enthusiasts. The main purpose of the group is to inform the public about the significance of the coastline and its dinosaur tracks. The group also works with local interest groups to devise strategies to protect the area from impacts associated with greater numbers of visitors and coastal development. At the same time, the group works to create job opportunities for people in Broome, through educational activities and guided tours for visitors. 4. Rola[STONE] documentary The documentary Rola[STONE] explores the connections between geology, landscape and cultural knowledge on Anaiwan Country around Armidale, New South Wales. One of us (geoscientist Marissa Betts), in collaboration with Anaiwan Elders, directed the film. It shows how the landscape can be read through a scientific lens and through the Dreaming stories of those who have deep connections to Country. Valuing layers of knowledge These case studies show the potential of positive engagement with First Nations peoples, communities and knowledge. They show there are myriad ways to dovetail multiple and different perspectives to promote mutual, two-way benefits. In Ahoy's words, "We want people to work with us, instead of us being forced to work with them. Building transparent, educational partnerships is the only way we can guarantee the free two-way flow of information." Scientists and others working in Western institutions have the opportunity to create meaningful collaborations with First Nations peoples to promote their voices and share cultural knowledge for the benefit of both parties. In this way, we can weave together not just a rich story of the past, but of our future. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain With biodiversity declining at unprecedented rates worldwide, Canada stands at an important crossroads. Earlier this year, Canada was one of the first nations to submit its plan to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The KMGBF is a landmark agreement signed in Montreal in 2022 during the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. In this move, Canada has positioned itself as a leader in the global commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. But ambition on paper must now translate into real co-ordinated action. Canada's 2030 Nature Strategy acknowledges this urgency. The strategy states that its intention is to strengthen protections for species and ecosystems. At the same time, it aims to reverse the ongoing degradation of nature within Canada's borders. My recent review of all four goals and 23 KMGBF targets assesses the relevance of each for Canada, and how they are being addressed in the 2030 Nature Strategy. The stakes are high. Canada's economic and social well-being, as well as its identity as a nation rich in natural splendor, depends upon the choices we make today. Delivering biodiversity commitments Given the complexity of the KMGBF, it's not surprising that countries are still grappling with putting together implementation plans. Canada's implementation planthe 2030 Nature Strategyaims to deliver the KMGBF goals and targets and reinforces the leadership role it took in co-hosting COP15 in Montreal two years ago. In an overarching sense, the 2030 Nature Strategy presents a comprehensive response to the KMGBF. The plan covers all four overarching goals and each of the 23 targets, including the widely recognized commitment to protect 30% of Canada's lands, waters and oceans. This is an important milestone for a country responsible for safeguarding 20% of the world's freshwater, the longest coastline in the world, some of the planet's largest intact forests and peatland ecosystems and some of the largest and longest remaining animal migration routes. With these unique natural assets come unique responsibilities. There are several positive elements in the workplan for Canada's 2030 Nature Strategy. First, the strategy fully recognizes the extent of the crisis within our borders. Clear statements are made that "nature is in trouble" and that "Canada is no exception to these trends." The plan goes on to note that our economic and social prosperity depends on the health of natural systemsnot the other way around. This recognition is itself a critical step. Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas could play a role in meeting biodiversity conservation goals. The strategy also emphasizes the high costs of inaction and the importance of a "one health" perspective. In doing so, the plan puts at the forefront the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health as a guiding and holistic approach for action. 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. Strengths and challenges Recognizing the scale and urgency of the problem is a key first step. Acknowledging the need for transformative actions is next, and the strategy does this. The strategy recognizes that Indigenous Peoples have been biodiversity protectors, and stewards of the lands, waters and ice across Canada since time immemorial. Embracing the leadership of these communities will be key to effective action, and to ongoing reconciliation efforts. The strategy also acknowledges the need for a government-wide whole-of-society approach. Importantly, it takes this further by recognizing the underlying causes of biodiversity loss. In particular, it notes societal values and behaviors that include unsustainable production and consumption, subsidies that are harmful to biodiversity and economic systems that do not reflect the true values of nature. Hence, the first 25 pages of the 2030 Nature Strategy lay out Canada's ambitious vision for biodiversity. However, the subsequent 93-page annex, detailing actions for each target, reveals several constraints that limit the strategy's reach. Federal constitutional limits over many aspects of biodiversity narrow the strategy's scope and ambition. Additionally, there is little clarity on how broader governmental co-ordination required for a cohesive approach will be achieved. Finally, budgetary limitations will likely further restrict the strategy's capacity to fully meet its aspirations. Meanwhile, a looming federal election may lead to considerable changes in strategy and priority. Leadership in conservation While these actions do not fully meet the bold promises of the opening pages, they represent a first step that, if accomplished, would move us considerably further from where we are now on the path to a more biodiverse and ecologically secure Canada. To achieve these goals, greater resources and stronger inter-governmental co-ordination are critical. With so many resource and land-use decisions lying in the hands of the provinces and territories, the federal government must find creative ways to demonstrate leadership and incentivize action. Setting a strong vision on paper is an encouraging start, but it's only the beginning. To lead meaningfully, Canada must turn commitments into action, building partnerships and mobilizing resources to prove its seriousness and ensure that nature remains at the center of our nation's priorities. Examples include the need for adequate funding to guide implementation of the recently introduced Nature Accountability Act, and providing sustained support to myriad land and sea protection and planning efforts from coast to coast to coast. Canadians understand the importance of nature, with 96% believing nature is important to their personal well-being. Leadership has to be more than words on paper. 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: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Every week seems to bring a new report about where "forever chemicals" have been found: in soil, drinking water, our bodies and marine animals. Their proper scientific name is perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). But they're more commonly called "forever chemicals" because, once they're in an environment, they almost never break down. These chemicals are harmful in many ways: they kill fish, disrupt plant growth and can make humans very ill. In a new study, water and chemical researchers Patrick Ssebugere, Ashirafu Miiro and Oghenekaro Nelson Odume examined existing research from various African countries to identify the continent's forever chemical hotspots. They told The Conversation Africa what they'd learned. How prevalent is the problem of 'forever chemicals' in Africa, according to your research? It's clear from our findings that forever chemical contamination, while under-reported compared to industrialized countries, is a widespread, pressing environmental issue on the continent. Our study identifies PFAS contamination in 11 African countries: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Mali and Tunisia. South Africa recorded some of the highest levels. These countries are based on the scientific papers examined. It is highly likely that these chemicals are in other countries but remain unreported. The European Union has a list of proposed PFAS thresholds for sensitive environments like rivers, lakes and wetlands. Some regions within the countries in our study exceed those thresholds. What are the hotspots? Industrial effluent outfalls and commercial agriculture are two of the main drivers of PFAS contamination. Wastewater treatment plants are another major culprit. Many plants across the countries in our study use outdated technology and are not sufficiently regulated. This allows PFAS-laden effluent to flow into aquatic ecosystems. One of the hotspots we identified was South Africa's Vaal River, where industrial effluents were contributing to contamination. Another was Kenya's Nairobi River; urbanization and industrial runoff are driving high PFAS levels in this important body of water. Perhaps the most worrying example is Lake Victoria. It is Africa's largest lake and feeds the Nile River, which spans 11 countries and supports more than 300 million people. Why is this a problem? PFAS are called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down easily in the environment. They accumulate in organisms over time, moving up the food chain. For humans, this means exposure through fish or water sources, increasing risks of kidney disease, reproductive disorders, miscarriages and developmental issues in children. Ecosystems are also impacted by these chemicals, which affect aquatic biodiversity and food webs. 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. What can be done about it? There are several ways to address PFAS contamination. Strengthening regulations: African countries should align with international frameworks like the Stockholm Convention, a global treaty to eliminate persistent organic pollutants. All 11 of the countries in our study are signatories to the convention. But, given the problems we identified, it's clear that enforcement is weak. Stricter regulations are also crucial if producers are to be held accountable for using PFAS and pushed to use safer alternatives. Improving wastewater treatment: There are a number of advanced technologies, such as adsorption and advanced oxidation, that have been proven to effectively remove PFAS from effluents. Wastewater treatment plants in our study countries must be urgently upgraded and begin using such technologies. Raising public awareness: Governments and NGOs should educate consumers about the dangers of long-term exposure via products that contain PFAS, like non-stick cookware. People must also be taught about safer alternatives. Enhancing research and funding: More studies are needed to track PFAS trends on the continent and to evaluate their impacts. Research is key to developing affordable PFAS removal technologies that are tailored to African contexts. 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: Current Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.09.034 During meiosis, the cell division process central to sexual reproduction, all chromosomes must figure out where to destroy the protein cohesinthe molecular glue holding chromosomes togetherand where to protect it. In human chromosomes, cohesin is always protected in the same region, but in the nematode worm C elegans, chromosomes have to figure it out from scratch every time they divide. They somehow measure both sides from the crossoverthe point at which chromosomes from each parent exchange genetic materialto each chromosomal end, picking the shorter side as the place to dissolve the glue. Now a team of researchers at Kyoto University has found a key to how these worm chromosomes measure their lengths. They did so by studying extra-long chromosomes with two or more crossovers. The findings are published in the journal Current Biology. "Taking advantage of fusion chromosomes with multiple crossovers was a critical step in unlocking the mystery of length measurement," explains corresponding author Peter Carlton. The team found that regions bounded by two crossovers have twice the "short arm"-generating power as those bounded by one crossover and a chromosome end. "Rather than the chromosome using tiny rulers, this phenomenon is best explained by a signal spreading from each crossover and piling up on each side," adds first author Carlos Rodriguez. Shorter segments will naturally have more of this molecular signal piled up inside them, which can then be used to measure length. The team asserts that this work has brought the field a step closer to understanding both how information can spread along chromosomes and how cells can measure their own components. More information: Carlos M. Rodriguez-Reza et al, Length-sensitive partitioning of Caenorhabditis elegans meiotic chromosomes responds to proximity and number of crossover sites, Current Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.09.034 Journal information: Current Biology 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 Displacement of people, designed to cause depopulation, became a key part of the Syrian regime's attempts to re-establish control of suburban areas of Damascus during the civil war, a study says. The research is published in the journal Middle East Critique. Families faced sieges, aerial bombardments and the use of weapons likely to produce massive civilian casualties, including chemical weapons, 'earthquake' and 'vacuum' bombs and unguided munitions, according to the research. Damascus was a center of regime strength and a key focus for the opposition, which controlled parts of the city just a few miles from key centers and institutions. The displacement strategy only took root as the regime struggled to adjust to losing control of substantial parts of the country and sought to re-establish its political authority and make political and military gains. Displacement involved the wholesale removal or 'depopulation' of communities deemed to be disloyal. Guilt was assumed based on location and retribution was indiscriminate. Forced relocation involving sieges became common from 2017 onward, leading to huge suffering. The regime's security grip on the city, which extended to prohibiting NGOs from operating within the city, meant the actions were not known in detail at the time. Dr. Samer Bakkour, from the University of Exeter, analyzed reports by the UN and NGOs and conducted interviews with displaced persons who had previously lived in Damascus and its rural areas and had been involved in anti-regime political activism, with some having been associated with the armed opposition. Dr. Bakkour said, "Throughout, the regime's approach remained somewhat crude, disproportionate, and unsophisticated. It placed a stronger emphasis on creating divides between rebels and the civilian population than on engaging on a psychological level with non-combatants. 'Scaled-up' displacement sought to depopulate target areas through relocation agreements and then profoundly alter their social and physical appearance." The civil war began following efforts to crush popular protests during the Arab Spring in 2011. This then resulted in the emergence of armed groups in the country and the establishment of an armed opposition, which included both secular and religious/jihadist elements, which then seized territory and key economic, political and strategic parts of the country. The opposition fragmented into a disparate array of groups, priorities and contending interests. International influence also became more pronounced, especially from 2015 onward following Russian and Iranian intervention. The regime prevented civil protests from reaching Damascus City. Over the course of the war, residents were displaced from areas in the line of fireAl-Tadamon, Al-Qaboun, Barzeh, Jobar, and Al-Yarmoukto safer areas such as Jaramana, Qudssaya and Al-Mazzeh, but were physically prevented by regime forces from entering majority Alawite neighborhoods such as Ish Al-Woror. 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 Yarmouk Camp, one of the first outlying areas to revolt, the regime used indiscriminate violence when it seized the camp in December 2012 to force residents to demonstrate their political loyalties. As the siege tightened, only civilians left the camp, as armed fighters refused to pass through enemy lines because they feared they would be arrested or even killed, but they were attacked by the regime as they left. When ISIS seized Al-Hajar Al-Aswad, this led to large-scale population displacement to neighboring regions and towns. Regime and shabiha forces imposed a siege and cut off the electricity and water. Other areas were bombed and besieged with the aim of preventing the opposition from advancing on the city. This involved the use of chemical weapons and cluster, 'earthquake' and 'vacuum' bombs. Failure to flee was deemed to confirm the resident population's guilt. The 2017 and 2018 ceasefire agreements led to population 'swaps' as residents of villages were then relocated to Damascus. More information: Samer Bakkour, Emergence, Development, and Impact of Population Displacement in Damascus During Syria's Civil War, Middle East Critique (2024). DOI: 10.1080/19436149.2024.2347147 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 snapshot from the climate simulation generated by the Spherical DYffusion model. Credit: University of California San Diego The algorithms behind generative AI tools like DallE, when combined with physics-based data, can be used to develop better ways to model the Earth's climate. Computer scientists in Seattle and San Diego have now used this combination to create a model that is capable of predicting climate patterns over 100 years 25 times faster than the state of the art. Specifically, the model, called Spherical DYffusion, can project 100 years of climate patterns in 25 hoursa simulation that would take weeks for other models. In addition, existing state-of-the-art models need to run on supercomputers. This model can run on GPU clusters in a research lab. "Data-driven deep learning models are on the verge of transforming global weather and climate modeling," the researchers from the University of California San Diego and the Allen Institute for AI, write. The research team is presenting their work at the NeurIPS conference 2024, Dec. 9 to 15 in Vancouver, Canada. From left: Rose Yu, a faculty member in the UC San Diego Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and Ph.D. student Salva Ruhling Cachay examine data. Credit: David Baillot/University of California San Diego Climate simulations are currently very expensive to generate because of their complexity. As a result, scientists and policymakers can only run simulations for a limited amount of time and consider only limited scenarios. One of the researchers' key insights was that generative AI models, such as diffusion models, could be used for ensemble climate projections. They combined this with a Spherical Neural Operator, a neural network model designed to work with data on a sphere. The resulting model starts off with knowledge of climate patterns and then applies a series of transformations based on learned data to predict future patterns. "One of the main advantages over a conventional diffusion model (DM) is that our model is much more efficient. It may be possible to generate just as realistic and accurate predictions with conventional DMs but not with such speed," the researchers write. In addition to running much faster than state of the art, the model is also nearly as accurate without being anywhere near as computationally expensive. The video shows two random 10-year-long samples from Spherical DYffusion and a corresponding validation simulation from an existing model. Credit: University of California - San Diego There are some limitations to the model that researchers aim to overcome in its next iterations, such as including more elements in their simulations. Next steps include simulating how the atmosphere responds to CO 2 . "We emulated the atmosphere, which is one of the most important elements in a climate model," said Rose Yu, a faculty member in the UC San Diego Department of Computer Science and Engineering and one of the paper's senior authors. The work stems from an internship that one of Yu's Ph.D. students, Salva Ruhling Cachay, did at the Allen Institute for AI (Ai2). More information: Paper: Probabilistic Emulation of a Global Climate Model with Spherical DYffusion 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 plant morphology of Zhongbai No.1. Credit: NIEER Recently, a new variety of edible lily, the "Zhongbai No. 1," bred by the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was granted plant variety rights by China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. This is the first edible lily variety in China to be granted plant variety rights. The new variety has a yield reaching 2,150 kg/mu (about 1,433kg/km2), far surpassing the traditional yield of the Lanzhou edible lily at 7501,000 kg/mu (about 500667kg/km2). Researchers at the Lanzhou Eco-Agricultural Research Station of NIEER combined systematic breeding, hybrid breeding, and polyploid breeding techniques, and cultivated the "Zhongbai No. 1," a high-yield, high-quality edible lily variety. Midwestern China is a center of the natural distribution and diversity of the genus Lilium. The researchers from the station analyzed the relationship and diversity of 11 Lilium species in this region and compared their homologous genes using comparative transcriptomics. The elevation was found to be a major factor that affected the morphological characteristics of the 11 species, and moisture (total annual precipitation and mean annual relative humidity) was also significant. The researchers identified 31 homologous genes in these species and constructed a phylogenetic tree based on orthologous genes. The bulb of Zhongbai No.1. Credit: NIEER Researchers at the Lanzhou Eco-Agricultural Research Station have been engaged in research and industrial development of special agricultural resources for decades, including lilies. After more than 20 years' research, the station has established a nursery for cold-resistant, drought-resistant, and salt-alkali-tolerant germplasm resource and a high-quality edible lily tissue culture seedling bank. The researchers at the station have discovered several stress-resistant and growth-related genes associated with Lilium through positive selection. The obtained results provide a reference for the molecular study of Lilium germplasm resources to support breeding programs. They have also produced tens of thousands of hybrid offspring materials for both edible and ornamental lilies, establishing a solid germplasm foundation for the high-quality development of the lily industry. 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: Puducherry had its highest one-day dump of rain in 30 years. The death toll from Cyclone Fengal's fierce push through Sri Lanka and southern India reached 20 on Monday as downpours and flooding followed the storm's wake after its winds calmed. Fengal made landfall in India's Tamil Nadu state on Saturday, bringing the highest 24-hour rainfall seen in 30 years to nearby Puducherry, before weakening to a normal low pressure weather system by Monday morning. More deaths were reported on Sri Lanka after Fengal skirted the island nation on Friday bringing intense rains that triggered landslides. Sri Lanka's disaster management agency said a total of 17 people had been killed in the country while nearly 470,000 others were taking shelter in temporary relief camps. India recorded three deaths from electrocution as a result of the storm, Tamil Nadu disaster management minister KKSSR Ramachandran told reporters late Saturday. He did not give further details on what caused the deaths, adding that damage from the cyclone was otherwise "minimal". India's disaster agency were also attempting to rescue a family of seven in the state feared trapped by a landslide, local media reports said Monday. Roads were flooded and schools were shut in parts of southern India with weather officials on Monday warning that there remained a risk of flash flooding. Puducherry, a former French colony on India's southern coast, received its highest 24-hour rainfall in 30 years after Fengal made landfall nearby, India's weather department said. Cyclonesthe equivalent of hurricanes in the North Atlantic or typhoons in the northwestern Pacificare a regular and deadly menace in the northern Indian Ocean. But scientists warn that storms are becoming more powerful as the world heats up due to climate change driven by burning fossil fuels. Warmer ocean surfaces release more water vapor, which provides additional energy for storms, strengthening winds. A warming atmosphere also allows them to hold more water, boosting rainfall. But better forecasting and more effective evacuation planning have dramatically reduced death tolls. 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Growers of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) face the challenge of estimating the best time to harvest and the quality and yield of their crops. This is because these crops are subterranean, meaning the fruit develops below ground and is not visible until harvest time. "To harvest peanuts, 70% of the pods must be ripe, and to check this, you have to pull the plants out of the ground and make a visual assessment. This operation, called uprooting, also ends up mobilizing the land and, consequently, emitting CO 2 [carbon dioxide]," explained Rouverson Pereira da Silva, a professor at Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal campus (Brazil). Using remote sensing technologies based on images from satellites or sensors embedded in drones, combined with sensors embedded in agricultural machinery and artificial intelligence tools, the researchers have developed computer models that can help growers measure the yield and maturity of crops such as peanuts by remotely analyzing the plant's leaves. In this way, they can increase productivity and reduce CO 2 emissions from intensive tillage. Some of the results of the project were presented by Silva during a panel discussion on soil health in the context of digital agriculture, held during FAPESP Week Spain, which took place on November 27th and 28th at the Faculty of Medicine of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). "The models we've developed can estimate the maturity of peanuts, for example, with more than 90% accuracy, eliminating the need for uprooting. In the case of sweet potatoes, we were even able to estimate the size of the crop," Santos told Agencia FAPESP. "Through the estimates made by these computer models, it's possible to work with more appropriate regulations to improve the efficiency of the harvesting process and, at the same time, reduce losses, because by estimating the productivity of crops, it's possible to regulate agricultural machinery to harvest more appropriately," said the researcher. To obtain these estimates accurately, the researchers analyze images taken by cameras on drones or satellites that capture the plant's reflectance, or how much solar energy it reflects in the visible (green, yellow and blue) and invisible (infrared, near infrared and red edge) bands. Based on this characteristic, maturity indices can be calculated. "Reflectance reveals the health of the plant. Diseased leaves have different colors and reflect the sun's energy differently. And the healthier the plant is, the more it'll produce," said Silva. The project is at the stage of transferring the technology to producersa long and arduous process, according to the researcher. "This phase is time-consuming because in order to carry out a project of this magnitude, we have to go out into the field and uproot thousands of plants over the years to get the data we need. In addition, there are different varieties of peanut, for example. That's why we haven't transferred the technology yet, because growers change the varieties they plant over the years, and we need to have a robust model that can make predictions under different conditions," he explained. 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. Saving water A group of researchers from the School of Agricultural Engineering at the State University of Campinas (FEAGRI-UNICAMP), also in Brazil, has used a miniaturized radar system embedded in drones to create soil moisture maps of plantations such as sugarcane. The scientists have also developed a technology that, based on the interaction of the frequency waves emitted by this radar system in three different bands, which not only touch the soil but penetrate it, makes it possible to estimate the amount of water available in different parts of a crop. The project resulted in the creation of a startup, Radaz, supported by the Innovative Research in Small Businesses Program (PIPE). "The accuracy of the system in estimating the relative humidity of a monitored soil plot is greater than 90%," Barbara Janet Teruel Medeiros, professor at FEAGRI and member of the project, told Agencia FAPESP. The development of the system involved field trials, validation with traditional methods, and tests on sugarcane plantations in the state of Sao Paulo. "We were able to predict the productivity of this crop well in advance, in terms of the amount of biomass that would be produced when it reached maturity, as well as the best date for harvesting," said Medeiros. According to the researcher, soil moisture levels are not homogeneous, nor are porosity and water runoff. In this sense, by estimating the soil moisture of a plantation, it is possible to implement variable-rate irrigation systems, resulting in greater water savings. "In this way, it'd no longer be necessary to open the irrigation system to release an unnecessary amount of water. It'd be possible to adjust it to release the optimum amount for a given patch of soil, avoiding saturating certain areas or leaving shortages in others where levels are below what's needed for the crop to grow," she explained. The objectives are similar to those of two projects recently launched in Europe with the participation of researchers from the Institute of Agricultural Sciences of the Spanish National Research Council (ICA-CSIC). The first, called the DATI project, which involves researchers from Spain as well as Italy, Morocco, Portugal and France, aims to stimulate the development of new technological solutions in the field of digital agriculture, using drones, satellite imagery, and agro-meteorological stations to reduce water consumption by between 15% and 20% compared to traditional irrigation systems. The Earth Observation for Water Use Efficiency project, led by the CSIC, aims to provide Earth observation-based tools for the assessment and management of water use efficiency and productivity of pastures and cereal crops in the Mediterranean region. "We need to provide precision farming solutions because we know that soil is not homogeneous and plants do not develop in the same way across the entire surface. That's why we can't manage an entire area in the same way. The idea is to divide it into zones so that we can really do site-specific treatment or management," said Irene Borra, a researcher at the ICA. The Spanish researchers are conducting a study in which they aim to increase the accuracy of detecting water stress (lack of water) in grapevines by analyzing images taken by unmanned aerial vehicles and metrics based on evapotranspiration (loss of water from the soil by evaporation and from the plant by respiration). "We're drawing up maps that show us areas where everything is really good in terms of water and others that we need to take care of because they show water stress," said Borra. Provided by FAPESP 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 In the corridors of British power, former prime minister Margaret Thatcher was quoted as saying: "Don't give me problems, give me solutions." The so-called Iron Lady, who died in 2013, had no truck with fault-finding negativity: she wanted actionable pathways. The dynamics between power and action in the workplace is at the heart of new research co-authored by Shereen Fatimah, an Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources at Singapore Management University (SMU). The research is published in the Journal of Applied Psychology. "We want this research to inform employees on how they may use voice behaviorsthat is, their efforts to speak up at workto gain and maintain a sense of power," Professor Fatimah says. A sense of power, or the perception of influence or control in social relations, is known to affect, and be affected by, individuals taking action and exerting an impact on their environment. Extant research suggests a positively reinforcing cycle, such that taking action leads to power, which in turn leads to subsequent actions. But things may not be so simple. By viewing action and power through the lens of regulatory focus theory, the researchers reveal that the reinforcing cycle does not always occur. A sense of power So, what is regulatory focus theory? "It is a theory of motivation that posits two forms of self-regulation: promotion, motivated towards attaining positive outcomes; and prevention, motivated towards preventing negative outcomes," Professor Fatimah says. And how does this connect to power and action? "Power is not limited to one's hierarchical position in an organization," Professor Fatimah says. "Employees may strategically use proactive behaviors to harness power and drive positive changes. "Specifically, we find that when employees speak up with improvement-oriented ideasthat is, a promotive voiceit boosts their sense of power which further motivates them to voice ideas. "Conversely, when employees with trait prevention focus speak up about problemsthat is, a prohibitive voiceit deflates their sense of power and reduces their motivation to voice ideas subsequently. "By unpacking these positive and negative cycles, our research explains how employees may leverage their actions to gain and maintain power at work." The researchers note that these cycles may exert long-term implications. "How you choose your words when proposing changes can lead to greater influence, or silence and withdrawal in the long run. Thus, strategically framing issues in a positive tone, vs. a negative tone, makes a difference for employees' ability to cultivate power and exert influence in the workplace," Professor Fatimah says. "In general, employees' efforts to proactively initiate change are often a double-edged sword. Although these proactive changes may benefit work processes, it also poses costs for employees who may be seen as 'rocking the boat." "Through this research, we hope to provide employees with insights on how to maximize the benefits and minimize the costs of their proactive efforts by being strategic about how they speak up and call attention to workplace issues." 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. Unequal actions The research challenges an existing notion that action and power positively reinforce each other. "In the power literature, there is an underlying assumption that when individuals take action, it is going to boost their sense of power and that feeling powerful will spur individuals to take action in their environment. We challenge this notion, as not all forms of action are equal," says Professor Fatimah. "When employees take action in ways that highlight problems it can, in fact, decrease their sense of power and we find that power does not motivate people to speak up on problems. "From a practical standpoint, if the assumption underlying the dynamics of action and power goes unchecked, then it may result in misguided takeaways for employees. "For example, to gain power, or advance the social hierarchy at work, employees may indiscriminately take action on opportunities or problems as they arise in work processes. However, these actions do not equally engender a sense of power. "As we demonstrate, prevention-oriented actions, [such as] a prohibitive voice, not only reduce one's sense of power for those with a strong trait prevention focus, but also exert negative spillover consequences for subsequent promotion-oriented actions, [such as] a promotive voice. "Hence, absent a theoretically guided differentiation between actions that facilitate power and actions that curtail power, employees' efforts to gain power will not only backfire but also lead to unintended, detrimental outcomes for their subsequent voice behaviors," Professor Fatimah says. Critical evaluation Wharton professor Adam Grant has said that solution-only thinking creates "a culture of advocacy instead of one of inquiry." Is this an inherent danger in adopting a promotion voice? "While it is useful to inculcate a culture where employees engage in critical evaluation, how these critiques are expressed also matters. Extant research documents that when employees engage in prohibitive voice, it tends to hurt their performance evaluations, paints them as troublemakers and creates more frustration for supervisors. "Thus, at the end of the day, employees often have to bear the negative consequences for playing the devil's advocate. Hence, employees need to be more judicious about how they express ideas or concerns," said Professor Grant. Data for the research was drawn from full-time employees enrolled in a part-time MBA-style course at a leading US university, as well as other full-time employees from across a range of industries. Would the research also apply to lower-income, working-class employees? "We expect our findings to be applicable across the spectrum as we encourage employees to frame the need for change using positive language to foster a sense of power," Professor Fatimah says. "As working-class employees may encounter more hurdles in enacting change if they occupy a lower rank in the power or status hierarchies, using promotive voice may allow these employees to gain more recognition for their ideas." Next up, the researchers will be "adopting a longitudinal perspective to explore how these dynamics may lead to more influence or silence in the long term," Professor Fatimah says. More information: Shereen Fatimah et al, A regulatory focus theory perspective on the dynamics between action and power., Journal of Applied Psychology (2024). DOI: 10.1037/apl0001198 Journal information: Journal of Applied Psychology 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: Map of the Belo Horizonte Zoo. Black dots denote the locations of the cages, each identified with the lowest taxonomic classification among the individuals housed within. Red circles mark cages where animals tested positive for RT-PCR, while blue points indicate successfully sequenced animals. Credit: Virology Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02505-9 Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais-led research at the Belo Horizonte Zoo in Minas Gerais, Brazil, has detected SARS-CoV-2 in multiple captive wild mammals, revealing potential human-to-animal transmission and viral evolution in new hosts. Belo Horizonte Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals, representing more than 235 species, with 117 mammals across 36 species. SARS-CoV-2 has not only affected humans but also raised concerns about its transmission to wild animals, potentially creating natural reservoirs. These reservoirs are concerning as they provide SARS-CoV-2 a place to potentially mutate into new variants outside of the regular monitoring scientists use to track the virus. Understanding transmission dynamics is critical for preventing future pandemics and developing better monitoring and control strategies. In the study, "SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in captive animals at the Belo Horizonte Zoo, Minas Gerais, Brazil," published in the Virology Journal, researchers analyzed the virus's evolution and zoonotic potential in a controlled zoo setting. Throat, rectal, and nasal swabs were collected from 47 captive mammals between November 2021 and March 2023. SARS-CoV-2 presence was determined using RT-PCR, and positive samples were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Out of the 47 animals tested, nine (19.1%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Positive samples included rectal, oropharyngeal, and nasal swabs, with the highest positivity in rectal samples. All positive samples were subjected to sequencing, but only three successfully sequenced the virus, including the fallow deer, the maned wolf and the western lowland gorilla. The successfully sequenced genomes revealed two variants of concern (VOC): alpha in the wolf and deer, and omicron in the gorilla. Phylogenetic analysis indicated potential human-to-animal transmission, with animal genomes clustering close to human samples from the same region. SARS-CoV-2 has previously demonstrated its ability to infect a wide range of wild and domestic mammal species. This study at the Belo Horizonte Zoo revealed significant interspecies transmission risks, with evidence of human-to-animal viral spread and the presence of distinct viral variants (VOC alpha and omicron). These findings emphasize the need for continuous genomic surveillance and integrated public health strategies that consider both human and wildlife health to prevent the emergence of new variants and future pandemics. More information: Anisleidy Perez Castillo et al, SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in captive animals at the belo horizonte zoo, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Virology Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02505-9 Journal information: Virology Journal 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: Female Locust. Credit: Tel Aviv University Researchers at Tel Aviv University examined the mechanical wear of digging valves located at the tip of the female locust's abdomen, used to dig pits for laying eggs 3 to 4 times during her lifetime. They found that, unlike organs with remarkably high wear resistance, such as the mandible (lower jaw), the valves wear down substantially due to the intensive digging. The researchers explained, "This is an instructive example of the 'good enough' principle in nature. Evolution saw no need to invest extra energy and resources in an organ with a specific purpose that performs its function adequately. We, humans, who often invest excessive resources in engineered systems, can learn much from nature." The study was led by Dr. Bat-El Pinchasik from the School of Mechanical Engineering and Prof. Amir Ayali from the School of Zoology at the Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, the Sagol School of Neuroscience, and the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History at Tel Aviv University. Their article was published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials. Dr. Pinchasik said, "In my lab, we study mechanical mechanisms in nature, partly to draw inspiration for solving technological problems. Recently we collaborated with locust expert Prof. Amir Ayali in a series of studies, to understand the mechanism used by the female locust for digging a pit to lay her eggs. This unique mechanism consists of two pairs of shovel-like valves that open and close cyclically, digging into the soil while pressing the sand against the walls." Prof. Ayali added, "We know that many mechanisms in the bodies of insects in general, and locusts in particular, are exceptionally resistant to mechanical wear. For example, the locust's mandibles, used daily for feeding, are made of a highly durable material. "The digging valves, on the other hand, while subjected to substantial shear forces during digging, are used only 3 or 4 times in the female's lifetimewhen she lays eggs. In this study we sought to discover whether these digging valves, made of hard cuticular material, were also equipped by evolution with high resistance to mechanical wear." To address this question, the researchers examined the digging valves in three different groups of female locusts: young females that had not yet laid eggs, mature females kept in conditions that prevented them from laying eggsto test whether age alone causes wear, and adult females that had already laid eggs 3 or 4 times. To analyze the internal structure and durability of the digging valves, the researchers used several advanced technologies: confocal microscopy, 3D fluorescent imaging, and a particle accelerator (synchrotron) in collaboration with the German team. The findings indicated significant signs of wear in the valves, and a lack of elements associated with high resistance to mechanical wear. Notably, no reinforcing metal ions, typical of extremely wear-resistant biological materials, were found in the valves. Dr. Pinchasik said, "A female locust's biological role is laying eggs three or four times in her life. In this study, we found that evolution has designed her digging valves to meet their task preciselyno more and no less. This is a wonderful example of the 'good enough' principle in nature: no extra resources are invested in an organ when they're not needed. "As humans, we can learn much from natureabout conserving materials, energy, and resources. As engineers who develop products, it is our duty to understand the need precisely and design an accurate response, avoiding unnecessary overengineering." Other researchers included Ph.D. student Shai Sonnenreich from TAU's School of Mechanical Engineering, as well as researchers from the Technical University of Dresden in Germany, Prof. Yael Politi and a postdoc in her group, Dr. Andre Eccel Vellwock. More information: Andre Eccel Vellwock et al, Wear Mechanics of the Female Locust Digging Valves: The "Good Enough" Principle (Adv. Funct. Mater. 48/2024), Advanced Functional Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202470284 Journal information: Advanced Functional Materials 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 We know less about the bottom of the Great Lakes than we do about the surface of Mars, according to Jennifer Boehme. The oceanographer is executive director of the Great Lakes Observing System, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based nonprofit leading a concerted effort to fully map the world's largest freshwater body from coast to coast, surface to floor. Only 15% of the lakebed has been documented to modern standards, which could have major consequences for coastal communities as climate change makes storms and floods more frequent and severe. Without an understanding of how the depth and contours of the lakebed are shifting, scientists cannot accurately predict how extreme weather will affect natural habitats and built infrastructure. "There are questions that need to be answered about coastal safety for the Great Lakes, but we can't answer them because basic information is missing," Boheme said. "For me, it's very much a safety issue." The Great Lakes, which nearly 40 million people in the United States and Canada depend on for drinking water, have already taken a beating from climate change. Water levels dropped this fall to the lowest in years, affecting shoreline ecosystems, access to docks and shipping routes. Most of the imaging taken of the Great Lakes is decades old and low resolution. It does not show the pipelines, cables, shipwrecks and boulders that new technologies make visible. Updated, high-resolution imaging has been taken piecemeal over the years, primarily to inform shipping routes and targeted research. When Boehme and her team began their concerted effort in 2019, 12% of the lakes had been mapped to modern standards. They called the initiative Lakebed 2030, intending to complete the project in 2030. But in the last five years, the Great Lakes Observing system has only mapped another 3% of the lakebed. Systematically creating a holistic picture of the lake's bathymetrythe underwater equivalent of topographyis a massive undertaking. The five Great Lakes have a combined surface area of 94,250 square miles, roughly the size of the United Kingdom. And they vary greatly, with depths ranging from 210 feet in Lake Erie to over 1,300 feet in parts of Lake Superior. If all that water was spread across the contiguous United States, the nation would be evenly submerged in nearly 10 feet of water. The primary roadblock is money. The Great Lakes Observing System estimates mapping all five lakes will cost $200 million. The money would be spent on a combination of advanced sound and light detection technologies over approximately a decade. Halfway to 2030, they're rethinking the initiative's name. "What we've been calling Lakebed 2030 could morph into a more organized and concerted effort. We're calling it 'Building the Great Map,'" said Boheme. Nevertheless, the time pressure remains as weather events become more extreme. The amount of rain falling in the heaviest 1% of storms in the Great Lakes region has increased by 35% over 66 years. Earlier this year, Michigan U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain introduced the Great Lakes Mapping Act, a bipartisan bill directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association to conduct high-quality mapping of the Great Lakes lakebeds. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "The Great Lakes generate ($)6 trillion to America's GDP and support over 51 million jobs, yet we have barely scratched the surface of understanding the depths of the lakes," said McClain, a Republican. "Investing in comprehensive exploration will offer an enhanced look at the potential these bodies of water offer to bolster our economy and inform efforts to protect one of America's greatest natural resources." The bill sits in the House Natural Resources Committee, and McClain plans to reintroduce it next Congress should it not make it to the floor this year. It's unlikely to pass in President-elect Donald Trump's Washington, however. Project 2025, a political framework affiliated with several of his recent Cabinet picks, aspires to abolish the federal agency in charge of weather forecasting and climate monitoring. This isn't deterring Boheme, who said the team will continue seeking private funding to complete the ambitious project. At the end of the day, the oceanographer is confident the undertaking will pay dividends beyond the intangible benefits of protecting wildlife and public safety. Knowledge about lakebed movements could help industries, from shipping to recreation, better plan their activities. Mapping would also likely create permanent jobs; data would constantly need to be updated as climate change-induced weather events dramatically shift the lakebed. Ultimately, the Great Lakes Observing System plans to make the lakebed map accessible to everyone and easy to use. 2024 Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Credit: C1 Superstar from Pexels While powerful figures tend to take up the most space in our history books, the vast majority of people in the ancient world were regular working class folks, and most people's lives revolved around the daily grind. A new book sheds light on working life in the Roman Empire, offering insights into a complex society that spanned three continents and incorporated dozens (if not hundreds) of cultures. To learn more about what has (and hasn't) changed for the working class, we talked with Jordan Rogers, an assistant professor of history at NC State, and Del Maticic, the Blegen Fellow in Greek and Roman Studies at Vassar. Rogers and Maticic are the co-editors of the book "Working Lives in Ancient Rome." What drew you and your co-editor to push forward with a book on working life in ancient Rome? What's your fascination with the subject? Jordan Rogers: The original idea came about as we grappled with the vagaries of the academic job market. We were still in our respective graduate programs when we were first having these discussions. What would our jobs be? How did we define those jobs? Would there be jobs for us when all was said and done? If we didn't get the academic job, would our identities as academics and intellectuals be compromised? This got us thinking, too, about how these questions are essential, fundamental ones about human relationships with work, and the effects that work inevitably has on human lives, both now and in the Roman world. The fascination, I suppose, is that we keep making a distinction between these two spheres of existencework and lifewhich of course changes over time and between cultures. But we still feel compelled to do so. Why? And what does that say about culture more generally? About the worldview of people? About what's important? These are questions that not many people have asked, or at least not in these specific formulations, about the Roman world. So, we thought it would be useful. Del Maticic: I also had a personal interest in work and labor given my research on raw materiality in Latin literature. Literary artists are depicted as artisans working figurative raw materials into completed works. I had an abiding interest throughout the project in how new approaches to labor can help shed new light on the Roman understanding of literature and its place in the world. What made this book project timely now? Rogers: We began this project with a workshop series in 2020. We had originally planned for it to be in-person, but the pandemic restrictions and realities of that time required us to hold those workshops digitally, via video call. That new reality of workwhere work and life were co-existing in the same, tight spacesas painful as it was, was surprisingly fertile ground for us. It encouraged us to think more critically about what work was in its most basic sense, and where we drew the line (or didn't) between living and working. I think a lot of the discourse in the U.S. labor market in the past few yearsabout "quiet quitting," return to office mandates, etc.can still be seen as a result of this reassessment. So, our book uses the Roman world as an added opportunity to ask provocative questions about both Roman work and our own work today. Maticic: Since our workshop in 2020, there has been a swelling of interest in work and labor in the ancient world. Recently a prominent classicist at Johns Hopkins taught a graduate seminar on Labor in Latin that was directly inspired by our project, and panels on topics like precarity in the Roman world are being organized at classics conventions. Our book, I feel, tapped into a growing interest in inquiries like this. Many writings and artifacts survive from the time of the Roman empire. What sort of new technologies, tools or techniques are helping us garner additional insights from these objects? Or are there new philosophical approaches that are helping ussuch as paying attention to aspects of Roman society that earlier historians overlooked? Maticic: The primary ancient technologies that we present in our book are concepts. The Latin word labor, for instance, referred to "work" and "toil," but also to a wide range of figurative actions and processes taken by humans of different stratafrom elites to enslaved peoplesas well as nonhuman living things. The labor of plants, for instance, is to grow. We think that concepts like this are useful in the context of late-stage capitalism, in which work and labor become such important buzzwords for thinking about the role of work in the world. Rogers: To add to Del's point about "concepts," especially of work, one of the things we endeavor to do in this volume is to illuminate the many perspectives regarding what work meant in ancient Rome (and, as a result, what it could mean now). These perspectives are often contradictory, but they do cohere. The incredible metaphor that Del conjured to explain our approach in the book is arboreal: we see these numerous, individual perspectives like the "tangled understory" of a dense forest. While the roots, branches and boughs tussle individually for space and resources, when you take a step back you can see the forest as a whole. 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. At its height, the Roman Empire was incredibly vastit stretched from Morocco to Iran, from the U.K. to Egypt. Were there commonalities across the empire? In other words, did Roman culture affect the working lives of everyday people? Rogers: There were of course commonalities, most notably imposed by the Roman legal system. So, for example, making work contracts, according to Roman legal standards, would look the same across the empire. Still, the reality is that the Roman empire was a multicultural one, where regional differences can be observed. Some of our papers explore these regional differences in some detail, especially with regards, for instance, to the networks of skilled professionalslike teachers, doctors, or architectswho moved about the Roman world, and typically in more circumscribed areas. Maticic: Relatedly, the system of Roman enslavement had a distinct effect on a wide range of people's working lives. Unlike slavery in the Atlantic world, it was much more common for enslaved people to be manumitted. This process of manumission was an engine of enculturation in the Roman world. Professional slaves could literally work their way into Roman identity, though freedmen would never be treated the same way as freeborn Romans. Still, this shows an interesting and unusual way of thinking about the relationship between labor and civic identity. You've spent your career studying the ancient Mediterranean world, and you're co-editing a book on the working lives of Rome because it's a subject you already knew a lot about. What are one or two things you came across while editing this book that you found particularly surprising or fascinating? Maticic: I learned a lot about the ancient world, but the most valuable new material that I learned over the process of editing the book involved contemporary theories of labor, professional identity and even human resource management. The theories in the latter field about what constitutes a job, profession and role create interesting categories of professional life that are surprisingly useful for humanists. For example, concepts like "work/life integration" ended up being quite useful for our introductory work for the book. I would have expected this body of work to be banal and boring, but I fell in love with it! Rogers: Actually, the surprising and fascinating thing I learned had nothing to do with the ancient world. One of our contributors, Caroline Cheung (Princeton University), wrote a chapter on the production and repair of large ceramic storage vessels. In her chapter, she discusses David Drake, an enslaved potter in 19th century South Carolina, as a comparative example to try to reconstruct the agency and experience of ancient potters, who themselves were often enslaved or freed. I had never heard of David Drake before reading her chapter; I have since become enthralled with his story and life. This confrontation with the unexpected and anomalous is, I think, the true beauty of these types of collaborations. Everyone who contributed to this book spent time examining the lives of working people who lived more than a thousand years ago. Many things have changed over the intervening centuries, from cell phones to airplanes. What hasn't changed? What would ancient workers recognize in their modern peers? Rogers: Just like now, there were many different responses to work. Some Romans considered any work to be a form of slavery to another (consider, e.g., the modern notion of the corporate "wage-slave"). Others saw their occupation as the most important part of their identity, and therefore placed great social value on the work they did. Still others considered work to be the natural state of things, imposed by divine will, while others, especially the enslaved, would actively design ways to avoid the work forced upon them. So in that sense, not much has changed as far as the variety of stances that can be occupied vis-a-vis labor, and usually these are defined by an individual's proximity to power in their world of work, then as now. Maticic: I've sometimes heard it said that the cultural obsession with work in the modern world is a phenomenon associated with the capitalist present. But even in the ancient world people's work was so important to their understanding of themselves that their professional identity was frequently mentioned on their tombstones. As someone who loves my job and derives a lot of my personal identity from my professional identity, it was affirming to think about work as a positive aspect of identity in the ancient world and not just a source of despair and drudgery. More information: Del A. Maticic, Jordan Rogers, Working Lives in Ancient Rome (2024). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-61234-3 link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-031-61234-3 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 Between 2005 and 2018, incidents of data breach in the United States rose by nearly eight times, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. In 2019, the average cost of data breaches for US companies, for those involving more than 50 million compromised records, totaled US$388 million, according to The Ponemon Institute. Data from the renowned privacy and data protection research center also showed that the average cost was US$42 million and US$8.19 million, for breaches involving more than 1 million and fewer than 1 million compromised records, respectively. In 2016, Verizon reduced its initial offering price for Yahoo by US$350 million after Yahoo announced a massive data breach that hit over one billion user accounts. These are examplescited in a research paper by the Deputy Dean of Singapore Management University's School of Accountancythat in purely financial terms read like a train wreck. A wreck that the paper alludes could have been less severe if managers were less shortsighted in cutting discretionary expenses to "meet or beat short-term earnings targets." "Managerial myopia is a persistent challenge," Professor of Accounting Zhang Liandong tells the Office of Research, adding that while it cannot be completely cured, it can be properly mitigated. "The temptation of short-term rewards is strong, especially when managerial performance is closely tied to immediate financial metrics." His detailed and informative research paper "The impact of managerial myopia on cybersecurity: Evidence from data breaches," co-authored by Professors Chen Wen and Wu Haibin, of the City University of Hong Kong, and Professor Li Xing of China's Xi'an Jiaotong Universityis based on a sample of US firms taken between 2005 and 2017. The study is published in the Journal of Banking & Finance. It defines cybersecurity risk as that arising from "the theft or damage of hardware, software, or electronic data, as well as from the disruption or misdirection of the services provided by a company's information technology (IT) system." A risk that can be controlled by adequate investments in intangible assets such as technology capabilities. However, as the research finds, certain industry reports show that while a significant amount of data breaches result from human error, myopic managers "underinvest in cybersecurity expenditures such as research and development, software, and employee recruitment and training, because of their negative impact on current earnings." Potential solutions By "realigning incentives and fostering a corporate culture that values long-term sustainability over short-term gains, we can reduce myopic behavior," says Professor Zhang. This can involve extending the vesting periods for stock options or linking bonuses to lengthier strategic goals such as cybersecurity and sustainability metrics. Reporting policies can also be tweaked for this benefit, he adds, citing the Singapore Exchange's decision to remove mandatory quarterly earnings reports which in turn reduced the pressure to deliver short-term gains. This means "companies can allocate more resources to areas like cybersecurity without the constant pressure to meet short-term earnings targets." "By integrating environmental, social, and governance considerations into business strategies, companies can align their operations with long-term societal goals, which in turn drive sustainable financial performance," Professor Zhang continues, adding that this carries the extra benefit of appealing to stakeholders who value responsible business practices. This segues into the task of also educating and cultivating an investor base whose sights are set on the longer horizon, he says. This means engaging with the investing community to stress on long-term strategies and the importance of spending in areas like cybersecurity and sustainability. Institutional block ownership is another potential solution, notes, "The impact of managerial myopia," citing previous research that suggests "sophisticated investors, such as blockholders, place greater weight on long-run value than on short-term earnings performance." "In addition, to the extent that these sophisticated investors actively monitor management, managers should also have less freedom to engage in myopic actions," the research says. Implementing the above, Professor Zhang admits, requires a "significant mindset change" across a company and its investors. "While challenging, this paradigm shift is increasingly necessary in today's rapidly evolving business environment, where long-term resilience and adaptability are essential for success," he says. The academic adds that while the research was based on US companies, managerial myopia remains "a global phenomenon" though its prevalence may vary depending on "cultural, regulatory, and market factors." "The fundamental tension between short-term performance and long-term investment exists in many markets," he says. An encouraging sign, his research further notes, is that managerial myopia might improve in certain firms following data breach announcements among industry peers. There is "extensive evidence that firms learn from the experiences of their peers and respond accordingly," it says, citing prior studies. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. 'Insufficient' ties between research and industry Professor Zhang's interest in the topic was piqued by the rising number and severity of data breaches amid persistent reports of "managerial short-termism," and he believes closer ties between researchers and the industry can improve corporate policies. "Based on my observation, there is insufficient communication and collaboration between academics and the industry," he tells the Office of Research. "[This] hinders the incorporation of research findings into actionable practices or policies. This gap prevents valuable insights from being fully leveraged by practitioners who could benefit from them." SMU, he continues, is addressing the issue by actively bringing the two sides together, through academic-industry events like the School of Accountancy's Conference on Digital Transformation in the Financial Market. Encouragingly, there is "growing interest" from both the private and public sectors in understanding the implications of managerial myopia on cybersecurity risk, Professor Zhang says. "In Singapore, where there is a strong emphasis on technological advancement and cybersecurity, our findings align with national initiatives to strengthen cyber defenses and promote sustainable business practices," he says. Currently, and unsurprisingly, the academic is researching and working out how managers can be encouraged to invest in long-term intangibles, including environmental and social dimensions. "These areas are becoming increasingly important as stakeholders demand more sustainable and socially responsible business practices," he explains, adding that stressing on "long-term intangibles" helps organizations build resilience, among other things. "This research is crucial because investing in environmental and social initiatives not only benefits society but also enhances a company's reputation, competitiveness, and long-term financial performance." More information: Wen Chen et al, The impact of managerial myopia on cybersecurity: Evidence from data breaches, Journal of Banking & Finance (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2024.107254 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: Some A$13 billion in taxpayer dollars and 30 years of policy reform have failed to arrest the devastating decline in the health of Australia's most important river system, the Murray-Darling Basin, new research shows. The four-year study involved 12 scientists from Australia's leading universities, and draws on data from 1980 to 2023. It is the most comprehensive report card to date on government policies to protect the Murray-Darling. The paper is published in the journal Marine and Freshwater Research. We found expensive and contentious reforms, including the once-vaunted Murray-Darling Basin Plan, have mostly failed to improve outcomes for people and nature along the river system. The result is deeply alarming for a natural asset so fundamental to Australia's environmental, cultural and economic well-being. Here, we outline our findings, and present a plan to turn this situation around. A river system in peril The Murray-Darling river system starts in southern Queensland, winds through New South Wales and Victoria and reaches the sea near Adelaide in South Australia. Historically, state governments have allowed too much water to be taken from the system, primarily to irrigate crops. This has caused extensive environmental damage such as toxic blue-green algae blooms, dramatic falls in bird and fish populations and undrinkable town water supplies, to name just a few. The damage has been exacerbated by invasive species, climate change, dams that block water flows, and bush clearing which makes water running into rivers more salty. What's more, colonization dispossessed the nearly 50 Indigenous nations in the basin. They now collectively have rights over less than 0.2% of surface water in the river system. Government reform to improve the health of the basin dates back more than three decades. In 1994, Australian governments agreed to cap further licenses to extract water from the Murray-Darling. In 2008, Prime Minister John Howard's "once and for all" reform, known as the Water Act, became law. It aimed to reallocate water from irrigation to the environment. The reform is largely being implemented through the $13 billion Murray Darling Basin Plan enacted in 2012. The historic deal between state and federal governments was supposed to rein in the water extracted by farmers and make sure the environment got the water it needed. Almost $8 billion was spent implementing the plan to June 2023. But has this massive taxpayer investment delivered the promised benefits for people and nature? Our new findings suggest the answer is largely no. 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. Applying expert eyes When the basin plan was adopted, governments cut funding to the independent audit which monitored the river system's environmental health. It was replaced with far less effective monitoring systems. The new systems did not set clear targets to be achieved, or assess real-world outcomes for people and the environment. For example, a government might measure the timing and frequency of water flowing at specific river locations, rather than the numbers of threatened fish species across the basin. The indicators are also complex and monitored by government agencies and their consultants, so the results are not independent. A video outlining the importance of the Barka, or Darling River, to Indigenous people. For this study, we developed our own monitoring system. It involved 27 indicators of success across the themes of Indigenous, environmental and social well-being, economic performance and compliance with water laws. We used publicly available data spanning more than 40 years. The study released today reports our essential findings. What we found Troublingly, we found that after more than a decade of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, 74% of success indicators were not met. This means there was either no improvement or worsening conditions. In particular, only two of 12 environmental indicators were met. Among our findings were: flows required to achieve environmental outcomes were not met at 65% of river gauge sites assessed water returned to rivers is not effectively used to restore the environment. For example, 79% of Commonwealth environmental water releases from 201419 stayed in river channels rather than spilling out to rejuvenate floodplain wetlands the abundance of waterbirds is declining and the incidence of very large fish-kill events is increasing, as witnessed at Menindee Lakes, NSW, twice in the past decade Indigenous rights over water are declining as a percentage of surface water, and water flows to Indigenous-controlled wetlands has not increased. This grossly inadequate situation prevents Indigenous Peoples from managing water on Country, harming their health and well-being the basic human right to access adequate, safe drinking water is not being met in many towns, including predominantly Indigenous communities such as Wilcannia, NSW. The findings are not all negative. We found irrigation communities are not necessarily suffering economically from federal government buy-backs of water entitlements. For example, the period of most water buybacks coincided with marked increases in profits for irrigated farms. The finding is contrary to claims in several studies, including one commissioned by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. Two environmental indicators show an upward trend. Populations of large-bodied freshwater fish are improving, coinciding with the end of commercial fishing. Pleasingly, nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the Murray River have fallen. What does all this mean? So what can we learn from these failures to ensure the Murray-Darling river system is brought back to health? In 2023, the federal Labor government enacted the "Restoring Our Rivers" laws, to increase the return of water to the environment. This was a very important step, but there's a long way to go. The Murray-Darling Basin Plan is due for review in 2026. Clearly, monitoring to date has been inadequate. Our paper outlines ways to fix this, so real outcomes are achieved. Among our suggestions, river ecosystems could be mapped to ensure Australia meets its international obligation this decade to restore 30% of inland water ecosystems and include 30% of these ecosystems in protected areas. And those responsible for implementing the basin plan, primarily state and federal government agencies, should be held accountable when targets are not met. Urgent reform is needed to ensure Australian taxpayers get a return on their investment. We must ensure the Murray-Darling basin and the communities that rely on it can prosper in the decades ahead. More information: Matthew J. Colloff et al, Murky waters running clearer? Monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the state of the MurrayDarling Basin after more than three decades of policy reform, Marine and Freshwater Research (2024). DOI: 10.1071/MF24193 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: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain In the skies over Virginia it is common to see contrails, cloud-like strips of condensed water left behind by aircraft at high altitude. Some dissipate within minutes, but depending on the weather or time of day, some can remain for hours or develop into wispy cirrus clouds. Because of that, there is uncertainty about how exactly contrails affect the environment, and scientists are studying how they may be trapping heat in the atmosphere. To do that, researchers at NASA Langley have partnered with GE Aerospace to further examine the effects of contrails. Using LIDAR technology, or light detection and ranging, researchers used a power laser attached to the bottom of a research plane to capture cross-sections of a contrail left by a GE aircraft. That allowed them to see what structures are left behind that may not be visible from the ground. The LIDAR creates a two-dimensional curtain to measure water vapor, so researchers can see where the atmosphere is more saturated. With those images, scientists can see how thick contrails are and what conditions create the most disruptive versions. "We like to think of these contrails as just two circles of ice, and it's a lot more complicated than that," said Rich Moore, research scientist and principal investigator of the program. "For the first time, we're able to sort of peel back that veil and see some of the underlying complexity." Contrails are very bright white, and in many cases they can reflect sunlight, which typically cools the atmosphere, said Cassi Miller, senior engineer for GE's Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program. However, when contrails form or stick around for nightfall, she said they can cause issues. Because there's no more sunlight to reflect, they begin trapping heat. What kind of surface is below contrails, such as sea or land, can affect them as well, but Miller said the experiments with NASA and GE will help create more definitive data. "A lot of people look up in the sky and some days you see contrails, some days you do not. It's kind of hit or miss with weather, but most people don't think about their climate impact," Miller said. "As an industry and in collaboration with atmospheric scientists, there is a general growing consensus that they have a warming impact on the climate. There's a lot of uncertainty around that. "People are familiar with (carbon dioxide) emissions, right? How does the impact of a contrail compare? Is it the same scale? Is it a different magnitude? That's part of what we're trying to figure out in this campaign." With the experiment, Moore said data can be used to map where conditions for contrails can be the strongest and create paths where aircraft can avoid them. Tests will also be used for research into more sustainable aircraft engines. "We're very interested and concerned about fuel burn and aviation's (carbon dioxide) emissions, which we know impact climate. In addition to that, we're also starting to become much more concerned about contrails," Moore said. "The reason for that is that the global modelers today tell us that the climate impact from contrails and aviation-induced cirrus clouds is about the same warming impact as the past century's worth of aviationsince the beginning of the jet age. "And so, of course, (carbon dioxide) is with us for 100 years or so after we admit it, so we're very interested in improving fuel efficiency and continuing to make airlines and airframes and engines more efficient," she added. "But we also need to be concerned about, at some point, reducing contrails." 2024 The Virginian-Pilot. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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 decade ago, a Singapore Management University academic took in the sights of colorful, healthy corals playing host and habitat to myriad marine creatures at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It was not an entirely enjoyable episode, however, given that Associate Professor of Law Liu Nengye had to navigate bleached and dead corals to get to the surviving ones. A more recent trip to Mersing, Johor, along the east coast of Malaysia, confirmed growing fears of marine degradation: he found not a single coral spot there. Such experiences reaffirm his longstanding research work into global marine conservation laws and policy, and he acknowledges that it is an uphill task. "I was very surprised [at Mersing]. Coral reefs are very sensitive and their well-being is a good indicator of the health of the marine environment in general," Professor Liu tells the Office of Research. "[Corals] are habitats, a foundation, for other marine species and require a delicate balancing in ocean temperatures and salinity to thrive. What has happened shows the kind of trouble our oceans are in." His ultimate aim, he adds, is the return of the oceans to a "peaceful and sustainable" state. Among his recent work is a research paper "Beyond UNCLOSMarine Environmental Protection in a Changing World," which introduces developments in UNCLOSthe United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It argues that the 40-year-old treaty alone is "insufficient to cope with the interconnected global challenges of today's world for thriving marine futures." Coauthored with another SMU academic, Associate Professor of Law Michelle Lim, the paper also assesses the ability of UNCLOS to effectively tackle marine biodiversity challenges under conditions of global change. It notes, among other things, "a great opportunity" for a recent global treaty, the Agreement for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), to fill a regulatory gap in conservation of the high seas. However, its remit across only four thematic areas might not be wide enough. Nevertheless, the paper concluded that in today's world "where people and countries are inevitably connected through migration, trade, tourism and technology, the UNCLOS, though not capable of solving massive marine biodiversity loss alone, can still play a significant role in addressing the problem." Not all bad news Nearly two decades ago when he embarked on his academic journey, Professor Liu focused his research on marine pollution from shipping and how it was legally enforced by countries. In recent years, he has studied marine biodiversity regulations, specifically around the fisheries sector, where overfishing or industrialized fishing have caused unsustainable loss of fish stocks and other marine species. These research areas, he says, form two of three interrelated components when it comes to the conservation of global oceans, the other being climate change, or global warming. What it also means is that the academicwho has addressed the European parliament at the 2021 World Ocean Day, and spent time in the Arctic studying and observing sea life migrating to cooler waters in the face of rising ocean temperaturesis well placed to assess what works and what doesn't when it comes to laws that govern the health of our high seas. Take marine pollution, for example, he says. As a result of global standards set up by treaties between countries and international bodies, port authorities and relevant bodies have vigorously enforced rules to ensure ships plying the seas do not pollute excessively. These standards include, for example, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78) and the 2004 International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments. They have, among other things, improved management of waste and garbage onboard marine vessels so that less of the stuff spoil the ocean. "So the curbing of pollution in the water is a success story," Professor Liu says. "It is proof that we can make things better." There is hope as well in the fisheries area, he adds, even in the face of depleting stocks of fish and other marine life over the years. This comes partly on the back of growing demand for seafood among modern societies due to its relatively healthier nutritional profile. "That said, using global standards and laws to better manage fishing industries and change mindsets, the population of certain whales, for example, are gradually recovering," Professor Liu notes. "We are going in the right direction but of course, much more needs to be done." 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. 'Genuine intentions but different considerations get in the way.' What doesn't help, he says, are issues like rising global consumption and geopolitics. The first factor has manifested itself in bigger ships that produce more carbon emissions simply due to their scale, and adding to ever-rising greenhouse gases. This ties into global warming, the third component for marine conservation. With 8090% of all goods carried by sea, some estimates put the deadweight tonnage of container ships at nearly 300 million metric tons in 2022, up from 11 million metric tons in 1980. In that time, the weight of cargo shipped globally has risen to 1.95 billion metric tons from 0.1 billion metric tons. Other vessels such as cruise ships have also grown, doubling in size over the past 20 years and producing 20% more carbon emissions in 2022 than in 2019, before COVID. "They used to call them large container ships, now they're called super large bigger and bigger but with similar energy efficiencies," Professor Liu notes. These are issues that UNCLOS can help address. As the article notes, the treaty "may utilize 'rules of reference' to work with UN Specialized Agencies on specific issues." More information: Liu, Nengye et al. "Beyond UNCLOS: Marine Environmental Protection in a Changing World," UNCLOS at 40: Essays in Honour of Ambassador Tommy Koh (2024). press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/b d/U/bo217938209.html 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 A leading University of South Australia researcher is calling for greater media literacy, early in children's formal education, as an 'essential line of defense' against online child abuse and sexual exploitation. In a newly published book chapter, Associate Professor Lesley-Ann Ey lays out the urgent case for equipping young people with critical thinking skills to help them navigate the digital world safely. With online child sexual abuse and exploitation on the rise, Associate Professor Ey says that more children and young people are at risk of sexual abuse and exploitation. "Children and young people have been vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation throughout history," Assoc Prof Ey says. "The internet has amplified this vulnerability, giving perpetrators greater access to potential victims." Assoc Prof Ey says that current educational resources that primarily advise adolescents against risky behaviors are often ineffective. "Adolescents are naturally more inclined to take risks, and they benefit more from applied critical thinking skills than they do from being told what not to do. They need a way to gain a practical understanding of online risks." She advocates for early media literacy education for young children before they begin venturing into online spaces. "Young children, who are increasingly online, need to start developing their online safety skills and awareness early," Ey says. "Media literacy extends beyond learning digital tools; it involves understanding how these tools influence identity, choices, and safety. "Without this education, children may unwittingly expose sensitive information. For example, if they post photos without removing metadata, or leave location services on, they're revealing details that can make them more vulnerable. Media literacy is not just about fake news; it is being able to recognize the signs of manipulation and be aware of the hazards of the digital environment. "If media literacy is not a part of the protective measures we take against sexual abuse and exploitation, and protecting against those harms is not part of media literacy, then both are missing something fundamental." Assoc Prof Ey says that critical thinking is a skill that goes beyond preventing online exploitation. "When we teach young people to ask questions about the media they consumewho created it, for what purpose, and what its impact might bethey develop a toolkit for assessing all types of content," she says. "This empowers them to spot misinformation, identify manipulated images, and recognize fake profiles, all of which are the tools of online predators. 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. "Perpetrators are strategic in their approach, often engaging children on accessible platforms like gaming and social media before shifting to private messaging to avoid detection. "Teaching children to evaluate their online interactions criticallyquestioning who they're speaking to and whycan disrupt these plans." Assoc Prof Ey says teaching young people about privacy settings and helping them understand that the choices they make can expose their personal data. "Children need to understand what it means to click 'accept' on terms and conditions, or to share content publicly," Ey says. "This awareness can help them protect their privacy and reduce vulnerability, as it enables them to make informed choices about what and with whom they share. Media literacy is not just about preventing harm; it's about equipping young people to navigate a complex digital world with confidence." More information: Child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation and the need for media literacy as a protective mechanism. find.library.unisa.edu.au/disc OR/12282148890001831 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 illustration from a late 12th-century manuscript showing St. Cuthbert, a medieval English saint, in a boat at sea. The manuscript is preserved in the British Library. Credit: British Library, MS Yates Thompson 26, f.62r What did the historical world sound like, and how did humans interact with nature? Associate Professor Britton Elliott Brooks from Kyushu University's Faculty of Languages and Cultures has explored these questions in a unique arena: the open sea in early medieval English literature. This conceptually vast body of water, isolated from land, appears in medieval authors' works not only through visual imagery, but often through sound. In the early Middle Ages, while coastal journeys were common, crossing the North Sea or the English Channel was more limited and dangerous. The open sea, its storms and depths, was primarily imagined from land. The most tangible experience of the watery expanse came during storms, with their crashing and clapping waves. When depicting the open sea, early medieval English literature employed these sonic elements. In Brooks' article published in The Review of English Studies in March, he highlights the relatively rare Latin word "undisonus." The adjective combines the words unda (waves) and sonus (sound), and is used very precisely in early medieval English descriptions of the sea during storms. Through roaring and pounding waves, these texts painted a picture of the powerful open sea. Through an extensive analysis of Old English and Anglo-Latin texts, Brooks finds that the sea's sounds serve a deeper purpose. In poems like Bede's Latin metrical Life of Saint Cuthbert and the anonymous Old English Andreas, wave sounds were used to create a literary place isolated from everyday lifea place where saints could seek God. "The open sea stands unique in its use of sound as the source of its impeding power," Brooks explains. "It is far beyond human control, structured and ordered by God alone." Many who sailed far offshore were pilgrims, making the open sea a deeply spiritual place. The sea's endless roar evoked both fear and awe. What tested their faith came not only through the physical danger of high waves or bitter cold, but also the constant, soul-shaking sound of the open sea itself. "For medieval people, sound opened a direct path to the soul," Brooks observes. This portrayal of the sea as a spiritual testing ground reflects a distinct cultural adaptation. While early Christian narratives from places like Egypt often feature saints wandering deserts in search of God, the British and Irish islands offer no such arid landscapes. Instead, the boundless, mysterious sea became the site to confront the unknown and seek divine connection. The endless roar of waves, rather than burning desert sands, became the saints' path to God. Beyond depicting challenges, the sounds in these poems show how humans and nature come together in worship. In Andreas, for instance, God calms the seas in response to a pilgrim's faithful prayers during a violent storm. Through poetic variations and onomatopoeic combinations, the transition from stormy seas to calm waters is vividly portrayed, suggesting that strong faith can tame even the ocean's wild roar. When the sea falls silent, it marks the pilgrim's spiritual triumph on the journey. The role of soundscapes and sonic features in literature is a growing field of research. Continuing to explore the soundscapes of English literature, particularly those rooted in nature, Brooks aims to reveal how people engage with their world and how they position themselves in it. While we can never hear sounds from the past, we can explore how particular sonic environments were engaged with and then used in the creation of literary soundscapes. "More attention could be paid to the sounds made by nonhuman things, both animate and inanimate, because so much of the sound in our world originates from them," Brooks notes. "Studying these texts encourages us to think about what sound is, what it does, and how it can affect and transform us, even today." More information: Britton Elliott Brooks, Sonic Journeys on the Open Sea: Testing the Faithful in Old English and Anglo-Latin Literature, Review of English Studies (2024). DOI: 10.1093/res/hgae015 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: Logo of the South Pole Safety Challenge Credit: NASA / HeroX Space exploration is a dangerous business, especially when squishy living organisms, such as humans, are involved. NASA has always prided itself on how seriously it takes the safety of its astronauts, so as it gears up for the next big push in crewed space exploration, the Artemis program, it is looking for solutions to potentially catastrophic situations that might arise. One such catastrophe would be if one of the Artemis astronauts was incapacitated and couldn't return to the lander. The only person who could potentially be able to save them would be their fellow astronaut, but carrying a fully suited human back to their base of operations would be a challenge for an astronaut similarly kitted out in their own bulky suit. So, NASA decided to address it as precisely thata challengeand ask for input from the general public, offering up to $20,000 for the best solution to the problem. The challenge, "South Pole Safety: Designing the NASA Lunar Rescue System," was announced on November 14 and accepts entries until January 23, 2025. It awards $45,000 to at least three winners, including $20,000 to the first-place winner. So, what does the challenge actually involve? The work product is a design document for a system capable of moving fully suited astronauts at least two kilometers up a 20-degree slope without being attached to a rover. Oh, and it has to be able to operate in the harsh conditions of the lunar south pole. Typically, a fully suited human wearing the new Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Suit, the new spacesuit explicitly designed for the Artemis missions, will weigh around 343 kg (755 lbs). However, lunar gravity is only about 1/6th that of Earth's, so it will feel more like they weigh 57 kg (125 lbs). That's still a lot to carry but is much more manageable. However, it's probably infeasible for the other astronaut to fireman-carry their unconscious comrade over that distance, especially since they are wearing their own spacesuit. So it's up to technology to do the job. To do so, it will have to evade the pitfalls (in some cases literally) of the lunar south pole. One hazard is the extreme temperaturesthey can range from 54C in full daylight to -203C at night. Any materials used in the solution (especially electronics) would, therefore, need to be able to withstand such wild temperature swings. Other hazards include razor-sharp lunar regolith, which is expected to cause havoc on most moving mechanical systems on the moon. Navigating around craters and giant boulders while hopefully dodging micrometeoroid impacts adds to the complex nature of the rescue environment. A panel of experts, including some NASA engineers, will judge this competition. Their scorecards will include categories like the overall mass of the solution, its ease of use, and how much it impacts the suit design, if anyluckily, treating the fallen astronaut while on the move back to safety is outside the scope of this challenge. Suppose you're interested in participating, potentially earning you or your team tens of thousands of dollars. In that case, NASA is accepting submissions through the HeroX portal (commonly used for public challenges) through January 25th. Maybe someday you'll get to see your creation on the surface of the mooneven if it will hopefully never be used. 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: Protesters hold placards during a demonstration against seabed mining outside the Norwegian Parliament building in Oslo. Norway has suspended plans to start giving licenses for deep-sea mining next year that had faced opposition from environment groups and international institutions, a party allied with the center-left government said on Sunday. Norway, Western Europe's biggest oil and gas producer, had planned to become one of the world's first countries to start handing out rights to tens of thousands of square kilometers (miles) of seabed. But the small Socialist Left Party said it had blocked the move in return for supporting the minority government's 2025 budget. "There will be no announcement of exploration rights for deep-sea mining in 2024 or 2025," the party said in a statement. The energy ministry did not immediately comment on the move. But Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoer said it was only a postponement. "We should be able to accept that," he told TV2 television. Parliament gave approval in January for allowing mining rights for some 280,000 square kilometers (108,000 square miles) of seabed. The energy ministry later drew up a list of zones covering about 38 percent of this area in the Norwegian Sea and Greenland Sea that would be sold in 2025. Norway had argued that it did not want to rely on China for minerals essential for renewable energy technology. It believes there is copper, cobalt, zinc and rare earths in its continental shelf. All are needed for production of batteries, wind turbines, computers and mobile phones. Deep-sea mining is controversial for its potential impact on vulnerable marine ecosystems. Environmentalists say there is a threat to the habitats of sea species and from potential noise and light pollution from the machinery used, plus a risk of chemical leaks. The government said there were tough safeguards in its proposals for mining and that licenses could be revoked. But scientists, non-government groups, some multi-national companies and international institutions such as the European Parliament had opposed the move. The World Wide Fund for Nature launched legal action against the rights sale last Thursday. It welcomed the postponement in a message to AFP but said it would not halt its court challenge against the legality of the government decision. Fellow environmental group Greenpeace's head for Norway, Frode Pleym, called the announcement "a crucial win in the fight against deep-sea mining". "It should be the nail in the coffin for the destructive industry," he told AFP. 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The headline goal of the UK's peatland strategya framework published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) that sets out how to improve UK peatlandsis simple, yet ambitious. The aim is for 20,000km2 (2 million hectares) of UK peatland to be kept in good condition, restored or sustainably managed by 2040. Yet, with approximately 30,000km2 (3 million hectares) of these soggy ecosystems forming a complex mosaic across the UK's four nations, 80% of it in poor condition, this is a monumental task. Five years after its launch in 2018, the experts behind the IUCN's UK peatland program have been reflecting on the progress. Peat forms where wet and oxygen-limited soil conditions slow the decay of dead vegetation. This builds up over thousands of years, leading to thick accumulations of organic matter, or peat. Given the continuing climate emergency, it is imperative that the carbon this contains is kept in the ground and out of the atmosphere where it will contribute to climate change. However, land use practices over the last century have deeply drained the UK's peatlands, destroying the waterlogged and oxygen-free conditions that preserve them and releasing the equivalent of 20 million metric tons of CO 2 each year. Peat restoration is an important nature-based solution that can mitigate climate change and will be an essential part of reaching the UK's legally binding emissions targets. By restoring the UK's peatlands, we avoid further emissions and, in time, convert them back into carbon sinks. Not only that, peatland restoration restores important functions of the ecosystem that help to reduce flood risk, clean water and improve biodiversity. There are some reasons for optimism. Peat restoration began in the 1990s but has been rapidly accelerating in the last decade, largely focusing on raising water tables to restore low-oxygen conditions. Around 2,550km2 (255,000 hectares) of restoration have been completed. Despite problems in collating reliable data, a preliminary milestone of "1 million hectares in good condition by 2020" has probably been achieved. However, this number includes the best peatlands, which had never been extremely degraded and required little intervention. Peatlands are finally being recognized in policy. Scotland, England and Wales all now have national peatland strategies that drive restoration of each unique landscape. And progress has been made in legislating against the effect of peat burning, with all burning on deep peat banned in England since 2021 and unlicensed burning on Scottish peatlands set to be implemented from 2025. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The peatlands of Scotland's Flow Country, the world's largest and most intact expanse of blanket bog, was recently designated a Unesco world heritage site. The way that peatland landscapes are being managed is advancing too. Paludiculture, a way of farming that allows groundwater to remain near the surface, has been a success in Europe and recent trials have shown promise in the UK. This wetter farming could produce sustainable construction materials and biofuels with crops like bulrushes or reeds and wetland food crops like cranberry, celery and watercress. It could help convert intensive grasslands to wet meadows that can be grazed by carefully chosen breeds of cows or even water buffalo. Although not ready to be widely implemented, recent trials suggest that this could be key to UK land management in the future. Despite all this attention, there has been limited progress towards most key areas of the peatland strategy, with both conservation of the best peatlands and restoration of the others falling well below target levels. Indeed, the UK government's climate change committee consider progress to be "significantly off-track". In this latest report, the IUCN UK peatland team says, "The progress we talk about in our report has been made across the whole of the UK since the 1990s." Scotland, for example, needs to complete as much restoration in only ten years as they have in the last 30. They have scaled upjust nowhere near enough. Shortfalls and long-term goals So why, with all this effort and goodwill, are we still falling short? Funding is a problem. It is widely accepted that public funding will not deliver the estimated 822 billion needed to restore all peatlands, but private financing schemes like carbon credits are in their infancy. There are still no universally agreed definitions of either "peatland" or "restoration," so eligibility for the various environmental schemes that allow landowners to fund restoration is confusing and off-putting. Even where restoration can overcome these limitations, there is no centralized way to record the progress in transforming peatlands and very little capacity for the long-term monitoring needed to show whether particular projects are being successful. So tracking progress is near impossible. Most frustratingly, despite collectively investing 318 million in peat restoration projects, no government has banned the extraction of peat and the long-promised ban on peat sales for horticulture has not materialized anywhere in the UK. Although progress has been slow, the capacity and knowledge built over these last five years is huge. There has never been such awareness of a need to protect and restore our peatlands, so many people available with the right skills to do it and so much political will and public or private funding to carry it out. There are many reasons progress has been slow but, with the right funding and legislation, the progress made in the last five years can be accelerated and two million hectares of healthy UK peat may still be possible by 2040. Now that the UN's climate summit, Cop29 in Azerbaijan, is over, it is clearer than ever that almost every peat-containing nation in the world is grappling with the same trade-offs. Just as we are debating how to raise water tables in Somerset without ending hundreds of years of dairy farming, south-east Asian countries struggle to reduce emissions from their vast regions of degraded agricultural peatland while still sustaining populations with enormous requirements for rice. Keeping peat in wet ground, from Scottish peat bogs to the rice paddies of China, is one of the most cost-effective ways of keeping greenhouse gas emissions down, and we need to preserve and restore as much of it as possible. 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: Donald Tong from Pexels Up to 41% of Britons holidaying abroad could travel by rail instead of air to cut down on carbon emissions, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Leeds. The team at the Institute for Transport Studies analyzed data from the Civil Aviation Authority to build up a picture of the number of passengers, air miles and emissions from the UK aviation sector over the last three decades and looked at the potential for trains to be a substitute for airplanes. They discovered that most British people do not travel very far for their holidays, with more than half of all passengers going to five of the closest European neighborsSpain, Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlandsmeaning that rail could often offer a viable alternative to short-haul flights. Their research is published in the journal Transportation Research Part D. Lead author Dr. Malcolm Morgan, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Transport Studies, explained, "Many people booking a holiday don't have a fixed destination in mind; they are just looking for a good time. "So, perhaps the question we should ask is not 'How do we move millions of people thousands of miles without any emissions?' But 'can you have a good holiday without getting on a plane?'" Trains versus planes Eighty percent of passengers traveling to and from the UK are doing so for leisure, and, as a nation, we send far more tourists out into the world than the rest of the world sends to the UK. The researchers believe there is a need to reframe the debate around flight emissions from that of a technical problem of decarbonizing planes, to a social problem of how to have a good holiday without needing to fly. They argue that a combination of using rail and switching destinations could reduce emissions. Their analysis shows that in the year 2019 alone, UK passengers taking short haul holiday flights were responsible for emitting the equivalent of 22 metric tons of carbon dioxide (22 MtCO 2 e)about the same as 3.3 million UK residents' total carbon footprint for an entire year. The researchers recognize that in most cases the current rail alternative is slower and more expensive, but they believe that with anticipated improvements to the rail network and international rail links, there is a real opportunity for a shift from planes to trains for a sizable share of passengers. Destination switching The researchers looked at destination switching as a means of boosting the potential for emissions savings. They found that 5.4% of all aviation emissions were from flights to parts of Spain which do not have train links, including the Spanish Islands. While some of those passengers will need to visit those specific locations, the researchers argue that the majority would be traveling for a beach holiday and so could potentially switch from a flight to Mallorca to a train to Malaga. They believe there are now opportunities for the UK Government to develop a decarbonization strategy for international holidays by promoting domestic and near-Europe destinations with package holidays that include rail tickets rather than flights. Dr. Morgan added, "Our paper proposes some carrots rather than the usual sticks of 'you can't go on holiday because you can't fly.' We want to frame the debate in a more positive light about what people and government can do to make holidays guilt free. "Take the Spanish islands, for instance. Almost two million people a year fly there as they are a popular destination for a cheap beach holiday. You can't get a train to Majorca, but you can get a train to the Spanish mainland. "It is already possible to have breakfast in London, lunch in Paris, and dinner in Barcelona by train today. Sleeper trains could also comfortably make the journey from British cities to many Mediterranean destinations in a single night. "So, while a low-carbon trip to the Canary Islands probably remains a pipe dream, it is not hard to imagine a world of low-carbon beach holidays if you are prepared to be flexible with destinations and travel itineraries." 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. Long-haul holidays The research shows that short haul flights are only one part of the problem, with the 41% of passengers that might be shifted to rail only accounting for 14% of aviation emissions. Dr. Zia Wadud, a Professor in Mobility and Energy Futures at the University, explained, "This is a pattern we are beginning to understand betterfew very long-distance trips are responsible for a large share of travel emissions. "A vast majority of emissions are associated with long-haul flights and are beyond the practical range of rail networks. As such innovative solutions such as destination switching offer much potential." The rapid growth in flights to Dubai, which has already overtaken popular destinations such as Barcelona and Rome in terms of passengers per year, is far more concerning say the researchers, because it comprises long-haul, high-emissions flights, particularly when it is part of a connecting journey. Quantifying the effect of connecting journeys from the data used in the paper is not possible, they say, but it is likely to be substantial. For example, a passenger that flies from London to Sydney via Dubai hides 68% of their passenger air miles from the researchers' current analysis. Co-author of the study, Dr. Sally Cairns, added, "Flying is partly so environmentally damaging because people use it to go vast distances. For example, the emissions from taking just one round trip from London to Sydney equate to more than a whole year's worth of road and rail emissions from the average UK citizen. "People can make a big difference to their personal carbon footprint by choosing closer holiday destinations. And the Government needs to start taxing aviation fairly, to make alternative travel options like rail more attractive." More information: Malcolm Morgan et al, Can rail reduce British aviation emissions?, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.trd.2024.104513 Flash China has expanded its visa-free policy to nine more countries, including eight in Europe, allowing citizens in these countries to enter for up to 30 days without a visa for business, tourism and other visits starting from Saturday. The policy now includes Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia and Japan, alongside other nations benefiting from China's open-door approach. Officials and tourism professionals from the newly included countries have welcomed the move as a step toward stronger bilateral ties. Malta's Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg hailed the policy on Nov 22 as another milestone in the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries. "This visa-free agreement reflects the strong mutual trust and commitment to fostering closer ties in tourism, business and cultural exchanges," Borg, who is also Malta's minister for foreign and European affairs and trade, said in a news release. "It simplifies travel for our citizens but also paves the way for deeper cooperation and new international trade opportunities," he added. For Croatian tour guide Branka Peric, the visa-free policy is "certainly good news" for tourism and those who work in the tourism sector. Peric, a longtime tour guide who is establishing her own travel agency, said the latest visa-free policy showcased China's opening-up to the outside world and will result in more friendly ties between China and Croatia. "China and Croatia have a long history of good relations and this has been confirmed in many cases. China has shown that it can successfully cooperate with much smaller countries such as Croatia to the benefit of both sides," she noted. Xie Dong, a Chinese inbound tour guide for Latvia and Estonia, said that China's new visa-free policy would boost tourism between the two Baltic countries and China, and called for direct flights between China and the Baltic countries. For Nina Merlusca, who is the destination manager of Romanian tourism city Piatra-Neamt, the visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders will "increase cooperation between the two countries". Based on her personal experiences of traveling in China, she said that China is a friendly country to tourists. Starting from Saturday, ordinary passport holders from a total of 38 countries within China's visa-free arrangement can enter China without a need to apply for a visa for the purposes of business, tourism, family visits, exchanges and visits and transit, with stays of no more than 30 days. On Dec 1, 2023, China began implementing unilateral visa-free entry trials for ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. The policies were later expanded several times to more countries. 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: International scientist's, Alexander Werth, from left, professor Joy Reidenberg and Michael Denk study a male spade-toothed whale ahead of a dissection at Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, near Dunedin, New Zealand, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Derek Morrison It is the world's rarest whale, with only seven of its kind ever spotted. Almost nothing is known about the enigmatic species. But on Monday a small group of scientists and cultural experts in New Zealand clustered around a near-perfectly preserved spade-toothed whale hoping to decode decades of mystery. "I can't tell you how extraordinary it is," said a joyful Anton van Helden, senior marine science adviser for New Zealand's conservation agency, who gave the spade-toothed whale its name to distinguish it from other beaked species. "For me personally, it's unbelievable." Van Helden has studied beaked whales for 35 years, but Monday was the first time he has participated in a dissection of the spade-toothed variety. In fact, the careful study of the creaturewhich washed up dead on a New Zealand beach in Julyis the first ever to take place. None has ever been seen alive at sea. The list of what scientists don't know about spade-toothed whales is longer than what they do know. They don't know where in the ocean the whales live, why they've never been spotted in the wild, or what their brains look like. All beaked whales have different stomach systems and researchers don't know how the spade-toothed kind processes its food. They don't know how this one died. Over the next week, researchers studying the 5-meter (16-foot) -long male at an agricultural research center near the city of Dunedin hope to find out. Local "iwi," or people, from a local Maori tribe study a male spade-toothed whale ahead of a dissection at Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, near Dunedin, New Zealand, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Derek Morrison "There may be parasites completely new to science that just live in this whale," said van Helden, who thrilled at the chance of learning how the species produces sound and what it eats. "Who knows what we'll discover?" Only six other spade-toothed whales have ever been found, but all those discovered intact were buried before DNA testing could verify their identification. New Zealand is a whale-stranding hotspot, with more than 5,000 episodes recorded since 1840, according to the Department of Conservation. The first spade-toothed whale bones were found in 1872 on New Zealand's Pitt Island. Another discovery was made at an offshore island in the 1950s, and the bones of a third were found on Chile's Robinson Crusoe Island in 1986. DNA sequencing in 2002 proved that all three specimens were of the same speciesand that it was distinct from other beaked whales. But researchers studying the mammal couldn't confirm whether the species was extinct until 2010, when two whole spade-toothed whales, both dead, washed up on a New Zealand beach. But none has been studied before. Beaked whale expert Anton van Helden inspects a male spade-toothed whale ahead of a dissection at Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, near Dunedin, New Zealand, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 Credit: AP Photo/Derek Morrison On Monday, the seventh of its kind, surrounded by white-aproned scientists who were measuring and photographing, appeared relatively unblemished, giving no clue about its death. Researchers pointed out marks from cookiecutter sharksnormal, they said, and not the cause. The dissection will be quiet, methodical and slower than usual, because it is being undertaken in partnership with Maori, New Zealand's Indigenous people. To Maori, whales are a taonga - a precious treasure - and the creature will be treated with the reverence afforded to an ancestor. Members of the local iwi, or tribe, will be present throughout the dissection and consulted at each turn, allowing them to share traditional knowledge and observe customs, such as saying a karakia - a prayer - over the creature before the study begins. A male spade-toothed whale is seen ahead of a dissection at Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, near Dunedin, New Zealand, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Derek Morrison "According to our beliefs and our traditions, this whale is a gift of Tangaroa, deity of the ocean," said Tumai Cassidy from the local people Te Runanga Otakou. "It's very important for us to respect that gift and to honor the whale." The iwi will keep the jawbone and teeth of the whale at the end of the dissection, before its skeleton is displayed in a museum. 3D printing will be used to replicate those parts, using a CT scan taken of the whale's head this week. 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. "It all builds a richer picture for that species but also tells us how it interacts with our oceans," Cassidy said. It's thought that spade-toothed whales live in the vast Southern Pacific Ocean, home to some of the world's deepest ocean trenches. Beaked whales are the ocean's deepest divers for food, and the spade-toothed may rarely surface, adding to its mystery. International scientists, Alexander Werth, from left, professor Joy Reidenberg and Michael Denk study a male spade-toothed whale ahead of a dissection at Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, near Dunedin, New Zealand, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Derek Morrison Oliver Dawson inspects a male spade-toothed whale ahead of a dissection at Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, near Dunedin, New Zealand, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Derek Morrison The assembled scientists on Monday included a few who had traveled from abroad to see the whale, which was put in refrigerated storage after its discovery. "What we are interested in is not only how these animals died, but how they lived," said Joy Reidenberg, a comparative anatomist from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. "In discovering how they live, we are hoping to find discoveries that we can apply back to the human condition." 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Uprooting Prosopis juliflora for farm preparation is labor-intensive but benefits quickly outweigh the initial investment. Credit: Rene Eschen The adoption of a sustainable land management practice (SLM) to manage invasive Prosopis julifloraconsidered one of the worlds most threatening non-native tree speciesappears to have "uprooted" the problem in East Africa. A new CABI-led study involving colleagues from Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania, the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute, and the University of Nairobi, Kenya, found uprooting and use of the cleared land for continuous crop and fodder production in two invaded regions of Kenya and Tanzania to be successful. The research, published in the journal CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, assessed the reasons why peopleas part of the CABI-led Woody Weeds Projectin Baringo, Kenya, and Kahe, Tanzania, adopted the SLM practice, or not, as well as if there was an effect of the project on the adoption. The novelty of this study was that the scientists found that the SLM practice was adopted by people in the two regions who were not directly involved in the project activities. 75% of households implemented the SLM practice The scientists found that about 75% of the 154 interviewed households in Baringo and 148 interviewed households in Kahe implemented the SLM practice, while 76 did not and 10 no longer implemented the practice to control the spiny shrub or tree known as Prosopis juliflora. They also discovered that the likelihood of people adopting was higher for male than female respondents and was positively related to farm size. Prosopis was introduced from its native Latin America into Eastern Africa to reduce dust storms and provide wood and fodder for livestock, but it has spread from the original areas of introduction and invaded large areas of land, thereby replacing grazing and arable land with impenetrable thickets. Winnie Nunda, research officer, invasive species management and an author of the study, said, "Our results show that all respondents prefer the SLM over a situation where their land is invaded by prosopis, even if the investment to uproot prosopis is high." Respondents preferred SLM over invaded land Dr. Rene Eschen, an author of the research and Research Scientist, Ecosystems Management, and Risk Analysis and Invasion Ecology at CABI, said, "This confirms that people prefer farming over prosopis, and their perception of SLM became more positive over time. Altogether our results illustrate the beneficial effects of SLM practice, despite high initial investment and risk of injury while uprooting prosopis." Dr. Charles Kilawe, of Sokoine University of Agriculture and a co-author of the research, added that the results further indicate the value of communal meetings for dissemination, as many people learn about new practices through observation of their neighbor's activities and during public barazas. Favorable benefit: Cost ratio of the practice Dr. Kilawe said, "The ability to see the practice being implemented and discuss practical aspects and the favorable benefit: Cost ratio of the practice with those who were involved in implementation, either land users or project staff, may have convinced other people of the benefits of crop production over prosopis. "Given the positive opinion of people who have adopted the practice in the two regions, and that most interviewees prefer the practice over not managing prosopis, we propose upscaling of the practice to other areas infested by prosopis. "Promoting the practice in new areas through implementation by stakeholders at demonstration sites as well as through community meetings may increase the rate of adoption." The scientists further stress that the result of their study highlights the need for further projects aiming at engaging residents of other regions, in East Africa and elsewhere in the world where prosopis is invasive, in sustainably managing prosopis infested lands. More information: Rene Eschen et al, Adoption of a sustainable land management practice for invasive Prosopis juliflora in East Africa, CABI Agriculture and Bioscience (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s43170-024-00315-1 Provided by CABI 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 It is concerning that 8% of UK workers are "increasingly precarious"likely to be stuck in low-paid, insecure or otherwise uncertain worksay researchers from UCL in a new report on the UK labor market. The report, commissioned by the Director of Labor Market Enforcement (DLME), is the most comprehensive research to date on precarious work in the UK and the first to assess workers' trajectories over time to chart their changing career fortunes. It is the foundation for the UK's biggest survey on labor market exploitation, the Working Lives Survey, which will open in 2025. The researchers analyzed data from the Understanding Society survey (20092022), which tracks members of 40,000 households to understand how life in the UK is changing. They found that 1010.7% of the UK workforce is in precarious work and that, contrary to some recent assessments, this proportion has been relatively stable since 2009 when tracking began. Precarious workers were more likely to be female, younger and working class. They also tended to be concentrated in the hospitality, retail and construction industries, and were half as likely to work in unionized workplaces compared to non-precarious workers. Despite the stability of the headline number, the longitudinal analysis revealed that 8% of UK workers are in a group defined as "increasingly precarious," which means that they are more likely to remain in precarious work over time, rather than progressing to more secure opportunities. "Increasingly precarious" workers were also clearly different from other groups: a third of them lived in three regions of England (London, North-West, and South-West), half of them worked for four industries (hospitality, retail, agriculture, and construction), and 90% stayed within the same industry over the studied period. The report comes at a time when there are growing concerns about precarious working, including "gig economy" jobs like food delivery drivers and zero-hours contracts in industries such as hospitality and retail. Dr. Krisztian Posch, lead author of the study from UCL Security & Crime Science, said, "Concerns about precarious work have been growing in the UK in recent years, which have seen the rise of the 'gig economy' and other forms of what we refer to as non-traditional work. "Though we didn't find an increase in the proportion of precarious workers relative to more stable forms of employment, the fact that 8% of UK workers are increasingly likely to get 'trapped' in precarious work over time should be a matter of concern. "These people don't move on to more secure jobs, as many people who start out in precarious work do as their career progresses. Instead, the chances of them falling into and staying in precarious work only get higher." The report classified UK workers, which includes around 37.2 million jobs (ONS estimate for March 2024), into five groups according to factors such as income, age, and type of work: Traditional workers (49% of workforce), such as those on permanent contracts with steady salaries, were highly unlikely to fall into precarious work. Transitional workers (25%), such as people with caring responsibilities, were those who came in and out of precarious work. Early career workers (10%), such as school leavers or recent university graduates, were younger and likely to find better paid, more secure employment over time. Non-traditional workers (8%) were those in gig economy or self-employed roles, who were also likely to progress to less precarious and more traditional work over time. Increasingly precarious workers (8%) were those who became more and more likely to enter and remain in precarious labor over time. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The authors also looked at the legislative landscape around labor in the UK, which they concluded is complex, fragmented and patchy in terms of state enforcement of workers' rights. They found that insufficient funding for and the narrow scope of state enforcement agencies meant workers are often responsible for exercising their own rights via the employment tribunal system, which can present major barriers to accessing labor justice. Professor Virginia Mantouvalou, an author of the report from UCL Laws who specializes in human rights and labor law, said, "The legal framework for labor in the UK and its weak enforcement leave many people trapped in precarious work and vulnerable to exploitation. For precarious workers to be able to access better jobs, we need stronger protection of workers' rights in law and in practice." The report lays the foundation for the UK's biggest survey on labor market exploitation, the Working Lives Survey, which will be conducted by the same team behind this report and is due to begin gathering responses in January 2025. Survey data will be complemented by qualitative data to understand workers' experiences and co-create ways to help prevent labor market exploitation and respond more effectively when it does occur. The findings come at a pivotal time, with major policy moves to improve the labor market for workers currently underway. The Employment Rights Bill, which addresses aspects of non-traditional labor such as zero hours contracts, was introduced in the House of Commons in October 2024. The Bill includes the creation of a new Fair Work Agency (FWA), whose remit will be to enforce workers' rights and curb labor abuse. Dr. Ella Cockbain, the project co-lead and an author of the study from UCL Security & Crime Science, said, "Perhaps the most striking finding from this initial study for me has been that for a significant proportion of the UK workforce, precarious work isn't a fleeting phase when they are first starting out or studying. "This is something that many people get stuck in for years on end, which can have far-reaching negative impacts on their quality of life and ability to make ends meet. "This raises important questions from a policy perspective, particularly how best to support increasingly precarious workers. Having a sizable chunk of the working population stuck in precarious jobs should not be seen as an inevitable part of a modern workforce. The key next step for us is to understand the extent of violations of labor rights experienced by precarious workers, widely thought to be a high-risk group." Margaret Beels, the UK's Director of Labor Market Enforcement, who commissioned the study, said, "I'm glad to see this report published today and the progress this report has made toward revealing the precarious nature of working in the UK. "As discussed in my strategies, I've always been concerned about the data gap which exists in understanding both the scale and nature of non-compliance across all working populations in the UK. This report goes some way to increasing my understanding. "As the UK's state labor market enforcement moves towards the Fair Work Agency, this report, and the final report available next year, will provide invaluable insights as to the scale and nature of labor exploitation which will help to shape the focus of the FWA's work." More information: Assessment of the scale and nature of labour market non-compliance in the UK: Interim report 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: Sioux boys as they arrived at the Indian Training School at Carlisle Barracks, 1879. Credit: Miscellaneous Items in High Demand, PPOC, Library of Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons November is National Native American Heritage Month in the U.S. This should be an opportunity for schools to discuss their country's colonial history. But the picture that students receive is often sadly lacking. A study conducted by Pennsylvania State University between 2016 and 2018 found that 27 states did not name a single individual Native American in their history curriculum standards for schools. The study also found that 87% of curriculum standards do not mention Native American history after 1900a very partial picture. The marginalization of Native American people and culture in the U.S. education system has a long history. My Ph.D. research explores the exploitation and assimilation Native American children were subjected to in the 19th century. In 1879, in Pennsylvania, the first government boarding school for Native American children, Carlisle Indian Industrial School, opened its doors. It was founded by Captain Richard Henry Pratt, a soldier who had fought for the US army against various tribes including the Comanche, Cheyenne, Arapaho and Kiowa. Pratt developed his early ideas for educating Native Americans when imprisoning roughly 70 people in Florida during his time in the military. He invited local white Floridians to teach his prisoners English, and began to focus on assimilating Native Americans into white culture. He became famous for the philosophy "kill the Indian to save the man". At Carlisle, Pratt implemented a model that removed children from their homes and culture. He said: "Transfer the savage-born infant to the surroundings of civilization, and he will grow to possess a civilized language and habit." He argued that by educating children, they would grow to enter the workforce. Native American children at Carlisle were intentionally educated and prepared to serve the interests of white Americans. This is evident in Pratt's "outing system," which placed Native American children in the homes of local white families to provide manual labor. This often involved female students providing domestic servitude as homemakers, and male students working as farmhands. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The act of subjecting Native American children to assimilation began well before the 19th century. But Carlisle's layered model of isolation and subjugation systemized the process and led to the founding of further boarding schools. A study by the U.S. interior department has found that more than 400 of these schools were operated by the United States federal government. Such schools were in existence until 1969. The research also identified more than 50 burial sites of children who died at the schools. The interior department has so far recorded 500 deaths and acknowledges that the number of unmarked burial sites is likely to increase as the investigation continues. The whitewashing of education and exploitation of Native American children through boarding schools such as Carlisle has left lasting effects on Native American communities. Today, Native American children do far worse at school than their white peers. In 20212022, white students had a high school graduation percentage of 90%. For Native American students, it was 74%. Meanwhile, 20.3% of Native American families live below the poverty line, compared to 5.9% of white families. Ongoing exclusion What's more, the education system continues to marginalize Native American communities. In December of 2021, Florida's Republican governor Ron DeSantis introduced the Stop Woke Act, which bans teaching critical race theorya field of academic study focused on racism in societyin schools. This act exemplifies a broader national trend that aims to minimize the teachings of uncomfortable truths about American history, specifically when it pertains to the histories of marginalized groups such as Native Americans. Banning critical race theory in schools limits the capacity of teachers to discuss topics such as systemic racism, which include the weaponization of education against Native American children. Ultimately, DeSantis's approach deprives Native American students of an adequate education about their ancestral history, and robs all students of a more honest understanding of American history. However, states such as Illinois have made great strides towards a more equal education through recent legislation. On August 4, 2023, Illinois governor, JB Pritkzeralongside the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nationsigned a law which mandates instruction on Native American history in Illinois public schools. This exemplifies how inclusive methods of curricula can not only acknowledge past injustices, but also pave ways towards reconciliation and healing from colonial trauma. The law specifies this includes teaching about the genocide and forced resettlement of Native Americans by settlers alongside the history of tribes. When effort is made to shed light on overlooked moments, such as that of the mistreatment of marginalized groups such as Native American communities, the disadvantages they face can be recognized and addressed. 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: Bonobos are found only in Congo, but their population size across their range is not known. Credit: Christian Ziegler / Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Scientists now know how many bonobos live in one of the largest pristine tropical forests, a place believed to be the world's stronghold for the endangered species. The research, conducted over two decades by a team of 48 scientists, estimates that between 8,000 to 18,000 adult bonobos inhabit Salonga National Park in the DRC. Although the population has remained stable since 2000, there are signs of potential decline. The paper is published in the International Journal of Primatology. The study, led by researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, also identifies specific factors that have a positive effect on bonobo numbers, offering concrete measures for conserving bonobos across their range. Salonga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is Africa's largest protected forest park, covering an area the size of Switzerland. It is pristine, primary forest renowned for being a sanctuary for the largest population of bonobos, a species of great ape found only in the Congo. In Salonga, bonobos are relatively safe from the deforestation and commercial hunting that threaten their existence elsewhere. But there's a problem with Salonga's title as the bonobo bastion of the world: the exact number residing in Salonga was never known due to the absence of any comprehensive study across the park's vast range, which comprises 33,000 km2 of protected forest and a 9,000 km2 corridor of human settlements. "There was an old number floating around of how many bonobos there were in Salonga," says Barbara Fruth, who led the IUCN red list assessment of the species in 2016, "but this was an assumption based on surveys covering less than 20% of the entire park." Indeed, the total population of bonobos across Congo is also unknown, due to the difficulty of surveying across the species' habitat. But Fruth and other scientists recognized that Salonga offered a key to unlock much-needed answers for understanding these understudied great apes. "The unique thing about Salonga is that it is the only place where surveys have been repeated in the same areas," says Fruth, a group leader at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior. "In this vast country, only Salonga offers the opportunity to model trends and assess whether bonobos are declining in Congo." "Estimating the population of bonobos in Congo's largest protected park is a significant step in conservation efforts," adds Mattia Bessone, first author on the study. "We highlight the effectiveness of park rangers in preserving this endangered species, showing that Salonga's success can serve as a model for other conservation projects." Compiling 20 years of data Mattia Bessone, a postdoctoral researcher with Fruth, led the effort to combine all surveys conducted in Salonga between 2000 to 2018, amounting to 13 surveys by 48 scientists. Bessone faced challenges due to the varying methods used to count bonobos, ranging from traditional nest counting to modern motion-triggered cameras. He used statistical techniques to reconcile these differences and provide estimates for bonobo populations across the entire range of Salonga, including areas previously unstudied. This work represents the largest temporal comparison of a bonobo population to date, underscoring its significant geographical scope. What bonobos need to thrive The study estimates that 8,00018,000 adult bonobos live in Salonga, a result that "is not that surprising," says Bessone, as it aligns with past extrapolations from smaller surveys. The population number also appears to have remained stable since 2000, but the scientists discovered a concerning downward trend in both density and distribution, though this is not statistically significant. "What this tells us is that bonobos are not in immediate danger, but we need to stay vigilant and to keep investing in conservation efforts if we are to ensure their survival," says Bessone. The study draws attention to specific factors that could guide where future conservation efforts are focused. Primary forest cover is the main predictor for bonobo occurrence, while proximity to villages negatively impacts their presence. But not all humans keep bonobos away. Bonobos occur more often near park ranger posts, highlighting the protective effect of law enforcement. "We can't say what the rangers do specifically that leads to this effect," says Bessone. "It could be that rangers are a possible deterrent to poachers. Whatever the reason, it is clear that just the presence of law enforcement has a positive effect on bonobos." 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. Indigenous people protect bonobos Another bright spot emerged in the park's south side, where villages from a traditional minority have been living since before Salonga National Park was established in 1970. "In these villages there is a cultural taboo that prevents hunting of bonobo," says Bessone. "It could be this that creates the positive effect they have on bonobo abundance." Through long-term monitoring in one of the most pristine places in Africa, the study's implications are significant. "The biggest threats to bonobos are deforestation and commercial hunting, and our findings show that preserving forest and investing in law enforcement has concrete benefits for bonobo conservation," says Fruth. "We hope this motivates national and international conservation authorities to invest more into Salonga and other protected areas to ensure that bonobos remain part of our world far into the future." More information: Mattia Bessone et al, Bonobo (Pan paniscus) Density and Distribution in Central Africa's Largest Rainforest Reserve: Long-term Survey Data Show Pitfalls in Methodological Approaches and Call for Vigilance, International Journal of Primatology (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s10764-024-00468-w Journal information: International Journal of Primatology Returning home remains dream out of reach for many displaced Lebanese Xinhua) 08:38, December 02, 2024 A Lebanese returnee is seen in front of a ruined building in Nabatieh, Lebanon, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Str/Xinhua) BEIRUT, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- After over a year of conflict, 40-year-old Laila Sheet was happy to learn of the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire, which took effect early Wednesday. However, it didn't take long before another cruel reality manifested itself. Israeli machine gunfire and artillery shells are still preventing thousands of displaced Lebanese from returning home. Now Sheet's village, Kafr Kila, has become a place within sight but out of reach. "We did not expect Israeli forces to be still stationed in our village," Sheet, who was accompanied by her family of four, told Xinhua. "We escaped an Israeli shell that fell close to our car and then returned to our shelter center," she said. Israeli troops are seen near the northern Israeli border with Lebanon, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua) On Friday, Avichay Adraee, a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), posted on social media platform X a map highlighting a restricted area near the Israeli border, where about 60 Lebanese villages are located, warning that anyone entering this area would be exposed to danger. "The IDF does not intend to target you. Yet at this stage, moving south to the line (of these villages) and returning to your homes are prohibited until further notice," said Adraee. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army has set up fixed barriers at the intersections and entrances of these border villages to prevent the residents from entering to protect them, according to Lebanese military sources. The seething tension along the border has apparently collided with the profound desire of the displaced Lebanese to embrace their home once again. At the western entrance to the village of Houla, a convoy of cars carrying returnees was forced to turn back after an Israeli tank fired several shells, slightly wounding three civilians. Displaced people return to their home after the ceasefire in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Nov. 27, 2024. (Str/Xinhua) "The multiple Israeli ceasefire violations reported by local and international media indicate that the agreement is not reassuring, and we fear that this second displacement phase will last long," lamented Amer Younis, a returnee on board the convoy. On Friday, the Ministerial Emergency Committee of Lebanon announced that most displaced people residing in shelters had left for their homes and villages following the ceasefire. Official figures showed that 296 shelter centers were closed and the number of displaced people decreased by 76.97 percent, with 33,758 individuals remaining in other 713 centers. The ceasefire, holding since dawn on Wednesday, brought an end to over a year of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel. However, this latest round of confrontation, one of the most severe since 2006, has left widespread destruction in its wake. Lebanese returnees are seen among damaged properties in Tyre, Lebanon, on Nov. 28, 2024. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) According to a media source in Nabatieh governorate, southern Lebanon, about 100,000 displaced individuals from border villages remain unable to return due to the severe damage. Hashem Haidar, head of the Council for South Lebanon, told Xinhua that assessment committees have started surveying damage in towns and villages further from the border and will expand the survey area to the border once Israeli forces withdraw. Hassib Abdul Hamid, deputy head of the municipality of Kfar Hamam in southern Lebanon, said the most significant obstacle for the returning Lebanese lies in the extensive destruction of villages and their critical infrastructure and facilities such as water and electricity networks, roads, schools, hospitals, and residential properties. On top of that, agricultural lands, the main source of income for local residents, have been turned into areas full of mines and unexploded bombs, posing a grave danger to civilians. Removing the rubble and repairing the infrastructure are expected to take several months, followed by the reconstruction of homes, which will depend on the availability of aid and compensation in the future, Hamid said, adding the parties that provide compensation and the cost of each housing unit remain unknown. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Flash Tianjin Airlines launched a new international round-trip flight linking Guiyang, Guizhou province, to Osaka, Japan, on Friday. Operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, the new international air route currently provides the only Osaka-destined direct flight services in the province, with three round-trip flights scheduled per week. The launch is expected to aid air travel between Guizhou and Japan and open a door to increased China-Japan exchanges in tourism and business, industry insiders said. The Guiyang-Osaka flight is scheduled for Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with its outbound trip taking off from Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport at 11:15 and arriving at Kansai International Airport at 16:00. Meanwhile, the inbound flight sets off from Kansai airport at 17:15 and lands at the Guiyang airport at 21:20. It takes approximately five hours to complete the one-way direct flight, according to an executive from the airline. From Nov 29 to Dec 28, Tianjin Airlines will provide a free pickup service for passengers traveling from Guiyang to Osaka. The pickup service covers areas from Osaka Kansai airport to 24 districts across the Japanese city, enhancing travel convenience for passengers. As a diverse city that blends tradition with modernity, and commerce with culture, Osaka offers a rich cuisine and tourism experience. Since 2024, Japan has relaxed its travel visa policies to attract more overseas tourists, providing a conducive policy environment for people planning to visit Osaka. The launch of the Guiyang-Osaka route has provided an aerial link for friendly exchanges between China and Japan. It is the second international direct flight route operated by Tianjin Airlines in Guiyang. The first launched on Dec 15, with four scheduled round-trip flights between the provincial capital and Singapore. Devoted to boosting regional economic development, Tianjin Airlines has long valued its air route network expansion in Southwest China. It has mobilized its fleet to offer flight services in three cities in Guizhou, including Zunyi and Maotai, enabling the province to connect with 21 major Chinese cities, such as Sanya in Hainan province; Urumqi in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region; Xi'an in Shaanxi province; and Tianjin. An executive of Tianjin Airlines' Guizhou business told media that the airline will continue to take Guiyang as a crucial international aviation hub in Southwest China; focus on the development of regional civil aviation transportation; open up more international routes and provide rich travel choices and premier service experiences for passengers in the southwestern region. Shaping downtown Moline to what it offers today all started more than three decades ago. The not-for-profit organization Renew Moline is marking 35 years. Since it was founded, the organization has worked alongside the city and other local officials to play a vital role in facilitating economic development. Alex Elias, Renew's president and CEO, said when founding members Gerald Jerry Butts and John A. Slover, Jr. started the organization, they didnt know what the future would hold, but knew it needed to be better. Downtown Moline, she said, was facing significant losses due to the recent agricultural depression. The agricultural depression impacted about 23,000 jobs in the Quad-Cities, according to Renew Molines website. So, Slover and Butts took it upon themselves to see what new opportunities they could come up with. Those two had a vision, she said. Jerry and John went to a bunch of people and essentially went, Hey, we want to start something. Butts died earlier this year on Oct. 23, at the age of 93, according to his obituary published in the Dispatch-Argus. His obituary called him the "'original 'boots on the ground' guy" and said that when he knocked, everyone stopped and listened. "The mundane facts will tell you Jerry was a co-founder and first President of Renew Moline," his obituary said. "It will not tell you the countless hours, days, weeks, months and years he spent nurturing relationships." At a late-October council meeting, Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati declared Oct. 22, 2024, as "Jerry Butts and John Slover Day" in honor for their long-time commitment and dedication to downtown and the city of Moline. The building blocks The focus of Renew would be to rejuvenate downtown by acquiring rundown or blighted properties for development or demolishing to make land available for new opportunities, Butts told the Quad-City Times for a 1989 business profile. But the effort required more than two individuals invested in the future of Moline, Elias said. It would take finding more people who believed in the future of Moline and who could help the organization find and make way for new development opportunities. Some of the earliest donations and involvement came from the Moline-Dispatch Company, Deere & Co and Montgomery Elevator. In those early days, Elias said, it was Slover and Butts getting in a room with Deere, city officials and others who had a stake in downtown and deciding what the future may look like. They didnt know what the future would hold but bringing in the right people to the table you can get anything done, Elias said. The focus became figuring out what they could do to expand the citys tax base, create jobs and attract people to downtown Moline. One of the first downtown development projects Renew Moline was involved in was the Heritage Building on Fifth Avenue. Renew helped with concept development and lease negotiation. The building provides office space to architecture firms, attorneys and financial advisors, according to Renew Moline's website. One of the first major projects with Renew's involvement that reshaped the riverfront was along River Drive, between 12th and 15th Street. The land that is home to Vibrant Arena at the MARK, Wyndham Hotel, the John Deere Commons and Centre Station was donated by Deere & Co. and used to have empty manufacturing warehouses and buildings. The arena would officially open its doors as the MARK of the Quad Cities in 1993. In 1997, the John Deere Pavilion would open across the street to offer visitors a place to see John Deere products up close. That same year, a bus station staging hub opened at Centre Station, as did the Wyndham next to the arena. The early builds and land donations in the 1990s became anchors for downtown Moline to pull people in and flourish in Moline, Elias said. And the pavilion, she said, is a world class design and a timeless place to visit to this day. Downtown would be completely different without the anchors and building blocks there today, Elias said. In Rayapati's proclamation, it states that Renew's work as a partner to the city has produced more than $400 million of development and redevelopment. Evolution of downtown Almost three decades since the first riverfront redevelopment took place, it is coming full circle. The organization has been working with the city in facilitating plans to redevelop land in where the old Interstate 74 bridge once stood. Construction on the new I-74 bridge began in 2017 and the bridge opened in late 2021. As the opening of the new bridge crept close, possibilities for redevelopment came to the forefront. Renew worked with the Urban Land Institute to facilitate discussion on what big ideas awaited them on the land once hidden in the shadows of the old bridge. Ideas of a zipline, water spout, pump track and skatepark and other things were floated early on, but as more discussions were had with city officials and the public, they focused on integrating the new development with the current look and feel of downtown. Though final riverfront redevelopment plans have yet to be approved, city officials and Renew Moline have made strides in preparing the building blocks. In 2022, the city purchased BridgePointe 485, formerly KONE, providing them with more opportunity for redevelopment. The design firm MKSK was chosen in August 2023 to lead riverfront redevelopment. A skatepark and pump track also is proposed for land under the I-74 bridge. New Line Skateparks, in partnership with Stantec, has been leading the design on the proposed project. Downtown housing is also in the works, with the former JCPenney building at 1701 Fifth Avenue to become apartments. Riverstone Group donated the building to Renew Moline, which worked with the city to figure out reuse potential and design plans for the future apartments. Renew also is helping with potential reuse plans for the former Spiegel Building, with potential plans showcasing it as a food hall with commercial space available for retail or offices. City Administrator Bob Vitas said Renew Moline has been instrumental in helping shape the story and growth of downtown Moline. The city could have charted the course of redevelopment alone over the years, he said, but there was local recognition it was going to need help. Even today, 35 years later, they have been instrumental in selling the city and bringing interest to the city, Vitas said. Anything is possible, Vitas said, when public and private businesses work together to invest in the future of the city. And the next 35 years, Vitas said, is promising as they work together to move riverfront plans along. (Image: Malay Mail) In response to the devastating floods affecting communities across Malaysia, several banks have stepped forward by announcing flood assistance programmes to ease the financial burden on individuals and businesses. Here are some immediate aids that are being provided by the following banks: Affin Bank (Image: The Star) Affin Bank is offering the AFFIN Natural Disaster Relief Programme (NDRP) in response to the recent floods. Through this programme, eligible customers can apply for a moratorium of up to six months to alleviate financial burdens during these challenging times, subject to the banks terms and conditions. You can seek assistance by contacting the AFFIN Contact Centre at 03-8230 2222 or visiting any AFFIN branch to verify eligibility and apply for the NDRP. SME and corporate clients are advised to reach out to their Relationship Managers for personalised support and guidance. The application form can be found here. (Source: Affin Bank) Agrobank (Image: The Malaysian Reserve) Agrobank is offering a six-month moratorium and free replacement of account books and debit cards for eligible customers in Terengganu, Kelantan, and other flood-affected states. For more information, you can contact Agrobanks customer service centre at 1300-88-2476, visit Agrobanks website at www.agrobank.com.my, or visit the nearest Agrobank branch. (Source: Agrobank 1,2) Ambank For Ambank, eligible retail and SME customers can apply for a moratorium of up to six months on loan and financing repayments, with no late charges or penalties during this period. Additionally, fees for replacing passbooks, cheque books, fixed deposit certificates, ATM cards, and credit or debit cards will be waived. To apply, customers should submit their requests along with supporting documentssuch as a police report or a confirmation letter from the National Security Council (NSC) or State Assemblymen (ADUN)within 60 calendar days from the date of the flood. Applications can be made through AmBanks website, by visiting the nearest branch, or by calling the Contact Centre at 03-2178 8888. (Source: Ambank) Bank Islam (Image: The Malaysian Reserve) Under Bank Islams Prihatin Programme, affected house, personal, and vehicle financing customers can apply for a deferment of up to six months on their monthly instalments, subject to specific terms and conditions. Additionally, Bank Islam is offering a Disaster Relief Facility financing programme for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in flood-affected districts identified by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). You can contact the banks call centre at 03-26 900 900 for more information, or send your questions to [email protected]. Alternatively, you can also visit the nearest bank branch, or visit Bank Islams website. (Source: Bank Islam, Bernama) Bank Muamalat (Image: The Malaysian Reserve) Bank Muamalat is offering a flood relief programme that includes a moratorium of up to six months on all individual and business financing. Additionally, the bank is offering free replacements for debit and credit cards without any associated fees. For assistance, customers can contact Bank Muamalats Customer Service Centre at +603-2600 5500, or visit their website at www.muamalat.com.my. (Source: Bank Muamalat 1,2) Bank Simpanan Nasional (Image: MalaysiaKini) BSN, too, has drawn up a flood relief programme to provide loan and financing repayment assistance, but did not share much details on its announcement page. Instead, it noted that customers should call the BSN contact centre at 1-300-88-1900 for more information, or email their enquiries to [email protected]. However, charges for replacement of damaged or lost BSN Credit Cards and Debit Cards due to flood disaster will also be waived. (Source: BSN) CIMB Bank (Image: Utusan Malaysia) CIMBs Flood Relief Assistance Plan offers a six-month deferment on loans and financing for affected customers. The application process has been simplified, requiring only basic customer information, and all late charges and fees are waived. Additionally, the bank is providing free replacements for damaged banking documents such as credit and debit cards, statements, passbooks, and bankers cheques. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can benefit from a Disaster Relief Facility offering up to RM700,000 in financing at preferential rates. CIMB Foundation has also pledged RM2.5 million to support flood relief and recovery initiatives. To apply, individual customers can call CIMBs Contact Centre at +603-6204 7788. SMEs can apply online via www.cimb.com.my/frap. (Source: CIMB Bank 1,2) Hong Leong Bank (Image: The Sun Daily) Similar to many other banks, affected Hong Leong Bank customers can tap into a flood relief assistance programme, which also provides a six-month payment deferment on all loan and financing facilities, including credit cards. Additionally, HLB and HLISB are offering free replacements for essential banking documents, such as debit and credit cards, cheques, and bank statements, that may have been damaged or lost due to the floods. For existing SME and microenterprise customers, additional financing will be made to those who require working capital to facilitate their business recovery as a result of the floods. To apply for the Flood Relief Assistance, customers must provide their account holder name, IC number, loan or financing account number, preferred contact details, the address of the affected location, and a photograph showing the floods impact on their vehicle, residence, or business premises. You can call +603 7959 1888, or visit the nearest bank branch for assistance. (Source: Hong Leong Bank) Maybank (Image: Malay Mail) As part of its Flood Relief Assistance programme, Maybank is offering deferment of loan and financing repayments, reduction in monthly instalments, and extensions of repayment tenures. Customers can apply for assistance via email to [email protected], including details such as name, IC number, contact information, and the type of loan or product affected. Alternatively, applications can be made by visiting or contacting any Maybank branch, Commercial Banking Centre, or Auto Finance Centre. SME customers are encouraged to reach out to their Relationship Managers for support. Maybank is also waiving fees for replacing debit cards, ATM cards, and cheque books lost or damaged in the floods. Additionally, Etiqa, Maybanks insurance arm, has introduced a simplified claims process, allowing policyholders to file claims via WhatsApp or through the Etiqa Flood Claims Careline, ensuring quicker processing. For more information, customers can call the Maybank Group Customer Care Hotline at 1-300-88-6688 or visit www.maybank2u.com.my. (Source: Maybank) RHB Bank (Image: AFP/Malay Mail) RHB Banks Flood Relief Assistance Programme offers up to six months of instalment deferment for individuals and SMEs on facilities such as mortgages, personal loans, and hire purchase agreements. The bank is also waiving fees for ATM, debit, and credit card replacements, as well as late payment charges for credit card accounts up to RM500. For SMEs, RHB provides financing facilities up to RM700,000 at preferential rates with tenures of up to seven years. RHB Insurance is expediting claims of up to RM10,000 for natural disaster-related fire insurance. Individual customers can call 03-9206 8118 or email [email protected], while SMEs can contact their Relationship Managers or email [email protected] for assistance. (Source: RHB Bank) SME Bank (Image: The Malaysian Reserve) In a statement, SME bank reaffirmed its commitment to assisting businesses affected by the recent floods by offering tailored financing solutions and relief measures. For existing customers, the bank provides financing assistance and other relief options to help them navigate the challenges caused by the disaster. Additionally, SME Bank supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through Bank Negara Malaysias Disaster Relief Facility (DRF). This facility offers financing of up to RM700,000 for SMEs and RM150,000 for micro enterprises at a competitive rate of 3.5% per annum, with a tenure of up to seven years. Flood-affected customers are encouraged to contact their Relationship Managers or reach out to SME Banks Customer Contact Centre at 03-2603 7700. Further information can be found on the banks website at www.smebank.com.my and its social media channels. ***** As floods continue to affect communities across Malaysia, these financial assistance programmes demonstrate the collective commitment of banks to support individuals, businesses, and entrepreneurs during times of crisis. Affected customers are encouraged to reach out to their respective banks for detailed information on eligibility and assistance options. This article will be updated as more banks announce their flood relief measures. 5 1 vote Article Rating SHARE Cancun apartment gas explosion sends two to hospital Cancun, Q.R. Two people from inside an apartment were taken to Cancun hospital Sunday after their LP gas tank exploded. The two family members were rushed to hospital with burns due to the gas blast. Cancun firefighters were at the apartment complex in SM 251 of Cancun Sunday afternoon in response to neighbor 9-1-1 reports of the explosion. The accident happened inside a second floor unit on Isla Virginia Street in the Paseos del Mar subdivision. According to Cancun fire department personnel, the explosion originated in a laundry room of approximately two square meters due to a gas accumulation. The fire was controlled by residents using water and a fire extinguisher. The explosion caused significant structural damage, blowing out three windows and dislodging an iron guard that was thrown five meters from the window. Firefighters removed a 10 kilo gas tank from the apartment. Apartment resident Santiago S was taken to hospital with first degree burns on his foot, back and shoulder, while Guadalupe S, 54, suffered blunt force trauma to her arms. Both were rushed to Cancun hospital by ambulance. A third person, Jose Alonso C, suffered minor injuries and was treated on site without requiring a hospital transfer. Condusef issues counterfeit bill alert for Cancun, Chetumal Cancun, Q.R. The Federal Commission for the Protection of Financial Services Users (Condusef) has issued a counterfeit bill alert. Osmaida Santiago Leonel, head of the Condusef office in Cancun says there have been numerous reports of people receiving counterfeit banknotes in various commercial transactions between Cancun and Chetumal. Osmaida Santiago Leonel of Condusef Cancun According to Santiago Leonel, they have received at least three official complaints of merchants discovering the circulating counterfeit bills in Cancun, and have registered more than 17 official complaints by Chetumal merchants. The head of Comision Federal de Proteccion al Usuario de Servicios Financieros (Condusef) says commercial establishments need to be aware of the circulating fake cash, especially this time of year. With these recent complaints, Condusef has issued a public alert due to the circulation of the counterfeit bills. She says the exact number of counterfeit bills in circulation is unknown. According to Santiago Leonel, Condusef has also located fake Mexican peso bills for sale through social media networks. She says there are groups on Facebook and TikTok where sellers offer high quality counterfeit cash for prices ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 pesos for bundles of bills equivalent to 50,000 pesos. Counterfeit currency can also be purchased online (using real money, of course). She reported that between January and September of this year, the Bank of Mexico detected the circulation of 224,390 counterfeit banknotes throughout the country. According to the Bank, the state with the highest detection of counterfeit banknotes are Mexico City, the State of Mexico and Jalisco, which account for 48.5 percent of the total number of retained pieces. The Bank of Mexico reported that in 2023, the 50 peso bill was the most replicated, however in 2024, criminals have focused their attention on the 200, 500 and 1,000 peso bills. Santiago Leonel says people caught using counterfeit money can face a term of 12 years in a federal prison. Fed photos from a counterfeit currency network takedown in October of 2024. In October, Mexican federal officials charged members of what turned out to be a currency counterfeiting network operating in the states of Guanajuato, Veracruz and Hidalgo. A stack of counterfeit USD bills seized in Baja California in November of 2024. In November, a second counterfeit currency network was detected, this time in Mexicali, Baja California. In that bust, police seized hundreds of thousands in both Mexican pesos and USD. Tulum International celebrates its first year with nearly 1.1 million passengers Tulum, Q.R. The Tulum International Airport has celebrated its first anniversary with nearly 1.1 million air travelers. On December 1, the Jungle Airport turned one, celebrating its first anniversary with a record number of travelers. Authorities had forecast 700,000 passengers for the airports first year. According to Governor Mara Lezama, the airport has exceeded expectations with over 1,074,000 passengers and 8,500 air operations as of November 21, 2024. On the first anniversary of the Tulum Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, Lezama highlighted that it has exceeded all expectations and has become the second busiest airport in the state. The International Air Transport Association projected that we would receive 700,000 passengers in the first year. However, thanks to the joint work, the vision and the commitment to our state, we have far exceeded that goal, reaching more than 1,074,000 passengers and 8,500 air operations by November 21. And we still have one month left to close the year! said Mara Lezama. The Governor stated that today, the Tulum International Airport is not only a gateway to explore the wonders of the Mexican Caribbean, but it is the second airport with the greatest passenger movement in the state. The Tulum International Airport celebrates its first anniversary. She says the airport has an average monthly passenger growth of 13.1 percent, connecting the south of the state with the world and operating with 11 airlines and 15 destinations, both national and international. On November 3, the Tulum International Airport welcomed its one-millionth passenger. Air passenger Gerardo Trevino Zuniga, who arrived at the Tulum airport from Laredo, Tamaulipas, was number one million to walk through airport gates, surpassing anticipate figures. Gerardo Trevino Zuniga, center, was the airports one-millionth passenger. Locally, Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus and Mexicana de Aviacion connect the airport nationally, while international airlines include JetBlue, American Airlines, Air Canada, Delta, United Airlines, Copa Airlines, Sunwing and WestJet. Lezama says the best is yet to come. In December, four new airlines will join, consolidating our commitment to making the Mexican Caribbean a hub for global connectivity. Air Transat will add routes to Montreal and Quebec, Discover Airlines will connect with Frankfurt, and Avianca will connect with Bogota. Volaris is also planning a new flight to Guadalajara, she said. But this achievement is not only for the airport, it belongs to all the people of Quintana Roo. This progress means more jobs, more economic development and more opportunities for the families of our region. Thank you to each person who has made this first year of success possible. From the heart of the Mexican Caribbean, we continue working to connect dreams, promote development and write this story of transformation together said Lezama. Rice field in Betafo, Madagascar, with FOFIFA staff. The leaves of the rice plants show the typical lesions caused by bacterial blight infection. Credit: IRD/Mathilde Hutin An international research team, the "Healthy Crops" consortium, has developed rice varieties resistant to a detrimental crop disease in East Africa and Madagascar. The new varieties are resistant to bacterial leaf blight (for short: BB), caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). The intention is to transfer these varieties to local breeders in Madagascar and Tanzania, where they will first be subjected to field tests and subsequently distributed to farmers. Rice is an essential staple food for more than four billion people worldwide and of central importance for food security and economic stability in low- and medium-income countries. In Tanzania and Madagascar, the recent BB outbreaks pose a serious threat to the livelihood of smallholder farmers, impacting both food supplies and the local economy. The disease causes significant yield losses, leading to food shortages and income losses in agricultural communities. The BB outbreak in East Africa has now also spread to neighboring regions. Dr. Ibrahim Hashim from the Tanzanian Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) explains, "The outbreak, which was first noticed in 2019, is now causing yield losses of 2025% in Tanzania and is having a massive impact on the economic stability of smallholder farmers and consequently on regional nutrition." Comparable losses are estimated in Madagascar, as Dr. Mathilde Hutin from the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) reports. Dr. Hutin and Dr. Boris Szurek (also from IRD) are working in close collaboration with Dr. Hashim from TARI and Dr. Harinjaka Ravelonson from the National Center for Applied Research in Rural Development (FOFIFA) to evaluate the spread of the disease in the two countries. Together they were able to identify the responsible bacterial strains and the infection mechanism. The research revealed that the outbreaks were caused by the unintended introduction of highly virulent Xoo strains from Asia. These Asian strains use a different infection mechanism to the endemic African relatives, to which the African rice varieties are highly susceptible. Reuben Mihayo, scientist at TARI in Tanzania, takes leaf samples to examine them for the presence of BB. Right: Rice plants in Madagascar, which are heavily infected with bacterial blight. Credit: TARI/Ibrahim Hashim; IRD/Mathilde Hutin In response, the "Healthy Crops" team, led by Alexander von Humboldt Professor Dr. Wolf B. Frommer from Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf (HHU), has developed three new rice varieties that are expected to protect East African rice harvests against the aggressive Xoo strains. The so-called marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB) technique was used, which adds the resistance while retaining the general properties of the original variety. This advanced breeding method uses genetic markers to establish desirable traits in plants on a targeted basis more quickly and precisely. Using this special breeding technique, Alexander von Humboldt Fellow Dr. Yugander Arra from HHU transferred disease-resistant traits from an Asian rice variety into two widely used African elite rice varieties: NERICA4 and Komboka. The accelerated breeding process has reduced the typical development period from decades to just a few years and offers new hope in the fight against disease in these critically important crop plants in East Africa. The newly developed BB-resistant rice varieties will now be transferred to plant breeders and researchers working locally in Madagascar and Tanzania for field testing. Sergio Antonio Castro Pacheco, scientist at CIRADthe French Agricultural Research Center for International Development, hosted by FOFIFAis coordinating this work in Madagascar, while Dr. Hashim is monitoring the tests in Tanzania. Following additional crossing and through validation under local conditions, these varieties could be released in the national registration processes and could be made available to farmers if they prove beneficial. Dr. Eliza Loo, project leader at the Institute for Molecular Physiology at HHU, said, "We want to improve the income and livelihoods of smallholder farmers by using knowledge-based approaches to defeating plant diseases. Transferring the rice varieties generated at HHU brings us a big step closer to the goal of our project." Professor Frommer adds, "Healthy Crops is prepared to share the lines with other interested institutions in further East African countries affected by BB, including Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Mozambique." Provided by Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf I would love to be a stay-at-home mom. I would love to be a homemaker and a wife. I would love to be able to live on a homestead and go milk my cow and take my eggs out of the chicken coop, begins a rant from a young white woman in a Free Press video that went viral on TikTok and X one week before Trump won reelection. Thats, like, my dream. But I cant fucking do that, because the way the economy is set up, is Im forced to work, she continues. Being a single working woman absolutely sucks. This particular anti-feminist perspective aligns with the popularity of tradwife content, which has exploded on social media with the popularity of TikTok creators like Hannah Neeleman, aka Ballerina Farm. Its also a conservative point of view that likely helped President-elect Donald Trumps campaign: 89 percent of Trump voters believe that cherished traditions are under threat, according to a University of Cambridge poll. Even if women are more openly embodying these traditional values, many (like Ballerina Farm or Nara Smith) are doing so for social media followings of millions. They are quietly managing empires and businesses of their own while telegraphing homesteading realness, shielding their own version of a girlboss reality. Meanwhile, mainstream pop culture has largely followed a different trajectory. One that also eschews a 2010s vision of girlbossing, but in favor of something sexier. Take FKA Twigs recent music video for Eusexua, in which the artist and a bunch of corporate baddies are grinding in rows of drab chairs, at first in matching suits before stripping to their underwear. Or Billie Eilish, who spins around on a loop in an offices swivel chair in her video for Birds of a Feather. Shy Smiths Soaked shows the artist in an outfit that is to corporate attire what Britney Spears Baby One More Time look was to a school uniform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I find a little bit of a fierceness in these performances, says Andrea L. Press, chair of the Media Studies Department and the Feminist Scholarship Division at the University of Virginia. Most of this content is pretty hot, or at least trying to be hot. The corporate aesthetic being sexy started bubbling up in fashion and social media trends in 2022, just around the same time Kim Kardashian told Variety that nobody wants to work these days. Her flippant observation was swiftly panned and even led to her backtracking in a rare apology. But Kardashian also seemed to be laying a sort of stylistic groundwork that exploded across global culture in 2024. Advertisement Sandy Liang and Dior are among the many designers whose recent runway shows featured corporate pieces like two-piece suit sets. The office siren trend is still a key aesthetic framework on TikTok, where fashion content on how to dress like a baddie at the office continues to go viral. Byrdie reported on the trend in January, headlining with the phrase Business Casual for Hot Girls. Fast-fashion and online retailers like Reformation and Fashion Nova have promoted questionable office wear in email marketing campaigns. The trend is another instantiation of a claim to womens agency to dress how they likeeven if this is found inappropriate to many around them, says Eve Ng, associate professor and graduate director of media arts and studies at Ohio University. Its also a sharp contrast to the soft, farmhouse aesthetics that are promoted to be better suited for rearing children, baking bread, or tending to a homestead while your husband does the office work. Younger folks are subverting traditional expectations through an embrace of their own identities in what we used to think of as traditional corporate environments. Its happening at the same time employers all over the world are still scrambling to get asses back in cubicles post-COVID, with hybrid- and remote-work policies fostering more lax dress codes than ever before. Advertisement Advertisement Within Gen Z, there is this disconnect, or disidentification with corporate culture, says Brittnay Proctor-Habil, assistant professor of race and media in the New Schools School of Media Studies. The use of these aesthetics is very satirical in ways. Meanwhile, because Gen Z also entered the workforce in a post-#MeToo era, Press says, the embrace of sexuality is a form of fighting back against objectification. The corporate baddie trend is also another reminder of our cultures obsession with such aesthetic classifications that have popularized cosplaying, turning style trends into costumes. Not too long ago, there was the mob wife and the coastal grandma, both of which went viral and quickly flamed out on TikTok. Then there was the Girl: a coquettish display of girlhood, accompanied by aneurysm-inducing girl math and girl dinner trends, prompting adult women to self-infantilize their everyday habits. A popular refrain of Im literally just a girl made its way onto T-shirts. Advertisement Advertisement Now, as Vogues Hannah Jackson wrote earlier this year, The Girl has grown into a member of the workforce. Or, at least, a highly stylistic, idealized version of one. The natural evolution from Girl to either corporate siren or tradwife was just as evident in the TikTok trends themselves: The whole cycle has been soundtracked by No Doubts Just a Girl (used 464 million times on TikTok) and Oh how I love being a woman (451 million videos). Advertisement The use of Gwen Stefanis punk-rock anthem and a line from a television adaptation of Anne of Green Gables perfectly encapsulates these two diverging displays of womanhood. And so, even while mainstream culture has shifted toward a way of reclaiming agency as women, there are still those taking the opposite approachwishing to return to a time where women had fewer rights and were not encouraged or permitted to have careers at all. Such women see themselves as asserting their agency in turning to a 1950s-esque embrace of traditional femininity, when it comes to looks and activities, Ng says, because this is now (still) counter to expectations for empowered women. Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again, or manage all your newsletter subscriptions here Please enable javascript to sign up for newsletters. Flash Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to the media before a European Council summit in Brussels, Belgium, June 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] In a significant shift of stance on a potential ceasefire after 33 months of conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated for the first time that Kiev could accept Russian control over some of its territories in exchange for its membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Ukraine's new posture is widely seen as a response to Donald Trump's victory in the latest U.S. presidential election, while its aspiration to join NATO has further dimmed as the differences between Zelensky's peace plan and Trump's policy remain substantial. Major concession In an interview with Sky News, Zelensky responded to a question about U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's suggestion that Ukraine cede Russian-occupied land to join NATO, saying that Ukraine must bring unoccupied territories under NATO protection first and pursue the return of occupied lands diplomatically. "If we want to stop the intense phase of the war, we need to bring the unoccupied territories of Ukraine under the NATO umbrella," Zelensky said. "We need to act as soon as possible, and then we can diplomatically get the occupied lands back." According to the text of a letter seen by Reuters on Friday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has also urged his NATO counterparts to send an invitation to Kiev at a meeting in Brussels next week to join the Western military alliance. "The invitation should not be seen as an escalation," Sybiha wrote in the letter. "On the contrary, with a clear understanding that Ukraine's membership in NATO is inevitable, Russia will lose one of its main arguments for continuing this unjustified war." Ukraine says it accepts that it cannot join the alliance until the war is over, but extending an invitation now would show Russian President Vladimir Putin that he could not achieve one of his main goals -- preventing Kiev from becoming a NATO member, said a Reuters report. Despite the change of stance, the Russian side seems to have a very low-profile response toward Zelensky's statement as the Kremlin has so far been silent on his remarks. Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma, however, called on Ukrainian politicians to abandon their ambition to join NATO. Moscow will no longer allow Western countries to "arm Kiev under the guise of an agreement," he said on his Telegram channel. "Kiev is seeking to join NATO, this is the key to moving forward, not the end of the war. The idea of freezing the conflict is also unacceptable." Trump factor "He (Zelensky) knows that Trump is about to descend on him and on Russia. He is already arranging to have something to offer," Tony Brenton, former British ambassador to Russia, told the Independent, praising Zelensky for "playing a very sophisticated game." Despite the promise Trump has made to end the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in "24 hours," he has hardly elaborated on that plan. But by appointing Keith Kellogg, a former national security advisor and retired lieutenant general in the U.S. military, as his special envoy to Ukraine, one can get a glimpse of it. In April, Kellogg co-authored a plan called "America First: Russia & Ukraine," which would freeze the front lines in Ukraine and pressure both Kiev and Moscow to come to the negotiating table. In the plan, released by the America First Policy Institute, Kellogg noted that "To this day, America lacks a defense treaty with Ukraine and it is not a NATO ally. Intervening in the war in Ukraine lacked a clear, vital U.S. national interest." The United States would continue to arm Ukraine and strengthen its defenses to ensure Russia would make no further advances and would not attack again after a ceasefire or peace agreement, he said, adding that future American military aid will require Ukraine to participate in peace talks with Russia. To convince Russia to join peace talks, NATO leaders should offer to hold off on Ukraine's NATO membership application. Additionally, Russia could be offered some sanctions relief, on the condition that it signs a peace agreement with Ukraine, he added. The differences between Zelensky's peace plan and Trump's policy are still substantial, but by engaging with the idea of a ceasefire and painful territorial sacrifices, the Ukrainian leader is doing his utmost to sound constructive, said a BBC report. Shaky prospect Ukraine has been on a declared path towards NATO membership since the 2008 Bucharest Summit, where NATO allies agreed that Ukraine would eventually join the alliance. But it has not issued a formal invitation or set out a timeline. At their 2024 Washington Summit, NATO members reaffirmed that they would continue to support "its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership" and that they would be in a position to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the Alliance when "members agree and conditions are met." Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's deputy prime minister in charge of NATO affairs, said Kiev understood that the consensus for an invitation to join NATO "is not yet there" but the letter was meant to send a strong political signal. "We have sent a message to the allies that an invitation is not off of the table, regardless of different manipulations and speculations around that," she told Reuters. Ukraine's accession to the alliance largely depends on the approval of the United States, but as Trump is set to take office in less than two months, that possibility has further dimmed. It made no sense even to allude to supporting eventual NATO membership for Ukraine, as this would require a unanimous vote of NATO members, which at the time was highly unlikely, Kellogg said in his plan. Ukraine also needed to meet stiff membership requirements, including democratic and military reforms that included aligning the Ukrainian military with NATO equipment, he said. "Ukraine retains its independent sovereignty, Russia gets the guarantee of neutrality from Ukraine -- it doesn't join NATO, it doesn't join some of these allied institutions. That is what the deal is ultimately going to look something like," U.S. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance has said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/breakdown-of-legal-scandals-hanging-over-hunter-bidens-head-before-dads-pardon-1121070065.html Breakdown of Legal Scandals Hanging Over Hunter Biden's Head Before Dad's Pardon Breakdown of Legal Scandals Hanging Over Hunter Biden's Head Before Dad's Pardon Sputnik International Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Sunday before jetting off on a trip to Africa, signing the pardon despite repeated pledges not to interfere with the DoJ's work. What was Hunter convicted of? What other crimes has he been accused of? As the Bidens' decades-long career in Washington nears its end, Sputnik recalls the scandals facing the family. 2024-12-02T14:18+0000 2024-12-02T14:18+0000 2024-12-02T14:20+0000 americas joe biden hunter biden us ukraine republicans internal revenue service (irs) democrats republican donald trump https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0c/02/1121070187_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_8149b9869754ff8e67a476f2ba8ac2e8.jpg Hunter Biden, the first child of a sitting US president ever to be criminally charged and convicted, was found guilty of two counts of willful tax evasion, and a separate charge related to lying about his illegal drug use while purchasing a handgun.He was to be sentenced in both cases in mid-December before Sunday's surprise pardon by his dad clearing the 54-year-old of legal responsibility for the crimes. The maximum penalty in the tax case was 17 years, while the gun charge carried a punishment of up to 25 years behind bars.Along with the criminal tax charges, Hunter also faced six misdemeanor tax offenses, including failing to pay his taxes on time and making false business deductions in returns.Republicans RageThe Biden familys detractors were outraged by the pardon, with President-elect Donald Trump characterizing it as "an abuse and miscarriage of justice" and recalling the Biden DoJ's harsh crackdown on January 6 protesters, whom Trump called "hostages" who "have now been imprisoned for years," asking if they'll ever be eligible for a pardon.The pardon "confirms" that "under Democrat governance, there truly is a dual system of justice. One that protects Democrats and another weaponized against their political opponents," Republican Senator Ron Johnson tweeted, referring to the series of criminal prosecutions targeting Trump in the now failed bid to stop his return to office."Democrats said there was nothing to our impeachment inquiry. If that's the case, why did Joe Biden just issue Hunter Biden a pardon for the very things we were inquiring about?" GOP Congressman and House Judiciary Committee chairman Jim Jordan asked.MAGA Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene reacted to the pardon by digging up an old X post by Biden about "no one" being "above the law," tweeting "come to find out, Hunter is," and asking "but who is going to pardon Joe?"Gun and Tax Convictions Covering Up Bigger Crimes?Through the course of the criminal investigations and trials into Hunter Biden, some observers have been peeved about the Justice Departments focus on comparatively trivial tax and gun charges instead of potentially far more serious crimes.Representative James Comer, chairman of a House Oversight Committee investigation into the Biden family over suspicious business activities revolving around an pay-to-play corruption scheme by Hunter which allegedly saw the collection of over $20 million in bribes to secure access to his powerful father during the Obama years, hinted as much in his reaction to Sunday's pardon."Joe Biden has lied from start to finish about his family's corrupt influence peddling activities. Not only has he falsely claimed that he never met with his son's foreign business associates and that his son did nothing wrong, but he also lied when he said he would not pardon Hunter Biden," Comer said.In August 2024, Comer's investigators released a damning 300-page report detailing impeachable conduct by the president and alleged criminal activity by his son. This included allegations related to Hunter Biden's lucrative no-show job on the board of a Ukrainian energy company beginning in 2014 (which culminated in the post-coup government's firing of a local prosecutor investigating suspected money-laundering activity), and charges of similar pay-to-play schemes involving corrupt business dealings with actors across Eurasia.President Biden was revealed to have been directly implicated in the schemes thanks to reporting on the so-called "laptop from hell," a computer abandoned by Hunter Biden in a Delaware computer repair shop in 2019, where he was referred to in a series of back and forth emails between Hunter and associates as the "big guy." The elder Biden was also confirmed to have engaged in juggling aliases including "Robert L. Peters," "Robin Ware" and JRB Ware" in online communications with his son.The New York Post received access to the laptop's files ahead of the 2020 election, publishing a series of damning October Surprise stories highlighting alleged Biden family corruption. Big Tech companies including Google, Facebook parent Meta* and Twitter suppressed and censored the stories on the instructions of the FBI, which falsely characterized it as "Russian disinformation."A 2022 poll found that 79% of Americans believed "truthful" coverage of the Hunter Biden laptop saga would have altered the outcome of the 2020 election. A separate poll found that 28% of voters were "very likely" to have changed their votes, with another 25% "somewhat likely" to do so, had they known about the laptop story. President-Elect Trump has repeatedly mentioned the FBI Hunter Biden laptop coverup as evidence that the 2020 election was "stolen" from him.International ConspiracyBesides cheating on his taxes, lying about his drug use to buy a gun and allegedly operating a lucrative pay-to-play scheme with foreign actors across the globe, Hunter Biden has also been accused of getting mixed up in an international criminal conspiracy.In 2022, the Russian military seized and began to publish a damning series documents in on US military biological activity in Ukraine. These reports included revelations that Hunter Biden-linked investment fund Rosemont Seneca had engaged in the co-financing of research into deadly pathogens at Ukraine-based biolabs.While Western media initially dismisses the claims as more "Russian disinformation," The Daily Mail soon independently corroborated the Russian military's findings after rifling through emails from the seized laptop files.The laptop has proven a source of no end of political and legal troubles and embarrassment for the Biden family. Besides the grossly criminal behavior related to play-to-play corruption contained therein, the computer detailed Hunters highly active personal life from smoking crack on camera while waving a gun around and cavorting with strippers and prostitutes, to terrorizing and intimidating his ex-wife and withholding child support.* Banned in Russia for extremism https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/trump-calls-bidens-decision-to-pardon-his-son-hunter-miscarriage-of-justice-1121065552.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240227/hunters-associate-biden-scion-planned-global-hedge-fund-to-benefit-poppa-joe-1117022954.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20221118/hunter-becomes-the-hunted-timeline-of-the-biden-laptop-saga-as-gop-announces-criminal-probe-1104383758.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240827/meta-shouldnt-have-demoted-hunter-biden-laptop-story-on-platform---ceo-1119920010.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20220707/purpose-of-biden-financed-bio-projects-was-to-create-infections-that-damage-agriculture-russian-mod-1097067570.html americas ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov what was hunter biden convicted of before pardon, why was hunter biden pardoned, was hunter biden pardoned, what kinds of crimes has hunter biden been accused of https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/german-chancellor-scholz-arrives-in-ukraine-for-talks-with-zelensky---reports-1121066942.html German Chancellor Scholz Arrives in Ukraine for Talks With Zelensky German Chancellor Scholz Arrives in Ukraine for Talks With Zelensky Sputnik International German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived in Kiev to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, media reported on Monday. 2024-12-02T07:05+0000 2024-12-02T07:05+0000 2024-12-02T07:18+0000 world ukraine olaf scholz volodymyr zelensky russia social democratic party kiev https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/03/1117096587_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_50e54b6ff3ee70bea5e1ff8b3a26565d.jpg The unannounced visit by the German chancellor has become the first in 2.5 years, media reported.Scholz said that he plans to announce further arms deliveries worth 650 million euros ($684 million) in December.This is Scholz's first visit to Kiev in the last two and a half years. The last time the chancellor visited Ukraine was in June 2022, together with French President Emmanuel Macron. Scholz became German chancellor in December 2021, replacing Angela Merkel. Early parliamentary elections will be held before the end of March, and Scholz will run again as the candidate of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). Following his re-nomination as chancellor, Scholz announced the main points of his position on the conflict in Ukraine at an SPD press conference. He indicated that he supports financial aid to Kiev, but rejects the possibility of supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Also, the politician does not support authorizing Kiev to strike deep into Russia with long-range weapons. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241120/scholz-quarrels-with-zelensky-over-refusal-to-supply-taurus-missiles-to-ukraine---reports-1120935993.html 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 german chancellor scholz, talks with zelensky, scholz arrives in ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/israel-turns-back-iranian-plane-flying-over-syria---reports-1121065428.html Israel Turns Back Iranian Plane Flying Over Syria - Reports Israel Turns Back Iranian Plane Flying Over Syria - Reports Sputnik International On the night from Saturday to Sunday, the Israeli Air Force turned back an Iranian plane flying in Syrian airspace due to suspicions that it was transporting weapons for Lebanese movement Hezbollah, the Times of Israel newspaper reported. 2024-12-02T04:45+0000 2024-12-02T04:45+0000 2024-12-02T08:20+0000 world israel benjamin netanyahu middle east syria iran hezbollah israel defense forces (idf) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0a/05/1120425737_0:57:2016:1191_1920x0_80_0_0_7a466f6a090de1b26df5d532bba3b346.jpg According to the publication, some time after receiving the message, the aircraft changed course. The newspaper notes that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in recent months has repeatedly forced Iranian planes flying in the airspace of Syria and Iraq to turn back due to suspicions that they could be carrying weapons for Hezbollah. On the night of November 27, following nearly 14 months of escalating tensions, a ceasefire was reached between Israel and Lebanon in accordance with the US settlement plan. Before the agreement was finalized, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, explaining the need for a ceasefire on the northern front. He emphasized that if Hezbollah were to violate the ceasefire, Israel would respond decisively and resume hostilities.According to the settlement plan proposed by the United States, over the next 60 days, the Lebanese army must occupy territories in the south of the country, and Hezbollah forces and infrastructure must be withdrawn north of the Litani River, which in various places flows 20-30 kilometers from the border with Israel. During this time, Israel must completely withdraw its armed forces from the neighboring country. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241130/israeli-air-force-attacks-military-facilities-in-syria-near-lebanese-border---idf-1121049738.html israel syria iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International israeli air force, iranian plane flying in syrian airspace, lebanese movement hezbollah https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/results-of-iv-congress-of-young-scientists-1121070632.html Results of IV Congress of Young Scientists Results of IV Congress of Young Scientists Sputnik International On November 27-29, 2024, the fourth Congress of Young Scientists brought together representatives of the scientific and university community, state and private enterprises, and public associations. 2024-12-02T13:24+0000 2024-12-02T13:24+0000 2024-12-02T13:27+0000 russia russia andrei fursenko anton kobyakov china russian federation brics congress russian academy of sciences (ras) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/1c/1121031652_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_9354ba5071109e1de1244727df8b2b95.jpg The congress is the key annual event of the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia, announced by President Vladimir Putin for 2022-2031.The IV Congress, the main theme of which was "Priorities of scientific and technological development: creating the future today," opened a window to the future of Russian science through the eyes of young scientists."It is impressive that they have a clear idea of what our life will look like on the horizon of 2036 and understand how to achieve it," Kobyakov highlighted "At the same time, the priority for them is the human being - his inner nature and inner harmony, which is important to preserve when implementing the latest technologies."This year's Congress was attended by more than 7,000 delegates from 85 regions of the Russian Federation including the new Russian regions and 63 foreign countries. The age of the participants ranged from 6 to 87, with an average of 33.The number of universities participating in the IV Congress was about 500, 95 of them were foreign universities. There were 336 volunteers - students of the leading universities of the country, most of them were proficient in BRICS languages and even in such languages as Farsi, Hindi, Bengali and Japanese.Business ProgramThe centrepiece of the Congress was the plenary session, which more than 1,200 guests attended. Putin sent greetings to participants and guests of the IV Congress of Young Scientists. Putin's assistant Andrei Fursenko read out the president's message at the start of the plenary, which noted Russia's openness to constructive, equal and mutually beneficial international partnership in the field of science.The plenary session was chaired by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, who stressed that 2024 marks several important dates including the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Russian Academy of Sciences and St Petersburg State University and the 300th anniversary of the birth of philosopher Immanuel Kant's birth.Summing up the results of the year, he noted a significant increase in interest in science. He mentioned the success of the 'Russia' exhibition at the VDNKh, where an interactive 'Decade of Science and Technology' exposition was opened drawing more than 140 thousand visitors.Hundreds of federal and regional events were held, presenting dozens of projects by state corporations in areas of scientific and technological development of the country, he added. Scientific playgrounds for children and new tourist routes were opened, making it possible to travel to 76 popular scientific destinations in 24 Russian regions."Thanks to the Congress we have taken a serious step in popularizing research and innovation activities among the citizens of our country of all ages. The share of students who plan to build a scientific career in Russia has increased to 92 percent," Chernyshenko stressed.For the second time, the plenary session included a dialogue between talented young scientists who talked about their work, professional successes and mentors who judge the relevance and potential of new breakthroughs and advise on how to build an effective investment strategy and offered support tools.The plenary speakers were the authors of scientific and technological breakthroughs and discoveries and the heads of knowledge-intensive companies.Winners of the BRICS Young Innovators award were also named at the congress. The competition identifies the best ideas to further the development of global science and economy, while involving as many young scientists as possible in international technological cooperation.The winner was Brazilian Chiago Ejiviges, professor at the Federal Technical University of Parana. Second place went to Professor Yuan Wu from the University of Science and Technology of China. The third prize went to Dmitry Shadrin, a Russian scientist from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology. The special nomination was won by Xin Cai, another Chinese innovator from Tongji University. The business program of the IV Congress included more than 190 events in four main areas: 'Grand Challenges and Priorities of Science and Technology Development', 'Science Without Borders: Sharing Principles, Uniting Minds', 'Development Resources: People, Ideas, Infrastructure' and 'Initiatives of the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia'.Andrey Fursenko, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation, emphasized during the IV Congress that Russia remains open to cooperation with different countries because scientific achievements have universal value.Roundtables, sessions, discussions and educational events were held in various areas of research activity, with 933 attendees speaking.Discussions focused on the development of quantum, microfluidic and neurotechnologies, the application of artificial intelligence in science, education and medicine, the labor market in the professions of the future, digital services for the scientific community, the commercialization of scientific developments, the development of youth science and the popularization of science.The international section discussed the role of scientific interaction in a multipolar world and new scientific and technological leaders.The congress was attended by Russian laureates in the field of science and innovation for young scientists. The 2023 winners were Susanna Gordleyeva, Professor of the Department of Neurotechnologies, Director of the Neuroscience Research Institute of the N.I. Lobachevsky Nizhny Novgorod State University, Head of the Neuromorphic Computing Center of ANO Neimark; Susanna Gordleyeva, Chief Product Designer of A.M. Lulka Design Bureau, Lyulka Branch of PJSC ODK-UMPO, Senior Lecturer of FSBEU VO "MAI" Georgy Gogaev; Professor of the Department of Geochemistry of St. Petersburg State University, researcher of the Institute of Geology and Geochronology of Precambrian RAS Olga Yakubovich, Senior Researcher of the Laboratory of Ecological Physiology of the Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals of the Siberian Branch of RAS Sergey Pavlushin."The Congress of Young Scientists is one of the key events of the year for young researchers in our country," said Russian Academy of Sciences President Gennady Krasnikov, who noted that this year's participants were particularly active in the sessions, presenting their developments and scientific projects and vision of the development of science."We expect that their ideas will be realized," he added. "I have no doubt that the young scientists who participated in this congress gained valuable experience and new useful contacts that will help them in their future scientific careers."BRICS Events The IX BRICS Young Scientists Forum took place at the Congress venue in 2024. The Forum gathered the largest number of participants in its history at 180 delegates.That was thanks to new member states joining the international association. Since the beginning of the year, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE and Saudi Arabia have joined BRICS.The forum marked the end of Russia's presidency of BRICS in the field of science, technology and innovation.Simultaneous translation into nine languages through artificial intelligence was used for the first time in test mode. The text feed could be read in real time from a smartphone screen. The service was used at the plenary session and in some parts of the business program.Agreements During the IV Congress 27 agreements were signed between different organizations aimed at the development of scientific and educational cooperation in the country.The most important were the signing of an agreement on the creation of a scientific and educational consortium between SRC Kurchatov Institute, Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics, National Research University ITMO, National Research Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N.I. Lobachevsky, Samara National Research University named after Academician S.P. Korolev, Kazan Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences; signing between the parties of the program of development of the International Scientific and Educational Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences.Partners The IV Congress of Young Scientists was supported by the title partner - Rosatom State Corporation, strategic partner Rosseti, official partner Moscow Innovation Cluster Foundation, official partner Sberbank, official partner Nizhny Novgorod Research Center, strategic scientific partner - Kurchatov Institute, strategic exhibition partner IKS Holding LLC.For the first time the following companies participated as partners: IKS Holding LLC, Yandex LLC ("Yandex Education"), Breakthrough Project, Helikon Company LLC, Mendeleyev Russian Chemical Technology University, Omsk Research Center, National Nuclear Research University MEPhI, MC Efko JSC. Information partners of the IV Congress were 25 mass media.This year for the first time the general information partner was the TV channel "Russia-24". The RIA Novosti agency acted as a photo host and information partner.Information partners of the IV Congress: Sputnik, TASS IA, Izvestia IEC, NTV channel, RT channel, TV BRICS international network, Nauka TV channel, Komsomolskaya Pravda media group, Gazeta.ru, Lenta.ru, Argumenty i Fakty newspaper, Vedomosti newspaper, Stimul magazine, Regional Russia magazine, Public News Service.Information partners: Science and Life magazine, TechInsider, the Search scientific information portal, Naked Science, Indicator, InScienceNews, Ixbt.com.VK Video was the broadcast partner. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241129/young-scientists-discuss-how-to-transform-fundamental-research-into-cutting-edge-technology-1121044028.html russia china russian federation 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 fourth congress of young scientists, representatives of the scientific and university community https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/russian-fm-spokeswoman-calls-hunter-bidens-pardon-travesty-of-democracy-1121066332.html Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Slams Hunter Biden's Pardon as Travesty of Democracy Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Slams Hunter Biden's Pardon as Travesty of Democracy Sputnik International US President Joe Biden's pardon of his son Hunter in two court cases is a caricature of democracy, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. 2024-12-02T07:09+0000 2024-12-02T07:09+0000 2024-12-04T11:04+0000 americas hunter biden us joe biden donald trump russian foreign ministry russia https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/15/1116297725_0:0:3041:1711_1920x0_80_0_0_10a93ce662b6fedc03819a0ce1a7e259.jpg US President Joe Biden's pardon of his son Hunter in two court cases is a caricature of democracy, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. On Sunday, Joe Biden signed an executive order pardoning Hunter. Biden had earlier repeatedly ruled out the possibility of pardoning his son. Hunter Biden is the first child of a sitting US president in history to face criminal charges. He is charged with two counts of willful tax evasion. Officials say he failed to pay more than $100,000 in 2017 and 2018. Hunter was also charged separately in 2018 with possessing a Colt pistol while knowing he was using illegal drugs, which is also against the law and carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A jury found Hunter guilty and he was scheduled to be sentenced in December. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/trump-calls-bidens-decision-to-pardon-his-son-hunter-miscarriage-of-justice-1121065552.html americas russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian fm spokeswoman, us president joe biden, pardon of his son hunter https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/signal-from-oreshnik-test-putins-statement-received-by-everyone-in-west----russian-council-speaker-1121065992.html Oreshnik's 'Signal' Heard Loud & Clear by Everyone in West, Says Upper House Speaker Oreshnik's 'Signal' Heard Loud & Clear by Everyone in West, Says Upper House Speaker Sputnik International The signal from the test of one of Russia's newest medium-range missile systems, dubbed Oreshnik, and the statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin were heard by everyone in the West, including the team of Donald Trump, who won the US presidential election, Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said. 2024-12-02T05:13+0000 2024-12-02T05:13+0000 2024-12-02T07:50+0000 world russia's new oreshnik ballistic missile donald trump vladimir putin ukraine russia https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/16/1120969680_72:0:1370:730_1920x0_80_0_0_c2f1f73f882bd3762dc4e2fa553a2c37.png "When I recently said that the signal sent by our Oreshnik test and the subsequent message by our president was received by all addressees in the West, I meant Trump's team, and not just the 'outgoing element,' the Democrats," Matviyenko specified in an interview.The upper house speaker also noted that Trump's vociferous comments on a settlement to the conflict in Ukraine "have indeed died down." Previously, Keith Kellogg, Trump's choice for White House special representative for Russia and Ukraine, pointed to the risks of discussing any potential entry of Ukraine into NATO. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241130/better-range-bigger-warheads-how-oreshnik-could-become-even-more-powerful-1121052261.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 russian council speaker, russia's newest medium-range missile systems, russian president vladimir putin https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/syria-russia-hit-5-headquarters-7-arms-depots-of-terrorists-in-aleppo-idlib---damascus-1121068916.html Syria, Russia Hit 5 Headquarters, 7 Arms Depots of Terrorists in Aleppo, Idlib Syria, Russia Hit 5 Headquarters, 7 Arms Depots of Terrorists in Aleppo, Idlib Sputnik International The armed forces of Syria and Russia have destroyed five headquarters and seven weapons depots of terrorists in the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib in past 24 hours, the General Command of the Syrian Army said on Monday. 2024-12-02T10:48+0000 2024-12-02T10:48+0000 2024-12-08T11:57+0000 world syria russia syrian defense ministry russian armed forces aleppo turmoil in syria https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/05/1118260028_0:321:3059:2042_1920x0_80_0_0_5619ad0ac7cae3f7f39d361583ecb506.jpg "Over the past 24 hours, as a result of air strikes, cannon and rocket artillery of the Syrian army in coordination with friendly forces on terrorist positions and their supply routes in the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib, five headquarters and seven warehouses with ammunition and drones were destroyed," the military said in a statement. Syrian and Russian troops have also eliminated more than 400 terrorists, including foreign mercenaries, in the past 24 hours.The Syrian Defense Ministry also stated last Thursday that the government army had engaged in battle with the terrorists who attacked the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib. In violation of the de-escalation agreement, groups that are part of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist organization (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra) attacked villages, settlements, and military positions on a wide front in the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib. According to the Syrian Defense Ministry, the army responded to the attack, resulting in terrorists suffering losses in manpower and equipment.*A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241201/syrian-air-force-strikes-terrorist-equipment-column-thwarting-offensive-near-aleppo-1121056112.html syria russia aleppo 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 armed forces of syria, seven weapons depots, syrian army https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/syrian-russia-forces-attack-terrorist-positions-in-east-of-aleppo-province-1121068276.html Syrian, Russia Forces Attack Terrorist Positions in East of Aleppo Province Syrian, Russia Forces Attack Terrorist Positions in East of Aleppo Province Sputnik International The planes of the Syrian air force and the Russian aerospace forces struck terrorist positions in the east of Aleppo province, as a result of which dozens of militants were eliminated, the Syrian Defense Ministry said on Monday. 2024-12-02T09:52+0000 2024-12-02T09:52+0000 2024-12-02T09:52+0000 world russia aleppo syria syrian defense ministry https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0c/01/1121053849_0:50:3392:1958_1920x0_80_0_0_971c375a8c3e5eddff000d59620d05d7.jpg "Syrian and Russian combat aircraft carried out a series of strikes on clusters of terrorists and on their way in the area of the settlement of Safirah in the east of Aleppo province. As a result, dozens of terrorists were killed and injured. Equipment was also destroyed," the ministry said in a statement, published by the Syrian state agency.The Syrian Defense Ministry said on Thursday that the government army had engaged in a battle with terrorists attacking the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib. Violating the agreement on de-escalation, the groups belonging to the terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* group (formerly known as the Nusra Front) attacked villages, settlements and military positions on a wide front in the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib. According to the Syrian military, the army responded to the attack, as a result, the terrorists suffered losses in manpower and equipment.*A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241201/syrian-army-pushes-back-terrorists-restores-control-in-key-northern-hama-locations-1121058560.html russia aleppo syria Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International syrian, russia forces attack terrorist positions, syrian air force, aleppo province https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/the-day-the-cold-war-ended-or-so-russia-thought-1121064328.html The Day the Cold War Ended (or So Russia Thought) The Day the Cold War Ended (or So Russia Thought) Sputnik International Thirty-five years ago this week, on December 2-3, 1989, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev met with US President George H.W. Bush aboard the Maxim Gorky cruise ship off Malta to declare a formal end to the Cold War. Here's why the solemn hopes were never realized. 2024-12-02T09:52+0000 2024-12-02T09:52+0000 2024-12-02T10:22+0000 world mikhail gorbachev george h.w. bush vladimir putin malta russia world nato time magazine guardian https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/06/07/1083092453_0:171:3035:1878_1920x0_80_0_0_5efff9bf81b0ae84f183916aac49d6a1.jpg On the strategic level, Cold War methods and confrontations have suffered defeat. We recognize that. And perhaps it is even better recognized by the general public, Mikhail Gorbachev told George H.W. Bush during the talks.We can realize a lasting peace and transform the East-West relationship to one of enduring cooperation. That is the future that Chairman Gorbachev and I began right here in Malta, Bush replied.The months and years that followed saw Gorbachev and his successor, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, make a series of policy changes aimed at securing this new, post-Cold War world of "peace and cooperation" with the West:As time went on, Russian officials began to recognize that although the Cold War had formally been brought to an end, it lived on in the minds of Western politicians.The Cold War is over. But it did not end with peace, nor with a transparent and clear agreement on new rules and standards in international relations, President Vladimir Putin said during a speech in 2014, at what was then the height of the Ukraine crisis triggered by the February 2014 US-backed coup.Putin's remarks were echoed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who told the UN General Assembly the same year that the West and NATO are seemingly unable to change their Cold War "genetic code."A decade on, the Ukraine crisis morphed into a full-blown proxy war against Russia, with the West taking a series of highly dangerous steps up the escalation ladder, delivering military hardware to Kiev, declaring an unprecedented sanctions war against Moscow, ramping up NATO drills and deployments along Russias borders, and engaging in irresponsible saber-rattling up to the threat of deploying nuclear weapons in Ukraine. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241022/nato-shreds-german-reunification-pact-with-moscow-with-new-baltic-naval-hq-1120642430.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/bidens-bitter-legacy-signals-culmination-of-betrayal-of-post-cold-war-hopes-for-peace-1119505408.html malta russia world Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov did cold war end, who ended the cold war, when did cold war end, is cold war still going on https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/trump-calls-bidens-decision-to-pardon-his-son-hunter-miscarriage-of-justice-1121065552.html Trump Calls Biden's Decision to Pardon His Son Hunter 'Miscarriage of Justice' Trump Calls Biden's Decision to Pardon His Son Hunter 'Miscarriage of Justice' Sputnik International US President-elect Donald Trump responded to US President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden, calling it an "abuse and miscarriage of justice." 2024-12-02T04:48+0000 2024-12-02T04:48+0000 2024-12-02T04:48+0000 americas us joe biden donald trump hunter biden hunter biden charges https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/06/1120797517_0:0:3068:1727_1920x0_80_0_0_3a6dec9c97bbf208d1b6b59c1bf8b9e4.jpg "Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!" Trump said on Truth Social. Joe Biden had previously signed an executive order to pardon his son Hunter, stating that this decision was dictated by his belief in the unfairness of the prosecution. President Biden has previously repeatedly ruled out the possibility of pardoning his son. However, Hunter's lawyers circulated a 52-page report earlier this week, claiming that Trump's victory in the election threatened their client's future. Trump stated before the election that he did not rule out pardoning Hunter if he won. Hunter Biden is the first child of a sitting US president in history to face criminal charges. He is charged with two counts of willful tax evasion. According to official data, he did not pay more than $100,000 in 2017 and 2018. Biden Jr. was also charged separately with possessing a Colt pistol in 2018 while knowing he was using illegal drugs, which also violates the law and carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A jury found Hunter guilty and he was scheduled to be sentenced in December. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/biden-pardons-his-son-hunter---white-house-1121065029.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 president-elect donald trump, us president joe biden, pardon his son hunter biden Flash This photo shows the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in Yohmor, southern Lebanon, Nov. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Israel's military confirmed on Sunday that it had carried out several strikes in southern Lebanon over the past two days, describing the actions as efforts to "thwart" violations of the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. In a statement, the military said it had targeted a church used by Hezbollah militants. According to the statement, the militants -- identified by the Israeli side as members of Hezbollah's Khiam ground defense, anti-tank missile, and artillery units -- had reportedly fired at Israeli troops from the church. "Over the past day, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) operated in several locations in southern Lebanon to remove threats to the State of Israel that were in violation of the ceasefire agreement," the statement read. "The IDF remains in southern Lebanon and acts against any threat to the State of Israel." Earlier on Sunday, French diplomats warned that Israel had violated the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon in at least 52 separate incidents, according to a report by the Israeli news outlet Ynet. France cautioned that such breaches risk undermining the fragile agreement. The ceasefire, signed last week, was intended to halt the deadly cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah that erupted last October. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/ukraine-loses-over-250-soldiers-in-kursk-region-in-past-day---mod-1121069796.html Ukraine Loses Over 250 Soldiers in Kursk Region in Past Day - MoD Ukraine Loses Over 250 Soldiers in Kursk Region in Past Day - MoD Sputnik International The Ukrainian armed forces have lost more than 250 soldiers in the Kursk direction in the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. 2024-12-02T11:40+0000 2024-12-02T11:40+0000 2024-12-02T11:40+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukraine kursk russian defense ministry russia https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0a/0b/1120511820_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_4ad379bb68550ca0ac859985a2b40c2d.jpg "Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian armed forces have lost more than 250 servicepeople. A tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, two armored combat vehicles, two cars and four mortars were destroyed. One soldier of the armed forces of Ukraine surrendered," the ministry said in a statement. In total, Ukraine has lost over 37,355 servicepeople and 226 tanks during offensive in Kursk area, the ministry added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241128/captured-uk-mercenary-calls-ukraines-kursk-offensive-a-mistake-1121036639.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 loses, ukrainian armed forces, russian defense ministry https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/us-doesnt-need-independent-georgia-will-foment-coup-in-tbilisi--expert-1121074152.html US Doesn't Need Independent Georgia, Will Foment Coup in Tbilisi Expert US Doesn't Need Independent Georgia, Will Foment Coup in Tbilisi Expert Sputnik International The US froze its strategic partnership with Georgia on November 30, after Tbilisi said it was of temporarily suspending EU membership talks. 2024-12-02T18:07+0000 2024-12-02T18:07+0000 2024-12-02T18:07+0000 world georgia tbilisi ukraine european union (eu) georgian dream us europe opinion maidan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0c/02/1121073966_0:207:2905:1841_1920x0_80_0_0_e81f2bac7fb8bce899476150dafffd95.jpg "Georgia being independent of the North Atlantic [Alliance's] structure and the EU political course is disadvantageous to the United States, because America has its own geopolitical goals [in the Caucasus]," Shota Apkhaidze, director of the Caucasus Center for Islamic Studies, told Sputnik.Apkhaidze stressed that the US has invested billions of dollars in Georgia and opposes its detente with Russia, China or Iran. Georgia has been the second largest recipient of US foreign and security aid in Eurasia after Ukraine. The US Congressional Research Service September report revealed that the US has provided more than $6.2 billion in assistance to Georgia since 1992. Georgia has also been designated one of NATO's "closest partners" and an important part of the alliance's Black Sea strategy. The US froze its strategic partnership with Georgia on November 30, after Tbilisi said it was of temporarily suspending EU membership talks. The ruling Georgian Dream party's move followed European Parliament attempts to interfere in the nation's affairs by denouncing recent general elections as "unfair" and insisting they be re-run. Ironically, Georgian Dream has never been a "pro-Russian" party and has had clear pro-Western aspirations, Apkhaidze noted. The government "protects sovereignty because it is forced to do so," Apkhaidze said, warning that the US might organize a repeat of the 2014 Euromaidan coup in Ukraine which followed the blueprint of the 2003 Rose Revolution in Georgia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241029/georgia-unrest-part-of-wests-grand-strategy-to-use-russias-neighbors-as-pawns-in-hybrid-war-1120717188.html georgia tbilisi ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova georgia protests, georgia's eu membership talks suspended, protests in tbilisi, georgia nato, the georgian dream party, eu and us interfere in georgia's affairs, potential coup d'etat in georgia, color revolution in georgia, regime change in georgia https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/what-are-bidens-top-most-desperate-lame-duck-decisions----1121069342.html What are Bidens Top Most Desperate Lame-Duck Decisions? What are Bidens Top Most Desperate Lame-Duck Decisions? Sputnik International What are Bidens top most desperate lame-duck decisions? 2024-12-02T13:27+0000 2024-12-02T13:27+0000 2024-12-02T13:27+0000 world us us arms for ukraine ukraine hunter biden https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0c/02/1121069167_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_39262b29b6e6735ac566f47c983c1da4.jpg "Lame duck" US president Joe Biden gave the nod to the Ukrainian Armed Forces to use long-range US-supplied missiles, such as ATACMS, to strike deep into Russian territory in November. In response to to Kiev's strikes deep into Russian territory, the Russian armed forces struck the locations of Ukraine's long-range weapons systems. After providing the Kiev regime with billions of dollars worth of financial and military supplies following the escalation of the conflict, the outgoing Biden administration apparently intends to write off $4.65 billion of Ukraine's debt, Bloomberg reported. Concerned lest the incoming Trump administration follows through on the Republican's threats to cut Ukraine aid, Biden made a secret request to Congress for $24 billion in aid to the Kiev regime, according to American media. The money would be used to bolster military support and replenish dwindling US stocks.Furthermore, Washington has been ramping up arms deliveries to the Kiev regime, with a new aid package worth $725 million to reportedly include anti-tank weapons, land mines, drones, Stinger missiles, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and cluster munitions for guided multiple launch systems. The US Treasury also announced a new round of sanctions against Moscow on November 21 that included Russias largest remaining non-designated bank, Gazprombank, and six foreign subsidiaries.As Middle East escalating tensions threaten to spill into an even wider conflict, Biden announced a rushed-through Israel-Lebanon ceasefire on November 26. He called the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, agreed upon in accordance with a US settlement plan, "good news," while vowing to make another push for a ceasefire in Gaza. Joe Biden said in a statement circulated by the White House on December that he had signed an executive order t pardon for his son Hunter on two criminal charges, claiming that they were politically motivated. Biden senior had previously repeatedly stated that he would not pardon his son before leaving office. Donald Trump called the move an "abuse and miscarriage of justice." https://sputnikglobe.com/20241127/ceasefire-deal-netanyahus-focus-on-iran-could-mean-serious-regional-war-if-backed-by-us-1121023849.html 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 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko 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 Svetlana Ekimenko lame duch president biden, biden's top lame duch decisions, biden authorized strikes deep into russia, biden pardons son hunter, biden secretly asks congress for more ukraine aid, biden announces israel-lebanon ceasefire, is arms for ukraine, ukrainian crisis, biden ukraine, ukraine conflict, ukraine crisis https://sputnikglobe.com/20241202/zinc-price-swings-offer-taste-of-us-tariff-at-any-cost-gamble-targeting-china-1121068647.html Zinc Price Swings Offer Taste of US Tariff-At-Any-Cost Gamble Targeting China Zinc Price Swings Offer Taste of US Tariff-At-Any-Cost Gamble Targeting China Sputnik International Zincs recent price swings reflect the supply pressures of the critical metal that are likely to spill over into 2025, Bloomberg cited analysts as saying. 2024-12-02T10:38+0000 2024-12-02T10:38+0000 2024-12-02T10:38+0000 world us donald trump zinc china shanghai trump tariffs tariffs steel semi-conductors https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0c/0b/1105353411_0:107:2048:1259_1920x0_80_0_0_166a39909602fdd5f71b292fb1e6d8bf.jpg Zincs recent price swings reflect the supply pressures of the critical metal that are likely to spill over into 2025, Bloomberg cited analysts as saying. On November 28, zinc prices fell by 2.5%, only to rebound and finish nearly 5% higher on the London Metal Exchange (LME). However, by December 1, the price dropped again, settling at $3,089.50 per ton, a decline of 0.4%. The wave of turbulence on the volatile zinc market offers a taste of potential fallout from US President-elect Donald Trumps threat to slap additional 10% tariffs on all goods from China. The Asian giant dominates the global market of the rare earth metal, with an annual zinc output of 4.2 million metric tons. Should there be any further flare-ups in the US-China trade feud, this would likely impact both the supply and pricing of this key industrial metal, which is primarily used for corrosion resistance in steel. Additionally, zinc oxide plays a crucial role in the semiconductor industry, particularly in electronic devices.The recent surge in prices was fueled by one of the largest withdrawals of zinc from the LME in over a decade. On the Shanghai Futures Exchange, inventories fell by more than 9,000 tons, reflecting a similar decline in London, attributed to take-out orders from the Trafigura Group, a global trading giant. Worldwide demand for refined zinc is projected to increase by 1.6% to 14.04 million tons in 2025, according to the International Lead and Zinc Study Group. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241126/neither-china-nor-us-will-benefit-from-waging-trade-war-1121003491.html china shanghai Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko 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 Svetlana Ekimenko zincs price swings, why is zinc important, what is zinc used for, which country produces the most zinc, what could new spiral of us-china trade war bring, is there enough supply of zinc on the market, what are rare earth metals 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: Mechanism of pollutant photocatalytic degradation using fly ash. Credit: Separation and Purification Technology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2024.129104 The world has the potential today to sustainably manage nearly one billion tons of ash waste it produces every year and turn it into a useful material for water treatment applications, according to a study by scientists from the University of Sharjah published in the journal Separation and Purification Technology. Ash waste or toxic ash is called in scientific jargon "fly ash." It has emerged as an environmental hazard across the globe since it has been found to contain poisonous substances, organic pollutants, as well as soluble metal oxides which can cause serious chemical burns when touching the skin. "Transportation across continents increases and rapid industrialization continues, leading to a surge in energy consumption. Unfortunately, this has given rise to environmental concerns, with waste fly ash being discarded in alarming quantitiesup to 1 billion tons annually," the scientists write. The study is essentially a review of the literature on fly ash and how the pollutant produced in massive volumes every year can be rendered unharmful to the environment, but more importantly, it is of practical industrial, economic and livelihood applications to mankind. The scientists' reading of the literature confirms that waste ash, which is "a particulate byproduct of burning various waste materials, is a pressing issue due to its environmental impact on soil, water, and air." However, their review produces evidence that "this waste can be repurposed for water treatment applications, offering a sustainable solution to waste management and water quality control." For long, the authors maintain, scientists and industries have been seeking materials that are low-cost, lightweight, and strong, at the same time, to be used as alternatives to current conventional options for water treatment applications. World production by country for different sources of fly ash, sorted by total production. Credit: Separation and Purification Technology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2024.129104 "Among these materials, fly ash stands out as a notable contributor to this field. Fly ash consists of fine particles expelled from the boiler with flue gases during combustion of coal, wood, rice husk, bagasse, or other combustible materials," the scientists note. The authors highlight that their "comprehensive review" is to fill in what they describe as "a significant need in the field, as there has been limited exploration of the potential of different fly ash sources for water treatment purposes." Water scarcity is a big challenge around the globe with more than one billion people lacking access to fresh water. The scarcity is worsened, according to the authors, "by the discharge of inadequately treated wastewater from industries and the contamination of groundwater sources." The world is facing an unprecedented water crisis with demand for fresh water predicted to exceed supply by 40 percent by 2030. The authors say this pressing need for fresh water "has fueled the quest for effective and affordable water treatment solutions, leading to a growing interest in repurposing waste fly ash." The review focuses on literature from 2015 to 2023, with emphasis placed on research published in high-impact academic journals. The authors "critically review the utilization of fly ash materials in water purification applications exploring the current trends and prospects of using fly ash materials in water treatment applications to provide insights into sustainable waste management and water quality control." The authors claim that their "systematic approach" is to provide the most recent and relevant findings by scientists engaged with how to make fly ash sustainable, friendly to the environment and useful to mankind. Schematic diagram illustrating pollutant removal mechanisms in fly ash-based membranes for water treatment. Credit: Separation and Purification Technology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2024.129104 "Our review presents valuable insights into the efficacy and feasibility of utilizing fly ash in various water treatment processes," the authors go on, adding that they have also identified gaps in extant research and provided recommendations on remaining aspects to be covered by future research. The statistics the authors provide underscore considerable production of fly ash in the world and from diverse regions, "with notable contributors being coal in China at the forefront with 46%, sugarcane bagasse in Brazil holding a significant share at 41%, rice husk in China (29%) and India (21%), and wood pulp in the United States (27%) and Brazil (15%)." The authors demonstrate that the literature reveals "remarkable potential" for the utilization of toxic ashes in water treatment applications." The studies they have reviewed show that environmental concerns associated with fly ash are solvable, and moreover, it can significantly contribute to boosting the current expansive field of water treatment. Exploring the versatile roles of waste ash as a byproduct of various combustible energy materials, the authors show that the application of fly ash "in crafting ceramic membranes emerges as a fruitful avenue, yielding low-cost, hydrophilic, high permeability, low sintering temperature membranes with a long lifespan and exceptional efficiency in treating industrial wastewater. "Furthermore, fly ash serves as an economical alternative in photocatalysis, Fenton processes, and as support materials for membranes and electrodes, aligning with environmentally friendly practices and showcasing high reusability." However, and despite the notable advancements identified in their review of the literature, the authors mention a plethora of research opportunities in need of investigation if the world wants to see fly ash no longer constituting an environmental hazard and significantly contributing to the expansion of water treatment applications. "Addressing these gaps will contribute to the practical application of fly ash materials, paving the way for a more sustainable and effective approach to water treatment," they conclude. More information: Abdelrahman K.A. Khalil et al, Fly ash as zero cost material for water treatment applications: A state of the art review, Separation and Purification Technology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2024.129104 Flash Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Tajikistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirojiddin Muhriddin and Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, respectively, after the fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting in southwest China's Chengdu on Sunday. When meeting with Nurtleu, Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China and Kazakhstan are permanent friendly neighbors with geographical proximity, shared ideas and close people-to-people ties. Deepening cooperation in an all-round way conforms to the common interests of the two countries and the common expectations of the two peoples, Wang said. He called on the two sides to fully deliver on the major common understandings between the two countries' leaders, consolidate political mutual trust, firmly support each other, jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, make progress in the building of the China-Kazakhstan community with a shared future, and advance their respective modernization efforts. Nurtleu said Kazakhstan appreciates China's support for Central Asian countries in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence, and regards China as a reliable and permanent comprehensive strategic partner and a diplomatic priority. He noted that Kazakhstan reaffirms its adherence to the one-China principle and firm support for China in safeguarding its core interests on Taiwan and issues related to Xinjiang and Xizang. Kazakhstan is willing to strengthen the synergy of development strategies with China and implement the important consensus of the two heads of state in a high-quality manner, to usher in another "golden 30 years" of bilateral relations, he said. When meeting with Muhriddin, Wang recalled that in July this year, the two heads of state jointly announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era, opening up new prospects for bilateral relations. China supports Tajikistan in following a development path suited to its national conditions and opposes any interference by external forces in Tajikistan's internal affairs, Wang said. He added that China is ready to work with Tajikistan to accelerate each other's development and revitalization efforts through tangible cooperation. Muhriddin said that Tajikistan cherishes the high-level mutual trust between the two heads of state, firmly adheres to the one-China principle and will never waver in its commitment. He added that Tajikistan fully agrees with and supports the series of global initiatives put forward by China and stands ready to deepen all-round cooperation with China. During his meeting with Saidov, Wang stressed that Uzbekistan is China's first all-weather comprehensive strategic partner in the new era, which highlights the unique and strategic nature of China-Uzbekistan relations. Wang said that the two sides should work toward achieving more high-quality outcomes in their all-round cooperation. He called on the two sides to continuously expand and strengthen cooperation in key areas, promote cooperation in emerging sectors, deepen energy cooperation, and strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation in combating the "three forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as transnational organized crime. Saidov expressed the willingness to actively learn from China's successful experience, deepen the Belt and Road and all-round mutually beneficial cooperation with China, and push forward the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. Uzbekistan welcomes more Chinese tourists and is willing to take further measures to facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries, he noted. Following the meeting, China and Uzbekistan signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption.